#so I think some things were cut to make the story less confusing

[zairaalbereo]

So. The Old Guard 2 after 84 years.

I had some pretty low expectations, and I guess that turned out to be a good approach. I enjoyed watching the sequel, but that’s probably mostly because I spent the last five years waiting to see these characters again. The way you are happy to see your family or friends, even if they are a bit of a mess.

But even apart from that, I felt the movie has some things going for it. Mostly I’m thankfully it didn’t tone down on the queerness of the characters, as I had feared. And while Joe and Nicky get a lot less screen time than they deserve, they have some cute moments. Joe gets to ramp up the Bambi eyes, Nicky gets a sweet love declaration, and they both get to tease and laugh with each other and have some badass fighting action and even some weapons swapping. Unfortunately all these moments feel really rushed and disconnected. It’s all going way too fast to settle and leave an impression. I actually kept skipping back in search of the emotional impact. The first movie was really good at that. At lingering just for a moment, at letting the mood settle and letting the characters breathe. This one just hastens along. The cuts are coming before I had really arrived in the moment. Strange, since the movie is unusually short anyway. 

Andy and Quynh on the other hand might be the best thing about the movie. They get to have the emotional depth, the vulnerability and hurt, and then the forgiveness and in the end to show the very obvious love they have for each other. The last scene in the library is so 💕. (But also they could have given us at least a chaste kiss damn). I also liked Quynh’s arc in general, and was very relieved that she isn’t cast as flat out evil, but legitimately hurt and confused.

The other thing I really liked were the found family vibes, mostly in the beginning. The banter and stories, the fun and swagger, and the way Nile has become not just part of the team but the family. The family dinner was wonderful. Even Copley fits in well. 

Now, the parts I didn’t like? Pretty much everything new they added. The new immortals and new lore. Tuah is, as a character, okay, I guess. He’s likeable enough, but not enough to make me really care. His “oh wise one” schtick felt unearned, and we don’t really learn anything about him as a person. He’s mostly just there to info dump. And just like with Discord there are just way too many inconsistencies. The dreams, anyone? But what irked me even more was that it kind of puts all these cracks in the idea of the original, closely knit group. Why would Andy keep the existence of other immortals a secret from Joe and Nicky? And the worst is that they don’t even add much. Tuah interaction with the team would have been more interesting as interactions between them. And Discord is one of the flattest, most boring villains I can think of. The only good thing about her was how little she’s actually in the movie, which was surprising after all the Uma hype. Not even her fight scene with Andy was all that impressive. 

The other thing I really hate is Nile as some sort of “destroyer”. I’m sorry but that feels both awful for Nile (and why do they not tell her once Booker pretty much confirms what’s up ffs!?) but also just stupid as a plot point. The whole idea of a “last immortal” feels stupid, and the matching birth marks put the idiotic cherry on the cake. Nothing about it makes sense. Immortality is both super rare, has been around for pretty much all of humankind’s time, only at some point you can suddenly lose it. So why would there be a last one? Why would they be able to take away immortality? Are we in the end times lol? But also it can be willingly passed on now? Like your record collection? The idea that immortality is both a blessing and a curse and that you don’t get to choose was something I found really fascinating about the first movie. And I don’t like that apparently now you can hand it around like some party trick. And how exactly? Did Booker just wish it upon Andy? It so obviously is a means to achieve an end instead of comprehensive ld building. Ugh. Thanks, I hate it. 

Which brings me to Booker. Yeah. I’m okay with Joe and Nicky disagreeing about forgiving him. I’m also okay, and find it sort of interesting that Nicky is less easy to forgive. But that whole situation is almost an aside, and nothing about it gets resolved. I also fucking hate that Booker never actually apologised. Him getting to rush into his suicide, and sort of getting his redemption on the side by returning Andy’s immortality (once more without asking anyone for consent) felt like the cowards way out, and I would have hoped for a better ending for him. I would have hoped for him to truly seek forgiveness and understanding and make up with the people who became his family. For him to get to say goodbye and in the process grow as a character and maybe actually find peace.

And then… after five years and only 1:40 hours running time they end on a cliffhanger? Are you fucking kidding me, Netflix, omg…

PS: I still need to process this more, watch it again, and then… art maybe? Anyway. Wow.

[inexplicifics]

Hiii! So your newest story got me binging your A/B/O fics (again) and got me wondering…

If AWAU was set in A/B/O, what dynamics would the main characters be? And would it have changed anything?

Ooooh what an interesting question. Alright, let's see how I'd make the AWAU omegaverse. I'm not going to do everyone, but I'll try to hit the main characters and relationships.

Jaskier: The obvious play is to go omega, but I think that's wrong. I think he's a beta, and therefore assumed he wouldn't be vulnerable to the "send off a less-valued child as tribute" ploy. This also explains why he was allowed to go to Oxenfurt and be a bit wild while there, as an omega might not - and why he's not higher in the line of succession for the county, as an alpha son might be.

Geralt: Again, the obvious choice is alpha, due to the whole Warlord of the North thing. But he didn't do that on purpose, after all, and part of the evolution of his relationship with Jaskier is Jaskier seeing past the Warlord-of-the-North mystique to the person beneath. Also, I'm going to assume that Witchers in the omegaverse AWAU have a method of concealing their scents, so as to mitigate issues with outsiders. So I think the feared and fearsome Warlord, who everyone assumes must be alpha among alphas, dominant and terrible, is an omega.

Eskel: Alpha. Of the "care for my pack" variety, specifically - he'll work himself to the bone looking out for the people who are his. And, occasionally, go avenge them on their enemies in dramatic and extremely violent fashion. And having a demisexual alpha pleases me.

Lambert: Again, very tempting to go alpha, with that temper. But I'm going to go beta, actually. He's just bad-tempered by nature and nurture - and getting less so as his life gets better. And the fact that he wasn't an alpha is part of why his father was so willing to sell him off.

Milena: Oooh, I'm not sure where to go here. Let's go with omega, because her parents do expect her to be a nice obedient pawn for them to move around and marry off as they please. And also it gives Lambert something else to be insecure about, the poor lad. (No, she does not want an alpha. She's very happy with him. Yes, even in her heats.)

Marika: Beta. Cool-headed and calm and rational, by stereotype and nature both. She's going to be a very good queen.

Griffin: Also a beta. Has never particularly wanted to be an alpha. Is genuinely glad that he doesn't have to deal with heat or rut; they seem deeply inconvenient.

Marta: She's an alpha, which explains why their parents were so willing to cut her so much slack and indulge her in so many things. I'm not sure how inheritance rules work in this variant of omegaverse, but she may even be heir to the duchy, right up until she kidnaps Jaskier and Eskel and Milena and experiences Consequences for possibly the first time ever.

Aiden: Alpha, because it makes his preference for bottoming even more scandalous to anyone outside the Witcher society. He's a cocky, charming, dangerous man and he knows it. He does have a bit of a temper but he's good at controlling it, and it blows over quickly.

Aleksander: Also alpha, because it makes him even more like his despised grandfather and he hates it. He doesn't want to be that sort of swaggering monster. Aiden's cheerful arrogance confuses him at first, the flirtation really baffles him, and eventually he's going to settle on Eskel as his role model, because that style of looking after His People makes sense to Sasha.

Livi: Omega - Duke Velen had strong preferences. Which probably means all the Mantikittens are omegas, too. Zia is going to surprise some people.

Dragonfly: Alpha, and has recently discovered her doting instincts.

Yennefer: Null, because she's a mage; their dynamics are removed during the ascension process. That said, I think she was an omega prior to that.

Triss: Also null, because she's a mage. Probably a beta before that.

and finally, Ciri: Oooh, this is the hardest one. But I think she's an alpha. And if she takes after her Papa in ferocity and her Uncle Eskel in protectiveness, she's going to be magnificent.

That's the best I've got - anyone else got thoughts?

[ashthesalamipiece]

May or may not be inspired from a video/ headcannon but. Dabi x reader sh comfort. It’s late at night and things are getting heated, Dabi is all over the reader and the reader has lose shorts so he takes that as his opportunity to take his hands and jsut kinda have his hands on the readers thigh but he stops, your confused, he’s concerned. He’d lift up your shorts just enough to see what he was feeling and he’d feel bad? Concerned definitely but he had no interest or intention of anything sexual now, just concerned about you

“Not Just Skin Deep”

Dabi x Reader | CW: Self-harm scars (non-graphic), comfort, intimacy turns emotional

The heat between you and Dabi was familiar by now—raw and urgent, like fire meeting gasoline. That’s just how he was, how you were with him. Even now, past midnight, with the window cracked open and Tokyo’s night air slipping in like breath against your skin, he was on you—lips hot against your jaw, hands wandering, hunger just beneath the surface.

You were in your loose sleep shorts, not really expecting anything but not stopping him either.

His hand slid down the curve of your thigh, then inwards—palm spreading against the soft inside. He made a sound low in his throat, the kind that usually made your breath hitch.

But this time… he stopped.

You blinked, dazed, and looked down at him. He wasn’t moving anymore. His hand stayed pressed lightly against your skin, like he’d felt something that didn’t belong.

Then he lifted his head, eyes narrowed—not with desire now, but focus. His fingers brushed along a faint line, then another. Raised. Slightly rough.

Your blood ran cold.

“Wait, what is—” he muttered, and then he lifted the hem of your shorts, just slightly. Enough to see.

The air shifted instantly.

His breath caught, and for a moment, neither of you said a thing. His fingers hovered just above the pale, faded scars. Some long healed. Some newer. None meant to be discovered tonight.

You tried to close your legs on instinct, pull your shorts down, but he gently held you still.

“...Dabi, don’t—”

“When?” he cut in, voice rougher than before—but not angry. Just… wrecked.

You swallowed hard, looking away. “It was a while ago. It’s not—I haven’t lately.”

He didn’t say anything. Just stared. And you could see it—how his jaw clenched, how something in him cracked without noise. His thumb hovered over a scar and then withdrew, like touching it might hurt you.

You hated the silence. Hated the way it made everything feel exposed. Fragile.

“I didn’t want you to see that,” you murmured.

He finally looked up at you, eyes sharp with something that wasn’t judgment—but pain. Pain for you.

“And you think I’d what?” he said. “Get turned off? Leave? Look at you different?”

You shrugged, trying to make your shoulders smaller. “I didn’t want you to feel sorry for me.”

“I don’t,” he snapped—then softened, immediately. “I don’t feel sorry for you. I feel like I should’ve noticed. Like I should’ve known.”

His hand moved again—but not to your thigh. This time, he cupped the back of your neck, thumb brushing lightly behind your ear.

“I know what it’s like to hurt so bad, you need to see it somewhere,” he said, quieter now. “I’ve burned myself for less.”

You looked at him—really looked—and realized how many of his own scars weren’t from fights. Weren’t accidental.

“I didn’t do it to die,” you said softly. “I just wanted to feel like something made sense. Like I had control over something.”

His lips pressed into a line. Then he leaned forward and rested his forehead against yours.

“You don’t have to explain it,” he murmured. “You don’t owe me a story, or an excuse. I just need you to know… you don’t have to do it alone anymore.”

That cracked something in you.

You didn’t cry. Not loudly. But your shoulders trembled as his arms wrapped around you—this time not to pull you close in hunger, but to hold you steady. To keep you from crumbling.

“I’ve seen a lot of shit,” he said into your hair. “But you? You're not shit. You’re the one thing I see in this world that’s still got softness left. Don’t take that away from me.”

You nodded into his chest, breathing him in—ash, smoke, heat. And something gentler.

Dabi stayed like that for a long time, holding you, his hands careful not to linger on the marks but never shying away either.

He didn’t want to fix you. He just wanted you to know you never had to hide again.

And somehow… that was what healing really felt like.

[kit-screams-into-the-future]

another post for @bttfjanaury! this one's @itsthemorph's mermarty au and very predictably i got carried away with it LMAO.

yap session and bonus stuff below the cut:

once again i came up with an entire backstory for this au, and if i were a fanfiction writer i would genuinely consider writing it since it's a lot less visually comedic than the weredoc au (and comedic in general, it's played a little straighter than "man turns into dog and is thoroughly inconvenienced by it") (unfortunate [in reference to visuals] bc i enjoy drawing mermarty a great deal more than weredoc GBJKGJ) bc i really like the premise but i'm pretty bad at fleshing out a narrative in enough detail to last the whole story so bullet points it is:

doc has decided to take a break from his time-travel-related research and go on vacation! the fresh coastal air might jostle a couple ideas into place, and while he is a nuclear physicist and not a marine biologist he wouldn't mind checking out some of the local aquatic life

and by local aquatic life he meant like normal fish and stuff. a nice mollusk or two even. so when he ends up fishing an entire boy out of the water instead he's understandably very shocked

before doc can move past the "where did he come from??" thought to register his more fish-like qualities, the boy makes a run (a swim?) for it. fortunately or unfortunately for doc, he ends up being able to register the fish-like qualities after all since he gets dragged into the water along with him. the moment doesn't last too long, though, and the fish-boy is gone as soon as doc realizes the guy has a fish tail instead of legs

doc gets back on the dock (haha), thinks about the whole ordeal for a bit, and decides that the best course of action is just to assume he hallucinated the whole thing in a fit of heatstroke or something like that. he's here to relax and get his thoughts in order so he can continue working on his time machine! there's no time to investigate fairy-tale creatures or whatever supposedly living off the coast of california!

it's not shown in the comic but i imagine doc has a little portable radio next to him as he was fishing, so some time passes before he catches a glimpse of something shining in the water underneath the dock

he looks through the cracks in the dock and lo and behold, it's the same boy from earlier! doc greets him, and the boy immediately disappears under the water. doc thinks he's scared him off until a few minutes later where he pokes his head out and says hi back

they get to chatting and doc learns a couple things:

1. his name is marty!

