#so glad he ends up exactly where he was born to be:

[mayasaura]

You know that story with like, Evil Chancellor Traytor, who carried a poisoned dagger called Kingslayer, and went around cackling and being the textbook evil advisor? And in the end, it turned out the dagger had been entrusted to him as a failsafe against corruption, and all his muttering and scheming had been about expanding handicap accessibile low-income housing or whatever?

That's Kabru. Manipulative, controlling, with the training of an assassin, ruthlessly persuing his own agenda, which turns out to be .... to save as many lives as possible from the coming catastrophe. He spends half the story sounding like a power-hungry narcissist with good spin, but no. Turns out his "for the public good" bit was entirely sincere. It's a fucking delight. Top ten plot twists straight from a children's action figure political drama

[theirnamesarekiklo]

Cold

Tired and damp, the sweet sweet girl could only hold herself

pairing: !Twin Sister! Reader x Sully Family

a/n: this is kinda like at the end of the movies where the whole battle takes place also this was not corrected at all I literally js pulled this out of my ass 😭 (LITERALLY THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE LIKES I CANT BELIEVE THIS)

TRIGGER WARNINGS: a lil talk abt suicide, very faint injury desc

⋆★⋆★⋆

Deep pants all around, the only thing on their mind was that they were safe and together. But something deep and churning kept place in Lo’ak’s stomach.

The most common thing between twins in Na’vi culture was that they were more connected than most. They had this special bond that most siblings didn’t obtain. Ever since Lo’ak and his twin sister had been born under the same light, they could feel one-another. They felt each other’s losses, wins, and they especially felt eachother’s heart. So imagine how his heart dropped as soon as he felt alone.

So utterly alone and cold, he felt.

“Dad, where’s y/n?” and everyone’s breath hitched.

— ⋆⋆ —

Gasping for air, she had managed to drag herself on the rough rock, but she couldn’t care less now that she had bigger wounds to tend to. Wheezing out raspy breaths, her shaking hand rested softly on the edge of the blade, the same blade that had pierced her heart. The wound was the biggest one there, despite the bullet hole lodged into her skin.

She wasn’t sure how she felt exactly. Her legs were numb, one of them clearly in no condition to walk with, her face had been covered in dried gore that not even the water could wash off, and her arms were covered in several deep gashes, bruises, and burns. Swallowing the rising blood, she took one more deep breath before her hand gripped the knife, obviously not being enough as the removal was simply worse than the actual wound.

The gruesome scene was surely something, and she was sure that the other guy (who she hadn’t bothered to even learn the name of) had looked worse when she was done with him, but that didn’t stop her from meeting the same fate as he did.

Letting out a scream that truly screamed bloody murder, the girl could only sob and heave and clutch her torn skin that she was sure would get infected if she had even managed to get out of here. What would take her first? Dying of blood loss or dying of infection? Taking a peek at the sky, Her vision was already clouding over. Wincing as she tried getting just a tad bit comfortable on the rock, blood started pooling at the edges of her lips.

Was her older brother okay? She was sure the bullet only grazed him, she took the bullet for him before getting dragged back by the same guy she killed. Most importantly, was her twin brother okay? Was he breathing better than her? Did he carry the same feeling she did at this moment? At this moment, she could recall all the sweet memories she and him shared. They were born together, and she sure was hell glad they didn’t leave the same way, although she wished more than anything that they were right there with her.

Choking out a sob, the girl felt a chill of acceptance run through her. She wouldn’t make it out of this. Even though she was still young and hadn’t completed her Rite of Passage, she knew she was going to die. Curling up into a ball, she felt cold and as if all the thoughts in her head were simply vanishing, the only thing repeating itself were comforting nothings. Clutching at her chest, her slightly parted lips were releasing slow, tiny gasps. Taking one more look at the looming eclipse, she choked back a cry and whispered one last promise to ewya, leaving the world the same way she came into it.

— ⋆⋆ —

“No No No Y/N!”

As the wailing begun, Jake couldn’t help but want to simply shoot himself in the head right now.

Taking one look at her daughter once more, he turned around and crouched down. Taking some shaky gulps of air, he felt as if his world was suddenly closing in on himself. He’s been through this before, only he wasn’t experiencing it directly. Turning his head to take a look at Lo’ak, his heart broke into a million pieces right then and there.

Bringing her hand to his heart, his hands were already covered in her drying blood, trying to gain that silly warmth that everyone felt cover them if they had ever been around her. Whimpering tiny delusions to himself, he couldn’t help but wonder if this was some sick joke or some type of revenge for all the wrong doings he’s caused in his life. Meeting the eyes of his father, he could tell this was taking somewhat of the same toll on him too.

Trying to let out a few words, only a squeak could be heard before he ran his hand over his face and his his face away from the rest of the grieving children. He had let her die cold and alone.

He had let the sweetest person he had possibly ever met, the one who could do no bad, die stuck in her head and fighting. He wasn’t there to comfort her, caress her face as a distraction from the pain, nothing. If only he had been there sooner, if only he hadn’t betrayed Miles, if only he decided to follow the rules. His babygirl was gone, and the only thing he could do was cower and cry into his hand.

Kiri, who was simply sobbing to herself, truly not even there at the moment, held spider’s hand so tight that he was sure she would break it, but he wasn’t paying attention to that as he shed a wave of tears himself. She was one of the first people to truly accept him into their family and made him feel as if he belonged. Tuk, that poor child, tried laying her head on her older sister’s chest, trying to find a heartbeat, something, to prove that she wasnt really gone forever.

Neytiri, at this point blubbering thing to herself, only calmed down as she took in the peaceful expression on her daughter’s features. She had always been calm, but sometimes the way shadows hit her face showed nothing but a mask. Her eyebrows were always a little tense, but now they rested easily. Her baby, My baby, she thought, was gone. Bringing her face closer to hers, she laid her other hand right onto her cheek. They’ve held each-other like this many times, and to believe that this would be the last was a punch to the gut.

Tsireya, who was weeping right next to Lo’ak, couldn’t help but remember how sweet she was. She had a heart for many, even her brother, who had gone to extreme measures to simply make sure that they hadn’t felt welcome. She recalled the funny and heartwarming, sometimes sad memories that her twin had shared with her, and that only brought more tears to her eyes.

— ⋆⋆ —

The clan was silent.

Both y/n’s ilu and ikran had gone wild, suddenly scurrying off but not without a tiny fight with a few of the men, trying to keep them stable.

Ao’nung, who had seen the whole thing go down, was sure of his reason as to why these things were happening, but he didn’t want to believe himself. He was cruel, desperate to relive himself of these feelings he felt around the doe-eyed girl. Now, as he stood there, rigid and hardly breathing, let out a gasp as he could see a group in the distance.

As people started whispering, they were cut short as his mother let out a tiny noise at the sight of them. Peeking around a shoulder, he felt his heart drop down to his stomach. She was there, only not in the condition he hoped and prayed for. She was limp, pale, and completely rid of life as her father carried her in his arms, obviously not ready to accept the fact that she was dead.

Huffing out a “no”, he ran off, shoving people out of his way as his parents focused more on the sobbing daughter that was shown possibly the first heartbreak she had ever experienced. Her oldest brother didn’t know. How would he possibly react to the news that the girl he promised to protect since the moment she was born, was gone?

—…

[ed-wwarren]

Bridgeport, Connecticut in the summer time was the favorite spot for most residents of the state. It was a costal town with plenty of beaches and carnivals and fairs almost every single week.

Seventeen year old Ed Warren was born and raised in Bridgeport by his mother Sarah. His father drank himself to death about four years previous but no one would catch Ed or his mother shedding any tears over him. He was an abusive asshole who they were glad to be rid of.

But that also meant that since the age of thirteen, Ed had been working odd jobs here and there, basically anywhere that would pay a kid under the table until he turned seventeen. Once he was old enough, he went to work where most of the men in the town went to work who weren’t high class. The lumber yard. And to help out even more, he fixed cars at the local garage. He wanted to help his mother as much as he could because she had lived for fifteen years with a monster who made her miserable. She didn’t deserve to have to work a dozen jobs to keep them afloat. He wasn’t that great at the whole education thing anyway. Not to say he wasn’t smart because he was. Very street smart and very smart with building and fixing things and good with his hands but he was never interested in books and studying to go to college so he focused on what he was good at. He was a working man at seventeen.

The whistle that signaled the end of the day blew loudly around the lumber yard at exactly five o’clock on the first official Friday of summer and Ed happily punched his time card out and rushed out of the building with the rest of the other men, most younger boys like him, to enjoy the weekend with his best friend, Johnny Spera. He and Johnny had so much in common it was impossible for them not to be practically brothers. Neither had a father, both had to work to support their families, and they both lived through hell at only seventeen.

“Alright, where to first?” Johnny asked Ed when they got out into the bright summer sun.

Ed chuckled as he wiped sweat off his face and onto his shirt. “Um, I think a shower is in order first and then we can head over to the carnival if you want? Eat there, waste our hard earned cash on games and rides, and throw up all the junk food we eat?”

Johnny laughed and nodded his head, smacking Ed’s arm. “Sounds like we’re starting summer off right. I’ll see you at the gates in an hour?”

“I’ll be there,” Ed said with a smile before they turned in opposite directions to go to their respective houses.

@giftedclairvoyance

[mvltisstuff]

going, going, gone pt. 2 - c.f

summary: y/n leaves to do what susannah always wanted for her boys.

conrad fisher x conklin!reader

a/n: gif is not mine, but i was so so happy to see how much everyone loved part one!! i’ve never had to tag people, but i will try and do that at the end of the story <3 this is also not following the books, that i haven’t read because i’m the worst reader 😭

y/n stood on the opposite side of susannah’s bed, visiting her in boston after she was waiting to see her girls. her connection to laurels daughters was always something susannah felt from the moment they were born. she always wanted girls of her own, but she was still blessed with her two sons.

belly was sitting on the bed, a bright blue dress as susannah looked into her eyes. laurel had gone out to run errands for her friend, so the girls had stayed with susannah.

it was clear that her condition was declining, and rapidly. her face didn’t have the usual sunshine look, and she appeared weaker than y/n and belly were ever used to. her skinny hands trailed to theirs and wrapped together. her touch went from a warm comfort to as light as a feather. somehow, through the cloudy day, the sun poked through and her angelic smile blessed the girls.

“i’ve been missing you so much,” susannah grinned, placing a hand on belly’s thigh and grabbing y/n’s hand with the other. “i’m so glad you came to see me. i needed to see you girls.”

the look on belly’s face was almost coated with uncomfortableness, her naïve self not used to seeing people in this condition. y/n didn’t want susannah to see her fall apart in her grasp, so she made herself blend with tranquility.

the time had passed where they wanted to attempt to save susannah. now, they knew it was only a matter of time until they lost her. they may not have physically lost susannah, but they lost the spark in her a long time ago.

“the boys love you, you know,” she tells belly, and then turning her head to y/n. “both of you.”

“i know,” y/n replies, seeing belly trying to find the right words.

“promise me something?” she asks, looking at belly who’s head perks up. “look after them for me.”

“you’re going to do that yourself,” belly remarks barely over a whisper, moments away from letting the dam break. y/n’s cried enough tears for susannah, but somehow they don’t seem to stop. watching her whole family experience this grief makes her feel less alone, but seeing her baby sister fall apart is near unbearable.

she watched as belly crumpled on the bed into susannah’s arms, and her once warm grasp felt lighter than ever.

ever since her death, y/n wants to look at belly the same. her actions make it so hard. she promised susannah to take care of her boys, and she failed. she let jeremiah sit around knowing he wasn’t the one she truly wanted. afterwards, she made conrad watch in heartbreak her new self with jeremiah.

that scares y/n, knowing that she’ll never truly be able to pick between them. in the long run, no matter who she “picks”, she’s hurting more people than she thinks.

she figures the best thing she can do is be there for conrad, as belly and jeremiah don’t think it’s necessary.

as she drove further and further away, the music she normally sings to turned into static. conrad would probably still be in cousins, not wanting to face his family back in boston. the traffic had quieted down, for people would be home with their families.

she pulled up the the house that had gotten it’s life back before julia took it all away. conrad and y/n were the main ones trying to save the house from being invaded by another family. even if they couldn’t, the cousins house would always have the fisher’s name on it. when y/n walked up to the front door, she slowly turned the doorknob and stepped in.

her footsteps lightly echoed due to the emptiness of the house, some of the front rooms still looking lifeless. y/n walked around, picturing everything exactly how susannah had it, all the portraits and loving decor she had around. she knew, though, that’s how conrad will set everything up.

the sun was just starting to dip down below the horizon, and when she spotted conrad sitting with his feet dipped in the pool, he looked lower than the sun ever could get.

she quietly stepped out onto the back, not saying a word until he noticed her. his head slowly tilted around, feeling her sweet eyes burning through him. he felt more relieved. she’s the only person he wants to see. she’s the one person who hasn’t ripped his heart out and used it.

“what are you doing back?” he questions, keeping his collected expression.

“i didn’t think you really wanted to be alone. you can’t fool me, conrad,” she smirks softly, moving over to sit next to him on the edge of the pool. she dips her feet into the cool water, not yet graced by the hot summer air.

“i don’t need you to be here for me, i don’t think i’m too good of company right now.”

“i think that’s exactly why you need me,” y/n says as conrad looks back to her. he’s always noticed y/n’s beauty on the outside, but he never got to really appreciate the inside. her mind was just as beautiful as her hair when the wind blows it, or the dimples on her cheeks when she’s happy. “you don’t have to do this alone, you know.”

“yeah,” he sighs, swaying his feet in the pool. “i thought jere would at least help me.”

“i talked to belly,” y/n tells him, seeing him quickly freeze and lean his head back.

“it’s not a big deal, y/n, really,” conrad says.

“it is to me. i never thought of her like this, but i don’t understand how she could do that to you.”

“it’s a me problem, clearly jeremiah’s better than i am.”

“that’s not true. belly’s young and thinks she’s innocent. she doesn’t deserve someone like you. she’ll never take the time to know you, but she’s going to jeremiah because he’s ‘easier’.” y/n replies. “you’re perfectly fine the way you are, and you never have to change for her, or me.”

“my mom always saw me with belly. i think that’s the worst part.”

“but your mom didn’t see what belly’s done to you. susannah would never want you to change in order to be with her.” y/n says, clearly to him. “susannah asked belly to be there, and she failed.”

“what do you mean?”

“when belly and i went to visit, she asked us to take care of you and jeremiah. belly barely looked after you, and i don’t even know if she’s helping jeremiah.”

“i get it, though. i left her at prom, and broke her heart.”

“was it shitty of you? yes, i’m not gonna lie to you. at this point, she’s taking it too far by playing with you and now it’s jeremiah’s turn.”

“maybe my mom was wrong,” he looks away, connecting his eyes back with the minute waves in the water. “i miss her. she was like a breath of fresh air, and i feel like i haven’t gotten that since she died.”

“she’s still here,” y/n tells him, seeing the corner of his mouth turn up a bit.

“i still feel her sometimes. if i’m home and i hear a noise, i’ll think she’s cooking, or painting. i don’t need people to see me fall apart.”

“you never have to hide, conrad. not anymore, and not from me.”

the next time he locks eyes with y/n, he can majorly see the sincerity in her face. there’s still a hint of when they were young in their eyes, memories swimming back into conrad’s head. every time she talked to him, all the time she spent with him. every party she skipped because conrad didn’t feel up to it, and she didn’t want him to be alone. he never felt nervous around y/n the way he did with her sister. they always had a complex relationship, but never once did y/n fail to be next to him. conrad let his inch closer to y/n’s, letting her hand lay on top of his, leaving solace in him. he never noticed how soft her hands were, literally and figuratively. she never once used him and glued his pieces back together. it’s then that he realizes that’s something belly never did.

impulsively, he moves his body more toward y/n, trying to get all the gladdening she can give. she’s more than happy to give it to him, letting conrad hold onto her and have her help him. the world around the boy became lighter, almost forgetting about his former despondency caused by belly. the closer he got to y/n, the more he thought that his mother had mistaken belly for the one.

he brushes a stand of y/n’s hair behind her ear, placing his hand on the side of her neck. she breathes lightly, knowing what conrad wants from her, but not knowing if he needs it.

“conrad,” she whispers, his name coming across incredibly from her lips. “you know i love you.”

“of course,” he says back, his hand trailing down her arm.

“but i won’t be a redemption because you cannot have belly. i’ve been the second choice once and i destroyed myself. i won’t do it again.”

“belly’s not who i want. i don’t think i’ve ever loved belly the way i have for you.” it all felt so sudden, the tension growing thicker between them as conrad only wanted to deepen the connection. y/n was just so horrified of hurting him more. she knows that she could help him and love him how he should, but she needs to know that he’s not just trying to get belly back.

