#so a fortune teller that says 'you're doing the right thing it will all work out' is inherently wrecking the story

[weirdsht]

Hello, a cale x reader lunatic here 😭

They meet a fortune teller pre-relationship and pre-war

They're idiots

FT: you're going to have 10+ kids

Cale: uhh...

Reader: wtf is you spouting? /*Terrified

Ohn, Hong, Raon, and the wolf children: 🫂

Selective Vacuous - Cale/Reader

notes: I made it a 4+1 since I had several scenarios but didn't know how to connect them all hehe

tags: female reader, established relationship (except the first one), reader is mentioned to be a spearman, GoD priestess prophet (it'll make sense in the end), vague to mild novel spoilers

English isn’t my first language so there will be grammatical errors

Pls don't repost my work anywhere without my permission

Constructive criticisms and any kind of interaction are more than welcome

Requests are open and welcome

Buy Me Dessert

Navigation Masterlist

“You will meet someone. A male. They will mean the world to you, and will bring you both trouble and comfort.”

“Miss priestess, you’re from the church of the God of Death, right? Don’t you think things like fortunes are for the God of Fate?”

_____ listened to the priestess’ ramblings. Yes, ramblings. Because that does not make sense to the spearman in the slightest. She was already married to her spear. There’s no way someone, especially a man, will suddenly become her whole world.

It just didn’t seem possible possible.

That was why the spearman did not understand the painful feeling in her chest when she saw Cale’s plate breaking. She couldn’t understand why her heart hurt for a person she just regarded as her employer.

“Everything is going to be fine soon young master. So please hold on a little longer.”

She couldn’t understand why her hands were softly wiping the blood on the redhead’s chin. Can’t understand why the sight of her employer in pain makes her heartache when she knows he's going to be alright.

She just can’t understand it.

+~+~+~+~+~+

“You have thirteen children. Whom you all love equally despite not seeing some of them often.”

“Do you think this is an elaborate prank?”

“I’m not sure but this the second time someone from the Church of the God of Death has given me a prophecy…”

“But 13 children? Really? If they're going to try and scam us at least make it sound believable.”

“I can’t even imagine having one child. Let alone more than ten.”

_____ shivered at the thought of having that many children with her significant other Cale. Turns out their chest pains were because she was in love with the redhead.

It took a whopping 5 months for the two of them to realise their feelings.

Another 2 for them to make a move and finally get together.

While the two are already in agreement that the priestess who said that might be a swindler, a certain silver kitten has another opinion.

She thinks that there’s a misunderstanding.

The priestess didn’t say “will have” but rather said “have”, meaning they already have thirteen children. However, she didn’t say anything and opted to keep her thoughts to herself.

'I’m pretty sure that priestess was talking about us and the wolf children…'

+~+~+~+~+~+

“You are destined to be with a powerful man with a very powerful family. Someone whose family has a long history.”

What now?

Does this mean one day _____ and Cale must break up?

“The family with a long history part checks out since the Henituse family are known to guard the Forest of Darkness.”

The spearman puts her hands underneath her chin as she thinks.

“But a powerful man? You have the weakest plate in existence. A powerful family? The Henituse family is a county. Not a Marquisate or a Duchy…”

Besides her Cale grumbled.

“Have you not learned anything? Just tune it out. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard such bullshit.”

“That’s true… I guess this one bothered me a bit since they implied we’d break up.”

“We won’t”

After the reassurance, _____ and Cale went back to eating their food.

What they don’t know is that a few days later, the Henituse County will be promoted to become the Henituse Duchy.

But at that time the prophecy told to _____ is already forgotten.

+~+~+~+~+~+

“Forbidden love is ahead of you. There will be a time where your own significant other will feel uncomfortable to show you affection.”

Great now the fortune teller scammers from that stupid church are targetting Cale too.

“But we’ve had great communication since the start of our relationship.”

Cale nodded in agreement as he thought about what could “forbidden love” and “uncomfortable with affection” could mean.

Sure they weren’t the most PDA couple but they don’t shy away from showing affection towards each other. They have also had their fights but they are always quickly resolved.

“Forbidden love is also a weird thing to say… Oh my god, Cale don’t tell me you’re planning to cheat on me?!”

Cale was so flabbergasted he said his true thoughts without filter.

“What the fuck?! You’re literally the love of my life??”

The sudden confession got the two of them to shut up. Both were shocked at what the redhead said.

“...You’re the love of my life too.���

“If you love me then you would not remind me of the embarrassing thing I said not even 5 minutes ago.”

As the two laugh, the words of the priestess slowly leave their minds.

However, maybe they shouldn’t have forgotten it when Cale had to disguise himself as Naru von Ejellan, a 12-year-old kid in human years. If they did then maybe they'd understand the priestess' words...

+~+~+~+~+~+

“You troublesome punk! I knew you’re dense but I didn’t expect you to be a blockhead!”

Cale was shocked at Team Leader Lee Soo Hyuk’s irritated voice. One moment they were talking about passing on one of the team leader’s abilities then suddenly he was yelling at Cale.

“Don’t look at me like a gaping fish out of water. I did so much to help you with your love life only for you to disregard my messages!”

“What messages..?”

Cale remembered all the times a priestess from the Church of the God of Death had told them a “prophecy”. 

“That was you?”

“You disrespectful punk, yes it was me.”

“Oh…”

Oh indeed

[klysanderelias]

But for real though, I hate these sort of semi-spiritual NPC fortune tellers that know the entire plot and are willing to play therapist because of it, both because it's deeply annoying to have someone tell you the plot to the game you're playing but also because like, something about it shreds my belief in what's happening.

Like, if you want to have tarot card readings that are spot on accurate, that's one thing I guess, if only because they're not required for the plot, but if a core progression path takes me to a strip joint where a sex worker is going to start going on and on about my deepest darkest fears or whatever, it's like...

I think part of it is that it implies that the character doesn't exist outside of the confines of the game - like, my deepest darkest fear is that I died and now am dying again? Not the ocean? Not getting brainjacked and turned into an immortal subroutine for god knows what purpose? Not being a worse father than my own father was to me? Not my dick falling off from leprosy? Oh I'm alone and there's no one left? Welp, guess I have to throw out any headcanon or invented backstory because it turns out that my V actually doesn't have a family, or friends, or any connection to any NPC I've met so far. It's weird because the corpo background V actually DOES reference things that happened before the game starts, specifically some sort of issue at the Mexican border, but it never actually goes into detail, and it only comes up to make you feel bad about Jackie.

I'm genuinely of the opinion that this sort of thing just can't work in a AAA game, because if they want to have voice acting then they can't just farm it out to a sweatshop overseas like they do the graphics and animation afford it. It's the worst of both worlds of character agency - V isn't a realized character with their own thoughts and feelings, so you can't just have prewritten dialogue that shows off and explores that character, but also since their lines are voiced and so are the NPC responses, there's only so much dialogue you can actually have per scene. It's not like kotor or some of the older cRPGs where you could have pages of text per conversation because the main cost was writing.

But also like, some of this stuff feels like it was written piecemeal - like, if V's biggest desire to be remembered, well, they successfully pulled off a heist of one of the biggest pieces of tech established in the game so far, and got away with it. Their legacy at this point in the game is genuinely 'killed one of the biggest CEOs in the world' as far as anyone knows. Yeah, maybe they didn't, and maybe they don't want to be known for that, but you can't say 'I just want people to know I was here. That I mattered' when in-universe EVERYONE is talking about how you personally killed THE head of Arasaka. And partially I think that falls through because the game kind of doesn't really want to talk about that? Because it's not interested in telling a story where you have to go into hiding because you're the most wanted criminal on the planet? Because then you couldn't do your little walkaround missions for the police? There has not been a single moment so far where the game goes 'hey remember how you're a wanted criminal?'

But also this sort of semi-spiritual fortune telling stuff also rubs me the wrong way because it's always spot on the money - which means that either you have to accept that in this universe, white people who sell crystals are inherently correct about religion, OR that this is the result of some other higher power stepping in to provide you direction in a game that's pretty damn agnostic/atheistic about religion otherwise. The alternative, of course, is that it's the game developers breaking the fourth wall to explain the plot to you and reassure you that everything's going to be fine, because they think you're either too dense to understand their groundbreaking ideas, or that the game isn't good enough on its own to answer those questions so they needed a little interlude to make sure you didn't quit because no one was holding your hand.

And I'm a little salty about that sort of thing, obviously.

Also? Sex workers aren't your damn therapists! Don't pay for a session with a sex worker and ask them to help you through your emotional crises! You're not paying them enough for that, even if they both were qualified to do that AND agreed to do so for you.

Why the fuck does cyberpunk have sex doll mama murphy

[slashingdisneypasta]

Sheriff Of Nottingham x Fem!Reader || Excerpt

Plot: You're the prettiest peasant in Nottingham, and so on carnival day you don't mind offering one simple kiss as a prize to the winner of the archery contest. You figure- what's the harm? You're an engaged woman and this may just be your last opportunity to kiss lips that aren't your husbands.

You aren't expecting a man such as the terrible Sheriff to find out you're the prize and participate. Or win-

Warnings: Its probably a mess because I wrote it while I was at work.

The Sheriff had won! A pathetic smattering of weak applause dies down quickly in the stands, no one being particularly happy he had dained to attend your little carnival. It was for the peasants; a little bright moment to hold onto throughout the dreary, poor Nottingham days. It was certainly not for him. If he had any manners at all, he would've stayed away.

But he didn't have any manners. He was terrible, and dastardly, and gross and impolite-- and now you had to kiss him!

You were seathing!!

You didn't want to do it! You wanted to look him in those beady eyes of his and claim second thoughts; say you didn't want to make your fiance uncomfortable.

... but your fiance was currently out of town on business, so that excuse wouldn't work quite as effectively. The Sheriff would counterargue, and you would end up embarrassed in front of everyone.

"Damnit," You muttered under your breath, eyes ablaze with frustration and hate on the smug, chubby (Ugh, how chubby he got while the rest of you starved infuriated you. He was more robust than even the horrible prince himself) 'law man' accepting forced congratulations from onlookers.

~

"Well well well, here we are!" The Sheriff jeered, all-too-pleased to be alone with you now. The tent was meant for the fortune tellers, deep midnight blue's and lovely maroon's strewn about setting the mood quite nicely. You'd been in here before, and the 'lady' with the fluffy red hair poking out from 'her' robes told you that you would be surprised with something today- well you were surprised. You were hoping that the fortune meant that your fiance would be home early,.. but no. No, that wasn't it. Not with your luck!

The Sheriff is about to lean in and just plant one on you- but you raise your hand up to his chest as fast lightning and firmly push him back with a careful glare. "... before that, I have something to say."

