#so many times i have wanted to grab my friends' parents by the collar and yell ''crack

[celepeace]

This seems like a kind of universal thing so why does having children seem to break the part of people's brains responsible for acting with any semblance of logic. Like so many parents are perfectly normal, reasonable, even smart people, and then I see them interact with their children and it's like they enter a backwards universe where down is up and left is right

[dilfl0v3rss]

oh so people getting bold in the requests?? CONNIE AND ONY THREESOME??🌚

THISSS THE ONEEEEE. I BEEN THINKIMG AB THIS FOR WEEKSSSSSS. ima doooo mob boyfriends!ony and connie since it’s been in my brain for a minute😛😛😛😩😛😛😛😩😛😩😩

ours

cw: polygamous relationship!!!

word count: 2.1k

part 2

── ⋅⋅⋅ ────꒰ ୨ ♡ ୧ ꒱───────

your boyfriends were feared by many. mean and dangerous men that nobody ever dared to question. they were the monsters the kids hid from and the bad men parents want far away from their daughters. you, on the other hand, were the complete opposite. everyone always seemed to gravitate towards you due to your kind and caring nature. you made people feel safe and welcomed no matter what they may be going through.

when you’re out with connie and ony, strangers would have to sometimes do a double take to make sure what they’re seeing is real. a soft and sweet looking girl wearing cute little outfits with pretty colors being accompanied by two brooding men on either side of her, wearing no other colors but black and grey. it was not a normal sight to see. “ooouuu what about this one papi. you said i look pretty in blue.”

the three of you were currently in a boutique in the mall. looking for different dresses to add to your never ending collection. connie, your more lenient partner, stood with his finger curled on his chin, thinking about the different looks you could achieve with the dress “hmmm it’s aight. i think you should get sum tighter.” you rolled your eyes, putting the dress back on the rack before walking to the next section.

“you only saying that so you can look at my ass.” before you could get far you felt a soft tug on your arm. “rolling your eyes is rude. i told you ‘bout that.” ony grumbled, staring down at your smaller figure. ony was the strict boyfriend. even though both of them were pretty stern, ony was the one that kept both you and connie in check sometimes since connie had a tendency of letting you off easy.

“sorry sorry…geez.” you sigh. he let go of your arm and the three of you continued your search for some new appliances. as you walked to your next store you notice a familiar man standing by the pretzel shop. “sean?” the brownskin male lifted his head from his phone, bright smile immediately forming on his face as he spotted the source of the voice. “y/n?? oh my god hey sugeeee? how you been?” you squealed before running into the arms of your old friend.

you and sean were friends in high school who drifted away from each other since he moved away. “boy what you doing back in town? and why didn’t you call meeee?” as the two of you spoke ony and connie stood annoyed behind you. they were holding all of your bags as they watched this random guy practically eye fuck you every time you happened to be looking away. you were too oblivious for your own good.

“well it was nice seein you boo. hope we could stay in touch.” sean licked his lips, looking down at you as he opened his arms for a hug. you gladly stepped into the embrace for a couple seconds before trying to pull away, but you froze as you felt a palm on you ass. “uhh sean?” “huh? oh my bad y/n you know my arms are long.” you hid your uncomfortableness with a laugh as you moved back to go rejoin your boyfriends.

as soon as you turned around they were already by your side, staring daggers into the boy. “you wanna die nigga?” ony said before grabbing sean by his collar and pushing him on a nearby wall. sweat began to bead all over his forehead as he tried to plead with your man. “n-nah man ian mean t’do that i swear.” connie stood by you, arms wrapped around your shoulder as he held you to his chest. “bet not have or so help me god i will cut that hand off so fast. get the fuck outta here before i kill you.” connie added.

sean’s body dropped to the ground as ony abruptly let him go. he ran away and didn’t look back as he disappeared from your sight. when you got home you could tell they were a bit upset about the situation that happened at the mall so you decided that maybe you could do something to make them feel better. you ran to your room, putting on a pretty lingerie set before quietly making your way back downstairs. the boys were on the game, cursing each other out before you stood in all your glory in front of the tv.

“how i look?” you asked shyly, arms crossed over your chest to hide some of the skin from them. “move your hands baby. let papi see.” “yea no need t’be shy mama. it’s just us.” your boyfriends rose from the couch, standing in either side of you as they each pulled one of your arms from your chest. “you so pretty baby. making me real hard lookin at you.” connie mumbled while palming himself through his sweats. you squeezed your legs together at the sight before your attention was put on ony. “go upstairs ma.”

your hurried upstairs, sitting in the middle of your california king bed as you waited for your men to arrive. they walked in with a pair of fuzzy cuffs and a vibrator, both of their tattooed chests on full display for you as they approached the edge of the bed. “c’mere pretty girl” connie’s smooth voice rang in your ears, coaxing you to crawl to the edge of the bed. you sat on yours knees as you looked up at him. “gon be good for us, right?” his inked hand held your chin, lightly caressing your cheek as you nodded your head.

ony then softly moved your head towards him, giving you a kiss on the lips before giving you your first instructions. “turn around and arch your back mama.” you did as you were told. arching as deep you could before you felt your hands being bound behind your back by the cuffs. “gon make you feel so good mami.” connie said as you began to feel the bed dip. he made his way in front of your head, pants long abandoned as he sat in front of you in his briefs.

you moaned as you felt ony lick a long stripe up your pussy, stopping at your entrance to penetrate you with his tongue. “f-fuck daddy.” and sharp smack was delivered to your ass, connie’s light brown eyes scolding you. “watch ya mouth pretty. don’t wanna have to gag you.” your apology got stuck in your throat as you felt ony begin roughly sucking on your clit, connie lifted the front of your body up so he could slap his tip against your mouth before looking up at ony.

“ready?” the two of them nodded to each other before both thrusting into you fully, making you gag and moan at the same time. connie’s pace on your throat was slow rather than the quick deep strokes your other boyfriend settled for. “feel so good mama. gon make daddy nut fast if you keep squeezin like that.” your body was already feeling hot as you felt ony’s hands roam all over you.

running all over your back, softly touching all your rolls and dips. connie hand was buried in your hair, guiding your head up and down his shaft before occasionally pulling it out to slap it across your tongue. “eres guapa.” he sighed. your eyes were low and unfocused. your pink tongue hung from your parted lips, letting your drool fall all over his pink tip. you looked so fucked out and they’ve barley even touched you.

“mi niña bonita.” your moans went straight to his dick as you felt ony pull out of you. he got on his knees and began fingering you as a slow pace, digging into you softly before placing the vibrator on your clit. your body jerked at the sudden stimulation, pussy fluttering before his eyes as you whined onto connie’s dick. “i know princess, feel you squeezin around my fingers.” ony dug rougher into you as he turned the vibrator up to a higher setting.

your lips disconnected from connie with a pop before you gasped loudly. “r-right there daddy ohmygod.” your hips moved on their own. gravitating towards ony’s fingers to get him deeper into you. “you like how daddy makes you feel, pretty? like when he touches that spot right here?” connie said as he was now next to you, hand outstretched under you on your lower stomach as began to push on it. “answer me baby. tell daddy thank you for making you feel so good.”

connie whispered, giving you a light smack on your ass, dragging more moans out of you before you looked back at your boyfriends. their brown eyes stared right back at you as they waited for you to comply. “t-thank you d-daddy. c-can i cum?” the vibrator was soon removed from your clit as his fingers began moving in and out at a quick pace. “my pleasure mama, but not yet. how bout you get on your back. you want papi t’feel good too, right?”

ony said. his fingers left you empty before you turned around on your back. ony and connie gave each other knowing looks after looking at your confused face. why were the cuffs still on? “cant have you pushin on my stomach princess.” he mumbled as if he were reading your mind. him and ony switched places. light brown dick tapping against your clit as ony’s laid flat on your lips. “open up mama.” as your mouth slowly opened and he began thrusting into your mouth, you felt your other lover slap his tip all over your wet pussy.

your arousal splashing onto your thighs as your boyfriend watched strings of it connect him to you. connie sunk into you slowly, dick dragging against your wet walls until stopping at the hilt. your pretty moans were muffled by the thick dick between your lips, but the vibration of them sent shivers flying down ony’s spine. “s-shit. keep fuckin her like that baby. your mouth feel so good mama.” connie nodded his head in compliance, pushing into you the same way over and over again.

pace slow and steady as your wetness began to drip onto the sheets. “fuckkk mami. you so fucking wet f’me.” you felt your orgasm nearing as connie continued fucking into you slowly. his pace never faltering as ony watched his lip get buried behind his teeth. he was trying his best to listen to his lover, but the slow pace was killing him. “i-i can’t pa i wanna go faster.” he breathed, but was quickly met with ony’s hand on his. darker skin caressing his as he looked him in the eyes. “what’d i say?” ony said sternly.

“you said keep fucking her slow like this, but-” “but nothing. if that’s what i said then you gon listen right? or do i gotta teach you after m’finished wit her.” the interaction made your pussy flutter in a way that caused connie’s eyes to roll back. you were close to the edge and your squeezing made him closer as well. “n-no pa hah- m’listenin’.”connie moaned as his other hand found its was to your throat, squeezing it slightly to make it tighter for ony’s dick.

“good boy fuck-” ony groaned as he felt his end nearing. thrusting into your mouth with a little more vigor as his hot ropes slid down your throat. soon later you came, juices pouring out of you and onto the sheets as you shook around connie’s dick. “f-fuck m’gonna cum m’gonna cum princess.” connie moaned, picking up his pace as he rubbed on your clit. you screamed as more juices rushed out of you, spraying his stomach and thighs as he thrusted one more time and stilled, cumming deep inside of you.

all three of you stayed where you were as you caught your breath. “let’s get you cleaned up mama.” ony signed. the two of them made sure to clean the sheets before running you a nice bath. both standing at the door, watching you relax. connie’s head whipped towards ony when he felt a hand on his lower back. “you didn’t listen t’me earlier don’t think i forgot. ima deal wit you later.” he mumbled before walking off to go handle business downstairs.

connie’s eyes widened as he felt his dick jump in his pajama pants. “papi can you wash my back?” your voice startled him out of his thoughts, making him jump a little before smiling and walking towards your naked figure in the tub. “of course mi vida. anything for you.”

[verstappen-cult]

WAVE OF YOU, C. LECLERC.

PROLOGUE — NEXT CHAPTER. [ SERIES MASTERLIST ]

PAIRING. charles leclerc x female reader.

CHAPTER ONE SUMMARY — It looks like any other shift at the coffee shop until the presence of a brown haired boy with dimples changes everything. The same boy you meet at the beach several days ago — the one who stood you up.

CONTENT WARNINGS. female reader, use of Y/N, alcohol use, fluff & friends being a menace.

GWEN’S RADIO MESSAGE. OH MY GOD! i'm so sorry it took me so long, but i was in the worst writers block of all times and couldn't get out of it :( but i forced myself to finish this today and ta-dah! i really hope you like it, your comments and reblogs are greatly appreciated. remember that if you want to be added to the taglist, you can reply to this post, send me a dm or leave it in my ask box!

“Come on, girl! We can’t be late today.” You groan in frustration, a smile tugging at the corner of your lips as you watch Daisy shake the sand out of her fur. She sits and looks up at you with her tongue out, head slightly tilted to the side. “Good girl.” You say, giving her one of her favorite dog treats. You put the collar on her and she happily starts walking by your side. 

It’s a short walk, around ten minutes, from the beach to the coffee shop you started working at just two months ago. You like it so much that you probably spend more time there than in your own apartment. It’s cozy and family owned, and there is always a pleasant atmosphere even though there are always people coming in and out, one of the perks of having the shop so close to the beach. 

And everyone loves Daisy too, so you’re allowed to bring her with you. While you work behind the counter, she chills by the door in her bed with her favorite bunny plushie. She brings joy and bright smiles to every single person that visits the coffee shop.

You can’t believe this is your life. 

It wasn’t easy at first but making the decision to drop out of school and travel around the world wasn’t as difficult as breaking the news to your parents. And after everything you went through in these two years you deserve the good things and peace that is coming your way. 

It was all worth it, missing your family, waking up in the middle of the night wondering if you made the right decision, the good and the bad… it was all worth it. You wouldn’t change a thing because it brought you to this; to Australia and to the wonderful people you’ve met. 

“Good morning, Fred.” You say to the owner of the flower shop right next door to where you work. He smiles, waving goodbye to a client, before walking out to meet you. 

“Hello, sweetheart.” His smile is contagious. You like to pass by him before going to work everyday because seeing someone be so happy and positive every single day is exactly what you need. “How was the beach today?”

“I had to drag her out of there before she got into the water.” He laughs, crouching down to pet Daisy and, in return, she licks his face. 

Fred laughs and stands up, grabbing a bouquet of tulips. “These are for the shop,” He says before turning around and grabbing a single sunflower. “and this for you.”

Fred is a French man in his fifties that came to Australia following the love of his life. He didn’t have a plan, he just left everything behind; they’ve been married for thirty years. 

“Always so sweet, Fred.” You place a kiss on his cheek, waving goodbye with the promise to bring some coffee for him later. He watches you walk away with that same big smile on his face.

You open the door of Brew’d Awakening, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries welcoming you, as well as the bulldog resting next to the door. 

“Hello to you too, Roscoe.” He huffs like telling you to hurry up. You let Daisy go and she immediately finds comfort next to Roscoe. 

There aren’t many people — it is still pretty early — just a couple of regulars that like to grab their first cup of coffee before heading to work or the beach. 

As you make your way to the counter, you find Kika sitting at one of the tables enjoying a cup of coffee while typing away on her laptop. 

“What are you doing here so early?” You ask, plopping down on a chair next to her. 

“Lewis wanted to discuss some things about the social media content,” She leans slightly to give your cheek a kiss. “and you’re meeting my boyfriend today.”

You gasp, turning to look at her with wide and surprised eyes. “What do you mean I’m meeting him?”

“I told you he’s gonna spend the summer here.” 

“Yes, but I also remember you telling me that he had to go back?” Daisy nudges your leg with her nose, and you immediately know what she wants. “So, he’s back then?” Kika hums while you look for Daisy’s plushie in your bag. 

“He’s coming because I left some things at his apartment.”

“So that’s why you didn’t come home last night.” She blushes, sticking her tongue out. “Whore.” Kika gasps, hitting you in the arm. 

“Hello, pretty ladies.” Your co-worker, who practically lives in your apartment now, leaves an iced latte in front of you. 

You take a sip of the drink, looking directly into his eyes. “I’m surprised I didn’t hear you sneak out this morning.” 

“What do you mean? I wasn’t there this morning.” 

“Alex, I literally heard you and Lily laughing at three in the morning,” Alex groans, sitting in front of you. 

“In my defense,” He points a finger at you and really tries to think of something, but comes out with nothing. “Whatever, you like me too much to kick me out.”

“Unfortunately, you’re right.” You stand up when the door opens and a new customer enters.

“Good morning, kid.” Lewis gives you a pat on the back when you join him behind the counter, you kiss his cheek in return.

