#the moment i stepped on the little cart i went Oh no not This Again out loud

[mychlapci]

fuck man this fucking minotaur is kicking my ass

[rafeandonlyrafe]

healing touch

words: 700

warnings: established relationship, catcalling

“you've changed.” rafe observes, cocking his head to the side as you don't respond to his arrival home, or even budge at his words. your eyes are stared straight forward, blank and almost hollow, so unlike the vibrancy rafe is used to seeing when he looks at you.

“baby.” rafes voice is softer now as he takes a step forward, not trying to startle you from your place perched on the countertop, sat with your legs pulled up to your chest, chin against your knees.

“darling.” rafe steps closer again, and your eyelashes finally flutter as you notice him, looking up without even a crack of a smile.

“what's wrong?” he asks, suppressing the urge to get angry, to lash out at whoever-whatever, he doesn't care, made you feel this way. rafe knows he needs to stay calm for you, placing his hands on your hips and looking you in your chocolate brown eyes.

“i decided to walk today to vikeys.” you tell rafe, swallowing harshly.

“uh huh.” rafe knows you usually go to a friend's house when he's gone for the day, giving yourself something to do and also a chance to catch up when you can't be with your boyfriend.

“and i walked past that construction site. you know the new apartments being put up.” you wait for rafe to nod before continuing. “the… the workers there were on their lunch break and they…”

“what did they do?” rafe asks, harsh tone slipping into his voice, but you know it's not meant for you.

“they were just whistling at me at first. i tried to walk by faster, i crossed the street, but they just got louder. started talking about- about what they'd do to me.”

you don't have to say anything more for rafe to understand. he carefully pulls your legs down and pulls you to the edge of the marble countertop so he can press you against his chest, knowing that what you need at the moment is his touch, his hold.

“i got to vickys as soon as i could. i just felt disgusting, gross. she let me shower there and borrow a pair of clothes before driving me back home.”

“ill make sure to thank vicky for helping out my girl.” rafe presses a kiss to the top of your head. “you could have called me though, baby.”

“i-i know.” you look up at rafe, tears welling up. “i just wasn't thinking. i felt like i was in another body almost.”

“and how are you feeling now?” rafe asks, his hands gently petting up and down your back.

“better now that you're here.” you sigh out. 

“did you eat?” rafe glances at the clock, knowing he's home a bit later than usual. 

when you shake your head no, rafe pauses for a moment to think. “how about we order pizza and relax and watch that new season of the tv show you've been hounding me to see?” rafe sees a little spark back in your eyes just from the mention of relaxing with him.

“and im taking the rest of the week of work.” rafe grabs his phone out of his pocket to order pizza before you can argue, but there is one last piece of work rafe has to do before he can be satisfied.

--

you hum along to the song as rafes hand grips your thigh, the other on the steering wheel as he brings you back home from the country club, having went “golfing” with him, which really just means driving the cart around while he plays.

“rafe-” you turn to look at him with confusion when he turns down the wrong street.

“just want you to see something.” he says, pulling up to the construction site you got cat called in front of, the words echoing through your mind until rafe reminds you of where you are and who you're with with a soft squeeze of your leg, snapping you out of it.

you look at the sign in front of the fence. cameron developments.

“you… you bought whole apartment complex?”

“and fired the entire previous crew. they won't find work in this town again, trust me.”

“oh, rafe.” you launch yourself over the center console, kissing him deeply as your arms wrap around his shoulders.

“as much as i like kissing you, baby-” rafe says, mumbling against your lips. “how about we wait until we get home to continue this?”

you giggle and sit back on your seat as he speeds off.

sfw tags: @winterrrnight @ladyinbl00d @bejeweledreverie @ethanthequeefqueen @drewsephrry

[itneverendshere]

wait you guys watching milo one night, and rafes like “when is it gonna be out baby”

this was ridiculously cute to write oh my god!!!!! love their dynamic 😭😭😭😭 thank you for the request ❤️

so blessed to be looking at you- r.c

pairing: rafe x pogue!reader (bartender!reader universe)

Milo's little hand gripped the sleeve of your hoodie, his fingers sticky with remnants of the peanut butter crackers he’d demolished not twenty minutes ago. You’d just finished washing the kid’s sippy cup when you heard the familiar thud of Rafe’s feet on the floor behind you.

You were at his house, tucked into the living room, the glow from the huge fireplace casting shadows over everything. Milo was sitting cross-legged on the rug, eyes locked on some cartoon with way too many bright colors. Every once in a while, he'd giggle at something on the screen, and it made your heart swell.

Rafe slid up behind you as you walked into the living room, wrapping his arms around your waist. His chin rested on your shoulder, his lips brushing against your ear as he murmured, “You’re real good at that, y’know.”

You rolled your eyes, like always, but smiled anyway. “Yeah, well, someone has to be. My sister’s been running that graveyard shift all week. Milo’s practically my roommate at this point.”

He laughed softly, his chest vibrating against your back. He watched you twist the cap back onto the cup and set it down on the coffee table before turning you around in his arms. His eyes watched you closely, "You're so good with him," he said again.

You shrugged it off, though you warmed at the compliment. “I’ve had practice. Milo’s been around since I was seventeen, so I kinda had to figure it out.”

His hands lingered on your waist for a moment longer before he stepped away, glancing over at Milo, who was still oblivious to the conversation.

“Kid’s lucky he’s got you.”

You leaned back against the couch, watching Rafe watch Milo. It was something you’d noticed over the past few months — how he had softened around Milo, almost like he’d started to think of him as part of your little world. Whenever your sister needed help with him, Rafe was always down to hang out, no complaints.

If anything, he seemed to like it.

You’d only been dating for a year, but you’d already lost count of how many times he’d mentioned wanting kids. Not in a weird, pushy way, but just casually. Whenever you’d see a baby at the beach or out on the boat, he’d smile, and that sparkle would hit his eyes, and he’d say something like, “That’ll be us one day.”

You loved that he thought about it, thought about you like that, but you were always quick to keep him in check. You were still figuring out this whole relationship thing. Still, seeing him watching Milo like that, looking all soft and affectionate? Yeah, it did something to you.

“You good over there?” You asked, breaking him out of whatever trance he was in.

Rafe blinked and looked back at you, grinning in that way that made your stomach flip. “Yeah, just thinkin’.”

“About?” You raised an eyebrow.

He walked over, plopping down next to Milo on the floor, ruffling his messy curls. Milo laughed, swatting Rafe’s hand away, then promptly went back to his cartoon.

“When’s it gonna be our baby?” Rafe asked, so relaxed, you almost thought you misheard him.

“What?”

He shrugged like it was nothing. “I mean, you and me — we’ve talked about it before. You’re so good with Milo, and I like having him around. Feels right, y’know?”

Your heart did that stupid flip-flop thing again, and you bit down on your bottom lip to stop you from smiling like an idiot. You knew he was serious, even though he was trying to make it sound light.

“Rafe, we’ve been dating for a year,” You reminded him, “Let’s not go putting the cart before the horse.”

He tilted his head, giving you that lopsided grin that always made me weak. “A year’s a long time, baby. I know what I want.”

You sighed, but there was no hiding the fact that you loved hearing him say stuff like that. He was so sure, so steady. It was one of the things that drew you to him in the first place — how Rafe could be chaotic, reckless even, but when it came to you, he was all in.

You walked over to the couch, dropping onto the cushion and grabbing the remote to turn down the volume on the TV. Milo let out a little whine but didn’t protest too much since you left the screen on.

“You don’t even know what it’s like yet,” You teased. “Babies aren’t all cartoons and snacks, Rafe. They cry. A lot. Not to mention toddlers.”

Rafe shot you a look, his lips curving into a smirk. “You’re acting like I didn’t grow up with two little sisters running around screaming their heads off all day. I know what I’m getting into.”

You raised an eyebrow, but couldn’t help the laugh that escaped. “Okay, but babysitting your sisters is different than being there 24/7. Especially when it’s your kid. There’s no off-switch.”

He just shrugged, “I don’t need one. I’ll figure it out with you.”

That comment alone hit harder than he probably even realized. With you. Like it was just a given that whatever future kids came into the picture, they were going to be both of yours. He didn’t treat the idea like some far-off possibility — for Rafe, it felt like he was already there, just waiting for you to catch up.

You leaned back against the couch, watching him with Milo. Your nephew had crawled into Rafe’s lap now, not really watching the TV anymore, just playing with one of his trucks while Rafe absentmindedly pushed his hair out of his eyes.

“Does it freak you out?” He asked suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence.

“Huh?” Your head snapped up, meeting his blue eyes.

“The baby thing,” he clarified, looking almost shy, which was weird for him. Rafe never did shy. “Like, when I bring it up. Does it freak you out?”

You bit the inside of your cheek, trying to figure out how to answer that without sounding like you were completely against the idea — because you weren’t. You did think about it, just like Rafe did, but maybe with a little more hesitation. It wasn’t that you didn’t see a future with him. If anything, you were more sure of it now than you’d ever been. But the whole baby thing? It was a lot. A lot of responsibility, a lot of life changes. You weren’t were ready for it yet, especially at twenty-one.

“I wouldn’t say freaked out…” you started, choosing your words carefully. “It’s more like—I just want to make sure we’re ready, you know? We’ve got time.”

He traced patterns on Milo’s back, the little boy already dozing off in his lap. “I get that,” Rafe nodded, “I’m not trying to rush you. Just— sometimes I think about what it’ll be like. Like, really picture it. You, me, and a little one.”

You smiled, feeling a blush rise to your cheeks.

The way he was talking, so openly, like this was his ultimate dream? It made your heart swell.

He wasn’t just saying it to sound cute —Rafe wanted this. Wanted you to be a part of it. You could tell that much by the look in his eyes, the sincerity there.

“Yeah,” you said softly, finally letting yourself imagine it, too. “I think about it sometimes.”

He grinned at that, like you’d just given him all the confirmation he needed. But then he tilted his head, studying you like he was reading every single thought racing through your mind.

“Don’t even think about it,” You warned him, scootching yourself away.

Rafe practically beamed, scooting closer to you on the couch like he hadn’t just been told off. “What? I’m not thinking about anything.”

You gave him a look, narrowing your eyes. “Oh, please. I know that look, Cameron.”

His grin widened like he was proud of himself for whatever scheme he had cooking up in his head.

“Okay, maybe I’m thinking a little. Can’t help it when you’re over here making me all soft and sentimental.”

It was so typical of Rafe to be half-joking, half-serious, always pushing just enough to get you thinking but not enough to freak you out. He had this way of getting under your skin and making you picture things.

Milo stirred in his lap, his body shifting. You both glanced down at him, expecting him to be waking up from his half-snooze. Instead, Milo blinked his big eyes open, looking groggy but alert.

“Where’s da baby?” Milo mumbled, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hands, making the tiniest pout you’d ever seen.

You and Rafe exchanged confused looks. “What baby, buddy?” Rafe asked, ruffling his curls softly.

Milo sat up, his brows furrowed, like he was personally offended by the question. 

“The baby! Dere was a baby! Where it go?” He looked around the room like it was hiding behind the couch or something.

Rafe glanced at you, utterly baffled, his mouth twitching like he was trying not to laugh. “Uh, Milo? I think you were dreaming, dude. No baby here.”

But Milo was having none of it. He looked at you now, all wide-eyed and serious. “No, dere was a baby! You had it, Auntie!”

You blinked, totally caught off guard, as Milo scrambled out of Rafe’s lap and stood up on the couch, looking around the room with this stubborn determination like he’d misplaced his toy truck. “Auntie had a baby! Where is it?”

Rafe’s lips twitched, clearly holding back a laugh. You raised your hands in surrender. “Milo, I swear, there’s no baby. Just you.”

Milo gave you a look that said he did not believe you. He crossed his little arms, glaring at the both of you like you were in on some kind of conspiracy.

“You’re hiding it.”

Rafe finally lost it and let out a snort, leaning back on the couch, looking at you with amusement written all over his face. “You’ve been holding out on me? You got a secret baby I don’t know about?”

You rolled your eyes, nudging him playfully in the ribs. “Don’t start.”

But Milo was still adamant, his little voice growing more insistent. “Auntie, I saw it! You were holdin’ da baby, and it had little feet! And it was cryin’! Where it go?”

You knelt down so you were eye level with him, “I think you were dreaming. You must’ve been sleeping really deep.”

Milo’s face scrunched up in thought, his head tilting to the side as he tried to process it. After a few moments, he let out a dramatic sigh, clearly disappointed. “Oh. I wanted to baby again.”

Rafe laughed softly, shaking his head in disbelief. “This kid, man…”

You couldn’t help but smile at the whole thing, though there was something about the way Milo had said “Auntie had a baby” that sent a warm shiver down your spine. You caught Rafe’s eye, and he was already smirking, as if to say, See? Even Milo’s thinking about it.

Before you could answer, Milo yawned and plopped himself back down on the couch, clearly over his phantom baby drama, like it had never even happened.

Rafe leaned closer, whispering in your ear, “I mean, maybe Milo’s onto something.”

You gave him a playful shove, trying not to let the heat rise to your cheeks. “Shut up. He’s just dreaming, let’s get to bed.”

He chuckled under his breath as he got up from the couch, scooping a now sleepy Milo into his arms. Milo barely protested, his little head already resting against Rafe's shoulder, soft snores escaping his lips. You swore that kid slept like the dead. You grabbed his blanket from the armrest and followed them down the hallway. 

As Rafe tucked Milo into the small guest bed, you couldn’t help but stand in the doorway and watch the scene. He was so gentle, pulling the covers up to Milo’s chin and brushing a stray curl from his forehead. After making sure Milo was comfortable, he quietly shut the door behind him, and the two of you headed toward his bedroom. Sliding into bed, you were aware of Rafe’s eyes on you the entire time. He lay down beside you, resting on his side, propped up on his elbow. His other hand traced light patterns along your arm. Rafe’s arms tightened around you, pulling you closer leaving just the sound of your breaths syncing up in the quiet room. He rested his chin on top of your head, his thumb lazily tracing circles on your back, like he couldn’t stop touching you.

