#the only other living being swimming around in her tank at the start of the season was Drac's tater tyke

[ratstuckinamarble]

Shout out to the creature ever

"The school policy clearly states that I can consume anything I find in my tank" tell 'em Lagoona.

Plus Neptuna??? Pretty sure this is the first time we've seen her in the show. She's cute!

[athynathens]

this burning sensation

“This type of love has inflicted you pain so many times yet why you still looking for love?”

PAIRING. Bakugo Katsuki x You/Reader

ALTERNATIVE UNIVERSE. This takes place in the Boku No Hero Academia universe. No quirks have been stated here. This is purely a oneshot about Bakugo being a firefighter.

SYNOPSIS. Bakugo Katsuki is a firefighter who captured the hearts of many with his burning gaze. He does not sugarcoat his playboy demeanor, choosing to play around girls like a boy playing with matchsticks. He is quite skilled in maintaining the fire he needs. However, meeting you triggered his own fire to grow hotter and stronger. For the first time in his life, he does not know how to handle this very burning sensation.

WARNINGS. Minors dni, kinda angsty such as bakugo being a redflag and a dick (but a happy ending)

AUTHOR’S NOTES. Hiiii im back from university frl. Srry for not updatingggg!! Balancing my med life with this was rlly not possible so i had to wait for break. I’ll try my best to update as much as a i can before my second sem starts!! Thank you for your patience!!

TAGS. @professionalreblogger @ch3rryjampi3 @yaygerist @dragonscribble. Comment down if you wish to be tagged!

FIREFIGHTERS aid to those who have been in a fire accident. That was their primary purpose. However, you do not recall that their other objective was placing a burning sensation on your cheeks. Those rugged and buffy men be flexing them muscles while saving shit.

Before saving lives, they should learn how to save hearts, for real.

These desireable feelings began with Bakugo Katsuki. This man became the reason of the burning sensation on your cheeks.

You met this man in a rather unexpected way.

Uraraka, a friend from one of your part time jobs, had a get together with her highschool friends on an Ocean Park. It’s quite funny since one of your part time jobs is in this park. However, she’s clueless whether or not you’re working today.

— But it turns out you are.

“A mermaid show?” Kaminari reads. “Wait! There are mermaids here?!?”

Uraraka giggles and nods, “Yep!! One of my friends works as a mermaid who swims inside the tanks with the fishes!! Although, I am not sure if she’s on duty right now…that woman has other jobs after all!!”

“Does she swim with sharks?” Kaminari had to ask, but ended up getting hit in the head by Jiro.

“I heard she does!! She was trained after all!!” Uraraka replied.

“Damn, mama. Ya for real?” Sero asked, placing both hands on his pockets as he watched fishes swam from the glass.

The brunette nods her head again. “Yep!! I watched her once!! You know, she even had to dye her hair white-ish silver for this role since the color reflects better when she’s in water!!”

“Aye? Ya heard that Bakugo? A mermaid! Here in this Ocean Park! Can you believe that?” Kirishima called out his friend from a far.

Bakugo Katsuki walked towards them with his hands on his pockets. His compression shirt hugged his pecs and small waist perfectly, emphasizing his veiny arms as he flexed them. The scars and bruises on his arms added to his intimidatingly hot demeanor.

Bakugo scoffed, “I ‘ont get the damn hype. It’s a damn human with tails — a fake fucking tail.”

Kirishima chuckled, placing his buffed arm around his shoulder. He joked how uptight his friend can be. Kaminari and Sero joined in this joke. It ended up a loud explosion of anger from the blond.

“Ochako-chan,” Asui spoke with her index finger near her mouth. “Where should we go next before Bakugo attracts more people with his shouting?”

Uraraka looked behind Asui to only see the boys crowding one another, laughing and joking about boy stuff. Then, the girls looked to their side to see a bunch of girls giggling and smiling at the boys.

Momo sighed, “Tsuyu-chan, I don’t think it’s Bakugo’s shouting is what’s attracting them…”

“Yep. It’s their damn good looks that’s attracting those girls. Is this what it means to be a firefighter?” Jiro jokes, taking a bite of a fry from Momo’s hand.

“Boi. Can’t blame them! Have you seen my man?” Mina creates love simp eyes on her boyfriend, Kirishima. She stared at his huge biceps and thick thighs.

“Ew! Stop undressing your boyfriend in front of us!” Uraraka retorts, creating fake gagging noises.

“Shut yo ass up! I know you are drooling over your broccoli over there!” Mina teases, gesturing at a certain green-haired who is calming down an intense-looking Bakugo at the moment.

She flinched, a sudden redness arose from her cheeks and stuttered, “Shut u—”

She stopped talking when Uraraka heard the glass behind her tapping. The brunette looked behind to see you smiling at her. You had your mermaid outfit on, it was complete with sea shells and pearls.

Uraraka’s eyes brightened in excitement and screamed your name, gaining the attention of her highschool friends. The brunette jumped and waved upon seeing your figure in the water.

“Guys! This is the friend I told you about!!” Uraraka introduced happily.

You looked over to see side to see a lot of people. You heard of Uraraka’s high school friends, she loved talking about them during breaks. You never anticipated that you’ll meet them right here and right now while you’re in water. Most of them were smiling and waving at you. Therefore, you returned their kind gesture with gratitude.

Bakugo Katsuki thought you look ethereal. He thought he saw a goddess in the waters of chlorine. The way your hair is spread out in the water, the way your tail compliments the silver hair you have, the way the light reflects beautifully on your hair, the way your skin looks so exquisite like ambrosia.

His eyes travelled up to your face, analyzing it like a math problem. The smile plastered on your face made his stomach feel things, which was a weird feeling for him.

He had a history of flings here and there, but never did he had this tingling feeling on his stomach.

“Gettin’ attracted to this beautiful woman, I see?” Sero teases, siding his eyes to see his composure.

“Mind your own damn business,” He retorted, clicking his tongue.

Sero only grinned, loving this new side of his friend. It’s legit not like everyday someone as proud and cocky like Bakugo to get infatuated by a girl in fake tails.

Uraraka did charades with her body, trying to ask your time out. You placed 10 fingers out, illustrating that you’ll be done at 10am then you’re free. Today’s not hectic for her actually. This mermaid show is the only job she has for the day.

