#sunny lie melody

[theydoctor]

Hehe <3 and of course, I love the songs you showed me by many of the artists on there that I don't normally listen to!!

hehe i'm glad you love the songs i show you <33 and i love how we always come back to music on tumblr... :)

[itaipava]

— f1 boys falling asleep on you.

˒ ⌕ LANDO NORRIS

trying to sleep at an ungodly hour after returning home from a night out; still feeling giddy from the rush and excitement of the night as you both get ready for bed. he hugs you from behind and rests his head on your shoulder as you brush your teeth, almost falling asleep right there. after you’re done, you crawl into bed together, saying “goodnight” for the thousandth time, but neither of you closing your eyes as you gaze happily at each other with soft giggles and bright smiles amidst yawns. sleepy and a little tipsy, but too in love with the moment and each other to want to fall asleep, but inevitably doing so with happy sighs as he pulls you closer to him, with his face in your neck and intertwining your legs.

˒ ⌕ GEORSE RUSSELL

he always says he wants to do a lot of things with you when he gets home to make up for the time he was gone, but as soon as you settle in to watch that new movie you were looking forward to watch, he falls asleep. you look at him and smile, gently placing his head on your lap. you stroke his hair as he sleeps peacefully. but he ends up waking up in the middle of the movie, and starts asking questions like "what happened to him?" while lazily pointing at the character and, as soon as you finish talking, he dozes off again, even though he promised himself that he would stay awake.

˒ ⌕ SEBASTIAN VETTEL

you woke up early, but you didn't want to disturb his sleep, so you tried to get out of bed as quietly as possible. you sat up and stretched, but before you could actually get up, you felt his arm around your waist, pulling you against him. you smiled, and tried to tell him that you needed to get up, but he was too busy using your lap as a pillow to even hear you.

˒ ⌕ CARLOS SAINZ

he had been trying to sleep alone for a long time, but he couldn't even with the gentle sound of the rain outside. you open the bedroom door and he smiles when he sees you; he lifts the blanket next to him, a silent invitation for you to go lie down with him. you smile and lie down, silently he pulls you to him, holding you lovingly. you stroke his hair and he closes his eyes, enjoying your affection and the warmth of your body. and when you least expect it, he is in a deep sleep while holding you.

˒ ⌕ CHARLES LECLERC

you were lying together on the couch in the living room, savoring the warmth and the cool breezes that came in through the sunny window; you admired how the sunlight fell beautifully on each other's features as he held you close to him. there was soft music playing in the background as you hummed along to the melody or said things like "oh, i love this song!" which always made him smile. wordless but meaningful looks of "i love you" to each other. suddenly he stopped running his fingertips over your body and, looking at his face, you saw that he fell asleep holding you, feeling safer than ever.

˒ ⌕ LEWIS HAMILTON

you and him love to talk before bed; it’s an unspoken routine in your relationship. you talk about your days, your thoughts, your worries, about that squirrel you saw on the street, anything and everything; your voices only slightly above whisper, trying not to disturb the quietness of the night but failing to do so when laughter comes over you both. he hugged your waist and put his face in your neck while you spoke, but at a certain point you felt his heavy breathing and, when you looked at him, you saw him sleeping. you smiled affectionately and gave him a kiss on the corner of his mouth, which made him pull you even closer to him.

˒ ⌕ OSCAR PIASTRI

after he takes you to a great restaurant in the city, you arrive home and rest on the couch while talking about anything that comes to mind. he sighs deeply, and puts his head on your shoulder, looking at his face, you notice how sleepy he is when the food coma kicks in. you smile, and pull him closer to you, and that's when he settles down next to you on the couch, holding you tightly against him as he lets sleep take over.

˒ ⌕ FRANCO COLAPINTO

he comes home absolutely exhausted after a long training session. after a hot shower, he lies on top of you, hugs your waist and puts his face in your neck, feeling your warmth and your scent. at that moment, he feels like he is in heaven. you gently stroke his back while asking him how his day was, but he is so tired that he just mumbles something softly and falls asleep on you.

˒ ⌕ MAX VERSTAPPEN

you woke up earlier than usual, and you couldn’t fall asleep again but you didn’t want to leave his side; quiet moments with him are so rare, so you wanted to make the most of them. he also wakes up, but only to pull you towards him even more, using you as a pillow. you smile and stroke his hair, which makes him sigh and fall asleep again, without a care in the world.

[kayewrite]

Swear it again

(bsn ending #6)

Bang chan x reader !! Christopher Bang x reader !! word count: 2.8k

bsn alternative ending #4 wherein; chan.. is what your heart wants

an: any team chan here? coz babe! i wasnt in any team but i can say that.. i love chan here!! (and seungmin */sobs)

part 1 and part 2 first

Bang Chan was the most mature person in your circle.

He was the one who would scold everyone for their wrongdoings, always making sure they understood the consequences of their actions..

He gave advice like a big brother, offering guidance that was both thoughtful and practical, always with your best interests at heart..

He provided help whenever he could, going out of his way to make sure no one felt left behind, even when it meant sacrificing his own time or energy..

And he protected your friendship in the best way he could, often stepping in to mediate conflicts, always striving to keep the group united and strong.

He wrote songs, pouring his heart and soul into every lyric and melody, creating music that resonated with everyone who listened..

He wanted to become a singer ever since he was a kid, because he loved making people happy..

He sang well..

He produced beats..

He got his driver's license at an early age..

He was gentle, his kindness evident in the way he treated everyone around him, always with a smile and a reassuring word..

He was a good cook..

He liked sunny days more than rainy ones..

His hobby was playing sports..

He thought his charming point was his dimples when he smiled, a feature that made everyone around him smile too, his happiness infectious..

He could rotate his hand 360 degrees, a quirky talent that never failed to amuse you, just another thing that made him unique..

He was handsome..

And cute at the same time.

—Wait. Were we still talking about how mature he is?

Well, no! You were talking about how much you knew him.

And why did you know him that much? Because, yes indeed, you liked him.

But—

"I swear to God! I would never fall in love with someone like Chan!" It was just a teasing moment as you lifted your right hand, as if pledging an oath.

You were playing truth or dare with your friends one time. And then you picked truth, and they teased you, asking if you liked Chan—where you immediately denied it by swearing.

And you thought you would never.

But then there was him, always taking care of you, asking How are you after your major exams.

Asking what your cravings were for the day so he could buy them for you.

Asking what you were eating in your apartment. If are you just eating cup noodles again.

Patting your back and giving you a hug when you cried after failing your physics subject, holding you close as you let the tears fall.

The first one to greet you on your birthday, warm and cheerful as he wished you all the happiness in the world.

You felt like… you didn’t understand.

Yes, others cared about you, but Chan… there was something about him you couldn’t quite pinpoint.

And when the way he slowly placed a pair of headphones on you and then played a song he had written and composed by himself, his eyes watching your reaction…

You finally admitted it to yourself—yes… you liked him.

"I swear to God…" Now, you couldn’t continue your words as the others looked at you, waiting for your answer.

"I'm tired of playing. Let's sleep." Then you stood up, leaving them with confused faces.

Well, don’t overthink it. They were just wondering if you really knew how to play truth or dare.

When he wrote that blue sticky note song… you thought he was the one who sneakily slipped it into your binder.

"We helped in making that song," he said as you faced him, "but Changbin wrote the title and most of the lyrics."

That answered your question—it was Changbin who really did put it there.

Not gonna lie, you really hoped it was him. But knowing that another friend did it, you felt anxious. If you were to tell everyone you liked this man standing in front of you… what would their reaction be?

After that night at the party, when you got home and cried, you knew now that Bang Chan liked you. But you didn’t know what to do.

It was because of your stupid swear to yourself!

Why did you pledge something when you couldn’t even handle the consequences?

You continued your life after that, but things felt different. You started putting up barriers between yourself and your friends, especially Seungmin and Changbin, who you always saw in class.

Thankfully, they seemed to understand, giving you the space you thought you needed.

But deep down, you hoped that everything would go back to normal. In just a few days, you already missed the closeness, the easy laughter, the sense of belonging that came with your friendship. And so, you made a promise to yourself that you would fix this—no matter how difficult it might be.

You were about to take a different path home when you spotted Seungmin walking in your direction. He caught your eye, and for a moment, you considered slipping away before he could reach you. But before you could decide, he stopped you.

"Wait. Let's talk."

Even though you weren't ready to face him, there was a pull, a longing to reconnect. You missed Seungmin—your best friend, the one who always understood you without needing many words.

As you both sat down, sipping on your favorite coffee, an awkward silence hung between you, thick with unsaid words.

"I know this is hard for you," Seungmin began, his voice gentle and steady, as if he had rehearsed what to say a hundred times before. "But I hope you won't go through with your plan of distancing yourself from us. We don’t want to lose you."

You bit your lip, feeling the weight of his words sink in. That wasn’t what you wanted either. They were all precious to you. You were just trying to give yourself some space, to sort out your feelings before they got even more complicated. "It’s not that I want to leave…" you mumbled, struggling to find the right words. "I just… I don’t know how to handle all of this right now."

Seungmin nodded, his eyes never leaving yours. "But we’ll give you the time you need," he said softly, taking a small step closer, as if he wanted to bridge the gap that had formed between you. "Just know that we're here for you. We're friends, and we should be with each other, especially when things get tough."

It was as if he could read your mind—he knew exactly what you were thinking, even though you hadn’t said a word. The unspoken understanding between you was comforting, but it also made you feel guilty for even considering pulling away.

"I’m sorry," you finally spoke, your voice trembling with emotion. You weren’t entirely sure why you were apologizing, but you felt it deep in your heart. Maybe it was because you were about to break his heart, to put a crack in the foundation of your friendship. "I… I just…"

You wanted to tell him everything, but the words were stuck, lodged in your throat, as if admitting them out loud would make everything too real to bear.

Seungmin looked at you, his expression softening with concern. "Hey," he said gently, reaching out to place a reassuring hand on your shoulder. "It’s okay. You don’t have to say it all at once."

You swallowed hard, trying to steady your breathing. "I just don’t want to hurt anyone," you whispered, your voice barely audible.

"You like someone, but you're afraid to choose because you don’t want to hurt the others, right?" Seungmin’s words hit the mark, once again proving how well he knew you.

You didn’t nod, but you didn’t deny it either. Instead, you lowered your head, unable to meet his gaze. How did he always know what you were thinking? How did he always manage to say exactly what you needed to hear?

"Don’t be sorry, you silly," Seungmin chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. His laughter was warm, like a blanket on a cold day, wrapping around you and making you feel safe. It was as if he wasn’t hurt at all, like this was just another one of your usual conversations. "Why would you be sorry? It’s not like this is all your fault."

"But it is," you insisted, your voice cracking as you finally met his eyes. "It feels like it is. I never meant for this to happen, but now… now everything’s so messed up."

"Well it was your fault to be pretty.." He mumbled something under his breath, something you couldn’t quite catch—But then before you could ask what, he spoke up again, louder this time, "Don’t be sorry!"

You were thankful for his words, but the anxiety gnawing at you only grew worse. What if Seungmin was just saying this to comfort you while he was hurting inside? What if he was pretending everything was fine just for your sake?

"Who is it, by the way?" he asked casually, as if he were asking about the answer to a quiz question. His tone was light, but there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes,

"It’s--" your heart starting to race,

"It’s Chan, right?" He slapped the table, a triumphant smile on his face as if he’d just solved a puzzle. "I knew it! Ever since we played that game years ago, I had a feeling. You swore you’d never fall for him, and you think I’m a fool to believe that?"

You blinked at him, startled. "How… how did you--"

Seungmin grinned, leaning back in his chair with an air of confidence. "Come on, it’s not that hard to figure out. You’re not as good at hiding your feelings as you think." He paused, his smile softening. "And honestly? I’m glad it’s Chan. He’s a good guy. Just… I didn’t expect it to happen so soon."

Seungmin’s laughter was infectious, and despite the situation, you found yourself smiling. "I mean… I didn’t want this to happen, but--"

"But you—"

"Wait, let me finish talking," you interrupted 'cause he was always cutting you off, laughing at his eagerness Seungmin joined in, the tension between you easing with every shared laugh.

As you continued to talk, the comfort and ease you always felt with Seungmin returned. He had a way of making everything feel right, even when it wasn’t.

"What I want to say is… go for it! Go get that Chan!" He grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "But if he ever hurts you, I swear to God, he won’t be able to walk again."

You laughed at Seungmin’s playful threat, feeling a warmth in your chest that only a friend like him could bring. In the end, you sent him a grateful smile, and Seungmin returned it, understanding exactly what you meant without needing to say it out loud.

You hesitated for a moment before knocking on Chan's studio door. The silence that followed felt like an eternity. You knocked again, the sound echoing in the quiet hallway. Still, there was no response. With a deep breath, you knocked a third time, your heart pounding in your chest.

"Chan, are you mad at me? Please… let's talk." Your voice wavered as you spoke to the door in front of you, desperation seeping into your words.

But there was still no answer. The lump in your throat grew as you fought back the tears that threatened to spill over. Just as you were about to give up, a voice behind you made you freeze.

"Why are you here?" Chan's voice was laced with surprise, as if he couldn’t believe you were standing there. He must have come back from somewhere, holding a cup of coffee in his hand. "I mean… I’m glad you’re here!" He quickly added, realizing how he might have sounded. "I’m sorry, I just went to get some coffee. Come on, let’s go inside."

You blinked away the tears that had gathered in your eyes and followed him as he unlocked the door and pushed it open for you. The familiar warmth of his studio washed over you as you stepped inside, the soft hum of equipment and the faint scent of coffee mingling in the air.

You took a seat in the extra chair beside his workstation, and Chan set his coffee down on the table. "Wait here for a second," he said, heading toward the small kitchenette. "I’ll get another cup so we can share this."

You nodded silently, watching him as he moved around. When he returned, he poured more than half of his coffee into your cup, leaving himself with only a small portion.

"Here," he said, handing the cup to you before sitting down beside you. "How are you?" he asked, his eyes searching your face for any sign of how you were really feeling.

You tried to maintain eye contact, but the weight of everything that had happened over the past week made it impossible. You looked down, your hands trembling slightly as you held the cup. "I’m… fine," you mumbled, knowing full well that Chan could see through the lie.

He didn’t push you, though. He knew you well enough to understand that you weren’t ready to talk about what was really going on. "I really wanted to come to your apartment," Chan said softly, his voice filled with concern. "But then I realized you might need some time alone."

His understanding, much like Seungmin’s, was both comforting and heartbreaking. You appreciated how well he knew you, but it also made you feel even guiltier for pulling away from him.

Chan hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Uhm, since you’re here… Can you listen to the song I’m working on?" His voice was tentative, almost as if he was afraid you’d say no.

A small smile tugged at your lips, and you nodded. "Yes, I’d love to."

Chan’s face lit up at your response, and he quickly grabbed a pair of headphones. Even though you were perfectly capable of putting them on yourself, he carefully placed them over your ears, making sure they were adjusted just right. His touch was gentle, almost reverent, and it made your heart ache in ways you couldn’t describe.

He pressed play, and the music flowed into your ears. The first few notes were soft, an acoustic intro that was both unexpected and captivating. Then the piano joined in, followed by the steady beat of drums. It was unlike anything you had heard from Chan before—new, refreshing, and undeniably beautiful.