"Oh- " Either he's surprised to have a lady take such a stern tone with him, or he's surprised to see any peasant treat him so boldly, but he definitely pauses. Looks confused. Then shrugs, straightening up again with a gleaming, toothy grin. "Well, sure, sweetheart! Go right ahead~ "

Taking a deep breath, you straighten your shoulders and try not to squirm looking into his eyes. "... I want you to know, I don't care for you. You give law enforcement a bad name. You're a fiend." You blurt out bluntly, uncaring of the displeased responce you might get. You're expecting it, in fact.

... but he doesn't give that displeased responce. He just gives a jovial chuckle, his belly jiggling with the movement, and shakes his head at you. You're almost dissappinted. "Well, aren't you a bold thing??... "

"I want to be clear you disgust me."

"Oh, I heard~ "

"Good." You huff, put-out by his lacklustre and honestly, kind of amused responce.

After a moment, he tilts his head to the side and his eyes seem to glow in the darkness of the tent as be steps in closer to you once again. "Now, miss, do you think I could take my prize? Hm?~"

He'll have to duck down quite a ways, you think, noting the man's size. But, Sighing a frustrated sigh, you nod. "Yes you may, but I won't enjoy it and I hope you don't either."

"Can't promise that." He just says, before the Sheriff of Nottingham puts his large fat hands on either side of your face, and leans down, and smothers your lips with his.

Immediately you stiffen, giving a squeak against his lips at how he grabbed you so easily and overwhelms you with his sheer size. You were expecting a quick, sweet kiss when you signed up to be the prize for this competition! Mabhe on the cheek! Not- not- whatever vulgar mess this is!-

... and yet you feel yourself melting against the large fabcy pants brute of a man. You love your fiance, you love him dearly, but the Sheriff...

God, you can never think about this again after its over. It's so very horrendous. So appallingly bad that you return the kiss in order to make it go faster (thats the only reason, of course.). You have to make an oath to yourself after this. Never even think about this kiss ever again.

But for right now, it wouldn't be against your oath, to... slide your hands up his chest, would it? After all, you won't be thinking about it ever again (how soft but firm he is, the lovely fabric he wears in red and purple), so you dont see why you shouldn't...

Just as your fingers are cautiously linking around his neck, the Sheriff pulls away. He steals one more quick, greedy kiss, then steps back from you completely; a wolfish grin across his mean face.

Breathless, you struggle to pull yourself together. "Well- " Huff. "I do hope you had a terrible time."

An irritating, smug, grin pulls at one corner of the wolve's mouth. "Oh, dear, did I fail the assignment sweetheart?~ "

"... You ogre!!"

[thepenguinweeb]

Hello!! I was wondering if I could please get a JJBA match up for your Valentine’s Day event??

I’m an ENFJ personality type. I am pretty extroverted and can make new friends anywhere I go but I also like my quiet time at home! I’m told I’m really kindhearted and funny and I like to make jokes, especially sarcastic/witty ones. I’m super emotional and I feel everything REALLY deeply, I’m not afraid to cry over little things lol. I’m a total bookworm too! I’m definitely not adventurous and I love a good routine. My type in men is just anyone who has a big heart and is overall a good person.

I hope that’s enough info!! I LOVE your writing and I can’t wait to see what you come up with!! Happy early Valentine’s Day!!🫶🩷 thank you so much for this fun event!!

💌 Your Valentine Matchup is..

[ Mohammed Avdol !! ]

[ A/N : me when a writer I've liked for a while gives me a request. Me when said writer compliments my writing. Me when I realize we're MUTUALS ??? ]

[ Anyway don't mind my fangirling, always happy to write literally anything related to jjba !! Happy early Valentine's Day to you too and tysm !! Love your work aswell <33 ]

Dividers by @/cafekitsune !!

I feel like Avdol was a pretty obvious choice.. in my head at least! You want a man with a big heart? He's right there!

Avdol is a very social person. He's not exactly shy when it comes to strangers, he treats everyone with the same respect. And he's glad that you're the same!

Everywhere the two of you go, you're able to have fun and make friends. Avdol loves that, since it saves him the trouble of worrying about where to take you on dates.

That doesn't mean he does not care, though. He always makes sure to ask you where you want to go, what you want to do, etc. He never takes you anywhere he knows you won't be comfortable.

While Avdol likes to travel, he knows that sometimes all you need is a nice, quiet day at home. If you don't feel like going anywhere, he'll be more than happy to stay in with you.

The man appreciates good humour - it's something he'd look for in a partner. Therefore, he loves your witty jokes and sarcastic remarks. Even if none of the crusaders laugh at your joke, he's by your side, chuckling. If he feels like it, he makes a few good-natured remarks in return as well.

On that note, another thing he values in a relationship is a strong emotional connection. He doesn't mind that you're emotional - he likes that you're not afraid to show how you feel. He found that out quite quickly, when the crusaders decided to have a movie night and you cried over the death of one of the characters. He was the closest and most willing to comfort you, so that job was left to him. And since then, he'd never failed to comfort you whenever you felt bad about something.

Avdol is more than happy to make accommodations for your routine. He'll be quick to memorize it, and the first to scold the crusaders (or, anyone, really) if they somehow try to get in the way.

─ "Where's Y/N? I'm hungryyy.. we should be heading out to eat by now!"

─ "Have some patience, Polnareff. They're showering."

Uses the fact he's a fortune teller to his advantage for sure. Mostly for corny lines like "our love is written in the stars" or "I see my future more clearly when I look at you". But! If you want genuine fortune telling or tarot readings, he'll be more than happy to provide.

He's not the most touchy person. However, he does enjoy having an arm on your shoulder, or holding your hand every once in a while. He's a surprisingly good cuddler, though! Do what you will with that info.

The stars hung high above your head as you stumbled your way through the dirt path that led to you and Avdol's shared home.

Today was.. exhausting, to say the least. You worked hard all day and had to deal with Polnareff's usual antics on top of that.

You clumsily opened the door as soon as it was within reach and kicked your shoes off. You didn't even think much about how all the lights were off, or the eerie silence. You figured Avdol went to sleep earlier tonight.

But then you made your way to the dining room. Your favourite flowers' petals spread across the table, with some of your favourite food served on an intricate plate. The only sources of light were the small, but beautiful candles decorating the middle of the table.

And opposite to you sat the man you loved so dearly. And god, did he look magnificent, the candlelight lighting up his face in the most gorgeous way possible.

"Avdol.." your voice, even in this tired state, was soft as you looked over the sight. "This is.. amazing. Absolutely amazing."

His smile at your words warmed your heart more than anything.

"But.. what gives?"

The previous smile is quickly replaced by a confused expression and a raised eyebrow. But then, he looked you up and down to take in your disheveled appearance and seemed to understand.

"You must've forgotten." He spoke calmly. "It's the 14th."

That's when it clicks.

Goodness.. in the chaos of today and your current exhausted state, you'd completely forgotten it was Valentine's Day.

"Oh my god. Avdol, I'm sorry-"

"Don't." He quickly cut you off. "No need to apologize. I understand. Please, just sit down."

You nodded and did as he said. You felt a little more calm, now in the presence of your lover.

You eyed your food, and once you got a nod of acknowledgement from Avdol, you began to eat.

During your relationship, you'd learned quite a few new things about him.. and one of them happened to be the fact that he's a great cook!

Even so, the dish he made for tonight seemed to be curated extra carefully for this special occasion, and it showed.

After you'd finished, he took your hand in his, gently stroking your knuckles. "I couldn't plan anything extravagant, but.. happy Valentine's Day, my love."

"Avdol, this is perfect," you reassured him. "I don't want anything else. Trust me." You squeezed his hand. "Happy Valentine's Day to you too."

If you're wondering.. some of the runner-ups were Polnareff and Gappy !! But I thought Avdol would fit the most. Happy Valentine's, again :)

[amelias-zelda-calamity-quintet]

Geographic and cultural changes between the eras of GoS and MoaH might be interesting to know more about also

Geographic and Cultural Changes Since the Convergence w/ Princess Zelda (and Hart)

Zelda: "I think I can handle this broadly speaking. I'm sure we could get rather granular, so I will attempt to focus on the basics.

"Initially, as is often the case with the legends, after the successes of the Hero, Hyrule saw an era of restoration and a cultural resurgence of the aspects of chivalry in the traditional sense. The Royal Guard and the Hylian Knights saw serious review under the leadership of the Hero of the Convergence and the Princess of that era. That is a positive aftereffect of the cycle, it tends to inspire people to, well, live Heroically as it were.

"There was also a period in which we saw significantly better relations with our neighbors. After Hyrule was stable enough to maintain itself, the records indicate that the Hero traveled with one of their allies abroad to the other nations to improve relations. Which lasted, for several centuries even. But as legends do, the stories started to become that, stories. And it's hard to inspire someone with something that happened a thousand years ago.

"Presently, Hyrule is caught between a call to uphold tradition, as it's defined by a select few, and tension on its borders. All of which while monster activity has been getting worse. Unfortunately, some of that tradition has become...dogmatic. I would argue against the spirit of the tales but few would listen to me on that point, unfortunately. That's also why our, hm, performance was so easy to pass off to some. Many are more than willing to believe a solution to our problems would be so easy as a Hero rather than doing the work in need of being done to make things better."

Link: "You're really passionate about this, princess."

Zelda: "I would hope so. It's my duty to care about the kingdom. Circumstances otherwise, I would prefer to be taking a more direct approach than sneaking around trying to find answers. But here we are. As for geographic changes-"

Hart: "Oh! I can answer that! Only one here who remembers both."

Zelda: "What? Who are you? How did you get in here?"

Hart: "Don't worry about it, hun. Story's still young. Anyway! (Z: "I beg your pardon.") There are a number of major changes geographically, many of which are going to...hm, how do we say this around these two without breaking time again...(Z&L: "What?") Transition to a...wilder period. Still distant, distant business that. For now, Era of Prosperity, not yet advanced enough for all the big 'beasts' you're thinking of now.

"Specifically, since the Convergence, moving in a bit of a spiral here. Zora's River became less severe, so the canyon cut in that era became shallower. Explanation, magic to a lot of this. Don't think too hard on it. In any case, Castle Town now sits on the south side of Zora's River as a more expected riverbed level, and it now divides the castle off as a moat before its bit of an incline it sits on.

"More broadly, in the south, you start seeing the banks of Lake Hylia moving from its Era of Myth location in the southwest to due south of the Fields. This is because the marshes around Grimvale began to get a little more solid. The jungles in Teromac began to expand over the border. Right now it really only occupies the southern border there. But, you know. Eventually."

Zelda: "You talk as if you know what's going to happen in the future with a lot of confidence."