The brunette clapped her hands while jumping, and she pointed at the area where the jelly fishes are, indicating that they’ll be exploring that place first. You gave her a thumbs up then breathe out, causing bubbles to form and created a heart.

She giggled, waving you a goodbye as you swam to the opposite side to greet other guests through the glass.

“Damn, Uraraka! You’ve got a hot friend! If I wasn’t dating Eijiro, sure as hell will I date her!” Mina giggled, causing Kirishima to pout at her comment. The pink-haired noticed and console her beloved with kisses and hugs, causing Bakugo to roll his eyes at this lovestruck moment.

The group walked across the jellyfish section, admiring each sea creature. The couples in the group were laughing and holding each other while pointing at the jellyfishes. The only single ones are Iida, Sero and Bakugo. This trio stuck together, being third wheels with the couples.

At first, Bakugo wanted to leave, but after seeing such an ethereal creature before his eyes; that gave him a reason to stay.

“So,” Sero began talking. “You and Miss Mermaid, aye?”

The blond rolled his eyes, “What about her?”

Iida karate-chop his arm towards Bakugo, pointing at him completely. “We saw how you looked at her!! There’s nothing wrong with being attracted to someone of the opposite sex! You should ask her out!”

“I don’t do relationships, and yall know that shit,” Bakugo scoffed, pushing Iida’s hand away.

Sero leaned forward a bit to punch his chest and said, “That’s what that red hunk said too,” He gestured at Kirishima, who has his buffy arms around Mina’s shoulders. “Yet, he’s such a simp for Mina right now.”

The blond was about to mention something till he heard such an alluring voice coming from behind. He snapped his head back to see you running towards them with a smile. His stomach dropped, seeing you in such a big jacket that emphasized your small frame. Your legs were bare in front of him, and he doesn’t even notice you have shorts thanks to the length of this jacket.

“Goodness! Your hair is still wet!!” Uraraka ran towards you with concern.

“Nah! That’s fine!!” You replied, reassuring her that this is fine.

The brunette grabbed your wrists, bringing you closer to the group. She introduced her boyfriend first, Midoriya Izuku. Then, she introduced her girl friends, who excitedly commented about how pretty you looked in the water. Lastly are the boys. She introduced these tall and intimidating-looking men to you.

You were a bit scared since their height can make your neck hurt — or maybe you were just really tiny…

Uraraka then brought you to the last person in the group. You looked up to see sharp eyes staring down at you. Your body flinched a bit with his gaze. As the brunette was introducing you to this blond, you had to fondle your fingers together while looking at the ground.

“Name’s Bakugo Katsuki,” He suddenly spoke, beating Uraraka to his introduction.

You bowed slightly, acknowledging his presence while keeping your head down. He isn’t exactly a new person to you. Him and his friends are pretty famous in the neighborhood.

Uraraka stared at you then at him then at you again. The latter got the picture so she giggled teasingly, catching your attention.

“What?” You asked, curious to why she’s suddenly laughing.

“Nothing,” She shook her head while giggling.

You were about to speak when she wrapped her arms around your arm, tugging you closer to her. You had a feeling she’s trying to change the subject, but she just keeps giggling and pulling you around.

You managed to look behind to only see the boys swarming around Bakugo, giving him a high-five and such. Your heart fluttered when his mouth turned into a sexy grin, such cockiness would usually turn you off, but with him? It makes your cheeks have that burning sensation.

His eyes suddenly snapped towards you. Holy shit. He caught you staring. You immediately snapped your head forward, trying to walk faster and away from him.

As the day goes by, the group toured around the Ocean Park. Some even got to tryout the scuba diving section in this park while others got to pet penguins and such. They did all the fun things presented by the park.

It was all fun and games to those people, but to you? It was a tiring experience.

The reason? Well, it’s simple really…it’s Bakugo frickin’ Katsuki.

Everywhere you go, his eyes follows. You can see his red orbs just staring at you through the glass while you watch fishes swim around. You would also side glance to see him gazing at you again.

As the sun begins to disappear from the sky, the group had to separate their ways. However, the funny thing is that Uraraka was supposed to bring you home, but she excused herself quite quickly and asked Bakugo to bring you home. This seemed way planned since she giggled loudly, almost as if she’s teasing me with something that not yet happened.

D-Did she just leave me with this hottie? You sweat, seeing her figure getting smaller and smaller from the distance.

“U-Um…you don’t have to bring me home…I can just take the train…” You stuttered, still not looking at him due to shyness.

He finally spoke. “You have a habit of not looking at people or sumthing, Shrimpy?”

You gulped, “U-Um…sorry…i-it’s just..umm…” How the fuck do you say that the reason why you can’t look at him is cause he’s too fucking hot for you. His presence alone is already making you shy.

Bakugo chuckled, “Got it, Shrimpy. C’mon my ride’s just here.”

He began walking while twirling his keys with his index finger and his other hand on his pocket. You followed him till he reached his car. As soon as he unlocked his car, he opened the door for you. This small action made your heart flutter once more.

His large frame suddenly leaned forward to put your seatbelt on. Your heart dropped, seeing how close he is to your own body.

As he retracted from your body, his fingers traced your thighs. You flinched, not knowing if he’s doing this on purpose or by accident. Your throat released a big gulp, subconsciously crossing your legs and holding the strap of belt.

When he entered the car, he began driving to the destination. Holy fucking fuck. He’s driving with one hand while the other’s in the hand gear shift. You fondled with the strap again as you gazed upon his hand on the wheel. Each time he turns, you watched the veins on his hands just popped out.

“Nice digs…” You complimented his car, trying to strike a conversation to get rid of this awkward fucking silence. And well to be honest, you just want to hear his sexy voice.

He grinned, switching the position of his hands on the wheels. “You sure know how to fucking compliment a man.” His reply made you blush once more, reddening your cheeks more.

“So where ‘m taking ya, Shrimpy?”

“U-Umm…to XXX-XXX…please.”

His eyebrow arched, remembering that area recently got into a fire accident. He was a part of that mission, and he vaguely recalled that experience. It was pretty hectic and dangerous, the most dangerous he has ever experienced. He even thought he was gonna die while saving the citizens inside.

“You ought to be careful there. I recently rescued people from a fire accident around your area, ya hear me?”

Your head snapped towards him, he finally caught your attention. “Rescue..? You’re a firefighter, right?”

