#so uh this is the official edit and i'm not even joking

[splatoonusna]

The Spring Fest results are in, and Team Bear Cubs wins with 485p! Thanks to everyone who sprung into action for this Splatfest and don't forget to pick up your Super Sea Snails if you participated!

[ihavethedreamies]

Always You | The8

Xu Minghao (The8 - Seventeen)

Word Count: ~2.4k

Pairing: Minghao x AFAB!Reader

Genre: Reader-Insert, Fluff, Slight Angst

Warnings: She/Her Pronouns used, Jealousy

It is hinted that Jihoon/Woozi also likes the reader but nothing really happens there. Minghao gets jealous.

Author's Note: This was originally exactly 2000 words but after I edited and Beta-ed it, it got longer.

Enjoy!

I am cross-posting this on Archive and Wattpad. Please reblog! If you know anyone that would like this or future fics but they aren't on here my name and icon are exactly the same on the other sites. Happy reading!

"Minghao, wait, my legs are significantly shorter than yours!" You called after him. He halted and turned back to you, watching you jog to catch up with him.

"Sorry." He gave you a smug smile and you glared at him. He always teased you for being short.

"Here, give me your bag." He held out his hand for your backpack, but you hesitated. He already was carrying his own, another bag with miscellaneous things, and the cooler with the food.

"I'm fine." You adjusted the straps, and he narrowed his eyes.

"You sure?"

"The bag isn't the problem, it’s because you're a freaking tree. A skinny tree, but still a tree." You shoved him playfully and then continued on down the sidewalk away from the parking lot. You two were supposed to be meeting a few of your friends for food and games. It was good to come to the park because it was big and open, and most people didn't care about the noise the boys would make. Even better was that not everyone was going to be there. Jihoon, Wonwoo, and Junhui either can control their volume or are just quiet anyway. Soonyoung, Mingyu and Seokmin however…

"So, uh, does Jihoon know you're coming?" Minghao asked out of the blue as you went up the stairs towards the river.

"I don't know, why?" You looked at him and he avoided your gaze.

"Just…wondering." You had a feeling why he was asking. While nothing official had happened, you two had been getting closer than most friends do. He even almost kissed you one night. Jihoon on the other hand had actually asked you out, but then treated it like a joke. You weren't completely dense, you knew he liked you, and that Minghao would get jealous sometimes. What neither of them knew though was that for about the last month or two, you were convinced that you were legitimately in love with Minghao. Your first love was actually your high school best friend, but when nothing ever came of that, and your heart kept getting stepped on, you decided to never like a friend again. You didn't know Jihoon nearly as well as Minghao, so it scared you a little less with him. Losing Minghao…not possible.

You two walked in silence the rest of the way, and when you caught sight of the rest of them, you braced yourself.

"MINGHAO! (Y/N)! We're over here!" Soonyoung shouted, jumping up and waving his arms.

"Kind of hard to miss the tiger shirt…" You muttered; the boy next to you huffed out a laugh. Mingyu was laying out a large picnic blanket while Wonwoo was getting food out from their cooler. Junhui and Seokmin were taking a bunch of games and toys out of several bags, honestly making a mess, probably looking for something specific. You snuck a glance at Jihoon who was sitting in a camping chair strumming his guitar.

"Hey, (Y/N)." He called out and you nodded politely. He stood up, placing his guitar to the side and took your backpack as you slipped it off. Casting a look to Minghao, he diverted his gaze quickly, setting the cooler and other bag near Seokmin.

"You get the Coke?" He asked, nodding over to the cooler.

"Of course." His question was a no brainer.

"Here, sit here." He moved the chair forward for you.

"I-I'm good." You waved him off and before he could insist you jogged over to where the two tallest were setting up the food.

"Oh!" You noticed a snack that you really liked and grabbed it. You didn't get to eat it too often because it was kind of hard to find, nowhere near your apartment ever had it.

"Yeah, Jihoon found it and bought it for you." Mingyu informed and you slowly put it down and helped Wonwoo to get the rest of the stuff.

"You good?" Wonwoo whispered next to you, and you nodded.

"I think." You glanced at Minghao and the man next to you glanced over there too.

"You ever gonna tell him?"

"I don't know." You replied. You had known Wonwoo the longest, he actually introduced you to everyone else. You met in college, both working at the library. He was a lot like you and had similar interests, but you both agreed you felt more like siblings.

"(Y/N)!" A voice called and you looked up at Junhui.

"Catch!" He shouted and you barely had time to react before you reached up to receive the incoming bottle. You almost fumbled it but recovered and looked at the drink. Once again, like the snack, it was one you really liked but was hard to find.

"Where'd you find this?" You shouted to him and someone closer answered.

"It was in the bottom of a fridge at the convenience store." Jihoon told you and you snapped your head to look at him. How did he learn all of your favorites, let alone remember them?

"How did you-" You began, and he just shrugged, giving you a smirk. Twiddling the drink in your hands, you weren't sure how to feel. It was really sweet, but… Looking at Minghao again, he was pretending to be preoccupied with filling the Nerf guns with the foam bullets.

"(Y/N)!" You were tackled by a Soonyoung.

"Gah, what!?" You tried to shove him off of you, but he wrapped himself around you instead.

"Thank you!" He repeated several times. His favorite kimchi was from a place near where your parents lived, and you had brought him a big jug of it.

"Yah! Kwon Soonyoung!" Jihoon scolded him, slapping him hard on the back and yanking him off of you. You quickly stood and fled, running to the safety of Minghao. Hiding behind him, you crouched down next to him and peered around him at the shorter guy wailing on the other one.

"You really like those snacks he got you…" The boy next to you muttered and you looked away from the carnage to see his small grimace.

"It’s not because he's the one that got them." You replied and he shrugged. Instantly feeling bad, you wanted to say something to him, but were not sure what to say or how.

"Okay! Let's eat and then we can run around and scream." Junhui announced, carrying the drink cooled over to the middle of the blanket and you all sat to eat. You settled down next to Minghao and Seokmin sat on the other side of you. There was some fighting over the food, but you were able to calm down the nonsense before stuff started getting thrown. Despite Jihoon having bought you your favorite drink and snack, you kind of just ignored them. You could eat them later; you really didn't want to make Minghao feel worse. For some reason, guilt was building up faster and faster, you really just wanted to let everything out. Glancing at Minghao, you noticed he had a bit of food on his cheek, so you bunched up your sleeve to reach up and swipe it off. He froze and no one else seemed to notice. Peering at you, he wiped at the spot with his hand himself and shot you a shy smile. Listening to the ridiculous argument going on between the rest of them, you readjusted your position and leaned against Minghao. You could see Jihoon's eyes flash over to you and you focused intently on Mingyu despite not really understanding what was coming out of his mouth. Lost in your own thoughts, everyone else finished and decided to start the games.

"What do you wanna play first, (Y/N)?" Mingyu asked and you thought for a second, looking behind you at all the toys laid out.

You ended up playing a game similar to capture the flag, but it was more like the game on Fall Guys where you have to steal the tail. Everyone split up into twos and put on the flag belt, the single yellow flag snapped onto Junhui's belt. You were teamed up with Wonwoo, Minghao was with Jun, Seokmin and Soonyoung (the loudest possible combination), and finally Mingyu with Jihoon. When Jihoon called for it to start you ran at Jun, Wonwoo blocking Soonyoung from tackling you. You reached out, yoinking the yellow flag from his belt and running away cackling. The magnet on the flag attached to the one on your belt as you ran. Using the zig-zag maneuver, you avoided Minghao trying to get it back. Suddenly, you were up in the air and with a yelp you realized Mingyu had slung you over his shoulder.

"I have the flag!" He cheered.

"No, you don't she does still!" Seokmin protested and you tried to wiggle off and his hand came to your butt to hold you in place. You yelped and smacked him, and he apologized, moving his hand but not letting you go.

"Kim Mingyu, put me down!" You shouted and the alarm went off stating the round was over.

"We won!" Mingyu cheered and there was a great deal of protest, and he let you down finally when Jihoon prompted him to. The shorter one's arm wrapped around you, plucking the flag from your belt with him being much too close. Your face warmed, but it was more from embarrassment that Minghao was watching like he was. You chuckled nervously and backed up, suggesting you move on to a different game. As the day continued you played many different things; shot each other with nerf guns, tossed a frisbee with the hidden intent of actually hitting someone, chicken fights. Rackets for badminton were brought but no one thought to bring shuttlecocks. Soonyoung wanted to have a water balloon fight, but it was not quite the weather for that. Mingyu had an idea to have a race but one person had to carry the other…So, you ended up on his shoulders. You weren't quite sure about this, and you would have felt much safer on his back, but he insisted. Wonwoo ended up with Minghao on his back, Seokmin carried Junhui and Jihoon had to team up with Soonyoung.

"Can I please get on your back?" You asked him and Mingyu insisted he wanted to do it this way; that way it was actually harder than just running on his own. Looking over at Minghao next to you, he seemed still a little cranky and wouldn't look at you. When it was called for everyone to run, you clenched your thighs and dug your fingers into the fabric of his shirt at the shoulders and he took off. You tried not to scream as he ran and you hoped this was the craziest idea of the day.

It was not the craziest idea. Somehow you ended up in the center of a monkey in the middle game. You guys played kick the can, but the can was full, then they would play rock-paper-scissors and the loser had to open it in their face. That was sticky. They wanted you to play the game with them where they hold onto each other's  and try to pull everyone apart; you decided to just watch that one. A game of tag broke out, but no one was declared it so everyone was just running around. The worst was prevented though when Soonyoung suggested fishing in the river BY HAND. Everyone else shot that one down. By the time the sun was starting to set, you were lying under a tree trying to catch your breath. You had taken your sweatshirt off a long time ago, tying it around your waist, the grass tickling your bare arms. You heard someone sit down next to you, your eyes were closed to prevent the sun from getting in them. You tried not to flinch when the person brushed some hair off your face.

"You tired?" Jihoon's voice didn't surprise you too much. You opened your eyes and turned to see him looking softly down at you.

"I would be more concerned if I wasn't." You told him and brought your head up some to watch Seokmin try to catch a frog and failing. They had so much energy. Resting your head back again, you just reveled in the rest and soon a third person wandered up.

"You need to go after him, he's leaving." Wonwoo whispered to you, and you shot up to see Minghao storming away and Junhui calling after him.

"Is he okay?" Jihoon asked and you stood up and took off after him.

"(Y/N)!" He called after you himself and you flew past the rest of them. He was already at the bottom of the stairs and heading toward the parking lot.

"Minghao!" You shouted and you know he heard you, but he didn't stop.

"Hey, wait!" You tried not to trip down the stairs and kept going.

"Xu Minghao!" Reaching for his hand, he turned to you aggressively and the look on his face took you aback.

"What? Shouldn't you be flirting with Jihoon?"

"What are you talking about? He keeps approaching me! There's nothing going on there!" You motioned behind you vaguely.

"Really? He sure thinks there is."

"What do you mean?"

"Soonyoung told me he asked you out."

"Yes. But it was a joke."

"Was it?"

"Look, either way, nothing actually happened. Yes, he bought me those things I like, but that doesn't mean we are dating-"

"Do you want to though?"

"What?"

"Go out with Jihoon?"

"No! I don't. He's not-" You didn't get to finish since he stepped closer to you and cut you off. He was so close you had to tilt your head back to even see his face.

"He's not what?"

"He's…he's not you." You finally breathed out and his eyes softened, his hand came up to cup the back of your head. Your breath hitched and you expected a soft kiss, a hug, but he bent down and crashed his lips on yours. You gasped at the emotion behind the act, your eyes welling up with tears. His other hand pulled you closer by the small of your back; you dug your fingers in the fabric of his shirt at his sides. When he pulled back you whined, and he chuckled. You were already standing so close, but he hugged you closer and held him as tight as you could.

"It’s always been you."

Master-Master List

Seventeen Master List

[tedcicle]

Official Palcove Propaganda Post

[ID: Text with a fire effect that says "WATCH PALCOVE NOW" in red capital letters. /.End ID.] Now you may be asking... Who?

Palcove is both the name of the iconic duo of Ted Nivison (of Rainforest Cafe/Margaritaville/400mg edible fame) and Charlie Slimecicle (professional gay sex roleplayer, at least that's what he should be known for) and the area they lived in during their brief time on EpicSMP (a modded SMP created by, uh... *cough* Matt SuperMega *cough*. You can hazard a guess as to why this SMP didn’t really take off.)

Okay, why should I care?

I shan't lie and say EpicSMP is like, crazy good, or a hidden gem, or YOU NEED TO WATCH THIS — really, it's basically TekkitLive but there's way more people on it. It's a largely forgotten SMP, overshadowed by more popular and successful SMPs that happened before or around it. (OriginsSMP, for example.) There's a bunch of interesting duos trying to start their own businesses, and while nothing happened happened, at the end everybody died, which is interesting to think about. (Actually, wait... yeah, it’s just like TekkitLive.) But it was fun. There were some good bits, some light roleplay, and enough seedlings of a plotline to get an average viewer Andy like me invested in. There was some kind of season 2, but it never took off. I'm sure MCYT fans are accustomed to the disappointment of non-existent fandoms, unfinished stories, or lacking narratives by now (Shadow of Israphel was my first heartbreak, but maybe yours was something else). Another one wouldn’t hurt, right? Why Palcove specifically? Well, as a former SMPLiver— (I am escorted off the stage to a chorus of boos) I just really like Ted and Charlie's dynamic. They’re the perfect comedy duo. Charlie works best when he has someone to bounce bits off of, and Ted knows exactly how to pick up what Charlie is putting down and elevate it to the next level. (The adverb and adjective bit in the first VOD had me DYING.) Story-wise, Charlie had a satisfying character arc. He’s a pivotal character and I liked how he plays off of Schlatt and Swagger, too. Not to mention, this is the last time Ted has uploaded or streamed any Minecraft content... I miss him, chat. Also, it makes me happy. Isn't that enough?

Well, okay, you got me interested. How do I watch?

I'm glad you asked (even if you wouldn't fucking say that, I don't care). Firstly, a primer. Sometimes we start a new thing, but it ends up not being to our liking, and that's fine. Maybe you want to walk around and see how it fits before you commit. That's fine! All I ask for is 14 minutes of your time. That's like, 4 songs.

This video is the first day edited down into a nice, palatable, taste-tester, courtesy of unknown energy on YouTube. It's so nice and cozy and comfy, it's the equivalent of a mug of hot chocolate curled up in an armchair with a warm blanket wrapped around you. As for continuing, I highly recommend starting with Charlie's POV. It's probably who you're most familiar with, and he bothered to edit down his streams (even if the videos are like, an hour long). If you like listening to men argue and make the unfunniest jokes imaginable, then definitely try the full VODs. All of these have been archived by the channel EpicSMPVods.

Charlie's POV Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 VODS Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | End of S1* Ted's POV Episode 1 (Yes, he really only did one episode) VODS Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5

*This VOD is Swagger's POV, as Charlie didn't upload the finale at all, and the VOD of it either doesn’t exist or wasn’t archived. The relevant Charlie section starts around 15 minutes in.

And if you want more of the story, well, Swagger has one of the most comprehensive EpicSMP POVs.

Final Thoughts

Like many other “stream only” SMPs, a lot of content regarding them simply gets lost and forgotten. There's plenty of reasons why EpicSMP wasn't very successful (in-depth analysis post pending). I’m just glad that not only did Palcove exist, but it's archived. It just so happened to survive against surmountable odds and even have what I consider a satisfying narrative ending (in-depth analysis post pending). And I’m insane about it. And everyone else should be, too.

[ID: Text with a fire effect "WATCH PALCOVE NOW" in red capital letters. /.End ID.]

[vhstown]

ain't no love; pt. 5

"that's why i said ain't no love" (finale)

— miles g morales x gn!reader series

SERIES SUMMARY: Miles G Morales is just a kid without a father; the Prowler is just a "rotten" vigilante. Both of them start coming into your life one in the middle of the semester, the other by total accident.

SERIES MASTERLIST 📼 ← PART 4 / PART 5 / EPILOG. →

chapter summary: [MULTI-POV] Miles has been a ghost, so you decide to do your own digging. Your answer might have just found you first.

content/warnings: graphic depictions of violence and injury grieving, death

word count: 8.7k (WHAT)

a/n: hey 😁 there's gonna be a teeny tiny epilogue after this one but this is the official end to aint no love! thanks to @/qiuweyballs forever for proofreading this series wouldn't exist without him 🙏

"I need that edit by 3pm, Watson!"

"Got it."

Even if the office was filled with the constant clack of keyboards, or desk phones ringing, or even Jameson himself barking right by her ear — as he was right now — MJ still had to keep up her persona. Agreeable, non-confrontational, all part of company protocol. There was no time for personal opinions or rebuttals, other than Jameson's; she was sure everyone would start coming in tin hats if it meant keeping their jobs.

"You're falling behind, you know," he continued as she quickly clicked off of the email she was working on. "Going to that school fair of yours set you at least a week behind!"

"It was one afternoon, sir. And I'm all caught up, the edit's not due until—"

"The edit is due when I say it's due. You out of all people should understand how things work around here by now. Get it done!"

The man sauntered off without much opportunity for her to reply, a cup of coffee crumpling between his fingers that he probably had yet to take a sip of. The poor intern that had made it would be the next to get an earful when he did try it, she was sure. Too much sugar! Not enough milk! Did you make this with your eyes closed? she recalled. MJ had heard it all by now.

Jameson didn't really have the gall to fire her — she knew that at the very least. The article could wait, however. Visions was yet to release a statement about their fired teacher, and the article would just look like all their other ones — speculatory and clickbait-y with not very much actual information. The Sinister Six ones certainly did well though, always on their broadcasts and the front of their website. Even NNC didn't have as much notoriety as the Bugle did with its less-than skeptical audiences.

The Visions student, right. With a few pasted links and a couple attachments, along with a lackluster "Good luck!" tacked on the end, she hit send. Good to know kids still have dumb email addresses.

She didn't take being abandoned a second time at the fair personally, really — everyone was fifteen once — but she couldn't help but wonder what had happened. It was almost imperceptible, but she knew when a smile looked off. There was something noticeably different about you when you had come back.

"MJ, uh, can I get your business card by any chance?"