2. he was trying to get doc to realize that he forgot to put bait on his hook but got his hand caught on it, and was trying to get his hand unstuck from the hook without ripping it open before doc ever had the chance to see him, which he obviously failed at

3. both the being seen and ripping his hand open, because in his haste to get away after being seen by doc he ended up doing that anyways. so there's like a lot of blood coming out of his hand now? but like don't worry about it. it'll be fine. he thinks.

4. he really likes whatever it is that's playing on the radio

doc insists on patching up his hand and initially marty refuses but lets him do it eventually, and marty tells doc that for a land dweller he's actually surprisingly nice. doc says nah anyone would want to help out someone hurt, especially if they're the one's who caused it. and marty's kind of confused by that because his family's always warned him of how dangerous humans are, which he kind of never thought too hard about until now where his time off this particular coast has really proven them correct, because he's encountered a bunch of humans over the past couple weeks and they've all tried to kill him or catch him. doc's the only one who's actually bothered to say hi!

after learning that particular not-at-all-concerning tidbit, doc asks him to elaborate because there's a lot to unpack over there, but someone else walks onto the dock before marty can get a word in and he takes off

marty does not return, even once the other guy leaves, and when doc packs it up to return to the place he rented out for the vacation he overhears a conversation among a group of men about spotting something weird in the water earlier and that it kind of looked like a mermaid? and that if any of them manage to catch it they'll all be rich as thieves. and another guy in the convo goes no you're thinking of rich as kings, you're mixing it up with a different analogy. and the first guy goes no i'm not i said what i said

so now this vacation is doing anything but clearing doc's mind. he's really worried about that little fish guy

there's a couple more ideas i had but halfway through writing out this bullet list i've realized that if i were to actually write this as a fanfiction, i'd probably want to keep those a surprise. so what i just wrote out is kind of the equivalent of one chapter

edit after thinking about it a bit more: since most humans have been trying to kill him, marty really has no incentive to let a guy know that he's wasting his time fishing with a baitless hook. so a. he's still pretty optimistic that most humans aren't out to get him, even if his experience off this particular coast says otherwise, so he was trying to be nice anyway or b. (which i think is a lot funnier) he has started to pull on people's lines as a way to fuck with them. i think if i wrote this i'd change it to this one

i based mermarty off of a guppy fish! specifically this kind of guppy fish:

i was searching up kinds of fish and he just had the vibe of this thing. although now i think i should've made him a flying fish instead. for the pun

alternate ending to the mini comic:

the other one makes a little more sense since just approaching a guy whose species doesn't know about your existence unprompted is pretty stupid even for marty (and also i thought it was funny that the hook didn't have anything but doc ends up catching something anyways) but i still think this one's funny too

[tealfloyd]

THE PREFECT'S SHOW #1 — TRAVELLING WITH CROWLEY: 0/10

It's not often you go to holiday vacations with your teachers. While some may consider that possibility an interesting situation, you can't say the same for a certain masked headmage.

CONTENT: Crowley + Crewel (Platonic). They're trying to be good father figures; Crowley fails in the process. NUMBER OF WORDS: 1,5k.

“Fun fact,” you started, stirring the coffee you brought with you as you sat down, placing it on the table. “Heartslabyul students don't drink coffee because they have a rule against it. It's kind of like a forbidden drink, and if you consider the health risks, it's understandable. But this thing has been my lifesaver, and I'm no Heartslabyul student, so,” you continued sipping, “it's even better."

“What's up? Ramshackle Prefect here ready to tell the story about how my guardian almost left me behind at the airport during the holidays."

You took a large, final sip of your coffee before placing it aside, clearing your throat.

“To start, I want you to picture this: the holiday break is close, and the finals are over, resulting in happy students having the time of their life, including me. Now, ditch all that and replace it with overwhelming concern the moment Crowley asks for my assistance. Again."

“Headmage?” You asked, stepping inside Crowley's office, looking for his distintive figure everywhere. “Is something the matter?"

“Young MC," he abruptly said, causing you to jump in surprise as you turn to meet his gaze. You felt nervousness begin to creep up your spine upon inspecting his eyes, thinking the worst of scenarios due to how serious he was. Did Grim fail all the exams? Were you about to get expelled? Was he going to cut your allowance once more?

You definitely thought a lot of possibilities. None of them were good.

“You see. While finishing my plans for my upcoming vacations, I happened to encounter an extra-ticket I wasn't aware of, and what kind of headmaster would I be if not the one that makes sure his students are content with wonderful gifts?"

You tilted your head, confused at the implication. "I'm afraid I'm not following you."

"Dear Prefect," Crowley said, his flourished words becoming even more dramatic after your oblivious remark. "I'm inviting you to spend your holidays with me! Oh, how incredibly kind of me!"

Suspicion was the only thing that flooded you, one of the many reactions Crowley often caused in you when putting up questionable situations like these on the table. "You want me to accompany you on your vacations?" You asked, a million of possible scenarios running through your head. "Am I going to encounter some kind of mafia on your behalf—"

"I'd never do such a thing!"

"Asking the mafia for favors or send me off to pay your debt?"

"My, I'm only doing this because of my immense kindness!" He proclaimed, a huff leaving his lips upon seeing that you still hadn't given up on frowning. "Look. I'm aware that I may not have been the best of guardians, but I'm positive that this trip will bring none other than wonderful memories! So, what do you say?"

“I had my doubts," you fixed the camera briefly before continuing. “I think every person that has met Crowley would've had them. But it seemed genuine, so I said yes. However, the problem came after that."

"Absolutely not," Crewel remarked, his gloved hands graciously working on packing every single piece of attire he could find, not even stopping to acknowledge Crowley's proposal. "There's no way I'm letting you take MC to a different country, much less when I can't be there to watch over her."

"May I remind you that I'm perfectly able to care for MC? Why, if I'm perfectly suitable to be her father!" Crowley argued, his overdramatic words only causing Divus' vein to become more noticeable, his eye beginning to twitch.

"And may I remind you that the one who pays for her food and clothes is me?" Divus countered, trying to contain his frustration as to not damage the fragile dress he was preparing for an upcoming event. A gala that was going to be held on another country that featured his new winter designs, or so he told you. "If anything, I was going to invite her to spend her holidays with me."

"Totally inadmissible! The gentlemen code clearly stands up for the one who posed the invitation first."

"Well, I'm sure MC is going to agree with me," and right then and there, both of them turned to look at you at the same time, making you flinch in realization of what was about to come.

"Right?"

"I, uh..." You pondered for a moment, taking your time to think before sighing. "I think that I want to go with Crowley. Not because I favor him or something, but you have your gala, and I don't want to bother you. Plus, it'd be interesting if he stands for what he says."

Crewel sighed, walking a few long strides before standing right in front of you, a concerned expression on his features. "Are you completely sure? I won't have difficulties to take care of you if you do decide to come with me."

You smiled at him, reassuring his uneasiness. "I'm sure. You always told me that we mustn't judge before experiencing first, so I'm trying to abide by that."

"Oh, what an immensely great moment for a daughter and her kind father—"

"Stop that."

“Indeed. I trusted Crowley's invitation," you nodded, grimacing at the memory. "In my defense, I really thought it was going to be a chill vacation. Grim didn't complain much after I told him we were going to a tropical beach, given that he thought he was going to get a lot of free fish, and since Crewel had given Crowley his blessing—and a well-placed threat—all that was left was packaging and leaving."

"Let's focus on the leaving part."

“Are you sure we couldn't have just... I don't know, do something more humane than forcing him to sleep?" You asked Crowley, who was already in vacation mode, as you looked down at the cage Grim was in. For as kind as his invitation was, you surely didn't expect him to use his magic to put your little monster to sleep after he caused a fuss to not get put into "prison" (meaning, a cat cage); all this trouble just so he didn't have to pay for another ticket. Incredible.

"It's completely okay, Prefect! Little Grim will be more than elated once he sees that he hadn't had to withstand the horrors of turbulence," he responded, his apparently unharmful words to excuse himself enough to make you sigh.

"Whatever you say."

It took you both less than ten minutes to arrive to the waiting area, with you about to sit and relax before boarding time when Crowley spoke. "Prefect, can you be so kind to bring me some vittles? It's incredibly important to make sure to board with a full stomach."

"I don't know how factual that is, but okay," you nodded, leaving both Grim and your luggage (which wasn't much to begin with, at least compared to his much larger suitcase) on the chair next to him, walking to the nearest shop.

“Ten minutes." You brought a hand to your forehead, a heavy sigh leaving your mouth as you recalled the worst part of the story. "It took me ten minutes to grab everything that he and I might need, and apparently, in that short span of TEN MINUTES, an announcement went off informing everyone that our flight was boarding earlier."

"And guess what?"

Slamming your palm on the table, you raised your voice, filled with frustration. “Crowley had forgotten that I hadn't returned despite my belongings and Grim being in his hands! So, I was left alone in a crowded airport with no phone, no boarding ticket and no guardian, so, again, guess what I had to do."

“Excuse me," you politely called, drawing the attention of the woman sitting right at the information booth. “I would like to make an announcement, if possible. It's to call for my familiar; he got lost and I can't find him."

“Of course. Please make sure it's short." You thanked the lady, taking ahold of the intercom being handed to you before pressing the button.

“Dire Crowley. For the crime of leaving MC behind she is in the rightful obligation of telling Divus Crewel you abandoned her and thus, you're to be on the receiving end of his wrath. Thank you for your attention." After the announcement, you handed the communicator back to the information woman, smiling in response to her shocked expression. “Thank you very much."

“To be honest, I kept it classy. Not because I wanted to but because there were children around, but if it wasn't for them then I WOULD'VE TOLD HIM THAT HOW DOES HE DARE TO LEAVE ME BEHIND AT AN AIRPORT WITHOUT ANY MEANS OF COMMUNICATION AND WITH BARELY ENOUGH MONEY FOR A SANDWICH. YES, CROWLEY, I'M TALKING TO YOU, YOU ABSOLUTELY PIECE OF SH—"

Cue to your enraged self being cut off and replaced with a much more calmer one, playing with the edge of your cup.

“It was a hard day. Mostly because after he picked me up, I tripped and fell face-first on the floor. So, yeah, awesome day. I never had so much fun before."

"Crewel doesn't know this since I told him that I was having the time of my life. And, in contrast to what you may think after telling you all this, I did enjoy the rest of the trip; surprisingly enough, Crowley bought me an expensive souvenir as an "I'm sorry" gift." Grabbing a handmade figurine of a traditional character people in that island supposedly adored, you showcased it to the camera, pointing at a few, cheaply painted spots. "Yeah, he was probably scammed, but it's the thought that counts."

You placed it back on the table before returning your focus on the camera, a soft smile adorning your face.

“Well, the coffee is over, the story has been told and the time's up, so today's vlog has come to an end." And before disconnecting the camera, you made a peace sign. "Prefect out."

VIDEO OVER. WISH TO REPLAY?

DON'T REPOST.

EVERY CHARACTER BELONGS TO DISNEY AND YANA TOBOSO, AND I DON'T TAKE CREDIT FOR THEM.

[just-my-latest-hyperfixation]

Wrapped up in you

Written for the @steddieholidaydrabbles, day 3

Prompt: Jacket

Rated: T

Tags: Omegaverse; Omega!Eddie; Alpha!Steve; Alpha!Jason; Jason Carver being an asshole; Courting; Clothes swapping; Protective Steve; Possessive Steve

Notes: Set in the same universe as Whatever you want it to be, pretty soon after the original story (before they learn of Eddie’s pregnancy)

Eddie isn't sure what drove him. He never thought he’d be one of those omegas who wear their alpha’s clothes in public. 

What normal, self-respecting person would strut around in shirts and sweaters twice their size or, even worse, those sweaty varsity jackets with some random alpha’s name on them? Like a green-and-gold billboard sign announcing to everyone that you had been claimed like a piece of property. It was fucking ridiculous. 

That was before, of course. Before Steve Harrington came along - he of the bright, boyish smiles and the lame, dorky jokes and addictive summer forest scent - and casually flipped Eddie’s world upside down. 

So what if he wears Steve’s jacket to school? Nobody knows they're courting. Hell, nobody even knows Eddie's an omega, apart from the teachers and, lately, some nosy basketball players who'll keep their fucking mouths shut if they know what's good for them. People will probably think he's making a fashion statement, especially with the fuckton of pins and patches and chains he's added to the jacket. (Just because he wants to drown himself in its scent doesn't make the thing any less hideous, okay?)  

It goes well for the majority of the day. People gawk in the hallways, a chorus of confused murmurs follows him, and Mike Wheeler stares so hard he doesn't look where he's going and almost walks into a locker. Eddie’s having a great time. 

Until he's walking back to his van after classes. The sour smell of angry alpha hits him before he even hears footsteps, which is probably why he manages to evade the hand grabbing for his elbow. 