He scoffed playfully, “What gave that shit away?”

“I actually saw you once in action! The building was literally collapsing yet you managed to carried out 5 people on your back!!” You replied with such amazement, recalling how brave and heroic he looked when he exited the building.

Now this piqued his interest. “Ho? You saw me once, huh?”

You can only nod excitingly. You rambled — well more on praised his heroic performance since you only saw that type of shit in TV. Experiencing an event like that in real life just makes the experience a whole lot better. Your respect for firefighters just deepened since it must be very hard walking onto those flames to save people.

“How do you do it?” You had to ask, curious with his lifestyle as a firefighter. He only stayed silent, not sure what you were implying.

“Like…how do you just walk into fire to save them? It takes a lot of mental strength to do that, you know? And is your job just running inside the burning house? Are there other jobs? Are you required to learn stuff from the medical field? What happens if—” You stopped talking when he laughed loudly.

You tilted your head in confusion, trying to recall if you said anything funny. “What’s so funny?”

He shook his head, trying to catch his breath. “Nothing! The conversation I usually have with girls are about getting my phone number and sex. But you?” He looked at you for a brief moment then back at the road. “You asked about my job?”

“Not everything’s about sex!” You retorted. “Besides, I was just really curious about it, you know? It still really amazes me how you managed to save people in a collapsing building…”

Batump…

Bakugo stared at the road blankly, not expecting this type of conversation with a girl. It was no lie when he mentioned that girls are only after his number and sex. This was the first time someone asked him about…well…him.

The blond knew he’s self-worth. He knows that he can attract ladies with his charms and looks. All he had to do is glance to their direction as he flex his muscles, and the girls come to him.

You tilted your head when he chuckled, perplexed with what he’s laughing on. You were about to ask till he began explaining the basics and strategies. He elucidated everything so well, that it felt like a lecture at this point. This alone indicates how he loves his job.

You smiled at his rambling, and you continued asking questions. He answered them quickly, trying to contain his excitement which ended up as a fail to be honest.

This went on till he finally drove you home.

Bakugo parked his car, veering the gear shift to its parking mode. You removed your seatbelt and fixed the strap of your bag on your shoulders. You were about to open the door when he did it for you.

As soon as the door opened, your heart skipped a beat from this gesture.

“Ya comin’ or what?” He rasped, placing his palm in front of you.

You nodded, colliding your fingers with his fingers first. Then, you slowly guided your fingers to his palm. The blond reacted by slowly closing his hand while you reacted the same way.

You giggled a bit, “Didn’t depict you to be a gentleman.”

He scoffed, closing the door and lock his car. “Was that supposed to be an insult, dumbass?”

“Take it how you want it…”

He arched his brow, holding your hand a bit tighter. The goosebumps traveled up your body, not expecting the sudden aggression from him.

Holy ravioli cheesecake macaroni….The burning sensation is back on your cheeks. It’s only know you realized how rough and calloused his hands are. Moreover, they were warm which made you feel cozy. And goodness, his hands were fucking big. You can’t even almost see your hands anymore, just the tip of your fingers.

“U-Um…thanks for bringing me home, Bakugo-kun…” You broke the silence.

“No problem.”

You slowly loosen the grip on his hand, indicating that you need to leave. He got the idea and slowly loosened his grip as well. You were a bit — no, you were really sad that the warmth on your hand is gone.

“Uhh. Hey,” He suddenly spoke, placing one hand on his hips while the other is scratching the back of his neck.

“I ‘ont usually ask this type of shit, but wanna grab coffee with me or something?” He asked, looking away from your eyes with a mild blush.

You giggled. “What time and when?”

“Uhhh…tomorrow? After our shift?”

Your eyes went wide, not expecting to be that quick. You intentionally let out a huge smile, “That eager to see me?”

Bakugo flinched, getting irritated since he isn’t used to be teased on. “If you ain’t free then we can fucking just—” He stoped exploding when he heard you laughing.

Batump…

There it goes again.

Batump…

It’s the same beat and sound he heard while in the car.

Batump…

And suddenly, the world around him moved slowly. Background was blurry, but you were emphasized on his eyes. He clicked his tongue in annoyance, not understanding this new feeling. However, it’s a feeling he would want to feel again with only you.

“I would love to have coffee with you!!” You stopped laughing, wiping a happy tear from your eye.

Fucking shit. His heart skipped a damn beat again.

Many months has passed since your first meeting with Bakugo. Your cheeks still burn as ever when you see him while his heart beats faster and faster when he sees you.

The blond knew what the damn feeling was — love.

It took him months of declining, denying and refusing his feelings for you. He wanted to slap and choke his past self for waiting that damn long to be truthful with his feelings. As he mentioned, he doesn’t commit to a relationship because it’s tiring and time consuming. Hence why it was hard for him to conclude his end game with you.

Months ago, the blond had to consult with about Kirishima Eijiro, a former playboy, about his feelings. The redhead happily guided and counseled him about his concerns and worries. Though it was a painful moment for Kirishima since Bakugo kept denying it even further.

Mina was so close into smacking her blond friend for being so stupid, but Kirishima held his girlfriend back. He kinda wish he did not though….

Soon, it became too much to bear so Kirishima asked help from the rest of his friends to hopefully smack talk Bakugo through this.

“You’re complicated, you know that right?” Kirishima groaned loudly, putting on his firefighter suit.

Bakugo clicked his tongue in irritation, placing some equipment needed ok his suit. Iida shook his head in disapproval, “When will you finally come true with your feelings, Bakugo-kun?”

“I AM TRUE WITH MY FEELINGS!” He retorted, slamming his locker loudly.

“Really now? Denying your feelings for [Name] is your true feelings?” Kaminari sighed, removing his jacket and placing it inside his locker.

“I ain’t denying shit!”

Sero shook his head in disapproval. “C’mon, dude! I’ve seen the way you look at her. You have those twinkle twinkle stars on your eyes!”

“I fucking do not!”

“Hm. Leading [Name] on, Taking advantage of [Name], Cursing at [Name] out of no where, Does not apologize at first, Tries to win her back by apologizing, Plays around with girls, and cycle repeats,” Todoroki spoke, holding his chin with his slender fingers.

“….I believe that’s called a—” He continued speaking.

“—Red flag.” He snapped his fingers while looking at Bakugo.