"You know what a business card is?" she had joked, but it hadn't done much to ease the discomfort. "Yeah, sure. Contact me if you need anything."

"Yeah, thanks."

You'd asked for articles. Specifically on the Chameleon, and on the recent Prowler activity. You hadn't told her much, just that you needed help compiling some information for school. Some... presentation. MJ wasn't sure whether it was a lie or not, but it was all publicly available information anyhow.

You'd also wanted any information on Visions "teacher", Garrett East. His arrest had been for identity theft, and nothing more. Not many had reported on it as of yet, given he was detained so recently, but you were an insider. He had apparently been your calculus teacher, and the man that he had stolen the identity of had supposedly gone missing a few months before Garrett returned in his place. At least, that's all she had of her article. Maybe it wasn't the best idea to send it to a random high school student before her own boss, but it also wasn't like the man had any real idea what went on in his company. It was a wonder they managed to get through the quarter.

It was just a favour for someone nice she'd met. Maybe it'd repay her in some way in the future, most likely not. Regardless, she couldn't help but smile a little when she noticed her phone light up, a "thank you" text under your name. If only she actually had a work phone number, and it wasn't just her regular one. Visions students making connections already, it seemed.

The time on the screen was 2:41pm. She was met face to face with her wallpaper once again — a low-lit picture of her and a brown-haired man with glasses, the two of them smiling, red faced and dressed like their college selves. Peter Parker, her fiancé. They were holding those terrible beers he'd sworn by. He was a photographer, but this was one of the only pictures he'd taken of them together. It was shot on a bite-sized digital camera they'd bought for college, but never ended up using much. Now, it was all she really had.

Maybe the Chameleon really had come back when Peter had gone missing. Maybe it had something to do with you, with Visions

You probably already had a lot on your plate. And so did she. If she had anybody to chase, it was Otto Octavius. He'd offered Peter an internship in Manhattan. She'd never seen the man herself, only heard from him how good of a person he was, how this was going to get him a job and that it'd be good for them. That he'd finally get some use out of his degree and get to pursue science instead of taking "crummy" pictures for the Bugle. That they could save up for their wedding, and...

That was in Manhattan. The disappearances now were in Brooklyn. And even then, it was coming close to a year since he had disappeared.

She was always running in circles, at the command of an old man with a head too big for his body.

2:43pm. MJ turned off her phone, sliding it into her pocket.

Better get this edit finished.

2:43pm. Wednesday.

Ideally, with a couple days off of school, you would probably be at home, or maybe even out doing something fulfilling with your life. Maybe you could've even gone somewhere with Miles, if he hadn't up-and-disappeared along with every trace of him.

Your unread messages to him faded to black, leaving you to stare at your own face. Maybe you could've used those extra days to sleep, if it hadn't been for the chilling glow of purple eyes or the melting disfigured face that threatened to materialise everytime you closed your eyes.

What did he even like? Comics that he'd mentioned to you once? Of course he'd want to go to a comic book store with you after you'd made fun of him for seeming to want to deal with criminals himself. If only he'd come save you from Brooklyn Public Library right now. You were certain it couldn't get any more swampy in here with all the Visions students scrambling to do their off-day work right now.

Reading through the reply to a ballsy request you'd given to the Bugle's head journalist, you had a few questions in mind other than the ones concerning your disappearing, sort-of friend. Was all this research really practical? Maybe not. Would it help you sleep to know that the guy that had been teaching you calculus since the start of sophomore year was actually posing as a man that had gone missing months ago?

Another very normal thing that only seemed to happen to you.

Maybe you just attracted bad luck. That girl in your history class had joked about it last year, after you'd bumped into your teacher and every single paper he'd been holding had fallen to the ground in one scattered disaster. She wouldn't let it go, and it appeared that your brain wouldn't either.

Or like that time you went to Oscorp on a visit day and happened to be the only one there, trapped with a shapeshifting monster and the Prowler on the 90 millionth floor of that god-damned tower.

Maybe it was bad luck, or maybe you were cursed — or maybe you just walked into these situations on purpose. Like right now, sifting through years of articles on real criminals, with nothing but a hunch or fifteen.

The Chameleon had been arrested, like Miles had said, eight years ago on accounts of identity theft, much like your "teacher" but also very little like your teacher. According to what you were reading, Dmitri Smerdyakov been dubbed "the Chameleon" for a string of carefully orchestrated take-overs of big companies after impersonating their CEOs. His defence had argued that the big names in these companies were gone because they "wanted to be free of the burden of running their own companies".

You didn't have to be a journalist to make a face at that.

There was no mention of shapeshifting, as you'd seen with Wellston and Stromm. Just a couple lousy identity theft charges that didn't add up to their total amount anyway. This guy had more luck than you'd ever had.

The only other person that had seen any "shapeshifting" happen was Miles, and although he'd seemed surprised, something about his reaction was strange. You couldn't place it, but there was some sort of analytical twinge in his eyes, as if he was solving a math problem and not looking at someone shapeshift for the first time. You didn't know anything, really. Miles seemed like he did, though. If only you could bump into him and wring it out of him. And maybe go buy overpriced comic books with him and forget about the fact that your teacher had been arrested and midterms were coming up and maybe even become actual friends.

If only you were that lucky.

If only it was that easy to move past, as well. The fact that someone that had been involved in disappearances 8 years ago might be mixed up with this, along with the recent uptick in missing people made you feel uneasy. Surely any detective would have put two and two together by now, but remembering the fact that the shapeshifter had turned into a literal police officer dissolved any reassurance that thought might've brought. You were in a public library surrounded by unoptimistic college students, parents with their kids and even some of your own classmates, but the feeling was completely your own, tucked away behind a computer screen and a booked monitor session.

You couldn't be scared, though. You'd already seen probably the scariest thing in your life, kind-of almost died, and been wound up in so much craziness you knew so little about. If only high school had prepared you for researching literal criminals.

"Your 30 minute session is over. You will be logged out shortly."

God damn it.

If only Brooklyn Public Library's computer sessions weren't 30 minutes. You didn't want to log back in anyway, not if someone had booked after you. You could go back home, the library had just been an excuse to get out, really. Not that you'd made a whole new email and signed in as a guest on the computer. Not that you were paranoid.

Picking up your bag and checking your messages one last time you made a beeline for the exit. Well, less of a line and more of a strange obstacle course through the swarm of people. And of course you had to knock into someone. Just your luck.

"Hey, sorry," you mumbled, hands raising just a little in apology. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, yeah..." The person dusted themself off a little with a frown, before looking up to meet your eyes.

Rafael?

"Hey, it's you," he realised, eyes widening as if he'd just gotten lucky.

Out of all places...

"I... gotta go."

"No, no, wait. I need you to do something."

Of course you do.

"I really don't have the time," you whispered back, as he caught up to your advance towards the doors.

"Uh, hey, listen... You talk to Miles, right? Like, he's your friend?"

"Yeah...?" No...? You weren't even sure at this point.

"Uh, look, I need you to tell him something..."

"What, you're in love with him?" you spat, finally looking at him again. "Cause it seems like it. You're always talking about him. Always talking to me about him."

"What?! No the f*ck I'm no—"

A much louder "shhhhhh!" got your attention. The librarian didn't look too pleased. Neither did any one of the people who turned to look at you.

"I'm not gay, man!"

So, the two of you were now out on the street as Rafael defended his sexuality with nothing but exasperated hand gestures.

"I didn't say that."

"Okay, well I'm not. Damn, why are you acting weird for?"

"Your face is red."

"I'm black!"

"That melanin isn't doing anything for you."

"Shut the f*ck up!"

You rolled your eyes, hiding the way the corners of your mouth were starting to lift with a deep exhale. The poor guy was not very discreetly checking his face right now with the back of his hand.

"What, then? What did you wanna say to him so bad?" you asked, instantly making him retract his hand from his cheek.

"Forget it."

"No, tell me. You got us all the way out here for no reason?"

He gave you a look, before promptly looking away, mumbling something under his breath.

"Didn't hear that." That made him groan loudly. It was akin to a petulant child, if not a few octaves deeper.

"I'm... sorry."

Huh?

"You're... sorry?" you repeated, making him let out a huff.

"Look, I..." Rafael met your eyes again, his narrowing uncomfortably. There was something strange in his expression. "My mom's missing. I dunno who to tell. I know I messed up and I... I get it now. I get it. The thing with his dad."

Oh sh*t.

Remorse. That was what you were seeing in his eyes. Or maybe regret. Neither you thought you'd ever see from him.

"Tell him I'm sorry. Or don't. Whatever," Rafael muttered, kicking a bottle cap on the ground until it skittered to a halt by a dog, who found interest in it as its owner tried to tug it along the pavement.

"You can't tell him yourself?" you replied, brows furrowing. As bad as you felt, this was a personal matter. You weren't about to be a parrot for the guy that hadn't grown out of his bullying phase.

"You think he'd listen?"

"It's understandable if he doesn't."

"And what if he doesn't come back?"

"Why..." What? "Why wouldn't he come back?"

"I... dunno. Why can't you just tell him?"

Huh. "Why wouldn't he come back, huh?"

Rafael gives you a sort of reserved look, as if he's contemplating whether or not to lie to your face.

"I heard something about him while I was in that office. He's like... withdrawing from the school."

"He's... what?" Withdrawing from the school? Could he even withdraw that fast? "Why?"

"I dunno, damn! Just... forget it. I don't know why I even asked you man."

Rafael turned to leave, a scowl forming on his face.

"Hey," you called out, looking away before he could meet your eyes. He didn't turn around, though.

"What?"

"...I'm sorry about your mom," you managed, before he could go far enough. "I hope they find her."

"Yeah," he muttered, before throwing his hood over his head.

And now your friend, not-friend, study buddy was gone. The only person you kind of got along with at all outside of just one class. Another person missing. Rafael's mom. Maybe you needed to get out of Brooklyn for college. You certainly wouldn't miss the subway all too much, you thought, crammed in-between people.

"Stand clear of the closing doors, please."

As soon as you got out of the station and into the street, you were met with a familiar face among the people passing by. Instead of the Visions uniform, he was in a jacket too big for him, crinkled sweatpants and purple Jordans.

Miles. Calc-wiz. Mr. Disappearing Act. Withdrawn from the school, now in front of you and definitely already getting on your nerves.

He was looking at you, a hint of surprise in his otherwise smoothed-over features.

"Miles?"

"Yeah. Can we... talk?" His cheek dimpled with the awkward half-smile you'd only seen a couple times, but you were so strangely familiar with. You didn't know whether to freak out at him in front of a crowd of people or head home and hope that he didn't follow you.

"...Sure," is what comes out of your mouth.

Just your luck.

"~Ain't no love—" Skip.

"~Ha, sicker than your average—"

"Poppa twist cabbage off instinct..." Skip.

Miles was getting sicker than average of his uncle's playlist. Maybe working in silence was better.

He took out his earbuds, setting them on his mess of a desk and picking up the screwdriver again. Uncle Aaron was busy, "out of town", as his voicemail said. Probably doing something Miles wasn't supposed to be involved in. He'd be back in a day or two, as always. Never in one place too long.

Even for someone so experienced, he knew this was his uncle's first real "vigilante" gig. Uncle Aaron wasn't getting paid, nor was he working under someone trying to solve a cold case Jeff had been involved in with his colleagues. His dad was no detective, but always seemed to want to help out, and the police were getting desperate with all the recent missing person's cases. There was no real pattern, and sometimes people would be returned just fine. That's what the police were hoping for.

Dr. Stromm had disappeared for about 2 weeks, and returned to his normal work at Oscorp. That could be excused for a vacation off of work, for all anyone knew. Wellston, however, was still missing. Probably dead. Just a couple had turned up dead. It was so unpredictable that they all seemed unrelated, but the kinds of people going missing were all of use — scientists, lawyers, bank tellers. Wellston had been getting his PhD while teaching before he went missing. All people of use to the Chameleon.

Whoever his uncle was working for at the same time as all of this likely had no idea. He was probably working for that person right now, even when they had this case to deal with.

Miles had only been up to this after his dad had passed, and he knew he wasn't as polished as Aaron — not after what happened at Oscorp. Those gauntlets couldn't focus their energy, even if they were more powerful and he could charge shockwaves through the air almost instantaneously, and he had bragged about it a little too much when they'd tested it in the garage.

Now, he had faint lines on his skin from the excess heat, and had been taking them apart and rebuilding them for weeks in his room. His visor needed work too. It was way better in depth, but the resolution sucked. Even then, he was sure he could make something better than what his uncle had. Rigorous training wasn't enough to do this sort of work. He had to do his own thing, even if he was taking up the same schtick. Eventually his uncle's beard would gray and he'd have to be the real Prowler.

He was a good guy, after all. Like his uncle, like his dad.

By deduction, the Prowler was a good guy too. But he wasn't the Prowler today. He was Miles. The Miles that had been shouted at for trying to quit school again. The Miles that was fifteen and spent his days off building crappy gear.

Maybe on a day like this he could spend time with other people like he did in middle school. Go to a fast food place, or go to Micah's house to play video games, or hang around in some parking lot and run when he and his friends accidentally set off a car alarm. The sun was setting outside his window now. It felt like those evenings where he was reluctant to be taken home by his dad, after he was at Micah's playing GTA on Micah's older brother's console, laughing and screaming, Micah's sister shouting at them to shut up from the hallway.

Miles puts the visor down, walking up to his window and pushing it open. The air didn't get any warmer around this time of year, a cold wind brushing past his face as he stuck his head out to look at the city below.

Above him was the half-finished mural. A colourful backdrop of red and blue, and purple. His dad's face without the glasses, hat without the logo, the text outline without the actual text.

"Captain Jeff Morales. Husband, Hero, Father," read the ghost of the text.

His dad wasn't missing. There was no hope of him turning up one day, and that he could leave the mural unfinished and paint it over with something else. There was no hope that he'd wake up one night and instead of finding himself grasping at air it would be his mom shaking him awake to tell him his dad had come home.

His dad was dead. His dad was facing him right now and smiling like he did every morning before he left the house. His dad was painted on a brick wall, missing his glasses.

Miles knew he wasn't smiling for him. He was smiling for the city. He was the face of PDNY, captain for half a day alive and for the rest of eternity until Brooklyn forgot him, deceased. The mural had made him feel better when he hadn't been able to leave his own bedroom and decided to get up and start it with his uncle, but now he felt all sorts of emotions swirling through him. Regret, anger, grief, all of it at the same time — only to stop right at his tear ducts, tightening his throat.

He hadn't cried back then; his mom shared the pain of the both of them, even now. Even when they went to his tombstone, she was the only one that had cried as he'd kept a reassuring hand on her back.

Selfish, were the tears that blurred his vision, not heavy enough to roll down his face.

He sat, staring, eyes stinging yet soothed by the moisture. The sun cast a halo around the building, the mural in shadow and the city behind flooded in red-orange light.

"Husband, Hero, Father."

Was he a hero before he was his father? He had painted that himself. He knew his dad was a good guy. Was he a good guy before he was a good dad?

His thoughts were interrupted with the buzz of his phone in his pocket. There was a message on the notification bar, overtaking the text he'd been yet to reply to from his mom.

Are you the miles talking to me right now 1m ago

It was you.

Cause you're acting weird

And you just read my message without taking out your phone

What the...?

no wtf are u talking abt Read 4:51PM

where ru Read 4:51PM

His fingers hovered above the keys, glancing briefly at the gauntlet at his desk.

With a guy that looks exactly like u

You're the real miles right

He wracked his brain for something, anything as he ran back towards his desk.

6 liters per hour Read 4:53PM

What???

OH

Okay calc genius help me out please?????

He let out a breath between his teeth, shoving his gauntlets in his backpack and throwing on his gear haphazardly.

The Chameleon. Becoming him.

I'm at Marge's on moore st

ok just stay there go into the bathroom Read 4:55PM

don't leave til i text u Read 4:55PM

What are u gonna do??? the restaurant is empty

He's gonna look for me

He was acting so weird if that's not u then it's probably chameleon right

So you did believe him about the Chameleon. Or maybe you were the Chameleon and just being incredibly smart. He couldn't be 100% sure. Not like he ever was. Swooping out of his window, he threw his hoodie down to hang off the fire escape stairs before starting to run up the side of his building, shoes vacuuming him to stand horizontally.

probably Read 4:55PM

ur gonna take him outside in a couple min Read 4:55PM

Why???

just trust me Read 4:55PM

ill be there in 3m Read 4:56PM

The sky was now a shade of blue-purple, the reds and oranges dissolving behind the skyline. It was getting dark, and fast.

Okay

Manoeuvering through the maze of buildings with his shoes keeping him a thousand feet from being heard or seen, Miles headed for Moore Street with the little map in his peripheral vision. When he got there, all that welcomed him was a lone street lamp that had yet to turn on, a couple of closed local grocer's and a dimly-lit diner named "Marge", a discoloured space next to it the shape of an "s". Close enough.

Sifting through the modes on his visor, he settled when he saw the outline of two people. One strangely shaped like him and one strangely shaped like you.

He climbed down a little, dimming the lights on his gear completely as he receded into a small alley. The guy definitely looked like him physically. Tall, handsome, standing outside the bathroom, shifting on his toes...? Creasing my Jordans? Seriously?

Oh, yeah he had you to deal with. And himself, apparently.

leave now Read 4:58PM

Miles had about zero idea how to, but he needed to figure it out in about 30 seconds from now.

K

You made your way out of the bathroom, and he moved to the side of the diner you were closest to from outside to get a better view.

"...Gotta go home..."

"...Lemme walk you..."

As you left the store into the empty street, he could make out the slight twinge of nervousness on your face as you looked around ― probably looking for him and finding nobody.

"Hold on, I gotta text my parents..." You took out your phone, turning yourself a little to obscure the screen.

"Yeah, that's cool." Sounded almost exactly like him. Creepy.

go into that alley on your right and run home Read 5:00PM

Ur kidding

you gotta trust me Read 5:00PM

At that moment, you took one last look at your phone before turning into the alleyway. You were just a couple quick steps into the alley when his doppelganger grabbed yourshoulder.

"What the hell are you doing, Miles?!" you shouted suddenly, trying to pull yourself free, only to be thrown against the wall of the alleyway.

"I'm doing you a favour. You're not going to school anymore," he responded, his tone suddenly flat and nothing like it was a moment ago.

