#someone hugged me the other day and i nearly burst into tears

[honestbackshots]

me thinking the sadness and uncontrollable crying is PMS but it just might be either the grief, anxiety or adhd 🤠

[mrchiipchrome]

Knight In Shining Armor

W.C.- 800

Request- 'the reader is an introvert and not a hugging person. so, during camp w the lionesses, some players tease reader about it because the reader w Lessi is the opposite. Gf Lessi being protective of the reader?'

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Growing up as introverted as you did had been a challenge for sure, never really being able to open up to people making you feel left out most of the time. Maybe that’s why your parents made sure to put you to training in a teamsport as soon as they possibly could.

Still, you had major problems with getting and keeping friends, well until Alessia came along. 

The young blonde, then brunette, had defended you against some particularly nasty young girls at Charlton. They had pushed you over without any reason, making your newly washed kit all muddy again.

Then like a knight in shining armor, the short girl came over and stood right in front of you, so as to protect you from their nasty words and actions. 

With miraculous strength for a 6 year old, Alessia made sure that the two girls never bothered you again.

Ever since that day, your young heart only beat for her. There was nothing and no one that could come between your unbreakable bond, and with you in the midfield and Alessia up top, there was no better scoring duo than you two.

And at 7, you and Alessia got “married” after football with the trainer officiating. At 10, you and Alessia departed your childhood club in search of something bigger. At 11, you signed for the Arsenal youth academy and Alessia signed for the rival London club.

At 13, you transferred schools to be closer to one of your only friends and at 14, you confessed your obvious feelings for the other, sharing secret kisses between classes. 

At 16, you finally told your families about your relationship, your families who’d always known you’d end up with the other.

At 17, you signed your first pro contract with Arsenal while Alessia got offers to play at UNC. At 18, your heart broke for the first time as you knew how hard it would be to do long distance. At 19, you cried yourself to sleep every night because you were missing your soulmate.

At 21, Alessia returned to England and your introverted heart burst with happiness at your person being back in the same country as you. 

And when you won the euros alongside your love, you realized what a gift it was to have someone like her. Your very own knight in shining armor.

Even after becoming slightly less closed off to the world, there was still one thing you truly couldn’t stand, physical touch.

Whenever someone, excluding Alessia, touched you it felt like your skin was crawling and the feeling always brought tears to the corners of your eyes. 

It was the only non-negotiable thing, no touch. And Alessia had always been like a hawk, making sure to not let anyone touch you longer than deemed necessary.

So, when you once again arrive at camp basically attached to your girlfriend, it doesn’t take long for the other girls to start to tease you.

—-

“Hey Y/n/n, why don’t I get hugs like that?” You hear the unmistakable sound of Lucy Bronze’s voice echo through the lobby. The shell shocked expression on your face only makes Alessia tighten her grip around your waist, nearly putting herself in front of you in a protective stance.

“Yeah Y/n, I also want a nice long hug sometimes, maybe a kiss on the head” Georgia’s next as she sends you a quick wink to accompany her statement. The possessive growl Alessia lets escape her throat might be one of the hottest things you’d ever experienced.

“Come on Y/n, just give me a little hug, it would be nice!” Mary’s loud voice carries all through the lobby as she walks towards you with her arms fully open. 

That’s where Alessia’s had enough, her protective nature coming through in the most noticeable way possible. She moves her body fully in front of you, mostly blocking the three women's view of you as she holds her hand out to stop Mary from moving any closer to you.

“Right, that’s enough. Once is fine, but the two of you continuing when she’s obviously uncomfortable is just going too far. If she wants to give you a hug, then she’ll do it in her own time, are we clear?” Alessia’s booming voice is heard all throughout the lobby, and the three women in front of you nod their heads rapidly in agreement.

With a satisfied smile painting over her face, Alessia moves back to your side, hugging you protectively before leaning up and capturing your lips in a possessive kiss.

For good measure, as Alessia’s leading you towards the elevator, she turns back to the three women still standing in the same place as where she left them and winks. 

Yeah, Alessia was your knight in shining armor.

[steddiealltheway]

Childhood best friends Steve and Eddie make a pact that if they’re not married by the time they’re the old age of twenty-five then they’ll marry each other.

Twenty years later, they’ve both grown apart, but neither of them have forgotten. And with Steve’s twenty-fifth birthday being that day, it’s brought up all those old memories. Along with feelings of… remorse. It’s weird, but even though he hasn’t talked to Eddie Munson in years he misses him. Misses the promise of him being there.

Sure, he’s seen him around especially since they both were stuck in Hawkins and the town was smaller than Steve liked. It doesn’t help that they both managed to befriend the same gaggle of teenage kids who are all somehow adults now. They still visit, but it’s not nearly as often as Steve would like.

But Steve isn’t old. He was wrong when he was a five year old - about a lot of things. He isn’t who he thought he would be, and his parents certainly aren’t as great as they used to be. At the age of five, Steve showed potentially, but with each new failed skill, his parents cared less and less. Or rather, they paid attention more and more - maybe that’s why Steve stopped trying, failing was the only thing that got his parents’ attention.

But he’s not going to see them today or hear from them. It’s been a while since either of his parents last called, and at this point, he doesn’t care. He’ll just have a day of rest and relaxation.

The phone rings.

Steve glares at it for a few moments. It’s most likely a telemarketer. Maybe someone remembered his birthday though.

He trudges his way over to the phone. “Hello?”

“Steve! I need a ride from my house!”

Steve sighs and settles a hand on his hip. “Dustin, you have a car. I’m not your babysitter anymore. And shouldn’t you be in class?”

There’s a groan on the other line then an insistent, “I ran out of gas okay! Now come over!” The dial tone rings.

Steve thuds the phone against his head once then puts it back on the base. “Happy birthday to me,” he mumbles as he grabs his keys and makes his way out the door.

The drive over is quick, but Steve takes a moment to himself in the car to breathe. He loves the kid, but sometimes he needs to prepare before being around all that energy. He walks up to the door quickly and knocks in the code they made up long ago.

A few seconds later the door swings open, and there’s shouts of “Surprise!” that make Steve jump backwards. He relaxes as he looks around at all the kids who used to call themselves “The Party” plus Robin and Nancy and… Eddie?

Steve looks at Dustin who stands proudly at the door gesturing to the large banner in his living room. “Come in!” He yells and practically pulls Steve inside.

“Aren’t you all supposed to be in college right now?” Steve asks the kids as he struggles to comprehend what’s happening, then he turns to Robin and Nancy. “And I thought you two were traveling the world and off in Europe.”

There’s a burst of explanations but from the general garble he gets a few things - lots of excuses to professors, taking time off from work, skipping classes, flights and road-trips home, but the general consensus is that they wouldn’t miss it for the world.

Steve ends up in the middle of a group hug which he initiates in order to hide the tears in his eyes. God, he missed everyone.

As people start pulling away with jokes about people needing to shower more and general middle schooler humor that they should’ve grown out of by now, Steve glances around. Eddie isn’t anywhere. In fear that he’s twenty-five and starting to hallucinate, Steve asks if anyone’s seen him.

A silence settles over the room as they all start to glance around and shake their heads. Then, Nancy says, “It’s cool that you’ve made a friend in Hawkins, we were getting a bit worried about you.”

“And it’s so cool that it’s Eddie! I always knew you two would eventually get along!” Dustin says with a high pitched laugh that takes Steve back to when he first met the kid. He shakes his head and processes as there’s a general murmur of agreement.

“What do you mean? I haven’t talked to Eddie in years,” Steve says with his hands on his hips.

Something about this has everyone glancing around with a mix of concerned and confused faces. “Steve,” Robin says gently, “you know who I am, right?”

Steve glares at her. “Robin, I’m twenty-five. I would hope I’m not getting any memory issues yet.”

“You never know!” Robin defends herself.

Nancy finally cuts in, “We’re just shocked because Eddie kind of organized this whole thing.”

Steve stares at her for a few moments, trying to see if she’ll glance away from him - her lying tell. But she stares him dead on. Then, he glances around at the group. Apparently it’s not some weird joke.

“I’m kidding,” Steve says with a smile and everyone seemingly relaxes. He’s definitely not kidding, but he can’t have everyone’s concern at the moment. He needs to talk to Eddie right now. “But seriously, has anyone seen him?”

“He’s probably in my room,” Dustin offers. “Now everyone can dig into the pizza now that Steve’s here!”

Steve laughs as he hears Max argue, “You already ate three slices.” But he’s already making his way to Dustin’s room before he can hear any response. He lightly knocks on the door.

“Come in,” Eddie responds.

Steve’s heart races as he slowly opens the door. He sees Eddie fidgeting with his rings before he freezes when he sees who it is. “Hey,” Steve says softly.

“Hey,” Eddie replies quietly. Steve’s taken back to when he had first approached him years and years ago. Where did the time go?

Steve closes the door behind him to give them some privacy as he pulls up a chair to face Eddie who sits on the edge of Dustin’s bed. There’s a moment of them just staring at each other, and Steve notes how his eyes are just as big and round as they used to be. But time has been good to Eddie, defining his features and not taking away the fullness of his lips.

Steve tries to shake that thought away as he attempts to casually asks, “So, you did all this?”

Eddie bites on his bottom lip for a moment then nods. “Yeah,” he breathes out. “I hope… I hope it’s not too weird or anything. I know we haven’t talked since…”

“Since my dad found our marriage contract? Yeah,” Steve says and looks away. His stomach rolls a bit at the memory, but he pushes it down. Not something he’s going to deal with on his birthday. Instead he smiles and looks back at Eddie joking, “So, are you here to take me up on it?”

Eddie smiles widely and replies, “Well, I did bring a ring.” Then, to Steve’s disbelief, Eddie pulls out a ring box from his pocket. “Should I get on one knee?” Eddie jokes as he passes it over to Steve who takes the box.

