#so I need to learn guitar and get a set of cakes

[nerdieforpedro]

I would say I do have a great head of hair, thankfully, I do not grow a beard as Oscar does because it’s enough with the hair on top of my head. I can sing but I do need to learn how to play an instrument. I have played the guitar before but not well. 😆 I too can appear as a grumpy eagle.

I may or may not be able to talk people into things maybe. Only if you really want to, but if you think about it too much, you may regret it. I think I am indeed the Oscar to your Pedro. 😘

they're two chaotic space sisters

[uriekukistan]

❤︎ rin ❤︎ 22 ❤︎ any prns ❤︎ ao3 ❤︎

writing

呪術廻戦 | jujutsu kaisen

➸ itafushi dance au

Dancing With a Stranger | Itafushi | College/Dance AU | Fluff & Light Angst | 16/16 | 46.4k : Ballerina Megumi is forced to take a hip-hop class to complete his dance major, and his tutor is very cute. No Major Warnings or Spoilers.

i can't let it slip away or drift away | Itafushi | College/Dance AU | Fluff & Light Angst | 1/2 | 7.6k : Yuuji falls head over heels for a pretty ballerina after watching his school's performance of Swan Lake. No Major Warnings or Spoilers.

➸ multi-chapter fics

summer lovin' | Itafushi & Inuokko | Beach AU | Fluff & Light Angst | 10/10 | 35.0k : Yuuta and his boyfriend Toge decide to set their friends Yuuji and Megumi up. No Major Warnings or Spoilers.

Family is Embarrassing | Itafushi | No Curse AU | Fluff | 2/2 | 4.5k : Megumi and Yuuji meet each others' families after they start dating. No Major Warnings or Spoilers.

koi no yokan | Itafushi | College/Band AU | Angst | 1/16 | 4.2k : Megumi learns to love and be loved with the help of a certain college radio show host. No Major Warnings or Spoilers.

➸ one-shots

fiction, future, and prediction | Yuuji Character Study | Angst | 8.5k : Yuuji loses his grandfather in bits and pieces, not all at once. Major Character Death. No Spoilers.

Happiness is Strawberry Cake & Dog Plushies | Itafushi | AU Where Everyone is Happy | Birthday Fluff | 2.1k : Gojo gets the gang together to throw a surprise birthday party for Yuuji. No Major Warnings or Spoilers.

home is where the heart is | Itafushi | Angst & Horror | 9.7k : In the aftermath of the events at the detention center, Megumi struggles with his grief and malfunctioning technique as the lines between dreams and reality blur. Graphic Depictions of Violence and Major Character Death. No Spoilers.

honey and lavender | Itafushi | Hurt/Comfort | 4.1k : Megumi has nightmares following the detention center and Yuuji tries to help him sleep. No Major Warnings or Spoilers.

hydrangeas and morning glories | Itafushi | Angst, Happy Ending | 6.7k : Megumi finds meaning in his life and his relationship with Yuuji through flowers. No Major Warnings. Shinjuku Showdown Spoilers.

i’m sorry i’m the one you love | Itafushi | Angst | 3.2k : Megumi tries to figure out how to heal from what has happened. No Major Warnings. Shinjuku Showdown Spoilers.

infant and innocent | Itafushi | Bittersweet Fluff : Yuuji tries to help Megumi heal his inner child. No Major Warnings or Spoilers.

Laundry and Taxes | Itafushi | Bittersweet Fluff | 3.0k : Megumi and Yuuji live the quiet life they deserve. No Major Warnings. Shinjuku Showdown Spoilers.

a lesson in self-love | Nobamaki | Fluff | 2.1k words : Nobara overcomes her self-doubt and gets a girlfriend on the same trip to Yokohama. No Major Warnings or Spoilers.

make me feel alive like you | Itafushi | Hurt/Comfort | 11.3k words : Yuuji mourns the death of his grandfather with a not-so-healthy dose of weed, his trusty skateboard, and a grumpy psychology tutor. No Major Warnings or Spoilers.

moon, i already know | Megumi Character Study | Angst | 8.2k words : Megumi relives his worst memories while drowning in a cursed bath. Graphic Depictions of Violence and Major Character Death. Shinjuku Showdown Spoilers.

a poison tree | Itafushi | Angst | 6.4k words : Megumi needs revenge, but Yuuji just needs Megumi. No Major Warnings. Shinjuku Showdown Spoilers.

Sweet Thing | Itafushi | Fluff & Angst | 9.3k words : Megumi develops his first crush. Major Character Death. No Spoilers.

you walk around...shining like the sun | Itafushi | Angst & Fluff | 10.9k words : Megumi has three loves of his life: music, playing guitar, and Yuuji Itadori, not necessarily in that order. No Major Warnings or Spoilers.

➸ itafushi week 2024

dust-piled crown | Idol AU | Mild Angst | 1/1 | 2.0k words : Megumi wishes he could dance like his group-mate, Yuuji. No Major Warnings or Spoilers.

Twisted Curse | Angst | 1/1 | 4.1k words : Megumi processes his feelings for his best friend following the incident at the detention center. Major Character Death. No Spoilers.

Cherry | Gender Swap/College AU | Fluff | 1/1 | 3.7k words : Yuuji has a big crush on her college roommate and isn't sure what to do about it. No Major Warnings or Spoilers.

wasteland, baby! | Hurt/Comfort | 1/1 | 2.5k words : the Culling Game Arc hotel scene we all deserve. No Major Warnings. Culling Game Arc Spoilers.

So Start By Saving Me, Itadori | Reincarnation AU | Angst | 1/1 | 8.6k words : Yuuji is trapped in a cycle of death and rebirth until he can fulfill his promise to save Fushiguro. Graphic Depictions of Violence and Major Character Death. Shinjuku Showdown Arc Spoilers.

Tamagoyaki Troubles | Domestic Fluff | 1/1 | 1.9k words : Itadori always treats Megumi to breakfast, so he decides to try his hand at cooking to repay the favor. No Major Warnings or Spoilers.

catharsis | Hurt/Comfort | 1/1 | 3.1k words : Megumi develops a fear of water, Yuuji wants to visit Malaysia, and everyone heals a bit. No Major Warnings. Shinjuku Showdown Arc Spoilers.

東京喰種 | tokyo ghoul

apple cider | Hsaiko | Fluff | 1/1 | 1.7k words : Hsiao isn't sure she wants to fall in love with a co-worker, but Saiko might just change her mind. No Major Warnings.

building home | Birthday Fluff | 1/1 | 1.5k words : Touka celebrates her first birthday without Anteiku. No Major Warnings.

love was too strong a god. | Shiraurie | Angst | 1/1 | 2.0k words : Urie comes to terms with Shirazu's death. Major Character Death.

Memories | Birthday Fluff | 1/1 | 1.4k words : Haise can't remember his last birthday, or any of the ones before that, but why does that matter when his new memories are so sweet? No Major Warnings.

meta

Megumi Analysis: Establishing Motivations

Yuuji as Mahito's Natural Enemy

Yuuji's Not Dumb!

Megumi & Mahoraga

In Defense of Megumi + Yuuji analysis (spoilers through 259)

JJK 261 : Gojo analysis + Morality, Burden, and Loneliness in Jujutsu Kaisen

JJK 261 : In Defense of Shoko/Shoko analysis

JJK 263 Theory : Yuuta, Rika, and the 5-Minute Limit

JJK 265 : The Role of a Sorcerer

JJK 266 & Megumi’s. Childhood

Character Death & Tragedy in JJK

[starcub88]

I have a fantasy currently about making a deal with the devil to gain something in exchange for gaining weight.

For example, making a deal to become the best guitar player in the world. I could go from little skill to master abilities, but only if I gain weight. Every pound gained means better ability playing the guitar. The devil says I can stop at any time, there's no end weight I need to reach. But if I lose weight, I will also lose a proportionate amount of ability.

So of course I don't want to lose weight, I just tell myself that I will gain enough weight to get good enough to fulfill my desires. The devil knows of course that once I get a taste of success and skill, I will want more. And there's a clear way to continue: eat. Gain weight. Instead of practicing more, I eat more. My bandmates at first wonder why I'm not practicing more, and are slightly worried about how much weight I'm gaining, but since I'm playing better than ever before, they learn to ignore it pretty quickly.

The band has more and more success the more I eat and gain weight, we have am expanding fanbase to go with my expanding waistline. I and my bandmates worry at first that my new weight will scare of fans and ruin our image, but most fans not only don't seem to care, but a lot of them think it's sexy. Fans start to send me gifts and cakes or will deliver huge meals to the stage door. I wonder if the devil set this up to, but I'm not bothered even if they did. I'm an excellent guitarist in a respected and beloved band.

My bandmates see how much attention I'm getting and decide to gain weight too to match my image. It's a lot easier for me to keep eating with company, and when everyone else makes sure there's food around as well.

[luverofralts]

Arkhelios Adventures

Theo Bellamy sat on the stairs with his trusted familiar, Too by his side. Today was an important day. It certainly wasn’t everyday that you turned thirteen. He was officially a teenager now with all the rights and responsibilities that came with it. 

“How badly do you think they’re going to embarrass me, Too?” he asked his faithful companion. When Too responded with a quick mew, Theo sighed. “Yeah, that’s my guess. Whatever they’re planning, I just know that it’s going to be embarrassing. I’m so glad this party is family only; I’d die if the kids at school could see me. I’ll probably have to wear the dumb birthday hat and everything.  At least the cake looks good. God knows it was the only good thing from last year.”

Too mewed again sympathetically at the thought. Theo could never be certain if the cat truly understood what he was saying or if she had simply learned to meow when he paused speaking to look at her. Either way, it was nice to have her support.

He could tell that his parents were going out of their way to make things perfect for his special day which was even more unnerving. Things hadn’t been the same between them since “The Incident” they never spoke of or the conveniently timed birth of his little brother, Abe III. Words like “postpartum” and “mid life crisis” and “cheater” were usually shouted when they thought the children were asleep, but Theo and his sisters heard every word. It was enough to make Theo come home from school only two weekends a month, instead of every weekend like he used to. At school things were quiet and ordered and all of his friends lived there with him. Every day was like a sleepover that he didn’t have to worry about his parents ruining with either arguments or overly zealous good intentions.

“He’s going to be so excited. I can’t wait to see his reaction,” Roman said excitedly, staring at the expensive guitar they had purchased for their son. “We should film it. Do you think you can pull out your phone before he notices and starts giving us sass about ‘acceptable boundaries’?”

“He’s a teenager now, I’d be surprised if he didn’t give us sass,” Abe replied with a smile. “We’re the only thirty year olds at parent-teacher night though, we have that to our advantage. We’re still cool, unlike the other parents.”

Roman kissed his husband, catching Abe by surprise.

“Abe, we were never cool,” he laughed. “I was the poor transfer student who grew up in a “cult” and you were the nerdy kid who got knocked up at sixteen. We’re many things, but we’re not cool.”

“Theodosius, you put that hat back on your head right now!” The instant Abe laid eyes on his son, he could see that Theo was missing an important item for his party. “And don’t go on a little tirade about me using your name. It’s only your siblings and family here and we all already know what Theo is short for. I’m not getting told what to do in my own house by some school in Pleasantview. Don’t give me that look! Go help your father set up the snacks.”

Theo rolled his eyes but obeyed his father, mumbling something unkind under his breath. Abe didn’t like yelling at his son; it was something he’d always struggled with. With his own mother as an example, Abe knew first hand how strict parenting pushed him away from her. Having his son run away from home as a young child because of his strictness and inflexibility had been devastating to Abe, but at the same time, he had no idea of how to reach Theo. The boy was away at boarding school for most of the month, something that Abe hated, and when he was at home, it was nonstop sass and rudeness. Theo needed boundaries and Abe was trying his best, but he often worried if his best would be enough for his son. The twins at least had Adrian and Evren as additional parental role models and Saturnia was still young enough to think that her parents knew what they were doing. Maybe by the time Abe Jr was Theo’s age, his parents would finally understand how to successfully parent a teen.

The Bellamy household had never been bigger than it was now. Theo and the twins had their bedrooms when they weren’t at school or Adrian’s house and Saturnia was currently sharing the twins’ old room with her baby brother until the new addition could be added on to the house. Plus with Adrian’s three kids often staying over and all of the kids’ friends, a dog and the hyperactive cat, Too, the Bellamy house often felt like a circus.The only other household in Arkhelios that could compete was the Durant family, but it had been some time since either Abe or Roman had paid them a visit. Most days, they tried to ignore the Durants if they could. “The Incident” had severed those friendships pretty thoroughly.

The mixed Bellamy family was working though, despite their differences. Abe never thought that he’d see the day that he’d be okay with Adrian not only spending several hours with his children, but also helping to raise them. There were still moments when Adrian showed up with expensive gifts for the kids and a new expensive baking dish for Roman that made Abe fume, but they didn’t happen nearly as often as they did before.

it was rewarding to watch the girls grow into young ladies with goals and talents of their own. Adrienne was a better tarot card reader than her father and loved taking apart all the appliances in the house to figure out how they worked. She’d also insisted on being called Rien for short as her previous nickname, Addy, sounded too much like a “name for babies”.

Luciana was a bundle of energy who poured all of that energy into sports and fitness. She played in Osbert’s new soccer league in Arkhelios and a tee-ball and volleyball league in Twikkii Island.

Saturnia was shy and more reserved than her sisters. The twins sometimes excluded her from their activities because Saturnia was younger, but she always took it in stride and found her own entertainment. She was following in her father’s footsteps and helping him cook and bake. She used the toy stove they bought her to make muffins nearly every day for her family.

“There you go kiddo, just sit tight here and I’ll have your bottle ready in no time. I just have to check on the cake.”

Roman placed Abe Jr in his high chair and then turned to open the oven behind him. The cake was nearly done and the icing was ready for when it cooled. Things were going surprisingly smoothly for once.

“Etienne, Everard be careful.”  

“Oh hey, Evren,” Roman called out to the man attempting to wrangle two toddlers with limited success. “You’re early. The kids are still running around the house and the birthday boy is busy talking back to his father, so you can help me in the kitchen if you want. Where’s Adrian?”

“Busy. He's been looking over something Maura sent him on her efforts to protect the coral reefs near the property. He should be here in time for the party though. Oh, he signed the paperwork for your little collaboration this morning. The lawyer is sending you a copy.”

“That’s great. I’ll have to send a copy to Wanda’s office. She pushed through all the red tape just like she promised. We should be open by next week if it all goes smoothly. I guess it pays to have the president of Arkhelios as an aunt.”

Roman was too busy fussing with icing to see irritation flash across Evren’s face.

“She’s been president of Arkhelios for over a decade,” he said, shifting his wiggling son in his arms. “Plus she’s taken over the Arkhelios Coven’s leadership and spends a suspicious amount of time with...less reputable foreign witches. When you do send the documents, maybe you could suggest that she chooses a single project to focus on, or that she might want to step back from so much responsibility. She might listen to you.”

There wasn’t much that Evren could do about Wanda’s goals, as every time he tried to speak with her about his concerns, she ignored him completely. He wasn’t a very powerful warlock, and he didn’t have the brutal mindset to navigate witch politics. He’d tried to speak with Wanda two weeks ago and had only managed to be “volunteered” to help design Wanda’s expensive new home for his efforts.

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll tell her,” Roman replied, his mind completely focused on his cake. “She was supposed to come to the party, but something came up. I’ll bring her some leftovers if there are any.”

Evren rolled his eyes. As usual, Roman couldn’t see past his own worries. If Evren wanted change among the witches, he would have to find another way to get through to Wanda.

[abel-oc]

Doing a questions post for Lyos so I can figure him out! I'll do Micah next. Who reads these I don't care this is for me ! 😈 Taken from blog jovishark

1. Are they happy with their body?

Yes! He can shape shift anyway as per standard incubus lore. But he likes how he looks how I've been drawing him most. He would give himself big boobs even though he's gay in succubus mode though

2. Do they have any secret piercings or tattoos?

Not secret but his ears and tounge are done! Maybe his belly button I'm deciding still. I am toying with the idea of womb markings but they are very stupid maybe a tramp stamp

3. Do they collect anything?

Not really as he doesn't have anywhere to put them, probably leaves knickknacks in Abel's house though ( he wouldn't like this )

4. What is their favorite music genre?

Rock / techno!