“Why’re you looking at me like that?” you asked, your voice muffled against his chest.

Rafe chuckled, his chest vibrating under you. “Like what?”

“Like you’re trying to memorize my face or something,” you teased, though you could feel his heart pounding steadily beneath your cheek.

He let out a soft sigh, his hand moving to tuck a stray piece of hair behind your ear as he looked down at you, it almost made you blush.

“Can’t help it,” he murmured. “Sometimes I can’t believe this is my life now. That you’re here with me.”

Your heart stuttered at the sincerity in his voice. You looked up at him, suddenly feeling a little breathless. “Rafe…”

“I’m serious,” he said, his voice still quiet. “I’ve had a lot of crazy moments in my life, but this? Right here? You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I still can’t wrap my head around it sometimes.”

You propped yourself up on your elbow, looking him square in the eyes. “You know you didn’t give me much of a choice right?”

Rafe smirked, clearly amused. “Oh, didn’t I?” 

You gave him a playful slap on the bicep. “Nope. You practically steamrolled your way into my life.”

He chuckled softly, his hand catching yours and pulling it against his chest, holding it there as his thumb rubbed soothing circles over your knuckles. “Yeah, well, look how that turned out. Can’t say I regret it.”

He was stupidly charming. “I’m still here, aren’t I?”

Rafe grinned wider, pulling you closer until your noses nearly brushed. “Exactly. So, no complaints from you.”

You huffed, feigning annoyance. “I don’t know. Sometimes I think maybe I should’ve played a little harder to get. You barely gave me time to breathe.”

His lips twitched as he leaned in, brushing them against yours in the softest kiss. 

“I just knew what I wanted.”

[wolvietxt]

any maybe this one for Daryl too if you have the time… 👀 I love the way you write the softer side of Daryl 🥺

unexpected laughter: grumpy is having a rough day, but sunshine tells a ridiculous joke or does something silly, and to everyone’s surprise, grumpy actually laughs - loud and genuine - despite trying to stay serious

DARYL was having one of those days. everything seemed to grate on his nerves - from the way the sun beat down too hot overhead to the way everyone seemed intent on being in his space.  

he’d spent the entire morning repairing a busted cart wheel, only to find out the axle was cracked too. by noon, he’d snapped at carol for hovering, glared at rick for asking too many questions, and muttered curses under his breath when judith toddled too close and almost stepped on his tools.  

and then there was you. you’d been hovering too, always trying to help, trying to cheer him up.  

“you want water?” you’d asked earlier, your voice all chipper and light.  

“don’t need nothin’,” he’d grumbled, not even looking up.  

you weren’t fazed, though. you rarely were when it came to him, which was both impressive and mildly infuriating. you had this way of brushing off his mood like it was nothing, sticking around no matter how hard he tried to push you off.  

so when you wandered into the yard again after lunch, daryl let out a low groan. he didn’t even look up as you plopped down on the bench next to his tools.  

“you’re still mad at the world, huh?” you teased, leaning forward to rest your elbows on your knees.  

“ain’t mad,” he muttered, jamming the wrench onto the axle with more force than necessary.  

“you sure? ‘cause you’ve been growling at everyone like a rabid dog since breakfast.”  

he shot you a glare, but you just smiled sweetly, like his bad mood wasn’t even a blip on your radar.  

“what do you want?” he grunted, returning to his work.  

“nothing. just thought you might need a little cheering up.”  

he let out a short, humorless laugh. “don’t need cheerin’.”  

“oh, i beg to differ,” you replied, your tone light. “you’ve got that permanent scowl thing going on. you’re like a storm cloud in human form.”  

he didn’t respond, too focused on the stubborn bolt that wouldn’t budge. you watched him for a few moments, your head tilted as if you were sizing him up.  

then, out of nowhere, you asked, “hey, daryl, what do you call a deer with no eyes?”  

he froze, his brow furrowing as he glanced at you out of the corner of his eye. “what?”  

you grinned, your eyes sparkling with mischief. “no-eye-deer!”  

his jaw tightened, and he looked back at the cart like he hadn’t even heard you.  

undeterred, you leaned a little closer. “okay, okay, i got another one. what do you call a deer with no eyes and no legs?”  

“don’t care,” he muttered, but you were already finishing the joke.  

“still no-eye-deer!” you exclaimed, clapping your hands together like it was the funniest thing in the world.  

this time, his shoulders tensed, and for a second, you thought he might actually snap. instead, he just shook his head and muttered, “you’re impossible.”  

you pouted dramatically. “c’mon, daryl, that was a good one!”  

he grunted, but you weren’t done yet. you tapped your chin like you were deep in thought, then brightened as if you’d just remembered something brilliant.  

“oh! what do you call a fake noodle?”  

he sighed loudly, wrench still in hand. “don’t.”  

“an impasta!”  

that was it. something in him snapped - not in anger, but in disbelief. he let out a short, bark-like laugh before he could stop himself, quickly clamping his mouth shut as if he could take it back.  

your jaw dropped, and you pointed at him triumphantly. “i knew it! i made you laugh!”  

“did not,” he muttered, his ears turning pink as he went back to the cart.  

“did too,” you shot back, grinning from ear to ear. “you laughed. loud and everything.”  

he shook his head, but you could see the corners of his mouth twitching, like he was fighting to keep the grin off his face. “you’re an idiot.”  

“maybe,” you said with a shrug, “but i made the grumpiest man alive laugh, so i’ll take it.”  

he finally looked at you then, his expression softening despite the lingering frustration in his eyes. “you’re somethin’ else, y’know that?”  

“i’ll take that as a compliment,” you replied, your smile unwavering.  

he shook his head again, but this time it was more in amusement than annoyance. “get outta here before you break somethin’.”  

“fine,” you said, standing up and brushing off your pants. “but just so you know, i’ve got plenty more where that came from.”  

“god help me,” he muttered, but the faintest hint of a smirk tugged at his lips as you walked away.  

and for the rest of the day, every time he thought about that ridiculous joke, he couldn’t help the small, genuine smile that crept across his face.

ᰔ daryl dixon : @v3lv3tf0x, @dugiioh, @whxtewolf, @lemoanaid, @sunnykittyzz

@california-boys-and-sun, @cable-kenobi, @omen-keke, @hhiggs, @iheartpeterparker3000

@withasideofmeg, @corvuscattus

taglist form linked in pinned post :3

[avenging-fandoms]

a pedro pascal imagine where him and the reader are in a relationship but they are keeping it secret/private and one day they are photographed by the paparazzi while grocery shopping together and their relationship is now known to everyone

**cheese the cat will be in a lot of stories, so here is a photo of cheese

—

Your parents, siblings, and close friends were the only ones who knew you and Pedro were together. With a little age gap in between you two, you didn't want to announce the relationship to the public just yet as your parents were still processing this information and didn't really like the age gap thing.

You and Pedro would posting things of each other but nothing that gave you two away like tattoos or your nails. You would post date nights, shadow pictures, things that made the internet wonder who Pedro Pascal was dating.

You rolled your shoulders back as Pedro's mustache tickled the skin between your shoulder blades down your spine. He kissed your bare skin softly, rubbing his hand down your arm and linking your fingers together with his hand over your knuckles.

"We need to run some errands today. Clean, grocery shopping. It's time to start our day" you hum and Pedro kisses you softly as you roll over. "You are so beautiful when you wake up"

"Oh I love how you love to lie" you smile and he rolls his eyes. He kisses you again before getting up, letting you get ready as he was already ready. He headed downstairs while you did your morning routine, pouting as you reach the bottom step and don't smell coffee brewing.

"I figured we would stop at Starbucks before our errands day. We deserve it” Pedro rubbed your arms and you smile, holding his hands as you stand on your toes to kiss him.

Pedro drove as you took music control, sunglasses on as the windows were cracked half way and you two jammed out. You made sure to hide your face as Pedro pulled up to the window as they recognized him every time he went through.

You moan as you take a sip of your coffee, kissing Pedro with a foam mustache. He giggles and licks his lips, turning up the volume on the radio as he drums his fingers on the wheel, using your hand as a microphone.

This was a moment you recorded for just the two of you. You have an album of you and Pedro. Kissing, his tongue poking your lips, vacation photos, everything that showed you two were together.

Pedro pulled into Target and unbuckled his seatbelt, leaning very close to your face as he sang the song. You laugh and push his face and he shuts off the car. You two get out and he grabs a cart, tapping the handle.

You jump up and Pedro stands behind you, smiling at your giggle as he steers. You huff as your sneakers hit the ground, bowing out of his arms and walking next to him with your hand in his back pocket.

You two walk up and down the aisle, and Pedro insisted on heading to the toy section. “Babe! They have the Disney store Mini Brands!” he gasps as he points at Grogu on the display. “My son, I have to find him”

Pedro grabbed 4 balls and you gasp softly, hitting his bicep. “Pedro! Those are 8 dollars each!”

“Honey, I was in The Mandalorian, we’ll be fine” you laugh and he chuckles as he sneaks a fifth ball in the cart.

“No, baby, you are The Mandalorian!” you smile and he flexes, making you laugh and squeeze his bicep.

You two found a new board game for game night after you clean and eat, then headed to the sections where you actually needed the items, picking up more things you definitely didn’t need.

You guys check out and pay without and hassle, loading up the car quickly and heading out.

You took a pit stop for lunch and ate it at the island before blasting music and cleaning the house.

After 3 hours of deep cleaning, bad karaoke and slow dancing with rubber gloves, candles were lit around the kitchen and living room.

Cheese rested his heavy body on your lap with your feet propped up on the ottoman, wine glass in hand with the tv playing a show.

You look over at Pedro who had a towel swung over his shoulder, the pan sizzling as he made dinner.

You finished the episode and Pedro called you for dinner. Before you passed him in the kitchen, he stopped you and filled your glass.

You hum and he slaps your butt softly as he kisses you quickly. You sat down at the table and Pedro shortly joined after feeding Cheese his meal.

You two made small talk and giggled a bit before your phone started to vibrate against the table. “It’s.. Megan. She never calls” you swallowed your bite and answer the phone call. “Is everything okay?”

Pedro could barely make out what the other person was saying, but by the looks of your eyes it wasn’t good. “Uhm.. well I was eventually going to tell the family, we’re still figuring.. no no.. okay, I’m hanging up”

You pressed the red button. “What?”

You look at Pedro. “Fuck!” you quickly look back at your phone and go on Twitter, hitting the Explore page.

“What is going on?” Pedro flailed his hands and you shake your head, showing him your phone. “How? Oh.. other people inside” he dropped his tone and shoulders and you groan.

“Pedro everyone’s going to be talking about us for days, weeks! You saw what they did with the Daddy shit, this is going to be way worse”

“Oh, I know you’re not happy about the way it came out. We don’t even have to address it, just brush it off or act like it never happened when asked. Deny.. deny.. deny” Pedro smirks and you bite back a smile.

“I’m so grateful for you” you whisper and push your half empty plate towards the middle of the table.

You lean over and kiss him hard, his hands pulling your hips off the chair and onto his lap, standing up and taking you to the bedroom.

Cheese was happy he got extra dinner that night thanks to his parents leaving their plates out.

[redsrooftopprincess]

Pumpkin Sugar (Part 1)

Raphael x GN!Reader - Established Relationship

Part 1 . Part 2 . Part 3 . Part 4 . Epilogue (🌶️ Fem!Reader)

Based on this ask by @gornackeaterofworlds

More of a question to expand on than a detailed request, but would raph help a teacher reader grade papers?? Would he get invested in gossip on the kids??

I was zoning out and somehow thought about elementary school teacher readers, coming back to the lair with papers to grade, Donnie getting angry over the lesson plans you have to use, etc. And then, like always, raph thoughts(I am unbelievably gushy to raph x lil sweet cheery readers) Being oh so sleepy tired but still having work to do. Grading papers, getting activities printed and cut, weekly plans. I'd like to imagine he helps to get you to sleep faster, all the while listening to the venty yapping about which kids are troublemakers

Hi gornack! I hope you are feeling well. ♥️

Sorry this took so long. I want you to know that this started out as a simple fluffy fic, but Red disagreed. He wanted to make you smile.

I'm going to be splitting this into 4 parts (+ an epilogue) to make it easier to read because I accidentally went over the character limit in my notes app *twice*. I wasn't aware you could accidentally write a whole ass fic, but here we are. 😅

Special thanks to @the-cauldron-witch . The best brainstorming buddy I could honestly ask for. Could not have written this without you. 😁

"Come on, babe, please?"

You sigh, whining, "Raph..."

"I gotta head out early, you'll be asleep by the time I get back," he pleaded. He was only working a half night, but he had to leave right at sunset and head across town, so he wouldn't be home until well after 1:00 am, and you had school in the morning.

It had been a long day, and it still wasn't over yet.

You really did like your job. The kids were great, even when they misbehaved it wasn't their fault. There were just too many of them and not enough of you. You couldn't watch everybody all the time, but you still had to try. Third grade was a lot. Especially when you were managing 27 kids (you're grateful, you have colleagues managing 40+, and it's a fucking zoo).

Still, you tried to make things fun for them. Halloween is tomorrow, and you don't want to do the traditional boring "spooky" theme. So, you've decided to teach an entire class of 8-9 year olds a little bit about applied chemistry.

You were actually really excited! You'd picked up a bunch of foam pumpkins at the dollar store, which were currently being dragged in a cart behind you. You were planning on carving them into jack o'lanterns and teaching the kids how to make elephant toothpaste to ooze out of the holes. It's was going to be the most beautiful chaos, and with any luck, a memorable experience.

There was only one problem, you'd been dealing with meetings and trainings all week and unable to actually carve the damn pumpkins. Today there was an outage in part of the building, so you had to wait two hours to use the one copier available, and by the time you walked out you had zero gas left in the tank. You wanted to go home and finish your work so you could go to bed.