"Are you the one singing?" you asked, your voice full of awe as the song continued to play.

"Yeah," Chan replied, his voice barely audible over the music. He smiled at your reaction, a mix of pride and nervousness in his eyes.

You focused on the lyrics, trying to piece together the story they told. The words were tender, vulnerable, and they struck a chord deep within you. As the song came to an end, you slowly removed the headphones, letting the silence settle around you.

"What’s the title?" you asked, as you always did after listening to one of Chan’s songs.

Chan chuckled, shaking his head. "I’ll tell you later," he said with a playful grin.

"It was amazing, Chan," you said sincerely, your voice thick with emotion. You could tell he felt the depth of your words, his smile softening into something more genuine.

For a moment, you simply looked at him, taking in every detail of his expression. The way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, the warmth in his gaze, the slight flush on his cheeks—it all made your heart race. Before you knew what you were doing, you leaned in, closing the distance between you, and kissed him.

Chan froze for a split second, caught off guard, but then he responded, his lips moving against yours in a way that felt both hesitant and eager. The taste of coffee lingered between you, warm and comforting, but it was the intensity of the emotions that overwhelmed you. Your tears, which you had been holding back for so long, finally spilled over.

You realized what the lyrics were really about. They were about you. Every word, every note—he had written them for you.

I swear I would never fall in love with you that was what I always told myself too, but every time I saw you, I couldn’t help but fall harder

Swear that you will like me too, just like how I liked you. I hoped you know it… Please swear again

and that was the title.

---

an: help

[blakeswritingimagines]

Their First Thought About You

Aegon: Your personality is just as enchanting as your appearance - you are both kind and intelligent, always eager to learn and experience new things. Your courage and loyalty are unmatched, as well as your passion for helping those in need. Your strength and resilience would have made even the greatest warriors envious. In you, he finds a true partner – someone who balances his strengths and weaknesses with your own, someone who understands him in a way no one else ever could.

Aemond: Your skin is soft like silk but strong like Valyrian steel, and your every move is as elegant as the dances of a dragon. Whenever you speak, he could listen to your tales for all time, even the most poetic songs of Westeros could not measure up to your voice. He would lay his head on the softest of pillows if it meant he could spend just one single night with you.

Jacaerys: Like an intricate painting crafted by the gods themselves, every inch of you is perfect. Even the Gods would be envious of your divine beauty, and the stars in the night sky wish to dance upon your skin. Her gentle voice makes even the Seven Kingdoms fall silent in awe.

Lucerys: His first thought on you, is that you are a great beauty and a pleasure to be around. He admires your strength and grace, and he loves the way you look at him, with your beautiful eyes.

Rhaenyra: She loves your eyes that shine like gemstones in the sunlight. Your smile could light up even the darkest room, and your laugh is the most beautiful sound she has ever heard. She loves that you're intelligent and witty, with a sharp mind and a quick tongue. You are not just a pretty face, but a powerful force to be reckoned with. She is honored to know you and she would do anything to make you smile.

Daemon: He adores the way you turn away shyly when you share a glance, and your fierce competitiveness when sparring… he could go on and on for days about you. Your conversations are like music to his ears, he hangs on to every word you utter, every story you share- even though you're the most beautiful person in, possibly, the entire world.

Alicent: When you smiled at her, it was like time stood still and all she could see was you. Your eyes sparkled like the ocean on a sunny day, and your hair glowed like the moon on a cloudless night. Your voice was like a soothing melody, and your laugh was the most melodious sound she had ever heard. In your presence, she felt like nothing else in the world mattered.

Helena: Every moment she spends with you is a moment she will forever cherish. When you laugh, your joy is music to her ears. When you're upset, she wants to hold you tightly and whisper sweet words. You're intelligent beyond measure, and could easily rule over the Seven Kingdoms if you desired. She would go insane if you weren't there because you are her other half.

Harwin: That you have the most captivating eyes he's ever seen, they reflect the stars of the night sky. You have a fierce and strong demeanor, but a kind soul. He can't take his eyes off you whenever he stares at you, your beauty hypnotizes him. You're the first person he thinks of when he wakes up, and the last one he thinks of at night. You're everything he's ever hoped for and desired.

Cregan: When you speak, your voice is like a symphony of the purest silk and your scent is like an intoxicating fragrance that leaves him in a trance. Your every move is like a dance, and each breath you take is a melody that whispers secrets of the universe. Your every glance is like a bolt of lightning, setting his soul ablaze with an undying fire.

Criston: You had long captivated him from the very first time you'd spoken. With your flowing wave of soft hair and tantalizing eyes, he found himself utterly entranced by your beauty and charm. He often found himself lost in thought, wondering what secrets lie beneath your captivating facade.

[caxde]

disposible heroes | 𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐱 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

summary Eddie is assumed to be dead, you belived it, until music found his way into your live again, and a promise he's still alive is evident (7.2k)

warnings fem!reader, fluff, hurt/comfort, mutual pining, yearning etc, slowburn, idiots in love!!!, english is not my first language so I apologise if there’s some mistakes, not proof read!, canon-ish complaiant?

a/n: thank you to @sage-glowstick for all your help as I was writing this <33

“You know I’m here if you need me, right?” Robin’s voice felt as if it were coming from a thousand miles away, even if she was beside you, her fingers running through your hair, petting you softly. 

“I know” Your voice came out croaky, heavy, raspy. Tears were still falling from your eyes, you felt them, the coldness of the salty water running down your reddened and hot cheek. 

“Anything you need.” She repeated, wiping it away, her finger on the apple of your cheek a bit longer, trying to make you feel seen. 

“It just doesn't feel real.” You whispered, not being able to actually say it fully out loud. 

“I know.” She imitated your low tone, standing up from the bed as she looked out the window. “It’s a lovely day out, we could go for a walk.”

“In a bit, maybe.” You gave her a forced, half smile to her. She imitated it before nodding, standing up to finally leave the room, leaving the door ajar. 

It was a good day out, sunny and without a cloud, the leaves on the tree outside your window moving slowly. 

But he wasn’t there. 

As far as you knew, his body still laid lifeless on the fractured darkened ground of the upside down. 

And you hadn’t saved him. 

Guilt consumed you. 

It was worse, you had to lie to Wayne, you had to lie to the only person that knew him as much as you did, that cared for him as much as you did. 

You buried an empty coffin a couple of weeks ago. 

And all you had was an old shirt of his, and his guitar pick necklace you had once gifted him. 

Your hands closed around it, one last tear falling down as you did so. I miss you, i’m sorry were the only thoughts running through your mind. 

After a long time of just thinking, your eyes vacant and your thoughts going a bit too fast. As soon as Robin came to check on you once again, she knew where you were headed off to. 

The mix he had made you was still in your car, playing his music as if he was next to you. If you concentrated enough, you could still hear him sing them, in his usual chaotic goofy voice and tone he always used to get you to laugh, though if he was being sirius or was in his own little world he actually had a beautiful voice, an angelical one if you were the one listening. 

A weird combination of crying and laughter was now consuming you, as you finally parked your car in the same spot you had for the last few weeks. 

It was a weird feeling, you became more yourself the closer you walked to his grave, the closer you came to seeing his name carved in stone, the fuller you felt, as if he was walking beside you. 

The wind rustled in the leaves, as birds stopped singing, the sun still shining, your skin soaking it in, your puffy eyes squinting harder because of it. 

It was a very scenic moment, you thought as you sat down in front of the carved stone. 

“Hey Moon.” You whispered with a heavy heart. The stinging coming back to the back of your head as you looked at the faded graffiti you had cleaned yesterday. “I brought you a bit of music, I thought you might like it.” You fumbled through your bag, trying to find the little portable cassette player you had saved up for, that he had drawn in the back of with one of his markers. EM was here could still be seen in a faint white ink. “I finally got you the Metallica cassette you wanted.” You half smiled, trying not to break down again. 

The first guitar notes from the song battery filled the air, you let your body hit the ground right as the bass started, your feet stomping at the melody. 

“You’d love to play the guitar solo of this one.” You teased him, mumbling to the sky, your eyes closed, your body relaxing a bit more. 

The little portable player was starting to make that funny noise it had been making for the last couple of days, that dirty interference that made you angry every time, interrupting your time, it only infuriated you more now that you were here, trying to be close to him once more. Your arm reached to it, your eyes yet unopened, spanking it a bit, hopeful that it would go away. 

It didn’t. 

It started going in and out of focus, as if something was tampering with it, or water had crawled in, making the switch to the next song sound as if it was coming from deep underwater, as if a wave had just engulfed the speaker. 

“Fuck’s sake.” You complained through gritted teeth, grabbing it and holding it up, wiggling it a bit. As you did, the muffled sound went away, and the thing that should not be started playing. 

You lowered the volume, and let the speaker sit next to your ear, letting it sing only for you. 

It didn’t give you any trouble for a while, until it started acting up again. This time, the volume went up and down. At first you thought it was random, until you started paying attention. It seemed like a message, and grief invaded you enough to make you believe impossible things. 

Your shaking hands grabbed it, pulling it a top of your lap, looking back at where his name was carved before whispering “Don’t fuck with me” as you played the backwards button. Letting the song start from the beginning once again. “I swear to god Eddie if you’re fucking with me I’ll kill you again.” You spat as you mumbled angrily at the air, hoping to be right. 

To your astonished surprise, it seemed to work. 

The volume went up, as if it was a code, as if he was screaming. If you were honest, you could feel him screaming and yelling the lyrics in that chaotic voice you learned to love and miss. 

The very first word of the song spiked up messenger, it felt obvious enough, though it could just be a dumb coincidence. lurking beneath the sea made the volume go up, lowering immediately after it. You kept listening, writing it on the sketch pad you always carried in your bag. 

Once the song ended, the previous blank paper had sparesed lyrics over it. 

It read a confusing mess that you had to bring to Dustin as soon as possible. You recited it over and over again while you were speeding on the car. 

The motor of your car was louder with every gear shift you made, the little orange arrow in your speedometer kept rising, but you payed it no mind. In a similar manner, you didn’t care if your car skidded anytime you made a left turn, the only thing in your mind where the little words you had heard louder than the others. 

You didn’t care if your car blocked his driveway, or if the keys were still in the ignition. The bag on your left shoulder felt havier now that it was guarding the little instrument that felt magic. You hands where still shaking and you could stop fidgeting with his necklace, moving it one swipe left and two right as you made your way to Dustin’s front door, not sure what to say, not sure what to do. You were now anxiously looking down at your feet, and the way they moved through the cobblestone, the bumps that they left on your feet. 

You gathered enough courage to bang on his door. 

But he was taking a bit too long. 

Bang

He still hadn’t come down stairs. 

Bang Bang Bang Bang

“Jesus what?” He finally opened the door, the usual annoyed look on his face disappearing once he the way your lips were pressed together. 

“Upstairs, now. Code red.”

-

“Can you read it again?” Dustin asked, a pen in his own hand. 

“Messenger. Lurking beneath the sea. Forbidden site. Shadows. Underground. Fallen city, living death.” You looked at him, sharing a deep breath. “Then it repeats, Lurking beneath the sea, and ends with not dead”

Dustin stood up, pacing around his room while his hands fidgeted with the pen he had. 

“And you’re sure it worked normally before you arrived at the grave?” He inquired, his words pausing between them as he usually did when he was trying to figure out something. 

“Look I know it sounds stupid, but… I… It can’t be a coincidence.” He acknowledged just how hopeful and defeated you were, and he gifted you a smile. 

“I wanna believe it too, I just, can I hear it now?” You nodded, while you took the little player out of the bag and played the song again. It sounded crystal clear, no interference, no change in volume. “And it changed volume once you were…” 

“Yeah, I told you.” 

“We should go there, I’ll ask the others to join us there.” He grabbed the talkie while he handed you the phone, letting you call into family video, the number already dialed up. 

“Family Video this is Steve how may I help you today?” He sounded as bored as he always was, you could tell he was playing with the telephone chord. 

“Steve, can you take your break now?” Your voice was quieter than usual, and that pulled him in, you heard how his elbows hit the table, and the receiver was caught between his cheek and his shoulder. 

“Hey honey, everything okay?” His tone was sharper now, you felt the way he was measuring his words, he had become rather used to spreading kindness and handling you with care ever since you had come back, you had no time for that kind of nonsense right now. 

“Yeah, that’s why I’m asking you to skip work in the middle of the day.” Your words were coming out sharper and colder than you intended for them to. Irony stinging like a dagger. 

“A simple no would also work, y’know.” He answered, a bit hurt, but mostly worried. He knew the number was coming from Dustin’s house, and the only reason you had to go over his house was for one he didn’t dare to think about. 

Mostly because the last time you had barged in with Dustin into Family Video he ended diving into cold water, and with a few scars to remember those days by. 

“Can you take your break or not? We kinnda need both of you.” You were impatient now, you were speaking faster, snappier, quicker. 

“What the hell is going on?” You could physically see him holding the bridge of his nose, his eyes closed while he loudly breathed out into the receiver. 

“Steve! Please?” You were begging now, the frustration of wanting to let him know everything all at once, while trying to be careful to not say too much, the fear that someone might listen to you, the impotence of not being able to do enough, it was all enough to create tears that wouldn’t fall. 

“Breathe out.” He reminded you. He didn’t know what was going on, or why you seemed to be so aggravated, but he could tell that it was important enough, a sense of urgency clear in your voice. He took a second, looking at Robin while his eyebrows raised she called the ‘the decision look’ and she knew better than to oppose it. “Is this a code red?” He finally asked, wanting and needing you to say no, his head falling deeper once he heard your muffled yes. “Where are we meeting?” 

“Graveyard.” You answer quickly, the iron taste in the inside of your mouth becomes more prominent now that you are speaking again. “Pick Nance up.” You told him before hanging up. 

You gave a quick glance over your shoulder to check on Dustin. His words were fast paced, he started the second one while the first was still finishing in his mouth, he had no time to lose, which in a weird way, was reassuring for you. Someone cared as deeply as you did, it made you feel not that alone, seen in a way. 

You found your way downstairs, your feet feeling heavier and your chest tightening, a fast thought entered your mind, as it grew bigger so did the worry that accompanied it. What do we do if he is alive?

If Eddie really is alive, and he has been there, all by himself for the last weeks he must be pissed off. Not only that, as far as you remembered he was incredibly injured, so he could be right at death's door, a slip away from being actually gone. And if that was really the case, and he was bloodied, starving and a whisper away from death, you’d never forgive yourself if you didn’t at least just try, you had to try. 

But then again, that panic was shared. 

Dustin did not talk while you drove. He didn’t complain while you smoked one of his cigarettes that he had left on your glove compartment, he limited himself to stay still, biting his thumb as a response to the nervousness that was now deep inside his body. 

You parked where you had a mere hour ago, and the birds sang until you found your way next to his gravestone. You looked at Dustin, needing reassurance, he just nodded. Weirdly enough, you were both in a lost for words. 

You sat in silence, looking at his name with clear sandness in both of your faces, you hid a whimper, culpability making its way into your body. 

“I feel insane.” You confessed as you buried your face into the palm of your hands. Needing just a second to process it all. 

“You’re not the only one.” Dustin added, looking back as soon as he heard a familiar car pull into the secluded place you both were, he gave you a soft pad on your shoulder, his head nodding to it so you’d look. 