5. What music genre, if any, do they hate the most?

Pop and church choir music it's probably cringe to him

6. What is their phone background/lock screen?

No phone! But if he got one probably a selfie

7. What is their shoe size?

He can extend it if he wants .big

8. Do they have a favorite fabric or texture?

Not fussed but ended up with mainly leather

9. Do they have a favorite professional sport?

He probably gets into most of them he would watch sport on TV and get heated about it

10. How do they decorate their living space?

Male living spaces

11. Are they messy, or do they clean up?

Messy! Even without having stuff he manages

12. What’s their preferred sleeping position?

Big spoon

13. Did they have a favorite comfort item as a child?

I don't know if he ever WAS a child. Bigger question

14. Do they have a favorite period in history?

Thought humans used to dress super funny in the 1800s

15. Can they cook? What’s their favorite thing to make?

Doesn't really need to but probably tries, he's ok at best. Frozen pizza

16. What food do they hate eating?

Fish he's not used to it

17. Do they have any allergies?

Maybe like. Holy water

18. What was their worst injury?

Probably bent his dick doing reverse cowgirl or something

19. What movie is most likely to make them cry?

He cries easily I think. I haven't seen many movies LOL idk titanic was popular at the time of the setting

21. Can they dance? Do they like to?

He is probably just ok like he doesn't make a fool of himself but not much further than that

22. What was their favorite birthday gift?

Whatever Abel gives him for the first one they've met for is probably the first thing he's received for it

24. What kind of cake or birthday treat would they prefer?

Ice cream cake

25. What is their favorite animal?

Dogs! Big ones

26. Do they wear perfume/cologne? What is their favorite scent?

Doesn't wear it, thinks Abel's is nice. Likes food smells like bread or beer

27. What smell do they hate the most?

Fish as well

28. What sound do they hate the most?

Nails on chalkboard type noises

29. What video game would appeal to them the best?

If he had exposure to them probably FPS. I think he would like doom

30. How would they relax on a day off/rainy day?

Post coming to human world, would probably go bother Abel with whatever he's doing, maybe he's learning guitar he might play that too

31. Are they combative? What is their fighting style?

Yes, would punch people. Short fuse

32. Would they be the one to start an argument?

Yes. Would insinuate someone was chicken

33. What is their personal style? Favorite outfit?

Kind of bdsm ish punky clothes. Likes wearing as little as possible

34. Do they have a dream job?

No way! He does not dream of labour

35. What do they do if they can’t fall asleep?

Wank !!!

36. Do they wear makeup regularly? If they don’t, would they consider wearing any?

His red eyeliner is actually permanent I'm thinking he got someone to do it in hell like they must have body artists there / some kind of magic thing. He wouldn't put it on every day. Would wear it if Abel or someone else put it on him, wears lipstick in succubus mode if he has to

37. Do they prefer to be really cold or really warm?

Warm! He hates the cold but also won't wear extra clothes to avoid it

39. Can they drive? What vehicles are they licensed to operate?

He has not learnt, probably wants to ride a motorbike

40. Do they believe in true love? Have they experienced it?

He would but only if he was in love, that would be true love. No one elses would be. Has a somewhat warped perception of love though

41. Are they married? Do they want to be?

Would want to it seems fun as long as he can still sleep around

42. If they have siblings, do they like any of them? Would they rather be an only child?

I need to come back to this if he did they would be sort of distant

43. What do they think is their worst quality? What is their actual worst quality?

I think he knows he's too quick to start a fight. He's too easy to make mad in general

44. Do they lie often? Are they good at it?

Doesn't need to often, would be fine unless he forgot some intricacies like for a convoluted plan etc

45. Are they good at keeping secrets?

Probably not!

46. How do others see them? How accurate is it to how they really are?

I think they are pretty accurate he is very much the same outwardly as he is inside

47. What kind of first impression do they usually make?

Wow this guy is loud

48. What are they most afraid of?

He doesn't want to be alone or die hungry

49. Would they ever kill anybody?

Guarantee he has done this

[casspurrjoybell-31]

The Consort - Chapter 3 - Part 1

*Warning Adult Content*

Finn

My fingers lazily slide along the frayed carpet in search of my beer.

The glass bottle is more to the left than I remember it being.

I frown as I bring it to my lips, silently chiding it for trying to make an escape.

There's not much left, so I'm forced to lap up the bitter froth caked around the rim.

Kelly strums his guitar in the background.

Every once in a while he stops abruptly and pulls the pencil from his ear, scribbling notes across a sheet of paper with the ferocity that borders on madness.

I used to get envious of the way he could write music.

Now I just see it as a secret treasure that I'll be privy to enjoy before anyone else.

Truthfully, I used to be envious of a lot more than Kelly's musical abilities.

We were four years apart in high school but even back then, the differences between us were notable.

Where he was popular and adored, I was gangly and blended in with the background.

Where he was intelligent and athletically inclined, I was middle of the road and shamefully uncoordinated.

Where he was good-looking and charming, I was plain and boring.

It wasn't until I graduated high school that I just stopped caring.

Even though I knew he surpassed me in... well, just about everything... I got the prize of being able to call someone like him my best friend.

That seemed to make all the rest irrelevant.

"Did that last hook sound like the one in 'Horseshoes and Hairpins?'"

I pull the beer bottle away from my lips and squint.

"Play it again?"

Kelly strums a few chords and his converse shoes tap along to the unique beat.

I try to compare it to the hook in question and shake my head when he's done.

"No," I confirm.

"They're completely different. They're both in 3:4 but that's about the only similarity I can tell."

Kelly smirks and jabs the end of his pencil in my direction.

"You're learning."

"Yeah," I scoff.

"Only took me about seven years to pick up a thing or two about music."

He shrugs, the very embodiment of patience when it comes to my mediocrity.

"Everyone learns at their own pace."

I roll my eyes and force myself into a sitting position.

"Speaking of pace, I need to pick mine up if I plan on being buzzed by the time Fiona and her gaggle of crows come over. I'm way too sober to deal with that shit right now."

Kelly snorts but doesn't look up from his music notes.

Once a month Fiona takes over their apartment and invites a handful of her friends over for a night of girl bonding.

I'm not exactly sure what it entails but it usually ends in high-pitched squeals and sickening gossip that tastes worse than the warm beer staining my lips.

"You want me to grab you one too?" I ask, standing and stretching my torso.

He doesn't answer right away.

He's lost in the musical realm and based on the early hour of the evening, he won't be joining me again for a while.

I round the corner of the living room and pad my way across the kitchen floor.

The refrigerator seems to beckon to me as I pry it open and reach for two more beers.

When I bring them back out to the living room though, Kelly is standing and frowning at his phone.

"What is it?" I ask.

"I got an alert from my vamp," he mutters.

"You need to go feed sometime soon?"

"Not soon," he answers.

"She needs me now."

If I didn't know any better, I'd say that he almost sounds worried.

It's hard to tell, though.

Kelly isn't the type of guy to let fear edge its way into his mind.

He's known for always dealing with situations using a clear mind and a sense of ease.

"What's wrong?"

"She wants me to go to the Village."

My eyes widen.

Whenever vampires and their consorts meet for a live-feeding, it's usually in a setting closer to other humans.

Or at the very least, it's in a chosen setting that's neutral to both parties.

That way if something goes wrong, the human is always close enough to get help.

But the Village isn't a part of our world.

It's a part of theirs.

"Why does she want you to go there?"

Kelly stands, scratching at the back of his neck.

"I dunno. She marked it as a code red, though. She needs a feeding."

As much as it pains me to see the torment in Kelly's features, that old, familiar feeling of envy resurfaces.

I know how much it annoys him to be a vampire's consort but at least he has a vampire.

The one assigned to me fled the scene, sent me a nast-o-gram rejection email the next day and hasn't responded to my sarcastic reply in almost a week.

I know, I know.

Why am I complaining?

Most humans would pay for this type of outcome.

It'd be like winning the lottery.

There's something seriously wrong with me for thinking otherwise.

Yet for reasons unknown to me, I just can't shake the desire to fulfill my role as consort.

"Let me take you," I offer.

Kelly snaps his head up.

"What?"

"Seriously," I continue.

"I'll drive you into the Village, wait until you're done and then I'll drive us back."

My best friend vehemently shakes his head back and forth.

He wraps his hands around the neck of his guitar so tightly I wonder if it'll leave an indent.

"You can't do that, Finn. What if something happens? I can't. I... "

"Well you're sure as hell not going alone," I argue.

"And if you even tried, I'd tell Fiona. How do you think she'd react knowing you traveled to a place like that by yourself?"

Kelly's eyebrows arch with surprise.

"You wouldn't dare."

I grab my keys off the coffee table and dangle them in the air.

"Try me."

[atozphantomsquadron]

Chapter 12: The Long Road

July 4th, continued

It doesn’t take us long to pack … all of us have been living on the go, so to speak, for months, so we have our own “go-kits” … but we’re not leaving until tomorrow morning anyway.  The Salems insisted that we stay through the night, for my sake.

I have my overnight bag assembled, ready to go.  I set it just outside my room, allowing a stuffed hawk to guard it, eternally in descent toward prey that has long since disappeared.  Surprisingly, there’s not a lot of people mulling about.  I can’t even find William, as prone as he is to clinging to me like a loyal puppy.

“Anyone here?  Michi?  William?”

No one.  I’m on guard, and my hand is on the Sword, when I venture down the hallway toward the dining room.  My stomach’s growling: dinner will feel good, then I can resume searching for my friends.

William suddenly appears in my path.  Much to my surprise, he picks me up and carries me in his arms, walking through the doorway into the dimly-lit dining room.

“William, what’s up?  What are you doing?”  I’m laughing, but at the same time I’m a little worried.

“You’ll see.”  He simply grins.  The ride in his arms only lasts until he can carry me to the center of the room.  Once my feet hit the floor, the lights are thrown on at full power.

Dear God in Heaven, it’s a surprise party!  Amidst the bellows of “SURPRISE!” and the singing of “Happy Birthday,” I try to locate all of my friends.  Fortunately, it doesn’t take long: Michi and her parents are parting the crowd, carrying a large sword-shaped sheet cake, with Fahaian and Grandmother behind them.  William still stands behind me, gently urging me forward.

Sixteen candles.  Fahaian flicks his lighter, and the candles instantly start glowing, all at once.  Everyone around us cheers this trick.

William’s face is right by my ear.  He warmly whispers, “make a wish, Alanna.”

I take a deep breath and close my eyes.  What should I wish for?

I wish my family will be back together soon.

The air I’ve been holding in my lungs gets a quick journey out, extinguishing all sixteen candles in one puff.  Another cheer.  More smiling faces.  A gentle hug from behind by William.

You’d think we were normal people.

The party goes on for a long while, right up to midnight.  During the festivities, I learn a lot about many of the refuge’s supernaturals, many of whom already know me.  Some of them seem to have utterly useless powers, such as the man who was able to talk to amphibians (“Call me Frog-Boy, everybody else does”), or the woman who lays eggs that contain various vintages of wine (“I used to be really popular at parties, believe me”).  Others, I can understand why the New Empire might be afraid of them, since they have useful, offensive powers, ranging from explosive long-distance flatulence (“Just don’t stand behind me after I eat a bowl of baked beans”) to the Olympic javelin-thrower with a rubberized arm (“They could’a let me keep my gold medal, y’know, because it’s not my fault I’m a human slingshot”).

I mentally catalog every person’s power.  Later tonight, I’ll write down the whole list before I go to bed, that way I won’t forget.  I’ll need as many soldiers as I can get when the time comes.

When the blueshirts fall.

The party’s winding down, as many of the revelers are heading to bed.  A few of them are actually going through the Avalon portal tonight, so this doubles as their farewell party.  Michi comes over to my side, as I sit down to my third piece of birthday cake.

“Hey girl, I hope this is good enough of a party for you.  Sorry we don’t have any gifts …”

I shake Michi’s shoulder.  “Being with you guys … having you guys do this for me is the greatest gift I could get this year.”  I hug her gently.

William, in the corner of the room, has his guitar again and is playing, something lively.  Fahaian, looking nervous as hell, walks up to us and holds his hand out …

… to Michi.

“Would you care to have this dance, my lady?”  He has that charming smile on his face again, but it doesn’t hide his nerves, because I can see those in his eyes.

Michi looks over at me, like she’s asking permission.  Not like it really matters that much to me.  I simply nod quietly.

She looks up at Fahaian and gives him probably the warmest grin she’s given him since the night they first met.  “What the hell, sure.”  She takes his offered hand.  He helps her to her feet and leads her to the open space on the floor, where they begin dancing.  William, still playing, smiles at the two of them, much the same way I am I suspect.

Their dance is humorous, but also cute.  It’s obvious that Michi’s not much of a dancer, because she keeps stepping on Fahaian’s feet.  For his part, the prince is very patient with her, twirling her around, making her giggle.

Michi never giggles, unless she’s doing something violent.

I watch them for a while, and my focus shifts between the two of them dancing and William playing his guitar.  I could just grab him and dance with him right now …

I think that’s what this birthday girl’s going to do.  I stand up and cross the floor, coming up to right in front of William.  I hold out both of my hands to him.

“Let’s dance!”

He looks up, grins widely, and sets down the six-string.  By now, other people who can play are around him, their own instruments improvising a cheerful dance number.  I think William’s relieved by this, as he stands up and takes me in his arms again.  Before long, we’re dancing right alongside Michi and Fahaian.

There’s a lot of happiness in the air right now.  Desperate happiness.

After a few dances, the party finally breaks up.  Some of the musicians remain in the room, having an impromptu jam session, while the others make their way either out of the Ranch house or back to their respective rooms.  William escorts me down the hallway, and I sneak a look back to see Michi and Fahaian.

They’re holding hands.  She has her head on Fahaian’s shoulder, very familiarly.  Quite a difference from the first few months he was here.

“They’re cute, aren’t they?”  William’s question snaps me out of my reverie.

“Oh yeah.  Opposites attract, right?  They used to be at each other’s throats all the time … now look at them.”

There’s a wide smile on William’s face.  “I can understand how he feels.  How they feel.”

Now my attention is fully on William.  Reality is starting to settle into my mind.  “You know, when we leave here, that’s it.  We’re on our own.  Our friends won’t be able to help us, unless we can get back here.”

He nods gently.  “That’s why I wanted to do this for you.”

Now my eyebrows are raising.  “The party was your idea?”

“Michi and Kitty told me about what your birthdays used to be like on the rez.  So I improvised one for you.”

My face feels hot.