You reach the top of the stairs, exiting the subway at street level. The lair is literally in the opposite direction. You look south, towards your apartment.

"Please?" He asks again, his voice softening. You haven't seen him in days and you can hear in his voice that it's taking as much of a toll on him as it is you. "I'll help you with your school shit, whatever, I just... I gotta see you. Please?"

You sigh and turn around, heading north. You miss him, too.

...

He meets you at the door to the elevator, and despite your exhaustion, you can't help but smile. He had that effect. Comfort, safety, peace, love... Raphael is Home. And the moment you step inside his arms all of your tension melts away. Almost.

He picks you up in his arms and squeezes you tightly, swinging you gently back and forth as he buries his nose in your hair. He breathes you in and grins, chuckling quietly as you squeeze him back and press your face against his neck.

"What're you laughing at?" you ask, suspicious. He was way more... something... than normal... you're not entirely sure what. You raise your head with your eyes narrowed.

"Nothin'," he says, kissing you sweetly, "just happy to see you." Your eyes narrow further, but this seems to satisfy you. You kick your legs and whine and he sets you down.

Picking up the crate and carrying it casually under one arm (though, to be fair, the pumpkins are made of foam), he gestures you first into the elevator and follows behind. He takes your hand pretty much immediately, "So what're we working on?"

"Pumpkins," you sigh.

He waits a beat. Then another. "Okay... You gonna give me more than that, or..." He smirks down at you, laughing. He can't help it.

"Yeah, sorry," you laugh, "rough week." You shake your head, before looking up at him, "carving, specifically."

"Shit, why didn't you say so? I could've done the whole thing for you!" He laughs as you exit the elevator into the lower garage.

Donnie's working on the truck and you wave at him as you pass by. He gives you a bright smile and your suspicion grows. He's a bit too cheery for being elbow deep in his latest mechanical mess.

You make it to the living room and start unpacking everything. Foam pumpkins, sharpies, exacto knives, "that should be everything," you say, grabbing a gourd and sitting down on the couch. You tuck your legs up under you as Raph walks by behind, leaning down to kiss you on his way to the other side.

He only has about an hour before he needs to leave, but he spends it cuddled up next to you quietly carving pumpkins, an activity which he actually enjoys. All too soon, he's called away to his duties.

With a lingering kiss that leaves you missing him already, he's gone, and you're left with... so much work.

...

The pumpkins are taking longer than expected, and by midnight you're still not done. Mostly because, for a teacher, you really suck at learning your lesson, and you waited until the last minute. Again. And you didn't ask your boyfriend for help once you realized it was too much. Again.

Honestly, one word and he could have had this solved for you. You look over at your annual Family Pumpkin Carving Competition entries. Raph was no longer allowed to enter the contest because it wasn't fair. But he still did one because he enjoyed it. This year, it seems, he was feeling romantic.

It was a MASSIVE pumpkin almost to your shoulder. You have no idea how he even got it down here. Inside was a small table with several electric candles, illuminating the ballroom scene from Beauty and the Beast.

You set down the half-carved jack o' lantern, and sigh heavily, rubbing your eyes. You lean back on the couch, tucking your feet under you. You're just going to shut your eyes for a few seconds. You know that people always say that and they end up just falling asleep, but you really actually mean it, you'll close your eyes for a few minutes and then get back to work.

....

Tag list

@thelaundrybitch @the-cauldron-witch @fyreball66 @ninnosaurus @tmntngl @thegirlwiththeninjaturtletattoos @zagreustomb @ramielll @silverwatergalaxy @gornackeaterofworlds @footninja @daedric-sorceress @sophiacloud28 @iridescentflamingo

...

Part 1 . Part 2 . Part 3 . Part 4 . Epilogue (🌶️ Fem!Reader)

[yangkitties]

late night epiphanies ✩ k.sm

pairing: kim seungmin x gn!reader || word count: 0.7k genre: fluff || warnings: brief mention about exam stress, food mention, lmk if i missed smth :) synopsis: late night study sessions tend to make you snacky, so what happens when there are no snacks lefy in the house? note: raahhhhh nyx back at it again 💪 this one is a lil bit of an old one but i loooveee the cute n cosey vibes and i hope y'all enjoy it too :] as always my askbox is open, enjoy reading 🫶

Finals week was killing you. You spent hours upon hours during the day and the night, trying to cram as much information you could into your head. At one point you didn’t even know if you were comprehending what you were reading. 

Frustrated, you tilt your head back in your chair, getting a good view of the ceiling. Your body felt numb, entire being only filled with dread and exhaustion. You sighed and dragged your palms over your face, stretching as you got up. 

‘Fuck this I need a break.’ You dreamt of vacation, crisp air and the smell of coffee and strolling down bustling streets. You shook your head, fluffy hair covering your eyes as the little image shattered before you.

Your eyes darted to the clock on your desk, the bold red letters glared ‘1:08 AM’. You were about to give up and just go to bed when your stomach grumbled. You thought back and realised it had been over 8 hours since you had last eaten. 

Soon, you were pawing through the refrigerator at your small apartment that you shared. All you found was cooking ingredients and nothing that you could make instantly. At that moment you decided to go for a late night grocery run. Only to be reminded that you would need to borrow your roommates car. 

You roommate was also likely up but you didn’t want to disturb him in case he wasn’t. But just as you closed the door and decided to give up once more, you heard him come out his room. 

‘Oh, you’re still up..’ Seungmin commented, yawning as he ruffled his soft brown hair. 

‘Yeah, studying. Got up to eat but there isn’t anything left.’ You pointed out, unknowing sadness bleeding into your voice. Seungmin, ever the observant, picked it up, and being the wonderful soul he is, offered to take you to the grocery. 

‘Wait really? Thank you so much!!’ You jumped up to grab a jacket before you could step out. ‘Only ‘cause im hungry too..’ he huffed out as he pulled on his own and jingled his keys as he waited for you. 

You hadn’t realised when you had gone over to the laundry basket that you had grabbed the first jacket you spotted. And it was too late to turn around when you did notice that the sleeves were too long snd that it smelled faintly like books and coffee, like Seungmin. It slipped your mind the second you stepped out into the cold of the night as he lead you to his car. Seungmin unconsciously smiled, observing your sweater paws created by his jacket. 

The car ride was filled with a comfortable silence, Seungmin concentrating in the road and you staring out the window enjoying the night breeze. In between, Seungmin started to hum softly and your ears filled with the gift of his beautiful musical talents. 

Soon enough you were pushing a shopping cart between the two off you, Seungmin manoeuvring it while you picked out snacks from the shelves. 

Once you arrived to the instant food section, you spotted your favourite ramen. There was only one hitch. It was placed on the highest shelf, and neither of you were tall enough. 

Determined, you grabbed the cart’s handle, dangerously close to Seungmin and reached up. Worried and not thinking, his hands instantly went around your waist, holding you safely. 

Soon enough you plucked the box out of the shelf and landed proudly next to Seungmin, whose hands were gently resting around you. Turning, you smiled in victory at him, eyes forming little crescents. 

You put the box in the cart and held on to the handle, pushing it along with Seungmin. Unthinking, he placed his hand own on top of yours, naturally intertwining your fingers. 

You noticed, but didn’t mind. His soft callouses from playing the guitar and warmth felt nice against your hand. You continued on, as if unaware. 

Seungmin on the other hand, was hyper aware. The jarring cold of your hand, the way your fingers fit right into his, all were things that made him feel butterflies. But before anything could possibly happen, you bring your hand down, taking his with it. 

Your hands swinging between the two of you, sometimes knocking against the handle. But neither of you mind, finding comfort in the odd hour. 

As you drive back home, you trace shapes into your own palm, smiling at the warmth Seungmin’s hand left behind. 

Back at the apartment you thank him for the ride and squeeze his arm before parting ways. 

Leaving traces of your warmth on his hand, his heartbeat ten times faster than he though possible. With the same speed, his thoughts raced, all towards one conclusion. Seungmin liked you.

©️ yangkitties 2023 do not copy, plagiarise, or repost 

[iliumheightnights]

The Newbie | Tony Stark x Male Reader

Fandom: Marvel Pairing: Tony Stark x Male Reader Summary: During a routine walk through Tony meets M/n. He can’t stop thinking of him afterwards.

…

“Mr.Stark, it’s time for your annual lab walkthrough with Mr.Anderson.”

Tony groaned. The annual walkthrough. It was the time of year when he walked through every department in Stark Industries from janitorial all the way to upper management. He always figured it was something for Pepper to do but she had said he needed to do it since ‘his name is still on the paper’.

It wouldn’t have been as bad if he didn’t have to do it with Mr.Anderson. The man was one of the heads of the science departments. A really smart man but…such a suck up. He always seemed to find a way to try and suck up to Tony. “What’s Anderson have this year?” Tony asked as he sat his tools down. “A hand knitted doll of you, sir.”

Tony shivered. “Really?”

“Yes.”

Tony groaned before stepping into the Elevator. He didn’t bother to get changed, he would go just as he was. In his t-shirt and lab pants. To be fair, it was actually a common look for Tony whenever he went into the labs.

The elevator opened and Tony was greeted by the sight of Anderson. “TONY! Nice to see you again.” The man opened up his arms but Tony didn’t indulge him. “It’s Mr.Stark, Mr.Anderson.” Friday spoke up. The man’s face went a bit red but nodded. “Of course, of course, must look professional in front of everyone else. Here, I made this for you.” He handed Tony the knitted doll. “This is…great. Thanks Anderson.” Tony wanted to just get past this.

“Alright let’s get this started!” Anderson turned around and began walking off. A person walked past pushing a cart and Tony dropped the doll onto it. Bye little doll. With that out of the way he followed Anderson for the walkthrough.

Of course the walkthrough starts from the very basement of the tower with the janitorial section. Not Tony’s favorite but that job and everyone who does it is important. He makes sure they’re properly thanked for their hard work because without them things would collapse. After that, the two make their way through the other departments as they go upwards in the tower.

Eventually the two of them had made it to the labs. This was always Tony’s favorite part. He loved seeing all the minds at work using their creativity and intelligence in different ways. He always wanted to just jump right in and work alongside them. But then again, he didn’t want to steal all the limelight and make them look bad.

“So these interns over here are working on a new heating system for-” Tony drowned Anderson out as he looked around. Eventually his eyes locked onto one of the most beautiful men he had ever seen in his life. “Who’s that? I don’t think I’ve seen him around.” Anderson looked to where Tony was pointing. “Oh. That’s M/n L/n. He’s a new hire/transfer. Pepper found him during a tour of Oscorp and poached him. Glad she did, he’s insanely smart.”

It was at that moment that M/n’s eyes met Tony’s. The man gave him a small smile before turning back to his work. Now, Tony didn’t believe in soulmates, not at all. But that moment right there made him question everything.

He needed to learn more about him. He needed to see him more. He just needed M/n.

A week had passed and Tony still couldn’t get M/n out of his mind. After the walkthrough Tony had pulled up the files on the man to learn about him. To say he was impressed was an understatement. He was honestly shocked that they hadn’t found M/n before Oscorp had.

Wanting to see M/n again Tony had planned out how he could. He had ordered a catered lunch for M/n’s department and planned to be there during it. Of course he disguised it as a ‘thank you’ lunch for them and made some half assed hastily written speech for it but really it was just for M/n.

Everyone was enjoying the lunch and appreciated it. A few people tried to speak to Tony which he returned the conversation but quickly exited as well. That was until he was able to speak to M/n. “Hello, I don’t believe we’ve met.” Tony casually said to him. M/n smirked. “No. We haven’t Mr.Stark. I’m M/n, nice to meet you.”

The first conversation was a bit awkward. Both of them dancing around each other. Tony was actually surprised. Usually he had some sort of witty comeback or a dialogue to fall on, but with M/n he seemed to get tongue tied.

Their second conversation had gone a lot better. It happened about another week after the lunch. M/n had stepped into the elevator while Tony was on. “Oh! Sorry Mr.Stark, I can take another one if-” 

“No!” Tony quickly composed himself and straightened up. “I mean no. Don’t worry about it. Makes no sense to wait for another one.” Tony stepped aside to let M/n in. The doors closed and the elevator started. At first neither said anything but then Tony eventually did. “So, how’s the project?”

“Oh good. A few setbacks but nothing too bad. Still on track.”

“That’s good.” Tony nodded. “Those new shoes?” He pointed to M/n’s shoes.

“Yeah, I had to buy a new pair. Dropped some chems on the last pair a few days ago. These are better though. Feel more comfortable.” He let out a small laugh which made Tony smile. “Honestly I’m surprised you noticed.”

Tony shrugged. “I like to surprise people.”

“That you do.” M/n said smirking at him. “Wonder what other surprises you have up your sleeves.” With that the door opened to M/n’s floor. “This is me. Thanks for the chat, hope we can again soon.”

He stepped off the elevator and as the doors closed Tony knew. He was crushing on M/n. “Damn.”

After the elevator M/n and Tony had a few chats here and there. A lot were short and in passing like suddenly finding themselves stuck in the elevator together. Tony began to wonder if it was Friday planning it out. One of those days however was different. M/n entered the elevator not looking his normal self. His whole attitude was down and he seemed to have a dark cloud following him.

“Rough weekend?” Tony asked. A bit of teasing in his voice. M/n let a dry humorless laugh escape his lips. “You could say that again.” Tony seemed to realize something actually had happened over the weekend. “Shit. Sorry, want to talk about it?” M/n shrugged. “Not much to say really. Just got stood up by a date this weekend. Also found out he was also dating someone so there’s that.”

“Damn.” Tony chuckled. “Yeah that’s pretty shitty.” He tilted his head thinking of it. He looked at M/n and realized he really must have been taking it hard. “Well that guy is a complete idiot. Anyone with eyes can see you’re a complete catch and would be lucky for a moment with you.”

M/n smirked and turned to Tony. “You’re just saying that.”