He flicks it open slowly and sees the glint of silver. It’s a silver band with some kind of engraved design, and for a moment Steve has the weird desire to say “yes.” Instead, he pulls the ring out of the box and stares at the details.

“It was an old spoon,” Eddie explains. “I made it when we were in high school.”

Steve swallows and slides the ring on his ring finger. It fits perfectly somehow. He looks at Eddie. “I’m sorry. I was such an asshole in high school. I just… changed or something.”

“I kept tabs on you,” Eddie admits quietly. “Shit, I sound like a stalker. But… I just… I know how hard your parents were on you. God, I don’t even blame you for who you were, but you changed again. For the better.”

For some reason, hearing it from Eddie makes Steve believe it. Some proof that the boy he once was wasn’t entirely lost forever. Steve turns the ring around his finger and comments, “If it helps, I kept tabs on you, too. And for the record, I couldn’t stand that first girlfriend you had.”

“Tammy?” Eddie laughs in disbelief.

“Yes!” Steve laughs as well. “A part of me was jealous that you would end up marrying her and not me.”

A silence settles over the room. “Steve, that was in high school.”

“Yeah. Didn’t really like the most recent guy either,” Steve admits because something about Eddie has him spilling out every secret he possesses.

Eddie scoffs. “What was wrong with him?”

“He wasn’t me,” Steve replies, and goes on to explain, “I don’t know. I just… have always had this weird fantasy that we would work out. Get to twenty-five and already be married. Maybe it’s just all my regrets adding up, but… I don’t know. I feel like I messed up our story or something. It’s stupid.” Steve stares down at the ring again glinting on his ring finger.

“I always had the same fantasy,” Eddie admits, and Steve glances up. It’s like he can see his whole wasted past turn into a potential future.

Steve laughs. “God, this is probably the first conversation we’ve had in twenty years, and I’ve already got a ring.”

Eddie looks at the ring and laughs as well. He reaches out and rests a hand on Steve’s knee as he doubles over in laughter which has Steve gripping his hand and throwing his head back with a loud laugh.

At some point Eddie slips off the edge of Dustin bed onto one knee which is when Dustin barges in. “What are you guys- Holy shit! Eddie just proposed!” Dustin screams.

Steve and Eddie laugh even harder as everyone comes rushing to the door to gasp and yell at them for keeping their relationship a secret for so long. Steve finally finds the breath to say, “No! No. We’re not. We’re not engaged. I think we’re just… sticking to coffee first. Yeah?” Steve asks as he looks to Eddie.

“Coffee is good,” Eddie agrees with a smile.

While everyone demands an xplanation, Eddie leans in and whispers, “Happy twenty-fifth birthday, Steve.”

Maybe Steve’s five year old self would be pissed that it took him this long to finally get things right with Eddie Munson, but he knows his five year old self would be kind of proud.

[mysteroads]

Rain on Wisteria

Atsuhiro was speechless. He was certain he made for an amusing sight, mouth hanging open, eyes bugged out– and it was confirmed a moment later when Shigaraki burst out laughing. Monchan leapt to her feet and barked, stubby tail wagging furiously. After a moment, Shigaraki’s laughter turned to chuckles, and then into a comfortable silence as they both listened to the rain. Slowly, the smile faded from Shigaraki’s face and his expression turned solemn. 

“Shigaraki-kun? Is something wrong?”

“Yes and no.” Shigaraki turned back to him, then to Atsuhiro’s horror, slid out of his chair and onto his knees. “I owe you an apology, Mister Compress. You believed in me. You almost died for me, you gave yourself up to the heroes for me, because you truly thought I could rebuild a better world from the dust of the old. Not only did I fail to do that, but I lost myself so completely that I forgot about rebuilding and only wanted to destroy.” He bowed low enough his forehead touched the ground. “I failed you as a leader, and as a friend, and I am so sorry, Sako.”

It took a full ten seconds for Atsuhiro to unfreeze. When he did, he reached down without thinking and hauled the young man up. “Tomura, please don’t!” Completely forgetting himself, he kept hold of Shigaraki’s arms and gave him a little shake, the same way he’d give his hyperactive daughter a little shake to make sure she was paying attention. Shigaraki blinked surprised red eyes at him, and Atsuhiro felt a little silly, but he was an old man and a father, so he could be forgiven. 

“Now, you listen to me, Leader. Even if I had known what would happen, I would still have done what I did that day. I didn’t just believe in your dream back then; I believe in it still. It was not your fault that All For One lied to you all your life, that he took over your body and twisted your mind like he did! You loved us, as best as you were capable of love after being raised by that monster. You wanted a world where everyone could live freely, unbound by the labels of heroes and villains, where everyday people understood that they had an obligation to help each other! It was a noble dream, a good dream. And you wanted us to have whatever made us happy, I know you did. I have never doubted that, not for a single day! If you had been able, you would’ve reshaped the world to make your friends happy, and it would have been wonderful.”

Tomura swallowed hard, blinking rapidly, then lost the fight as those bright red eyes filled with tears and spilled over. 

Once again, Atsuhiro could be forgiven for acting on instinct as he pulled his leader into a tight hug. Tomura wrapped his arms around Atsuhiro’s neck and buried his face against his shoulder. Without a pause, he shifted their position so Tomura could sit more comfortably against him, practically holding him in his lap, gently smoothing down that familiar, cloud-colored hair as the boy wept.

Oh, my poor leader. So old and so young, even now.

He wondered if Tomura had ever had someone tell him that it wasn’t his fault, even after the peace and understanding death supposedly brought. Well, if that was the case, then the telling and these tears were very overdue.

Time had become increasingly unimportant to Atsuhiro over the past few years, and that didn’t change as he patiently waited for Tomura’s tears to dry. If anything, time seemed even more unimportant, like this moment could stretch without effort into peaceful eternity. There was just the sound of rain, the sight of raindrops rippling in puddles and sliding off the wisteria, and the boy in his arms. Holding him felt like having a warm shadow beneath his hands, somehow solid and yet not here, but by the time Tomura stirred and began to sit up, he felt nearly present and wholly solid. 

Sniffling, Tomura scrubbed his face with his sleeve. “Sorry,” he croaked. “I came here because I’m supposed to be your leader, and I ended up crying all over you.”

“Don’t apologize for crying,” Atsuhiro told him warmly. “It’s just another type of rain.”

Tomura laughed wetly, then knelt again, but this time so he could hug a worried Monchan. She whined and licked the tears off his face, getting a real smile out of him. Atsuhiro leaned down and stroked Mon-chan’s head. Her fur was soft and thick as the fluffiest baby blanket. Tomura watched his hand in surprise, then looked up at his face, eyes wide. “Oh.”

“Oh?” Atsuhiro inquired. 

An almost sad smile pulled on Tomura’s lips. “Atsuhiro… would you follow me again, if I asked you to come?”

[deathmetalunicorn1]

May I request a Buddha x reader where they adopt little Zerofuku as their own? :3

-You were nearly vibrating with excitement, your smile not falling from your lips for most of the day, something Buddha noticed, and he couldn’t help but smile as well, seeing you so happy.

-The two of you have been talking for a while now about adopting Zerofuku, the young god needing someone there for him, especially after dealing with Beelzebub and Hajun, and you wanted to drown him in love.

-Buddha agreed with you, wanting to protect Zerofuku, who would sometimes, when there were too many negative emotions around, would change into his envy form, which could prove dangerous to others.

-The two of you headed out to find Zerofuku and you didn’t have to go far, finding him napping on a branch under Buddha’s Bodhi tree and you called up to him.

-He stirred and sat up, rubbing his eyes before he saw you and Buddha and his face seemed to glow with elation, “Y/N” he leapt down and immediately ran into your arms, hugging you close as you spun, giggling softly before Buddha hugged the both of you.

-Zerofuku beamed up at Buddha, “You told me that you and Y/N had a surprise for me! What is it?” Buddha ruffled the younger boy’s hair gently, making him laugh before he gave you a smile.

-You beamed at the boy yourself, “Zerofuku, what is your opinion on becoming the child of me and Buddha?”

-His jaw fell open and immediately tears welled in his eyes, as he’s never had a family before as he took a step forward, arms going around your waist, “Really- you really mean it?” you smiled, seeing the tears, brushing them gently away, “I am, if you want to, you’ll now be our son. We’ll keep you safe, give you lots of love, and be a family, the three of us.”

-Zerofuku burst into happy tears, his hands up by his face as he felt so much happiness, he felt like he was overflowing as Buddha pulled him into a hug, letting him cry into his chest.

-You felt your own tears pricking at your eyes, a smile on your lips as he managed to get out his answer through his sobs before Buddha pulled you in by your waist, hugging you as well.

-The three of you were a family now and you were all so happy.

[pukner]

I just had a thought sorry for spilling it here but platonic stobin s5 steve death with orpheus & eurydice-style plotline of robin pulling some improbable scientific and supernatural strings to get steve back and hahahahah um surprise eddie is there too & he’s been helping steve survive in whatever underlayer of life/death they’ve found themselves in because he’s been navigating it for a bit now

hey anon. Anon don't apologize can u please elaborate I'm losing it????

god, robin loving Steve so much she rends apart the veil between life and death. Maybe Steve dies in the Upside-Down. Maybe she feels like some part of her died with him. Maybe she was screaming as the gate closed, reaching out desperately for the other half of her heart, maybe she had to be held back, had to be told, robin, you can't bring him back. Robin, please, he's dead already, please.

Maybe it's like Robin died. Maybe she's the one doing the haunting. Maybe she's being haunted. She hears him laugh in her ear as she fumbles a conversation. Hears him hum his favorite song when it comes on the radio. She smells his shampoo in the breeze. She can't sleep, because sometimes she feels the weight of him against her back, like they're lying back-to-back again, like they did in Starcourt. Back when they were giggling children waiting to die.