You spend the morning taking care of the customers while Alex and Lewis are responsible of preparing and serving the orders. It is a quiet and nice morning, like most Saturdays are, and you love it. You owe Kika everything, because if it weren’t for her you wouldn’t have found the coffee shop in the first place. She recommended you and it was all Lewis and Nico needed to hire you. 

Lewis and Nico are a gay couple that, just like you, decided to settle down in Australia after traveling to different parts of the world. They opened Brew’d Awakening just five years ago but it’s going so well they have the opportunity to expand, but refuse to do it, knowing that the warmth and coziness of the Brew’d will be lost. You respect them for that. 

You’re about to swap shifts with Alex when Kika shows up in front of you, a shy smile on her face. 

“He’s here. I like him, okay? So, be nice.”

“I’m always nice!” You exclaim a little offended. 

“I know, sorry. It’s just — I’m nervous.” She looks around before leaning closer. “He brought his friends because apparently we’re doing this ‘trade’ thing where I meet his friends and he meets mine.” 

You hold your laugh, “Cute.”

“Stop making fun of me and come here or I’ll go mad.”

“I’m taking my break, is that okay?” You ask your boss, at which he nods, giving you a thumbs up. 

You take off your apron as you walk around the counter. Kika is waiting for you in the middle of the shop, looking like a nervous wreck. 

“I’ve never seen you so nervous before.” You place a hand on her shoulder, massaging to help her relax a little. 

“Meeting the friends is a big deal.” 

Well, she is right. You just didn’t realize how serious her relationship actually was until now. 

Daisy wags her tail as she makes her way to you. And you immediately lean forward to scratch behind her ears. 

You’re too busy to pay attention to the guy wrapping his arms around your friend and kissing her lips as a greeting. It is only when Kika clears her throat, kicking your leg to draw your attention, that you force yourself to let Daisy go.

“This is Pierre.” She says as you straighten back up. “Pierre, this is my friend Y/N.”

You look at the guy in front of you for a couple of seconds. His blue eyes are a little too familiar, but the more you try to remember from where you know him, the more you think that is probably just a coincidence. 

“Oh my God, you’re Y/N!” Pierre laughs, making you and Kika frown. “This is fantastic.”

“What is fantastic?” A voice draws your attention, making you look behind Pierre.

Your heart skips a beat the second you see a pair of green eyes.

The green eyes of the surfer boy you met a few weeks ago at the beach. 

Charles; who you never saw again.

It turns out that Charles wasn’t at the beach the next morning. You sat on the sand longer than necessary, thinking that maybe he was running late. But he never came. You didn’t see his friends either, so you simply picked up what was left of your dignity and walked back to your apartment with Daisy by your side. 

The morning after that you decided to confront him, but he wasn’t there. 

He never showed up at the beach again. And for a minute you thought it was all in your head, but that option was discarded when you bumped into the group of teenage girls sitting on the sand, wondering why the hot guys weren’t there. 

At least you weren’t the only one looking for them. 

You hadn’t thought about Charles in several days. 

And now he’s standing in front of you with a big smile on his handsome face.

Ugh, you had forgotten the dimples. 

“Y/N?” He asks, taking a step forward. “What are you doing here?”

“I work here.” You mutter bitterly, not wanting to engage in a conversation with him. 

It’s childish, you have to admit it, but why is he gonna ask to see you just to not show up? And, okay, you were going to the beach the next day either way but you got all excited for nothing. You really wanted to get to know him, maybe even ask for his number. He seemed like a nice guy and his accent made butterflies erupt in your belly. But that was before he stood you up. 

Kika looks between you and Charles with a confused expression on her face. You make the mistake of making eye contact with her because the next moment she’s gasping, her eyes wide as she finally puts the pieces together. 

“Charles is the boy you met at the beach?!” You want to cover her mouth with your hand but you can barely move. You love her, you really do, but right now you want her to shut up. 

Even from a distance, you can see the way his blush spreads over his cheeks. Charles runs a hand through his hair. You would pay a million dollars just to tangle your fingers in it to see if it is as soft as it looks. 

You’re dragged back to the present when the doors open and Charles’ friends walk inside. 

“Oi look who’s here!” One of his friends says — the curly-haired one — and they wave in your direction before walking to a nearby table. Daisy recognizes them, even though they were barely a few minutes in her presence, and she walks over to them. 

“Nice to meet you, Pierre.” You plaster on a smile, turning to face him and Kika. “I wish I could stay and get to know you better, but I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around.” Pierre smirks, nodding along. “Now, if you excuse me, I need to get back to work.” 

You walk back to the counter without looking at Charles again. Lewis looks at you with a raised brow and you shrug, that must have been the shortest break of all times. 

You’re putting on your apron in front of the cash register, a line of customers ready to order, when you see Charles joining the line and waiting for his turn. 

“Is that Kika’s boyfriend?” Alex whispers next to you while making an order. You look at where they’re sitting, the same table where all of Pierre and Charles’ friends are. They’re actually cute, unable to keep their hands to themselves. 

You nod, busy writing the last order. “Hi, welcome to Brew’d Awakening, what can I get for you?” When you look up you’re met with Charles' blushed face, a small smile directed at you. 

“Can we talk?” He looks genuinely nervous, and you feel a little guilty for making him feel that way. He’s the last one in line, so you nod. “I’m really sorry,” Charles breathes, closing his eyes. “I really wanted to be there the next morning but Pierre had to fly back to France and I couldn’t leave him alone.”

Your expression softens. He didn’t mean to stand you up then.

“We came back literally two days ago.” 

You feel really bad now. 

“Oh my God,” You let out a laugh, feeling embarrassed and so, so guilty. “I’m sorry. I guess I was a little hurt because I thought you stood me up — not that it was a date and we explicitly agreed to see each other.” You feel blood rushing to your face. 

“I wanted to text you but I didn’t have your number,” Charles frowns, a nervous smile dancing on his lips. “and I couldn’t find you on Instagram.”

Your entire body shivers and the corners of your mouth curl up. “You really looked me up on Instagram?”

“Yea’,” He chuckles, shrugging. “I wanted—no, I want to know you. You are really pretty—cool, I mean.”

“So you don’t think I’m pretty?” You lean forward, hands resting on the counter and supporting your weight. 

Charles' cheeks heat up as he tries to think of something to say, opening and closing his mouth like a fish out of water. 

You take him out of his misery by giving him a little push on the shoulder. 

“I’m joking.”

Charles looks at you for a second, and then says, “You are. Pretty, I mean.”

It is your turn to blush furiously. You have to look away if you don’t want to embarrass yourself in front of him. 

“Are you gonna order or not?” 

You both turn to look at the person standing behind Charles, clearly annoyed for having to wait too long. He apologizes before turning back to you. 

“I’m gonna,” He points to the table where his friends are, and you nod, disappointed for being interrupted. 

It’s a little awkward because he stands there for a whole minute just looking at you before waving goodbye and walking away. 

The customer clears his throat and you’re dragged back to the present one more time. 

You hear Alex and Lewis laughing behind you. 

“Hey, we’re going to the club tonight.” Kika says as you clock out. 

“Who is we?” You ask, grabbing your purse and the iced latte you made for the ride home. 

“Pierre and a couple of his friends,” She takes a sip of her own matcha latte and sits on the counter. “You, Lily, Alex.” Kika pokes Alex’s ribs, who’s cleaning the counter next to her.

You chew on your bottom lip, the question is hanging from your tongue but you’re not able to voice it out. Kika must see the struggle on your face. 

“Charles is coming too.” She has a knowing look on her face, but doesn’t make fun of you or ask what is going on with his boyfriend’s best friend. “So, are you coming?” She knows you’re going even before you nod your approval. “Someone left this for you.”

Kika hands you a napkin with a number written on it, a “Charles x” underneath a phone number. 

Your heart starts hammering in your chest and you waste no time in pulling your phone out of your pocket to save his contact. You hesitate whether to message him or not when, suddenly, your screen lights up with a new message. 

If you can’t stop smiling on the way home from the coffee shop and while you get ready for a night out, nobody (besides Kika) needs to know. 

On the way to the club you think about every little moment and decision that has led you here, to this uber with your friends ready to spend a good night with new friends, and a pretty guy who’s clearly very interested in you. If someone would’ve told you two years ago that this was going to be your life, you would’ve laughed. 

You feel nervous, getting out of the car and walking into one of your favorite clubs in the city. 

The first thing you notice is the mass of people dancing along to the loud music. You think you’re gonna make your way to the bar as you always do the minute you walk inside but, instead, Kika guides you to where all the VIP booths are, near the back of the club and the DJ.

“Baby!” Pierre shouts over the music, drink in one hand. “And baby’s friends!”

“Oh my God, I think he’s already drunk.” Kika groans, making her way to her boyfriend and kissing his cheek before whispering something in his ear that makes Pierre blush. Okay, gross. 

There are a lot of people in the booth. You recognize some of Charles’ friends and a few other people you’ve never seen before. Everyone’s talking with everyone and you’re wondering what to do when someone places a hand on your back. 

“I was waiting for you.” Charles whispers with a low voice, and you feel weak in the knees immediately. 

You turn around to face him and are blinded by his bright dimpled-smile. 

“Hi.” You say, looking into those two green orbs you’ve missed. Just a little. “All my friends dumped me,” Looking behind Charles’ shoulder, you see Lily and Alex making out in the middle of the dancefloor, while Kika is sitting next to her boyfriend and talking with some of his friends. “so you’re stuck with me for the whole night.”

“Ugh,” Charles says, bringing his hand to his heart and pretending to be affected. “that’s horrible. Stuck with a pretty girl all night? I’ll just have to deal with it.” 

You lean your shoulder into Charles’ side playfully and he moves a little closer, his hand still on your back. Apparently, blushing comes like a second nature to you ever since you met Charles.

“Wanna grab a drink?” 

He doesn’t need to ask twice. 

Charles guides you to the bar, keeping you close with his hand that has dropped from your back to your waist. His closeness is intoxicating and you can’t help but lean closer. Charles seems comfortable with the proximity, so you stay glued to his side as you walk to the bar, where you’re forced to pull away.

He asks the bartender for your drinks — after asking, very politely, what you’d like to drink — and leans against the counter with you by his side. 

You tilt your head and observe him for a little while, Charles too busy grabbing your drinks to notice the attention. It is only when he turns to hand you the glass that he notices your gaze on him, his cheeks heating up immediately but his eye contact doesn’t waver. He just stands there with two drinks and people bumping into him, looking at you as if you’re the only person in the world.

You shake your head, grabbing your drink. “Thank you.” 

You don’t really know how much time you spend at the bar chatting with Charles, but you don’t want it to end. Charles tells you about his life back in Monaco, you learn that he came very close to the racing world before his father passed away and he decided to quit — not his younger brother though, who is currently racing in Formula 1 — and dedicate his life to his other passion: architecture. And in return you tell Charles more about your decision to travel the world and not going to college, he shares some of your opinions and you’re surprised how easily you’re able to share things about your life with him. 

“I don’t know where life would take me,” You take a sip of your second drink, resting your elbows on the counter. “but I’m happy where I am right now.”

“You should think about visiting Monaco, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it.” Charles has a strange glint in his eyes that forces you to look away. 

“Hey, lovebirds!” A guy throws his arms around yours and Charles’ shoulder. You recognize him as one of his beach friends. 

“Dani.” Charles groans, but relaxes against his friend’s chest. “Where are Max and Lando?”

“With the DJ,” You both turn to look at the DJ booth, and right there next to him is Lando and, to his other side, the blonde guy you remember as Max. Both of them look very drunk. “Oscar wants to take them home but I said that as long as neither of them throws up, we’re good.” 

Dani asks for a couple of drinks and makes small talk. He’s absolutely hilarious and doesn’t stop making fun of Charles. 

“He kept asking us if we’d seen you. Every. Single. Day.” Charles pushes him away but that doesn’t stop him. “And sent like a thousand selfies pouting and trying to bribe us to look for you around the city.”

“Daniel!” Charles exclaims, mortified. He squeezes his eyes shut and drops his head forward. 

Dani just laughs and, once his drinks are ready, walks away. Still making fun of his friend. 

“It’s cute.” You confess, feeling brave enough to lift his chin up with your hand. “I’m glad you were trying to find me, even though I thought you had forgotten about me.”

“How could I?” He smiles, his dimples on full display. “Afraid of sounding like a complete psychopath, I’m gonna confess that the only thing on my mind while I was away was our interaction at the beach.” His cheeks are blushed as he plays with the buttons of his shirt. “And how sorry I was for not asking for your number.”

You’re one second away from falling to the floor and melting onto it. 

Charles is definitely not helping with the racing of your heart and the need to be a normal and a functional person. 

“I’m sorry,” Charles’ voice is gentle.

“Don’t be,” You place a hand on his forearm and squeeze softly before letting go. “Afraid of sounding like a complete psychopath,” You repeat his exact same words which makes him laugh, his whole face lighting up. “I couldn’t stop thinking about it either. Well, until I was beginning to get angry at myself for thinking about it even after you stood me up.”

Charles groans, putting his face in his hands. 

“I’ve a lot to make up for.”

He looks back up and you make eye contact until Charles glances down at your lips, then back up at your eyes. And the room suddenly feels too crowded and too hot. 

“You’ll have plenty of time for that.”

𓇼 — WAVE OF YOU, TAGLIST: @lovrsm @itsjustkhaos @evie-119 @sadbeautifuleva @c4tc0re @sargeantdumbass @brune77e @arian-directioner @lavisenri @starsnxva @a1leexxa @therealcap @anniee-mr @kakorrhaphiophobia @madd1115 @toxicdreamer296 @coffeebae0 @tempo-rary-fix @luca-is-a-pengu @charleslover24 @vettelsbees @iienstein @mehrmonga @ferraridepartment @fictional-l0v3r. 𓇼 [cursive means i couldn't tag you]

© verstappen-cult, 2024. — do not repost plagiarise or claim any of my works as your own.

[roseofdarknessblog]

Family gathering (Postwar!Levi Ackerman x Reader)

Word count: 3 140

Disclaimer: english is not my first language, I apologize in advance for any mistakes

Summary: You and Levi finally introduce your baby to the rest of the family.

This story can be read on its own or as a part of my little post-war series: Learn to live again

Family gathering

Being back in the tea shop after giving birth felt even better than you expected. Even if you only came to visit Levi for short periods of time. But it was enough time to make sure that he really had everything under control even without your help. At least for a couple more weeks.

Being new parents wasn't easy, not even the slightest, but you were adjusting. Learning every single day, that having a tiny little human living under your roof was about changing or adjusting one too many things.

Despite that, Levi and you couldn't be happier. In your newborn daughter, you saw the reason why you fought so hard all those years. She truly was a beautiful representation of the future you wanted humanity to have.

„I think they know something is up,“ Falco said, when he walked into the kitchen, that was at the back of the tea shop. Here, you used to bake many of your sweet and savory goods, which were then sold alongside the best tea in the whole town.

„Yeah, probably. But that's fine, something really is up,“ you said, smiling at the boy.

Until now, only he, Gabi, Onyankopon, and Yelena knew about the little Ackerman baby you and Levi welcomed into this world seven weeks ago. Nobody else from your friends knew you gave birth, or even that you were pregnant in the first place. You and Levi decided, that it would be better not to tell anyone and let things unfold on their own.