Hart: "Ah, you'd hope I would, wouldn't you? I am a fortune teller after all. I try to make a good performance."

Link: "Wait a minute."

Hart: "To the west, you'll see the border of the Gerudo Desert is a little, eh, shifted? The Scar still exists, but it is slowly getting filled in with time. Currently, it's the last outpost before heading into Rahaal. In the north, the Frostbite region would change to the Hebra region, after Hebra Peak. The Dreeka have also headed this way, their current temple at the edge of the Tabantha area. Bit of a canyon developing there. And to the northeast you have Akkal now Akkalan and will be, well, you know. These things take time. Kakariko Village is also beginning its journey south as the Sheikah go through a, hm, cultural shift with the Dreeka.

"A big one left is the Deku Forest. Until the jungles reach a little further, the Koroks are still in their more traditional southeast region off of Hyrule Field. Oh, and Zora's Domain moved back east, though the remnants of the city's waterfalls are still there from the Convergence, feeding Zora's River near Goron City."

Zelda: "That is all...incredibly accurate. How do you know all that? You said you were a fortune teller?"

Link: "You were in Lake Town! Who are you?"

Hart: "Ah, you're not ready for that one yet. Well, I should get going."

Link: "Wait, no- They're gone. How did they do that?"

Zelda: "Very Keaton energy that one. I need to talk to Impa about our security, she shouldn't have been able to get in."

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

Mark of a Hero (Updates on Tuesdays & Fridays, 1 of 9)

Hyrule is at peace, or so the Royal Family would have its people believe. Something is afoot in the kingdom, and someone needs to do something about it. Least likely would be Marksmen Link Sayre- a mercenary and monster hunter doing his best to get by. Until a job goes wrong, and he gets roped into the secret plans of Hyrule's princess. Now Link must play the part of the Hero to dive deeper into the mystery, and maybe stumble into a legend of his own.

AO3 - Wattpad

[consanguinitatum]

David Tennant audios: a plethora of Macbeths (but this one's just MacB)!

It's been a while since I've delved into a lesser-known David Tennant project, so let's see if we can't fix that, shall we? And especially since he's currently at the Donmar Warehouse doing Macbeth, I've got just the thing to showcase! (And no, it isn't his 2005 role as the Porter in Arkangel Shakespeare's audio version of Macbeth, though that IS cool! And it's not the more recent April 2022 version of Macbeth he did for Radio 4 with Daniela Nardini as Lady Macbeth and Stuart McQuarrie as Banquo - two actors he's worked with in the past; Nardini in Antigone for the 7:84 back in early 1993, and McQuarrie in a 1994 production of John Byrne's The Slab Boys Trilogy at the Young Vic in London.)

No, this is yet another Macbeth-adjacent project. It was something David did in September of 2009 for a BBC Radio 7 programme called Big Toe Books. I'll say up front that I wish I knew a LOT more about this project than I do...but I just don't. So I'll tell you what I do know.

But first, a bit of history:

The Big Toe Radio Show - a children's programme aimed at children aged 9 to 11 and which featured games, music, and stories read from well-known books - ran on BBC Radio 7 from 2002 to 2007. When it ended in 2007, the BBC created another show with an adapted format to replace it called Big Toe Books.

Big Toe Books was an hour long show of book readings for older children 8+, which transmitted at 4pm. It featured presenters Kirsten O'Brien (2007-2009) and Chris Pizzey (2010-2011) and lasted until 2011, when it was axed. At the same time, Radio 7 was rebranded as a BBC Radio 4 spin-off station, Radio 4 Extra. At the time, Big Toe Books' listenership was about 136K, but only 21K were children.

Now you're probably wondering how all my ramblings about children's programmes ties in with Macbeth, right? Well as I said previously, David was a guest reader on Big Toe Books, and at 4pm on 14 Sep 2009, he read a book by Neil Arksey called MacB!

And there's the tie-in!

Here are a few blurbs from various newspapers featuring the listing for the show - and oh, incidentally, if you look at the 6pm slot, you'll see a show called Seventh Dimension. That show was a speculative fiction show of various kinds - and in early 2007, it featured a series of original Doctor Who audio dramas starring Paul McGann as the Eighth Doctor!

But back to David and MacB. Now Arksey's book wasn't the Macbeth we're familiar with…not really. Firstly, his book was written for young adults. Secondly, it was based on Macbeth the play, but Arksey set it on the football field rather than the Royal Court. Here's a summary of the plot: "It tells the tale of two best friends, Banksie and MacB. The two train together at football all summer in the hopes of getting onto the football team. When a fortune Teller tells them both that each would be captain, it seems unlikely, especially as they are up against star striker Duncan King, the most likely man for the job. When Duncan has a terrible accident that means he can't play, Banksie has suspicions about whether it really was an accident after all. Was it fate, or did MacB have a hand in it?"

And that's pretty much all I know about David's stint as a guest reader for BBC Radio 7 programme Big Toe Books, reading Neil Arksey's book MacB (which was originally published by Puffin in 1999). Like I said, I wish I had more information about this audio drama. But this little bit is all I've been able to find. And oh, if you want to hear it, go here! I won't tell if you won't!

[fuck-i-like-too-much-stuff]

Finally watched Ep4 of Gelboys and here are the thoughts on it:

MY STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE GETS HIS POV!!!

So he's been lying about where he lives to go and see Fourmod on the train......... yep.

The heart sweater is so fucking cute, i want itttt

SAD BOY CLUB!!!!

They should all call each other breadcrumbers actually. Not a single full meal out here.

"I will always choose you" appears while the most unchosen boy dances in a random store.

Girl an album?? 439?? (I say with a clock app with more than 1k screenshots)

Honestly Fourmod is a terrible friend all in all. Ive been defending him in the name of teenage love but dont lie about your friend having a date. Dont make him lie. Straight up ask him if he can hangout by himself because you wanna go with Chian but dont make him lie for you like that.

Every time they mention the size thing, my love for Chian grows tenfold.

The battery... fourmod giving more than he has to Chian. THE METAPHOR OF IT ALL.

Okay that whole journey into Chian's line id was admirable work, Baa. Love your little stalker brains.

I have serious Baa X Bua agenda actually. They both like BlackPink (esp Lisa) like that's god's signal my dudes, i am your fortune teller now.

WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE NOT GONNA ATTEND THE CONCERT????? BABE YOU SPENT MONEY ON THIS AND THIS IS YOUR FUCKING IDOL. OH MY GOD BAA I CANT DEFEND YOU FOR THIS. Straight up NO.

I knew the second he started doing the voicenotes that Fourmod was never gonna see these messages... and i was right.

DID HE DID HE JYST SEND THAT SCREENSHOY TO CHIAN OMG HE CONFESSED FOR HIM???????

I am gonna go live in that photobooth now thank you (the walls are cushioned, i will be comfy)

Every week i am just left feeling violatingly seen. Every week i come back for more.

[scarlet--wiccan]

It’s such a small detail but I can’t wrap my head around the fortune teller at the bar mitzvah thing. I don’t even know if it’s something that would explicitly be disallowed so much as it’s simply something that would never happen? If it was family, a close friend, Billy himself, maybe, but hiring a fortune teller for a bar mitzvah feels like the equivalent of getting someone there to make balloon animals or something. I feel like that perhaps more than anything else is them going, “what’s a bar mitzvah? Just a birthday bash with some Jewish flavoring, right? More ‘sweet sixteen’ than sacred ceremony, I’m sure?”

I know professional Romani fortune tellers who have worked bar mitzvahs. In general, people hire fortune tellers as, like, entertainment for events more often than you might think. I can't say how often it happens at mitzvahs, specifically, but, yeah, it's not unheard of.

Also, in America, big parties like this are pretty common? Yes, there is a ceremony, but a lot of families do host celebrations similar to a sweet sixteen. The idea of having hired entertainers is not suprising to me at all.

I noticed that, even before becoming "Billy," "William" seemed to have an interest in magic. There are posters of both stage magicians and fantasy films in his room, although I think you're supposed to interpret this as more of a benign nerd thing, rather than an overt interest in witchcraft. That comes later. At the beginning of the episode, you can see invitations to "the magick mitzvah of Wiliam Kaplan," so I assumed that the party had, like, a theme? Culturally speaking, I can see how maybe an occult themed bar mitzvah would be weird, but in general, a tarot reader in a tacky, faux-gypsy costume does not feel out of place at a spooky or magical-themed event.

[lutawolf]

The 8th Sense ep 9

I'm going to hang on to the image above by bl-bam-beyond to get me through what I'm sure is to be a roller coaster.

Deep Breath... Okay Lets Do This!!!

I FUCKING LOVE THIS THERAPIST!!! That deep sigh when she says, "okay, work on yourself first." Because she knows there is no other choice. Because emotional fucking damage. I get this so much. I love you, lady.

"And when you're ready, think about what you want to do next." "I want to protect him." Sometimes love is selfless, and sometimes it's selfish. Sometimes they are a little bit of both. Here, we have someone who just wants the person they love to be safe. Not comprehending that sometimes it's better to have love than be safe.

I love bestie so much. Even though I feel an overwhelming need to smack that food out of his mouth, so I can hear him. Even if I'm just reading subtitles. I make no damn sense but there ya go.

I will say that Jae Won makes sense to Ji Hyun which is why they are simply meant to be. Even if I feel the urge to knock some mother fucking sense into everyone.

Haha, bestie over here throwing out words like narcissistic. I won't even correct him because he is funny. Apparently it's not common sense, cause you used it wrong. Still love you though boo.

I freaking love the trio so much! They are adorable. And you can't convince me otherwise. Oh lawd, he just now thought about his painful past.

Well... At least he is pretty, and he gets it now. So. 👀👀👀 And he has solid friends. Fighting! Then bestie goes and thrusts the dagger in. Damn.

Oh, this is going to be a tough scene to watch, isn't it. Those sitting next to each other talking about the incident.

Noooo!!! Him reaching out to hold his hand is gutting me.

Guys!!! Not gonna lie, I was literally holding my breath while I waited for him to go to her. Damn, that was painful. I mean, he isn't so good at it, but he is trying right. That's what matters. Ji Hyun come back and show this clueless boy how it's done!

Fuck, I hate her. She makes me want to gag every time I see her. I want to punch her in the face every time she says Oppa.

Nooooooooooo SHE DIDN'T!

Nope... I'm not okay. Everyone else can forgive. I am not in the forgiveness business. Guess I'll be the odd one out. He wanted to protect him, and then he does that. Yeah… Did that look like protection to you, do, and then you have the ability to be nice to her afterward. To not immediately go after that baby boy. Yeah, fuck this. Guess I'm gonna be the unpopular opinion here.