“i think we need time, conrad. please?” she asks, and he nods, slipping his hand back down and grabbing her hand. “but trust me when i say that’s it’s not over with us.”

the meaning behind her words is stronger. in reality, she just wants to dive into conrad and accept anything he has to give, but he needs to strengthen his own heart first. he needs to know what he wants. if y/n needs time, he will wait for her.

tags: @historygeekqueen @am-i-shit-or-am-i-the-shit @celesteblack08 @parkerdayaa @shelby-x

[yuri-is-online]

...so you just threw this beautiful idea of Fyuuture kid, and left me with a brainrot? Especially after you answered one ask with i quote "he loves his parent so much and was really fighting it to keep it together when he saw them alive again" end of the quote. WHAT DO YOU MEAN AGAIN? WHAT? HOW?

ask 1 and ask 2

Oh 👉👈? I wasn't expecting to get an ask about this au ever again actually, but I am so glad you did, I like it a lot. I mentioned Fire Emblem Awakening in the first ask I got about it but for those of you who haven't played the game, the plot features the children of your army traveling back in time to try and prevent the end of the world. That's more or less what happened in the fyuuture kid au, at least in my first draft... I always end up associating the "future kid meets their parents" trope with either FE: Awakening or I guess Golden Sun? Which I think is the name of the jrpg where something similar happens idk I just like there being a reason for the kid to need to meet their parents.

In my original draft of the au, Yuu was told by Crowley there was no way home for them, so they settled down with Yutu's father and started building a life together. This turned out to not be true, as the Magical Marshall's office began investigating the overblots that happened while Yuu was in school and came to the conclusion Yuu had something to do with them; so they were secretly arrested, cursed to forget everything about Twisted Wonderland, and sent home. The curse was meant to trigger every time Yuu vaguely remembered their time in the otherworld, with the idea their brain would prevent them from thinking about it after a while. They would have justified it, if anyone had been there to ask, by saying Yuu wouldn't know they were missing anything and would be able to live a happy life. When Yutu was born that made that outcome impossible, but the Marshal's office didn't think to check if Yuu was pregnant...

Shortly after they did that though strange things started happening. Monster attacks got more frequent, blot levels started rising, not to extremes immediately but still enough to be concerning. Reports of a strange, abyssal magic using beast, started pouring in to S.T.Y.X. suspiciously close to Grim's description. While Yuu was busy trying to put their life back together in their world, Twisted Wonderland slowly began to fall apart drowning under an ink colored sky. The overblot phantoms they fought come back and begin hunting in their respective homelands, and rumor has it they can turn certain mages into their thralls...

The curse slowly eats away at Yuu's brain, every time they see something that reminds them of their friends, their time at NRC, every time Yutu does something that would make them think about how much he takes after his dad, they feel a great deal of physical pain and temporarily lose the ability to function. It's killing them, and no doctor or specialist can figure out the cause, so Yutu just has to sit there and watch his parent slowly die and not be able to do anything about it. I was uncertain of where exactly I wanted Yuu to die in the story, but it always was around when Yutu gets isekaid to NRC, either before and he had to leave them behind or after when they both get to go home finally! But Yuu doesn't completely make it, they're able to have one moment of peace with their son and Professor Crewel before passing on.

Yutu's dad changes depending on who you want it to be of course, as does whether they met before he and his friends decided to go back in time to prevent this version of the future from ever happening, but his feelings about Yuu never changes. Yutu really admires his parent, he did even before he learned about them facing down overblots! They were really close and the more he learned about their curse, the more responsible he felt for their death. He's very determined to keep Yuu alive and safe in Twisted Wonderland in this timeline, even if it costs him his life.

His opinion on his dad really changes depending on who it is and what he learns about them. Like can you imagine learning your dad was known for being obsessed with teeth and no he had no intention of being a dentist? Clown behavior 💀💀💀 His friends were all ocs I made but never really developed... I do remember that one was a younger sibling of Kalim's (who could be his aunt if you like Kalim and absolutely embraces that role), her retainer, Crewel's son who also sees himself as Yutu's uncle (the feeling isn't mutual) because he is old enough to sort of remember Yuu and thinks of them as a sibling, and a random oc I based off of the kid from Up for no reason other than I like the movie. They also came back in time, but only Yutu ended up in the right place, just like fire emblem awakening.

idk I should probably do something with it. like writing the reactions for the other dorms...

[thebomb-thebird-andtheburntbitch]

w.count: 2.4k (whoops. it got away from me)

chengsheng picks favorties, and she's not secretive about it. she's also not secretive about the fact that when you're around, it isn't baizhu either.

living in liyue for as long as you have should've meant your body was used to traversing the constant air influxes of going up and down mountains and large rock formations by now. however, contrary to what you believe to be the case, your body simply did not listen. really, it didn't listen to anything you want it to do.

it was always something. lightheadedness, severe headaches, congestion that made your eyes ache, stiff and swollen joints and muscles, small scrapes and bruises from whatever tumble you may have taken. anything that could happen always seemed to be the case with you when you walked through the door to bubu pharmacy.

it took no time at all for herbalist gui to learn your face and name. even qiqi could remember your face with her poor memory. with your regular visits, gui first suspected you were faking your aliments. of course, you could easily see how he could come to such an accusation. even you thought once or twice that you were just overthinking things, that it wasn't bad... until it was, and your conditions worsen with no kind of treatment at all.

the first time you met baizhu, you were standing rather unamused- and slightly zoned out- from yet another lecture from gui on how you need to be more careful or else you'll make the pharmacy run out of stock. he should be glad that business is practically booming with you around. instead, he was laying it on thick today... not that you were paying much attention.

"ah, so this is who the mysterious person qiqi claims needs herbs so frequently is."

you don't think you'll ever be able to forget how amused he sounded from behind you. or the look on gui's face as his boss interrupts his rambling that definitely could look like berating to anyone who wasn't used to seeing him interact with your near-daily medicine runs. you should've had a kamera on hand for such an expression.

you'll never forget exactly how awed you were to see the owner of such a renowned pharmacy for the first time either. a part of you was almost skeptical of how young he was, but then again age never equated to intelligence anyway, so that thoughtless nonsense was easily tossed out of your mind.

"yes, i guess that would be me," you sheepishly told him. "my apologies for the... neediness? for lack of better words."

"not at all. what is medicine good for if not to treat someone? it's actually quite relieving to finally put a face with a name."

"qiqi sspeakss of them sso often i almosst asssumed they were another one of her missunderstandingss." the secondary voice that no doubt came from the white snake around the doctor's neck shocked you for a moment. blinking as if taking in the absurdity of it, you easily accepted that the snake could talk.

this was teyvat where people could be born hybrids, having psychical traits of of species of being. not to mention liyue, where you knew of at least two adeptus running around the harbor. this shouldn't come as much of a shock.

"sorry about that too," the silent- i think?- you refused to tack on to the end of your sentence was left unspoken but clearly seen in your eyes. was that something to apologize for? in truth, the whole situation felt quite awkward so all you could do was talk to fill the silence. the silence that wasn't very silent anyway.

you had since stepped off to the side so gui could talk to another patron coming to pick up their prescription with the babble of the city just outside. if you didn't feel it would be rude, you would've just left and called it a day- even if you hadn't actually gotten your needed medicine from the herbalist at the desk yet. he had been too busy nagging you to hand it over before baizhu's sudden appearance.

luckily for you, baizhu was also intelligent enough he could read a room.

"please wait here. i'll go and fetch whatever medicine you need today." you make a small noise of acknowledgment before offering a small okay as he walks behind the counter and takes a paper from gui that probably had recommended herbs and salves scribbled on it for your treatment.

feeling like you just fumbled the first interaction with the pharmacy's owner, you sighed and pushed a finger to your temples before going outside. leaning yourself on the railing just outside the building, you bore yourself into counting the steps leading up to it. always getting a different answer each time since there were so many. you were so invested in your stair counting that when baizhu reappears in your peripherals with a small drawstring pouch of presumed herbs, you feel yourself flinch.

"i didn't mean to startle you," he chuckles as you gently take the pouch from him, using your other hand to dig around for the mora you know you now owe.

"it's fine. i was too engrossed in counting."

"counting?"

"the stairs."

"did you come to a final count?" he entertains.

"not even close," you say as you place the correct amount of shiny mora into his palm while watching chengsheng readjust herself by slithering once around his shoulders.

after that day, baizhu was around more often when you would stop by. your semi-normal medical pick-ups soon extend into medical treatment personally offered by baizhu in the pharmacy's back room, along with prolonged conversations to fill the free time he could offer. it was during these conversations that chengsheng decided that among the humans living in liyue, you were her favorite.

she preferred you over others so much that when you would come by the pharmacy, she would immediately demand to coil around you instead of her normal seat upon baizhu's shoulders. she would only keep to baizhu when you were around if his chi levels were running wild and she was confined to her job of maintaining them.

today was no exception to her favoritism.

you had once again shown up to bubu pharmacy, but this time not for whatever ails you, but for your annual checkup. you never used to bother with them, but shockingly enough gui had lectured you one year about it- so, to save yourself the ear strain it would be best to just get it over with.

walking up the outrageously long stairs to the pharmacy entrance, you sigh and rub your neck with a rather lackluster greeting to the open space of the front desk.

"okay gui, i'm here." you almost sigh, like keeping track with your health was such an inconvenience. dropping your arm and raising your view, you see all three of the bubu population together- which was almost rare considering they all have their own agendas to deal with near daily. "wow," you start with a smile at seeing them all, "it's like a party in here."

gui shakes his head at your lame attempt at what he assumes is a joke while qiqi abandons her post to waltz up to your side and grab the fabric that hung around your waist; a habit she's developed since you've been around more often. you're not sure why she does it, maybe it makes her feel secure or something, you weren't sure. you don't mind it regardless. you always accept her small act of presumed affection with your palm resting on her talisman tagged hat and small greeting.

baizhu blithely crosses his arms over his chest at seeing how attached qiqi has become of you. he has the hunch that even outside of the pharmacy you were pretty well-known because you were someone easily likeable, but to capture the attention of his little qiqi? color him impressed. still, he was pleased you had formed a connection with her and gui. even baizhu himself found himself enjoying your company more than he did before. each time was better than the last.

"it's lovely to see you again," the owner speaks as he uncrosses his arms into a more relaxed manner of stance. "gui informed me that you can be rather stubborn when it comes to these kinds of matters. I was worried i'd have to go and find you myself."

"i don't think you would have to go that far. even if i didn't show up today, i would've been back eventually. then you could've tied me up and thrown me into a forced state of compliance."

"that wouldn't be very hospitable of a doctor, i'm afraid."

a small tug on your hip directs your attention downwards as qiqi looks up at you.

"doctor baizhu will be taking care of you today," she says slowly, almost lethargically. you blink a few times in confusion for a moment before nodding to her.

"really now? what an a honor." it wasn't often baizhu did things like this, such common checkups were handled mostly by gui. you wonder if chengsheng kicked up some sort of fuss about it? 'nevermind,' you shake your head and internalize your thoughts, 'it doesn't matter.'

"best not to waste much more time," baizhu says, rounding the counter and coming up to your side before replacing your hand with his own on qiqi's head. "run along now, qiqi." she's quick to obey and gui returns to whatever it is he does all day long. you're ushered out and soon back to the room you've been in thousands of times before.

just like normal, you sat yourself down in one of the two stools baizhu keeps at his desk. just like normal, baizhu offers you tea for your time and just like normal you accept. just like normal, he walks back and forth along the many shelves of herbs and equipment for what he needs for the day's work. and just like normal, chengsheng is slithering down baizhu's outstretched arm, onto the desk and then quickly up yours as you offer it to her.

"aw, i've missed you too chengsheng," you coo. she always hisses when you treat her like a common snake, but it wasn't like she was going to do anything about it. another perk of being the favorite.

"it'ss just nicce to not be coiled around a man who smellss like grasss all the time," she plays off as she coils comfortably around your shoulders and even curling up your head to pass through your hair. most definitely forming knots in her wake.

as baizhu comes back to your side, you watch as he places his required items down.

"it never gets easier," you say.

"and what exactly are you talking about?"

"how... empty you look without chengsheng."

baizhu chuckles.

"yes, well, it feels as empty as it looks." he looks at the pearl white snake around you, clearly nuzzling into you more than him, and he smiles warmly at it. "she looks much better wrapped around you, than me."

"uh-huh," you scoff, bringing your palm up to cup her head and lightly nudging her away from your ear. she was making your skin tingle with her scales against the small sensitive limb. "i totally believe you."

"i've never spoken a word of a lie to you."

you always applaud yourself for not absolutely losing your cool for the things that could come out of baizhu's mouth. the way he can easily say things that were well past embarrassing without so much as blinking was almost awe-inspiring. if you didn't know any better, you'd think sometimes he was flirting with you- but it was baizhu and he was always kind and polite to anyone. that was just who he was.

your checkup runs smoothly and even though nothing can fix your accident-prone lifestyle, you were still healthy and ready to take on more scraps and falls.

now, the hardest part of every pharmacy visit was about to commence. convincing chengsheng to return to her contractor without much fuss.

"chengsheng," you nervously say her name with a slight shake in your voice. she was always a sassy snake, but when she didn't get to indulge in what she wanted, which was simply snuggly laying around your shoulders for just a while longer... she could be a handful. "you know you can't leave with me."

she meets you nowhere with silence- not even attempting to meet you halfway somewhere. nope, she's leaving you high and dry. baizhu watches with half amused eyes, a hand on his hip and the other reached out to brush against her scales.

"what if i walked our dear y/n home? would you willingly part with them then?"

"what?" baizhu had never walked you home before, you always insisted he not since he was a busy man, and it wasn't like you couldn't take care of yourself. this opportunity easily hooked the snake's attention as she lifted her previously curled head and looked at her contractor- you know, the man she was supposed to be unwaveringly loyal to.

"do we have a deal?" he chided, knowing that eventually she was going to let you go one way or the other. whether it be now by him prying her off you physically or walking you home and having her come back willingly. her forked tongue flicked out before coiling one full rotation around your neck and up your head, so her reptilian 'chin' sat on your crown.

"if i must," which was chengsheng for 'yes, we do'.

so, with you and chengsheng waiting at the top of the stone stairs, baizhu popped inside to inform gui and qiqi he would be stepping out for a bit. qiqi had peaked around the open front and waved goodbye to you, which you returned happily before baizhu came to your side. his hand came to hover at your back, so close you could almost feel his palm but never actually touching, and offered you start taking steps ahead of him.

back from inside the pharmcy at the desk, qiqi walked back to gui's side as they both watched their boss walk off with you.

"qiqi likes when y/n is around," she speaks monotonously- but she meant it.

"yeah," gui agrees, watching both your heads disappear further down the stairs with chengsheng still clinging to you. "you aren't the only one," he chuckles.

chengsheng picks favorties, and she's not secretive about it. her contractor, however- even if he thinks he's being slick about it- cannot hide that he does too.

and wouldn't you believe it? all evidence always leads back to you.

[skrrts]

challenge up (one-shot) mature!

✧ gn!reader x mingi ✧ he is a famous dj, reader is a guitarist, best friend yunho ✧ genre: non-idol, music festival, first meeting, flirting ✧ word count: 5,4k ✧ warnings: flirting, drinking, suggestive ending, minors dni!

when yunho invited you to join him at a music festival to see his best friend mingi perform, you didn't think you'd somehow end up on stage with the dj and you couldn't quite deny that there was a certain chemistry between the two of you.

a/n: festival mingi but he's a DJ and has all the excuses to jump around on stage. i didn't intend for this to be so long! if you read through all of this, thanks a lot TT i was trying my best to write something more flirty after my fluff drabble for him. short suggestive making-out part at the end (banner for warning), gif is mine

The sky was made from the prettiest shades of red and orange by the time you finally landed in Los Angeles. While the flight hadn’t been too long, starting in New York, it felt like an eternity to you. No matter how many years passed, flying was not something you enjoyed, but the view was breathtaking nevertheless.

When the doors of the plane opened, you sighed as the heat greeted you. You flashed a smile at the stewardess, who was trying to usher all passengers quickly out to the bus that was waiting for them. Leaving New York with a thirty-minute delay must have messed up quite a few schedules.

Once you made it through the checkout, you felt a great relief to see your guitar case unharmed and waiting for you. Ever since you were little and your dad showed you how to play, you loved playing the guitar. Later, sometime after college, you made it your profession. You formed a band with a few friends, and in the past year, you experienced the first smaller proofs of success. For now, you managed to live from it by working at a studio where you recorded guitar parts for solo artists and their projects.

There was no logical reason for why you brought one of your guitars other than that you never left home without one, and this trip was no different.

You were surprised when Yunho invited you to join him for one of the largest music festivals, featuring the biggest headliners of the DJ scene, from electro to more unique genres. Tickets weren’t cheap, but he insisted that his friend got an invitation to play at one of the stages and gifted him two VIP tickets.

You met Yunho a few years ago during a vacation when your car decided to stop working, and he was the handsome and kind stranger who stopped to help you. Since then, the two of you had become good friends, and it was no surprise that he was waiting for you, although you insisted on just taking an Uber to the hotel where both of you booked rooms.