"What are you talking about? I'm just trying to go home."

His doppelganger was now featureless, his face melting away into the blankness Miles still couldn't describe. The panic on your face is visible from yards away. Miles just has to catch him off-guard. Without hurting you. He could do that.

"So you are the Chameleon," you muttered, still trying to pry his hands away as his grip wrinkled your clothes further.

"Ah, so you did figure it out. Excellent." That definitely didn't sound like him anymore. "You were always the most interesting in that class of yours."

"You... You were the one who was at those after-school classes, huh? And at Oscorp. And that... fair." That you were right about. "What the hell is your problem?"

"My problem is that I need a little something from your school, and you seem like the easiest solution."

"Couldn't you do that while you were a teacher? You got that other guy to be arrested in your place. Aren't you done?"

"It looks like you have me all figured out. Except for one small thing."

"What?"

Something glistened by your neck. Sharp. Metal. He had a knife pressed to your throat, the blade just managing to dent your skin.

"You're going to die."

Missing. Sometimes they turned up. Other times they were probably dead. If he didn't figure this out, you were dead already.

"I'm... I kind of figured that too, you know."

"Oh, really? Aren't you something?" There was something like a grin on his face, but it was too misshapen to really tell. "So unaffected. So controlled."

"How do you even... turn into these people? What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Take a guess. An educated guess is always better than nothing." His voice pitched up into Wellston's awkward sing-song, repeating what he used to say in class. Near-perfectly.

"Why are you so sure you won't get caught?"

"That's not an answer, and I can't exactly reveal such things, you know."

"Not even when you're about to kill me?"

"Oh, unfortunately not."

"Go f*ck yourself." That made the man laugh. If he wasn't in this situation right now, Miles might have managed a smile at that.

"Yeah, go f*ck yourself," he muttered, voice being caught half-way into his modulator in a grainy, deep sound.

In an instant, Miles soared above the two of you, foot smashing itself right in the centre of the Chameleon's face, his knife clattering to the floor. As he stumbled back, you got up, taking the opportunity to run, footsteps hard against the pavement.

Suddenly, the Chameleon was stuck between the wall and Miles' knee, steadying himself with his hands against the brick. Miles could make out some kind of morphed look of glee on his face as his clawed hand clamped him to the wall by both sides of his neck. The lips and teeth were starting to form through the flesh, and Miles let the energy build up in the converter as the smile fell into place, cell by cell.

"You don't want to kill me," he stated, simply.

"Pretty sure I do." Miles' claws just scraped at the skin starting to form at his neck. The quiet whirr of his gauntlet starts to become audible.

"You can't kill me. I am everywhere."

If everywhere is right in front of me, I mean...

"I know what you're doing, Dmitri. It ends here."

"I know what you're doing, Prowler."

He finally sees it, what's forming on the man's face. It's him.

"One of my best students, I never would have guessed," he started, grinning wildly, with some sort of overwhemled excitement.

Miles felt his mouth go dry, his face under the mask paralysed as the one staring at him continued to smile.

"The DNA that I retrieved from you is that of... Miles Gonzalo Morales."

It was as if the shockwave forming in his gauntlet slowed with time itself as he came to stare. He was looking at himself. Smiling. Grinning. Crazed. Miles Gonzalo Morales.

"Kill me. I have my assets, and subordinates. They will end you. Your mother, Rio. The hospital she works at. Your uncle, Aaron."

The quiet whirr in his gauntlet faded into silence. He felt his hand retreat, leaving the Chameleon, still posing as Miles, grinning, unblinking, and flat against the wall.

"Oh, you've made a very good choi―"

SLAM!

Metal met with bone, an audible crack following as Miles' clawed fist met the wall, the Chameleon's face smashed between the two.

"You mother... f*cker..." he breathed out, voice choked through the sudden rush of blood, smearing against the wall as he lifted his face from it.

Miles pointed his gauntlet at him again, the whirring renewing itself to a high-pitched scream, light purple expanding between them and tearing through the alleyway like fire.

"Muerto el pollo." (Job done.)

The man's reforming grin was overtaken by the brightness of the blast, energy snapping into one focused point before hurtling through the air, right at the Chameleon.

Miles felt his ears start to ring. His body was lightweight. Airborne.

His back hit something hard, and suddenly the lightness was replaced with an erratic clawing spreading up his arm. The light flickered into sparks that led fire under his sleeve, eating away at his skin. Burning. The blindness faded away, eyes managing to focus. All he could see past the smoke was a figure approaching him, and a hysteric laugh that grew louder and instantaneously changed pitch.

"So confident," is what he could make out through the ringing in his ears that had bled through his head into a sharp, disorienting pain. "I almost thought you had me."

Ripping the burning gauntlet off of himself, he noticed something jammed in the converter as he shook the heat from his arm. Some sort of sabotaging device. He'd had just a few seconds before the burning would've made it past his skin. The Chameleon had planned this.

Looking to his other gauntlet, he noticed the same device, ripping it out before crushing it under his foot. Never twice.

Swallowing back the cough building up in the back of his throat, Miles made a move for the Chameleon, before catching his figure turn left ― running.

Coño. (F*ck.)

Launching himself up, Miles locked onto the man, hurtling through a series of alleyways, fluidly dodging every obstacle in his way as if to waste no time. He could not let him get into a crowd and disappear. This had to end here, even if he had no god damn plan and his uncle was sure to scold him when he got back. He wasn't going to let you or anyone else get killed by this crazy f*ck.

Miles threw himself down into the next alleyway, hearing heavy, fast footsteps, someone approaching in his vision.

Just a little closer.

SLAM!

He threw the Chameleon down onto the ground, noticing he'd already changed appearance.

That face. No, this wasn't the Chameleon.

It was... you. And you were looking right at him. Terrified.

"Please, please let me go," you mumbled, gasping for air in-between words... "I... You're the... Prowler, I― Please― The... That guy's after me and..."

Your head fell against the concrete, an exhausted look in your eyes as you caught your breath.

"Please. I didn't... I didn't do anything. I can keep quiet about you, I haven't told the police anything. About Oscorp. Nothing."

"I know it's you, Chameleon." You would've ran far away by now, he was sure.

"I―I swear I'm not. I'm not him, I don't know how to prove it to you, but... I called my friend for help and... he never came. Please. Please let me go. I don't know where the Chameleon is right now."

Another set of footsteps came towards the both of you.

"I'm right here, Prowler," emerged another voice from the alley.

It was... you?

"Come on. Weren't you looking for me?" the other you continued, half-hidden in shadow. "Come get me."

So the you on the floor... was actually you. And this...

"Please, that's... that's him, you've gotta let me go," the you that was on the ground muttered, exasperated. There was a waver in your voice. In the way your eyes widened looking at him. Almost like confusion.

The Chameleon was right there. Admitting that he was in fact the Chameleon. While he was trying to run away.

"Please," he heard below him, a quiet, desperate whisper in the silence.

You both looked identical. Even though he'd injured the Chameleon, the both of you were unscratched. You both sounded the same too, from what he could decipher. No real way to tell you apart. And his only answer right now felt like a trick.

He kept eyes on the you standing before him, barely making out a face. Something was there, in the way that you looked, the way you stood. Something strange, something he couldn't figure out fast enough to make any decision.

And then, he felt a little pinch. One that suddenly exploded and tore through his flesh, wrangling with every one of his nerves as his body seized. You had lost your scared, desperate expression, your face now distorting along with his vision into that of a smile.

"I understand," a voice started, ringing through his head as if it was everywhere. "You want to help me."

The pain was clawing its way through his body from a point in his leg. He turned his head, noticing the discarded needle beside him. He'd managed to ease his hand just close enough to administer it. You ― no, the Chameleon, lifted himself from the ground, before Miles felt his head spin hard with a kick.

"I admire you, your wit," he called out, letting out a laugh as he started to walk towards you. "Turning against your own savior. Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful."

No, no... There was... there was no way you were working with him. There was no way you...

"You have proven yourself. You'll be better than... than that Garrett fool. I've changed my mind."

Miles rummaged in his utility belt for something, anything. He had no idea what he'd been given, but it was already running through his blood, reaching his brain and poisoning every part of it.

"Your friend over there is going to be unconscious in about half a minute. Why don't you take care of him? I'll be a fool to kill you once you do."

Get up, Miles.

His head throbbed with the sound of your footsteps, each one getting louder and louder. His limbs were weakening. He could barely lift his head.

Get up!

"Dad... Dad? No no no... Get up, get up!"

The gauntlet was slowly slid off of him, now in your hands as his arm fell uselessly onto the ground in front of him.

The gauntlet clipped onto your arm, fingers moving as yours did. He felt the metal claws just scrape his helmet, a faint clink echoing through his skull.

Miles didn't want to look at your face, but he couldn't find it in him to look anywhere else. There was that something from before in your expression that he couldn't quite place, and he still didn't have an answer. It bothered him, for some damn reason. Not the fact that he had his own weapon pointed to his brain as he was losing consciousness. Not the fact that he couldn't move. Not the fact that his last thoughts were about the look on your face and not his mom, or his dad.

Whirrr...

That brightness that the Chameleon had been staring at before was now staring right at him. Overwhelming, blinding, all-encompassing. He felt the faint heat on his skin, as his eyelids grew heavy. Something like warmth in contrast to the cold metal, if just for a second. Something like knowing in your eyes. Something hopeful, saving, loving. Even if just for a second. Even if his brain had made it up to let him succumb.

He wished he could smile, and not be terrified. He wished he could be like his dad, who had smiled.

"Take care of your mom for me, Miles. I ain't gonna be around forever."

And he reached for his helmet. To show you his face, to hope you'd stop once you saw him. He reached, before his arm fell limp beside him once more.

Sorry. I'm so sorry.

"Hey, hello?"

"Hey!"

"Prowler? ...Are you dead?"

God, what did you have to do if he didn't respond...? Breathing, pulse...

"What the..." you heard, before he exploded into a painful-sounding coughing fit, tinged by some kind of voice changer. The Prowler lifted his head, and you could make out az kind of shadow where his eyes were behind the dull, unlit screen. "Huh...?"

"Hey, uh. The... Chameleon..."

Gesturing to the pile on the floor, the Prowler seemed to tense a little at the sight. It was the Chameleon, or... what was left of him. His face charred and caved in by the likes of a certain purple energetic blast. Right, you, had to explain that, the de-powered weapon in your hands.

"Sorry for... I didn't know what I was doing, that was―"

"You killed him?" came out a quiet, modulated voice.

That was...

You killed him. With the Prowler's weapon.

You were defending yourself. You were defending him. That man was a...

Thunk!

The metallic arm hit the ground as it rolled out of your arms, looking into the hollow shadows of the Prowler's eyes.

You didn't know anything about any of these people, and you were deep into their world. It was one that you had never thought you'd see, and now you had nothing to dig yourself out of it. You decided to trick him and when Miles was too late to figure it out you had...

You had killed someone. Turned the blast on him within a split second, watching it sear through his skull in a merciless flurry, stab after stab of burning hot energy wracking more and more screams. Right until the weapon had run out of energy. Until your finger grew numb from the trigger inside the device and the alleyway had gone silent. The man that had haunted your mind for months was unmoving before you, ripped of all features, all life.

Murder. Manslaughter. This man had connections. They'd come after you. After everyone you knew and loved. After Miles.

You should've stayed home.

The ache of adrenaline surged through your heart, your muscles, begging. Begging you to move. To run. To get up.

Get up. Run. Run away. Scream for help. Do something.

You felt the scratch of brick, arms enveloping the rest of you as you backed into the wall.

Hide.

All the breath in your lungs seemed to leave at once as you desperately tried to breathe it back in, hearing the air rush in and out of your mouth over and over. It was loud. So loud. The blast had been so loud. He had screamed so loud―

"Hey."

The hand on your shoulder was warm, free of any metal.

"It's... alright," you heard him say.

How could he say that?

"How can you say that?" Your voice was muffled. Wavering. Pathetic.

Would they believe you? With that stupid, pathetic, voice, whoever it was that found you ― would they believe you?

"How can you say that...?" you repeated, pressing your face further into your knees. The touch on your tensed shoulder felt offensive. Mocking.

"You're gonna be okay."

"How am I gonna be okay?"

"You didn't do anything wrong."

"How do you know that?"

You were looking at him now, breath hitched, eyes wide. You tried to sound frustrated, angry, but all that came out of your throat was a sound that told the Prowler "I am scared" in every language.

The Prowler hadn't killed you. He was comforting you. In any other circumstance, you could've laughed at the thought. To your knowledge, this Prowler hadn't killed anyone, or put everyone he loved in severe danger. Maybe you were worse than him.

"Why won't you answer any of my questions...?" you mumbled hopelessly, burying your face in your hands. You could smell concrete, dust, and ash ― invisible, yet incriminating.

Hiss... Click!

You felt hands wrap around your wrists, carefully pulling yours away from your own face. Just as you looked up, you could see the mask dismantling itself, disappearing behind his head.

What was left was a face. The Prowler's face.

No, this is...

Brown, maybe green-ish eyes. They were a smooth coppery colour under the dim light, bright among the shadows underneath his eyes. A black-red was drying on his skin, under his nose and creeping past his cracked lips. Two braids, coming unfurled at the ends, coming all the way back up to the top of his head. A soft face with harshness painted all over it. An exhausted, pained and worried expression.

"Hey, pana."

The face you had so prayed to see blurred into a watery mess as you threw your arms around him, squeezing your eyes shut against his jacket. His arms followed, settling over yours, one palm circling your back and the other settled between your shoulders.

You didn't think you'd held anyone tighter. You didn't know someone could hold to the point that their arms were shaking around you.

"Miles..."

You felt his head rest beside yours, the contours of his face melding against your shoulder. Warmth was running down your face ― blooming in your chest.

"I've got you."

"Mij— Oh... Oh my!"

You'd scrubbed your eyes hard as you could, and Miles had fixed himself up into a giant hoodie and jeans, but you were almost certain that the woman in front of you was utterly convinced that the both of you had been run over by a subway train. Miles' mom, standing with a vacuum cleaner that contributed nothing to the silence. Her jaw was inching closer to the floor the longer the silence stretched out.

"Uh... hola, mami. This is my friend," Miles offered, not sounding any less like he'd been met face first with the headlights of New York public transportation.

"Hi, Mrs... Morales."

The woman propped the vacuum cleaner against the wall, letting out a quiet sigh. She had beautiful curly hair, and was now wearing the sharp-softness of her son's face in a polite, and concerned smile. You didn't want to turn to check if Miles still had blood on his face.

"Is this a bad time...?" you started. "I can—"

"Oh, no, no, I just... I haven't even made dinner yet, I didn't expect—" The woman lets out another breath, shaking her head. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't be so rude. What are you two... What have you been up to?"

"We just... you know," Miles gestured with his hands, charading less than nothing in the air.

"You know...?" she replied, eyes squinting.

"I uh, already ate. Don't worry about it, Mrs. Morales," you continued, giving her what you hoped looked like a smile on your face. "Miles just wanted to show me something. It'll be quick."

"Uh, yeah. That."

"You're not staying for dinner?" she called out, as Miles dragged you into his room. "I was gonna make pastelón—"

"I'll come help you in a sec, mami."

Miles closed the door to his room, and the two of you shared a look as you heard the long, muffled sigh from outside. With the sound of the vacuum cleaner whirring in the hallway and disappearing into another room, the two of you sat on the edge of the twin-size bed, the frame creaking uncomfortably.

The room wasn't particularly big, crowded with posters and various newspaper clippings — many about the Prowler. There were crates tucked away beside his closet, faces of toy figurines and comic books peeking out of them. A lone screwdriver sat on his desk, a stack of notebooks beside it. The backpack you'd seen him take to school was hanging on the back of his chair, a study guide for "Invisible Man" peeking out of it. All that was on his bedside table other than papers was a frame. A young boy, missing a tooth, on the shoulders of an older man, the two of them beaming through the picture.

"You hurt or anything?" he asked quietly, making you remember that he was next to you. "Like, injured?"

"No, I'm... fine." You took half of a breath before your lungs started to ache, swallowing back the dryness of your throat. Mostly fine. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. My mom's a nurse, so... I kinda..."

"Oh... Yeah, yeah." Huh.

Mrs. Morales certainly didn't seem to know about her son's... part-time job.

You noticed a set of blueprints on the wall, resembling the clawed arms he had stashed away without you or his mom seeing.

"You made those...? The claw-glove things?"

"They're gauntlets."

It was somewhat like the tone of voice he used when he was explaining a calculus question — not condescending, but somewhat tired and fed-up.

"Right..." Gauntlets. Sure.

The vacuuming stopped, and a few moments later the clinking of cookware could be heard.

"You staying for dinner?"

"Huh...? Um, I don't wanna bother your mom."

"Please...? I'm gonna get it if you go home without eating." Something about that made you laugh, even if it was a half-hearted sound that fizzled out before it could really sound like one.

"She seems nice," you mused.

"She is. She tries."

Something of a smile tugged at his lips as a quick snort of air left him, his eyes now on yours.

"I got a lot of explaining to do, huh?" His smile faded a little as the words left his mouth.

"You do. Maybe... Maybe not now, though."

"Yeah. Not now."

In your peripheral, you could make out his arm inching closer to yours. The tips of his fingers just brushed your knuckles, leaving just a spark of feeling against your skin. His throat bobbed a little as he swallowed, and—

"Miles, ¡ven a cortame estas cebollas! (Come and cut these onions for me!)"

"Oh! Um— Okay!"

The bed squeaked again as he stood up, and you could tell he was biting the inside of his cheek. You closed your hand as the lingering feeling of his touch disappeared.

"...You sure I can stay for dinner?"

"You sure you just asked me that?"

"Alright, alright."

You gave him a little more of a smile, and you could see him fighting to not return it as he looked back at you.

"i'm gonna... go and—"

"Yeah, you do that, Miles."

He handed you his phone, or, a phone.

"You can... play some music, if you want. It's connected to that speaker. Just not too loud, yeah?"

You noticed there was no SIM card in it. He pointed to the little speaker sitting by the window sill, peeking out behind a hung up jacket and a school blazer.

"...Thanks."