“Happy birthday, Alanna.”  He lowers his face and places the gentlest, most loving kiss I’ve ever had on my lips.  Soon my arms are around his shoulders, because my heart is wishing this moment can last forever.

~~~~

July 5th

I’m glad we had the party last night, because thus far the trip’s been utter hell.

We left early this morning, with a lot of cheering from everyone around the refuge.  Michi had a cursory once-over from her dad before she climbed into the truck.  As usual, Gabe’s at the wheel, but the truck’s a little overstuffed, now that our travelling party has nearly doubled.

One thing that surprised me before we left was that Grandmother asked to talk to me privately.  When I consented and we moved away from the group, she handed me a small card.

“Keep this with you, Alanna, and think of us.  You’ll always be home and in the heart of love when you do.”  And then she hugged me, with tears in her eyes again.

Who is her daughter, and why am I a reminder of her?

I have the card in my pocket.  Every so often, when we have a peaceful moment, I’ve been pulling it out and reading it.  It has a short, beautiful prayer printed on it:

-Lord in Heaven, Creator of Earth

-Remind me what in life has worth

-Family, friends, all those I love

-My shelter ‘til I meet You above

-And keep me safe ‘til the day when

-I see them again, in Your name, Amen.

Peaceful moments, though, have been very few and far between in the first six hours of the trip.  We’ve already had to fight our way through three blueshirt checkpoints, and it’s pretty much guaranteed that we’re going to encounter way more, as word reaches the others that we’re out here.

Speak of the devil … there’s another line of blueshirt cars blocking the road.  Chimney Rock rises behind them, taunting us.  My hand’s on the Sword already.

“Play it cool, Alanna,” Gabe admonishes.  “We don’t know if they know we’re us.”

“And the other checkpoints wouldn’t describe our car?” Michi angrily demands.

“Point taken.  Let’s just play it cool for now, let’s see what happens.”

It doesn’t take long to find out what happens.  As soon as they have us in their sights, the blueshirts open fire.  Hopefully we won’t need to take too long to clear these people out … and hopefully no supernaturals will be in the mix.  We all pile out of Gabe’s truck, hiding behind the doors and letting them take the brunt of the gunfire aimed at us.

Michi is powering a spell behind me: I can feel the glow against my back.  Behind her, I hear the growling that comes with William’s transformation. 

Better give them some cover.

When the gunfire slows down … probably for reloading … I peek my head around the corner.  The churning starts in my stomach, the churning I’ve been learning to control.  It eventually erupts.  I firecast toward the blueshirts, and watch them scatter.

Next thing I see is Fahaian, emerging from my fire stream and getting his martial arts kicks on.  Several of the blueshirts fall away from him.  Others are running … running for their cars, to run him over.

Michi stops that with a spell launched over my shoulder.  The blueshirt car with the revving engine has a catastrophic failure, exploding before it can even get moving.  Fahaian looks back over at us and flashes a thumb’s-up.

William’s turn, now.  More blueshirts are starting to approach, and another three cars’ worth of backup has arrived.  The wendigo is completely loosed, stampeding toward the massing forces.  I’m right behind him, getting ready to pull out the Sword.  The hilt’s in my hand …

A stabbing pain hits me in the small of my back.  My legs lose any and all strength, and I collapse under my own weight.  The Sword remains in its scabbard as I catch a mouthful of dirt.  I’m not so concerned about that right now, though.

I’ve been shot.  Again. 

After the initial shock of the strike, though, I’m finding that my legs are coming back to me.  I can still move them: after slapping my thigh I realize I still have feeling.  Michi and Gabe run up behind me: as Michi provides a shield for him, Gabe reaches me and places both hands on my back.

“What is it?  What happened to me?”

I feel a different pain, a stinging pain.  Then Gabe comes around to where I can see him.  “I don’t know if this is a joke or not, but …”

He’s holding a tranquilizer dart.  “Who shot me?!”

“I don’t know.  I’ll check this out later, for now let’s get you out of the line of fire.”

“Gabe, I’m fine.  I don’t feel like I’m getting knocked out, just a little shocked.  I’m going in!”

Gabe tries to stop me, but I’m too fast for him.  I’m running up to cover William’s back, Sword and wings out.  Once the Guardswoman is present, I flap my wings to lift off and speed toward the battle.  The weapon swings freely through the assembled blueshirt forces, cutting up cars and just missing the men in the uniforms.

Something’s different this time …

I still have control over the Guardswoman: the power is remaining under rein.  Thank you, Durga!  But something else is weird.  I feel like I have too much energy.

Aren’t tranquilizers supposed to knock you out?

My excess energy is translating into the Guardswoman, fighting more fiercely … more mercilessly.  It’s not long before the Sword tastes blueshirt blood.

Not the pawns!  They’re not worth it!

I’m quickly losing control again.  Before the Guardswoman takes another life, I force her to sheathe the Sword.  I’m back to myself, but I still have the bloodlust.  I grab a blueshirt and throw him … literally … over the top of his car.

William notices my anger, despite the wendigo, and rushes over to help me (stop me?).  I don’t seem to want to be stopped, though, and I keep tearing through the blueshirt lines, flapping to hover over them, firecasting with abandon.

There’s a taloned hand grabbing my ankle and yanking me down to the ground.  I look and see the wendigo.  Even without William’s eyes, the beast looks concerned.

“What’s … wrong … Alanna?”

I can’t tell him.  I can’t articulate what’s going on, although I can tell it’s taking all of William’s concentration to make the wendigo talk.  As this conversation goes on, though, an older blueshirt approaches us, weapon raised.

“Freeze right there!  Hands up!”

We see him, white hair in a ponytail behind his blue collar, blue eyes set in stone, his weapon leveled at us.  He can’t hold it too steadily, and the end of the barrel jiggles around at random.  Just as suddenly as he corners us, though, his face gets this unusual look.

He’s looking at me.  At my chest.  I feel really self-conscious about this pervert checking me out.  His mouth opens, and his words change my mind about him.

“Vibria?”

He spotted Mom’s maiden name on the shirt.  Who is this guy?

Some more blueshirts are coming our way.  We don’t have time to discuss things, but I need answers.  I grab the older blueshirt’s wrist and drag him down to face level with me.  “You’re coming with us, buddy.  Any complaints, take it up with him.”

He looks over at William, then back at me.  My nose is smoking.  I think we have compliance.  I stand up and drag him back to Gabe’s truck, with William, coming out of his wendigo form and gnawing on more moose jerky, behind us.

Gabe has a quizzical look on his face as we approach and throw the guy into the back with Michi and Fahaian, who clutch him tight as William climbs in. 

“I didn’t realize we’re taking prisoners now.”

I shoot a sharp glare at Gabe.  “This one’s different.  I want some answers.  Just drive, I’ll take care of him.”

Gabe shrugs and starts the truck up, continuing on the road to Wisconsin.  I’m not quite concerned about the driving right now, as I turn around and confront the blueshirt.

“All right, start talking.  Who are you?”

The blueshirt is ever defiant.  He glares at me.  “What are you doing with that name on your clothes?”

“That’s irrelevant!”

He grits his teeth.  “Then I’m not telling you shit, lady.”

My nostrils are smoking again.  I growl audibly.  “If you must know … it’s my mother’s maiden name.”

His eyes widen.  I hear a quiet whisper.  “Shanee …”

My eyes narrow.  “No.  Ariel.”  I have a sneaking suspicion …

The blueshirt’s face softens considerably.  I think he’s about to cry.  He’s starting to make me sympathize with him, and then he unloads the coup de grace.

“All these years … I thought I would never have any knowledge of that time again, never see any sign of it.”  His voice quavers.  “My name is Julian Vibria.  I think I’m your grandfather.”

[starryandpied]

Yo, nice! Outdoor time! 🌲🌲 Great to hear that you've been awesome 😁😁 hope your new semester of school goes well. I'm rootin for you, hang in there! 📣🥳🎉🪭🎌🕺🤸🤹 <- (me cheering for you. I tried.)

Yoo, that's awesome! What've you been learning on the guitar? Self improvement! Pog! Have some celebratory cake! 🎂🎊 You deserve it! Treat yourself!

Bro, you gotta get off twitter 🙂‍↔️ Especially if you're saying you should do it this much. What's holding you back?

Oh shit, which mcr member you meetin? That's sick!!

Oh heck yeah! Limited edition vinyls! Yeah, as a kid who grew up sans walmart, walmart is so fucking sick. They have everything in there! They have golden girls action figures! Ooh, those vinyls are beautiful 💙💙 absolutely gorgeous.

As for me, well I've been struggling with a ton of anxiety recently (thanks to just the general state of the world, and having a new roommate, with is causing more noise at home, triggering my sensory issues a little bit). So, I've been doing some weird crazy shit to cope.

Fun story number 1 (genuinely fun for me, not sarcastic): I went on a quest at midnight to find a nearby taco bell without directions. There's always a taco bell, just like there's always a starbucks. And, I had a location in mind that I thought might house one.

So, I set off in freezing weather in the middle of the night, wearing just a hoodie with a larger jacket and a couple of other things in a backpack, and 20 dollars cash to my name. I ended up wandering around for a few hours, crossed a bridge that wasn't the bridge I thought it was, ended up in the administration part of the city where the police and courthouse is, eventually finding my way to the other bridge.

I had walked over a mile at that point, I was exhausted, and the wind was picking up, so I decided to take refuge in a blessed traveler's oasis (loaf and jug). My phone was dying too, and of course my dumb ass didn't pack a phone charger, because I didn't think I would need it. I couldn't buy a charger from the loaf and jug, because they sold the wall mount and charger separately, both at a price over 10 dollars, which I couldn't afford, having only 20 to my name. I knew walking back all that way now would be hellish, and I was not willing to do it, especially without music, so I sent off some emergency texts to my roommates, who would be up in a few hours, before desperately trying to download uber on a slowass phone at 8%. Luckily, I was able to call an uber, and remembering that my roommates birthday was tomorrow (now technically today), I bought him a stuffed little sushi guy as a gift.

So, ultimately, having gone on a crazy adventure like I had wanted to, and having gotten my friend a gift, I considered the whole thing a great success! Turns out that there is a taco bell nearby, and if I hadn't taken a wrong turn, I might have found it! So, now I know where to aim for next time 😏 And I now know to bring a phone charger and debit card just in case! The taco bell is about a mile and a half away, so one of these days I'll attempt the pilgrimage again. To the holy land of taco bell!

Fun coping mechanism 2: I realized that freezing cold makes me happy, it's very refreshing. So, one day I woke up in the shittiest mood, while it was still dark out, with snow outside, and went and drew some chalk art out front to get my fee fees out. The guy now sleeping on our couch was very confused.

Fun coping mechanism 3 (daytime edition): I listened to an album that I've had since I was ten years old, that I haven't listened to probably since high school. I realized while listening that I don't think I've heard it since I realized I was trans. I used to fall asleep to it at night.

Have you ever listened to an album and found a piece of yourself in it that you thought you had lost for good? Cause damn, I think I left myself in that album. It's like since 2020, I had been living as a completely different person (not to do with being trans, I realized that in 2019). It's been like there was this insurmountable incongruence between who I was now and who I was before. And I didn't like who I was now. Now me was a coward, and I missed the easy bravery that I used to have. But I found it. I found that old me, in that album that I had woven into the narrative of my life. I found that old me, easy confidence and all.

Also on that day, I bought my old favorite lunch from high school, that I also haven't had since then. I hiked around for a bit to find a place to eat it outside, because there's a way this lunch must be eaten. It was very windy, and very, very nice.

So yeah, I think I'm ok now. At least more ok than I was. Will to live somewhat more intact! Sometimes it does take a walk, with ✨flavor✨.

Luckyyyy!! What's up homeslice, how have you been? :)))

STARRYYY HIII I've been pretty awesome :33 experiencing the wonders of the outdoors and frolicking yk. trying to get that mindset productivity for school back. sighhhh next semester truly is my anthem

I've been trying to learn more stuff on my guitar lately and most days my screentime is below 4 hours (which is pretty big for me it was soooo bad last year.) anddd I'm doing way better w taking care of myself which was a huge goal for me for the new year!!!

I feel bad cuz I honestly haven't really been on tumblr as of late and unfortunately I've been spending wayyy too much time on twitter :/ BUT!!! in other news I'm hopefully meeting one of the members of mcr on my birthday which is like. the best thing ever. 6 whole years of an mcr obsession have been building up to this moment for realz

my main source of happiness lately has been some silly limited edition vinyls I got last weekend I was completely unaware of how awesome the walmart vinyl section is.. I love love love the mcr picture disk I'm planning on hanging it on my wall oughh it's so cool

hbu??? any wonderful stories to share or silly purchases? :]

[word-wytch]

Don't Stand So Close To Me — Chapter 5

Eddie x Teacher!Reader

Chapter 5/? 3.2k. Series Masterlist

✏︎ A lesson in rock history and the things you can say with a thumb.

✏︎ Series Summary: Forced to move back home to Hawkins after your fiancé cheats on you, you begin to fall in love again with an audacious 20 year old metalhead, only there’s one problem — he’s still in high school and you’re his English teacher.

While you struggle starting over in a place you never thought you would return, Eddie struggles feeling stuck in a place he can’t manage to leave — until you offer to help him. Of all the lessons learned, the most important are the ones you teach each other.

✏︎ Series CW: forbidden romance, slow burn, smut (18+ mdni), true love, internal conflict, student-teacher relationship, 10 year age gap, mutual pining, sexual tension, emotions, drama, angst, character development, happy ending :)

Chapter warnings: drinking mention

“Happy Monday!” chimed Ms. Click, fixing her coffee on the counter in the teacher’s lounge. “How was your weekend, sweetie?”

You turned to her as you nestled the glass coffee pot back onto the warmer. “Oh, you know. Just catching up on errands and chores. Same old, same old.” Oh, and wrestling with thoughts I really shouldn’t be having about my student. You figured it was best to leave that part out. Though if you were being totally honest you had done more of that than anything else this weekend. You couldn’t believe yourself.

“Oh I hear ya, it’s real easy for things like that to just take over. Pretty soon you feel like you’re just living the same week over and over again and then whoops! 20 years go by!” she said with a loud and slightly pained laugh.

You smiled weakly. “Yeah, time really does fly.”

“It does if you’re not careful! You’ve got to treasure every precious moment while you can,” she said, giving a gentle pat on your forearm before turning to leave.

“I try to,” you said, turning to open a new carton of milk for your coffee. You watched it swirl as you poured it in and thought about Eddie Munson again. You wondered what a what a weekend was like for him, what sort of trouble he might get into. You thought about him cruising down the road in his van at night, blasting his music and driving way over the speed limit — not a care in the world. You thought about being a passenger, about laughing with him as he took his hands off the wheel to play air guitar to a song you didn’t recognize.

“Hey!” she said Diane in a little whisper, waving her hand between you and your coffee.

You jolted upward and turned to her. “Oh hey! Sorry, I’m a total space cadet today apparently.”

“It’s Monday, you’re allowed,” she said with a warm chuckle. She leaned back against the coffee station. “Sooo, your birthday is on Friday. It’s the big 3-0 right? Have any plans?”

Yes, that. You hadn’t forgotten, though you secretly wished you had. “I’m shocked you remembered!”

“Well, birthdays are circled on the office calendar,” she said, folding her arms with a little smirk, “I can’t give myself that much credit, but we should really do something. It’s a big one.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Honestly I hadn’t given it much thought.”

“There’s always Pal Joey’s. At the very least I can bake you a cake and we can just get drunk together, right?” she said with a playful chuckle.

You laughed, “Yeah, I don’t need anything extravagant. Just something low key would be nice. Actually, I have a friend I haven’t seen since I moved back over the summer. She’s been busy with her small kids, I bet she’d appreciate getting out for a night.”

“That’s the spirit! Ok, got any preference for cake flavors?”

You thought for a moment, a smile playing on your lips as you brought a curved finger to them, “Surprise me.”

______

You set off down the main hallway like you did every morning, careful not to slosh the remainder of your coffee too hard as you walked. You dodged the usual obstacles ��� kids with headphones on not paying attention, couples leaning against their lockers, jocks giving a football a few passes before another teacher reprimanded them. 

You were about halfway there when you smelled it — cigarette smoke. Not the sort of smoke left over on clothing, but actual active smoke coming from someone nearby. You glanced around to see if you could catch a plume and that was when you saw him.

You didn’t know his name but he must have been a junior at least. He was more than six feet tall, an athlete, as you could tell from varsity jacket he had on. 

“Hey! No smoking in the hallway,” you said firmly as you approached him at the lockers.

He looked at you like you were a small child threatening to tattle on him. “Or what?”

“Or I’m giving you detention. Put it out, now.”

He rolled his eyes at you, “Ooh, so scary.” His friends around him chuckled.

You swallowed, feeling small all of a sudden. “I’m serious, put it out right now.”

“Jeez, calm down, bitch.” His friends erupted in laughter, practically tripping over themselves now.

Your eyes narrowed, heart beating into your throat.

“The fuck did you just call her?” a voice cut through from behind you.

You recognized it before you whipped your head around to see him. “Eddie —”

He marched up to the athlete in front of you. “Here, let me make it easier for you.” He snatched the cigarette out of his mouth and threw it on the ground to stomp it out. There were daggers in his eyes. “Say it again.”

He looked at Eddie with a mixture of shock and confusion. “Jeez since when are you a goody two-shoes, Munson?”

“Principal’s office, now,” you said, pointing at the athlete.

He rolled his eyes again. “You gonna have your pet escort me?”

You glanced over at Eddie, you could practically feel the heat coming off of him as he glowered behind you like a shadow. “No, I can do that myself, unless you’d rather have security escort you. Your choice.”

He sighed. “Fine, Jesus.”

“I can take it from here, Eddie. Thank you.”

He glanced back and forth between the two of you, looking hesitant. “If you say so,” he conceded softly. 

You smiled at him with gracious eyes, then turned to the athlete. “Come on.”

Eddie bent down to grab the cigarette off the floor, his eyes did not leave you.

“I can take that,” you said, extending your hand.

He placed the flattened cigarette into your palm, slow enough for you to feel the calluses on his fingers as they lingered for a short moment. Yours curled around them just enough to brush the back of his knuckles as his hand left yours, as if they had a mind of their own. Your heart skipped a beat and you found the courage to meet his gaze again.