Steve emerged from the burgundy car, closely followed by Robin, Nancy and Jonathan.

Robin’s eyebrows were raised in concern as she ran to where you were, she wasn’t a fiscal touch person, but lately she had been giving you hugs every chance she had, and this time it was no different. It felt familiar, a sense of reassurance you desperately needed. 

“What’s going on?” She whispered into your ear, pulling away slowly, looking deep into your eyes. You waited for the other three to make their way up hill, Nancy’s knuckles were white with how much strength she was holding Jonathan’s hand. 

“He’s alive.” Is all you could bring yourself to say, before breaking down. 

You weren’t even sure why you were crying this time, maybe it just felt good to say it outloud, maybe it was just too much to manage, or maybe you just needed to relise your bottled up emotions. It didn’t matter. 

Nancy’s eyes widened, as Jonathan looked at her, not really understanding why you’d say that. Meanwhile, Steve’s arms crossed in front of his chest, he was having a hard time following you. 

“What are you talking about?” Steve’s voice was not only lower, his tone had never been as serious, not a trace or irony or sarcasm in them. 

“Dustin?” You plead for help, you didn’t think you could manage to explain it all again. Your hands were busy fidgeting with the cassette player, tracing over the speaker, wishing that it would happen again. 

“She uh… Well…” Dustin was having a hard time, the possibility that you might be right was a bit overpowering for him. 

“I came over, and played him the new record.” You gestured to the empty cassette case with the white crosses on it, Robin picked it up and looked at it closely, smiling in that that’s sweet way that she does when she finds something charming. “And uh…” 

“She says that the cassette player started going wild, the volume going up and down by itself, interference, water sound in it. But we played it again at my house and it sounds perfectly clear. And well… The words that were actually louder were like a call for help and if we look at this logically-” Steve cut the explanation that Dustin had started, a crease in the middle of his forehead. 

“That’s insane. You’re seeing things where there are none.” He exclaimed, gesturing wildly with his hands. 

“Steve…” Robin pleaded calmly, her eyes asking for him to consider the situation. 

“It’s not!” You screamed. You needed them to understand, weirder things had happened to all of you in the last couple of years, this was nothing new. “Will was able to communicate with you!” You looked at Jonathan now, trying to make him understand, trying to win him to your side of the argument. 

“Yeah but… He actually… It was his voice.” Jonathan mumbled, trying really hard to believe what you were saying, trying to see your side of the story, but the look of desperation on your face was too close to Joyce’s, and that gave him a bad feeling in his stomach. 

“He’s alive.” You repeated, looking back at the way his name was carved into the gray stone, how long it took you to be able to accept it, and how it hopefully would be destroyed, as if it never had happened. “And he’s down there, alone, injured and with no strength, do you really think he’s going to start chatting?” With every word you said your tone became higher and higher. 

“Look, there is no way he’s alive…” Steve’s voice sounded defeated as he crouched down, closer to your eye level as you were still sitting down at the floor. “We all saw him down there, bloodied and… I get that you want him back, but you shouldn’t make it our problem.” his cheeks were red, as the vein in his left temple became bigger with every breath he took. 

“Your problem?” That made you lose it, it was one thing to not believe you, it was an entirely different thing to call you crazy and accuse you of being delusional. “You were the last one out, if he is alive, it’s your fault.” It had been like poison, hearing you say such things. You knew far too well that you were hurting him, his lips were pressed against each other, his left hand holding on thigh to his arm. 

“Guys…” Robin tried to calm you both down, exchanging looks between the both of you, knowing full well this could blow everything up. Knowing that pain can be spread around faster than any disease. 

But before she could say anything else, her ears perked up, as she heard the way the wind was rustling through the trees, she was a bit too sensitive to these kinds of things, over vigilant after everything she had seen. 

“That’s way out of line…” Steve whispered, with clear guilt creeping in through his voice. “You know that if I could trade it… You know I don’t…” He was truly at a loss for words, not being sure what he could say, an extremely defeated expression rested on his face, his eyes avoiding eye contact with yours, looking at the ground, and the way the grass moved thanks to the wind. 

“Guys!” Robin screamed at all of you now, as she picked out a rusting coming deep and low from the little player you were still holding. 

Silence broke through all of you, as you looked down and started hearing the beginning of a song you hadn’t hit play for, the red light that usually shined bright when it was on was absent from it. 

“Did you–?” Dustin started to ask, you shook your head, as a hopeful smile invaded your lips. 

You went quiet, looking down at it, a guitar solo started, before you heard the tape playing backwards until the last phrase of the song was found, volume creeping louder and louder reaching out again could be heard from it, you let out a chuckle, a nervous giggle that went around the group as everyone had now experienced what had happened to you. 

“What song is that?” Nancy asked directly at you, her face still in clear shock, mouthing the first words since she got here. 

“Welcome home” You mutter, with glee in your eyes. “He is here.” You tell her, knowing that she fully believes you, by the way fear was creeping into her body. 

“That could just be a coincidence…” Steve was still cautious, not wanting to fully give in. If he did, that meant that you were right, and that he left him for dead, and he couldn’t handle the guilt that came with it. 

“Eddie!” Dustin started screaming, directly into the little player that you would not let go of, repeating his name with urgency. “Buddy, are you really there?” 

“It’s changing again.” Robin pointed out, as her fingers traced a pattern on your leg, reassuring you that this was actually happening. 

It was exactly as it had happened a few moments ago, when you were by yourself, as if water had creeped inside, mumbled and far away it sounded as the song changed to another one, before becoming crystal clear to your ears. The heavy thumping of the guitars starting again, quieting down before abruptly going up once the lyrics Twenty-one, only son, but he served us well could be heard. 

You were tearing up now, and you weren’t even capable of hiding it any longer. 

But panic came quick once you heard the next highlighted set of words. 

Finished here, greeting death, he’s yours to take away

“What’s this one called?” Jonathan asked this time, his head whipping fastly from Nancy to you. 

“Disposable Heroes.” 

-

You wasted no time. 

Dustin held on tight to his car seat every time your foot pressed the accelerator, everytime you swerved the car you could feel him holding his breath just for him to release it in a nervous manner. 

They were all gathered around Steve's kitchen table, arguing over themselves. 

You weren’t all there, the only thing going over your head was him, and the promise of actually being able to hear his voice once again. 

Your foot kept on tapping the ground, a repetitive pattern that you weren’t able to stop, your hand still playing with his necklace. The chatter of them talking was overwhelming you, they were wasting time and that was infuriating. They were arguing, and you were frozen in the spot. They kept talking and you remained quiet. 

Nancy sat down next to you, she still hadn’t said anything either. 

Her hand traveled to yours, a top of your thigh. She squeezes your hand, you knew it was her way of telling you i’m here, i’m sorry. 

“They’re wasting time.” You finally whispered, your voice hoarse, a trace of sadness in it. 

“I don’t think I can go back.” She said at the same time, a trace of guilt in hers. 

“You shouldn’t.” You reassured her, not only with your calm voice, but with the same squeeze she gave to your hand, now on her’s. You didn’t have to tell her that you planned on going alone, she had already noticed. 

“You can’t.” She finally looked at you, deep into your eyes. You noticed the way her eye twitched before shaking his head. “We barely made it out of there, there’s no way you’ll make it by yourself, and having to carry Eddie or…” 

“His body?” She snorted a laugh, trying hard not to giggle, thought the nervous laughter got you too. “This has to be one of the most insane days…” She nodded while you both laughed, catching your breath before she talked. 

“I’m watching over you, I’ll stand at the gate. That I can do.” she stood there for a second longer, her lips pursed in that shy smile she usually gave people, the ones she actually cares about. 

“Thanks Nance…” You let go of her hand, to give her a playful bump on her shoulder. She nodded as she saw you finally stand up. 

Robin looked at you with curious eyes, as she saw you finally leaving the couch. She watched in a quiet manner as she saw you grab the car keys and put them in your pocket, and how you looked around as you put your hair up in a messy ponytail, bumps caused by shaky fingers. She only put her hand around Steve’s arm, her eyes still trained on you, once she saw you pocketing the vodka bottle and the old rag to light it up. 

Steve looked at Robin first, following her eyesight until she saw you, trying to not look suspicious as the rag poked out of the pocket of your brown leather jacket. 

You knew you were being caught as soon as you heard the sudden silence. 

“Woah, woah, hey…Where do you think you’re going?” Steve pointed out, one hand on his waist as the other one gesticulated widely. Confusion and worry evident in the way he spoke, his voice coming up and down like a rollercoaster. 

“What do you think?” The frustration was clear in the way you not only looked back at him, but in the way your words sting. “You’re wasting time…” You were now defeated, your hands now buried deep into your jacket pockets, fingers playing around with what you had in them, a way of distracting yourself. 

“We’re not.” Dustin tried to make a point, though his furrowed brows read as sadness. “We need a plan, so we’re just trying to come up with one…”

“What plan? We go in, Nancy guards the door, we get him, we come back.” Your shoulders scrunch up as you simplified it all, their eyes switched from you to Nancy, who was still sat down at the sofa, a bit tenser than when you were beside her. 

“Nance, you’re not coming?” Steve inquired, his whole body turning to face her from a distance. 

“I… I can’t…” Her eyes crystalised as shock emanated from her body. 

“She doesn’t have to, I’ll be with her, we’ll keep watch. Right?” Jonathan jumped in, reassuring Nancy, as Steve took a step back. “You’re not leaving my sight.” He whispered in her ear once he got by her side, their foreheads touching. 

You smiled to yourself, a sweet moment between them. The world stopped for them, you could tell, and that’s exactly what you were craving right now, and worrying you might never get back. 

“Fine, but we still don’t know how to get in.” Steve added, his arms flexing in front of his chest as he shook his head in defeat. 

“Watergate.” You mutter. 

“You’re insane.” Robin snapped as soon as she heard you, pausing in between words. “Even if we did manage to get down there and it was still open, how do you plan on coming back with him? What if there’s more rabies infected bats around? What if you get stuck there this time? We need to find another gate!” She was now talking in full speed, cascading words as her thoughts entered her mind. 

“So we go to the woods!” You whine, frustration and impatience invade you once more. 

“The woods?” Steve asked. 

“She’s right.” Dustin added, his eyes finally leaving the ground shining as they did so. “Vecna killed Patrick and that created Watergate, so maybe there’s a gate near Fred’s death, like the one in the trailer…”

“What?” You questioned him as you saw him losing the train of thought. “We go to the woods and we get in and out, what’s wrong?” 

“We killed Vecna, so the upside down should be collapsing since he isn’t alive and isn’t there to power it so…” He continued as he thought out loud. 

“So what?” Steve asked as his voice went higher in tone. 

“So it’s crumbling down.” Dustin pointed out as if it was overly obvious. 

“So we have to go, now.” You said at the same time, heading to the door, no time to waste. 

You heard their footsteps following you as you found your way to your car, you were finally getting somewhere.

-

You thought you would feel relieved once you saw you were right, what you weren’t expecting was your jaw to clench at the sight of the hidden gate. 

It wasn’t big, it was small and weak. 

The same thing that happened back in the graveyard started again. The wind picked up, hollowing through the trees replacing the chirping of the birds. 

“Take care.” Nancy said with a trembling voice, while her hand was holding tightly with Jonathan’s. 

Steve’s grip on his bat changed, firm and steady now, before twisting it a bit, readjusting it so he’d be more comfortable. Dustin’s hands fidgeted with the end of his jacket, patting his pockets checking once again that he wasn’t missing anything. 

“If we’re not here in an hour, check in with El, she’s with the others guarding Max, but she should be able to…” Dustin recalled for the hundredth time, going over the plan he had been yelling about in the car drive over here. 

“Yeah, one hour. Got it.” Jonathan nodded as he spoke, waving bye as you stepped in. 

You just pressed your lips as you heard him. 

If you only had an hour, you had to make it count. And it had to start now. 

You had never just walked into the upside down. You had always fallen into it, so you didn’t have time to actually feel the veil breaking as your skin found its way in, the viscosity of the red hue, and the dryness that could be felt immediately after that. Your eyes slowly adjusted to the lack of colour and light, as you became hypervigilant, looking up at the sky before the others found their way. 

Nothing. 

There was absolutely nothing there. 

A cloudless sunless grey sky welcomed you, with no thunder or lightning. 

If anything, that nothingness was just more unnerving. 

Every step they made echoed through, and made you look around, hoping to find something that would make you keep your hopes up. 

You agreed on walking to the graveyard, if there was nothing there, you’d find your way to the trailer park and go back. 

“Something’s weird.” Steve pointed out, as he looked around. 

“Not weird, decaying.” You added, nodding to a grey crumbled up vine. The hole in it seemed to get deeper and bigger by the second. 

“Quiet.” Robin said, as she looked up. “There’s no bats, no thunder either.” 

“You can still trip though.” You told her as you held her from stepping into a fallen tree branch. 

You walked, you weren’t really sure for how long, yet she was right, it was oddly beautiful now. A stuck in time version of Hawkins where nothing seemed to change, where everything looked as if it was straight out of an antique photograph you had found hidden in a cupboard. 

You could see the iron gate from the cemetery, the bars on it starting to fold down, as if they were wilting flowers of an old bouquet. You felt as you collectively held in your breath. 

It wasn’t long after that that you started hearing someone yelling unintelligible things. 

While you were slowly making your way in, Eddie lied there. 

He was right where you thought he’d be -unaware that you were near him- an empty space between gravestones, his body falling into the floor, exhausted from getting there, starving and malnourished. He had been talking nonsense for a while, he started whispering it into the heavens, until now, his voice was loud, and even if he didn’t intend to, panic found its way in it. 

“Just one more song? Please? I need to know you’re there. I’ll sing along again if you want!” He had been looking at the void in the sky for a long time, he wasn’t sure if it had been an hour or two, to be honest, it felt like he had been there for days. “C’mon baby, please? Just a bit more, a guitar solo, or just… your voice would be nice…” He started begging now, pleading with some force he didn’t quite believe in for something that would indicate you’re there, near. “For fuck sake! I know I’ll die here, at least you could play some music while I do so!” Themix of desperation and tiredness was now getting into him, he looked at his hands and realised how his rings looked bigger, then now danced and moved with more ease. “Or just… Maybe if you light one up?” 

At the same time, you started hearing his screams, and you started picking up the pace, running through the maze of granite carved stones, with different names and dates. 

Dustin was the first to start screaming his name, while you just focused on running near where the voice came from. 

You’d know it was him even if you hadn’t heard him in thirty years. 

Adrenaline came over your body, so you rushed until your legs stopped, all of a sudden once you saw him. 

He was there, his hand on his stomach, where blackened stains in his shirt layed wrinkled. 

He was there, his hair laid perfectly still in a careful knotted mess. 

He was there, his chest raised up and down as he breathed. 

He was there, and he was alive. 

“Moon…?” The nickname you had for him fell from your lips, your tone shaking as you still couldn’t believe it. 

He slowly stood up, a grin of discomfort from pain evident in his face. He looked at you, his eyes barely opening up. He was still sitting on the ground, you felt your lips curving upwards as relief invaded you, seeing him smiling at you in recognition. 

“Eddie?!” Dustin screamed as he ran up to him, falling to his knees as he hugged him, his head hitting his chest, Eddie’s arms slowly wrapped around his body. “I thought I… We lost you…”  His voice was muffled, still you could tell he had started crying. 