“I’m glad you made it!” he smiled.

You smiled back. “Well, how often do you get the chance to go VIP and behind the scenes at a festival of this level?”

While you longed to perform in front of bigger crowds, you always stayed humble and appreciated the small base you had in the nightclubs where you played.

“I am not surprised to see you brought your guitar,” Yunho chuckled and helped you with your luggage.

“Well, you never know. Maybe I’ll see all those musicians and go wild all night. Which is exactly why I got my own room,” you explained with a playful grin.

As you got into a taxi, you watched how the day slowly ended and the thousands of lights took over the city you had seen so many times in different movies and TV shows.

“Your first time here?” Yunho asked. He really was a sweet guy, and every time you saw him, he seemed more handsome than in your previous encounters. Always caring and curious, thinking of others first.

“Ah, you could say so! I’ve been to a few places in the United States, but never Los Angeles. I guess they’re allergic to more wanna-be artists. Not that I have any ambitions of moving here, you know?”

You sighed. Some believed music was born in particular places in the world, but you did not like that perspective. Yunho seemed to understand where you were coming from.

“I wouldn’t want to live here either, but it’s worth a few visits, especially during specific times of the year. And you’ll have to come back, considering that the festival is a little outside the city. We’ll only come here for the night. Mingi insisted we stay in a hotel and not camp like all the other festival visitors.”

While the idea probably wasn’t the most tempting to many, you couldn’t deny the adventure would have been interesting. But Yunho took over most of the planning, including the hotel, and there wasn’t much left for you to worry about.

Not to forget that mysterious friend he kept talking about. All you knew was that he was Yunho’s best friend since they were kids, and while they had taken very different career paths, it never changed their bond. No, Yunho often traveled with him around the world.

“You know, you mentioned him quite frequently since we met, but how is it that last month was the first time you mentioned he’s a DJ? He must have made some noise if they invited him.”

Yunho seemed a little shy, rubbing a hand against his cheek. “Well, you know how it is. If it’s your best friend, you don’t really think others might consider him a celebrity. I admire his work, but to me, he’s always just Mingi.”

It made sense. Maybe if you had a friend like that, you’d feel the same.

“You just dropped the word ‘celebrity’... I admit, I didn’t really do a deep dive into all those artists, but I couldn’t really find that name on any stage.”

You felt a little silly. Maybe you should have googled him. Surely there weren’t that many Mingis in the DJ scene.

There was a hint of hesitation, like Yunho felt just as embarrassed for never mentioning it before. “Well, he goes by his stage name ‘FIX ON’. He’s super proud of it, so don’t tell him I never told you.”

The moment the name dropped, your mouth fell wide open.

“Wait, he is THE FIX ON? The guy that was on every amazing mixtape this and last summer!?”

Of course, you were familiar with that one. How could you not be? While your music genre was different, you spent a good amount of time at nightclubs before and after your band's performances. There hadn't been an escape from his music.

“Mhm… he is one of the headliners this year, and he’s really proud of it. You see, this was the one festival he always dreamt of performing at ever since we convinced our parents to let us go here when we were seventeen. It’s a big deal for him.”

You blushed, feeling embarrassed for not having figured it out sooner. But it wasn’t just that. If this was such a big deal for Yunho’s best friend, why were you here, a stranger to the DJ?

“How come you asked me to accompany you? Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled to be here, really, but it sounds like something more for family or your other friends?”

Yunho chuckled.

“Don’t worry about that. Our other friends are probably glad to escape him because as confident as Mingi is in public and on stage, he gets quite nervous. I thought, if anyone can help with that, maybe it’s someone cool and down to earth like you, who’s familiar with music. Besides, he complained he still didn’t get to meet you even though I mentioned you a few times.”

You couldn’t deny there was a little pressure from all the things you were just told, but it seemed Yunho was counting on you. After being all supportive, how could you not be?

You sighed, followed by a smile.

“Ah, so many compliments. I’m not sure if I can live up to that, but I shall try my best.”

Yunho was quick to smile. “Just be yourself. Somehow, I really feel like you two will hit it off just fine!”

The taxi stopped in front of the hotel, and you were glad to get some time for yourself. You thanked Yunho and wished him a good night since the two of you were going VIP and were supposed to be at the location before most other attendees.

You enjoyed a long shower, prepared the outfit you brought for the first day, and jammed a little on your guitar before finally falling asleep.

You decided to play it safe with your outfit, picking your favorite jeans and a simple tank top, but adorned it with jewelry once you used the strongest sunscreen you managed to buy in the store last night. A pair of sunglasses rounded it up together with the VIP ID that dangled around your neck.

Maybe it couldn’t live up to the fancier outfits you expected many of the festival visitors to wear or the stage performers, but in a way, you were neither of them. If you had to be up all day and night with the sun burning down, you wanted to be comfortable.

When Yunho joined you, he seemed to disagree when you called it boring, complimenting your look. Ironically, the two of you matched well, with him wearing about the same but with a shirt with a FIX ON logo instead of a tank top.

After the two of you had a quick breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant, a driver picked you up, and you quickly learned it was one of Mingi’s managers. If you thought about it, it really shouldn’t be a surprise he had more than one for such a huge event.

Yunho was busy with his phone while you enjoyed the scenery outside. While some might debate whether or not it was breathtaking, you were enjoying every moment of this vacation, and you leaned closer to the window when the large area of the festival appeared. The huge stages in the distance were quite obvious, together with thousands of tents and the familiar shine of an army of caravans for the staff and likely artists to get ready in. The thought of seeing all of this soon filled with so many people excited you.

“What’s the exact plan?”

Your voice seemed to tear Yunho out of his texting session, but he was quick to smile.

“Ah! Mingi has an interview by the time we arrive, so I thought we could look around a little and then meet up with him. While he plays one of the latest sessions, for some reason, they scheduled his fifteen-minute soundcheck as one of the earliest.”

That sounded like a nightmare. Whenever you were playing late at a club, you made sure to sleep in so you’d have the energy to push through and do your best performance. You could only imagine what it must be like to wake up early with the heat of the sun, knowing you were only to perform so late at night.

“He will be okay,” Yunho chuckled. “I just should warn you, he’s probably going to be a little nervous, and with that, he can be a little… tough. Please don’t take it personally or anything, he’s really a sweet guy.”

You leaned in and gave Yunho’s shoulder a gentle poke. “Hey, you said it yourself. You invited me because I know what it could be like. I won’t be pissed about him being nervous before something like a performance of a lifetime. I’m sure we will be fine.”

He was thankful for your playful response, and the two of you thanked the manager, who reminded you to please show up on time, as it would be difficult to get you in afterward.

It was strange to see the festival area without the thousands of viewers you had seen in photos and video clips, but the first day would only open in a few hours with smaller acts before slowly leading to the headliners.

You knew Mingi would play tonight and the same session next weekend, but of course, you’d only be here for the first three days. VIP was exclusive for today with a preferred entrance for the following two days, so you’d get the chance to experience both sides.

Yunho sighed a little, brushing a hand over his forehead after the two of you checked out different setups.

“Hey, let me go and get us something to drink. Why don’t you wait over there in the area with the plants and sofas?”

“That would be great, thanks,” you nodded and watched him rush off.

You found the described area without a problem. It seemed to be meant for the performers to relax, but since this was part of your VIP access, you decided not to worry, especially with most of those people likely not showing up here for some time.

The brown couch was quite comfortable, and you relaxed back, allowing your eyes to close, hand only moving to place the sunglasses on top of your head.

“Why’s it so hot today?” you huffed.

“Perfect weather to heat everyone up. I heard they will spray some water into the crowds later, it will be amazing,” a confident voice answered, and you found yourself sitting up instantly to see who it was.

The first thing you noticed was the bleached white silver hair dancing with the little wind the day offered, a pair of sunglasses on his nose, but his unique features added up well to it. The two moles and the plump lips, which were curled into a confident grin.

He was tall, wearing a top underneath a denim jacket adorned with the FIX ON logo and a good selection of necklaces and rings. The light makeup indicated that he must have just returned from an interview.

While Yunho showed you a few photos of his best friend, in all of them, he looked different, with brown hair and more laid-back clothing. Not that he wasn’t handsome like that as well, but there was something about this hair color that made you swallow hard.

“Is that so? I guess it’s not the worst idea with those temperatures,” you tried to sound casual as you sat up properly.

The DJ didn’t even bother hiding that he was looking at you, and before you knew it, he was sitting down on the free spot next to you.

“It will be an experience! Now, I am sure that I’d remember your face if we had met before. Do you belong to somebody?”

A small grin tugged on his lips, and while he was very obviously hitting on you right now, he was polite and did not get closer, although you could get an even better view sitting so close to him. His muscles are obvious under the tight shirt.

He was taller than you expected; Yunho wasn’t all serious when he said that Mingi was quite a bit shorter than himself. God, they both were handsome! If paired together, there was no doubt others must be looking after them wherever they went.

But this was Yunho’s best friend, and you really should behave unless… there was no harm in a small flirt, was there?

“Well, the event only started, but maybe you just weren’t looking properly?” your voice was playful, and you could see how his grin just grew, likely encouraged by your reaction.

“I really must have been distracted then, but I promise you have my full attention now. I am Mingi. I am performing on the Horizon stage tonight. You should come!”

You pretended to think about it before shrugging.

“I’m afraid I was already invited to watch a performance of somebody.”

There was a hint of disappointment when he listened to your answer, and finally, he leaned in a little. You guessed behind his sunglasses, his eyes caught sight of the VIP ID you were wearing.

“Mh, is that so? Maybe I can convince you to reconsider? I promise you, my show is definitely worth it, and I’m throwing a little afterparty. Lots of drinks, good music, fun people.”

The sunglasses dropped down on his nose, and he looked at you with big dark eyes. This one liked to tease, but you liked it because you also heard how sweet this guy could be. People full of diversity were always your favorites.

“I will think about it,” you winked after taking your sunglasses off.

Mingi smirked. He was about to say something when a stressed-looking woman appeared: “There you are! What are you doing here? Soundchecks start in less than an hour, and we still need to check your equipment!”

The DJ seemed a little annoyed but mostly disappointed, sighing loudly before getting up.

“Duty calls, but I am counting on seeing you later, in the first row, yes?” He pointed at the VIP pass before placing the sunglasses back down.

"I will see.

For a moment, Mingi looked at you as if he wanted to make sure to perfectly memorize you so he would recognize you later for sure before walking off with his manager. You looked after him, surprised he did not even ask for your name.

“Are you okay?” Yunho suddenly stood in front of you, offering you a cool water bottle.

“Your face is all red. Ah, I really thought this spot would offer some more shade.”

You hurried to accept it and shook your head. “Oh no, it’s okay!”

It was only now that you realized you must be blushing. You took a big gulp from the bottle. “Already feeling better! Now, what’s next on the plan?”

Yunho seemed to take your answer as it was and smiled at you. “I would say let’s slowly head to the stage. We can watch the soundcheck, and after that, I will introduce you to Mingi. I just texted him that we arrived, and he’s excited to meet you.”

You chuckled a little to yourself. “So am I.”

His reaction upon realizing it was you would be interesting, but most of all, you suddenly found yourself quite excited to meet him again so soon.

“Please wait here; Mister Song should return from his soundcheck shortly,” the manager said, nodding to the two of you before leaving.

The caravan given to Mingi was cluttered with makeup from an interview, likely outfits for tonight's performance, several bags, and equipment. You made yourself comfortable on the couch that Yunho had cleared.

“Guess this is what success looks like: chaos,” you joked, but couldn't deny it had its charm. While you weren’t exactly the opposite, you always tried to keep the backstage areas tidy to avoid leaving a bad impression.

“I always wondered if that is a personality or an artist trait,” Yunho joked with a quick smile as the door opened and a tall, handsome man stepped inside.

His eyes immediately found his best friend. He dropped his sunglasses and grinned. Before you knew it, the two men met, doing a strange twirl with their heads and giggling like high schoolers. But suddenly, Mingi’s eyes fell on you, and he made the funniest noise.

“You? What?! Yunho!”

Yunho looked a little confused at the DJ, who seemed to be sulking at his best friend.

“What have I done?” he blinked, trying to process what had just happened.

Mingi pointed at you. “Ah! You never told me your friend is hot! Why didn’t you show me a photo?!”

At that moment, he realized you were sitting there, having heard the entire conversation, and his cheeks heated up. It was kind of cute to see him blushing after showcasing his confident side earlier.

“Well, I showed you a video once, the one with the band?” Yunho suggested, looking a little innocent. He was likely thinking about your reaction yesterday upon learning the mysterious best friend was a celebrity.

“Oh… ah!” Mingi cleared his throat, obviously trying to regain his cool while pretending he didn’t just call you hot.

“Nice to meet you! I am Mingi, and I hope this one only told you about my charming sides!”

His voice tried to sound casual, but the blush on his cheeks remained.

You chuckled and shook his hand. “Only pleasant things. Nice to meet you, and thank you for the ticket.”

You lifted the VIP ticket, and Mingi seemed to realize you had come to see HIM perform, the mysterious stranger you wanted to watch.

“You’re very welcome! I’m confident you’ll enjoy the show! The soundcheck was just a very toned-down, rushed version. We will turn this place into a big party, and then we’ll go to the after party. Ah, you two will come, right?”

He forced himself to look from you back to Yunho, who seemed interested how you two seemed suddenly familiar.

“That’s the plan,” Yunho nodded. Mingi seemed pleased with the answer and slowly started to relax.

“It will be worth it. I actually planned most of it myself… with the help of my manager. It isn’t too far from here but enough that we won’t have to worry about privacy. We arranged drivers, so no worries about that. I’ll pick you two up after the performance.”

The door opened again, and a stressed-looking manager returned. “We have a problem.”

Mingi turned around, tilting his head. “What’s up?”

She hesitated for a moment. “Well, Mister Kim just called. His flight was canceled due to poor weather. He won’t make it here in time for the performance.”

You were surprised to see Mingi’s face drop like he had received bad news. Yunho seemed quick to pick up on it, which made sense as the two of them had known each other forever.

“Mister Kim… you mean Hongjoong? I didn’t know he’d come as well?”

It was obvious he was trying to make sense of what exactly it would mean. Mingi groaned softly, covering his face with his hands, likely in an attempt to hide his frustration.

The woman sighed.: “The two prepared a special performance for Mister Song’s newest song, which he intended to show here for the first time.”

There was a moment of silence as everyone looked at Mingi, who shook his head slowly.

“His guitar solo is literally the part that makes it special and different from my other songs, but it can’t be changed… I’ll have to cut it from the setlist. I’d rather not play it than do it with just audio playing. I’m sure I can just shove another song in; I’ll need an hour to change my mix, but that’s fine.”

You felt bad for him. There was nothing worse than preparing for months for a performance only to be forced to cancel a part of it.

While you thought about it, you felt Yunho’s eyes on you. When he wouldn’t stop, you started to get nervous.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” you asked, furrowing your brows.

Now everyone was looking at you, making it even worse. You sank a little into the couch as Yunho smirked, which meant things were about to get dangerous.

“Hey Mingi, nobody knows that Hongjoong was supposed to perform with you, right?”

The younger one frowned at his best friend, trying to figure out what was going on in his mind. “No, I only announced I’d play two new songs.”

Yunho was pleased with the answer, and before you knew it, he fell onto the couch next to you, wrapping his arm around your shoulder.

“Well, let me introduce you then to one of the finest guitarists and rising stars among the rock bands who will play with you tonight.”

“Woah, Yunho! Wait a second.”

You knew you had no chance when the two best friends grinned at each other.

You insisted on doing your hair and makeup yourself while staring at the notes of the song. Mingi donated one of his logo-free jackets to you, promising you looked perfectly fine otherwise. This wasn’t exactly how you liked to go on stage, but a nervous voice in your head told you that maybe like this, nobody would recognize you.

Actually, it was the way to go without freaking out at the thought of performing a song you had never even played along with the other artist in front of around one hundred thousand people who had come to see one of their favorite DJs.

You were happy now about your talent to learn songs quickly. Maybe that was because, during high school, you made some extra cash for college by playing at weddings, which often included requests for songs you didn’t know, and you quickly looked online.

One of the other performers was kind enough to lend you a guitar, and you spent the next four hours going through the song over and over while listening to the audio Mingi sent. The DJ had no time to stay; there were still other appointments before the show that he was forced to attend, but Yunho was the best mental support he could be.

“I don’t feel ready at all,” you sighed deeply while looking at Mingi, who looked stunning. Whoever figured out he should wear fake tattoos for him and advised showing just enough skin to drive every viewer’s imagination insane, good for them!

“Shh, I’ve seen you play several times, and you always nailed it! Just think about that, and before you know it, the one minute and thirty seconds will be over.”

Your friend patted your back while the DJ walked over, taking off his sunglasses to look at you.

“I really appreciate you doing this for me, and I promise, I’ll, like, pay you back somehow,” he mumbled. There was a moment of hesitation before he continued.

