#the kids are all right as it turns out. gotta take a leaf from their book.

[novelconcepts]

When I find myself in times of trouble, my little brother comes to me, speaking words of wisdom:

[weaselle]

i am convinced that human evolution and development was centered around the basic up-grade from "i steal your resources" to "i steal your behaviors and concepts"

We got clever enough and we just started copying absolutely everything we observed just because now we could figure out how to copy concepts and things that other animals were doing

see that squirrel hoarding acorns for the winter? we can do that. okay now how do we make these acorns edible, cause they are poisonous to a number of animals and we don't do great with them either. What if you put them in the fire? or just on hot coals? what if you put them in water on hot coals and boil them? Oh if you soak them in cold water for 24 hours and maybe change the water a couple times you can totally eat them? YOINK storing acorns for winter is our idea now.

or, you ever seen a weaver bird do it's thing? if not i'll give you one guess what they do

or how about the tailor bird that uses spider silk to stitch the edges of a big leaf together to make a nest in

or sometimes they'll stitch a bunch of leaves into a little cup for a nest

like i'm not trying to downplay how clever it is to be the first humans to weave or sew, and indeed, being the first person to weave that anyone knew about probably happened many times throughout human existence but my conceit is that most if not all of those times was a human seeing something in nature that was basically weaving and going "i'ma do that, and get real good at it - i'ma take that concept and really make it mine"

like it wouldn't surprise me if humans got dogs because we saw how ravens were treating wolves and went "shit yeah, great idea - YOINK that's my idea now."

most of the things that we think of as special human skill or behavior can actually be found elsewhere throughout nature -- all over there are animals using tools, farming, ranching, building, etc.

my favorite primate behavioralist anecdote is a group of people studying tool use in chimps were spending their days in the bush logging the use of twigs to catch termites, and over the campfire at night they're like "it's so boring i wish they'd do something more impressive than this completely basic tool skill."

and one of them was like "actually... how do we know its not a difficult skill? has anyone tried to use a twig to catch termites and see?" and so the next day, like good little scientists, they went out and recorded their attempts at catching termites with twigs.

And lo and behold out of the whole group and all their attempts that day, only, like, a single termite was caught by a human, mostly by chance. Suddenly the whole situation flipped - they'd been thinking of it as basic unskilled tool use, but actually the chimps knew how to do something that none of them could easily figure out on their own - or even together as a group!

y'all, they had to go back to watching the chimps do it to figure out how. Think about that. University degrees, scientific minds, educated people... and they had to be taught how by the chimps.

It turns out there's a reason that young chimps will spend like a year closely studying how an adult is fishing for termites. You gotta select the right kind of twig or leaf stem, maybe you fray the end like a paint brush depending on particulars, you gotta have just the right poking and little shaking technique to provoke the termites into biting the twig, it's a whole thing. There's even regional/cultural differences in the general approach to termite fishing that are distinct between groups that live in different areas.

Now, wild chimps have been observed using objects as tools to fashion crude spears for hunting (it's the mothers doing it by the way, and slowly some of their kids have been growing up doing it, which will probably result in refinements and developments eventually.

ants do both farming and ranching. For real. Some species of ant grow a fungus they eat AND it's a domesticated fungus, like our corn, it can't actually reproduce and survive in the wild without the ants farming it. They maintain its growing conditions and feed it leaf litter mulch, and the fungus produces some kind of ant food idk i forget the details about that. But that's farming. They are farming a domesticated mushroom, basically. And other species of ant will maintain a herd of aphids; they'll move them from grazing area to grazing area, and protect them from predators, and they "milk" them for a liquid food substance and also every now and then they straight up eat one. That's ranching.

beavers sometimes have muskrat... tenants? pets? The muskrats low key pay rent by changing out the reed bedding they all use, and they live in the beaver's lodge with them and eat some of the food. So. idk

Some Tarantulas keep frogs as pets

anyway my point is, i think the true human skill that sets us apart is our ability deconstruct and reconstruct anything we see into something that is for us. Oh, you eat that? Now WE eat that. You have the perfect teeth to drill little holes in specific tree trunks to let the sap ooze out and eat it because it's high in sugar? We don't have those teeth but we're gonna do that now and if we can't figure out a tool that's as good as your teeth at it, watch out, because we will absolutely just also steal your fuckin teeth.

[frnchgirls]

warnings: nsfw!! filth with plot! danny is possessive! and has a dirty mouth! slight aftercare :]

you're a vandal being interviewed by danny in your apartment when he asks you about your love life. all the other guys are settling down and getting married and having kids, so it only makes sense to know if you're seeing somebody too, right?

you tell him you're not and that it's been bleak cause every man you've been with has had beliefs that didn't align with yours or was in the middle of a messy divorce or couldn't make you cum and more often than not it was a combination of the three. he almost swallows his fucking cigarette cause surely you didn't just say what he thinks you said, and you sink down in the couch a little from the embarrassment.

"you've gotta be kiddin' me." he sighs, shaking his head in disbelief, "so what, like, a guy's never made ya cum before?" he asks for clarification and his hand falters a little as he brings the microphone closer to your face. he’s only recording this for personal use, but you want to smack it out of his grip when you answer, "i dunno, maybe. you makin' fun of me, danny? am i the only woman ya know who hasn't finished during sex?"

he shakes his head, and he feels bad that it's making you feel bad cause the only reason he's so surprised is that you're the prettiest girl he's ever laid eyes on, is all. it's offensive that a man hasn't been able to please such a sweet thing like you, really. "i think it's normal. hell, i'm sure kathy or betty could tell ya the same. girls i've been with, too." he explains with a nod as he takes a drag and puffs out the smoke. "it's just that, i've personally never had any complaints."

you can only sit there in silence cause you're not sure if danny's actually flirting with you right now or if you just never woke up from your dream this morning. thankfully you don't have to wonder for long, cause he stubs out his cigarette and speaks up again with a smirk, "you mind if i have a go?" deep down, he already knows your answer.

it's hard to resist the urge to ask him what the hell he's talking about. you want to hear him say it but even more than that, you want him to show you. so, you humor him, shaking your head and biting your lip and then he's ordering you to throw your legs over the arm of the loveseat and what did you get yourself into?

he pulls your bottoms down your thighs, just enough for him to get his face between them, and when he sees the state of you, he gets so fuckin' smug. "this wet just from talkin' t'me, baby? you got a crush on me or somethin'?" danny asks, and just as you're about to tell him to shut the fuck up and eat your pussy, he's yanking your panties down and doing exactly that.

his hands spread you apart while his tongue dips inside your cunt, and oh he wasn't bluffing cause his nose is bumping into your clit and his mustache is brushing against your folds with each flick and it feels too good. one of your hands is threaded through his hair while the other is clamped over your mouth cause he's practically pulling the moans right out of you, and you have neighbors for god’s sake.

danny tries not to grin as he licks into you, but how can he not when you’re whining like that because of him? when you notice, you’re not sure if it pisses you off or turns you on so you tug his hair harder, nails scratching at his scalp. and fuck, he likes that a lot so he’s sucking your clit and adding a finger in no time at all.

it's pathetic how fast his movements you there, but really, it's the filthy things he says that bring you over the edge. "c'mon baby, you gonna cum for me? that's it, gimme my fuckin' cum. y’know i need it. forget those losers who couldn’t handle ya. you should be mine. atta girl, just like that." danny groans against you and you're shaking like a leaf, wailing "thank you, thank you, thank you" as you release.

you might have given him a little too much confidence, cause after he cleans you both up and fixes your clothes and fetches you some water like the sweetheart he is, he’s smiling from ear to ear and asking you if you'd like to be his girlfriend.

he really meant it when he said you should be his.

[justaaveragereader]

Slashtober🔪||Jigsaw!Wooyoung

Pairing: Wooyoung x Reader

Word Count: 3.9k

Warnings: Dom!Wooyoung, Sex Machine, Restraints, Toys, BDSM, Sub!Reader, Orgasm Denial, Orgasm Control, Voyeurism, Wooyoung Has Cameras In The Readers Home, Masterbating, If I Missed Anything👀….Lemme Know!

Slashtober Masterlist

The second to last to arrive was none other than Jung Wooyoung. The absolute bane of your existence. With the laugh of a hyena, and the mockery of a clown, he was the one person you couldn’t break no matter what. It didn’t matter how many times you greeted him, how nice you were to him, he was just a constant arrogant jerk. You would’ve thought he was in highschool with the way he acted. He was so obnoxious, he knew how to get under your skin and poke at you. He always greeted you with that fake smile, waving his hand wildly so you couldn’t miss him. He reminded you of that one kid in class that you just wanted to hit with a pencil box due to his constant need to piss off not only the teacher but the entire class. Living right next door to you, he went out of his way to irk you. The most irritating part about it? He knew he was hot shit. He was the one person who knew the effect he had on people. His ego was constantly inflated.

~

“Hey! Hey!” You yelled out, trying your best to get Wooyoungs attention over the loud leaf blower, it was well past 9:30 pm, why he decided to leaf blow so late? One reason, because he’s Jung Wooyoung.

With his headphones over his ears, he danced slightly as he blew the leaves, the street lights being the only form of lighting for him. Deciding you were fed up, you march right over to him. Tapping him on his back, with a slight jump he turns, cutting the leaf blower off. Throwing you his signature smile.

“Why good evening neighbor!”

“Cut the shit Wooyoung, it’s literally night time. Can’t this wait til the morning?!” You semi yell, loud enough so it would annoy him, but low enough to where it wouldn’t awaken any of your neighbors.

“Princess if you wanted to spend some time with me that’s all you had to say.” He says lowering his leaf blower, taking his headphones off, and letting them pool around his veiny neck. Making sure to smile at you through hooded eyes. Ooh he knew what he was doing. Letting a hand run over your face, you let out a groan, clearly annoyed by his antics. Jabbing his chest with your finger you cut your eyes at him..

“Spend time with you my ass. Save the leaf blowing for the a.m. Jung Wooyoung.” Taking your finger off his very firm chest you turn around, marching back to your home. With a stupid grin on his face he calls out your name, you stop half way, turning around to look at him.

“If you want me that’s all you gotta say, Princess!”

Flipping him off you angrily march into your home. Clearly annoyed at his stupid handsome face, that matches horribly with his dumb actions. You decide the best way to blow off some steam is to pull out your hand dandy rose toy. Maybe that was your problem, it had been 3 weeks since Mingi had basically thrown you on display for the neighbors to see. With Wooyoung trotting around at all hours of the night you couldn’t have that slip up, you didn’t want ammo for Wooyoung to use against you.

Throwing the toy on your bed, you make yourself comfortable against your pillows, searching on your phone for some porn to get you in the mood, yet all you can think about is Wooyoung, his eyes, the way his veins bulge from his arm, how his eyes crinkle in the corner when he laughs, how his hands have the perfect amount of bulging veins, the image of his bulging hands choking you makes you drop your phone. Oh no, no, no, you completely want to fuck your annoying neighbor. Letting out a whine you lock your phone, kicking your pants off, letting your panties pool around your ankles. You have one person and one person only on your mind right now. Letting the images run through your head, you are going to make sure you put your rose toy to perfect use. Little did you know while you were bringing yourself to complete bliss, orgasm, after orgasm, you had given your annoying neighbor a front row seat to your pleasure cruise, fueling that blood lust within him, all he wanted to do was play with you.

~

As your eyes cracked open, you tried to move your arms, the realization of not being able to, takes a minute to load into your brain. As you open your eyes further. You wince at the bright red led lights in the room. Since when did you get these lights in your home? Trying your best to move, bringing your hand up to wipe the sleep out of your eyes, suddenly you are blocked. You are not able to move even your wrist. Eyes shooting open, taking in your full surroundings. You are strapped to a cool table, your warm skin immediately warming the table up, with your wrists tied to each side of you, with your feet up on the table with your ankles being strapped down. You quickly turn your head trying to soak in what is all around you.

“Oh my god. Oh My God!” You slightly yell out, not believing where you are. The red led lights are almost blinding to you. Trying to find any way out, even suddenly a deep voice fills the room.

“Rise and shine Princess.” Voice clearly being distorted, that nickname runs a chill down your spine. Trying to shut your legs, you close your eyes so hard the corners of them crinkle.

“Where the fuck am I?” You semi yell out, trailing off at the end of your sentence due to a door opening, all you see is a pitch black hallway, you can make out a figure of someone standing there. Was this person going to watch you? You see their pearly white teeth in the dark hallway, causing a chill of fear to shoot through you, turning your head away, you try to find something else to focus on.

“You know we always enjoy the show you put on for us.” The disfigured voice says. You can hear a chipper undertone to their tone despite it being distorted.

Your eyes shoot to the figure with its teeth still on display, you can’t see their eyes but you know they are there.

“Wh-what show?” You stutter out, trying to sound as brave as possible. Just when you thought the smile on the figure's face couldn’t grow any bigger. You watch as their eyes trail to the right of your body, a white screen with static comes to, you are shocked by what you see. On four different small screens there you were. One screened showed when you were getting your spine rearranged by Mingi, another screen when you were getting fucked by God knows what in your bedroom, the other when you were getting fucked by the three masked men, and the other when you were playing with your rose toy, silently moaning Wooyoungs name. Heat rises to your neck. You are embarrassed, yet turned on. To see your face in such bliss numerous times. Remembering each way one of them fucked you, remembering the way Woos veins bulged when he was holding the leaf blower. Your eyes continue to grow wide with each movement in the videos. The figure in the hallway soaks you in, watching you feverishly. Drifting his eyes down to your pussy, he watches the way it clenches around nothing, the way your arousal beads, dripping down slowly.

“What a slut.” He mutters out, clearly amused by what he sees. Stepping back, he leaves the door open. Your eyes are still never leaving the screens. It never dawns on you that there are cameras in your home, taken back by the fact that you can see a 4k version of you getting your shit railed by various people. You try your best to shut your legs, trying to get any sense of stimulation on your neglected cunt just as you are getting fed up, the figure walks back in with his head low so you can’t make out his face, you can see bits of his face, his nose is so sharp, you can’t make out much due to the red lights distorting his face. You do catch a beautiful side profile of him. You can see streaks of makeup on him though. Making his way around the table you see his hands rise, he is blind folding you. Trying your best to shimmy out of the restraints, you want to feel whoever is above you, their hands, their hands could choke you and you’d be grateful for it. Keeping your head straight you don’t even try to put up a fight because you know you want this. You wanna see how far this person is going to take you, are they going to bring you past the tipping point like Mingi? Are they going to rough house you like the masked men?

“Such an obedient girl, princess.” Putting the blind fold over your eyes, it was lace, while it disfigured a lot of things in your view, you could still make out certain things. You could see the person above you, hovering over you. You could still see the red lights.

“Such an obedient girl, I might just reward you.” Wooyoung whispers out, voice laced with need yet you can still hear a playful hue to his tone despite it being disfigured. The thought of you being rewarded made your heart beat fast, how would you be rewarded? With the options being endless, you gulp, nodding your head to the person above you.

Stepping away Wooyoung leaves the room, you can hear his steps fade away, your nerves are eating you up. You aren’t sure if he is even going to come back. When you hear a loud boom, like he’s moving heavy equipment. You hear the wheels to something moving at a fast pace down to the room you are in. Craning your neck you try to make out what you see, all you can make out is that the figure is right by your spread legs, hooking something up in the room. Biting your lip you lay back down, trying your best to calm your nerves. While excitement and anxiety can often be mistaken for the same feeling, you know the feeling in your body is something that you need itched.

While you are lost in your mind, you feel something cool brush against your folds. The sudden intrusion makes your body jump slightly. Looking down you squint your eyes behind the blind fold trying to piece together what is sitting below your feet, he leaves the room once more, grabbing more things before he returns. Standing on the side of you, his hard cock by the side of your face he lets out a small groan looking at your body, your breast out with your nipples hardened, your glistening cunt spread open, with your mouth slightly gaping ready for whatever Woo was going to give you.

“Are you always this cock hungry?” The sudden sound of the distorted voice takes you by surprise, making your body slightly jump, you have no shame, it had been weeks since you last saw Mingi and you needed a release, the rose only could do so much.

“Y-Yes.” You whisper out, shivers riddling your body, yet the fire that ignited in your core was fully in a blaze. Letting out a chuckle, Wooyoung presses his hardened cock to the side of your face, your mouth dropping open further. He grabs the side of your face pressing his hard length into your warm cheek. When your ears hear a loud click, a loud moan leaves your throat immediately. You feel something fill your warm cunt. Clicking the remote twice more the speed picks up, the pace going steady. Grabbing your face once more he unzips his pants, pulling his hard cock out.

“Be a good girl and open your mouth.”

Removing your teeth from your lip, the thrusting of the dildo between your legs has your body slightly moving up and down on the table with each thrust. Trying your best to open your mouth as wide as you can so you can take Wooyoungs cock in your mouth. Rubbing the tip around your lips, your tongue hungrily looking for his cock, licking up as much pre cum as you can, you kiss his length before he taps the head of his cock on your tongue. Pulling back he tucks himself back in his pants. Clicking the remote once more. The machine moves faster in and out of you. It dawns on you that he’s not going to actually give you what you want. This is a reward for him, not for you. Pulling away from you, he pockets the remote to the sex machine, stepping back.

He places nipple clamps on your hard nubs, hitting another small remote, sending a small electric current to your nipples making your back arch. You let out the loudest moan yet, the sound not even daring to bounce off of the walls. Grabbing the side of your face he rubs your cheek against his hard length again. Cocking his head back, the heat of your skin, mixing with the sweet sounds you were making, had his cock throb with need. Hitting the remote once again another shock gets sent to your nipples. Your jaw dropping at the feeling. Pulling back your pussy lips, he wedges a vibrator between them, positioning it so it’s right on your clit, testing the remote he hits a button, the vibration startling you, making your legs tense at the feeling. Your mouth drops open once again, taking in this new sensation.