The door to his room shut, and the murmured voices of Miles and his mom faded as you selected a song. You recognised some of them, ones you'd heard people sing along to on the street or in the cafeteria of your school. This one stood out, though.

It started slow, and the man's voice was rich, full of life and emotion. It was strangely melancholic against the uplifting instrumentals.

"~Ain't no love, in the heart of the city..."

You stood up, walking to the window to get a better listen of it. Lifting up the blinds, your eyes caught something in the darkness. A giant painting of Jefferson Morales. Miles' dad. It was half-finished, but his smile was there.

You couldn't help but think how he looked so much like Miles.

"~Ain't no love, cause you ain't around..."

An almost inaudible rustle caught your attention as you tuned to look at the jacket you had touched. Something had fallen out of its pocket while you were trying to move the speaker. It was a piece of paper, something written on it.

Reaching down, you moved to put it back in the pocket, before noticing what was peeking out of it.

Unfolding just the edge of it, you recognised the title of a Spanish lesson you had a while ago, back when Rafael had been bothering you endlessly. Opening it up entirely, you found what he'd been making fun of Miles for.

There were a series of drawings around scrawled Spanish vocabulary and messy grammar rules. One was of your teacher, Mrs. Hernández, turned away, writing on the board. The other was of the picture of the landmark in the article you had been given, "Arco de"-something. The colour of the building was done in yellow highlighter, but looked rather technical and accurate nonetheless.

The one on the back made you almost drop the paper.

It was you, with such a likeness. Some lines had been erased and re-drawn around your mouth, as if he'd been trying to decide on an expression. Within the creases of the paper you were holding right now, though, you found yourself smiling — just slightly, like if you'd been laughing at something with the rest of your class. Your head was tilted slightly downwards. The drawing version of you was just a little cuter than you were sure you looked like, Miles' stylisation making your eyes shine a little and your lips curve just the right way.

By the time your stomach had stopped fluttering, the song was coming to a close. You quickly re-crumpled the paper and carefully put it back into the jacket, walking over to sit on his bed again.

"~Ain't no love, in the heart of this town..."

"...You never come back this late, mijo..."

"...We just bumped into each other and started talking. You know, like how at the store..."

"...Your tías are different, Miles..."

He really does have a lot to explain, you thought to yourself, unable to stop the corners of your mouth from lifting up, just slightly.

Your questions would just have to wait until after dinner.

my lovely jubly taglist: @noetophat @sakura-onesan @bakugouswaif @phoenixinthefiles @daydreaming-en-pointe @sp1derw1re @kvvrc @spookyscaryskeletrans @proudgojofucker  @spam-1 @playboifenty @hobiebrownismygod @kissingkzuha @nyumeii @uwukiity @itzmeme @shittingonyourgrave @theyluvbix @kezibear @theseustimes

thank you for reading! epilogue hopefully coming soon 👍 reblogs + replies are appreciated 💗 find the rest of my writing in my atsv masterlist here!

[rc-writes]

Hello! Wanted to start of by saying that ur account is so adorable!

But I was wondering if you would read something fluffy for Ethan Morgan (my boy deserves more love & attention from the fandom)

I don’t have an exact prompt but maybe, like it’s their first date as a real couple or something thats just super fluffy!

Thank you again!

𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐬 & 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬

𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙨  |  𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢

pairings: ethan morgan x reader

warnings: reader is mentioned to have helped the rest of the gang with supernatural events, geese are present, possibly a grammar mistake here or there (please let me know if you see any)

a/n: hi! thank you so much!! i spent forever editing everything so it makes me so happy that people actually like it! and thank you for sending this request in, sorry it took forever for me to actually write it :/ but anyways, i hope you like how i went with this!! also there's a second a/n at the end btw

“Ethan, you really didn’t have to do this.” You and Ethan stood with arms linked in line to get into one of the few fancy restaurants in Whitechapel. You both were only standing in the entrance area but you could still see how beautifully laid out the place was. White tablecloths and sparkling silverware sat upon each table, soft string lights hung from the ceiling, and low music played. “I do appreciate it, I really do, but you don’t have to spend this much money on me.”

“We’ve been officially… together,” He spoke as if it was still so shocking to him. “For almost two months now and for once there’s no monsters or ghosts attacking. I wanted to give you the nice and calm date you deserve.”

You blushed slightly and began to explain that as long as you were with him any type of date would have been perfect when the man at the hostess stand started talking.

“Do you two have a reservation?” 

“Yes, I reserved a table for two.” Ethan answered. “It should be under the name Ethan Morgan.”

The man nodded and began tapping on a computer screen to look up the name given in their system. After a bit too long of silence the man looked up, seemingly annoyed by something. “That name is reserved for the 20th, it’s the 15th.”

“Oh, uh… sorry about that.” Ethan stuttered, embarrassed. “I guess I must have told you guys the wrong date.”

“Appears so.” The man spoke in a deadpan voice, he didn’t have time for this. 

“Saying the wrong date, must happen all the time, right?” You tried to ease the awkwardness with a joke.

The man seemed to hold an even more annoyed look now. “No. Now will you please move on, there are many others behind you with actual reservations for tonight.”

A few awkward smiles and nods later you and Ethan were out the door and halfway down the street. Your arms were still linked but neither of you said anything until you made it around the corner.

“I’m so sorry Y/n for messing the dates up.” Ethan finally spoke. “We’ve been through so much weird and awful stuff this past year and I wanted to give you one nice day. I completely understand if you want to just go home and forget this ever happened.”

You immediately stopped in your tracks causing Ethan to stop as well and you moved to stand in front of him. “Ethan, it really isn’t that big of a deal. You don’t have to feel bad about making an honest mistake. The fact that you went out of your way to make a phone call to reserve us a table is enough to show me that you care.” 

Now Ethan was taken aback. “You're not mad I messed up your day?”

You laughed at his sincerity. “Of course not E! And you didn’t mess up my day in any way. As long as I'm with you it’s a perfect day. Well, maybe if there’s not some ancient spirit or something involved.” 

Ethan laughed at the reference to the event that took place just the week before. “So what would you like to do now?”

You thought about the options for a moment. At first you thought about just watching a movie, but since Ethan insisted on having an actual date you had to think of something else. “Maybe we can spend the day at the park? It’s only a block away and I heard they put in feeder machines where you pay a few cents to feed the geese.”

The smile on Ethan’s face vanished the second you said the word “geese”. “Uh, how about something else?”

A slight smirk began to appear on your face as you removed your arm from Ethan’s and crossed them over your chest. “Are you afraid of geese? You’ve fought evil vampires and spirits but you're afraid of a few geese?”

“Vampires and spirits have weak spots and can have some sense of humanity. Geese just permanently have murder on their mind!” 

You laughed at his choice of words. “I can agree that they do look and act like that sometimes, but if you move slowly and calmly they won’t be as reactive.”

“Since when were you a geese expert? And we’re not exactly dressed for the park.”

You laughed once more. “Says who?” You then grabbed his arm to start quickly walking to the park.

Sure enough once you both arrived at the park you spotted about two dozen Canadian geese wandering around in one big group.They were all standing within a few feet of the new feeder machines, they must have already figured out that’s where the food was stored.

“Oh look there’s babies!” You pointed out to Ethan and then began to quickly but calmly make your way to the feeders.

And while the baby geese were quite cute the fact that there was a very protective mama goose nearby made the whole situation even more terrifying for Ethan. Despite how many times you insisted that he would be alright, he insisted on staying a good distance from the geese. He wasn’t exactly okay with you approaching them on your own. That’s why he decided to hold a handful of feed just in case if they started attacking he could throw it to the side in hopes of changing their focus. 

But the geese never did attack, they actually seemed to like you, or at least like the fact that you were giving them food. One brave baby goose even decided to slowly approach you. While being very aware you were being closely watched by the mother goose you slowly crouched down and slowly held your hand out for the baby. It didn’t hesitate to walk forward once the food was in sight.

Ethan watched from the sidelines in awe, he couldn’t believe what was happening in front of him. He’s seen you fight off vampires, spirits, and everything in between, but the fact that you were fearlessly feeding a swarm of geese seemed so impossible. Either you walked out of a Disney movie or these were the nicest geese known to man.

“Come one, I promise it’ll be alright!” You called out to Ethan. And after a few moments of hesitation he finally decided to walk, very slowly, in your direction.

“Holy crap I’m standing in the middle of a swarm of geese.” He breathed out once he was next to you, if he was any closer you would be holding him. One goose moved closer to him in search of food to which Ethan haphazardly threw the bird feed, still in fear of them getting too close.

“You don’t have to throw it. If anything, throwing food around makes them more crazy.” You pointed out. “Here, let me show you how to hand feed them.”

“What?” Ethan croaked out before you pulled him down with you to sit on the ground. 

You poured a bit of food in his hand and then slowly began to hold it out. “Just hold your hand out and they’ll care more about the food than wanting to attack you.” You reassured. “Though they might accidentally bite your hand.”

“What?” Ethan’s eyes went wide in fear at your attempt at reassurance. He then began to giggle when one goose started eating out of his hand. “Actually it kind of tickles a bit.” 

After that Ethan wasn’t as afraid of the geese as he was before. And after a short time you two both ran out of change to buy more feed and began making your way back home.

“You know I’m kinda glad you reserved the wrong date.” You admitted as you and Ethan walked hand in hand on the sidewalk.

“Happy to know my terrified state made you happy.” Ethan joked.

“I can’t lie, it was kinda funny.” You laughed to which Ethan softly nudged your arm. “But I think I liked the joy on your face once you weren’t afraid either.”

2nd a/n: wanted to put this in a second a/n so i didn’t spoil anything. but this is half inspired by the fact that a few years ago when i went camping with some family there were geese around. and while everyone else kept their distance i managed to have one baby goose walk right up to me and eat out of my hand. it’s parents stared me down the entire time but i was so amaze it even walked up to me to care lol. also i can definitely see ethan telling benny all about the geese and genuinely not believing it until the reader reassured it actually happened. though even then I don’t think he’d fully believe it lol

[eucidianlyendless]

Okay, how do I do this,

Let's see uh

Okay I have nothing to copy and paste really, so I'm just going to write from scratch. Bear with me.

Hiiiii I'm Edmund Endless. I'm 18, as of last February. Seems important to put out into the world.

I'm a little weirdo. Or, well a tall one according to some people (is 5'8" tall?), But either way, I fully admit that I am in fact rejecting the term normal when it comes to my identity. I'm in fact very eccentric in between the fact that I consider things like slacks to be casual pants and almost always wear some kind of Hawaiian shirt out in public because I like the design of a short sleeve button up with desgny stuff, that definitely counts.

As far as hobbies go, I've had a bit of time to accumulate some, such as being an artist on paper and digitally, a rudimentary writer in the works, and then I look cooking and playing Minecraft (I am most certainly not a gamer but that will hopefully be something I can work on)

I also like to dress super femme [though, also, I see clothing as a thing all should be able to enjoy free of gendered norms, sooo-]. So far not anything huge since I'm working on getting a job as we speak, but once I have money flowing in, I plan to do more. I think skirts, fishnets, and makeup are all amazing things, and that's not even the start of it.

Edit: I've been considering Gothic Victorian attire... I think it's also called Gothic Lolita? Outfits I've found look cute and i wish I had them now-

Anyway, as mentioned in my blurb at the top, I am neurodivergent. As far as I know I Do have an official diagnosis but I don't know where they are because I was not the one who got them- but anyway I have Autism and ADHD. I like to think of them as additional overlays over my brain (I imagine ADHD as like the weird additional RAM space over with my left hemisphere for example) that have a few drawbacks but generally make me who I am. Everyone is a unique individual and I think that's one of the best things ;]

Formerly I was a proud owner of a surprisingly old cockatiel whom I love and cherish- he got to be 31, nearly 32, this year. And throughout the last summer, I also care for two cats- neither of which have any problem with my bird. Usually it's more a concern of if he'll bite them lol

Since my birds passing I've adopted two rescues who needed a new person and while they're not fully tamed yet, we all enjoy each other and I hope to further the bond with time and effort.

Anyway it's a fair warning that because of that I may or may not understand certain social cues, sarcasm, certain jokes, etc. I definitely understand text tones a little better even before people started employing the /srs or whatever stuff, but it's better to put that out there. I can also be a little blunt, but between autism and experiences, I do try to not be harsh if I can.

Anyway I'm running out of long things to list so I'm just going to put some additional facts down here

- I currently have at least one experience working on an alpaca farm, and as a result I have a couple vague understandings of the stuff that goes on there and why they're quite profitable.

- I really really want to dye a bit of my hair hot pink. I think it would be awesome and very outside the box. [Edit: I DID IT! I'M GONNA DO IT AGAIN eventually]

- I like scary stuff and I like silly stuff, and I especially like it when both are involved. Mainly because I see a lot of the same humor nowadays and horror doesn't always phase me (I was one of those kids who got into FNAF when I was younger so a lot of the feeling of being scared over those kind of things desensitized me a little.)

- I at one point wanted to be a YouTuber as a career, but most likely that will not happen due to the ridiculousness of the platform not likely going to mesh very well with my vocabulary at least half the time consisting of Fuck here and there- which is to say I will probably still eventually get back into that because I wanted to post things on there too.

- I've been getting into baking and I really want to try to make creamy jalapeno popper stuffed chocolate donuts from scratch. I also want to make a pizza from scratch :]

- I love Legos and I like making transformers out of them when I can figure out how to do it.

- I like music that is either from the 50s jazz era, older rock, shitposty songs, and then will wood. I/me/myself babyy :D

- I have read the entire Twilight series and shamelessly admit that I used to think it was the coolest thing when I was younger. Not So much Anymore.

- I'm a big fan of books by Rick riordan, James Patterson, and other obscure artists that right strange cool stories- such as The hitchhiker's guide which I also read the entire trilogy of four books.

- for some reason my default thought to looking cooler involves spikes and leather and you know I can't entirely say why. But I think it makes anyone look instantly cooler to be dressed in at least a cool leather jacket and heeled matching boots.

- I am in fact the person behind the two projects R.O.O.T and Enduralt. The former (Root) which I work on more because that's a long-term project and an original project. The other one (Enduralt) was just something me and an old friend kind of jumped back into for fun and I figured I'd keep the ball rolling as long as I can since I felt like it deserved to have its ideas shown in some capacity.

- I have a C shaped spine last I checked. It doesn't affect a whole lot as long as I'm careful, but I think it's an interesting fact to mention.

- through very roundabout means I am related to Johnny Cash, but not by blood.

- at some point I really want to have the space to build the model of an old car but retrofitted for modern road safety stuff since nowadays you need to have at least a partially electric car to drive on the road. I'd like to have mine look nice and cool.

- this probably should have gone upwards by the cake idea but I really like mixing foods together and at some point I intend to create my ultimate burger I've always dreamed of.

- also my favorite color is magenta and I am frustrated that it is hard to find that color in the kind of clothes I like to get because if I could I would have a lot of nice sweaters and skirts and stuff in magenta and it would be amazing-

Anyway, that's all I can think of right now, so unless I something start reblogging and adding more to the list, that's everything relevant. Feel free to ask more about that stuff and I'll tell stories like the weird uncles/dad friend that I am to people.

How the hell do I pin this-

[roseinshadows]

Mild dev story: Battlepass Tiers

This is from the latest Jimquisition.

It kind of reminded me of a thing.

This was in late 2000s when I was doing a university "project" course interning at a company. (The company seemed to exist at least at some level a couple of years ago, but now appears to have been bought by a bigger internet-of-things company. I haven't seen the "product" they made in a while, so whatever code I wrote back then is so deep in the vault that nobody is ever going to see it again. I take honour in knowing my code is deeply appreciated by the top men.)

"programming is rather thankless. u see your works become replaced by superior ones in a year. unable to run at all in a few more." - _why

Anyway. I was tasked to write a shop interface for a future "access tier" functionality. Mainly, at the time, it was about integrating the third party electronic payment library, and to add ability to initiate and accept/reject purchases through electronic banks and payment providers. Simple stuff. At this time the shop frontend was supposed to just be nonsense that wasn't actually visible to production users, so I could come up with nonsense access tier "products".

So I came up with some access tiers!

"Bronze!"

"Silver!"

"Gold!"

...Okay so far!

"Platinum!" Why not! ...

Then my ideas started running dry. "Titanium!" ... uh, why not...? "Neutronium!"...

I tried to stretch my creative writing skills so that the first tier levels would look sensible based on the boss's instructions.

I don't know what ungodly riches I promised to the buyers of the higher tiers. "Oh if you buy the Neutronium package you get all of the stuff from the previous tiers plus a private 24H lounge and spa". (You know. For a subscription to a boring web service.) Stuff along those lines.

It was a joke anyway. Nothing of the sort was supposed to make it to the production.

Anyway, my boss was like "good job, nicely done."

I expected literally no acknowledgement, and I got literally no acknowledgment. ...Fair is fair.

The product may have actually had some use for some years after the course was finished... maybe? I rightly can't tell. This product was basically known by a codename and I have no idea if it actually got to production stage. (It was also supposed to be offered to the university students enventually, and I literally heard nothing about it during the rest of my studies.)

So why am I talking about this after a random Jimquisition screenshot?

Well.

Thanks to this little internship, I can legitimately say I have professional experience about TIER NAMING.

(Point the first: I literally have no marketing experience except that. Point the second: I'm not going to put this in my LinkedIn, don't worry.)

So, a professional opinion:

If you name your tier "Ultimate", you fucking don't do "Ultimate+".

You can only go beyond "Ultimate" if you do "Ultimate Motherfucking Super Badass Double Diamond Motherfucker!"¹. Which doesn't fly well in a dry corporate setting.

Stick with a series of more and more implausible elements.

Even if you are stretching it.

¹ (...I was inspired by a video lampooning crypto scams, unfortunately it has no English subs)

Oh yeah! EDIT: BONUS RESEARCH SHENANIGANS

I tried to look for the battle pass details on official EA site. It only showed me "Free", "Premium" and "Premium+" tiers.

I noticed the URL had ?isLocalized=true in the URL.

Ha HA! Being a web software develper, I have [level 0] at hax0r skills. What happens if I change that shit to true?

What. Let's try again.

