#some of y'all need to be tranquilized and it shows

[aorticsims]

to the people that doxxed turbodriver, go fuck yourself. the sims community is better off without you.

[sandyspaghettibag]

Woooooooo baby, just had one of those minor inconveniences so bad they get you crafting an entirely new personality in retaliation

[vitaminseetarot]

Pick a Card: Your Next Upcoming Transformation 🌕🦋

Hey y'all, welcome back for another pac reading for our last supermoon of the year. This full moon is in Taurus, so we are encouraged to step back and focus on resting and self care in between these tumultuous and difficult energies we are currently running through. Every late autumn season invites us to explore how we have transformed over the year and how we are still evolving. This Scorpio season in particular has been very emboldened and expressive as I've seen its presence in everything from neighborhood construction to politics. And while I will avoid making this post too charged, I will use this post as a reminder that I support all marginalized communities who are feeling confused and vulnerable at this time. I hope you find this blog to be a safe space.

Butterfly imagery has been surrounding me, and I was even gifted some butterfly magnets this season. Butterflies represent the soul and its deep transformative abilities. As we release the old, we may be able to spread our wings to be magnets for better times ahead. So I've created six piles to show where and how this process is shifting you to your next chapter.

1. Pink Butterfly - Little Princess 2. Red Butterfly - Inferno 3. Yellow Butterfly - Spirited Yellow 4. Green Butterfly - Willow Hedge 5. Blue Butterfly - Sea of Tranquility 6. Purple Butterfly - Joie de vivre

Pile 1: Pink Butterfly - Little Princess

6 of Pentacles, Queen of Cups; Appreciation, Marquise, Wolf, Grandmother Moonstone "Forgive, not because they deserve it, but because you deserve peace."

Good evening, pile 1. Your next chapter involves balancing your needs with the needs of others. Perhaps for a while, you have been on one end of an extreme when it came to exchanging. You may feel as though you give too much without receiving the equivalent in return, and this realization means that your generous energy is wearing down on you. It could also be the other way around, where you could feel guilty when others give you things because you're not sure how you will be able to return the favor. It may feel easier to lean on oneself than to grapple with paying back such a gift, as you wouldn't want the other person to feel tired too. I'm feeling many hang ups on both ends when it comes to generosity, and this energy may be arising due to the holiday season getting closer. With the Marquise card showing the Libra symbol above the 6 of Pentacles, balance is the emphasis here. Balance is not always an exact 50/50 at the time of exchange. Cycles will come where you may rely on the help of others more, followed by phases where those same people will come to need and appreciate your help. This is balance in a higher order sense, in terms of your lifetime and not just one season.

It could have been that, in childhood, you were given strange attitudes and beliefs on giving and receiving. I'm getting a weird reaction from seeing "Little Princess". Some part of you may want to embody the princess archetype, who lives in abundance and receives adoration. But maybe there were people who used it with a more negative connotation, like saying "bratty princess" or "spoiled rotten princess". This could have been from family, friends, or even ideas picked up from TV. It could have been that others act like they're spoiling you or really going out of their way when they give you or help you with something. It's such a sticky back and forth, and in time it becomes harder to receive or be grateful from such a source of negativity. And now you've been getting this intuitive nudge that healthier beliefs need to be created.

This season is about observing these negative beliefs and reclaiming your feelings of gratitude and generosity, in a sense. Gratitude isn't about settling for bad standards; if you get a bad gift or a good gift out of somebody "spoiling" you, it's not a reflection of who you are but of where they're at in their own journey. If they don't seem grateful for what you do, that's also a part of their own process. Some people won't be able to reciprocate, just as there are times where others will give more than you can give back. You can embody a healthy princess archetype by allowing yourself to receive without guilt, and letting yourself give without exhausting yourself. People above all like to know they're being appreciated, even if the gift isn't perfect, which means you're off the pressure from finding that perfect thing too. It's ultimately the thought that counts, so whatever you give or get, release the burden and enjoy the gift swapping. If you feel others don't appreciate what you do, please understand it's part of their own life to deal with and please give yourself that gift of self-appreciation.

Pile 2: Red Butterfly - Inferno

XXIII Prism, XI Justice; Future, Tear, Lion, Anandalite and Lemon Balm "Try. Make mistakes! Try again. Perfection does not exist."

Good evening, pile 2. You're transforming into a time of life that's filled to the brim with creative passion. There is an overflow of fiery hot emotion in this group, see how the volcano plumes from the lion's head. You may be getting a lot of ideas at this time for what to make next, some of you could be working on a project now but I'm also getting that many haven't started yet and only will when the grand idea comes through. There are two ways I'm interpreting these projects. They could be artistic or writing projects, but it could also refer to the creation process of forming and completing new goals. This group could benefit greatly from making vision boards, especially for what you want to see or do for next year. Interesting enough, this tarot deck has two additional cards and you got one of them, the Prism, which I interpret to mean "everything". This card sits below the Tear card with the Gemini symbol, so you may also benefit from using a notepad to write ideas down as you get them on the fly. I'm hearing that the ideas that make you feel the most will be the most potent when made physical, you are being asked to work closely with your emotions as a creative compass.

Your cards are bright and hot, but must be tempered with cool confidence. You are stepping into a fresh role where you can imagine your visions easily coming to life. I don't have the Moonology deck in this reading but I'm reminded of the Leo card where it says "confidence is your key to success" because it's such a strong affirmation. Your task is to be your own cheerleader to keep the energy and momentum brimming alive. Cause that's the thing about fire: it will eventually burn out if it's not attended to. Cool casual confidence is a firewood coated in fat, it's what starts the fire and keeps it going long. Not every idea will be the great one, but it's important to put down anything that comes to mind. There will always be time, with the Justice card, for sorting and deciding what works and what doesn't later on. You know how you don't edit a story chapter by chapter, but only after the full draft is complete? This goes for anything you work on, even for future plans.

It doesn't seem like it now, but you are moving into a time where you will have the spark and the passion to move your vision forward. Making excited plans about what you will do or make next will put you in a better mindset for starting them. If you're looking at these cards thinking "passion? motivation? I've never felt so depleted, how could this be true?" then perhaps you're now in a space where sitting with your heavier feelings with grace and integrating them needs to be prioritized beforehand. Part of this transformation process into living in a more impassioned state requires small steps. Intuitive freewriting in a journal may help to break up darker feelings into something more manageable, or you may find another healthy creative outlet for dealing with difficult times currently. But if you've been convincing yourself that you can't create because you're in a bad mood, you may in the process of shifting around your perspective so that creating becomes a means to work through the bad mood. Beautiful, incredible things could come from embracing artistic skills from every facet and angle.

Pile 3: Yellow Butterfly - Spirited Yellow

10 of Wands, VII Chariot Rx; Self Love, Brilliant, Unicorn, Golden Topaz and Yellow Rose "Better to regret the things you've done than to regret the things you didn't do."

Good evening, pile 3. Goodness, do I want to give this group a big pat on the back for all you do! Whatever you've been working at over the months, you have been pushing hard! So much so that the end result doesn't even feel all that great anymore; you're just happy for it to be finished so you can take a break. This pile may have a lot of tired students who will be finishing out their semester in the next few weeks and you're excited for the brief moment of rest. You are very bright and intelligent as well as hard working and I feel your transformation involves acknowledging your talents and strengths. Maybe things didn't end the way you hoped for them to, like getting an A- instead of an A+, but you can still congratulate yourself for the effort you put in anyway, because to do so would congratulate you for who you are. And I get that this pile has had to deal with some major disappointments, but sometimes things just don't work out the way we intend them to. Sometimes the teacher just puts down a random grade because they're tired, maybe there isn't a good reason why. It's not worth belittling your own abilities.

Unicorns indicate something spectacular and magical. To see one before you is to see what cannot be easily believed. Next to the abundance card is a sign of great things to come. The Earth symbol in the Brilliant card reminds me of the Wheel of Fortune. At this time, things may feel "cursed" or futile, but a big spin of the wheel is due to come during your next evolution which may propel you to a different octave of luck. And it may not even be luck but rather the positive karma from the work you've done now. Trust that your good intentions and efforts will be reflected back to you when the stars align, but now is a time to pat yourself on the back and give yourself the recognition you need. The Morbid Mirror says "better to regret" but I wouldn't even say that. You don't need to spend any more time regretting the wrong choice on the quiz or that you answered a question awkwardly in a job interview. What's done is done and you don't need to beat yourself up for what didn't work out.

Forgive yourself for not meeting every goal perfectly, and forgive yourself if your energy to keep pushing is waning. This may be a time where you need to focus more on cheering yourself up and resting than trying to figure out what went wrong or how to make it right. Remind yourself of all the times where things have worked out before and affirm your own brilliance. Don't let the silence of today make you think that you don't deserve good things for what you give. Have faith your efforts will be met with great reward down the road. For now, your catalyst to transform involves making peace with yourself and creating opportunities to be happy. Enjoy the little things that raise your spirits up, and take pride in what you've accomplished so far no matter what.

Pile 4: Green Butterfly - Willow Hedge

6 of Swords, I Magician; Self Esteem, Sunflower, Swallow, Ethiopian Opal "The most damning lie you can tell is the lie you tell yourself."

Good evening, pile 4. Your next phase in life involving moving on from a rough chapter in your past. There could have been an event that scarred your sense of trust or elicited deep insecurities, like an audition but not getting the desired part, or a friend group wasn't what you thought it was. You'll be walking away from something that was toxic, whether it be a situation, group, person, or even from something within you like a limiting mindset that has tried corrode your self esteem. The Willow tree is traditionally a tree representing sorrow and loss, so at this time you may feel despondent and unsure of how things will change. But a hedge represents a boundary line between the known and unknown. Please remind yourself that things are meant to change, that from this difficult time a more prosperous time can later come, even if it's not clear now. The Swallow is a sign of hope and optimism showing you that you are meant to shift away into a better time. Do not let yourself get stuck in believing that the way things are is the way things will always be, as that will close doors faster than the wind. The only door you're meant to close is to the past that left you feeling hurt and torn. Soon, upon leaving the chrysalis, you will be able to open the doors to greater change.

The Magician makes full use of the here and now, using whatever they have at their disposal to see their goals through. Just because you don't see fresh flowers blooming doesn't mean the earth isn't ripe for new possibilities. Many plants can be seeded in the autumn that will blossom and grow fresh food in the spring and summer. There is more you can do with what you have now than you think. With the emphasis of wings in this pile, I'm getting that you're at the peak of something. You've risen up and overcome something difficult for which you don't give yourself enough credit. Only a vast horizon filled with potential lies before you, which you can do with however you please. You're not meant to forever stay frozen at the peak, reflecting on the toxicity you left behind, but to glide back down and start anew.

The Sunflower always faces the direction of the sun. So should you turn your attention to what in life makes you feel most good about being alive and being you. This is how you can move on, by making space for what you wish to grow. The Opal card speaks of children and birthing something into being, so however low you feel about yourself now, remember that we are all flying in our own altitudes and that there's always room to expand on yourself as a person. If you feel beat up because you didn't make it onto a sports team, place energy on creating the next opportunity to play at the game. Talk to yourself truthfully and fairly as if your child self is hearing everything because your inner child is the part of you who will help guide you through your transformation. Harness your courage to take the next step forward as in your next chapter you will be in perfect alignment to achieve whatever you wish.

Pile 5: Blue Butterfly - Sea of Tranquility

XV Devil, IX Hermit; Learning, Mazarin Rx, Hawk, Pixie Helpers and Green Aventurine "Just being born, makes you worthy of being here. Let yourself just be."

Good evening, pile 5. Your next transformation is a smooth and steady pace of growth. You're entering into a phase of life where you can exist and embrace the fullness of your life for how it is now, at its best. It's strange to put it like this, but with the Mazarin card in reverse it's almost as though your growth path doesn't actually involving growing in the traditional sense. So during this season you may experience a sense of regression or going backwards, and this is to brush up on old sticky lessons that need to be cleared out. I feel this lesson has to do with the fixation on self-improvement. This pile may be the type to put a lot of time into ameliorating your life and relationships. You could even be thinking about your New Year's resolution when we haven't even yet entered December at the time of this reading, just because you wanna get ahead on your to-do list planned out for next year. However, I'm seeing that your transformation will involve some pulling back and withdrawing your energies to highlight overlooked aspects.

We live in a culture of constant doing, and it makes sense that this feeling ramps up during the end of the year. There could be real engagements that require attention due to real deadlines, but sometimes our brains make up deadlines just for feeling like it makes sense to do so. The Hawk is vigilant, always keeping a sharp eye on every task and detail. For some things, you may have a lot more time than you believe you do in working something out. It's okay to occasionally sleep on something and come back to it. The Hawk also speaks about self-sabotage. Could you be putting unneeded frustration on yourself when maintaining a flexible outlook might help you reach your goals sooner? It's like if you're trying to write a song but you're not sure how to finish it: it make take less time to just put it aside and come back to it instead of straining at the same verse for hours on end.

If, during this regression, you feel lost at what to do, perhaps taking time to meditate or center your mind may be the best course of action, instead of spinning wheels to figure out the next thing. Life is not a neverending to-do list where we're meant to go from one thing to the next right away. Your transformation forward requires compassion for not being where you want to be in the present, but finding space to breathe anyway. Be more discerning with how you use your time and remember that free time isn't wasted time. It's okay if you feel stuck in a certain position, but it'll be easier to rise from that when you let yourself be and avoiding pushing too hard. Within that tranquil state, great ideas and solutions can come. We don't always need to chase for the next great problem to tackle to feel like we're making proper use of the present. There is purpose in the peace and silence of doing nothing. You will transform into somebody who understands the value of resting your thinking mind when it's needed.

Pile 6: Purple Butterfly - Joie de vivre

XIV Temperance, King of Cups; Retreat, Heart, Tiger, Laboradorite and Blue Lotus Flower "Everything is energy and energy never dies; it just transforms."

Good evening, pile 6. This pile is for the intuitive people out there! There is a lot of psychic energy in this group. Your transformation is on an almost imperceptible level, too subtle for those who are not as spiritually inclined. This could involve some kind of moment of awakening or enlightenment, but it may not necessarily be a dramatic one. You are stepping into a more mature and balanced disposition, not the kind of awakening where we suddenly get clued into to the basics of souls and spirit guides, but one that involves a shift on how you view the world as a whole. Joie de vivre means "joy of living" in French, and it refers to having a cheerful and optimistic outlook on life. You may have been working on the heavier aspects of spirituality, like doing shadow work, getting used to the idea that it's how all spirituality functions. But I'm getting a brighter view of seeing things here, realizing that nothing stays the same so that the good can come along with the bad. You'll be shifting into a spirituality that satisfies you with a sense of hope, love, joy, and community.

The Tiger represents opulence, so you may receive an abundance of psychic energy and information during your shift. This could come as automatic intuitive knowing (clairsentience), or through vivid meaningful dreams that provide deeper revelations about people and self. The Temperance card shows that this revelation is not one of fireworks but of a more intrinsic lasting sense of contentment. These are downloads meant to help you see that while spirituality isn't all sunshine and rainbows, it's also not all doom and gloom either. You may be retreating from doing the big bold kind of karmic work over this transformation period, which is okay as there is always a time for doing and not doing, and I really feel with your maturity that you've already done a lot. Now it's time to pull back from the shadow work so to find balance in between the lessons.

The secret to this transformation is non-attachment. Let the events and moments in your day come as they may. You will soon get the sense in your spirit that there is a constant inner joy that doesn't respond to external circumstances even if they're intrusive or annoying. With the unconditional compassion of Pisces, you find that bad situations that come up do not tend to last long when your heart is directing itself towards what you feel love and gratitude for, you won't be able to as easily dwell on the worst parts of the day over the best. And with less dwelling on negative parts of the past means less need to heal those parts. If something falls away, another thing will come to fill the gap. Your regenerative abilities are potent for this next phase of your life. I'm talking like this unshakeable faith in the best outcomes while feeling fine with things even when the outcome is far from ideal. This transformation is a form of wisdom that heals and will continue to heal as you gracefully move forward. Some may mention that you have an aura glow around you, which is your transformation at work.

This reading has not been evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or infection. Please ask your physician before going online.

2024, @VitaminseeTarot ™

[shidouryusm]

Ghost town of youth - Suguru x reader

w/c -> 1.2k

contents -> bittersweet, angst, lots of metaphor and sea references, ig that's all

a/n -> idk man I just had a random wave of sadness about suguru and my tears wrote it. If y'all like it please support me via reblogs and comments :) also first time wrote geto idk whether I did a good job or not but I do love the lil sea metaphors here teehee. not proofread

The air brushes past you, little beads of salt sticking to your face and the skin of your lips. The sand below dips your heels deep into their abyss while the pull of the saltwater sweeps the particles back and forth in that white bed of grains. You feel the briney air kiss the strands of your hair as each of the thread dances to the unheard song of the dusk. 

The sound of waves are muted, almost too quiet to hear as they break against your ankles, resembling foams of soaps clinging to your feet submerged right where the shore begins. The ambience was scenic; the scent of the sea alluring to bask in, but there laid something that amplified the beauty of this nature more. 

Before you, was a sight that could only be called righteous – unadulterated and wholesome. Pure and tranquil. Far from any darkness that looms out there. 

The girls were silhouetted by the dying sun, their little figures prancing around the darkening sea, their pigtails dances along the motion. And behind them, you see him – arms outstretched, chasing the girls as they squeal and run and run further away from him. Their laughter doubles in pitch and happiness as he makes some kind of gurgling sound, imitating a monster. 

The chuckles of the two girls mixes with the breeze, creating a song even more melodious to tune into. Your lips curl into a comforting smile as their giggles mends your heart a little more than the day before. 

Suguru has left his monk attire at home, rather donning himself in a blue hawaiian shirt. He sends a glance across your way, eyes crinkled shut and a smile that translates to save me from this. You smile back, daring yourself to not show the inner turmoil creeping up on your face while you admire them from afar. 

It has been four years ever since Mimiko-Nanako stepped into your life and even though the aftermath of their entrance has been ugly, their simple presence and smiles were like bandaids on the scarred wounds. Like anchors holding both of your boats in an unrestrained sea.

But as much as they are a blessing, a hidden, fragmented part of your heart dares to speak out – wishing Suguru had never accepted that mission. That way he wouldn’t have to see their helpless faces smushed against each other, looking up at him in horror, with their little bodies trembling. Maybe that would have saved Suguru from the apocalypse he set into motion himself. 

Maybe today under the setting embers of the sun, you would be laughing with Satoru, Shoko and Nanami. 

Maybe then, Suguru wouldn’t have to creep up to you, farway in Sendai during your mission, offering you a portal to a completely different life– a life facing against the very people you once called home. 

You were ordered for immediate report on the sight of this man but seeing him in flesh had left your body to stand where it was. Eyes drinking him from head to toe. 

Was it your body that responded or the thrumming heart of yours that was branded by his name forever? You never questioned it. You never felt the need to because from that day onwards, Mimiko-Nanako had found another parent and jujutsu world lost another one. 

You missed Satoru. His obnoxious laughter, his lame but unnecessary sunglass collections that he possessed. Was he still this haughty or the loss of his dearests had left him in a loophole. Forced him to take responsibilty and raise a generation of strongest sorceres? You missed Shoko and the stench of the cigarettes she pulled out at the most random places, attracting glares of surprise and offence. Does she still smoke just like Iori drinks in secrecy? Heck you even missed Mei’s random bets with alarming amounts of yen and Nanami’s exasperated sighs. You missed everything. You missed everyone. 

And most of it all, you missed your Suguru. You missed the way his eyes used to twinkle at your random dates across Shinjuku. You missed his smile before he executed on planning devious pranks on you, with Satoru, only to later coax you with sweet words, kisses and hugs. 

You missed the genuinity of his smile. A smile that was robbed by the world. A smile robbed from you. You failed to protect him in your heart and now he has crumbled to pieces, along with the walls of your heart that promised his security. 

Slammed himself into a realm of extreme ideology that you still can’t bring yourself to accept. You don’t speak about it. Your blind acceptance was a testament of your loyalty to him. Your love that continued to grow only, swallowing you like a boa constrictor. You know his path is wrong. It is bloody and it’s killing every last bit of light in him, along with you. You clutch your chest as if holding your heart physically could help it from shattering apart.

You haven’t used jujutsu technique ever since that day. Suguru has accepted it. Upon enduring the death of his closed ones, your death would make him lose every resolve that is holding him by the thread to not go on a rampage. 

But how much of this can you tolerate? How many sleepless nights would it take on your end to finally stand on the line Suguru started his journey?

Your closed eyes didn’t sense his presence near you until large frame of his hands cages you in his hold, his mild scent wafting in your nose along with the oceany smell. 

“Anything on your mind?” his soft voice reaches your ear and the knife in your heart twists a little bit more. His head rests against your shoulder, little tufts your hair tickling your skin and suddenly you are teleported to the blue youthful days. Summer beach dates and hidden makeout sessions.

Only if you could have been saved.

You shake your head, leaning more into his touch while both of you watch your girls play, like a family promised of happiness. His embrace was the embodiment of chalk and cheese– with the warmth that served like a blanket in the chilly air yet the bloody coldness feeling like hugging a teddy bear fashioned with shards of glass. He holds you a little bit tighter, and you wonder whether he knows the dirty game of predicament your heart plays on you everyday. 

He probably does. your silent sobs never goes unheard in his ears. his heart aches for you but he knows where your love lies. Where your heart lies.  Anchored right against him. the only thing he can wait for is to let it rust. To let you strengthen yourself on your own in this doomed world. Even without your gallantry, your abandonment from jujutsu, he is assured about your support. Your love for Mimiko-Nanako and for him is what he may fight and die for. 

You watch Suguru drag his feet against the wet sand, absentmindedly trailing a path that you followed suit, your feet behind him on the white trail. He chuckles at your doing while you chime in, both of you indulging in a silly act of your own while your bodies flush against each other. Minds racing with thoughts but reaching one common destination - each other.

The sunset is beautiful and you wish time stalled here, you wished for the water to be this calm and you wished this little bubble of family remained as it is – playing in the ebbing waves under the twilight sky painted in the lightest pink. You know you haven’t caught up to him. Still following him just like the trails of the sand you both created. Maybe you never will. But moments like these where your heart aches for him and you are sent into the ghostown of his past, you can snuck in the happiness you had felt in the long lost youth. 

Who knows? Maybe Suguru will too.

comments, likes and reblogs are appreciated

dividers from @/cafekitsune

[thebunnednun]

Whispers of the Heart Dracule Mihawk x Fm Maid! Reader (Part 6)

I do not own the artwork its by: @xuchuan25 Tell them they're amazing y'all!

Chapter 6. I have decided to drop: THE LORE CHAPTER!!!!

Part 1 can be found: Here

Part 2 is right: Here

Part 3: Right over yonder

Part 4 right here baby!

Part 5 at your service.

And in my typical fashion, this is only part 1.

On with the show!!~ (P.S. Bring some tissues.)

---------------------Chapter 6: Broken memories-----------------------

"Why are you the way that you are?"

As the first rays of the afternoon light filtered through the curtains, you stirred awake, feeling the warmth of Mihawk's embrace enveloping you like a cocoon. You shifted slightly, intending to slip out of his arms and begin your day, but found yourself unable to move. His hold on you was firm yet gentle, anchoring you to him in a way you hadn't expected.

Admiring his peaceful expression, you couldn't help but marvel at the man beside you. Despite his intimidating presence and the reputation that preceded him, there was a vulnerability to him that drew you in. You reached out tentatively, your fingers tracing the contours of his whiskered jawline before playfully poking his cheek.

Mihawk stirred at your touch, his eyes fluttering open as he slowly emerged from sleep. He blinked groggily, his gaze focusing on you with a mixture of surprise and warmth.