“You look really amazing, by the way. No doubt you will steal the show. You know, people always love hot guitarists.” He winked before rushing off to start his session.

Yunho and you stood at the side of the stage, watching as the lights changed and the crowd screamed as Mingi stepped out.

The setup suited him perfectly. The purple and blue lights danced in his silver hair, and the effects on the screen rounded out the remixes and songs he played.

He was incredibly attractive, and if you didn’t have to go out there in less than thirty minutes, you might have found yourself drooling a little.

Mingi wouldn’t stop jumping; he was enjoying himself, and this stage was where he belonged. He kept knocking over his bottles, and you were quite sure there was a moment when his own stage firework startled him a little, which was cute.

The attendees loved the show, and this atmosphere was unlike anything you had ever witnessed.

“Tonight, as promised, there are two new songs I made just for you all here. Are you ready for it?”

It was so cliché; DJs really loved this kind of talk, but it was your sign to get ready.

Yunho showed you a thumbs up, and you were dying inside as Mingi announced you in a similar fashion to how his best friend did earlier.

You were glad you couldn’t see yourself entering the stage on the giant screen, but your stage persona managed to fall in line, and you gave it your all.

It went by too fast while feeling like an eternity. As you finished, your gaze met Mingi’s for a moment, and he gave you an appreciative smirk before asking the crowd for a final cheer as you slipped off.

“That was amazing!” Yunho clapped his hands together while the manager helped you take off the guitar and borrowed in-ears. You flashed her a quick smile of appreciation.

“I hope so… I can’t deny I had somewhat of a blast,” you confessed, and your friend chuckled.

“Good, you deserved it! But don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.”

Before you could ask what exactly he meant, Yunho returned to watch his best friend perform for another hour before the three of you left together for the afterparty.

The location was about twenty minutes away, a small group of white tents under the sky, with lighting similar to Mingi’s stage setup. There was a DJ, a fancy large bar with several bartenders, and couches and chairs everywhere.

Around sixty people were in attendance, and Mingi was busy almost the entire time since you arrived, leaving you a little disappointed. At least nobody but Yunho really paid you any attention.

You turned off your phone after the performance when you noticed a wave of notifications coming in, deciding to deal with the aftermath in the morning.

Sure, your friends and bandmates wouldn’t mind it, but no doubt, the press would love to learn how an internationally successful DJ knew this small nightclub guitarist.

After about an hour, you withdrew to the quiet corner of the little setup. It was in the tent furthest from the bar, with an arrangement of bigger potted plants that offered some privacy.

You sat there, finishing off your second drink. It was a nice feeling of the effects of alcohol without being drunk.

“There you are,” it wasn’t Yunho’s voice but Mingi’s.

He still wore the same outfit he did on stage, and it took a bit of control not to stare. Something he caught onto as he grinned, sitting down by your side.

“Sorry for vanishing like that. I learned that if you give people attention in the first hour, they leave you alone for the rest of the night, not only because by then too many drinks distract them.”

“Is that so? Maybe I should make a mental note of that advice for when I get famous,” you casually joked.

“After seeing you play tonight, I have no doubt you will get there, and one day, I will have to be the one politely asking for a collab,” he grinned, and you rolled your eyes.

“Nonsense…”

“Hey, I mean it!” he pouted, but his lips quickly curled into a smile.

“Just give it some time; that’s what I needed too. Five years of hard work, but now I get to travel the world and meet all those people. Though, meeting you today reminded me that it’s nice to have someone who just ... sees me.”

His thoughtful voice made you look at him, and your gazes met. There was something you wanted to say, although you wouldn’t be able to recall later what it was.

Before you could say anything, Mingi leaned in and kissed you.

All on their own, your arms curled around his neck, and you felt his arms pulling you onto his lap, likely seeing the way you kissed him as encouragement.

There was a small gasp as your gazes met for a second. Mingi waited, but you gave him a small nod. If anything, you trusted him because of how he accepted you all day. He was sassy but kind.

You opened your mouth, and his tongue pushed in, twirling around yours. His hand gave your butt in the tight jeans a squeeze, and you gave him a small, playful noise. Sure, the two of you knew there was only so much you could do here, with the risk of anyone walking in, but for a moment, you decided not to care.

His big hand gently tugged on your hair, making your head tilt a little as his lips wandered from yours down to your neck, kissing the spots that were most sensitive. One of his arms curled around your waist to hold you in place as the other slipped underneath your shirt to explore, only a little.

When he felt your breath quicken and your body heat up under his touch, he laughed gently against your skin.

“For somebody as confident, you can let loose rather quickly.”

Your eyes opened, and you grinned back at him.

“Well, only for people who know how to play my kind of music.”

Mingi licked his lips, looking at you in a certain way. The two of you already had taken an interest in each other the moment you met and there was no denial that there was a certain kind of chemistry you shared .

One he wanted to explore.

One you didn’t mind to explore.

“The two of us already had a few drinks and I do not think I am patient enough to get back to the hotel,” he challenged and you already slipped off his lap, grabbing his leather jacket to pull him down into another kiss.

“Agreed. Your manager did leave the car keys with me, in case I’d get tired and wanted to nap… I guess, she didn’t say we can’t rest there together.”

Mingi loved your cheekiness and confidence, bringing your bodies closely together.

“Mh, a break now sounds nice, and there’s a special song of yours I’d love to hear.”

The two of you barely paid a last glance at the location, lips already battling in another kiss as you slipped off to finish this unforgettable night in your own small personal afterparty, safely beyond the locked door of a black car somewhere in the middle of the desert.

[lxclerc]

𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲 | 𝐥𝐡𝟒𝟒

summary: you were trying to get better. you were better. and suddenly he's back in your life and now you're right back where you started, stuck in a hallway once again meant to say goodbyes. requested: no warning: angst angst angst, swearing?? sexual innuendos. the series will eventually contain smut pairing: lewis hamilton x rosberg!reader

note: this story is written in a way where the reader is telling a story so the timelines will shift with no warnings. also let me know if you want to be added to this story's taglist.

part 2: two ghosts (coming soon)

you just wanted to pass through. that was the whole fucking point of a hallway, wasn’t it? it didn’t need to be the ongoing cruel joke of your life. you were there and you wanted to be, in the present where you belonged, in a life you didn’t have to hide in. but now you’re not and suddenly you’re stuck in yesterday again, stuck and unable to move on. 

yesterday and tuesday have gone and past though and you were glad of it. you were glad to be rid of him, having left him and a box that contained all of your memories under your bed in your childhood room. and quite frankly, that was better for you. you’d moved on, moved to the other side of the globe where his name isn’t as loud, where you could escape the ghost of him haunting your every waking minute. 

the east knew of his name but it was not the brightest nor the biggest – almost like when you’d started. his star was ascending but his name didn’t come with a trademark quiet yet. 

you’d tagged along with his team, his teammate’s little sister, freshly eighteen with no idea how to grow into the woman your family expected you to be. you’d been born into a name bigger than you could ever grow to be and a legacy you carried like a curse. your future is a blank canvas, one you didn’t have the right colors to pain in. 

your brother, ever the golden, followed exactly in your father’s footsteps. he knew what was expected of him the moment he pressed his foot onto a pedal. you have always envied him  though you’d never once say to his face. he was born with the ability to make your parents proud, something you’ve always lacked. 

all your life, you’ve always been painfully average. you were average in everything you did, anything you pursued. for someone having been born in such an extraordinary family, you were painstakingly ordinary. though nico has always had your back, protecting you and encouraging you to find new hobbies and join new clubs and so it came as no surprise when he’d been the one to come up with the idea. you’d just finished secondary school with zero ideas of what you’d be doing for university and so nico suggested a gap year – join him in his travels for his second season in formula one. find inspiration, a dream, a hobby — anything to occupy your time. 

your parents though, ever loving and protective of their only daughter, had been against the idea at the start. they had no problems with you taking a gap year but they wanted to hold on to you for as long as they could – keep you a child for as long they can. in the rosbergs’ eyes, you’re their little princess as far as they were concerned, sheltered and spoiled your entire life despite your extraordinary ability to be so painstakingly ordinary. they never asked anything of you, which somehow made it all the worse.

eventually though, they relent. nico would be responsible for you – to keep you on a tight leash, never meant to let you out of his sight if he could help, never meant to let you wander off on your own in some foreign country, never allowed to be near any man. 

and so you were stuck sharing a hotel room with your older brother. 

it started in a hallway – and ended in one. you’d gotten kicked out. nico is a good brother, a great one even, but not even he is immune to the young adult lust that seems to plague everyone the moment they step foot in their twenties. you were thankful he had the decency to shove you out of the hotel room as he and the blonde he’d met at some club stumbled in. the sock was on the door and you knew the rules. it was late, everyone was drunk and you were homeless. 

this isn’t your first time and so you sat down on the hallway and laid your head on your knees, hoping you’ve had enough beer to put your right to sleep. unfortunately for you, you had not. you played your music player, as loud as you dared, to drown out the sound of your brother behind the closed door. gross, but so fucking familiar. you could utter one word to your parents and this entire thing would stop but you and nico have always covered up for each other when it matters. and besides, you're sure if your mother knew, not only would she forbid you to join your brother with this travels, you wouldn’t put it past her to completely stop him from racing if these were what he’s up to. 

“hey,” you looked up at the voice wishing your brother had at least thrown you out with your earphones. lewis was all lanky frame and a bare torso. 

“sorry,” you say, the german accent ebbing away at the end of your words as you tone down your music player. “was the music too loud?” 

he smiled, effortlessly and as though you’ve been best friends for years. “nah. i heard you got the boot. figured you could use a refuge.”

you’d smiled brilliantly at him. a silly crush had formed the first time you met him that first testing in barcelona. you’d been envious of his raw talent, first time in an f1 car and yet somehow already exponentially better than his peers. at the start, he’d been racing for mclaren but most teams booked the same hotels and sometimes, they ended up on the same floor. 

his hotel room is much like the one you shared with your brother but only containing one bed contrary to two. that night, you’d gotten in his good graces, sharing jokes and laughs and maybe you’d gotten into his good books too. and at one point, you thought of his heart. 

with you and lewis, it was an auspicious start and you should have known with a beginning like that, the end was inevitable. something started that night in that hallway. for you, that’s where it all began. you’ve given lewis years of your life – always meeting him in the hallway, always sneaking into his sheets and always trying to work it out. it ended in a hallway too – he’d left you and you stood there hoping you could work it out for too long, years maybe. but then, you learned to walk away and you got better. 

seeing him here tonight, another sparse but posh place felt like you’d walked into a time machine – like you’d just left his bedroom. his hair is long, braids tied back in a ponytail like the night he’d left you. you thought you’d left that hallway years ago but you now realized you were still there, waiting and waiting and waiting for him to come back. 

you watched him, his back to you but you could tell by the loop of his stride and the set of his shoulders that it was him. he’s yet to see you. if he had, he must have been disinterested. apathy is the worst. you hated it more than hate. but that doesn’t feel quite right. lewis has never shown disinterest in you. even back before you’d wind up in his hotel room, he was polite but never uninterested. 

that night, he’d set you up with a controller and beer. you’d played some game you can’t quiet remember until ridiculously late. it wasn’t until you’d beaten him for the fourteenth time that he began complaining. 

“you’re really good,” he finally admits defeat. 

you shrugged. “ yeah. why aren’t you better?” 

“i sleep a lot.”

“everywhere?” you asked, selecting another round.

he nodded and you started playing again. “pretty much anywhere i can. the schedule is crazy, i’m always on planes and i hate sleeping there so i sleep pretty much wherever i can–”

“why aren’t you sleeping now?” you cut off, a childish habit you’ve been trying to outgrow. 

“it’s ironic,” he says with a laugh. “i can’t sleep after the race. i’m all wound up and tired the next day but then we’re on a plane before i can blink so i sleep where i can.”

“so you miss out on video games,” you finish for him.

he gives you a dimpled smile and suddenly you felt so happy he’d opened his door for you.

it wasn’t until you caught him yawning for the sixth time that you called him out for it. “tired? ready for bed?”

he looked sheepish. “yeah, should probably sleep. sorry.” 

“no,” you got up and picked up your trash of beer cans. “i’ll go. just let me see if my damn brother is done with it.”

you’d poked your head out the hallway and immediately heard the sounds you absolutely hated coming from behind the door of your shared hotel room when you pulled you back. 

“no. you can stay here. i just meant i needed to lay down.”

you nodded. you aren’t too proud for the couch and you would have taken the carpeted floor over the dirty hallway. “i’ll stay on the couch. the floor out there must have a thousand germs living in it. maybe even more than germs. imagine where the shoes passing by it daily have been at. i’d probably get a rash if i slept there. i’m prone to getting rashes.”

stop talking. you needed to stop fucking talking. to your benefit, he looked more than amused by your rambling. 

“no,” he says, sounding sheepish again. “this isn’t me flirting with you, k?” 

he paused for your reaction but your three am, beer infested brain is sluggish and so you just stared until he continued. 

“i figured you could sleep with me, just to sleep. i like a body next to me…” he trailed off and looked down at his feet. the toe of his right sock had a hole near his big toe and you could see why – his nail needed a clip. then you chastised yourself for having noticed such an insignificant detail as he continued. “that is if you’re comfortable with it, of course.” 

before you could think it through, you nod. “you seem tired. you should head to bed.”

he nods too. “i like being around people, just gets tiring to be on all the time.”

“you can turn off with me.” you meant it.

“i know,” he said it with the confidence of someone you’ve known your entire life. “i can tell. i think i can trust you – won’t need to confiscate your phone.”

you laughed. “well good luck there, love. never relinquishing my phone. only thing i have to reassure my parents that me and my stupid brother are still alive.”

he laughed then yawned.

“bed?” you suggest and he nods in confirmation, walking towards the bed and pulling you behind him.

“you can have a shirt if you want.”

“no, i can sleep in this,” you say as you sat down on the right side of the bed, pushing off your shoes and neatly tucking your socks in them.

“not in jeans,” he shook his head. “that’s so uncomfortable. i’m not sleeping with my trousers.” 

“feel free,” you say. “your bed and all.” 

“well i don’t want your jeans rubbing all over my legs.” 

you relent, changing out of your jeans and into his shirt that reached your mid thigh before you slipped back under the covers and shut the light. and that was how you came to sleep next to lewis hamilton for years of your life. 

and so it goes. lewis’ room became your escape. at first, it was only nights when nico would be accompanied by a girl or when you’d be unceremoniously shoved out of your room and into the hallway. whenever your brother pulled that move, the door somewhere in the floor would open, lewis’ head poking out with a knowing smile as though the two of you shared inside jokes the world didn’t know about.

at some point, you’d wondered if he’d been waiting for you as you wouldn’t even have to knock before his door would be open. most nights, you’d flop on the couch, turn on the television or some game you’d beat him at. 

eventually though, his room would open for you even on nights where you hadn’t been kicked out. he’d be waiting for you in the hallway as though he knew you’d always come. you did, of course, meet him night after night. perhaps your brother wondered where you were going or perhaps he didn’t care enough. either way, you’d disappear each night and come back the next morning. 

“what do you want from room service?’ the phone was pressed to his ear, and really, with every hotel you vacate, each menu pretty much holds the same. 

“uhh, maybe some pizza?” you looked up at him, surprised he wasn’t waiting for you to make eye contact. lewis, as you’d unfortunately learned, is pretty big on eye contact and physical touch. you’d memorized the dark brown in his pupils and the creases under his eyes. instead though, his eyes were glued to your bare legs. you’d worn your sleeping shorts with your baggy shirt, comfortable enough in his presence you didn’t feel the need to dress up. 

when he realized you’d caught him staring, he jerked up his eyes to meet yours, embarrassment coating his face as he gave you a small, apologetic smile, eyes shining that you were more than willing to overlook his wandering eyes. though you feel the path that his gaze had left over your legs, warm but somehow cold at the same time. 