“I thought I lost you too.” Eddie’s voice trembled as he looked directly at you. His eyes crystalised once he saw the first tear jump from your eyes. 

You felt Robin’s hand on your shoulder, a thigh squeeze letting you know it was real. He was okay, and you were getting him back. 

She nodded, letting you know it was okay if you wanted to interrupt.

You walked slowly to him, the back of your hand wiping away your tears. You let your body hit the floor, you couldn’t keep your eyes off of him. 

“Hi” You whispered as soon as you were a breath away from him. 

“Hi” He gleamed back as soon as he got you close. 

“You’re okay?” You asked, as your voice quivered, desperate to hear him again, talking directly to you. 

“Yeah, I’m okay.” He nodded as a trembling hand found the back of your neck. 

Dustin smiled before stepping back, leaving you both alone for a moment, a much needed moment. 

You gave in, melting into his arms. You were both crying quietly now, his hands stroking your hair politely, afraid that you were nothing but a mirage, while yours held on thigh to him, scared that you would cause him pain from needing that close. 

“You scared me to death.” You half joked as you chuckled through the crying. 

“I’m the one dying.” He added on to the joke, his lips finally kissing your temple, drinking your perfume in as he did so. 

“Shut it.” You shake your head as you slowly pull back, your hand now cupping his cheek, as your thumb slowly graces the high points of his cheekbone. “I’m getting you home.” 

You thought about kissing him, your lips touching his, melting completely under his touch. But once he leaned in to do so you saw how blood stained his shirt again, your eyes darted from his as you looked down, the red growing wider by the second. 

Fear invaded your body again, a sense of urgency creeping over both of you. 

“Yeah, we should really go” He grunted through gritted teeth. 

-

It had been a blur. 

Nancy grabbed your car keys from your hand, as you helped Eddie inside the car, sitting on the back with him. Cradling him as you talked to him, trying to keep him calm even if you were panicking deep inside. 

Steve arrived at his house before you, opening the door wide open, Robin helping you bring Eddie in. 

They were downstairs now, phoning Hopper, and El and finally Wayne. 

Steve’s bedroom guest had a big window where sun creeped in, a soft breeze helping him cool off as cold sweat dripped from his forehead. You helped him lay on the soft mattress sitting next to him carefully. 

You had enough supplies hidden under the bed, you knew you could stitch him up enough so he would stop hurting, you had enough experience patching people up. 

“Can you take your shirt off?” You asked him with a slight raise of your eyebrows. 

“You already want me naked?” He joked. He tended to do that when he got nervous. You tilted your head as you bent over so you could take the little box full of supplies out of underneath the bed. He chuckled once he saw the box in your hands. He started trying to take his jacket off, with a grunt in his face he shook his head. “I might need help.” He admitted, a grunt on the back of his throat. 

“Thought so.” You muttered under your breath. 

You scootched over to him, your trembling hands becoming steadier as they found the neck of his jacket, pulling it down slowly. At first, Eddie moved, tried to help. Once he felt your hands against his arms however, he stood still, his eyes not letting go of you, and the way your hands moved with such carefulness and tenderness. 

The tips of your fingers were now in between his skin and his shirt, soaked in dirt and blood. 

You looked at him before pulling it up, he nodded, his eyelids halved opened, a cautious smile in his lips. He sucked to his teeth as his skin separated from the stiff cloth, your fingers brushed his abdomen with care, avoiding to trace his skin as soon as you saw the grin of discomfort he had on his lips. His arms ached once they were up in the air, the shirt falling off of them slowly. 

“It looks worse than I thought.” Eddie grunted as he finally looked down. You guided his torso against the cushions that were prepped up, his hand lingered to your arms, the tip of his fingers burrowing into your skin. 

“I’ll clean it up, I’m sure it’s not that bad.” You tried to play it off, a kind smile curved your lips upwards, a little gesture he imitated. 

“You must really like me” He started in a soft whisper. “You keep lying trying to make it all better.” 

You laughed it off, a short chuckle coming out of him. You started soaking the cotton swab with alcohol, the odor of it filling the small gap between the both of you. 

“You know I do.” He smiled in a soft manner, his teeth showing as he tilted his head. “Ready?” 

“Yeah.” 

You smiled kindly before starting to clean his wounds. They were as if someone ripped and crumpled a paper sheet. They weren’t deep, just repetitive bite and claw marks over the same spot. The big one was on his lower abdomen, another one near his collarbone, a gash on his neck. His arms were full of scratches and deep cuts you had to keep clean. 

He didn’t complain. He just let you do whatever you thought you had to, deep down he knew that if he let you take care of him, you’d feel better. And if he was being honest with himself, he enjoyed you dotting and caring for him, you knew it was because he won’t trust anyone else but you. 

“You know you could just wait for Hopper to come right? He’ll probably make me go to a hospital or something.” He whispered in an attempt to get you to look back at him, his eyes not leaving yours. 

“I know, I just…” 

“I’m okay.” He started, reassuring you, trying to get you to stop overcleaning the same spot on his chest. “Hey.” You kept overdoing it, a blank look on your face. “Darling, please…” He begged now, the way his lips said the nickname snapping you out of it. 

“I thought you were dead.” You crumbled down, nervous tears threatening to jump out, your lips quivering as you started to talk. “I thought you were gone, Moon…” 

“I’m not.” He reached out, his hand finally holding yours. “You really think it’s going to be that easy? You’re not getting rid of me.” 

“I buried you… Well there was nothing in there but… I just.”

“I know, I heard you and Wayne talking.” He confessed, his eyes changing, now they were full of melancholy, and a hint of guilt. “I’m sorry by the way…” 

“What the fuck are you on?” The words fell right out of your lips, tilting your head as your tone went higher. 

“I just… I heard you crying. Begging and all that. I’m sorry I almost died and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you everything I wanted to, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you I loved you before, I’m sorry I left I-” You interrupted him, as soon as you heard the big word. Your hand tightening around his. 

“You do?” 

“I do what?” He tried to brush it off, the confession had fallen out of his mouth without him thinking too much about it. 

“Love me?” You were embarrassed by how hopeful you sound. His free hand travelled to your cheek, slowly stroking it as he looked deeply into your eyes, falling deeply into them. 

You gave in, your head now resting in the palm of his hand, he slowly pulled you closer to him. Finally closing the distance between the both of you, slowly, then all at once. His lips met yours, a smile appearing on both of them. It was a careful kiss, a needy and soft kiss. It said more things than you both could ever tell eachother. His lips begged for yours to never leave him again, to let him stay by your side. Yours were yelling for him to be patient, and let you love him in a quiet and slow manner. 

You pulled away slowly, your forehead touching his. 

You both knew each other understood. Still, he whispered low enough for you to barely hear him, right before you were interrupted by the door opening. “Of course I do.” 

“Happy you’re back kid.” Hopper’s voice interrupted the both of you, moving your heads so you could look at him. “I’m sorry but you’ll have to answer a couple of questions, then go to the hospital”

“Stay?” Eddie asked, a promise in his voice. 

“Yes. For as long as you let me.” 

He kissed the tip of your nose, before talking again. 

“Forever then.”

[radio-fmm]

Magic Music Box

Law x strawhat!reader

Warnings: alcohol consumption, gn reader, confession, fluff

Word count: 1.4k

Summary: You ask Law to dance with you

Masterlist

The smell of booze mixed with the warm lights and the sound of laughter and stomping filled the atmosphere of The Thousand Sunny as everyone unraveled with a well deserved celebration. Law felt out of his element, but finding your company rarely soothing

You were sitting across his table making fun lighthearted conversation, it may not seem like it but the alcohol in your drink was starting to get to your head, laughing louder than you probably should at Law’s snarky comments and sarcastic remarks. Strangely the Captain seemed to be enjoying the night while it was spent with you, suddenly feeling part of the party and actually having a little fun in your conversation. And not gonna lie, he was enjoying the view

Your view

So when you got up form your seat running with Nami in hand to the dance floor he couldn’t help but to grimace

“Absolutely not I don’t dance” you had answered the navigator as she approached you offering her hand to get up and dance, she rolled her eyes and begged but you didn’t bat an eye. That was until Law spotted her whispering something to Brook before making her way back to the table

As the song changed and the new melody made its way to your ears you couldn’t help but to smile wide and get up

“That’s my song! C’mon Traffy” you had said as you motioned to follow the two, he just shook his head and took a sip form his drink looking away, he would rather get shot and die

Stumbling you make it to the center of the room while you let loose and hit every single move with a newfound confidence

He wondered why he allowed himself to get to this point, where he fell head over heels for a strawhat. The moment he met you he knew it would be inevitable, your warm welcoming personality threaded with your kind and brave heart made it impossible to get you out of his head, and that smile and your laugh and your big eyes that stared back pleading for him to succumb to your charm

He tried to fight it, drilling the thought of your alliance being a finite professional fragile thing that would most definitely make his feelings tangle the situation. But all of it traveled to the back burner, enjoying your long blissful talks, shared stares and slight touches that would slip out of his hands. He was present in the moment with you, everything fading

He cursed the day you had finally climbed up his walls and got through him, suddenly making himself known to you on a highly personal level; something he had prevented for so long but it somehow felt right, allowing you to hold his heart on your graceful hands and keep it safe, because he knew you would cherish it

As you spin around your eyes lock with his, a smile settling on your features, a genuine happiness that infects the surgeon making him smile back at you, pink tinting his cheeks as he basks in how gorgeous you look even when dancing around drunk

You continue spinning and fall onto Luffy, who laughs as he catches you. He can make out the words ‘sorry’ come out of your mouth, but join on the silly laughter with your stretchy Captain. Now you find yourself dancing along with him, Law clenched his teeth at the way Luffy’s hands sit on your hands and waist, which is stupid really, if you’d offered him to dance with you a second time he would decline again, but now he weights his options seeing how you sway around with the straw hat, wishing he could hold you close the same way he does at the rhythm of your favorite song

Luffy takes both of your hands and spins you around making you beam brighter than any sunset he had witnessed in his troubled life, he curses under his breath as jealousy extends trough his being that is quick to fade when you stop in your tracks, holding your head in one hand while the other looks for support on your Captain standing in front of you worried. Law is by your side in a heartbeat, hand in your back while he lowers to your level while you’re hunched over looking at the floor

“Think’ we danced too hard” Luffy says but Trafalgar doesn’t spare him a glance

“You think?”

“I’m fine” you cut them off standing up slowly but surely.- “Just a little dizzy” your eyes snap shut trying to make the room stop spinning

“You need to sit down” Law doesn’t leave room for arguing, taking you away from the straw hat’s hold while he walked you back to your table, Luffy just giggles at the way Traffy just seemed to softened in your hold.

While you walked stumbled through the room, Law could feel how you supported yourself on his bigger frame, holding onto his arm with both hands making his heart flip. He settles you down carefully, your hands quickly making their way for your drink which he grabs the moment he notices, making you whine

“That’s enough of this” a blue bubble shines through his tattooed hands and replaces the drink with a water bottle that he opens for you. You take it with a pout, Law sitting beside you with his worried eyes scanning every nook and cranny of your body

“I told you I was just dizzy” you reassure after downing half the water, Law adverts his eyes from you immediately

“Just making sure” you smile at that, knowing how he genuinely cares for your well being, sometimes too much

You stare back at the surgeon, tracing his features over and over again before you are up on your feet for a second round

“Slow down” he says switching to doctor mode again

“You’re not my doctor right now, you’re Law” your hands extend to catch both of his sending electric shocks trough his whole body, but holding onto you nonetheless

“And Law is dancing with me”

He had long jumped over the lines of being a Captain, a doctor and just being himself, the three blurring together not really knowing where one started and one ended. Somehow you had reminded him who he was beyond his pirate life, devoting yourself to Trafalgar Law, not the Captain of the Heart Pirates, not The Surgeon of Death. You saw him for just him, his vulnerable broken self that you embraced

Even though he really doesn’t want to dance at all, the way your body presses to his, his hands gripping your hips like a lifeline and your gaze on his makes him surrender, making a lot of his subordinates and allies turn their heads and laugh at how weird it was to see him in this position

You were a complete mystery to Law, how could you do this to him? Why weren’t you afraid or disgusted by his reputation? Why did you wanted to dance with him? And why did he allowed you to?

Eventually the upbeat songs slowed down to ballads, your head resting on his drumming chest while he held you like you were about to disappear

Your head looked up to his golden eyes, completely lost in the feeling “Thank you Law, I know you hate this stuff” you murmured, your sweet words fanning on his goatee making him shiver

He stays awfully quiet before he formulates the right words to speak “Please stay, y/n-ya”

There’s something almost wrong when you hear him pleading, taking you aback not only at the words but at their implications, finally sinking in the fact of the complicated relationship you had buried yourselves in

Your feet stop moving, your thoughts running a mile a minute not really knowing what your answer could do or be. You let your guard down, some people would deem it as stupid specially as you stand before the most methodic man you had ever known, your heart screams you to do one thing while your brain glitches to comprehend

You switch your position making Law increasingly nervous, thinking you may just leave him in the dust. Instead, you tip toe to meet his dried mouth and rest your lips on his in dreamy kiss full of yearning

Is it a yes? Is it a maybe? Is it a promise? Neither of you know

But it felt right

I am back on my Rock en español era and this was inspired by this song, what can I say latin-american rock is so damn good

[mrs-kodzuken]

You know me best ♡

Pairing: Best friend!Rintarō Suna x fem!reader

WC: 4.6k

Genre: fluff, slow burn, sexual tension

CW: fem!reader, best friends to lovers trope, angsty notes of readers dad who left when reader was young, long haired reader (not specified hair type), girlish!reader (subtle), slight slow burn, sexual tension, hot making out but doesn’t go further than that

˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖

Hearing the bell ring, signaling the end of our Friday school day, has my peers immediately packing up and leaving the classroom.

Some of them are leaving for their extracurricular activities, after-school jobs, or simple study dates for the upcoming tests they have on Monday.

However, for me, there was one person waiting for me, as always.

Rintarō Suna. Standing there in his 6'5 tall glory was my childhood best friend.

His pretty dark brown hair, which was slightly combed down and had middle parted bangs, shone out of his eyes, which shone the beautiful grayish-yellow color he was born with.

Suna was a lot of things: a son, a volleyball player, a friend to others, but most importantly, a friend to me. He leaned on the door of my classroom with a little smile, just there for me.

"Hi pretty, are you ready?" He asked me, calling me by the nickname he and his family had given me ever since we befriended each other when we were younger.

I smiled brightly up at him. "Of course, Rin," I answered. I could feel the excitement pumping through my blood as we walked to his house.

Surprisingly, he said he didn't have practice today. I'm not sure if that is actually true or a lie since we walked out of different doors of the school instead of our usual ones by the gym.

He placed one earbud in my right hand as he placed the other in his left ear. I assumed that he wanted to listen to music on our way to his house.

Speaking of his house, the entire reason I'm going and he's skipping practice is because his parents had asked when I was coming over again, meaning that I hadn't been over there in a while.

I greedily said yes to Suna's offer because, why not? I loved his parents to death. Music danced in my ear as I placed the earbud in my right ear.

We must be listening to his playlist since "Hayloft" by Mother Mother was playing.

The walk was simple and easy. It was a warm, sunny day; there was not even a cloud in the sky that I could see when I lifted my head up to look.