“God, you are such a slut truly. Always so cock hungry. If I had knew you were like this I could’ve fucked you sooner.”

Letting out a small laugh, he pushes away once more, hitting his remote so it shocks your nipples again. As he pulls back you hear the sound of his shoes exiting the room.

“Please, please!” You quickly shout, you aren’t even sure what you are asking for. Maybe it was for a harsher grip on reality? Or maybe it was for permission to cum?

“Keep begging baby, it does something to me everytime.” He groans out, continuing to exit the room. Gripping his cock harshly, right before he exits the room he speaks to you one final time.

“Scream as loud as you want, baby, no one can hear you but me.”

Making his way to his office, with various screens, one watching all the various rooms in your home, the other with views to all the others neighbors homes, and then biggest screen of all the one with your naked body on it, while the sex machine fucks a dildo in and out of you. Hitting the remote the clamps shock your nipples again, your body jolting at the feeling once more. Letting out a loud moan you clench your fists. He teeters you on the edge of an orgasm each time, just as he gets any sign that you are going to cum he cuts it, or changes the pace.

Your body is riddled with sweat, and arousal drips down your ass, the sex machine continuously thrusts a dildo in and out of you, a squelching noise fills your ears each time. Clenching your toes, you feel the vibration of the vibrator between your legs with the timed shocks to your nipples. Your body feels a billion things at once. Just as you think you are about to cum he stops everything all together, giving your body a couple minutes to cool down before he starts having the equipment pick up pace once more.

Taking his cock out of his pants, he spits on his hand, wrapping his hand tightly around his hard cock, giving it two quick pumps, letting out a small moan of his own, he tries to match the pace of the sex machine that’s thrusting in and out of you. He can see your slick covering the piece of rubber, taking him to an even higher feeling he pauses his hand. Not trying to blow his load already, he can hear the sounds of your moaning dancing in his ears. It fills a void in him that he never knew he needed, ever since he moved in you had always been a brat to him so to see you so submissive and so willingly giving yourself to him it sparked the match in him.

Deciding enough was enough, he wanted to reach an orgasm just as bad as you did, constantly bringing himself to the edge just to stop and halt the activities, he cuts on everything at once, at high speed. The sex machine fucking you at a inhumane pace, turning the shock levels up on the nipple clamps, and cutting the vibrator on a high pulse pattern he cuts the microphone on so you can hear him jacking off to you. Biting his lip he lets out a small groan which you completely miss due to your loud screaming. Tears are soaking the lace blindfold, your mouth constantly in an O formation, while your throat feels so dry from all the moaning you’ve been doing.

His hand tightly wrapped around his spit soaked cock, he cuts the microphone back on, you can hear the sounds of him stroking himself once more. A tingling sensation spreads out through your body, whoever this was, was enjoying himself just as much as you had been.

“You can count how many restraints are holding down your body. Every time you cum, that’ll be one restraint I remove from your body.”

Letting out a loud moan, you bite your lip trying your best to focus on an orgasm before he slows down the machine once more, sending a slight shock to your nipples. Your body is dripping with sweat now, the cool room is now heated.

“Ho-How am I su-supposed to cum, wh-when you keep teasing m-me.” You huff out.

Letting a sadistic smile grace his face, you can still hear the wet noises of him pumping his cock.

“We are playing my game, princess.”

Your legs shook, as they are held up and open, you couldn’t help but let out a loud groan, toes continuously curling. The warm air in the room hitting your warm dripping cunt, as the sex machine slid the dildo rapidly in and out of you. The leg restraints from the table made it impossible to close your legs. As your body writhed in pleasure, Wooyoung sat behind the large screen watching you be denied of an orgasm over and over again. The sheer look of pleasure and desperation coursing through your body was enough to bring him to his own pleasure.

~

You blink yourself awake, in your own bed. Looking around your…. bedroom? Sitting up slowly, you blink the sleep out of your eyes. Was it all a dream? Were you truly losing your mind? Gathering yourself you slowly rise out of bed, wincing at the aching between your legs, your limbs feel so sore. Rolling your shoulder out, you make your way to the bathroom, getting a good look at yourself in the mirror. Cutting the sink on you splash some water in your face trying to gather your thoughts, trying to gather yourself. You bend down to splash more water when you see a piece of paper taped to the wall behind you. Turning around quickly you peek your head out of the bathroom, trying to see if someone besides you was there.

Quickly snatching the paper down, you open the inside of it, written in red ink you read out loud…

“How about we play another game soon?”

Tossing the paper on the floor, you quickly look around your home, trying to find if there is any sign of anyone else here. As you walk in a disarray of panic, trying to find who or what put that paper in your home. Wooyoung watches you with a huge smile on his face. Your state of panic makes him giggle. Cutting the screen to different angles of you in your own home freaking out, he walks out of the room grabbing his leaf blower, making his way towards his lawn. You are still running around filled with worry. As you hear the annoying sound of Wooyoungs leaf blower. Quickly making a beeline for outside. Bare foot, completely in your pajamas you run straight into Wooyoung, catching him “off guard” cutting his leaf blower off, his eyes take in your frightened state you are out of breath trying to explain to Wooyoung what happened in your home.

“And, and this paper Woo! It came out of nowhere! I swear Woo you gotta believe me, it wasn’t there when I walked into the bathroom. Please, please believe me.”

The sound of you begging makes his body do a slight shiver, biting his lip and nodding his head listening closely to you. Putting his hands on your shoulders, you feel your body heat up, his hands on your body feels so familiar, looking up at him with tears in your eyes.

“How about I go see this paper and scope out your home to see if anyone is in there. Does that sound okay?”

As he finishes his sentence out of his peripheral vision he sees the window to your bedroom slide open, he knows it’s Hongjoong making his way out of your home with the paper. Nodding your head just as you are about to turn around,Wooyoung grabs you back trying to buy Hongjoong more time to make his way down from your window. Shrugging off his long sleeve button up he pulls it over your shoulders. Pulling it tightly around you.

“You are out here in your pajamas, no socks, and no shoes, despite our Tom and Jerry feud I don’t want you to get cold.

Just then it dawns on you that you are in your pajamas, the cool breeze nips at your skin. Pulling his long sleeve closer you nod, smiling at him, you both turn around and make your way towards your home. Letting you walk in first, Wooyoung insists on wiping his feet saying he will be with you in a second.

“What the fuck took you so long?” Wooyoungs whisper yells at Hongjoong.

“Oh fuck off, like you could’ve did any better.” He whispers harshly to Woo. Rolling his eyes, he and Hongjoong start to bicker, when your voice calls out to Wooyoung, he can hear your footsteps coming close to him.

“S-Sorry! These pesky bugs! Didn’t want any coming into your home.” Wooyoung says loudly, loud enough so Hongjoong can hear, letting out an annoyed huff. Hongjoong begins to make his way back to his home.

Walking behind you, before Wooyoung closes the door, he flips off Hongjoong.

“Alright Princess, where do you want me to look first?” His deep voice rings out, a smile sketched on his face. Your body shivers at the way he calls you princess, like you’ve heard it before.

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[raccoonfallsharder]

rocket raccoon prompt week ✷ day five machinery✷.⁺⋆˚₊

semi-romantic angst & fluff | no use of yn | gn reader | minific | word count: 1,946.

Ka-chunk-hnk. Ka-chunk-hnk. 

Rocket scrubs his knuckles against the fur and flesh that have grown over his metal sternum. His ribs strain like creaky bellows, lungs splitting and bruising against the bones. It’s been like this sometimes, since before he can remember — but lately it’s a chronic condition. 

Ever since the High Evolutionary’s voice had echoed over the comms on the Bowie, lethal and shrill. 

Rocket sits at a table across the street from Nebula’s offices, and waits. His fingers drum on the pretty, dusty mosaic surface. 

Ka-chunk-hnk. Ka-chunk-hnk. 

You step out of the doorway, back arching as you stretch. Nebs must’ve had you hunched over datascreens all day — a waste of eye candy, he’d think, if he’d let himself tap too far into his old jackass-habits. Not that it matters — he’s already been preparing to be an absolute, unforgivable dickhead to you, ever since he woke up the rotation before last and decided he couldn’t bear the sound of it anymore.

Ka-chunk-hnk. Ka-chunk-hnk. 

“Hey,” he calls out, voice low and carrying. “You. New kid. Buttercup.”

Your eyes swivel, wide and startled. Shimmery. He kinda hates that about you, except no he doesn’t. He scowls when you look at him and tap your chest, brow creasing in confusion. Who, me? he imagines you uttering, voice perplexed.

Yeah. You. 

He points at you with two fingers, then slashes them toward the chair opposite him. He can see you hesitate — then you’re drifting across the street like a leaf in a stream, eddying around little obstacles and whirlpools as they arise. It takes too long, but you’re finally sinking into the seat across from him.

“Captain?” you say politely, and he tries to hide his scoff. Nothing says new kid on Knowhere quite like deference. Still, it’ll be useful for him today.

“Yeah,” he mutters. “I gotta job for you.”

You blink those gorgeous eyes of yours. “Me?”

He rolls his eyes and tries not to let himself feel bad about exploiting you — all that kindness, that generosity, sitting right there on the surface, ripe for manipulation. “I need you to get me something outta Pete’s old place.”

You blink those starry eyes again. He really needs you to stop doing that, ‘cause it’s killing him. “Pe — Star-Lord’s apartment?” 

He grunts and flicks his eyes back towards Nebula’s door. “Yup.” He lingers on the y, and pops the p. “Super-confidential, very-official, super-frickin’-secret Guardians-mission. Can you do it?”

“I — what do you want me to do?”

Ka-chunk-hnk. Ka-chunk-hnk. 

And this is how you end up slipping through the barely open door of the legendary, absentee Star-Lord’s bedroom: all for a captain with pretty, heartbreaking almandine eyes. 

You’re such a sap.

But Rocket had given you an override hex for Peter Quill’s rooms, and you don’t see how you can refuse him anything, so in you go, even though you know he’s fucking lying about — well, everything related to this so-called mission, you’re sure. No-one has touched this room since Star-Lord left a few cycles before you’d arrived — other than to fix the Warlock-shaped hole in the wall and window, anyway.  Kraglin, Groot, and Nebula all insist he’ll be back soon, and so the apartment remains as he’d left it. 

You glance around, and sure enough, there’s the treasure Rocket had sent you to find, sitting on a rickety high shelf: a dense ball of bulging white tissue, pressed like dough into a silvery, skeletal cage. 

You pick up the sphere. It’s heavy in your hand, like it has its own field of gravity — and you suppose, in a way, it does. Turning it, you recognize the OrgoCorps logo, and it’s the final confirmation you need. You slide the sphere into the pouch on your belt, and you slip from the room, shutting the door behind you. 

“Don’t let Nebs see you,” Rocket had warned. “Don’t let anybody see you.” He’d muttered something your translation chip had haltingly tried to identify as fuckin’ narks. “She’ll be all over my ass if she finds out.” He’d looked up at you, those almandine eyes suddenly narrowing shrewdly, and had said, “You understand what I’m asking you to do, right? You’re the frickin’ fall-guy.” 

“Got it,” you’d said mildly, unbothered. So now here you are, tapping with raindrop-light fingers on Rocket’s apartment door. It swings open and you slide in off the street seamlessly, and he’s got his hand in the pouch at your hip before the door’s even closed behind you.

You jolt at the brush of heat and his intrusive nearness, but he’s already got the record-sphere in his hand, turning his back to you and striding toward the… bed? It’s a slab of cold metal with a ragged blanket and no pillows, and you do a double-take around the room. Nope, that’s definitely the closest thing the poor guy has to a bed. 

The Captain’s fucking miserable. 

Still, you’ve decided that light-hearted sarcasm is the best way to engage for now. 

“Geez,” you snip playfully. “Buy a person dinner first.” 

He startles, tossing you a wide-eyed look over his shoulder that’s too shocked and vulnerable to allow you any satisfaction. But then he rolls his eyes and huffs out a disgruntled sound of annoyance, and begins connecting the ball of white tissue to a handful of datapads and small machines he’s got set on the bed. 

“Sit,” he rumbles with a gesture at the hunk of scrapmetal masquerading as a mattress. He already got his eyes locked on the numbers and letters as they  scroll up on the screens, and he’s glaring at them mutinously. “Or get out.” 

You hesitate. But the fact that he’s opened a spot for you in his apartment at all feels like an indicator that he doesn’t want to be alone, even if he’s too frightened to bring any of… whatever-this-is to his friends. Instead, he stands beside the bed, typing shit into his datapads and screens, and you perch on the spot beside them, facing him. You take him in as he works: the furrowed brow, and the crinkles along the sides of his nose as he tries not to grimace or snarl. His ears — one alert and forward-facing, and the other swiveled into a half-flattened scrap of fur and flesh. Even his tail looks a different than usual: tensed and bristling, tucked tight against his inner calf. 

“There it is,” he mutters, and his eyes scan the screen. They jump and widen, then scan again. His brow drops and now both ears lay flat, and he reads it all again. The fur on his neck and the backs of his forearms rises.

Then he hisses a curse that the translator can’t pick up at all this time, and he shoves himself away from the screens, pacing back and forth in front of you thrice before throwing himself onto the bed at your other side. Your eyes follow him, wide and startled, as he keeps up the steady stream of indecipherable swearing.

Slowly— cautiously — you turn sideways, pulling one leg onto the bed with you, away from the pile of ramshackle tech so you can study him while you chew your lip. You want to ask what it is he’s discovered, and if he’s okay — but the words stay trapped in your throat, meaningless and hollow. You hesitate, and then sigh, and lower yourself onto your back beside him.

The two of you stare up at the ceiling for what feels like ages. Outside, the lights of Knowhere grow gold, signaling the end of the second wake-shift. Topaz light slants in through the frosted windows at the head of the bed.

“Your bed is a chiropractic nightmare,” you say after a moment, and he whuffs a startled laugh. 

Silence falls again, but it feels easier, curling comfortingly into all the crevices of the room. Maybe it’s because of your comment, or maybe it’s because you aren’t looking at each other. Maybe it’s because you’re no-one at all to him — just Buttercup, the New Kid, Hey You.

But he speaks.

“Ever since — ever since we got back,” he mutters. “Ever since the Arête — my heart’s been acting weird. I thought maybe it was — I thought maybe it had been injured worse that we realized, or maybe—“

His voice crackles away, and you don’t chase it. You just wait in the fake sunset-light, watching it warm the shadows. 

“It sounds awful,” he says at last. “Like, yours—“ he lifts a hand above you both and taps out a rhythm on the air with deft fingers. “—thud-thud. Thud-thud. Thud-thud.” You can hear the grimace in his mouth. “That’s a good heart. That’s a healthy, normal-person heart. But mine—“ He curls his clawed fingers into a strangling fist, and twists viciously. “Ka-chunk-hnk. Ka-chunk-hnk.”

He drops his hand to his abdomen.

“It’s not fuckin’ good,” he mutters, and his voice is so desolate that your belly suddenly twists and that space behind your eyes tightens. “It’s not… I always knew it didn’t work right.” He makes a tortured noise in his throat that sounds like it’s trying to be a laugh. “But the records say everything’s operating like it should be, so I guess I’m just a messed-up little—“

You roll suddenly. If you’d been thinking clearly, you never would’ve moved so quickly, and later you’ll be grateful that he didn’t lash out at you with startled, defensive claws. But all you can think is to offer him some sort of solace, some sort of peace. 

So you press your ear to his chest.

On the other side of the Indigarran cotton, you feel heat and fur, flesh and metal. He stiffens— frozen beneath you, and then shivering with an uncertainty you’re sure he’d never let show on his face. He smells like fireworks and whiskey and forests in late autumn, and beyond that — a touch or two faster than yours — you can feel the quiet thump of his heart. It’s a little quicker and jumpier than you’d expected, but the longer you lay with your cheek to his chest, the steadier it grows. 

Thud-thud. Thud-thud. Thud-thud.

“It sounds like a good heart to me,” you murmur. “I don’t hear what you hear in it — not at all.”

There’s a crackling, staticky quiet, and then he makes a wounded little sound deep in his chest, and you feel it rumble up under your cheek. His hand shifts from his abdomen and his fingers are suddenly cradling the back of your head, holding you against him. 

“You don’t hear it?” His voice is agonized. Desperate. “You really don’t—?”

You can’t shake your head with the way he’s wrapped around you, his other arm coming up to join the first, almost clinging. And you — well, you don’t want to give him any reason to think that you’re not perfectly content to stay like this. “Definitely not,” you tell him. “I’m no doctor, of course, but — it sounds beautiful to me. It sounds like it works far better than you ever realized.”

Your head shifts as he lets out an exhalation so long and splintered that you suddenly wonder if he’s been holding his breath ever since he got back from CounterEarth.

“I thought—“ His words are all hushed and creased, puffing into the air and then tumbling to the metal cot around you like crumpled balls of paper. “I thought maybe it wasn’t a real heart,” he says raggedly. “I thought maybe it was just a — a broken machine.”

You pull your own hand out from beneath you, and you tap out the rhythm just below his collarbone. 

Thud-thud. Thud-thud. Thud-thud.

“I promise,” you tell him softly. “I can feel it. It’s real.”

lol whatever i'm under 2k words sooooo i am still very cool. (this was a scene i'd had in my brain for like six months. it's the core component of the oneshot i was writing called real but thanks to this "drabble" (i don't think 2k counts as a drabble whateverrrr) i have a new title in mind (broken machinery) and at least part of the main scene written so YAY

day four. family ✷ day six. bite rocket prompt week masterlist ✷ main masterlist rocket raccoon prompt week list

taglist ♡ @evolvingchaoswitch ♡ @glow-autumz ♡ @wren-phoenix ♡ @suicidalshitstick ♡ @pretty-chips

[niyana-the-ambiguous-mobian]

@the-lonely-human

🫂 Comforting hugs

🥶 Cold

✊🏽 Protecting

💀 Near-death experience

Decided on which characters to use for this one and decided on Casey Jr and Future Leo.