“Thank you.”

He bowed his head slightly, “Sure thing.” His eyes were dark and intense, like there was something more he wanted to say. 

You swallowed and broke his gaze. “Alright, let’s get going before I’m late for my own class.”

You walked swiftly toward the principal’s office, the two of you silent in the noisy din of the hallway as the athlete kept pace reluctantly beside you. You were halfway down the hall when you felt the urge to glance over your shoulder.

Eddie was still standing where you left him, still as a statue amidst the chaos of the hallway, watching you with careful eyes.

______

Eddie watched you from the back of your fourth period English class, as he did every day. 

He watched as you as you paced about, the way you leaned against the desk as you sifted through your notes. He noticed how thoughtfully you chose your words, how eloquently you spoke.

He wondered what you were like outside of school — what you would be like at a concert, a bar, a restaurant, a movie. He wondered what sort of observations you would make about the world around you. What sort of things you would want to talk about outside the strict confines of this building, outside your role in it. You were always so good at keeping the face you’d put on that morning. He wanted to see you without it. 

Wanted to see you first thing in the morning, the sleep still in your eyes. Wanted to see you in pajamas making coffee. Wanted to feel the warmth of your skin still heated from your bed, to peer over your shoulder as you cooked your eggs, to tickle you until you turned around to kiss him.

“In chapters 13 though 15 we can see that he’s both too scared to call Jane and too scared to sleep with Sunny, even though deep down it seems he wants to. Holden alienates himself as a form of self-protection, which is a motif in the novel,” you explained. “A motif,” you scratched the word onto the board, “— is a recurring structure, contrast, or literary device that can help to inform the reader of the text’s major themes.”

You turned toward the board to finish writing the definition. It was then that Eddie saw Patrick’s arm extend behind him with a folded piece of paper that Jason promptly snatched.

You paused, glancing toward the back of the classroom at the movement. 

Jason and Patrick froze like statues. 

Your gaze lingered a moment, then you continued, turning toward the board again. 

Eddie watched out of the corner of his eye as Jason opened the note slowly, trying to minimize the crinkle of the paper. He stifled a snicker and took his pen to it, scribbling in haste.

“Now, what are some other motifs that you may have noticed so far?” you asked, turning toward the class. 

Jason froze again, sliding his notebook over the paper slowly, leaving some space to continue writing discreetly at the bottom.

Eddie felt his pulse rise and shot Jason a threatening glare.

Since when are you a goody two-shoes, Munson? The words rolled around in his head. As much as he hated to admit it, there was some truth to them. 

The truth was that he had smoked in school before. More than once. The difference was he never got caught. He had been disrespectful on more than one occasion toward the faculty. He’d never called anyone names, but he’d certainly rolled his eyes, certainly given them a hard time. He’d sneak out, skip class, pass notes, run down the hallway — he even shot a spit ball at Gareth once, but only because he deserved it after flaking out on Hellfire because some girl invited him over to work on a project.

Jason caught Eddie’s glare and made a face at him, passing the note forward to Patrick who snickered when he opened it.

You whipped your head toward the back corner of the room and locked eyes with Patrick. “Excuse me, is something funny?”

Eddie’s eyes bored into his desk. He could feel the heat creeping up his neck.

“No ma’am, sorry,” said Patrick, straightening up.

Your eyes lingered a moment suspiciously but you let it go, sighing in annoyance as you turned back toward the board.

The note passing ceased after that.

It wasn’t until after the bell rang that both Jason and Patrick made eye contact with Eddie again. This time it was in the midst of laughter as they were leaving. 

______

By the time Eddie Munson had plunked himself down in his usual spot on the other side of your desk, you were admittedly exhausted. You hated to be one of those pedestrian I hate Mondays people, but today really took it out of you for some reason. 

Maybe it had something to do with the war you were waging in your mind over the man sitting across from you, but when you saw his sweet oval face again you felt the energy suddenly return to you, like a second wind. Like a breath of fresh air.

“Thank you for… intervening earlier today,” you said graciously as you filed away the papers on your desk, clearing the space.

Eddie gave a single nod. “I wanted to put it out on his face, but uh, pretty sure that’s also against the rules, so…” he said with a little chuckle.

Even behind his joking you could tell that he meant it. It stirred something in you, like a growling in the pit of your stomach. Something dormant and primal. You looked at his strong hands as he fidgeted with the pen in front of him, then your eyes traveled up to his forearms. He was wearing that flannel again with the sleeves rolled up and you wished you could ignore it, but instead you imagined what they would feel like wrapped protectively around your waist.

You cleared your throat and tucked your hair behind your ear. “Yeah, I’m afraid so,” you said with a little smile. “You know, you would think that after eight years of teaching I would be used to that sort of treatment but it still catches me off guard sometimes.”

Eddie raised his eyebrows curiously, “Eight years?”  he asked. You could almost see him doing the math in his head.

Your stomach dropped. “Yeah, um, I actually turn 30 on Friday,” you said with a nervous chuckle.

Eddie balked, “Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

He smirked, his eyes narrowing, “No way. I mean — sorry, it’s not a bad thing! It’s just hard to believe is all.”

“You want to see my drivers license?”

Eddie laughed, “No, no. It’s just that… you don’t seem like it to me. Not looks wise anyway. Maturity wise you’re probably closer to uh, 500 — you know, like an elf.” 

You snorted. “Thanks. That’s so much better.”

“No, I mean like Arwen old, not Galadriel old,” he said, stumbling over himself. “Sorry I’ll stop, I’m a dumbass. It doesn’t matter. It’s just a number anyway.”

There was a strange relief that came over you when he said that, more than you wanted to admit to yourself.

You had to laugh. “Arwen old, now that’s something you don’t hear every day.”

“Well, take it as a compliment. I mean you’re —” he gestured to you, up and down with his hand, his eyes widening.

You knew what he was going to say. No, you wanted to think you knew, but did you really know? You knew you shouldn’t press but you wanted to hear it. Your mouth betrayed you. “I’m what?” you asked softly.

Eddie swallowed. “You’re…” he blinked, his dark eyes darting back and forth between yours. You could see the gears turning in his head, weighing the options of what to say next. “You’re timeless.”

Timeless. Now that was a word you were not expecting. Not too bold like beautiful, or cheap like pretty. You were tempted to commend him on his vocabulary choice.

“Timeless,” you said in quiet awe as a smile crept across your face. “I’ll take that.”

Eddie relaxed into his chair, seeming pleased with himself. 

“Alright, what’s on the agenda for today?” There was a guilt that nagged at you for prompting such an intimate moment with your student, but then again, was he not the one who prompted it with his gesture? Still, it was your responsibility to be the bigger person, you knew that. And yet…

Eddie was doing well enough in your class. He was turning in his homework and did well on the last quiz. Today you decided to focus on History again since that seemed to be his biggest challenge, which meant that Eddie was now seated beside you — and that was another challenge.

Eddie Munson had a way of being around you that was hard to ignore. It was the way he looked at you from beneath his lashes, the way he almost put his shoulder behind yours as you both crowded over the textbook. You swore you weren’t imagining it. 

It was when you pointed at a line in the text, the way he inched closer to it, turned his head toward you ever so slightly, his face inches from yours. 

You could smell him again. The sweet musk of his skin, the soft scent of whatever he put in his hair. He was so close you could feel the gentle puff of his breath against your face. Your curious eyes dropped to his lips — so incredibly plush with a perfect cupid’s bow. Your animal brain betrayed you and you imagined, for just a split second, what they would feel like against yours. What he would taste like. 

You cleared your throat, face flushing as you broke the tension. “So, did you do anything fun this weekend?” 

There was a gleam in Eddie’s eyes. “Yeah, actually. Mercyful Fate was playing in Indianapolis on Saturday. Really good show.”

You nodded curiously, “Hmm, I’ve never heard of them.”

Eddie smirked, “Yeah, I figured not. I mean — most people haven’t unless they’re into metal. Which, I don’t want to make any assumptions, but…” he chuckled.

“You’re correct,” you said with a little laugh.

His eyes were tender, “What kind of music are you into?”

You hummed and glanced down at the textbook again thoughtfully, “Let’s see… I like all sorts of stuff. Older stuff like Van Morrison and Simon and Garfunkel, newer stuff like The Police and Tears for Fears. Oh and I love Joni Mitchell, especially Joni Mitchell. Her music is poetry, truly.”

Eddie hummed thoughtfully, “All good artists.”

“I mean I’m not opposed to metal. I just haven’t heard enough of it I guess. I do really like rock music, actually I love Led Zeppelin. I mean that’s not metal but,” you said in jest making the rock horn symbol with your hand.

Eddie laughed, eyes crinkling, looking at you like you were an adorable child who just said something funny. His hands came around yours impulsively, tucking your extended thumb in across your two middle fingers. “Like this,” he said sweetly. 

You swallowed, face flushing. His hands were so warm, the softness of his palms surprised you. They lingered for a moment, clutching your hand before letting go to demonstrate.

“This,” he formed the symbol with his hand, “Means rock. This?” extended his thumb, “Means ‘I love you’ in sign language.”

You chuckled, tucking your hair behind your ear. “Rookie mistake I guess.”

“It’s ok, it’s a common one. It’s not exactly been around for that long. Dio was actually the one who started doing it like five or so years ago. See, he’s super Italian and his grandma would do it like this as a sort of… spell, I guess, to keep the evil eye away.” He demonstrated, pointing his horns at you. “But then Dio kept doing it on stage, sort of adapted it into a symbol for rock.”

You nodded curiously, “See, you’re teaching me something now.”

He smiled, “I do know a few things, might not exactly be useful things, but…” 

“All knowledge is useful. In fact I think it’s a shame that we place so much value on grades. I mean honestly, most of this stuff you’re not even going to need to know to get through life. I can tell you that for a fact. I mean I know I’m not supposed to be saying that, but…”

Eddie nodded, his eyes were soft and distant. “I wish more people thought like you.”

You could feel the heat rushing to your face again. You met his eyes and smiled softly. 

You turned your attention back to the history textbook. After another twenty minutes, when it was clear that your attention spans were starting to wane, you called it for the evening.

You and Eddie left together again, out to the parking lot through the shortcut by the gym. Not a soul in sight in the hallway. He held the door open for you as you left.

Eddie was parked next to you this time.

“See you tomorrow,” you said, waving at him over the top of your little car as you unlocked it. The autumn wind kicked up, tousling your hair and scattering leaves across the parking lot.

“See ya,” he said, throwing open the door to his van.

He flashed you the rock horns again — thumb extended.

______

A/N: I just wanted to take this moment to thank every single one of my incredible readers — you guys. Every person who comments and shares each week, even the people who don't. I see your little hearts and it fills me with such joy. I am so lucky to have such a thoughtful audience that I can engage with and gush about my story with in real time. You make me feel like Charles Dickens.

My hope for this story is that it can reach as large an audience as possible, so if you can help me do that by sharing it, I would be endlessly grateful. I love you guys. 💚

Quick side note — if you don't see your name listed here but asked to be tagged it's because it would not let me tag you and I wanted to make room for the tags that are working!! tumblr only lets me tag a certain number of people so the list will be continued in the comments!

Taglist: @mermaidsandcats29 @toxicjayhoo @ooo-protean-ooo @jadequeen88 @wroteclassicaly @inknopewetrust @msgexymunson @bebe0701 @latenighttalkingwithgrapejuice @bibieddiesgf @idkidknemore @alizztor @godcreatoreli @shotgunhallelujah @ethereal27cereal @munsonsgirl71 @luna-munson83 @eddiemunsonsbitcch @tlclick73 @emxxblog @siriusmuggle @sidthedollface2 @dollalicia @lma1986 @catherinnn @maximizedrhythms @eddiemunson4life420 @readsalot73 @ruby-dragon @3rriberri @princess-eddie @nightless @eddiemunson011 @eddieswifu @thew0rldsastage @quinnsfineline @chaoticgood-munson @edsforehead @hanahkatexo @eddiemunsonsbedroom @chainsawmunson @beep-beep-sherlock @emily-roberts @averagemisfit03 @slay-and-gay @vintagehellfire @haylaansmi @newlips @munsins @sllooney @lunaladybug734

[wh6res]

one more time | markhyuck

"if i'm going to teach you how to fuck her right, you’re gonna need the best seat in the house, markie!" — lhc 

warnings. dubious content, swearing, bondage, voyeurism, masturbation, exhibitionism, mentions of stalking, fingering, oral (f receiving), degradation, there’s a knife (but no knifeplay), a threesome, implied kidnapping 

disclaimer. i dont condone anything. this isnt a normal relationship. this aint love.

note. prolly going to hell for this but who cares. markhyuck for @nakamotocore​ i wuv ya ie please get better soon! TT and dom hyuck for my napaka kalat na mami @donghyukcore​

against all rational thinking, haechan is getting bored from seeing the pathetic five feet distance between you and mark when he comes home. he tries to understand the other male in the relationship. truly, he does, even if he highly doubts that celibate little mark lee can pleasure you the way he can but everything's practically past that line now. donghyuck just wants to have some fun with you two, is that too much to ask for? at this point, he's blatantly ignoring the fact that you and mark don't even like each other.

but haechan cares for mark just as much as he cares about you and he won't just let his best friend miss out on all the fun things he can do to their little doll, right? what kind of a friend would he be? once haechan shoves him into a world of temptation and sin and pleasure, mark would kiss his self-induced celibacy goodbye.

plus, you've been awfully naughty these days.

talks about wanting to come home or getting at least a few rights to have gadgets were the only thing you said whenever you see him. it went as far as practically growling and running away from haechan when he tries to initiate something with you, screeching your lungs out and saying, "don't fucking touch me, you creepy little psycho!"

deflowering mark.

punishing you.

he'd be killing two birds with one stone.

he's fucked your stubborn little self into submission once, but all that overprivileged tv sessions might've put silly little ideas into your dumb little head again. alas, no worries, he'll just have to do it one more time. and maybe, now with the aid of his good 'ol buddy mark, they'll both be able to screw you up so good you'll never want to leave their clutches.

"gumdrop, can you come here for a second?"

haechan isn't deaf to the exaggerated groan you let out from the living room and it grates on his nerves how utterly brave you are for being passive aggressive. you reminded him of a little girl in a temper tantrum because they weren't given any candy - and when you show up in the master bedroom clad in your little pink dress, eyes upturned and sharp, a pathetic little girl was all he can think of when he saw you.

only now did he notice that you had even detangled your hair from the intricate braids haechan spent at least twenty minutes doing earlier this morning. where was mark all this time? why wasn’t he there to stop you? geez, you both are so going to get it, this time!

"what do you want?"

"can you give me a hug? i felt awfully stressed at work today. i need my little gumdrop."

this was obviously a test. don't get him wrong, he'll still punish you but if just this one time you learned to swallow that bitchy attitude and come crawling to him as the perfect lover should, maybe he won't be too harsh.

but he gave you too much credit, he thinks. of course his dumb cockwhore doesn't know shit. of fucking course, you wouldn't know it was a test. not when you scoffed, rolled your eyes at him, and spun in your heels to walk back to the living room.

"beat your meat with your own hands, creep."

haechan's reaction is immediate, his long legs allowing no delay in crossing the room to mercilessly fist your hair. he had pulled your hair so bad you thought it was going to rip right at the roots, all of his pent up anger due to your poor behavior channeling into that one grip.

you feel his scoff of disbelief against the curve of your neck as haechan pulls you flush against his body. "what the fuck did you just say to me?" he laughs patronizingly. "beat my meat with my own hands – aw, baby! that has got to be the best one yet!"

it truly was, though. he's not going to lie. out of every vicious snarl and hate-induced words you said to him, that particular offhand comment takes the cake. seriously, sometimes haechan thinks you're deliberately trying to make him furious – gumdrop, if you wanted to be fucked silly, all you had to do was ask.

he hurls you to the mattress, breath knocking right out of your lungs. before you can even sit back up and crawl away from haechan, he's already crawling over your body to sit directly on your stomach, fiddling with something on the headboard. you nearly scream in frustration, no matter what you do, you just can't throw him off of you!

"i don't know why the fuck you're behaving this way but it's gone too far. one more time. do i need to fuck some respect into you, one more time?”

a new wave of motivation surges through you when you hear the familiar click clacking of metal. your eyes widened just a fraction, the only thing that gave away the unease quickly seeping under your skin. if not for haechan's perceptive eyes, he would have missed it.

he merely used one hand to grip both your wrists in a vice. "no!" you squirmed, tossing and turning and trying with all your might to get him off of you. "no! i don't want that – not the cuffs!"

he loops the respective bands around your wrists with practiced ease. the last handcuffs he used had torn and marked your skin, something haechan wasn't fond of. only he can paint your bare skin with colors.

thus, he bought newer ones. the bands were a bright shade of red, connected to each other using a medium sized chain that loops around one of the steel wires of the bed, and the little bells attached to the bands ring with your every movement.

haechan knows the bells drove you crazy. its incessant ringing driving you up the wall as you couldn't keep your hands still whenever he fucked you to oblivion – he knew how much you loathed the sound of the bells, all the more reason for him to enjoy.

and mark, too. speaking of which…

you stubbornly pull at your bounded hands, glaring at the man before you as he studies your state. the corners of his lips curl up at the sight of you struggling. "you always look so good in red, gumdrop."

before you were given a chance to reply, he stormed out of the room with a sense of purpose bounding his steps. "lee donghyuck!" you screamed. "fucking come back and get me out of these, you pervert!"