Bakugo’s vein popped out on his forehead. “I AIN’T NO RED FLAG, ICYHOT!”

Todoroki tilted his head in confusion. “But according to this generation slang, you fit into the red flag category more rather than the green flag category.”

“You wanna fucking die, Half ‘n Half?”

Midoriya sweats, going in between an enraged Bakugo and a genuinely confused Todoroki. “Now! Now! Now! No need to get violent, Kacchan. I think what Todoroki-kun means is that you not being true with your feelings also breaks [Name]’s heart.”

The green-haired continued, “It’s obvious that [Name] likes you too yet you keep pushing her away with your mood swings. First, you were kind and gentle with her and next, you were cussing at her while making out with another girl. It’s a surprise that [Name] even stuck with you for so long. Kacchan, if you continue acting like this, you won’t even realize that she’s gone…”

“He’s right, bro…” Kirishima agreed. “Listen. Before Mina and I started dating, I didn’t realize that I love her so much till she stopped chasing after me. I’ve spent months having breakdowns and regrets when I didn’t choose to follow my heart to be with her. Don’t you remember what you told me during those months?”

Kirishima placed his finger tip on his chest. “Stop delaying shit. Just ask her out so I won’t have to worry for your dumbass.” The latter repeated the words Bakugo told him before.

Bakugo’s eyes only quivered, gulping down his throat as his fist clenched while thinking of you out of his reach.

A sweat dripped from Sero’s forehead so he sighed, “Alright then. Since you don’t like [Name], can I have her?”

The blond’s eyes went wild, grabbing Sero’s collar and pining him against the locker. “You wanna fucking die, Tape Face?”

Sero chuckled since he expected this reaction from him. “Seems like you found your answer, ain’t that right dumbass?”

He slowly loosen his grip on his collar, realizing his actual feelings with you. He fucking likes you. He began thinking why he keeps denying it — was it really his ego and pride to not date? If that’s the damn answer, he wanted to blast himself for being so stupid.

However, it was frustrating that it took a jealousy moment for him to realize. What’s even more annoying is that it was the one of his friends that riled him up.

“Yer fuckin’ annoying, damn it…” Bakugo cussed, glaring at Sero who’s grinning.

“To clear shit out, I ain’t after your girl. She’s yours. And it’s thanks to me your dumbass knows what you’re actually feeling.”

The blond rolled his eyes, “Shut up…”

Kirishima smiled, almost tearing up like a proud parent since his dumbass of a friend finally accept his feelings. He lunged at Bakugo, wrapping an arm on his shoulders with a smile. He laughed and ruffled through his hair, praising him which eventually made Bakugo annoyed.

Suddenly, the emergency alarm made a loud sound.

This signals that there has been a fire accident near by. It was their cue to roll out and get the job done. All of them got what they need from their lockers before slamming them shut. As they ran to their truck, Midoriya called for his friends.

“Guys…this fire emergency is actually happening in [Name]’s workplace….” He showed his messages of Uraraka spamming him to get his ass there and distinguish the fire.

Bakugo’s world stopped.

His pupils shrunk in fear, he can feel his body paling up as cold sweat dripped from his body. His body shivered slowly, feeling his gaze getting blurry. He clenched his fists as he practically sprinted to the truck.

His friends followed behind, jumping into their truck. Kaminari, their driver, stepped into the gas as the gate of their department opened. The rest began readying their equipment needed.

While doing so, Bakugo’s paranoia kept increasing. The negative thoughts of you in the fire is making him lose his mind. He even began thinking that he might not make it. An unfamiliar wetness began to form on his eyes, he was unsure what it is, but it was not a pleasant feeling.

As soon as they arrive, number of people were in the sidelines. The policemen were blocking their way, guarding the citizens while aiding the people who managed to get away from the fire.

Bakugo’s stomach dropped when he sees you not outside. He immediately saw Uraraka, crying and shivering with burns on her skin. The blond ran towards her and screamed, “ROUNDFACE! WHERE’S [NAME]!?!”

Uraraka faced him with lifeless eyes and pointed at burning flower shop.

He did not hesitate. He ran inside even with his crew mates yelling and trying to stop him. The blond ran through the blazing fire, rummaging through the debris. He sank deeper into the fire, the ashes covering his sight a bit. However, he soon saw a body lying down on the floor with wood crushing its body.

His eyes lit up in hope so he ran to that body. He began removing the heavy wood crushing the body. Soon, he cried in relief when he saw it was you.

Bakugo bent down, carrying your upper body against this thigh. His fingers removed the hair on your face, analyzing for injuries and others. When he confirmed you’re still breathing, he wanted to cry out of happiness. He lifted you up bridal style, carrying you out with caution.

Uraraka collapsed on the floor in relief when she saw you in Bakugo’s arms. The blond immediately brought you to their medic. He immediately removed his helmet to look at you properly. The latter held your cheeks with caution, shaking you a bit to wake up.

“HEY! Wake up! Oi! Wake up!” He yelled, still holding your cheeks.

“Bakugo! Move back!” Iida screamed, slamming the first aid down, and he moved closer to examine your condition.

The blond moved back, his eyes getting blurry again as that water sensation is back on his eyes. His hands found its way on his hair, gripping them like there’s no tomorrow. He watched as more people surround you, trying to stabilize your breathing and checking your pulse.

Kacchan, if you continue acting like this, you won’t even realize that she’s gone…

Bakugo can’t lose you. He just finally came true with his feelings. The blond began to shiver while a cold sweat surrounded his body. Everything was already a blur even sounds, it was only your body that was emphasized on his eyes.

Stop delaying shit. Just ask her out so I won’t have to worry for your dumbass.

Once again, he wanted to fucking blast himself for being so damn stupid. It took him months to realize that shit. Bakugo began regretting every pain he inflicted on you — the times when he got mad at you randomly, the times when he would degrade her in front of his flings, and the times when his mood swings got the best of him.

Tears dropped from his eyes, praying to God that he won’t take you. His tears didn’t stop when he saw no movement from you. With his blur gaze, he watched his friends run towards him in concern. They shook him, trying to snap him back to reality.

Soon, everything literally turned into a blur.

The rush to the hospital, the doctors inserting a needle inside you, the nurses checking your regulation was all a blur. Bakugo just went with the flow — wherever you went, he was there.