I love his bestie so much. Ji Hyun, you have the best bestie ever. I have mixed feelings on seeing Jae Won. I'm petty and I don't like to see him happy when he hurt Ji Hyun yet on the other side, maybe it means he is taking his fucking meds and getting his head on straight.

Oh, the look in his eyes when Ji Hyun just left. Then a deep swallow. You deserved that bitch. You really did.

Now that's unselfish love. Even believing that it's all ended. That the cunt won. He doesn't push but lets him know he supports him.

I mean... Didn't you do the same thing to Ji Hyun minus the sex. You didn't even break up officially before being back with her. Shit, I don't even know why I'm bothering to type anymore. I'm sure people have stopped reading at this point.

Shit, doesn't that sound familiar. "I apologize, I was out of my mind." I swear to god if I don't see some growth in this boy.

Oh, the boss knows. Dude, I love her. Okay, I'm pissed at you dude, but that was funny. "I'm here to eat, not listen to a fortune-teller."

OMG! I FUCKING LOVE HER!

"I can't seem to organize my life." "Then organize it." I don't know how many times I've said this. You know what the problem is, now start working towards a solution instead of sitting there and not doing anything about it. I can only help so much, eventually you've got to help yourself. "I feel like things got screwed up big time and I don't know where to begin to fix it."

Shit hit him! Oh, thank you baby Jezebel she hit him! I knew I was in love with her! Oh, I really love her. Knock some motherfucking sense into him!

There ya go. You only live once. Are you finally hearing people, asshole.

Oh! My little button nose. Isn't that just love. Love is forgiveness. For the people who deserve, who support you, and you want to be beside you. Love is forgiveness.

gif by @bl-bam-beyond

I love the song playing in the background of the kiss. Life is complicated and messy, grab your happiness where you can.

For those who read this. Thank you! 💜💜💜

[dxy-drxxm]

⭐ | COMMISSION II : Scammed By A Fortune Teller

"Are you sure you're going to take that, Navina? It's not like he's to be trusted—"

"For the last time, Kuni, it'll be fine," Navina cut him off, glaring at the blue clad wanderer. "I've got this. After all, it's not the first time I have to deal with people."

"Hmph, and it won't be your last, that's for sure," he muttered, earning a sigh and a look of disapproval from his partner. "Alright, fine— but if they start calling us a sham like that fortuneteller he mentioned, we'll be in trouble."

... right, like they'd ever deal with that. Well, maybe now, they have to— after all, Kunimitsu was not one to hold his tongue very well against strangers.

Turning back around, the duo saw the person that needed a consultation, and from the exasperated look in his face, they knew it was going to be a long, long day.

"Good morning, sir," Navina said, putting on their usual smile as they approached the man. Raising their hand, they placed it on their chest and bowed, speaking, "I'm Navina— I've seen your commission on board and decided to help you out on your dilemma. Oh, and this is my partner, Kunimitsu."

Kunimitsu simply tilted his hat, his eyes narrowing a bit, but he did say a hello. Although, knowing him, it sounded less genuine than they'd like.

"... I apologize for his behavior, he can be quite callous," they sighed, gesturing for him to follow them to someplace where they can speak more comfortably. "Say, let's go to a cafe. I'm sure we can talk there and you can explain to me the issues about your job."

Well, it wasn't long for Navina to figure out the root of the problem.

The individual they're currently consulting with was talking about the problem with their current job. Yes, it offered good pay for their living expenses, but it seemed that working there wasn't much of his benefit. To them, it sounded less beneficial.

However, going to a new job was another thing entirely— he mentioned that he enjoyed the work, but the pay was less than he had thought. Because of it, it didn't seem to work in his favor if he moved now.

So, that's why he moved to consult to a fortune teller...

"—and like I tell you, she was a fraud! She said that it would be great to go to that new job, but in order to find out more, I have to pay her an additional fee!"

Navina kept a straight face as they heard their client complain about the fees and how unfair it was. Although they were used to it due to their experience, Kunimitsu was a man with little regard to his patience.

And after a while, he silence the client and offered his own two cents on the situation.

"Look," he began, already growing annoyed with the situation at hand. "If you're gonna start complaining about the fortune teller and how you need an astrologer to find out if what you'll do is right or not, guess what? Fate will just change, and your choice won't even matter if you think it's right or wrong."

The client seemed offended, and Navina wanted to butt in to apologize, but Kunimitsu simply continued with a sneer.

"What matters more here is if you really want it. What are we going to do? All we can do is offer you advice and what we think, and although my lover would say something nice, I won't."

Pausing, the puppet concludes, "To be completely honest, do whatever it is that matters to you. You'd be a complete moron to go after an astrologer or some sham of a fortune teller if you're just going to ignore what they'll tell you. Just do whatever that you want, but be prepared of the consequences if you do it. That's our only advice."

...

Navina could tell the silence was deafening. They placed a gloved hand on their temple, knowing that Kunimitsu has taken it too far with his sharp tongue.

"I'm so, so sorry, sir," they apologized, a frown resting on their face. "Please don't take his words to heart, he really doesn't—"

"... It's fine," the client answers, sighing. "As much as I'd be happy to know you two are astrologers, having someone to knock reality is... Good enough, I guess."

... oh, dear. I fear we won't be getting paid for this.

"I see... Well, if anything happens, you're free to contact us. We'd love to help you in any way we possibly could!"

Alas, it fell on deaf ears as the client stood up to leave without offering a goodbye.

"Kuni... You're a lot more harsh with him. He just wanted someone to help him decide whether to go for the job or to stay in the same one he's in," Navina said, sighing as they watched him turn to face them.

"And? I don't see the point of waiting to choose for either," he rebutted, making them smile nervously.

"Well, what if the don't want to switch jobs? We'd probably be paid less because of what you said to them, you know."

"Hmph," he scowled, shaking his head. "We got more commissions to take in, so I doubt that'll be a concern for us."

Well, mostly for him, anyway.

"... Right," they muttered, walking to his side to pat his shoulder. "Well, whatever— let's just not screw up the next commission, okay?"

"Not if you do it first, loser."

"Hey!"

[sunnyie-eve]

21 | Genie

Series: Purpose

Paring: Chris Halliwell x OFC!

Word Count: 2.5k

Warnings: none

| MASTERLIST |

"Oh look who finally decides to come back." Cassie smiles as Chris shows up at the club after being gone for weeks.

"Let's go. I need Phoebe's help." He grabs her hand orbing them to her office.

"You know me muting Phoebe doesn't work for me like you because she knew where I was the whole time." Cassie sits down as they wait for her.

"I've been busy." He huffs as they hear Phoebe coming. "Phoebe, I need your help." He startles her.

"I've been calling for you all week. Didn't you hear me?" She shuts the door.

"For the first couple of days, yeah. Then I put you on mute." He explains to her.

"You can put me on mute?" She asks shocked.

"I had to, I was busy. Now, I need your help." He tells her.

"Oh, yeah, and I need yours too, because you come here, you drop this bombshell on me, and you expect me to keep this secret? And I don't even know why I'm keeping the secret." She goes off on him.

"Nobody can find out Piper and Leo are my parents. It can mess with the whole future."

"Yeah, well, if you didn't want anybody to know, I don't know why you told me." Cassie laughs some.

"I told you because you busted me, and I'm glad you did. I have been so focused on protecting Wyatt, I've completely forgotten about me. This month is my conception date." Chris tells her.

"Your conception date?" She repeats.

"That's where I've been. Oracles, fortune tellers, soothsayers they all say the same thing. If mom and dad don't screw, this month I'm screwed." He explains more.

"Okay, I'm just trying to get used to you being my nephew. I never hit on you, did I?" She asks so Cassie covers her mouth.

"What? No." Chris says while Cassie mumbles lies under her breath. "Can we focus here, please? Mom and dad need to have sex. Now who's gonna tell them? You or me?" Chris says then both give Cassie a look as she giggles.

"No, nobody's gonna tell them because we're not gonna reopen those wounds." She explains to him.

"Okay. So how do we get them back together?" Chris asks taking a seat on the arm of the sofa next to Cassie.

"W-we? There is no we here. We don't. You're the one that split them up. And why did you split them up?" She wants to know.

"I had the same question." Cassie says making Chris cover her mouth.

"Leo had to become an Elder to make room for me as your Whitelighter. It was the only way I could protect Wyatt from turning evil." He explains his reason to her.

"You're unbelievable. I mean, the most kids who are the cause of their parents divorce actually feel guilty. And you're sitting here like it's part of your master plan." She snaps at him.

"I'm sensing some real issues here." He says making her more pissed.

"Oh, you're damn right there are issues. You can't just pop in from the future and play with people's lives because your big brother picked on you." She shouts at him.

"He picked on the world, Phoebe." He stands up.

"I'm not finished. Your parents were happy until you split them up. And now you want my help because you didn't think this all the way through?" She gets on him.

"Feel better?" He asks so she says yes, "Will you help me?" He asks.

"No. Oh, I don't know." She sighs.

"If he's not conceived in the next couple of weeks, he'll disappear forever." Cassie stands up walking to the desk.

"You are willing to help complete strangers. How about family?" Chris picks up a letter off her desk. Phoebe snatches the letter off Chris and receives a premonition. "What is it? What'd you see?" He asks her.

"A woman being attacked."

The three end up in an Arabia cave. "Looks like a dig site." Phoebe says as they walk in.

"A desert in the middle east. Are you sure your scrying wasn't off?" He asks her.

"Maybe Jinny is an archaeologist." Phoebe suggests.

"Yeah, why would an archaeologist in the middle east send a letter to an advice columnist in San Francisco?" Cassie looks around.

"She said she was with a controlling man." Phoebe tells them.

"Okay, you're missing my point. What happens if this is a trap?" Chris sees some bones on the ground.

"What is that?" He bends down to have a look and sword flies past above his head.

They turn around to see two Arabians standing near the cave entrance. They shout words at the three and move forward. Phoebe throws a potion at them and they are vanquished. "You think anyone heard them?" A ball of light hits Chris in the shoulder and knocks him to the ground. A guy on a flying carpet flies in so Cassie uses her telekinesis to knock down some trestles in front of the man. Phoebe throws a potion which doesn't harm the man but he flies away.

"You okay?" Cassie helps Chris up.

"I'll be fine. Was that a flying carpet?" He asks.

"What is that?" Phoebe goes over to the bottle and picks it up. She wipes off the dirt and pink smoke escapes out of the bottle.

"Thank you for responding to my letter." A girl comes out.

"Wait, are you Jinny?" Phoebe asks.

"At your service, master." Phoebe looks over at two in disbelief.

The four of them go back to the Manor and Leo heals Chris's shoulder. "Did you get a good look at the demon?" Leo asks Phoebe.

"I did, and when we're done here I'll go up to the Book of Shadows and check it out. I also called Paige to see if she can keep an eye on Jinny for me." Phoebe tells Leo.