However, now it was finally time to introduce your precious little miracle to the rest of your family. To all your beloved friends, who fought alongside you these past few years. To the people, who helped you create a safe world to bring your daughter into.

„Is everybody here already?“

Falco nodded, gently taking your daughter's hand. She loved him so much and lately always smiled when they were together. „Yeah, they're talking, having tea and sweets but you can definitely tell they suspect something. Mainly because you're not there.“

„I think we should go see them, right?“ you asked your daughter in a sweet voice, stroking her chubby little cheeks. In some way, they very much reminded you of Levi's. Just like her silky black hair, her blue-grey eyes, or her cute little nose. She was the sweetest little copy of your husband in the cutest ways possible. „You're gonna love them, darling. And they're gonna love you.“

When the little girl looked at Falco and smiled, both of you smiled right back at her with so much love. The boy truly loved her as if she was his little sister.

„Hey, Y/N! Come and join us finally!“ Jean screamed for you from the tea shop, making you chuckle and kiss the top of your daughter's head, who tried grabbing the collar of your shirt.

„I'm coming, settle down. All of you!“ you called back, taking one last deep breath. Falco walked back to the shop before you, giving you one more moment alone.

The moment felt almost surreal. Holding your baby and getting ready to introduce her to so many important people. Not even that long ago, you would never even dream about doing something so magical.

„Now, I have a very special surprise for all of you. Can you close your eyes?“ you asked them before opening the door.

When you walked into the main part of the shop, everyone was there – Armin, Connie, Jean and Mikasa. Even Reiner, Annie, and Pieck came, along with Gabi, Yelena, and Onyankopon who didn't even need to close their eyes. Together with Falco and your husband, who was smiling at you ever so slightly.

„What do you think? What is this big surprise?“ you asked them excitedly. But before anybody said a word, your daughter let out a loud cry to get everyone's attention, before she smiled up at you. Almost as if she knew what was happening. „Okay, I guess it's not a surprise anymore. Open your eyes,“ you said, smiling happily at them.

The awe on everyone's face was so worth keeping this whole thing private until now. Connie and Armin looked at you as if they'd never seen a baby in their life before. But that was probably because of their last visit when you were five months along and still barely showing. Under the right pieces of clothing, they had zero chance of noticing anything. And now, half a year later, you were standing in front of them with a baby in your arms.

„So... we called you all here today, because we wanted you to meet someone very special,“ you said, looking over at Levi. With a slightly pained expression, he stood up from his wheelchair and walked a few steps to stand next to you. „She'll be two months old in a couple of days. I hope you can forgive us that we kept such a big thing a secret until now. It was...“

„We wanted to make sure everything will turn out okay,“ Levi said when you couldn't find the right words. „And then we wanted to soak up every little moment with her. Just the three of us,“ he added, wrapping one of his arms around your waist. It was a gesture full of love and also a way to help him stand more securely because of his leg.

It almost seemed that everybody was too shocked to speak. The first one to stand up and come up to you was Jean. He smiled, looking at both you and Levi. Then his soft light-brown eyes wandered to your baby, looking her over very carefully. He offered her one of his fingers, which the little girl took with such excitement, seeming happy that she was seeing a new face.

„She's beautiful, Captain, Y/N,“ he said proudly and with a happy smile.

„Oi, where did you get that baby, Y/N? When me and Armin were here a few months back, you surely weren't pregnant,“ Connie shouted, hurrying to you as well.

„I can assure you, that I was pregnant at the time. Five months pregnant, to be more specific. I just hid it too well,“ you chuckled, stroking your baby's hair. Her eyes were wide open with curiosity while her tiny hands were playing with Jean's fingers.

„Was she, Captain?“ Connie asked Levi, not wanting to believe you.

„Where do you think we got a baby that looks like me if she didn't give birth to it?“ Levi questioned him, his brows furrowed. He may looked annoyed with all the commotion, but by the tone of his voice, it was obvious, that he was enjoying having them all here.

„She really does look like you, Captain,“ Armin said, coming to stand between Jean and Connie.

Behind him, Mikasa followed a little shily. You gave her a warm smile and motioned to her, to come even closer. „Would you like to hold her? You're blood-related, after all,“ you said to her, looking over at Levi, who nodded at your words.

She seemed a little hesitant but eventually nodded in agreement. After showing her, how to safely hold the baby, she took her from you and carefully cradled your daughter against her chest. The little girl looked confused when she first looked up at Mikasa, but after she grabbed a strand of her hair everything was okay.

„She's adorable, congratulations to you both,“ Mikasa said, smiling at both you and Levi warmly. You've barely seen her since the Rumbling, because she went back to Paradis, so her presence right now was even more precious. „What's her name?“

You knew this question would come. And you were preparing yourself to answer it without too much emotion. But suddenly... when they were all here, standing around you and waiting for your answer... it felt almost impossible to explain the meaning of your daughter's name without making everybody way too emotional.

She got her name after a person, who was very dear to you and Levi. And to all of the 104th as well. It was a person, who was supposed to be here today with all of you as well. And also the person, thanks to who you got one more chance to fight the Rumbling and win.

„We named her after Hange,“ Levi said in a calm voice, seeing you struggling a little. „Zoe. Zoe Ackerman.“

„The meaning of her name is... life,“ you added in a quiet voice, reaching out your hand and stroking your baby's back. „I guess it's more than fitting, don't you think?“ Feeling your eyes welling up with tears, you looked at your friends. A wild range of emotions was seen on their faces – sadness, surprise, and also happiness.

Armin was the first one to speak up, leaning closer to Mikasa and taking the baby's hand, shaking it very gently. Such a sweet gesture made all of you chuckle. „It's more than fitting,“ he smiled at her warmly. „Nice to meet you, Zoe. I'm sure we'll be very good friends once you grow up a little.“

The sweet tone in which Armin talked to your baby melted your heart completely. Feeling unimaginable happiness, you looked over at Levi and kissed his cheek. The way he was watching the scene right in front of you, was more than beautiful. His expression was relaxed, almost completely pain-free. The look in his eyes was soft and loving towards all the people standing around you and introducing themselves to your baby in the funniest, yet most adorable way possible. She was all smiles, while she was looking around and taking in all the new people.

So despite looking so much like Levi, she surely didn't get her personality from him.

Connie was the one, who made her the most excited. Mainly, when he held her in a way that she was able to pull Jean's hair. But he truly couldn't be angry with her for even a second.

„Hey, you three. Come on, don't be shy,“ you said to Reiner, Annie, and Pieck who were still standing a little to the side, only watching the others happily fuss around your baby, who was making a lot of loud excited noises.

Once they were your enemies, they wanted you dead. Now they were here amongst your closest friends and family. In a way, you forgave them for almost everything. After having a couple of difficult talks, mainly with Reiner, you gained a new perspective of them all. And through that, things between you and them started changing. Gabi and Falco also helped a bunch, too.

„It's okay, we wanted you here and we're happy that you came,“ you said to them, stroking Reiner's arm and smiling at the girls.

„In a twisted kind of way, but we're all here thanks to you, too,“ Levi said to them, his grip around your waist tightening. His knee was starting to trouble him after standing by your side for a few minutes.

So after you made sure, that your baby was truly in good hands, you helped Levi walk outside the tea shop and sit down on a bench right next to the door. A heavy sigh escaped his mouth when he finally sat down and took the weight off his left leg.

„Good? Are you okay?“ you asked a bit worriedly, sitting down next to him. While your left hand started rubbing his back comfortingly, you leaned closer and kissed his cheek.

„Yeah, sure,“ he mumbled, taking a couple of deep breaths to ease the pain.

„It went well, didn't it? They were all so surprised and happy,“ you chuckled, resting your head against his. The voices and laughter from inside were heard pretty clearly, so you didn't have to worry. „And right now, they have probably a couple of minutes before she starts crying. Either because she'll be hungry or because she won't be able to find us.“

Levi smirked, wrapping his arm around your waist again, to keep you close. Despite the pain, he still seemed relaxed and content with the way today turned out. Everybody's reaction made it certain, that you and Levi did the best thing when you kept your pregnancy private.

„It's all so bittersweet. Having so many of them here and still missing a bunch of people,“ Levi said, his fingers gently stroking your side.

„They are here with us. In a different kind of way, but still.“

You could see all of your fallen friends and comrades in your baby's eyes and in her every smile. All the things they did and for what they sacrificed their lives, made it possible for little Zoe to be born. You and Levi were grateful to them every single day. For their bravery, resilience, and determination to make the world a better place.

Hange, Erwin, Sasha, Miche, Nanaba, Nifa, Furlan, Isabel, Moblit, Petra, Eld, Oluo, Gunther... Eren...

All of them and many, many more gave their lives a long time ago, so you and your friends could have this life. In one way or another. Looking back, there probably wasn't a way to save them. To spare them from death. All you could do was continue living your best life and honor them by being happy.

„Who would have thought, really? That we would make it here all the way from the Underground,“ you sighed, running your fingers through Levi's hair lovingly.

„We made it far, that's true. And...“ he shrugged, smirking at his own words, „I'm kind of excited to see what's next, now that we have our little girl. She's going to turn our lives upside down so many times.“

„That's what parenthood is about, right?“ you chuckled, grabbing his free hand and holding it tight. „We're doing good. Learning and making mistakes. I'm so glad that everything worked out in the end and that we have her.“ Having a baby was an adventure like no other. In the end, all the sleepless nights were worth it, when you saw your little angel smile at you, with her eyes full of innocence and pure love.

„Just wait until she starts walking and running around. That's gonna be a disaster.“

„We'll just have to keep up with her.“ You gently took Levi's chin and turned his head, so you could see his face.

He was still very handsome, no scars or a missing eye could change that. For you, he was the one and only. Since you were a teenager to this very day. All those years, it was Levi. And you were more than sure, that it would stay like this for the rest of your life. Nothing and nobody would be able to change your mind, because Levi was all you'll ever need – with all of his disabilities, which sometimes still made him feel a little self-conscious or worried, that he wasn't good enough for you. He was more than enough and you never failed to remind him that. A day never went by without you reminding him, just how thankful you were for his love and his presence in your life.

„I love you,“ Levi said, leaning in for a kiss. His soft lips pressed against yours, making you forget about everything else.

„That's really good to know because I love you too.“ With a smile, you brushed a few strands of hair from his forehead and kissed the tip of his nose. „I'm proud to call you mine and be yours.“

His sweet little smile had a very strong effect on you every single time you got the chance to see it. Mainly, when said smile reached his eyes and made him look so carefree and young. Seeing him like that, nobody would be able to tell how many horrors he had to suffer through.

Levi rested his forehead against yours, reaching for your left hand. He brushed his thumb over your wedding band, finding your lips in another sweet and love-filled kiss. Time seemed to stop around you at that moment.

But only until you heard a loud cry from inside the tea shop. Just moments later, Connie hurried outside, eagerly trying to return your baby into your arms. „Guess she doesn't like when someone pinches her cheeks. But they're so adorable and chubby, I couldn't resist.“

„They remind me of someone else's cheeks,“ Mikasa added, standing in the open door, her eyes focused on Levi with a playful smirk. You bit down on your lower lip, trying not to laugh, while Connie was grinning so hard, he had to turn away.

Levi, a little flustered, shook his head upon them and took his crying daughter into his arms. You watched him gently cradle her against his chest, planting a couple of kisses on the top of her head, while he rubbed her back.

„The brats made you cry, huh? Don't worry, you'll get used to them,“ he said to the baby, looking back at Connie. „And you'll have them wrapped around your finger in no time,“ Levi added and kissed her forehead in the hopes of stopping her from crying more. But little Zoe knew exactly what she wanted and cried until Levi didn't hide her in his embrace from the rest of the world, while he lovingly started scratching the back of her head. Lately, this has become the most efficient way to calm her down.  „There, sweetie. That's better, right? No need to cry.“

Connie chuckled at the sight. „Well, Captain. Seems you're already wrapped around her finger. I've never heard you talk so sweetly to anyone, not even to Y/N.“

Jean and Armin came to stand by Mikasa, all of them watching the sweet sight of Humanity's Strongest being a completely different person when it came to his own daughter. All of them changed so much during the past few years. But when you looked at them in that moment, you still saw the kids they were, when they joined the Scouts. The kids you grew to love and swore to protect. The kids, who became your family long before such a peaceful life was even a possibility for all of you.

What a shame not all of them made it this far.

Not having Sasha and Eren here felt strange and painful. It felt like you failed a little. But just until you looked back at your daughter. Her cheeks were still wet from tears, while she was so adorably clinging to Levi. In her still teary eyes, you saw Sasha's dedication and Eren's bravery.

And that was what mattered the most.

Having your family here with you and showing them just how much they meant to you. How much you loved them and how happy it made you, that they came here today to meet little Zoe Ackerman.

[yanderehsr]

Dr, can I get a cure for my sickness? It requires Yandere Jing Yuan and Platonic Yandere Yanqing with a Fem! Darling who’s always on a leash because she runs off 24/7. If you don’t wanna, you don’t gots to!

Make way everyone, I SAID MAKE WAY, this patient is in critical need of yandere content ASAP

Hope you'll enjoy😄

Trigger Warning: Yandere, Possessive behaviour, Obsessive behaviour, Kidnapped reader

Jing Yuan: I can totally see him do this, you don't even need to misbehave. the guy just like to mark you as his and a collar does that just fine, a fancy one with his name written on it in gold letters. and it would have stayed as just a collar until he got a bit too annoyed at you running away from him

Jing Yuan loves tugging at the leash, see the pained expression on you, is it a bit sadistic... yes absolutely but you are his so he sees no problems at all with this, when he's annoyed at you he tends to treat you like a pet until he calms down, he loves you but aeons you can be annoying when you try to escape his grasp.

"It's almost adorable how you thought you can get away, now grab my hand so we can go back, don't try to refuse me, I am already in a foul mood right now"

Yanqing: I can't see him using collar and leash on you, tie you up maybe but he would never think of something like this, it's probably Jing Yuan who gives him the idea and Yanqing tends to take what he says to heart so you get a nice collar so you can't leave.

Yanqing would see you as either a parent figure or a close friend, if it's the first then the collar comes off very often, he wants you to take care of him, if it's the second then the collar is never coming off, you two can still spend quality time together even with that on and he wants to take care of you.

Either way you aren't leaving no matter how many times you try, Yanqing will hold onto you with an iron grip, he can't let you leave and with this collar on there is no way you could.

"Why.... WHY WOULD YOU RUN, DON'T YOU CARE ABOUT ME... why are you so cruel... Please, I can't live without you"

[wolfjackle-creates]

Bring Me Home Arc 2 Part 13

Happy Wednesday! This arc is over 20k already. How many of you didn't realize that? I've got a longer segment for you this week. There wasn't really a good place to end it and this brings us to the end of the scene. If you like banter, this segment is for you.

Story Summary: Tim and Danny are both neglected by parents who care more about their work than their families. They deal with this by spending too much time online and find each other playing MMORPGs. They keep up their friendship as Tim becomes Robin and Danny becomes Phantom and don't bother keeping secrets from each other.

First, Previous

Word Count: 2.2k

-----

Jeremy couldn’t help but add, “Be sure to mention us to your dad, Timothy. It’s been ages since we’ve last been able to meet at a gala!”