It’s been a whole day since the fire incident. You were sleeping on the hospital bed with IV fluid flowing inside your veins. The blond stayed by your side till the end, his knees popping up and down aggressively while his face is buried on his hands.

He prayed every second that you would wake up. He begged whatever God was up there to hear his prayers right now. He pleaded for a miracle to happen.

“B-Bakugo…?”

His head snapped forward to see your eyes open. His own eyes shone in joy, practically jumping from his seat. The blond tripped a bit, colliding his knee on the floor but didn’t seemed to care. He immediately tended to you first, holding your hand then your cheek.

“H-How are you..?” He asked, caressing your cheeks.

“I-I should be asking that…did you even sleep?” You chuckled, trying a bit harder to open your eyes more.

“I’m fine, don’t worry. Are you okay? Do you need anything?”

“Just thirsty…is there any water? Being in that fire got me so damn parched…” You joked, trying to lift his sad and mood. However in all honesty, it’s freaking you out a bit to see how sad and miserable he looks.

It’s not a bad thing or anything, but you were so used to see Bakugo so prideful and cocky. Seeing him in this state was a legit new thing for you.

With a lot of care and caution, he lifted your head a bit while bringing a glass of water near your mouth. A satisfied gulp engulfed you when you feel the wet sensation relieving your parched throat. You expressed your gratitude with the blond as he slowly placed your head down in the pillow.

“How bad was it?” You had to ask.

“Burnt to the ground. The Department even discussed that people living in that area should stay with someone else first. They decided that they should scout the area to investigate the cause. That fire accident was the 4th time this week.”

“I-Is that so?” You stuttered and uttered again. “Can you pass my phone? I’ll ask Uraraka if I can stay with her…”

Bakugo crossed his arms. “Um. About that…you’ll be staying with me…”

“I-Is that alright? I don’t want to intrude, especially if you’re bringing girls over…”

His eye twitched, cursing at you for being too kind. Not to mention, he finally became true with his feelings so the thought of other girls touching him became an unpleasant idea.

“It’s fine, you’re no—never a hinderance…I’ll consult with the nurse with your discharge…” He sighed, walking to the door to exit the room.

“W-Wait! At least tell me the price of the—” You didn’t finish your sentence since he closed the door already.

When he closed the door, Bakugo noticed Todoroki leaning on the opposite side of the door. His arms were crossed to his chest while his one foot is up in the wall, propping his knee out.

“You lied about the Department declaring that the people living in the area should stay with someone else…” He pointed out, grinning a bit to tease him.

The blond clicked his tongue, jaw clenched in annoyance as he looked away with a deep blush. “Shut the fuck up, Icy Hot…”

Afterwards, Bakugo finalized your bills and papers. The blond paid for everything already which annoyed you a bit. You were grateful that he took care of everything, but a heads up would be fucking nice. Throughout the day, he helped you with legit everything — from getting up from the bed to walking to his apartment.

As soon he settled you down on the sofa. He grabbed the remote to his smart TV, allowing you to pick any movie you want to watch. You shyly got the remote from his hand, but while getting it, his fingers traced your hand. With a gulp, you immediately retracted your hand from his.

He notified that he will be making dinner so he made his way to the kitchen. You can hear the sounds of knives across the kitchen. You can even smell the food he was making. It smelled really good which was no surprise since Bakugo was a good cook.

Later, he prepared the food on a plate and gave it to you on the sofa. You expressed your gratitude and began eating.

Bakugo took care of you for 3 days, attending to your needs. You didn’t ask for much though, you mostly sat on the sofa while watching movies. The blond did not let you do a single thing, he used your discharge from the hospital as an excuse.

“Bakugo, I’m feeling a lot better now…I think I should at least do something…” You said, feeling guilty that you are basically not doing anything.

“Not happening. You’re still—Stop using that as an excuse. I’m pretty sure I know when my own body is feeling fine. I missed work for 3 days since then! When will the Departement allow me to go back to my home?” You just had to ask.

“I lied about the Department…” He bluntly exclaimed, wanting to clarify that a long time ago.

Your eyes went wide. “W-What?”

“I-I lied about it because I became d-desperate…”

You took a deep breath, holding onto your sanity. “Desperate about what?” You questioned, trying to understand why he kinda kidnapped you for his own benefit.

“To be with you…”

You arched your brow. “To be with me?” You raised your voice a bit, crossing your arms to your chest.

“Y-Yes..fuck, I ain’t good with this, but I-I like you so I lied and some shit…” He confessed, looking down to the floor with a definite blush.

I like you. Those are the words you desired to hear. It’s no shock that you became the victims of love of Bakugo. The man has this charisma that you can’t avoid so you fell for him too. However, loving him was also your downfall.

The amount of times he has hurt you is never ending. All the sorries, the hope, the love became too much for you at some point. But, you were so lovesick for him so you forgave his sorry ass no matter what. You don’t care, you’ll do it over and over, even if he’s not a prince in your list.

This type of love has inflicted you pain so many times yet why you still looking for love?

“Bakugo, I get that you did this because you like me. I like you too, but…” You paused when you saw the light on his eyes.

“…I-I’m not sure if I want to be with you…”

His eyes widen as his shoulders tensed up in fear. He was about to speak, but you spoke first, “I like you, I really do, but I can never forget all the times you���ve hurt me. But, what really hurts me is when you kissed that girl in the party, what’s worse is when she degraded me, you did not do anything. How can I stay with a guy who wouldn’t put down his pride? How can you ensure that you’ll make me happy..”

Bakugo snapped, grabbing your forearms tightly and yelled, “I can make you happy!”

You chuckled, and a tear dropped from your eye. “Really? Because you’ve given me a lot of sad memories rather than happy ones.”

His face paled up, realizing the amount of times he has hurt you due to his ego. All those memories are finally getting back to him, it all flashed through him like the wind.

“I-I…” He stuttered, loosening his grip on your forearms. His hand slowly traveled down to your hands. He slightly touches your fingers, his head looking down in remorse.

“I’m sorry…” Those two words were short, but it held a greater context behind it. You can feel the sincerity with his words, it felt like every pain he has given you vanished. You shut your eyes for a moment, trying to decide an answer to his apology.

Should you listen to your brain and say that it’s over? It’s clearly a huge sign that he is a red flag in many aspects.