“i’m sorry, what?” lewis suddenly said into the phone, turning away from the big distraction you had been, leaving you completely breathless as you pulled the blanket over you in an attempt to hide the goosebumps that had risen from your interaction. 

you’d been sharing a bed every night since you began coming over to his room more frequently. the bed sharing was completely platonic, of course. it was more that lewis is too much of a gentleman to let you sleep on the couch. the bed is more often than not, king sized and so it isn’t completely unlikely for the two of you to wake up on opposite ends of the mattress. 

yet somehow, something shifted that night. perhaps it was his wandering gaze realizing that you are, in fact, a woman but that night, you had woken up with his octopus limbs wrapped around you, completely burrowed to your side as his breath fanned the delicate skin of your neck. he held onto you tightly, both legs and arms tangled with yours and his bare chest is hard against your back, your hair all over his face. 

you stayed there longer than you knew, feeling the heat even with your shirts separating your skins. you feel the rise and fall of his chest, arms only tightening around you whenever you make any small movement. you can hear the softest snore escaping him as his breath tickles your skin. 

and for the first time, you imagine what it would be like to wake up to this everyday – to have his wandering eyes on your body without the apologetic smile that follows, to have his calloused hands on your skin with no boundaries or rules to follow, to have him hold you and touch you in places you’ve never been touched before. 

and then he shifted and his eyes were fluttering open and lewis moved away from you, robbing you of the warmth you’d been cocooned in all night. he knew, of course. you know he knew because he’d refused to meet your eyes that morning. instead, you went back to your hotel room reeking of his cologne sticking to your skin.

and maybe if either of you had said anything that day about what was already brewing between you, you would’ve been saved from a thousand hurts. 

even years after your meetings in the hallways, even back home, you wondered what it would be like to wake up besides lewis again. you wondered if he’d woken up holding another girl the same way he held you. it had been years after your fateful goodbye that you decided you had to make a conscious effort to stop, erasing your consideration of him from your day to day life. you had to teach yourself to seek your own interest and pleasure. 

the yearning for him is what you remember the most. it was your constant companion. your shadow was long and dwarfed you when you slept in his arms but didn’t have a room in his heart. it cast itself like it was noon when you were sure of your place in his life only to grow long in absence. when you were apart, your need for him was huge, overshadowing you. you were no longer a person with likes and dislikes and a personality. for years of your life, you’d lived for lewis. 

on your final separation, you’d realized that the shadow had become greater than yourself, so large that there was nothing left of you. 

though until now, you wonder if you had made such a big impression on him that he had on you. you suspected you were more like an amenity provided by whichever hotel you both found yourselves tangled in. 

you were being unkind to yourself. he would be disappointed. you wish you didn’t care.

you’re still watching the back of his head as he makes his way away from you and into the elevator, to the next place without you. he’s surrounded by people and you can hear his voice, sending shivers throughout your whole body. you know the tone well. he’s teasing the shorter man next to him and though you can’t hear the words, you know that the guy’s tone is low and full of affection. the short man wraps an arm around the woman amongst their group and you wonder if his affection is towards her or lewis. 

probably lewis. he’s always provoked that response in strangers. ever the most charming and most polite. 

his finger extends to press the buttons on the elevator and you’re distracted by them, still frozen in place since the last five minutes. you’ve watched the skinny digits grip a steering wheel and pluck at your nipples and your body twinges at the memory. however, your attention strays from his knuckles as your eye catches the cluster of silver near the top of his palm. 

and your breath hitches, he couldn’t possibly still be wearing that ring. when his hand pulls back, the light catches the metal circle and you can almost read the words engraved on the metal band. you know what it says, your wish for him as he was surrounded by all the chaos. it was what you’d hoped you gave him in each of the rooms you shared. 

a moment of peace.

his head rises up and the mirror next to the elevator doors catches his attention. your focus shifts to where he’s looking. 

he’s looking at you. 

taglist: @ricsaigaslec @dragon-of-winterfell @coffeehurricanes @rdtbattinson @privcherry7 @miniminescapist @sebsdaniel @strelcka @writing-about-current-obsessions @amsofftrack @lostinketterdam @bisexual-desi @cialovessirlewis @multilovebot @lovelynikol16 @troybolton-14 @ohthemissery @dr3lover @myescapefromthislife @sunf1owerrq @the6ccnsp6cyy @t-nd-rfoot @navixfr

[bg-brainrot]

Have you ever wanted to give Astarion more hugs? Because I did. So I wrote 34K words just to give him more hugs. It's Hugs for a Vampire, literally just uploaded the last chapter.

It's my first finished long fic ever and I feel this weird little pride so I wanted to gush about it. Please enjoy a few of my favorite snippets below (spans the game so beware spoilers), but this thing has a bit of everything.

You want figuring out boundaries? You got it!

You’re not sure how much of it is a choice that you’ve consciously made or if it’s born of your underlying worry. It hasn’t been long since you entered this new phase in your relationship, and the past couple of weeks have been a lot of trial and error to get to a place of some comfort and understanding. As such, you know exactly why you’ve been careful, consciously or not. “I don’t want to touch you if you’re not ready for it,” you say, tilting your head toward his, whispering your words away from the rest of the group.

The vampire freezes a moment, his eyebrows knitting into a look of concern. “While I appreciate the sentiment, darling, a hug isn’t exactly carnal .”

You give him a flat look. “Of course it isn’t,” you respond back. “But it’s still… intimate. You should be allowed to decide when that happens. If you hug me, I know you want it to happen.”

Astarion finally uncrosses his arms, only to rub at his temple in exasperation. “Ugh, you’re being disgustingly considerate,” he says, closing his eyes. “It’s times like this that I wonder how we’ve even gotten this far.”

You want a smidge of angst? Of course.

Astarion’s arm around you shifts, an attempt to pull you closer. You turn to face him and lean in to help his efforts. He gives you a sad little grateful smile, and tucks you into his chest, your head resting just below his chin. When he speaks, his voice is barely above a whisper, a low rasp to it, “I’m here, dear. We’re in this together.”

Nodding into his chest, you take a few steading breaths. “I know,” you say. “But is it too much to ask for a break every once and a while?”

“Darling,” a cold kiss graces your temple before he continues, “I’ve been asking myself that question for two-hundred years.” His words aren’t meant to elicit sympathy, just reality, and you both soak in it for a while. Laying in each others’ arms, bodies too exhausted to move, spirits too broken to speak, you allow yourself to weep.

You want calling Astarion out on his bullshit? For sure.

“Gods,” he breathes out in anguish. “I can’t say you’re wrong. I can only say I'm so glad we didn’t meet then. I don’t even want to think what would have happened to you…”

You’ve never been above challenging your lover’s sullen moods, facing his avoidances head on. So you stare him down fiercely when you say, “Don’t you avoid this, Astarion. Face it, like you must face them. You would have killed me.”

And just like that, something in him buckles. All of his blustering blown away in the stark reality of his previous life. “I would have killed you.” Astarion’s shoulders bow, his head turns away from you and it’s all you can do to hold back a fierce, rib-shattering embrace.

You want fluff? Hell yeah.

You’re ever the slightly more responsible of the two of you. “I always thought that the day we got thrown into prison together it would be for theft, murder, maybe racketeering– not public indecency.”

“The night is young, dear,” he says, smiling up at you innocently. "I wouldn't rule any of them out quite yet."

You plant a small kiss on his head and respond, “You are an utter fool.”

You want an ending where he doesn't run off on his own and break your heart? It's only natural 😭

Sniffling, tears trailing down your face and onto his neck, you know your voice is barely there. But you need him to know. You whisper to him, “We’re all here for you. You’re safe with us.”

And like a stubborn lock that finally gives, he collapses into you. His full body weight bears down on you, and it’s all you can do to keep from toppling over. Yet you remain solid, fully ready to support him as long as he needs.

Anyway, I just wanted to be excited, if you read this far ty I appreciate you and pls how do I get this vampire man out of my head 🥲

[strawberryspence]

happy birthday, @withacapitalp! i hope im not that late! i am so glad to be your friend and i am glad you were born. ily! long islands on me! 🥂🍾💗

-

There’s this damn spring festival in Indianapolis. It’s pretty popular among young-ins and people from small towns come to visit it every year. There are local vendors, activities, mini concerts. It’s where Eddie thrives the most, he has gone every year since he can remember.

His first mistake was mentioning it to Dustin. The second was agreeing to his insistent pleading if he could come with Eddie to Indy.

Because after Eddie finally said yes. The news— unsurprisingly— reaches El, and wherever El goes, Will goes, and of course, wherever Will goes Mike goes. Then Max hears and also wants in and of course, Lucas also wants to go. So now, it’s the whole damn party. Of course, he can’t handle all the kids. So now, all the adult kids are coming too.

And listen, he thinks they’re all great. But he’s been wanting to get out of Hawkins and away from them to just— breathe. Also, that’s a lie. Eddie doesn’t want to get away from them. He specifically wants to get away from Steve fucking Harrington and all the confusing feelings he have for the very straight man.

Of course, that doesn’t work out.

Because now they're stuck in the middle of a crowd. Eddie has never really understood why people said they felt like a sardine in a can, but right now, he fully understands. He should have known it was going to be busy. It was a Saturday and it’s one of the biggest festivals in town.

He will never say it, but Eddie thanks Steve’s very strong maternal instinct. He can worry for himself right now, because he knows the kids are together due to the very strict buddy system Steve instituted. Now they just have to get to the damn corn dog stand, which Steve declared as their meet up place.

“Eddie.” Eddie whips his head to see Steve staring intently at him. Oh yeah, Steve’s his buddy. “We have to get out of here.”

Eddie nods faintly but doesn’t answer. He has to keep his breathing in check. They’re fine, and the kids are fine. There’s a crowd but they're not after the kids. They're not after Eddie. They’re not after him. It's not an angry mob. Not after him for killing Chrissy. Not—

“Eds.” Steve pushes against the people to get to him. His brown eyes track his face before he sighs in worry, “Hold my hand.”

“What?” Eddie croaks out in disbelief.

Steve looks around, before whispering, "Baby, I think you're one step away from a panic attack. It's too fucking crowded."

And before Eddie can say anything else, Steve captures his hand into his. He doesn't intertwine them together because they're still in public and though they're in the city, it's always good to be safe. But Steve still holds Eddie's hand so tightly, like he's afraid that Eddie's going to vanish from his sight.

"Don't let go, okay?" Steve asks, which is ridiculous, and crazy. Because now that Eddie's holding his hand, clasped together like two ends of the same parenthesis, he doesn't think he could ever let go.

Eddie nods, and Steve pulls him in front of him, shielding him with his arms so people won't bump into him. It weirdly feels like a hug. If he has to describe it, he will say it feels exactly like the moment Wayne hugged him after he came out to him. It's safety, warmth, and overwhelming love and protection.

Steve maneuvers around the crowd like a pro. He dodges people without hitting them and takes them out of the fucking crowd in the middle of the market.

Before he knows it, they're out of the crowd and sitting on a bench. His breathing is finally getting better, but Steve still hasn't let go of his hand. Not when he bought Eddie a drink, not when he instructed Eddie to breathe with him, not when the kids came and asked what was wrong, only to be shooed away.

Eddie's not sure why he's so shaken to the core by this certain touch. He's always been the touchy-feely one. He throws an arm on Steve's shoulders, pats his head when Steve does something ridiculously adorable, and nudges him by the ribs when he says something funny. Steve's never initiated touch, Robin says it's because of the "complete lack of love and care from his parents."

But Steve's right here. Squatting in front of him. Holding his hand as he waits for Eddie to calm down. Looking at him like he— loves him. How could Steve ever be the product of lack of love and care, when he seems to have an abundance of it?

"You doing better, Eds?" Steve asks, his eyes are bright against the lights. He's looking at Eddie like Eddie's something to be cared for, to be loved, like he's something precious.

Eddie wants Steve to look at him like this. Selfishly, he wants to have it for the rest of his fucking life.

Eddie blinks at him, and accidentally, intentionally, stupidly, spits out, "I think I am in love with you."

Steve freezes. He blinks at him.

The world behind them slows down. There's a kid winning a prize a few stalls down, and a man bargaining for a vase on the other end. Someone's order is ready at the food stand and someone just won the bingo. There's a band playing and they're fucking playing Whitesnake's Is This Love.

It's one of those simple, but beautiful moments. Those that make you feel like you're nothing but a small particle in this big, vast world. Eddie basks in those moments sometimes.

However, at that moment, Eddie doesn't. If Steve looks at him like that for the rest of his life, Eddie doesn't think he'll ever feel small again.

He lets the world fade into a quiet noise. Nothing else matters. Nothing, but Steve Harrington.

He just stares at Steve. He just stares as Steve's face breaks into the biggest smile he has ever seen and it quite literally feels like watching a sunflower grow right in front of him. It's a smile that overflows, from the way he beams at him, from the way his eyes wrinkle, the way his nose crinkles.

Eddie's never seen Steve smile this big before and its damn beautiful.

"You sure about that?" Steve asks. There's insecurity in it, but also hope.

Eddie's never been this sure about anything else in his life, so he says, "Yes."

Steve softens, "Alright. That's good."

"How is that good?" Eddie whispers.

"Because, I—" Steve turns over their hands on his lap, and finally— finally— intertwines them. And shit, maybe there is a God, because this feels sacred, a love made just for the two of them.

"Because, I think I am also in love with you."

"I wish I can kiss you here," Eddie says, making Steve laugh, and it spills out of his body so beautifully Eddie wants to keep doing it for the rest of his life.

"Slow down, cowboy," Steve giggles, but the way he tightens his hold on Eddie's hand tells the opposite of his statement.

"Steve! Eddie! Look at this!" Dustin screams from the nearby booth, where El just won him a teddy bear.

"Yeah, you have to come. El's not doing anything. It's just pure talent!" Lucas sarcastically shrieks back.

In the background, El's giggling like crazy. Which 100% means she's using her magic. Eddie can't help but smile at the kids. He's glad he bought them with him to have fun.

Steve immediately stands up at that, their hands breaking apart at the motion. "Oh God. I told her not to use her powers." Steve's about to rush to them— maternal instincts and whatnot— before he stops in his tracks and turns to Eddie.

Steve softens, holding out his hand to Eddie. Eddie takes it without hesitation.

"Don't let go?" Steve asks.

Eddie stares at him, before he whispers a vow just for the two of them, "I won't. I promise."

True to his word, he doesn't let go. Not ever.

Eddie has no intention of ever letting Steve go.

[yenonnoff]

TEACH ME HOW TO LOVE! 25. fame is not for the weak

today, you weren’t “rising actress y/n l/n.” you were just a normal, law-abiding citizen spending the weekend watching oikawa tooru’s new film. that sentence alone should’ve been the first red flag that the trip would turn disastrous. the next was your co-star’s quote-unquote disguise. you cared less about the former: if you didn’t watch daybreak today, you’d be bombarded with spoilers from your friends later on. the latter, however, was inexcusable. 

“you’re ridiculous,” you said, eyeing the blond actor up and down. “you don’t blend in, atsumu, you blend out.” 

“glad you’re enjoying the view. it didn’t take me long to pull this together.” 

it was true: the outfit was completely minimal. it barely required any thought, yet, it still looked perfectly coordinated and eye-catching. that was just atsumu’s irking influence on things—but that was exactly the problem. you’ve seen him in casual clothing before but it was even more salient today. compared to the people walking in and out of the movie theater, atsumu stood out like a sore thumb. it made you realize he was born to be on stage. 

“your good looks are betraying you,” you sighed, eyes surveying the area hurriedly. the two of you had made sure to arrive an hour early for precautions, of course. still, with the small crowds coming and leaving, it made the two of you even more vulnerable and undeniably conspicuous. you tugged on atsumu’s sleeves, lowering him closer to the theater’s large indoor planters. you made a face, “what about our plans of not drawing attention to ourselves?” 

you couldn’t see the teasing smile behind his white mask, but you had caught the twinkling amusement in his eyes. he wore a basic hoodie with his usual denim cap concealing his blond hair. (though, you made him remove his hood since someone was bound to mistake him for a creep or member of the paparazzi. you realized later that it was intentional, he just wanted to see your flustered expression). 

atsumu leaned forward to say, “don’t worry. if someone recognizes us, just act clueless.” 

“that doesn’t sound like a good plan.” 

“i know,” he agreed. “i’ve never been caught before so i don’t think about backup plans too much.” 

you were about to retaliate, call him ridiculous once more, but he stopped you before you could. grabbing your shoulders, he ushered you towards the dozy security guard at the end of the corner. atsumu chuckled, “let’s stop gawking and actually get in before your worst nightmare comes true.” 

yeah, this was not the plan you had in mind. 

you took your seats in the center all the way in the back row. it was for precautions, but at least you could see the whole screen. strangely enough, atsumu had let you take the middle armrest. he also humored you by answering all your spontaneous questions to pass the time. 

the first topic was about your fellow co-stars. 

“jolie… is loud. she’s too friendly for her own good, but she’s a hard worker; she rarely slacks off too. you should see her at parties though, she’s scary.” when he realized everything he said was mostly positive, atsumu crossed his arms to think. “don’t be fooled, she also has a really clumsy and high-maintenance side to her.” 

“who? jolie?” you stifled a surprised laugh. you always saw her as incredibly charming and supportive so this was news to you. 