This was going to be a drabble....but I should know better by now that it usually doesn't happen that way when I get a sudden urge to write :p

Writing prompts

~~~~~~

The poor kid was shaking like a leaf. Even with the amount of jogging he was doing, he could still feel him trembling dangerously.

Leo pulled him closer to his chest and pulled his scarf off his neck, tucking it around around the boy's neck and face. He already had on two jackets already and was still shivering like crazy so that thin old scarf wouldn't have made much of a difference, but it didn't hurt to try.

He adjusted his hold on the teen as he rounded the corner, paused and scoping out the landscape. Those damn Kraang had their cursed hunting hounds out all over the area, an obstacle they already had knowledge of before making the plan for the weapon retrieval from a neighboring base.

It was supposed to be a quick and easy mission, find the base, exchange information, gather up the weapons, and meet back at the rendezvous point before they were spotted. Simple, easy process.

Well, some unfortunate soul got noticed right as they were about to get their stockhold, and it all went wrong so quickly. Everyone was scattered and running in different directions, laser blasts where firing in the air and those mutts were on them in seconds.

All he could do was grab Casey and drag him to cover which, due to him being a giant turtle carrying a sword, didn't help much in terms of sneaking off. They only managed to get a few feet away before a stray blast flew past his leg. It didn’t hit its aimed target, but it certainly hit a target, a much smaller one.

Leo could tell the moment he felt Casey scream out, and his legs gave out from under him, slowing their pace down as he nearly fell face first on the ground, narrowly managing to catch him. he couldn't even tell where the wound had hit. All he could do was hope that the wound wasn't too severe and their backup would close in on their location soon.

That was an hour ago.

A full hour had passed, and still no word on anyone, not even from the other soldiers they were with. It turned out Casey's wound didn't go too deep, but he was going to need some help soon if a fever breaks out

He mentally cursed at the damn device Donnie had made before they went out that was supposed to be "used in emergencies" and will "save your asses quicker than you can get a one night stand".

That last part was unnecessarily aimed at him, but he was going to have a serious discussion about some updates if it's taking them THIS long to find them.

"S-sensei?" He heard the small voice croak out through the thin fabric as he saw tired, glassy eyes looking up at him. It looked like he was seconds away from passing out, not that he could blame the kid. It was an intense day for both of them.

He gave a small, weary crooked grin back at him. "Hey Hard-Case, try to not to talk, alright? You gotta save up your strength, that blast caught you a little too good."

"B-...but-" Casey let out a sharp gasp as he attempted to move, curling his body and falling back into the arms of his teacher. He grasped at his side and panted sharply.

"See, now what did I just tell you?" Leo scolded lightly, sitting down on the ground, minding not making any fast movements. He gently moved his hand away, readjusting the loose wrapping of his bandages.

That managed to get a strained snicker out as a reaction, better than nothing, but nothing could be better than to hear any updates, something, anything.

"Y-you told me n-ot to t-talk!" Casey argued, letting out a harsh cough. Leo lightly patted his back and raised an eyebrow.

"I did, so I would have figured that you would get it through that noggin of yours that you should limit moving around either, but we both know that you're stubborn as hell so I'm not surprised."

"Master Leo?"

"Hmm?"

"Where is everyone?"

Leo let out a slow breath. No doubt, he was expecting this question. That was the hard part. The hard part of trying to tell him in a different way each time he would ask. He would have thought it would be easier as time went on, but oh, how wrong he was on that.

"I don't know."

It was only half the truth, he definitely saw some of them get struck down as he was running with Casey, hearing the sounds of their voices cut off the moment those mutant hounds pounced on them. Though there could be some survivors hiding away just like they were.

He felt Casey lean back closer to him, knowing it was due to realization since the kid didn't ask any follow-up questions.

"But It's okay, alright?" He gently brushed a thumb across his cheek and face, moving the stands of loose hair sticking to his damp face. He gently pulled him closer and cradled his head with his free hand, leaning his cheek against his hair.

"We'll be alright."

[leeus-writing]

The Baby Sitter pt 2

Request is for - Imagine Reno finding a kid crying on the street

The Baby Sitter pt 2

Reno looked down at the little girl who had yet to give a name. She stood in his apartment hugging her chocobo plush.

“And Tseng told you to take care of her?” Rude asked.

“Yep…”

“Does she have a name?”

“Don’t know,” Reno replied and walked over to his sofa. He flopped down and switched on the telly.

Rude just shook his head and walked over to the little girl. He knelt down.

“What’s your name?”

She shrugged and backed away towards Reno. Reno looked down at her and frowned. Alright, she either didn’t have a name or couldn’t remember her name. He sighed and leant over the arm of her sofa.

“Ya have no name? or ya don’t remember it?” He asked.

“No,” She just replied.

Defeated Reno sighed “Fine I’ll call you Jewel,” he said slipping off his sofa, “guess I gotta make her a bed. Rude you feed her or somin before ya go home.”

Rude spluttered about to say something and just shook his head defeated and headed for the kitchen. The child, Jewel… Didn’t seem to even react to her new name. She just continued to watch Rude before slowly going off to follow Reno. She really was very much attached to him. Rude wondered how the girl was going to react to being placed in the leaf house. That was if they didn’t find her family.

| |

The girl had ended up not even sleeping in the room or bed Reno had set up for her. She curled up in the cat bed within his room. Mews had been severely put out by finding his bed occupied. Reno was starting to think this girl had no family and was homeless. He had to admit, he was starting to grow fond of Jewel… after all he’d named her now.

That day Reno took Jewel and headed down to the underplate and the Leaf house. Now washed, ish, he hasn’t wanted to bath her, and dressed in new clothes. She was now just looking like a skinny kid who was slightly grubby.

The idea was, he’d meet with Rude and they’d do the rounds looking for the kids family as she got acquainted with the leaf house. The idea of leaving her there was bringing a knot to Reno’s stomach.

Jewel did not enjoy being left in the leaf house. In the end Reno promised to pick her up after work and told her to enjoy her day. The workers believed she’d been abandoned, or her parents had sold her. Either way Reno felt awful for leaving her behind.

Reno and Rude walked around Wall Market showing the young girls image to person after person asking them if they were her parents, or knew where they were. Not a single person knew of her, or knew her parents or where they’d come from.

“What if she doesn’t come from here?” Rude asked when they stopped for a break.

“I don’t know Rude, we aren’t getting anywhere. No ones looking for her. Maybe … Maybe I should just take her,” Reno said with a frown on his face.

“You?”

“Yeah, she needs someone!” Reno snapped.

He couldn’t understand why he was getting so defensive over this. Rude just smirked, knowing his brother.

“I’m not going soft YO!” Reno snapped.

He slammed his beer down and grabbed the papers containing Jewels image.

Two more hours passed by before Tseng phoned Rude. Reno hovered near by trying to listen, which annoyed the taller bald man. He frowned at Reno and tried to walk away a little only to be followed.

“No Boss… No sign. The Leaf house think she’s an orphan. Right, we’ll come back soon. I’ll let them know,” Rude hung up and turned to Reno, “Tseng says we are to return.”

Reno nodded, “Right and Jewel?”

“She’s the leaf houses problem now,” Rude replied.

“FUCK THAT!” Reno marched off with Rude half heartedly calling after him.

| |

Jewel was waiting for him and ran over arms out wide. She was crying and her Chocobo toy was gone.

“Where is Choco?” Reno asked kneeling in front of her.

The toy was ontop of a shelf. Reno walked over and took the toy down passing it to her.

“Sorry! Excuse me sir! I’m not sure who you are but, we don’t allow them to have toys during the day,” A worker said spotting him.

“That was the ONE toy she owns. The ONE thing she has. Papers now!”

The woman blinked and staggered back as he clicked his fingers.

“Umm… we need to do background ch-”

Reno cut her off slamming his ID down on the desk. She looked at it wide eyed.

“Papers NOW!” He clicked his fingers.

Jewel clung to his leg and her chocobo toy tight as the woman left and returned with adoption papers.

Reno signed them, turned around after he got his copy and left with his new daughter.

| |

@renohasbigtits

@paradoxodessy

@mandysfanfics

[sabraeal]

Just a Second Away from Being In Love (Or Alone)

[Read on AO3]

Written for @another-miracle, who asked for any Obi POV in Wide Florida Bay-- but hopefully an obiyuki one 🤣. It actually took me a while to circle in on which one to pick; there's a few that I had my eye on earlier in the timeline, but when it came to obiyuki bits...I knew it had to be this one, which starts off a small mini-arc in the established relationship part of this fic!

It takes him two hours and two pounds of eggplant, but after five minutes of this newest crisis of morale, Obi finally gives in: he going have to use his Phone A Friend for this one. Or at least someone friendly. Ish.

“Tell me this is gonna be worth it,” he huffs, contorted into nature’s worst pretzel shape; his newest attempt to locate anything that could pass for another pie plate in this place. No way Doc’s lived here for three years without putting at least five of the most grandma-worthy vessels for piping-hot fruit somewhere in the cabinets. “Tell me this is gonna be the best thing I’ve put in my mouth my whole life. A fucking paradigm shift when it comes to food.”

“It’s eggplant parmesan. You’re gonna wish it was chicken.” Kelly Ann clucks her tongue, and god, she can be a thousand miles away, but he knows she’s got a knee balanced up on her desk, head tipped back because her eyes can’t roll far enough. “But you just spend half an afternoon drying the most finicky vegetable known to man, so you can’t turn back now. You’re committed.”

That’s the sort of talk that would have given him a life-threatening case of the hives years ago, limping around Atlanta’s unforgiving streets looking for an Urgent Care more quickly than taking a jab to the gut. But now he just asks, “But she’ll like it though, right?”

Kelly Ann sighs, already sick of him. “Yes. The poor innocent you’ve tricked into thinking you’re boyfriend material will think it’s the best thing she’s ever eaten. Even Cal’s officer buddies eat it, and they’re more picky than the four-year-old.”

“I dunno,” he hums, hand-pulverized breadcrumb scattering over sea foam ceramic. “She cooks really good. Have I told you about the Cornish hens? They—”

“I have heard all about the Cornish hens. I am sick of hearing about the Cornish hens.” Obi’s mouth twitches. Gotta be hard for her, having to share the pedestal for Gayle’s Favorite Child. At least with someone who isn’t her own kid. “What kind of guarantees are you look for here? That it’s going to get you laid? It will definitely get you laid.”

“Kelly Ann.” If his hands weren’t covered in egg, he’d be pressing one to his chest, scandalized. “I wasn’t— I’m not doing this for sex.”

She snorts. Which, frankly, he’s earned. But he’s turned over a new leaf. Become a new, better man. One who knows that the most important part of a relationship isn’t what happens between the sheets.

But it certainly helps hedge your bets, especially when you’re as much of a fuck up as he is. Hell, if sex was an option, he wouldn’t be here, debating which hand he’d used for the wet ingredients and which was for the dry. Oh no, he would have been far too busy making her see shrimp colors to worry about whether eggplants stayed crispier fried or baked. But since he’d had fallen for her absolutely genius— though, as Yuzuri warned, biologically inadvisable— beach-dinner-sex seduction strategy, Doc’s on the bench for the next quarter, sexy-time wise, and he’s—

Well, he’s got to show her he’s got talents out of the bedroom too. Or, er, off the couch. And shower. Sometimes even—

Ah, well, non-flat surface based talents. Cooking’s supposed to be one of them.

At least, it would be, if his eggplant slices weren’t eating floor. “How are you supposed to even get these slippery bastards over to the tray? They just keep— fuck.”

“Just go slow,” Kelly Ann informs him with an aggravating amount of patience. “It’s not a race.”

“I am going slow,” he snaps, gingerly transferring his next slice to the rack. “There is no possible way I could be going slower. I’m going to be here for days just doing this. Years from now, archaeologists will find my body and wonder why I’m only halfway through—”

“If there was an Olympic event for complaining, you’d take gold five years running.” She can tease him as much as she like, but there’s no bite to it anymore, no sharp teeth waiting to take a nibble. No, he’s pretty sure that the stretch on her vowels means she’s smirking; the closest thing to a smile when she’s aimed in his direction. “Maybe you should be doing this for sex, it sounds like you might need—”

“You keep this up and I’ll ask Gayle when you’re thinking you’ll have round two.” His mouth is all teeth as he adds, “After all, Laila would make such a cute big sister.”

He can’t see her, but he can hear her seething on the other end of the line. “I know where you live.”

“It’s a fourteen hour drive at best and I’ve got Mom on speed dial.”

Her scowl radiates from the speaker. “Fine,” she grits out. “Guess I’ll just have to tell her we’re waiting until number two could have a playmate.”

Obi blinks down at her picture. “Huh, Toddy’s found some girl? That’s fast. He was single at—”

“I’m not talking about Toddy.”

There’s enough silence in the kitchen to make his ears ring. “…What?”

“Oh, come on, Obi,” Kelly Ann sighs, as if he’s the one being obtuse. “The only people you two were fooling at Christmas were yourselves. And now you’re spending a whole day pampering eggplant to impress her?”

“I had a day off,” he murmurs, knees suddenly as solid as his egg dredge. “And I don’t think battering and frying count as a spa day.”

Kelly Ann grunt, unconvinced. “Sure, sure, we can sit here and have you deflect all day. But when it comes down to it…you’re serious about her aren’t you?”

As a heart attack. Which would be fine, if they weren’t barely two months in to the longest relationship of his life. “I think it’s a little soon to say that, uh…”

“That you love her?” His heart beats so loud in his ears he can hardly hear her ask, “You do, don’t you? Love her?”

“Yeah.” It’s a miracle he can even speak with his mouth this dry. “Of course I do.”

“Have you said that? With your Big Boy words?”

He has to press his hands against the counter to keep them from shaking. A strategy that would go better if both of them weren’t covered in egg gunk.

“Ah, gotta go,” he gasps, already reaching for a towel. “Making a real mess of all this.”

“Obi—”

The first finger clean shoots out, cutting off the call.

“There,” he sighs. “That’s enough of that existential crisis.”

*

The eggplant’s fresh out of the oven and sauce just off the heat when the door opens with a shush, his own personal problem stumbling out into the living room, trying to toe her sandals into the tray. If he weren’t elbow deep with this casserole dish, he’d saunter out to appreciate her attempts; there’s a lot on TV nowadays, but none of it can compete with Doc nearly giving herself a concussion trying to unlatch one of those little buckles. TLC used to say you learned something new every day, and listening to her grumble approach swears without ever intersecting, Obi agrees.

“Oh, really.” Most people might be happy just to hurl abuse at inanimate objects, but not Doc. Oh no, she’s got to reason with them.  “This sort of…of…tomfoolery is very…rude. I think you should just…stop…if you would…”

He waits until the first tell-tale clatter and clunk, to call out, “Welcome home.”

“Obi!” she yelps, and oh, he might not be able to see it, but he knows that shocked look: mouth as round as her eyes, skin flushed down to where it meets the swoop of her collar. Extremely kissable, is what he’s saying. “You’re here?”

A tap of the sauce spool sends a chunk of it skittering across the stove, but he grins anyway. “Am I not supposed to be? Did you have plans? Maybe even naughty—?”

“No!” It’s more of a croak than a gasp. “No, I mean…you’re supposed to be here. I’m happy your here. You” —her voice drops, soft, like her pillows— “belong here.”

He thought he’d known all the ways a heart could ache these past few years, but when she talks like that, ah, he’d never thought it could feel this good. Or this terrifying. “You’re not denying the naughty plans thing.”

And she still doesn’t, going so quiet a guy might get suspicious, if he didn’t know— keenly— that she was still in the shop. Taking her nice places and making delicious, boyfriend-worthy dinners has been great; a bigger rush than sex in a bathroom stall. But still, when most of their nights involve staying in, settling into the couch the way they always did, just with the new, heady knowledge that they both are wanting the same things…

Well, there’s been a few inadvisable make out sessions. Exciting ones, the kind that involve hands going under shirts and down pants and wearing hoodies in eighty degree weather the next day. But every time they wandered beneath her shorts— or, more than a few personally exhilarating times, skirts— the mood swerved off the rails, ending things before they— or well, she could get anywhere. After a three-year dry spell, Obi thought a few weeks would be a breeze, a quick breather between rounds, but after a month of having her moan his name at just the simplest touch—

It’s a special kind of torture, he thinks as the other shoe drops. Especially when Doc’s never been one to behave.

“You are home early.” Doc doesn’t often get the jump on him— in shitty childhood vs playful girlfriend, there’s a clear winner every time— but this time, when her sweet voice pipes up from his elbow rather than the galley window, he does. “And cooking dinner?”

“Yeah, I, ah…” She’s always been a curious little squirrel, skittering hither and yon, but when she leans around him to catch a peek of his hard work, her breasts brush against his arm, and, well— like he said. It’s been a long time. “Haah…just needed to let some data compile for a diagram. Thought it might do better on my laptop on our internet.”

He should be playing Tetris with these eggplant pieces right now, but Doc doesn’t make it easy, not with the way she tucks herself against him, her front pressed to his side, a burning line from shoulder to hip. “Are those eggplant?”

One small hand traces a path across his belly, just below his navel, and— and Obi can read a room. Really he can. It’s just not possible that she’s putting down what he’s picking up. “Y-yeah.” He clears his throat, willing it back into an actual, grown adult’s register. “I, uh, got the recipe from Kelly Ann. She…”

Her wrist twists, just enough to dip the tip of her finger beneath his waistband, and oh god, okay, he can’t take it. “Can we talk?” he asks, desperate, one hand gripped around her wrist. “Just for a second here. Because I…I need some clarification, I think.”