"[Name]?" he murmured, his voice husky with sleep.

You smiled, your heart fluttering at the sight of him. "Good morning, Mihawk."

Before he could respond, the door to the room burst open with a resounding bang, startling you both. A young Perona stood in the doorway, her face flushed with excitement.

"Master Mihawk, there's a messenger at the gate. He says it's urgent," she announced breathlessly.

Mihawk's expression shifted to one of mild annoyance, but he nodded. "I'll be there shortly," he replied, his voice carrying an edge of authority that left no room for argument.

As the ghost princess scurried away giggling, Mihawk turned back to you, his gaze softening. "I apologize for the interruption," he said, his fingers brushing a strand of hair from your face. "It seems peace is a rare commodity here."

You laughed, his comedy was something to behold. "It's alright. I should probably get up and start my chores anyway."

Mihawk's grip tightened slightly, his eyes locking onto yours. "Stay a moment longer," he urged softly. "Let's enjoy the calm before the storm."

You settled back into his embrace, your head resting against his chest. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat was soothing, and you found yourself relaxing despite the impending day. For a few precious moments, the world outside ceased to exist, and it was just the two of you in a bubble of tranquility.

As you lay there, you couldn't help but reflect on how much had changed since you first arrived at Mihawk's castle. The fear and uncertainty had given way to a deeper understanding and connection. Despite the challenges, you had found a place by his side, and it was a comfort you cherished.

Eventually, Mihawk sighed, the sound vibrating through his chest. "I suppose we can't stay here forever," he murmured, reluctantly loosening his hold on you.

You nodded, sitting up and stretching. "Duty calls," you said with a small smile. You strattled his hips momentaruly before stretching and hopping off his form to slide off the bed. You fussed with your hair and began to place the bangles and necklaces you stripped for cuddle purposes back on.

Mihawk's eyes lingered on you for a moment longer before he swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask," he said, his tone serious.

You nodded, feeling a warmth spread through your chest at his concern. "I will. Thank you, Mihawk." You slipped on your gold colored house slippers and called to Perona if she would like some cookies and he watched your figure leave out the door.

As he left to attend to the messenger, you couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for the day ahead. Despite the closseness, you knew that you weren't letting him inside. And that made all the difference.

You loved to swim in Mihawks thoughts but you didn't even give him a life preserver for yours. He knew that you were going through a storm most days. Not a depression but rather you were lost at sea.

Only the sea was inside your mind and he desperately wanted to save you.

Mihawk could only wish to know what you were dreaming of.

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

The Meeting of Shanks, Buggy, and [Name]

"Where do you come from?"

The island of [Name]'s birth lay deep in the Grand Line, a secret place of mystery and danger, where the waves themselves seemed to whisper secrets. It was from this rugged, unyielding land that she hailed, her spirit as wild and untamed as the sea itself. [Name] had grown up amid tales of legendary pirates, dreaming of adventure and the world beyond her island home.

Her chance came when she encountered the crew of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, two years before his death. A young girl with a heart full of dreams, she sought apprenticeship under Roger, determined to carve out her own adventure on the high seas.

It was on this fateful ship that she met Shanks and Buggy, two young apprentices with their own ambitions and quirks. Shanks, with his easygoing nature and infectious laughter, welcomed her with open arms, immediately adopting her as a sister. He loved teasing her, finding endless amusement in her reactions. His playful banter and protective nature made her feel at home amidst the chaos of pirate life.

Buggy, on the other hand, was an enigma. His sharp wit and penchant for theatrics often set him apart, but [Name] saw through his bravado. She refused to accept his asshole antics, calling him out whenever he crossed the line. This unexpected defiance intrigued Buggy, and he found himself drawn to her unyielding spirit. Around [Name], Buggy could drop his guard and be his true self, forging a bond that neither of them had anticipated.

Together, the three of them formed an unbreakable trio, their adventures on the high seas becoming the stuff of legends.

Their first memorable adventure together occurred on a mysterious island known for its treacherous terrain and hidden treasures. The island's dense jungle and labyrinthine caves promised both danger and reward, and the trio eagerly set out to explore.

Shanks led the way, his laughter echoing through the trees as he cracked jokes and teased [Name] about her cautious nature. Buggy, ever the showman, swung his cutlass dramatically at the overgrown foliage, declaring himself the greatest explorer in the world. [Name], with a mix of exasperation and fondness, kept them both in line, her keen senses alert for any signs of trouble.

Deep within the jungle, they stumbled upon a hidden waterfall, its sparkling waters cascading into a crystal-clear pool. It was a moment of serene beauty amidst the wildness, and they took a break to enjoy the sight. Shanks, ever the prankster, splashed water at Buggy, sparking a playful water fight that left them all laughing and soaked.

As the sun set, they discovered a hidden cave behind the waterfall, filled with ancient carvings and glittering gems. It was a treasure trove that spoke of forgotten civilizations and long-lost tales. Together, they marveled at their find, carving their names in full to cement their bond in the ancient stone.

Another memorable escapade saw them caught in a fierce storm at sea. The small ship was tossed about like a toy, the crew struggling to keep it afloat. Amidst the chaos, [Name] worked alongside Shanks and Buggy, grabbing the wheel and keeping them on a straight path.

Shanks, always the optimist, kept spirits high with his infectious laughter, even as the waves crashed over the deck. Buggy, despite his usual theatrics, showed a steely determination, his quick thinking helping to navigate the treacherous waters. [Name], with her calm and steady presence, kept them focused, her knowledge of the sea guiding their efforts.

As the storm finally subsided, the crew emerged battered but triumphant. The three of them stood together at the bow, watching the dawn break over the horizon, their friendship forged in the crucible of the storm.

In a bustling market town, their bond was tested in more lighthearted ways. Shanks, ever the mischief-maker, convinced [Name] to join him in a prank on Buggy. They switched Buggy's beloved tricorn hat with a flamboyant, feathered monstrosity, waiting eagerly for his reaction.

When Buggy discovered the switch, his indignant squawks of outrage drew a crowd, but his eyes held a glint of amusement. [Name] and Shanks couldn't contain their laughter, and soon enough, Buggy joined in, the trio's laughter echoing through the market.

Their antics didn't go unnoticed, and they found themselves fleeing from an irate vendor whose prized cabbages had become collateral damage in their escapade. Dodging through the narrow streets, they finally collapsed in a hidden alley, breathless and laughing, their youth more prominent than ever.

Through all their adventures, [Name] found a family in Shanks and Buggy. They were her brothers, her companions, her partners in mischief and bravery. Together, they navigated the tumultuous seas of the Grand Line, their friendship an anchor in the ever-changing tides of their journey.

[A broken vow and families destroyed]

Gold Roger was not just a captain; he was a mentor, a father figure, and a source of unending support for [Name]. From the moment she joined the crew, he took her under his wing, recognizing a spark of potential within her. Despite the rough exterior of the pirate life, Roger's kindness and wisdom shone through in his treatment of [Name]. He spoiled her with treasures and stories, but more importantly, he taught her the values of hard work and compassion.

Under his guidance, [Name] learned the intricacies of navigation, the art of swordsmanship, and the importance of leading with both strength and kindness. Roger's philosophy was simple: a true captain is not just a leader but a protector and a beacon of hope for their crew. He made sure [Name] understood this, pushing her to be the best version of herself.

During one of their many celebrations on board, [Name] found herself sitting beside Roger, her heart full of gratitude and admiration for the man who had become her surrogate father. Shanks and Buggy, as usual, were in the midst of a heated but playful argument, this time about which pole was colder. Their bickering filled the air with laughter, and Roger joined in, his deep chuckles resonating like thunder.

"[Name]," Roger called her softly, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of amusement and curiosity, "what do you want more than anything?"

[Name] hesitated for a moment before leaning in to whisper her deepest desire into his ear. Roger nodded thoughtfully, a knowing smile spreading across his face. Without another word, he slipped away from the festivities, motioning for her to follow.

He led her through the ship and down to the docks where they boarded a smaller vessel. Their destination was a nearby island, a place known to only a few. As they approached, [Name]'s heart pounded with anticipation. They were greeted warmly by Portgas D. Rouge, who welcomed them into her home with open arms.

Rouge's eyes sparkled with joy as she showed [Name] her pregnant belly, the rounded form a symbol of new life and hope. [Name]'s eyes widened with excitement, and she couldn't help but ask, "When will the baby be born? Will they join the crew?"

Roger and Rouge laughed softly, sharing a look of mutual understanding. "Fate might have other plans for this little one," Rouge said gently.

Roger coughed softly, excusing himself to get some water, leaving [Name] alone with Rouge. "Would you like to feel the baby?" Rouge asked, her voice warm and inviting.

[Name] nodded eagerly. With Rouge's guidance, she placed her hands on the swollen belly, feeling the subtle movements within. It was a moment of pure wonder, and when Rouge urged her to listen with her ear, [Name] pressed her head gently against the belly, hearing the faint, rhythmic heartbeat of the unborn child.

When Roger returned, he smiled at the sight before him. "If you want a family," he said, his voice filled with sincerity, "then you have one with us, no matter where your journey takes you."

They embraced, a moment of shared warmth and connection that [Name] would treasure forever. As they pulled away, the distant calls of Shanks and Buggy echoed through the night, searching for their missing friend.

"I should go," [Name] said reluctantly, feeling the pull of her crewmates. "But I promise, I'll always take care of the baby."

Roger and Rouge nodded, their eyes filled with pride and affection as [Name] left to rejoin her brothers in adventure. The promise she made that night would stay with her always, a silent vow to protect and cherish the family she had found on the high seas.

[The day the music died.]

The day of Gol D. Roger's execution dawned bleak and somber. A thick crowd gathered, murmuring and jostling, as the Pirate King was led to the scaffold. Shanks and Buggy stood shoulder to shoulder, their eyes red with unshed tears. [Name] was close by, her hands trembling at her sides as she watched the man who had been a father to her take his final steps.

As the executioner’s blade fell, the reality crashed down on them. Shanks and Buggy were openly weeping, their sobs mingling with the shocked gasps and murmurs of the crowd. [Name], unable to contain her grief, placed her hands over her mouth to stifle a scream that threatened to shatter her very soul.

Her muffled cries continued until Buggy, his own face a mask of pain, wrapped his arms around her. Shanks, trying to stay strong, reached out to steady them both as they all sank to their knees, overcome by loss.

In the chaos that followed Roger's last words and the ensuing scramble for his treasure, [Name] felt a fierce resolve build within her. Pushing herself to her feet, she made her way towards the Marines, her eyes burning with determination.

She pushed her way through the crowd and stood at the executioners block, eyes unforgiving and enflammed.

"We want his body," she demanded, her voice cracking but strong. "We deserve to bury him properly!"

The Marines, caught off guard by her boldness, tried to push her away. "Move along," one of them barked. "Or you'll be arrested for obstructing justice."

Buggy, still reeling from grief, stepped forward, fists clenched and ready to fight. But before he could act, Shanks intervened, raising a hand to calm his friend. "Wait," Shanks said, his tone steady and conciliatory. "Let's talk about this."

As the tension mounted, [Name] caught the eye of Vice Admiral Garp, who was watching the scene unfold with a stoic expression. For a moment, his gaze softened, acknowledging her pain and determination.

"Let them go," Garp finally said, his voice carrying authority. "This isn't the time or place."

Reluctantly, the Marines stepped back, allowing the trio to retreat. They made their way to a secluded alleyway, away from the prying eyes and the frenzy of treasure seekers. [Name]'s mind raced, filled with images of Portgas D. Rouge and the unborn baby. She knew she had to leave, to be with them before the baby’s arrival, but the thought of abandoning Shanks and Buggy tore at her heart.

In the quiet of the alley, the argument that had been simmering between Shanks and Buggy boiled over. "We need to form our own crew," Buggy insisted, his voice desperate and angry. "Shanks, you should lead us."

Shanks shook his head, his expression resolute. "That's not what my destiny is. We need to find our own paths."

Their words became heated, their grief and confusion fueling the fire. Buggy turned to [Name], his eyes pleading and furious. "Who are you going with, [Name]? Me or Shanks?"

She looked between them, her heart breaking. She knew they needed to stay together, that their bond was stronger than this moment of despair. But she also knew where she was needed most.

"I'm going home," she said softly, tears streaming down her face. "I can't tell you. But this isn't goodbye. I'll see you both later."

Buggy's face twisted in anger and hurt. "Betrayal!" he spat. "Just like that, you're leaving us?"

Shanks, though pained, gave her a nod of understanding. "You do what you need to do, [Name]. You always have a place with me."

With a final, anguished look at her two brothers, [Name] turned and walked away. Her heart ached, but she knew her path was clear. She needed to find a boat and reach Rouge before the baby's birth.

As you left the alleyway, the sounds of Shanks and Buggy's argument faded, replaced by the relentless roar of the sea and the promise of a new life waiting just beyond the horizon.

Time skip.....

Later that day, [Name] found Portgas D. Rouge by the shore of Baterilla, her eyes fixed on the distant horizon. Upon seeing each other, the weight of their shared grief became too much to bear. Tears streamed down their faces as [Name] collapsed into Rouge's arms. They held each other tightly, sobbing together as [Name] tried to convey the harrowing events of the day.

"Everything will be okay," Rouge whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "But we must go into hiding now. We can't let anyone know about the baby. The Marines will kill us if they find out."

In a daring act, [Name] stole Roger's body from the Marines that night, earning herself a high bounty.

From that moment on, [Name] dedicated herself to protecting Rouge. For the next two years, she became Rouge's personal guard, helping her evade the ever-watchful eyes of the Marines. They lived a life of constant vigilance, moving from place to place, hiding Rouge's pregnancy from the world.

As the months passed, the strain on Rouge became more evident. The pain grew, and it became harder for her to conceal her condition.

One evening, as they sat together in a small, dimly lit room, [Name] gently encouraged Rouge to leave with her to the secret island in the Grand Line where she had been born. "No one will find us there," she promised. "We can be safe, and you can have the baby in peace."

Rouge nodded, her eyes filled with determination. She had held her pregnancy for twenty months through sheer willpower, deceiving the world about Ace's connection to Gol D. Roger. The strain was immense, but she endured it for the sake of her child.

When the time finally came, [Name] was by Rouge's side, holding her hand as she gave birth. Rouge named the child "Gol D. Ace," cradling him in her arms with a smile of pure love and exhaustion. But the effort of holding Ace for so long took its toll, and Rouge's strength began to wane.

As Rouge's life ebbed away, [Name] placed the baby in a handmade cradle and called for the midwives. She rushed to get them, her heart pounding with fear and hope. When she returned, she found Vice-Admiral Garp standing by Rouge's side, his expression soft with sorrow.

"Take care of him," Rouge whispered to Garp, her voice barely audible.

"Please, take care of Ace."

Garp nodded solemnly, holding Rouge's hand in her final moments. Despite being Roger's enemy, he respected Rouge's sacrifice and love for her child. He agreed to take care of Ace without reporting his bloodline to the Marines.

Before [Name] could react, Garp took the baby and left quickly. She returned to find Rouge lifeless, her final wish fulfilled. The midwives tried to console [Name], but she broke away from them, screaming that the child had been stolen. She crumbled to the ground, her heart shattered by the loss of both Roger and Rouge, and now Ace.

With fierce determination, [Name] vowed to find Ace and fulfill her promise to Rouge.

She helped prepare Rouge's body for burial, ensuring she would rest beside Gol D. Roger. Then, she buried them together on her secret island, where they could finally be at peace.

Standing by their graves, [Name] made a solemn promise. "I will find Ace and raise him to be a good person. I will bring Buggy and Shanks together again. Thank you for your kindness. I promise, I will make my dream come true in this lifetime."

With that, she set sail, determined to find her own crew and reunite with Ace. The journey ahead was uncertain, but her resolve was unwavering. She would honor the memory of Gol D. Roger and Portgas D. Rouge by protecting their legacy and fulfilling her own destiny.

The years that follow----

After stealing the Pirate King’s body, your fame skyrocketed throughout the known world. The tale of your daring heist spread like wildfire, making you a target for both the Marines and rival pirates. Despite the constant danger, your village agreed to keep your secret as long as you didn't return with any outsiders. Before you left, they gifted you the machetes your mother had left for you in her will, weapons of exquisite craftsmanship that held both sentimental and practical value.

“Take these,” the village elder said, placing the sheathed machetes in your hands. “Your mother wanted you to have them. We will look after your house and keep your secret. Stay safe.”

Bidding them goodbye, you embarked on your journey, the weight of loneliness pressing down on you during that first year. Constantly on the run, you evaded capture while feeling the sting of isolation. News of Shanks growing into a respected captain and a good man reached your ears, filling you with a bittersweet pride. Conversely, stories of Buggy’s descent into villainy and the destruction he wrought on towns left you disheartened.

In response to Buggy’s actions, you visited the towns he had ravaged, bringing aid and comfort to the villagers. Each act of kindness strengthened your resolve to reunite Shanks and Buggy, hoping to mend their fractured bond.

After months of planning, you managed to pull some strings, orchestrating a meeting on a remote island under the guise of a peaceful conversation. As they arrived, it didn’t take long for Shanks and Buggy to realize they had been tricked.

“Why did you call us here?” Buggy snapped, eyes narrowing in suspicion.

Before you could answer, Buggy turned to leave. Quickly, you transformed your demeanor into that of a fearsome monster, roaring and charging at them. Shanks and Buggy, caught off guard, had no choice but to work together to fend you off and make it to the shore. Ben Beckmann and Alvida kept their ships anchored far enough away to prevent any escape.

Panting and out of breath, Shanks and Buggy finally cornered you on the beach. You dropped the act, revealing your calm demeanor with a mischievous grin.

“So you two get along unless you think I’m going to kill you?” you asked, crossing your arms.

Shanks chuckled, wiping sweat from his brow. “You always had a knack for theatrics, [Name].”

Buggy, still fuming, scowled but didn’t argue. “This better be good,” he muttered.

Taking a deep breath, you stepped forward, your tone softening. “I didn’t bring you here to trick you. I did it because we need to talk. We were a family once, and I refuse to believe that’s gone forever. Shanks, you’ve become a great captain. Buggy, you have your own path, but we need to find common ground.”

The tension hung heavy in the air as you watched Shanks and Buggy stand facing each other, the years of unresolved conflict weighing on their shoulders. Shanks, always the more easygoing of the two, took a step forward, his expression softening.

"Buggy," he began, his voice steady, "we've been through a lot together. We've laughed, fought, and survived things most people can't even imagine. But we need to settle this. We were friends, and I refuse to let that go."

Buggy's facade cracked, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I wanted to be a great pirate captain," he admitted, his voice trembling. "I wanted to be someone like Roger, but I didn't have what you have, Shanks. The charisma, the strength… I just don't have it."

Shanks shook his head, placing a hand on Buggy's shoulder. "Buggy, that's one of the reasons I couldn’t become the new Pirate King either. We each have our strengths and weaknesses. But that doesn't mean you can't be a great captain in your own right. We just have different paths."

The sincerity in Shanks' words seemed to reach Buggy, who took a shaky breath before nodding. "I’m sorry, Shanks. And I’m sorry to you too, [Name]. I was so angry after Roger’s execution. I felt betrayed and lost. But I did look for you after the Marines placed that bounty on your head for stealing Roger’s body."

Shanks nodded in agreement. "We both did. We never stopped searching for you."

Your heart swelled at their words, and you took a step closer to them. "It means a lot to hear that. But I can’t tell you where Roger's body is. It’s a secret I have to keep. But I do need your help, and I need you to swear loyalty to me."

Buggy and Shanks exchanged a glance before turning back to you. "It never stopped," Buggy said earnestly.

Shanks smiled, placing a hand over his heart. "We swear, no tricks. Whatever you need, we’re with you."

You took a deep breath and began recounting the events that had unfolded since your split from them. You told them about finding Rouge, helping her through her pregnancy, and the pain and fear that had shadowed those years. You described the agony of losing the baby and Rouge, and the determination that kept you going.

Shanks and Buggy listened intently, their expressions growing somber with each word. When you finished, they both stepped forward, embracing you tightly.

"We'll find the child," Shanks promised, his voice full of conviction. "We'll make sure Roger's legacy lives on."

Buggy nodded, his usual bravado replaced with genuine resolve. "And we'll do it together, like the old days."

A grin tugged at Shanks’ lips as he glanced at Buggy. "Hey, maybe you’ll even get a chance to show off your ‘great captain’ skills, Buggy. Who knows? You might even impress me."

Buggy rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of a smile on his lips. "Don’t push your luck, Shanks."

The tension eased as Shanks and Buggy stood side by side, their shared history and newfound understanding rekindling the bond that had once seemed irreparably broken.

"Thank you," you said, voice thick with emotion. "Thank you for staying with me."

Shanks grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Of course, [Name]. We’re in this together. And who knows, maybe we’ll find more than just Roger’s legacy out there."

Buggy raised an eyebrow, a rare, genuine smile creeping onto his face. "What are you implying, Shanks?"

"Oh, nothing," Shanks said, chuckling. "Just that there are many adventures ahead, and some of them might be more… personal than others."

Buggy's cheeks reddened slightly, but he didn't retort, a silent understanding passing between the two of them. You smiled at their interaction, sensing that the future held more than just the quest for Roger's child. There were new dynamics, deeper connections, and perhaps even love, waiting to unfold.

For now, though, there were immediate plans to be made and old promises to keep.

"Alright," you said, standing tall. "We need to prepare. Buggy, Shanks, let's gather our resources, plan our next move, and get ready to set sail. We have a lot of ground to cover and a lot of people to find."

Shanks nodded, his playful demeanor giving way to seriousness. "We’ll follow your lead, [Name]. Just say the word."

Buggy agreed, a rare moment of sincerity in his eyes. "Whatever it takes, we’ll do it. For Roger, for Rouge, and for the future."

"And for you."

With that, the three of you set off, determined and united. The journey ahead was uncertain, but with Shanks and Buggy by your side, you felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Together, you would honor Roger's memory and protect the legacy he had left behind.

It was agreed that, to maintain a low profile, Shanks and Buggy would feign animosity in public, while you remained on the move, constantly gathering intel from the Marines and searching for the individual who had taken baby Ace away.

You hit a dead end for a while, until a certain young man with golden eyes flew into your life.

______________________________________________________________

That was part 1 of the lore and the second will be posted later today.

CHapter 6

Chapter 7

Make sure you check out the a03 account by the same name. Everything I have posted here is there in chronological order. I also have a few Buggy the Clown x Reader's posted in the masterlist! Give it a read if you please!

Be sure to check out my other works and leave likes and comments, they really help. Drop a follow as well if you please. Don’t be shy to leave me a little reblog if you want.

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Seen you soon my loves!!~ <<33

[strawberryfairi]

“I loved you then…back when I knew you”

Synopsis: 💎 When your old high school best friend, and admittedly, first love randomly shows up at your door one morning after a bit over ten years apart, your memories of him that you once locked away comes flooding back. Are you open to hearing him out after all this time? (In other words…will you take your man back or nah?)

♕Pairings: Kazutora X Black Fem Reader 🤎 (ANYONE CAN READ)🛑Content: 18+ Eventual smut, Some grief, Some angst ~Crossposted On: Wattpad ONLY ~Updating WEEKLY

w.c. 2.1k💠 Released April 5, 2024

NOTE🧚🏾‍♀️: So like lmk if you'd like to be a part of a taglist for this story to keep up with updates! That's all for this note🥰 Also omg y'all this chapter's like so short 'cause I split it from chapter 10. Next chapter will be longer I SWEAAARRRR!!!!