"There is no need to guard me. Even if I was not bound to serve you I would do it anyway for sparing me from Bosk." Jinny explains to Phoebe.

"Bosk?" She asks.

"My last master. He's cruel, even for a demon. And I would know. My bottle has been passed around from demon to demon for centuries." Jinny explains.

"That's terrible." Leo says.

"You can not begin to know. That is why I got a message to Phoebe. I knew if she had my bottle she would wish me free." Jinny explains.

"No wishes. I know all about Genies. You're tricksters." Phoebe says knowing all about her past experience.

"Listen, I gotta get back up there. You think you can handle this without Piper?" Leo asks.

"Where is Piper?" Chris asks.

"On a date." Leo tells them.

"On a date in the middle of the day?" Chris thinks about it.

"Yeah, Greg works nights." Phoebe says making Chris think.

"Greg, Greg. Greg, the fireman? You mean the one she's insanely sexually attracted to? Doesn't that bother you?" Chris gets worried.

"No. If it's makes her happy, that's all that matters." Leo tells him.

"Oh, come on! What about all this forbidden lovers, you and me against the world stuff? That just doesn't go away." Chris stands up.

"You know, Chris, it's a little late for male bonding. Especially since I'm petitioning the other Elders to send you and Cassie back to your time." Leo says making them say what.

"Wait, are you serious?" Phoebe asks him.

"Even though Chris's intensions are good, his methods have put us all at risk. So, he's going back and that means Cassie gotta go too." Leo says making Chris sad.

"You mean abandoning me again." Cassie grabs Chris's arm.

"Look, you did your job, you warned us about an evil that was after Wyatt. I think we can handle it from here." Leo orbs out.

"I've gotta stop him." Chris walks over to Phoebe.

"Don't worry, I'll talk to Leo." She tells him.

"No, no, not Leo. Greg, the fireman. He's about to sleep with my mom." Chris orbs out.

"I really wish you wouldn't do that." Jinny puts her hands together and blinks making Chris orbs back in.

"What just happened?" He asks.

"Your wish is my command, master." They hear the front door close and Paige come in.

"I need to stop my mom." Chris ties orbing out but can't.

"You still can't?" Cassie asks watching him stand there keep trying but nothing. "Go talk to your aunt." She tells him so they go to Phoebe.

"Phoebe? Will you do something, please? I can't orb."

A large diamond bracelet appears on Paige's arm. "You know, Paige, if he won't listen to you, maybe he'll listen to his family." Phoebe talks to Paige about Richard.

"Please, we do not have time for this. If Bosk captures me, Zanbar will rise again from the dust." Jinny changes the topic.

"It's just a city." Paige tells her.

"A city of magic. Bosk has been using his thieves to search for his former site. If he finds it and wishes it back, there will be no stopping him. That is why you must wish me free, master. If I am not a Genie, it will solve your problems and mine. I beg you." Jinny begs.

"Hey, a little help here, please?" Chris speaks up again but no one listens to him. Paige's clothes change into a black evening dress.

"Okay, I'm losing my mind. Uh, Paige, go to Richard, deal with it so you can help us. You, I will help you get your parents back together but it has to be on my terms. Agreed?" Phoebe goes up to Chris who agrees.

"Go get Piper, we could use her help. Uh, I wish that he could orb." Jinny puts her hands together and blinks so Chris and Cassie orb out.

They both orb outside of Greg's apartment and Chris knocks on the door. "Piper! Piper! I know you're in there. Please open the door now. Piper. Open the door. Piper." Chris continues to knock then she opens the door.

"Go away." She smiles annoyed.

"We have an emergency." Cassie tells her as Greg walks up to the door.

"Is there a problem here?" He asks the two.

"Yeah, many problems, many levels. Piper has to come home now." Chris explains.

"Excuse me? Who are you again?" Greg asks eyeing them.

"I'm a friend of her husband's." Chris says making Piper laugh.

"Ex-husband, and he's not really a great friend. Um, it's okay, I got it." Piper tells Greg. They kiss and Greg walks away so Piper comes out into the hallway with the two and closes the door behind her.

"What is this big emergency? Can't it wait and hour or two?" She asks them.

"No, it can't. There's a demon on the loose, a Genie running a muck, and it took Chris two wishes to get here." Cassie lists everything to her.

"You can't make wishes with Genies." She tells them.

"See, we need you. Come on, let's orb." He grabs her hand.

"No, no, no. Listen. I am not gonna leave him high and dry again without an explanation. So your demon can wait five minutes." She goes back inside.

"This is all your fault." Cassie turns to him with her arms crossed.

"It's very temping to smack you. So shut it." He goes the same at her.

"Do it then." She waits and he does nothing.

"Exactly." She laughs at him so he grabs her arm tugging her towards him.

"I don't need you telling me what I already know. I just need you to help me." He says getting close to her face.

"I'm on your side Christopher." She looks into his eyes.

"How important am I really to your future?" He asks in a low tone.

"Just trust me since I can't really say." She whispers.

"It can't mess it up that much if I know because Phoebe knows about me." He says making Cassie sigh.

"I can't... not because it could change or not change anything but because I'm scared of what you would say." She tells him the truth. Chris cups her face leaning towards her face but Piper comes out making them step away from each other.

"Okay, let's go. Greg's not gonna wait forever." Piper says as they orb into the attic.

"Well, then you should dump him." Chris tells her.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Piper asks.

"He's just being over protective." Phoebe tells her.

"I take it you're the Genie." Piper means Jinny.

"Jinny the Genie." Phoebe says.

"Of course. Who's the demon?" Piper asks.

"Uh." Chris goes over to the Book of Shadows and looks at the page on Bosk. "He's a low level demon with minimal powers. There's a vanquishing potion." He says as Cassie goes over to look.

"Yeah, that's what I'm working on." Phoebe tells her.

"Good. Then you're almost done with me too. Okay, so what you're planning is summon him to us?" Piper asks.

"Yeah, that's what I was thinking." Phoebe tells her.

"What's the rush?" Chris asks.

"Well, not that it's any of your business but Greg's shift starts in a few hours and I won't see him for three days. So I'm gonna go call him and I'd put the Genie back in the bottle just to be safe. No offence, but we've been burned before." Piper leaves the room. Jinny is sucked into the bottle and Phoebe feels bad.

"As well you should. If we don't do something soon, I can end up half fireman instead of half Whitelighter." Chris tells her making Cassie laugh which earns her a smack.

"Oh, for goodness sake." She huffs.

"Look, I'm running out of time here. So what do you say we get to use that Genie to make mom and dad... you know." He walks over to her.

"That's vile. And against the rules. I would think you wouldn't want to be conceived that way." She points at him.

"Well, beats not being conceived at all." Chris makes a point but it's still not a good idea.

"Look, I told you I would help you on my terms, okay? So back off." Phoebe gives him a look.

"What are your terms?" Chris asks.

"Hmm, not really sure yet. But I am done with this potion. As soon as Piper gets back we are ready to go." Bosk comes crashing through the window on his flying carpet, knocking Chris and Cassie onto the floor. Phoebe throws the potion at Bosk but the pendent around his neck blocks it.

"Not this time, witch." He tells her.

"Jinny, I wish you free!" Pink smoke escapes out of the bottle and Jinny appears wearing black clothes.

"Well, it's about time. Who's the master now?" Jinny throws a fireball at Bosk and vanquishes him. Piper walks in so Jinny reaches for the bottle but Chris holds out his hand and the bottle flies into it. Piper tries to blow Jinny up but Jinny ducks then jumps on the flying carpet and it flies out the window.

"Where's Phoebe?" Chris gets up and helps Cassie.

"Here. In here!" Chris looks in the bottle.

[cappuccinoandglitter]

Dropping a WIP because I can

[Dropping the beginning of a WIP because I can. I don't have a timeframe or a concrete idea where this is going. I know Sal and Tommy will be involved, and it's going to be crack.]

Vincent Gerrard is not a man of science, he’s a business man, a visionary. His path to greatness depended on surrounding himself with scientists. Like that Karen, I forget her maiden name before she married that Henrietta Wilson. Does it count as a maiden name if you’re gay? It makes Henrietta 'the man', doesn't it?

To this day, he’s pretty sure ‘the Wilsons’ had something to do with his downfall. Of course the diversity hires banded together. It’s what happens when you get the whole rainbow coalition working at the same place.

When he was in charge of Project 118, things worked smoothly, even with all the snowflakes slowing things down. Gerrard liked to think the challenge is what made him a great leader. But it didn’t, sadly, make him a fortune-teller.

However, he’s not about to squander the gift of hindsight. His comeback is overdue, and he knows his enemies. Woke culture ass wagons.

*

“All I’m saying, Cap, is that we could use someone with cryo powers,” Evan Buckley says through his earpiece to the rest of the team. Fighting fires isn’t usually something you call a team of enhanced individuals for, but the LAFD’s hands are already full with the wildfires inland. “Or water powers.”

“I’m doing my best here, Buck,” Eddie Diaz, who is not Cap, answers. “It’s much harder to force a fire back than it is to move an object.”

“Why don’t you take some ice cubes, and push them into the fire?” Buck suggests.

“Boys, all the LAFD needs is a few minutes to get here before the fire spreads to the next building,” their captain, Bobby Nash says. “Less heckling and more helping.”

"Guys, are we sure the building was evacuated?" Eddie asks. "I think I hear something."

"Chim, do you feel up to doing a sweep?" asks Bobby, who knows that when Eddie hears something, he hears something, even over the roar of the flames.

Howie Han, aka Chimney, steps up to the front of the building and hops in place from foot to foot. "I'm ready, Bobby."

"I'm going to buy Eddie some time," Hen Wilson says, moving closer to where Eddie's by the building, holding back the flames with his telekinetic power. He's sweating, and not just from the heat of the fire. It's a good thing their suits are flame-resistant. Hen takes a deep breath, closes her eyes, and brings her hands together like a prayer pose. Then, as she slowly lets out her breath, she slides her hands, palms staying together but the fingers of her right hand sliding forward, while her left hand stays still. Bit by bit like the hands of a clock. One, two, three, four.

Buck sees his teammates blur. It's hard to look at them when Hen does her time thing. Karen explained the mechanics once, that our brains aren't equipped to actually see time. Our eyes pick everything up, probably see the incongruence between what is going on in the bubble and what's outside it, but the brain can't interpret the images so it blurs everything that doesn't belong.

Then there's Chimney, who pulls his goggles down over his eyes and becomes a different sort of blur. He runs into the building, air swooshing around him as he speeds by.

"Buck," Bobby says over the comms. "Press is here, you're on crowd control."