Maybe she looks drawn and pale and won't talk to anyone. No one sounds right. No one gets it. She has a Walkman, plays his favorite song on a loop, like she's been cursed.

She hears his voice on the radio instead of Dancing in the Dark. She follows his laughter in the wind, bad dad jokes and terrible puns, down to the scar where the gate was.

She doesn't know how she gets through. All she has is Springsteen and his bat. She can't sleep without either. She doesn't sleep much anyway.

She wanders this corpse of a world, empty without Henry to fuel it, and waits. Sings Total Eclipse of the Heart in a stupid muppet voice. Sings Springsteen. Narrates all the things that have happened since the gate closed, but only the funny bits. The happy bits. Not that she's been there for them, but.

She hears him sing back, croaky and amused. She doesn't dare look. She hears him laugh when she fumbles the words. She can't hear to turn her head to where the voice is coming from. Can't bear to see nothing at all.

Slowly, she gets up and walks to the gate. She hears footsteps, someone singing with her, and she can't bear to look, and she's shaking and she thinks she might've lost her mind.

You sit around getting older, she whispers, voice hoarse. It's been hours, she thinks. Days, maybe.

There's a joke here somewhere and it's on me, Steve sings back, and he sounds real. And then--

I'll shake this world off my shoulders, someone else joins in, and Robin shakes.

Come on, baby, the laugh's on me, they all sing, and they sound like home.

She makes it through the gate on unsteady legs. She stumbles forward, into the burning sunlight, into a world alive. Nearly plants on her face, but then strong, real arms catch her. Someone laughs in her ear, warm breath on her face.

"Oh, Rob," says Steve, and she can feels his tears on her shoulder, "Oh, bud. I gotcha. I got--"

She spins around and hugs him, a sob ripping out of her throat. Another pair of arms encircle them, and she looks up. Eddie Munson, haggard and worse for wear, grins down at her.

"Heya, Buckley," he says, "Hope you didn't mind me crashing your cute little lovers' reunion."

"Gross," she says, instead of bursting into further tears, "We're not like that."

"Yeah," says Steve, tucking her face into his neck, where she can smell salt and iron and dirt, "She's, like. The other half of my heart or whatever, doesn't mean we're dating."

"Oh, good," says Eddie, brightly, from where he's plastered to the pair of them like a gangly limpet, "Because I've spent all of our shared undeath sucking face with the other half of your heart, Buckley, and that might make things awkward."

Robin snorts out a laugh, and alright, now she's crying again. She tightens her grip on Steve, listens to his heartbeat, feels the pulse in the hollow of his throat, the rumble of his chest as he tells Eddie Munson to shut the fuck up.

Her Walkman's still playing. She's holding her heart, and his annoying boyfriend. She's no longer haunted, no longer haunting.

[friendship-ditch]

Whumptober Day 20 - Shoulder to Cry On

Eowyn x Fem!Reader ✼

Summary: Eowyn needs a hug.

Warnings/Notes: None, just someone hold her please shes baby

Word Count: 1133

  “Y/N!”

  The doors to your room couldn’t have flown open any faster, handles clattering against the wall. A white shape stormed inside, golden hair flying in the wind from the burst of movement. Within seconds she was at your side, fingers clasping your sleeve like a lifeline, digging into the fabric with her bitten nails.

  “Woah, hey..!” You steadied yourself from the impact, moving one foot backwards. Carefully you moved Eowyn’s messy hair from her face. Her cheeks were red and hot from anger, eyes teary as she gazed up at you. “What happened?”

  “I am forbidden from joining any further patrols!” Eowyn cried, grip tightening on your arm until it was almost painful. She gave you a little shake, tugging your arm back and forth. “Eomer has forbidden it!”

  A week ago on this day Eowyn had finally convinced her brother to take her onto one of the hunting patrols of the Rohirrim. They were some of the calmer patrols compared to those of defense, but it took weeks of begging for Eomer to finally agree to her pleas.

  The other warriors said nothing when they saw a woman in their ranks but they were not pleased. Eowyn had taken it upon herself to prove them wrong, but when a small party of orcs attacked things changed. Her sword snapped in half–though it was not her fault, the blade had not been used in years–and she was nearly murdered in cold blood by one of the foul creatures. Had it not been for Eomer, Eowyn would not be standing at your side. 

  You were thankful and Eowyn tried to be but deep down she was bitter.

  “They say it is because the plains are not safe. But they lie.” Eowyn’s voice grew louder in anger. She released your limb and left behind deep indents beneath your sleeve. The floor creaked beneath her as she paced back and forth as though she meant to dig a canyon in the wood. “They will not let me join them because they think I am not worthy, that I am weak. Eomer gave me a faulty sword on purpose to remove me permanently. If that stupid, stupid steel did not break!”

  You watched her stomp back and forth for a few minutes, listening to her frantic, enraged ranting with soft eyes. By the time she finally stopped she whirled around to face you, face redder than ever and eyes wide.

  “Are you even listening to me?! Or do you view me as foolish as the rest do?” Eowyn was almost never angry at you, and she wasn’t even now, she just needed something to take her rage out on and you were right there on a silver platter. “You’re supposed to support me!”

  “I said nothing.”

  “Because you think I’m a fool!” Eowyn exclaimed. Had she a sword clasped where it should be, the blade would be against your throat. Anger was flowing through her veins like blood, eyes almost red from strain and glaring. “You think I am weak! That I’m not cut out for this! You’re just like the rest of them!”

  Ouch. 

  As cruel as her words were, you knew she didn’t mean them. If you were in her place, you’d probably feel and act the same. Eowyn’s temper was a beast in itself and it had taken you countless hours to tame the creature.

  Your hands found her shoulders, palms engulfing the tips as you held her still, half out of fear her anger would bubble so ferociously she would take off. Her body was trembling, fists clenched tight.

  “I don’t think that at all.” You said firmly.

  “Then why do you say nothing? Why do you stare at me as though I told you the sky is orange?” Eowyn cried, fingers once again sinking into the fabric of your shirt. She tried to shake you again but it was a weak attempt, anger slowly being replaced by the tears filling her eyes.

  “Because you don’t give me a chance to speak.”

  “I-...”

  “I don’t think you’re weak. You’re one of the strongest people I know; the strongest woman.” You let your voice soften a tone, one hand resting now on the side of her burning neck. “But your temper is what warps your mind and buries you…”

  “Don’t say that.” Eowyn whined, now desperately trying not to cry. Her bursts of anger were always intense, though the aftermath was even heavier. She looked away and bit her quivering lip.

  Your other hand cupped her cheek, tilting her head so she was looking at you once more. “If there’s anyone cut out for this, it’s you. And throwing a tantrum about it isn’t going to get you anywhere.” Your voice was now a soft murmur, eyes boring into hers. “Breathe.”

  Eowyn desperately tried to fight but your gentle commands were finally getting through to her. As your other hand met her cheek and she found her face nestled in your palms, a weakened sob broke free from her lips.

  You pulled your hands from her face and instead snaked them around her body. One pinned her head against your shoulder, fingers stroking her hair. The other hooked around her waist and kept her flush against you.

  “I’m… I’m sorry.” Eowyn sobbed into your shoulder. Her arms wrapped around you in return and she sank into your arms as though all of the fight left her body. Her tears soaked your shirt, body trembling with cries and gasps.

  “You have no reason to be.” You nuzzled your nose into her hair, pressing a kiss to her scalp as you rocked her from side to side like you were comforting a crying child. Your thumb drew gentle shapes over her back, drawing out the last of her guttural cries and softening them.

  Finally Eowyn began to calm down, the last of her tears drying upon the fabric of your garments. She slowly lifted her head from your shoulder and gazed up at you. Her lips were still trembling, eyes big and watery.

  “Feeling better?” You whispered once your gazes locked.

  With a watery smile, Eowyn nodded. Her face found its way back to your warmth, cheek against your shoulder. A soft sigh escaped her lips and her eyes fluttered closed again. “Rohan is lucky for you…” She whispered, voice a little raspy. “If I did not have your arms… I fear I would have slaughtered half of the Rohirrim.”

  You laughed and gave her a tight squeeze. “I do not doubt it.”

  Eowyn’s smile grew at the silent mention of her strength, and that you believed in it. She fell slack in your arms and sighed once more. “Thank you.”

  “Always.” You smiled too. “Perhaps we should get you a new sword.”

  “Please.”

[odue-sp]

Asmodeus x Male Reader

Part 2

Muffled moans echoed the bedroom, Asmodeus had been torturing the human for days after what had happened, his possessiveness exceeded the moment he realized that he had a threesome with MC and that he had touched what was his. His precious human's body marked in everyway he could managed. The demon even added more demonic sigils onto his body and it wasn't a pain free process. M/n couldn't go to class, thankfully Divalo heard about the situation he was out in. Soft sobs echoed the room, feeling his orgasm cut short like many in the past.

His hand clawed at his lover's hair trying to thrust into him but clearly the demon was much more stronger. His eyes held no love as he leaned down and bit at his neck. A shout left the human's lips before being silent by a rough kiss. It was endless until Asmodeus became bored, finally letting the other enter him... "Why aren't you moving," he asked but nothing but silence. "M/n?" He asked once again. He reached over and grabbed his face. Tears feel silently as the human was unconscious. Asmo stared before leaning over and giving him a gentle kiss at his temple. The moment the demon removed himself from the other's cock he laid down and hugged the human tightly.

The moment the demon fell asleep, the human snapped his eyes open. His eyes red and dazed. M/n slipped away, putting on whatever he could get his hands on; a pair of boxers, shorts and a undershirt. He walked out, his body trembled in pain as he leaned against the hallway wall. His breath rigid and fast. "One step," he repeated, he needed some space from the lover. His eyes watered again as nearly fell to the floor. "M/n?!" MC shouted hearing a body hit the floor, the brothers snapped over seeing the human cling to the other human.