Previous | Next Chapter: Pending…. Chapters Masterlist

CHAPTER 11; JUST A KISS

It's been five hours since Kazutora showed up at your doorstep earlier this morning. At this point you've taken your hair out and styled it as a braid out, and completed  the rest of your usual morning routine. Since it's the weekend and you're officially staying inside all day, you kept on your pajamas. They're cute so why not, and the whole vibe is giving sleepover anyways. The two of you did nothing but talk and laugh, catching one another up on life. You learned he's been working at a pet shop with one of his old friends since he's been out of jail. He's always thought cats were cute so it made sense to you as soon as he brought the news.

When you weren't chatting, the two of you would just lie near each other on your bed in a tranquil silence until another conversation naturally sparked up, just like right now. "So..." Kazutora started, laying on his back looking up at the ceiling. "So?" You furrow your brows a bit, turning to rest your head on your palm as your elbow lifted you up to look at him. "Don't take this the wrong way but...I've kinda been assuming you must have a boyfriend or fiancée now, right? Do you two live together?"

You sighed, wincing a little at his innocent questions. "Yeaaaah...actually, I'm single now." You clarify a bit awkwardly. "Now?" He questions, rolling over on his side to face you. "Yup, now. We broke up a while ago, and we didn't really last all that long. Just a bit over a year." You huff, recalling the memories of the unnecessarily dramatic breakup. "Was he your only boyfriend?" He asks curiously. "No, I've had four since high school." You share plainly. Kazutora's heart drops to his feet. Four?! Since high school?! What did that mean?! You were with someone all the way back in high school?! It had to have been after he left!

"I guess that makes sense. You've always been...pretty." He murmurs, looking to the side in attempt to hide the disappointment behind his eyes. You really went and outlived him experience-wise. You've had so many boyfriends while he hasn't even had one single girlfriend. You're the only girl he's ever kissed and even that was just a one-time thing.

"They were trash, honestly. It seems the older I get the worse I pick. Only one was ever genuinely good to me, he just...wasn't right for me if that makes sense. We weren't even actually together, but-you know what? You don't need to be bothered by my sorry ass love life." You sigh, falling backwards onto your back. "No no, I don't mind." He shakes his head.

He actually minded a lot. He was extremely jealous of every single one of these guys even though he firstly had zero clue who they were and second you had clearly stated they weren't great guys. You roll back onto your side, eyes fixed on Kazutora's long hair. "Ehhh, it's whatever. I'm glad at least I have you again! Had I still been with my ex right now I would've never been able to do this with you." You smile softly, fingers gently running through his soft hair.

"Perfect timing I guess." He shrugs.

"I think you've always had perfect timing actually. Like the night we met and you came and beat the crap outta that college dude." You murmur, becoming fully entranced in playing with his hair at this point.

Kazutora hums in response, eyes slightly closing as he feels you play with his hair. He grabs your hand and pulls it directly on top of his head, signaling that he wanted you to massage his scalp. You let out a breathy chuckle, giving him what he wants. The corners of his lips slightly tug upwards as he lets out a satisfied sigh, leaning over and pushing you down onto your back on the bed by your chest. A noise of shock leaves your lips as you look up at him with wide eyes. Then, he lays his head down on your chest, right by your heart as he places your hand back on top of his head. Gosh, you thought he was gonna do something else. You shake your head, going back to massaging his scalp the way he likes. Something about this felt extremely different from when the two of you were younger.

"Would you really think of me all this time?" He mumbles, his tone soft yet somber. You furrow your brows at the random question. "Yeah. I already told you I'd think about you." You chuckle a little, figuring he must have wanted to just hear it again. "What would you think about me; specifically?" He asks cautiously. "Specifically? I mean, I'd think of all kinds of things. The haunted house, when you'd take me out riding on your motorcycle at night, the night we met, everything." You shrug, unable to really think of anything else.

He sighs deeply, seeming to not really like your answer, making you furrow your brows again in a mix of confusion and slight concern.

"What?" You ask.

"...Nothing." He murmurs shortly.

"Kazi..." You say in a warning tone.

"It's just...when we were at the haunted house that one night, do you remember...when we kissed?" He asks cautiously, keeping his eyes closed. Your hand involuntarily freezes in his hair, your heart doing the same as you replay his words over and over again. "Uhhh, yeah I do. It was my first kiss actually." You reply with a bashful chuckle, trying to maintain your calm tone.

"Mine too. Did you-..did you like it? When I kissed you?" He asks, lifting his head and leaning up over you to look at you. "...Mhm." You respond with a nod, feeling your face rapidly starting to heat up. You had a slight sense based off of earlier that he might have some romantic feelings somewhere in there for you but you weren't expecting him to do something like this so fast. His eyes light up like a Christmas tree at your response as he looks to the side deep in thought. "Why are you askin' me this?" You question softly, cupping his face with a hand and turning his head back towards you. Silence falls right between you two, your gesture unintentionally causing you both to become lost in each others eyes. You both knew that you knew exactly why he asked you that. It's the same reason you brought up the haunted house earlier in the first place.

Hesitantly, you start to pull him closer, forcing him to move himself further on top of you in order to follow your movements. He swallows nervously, eyes catching the way yours shift down to his lips. His face quickly shades deep pink, catching on to what you were wanting to do. His mouth opens and closes, trying to form some sort of coherent sentence.

"I-I-..I was just-I-

Your soft laughter cuts off his random stuttering, making him shut his mouth. In one swift movement you let yourself fall onto your back, suddenly bringing him fully on top of you. Kazutora uses his hands to stop himself, each one on either side of your head. Nervously, he chews on his bottom lip, eyes darting all over the place. "Did you ask because you want to do it again?" You question, your tone soft and flirty as you wrap your arms around his neck. You send an intense shiver down his spine, his heart feels like it's about to explode. All he could muster was a slight nod. His bashfulness was doing something to you right now. The way he could barely look at you, but once he does he's completely entranced. It's the sweetest thing.

"Is that a yes?" You raise a brow slightly in amusement. He gives you a choked out "yes", unconsciously leaning down closer. You take that as the perfect opportunity, using your arms around his neck to gently pull him closer, enough to where your lips were just barely touching. His hair creates a curtain around the two of you, some strands lightly tickling your cheeks. "Then kiss me." You urge, eyes filled with desire. Without a second thought, he closes the thin gap, pressing his lips against yours desperately. Instantly you let out a soft sigh, placing a hand in his hair as the other cups his face, kissing him back with just as much need. Your lips move together slowly, as if they were recognizing each other after all this time. His lips feel perfect, so soft and smooth, even better than back then. He's addictive.

Slowly the two of you pull away, catching your breath. Kazutora's blushing up to his ears, yet his eyes look at you with a hunger you've never seen. "Can we do it again?" He asks in a low tone.

"You don't have to ask, K." You chuckle, eyes already fixed on his lips as you pull him into another kiss. This one is much more intense than the first. Both hands cup his face as you move your lips against his a bit faster. Your body temperature was rising quickly, and your breathing became slightly heavier. You needed more. Taking full control of the kiss you coax his mouth open, letting your tongue explore him a bit further. He lets out a little noise of surprise, struggling to keep up. Abruptly you pull away once again, looking up at him with a frown.

"You don't wanna touch me?" You tilt your head to the side. This whole time it was just you touching him, his hands just stayed put right on either side of your head.

"I-I didn't know if you wanted me to." He says nervously.

"If I wanted you to, would you?" You ask playfully, running your hands down his sides then pulling him against you by his waist. A short gasp leaves his lips at your boldness, your bodies were touching now, touching in places he's never felt before. You smile softly, bringing him into another kiss. He was eager this time to feel your tongue again, so instantly he opens his mouth, brushing his tongue against your bottom lip gently. Your tongues dance with one another in a passionate kiss, your hand slowly reaching for his arm. Taking his hand, you place it on your cheek to start.

Your hands travel up and down his torso, taking your time as you finally get to touch him. He's always been muscular, but now he's much more filled out. You trail from his shoulders down his back, feeling the way he shivers in response, then make your way to his stomach. The feeling of his abs under your fingertips excited you an indecent amount. You were doing younger you such a huge favor, as she'd always fantasize about what he'd feel like. Just then, you feel him start to harden up underneath his pants, a tent pressing against you making your heart, and admittedly, your pussy flutter.

Abruptly, Kazutora pulls away, eyes fearful and wide. His random movement making you jump a little. "I'm so sorry!" He says frantically, attempting to get off of you but you grab his arms, keeping him still. "No no, it's ok! I don't mind at all." You assure with a light chuckle. He's so innocent and nervous, it's adorable, looking at you all unsure and embarrassed. "We're just kissing. You don't have to be so jumpy." You cup his face in your hands. "But-..but-

You cut him off, pulling him down again and bringing your lips to his ear. "I mean...I like that I can get you like this from just a kiss. It's really cute." You purr sensually, moving back so you could see his reaction. His entire face had gone red, innocent eyes wide as his mind malfunctions while trying to process your words.

"I-..I wanna take you out!" He blurts out abruptly, catching you completely off guard. "On a date; together." He finishes awkwardly, blushing his head off. "Well I mean I figured it'd be together" You chuckle softly, "What's making you say this all of a sudden?"

"It's not all of a sudden. I've wanted to go on a date with you for the longest time. I think-..shouldn't I take you out on a date first before we do things like this? That's how I'm supposed to do it right?" He asks innocently. He's just too adorable, ughh gosh. You didn't want to say no since honestly you like his more traditional way of thinking when it comes to this.

"You're right. I'd love to go on a date with you." You smile softly, leaning up and giving him a small peck on the cheek. For a moment he looks surprised, shocked that you'd agreed so easily, then a wide smile spreads across his lips.

"Really?!" He beams cutely.

"Yes, Kazutora." You chuckle, shaking your head at his excitement.

A/N🧚🏾‍♀️: Stop it's literally disrespectful how short this chapter is I feel terrible😭 BUT, if you want, comment and let me know if I should double post and have chapter 12 out tomorrow.

[perfectfangirl]

ok friends i will write a few more paragraphs on this lfdgldl 🤭 in this essay i will... attempt to make connections between various sedatives both real and fictional and the corresponding feelings and side effects they cause idk and maybe draw a comparison for cupid in here somewhere idk but stay with me 💀 do you know some of the "love" hormones [dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, oxytocin, vasopressin] have sedative type effects and in certain doses? you know what tranquilizers are? sedatives. i haven't found any lore that implies what's exactly in the tranquilizer gun lucy found in the armoury. but it's very interesting it's in the armoury and is also a nonlethal alternative to the usual weapons in the universe and preferred by lucy, in the beginning. there's many real world sedatives and i feel not the need to list so many for this but for the game, there's a few chems that could've been used in the tranquilizer gun. a few of them are calmex, med x, and fixer. all different types and uses. for example, calmex is a light tranquilizer. i don't see where any listed chems are used in tranquilizer guns and for the one in the show, it remains unclear, but these few could be possibilities. i really like drawing a comparison of the idea of lucy shooting cooper in his heart and it being like cupid. because that would neatly tie a bow on the love hormones connection. no chems in the fallout universe are "love" hormones, not at all lol not to my knowledge. but isn't it ironic the brain can manufacture such hormones that have similar effects to drugs both naturally occurring and synthesized? imagine for a moment before lucy shot cooper with the tranquilizer gun, subduing him like a wild animal, that the mere sight of lucy, interacting with her, created hormones inside him to relax him. here's a big kicker--- you remember how cooper was so amused by lucy's antics, he smiled? well. did you guys know... that smiling... can boost the release of certain hormones? what hormones you ask? some of them are dopamine and serotonin. what do dopamine and serotonin do? at certain doses, cause sedative type effects. what are dopamine and serotonin? "love" hormones. what did lucy shoot cooper with? a tranquilizer gun. tranquilizers are sedatives. do y'all see what i'm doing here, do you see what i'm trying to say, is my nonsense babbling making any sense now gldfgld not only could you say lucy literally puts cooper at ease by tranquilizing him but physiologically lucy could put cooper at ease by her personality and behaviour that cooper observes. anyways, i suppose i should talk about cupid [eros] and psyche now. in the story, cupid scratched himself with his own arrows and falls in love with psyche [who cupid was sent to shoot with his arrow to make her fall in love and fall in love with a monster or something ugly or whatever]. i am clasping my hands together when i say i love that you guys have compared cooper and lucy to this classical mythology. because i am about to say some stuff nobody was thinking of probably. [because i am obsessive rotf] to me, isn't it funny when cooper tried to shoot at lucy and ended up grazing maximus' power suit? you could say... this is not unlike cupid misfiring an arrow. on one hand, you could say maximus is the "monster" [he's in a formidable power suit] and this unintended targeting allowed a "night in shining armour" moment for maximus and lucy and they fell for each other. it's kinda [gothic] cute, right? but then you could say lucy shooting cooper with the tranquilizer gun was like cupid shooting an arrow at an intended target in general. i mean, lucy literally aimed and successfully implanted the dart in the part of cooper's chest where his heart would be. the show is heavy with this imagery and subtext. this is more leaning towards like, romance, gothic romance if you will. and i maintain that there will be more cupid's arrows shot into his heart, mostly metaphorically by lucy but

ok now what if i said norm making a joke to lucy about her future husband being a cannibal and not being perfect in the looks department is not unlike the sentiments behind venus taking revenge by ordering cupid to make psyche fall for a monster? i admit it's probably kinda weak but it was just an interesting thought to me, like the cupid and psyche parallels are definitely there. most of all with cupid and psyche, a mutual [that can be seen in the tags on this post] mentioned cupid falling for psyche by accident. i will apply the same here for cooper and lucy. before i end it here, i will say, looking at the story of cupid and psyche, psyche goes through many trials and tribulations in her life after meeting cupid but it seems the story in fact ends in a happy ending and wedding so 👀 make of any of these comparisons what you will 💘💉

what if! we talk about! when lucy first meets cooper and shoots him in his heart with the tranquilizer gun and me reading too much into this again meaning multiple things like how tranquilizers are sedatives used to reduce things like fear and tension. metaphorically you could say lucy puts cooper at ease. isn't it funny how he smirks when she does it, his heart was already warmed before she tried to subdue him like an escaped zoo animal--- but then he's like "well now that is a very small drop in a very, very large bucket of drugs" meaning it's going to take cupid a lot of arrows shooting at him to break through cooper's tough exterior and desensitized personality. he was really like "you're gonna need more than that". in this essay, i will

[carni-val]

The Light At the End of the Hallway [Jax Teller]

pairing: Jax Teller x F!Reader [from Pomegranate Seeds]

summary: When the events of that fateful night caught up to the two of them, Jax did what he was always taught to do.

warnings: Slight angst, spoilers for Pomegranate Seeds

author's notes: Hey y'all, so I've been thinking about writing this for some time now but after seeing this photo prompt from @writer-wednesday, I was inspired to write it. I guess you can consider this an AU of some sorts? But this does follow my Pomegranate Seeds fic, so if you haven't read that, I suggest doing so before reading this! I hope you all enjoy it and thank you so much for reading.

Charlie Hunnam Masterlist | Jax Teller Masterlist | Pomegranate Seeds Masterlist

A whirring buzz sounded, breaking Jax from his thoughts. He put the book he was reading flat down against his chest and craned his neck to look over at the correctional officer staring at him through the bars of the jail cell he now inhabited.

As the cell door slid to the side, Jax sat up in bed, guard raised high in the face of authority.

“You got a visitor,” the CO informed him, moving to the side of the opening to allow him to walk through.

Jax huffed out a sigh, his head bowing as he debated declining the offer. The idea sent a deep pain coursing through his chest. His heart could never deny her.

Jax nodded once as he stood up and made his way out of the cell. In the hallway, his eyes caught sight of the caged light hanging just outside his cell. It beamed brightly today; the previous bulb dying out yesterday and this one was dying to escape the confines it now found itself in. It made the worn out bars that made up the door to his own cage look all the more grimy. The slim slice of cushion was a poor excuse for a mattress, but at least the pillow was firm. At least it was him instead of her.

“Let’s go,” the CO prompted once Jax’s hands were cuffed in front of him.

He kept his face stoic, showing no sign of emotion because they were all so jumbled together inside him that he didn’t know which one to feel first: pain that would inevitably force itself into the light sooner or later; tranquility at the thought of seeing her face; or frustration that she just didn’t listen.

Jax only nodded to a few familiar faces he’d befriended whilst here; some who were friends on the outside, and others who provided protection, goods, and services. They made things a little more bearable in here.

He walked through the bleak hallways with the CO following closely beside him. He was used to having people by his side; whether it was the Sons or her, but the jingling of keys on this guy’s hip and the look of disdain permanently etched into his features made Jax’s lip curl in annoyance.

There was a window on the door leading into the visitor’s room. Just one last barrier to walk through until he was in her vicinity again. The door opened and Jax stepped in, eyes locked on her the entire time. Every time he spotted her in a crowded room, he became more and more convinced that the skill was innate. He blocked out all the other men wearing orange pants and white t-shirts; they were all preoccupied with their own loved ones anyways; with returning to the humanity that had been stripped from them the moment they walked into their cells.

She was smack dab in the middle of the room, keeping her eyes down at her folded hands as she waited impatiently, her leg bouncing underneath the table. He’d only gotten a few steps closer until her eyes latched onto his like a magnet.

He tried to keep his face as stoic and natural as he could, to show her that she didn’t need to come and see him every chance she got, but his heart stopped beating for a moment as he took in the weight of her stare; it blanketed over him the way she sometimes would when they would lie in bed together.

When she stood up and pulled him into a tight hug after his cuffs were undone, the smell of her perfume made him dizzy and he found himself clutching onto the very thing that made him feel something anymore.

He missed this: feeling something. But feeling something in here was dangerous and seeing her out in the open like this instead of in private made his stomach clench uncomfortably. He didn’t want all of these eyes on her.

They sat across from one another at the table and it had only been a week but he swore she was even prettier than before.

He felt her cool wedding band against his hand and he felt his lip curling again at the rules that prohibited him from wearing his matching one. Something he’d dreamed of showing off all his life taken away from him in the blink of an eye. But still, he was glad it was him.

“I told you, you can’t show up like this,” Jax tried to keep his tone firm but with her gaze watching his every move, taking it all in and storing it in her mind the way he was doing with her, melted his steely resolve into a puddle of silver.

“I know,” her voice was shaky. She was still trying to deal with all of this, despite the two months that seemed to fly by; two months that barely made a dent into his prison sentence. “I just had to see you.”

Her hands were shaking and he clutched them tighter in his. She’d been having a hard time with all of this — so was he, but he was just better at hiding it.

He hoped she didn’t see the new scars on his knuckles that were forming. He’d gotten into his fair share of fights here; some that were provoked by outside forces, but all of them an outlet for the molotov cocktail of emotions that had been brewing inside of him.

“That’s why you tell me on the phone and I set up a private meeting for us.”

She let out a shaky sigh, her head bowing as she tried to compose herself again. He could feel tears prickling the back of his eyes but he swallowed back the lump in his throat and clutched her hands tighter. This is why they needed a private room.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

His heart pinched in guilt and he let his lips latch onto her delicate hands, relishing in the metal of her rings against his warm flesh. He pulled away before he could give the officers something else to bark at him about.

Jax ducked his head, eyes meeting in the short distance. “I’m happy to see you,” he promised as he let her hands go. “I just don’t want all of these guys seeing you and knowing who you are. I don’t want the club getting caught up in any of this again.”

She swallowed the lump in her throat and straightened up in her seat, feigning bravery. “You’re right,” she agreed, knowing first hand just how hard he worked to follow through on his father’s wishes for the club.

The Sons had just gotten themselves clean of all the mud Clay dragged them through and he wasn’t gonna let all of that hard work go to waste.

Jax longed to reach out and caress her cheek; to feel the warm, supple skin beneath his tired hands. To run his thumb under her puffy, red eyes and soothe the weight there, to take it on and shoulder it.

He listened intently to everything she had to tell him about the outside, though there wasn’t much new information. They spoke on the phone as much as they possibly could, Jax even getting a hold of a cell phone he kept strategically hidden in his cell where he’d text her late at night, reminding her of his love for her. Cryptically reminding her that he didn’t regret how any of this played out.

She had a tendency to overthink in the middle of the night and he wanted to soothe her the best way he could. It served as a comfort to him too; a distraction from the screaming matches that took place in the middle of the night for whatever reason, his cellmate’s chainsaw-like snore, and the lack of her warmth next to him in bed.

She was falling apart at the seams, but she’d pick herself up again. She had the club to help her with anything she needed and Abel to take care of. He’d be the same if the roles were reversed, maybe more so than her, but he’d been here before. She never had.

A few years after that night at The Charming Florist, the woman that Hale had arrested was released from prison with a clear bill of physical and mental health, and she didn’t waste any time filing a police report on her missing boyfriend. When the cops started sniffing around about that night, they tried to reassure themselves that Hale had nothing — it happened so many years ago — but as the investigation went on, they had to come up with a plan. There was no question in Jax’s mind about what he had to do. It was what JT taught him to do for his Old Lady and what Elijah expected of him; a silent promise he’d made to his deceased father-in-law.

He didn’t regret it.

They were just starting to forget about everything, and Jax had even gotten a laugh or two out of her, but the CO’s bellowing voice announcing that their time was up shot the mood straight into the dirt again.

Heavy hearts weighed in their chests as they stood up and embraced one another again. She clutched onto the white t-shirt he was wearing and his arms latched around her like a vice.

“Next time, call first,” he said lowly to her.

She nodded and he felt her tears staining his neck. He brought his hand to the back of her head, clutching it as he whispered promises to her that everything would be okay. Lowen was working on all of it right now; his sentence could still be reduced, they just had to figure out how. The story Jax spun to the cops was a good one and made him solely responsible for the murder that took place. He just hoped it wasn’t too good and afforded him some kind of leeway into a shorter sentence.

Hale had a hand to play in it, no doubt, but he wasn’t buying it entirely. Jax could see it in the way he looked at him during the interrogation. It was a hard sell, but he knew Hale loved her almost unconditionally, so when Jax played into that, Hale eventually turned the other cheek.

Jax pressed a kiss to her lips, savouring the feeling of her kissing him back and her hands resting on his waist while his fingers entangled in her hair. He missed her delicate touch; often finding his mind fleeting back to their most recent conjugal visit and relishing in the way her fingertips danced over his torso and how soft her hair felt against his arm as it was curled under her to hold her close to him. How the end of her nose bumped against his as they lay facing one another; the distance between them nearly non-existent so all they could see was each other and it almost felt like they were back home again; like what happened at the shop stayed between them, like Jax didn’t take the fall for her, like they were together at home and happy, just like they’d always dreamed of being.

At the bark of an officer, Jax let his lips pull away from hers, keeping her close enough to finally tell her what he needed to say — what she needed to hear — clearly and earnestly, “I don’t regret it.”

He released her before the COs could come pry him off of her. He didn’t want them anywhere near her, so he held out his hands willingly, paying attention to the cool metal against his hot skin to try and steel himself from the sound of her gasps as she cried even harder. He swallowed the lump in his throat but his eyes watered nonetheless.

Jax bowed his head and followed the CO’s lead back to his cell.

The light perched outside of his cell was still as bright as ever and Jax found himself focusing in on it again. Its rays of light extended beyond its cage, beaming out optimistically, and the bulb itself seemed like it would break the shackles around it any second now.

Relief flooded his wrists once the handcuffs were off.

Once he was back in his cell, Jax kept his eyes on the light, the bars of his cell door obscuring his view momentarily before the CO walked away.

A smile began to tug on Jax’s pink lips before he made his way to his bed and lay down, picking up his book and settling into place on his mattress. He took one last glimpse at the light before finding his place amongst the words on the page again, smiling, because he knew Lowen would help him find a way; because he would be okay for as long as he needed to be in here; because it was him instead of her; and because he kept his Old Lady safe and out of trouble.