“Yes, sir,” said Tim. Not that he’d be following through. Assholes. Danny pushed him up a wide staircase that framed the entranceway to get to the second floor.

“Exactly like my parents,” he told Sam.

“I swear, if I didn’t have Gradma Ida, I’d go insane. My room’s this way.”

Sam’s room was so large that not only did she have a double bed and vanity, but also a couch and enough cushions that they were all able to spread out comfortably. Tim and Danny took beanbag chairs next to each other. His friends took the couch while Tucker took a space on the floor and promptly pulled out a laptop and two PDAs. Sam settled in a rocking chair.

Tim laid out the goodies they’d gotten from the corner store. “We brought snacks.”

Sam grabbed a bag of chips. “Thanks. So what’s on the agenda for the night?”

Cassie asked, “Is there anything we can do about the ghosts?”

Danny buried his face in his hands. “I don’t know. I can’t get a close enough read on them to see where any are. And there’s so many that even if I knock one out of a human, another would just take it’s place.”

“Any idea what they might be after?” asked Tim. “The ones last night were wearing uniforms like police officers. And we saw the news report from your school earlier. That one looked like a werewolf.”

“He was wearing a collar,” added Bart. “And his outfit also appeared to be a uniform of some sort, though not a police one.”

All of them stared at Bart.

“You don’t think he was there willingly,” said Sam.

Bart shrugged. “Didn’t look that way to me.”

Danny groaned and leaned over until he was resting his head on Tim’s shoulder. “What am I supposed to do with that? What do I do if he’s not here to attack the town?”

Tim wrapped his arm around Danny to hold him steady. “How much sleep were you able to get between last night and now?”

“Unno,” mumbled Danny. “Three, four hours?”

Cassie clicked her tongue at him. “How about you get some rest tonight and we can figure it out tomorrow. We’ll take the night in shifts and if there’s a large-scale attack again, we’ll wake you up.”

Tim sighed. “Much as I hate to admit it, Cassie’s right. You need to sleep.”

Danny snorted into his neck and Tim couldn’t help the way his cheeks heated at the feel of his breath. “Like you’re one to talk.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Tim rolled his eyes. “We all know I’m not a good role model. Do as Alfred says, not as I do.”

“Wayne family moto!” Conner teased. Tim gave him the finger.

“Just one thing to do first,” said Bart.

“Yeah,” added Tucker. “I need to fix up Conner’s phone.”

“Two things, then,” amended Bart.

“What’s the other thing?” asked Sam. “I feel like I’m out of the loop.”

Cassie leaned back and looked up at the ceiling. “The Fentons gave us a tour of the lab. We want to arrange a system to get Danny out of Amity if things go bad.”

Tim noted how both Tucker and Sam tensed and exchanged a look. Then Sam nodded. “We’re in. And since you are who you are, which, Danny, we will be talking about how you kept Justice League connections from us later, we’ll trust you to be able to do it.”

“Don’t be mad at him,” protested Tim. “I made him promise to keep my secrets. It wasn’t safe for him to discuss it.”

Tucker waved a hand in the air. “We understand. Doesn’t mean we’re not frustrated with him. Don’t worry about it, though. Your secret’s safe with us.”

Tim bit his lip. “Please. It’s vitally important for my family’s safety that nothing gets out.”

Conner snorted. “Plus Batman would murder you dead if he found out you let anything slip.”

Tim groaned. “Don’t remind me. I’ll have so much paperwork. And would probably be benched for forever.”

Bart laughed and flicked a chip at him. “We’d kidnap you and help you prepare a new hero identity!”

With Danny still leaning on him, Tim couldn’t even catch the projectile and it hit him on the forehead. “I’ll take you up on that if I ever do get benched permanently.”

Sam cleared her throat. “As amusing as this all is, what’s the plan with Danny?”

Danny groaned, but didn’t move. “I don’t need one, guys. It’s not as bad as you think.”

Bart snorted. “Dude, your parents showed us an iron maiden.”

Danny shook his head. “Dad’s the only one who’s been shut up in that. And that was for threatening me and Jazz with it.”

“Um… what?” asked Cassie. “Why does everything you say make me feel more concerned?”

Tucker spoke around a mouthful of jerky. “Because his parents are mad scientists.”

Sam nodded. “No one lives in the houses on either side of his. And the value of every building on the street has plummeted due to proximity.”

Cassie shook her head. “How the hell have they been allowed to do all that? And why haven’t their driver’s licenses been revoked? We saw how they drove that tank of theirs.”

Tucker snorted. “No cop or city official is brave enough to go up to Jack ‘I can run through brick walls’ Fenton and tell him he’s not allowed to do something.”

Sam laughed. “And even if they were, Maddie Fenton has a blackbelt and will hold a grudge.”

“Last night it also seemed like she knows her way around that arsenal she’s got,” said Tim.

“Yeah,” said Danny. “Mom’s the one you’ve got to watch out for when my parents go on the hunt.”

“Okay.” Tim was already thinking up ways to neutralize them. “Us four should be able to handle them. What about Jazz? Is she someone we’d have to worry about?”

Danny pushed himself up and made sure Tim could see him rolling his eyes. “Jazz would never do anything to hurt me.” It was clear Danny believed his statement completely. And, honestly? After all the stories Danny’d told him and meeting Jazz in person, Tim was inclined to believe him. Though Danny wasn’t done. “And my parents would stop if they had any idea I was Phantom.”

Neither Tim nor Danny was as certain about that statement. Glancing around, everyone else seemed to have the same doubts.

“Well,” said Tim. “You know me. And I’ve told you about B. ‘Backup plans’ is my middle name. I’ll feel more comfortable if we have one.”

“Fine.” Danny flopped over until he was laying across Tim’s lap. “But don’t expect me to help.”

Now it was Tim’s turn to roll his eyes, but his fingers were gentle as they brushed through Danny’s hair. “Yeah, yeah. Whatever. So, it’s Maddie we’ll have to outsmart. I doubt Jack’s strength is any match for Conner or Cassie.”

“I can get you access to the Fenton house,” said Tucker gesturing to his laptop. “Even if they activate the home defense system.”

Tim nodded. “Thanks. I’ll also get you communicators so you can reach me in case of an emergency.”

“Perfect,” said Sam. “We’ve each other’s cell numbers, too.”

“Yep,” said Tim. “But phones should only be used for civilian identities. If you need the help of heroes, please use the communicators. It’s best to keep things as separate as possible.”

Conner nudged Tim’s foot with his own. “Yep. Tim here won’t let us refer to him by name when he’s in costume. Even if we’re all alone in our own base behind two dozen layers of security.”

“Need I remind you who trained me?”

Cassie laughed. “He’s even worse. You should hear my aunt go on about him.”

Tucker was watching them with interest. “Who’s your aunt?”

Bart disappeared from his spot only to reappear next to Tucker to whisper in his ear.

Tucker’s eyes widened and he stared at Cassie in wonder. “That is so cool! Could you get me an autograph?”

Cassie laughed. “Why so surprised? You know who I am. Did you think I wouldn’t know her?”

Tucker blushed. “Yeah, well. Excuse me for being distracted by the ghost invasion we’re dealing with.”

Tim cleared his throat. “I think we’re getting off topic. Now, we have a way into the Fenton house. Tucker, could you get us all the way into the lab?”

“Easily. I’m fully in all their systems and they’ve no idea.”

“How will we know he’s in trouble?” asked Bart.

Tim bit his lip. “Danny and I already have a system in place where if we don’t hear from each other within seven days without prior warning, we reach out to someone. For me, it’s B’s butler. For him, it’s you Tucker.” He nudged Danny only to realize he had passed out his lap. Tim couldn’t help the fond smile he gave and shook his head. “Tomorrow I’ll propose decreasing that to three or four days.”

Conner nodded. “If none of us hear from one of you for more than four days, we’ll come. Probably me, Bart, or Cassie since we can travel faster.”

Tim grimaced, but nodded. Sometimes it really sucked being the only baseline human in the group.

Bart gave a thumbs up. “I can usually be somewhere in minutes if I’m not tied up doing something else!”

Sam looked them over critically. “You know he’s gonna insist that goes both ways. If you guys don’t check in, he’ll go to you if he can.”

Tucker began typing away on his laptop. “I don’t know why I didn’t think of this sooner. I’m setting up alerts on the Fenton lab. If they start recording any experiments on an actual ghost, I’ll get a notification. If there’s any indication it’s Phantom, I can have the alert forwarded to you.”

Tim nodded. “Good. Do that.” He looked at his team. “We’ve seen the Fenton’s weapons and some of their fighting skills by now. I don’t think we’ll have any issues subduing them if necessary.”

“Nah,” agreed Cassie. “We can handle them.”

Back to Sam and Tucker, Tim asked, “Do we know what their weapons can do to humans? What risks they pose?”

Sam grimaced. “The small blasters are fine. But some of the bigger weapons? Like the bazooka or the missiles? Those have caused damage to the roads and buildings beyond what the ghosts do.”

“Have there been any casualties?” asked Cassie.

Tucker shook his head. “No. Thank God. It’s all been property damage so far.”

Sam nudged him. “Not quite. You’re forgetting Wes’s brother. Jack broke his arm two weeks ago when he shot at the Box Ghost and knocked over the pile of bricks that was being used to rebuild Mr. Nguyen’s store.”

“Ugh, right. I think I was trying to block that debacle from my mind.”

Tim sighed and shook his head. “I knew it was bad, but Danny really downplayed it.”

Sam shrugged. “Yeah, well, this is life in Amity right now.”

“I suppose so.” Tim looked down at Danny who was frowning even in his sleep. “I think I’m gonna get him in a bed. Where will we be sleeping?”

“Probably a good idea,” agreed Sam. “Do you want to share a room?”

“Yeah, if you don’t mind. We haven’t had any one-on-one time yet. Which is a shame for our first in-person meeting!” Tim laughed and ignored the looks his friends were shooting him as well as the grins Sam and Tucker were exchanging. “Though with our lives, I should’ve expected something like this rather than a purely civilian meeting.”

Sam laughed. “Yeah, probably. This is about par for the course for us. Take the room across the hall. If you need the bathroom, if you exit my room, turn left and it’s two doors down on this side of the hall.”

Tim shifted so he could lift Danny up. Despite the shuffling, Danny didn’t open his eyes, though he did grumble indistinct protests.

“Just getting you in a bed,” said Tim.

Conner grabbed the bag that had their belongings in it and opened the doors for Tim. While Tim settled Danny in the bed, even having to remove shoes and socks, Conner separated their things so he would have everything he needed.

“Thanks, Kon.”

“Anytime, Tim. Get some rest yourself, okay?”

Tim huffed a laugh. “Sleep is for the weak.”

Conner shook his head. “You say that and yet at the end of basically every mission, you pass out for twelve hours and are useless for two days.”

Tim stuck out his tongue. “I do have homework to do. And I want to keep my eye on the local news channels. And I need to check in with Bruce again before he flips. Let me know when your phone is working?”

“Will do. See you tomorrow.”

“Night.”

-----

Next

So! They now have a working system for how to find out if Danny's in trouble and to get him out. Hopefully they won't have to use it! (I mean, we all know where this is going. I presume you've all read the original prompt and fill that started this mess.)

Also, thanks to a comment on the last post, I wanted to clarify the relationships in this fic. If you've gotten Core Four (Tim/Kon/Cassie/Bart) vibes from this... Yeah. You did. If you've gotten Everlasting Trio (Danny/Sam/Tucker) vibes from this... Yeah. You did. I'm going to write those groups as a sorta QPR. Eventually, we will have romantic Danny/Tim (hence I've been tagging this Dead Tired) on top of those QPRs, but that won't really happen for a while. First Danny will date Val and Tim will date Steph. Danny will have another relationship, too, that I'm keeping secret for now. None of those are likely to get any page time as I am planning a time skip after this arc. But they will be referenced by characters. The actual Danny/Tim won't happen until after the rescue scene from the original fill. (Which I'm sure you can imagine will be changed quite drastically now that all these characters know each other.)

I no longer do tag lists, but if you head to the Subscription Post, you can set up notifications for when this updates!

[underforeversgrace]

don't sass a sleep deprived ghost

DannyMay 2023 Day 17: Temper

title: don't sass a sleep deprived ghost

words: 1432

Complete

Excerpt: He was tired, he was over this, and he was so fucking done.

~~~~~~

“Dude, when was the last time you slept?” Tucker asked, eyeing the bags on Danny’s face.

Danny groaned and leaned his head against the locker, not even grabbing the books he needed for their morning classes. “Technically? About an hour ago. When was the last time I slept longer than thirty minutes, though? Like ten days ago.”

“Isn’t that when Ember knocked you unconscious?” Sam asked, frowning.

“Yes, how do you think I managed to sleep longer than half an hour?” Danny shot back with a weak grin.

“I don’t think being hit over the head so hard that you lost consciousness counts, bro.” Tucker said.

“Then we’re looking at over a month.”

“Danny!” Both friends exclaimed at the same time.

“I know, I know,” Danny said, waving his hand at them dismissively. “I don’t exactly control how many ghosts show up to beat my ass like a piñata, y’know? And my parents haven’t fixed the lock on the portal. So it’s just open.”

Sam sighed. “I’m worried, Danny. Half ghost or not, you need to sleep. If you were human, you’d probably be half dead by now.”

Danny frowned. “Yeah. If I was human. Good thing I’m dead then.”

Sam flinched. She hadn’t thought that sentence through and Danny - even a year since his accident - did not like being explicitly reminded his humanity was questionable at best. “Danny…”

“Drop it, Sam.” Danny said, irritation creeping into his voice in a way that made her spine tingle. Sometimes she had to stop and remember that Danny - goofy, silly, space obsessed Danny - was legitimately one of the most powerful beings she’d ever encountered. Only some god-like entities were stronger than him.

“Sorry,” she mumbled. He’d just cracked a joke, how had his mood turned so dark so fast?

“It’s fine. Maybe I can nab a nap during science class. I’m failing it anyway.” He grumbled, rubbing his eyes, the irritation already gone from his voice and replaced with exhaustion. She’d never seen him this tired. Should they be worried? A super powered, sleep deprived teenager with already questionable impulse control?

Sam fiddled with the wrist ray she always wore now. Hopefully there were no ghost attacks today. She didn’t want to have to fight something while Danny snoozed.

~~~~~~

Danny felt relieved. They had managed to get through all four morning classes without a single hint of a ghost. And! Because his teachers had all entirely given up on him and didn’t give a flying fuck about him, they let him sleep!

Yeah… he was definitely fine with the way his teachers had given up on him. This was fine.

Regardless, he had managed nearly three hours of sleep between all the classes and his ghost sense had not gone off even once.

Still, as he stumbled to his locker on his way to lunch, he could still feel the weariness all the way to his core. Sam and Tucker walked beside him, not so subtly glancing at him frequently. As much as he appreciated them being concerned for him - and he really did! - he didn’t enjoy the feeling of being watched, especially as on edge as he was. He’d been in at least six fights a day for the past month, ever since the lock on the portal broke.

“Fenturd!” A familiar voice called and Danny groaned. He did not have the energy for this shit today.