“Carver,” he bellows, baring his teeth into something that is more snarl than smile, even as every instinct screams to cower, run away, roll over and beg for mercy. “Fancy-” 

“Cut it, Munson,” Carver's voice vibrates with a barely concealed growl. “What do you think you're doing?” 

His two pet goons, trailing behind him as usual, grunt their agreement. 

Eddie smiles, wondering if he should make a dash for it. His van is only a few yards away, and he's fast, but is he fast enough to outrun three of them? It's not an experiment he's eager to try, seeing how their last run-in ended with him bound, gagged and drugged on the floor of the locker room. 

“Well,” he says, because for as long as he's talking, he can keep them distracted. “What I'm trying to do is get to my car and enjoy my well-deserved free time in the comfort of my home. What I'm doing, unfortunately, is talk to you. Which, I'm sure, neither of us is particularly enjoying, so why don't we-” 

Carver has him by the lapels before Eddie realizes he's moved. Okay, so much for running, then. 

“Listen,” he snarls. His breath is hot and moist on Eddie’s face, lips peeled back to reveal his canines. His scent spikes, cloying and thick like rusty metal. Eddie’s stomach twists. “I don't know what's going on with you and Harrington, but he isn't here right now, and if you think you can-” 

The Beemer comes out of nowhere. One second, the parking lot is empty - the next, tires screech and brakes crunch, and Carver’s friends jump out of the way with panicked shouts. Eddie’s surprised at the lack of flaming tire trails, to be honest.

“Oh, there he is,” he cheers as the driver door flies open and another body shoves itself in front of him, forcing Carver to release his hold. “Steve, we were just talking about you.” 

“What do you want, Harrington?” Carver asks, but there's an uneasy quiver in his voice. Eddie supposes his scent will have shifted accordingly, but he can't be sure. All of his senses have honed in on Steve. 

Steve, who's positioned himself before him like a human shield. Whose scent is so overwhelmingly furious he's surprised Carver doesn't cave before him. Which, paradoxically, is just about the sexiest thing Eddie has smelled in his life. Earthy and intense and warm. Protective. 

“I could ask you the same thing, Carver,” Steve rumbles, and Eddie bites his own lip to keep in the embarrassing noise that threatens to bubble out. “Shouldn't you be at training? Or are you still taking it slow? That bruise looks nasty.” 

Carver flinches, hand touching the fading bruise on his nose. The bruise Steve put there. 

“Would be a shame,” Steve says. “If you got injured again before it's even healed.” 

Carver growls, body curling as if to lunge - and then he steps back. 

“C'mon,” he tells his goons, measuring both Eddie and Steve with a disgusted look. “I don't have time for this.” 

Steve watches them disappear behind the buildings at the edge of the parking lot. 

“Okayyy,” Eddie says when the silence drags on. “Not to sound ungrateful, but what are you doing here? Don't you- whoa, big boy!” 

Steve has just whirled and pulled him flush against himself, chin slotting into the crook of Eddie’s neck and shoulder. 

“Why are you wearing this?” he asks, fingers sliding under the jacket. “You need to be less obvious if you want to keep this secret.” 

Eddie cackles. “Says the one who's rubbing himself all over me? Talk about double standards.”

“Let me,” Steve growls, sealing his lips over the gland on Eddie’s neck, and the laugh turns into a weak moan. “Need to get that asshole's scent off you.” 

“Jesus, Harrington,” Eddie says, rolling his eyes and tilting his head for better access. “Tear off my clothes and establish dominance like some sort of caveman, why don't you?” 

Steve's head snaps up. His irises are thin rings of gold, almost swallowed by his pupils. 

They share a look. 

“Van?” Eddie breathes. 

Steve grins. 

“Yup,” he agrees, grabbing Eddie by the hand to drag him along. “The jacket stays on, though.” 

Ugly as the thing is, Eddie thinks he'll need to wear it more often. 

More holiday drabbles

[moonshynecybin]

The agent of chaos is coming again! To help people complete the RPF Summer Camp challenge, I decided to come to your inbox with the next question:

In an omegaverse setting, what would every rider be? (Please be free to include other designations as enigma (above alphas and sometimes described as able to change other people's designations) or you can make your own!)

Please share these ask so we can all get more badges and make this more fun. Also, feel free to ignore this if you want. Agent of chaos says goodbye.

doing this by couples i personally rpf bc assigning maverick a fanfic designation unprovoked is funny but too much work. i need a STORY… honestly if the story/dynamic first these are all mostly malleable to me lmao. anyways:

rosquez- vale alpha who got microaggressed about “being an omega” (looking skinny and girlish) as a kid but swears he didn’t super care (internalized just a little bit for sureee) and marc the omega who is very obviously an omega but dodges questions about his dynamic like crazy. for sure on suppressants for sure very happy he’s hung so he can avoid stereotypes lmao (he’s showing that thing off !!!!) for sure like. not personally ashamed but also not out bc he doesn’t wanna deal with it after a very traumatic early 20s, press-wise. eventually alludes to it in ALL IN and evrybody is like oh. they were fucking. but marc won’t confirm or deny or outright say even though there’s a lingering shot on the bite he had high up on his neck during the sepang press conference. he kind of regrets this immediately imo lmao but maybe later in various fits of cunty pique is like well i’m the only omega champion :) (crazy flashing cameras) (pecco sweating hard right next to him) and vale is like ANYWAYS—

franky/alex- alpha4beta and alex feels WEIRD ABOUT ITTTTT bc of his brother baggage :) wishing he was an omega so he could just fit into all these experiences and into a relationship with franky and have any idea of all of these cues he’s “missing” that his brother just knows instinctively. 8000 misinterpretions of alpha/omega relationships bc marc’s love life is a mess and he’s insane, but then marc also spent a lot of time hiding his dynamic/has a terrible breakup and alex is like well now i feel like shit for wanting this !!!! botched hookup where alex breaks out some fake omega hormone and franky is like um hey can we talk about this? and alex just immediately breaks up w franky trying VERY hard not to cry. goes icy marquez face and leaves. thinks about who he’s spending his ruts with nonstop :(

pedrenzo - dani alpha lmao like so obviously. only guy on earth who could get marc to ride BEHIND him on a scooter like. not even a question to me. anyways jorge trying TOO hard to project alpha but he’s an omega and hates it. dani figures this out later and is like OHHHHH okay i will take care of you forever

pecco/luca- luca beta top ? i think luca would have a lot of fun/angst trying to like. figure out how to take care of pecco’s omega ass during heat without any instincts to fall back on/ while pecco refuses to go to an alpha bc it freaks him out badddd… also weird w brother stuff in a similar but less potent way than alex. like luca has a plan lmao. hard cut to pecco’s dui and then him comparing himself to marc and wanting to hit himself very hard over the head with a 2x4 but luca is taking SUCH good care of him and he wants it so badly and he’s caught up in about 8 different contradictions on how things “should” be done…

bez/cele- bez alpha but doesn’t like it. truly feels so much pressure to live up to that and won’t (likes pecco bc pecco doesn’t gaf/likes that bez treats him NORMAL). some half hearted alpha posturing and trying to go to vale for alpha advice (vale who does the alpha thing kinda effortlessly just confused as hell about bez… it’s like his motorcycle advice he gives that they can’t actually DO bc it requires some intrinsic talent prereqs) until cele gets older and then he can and GOFREE and get topped and not feel weird about it. cele beta or omega or even alpha tbh im not sure but he honestly does not care. he does not care. he thinks bez is neat and thats where it ends. pure id. GREAT for bez to let go and be sexy and fit as many roles as he wants to…

[itsss4t4n]

How long is Forever? - Harry Hook x daughter of alice in wonderland

Headcanons but the longer version of this post:

a/n: this is based more on tim burtons aiw adaptation as it is the only one that i know, and i might have misremembered some of the story/ characters so i apologize if its inaccurate to wonderland or its characters in any way. I got way to invested in creating the character and story and almost forgot that that wasnt the point. At some point i think the character just completely changes and i low key hate it. Im really bad at writing headcannons instead of full fledged fics.

Trigger warnings: fighting, she /her pronouns used, slight angst toward the end but happy ending, not proofread

-being alices daughter you are considered kind of weird by the aks, (think luna lovegood), you are kind of dreamy and constantly in your own thoughts but you still have a very strong own opinion on everything. You say what you think even if others might not like that. 

-You also have a very different sense of style than most girls in auradon. You played alot with different colours and textures always looking slightly crazy (you took inspiration from your godfather, the mad hatter). Your blonde hair was cut to a short messy bob with short bangs, and always changing coloured streaks throughout.

-you dont have the same view of good and bad as most others , and you dont think the vks should be judged by what their parents did and immediately try to befriend them and continuesly defend them

-when mal runs away to the isle you insist on joining the other vks and ben, as you do well in new and different invironments and later because you are an incredible sword fighter, your mother having thought you all she knows, just in case you ever needed to fight a jabberwookie type beast yourself.

-Due to your personal style not being very auradon, you didnt really have to disguise as much as ben when going to the isle. 

-On the isle you felt surprisingly comfortable, as you liked the weird and almost liminal athmosphere that it had 

-the first time you met harry was right after bens kidnapping, when harry came to tell you all about it.

-Harry has this theatrical almost a little eccentric way of talking and moving, which intruiged you pretty quickly. Of course , You didnt like or trust him, he did just kidnap one of your best friends, but you were intruiged non the less.

"And who is this little lassy?"

You told him your name with a glint of interest and mischif in your eyes. "Daughter of Alice in Wonderland."

"How interesting."

"I was just thinking the same thing. Whats your Name?"

"Harry Hook." He introduced himself with adramatic bow, before making fun of jay and barking at carlos.

- The other three had watched the interaction in confusion and wonder. They knew you were a little odd but seeming this confortable with harry after knowing what he did to ben?

"What was that?!" 

"What?" 

"Dont be nice to hook! He just kidnapped your best friend!"

"yea.. But he is quite interesting." And as an afterthougt: "and kind of pretty dont you think?"

"NO! Concentrate please. He is the enemie alright?!"

"Yea whatever, lets go tell mal about this shit."

-You go with Mal and evie to see dizzy, and instantly get along.

-Later while Mal and Uma are talking (singing), you cant help your eyes from glancing over at harry every few seconds. He did look good, with his red coat, the old silver jook on his left hand, and the messy black eyeshadow around his striking blue eyes.

"He is really beutiful dont you think?" That question was mostly directed towards evie who just shot you a dissapproving look. "I'm just saying. purely aesthetically."

-You simply shrugged and watched the situation continue to unfold, swordhand on the hilt of your sword at your side. When the fight breaks out you stand against harry. For better of for forse.

"Hello Pretty boy." You raise you swordand get into a defensive position.

"Wonderland girl."

-You kept making little comments about his looks and his sword fighting which he of course returned in his own flirty way. You quite enjoyed going back and forth like that. Witty comments, smirks and flirty smiles, and fighting more for show at this point instead of actually trying to beat each other. Trying to make this surprisingly pleasant moment last as long as possible.

-until you heard an urgend shout of your name from Mal.

"Sorry in advance." In a quick movement you snatched harrys hook and threw it down into the water. Before a shoked Harry can jump after it you catch his arm and talk to him in a slightly hushed voice.

"I really hope this wasnt our last meeting pretty boy." Before running off with the others.

-You dont see each other again until Audrey turns evil, but you do still think about harry. Is it stupid considering you met like twice and he was you enemy? Yea. Did you care? not really. He was georgeous, funny, good with a sword. Your dream guy. Except for the fact that he was supposedly your enemy. but then again when had you ever cared about that kinda stuff.

-His black lined blue piercing eyes were burned into your brain.

-In the six months until you saw him again you had become mal and bens unofficial bodyguard, spening most of your time with them or with evie, your sword has taken permanent residence at your side, only taking it of to sleep or shower and even then it was always in grabbing distance. Mals paranoia about uma had actually started to get to you.

-You are at evies house when audrey shows up and spells mal. You join them in going back to the isle to retrieve hades ember.

-When your bikes get stolen you cant help but smile at the sight. Yea its shitty but he is still beautiful.

"Pretty boy!"

He drawls you name in his scottish accent and you mentally swoon.

"Thats my bike!"

"Oh yea? Come and get it back then." Before driving of.

-You run after them (except mal and celia ofc),and at one point you split upbecause the boys on the bikes did so. You follow harry and when the others are out of sight he slows to a stop. You catch up to him with a grin.

"Nice to see you again Hook. I was hoping we would meet again."

"I was too Lassie."

-The next 10-ish minutes are filled with flirty banter and tales of what happened in the last six months. It felt like you've known each other for years (as clichee as that sounds). 

-You almost forgot why you were there until you heard jay shouting your name.

"Where are you, Mal got the thing come on."

You quickly turn to Harry again.

"Go! Before they see you and make it a whole thing."

"What bout your bike?"

"Keep it pretty boy, i doubt the others got theirs back so it would be weird if i did."

With a last sly grin harry leans towards you "I will see you again very soon." 

Before you could question what 'very soon' meant, he had already driven of. 

Just in time because Jay and the others turned the corner behind you.

"There you are! What are you doing? come on!"

"Sorry. Was chasing after the bike." You Give them a small smile before walking past them. "You coming?"

-To say you were surprised when harry and gil jumped through the barries after them would be an understatement.

"Pretty boy?!"

"'ello Darling. we're just coming for a wee visit" 

-You tried , just like evie, to get the two groups to work together. Harry mostly walked next to you or Uma. At some point you hung back so he culd walk in between you and doesnt have to kep switching. He caught up with uma but still kept the constant flirts towards you up.