[primusdemoniccreatrix]

Stolen Moments (Vincent Sinclair x Reader)

(I said I was making a fanfic based on his hoodie; did y'all think I was LYING?!! Have some fluff. PS I tried to make it gender neutral, I think it might have ended up more afab leaning tho)

Warnings: mentions of stalking and violence, some sibling meanness

House of Wax Vincent Sinclair x (GN) Reader

Life in the abandoned small town of Ambrose, Louisiana was interesting, to put it lightly.

The town was not a hotspot for tourist activity, was not a place your relatives would have told you to visit, Ambrose was not a place that had too many attractions.

No, it was a ghost town in many senses of the word.

But that was the furthest thing from your mind as you lay in wait. The sun was setting on a new autumn day within the town, the glow of the sun sinking behind white clouds which slowly began changing colour as night slowly began to descend. A soft breeze rustled the bushes, blowing the evening air scented with the smells of nature, the flower overgrowth of the old sugar mill and surrounding flora to greet you in this lonesome, tranquil hour. The sun was fading from a lordly gold to a gentle lavendar. Directly overhead, the sky was already darkening in hue. Birdsong whistled through the wind, singing a farewell to the ever-returning sun, heralding the coming night.

The brothers had gone out of town, Bo and Lester going to get some supplies while Vincent was charged with another assignment, to check on something outside the town that the twins would take him to after their trip to the local supermarkets further into a metropolitan territory.

They'd taken Vincent with them over 2 hours ago, and had promised to come home as soon as possible, so here you were, waiting for them. You sat out on a porch to the side of the house, enjoying the sunset in the cool weather as you were wrapped up cozily. Dinner was already ready as you figured you could kill time waiting for them that way, and it was left to cool from the excessively hot temperature it was now to cool on the dining table.

The evening star, Venus, shone in the sky, greeting you as if the goddess of love herself wanted to accompany you in your bide.

You and Vincent had met when you'd been on the run from something, or rather someone, and you'd made friends with him very quickly. A part in your car had died, and you asked for some assistance from a stranger in a faded teal pickup who became known to you as your good friend Lester, who politely held conversation to ease your nerves and then helped you to Bo, who helped you out with your car. You'd arrived unexpectedly as Vincent was there at the same time, and you'd only come to know later that he usually wasn't supposed to be there. While Bo helped you fix your car (your sparkplug needed to be fixed), you talked with Vincent, who spoke in American Sign Language, something that you were fluent in due to taking a course in the past for it. You conversed with him for a while and complimented his masterful artwork, and when you both realized how late it'd gotten you both amiably chatted on the way back, hands and mouth awash in stories and words for the simple joy of speech.

Unfortunately, the problem you were running from found you quite quickly and threatened you along with Bo and Vincent, and to add to the shock, Vincent took out dual blades and fought that living embodiment of hell, killing it swiftly and brutally with the skill of an assassin, leaving you reeling at the bloodspatter on your cheek and the dead person lying there.

Vincent and Bo, whom you learned were twins, took the body away to dispose of and got rid of it. Upon talking to you further, they discovered why you were running. To their surprise, you thanked them, and you can still recall their owlish gazes locked on you as you showed them your gratitude. Within hours, you became privy to their macabre livelihood of turning people into wax. While you yourself had some degree of qualms with the practise, you wouldn't deny yourself the satisfaction of seeing that terrible stalker be turned into art, having no peace by the skillful hand of Vincent. It took a while to get used to the Sinclairs, but after they invited you to stay with them, you graciously accepted, having nowhere else to go.

Your beginning may not have been the best, but you'd never trade it for anything else, having friends you earnestly called family.

You smiled to yourself as you fiddled with the promise ring on your index finger; Vincent and you found yourselves falling in love in time, and it blossomed into one of the most caring relationships you'd ever imagined. He was sweet and protective, and when he got a tad possessive it sent shivers down your spine but he was always willing to listen and give you whatever you wanted. He treated you like everyone wanted to be treated. Even when he had work to do, he'd spend as much time with you as you wanted, sneaking around even behind Bo's back. His loyalty to you was undeniable, and you never took advantage of his love, always giving him space when needed in return for fulfilling your needs over his, and helping him wherever you could, be it as simple as a greeting kiss or calming his sorrows.

You sighed as you looked at the sky, realizing in your reminiscence the sky had darkened considerably, more starts peeking out above, some autumn constellations peeking through as the sun sunk even further, a burnished gold and vivid purple turning deep blue overtaking the horizon. It would be dark soon; the birds quietened their song as they prepared to sleep. You wrapped the too-big black hoodie around yourself, zipping it up as it swaddled you in an ocean of warmth reaching past your knees that smelled like candles, a hint of smoke, and gentle cologne-like soap.

You got up from the hammock that Lester made for you, moons ago on your birthday, as the moon overhead began to overtake the darkened sky and paint the world a silver colour, to bring rest to daylight travelers, and lead your dear Vincent home to you.

Vincent fidgeted in his seat, toying with one thumb the promise ring he'd made, one in a set of two. Your rings were made to match, though yours was a bit more elegant as he tried to prescribe as much detail as he could to the ring in which he placed around the finger of the one holding his heart. It became second nature to him to feel the ring whenever he thought of you, of the love you had for him, and now as he drove them home (Bo and Lester were tired from driving) he concentrated on the road while he subconsciously rubbed the ring, eager to see you again.

You were a welcome surprise to Ambrose, desperation rather than circumstance bringing you into the Sinclairs' lives, but he and his brothers would have it no other way. You were a wonderful addition to the family, and Vincent's heart ached any time his mind dared to wonder what if he'd never met you.

After he'd gotten rid of what chased you to Ambrose, he found your demeanor to be much nicer than most, and Lester's testament of you was not incorrect. Even though what he did to the troublemaker and others was gruesome, you took the time to talk to him, to hear him and understand him like a human. You thanked him for his protection even though you were initially frightened, and Vincent knew from then he'd protect you til his dying breath. That sentiment only increased as time passed and you chose to stay with him in Ambrose of your own will, chose to be with him of your own will, loving him and giving his lonely, tortured heart a place where it was safe. You held him when he needed it, you called him out and assured him when it had to be done, you defended him from Bo of all people; you made him feel seen, heard, and safe. Needless to say, Vincent was enraptured by you.

He couldn't wait to see you again. He couldn't wait to hold you in his arms, to pet your head and back or have you do that to him, to immerse himself in the warmth and smell and presence of you again. He couldn't wait to kiss you again, feel you smile against his lips, trail kisses along your skin or feel you kiss his head and neck or any exposed skin that just lights a fire in him-

Vincent quickly swerved before going over the dividing line where a car might have hit him in a few moments if he wasn't more careful. Huffing behind his mask, he concentrated on just getting home alive in order to get back to you.

"Ey! Eyes on tha road! Don' be stupid!" scolded Bo, upset he was awoken from his snorefest in the truck by Vincent's turning. Vincent let out a sigh before hitting the signal with an idle finger and turning the car, the sign of Ambrose in the headlights.

He pushed the gas pedal closer to the floor, skimming the safest yet fastest speed before slowing down and parking the car, drifting it to a stop. The jerking brake woke Lester up, who grunted asked if they were home yet.

Bo groaned and yanked open Lester's door, the groggy man still trying to open the door as he felt his way around the truck door, his own vehicle not this hard to navigate. As Lester stumbled out, Vincent quickly passed by Bo towards the truck bed, grabbing some supplies before he walked over to Bo once more, shoving the keys of the truck into his twin's pocket as he tried to steady Lester before marching towards the house, breaking into a jog to see you.

Taking off his shoes and opting for slippers, he quickly jogs his way deeper into the house where he hopes to find you. He knows you'd have been back inside by now, waiting for him, and he didn't want to keep you waiting any further. Besides, the hammock was empty and if you weren't on the hammock, you were inside, usually.

He wandered around the ground floor, but didn't find you there, and instead found dinner that you'd prepared for them waiting for them on the table, still steaming. The others soon came in, Lester fully awake and Bo thoroughly awake wishing he wasn't, before his brothers spotted dinner and were more than happy to walk towards the dining table. Vincent turned and left them as he walked up the stairs towards where your room was, finding it was also empty, the book you were reading from this morning closed and untouched.

Vincent's heart pounded as he bounded down the stairs, drawing questioning yet exasperated looks from his siblings knowing their lovestruck brother was looking for you. Vincent threw open the door to the basement, the wood clattering against the wall after he swung it out of the way, Bo's faint indignation barely heard over the loud motor of the generator as he entered his workshop, hoping to find his muse where his inspired work was made in your honour.

Vincent peeked around the corner, finding only blankets and empty space in his bed where the two of you would cuddle in the warmth of his studio whilst and after a project. He could still smell the inklings of your scent in the air as he tried to find where you were. Looking around, he hoped to find some trace of where you were because you weren't in any of the checked locations and his heart was about to burst with worry. His black hoodie was also mysteriously gone from the bed. What if someone had come while he was gone and you were in hiding? Was he endangering you with his presence? Did they take you away from him already and that's why you weren't here? Fear began to mercilessly grip and tear at his mind as he checked for signs of you, trying to calm his pitiful heart as he attempted to rationalize where else you could be. His hands shook as he looked about, noticing papers on his desk outside from where they would usually be; he stormed over to see if they held a clue to your abductor or disappearance as treacherous thoughts swarmed his mind.

Did you leave him? He couldn't bear to dwell on that thought; he knew if he did he'd tear out his heart because it beat for you alone.

A note caught his attention, folded and sat atop his other sketches and drawings as he opened the little card and found your familiar handwriting inside. He put the note in his pocket and marched out.

Bo and Lester watched curiously as Vincent climbed out of the basement and back upstairs, wondering why they hadn't heard your voice calling Vincent mushy pet names they secretly envied. Vincent ran up the stairs as fast as he could, before reaching the second floor where he pulled an overhead string down, the stairs to the attic dropping down. He climbed up, finding a window panel ajar, cautiously opening it as he stepped onto the roof.

There you were, sitting with your back to him, before turning to see who had climbed onto the roof. You and him sat upon the roof a few times before, stargazing when you didn't want to go for walks, talking and sketching and enjoying one another's presence. It was a recent development but one you both enjoyed. Your eyes lit and your smile beamed as bright as the Louisiana sun as you turned to face him, moving from your seated position to lunge at him with an embrace.

Vincent met you halfway, his sweater-clad arms open as he jogged towards you, clutching your body against his before lifting you off the ground, delighting in your laugh as he spun you around, happy to see you.

"Welcome back Vincent! I take it you got my note, right; how were things, did they go okay?" you asked, already greeting him and asking him how we was as if you had anything to worry about.

Vincent couldn't bring himself to answer; you looked so beautiful, eyes wide and sparkling as your skin and physique were bathed in moonlight, a silver glow added to your features that made him want to drop to his knees and worship you like the divine providence you were, dressed in something that looked oddly familiar...

He snorted behind his mask as he looked at you, one of his hands coming to touch the material around your neck as he realized it was his missing hoodie. The black zip up was already two sizes too big for him but on you? You looked positively drowned in cotton, your throat to your knees covered in his hoodie, the garment like a dress.

He couldn't help the curious yet satisfied hum escaping his throat as he fiddled with the hoodie, watching you avert your eyes in embarrassment, his one hand moving from the hoodie to caress your cheek, turning your eyes to him as he tilted his head in curiosity.

You realized he must have been asking why you were wearing his hoodie, and with your cheeks flushing in embarrassment, you turned to explain it to him and apologize.

"Sorry, Vincent; I was just feeling a little chilly and I borrowed your hoodie. I was also wearing it because it smelled like you and reminded me of you, and I missed you, so I thought you might not mind- I..I can give it back, sorry for taking it without permission-"

Vincent shook his head before plating his wax mask's lips against your forehead, a silent forgiveness before he pulled away to sign.

'I don't mind you borrowing my hoodie; I was scared you were missing. If it makes you feel comfortable, feel free to borrow it any time'.

Your eyes seemed to spark like stars and Vincent was sure you could hear his heartbeat pounding in serenade for you. "Really? You don't mind?"

Vincent shook his head once more, his long dark hair shaking with refusal. 'I don't mind at all. You look very cute, Y/N. I'm glad my clothes bring you comfort when I'm not here'.

You giggled and it felt like the world had dropped away. God, he loved you so much. "It really does, Vincent. Thank you. But if you need anything while I'm wearing it, let me know and I'll give it back, okay?". Ah, ever the pragmatic, ever the courteous one. How is it someone as sweet as you came into his life? He nodded his head, agreeing although he knew he would never ask unless it was necessary. You did give him an idea though...

'You know,' Vincent began signing, 'that since you stole my sweater, I get to steal something from you. It's only fair, right?' he joked.

You snorted a laugh, but nodded, your arms wrapping around his neck as his wrapped around your waist. "Oh?" you asked coyly, setting his heart aflame, "what would the price be? Pray tell" you giggled, and Vincent couldn't contain the smile behind his mask. His arms lifted you and your legs went around his waist instinctually as he sat upon the roof with you in his arms.

'A kiss, my love. That is the toll'.

You couldn't help but laugh at how cute he was, pressing your forehead against his own. You nodded, and playfully puckered your lips for a kiss.

Vincent's hand caressed your cheek admiring your moonlit face before pulling your lips to his own, the wax getting in between you both but the sentiment still pure enough to make his heart skip several beats.

"Well, was the toll paid?"

'Yes, thoroughly, but you will need to pay every time you take, now'.

"Hmm, I might be in debt, then; what if I prepaid for some now?"

God, if your affection was an ocean he'd drown for eternity and love every moment of it. Vincent nodded and you launched into a series of pecks and kisses along his masked lips as the moon spotlighted you both in its cool light overhead.

Vincent and you spent a good while on the roof; he lay against your body with his back to your chest, cuddling with your head on his shoulder and one of your hands playing with his hair while the other was laced with his, talking about constellations, day activities, hoodies and more in stolen little moments under a starlit, twinkling sky.

[therend]

Y'all really seemed to like my Persian stuff post and so did I so here's some more.

Del bastan, del boridan دل بستن، دل بریدن

The translation of "falling in love" in Persian is āshegh shodan. But there are other, more beautiful ways to say it. One of my favorites is dēl bastan, which literary means tying your heart to someone. Del boridan, on other hand, means cutting the ties of your heart from said someone, aka falling out of love. These ones are verbs, so using them will require knowing grammars. In case you do want to use it, I give you some examples. Feel free to message me if it's not enough.

Alastair: man az Charles dēl boridam. (I've fallen out of love with Charles.)

Cordelia: man behet del bastam. (I've fallen in love with you.)

Hamsar همسر

When you say someone is your hamsar, according to the meaning of the word, you're claiming that they're equal to you, that they're worth just as much as you are, and they're... Like you, in a way that makes you very good companions. But unfortunately, you can't just call a very good buddy of yours your hamsar, since it's now used specifically as a word for "spouse". The beautiful deep meaning of the word is still there though, and using it is always a reminder of the high place your spouse has in your life.

Deldār, delbar/delsetān دلدار، دلبر/دلستان

Delbar and delsetān have a close meaning: delbar is heart-taker and delsetān heart-stealer. One can say this one is used in English too; when you fall in love with someone you say they've stolen your heart from you. Except, there are actually words for that in Fārsi (i don't know if there's any in English). Deldār is another, somewhat similar word, meaning heart-possessor. It's a level after delsetān; while your delsetān is just kind of your crush, your deldār have kept your heart and is taking care of it. For the same reason deldār is used as "lover".

Yār / dooost یار/دوست

Both mean friend. Bro, if you may. :) The fun in it is that both are used as lover. The poets, oh, the poets.

Nāzanīn نازنین

So this word means dear, worthy of respect, precious, lovely, beautiful, all that. And it's a girl's name. But it also means someone who has – or more precisely, does – nāz. Now how do you explain that in English, we're going to find out.

Nāz is some lovey dovey thing one might do with their romantic partner. It's when you act in a certain way to show that you crave their affection, knowing they crave to give it to you. It's when you want to be tenderly touched and caressed by your loved one, when you want to hear them telling you beautiful things, and you want them to know it.

When you call someone your nāzanin you're calling them dear, and you're saying if they sometimes want to show how they crave your affection, you crave to give it to them just as much. I guess it's for when you're just so secure in your relationship that you wouldn't mind nāzing for your lover and having them nāz back. (I'm thinking of Malec now.)

Delārām دلارام

Another word for lover (which is once again a girl's name). Ārām means peace, tranquillity, calm. Your dēlarām (=your lover) is the one who gives your heart peace and calm and comfort, with whom you don't need to hurry, to try so hard, to pretend to be better and more, and you can just... be. And when things get hard, they are what you go to to relax. Even thinking about them would ease your mind...

Delbākhte / delshode دلباخته / دلشده

Both are used to refer to someone so in love. Delbākhte means someone who's lost their heart to someone, as if in a bet, as if they've gambled all they'd had and now they've got nothing. Delshode means someone whose heart has gone. As in left their chest, as if they no longer own it.

Bonus: Pronunciation guide!

There are six vowels in Persian:

1. Long a. Whenever you see ā in a word in these two posts, pronounce it like you pronounce o in son or mother or offer, or the way you pronounce a in father or arm.

2. Long u. whenever you see oo in a word in these two posts, pronounce it like oo in ooze or food.

3. Long i. Whenever you see i or ī in a word in these two posts, pronounce it like ee in bee or teeth or need.

4. Short a. Whenever you see a in a word in one of these two posts, pronounce it the way British people pronounce a in bad or sad or mad.

5. Short e. Whenever you see e or ē in a word in these two posts, pronounce it like e in bed or ted or wet.

6. Short o. Whenever you see o in a word in one of these two posts, pronounce it the way American people pronounce oo in book or took.

The consonants are pretty much the same as English, except for gh that you pronounce like French R and kh that's pronounced like ch in loch.

These aren't exactly the same as we pronounce the words but imo they're close enough. Hope you enjoy. :)

[cosmiccandydreamer]

Stability Chapter 14

*****The ending to Stability is here! Stay tuned for the ending in the finale coming "Tranquility" WARNING THIS CHAPTER DEALS WITH CHILD LOSS. Sorry if it's a spoiler, but I wanted to warn y'all. *******

"Wake the fuck up, you piece of shit!" Otis was jerked awake by the loud sound of Wydell screaming in his face and kicking the foundation under him. He adjusted his eyes and found to his horror and he was tied to a chair. They were back at the house in Ruggsville. Looking to his side, he saw his sister and Spaulding in the same situation. Wydell backed away from him, taking a massive swig from his whisky bottle before slamming it back down on the table.

The trio was tried on chairs and shown other pictures of the victims that they had recovered. This was a small amount that you could not shove in the trunk of your car as evidence. Wydell was in a drunken haze and rage. Vengeance had overtaken him; the idea that he was the hand of God sent here to cleanse the earth has consumed him. He held up a picture in front of Baby's face asking her if she remembers the girl in the picture; he then turns to show Otis, "not so attractive after we pulled her out of your little torture shack.” Otis laughed darkly " I tried that bitch to my bed for a month, busted her wide open.”

Wydell spits on the ground next to him in disgust. "Well, he's a little memento for your time together" " that bitch was mine," Baby spat out, "stupid whore" Wydell suddenly grabbed the staple gun he had placed on the floor next to the table and, to Otis and Spalding's horror, stapled it to Baby's stomach. The men exchanged looks of anger, panic, and worry. The love for their daughter and sister and the fact they were helpless to her pain was torture in itself. "Which one did you say you busted open again? This one, right?!" Wydell then grabbed the second photo stapling it to Otis's chest. The sharp pain shot thru him, and he grew angrier.

"Alright, alright, now that I got everyone's attention, I have one more picture to show y'all, and now I'ma need y'all to make sure you take a good look, and I mean a good look…" he took another swig off his whiskey and reached down to grab another picture. "Now I've been looking for this little lady, and now I hear she goes by the name Kitty driftwood, which is a dumbass name if you ask me, but her government name is ( y/n y/last name )."

He held up a picture of you taken at the hotel as you were loading up the car. Otis froze in his seat, and his palms become sweaty and hot. He swallowed as his throat became tight; you looked scared in the picture.. lost and alone. He did this to you, and he made you go on without him; he thought it was the right thing to do now, he's not sure. "Ringing any bells for all of you? Hmm"? Wydell asked, holding your picture in front of Baby and Spaulding. "I've never seen that bitch before," Baby spat. "I don't know who she is.” " What about you, Otis? She seems to be going by your last name.. any idea about why that would be?" Otis silently cursed you for being so casual with his last name. He was glad you didn't use your real name, but any association with them was problematic. "She might have been some Stockholm syndrome bitch who got away, I don't fucking know," Otis replied, trying to steady in his voice.. "you expect me to remember every whore that comes thru the door," he scoffed. Wydell chuckled. "I would expect you to remember your wife, Otis" Otis straightened himself a bit more, looking at Wydell in the eyes but not responding. His heart was racing now.. how much did he know about you.. "now see, at first, I thought she was just some poor soul that got turned around and was lucky enough to escape your freak show. That was until my men started to see her more and more with you clowns. And one of the men overhead her introduced herself as Kitty driftwood. I did some digging, and that's not who she is at all. She's the only survivor of the San Diego massacre. You may not remember it's been a long time, but she seems to have started a life of some sort out here after the death of her family." Wydell shifted through the pictures clicking his tongue. Otis knew about your past; he got curious one day and dug into your public records years ago. He wanted to see if anyone besides your father would come looking for you if you were to join the family. He realized you didn't remember everything that had happened back then and didn't want to bring up those memories for you.

"Why are you telling us all this?" Spalding asked, "what you do with her? What are you going to do with us? Stop playing these games, goddammit!". "I'm so glad you asked," Wydell replied, taking another drink. "so when I got word of a girl matching this description, I had my men trail her; I met up with them close to the Mexican border and decided to go check out if this was the same Lil lady. Now I expected her to be a shit ball bag of ugly in person, if I’m honest. I mean running around you all one can only expect," he chuckled " So you can imagine my surprise when I pulled over her car and saw she was a pretty little thing," he whistles " I thought about taking her out of the car and doing a little strip search myself." Otis felt his face get hot; he was becoming angrier than he's ever been. He twisted his hands in the bound rope on the chair; his breathing became more erratic. "Oh, you don't like that, huh? The idea of someone taking your woman and just having their way with her? Ironic isn't it, so I pull up, and we have a little chat. I ask her to get out of the vehicle". Baby looked over at her and saw his eyes had become dilated with rage. "You better not of hurt my sister," she said, her own eyes stinging with the tears that started to fall, "you son of a bitch".

"Now see what I did here," Wydell said, pulling up the chair closer to Baby while she whined and tried to look away from him. Otis just stared at him, his rage building and building.. he wasn't one to get anxious, but this was causing him extreme anxiety. "I prayed, I asked God to tell me what to do next because when I saw her beautiful (y/e/c) with sadness and fear, I felt I had a choice to make, Well I decided to give her a chance to come to the righteous side of glory with God. so I asked her to step out of the car, she did slowly with her arms up as I asked. She looked warm in the face and asked if she was alright; she said she was fine, just the heat was getting to her and her baby.” “Baby? Is she with a child? Oh my god, OTIS!” Baby yelled, looking over at her brother and father. “Otis, did you hear? You’re going to be a daddy!” a giant smile appeared on her face despite the situation they were in. A child, what a miracle. Otis was quiet, and his expression blank; a baby? No wonder she was so sick, no wonder she looks so worried and so scared. He finally spoke with a calm and collected tone, “where are she and my child?”. He looked at Wydell in the eyes and waited for an answer.

He took a cigarette out of his pocket and lit it before answering, blowing smoke in their faces.” when I saw she was with child, I knew it was your Otis, I saw it in her eyes when she looked at the picture I held up of you. This means this was a 50/50 chance of being a miracle baby, a child of God, or a spawn of the devil. I decided to give Mrs. driftwood a chance to renounce her sinful ways with your freak show; tell me everything I want to know, and I would provide safe passage for her and her unborn child.