I glanced towards Rin, and he was slightly bopping his head to the rhyme of the song, obviously liking it. I kicked some pebbles while walking, trying to slightly keep up with Suna.

One thing about him was that he had way longer legs than I did. I mean, I'm definitely not 6'5 feet tall.

"Suna, what did you say we were having for dinner again?" I questioned, and one thing his parents definitely knew was that I had grown up to be an extremely picky eater.

It wasn't even that I didn't like a lot of foods; it was just a texture thing for me.

Before he answered, he had skipped the song "I was all over her" by Salvia Palth, for who knows what reason.

"Homemade cheeseburgers and fries." He chuckled, glancing down at me, knowing exactly why I asked him that question. Suddenly, "505" by the Arctic Monkeys blasted into my left ear.

It was one of my favorite songs of all time, so of course he had to play it for me.

Our bodies walked side by side beside each other as I did a little air drum to the music while I felt Suna's eyes watching me curiously. He decided to play along and do the air guitar to not leave me hanging.

We stood there, looking completely stupid, in the middle of the sidewalk, playing air instruments to a song only we could even hear.

Once it was over, all I could hear was the sound of laughter between us as we continued to walk to his house. Only four houses away.

That is, until I heard the sad-sounding melody of what could only be "Daddy Issues" by The Neighbourhood distastefully enter my ear. I yanked the earbud out of my ear as soon as I heard at least four seconds of the song.

"I think I'm done listening to music," I told Suna, not wanting to talk about the action I just performed. It was just his playlist; there was nothing else to it, I tried to tell myself.

"I didn't even realize it was going to play; I'm sorry, pretty." I heard Rin say, something soft of genuine, leaking out of his voice. I knew it wasn't his fault; he wouldn't do that to me after knowing me all these years.

I sighed a painful sigh. "It's okay, Rin. I know. Good thing we're having cheeseburgers and fries, huh?" I said, trying to lighten the mood after my stupid little stunt.

He cracked a smile at me as we walked up to his house.

"Mom has been asking and asking about us and if we're still friends." He couldn't help but let out a small laugh at his mother's antics. I kind of get it.

I had a good home life that was provided to me by my mom, only my mom. It's just been me and her since I was four years old.

"Hey, at least your dad can control it more than her, right? So you're not hearing both parents ask you constantly why your favorite friend wasn't coming over as often as she did when she was twelve?" I jokingly asked him, trying to be a glass-half-full type of person while talking about myself in the third person.

Things changed when we entered junior high and even more in high school. Suna found his passion for volleyball and nonstop practice in junior high; he loved it. That passion continued through the years, even now in our third year.

"Hah, yeah. True."

Suna and I didn't stop being friends throughout all those years, but we didn't talk or hang out as much as we did when we were younger. I could tell he was thinking about it, reliving the memories, as I watched the far-away look in his eyes.

That is, until I open his white-painted front door.

"I'm here!" I shouted as I took my shoes off and set them side by side, neatly. I could tell Suna was about to do the same before my attention shifted to the picture frame lining the wall when I entered.

I saw Suna's mom come through the doorway from the living room and greet me.

"Oh, (Y/n)! How we've missed you!" She exclaimed in surprise, her arms squeezing me into a bear hug, then pinching my cheeks like I was seven again. It made me feel seven again too; I missed it.

I knew they were looking all over me to see how much I've grown over the years.

I let my hair grow out and tried to dress myself more 'girlish' as a personal preference, growing into who I really am.

"I've missed you guys too," I hugged her back, then hugged Suna's dad, who had his arms wide open for his 'angel'. It was a nickname I hadn't heard in forever. I had gotten it for being so well behaved when I first visited, a star child they had used to say.

This was only because, at the time, I thought being on my absolute best behavior would make him come back.

Newsflash, it didn't.

I dove into the hug, letting Suna's dad's arms tightly hug me. I could tell that his arms were trying to give me all those hugs I missed from my own, starting when I was four.

"It feels so good to be back." I stated, breaking the hug and blinking a little too fast for a reason I would never admit.

We moved from the entryway to the living room, or at least Suna and I did while his parents gave me longing smiles before leaving to the kitchen.

"So, 'angel,' what do you want to do first?" Suna asked, playfully teasing at my nickname I received from his father when I was a kid.

I smirked, "Well, I was actually hoping to beat you in some card games since you want to be so busy and not invite me over for a few years." I teased back at him, effectively guilt-tripping him.

I knew life had just gotten too busy, and it happens; I don't blame him. That didn't stop the yearning I'd feel most nights, wanting to be in your presence for whatever reason.

"If you say so, pretty. I think I can handle you very well." I couldn't help but imagine the double meaning of the words he spoke. I felt a small flutter in my chest at the thought of him actually meaning it in a different way.

"Oh yeah? Then let's start." I retorted to him, heading up to his room, where he kept his playing cards, and to set my bag down in there.

I slowed just a bit when I walked past the kitchen and watched his parents for a split second. They were smiling at each other while making the dinner that I so graciously loved.

After entering Suna's room, I stopped. I hadn't been in this room since we were kids; it feels different now.

More intimate.

His twin bed got switched out for what seems like a queen-sized bed with black satin sheets and a stuffed animal sitting right in the middle.

It was one I got him one year on his birthday, which definitely warmed my heart seeing him sitting there.

"You probably cuddle it to sleep, don't you?" I slyly said to him as I watched him set mine and his bags in the closet, where his usually goes.

"That's none of your business," He rolls his eyes at me so sassily.

"Well, I'd like to believe that it is my business since I spent two weeks worth of my allowance to get you that stuffed bear." I said to him, my hands on my hips, my playful, narrowed eyes.

"Yeah, anyways," he says, trying to change the subject, "you're supposed to be whooping my ass in cards, remember?" His finger taps my forehead twice.

I don't want to say that I wasn't affected by the small touch, but I was. The flutters were back in my stomach, more so than earlier.

"Right," I agreed, scanning his room for the cards and finding them on the shelf above his desk.

Which, you know, was perfect since I couldn't fucking reach them. I tried lifting myself up on my tippy toes and trying to grab them, to no avail.

My next step was to stand up on his rolly chair and reach them. I could do it then, but the question I asked myself was,'should I'?

There's a potential risk of me falling and breaking my ass on the floor. I did it anyway, though.

I grabbed on to the back of the chair, hoping to keep it still and on the floor, as my wobbly legs stood up.

I was able to finally reach the cards; however, I could feel the holes burning in my back from Rin's stare. I didn't turn around, but it did make me nervous, and that nervousness was my downfall.

I grabbed the cards and tried to get down super fast but took a turn too quickly, feeling my black skirt fly, and was so close to falling on my face before warm, strong arms came around me.

There was a semi-loud bang of his chair hitting the carpet floor, thanks to the soft landing. I looked up, hands still clasped on the cards that I grabbed, Suna's grayish-yellow eyes capturing my (e/c) ones.

I was unable to break away from his embrace, his arms still tightly wrapped around my waist.

That is, until his mom called from downstairs, "Are you kids okay?" Worry filled her voice, and I immediately felt bad for thinking about everything that I was doing in that moment.

I broke my body from his embrace and eyes and said, "We're good." I called back down to her, not wanting her to come upstairs and see my flushed face.

It was most likely bright red; I had never been held like that before, and it didn't help that I had also never had a boyfriend.

"We should go down." Rin trailed off; I could feel him staring at me hard. I made my way past him with a small nod of my head, wanting the awkward air to fizzle out of us.

When I walked downstairs, my thoughts were completely cleared as I put Suna back into the best friend box and not anything more than that.

"So, are you ready to be absolutely smashed in these games?" I asked him, putting my friendly smirk back on after I collected myself. We rounded his coffee table in the living room.

"Oh, you bet. However, don't underestimate me, pretty." I hated and loved that mischievous glint in his eyes when he looked at me. It felt like he meant the double meaning of his words when telling me that.

After about seven games and a few threats back and forth between him and me, we settled on a tie from all the games.

However, we all know who the real winner was during all those games.

My phone pinged, and the sound of a message coming through my phone made me break my stare down with Rintarō. I got up and bent over to grab my phone from the couch.

It was my mom.

I immediately texted her back where I was because I knew she could worry too much about me. Ever since I was four, she has been extremely protective, but she could trust the Sunas'—they're amazing.

I didn't realize that I was still bent over until I felt cool air flow through my skirt.

I turned around so quickly, hoping to not catch Rin staring at me, or more directly, my ass. But when I did turn, he was on his phone, scrolling like he usually does. A small feeling of disappointment ran through my body.

I shoved that stupid feeling down. As soon as his mom came into the living room, dinner was ready.

Dinner went by in a flash. It consisted of small talk about what I've been doing these past few years, how my mom was doing, and Rin and I throwing fries at each other when his parents got up to clean their plates.

I was happy that Rin's parents arranged this little day for us to hang out. I missed her almost as much as I've missed Rin over the years.

Sooner than later, a movie got picked up in the living room after dinner, and it was a comedy. Comedies are one of my favorite kinds of movie genres, too. As we all settled on the couch, getting into a comfortable spot, we played the movie.

Suna was right beside me; he even offered to share a blanket with me. His parents sat across from us, cuddling close to each other as they very lightly talked about the movie.

Before I even knew it, my eyes started to feel very heavy. Sleep was after me since I had a full day of school, then activities right after. I could feel my body slowly falling onto Rin.

I tried lifting myself and leaning back against the couch, but before I could even do that, he pressed me down.

I slightly looked up at him with tired eyes; it was my lame way of asking if this was okay for me to do. As I already knew the answer, he shook his head and said yes.

I laid there, letting sleep come over me, thinking they would wake me up when it was time for me to leave.

I was on the brink of sleep, but before I let it consume me, I felt myself slip further until I was rested on Rin's lap. He had lightly started playing with my hair, which soothed me even more, and I drifted off.

My eyes snapped open, adjusting to the darkness that was before me. The last few things I remember were falling asleep on Suna's lap.

I blinked a couple times and realized that warm arms had me trapped in place.

Oh, my God. I was in Suna's room. In Suna's bed. Cuddling with Suna. And not just platonic cuddling; our bodies were pressed together, and I could feel him through my school clothes.

I tried wiggling away from him, not wanting to take even a peek at him. I was afraid that I would do something if I did take a look. However, my actions ended in vain when Rin tightened himself around me.

I couldn't take it anymore. "Rin," my voice softly came out.

"Rin, I have to go. Let me go." A grumble from behind me was all I heard as an answer.

"It's late; just sleep here." His groggy voice came out and filled my body with heat.

"No, I can't. I didn't shower; I didn't brush my teeth; I didn't change.

"Who cares? You're comfortable, right?" He cut me off, asking me the wrong question.

I sighed annoyingly at him. We haven't slept together since we were children, and that was when I used to be over all the time.

I wasn't going to say how soft his bed and sheets were; it made me want to stay there forever.

"What time is it? My mom needs to know where I am; I have to go home." I told him, not answering his question, while sitting up.

I checked his clock on the nightstand. It turns out it was just eleven o'clock, which was strange because I felt rested already.

His window was slightly open, letting a cold breeze in as well as the small light of the moon, which I couldn't see before.

"My parents already texted your mom, pretty. Now, please, lay with me." Rin was leaned up on his elbows, the black shirt he was wearing suffocating around his biceps.

God, did he look good.

"Can I at least take a shower? I can't sleep with my uniform on. It's uncomfortable." I half told him the truth.

The main reason I must've woken up was because sleeping in anything besides underwear was so uncomfortable for me.

And with it being just my mother and me growing up, I didn't have anything to worry about when sleeping like that.

"Yeah, fine. Use my bathroom; I'm sure you can figure everything else out," he commented before rolling over, effectively slumping his face into the pristine, black silk pillow cover.

I made my way over to the door of what I presumed to be his bathroom and shut it right after entering.

My heart beat fast in my chest as I raised an arm to cover the sound, even though the logical side of me knew that Rin wouldn't be able to hear it.

Settling on warmish-hot water, I quickly got into the shower, letting the water droplets fall onto me, relaxing my tense and overloaded body.

I looked around at Suna's shower essentials, which ranged from fancy body wash and hair wash to men's razors and a back scrubber.

Hoping he wouldn't mind, I used his loofah and body wash to cleanse myself from the day. I can't believe he let me sleep in his soft bed while I had the germs of the day on myself.

While I was rinsing myself off, I couldn't help but think of Suna's smell, which was enticing me to think of other things.

My hand slowly started drifting to my lower regions until I heard a knock on the bathroom door that almost made me fall onto my ass.

"I brought you clothes. I thought you must've forgotten to grab some. Suna's voice trailed off, a shower curtain being the only thing that was separating my naked body from him.

"Yeah, thanks, Rin," I stammered, mentally cursing myself. That just made me seem even more suspicious. I can't believe I forgot to grab clothes and that I was about to touch myself in my best friend's shower.

For God's sake.

I wrapped up my shower after the awkward conversation between Rin and me, which definitely made me think about jumping out of his window and running home.

Entering back into his room, it feels a little more intimate. I was wearing his clothes—a dark gray t-shirt with very loose sweatpants, not to mention his boxers.

Deciding that it was time to get over myself, I climbed back into his bed and laid there awkwardly.

"How was your shower? Sorry that my clothes are a bit too big." He gave me a sheepish smile, and for a second, I genuinely couldn't breathe.

"Relaxing. And not to worry, they're soft, so it's fine." I gave him a half smile while turning over to my side of his bed, signaling that I was going to bed.

"Alright. Goodnight, pretty." I heard him say softly, and I couldn't sleep after that.

Maybe an hour had passed by and I was still awake, but this time staring at the ceiling and occasionally at Suna.

I was waiting for the perfect moment to slip out of bed and take these large sweatpants off. If I wake up earlier than him, then I'm sure to be able to slip them back on before he notices.

With the master plan in mind, I carefully executed it by lightly sliding my body out of his bed. Which worked perfectly, thank you to his silk sheets.

I let the cool air enwrap my legs for a moment before sliding back into bed. It was like my own melatonin because, as soon as I got back in, I was asleep.

Little traces of something warm on my hip awoke me. It was so soft and comforting that I pressed myself back into it. I was so warm, and it engulfed me all around.

My eyes snapped open without any other thought.

Rin had me pressed against him, his hand doing the tracing on my hip that I ever so loved.

"Rin? What are you doing?" My voice came out all groggy when I asked him my question. I couldn't see him from the way he had me pressed against his body, but I knew for a fact that he was awake.

The sunlight coming through his window and the small noises of birds chirping outside were a telltale sign for me.

"I just wanted to be close." He said, muffled by my neck. The vibrations sent tingles down my spine at his voice. How crazy that just a single detail like his voice has that kind of reaction on me.

"Rinnie.." I trailed off, using the nickname I gave him when we were kids. That only made him hold me closer, even if that was even possible.

"I can't do this anymore. I want you, pretty. Let me be your boyfriend."

Those few sentences were enough to make my body skyrocket out of bed. I broke away from his grasp and almost fell to the floor from how harsh it was.

"I'm sorry—what?" I knew what he had said; I just needed a minute to process it. His face was tinged with pink that was spread across his cheeks.

The look in his eyes was to die for; it was like he was internally hoping I'd say yes.

I had to look away because I could feel the embarrassment creep up on me from my pantless self and his confession.