"Aye, Cap," he says. "Wishing I had cryo powers about now." He walks over to where the news van is parking, waving his arms to push onlookers back. "We're just keeping things chill until the real heroes get here," he shouts.

"Those are kind words, may I air that?" a young, pretty reporter with long red hair asks, holding her microphone towards Buck.

"Sure, it sounded good, right?"

"Taylor Kelly, Channel 10 news," she says.

"I know, I used to watch your traffic reports all the time," Buck says.

"And you're Lightning," she says.

Buck rolls his eyes. "I didn't choose that nickname. You can just call me Buck."

"Okay, Buck. What can you tell me about this fire?"

But just then, some of the onlookers gasp like something happened, making Buck turn around in time to see Chimney, back from his run through the building, carrying someone in his arms. He's covered head to toe in soot, and what look like burns on the exposed lower half of his face are already healing. "Hen!" he calls.

Hen steps out from the time bubble around Eddie, popping it. She runs and takes the body from Chim's arms, lays her down on the floor. Checks her pulse. "She's alive, but barely."

They hear sirens finally, in the distance but growing closer. Buck lets out a sigh of relief.

Hen, for her part, rubs her hands together then places them on the young woman's chest. Then her hands begin to glow with a pure golden white light that spreads throughout the woman's body, then dissipates. The young woman coughs, her burns starting to heal. Hen stands up, a little wobbly after expending so much energy. "She should still go to the hospital to get checked out."

Chimney puts an arm around Hen's waist and supports her. She leans into him gratefully.

"All right, team, firefighters are almost here. Eddie, take a breath. Chimney, did you check all the floors?" Bobby says.

"Everything above the third floor is completely involved," Chimney says. "I did a quick pass but if anyone was still there, they're gone."

"All right, team, everyone back to the bird," Bobby says. "I got the firefighters up to speed on the situation, they'll take it from here."

"Got it," Buck says, and smiles at the reporter. "Day was saved, gotta go."

"Okay, Buck, but you think about what I said. An exclusive? Let people know who the real Evan Buckley is? Maybe put an end to the Lightning moniker?"

"I'll have to run it by my captain, I'll let you know!" he says, stepping away then turning around to jog back to the helicopter.

They lift off, Bobby as usual at the controls. “Cap,” Buck says. “Taylor Kelly wants an exclusive with me. Is that cool?”

“I think the question you should be asking yourself is, is it wise?” Bobby replies.

“She looks nice,” Buck says, a little defensively.

“Hot, you mean,” Eddie amends.

“And that’s why it’s not wise,” Hen adds.

“You guys are no fun,” Buck complains.

118 Headquarters is up in the hills, out of the way enough to put a respectful and safe distance from the city, but still close enough that a short helicopter ride will get them where they need to be. And even from the air, the place doesn’t look like much. A single warehouse, not particularly large, is the only sign that anything is going on there.

Most of the compound is underground, for obvious reasons. Still, it’s not like the team’s existence is a secret. They’ve all been on the news for the variety of amazing saves they’ve performed, and their abilities, such as they’ve shown in said saves, are a matter of public record. Still, when the project began, back in the early 2000s, the whole thing was still hush-hush.

[ultfreakme]

hhhh if there was a fic with this, i’d think it’d happen somehow between Day of The Black Sun and Sozin’s Comet or post-canon where they go on group trip and Zuko’s panicking about his future as Firelord and the Gaang go on vacation with Zuko. They pass by Aunt Wu's village and Katara gets all excited like “Hey! I know this person!! Aunt Wu can tell you how it’ll go!”. She suggests it to give Zuko some control and insight into the future, ya know, to chill a bit since he'll know what's coming.

Sokka thinks that's bogus and obviously the only way to calm down about the future is work harder so he's like “ABSOLUTELY NOT. Zuko, you should focus on fixing the fire nation economy you guys spent way too much on weapons and consult with your council to calculate expenses, I'll help obviously--” but Zuko zoned out at 'ca;culate' because he can't math and is like “Fortune-teller.....destiny.....what is my new destiny? Yeah that’s my problem idk what my destiny is! Thanks Katara!”

Now Gaang's all excited and going to the village, Aunt Wu fucking hates Sokka and is dreading Katara and Aang. Anyways all of them go in and Zuko goes first. Zuko's in disguise btw, but literally everyone can tell 'Lee the Tea shop Worker who has a scar that exactly resembles the Firelord' is actually Zuko.

Anyways Zuko goes first and Aunt Wu says the thing(your future is far brighter than your past blah blah cryptic but overall optimistic reading). Then Katara goes in and when she comes back Aang's asking if she checked her love life thing.

Zuko: "Love life?"

Suki: "Awww you want to know about your future love?"(obviously teasing like she is making kissie faces batting her lashes)

Now that it's a thing on the table, and Zuko's feeling....lonely after Mai broke up with him, he's being dramatic and thinking he'll die alone. He goes back again, toooootally not for a love reading nope, no siree this is for....his political future.

Sokka's like "yeah no that's even more vague, like obviously Katara was gonna end up with a powerful bender she's surrounded by benders". Zuko gets the reading and its basically Sokka but it fully goes over both their heads. Aunt Wu KNOWS. She's eyeing them both with like, vague disappointment and shaking her head at them.

Kataang are asking about the reading and Zuko tells all of them like "wow this is so vague maybe Sokka is right", but Suki, Toph and Kataang are staring at Zukka like "are you.....stupid? like are you idiots?".

Cue Sokka being jealous of this "future partner" and being like "HA! Please, literally anyone can fit that description, like even I can fit that just watch me." And he's also like, love isn't about destiny but two people working together and finding friendship and solace in each other. So the entire time he's...trying to disprove the thing by proving the thing.

Zuko atp is also like, having a little(gigantic terrible humoungous) crush on Sokka so he's no complaining but also he thinks it ISN'T him so this is also torture and he's begging him to stop.

idk how but some conflict happens in that village, another possible natural disaster(people trying to break the lava cover thing from the first visit to crush the village??? blasting jelly attack by...someone) and Gaang's doing their thing and turns out Aunt Wu predicted this.

Now Zuko's annoyed because after the love-life prediction and Sokka crush, he doesn't want it to be true, because that means he doesn't get to choose who to be with and if he does anything with Sokka it's just end in heartbreak. He expresses this(Without mentioning the crush part) and Sokka's like "SCREW DESTINY, you choose what you want. I've seen you rise against impossible odds, you're like the most stubborn person ever if anyone can say fuck you to fate, it's you!".

Zuko in his head is like 'welp I have made countless terrible decisions for worse reasons, loving Sokka's actually a pretty good reason to be stupid' and he kisses him. Or just screams out loud he likes him. Whichever is funnier.

Sokka: 😳😳😳😳😳

Gaang: 😲😲😲😲

And thats how they get together.

Months later, someone describes Sokka exactly how Aunt Wu's prediction did and Zuko's like "oh thank god destiny's an actual thing" while Sokka's mad about it but he's also like "fine.....i guess fate can have this one"

If Zuko was around during the fortune teller episode, he'd have 100% believed everything she said like Katara did. He's always talking about destiny and when he did have the opportunity to kill Ozai, he didn't solely because of his belief its the avatar's duty.

Katara and Zuko get on Aang, Aunt Wu and Sokka’s nerves with HOW MUCH they keep going to her.

Katara: She said my lover's going to be a strong bender👉👈

Zuko: Mine is apparently someone super smart😳👀. Also I'm supposed to eat papaya for safety.

Katara: SAME!!!

The zukka spin on it is Sokka absolutely does not buy it, but also he wants to know what Zuko’s love life prediction is for tooootally no reason at all(he's trying to fit into the descriptor). Also Zuko’s kinda worried about Sokka after his reading and is trying to very subtly(and failing) to keep him from dying.

Sokka: I'm going with Aang to the giant volcano to prove that the loser over there risked nothing for the panda lily

Zuko’s head ringing with 'mostly self-inflicted': That’s so dumb, I'm coming with you.

[synthetickitsune]

17's Vocal unit Masterlist

ALL MEMBERS

Saying you hate them during an argument

They say they hate you during an argument

Onewe songs-based scenarios

Audience (ft. The8) × smut | 1.4k × Summary: Kinktober piece for the prompts exhibitionism/voyeurism.

Vanishing Act × angst | 2.3k × Summary: He’s a coward. Knowing he’s doing the right thing means little when he’s doing it in the worst way possible - but it’s the only way that Jeonghan’s able to do it.

Oh, Death × angst | 1.3k × Grim reaper AU × Summary: You’ve always thought death was beautiful and then you’re proven right just before your very own death when he comes to take you away.

Ashes Settle, Left Behind [part 1] × angst | 10k × Ghost AU / Reincarnation AU × Summary: Everything eventually comes to an end. Life. Love. Even marriage only lasts until death do us apart. So why should a soul bond be any different?

Fortune in a Cup × Coffee Shop AU × Summary: Yoon Jeonghan is mildly inconvenient at best and infuriating at worst. He's also the reason behind the sudden spike in popularity of the small cafe you work at. If it were just his looks, you'd understand. But why is this pathological liar pretending to be a fortune teller in the dumbest way possible?

#1 [breakfast in bed | fluff]

#2 [hot shower | fluff]

#3 [you're the biggest turn on | smut]

#4 [cockroaches | fluff]

#5 [holding you | comfort]

#6 [teasing | fluff]

#7 [nightmares | angst/fluff]

#8 [scaring you | angst/comfort]

#9 [wedding cake | fluff]

#10 [nap | fluff]

#11 [heat | fluff]

#12 [lazy morning | fluff]

#13 [prey | siren au | angst]

#14 [photograph | angst]

➢ Concepts: #1 |

Pretty Skirt, Handsome Man × smut | 1.5k × Summary: When your boyfriend so kindly informs you he’ll be wearing a skirt when he comes home, there’s only one possible way the night will end.

Petty × angst/fluff | 2.3k × Summary: Joshua can be a bit petty when he’s tired and feels wronged. Even if he’s at fault all along.

Bunny Troubles × fluff | 1.9k × Summary: Who’d have thought a man like Joshua could turn into a puddle of misery on the whim of a little bunny?

To Save The World × angst | 1.6k × Summary: Joshua made his choice. Now he has to commit to it. The world must go on. And for that, he has to make you go.

#1 [goodbye kiss | fluff]

#2 [sensory deprivation | smut]

#3 [insecurities | angst]

#4 [mistletoe | fluff]

#5 [being held after a long day | comfort]

#6 [lingering thoughts | comfort]

#7 [nicknames | fluff]

#8 [head pats | comfort]

#9 [bad dream | comfort]

#10 [hand sizes | fluff]

#11 [collar | smut]

#12 [bunny grudge | fluff]

#13 [souvenirs | fluff]

#14 [heartbreak | kitsune au | angst] + bonus

➢ Concepts: #1 |

Cozy and Comfy × fluff | 3.5k × Summary: Jihoon doesn’t understand why you like lying on top of him so much no matter how many times you explain. To be honest he isn't sure why he misses it when you suddenly stop but he'll get to the bottom of the mystery.