he can hear you thrashing in your chains and yelling profanities from a room away. where was the demure girl he turned you into after only a week living in the apartment? though funny enough, the blood in haechan's sadistic side rushes in excitement at the prospect of wiping that glare off your face. it wasn't the fear, nor your submission that gets him off. it was the idea that he can and he will break you down no matter how many times you try to build yourself back up again.

he's not too sure whether he's going to eliminate that dirty mouth you've developed, though. because you did make him snort in the most unattractive way when you told him he can fucking jack himself off when he had been merely asking for a hug. this aggressive side you developed is… nice. he can work with it.

"can you ask your play thing to keep it down?" mark hisses, flinching and making an offkey sound with his guitar when a certain screech from you caught him off-guard.

haechan smiles.

"why don't you shut her up?"

it took a good few minutes trying to talk mark into stepping into the bedroom where he's got you chained to the headboard, but alas, haechan can be persuasive if he wants to be.

frankly, the younger man is sick and tired of hearing both of you bicker – it's no wonder you've developed a sharp tongue! it's all mark's fault and yet it's haechan that has to do the dirty work of setting you straight all over again. you're a tough cookie to crack, someone hauntingly immune to the violence and chaos.

and yet…

"you don't – don't seriously plan on doing this, do you?" your eyes go back and forth between the two males, primarily addressing the younger, devil-spawned male. haechan, ever observant, picks up the light tremor in your voice.

haechan had uttered a playful "if i'm going to teach you how to fuck her right, you're gonna need the best seat in the house, markie!" before forcing the older boy to sit by your side, mark's thighs grazing the temples of your head as your eyes awkwardly flutter up to the spectator.

mark couldn't deny he was intrigued by the emotion reflecting in your orbs. when your eyes met, it was a silent plea, he just knew it was. and unlike vulnerable and helpless you, mark, to some extent, still had at least some sense of freedom to him. he can choose to walk away, to stop haechan from trying to get him laid, maybe even talk the other boy into postponing your punishment.

but he'll do no such thing.

not because he has a moral compass (he doesn't, really) but because mark knew firsthand, there's no stopping haechan once he sets his mind into something – and right now, if that boy wants to punish you and use mark to fulfil his exhibitionistic fantasies then that's what'll happen.

your bottoms were the first to go, haechan's blunt nails digging into your skin as he pulled it down slowly, patronizingly, while watching bemused at your squirming. "this is how you know she needs a reminder," he says, addressing mark. "a good princess should take whatever's given to her like a good girl but if she's being an ungrateful brat –"

you flinch when he harshly smacks your thigh.

"– she gets what’s coming for her, right?"

there's a second's delay with mark's reply. haechan didn't mean for the question to be rhetorical, he wanted an answer from the other boy.

"right, mark?"

"r – right…"

haechan laughs, flipping the skirt of your dress up. "what, are you that excited for pussy that you're stuttering? that's cute."

you hear mark intake a sharp breath when haechan dives in to give you feathery kisses in your inner thigh. he always starts off this way, after figuring out this gets you wet way faster than simply kissing you.

as haechan starts talking, lips lazily grazing over your skin, you fight hard not to utter a single sound as you pull on your chains. "listen carefully, markie. do you hear those whimpers? she likes it," you feel the prickles of his sharp stare. "she's just too much of a fucking brat to admit it. go on gumdrop, your fighting spirit makes this all the more interesting."

you hate the patronizing tone he used as his hands trail higher, and higher until it's pinching at the bud of your clit. and against your whole being trying to keep your lips sealed, alas, it parts and creates a soft whimper that has mark stiffening next to you.

haechan lays his tongue flat against your folds. you weren't in the least bit wet yet to accommodate his size, but that's easy. he merely circles the bud with the tip of his tongue before pushing two fingers in. months of standing in the shadows outside your window had made him memorize the movement of your fingers whenever you pleasured yourself.

he felt the jolts of the bed as you shook your head side to side, trying with everything you can to hold your moans in. a corner of his lips can’t help but curl up. "what, gumdrop? too shy to lose yourself because we have an audience? don't worry our celibate little friend over here seems to like it. go on, give him a show."

too lost in the ministrations of his lips and fingers, you don't see haechan meeting eyes with mark, nodding at an object lying on the bed side table. you can only shudder when the cool tip of a knife presses against the base of your throat, hooking under the collar of your dress as mark slowly rips it off.

but haechan doesn't have the patience. "dude, give that to me. at your phase you'll get her naked tomorrow. let the tip cut her skin, the bitch deserves it anyway."

you scream when he drags it unceremoniously down your front, narrowly missed tearing at your navel. there are a few pricks of pain here and there for when the knife accidentally nicked your skin. he sure was ruthless as can be. why did you even bother acting like a brat, cursed him out, when it gave you no benefits whatsoever? did he unknowingly transform you into this sick little masochist that thrived on his sadism?

"no."

it was a defeated whisper. the last of your resolve turning into dust as the breath escapes your lungs. why did losing feel so heavy in your chest? you don't notice your arms slumping, nor your head nodding off to one side, the weight of your horrible reality sinking into you once again as if you had only been kidnapped yesterday.

but it had not been yesterday. it's been days. weeks. months. and the last time you sneakily got ahold of mark's phone and searched for your name, the last news clip or article published about your disappearance had been three months ago. that only meant one thing.

they weren't looking for you anymore.

just like that the world continued, other people's lives continued. all the while you're stuck here, rotting in the arms of your captors.

haechan's face emerged in front of you. he smiles and you would've believed he felt an ounce of guilt if not for that wicked stare in his eyes. "you've always been most beautiful like this, gumdrop. the hope disappearing in your eyes upon the realization that no one's coming for you anymore – i love it. i love you, my pretty girl."

he placed a chaste kiss on your forehead but he might as well have shot you straight in the heart.

there was no warning, nothing to ready you for the sudden intrusion happening on your bottom half and it was so bad, that it made you shut your eyes, hands wrapping around the chains as tears started falling across your cheeks.

rough fingers reached out and wiped them away.

something felt off.

the fingers were too calloused, opposed to the softness of haechan's nimble fingers. and while the aforementioned male had more length than girth, the person who's thrusting himself inside you is the complete opposite. he's stretching you out too much, not even bothering to give you time to adjust when he's already bucking his hips like an animal.

"shh, it's okay. i'll take care of you…"

this wasn't haechan.

and when you fluttered your eyes open to see mark's boyish little face, you can't help that look of betrayal painting your features. at least you only had to deal with one obsessive, sex-deprived freak. now, you're not so sure if you can handle both of them.

how foolish of you to think that mark's self-induced celibacy stretched far and wide when in reality, he was also just a boy with his own needs. a slave to his own temptations.

how cruel. so, so cruel.

in the back of your mind, you were thankful haechan cared enough to properly get you in the mood or else you would've been staining the bed sheets red by how deep and frantic mark’s thrusts were. it felt like he wanted to tear you in half.

"if i didn't know better i'd say you're experienced, markie! i wouldn't fucking know you're a virgin by how much you're humping her like a dog.”

curse him and his dirty mouth. his constant degradation is making it easier for mark to slide in and out of you, and a proof for that is the lewd slick sounds echoing in the room partnered with the older male's deep grunts – a complete opposite of the pitched, whiny sounds haechan makes.

'gumdrop, come on! be noisy with our first-timer here just how you're always noisy with me, yeah? don't be such a killjoy." the pout in his voice is evident, coming from the side of your ear.

you wish you had never turned your head, otherwise you wouldn't have to see him pumping his own dick in his hands right in front of you. the glare you shot probably looked pathetic, what with all the tears streaming down your face and your little theory proves true when you see his mouth quirk up to the side.

"i fucking hate you."

"mark, fuck her harder, wouldja? until she learns her fucking lesson."

the disturbed stare you gave him does not slip his notice, his hand's pace turning erratic, spurred by the slick sound of your walls, skin clapping, and mark's broken whines.

make him stop, your eyes said. please.

but haechan only shoots you an innocent smile before shaking his head. "didn't you tell me to beat my meat with my own hands?"

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[faeriegirldaydream]

I think we need to talk more abt the boys in present day California - does Marko get matcha lattes? He definitely goes to a Pilates class. He likes befriending yoga mums - their plant based diets make them excellent snacks.

Paul goes to a dispensary and buys wedding cake and lemon drizzle - which David refuses to smoke on principle. He ends up getting a job there. He gives me big vlogger energy - definitely has a review channel for his newest strains.

Dwayne re-wired the cave so that they can have an Alexa - which is very helpful when arguments over historical events start- and they start. He runs a music channel- I can see him posting anonymous virtuoso guitar covers. Like really subtle flexing. I mean he’s had decades to practice… so he’s gotta be pretty good?

And David… David definitely had a Mac set up. He uses it as a surveillance he likes playing cat and mouse with the cops. Will they find the latest bodies ?? He definitely has a drone for in the day, so he can nosy at what’s going on

They have a ring doorbell- just for laughs.

BONUS • star learns aerial hoop and becomes an international performer - and launches a range on athletic wear

i should probably sleep but I’m on a lost boys kick and this will now become a lost boys acc

[idamariaw]

A one-shot where you meet a british man, a bit clumsy for his own good sometimes but at least it brought him to you.

This is dedicated to @atlafan, Happy Birthday 🌸

The air was humid, warm and had a strong scent of your favourite jasmin bodywash as you carefully stepped out of the bathtub to continue to get ready for your date tonight. A date that you’ve been looking forward to all week and made it way easier to get through classes and exams, even though you didn’t know much about Harry yet. That was his name, Harry Styles.

You met him just over a month ago in the coffee shop near your apartment where you spend most off your afternoons to study or read, the earthy and warm environment having a calming effect and the staff always sweet. You were reading an article for your course in political science, Stevie Nicks ’Wild Heart’ playing with your notes and books neatly in a pile by your side as eveything sudden flew to the ground with a large thud. It startled you a bit and you took your headphones off to register what caused the mess while you heard a voice beneeth you along your dropped belongings,

”Shit! I-i’m so sorry. My guitar bag got stuck in the corner of your books, I really didn’t mean to.”

A mop of chocolate curls cought your eyes while speaking to you with his deep voice and keeping to apologize even though it didn’t matter, you knew it was an accident. After picking up your things he got up to his feet and you got the oppurtunity to really look at him now. Tall, broad build at the shoulders, skinny jeans with a button up in different patterns, curls to his chin and the most beautiful green eyes you’ve ever seen.

”I’m so fuckin’ clumsy, first time at this coffee shop and this happens.” Now you noticed he had an accent, a british one? Well if your cheeks weren’t burning before they sure were now.

”Oh no it’s okay! I promise. Accidents happen, i’m pretty clumsy myself so you’re not alone. I was getting zoned out on my work anyway so you helped me with that” You said with a smile to reasure you’re not irritated or anything.

”Thank you for trying to make me feel better, but your muffin got on the ground as well. Let me buy you another please?” He furrowed his eyebrows a bit and pouted his heartshaped lips and you just couldn’t say no.

”Oh and I’m Harry by the way, Harry Styles.”

After that you asked him to sit down with you and tried to give him a good impression of the shop although it’s caotic beggining. You learned that he actually was brittish, was majoring in English Literature, wrote music and sang covers with his band.

You met him every now and then the following weeks and after sharing a carrot cake with a latte a few days ago he finally got the courage to ask you what you thought about for weeks,

”Would you be willing to see me outside this coffee shop for dinner on Friday? Please?”

And here you were, freshly out the bath and in your closet looking for an outfit. It was early autumn and Harry said he’d pick you up at 6, so a leo printed long skirt and a sage green knitted sweather along with maroon converse and a bamboo knitted purse with some jewelry would work. A pretty little matching lace bralette and panties underneath just in case things would go that way. Just as you put on a layer of your strawberry flavoured lip gloss you heard the doorbell ring and your heart skipped a beat. You looked over yourself once more before getting your purse and rushed to the door.

There he stood, so good looking it almost made you angry, with his signature black skinny jeans, a black button up, brown boots, a tan coat and hair up in a bun.

”Hello darling, I’m sorry if i’m a tad early. These are for you by the way.” He came in for a hug and kissed your cheek as he handed you a bouquet of red roses and you got a chance to take in his strongly scented perfume that consumed your senses.

”No I was just ready so it’s okay! Wow thank you, i’ve never gotten flowers before. I’m just gonna put these in a vase and I’ll be right with you.” He furrowed his eyebrows a bit as he leaned against the treeshold.

”Really? Hm I’ll remember that then. I’ll just wait by the car, we’re going for a drive about 20 minutes away if that’s okay. Take your time darling.”

As said, he waited by the car and opened the door for you on the passenger side and then you were on you way.

”Can I have a guess at where we’re going? Dinner somewhere maybe?” You asked even though you didn’t really have any but you’ve always loved surprises and he didn’t even know that.

”Well you can guess darling but i’m not sure you’re gonna figure it out that easy. But yes, we will have dinner in a way.” He answered you with a crooked smirk, showcasting his dimples.

After the 20 minute drive he parked by a black steele double gate leading the way to something you were quite familiar with but haven’t visited in ages.

”The botanical garden?” You asked surprised while Harry opened the door for you to step out.

”Yeah, is that alright with you? I figured as you like the atmosphere at the coffee shop so much this could be nice.” He said a bit shyly.

”Are you kidding me? Ofcourse I love it, I used to be here as a kid with my parents a lot but haven’t been in ages!”

”Thank god, I got nervous there for a second. I’m just gonna get some things in the car but you can start walking up and I’ll meet you at the front.” He said as he started to pick some things out from the back.

You felt giddy and excited as you approach the building and started to walk up to the front like Harry told you. It was when you came to the entrance that you noticed it’s closed and locked. Did Harry know this? Then you felt a hand at the small of your back and the smell of his perfume announced his presens as you turned around and what you saw made you melt to a puddle inside. The guitarbag was secured aganist his back and in his arms he held a picnic basket with a blanket and filled with all kind of goods.

”An evening picnic at the botanical garden with some live music, can’t go wrong with that can we?” He said with a cheeky shrug even though you could sense the nerves in his eyes.

”Seriously? That’s so nice Harry, oh my god. It’s to much to be honest. But how do we get in? And is it even aloud?” You didn’t want to doubt him or his plans but you couldn’t help it as it was actually closed.

”Hm don’t need to doubt me darling. I know the owners son as I helped him with a poem analysis in our class so he owned me a favour.” He explanied as he fished up the key in his coatpocket and opened the door with ease.

The setting and environment was everything you remembered from when you were younger and visited this place, green and thriving plants and vegetation everywhere, even a little pond in the middle with a fountain. The ceiling was made of pure glass so you could clearly see the sky that began to darken and stars starting to shine through, it was breathtaking.

”I was thinking we could set up and get up these stairs close to the roof to we get the best view.” You heard Harry speak up as he lead the way up to a white spiral stair that got you to a spot near the roof to spread out everything and sit comfortably.

He really didn’t spare anything on the food or drink, a nice rosé wine, fruits and berries of all kinds and a fancy charcuterie board.

”Harry I hope you know that you didn’t really need to do so much for our date, a romcom with a burger and fries would have been just as nice. But I really appriciate this, thank you so much.” So said honestly because it was true, just being with him was more than enough.

”Thank you for being honest darling but it’s not to much. You deserve the effort and I want to show you how important this is for me, how important you are for me. Feed me a strawberry please? And do you have any song requests?” He said as he brought up the guitar from its bag.

”Maybe ’Leather and Lace’ by Stevie Nicks if you know that one?” You asked softly as you brought the strawberry to his pouty heartshaped lips and your throat got a bit dry when he hummed against the fruit as he took a bite.

”Mmh, thank you darling. And yes I know that one, a pretty big Stevie fan myself actually.”

He said as he started to play the strings on the guitar, the melody started to fill the garden and softly singing the lyrics made everything complete. It was almost like the man in front of you couldn’t be real with how perfect he looked.

”You’ve been staring at my lips quite a lot this evening.”He said taking out of your trance and making you blush down your neck.

”W-what? Oh i’m sorry Harry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable…” You started to explain yourself but he cut you off quickly,

”Shh, no darling it didn’t make me uncomforable at all. Come here please.” He made grabby hands at you as you sat opposite to him on the blanket so you could come up to his lap.

”I promise you it didn’t. I’ve been looking at you too you know, so beautiful today it makes my heart ache. So happy and thankful, proper cuite you are. Must have the sweetest mouth to. Would you let me have a taste?” He said as his fingers came to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear and lips almost touching yours.

”Yes Harry please.” You almost whimpered against his mouth until you felt his lips softly pressing aganist yours. You shifted in his lap to wrap your fingers in the nape of his neck below the bun to deepen the kiss, Harry leaning back to take a breath.

”Tastes like strawberrys darling, gonna give me a toothache with this sweet mouth of yours.”

You continued to kiss for a while and as he moved down to your neck he felt you shift against him more and he got the courage to lay you down on the blanket and hover over you to get better acess to the rest of you.

”Can I take this off? Or will you be cold?” He asked while playing with the hem of your sweather.

”No I want it off please, I won’t be cold.” You barely finished the sentence before the sweather was off and Harry started to kiss from you neck down to the crease of your breasts.