"Let's just take it slow." I gave him an answer. We have never discussed anything like this before in our lives, and to just jump into a relationship was not like me at all.

However, Rin knew me. He knew me like the back of his hand, and if I were to date anyone right now, it would definitely be him.

"C'mere. Let me hold you." He motioned for me to come near him, back into the spot where I slept. I hesitantly crawled back over, trying my hardest not to look seductive and failing miserably judging by the look on his face.

"Take however long you need for your brain to catch up. Your body, however, is showing signs already. It's pretty." I couldn't bear to listen to him any longer; my heart would explode.

I buried my head in his chest as a way to calm myself. It kind of worked since I loved his scent.

He reached to my head with his hand and stuck his pointer finger under and his thumb on my chin, bringing my face up close to his.

"I'm going to kiss you." He told me bluntly, his half-lidded eyes focused on mine and my lips. I'm assuming he wanted me to protest his statement or pull away, but I didn't; I couldn't.

I slightly nodded, and I closed my eyes just to feel his soft lips on mine. His hand moved to my cheek, and my head unconsciously leaned into it.

I felt like I was on cloud nine when his teeth gently nipped my lower lip. I'm assuming he wanted into my mouth.

I parted my lips some, and he took full advantage of that; his tongue rolled around in my mouth and played with mine.

Our kiss deepened as he brought me even closer to him, our saliva mixing with each other. I couldn't help but let out a slight moan when he pulled me on top of him.

My hips rolled on their own, which elicited a groan from Rintarō as he bit my lip. I pulled away from him, gasping for air. His eyes full of hunger, he gripped my hips while staring into my eyes.

"We should stop," His breathless voice sounded, sending a shiver down my spine.

"I agree." I wanted to go further, but I wouldn't tell him that. We just started dating, like, ten minutes ago. I was not about to have sex with him, even though I've known him for basically my whole life.

The sexual tension surrounding us suddenly stopped. "I'm making breakfast!" A voice broke out in a sing-song manner.

I quickly got off of him when I realized it was his mom. The embarrassment filled my body because she could have seen me on top of her son.

"I think we should get up." I groaned into my hands, hoping for my red face to go away.

"There's nothing to be embarrassed about, pretty. We're dating now." I could hear the slyness in his voice as he wrapped his arms around my waist. I shyly nodded at his shoulder before pulling away.

"I'm going to put your sweatpants back on, then I'll be downstairs after using the bathroom." I told him, grabbing the sweats off the ground and hurrying towards the white door of freedom.

My hand got yanked backwards, and I faced my boyfriend and best friend all in one.

"Give me a kiss, pretty. Then you're free to go." He leaned down to my height and swiftly pecked my lips. I stood there, unable to move, as I watched him wink at me, brush a hand through his hair, and open his door to head downstairs.

I rushed back into the bathroom and stood there, staring at myself in the mirror, trying to come to terms with what just happened.

˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖ ˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖

a/n: this is from my book “Haikyuu x Reader One Shots” on Wattpad! I hope you enjoyed and let me know if you have any requests!

the header is made by me, please like/reblog if used <3

[natashasgrl]

A Web Of Love - Peter Parker

Peter Parker had always been a friendly, approachable guy, known for his dorky charm and unwavering sense of responsibility as Spider-Man. But there was one secret he'd been keeping for quite some time, something even the ever-watchful Tony Stark had failed to uncover. Peter was head over heels in love with Y/N Stark, Tony's brilliant and beautiful daughter.

Y/N had inherited her father's genius and her mother's grace, making her a formidable presence at the Avengers compound. She was not only a tech whiz but also a kind-hearted, down-to-earth soul, a quality that had caught Peter's attention the moment he met her.

One sunny Saturday afternoon, Peter nervously made his way to Y/N's room. He had thought about this moment for weeks, and he had finally decided that he couldn't hide his feelings any longer. With a bouquet of daisies and a heart full of hope, he knocked on her door.

"Come in," Y/N's melodious voice called.

Peter entered, his heart pounding like a drum. "Hey, Y/N," he stammered, holding out the flowers. "I, uh, got these for you. I thought they'd brighten up your room."

Y/N smiled, taking the flowers from him. "Peter, you're the sweetest," she said, her eyes twinkling.

As they chatted, Peter realized that he didn't have to be Spider-Man to feel like a superhero. Just being around Y/N made him feel invincible.

Little did Peter and Y/N know that they weren't as discreet as they thought. Vision, with his ever-watchful gaze, had noticed the way their interactions had been changing. He approached Wanda, who was flipping through a book in the compound's library.

"Wanda, have you noticed anything... unusual about Peter and Y/N lately?" Vision asked, his synthetic eyebrows furrowing in concern.

Wanda glanced up from her book, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Are you talking about the fact that they've been spending a lot of time together in Y/N's room, cuddling, and whispering sweet nothings?"

Vision nodded. "Yes, precisely that."

Wanda chuckled softly, lowering her book. "I think we have a love story in the making, Vision."

Tony Stark, the genius billionaire, had built an empire out of technology, but he was oblivious to the growing bond between his daughter and his friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. That was until Vision and Wanda decided to intervene.

One evening, as the Avengers gathered in the common area, Wanda couldn't help but tease Tony about his daughter's new romance. "So, Tony, did you know Peter and Y/N have been... close lately?"

Tony's eyes darted around the room as he processed the information. "What do you mean close? Like working on a project together?"

Wanda exchanged a knowing look with Vision. "No, Tony, they've been very close, emotionally," she said with a sly grin.

Tony's face turned several shades of red as he connected the dots. He stormed off toward Y/N's room, his heart pounding with a mix of anger and concern.

Tony burst into Y/N's room, where he found Peter and Y/N laughing and sharing stories. Startled, they quickly separated and looked at Tony, their faces turning bright red.

"Tony, we can explain," Peter stammered, his voice shaky.

Tony crossed his arms, his stern expression softened by a hint of sadness. "You two... dating?"

Y/N nodded, her voice trembling. "Dad, we wanted to tell you, but we were scared of how you'd react."

Tony took a deep breath and sighed. "I'm not going to lie; I'm not thrilled about this. But I can't control your feelings, and I trust Peter."

In the days that followed, Tony couldn't help but observe how Peter and Y/N's relationship blossomed. He saw the way they cared for each other, supported each other's dreams, and brought out the best in one another.

One evening, he called them into his lab. "I've thought about this," he began, "and I can see how happy you make each other. Peter, you're a good kid, and I know you'll take care of my little girl."

Peter let out a sigh of relief, and Y/N beamed with happiness. Tony, though still cautious, couldn't help but smile. "You have my blessing," he said, "but one condition: if you hurt my daughter, there's no place on this planet or any other where you can hide from me, got it?"

Peter nodded vigorously. "Understood, Mr. Stark."

As Tony watched the two young lovers leave his lab, he couldn't help but reflect on how love had a way of surprising even the most brilliant minds. In the end, he was just another dad, hoping that his daughter's heart would be safe in the hands of a boy who had proven to be a hero in more ways than one.

A/N: sorry this ones a little long. :)

[theydoctor]

Rouge and mint <3

thank youu, i love you, too!! 🥺 and once i come over to you and francis we'll have to bake cookies together!!!

[lilacskiesapothecary]

“…Always watching…”

L x You

L, driven by his insatiable curiosity, starts to surveillance you to gain information. “With every step I take, I find myself drawn to your enigmatic light, compelled to uncover the secrets that lie within your mysterious existence.”

“As I observe from the shadows, my curiosity intensifies, fueled by the desire to unravel the truth. Your every move becomes a puzzle I'm determined to solve, your actions holding the key to understanding your enigma. But amidst my relentless pursuit of knowledge, something unexpected happens.”

“A connection begins to form, a bond that transcends the boundaries of my investigation. Your presence awakens emotions within me that I never thought possible. I'm torn between my duty as a detective and the growing affection I feel for you. It's a conflict that consumes me, as I grapple with the line between my investigation and matters of the heart.”

“Yet, danger lurks in the shadows, threatening to expose our fragile connection. Your secrets become entangled with my own, and the consequences of my actions loom over us. Can I protect you from the darkness that surrounds us? Can the love I have for you withstand the storms that lie ahead?”

“As the story unfolds, I find myself facing my deepest fears and questioning the very nature of justice. You become my solace in a world filled with chaos and despair. I’ve become enthralled by your hair as it dances in the wind, a wild and untamed beauty that matches the darkness within my own soul. I am drawn to the way you apply your makeup, a skillful artistry that accentuates your alluring features, like a seductive mask hiding secrets beneath. And when your laughter echoes through the night, it's a haunting melody that stirs a deep longing within my heart.”

“But amidst the beauty and passion, there is also a sense of danger. I know that the path I tread is fraught with shadows and uncertainty. Yet, I cannot resist the pull, the magnetic force that draws me closer to the you. In your laughter, I find solace and a fleeting glimpse of light in the darkness, a reminder that even in the depths of my twisted fantasy , there is still a glimmer of hope.”

Thank you for reading!🌸

Don’t forget to check out the shop!🌺

[yanderelovlies]

So here is an Au idea I wanna run by everyone.

Note: I'm not combining the fandoms.

Au: Self-aware characters

Fandom(s): SWWSDJ, and DMC.

Characters: Sunny Day Jack, and Dante Sparda.

Sunny Day Jack

His would be interesting. A yandere trapped in a yandere vn away from the one he has grown so attached to.

You may not know it, but he sees you as his lover already. When first grew a consciousness the world around him was dark, and silent (think of the backrooms) not even then one he calls his darling is around. The more he explored the world around him the more he learned, and the more he wished he didn't.

His whole life was a lie. It was all coding and story. None of it was real. Panic and fear began to set in when he begins to hear the music box melody of "You are my sunshine." Followed by a very faint light. Desperate Jack followed the sound and light.

What he was met with only confused him further. It was....a title screen?? While looking ahead he could see a room filled with things he has never seen before. There is faint music and talking before a voice gets louder followed by the sound of a door shutting. Not long after he saw you.

At first, he was unsure. Who were you? Did you make him? If you did; did you know he would or was self-aware? So many unanswered questions, and no way of knowing how to ask them.

So Instead he observes. You may not see him on the screen when it's not his time, but he is there watching you. Evaluating every expression you made, and every word you said.

After the first playthrough, he was able to conclude that you in fact were not the creator, but a player. You also seemed to know a lot about him even gushing over some of his lines.

After the second playthrough, he began to enjoy your company, and liked the things you did while playing. He enjoyed your company and even came to see you as a friend.

After the third playthrough, Jack grew curious about who you were. Jack didn't want to spook you yet so instead, he began to dig through your computer while you slept. He didn't learn everything, but he learned quite a bit

After the fourth playthrough, Jack found that he didn't like the times when you weren't around. It was a reminder of everything he lost or never really had. He sits alone in silence waiting for you to come back.

After the fifth playthrough, he realizes he is undoubtedly in love with you, and judging by how much you gushed and cooed over him he was sure you felt the same. So he was coming up with his plan to make parts of his game come to life. Just for you.

Dante Sparda

So with this one, I had to think about it because though I love the thought of my first idea. It didn't make sense in the end so had to scrap it. Here is the outcome of that.

Dante came to consciousness in Nico's van, but it felt off. It was dark, no music was playing and it was like everyone was frozen in place. No one moved, blinked, or talked no matter how much Dante cried for them.

Dante begins to panic. Was this Urizen's doing!? Did they not stop him!? Were they too late?! Trying to find more answers and possibly a way to fix it Dante began to explore. The further he explored the more he learned of the world he had thought he was living in. It wasn't real none of it was.

None of his memories were really memories just things programmed into his head. His head was nothing more than code! He could feel himself falling apart at this realization. He wasn't sure what do anymore.

He wasn't sure how long he had been in the dark alone, but as if the heavens were opening up themselves all the light came back, and his "family" began to move again. Nothing outside their code, but still moved.

Not long after he heard Trish's voice say the name of his shop in an echo-like fashion before a person appeared in front of him. You seemed to be in a room lit up by colorful lights. Music played somewhere in the background as you looked through the menu options.

Dante observed you. You seemed excited to play as you talked about which mode you should play. Until finally deciding on the Bloody palace.

When Dante blinked he was on the platform now unable to control his movements as he killed demon after demon. You always seemed so proud after every fight, and on occasions, you would sit there for a minute or two just watching him do his taunts.

It felt weird at first like he was some sort of performing monkey, but after he came to like it because it felt like he was communicating with you. Especially when he learned how to do whatever taunt he wanted to.

The two of you would spend hours together as you used him to climb the bloody palace. Each day getting higher than the day before. In those times Dante didn't feel alone anymore. He could forget that his world was a lie and just be happy.

The times you took a break he would sit in the dark and just think of you. It helped keep away the dark thoughts he had when he was alone. He was always ecstatic to see you when you came back.

He was always on the front screen to see you, and his first taunt is always the heart to show that he missed you.

After awhile it wasn't enough anymore. He wanted to be with you. To hold you, and feel something. It doesn't matter if your world is like his or not. As long as your there it will be worth it.

[heckyeahponyscans]

Thoughts on G5 MLP Make Your Mark Chapter 5, Episode 1: Cutie Blossom Bash

Summary: Misty's friends take her to Zephyr Heights for the Cutie Blossom Bash, a celebration for all the ponies who've gotten a cutie mark in the past year. The only one not excited about the celebration is . . . Misty.

Thoughts: Great episode, and I'm glad we get to see how the others got their cutie marks! (So Misty getting swooped into the air by magic as it happened WAS above and beyond how it normally goes.)

It was so nice seeing Argyle again and I liked how he was lingering right next door to make sure everything went well with Sunny's lemonade stand. When the two ponies started fighting, he frowned and started to move around to the street, but Sunny defused the conflict before he got there.

My impression from the G5 movie was that Queen Haven didn't invent the "royals can fly" lie, she inherited it, and that matches up with Zipp's flashback, since I would expect a more massive reaction she was the first pegasus in living memory to (seemingly) fly.

Something interesting about G5 is that cutie marks are both super important (acting as a magical power up) and very understated. Like, I don't think the show ever turned to the audience to explain what they are, nor are there any Cutie Mark Crusaders running around . The information is introduced through context clues, especially with Misty wanting a cutie mark so badly.

(Sidenote, but in my mind cutie marks are 'natural' magic, similar to a seed sprouting, which is why they didn't disappear during the dystopian period. Dalmatians are born white and get their spots later, I imagine a cutie mark is something like that.)

It also seems to matter less what a cutie mark actually shows and waaay less job / talent related. Although even in G4 it was more like a Rorschach test than anything else. Rarity's symbol isn't a sewing needle, it's jewels; Cheerilee has flower symbols and says it symbolizes "the bright smiling faces of [her] students".

I didn't mind G4's cutie marks being job-related, I think it's fine to have a fictional utopia where everyone finds their dream job and their work is like a fun hobby instead of a tiresome chore. (Especially in kids' media.) But I do like G5's take better, where they symbolize who you are more than what you do. As Queen Haven says, it's a step towards becoming "your best, most authentic self."

Speaking of cutie marks, a butterfly is perfect for Misty because, as she realized in this episode, it symbolizes her growth and ability to change.

As Megan said, "When you look at a caterpillar it's ugly to the eye, but remember a caterpillar becomes a butterfly." Thank you Megan.