-Everyone was really confused on why you two seemed so good and almost comfortable around each other, not to mention the flirting. Evie was the only one who knew of your little crush so she send you a few knowing smirks.

-During the knight fight you and harry fought as a team. Incedibly well might i say. 

-You were somewhat enthusiastic about evies icebreaker idea, enjoying the idea that the two groups could finally work together.

"Harry great accent."

"Shes right. It is a good accent."

-The flirting just wouldnt stop, comments thrown at each other, bumping shoulders while walking, even brushing your hands against each others on occasion. You had joined the boys in looking for ben.

"To make sure jay and harry dont kill each other."

-Gil doing the icebreaker and bonding with jay. 

meanwhile you and harry in the background:

"We should do that icebreaker pretty boy."

"oh yea?"

"Yea. You've got really pretty eyes."

"And you are really good with a sword lass." His hook just slightly gracing your cheek before something in gil and jays conversation sparks his interest.

-When finding ben you had immediately pushed harry behind you and unsheathed your sword out of instinct. Jay has to pull both of you out of bens way because both of you got distrcated by how close you were standing to each other. After making sure ben was alright you made sure harry was too.

(instead of flirting with jane he flirts with you)

"Well well well, thank you for trying to protect me there darling." The hook was under you chin this time.

"No problem pretty boy." You smirk back.

Ben had his little freak out. Jay and carlos had one too for slightly different reasons.

"when did this happen? you and hook?"

You just shrugged and started walking off.

The boys just looked at eachother thouroghly confused.

-After everyone reuniting and you secretely updating evie on the harry situation you all made your way to fairy cottage. When you found chad you had to half hide in harrys shoulder to hide your laughter because god was it good to see chad taken down a few pecks like that.

-Then Mal dropped the bomb. Closing the barrier forever. You couldnt believe it. You were always a firm believer in the vk programm. And you had honestly hoped that even if harry etc were send back, they would get out someday, or you might go visit them. You considered them freinds at that point. But now that wasnt possible.  You tried to comfort harry and uma in some way but it was to no avail.

"Im so sorry you guys... I didnt know." You had tears in your eyes yourself.

"Dont worry about it Darling. Its nae your fault." Placing his hand, his actual hand, on your cheek for a second, to wipe away the tear that had fallen. Before he walked of with uma.

"Harry....."

Mal was shocked to see your tears at the fact that harry was leaving. she had absolutely no idea this was a thing. It wasnt really. you didnt have enough time for it to actually become a thing. You watched harry and uma leave before evie walked up to you to hug you. 

She talked to mal but you didnt want to listen.

suddenly there was a bright light before it went dark for a bit. When you came to again, Mal was gone. It didnt take you guys long to piece together what must have happened. so you went to find mal.

-You and harry were both incredibly relieved to see that the other was okay. *cue big hug and an almost kiss that turned into a kind of awkward cheek kiss before another hug * 

-Harry announcing that he is actually going back to the isle felt like another punch in the gut. Again that sounds dumb considereing how little you actually knew each other but you didnt care. 

-Harry and you talked before he left. He gave you one of his rings "so you wont forget me darling". So you give him one of yours "then dont you forget me either". *cue more crying and hugs, between all of you *

-Mal announcing that the barrier will be taken down during the engagement party was the best thing that couldve happened to you at that point.

"Looks like you get a chance with your pretty boy after all." Evie.

Uma to harry on the isle: "Now you can get your pretty girl, pretty boy." While bumbing his shoulder.

As soon as you could spot eachother on the bridge you ran into each others arms.

-Kith

-like a lot of em

-Your friends from both sides were incredibly happy for both of you.

[absolutebl]

hi!!! do you have favorite bl movies (maybe with happy endings too)?👀❤️

Top 10 BL Movies

(as of end of 2024, in no particular order)

My personal favorites will always have HEAs (or at least HFN). I don't love ambiguous endings and I hate sad ones. I'm going to include the Korean stuff that has been recut as movies, because I can.

1 Seven Days

Japan 2015

AKA Seven Days: Monday-Thursday AND Seven Days: Friday-Sunday

This is a cheat as it's 2 movies, but that's still less run time than your bog standard marvel tent pole these days, so it counts.

One of the best live action yaois ever made, with perfectly structured angst, fantastic characters and acting, and no problematic tropes. The leads have excellent chemistry although it’s low heat there’s still some really cute mutual kisses.

2 Can I Buy Your Love From A Vending Machine

AKA Sono Koi, Jihanki de Kaemasu ka? AKA Vending Machine Sabi Koi

Japan 2023

This movie is utterly adorable, impossibly awkward, and kinda old fashioned. About a cute nerdy little office worker (he's out!) who has a big'ol crush on the tall hulking vending machine guy. They fall in love. And that’s it. And it’s charming. There’s some first name eroticism (because Japan) and there's emphasis on communication (so not Japan) which turns this into an organically loving and talkative relationship. There’s a bit of an age gap and our office cutie may or may not have a muscles fetish (the hot bod, not the shellfish) because (if I’ve told you once I’ve told you 1 million times) Japan always goes kinky. And you know what, I loved it.

3 Restart After Come Back Home

AKA Risutato wa tadaima no ato de

Japan 2020

Atmospheric study in rural Japan meets complex family dynamics built on a romance framework of city boy meets country boy, grumpy/sunshine. It’s beautiful and icy sweet. Slow moving in places but ultimately worth the patience, low heat, low angst, and stunning.

4 His

Japan 2020

His is about being a grown adult and still struggling with coming out. It addresses the consequences choosing a life disingenuous to identity. Nagisa turns up on Shun’s doorstep with his precocious daughter in tow. This is a touch confusing to Shun since they were each others first love and Nagisa broke his heart. Shun has retreated from society, rejecting the world before it can reject him because without Nagisa he never had a reason to fight. Nagisa went the opposite, pretending to be something he was not, ending up with a daughter he adores and a wife who hates him. This movie is beautiful and the setting is unique and interesting but I'm not wild about the ending, it's HFN (happy for now). Honestly, I think I mostly liked this because I have a mad crush on Miyazawa Hio (Shun).

5 After Sundown

AKA Saengrawi

Thailand 2023

It's from Mandee and horror (neither really my thing), yet I liked it. It's oddly sweet and wholesome, for a ghost story. Phloeng and Rawee enter into an arranged marriage for confusing prophetic reasons. Twists of fate demand that they solve the mystery of a past that is haunting Phloeng's family and harming Rawee. Honestly, it makes no actual sense, but it's kinda historical, and very pretty, so I enjoyed it more than I should.

Korean BL that aired as shows but are cut together as movies & great

In some of these cases the movies are better than the originals, in some they are exactly the same.

6 Color Rush

2021

A unique paranormal twist elevates this classic high school drama into a pitch-perfect allegory for the queer coming out experience and one of the best BLs of all time (I will fight you on this).

7 Semantic Error

2022

The ultimate enemies to lovers, also the prettiest. Sexy older boy discovers pouty younger boy has outed him as a slacker, starts out bullying him, accidentally falls madly in love instead. Korea hits it entirely out of the Parks by doing a university BL with everything we expect from BL just done exactly right. Korea's signature quality executed perfectly with added bonus good story, great pacing, stunning visuals, and fantastic chemistry. You cannot ask for more from a BL, let alone a KBL.

8 To My Star

2021

Hwang Da Seul directing this show about a neurotic actor (actual puppy) who takes refuge with a grumpy chef resulting in sparks, cooking lessons, and LOVE! It’s is a touch quirky to get into, but utterly charming once it hits its stride. This is the ultimate grumpy/sunshine pairing plus the most appealing light-filled kitchen of our dreams. I adore this show so much. Limited use of BL tropes makes this feel more of a sweet contemporary gay romance between an actor plagued by scandal and the chef who accidentally adopts him, but the gentleness will appeal to fans of the BL genre.

9 Long Time No See

2017

This originally aired as a series but I have only ever seen it as a movie. So I'm counting it.

Catfishing assassins on either side of a turf war fall in love not knowing they are on opposite sides. Or do they? Suspenseful plot, good fight sequences, mature characters, hot sexitimes, and even hotter beating the shit out of each other and kissing while covered in blood (this came from KOREA?), plus an HEA. One of the greatest hidden gems of the BL genre.

10 Wish You: Your Melody in My Heart

2020

Set in the music industry featuring a talented singer and the pianist who falls in love with him (and his music), this is subtle and achingly adorable. High production, low heat, short run, very tame, and Korea, so all the pretty. Slow burn and lots of pining.

(source)

[love-and-deepdives]

Beyond Cloudfall Should Be a Standard Myth and Here's Why (AKA how I got Sylus-pilled)

Okay, this started as a completely unhinged rant by a non-Sylus main after watching Cloudfall, but I tried to tighten it up a bit because I really do think that this myth is essential viewing for a fair interpretation of Sylus's character. Every time I have read about someone changing their mind about Sylus, this myth comes up, and rightly so. I was sobbing by the end of it and everything about Sylus, even the stuff that annoyed the crap out of me (ESPECIALLY THAT STUFF) suddenly made perfect sense. But because he has less main story time than the OG 3 and because his backstory isn't as straightforward as Caleb's, it might be harder for some players to warm to him unless you're already attracted the kind of vibe he brings.

You can look this myth up on YouTube, but I think most people would only do that after deciding to main him, in which case they probably don't need the myth to be convinced. Some people are into Sylus right away and understand where he's coming from, but I think there are people like me who would main or second him if they understood him better but we weren't given the opportunity. When I started the game, all signs pointed to me liking Sylus, but I just didn't and couldn't figure out why until I watched Beyond Cloudfall. Not read about it. WATCHED it.

If you're someone who also feels like they should like Sylus, but he just kind of turns you off for some reason, go watch this myth and then report back and tell me if I'm insane (more so than I already am) for thinking myths like this should be in the permanent wish pool.

(Also, I know that this myth will never become standard because it's awesome and they'll get more money from it being limited. I just have too many feelings I need to express and I have chosen to spare my loved ones from hearing me gush about this game nonstop. Also, usual disclaimer that this is JUST MY OPINION. Other interpretations of Sylus are equally valid, but this is the internet and I get to yell things just like everyone else. Spoilers for Beyond Cloudfall obviously.)

1) For people who are turned off by Sylus's attitude, Cloudfall clarifies and humanizes his behavior and makes his actions less confusing.

When he first showed up, I thought Sylus would be totally dominating and aloof and other typical enemies-to-lovers trope stuff, but then he goes so overboard trying to get MC to resonate with him, putting on a performance for her with the big chair and so on, that I didn't buy it. I thought "oh, this dude is a teddy bear and he's just throwing a tantrum about something," but he then kept acting that way. Even when he stopped forcing himself on MC, he still acted like a complete prat on a regular basis and I couldn't understand it. (Like in No Defence Zone. MC WON THAT HORSE FAIR AND SQUARE, YOU CHEATING MOTHERF-)

Why was he like that and why would he expect her to like him while he's like that? (Besides the fact that he's unreasonably and devastatingly handsome and rich.) And then I watched Cloudfall. I learned that Sylus spent so long being who he had to be to survive, being what other people thought he was because if they were going to hate him either way, why bother trying. He had to become cruel and controlling and cold to live and get to where he was/is. But he doesn't necessarily want to be like that, or at least not ONLY like that. As a child, he even cut off his horns to try to avoid that fate for himself, to avoid being rejected and seen as a monster. Yes, Sylus is still imperious, selfish, an adrenaline junkie, and a bit of a brat, but the version of MC in Cloudfall allowed him to be his WHOLE self, including the parts of himself that wanted love and connection and tenderness from the very beginning. Without watching Cloudfall, that aspect of him was invisible to me. I could sense it was there, but it was never truly clarified in any of the cards I got, so I didn't trust it and that made it harder to get invested in him.

2) For people who are turned off by Sylus's initial, uh, forcefulness with MC, Cloudfall softens the blow.

Even seeing the myth explained in other posts, I didn't fully get why people were so insistent that Sylus's initial behavior in the main story was valid. My reaction to their reasons was: "so they had a soulbond, but she forgot? That's pretty sad, but not ASSAULT someone sad. He actually hurts her, she says it hurts, how is that okay??"

What was missing was the context of their previous time together. There's an inherent physicality in their first relationship that explains (BUT DOES NOT EXCUSE) Sylus manhandling MC, even hurting her, and then trying to justify his treatment of her by telling her "she could handle it." Because to be fair, she used to handle it just fine. They tried to kill each other when they first met, of course a wrist grab isn't a big deal to him. They were always very physical with each other, first violently and then lovingly. MC fell in love with him, showed him that affection physically and let her guard down around him when every other human he'd ever known had called him a monster and vilified him. And even when MC feared him, she never hated him. So now that moment in the main story when the workshop guy says "she's disgusted by you" hits so much harder. When I think about how Sylus must have felt hearing that, how he immediately stops pressuring her when he realizes how it's made her see him, IT BREAKS MY WHOLE HEART.

3) Cloudfall reveals how Sylus's love for MC works because we get to see the version of MC he first fell in love with.