#1 [phone sex | smut]

#2 [windy day | fluff]

#3 [fivesome - ft. SC, WW, MG | smut]

#4 [afterglow | fluff]

#5 [setting sun | angst]

➢ Concepts: #1 |

The Velvet Box × angst | 1.6k × Summary: Marriage isn’t everything. It doesn’t matter as long as you love each other. But at the same time, the realization that you no longer feel excited over something that felt so right not too long ago broke something inside of you.

#1 [picnic | fluff]

#2 [crying in the other room | angst]

#3 [crying together | angst]

#4 [come back to me if he hurts you | angst]

#5 [hot chocolate | comfort]

#1 [flying a kite | fluff]

#2 [golden hour | fluff]

[tieflingteatime]

just for fun (part 3)

WC: 2.9K

T/W: description of a panic attack, drug use (smoking weed), general self-hate, angst

Eddie thinks about F!Reader and all that's changed between them recently.

There's no smut and a tiny sprinkling of smut in this one. This one's Eddie-centric. And it's going to hurt. I'm sorry :(

Part 1 // Part 2 // AO3

"So, when are you gonna ask her out?" 

The words bring Eddie out of his thoughts with a painful suddenness. More often than not, the past few weeks have filled his head with images of all the things you've been doing together. 

You've been visiting him a lot more frequently now, and sometimes all you end up doing is watching movies and stuffing yourselves with popcorn as you sit together on the sofa. Those nights he likes a lot, because you end up discussing the film for a while afterwards. You could be a film critic, he reckons, although you've never agreed on all the times he's mentioned it. You're still smiling when you shake your head at him, so it can't be that stupid to want to watch things and get paid for it. That's like… free money, right? 

Other times, you smoke weed together and dissolve into a giggly heap, laughing over the slightest little thing. You usually end up doubled over, eyes streaming as he tries to coax another laugh out of you. He doesn't care at this point if you're laughing with or at him, because the sight of you doubled over and wheezing puts a lightness in his chest that he seldom feels nowadays. Not alone, at any rate. 

And then there are the other visits, the ones you’ve been having for a month now. The ones you have to time carefully together for when Wayne is out working, because those are the ones where his hands are on you before the front door even shuts. Eddie still can't believe it took him this long to think of fucking you. He loves the feeling of you underneath him, on top of him, in his bed, on the sofa, in the shower, even on the kitchen counter that one time he was too desperate to wait. He plays back the noises you make for him when he's alone, and it doesn't feel quite as good because it's not your hands on him, but then he knows he'll get to have the real thing the next day.

The waiting is absolute agony, though. Whether you're coming over to fuck him or just chill together, he feels the urgency like a brand to the skin. He wants, no, needs to spend that time with you, all day, everyday. 

Jeff nudges him, biting back a laugh. Eddie realises he hasn't said anything for an embarrassingly long time. "Ask who out?"

"Oh come on, dumbass. How many other girls do you spend all day mooning over?"

"You mean… Y/N, right?" His mouth feels dry. "Why would I ask her out? I don't like her like that. She's just a friend." He gives the most aloof shrug he can muster, affecting an air of supreme detachment.

"Just a friend, huh?" Jeff shares a knowing look with Gareth.

"I'm sure she is, Jeff. I'm sure Y/N is just a friend." Gareth's voice is dripping with pure sarcasm. 

Eddie feels his cheeks grow hot. "Look, I don't know what you two assholes have got lodged in your empty skulls, but we're just friends. Just. Friends. Who says a guy and a girl can't be just friends?"

"Nobody," Gareth smiles. He's a little too smug-looking for Eddie’s liking; like he has a secret he's just dying to share, but still revelling in the feeling of knowing something he doesn't. "Nobody says that. But you'd have to be pretty blind to not see the way you look at her all the time. And this whole sex thing?" He turns serious. "I'm no fortune teller, but that's gonna end in heartbreak sooner or later. Your heart, definitely. Maybe hers, too."

"You're in it deep, Eddie," Jeff supplies with a nod. "Why don't you just tell her? I mean, you two have been joined at the hip since kindergarten or something, so…" 

Do not think about Y/N's hips. Do not think about Y/N's hips.

"Yeah, well." Eddie shifts in his chair, scowl growing. "It's just a thing we do together. Just passing time. Doesn't mean shit to either of us." He raises a hand before either of them can reply. "Where are the other guys, anyway?" 

"I dunno. We don't exactly share a telepathic bond or something." Gareth shrugs. "Late getting out to lunch? Maybe they're in trouble with a teacher? Or maybe they wanted to eat on their own for once." 

"Eat on their own?" If the jibes about you had merely got him riled up, this is the thing that might just make him explode. "They eat with us. They always eat with us. We have loyalty in Hellfire." He punctuates his words with an angry thump of the table, taking out his frustration on the ugly hunk of plastic. "They're not going anywhere."

"Who's not going anywhere?" You ask as you sit down, taking your customary seat next to him. 

Eddie groans, dropping his head in his hands. "My little sheep." 

"Cheer up, Eds," you say softly, placing a hand on his shoulder, urging him to sit up. "Those boys worship you. I'm sure they'll be around soon enough. The queue was pretty shitty, so maybe they're just stuck? I had to wait ages this time around, so I'm not surprised." 

He offers you a half-smile as you poke a straw into a juice carton. "Yeah. Yeah, maybe." 

"Who could stay away from you that long, anyway? You're, like, the most interesting person in this dreary cesspit of a school." You shoot the other boys an apologetic smile. "Except for you guys, I mean!"

"Hey, it's fine," Jeff smiles. "No offence taken." 

"Maybe some offence." Gareth gives you a sad look for a moment before laughing.

"Gareth, I hate you." You take a bite of the grey-looking noodles in front of you. They’re not what you’d call… edible, really. "Tasty as ever, I see."

"You don’t need to eat that, sweetheart." Eddie gives you a look of pure horror. "I've got cookies and shit. You can take all you want if you don't torture yourself with that crap." 

"It's not that bad, Eds," you sigh. "Plus I can't steal your lunch. That wouldn't be right." 

"Not stealing if it's offered." 

"What's being offered?"  

You turn to see that the younger boys have made their way to the table, each hanging onto your every word. Eddie looks like he’s about to spontaneously combust behind you. 

"Eddie's threatening to give me cookies if I don't eat my lunch." You can't help but laugh. 

"You get cookies?" Dustin's eyes practically bulge out of his head. "We never get cookies." 

"We don't, either," Jeff says, mournfully.

"Why does she get cookies?" Mike asks, eyes narrowed.

"Because, Wheeler, Y/N is my best friend, and all of you," Eddie makes a sweeping gesture to the other boys gathered around him, "are just a collective pain in my ass. You, too." He points to Jeff and Gareth.

"You love us really," Gareth says in a sing-song voice, grinning as Eddie flips the bird at him with a steely glare.

"Is something wrong, Eddie?" You can't help feeling concerned. Dramatic antics are par for the course when it comes to him, but he seems to be in a genuinely bad mood. 

"Nothing's wrong, sweetheart." All menace falls out of him when he turns to look at you, a soft smile in its place. "Just having a bad day, that's all. It'll pass." 

"Good," you smile back, giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze. "But I'm here if you need it, okay?"

"I know."

Eddie coughs, drumming out a beat on your tray as his usual grin returns in full force. "You know, Beelzebitch was actually nice to me yesterday." 

"O'Donnell?" You raise an eyebrow. "Did pigs start flying?" 

"Your faith in my abilities is as strong as ever, Y/N. I definitely won't cry myself to sleep later." The grin widens. "She gave me a C- in the surprise test. Got my results this morning." 

The surprise test being the class he'd turned up halfway through, slinking back to his chair behind yours with a practised look of indifference. When he passed you, though, he couldn't help giving you a smile.

"Oh wow, that's amazing!" You squeeze him into a hug that he eagerly returns, mourning the loss of your arms a second later. "And that's a passing grade!"

"Yup." He tilts his chair back, arms behind his head. "Maybe she can't bear the thought of me staying back into my thirties. Shame. I thought we kinda had a connection going.."

"Or maybe you actually felt like trying this time round, now we're in the same year," you tease. 

He aims a kick in your direction. 

“What? We’re gonna graduate together, you know. I’m not getting up on that stage if you don’t. Not even one foot on it.”

“Not a foot, huh?” Eddie’s lips turn upwards. “So, like, an arm? A hand maybe? One finger?”

“You’re gonna get one finger if you don’t shut up, wise guy.”  

You both settle into easy laughter, though his expression grows more concerned as you try to finish your noodles in peace.

“Y/N, you can’t…”

“I can.” You twirl some round your fork and smirk at him. “I will.” You put it in your mouth before he can stop you, chewing with a forced smile as you offer exaggerated sounds of pleasure at the vile excuse for noodles. When you swallow, it offers you a blessed relief. “And I just did. See! See, I did that. I did that.”

“Fucking hell, you’ve gone bananas, sweetheart.”

“I’d have to be, if I’m your best friend.”

Your laughter only grows as he glares back at you. “Eds, I’m only teasing -”

His anger can’t last for long, though. Not against the way you’re smiling at him like that. “Fucking bananas,” he mutters, trying - and failing - not to grin back.

You stay for a little while longer, heading out five minutes early because you have to get stuff from your locker. Gym class - one of the many he doesn’t share with you, unfortunately. The younger boys leave around the same time, each to their respective torture sessions, and Gareth heads off to biology. 

“You coming, Ed? We’re gonna be late, otherwise. That’s if you actually attend this one… Uh, Earth to Munson?” Jeff waves a hand in front of his face, bringing him back to reality. Again.

“Yeah. Sorry, man. I was miles away.”

“Just ask her.” 

“Oh, fuck off. Not you as well.” 

“Look, I can see it. I’m sure she can, too.” Jeff grins suddenly. “Why else do you think she laughs at your jokes and teases you like that?”

“Uh, because she likes me? Like a friend, you cretin,” Eddie adds quickly.

Jeff chuckles, shaking his head. “Well, when you both wipe the dirt out your eyes and figure it out, then you owe me $30 Cupid fees. Now, I do actually have to go now because unlike you, I don’t have a death-wish attendance policy, so… bye.” He gives an awkward wave and jogs off.

Eddie heads back to his van, deciding to stay off the last few lessons. He’s been pretty good, by his standards; only one hour late for the first period and he actually stayed in all the classes up to lunch. Surely he’s allowed a couple hours break.