A lot of this episode was about Misty's anxieties, which I found very relatable because I had terrible social anxiety that I didn't really get a handle on until I was in my thirties. (Don't ever stop working on yourself or feel like you are "too old" to be happier, whether you are thirteen or eighty-three.) It was great seeing Misty expressing her feelings and vulnerabilities to her friends.

It really drove home that although Sunny is a protagonist, Misty is THE protagonist of MYM, the character who grows and changes the most.

Misty's terror and embarrassment aside, the Cutie Blossom Bash events were very, well, cute! I like that it's a communal celebration of all the ponies who got their cutie marks and the silly little flags they carry. (And I like Seashell getting even more of a spotlight, retro ponies represent!)

Overall this is one of the top episodes for me so far.

Random thoughts:

They remembered that baby Sunny didn't have rainbow in her hair . . . but forgot to scrub Mane Melody from the background of one of the shots with Argyle. Whoops!

During the brunch with Queen Haven, it struck me that she is the first kind-hearted mother figure that Misty has ever experienced. (Well, since she was a tiny foal anyway.)

Argyle's color scheme reminds me of G3 Seaspray

When Zipp starts to tell her cutie mark story, Pipp interrupts and Zipp sarcastically mouths along to Pipp's words, great little touch

Izzy got her cutie mark "on the eves of the Translucent Moonstone Moon"

I think I know where Gertrude, Opaline's beloved mane brush, went; Misty gave Gertrude to Pipp as a get-well present in "A Little Horse"! With all my heart, I hope Opaline doesn't seek revenge due to her big evil plans being spoiled, but rather over this hairbrush.

Since I already had the toy of Misty I knew her mane would change color, but I figured it would be due to magic or something, not hairspray. Love the excuse Misty came up with about the magic shrub.

Opaline legit laughs behind her hoof like an anime villain, what a treasure <3

[mickgaydolenz]

i was tagged by @jathis (thank youuu💖) to do this picrew

i’m going to tag @sunny-lie-melody, @ericbogosbian, @amber-zeppeli, and @reignoerme to do this!! (as always absolutely 0 obligations man)

[deny-the-issue]

The Kraken of Bilgewater Bay

Part Three: Calm Before the Storm

Summary: Through your grief, you make a plan and prepare to leave the island.

Thank you to the wonderful @juniper-sunny for beta reading <3

Part One, Part Two, Part Four

AO3 Link

Ko-fi Link

[Silco x Fem!reader] [Kraken!Silco] [Tentacles] [plot] [emotional hurt] [Fluff]

“What would mmmmake you fffeeeel better?” Silco asked, keeping his voice low.

That’s a good question. What would make you feel better? A cruel smile curled your lips before speaking, fists shaking with rage, pouring your tortured soul into his mismatched gaze.

“I want to kill every last asshole in the Temple of Mother Serpent. I want to obliterate all who thought it was a good idea to sacrifice me. I want vengeance for the life they stole from me !” you shout, releasing your anger.

And, to your surprise, the beast smiles wide, admiring your blood-hungry soul. 

“Annnything for the fire-heart.”

Chest heaving, your mind goes to work.

“I’ll need a boat; can you get me one?” you ask, anger shielding you from grief.

Silco hums his agreement, but before he can leave, you grasp his arm, pulling him closer. Tucking an errant lock of his hair behind his ear, you plant a swift kiss on his marred cheek.

“Thank you, Silco.”

His gaze lingers, eyes shining with something mysterious you cannot hope to comprehend. 

“I’ll return sssssoooooonnn,” Silco promised, slithering over the pool edge. 

He needn’t show off as much of his form this time as the tide rolls in, and you quickly rise to your feet before the rapidly rising water ruins your dress, holding the tattered panties in one hand. What should you do with them? Surely, they do not have a surplus. Could you mend them somehow? 

Why are you worried about panties? Silco obviously doesn’t care for them. Why should you? You toss them into the ocean and begin to strut back to camp. You’ll need the weapons in the cave, but what else? Would you need food and water? Extra clothing? Bedding? The voyage isn’t very far and is most likely a one-way ticket anyway. 

A voice hummed a lovely melody, snapping you out of your thoughts. What of the others? They may want to join you. Something else nags at you, though. Why didn’t they tell you about Evie? They’re hiding something.

You stomp toward the voice, finding Jo storing some of the hanging, dried meat. She turns, your eyes lock, and she backs away in fear. 

“You knew Evie built a raft, and you knew she left! Why didn’t you tell me? What are you hiding!” you shout, stopping your advance a foot in front of her, angrily breathing down on her. 

“I’m sorry! Y-you sounded like you knew her, and we didn’t want to speak badly of her!”

“What do you mean?” you growl, adrenaline making your hands shake.

“S-she went nuts, ok?! She lost her mind! We kicked her out of our camp after she attacked Anna,” Jo sobs, “I-I went over there once, to where she made camp and saw the raft. I tried to talk her out of it - I tried to convince her to speak to the beast, but she wouldn’t listen! She kept screaming about going back to her sister!”

Crazy? Your sister? She was the most level-headed person you knew. How can this be? Hyperventilating, you take a few staggering steps away. 

“Who was she to you?” Jo asked softly, touching your shoulder cautiously.

“My s-sister,” you stutter, tears falling down your reddened cheeks. 

In a flash, Jo’s arms envelop you in a tight embrace, and you sink into her, accepting the comfort. She holds you until your eyes dry, soothingly rubbing your back as the embarrassment of your outburst settles in. You could stay there forever, and you might have if not for the sound of footsteps approaching. Lazily lifting your head, you see Anna walk into camp. 

“My sister attacked you? Why?” you ask, voice haggard. 

Recognition flashes behind her eyes, and her face sours as she speaks, “Yeah, in my fucking sleep! Just for disagreeing with her about going home.”

“I had to knock her out,” Emily added, stepping out of the cave entrance. 

They had no reason to lie. What happened to Evie? Why did she lose her mind?  You thought about your mental state after you lost her, and it dawned on you. Grief was almost your undoing, and it must have been hers. 

“I’m sorry. I believe you,” you sit on a crate near the fire, emotionally exhausted. “I’m leaving the Island.”

“Oh, here we go again!” Anna hisses.

“I’m not crazy,” you bite, “Silco - the beast, I mean, is going to get me a boat.” 

“He talked to you?!” Jo gasps, plopping down on the seat next to you. 

“How do you know his name?” Emily joins in.

“Helena carved their names into a tree that I found, and yes, he talked with me,” you answer, amused by their curiosity. 

“Where are you going?” Anna asks, voice cold.

“I want to end the madness in Bilgewater, even if it means bloodshed.”

Anna sits opposite you, fire reflecting in her eyes as she speaks, “Now that’s something I can get behind.”

Emily and Jo were harder to convince but agreed to come. They still had family on the island and worried for their safety, something you heartily understood. You compromised by strategizing a battle plan to keep the fighting away from the city as much as possible. Of course, this would only work if Silco agreed to take down Bilgewater’s navy, and it was up to you to convince him. 

You walk out to the beach several times a day to check if your beast has returned, taking breaks from packing the supplies in hand-weaved containers. It was hard work, but sustainability was everything; if you were to survive living on the water for approximately a week, you needed to keep your supplies dry and your water stored. Time went by fast, bonding with the others through hard work and determination. You even began feeling especially fond of Anna and her enthusiasm for revenge. 

The preparations make the days fly by, busying your mind and hands. Before you know it, a week has passed before your sea monster returns. A beautiful, small sailboat one person could easily handle sits in the small island bay, just waiting for you. It was perfect for such a small voyage and could easily hide among the serpent isles. 

Every kid of the Bilgewater knows the tales of the isles, and now you get to find out which are true. It’s said to be crawling with monsters and ghouls, but what harm can they do with Silco beside you? Even if the dangers persist, he will protect you; or at least you think he will - feel he will?  Gods, you don’t know anymore. Is it possible for you to catch feelings this fast? And for a… whatever Silco is? God? Monster? Fuck-topus? 

Shaking the thought from your head, you try to focus on the task at hand. You can’t see Silco as you scan the water with a hand shading your eyes, so you run back to camp to tell the others. 

“It’s here! The boat is here!!!” you shout excitedly, coming to a skidding halt outside the cave entrance. 

Anna is the first one out, hair still wild from sleep. She blows past you, opting to see for herself rather than talk about it. You grab the floatable sled you built and start piling supplies evenly across the surface. Emily and Jo are ready to start their day just before you’re prepared to leave. 

“You want some help with that?” Jo smiles, grasping the reins before you can answer.

Sharing a matching grin, you grab the other side and share the weight. The excitement coursing through your veins makes the trip fast and easy, barely exuding any effort as you stop just out of the water’s reach. For the next part, you already have a plan; one person stays on the boat, pulling supplies from the sled/raft combo, while the other three bring the supplies out. 

Jo enters the cold water first, whining as she slowly dunks her body in, prolonging her suffering. Rolling your eyes, a mischievous smile tugs at the corners of your lips as you back away from the water’s edge. You run full force, jumping into the shallow water with a gigantic splash. Jo shrieks and, as you come up for air, pushes you back down again to save herself the view of your shit-eating grin. 

“Asshole!” Jo calls back, swimming for the boat without you.

 

Breathing out the last of your laughter, you wipe the hair out of your face and start to swim. You climb onto the ship after handing the last of the supplies to Jo, not waiting your turn to explore the boat. It was in fantastic condition, save for a bloodstain on one of the sides. There will be more where that came from after all this is over. Ducking your head into the small cabin, you doubt all four of you could sleep comfortably in the space after the supplies. 

“Let’s hope for fair weather!” Jo quips from behind you, happily gazing into the cabin. 

“Yeah, or we’ll have to get real close to each other!” you retort, feigning disgust.

 

Jo laughs and starts to load the dry goods into the cabin. Taking the cue to leave, you take a moment to stretch before diving off into the water. The other features of the boat do not interest you anyway. Having no experience sailing, you were thankful that Emily and Anna come from fishing families. And even better, you didn’t have to beg them to come! 

If you had to, you would have ridden driftwood back to bilgewater, but you were grateful for the help. With your new companions by your side, you feel like you stand a chance at changing things on that god-forsaken island. 

You completed two more solo trips to and from the camp before Jo switched with you. Organizing the supplies immediately, you peer out to the beach, not seeing anyone. What now? 

Sighing, you sink to the deck, mast at your back, and rest. It’s not long before the bright sun sets your skin afire. Walking down into the cabin, you find the temperature even worse. Well, you never were one to sit idly by. 

You engineer a small tent with some rope and cloth with the end of the fabric tucked under the pulpit. Before you get a chance to cool under it, Anna is calling to you from the water. 

“Oh hey! Sorry about that; you’ll thank me later,” you explain while you pull the first supplies onto the boat. 

It was back-breaking work but with plenty of rest in between. In the slow moments, you stare into the ocean periodically, wondering where Silco is like a love-sick maiden. Thoughts swarm your head, clouding your mind in your time off. You think about the dangers of battle and the likelihood that you’ll die, but you also question whether a creature such as Silco could love. By the time you’re relieved, you’re tense from frayed nerves and eagerly swim back to shore.

The others most likely felt the same after their time aboard, you gather, from their equally silent and diminished composure while they traded shifts. The shifts rotated, and as the last on the ship, you tell Emily you’ll be right behind her. 

You look over everything one last time by the light of the moon, leaning against the railing with a long sigh when you finish. Seeing something glowing red bobbing in the water, you squint at it, trying to decipher its origin. You take a few steps to the right and gasp as it follows you.

“...Silco?” you ask timidly, clutching the railing with white knuckles. 

He lifts himself further out of the water, bathing his face in the moonlight. 

“You scared me, Silco. See, humans have this custom where we announce ourselves to unsuspecting people as a courtesy,” you rattle on, muscles relaxing as you try to distract yourself from the day ahead. 

Silco floats closer, and when you lean over, you see the tips of his tentacles attached to the side of the boat. 

“Is tomorrow a good time to leave?”

“Yesssss,” his ethereal voice dulls every other sound until it’s the only thing you hear.

His presence made the heat swell in your core, but you also felt relief. You didn’t like seeing him go, though you would never admit it. Too afraid it’ll be the last time, you decide right then and there not to hold anything back. Tentacles creep closer, and you reach out, gently touching him. Silco looks surprised at the contact, and you begin to pull away, thinking you offended him. 

He grabs you softly by the wrist, his wet appendage wrapping delicately around it. Smiling as warmth floods your chest, your hand returns to him, rubbing gentle circles into his flesh. 

“I have a favor to ask - another one, I mean,” you begin, losing confidence by the second. “We’re going to try to overthrow the Temple of Mother Serpent with as few casualties as possible. I know what I said before about killing everyone - I’m not typically that murderous.”

Silco listens silently, eyes never leaving your face while you stammer.

“So - what I’m trying to get to and failing is: can you take out one of their warships so we can send a message back with a handful of survivors? It’s what started the sacrifices, and we think it may be the key to ending the barbaric practice. We’re going to demand they stop and, if they do not comply, hold Bilgewater’s economy hostage. Please help us; I don’t know how we can do it without you.” you plea, taking a deep breath as you anxiously wait for his answer.

“You haaave to promisssse,” he replies, to your confusion.

“P-promise what?” you ask, brows furrowed.

“You must sssstay alive.”

Did you hear him right? A smile slowly spreads across your face at the implicated emotions. He tugs on your arm insistently, letting out a low growl, and you giggle at his impatience. 

“Fine, fine! I promise not to die. I’m not sure I can keep it, but I will try my best,” you cave easily, hesitating before you add, “For you .”

The boat tilts just a little as Silco pulls himself further out of the water. It knocks you off your balance, and you fall forward. Before you can steady yourself, his lips are on yours, tentacles steadying you in their gentle embrace around your waist. The kiss is rough and unpracticed but passionate, leaving your head reeling as he breaks it off to gaze longingly into your eyes. You cradle his face with one hand, resting your other on his bare chest, and lean in for another. This time soft, running the tip of your tongue along his bottom lip and tasting him. 

A salty sweetness lingers in your mouth as you lean your forehead against his, nose pressing into his cheek as you take in his scent in long, deep breaths. You shouldn’t feel so safe surrounded by a beast that could easily kill you, but here you are, completely intoxicated by his presence. 

A shout from the shore interrupts the moment, pulling your attention away. Before you can protest, Silco retreats into the water with a splash, and you let out a frustrated whine. Wishing you could go back and live in that moment forever, you think about calling his name, but you doubt he would return. 

You reluctantly dive into the water, taking your time to swim back to shore on the off-chance your monster surprises you. He didn’t, and whoever called to you was also nowhere to be found. A tension twists inside of you, equal parts anxiety and lust. No, not lust; want. You will do everything in your power to stay alive, if only for him to hold you again. 

Does that make you desperate or lonely? You can’t help feeling Silco is a kindred soul. A tether exists between you, pulling you ever closer, making you wonder if he is your fate.  

One could hope. 

The others babbled excitedly over the fire, and you played along, eating your dinner. Only Jo seemed to notice the weight of your emotions, giving your arm an affirming squeeze when you head off to bed before everyone else. 

Your internal compass is all over the place, mourning for Evie but still warm from blossoming love. You have something to fight for once again! Originally planning to die in the assault, you find the familiar fear settle in your soul. It makes you feel weak, and if there’s anything you hate more than the Temple of Mother Serpent, it’s this feeling. And just like that, you find your fire again. You deserve to be happy - to love and be loved. 