Doc flusters, every visible inch of her skin red as she tries to slip from his grasp. Which is absolutely not happening, not if she’s barking up the tree he thinks she is. “S-sorry! I just…I thought…”

One tug sends her careening back into him, every inch of her pressed against every inch of him. Or well, most of them. He's got ten or so that don't quite match up “I’m not complaining about the thinking here. I’m confused about the doing, because I thought we weren’t supposed to, er…”

Do the doing isn’t really where he wants to take this sentence. “I thought,” he starts again, a shade more collected, “that you were in the shop.”

“No.” Her cheeks flush so pink he’s half tempted to bite them, just to see what she’d taste like against his tongue. “I-I mean, I was. But I went to my doctor today, and um…?”

Every muscle in his body stiffens, tense like a cat ready to pounce. “And…?”

Doc might be bold enough to throw herself out windows and into swamps full of at least three of his most deadly fears, but at the twitch of his dick against her hip, her eyes skitter back toward the counter. “A-are you at a good place to stop?”

The eggplant’s going to get floppy in the sauce, and none of it will be as good as it would be if he finished getting this in the oven now, but he can hardly care, not when she lets out a delicious little gasp as she bumps into the counter.

“What exactly did the doc clear you for?” he rumbles, leaning in to give her parted lips the barest brush. “This?”

Her fingers clench at his shoulders, as frustrated as the moan that slips from her throat. “Obi…”

There’s a warning in that, a promise for what will wait for him if he keeps up his teasing, and it only makes his next taste all the sweeter.

“This?” It’s a whisper against her lips, one lost when she swallows it whole. Those fingers yank him down, trapping him in this endless drag of lips and tongue, each one teasing out another moan, another shiver, until he’s nearly drunk from it.

One of his palms scrapes up her side; the silky material of her dress catches on his calluses before he dips beneath it, her nipple already pebbled against his palm. “This?”

His mouth drops to catch it, and oh, if he thought she’d been close before, there’s nothing but cloth between them now, her body arched to fill the curve of his. “Obi!”

She’s trembling in his grip, only the arm at her back keeping her upright, and oh, it’s nothing to trace his fingers up her thigh, to trace the edge of her panties. “This?”

His only answer is a whimper and the bite of nails at his shoulder. It’s enough; he shoves them to the side, the small hairs there tickling his palms. And when the tip of his finger slips between her folds—

“Jesus. Fuck.” His forehead rests against her shoulder. “You’re…?”

Wet. Soaked. His mouth is too dry to get out the words. He doesn’t need to, not when she nods, wiggling against his hand. “Uh-huh.”

“Hah.” He licks his lips, hoping she can’t feel how he trembles now, every part of him drawn as tight as a bowstring. “How about this?”

His fingers dip inside, two sinking straight to the last knuckle. God, he nearly cums right there, from the noise she makes. “Is this what the doc cleared you for, Shirayuki?”

She whines, a pathetic, frustrated sound. One he’d be happy to tease out of her again, if she didn’t reach down and pump his fingers into her again, like he might need the help.

“Haah,” he breathes, hard. “Yeah, I think I can help with that.”

By the way she’s moving, it won’t be enough. Not nearly enough for either of them, not with his cock straining his jeans, soaking them where it’s trapped up against the band. He grinds against her hip, trying to get some relief, pulling her even tighter against him as his fingers work, and—

“Obi,” she gasps, pushing his shoulders away. “We eat on these counters.”

He’d argue that, if they weren’t already sharing space with dinner. Instead he leans in, giving her one, long kiss as he drags his fingers out of her. “Your room or mine?”

“Whichever,” she sighs, hopping up into his arms, “is closer.”

[eywaseclipse]

Written in the Stars Chapter 12: The Tulkun Return

Characters: Na’vi oc reader Tani, Jake, Lo’ak, Neteyam, Tuk, Kiri, Ronal

Synopsis: You and Jake return home after you become mated, with the kids rushing in to find out Kiri suffers a seizure, the return of the tulkun occurs and Ronals shares a secret with you. I completely made up the thing about the Amrita name. 

Warnings: none

Word Count: 2k

As you and Jake make your way back to your marui pod, you feel a heavy weight lift from your chest like an endless rainfall during storm season. Suddenly the air is crisp, the sand is more lush, and there’s a lighter stride in your steps. You sense this feeling in Jake through the bond, as he squeezes your hand lightly. Now the sun set, you both enter the family tent ready to tell the children of your union. You release a happy sigh as you work in tandem to prepare dinner, sneaking in kisses in between, both of you giggle like love sick puppies. You begin to wrap the banana leaf when a sudden movement rips into the entrance. 

“Dad! It’s Kiri!” Both of you immediately whip your heads to the source, seeing Neteyam carry a lifeless looking Kiri. Your mind floods back to the memory of Jake holding Neytiri’s lifeless form sending a dark shiver coursing through your body. Jake releases your kurus as you both rush to where Neteyam stands. “Put her down on the mat, watch her head!” Jake orders. Your ears begin to ring with anxiety, and your body goes numb as you try to remain calm for you family. “What happened son?!”

Jake frantically begins searching for signs of life. “It was a seizure.” You and Jake stare at each other with equal fear in your eyes, now filled with debilitating dread. “I gotta call Norm. They’ll know what to do.” Jake says to you. All you can manage is a small nod as you look down to an unconscious Kiri. “Tuk, we must get Ronal.” You begin to grab the small girl, and leave the tent without thinking. 

You and Tuk race to Ronal’s tent as fast as you can with Tuk’s small legs desperately trying to keep up with yours. You open the flap to her marui, as she weaves a new basket. “Ronal! It’s Kiri. She had a seizure and she won’t wake up! Please!” You feel your tears begin to run down your cheeks as the Tsahìk takes in your trembling form.

She makes her way up, nodding her head calling to Tsireya to grab her healing tools. “We must make haste. Come!” All of you gather her things as you make your way back to the family tent, as you hear a distant humming invade your ears.

You look to the sky and see a giant helicopter begin descending into the sand. Jake and Neteyam rush to where it lands, sand spewing into the eyes of the clan members. You enter your marui to see Lo’ak watching Kiri as Jake and Neteyam help grab the gear outside. His eyes filled with worry and fear much like yours, you bend down to rub his head. “Is she gonna be okay?” His fearful eyes meet yours, “I’m not sure Lo’ak, we’re getting help.” You respond with a sniffle. 

The tent now fills with Norm in his avatar body, with Max connecting foreign looking contraptions to your daughter, with beeping and human technology to aid. With no signs of Kiri waking up you begin to fear the worst, your body going numb with flashbacks of losing Neytiri. Your hot tears streaming down your face, you look to Tuk holding Kiri’s hand softly crying for her big sister to wake.

You rise to your feet when Ronal finally enters the tent, her apprehensive eyes scanning the human technology in disgust. “I see that I am not needed.” She spits out, as she begins to turn away. Before she is able to leave, you grip her arm and pull her back in. “You are our Tsahìk!” You hiss. She looks to Norm and Max once again, “Remove these things.” Your whip your head back, screaming. “Out! Now!” 

You would never reach such hostility to Max and Norm, but right now this is a matter of life and death for your child. Your maternal instincts scream to protect your young, as you practically foam at the mouth to ensure her safety. “Okay, okay. Why don’t you just take a break?” Jake lightly reassures the men. “Okay we gotta remove her I.V.” Norm hastily replies removing the wires and I.V. from Kiri. Ronal begins to set up her healing tools as you sit behind her, quietly praying to Eywa Kiri would make a full recovery. 

She chants her ritual to Eywa, prodding and poking Kiri’s skin. Sucking the air from her body and blowing it into the tent. Your chest is pounding with anxiety as you fear you cannot take another loss of a family member. You feel Jake sneak behind you, wrapping his hand around your neck lovingly. “Kiri! You’re awake!” You hear Tuk shout with relief. Your ears immediately perk up, as you and Jake rush to Kiri’s side. Grabbing her hand and squeezing it, you convince yourself she really is okay. “Oh Kiri!!”

You bring her small hand to your face as she begins to sob. Tuk sweetly touches her sister’s head rubbing her hair as Neteyam enters the tent to bend down to see his sister, with Lo’ak standing close behind. Your heart filled with relief, you thank the Great Mother and Ronal. 

As Kiri is tended to by her siblings and Jake, Ronal pulls you aside outside the marui. You sense something off about the woman, her facial expressions perplexed. Your brows furrow with worry, “What is it?” Your eyes meeting hers. She takes a deep sigh, putting a hand to her chest. 

“Your child did not suffer a seizure because she has epilepsy.” Your eyes widen with shock as she continues. “That girl is very special Tani. Are you aware of this?” You nod your head lightly. “Yes. We don’t know the extent of her conception. She was born of a lifeless Avatar. We aren’t sure how.” She looks to the sun setting beyond the horizon taking a deep breath. “Your child is a prophet. She is the key to everything. She is a piece of Eywa.” You gasp at your Tsahìk, you couldn’t possibly be hearing her words correctly.

A lump in your throat begins to form, as you feel your heart race faster and faster. “Tani, you must not speak of this to anyone. Not even your husband. Our Great Mother has bigger plans for Kiri, which is how the seizure happened in the first place. She was seeking too many questions. Her time will come. She is the seed bearer.” 

Your mind is racing with a thousand thoughts, what can this even mean? “Ronal, what did you see?” You ask cautiously. She turns to you, her deep gaze penetrating your own. “I did not see much, just know that this may only be the beginning for your daughter. She will face trials and tribulations, all of you will. But she is the key to everything.” She already said that you think to yourself. All you can bring yourself to do is nod, praying she doesn’t see your nervous demeanor. “Thank you.” You say quickly. She nods her head and makes her way home, as you’re left at a complete loss for words, just staring at the horizon.

Your mind racing from the events of the day, you slowly turn and re enter your family pod. Kiri’s now sitting up right drinking some water, as Jake rubs her back. You bend down to her, rubbing her hair smiling with tears in your eyes. The worry slowly lifting out of the tent, you take a deep sigh and let Jake tend to your daughter as you finish making dinner. “Hey Neteyam can you wrap this last leaf for me?” You turn to the eldest, as he rises to help you finish. Tuk is sitting next to Kiri, while Jake and Lo’ak sit together on the mats. 

With the food ready, you put the leaves into the fire pit to cook, while you look to Jake to tell your kids of your union. He nods, and awkwardly clears his throat. “Um, Sully’s fall in.” Everyone’s ears perk up, intently listening to the family meeting. “Tani and I have some news. We are, officially one.” He softly smiles, looking to you. You reach to squeeze his hand as blush begins to form on your cheeks. Lo’ak coughs, as Neteyam’s ears pin to his head realizing he’ll never get the girl of his dreams. “It is true. We are mated before Eywa.” 

You reply smiling to your mate. “Ugh gross! You had to tell us that?” Lo’ak groans with his hands palming his face. You laugh at the Sully boy, shaking your head. “Hey, show some respect.” Jake lightly quips. Tuk just gets up excitedly, and jumps into your arms. “Does this mean you’re really our mom now!?” She giggles into your chest. You laugh at the youngest, caressing her braids, “Aw, I will never replace your mom Tuk. I could never.

But with this union, we are a family now. We always will be.” You say softly. You knew that you could truly never replace your dear friend, and you never had any intentions of doing so. You hoped that someday the kids would understand why you were chosen, and what you had to do in order to make Eywa happy. You were not given the luxury of a choice. 

You look to Neteyam who’s awkwardly avoiding eye contact with you, your heart silently clenching. Kiri must be feeling much better, since all she could seem to do was roll her eyes. Jake chuckles at everyone’s colorful responses. As you take a sigh, celebrating the somewhat small victory. You ready for bed, making sure everyone is comfortable, as you say goodnight to Tuk and Kiri. You make your way over to your husband as he scoots over making room for you on the sleeping mat. You curl up into his body, the heat radiating from his skin enveloping you into a deep slumber as you feel him kiss your forehead.

The morning light casts its sun soaked hue into your tent’s crevices, as you snuggle into your mate a little more relishing in his body heat. Jake brings his muscular arm even closer to you, enjoying the incredibly rare moments of peace and quiet. You nuzzle your face into his neck with hot breathes itching his skin. You can’t help but feel so safe in his arms, feeling at home in his embrace. He practically purrs, as you kiss his neck softly, making your way to his jaw, cheek, then lips. “Good morning.” You breathe into his mouth. He smiles, kissing you deeper. “Good morning. I could get used to waking up like this.” He chuckles. You lightly smack his chest, kissing him one last time, as you both rise up for the day. 

You finish breakfast together, as Tuk helps you roll up the biggest rug, when you hear a conch shell horn. All of your heads whip to the sounds, rushing out to see the commotion. You see many of the Metkayina begin to dive into the water on their ilus and skimwings swimming into the water. You see Tsireya smiling as she excitedly waves riding her ilu “Everyone, our brothers and sisters have returned!” You remember Ronal telling you of the Tulkun returning last week, shaking your head in disbelief that a week has already gone by so fast. You look to Jake as the kids get excited over the news. 

Lo’ak dives into the water, hopping on Tsireya’s ilu as they make their way to the large creatures breaching in the water. You and Jake smile to each other as he calls to his skimwing. “Kiri come on! Come on! Let’s go meet them!” Tuk shouts happily, as she drags her sister to the ocean with Neteyam. You hop onto the back of the fish with Jake securing your legs, as you dive into the crystal clear water witnessing the glory of the Tulkun. 

The ocean fills with movement, as you look around you seeing children play with baby ilus, babies taking their first breath, storytelling, and joy. You feel a tap on your thigh, as you look to Jake pointing to a mother Tulkun and her calf. Your eyes light up with delight as you crinkle your eyes from smiling so hard, squeezing Jake’s shoulder. You soar through the ocean weaving through the members of the Metkayina, as you see Tsireya flip with her spirit sister smiling away. You never experienced such a thing, to see a communal space for both clan members and animals treated as their own, it brings a warmth to your belly lighting you with the desire to bear your own children. 

You look to your left to find Ronal swimming up to her spirit sister signing to her with a wide smile. As they communicate, she sees you on the skimwing, beckoning for you to swim to her. You squeeze Jake’s shoulder and dismount from the fish as you breach the surface for another breath. You see Ronal’s giant spirit sister, adorning similar ink to her along the body.

You eyes lit with wonder, as you feel Ronal take your hand and put it on the Tulkun. Your smile widening as far as it can go as you’re left bewildered. Ronal signs to you, This is Ro'a. You nod your head with glee, as you sign to the Tulkun, I am Tani of the Omatikaya. It is nice to meet you. Your baby is beautiful. The Tulkun responds with clicks and yips you don’t quiet understand, you look to Ronal who translates. She says thank you, you are funny looking.

You blow bubbles into the water trying to stifle a laugh as the Tulkun shakes its body, as if laughing with you. Ronal points to the mouth of her spirit sister, as it opens as wide as it can go. She beckons you to swim forward into the depth of the mouth. 

You hesitantly make your way forward, as Jake quizzically stares at you, motioning you’re okay, he nods. The mouth closes and you’re suddenly enveloped with darkness. The biolumunnincesce of the Tulkun lights up like a million stars in the night sky. Ronal swims further to the middle, as you follow suit when a golden flowing tendril unravels right before you.

She grabs hold of it, as it flows in the water. She signs, Pay attention. You nod, as she removes a small vial from her pouch, as she brings it up to the kuru of the Tulkun. A golden liquid begins to secrete from the tendrils, with Ronal lightly pinching it into the jar carefully making sure no water gets in. Your eyes lit with wonder as she fills the glass full. She puts it into her pouch, tapping your shoulder to exit the mouth as it opens. 

Both of you breach for air, as the fin of Ro’a hoists you up into a sitting position. Ronal takes the jar and gives it to you. “This is the most potent healing property known to man Tani. It is sacred amongst the Metkayina. Only bonded members may harvest this from their spirit brother or sister for its use.” You listen intently to the Tsahìk. “It is called Ayvitrayä Ramunong Well of Souls. Also known as Swok Atan Sacred Light. It will heal any wound, of any kind. It can bring someone back from the brink of death, taking their last breath. All it takes is to sip this vial of its last drop. Its properties still unknown to us. It is very special Tani. Here, this is for you, in case of an emergency. Use it wisely.” As she places the vial in your hand. 

You nod in disbelief, as you secure it to your own small pouch around your waist. “Thank you Ronal.” As you place your hand to her shoulder. It seems even in the short months your family has stayed here, you have managed to break down the icy walls of the mysterious Tsahìk, budding a real friendship. 

You turn to Jake as he surfaces the water, swimming over to him, mounting the fish. The Metkayina will share stories and catch up all day long with their spirit family, you dive back down into the water to find Kiri and Tuk attached to the fin of a Tulkun, with Rotxo, one of their friends. You spend the rest of the day swimming with others, finding Neteyam on his ilu talking to a Metkayina girl showing him her spirit sister. 

Once done your activities for the day you and Jake are first to arrive home in the pod. Now dried off, you begin to cut some melon fruit as its pungent sweet smell fill your nose with delight. Your tail flicks with contentment, with a sudden tug coming from behind you. You gasp, whipping around to see the culprit with a devious smirk on his face. You throw your head back laughing, as you catapult your body onto him for a round of love making. Sharing the fruit, and enjoying each other’s company while your children play in the water, seems like a great deal between you and Eywa. Unbeknownst to you, the RDA have found your whereabouts from the rogue gunship to help Kiri.

[ultimatelyunassuming]

"Did you find the meme yet?" Karkat lazily asks, a arm wrapped around your chest as he absentmindedly watches the tv.

"Be patient man," you respond, leaning against Karkat's body, "This shit takes time."