“And? It’s true.” Tony didn’t move his eyes away from M/n’s. “Plus insanely cute and sexy, not to mention smart. Should I keep going or have you had enough?”

M/n was blushing at this point but laughed again. “Thanks Tony…” He bit his lip as if thinking. “You know…I really did want to try that restaurant. Maybe…would you like to go with me?”

Tony gave M/n a wicked look. “Oh Mr.L/n, are you asking me, your boss, to go on a date with you? What WOULD the HR department think of this?” M/n laughed and looked away. “Fine. Forget I said anything, I’m sure Mr.Anderson would-”

“Nope.” Tony interrupted him then and there. “Not a chance in hell. I’m not losing a chance of a date with you to Andy. Screw the HR department, let’s do this. This weekend alright?” Tony was teasing of course, but he was also being completely serious.

M/n’s smile wouldn’t fade. “Sounds perfect.” The door opened. “This is me. See you soon.” With that M/n stepped out of the elevator.

When Tony appeared for his meeting with Pepper she noticed the difference in attitude. “Well someone’s happy. What? Just found out you're going to be featured on the cover of men’s health or something?” Tony’s grin also didn’t fade. “No, but that’d be great.”

He thought back to M/n’s smile. “I have a date this weekend.”

[beanyboobee]

THEORY- SPOILERS FOR CHAPTER 62

Noe is Krusnik, Hi and welcome to my crack theory on Noe is Krusnik, But in a different timeline. Take it a step further and claim that Vanitas and Dominique were originally meant to be villains in the tale.

Why did i come to this very odd and strange theory? im glad you asked! behold! chapter 62 of vanitas no carte.

Krusnik is referred to as 4 things. Kind, Brave, cool, and Slightly foolish. Do you know what Noe is? Kind, Brave, and foolish. Krusnik went about solving crimes between humans and vampires, Noe and Vanitas are now moving into doing just that with their newest mission.

Noe's backstory has the makings of every protagonist ever, dead family, dead guardians, sold on the market. But there's one thing that stood out to me, The mention that Krusnik had golden eyes that had the ability to neutralise vamperic abilities and powers.

Now i know, silly me, Noe doesn't have golden eyes, he has red! oh yes, I know, but can we be sure? after all, when we are introduced to little Noe he didn't have a bandage over his eye when he met his 'grandparents' the bandage only came during his time with the trafficers, but there is something important to note here.

Conflicting information, Dominique says that her Grandfather bought Noe because Noe was up for auction as an 'Archiviste survivior' However the people who took him were human traffickers, who were not aware that Noe was a vampire. When they found out, we were never told, However, If he was Krusnik, it would make sense as to why the teacher would be in the audience, (He KNEW Noe would be there) and if Noe was sold to a vampire, and the vampire tried to take a bite, he could of accidentally triggered the neutralisation, which in turn made the teacher buy him, little Noe wouldn't know how to turn it off, and so the teacher bandaged his eye that stayed gold till it eventually faded away.

This would also explain why in recent chapters Noe has started to REMEMBER what happened between him and Ruthvan without Ruthvans consent because Ruthvan used a vampiric ability on him but for someone who can neutralise said ability it would have little to no effect over time. And with Noe being Noe when the teacher told him Archivisites had different abilities to that of regular vampires he most likely never brought it up again thinking that was one of the abilities or didnt even realize he had done that.

In turn the teachers allowing Noe to read the Adventures of Krusnik, Is essencially what he did with letting Louis 'find' his reports to read. Letting Noe read how his life should of ended up and seeing if he would catch on.

Vanitas in the early chapters reads alott like a villian, to the point it is hard to ignore and oyu could see how easily if Noe wasnt friends with him during some of these scenes that he would easily turn agaisnt or persecute him.

Domi too is part of the De Sade family and judging by their torture booth at the masqueade ball, they are very clearly not good people (apart form her) but even see has no problem threatening to tear Vanitas apart if he tries to hurt Noe. Because without Noe, Domique would of eaisly of fallen into the villian role like the rest of her family. The teacher was the one who took in Louis, Had he not her fmaily would of executed him themselves, she would of known he was her twin and left alone in that family with no outside influence, its easy to see she could of easily became a villian, that whole interaction between her and vanitas in chapter 8 is so Villian vs Villian coded that now i cannot read it any other way. But slowly over time these 'villian' like moments become less and less, because Noe is more prominant in both of their lives,

Not to mention Vanitas was from a traveling circus originally, one that suspiciously enough makes me think of charlten, Had to. stuck around and not been rescued he could of easily became one of the pawns of charleten.

Vanitas dies at the end of the tale, because it is his fate to. Noe was always meant to kill him. One way or another. friend or foe.

[howlingday]

Only Survivor Jaune: Jaune was questioning if becoming a Huntsman was even worth it anymore. First was the guilt of how a fraud like him was the only one that survived. The grief of the family members of those who died. The look of his peers when he attended class. Then there's the harassment of the people who blamed him. Could things get any worse?

Today had been exhausting, but it was nice to get his mind off... Well, you know. He'd been tasked with helping with the collection and the delivery of red sap from the Forever Fall. Professor Goodwitch acted as chaperone and helped him by gathering the jars he collected. He got a bit of a scare from rapier wasp but was able to swipe it away with his sword.

As he watched it fade away, he felt a sort of... power. Like he was able to take control of his life again. Granted, it was against something as small and insignificant as a single rapier wasp, but it was still more than he'd felt since making it into Beacon. Now he just had to survive bigger things, like... He shook his head. Baby steps.

Like the baby steps he was taking pushing this heavy cart of sap to the cafeteria. Professor Goodwitch had other, more important things to take care of with Professor Ozpin. What those things were, she didn't say, but they had to have been important if she left him alone. Right?

"Need some help?"

"Huh?" Jaune looked to his left and saw that rabbit-eared girl again. What was her name?

"You were pushing this so hard, your knuckles were turning white."

"Oh, uh, yeah." He stepped aside to give her room. "Thanks."

"No problem." She smiled, pushing the cart with him. "You're going to the cafeteria, right?"

"Yeah."

"How have you been enjoying Beacon? I noticed you haven't been to our classes recently."

"Oh, yeah, um..." He suddenly felt clammy between his fingers. "I had to be pulled from classes. I, uh..." He gulped. "I- I mean, they, like, the school thought I was- That the thing was-"

"It's okay. You don't have to explain anything to me." She said, not dropping her smile. "After what you went through, it's normal to not be ready for classes yet."

"Yeah." He sighed. "Wait, how did you know what happened?"

"Oh, well..." Her smile pulled back a little. "Beacon has this tradition of watching first years go through their initiation. But when a student... you know, the screen switches to a different student. After about the sixth student, all the screens went dark, and students weren't permitted to see anymore. But you made it through, right?"

"You... You saw..." Suddenly, the world got duller around him. There was a screeching in his ears and a distant mumble could barely be heard over it. Suddenly, he was back in the Emerald Forest, and everything was happening all at once. Limp bodies swayed in front of him, screams heard going over cliffs until his vision became dark and he saw her for a brief moment before an explosion blinded him. Then, something in the darkness grabbed him, pulled at him.

"GET AWAY FROM ME!" He swung hard at the darkness.

A yelp was the response the darkness gave.

The world came back into view for him. Suddenly, he was standing over the rabbit-eared girl and she was covering her eye. He blinked as he noticed a slight pain in his hand, like he punched something hard. Suddenly, he remembered a blur that slowed down to reveal himself punching her.

"Oh my god! I'm so sorr-"

"Get the hell away from her!" Another blur happened, this time in the present, as something big and heavy crashed into his face. He rolled across the carpeted floor for a few feet, then looked up to see a girl with dark sunglasses and a beret snarling down at him. "What, you think you can just pick on her because she's alone now? Well, she's not, asshole! Now you've gotta deal with me!"

"Coco, stop!" The rabbit-eared girl called.

"No way, Vel! I'm letting this creep get another swing at you!" She held out her handbag, then dropped it. Jaune didn't know what she was packing inside but must have been bricks since he was out of breath when it crushed his chest. "Be grateful this is my normal purse, or I else you wouldn't be hearing me tell you to stay away from my friend!"

The handbag was lifted from his chest, and Jaune was left in pain on the floor. He looked up and saw the two girls walking around the corner. His eyes were too blurry from the tears to make out anything more distinct than their shapes. Then another shape came running towards him.

"Jaune?! Jaune, are you alright?!" Professor Goodwitch called.

"No." He groaned out. "No, I'm not."

[mamamittens]

Oh, Sweet Child of Mine (Pt. 12)

Platonic Yandere Whitebeard Crew (and others) & Reader-Insert

Main|First|Previous

Warnings: Yandere behavior, excessive use of force/fire, light injuries, and character death. At this point, need I remind ya'll to not tolerate possessive/toxic behavior in real life? Or murder/violence for that matter. If yandere content makes you uncomfortable, please do block the tag 'oh sweet child of mine' as well as any variation of 'one piece yandere' that you feel is necessary.

Ya'll about to lose your damn minds and I'm not sorry.

(also, this gif is baller)

Word Count: 2,439

Ace leaned back a little as Striker sped off across the water. Ocean spray erupting in his wake as he veered towards the shoreline. Marco was checking the other nearby island while he checked this one. Discreetly.

Well… as discreetly as he could manage.

After several months of riding Teach’s ass, he knew they were close. Several times they went into a port only to find out that Teach had left only days before. Whatever crew he managed to get on such short notice was competent, Ace would admit that much. But everything he heard only made his fire burn hotter in his chest. He’d been practically spitting sparks for weeks now.

Particularly what he’d heard from Luffy.

‘They look cool. Though really tired!’

Thatch had woken up a couple of months back, though he was still strictly on bedrest. He was able to provide a better picture of what happened. As they had all suspected, you didn’t have anything to do with it. As far as Thatch could remember while bleeding out, Teach had kidnapped you with a sack. Not exactly ‘accomplice’ behavior. Thatch had also been devastated to learn that you’d been taken when he was right there.

Ace promised to bring you back home. At this point, the only reason for Teach to return was so Oyaji could personally punt him into the sea.

Ace ran Striker onto the shore and leapt out, boots digging into the sand as he jogged up the slight incline. Shards of glass breaking under his heel as he took a moment to control his temper.

He just wanted to go home already. He wanted all of this to be over with. To go back to teasing you for dodging parties and Thatch’s attempts to befriend you. Hell, he’d even take your awkward, concerned smiles for when someone tried really hard to talk to you about joining. Like they were confessing their plans to marry a sea king—actually, you’d probably be offended they thought they were worthy of Mao.

Ace sucked in a deep breath and steadied himself. Stalking through the shadows towards the center of the town. Ears primed for gossip.

“—they think I’d pay for that! Ugh!”

“—get ahold of your sister after last week? What she say?”

“—Did you see those pirates? Dragging around a slave, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised—” Ace jerked towards the voice with narrowed eyes. An older lady gossiped with someone just a little bit younger, the two engrossed with their conversation. “—That Blackbeard fellow has no shame! All those rings! And his crew were just obnoxious! I feel so bad for that slave. I wonder if calling the marines would help or if they’d just be sold again?”

“I thought slaves just had the collar and brand. I didn’t even see a brand anywhere… do you think it’s a ransom?”

“Well, you’d think he wouldn’t be carting them around if that was the case! Poor dear looked exhausted!”

Ace grit his teeth, hissing as steam curled between his lips. After a moment, he put on his best, charming smile and stepped out.

“Excuse me, ma’am? I couldn’t help but overhear you… are they still here? My friend was taken by pirates and I’ve been trying to find them for months! Thick glasses, blue bandana around their wrist?” Ace asked with wide, sad eyes. The older ladies tittered at him as expected.

“Oh! Yes, actually, though it looked like they’re using it as a bandage now. That brute doesn’t look very gentle to me, you know. Last I heard they were readying for departure on the other side of town.” She replied. Ace bowed low.

“Thank you, very much, ma’am! Ah.” Ace looked up with a wry smile. “I suggest you ladies get a bit of distance. I’m afraid I’m going to make a bit of a mess soon.”

The ladies nodded and hurried off, warning others as they went.

Ace kept his smile for a few moments longer before settling his gaze in the direction they indicated.

Ace huffed, running up a wall and grabbing onto a rooftile. Hoisting himself up to run atop the buildings for a better vantage point. The colorful clay roofing blurring as he rushed.

He leapt on top of a house, crouched down low as he sneered.

Teach stood with his crew around him, organizing barrels. You swaying on your feet a little beside him. A dull, iron bracelet connected to a chain that ran all the way to Teach’s own wrist.

Luffy was right.

You looked fucking exhausted.

Ace cupped his hand, fire pooling between his fingers as he threw it down at Teach’s feet where it exploded. More light and noise than damage.

He didn’t want to hurt you.

It would be tricky to immolate Teach with you next to him, but Ace was clever. He’d figure something out. At the very least he could keep fighting until Marco arrives.

“TEACH YOU BASTARD!”

--*--

You yelped, startled by the sudden explosion just feet from you. Teach instantly backing up with his hand gripping your arm. His face turned up towards a roof.

You followed his gaze in shock as the figure stood up. Ace screaming furiously across the distance.

“TEACH YOU BASTARD!” Rather than be intimidated in the least, Teach laughed.

“Commander! Should have known it would be you.” Teach grinned, pulling you forward a bit. “Here for something? Why not join my crew? I’m going to be a warlord soon, you know. After I turn in Straw Hat, they’ll gladly give me the position.”

You couldn’t quite see Ace well, but he seemed more furious at the suggestion than before. His fruit flaring enough that even with your exhaustion you noticed. He’d clearly been burning so hot for a while now—your obliviousness to him was just further evidence for how weak you’d gotten over the past few months.

Teach had been getting a tad… desperate to outrun his pursuers until he could manage to get the warlord title. And it seems as though his luck had run out.