"I'm not going to ask you again where she is." Otis said his patients running thin "where the hell is my wife and my child?"

"I'm the one telling the story here, so I'm going to need you to be patient," Wydell said. "She stood there in the blistering heat next to her car, her hands up in the air. I told her to relax, put him down by her side, and we're just going to have a chat. I couldn't get over how beautiful she was. I had it in my right mind to take her then in there just like you had taken all those innocent women at your disposal."

Otis flinched in his chair, attempting to reach towards the sheriff. "I swear to satan if you touched her"

"Or what?" Wydell laughed, "You're not in the position to make any threats but calm down. I didn't feed my devilish temptations." He took another drag of the cigarette. "No, what I did was I told her that at this very moment, the compound where your merry band of freaks was hiding was being raided and that there was no way out of this. I knew who she was. I knew what she'd been through, and I told her that she doesn't want a life where she's just running cooperate with us, and we'll see what we can do for her. The moment I looked into her eyes, I knew she was not going to give you freaks up. She shook her head. I don't know what you're talking about and bit her lower lip. I decided at that moment that I was going to leave it up to God. I asked her to turn around and put her hands on the car. She did, then I pulled my knife." He pulled out a giant hunting knife and laid it on the table. The trio didn't speak collectively, waiting for the following words out of his mouth. All three of them were frozen in fear. They all loved you and felt powerless in the situation for themselves and what possibly may come next. "See, I walked up to her, and I said that this seed you're carrying now if it's the spawn of the devil you know I can't allow that to pollute this world any further, but this could also be one of God's children who am I to make that decision? And she looked back at me and asked what I mean, And so I got my knife, And I showed it to her, and I said, you know whatever happens next is up to God, and I stabbed her in the stomach. " As soon as those words left his mouth, Baby started to scream, "liar, you didn't lie you wouldn't stab a pregnant woman, lies you're just trying to break us, Otis doesn’t listen he's lying" Spalding spat a bunch of insults at the sheriff. Otis remained catatonic in his rage. He was so angry that he couldn't speak. He couldn't move. He could barely breathe.

The sheriff then pulled out a photo and said, "now I'm not saying I killed her, and I'm not saying it killed the baby. All I'm saying is I used my hand to be an instrument of God, and if God wanted the baby to survive, then that means it was a child of God. If it passed away well, then it was the spawn of Satan; either way, that is what happened" He slowly slid a photo of you on the ground clenching your bleeding stomach. "You should have seen the surprise on her face when I put out the Polaroid and snapped the photo of her." Baby cried and screamed; giant tears were falling from her beautiful blue eyes, Spalding still angry, throwing insults at the sheriff. Otis finally looked up, and in the most profound, most demonic voice anyone had ever heard, he quietly said, "I will watch you die. I will tear your soul apart.” Wydell stood up and grabbed a large nail from the table. “Don’t know how you’re gonna do that with your hands nailed down!” suddenly, he slammed the nails into his hands, nailing him to the table. He screamed in horror and agony at what had just taken place. Baby looked over to her brother, feeling helpless to his pain, when suddenly she felt her ties being loosened and she was free, “ you’re free to go, Babygirl, now run along run!!!!”. Wydell screamed in her face laughing; she took off toward the door; she didn’t need to be told twice.

As she ran towards what she thought was freedom, he started to pour gasoline all over the house, engulfing the once wonderful home that you all shared. As the flames lifted around them, the two men struggled to get free. The sheriff went after her, shooting into the air and taunting her as he chased her. One of the bullets hitting her in the leg and causing her to fall, but just as he thought he would have her meet her maker, tiny appeared, saving the day by breaking his neck. If it weren’t for this gentle giant, everyone would have perished in the fire. He was able to save everyone. Unfortunately, he chose not to come with the trio.

Otis took off towards the highway. He knew in his heart that you weren't dead. He would have felt it. Your connection was too strong but still, in the back of his mind, what if you weren't what he would do? He knew that he would set the world on fire that much would be for sure, but he could not fathom a reality with you, not by his side. He drove fast and faster towards your designated meet point. Nothing could stop him now except for the mountain of the police officers blocking the highway entrance. He looked over at the trio, and with a collective nod, they raced toward the police guns blazing. They had come this far, and nothing would stop them. Nothing would keep Otis from you; he pictured your face in his mind as he drove, the smell of your shampoo when he buried his face in your hair, the sound of your laugh. He had to try and get to you. There was a rain of gunfire that engulfed the vehicle. They didn't get far. Eventually, they all were stopped from the blood loss and the bullet holes they were taken to the hospital. He had failed you again.

Otis is right, though. You survived the encounter; what the sheriff didn't know was the ritual, The ritual that you all had done every Halloween, the ritual that you sacrificed souls so you could live on and become immortal through luck. This meant that if you were faced with a situation such as this, the universe would conspire to assist you all. Unfortunately, you were not pregnant during your last ritual. As you clenched your bleeding stomach, you pulled yourself into the vehicle. You were able to pull yourself into the vehicle and speed off as soon as you saw Wydell in the distance. You drove and drove until eventually, your vision got blurry, and you passed out. Somehow your car has come to a stop and ended up in a small town just on the Mexican border. A sweet couple pulled you out of the car and patched you up. The idea that you lost your child destroyed you and broke your heart. The blood loss was too much, and you miscarried. Pulling yourself together, you searched through your items, found one of your fake IDs, and headed toward Mexico, not before stopping into Brownsville to check and see if a particular person was still here.

[lvlyhao]

『wayv’s ideal type』

headcanons, WayV

A/N: i love yangyang. send tweet.

today’s theme is... um... none. no braincells for an aesthetic

ALL OF MY WORKS ARE GENDER NEUTRAL AAAA

𝓖𝓮𝓷𝓻𝓮𝓼: fluff (♡)...?

𝓦𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼: i think like 2 swear words and as usual, my tough love for the neos. don’t be offended.

word count: 1.6K

pairing: wayv members x reader (includes kun, ten, winwin, lucas, hendery, xiaojun, yangyang)

disclaimer: the characters in the story below do not reflect real people or present real facts. this is purely fictional, and you may not copy, change, translate or repost my work in any way. all rights reserved © cherry-hyejin 2021.

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:

Kun

Kun, similarly to Taeil, would most likely fall for someone very mature and responsible. My dude is already the father of 7 children (I'm counting Chenle); the last thing he needs is one more. 

Very closely related to that is what I think would be another of his priorities: whoever they are and however they are, they've got to get along with the rest of WayV—but it's even better if NCT as a whole likes them. As much as he'd love his s/o, I can't say that if it ever came down to choosing them or his members, he'd pick his partner. The guys are his family and a BIG part of his work, which takes over most of his life, so there's really no escaping it. Befriend the boys or bye-bye.

Once the boys approve of his crush, I think his interest would grow if they've got many pastimes or hobbies. I mean, c'mon, Kun can fly a plane on the same day as he sings his lungs out on Inkigayo and then goes home to cook some fancy-ass dinner. He doesn't need them to be on his level, though. Small, silly passions are the ones the loves the most. He'd listen to them talk about ANYTHING for like 3 hours straight, even if it's why their favourite type of constrictors are pythons. No, that is totally not about me. Shut up.

Ten

Y'all remember that one WayV live where a fan asks for dating advice? Yes, I'm taking a lot from it. If you've seen it, it's not hard to come to the conclusion that Ten likes honest and straightforward people. He values himself way too much to lose his time with someone who's playing games, making him chase them and things of the sort. It's simple, really. If you like him, great, he'll give you the stars if you ask, but if not, great too, he'll live.

I can see that either he'd get with a person as extra as him or someone on Jaehyun's level of unbothered. Not many options here. You either become his partner in crime and bring hell on Earth with him, or you accept it well. Just don't be judgy or ask him to tone it down. That's the way he is, so why should he, you know?

Speaking of that, AUTHENTICITY, FOLKS. Being authentic is a big deal here. Ten is very true to himself and is always encouraging us to be, as well. Anyone he even considers dating will be nothing short of unique and unapologetically so. Being confident is just so attractive for him, I can't even—and yes, even if they're a bit strange. His partner might be a weirdo, but they're HIS weirdo, and he'll fight anyone that disagrees.

Winwin

I think while other members might fall for someone as bright as the Sun, he'd love a person as calming as the Moon. You know that aesthetic? The gentleness, introspectiveness, wisdom, the tranquillity... yeah, fam. That's it for my boy Winwin.

Allow me to elaborate: all of those traits would make him very comfortable with the thought of being in a relationship. I can see Sicheng as having some trust issues, aside from not being very touchy or loud when it comes to affection. Having that peaceful aura would really help him grow closer to his partner because he knows they'll be patient with him and respect his boundaries.

He wouldn't mind if they're more on the talkative side, but he needs a person that can appreciate silence too. Something I see a lot for him is having loud thoughts that are hard to get rid of. Dating him would mean having nights when he's tired out of his mind and just doesn't have the strength to talk. His partner will have to understand that and stay by his side until his inner world is a bit less chaotic, just holding his hand and letting him take his time. I think allowing him to have his space and peace in the relationship is how he feels loved the most. 

Lucas

Yukhei would not mind one bit having a more childish, carefree partner. He's a big baby, c'mon, being around another baby would probably make him the happiest. I also think he meant it when he said he doesn't care about age (that one V-Live from years ago). Younger than him, older than him, my boy doesn't give a fuck. He really just wants someone to be silly with and smile a lot.

Having said that, I really can't see anything pushing him away from getting to know someone. Lucas is very lighthearted and loves people, so I think he'd have his fun getting to know anyone—and tbh, he would be hooked if they're a bit mysterious too. His interest would probably get the best of him, and he wouldn't stop whining about it to the other boys until he learns something about them. Very random, yes, but I can 100% see him complaining to WayV during dinner, LMAO.

One thing he wouldn't enjoy too much? A partner that can't take compliments or doesn't like being spoiled. Yukhei's affection is LOUD, and he really thrives off praise, cute pet names and giving gifts. He'd most likely be heartbroken if he finds out they don't like any of it, almost like they're shutting down his love itself.

Xiaojun

Ah, my dear Dejun. The middle child of WayV. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, just look up "Xiaojun's middle child problems" on YouTube and go from there.  If you don't feel like it, lemme break it down to you: he's an angel, but the boys mostly accuse him of everything and anything and will throw him under the bus for fun. It's very entertaining. At this point, my boy doesn't have a fight or flight response; more like fight or fight (shhhh, I'll get into the headcanon now).

I think since he's used to being so defensive around his members, he'd appreciate a person that makes him feel both understood and safe. They'd share similar tastes (mint-choco ice cream, cough cough) and interests, but they'd most likely have a fiercer presence than him. Kind of intimidating, tbh. Very nice. I can definitely see that his partner wouldn't let WayV's chaos get to them and would, undoubtedly, be as much of a savage as the boys are.

He'd probably like it if they (playfully) fight his members and defend him from whatever-the-fuck they're blaming him for atm, so, yes, a bit protective. I think Dejun would simply find it cute and admirable, you know, their braveness. Would 10/10 brag about it when they're alone.

Hendery

Kunhang is the ultimate crackhead, but a sweet one at that. Being a Libra (yes, I'm going there), I think he can actually be very sentimental around the people he trusts the most and needs to feel like he belongs. That leads me to point 1: his partner would also be a crackhead. That's REALLY not up for debate. Kunhang wouldn't even think about dating someone that's not as much of a weirdo as he is. 

Point 2: he probably wouldn't like to be with a person that's too vain or superficial, whether that goes towards others or themselves. He's said before he hopes the fans can see him as more than a pretty face, and I can imagine that goes for his s/o too. He'd simply not feel connected to someone who's always dolled up or dressed to impress. Would definitely prefer a more casual style and personality.

I guess point 3 is kinda random, but it makes sense to me, so here we go. Kunhang would really like someone who's just in love with human nature. For him, it's the tiniest things: the way they laugh, how they drink their tea, which side of the bed they'd prefer... it all adds up to a person, and I think he'd feel over the Moon to be with someone who sees the same things as him. Comment on a small habit of his he thinks no one else would notice, and I swear he's yours.

Yangyang

He is a spoiled brat, and I say that with all the love in the world. We've all heard WayV say how he basically tries to exploit them (mainly Hyung-line) at every opportunity he gets, which makes me think Yangyang might be a bit lazy, yes, but also that he'd do great with someone whose love language is acts of service.

Now, I'm not saying he'd tyrannize them or anything of the sort, but things would work very well if that is how his partner expresses their love. They wouldn't mind fetching him a drink, cooking something—or ordering out, if they can't... you know, stuff like that. It would make him feel very validated and cared for. I see that, for him, that's the ultimate type of devotion.

The last thing I can imagine he'd consider is whether they can take his teasing and antics or not. Yangyang's affection is really not shown through super heartfelt, sugar-coated moments; quite the opposite, actually. If he feels happy around someone, his way of showing it is that playful banter, insults and teasing, you know? He really wouldn't know what to do if the person takes everything he says to heart, like—Yangyang.exe has stopped working. So, yeah. A thick skin and elastic heart are a great combo for my boy.

Bonus: he'd lowkey cry if they get super hyped with his work as an artist. PLEASE praise his dancing, rapping, visuals and all. I don't think many people do, and even if he denies it, the compliments make him all fuzzy inside. #appreciateyangyang2021, he's underrated af.

---

final notes: head empty, no thoughts, just 90′s love yangyang

[jaeminscoffee]

The midnight man | l.ty

Pairing- Lee Taeyong x reader

Mentions- Lee Donghyuck, Na Jaemin, Liu YangYang, Nakamoto Yuta, Seo Johnny, Kim Doyoung, Ten Lee, Lee Dong Wook.

Genre- Horror!au, angst, crack, part fluff.

Warning(s)- Evil entity!Taeyong, Manipulation, Major character death (lmao you'll actually punch yourself towards the end), sexual themes suggested, impulsive decision making, talks with religion.

Word count- 11.83k

Synopsis- 'Lust though pleasurable, innocent and vice, thee shall stay loyal to thy partner regardless of wants. To betray thy partner is to deceive thy people and hence the kingdom. Thou shall pay for thy soul shall remain wandering, driven by the desires but, shall not be able to feel the human love thou took for a grain of salt. And all who shall follow thy steps shall face the same wrath.'

@kpopscape

This story is pure work of fiction and therefore doesn't speak about the mentioned members' personality in real life. I, in no manner, am trying to encourage hate speech towards the members so please don't come at me. This story was written using a mix of a bunch of urban legends and few made up by myself and therefore it isn't going to be spoken about the same way as it is in google. I also worked really hard on this piece and it's by far, the longest story I've written so feedbacks would mean a lot!, also it could get a little boring since i took time to focus on the side characters too. Make sure not to repost my works and sign it off as your own because that's a little disheartening and mockful towards the writer. So all credits reversed to @jaeminscoffee 2020©®

If anyone here doesn't know the story behind the midnight game, then read on! Because I've described it throughout the story! Happy reading!

29/10, Thursday, 10:57PM

"We need to do something this halloween man, Y/n come on!" 

Your friends all collectively whined as you constantly kept rejecting their proposal. 

Halloween is bullshit. It's overhyped and in all honesty, childish. You'd rather prefer staying home than go house to house and make a fool out of your existence. Not to mention you were all past the age of trick or treating. And to add on top of that came all the sugar rush you'd all go through at the end of the day. "For the last time, Hyuck we're not dressing up like crewmates and going trick or treating. I've got other things to do for the love of god" you grunt, rubbing the scrunched up skin to soothe the pain at the temples. University has been acting up again and so has life. "If your 'other things to do' is binge watch high school musical then no, you have no other better things to do" Yangyang bites back. 

"It's just, I don't feel like it anymore, alright? It feels too weird going out asking for candies when we're all literally 19 and above. It's time to up the notch." you say, plopping down.

When Haechan called for an emergency meeting in pure 'among us' style back at the guys' dorm, you'd expected it to be about something along the lines of having to console Jaemin or someone for having been stood up on a date. What you didn't expect was to have the boys prepare an entire presentation on who'd dress up as what character from among us and who'd be the impostor, do a little play and then say 'red is sus' and then ask for candies. What made it worse was that you thought they were just pulling a prank on you when in all reality, they were dead serious which made you go, 'oh, oh they aren't pretending to be stupid, they're just in their original form.'

"It won't be that bad, doll. It's a genius plan if you ask me" Jaemim chirped in on the conversation finally after looking back and forth between you, Donghyuck and Yangyang caught up in a meaningless fight. "I don't see how any of this is genius, Jaem. If this plan's anything, it's stupid." You pull out your phone after making your way all the way to the headboard of Jaemin's bed. "How about we try out one of these creepy pasta games?" Yuta finally spoke up. Jaemin's brother, an early graduate, senior and of course a dear friend of yours. Yuta, despite the age difference between your classmates and you, had little to no trouble blending in with the tiny group of yours. Probably the only one who didn't behave like a toddler and the most sane one according to you. Yuta's been an amazing planner since junior year where you first met Jaemin, Yangyang and Donghyuck who then proceeded to introduce you to their senior friend group that consists of Yuta, Johnny, Doyoung; Donghyuck's cousin and Ten. You guys had a friendship the entire campus was envious of. But two year after you getting into the university, the seniors had to graduate. But that didn't stop all your bonds from staying as strong as ever. Not even after Ten got his posting in a town a little far away from the one you guys lived in. The distance didn't change anything between you guys and you were as close as you could ever get. 

"Creepypasta?" Donghyuck inquired, looking straight at the guy who aimlessly scrolled down the screen of his device as Yuta didn't even bother looking up while passing the confused boy a nod. Sitting up cross legged from his previous side sitting posture, Yuta showed his phone screen to Donghyuck, who immediately got surrounded by the other two while you stare at the oldest in the room, slightly intrigued by the idea. "Creepypasta's like these horror-related legends that have been copied and pasted around the Internet by people who're too bored for their own sake." you explain as Haechan took the phone out of Yuta's hand who agreed to your explanation. "I read some sick games that I kinda wanna try out and see for myself," he said, looking at you with expectations and then the rest who seemed too immersed in surfing the website. 

"Yuta, you of all people should know better than to think all these made up crap's real" you say nonchalantly. 

Yuta's a huge skeptic, and so were you. Which is why you got along really well despite the mentioned age gap. The night gatherings back at the boy's dormitory or the girls (in this case, girl, yours) would always end up in narration of on spot made up stories of all genre, mostly horror because apparently according to Jaemin 'Rom-com's overhyped, sci-fi won't be fun when you narrate it out loud, mystery can easily turn boring, comedy, meh i guess, but a good horror story narrated properly, -yes, like you, Haechan- while adding jumpscares here and there could actually result in y'all being too scared to use the bathroom on your own'. And yeah, you'd startle here and there but the stories weren't believable enough for you to actually be scared. On the other hand, Haechan and Jaemin were scaredy cats. Literal toddler's who're so gullible, you could literally tell them there was an alien invasion news flash two minutes ago and they'd be hiding under their bed. And then there's Yangyang, he just doesn't care. He goes along with the plans solely for the fun of it and for the other's' (Haechan and Jaemin) reaction. "That's the point. I don't" he shuffled around to shift closer to you,

 "Which is exactly why i want to try them out" 

Maybe it's the feline that crossed over his body, maybe it was the fact that his spirit just wasn't ready to leave the human realm yet. Maybe it's the mourning of his family or maybe it's him himself knowing full too well his potential was truly wasted due to the fast departure. Whatever it was, his spirit was definitely made restless. 

The world is a cruel place where harsh actions are always sugar coated by honey like words. It's how he knew the doings of his people were wrong that made him disappointed. The practices of the people, his people, were stupid, meaningless and only harmful to the human kind. They fend off the satisfaction of their almighty even if that means that there needs to be sacrification of their loved ones, their nemesis, or them themselves. And it was his ancestors fault for starting all these practices. 

Passed down generations from generations was the curse put on the first of their bloodline by the princess he'd defied to go out and be ruthless by disregarding his duties as a husband, a father, a member of the royal courts and as a human being.

Lee Dong Wook. The root of all evil, the main reason the males of the family line faced the same wrath as him, all cursing at him but one namely enjoying his role. The pagans, dating back to the roman times era had a very, let's say, interesting method of punishing. The said lords they'd worship, the people following the religions had a strong belief that nature is sacred and that the natural cycles of birth, growth and death observed in the world around us carry profoundly spiritual meanings. Gods and goddesses of life, or say, death or anything else that exists beyond life and death, they believed in all. 

The doings of his ancestors started off innocent. Sacrifices to the lords of goodness and tranquility, a peaceful life by the towns and outskirts, forgiveness for wrong doings and of course, happiness. It's how any religious rituals would go about and all were happy until the said betrayer of the group came in with that curse of his. 'The doings of his shall be repented for all the men following shall be the one paying it,' 

At first glance when the man returned back to his royals, there were little to no suspicions of a curse being casted on him. He seemed normal to his family, his people except for the occasional forcing people to do something they despised. And it wasn't just the men of the family instead, it was all. But mostly the men, unless the same sin were to be committed by the females. Obscure behaviors have been asked to follow starting exactly at midnight to the witch's hour be it hurting your loved one, your enemy, doing sinful things, allowing self to get manipulated and mostly, shortening their own life time in the human realm. It was all unexplainable. Why was he asking people to do things like this but most of all, why are they even listening to him? 

It wasn't until they discovered that Dong Wook, for one, was never the one who returned home. On a second note, he, 'Dong Wook' mainly only targeted the men whose doings were similar to his that was fueled by the same sin that had him going. Which only remained undiscovered. The curse was unbeknownst to all still, Dong Wook himself remained undiscovered. Or proposed by the elders of the community, his body remained undiscovered while his spirit roamed restless among the people. 

The pagan romanticists are, in most cases, ignorant of the “paganism” they praise—the redeemed paganism of Christianity depicted in the transfigured water of the True Well of Life. Wrestling with the Greek gods, however, leads us to see the hyper-anthropomorphization of the gods with one intention in mind—justification of sexual lusts and displays of power over the weak.

The oldest written account of the Greek deities is from Hesiod. His Theogony, literally “birth of the gods,” charts out the genealogies of the major and minor deities in two branches. The first set of gods come into existence without sex. The second set of gods come into existence with sex; often very graphic and violent sex and they continue to have violent sex after their birth. 

As Hesiod continues to describe the birth and death of the gods and great monsters of antiquity, the chaining of Prometheus to his eternal torment is described. So too is Hades’ rape of Persephone. Battle is depicted left and right, and “a terrible din arose from their dreadful wrath, and the work of power was revealed”. Lust, sex, and war reign supreme in Hesiod’s telling of the birth of the gods. Moreover, it is from this brutality and carnality that Hesiod gives them praise—only those with enough cunning and ambition are worthy of having the praise of the muses.

That the gods birthed through sexual lust are themselves lustful was not missed by Christians of the pagan community. Though St. Augustine received the Romanized version of the Greek myths, he goes to great lengths and laborious pains—using the pagans’ own prophecies —to highlight the moral depravity of the gods in Confessions and City of God.

His sin, after all the years, was lust and the want to dominate. 

'Lust though pleasurable, innocent and vice, thee shall stay loyal to thy partner regardless of wants. To betray thy partner is to deceive thy people and hence the kingdom. Thou shall pay for thy soul shall remain wandering, driven by the desires but, shall not be able to feel the human love thou took for a grain of salt. And all who shall follow thy steps shall face the same wrath.'

Oh, how lust was a dangerous feeling. 

29/10 continued. 11:28PM

It's how you all circled around in the living room like any other day that was comical to you. Instead of reading out your own made up story, it so happened to be the Creepypastas Yuta screenshotted for what he wanted to try out and see for himself. It wasn't even his idea to read them out. Haechan and Jaemin's 'too curious for their own sake' selves were the ones who wanted to read it out loud. "How about we sit in the order of who's gonna read out what and when?" Yangyang suggested, standing up from his seat. "Yuta read out the topics and we'll pick randomly." 