"You've been looking on discord for ten minutes. Ten! It shouldn't take this long to find one shitty meme."

"I'm leafing through 6 years of dms between us, it's gonna take this long to find one shitty meme sent, like, a million years ago."

He grumbles something incoherent and vaguely antagonistic as he rests his head on your shoulder. You think he said something about how this meme better be good. "Awww, I love you too," You coo. You can feel how hard Karkat is rolling his eyes. You smile and turn your attention back to your phone. You scroll absentmindedly through thinly veiled threats between the two of you sent years and years ago, keeping an eye out for a deep fried Sweet Bro and Hella Jeff gif you sent him during middle school to try and get him to blow up at you. Your eyes practically glaze over as you grow bored of looking. After another minute of searching, you almost deem this mission a failure, until...

carcinoGeneticist: HEY THERE ASSHOLE, I DOWNLOADED YOUR SHITTY, HIPSTER, GAMER MESSAGING APP, CAN WE FINALLY WORK ON OUR PROJECT?????

Oh my god. You found Karkat's first message to you.

turntechGodhead: yea sure

carcinoGeneticist: I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY WE CAN'T JUST TEXT EACH OTHER LIKE NORMAL FUCKING PROJECT MEMBERS.

carcinoGeneticist: EVERYONE ELSE IS NEARLY DONE WITH THEIR POSTER BECAUSE THEY WEREN'T PETULANT CRYBABIES THAT THREW A TANTRUM AT THE MERE THOUGHT OF COMMUNING WITH SOMEONE EVEN SLIGHTLY OUTSIDE OF THEIR SOCIAL CIRCLE.

turntechGodhead: hey i dont throw tantrums

turntechGodhead: if anyone would be throwing a tamper tantrum itd be you

turntechGodhead: and besides i dont keep cringe people in my contacts

turntechGodhead: if i did theyd starting infecting all other contacts

turntechGodhead: its a real fucking issue

turntechGodhead: so i have to quarentine all the dipshits to here

turntechGodhead: thanks for understanding

You make a face, both in nostalgia and second hand embarrassment. Jesus, you were a fucking tool. 'I don't keep cringe people in my contacts', look who's talking, Mr. I-made-my-entire-personality-out-of-liking-Leafy-and-Sjw-Cringe-compilations. Damn, he'd have a fit if he found out you're dating Karkat.

carcinoGeneticist: LET ME GUESS, THE ONLY PEOPLE IN YOUR CONTACTS ARE JUNE, ROSE, JADE, TEREZI, AND YOUR "COOL AND AWESOME BRO".

turntechGodhead: damn right

turntechGodhead: whats with the caps lock

carcinoGeneticist: MY CAPS LOCK IS BROKEN.

turntechGodhead: cool

turntechGodhead: now tell me what i gotta do im a busy man i dont have time to sit around and wait for shit to get finished

carcinoGeneticist: YOU'RE JOKING.

carcinoGeneticist: TELL ME YOU'RE JOKING.

turntechGodhead: nope

carcinoGeneticist: YOU SERIOUSLY DON'T KNOW WHAT OUR PROJECT IS ABOUT?

turntechGodhead: no

carcinoGeneticist: YOU'RE KIDDING ME?????

carcinoGeneticist: OUT OF EVERYONE IN CLASS, I WAS GIVEN THE MOST BRAIN DEAD EXCUSE OF A STUDENT TO BE FORCED TO WORK WITH.

carcinoGeneticist: WHAT THE FUCK WERE YOU DOING WHILE MR. VAGABOND WAS ASSIGNING PARTNERS?

turntechGodhead: sexting your mom

Heh. Your mom joke. You'd bet good money that you stole that joke from Terezi. Speaking of which, you've been meaning to message Terezi about hanging out. Maybe you can organize a double date with her and her partner. That'd be fun.

You glance up from your phone and notice Karkat's eyes on you. "Did you find it?"

"Find what?"

Karkat gives you a look. "The meme?"

Oh. You shake your head.

Karkat groans. "You're kidding me?? Seriously?"

"In my defense, I got distracted."

"With what?" You show him your phone, and you see his face morph from a mildly annoyed scowl to a mortified open jaw."Oh my god. Is that....?"

"Yep."

Karkat groans, covering his face. "Fucking christ, don't remind me of my middle school self."

"What, what's wrong?" You say, a sly smirk on your face. "You don't wanna read the moment that I fell heads over heels in love with you?"

"Shut the hell up, we both know that's not true. It's just that..... Gah!!!!" He waves his hands wildly. "Look at him! You're reading his words, he's such a fucking douche! He thought that he was such hot shit, and that he was so high and mighty, so above everything that he would rather sabotage his grade than work with someone he hates, he's so infuriating! I wish I could kill him."

"Aw, come on, don't be that hard on yourself. Here, look, I was a douche as well. Do you see this line right here? 'I don't want cringe people on my contacts', I was on my own high horse right alongside you."

"You were on that high horse because I was. I was a dick to you, and you were being a dick to me right back."

"A mutual dickening."

Karkat makes a face. "Don't call it that."

"Why? Is it because a mutual dickening happened between us last night?"

Karkat rolls his eyes and you start snickering to yourself. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. You know it's true."

"It's not, but whatever you say babe."

"It is, you're just biased because you're my boyfriend."

"Untrue, but it's not important."

"No it is, I'm right."

"No, it isn't."

"It is."

"No it isn't."

"Is."

"Isn't."

"Yes, it is! Here, give me that." Karkat reaches for your phone.

You move it away. "What, no, fuck off, don't touch my phone."

He stretches his arm out, fingers grazing your phone. "Screw you, I need it to prove my point."

"Just use your own." You hold it away, using the back of the sofa to support you.

"It took you 13 minutes to get there, I'm not going to do that!"

"Sucks to suck then, you're not getting my phone."

The two of you tussle for a bit, your phone waving wildly in your grasp as you wiggle your hand away from Karkat. After a minute of shuffling around, Karkat gets a solid grasp on the device and yanks it out of your hand. "Aha!"

"Give that back!"

"No, and I'm going to prove that I was a bigger dick." He starts frantically scrolling through his and yours dm, craning his body away from yours as you clammor over him to retrieve your phone. "See, look at this shit! 'Stop hanging out with Terezi, you know she's my girlfriend. Stop trying to steal her away from me, she loves me not you.' I was jealous of you and Terezi, and I wanted you to fuck off! I should've just said that instead of trying to control Terezi's friendships!"

"You're skipping over my lines! Look at that message, 'If she really was your girl why is she making all over me?'. I shouldn't have used your insecurity over your relationship to belittle you. Clearly I was the worst."

"And what about this? 'No wonder you have no friends, you're just a reject making up for your lack of social skills through acting like a Leafy reject,' ."

"Read below that. 'At least I don't have a savior complex with all of my friends and pretends that all of my quote friends unquote like each other,' . I typed out quote unquote! Who does that?"

"I called you a disappointment to your family!"

"I was homophobic to you!"

"Yeah, and look where that fucking led you!"

"The fact that I'm bisexual and that I'm dating you doesn't mean that I couldn't have been homophobic!"

"At least you have an excuse! I just didn't like you!"

"Well, you like me now, so it doesn't matter! So that means I was the worse one!"

"That's not how that works!"

"Then how does it work?!"

Karkat opens his mouth to retort, but nothing comes out. He blinks. ".... How does this work?"

"That's obvious. It works like....... It works..... It.......... Hm."

"Yeah, exactly! How the fuck are we quantifying 'being the worst in middle school'?"

"........ Being the bigger douche?"

"Dave, you can't quantify 'being a bigger douche'. What are the parameters, at what age do we stop our assessment, do we measure this based off of what we said to each other or to others, we need to go over shit like that."

"oh." You've just decided that the whole process Karkat laid out seems like way too much work for something like this. "Do we have to do it right now? I kinda don't want to do that."

"We don't have to if you don't want to, I'm just saying that if we did, we'd have to make some ground rules."

"Cool." You point to your phone. "Can I have that back now?" He hands it back. "Thank you."

"No problem." Karkat settles back onto the couch. "Now sit down, we got 27 Dresses to finish."

You nod and sit next to Karkat, assuming the position you had earlier. You glance at your phone, intending on turning it off, but something caught your eye. "Hey look, it's the meme!"

"The meme?"

"Yeah, the meme from earlier. The one about Sweet Bro and Hella Jeff that I sent you? Look at it." You hand your phone over to Karkat.

"...... This is not worth the 13 minute wait."

"Technically it was 17 minutes."

"Whatever you say, love."

[queenofbaws]

Hey Queenie! Happy, fluffy prompts for NYE you say?🧐 You know I'm gonna shamelessly use your generosity to push the Laura/Max agenda, right? I've gotta say, I like the look of prompt No.1 on that OTP NYE prompt list (about the resolutions) and Oneliner No. 9 (NYE proposal)... Pick whichever you like better (or find a way to combine them if you dare😈) - Most importantly: have fun with it! I hope you have a great time over the holidays and throroughly enjoy the last week of 2022!💕

“Am I going to sound like a total Grinch if I say I’m glad we’re not going the party route this year?” Laura asked as she stretched out on the couch, her fuzzy pjs rumpled and her hair still messy with sleep despite the afternoon sun filtering in through the apartment’s blinds. “It just takes so much pressure off, not having to drive to and from someone else’s place in the dark, not having to make small-talk with a million people…not having to put on pants,” she added with a laugh, the sound turning into a groan when Silas, their not-so-puppy-sized Labrador pup hopped up onto the couch to lie right on top of her.

“Doesn’t make you sound like a Grinch at all, hun,” Max said, the size of the apartment making it so he barely had to raise his voice for her to hear him from the bedroom. “Buuut mostly that’s just because the Grinch really only cared about Christmas. You could be a new Grinch, though! One that, uh…shoot, okay, hang on, how would you go about ruining an entire village’s New Year’s Eve?”

She scratched Silas’s big, floppy ears as she thought on it. “I could…replace all the confetti with glitter.” From the bedroom, she heard Max pull in a scandalized gasp, and that had her laughing all over again. “That’s more of a long game, though. It’d probably be really pretty in the moment, it’d just take them until the next ice age to clean up after. If I really wanted to ruin the night itself, I could…um…ooh, sneak into all their little Who-Houses and block New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on all their tvs.”

“Don’t even joke about that – I heard they got Ariana Grande this year.”

“Oh, can’t miss that,” Laura kidded, craning her head back to watch him as he joined her in the living room. “Whatcha got there?” she asked when she spotted the piece of loose-leaf Max was looking down at, his fingers absently folding and unfolding it along a middle crease.

He didn’t look up from it, but his mouth turned up in a smile all the same. “Right, like I’m going spill my New Year’s secrets to the Grunch.”

“I…okay, hang on. No.”

“It’s a no on the Grunch?”

“It’s a no on the Grunch. Can we try another vowel, maybe? Like…how do we feel about the Granch? Hold on, no, that one’s…also bad. The…Gronch?”

“The Grench is probably easier to rhyme stuff with. For the song. Wrench, bench, drench, silen…ch…?”

“Grench it is.” Laura gave Silas one last hearty ear-scratch then wriggled out from under him, standing and stretching as she joined Max. She set her chin on his shoulder, but before she could get even the sneakiest peek at what was on the paper, he folded it shut tight and angled it away from her.

“What did I just say? Go Grench up someone else’s stuff.” He leaned in to press a kiss to the bridge of her nose before laughing, unfolding the wrinkled paper again. “This is…incredibly embarrassing, but…I was going through my drawers just now and I think, uh…I think I found last year’s list of New Year’s resolutions. Or this one’s? The ones I thought I’d do this year, let’s put it this way.”

“Uh oh.”

“I mean, okay, it’s not…it’s not that bad,” he said, his defensiveness purely for show. “Look, I definitely did this one! So I can cross that off, no prob! Do you have a pen? Here, let me find a pen…”

Laura snatched the paper away from him as she felt him move, and by the time she’d straightened it out in her own hands and interpreted the worst of his scribbly chickenscratch, she could hear him rummaging around in the kitchenette’s junk drawer. “Well one thing’s for sure,” she snickered under her breath, “cursive wasn’t a priority this year.”

One, read the sheet, Learn Spanish. Two, Work out more. Three, Train Silas. Four, Less fast food, more homecooked meals. And then, perplexingly, Five, DO THE THING!!!

Laura flipped the sheet over a couple times, just to make sure there weren’t any other surprises written on the other side. She turned as Max came back, pen in hand, but when he went to grab the list from her, she held it out of reach as he had a moment ago. “I’m sorry, which one of these do you think you did?” she teased, leaning further and further back the more he reached out towards her. “Cuz I gotta be honest, Max, I…don’t think any of these happened.”

“And that’s why you’re the Grench.” He made another swipe for the list, and when Laura ducked out of the way, tongue stuck out, he turned to the dog lazing on the couch. “Okay, you’re gonna make me pull out the big guns, huh? That’s fine. Silas! Sic her!” Max pointed an accusatory finger towards her as he gave the command, and Silas did perk his ears up…for all of a second. Then he went back to lying down, his tail thumping against a throw pillow. “C’mon, boy, we talked about this…”

With the brattiest grin she could manage, Laura held the list back out to Max, giving her fingers a teasing flourish when he grabbed it up. “Well, I guess we know which one you didn’t do…”

“All right, all right, perhaps I overestimated some of the intensive guard dog training we’ve been doing all year.”

“Uh huh.”

“Every single day.”

“Okay.”

“We wait until you’re at work or asleep, and then all bets are off.” He laughed, crossing something off the list before shaking his head down at it again. “Hey, since I totally didn’t judge you for sounding like the Grunch earlier – ”

“Grench,” she corrected, probably a little too quickly, given how awful the name was to begin with.

“ – am I going to sound like a total sap if I tell you I’m actually kind of…I dunno, disappointed that I didn’t do this stuff? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I know pretty much everyone drops their resolutions like a hot box of rocks after February or whatever, but…it’s still sort of a bummer.” He glanced her way again, and that time she wasn’t so sure his defensiveness was of the joking variety. “That’s probably dumb, huh?”

She blew a raspberry as she tied her hair back out of her face, peering back down at the list with him. “What? No way! There’s nothing dumb about it, babe – feel your feelings.” Her eyes slowly moved down the list once more, and as she tucked herself against his side, his arm instinctively wrapping around her to bring her closer, a plan began to hatch.

Something resembling a plan, anyway.

“You know what?” she asked, jabbing a finger at the list. “This is what we’re going to do today.”

“What?”

“Yeah…yeah! We don’t have a party to go to, we don’t have people expecting us to show up and be social, so…yeah! Let’s resolve some resolutions!”

Max brightened at that, giving her waist a squeeze. “And the Grench’s heart grew three sizes that day…I’ll save this New Year’s, the Whos in Whoville all heard her say…”

It was with a playful shove that she slid out of his grasp, rolling her eyes and flapping her hand like a sock puppet. “Put some shoes on, I think I know how we can kill a couple birds with one stone,” she said over her shoulder as she headed for the bedroom, trying to decide which of her jackets would best hide her pjs. “Oh, but hey,” Laura added, pulling open one of the dresser drawers to rummage for a pair of socks. “What’s ‘The Thing?’”

“Uh?”

“The…The Thing!” she said again, rolling her eyes at herself that time. “On the list! Number five said ‘Do The Thing.’”

“Yeah?”

“Sooo,” she drew the word out as she pulled her socks on. “What is it? The Thing? That’s what you crossed off just now, wasn’t it?”

“Oh. Yeah. I’ve got no idea.”

She walked back out of the bedroom to find Max lacing his snow boots, and all she could do was sigh. “You don’t know? It was on the list!”

“Well yeah, but I mean…I think you’ll agree, it wasn’t particularly, uh, descriptive.” He flashed her a sheepish grin when he caught the look on her face, the one that was only pretending to be exasperated. “Look, whatever it is, or was, I think it’s pretty safe to assume I probably did it. Right?”

The jingle of his leash had Silas bounding after them. Laura bent to clip it to his collar, shaking her head the whole time. “For sure. For sure.”

---

To his credit, Max hadn’t complained once during the outing to the pet store. Those bags of dog food weren’t exactly light, but he’d handled them like a champ, even when their detour down the squeaky toy aisle lasted longer than expected. The grocery store, however, turned out to be a different story.

“When my arms fall off, please promise me you’ll tell my mom I lost them doing something heroic,” he grunted, wincing as Laura put yet another two-liter of soda into the handbasket he was holding. “Or, I don’t know, super masculine at least. Like…oh, like arm wrestling a lumberjack.”

“Oh, hi Mrs. Brinly. Yeah, the arm thing. It’s…kind of hard to explain. So we were buying pancake mix, you know, like you do, and there was only one box left. Max went for it at the same time as this huge, rugged, beardy guy wearing flannel, and wouldn’t you know it, next thing I know, they’re arm wrestling on a crate of flour.”

“Geez, you’re good at that. Too good.”

“Why thank you!” To even him out, she placed a bottle of juice in the other handbasket, wrinkling her nose up in a mischievous grin as she got a good look at everything they’d picked up so far. “That’s probably enough for a New Year’s in, don’t you think? We got the drinks, we got snacks, we got…”

“An anvil…”

“An anvil,” she agreed. “Aaand…all the fixings for, say it with me, a good old-fashioned homecooked meal. Instead of fast food. Between that and all this heavy lifting, I think you’ve totally earned two more checkmarks on that resolution list.”

Max didn’t need to be told twice – the instant ‘That’s probably enough’ had come out of her mouth, he’d turned on his heel, making for the cash registers. There was a hot second there were he wobbled with the weight of the baskets, but he caught himself just as quickly, shooting her a look that made it very clear he was awfully proud of his own resilience. “Totally.”

“Totally!”

“This is more working out than I remember doing last year.”

“Yeah, tell me about it,” she joked, snagging a big box of Christmas tree-shaped chocolates from the discount rack. She’d had every intention of carrying it herself – really! – but Max made a dramatic ‘ahem’ sound and attempted to lift one of the baskets, so she wedged it in there to appease him. “And let’s be real, most people are definitely ordering pizza or something tonight, so us having a nice sit-down dinner? That’s gotta count.”

“Gotta,” he agreed. “Now, I’ll be the first to tell you I don’t really see how we’re going to swing the rest of the list, but…”

“Now who’s being all Grenchy?” She watched him struggle to lift the baskets up to the checkout counter for all of five seconds before she took pity on him and his overtaxed arms, scootching close to begin pulling each item out one by one to put on the cashier’s conveyor belt. “Don’t sweat it,” she said with a peck to his cheek. “I’m resolved to resolve these resolutions.”

“How resolute of you.”