“I. Would. Never.” Ace spat, launching off the room in a hail of fire and landing several feet away. “Luffy is my little brother, Teach. You’re not hurting anymore of my family.”

Teach made a surprised sound and you couldn’t blame him. They didn’t quite resemble each other, nor did they share a last name. And seeing Ace now, face etched with fury, he looked about as far from the goofy, beaming Luffy as possible.

Teach clicked his tongue.

“What a shame. You’re pretty strong, commander. We could have done great together.” Teach bemoaned playfully, like they were still crewmates having a small argument over pie flavors.

“I’m not your commander, Teach. Not after what you’ve done.” Ace’s body lit up like a bonfire, flaring high into the sky and making you look away or risk blinding yourself.

The shadows beneath your feet writhed as the light flickered over them, powered by your fruit as a cold spot developed around you. Around Teach.

“Go. None of you are strong enough to fight him—” Teach warned before one of them shot a gun at Ace. The bullets flying through harmlessly, leaving only temporary holes in the blazing fire that constituted his body. Ace’s eyes were fixed on you like dying stars. “Now!”

The crew ran as a flashover spilled out across the area, scorching the earth and singing your lungs.

You wished you had the opportunity to run yourself. Never, have you ever, wanted to fight Ace. For a lot of reasons.

Mostly a lack of desire to know what being a burned marshmallow felt like.

Teach’s free fist was coated in smoke and shadows, curling around his fingers eagerly.

Ace reeled back his fiery arm, fist clenched tight as Teach mirrored him.

Fire and living darkness rushed across the space, suddenly not nearly enough space as they collided violently. Friction lighting where they clashed as it raced upwards and out, attempting to find a weak point. You felt your body being blown back, only held in place by Teach’s firm grip as his boots dug into the earth. Despite only being connected to Teach, you could feel how hungry the fire was. Eating away the oxygen as it exploded again and again, trying to outmatch the shadows.

The final detonation was high above your head and the shockwave took you down to your knees as you gasped for air. Shaking almost as violently as their first blow, your head ringing, skin tingling with light burns. You blinked hard, eyes crying out at the relief as you looked up.

Teach’s grip on your arm was the only thing keeping you from collapsing to the ground. Dust and debris clinging to your body.

You were horrified. Only realizing now that Teach fully intended to keep you right next to him for this fight.

And you genuinely wasn’t sure you could handle being this close to any of it.

Teach grunted, bending down to wrap his arm around your middle like a sack of potatoes. You didn’t even really have time to consider how painful the position was before Ace leapt forward with a feral howl of anger.

Sparks and flame erupting around you as you could do nothing but hold onto Teach’s arm and close your eyes. Your body jerking around as the two traded blows. Teach handicapped by you, as was Ace, who clearly wasn’t quite going all out like he wanted. The air was stiflingly hot and heavy as they clashed. Fire burning through your eyelids as you tried to focus on anything but the fight.

“Zehahahaha~! What’s wrong, commander? You don’t seem to be invested!” Teach cackled before he was cut off with a pained grunt. “I was hit!?” He mumbled just over the rippling sound of fire tearing through the atmosphere.

“You’re a fucking COWARD, TEACH! PUT! THEM! DOWN!” Ace screamed like he was possessed, explosions scorching you as Teach jerked around a touch desperately.

You gasped for air, lungs burning from heat and exertion. Exhaustion filling your head with cotton as tears slipped through your closed eyes.

You… you were so fucking sick and tired of this.

All of it.

Every last fucking thing.

Sick of the fucking pirates!

Sick of your fucking devil fruit!

Sick of the clammy, creepy shadows curling around your ankles every fucking second of the day!

Your senses focused on that sensation. How much you hated it.

Fire and shadows tearing up the earth as Teach occasionally pulled in debris to single-handedly hurl at Ace. Pulled in nearly the whole town only to eject it violently at Ace.

Every move taunting and teasing your senses as it pulled on your lingering energy.

“TEEEAAAACCHH!” Ace roared, the sound distant and dull in your ears.

Your heart beat in your chest. A distant drum that steadily grew closer. Louder until it vibrated in your blood and bones.

Ba-thump!

A mirage formed behind your eyelids. Less wavering and unsteady with every beat.

Ba-thump!

A dial. Almost like a pressure gauge. The needle vibrating near the red and jumping with every attack.

Ba-thump!

You felt a foreign vibration build in your chest. Your feet digging into the broken cobblestone, muscles screaming out as you forced yourself to uncurl from around Teach’s arm.

BA-THUMP!

Your nails dug into his skin as you pivoted. One hand curled around the illusionary dial before twisting. To. Zero.

“Dial DOWN!” You screamed, the pressure of his fruit on yours reversing.

Teach spun in your bloodied grip, body flying around as you threw him over your shoulder with more strength than you thought you’d ever have. Fueled by rage and desperation to make it stop.

The chain pulled taut. Yanking you with him as you screamed, the joint popping out of place from the force of your throw.

The electric pain made your hand spasm as you ‘let go’. Body pulled across the ground and nearly slamming your face into the ruined street beneath you. Your only free hand scrapping across the broken rock, leaving a trail of blood that was shared underneath your knees and side of your ribs.

You gasped, body jerking uncontrollably away from the taut chain but only abusing your dislocated shoulder further.

It was dead silent aside from your pained gasp and a low, startled moan from Teach.

He coughed.

“…zehahahahaha—"

Then he laughed. Shadows erupting around you both as he slowly sat up.

“HAHAHAHA! ZEHAHAHAHAHA! ZEHA—”

A burning, oozing hand slammed into his head, shoving him back down with a barely registered scream. The smell of burning flesh erupting as you looked up in shock.

Teach was dead in less than a second.

Admiral Akainu kneeling over him, one arm shoved to the ground where Teach’s head used to be. His foot burning through Teach’s arm, melting him slowly as lava pooled around him. The heat waving over you at a much greater temperature than all but the most devastating of Ace’s attacks. And he was several feet away.

“…S-Sir?!” You rasped, throat burning as you tried to sit up.

Admiral Akainu jerked at the sound of your voice. His stern features flickering for a moment.

“You did well, Ensign. We only have one last thing to take care of.” Admiral Akainu stated with cold eyes. Slowly standing before walking towards you. Deliberately stepping on the chain and melting it under his shoe.

“HEY! GET AWAY FROM THEM!” Ace screamed, throwing a fireball high. Admiral Akainu flicked his hand, batting it away as he moved to kneel before you. Gently helping you up.

Still in shock, you couldn’t say anything as he braced your back and shoved your shoulder into place. You screamed, startled as pins and needles went down your arm, though otherwise the relief was immense.

You panted, utterly confused as he picked you up with one arm under your thighs, pinning your face into his suit as he sneered.

“I haven’t forgotten about you, Fire Fist.”

You trembled as the air grew hazy with an overwhelming amount of heat. The edge taken off due to your devil fruit connecting with Admiral Akainu’s.

You were so tired.

You managed to look back at Ace, worry dragging you from the edge of consciousness. He looked horrified and infuriated all at once.

You felt the tears slip down your face, almost ice cold in the heat.

There was no way Ace could survive against Admiral Akainu with his devil fruit.

Even before you got involved, it simply didn’t burn hot enough.

[the-chosen-fanfiction]

Andrew | With His Heart On His Sleeve, He Went | Romantic

Dialogue prompt : “Can’t you see? I’m in love with you!” 

Simon urges his brother to finally tell you how he feels about you, but Andrew realises you need him to spell it out.

Requested by Anon & Eve

Oblivious to the pair of dark eyes lingering on your every move, you busy yourself setting up the stall you prepare every other day at Capernaum’s market, hanging your goods and wares from the beam overhead to display them to your potential customers. Andrew feels a heavy sigh leave his lungs as he watches you move gracefully, admiring the devoted way you hang your pieces of embroidery near the hand-drawn patterns that match them, drinking in the little sigh that relaxes your shoulders once you step back to admire your handiwork. 

“You know, women generally don’t like being stared at.” Simon’s voice is so close to Andrew’s ear that he jumps out of his own skin, having to resist the sudden intense urge to turn and hook him right in the jaw. Not a violent type, however, Andrew manages to keep himself in check and takes a moment to gather himself before huffing in annoyance. 

“I’m not staring.” 

“Drooling, then.” 

Andrew glares at his older brother as he drags a hand through his curls in frustration. “I just… You know how I feel about her, Si.”

“Oh yes, I’ve known that for a long time. You’ve been talking my ear off about it, too. Now come on, these fish won’t haul itself to the workshop to get them ready for sale.” With a huff, Andrew lifts the crate again, wondering why they couldn’t have gotten a barrel instead, for those are easier to transport. 

“You know,” Simon starts, looking at his younger sibling over the wood of the heavy crate, some water spilling from the cracks with every step they take, “I don’t understand why you haven’t walked up to her yet to confess how you feel. I mean, you two have been friends for so long, there isn’t any way that she doesn’t feel something for you, right?” 

Andrew sighs, almost flinching as he nearly twists his ankle on a particularly difficult turn towards another road. The workshop is just on the other end of the street so he’s glad the two of them are now in the home stretch. Ever since Zebedee’s cart broke down, getting fish from the docks to here was a hassle in and of itself, the two sons of Jonah hoping that it would be repaired soon so that they could borrow it from their fellow fisherman again.

“I don’t know,” Andrew doubts, “I mean, we have been friends ever since we were children. I mean, you even bullied her for a while, remember?” 

Simon cringes at the sudden memory being brought to the forefront of his mind as a pang of regret goes through him. Before he knew Eden, he had liked you, and being in his early teens had caused him to tease you constantly just to get your attention. It hadn’t been until later that he found out that Andrew had been sweet on you since long before that. 

“Ah, not my proudest moment in our childhood,” Simon admits, “But… I understand that it might be daunting to confess to her now.” 

“Has she ever shown any signs that she’s into me?” Andrew asks as if his brother is the best at reading women. Still, Simon manages to maintain a happy marriage with Eden, so there is something he must be doing right in his way of approaching them. 

“I don’t know,” he says, “Do you want me to ask, or would you like some ideas as to find out for yourself? Mind the step.” 

Breathing a word of thanks for the warning, Andrew mulls over Simon’s suggestion as he descends the small flight of stairs leading into the workshop where the fish are meant to be cleaned. The employee responsible gestures to the place where they can put down the crate with the others and takes a pouch of money from the apron he is wearing, counting the current worth of such a catch. The momentary halt that has been put on their conversation allows Andrew some time to come up with an answer. 

On one hand, he finds the idea of approaching you directly about it terrifying, so it would be great to have Simon help him out with the matter by doing it for him. On the other, he would rather hear it straight from you than through his brother in the case that you aren’t into him. That way, he would likely be able to process it better for the sake of closure. 

Besides, Andrew loves every single opportunity he gets to speak to you. Simon could feed him some lines to try and find out if you saw the curly-haired fisherman in a romantic light. After being paid their wages, the sons of Jonah walk out of the workshop. Andrew halts and looks at his brother. 

“I would like to ask her myself,” Andrew concludes, “But I could use some guidance as to what to say to her exactly.” Simon wraps an arm around his shoulders and squeezes.

“Let me tell you something. Women adore to receive compliments as well as gifts. What if you bought something nice for her to see how she’d react to it? And maybe tell her that she looks pretty.” 

“I think she’d like flowers,” Andrew immediately knows, “And… Maybe something sweet. I could bring her cinnamon cakes or raisin rolls or rose-hip pastries—” 

“See, you already know what she likes! Women love that, because it means you’re paying attention to her preferences. That’s a great start.” 

Simon hands Andrew his cut of the money earned from their catch. “Go get her something and find her at the stall. She’s there until midday, no?” 

“About halfway through the afternoon,” Andrew confirms, “She always leaves right before the sun hits her wares, because she’s afraid it will make the colours of her embroidery more pale overtime.” 

The older son of Jonah pushes his tongue into his cheek as he chuckles. “My, you are really smitten, aren’t you? After all this time?” 

Andrew runs a hand down the side of his face as he lets out a groan. “Do you think I’m a fool?”

“A fool in love? Absolutely. Decades of knowing each other and yet you’ve never even considered approaching her about it in the first place? You’re lucky no one else has asked for her hand yet!” 

The curly-haired man’s eyes widen. “What do you mean, no one asked for her hand yet?!” There is a hint of panic in his voice.

Simon rolls his eyes and squeezes the shoulder of his brother as he ushers them down the road with him, towards the market. “Do you think you two are the only unmarried people in Capernaum? (Y/n) is a pretty woman, no doubt that someone else besides you must be pining after her.”

Andrew gulps and feels a sense of dread fill the pit of his gut at the idea. The sheer notion of you being betrothed to somebody else causes his anxiety to flare up and he takes a shaky breath to keep himself in check. “What do you think I should do? What if I’m too late? Oh, Simon, please tell me I’m not too late!” 

“The best time you could have done this was yesterday, but no time like the present.” Simon pats Andrew’s hand that is still closed around the money he had been paid for today’s work, “You’ve got your wages here, no? Go get her a nice present and compliment her. Maybe you could even offer to help her out. Show her that you care, alright?” 

Andrew takes a deep breath and smooths his free hand down his tunic. “How do I look?” 

“You look fine, but your smell…” Simon waves his hand in front of his nose, causing Andrew to sniff himself, flinching at the musky scent of fish. 

“Ah, a fresh set of clothes then.” 

His older brother nods, then gives him a look. “I’ll walk you back to your place to make sure you don’t chicken out.” 

A bit flustered, Andrew huffs and allows him to join on his way back home. Once there, he tosses his tunic into the hamper and rummages around his closet for another whilst Simon waits in the other room. 

“You know,” Simon teases, “This house could really use a feminine touch. I bet (Y/n) would love to do some decorating around here.” 

Andrew is happy that Simon cannot see the blush that creeps onto his cheeks at the idea of you living here with him. “Yeah.” he replies, a bit abashed as he shrugs another tunic over his shoulders before fixing his hair to his best ability. Years of being on the water almost daily has caused it to tangle in such a way that he’d require quite some time to get it fully sorted out. 