“yeah, she always loses her phone. it’s a bigger hassle when she comes to you asking where it is. honestly, this girl thinks you’re the one to blame for her phone being lost.” 

atsumu went on to recall other things too: “we met when i was acting during university. can you believe she’s a year older than me? we’ve been friends for a while so she was there when i broke up with emma.” 

it was the slight grimace that made you change the subject. he seemed glad when you asked about semi. “he’s completely stoic and too professional. he reminds me of you in a way, but he does have his moments.” 

he continued promptly. “this is my first time working with sugawara. though, i heard he’s pretty popular in the industry, both on and off-screen. for akane, i met her in some minor roles. she likes to ask me for tips and tricks sometimes.” 

you listened and hummed while he spoke. you understood what was so enthralling about atsumu now. his good looks draw you in, sure—but it was the way he spoke so naturally and full of confidence that made you stay. he made you want to hear more: about himself and his casual attitude on things. 

when atsumu finished speaking, there was still enough time to buy snacks before the theater got crowded for daybreak. he took the liberty to do so, sneaking back in before people started to swarm. they didn’t seem to notice the two of you all the way in the back. the middle rows were usually more favored anyway. then, the lights dimmed further and the room was consumed with darkness. 

there were perks to being friends with thrill seekers. it meant you were immune to most things: horror movies being one of them. 

everyone in the group had their own signature hangouts. you guys liked to rotate between each other’s preferences, it only seemed fair that way (this was only true during high school, however. during university and nowadays, you simply decided on things that worked with everyone’s schedules).

kuroo liked study dates and movie theaters the most. he’d always drag everyone to watch the latest movies, usually either horror or action. due to that, you’ve built an immunity to jump scares and supernaturals; it would take a lot to frighten you. 

while you weren’t screaming or gripping the edge of your seat like others in the theater, you still enjoyed the movie nonetheless. oikawa’s flawless acting had completely occupied your attention, and on more than one occasion, you were watching with your jaw hung open. he was a man of many achievements, worthy of every praise for his charms and incredible acting skills. he was your inspiration, and you hoped fervently to be on the same stage as him one day. 

before the ending credits could even roll, you and atsumu had already snuck out. it took you a while to steady yourself. the bright lights from outside the theater room had mercilessly attacked you when you stepped out, and you felt dizzy from staring at such a massive screen for so long. 

atsumu saved you the cruel embarrassment, excusing himself to the restroom. you teased him before he went: “what—were you scared of the movie?” 

“if i was, i wouldn’t be going to the restroom alone.” 

“i’m sorry, i don’t think i can accompany you,” you said sincerely. 

atsumu scoffed, not knowing whether to be vexed at the sheer genuineness in your voice or the embarrassment he was feeling. he grumbled, “i wasn’t going to ask you to!” then he stormed off with his hands shoved in his hoodie pocket. 

while he did his business, you ventured to the merchandise area of the movie theater. surprisingly, you spotted merch for vengeance, your previous film, in the corner. shirts in various colors; tote bags; and small prints decorated the shelves from top to bottom. the bags were nearly sold out, it made you feel grateful that people still poured so much love into the film. besides you was a large poster hung from the ceiling. there was a close-up shot of you and your other co-stars. the editing was immaculate, they even made kuroo look g—

“y/n l/n?” 

the unfamiliar voice that spoke your name made you freeze in place. in front of you was a girl you’ve never seen before. you staggered slightly, realization hitting you at full speed. this was a fan. her oikawa shirt, oikawa lanyard, oikawa pins, oikawa— they all gave her away instantly. your first thought was wow, too taken-aback by the girl’s clear devotion. your next thought was run, get away from the corner that would soon reveal your identity. 

the fan didn’t waste a breath. she pointed to the large poster next to you, the one you’d been admiring. “look! that’s you right? you worked with tooru on vengeance!” she nearly squealed his first name. 

you coughed to get her attention. her assumption was unbelievable, really. even if you were y/n l/n, your face was heavily concealed with a mask and cap. “what are you talking about? you’ve got the wrong person, my name is—“ 

“everyone, come! i think i found y/n l/n!” she turned to face you again, her eyes widened in excitement. “hey, can i get your autograph? how about a picture?” 

you nearly facepalmed yourself. daybreak had just ended, all these people rushing into the merchandise store came from the same theater room as you. fuck. 

you should’ve realized sooner that you were in the heart of tokyo, where the chances of running into a celebrity was augmented by at least 70%. of course there would be radical fans everywhere you went. diehard oikawa fans were possibly the worst of them all, this fan especially. 

you were about to gently coax her that this was a misunderstanding when a large hoard of people started crowding towards your tiny corner. being suffocated by hardcore fans was not on your bucket list—seeing people get shoved and nearly trampled on wasn’t there either! 

people pushed; they ran; they shouted. phones were shoved in your face, adrenaline rushed through your veins, and you had to yell over the mass to stop them from forcing their way towards you. 

pandemonium struck the movie theater. 

the dozy security guard from earlier bolted towards the herd in a hurry. clearly he’d finally snapped out of his drowsy state and commanded the crowd to disperse. then, a hand slid around your wrist and pulled you away from the mob. your breath hitched in your throat as the tall figure hurried you into a sprint out the building. you heard the roaring yelling resume when they realized you weren’t there anymore. 

this was definitely not conspicuous at all. you were pretty sure your cover was blown… your blond co-star’s as well. 

you raced with your heartbeat thundering against your rib cage. the two of you ran until you stopped by a short alleyway next to the street. you were furious at yourself for ruining your plans of being discreet, but for also destroying the pleasant movie trip for the both of you. 

“atsumu, i’m sorry. that wasn’t supposed to happen.” 

he didn’t answer you, his breathing still heavy. one of his hands remained enclosed around yours, the other went up to soothe the back of your head. you heard him say, “are you alright? first time that’s happened?” 

you nodded to both questions. you were just flustered and shaken up by the whole ordeal. even if it wasn’t what atsumu meant by his second question, you understood what it conveyed about your reality as an actress. you were too naive and inexperienced. if the security guard hadn't come, someone would’ve been injured and you were to blame for not handling the situation properly. it was something you should’ve known as a public figure. diehard fans already lack respect and morality; the chances of them learning how to be decent human beings were obscenely low. it seems you’re the only one who can take control of these situations, even if it’s not your fault—even if you dislike it. 

you felt atsumu take both of your hands in his. they were warm and full of comfort, they held yours gently with so much care that you could melt. 

“don’t blame yourself, y/n. it’s never your fault, that should’ve never happened.” atsumu’s tone was full of frustration—not at you, but rather at himself. 

you didn't have the energy to fight back. it was obvious: if you hadn’t gone into the merchandise area, you would’ve never been recognized. you walked into the lion’s den all by yourself; it was a situation you had complete control over. 

minutes passed and atsumu ended his call with the taxi driver. he wanted to see you off at your condo, and you didn’t refuse. the damage has already been done. sure, this could land you in more trouble but you couldn’t help it. you were human. you were selfish. you wanted to stay with atsumu for a little longer, just a couple moments more. 

you let out a low chuckle. “are you going to continue holding my hands, atsumu?” you brought them up in front of you. “both of them?” 

his face finally softened. “maybe i’ll let go of one. just one though, the other is needed to open the door.” 

the small moment was cut short by the arrival of the taxi. still, it was more than enough to console your dispirited heart. 

as always, atsumu remained true to his words: your hands found each other again in the silent taxi, warm and heartbreakingly soothing. 

“you’re not allowed to blame yourself, atsumu.” 

your co-star exhaled a heavy breath. “isn’t that what i should be telling you?” 

“i’m fully aware of what happened. it was my fault i was in that situation—don’t try and deny it, atsumu. i’ll take responsibility for whatever happens tomorrow.” 

“you’re too professional, y’know that?” he asked and you nodded vehemently. “i’d like to talk to y/n, the one that likes roller coasters and lives off of coffee, not the y/n that’s a prim workaholic. can you ring her up for me?” 

you huffed, squeezing his hand. you were currently standing in front of your condo still holding your stubborn co-star’s hand. perhaps you were both stubborn—too focused on different priorities to understand one another. “i’m being serious. i enjoyed today. thank you for letting me watch daybreak before getting every detail spoiled.” 

atsumu was about to counter, but you beat him to it. “don’t say that today was a mistake! i knew the consequences but i still went… if you’re going to blame yourself, you might as well blame me too for agreeing to go.” 

“hey, you can’t do that to me. now i’m backed into a corner,” he frowned beneath his mask. “then promise me you won’t beat yourself over this. if things get out of hand tomorrow in the media, you’ll let me help you. please rely on me too, y/n.” 

“i promise. i’m an adult too, atsumu.” 

“yes,” he breathed, slow and firm. “you’re so incredibly strong you put all the other adults to shame.” 

you could crumble at the underlying softness in his voice. you could crumble from how clearly upset he was at everything that’s transpired. “then i should probably head inside. thanks for walking me all the way up here, you’ll be sneaky when you leave, right?” 

the sound of his laughter eased your mind, and you let go of his hand. the two of you shared a moment of sweetened silence before he watched you disappear behind your door. you both knew then that it’ll be a while before you would spend time with one another again. 

atsumu lowered his head and removed his denim cap. with a rough hand, he raked it through his messy hair and sighed. he desperately needed something to clear his mind, perhaps a nap that would last at least three hours. the blond turned away from the closed door to do just that. he was going to go home, shower, eat, and doze until the next day. 

“atsumu miya?” 

the tall blond whispered a curse in his mind before spotting a black haired lady in front of him. he looked left and right, behind and in front. he pointed a confused finger at himself. “me?” 

the pretty lady with the distinctive mole near her lips laughed softly. “yes, you. i saw you in front of y/n’s door. were you two hanging out earlier?” 

atsumu’s face bloomed in realization. she was undeniably familiar, and he was sure he’d seen her somewhere before. that’s right, she was a model in the same agency as emma. what a small world. 

atsumu rubbed the back of his neck, only saying, “yeah.” how long was she there for? how much did she see? god, did she see them holding hands? atsumu grumbled under his breath, heat rising unexpectedly to his cheeks. it was just one after another, the two of you needed a break.

“actually, i wanted to talk to you for a moment if that’s alright with you.” 

he tilted his head in curiosity. she said it would only be a moment and that where they were standing would suffice. however, her expression was inexplicably serious. he braced himself for her few words. 

“i know that you and y/n have spent a lot of time together, but i want to know how you feel towards her. with your current situation, y/n could be affected negatively if people found out.” 

it was a sensible question but one that was hard to answer. atsumu wondered how close the two of them were; it was understandable why she would be concerned about her friend’s career and his intentions. and he fully understood what she’d meant by “current situation.” he was completely aware. even if he hated it, emma’s foolish shenanigans and her crazy fans were targeted at him and only him. you shouldn’t be dragged into it. 

“she brings me comfort in a way. there’s not many people that i feel comfortable around, so I’m grateful towards her. i’ll take responsibility for anything that happens; it’s my fault anyway since i was the one that wanted to hang out. don’t worry, we probably won’t be spending time together again any time soon.” 

his words hinted at two meanings. first, filming that summer was the number one priority. second, atsumu would do anything to protect your career and peace of mind. 

the pleasant lady in front of atsumu nodded. her eyes were clear of any doubt, shining instead with gratitude. “thank you for your time. i hope you have a safe trip back.” 

“thank you,” the blond replied, walking towards the elevator at the end of the hall. 

atsumu didn’t have the words to sum up today’s events. however, everything had unfolded in front of him and he was face-to-face with a realization. a cruel one that he needed to accept. it wasn’t the right time for the two of you. no matter how much atsumu might want it, he couldn’t deny that now wasn’t the time. it might never be the time, but that was something he needed to realize. 

the world was heartlessly cruel.

masterlist ⌒☆ previous ⌒☆ next

fun facts:

if it were anyone else, atsumu would've definitely hogged the middle armrest all to himself. he would do it with the popcorn and snacks too. the bucket stays with him! he finds it too troublesome to reach over and grab it.

it's why he doesn't like going to the movie theaters (mentioned in chapter 19) since he only ever goes with either osamu or rin. it always ends in an argument and the other people there hate them all.

jolie is the type to look for her phone while on call with someone.

whenever she does lose it during filming, she always goes to semi because she knows he'll (begrudgingly) look for it with her.

can you tell i have the biggest, fattest crush on shimizu. i wanted to go full rampant on describing how pretty she is but i had to control myself!

i felt very bad writing this chapter. no matter how careful you may try to be, people make mistakes and they always blame themselves for it. there are external factors that you can't control; it's just the harsh reality of things.

TEACH ME HOW TO LOVE! ｡ｏ♡ an atsumu miya smau

synopsis: when y/n l/n, a rising actress, decides to star in a romance film that could make or break her career, she’s unable to showcase her skills, revealing her inexperience within the romance department instead. worst of all, atsumu miya, her co-star and the main lead’s love interest, seems to hate her guts! with absolutely, unbearably zero chemistry between the two, an idea was proposed: spend time with one another in the upcoming weeks. will y/n be able to ignore her professionalism and listen to her heart? and will she, a clueless romantic, be able to pick up on the signs her co-star is sending her?

a/n: i think this ch was a little heavier than i intended it to be but it was also a lot easier to write than i thought. yay! drama! haha! i'm always learning how to be more impactful and purposeful with my writing. words don't always come as easily as i would like them to be but this ch was a step in the right direction! i hope that was how it felt to you guys as well!

taglist is open! dm or ask to be a part of it! (those bolded were unable to be tagged)

@kqbukimono @empathum @clyver @chosoluv @oceansfloor @sunarots @marga-j @rukia-uchiha-98 @wyrcan @thechaosoflonging @rintarousgirl @ast4rg1rl @seiamor @saiewithakatana @usermins @literally-a-ferret @terrarain @iuspired @haruskatana @wolffmaiden @ris-krispie @vellichxrr6782 @animenaces-world @reignsaway @emii4evr @writing-for-the-hell-of-it @yuminako @tojirin @v3nusplanetofluv @vyvixen @secondary-character-25 @tenjikusstuff4 @444choso @mylahrins @deimmortales99 @hisfuture @staywhelmed8801 @dl-yum @nessaasstuff @milesmoralesluvs @101tsumu @ryeyeyer @cherrypieyourface @azharyy @mimi3lover @stayyyyyyyyyyyy21 @dazball

[darkstarofchaos]

More spoilers for EarthSpark.

Okay. Let's talk about the Chaos Terrans.

The Good

Spitfire was the only one of the two I'd seen before watching the new episodes, so I was really worried that all of the Chaos Terrains would just be Dark Versions of the existing cast. It was a relief to meet Aftermath pretty much immediately and realize not all of them are recolors.

Nice of them to explain why the Chaos Terrans were different from the regular ones.

Honestly, the bodyswapping episode might be my favorite of the batch. Which is a bit like choosing the best of the worst, but I honestly kind of like the trope, and I appreciate that it wasn't played for comedy at all. I also really appreciate that they kept the VAs matched with the bodies instead of the characters, because one of my least favorite things about bodyswap stories is when characters keep their own voices. The VAs also did a really good job of playing each other's characters, even if the dialogue itself was painful at times.

Aftermath immediately adopting Spitfire as his sister was cute.

I liked Spitfire initially. She was a bit young to be so apathetic (girl, you've been alive for five minutes, where's your joie de vivre?), but compared to Aftermath just wanting to destroy stuff, it was a relief that not all of the Chaos Terrans were going to be like that.

The Bad

The moment Twitch got chosen to go on a mission, I knew Spitfire was going to be jealous and that was going to define her character from then on. And then she started going on about being superior to Twitch, and yup. Just a standard Dark Version with a superiority complex. Again, you have been alive for five minutes, you shouldn't even have a frame of reference to understand superlatives yet.

On that note, love how the Chaos Terrans just pop into existence and know things instantly. And can scan an altmode and transform within seconds of coming online, while the regular Terrans took days, weeks, or months to even figure out what they wanted to be. Glad we're chucking the worldbuilding in the trash along with the characterization.

Seriously, though, what is it about the Chaos Terrans that makes them just understand everything the moment they come alive? I can accept it from shows like G1 where new bots were built and programmed, but the Terrans are birthed spontaneously and have no knowledge whatsoever. I could kind of overlook how quickly the triplets went from zero to sixty because the plot needed them to catch on fast, but these kids just start at sixty. I hate it when characters with literally two seconds' worth of experience are just instantly able to hold conversations about things they've never even heard of.

Why, exactly, did Spitfire have to scan the drone? Even if she was too heavy for Twitch to carry, Twitch could have just caught her and slowed their fall enough to land safely. They had plenty of time. This entire "I'm you but better" thing was completely avoidable (unless Spitfire chose to scan the drone afterward, but at least then Twitch wouldn't have brought the misery on herself).

How did the cast manage to go a year collecting shards before a Chaos Terran happened? If high velocity and water are all it takes, how did none of the shards land in bodies of water immediately after the Emberstone was originally shattered? How did most of them not end up in the ocean? These things should have done like Lilo and Stitch and spawned aliens everywhere.

The Ugly

Wow. We're really doing the Evil From Birth thing, aren't we. Really doing the "they can't be redeemed because they were born bad" thing, huh. Congratulations, that might be the single most irresponsible message you can put in children's media. Nothing says "some people are born different and that's not okay" like making a pair of literal children irredeemable because of the circumstances of their birth.