She laughed when he set the empty baskets down and dramatically began rubbing his biceps, his relief brought to an abrupt end as she teased, “Can’t wait to see you carry this stuff all the way back to the car.”

---

There was a certain sort of joy that came with hearing your very grown-up boyfriend following very closely along with Dora the Explorer. She wasn’t sure it was a sort of joy she had a name for, exactly, only that it more or less had the same effect of getting the giggles in an important class – if she didn’t pour all of her focus into something else, it was too easy to collapse into delighted laughter. Already her stomach hurt, and it’d only been one episode!

“Sounds like you’re making good progress in there!” she called into the kitchen, taking it upon herself to pick up the resolution list from the side table where it’d been left, crossing out numbers two and four.

“Gracias,” Max called back over the sound of a singing map and the sizzle of cooking chicken. “Which is Spanish for thank you.”

“You don’t say.” Laura stood back up and ambled to join him in the kitchen, walking up and wrapping her arms around him from behind. “Smells good,” she said, stealing a quick finger-scoop of mashed potatoes. “Have you figured out how to say ‘smells good’ in Spanish yet?”

“No,” Max pretended to sigh, flipping a piece of chicken and stepping back into her as he dodged a small spatter of oil. “Which, if you were wondering, is Spanish for ‘no.’”

“Amazing.”

“Right? I really feel like I’m expanding my horizons here.”

“You know, I was thinking about it just now, and didn’t you take, like…three years of Spanish back in high school? Why do I remember you taking Spanish in high school?”

“Uh, that would be because I took three years of Spanish back in high school. I just had…other priorities.”

“Wow. Artful way to say you didn’t pay attention.”

“Thank you! Er, gracias. It’s nowhere near as good as your lumberjack story, but it gets the job done. Can you pass me the pepper, maybe?”

She groaned into the back of his shirt as though letting go of him was a physical pain, resisting for as long as she could. “Si,” she laughed, dropping her arms from his middle and turning to look around until she spotted the pepper shaker on the countertop. “Which, just fyi – ”

“I know what ‘si’ means, Laura.”

“Are you sure?”

“Si. Which is Spanish for ‘duh.’”

“Oh, is it?”

“Mhm. It is.”

“Learn something new every day.” After she handed him the pepper, she turned back around again, looking down at Silas as he lay in the doorway, his head on his paws and his big, dark eyes melting her heart with that puppy-dog begging he was just so good at. “I sure hope you have ideas for how you’re gonna train this one to do anything before the year’s out in a few hours, because I’ve got nothing.”

Seeming to sense he was about to get attention – or, even better, some of that chicken – Silas lifted his head up, his tail giving a tentative wag. It wasn’t that he wasn’t a smart lil’ guy…if anything, he was maybe a little too smart, since he always seemed to know exactly how to get his way with the least effort possible. It’d been sheer dumb luck that’d gotten him to walk on a leash; everything else was pretty much a no-go, from the simplest tricks to basic obedience. The idea of teaching him to do…well, much of anything before the clock struck midnight wasn’t just far-fetched, it was almost ridiculous!

Max hardly seemed daunted, though. Maybe crossing everything else off his resolution list had inflated his confidence. “Oh, c’mon, it can’t be that hard,” he said, very, very pointedly ignoring the look she gave him in response to that. “Right, bud? You’re trainable, aren’t you?”

Silas’s tail thumped a little louder against the floor.

“See? He’s down.”

“He’s down with that chicken, that’s what he is.”

“And that’s all we need! Now, watch and learn…” He cut off a sliver of chicken and checked to see whether it was cooked. It must’ve been, because he blew on it a couple times to cool it off, then held it up where Silas could see it. “Okay, you ready for game time, boy?” Max asked, grinning Laura’s way when Silas got up onto his feet, not just his tail but his entire back end wagging back and forth at the promise of sweet, sweet chicken. “How about…sit! Sit! I, uh…no? Okay, uh…paw?” He held his other hand, the one not holding the chicken, out towards him, wiggling his fingers. “Shake?”

Laura couldn’t help but grin right back, folding her arms across her chest as she watched the spectacle. Not that ‘spectacle’ was the right word. ‘Spectacle’ sort of suggested something was happening – anything. That wasn’t really the case.

“Roll over?” Max tried, his voice taking on a plaintive tone. “Uh…speak? Speak! Um…” Again, he shot a look towards her, his grin significantly more sheepish now. Something must’ve occurred to him then, because she swore she could almost see the cartoonish lightbulb appear over his head. “Okay, boy, how about this? Just stand there. Don’t do anything else. Stay! Stay.”

They paused for a beat, the two of them, just watching to see what Silas would do.

And when he did absolutely nothing, Max tossed him the piece of chicken and beamed. “Good boy! There, see? Totally trainable.”

“I can’t believe I doubted you. You know, maybe this year one of your resolutions should be building us some shelves for all the dog show trophies he’s definitely going to win.”

“Maybe it should,” he laughed. “But hey, could you do me one more favor and get some plates down? It’s definitely that I need to flip this chicken again, by the way. Has nothing to do with my arms feeling like wet spaghetti noodles. Because they don’t. At all.”

She hummed in agreement, stopping to pet Silas’s head before reaching up to the cupboard where they kept the plates. “You should workout less next year, while we’re drafting new resolutions. Give yourself a break, you know? You really pushed yourself this year.”

“Tell me about it.”

---

It was crazy how quickly the day had flown by. Laura felt like it’d only been a minute ago that she’d been lazing on the couch with the sun on her face, but as they sat surfing channels while waiting for Ariana Grande’s much-anticipated New Year’s performance, the world outside their blinds was pitch black except for a few fat snowflakes drifting by every so often.

She stretched her arms out with a groan of exertion, then snuggled back against Max’s side, tucking her feet underneath the blanket they kept draped over the couch’s arm. “So, whaddya think?” she asked as they breezed past the millionth commercial for the millionth gym to be played in the past three minutes. “Who had a better change of heart – me or the Grinch?”

“Hmm,” Max hummed, the arm draped around her shoulders moving just enough that he could curl a piece of her hair around his finger. “The Grinch.”

“Um, excuse me?” Playfully, she pushed his hand away, angling herself to stare him down. “Explain yourself.”

“Me?”

“Yeah, you. I worked some crazy New Year’s miracles today! Or, some crazy New Year’s technicalities, anyway. Which are pretty much the same thing, honestly.”

“Okay, fair, fair.” Without her cuddling up beside him, Max laced his fingers behind his head and rested back against them. “But…to be totally fair…look at it this way. The Grinch? Brought Christmas to a whole town.”

“After stealing it from them,” she pointed out. “In the dead of night. And like, lying to a child. And eating all their Who-hash. Whatever that is.”

He acted as though he hadn’t heard her, his gaze taking on a distant cast, as though he were really thinking about the comparison. “You, on the other hand, I will admit, definitely saved my year by helping me cross off almost all my resolutions, but – ”

“Wait,” Laura said, sitting up a little bit straighter. “Waitwaitwait. Almost? What’s this almost?” When he didn’t immediately answer, she threw her arms out to her sides. “We crossed everything off your list, Max!”

His eyes snapped back to her, his expression one of abject doubt. “Uh. Okay, only, weee…didn’t.”

“We did! I…we did!” Only now he had her doubting herself, too. One by one, Laura raised her fingers, counting resolutions off on them. “You worked out more, sort of. And you taught Silas a trick, sort of. You learned Spanish…sort of. And we had a homecooked meal instead of fast food! Oh, and you did The Thing, I guess. Probably. Whatever that was.”

“Whatever that was,” he agreed. “But hun, that’s only five.”

She rolled her eyes to him, searching his face for any sign he was kidding around. As far as she could tell, he wasn’t, but…but that couldn’t be right! It’d been a minute since she’d looked at his list, sure, so it was possible that she was forgetting something, and yet…

Instead of arguing with him, she untangled herself from the blanket and walked over to the side table where they’d left the list. She picked it up and scanned it again, and while Max’s handwriting was just as terrible as it had been that morning, no matter how many times she read over it or flipped it to its other side, there were only the same five resolutions.

“Max,” she sighed, turning back towards him with the list in her hands. “Babe, there’s only fi – ” Only Max wasn’t on the couch anymore; he must’ve gotten up when she had, because he was standing right in front of her, that same sheepish smile on his face as he plucked the list from her hands and folded it over, sliding it into his own back pocket.

“Okay, actually, I sort of fibbed a little,” he said, and something about his tone, or how quickly he was talking, or something, gave her heart a tiny flutter. “There weren’t six. There were just five, like you said. Buuut…uh, I crossed one off sort of, um, let’s say prematurely? So I kind of…need your help with that one too. Since you’ve been helping me with the others all day.”

“Oookay,” she said slowly. “I…wait, is this about ‘Do The Thing?’ You liar! I knew something was off when you were all ‘Oh, I probably did it!’ There was no way you forgot what it was! I should’ve…” Her words ran dry, though, as Max took her hand in his and, with the other, brought out a small box from the pocket where he’d stashed his resolution list.

“It…is about ‘Do The Thing,’” Max admitted. “Except, like I said, I sort of…need your help on this one, so…” Squeezing her hand tighter, he used the index finger of his other hand to lever the box open, revealing the ring nestled inside. “Do you wanna…do the thing? With me? If it’s, y’know…not too cliché to propose on New Year’s Eve?”

She didn’t even need to think about it.

Laura grabbed Max’s face in both her hands, pulling him into an exuberant kiss he gladly returned. “Yes!” she laughed, grinning so hard her cheeks began to hurt. “Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! Let’s do the thing – let’s do the thing!” And just like that, he slid the ring onto her finger, she pulled him into another kiss, and on the tv behind them a crowd cheered as the clock rolled over to midnight, the new year starting off precisely how it was meant to.

[galacticrocket]

@phylavlls

“alright, kid—” rocket started down the ramp of the ship, motioning for phyla to follow him as he adjusted his grip on the guns he was carrying. “let’s have some fun, eh?”

when they turned the corner, groot could be seen inspecting one of the local trees. rocket made sure to fly them somewhere remote— open, but green. a small opening of grass and scattered flowers in a sea of trees. the sounds of civilization were completely gone, replaced by the wind and various bird calls. it was groot’s first time on earth since the battle with thanos in wakanda and his plant-like friend was really taking his time to soak it all in. if rocket hadn’t already gone off on his own to have what was as close to an existential crisis as he would ever want to have on earth, perhaps he would be in the same boat right now.

he was trying not to run from the past anymore. or at least take it at a slow jog instead. but there was a lot to look at for the future, and phyla was part of it.

“those trees aren’t gonna talk back, groot. they ain’t smart like you.” rocket called out to him with a snort of laughter. groot continued to gently inspect a leaf in his fingers and chose not to reply. rocket shook his head with a scoff. “all he’s gonna do later is complain ‘bout his new friends givin’ him the silent treatment.”

finally he stopped at one end of the clearing and set the guns down between him and phyla. the left gun was one of his classics— collapsible, a bit beat up but still going strong. a favorite of his. the right gun was smaller and obviously much newer. the dark silver metal was broken up by accents of deep blue, and there was a type of clear panel on the spot where someone’s palm would sit on the handle.

rocket crossed his arms and gently nudged the newer gun with one of his feet. “been tinkering on that. didn’t wanna give it to ya ‘til it was finished.” he looked up at her with a bit of a devilish smile, trying to hide the fact that he was excited for her to try it out. “you’re a tough kid but you gotta learn to protect yourself without usin’ those powers of yours. as team captain it’s my moral duty to make sure my team don’t get themselves killed in stupid ways. so it’s time we start trainin’. got it?”

[an-ecu-harrypotter-au]

TPS Part 15: Tests And Trials

"Toby what are the three main ingredients in a Forgetfulness Potion?"

"Leaf River water, Valerian sprigs an mistletoe berries."

"It's Lethe as in lethal."

Ah blink. Ah gotta look at mah book agin.

"Ohhh. L-E-T-H-E. Greek thang right? Also why'd they use mistletoe berries if they're poisonous?"

"Yes it's a river in Greece. As for the mistletoe berries it's because, as you said in the past, they can cause visual disturbances and convulsions. Those things impact memory and would therefore make sense to use in a potion like this."

"Ok. So fer the magic part what kinda charm do we use ta make it?"

Jacklin thinks. Ah know the answer Ah jus wanna test 'er like she's testin me.

"The Memory Charm. You spell it O-B-L-I-V-I-A-T-E and you would make a wand movement that looks like a brain."

"Ah gotta draw that then so Ah don't ferget."

Ah laugh at mah own joke an start ta draw the outline of a brain.

"Ya know Jacklin Ah think Ah can do this."

"That's great to hear, Toby. I really think you can do it too."

Ah look at mah Transfigurin notes an ask a question.

"Why's we gotta learn bout turnin mice inta stuff?"

"Mice are small. You need to start with something small because there's less room for mistakes."

"So we don't really need ta turn mice inta anythang in the real world?"

"No we don't."

Ah look at how Ah got it spelled in mah notes. Ah dunno how Latin works so Ah hope Ah got it right.

"How do ya spell it the words fer that?"

"It's mures emuncta greges."

"Ok lemme write that down."

Ah write it phonetically an the real way so Ah know how ta spell it. Mirror-ez em-unk-ta gregs.

"Toby did you finish your map of Jupiter for Astronomy?"

"Ah think Ah did. Why ya wanna look at it?"

"It's because I have a feeling Professor Sinistra would want us to fill it out from nothing. As in she would give us a piece of paper with nothing but a circle. We would have to color and label everything seen on Jupiter."

"Oh."

Ah pull out mah map a Jupiter.

"Ah ain't gonna do well on this part. If it's only part a this map Ah can probly do it. But the whole map from scratch uh uh."

"You need to make many maps until you can make a complete map from start to finish. That's how you'll remember, Toby."

"Oh yeah yer right. At the same time it's way easier ta remember stuff in History a Magic like Elfric the Eager than tryna label everythang on the surface a Jupiter."

"I understand that, Toby. Both of these classes are important but at least you won't need that to be a Healer."

Ah look at mah notes then look at Jacklin.

"Well tha's good. If Ah can jus keep gettin E's in mah classes that'd make me a real good student yeah?"

"Of course, Toby. A Healer definitely isn't an easy job. In fact if it wasn't for Healers a lot of Aurors would've died during the last Wizarding War."

"Oh yeah Ah guess that makes sense. But wha's an Aura?"

"An Auror is someone who actively tracks down and fights to defeat Dark wizards. They are the ones who helped Headmaster Dumbledore take out Voldemort's followers before he was defeated by the Headmaster himself."

"They're the wizardin FBI then got it."

Time Skip

"So how they plan on testin all a us?"

"Outside of our OWLS and NEWT exams all exams are done during our regular class period. Some of them are divided into practical and theoretical exams."

"Oh yeah Snape said we gotta do our written test taday, our incantations on Wednesday an a whole potion on Friday."

We end up in the dungeons an sure nough Ah see a whole pile a papers on Snape's desk. Ah sit down at a table bout a chair apart from Jacklin. Snape comes in an looks real serious as usual. Makes sense cause tests're always serious business.

"This is your final chance to prove your competency in mastering the most basic level of potion making. Should you fail this set of exams, the results will be quite..... ghastly."

Ah hear a couple kids gulp an take a deep breathe. Ah dunno why they're so nervous. Even Jacklin kinda looks nervous an it makes no sense ta me. She's always helpin me an other kids so it ain't like she's a dummy.

"You will have exactly 45 minutes to complete this part of the exam. Do not even think about cheating because all of your exams are different."

Ah hope tha's a good thang cause Dumbledore tol me Ah gotta have special tests. Ah look at mah test an Ah read all the questions. A lotta a the questions're multiple choice. Ah got a couple questions at the end that are writin questions. Gotta do the writin questions first.

"Explain the effects of the Cure for Boils Potion."

Ah try ta control mah wigglin. Ah know all bout this question. Snape tol us all bout it day one.

"It's used ta remove boils, such as those produced by the Pimple Jinx."

Ah realize Ah gotta change ta ta to. Snape'll take points off if Ah don't write properly. So now Ah got "It's used to remove boils".

"Question 2: What's the difference between aconite and wolfsbane?"

Ah know tha's a trick question cause Ah know mah plants. So far this' real easy.

"There's no difference. They're the same plant. People only call it wolfsbane since it's used in the werewolf potion called Wolfsbane Potion."

Ah finished both a mah writin questions an Ah feel real good bout it. Now Ah can jus fly through the rest a the test. Ah got bout 30 mins left ta finish an Ah think it's doable.

Time Skip

Ah'm workin on mah last question a Quirrell's paper test. It's a bit harder ta me than Potions cause a lotta the words look the same.

"Explain the difference between an imp and a gnome."

This' an easy question. Imps an gnomes ain't the same creature. Sure they're both small, annoyin, an like ta hide in dark places. But they look different, love gardens, an actually got animals that eat 'em. Pop wrote me a letter sayin Uncle Travis was complainin bout the gnomes in his garden so Ah practcally got 1st hand knowledge on 'em.

"Fi-five min-minutes left c-class."

Ah stand up an hand in mah test. Jacklin's been long gone but that don't matter cause Ah awready know she's smart an can do all this fast.

"Tha-thank you, Mr. Kw-Kwimper."

Ah get mah stuff an go back ta the Gryffindor Tower. Somethin bout 'em's felt off. Ah dunno what'd it could be outside a him stealin the stone. Ah can't think bout that though. Ah jus hope Ah pass all mah tests.

Time Skip

"Toby? Our grades will be posted in the common room soon."

"Wha's that mean?"

"That in just a matter of minutes we'll not only know if we move onto our second year at Hogwarts but also be able to focus entirely on telling Headmaster Dumbledore about the philosopher's stone."

Ah get nervous bout all that. Dumbledore ain't gonna believe us if all we got's mah visions ta go off of.

"Ah dunno if he'll believe us. Seerin powers ain't an exact science like potion makin."

"If Headmaster Dumbledore can believe that you're a Parselmouth, he'll believe that you're a Seer."