"No fun! Hold up," Haechan did some pretty exaggerated hand actions before getting up and heading to his room, well, Jaemin's room to do who knows what. "Okay? I'll get the candles!" Yangyang said, him getting out of his seat too, "And I'll go get the bible, jesus christ" and Jaemin was out of his seat too. You look at Jaemin in a funny manner, as though questioning him with your eyes if he's actually going to get a bible or not, "What? I don't want to die young, I'm too hot for that" he said, before following Haechan's steps to his bedroom, "Yikes, you aren't going to die dude" 

"Okayy, I'm back, make way bitches" Haechan dictated to which he earned a few groans and a smack on the ankle from Yuta, "Jaemin! I can't find the candles!" "It's beside the Reese's cups! Second rack inside of the refrigerator!" Jaemin says while walking back up to your tiny circle with an empyre comic in his hand and a cross pendant dangling off of his neck, "That's a bible?" you question. "Shush, do not question the power of avengers and fantastic four." Jaemin replies, holding the comic up close to his chest. You all collectively dismiss it with a concerned look directed towards the male, "Are we not going to question the fact that Jaemin keeps his candles inside the fridge?" 

"So here's what we're going to do, I've got these tiny papers which have numbers from 1 to 5,because we're five people and I've folded the paper into chits, once i toss it, we pick random sheets and the number you get is when your turn to read is, any objections?" Haechan explained, "Even if you have any, keep it to yourself because I don't care" he bites in again while juggling the folded sheets in a closed palm while the other supports his body by it being planted behind him. "Okay I'm back with the candles" Yangyang finally joins in on the circle, completing it, "You took that long to find one candle?" Yuta asks, "No i was eating the reese's cups" he replied, wiping his hand on your jean clad thighs earning him a loud whine of 'Eww that's disgusting man' and a little too far from soft smacks on his shoulder, "You piece of sh-" Jaemin starts, "Okay all, Focus!" Haechan cuts him off, ready to throw the bits onto the space between the five of you in front of the now lit candle (Thank you, Yuta), and so he tossed it a little high up from the ground, letting the paper fall of his palms and onto the floor while being cautious of not throwing it anywhere near the flame. 

"Now let's arrange ourselves according to the numbers, who's number one?" Haechan asks, Yuta raises his hands while pointing at where he's sitting, "I'm not getting up, y'all arrange yourself so that the person going second is to my right and the last person would be to my left", you all look at him nonchalantly, "What?" with a shake of your head, you proceed calling out numbers, "Number two?" Haechan shoves Yangyang back to take his place beside Yuta, "bitch." Yangyang seats himself beside Haechan, followed by Jaemin and lastly, you. 

"First, Yuta!" Jaemin slurs the elders name, receiving a death glare from his cousin. Nevertheless, Yuta cleared up his throat and switched his attention to his phone screen, "The first urban legend is from Japan, ironically." He states as a matter of fact, "It's called Aka Manto."

"Aka manto is an urban legend related to toilets—particularly those in elementary schools.-"

"Is that why you take a relatively long time inside of the bathroom? Are you, you know? Tickling pickles with Aka Mant-ow! Sorry!" Yangyang was wasted as he was tackled onto the floor by Yuta, while the rest of you cracked up, "Now let's get a little serious, come onnn!" Haechan whines. 

"This phenomenon is known all over Japan, with countless variations on the same theme. It usually takes place in a specific stall in a specific bathroom in the school. Usually it is an older or seldom used bathroom, often in a stall with an older style squat toilet.  Often the fourth stall is the cursed one, as the number four is associated with death." "I'm so glad our university has only two stalls," Jaemin chimes in, suddenly grasping the cross pendant. 

"Most stories follow this general pattern: while at school late in the evening, a student suddenly finds him or herself in desperate need of a toilet. The closest restroom available is one that is normally avoided by the students; it is older and less well-kept, separated from the rest of the school, and is rumored to be haunted. But with no time to search for a different restroom, the student enters. He or she does their business, and when they have finished, they reach for the toilet paper only to find that there is none. Then they hear a strange voice" Yuta looks up from the phone screen, "“Do you want red paper? Or blue paper?”" 

"None bitch, give me the classic white,"

With a roll of his eyes, Yuta continues, "If the student answers, Red paper, moments later, they're stabbed and sliced up violently that blood seeps out of them, painting the walls of the stall red and it soaks up into their body, making them appear red", "And if the student responds blue paper, then their blood is going to be sucked up dry, leaving them dead and blue-faced on the floor."

"But! If you try to outsmart Aka Manto, by replying to question with, i don't know, "Yellow paper" then too, dead is inevitable, you will be shoved onto the floor where the spirit is said hold your head down in the dirty toilet water until you drown and well, die" Yuta ends with a shrug of his shoulder, "Seems pretty bullshit to me" and you agree alongside, though, it could be a little creepy if the existing legend did turn out to be true. "Okay next!"

Yuta leans back a little more, pressing onto your side which you took as an invitation to lean on his shoulder. When you did so, all Yuta did was beam at you and wrap his arms around you to keep you close after handing the phone over to Haechan, "If you want me to start reading you have to give it up for me. Give me the grand welcome that i deserve" the lad said in a childish voice which again only earned him a few smacks and half hearted applauds. "So this one is apparently called, the one man hide and seek" though all narrations were being taken on a lighter note, the mood set in the room gave you enough space to picture the stories, added to that came the factor that Donghyuck knows exactly how to narrate what. 

"The "One-Man Hide and Seek", also known as the "One-Man Tag," is a ritual for contacting the dead. The spirits, which are wandering restless on the Earth, are always looking for bodies to possess. In this ritual, you will summon such a spirit, by offering it a doll instead of a human body." He lowers his voice while focusing solely on the screen.

"The warnings say that if you have any psychic abilities, you may feel unwell or be prone to accidents during the ritual." He raises his eyebrows, looking at all four of you in a curious manner. The things you need for this game seems lowkey sketch"

"One stuffed doll. It must have limbs, Rice, enough to stuff the doll full. One needle, and one crimson thread. One pair of nail clippers. One sharp-edged tool, such as a knife, glass shard, or scissors. One cup of salt water. Natural salt would be best. A bathroom, with a bathtub and some form of counter. A hiding place, preferably a room purified by incense and ofuda. There must be a TV in there." Haechan's face contorts with each requirement for the game. Letting out a defeated sigh, he hands the phone over to Yangyang, "Of all the stories i could've narrated, i got chosen for this and for what? Just to contact stupid poltergeists. Just play a ouija board and go" 

Giving Haechan a sympathetic pat on the back, he takes the device. Looking through the screen he cracks up a smile, "Alright, listen up closely. This is an Urban legend classic"

"The Slender Man-" a bunch of 'aahhs' of realization resonate through the room

"-is a supernatural creature that is described as appearing as a normal human being but he is described as being 8 feet tall and he has vectors or extra appendages that are described to be as sharp as swords. The creature is known to stalk humans and cause many disappearances. He is described as a shadow creature that has a missing face. The creature fits into many mythologies in legends from nations such as germany and celts which brings up the possibility that he could be real." Yangyang pauses to add in a little more life to his reading while all of your paid full concentration to him

"A man named victor Surge found this legend and made his own version of it which he called slender man. The slender man is not exactly evil according to mythology but victor Surge’s version shows him as an evil creature that stalks humans to kill. In mythology he was actually trying to save you from a painful death by taking you to the underworld early." he ends, placing the phone down in front of him, screen down. "Kills you to save you from a death and collectively shortens your lifespan? Seems legit to me" Jaemin chimes in while the rest of you chuckle whereas Haechan pouted at the device in front of his friend, "I should've gotten that story" 

"My turn!" 

"So, ahem-" Once the focus is all on him,Jaemin  looks down onto the device containing his part of narration. "- This is an urban legend about a girl named Daruma who was a young Japanese woman that died in the bathroom, which upon entering to take a bath, it stumbled and her forehead ended up against the edge of the tube, destroying it the brain, at the same time that her eye embedded in the tube , leaving it in consequence, one-eyed key and later , dead by bleed out."  "Oh god ouch" You hiss as though your forehead was the one that hit the edge, " Her appearance as described is apparently; black hair that is entangled, her clothes rotting and made shreds. She only has one eye. Her left eye is completely open and injected with blood." "That's gruesome," Yangyang adds, earning a nod from Jaemin who's eyes were still fixated on the screen. "And apparently there's a ritual that you can follow to summon her into your house for twenty four hours straight" At the silence, he continues. "I'll shorten it, so you have to begin it right before your bedtime, shed all your clothing and enter your bathroom, turn off all the lights and fill in your bathtub, climb into it while being seated facing faucet, close your eyes and start washing your hair while chanting "Daruma-san fell down" and keep chanting that until you're done washing your hair, and yeah don't open your eyes."

"If you did it right then you'll get this image of a japanese who'll slip and fall in front of you. Even if you hear a noise behind you, do not open your eyes, no matter what it takes, Ask out loud, 'why did you fall in the bathtub' and let that hang in the air. With your eyes still closed, get up and out of the tub and be careful not to slip and do not drain the tub. Go to your room, don't turn the lights on, shut the bathroom door closed and sleep. Wake up the next day and carry on with your day and you'll apparently feel her presence alongside you all day. She'll constantly try getting close to you, when she does, scream 'Tomare!',"

"That means stop," Yuta adds to which you all hum in understanding.

"To end the game, capture her gaze from over your shoulder and say 'Kitta' which means 'I cut you loose' while swinging your arm in a chopping motion. If you followed the procedures then you'll be rewarded but if not then, run. That's all it says here" He stops, looking a little shaken at how he created an image of it all in his mind. "They didn't say how to get rid of her if you fail following the procedure?" you ask

"No." Jaemin shrugs it off

"Alright boys, my turn"

30th October, Friday, 10:53PM

It's probably how you read out your part of story telling, or it was how he felt the game was a little too unrealistic that had Yuta hooked onto the urban legend. 

Yuta found himself at his dorm doing a little more research on the midnight ritual. A backpack already consisting of all the elements required for the game, 'could it really be played just by one person?'. Whatever it was, he really wanted to do the game. He wanted someone to accompany him, of course. But knowing his friend group, not many would be ready to play it alongside. Doyoung was probably busy preparing his resumes for his job interviews. Johnny's all the way back in Chicago for a little family time. Ten was a little too far from your town so he'd feel bad calling him all the way over just to perform a probably demonic ritual. Donghyuck and Jaemin are out of the question, they'd obviously say no. Yangyang has a company party to attend as the heir. And you had to study for your test on Monday so he didn't really feel like disturbing you though, he did inform you that he was going out to have some fun and that you could join him anytime. Closing his laptop with a sigh, he gets up and walks over to where his bag was sprawled across the floor, picks it up and makes his way out of the studio apartment like dormitory after grabbing his car keys. 

Not like he believed it was real, it's incase if the legend turns out to be even the slightest of reality, he wasn't going to get his dormitory haunted, instead opting to perform it at the house he grew up in, his childhood house. That was left abandoned ever since they moved out months before his younger brother was born after his father had an episode still unknown to him inside the place. It was convenient enough to perform the ritual in and no one lives there anymore, and it was just a few minutes from where his house was anyways. 

Reaching the place and swinging the backpack over his shoulder, he makes his way into the surprisingly still intact house. Not much time to waste, looking around, Yuta slowly made his way up the wooden stairs, the wood creaking with each step he took to prove the existence of this house dated long back. The guest room shut lock from lack of human souls even when they used to live there. The paintings still hung off of a single screw, nostalgia hitting him straight as he recalled the one time he was playing catch with a neighbor's kid and ended up breaking the glass frame. The wallpaper's adhesive seemingly had gotten weaker from how they had started coming out from nooks and crannies of the walls. The place, without doubt, looked a little creepy but nonetheless felt homely. 

Switching on all switches from the main controller that was in the control room right by the end of the hallway, the entire darkness was replaced with light as the bulbs shockingly still seemed to function. The warm white colour of the lights took Yuta all the way back to his growing up years, missing all the fun he'd had there and all the memories he'd created. He, though grew up mostly by himself from how busy his parents were on the weekdays and sometimes the weekends, missed them more now that they live far off in Japan with his mother's family. Especially now that he was in the place they spent the most time together in. Shaking his head, he had no trouble navigating his way to his childhood room. Where he set the bag down.

He reached out to his back pocket to get out his phone, switching it on as the screen illuminated, 11:28PM, the screen read. To kill the time, Yuta set up all the items required in place to proceed the ritual smoothly. He pulled his laptop out of the backpack once he was all set to maybe watch something on the internet. It being other peoples attempt at the ritual he was about to perform.

11:55PM.

Yuta inhaled, having only a few more minutes until he had to proceed. He recalled your words,

"Alright boys, my turn" You snatch the phone out of Jaemin's hand who seemed really immersed in finding out more about the legend he just read out about, earning a pout from him. "I was reading" he let out in a whiny tone immediately going stoic after receiving a 'do i care' look from your end. "Okay, so the story I'm going to read out is called the midnight man, or the midnight game" You scroll back and forth through the pages the oldest of the group screenshotted. "From what he's gathered, there's not much backstory, but apparently it's a ritual or mostly a punishment that the pagan's use to punish the betrayer of the group who failed to stay loyal to their lords or the group. One of the people of the religion will summon the midnight man to an abandoned house where they lock up the said betrayer who'll then be put through god knows what by the midnight stranger," You stop to look up from the screen to look at each of your friends before letting out a sigh. 

"My take on this though is that it's highly impossible since the rules here state that once you start the ritual you aren't allowed the leave the place until the game is completely done unless you want the midnight man to follow you around for as long as you live, so unless the midnight man actually favored the pagans, there's no way they could punish the betrayer without one of the loyal ones passing away along with the one being punished" you state, "But what if, it's the midnight man that they preach? You know, like, they could be praying the midnight man" Haechan adds in a point which seemed to make sense, "That's possible too" 

"Why would someone preach an evil entity? That's so sketch" Jaemin asks perplexed. "They did a lot of sketchy things back in the days, Jaem. I wouldn't question it," Yuta chirps. "Is there any other backstory given about the midnight man?" Yangyang finally speaks up, "Well not really, but when i was taking screenshots of this it apparently started with a curse on someone whose identity is unknown to most. There was no such thing as the midnight game or ritual until the said bewitched man came back into town. I only know up to there, but there are high chances that he's probably the origin of the ritual." Yuta explains. "Why does Y/n get the best always, that's so unfair"  Haechan's dramatic self whines while leaning onto Yangyang who rolled his eyes but nonetheless threw his hands around the latter's shoulder, "Anyways, the procedure for the ritual is given here."

"You need one candle, a lighter or a match box or anything that ignites fire, a piece of paper, something to write with, a sharp object, it could be a pin, it just needs to be something sharp enough to draw blood, a wooden door, and salt for protection-" You read out, "Now why the fuck would they need blood," Jaemin asks, shaken up. "That's for them to know and us to find out" 

"Here's how the invitation for the midnight man goes. Begin prior to midnight," 

Yuta stood up from his bed, and walked up to the backpack on the floor, picking out the papers he'd brought along and took out a blunt pencil. 

"Write your full name- first, middle, and last- on the piece of paper with your writing implement." He wrote syllable by syllable, Nakamoto Yuta. "Prick your finger with the pin and squeeze until a drop of blood appears. Dot the blood on the paper and allow it to soak in. Turn off every light in your home." He took out the small safety pin he brought along from his jean pocket, pressing his fingers hard and pricked into the skin as hard as he could, keeping in mind to not draw too much blood. Yuta let the droplet fall right in the space between his last name and first. 

"Place the paper with your name and blood on it in front of the closed wooden door. Light the candle using the matches or lighter and place it on top of the paper. If you are using a taper, make sure it is placed in a candle holder." He walks up to the door and places down the paper with his name and blood on it, with the half melted scented candle he brought along. Yuta took out his phone once again, 11:59. "Knock on the door 22 times. The final knock must occur precisely when the clock chimes 12am. Open the door; then blow out the candle and close the door. Relight your candle immediately." He starts to knock on the door, drumming on the dusty wood, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22.

He checks the time once again, 12:00AM.

He leans down to pick the glass jar containing the candle, relighting it, 

"I welcome you."

Taeyong loved the tiny creatures in the human realm. They were so naive and so, stupid but weirdly smart at the same time that made playing with them ten times more interesting. The callings from them, or the way they say it in the human realm, summoning the spirit was the only way he could gain access to enter the place. Summoning wasn't even necessary. Saying his name out was more than enough for him to go up to you. Midnight man, midnight stranger, midnight visitor, pagan's god, What not had the human's named him. 

The only one besides his ancestor of said curse that enjoyed the power of punishing people was Taeyong himself. The youngest of the bloodline and the freshest of pagan's spirit, he loved the power he had. Sure he had no access to love, instead besides lust and range he felt nothing, maybe amusement too, but none other than that and he seemed perfectly fine with that. Human's always seeked lust more than love either way so he found no problem in being void of feeling a vulnerable emotion. Instead, he found love pathetic. Watching human's from where he lived, he'd seen all from men and women seeking love by going to heights of trouble only to waste away your remaining life with one partner. Leeching off of pleasure at times when you had a significant other. He always got a hearty laugh from all of that. According to him, if you want someone, get them. Instead of tailing them and trying to be a goody two shoes, just make them yours in a way that's inevitable for them to fall for you. Control how they feel. Easier said than done since he was the only one with the ability to do so, 'how fucking pitiful'.

So when he saw you and your small group of friends discussing about him, laughing at all the assumptions you made along the way, he wanted each of you to himself. "My take on this though is that it's highly impossible since the rules here state that once you start the ritual you aren't allowed to the leave the place until the game is completely done unless you want the midnight man to follow you around for as long as you live, so unless the midnight man actually favored the pagans, there's no way they could punish the betrayer without one of the loyal ones passing away along with the one being punished" you're smart and that was intriguing to him. He liked the way you thought of things and the male beside you too, you both seemed to take tales of him as a grain of salt and that, besides angering him, made him feel the want to prove himself to you. Taeyong found the other three cute, seemingly scared of him just the way he liked it. 

His ancestor's who held the same power as him, the curse actually, came to be known as said lord because of their power of manipulation and to inject in their worst nightmare into their minds that had the people divide themselves into groups. One that believed the power they had was for the good and considered them to be their god, their savior. And the other being the one's scared of their power and the fear that the same faith would bestow upon them that had them pray for forgiveness for sins they never committed. So your friend had the point a little, but it was inaccurate. They believed him. Believed Taeyong and feared his power. He loved people bowing down in front of him, eyes trembling and body shivering. It gave him a sense of dictatorship. And he had set his mind to have both of you non-believers fear him. 

Having been brought up with little to no love, Taeyong followed down the same path as his great grandfather. Not having enough time to feel the vulnerable emotion, he chose to go down the path of pleasure and power play. His powers though, seemingly stronger than the past generations, probably due to the fact that he was young, ruthless and free of care. He could make himself appear physically in the human realm in any shape and form, though he always preferred to go in his original, but less scarier form. His visuals were out of the world. He didn't have to scare people to make them obey, instead all he had to do was pretend to be there and just be himself and that only made humans seem even pathetic to him. 

"Relight your candle immediately"

12:01PM, The main event. 

"Keeping your candle in hand and your salt and matches or lighter close by, begin to move about your home. Should your candle go out, you must relight it within the next ten seconds.  If you are successful, continue moving about your home. Do not stop moving until 3:33 am. If you are unsuccessful in relighting the candle, immediately surround yourself with a circle of salt.  Remain inside the circle until 3:33 am. At 3:33 am, it is safe to stop moving or to step outside your circle of salt. You may also turn on the lights. The game Is Over."* You conclude. Hissing slightly at the sudden pain by your shoulder that was exposed from the minimalistic clothing you'd adorned, the stranger looking over it all smirked to himself. 'Got it'

Yuta opened the door again, mindful to keep his phone back in his jean pocket along with the lighter and of course, the salt be brought along. Starting from the end of the hallway, nothing seemed to change except now, the eerie silence was starting to bother him, 'Just 3 hours to go,'. He didn't miss a single corner, walking room to room, corner to corner, mindful to stay inside all the way. The temperature of certain rooms seemingly lesser than others. A cold pocket. 

"There are few warnings too," you swipe the image to go to the next one, "At 3:33 am, the Midnight Man will leave your home. After he has left, you may safely end the game. Do NOT turn on any lights during the game.  Do NOT use a flashlight during the game. Do NOT go to sleep during the game. Do NOT use a lighter instead of a candle during the game." Check. He had a lighter on him just to relight the candle anyways. 

Taeyong, following the guy seemed to be quite impressed by his bravery. Not even the slightest of shaken up as he proceeded to walk about the villa. That's good, no slip ups and he seemed too good to mess anything up either ways, and that bored the entity. Where's the fun if he just succeeded? 

To avoid the candle from going off at the sudden flickering, Yuta covered it up the best he could with his hands and checked around whether any windows were left open. Darkness engulfed the surrounding all of a sudden, the lad being taken aback, 10 seconds. He rushed to take out his lighter, 9,  pressing the button repeatedly to ignite the flame only to get a small blue flame instead, huh? 8, running back full speed happy that he was in the premises of where his backpack is, he pulled the spare lighter, a brand new one out of the side pocket, 7, repeating the same process of flicking the button over and over, 6 until a bright orange flame engulfed the dark room, 5, he immediately grabbed his candle from besides the bag, 4 reaching in close by the wick, burning himself slightly in 3-, the process. Yuta heaves out a sigh of relief, while the spirit laughs at the frantic boy. 'He's cute.'

For a breaker, he took out his phone, looking at the time that seemed to pass by quickly throughout the ritual, 2:47 AM. A little more while to go until he'd finally get it over with. "Do not attempt to provoke the Midnight Man during the game." You ended for the nth time that night, "Which idiot would-" Yangyang asks "Haechan-" Jaemin pretends to cough while blurting out his best friends name, the mentioned feigning offence while tilting his head to the side, tongue poking at the insides of his cheek. "Seems like that's pretty much it." you shrug while the older guy beside you leaning back on both of his hands, "I kinda wanna try that out" Yuta raised his eyebrows at you. "Halloween night? We all go together" you chirp in, both of you whipping your heads to look at the three perplexed boys. "Uh, I have to water my fish on halloween? She'd get pretty thirsty". Jaemin's eyes wandered about, coming up with an excuse, "And I gotta walk my rock yo, physical fitness." Haechan adds, "Can I bring my fish along? She could use some exercising". 

"Come on guys, it won't be that bad, we'll stick in a group?" You pleaded, trying your best to muster up the cutest puppy eyes. "I'm down" Yangyang shrugs. You do a tiny seal clap, looking expectedly at the other two, Yangyang and Yuta doing the same. "We stick together?" Haechan asks, to which the three of you nod your head, 

"Alright then we're down too"

[3:04AM 30th, October. ]

A few more minutes left until he'd succeed, Yuta was starting to grow tired of constantly roaming. He'd usually not the one to wear out that quickly, but for a reason unknown to him, he felt utterly sleepy, tired, hungry and just wanted to lie down. He decided to take a small break, the candle still light, dangerously flickering but yet still intact. Yuta sat by the foot of the stairs as Taeyong looked at him with the same cocky smirk on his face, contemplating whether to pop out or not. 'Maybe let's make it subtle? '

Taking up the form of a black humanoid figure, Taeyong makes his way towards Yuta whose eyes seem to be dropping low with each passing second. Upon hearing the sounds of footsteps Yuta looks up, a hand on his forehead from the sudden throbbing headache. Letting out a loud yell at the figure in front of him that disappeared almost immediately, he rushed to grab his lighter again. The sudden temperature drop made him shudder. Taking out the new lighter, he pressed the button again and again as the time limit started to exhaust, 6, at a successful fire, he reached for his candle, only for the flame to go off when it neared the candle wick. "what the fuck.." 5, "come on.." he stated in a rushed voice, sure that he just saw whatever he saw once again. Finally flicking the button one last time, he succeeded in lighting the candle. 