And another thing the myth does is explain how and why Sylus loves MC, which doesn't really come through in the main story and standard memories like it does with some of the other LIs. MC and Caleb's relationship is beautifully encapsulated Rain's Embrace, how long they've been together and how Caleb is so obsessed with protecting her that he sometimes ends up hurting her. Rafayel also tells his story in an affinity-based Memoria so we understand his bond with MC too. With Sylus, it was unclear to me at first whether or not he even liked MC. Midnight Stealth doesn't tell us anything about what he wants with her. He treats her like a plaything, but then lets her have exactly what she wants? He seemingly talks down to her, but then always wants to include her in everything?? It bothered me because he came so hard out the gate being harsh and so the teasing felt like taunting to me and the hot/cold vibes made me anxious.

But seeing how MC acts in Cloudfall explains all of that. She's wilder, greedier, and more playful in that dangerous way like Sylus is. Sylus knows those parts of her so intimately that he's comfortable with that dynamic, and MC probably is too, deep down, or at least it doesn't take her long to acclimate. However, to me, that cat/mouse (or actually cat/smaller cat) exchanges just felt off-putting and unearned. If it were someone treating ME like that at the beginning of a relationship? No sir, I don't care how hot you are, you don't get to hurt my feelings and CHEAT ME OUT OF MY HORSE, YOU MOTHERF-

It wasn't enough for people to say that they they had a soul bond in their past lives. I had to really FEEL IT. And it was by watching the myth that I realized that Sylus loves MC by treasuring her. Not in a possessive or overprotective way like Caleb. Instead he admires her and holds her dear to his heart. He treasures her like one treasures a memory: precious, irreplaceable, part of you forever. (Also, dragon? Treasure? DO U GET IT??) He is who he is because of her and he knows that and is grateful for it, even though he would never say it that way. And when I think about how that kind of love is reflected in everything he does with her, how he teases her because he actually trusts her and adores her and believes in her? I. CAN'T. HANDLE IT. *CRIES IN INSECURE ATTACHMENT*

3.5) ALSO if Cloudfall were standard, we could see that THE PART WHERE SYLUS FORCES MC TO SHOOT HIM IN THE MAIN STORY HAS A PAYOFF. In the past, she cursed him to only die if she willed it and did it herself, so he could never do what he did last time, when he used his hands to MAKE her kill him. And in the present he repeats that moment probably because he wants her to remember! OH GOD MY HEART.

In conclusion, TL;DR, Beyond Cloudfall should be viewed by everyone because the main story and cards don't give everyone a real chance to understand who Sylus is. Cloudfall explains things about him that get explained about other LIs in their permanent content but aren't really explained in his. He still isn't my main, but he will forever have a special place in my heart now and it's solely because of this myth and I firmly believe it should be standard so that anyone who thinks they don't like Sylus can watch it before they decide and then hopefully they will see why he's amazing and why he needs all the love in the world. If you already love him, good. If you don't, go watch Beyond Cloudfall and LOVE HIM DAMMIT, LOVE HIM RIGHT NOW.

Question: are there any STANDARD Sylus cards that explain him as well as Beyond Cloudfall?

[sleepymoonkitty]

Head cannon request for the Ancient Cookies being caregivers for a reader aka Y/n that usually hides the fact that they regress? Like make it so the Ancient Cookies have to find out about the regression somehow and then go from there?

Sorry, I just desperately want more fluff and more Crk regression stuff. There's very little in the tag for both regressor reader in Crk and in the general regression tags for Crk and I desperately want to see/read more.

Feel free to ignore this!

Here it is! A Cg!Ancient Cookies and Little!Reader Hc's for you! Hope u like it!! <3

My first request for my Hc's!! Yippie yay!! X3

Well, first, we have to think about how you met them! And in this scenario, I like to imagine that you were just another one of the friends that Gingerbrave and his friends made along the way on yet another of their adventures, who ended up deciding to accompany them back to the Cookie Kingdom, thus officially becoming one of the residents there. So, eventually, you had the opportunity to meet the Ancient Cookies, where you eventually ended up getting closer to all of them (but still not revealing that you were an Age Regressor...)

So, cutting to one fateful day, where you were just having a lazy day while you had your little space. Lying on your belly on the rug in your living room, wearing your favorite pajamas with adorable bear jelly prints, sucking on your pacifier, drawing with crayons and using your headphones to listen to music while humming...

We can say that you didn't hear the knocking on your door... or much less the sound of the door opening... and so you found yourself staring at the Ancient Cookies with the eyes of a doe in the headlights. Such a big deal, really...

🍼》 I imagine that they would all be quite confused by the situation at first (while you would be quite embarrassed to be discovered like this), but they would soon comfort you by assuring you that there was nothing wrong with what you were doing (even if they were still quite confused as to why you would have to hide something like that, with you later explaining it to them, etc.)

🩷》 Hollyberry, as soon as she found out that you were an Age Regressor, she would definitely become your big mama bear! She would love to carry you in her strong arms, carry you on her strong shoulders, and even give you big bear hugs! (Not that she wasn't affectionate before, but now she's even more so!)

🧡》 Golden Cheese would definitely have a special secret room just for you in her temple, where there would be a giant nest bed adorned with gold for you to lie down in, lots of stuffed animals and toys, and lots of clothes that she could choose for you to wear to make you more comfortable.

💛》 Pure Vanilla would love to take you on walks through the green fields full of cute sheep near the kingdom, where he and you would care for them together, and he would teach you how to pet the sheep without scaring them. I also like to imagine that he would love to tell you bedtime stories or even sing you lullabies.

💚》 White Lily would love to play little tea party games with you! Where you would drink your favorite juice in a sippy cup while also eating some treats that she had specially ordered for you! She would definitely be sipping tea while just watching you with a soft expression, thinking how absolutely adorable you are.

💙》 Dark Cacao would be very strict with you, not letting you eat too many sweets and making you eat more healthy things. But other than that, he would definitely spoil you to the max!! He would definitely give you all the toys you wanted, clothes, accessories, etc! He absolutely adores you.

🍼》 They would be so worried about the idea of ​​you being alone in your littlespace, both because you wanted to keep it a secret from Gingerbrave and the others, not wanting more cookies to know besides them... even though the others were also your friends, after all... (Which you would soon calm them down by telling them that you've already been used to regressing alone long before you met Gingerbrave and the others, so that would calm them down a bit, I think...)

🍼》 I like to imagine that they would melt with cuteness every time you used nicknames to refer to each of them in your little space! Nicknames like:

• "Mama Berry" for Hollyberry.

• "Mama Lily" for White Lilly.

• "Mama Goldie" for Golden Cheese.

• "Papa Vanilly" for Pure Vanilla.

• "Papa Caocao" for Dark Cacao.

And they would also have nicknames for you too! Some of these included:

• Hollyberry would call you "Little Baby"

• White Lilly would call you "Little Angel"

• Golden Cheese would call you "Little Treasure"

• Pure Vanilla would call you "Little One"

• Dark Cacao would call you "Little Warrior"

I can make Stimboards, Moodboards, Headcanons and art requests! So feel free to send a request :D

[kissingghouls]

The Emperor (Suck Club IV)

Part Two: The First - (Part One // ao3)

Vampire Primo x Female Reader

Summary: You seek comfort in Primo's old cottage, unaware you aren't alone in the woods. ♥ This chapter directly references events that take place in The Prince, not exactly spoilers but I'm adding a heads up anyway. Tags: NSFW, MDNI, 18+, dual pov, flashbacks, horror themes, vampire violence, violence, blood, (eventual) smut, and more tags on ao3 // 3600ish words div by @gothdaddyissues 🖤

“So…vampires like pizza?”

It might’ve been a stupid question but in that moment it was the only thing you could think to ask. A delivery box with a nondescript logo—some local place, you guessed—sat between you and the much older man. For some reason, he had also set the table for a much fancier meal, complete with the confusing number of silverware.

The odd man simply shrugged as he delicately cut into his pizza with a knife and fork. “I suppose some do, though, I can’t speak for all of us. I just assumed young people still liked pizza.”

“Huh.” You took a bite, chewing thoughtfully as you prepared the next question. “And how many years young are you?”

He cracked a smile, laughing through his nose. “Quite a few, I’m afraid.”

“Like…centuries? Wait—is it rude to ask?”

He smiled softly. “I don’t mind you asking, piccola. Let’s see…” He paused and began to tap on his chin as he added up the years. “Somewhere around 900 years old, give or take. After a certain amount of time, one falls out of the habit of counting.

You sat back, sinking lower in your seat. “You really are him, aren’t you.”

“I told you, cara, I don’t know why anyone would pretend to be me.”

“Primo?” you asked softly, using his name for the first time. “Why did you really do it? Why waste your time saving me?”

He set down his silverware and looked you in the eye. “You reminded me of someone.”

The memory played over and over as you drove down the dark stretch of road. There was no need for street lights along the old highway at the edge of town. People hardly came out this way anymore, opting to use the newer highway to get to the city, but it was still the only direct route to Primo’s charming cottage. He loved to bring you along on afternoon drives, telling you stories about its heyday and pointing out old places of interest as he sped down the desolate strip. It was an artery, he said, a direct line to the beating heart of the city just over the horizon, so busy and full of life as people traveled back and forth. Now it was just a place where bored teenagers went to cause trouble and pretend to summon things in the woods.

As long as they stayed away from the old Emeritus place you didn’t really care what the local heathens got up to.

It used to be calming out here, like wandering down a secret path to some hidden tranquil place. A place only a handful of people knew about and even fewer visited. Now it felt like you were somewhere else, some alternate dimension where the harsh reality of all those abandoned properties made your skin crawl. Those sad, broken buildings looming in the woods waiting—longing—for someone to return. The seemingly magical veil that previously blanketed that strip of highway was gone, leaving only busted windows and sagging roofs to remind you of your own loss.

You’d been avoiding the cottage as much as possible. It might be all you had left of him, but most of the time it felt more like visiting a gravesite than the place he called home. How could it not? You’d mourned there, buried your hopes there and still your offering—your sacrifice—wasn’t enough to bring him back.

You often wondered if he even could come back. Of all the things you’d discussed over the years, this was a contingency neither of you planned for. Whatever the reason, you knew deep down leaving was his only solution and likely one he struggled with immensely. But knowing didn’t make it hurt any less. Knowing didn’t erase the last conversation you had with him.

“Primo?”

“Diavolina,” he responded in the same flat tone.

“Are you in trouble?”

He turned and gave you a reassuring smile. “What trouble could I be in?”

“The worrying kind. I mean, that’s him in there isn’t it? Your brother? With the girl?

“There is no need to worry, cara. It’s under control.”

You laughed angrily. “You’re really not going to tell me anything, are you? After everything—”

“Enough,” he chided. “Acting like a petulant child will not change things.”

“A child? Seriously? Go fuck yourself, Primo,” you spat and started down the pathway.

“Dia, wait—”

“No. Don’t think you can sweet talk your way out of this. Sure, you’re older than me. Fine. But that doesn’t change the fact that you are hiding something from me. And that fucking hurts, Primo. Do you understand that? I don’t care what excuse you have for it. I don’t care if you’re trying to keep me or them safe. A secret like this is a shitty thing to keep from someone close to you—”

“I’m afraid,” he admitted quietly, cutting off your speech. “I am afraid and I have not felt fear like this in a very long time. You can understand that, yes?”

You nodded solemnly.

It stayed with you, haunting every waking moment. No one knew where he went. The brother and the girl tried their best to assure you he was fine, but it was obvious they didn’t know any more than you did. Your relationship with Primo was one thing, but you weren’t about to let two very hungry vampire strangers comfort you about it.

Darkness swallowed everything beyond the reach of your headlights as you finally approached the cottage, the withering exterior appearing sickly under the dull glow. An awful wind whipped around the property, kicking up leaves and dust as you stepped out of the car. The structure groaned under the force of it, as though it might crumble completely with a strong enough gust. It broke your heart to see the cottage this way, this little piece of utopia left to rot on its own.

What would Primo think?

You pushed your way inside and called out to the vampire, unable to break old habits even now. Aside from the occasional creaks and settling sounds, the house remained silent. It smelled of dust and stale air instead of tea or fresh flowers. No one was singing in the cramped kitchen, empty chairs still tucked under the table. You couldn’t bring yourself to focus on the state of things, not tonight anyway. In the morning maybe you’d have the energy to clean up a bit and make a few calls about repairs. But tonight you squeezed through the small hallway between the kitchen and the conservatory and past the rows of shelves lined neatly with bottles older than you. There were a dozen or so unlabeled bottles tucked away in a back corner, a place of high praise reserved for Primo’s most treasured vintage. You plucked one from the shelf before making your way back through the house and up the winding steps to the second floor.

Old photos and paintings lined the walls, a miniature gallery devoted to the time Primo had spent here. Newspaper clippings detailing the opening of his beloved botanical garden and other forgotten success stories of Aurea Valley were placed lovingly in frames beside pressed flowers and keepsakes leading up to the room at the end of the hall. You felt along the wallpaper, searching for the light switch in the dark. The ornate lamp on the bedside table clicked on, filling the room with a dim orange light. Its wiring had been taking apart and soldered back together at least three times since you’d met Primo, but he refused to let the thing go. There were many things like that in the cottage, pieces that had dulled and faded with time but were still just as important or sentimental as they’d always been.

The bedroom was left untouched in his absence, scattered with various items he’d left behind during his great getaway. For months it had hurt too much to face it, but now all you wanted—all you needed was to feel close to him again. You didn’t care if it was pathetic or sad or even insane. You needed the comfort and clarity of his pajamas and the fading scent of his cologne still trapped in the fibers. You needed to be in his bed, in his clothes, with his favorite wine because it was all you had left.