"I have not the strength, nor the wisdom to master such power… …But one day I shall!" (Ultima VIII: Pagan)

[floofybirb]

Thanks for the tag! :D

Do I really have to tag the prev person after my thanks bc wouldn't they get, like, a reblog notif?- okay okay @fandomsareforlife

Made the questions coloured bc then my brain can separate questions from answers easier

Nickname: It'll completely expose my real name xD it's literally my real name with a Y at the end

Sign: Libra

Height: I haven't checked in a long time, but I can guess 5'2 from like, last year (I hope I've grown taller since then but for now this is all we got)

Last Thing I Googled: define aftermath (I just wanted an official definition alr)

Song Stuck In My Head: Right as I'm listening to an edit audio compilation

Followers: 45, surprisingly

Sleep: Circle. (JKJK Idk probably around 6 hours?? Inconsistently)

Dream Job: I've never known for my whole life tbh, but I guess now I can say whatever makes me happy. A job that I actually enjoy is my dream

Movies/Books That Summarize Me: I have... no idea

Wearing: I'm overthinking this question

Song: You‐ you want me, indecisive ol' me, to choose?

Instrument: I can't play any. I mean, yeah, I learnt how to use some but I can't, like, truly play any. I did learn to play the recorder but I think I forgot most of what I learned. Electric guitars are cool as hell though

Aesthetic: Do I even have one??

Favourite Author: Apparently the group has, like, a pen name. Uh, Zack Zombie. I'm childish and proud

Random Fun Fact: I really really wanna do archery, not to significantly kill though

Tagging @purplecherryuwu as well so now she has two tags

But this is also partially a joke srsly do not feel like you have to do it

Edit: WAIT WAS I MEANT TO TAG 15 PEOPLE, SORRY OP BUT I REALLY CAN'T DO THAT

15 Questions, 15 People

Thank you for the tag, @thebestieyoureinlovewith

Nickname: Wenka

Sign: Leo

Height: Idk, 5ft?

Last thing I googled: the addams family

Song stuck in my head: Catchy Song from LEGO Movie 2

Followers: 24

Sleep: Around 8 hours

Dream Job: Something to do with the Performing Arts

Movies/Books that Summarise Me: Loveless by Alice Oseman

Wearing: Pink jacket, white shirt, brown trousers, white socks

Song: I have so many, I can't decide

Instrument: Singing

Aesthetic: I don't have one lol

Favourite author: Alice Oseman

Random Fun Fact: I auditioned to be on the Voice Kids UK last year (I didn't get in lol)

I'm tagging: @mountainbug150 @hibiscusteee @howlermonkey69 @rubberducky2049 @mamawolfsmith16 @hufflepuffhazes-space @impossibelle @trysayingthatfivetimesfaster @fancy-pantaloons @istanrandomfandoms @zephyreros07 @i-have-a-dark-charm @thewheezyprophet @charp14 @scumwish

[apocalypticgargoyle]

𝘽𝙊𝙔𝙁𝙍𝙄𝙀𝙉𝘿 | 𝙠𝙖𝙧𝙡 𝙟𝙖𝙘𝙤𝙗 (18+)

∘ request(s): I am in love w all of you and i'm getting to the others when they fit :)

my personal favorites:

∘ pairing: edgy!Karl Jacobs x fm!reader

∘ warnings: nsfw (minors dni), smut, choking, fingering, slight domination

∘ links: 𐐪 ao3 𐑂 𐐪 previous part 𐑂 𐐪 submit an edgy!karl edit 𐑂

a/n: my incentive for getting these done (when they're fuffy) is listening to 21st Century Vampire in a dark room for four days, in case you guys were wondering.

Your tongue felt like sandpaper as you chewed the inside of your cheek. "No, uh… I think I need some time…" you trailed, your eyes flashing to his. "... To think…"

He nodded slightly, taking one last look at you before slipping out your front door, the lock clicking shut behind him.

Your heart hammered in your ears. You took a seat on your couch, carding your fingers through your hair as his face flashed into your mind, the somewhat confused expression boring a hole in your heart. You’d led him on, you knew it. It wasn’t that you weren’t into him, but the cold fear of what the two of you had vanishing after assigning labels flushed through your body. What if it was only as strong as it was because you weren’t stuck to each other? Was the fact that you were choosing to sleep with him and him alone not enough? What more could he want?

Then it dawned on you; what more would it be? The two of you were already attached at the hip a ridiculous amount of time, you already knew more about him than you cared to, and obviously, the two of you were already past the awkwardness of building a sexual relationship.

So what the fuck was wrong with you? Would it be so awful to be his girlfriend?

You avoided him for a few weeks, your mind burning with guilt and indecisiveness. As soon as you had straightened your thoughts and favored one reality over another, it was like buyer’s guilt persuaded you the other way.

Lectures were quiet, even lonesome for you without him around. That would add to your Pro Karl list; he was great company, especially in public, when he knew people were watching the two of you. Would that element be different when the two of you were dating?

You hadn’t realized how apparent your moping had become until your roommate brought it up one night. You were tucked into your favorite spot on the couch, mind racing with how to solve your problems. “I called Karl. I’m sick of this weepy, self-loathing bullshit. Man up and tie him down. I know you want to,” she stated bluntly, tugging open the curtains in the room to get to the windows. The night breeze wafted in as if it’d been knocking against the glass for an hour. “He’s outside.”

You blinked at her as she pulled you out of your seat. “He’s what?”

She pulled you behind her, slipping on her jacket. “I’m going to Clay’s. Work this shit out and let me know if I need to vacate for the week,” she jested, making you roll your eyes as she pushed you out in front of her. As she headed down the stairwell, Karl was on his way up, greeting her brightly as he usually did.

He smiled at you gently as he stopped in front of you, fondness and allure playing in his eyes. Even if you looked disheveled, he still looked upon you with pride and admiration. His hair was longer, but despite that, he looked exactly the same way you’d left him. You cleared your throat, the wind bringing his scent towards you. “We need to talk,” you mumbled. “You were right.”

He pressed his back against the dividing wall, tucking a cigarette behind his ear that he had between his fingers and looking out over the railing behind you. The city lights reflected in his eyes. "I didn’t mean to freak you out or anything. I just..." He looked at you softly. "Fuck, I really like you."

You crossed your arms, hands rubbing against the sleeves of your hoodie to generate more warmth. You were so torn. Most of you, wanted to wrap yourself up in him and give in to his offer while the ugly, nagging thoughts in your brain told you to run. "What about after we cool down then?" You asked, making one of his eyebrows feign to furrow. "Are you still going to be attracted to me after I'm… domesticated?"

He smiled slightly. "I'll probably be attracted to you even when your tits sag to your waist, baby." You rolled your eyes at his joke and he crossed the space between the two of you, shoes dragging against the cement. He pushed his fingers into your hair, settling his hand against your neck so his thumb brushed against your jaw soothingly. You leaned into his touch. "I just want to be locked down by you," he chided. "... Officially."

You let out a small wheeze. "You're not gonna be into my friends next week, are you?" It was a joke, but it came out as more of an insecurity.

He fought not to grin. "You're fuckin' serious?" He used his other hand to separate your arms gently, stepping into your embrace. "When I'm with other people, all I can think about is how they're not you."

He pressed a kiss to the corner of your mouth, eliciting a pleasant sigh from between your lips. You tightened your arms around him, basking in the warmth of his body as you threaded your hands beneath his jacket. "Even your mom?"

He snorted. "Don't make this weird," he jested, making you laugh softly. He pulled your body completely against him, digging his face into the crook of your neck as you sighed tiredly, your cheek pressing against his shoulder.

The bathwater was warm against your skin, Karl’s arm wrapping around your shoulder to pull you closer to him in the small tub, making you giggle slightly. You paused what you were doing as he dug his nose into the crook of your neck. You struggled to shrug from his grasp. “If you don’t stop, I’m gonna mess up your nails,” you wheezed, before he surrendered, leaning his back against the porcelain.

It was a brighter color than he usually wore, but the hue still gave him the dark appearance he prided himself on. Goosebumps peppered your skin as he drew absent-minded shapes into your back with the pad of his finger. “I missed you,” he hummed. Despite having your back to him and concentrating on not smearing his nail polish, you could hear the content smile in his voice. “And now, I’m your boyfriend,” he mocked, eliciting a snort from you.

You screwed the cap on the polish when you were satisfied with your work. “I feel like a middle school girl every time you say that,” you grumbled, jokingly.

He snickered. “Me too.” You could feel him watching you carefully as you blew on the nail polish, his fingers to your lips to test their dryness. He curled around you again, pressing his lips to your neck, his other arm curling around your torso. His breath was sweet against your skin, mixing with the steam from the water. “Stop it, or I’ll get too excited,” he groaned, making you smile.

You moved his hand to rest in the crook of your neck, fingers threatening to demonstrate his true strength. He swapped hands, his fingers dipping beneath the water towards your heat. His other hand wrapped around your neck, waiting for your first moans until applying pressure. Your head tilted back against his shoulder as he rubbed circles against your bundle of nerves, a sigh of pleasure spilling past your lips as his teeth nipped gently at your shoulders.

Your knees peeked out above the surface of the water as you leaned further back against him. He pressed his lips to the skin behind your ear. “Look at my girlfriend, so needy so quickly,” he moaned in your ear, slipping one of his fingers into you. His name fell from your lips as if your life depended on you repeating it. He pumped another finger into you, basking in the way you reacted to him. You hated how well he knew your body.

Before you knew it, your back was pressing into your sheets, Karl hovering over you. You dug your fingers into his hair, tugging lightly on his locks as he pushed himself into you with a moan. His hips rolled against yours, his forearms resting on either side of your head, pressing his lips to your shoulder. It wasn’t long until he was thrusting in and out of you, teeth printing his mark on your skin. “All mine,” he moaned as your fingernails pressed into his skin.

You smirked slightly, rutting your hips against his. “Oh, right there, Todd,” you moaned almost pornographically. Karl stiffened slightly, struggling not to laugh as you giggled.

His teeth dug into your neck, shutting you up with a moan. He pushed your hands above your head, intertwining his fingers with yours while his other hand moved to wrap around your throat. “He fucking wishes,” he hissed through gritted teeth, making your toes curl. His pace slowed, focused on driving himself deeper into you, reaching your sweet spot with each of his thrusts.

You moaned his name, pressing your lips to his shoulder as he dug his nose into the crook of your neck. He muttered pet names into your ear, coaxing you over the edge with his declarations of ownership over you.

The next morning, you wrapped your arms around Karl’s waist, pressing your cheek against the middle of his shoulder blades as he stirred whatever he was making. Your hands looped into the front pocket of his hoodie. The kitchen was humming with life as the radio hummed softly in one of the corners and the two of you lightly conversed.

You moved to lean against the counter beside him, attempting not to completely gush at the sight of his messy hair and lazy smile as he made you breakfast. “So, do I get to wear your letterman’s jacket now?” You joshed, making him smirk.

He flipped a pancake. “I mean, you can if you’d like, I think it’s at my mom’s,” he answered, soft tones of sleep still hanging in his voice. “You can twin with your pal, Todd. We went to the same high school.”

Your head tilted at the news, mouth slightly ajar. “No way. Please tell me you’re joking.”

He shrugged. “We lived down the road from each other growing up,” he recounted, making you chuckle at the irony.

You wet your lips slightly. “Now that we’re official, do you wanna have a threesome with him?” You asked sarcastically.

“If Todd’s dick comes anywhere near me, I’m moving to Iceland,” he finalized, making you laugh.

Tag List: @mrwinemaker @madsbbg @idiotinnit @xxtakechancesxx @chxrrymilkshake @westyywifee @kiritokunuwu @theholycakehole

[shooks-stupid-stuff]

AHAHA IT'S FINALLY DONE-

so hi yes @m-chromatic made a template for what if your oc was a secret boss and ofc i had to do it with The Funny One (aka sakomi)

and uh

piracy :]

full design/doodles/me rambling about this concept bc i really like it beneath the cut-

fuck i just realized i forgot her collar on the 'how they met the knight' drawing goddammit-

it's FINE that one's shitposty anyways-

ok so anyways. yeah so what's going on here huh? piracy. piracy is going on.

now to be CLEAR: sakomi is a lightner so like. she's not supposed to be a PIRACY WEBSITE or anything, no. she's a pirate, she DOES the pirating herself. don't ask how that works just accept it it makes sense i swear-

so like, i dunno i kinda just was thinking of designs and went 'yeah i should give her an eyepatch' and then i remembered piracy existed and it just worked (especially bc sakomi is based off of me and i pirate stuff all the time-)

oh yeah before i forget, initial design doodles + explanations on that-

god man i thought that citra joke was so funny when i thought of it.

it's really not.

uhhh anyways, so! design process woooo-

so, sakomi's og design takes a lot of inspiration in the outfit department from rudolf fire emblem (my beloved), so like. ofc i took more inspiration from fire emblem civbchjvb-

specifically with the scarf-bow-cape thing, which is inspired by generic adventurer class outfit from fire emblem fates (because that design slaps so fucking hard) as well as the hat and boots (the boots to a much lesser degree). other than that just y'know, a slightly torn up pirate coat and eyepatch for the pirate aesthetic, and gloves with colored fingertips bc they're c o o l (yes they aren't fingerless gloves).

and the in-universe explanation for why/how she has video game clothes is: she pirated them.

this is ADVANCED PIRACY (but more on that in a sec)

already explained the dumb joke one, so uh other doodle. so like, remember those anti-piracy psas that would play before movies? like, the one's that were edited to say you wouldn't download a car. so like. what if that but more fucked up-

like the eyepatch is not just for show (she accidentally poked her eye out with a ds cartridge, what a dumbass) but what if she tried to pirate a new eye

yeah it didn't work- (it did for her leg though so no more perpetual leg wound but still that's Fucked Up)

again, don't ask how this works it's just a cool idea and i like it (also she can threaten to pirate people's organs and that's just funny)

but yeah she probably participates in whatever black market cyber world has (it probably has one let's be real)

ok so now: i will uhh actually explain the stuff on the template one by one

before:

so sakomi's whole deal is that she's a lightner who's been trapped in the dark world for like 2 years and as such just basically lives there now. she has a small shop that is also her house (the curtain separates the two) and uh. yeah she doesn't get many customers, and being fucking TERRIBLE socially if she doesn't already know someone doesn't help. but she gets by (somehow). she's incredibly lonely, essentially being the odd man out in every way possible, but she gets by. i'll go into more detail on this in a later section though, so for now i'll stop.

after:

man oh man she's a criminal now-

jokes aside, she's still a shopkeeper, just for less than legal things now. some stuff is even free (but it's download only, physical media is still way cheaper than official releases though) but some of the pirated items are a bit lesser quality than the originals. you get what you pay for, i suppose lol.

obvious melee joke is obvious

additional sprites:

well (shitty) overworld sprite aside, w e a p o n s

she has a fucking gun oh god oh fu-

and a cool sword (also stolen from fire emblem, will elaborate in a bit). yeah she fights with them idk what else to say, no way in hell i'm coming up with like actual bullet patterns (yet)

item drops:

YES OK THIS I HAVE STUFF TO SAY ABOUT AHAHA

ok so first the scarf:

i kinda already explained the design, but the effect. not only is it a touhou reference (kinda) but also it reflects sakomi's feelings of loneliness and isolation. when you're all alone and feeling own in a sea of people who are all talking with others, it often can feel like your invisible (same when the few friends you do have ignore you in favor of other friends they like better; and yes, i'm speaking from experience). and since in dr certain attacks will target certain party members, it would make sense to translate this into an in battle effect that makes the character with it equipped less likely to get targeted. other than that it's inspired by the koishi card from touhou 18, except instead of making it impossible to die by touching an enemy it just makes your hitbox smaller cjvhcbj-

and next, the sword:

SO WHO HERE LIKES FIRE EMBLEM-

ok this one is simple. in fe there's a sword called the killing edge (yes i looked up synonyms for both words lmao) and it increases crit rate. so i made a bootleg (pirated) version of that, and since crits don't exist in dr it just makes the sweet spot for attacks a bit bigger (the little bar you hit for max damage). it's design is based off of the fire emblem awakening version of the killing edge (since it's my fave character of that game's signature weapon). not much else to it i just like my dumb anime tactical rpg lol-

how'd she meet the knight:

ok i know i made this one shitposty but i do have a legit thing for it lol

also no, i don't think the knight is gaster. fucking sue me.

aaaaaanyways. so imagine being sakomi in this situation.

-you've been missing for 2 years so your family/few friends think you're dead and you doubt you'll see them again because your stuck in some computer dimension

-you have terrible social anxiety and can't even bring yourself to talk to people unless it's strictly business

-you feel like you're annoying and no one actually likes you because you tend to ramble about interests a whole lot

-you hate that you snap at people when your irritated, regardless of if they actually irritated you or not

-you feel isolated and cripplingly lonely

-you have no friends or life to speak of as of now

-you have no customers and barely can scrounge up enough money to afford to live

-half the time you struggle to find the motivation to even do anything anymore

and really, there's more but i think you get the picture. she ain't doing to great.

now she suddenly gets a regular customer, one that engages her in conversation and actually seems interested in her incessant rambling. one that feels like a friend. and she latches onto that, HARD. that momentary escape from feeling like a lonely, pathetic piece of garbage. it gets to the point where she only has the motivation to do stuff in hope that they'll return to her shop and talk to her; the point where she starts to think of this person as her best friend (borderline idolizing them subconsciously), and feeling like their attention is what makes it worth doing anything, getting depressed when they don't show up for a day.

but one day, they just stop showing up. gone with no explanation. she sees them talking to someone else one day, but they don't acknowledge that she's there.

it's devastating, being tossed aside by someone you thought of as a good friend. and she kinda just.... snaps. one things leads to another, and yeah.

well that was depressing, anyways, moving on to-

angst square:

-goddammit.

ok well this is less angsty, just kinda more depressing. at this point, the idea of friends kinda... makes sakomi irate. what, so she can be tossed aside again? yeah, no. never gonna happen. she doesn't feel joy from relationships with others anymore, and she doesn't feel sorrow about her past struggles with it. she just feels rage about the whole subject. she feels she doesn't need anyone, when really she needs someone now more than ever. but y'know. she's a bit too far gone to realize that, i guess.

ok, god i have written a fucking lot, but god this was fun to do. if i do any more with it i will 100% ignore the depressing shit, but i did want to address it here because it really reflects a lot of shit that i've been going through lately friendship-wise. it's hard, it really is, and there is no feeling worse than the feeling of crippling loneliness your left with when a friend fucking ignores you in favor of talking to someone they like more (especially when you're sitting with them and REALLY just being ignored). but ah, i'll just leave it as that. honestly working on this has helped me feel a whole lot better about all that stuff, and also gave me my art mojo back so hey! win-win.

if you actually read all of this, then thanks :]

[jitter-bug]

Just Like Me

Taglist: @artemisfowl11

Nines x Reader (Detroit: Become Human)

A/n: Did I hear costumes with a plot twist? And 10x scary???👀 so that the request wouldn't be too short ???🔫👀 I certainly fuckin' did. This one is too long. Sorry for rush. I love you :') plz enjoy(plz) I have so many request. And I am getting around to all of them. So don't worry for anyone that's waiting for your request, they will get done I promise! (Plz don't hurt me--)❤ enjoy- p.s I also had a hard time choosing the costume. I wanted something race neutral because as a person of color myself. There's not many couple costumes out there, that...you know. So 😌 uh. I had to run off a limb here for all my POC readers. (Gang gang 😩) (give me feedback if you any more of this, I know some people messaged me about continuing Fear. I don't do series. But I'll do em' we lit over here😩😪💅) p.s.s I edited it to gender neutral, so sorry for any errors-- (donthurtme)

-

"What do you mean, no?" The defeated tone of the detective echoed through the bullpen. Arms crossed as they stared at Hank. He was sitting at his desk. A hand placed on the desk as he stared at the terminal. In a way so he wouldn't have to stare at the perplexed expression of Y/n. 