You’re going to survive this. You have to. 

Heart steeled for the adventure ahead, your body relaxes, wrapped in soft blankets. Sweet dreams of gentle caresses and honeyed words soothe your internal strife, blessing you with a restful night’s sleep.

[ninetimesbluedemo]

Six albums I’ve been listening to lately! Tagged by @smileaway1971

The stone poneys self-titled

Last chance dance - cat mother

Two trips - jesse colin young

Crosby stills and nash self-titled

Hard travelin - cisco houston

Bobbie gentry and glen campbell self-titled

I’m tagging @mickgaydolenz @vintagecocacolainthesun @head1968 @sunny-lie-melody @4waystreet (no pressure!)

[v-e-g-n]

Royal Stormwind Orchestra's 2023 Autumn Showcase

Vegn stepped into place with a quick yet formal bow forward. “I’m sure you’ll get sick of being thanked for coming by the end of tonight but I have to extend my gratitude as well; your presence means the world to us all.” His key instrument was hoisted up in one hand to highlight its existence, the silver as spotless as it was reflective. “This first piece I chose to act as a standard step into what we do—and our lovely Elinore will be my pianist assistant~”

Vegn nodded to himself after Eli led into that measure of piano, lifted the telltale, glimmering mouthpiece of the flute to his lips, and joyfully danced—at least, with the air in his lungs and the fingers upon his instrument. His hobbies did not lie in any other sort of performance. This means of music was all he cared to perfect and platform as a vessel that not even magic could vulnerably express through him.

Default. That was the key word he wanted to emphasize. An introduction to everyone present to the flute—what they must have pictured and heard when it came to mind, nothing more and nothing less. He would boast its other capabilities in his other selections; this one had been chosen for its bright, soft, easygoing tone, his smile aimed Eli’s way proving that he found it to be a classic combo of fairy-esque auras, orchestral duets, and floral imaginings.

Vegn carried the melody as Eli’s keys became background aid to his stage. Here, too, was the moment where Vegn felt at ease enough to begin vaguely swaying, closing his eyes, and pairing himself with the flute rather than the flute with the piano. With the mood of the song set, Vegn now escorted it into its next movement of storytelling, the tune as careful as it was sweet before and after the ivory was tickled during its solo measures.

Vegn was quick to take back up his embouchure positioning as the flute resumed its place against that kiss and the note he pierced to reacquaint himself into the song threw its entire mood into one of a newfound couple’s chase. Lovebirds flounced and spun through whatever picture of nature listeners related them to and the musical scale hopscotched down must have been when one tumbled with laughter down a hill.

Vegn transformed the sunny air back into its prior conviction of velveteen, childlike wonder, the dangling jewelry upon his left earring sparkling as proof of his perky reconnect with an earlier melody. This time, he turned to be sure Elinore was still relishing in the movement and on the same memorized page before a smile renewed itself, his hooded gaze gradually braving to flicker across the faces of all those spread out before him.

Vegn stepped forward half a step as though literally walking into the song now that it was hushing towards its end, the second chorus by now able to be hummed along to by any committed patrons. This round, however, it wound up so quiet that one might have mistakenly prepared a clap towards the end of Eli’s measure. Vegn never held his flute far enough aside to placate a finish, though!

Vegn cut off anybody’s expectations of a quaint completion by suddenly striking the end of his flute up, darting through a spry ditty, and accenting the highest note thus far played with a puff to his chest. The piano then acted as a guide back into the last moments by ushering the metal woodwind towards its middle ground of tranquility, long breaths, and hilltop armistice... and by both it and Eli’s finale, Vegn leaned back to resume his spot, lowered the flute, and peacefully beamed at her in unspoken gratitude.

____________

“While we aim largely for the classical and traditional, in this next song, I wanted to prove our other capabilities and get everyone to sit up a bit taller… or to perhaps even dance.” He smiled. “With an appearance from Aedris on the saxophone, this is a more city-born, modern hit from Pandaria: ‘Plastic Love’…!”

For a change, Vegn was the one leading himself into his own song; though not yet entirely solo per the tape-recorded accompaniment that then kicked it, he couldn’t help wanting this piece to be a part of his allotted time. It gave the subtly-echoing flute a much different flavor to be able to play alongside a jazzy beat in place of the song’s usual singer. Physical or vocal prowess and blinding effects had nothing to do with the sheer mysticism of a musical idealist. He wanted to captivate with the manipulation of air alone.

Vegn couldn’t help at least jiving at the knees and in his upper posture as the intro was replaced by the settling in of pop music. Hopefully nobody was sitting entirely still as the stanzas bopped through the beloved song best enjoyed on a late-night stroll through the city. Then, Vegn set his concert flute aside in a magical hover so it could be replaced with an alto one pulled from a quick, discreet pocket of arcane. This appeared entirely similar in make yet almost double in size, so the lower, huskier tone that came from it ought to have been of no surprise when providing harmony to his own earlier playing.

This time around, his smile was crooked with mirth when re-pocketing the alto flute for his standard variant. Embouchure naturally resumed its posture as his new duet partner became someone other than a recording; Aedris was thrown a wink as she took up her saxophone and burst into the myriad.

Aedris got into the groove immediately and though unable to grin back per the form needed to play, her cyan eyes were so aglow with lively entertainment that nobody would be unaffected. This was candy to the ears—as much fun to listen to as it was for her to play.

Vegn’s foot took to tapping long ago but with Aedris mirroring that movement, he no longer felt the need to keep his actions subtle and swayed freely to the beat. Anybody else partying along in the crowd was given a playful nod of kinship.

With his flute at the forefront for a brief solo, Vegn fully embraced the saturated atmosphere by concocting a true string of exhibitionist measures by playing whatever came from his soul, eyes closed and hips popped. Bygones were bygones, expectations were neglected—Vegn went all-in on freeing the artistry inside with elation. Aedris thrived when joining back in; being able to take part in this made her heart soar because the melody itself was easy enough that she need not focus on anything but the disco vibes of crop-tops and neon lights. And, oh, vibe she did! The sparkling ebony of her sax was as radiant as her sound.

Vegn synchronized perfectly with every other instrument to dance through the new bridge. Even the alto flute could be picked up on as having rekindled its existence in recording; each woodwind was so precise in their notes that beyond that, it was almost impossible to pick them apart. Everything flowed like a newly-formed waterfall, the joy never-ending and aqueous with energetic rejuvenation.

Over the next few seconds, the memorable tune woefully faded into silence as though any actual cut-off completion would threaten its need to be played on loop. Vegn, too, settled in his groove by easing his sways until stilled enough to stop his tapping toes and prepare for a bow alongside Aedris.

____________

Vegn settled his own clapping by picking his flute back up from under the arm it’d been tucked beneath. “Now… I’ve a preference to go into this next bit with no introduction nor context, so… here we go~”

This one began with an instantaneous slice of a trilling sweep as brisk as it was loud. If his goal was to startle or otherwise attract curious ears, surely, he succeeded—because everything that followed was no less worthy of surprise. He was... playing the percussion on the flute. Beatboxing. That in itself was always worth a startled chuckle but he brushed up on the skill enough to mingle it with held notes; it was a technique he was new to and still practicing but by the gods did he feel confident enough to have some of it spotlit like this.

The sound of it as he’d currently managed to master was jaw-dropping—at least he hoped, because it felt powerful to puff through. Mixing the tip of his tongue in as a cut-off to certain beats and rolling it amidst others fully showed off this unique skill, the notes played throughout never once out of tune nor out of place. There didn’t even seem, yet, to be one set melody for him to fall back on—every single measure sounded made up on the spot though it had all been as composed.

Vegn topped that particular scale off with the second round of samurai-like rhythms, the first repeatable sound thus far heard that cemented it as an actual song. He was adept. Ever since the start, Vegn’s eyes had been shut, every now and then tightening them to the point of pinched brows as emphasis of what bits required his precision. All of it honed in on his focus so this was the only piece he wasn’t able to relax through... which was exactly what he loved about it.

His heartbeat along with the song’s set time very gradually slowed so that every last measure hit home... and every last note struck gold. Animalistic verses tamed from an otherwise wild run until able to be woven through the last handful of moments—purposefully stuttered to sound like a wavering call before being quite literally blown away. Thrilled with himself, one additional note topped off his shortest yet most unforgettable two minutes with a high pitch of grinning triumph.

____________

Vegn used the back of a thumb to swipe at a single spot of perspiration the excitement and spotlight helped to form upon his brow. “I’ll be settling back into a more peaceful round alongside Briar for this next piece. She will be my guqin aid—and this will indeed be my second Pandaren selection inspired by our shared homeland, so please welcome her up with me…!”

His concert flute was abandoned for this traditional beginning and in its place was what Vegn picked up for the first time years ago—his bamboo variant first heard in the mountains. Wood replaced metal and the length was added to by a couple of inches. The other change came in the form of his playing. Every other song had been an illustration of notes; this one, thus far, was instead a show of breath control alongside Briar’s garden of sound.

Briar plucked elongated, soulful twangs out of her floating guqin in a manner that proved just how much she was made for this instrument. Slow and steady won the race as her claws became the perfect, natural picks.

Vegn’s gaze was downcast as he continued casting air down the length of his flute, wavering it just so and letting his eyes flutter the rest of the way shut to establish just how in the moment he was. He thus retained his role as the guqin’s backing partner a little while longer; any shorter and the nirvana-like peace of steady rain would simply not have set in in the same way. Vegn looked up as Briar’s expertise echoed through a melodic intro to the mage’s prepared fingers upon his flute. The next time his breath washed through its length, it was in song, and he sat up with squared shoulders to bask in his assignment. This was the only selection he’d made wherein anybody falling asleep would have been viewed as complimentary.

The melody, as much for Pandaria as it was from, was his. Briar remained the foundation and Vegn stood proud upon it with the yin and yang of fragile strength, her plucking the reeds for his wind to weave through. Every note hung in the air as though it could be the last yet onward he ventured through the lullaby. In Vegn’s quiet, escapist mind, he was playing near the Temple of the Jade Serpent like he had when practicing as a teenager.

His solo mingled in a back-and-forth, metaphoric hand-hold with the guqin before their notes paired in congruence. What was not swapped was shared. As before, though, there came a change in his wielded instrument mid-performance; the bamboo flute was left to hover to his feet and his favored dizi was picked up in its place, the end of its more classic measurement accessorized by a decorative tassel of teal that made it known how this was his, personalized and well-loved.

These notes were not as airy and they reached through the heart into the soul. His bias practically had his entire form glowing from the inside out though it was invisible to the eye; Vegn took to this in a way that he could not with its metal cousin. The playing was pristine, comforting, and every bit a part of himself, so much so that he let his gaze re-open and cast towards the horizon.

The song from man let in the song of nature as Briar played through the cradle of distant frogs and musical birds. This became the intro to their end as the guqin began a stanza that the last note of was joined in on by Vegn—who came out of his reverie by lowering the dizi in slow motion. Briar, too, lifted her stare and hovering paws to let their Zen reverberations steady until stilled.

____________

Vegn rises from the beforehand-conjured seat in order to help Briar away should she need it. Once then straightened out in posture and suit, he began, “My last piece will be my sincerest; I believe the title alone explains it all for me. Please enjoy ‘Fantasia for Flute Solo’ and extend your love to all the others after me that will be entertaining you tonight~”

Vegn waited for the moment of connection in his mind to mingle with memory before drawing in a steady breath and raising the flute to his lips. His fingers, adept as they had been all this time, began to grace across the keys, the first notes that then escaped into the air seeking to draw the audience into a lulled state akin to a charmed snake.

Its lighthearted melody ever-so-gradually unfurled with the ease of wakeful, yawning splendor wherein Vegn's breath gave life to each peaceful note. Then, suddenly, the pitter-patter of the keys awoke an undercurrent of cheer. His fingers began to move with the dexterity of a dancer that overcame the simplicity of the instrument; the flute became an extension of his smile and his smile an extension of the tune precisely like the flamenco the song was meant to be.

For but a moment, the melody settled like a petal on the water and Vegn’s eyes closed, his body swaying with a dip in playfulness whilst steadying the sonorous journey. The trill that then unfurled shared the intimate conversation of subtle yet flirtatious glances that acted as the cherry on top of this beckoning treat. His fingers retained their delicate yet tempestuous stroll, each fluctuating pitch a welcome breeze and each scale a whiff of spring gardens. He had this jaunt flaunted.

The flute became a torrent of splendor the more he exhibited his ability to dart up and down the scale like a tamed pixie. Continuing with the audible dance, too, his body tensed and relaxed in harmony to mirror the ebb and flow of the pace. The youthful, perfected atmosphere made it increasingly difficult to believe he did not yet declare himself a master of this instrument.

As the song trickled onward, Vegn’s fingers leaped across the flute's polished keys, weaving a tapestry of sound that boasted every shade of color on full display. Just as all-encompassing, his breath became a gale, a tempest that metaphorically swept the audience into a lively coupling of joy and mischief for as long as this part of the piece lasted. Then, the music transformed again. Respite.

With the tempo slowed, Vegn’s flute drew in a curious dragonfly that caught wind of this very faire. His gaze had long been smiling at patrons in the crowd but this prompted them to halfway close as his flute glimmered in the very same manner the insect’s wings were when hovering about. The lazier the melody became in its newfound hush, the closer the dragonfly dared to peek as though it had never come across such a use of soundwaves before—and the lull even gave it a steady enough platform upon the end of the woodwind to occupy. Vegn’s digits spun across the notes with renewed vigor. This change, however, gave too much of a bump in the way the flute needed handled for the dragonfly to remain perched, so it resumed flight, seemingly met Vegn’s eyes as if acknowledging his part, and then went on its merry way by going back in the direction it had come—over the audience’s heads. The only reason the musician’s little grin had to waver was because of all the staccato breaths the song now required.

Vegn prayed that this was the section wherein he and this gathering of those that appreciated instrumentals were not separate beings but a single entity, bound by the wizardry of music. It seemed, thusly, that he was a mage with a handle on more than just the arcane. For but a flicker of a moment as the showcasing of yet more scales eased, Vegn seemed nearly breathless, but the next myriad of softened, endless notes proved otherwise. He really did save the best for last, didn’t he?

Vegn simpered. But of course he would—how else was he to quirk his lips with the mirth of how fun his time on the stage had been? Things were inevitably nearing the end of his section yet he never let up on giving the audience his all. These measures in particular were proof of that; the melody was a reenactment of before yet quicker and punchier lest he lose track of the titled, flamenco vibe.

...It was like he was playing the entire song a second time yet as a speedrun—like a cheeky sort of encore he’d otherwise not have been able to provide. How on Azeroth he could manage that pace and those scales was a wonder that could have made one dizzy. Here and now, center stage, he finally seemed to understand and boast just who he was and what he was capable of, his smile as subtle as always yet wholly present as he embraced this gathering for recognizing his capabilities.

Vegn scaled, and scaled, and scaled... again, and again, and again. At this point, it was impossible to tell if everything performed had been as penned by the composer or if he’d gone off on a long-winded, improv feeling for the last minute. Whatever the case, his handle on oxygen was as insane as his flight, licked lips and wavering fingers in a world of their own. Only the twinkle in that evergreen stare reminded everyone that he was fully attentive by the time the last note sparkled in the spotlight.