”Smells like flowers darling, and so soft. Perfect tits you have.” His raspy voice sent a shudder down your core the same time as he carefully touched your breasts and started to kiss them through your lacy bralette.

”What’s this hm? A fuckin nipple piercing? Almost as if you’re tryin to kill me, fuck.” Oh yeah, you almost forgot about that one in your right nipple and he sucked and nipped at it as a man obsessed.

Being teased and played with for so long now made you whimper again and you tried to buck your hips into him for more friction now as you started to ache from your lower region.

Harry noticed this and made the decision to use this against his favor.

”Do you want my mouth somewhere else darling? Seems like your aching pretty bad. Or fingers maybe? Need you to talk to me.”

”Yes please, I want your mouth on me so bad. Please Harry.” If you weren’t so worked up you would feel embarassed for your neediness but you just couldn’t care right now.

”So polite, ofcourse I’ll give it to you. Anything you want, you’ll have. Can I take the skirt off?”

You nodded quickly and he got down so he was facing your core and budged up the skirt around your hips. He kissed your mound over your panties and looked up at you with a cheeky smirk.

”Matching knickers, hm? You’re flattering me darling, being so pretty for me.”

”I-i was just being hopeful…” You let out a breathy laugh at his observation feeling the blush creeping to your cheeks again.

”I was to if i’m being honest but I didn’t want to push you into anything, i’m so thankful that you let me see you like this but I really want to take these of as pretty as they may be and taste you properly. Smells so fuckin’ good I’m going insane.” He took the panties of and let out a low growl while spreading you open with his fingers and see how you were glistening from the wetness under the starlight. Going in for a long stripe with his tounge from your slit to your swollen nub, sucking and nibbling at it just the right way to make you give out a loud shaky moan. He continued playing with your clit with his tounge and lapping up all the sweetness he could get while he felt your legs starting to shake against his head and your moans only got louder.

”Making such pretty noices for me darling, keep going. Need to know that I make you feel good. Want my fingers as well while I play with your clit? Already so swollen for me.”

”Yes fuck i’m gonna cum soon, please Harry I want your fingers please…”It was all you could say before you felt two of his fingers press against your slit and tounge going back to your clit. Your hands found his hair and he let put a growl against you as you tugged on it harder than you intendent, small strais of hair coming out from the bun.

”You can cum darling, I’ve got you. Being so good for me and letting go like this. Sweetest pussy I’ve ever had, so so fucking good for me. Let me have it, please.” He continued to thrust his fingers as he said his dirty words and that sent you off the edge and gave you the most intense orgasm of your life. Small tears rolled down your cheeks and Harry kissed your inner thighs to help you come down. He licked his fingers clean and covered you again with the skirt, going up to face you and kiss your lips.

”Mmh, hi pretty girl. Felt good?” He asked nuzzling against your nose and stroking your cheek.

”Oh my god, yes. You’re literally perfect Harry, thank you.” You closed your eyes and cuddled into his side as he laid beside you looking up to the stars against the glass ceiling.

”No I’m not darling but thank you. What do you say about cleaning up and head over to mine, watch a movie and I can make you a cuppa? Sounds good?” He asked you before whispering quitly to himself ”And thank god for me being a clumsy fool.”

[3wisellamas]

Giant Sweet Cap’n Cakes Headcanon Masterpost!

(Fun fact, I thought most of these up while on one REALLY long hike.  ^^;  You can tell I fell for these three pretty hard.)

Music:

-I like the idea that, while the three all share a love of hip hop, glitch hop, electronic music in general, and a little lo-fi for chill times, they all have different tastes outside of those.  (Meaning if you pass them the aux cord, they WILL argue!)

-Sweet's actually the biggest audiophile of the group, with by far the most eclectic tastes; he will literally put together playlists that go from dubstep to heavy metal to classical to rap to vaporwave to even country.  The others don't really get it, but they're cool with whatever he puts on, and learn a lot of new music from him!

-He also owns an electric guitar, which he just plugs into himself to use as an amp and plays early in the morning to wake the others up if needed (he's the early riser and the other two are night owls...)

-Cap'n's definitely got a more narrow focus than the other two; he likes rap and also R&B, jazz, and even a little swing/electro swing.  He's also been caught more than once listening to cheesy romantic pop songs, claiming he's just into them for their potential madamoizel-attracting uses but really he's just a sappy romantic.

-He can also rap, very well in fact, and gets Sweet to beatbox while he freestyles. 

-Heck, he's just got a good singing voice in general, helped by having a built-in autotune, and dominates at karaoke!

-K_K also has a really broad range, but stays more towards the electronic end of the spectrum -- melodic dubstep, synthpop, disco, trance, chiptune, DnB, even occasionally puts on straight-up ambient spa music to chill out to (the only genre the other two will NOT tolerate.)

-K_K has also, in the past, set up entire mini-raves just by themselves, complete with glowsticks and everything, while Cap'n and Sweet were out doing whatever.  They were...not pleased, when they got back, mostly because they weren't invited.  All three got to have one together eventually though.  

-Physical media is king in their shop; if it's not on a CD, cassette tape, or a vinyl record (or an 8-track, though they have to dig out their old player for it), they will refuse to play it, and might even ask you to leave.  "MP3" is an extremely dirty word to them.

-(In fact, they don't get along too well with the MP3 player-headed robots elsewhere in the city.)

-They are indeed always listening to music on physical media as well -- K_K and Cap'n are their own CD players (though Cap'n's one of those models that's also got a built-in FM radio), while Sweet has a straight-up Walkman.    

-(He's also the group's cassette champion, claiming his media of choice is superior to CDs because you can record music on BOTH sides of the tape!  The other two just don't have the heart to point out that each side only holds half as much music as a CD, and you don't even have to rewind those...)

-Jury's still out on Hit Clips.  Cap'n and Sweet think they're just toys, but K_K genuinely collects and appreciates them and treats them like actual music (it helps that they are only around four seconds long!)

-Believe it or not, the headphones are only decoration, all three actually just...listen to their music entirely within their own heads, though they can also switch to playing it externally on their speakers as well.  Perks of being robots!  Though, sometimes K_K has his internal volume up too high, and misses things that other people say because of it.

-Sweet also has an input port, and connects himself to his turntable to act as the speakers!  The other two are WAY too embarrassed to ask if they can use it as well.

-Sweet can play almost any instrument you throw at him, as long as it's not a woodwind (Surprisingly, he can do brass, since those work on vibration rather than air!).  He prefers his guitar or violin when he isn't spinning records on his turntable.  Where the other two just enjoy music, he's the actual trained musician.

Voice headcanons:

-Sweet:  Kind of deep, bass-y, lots of reverb, a slight tinny audio distortion to it like a low-quality recording that becomes much more pronounced when he gets upset or starts shouting.  And since he's a speaker, you can literally feel the vibrations he makes when he's speaking!

-Cap'n:  Scout from TF2.  I am sorry, but I absolutely cannot get that out of my head for him.  XD  However, he's actually putting that voice on as an "accent" of sorts, his real voice is actually super autotune-y like K_K's, and it comes out whenever he gets flustered, his pitch only getting higher and higher as it gets worse...

-K_K:  Pure autotune, he can just do whatever the hell he wants with his voice -- pitch, tone, whatever, and while he tends to keep it a little higher he can and does change it to fit his mood!  He often has a completely different voice every day, but the others are used to it.  He also just straight-up vocalizes sound effects (like, the kind that make you go "How did you just make that sound with your mouth?!") and can mimic other people perfectly (though the slight mechanical distortion does give it away).  There are absolutely no rules when it comes to K_K's voice.

-They harmonize perfectly whenever they sing together! 

Sweet:

-I like to think Sweet's actually the brains of the group; like, not SMART, he just holds their one collective braincell most often.  He does any technical work when they're building stuff, like soldering circuits or the occasional programming, and even handles a lot of the actual business operations and pays the bills.  The other two also like to follow his lead when it comes to rebellion plans, even if he’s not the official leader.

-That said, though?  It's balanced out by him being rather hotheaded and having the shortest temper by a lot.  There are REASONS why he's not usually out selling bagels with the others -- he's unfortunately prone to some more "extreme" sales tactics, like hurling half their stock at random passersby until they finally agree to buy some.  On the plus side, he's always the first to step up to defend the gang from anything that dares to harm them, and is always on guard.

-He can also hold a heck of a grudge -- don't ever get on his bad side!  Cap'n and K_K are mostly immune to this though, if he gets upset with them he works through it by the end of the day.  It helps that they can all hug it out.

-He's a bit of a perfectionist, often working overtime to try and get everything they build exactly right.  He can get really frustrated when things don't work out the way he plans, or when he can't make sense of a problem, or when Cap'n and K_K are goofing off instead of doing their part, and needs to go blast some loud music and blow off steam.

-He does have a really tough time keeping his balance, since his head is a bit heavier than the rest of his body, but he takes tripping over his own feet constantly in stride.  The biggest problem he has is with dancing -- while he'll join in with the others on occasion, he can't match their more acrobatic moves and sticks more to actually PLAYING the music they're dancing to.

-He's also really, really unlucky, just in general.  He actually considers the other two his good luck charms, since they help him out whenever he trips or gets into a bad spot!

-He's the fashionista of the group, surprisingly.  It's difficult for him to find clothes that fit his body, so he tends to get a little creative with it and has a whole closet full of different stuff!  And since Cap'n is roughly the same size they'll occasionally swap jackets.

Cap’n:

-Cap'n actually has managed to score a handful of dates with girls in the past!  However, NONE of them went well, and only one actually made it to the second date (only to break up right in the middle of it), so he always ends up returning home heartbroken and in tears.  Sweet and K_K, by this point just ready for it whenever they hear that he's going out that night, always dry him off before he shorts himself out, take him to bed and cuddle with him (platonically, I don't see them as brothers but I also don't see them as having that conversation until Cap'n's ready, which he clearly is NOT), remind him that it doesn't hurt forever and he isn't unlovable and that he'll find someone eventually, etc.

-They have sat him down multiple times to try and gently suggest to Cap'n that he might just not be into women?  And that he’s actually turning them off by trying so hard?  To which he's always just like "No, of course not.  I'm straight.  Love the ladies.  Totally.  Oh no they didn't catch me checkin' out that one dude earlier did they?  Is that what this is about?!"

-(Basically, Cap'n is just a hopeless romantic in love with the idea of being in love, but is absolutely clueless as to how it works or what he actually wants, and his best buds are always there to catch him when he falls.  ;v; )

-The glasses are prescription -- he's SUPER nearsighted, a hardware glitch he refuses to fix.  Sometimes when he's working on something close up he'll take them off, panicking when he can't find them afterwards, only to have the others point out that they're just on his head.  He’s also got non-tinted glasses, but you will not catch him DEAD wearing those unless it’s an absolute emergency.

-This dude is SUPREMELY insecure with himself.  Like, his rather questionable fixation on romance aside, he basically runs off of others' validation, the "cool" persona he's spent much of his life building up being how he hides the fact that he isn't really sure who he is, or what he wants to do with his life, or what he's even good for -- the others have learned to check on him now and then whenever he hides away in the back of the shop, since he can slip into some pretty dark places when left alone to sulk.  It took a long time for him to open up even to them to share his feelings, and sometimes still has doubts about whether they or anyone else really care about him as more than just The Smooth One...

-He's the only one of the three to actually enjoy the occasional silence, especially when he's trying to think, or whenever he's upset.  So, his headphones also serve a dual purpose -- they're noise-cancelling!

-He's the video guy, carrying around a small camcorder and constantly trying to record the group's activities, to put together into music videos!  He also just likes to record himself doing stupid stunts for posterity, though K_K just takes these and makes (affectionate) blooper reels.

-Cap'n is not his real name, similar to K_K.  However, unlike K_K, he refuses to say what it is, just that it's embarrassing.

K_K:

-K_K has a bad habit of just completely zoning out when he gets into his music, getting completely lost in the groove and needing to be pulled back to reality.  It's not a bad thing during jam sessions, but at work, or in the middle of a battle...not so much.

-He kind of needs to have some kind of music going at all times -- silence drives him absolutely CRAZY!  Though, because he gets distracted by his own music, he then misses out on entire conversations, only tuning back in towards the end.  Sometimes the other two have to repeat or summarize what they just said for him.

-He knows sign language, and taught the others to use it.  They're able to communicate reasonably well no matter how loud their shop gets, or on days when K_K isn't able to form words properly (he's just shy, and even when he isn't he gets tongue-tied a LOT).

-He's easily the best dancer of the three, and uses his extendable body to get really creative with his moves!  He even knows a little ballroom, somehow, which he'll pull out sometimes to make the others laugh.

-(Seriously, K_K CANNOT stand to see Sweet or Cap'n not smiling.  He'll do anything to keep the group's spirits up, usually cracking jokes during a scrap project or doing little favors, and they appreciate all his efforts!)

-K_K has the WORST sleep cycle, ever.  If you let him, he will stay up all night working or partying, finally going to bed at 6AM, and will then sleep until 6PM if the others don't wake him up at some point.  If they know he was up really late they'll let him sleep in a little, but he's often pretty sleep-deprived and running solely on sugar and caffeine, which doesn't help his natural loopiness.  

-He is a VERY physical guy.  Seriously, he will just scoop up and hold Sweet or Cap'n like a cat every five minutes; at first they were just like "Oh.  Okay.  We're hugging now I guess," but after a while they got more used to it and even anticipate when K_K is going to do it.  And he also initiates tons of snuggles and gives piggyback rides whenever one of his bandmates (usually Sweet) requests.  

-K_K actually scrapbooks, collecting pictures and little mementos of places he and the others have gone and things they've done.  After the library fountain is sealed, he pulls them out to show everyone else from Cyber City and reminisce about home.

-It's very hard to make K_K angry, since he tends to stay super chill and brushes off almost everything.  But, on those very, very rare occasions when something does get under his metal outer casing, he'll go full-on silent treatment, not speaking to anyone for up to a week as he sulks and stomps around the junk shop, and even refuses to play any music!  And no amount of sweets or hugs or cheering up will bring him out of it, either; the other two have learned to just wait him out and let him have his space, letting him come to them when he's finally ready to talk about it.

Misc:

-Though all three love everything sweet, K_K's the only one who really goes overboard with it, making whole meals out of candy.  Sweet, ironically enough, actually prefers more salty/savory snacks, while the less is said about Cap'n's hot sauce addiction, the better.

-Okay, actually, I will say more about it.  Cap'n loves spicy food in general, and literally drinks tabasco sauce right from the bottle.  However, he's got a bad habit of daring himself to eat hotter and hotter stuff, ESPECIALLY if someone is watching, and can easily get in WAY over his head before begging for milk.

-They also all totally drink battery acid like Queen.

-Heck, being both Darkners and robots, they can really eat literally anything.  Normal food, milk, oil, batteries, gallons of pure sugar, toothpaste, moss, glitter (NEVER let K_K get hold of any though, he gets lost in the sauce), broken glass, etc, and of course their own deep-fried CDs.  Only thing they can't do is water, since, you know, robots.

-With a lot of the aesthetics of Cyber City being close to turn-of-the millennium and early 2000s (CDs and boomboxes, popup ads, wired mice, Queen theorized to be one of those see-through iMacs, EVERYTHING about Spamton), I like the idea that the boys DO NOT have smartphones, and if you handed them one they'd have no clue how to use it or what to do with it.  But they do have cell phones:  Sweet's got an old flip phone covered in stickers (courtesy of K_K), Cap'n splurged for one of those that slide open and with a camera (he set his background to a tiny, grainy photo of the three of them!), and K_K has one of those indestructible Nokia bricks, that Sweet got him after he kept breaking all his other ones.  They can all text, but that's about as high-tech as they get.

-Same with tablets or newer computers in general, they might share one tiny netbook at most.  Cap’n never remembers to log out of his Dark World dating profile, so the others will snoop or post embarrassing things to it.

-They're really, really durable, even without milk -- they're made of 90s plastic and electronics, so it takes a LOT to take one of them down!  Plus, they regularly repair each other back at the shop (it took a LONG time for them to gain enough trust to physically open and work on each other), so as long as at least one's left to drag the other two to safety they'll be just fine.

-However, if they get splashed with water, caught in the rain, or worse, drowned, they will short out, or shut down on the spot to prevent damage.  Once they completely dry out, though, they'll start right back up, no worse for wear.  When only one of them gets waterlogged the other two will break out the hair dryers to dry them out faster, or even pop them into the oven in a pan of rice like an iPod that got dropped in the toilet...

Finally, backstory?

-Cap'n and K_K met first -- maybe both as new recruits to another, much less savory gang of music equipment robots, and bonded as a result of being put upon by the more established members (Cap'n probably even had to defend K_K more than once when his inattentiveness got him into trouble!)  But, they both had enough one day, and decided to break off and form their own thing, making music and selling CD bagels to support themselves.

-Sweet, meanwhile, has the complete opposite background, coming from a rich and important family of musicians in Cyber City who regularly entertained Queen in her mansion (hence why he always used to get sweets from her!)  But, he was kind of the black sheep, preferring his own style of music, and decided to strike out on his own as a street musician instead.