“Way better,” the older son of Jonah compliments as his sibling steps out of the bedroom, “Now come on.” 

The two walk back towards the market where they had passed your stall earlier today. Before rounding the corner, Simon halts Andrew and turns sharply to him. “Okay, she’s there. Straighten your back. Smile. Teeth?” When Andrew gives him a bit of a confused look, Simon grabs his chin and grimaces, causing him to mirror the expression, now realising that he wanted to see if he’s got anything stuck between them. “Good. Now go buy her a gift and be nice to her.” 

Andrew feels the nerves shunt through him as he steps out around the corner, momentarily letting his gaze drift to you. A pang of both disappointment and relief when you’re in conversation with an elderly lady looking to buy your wares. He rushes over to one of the other stalls, wondering if you’d like something sweet to snack on. 

After purchasing an apricot, he wonders if buying you a bunch of flowers would be convenient at all. Perhaps he is doubting it too much, since you’d have to put them in water and somehow get them home unscathed… Shaking his head, he opts for a few cinnamon cakes instead, slowing his step as he passes by a stall selling expensive perfumes. That would be a bit too much, he thinks to himself. 

With the presents in hand, he takes a deep breath as he sees you rummaging around your own stock to put something on the empty spot of an item you just sold. He approaches you with slow, deliberate steps, repeating inside his mind to just be himself. The two of you had been friends for a long time after all. You’d see right through him if he acted any differently.

“Shalom sha—” Andrew’s voice cracks and he quickly clears his throat as you look up, “Uh, shalom shalom, (Y/n).” 

The dazzling smile you show him causes his heart to skip a beat. “Hi Andrew, shalom! How do you do?” 

“I’m doing wonderfully,” he breathes, “Ah… How are you?” 

You plant your hands on your hips as you look down at your wares. “Well, the sales are going quite well. I have already sold a few patterns that I had been trying to get rid of for a while now since they’ve slowly started to get out of fashion, so that’s good. However, no one seems to be interested in my double-threaded—” 

“I—I mean how are you?” 

Blinking in slight surprise, you process the question inside your mind before feeling your face heat up a bit. Was Andrew truly asking about you as a person? You give him another smile, more shy this time around. “Oh, I’m… I’m doing well, thank you. How about yourself?” 

“You’ve already asked that.” Your blush deepens in slight embarrassment.

“Of course.”

A moment of awkward silence follows. You barely dare to maintain eye-contact with your long-time crush out of fear of making a fool of yourself even further. For a moment, you play with the edge of your veil before readjusting your wares. “How may I help you today?” 

Andrew blinks and takes a second to gather himself. “I… I was wondering if you’re hungry. After all, you’ve been working all morning and I thought I’d come bring you some food.” 

Your eyes widen as you look at the apricot and cinnamon cakes in his hands.

“That’s awfully kind of you,” you murmur, “I… I brought my own lunch, but thank you so much.” 

The dark-eyed fisherman swallows hard in embarrassment. Of course you had brought your own food with you, so you didn’t really need his gift. He still reaches out to you to hand the fruit and pastry to you. “I still want you to have them. Here.” 

Your hands brush against his as you take it, a jolt going through you both. You quickly withdraw, trying to not blush. “Thank you,” you whisper, “What’s the occasion?” 

“Well, I just…” Andrew rubs his neck, “Just wanted to make sure you’re eating well.” 

“Oh, that’s very sweet of you. Don’t you worry, I’m properly taking my food every meal.” 

“—Not that I think you don’t look healthy or anything. I just— Quite the contrary, you look very good, I— Ah… What I’m trying to say is…” 

The two of you look at one another with equally as flustered cheeks. “Yes?”

“What I’m trying to say… I just wanted to make sure because I care about you.” 

“You care about me?” you repeat. Andrew gives a small nod, barely trusting his voice as he embarrassedly picks at a loose thread on his tunic. 

“Of course I do.” 

You give a small smile. “I care about you, too, An. Thank you for checking up on me, that means a whole lot.” 

Andrew feels his heart skip a beat at the way you’re looking at him, with a shy expression on your blushing cheeks, when he remembers what Simon had told him to do.

“You— You have a very pretty smile, you know that?” he compliments you, causing your flush to deepen even further.

“Oh, I… Thanks, I…” You bite your bottom lip to keep yourself from squirming as your heart rears inside your chest, countless butterflies coursing through you. Why must you always become at a loss for words whenever Andrew is around? After all, you have practically grown up together. There is no way that he likes you as more than just a friend, so there is no need to be such a mess about it. “That’s very sweet of you to say.” 

Andrew sighs at your reaction, still not quite sure what is going on inside your mind now that he’s telling you all these things. It’s almost frustrating how adorable you are gazing at him like that, expectantly, as if waiting for him to say something. 

“Are you available this afternoon? After— After work, I mean.” 

Your lips part a bit in confusion as you blink a few times, trying to process what he’s trying to tell you. “I am, just… Why do you ask?”

“Great! I— Ah, I mean…” He takes a shaky breath. You wonder why he is so nervous, giving him a reassuring smile.

“Would you like to… To do something together?” 

“Like what? Do you need help repairing your nets? Or do you need help cleaning fish?” 

Andrew shakes his head. “No! No, I mean— No! I was just wondering if you’d like to go on a walk.” 

You tilt your head a bit. “A walk? To where?” 

“Just a walk.” Andrew tells you.

“Just a walk?” 

He lets out a shaky breath and nods. “Yes.” 

“Why?” 

“Because walking is nice, and I thought we should spend more time together.” 

Your heart flutters. “Really? You want to spend more time with me?” you whisper in shock.

Andrew takes you in, drinks in the innocent features of your face as he tries to figure out what is going on inside that pretty head of yours. The slight puzzlement visible in your (e/c) eyes is both adorable and infuriating, because you seem to be so confused that it hasn’t even dawned on you yet that he’s trying to confess here. 

“Why do you want to spend more time with me?” That does it. The question, although meant to ask for clarification, annoys Andrew immensely to the point that it takes over from his anxiety. A nudge he perhaps needed, he realises a moment after blurting it out:

“Can’t you see? I’m in love with you!”

Time seems to freeze around you two as he says these heavy, definite words. A confession both long hidden and overdue, hanging between you as it waits for either approval or rejection from your side. Your knees feel weak as your mind seems to spin for a moment. Your fingers curl around the edge of the wooden table you’re standing at lest you lose your footing. 

Andrew anxiously bites the inside of his cheek as he stares at you wide-eyed, terrified about your response. 

“You’re in love with me?” you squeak, attempting to digest the proclamation whilst trying to confirm that you heard him loud and clear. Andrew swallows visibly and gives a small nod, his eyes glittering with fear as he is still left in the dark about what you feel for him in return. “Oh,” you simply murmur, “I didn’t know.” 

Andrew sighs and averts his gaze, a feeling of rejection creeping over his cheeks and neck as his heart races inside his chest. Perhaps coming here was a mistake, he wonders when you suddenly step around your stall to approach him.

“So you really mean that? You’re not just pulling my leg?” 

“I— I mean it,” Andrew admits, “I’ve been sweet on you for… For a long time, actually.” 

You cannot fight the bright smile that spreads over your face and Andrew barely faints at seeing it so close to his. “Me, too.” you muse as soon as you’re absolutely certain that his words are genuine. 

“Are you serious?” 

You breathe a small laugh and nod, “I am. I was actually always convinced that you just saw me as a little sister since we go so far back… So I never dared to say anything.” 

“I was also terrified that you didn’t see me as more than a friend.” Andrew adds onto that. 

It turns out the two of you had been pining after one another whilst sharing the exact same fear. Both a little amused at the situation, you share a laugh whilst you look down, biting your bottom lip before gazing up at him again. 

“So… Now that we know this about one another… Why don’t you pick me up after my shift this afternoon?” 

Andrew grins and gives you a small nod before grabbing your hand, kissing the back of it gently. The gesture makes your cheeks flush darker.

“I will join you in tidying up by the time the sun almost hits your wares.” 

A surprised look comes over your face. “You’ve noticed?” 

“Of course I did.” 

With a racing heart, you try to keep yourself from embracing him right then and there, deeming it inappropriate. Instead, you squeeze his hand that he’s still holding in his before stepping back without breaking eye-contact. “That’s very thoughtful of you, Andrew.” 

“That’s a yes, then? You’ll go on a walk with me?” 

“Gladly,” you breathe, “And we can enjoy the food you’ve brought together at the same time.” 

This couldn’t have gone any better, Andrew thinks to himself as he watches you head back behind your stall, flashing him a sweet smile. “I’ll see you later, then,” he greets you.

“I’ll see you then, Andrew. I’m looking forward to it.”

“Me, too. Shalom shalom.” 

From a distance, Simon watches his little brother approach, a proud feeling swelling in his chest as he sees the grin covering Andrew’s face from ear to ear. The older son of Jonah doesn’t even need to ask and wraps an arm around his sibling’s shoulder as soon as he walks up to him. 

“See? Now, let’s get you ready to meet with her again.” 

As the two head back for Andrew’s place, the curly-haired fisherman looks over his shoulder one last time, locking eyes with you. Upon sharing a moment of meaningful eye-contact, you both smile. 

The sun can’t reach the right point fast enough.

[lucaaazd]

Bertolt made up his mind. He was going to do it.

His entire life, he’d been busy hiding behind his father’s leg and his brother’s glare. He’s done hiding. Today was the day. He will do it, even if it kills him.

Clutching the fated piece of paper as if his life depended on it, he raised his chin and stepped forward. Screwing his eyes shut, he jammed the card into the machine.

“It’s backward,” The bus driver said.

Impossible. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. He opened his eyes just a slit and with trembling fingers, withdrew the yellow metro card and turned it upside down.

“The. Other. Way. Sonny,”The bus driver glared down at him.

Oh no. Bertolt opened his mouth and no sound came out. What do you mean the other way? Like the other way other way? Not upside down? His throat was paper dry. A line of people was trailing behind him, smacking their lips grudgingly. “Gimme that,” the bus driver snatched the card from Bertolt’s hand.

“Hey!” Bertolt protested weakly.

“Have a good day,” said the bus driver angrily as he waved him off to the back of the bus.

Bertolt almost whimpered. He wobbled his way through people’s legs, dodging incoming shoulders and almost falling face first into a woman’s lap. She looked about his mom’s age and horrified at his audacity. “So - sorry,” Bertolt squeaked.

There it was. The window seat in the very back, safe and secluded, promising a sweet undisturbed journey for the socially inept young boy with low self esteem and a fully charged iPhone SE. Bertolt climbed into his seat and opened his messages with clammy fingers. He paused between “💕🕊️” and “Mommy” and with only a moment of hesitation, swiped to the latter and typed, “On the bus.”

Sent. Bertolt waited a few seconds for the dotted message bubble to pop up, but it didn’t. He added, “Where do I get of again?”

Still no response. Bertolt chanced a look around him. The bus is half full but no one’s making eye contact with him. He perceived the screen hanging above the ticket machine and to his horror, only a map of the city with a little gps icon of the bus was shown. The stops weren’t named. How are people supposed to know where to get off then?

He went back to the chat and typed, “How do I get off”.

He knew it’s 22nd street something. 5th avenue? Maybe he would know when he saw it. He’d never been to the restaurant his brother worked at but he knew it was a fancy Italian one with nice green booths and tons of vines and bouquets up front. He just had to pay attention.

However, he couldn’t help but notice that the bus hadn’t stopped for a long time. If felt like it’s been chugging along for at least twenty minutes, unless his mind was playing tricks on him. Time always went by slower when he’s nervous.

Ding. Yellow letters flashed across the screen, Stop Requested.

The bus skidded to a stop and the back door opened, letting off an old lady lugging her grocery cart. A blond boy his age got on and paid with his phone. Bertolt didn’t know you could do that. He just sort of like, tapped it. This other boy looked familiar and way more confident than Bertolt had felt moments ago. He cowered further into his seat, pulling his hood over his head. He found his brother Benny’s chat and texted, “Hey, on my way. Where do I get of?” He waited for exactly twelve seconds before going to his dad’s chat, “dad, on my way. what stop? 👀👀”

In that exact moment, Bertolt felt a broad figure closing in on him. His heart jumped to his throat. The beefy blond boy from earlier had skirted around him and plopped down a mere two seats away, sitting with his legs wide open in a content sort of way. Bertolt said the S-word in his head and in a moment of franticness, pressed the little telephone next to his mom’s name. He hung up immediately, remembering his mom’s still at work and didn’t like to be disturbed. Neither did Benny, and he’s probably in the kitchen right now. Dad’s his only hope.

Their conversation in the doorway before he departed into the unknown flashed in his mind. “Are you sure, buddy?” His dad had said, concern etched into his lined face, “Aren’t you a bit too young for such a feat? It seems only yesterday we let you download Instagram on your cell phone, and now you wanna take the bus all my yourself? Are you sure you’re going to be okay?”

Bertolt had nodded solemnly, “I am sure, father. I’ve decided. I’m going to be just like Arthur.”

“Like - like Arthur, you said?” His father clutched his chest, tears welling up in his eyes, “Oh, my little Bear Turtle is all grown up.”

“No more Bear Turtle,” He remembered tightening his grasp on his backpack straps, “it’s Bertolt.”

Bertolt exited out of his father’s chat. He would not give in. He would not ask for help. He said he was going to do this all by himself and he will honor his words. A surge of bravery welled up in him. He found himself typing, “Hey, wyd?”

A moment later, “💕🕊️” was typing. Bertolt’s heart swelled twice its size. Another moment later, her speech bubble vanished.

What a bummer. His soul punctured, Bertolt put on his headphones, opened up YouTube and scrolled through videos about Multiverse Battleground, Roblox Death Balls and Ice Spice edits. He clicked on one of the Ice Spice edits.