"Take me... To Barbatos." He whispered knowing that MC could hear him. "He wants to see Barbatos." The brothers looked at each other before Lucifer picked up the exhausted male. "M/n? Did you fall?" Asmo yawned before noticing the mood... "What's... Going on?" He looked at the male confused. "M/n wants to see Barbatos." MC said pointing at the human, Asmo stared confused before looking fearful. "No! Luci! Please no!" He reached for his lover before Lucifer disappeared.

Lucifer took M/n to Barbatos, who was angered by the state of M/n. "What did Asmo do?!" He shouted, snatching the human away from the other... Sobs finally left the silent male's lips, he clung to the butler demon. "Hurts... It hurts." He whispered as Barbatos glared at Lucifer before slammed the door in his face... Lucifer stared.

It had been weeks, Barbatos didn't let anyone see M/n, who was recovering from everything. His body still had marks, the sigils still glowing when someone touched him, and his tongue burned but he knew because it was the longest he had been without a taste of his lover. His breath hitched at the thought. He laid in bed only thinking about his lover but knew he needed some space... At the moment, Asmodeus was just a plague invading his desires and mind.

He closed his eyes.

— • —

M/n was able to go to class, his neck and hands covered in bandages, he reeked of antiseptic, and he looked exhausted. Whispers spread through the school of his arrival. Running footsteps rushed to the class, Asmo burst through the door, a smile broke before it dropped seeing the state that his lover was in. MC shoved his hand into his face and pushed him out the classroom. He shut the door as M/n covered his face... "I wanna taste him." He whispered feeling an unsatisfied thrist return.

The two argued. "I haven't seen him for months! Let me through, MC!" He shouted glaring before MC raised his hand and punched the demon who stared in shock. "Don't you remember why he left in the first place?" MC snapped back. "He's my lover! You have no right to budge into our relationship!" The demon snapped right back. The shouts slowly became louder before the door slammed open, the s/c male stared at the two. "Could you two do this somewhere else? My classmates are trying to do attendance." His voice was dull.

Asmo stared before walking over and held his face, as if he was fragile. "M/n," he was cut off by MC yanking him away. "Sorry, m/n! I'll keep him away!" M/n stared before heading back to class. He hugged his stomach, there was one sigil that didn't leave. The demon brothers made sure to keep Asmo away, it wasn't until lunch time that M/n stood Infront of the group who was trying to stop the brother from crying so loud.

"Asmo," his voice rang out, the brothers looked at him, it was probably the first time in the day they've seen the human. "M/n." Asmo cried breaking free and clinging to the human who stiffened. "I'll take him to the house. Thank you for trying." He said as he picked up the crying demon.

Asmodeus hands gripped at the bandaged and slowly pulled them off. Sounds of wet kisses against the s/c rang out in the room, Asmo sighed fondly as his hands traveled over the body of his lover who merely stiffened at every touched before Asmo carefully held his face and eagerly kissed him... M/n was surprised by the sudden gentleness and care. He nearly fell into the kiss before the strawberry blond slipped his tongue in, making it harder to breath. "Does your body hurt a lot?" He asked between the kiss before nibbling at his bottom lip. "The sigils hurt the most." He whispered back before wincing in pain as his hands brushed against his stomach.

He carefully lifted up his shirt, the sigil glowed brightly, Asmo felt bad, and he leaned down licking the wound. His tongue tasted his blood, it was bitter since he knew it caused so much pain. His eyes gazed over the faded marks he gave... Some leaving scars. Tears fell.

"I ruined you."

He gasped out, his body shaking in guilt before M/n sat up. His hand caressing his face. "I'm sorry," he repeated until he was silenced by a kiss that grew deeper. M/n pushed his lover down and coddled him. "It's okay. You're all I have, Asmo." He whispered, that sentence alone made him shake again. "Why can't you hurt me back?" He whispered, it was like clockwork, M/n closed his eyes ignoring his words before falling asleep.

— • —

Asmodeus seemed to regret a lot, his attention was solely on M/n, it was quite disturbing. Small spa days, make up trips, and f/f dates. "I'm not hurting you," M/n finally spoke, Asmo glared slamming his hand on the fldinner table, alerting the brothers and MC. "M/n! Your body is scarred because of me! Can't you just at least slap me?!" He shouted annoyed. "You know I can't. You're too pretty."

Silence.

"I... Don't try and pull that on me!" He shouted embarrassed. M/n glanced at him. "The demon of lust needs to be flawless, if I hit you then you'd be flawed. I won't hurt you." Asmo scowled, frustrated that this simple human couldn't lay a single hand on him. "But I," he was cut off by a sharp look. "Enough. Asmodeus, I've had enough of this! You can't keep pushing this our of guilt!" The two glared at each other. "You guys are ruining my meal." Beel grumbled. "Sorry, Beel." M/n said before being dragged off by his lover.

— · —

Asmo slammed his hand over his face glaring at him. "Just hit me! Take charge or something!? Aren't you pissed?!" Silence. "I'm tired now." He looked away trying to avoid any unnecessary talking. "M/n!" He kepts his eyes closed. "Can't you pretend to have human emotion!? Is living for thousands of years break you?!" His hand trembled at the thought. "If you're that bored then I'll cut our contract," E/c glared at him. His hands opened the door before throwing Asmo into the room. "Cut our contract? Are you that eager to kill me?" His eyes stared into the eyes of pink. Asmo trembled, he had never acted like this... He couldn't help it. "You're worn out. You think I'd be satisfied with an obedient dog?" He should've kept quiet.

E/c eyes changed, they seemed much more darker than before. His hands travels over his body, marking the demon's body nearly identical to his own. Of course, the marks wouldn't last as long or leave scars. His teeth bit down at his skin, his nails dug into his hips, before his hand squeezed everywhere. "M/n.... M/n..." His cries echoed, his eyes tearing up... Karma. Everything that Asmo done to him, he was returning. His tongue brushed over his crying cock, his tail wrapping around his wrist to stop everything. "Break... Please." He whined out.

His tongue flicked over to the slit before pulling away and licking the spade of the tail. His body jerked. A moan ripped out as he cummed on his face, M/n ignored it and continued to jerk him off not caring for a second. The demon couldn't help but watch the human, his body trembled at the sight, being treated so roughly wasn't bad but he saw the bitterness and resentment. He couldn't help but want to stop M/n. He hated it.

"Why're you crying?" That sentence snapped Asmodeus out of his thoughts. He felt his cheeks wet from his tears and shook his head. M/n was weak, he leaned down and gently kissed him. "I can't cum anymore, I'm sorry." The demon whimpered into the kiss.

Soft whined left his lips as M/n carefully pushed his length into the blonde who shuddered. He tensed, expecting the male to ruin him further... His eyes widened heard soft breathing. His head turned seeing that his lover fell asleep. His breath hitched feeling the warmth of his dick throughout the night. His hands gripped the sheets trying to keep calm, s/c arms trapped him still, his breath hitting his neck and sometimes his ear. He wanting to move, just a single—

His mouth opened feeling the cock dig deeper as M/n cuddled him closer. He covered his mouth. 'Hell. It's completely hell.' the blond couldn't help but think.

— · —

Asmo didn't sleep. His breathing was slowed down as he twitched every second. It was overstimulating, the gently brush of his hand against his stomach, his lips brushing against his skin, and even the sudden movements that M/n would do in his sleep. His shorts completely soaked with cum and water. "Asmo?" M/n whispered tiredly, he finally woke up! "Don't move. I'm trying to sleep." He whispered and pressed against his stomach.

"It's... Too much." Asmo moaned weakly before passing out as M/n hummed and fell back to sleep.

[butchreg]

fuzzy ( ~ 1k words )

not feeling well mentally or physically especially after the election results so not sure when i will be able to write something new / get to the lovelies in my inbox so i thought i would post something older... i am really nervous about posting this because it's very self indulgent && based around some of my personal experience but my lovey buddy encouraged me to so i'm being a brave pup && doing it anyway .. ໒꒰ྀི˶˃ᆺ˂˶꒱ྀི১

n e ways i am number one cate dunlap enthusiast ( && she is literally me ) so .. erm hai

summary : baby cate dunlap, an exploration of her regression && the complexities of her relationship with shetty

tags / warnings : angsty , hurt comfort , vent regression used to cope , brief allusion to sh , involuntary Trauma regression , multi-part ( hopefully ) , sfw agere , baby!cate , mama!shetty

Cate was accustomed to feeling fuzzy. Ever since she was nine years old her mind had done a strange thing. Whenever the memories got to be too much, when she couldn’t handle the guilt, the shame, the hurt she had caused, a sort of fog came over her mind and the world around her seemed to grow as she became smaller. This was only metaphorically - unlike Emma her physical size never changed but she felt different. She felt tiny and childlike. She was just an itty bitty little thing like she had been Before she had discovered what she could do. Her mind brought her back to a time when she was loved, when she was too small to be anything other than perfect - her parents’ little bundle of joy.

Oftentimes everything seemed too big and she spent her time in this headspace in tears or feeling largely frightened. She felt helpless, she felt ashamed but a part of her recognized that this was her brain’s way of helping her. At least when she felt tiny she felt too small to do all of the bad things she wanted to do to herself. It was different but it helped. She knew there was nothing she could do to control it, a fact that scared her but a fact nonetheless.

It was hard to feel so tiny and to be all by herself. Over the years she had grown used to it yet she ached for the soft touch of her mother, her sweet whispers soothing little Cate as she cried, her gentle fingers wiping away her baby’s tears. She dreamed of her father singing her to sleep as he rocked his little daughter in his arms, kissing her forehead as she drifted off to sleep safe and warm.