-They met when Cap'n and K_K accidentally set up to sell bagels on Sweet's usual corner, and he battled them to reclaim his turf.  But, they were evenly-matched (even two-to-one; Sweet's definitely the strongest of the trio!), and impressed each other with both their fighting and musical skills, so Sweet decided to join their tiny group, and thus Sweet Cap'n Cakes was formed.  

-After the whole situation with Queen is resolved, SCC turns their rebellion into an anti-DRM kind of thing?  Nobody can hold back the music, man!

[damn-stark]

The Trouble ch.8

A/N- tell me how you liked it!! The ending is coming soon.

Warning- ANGST, talks of loss and grief, ptsd, violence, blood, light fluff, SPOILIERS if you haven’t played the game.

Pairing- Jesse x fem!reader

(Let me know if you want to be tagged)

——

Here. Finally.

It took a long time, but you arrived.

Maybe you regretted it a little, feeling the sun burn your skin as it scorched down, but there was no turning back now. You’ve made it this far. Santa Barbara, and hopefully one step closer to reaching Ellie.

Albeit you knew you weren’t going to find anything on the abandoned boat that you came to. Everything here seemed to be untouched for a couple months, if this was Abby, she was long gone now.

“Has Ellie passed by here?” You couldn't help but wonder out loud whilst you stepped out of the cabin and walked off to jump off the boat—Is she even here?—you think to yourself.

Nevertheless You couldn’t stay out here in this damn blazing sun for too long, nor could you stay so below, you needed to get to higher ground. You could possibly find something there—your eyes lift to the house that overlooked the ocean behind you and getting there, or just getting higher was your goal. And it wasn’t a tough thing to do, the terrain was easy to get through, you just expected the neighborhood you ran into, Messa Bluff, to be tough. All neighborhoods were. Those not used anyway.

You pulled out your gun expecting to hear, or see any sort of infected roaming mindlessly in the streets, but as you walked towards the first house you saw, there was dead infected on the ground. And it could be an old body, but as your eyes roamed it’s ugly figure, you noticed the fresh blood that spilled from the wound on its head. Some of it was still pouring out of its corpse, so it was just killed.

“Hmm,” you sigh before you lift your eyes from its body and continue towards the house, noticing not just a few feet ahead another freshly killed infected—someone’s here.

Your eyes flicker up to the house and you just hoped it was Ellie.

*A FEW YEARS AGO*

“We actually have a girl around the same age as you,” Tommy directs to Ellie who sat by herself on the reading chair. “She should be coming from her classes soon.”

“Classes?” Joel questions. “You guys have a school?”

Maria nods her head. “For the younger kids we do, but y/n is learning to become a doctor.”

Ellie heard them talk but she could hardly care, sure she might want friends if staying here was for the long haul, she didn’t want to be alone cooped up in her room, but she hardly cared to meet someone at the moment. She was bored, hungry and frustrated, but perhaps that was the hunger. All she wanted to do was go to her room and see what she could decorate it with.

Yet Joel stayed in his brother's house talking about random things that came up, but Ellie knew that he was waiting for you, the girl Tommy and Maria had mentioned, so she could meet you. But you surely took your time to get to your house, and once you did, you rushed in unaware of the guests in your living room. Albeit Ellie had noticed you first, she caught your muddy shoes in your hand that you tried to hide behind you, she noticed the urgency and panic in your face that she had seen on other people many times. She couldn’t help but wonder what you had done in your nursing classes to have ended with your shoes caked in mud, and for your first instinct once you got to your house was to dart to your room without as much as a glance at the obvious chatter in your living room.

And luckily for you, you got stopped before you could reach the stairs. “Hey, Y/N, wait up.” Maria called out after your fleeting figure.

“Yes?” You ask as you poke your head past the wall, noticing in that instant an older man with hair a deep grey color, and visible scars on his face that only made him appear intimidating and rugged; he also looked familiar, but you’ve never seen him in your life—“oh.” You mouth before your eyes flicker over to a red-headed girl slouched on the reading chair, her green eyes brightened by the sunlight kissing her face while she obviously studied your face. She also looked intimidating, but not as much as the man, and one thing you couldn’t help but notice was that she looked young. Which, you didn’t know if it was a good or bad thing, yet.

“Come over here and introduce yourself,” Tommy waved you over.

You sigh, but don’t argue as to not look suspicious, instead you throw your backpack on the stairs and regretfully put your shoes on top of it, making sure to cover them with your coat before you walk towards the living room.

“Hello,” you greet the man and the girl still on the couch with a faint smile. “I’m y/n.”

“Y/N, this is my brother Joel.” Tommy introduced him as he fell by your side, the new information letting you realIze that, that’s why the man looked familiar, he looked like Tommy.

“Hello.” He simply said in a husky voice that was much deeper than Tommy’s. “Tommy,” he continued as he looked up at his brother beside you. “You didn’t tell me you had a daughter.”

“No,” Tommy chuckled, “she’s not my biological daughter. She’s my adopted daughter.”

Joel nods and then looks back to the girl, motioning her to get up with his hand. She seemed hesitant, but she picked herself up and stood behind him, making Joel step back so he could push her forward and introduce her. “Ah, this is Ellie, and she’s just around your age.”

“Really?” You question as you blink and meet her gaze. “That’s cool.” There's an awkward silence after, with neither of you knowing what to say or do, but Maria seemed to have a good suggestion that only made things more awkward.

“Why don’t you take her up to your room.”

You weren’t children to show each other your toys, but you did need to hide your shoes before either of them saw—“okay,” you say in a feigned calm tone before you walk back and point your head towards the direction of the stairs. “Come on, it’s upstairs.”

Ellie steps forward and you miss the glare she shot Joel before she slowly followed after you, managing to catch you snatch your shoes and other things from the stairs before you ran up and waited for her at the top. Once Ellie reached the top you guided her to your room at the end of the hall and made sure to swiftly throw your shoes in the bathroom, and shut that door.

“So,” you decide to break the tension. “How old are you?”

“Uh, fifteen.” Ellie answers whilst her eyes wander around your nicely decorated room. “You? I mean they say you're the same age as me, but I don’t believe them. I think they’ll say that just to force you to befriend me.”

You scoff lightheartedly and turn to face her once you’re stopped by your bed. “I’m sixteen. I just turned sixteen like a day ago.” You sit on the edge of your bed and catch Ellie focused on the vinyl records all neatly tucked in the shelves, she walks towards the shelf and her lips tugged to a small smile.

“Are these all yours?” She asked excitedly as she looked at you.

“Yeah,” you nod, “I’ve collected some along the years, and my grandpa gave me the rest.”

Ellie’s eyes return to the vinyls to brush her thin fingers over the backs, stopping as she catches sight of a certain album that caught her attention. “Do you have anywhere to play them? Or I mean do they work?”

You drag yourself off the bed to walk to your desk and open the wooden record player. “You can put one on.” You smile as you step back to make room. “To try it out.”

“Are you being fucking for real?” She queried as her eyes met your eyes and you caught a gentle sparkle in them.

“Yeah,” you nod. “Go.”

Ellie doesn’t hesitate to bring an album by “The Clash” with her as she walks to stand by your side, pulling out the vinyl from its sleeve and carefully placing the record where it went. She then set it up and you both waited, hearing silence for a brief second before the sound of an electric guitar began to play, and seconds later a voice began to sing and you recognized the song “Should I Stay or Should I go’ was playing. One of your favorite songs. And it seemed to be hers too because she soon turned up the volume and began to bop her head to the beat, as well as tap her foot as her hands went into her coat pocket and her smile turned to a grin.

You then followed by doing the same head movements as the song played and completely broke the tension between you both. And perhaps it was such a small moment, a small change, but the hostility was gone, neither of you were strangers anymore, but Instead immediate friends.

“Can I ask you,” Ellie spoke up while the song played. “What happened in your medical classes that got your shoes dirty?”

Your eyes widen and you blink to meet her curious gaze, but you don’t hide the truth from her. You smirk instead and reveal the truth. “Yeah, there was no class today. I snuck out with my friends. Just don’t tell Tommy, or Maria.”

Ellie scoffs, and her lips tug to a smirk. “Your secret is safe with me.”

You grin and step back to walk towards your shelf. “Wanna listen to more music?”

“Hell yeah,” Ellie grins.

——

The trail of dead infected bodies led down a small hill that you cautiously followed, even if you weren’t sure who had just killed these infected. For all you knew it could be those people called the Rattlers, that you read about on some letter in one of the empty houses, even if you hoped it wasn’t, the possibility was that it was them. And you could still run, turn back and return home, but you needed to check if it was Ellie first. You couldn’t leave her behind.

So you needed to continue following the path. And as you did. you ended up finding thick green shrubbery blocking the path forward, with the trail of bodies ending a few steps back, so whoever had left it went forward. But when you let your eyes scan the area, you see that an RV and a truck were also blocking the path.

“Hmm.” You slowly walk forward and see a large enough gap between both trucks where you could squeeze through. You were hesitant and anxious in doing so because your peripheral view was limited since you couldn't see much past the truck's gap, but, it was the only way through—fuck—you hold your breath and have your hand tightened around your gun as you slowly walk through.

Once you’re miraculously through and don’t get tackled or suddenly bit, you exhale deeply and feel a wave of relief wash over you, but before the feelings could set in your bones you instantly jump back at the sight of a clicker hanging upside down from its leg. “What the fuck,” you gasp as you clutch onto your chest with your unoccupied hand. The clicker begins to click it’s jaw and manages to push its body forward in attempts to try and get any piece of flesh it could sink its teeth into, but you only stepped back from its reaching hands and then felt yourself bump into something else.

There was no noise, or movement that you could hear behind you, but you still swiftly turned around, only to see the girl you had been looking for. “What the shit…Ellie?!” You gasp again as you feel your whole body grow stiff. You narrow your eyes on her, and besides noticing that she was upside down, you couldn’t help but notice fresh blood dripping down her red, sunburnt face, half of her shirt drenched in the same thick liquid, and her cheeks looked more sunk in than before.

The first thing that should’ve run through your mind was to help her, but your mind kept fixating on wanting to know if she was real, or just some weird hallucination. She looked real, but was she? You snapped from your stupor and stepped forward, reaching out your hand to feel the warmth of her cheeks under our fingertips; she felt real. Next you proceeded to lean in and press your ear close to her lips to hear her slow breaths taken because she was passed out due to the blood that ran to her head because she was upside down. So the answer was that she was actually here, hanging upside down from a tree.

There was an answer as to why she ended up as she was, thus leaving you finally to act out on your plan to help her off the tree. However, when you reached the rope that was tied around a large rock, you caught the sound of footsteps behind you. Thinking it was infected you turn around to get ready to shoot them, but then you see that it was something much worse.

“Drop your weapon and put your hands up, and this might just go easy for you.” A man much shorter than his ponytail wearing companion spoke to you with a certain, annoying cockiness expressed on his face.

You quickly glance at the rope just inches beside you, and then your eyes fall on the switchblade just under Ellie. You think of dropping your gun and then running to get it, but they’d shoot you, or hurt you some other way before you could do damage, so instead you stayed put and did as he said whilst you tried to talk them out of whatever sick plan was on their mind. “Please, just let us go, we'll be on our way out. We just got lost and my friend got caught in this trap.”

The short man approaches you with a smirk and his gun points at you while his companion stood behind him with his weapon on the ready. “We can help you find a way out.” The short man assured you even if it was a lie that you weren’t aware of. “But you have to follow our rules since you’re in our city.” He reaches for your arm, yet as he tries to grab it you kick him back and pull out your gun hidden behind you. You shoot at him, but end up missing after the older looking man he was with shoves you to the floor and steps on your hand until you let the gun go.

“Take her.” The older man instructed, “I’ll take this live one tied up.”

You quickly flip over and reach for a dagger hidden in your waistline, but the guy pulls you up and in a harsh movement twists your arms to your back, and pulls you closer to his chest. “Don’t try anything,” he sneered in the ear. “Or I’ll shoot your friend and then you.”

“Fuck—”

“Abby….” Ellie unknowingly interrupts you, “I found….”

“This bitch is fucked.” The guy holding you remarks about Ellie.

You scoff and squirm in his hold, but he only presses a gun to the back of your head and turns you so you could watch his friend drop Ellie to the ground from where she was hanging, causing her to groan out in pain as she landed on her wounded side. “Ellie!” You bellow, seeing her open her eyes to see the person who had called her name.

It took her a moment to recognize you, to figure out that you were real, but once she did, she could only continue to groan out in the blinding pain she felt shoot out from her bleeding wound.

“We’ll be lucky if she even lasts us a month.” The same guy kept talking, this time however, his comment made your eyes widen out of fear. “Can we please just please just say we’re done for the day?” He continued to ask as he watched the other man untie Ellie.

“Yeah,” the guy agreed whilst he kicked Ellie forward. “I’m going to get that thing down, and let me reset the traps.”

Right! The clicker hanging from the tree—the corner of your lips tug to a smirk and using all the strength you could muster after a long day, you use your legs to throw yourself back, causing the man that had you captive to stumble back towards the clicker who quickly lunged forward in means to bite him.

Nonetheless he managed to get out of the way before the clicker could bite any part of him.

“It get you?!” The friend asked in a panicked voice and with his gun pointing at the guy behind you, who still surprisingly had you in his hold.

The man shakes his head, “No, I’m good.” He then digs his nails in your skin and grimaces after what happened. “You bitch,” He proceeds to also finally tie your hands with some zip tie. “You’re gonna pay for that.”

You snort and just as you’re going to snap back, Ellie beats you to it and begins to laugh. You can’t lie it creeped you out that she did laugh since she was badly wounded, but you let it be, and well it annoyed the guy.

“Something funny?”

“Looks like you shit your pants,” Ellie counters while she struggles to push herself off the ground.

The guy shakes his head and whispers in an annoyed tone. “What you say?”

“What a little bitch.” Ellie continues smugly.

“Oh, you like funny huh?” The guy snaps before he grabs your arm again, cuts off the zip tie and drags you towards the clicker. “Watch this.” He shoves you forward and the clicker begins to reach for you, clicking its teeth as the sound makes it go crazy. You struggle in his hold, and dig your heels into the ground to make it difficult for him to continue pushing you forward, but he’s stronger than you and manages to tear your arm from where it was stiffened to your side to push it towards the clicker's mouth.

“You fucking,” you strain to say whilst you squirm and try to throw your elbow, or foot back. “Asshole. Let me go. Stop!”

“Come on,” the other man protests, “we don’t need this.”

“No, man,” the young man responded amusingly. “They’re fucked up anyway.” He continues pushing your arm towards the clickers teeth until the point you could feel the heat of its mouth on your skin. It was terrifying and heart clenching, your breath became heavy and quick and Ellie wanted to stop him, but she was struggling to get up. You kept trying to fall back, or really just do anything, and miraculously you did manage to get the upper hand after an instant of throbbing pain shot throughout your arm.

You didn’t pay much mind to the pain and passed it off as the man digging his nails in your skin and pressing his rough fingers on your arm, before you ducked and used your strength and weight to swing him to the side and throw the man towards the clicker's arms and jaw. After that he let you go and his friend tried to shoot you, but Ellie quickly grabbed the gun you dropped and shot him first, causing him to fall down on his ass.

“Fuck,” you breathe out as you move away from the clicker and catch your breath on the ground, catching Ellie snatch the guys rifle off the floor and storm towards the other man in means to shoot him.

“Wait! Wait! You said Abby! You’re looking for an Abby right?” The man bellowed as he threw his hands out, managing to make Ellie stop before him. “We picked one up a couple months ago.”

“Yeah sure.” Ellie said, stepping forward.

“Big girl!” The man pants, “blonde. Arms like mine.” He motions, “she had a scrawny kid with cuts by his mouth.”

Your attention focuses on the man and your eyes narrow as your mind pulls out flashing memories of who he was talking about. For a brief second you see and hear the memory of Abby killing…Jesse play out in your head and it hurts far worse than your arm does.

“Yeah, that’s her.” The man says once he notices the realization on yours and Ellie’s faces. “You let me go. I’ll tell you where she is.”

“Talk.” Ellie deadpanned.

“She’s in a holding cell in our camp,” the man obliged.

“Where is that?” Ellie interrogated him further.

The man points past her and continues. “Head up that way til you hit the railroad track. That’ll lead you to a resort. We keep em in the tall, round building.” He groans and Ellie looks back to where he pointed to for a second before looking back at him—“I swear.” Before he could add more Ellie lifts her gun and shoots him once before he goes limp like his friend.

Finally leaving Ellie and you alone.

However the reunion wasn’t a happy one. After Ellie could tear her eyes from the man laying on the floor, she turned to you with a serious expression that expressed no warmth. “What are you doing here, y/n?” She asked bluntly.

You push yourself up to your feet and can’t help but glance at her wound on her side as you answer her. “I came after you.”

Ellie walks past you to collect her switchblade off the ground, but stops as she’s crouched down, turning her head to look at you over her shoulder. “Why? Who told you I left?”

“Dina, told me. After I went for a visit.” You say as you walk and grab a rifle from the man Ellie had killed.

There's a short silence while Ellie stands up, but she’s quick to fill it with the same question. This time in a more demanding tone. “Why are you here?”

“Because.” You stand up and turn to face her, ignoring the pain your arm was under. It felt as if someone was pressing a hot iron on it. “My friends' problems are my problems.”