“Can we not today?” Danny said, turning around to face the bully.

“I got an F on my math test!” Dash shouted, picking Danny up by his shirt collar and shoving him against the locker. Dash was so mad he was red in the face and a vein was visibly bulging in his neck.

Great. Oh, look, they even had an audience, a semi circle of other students watching on in fascination.

“So did I. The hell do you want?” Danny responded as he forced his body limp, forced his body to not react to the assault.

“To make myself feel better.” Dash sneered, clenching his free hand into a fist and slamming it into Danny’s nose.

Danny yelped in pain, pressing his hand to his now profusely bleeding - and probably broken - nose. Apparently feeling Danny sufficiently wailed on, Dash released the smaller boy, who fell to his knees, still clutching his face.

Seriously? Danny has to get wailed on by ghosts and the dumbest fucking human he’d ever had the displeasure of meeting? “Fucking asshole,” he grumbled, though apparently he did so too loudly, Dash not yet out of earshot.

Dash turned instantly, an angry scowl on his face. “What was that, Fentwerp?”

“Nothing, Dash.” Danny said, pushing himself back to his feet, accepting the tissue Sam handed to him as she glanced at Dash in concern.

“No, no, please repeat yourself,” Dash said, getting back into Danny’s personal space.

“Check your ears, Dash. I didn’t say anything,” Danny insisted.

Dash practically growled in anger as he went to slam another fist into Danny’s face.

This time, however, Danny’s exhaustion caught up with him, and where normal people probably moved slower when tired, Danny routinely fought for his life and his instincts were far and beyond that. Immediately, Danny’s hand came up, catching Dash’s fist. Dash let out a barely audible noise of pain - which made sense, he had just done the equivalent of punching a brick wall.

“Lay. Off.” Danny hissed, tightening his grip on Dash’s hand threateningly before pushing Dash back.

Dash stumbled backwards, shaking the hand Danny had gripped. “Why don’t you make me, geek?”

“Danny…” Sam said beside him, tugging on his sleeve.

Even as she did that, though, Danny heard the students around him beginning to chant. “Fight! Fight! Fight!”

Danny let his backpack slide off his shoulder, landing with a loud thump on the floor. “Y’know what, Dash? I think I will.” Danny said, crouching down slightly and rolling his shoulders to loosen them, a more-than-slightly feral grin on his face. He was tired, he was over this, and he was so fucking done.

Surprise flickered across Dash’s face but he didn’t back down, raising both of his fists up.

“Fight! Fight! Fight!” The chanting continued.

“You gonna stand there and look stupid all day? It really is one of the few skills you’ve mastered.” Danny said, still looking a touch too feral.

Dash took the bait, lunging forward and aiming a fist towards Danny’s stomach.

Too easy.

Danny sidestepped him, hooking one of his feet behind Dash’s ankles and pushing while simultaneously driving an elbow into Dash’s back. Dash yelped as he fell, slamming his face into the locker.

A collective gasp went through the surrounding students. Everyone had been expecting Danny to get a tooth punched out or something, not for wimpy Fenton to nearly lay out their star quarterback.

“That the best you got, Baxter?” Danny taunted, stepping backwards.

“Danny, stop!” Sam called but Danny ignored her.

“Cheap shot, loser.” Dash spat back, getting back to his feet.

“So I’m fighting like you?”

Dash tried to rush him again and Danny just grinned wider. He jumped to the side and took one of Dash’s arms in both hands. He twirled both of them around, launching Dash back directly into the lockers.

Dash recovered faster this time and repeatedly tried to slam his fists into Danny’s face. Danny ducked and weaved, hands behind his back, letting Dash tire himself out. After several swings from Dash, Danny dropped and lashed out one of his legs, knocking Dash’s feet out from under him.

Dash fell and landed with a sharp, pained intake of breath, his back slamming against the linoleum floor.

“Where the hell did you learn how to fight like that, Fenton?” Dash wheezed, pushing himself up into a sitting position.

“My mom has three black belts.” Danny said, shrugging. It technically wasn’t a lie - his mom did have that, it just wasn’t where he learned to fight. “Now fuck off.” He added as he stepped around Dash, spinning the combination to his locker and grabbing his lunchbox.

People parted for him as he walked, many with shocked, open mouthed stares.

Sam and Tuck tagged along behind him.

“Seriously, Danny?” Sam hissed.

At the same time, Tucker said, “Nice one, Danny!”

He was still sleep deprived, he was still so over all the ghosts recently, but maybe now he could avoid fights of a human nature for a little while.

And less fights meant more naps, he determined as he laid his head down on the lunch table and promptly passed out, his friends his ever vigilant guards.

[melpomenelamusa]

Dollplay - Chimeras

~Original story~

Previous

CW: Lady whumpee, lady whumper, pet whump, institutionalized slavery, possessive whumper, non-consensual drug use.

"Little snake, have you ever played with dolls?"

Madame Lavenza never had real conversations with Fidi. She would just ask her "yes and no" questions, give her orders, or make a few comments like someone trying to chat with their pet, but never really expecting an answer from it.

Asking about the girl's opinion was a rare event, and it was even more unusual to ask about her past. Usually, the woman acted as if the snake girl had always been an object of her property, so Fidi was surprised when, during breakfast that day, her so-called "owner" surprised her with that question.

"Yes, when I was little," the girl answered.

Her parents were not in the habit of buying many toys for their children. Fidi remembered that she had a plastic doll once, which she got as a birthday present. She liked to create different dresses for her doll with scraps of fabric that her grandmother threw away, even with almond leaves and folded paper. Sometimes she pretended that the doll was her friend and talked to her. She took good care of her, brushing her hair every day and keeping her clean. Fidi loved her doll very much. Until one day one of her siblings beheaded her. Her parents didn't want to buy her another one.

“I feel like playing with dolls today,” said Madame Lavenza. “I have some new make-up packages that were sent to me, and since I am going to have dinner with my parents today, I thought it would be an excellent idea to take advantage of the occasion. I´ve been wanting to play for a long time.”

She pointed at Fidi with her fork.

“You will be my pretty little doll and you will accompany me.”

It wasn't a question. Fidi didn't feel like answering. She didn't want to imagine what Madame Lavenza meant specifically by being a "doll," but she knew that, as much as she wanted to, she didn't have the chance to refuse either. She nodded.

The woman smiled with satisfaction.

"In that case, get ready and do everything you have to do. Once the game starts, you won't be able to move or speak, because dolls don't move nor speak.”

Fidi returned to her room. The idea of ​​Madame Lavenza's game had her increasingly nervous. Was it something like a photo shoot, like pet shows? Anxiety wouldn't leave her alone.

Around noon, one of the servants knocked on her door.

"Madame Lavenza says the game is about to begin. Come out when you're ready.”

Fidi gathered her courage. She made sure she was wearing comfortable, presentable clothes, the golden collar around her neck, and went out into the hallway. She hadn't gone two meters since she left her room when an arm closed around her torso, pinning her arms to the sides of her body and immobilizing her.

“What?!”

Fidi kicked, trying to get free. Something sharp was suddenly stuck in her neck and the girl could feel an unknown substance entering her body through the thin needle.

The servant let go of her and Fidi felt herself losing her balance. From one moment to the next her vision became blurred and she felt dizzy and heavy. She barely took a step forward and collapsed on the floor, with her legs and arms asleep.

She felt the servant grab her leg and begin to drag her to an unknown place. Fidi couldn't see where, as unconsciousness took over her mind at that moment.

Fidi woke up feeling her whole body asleep. She slowly opened her eyelids. She was sitting with her legs stretched out on a large, soft mattress. Her back was leaning against the back of an elegant bed. There was only one place in the entire mansion that had such furniture: Madame Lavenza's room. Fidi tried to get up, but found that she couldn't move her body.

She lowered her head, frightened, but there was nothing tying or immobilizing her limbs; however, no matter how hard she tried, she still couldn't move, as if her brain had suddenly disconnected from the rest of her body. A sound of panic tried to escape her throat, but only a silent whimper came out. There was a piece of tape over her lips.

Suddenly Madame Lavenza appeared. She sat on the edge of the mattress and reached out to caress the side of Fidi's face.

“It's impressive, isn't it?," The woman said, sliding her gloved hand over the skin and pearly scales of the girl's arms. "It's a drug I was able to get my hands on for this one activity. It paralyzes the body, but allows the victim to feel eeeverything."

She drew out the vowel, as she dug her fingers around the snake girl's wrist. The girl let out a muted groan, instinctively trying to break free of the grip. It was obvious she couldn't.

Madame Lavenza giggled.

"Don't you remember what I told you? You're going to be a doll today, and dolls don't talk or move."

Fidi felt a wave of terror drown her. Her heart was beating frantically inside her chest. She felt herself starting to have trouble breathing.

Madame Lavenza took her by the arm and began to pull her towards a leather chair, located in front of a huge dressing table, on one side of the room. The girl, with her body paralyzed, fell off the mattress and found herself dragged along the floor as if she were a rag doll, unable to hold herself up, until she was placed in front of the mirror.

The woman took out the makeup: boxes with infinite shades of eye shadows, lipsticks, blushes, mascaras and skin powders, all from exclusive and luxurious brands. She spent hours applying and removing makeup to the snake girl, making her various hairstyles that she then undid again, and even cutting the ends of her hair and bangs with inexpert movements, as if she were a little girl playing with scissors. Fidi could do nothing but watch, like a static mannequin, the strands of fine black hair falling to the floor and into her lap.

Madame Lavenza changed Fidi´s clothes, putting her in a pink dress with a flowing skirt, white socks and red ballerina flats. On her head she put a huge silk bow. Around her wrists she placed golden bracelets that matched the collar on her neck. She painted shadows and blushes on her, which stood out against her pale skin in a cartoonish way, and on the adhesive tape stuck to her lips she drew a small heart-shaped smile with lipstick.

"You are so pretty," said Madame Lavenza. "All my belongings must always look beautiful. Image is everything in this world. Status and money too. That's why I can have a pretty little doll like you."

The woman pressed the girl's head against her chest, hugging her. That gesture, which could have been affectionate, was oppressive and possessive. There was not a shred of affection in it.

Meanwhile, Fidi focused her concentration on trying to breathe calmly through her nose and prevent the tears that were welling up in her eyes from falling on her face, ruining her eyeliner. She also tried not to see herself in the giant illuminated mirror in front of her, because if she did, she would only be able to notice the desperation and emptiness in her own gaze, contrasting with the fake smile painted on her face with lipstick.

“I'm going to get ready for dinner.”

Madame Lavenza put Fidi back on the floor, positioned so that she could only look straight at a wall, while the woman dressed and got ready on the other side of the room. Fidi's neck hurt because of her uncomfortable position. Her body still didn't respond. How long did the effect of that drug last? How much longer would it be before this nightmarish game ended?

They left the mansion at about six in the evening. A servant picked Fidi up from the ground and carried her to the car, where he placed her in the back seat, on Madame Lavenza's lap. By now, the girl was hungry, thirsty, and had a dry throat; but a voice in her head told her, almost with certainty, that she would not be able to eat a single morsel at this dinner. 

Madame Lavenza's parents were wealthy people, both successful in their own businesses. They had booked a private room for themselves, their two children, and their pets, in a luxurious restaurant. Fidi preferred private events, as she was embarrassed to have people see her.

"She's beautiful," said Madame's mother, looking at Fidi. The girl had been laid down on an elegant sofa, arranged like those girls in Renaissance paintings. "She looks like a porcelain doll! Only her eyes are a bit strange."

"What's the point of having pets if you're just going to leave them there still as an ornament?" said a man with cruel blue eyes. If Fidi wasn't mistaken, he was Madame's older brother.

The snake girl had never seen him more than a couple of times in all these years. He was accompanied by his own pet, a chimera boy with dog ears and a tail, whose real name Fidi didn't know. The other chimera child was sitting on his knees, next to his owner's chair. A thick spiked collar surrounded his neck and he always wore a muzzle that covered half of his face.

While the rich guys ate meat, drank wine, and chatted about trivial matters, Fidi took the opportunity to rest for a bit. The smell of food made her hungry, so she tried to distract herself by focusing her mind on other things. Although her position on the sofa was uncomfortable, it had soft cushions. She closed her eyelids and imagined she was anywhere but there, perhaps in a beautiful bamboo forest or next to a waterfall, listening to the soothing sound of water falling and hitting the stones below.

She became so lost in her thoughts that she fell asleep. She woke up when she felt someone pulling her hair hard.

“Mnh!”

"Remember when I used to tear out your dolls' hair?" The man with cruel blue eyes shook Fidi's head violently, as if he really intended to tear out her hair. "You would cry for hours and throw a loud tantrum."

"Yes, and then I would get my revenge by melting your plastic soldiers in the kitchen," Madame Lavenza replied, with an equally cruel smile. "Now let go of my little doll. I don't tell you how to treat your pets, do I?"

The man dropped Fidi's head in disdain. He began to walk over to where the other chimera child was, still motionless and sitting on his knees on the floor, and kicked him in the stomach. The boy fell back, clutching his abdomen, while his eyelids clenched shut and silent groans of pain escaped from behind the muzzle.

"I guess you're right. I have my own toys to amuse myself with," the man said, before launching a second kick.

"Don't be so harsh," said the mother to her son. "What did the poor little animal do to you?"

"Leave him alone," said the father, scolding his wife. "Graus can do whatever he wants with his belongings."

Dinner was over and they finally returned to the mansion. By this time, Fidi had already begun to regain some mobility in her fingers. A servant carried her to her room and dropped her onto her bed rather unkindly.

“Goodnight, little snake,” Madame Lavenza said goodbye, before closing the door. The sound of the deadbolt was heard, locking the door on the other side.

Once Fidi was able to flex her fingers and arm, she sat up and ripped the tape off her mouth, finally being able to take a deep breath and fill her lungs. Her body felt numb and sore, and her stomach growled for nourishment that she wouldn’t be able to get until the next morning at breakfast.

She stood up and walked to the bathroom, where she first drank water from the tap and then set about removing the layers and layers of makeup from her face. She took off the silk bow, the bracelets, collar, ballerina flats, socks, and dress. She put on her pajamas and threw herself into her bed. She hugged a pillow and felt the tears return to her eyes.

“This is better than the black market, this is better than living on the streets, this is better than…” She repeated the words to herself until the guilt sank deep within her heart and she fell asleep.