It had almost been too much when Shetty had come to speak with her for the first time. That fuzzy feeling clouded Cate’s brain and she wanted to sob when she saw her mother’s stone cold face, heard her warnings to keep her distance from the girl. How she longed to crawl into her mother’s arms. She wanted to tell her how sorry she was, how guilty she had felt for nearly a decade. Not one day had gone by where she hadn’t thought about it. God, she just wanted someone to forgive her.

And Dean Shetty had. She’d looked at Cate with kind eyes as she assured her that she was not to blame for what had happened. Cate had been confused. Of course it had been her fault. She told the woman this and instead of being angry she’d looked sympathetic. She had offered the blonde girl a hug and God did Cate need a hug. 

Shetty took the girl into her arms, wrapping her in a hug. A good solid one that made Cate burst into tears immediately, her mind clouding over the rest of the way.

She’d tried to fight it - how could she let a stranger into something so secret, so shameful, so personal. It was no use however. Fighting it made her tired and she was already so exhausted. So she cried and she cried. She let the older woman hold her for as long as she wanted to. When the woman pulled away Cate couldn’t look at her. A part of her felt afraid. She was afraid of judgement, of anger. She was afraid of how small she felt and most of all she was afraid to go back to being alone.

“Look at me, Cate.” Shetty’s voice was soft but firm. Cate did as she was told, sniffling and wiping at the tears still streaming down her face. “How would you like to come with me, darling?” She cried even harder. She wasn’t sure what she wanted.

“Shhhhhh,” the woman soothed her. “Hush now, darling. You’re okay now, Cate, you’re okay.” Cate was quiet yet she felt at last like she had found someone she could feel safe with. She was overwhelmed. She didn’t know what she could do aside from cry. So she did. She cried until she had no more tears left to cry. Still the woman wasn’t angry with her. This perplexed Cate. Shouldn’t she be angry?

When Shetty spoke again her voice was kind. “There, now. Have you gotten it all out?” She chuckled a little. Cate didn’t see what was funny. She nodded - she felt far too tiny to speak aloud. “Good, that’s good. My goodness, you must be tired.” Cate whined. She was.

“I’d take that as a yes.” She chuckled again. Cate could only babble in response. She leaned against the woman, closing her eyes. “Why don’t you have a nap and we can talk about what we’ll do after you wake up, hmm?” Cate whined again. She felt terribly fussy - she didn’t want to move and she certainly didn’t want to talk. The woman smiled at the girl but she made no comment on her behavior. She didn’t seem at all weirded out by it - in fact she seemed to know exactly what to do with her.

“Come on, Cate. Doesn’t a bit of rest sound good?” It did, it really did. She nodded. She let the woman, this strange woman, lead her over to her bed. She climbed under the covers and Shetty smiled at her once more. She let her pat the spot where her knee was as she stood over the girl.

“There,” the woman whispered. Cate hummed. Though she barely knew the woman she had offered her more comfort and compassion than she had been given in so many years. “There, that’s it, Cate. You don’t have to fight any longer.” She turned to go, leaving Cate to get her much needed rest. She’d drifted off almost immediately, hoping this wonderful woman would be there for her when she woke up.

[aquanthis]

🌎🔪✏️☄️💚 and 💖 for aemara?

why is there no rubbing-hands-together-evilly emoji. anyway

🌎 - will they give up the world for someone they love? is this decision easy for them?

ohhhh yes. at the end of the day, aemara is not really noble; he is distinctly selfish (said with all the love in my heart) and, if push came to shove, he would sacrifice just about anything to make sure he could keep someone he loves close to him. we all know i'm referring to anduin, though the same is true for zephya and paleri. it's not really so much about them, though he does care for and love them, but moreso about the fact that he'd fall apart if he lost them. it's a self-defense tactic more than it is a sacrifice. i could see him killing innocents for anduin. and i don't think it would be hard for him. it's so funny. he's such a hypocrite. he needs therapy

🔪 - how do they react to injury / misfortune befalling their loved ones (significant other, family, friends)? do they put themselves at blame?

scorched-earth violence, or complete meltdown, depending on the situation. sometimes both. no matter what, he blames himself. he's supposed to be able to protect EVERYONE he loves, dammit, and if he fails, even if there was no way he could do anything, he'd still somehow find a way to make it his fault.

✏️ - is there a particular quote / lyric that you associate with them?

pretty much the entirety of "eight" by sleeping at last. but particularly:

"I was just a kid who grew up strong enough to pick this armor up / And suddenly it fit"

as well as:

"I'm just a kid who grew up scared enough to hold the door shut / And bury my innocence / But here's a map, here's a shovel / Here's my Achilles' heel"

songs that make me so fucking sick in the head about him. literally i can't listen to it without immediately thinking of him and nearly bursting into tears.

☄️ - what do people assume about them? are they right?

people assume A LOT of things about him, and most of those things are wrong. some people think he's cold, and to some extent, he is, but he is genuinely so sweet and so gentle when he feels safe (which is rare). they assume he loves violence, but he doesn't; it's just the only thing he has. they assume that he'll hurt anyone if they so much as inconvenience him, but he's really not quick to anger unless you threaten someone he cares about.

and this one's a joke but i was joking about it in the car to my husband earlier so: people look at him and assume he always wants to be in control/dominant/etc because like. look at him. he's a general, and strict, and so untouchable. but he is actually so submissive behind closed doors. paleri thinks it's cute but he will vehemently deny it if anyone ever finds out. hahaha. sorry for the sex joke

💚 - what things make your oc feel comforted? hugs, kisses, food?

he does really like hugs/physical affection but it takes a lot for him to be comfortable with it with someone. but when he is comfortable with it, it makes him feel so safe. also, tea, and tending his plants, and warm food. also just sitting in the same room doing separate things with someone he loves. he likes just sitting in the same room reading separate books with anduin. it's like, "i know you're here and safe and i can protect you if i need to but i don't need to, so i just like knowing you're here with me" yknow. he's so sweet rrhrhrhhghghgh

💖 - are they a subtle or a showy lover?

he's usually a little embarrassed talking about mushy things, but if he gets a chance to show off his wife who he thinks is the most gorgeous and wonderful thing in the whole world, he'll take it. there's a scene that i wrote once where they're in a ballroom setting and he is being the biggest show-off in the entire place because he wants to show off his wife more than anything. he's not one for GRAND gestures but he will fondly make her breakfast and bring her flowers from his garden and talk about wanting to kiss the lipstick off her face if he gets bold enough. 🥰

[theselfshippingwitch]

“ if you asked me to marry you tomorrow, i’d say yes. “ “ what about today? “

Are you interested in writing a fic? For Ray and Violet? 😍

Yes!!! I am never not interested in writing a fic for Ray and Violet. I am constantly bursting with ideas for fics for Ray and Violet.

-

She had loved that beautiful old Victorian house, with its big front porch and side screenhouse and spire-like structure sticking out from the top of the highest roof, ever since he pointed it out as they drove past once. His childhood home, which now sat old and looming and empty, having fallen into disrepair in the 15 years since someone last lived there. To anyone else, it would look abandoned and unkempt. To her, it was the haunted dream home she always fantasized they would live in together. Just as he was about to lose the property to the bank, she bought it up herself and paid for the repairs necessary to restore it to livable condition. They moved in together, and with his permission and input, even had a few additions built onto it: a library, a greenhouse, and extra bedroom and bathroom. They made the house their own, and finally it began to feel like their lives were moving forward together.

The night the library had been finished, and they had shelved their extensive personal collection of rare occult books, Violet leaned into him, wrapping her arms around him as she rested her head on his shoulders. He hugged her back, letting the palm of his hand lazily rub up and down her back. “I’m exhausted.” she sighed happily.

“Tell me about it. We just did a LOT of hard work. But I’m glad we got all our books shelved today.”

“Yeah…” She sighed. “It’s all finished, and this house feels like a home.” She looked around at all the little details she had planned, the figures of bats and snakes and other strange creatures carved into the decorative corners of the dark wood that framed the deep red wallpaper that adorned the small parts of the wall that weren’t covered by bookshelves. It really felt like it was well and truly theirs, with the personal touches only they would think of. “If you asked me to marry you tomorrow, I’d say yes.”

“What about today?”

She lifted her head up, trying to read his expression. “Ray…”

“I mean it, Violet. I want to marry you.”

Violet’s face flickered from a look of overwhelming joy to one of worry and doubt. “I want to, Ray. You know I do. But, I don’t know if I feel comfortable getting married and starting a family while you’re still doing field work. And, I know you love it, and I love how much you love it, but it’s just so dangerous, and if we’re going to make such a major life change, I would feel a lot more secure if I had to worry just a little less about your life being in jeopardy every day. I’m so sorry, Ray.”

Instead of the disheartened reaction she expected, he only nodded thoughtfully. “I understand. To be honest, I’ve had a lot of the same feelings lately. And, funnily enough, I’ve even started to get a little…bored, with the field work. I was thinking it was because we’ve only been getting small jobs lately, and I wanted some major disaster to happen again just to make things interesting, but all I do all day is think of you and this house and the life we’re building together. Maybe this means I really should move on. Pass the torch, as they say.”

Violet nearly burst into tears. “You don’t have to stop your work with the Ghostbusters completely! You could still work on the tech, and do research!” She rushed out all her words desperately. “I never want to make you feel like you need to give up on something you love, especially not in order to have a life with me!”

“Violet, sweetie, it’s okay!” He moved his hands to the side of her face gently, soothing her. “You’re not making me do anything. This is what I want. I want a life with you. I want to get married and start a family with you. You’re the most important thing in the world to me, and I don’t know what I’d do without you. I love you so much, Violet. I want to live in this home with you and our future children for the rest of my life.”