He rolls a joint, licking it together as he reaches around for his lighter. There’s always one in the back, because he knows from experience it’s easier than having to fish around his pockets on the days he just wants to lie down and get high in the van.

Or at least, it would be easier if the stupid thing didn’t end up rolling around when he drives.

“Fucking stupid…. Aha!” 

Lighter acquired, Eddie inhales and slides his free arm under his head, using it like a pillow as he lies back. He watches the smoke drift about the roof, clinging to it for a moment as it slowly fades away. Then he keeps on smoking, only pausing to exhale briefly before carrying on.

He’s gonna have to have a word with those two, sooner or later. It’s not the fact that they’re just making up shit to stir the pot a little. It’s the fact that it hits a little too close to the mark for his liking. 

For a long time now, they’ve been mentioning this supposed affection he harbours for you. In their eyes, at least. They don’t know that it’s nothing so base and obscene as that. Eddie’s feelings - no, his consideration of you is as pure as undriven snow. Nothing could corrupt the regard he holds you in, the pedestal he places you on, the way that even if you did feel the same, he would be inherently unworthy of you. 

So, one week when he shares the grand scheme with the pair of them, Eddie thinks he’s hit a masterstroke. He gets to broaden his friendship with you, gets to have the slightest peek at the experience of being… well, something more than friends. Without the risk of ever becoming romantic. The risk of rejection; of you moving on to someone better. 

And he gets to nip the bud of any romantic inclinations before it can ever bloom. Two birds, one stone. The dreams of your body will cleanse him of the desire to ever dream beyond that, because he knows that’s all you could ever want of him. 

Gareth and Jeff… don’t react as he plans. They get horrified, then concerned, then horrified again. To paraphrase, because he doesn’t need or want their exact words in his head - they never left:

He is an absolute fool. He is walking down a dangerous path riddled with pain. He will have to deny himself something he wants to chase something he also wants, but only together as a whole. One without the other is empty. Meaningless. Suffocatingly divorced from the emotions he wants to run from. Confusing himself. 

And what do they know, really, of love? Eddie thinks to himself. Have Jeff and Gareth ever been ladykillers, Casanovas? Have they even had a girlfriend? No, because none of them have, and this is the closest any of them will ever get. A girlfriend-by-proxy. At least he knows that loud and clear, has internalised the knowledge until it sings to him on those lonely nights without you.

Eddie knows the rules of the game. He’s just playing by them. So why can’t they be happy for him?  

“This is the worst fucking stash I’ve ever had.” He stamps out the remains of the joint, watching as it snuffs out beneath his heel. 

I’d have to be, if I’m your best friend.

Then he lies back down again, willing the high to take over and whisk him out of his thoughts. 

The thoughts don’t leave. They keep coming, faster and more urgently, until he can feel them pricking at his skin. He tries to shake it off, ignore the sensations, but his mouth is going dry again. The ground is rocking underneath him, and there’s a horrible tightness in his chest that grows worse with each passing second. 

Eddie manages to sit upright just as the nausea sets in, and then he’s half-crouching as he vomits. His stomach is writhing, hurling itself out his mouth with a vengeance while his heart beats faster than he’s ever felt it. 

He gasps as the last of the nausea fades, wiping his chin as clean as he can manage with his shirt. “Fucking… stupid. So fucking stupid.” There are tears in his eyes, he realises suddenly, and he wipes them away roughly with the back of his hand. He’s gonna have to grab something to clean up all the puke, and he already feels like a fucking idiot for getting all shaky and throwing up in the first place.

The weird feeling dissipates gradually as his anger takes its place. If only they’d kept their fucking mouths shut, if only they’d kept their fucking mouths shut.

Eddie scoots over to the driver’s seat, stepping carefully to avoid the mess, swallowing back a burp as he sits down again. The bile has left a foul taste in his mouth, almost like battery acid, and it does absolute wonders for his mood.

“So fucking stupid.”

He drives back home, blaring out Black Sabbath at the loudest possible volume, but he barely recognises the words or the song. Eddie nearly drops the keys as he locks the door behind him, keys clattering loudly against the metal as his hand shakes. Then he does drop the keys to the trailer and curses as he bends down to pick them up again.

Uncle Wayne meets him at the door, a searching look in his eyes. He’s going back to work later in the evening; this was supposed to be his time to rest, undisturbed, while Eddie’s at school. And now he’s gone and woken him up with all the stupid shit outside the door.

“Why aren’t you -”

His uncle’s words trail off as he takes in Eddie’s expression. He doesn’t even want to know what he must look like right now, because by the reaction, it’s bad. Really bad.

“Come here,” Wayne says, softly this time. “Come inside, Ed.”

He manages to wait until the door is shut behind him before breaking down completely.

Taglist: @lola--ebola @bebe0701 @cutiecusp @nana90azevedo

(Chapter 4 will be happier! I promise! </3)

[kykyonthemoon]

Wandering Stars (Chapter 1)

✨ Couple: ScaraMona (Scaramouche x Mona)

✨ Other characters: OCs, ChiLumi, Fischl,...

✨ Tags: multi-chapters, rom-com, modern AU, enemies to lovers

✨ Summary: A gamer and streamer known for his insolent attitude and mysterious identity. An astrologist with many troubles from her ability to predict the future. The two of them happened to be next-door neighbors, and from there the enemies to lovers romance began...

✨ Ao3

✨ Masterlist

————————✧————————

Chapter 1: New girl in town

On Narukami Island, outside the city of Inazuma, farther towards Ritou Island there is a small town named Konda. In addition to its tranquility and delicacies, the town is also a melting pot of islands, mountains, and the metropolis of Inazuma on one side. It is a great place that every foreign visitor should not miss.

Mona Megistus, on the other hand, was not impressed. Rotten luck had dogged her all day. She had just gotten off, or in other words, was left in the middle of the road. Her flight to Inazuma was delayed for hours, after which she lost her luggage at the airport and boarded the wrong bus. By the time she reached the outskirts of Konda town, the sky had turned dark crimson.

Mona hauled her enormous suitcase down the road by herself. She gulped for a second as she struggled up a small slope. She paused for a moment before pulling her phone from her pocket to locate her route. The battery only displayed one percent power left.

"Oh no! Don't you dare die on me!"

Mona shouted, rummaging through her bag for the backup charger. As she walked and looked into her pocket, fidgeting, she did not notice that in front of her was a crossroads. At that very moment, the sound of bicycle bells rang.  It was too late when Mona lifted her head. Someone rushed over on a small bicycle, head in an odd kind of hat. He attempted to avoid Mona, but instead hit her suitcase, causing it to tumble downhill.

"Hey!" Mona screamed fiercely. "Did you know I just walked all the way here?"

The young man did not pause to apologize. He continued to cycle downward. Mona claimed to have seen him turn around and smirk.

"You! Hey! Stop right there! This is crazy..."

Mona trailed him downhill, cursing and waving. Then his silhouette faded into the distance.

Mona, who was both irritated and fatigued, kicked the suitcase in anguish, but it hurt her leg. She sat down on the side of the road. 

This bizarre town... She would never be here if it was not for work.

She sat there for quite some time. The sun had set deeper and the road in front of her was darker. Mona stood up, knowing that if she stayed where she was, she would not be able to find her way to where she needed to go. Luckily for her, a white pickup vehicle was approaching.

"Do you need a ride, miss?"

The driver was a middle-aged man in his fifties. Mona must have looked so pitiful that he offered to help.

"You don't appear to be from around here, do you? If you don't mind, I'd be happy to offer you a ride into town. Where are you going?"

Mona cheerfully replied, tossing her hair to the side of her shoulder: 

"That would be great! Thank you very much! I'm looking for the Yamanohana family’s house. I've reserved a room there."

The driver looked surprised, he laughed:

"Is that so? Why didn't you say it earlier? I'm Yamanohana! You're a fortune teller from Mondstadt, aren't you?"

Mona nodded, then she frowned again:

"I'm not exactly a fortune teller... I'm an astrologist..."

"Alright. Hurry up and get in the truck. My wife has been waiting for you since the afternoon."

Mona loaded her suitcase into the back of the pickup truck, then sat in the seat next to the steering wheel.

"I'm sorry. My flight was delayed and then I had all sorts of things..."

"It's okay, it's okay... Surely you haven't eaten anything? Now it's just in time for dinner. Why don't you join us?"

The truck's wheels started rolling. Mona was overjoyed once more. In such a strange place, there was still someone who greeted her so warmly.

The Yamanohana family has only two spouses living together. They have a large house with a small shop in the front and various suites for rent. Mona was assigned a tiny but completely equipped suite for one person near the main house. The primary living area was accessible from the front entrance, and it had a small living room connected to the kitchen, complete with a television and essential equipment. There was a modest restroom, a sleeping and working mezzanine too. Minimalist but neat. Mona adored this room.

After dinner with the owners' family, Mona was invited to stay a bit later to talk with the landlady. Mrs. Yamanohana was very interested in fortune telling, and she asked her about everything in heaven and on earth. Despite being weary from a long day, Mona felt ecstatic when she was talking about a topic she was passionate about and had spent time researching. She continued to speak until the landlord came in and reminded her that it was time to relax.

Mona thanked everyone and wished them goodnight, then returned to her room. As Mr. and Mrs. Yamanohana prepared to close the store, the young guy who rented the second room from the main house returned.

“Kuni, you came home so late. Hungry yet?”

The young man leaned his bicycle against the porch, replied curtly:

"I've eaten already." 

"We have a new guest today." Mrs. Yamanohana went on. "She's just about your age."

Seeing that he was deafeningly silent, the landlady boasted: 

"She's also a fortune teller! She told me my fortune! She even predicted that my family will have excellent fortune in the near future. Isn't it fantastic?"

Kunikuzushi answered with a frown:

“Sounds legit. I bet she must have fooled you into lowering her rent payment!"

Mrs. Yamanohana reflected, "Well, the girl did say that most of her luggage was missing, so she couldn't send the deposit right away... But, it doesn't seem to be a scam."

"You're so easy to trust people, old woman."

Kunikuzushi was not exactly courteous, but the Yamanohanas had become accustomed to his attitude. Inside that arrogant demeanor was a helpless youngster without a family. He spoke with no respect for anyone, yet if there was a need, he did everything he could to help. Mr. and Mrs. Yamanohana did not have children, so they treated the young guests as family members, regardless of how long they stayed in the place.

Kunikuzushi huffed in annoyance. He had nearly bumped into a stupid girl on the street this late afternoon and that ruined his mood. He grumbled a few more times about the landlady seeing too much divination, then returned to his room, not forgetting to cast a glimpse at his new neighbor in the adjacent suite to his.

————————✧————————