Next

Taglist: @scoundrelwithboba @morning-star-whump @lancedoncrimsonwings

I feel a little bad for Fidi, but I admit that it's a lot of fun to make her suffer. The best (or worst) part is that this is just getting started. Oh, my poor girl… Thanks for reading! Here's a little star for you⭐

[loverboy-havocboy]

Hello beloved! Could I please ask about:

exit wounds (during skye) - aliit au (*grabby hands for the pain??*🫣)

and/or if that's already been asked... I'm intrigued to know more about "one more push" 👀👀 ??? PWEaSE 🥹 tysm.

aaahh two!! tysm my dear 🥺💖 i think i'll do exit wounds here then reblog with the second since i tend to get wordy

exit wounds

this is the doc for expanding on comet's time with skye - specifically how it started and how his absence impacted boost and sinker. the title is a placebo song that's very comet/sinker when comet leaves them for skye. it's been really difficult to work on because i never want bad things to happen to them 🥺

what's in out of the ashes is very brief and i've also changed my mind about a key part - boost and sinker distrust skye from the very first day they meet him, which i no longer think serves the story. he's not some simple asshole, he's a master manipulator, and many abusers know how to charm not only their victims but also the people who would protect them - at least until they've got their claws into their victim.

i'm also changing the "reward" skye is holding over comet's head to get him to obey. currently it's the promise of being his collared sub, but it's going to be the promise of marriage and children - the things comet wanted with wooley, things that have always been incredibly important to him.

both of these things in the original diminish the relationship comet has with boost and sinker. they make it mean so much less than it does. he would never leave them to get a dom and if they said they didn't trust someone he would trust them.

comet/skye snippet:

“No, I'd love to move in with you!” Comet assures him quickly. “It’s just.. moving away from Boost and Sink - I don't know.”

“Well you didn't think you'd live with them forever,” Skye laughs - and he does it so easily, like it was so obvious they'd split up eventually, that Comet is suddenly too embarrassed to admit otherwise.

But, yeah.. he kind of did.

His embarrassment must show on his face, though, because Skye is still laughing. “Oh my god, you actually did, didn't you?”

Comet can feel his skin burning from the tips of his ears down to his neck. His defense comes weakly. “Yeah, a little, I guess. Please don't laugh at me, Skye.. They're my best friends. I just - I never really thought about it.”

boost/sinker snippet:

[context: i think sinker coped with losing comet by drinking heavily and he and boost fought about comet a lot - what they did, what they should've done, if they could've changed it. they've just had some such fight, but i haven't written that. also. boost's parents died in a car accident about 10 years ago with him in the car which is how he got his scars]

“I'm not talking about this with you,” Sinker slurs. He turns away, deciding to take a different way home. Let Boost stew in his shit mood on his own, he thinks.

What happens next happens so fast that Sinker can't really make sense of it.

There are several noises - the blaring of a horn, the squealing of tires, voices yelling - two of them - all of them too loud. Then the blinding lights and the hands yanking him backward so suddenly his vision spins.

“Sink- Sinker, I can't lose you, too!” Boost is shouting at him, grabbing him by the shoulders and shaking him hard. All he can do is freeze, eyes wide. “For fuck’s sake, I can't lose my whole fucking family! What is wrong with you?”

The anguish in Boost's voice, the fear in his eyes, it chills Sinker to the bone. Boost is.. Boost is angry with him. Really, really angry.

Both of them just stare at each other for a long moment before Boost’s gaze drops to his hands where they still grip Sinker hard enough to bruise. His eyes widen and he lets go like he's been burned.

“Sink..” he whispers, shaking his head subtly in disbelief. He swallows hard, looks down at his hands, then back up to Sinker's face with tears in his eyes. “I didn't- I'm so sorry. Did I-”

“I th- I think..” Sinker blinks a few times. “I think I need to throw up.”

“Yeah,” Boost agrees quietly, wiping his eyes on the back of his hand. “Yeah, I think you do.”

well 🥺👉👈 you wanted the pain 🥺 now take this. to feel better 🫂☕

[themightymoose]

Pepper headcanons!!!!

🎉🎉🎉

Oh yeah the moment that I've been waiting for mwahahaha >:)

This one is much longer than the other headcanon lists I did

So in a previous headcanon I sent in an ask to priz I stated that in the human au, Pepper was a foster kid who got adopted by Pete at age 13 or 14

And as a pet her foster parents were her owners

... but I don't think I stated how many different owners/foster parents she went through before Pete came into the picture. Her foster parents included:

A cult leader, a cop, a serial killer, a thief, a member if that cult that the cult leader leads, an actor, a firefighter, a director, a model, an athlete, an alpha male podcaster (I am so sorry girl-)

There's probably more but the point is is that she moved around a lot

And all of them were shit to her

also don't ask how criminals were able to adopt a child

Pretty please

They would physically, mentally, verbally, or emotionally abuse her. Or neglect her

Some treated her like an object or a trophy that they flaunted around, while others treated her like an embarrassment, a nuisance that they had to hide from the world

oh and don't even get me started on the criminals my lord-

There's only so long that Pepper moved around homes where she began to wonder what was wrong with her

She ended up liking the ones that would physically abuse her the most, because at least she got some kind of touch from it

I'm not going to be getting into stuff with Pete because their will be a fic about their relationship 😉

But I think at least one of her owners put a shock collar on her as a way to dehumanize her. I also think that some of them would try and choke her until she was unconscious

This resulted in Pepper hating having her neck touched

Even her hair brushing against her neck makes her feel uneasy

But Pepper keeps it in a ponytail because she doesn't really want to cut her hair

Pepper has to really trust you to let you touch her neck

Okay let's get into happier headcanons shall we

Pepper is ridiculously ticklish

She is immensely overprotective of her friends, but she'll never admit it

I also mentioned that she has a real comparison problem. By that I mean she always finds a way to compare herself to literally any person she crosses. It's especially bad with Zoe

Mainly because they're best friends and having the most conventionally attractive person as your best friend while you hate yourself is a not so good combination

The solution? Write down all the reason you love her and read it to her all the way through

Zoe did that

And Pepper was like >:(

Back to her being overprotective because I'm very inconsistent. Any insults thrown at her are completely brushed off by her. Why should she care? Everyone said that to her, why is it different now? Also she's a comedian, she's used to it

But if you insult her friends???? Run

Pepper was genuinely confused the first time her friends stood up for her

She cried listening to jealousy jealousy by Olivia Rodrigo

She's taking that to the grave

Pepper actually has freckles but you can only see them if she's out in the sun long enough. They were much more visible when she was a kid

She's one of those people that are so chill when she gets injured

"Oh can you grab a bandaid real quick? Yeah, no, don't worry I just chopped my finger off. It's fine I just need a bandaid..... What do you mean you're calling 911-"

Bro she is so snuggly and clingy when she's sick

She'll be clinging to one of her friends and they'll just be like "I know I should move because then I'll get sick but Pepper is just too damn cute-"

Pepper pretends she doesn't remember anything when she actually does. She just doesn't want to relive the cringe

She tells really bad jokes when she wants affection. Worse than usual

"Did you hear about the friend that... really wants a hug?" And then halfway through she'll start mumbling and rambling because she's only just now realizing she did not think this through

The most attractive thing about a person according to Pepper is their laugh

This one time Pepper got drunk and ended up rambling about all the abuse she endured to one of her friends and they just stared at her like 😦

Don't ask which friend

[thatmaddogley]

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN DESCENDENTS

Warnings

-Cursing

-Mention of SA

-Mentions of abuse

-Talking about abuse and trauma

-SH

-Abuse, hitting, throwing

Part 2/?

“Would you love me the same if you knew the things I've been through? The things I cannot change. Would you love me all the same?”

(Quote is an Inspiration from ‘Would you fall in love with me again?’ from Epic the Musical, created by the amazing Jorge Rivera Herrans)

"I don't know what l♡ve feels like."

Chloe looks to Red with a look Red has never seen before from anyone else. A somewhat worried, and concerned look. One where only those who truly care for you could ever give.

“I should probably start from the beginning.” Red said, nails scratching herself repeatedly. Red had done that ever since she was little. Scared, nervous of her mother. What her mother would punish her for, for not being a good daughter, for not making her proud. What the consequence would be for that day if she didn’t get everything right. When she got older is when the Queen laid off the punishments, but still, not by much.

“My mother always hated me.” Red started, “From the moment I was born. I reminded her of her. And not in a good way. I reminded her of the version she used to be in highschool. I had the same pink hair as her and was always smiling and giggling. Even as a baby. And she did not like that at all.”

Chloe listened, a bit surprised Red’s hair was pink. Although she was kind of confused on how the genetics worked. That’d have to be another day.

“She hated labor.She thought it made her look weak. Once the labor was done, she ordered her soldiers to have my hair dyed to permanent Red and to dress me up like a soldier, or anything that she liked. First thing she said to me when I was born was ‘Ugh, she is absolutely ugly’ And I can believe that because Maddox tells me the story every once in a while.” Red laughed with fake humor. Laughing to hide her pain. Chloe knew that all too well.

“What about what you remember? Like your first memories? Sorry again if I’m intruding…” Chloe said, not wanting to cause Red to break down in tears or to get mad and angry at her for asking too many questions.

Red heavily sighs “Well, I remember the first time I called her ‘Mommy’ instead of ‘Mother’. Gods…I remember like it was yesterday…”

—---------------------------------------------------

Flashback-

4 year old Red had been running around the halls, playing by herself at the moment because that's all she could do. No one wanted to be friends with her because if they did end up being friends with her, their parents' heads would be added to the Queens collection and the kid would go to the orphanage with all the other unfortunate souls who had tried to be nice but that just got them without parents.

Now Red was a smart girl. Very cautious girl. But since she was playing a game that involved running and looking forward, she didn’t exactly see the cape on the floor which ended in Red slipping and falling on the floor, but also twisting one of her bones really badly.

The person with the cape turned around, and it was her very own mother…uh oh. Red’s heart started pounding. She didn’t care about the immense pain she was having, her mother would punish her worse.

“Excuse you?!” Bridget yelled, quickly turning back to her daughter on the ground. “What do you think you are doing?”

Red couldn’t think of words so she just whimpered in pain.

Bridget’s eyes widened as she bent down and grabbed Red by her neck collar. “Did you just whimper, you pathetic excuse for a daughter?!

“No! No I didn’t! I didn't, Mother!”

“Yes you did and you know what that means!” The guards backed up, scared of what the Queen could do.

“No! Please no Mommy!”

…

…

…

“What did you say?” The grip on her neck tightened as she didn’t answer. “I said WHAT DID YOU SAY!”

Red wiped her eyes as she tried to breath, but her mother’s grip was too much. “I-i- I said- something I wasn’t…wasn’t supposed to…”

“That's right! Guards get over here!” Bridget yells as she throws her daughter on the floor. “Slice her with that knife. Make her feel pain. Make sure she will remember to NEVER play or call me that ever again! Give her a scar that she will never forget for the rest of her life!”

“Do we heal her afterwards, your royal majesty?”

“Let her bleed out until she can’t go any more. It will only make her drowsy in pain and loss of blood. But make sure she doesn’t die. I need her for my heir unfortunately.”

Red wanted to scream, shout, cry for help from her mother. But shouldn’t when her mother was the one doing this…And as soon as she felt the blade on her skin, and watching her mother laugh as her daughter got tortured…She realized at that moment, she wasn’t loved. She was hated. And no one would ever love her. Not her mom, not her subjects, not even herself. She vowed to never feel love again if it was the last thing she did. She would never open her heart out to anyone…

—---------------------------------------------------------

At the end of her story, she was sobbing. She didn’t even realize it. Chloe moved forward and hugged her, telling her it was okay, and that she was there. Red didn’t even seem to care that Chloe was touching her. She buried her head into the crook of Chloe’s shoulder and let out all her emotions that she couldn’t let out in the past 12 years.

A few minutes later, Red finally let go of Chloe and used a napkin from her bedside and wiped her tears and sniffled. After a few seconds, she spoke. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. You didn’t deserve to see that.”

Chloe looked at Red, compassion in her eyes. “Please don’t say sorry. It's not your fault…”

“But I’m weak-”

“You are anything but weak Red.” Chloe says with determination. “You are honestly the bravest person I have ever met. You’ve gone through so much. So much more than you think and it made you stronger. But sometimes, letting your emotions out for someone you love…it's necessary Red.”

Red looked down, playing with her fingers nervously.

“I don’t know what love feels like.”

Chloe grabbed Red’s chin and made her look at her. She slowly placed her hand in between Red’s hand, and squeezed ever so lightly.

“Maybe I can teach you.”

EndNotes!

—-------------------------------------------------------

Hey! Thanks for the positivity of my first work. That gave me a lot of confidence to make the second part. Don’t worry, that's not all of Red’s trauma. Only the tip of the iceberg. But if you have any idea for where this story should go, just comment! Love you guys always! <33

August 8th, 2024

Written by Thatmaddogly

[studentinpursuitofclouds]

A stardew valley headcanon:

One year the farmer gave Vincent a Pink Cake for his birthday and Vincent will NOT shut up about it. Jodi has slowly been going crazy trying to recreate it and has been begging for the recipe, but the farmer keeps turning her away.

Meanwhile, the farmer is trying to decide if they should confess to feeding Vincent some goodness knows how old cake they carved out of a purple giant slime in Skull Cavern.

God, I did the same! With the burglar ring, I got two pink cakes at once: I gave one to Vincent, the second to Marnie. Like, go on, eat, I got it from an incomprehensible slime monster, but the cake itself seems to be fine, just remove the slime and you'll be ok.

I have a silly idea for this HC, I hope you like it))) Also, I mostly make a neutral farmer so you can imagine your own OC Farmer. Enjoy!

Who could have known the pink cake that the Farmer found in their misadventures in the Skull Cavern inside a huge fucking slime, and thoughtlessly presented to Vincent for his birthday, would burn so many nerve cells? And not only the nerve cells of poor Jodi, who has been asking for a recipe for this damned cake for several days now, but also the Farmer's nerve cells.

Well, the Farmer must have known, because what were they even thinking? Find random food inside a monster and give it to a child?! Are they brainless?!

The Farmer put himself in Jodi's shoes and trying to imagine what if they tell her how they got that pink cake. Heh, they would tell their child not to talk with this creep anymore, and avoid them at all costs, that's what any normal parent would do. So this option is out.

The Farmer didn't want to torture Jodi by hiding the recipe. Yoba witnesses, the Farmer even tried to repeat the recipe for this cake themselves in order to find exactly the one that Vincent liked so much. Of course, nothing came of this, and if the selection method did not work, they must think differently.

"Okay, think, think, cake, slime, Skull cavern, slime, iridium, level 100, challenge, casino, slime, Mr. Qi... Mr. Qi!!! Eureka!!"

The Farmer ran faster than a bullet into the Calico desert, and before they could even say hello to Sandy, they almost kicked the casino door. The bouncer was about to calm down a highly aroused visitor, but the owner of the casino, Mr. Qi himself, stopped him, and approached his... friend? Can their acquaintance and all these trials be called friendship? It's hard to say, but Qi himself was happy to see the Farmer... until he saw a tortured face with bruises under their eyes. Yoba, how long have they been awake?

The Farmer told Qi about the strange pink cake inside a slime in one breath and maniacally asked where it came from.

"Well kid, I put the cake in slime"

"You... put a cake in that giant slime?"

"Well, of course. How do you think the cake stays so fresh? Unfortunately, there are no refrigerators in caves, so this is a good solution. I left it for you, kiddo, because my challenges is difficult, the sweetness will let you not die of hunger and get a dose of sugar for overcome obstacles."

Qi did not have time to tell the Farmer proudly how he came up with this brilliant idea, as the poor Farmer grabbed Mr. Qi by the collar and tearfully begged please, please tell them the recipe for this cake, they will go further than level 100, 200 levels, even 300 in Skull cavern, just please give them the recipe they beg him, they have already gone cuckoo foR FuCK sAKe plEAsE!!!...