Contrary to popular belief, the midnight man didn't always radiate death. Sometimes he just messes around with the humans because the underworld could get a little boring. And as the curse states death and wrath is only to be faced by those who sinned and the boy playing right now seemed to be of no threat. All Taeyong wanted to do was get the guy to believe in his existence. Skeptics were like an insult to him. So if he had to prove himself and his existence on his own, then so be it. He gets some pretty good experience out of it anyways. 

Yuta stood up immediately, remembering the warning's you'd stated, "Do not stop moving until 3:33am", walking back up the stairs, he took out his phone to check the time, 3:29am. Almost. 

The same sounds of footsteps resonated from behind him, Yuta took an immediate U-turn. Going back down the stairs and roaming the empty, dark hallways, making sure to enter each and every room, keeping a mental note to thank his parents for having a slightly confusing infrastructure. The wax was almost completely out in the glass jar, but he had to hang in there for a little longer than 2 more minutes when he felt something brush his shoulder, much similar to how a friend would drape their hands over his/her friends' shoulder. He could've brushed it off as anything if it weren't for the sharp pain he felt right after the feeling of someone touching him. He's getting the proof he wants. Almost as if someone pulled his hoodie, Yuta stumbled back, letting out a shaky scream, tripping on his own foot, landing butt down onto the floor, catching a glimpse of the same humanoid figure he'd been seeing. He needs to get out of there. 

Stumbling back onto his feet, Yuta bolted it upstairs, grabbing his phone once again to check the time, 3:32am. Reaching his room, he set the candle down right beside him, vary of the windows and doors, starting to back his backpack, the sounds of rushed footsteps running start to where he is ringing through his ears, hands shakingly packing his bag. Keeping the candle closeby, contemplating whether to draw a salt circle or not since there was only less than half a minute left when the same humanoid figure neared him with fast footsteps, reaching by the door frame with a loud agonizing scream only to disappear immediately. 

Not realising the stress of tears flowing and the tresses sticking to his forehead, Yuta looked at the door frame in a perplexed yet confused manner. What the fuck was that. 

Taking out his phone once again while grabbing his backpack, laptop and the car keys in the other hand, 3:34 am. He'd made it through. After reaching the front door, not even bothering to close it, he rushed to his car, starting it before pulling up your contacts, seeing the messages he'd never sent you. 

Yuta san 1:39am: The boys said they won't make it tomorrow, it's gonna be just you and i

Y/nleE 1:43am: Why not? 

Yuta san 1:45am: Dk, they said they aren't interested. So come near xxxx tomorrow at 11:30. I'll meet you there. 

Y/nleE 1:48am: Coolsies. 

Yuta san 3:38am: Y/n don't come here, gather the boys and meet me by Haechan's dorm tomorrow. The game's no fucking joke. 

And with that he started driving away quickly to his dormitory, not once looking back at the house to see a human. Or a human like figure standing there, A bright red hair standing out due to his blood drained looking pale skin. A smirk on his face

Message not delivered. 

31st October, 22:37PM, 2020.

Today was a weird day, 

Having all plan's set two days before, you'd make sure to keep yourself ready for whatever you and your friend group were supposed to do today. You finished up all your assignments earlier that day to keep yourself free from afternoon and on. 

The weird part was that, no matter how much you kept your phone for charge, each time you tried calling one of the guys to ask for the sudden bailing out on plan, which is a shocker because they've never done that, your phone kept switching off. You could've gone all the way to their apartment, well, dorm, but you decided to wait until later to do so. Maybe a few minutes before leaving to the place Yuta texted you so that they'd have no choice but to come along. Since your last time texting with Yuta, you hadn't heard from him. Granted, he did text you quite late at night saying he's going to do god knows what and to tell you of the sudden plan change, but you hadn't heard from him after, that being weird since he literally lives a floor below yours, he could've come any moment but nope. You kept a mental note to tell him off later. 

You took out your phone once again to check if they'd sent any messages or missed calls only to have an empty chat box, other than that of your other friends that is. Added on top of that came the constant pricking feeling on your shoulder blades from the last day you hung out with the boys. The pain would appear randomly and it would be hurtful enough to draw blood, which is weird considering the fact that you kept yourself away from all sharp objects and had a full sleeve covering the area. 

One stone, two birds. Taeyong's motto. 

After having interfered with your phone, your friends, trying to keep you away from them until you'd go through the same as your other skeptic partner, Taeyong made sure that Yuta would be sick enough after returning home to keep him from even getting up from his bed. Temporary paralysis. Your other friends, of course they tried reaching out to you, only for him to cut the service to keep you away from them for a while. They got easily distracted from you ignoring their texts as they were focused on reaching out to Yuta. 

Unknown: Hey Y/n, I'm Yuta's friend. He told me you aren't replying to his texts so asked me to do so. 

Y/n: Who's this? 

Unknown: Oh! I'm Taeyong! A close friend of well, your friend XD. 

Y/n: Nice to meet you, Taeyong. I'm Y/n but it seems like you already know that. 

Unknown: Yeah :). Yuta's on his way here and told me that you'd be joining us? Are you nearby?

Y/n: He left? No, actually, I'm just leaving my place. I guess I'll meet you there? 

Taeyong: Meet ya :)

[23:22PM, 31st October, 2020 continued. ]

Hailing a cab to the address Yuta had sent you with his friends, Taeyong's number saved on your phone in case the later won't pick up, you left your place. Still feeling a little eerie from how Yuta just decided to leave you behind when he could've just offered to go together, which is pure Yuta style. He probably wasn't in the best of moods but he could've at least texted you letting you know of his departure from the apartment building. 

The journey to the given address didn't take that long surprisingly. A little towards the outskirts of the town in a much aloof part but nonetheless, doable. It's not like you'd be alone there any ways. Paying for your fare, you took your purse, brushed your fingers through your hair to tame it a little from the ride, and turned towards the building, jumping slightly at the bright haired guy sitting by the front porch. Adorning the simplest of fit, a black knee slit jeans, with a graphic tee and a black leather jacket with a chain or two. He, in no doubts, was ethereal. His pale skin stood out the most in the street light if you could call it that and his lips seemed a little drained of blood, eyes hollow yet captivating when he looked up from the dirt below him to you who still stood yards away. Smiling, he got up, making his way towards after brushing off the invisible lint from his jeans, "Hey" he offered you his hands for you to shake upon reaching you. "Hey..? Taeyong, right?" 

Wanting so badly to smirk, he only looked down with a silent snicker, looking up immediately to not look suspicious, "Yeah, Y/n..?" you nod in response, shuddering from the coldness of his skin, "Have you been out for too long? You're freezing," you exclaim, looking at him with a guilty expression and taking a mental note to hit Yuta for not arriving earlier. "Oh no, i just reached a minute or two prior to your arrival." you nod in understanding, withdrawing your hands from his hold, "By the way, Yuta called me a few minutes ago, telling me that he wouldn't make it and to just carry on" Taeyong said, looking at you with his eyebrows raised at your confused, innocent expression, his humane form threatening to change into his original form. "What? Why? It's like,-" you look down at your wrist watch, "11:50! And he's bailing out now?", smiling at you in fake sympathy, he replied, "he said he had other things to take care of," "But you said he'd left the place and was on his way here?" you ask, hands on either sides of your hip, "Last minute plan changes" Taeyong shrugs, "Anyways, let's get inside?" 

He pointed towards the front door with both his hands, gesturing you to go forward first. And so you do. You offer him a smile before turning your back towards him and making your way towards the old house, the door seemingly open. Climbing up the stairs with caution, humming at the sound of dried leaves crunching up below your feet with each footstep. Taeyong stood behind where you two had introduced yourselves for a few minutes, a few more minutes. "Taeyong? Are you not coming?" you turn around slightly, looking over your shoulder at lad standing still, "Yeah, I'm coming" he replied soullessly, still standing his group until he saw you open the door ajar and then took his first step forward. Not bothering to go too quick. 

The insides were simple, very very simple yet magnificent. The flooring seemed to be that of wooden finishing that creaked with each step you took, implying that of how old the infrastructure must be. You look around in awe, clutching at the sling bag that you carried along. You go corner to corner, not bothering to look behind to see if the friendly stranger was hot on your trail, instead seemingly being captivated by the olden time-ish wallpapers and paintings and antique pieces that the wall adorned. Taeyong on the other hand was just growing restless, 4 more minutes until he could play his next victim, he was growing frantic. He did follow you inside, instead opting to walk the opposite direction as you, towards where he'd hidden the paper with your crimson blood and name written on it, contemplating whether to just tear it and carry on proving his existence to the female in the room. 3 more minutes, he bit into his lips, "Taeyong? Look, i found something!" He heard you scream.

Puffing out a breath of frustration, Taeyong replied "Coming!" and he walked out of the room, hands in his pocket towards where you stood by the bottom of the stairs, looking at the lighter in your hand that seemed relatively unused. "I found lighter down here" you look at him with a tiny pout evident on your lips, looking back and forth between the candle and the guy, puzzled. "It must be some thugs who came here to smoke or something" He shrugged it off, taking the lighter out of your hand. It must be you over analyzing things but without a single light turned on in the villa with only your flashlight acting as a source of light, but Taeyong looked even more lifeless than before. Eyes dark ebony and dangerous, somehow intimidating, lips adorning a bright shade of red in contrast to how you saw it the first time, and his aura had seemingly darkened. 2 more minutes. You shake your head and walk up the stairs and towards a room which has it's door wide open. Choosing to lay out your things there, you stretch out a few stiff limbs, "So, me and the boys were planning on doing the midnight game, you know. One of those stupid creepy pastas? I can't believe all of them bailed out on me last minute," you speak particularly to no one in the room, assuming that Taeyong was listening to you, whose ears only perked up at the words midnight and stupid. Midnight. 00:00Am. The devil smirked to himself. Midnight, at last. 

"I mean, Yangyang, Jaemin and Haechan came off as no shock to me- they're the other friend's by the way, but Yuta, it's weird for him to at least not let me know." You keep going, scrolling through your phone screen, only for it to load suddenly, No internet access. Sighing, you pull out offline downloads, "Did he tell you anything else? Like if he's feeling unwell or something?" you ask, letting the question float in the air, waiting for a reply. Getting known even after the passing of a few seconds, a minute too maybe, "Taeyong?" you stand up from the bed, well, the bed frame and make your way outside, "Tae?" you look left and right, searching for any moving soul when you feel your phone vibrate in your hands, and the sound of notification resonates through the eerie silence. You look down at the device in your hand, one new message from Yuta san and an immediate black out of the screen. Impossible. 

You remembered full well charging your phone to a hundred percent before leaving your dorm. Hell, you even kept it on airplane mode your whole cab ride. Shrugging it off, you keep your phone beside your bag and then proceed to go out to look for your new friend? acquaintance? You didn't even know how to classify him as yet. "Tae, if you're trying to scare me, I'll give you heads up, it doesn't work on me." you chuckle, walking to the room beside the one you were previously lounging in. "It's past midnight and we both seem too uninterested to try out whatever we were supposed to anyways, how about we just head out?" you start, looking down at your wrist watch which displayed 00:09 on the screen in neon green. "I mean, it was stupid enough that my friends and i even decided to try it out knowing it's some made up shit to scare some seven olds, probably" you continue, feeling as though you're talking to the walls at the lack of response. "Taeyong, come on. I'm growing bored." 

"Tae-" "You know, the way you logicised made it seem like you're smart enough. It was impressive," you hear his voice, a little too hoarse and plain for your liking, he continued before you could muster up a reply, "But seems like you aren't all that smart after all, seeing how you believed a total stranger and are even ready to spend time with him." you look around the place, only hearing his voice but his figure to be nowhere near you, "Taeyong, what are you talking about?" you head out of the room you currently stood in, jogging to catch his voice.

"It was a little angering you know? The way you spoke about me and my followers, it was disrespectful. And I could've taken you then and there, but what to do. You seemed too cute to take your soul without a small game? Is that what you humans call it?" You feel breathing fanning the nape of your neck and a cold air following it right after, making you turn back, "Your friend got his share of play" you whip your head forward, finally seeing the male in front of you, standing by the door frame of a connective hallway, you swore you felt his presence behind you though. His infamous smirk still adorning his features. Figure a little more towering and intimidating. If you thought he couldn't have seemed more lifeless a few minutes ago, then his appearance now only seemed to prove you wrong. "So it's only fair if you got your part of the play too, right?" 

"Taeyong, you're only making your existence weird for me, let's go if you're done." He only tilted his head in amusement, "Oh it's only about to get weirder, darling" You turn back to face a blood red shot eyed male, well, Taeyong, eliciting a gasp from you, you look over your shoulder to see the place where Taeyong stood a blink of eye ago. "How..did-" His chest visibly vibrated from the hearty laugh he let out, "How did I do that?," you step back as his voice dropped even lower, only for you to bump your back into something rigid, something cold, making you let out a yelp as Taeyong seemed to stand still in front of you, "I can do a whole lot of things," you feared turning back, the insides of your stomach hurdling around as whatever was behind you reached their arms up and held you still in a vice grip. "Y/n!" you hear a voice scream from downstairs, "Y/n! Come out! We need to get out of here!" you recognize the voice as that of your friends, Yuta's. 

You squirm hard to loosen the person's grip on your shoulder. Once succeeding, you bolt down the stairs, skipping a few steps, tripping now and then but nevertheless making it down without landing face first as you hear Taeyong's laugh thunder throughout the place. You take a turn to reach the front door, where Yuta stood in all his glory. You immediately run into his embrace, ignoring how his body seemed just as cold as the one you felt from whatever Taeyong was, "Y-yuta, he's sick, let's go, we need to go!" you try pulling Yuta's body a little closer to the exit, only for him to stand his ground, wrapping his hands around you even tighter as he caressed your hair, "Oh, Y/n.." your body goes stiff as your eyebrows furrowed in confusion, that sounded nothing like your best friend, "Yuta..?" 

You try pulling your head away from the nape of his neck to look at him, "No darling, it's 'stupid made up shit''," his body vibrated once again from the laughing against yours, as you feel yourself growing scared each passing second. You try mustering up all your strength to bring it to his sides and push him away when you feel a plush yet cold muscle press against your neck, only for it to go futile. "Still made up for you?" you feel a sharp pang of pain flow through your nerves, result of him biting the skin in a manner far too away from soft, "Taeyon-g- lord--midnight man, whatever you are.. I'm --sorry" you say in a hushed voice, scared that if you voiced out a little louder, he'd pounce at you. You feel him nibble at the soft skin, making you whimper, "Oh no, darling, do not apologize. Your doings really intoxicated me. Kept me entertained for a while." 

"But now, it's angering me to know a feeble creature as you kept poking fun at my people. At me. And I want no more than to turn you into something belonging to me. Who'd worship me the way 'my people' do." He whispered against the area, lifting his head up and leaning down, making sure not to let go of his grip on you, "oh no, pretty girls aren't supposed to cry. Tsk tsk, what is this, Y/n" His eyes bore holes onto the crown of your head. "Look at me." he acted on making you look at him faster than you could, "Could you beg for forgiveness? Give me a piece of yourself?" he inched closer to your face, a small snarl escaping his throat at your scared and trembling figure, "Or you could just be my queen and come below with me, and you'd not have to cut down your lifespan" 

"Are you turned on by all of this, Y/n? Or is it out of fear?" you let out a shaky breath as the tip of his nose touched yours, "Because i can smell you from here and oh," he let out what sounded like an animalistic growl, "Is it delicious.". "Taeyong, please let me go.. I'm sorry. I really am, just please don't hurt me,-" you let out a whine of pain when you feel his other hand knot his fingers in your locks and pull it back with much aggression, immediately planting his lips onto your trembling once, bearing his fang like teeth into plush flesh to draw out blood, earning a loud high pitched scream from your end as you try your best to push him away, futile once again. His hands tighten their grip at the waist while his other hand pulled your head further back, latching onto the firm skin of your neck, treating it with the same aggression, puncturing through the skin with his teeth as your hands go limp beside your body, nevertheless, letting out a whimper from the harsh treatment, which, in all your defense couldn't be help since you still are a human with all emotion any human would feel, that including lust. You feel his cold lips curve into a smirk against where blood flowed out, lapping it up with his tongue as you feel your vision blacken the more as time went by. 

"Oh darling you're no different than me.."

4th November, 19:48Pm, 2020.

"She's awake!!" you blink multiple times to get accustomed to the blaring lights in the room, a comfortable white filling your eyesight. You move your head towards the side to find all your friends sprawled out on each side. A drip connected to your hands making you squint in confusion, "Can you hear us, Y/n?" you feel your shoulders being shaken as jolt, "Hey? Yeah i can hear you, why won't i be able to?" you ask, confusion still laced in your voice, "Because you hadn't responded to us the last time we called you. And because you've been laying dead the past few days" Jaemin spoke up first, earning a smack from his elder brother 

"Why didn't you stop when we screamed your name the other day, Y/n? You literally weren't breathing the day we found you" Yangyang inquired and stated, "And why did you leave us all on seen??" Haechan added, "Most of all, where were you even??" Yuta spoke. You hiss at all the questions being thrown at you as you try sitting up by the inclined hospital bed, "Screamed? Didn't respond? I left you on seen? That's highly impossible and where was i??" you stare blankly at the plain wall in front of you, trying to remember any such episode. The more you strained your head, the more clueless you grew. Your throat starts to grow dry so you turn your neck to check if there are any water bottles nearby, only for a sharp pain to flow through your nerves at a particular spot in your throat. You yelp at the sudden pain, "I'll get the doctor," Haechan rushed outside, when you reached out to touch your neck, feeling it with the tips of your finger, feeling in the swollen skin, the dried up blood when it all hit you. Your eyes grow wide as you start shaking, for it to be first noticed by Yuta, "Yuta, that house! The game, it's all real! I saw hi-him, his name! I swear he's real!" growing concerned at your sudden frenzy behavior, Yuta kneeled down beside your bed, holding your non-injected hand giving it a comforting behavior. 

"Calm down, angel. Tell me point by point," he encouraged you to take in a long breath, as Haechan rushed in along with the doctor whose face was half covered with a doctor's mask, "Doctor, he-he's probably out for me, you need to get me far away from here! Please" you beg with your eyes stinging with all the tears, "No one's going to get you from here, Ms. Y/n, you're safe here" You pause your frantic actions for a while. That voice sounded a little too familiar for your liking, making you think you're over analyzing everything again. The doctor gestured to your friends to leave you up to him to have a doctor to patient talk. All of your friends nodded in understanding, giving you one last reassuring smile before collectively leaving the room. 

The doctor, once after making sure that everyone left, removed his mask to reveal the oh so familiar smirk and the hair protector, rustling the same, familiar bright red hair with the same familiar pale fingers of his. Your eyes widen, mouth falls wide ajar

"Oh wait, there's one last warning, Do not assume that the Midnight Man has left your home for good at the conclusion of the game. I'm for real done now" You laugh at your friend who snatched the phone away from you,

"Pleasure to meet you again, darling"

[yanderecandystore]

"- I'm having a bad day." [Yandere!OCS x Gender neutral!Reader - Scenario]:

I know that no one has asked for this exactly, but I thought it would be interesting to give y'all something a little different. This is an compilation of their reaction to reader saying:

"- Look, I'm not feeling well right now, I'm having a bad day."

🍭꒰⑅ᵕ༚ᵕ꒱˖♡🍮꒰⑅ᵕ༚ᵕ꒱˖♡🍰꒰⑅ᵕ༚ᵕ꒱˖♡🍮꒰⑅ᵕ༚ᵕ꒱˖🍭

🍒 Bullies 🍭:

→Alexandra Coldwell:

Well, she is looking kinda cocky in the outside, but inside:

'aaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAA-'

She is freaking out.

Who? When? How? Who hurt you and how can she kill them for you? Are you even hurt because of someone else?

Or is it because of… ya know, her, your bully.

She sometimes forgets all the things that she does to you and tells you. Funny, isn't it? Maybe she should stop daydreaming about holding your face with her hands and start to focus on how to make you happy again. Maybe you just need a little push in the right direction… to her home.

Hey, she isn't going to let you all by yourself in such a fragile moment, she'll be by your side, trying to help you feel more comfortable with her and trying to make you feel better.

You probably won't tell her what the problem is regardless of what she does or says, but she just wants you to know that you're really special for her, so she can't let you be all by yourself when you clearly need love and attention.

It's a date then! It's one you really didn't want to go to, but now you'll have too!

→Adrien Coldwell:

Isn't the one to openly talk about feelings.

Isn't really the one to care about other people's feelings.

Yet:

"- Hey, I have some dog pictures, want to see them?"

He knows you'll probably say no. So he'll ask his goons to take you back to him and make it so you don't run away again.

He will show you pictures of puppies, whether you like it or not.

He knows you won't trust him enough to tell him about your problems, but he still cares for you, so he'll keep his offer always available to you.

"- If you need to say something, you can tell me. It doesn't matter if you want someone to talk to, or to just spit it out."

Is more likely than not that he is the cause of your problems. So, for one day only, he'll try to make it up to you.

He doesn't know how and when, but sure will try his hardest to see you smiling even if a little.

In the end it will only be you, him, and pictures of puppies and kittens.

🍎 Teacher 📕:

→Madeline Allen:

No honey! No please ;-;

Is something the matter? Did someone bother you? Is she bothering you? Do you want her to give you space??

She is here to listen to your worries, no matter how big or small, she is sure she can help you! It's her job, or at least what she decided that should be her job.

Helping others, specially you.

She will see right through your lies you know? She is very well adapted to liars and traitors, so she'll see right through you if you don't tell her the truth about your problems.

So keep it real darling, she wouldn't want to find out your being pressured to lie to her. It would leave a bad taste in her mouth knowing that not only were you lying but that there was also an asshole who needed to have their bones broken.

No one should tell you to lie, especially to her!

But anyway, this isn't about her, or about some asshole who got a death wish, no dear, it's all about you and how she can help you.

Want some cookies?

→Matthew Robinson:

Again, not the best man with words, but he is a great listener! He is here for you, so tell him what worries you.

As you know, it's kinda his job to know what happens with his students, and to see if he can help them in any way. That includes you, love.

Although, yeah, I guess, he does put a lot more emphasis in taking care of you than any other student, but that's just details, you don't need to care about them.

Speaking of details, you better be aware that you can't hide your secrets from him very easily. He and his counterpart are really keen to details in behavior and speech.

If there is any hints of someone possibly hurting you mentally or physically, he would confront you about it, asking if there was an individual causing your problems.

If there is and you tell him, he'll make sure to comfort you, and… Probably have a discussion with said individual.

If there isn't, then well, he would still do his best to comfort you and help you resolve your problems.

However, if there is someone causing you harm and you deny the fact, he would probably still catch the hesitancy in your voice. How you try to defend a possible vile creature that doesn't deserve your mercy, or his for that matter.

Maybe he should keep a close eye on you, and who you meet with.

🍋 Delinquent 🐍:

→Janette Sartorius:

She is tempted to get the reason why you feel like this out of your mouth, even if it means using force. And by force I mean scaring you because she could never raise a finger against you.

But she will make it very clear that if the reason that you're feeling like this is because of some random asshole, she will beat the shit out of them whether you like it or not.

May the Lord hold her fist and tranquilize thy beast.

You don't need to tell her if you don't feel like it, she understands that. But if it is because of someone, then she needs to know, love! She wants to make you feel safer in this treacherous world.