Or should you listen to your heart and give him another chance? It’s already a huge risk that you’re even speaking with him. Will he be worth it? Can attitudes and personality change?

You opened your eyes, already done deciding. So you spoke, “Bakugo.”

His breath hitched, holding your fingers tighter.

“It’s stupid, but I’ll give you another chance. However, you must work for it. I do like you, but I want to see effort first. I’m quite traditional so forgive me for asking such, but I need to see if you truly like me or this is just a fling of yours,” You confessed which gave him a spark of hope.

He smiled, his fingers holding your entire hands and bringing it up to your chest. “I’ll take it!!” He yelled enthusiastically.

You arched your brow, a chuckle left your mouth. “Just to let you know, I won’t make it easy for you. I’ll show you my flaws, my bratty attitude, and my own red flags. Let’s see how you’ll handle that, just like how I handled yours. Now, don’t look so relief just because you know I like you.”

He looked surprised for a moment, but his expression turned into an excited look. “That’s fucking fine. Ya can be as mean as you want to be, but ‘m fucking winning ya back.”

You scoffed playfully, “Please. I’m sure you won’t even last a damn day with my attitude.”

Bakugo grinned, his eyes burned with sensation, “Game fuckin’ on.”

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ possible continuation? or leave it as an open-ending for all?

[oepionie]

JAZZ NIGHT. draconia & ashengrotto

Sypnosis: Monstro Lounge was hosting a new event! "Jazz Night" where the ramshackle prefect herself was rumoured to perform. Boys flocked to the lounge in droves, eager to hear her sing. Though, it seems that her performance has touched a special someone.

Character/s: Azul Ashengrotto, Malleus Draconia x Fem! Lounge Singer! Reader

Tags: Fluff! Established relationship, Lilia plays the guitar, Azul is so in love with you he nearly faints, The tweels bully tease shy Azul, Malleus holds so much love for you awee, Bitter Sebek, A bit of possessive Mal?

Word Count: 1.5k+ | 💌Masterlist

Tonight, Monstro Lounge was jam-packed with customers. They were all scurrying around the place like lost guppies while looking for open tables.

Warm, vibrant lights illuminated the aquariums, filled with all types of unique vibrant fish. The massive tanks encircled a sizable stage which was outfitted with magnificent decorations and a live band.

A unique promotional night was being hosted. "Jazz Night," a special occasion that the prefect of Ramshackle introduced.

Though the strange 'earth' event wasn't what really drew the massive crowds in. Their curiosity was focused on something else. It was the fact that the prefect herself was going to be performing.

Once that news got out, people practically stormed the lounge, nearly shattering the glass doors and windows down. It was a whole tsunami of students willing to spend their entire life savings just to hear the girl sing. Azul was swimming in money, the happiest he'd ever been in his life.

It took an hour but with everyone finally settled down, the lights dimmed and the live band started playing. All that was left was for the star of the show to come out.

A.A| AZUL ASHENGROTTO:

The velvet folds of red drape curtains parted and you cautiously stepped out, clutching the long skirt of your dress securely in your hands. You were dressed to the nines in a dazzling purple evening gown paired with matching shell earrings; the costly ensemble entirely paid for by Azul.

The crowd cheered as you took your seat up front the stage, blinding spotlight illuminating your form. Amidst the crowd of teenage boys, you scoured the area for a certain trio of mer-men.

Azul was seated in the far back with both Jade and Floyd beside him. He was tense and frozen stiff; much like the stash of popsicles Floyd kept hidden deep in Octavinelle's fridge.

You noticed how his face was dusted in a pink flush as both Floyd and Jade whispered in his ear, identical devilish grins plastered onto their faces. Azul burned a deeper red with each passing comment, eventually taking solace in burying his face into his hands.

'They're toying with him again…' You sighed at their antics, a wistful smile on your face.

So caught up with watching the trio, you nearly missed the drummer's cue for you to begin. You took a deep breath and adjusted the microphone to your liking. The crowd appeared to blend together, packed with the eager faces of boys looking directly at you.

Fluttering your lashes, you cast a glance at Azul, smiling, as you slid your fingers up the microphone stand. "You had plenty money in nineteen-forty-one. You lost it all, and then where'd you run? Why don't you do right like some other men do?"

The octo-mer knew he got embarrassingly soft around you. Even now, the only reaction he can muster in response to your singing is awe.

"You sittin' down wondering what it's all about. If you ain't got no money, they will put you out." The aquarium lights cast a delicate lilac glow on your skin, accentuating your delicate features. Lovely honeyed singing overflowing from your glossy red lips.

Azul's voice was caught in his throat, almost as if you had a tight grip on his neck, wringing it firmly to constrain his breathing and leave him gasping for air like a fish out of water. His head swirls as he shakily exhales, feeling so lightheaded, he was on the verge of passing out.

"If you had prepared 20 years ago, you wouldn't be wandering now from door to door. Why don't you do right? Like some other men do~?" There was a sickeningly sweet smile on your face as you sneaked glances towards him, fixing him with the affectionate gaze he always felt undeserving of.

"Heh heh, her choice of song seems to be intentional." Jade noted, a smirk on his face as he examined Azul's dazed state.

"Eugh, Jade- He's so down bad." Floyd squinted his eyes, slowly digging his finger into the flesh of Azul's cheek. The octo-mer had no reaction.

He continued to poke his boss' cheek, but there was still no response. Azul stayed still, a sappy, cheesy look on his face that made Floyd gag.

"Why don't you do right? Like some other men…do~?" You sang, drawing out the final words as the song came to an end.

Your face was flushed with delight as the audience applauded, a mix of shouts and whistles ringing out through the entire lounge.

Azul, who is only dimly aware of the scorching hot blush on his skin, knows that these feelings will linger with him throughout the day and into the night. Still, he went on, slack-jawedly looking at you in a lovesick stupor.

M.D | MALLEUS DRACONIA:

One of the guitarists on stage was none other than the old bat from Diasomnia. Earning his spot after he twisted Azul's arm into letting him join the performance. There was no way Lilia was going to pass up an opportunity like this.

He peered around the room for a certain dragon, scouring the crowds of people squeezed into the cafe. As soon as he spotted Malleus, he grinned wryly. "Oh, Malleus dear, you're going to love this."

Lilia could never forget the look of astonishment on Malleus' face when Azul handed him the invitation, he looked like a golden retriever being presented with a bone; it was adorable.