Just for one night, you told yourself and curled up in his blankets like you belonged there. It was technically your house, after all. It didn’t take much for the alcohol and general exhaustion to lull you into a deep sleep filled with sweet memories of your vampire.

“What do you think? Are you afraid, cara?”

“Of you? No,” you replied with a laugh. You paused, tilting your head as you stared at his silly store-bought costume. He had dyed his hair with one of those spray cans of color, turning it into a pitch-black helmet. A cheap one-size-fits-most tuxedo made of mystery fabric hung awkwardly off his shoulders while a massive plastic medallion painted gold held a cape around his neck. “Don’t you think it’s a little…”

“A little…?”

“I don’t know…isn’t Dracula a bit on the nose?”

Primo’s forehead creased as his mouth set in a hard line. “I’m not Dracula, cara.”

“Oh, you’re not doing, like, a Bela Lugosi thing?”

Primo was too busy continuing his rant to answer you. “Dracula was written in 1897, cara. I am a great deal older than Dracula. In fact, I am a great deal older than Vlad Țepeș himself! Older than Vlad Dracul!”

“Ok old man. Then who are you dressed as?

“Ah, eh. Someone much worse,” he offered gravely. “My brother Terzo.”

-x-

Primo’s stomach turned as he approached the cottage. The strange scent that encompassed the Valley only grew stronger the closer he got. Thick and sickly-sweet, the smell was everywhere as though something was marking its territory. Something or someone. It was hardly surprising that his absence would attract another being to this place. Under normal circumstances he might have praised them for being so bold. But here like this, he felt only anger, a deep burning rage toward whoever dared to commit such an unforgivable trespass. After what happened to Secondo and Terzo, this was nothing short of a declaration of war.

He wasn’t going to lose you or his home without one hell of a fight.

His movements were quiet and careful as he crept through the dense underbrush that had sprung up around the property. Whatever was here, whatever supernatural creature decided to follow you here wasn’t particularly interested in covering its tracks along the way. It did, however, remain hidden from view and Primo was too focused on your immediate safety to properly search for the intruder.

The full moon bathed the conservatory in a silvery light, hiding the interior from view. There was almost no light within the cottage, only the soft blue glow of a television shone somewhere on the second floor. He stared up at the window, following the layout of his home in his mind. His bedroom. You were in his bedroom. He closed his eyes, straining to hear your slow, relaxed breaths over the ambient noise of the woods. Inside this place, in this little castle he’d built, you were safe from whatever monsters lurked outside, free to dream of whatever your heart desired. It was oddly comforting to know you were near. That you were safe and healthy in this place. Possibly even happy. Maybe he should have known better than to build his comfort around you, but that’s where it was. That’s where it had been from the day he met you.

There was a time when a year would have meant nothing, gone as quickly as the blink of an eye. But Primo counted the days you were apart. Spent each moment sulking and brooding his way across continents while hiding in the kind of hotels where people didn’t ask too many questions. One day he hoped you would forgive him for leaving without an explanation. If he was honest, he’d spend eternity trying to earn your forgiveness if you asked.

A hopeless old vampire. What a fucking cliché he’d become.

He sighed, directing his focus toward his reflection in the glass. A perfectly normal face stared back at him, eyes bright and sharp. The fine lines he’d quietly developed over his first lifetime, all the little signs of age and worry, every survival badge he earned on his skin had dulled and smoothed over. A healthy glow, some would call it. A skincare routine Bathory would die for. A younger man stood before him, wrinkles replaced by soft skin and a relentless hunger he could barely control. Everything had a price and Fate demanded more than a pound of flesh for saving his brother.

She hadn’t lost her sense of irony, even after a millennia.

The more he fed, the younger he appeared. And when he tried to fight it, Fate filled his mind with horrific visions and turned his blood to fire.

He sighed again, heavily this time and his breath fogged up the glass. He was so deep in his own self-pity he didn’t see it. Didn’t hear a thing as a massive, shadowy figure picked him up and tossed him through the glass wall.

The car rocked gently as he drove, lulling you into a deeper sleep. You’ve really done it this time old man, he thought to himself as the forest squeezed against the road. What the hell was he doing? No. What the hell were you thinking? And just who the hell were you?

“Augh, my head,” you whined from the passenger seat, gripping your hair in your fists. After a beat you realized you were in unfamiliar surroundings with a strange man. You shot backward, body pressed against the door to create as much distance as possible. “What are you doing?”

Primo huffed, never taking his eyes off the road. “I couldn’t exactly leave you in my garden to bleed to death, piccola.”

“If you think you can just drag me somewhere to drain me—”

“I saved your life,” he corrected, raising his voice. “And I cleaned up your little mess.”

“So that means you just get to kidnap me?”

“Would you like me to take you back so you can explain to the local police just what you were doing back there?”

“Not really.”

“A simple thank you would do.”

“Pull over.”

He sighed and brought the car to rest on the shoulder. It took only seconds for you to jump out and begin to stomp your way down the road. “Piccola,” he called after you. “It’s dangerous out here.”

“More dangerous than riding around with a fucking vampire?” you shot back.

He couldn’t help but smile. “Depends on who you ask, I suppose. But you know what I am. Do you think you can outrun me?”

You let out a frustrated scream that echoed through the woods. A flock of birds flew from the trees, screeching back at you for making such a sound.

“I don’t have to outrun you if you don’t chase me.”

“Fair point. Would you like to get back in the car then?”

“Why are you doing this?”

“You needed help. I helped.”

“Really? All I remember is you shoving a bunch of leaves in my mouth before I blacked out. How is that helping me? How is kidnapping me helping? And what the fuck do you care about what happens to me anyway?”

The question stung like salt in an open wound. When he found you there, writhing in pain as you bled out between hastily painted sigils and candles burned down to nothing he had truly only wanted to help. “I—if you need protection so badly you’re willing to risk performing that ritual…”

Your eye narrowed as you stalked toward him. “That’s—”

“I can offer you protection. Greater than anything that ritual has to offer.”

You crossed your arms over your chest. “Why?”

Being evasive did him no favors, so he decided to just be honest with you. “Fate.”

“The fuck does that mean?”

He cast his gaze on the ground, drawing lazy circles in the dirt with his shoe. He sighed under the weight of his confession, preparing himself for any reaction. “It means I wrote that ritual, the one that nearly killed you. I created something in the naïveté of my youth—”

You laughed loudly, doubling over as you clutched your stomach. “That’s—that’s impossible,” you struggled between giggles. “You’d be what? A thousand years old?”

“Not quite.”

You swiped at the tears forming in your eyes, still struggling for breath between each burst of laughter. “You really expect me to believe you’re Primo Emeritus, don’t you?”

“I—I don’t…what exactly do you mean?”

“Half of the vampires out there claim to be Emeritus vampires. Do you think you’re the first?”

His brow furrowed. “I am the First. Why would anyone pretend to be—”

“Oh, not just anyone. Almost everyone.”

-x-

The sound of shattering glass dragged you from alcohol-soaked dreamlike memories. You shot up immediately searching the room for a possible the source of the noise. The window near the bed was still intact, its heavy, dusty drapes mocking you with their stillness. In your semi-conscious state, you realized the sound must have come from downstairs. The conservatory. That entire room would’ve looked like a jackpot for anyone hellbent on breaking glass for a thrill.

You were going to kill those little fuckers. 

Shoving your phone in your pocket, you climbed down from the massive bed and quickly made your way downstairs. As you crossed through the kitchen you flipped every light switch along the way, hoping that maybe the thought that someone lived here would be enough to scare off would be intruders.

 “Hello?” you called out as you reached the threshold of the conservatory. “This is private property asshole.” 

Nothing. You sighed, part in anger and part in relief. Just a couple of kids fucking around in the woods and ruining your perfectly good dreams. You flipped on the light and stepped into a pair of gardening boots before grabbing a broom.

“Jesus,” you muttered as you approached the broken pane. The entire 8-foot panel of glass was in jagged pieces scattered across the floor. “What the fuck did they throw?”

Something stirred behind you, a small, wounded sound followed by a grunt. You traced the noise past the overgrown plants and broken furniture, glass crunching under you boots with each step. Aside the worktable still cluttered with Primo’s last concoction, the figure of a man lay sprawled on the floor, barely moving. The sickening metallic smell of blood assaulted your senses as you took in the sight in front of you. The man was injured, his face dashed with several small cuts as through he’d gone through the window headfirst. It was difficult to tell the extent of the rest of his injuries, but you were sure they were there. He was the object that had broken the window.

Who throws a grown man through a window?

You looked back and forth between the man and the pattern of broken glass along the stone floor.

What throws a grown man through a window?

The man stirred, fingers twitching as he let out a hollow cough. You moved closer, kneeling beside him to get a better look at his face. His features were oddly familiar, blond hair, high cheekbones, and a prominent nose just like—no, it couldn’t be? The man in front of you appeared years younger than your vampire, but the resemblance was so striking, so startling it couldn’t possibly be anyone else.

“Who the hell?” you mumbled to yourself.

He began to cough again, quickly bringing a hand to his mouth to cover it. The action seemed to wake him from his unconscious state and he used the opportunity to slide away from you.

“Hey, it’s ok,” you offered gently.

“No. I—uh—” He looked up, eyes searching yours as he made some vague excuse. But his eyes—

“Primo,” you whispered, staring back into the stark white iris of his left eye. It wasn’t a question or an accusation, just a strange fact being presented to you as plainly as anything else. His face was full and free of the skull shaped paints he loved, but there was no doubt left. This was Primo Emeritus. Your Primo. “How is this possible?”

He winced and those familiar little lines around his eyes deepened like they would in the future—or had in the past. “Diavolina,” he began quietly. “I—”

“What happened to you? Where the hell have you been?”

Guilt flashed across his handsome features. “I was—”

“Nevermind. Let’s get you inside.”

“I can’t. It’s not safe—”

“When is it ever?” you snapped.

Shame now settled on his face, like a scolded child. “I must go, Diavolina. And I will return,” he added quickly. “But it’s not safe. I need to feed.”

Your brow furrowed as you processed what he’d said. There was always an awareness with your vampire; you had never denied what he was or what sustained him, but this was the first time you had ever heard him discuss it in such succinct terms.

“Primo, I don’t understand.”

“I will explain everything,” he managed through a grunt as he pushed himself up. “Everything, tesoro. I promise. Please, just trust me a little while longer.”

You nodded once and the vampire made an impossibly swift exit back through the broken panel. Primo had never made you a promise he didn’t keep.

more stuff by me // comment or DM if you'd like to be added to the taglist ♥

[em-harlsnow]

difference between the first seasons of shameless and the last seasons imo

read beneath the cut, it’s pretty long

what i think really changed about the last seasons of shameless compared to the first seasons is how they tried to incorporate the audience. i’ve seen writers/producers say that they tried to set up the cameras in a way that made it feel like the audience was a part of the family, or a visitor confused by all the chaos.

i think that idea was lost in later seasons and you stop feeling like a part of the show, but even more than that, the audience becomes very detached from everything.

further, i think the characters began to lack the same weight that they did before. as they all start to grow up and become steadier as people, the show also loses its chaotic appeal. by the time the characters were all adults, the writers seemed lost on how to add that gritty dark element that the show had initially without becoming repetitive. there’s only so many times that frank can have some ridiculous storyline that hurts his kids where fiona has to pick up the pieces. it gets boring.

so to try and stop that happening, they ran with old comedic devices that i felt shameless had always deviated from, or at least exaggerated. but no, in the last seasons the show fully leans into them. it becomes more like a sitcom, like modern family or friends.

with tami and lip, it was tami getting insecure about lip possibly liking someone else and lip coming up with all these schemes on how to spend less money and hide that he was going for cheaper options from his girlfriend.

with debbie, it was the show leaning into the whole milkovich/gallagher thing and trying for a new pairing which honestly was entirely lacking. we had more development on her and mattie’s storyline (which was gross) than her and sandy. they turn debbie into a caricature and leave her without much emotional development, taking away any of the audience’s compassion towards her.

with carl, it was the whole police thing, where he struggled with his annoying boss and then his second annoying boss.

with liam, it was him becoming very mature very quickly, but lacking the same depth that debbie and carl got at his age. that’s just my opinion of him, bare in mind i haven’t watched his scenes in season 10/11 recently.

with ian and mickey, it was them becoming that TYPICAL comedic couple, with the show taking away a lot of what made them different. So many of their storylines were full of pointless arguments and unsatisfying resolutions. they tried to make them almost middle class, removing mickey’s skill in crime and making him look lazy. taking away all of ian’s emotional development and making him seem pissed off constantly. they don’t seem to understand each other the way they did before.

don’t even get me started on kev and v. they were one of the most interesting storylines at the beginning, and they suddenly became boring.

fiona left, so i can’t comment much on her.

shameless also lacks the connection the show used to have between storylines. every character was somehow connected to another character at the start, all the different plots influencing each other. that quality was lost later on.

at the beginning, the show made great points about poverty and politics without needed to obviously explain each one. it was metaphorical, an example of poverty and of people and relationships and life. In later seasons, it becomes too obvious for me. the messages the show is trying to convey are much more clear and surface level, which means the impact of these messages is reduced.

it’s like the difference between someone giving you an example of a specific person who has been abused, let’s say. You can either tell an emotive story about that abuse or you can say, they were abused, this is wrong. shameless originally was emotive, giving you connections to characters and therefore adding weight and meaning to their stories. It becomes shallow when the show gives its messages in plain ways. like the conversation that ian had with that woman in the furniture shop about the election results in season 11. sure, ian was right, but it doesn’t have the same impact when delivered in that way. if they’d done the show the same as they did in the first seasons, i’m sure the message would have been conveyed more passionately and effectively.

now, this is just my opinion. i don’t hate the last two seasons, but it wasn’t very shameless-esc. I also don’t write TV shows, so i don’t know exactly how to fix all those things

i do enjoy the last seasons, it wasn’t all bad. but it was different to the first ones, and that is something to comment on.