I hate the fact that I knew Aftermath was going to die almost as soon as he was born. I mean, the shard was in his spark, there was no way anyone was fixing the Emberstone without removing it somehow. Same with Spitfire. Yeah, let's not only make them evil from birth, let's kill them because of the thing that made them different. Let's doom them from birth to have their organs harvested. Forget the mutated creatures, psychological violations, and all the other horrors going on in EarthSpark, this might be the darkest thing that's happened in this series. Y'know, that and the pair of them being slaughtered onscreen.

What was the point in them even existing. What lasting impact did they leave on the series, apart from being Starscream's moral event horizon. Unless the writing gets way better in the next batch of episodes, no one is going to miss them. No one came away meaningfully changed from having known them. And of course, the Emberstone is dust now, so their deaths didn't even matter ten minutes later. They died for nothing, and I would be surprised if they even come up again outside of condemning Starscream for his actions.

I didn't even like the Chaos Terrans as characters, and I feel so bad for them.

[theitgirlnetwork]

Hi! I love your writing soo much! Especially your" Better" series. Do you think you could write something where Lip is a single, teen dad who has a daughter? I really want to see him as a girl dad!

Hii!!! Thank you so much! I'm glad you're enjoying! I appreciate this so much. He is very girl dad coded to me so I love this. I also think being a dad, particularly a teen one would bring out some complex feelings in Lip. Also there's a bonus at the end that people who don't like Charlotte (the OC from Better) should skip. It's short and sweet, but let me know if you guys want more from Phoebe Gallagher.

warning: strong language

“I’m fucked.”

That was the first thing Lip said to his little brother Ian, blowing smoke into the air of their shared bedroom when he got home from seeing his…girlfriend…bestfriend…? Babymama. 

When Karen had invited him over to her house earlier that day, he’d assumed he was gonna get to fuck. Or at least get some head. He’d had a long day in the two classes he’d attended, a blowie was exactly what he’d needed. And to her credit, that’s what he’d gotten. Except immediately after she spit into one of her mother’s doilies and got off of her knees she unenthusiastically announced to him, ‘I’m pregnant.’ And then she started flipping through a magazine. 

Lip sat on the edge of her bed for a solid twenty minutes just opening and closing his mouth. Finally swallowing down the lump that immediately formed in his throat and fixed his wide blue eyes on her.  “You…gonna keep it?”

It’s fair. That Karen kicked him out. He understood. 

But shit. He was just a kid. He wasn’t ready to be a fucking dad, he’d been carrying around the same $30 for the past week in an attempt to replenish he and Ian’s weed supply. Fiona was gonna fucking kill him. He was gonna fucking kill himself.

Lip dragged himself home from Karen’s, ran upstairs, ignoring the calls from Debbie to help her with her homework and slammed the door. Ian had made his way in a lit a blunt for them to share, pushing open their rickety window, sitting with him in silence until the dam finally burst and Lip started confessing. 

“Yeah, you are.” Ian blows a cloud of smoke from his nostrils, snorting as Lip kicks his leg with his own. “I don’t know why you’re so worried man, there’s no way Karen’ll keep it. Even if she does, any person with a dick within a 40 mile radius could be the dad.” 

“Fuck you.”

“You’re gonna have to clean up that language when the baby gets here.” 

After Lip climbed over the bed and kicked Ian’s ass, he rolled back into his, gritting his teeth to himself. He was at an impasse. He couldn’t believe he’d fucked up like this. Sure he’d hit raw a couple of times, but he’d thought they were good. He mostly pulls out. And Isn’t Karen supposed to handle that? And he’s not a fucking idiot. He knows Karen is a hoe. But the intimacy he’d had with her, he can’t believe she shares with everyone else. They’re best friends, and they love each other. There’s no way she’d let him believe the baby was his if it wasn’t.

So he’s having a baby. So what? Lip is living in a modern era. There are…options. Before the baby is born and after. If Karen keeps it, they can put it up for adoption. They could give it to a family who really wants it, who will take care of it. They could give it a good home, away from it’s shitty parents. It wouldn’t get stuck being a Gallagher with an addict and bum for a father. His baby…the baby…it could be loved and cared for. And Lip could go about his business. He could live up to his potential, without any baggage holding him back. 

He’d really believed that to be true, too. He thought he’d be able to see that baby one good time, and pass them off without any regret, content to know that any responsibility he had for it had dissipated. 

But then he saw her. 

Lip was standing there, in oversized scrubs, and clutching Karen’s hand when he first heard her take her first breath. She’d let out a wail so loud and Lip felt his heart ache at the sound. He hadn’t even noticed that he’d let go of Karen’s hand. His feet moved without his permission, guiding him over to the sinks where the nurses were washing her off. He trailed after her to get a good glimpse, and when he did, the world changed. 

Large blue eyes. Little wisps of hair. Her cries slow to small hiccups. 

Lip was in love. 

The older nurse rocks the newly swaddled baby slowly, smiling brightly as she makes her way back to where Karen lies in the bed. “Well, Mom, your beautiful baby girl has arrived. Let me let you hold her-”

“No.” Karen cut in sharply, her tone startles Lip and all off the nurses. The teen girl grips the railing of the bed, grunting as she scoots up, looking at everyone but the little angel squirming in the nurse’s arms. “I…don’t wanna hold her. I don’t want to see her. Give her to the agency lady.” 

“But-” the nurse stammers, looking between her and Lip.

“Honey,” the doctor lowers her mask, bending to make herself level with Karen. “You can change your mind. You can still decide that you’d like to keep your baby.”

“She’s not my baby.” Karen breathes, screwing her face up in determination. 

Lip doesn’t understand. He can’t understand. How could she be here, in the room, with that baby…hell, carry her for 9 months, and choose not to even look at her. Even hold her. He could respect not wanting to be a mom yet, not being ready. But right now, the way Karen was acting, she’s never reminded him of his own parents more. 

That little girl deserves better. She deserves love. She deserves someone who would love her more than anything.

“Um, excuse me,” He hears himself say. His hands extend toward the nurse as everything else in the room becomes blurry except the new little human that was half of him but just that fast, all his. “I’d…um…I’d like to hold her.”

“Phoebe, baby, it’s good. Watch, Daddy likes it.” 

Lip brings the pink rubber spoon to his mouth, spooning a small scoop of his daughter’s turkey puree baby food into his mouth. As soon as the taste hits his tongue he gags, dropping the spoon to the table and shooting up. “Motherfucker!”

Phoebe squeals, giggling as her father darts over to the sink, sticking his head under the faucet and attempts to flush out the foul taste. 

“That shit is fucking nasty, Daddy’s sorry he tried to give you that.” He coughs, lifting the girl out of her highchair and into his arms. The blond buries his face into his daughter’s chubby cheeks, nosing her golden curls out of the way before kissing her cheek repeatedly. 

“Are you still here?” Fiona asks, tilting her head and crossing her arms in disapproval as she watches their display. She’d been surprised when her brother had stopped his ex-girlfriend from putting their baby up for adoption last year. He’d been determined, filling out the necessary paperwork for full custody before completely ex-communicating Karen. He'd not asked Fiona about moving the newborn into their home when he asserted he’d be raising her himself. He was undeterred by her declaration that he’d be on his own, and the baby would not at all be her responsibility. He’d simply adjusted the baby carrier on his hip, flipping her off before carrying the little girl up to his room. 

His academic excellence was the only thing that encouraged teachers to be understanding about his almost constant absences. “I, uh, I gotta skip today, Phoebe has a doctor’s appointment.” He says, smoothing a hand over his daughter’s cherub cheeks, brushing away remains of the baby cheese puffs he gave her while he’d gotten her food out. 

“This is the third time this week.” Fiona sighs, crossing her arms. “Lip-”

“It’s fine, fuck it, it doesn’t matter.”

“It’s your senior year. There’s limits on how many days you can miss before they stop you from graduating.” Fiona nods to herself, mumbling an ‘okay’ under her breath. “I can watch her today. I don’t work until tonight, alright, I’ll take the baby, you go to school, we’ll figure out a schedule later.”

Lip wants to accept. He does. He’s done a year of being a father without accepting any help, mainly because no one was fuckin’ offering, but also because no one would take care of his baby quite like he would. He stops by the school and picks up his work. Hell, some days, he brings her with him, the ghetto ass district he lives in isn’t exactly strict, how could they tell their most promising student he couldn’t bring his very well behaved baby with him.  He glances down at the baby girl in his arms and feels his heart grow with the innocent little smile he receives back. 

And the thought of leaving her feels unappealing as ever. 

“Nah, I got it, thanks though.”

Something about Lip being a dad shocked the whole neighborhood. No one was surprised that he’d knocked someone up, it was only a matter of time the way he was going. And only a few had raised a brow at the fact that he’d promptly told Karen to fuck off and kept the baby to raise himself. With how he grew up, anyone could guess he’d have a thing about abandonment. No, what shocked them was the way that suddenly, Lip Gallagher was some kind of family man. 

No parties. No weed. No dealing. 

No hookups.

Lip got hit on way more than he did back before Phoebe took over his life. When he was at the store or in the park, his baby cooed broken words as he carried her on his shoulders, pointing at small trinkets that she whined for. Easily pocketable things that occasionally magically appeared in his pocket to give her when they got home. Girls would come up to them, fingers in their hair, chests as pushed forward as they squawk about how adorable Phoebe is, how sweet it is that Lip is actually taking the time to raise his own daughter, and how they’d like to help him in any way they can. 

Usually, he would just leave it at no thank you before turning away. The more persistent ones would get a curl of the lip and head shake before adjusting his baby and pushing past. 

See, Lip was fucking strict as a dad. He didn’t give a fuck what other people thought about him and the life he lived before, everything changed when Phoebe showed up. 

“Hey, I uh, really don’t give a fuck what you do, but keep that hoe shit to a minimum when you’re over here, okay? My fuckin’ daughter can see you.” 

More than a few neighborhood girls had stormed their way out of the Gallagher house with hot, fat tears of embarrassment streaming down their face as they declared they’d never talk to Debbie again. Because…you know… her brother’s an asshole.

By the time Lip is 17 and Phoebe is 2 it’s a well known fact that the Gallagher Princess is spoiled rotten. She’s clingy, and whiny, traits that the blond teen had never been known to tolerate but suddenly had all of the patience in the world for. She barely could stand to be held by anyone else, constantly in her father’s arms or wrapped around one of his legs, holding on as he walks for them both.  The only people he really let's watch Phoebe are Ian and Mickey. For some reason, Mickey seemed to have a soft spot for Phoebe. Maybe it was because they understood each other. They're both cute, and bratty, and bite. It was ironic considering who Mickey is, and his distain for Lip but when the blond teen had been overwhelmed one day and passed out on the couch with his books after school, his brother's boyfriend had been the one who stepped up. He'd been in the Gallagher home in search of some cheap weed Ian had promised him, but he saw the little girl whining and after a failed attempt wake Lip, made her a bottle his damn self. When Lip had woken, he found Mickey rocking the squirming little girl in his arms, trying to pretend he wasn't enamored with her. After that day, Mickey proclaimed himself the girl's favorite uncle, and got damn near violent if anyone even tried to so much as give her a tap on the wrist. Lip appreciated it considering he felt the same.

Other parents fucking dread when they see the father-daughter duo making their way to the park because it immediately means that play was over for all of the other kids.

Timmy Keeves had learned the hard way. The little boy was all but 5 when he first encountered the terror that was Phoebe Gallagher. She was a 3 year old terror and loud and bossy as ever. Her blonde curls and bright blue eyes gave her the appearance of an angel, so Timmy hadn’t been alarmed when she’d walked slowly, but confidently over to the swing, his swing at the little run down park a couple streets over from his house. She was holding hands with a little black boy who looked a little older than her, but not by much.

Timmy had waited his turn, really. The other kid before him had swung five whole minutes before he had climbed on with great effort. “Hi!” He’d chirped down at the kids in front of him. 

“Hi.” the little boy said back.

Not the little girl. No, she pointed at the swing with her free hand, mouth spreading into a wide smile, revealing one missing tooth.”My turn!”

Timmy’s eyes had grown wide and he gripped the chains a little tighter. “No! I just got on it!”

It happened fast.

In a matter of seconds. Timmy hadn’t meant to nudge her out of the way with his foot. Really. He’d already been swinging and she’d moved in his way. But before he knew it Phoebe Gallagher had plopped onto the rocks and clay in front of him, and suddenly he felt his back hitting the ground.

“Hey!” Timmy wails as his own father storms his way over and some young blond guy comes running up. “Gallagher, your fuckin’ kid just pushed mine off the swing!”

The blond man flicks his cigarette on the ground and shrugs. “I didn’t see it. You push him Liam?”

“He pushed Phoebe first!” 

“It was an accident!” Timmy hollers.

“Sounds like the little fucker deserved it. Don’t push girls, kid. Or next time I’ll knock you on your ass.”

“Are you threatening my kid?”

“What’re you, gonna hit me?” Lip snorts, picking his daughter up and brushing off her skirt. “I’m a minor.”

“You need to get those hoodrat kids of yours in order!” 

“What you need to do is stop whining like a little bitch, it’s rubbin’ off on your kid.” The teen adjusts the girl on his hip, grabbing his little brother’s hand on the other side and guiding them away. 

So, Lip wasn’t a great disciplinarian. As far he was concerned, his daughter was still a good kid. She’s fuckin’ smart like him. And sweet, like Debbie and Ian. Funny like Carl. Determined like Fiona. She makes him want to be better. He finished high school so she could see how important learning is. He put off college a little bit, just because he’d rather use that time to make money to take care of her. Besides, when it came to Phoebe, there was nothing more important. He didn’t want to miss a thing.

“Daddy?” Phoebe whispered from her spot between his legs. She was watching Little Bear on the tv as Lip rested the book he was reading atop of her head, sloppy pigtails that he’d forced into her blond mop that morning. “How come there’s three?”

“Three what, angel?” he asks without looking up from the pages, snorting to himself at the philosophy of Thoreau in Walden. 

“Three bears.” Little fingers push at his face, trying to force him to look at the screen. “Look.”

“Okay, shit, okay. What?” He asks, leaning forward to rest his head on top of hers and dropping the book to the couch. 

“Th-there’s a daddy bear, a baby bear, and a mommy bear. We only have two. Daddy,” she places her hand on his stomach, turning in his grasp, “and I’m the baby. Except I’m a big girl.” 

Lip’s heart squeezes at where he knows this conversation is going. His baby is smart. She’s always been smart. He should’ve seen this coming. But for some reason he hadn’t prepared yet for this question. “We uh, we have more than two. We’re Gallagher’s, there’s too many of us. Like, Fiona, Ian, Debbie, Carl and Liam. There’s a lot of us.”

“But no mommy, right?” Phoebe’s little brows furrow as she runs through the list in her head. 

All Lip could do was open and close his mouth as he searched for words. He was only 18 when this conversation came. Still a kid himself, he’d just stopped giving a fuck that the closest thing he’d had to a mom was his own older sister. Sometimes he still felt bitter. Unwanted. Cheated. That was the last thing that he wanted his baby to feel. He’d spent the first two years of her life trying to ensure she wouldn’t notice. To do everything he could. Fill every space. She didn’t need anyone but him, because he was so fucking here. Every girly dance, every beauty salon, every tea party, he took the time to do. Because he didn’t want her to feel the sting of having a parent that didn’t give a fuck about you. He didn’t want the look in her eyes that he saw in his siblings, the one he refused to acknowledge reflecting back at him in the mirror. Going above and beyond what an adult man could do as a child himself. All for her.

Yet here she was. Wondering where mommy was.  

Lip could fucking kill Karen. If she wasn’t the one who gave him Phoebe.

He must’ve not hidden his face well. Because as advanced as his daughter was, the face that slipped onto her own was nothing but that of a child. Her eyes widened as she observed him and little hands squeezed his forearms. “It’s okay, Daddy. I like just two. It’s okay.”

Lip could kill Karen. But for now, he was going to focus on his daughter.

Bonus: Lip: 20yrs Phoebe: 5yrs

“And if someone fucks with you?”

“My dad will kick your ass.” Phoebe smiles, swinging Lip’s hand as she holds it in her own. “But no one is gonna be mean to me, Daddy. I’m a pretty girl.”

“Yeah, well I’ll kick their ass if they’re too nice too. Hold on, angel lemme get the keys from Kev.” 

“Kay!”

It was Phoebe’s first day of school and to say they were both nervous and excited was an understatement. Lip had saved up for three months for new clothes for Phoebe to wear to school. They’d used the flashcards at the library for the past year to give her a head start. Lip was finally starting college too. He’d do two years at community college to save up more money until he could transfer his credits and get a place for him and Phoebe closer to the university. But all of that was the future. Right now, he just had to survive dropping his baby off to school. He’d always been stingy with Phoebe. She was something that was his alone. Yes, they had family but he kept her far away from Frank and left the house altogether whenever Monica tumbled into town. He never offered for Karen to see her, even when she came back, only accepting the occasional child support check from Sheila and spending it solely on Phoebe. Now he’d have to share her with the world and ask (demand) for it to be kind to her.