"Kid. I'm too damn old to be dressing up in costumes." Was his reply. 

Y/n had woken up that very morning. An idea engraved in their brain like their body threatened them to remember it and not let the wonderful idea go. 

The DPD was throwing a Halloween party. Which was really a celebration for Chris, he was finally promoted to being an official Detective, and for his celebration. There would be a themed party. Considering the fact that Halloween was creeping in around the corner. Y/n soon thought that they wanted to wear a costume, with someone that is. They thought sharing laughs or even going to the party dressed as characters would be fun and yet entertaining. Their first thought was Hank. But, he undoubtedly shot the idea down. And declined. Hank saw the unamused expression on their face when he tore his gaze from the terminal. Their fist was planted on his desk. As their hand was on their hip. Their eyebrows furrowed. Giving him a look that he was used to seeing when they helped him speak with suspects in the interrogation room. Though, their expression was not as hard and more so serious.

Connor, who was sitting at his desk. Across from Hank. Stared between the two. His LED teetering back and forth from yellow to stark red. 

"Go ask Gavin." Hank brought up the name that seemed alien to him as he scoffed slightly at his name. Y/n quickly lost their expression before shaking her head. They couldn't say Y/n and Gavin were enemies. But they haven't interacted with each other to a point where Y/n would see themself asking him to join them on their dress up crusade. 

"No." They replied. Hank has been staring at the ceiling. Arms crossed. Once hearing Y/n once again. He landed his gaze back onto them. His index finger tapping his arm. 

"Go ask your partner."

-

Nines stared at Y/n. The two staring right through each other, but Y/n could feel themself crumble under his steel gaze. His eyebrows furrowed slightly. In an attempt to see through Y/n. 

Nines originally was Gavin Reed's partner. Until Chris was recently promoted to a Detective and made to be Gavin's partner. Which pulled Y/n from Hank and Connor, into being Nine's newest partner. 

Before then. They hadn't really interacted with him. Occasional greetings and ludicrous jokes between Y/n and Gavin. In which the rk900 ignored, he never cared to learn much about Y/n- or anyone at the station at that. He was reserved, observant, stern and very stoic. He...lacked certain things other deviant androids had. 

Emotions. 

People around the prescient knew about him. But never spoke to him, reasons being his lack of expressing himself gave people the assumption that Nines was genuinely just a rude android. Which...Y/n could see why. He didn't tolerate childish behavior, at all. Rarely participated in any outings the station threw, such as celebrations if someone was promoted. Birthday parties. Or just a genuine outing to celebrate and catch up with one another. Nines was always at the station, he - In a way deemed to separate himself from others. His eyebrows were always furrowed. In a way to resemble a scowl of some sort...which he always did. 

Of course, Y/n could somewhat tolerate him, once they were paired together, Nines was non-stop pestering Y/n with things they needed to get done, things that weren't done right. He always pointed out the imperfections and mistakes rather than the good. Y/n couldn't say they were exactly friends with the rk900. He made it hard for it to be anything other than being partners. But, today was the day, Y/n decided it would be best to try and find a way through his cold exterior. 

Nines didn't say anything. Y/n held her hands behind her back. The slightest smile trying to make its way onto their face. "So...I was thinking." 

They started. They didn't feel nervous. But rather awkward from the sudden request. Nines didn't say anything. Instead keep his arms behind his back as Y/n slowly sat down on the desk. Planting their hands on their knees. "I was thinking, maybe me and you should go to Chris's celebration together tomorrow night, you know. As partners? Amigos? Buddies?" Y/n reached up. Placing a half-heartedly punch on Nine's shoulder. 

"And. You know. Dress up? Costumes? I'd think you'd enjoy it. You know, you've been really working your heart out for these past few weeks Nines, and I think maybe you would like a break. You know, wind down." They explained. In their head. The explanation was fool-proof. Nines had been working a lot. In fact. The whole station was. With the new cases of Red Ice popping up around Detroit. Everyone had constantly been on their toes. 

"I'm incapable of getting tired, Detective." Nines replied. He turned to fully face Y/n. His arms that were once behind his back, now by his side. 

Y/n felt themself run into a dead end. 

"I know that Nine's I'm not stupid." She muttered. Instead of replying. He only stared at her. Blinking once, that was so it took. Y/n could tell what he was thinking. They sneered.

"That's not funny, I'm serious."

"My apologies. I was unaware I was making a joke--"

"Anyway!" Snapping their fingers to get back on track. Y/n sighed. Rubbing their temple before looking back at Nine's form.

"If. You go to the party with me, and agree to wear a costume with me. I promise I'll stop fooling around on the field." They tried to compromise watching as Nine's was already turning away from her to walk over to his desk. 

"I'll even stop making those lame ass jokes for an entire week. I can't say for..forever, But I mean a week has to be at least decent." They spoke up. Raising their voice so he could listen. 

"A month." Nines said. His back turned from them. But Y/n could see him grabbing stacks of papers and placing them in their designated manilla folders. Y/n stared at his back. Eyebrows furrowed as they tried to piece together what he meant, the rk900 seemed to be aware of how perplexed she was. 

"You'll focus on the assigned case you have, without constantly getting distracted, for a month. If you can agree to that. Then you've found yourself someone to go to the party with."

He explained. Y/n jumped slightly, the excitement shot through them like electricity, sparking them to life. This was new! Certainly new!

"Wait, are you serious? Oh my god!" They squealed. Kicking their feet so hard Y/n was afraid their shoe would fly off, flying across the room. As funny as the scenario might sound, Y/n was too distracted with the offer to worry about anything else. 

"1 month?" They asks. 

"1 month." He repeats. 

"I mean...what about 2 weeks?" They bargained. A month, where they couldn't bullshit around at work. It felt like a sin to Y/n.

"1 month."

"But...Nines that's too long." They tried to whine. But Nines turned around. Holding the folders in his hands. 

"1 month." He repeats.

"2 weeks?"

"1 month."

"....3 weeks?"

"1 month."

"No! Come on. 2 weeks. Take it or leave it!" Y/n shoots their hands in the air. Drastically expressing their distress. But Nines didn't seem to show an ounce of sorrow or care for the matter.

"Do I hear 2 months?"

"Okay, no! 1 month!" 

With what Y/n assumed would be the end of the discussion to Nines. He nods. 

"Okay then. Now. What is it that you have planned?"

-

"Okay. So. I think maybe we should do something scary. 2 years ago. Me and Hank dressed up as clowns, and scared the hell out of Gavin. It was hilarious." Y/n absently spoke. They searched through their phone for ideas that may spark interest in them. Deciding on creating something new and from scratch. 

Nines was busy placing items in Y/n's bag so the two could leave the station and do whatever it was Y/n had in store.

Nines zipped up the bookbag before turning away from the desk to face. Only to find them already examining his form. 

The yellow soon took the place of the blue on his LED. His eyebrows furrowed. 

"What?" He asks. Y/n hummed. 

"I was thinking of what would suit you." They replied. As they spoke Nines handed Y/n their bookbag, which they thanked him before slipping it on over their shoulders. 

"We can head to my house and see ideas from there." Y/n started. Adjusting the straps onto their shoulders as they took several steps forward towards the exit. They didn't have much time from now till tomorrow night, the gears in Y/n's head were turning. What should they do? What should they dress as for their costumes? And most importantly. Make sure Nines had a good night out for his first ever outing. 

Y/n placed the phone back in theirpocket. Before reaching over to unlock the door. They felt Nines walk behind them, swatting and flicking their hand away from the latch to open the door. 

"I'm driving. You get to the passenger side and think about what your plan will be." Nines spoke. Y/n flinched their hand away from the latch. 

"Ow, okay, okay--" they made their way around the car to the passenger side. Y/n was positive the only real reason he wanted Y/n to sit out on driving was because last time they were behind the wheel, a favorite song of theirs that they vaguely remembered from some time ago came on the radio station when they were patrolling the downtown area of Detroit. 

All Y/n could say was how Nines was extremely pissed with their screeching out lyrics that he wasn't paying attention to. More of Y/n's abrupt screaming. Which is why he didn't want them touching the wheel while he was in the car with them.

Slipping inside the car. Y/n closed the door. Hearing from their opposite side that Nines was in the car as well. 

"Keys." He spoke up. Y/n automatically reached in their dress pants pockets in search of the keys. Once feeling the cool metal against their digits. They handed them to Nines. Where as he started the car. 

Y/n slide off their bookbag. And turned to toss it in the back of the car. Where a paper bag was seen lazily balled up on the floor. Seeing the Red Ice cases increased exponentially, there were many stakeouts that Y/n and Nines were assigned to. Sitting out in the car for long periods of time did spike up an appetite in Y/n's stomach every once in a while. Of course, Nines scolded them for not eating before arriving on the scene, but that didn't stop them from getting food. 

Once situated and Nines driving down the street. Y/n slipped their phone back out. 

"So. How do you feel being a butcher?" They asks. Nines stared at the road. Silent for a moment as he contemplated what Y/n said. 

"A butcher..? Odd, how would that in any way be a good costume?" He asks. Y/n placed their phone their lap. 

"Bloody butcher. You know. Kill people? Chop chop? Blood. Chains and all that jazz." They replied. Flipping through the many photos of cheap costumes that would wear out in later than a few months if they were to purchase one.

"I can't make a firm decision on what to wear. You do that." He spoke up. Y/n hummed in acknowledgment. As much as they wanted Nines to choose for himself. He often had a hard time doing so. Of course he did things his own way, but only for a purpose of doing his job. Completing his mission. 

"Well then. Butcher it is," they replied. 

Once making it into the warm house that groped around Y/n with its comforting warmth. Y/n dropped their bookbag on the ground by the couch. Plopping down onto the cushion. And letting out a long needed sigh. They heard Nines close and lock the front door. 

The tension in Y/n's muscles slowly eased its way into relaxation. This wasn't the first time Nines had seen Y/n's place. Only resorting to be at their doorstep to wake them up at ungodly hours for emergency crime scenes that so happened to pop up out of nowhere. Or to drive them home when they are tired to do it half the time themself.

The TV was still on playing from earlier in the morning when Y/n left. On the same channel and same soft spoken volume. 

"Alright. Come on. Sit." They finally mustered up the energy to speak. Nines - who was standing next to the couch, took a seat next to Y/n as they opened their phone once more. 

"So. I was thinking on the way here. A bloody butcher. Both you and I. I think that would be fun." They proclaimed it was some extremely good news. But to Nines, it was more of good news to Y/n, but he didn't say anything. His pale optics pierced Y/n's face. His eyebrows raised slightly. Y/n gave him a smile, one of reassurance. "Oh come on, don't worry. You'll love it. I saw you have a knack for violent things." They chuckled. Moving over to their coffee table to pick up the laptop that was sitting on it. Nines LED flickered a stark red. 

"I'm assuming you would think I'm a violent person because of how I handle things on the field?" It didn't sound like much of a question.

 "Well duh. You do tend to man-handle the hell out of the suspects." Y/n replied. Nines didn't say anything else. Instead, watch as Y/n typed into the computer. After a while. They sat back on the couch and glanced at Nines. 

"This should work out. Not to mention be a good sight for my budget." They said. Y/n turned the laptop around and showed a photo of the costume, which was just general ideas of what items they planned on looking for. 

Nines stared at the screen. His LED circling around. Once. Twice. Before turning yellow. 

"Are you purchasing these from a store?" He asks. Y/n nods. Nines nods as well. 

"Yeah. Tomorrow after work we both are going to go gather the materials to put together the costume. Oh, this should be fun! Believe it or not. Gavin is such a scary cat. I'm pretty sure you'll be able to scare the hell out of him!" They gave a laugh before setting the laptop on the table. 

"But, really Nines. Thanks for agreeing to do this with me. I promise. That when this is all over. I'll not goof around for 1 entire month." They said. Y/n lifted their hand, poking out their pinkie finger. Nines stared at their hand before looking at them.He lifted his hand before pushing Y/n's hand away with his back hand.

"I'll take your word on it, Detective." He says. 

"Oh come on. Don't be like that. Smile for once. My gosh." Y/n lets out a chuckle. Lifting one hand to pull at his cheek. Her thumb tugging at the corner of his right lip in an attempt to tug it upwards. Nines - once again, swatted their hand away from his face. A scowl interrupting his blank expression.

"Stop."

"Whatever, tomorrow. It'll be great, you'll have fun, I promise."

-

Nines watched as Y/n stated at the rack of clothes. Having trouble deciding what Nines would best fit his costume. They decided to purchase his first. The two left the station an hour ago, to get ready for the party that was only 4 hours away. And time was ticking rather quickly with Y/n staring at the rack of clothes as if they had a hard time finding what to wear. 

Nines felt his hand lift up. Rubbing at his temple. His elbow resting on his other arm which was across his torso. 

"Y/n..."

Y/n let out a hum, signalling they heard what he said but kept their gaze on the rack.

"I think this would go by much quicker, if I were to pick out the clothes, and when you get home. You can put them together." He spoke. Y/n turned to face Nines. He saw them cross their arms. 

"Are you calling me slow?" They asks. But, he could tell Y/n wasn't offended by their ack of anger that he so happened to be acquainted with. 

"More, indecisive." He corrected. He saw their eyebrows furrow. But they quickly rose up as they understood what he meant. 

"I'm not having a hard time picking...just--look, this is supposed to be a me and you thing. Partner to partner, friend to friend. You know. So we can spend more time together instead of always yelling at each other like at work."

It was true. Nines and Y/n rarely got a long at work, Nines being a reason for the constant start of an argument between him and Y/n. That being either working on a case. At the station. Or even at a stake out. He always seemed to feed the flame just to spark Y/n's anger into nothing more than a hungry flame ready to lash out at anyone. But that was because Nines wanted things done the way he wanted them done. And Y/n rarely gave him what he wanted...and that was being serious on the job. But the explanation did make sense. More time spent outside to get to know more about each other...or rather spend more time with each other, could lower their rate or going after each other's throats. 

"So, you know. Come on. Let's Both pick our stuff out together." A hint of hope was evident in Y/n's voice. Nines nods, taking several steps forward, to analyse the rack. 

"I think you can do something with this."

-

"Ow! Stop! Stop!" Y/n hissed in pain, feeling Nines peel off the face mask from their face. They tried lifting their hand up to push his hand away. But he was one step ahead. Smacking their hand away for the upteempth time that week. The two finished picking out the clothing and items for their costume, only had 2 hours left to get dressed and ready, a lady that was an entrepreneur and had a clothing line. Gracefully gave Y/n and Nines a discount on what they needed for their costumes. Finding the generous offer kind, Y/n paid more than needed for the clothes, and spent almost half an hour speaking to the woman. Which knocked off much more time than needed. And Nines didn't want any delays in getting dressed - so almost immediately once the two reached Y/n's house. He started laying out stuff so the two could get ready. 

The first step being to peel off the face mask for Y/n so once they put the make up on their face for the costume it wouldn't be mixed with any bacteria and dirt. Which also was a pain in Y/n's ass to feel the mask pulling at their skin. And how Nines didn't seem to care much, instead. Resulting in him snatching off the mask piece by piece.

"You asshole! You're doing that on purpose!" Y/n barked. They reached up to punch Nines in his chest. But was interrupted by him snagging at the mask on their face once again. Placing the pieces in a trash can he took from the kitchen. 

"It shouldn't hurt that bad, stop whining. Or else this will take much longer than needed." He finally spoke up. Y/n sneered slightly as they felt him tilt their head so he could get the rest of the god-forbidden mask that seemed to be glued to their skin. 

After finally getting the pieces peeled off and placed in the trash. Nines stood up to take the trash back to its original spot in the kitchen. Y/n rubbed at their face. The skin feeling somewhat smoother, her pores finally able to get air comfortably. 

"Okay. Happy? The horrible dreadful part, as you quoted, is out of the way." Nines said. As he spoke Y/n mumbled a 'fucking finally' - and stood up. 

"Okay, we have plenty of time, Oh my god, this is going to be fun. Okay!" Almost immediately, Nines saw the excited expression overtake their expression again. Watching as they grabbed one of the bags and tossed it over to Nines. 

"Get dressed. I'll come back in here when I'm done."

Y/n was surprised with how their costume came out. The idea in their mind wasn't as exciting as they once was thinking. But seeing the white knee length apron. Black dress shirt, the tattered jeans that were tucked into the dark rain boots showed that the costume was supposed to resemble some sort of butcher. A few things are missing here and there. But was still proud of how it came out. 

Deciding on going back in the living room to get the last back on the coffee table they remembered leaving on the table. Which contained the makeup and fake blood for the costumes...which of course was supposed to be added last. 