Given the merits of the Farmer (as well as worrying about their mental health) Mr. Qi took pity on them and gave the recipe. Although it's nothing out of the ordinary, just the same recipe as Queen sause, but add a little ginger.

Jodi, finally at peace, has prepared a fresh, special pink cake for her family that makes Vincent squeak with joy. The Farmer was finally able to sleep after all this 'sweet saga', rejoicing that they kept their friendship and found this damned recipe. And Mr. Qi has not forgotten Farmer's promise to pass his challenges more difficult than before. But for now, let the poor youth sleep.

[backupthere]

...what happened next...?

[February 2018]

“Where’s your mum, Lolly?” Craig’s looking around for Chelsea, and then realises that Dieter’s obviously heading right for them.

Lolly shakes her head, because she knows that Chelsea’s not there, but Craig’s half a step ahead. “Is this your dad?” He crouches down to Lolly’s height and points to Dieter.

Dieter braces himself for the usual round of explanations, but Lolly just nods, diverting the thumb that she was probably about to put in her mouth despite Chelsea’s efforts to get her to break that habit and reaches out for Dieter to pick her up.

“Hi, Mäuschen. Have you had fun?” He settles her on his hip and she grabs hold of the back of his hoodie, pulling the neckline against his throat.

“Ja.” Lolly buried her face against his shoulder, and Dieter tugs his collar back into a position that allows him to breathe, making eye contact with Craig as he does so. Craig looks like he’s been in Dieter’s position many times.

One day Lolly will be too heavy for this. One day she’ll be too grown up to want him to pick her up. She starts school in September.

“Are you going to say bye to George?” Dieter bounces Lolly a little to make her look up. 

“Bye George.”

“Finley!” Craig’s looking past Dieter into the crowd of kids. “Your dad’s here!”

Dieter turns around to find Finley. Finley’s looking confused, probably because he hasn’t seen his dad in over a year so far as Dieter knows, but then he sees Dieter and Lolly and he smiles and comes running over.

“I got one for Lolly too!” 

Dieter doesn’t ask one what? because Finley’s already passing him two plastic bags despite Dieter’s hands being full with Lolly. It’s probably more cake, as if they hadn’t had enough sugar already.

“Thank you for inviting us.” Finley covers being polite for both himself and his sister. Dieter’s proud of him.

“You’re very welcome.” Craig smiles, and then nods to Dieter and turns away to make sure that the rest of the kids are allocated to the correct parents.

“Ready?” Dieter checks with Finley. “Where’s your coat?”

Lolly’s tired enough that she lets Dieter carry her all the way to the car and do her seatbelt for her. Finley’s been chattering about the party all the way across the car park, but as he’s doing up his own seatbelt he suddenly switches topic mid sentence.

“Can we call you Dad?”

Dieter has no idea how to answer that. Chelsea should probably have some input here.

“Because you do all the dad things,” Finley continues, oblivious, “and when Timothy’s dad said my dad was here I’m glad it was you and not my real dad.”

“Uh...” 

“Papa.” Lolly interrupts, sleepily. “Deets ist Papa.”

Finley glances at his sister. “Okay. Then we always know it’s you and not any of our other dads.” He thinks for a moment. “Although I might call you Dad when my friends are there because it’s easier.”

Dieter’s still frozen to the spot.

“Can we go home now? I want to tell Mum about the party. Dad?”

“Papa!” Lolly corrects, on course for the early stages of a meltdown, and Dieter quickly shuts her door and gets into the front of the car. He still feels a tiny bit nervous when he’s driving the kids around, he’s only had his full licence for five weeks and he’s extra careful whenever he’s got Finley or Lolly with him.

The kids know that they have to be really quiet when Dieter’s driving, even if they don’t understand why. Sometimes it’s actually more unnerving, to have them be quiet.

Dieter’s just hoping that Lolly doesn’t fall asleep. If she naps now she won’t go to bed later.

“Bist du noch wach, Mäuschen?” There’s a sleepy ja from the back seat, which doesn't mean anything because she says that in her sleep sometimes anyway. “Mäuschen?”

“Ja, Papa.”

Dieter has to concentrate really hard on the road.

[ashxketchum]

Mayblade 2023 - Day 4

Note: This is technically my submission for the prompt Sci-fi, you’ll find that word in there somewhere. Though I started writing it in 2020 or early 2021, when I received a dancing prompt request which eventually resulted in Chapter 8 and this piece being shoved into the WIP folder, until today! I read Chapters 2&4 of Life in Colour by @azikarue and felt very inspired to pick this piece up again, remember to check out this lovely fic as well 💗

[post divider by @/cafekitsune]

“Nice of you to finally show your face around here Tyson!”

The whole gymnasium paused and turned their heads to look at Tyson, and while usually, he didn’t mind being the centre of attention, right now the collective gaze of his classmates did make him feel embarrassed. But his annoyance with Chief’s tone and volume seemed to win over the former, sure Chief often scolded him during training and matches but this time the superiority in his voice coupled with the effect from the megaphone seemed to irk Tyson a little too much. Instead of responding with words, Tyson just faced him with a stoic look and it seemed to do the trick because a minute later Chief was hastily climbing down his makeshift throne and making his way to where Tyson and Hilary stood near the entrance.

“What I meant was, I’m so happy to finally have you be a part of our production.” Chief let out a nervous chuckle, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly in hopes that Tyson wouldn’t get too mad at him for his outburst earlier.

“Can’t say the same for myself,” Tyson muttered under his breath but Hilary caught on to it and narrowed her eyes at him.

“Anyway, the point is he’s here now,” she said as she turned to face Chief, speaking in her usual bossy tone that Chief had trouble talking back against, “and he has agreed to play the other lead. So, all our problems are solved.”

“Tyson will play the male lead?” Chief almost shrieked in surprise, turning the heads of many of their classmates, who worried that the director’s mood getting worse couldn’t bode well for any of them.

“Ouch.” Tyson raised his eyebrows, not that he was expecting his friend to be all gung-ho about his participation but the reaction was a little over the top even by his standards.

“No I mean, it’s great that you’ve shown interest in our efforts.” Chief retraced his words yet again, “But I’m not sure about casting you in a lead role at such short notice.”

Tyson wanted to tell Chief that their only audience was supposed to be a bunch of bored teachers and even more disinterested parents and students, that his production wasn’t going to be screened at Cannes or be eligible for an Oscar, but in much more colourful words, however, Hilary beat him to it.

“Oh for god’s sake, it’s just a school play.” She rolled her eyes at the hurtful look that settled on Chief’s face, “And it’s not like you have a whole pool of established actors to choose from.”

“Even if it’s just a school play, I have certain standards I like to follow.” Chief adjusted his glasses, his voice and hands both shaking out of the fear of talking back to the brunette, “And this isn’t Beyblading where Tyson can just waltz to the top without any effo-”

“Hils, I’d like to speak to Chief alone for a minute.” Tyson passed a steely smile in her direction as he grabbed the ambitious director by his shirt collar and dragged him out of the gymnasium with much ease, not waiting for Hilary to respond, he shut the doors and pushed his pipsqueak of a friend against them.

“Okay, now here’s what going to happen,” Tyson began in a low, threatening tone as Chief cowered slightly under his glare, “we’re going to stay here for about ten minutes, keep an eye on your watch.” Chief nodded in acknowledgement, so he continued, “Then we’re going to go back inside and you’ll tell Hilary how convinced you are by my acting skills and now love the idea of me being the lead.”

[oranharple]

"Passion" - An Original Short Story

You can listen to an audio recording of myself reading the story on my YouTube channel, right here: https://youtu.be/I41SApi9Xb8

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

I tugged at the collar of my dress shirt and pulled at the tie wrapped snug around my throat. I've always hated ties, and it certainly did not help that it was the same set of church clothes that I had been wearing for the last half a decade. It wasn't so much the issue that we couldn't afford better clothes, because we could. Mom even suggested stopping by the store to grab another outfit, but we were already running late as it was. It wasn't even an issue last time I came to church. However, it had been a while since then, and since leaving for college I had bulked up a bit in some areas.

Mom noticed this struggle of mine and subtly jabbed her elbow into my side. It was her usual way of wordlessly conveying the message, "Stop making yourself look like a fool during the sermon!" I whispered something about perhaps taking my tie off, at least, which she responded by sucking her teeth and tossing her head to the side, her way of wordlessly saying, "Go ahead, if you want to embarrass me in front of all my bingo friends." I kept the tie on, and suffered through it.

● ● ●

I had left for college that previous summer. It was the first time I had been away from my family for an extended period. I recall my mom crying in the passenger seat and Dad practically throwing my suitcase into the dorm room. Meanwhile, Kristen was acting as my shadow. I was initially annoyed by her following me and her pressing questions: "What is this box for?" "Do you have this place all to yourself?" "Are you going to get a girlfriend?" But, after several minutes I came to appreciate her company. I understood that she was just unknowingly mimicking my own behavior from when both James and Simon went off to college. Perhaps it's just a rite of passage all younger siblings must accomplish.

"Clothes." "No." "I don't know."

My siblings and I have always been close– difficult to keep in line and constantly at each other's throats, but close nonetheless. We all drove our parents wild as children, but that's kind of what you sign up for when you have more kids than adults in the house. They could have stopped at me, and everyone was convinced that they would, but then they had Kristen. My brothers and I joked that our parents would've kept trying for a girl until they got one, and maybe we weren't too far off.

I can't imagine wanting that many children– not in the modern age at least. I get the old mindset of children dying young or wanting a bunch of sons so they can pass on the father's name or whatever, but all that just feels so archaic.

I was ten when she was born. No longer the baby of the family, which made me a little happy. The heightened pitch to my mother's tone that she directed at me ended almost immediately after she saw Kristen for the first time. That was nice, but it also meant that I no longer had that unconditional praise and affection that only a baby sibling can have. I actually had to work for that stuff. I had expectations to meet, achievements to work toward, and a completely new identity to discover.

I stood in my new room and arranged objects on my desk from an old cardboard box that had been in the attic for years– if not decades– before we stuffed them full of my own belongings. Kristen sat on my bed, occasionally asking me questions about my upcoming life. Eventually my hand gripped a leather-bound tome. Hefty from the pages inside, but even more so from the words printed in each chapter. I withdrew it from the box. My Bible. The Bible. The only one I knew, at least. I gripped the spine in such a way that, had my fingernails been longer, they could have possibly pierced the skin of the binding.

I placed the book on my desk, right next to my bed. Kristen looked at it for just a moment before turning her head to face me. Her eyes glistened in the warm summer light refracting from the nearby window overlooking the neighboring parking lot. I watched her mouth slowly open, as if the thought was lodged in her throat and she had to cough it out.

"I'm hungry."

● ● ●

I watched as they drove off. It was a very surreal experience; I felt this sudden emptiness in my stomach. The dread of loneliness swelled up within my chest and I just stood there for what felt like an hour, but was more likely just a minute or so.

● ● ●

Apollo arrived later that day. I remember him carrying several suitcases and bags of various sizes packed near to bursting. I understood why he may not have wanted to make multiple trips, but why he insisted on doing all the work himself was beyond me. It's not like he looked particularly athletic, he was actually quite small for someone about one year my senior. "What, did your parents not want to help you move?" I asked as I pulled a duffle bag from his shoulder and a suitcase from out of a death grip.

"Nah," he said between breaths, "It's just me." He then dropped his things to the ground and subsequently crumpled under his own weight, as if his legs were made of paper. Meanwhile, I just stood there, holding some luggage that felt like it was full of stones. I stared down at him, watching his chest rise as fall with each breath, and I became overwhelmed by this sense of pity. Though, I can't say I recognized it as such at the time.

● ● ●

Despite this ordeal, Apollo still had something left out in his car. I offered to retrieve it for him, but he insisted that he be the one to bring it up. I felt like I was in no place to argue, so I watched him step back out the door– not even a full minute after he had collapsed onto the floor of our dorm.

He returned a few minutes later, still short of breath, but carrying just one item. Obvious in identity from its size and shape; it was a guitar case. He set it down by the doorway and pressed his back against the wall. Sweat dripped down from his forehead. I grabbed a bottle of water and tossed it to him, and it collided with his chest before he juggled the container in his arms and chugged about half of it in one sitting.

We both ended up sitting on the floor. Apollo was still drenched in sweat and had gone through another two bottles of water, which were crushed and tossed haphazardly around him. However, he at least seemed cognizant. Eventually, the topic moved to our education and career goals, and he proceeded to explain how his goal was to major in music and pursue some sort of career as a musician.

Just as he explained this to me, my feelings toward Apollo shifted from a strange sort of pity to a clear and unadulterated contempt and loathing. My choice to attend college was to pursue a career in economics, and the work that I saw ahead of me was purely out of a desire for a stable job with a good income. That is what college is for, is it not? Is it not to gain training and knowledge of practical business experience, and the opportunity to find work in that field?

I knew then that there were people that majored in the creative arts, and that there was a place for them in society– I knew that. However, I also understood it to be a foolish venture. How many people pursue a career in the arts? Thousands? Tens of thousands, a year? How many of those that graduate make any semblance of success, whether financial or otherwise? How many even graduate? Perhaps most do, as I cannot imagine the work being nearly as taxing as a degree in math or the sciences. Surely a degree in music could not carry equivalent weight to one in economics, political science, or law.

● ● ●

We hardly spoke for the rest of the day. We retired to our separate rooms, only ever leaving to use the communal restroom. Later in the evening, I was at my desk scrolling through Facebook on my laptop. I saw photos and videos of my friends, finding their own life goals and passions. Blake moved into his dorm, just a couple of floors below me. Lauren and Tanner are now engaged. Chad and Michelle just had their second kid despite both of them struggling to keep the marriage afloat. We all saw it. People have stopped inviting them to events because they cannot coexist in the same room for more than ten minutes before one tries to strangle the other.

I click on the video of Michelle holding her baby. Her smile looks painted on. She is crying, but are they tears of joy over her new child or anxiety over the person holding the smartphone camera? Or perhaps it's the fact that they now have another thread intrinsically linking their lives together, making it harder for either of them to separate.

A pink balloon floats above Michelle's head, yet they call the child their, "beautiful little boy." Perhaps there were no more IT'S A BOY! balloons at Party City, or perhaps someone was expecting a different life for their child.

I click off of the video, and the next post is from Mom. It's two pictures proceeding a novella-sized wall of text. Picture 1. Her and I, shortly after I was born. She still looks youthful, alive, but tired. Very, very tired. I, on the other hand, look like I was molded out of clay, still yet to be cooked; unfinished in her hands.

Picture 2. Me in my senior photo. I really hate this image. I was so very tired and uncomfortable there in the studio, but you could hardly tell that just by looking. They made me wear that stupid bow tie and a tacky black and white suit– but just the top half. They didn't need to photograph anything below the waist; it was just a façade to look professional and well kept.

Though, credit where credit is due, the people doing the touch ups really did a good job of making it look like I was actually happy to be there. It's like looking into a mirror, but one that shows you a warped image of yourself. All the parts of you that make you look good, young, and attractive are accentuated, but you know where the falsehoods lie, and the more you look at it, the more you grow to hate this completely disingenuous version of yourself.