"Ya mean if Ah can show 'em Ah can talk ta snakes, then that'd prove Ah ain't lyin bout mah Seerin powers?"

Ah see Jacklin nod an Ah guess it'll be a good idea ta try. Who knows maybe he awready knows bout Quirrell wantin ta steal the stone an we don't gotta worry bout it.

"I'll be right back, Toby. If I see that the grades have been posted on the board, I'll come and get you."

"Ok."

Ah wait in mah room an talk wit Trevor. If Jacklin's gotta use the bathroom ta deal wit 'er bleedins tha's her business.

"What'd ya think Trevor? Did Ah pass all mah tests?"

Trevor jus looks at me wit his froggie eyes an croaks.

"Yeah Ah kinda feel good bout mah tests too. Ah dunno if Ah got O's on all a 'em but Ah know Ah didn't fail. Tha's all Pop ever wanted outta me. So long's Ah jus pass mah magic classes that'd be jus fine wit 'em."

Trevor stands in a way that tells me Ah gotta feed 'em.

"Yer tryna butter me up fer a bloodworm ain't ya. Well yer lucky cause it works."

Ah feed 'em a worm an he jus gobbles it right up. Ah love watchin 'em eat cause he jus looks so happy.

"Toby come downstairs! Our grades have been posted."

"Ok!"

Ah follow Jacklin down ta see our grades. Ah jus hope Ah passed.

"Wow. Whole lotta kids here."

"This is for all of Gryffindor. We need to find the first year section."

Ah look through the thangs on the board.

"Found it. Yer up there Jacklin."

"Thank you, Toby."

Ah see mah name bout a couple rows below hers. Ah dunno if Ah can look at the line a grades till Jacklin tells me wha she's got.

"I got all O's!"

"Wow! Wha's that star next ta yer name?"

Jacklin takes a deep breath. Ah'm gettin excited cause she's gettin excited.

"That star means I'm at the top of our class!"

Ah can't help but flap mah hands round till Ah grab Jacklin's hands.

"Ok. Now Ah gotta see mah grades."

"They have the names of the core classes across the top. You would've had to skip every class to not get a passing grade in Flying so they usually don't count that."

Ah'm feelin too nervous ta look as much as Ah wanna look.

"Can ya look fer me?"

"Of course I can. Potions: O. Defense Against the Dark Arts: E. Magical Theory: E Charms: O. History of Magic: O. Herbology: O. Flying: O. Astronomy: E. And Transfiguration: E. That means you have 5 O's and 4 E's."

Ah can't even think of how ta react ta that.

"Toby?"

"Sorry Ah think mah brain broke fer a sec there. Did.... did that mean Ah made it ta 2nd year?"

"Yes!"

Ah don't even know wha ta say. Ah jus gotta write Pop or tell Dumbledore bout Quirrell or somethin.

"How much time we got till the last day a school?"

"Our last day is on the 31st. We have to have our final Quidditch match to determine who wins the Quidditch Cup."

Ah try ta think bout wha ta do next.

"Le's go talk ta Dumbledore bout this. Quirrell's been feelin off the whole time Ah was takin mah test."

"Yes, I agree."

We walk ta Dumbledore's office. McGonagall sees us first though.

"Is there any reason you wish to be in this part of the castle?"

"Yes Professor McGonagall. We have something to ask Headmaster Dumbledore."

"Well I'm afraid you must wait. The Headmaster had left on important business and won't be back until tomorrow morning."

Ah feel nervous an Ah dunno what we gotta do now.

"I see. Thank you Professor."

Ah follow Jacklin back ta mah room.

"Professor Quirrell had to have sent a false notice to lure the Headmaster away. He's going to steal the stone tonight if he hasn't started already."

"Jacklin... Ah don't think Ah'm gonna be able ta stop 'em. Ah don't even know how ta get past Fluffy or what's even past the trapdoor."

She sighs an Ah dunno if she's mad at me or not.

"In that case, I'll go alone."

Before Ah can even think bout wha she says, she grabs the invisibility cloak an heads outta mah room. Ah know Ah don't gotta be a Seer ta know this ain't gonna go well. Ah jus dunno what ta do.

Tagging: @arrolyn1114, @nemos-rapture, @xanatenshi, @briefpandatimemachine, @hooked-on-elvis,

@vintagepresley, @aliengoth3, @smokeymountainboy, @bigdaddyelvislover, @mercsandmonsters,

@pledgingmylovee, @presleysgirl6, @thetaoofzoe, and @elvispresley4life.

[echantedtoon]

A Bloom In Time Ch7 Discovery P1

The darkness of the cold building seemed to be finally getting to the fused together ghosts and the reality of being able to feel human things again began to settle in as the two suddenly realized how cold they were and began soon after shivering and rubbing their sides up and down with their still pretty jello feeling arms. It was a bit easier to move now but still not easy. I mean it's been over a thousand years after all, how were they supposed to get human movements down bout twenty to forty minutes after becoming alive again. Speaking of everyone being alive at the moment- With Thor and his pal's help, the two were able to dragged the very unconscious Vanessa into the bathroom and with the old but heavy duty lock Hattie had from a previously locked door, they were able to lock her in good, but JUST to be on the safe side(insistence from Moonjumper over and over. The guy was PETRIFIED of her which was well understandable) the giant pale red armchair from down the hall was moved and placed against the locked door as well to help keep it closed. It took Thor, Mr Timothy, and a mafia man to move the heavy wooden thing so there was little chance Vanessa in her current form would be able to get out easily. Not soon long after that the once-frozen-Subconite followed his bosses orders and with the giant group of men behind him, while still holding the none struggling Rough Patch, began leading the group away from them towards the second floor stairs. Snatcher re-yelling the rules behind them. 

"Remember to follow his EVERY instruction! Stay OUT of the swamp because if you all die on the way there I CANT save you, and when you get to my home stay OUT of my things until I get there!! And you be careful with Rough Patch! Not a single leaf on his head hurt!! The long way isn't easy! And I DO NOT EVER want to see any of you in my forest again or else I'll let you freeze again!!" "OH!! Give our throat a rest already will you now?"

The still grumpy child sat on the floor away from the two who was still weakly rubbing their sides and examining each piece of glass carefully before putting it back down or attaching it back onto the shard. She decided to start with the biggest piece and carefully put the thing magically back together somehow, but paused and looked up at the retreating group...then up at them with a confused look. "There's a long way around to get here?"

"Well of course!", Snatcher's voice said annoyed, "You think everyone could've made that jump over the cold, slippery bridge like you did without falling to their doom? Some of those bumbling fools must've found the way around. How else did ya think my minions could get over here to remind you of the agreement you signed about not using hats? Float across?"

....She shrugged. "I dunno. You float all the time and they're dead like you."

"Ouch, Kid! That hurts!" "Uh! Beg pardon," Moonjumper politely asked before pointing to the still broken time piece, "But how long pretell do you think that'll take to fix, Dear?"

"It usually takes three hours if I hurry."

"THREE HOURS?! OH! YOU GOTTA BE PECKING ME?!" "SNATCHER SHUSH!!" Moonjumper turned their head to the baracated bathroom door where silence still rang through. "The VERY last thing we need you doing is waking her up! Won't that be fun you loud mouthed owl! And PLEASE stop using the P word in front of the child!" Snatcher grumbled but didn't say anything else as they continued to rub at their sides.

But Hattie noticed and pointed it out as she stuck a finger in their direction. "Why are you rubbing your sides like that?" She blinked. "Are you guys cold? I thought ghosts couldn't get cold?"

"Well, Sweetie. You're not wrong, but if you haven't noticed, your bumbling jack-o-lanturn friend and I aren't ghosts at the moment. So we can very much feel the cold right now. And quite frankly, I do not like it at all." They shivered. "T-T-Too many memories."

Hattie wordlessly didn't argue with that at all. She didn't like being cold and remembering Vanessa chase her throughout the house, but suddenly an idea came to her. One that made her put the slightly bigger down now and stand up, both ghosts looking at her confused as she tugged on their arm and pointed at a door close to them. "There's a bed in there! You can cover up in the blankets while you wait."

"A-A-And be where Vanessa SLEEPS?! Good heavens NO!!" "I think for once I agree with Moonshine over here. That is the VERY last thing I want to do right now. I think I'd rather take my chances with the cold again."

Hattie gave them a flat 'I'm too young for this stuff' look. "Oh come on! You really wanna freeze to death?....Again."

"Is laying on the cold floor an option?"

"No!" She marched on over to them and grabbed onto their arm, tugged them forward and them falling over onto their hands and knees with a yelp from Snatcher. "I'm doing all the hard work now! The least you can do is stay warm and do ONE thing for me! PLEASE!!"

....Snatcher sighed. "Kid. Even if I did, I doubt either of us can walk over there in this state."

"Then crawl!"

"Crawl? Like a drunken idiot? HA! I'd look ridiculous!"

"PLEASE!!" She made those puppy dog eyes at them and Snatcher knew immediately that Moonjumper already melted at the cute sight and gave in thanks to their currently shared brain, but he grumbled under his breath as he plainly stared at her sad eyes. "Pretty please, Dad." AH! Pulling his weakness.

"OH!....ALRIGHT!! But not a SINGLE word about this to anyone! You hear me? Or it's triple grounding time for you!...That goes for you too moonboy! Not a word about this to anyone ever!"

There was no complaints about that from Moonjumper so very clumsily and slowly, the two slowly started pace to the door on jello arms and knees. Wobbling so badly with every movement Snatcher was sure they would fall flat on their faces. ....And they did. Hattie had to use her foot and move away the glass shards carefully as they attempted to wobble-crawl around the pile and towards the bedroom do- THUMP!! Their left arm wobbly gave out which left the two smacking their face to the ground making the poor girl jump and have to grab her hat before it fell off. Before bounding over to them as  Snatcher cursed more 'peck' under his breath and very weakly and wobbly pushed them back up into crawling position. HE. PECKING. HATED. THIS!! So, so much already.  Gritting his teeth and muttering versions of 'peck' over and over under his breath, the two somehow managed to fall, wobbly crawl, and get a headache all the way to the door with Hattie beside them in case they fell over again. She opened the door for them into the bedroom and they froze...Well, Moonjumper froze upon seeing their old shared bedroom where they and Vanessa once inhabited. Memories flashed through their shared mind of her again and Snatcher growled and shook their head. 

"Moonboy. I am NOT in the mood for a trip down memory lane right now especially with HER! And I am certainly NOT gonna stay right here on the cold floor just to hit my head again!"

Moonjumper didn't say anything and Snatcher took full control of their shared body and forced them to wobbly crawl forward as Hattie followed behind once they made their way past the door giving her plenty of room to hop in watching as Snatcher crawled them over to the red bed a few feet from the door. Red musty wall paper lined the walls with the red color themed bed, and a lot of furniture to match. A wardrobe stood by the bed and past that was a vanity, writing desk, chest, small dresser with a candle holder on it, and a long table with a worn tablecloth on it. The floor was always creaky, and it creaked all the way when they crawled into the room and over to the bed. The only light offered in the room was the few candles by the bed and on the wall that lit up with magical fire, enough light to see at least, but also enough to see the various claw marks scratched into the old walls staining the wallpaper with it's creepy aura. Moonjumper was still not responding or communicating through their shared head but SNatcher could still feel the petrified fear coming off of him and he was starting to find it annoying. Forcing them back onto their knees, Snatcher reached over and grabbed onto the foot of the bed.....before forcibly trying to get onto their feet. If it weren't for the fact that the two ghosts were forced like this and had no experience being human for over a thousand years, it might've made her laugh trying to see an adult stand up like a bird with new legs, but right now she was more concerned about the two falling over. With their noodle legs Snatcher violently wobbled and gripped the sheets tightly messing them up, and forcing most of their body onto the bed minus their legs. Hattie had to walk over  and help, it was too painful and awkward to watch after a while, and grabbed their legs, one by one pushing them up to lay on the beg with them. Eventually making it where they were laying on their stomach with their head at the foot of the bed on top of the disleved old, musty sheets. .......They sneezed from the dust and snatcher once again forced them up to their knees on the bed. Grumbling from the dust before forcing them around and wobble crawling up the bed until he carefully maneuvered themself around and forced their knees out from under them to sit properly with their legs over the side of the bed near the small drawer with the lit candles. Still cold but it was a five star hotel compared to laying onthe hard wood floor.

"There! All better?,'' Hattie asked walking around the bed and smiling back up at them.

"Yeah, Kiddo. Better than the dum floor at least. But I still think you should get back there and rebuild that thing as fast I can. I'd rather live out this punishment then get back to not living it out, if you get what I mean."

She pouted. "Hey! Don't forget it's your fault you purple dummy!"

"Trust me. I know!!....*sigh*" He reached up to rub their face and groaned. "Can you just...finish fixing it and reverse this please? I promise I'll make it up to you, just help me please, Kid!"

Hattie tilted her head at him, "Anything?"

"Yes. But could you at least grab me a book from the mini library downstairs?"..He looked thoughtful for a moment thinking. "....Grab me the one with the title called The Sparrow and The Knight if it's still there. I haven't read that in years."

The child sighed and turned around. "Ok. I'll be right back! But you still OWE me big time!!"

"Yes, yes." He waved her off after her, "Just go."

He sat their and watched as she ran out the doorway, her fast footsteps making the floor creak loudly as she ran away and he stared at the door until those fast and creaking footsteps faded away. He could hear Moonjumper hope she didn't wake Vanessa with her loud footsteps but the only noise now was the wind and occasional lightning strike outside. He usually liked the silence of his home so he could read on hours on end or think of new contracts or traps to be made. But his forest and swamp usually had the chirping of frogs or the chitter chatter of his ghostly subjects in the background for that, or the giggles of little children. But right now he would gladly rather have the kids bug him for eternity than sit here in this dead silence with wind and lightning. Maybe it was just the many worries Moonjumper was thinking right now, or the fact he was vulnerable in this form, or the fact Vanessa was literally a hallway and room away. Locked up and unconscious, but still a few yards away. Or maybe it was all three, but he was starting to get tired of it really quick waiting for the kid to come back with the book he requested. Snatcher huffed and turned their eyes around the old room drinking in the details of the room, guess things didn't change much. Except for the claw marks and the ruined painting on the wall over there. Eventually his eyes glazed over the furniture near him including the writing desk with old yellowed paper on it, the old chest, and the lit candles with a book right next to I-......Snatcher blinked their eyes at the small green book. It was a very dull green with light tears here and there and even tho it was VERY faded, the dull black word 'Diary' was engraved on the cover with very pretty cursive writing......A....Diary?? In Vanessa's room? Wow. It didn't take too long to figure out who it probably belonged too. ....But all of a sudden his mind got a curious idea-

"D-D-Don't do it." Snatcher jumped at the sudden voice of the fearful Moonjumper finally managing to force itself through and scowled. "Look Moonboy. There isn't anyone here to stop us from looking and after all we've been through you can't say we don't at least have the right to 'invade on her privacy' after all the 'invading' she did to YOU!!....I mean me!...Us? AH!! I MEAN we can't get any kind of revenge on her now so Im taking what I can get! And if ol' blondie gets upset and throws a tantrum over her 'pwecious diary' being read, them Im not going to give into that pecking tantrum and coddle her like she always guilted us into!" ......"I-I still don't know. I d-don't think I want to see any thoughts she had."  "EVEN if it means we'll get some power over a situation she laid out for once and get the teeniest revenge on her? If she also never knows it'll be better cuz we'd get to get away with it! Not that we wouldn't anyways." Moonjumper remained silent thinking over what Snatcher said carefully before sighing. "Alright. B-But that doesn't mean Im going to like it." "THAT'S THE SPIRIT!!"

 Snatcher smiled evilly on their face and reached their wobbly arms out and grabbed the book......if it could even be called that!! The Book cover was obviously made for a thick book. A thousand pages at least, but it was barely filled with pages when he opened it, giving a confused frown and raised brow. What the-.... Only about two or three pages were in tact, very yellowed with chicken scratch writing like a dizzy blind person wrote the few faded words he saw. There was ends of many other pages where they were obviously ripped out and done away with, but that didn't stop his annoyance. Vanessa had a diary with three pages left minimum and ruined an entirely good book! Wasted potential and paper!! And just when he thought she couldn't get crazier!! Rolling their eyes, he latched onto the faded chicken scratch to see if he could make heads or tales of the horrible writing. He noticed on the bottom corner of the page was the very faded letter 13. Huh...So this must've been page 13 of the diary then. Alright. Let's see what nonsense Vanessa wrote.

"Why? What have I done wrong? In his letters he talks about her. A 'tutor'. He says he loves me. But SHE sees him. I get letters, and SHE gets his time. He is MINE. Once his studies are finished I will have him back. "

.........Both ghosts stared blankly at the what was scratched down and processed it in their heads. Snatcher catching onto the real meaning behind it rather quickly and almost dropped the book onto the floor in shocked. .....L-Letters??...His studies??..A TUTOR?! HOLY PECK!!! THIS WAS WRITTEN WHILE HE LEFT FOR A FULL YEAR OF LAW STUDIES!! Moonjumper was somewhere between confused and panicked in their mind but Snatcher reread the page to make sure he was reading it right, and looked around the other half of the page and turned it over, but the entire page was black except for those few sentences. But just by looking at those few lines he came to the hard conclusion that.......Vanessa...Was JEALOUS!! Of his old tutor....A lady that was old enough to be his great grandmother( at the time he was alive) and who had taught his father before him....VANESSA WAS JEALOUS OF A LITTLE OLD LADY THAT HAD ZERO CHANCE WITH HIM. And her referring to him in 'He is MINE.' just added to the whole creepy vibe he always had with her, dead or alive. Moonjumper made them shudder in disgust while Snatcher growled and flipped it over to the next page. Like before the entire page was wasted and left unused except for a few random chicken scratches in the middle and this time the faded number was 48. Page 48.