Walking down the hall and into the living room. Which was empty, in which Y/n didn't seem to take surprise. Thinking Nines went off somewhere in the house(such as the bathroom) , go get dressed. They didn't bother calling out for him. Instead, picking up the bag on the table to look through it. Seeing the many items in the bag, having a hard time choosing what to use first, they stared at the back in contemplation. Unaware of the sauntering figure that was creeping up behind them.

Deciding on finding it to be best, wait for Nines to come back and help with choosing what happens next. They places the bag on the table once again. They turned around to go and look for Nines. Only to quickly pause in their movement upon seeing the figure behind them Y/n jumped slightly. Their calves hit the coffee table. 

It was Nines, dressed in the costume, the black apron tied to his waist tightly, instead of a dress shirt that Y/n sported, Nines had on a black turtleneck, which really fit with the costume. Y/n could see the chains wrapped around his wrist, the sound of the metal clanking against each other. 

They saw the pig mask, the one Y/n picked out because Y/n found it oddly suiting Nines. The boar's head seemed pretty realistic, the blemishes and red markings on the facial area wavered Y/n's sense of security. They could barely see his eyes through the mask...where the eyes are of course.

"Jeez. You scared me there for a second." Y/n mumbled. 

But, Nines didn't say anything. The feeling of his form towering over Y/n, made them realize how some suspects the two brought in everyday had to face his wrath in an interrogation...or just a simple ass kicking. From what Y/n remembers. Nines never lost in a single fight. 

"Is this your way in trying to scare me? If so. It's not working." They let out a chuckle, which was half-heartedly. Nines - instead of replying. Let out a grunt. Which Y/n could deem animalistic. Y/n flinched. Shooting him a glare in a way to get him to knock off whatever he was pulling. 

"The hell? Did you growl at me?" They spat. Instead of - once again. Not replying. Nines turned around to walk off down the hall where the bathroom was located. 

"Where are you going?" They asks. There was no reply. Only the sound of the chains clanking against each other and the squeaking of the rainboots answered them question. 

"..." Y/n felt their eyebrow twitch. Almost a second letter. Nines came back out the hall. Looking the same, except holding the boars mask in his hand, which he didn't seem to have any interest in wearing. 

"Dude, what the hell?" 

Nines looked at Y/n. His LED flickering to yellow almost instantly. He raised an eyebrow; "is there a problem?" He asks. Y/n scrunched their nose up and nodded. 

"Uh, yeah. You were just out here - not even a minute ago. You just walked off. Not to mention, growled at me." They answered. Y/n saw the LED on Nines temple slowly circled to the stark red, his eyebrows furrowed. 

"I was in the bathroom all this time." He said. Y/n only gave him a blank expression. Which only remsebled an expression that they didn't believe what he said. 

"I was--"

"Anyway. Come on. Let's put this last bit of stuff on so we can leave."

-

"You're getting blood everywhere." Nines informed. Watching as Y/n drove down the ride they tried sitting themselves in the seat comfortably so the fake blood on the apron wouldn't smear on the car seat. It would be a pain to get it out. 

"I know that, Nines. Shut up, pighead. Besides, it's not even real." They muttered. Nines lifted the corner of his lip in a way to sneer. 

"Hilarious. I almost forgot to laugh at that one."

"You forget to laugh everyday." They quickly shot back. Nines only rubbed his temple with a sigh. "You truly are a mess." He sighs. Y/n laughed, keeping their eyes on the road. 

"You're damn right, a hot mess. Trust me. Tonight will be fun! Don't worry, really!" Nines didn't reply. Instead watched the road and the many buildings that passed by. His gray optics flickered over to Y/n. Spending an entire day with his partner did have its ups and downs. But it wasn't as life-threatening as he thought it would be. 

"So. Are you enjoying yourself so far? You know. Being costume twins and all. I think it's fun." Y/n asked. Nines tapped his index finger in his knee. 

"Rather childish. But if it can get you to stop quiping me about dressing up with you. I guess this won't be too bad." He responds. Hearing Y/n tap the wheel with their fingers. 

"Thanks for doing this with me, really. Maybe tonight you and I can go and get something to eat."

"I don't eat."

"....I mean. You could at least act like you do. Like jeez, what the hell." They muttered. Once again, complaining. Mumbling about. "Just stuff the food in your mouth and spit it out. Make it seem like you can or something--"

"Alright--okay. I'll take you out to dinner tonight. Is that what you wanted to hear?" Nines finally spoke up. Interrupting her from her charades of complaining. Almost quickly, a smile replaced their frown. 

"Yes, sir. That's exactly what I want to hear. You. Nines. My partner. Taking me to get dinner." They quipped. Nines glanced at them. Shaking his head slowly. 

"Holy shit!" Gavin stared at the two. Watching as Nines was busy behind Y/n speaking to Hank from behind the boar's mask. A smile graced Hank's lips. His hands on his hips. He didn't dress as anything like the majority of the people did. Instead...well...showing up in his casual clothes. 

"Wow. Next year. Me and you and dressing up together." Gavin nudged Y/n's shoulder. Causing them to chuckle. 

"I mean. I was going around the office asking people. And they either were dressing up as something already, or were dressing up as something already. Same thing. I know." They grinned, already knowing what Gavin was about to say. 

"You didn't ask me you little shit!"

"Oops?"

Gavin rolled his eyes. Swatting his hands in a way to shoo the conversation away. "Nines look terrifying as hell." He looked over at their partner who was still speaking with Hank. Y/n nods. 

"I'm not surprised. You're scared of everything." She said. Gavin shot her a look. 

"Hey, plastic-prick. Over here!" Gavin snaps his fingers. Y/n saw Nines look away from Hank. And over to Gavin. Hank looked over as well. Nines walked over to the two. Once in earshot he turned his head away from Y/n to look at Gavin. 

"Yes?" He asks. Gavin flicked the boar's snout.

"Sup." 

"I don't know what I expected wasting my time walking over here." Nines muttered. Gavin laughs. Almost immediately, Nines jumped towards Gavin. Which also startled Y/n. The two shrieked at the sudden action from Nines. Hearing Hank laugh in the background was what pulled Gavin from his pose. Which he moved to grip Y/n's shoulder. In a pose like he was hiding behind them.

"You Jackass!" Gavin shouts. Hank howled with laughter. Walking over to give Nines a pat on the back. 

"Good one!" 

Y/n felt their heartbeat in their chest like drums. They couldn't find an exact reason why they got jumpy. Letting out a sigh as they placed a hand on their chest. Hearing Gavin bicker in the background along the lines of "I'll fucking end you!"

Meanwhile, Y/n stared across the street. Which had a good view of an alleyway. Seeing two figures facing each other. Once being noticeably shorter than the other.  The short figure...which the two really resemble the silhouette from the lack of light in the area (considering the sun had set) the short figure seemed to be pointing its finger at the taller figure's chest. From the body movements the person seemed to be angry. As on the other hand the taller figure - standing still and stiff as a plank just stood there. 

Y/n watched for a few more moments. Whatever commotion they were hearing on their side of the street was muffled to them.

Soon, the short figure head turned towards the direction Y/n was in - across the street. Which the taller figure took notice of. The two stared at them. The tall figure seemed to tap its leg. Causing the short figure the scurry off somewhere in the shadows of the alleyway. 

Raising a hand. The tall figure that was left in the alleyway waved. Y/n furrowed their eyebrows. 

Who the hell was that?

"Y/n! Come on, get your ass in here before you freeze!" Y/n heard Hank shout from the door. Y/n quickly snapped from their clouded reality. Looking at Hank who was holding the door open. Shoot a gaze back at the alley, only to see nothing. 

-

"And I said. Give me my shit. Or I'll put a foot up your ass." Gavin said. The booth that was placed in the back of the room, either chuckled, laughed or said commented on his story. Which was Chris. 

"Honestly. I wouldn't be too surprised if she got a restraining order on your crazy ass." Chris chuckled. Gavin only shot him a large grin. Chris's wife smiled at the two. Shaking their head. The majority of the party dressed up. Either it being werewolves, vampires, zombies. It was something...despite the fact that one of the officers came with a macaroni box. 

The booth sat, Connor, Hank, Nines, Y/n, Gavin, Chris and his wife. Drinks were passed, and also laughs. (Will except from Nines of course)

The night was smooth. And not to mention fun. 

Y/n, still kept tethering back and forth from the odd altercation at home with Nines. And from what they saw in the alleyway. 

Nines sat next to them. Listening to Gavin speak. On and on. 

"So. Are you two still together or not?" Chris asked. Gavin's and his significant other had...somewhat of a toxic relationship. Constant fighting, either it be verbal or...from what Gavin didn't want to admit. But it was obvious. Physical. From both parties. But, Y/n never really intervened. It wasn't their business. So they didn't care much about it. Though the stories were funny. 

Digging into their pockets in search of their phone. They didn't feel it. Taking note they must have left it outside in the car. 

"I'll be right back. I have to go get my phone."

-

Sitting in the driver's seat. Y/n checked to see if the device was at a proper percentage. She closed the car door and sighed. Scrolling through it sees nothing new. They turned around to face the building to return. They stopped and looked up. Seeing a figure by the light pole in front of them The figure had the same costume as Y/n. The apron. The boots. Pants. Looking up they saw...the same face. It was Y/n!

The dark circles under the eyes were much noticeable. The blue surgical mask covered the lower half of the person's face. But Y/n wasn't stupid. They saw themself many times in the mirror to tell who it was. And every strand of hair on the person's head. Could tell that certainly was Y/n. 

The e/c eyes stared at Y/n's form. Boring into their face. A feeling they similarly got only from Nines.  But the gaze coming from..them, made Y/n freeze.

Staring at the person. It was like an exact replica, a doppelganger. 

Y/n could hear the sounds coming from the person. A muffled purr of some sort, scuffling shoes. It couldn't seem to stand still.

"...who are you--" Y/n was cut off by the doppelganger launching itself towards them - gripping the side of their face. It's nails digging into their skin. Y/n let out a surprised scream. Hearing the strained grumbles and grows coming from the thing on top of them.

Y/n felt themself land on the ground. The concrete knocking the wind from their body. Y/n was more surprised than scared. Of course they had many hand to hand combat on the field. But this didn't feel right at all.

Acting quick and raising an arm to shove off the doppelganger. Switching sides as they were now on top of the person, straddling it by the hips, Y/n felt it shift and swing an arm. Y/n quickly backed off of the person in an attempt to not get hit. It had a knife. Making it clear that it was meaning to harm Y/n. Y/n quickly backpedaled and stood up.  The sound of their huffing and puffing. And both of their shoes scuffling on the pavement. The person stood up. Shaking itself as if to remove the dirt that collected on its shirt from the pavement.

"Y/n. What's ta-"

"Okay, so Nines! There's some weird shit going on!" Y/n jogged over to the door that Nines held open. He was now staring at Y/n's doppelganger who quickly had stood up staring at the two. Once it made eye contact with Nines. It seemed to stop in its former actions and stare, before scurrying away down the sidewalk. 

"Who was that? What's going on?" He asks. Y/n shoved Nines into the building as he spoke. 

"I don't know! But we have to do something!" She shouts. The LED on Nines temple was flickering from red to yellow. Y/n was already making their way towards the booth. 

"Hank. You would not believe this. But I just got attacked by my own self. We need to find out what's going on." Y/n interrupted whatever conversation he was having with the group at the table. Connor was the first to look over. 

"Yourself?"

"Yes! Now come on. This is serious." Hank could tell whether or not Y/n was joking or not. Which...truly wasn't that hard to tell if they were. He stood up from the booth, luckily he was seated on the outside. 

"What's going on?" 

Nines soon made his way over to the table. 

"I was attacked by someone who looked exactly like me. Which, that can explain what happened earlier today. But! I have a crazy ass doppelganger!"

"Oh Christ." Hank muttered. Crossing his arms and looking at Y/n and then at Nines. And back at Y/n.

Gavin soon stood up.

"Oh, I have to see this." He spoke up. Hank ignored the man and looked back at Y/n. "Where did you last see this person."

"When I was outside. It attacked me--"

"The hell? Did you go after them?"

"No. They ran away before I can even do anything." Hank nods. Snapping his finger and pointing towards the exit.

"To the car. Let's go. Connor. Come on." Connor stoop up and stood next to Hank.

"Looks like we got some searching to do."

[idledreams-burninghearts]

Okay so I'm gonna post my thoughts under a cut because it's a lot

I'm gonna try my best to put this in chronical order but my memory is shit so I'll see how I end up editing this together

So it was a nice date. Walked to the pier. Held hands. While we walked someone yelled out of their car that we looked super cute together. I thought that it was nice that they weren't yelling slurs at us but also it was weird that they were yelling out of their car at us. I never experienced that in a cishet passing relationship. I don't know maybe I just don't like attention. She seemed happy about it so no big deal I guess. Just affirming our queerness? Peace and love on planet earth?

Something else we talked about on the way was how I don't really vibe with appearance based compliments and she seemed to respect that. Mostly. People usually don't like that. They have a hard time finding other things to compliment me about but she did compliment me in other ways

She wanted to watch the sunset but it was too cloudy. Ate at a nice restaurant. We talked about why we named ourselves our names. She remembered I don't drink alcohol (although she made a point to say she remembered and I thought "uh-oh, will you get upset at me for forgetting a lot of things?" because most people do)

I'm open to poly and she said she wanted to have a solo poly relationship (if she's seeing someone then I'm not dating them just her, and if I see someone she dating just me not them) but during the dinner she brought up a guy she's into but how she saw him kissing another girl at the club and she's trying not to be jealous. All I could think of was why is she trying to do a poly thing if she's jealous? She's got stuff to work through. Like I have issues with Mr Unknowable but I wouldn't be jealous if he started seeing someone else. But that's a whole other post.

She said that she thought I was too cool for her and we said at the same time that she is cool. I asked her to please not put me on a pedestal. I have issues with being put on a pedestal. Perfect child. Perfect student. Perfect girlfriend. I didn't tell her this.

So sometime before we met I had mentioned it was slow at work and she had said she wished she could have gone over and flirt with me. I didn't respond to that but responded to something else she said and later asked her if she had really wanted to do that. She said she was joking but brought it up during dinner and I told her I would prefer she didn't visit me at work. I mask at work (half true, yes I do mask at work but I was also masking with her, just a different mask. How I mask is a different post though) and I don't even have my friends visit me at work. She was understanding of that so that's cool. What I didn't say was I don't know her like that and I'm 100% sure I'm not into pda at work. Like would it be appropriate for me to go to her place of work and flirt with her there (she's a therapist-in-training, can't remember official title) no so why is it appropriate for her to come to my place of work to flirt with me?

As we were finishing dinner she said we could keep walking the pier or go back to her place to watch pmmm. I said go back to her place to watch pmmm and she said cool but she doesn't want me to feel pressured. I thought that was strange because why would I feel pressured about watching pmmm? But realized she meant more so I said "we could kiss I guess" and she got all flustered lol?

After exiting the restaurant she walked us over to the railing at the water to kiss and she said "more romantic for a first kiss than an alley" and I just thought yea it's romantic (until you pointed it out) and I thought that the first kiss would be back at her place not an alley should I be worried about kissing in an alley? Also, not 100% sure how I feel about pda in the wild

While walking to her place a guy got off a bus near us and started talking to us. Not sure if he was on something or that's just how his brain worked, no judgement and none of my business, but he was nice and funny and kept telling us we were in heaven.

We start talking about video games because she asked what music I've been listening to lately and it's been the soundtrack to Transistor. So I play it on my phone as we walked.

At some point I mentioned Tumblr and she was like we should follow each other and I was like yea but I thought I don't want you to follow me on Tumblr (we did not exchange Tumblr information)

Okay, so we're at her place yea? It's a nice space. She has a roommate but he's in his room, sleeping or whatever.

We start watching pmmm and she thinks it's cute. I'm just like lol just wait. We start kissing at some point. While we're making out I hear Mami die and I just think she's missing all the good stuff.

She starts to caress my breast and I'm just like, ok, this doesn't feel bad, I'm touched starved, we can do this. I reciprocate that action for her. At some point I notice she's touching herself but I just ignored that. The touching was nice but also, we were in the living room and I was worried about her roommate coming out.

She said I could spend the night and that she would behave herself. I didn't really want to but thought I should because I need to try. I often feel like I don't try hard enough for other people. So I spend the night even though I'd rather be sleeping in my bed with my dog. Nothing happens. It takes me forever to fall asleep. I like cuddling but it gets so hot and even though the fan is on for white noise it's not the slime asmr video I've been listening to for the past month to help me fall asleep.

She's nice enough to drop me off the next morning. She says she's going to think of me while she's in bed alone that night. I smile (I think, sometimes I think I smile but it's imperceptible to others) and say nothing. I think that I am not going to be doing that.

I don't remember at what point she said this but she said I was really fun and make her happy and that's exactly what she needed because school is hard and work is mentally/ emotionally exhausting (understandable) but all I could think of was "ah, that's the role you want me to play"

I did have a dream about her two days before the date. This is not the dream that I was overthinking. In the dream it was just me receiving a text from her and it was just lewd photos of herself. And I'm just like, yea, seems like that's what she wants. Which cool, no shame to anybody if that's what they want. But I just wanted to meet up to get to know her. She knows I'm on the ace spectrum. She's also on the ace spectrum but she's demi so I guess it works differently from my grey/litho(/auto?) Though isn't demi where there's a strong emotional connection? I don't think there's a strong emotional connection between us. Or how could she have a strong emotional connection to me? We barely know each other

I know I had a thought that I didn't not want her at my place. I've imagined a few people being at my place before. Mr Unknowable has been here but I had to tell him he can't come over anymore. I don't like having memories of him here when he's not really a part of my life. He understands and is respectful of that.

I did have a thought that I could develop feelings but I've also had that thought with my exes and that never happened lol

And here's the tarot reading I did to help me process

Death is a card about change. Did I need to change my perspective? Myself? So I pulled another card while thinking "if it's swords then I'll end things if it's cups I'll keep trying" and I pulled the Knight of Dreams. Dreams in this deck is swords but also that it was the knight is telling me that I need to end things and I need to communicate it with her and not just ghost her.

When deciding what to do next I got these two cards. Both are telling me that I need to pause and reflect and to figure out what I want. I mean I know what I want. But I guess I need to figure out how to go about getting it without putting myself in a position like this again.