Ellie’s green eyes quickly snap up to meet your own eyes, and you notice a sadness flicker within them while her lips twitch to almost express a frown, but she holds back and instead focuses on her wound at her side. “Did you come to take me home? Convince me not to kill Abby?” She lifts her shirt and a soft hiss leaves her lips. “Well then let me tell you that you’ve come in vain. She killed Joel, I’m only finishing what she started.”

You scoff. “What she started?!” You storm towards her but she keeps her eyes on her wound. “Ellie, you went after her already. You killed all the people that were with her and it almost took Dina, Tommy and you out with them. The only reason,” you pause when you don’t notice her looking up at you. You crouch down to be at her level. “Look at me.”

Said girl blinks a few times to fight the tears that welled in her eyes before slowly dragging her eyes up to meet your gaze.

“The only reason,” you continue, “neither of you died was because she spared your life. She wasn’t going to bother you anymore, and you came after her. You left your family to come after someone who most likely has not thought of you since she left Seattle.”

Ellie shakes her head. “It’s not that easy to forget what she did!” She stands to her feet and stands just a few inches away. “I can’t sleep, I see him all the time. I see that day, I see her.” She cries. “I need to do this. It’s the only way I will be able to live in peace. I need to do this for….him.” She can’t even muster the strength to say his name, or mention her pain without her voice breaking. Tears wanted to slip past her eyes, but she was strong enough to hold them back for now.

“And what?” You counter with tears of your own while you step forward. “Don’t you think I see Jesse? Don’t you think Jesse’s death hurts me too?” You sniffle and swipe tears off your cheeks. “I see him all time. And not with good memories, but his body after he was shot. It haunts me, even when I’m awake. And I want it to stop.” Your voice quivers. “But even I know this is wrong. Stop this and come home before something happens to you. You know Joel wouldn’t have wanted you to come if it meant risking your life. So come home Ellie, please.”

Ellie steps back and her gaze holds yours for a moment whilst tears roll down the curve of her cheeks this time. She parts her lips to argue, to try and convince you to follow her plan, but she knew you more than anyone, no matter the pain you were enduring after losing the man you loved, you’d never fall as low as she thought she had fallen. She couldn't ask you to stay.

“Just leave, y/n.” Ellie mumbled as she shoved past you.

You turn sharply on your heels and stay put with determination in your own plan. “No. Not if you’re not coming with me.” Your lips twitch.” Wherever you go, I go.”

A sigh leaves Ellie’s lip and with some hesitation she turns with a comment ready to be shot out, but before she could speak, her eyes fall on your arm and they go wide with horror. “Y/N.” She mutters before she rushes towards you and grabs your arm, twisting it a bit and gasping sharply. “You’re….” She pauses and you follow her line of vision down to your arm, instantly feeling your heart sink to your stomach, and feeling all sound cease to exist as you catch the bite mark on your arm. “…bit.”

.

.

.

.

Tagged- @protect-lev, @expecto-nox @vintage-and-hypnotic , @kokomaesadie @0j-b0 @itsyellow @minheoly @traceylader

[bluefirewrites]

Prince Protection Program AU

The response to the last post has been amazing. Thanks guys. I don’t plan on making a full on story ( I did at one point, but I have a lot of WIPs to work on), but I still have some riffs to unleash. This is my take on the boys’ life  pre-PPP. Enjoy!

(Also changed the name of Reggie’s kingdom and swapped it for Luke’s btw) 

Link to first post and artwork

Palace life sucked ass.

Usually Lukas would experience that brief split-second of bliss waking up in the morning, where he would blink against the Mediterranean sun seeping through the cracks in his curtains, the feeling of his body cocooned in silk sheets hitting him first and not the fact that he was the Crowned Prince of Solaria.

But after that, it all came crashing down on him in the form of knocking on his door, followed by the more forceful opening of his door, and the filing in of his guardian.

“Ugh,” the prince rolled around, stuffing his head under a pillow, “Five… minutes…”

“I’m afraid that’s not possible,” James stalked over, tugging the covers off of him, causing Lukas to groan at the loss of warmth, “You know what today is.”

How could he not? It had only been the very thing his parents would talk about for the past year-

The day he would be crowned king.

As was tradition, he was seventeen years of age, the time for him to learn how to be a proper ruler to succeed his father King Mitchell.

Though the problem lay in the very fact that Lukas was many things.

But proper he was not.

Lukas rose, reluctantly, which struck James quite odd. Normally there would be more complaints, a bout or two before he would summon the guards to extricate him from the bed.

“I’ll-” A yawn broke out and the young man rubbed his eyes to rouse himself, “I’ll be there soon.”

James raised an eyebrow.

Lukas lifted a palm in good faith, “I promise.”

The older man stared at him for a moment before leaving to attend to other duties. As soon as he left, the prince quietly tip-toed to the doors, pressing his ear against the cool wood and waited. The sounds of footsteps faded, marking his guardian’s disappearance around the corner.

“Sucker,” Lukas laughed, before shrugging on a shirt, swiping his headphones off his desk, and booking it to his balcony.

He had about a minute and half to scale down the vines encasing his wing of the palace before the guards caught him. 

Over the years, he had to get a bit creative to evade palace security, with his parents sealing off most exits, doubling the guards stationed by his window at night, but nowadays it was much easier to do the riskier, more obvious way to escape. 

No one would expect it.

Hopping down to the lower level and pressing himself against the wall, he crab-walked until he found the door leading into the kitchen.

He slipped through, greeting the staff who all shook their heads at him. They knew better than to dissuade him from doing what he was about to do.  All Geneveive, the head cook, could do was send him off with a bag of food with a “Hurry back now or James will have our heads.”

Biting off a piece of bread, he thanked her with a wink and was off, dancing around the extra busy kitchen and putting on his headphones in the process.

With Nirvana blaring in his ears, Lukas made it to the waterfront and hopped into one of the more modest fishing boats (exchanging one of Genevieve’s sponge cakes for the keys. Thank you, Garrison) and motored off to the islet a few miles out.

20 minutes later, he moored to the dingy port where two other boats were stationed on the small piece of land.

“Oh my god,” he heard someone holler, a guy about his age with jet-black hair and swim trunks, “Is that the future King of Solaria?”

Lukas rolled his eyes, lugging around the small back, “Oh my god. Is that Reginald? The future King of the Crescent Cape?” he mimicked.

Another boy, blonde and tall, lay under the shade of a tree reading, scoffed, “Unfortunately.”

Reginald and Lukas locked eyes and smirked.

“Wait,” Reginald squinted at the blonde, “Is that- No way! It is, Lukas!”

“It so is!” Lukas gasped excitedly, “You’re Prince Alexander!”

“Of the Grybrian Isles? OMG!”

“Thought he’d be taller,”

“Thought he’d be more handsome,”

Alexander got to his feet, rolling his eyes, “Alright. Can you two be any more louder? Do you want them to find us?”

“Chill, they haven’t caught us yet,” Reginald reassured, leading the two other princes deeper into the patch of greenery on the tiny island, one that they all had discovered and have been running to to get away from prince duties for years now.

Lukas would have been driven to madness by royal duties if it weren’t for his friends from the neighboring kingdoms. He, Reginald, and Alexander had known each other their whole lives, their domains all clustered together that made visiting each other so easy. 

But every now and then, they needed to get away from the watchful eye of their parents and guards and the citizens and just be… them.

Lukas was lucky to know that he wasn’t alone in feeling this way, and that he could always turn to his friends.

“You goons better be hungry,” Lukas announced, tossing the bag of food their way.

Reggie dug into the snacks ravenously, “When aren’t we?”

Meanwhile, Alex was pacing, set on a nervous bender, “Aren’t you guys… I don’t know… kinda nervous?”

“Hey,” Lukas flicked a crumb at the other prince, hitting his calf mid-stride, “Thought we weren’t gonna talk about it today.”

“We’re all gonna be king soon, how can we not talk about it?”

The three of them sighed.

Alexander continued on the runway, “I mean, do you feel ready? I’m not ready,”

“Nope,” Reginald popped the ‘p’, frowning, “I hate being the oldest.”

“Why do we have to rule a country at 17? That’s stupid,” Lukas complained, searching through the bushes

“‘It’s tradition, Alexander. It’s what you must do. For the good of Grybria’,” Alexander impersonated, “Ugh. My brother just had to abdicate. Can’t I do that? Can I just abdicate?”

“Your dad would never let you,”

“Maybe if I told him I’m gay, he’d disown me?”

“Alexander,” Lukas warned.

“I was joking!” the blonde muttered, “...mostly.”

“Well what about me?” Reginald started, “I couldn’t take care of a bunny. How can I run a country?!”

Lukas felt around the ground until he hit leather and lugged out a guitar case he had stashed for safe keeping.

“Boys, let’s just… drop it today,” he deescalated. Funny, since he was up for coronation first, his rehearsal ceremony in a few hours, but he was determined to squeeze in some quality time with his friends before he couldn’t anymore, “Can we just chill? For a little while?” While they still could...

The other princes nodded.

“Okay. Now…” he took out his guitar and slung the strap over his shoulder, “Wanna jam?”

That brought a smile onto all of their faces.

They gathered in a circle, Lukas signaling at Alexander, who immediately began clapping a beat:

“1, 2, 3, 4-”

Tagging: @blush-and-books @lydias--stiles @echocharm17618 @rainfallingfromthesky @pink-flame @ourstarscollided @caffeine-catastrophe @nottheleastbrave @brightattheorpheum @thedeathdeelers @tmp-jatp   @lenacarstairspotterstewart @harpersdagger @annabelle-grisha-goddess @shelvesofgold @lwhoscribbles @futurearchaeologyprof @iridescentkippen @heademptynothoughts @crummycassidy @smolfangirl @a-dream-so-alive @that-one-utensil @lucid-h @homeinabookshelf @beaniesflannelandfannypacks @ilovefandoms @it-tastes-like-lizard

[rikalovesrice]

Brother

A ficlet inspired by this thread on Twitter, some “Douxie During Trollhunters” stuff I was working on a while back, and my love for Douxie and Jim being best bros UwU

@aaronwaltke and @biancasiercke if you guys ever wanna give this a read (Absolutely zero pressure! Just sharing💙)

Also a big thank you to my good friend @nikibogwater for proofreading for me! ^_^

Please enjoy!

~ ~ ~

Douxie still remembered the day a seven-year-old Jim Lake Jr. came through the door to Benoit’s, tugging his mom in after him by her hand. His big toothy smile when he exclaimed that it was his mom’s birthday and that he was paying for all of it, even the drinks.

“Are you now?” Douxie asked, handing the pair of them menus. They’d chosen a two-top right next to the windows, the backdrop of Arcadia under a soft orange sunset in full view. 

“I helped mom clean,” Jim said. “Like a lot. So I have lots of money.” He crossed his arms, throwing his mom, Barbara Lake, a cheeky grin. His black hair was on the long side and messy, sticking up and flopping in various places including over one of his eyes, though it did virtually nothing to hide his pride and excitement.

“Can you believe he wanted to spend his whole allowance on me?��� Barbara said.

“Uh yeah! You’re the best mom ever!” Jim leaned towards Douxie, feigning a whisper. “She’s the best mom ever.”

Douxie chuckled. “I’m sure. And it looks like she’s got a great son to match.” Jim beamed, though a hint of shyness bloomed on his face.

“I’m sorry, what’s your name?” Barbara asked.

“Oh, quite alright. You can call me Douxie. I’ll be your server tonight.”

“Well thank you, Douxie.”

“Mom, can I get a milkshake?”

“Why are you asking me, little man? You’re the one paying.”

“Oh yeah.”

One shared entree of well done steak, a milkshake, and two free slices of cake (accompanied by Douxie’s acoustic guitar and a birthday song) later, Jim caught Douxie by the hem of his jacket after he’d set their receipt down. 

“Wait, Mister Douxie I uh…” Jim dug deep into his pockets, rummaging with a look of determination.

Douxie smiled, kneeling down beside him. “What is it, little man?”

“Um, wait, wait I need to...Oh!” Jim smiled big as he pulled a single coin out of his pocket. He held it straight out to Douxie, his eyes seeming to sparkle. “This is for you! Mom said that you should always tip people.”

Jim placed the coin in the center of Douxie’s palm. It was a nickel, a small bit of rust darkening ol’ Tommy’s profile. Douxie glanced over at Barbara, who was gazing at her son with an expression nothing short of pure endearment, glowing with pride. Douxie closed his fingers over the nickel and held it to his chest.

“A fine tip, indeed,” he said with a soft smile. “Thank you very much, Jim.”

Jim beamed. Then he was springing out of his chair, giggling as he gave Douxie a hug. How long had it been since he’d been smothered by someone who wasn’t Archie? Maybe long enough, because Douxie’s brain stopped working at the gesture, as did his arms. It registered more with every second that passed, the feeling of Jim’s small arms wrapped around him and his head on Douxie’s shoulder. Even without seeing his face, Douxie somehow knew Jim was smiling into his jacket. Something welled up in his heart, warm and touched. Douxie hugged Jim back, one hand on his back and the other gently holding his head.

“You’re awesome Mister Douxie!” Jim said as he pulled back, his hands still on Douxie’s shoulders. “Mom was really happy.”

“Hey now, I’m not the one who bought her dinner tonight.” Douxie ruffled Jim’s hair.

“Alright, Jim, Mister Douxie has to go back to work,” Barbara said softly. Jim’s expression fell and he began to wring his hands.

“No worries.” Douxie gave Jim’s shoulder a squeeze, tilting his head to look Jim in the eyes. “Chin up, buddy.  Next time you come in, I’ll still be here.”

Jim beamed. “Cool!”

“Go on, then.”

Jim hopped to his mother’s side, taking her hand. When he was distracted by one of Douxie’s co-workers wrestling with a malfunctioning blender, Barbara reached into her purse and pulled out a bill. She slipped it into Douxie’s hand, silently mouthing a thank you. Then the pair were off, stepping back out onto the streets of Arcadia under a pleasant evening. 

Douxie unrolled the bill.

Twenty dollars.

His eyes shot to the window in disbelief, catching Jim giving him one last wave goodbye. A deep breath turned into soft chuckling. Douxie waved back.

See you, little buddy.

~ ~ ~

The morning Archie reported Kanjigar’s death, they’d booked it to the canal. The last thing they wanted was for the Amulet of Daylight to wind up in the museum or in some kid’s backpack. Douxie would pick it up and then head right back to Arcane Books. So a brisk ten minute walk later, they were peering down the deep slope of the canal and spotted what must have been the remains of the Trollhunter. A heap of broken stone, just out of reach of the shadow of the bridge. Douxie closed his eyes, taking a moment to honor the fallen Protector of Trolls and Man. Wondering if, somehow, Merlin was doing the same.

“Alright Arch, let’s go — “ Before they could take another step, what looked like a boy on a bicycle suddenly launched over the other side of the canal, suspended in the air before diving back down and landing on his wheels. The boy skid to a halt and turned to holler behind him, up from where he’d come.

“Jim?” Douxie whispered, recognizing that head of black hair and those skinny legs. “A bit late for school, isn’t he?” Then Douxie felt a pinch of panic seize him. He prayed the kid would stay away from that odd pile of rocks.

“Come on Tobes!” Jim hollered.

And not a second later…

James...Lake.

A deep, echoing voice rumbled out into the atmosphere, buzzing in Douxie’s ears. Shock and disbelief struck Douxie like a manticore’s tail. He and Archie shared a look. The panic spiked.

Douxie watched, his heart beginning to pound harder and harder, as Jim faced the stone rubble, slowly removing his helmet. Another familiar face, Toby Domzalski, came struggling down the canal, falling onto his face as Jim passed under the bridge and approached what was left of Kanjigar.

“Do you think he heard the voice?” Archie said.

“No...It can’t be…He’s not…” It couldn’t be. Jim wasn’t a troll. Jim wasn’t a troll. And yet —

James Lake.

The voice rang out again. Jim yelled and fell backwards in surprise. 

“That pile of rocks knows my name!” Jim exclaimed, scrambling closer on his hands and knees. Douxie stared, mind still suspended in shock but gut starting to sink with dread as Jim dug around the rubble, eventually unearthing the Amulet of Daylight, its distinct soft blue glow ever hard to miss. 

Everything in Douxie wanted him to somehow swipe it from Jim’s hands. 

Because not him. 

Not Jim.

But Douxie also knew better. 

“What should we do, Douxie?” Archie asked. They ducked behind a tree when Toby started shouting for someone to reveal themselves. Made sense he would think it was a trick. Only magical beings or the chosen could hear the Amulet.

Only magical beings.... Or so Douxie had thought. Jim slipping the Amulet into his bag was a nail in the coffin.

“Well...we can’t take it now,” he said, eyes still trained on the boys. “The Amulet... seems to have made its choice….”

In the distance, the school bell of Arcadia Oaks rang out. Jim and Toby hurried back to their bikes, quickly mounting and taking off. When they were long gone, Douxie stepped out from behind the tree without a word, sliding down the canal and standing over the pile of stones. He stared off in the direction the boys had left, his mind reeling like nothing else, trying to comprehend what he’d seen and what it meant. 

Why it had to be Jim.

Archie joined him, climbing up on and inspecting the rubble.

“I know...the Amulet doesn’t make mistakes,” Douxie said quietly. “But...a human Trollhunter? And he’s only a child…” His voice quivered, pangs of worry and dread striking his heart.

“It’s...certainly a first,” Archie said, leaning a paw on Douxie’s leg. “I’m not sure what to make of this myself.” There was a long beat of silence before Archie spoke again. “What do you want to do, Douxie?”

What could they do? Was there anything to be done now? That and there wasn’t anyone he could discuss this with, at least who would know more.

If only you were here, Master… Douxie thought, one hand balling into a fist. He stewed in his thoughts for a moment longer before scooping Archie up onto his shoulders and heading back up the slopes of the canal.

“Douxie?” Archie said.

“We’ll keep doing what we’ve always done,” Douxie said. “Watch...and protect.” He didn’t have any answers. But it was done. The new Trollhunter had been chosen. 

Something stirred in Douxie’s chest, growing stronger as he remembered the smiling face of a seven-year-old boy who’d tipped him a nickel. Stronger still because Douxie knew. He knew what it was like to be so young and have so much, far too much, thrust upon him. Having his hand and the growth of his strength forced. The secrets that had to be kept, even from the ones he loved most, for their own safety. Pain he hadn’t known was coming. 

The loss. 

The loneliness.

The weight of the world.

When Douxie retired to his cot that night, he approached the small shine of silver on his nightstand. No, he didn’t have a clue what any of this meant. But what Douxie did know was that he’d be Jim’s greatest ally.  

He picked up the nickel and held it tight, a promise burning deep within him.

I’ll protect you.

~ ~ ~

Author’s Notes :

So I imagine that Jim and his mother ended up not frequenting the diner as much since Barbara was always so swamped and Jim was learning how to cook more at home. So Jim eventually just forgot about his first meeting with Douxie. But Douxie of course still continued to look out for him as best as he could. And I believe this is why Douxie saw Jim as family, even though he seemed to have only known him for a short time. In reality, though, Douxie always loved the kid💙

God bless and thank you all so much for reading!💙