She smiled. “This is starting to sound like a marriage proposal.”

“Not quite yet.” Although he was already thinking of the jewelry box, once taken out of this home and kept safe by his Aunt Lois, now back in its rightful place on the dresser in the master bedroom, and the ring he knew was inside it, a gold band with a garnet gemstone, the birthstone of his mother. “It’s a promise. I’ll start doing less and less field work, and I’ll find a replacement soon.”

“You mean it?”

“Yeah! In fact, I’ve already got someone in mind!” His nephew, who he had been exchanging letters with for a year now, seemed as interested in the paranormal as his father was repulsed by it. He was turning 20 this year, and he would do well, Ray thought. 

Violet wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him. “So good to me.” She kissed him again. “The best.” and again. “I love you, Ray.”

Ray’s cheeks turned bright red, contrasting with the deep brown-orange of his hair, and Violet smirked, self-satisfied. She rubbed the tip of her nose on his. “Now, let’s go lie down on the couch and watch TV until we pass out. My feet are killing me!”

[electricfied-wolf]

Beelektra fic? <3

NEAH IN THE ASKBOX REAL???? Ofc ofc how could I deny you or myself or Mara I know you're going to see this one Mara of these goobers <3

It was midnight. Or close to midnight. BV couldn't be bothered to check the time. All he knew was that he was incredibly tired from the day, and he had been enjoying a rather nice and unexpectedly calm sleep before something...or...maybe someone, had interrupted him. He'd somewhat heard the shed door opening but it wasn't enough to really disturb his sleep. He stayed in bed, eyes still shut tight, as someone began slowly walking their way through his home. Not rolling...walking. Which of course made a bit more noise that had disturbed BV's sleep a little bit. His eyes slowly came open when he heard the creaking of his bedroom door, and through his tired and blurry vision he saw something that startled him. There was a very very tall figure standing in his doorway, mostly a shadow save for the very soft and yet still intimidating glowing emitting from this mysterious stranger. The bright piercing red eyes...weren't exactly much of a help either in easing him. BV quickly shuffled to sit up, clearly frightened, rubbing his eyes and desperately trying to figure out who this was and what exactly they were doing inside of his house. Nobody had access to this place other than a very small select few...Carrie...and... The red eyes. The soft glow. That tall figure. "Oh. Oh wait a minute..." He mumbled to himself as he sat up completely, "...Ellie? Is that you?" He could make out a nod from the figure in the doorway, and soon, a very soft and nervous sounding voice broke through the barely lit up room, "...Hi...Beebee..." Hearing that voice completely cemented his assumption. It was Elektra. But at this hour? Unannounced? "What are you doing here, baby?" BV asked quietly, he slipped out of bed and motioned for Elektra to come in. The taller engine slowly stepped inside of the room, closing the door, the room was nearly pitch black except for the glowing coming from Elektra. "...I...I had a nightmare. A nasty one, Bee. It was just a-awful..." Elektra explained, and from the way their breath hitched and the very faint tear streaks on their cheeks...wasn't hard to tell that they'd been crying. Seemed like they were about to start up again any minute too. "Woah...hey, hey it's alright. C'mere doll. Let's sit down." BV whispered, he took Elektra's hand and guided them to sit down on the bed, his arm moving to pull them in closer, "Why didn't you go to one of your components? I know you guys live together." Elektra sighed, leaning into the touch of their boyfriend, lip quivering a little, "I didn't want any of them, Bee. I wanted you." BV stared up at them, it touched his heart to hear those words, the way they said it was so sweet...he blushed a little, but he had to wave that off. This wasn't about him being flustered by the absolute angel he'd fell in love with, this was about comforting that angel and making sure that they felt better. "Well...I'm here now. You don't have anything to worry about, Ellie. I promise you that." He whispered to them, pulling them closer and planting a kiss on their cheek. He could hear the gentle humming of Elektra's motors...what a beautiful sound, "Whatever dream you had, it's gone now. And I'll be damned if I let those thoughts hurt you now that you're away from that nightmare you had." Elektra sniffled a little, wiping their face and trying to keep from bursting into tears then and there, they wrapped their arms around BV in a very tight hug, "Thank you. Beebee...you have no idea how much you mean to me." The brake van hugged back, though he couldn't deliver as much force as an engine, and he gently stroked Elektra's mohawk, "Trust me, Ellie. I don't think I ever could...but what I do know is that it's probably a lot." "You'd be right about that." Elektra chuckled, and they'd stay in that embrace for a good few minutes before pulling away. BV guided the engine to lay down in the bed with him, and they snuggled up with each other for the rest of the night. If he could do anything about it, Elektra wouldn't be having any more nightmares.

[dream-meister-translations]

MAPO TOFU - STORY # 1

━

The summer heat is finally receding, leaving autumn to flourish. The clear breeze sweeps past, covering the world in a mottled goldish autumn sheen in its wake. In a corner in the west turret, Cabbage Blossom is leaning against the window sill as he thumbs through a scroll, enjoying his time and content. CABBAGE BLOSSOM : Oh, you've finally come to return the book. The moment you borrowed it, someone came and demanded to borrow it immediately. For a second, I wondered if I was a Chinese teacher or a debater. "Thump! Thump! Thump!"

Outside, unusually heavy footsteps thunder past the window. With the sound comes a crushing sense of awe.

DOUBLE-BOILED MILK : Wahhhhh-- H-Help! They're turning the heat up on me! I'm going to turn into hot milk--

MAPO TOFU : That's what you get for trying to trick us!

CABBAGE BLOSSOM : Watch out, Master. There's a mad dairy product running this way.

Boom! A large silhouette bursts through the window. Then, just as a nimble silhouette is about to throw itself forward--

MAPO TOFU : Double-Boiled Milk, take this--!

OPTION 1 : "Pay up if you want to pass!" MAPO TOFU : I-It's you? Get out of the way!

OPTION 2 : "Here comes the royal pardon! Spare him!" MAPO TOFU : Step aside! Don't talk big when I'm fighting! …Hmm? It's you?!

In the air, Mapo Tofu extinguishes the flame in his hand and lands on the bookshelf with one foot. He spins around and sits on the back of the water buffalo.

MAPO TOFU : You can't just pop out of nowhere like that, Master! I nearly hit you!

WATER BUFFALO : Moo, Moo--

DOUBLE-BOILED MILK : Hey! Mapo Tofu, how could you land on Runner like that? Look, everyone, look! My buffalo's so scared it's tearing up!

CABBAGE BLOSSOM : It even mooed twice!

DOUBLE-BOILED MILK : That's right! It's saying "Sob, sob, I've been working hard my entire life to provide milk for the restaurant…But on the one day that I'm out sightseeing, I got stomped into a Beef Flat Cake!"

MAPO TOFU : Why do you have so much to say, you weirdo? If you cheat your way out again, I'll cook your Beef Flat Cake right now!

Mapo Tofu immediately conjures a scathing flame in his palm, scaring Double-Boiled Milk so much that he falls to the floor on his butt. He hugs the water buffalo tightly and begins to wail--

DOUBLE-BOILED MILK : You can't cook it! It's a water buffalo from Guangdong, not one of those buffalos in your Sichuan hometown! It's a buffalo with dignity! It specializes in producing high-nutrition, low-yield milk rich in zinc, iron, calcium, amino acids, and vitamins for child development and anti-aging…

OPTION 1 : "Mapo Tofu, shut him up." MAPO TOFU : Hmph. Hear that, Double-Boiled Milk? Your life's like a candle in the wind--

OPTION 2 : "Mapo Tofu, It's wrong to fight." MAPO TOFU : Well said, but it's pointless! I've been hearing him nag the entire morning! This is my chance to sort him out!

CABBAGE BLOSSOM : Oh? Are you planning to fight here?

MAPO TOFU : I-I…I never even bothered him, but he just had to get mad at me…

MAPO TOFU : He did the thing I hate the most! I can't take it anymore!

OPTION 1 : "Did he delete your game account?" MAPO TOFU : I dare him to! But first he'll have to step over my dead body!

OPTION 2 : "Did he break your little plastic figures?" MAPO TOFU : Hey, Master! You can't call them little plastic figures! They're my o-o-old friends!

MAPO TOFU : I started the day in a perfect mood! I was going to have a match with Dumpling after breakfast..

MAPO TOFU : But then, I saw the bottle of milk that came with my set meal. It was labeled--

DOUBLE-BOILED MILK : "POCKY"!!!

MAPO TOFU : …

MAPO TOFU : You're proud, aren't ya? "Pocky"? You making fun of my pockmarks?

Furious, Mapo Tofu yanks Double-Boiled Milk off the floor. His eyes are burning with rage--

MAPO TOFU : I always act honorably and speak honestly! There's nothing I hate more than people who gossip behind others' backs and give others nicknames!

MAPO TOFU : I'll have you know that I've KO'd the last guy, and the last, last guy, and the last, last, last guy who dared to nickname me!

(Years Before)

The sun is beginning to set but the small restaurant beside the pier at Wanfu Bridge is still packed with people.

CUSTOMER A : Hey, kid. Why isn't Mrs. Chen back yet? Honestly, cooking is just like oil-bearing! Only those with experience can do it well!

CUSTOMER B : That's right! Mrs. Chen makes the best tofu! I've been carrying cargo all day, and the only thing that kept me going was coming here and having some juicy tofu! Chen Dou'er, give me another portion of this!

MAPO TOFU : Sure thing! I'll give you extra beef today, so do drop by our restaurant often!

The tofu chunks bob up and down in the chili oil paste. It melts in your mouth and has a spicy aroma. Its taste is out of this world.