[keelt9]

Chapter 5

Masterlist

A/N: I tried to do my double post this week but I had tons of things that appeared in the last couple of days so it made it impossible, but I will, or expect to do three posts next week… However, today I couldn’t let it pass because;

It's my birthday! 🎂

Thank you so much for being with me another year, you keep me very motivated; I’m working hard on improving everyday and I hope whatever you’re reading distracts you even just a minute and makes you laugh or smile.

Like as always say. Thank you so much for reading! 🍒

The whole night Joe isolated himself; he's angry and the least company you want to have, and want it or not, if he listens to her so cheerful his mood drops to hell.

He knew it, she called but he let it ring.

He will talk with her earlier in the morning when he feels more calm and less irritable.

It's the beginning of the bye week, he passed to her favourite coffee shop and for new aid bands probably she will have more paper cuts.

Monet announces his arrival with loud barks setting a smile on Joe, turning around but his smile drops.

“I know, I know, not exactly the combo you're waiting for.” Monet sits waiting for Joe to pat his head.

“Sorry, I didn't expect you.” He goes down rubbing Monet's head. “Where is Y/N?”

Nora sighs sitting on the bench. “She tried to call you last night, she's in Boston.”

“What?” Nora gives him the frisbee with a straight face.

Y/N and Savannah were pretty clear. <All they talked about must keep between them, her heart is on the line.>

“Last minute, work call.” Nora sees Joe grabbing the freebies. “The company needs her in Boston, a thing about a project, I don't know Joe, she probably could explain it better, if you picked her call.”

The lethal eyes of Nora are enough for making him feel bad, but she shakes her hand. “I'll be walking around… call me when you're about to leave so I can pick up Monet.”

She kisses Monet's head. “I'll come back boy, be careful.”

“Nora.” Joe said as she refuses to look at him even before he goes.

“Listen Joe, it's not my business but…” Nora presses tight her fist, she loves Y/N. It's like a sister to her, seeing her so confused hurts. “I get your mad but you never do that with her, she feels anxious for you not picking up, maybe… if you're thinking she's low on your expectations, well, let her know, but don't put her aside like she's just another random person.”

Joe moves her eyes over Nora face, that red blushed face the first time they met is now, a mouth stuck in a line and serious eyes.

Nora bluffs. “See you later Joe.”

Y/N wasn’t able to get some sleep with a concern in her heart, she tried to call Joe to let him know the big news but he didn't pick up.

The reason for the long calls and giggles is…she knew about a new project arriving this month, nothing new, until she saw the name of the author. She reads her stories and loves it like crazy. 

Since the very first news about the author was to look into whether people could join her team, she's been working hard to get a place.

Last night, Y/N's boss called her letting her know, if she could be in Boston by the morning, the author would be enchanted to work along with her.

She barely contained her emotions when she met her, but dealt with it like a champion. When she mentions she loves Y/N drawing, she screams internally, the redness in her palm for her nails pressing tight is the only evidence of that.

A brief talk with some people who are already in the team helps her to gain confidence. Finally at the meeting to introduce the official team, her phone rings, stealing her attention. 

Joe is calling.

“Y/N, let's go.” Her boss said walking to the conference room.

 >Sorry, meeting ahead, text you later.

She sent the message before turning off her phone for the meeting.

That one turns into two, that two into lunchtime for getting along in a more relaxed atmosphere with the team and then a third, finally a dinner for celebrating the new project.

By the time she arrived at her hotel room, she had the energy to call Savannah and say hi Monet.

“Tired?” Savannah asked as she fittings to get through the door. 

“My eyes are closing.” Y/N giggles coming out of the shower. “But thanks for being him, I bet he's having a blast.”

Savannah sees Nora and Monet sleeping next to each other on the couch. “For sure.”

“I'll call you tomorrow, Sav, I probably will be here around 2 or 3 days, ok?” She gets in the bed, as her shoes spread all over the room along her clothes.

“Y/N don't worry, I'm so excited for you, he's fine and happy.” Y/N smiles with her eyes closed. “Goodnight girl.”

Joe was about to leave the building when the phone call of Y/N stopped him dry on the entrance. 

“Go ahead, I’ll be there in a second.” He mentions to Zack as he goes back to answer her call. “Y/N”

“Shiesty.” Joe smiles hearing her so cheerful. “I’m mad that you didn’t pick up but I get it, it wasn’t such a good game.” 

“I’m so sorry, I was…” Jealous, he’s jealous but of course he can’t say that.

Y/N chuckles. “It’s ok, sorry for not calling yesterday but those days have been crazy, but I won’t tell you anything I want to see your face when you find out.” 

Joe wonders if he must get ready for the worst scenario that is in his head. 

He didn’t realize he kept silent for a long time. “Joe?” 

“Sorry, yeah, I can’t wait.” The excitement said the opposite. “When…”

“Y/N, sorry, we’re ready.” A strange voice calls for her, giving him zero time to make another question. 

“Sorry Joe, we keep in contact, take care.” Joe just keeps staring at the screen of her phone.

It’s the first photo Y/N sent her, a couple of months ago, she and Monet laying in the bed covered by a black blanket. 

He wishes and knows he could be there with her, far away for a couple of days.

 >Coming back Wednesday night, don’t worry, Sav and Nora will pick me, see you Thursday morning.

He could read as he gets ready for going out at night, any place in mind, he just wants to spend some time outside trying to get strong to face whatever she will tell him tomorrow morning.

“Y/N, please take my words seriously, ok?” Yoonie said before left her in the airport.

Yoonie mentions that she has been following all her work and feels very enthusiastic for working together, and if things go as they planned, well, she expects Y/N could spend some time in Korea where she lives, and putting to work, something Y/N could have in mind. Her own project.

Those words could be the hope she is waiting for? Running away.

When she told Savannah and Nora, they saw each other with a smile but not totally satisfied.

“What?” Y/N asked, rubbing Monet’s tummy as she’s sitting with him on the carpet. 

“Do you remember what your mother used to say?” Savannah asked taking the plates from the living room. 

“Oh, I know that too!” Nora said, sitting next to Monet giving a piece of carrot.

“Sav…” The sister didn’t let her finish. 

“Even if you put a mountain and a whole sea in between if the connection is real, it looks like you just cross the street.” Sav and Nora said in unison, making Monet jump and sit when he heard them, a carrot in his snout.

“I know baby, I know, they're crazy.” Nora laughs rubbing Monet back.

“Are you staying for the night?” Nora asks but Y/N shakes her head.

Standing for picking up all Monet toys and things. “I miss my house. And I have a few things to do before going sleep so, I’ll better go.”

Savannah appears with a few food containers in case she doesn’t have anything in her fridge. “Call if you need something, ok?” 

Y/N smiles hugging her best friend then going to Nora. “When you grow up so much?” 

After their parents died, Y/N parents didn’t shutter in having them, they were always more than a place for them, all became family. When they moved here, Y/N parents made sure they never felt alone. Life and things that passed together, made them seem like sisters.

“Let's go Monet, time to go home.” Monet sat between the sisters waiting for their pats.

Said and done. After taking a quick shower, Y/N cleaned and set up all her studio for beginning a new project, she lost track of time and the tiredness of her body braces she fell asleep on the couch.

The buzz in her stomach makes her wake up, and immediately answer the call.

“Yeah.” She mumbles half asleep. 

“Am, goodnight Mrs. Canva?” The unusual voice along with the loud cristal sounds and laughter make her open her eyes and see the ID on the screen.  

It’s Joe's number, and that’s how he saved her in his phone.

“Where is Joe?” The man sighs relief for he didn’t call the wrong number.

“I’m sorry for waking up at this hour.” It’s 3:12 am. “But Mr. Burrow, well… I’m afraid he drinks a little and he’s unwell to drive so he asked us to call you.”

Y/N sits rubbing her eyes. “He refused to leave, at least you came for him or he doesn’t have a problem with driving.”

Y/N scoffs from how reckless Joe could act when he drinks.

“I’ll go, please send me an address and I’ll be there.”

20 minutes later she parked in the backdoor to take him out without so much fuss; as she went right to the main office where they keep Joe apparently sleeping for the way he sits in the chair.

The same man that called her gave her his phone and car keys. “We never saw him get drunk, and less so quickly.” Y/N giggles tapping Joe shoulder

“Joe.” He barely opens his eyes but he smiles at her, standing but putting his arm around her. 

“You‘re here. I told them you always came.” Y/N scoff, he’s so heavy. “How the hell you get here, you're supposed to be in Boston, you’re fast.”

“Little too much to drink, I guess.” Y/N said rolling in his arm so she can pull him with the help of the other man.

They managed to get him in the back of her car and she told the man; she or someone else will come for his car tomorrow and thank him one more time for all.

“Joe.” She moved him softly. “Hey, can you tell me your password from your front door?” 

Joe giggles, raising his shoulders. “I changed it last week, I can’t remember.” 

“Ok, am, Ja’Marr knows it?” Joe shook his head. 

Y/N thought of all her options but without a clue of the password, she only had one option…

The sound of the keys alert Monet his owner is back, but with a Joe barely walking next to her.

“Shh, stay still Monet, this is more difficult than I expected.” Y/N said as she kept almost carrying him.

She never expected going upstairs would look like she was just climbing a mountain and the guest rooms seem more far away than just two one door from hers, so she gets Joe inside of her bedroom as Monet follows them from close moving his tail from side to side, excited to have Joe in his home. 

“Ok, we’re here.” Take her blanket away. “Ok, Joe, easl…”

Even as she tried to put him in the bed slowly Joe collapsed in her bed with his arm around her neck making her fall on the top of him; one of her arms stuck in the back of his neck and the other she put the side of her head avoiding falling totally over him.

She froze more seconds than she would want but Joe made her react.

“It’s beating fast.” Joe mumbles with his eyes closed and one of his hands over her waist. “Can you keep a secret?” 

Y/N tried to move but his other hand raised to his lips. “It's a life or death one.” 

She smiles nodding. “Come closer.” 

“Joe, we can't be closer, believe me.” Y/N tries to pull her arm under his neck, but he refuses to move. 

“I am madly in love with you.” Y/N hiss, feeling this time her heartbeat stops and all the blood of her body drained in one second. “But, shhhhh.” 

She sees how the blue of his eyes are barely visible but he smirks. “I don’t want you to know, not now, it just…” He hiccup. “It was killing me not to tell you.”

Y/N feels a wave of overwhelmed emotions, so she only hums as a way to say something and not just lay on the top of him. “You’re drunk Burrow.”

This time she managed to slip from Joe accidentally falling on the floor with her knees. “Of course I am.”

Y/N fakes a smile feeling she goes high for crashing loud on the ground. “Still…” He rolls to his left to see her. “Hopeless in love with you!” 

Y/N smiles with tender eyes on her face. as Joe grabs her hand over the bed. “One last thing before I fall asleep.” 

Y/N rolls her eyes. “Swear you won’t tell my sober me about this. He wants to wait for the perfect occasion.”

“Sure.” Y/N said remembering the important thing, he’s totally drunk. 

“Swear it.” He raises his pinky finger.

Y/N tingles her finger. “I swear it, ok?”

Joe nods slowly, falling asleep with his finger tingling on her.

Y/N rests her chin over the top of her and in the bed and sighs, softly moving the curl falling over Joe forehead with a soft smile on her face. 

Monet moves her other hand on her lap. “He's a drunk baby, he’s totally drunk.”

Monet licks his nose as Y/N stands to cover Joe after taking his shoes, carefully giving him a soft peck on his cheek. 

Migraine and awful migraine it’s what woke him up as he covered his eyes from the few sunlights that entered through the window, what totally woke him up is the gentle tapping against the floor.

As Joe opened his eyes he found Monet resting his head at the side of the bed as he moved his tail gently. 

“Monet, hi buddy.” The lick of Monet in his hand makes it real. “MONET!”

Monet barks jumping over the bed as Joe analyzes all around him, that’s not his house. The clothes over a chair folded, white canvas between her desk and a couch and bandanas at the back door.

Practically running as he stumbles, he goes down calling when he recognizes the kitchen and living room.

“Fuck!” He whispers, grabbing his head that keeps spinning. “Y/N?” He asked for the empty space because the only live animals and humans in that place are Monet and him; walking to the kitchen he found a note stuck to a glass with a red drink.

“I had to go to the office here for a meeting. Drink all and eat what I leave in the oven. Don’t wait for me, I’ll come back later.”

Joe closes his eyes trying to remember something but his last memory it’s he smiling to a drink and then…this morning nothing else.

“Did I say something?” He observes Monet who walks to his huge bed and lays down. “You’re mad, huh?”

Monet turns his face to his left ignoring him. “Great, now I definitely don't have a clue.”