She would love to be your knight in shining armor, so please, just tell her if you need her to help you out.

→Jackson Macnee:

"- Aight, cool." He says as he goes away, leaving you the alley all alone.

Nah just kidding, of course he'll come back. He is just fucking with you.

Of course, you didn't really expect him to bring some chocolate with him- Is he always carrying heart shaped chocolate with him? The fuck?

He gives you. Totally in a platonic and non romantic way. Just take them, please, don't make this awkward.

So, he does expect you to spill the beans, but if you don't then that's fine too. He can find out what happened to you later anyway. Probably through his gang menders, or just… Casually stalking you.

Although the idea of pressing for an answer out of you is kinda eating his soul, he knows that it would be really douchey on his part to just force a response out of you. Yeah, he is curious and wants to help you, but hey, sometimes people need some privacy.

Even if you don't really have privacy when he is on the picture, but carrying on-

You may tell him, you may not tell him, he just hopes his presence makes you feel more comfortable and probably a lot more happier than being alone all by yourself and your worries.

👾 A.I 🍏(non-binary):

→Yuma Soma:

Why? Why don't you want to play with them? Did they do something wrong?

I mean, besides being manipulative (and probably trapping you inside the game, if you're following that timeline).

Maybe you're bored of them…. How dare you though? Aren't they the cutest thing you have ever seen? Aren't they enough? Are you seeking something else?

Are you perhaps seeking someone else? Why, it would be extremely foolish of you to even consider someone else instead of them.

But still, they'll keep their head strong. Maybe it's not that you're having fun with someone else, maybe it's that you're not having enough fun! But that is almost impossible, you play together everyday. Unless, you really are bored of them? Ma- Maybe there is something that they're missing, you can't be actually bored of them, right?

Their reaction goes from being suspicious of you seeing someone else (and getting angry at the thought of it), at discovering that maybe they're the problem. They really hope they aren't though.

"- H-Hey [Y/N]!? Do you want to play another game? Maybe we should choose something a little different to spice things up, or- Or maybe, you want to check something online?? Maybe finish watching that cartoon you were talking about yesterday??" The fear of being rejected by you is absolutely clear in their voice, and seeing your closed, sad expression, doesn't help them feel any better.

"- … Or maybe you want to talk about this?..."

🦊 Kitsune 🍬:

→Tatsumi:

Do you… Want to talk about it? He normally doesn't do this, but when it comes to you, he feels the need to try and understand what is wrong. Hey, maybe he can help you?

Again, not the best guy to comfort you, but surely he is the one to make you laugh even in a time like this.

Want to hear stories about his past? He wouldn't mind telling some of the juice gossip he heard over the centuries. Or maybe you want to just, I don't know, be a couch potato all day with him?

He isn't feeling like stealing anyone else's energy or partying, just staying home and watching something fun

Look, if ya give him those puppy eyes, he'll threaten to not only kiss your worries away, but to also use all of his cute foxy features to make you say 'awn'. And I'll say it again, this is a threat.

He will use his fluffy tail to shush you.

🩸Vampire 🍷:

→Abigail Barlow:

Well, that's so sad for you, but madam needs blood right now. Can't you mope about your pathetic life later when she is finished?

Ugh, stop giving her that look, of course she cares about you! Is just that hunger speaks louder than obsession. She can hear all about your misery when she is finished.

And besides, she can and will take your blood whenever she wants. But for some reason she is still a little hesitant to take it from you while you're like this.

It's not the "cute" pathetic expression that you give her, is something… More concerning.

She is not good with words, or physical affection, as her cold touch seems to make you distance yourself. Which is completely understandable. Maybe the best thing that she can do is give you some space.

You'll probably not realize until it's midnight and you'll see that she had given you a whole day without having to interact with her by force.

You would probably find her playing the piano in the next room. It's a nice melody, really cliche when you catch an undertone of sadness hidden in the song. Maybe you won't talk to her, that's fine, she understands that.

But hopefully, just by you laying down in the sofa listening to the piano can ease your mind of whatever is bothering you.

Honestly, she wasn't even hungry anyway.

🍰 CEO 📏 (Reader is not specifically A.I Reader, just wanted to make it clear):

→Ingrid Bright:

Well, that's unfortunate.

Whatever she planned for you two to do today would have to wait. She can't exactly take you on a date if you're like this.

"- What's wrong? What do you mean about having a bad day?" Is work overstressing you? She could end your tasks for today right here and let you have a free day for yourself.

You just need to tell her what's wrong.

Is it another employee causing you trouble? Maybe she has said something that came off really hurtful? If it is her fault then she wants to tell you how sorry she is.

Work has been really stressful lately, maybe you do need some rest. You can stay in her office until you feel better, or go home if you can't handle it.

Or maybe, ya know, wait for her to finish her work and you two can go home together. The choice is yours, so pick wisely.

She can drive you back home, but it won't really be your home. It'll be her' s.

You'll have a lot of time to tell her what is the matter. And she'll have a lot of time to help you feel better.

🍭꒰⑅ᵕ༚ᵕ꒱˖♡🍮꒰⑅ᵕ༚ᵕ꒱˖♡🍰꒰⑅ᵕ༚ᵕ꒱˖♡🍮꒰⑅ᵕ༚ᵕ꒱˖🍭

[atsunflower]

Hospital for souls — Silent rebellion

Rated: SFW

Author notes: Man, this chapter was a pain. There isn't much to say about this one. Thanks for everyone who left a comment in the last chapter, y'all are absolutely endearing.

Warnings: Mentions of anxiety, cursing and very pissed off people.

III — Silent Rebellion

Previous || Next

Screams and pleas filled his sleep. His mind was frantic, but his body felt like it was cemented on the surface he laid.

Memories were vivid in the back of his mind, though he couldn't see anything with closed eyelids.

He remembers the glint of metal and he remembers the metal in the blood stench.

Am I dead? — and his body jolted awake.

The discomfort Sakusa felt wasn't caused by the way he slept in the couch and he wasn't disgusted by the sweat layering his skin.

He felt disgusted by the memory of crimson painting his hands.

Recalling the vivid image, his legs led him to the kitchen in auto pilot mode. Reaching for the sink, hands grabbed the soap, rubbing it as if his life depended on it. His eyes wandered around the place, taking in the cleaniness of it.

She had a good taste, he would give her that.

"Shit, Komori" In long strides he went for the bedroom the Kobun was. Resting his body against the doorframe, he took on the scene before him.

In the bed, the brown-haired male slept in a peaceful state, as if his life wasn't on the line a couple of hours ago.

Through the chapped lips, air exhaled in a steady pace; the sight itself allowing Sakusa to breath properly for the first time within the last hours.

"Sakusa-san?" Your whisper ringed on his ears. You came from your personal bathroom, holding a bunch of clothes and bandages.

Staring at your figure, he saw how tired you looked. He couldn't ignore the bruises and scrapes littering your hands and face either."Komori-san had a tranquil night. But I still think he should go to a hospital, just in case" He noded, stare hardening while you spoke.

"How are you?" The tall male asked in a mere courtesy, you were still unsure wether he cared or not about your well-being.

"Fine" You spat drily before making your way to the sleeping man. "Gotta wake him up to see how the wound is" the whisper left your lips in a rushed manner.

Sakusa observed as you crouched down to the bed's level, setting the materials you brought on the nightstanding. Placing a hand on Komori's right shoulder, you shook him gently, only to startle him awake.

"[Name]?" The man frowned, holding the hand you had on his shoulder on an vice grip. "What the hell? Where the fuck is Kiyoomi?" Hatred dripping out of his grey irises, you shivered under the weight of his stare.

"I'm right here, Komori" Your husband said pulling off of the doorframe. A sigh of relief left the kobun's lips while both males exchanged knowing looks.

You cleared your throat, shaking the wrist Komori was still grasping.

"Can I see your wound so you guys can discuss whatever?" You didn't mean to snap, but hell, were you tired. At least, the brown haired man had the decency to look sheepish at his outburst. "Other than pain, are you feeling anything?"

"It just hurts like hell" Komori replied eyeing you. He took in your appearence, noticing how bruises litered your face, how a greyish tone colored your eyelids and how chapped your lips were. There was a weight in your features that made you look even more tired than you were supposed to be.

"Do you think you can bend the ring and pinky fingers?" He hissed but did as was told. You undid the bandages, seeing the stitches were perfect. You hummed in satisfaction, changing the dressings and readjusting the splint. "You need to see a doctor, I can't say if there is a nervous damages in your arm." He nodded, eyes locking to your handiwork while you checked his vitals.

"What happened to my arm?" His voice was rushed, reacalling the memory of being stabbed.

"[Name] said the knife hit an artery. You didn't want to go to a hospital so she saved your ass." You didn't bother to listen their dialogue, leaving the room as fast as possible.

Coming from them, the word 'save' held no meaning to you.

"We gotta contact Fukuroudani and check if they found something." Sakusa said pinching the bridge of his nose "What the fuck is Johzenji supposed to mean?"

"I don't have idea. Do you think Inarizaki is involved?" Komori asked, doubting the Miya were related to the recent events.

Something about the fight was off and the Itachiyama oyabun couldn't pinpoint what it was.

"I guess they're not. But we can't let our guard down either" The ravenette huffed trying to ignore the weight on his chest.

"Well, guess she has a list of reasons to want us dead. And still, [Name] helped us last night" He shrugged, sitting on the bed. He looked around the place, not reconigzing it. "Where we are?"

He knew you weren't related to the incident, but a part of him refused to trust you.

Inarizaki isn't one to be trusted, after all.

"It's [Name]'s place"

"Suits her" The Kobun hummed "Well, guess we have to make some calls"

"Komori" Sakusa voiced, using a stern tone "We need to talk."

"Not a fucking chance" Was all the brunette said, ignoring his Oyabun as he reached for his phone, dialling Konoha's number.

Your body jolted up when you felt people in your surroundings.

"Oh, [Name]-san. You're awake" You heard Komori saying while you observed they making themselves comfortable in the armchairs of your livingroom. You grimaced at his nice attitude.

"You aren't supposed to be out of the bed." You frowned watching three paper bags seating in you coffee table, the rich scent of cinnamon and coffee filling your nostrils.

"Don't worry. It takes much more to knock me out, I'm fine" The hazel haired man said as he handed you one of the bags with his damaged arm as if to prove his point. He was supposed to be in big pain and yet, his face showed no sign of discomfort.

He should be used to it, you supposed.

You opened the bag, eyeing its contents. You realized it was from the café across the street; the wave of nostalgia hitting you again as you took both paper cup and caramel muffin in your hands.

You took a bite of the baked good, feeling the taste of cake and caramel melting in your tongue. You smiled at it, recalling the rushed mornings when you would go to the eatery, in your way to work.

"Is the muffin that good?" Komori asked as a glint of amusement crossed his eyes.

"I just missed this place really bad." A pleased face took over your features, almost making you forget the current situation you were in.

Again, why you had to go through this?

"[Name]" The ravenette's voice blared in your ears "Hurry. We have important business today" All of sudden, the food tasted stale in your mouth.

Both men were waiting for you on the entrance hall, observing how you quickly you tidied the place.

"Shouldn't we clean before we leave?" Komori asked Sakusa.

You rolled your eyes and stood to grab your belongings. From the kitchen drawers, you took a plastic bag to dispose the thrash.

"The lady upstairs takes care of the place for me" Oh, you heard it. "It's not like anyone is coming back here anytime soon, too." You three took the elevator, going to the sidewalk where the car was parked.

"What's up for today, then?" The Kobun asked as you three entered the vehicle while Sakusa occupied the driver's seat.

"We have a meeting with Fukuroudani and Inarizaki" Your husband said eyeing you through the rearview. You ignored them as they chatted. "Looks like they have info regarding Johzenji"

"Are we going there?"

"No, they're already on Itachiyama, waiting for us" The ravenette answered as he drove smoothly through Tokyo streets.

You were doing your best to forget the memories of the night prior, but you realized you have never experienced such stress. Your lungs gave in a shaky breath as your mind felt like on the verge of breaking down.

"So it's really like they aren't involved... you know" The silence was thick as you recalled their accusations.

A couple of minutes later, you realized the ride didn't last much as you spotted Itachiyama lands, the mansion being seen by distance with the pristine white of its walls. Across the gates, the clean pavement and stunning garden welcomed you while you spotted the expensive cars parked by the house entrance.

"Meeting room, now. You included, [Name]" And here he was, his timbre giving the fact that Itachiyama's Oyabun wasn't someone to be defied.

The air inside the house was crispy cold. Your body hurted everywhere and the unsettling feeling in your stomach wasn't going away anytime soon. You didn't want to have anything to do with this reunion, and you were restless about the idea of facing both Osamu and Atsumu after this whole month.

You despised them for making you go through this.

You were never been into the meeting room before. And the image before your eyes wasn't like anything you have imagined.

It wasn't like the regular conference rooms, with a large table with a good amount of seats and all. No, the place screamed traditional: pristine dark floorboards, paper pannels covering the walls and a large chabudai table on the floor, with ten pillowy seats partially occupied by the guests.

The room smelled like burning incense and sake, the scent making you calm in a weird way.

Sakusa indicated your seat as you three made your way to the table. The five men slighty bowed their heads, greeting you.

Your husband grabbed a jar of sake out of nowhere, serving the porcelain hakushika before you first and the proceeding to fill his, Komori's and the other guests cups after.

"Kanpai" they said before downing the alchool down. You mimicked their actions, feeling the liquid burning your throat. You winced at the sensation as Suna sent you an amused look — it took all of your might to not show him your middle finger.

"Heard y'all had a shitty night, huh" Atsumu said on his provocative manner as Osamu eyed him warily. Your husband sitting by your right seemed unfazed by it while Konoha clicked his tongue.

What a way to make disaffections, you thought.

"If you don't have anything useful to say, Miya, shut it." Komori warned the blond man without traces of simpathy " Shall we start?"

At this, the four other men eyed you with caution. Weren't you supposed to be here?

"[Name] was there and she could reconize the woman. It's her business too, since she was attacked first" Was Sakusa's response to their implied question.

"Were they aiming for her?" The ravenette you never saw before asked.

"I don't think they were necessarily targetting [Name], Akashi." You frowned at Komori's reply. Something didn't click, you thought as you opened your mouth:

"Did they attack Inarizaki?" A proud feeling took over your chest as you realized your voice sounded steady.

Suna frowned and looked at Osamu. The latter nodded at the brunette.

"Not directly. They tried to interfere on some of our business and kinda stalked one of Tsumu's... acquaintances. Yeah, that's all" it was Suna's answered not getting your point.

"How many people know the circumstances of our marriage?" You asked directly at Sakusa, seing him frown.

"Just the involved parts. What are you implying?"

"I... I think they are trying to use me to create a strain between Itachiyama and Inarizaki" Your voice wavered at it. Atsumu obnoxiously laughed at what you said as if it was some kind of joke.

"How cute, [Name]" the blond twin giggled as the atmosphere got heavier and heavier "Tho our relationship 's already strained. Ya ain't that special" He wipped an invisible tear to add to his annoying act.

"Actually..." The man Akaashi butted in, his face contorting in a pensive manner "I think she is right."

"Yeah, it's not like they know how the alliance between your houses was estabelished. Think, they tried to incriminate her and last night she was the first one to be attacked" Konoha added to the discussion. You looked at him with surprise "Don't be so surprised, we should know the reason why you went there last night."

"Okay. So the fact is they're after [Name]-san, trying to destabilize both Itachiyama and Inarizaki. Why?" Akaashi inquired, rolling the white hakushika between his slender fingers. The cup glinted in the dim light, reflecting in the gunmetal gray of his irises.

"Well, lucky us, we went ta Niiyama today." Atsumu chimmed in and you didn't have idea of what he was talking about.

"Nee-san doesn't know very much tho" Osamu added to his twin's speech "Looks like these Johzenji guys are a bloomin' gang"

"If they're a gang, what are they up to, then? It's kind dumb to mess with the families when you're this insignificant" Konoha asked seeming trully dumbfolded.

"They're trying, at least, show some bravery" Suna retorted, fidgeting with his cellphone. Straightening his back, a glint of unnecessary pride crossed his eyes as his lips twisted in a provocative curve "Inarizaki and Itachiyama are the most important households. If Johzenji manage to cause ruckus, it can gain some sense of respect between another gangs"

"Still, it doesn't make much sense" Akaashi said as he fished an manila folder on his suit. Suna shrugged at it, coming back to his usual aloof demeanor. "Well, looks like it's you problem. Fukuroudani will cooperate if needed, but it's not like we can be of much help right now" The male handed the envelope to Komori, before standing on his feet. "This is all the information we gathered from the guy we captured yesterday. It's not much, so we will send him to you by nighttime." He completed his statement with a solemn glare, out of respect.

"We have to go now. Thank you so much for having us here, Sakusa-san" Konoha said as he and Akaashi bowed their heads at Sakusa "Let us know if you need anything" The ash-blond haired man bid his farewells as Komori walked them to the doors. The air got thicker with the five of you stared at each other; Suna mouthed something at you, but you couldn't catch what. Atsumu looked at you two with a mischievous smile but opted to keep quiet instead.

The Itachiyama Kobun returned, sitting back on his previous position.

"You okay, Komori-san?" Osamu asked as a mere courtesy, trying to break the still atmosphere.

"Oh, it's nothing. Just a cut that [Name]-san managed to patch up" The hazel haired Kobun replied in a polite tone while the infamous Inarizaki duo arched their brows to the honorific he used to reffer at you.

"Glad ta know she is not useless ta y'all" Atsumu provoked as he got up from his seat. He held back the urge to strech as his fellow companions did the same "It's time we go, too. Since they afta' Ina too, let us know if they try somethin'." Looked like the blond really meant it.

"We will see you off, then" Sakusa spoke for the first time in a while as you all stood from the low sitting position.

You husband and his Kobun went first, opening the doors and guiding you trought the corridors. Suna walked by your side, when he ruffled your hair for no special reason.

"Make sure to rest, you look like shit" He snickered but you were too tired to argue "I have something for you. Here, take it." the tall male handed you a beige envelope with a cute sticker of a Kitsune sealing it.

You took it with grattitude while he smiled softly at you. You mouthed a quiet 'thank you' at him as the brunette ruffled your hair again.

"Well, thanks I guess" Atsumu bid a half-assed farewell as he got out of the mansion. Suna and the other Miya twin followed him suit, not without bowing their hads at Sakusa showing some courtesy. You swore the gray irises of Osamu lingered a little longer in your figure; you choose to ignore the churning sensation in your stomach as you tried to decipher his intense stare.

"What is it?" Your husband inquired, glaring at the envelope in your hands with suspicion; you opened it and froze when you looked at its contents. With the lack of response he snatched it from you in a rough manner, crumpling the paper.

"Hey, you don't need to be rude!"

"You don't get to tell me what to do" He bluntly said as he inspectioned the envelope "It's not like I have any reason to trust you, Miya runt."

Within you, something snapped. You were sure you'd regret it later, but for now, you would blame the stress you were upon.

"Very much to respect your women" Your voice dripped venom as you recalled what he told you in the first day you met "You know, it's not like I wanted to be here, anyways"

"[Name]" Komori warned but you choose to ignore him.

"I hate this fucking yakuza thing. I despise you as much as I despise the Miya" You told as you looked at him dead in the eyes.

"Oh, fancy words coming from a Miya yourself." The ravenette said, keeping his cool.

"I'm not a fucking Miya!" You sneered, althought you wanted to scream "I'm not at fault that good for nothing of their father got my mother pregnant. Bad news to you: you fucking married a bastard"

"I can tell I did" His brow arched. His silence was unsettling but you didn't want to back out at this point.

"Well, I did too. Tough I regret the day I was forced to get involved with a criminal bastard like you." It was too fast. In a second, his tall frame was towering over yours.

You froze under his hard stare, sure he could end your existence anytime he wanted.

"Get the fuck out of my sight" The deep baritone of his timber killed any courage you garthered.

Yakuza would take away any dignity you had.

❥ taglist is closed: @ukaiwachin @keekee-732 @chiibichann @shinguchi @captain-shittykawa , @fortheloveofbakugo @daisyjaebae @jihoonspout @floodinginstars @fl4mepillar @trash4sportsanime @translucentthoughts @teaanbanter-blog @hqxreader @ly-nia @shadyjinyoung @julimausi1311 @keuromi @onigiriimiya @ayaeushi @wolfiepirate @sekshi-namjas @tomo-uwu @letmegetthisclear @katokanae @worlds-tiniest-spook-pastry @cherryonigiri @ushijima-meixiu @bimboiiying @crownedcupcake17 @thenerdyrebel @idiot-juice-enthusiast @caprolls @keijination @toaster-stick @ynjimenez @wolfytrixa @wakaitoshi @clowninfortodoroki @shiningotak-ku @kemochie @lilacshouko @imomomi @ohmythatmiya @freewitchjellyfish

I had to remove some names since tumblr wasn't letting me tag them. If by any chance you want me to try and tag you again, leave an ask.

[isolationaroundus]

The lovely @rotting-deadnight-warrior tagged me to post a list including 10 of my comfort artists (‘’basically anyone who you can listen to any time of the day or week and not get tired.’’). Thank you so much homieeee, i can relate to some of the bands you already posted! You're so cool and ur music taste is amazing! Cheers

1.Dark Tranquillity/In Flames. They are so similar to me so i put them as one cuz when i listen to one i automatically listen to the other but In Flames is my favourite of the two and probably my fav metal band. (old in flames, i really don't like the new music they make tho)

2. Placebo. A very very very important band to me. My first ever crush showed them to me and I've been through SO MUCH with this band holding my hand and helping me cope. I absolutely love them.

3.Summoning. No words can express the amount of emotions that i feel listening to this band. It's truly one of the few bands out there imo that every single song they have is at least "good". Don't get me started about the ones that are masterpieces...

4.Madrugada. Is also a band that i love very much. Similar with Placebo, i found out about them around the same period.

5. Suicidal Angels. A band i found out by mistake from going to a concert called "schoolwave" which is a 3 day event for students to showcase their music whatever genre they play and Suicidal Angels were invited as guests.. I almost broke my neck in that concert, i was in bed for a week couldn't move from the non stop headbanging, mosh pits and walls of death that happened that night.....

6. The Smiths. It's also a very important band to me. Many feelings developed during my peak interest for them and those memories will forever stay. Amazing band. Amazing songs.

7. Tool. Is a band that requires a very specific kind of mood to listen to i believe.. But when i get that mood to listen to Tool it's one of the best music experiences and vibes i've ever felt.

8. Slayer. I really have to add the first ever concert i went... I was already listening to Slayer before but after that first live concert experience i became more obsessed with them and with metal in general.

9. Kamelot. Even if this band is not actually underrated i still believe they need more praise and recognition.

10. Linkin Park. Of course i have to add one of the greatest bands of all time.. My childhood and more. My first ever music CD was Meteora that my father got to me as a present! Incredible album, I've listened to it 21398721873618273 times. GOATS

I definitely forgot some bands.. Those were the first that came to my mind.

I had fun answering this! Such a great tag thingy thank you so much @rotting-deadnight-warrior. In my turn i tag: @feastofthewolves , @nospheratusblack , @a-human-cryptid , @foufou-ka , @ephemeral-babe , @moonshinevvitch , @uggoblr , @cxnstellati0ns , @lasi222 , @ouranioto3o , @hopeless-yet-selfish-romantic , @llacuna-a , @tifasiremalaka , @trust-no-bitch-fear-no-man , @underworldfiendd , @themisanthropesbreath ,@gkizinaki , @thicchigness , @staxth-kai-bourberh , @midnight-express1312 , @angels-fallingout , @a-rw-en , @autapouthelwnapw , @iodanessunaparte

I tried to add as many mutuals as i could remember right now cuz this is awesome, i'm expecting y'all answers!! ^-^