I just wish I wasn't so confusing lol

Like yes I'm ace and want to make porn

Yes I want to be a whore but oh you're sexually attracted to me that's gross

Oh well

Still processing the date but I will write up my thoughts about it if people are interested

[segernatural]

phil's plant tour video but i'm an emotional mess

Instant shaky-cam: dAniel! Hiii!

We love a self-aware plant murderer.

(Sidenote we love a king who gives credit, stan jenna)

P a s s i o n for p l a n t s

The shift in gaze from lens to dan is really wholesome and dan's little camera nod makes me soft

#SPON (also going northern = excited)

THE BUCKET. i lost my mind on the first watch of this part. Fucking hilarious. Also we stan being in on the joke and staring at your soulmate whilst driinking from a literal bucket for the meme

he literally couldnt even keep a straight face. Like. Listen to how softly he says "hydrated" there ok.

Its a very phil shirt, phil.

Foray wow look at that English-language degree being put to use

Dont stroke the cactus phil--

Also he has no idea how to market a cushion but points for trying. We'll all buy it anyway

"Extra ribbing, for a bit of texture, if you like that kinda thing" all while staring like this

Did i hear that as "furna-tote" wHat

its a bag. Shiny. Leaves. Very phil. He should send one to cristine. But also. I doubt my behemoth of a laptop would fit in there.

Pseudo-appartment tour yeee

"Lets start with this bitch" ok phil tell me how u really feel

"Its the most needy plant ever" so its me

Dan caption: "leave me alone but dont but do" yeahhh

"Trying my best, kinda not succeeding" phil u said shes been living for 2 years under your care. Thats a win

Bean-can. And why does the framing of this shot make me soft.

NORMAN :D why do i always think his tank is larger than that

"Boi" is something i use gender neutrally phil dw

Theres so many shots in here that make me extra soft bc theres something that either reminds me of both of them or just also dan and this is one of them

Casual awards they got together there.

Also how high up are they rn bc jfc phil looks like he is straining upwards, so is dan shooting this above his head? I need answers

Dan's little nonverbal "imma stop you there"

"Like the hot guy" things like this still make me soft ok. Its been almost a year now since he's officially out and i still get emotional ok shush

Phil thinks terrariums can be mystery and beauty

Angry hand terrarium. Its ok, i still appreciate you hand-terrarium, even if phil doesnt

Casual liquor chilling next to a terrarium

I will die for the zed-zed plant bc it sounds ridiculous the way my country says it

Calling himself a botanist now, we stan growth

Golden pig shall also be in commentary then phil.

Second shot that makes me soft: dan's birthday candle :(((

Nooooo we got a couple dead laddy bois in this terrarium

w e

w e x2

Sideways shot, we stan camera-dan

"Blooming out of my crotch" why. Also why hold it like that.

That "boing" sound effect. Oof. Am uncomfy.😂

That off-camera voice of "i'm not gonna say erect... oh i did"

Phil says eat ur breakfast

What even is this shot. Ok mr "under stairs plant"

"If you're falling down the stairs, its the last thing you'll see before you die" uH??

Cmon phil people dont come over 👀

Inb4 phil's friends know hes a plant killer so they try to support his endeavors, and when they see this plant they compliment him on it to validate his growth but alas, its always been a lie

The editing there is 11/10

"I dont like this its too eager" you can just say you're an introvert 👀 some of us just get excited about things ok

Damn phil did this plant hurt u? Do u need a moment?

Dramatic lightning and audio in the bathroom

Not changing lights bc lazy = mood

U lads dont even need a ladder to reach it i bet. Like it would take 30 seconds.

Dan getting shots of dsrk bathroom while phil rambles on about bathroom stuff, till he notices what phil is saying and decides to shame him by capturing it on video

I love how this plant actually has a purpose

Ok this framing is cursed.

Why is the plant like that.

Why are the legs spread.

The chair.

Sidenote hullo another shot that makes me emo. Aesthetic D just vibin.

We stan a strong run-way plant

Dust coating "maybe it helps?" Ah phil, always the optimist

Ok now it just sounds like u are explaining to dan why its not your fault its dying

Casually having to explain gold foil

Cool! Fridge cacti!

"Which one would you rather sit on?" pHIL

"NOT IN A WEIRD WAY" what else can that even mean

Daniel leaving is all of us

Jump to phil being swamped by a plant. Dayum boi look at u go!

All that matters phil is that it is thriving rn ok

That plant looks like it could eat u yes. Plotting it since 2014 apparently

"Growing so fast its killing itself" ok metaphor. Also get it a bigger pot then u monster 👀

"I'd make out with it but its probably posionous." Not that its a plant, but just that it might kill me. Ok.

Awww piranha plant boquet returns

F o n d

Im just glad the cactus was the merch not the yodelling pickle

Phil spilling all the tea about his fake plants damn

"I'm wearing shorts" why do they both have to tell us about their states of undress

So this is phil's emotional support plant

This man. Taped his plant upright. In order to have it in his video background.

Phil. Stop.

The japanese asa (i guarantee i spelled that wrong, i apologize) is beautiful and deserves the spotlight. Glad to see her thrive since pigeon fest.

Phil spilling tea "this plant is me" and "its trying its best but just not suceeding at things" :(

I did not need that flashback of cutting the sideburns ok. That is seared into my memory

"Im a fan"

"A squirrel,, laid? An acorn?" Oh phil.

Soulmates who have existential crises together stay together

"This thing is a strong buddy" what does that mEan

Oh no. Nononono. Every insect that has gotten inside goes into this plant. Nope.

The extreme closeups that dan does of phils eye's & quiff always make me smile

Ahh. This is the shame pot, where all plants go to die.

Steve

He's a shiny.

Steve is basically your cat now phil

Casual reminders that who needs humans at all when u live with your soulmate and a pigeon adopts you

This angle on the shot. Jfc dAn you're so tall

"They make me happy" *britney yeah.gif*

Overall very good plant tour, very good happy phil, 11/10.

[emptymasks]

Yancy being totally flustered and ruined by Illinois calling him pet names is totally valid but you know what’s better? The first time Yance feels comfortable enough and happy enough to be like ‘Aww, Illi, ain’t you a doll?’ and Illinois stops dead because HE does the pet names and complimenting, HE does the charming. No one charms him. But his heart is Bang Bang Banging and Yancy has a 404 adventurer on his hands.

ain’t you a doll // yancy x illinois 

Pairing: Yancy x Illinois

Words: 1089

Rating: General Audiences

Read on Ao3

Tags: Fluff | Tooth-Rotting Fluff | Fluff and Humor | Domestic Fluff | Romantic Fluff | just a lot of fluff | Romance | Dating | Dates | Pet Names | POV Third Person | Touch-Starved

Notes (more notes at the end): finally got around to writing something for these two. i put the call out for prompts for yancy/illinois two and a half weeks ago and im finally writing about them. i jsut finally felt inspired and woo boy this got really soft i was dying writing them holding hands. 

@wexeatxthexrude thank you so much for the prompt

edit: fixed the formatting issue, damn you tumblr why do you like to warp my fics. thanks to those that let me know.

Another adventure successfully and mostly safely completed, and anotherpriceless artefact soundly and more than mostly safely delivered to the museum.

This wasn’t the first adventure Yancy had tagged along on, but this was thefirst time he’d come with Illinois to the museum to deliver what they’dretrieved and Illinois felt stupid for worrying about whether Yancy was goingto like it or not. Of course he was going to like it, I mean thisplace had the most complete triceratops skeleton in the world! Okay… that’sone of the reasons he liked it, didn’t mean Yancy would. Illinoisforgot a lot of the time that not everyone found old fossils and relics andremains as interesting or cool as he did.

Luckily, Yancy had been enthralled as Illinois walked him around theexhibits and gave him his own exclusive, honorary tour, that was packed withway more information, and much more accurate information, than the museum’sofficial tour guides could ever offer, and hey he also heard this exclusivetour had the best looking guide.

And also luckily Yancy hadn’t gotten bored or fed up of him rambling andgetting over-excited, he’d just listened to everything and smiled and been sosupportive Illinois hadn’t felt this… it felt too early to say ‘loved’…admired maybe… He hadn’t felt this ‘unnameable positive emotion that made hischest feel warm and tight’ in a long time.

“Hey you know, there’s a cafe next to the lobby in here, and when it’snice and hot like this they sell ice cream, you want to grab any? Mytreat?” He asked Yancy once he’d finally finished leading him around theexhibits.

“Aww, Illy, ain’t you a doll.”

Illinois froze.

What… just happened?

Did Yancy just… call him a pet name?

No, no, no, that was his job, he was meant to be the onefull of compliments and pet names. He charmed people, people didn’tcharm him.

People didn’t… When was the last time anyone had charmed him?Illinois tried to think back and sure he knew when people were looking at himlike they wanted to do something to him, or wanted him to do something to them,but no one really flirted with him unless the occasional confident soul shot afew lines back at him as he winked and smiled.

But no one called him pet names, people didn’t call him pet names, Yancyhadn’t ever called him by a pet name before. Yancy was cute and softer, whileIllinois was stoic and cocky and tough, not that Yancy wasn’t tough but… Theway Yancy had said that…

It was just a pet name, just one word, why the hell was he freaking out somuch? He felt the urge to put a hand on his chest to see if his heart reallywas having as much of a fit as he thought it was. His cheeks felt hot, had theyalways felt that hot? It was fairly warm in here but the museum did have airconditioning but it was the summer so-

Something flashed across his face.

There it was again.

It was Yancy’s hand.

“Ill? I didn’t break yous, did I?” Yancy was a lot closer than hehad been before, when did he move? Oh god Illinois prayed to whatever strangedeity might shine down on him that he hadn’t just been standing here for whoknows how long staring into space.

“No, no,” Illinois cringed and coughed as he heard his voice comeout almost squeaky. “Not at all darlin’ you just, uh, took me bysurprise with that is all.”

“With what?” Yancy tilted his head to the side.

Okay maybe he could get away with pretending this never happened. “Oh,nothing, don’t worry about it, but I was saying wasn’t I that I would-”

“It’s cause I called yous ‘doll’ ain’t it?” Yancy was grinning butthere was an insecurity there as if he was afraid of being embarrassed if hewas wrong.

“I, uh,” Illinois shook his head. “Alright, you caught me. Ijust… didn’t expect the pet name is all.”

“Yous seemed to short circuit on me for a second there. How not used toit are you?” Yancy laughed and Illinois dug thumbs under his belt andbalanced back on his heels as he ducked his head (something he was starting tolearn was a nervous tick of his, not that he got nervous of course). “Oh,real not used to it huh?” And Yancy knew what his body language meant andthat was something unusual but… sweet. Not many people had stuck around(whether by their own choice or… not their own choice) long enough to get toknow him this well.

“I suppose I’m used to being the charmer but not the charmee,”Illinois joked, or at least tried to, it must have not worked considering theserious expression on Yancy’s face. “Yance? That’s not… weird, right?How I reacted, I mean.”

Yancy’s eyes stayed serious but he smiled. “Oh not at all, doll.I'ms just thinking what I can dos with this information.” And he smirked,Illinois hadn’t even known Yancy knew how to smirk. “So, what was thatyous were saying about getting us ice cream, sweetheart?”

Oh no. This was bad. This was very, very bad. Yancy had too much power.

He his face heating up had nothing to do with the room temperature thistime. His hand found it’s way up and tugged at the collar of his shirt.

“Yeah,” He tried to shake the feelings off. “I’ll lead theway.”

Yancy, shyly but slyly leaned into him as they walked and brushed theirhands together. Illinois almost jumped, but pushed his hand back into Yancy andhe saw how Yancy’s face lit up from the corner of his eye. Something like thiswas a big step for both of them, both touch-starved from their time alone, butYancy was also so used to people touching him because they were hurting him.Illinois was making sure that never happened again, and was trying his best notto mess things up.

Yancy smiled and held his hand and squeezed it and just looked so darn cutethat Illinois turned his head to the side and slid his hand over his stubbleand over his mouth.

“Yous alright, Noisy?”

“I’m fine, Yancy.” Illinois sighed and dropped his hand, failingto fight the smile off his face.

“Alright,” Yancy cocked his head and grinned. “Doll.”

Tag list: @theshysepticeye @the-marvel-encyclopedia @gabby-doo @actrmrk @smol-gay-nerd184 @salmonisforthebagel (let me know if you’d like to be added to the tag list for my ahwm fics, also let me know if you want to be taken off the tag list)

More notes:

and if you guys could please help me out and and reblog this promo post for the heist charms, stickers and pins i’m making and selling that would mean the world! there’s also the link in there to my Etsy shop where you can buy them plugging that again because i need moneys

also if you want to see the heist art i keep drawing you can follow me on instagram and twitter

[words-for-alice]

I'm thinking WFA might be... kind of done?

I don't really care about posting those random brief updates. I don't think this place is really even about those.

I think of the more detailed self analysis I do here as the real 'point' of WFA. And I feel like I've covered all that I really *need* to cover.

There are a lot of other things I could say. But I have an aversion to talking about myself needlessly. I view WFA as a sort of outsider lens into my own life. I try to only post what is interesting; What can be picked apart, studied or dissected. Something that provides an interesting question.

I really shouldn't be posting those random "I'm feeling like poopoo uh oh" things. I don't gain anything from it. Maybe I try to do so in case it leads up to something more pertinent, like they're rough drafts that never took off.

I think if I were to go back and make some kind of edit pass or something, I would probably cut quite a few posts. But I'm not sure. They might be valuable just for establishing some kind of timeline.

I'm not going to put some kind of official stamp on WFA and say "Yup, it's over, no more" because I don't know if I'll have something new to discuss. But I'm quite averse to restating the same, previous points.

I'd make a joke in which I continue repeating that same, previous point, but I don't have anything substantial to say for the rest of this, and that joke doesn't have enough to stand on its own.

[reallydumbdannyphantomfics]

@lexosaurus was walking downtown, going to wherever the hell Lexx usually goes to when she's not making sweet music or writing heart-wrenching phiccs. As she passed an alley, she heard a whisper. Curious, she stepped back and saw a ghost in a wide-brimmed hat and a long coat standing in the shadows. They beckoned her with a finger.

"Are you gonna sell me ghost weed?" Lexx questioned. "Because, sorry to say, but I already have some at home."

"Not ghost weed," responded the shady ghost. Beneath the shadows, she could make out their eyes darting side to side cautiously. The two of them were alone. The ghost leaned in and opened their coat to reveal what was inside.

Lexx gasped. "Bad danno edits?!" she squeed. Sure enough, the inside of their coat was filled with poorly-photoshopped Dannypocalypse photos. She reached out to have one, but the ghost receded deeper into the alley and motioned her to follow.

Lexx may be an adult, but, well. Who could resist bad danno edits? She followed them in. As soon as she did, someone came through a wall and grabbed her.

"What the--" She thrashed against her holder and craned her neck to see whom it was. It was @livinglargeisagoodepisode . Her eyes widened. "You?!"

In front of them, the Dabbo Dealer(TM) ghost removed their hat to reveal themself as @livinlargesecondbest . "Yes, us," they said. "We've got you now, Lexx."

"And what are you gonna do to me?" Lexx demanded.

"You are the phandom's official Dumpster Fire. You have like a thousand followers. If we can convince you to join us, then surely everyone else will follow."

Lexx threw back her head and laughed. "Good luck with that. I'm never joining you. I watched the entire episode--sober--and I hated it."

"Oh, you won't hate it for much longer," said livinlargesecondbest. As she watched, they pulled out something from their coat that was hidden behind the bad danno edits. It looked like some kind of technological head gear.

"We stole this from Nocturne," livinlargesecondbest said.

"But we modified it," continued livinglargeisagoodepisode, who was still holding Lexx. "Added in shards from the remains of Freakshow's staff."

"It doesn't make you dream, but it does change your way of thinking," livinlargesecondbest concluded with a malicious smile.

Lexx eyed the device. "So. I guess you were gonna use this on me to make me love Livin' Large, huh."

"Yes, yes. Wait, what do you mean, were--"

Suddenly, Lexx twisted in place and attacked livinglargeisagoodepisode with a Danno on a Stick that she pulled out from...uh, somewhere. She flew away, saluting the two Tide blogs as she left. "Hasta la yee--"

A blast suddenly hit her from the side, causing her to crash into a wall. "Owch."

In front of her hovered @butchhartmanvideostans , @butchhartmanfanclub , and @phantomplanetdefensesquad . They surrounded her, closing off any opening for escape. Goddamn Tide blogs. Why did there have to be so many of them?

"You can't run from us," said livinlargesecondbest, who had caught up with her along with livinglargeisagoodepisode. "Or, well, fly from us, whatever."

Lexx eyed the device still in their hands. "How do you even know that's gonna work on me?"

"It worked on @diddly-darn-ghost ," said a voice, and Lexx turned her gaze to see @phantomplanet-is-canonfuckyou --the original Tide.

Lexx laughed nervously. "The fuck are you talking about? Diddly was here way before the Tidepocalypse."

"Was she now?" replied Tide. "You don't know who we are. For all you know, we could have been here since the beginning of the phandom."

"We could have been here forever," affirmed livinlargesecondbest. The other Tide blogs spoke.

"Watching from the shadows..."

"Pulling the strings..."

"Controlling the phandom from the dark."

Lexx's head whipped around to look at each blog as it spoke. "That doesn't make any sense," she insisted. "You're just joke blogs! You didn't spring up until this month!"

"Did we?" said all Tides at once; which, if Lexx wasn't creeped out already, she was now.

Lexx frowned. "Whatever! You still won't get me to join you!" She aimed her Danno on a Stick at one of the Tides, but they grabbed it with a surprisingly strong grip and threw it aside. Lexx watched helplessly as her weapon fell away. She held up her fists, but butchhartmanfanclub had already launched themself at her and held her in place.

"You will join us," said livinlargesecondbest, carrying the head gear toward her. "But don't worry. It's not so bad."

Despite her best struggles, Lexx couldn't break free as the device slid over her head and covered her vision. She her mind slowly being pulled into a deep black hole. There was only one last thing she heard before it completely devoured her.

"By the end of this, you'll be Lovin' Large."

danny phantom au where livin large is appreciated as a masterpiece of an episode