Of course he won’t let Monet alone, that sounds like a crimen, even if he's used to. All the drive home, Ja’Marr keeps giggling as the fact Joe gets drunk plus he picks him up in his own car.

“You could drive me home, instead here.” Joe closes his eyes, the sunlights it’s annoying. 

“Man, I swear, I knew about this because Y/N called me to pick up your car!” Ja’Marr enters Joe's house. “Otherwise believe I know that’s the last place you want to go in that state.”

Monet starts to smell around he’s been in this place still the lack of his smell or Y/N it’s frustrating. Joe drinks a full bottle of water cleaning the corner of his mouth, nothing any memory came back.

“Are you sure it’s ok this little friend came with us?” Ja’Marr tosses a ball it’s on the floor as Monet runs to grabb it. 

“Yeah, I texted her, I invited her to dinner.” Joe hides his face in his hands, embarrassed even when she’s not here. “Omg, what could I tell her?”

Ja’Marr is surprised by the agility and skills Monet had for grabbing the ball. “First of all, what makes you think you actually said something to her?”

Joe observes his friend's entertainment with a ball. “You could actually go up and practically sleep and hit like rock and didn’t say anything.” 

Monet grabs the ball on the air. “DUDE! You see that?!” 

Joe smirks seeing Monet give him the ball. “He has a better receiver. Consider yourself lucky, otherwise, I want him in the team.”

Ja’Marr laughs patting Joe arm before go. “Relax man, honestly she could have told me something and she didn't, so relaxed and asked her.”

“No way, no.” Joe shook his head. “I’m embarrassed enough, this could be dig my own grave.”

“Well, good luck, I guess.” Ja’Marr laughs while walking outside of the house after Joe tosses the ball at his back.

Monet starts to smell Joe cupboard. “Hungry?” Monet barks sitting next to it. “Yeah me too.”

He goes to his fridge taking a strawberry. “No, I know you love it, and she only gave it when you’re kind of grumpy, so let’s keep this a secret between us.”

Monet carefully grabs the strawberry taking his time eating it. “Secret for secret?” Monet licks Joe's face. “No, I got it.”

Late that night with a hydrated Joe they waited with dinner ready for Y/N came, around 7:30 pm, Monet jumped over the couch sitting in Joe's front door moving his tail. 

“She’s here.” 

Joe didn’t wait for her knock, he instantly opened the door, her coming out of her car as Monet runs to bark and moves around her waiting for his pats. 

“Hi baby.” Y/N smiles going down and scratching his head. “And you, you stole my dog.” She points to Joe making him laugh.

Joe goes where they are to help her with paper bags. “Let me help.” But she punched his arm. “I left you a note!”

“Yeah, where?” She smiles following Joe inside of the house. 

Joe fakes thinking as he leaves the paper bags. “Or I just bring it with me.” He search in his pocket. “Yes, I forgot it.”

Y/N smiles seeing the pink note. <I'm taking Monet to my place.>

“But hey, you’re here and I just made-ordered dinner.” Joe points to the table set smiling. 

Y/N shake her head. “If I don’t have other option.” Joe shakes his head carefully hugging her.

“I’m sorry for didn’t pick up.” Y/N pats his back. “I missed you.”

Y/N giggles making Joe chest buzz not sure if it’s for her laugh or fir having her this close. 

“I have tons of things to tell you.” She said stick to his chest. “I hope you have time.”

“For you? Always.” 

Along with all the dinner Y/N told Joe all that happened all these days, the project, the travel, her excitement and her anxiety from start to working right away. Joe shares her joy and emotions with her all the time. He doesn’t have any doubt, she will make this a success. 

“I want to tell you this morning but…” Y/N said picking up all the plates. “I saw you but not the sober you.” 

Y/N giggles seeing Joe ears turn red as he got down his face in the sink. “I…”

She tosses a dog snack Joe has for Monet. “It’s not a complaint, but hey, you should be carefull, it’s your bye week but…Just be careful.”

“Did I say something that could disturb you?” Joe asked, gripping the sponge too tight making it almost dry the instant he grabbed it. 

Y/N waits a couple of seconds kneeling making Monet smells the snack on her hand before giving it to him. “You were drunk Joe, touched my bed and fell asleep at the first second.”

Monet tilts his head, settling his path on her left hand. “Right baby?” 

Y/N opens her hand, there is the prize.

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

A/N: Big shout to @creativepromptsforwriting I had a lot of inspiration from her prompts. Thank you!

[hee0soo]

Don't be a Stranger - A S[e]oul Story -3-

Pairing — Kim Hongjoong x Foreigner!Reader

Summary — Hongjoong just had to use the little time he had while you were still around...

Genre ��� fluff

AU/Trope Info — Idol!Au, SliceofLifeAu

Wordcount — 1.2k

Warnings — none

Rating — sfw

Disclaimer: this fic is written and copyrighted by ©hee0soo on tumblr. do not rewrite or repost on any other plattforms without my permission.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

The next time you found yourself standing in front of the new KQ Building was just as unplanned as the first time had been. This time however it was an official invitation by Hongjoong himself, which did not make you any less nervous then the first time.

No, it seemed that this time you actually felt even more nervous then before!

So dressed in a bucket hat, mask and sunglasses on your nose you walked up the stairs and through the door straight to the elevator.

It couldn’t be that bad seeing as you already had hundreds of messages on your phone to prove that you had yet to scare him away, yet your nerves stayed frazzled. You had gotten to know him a bit beyond the idol persona through them and he had managed to have you feel comfortable enough to share some things about yourself too. Not once had Hongjoong seemed like he was making fun of you for it, rather he had showed genuine interest in what you liked and what you didn’t. So no, him asking you to see you roughly 1,5 weeks later and with the end of your vacation looming over your head, it shouldn’t be that bad.

It was the last chance where he was able to with schedules slowly filling up again after having slowed for the time being and upon finding out when your flight back home was booked, Hongjoong had demanded to meet up at least once to hang out for a bit as he had said when he had asked if you were interested in seeing him again.

You were apprehensive at first, hanging out with one of your idols should be a dream come true in theory, yet in reality you weren’t so delulu to think that it would be as magical as tiktok edits of them made it out to be. But the selfie of a pouty Hongjoong you got after initially refusing had you melting on the spot.

So yes, americano and your favorite beverage and some snacks in hand you stepped out of the elevator and marched up to the entrance to ring the bell.

Just a moment later the face of Hongjoong appeared behind the milky glass door. You didn’t know why you had expected the woman from last time to be the one to let you in, but something about it being Hongjoong left you giddy inside.

“Annyeonghaseyo!” you chanted out joined by a shy bow and cringed at the way it sounded way to rehearsed. Hongjoong almost cooed at the spooked look on your face, immediately reaching for your arm to pull you back up as soon as you had lowered yourself.

“Ah, you don’t need to! I’m friend.” He spoke softly, his accent audible while speaking English. Pointing at the drink you held in your hands, he asked, “For me?” with bright eyes.

You nodded before handing it to him.

“Yes, I thought since you invited me, I could at least bring some snacks and coffee.”

“Thank you but you no need-“ he began and got promptly cut off.

“I wanted to, so take it or I’ll drink it!”

Pleased to see that you were comfortable enough to tease him, he took the coffee from your hands only answer in pout. “No, that’s mine!”

He skipped a few feet away down the hall, gesturing with his head for you to follow him.

The confused looks you both received from the secretary behind the desk went unnoticed, instead you followed his lead to where you guessed his studio was located.

Opening the door for you to step in first you walked in, taking a seat on the couch. Hongjoong himself sat down in his producing chair, taking a sip of his drink.

You spend the time talking about everything that came to your mind, both you and him bantering with each other like you have know the other for ages. There was no dull moment, no second of silence and not minute of thinking this was a mistake.

You could barely breath from laughing to much at his jokes and the snacks emptied gradually and suddenly it was 9 pm instead of 1 pm and Hongjoong had ordered food for both of you with some soju on the side.

The flavored alcohol had your face scrunching up because of the sweetness and Hongjoong straight up giggled in your face.

“You don’t like?” he hiccupped between laughter’s and you shook your head furiously coughing.

“Not this flavor at least!”

Handing you a bottle of water the rapper snickered at your expression.

“Thank you! And stop laughing!”

To be fair, he tried! It still took him several deep breaths to actually school his face into a calmer one. Not calm, but calmer. You could still see the amusement settling on his face as the corners of his mouth twitched upwards.

“Okay, okay! I calm now!” Another inhale. Another failed attempt.

“Yahh, don’t be mean!” you whined followed by a pouty smile.

“I’m not! I’m sorry!”

“No, you aren’t!”

“I am!”

A knock cut the banter off. Someone who you recognized as Eden walked in, a frown placed on his face when he understood that Hongjoong wasn’t alone in there. You tried to appear neutral to his presence yet polite when you greeted him quietly.

The man seemed to ignore your presence entirely as he addressed the leader of Ateez with a scowl.

“Are you planning on joining us today or…” he trailed off and Hongjoongs eyes widened at the implication of his words. “Ah, I forgot the session! I’m sorry hyung!”

“Just hurry this up and come when you are ready.”

Eden left.

Hongjoong looked at you, seemingly sorry for something you knew wasn’t his fault.

“I-“

“You have to get back to work again, it’s okay.” You smiled, reassuring him that it really was okay.

“I’m sorry…”

“Don’t be, please! I understand, I just glad that we had so much time together.”

Reaching forward to clean up the mess of snack bags and coffee cups, you got up; getting ready to leave with a heavy heart.

Hongjoong batted your hands away. Not wanting you to feel like he was throwing you out, he took the trash from your hands. “Let me-“

Your eyes met briefly and you wanted to scream at the soft look he gave you.

“Can I walk you the door?”

You nodded. “Of course.”

You took your stuff and followed him out. It seemed like he walked slower on purpose to draw out the moment of saying goodbye, trying the delay it as much as possible before wrapping his arms around you ever so carefully. It wasn’t different to when he had to pose for pictures with female idols, never quite touching you. Yet, it meant a lot.

“Don’t be stranger. I want keep talking with you…”

“I won’t.”

Taglist: @lelaleleb @roronoas-wife @vixensss @bakusatxuki

[booigi-boi]

what have you wanted to talk about (Ted wise) but haven't had the question / more cryptid ted please

I have couple goat transformation AUs with Ted actually, and they're kinda other less polished versions of the Cryptid Ted AU

I have a Hidgens one, a CCRP one, and a Tinky one. Under cut cause this might get long

I recently talked about the Tusk one, but it's actually lowkey inspired by this idea I have where Hidgens does experiments on Ted cause he's trying to create a physical version of a local Hatchetfield cryptid, the goat man (not to be confused with the Jersey devil). He came in contact with some suspicious yellow fur, and something inside him told him to attach DNA from that to someone, so he got Ted. He does experiments for months, Ted has given up on life, eventually he does transform into something resembling a goat/man hybrid. Emma's actually there too, Hidgens kinda got her to be like bait for transformed Ted to see if he had like human will and all that, but that's kinda it, I haven't polished it further

-

Then there's the CCRP one. CCRP reopens a lab they shut down years ago after an experiment killed too many people. They tried to harness Tinky's powers, we know that, but somehow they managed to get DNA (or something similar to that, dunno what literal DNA gods have) from Tinky, so they started doing were experiments. Unfortunately it went wrong, many were killed, lab got shut down. Fast forward to years later and they, still having that DNA, wanna do the experiments again. They go to their tech support lab rats and tell Mr. Davidson (who I headcanon knows what's happening with CCRP and was hired to be a fake boss to look over the crew) to get the workers to get medical exams to see which one of them is the fittest for this. They do the exams, thinking it's just some random annual mandatory thing, and CCRP finds that Ted somehow shows signs of Tinky being in him, so he's perfect. Mr. Davidson tells Ted to stay late one night, and they capture him. Then just imagine months of painful lab things of inserting liquids and shit into him, all that fun stuff. I don't really have anything else to this, so it kinda ends with suspense

-

Last is the Tinky one, which is basically just Tinky putting some of himself into Ted. Tinky tells Wiley to go to Hatchetfield to bring Ted into the black and white. He stalks Ted for a good couple days, trying to find a good opportunity to take him. Ted is taking a smoke break at an alley near CCRP, when Sam and Bailey appear. Sam is tired of Ted sleeping with Charlotte (hypocrite, he just wants to be the one to have the power), so he and Bailey beat Ted up and put him in their cop car, driving away. Wiley follows with his B&W powers. They drive to a cliff, shoot Ted, and drop him into the river below. Fast forward to Ted waking up on a random beach, wet, sore, and feeling like he's drunk. He slowly gets up and starts making his way back to town, having no recollection what the fuck happened or anything. Somehow his wobbly ass runs into Paul, who is very surprised to see Ted, like very surprised. Turns out Ted has been missing for almost 6 months, and the police told everyone he was dead. Pete is very happy to see ted again, but senses something is clearly wrong, like Ted didn't have yellow in his hair before, but the police, especially Sam, isn't keen on investigating what happened as Ted was alive and that was good enough for them. For months Ted would have nightmares about running around in random places in Hatchefield, on all fours, trashing places and killing and eating random animals. Then something something, PEIP gets involves, something something, MacNamara holding Pete tightly in place as the PEIP takes goat ted away, something something,,,,

The last one is the closest to the Cryptid Ted AU in terms of story, but doesn't have Ted "dying" and being in the Black and White for what was 6 months in earth time