“Still can’t believe Ice Spice got an entire room of adults to sing,” He read in his head as the video started playing, “‘You think you’re the shit? Bitch you aren’t even the fart.‘“

He bursted out laughing. That’s the best thing ever. You aren’t even the fart. That was just awesome. She’s so cool. He finished the ice spice video and the next one started playing automatically. He’s really curious about her music now. Everyone at school talked about her ‘melons’, but Bertolt wasn’t sure he was quite there yet. He liked the fart song, that’s for sure.

He finished the next one, and then the one after next, before scrolling down and clicked into the thumbsnail of a woman screaming her head off while pointing at a kid holding a diaper with disdain written all over his face. That’s weird. He’s intrigued.

A pop up appeared on his screen, informing him that his phone was on 20% and asked if he wanted to put it on low battery mode. Bertolt groaned. He forgot how old the damn thing was. Reluctantly, he clicked yes and went back to YouTube. However, he couldn’t help but notice the sky was starting to darken.

Wait. Where was he?

Bertolt scrambled out of his seat. He could not tell where he was at all. He looked around as if someone would miraculously read his mind and tell him exactly what to do, but help did not come. He might not know where he was, but he was 99% sure he’d gone too far.

He looked down on his phone and saw the screen light up with a message. “Watching Case Closed with my Dad. Wbu?”

He typed furiously, “Annie, how do you make a bus stop?”

She responded right away. “Wdym? Like with your body?”

“No,” Bertolt felt like crying. He’d screwed up big time. “I’m on the bus.”

“Oh!” Annie replied, “Idk. Tell the bus driver.”

“I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Is there another way?”

“Let me ask my dad.”

A moment of silence elapsed as Bertolt stared at her message bubble, reciting prayers quietly in his head. His eyes flitted to the 3% on his battery before the screen darkened and he could see no more.

Bertolt bursted into tears.

“Hey,” a hand found his shoulder. Bertolt wheeled around, sobbing and wiping his face with the back of his hands.

“Oh, woah,” the blond kid put his hands up defensively, “So - sorry. I was wondering if you, uh, had a phone.”

“Not anymore,” wailed Bertolt miserably.

“Oh. Hm,” the kid wavered, “Do you know where we are?”

“No,” Bertolt sniffled, “D - do you?”

“No,” said the kid, “but I’m pretty sure we’re in Queens.”

“QUEENS?” Bertolt yelped. That’s like, the suburbs. Holy fuck.

“Yeah. I think we’re screwed,” the kid said.

[howdy-cowpoke]

TIMING: Current LOCATION: Prickly Pear Acres PARTIES: Monty (@howdy-cowpoke) & Lil (@the-lil-exorcist) SUMMARY: Lil meets a ghost on Monty's farm and helps them pass to the other side! Also, they kinda find treasure! CONTENT WARNINGS: none!

—

Lil had gotten used to bringing Luna out to the fields and letting her run around. She seemed to appreciate it - stopping the little bursts of fires that apparently were pretty common with her species- so she didn’t mind the time spent out in the fields. Sitting at the fence though she caught a shimmer that caught her eye. Following it she realized there was a ghost on the premises, and figured that she should let the owner know she knocked carefully on the door. 

“Oh - uh Hey Monty. Remember when I told you I’d tell you if you have a ghost -well you got at least one.” She said not realizing the ghost had followed the medium curiously standing right behind her trying to speak and ask questions on why Lil could see him. Why wasn't she responding? 

— 

Ghosts were something Monty still had a hard time wrapping his head around, which was probably stupid considering he'd died and come back to life. It begged the question: what were they? Soul? Life essence? And how had Monty held on to his own after being dead for long enough to be put in the back of a wagon and carted a good distance away from the last camp? Had he? Or was he really just a husk, acting on muscle memory of who he'd once been? 

He didn't like thinking about it too hard. 

It was even stranger that he'd never seen one, considering that he himself was dead and by all rights, should have been able to. Perhaps it was this inability to believe that such a thing could exist, this avoidance of those implications that kept the specters hidden from him. And it didn't seem that meeting someone like Lil had done anything to course correct this flaw (blessing?), because as he regarded the young woman on his porch telling him there was a ghost about, he failed to see it standing right behind her. 

“Oh? What… what should we do? Can we help it—them?” It was probably rude to call a dead person ‘it’. Actually, it was definitely rude, Monty wouldn't have liked it being used on him.

—

Lil looked at the spirit and went, “He good?” Seeing the spirit nod she said, “Yeah I think the ghost is a he.”

At the question she wasn’t super sure what the ghost wanted. He had wanted Lil to come to the house and so she was there, and while he certainly looked desperate he didn’t seem like he was going to become a poltergeist. At least not yet.  “I think he used to live here?” she glanced at the ghost that gave her a hand motion that said ‘kinda.’ “Well, he says kinda but, he’s been here before and there’s something around the house that they wanted uncovered. If you want to help him, we could try to find it?” The other option was to exorcize the ghost, and while it was always on the table Lil would rather not if possible. 

“Mind letting us in? I’ll be quick about it Monty. No ghost shenanigans or I’ll put a stop to him,” Lil said fairly seeing the ghost look up to the attic. 

—

It was a relief at least to hear that the ghost was something of a former tenant here, rather than someone that was attached to any of the farm hands, Monty included. He carried enough of his past with him without a physical (or spiritual) reminder. 

“Of course, please,” he answered as he stepped aside and pulled the door open farther to let Lil and her passenger inside. He watched the empty space behind her for a moment, waiting for anything to change, but nothing did. Hoping he wasn’t shutting the door through the ghost, Monty closed it again and followed Lil’s gaze toward the ceiling. “Ah—upstairs? This way.” He led her toward the back of the house where the staircase was, then up to the second floor. “I do not know what would be around here that would be his, or of some significance to him… this place was empty when I bought it.” His attention rose to the pullout ladder in the hallway ceiling, and he clicked his tongue. “Well, except for the attic. That was not empty, and I did not bother cleaning everything out of it. Is this… the place?” He looked to Lil, then again to the empty space behind her. Nothing. 

—

Lil nodded letting the ghost move in front of her as he went through the house looking around. Partially he looked like he was reminiscing about it. The house must have been something important to him even if he hadn’t lived there. 

“Yeah I think he’s looking for something in the attic,” Lil said softly as she followed Monty the ghost continuing to look up to the attic. Nodding she looked at the ghost that seemed to be waiting for her to get onto the ladder and she sighed. “Yeah I think there’s something up there he wants discovered.” He was mumbling something, but Lil couldn’t make out what his lips were saying enough to actually know what he was saying. 

Jonas was much better at lip reading then she was, but sometimes she could figure it out. “Yeah- you don’t mind if I go up? You can come with,” Lil said looking at Monty. While the ghost was already going up to the attic she wanted the other’s permission. After all, it was his house now, not the ghosts. 

—

Monty shook his head, reaching for the cord to pull the door open that hid the ladder and unfold it. The rectangular opening into the attic yawned pitch black above them, and the zombie hesitated. “Ahh… sure! After you—oh! Let me get us some flashlights, hold on.” Trotting down the hall, he disappeared into one of the spare rooms and banged around for a few seconds before returning with two flashlights in hand, passing one to Lil. Truth told, he hadn’t cleaned out the attic because going up there always gave him the creeps. Maybe this had something to do with it? 

Following Lil up the ladder, Monty hauled himself up into the small space, thankful for the moment that he wasn’t approaching six feet tall like his boyfriend, or he’d have to duck to avoid slamming his head into the support beams that crisscrossed overhead. It was warm up here, and smelled dusty. Not bad, just… like it hadn’t been opened in quite a long time. 

His light scanned over the objects in the room, finding it to be quite stereotypical—furniture draped in canvas, a wardrobe, a trunk, some paintings leaned up against the wall, and even an old, non-functioning grandfather clock. 

—

Lil waited for the flashlight thinking that the other was much smarter than her on that front. A lot of times she ended up doing ghost things in the dark and while it no longer bothered her - she was still human and it was still going to be annoying. Taking the flashlight with a nod she carefully climbed up the ladder careful that her heelies didn’t get stuck. 

The crampedness wasn’t anything particularly new for Lil, and the chills and creepiness fell to the wayside a lot of the time. Her dad had made sure of that in training - making sure that none of his children hesitated to go into cramped places. Even the warmth was a little reprieve for her - Lil got cold easily from being around ghosts.

Looking around for a moment she tried to see what it might be. Ghosts always had odd things that they wanted to cling to. In some ways she understood it - even now she remembered how Regan was able to figure out her mom’s death by a stuffed animal she had given Lil and Jonas - a tangible thing that kept a connection. Still, she wasn’t sure, although now that she said it the ring on her necklace and the locket itself felt heavy on her neck. 

Was she really any different than a ghost? Wasn’t Lil haunting places that were once alive? 

She didn’t particularly want to have that thought looking at the ghost who floated over to a trunk trying to point it out to Lil. His eyes looked - hopeful like he was excited it was still there. For a moment she was hopeful too as she carefully pointed the flashlight over and went to the trunk. 

“Ever open this one Monty? Looks like there’s a combination lock on it so I wouldn’t blame you if you hadn’t,” Lil said to him looking behind her a little. “Still I think it’s in here if it’s okay for me to try and open it.” 

As much as she wanted the ghost to go to rest, Lil always gave choices to the people on this plane of existence. 

—

“Ah, please. Do what you must,” Monty answered with a nod. “Alan and I did not open this one after I purchased the plot, no. I tried, but did not have the proper tools. He offered to go back to his home and get some, but I figured it did not matter. We were not planning on utilizing this attic anyway, so… everything is still as we found it, for the most part.” 

The zombie glanced around the room, his gaze lingering in the space around the trunk. If the ghost was pointing it out, then he must be over there, right? Monty squinted his eyes. Nothing. Ghosts are real. This nice girl is not loco. 

“Lil… can I ask what our friend… looks like?” Monty asked carefully, hoping that it wasn’t offensive. He thought maybe if he could picture the phantom in his mind, it would reveal itself to him. It didn’t make sense that some of his farm hands could see them and he could not. And he was paranoid enough to not like the idea of someone being around him, watching him, when he did not know it. So he wanted to make it work. 

—

“Won’t need any tools, I think he remembers the combination.” Lil said simply looking at the ghost who nodded, raising his fingers up. 5-3-4+4 so 8. Nodding she moved to the chest to put in the numbers after flashing them back to the ghost who looked relieved. 

At the question Lil paused looking at the ghost. “He’s tall. Maybe like 5’11? Looks like he worked on a farm he’s in overalls at least. Kinda turn of the century. Cropped hair. He’s not much older than me.” 

Despite not hearing ghosts, Lil was rather good at seeing them when they weren’t trying to hide. Still, she left out the fact that the man’s arm was mangled. She didn’t particularly want to speculate on why, but it was clear it had been from some sort of accident and probably was what had killed them. 

Ghosts were hardly around for good reasons after all. Pulling on the lock it opened with a creak as she went to tip the lid back the ghost going forward to look over her shoulder placing his good arm on it - well at least attempting too. 

It always amused Lil how ghosts thought they could touch people, but she just shivered slightly. Whistling, she looked at Monty. “You’re gonna want to see this. There’s a reason all of this was heavy, You got jewelry up here.”  

—

Even hearing the description of the ghost, nothing new happened. Well, it’d been worth a shot, anyway. Maybe it was for the best… even if Monty was a little paranoid about there being ghosts around that he couldn’t see, he’d forget about it eventually, right? Unseen, unheard… unremembered? He hoped so. 

Stepping closer when Lil beckoned him, his eyes widened at the sight. “... jewelry?” There was a lot of it. He had no idea if any of it was valuable or not, though admittedly that wasn’t his first thought—his first thought was… “Does he… does the ghost want all of this? How… uh… how does this work?” Even if it was only one specific piece, what would a ghost do with it? Could it hold it? Would a necklace suddenly start floating in the air? Did they need to bury it or something? His questions were endless, but he decided he’d just keep those to himself and let Lil answer what she could.

—

“Probably not. He probably wants to see something and couldn’t get this open. Lets see what exactly he wanted, shall we,” Lil said, stepping back for a moment to let the ghost look. It probably wasn’t necessary, but it seemed kinder that way.  

Lil looked at the ghost who was pointing to a locket and plucking it up he gestured for her to open it. It was a picture of what looked like the man and what seemed to have been his wife. His ghost hand moved towards it and for a moment Lil felt a glow - something that happened occasionally when she did participate in helping ghost going peacefully into the great unknown. It was warm, and unlike at the end of an exorcism when she wasn’t actively helping them it didn’t tire Lil out. 

The man whispered something, she could tell by looking at him though, she wasn’t meant to hear it. Instead it seemed to be the woman in the locket. “I’ll bury this for him back where I found him. I don’t know if that’s where his body is but - you know.” 

Lil turned to Monty giving the ghost a moment - probably his last moment on this plane as he started to fade slowly away. It always felt - awkward as an exorcist to take place in something so peaceful so she tended to sit it out. 

—

It was strange, only seeing this from one side, watching Lil hold a locket and just… silently watch something happening that he couldn’t. Monty kept quiet, waiting until she turned to him and spoke before he let himself even move, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. “Okay, that sounds good.” He guessed, he didn’t know shit about any of this, but if Lil thought it was a good idea then he was more than happy to follow her lead. “Thank you for your help!”

He glanced again to the trunk, rubbing a hand across his forehead as his flashlight swung over all the jewelry that still sat inside it. “Well… I suppose a trip to the pawn shop is in order,” he laughed. “Come on, let’s go see how your girl is doing in the fields.”

[chronothread]

Two Heads Are Better Than One

Endwalker Spoilers.

Seventh Astral Era

Ishgard, Steps of Faith

Second Dawn of the Final Days

A child of Ishgard sits atop a pile of rubble, surrounded by their fallen brothers and sisters in arms. Only one other companion yet breathes - an almost identical figure were it not for the fox mask, ears, and nine tails that they had sported. The figure stands behind the purple-haired Ishgardian, applying ointment and some bandages.