CUSTOMER B : Oh wow, this is freakin' delicious! If Mrs. Chen's face looked like this tofu tastes, her business would be even--

The person beside the man quickly stops him. The other diners in the restaurant turn in unison to look at Mapo Tofu, who is wiping tables. He seems calm but he has scrunched up the rag in his hand.

MAPO TOFU : …It's gotten dark. Why isn't she back yet?

MAPO TOFU : Sorry, everyone. We have to close shop early today. I promise to prepare more spicy and refreshing handmade tofu for everyone tomorrow!

Mapo Tofu bolts the wooden door of the restaurant and hurries westward into the night.

MRS. CHEN : Sigh…They tease me every time I deliver food to them…But it's not like I can just ignore their orders either…

MRS. CHEN : Ack!

MAPO TOFU : Mrs. Chen? You're finally--Wait, why are your eyes so red and swollen? Who bullied you?

MRS. CHEN : W-What are you saying? Why would anyone bully an old lady like me…Look, Mapo. We made lots of money from food delivery today! Let's go home and see how much we made…

OPTION 1 : "I'll do the deliveries from now on." MRS. CHEN : T-This job isn't suitable for you, and the restaurant needs you too! Don't worry about me. If I can't even do something as simple as delivering food, I might as well close the restaurant…

OPTION 2 : "You're so late." MRS. CHEN : Setbacks like this are nothing to small business owners like us! Really, Mapo, Don't worry about me…

Mrs. Chen touches Mapo Tofu's back, gently urging him to go back. Under the starry night sky, she hides in his shadow and wipes her tears.

[little-corritrice]

Light of My Life - Chapter 4

Synopsis - y/n was your ordinary young women, who happened to be the daughter of Christian Horner. She is there every race, and every day, See how she gets along with everyone, including a special someone.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

So, here we are. Sitting in a hospital room. "Why in the hell did I get a call at midnight saying my daughter is in the hospital?" Christian asked, rubbing his temples. "We were all playing around, and we went a little too far." George tried to reason. "So, by going too far is dislocating her shoulder." My dad groaned, staring at me. "If I may, it wasn't our fault we were having too much fun." I said, earning a glare from Christian. "Sorry." I mumbled, looking down. "You guys have a race tomorrow. Someone take y/n back. And no more playing!" He said, walking out. The room was silent until I burst out laughing. "I'm sorry, but your faces are so funny. You look so scared." I cried, holding my stomach. They all soon joined in. "I for sure thought I was going to lose my job." Max joked, making us laugh. "Oh, boy. That was fun while it lasted. Now, you boys need to sleep for tomorrow. Let's go." I said, holding the door for the boys.

After everyone walked out, they raced to their cars. Me and Alex stayed back, walking like normal people. "Sorry that we nearly broke your arm." He said, rubbing his neck. "It's my right shoulder, so I have no use for it. If anything, you saved me from having to work and write stuff." I joked, patting his back. "You always see the positives out of everything, huh?" He said, staring at me with a small smile. "I try to." I said, smiling up at him. He grabbed my hand, pulling me towards the car. We reached the car and saw the others waiting for us. They smiled at us, calling us slowpokes. "Hurry up and get back to the hotel. Otherwise, you'll be training with me tomorrow morning." I glared, making them scramble. They all drove off, wanting to get to the hotel. Alex laughed, seeing the effect I had on the boys. "I'm sure your training isn't that bad." He teased, making me smirk. "Oh, Albon. Rookie mistake." I said, getting in the car.

Next Morning

I woke up bright and early, it being a force of habit. I did my business, and walked out. I went to Alex's room, knocking softly. Max answered the door, looking almost worried. "Am I in trouble?" He asked, fixing his hair. I chuckled, shaking my head. "Not you. Where's Alex?" I asked. "Asleep still. I'm about to head out, so do what you please." He said, grabbing his bag and giving me a quick hug before leaving. I entered the room, going over to the sleeping Alex. I smirked, but remembered how he was so kind enough to supply me with juice boxes for a week. My shoulder was still in a sling, so I couldn't jump on him. I went to the side of the bed, laying down next to him. "Wakey wakey." I cooed, tickling the tip of his nose. He opened his eyes slowly, before quickly sitting up. He looked around confused before getting up. "Why are you here?" He asked, staring at me in confusion. 

I grabbed my heart, pretending to be shot. "Ouch, Albon. That one hurt." I said, acting like I'm dying. "Oh, the poor princess. I'm sorry." He dramatically said, rushing over. "Don't die on me." He said, wiping his fake tears. "Before I die..." I said, ushering him closer. He came closer, holding my hand. "Put me with some juice boxes in my grave." I said, making him laugh loudly. I sat up, chuckling. "Your so dumb. Can't live without your juice boxes." He chuckled, getting up and going to the bathroom. I sat on his bed, looking on my phone. I grabbed his, unlocking it and going to his contacts. I typed in my number, and set my name to 'Juice Box Girl'. I chuckled, before setting it back down. He came out, combing his hair. "Wait, I wanna do your hair. Come here." I said, waving my hand. He chuckled before coming over.

I grabbed the brush, and started combing it with my one hand. "This must be hard since I am tall, and you only have one hand." He said, laughing softly. I shook my head, laughing along. "Thanks for calling me short. But it is, so lay down." I said. He laid his head in my lap, making it way easier. "I should make little pigtails." I teased, making him get up. I laughed as he was about to protest. "I'm kidding. Lay down. The quicker I get this done, the sooner we can leave." I said, doing his hair again. He rambled on about how he wants to do, and about things he needed to improve on in the car. I just nodded along, finishing his hair and giving him a little head massage. He sighed and closed his eyes, enjoying the nice little massage he got.

[straykidsnerd255]

Heyyy i saw your requests open, i hope i dont bother but, may i ask for a part 2 of the platonic relationship with sage and her student the lyra saint please ? Like the relationship she has with manigoldo or other saints for exemple ? Thank you so so much ! Have a nice day :3

You are not bothering me! Thank you for sending the request in! I decided to do this one in a one-shot form instead of head cannons.

Platantic Sage x 19 year old Lyra saint reader

Y/n is good around pretty much anyone. So when she starts to talk with Manigoldo, they develop a brother/sister relationship and they go everywhere together. They go shopping for food, they are practically glued to each other's hips. They are currently walking through the shops to find the perfect foods for dinner when someone makes the comment of them dating. You turned to Manigoldo with a confused look. 

“I’m sorry, but we are not dating.”

“How come? You two are so cute together.”

“Maam, with all due respect, this idiot is my brother.”

When you said that, the lady blushed and ran away after apologizing to you both. You turned and looked at each other before bursting into laughter. “Wait until dad gets to hear about this.” You said more to yourself as you took what you wanted and needed before going and paying for everything. You had Manigolo help you carry the food back to Sanctuary so that you could begin making dinner for everyone. 

“Y/n, are you back from the market now?” Sage and his brother walked in and you smiled brightly. “Yeah! I’m in the kitchen, dad!” You called. Sage and his brother walked into the kitchen to find you making dinner. You had about half the food prepared and Sage was absolutely amazed at how fast you had prepared the food. “Do you need any help with making the food sweetheart?” Sage asked. You shook your head. “Nope! I’m almost done! Also, guess what happened to me and Manigolo at the market today.” You said trying to hold back your giggles.

“What happened?”

“Someone thought that we were dating.”

Sage looked at you with wide eyes. “What?!” He yelled, causing you to nearly drop everything. “Sorry. What did you tell them?” Sage asked rushing over to you to help you. You smiled. “I just told the lady that me and Manigolo are more like brother and sister. She got really embarrassed after I told her that.” You said. Sage chuckled. Hakurei walked into the kitchen and started taking food out for the rest of the saint that would be coming sooner or later. As you finished the last of the food, the rest of the saints came. You were glad you made more than enough food. As you all sat down to eat, your dad and uncle sat on either side of you and smiled as you all began to talk about who knows what. 

“I’m so happy to be a part of this happy family we have.” You said, causing everyone to stop what they were doing and turn to look at you. “I may just be a silver saint but I really love the company I get from everyone in this room.  Before I met everyone here, I was all alone. I had no one that considered me family. So thank you for accepting me into this family.” You said. Sage and Hakurei hugged you tightly as they could. 

Everyone smiled and agreed with you. “It wouldn’t be the same without you kiddo. You brighten everyone's day when you come running over to them. I know for a fact that It does for me whenever I see you heading towards me with a bright smile on your face when you are getting ready for your training sessions.” Dohko said smiling.

You smiled brightly as tears filled your eyes. “We all love you. That’s why all the gold saints want to train you. We want you to stay with us for as long as you can.” Defteros said, holding his hand out for you to take. You took his hand and smiled when he tightened his grip ever so slightly. “I love you guys so much.” You whispered with a bright smile on your face.

[365partygirl305]

Chapter III: Catalina’s Welcome // Far From Home!

Warnings: angst, fluff, (there is h/c there too) crying, blood, mention of abuse, mention of death, and panic attack

A/n: I know people have their own different experiences on panic attacks. Alas, poor girlie Elena🥺. Also, this is the longest chapter, damn! A lot of shit to unpack.

A/n 2: The following content may be unsuitable for younger readers. Reader’s discretion is strongly advised.

Elena’s pov

“Have we met before?” he asks me.

It’s the same man from before. The one I found at sea. The man I saved from drowning without being caught by my Sisters and the Ocean. I nod.

“It must be true. You must be the one. What’s your name, darling?”

I look down sadly.

“Can’t speak?”

I nod reluctantly. This is a secret to all sirens. You must not speak in front of others when you’re in public. Giving your voice means you kill. You add another dead man to the sea.

He takes out a pen. “Here,” he says as he puts his arm out for me. “You can write here.”

I contemplate giving him my real name for a split moment before actually writing it down.

“Elena. What a beautiful name.” His voice seems so gentle. He introduces himself as Matty.