The fae was ecstatic to be invited to an important occasion, given how uncommon it was for anybody to contact him. The added notion that he would be able to witness you perform made him practically tremble in excitement.

"There are a lot more people here than I thought." Malleus muttered, examining the invitation in his palm.

"It seems that they're curious to hear the human's voice, young master!" Sebek exclaimed, arms crossed across his chest as he smirked. "I doubt their singing could reach your standards!"

"Don't be mean Sebek…" Silver drawled, slumping against the plush sofa, fervently fighting to stay awake. His eyes flitted over to the stage, seeing the lights dim as a spotlight appeared. "Oh? Is it starting?"

Malleus jerked his head up to see you emerge from the velvet curtains, dressed in a body-hugging black evening gown. He glowed with pride when he saw the necklace he gifted you proudly sitting atop your neck, its green gem glimmering beneath the lounge's lavender lights.

Once you neared the front of the stage, you eagerly waved at him, and he chuckled before returning the gesture. After eyeing your interactions, Lilia struck a few notes on his guitar, the rest of the band following suit.

"Stars shining bright above you. Night breezes seem to whisper 'I love you'~" Malleus beams as you turn to him and smile, seeing the way his eyes crinkle in mirth while missing the way Sebek rolls his eyes at the loving gesture.

"Birds singin' in the sycamore trees. Dream a little dream of me. Say 'Night-ie night' and kiss me. Just hold me tight and tell me you'll miss me." You sang, eyes fluttering close before you opened them to peek at Malleus.

"While I'm alone and blue as can be, dream a little dream of me~" Honey-saccharine, sweet yearning, driven by his affections for you, pours from Malleus' eyes.

In truth, his gaze was overwhelming, the amount of love he was able to convey in a single glance astounded you. It's the kind of love that you wished to cherish for all eternity—one that is as exquisitely as sweet and lovely as the fresh roses in a garden.

"Stars fading but I linger on, dear. Still craving your kiss." Malleus finds himself longing for your undivided affection and your entrancing voice. He's fed up with the crowds surrounding you and wishes to be alone in your company, to experience the pleasure of being the only one who can hear your voice.

Still, he allows you to continue your little performance, loving the way you looked so carefree as you swayed to the beat of the music, losing yourself in the song.

"But in your dreams, whatever they be…dream a little dream of me~"

"I'm going to bash someone's head in." Floyd snarled, plopping down onto a bar stool. He's been shoving people down chairs for the past 5 hours but they still kept on coming.

"Azul~! Why is the entire school here?! No way I'm gonna serve all these people!" He whined, smashing his face down the bar table and banging his fists.

"I already told you. It's because of our new event." Azul said, bringing out his laptop and displaying a document outlining the night's financial numbers.

"Incredible—! I increased the price by 20 times what we normally charge, and people keep coming! I didn't expect the prefect to bring in this much profit!" Azul exclaimed as he typed furiously on his laptop, a giddy smile on his face. Floyd lifted his head off the counter and gawked at the octopus.

"There are more coming?!"

A/N: This was a request! Likes and Reblogs are greatly appreciated and really motivating on my end!

[dashofmonsters]

Dreamers & Delusions- Pt. 9

merman x female reader

Tao:

"Who is it? Who did you chose?"

Those words ring in my head over and over again. I had no intention of bringing this up so soon. Hadn't wanted to talk about this just yet with her. But that tired desperate look in her eyes...

I feel my chest tightening as her fingers shake and her lips quiver.

Jes had stopped by the beach before I came home yesterday and had a long talk with me. She reconfirmed that my dear little shoal mate does have feelings for me but she's afraid. Afraid of getting hurt because I may reject her and chose a fated mate that may or may not exist. And then her grandmother came by and made it worse.

I omitted much when I told her what she said since I still had a hard time digesting it myself.

"You two are so different, how do expect to live a life together? She might want to go off and travel one day? What then? What would you do? You can't go with her, not unless it's close to a body of saltwater. You're ruining her, giving her hope when there's none."

A part of me didn't want to believe her, didn't want to there to be any truth to it, but deep down I knew it hurt because there is some truth to it.

"Who...?" She repeats, her voice lower than before.

"I-I can't," I stutter.

"Please Tao, who is it?" She asks again, feigning being composed.

I bite my tongue, bitter blood coating my mouth as it mixes with a taste of a lie I've yet to speak. I swallow both down though, tired of lying, tired of hiding. I don't know if telling her will free her or further trap her in a hell of emotions that I've unintentionally dragged her into, but I need to say it. Just not here, not now.

I exhale and cup her cheeks in my hands, "I'll tell you, just not here, not now. You're tired and still healing and I'm... I'm honestly not doing very well myself."

Her lips purse and she lowers her gaze as I open up with what I've been dealing with. I hadn't wanted to burden her with it but it's not fair to either of us if she's the only one willing to talk.

For the first time since I met her I just talk, taking every filter off. Every complaint I held in, every frustration, annoyance, or sorrow. Everything that has brought me joy or has humored me in some way.

I start pacing in my tank, the end of my tail brushing against the walls as circle maddeningly as I vent. I stop when I catch a glimpse of her out of the corner of my eye holding onto one of the larger rocks for dear life.

I've accidentally and very much idiotically have created a vortex. I wait out the the push and pull I've cause and swim to her once it's died down.

"Are you alright? I-I didn't me to-"

"Fine, I'm fine Tao. Well not really, but I guess we both aren't huh?" she cracks a half smile that fades quickly.

"No, we are not," I agree.

"So what now?" she shrugs her shoulders and flattens her lips.

"We both need to rest. I have the next few days off so during this time we'll get you moved in. But for today, I think it's best if we give each other a little space and try not think about anything but our health. If you can do that for me, for yourself, then and only then will I answer your question. Ok?" I tell her.

She nods and I can see her eyes tearing up as she swims up to me and wraps her arms around my neck. She mutters a string of apologies but suddenly stops and I hear her choke.

My spell has worn off.

I take hold of her and swim her up to the surface and toss open the hatch. She coughing and her breathing is ragged as she crawls up and flops on the floor. For a few brief moments I think she might start crying again but to my surprise she bursts out laughing.

She talks about the last several days and how things have just stacked up and she really hasn't given herself time to actually heal or feel comfortable. I grit my teeth knowing I've contributed to it, knowing how she feels and expressing my feelings for her without being clear.