“You know we’re stuck together now, right?”

“Mmhm.”

“And you’re not bothered by that?

“Do I really have a choice to not be bothered?”

“Ahaha! I guess not. But I thought I’d ask anyway.”

“Oh, you’re being polite now? You? The noisy little prick who takes every opportunity to fuck with me?”

“Hey, that’s not fair! I don’t take every opportunity, just…most of them.”

“And that’s better…how?”

“Simple. The breaks lull you into a false sense of security so it’s funnier when I fuck with you again. Ahahaha-ARGH! Hey, be careful! That’s an open wound…”

“Really should have known better than to provoke the person providing you with medical care.”

“You have a horrible bedside manner, you know that?”

“Oh grow up and suck it up. We’ve been through worse.” “Mmmh…worse, really? Our countrymen turn into eldritch beasts and start tearing the populace apart, and you think we’ve been through worse?”

“Your countrymen. And yes, ruining your father’s garden.” “Our countrymen, you’re one of us now. And…point taken.”

The masked figure finishes their work, securing some surgical gauze against the Ishgardian’s side. Some screaming is heard from the Gates of Judgment as droves of Coerthan citizens accompanied by remnants of a few scattered guard remnants desperately attempt to keep the citizens together, all the while driving several blasphemies back. The Ishgardian sighs, picking up their twin katanas before rising once more.

“Tell me straight doc, how bad is it?”

“Manageable for what we’re about to do. You’ll live.”

“That’s what I thought, but I thought a second opinion would be prudent.” “Finally, showing a little sense in that lust-addled brain of yours, Gale?”

“I have my moments Zephyr~”

“I really wish you had more moments like that.”

“Then I’d just be you, wouldn’t I?”

“Good. Means I’d have to worry less.” “Awww, you’re worried?”

“I’m worried for myself. If you die, I die. Remember?”

“Sure sure, keep pretending that’s why you worry.”

“Has anyone ever told you how insufferable you are?”

“Every day of my life~”

The Ishgardian takes a deep breath. There’s blood already on several parts of their body - some theirs, most from their fallen comrades. The gash that had just been recently treated went wide, but thankfully not deep. Another scar to add to the collection, should they survive today. A reminder to honor the sacrifices that the many knights of House Amante had made today. Several dead at their feet, many more injured and carted away - much to their protestations. They wondered if their most devoted knight was recovering well. Dior was most likely begging to be on the field with them again…they just had to go shielding Gale a second time. That was two that they owed Dior now.

The crowd manages to reach the halfway point of the bridge - where Ishgard’s most prodigal child had decided to make their stand. Whether they saw the masked figure bleeding dark aether or not was no longer important to them. Someone was watching over, that was all that mattered. Zephyr raises their own blades, standing next to the errant heir Amante.

“One stride left, Gale.”

“Two strides left, Zephyr.”

“Mmh. Good kill. Two strokes on my end, and this looks just like the fodder too. Am I getting slow?”

“No, you’re doing fine. They’re tougher than they look. What a pain.”

“At least they’re still small, right?” “Worse when they’re small, you’ve got a way smaller margin of error.”

“You know, you still haven’t answered my question.”

“This again? Is this really the time? When we’re fighting for our lives?”

“This-tssyaaa!-is the perfect time! Considering nothing is guaranteed, it might be prudent to get some things off our chests.”

“I think we should focus on the matter at hand.” “Well I think we should air it out before things actually start to get difficult!”

The two swordsmen enter a state of battle flow. Like a pair of ballerinas they dance across the field, felling creatures left and right in perfect sync. When Gale turns, so does Zephyr. When Zephyr strikes, so does Gale. They duo steal the show, outmaneuvering and outpacing the blasphemies at every turn, cutting a path for the poor souls trying to seek refuge from the oncoming storm. Every now and then one of Zephyr’s tails picks a stray spear off the ground and hurls it towards an opponent - only for Gale to kick off of the weapons haft and propel themself one of the creatures that dared to take to the skies, driving the polearm deeper into their opponent’s skull in the process.

“You are reckless Gale.”

“And you are enabling it. Answer the question?”

“Will you value your life while you fight if I do?”

“Yes.”

“No, I’m not bothered. In truth, you are amusing.”

“Aha! So you do like me!”

“You’re putting words in my mouth. You are simply just a very good distraction for my entertainment.”

“Mmhm, sure. I believe you, you-oh.”

The ground shakes. A larger figure appears from the Gates of Judgment, the size of a great wyrm. Only…wrong. With several heads that held several eyes, hand-like wings grasping at the sky, and a giant, gaping maw where their chest cavity was supposed to be. The creature roars, revealing the many teeth that lay inside its chest as the world shook once more from the sheer might of its cries. The swordsmen rush the creature down, knowing that must be done, but at the last second the blasphemy channels a blast of energy from its mouth that lands at Gale’s and Zephyr’s feet sending the pair careening backwards into a pile of rubble. Gale rubs their head as they attempt to reorient themself, before getting up once more.

“Ngg…shit. My head…had to be the size of a fucking house huh?”

“Your head? Fuck…my head too, sometimes I hate sharing a body with you.” 

“That wasn’t my fault this time! Look, if you have a complaint, bring it up after this. You’ll thank this body after we’re through.

“...Gale, we’re probably going to die on this bridge. You know that, right?” “No actually, I don’t. I don’t plan on dying here, and neither do you. But if you’re so worried, you can always leave me here! If I’m simply a fun amusement, I don’t think dying constitutes good entertainment anyway.”

“You know I physically can’t leave you.”

“Oh really? Cry me a river then. Maybe it’ll freeze over fast enough so that thing can slip over it and fall off the side of the bridge.”

The horrid amalgamation rears its many heads and stretches its grotesque wings. One step after the other, it approaches the two battered swordsmen - the last line of defense before the monstrosity reaches the city proper. Then, it’d be all up to whatever defenses the temple knights managed to muster while they set off on this fool’s errand. Hopefully, they bought Ishgard enough time to make a difference.

“And I wouldn’t want to either!”

“Right. Because you-”

“-yes I care! That's why I always tell you to be careful. It’s why I always scold you when you act so damn reckless all the time, why I constantly remind you to get enough sleep and begrudgingly tell you to go meet with your friends under the guise that I am annoyed with all of your banter. I like your banter! But I like it more when you’re not sulking all the time and replaying trauma in your mind!”

“...Zephyr I-”

“I only have little snippets. Tiny little pieces of who I was before, of my humanity. And I didn’t care about the even less that I had when I was drifting from host to host for the longest time. But when I’m with you, when I get to see you live your life and enjoy the world? Enjoy company? I feel like I’m getting back something that I lost a long, long time ago. And hated it at first! I hated being able to feel things again because it made everything so fucking difficult. You were a meal ticket! Nothing more, nothing less! And now here I am caring about some mortal who can’t be bothered to care for themself half the time.”

A dreadful feeling fills the air. A low, rumbling noise emanates from the creature’s chest-maw, and malevolent light begins to coalesce at the center of it. The dragon-blasphemy channels what could only be described as malice itself. Too large - too much to get out of the way in time. Indeed, it was as if it meant to obliterate the very bridge - no - the city itself.

“It’s why it hurts me when you put yourself down and consign yourself to your sheets for the day. No, Gale. I can’t leave you. And even if I could? I wouldn’t! Because you know what? I’d rather die here with you than live one more miserable moment of a voidsent’s existence, constantly paranoid, never being able to trust another person for fear of being consumed! It’s a wretched life, and I would rather die here with purpose. You are my only friend, my only family in this world Gale, and I did not know that I needed that so badly until you irritated me into loving you. So with whatever little time we have left, do not imply that I would leave you. I’ve lost everything once already. I don’t want to lose you too.”

Gale is left speechless. All they can do is look up at the creature - their doom - and dig their heels into the stone bricks that carried their people home for centuries on end. In defiance of fate. Always in defiance of fate.

“Then I guess that means that dying isn’t on the table today.”

“Gale it’s-”

“Useless? Sure, maybe. Maybe we’re going to die here anyway. But isn’t it better to try, to go kicking and screaming, to refuse our last meal? If we are going to do anything together then I want to resist together. I was born with a death sentence Zephyr. I wasn’t going to last another year before I met you. But I kept trying - I kept going on because I believed it was worth trying. And now I’m here, over half a decade later, and with almost another decade left. More if I find a cure. And it was tiring. It was painful, I cried so many nights because of how much it hurt to just exist. To have moments I couldn’t control my body. Moments where the pain was searing, where I felt like I was on fire and that my soul was to be branded with nothing but suffering. I wanted to give up so…so badly so many times. But I had people who I loved counting on me. So I grit my teeth and I kept going. In spite of the world.”

Gale takes a step forward, towards the blasphemy.

“So I’m going to keep living. In pure spite of this thing, to protect the people that I love. And if I die? Fine. I’ll make it a good death. I’ll make it mean something. I’ll burn so bright that the sight of my damaged soul is etched into the stars for all eternity. And I want to do that with you, Zephyr. So…please. Fight with me. One last time?”

The energies that the creature had collected reach critical mass. And as it flaps its wings and takes to the sky, and coils its warped body back as it reels to strike, Zephyr removes their mask and steps forward. A familiar face reveals itself underneath. A face Zephyr had forgotten. 

A face that Gale sees every morning in the mirror.

“One last time. With you, Gale.”

The pair dash forward together. Wind in their step and with a blast of levin, the duo kick off from the ground and make one final charge towards the maw - the belly of the beast - to try and save their homeland. With grim resolve, they welcome their end.

The sound of what seems to be a cannon resonates far across the bridge, and an arrow streaks through the air and buries itself in the light that the monster had channeled. The malevolent energies explode in the creature’s chest mouth, and it roars in pain and anger at this interference. In a berserk rage its many heads flail about, snapping and swiping at the two airborne swordsmen who fend them off as best they can. One of its many-eyed skulls is undaunted by their resistance and swings at the two like a bat, aiming to swat them off the bridge into the cruel embrace of the void. 

Yet a javelin soars through the air - brilliant and ornate, a wolf’s head decorated close to its tip. The weapon sinks into the blasphemy’s head, before exploding - then flying in reverse, disappearing behind the two warriors. As the Child of Halone and Child of the Void land onto the ground once more, they retreat backwards quickly. To where Halone herself seemed to have intervened from.

The pair look back, and see several familiar faces.

“Most troublesome damn sibling I’ve ever had. Next time you’re off to do a heroic sacrifice Gale, do us all a fucking favor? Call me so I can kill you first and save us the trouble?”

“Ignore your sister. But she’s right Gale. Be nicer to yourself - I don’t want to only have a spear to remember my best friend by.”

“In the name of the Fury milord, I know you like to show off, but is this not a bit much?”

Gale presses their lips together, forming a thin line on their face. Zephyr looks at them, canting their head to the side, nine tails swishing slowly in concern. Then Gale begins to laugh, and Zephyr’s ears twitch at the sound. Then they begin to laugh too - a scene that perplexes the three standing behind them. More figures come pouring out from the Arc of the Worthy. All armed. All ready to fight.

“How very like us then. To put it all on ourselves.”

“Speak for yourself. You’re insufferable.”

“ Yes, and whose face are you wearing right now?”

“Shut up. I didn’t know.”

“Well now you know where you get it from. So. I suppose you know what I am thinking…?”

There is a long pause before Zephyr speaks.

“Apple pie after we mop the floor with this son of a bitch?”

“Read me perfectly.”

[ladylooch]

Hi B, I hope you had an awesome day!

I'm venturing into your asks without doing it anonymously - hoping I don't fall flat on my face with this ask. It's a long one, too 😬

Just a little preface - I went to visit my parents today after they returned from their Caribbean vacation. My Dad was diagnosed with Parkinsons about 15 years ago, and despite his mobility issues, everything went well with the assistance they were provided through the 2 weeks. So, they traveled home, and while my Mom went to get the luggage cart, my Dad saw their bag come out in the carousel. This is not going to sound funny, but trust me... they were laughing as they told me this. He decides to try and grab the bag, and he does - but he loses his balance and falls to the ground. He still has a solid grip on the bag and doesn't let go. He's then dragged along the floor alongside the carousel for about 20 feet before he lets go of the bag.

So, with all of that, I was wondering, between Timo and Nico, or even any other men in your AUs, who deals with embarrassing moments the best vs the worst? Does anyone get mad or annoyed or can they laugh it off?

Thanks so much, as always, B!

Oh my gosh!!! hahahahaha! I knew someone who had Parkinsons for over 25 years, so I completely understand that these stories are funny and offer some sunlight in the midst of a really dark disease. Hugs to you babe and your parents! It's a really tough one 😘

Nico is the best in these moments. He rolls with it all. Not much rattles him. He is also the one that is very much a caretaker. If Lexi trips, "baby! are you okay!" If she gets sick and he has to help clean her up, he is all about dignity with her, stepping out if that is what she prefers or keeping his eyes focused on her face. One time, Lexi and Nico are wrestling around on the couch and Lexi lets out a lil toot. Nico immediately pops up, looking down at her red face. She is completely mortified. Nico literally locks eyes with her and says "That is the cutest fart I have ever heard." Lexi responds with, "I want to die." And then there is Nico: "No, babe do it again! that was so cute!" 💀

Timo is similar too! Although I don't see him thinking Emma's farts are cute.But we see his roll with it attitude with him and Em all the time. It's more so about making sure she is okay, feeling out if he can make fun of her or not, and then going from there. During her first pregnancy, so much is happening to Emma's body that he doesn't dare make fun of any of that. He knows she is too sensitive about the changes. I feel like Emma is always running out the door late after having Lio, so she will leave the house in her slippers or Crocs to go meet clients. Timo is constantly meeting her in the city with her high heels 😂 Eventually, he just hides a pair in her car so he doesn't have to keep rescuing her.