● ● ●

If the tight collar around my neck wasn't bad enough, the church was sweltering. The air conditioning was broken the last time I was there, but it was turning to autumn, so the priest just decided to not fix it. Come the spring and early summer, he still never got around to it. Now I and dozens of middle-aged people are sweating underneath our nice clothing.

The priest pulled out a handkerchief and wiped down the top of his sparkling bald head, then he proceeded to blow his nose into the rag, and he repeated this process several times throughout the sermon. Oftentimes, I couldn't pay attention to what he was actually saying; I just focused on this one repeated action.

● ● ●

The whole congregation stood for communion. The priest and two other elders moved into positions to hand out the wafers and wine.

It was the first time I had ever participated in the practice, and my mind could not rest as I stood in the line. My arms were quaking by my sides and I could find no good place to put them. I thrust them into my pockets, under my armpits, behind my back, everywhere felt wrong and disingenuous.

● ● ●

Apollo was by far the most social of the two of us. He always wanted to arrange time together, even if it was just walking and talking on the way to class. I often tried to find an excuse to avoid this, but some excuses can only last so long before your true intentions become obvious.

He would talk on and on about his classes, what kind of music he was listening to, virtually every aspect of his life. I responded with very little. It didn't seem to upset him; he seemed quite content to talk about himself. A trait that I was not particularly fond of.

Eventually, I began getting up and leaving the dorm before he even woke up. I had built my entire schedule off of trying to avoid him as much as possible. Any time I saw him on campus, I tried to keep my distance. If we ever passed each other, I would simply not acknowledge him and pretend I never saw him.

Despite this, I can't say I hated him– on the contrary, I began to hate myself. I felt as though I was punishing him for his eccentricities, and I never wanted that. The Lord said to "judge not, that ye be not judged" (Matthew 7:1), and I always took that ideology to heart, but my heart was conflicted, as it seems it has always been. Any time I saw his face, this familiar discomfort swelled within my chest, and the thoughts and feelings that I had often dismissed would race back to me.

● ● ●

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

I remember the priest reading this passage from his pulpit at the front of the sanctuary. It certainly is a convenient piece of the Scripture. It's like a laundry list of sinful behavior to avoid.

As a child, my mind held on to this one set of verses. Perhaps because the Bible is so often left open to one's interpretation of its text, but there it was, written in plain ink, many concepts that someone needed to avoid to be deserving of eternity in heaven. Not a comprehensive list, of course, nor should it be the only verses to cite for a wholly moral lifestyle, but for me, it was a start.

It seemed that, in the eyes of God, you were either all in, or you were out. So, I spent the next few years becoming deeply engaged with the church and the Scripture. I wanted nothing more than to be the best follower I could be, lest I suffer an eternal damnation. Even the rest of my family considered my practice a bit extreme, but I only wished to do right by the eyes of the Lord, for such abstaining from sin should grant me the eternal love and favor of God.

Why, then, did my heart– the vessel by which my faith resided– swell with excitement at the thought of lying in bed with other men? Why did I long for another masculine body to hold me? For us to embrace each other as the gentle moonlight illuminated that which we could not normally see through the dark.

I had tried to turn these feelings toward one of the opposite sex, but that fell apart very quickly. She was a good person, but I could not love her. She always wanted to move the relationship forward, but I was still waiting for that spark of affection, of joy– of literally anything for me to attach to, so that I could say I loved her, and mean it– but it never came. I felt cornered into a situation I wanted no part in, so we separated, and I pushed the feelings down. I felt that if I must feel such a way, then that is fine, but I must not act on such desires, and I should convert this desire– this lust– into energy directed into my faith. I would have to pursue morality to such a degree so as to compensate for my innate sin. This, I decided, was my passion.

● ● ●

Snow began falling across the campus. Classes were canceled after several inches accumulated over the first couple of hours. I woke up to the alert on my phone, and decided to just stay in bed. It was easier than pretending.

Then, I heard it. The gentle chords of Apollo’s guitar piercing through the thin walls of the dorm. It was not uncommon for him to practice when classes were over, but I rarely ever listened. Other times I would put on headphones and drown it out with my own music, or listen to a podcast while doing homework, but this time I layed in bed and just let the music envelop me.

There was something there that I had never cared to hear before. I wish I could explain it in words how each note caressed me and comforted me, like the warm embrace of a parent or lover.

Then it suddenly stopped. A faint voice passed through the walls, though I do not recall understanding its words. All I do remember is the aching in my chest which returned when the music stopped. I tried to dismiss it, to be rid of the thoughts and feelings that crept back into my mind. "You don't really want this," I told myself, "Just stay true."

It was like a drug, and I was feeling the withdrawal.

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him" (James 1:12).

● ● ●

I tossed and turned until I reached over to my desk and grabbed the Bible. Still in bed, I opened the book and tried to read through the pain. My eyes couldn't focus, and I hardly recall reading anything. I was just mindlessly flailing through the pages, all of which looked like seas of off-color white with dots of black ink floating across its surface. Eventually, I landed on a page that had been marked with a sticky note. One that I had practically memorized word for word by this point: 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.

I stared at the paragraph for minutes or hours, I still do not recall, but I was pulled back as I read the next line. Verse 11: "And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." 

● ● ●

When Apollo opened his door, I saw a pair of reddened eyes staring back at me. I don’t remember what I said, but the next thing I knew we were sitting on his bed, talking. It was the most we’d talked in months, yet it felt like we had never stopped. I confessed that which had been on my mind, and apologized for how I had treated him throughout the months we had known each other. He responded with very little, and that was enough for me.

We both stopped to watch the snow pile up out the window in silence. The anxiety still filled my chest and had made its way up to my throat. I felt like I was choking on the words I wanted to say to him, unable to say anything more. I looked back at Apollo, and the puffy red around his eyes was almost entirely overpowered by the bright blue that glittered in their center. Staring back at me, his mouth moved, but I just barely heard the words escape, “Are you sure that this is what you want?”

I couldn't hesitate. “Yes.”

● ● ●

I raised my head to the priest and took a few steps closer to the altar. He brought the wafer up toward me and said, just as he had said to the previous hundred or so people, “The body of Christ.”

With my throat pushing against my collar, I was able to whimper out an, “Amen.” From there, I opened my mouth, extended my tongue, and accepted the body of Christ inside me. As the wafer dissolved, I felt the warmth of the room envelop me. Sweat dripped from my brow and my eyes opened to see the symbol of the crucifixion hanging over the entire congregation.

● ● ●

Looking down, I saw Apollo’s face, bright red and sweating. His bare chest raised and fell rhythmically with each breath he took. His fingernails had dug into my back, to a point in which I was afraid I would start bleeding. My own chest swelled and I felt that same feeling of fear and doubt in my throat, but it all seemed to fade as I saw Apollo look back up at me and smile. He had, in that moment, a smile like I had never seen before– it was a smile of true, unadulterated passion. A smile that I feared I would never be able to replicate.

I collapsed on his chest. He wrapped his arms tighter around me, and I reciprocated. A cold chill seemed to run through the room as the storm still raged outside, yet here we lay, warm in each other’s arms.

As my breathing began to steady, and his chest settled on a gentle rise and fall, there was one sound that persisted. Like the ticking of a clock, I heard the soft and measured beat of a heart.

[maryannecrimsworth]

Toxic pack mentality

Guide for tormented hearts

Author's note: Honestly...I just wanted to share some fluff with you all. I love Hank so much and maybe someone can like him too, idk

Pairing: Enid Sinclair x OC! Hank Hunter(L/N)

Summary: The parents of the Nevermore werewolves have arrived to meet the famous family of trainers, Hunter(L/N), and their talented son, Hank. The school's new tamer and coach has won the affection of all the furs, and the presence of so many rowdy relatives has become Hank's disgrace --- and Enid's.

Warnings: annoying parents; mentions of past trauma; basically Hank and Enid saving each other tbh

Backstory for the "You do need a friend", Hank is Y/N's older brother.

Scenes from Chapter 20 of The Hunt [Ao3]

Oh, there were furs everywhere. In every corner, in every hallway, in every single room of Nevermore, there was a werewolf parent, sibling, cousin or grandmother talking loudly. Toxic pack mentality, Enid recited while walking down the quad with her family, they all have toxic pack mentality — and they have an unhealthy obsession over the Hunters as well. 

The principal Stripe set up a surprise for all the families: a meeting with the famous explorers and camp’s managers, Mr. and Mrs. Hunter. A group of older werewolves surrounded the couple in seconds: they had to thank them for their work and their help. But — to the couple's surprise and Hank's misery — the werewolves majority seeked to meet one specific Hunter: the beast tamer and Nevermore advisor who managed to train, help and support every fur. 

“My boy grew so much!” One mother cheered while holding Hank tightly. “He's behaving so well! Not even our grandaddy managed to control this kiddo.” He swore the words were coming from the same woman, but another pair of arms hugged him and screamed in his ear. “My baby girl loves you. Now she can hunt completely by herself! She was afraid of everything before meeting you, I’m so grateful!” A kiss on the cheek and a really strong hand squeeze. Where are all these women coming from?

“He even helped that late bloomer, can you believe it?” A male, young voice told his mother. “That Sinclair dumb girl? Don’t lie to me, boy!” The woman awed, and Hank followed her voice immediately. “I’m serious! She even fights with the pack now.” 

Hank was about to grab the boy by his collar when another voice sounded behind him. An even more astonished and emotional voice.

"I thought she was hopeless, a she-wolf doomed to eternal loneliness." It was Enid’s mom. “Thank you, thank you for rescuing her.”

Hank turned to her and hid his blazing blood with a bright smile.

“Oh, no, please, Mrs. Sinclair, I barely did a thing.” He returned the woman’s affectionate handshake. “Enid only took her own time. Honestly, she’s the most skilled werewolf in the school. She has aced every test so far.”

“Test?” The boy and his mother asked simultaneously.

“I believe that a werewolf is as valuable as their loyalty, on a full moon night or not. I examine you guys' behavior from the very beginning.”

“Oh.” Every single werewolf gasped — they remembered every nasty comment they ever made, and every in-fight they ever took against a weird fur. And then a chuckle came from behind them. 

Enid failed miserably not to laugh behind her mother's back.

“Enid!” Hank’s smile was sincere now. “I haven't seen you there!” He made his way to the girl. “Can we talk about our next training session? I’d like to test a new trap with you.”

“Oh, I—” Enid noticed her mother’s exasperated gaze. Everyone’s exasperated gaze was on her. “Su-sure.”

“Excuse us, please.” Hank smiled once again and held her shoulder, gracefully making their way through the crowd of werewolves. He only released her when they reached an empty corner. 

“My God! What a sea of despair!” He breathed out loudly. “I usually like to sink into the water but, gosh, I—” Hank shook his head fastly. “Sorry. Werewolves don’t commonly understand the difference between pack loyalty and toxic comparisons.”

“Thank you for having my back.”

“I didn’t.” Enid frowned. “I spoke the truth, Sinclair. You’re really special.” Hank smirked for a moment. “Want to get out of here?”

“YEAH!” Enid jumped with excitement. “But, uh, wait, aren’t you working?”

“I think I've already paid for my sins well enough.” Hank leaned a bit over and smiled  conspiratorially at her. “Don’t you think?”

“Yes!”

X

“That’s it.” Enid stepped back and looked at Hank from head to toe. “Amber is your color.” She gazed him straight in the eye. “OMG, your eyes look like shining gold!” The she-wolf almost jumped to the clothing store attendant. “We’re taking all of these!” She handed about six shirts, two skirts and four sweaters to the attendant. “I’ll be in the cashier in one second!”

The attending walked away as Enid broke into Hank’s cabin. He hid his naked torso with a crumpled jacket. 

“Can I help?” his voice trembled. “I have to change.”

“No, you’re wearing the amber one.” She took a sweater from the hanger and held it out to him. In response, Hank's fingers got tighter around his jacket. “Do you truly like these fur coats?” 

Surprisingly, Hank's expression softened. "No." He admitted quietly after taking the yellow sweater. "But they're harder to rip."

"Why would you need to wear something that's hard to rip?" Enid grabbed his jacket before he could change his mind. "You're not supposed to be beaten all the time."

"I actually am." Enid stopped giggling. "That's…that was my duty at the lycanthropy camp." He then wore the sweater like he was talking about something trivial. "Let's go?"

"Your duty?" Sinclair shook her head. "What do you mean? You were the werewolves' prey?"

"And healer." Hank walked out the cabin and Enid followed him. "I had to do it since the Hunters took me in. Like payment."

"You mean slavery." Hank turned around and met the werewolf's hard gaze. "They enslaved you." 

A flash of blue light took over Hank's eyes for a moment. 

"Yes." Hank swallowed hard as his eyes turned back to normal. "But I hate this word. Slave. It's… it's shameful. Weak."

"Are you kidding me?" The attendant walked over Enid and turned around the second she heard her voice. " Shameful? Weak? You're literally the guy who absorbs everyone's pain. You're strong when someone can't– How is that shameful?"

"I wasn't just used in the camps." He whispered before rushing to the cashier. Enid kept shooting questions at him but he didn't reply until they were outside the shop. "My parents have rented me for some…jobs. That’s how I met Stripe."

"Jobs?" Enid's voice cracked. What kind of person would hire a demon? What kind of job was he able to do? "You mean like…"

"Torturing, killing, beating…Anything that hurts and needs to be done silently." Hank gritted his teeth as Enid’s face dropped. "Like I said, I am evil." He took a deep breath. "But I can control it now, so I'm free."

"No!" Enid lifted her head suddenly. "I mean, yes, you're free, but you're not evil. How could you be? If I understood it right, you were used to absorb the victim's pain, right?" 

"They suffered anyway." It was Hank's turn to lower his gaze. "And I could have prevented it. I could have fought back but I was a coward. I was afraid of what they could do as a… punishment ." The word weighted in his tongue. Even the simple mention of it brought bitter memories to his mind and old wounds ached all over his body again. He could feel the scratching, burning, lashing sensation in his skin.

"What…what made you change your mind? How did you come to Nevermore?"

"They kidnapped another kid." He whispered. "Y/N, my little brother. And he will not  go through the same things as me." 

" Oh, Bay." Enid hugged him tightly. "I'm so sorry. I had no idea!" She held his shoulders and looked straight at him. "If you need help with anything, talk, cry, hug or whatsoever, I'm here, okay? I'm your friend."

"Thanks, En." He smiled timidly and Enid knew he believed her. "But that's enough about me!" Hank held her hand and walked down the sidewalk surrounded by shops. "What about you? Besides your amazing style and sweet talk, what are you like?"

"You mean what do I like?"

Hank laughed. "No, like, who are you?" His hands started to dance in the air. "A simple fur? A dancer? A dreamer? A fighter or a lover?" Enid couldn't help but laugh at his gestures and faces. "I'm serious!" 

"You read way too much poetry." Hank scrunched his nose. " You don't like poetry?"

"Enid!" He squeezed her hand. "Don't change the subject. Come on, start talking."

"Oh, I'm not that interesting." Hank rolled his eyes. "I mean—wait, someone's texting me like crazy!" Enid took her phone from her bag. "Holy shit."

"What?"

"Aretha's plan has begun."