Ugh his smile. He’s so beautiful like this. Just like when I found him the other day. He takes my hand as he kisses it, his gentle lips brushing against it.

I am eying a bracelet on Matty’s wrist, curiosity getting the best of me. It looks so beautiful. The pearls in it wraps around it like a ribbon. I grab my phone, open notes and begin typing.

That bracelet is beautiful, I sign. Someone made it for you?

“My girlfriend made it for me,” he replies. “Unfortunately, she passed away in a car accident. I was gonna marry her. She was the light of my life until her death. It had been days since. That was when you found me. Nearly meeting my death. I thank you.”

I smile, but at the same time, I feel really sorry for him. He must have really loved that girl. He poured his heart and soul for her. Her death has affected him so much when I found him that day. I watch as he begins to burst into tears. He opened up about himself and what happened.

I’m really sorry for your loss. I sign again.

I get up from the bench and hug him as he cries. He lays his head on my shoulder as I stroke his head, my fingers slightly scratching his scalp. My other hand is rubbing his back in soothing patterns. I feel his body shaking from all of the pain he has been carrying for the past couple days after the incident. I pull away for a moment as I place his hand on my chest to help guide his breathing. I inhale and he follows, though his breath is shaky. I exhale and he does the same. We do this for five minutes before he finally calms down.

I wipe away the fresh tears from his face, placing a gentle kiss upon his cheek. He smiles weakly as he pulls me in for another hug, his head now resting on top of my head and mine resting on his chest. We stay like this for a while longer until I check the time and pull away from him.

I have to go, I sign as I give him my number with exes and o’s and ‘call me’. I will see you soon. It was nice meeting you, Matty.

“It’s nice meeting you too, Elena.”

🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊

I am humming to myself as I text Matty when I heard Isa call my name.

“Coming!” I call over my shoulder.

I look back on my phone to shoot a text.

I am needed rn so can I text you later?

I shall be waiting for you, darling.

Dropping my phone in the bed, I rush to the living room to see what’s happening. “My poster has multiple copies sold!” she exclaims happily. Isa has always been an artist. She finds paintings in many art museums and online for inspiration. I see multiple designs and patterns she makes.

If only I can tell her, Macy, and Catalina that I saved Matty over a month ago. But, as a siren, you can only kill. But when I sang him that song, it awoke him, not killed him. I find it very strange. Your voice is supposed to be a weapon. I’m scared that the Ocean might find out.

One week ago

Come, girls. Your new sister awaits. She’s morbidly scared. We heard the Ocean call.

We ran towards the dock. Where is she from? I asked.

Mexico. Be gentle with this one.

Saoirse joined us as we swam to the docks of Cozumel where there is a dolphin attraction. Thank the stars it was night, since no one is around. When we got there, we saw a girl tied up in a huge fish net! She was also covered in blood and bruises. Whoever did this to her…

“Come help me break the net,” Isa said as she tried to pull away the net. “They’re too rough.”

We broke the girl free as she collapsed on her knees sobbing. “Don’t come closer,” she cried. “Stay away!”

She must have been in horrible condition. I took the more gentle approach to her as I tried to soothe her. “It’s okay,” I cooed. “I won’t hurt you.”

The girl caved in and nestled herself into me, Saoirse joining in the hug.

“What do you remember?” Isa asked.

“I don’t want to remember,” the girl responded. “It was awful. Papa did this to me”-She showed all of the scars and bruises on her body-“he is a bad man.”

Poor girl. She’s so, so so hurt and scared.

“Who are you?” she asked, her voice trembling.

“The one holding you right now is me, Elena,” I began. “In front of us is Isa, Macy, and Saoirse.”

“Catalina.” the girl introduced herself.

“We are mermaids. Sirens,” Macy explained. “You may have heard of us in many stories and Greek mythology. We belong to the Ocean. We feed Her.”

“What does the ocean eat?”

That was the same question I asked years ago when I first became a siren. After all, you can’t kill curiosity out of someone. They must know the answers.

I found small figures and a toy boat to show her. I emphasized the figures as sirens and the boat in my hand as the people in it. I felt it was a lot more easier to describe the duties. She seemed to get the gist of it.

“From this day forward,” Macy began. “You won’t get sick or injured. Your voice is a weapon. Once your years are up, your privileges will return to you.”

Catalina gave a confused look. “Neither of us never understood that the first time,” Saoirse chimed in. “It’s alright, mo stóirín. We’ve been through the same thing.”

Catalina contemplated a moment. Her father must have been a cruel man. “If that means getting away from my evil father, then be it,” she declared. “Take me away.”

Then came the next step: diving into the water. She seemed very nervous. “Watch Macy.” I told her. We watched as she gracefully dove into the water without hesitation. Catalina’s face changed to a smile as she dove in. Adorably, she held her breath.

All four of us swam around her as the Ocean placed the same cold force I’ve felt before into her mouth. When Catalina resurfaced and jumped, she exclaimed, “I’M A GODDESS! I HAVE BEEN REBORN!”

I smiled as I dove back in. She must really love her new life now.

She really does, the Ocean began. However, she must be very careful. You and your Sisters need to watch over her.

I understand.

Present day: the same bench from before

It’s great to see you again, Matty, I sign. How are things?

“It’s really great seeing you again, Elena,” he says gently. “I’m doing a little better. Still trying to get through it. It’s hard.”

I know. Do you wanna go look at records? Maybe it can cheer you up a little.

“I would love that.” There is that smile again.

The record store turns out to be the same one he goes to. Throughout the past 3 months, we’ve gotten closer as we get to know each other more. We’re both music lovers. We both enjoy each other’s company.

As we got out, he thanks me for this great day. I dive in for a hug, only this time, my arms wrap around his neck. I hear his heart beating so gently in his chest. His hand is stroking my back in calming patterns without realizing it’s making me melt more into him. He begins humming absentmindedly as his other hand plays with my hair. The background music outside is unfamiliar to me. I close my eyes as I listen. All the while he is swaying me side to side. It just feels…so right.

🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊

It had been two weeks now since Saoirse bid farewell to us after serving her years. Two weeks since she was brought home in Ireland. To say how much I miss her would be an understatement. My only concern now is how scared I am still of the Ocean finding out I had saved Matty months ago.

The full moon has arrived tonight. It is that time again. The next sinking. I don’t want to do it after the last one, yet it is mandatory. More scared than ever.

I wish I could just swim away and see Matty again. Ever since our record shop date, I feel I am much closer to him. I think I’m starting to fall for him.

On my swim this morning, I was questioned by the Ocean. So I heard you found someone in my waters. Her voice was very clear of disappointment yet She seemed calm for some reason.

A man was drowning. I had to save him. I confessed. I knew this was coming. I argued that I didn’t say anything, knowing how you can’t speak as a siren in public. She then said that I can’t see him anymore and took my voice away as punishment. Now I am unable to speak at all to Macy, Isa, and Catalina. Now here I am at the next sinking, unable to sing and talk, only to witness it.

As they begin singing, I can’t take it anymore. It was all too much. Not being able to do anything. I go under and swim away, not giving a single fuck about anything.

When I got to the shore, I just sit on the rock, crying. It was horrible, this night. I really don’t want to deal with anything right now. I need Matty. I need him.

🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊

Matty’s pov

“Elena?”

That is the only thing that came out of my mouth when I see her on the rocks at shore. I run to her. She is soaked and cold. She is crying. Something bad must have happened to her.

When she sees me, she just runs to my arms and continues crying. The salt water scent creeps up my nose. She’s miserable. She curls up into a ball and I fall on my knees to hold her. I begin stroking her back and rocking her back and forth as I shush her gently. “It’s okay, darling,” I say as I continue the soothing patterns on her. “It’s okay. I’m right here. I’m not leaving you. I got you.” She’s freezing, I think to myself. This poor girl. She’s so damn sweet to be hurt like this. So innocent. “I’m gonna hoist you up and then I take you home with me, yeah?” I ask her. She nodded.

I hoist Elena up and take off my jacket to wrap it around her to warm her as I take her to my car. She managed to get in. Throughout the drive, I continue to stroke soothing patterns on her hand.

When we arrived inside, she is hyperventilating, her eyes still red from crying, her whole body shaking. A full blown panic attack. She is crying harder than ever.

Elena makes a grabby hand signal as if to say that she wants to be held. I oblige and cradle her to my chest. If memory serves me right from our record shop date, she seemed to love hearing my own heartbeat and my humming, which kept her grounded. I place her hand on my chest and slowly take a deep breath, signaling her to follow my breathing. Her inhale comes out shaky, yet she managed. As I exhale, she also does. We keep doing this for a while until she’s calm. When Elena calmed down, she looks up to me with soft eyes as they tell me thanks. “I feel you need a nice shower, yeah?” She nods.

I run the bath for her as she gets in. She closes her eyes as the bubbles calm her more. I plant a kiss on her forehead with indication that I’m always here for her. She opens her eyes a moment to sign if I can do her hair. I grab the Head and Shoulders shampoo bottle I saved for her and apply to her head. As I massage her scalp, she is becoming more sleepy. I can lull her to sleep in bed.

After rinsing off the shampoo from her hair and applying and washing her with my eyes closed, I tell her, “You’re starting to prune, darling. I’m gonna get you out of the shower so you can sleep, yeah?” Elena smiles as if to say yes. After I got her out, dressed her up, and helped dry her hair, she is in bed with me, head on my bare chest as I hum the song again, her eyes closing. I begin singing softly.

When I was younger, I saw my daddy cry

And curse at the wind

He broke his own heart and I watched

As he tried to reassemble it

And my momma swore

That she would never let herself forget

And that was the day that I promised

I'd never sing of love if it does not exist

But darling, you are the only exception

You are the only exception

You are the only exception

You are the only exception

She is asleep in my arms as I continue the rest of the song.