“I wanna ring it!” Phoebe hollers, lifting her arms for Lip to hoist her up to ring Kev and V’s doorbell. He grunts dramatically as he lifts her, cherishing her giggles as she presses the bell over and over again.

Lip’s brows furrow when he hears a sweet voice calling from inside of the house, ‘I’m coming, I-jeez I’m coming!” 

Phoebe’s gasp echoes Lip’s inner thoughts as the door swings open, revealing a young woman who is definitely fucking not Kev or V. The girl smiles brightly, keys to Kev’s truck dangling around her dainty, manicured finger. Long lashes flutter around pretty brown eyes that glance at him politely before focusing on his daughter.

“Daddy! A princess!” Phoebe grins, tugging at the collar of his shirt.

The girl just smiles wider, brow lifting as she places her hands on her hips. “Well I was just about to say the same thing. Pleasure to meet you, your highness.” she dips into a brief curtsy, causing his daughter to squeal and kick her little legs. Those same pretty brown eyes lift to meet Lip’s again and he realizes he’d just been staring at the exchange, mouth agape, like a fucking idiot. “I’m Charlotte.”

Lip knows scientifically he doesn't have ovaries, but if they did, the way his daughter was looking at this girl would’ve made his burst. 

“Lip.”

[depravitycentral]

Lee this toooootally isnt inspired by your latest Oikawa post because I feel like he's a closet prude but who in HQ do you think holds on to their virginity the longest based on their canon characteristics? Glad to see you writing again, make sure to stay hydrated! <3

(Because I don't mention Oikawa in the rest of the post - I agree! I think he actually does lose his virginity fairly early on (it's a drunken night and he's a bit regretful after), but I think he likes the concept of keeping himself "clean" and his body count not high just because he is a bit prudish. He'd never admit that he hasn't slept with the number of women you'd guess based off of his status and personality, but he isn't a pure saint himself. A bit hypocritical, to be honest.)

Oooh!! Something about virgin men just feels right - that shuddering little gasp they make when you first take them in your mouth, their hands clenching at the sheets or edge of the chair so tightly their knuckles turn white because it feels so damn good and they can't quite figure out where to put their hands.

(They want to put them in your hair, maybe force your head down a bit like he sees in porn - he only watches videos with actresses that resemble you, of course - but he's not sure if that's a porn-only thing, and the last thing he wants to do is mess up this perfect moment.)

Men who've never fingered anyone before, and so their movements are clumsy and awkward but eager, almost palpably so, their eyes always darting between your cunt and your face. He's listening for each and every noise you make, hoping for any kind of direction of where to touch and how, because it's just sensory overload to be feeling you like this - and suddenly now he knows why most guys don't last long in bed.

(He doesn't want to think about how fast he'll come the first time he actually gets to fuck you.)

And of course, the men who immediately have to bury their face against your neck or back when the tip pops inside of you, every muscle in their body clenching up and this soft, whiny oh leaving their knees buckling. You just feel incredible - he's imaged you often, even going so far as to crafting some sort of stand-in for your own body, be it a toy or a homemade pocket pussy, but neither come even close to the real thing. He just can't get over how warm it all is - he wore the stupid condom like you'd requested, but even through the latex he can feel the wetness, the schlicking noise driving him mad as his hips buck and snap into yours without any real rhythm or aim. He'll push in as far as possible, his balls pressed as tightly against the cleft of your ass as possible, and then he'll just breath, these labored breaths that sound like a moan at the end while wide eyes stare down at you and his fingers grasp onto your hips and thighs and breasts and oh, god when you clench like that it's too much, he can't control himself and he can't stop it and oh, oh god, oh fuck he's coming inside of you just like he's been dreaming about for fucking months -

Of course, everyone's born a virgin, but some keep that status much longer than others. Let's discuss!!

Some men are in no rush to get between someone's legs - they're taking their time, whether for a specific reason or just as a byproduct of other circumstances. This is great news for them, though, because now you get to be their first - an honor that feels both fitting and somehow much, much too good to be real.

Kageyama and Ushijima aren't explicitly waiting, but careers and their lack of social graces haven't exactly made finding a girl a priority. Besides, they aren't ones for hookups, and it takes a long time for romantic feelings to form in the first place for them - they won't sleep with just anyone, it has to be you. (They're the one-and-only type - you're they're first partner, and likely their last. At least if they have any say.)

Sugawara and Kita aren't prudes, but they can't deny the slight allure of waiting until marriage, just because they buy a bit into the construct of virginity being something sacred you're giving away. They don't judge others for sleeping with someone out of wedlock, but it makes their cheeks turn a bit pink to think about giving that part of themselves to someone special - someone like you. (Both also have thinly veiled breeding kinks that make them subconsciously feel like they have to finish inside whoever they're fucking, and while the concept of knocking their sweetheart up gets their palms sweating and their throat bobbing, they're both realistic enough to know that an aversion to condoms equates to unwanted pregnancy.)

Kenma and Kunimi both want partners. Neither are especially sexually driven, and they'd both much rather less overt affection and contact in most situations. And frankly, neither is especially great with relationships - past girlfriends have never lasted long enough to get to the sex stage, so they're virgins by default. (Though both harbor a bit of a nasty addiction to porn, even if they'd rather die than admit it.)

Akaashi and Kuroo have both had ample opportunities to lose it - they're gorgeous, respectively sweet and funny, and every girl's dream, after all. But they're picky and secretly quite shy with their feelings and romance, so letting themselves be vulnerable to intimacy is a big step that they often chicken out of. It's just scary, and while neither is particularly insecure, there's something real and raw and terrifying about sharing themselves with another person like that. (They've each fingered a girl, though, so at least they've got a bit of experience. It makes Kuroo feel better, at least.)

Others are more eager to learn what all the hype is about, to see if sex is really as good as it's fabled to be - they lose their virginity pretty early on. They're sad when they realize you won't be their first (and likely they aren't your first either, though some are more fixated on that fact than others), but they don't mind too terribly much - plus, something about sex with you feels different from all the past times. It feels better, more intimate, more meaningful, like it's actually a way of expressing their love rather than just a fun perk of dating someone. Besides, they're so shocked and elated to be with you naked that they're practically virgins - their cocks aren't working correctly (performance anxiety driven by the yearning for you to approve of their bodies, of the pleasure they can give you), their rhythms are all off compared to their normal pace, some of them even forget how to kiss because they're so damn nervous.

Semi and Bokuto have had their fair share of partners, simply because their professions make adoring female fans a dime a dozen. Both make it a rule to not sleep with fans, but there's always one that manages to catch their eye, that tempts them into breaking that moral code because maybe this is that one in a million story of the fan and the star actually ending up together. But then you step into their lives and suddenly every other woman is nonexistent, every past partner erased from their mind because all that matters is you and that perfect body of yours. (Semi has a penchant for recording when he has sex, and while rewatching the tapes leaves a bit of a sour taste in his mouth because it just feels wrong to watch his cock pounding into a cunt that isn't yours, it's easy to imagine the girl's face is you, to imagine those moans are yours, to imagine the way she clutches onto him is how you'll clutch onto him, too. Bokuto just masturbates to you constantly, to the point where it's a wonder how his body can produce enough cum to have something coming out with his every orgasm.)

Tendou's early twenties brought with it a boost of confidence, and with that confidence came women. He's by no means a ladies' man, but he's slept with a small number of women and had a few girlfriends. His obsession takes a while to form but it affects him hard, to the point where he's certainly the most likely to suffer from serious anxiety and nervousness surrounding intimacy with you, even though he's never had a problem in the past. (He's convinced you'll think his cock is too small - it's not, the solid six inches is plenty - or that his cum tastes horrible - it's not great, sure, but there's a very faint aftertaste reminiscent of chocolate from all the test-tasting he has to do - or that you'll just think he's bad. The first time he makes you come he just sits there for a moment, staring with a dropped jaw, unable to believe that he just gave you an orgasm, all because of him and him alone.)

Hinata and Nishinoya don't purposefully plow through women, but they're the type to bring a girl home every night they go to the bar or club with some buddies. Often they'll reach out about a more permanent relationship rather than just a one-night stand, but often a good fuck is all the women are looking for, anyways. And so, while they have a good amount of experience, the vast majority of it is while being inebriated - and so, the first time they fuck you (stone cold sober, unwilling to not be fully present for possibly the best moment of their lives), it's almost like a new experience all over again, simply because there's all these details and parts they don't remember doing all those nights. (It's not that they don't remember - they just never cared enough to pay so much attention to their hookup's nipples or finger them with such precision.)

Osamu and Hanamaki don't have a huge amount of experience, but they've each had a very serious girlfriend before you, and so they have extensive experience with the same woman. But you - you're different. You're prettier, smarter, sweeter, softer, lovelier, just better in every way, and they feel this sort of pressure to make sure that the sex is better, too. They're the type to ask you every few minutes if everything is still feeling good, just because sex feels so damn good for them, and they want to make sure it feels good for you, too. (If only so that you'll keep doing it, keep letting them touch and kiss and fuck you - all with that lovesick look in their eye, a blush on their cheeks, and an insistence on making sure you're coming until you're literally crying.)

There's a large variety, but these are the ones that wait the longest or the least - but regardless, sex with you is still something that excites them like they're some horny teenage boy, their pants always feeling uncomfortably tight when you're around, no matter how hard they try to will it away. You're just too perfect and pretty and sexy, and can they really be blamed? Besides, isn't it nice to have a man so eager for you, so ready to get on their knees and beg you to just give them a single chance to please you?

If anything, the persistence is endearing.

You only mentioned haikyuu, lovely anon, but I feel compelled to at least mention some of the late and early bloomers for the other fandoms I write for!

Those that wait the longest:

Kny: most of the cast because of their occupation and the time period, but especially Giyuu, Shinobu, Sanemi, Kokushibou, Akaza

Hxh: Kurapika, Knuckle, Machi, Feitan, Franklin, Illumi

Bnha: Aizawa, Enji, Stain, Shigaraki, Spinner, Hawks, All Might

Those that lose it pretty early on:

Kny: Uzui, Douma, Muzan

Hxh: Phinks, Uvogin, Morel, Shizuku, Nobunaga, Shalnark

Bnha: Hizashi, Dabi, Fatgum, Midnight

[roxasbooth]

What IS this "infected time" au?

Hiya there! :DDD💫

Hope you're doing great! :3

Am I glad you asked xD

I'll start from the very beginning if that's alright with you :P

So it all started in the spring of 2024. I had seen @/krossan's danny phantom art before, and I was in love with it, however, I didn't know a thing about danny phantom xD

So comes spring 2024, and I watch danny phantom. Lo and behold, I get obsessed! A kids show from early 2000's? SIGN ME UP!! >:P

Comes the end of spring break, I'm back at uni. My best friend spams me (/pos) with mlp Infection AUs that are all over tumblr and tiktok. They're cool! They're inspiring! They tingle a very specific part of my brain in the best way possible!

Long story short, I get obsessed×2!

And what does my brain do? Smashes this current fixation of mine in with the infection AUs!

The idea of danny phantom infection AU is born! YIPPEE!!!

I decided to pick up the story from where a glitch in time left it.

No one remembers Danny's identity again, vlad and dan are getting a second chance, all that!

But I added a twist based on the canon.

In 'the ultimate enemy', the observants weren't exactly happy about the second chance that clockwork decided to give danny. They believed he shouldn't exist altogether. Clockwork was the one to change Danny's fate and help trap dan in a thermos. But what do we have now?? The timelines are all messed up, dan is roaming free in a timeline that he doesn't belong to, and everything's supposed to go fine, right?

Nope. Why would the observants be happy after all of this? Why would they agree with clockwork?

See where I'm going with this?

In AGIT, clockwork said that his powers are weaker for whatever reason.

How weak exactly? It was never specified.

How powerful are the observants? IT WAS NEVER SPECIFIED EITHER!

So I went crazy with it.

The observants aren't satisfied. They want clockwork to do what they ask him to. Clockwork refuses.

So the observants take the matter into their own hands.

They infect the timeline.

They decided to destroy it all together.

What will everyone else do about it?

That's for you to find out ;)

Thanks for reading!!!✨✨ x3

(Edit: I have a ten pages long PDF. Written by me. And um. Yeah it's basically the whole story. I sat down one day and realized that I couldn't get anything done because this AU was jumping around and screaming in my head like a rooster. So I sat down and wrote that. It took. 10 hours. YEAH LOLZ-)

[l0stfoster]

I would literally kill for everything abt cursed au paul. Like when does his redemption start, when and how do him and darry reconnect, does he ever open up abt his home life to darry or anyone else, how do the socs react to him getting close to darry (or the greasers for that matter by association) . I NEED EVERYTHINGGGGGG 🙏🙏🙏

I’m so glad someone likes him as much as I do I've had him on my brain for weeks OKAY YAP TIME!!

When does his redemption start

- Paul's redemption arc starts out preeetty slow and begins after his powers come to the surface again post-rumble, about 4-5 months later. It was being around such a large number of the cursed that flicked a trigger in his brain. He HAD his powers long before then and used them as a kid, but his mother tried to force him to forget about them with her own because she wanted this curse to die. - Dude has a panic attack when he discovers them because he's suddenly a part of this group of people he's hated ALL his life.. and then there's a very temporary god complex because he might have this curse but he's still a soc, he's not really one of those things, is he? He's still got superiority to them, so who cares if he's cursed as well.. and then his parents find out. - It's the same exact situation he had when he was a kid. His parents were already distant and abusive/neglectful but the magic just makes it worse. His mother tells him to his face that she wished she hadn't had him, and it's the first taste of just what the other cursed go through. He's obviously forced to hide his power from the public for the sake of their reputation, but it's how his own parents respond to this that makes him reflect.

When and how do he and Darry reconnect?

- Around a month after Paul discovers his powers, and it's purely an accident. They bump into each other in soc territory (Darry's birthday was coming up soon, and he wanted to visit an old cafe there he'd visit for nostalgia's sake, Paul was just trying to get out of the house for a while) and they're immediately beefing. Miraculously, though, they both had their sights on the same place and ended up directing inside, still bitching (in reality, neither of them could bring themselves to walk away). The poor workers had these two absolutely at each other's throats for hours. "I hate you and I wish you'd die" as Paul buys Darry's exact coffee order he memorized from years ago. "You're such an asshole." While Darry gives Paul the pieces of his muffin that he doesn't like but Paul enjoys. They leave with bitter wishes of hoping they never see each other again. - Weirdly enough, it keeps happening. This goes on regularly until it turns into making out in back alleys as a goodbye. When I said friends to enemies to enemies with benefits I meant it. They're practically dating but both have convinced themselves that it is casual and that they're just homies. This happens over like six months. Steve and Two find out during those months and kinda don't care, Pony and Dally are THE most offended by it. Soda and Ace are there like "I'm insulted but you're an adult, and you're not stupid, so I can't really tell you to stop?" - There's a lot more forced proximity when Paul gets kicked out and crashes at the Curtis' when sleeping in his car isn't viable.

Does he ever open up abt his home life to Darry or anyone else?

- Not willingly. There's the doodle where he gets drunk and yaps about it to Two and Dally, but that's the most he'd speak of it honestly for a long while. Darry definitely knows that the Holdens aren't exactly great people-- met them once during highschool & Paul's father is the police chief so he's already on thin ice. (yes I nabbed that from Born a Grease <3) - They meet again bc Paul needs to attend something related to the police department for reputation's sake (pre-kicked out) and Paul will only go if Darry's allowed to come. Darry gets another taste of how shitty they are there because they make a scene and Paul's powers are bought up and outed. Paul, defending Darry: "The curse doesn't make people a bad person-" Mr. Holden: "You're right, it makes them not people." Paul: "..Then what the hell does that make me?" Mrs. Holden, shouting: "It makes you wrong." - Paul will never really tell them straight up, but they can make assumptions pretty easily. He gets nightmares occasionally and gets pretty uncomfortable whenever the cops are mentioned due to his dad's relation to them. If he's drunk he'll shit-talk them, The dude's an alcoholic as a coping mechanism. I could see him maybe telling Darry, but it wouldn't be something he wanted to do. He thinks it makes him look pathetic. ( I made a what-if doodle where Paul's hair grows longer each time he overuses his power, and he has a fucking MELTDOWN when he looks in the mirror and sees his mom bc of the length. It's non canon, but it's silly to think about )

How do the socs react to him getting close to Darry (and the Greasers)?

- Paul's pretty much thrown into association with the greasers (and by proxy, all of the cursed) as eventually, word gets out that he was kicked out, alongside that he's cursed. He loses most of the soc friends he has, save for Cherry & Marcia due to their own associations (Randy wouldn't turn his back on him either, but for his own safety has to keep a distance publically.) - And since it's related, Paul and Cherry (maybe Marcia, but hers is 50/50 since she has no power) become free reign for getting jumped by other socs due to their powers & associations with the greasers. The girls target Cherry and vice versa for Paul, but we still haven't figured out how they do it without powers getting in the way. (Our running idea for Cherry is that her hands are bound so she can't spark & they butcher her hair so it can't either </3)