" Dear Diary, Today my prince left to begin his studies. He will be so far away, and for so long. He has promised to write. He won't forget me, will he? His beloved princess."

........Wait. What?

This.....This wasn't even written in the right order of events!! He left for his studies BEFORE he sent her any letters!! Which he always regretted, and wished he HAD forgotten her, and KNEW she was NEVER his let alone a 'beloved princess'. Snatcher only continued to grow more irritated and snarled at the book in his hands before flipping to the last in tact page in seemed with the faded number 73. 

"He is coming back. Just one weekend. A short holiday, from HER. I will convince him to stay. I CANNOT let my love leave Again. Sounds a little melodramatic. "

Yeah...He remembered that. One week holiday before going back to his studies, their anniversary week too. Spent all his pons on a bracelet he used to trade for flowers .....from.....Snatcher actually growled. Guess he was still able to use THAT ghostly ability. And once again the 'HER' was a woman who he always saw as his GRANDMOTHER in a way!! If she read his letters truly she would've known that!! And not letting him leave? HA!! Guess what?! He DID and was now king of everything in their kingdoms!!  A LITTLE MELDRAMATIC!? REALLY?! SHE HAD ONE SMALL BIT OF SENSE FOR A SECOND AND SHE SAYS IT WAS A LITTLE DRAMATIC?! SHE WAS CRAZY!! ABSOLUTELU BONKERS!! MAD!! INSANE!! OFF HER ROCKER!! BANANAS!! WHAT EVER YOU CALL IT!!  She didn't even write the events in order. Page 48's events came BEFORE page 13's. Was she just flipping to a random page and crazily writing these down in no order?? He wouldn't be surprised if she did! Still hard scowling, Snatcher tossed the book away from him, but because their arm was still pretty weak it only landed two or three feet away with a soft thump as he glared daggers at it.

"Snatcher?" He jumped and turned around to see the little girl standing there in the doorway as she came in. Holding a small red cover book in her hands. She came around the bed and stopped glancing at the book on the floor before blinking and looking back up at them. "Were you reading the crazy lady's diary?"

"Yeah...Crazy is an understatement. More like peckin' owlpoop insane!!" "Again.. LANGUAGE!!" "Be quiet Moonshine!" He glanced back down to her hands and the book. "That's not the book I asked. It has a yellow cover."

She held it up to them anyways. "I couldn't find it so I got this one instead cuz I liked the moon pictures in it!"

Snatcher reached over and grabbed it from her. Glancing over the cover and reading 'Moon Phases and Star Constellations by Star S. Hine'. "....I suppose this would work just to wait a few hours." And It might help Moonboy calm down, he loved talking about the moon and stars like poetry. 

"Uh huh!" She once again looked down to the green book on the floor. ".....Were you really reading this?"

Snatcher opened the book to the first page but stopped and looked at her. "Yeah. But why does it matter?"

"Did you read the other pages yet?"

He blanked for a second. ".............There's MORE?!"

She nodded. "Ill go get them!'' Before either could protest she had already turned around and ran off. Through the door into the old nursery and after a moment they could hear the other door attached to the other side of nursery.............After a few more moments, the same door opened, and then the door attaching the nursery to Vanessa's bedroom reopened and Hattie ran back in but not to them. Instead she ran over to the writing desk and grabbed the two yellowed papers on it. Adding them randomly to her small pile of now five pieces of paper and running back up to them smiling before presenting them up to them. "Here! I made sure to grab them all! They were all over the place!"

They both just stared at her for a moment, before snatcher once again made them move and grabbed them from the small child. They all had the same chicken scratch writing like in the diary with random faded numbers near the bottom, and the sides were torn. So these must've been some of the random pages that were ripped from the diary, and like the rest, all had just a few sentences wasting the rest of the space the paper provided. Annoyed all over again he read what the first page said. 

"Im sorry about your hair, My Prince. I just wanted our lengths to match! ....and color...and curl ...you look wonderful! "

His....HIS HAIR!? He remembered that! He was taking a nap when he awoken to the feeling of something wet on his head, like he had just taken a shower. But instead woke to the sight of a mildly panicked Vanessa above him and a painful sensation to his head so he rushed to the bathroom to look in the mirror. Only to discover his lovely brown hair had been very sloppily died yellow with obvious patches of his natural color here and there, and the painful sensation was a couple of curlers too tightly rolled into random spots on his head. He took them out and got into the shower immediately to wash it out to no avail. Of course Vanessa when asked about it cried and said she only wanted to practice doing hairstyles. Like the idiot he was, he forgave her not a few seconds after. And it turned out he couldn't wash it out. He was to wear it off which left him looking ridiculous!! Embarrassing him in front of everyone including....... Well...That didn't matter anymore. He did NOT look 'wonderful'. Snatcher's eyes narrowed and flipped to the next random page.

"Mother had a bit of an accident last week, so today I got crowned as queen. Now the prince can't call me his princess! Life isn't fair!"

He remembered the old sick Queen very well. She was a stern and cranky old lady, but very nice and professional when you got to know her. She was a lot like Vanessa in ways but much MUCH better if you asked him. She loved discussing his interests with him and thought it was very responsible of him to want to study law. Even though he was never able to attend her funeral or really found out how she died, he really did miss the old coot sometimes. Sometimes he even wondered if she could've done anything to stop Vanessa if only he brought it up...Oh well. That past is past. But seriously!? Her only mother had passed and she was upset over the fact he couldn't call her 'princess' anymore?! The entitlement of this woman! If she just asked politely to be called that as a nickname he wouldn't have minded, but peck!! He missed his parents more than anything and she doesn't even write down anything expressing the same thing!! His annoyance grew as did the usually calm Moonjumper's as he turned to the next page. 

"Oh, I wish I could just keep him always! Locked up and in chains in the cellar! But you can't chain a man...can you?"

This-....

This actually made the two freeze up and for a moment a blank face fell upon them. .....Locks...Chains.....Celler.......That was....how he....they.....They never saw her agai- WAIT!! SHE HAD THIS IDEA IN MIND FROM THE VERY START!? THAT PECKING NO GOOD WITCH!! He swore he was gonna tear the papers from hold tight their hold became. Had she planned this?! And was only pushed over the edge of crazy with one little misunderstanding?! OOOOOOHHHH!! He wasn't sure when the last time he got THIS angry but Moonjumper forced him to look over at Hattie who currently was for some reason looking up at the ceiling with a curious look and he reluctantly stood down. No point getting mad over it now Moonjumper's thoughts were saying as they bounced around and instead of confronting him, Snatcher turned to the next page.

"My prince enjoys his breakfast far too much. I'm jealous of that darn bacon! No more bacon in this house!"

WHO. BANES. BACON. AND. GETS. JEALOUS. OVER. FOOD?!

Snatcher had about had it with all this terrible chicken scratch trip down terrible memory lane and flipped to the last page, wondering which event she wrote about on the last one. One of her tantrums? Or maybe him being 'unprincely'? But when he saw the fancy curvy cursive, he paused. .......This paper was yellowed like the rest of the others, but there was definitely NO chicken scratch to these neat and proper letters. Was this a page written before she went crazy and started squibbling nonsense? But...It was torn and shorter than the rest. Instead of there being any evidence of it being torn from the side, there was a tear right down the middle. As if it was never a part of a book at all-.......Realization suddenly dawned on him making their eyes go wide.

"M-...My letter," Moonjumper whispered out as they read over it.

"My Dearest Vanessa, It has been many days since I saw you last, but it feels like months. My time at the Acadmey is hard, but I am progressing quickly. There is so much to study when it comes to law, but the library here is well-stocked. Our tutors are the finest in the land, and I am thankful for their help. I have been attending private study with one, an experienced practitioner of law by the name of Lady-"

.....The .....Their letter ended off with the tear. Not knowing what the world happened to the other half other than is had to have been torn by Vanessa. When he...When he began writing her letters, he wasn't very happy to be writing to her to be honest, but he was still loyal to her and put effort into being polite in them. Telling her all about his favorite law books, and the garden, and his old tutor he adored so much.....But did she just see the word lady and assume she was the new love of his life?! Not reading WHO she was and tearing the thing to shreads in pure jealousy and craziness!? They bothe scowled down at the remains of the letter they sent to her all those years ago, Hattie not paying attention. She had taken a few steps still staring at the ceiling curiously but turned around behind her when she heard tearing. They were tearing the letter......Well that's not true. Moonjumper was. But Snatcher made no move or thought to stop him. The other papers he just let float to the floor in random places as the letter was torn and shreaded into tiny little pieces before released to the floor in old yellowed paper snow. Hattie watched as it all fell to the floor before saying something.

"Why'd you do that?"

"Because my dear..." Moonjumper looked at her. "That might've been the only part of me left behind in this cursed place. The last part of me Vanessa had....I wouldn't want her to have a hold of any part of me. She doesn't deserve it."

"Oh." She stared at them and the destroyed letter by all the papers for a moment before resuming her odd behavior of looking up at the ceiling which caught Snatcher's attention and he looked up to the plain dusty ceiling for a couple seconds as well. ....Before raising a brow back to her. 

"Kid. WHAT are you staring at? I know everything around her is pretty dead, but I think you could find another way to occupy your time. Like maybe gluing a magical hourglass back together. QUICKLY!"

She only continued to stare. "Don't you guys hear that?"

They looked up to the ceiling in silence. .....Nothing but the wind outside and occasional lightning- A small, weak creaking noise came from above them somewhere and Hattie pointed before looking at him like 'See! There it is!'. Making Snatcher roll his eyes and wave her off picking up their book again. 

"It's just the old house settling or the wind. I should know. Im an expert on old haunted houses."

......She looked back up to the ceiling with a hum. "I don't know. I never heard that before when I was here.''

"Probably because you were a little busy running away from blondie."

"But...What if it's someone who got frozen? They might need help."

"Kid. You've been to the third floor before and so have I. I've never seen any frozen people up there did you?"

"No....But Im going to go look anyways." She bounded to the door with them following her.

"Up there? By yourself?!

"I can handle it!" She pulled her trusty umbrella out of no where and twirled it around. "I beat you didn't I?"

His eyes narrowed. "Kid. That's not the point. One being you NEED to reverse this as soon as possible. And second because you don't know what's up there and Im useless like this." "S-Sweetheart. I agree with the grape noodle on this. Y-You could get into trouble!"

"I'll be fine! Besides, there's no ice people statues up there. And it'll just be a quick check. Don't be such a peckneck!"

"Wha- HEY!! IM NOT A PECKNECK!!"

The small girl giggled like a maniac before running out of the room where they couldn't follow even if they tried. Grumbling Snatcher turned them back to the book In their lap and picked it up, turning to the first page.

'Chapter One What are the Moon and Stars made Of?'

[twst-drabbles]

Oooh. OOOOOOH OH these are cute! I approve! I love these designs! Thank you for taking the time to do all this! Here's a little drabble as thanks!

Summary: It's the regular checkup for these little plant nymphs. Gotta make sure they don't have any concerning injuries or growths.

All it took was a smack of your leg to get them all to line up.

"Over here!" You yelled out to the garden as you sat down on your chair.

Riddle was the first to poke out his head from the line of hedges against your fence. He leaped out first with Trey closely following behind him. Cater, over to the right of you, dropped his little pile of rotted leaved and came running over.

As soon as he got to your ankle, he clapped his little hands and his clones came over. Out of the leaves in the tree in front of you came two more Caters, both of them dragging Ace and Deuce behind them.

"Ace, you're up." You just grabbed him instead of letting him jump up in your hands. He's a runner when you don't have a firm enough grip.

The tulips in his eye are as vibrant as ever, no sign of any color fading or dehydration so he's getting his sun and water. While his hands were smooth, like the roots of a sapling, the rest of his leaf-like body was scratchy, rough in the way wild leaves stick to a kid's shirt. You pressed his limbs, making him squeak when you tickled his chin then put him down.

"No cuts or bumps this time. I'm impressed." You put him down and watched as he stomped in irritation. "Though you have dirt on your shawl. Try and keep yourself clean. Deuce, your turn."

He was nervous but presented himself proudly nonetheless as he hopped onto your hand. He's been planting some of his lilies, so some of the flowers in his eyes weren't as abundant in number. He's just as scratchy as Ace, his body at least, though the ends of his legs were blue compared to Ace's blood-orange. There's a slight bump on his chest under the shawl, but it's nothing to be concerned about. An ant accidentally bit him there.

"Great as always. Cater, over here." Deuce hopped down next to Ace. The tulip nymph glared at him while the lily shined with pride. He was promptly kicked behind the knees.

You ignored their fighting, instead watching Cater strike a pose as he got into your hand. He always has to make himself stylish looking no matter the occasion. The little tie on his body was an adorable touch, as well as the flowers placed on his head. Unlike the other two, Cater's body was as smooth as can be. Not soft, there's a certain stiffness to them that comes with thick leaves, but not so much that they don't bend and wave in the wind. The little indents of his leg were less pronounced than the other one, but there was nothing wrong with them nonetheless.

"Good, good. Everything is fine and dandy. Trey?"

Simplistic looking Trey, so easily able to blend in with the foliage around him. It's easy to miss him if you're not specifically looking for him, and boy does he like to be behind the scenes rather than taking the spotlight. Make no mistake, Trey was entirely capable of mischief, and have done so plenty of times. In fact, he still has that little cut on his leg from the time he was running from an angry Ace and Deuce. Gave them some pretty looking but nasty tasting berries just to make their faces scrunch up. It's healing up nicely. No infections or browning around the wound. Just a simple white line of knitting leafage.

"Be careful around rocks Trey. Other than that, you're fine too. Now, Riddle?"

Riddle must always have class and essentially descends upon your palm from the roots he commanded from the ground. As usual, the scent of roses wafted from his body. Not too strong, as he wasn't nervous, but not too diminished, so no sicknesses there. Out of all of the nymphs, Riddle was practically velvet upon your fingers. No harsh spots that scratched or smooth spots that slicked rain right off. Riddle even brandished his made of rose petals, as if showing off his deep red color. His back was straight after that little twirl, practically shining like morning dew as though waiting for your perfect verdict.

"Beautiful as always. Healthy too." You squished his face and snorted at his struggles to keep his dignity. He loves being spoiled, you know that, but not in front of the others. Little punk.

"Everyone's doing fine. Glad to see that."

Today's checkup was nice and smooth.

Heartslabyul’s flower nymphs based off of @twst-drabbles‘s Pet AU stories. I highly recommend reading their works if you want unique takes on AU’s and some more.

Their designs are from me delving into as many of the blog’s loredump/resources as I could to get some image of how to draw these guys as accurately as possible. I ended up just throwing things together to see what will stick, I’m very proud of Riddle though. 

Honestly it’s been a while since I drew anything TWST(at least publicly), so I’m deeply nervous about sharing fandom stuff again…

[daryldixonsdoormat]

Not a single group member understood the fear of blood. Even if they did at one point in time they gotten over their fear quick as lighting. Sometimes the fear of blood isn’t just limited to other peoples. The terrifying feeling of seeing yourself bleed, it pouring out of a cut or wound so much it makes you lightheaded. Seeing something so common subsisted the fear, made it more bearable. Not this time.

The blood was staining my jeans to no return and there is a long cut from the knee to the middle thigh area. And the wound is just alike, just more blood, pain and distress most of all. My shaking hands go down to the cut touch it, applying little to no pressure my fear more prominent. I stare straight at it barely even taking my eyes off of my worst fear. I feel like I’m bleeding out and I’m just sitting here right against the walls of Alexandria. The kid on watch must’ve gotten help after letting me inside or just decided to leave me here to die and stare. My throat is closing up and my tongue is practically down my throat I can’t even yell for help I’m so paralyzed with fear. My whole body is turning numb. I close my eyes for a few seconds only to open my eyes and see Daryl and that one doctor guy talking to each other loudly.

“You gotta calm down darlin, it isn’t as bad as it seems”. Daryl says his hand laying directly over my heart. With a shaking voice I reply, “ I’m bleeding. There’s so much blood”. He leans over me carefully I can no longer see the damage on my leg or the needle poking through the skin. “Jus looks like a lot is all. This ain’t nothin. The hand that was once on my heart is now occupied, Daryl cards his fingers through my hair. Daryl grabs the towel from beside him, something I seemingly missed from before and wipes the dry blood off my hands. He then flips the towel over to the clean side and lays it on my stomach. “Now who’s the one that needs a shower” he says picking me up, he moves the towel over the bloody injured leg and it’s like it was never there. “Let’s get you to bed, ya still shaking like a leaf”. He enters the house and lays me on the bed, removing my pants while skillfully keeping the towel over the wound. Daryl grabs some wipes and cleans under the towel before slipping me on a pair of shorts. We slip into the covers like any other night. “Feelin better?”, “so much better”.

AN: I keep forgetting to post. Also I’m depressed 😍