Jes chastised me, saying I shouldn't play with someone's feelings but I was either too stubborn or too stupid to understand what she meant. The kindness, affection and care I've displayed in hopes of her being more comfortable with the idea of staying here, staying with me... It's only caused her stress, confusion and pain.

"Can we just get me moved in today Tao? I don't think I can wait anymore. I just... I'm done. I'm done being at everyone's mercy, I'm done humoring people who don't deserve it and I'm done with being stressed and tired all the damn time," She groans and turn over to look at me.

She pouts her lip and I see a mix of pleading and playfulness in her eyes. I want to laugh because all she had to do was ask.

I roll my eyes and pull myself up till I'm sitting at the edge of the hatch, "On one condition, get five more hours of sleep and in the nest room. I don't want to ever see you sleeping on my couch again."

"Or what, you'll get rid of it?" she jokes.

"No, it's a perfectly good couch. I'd sell it," I smile.

She laughs thinking that I'm playing along with her joke, but it's not. I'll fucking sell that couch if I ever see her sleep on it again. Then buy an actual bed to replace it. If she needs space, I can only do my best to grant it to her. I just hope she'll confine in me more instead of bottling everything up.

"I guess I should try and sleep then. What about you?" she asks.

"I had a good four hours, if I sleep anymore I might be useless," I admit.

She gapes and then I see her brows furrow, "But that time at my grandma's house?"

"I sleep longer with others," I nod. "By myself, three hours is more than enough. I usually just jostle awake from the instinctually feeling of drowning. But with others, there's a natural feeling of support. So when we shared a bed, my body felt relaxed enough to sleep longer."

"That actually makes a lot of sense. So what will you be doing?" She asks again.

"I'll call and get a moving van scheduled and buy some boxes and tape. We'll figure out where to put your things once they're here. I also need to send word to my sponsor that I'll have a roommate for the foreseeable future," I tell her.

A hand flies up to her mouth and her eyes widen, "You didn't say anything to them yet? Tao!"

"It'll be fine, he's not a real stickler for the rules and beside, every time he visits he asks about my romantic life," I sneer as I think about my last meeting. He had asked about her number in my phone over and over until I relented and just said she was a friend. It was the first time calling her that to someone else and it tasted horrible. He saw the disgust on my face and grinned as he caught my lie.

"Sounds annoying," she shrugs.

"He is," I agree and reach for the nearby bench, flipping the seat up and grabbing a towel. "Now if you don't mind, I'm about to be naked and would like a little bit of privacy."

The taste of that lie makes me want to vomit.

"Naww, I'm kind of comfortable here," she jokes and smirks at me.

My tail flinches and I glare at her. She keeps smiling at me like this is a joke so I'll play along. I gather my magic and command some of the water to move out of the tank and into the palm of my hand.

Now she's glaring at me, "You do realize that I'm already wet?"

"I do," I grin as I place the tip of my nail into the watery mass. "but you're not covered in ink."

"You wouldn't," she seethes.

The ball of water turns a vibrant almost neon blue. I roll it from one hand to the other as I give her one last chance, "One."

She doesn't move.

"Two," I start to aim the water ball at her.

She scoots back just a little.

"Th-"

She dashes towards the couch and grabs a pillow and launches it at me.

I manage to dodge it but lose track of her somehow. For a moment I think she's retreated and toss the water ball back into the tank, the ink will fade on its own so I don't mind. I move to get up but stop when something soft hits my head and rolls next to me.

"Really?" I yell.

But she doesn't reply, instead another pillow is thrown at me from another angle. I pull the rest of my tail out of the tank and quickly wrap the towel around my waist as I feel my lower body split into legs. I'm about to stand up when another pillow smacks my chest.

I grab the yellow polka dot pillow and tuck it under my arm while I secure the towel around my waist with a bit of magic. Then I wait.

I tune in on the quiet steps she's taking and I swear I hear the faintest bit of laughter as she pauses. I turn as if I think I hear her at a different direction and the moment I do I she attempts to launch another pillow at me but I catch it in time and toss one at her. Which seems to have been a grave mistake.

The pillow smacks her dead in the face and she lets out a sharp cry. I feel my heart drop at the thought of hurting her and quickly run to her side. Her hands are covering her face and she's shaking. I apologize over and over but I don't think she hears me. I kneel down and take her hands in mine and pull them away and-

She surges forward and kisses me on the cheek and laughs.

For a moment I'm too stunned to say or do anything until she tries to pull away from me. I quickly retaliate and scoop her up and haul her over my shoulder. She laughs and pokes at me asking to put her down but I won't, not yet.

I take her to the bathroom and flick my finger at the faucet making the ice cold water fill the tub. I wait a moment before carefully dropping her in. She hisses and shrieks but she's still smiling.

"Tao you bastard!" She yells at me. "It's fucking freezing in here."

I smile at her as I yank a large towel off a hook and offer it to her. She quickly stomps out of the tub and starts peeling her clothes off. I quickly close my eyes when an interesting thought occurs to me... I hold the towel up and wait.

"Really dude?" She sighs.

"I'm sorry, I can't see you," I grin.

I hear her jump and groan before she pinches my side which makes me wince.

"Dude I'm.. I'm fucking freezing. Just give me the towel," She huffs. I can hear the shiver in her voice this time and I relent.

She snatches the towel right away and quickly wraps herself up.

"You can look now, everything's covered up Tao," she says.

I open my eyes and look down. Her skin is covered in small bumps and she's shaking.

"You should get to the nest room and warm up. I'm going to shower real quick and I'll make breakfast for us afterwards," I nod.

She looks down and sighs, "Sounds good but uh... I mean I kinda wanted to shower too. Salt water isn't that good for my hair."

I think about letting her go first but it will take thirty minutes for the hot water to reset. I could use my magic to make the shower water I use warm but any spells involving heat will deplete my day's magic since I'm cold blooded. And I don't like going without an ample amount of magic anywhere.

"Tao?" she asks. "You ok?"

"Just uh..."

"It's the hot water situation huh?" she makes a face and crinkles her nose.

I nod and cross my arms, "The only other option I can think of is highly inappropriate..."

She snickers, "What? Us showering together? Dude if that's the only way we can stand back to back or take turns doing a quick five minute shower each. Whatever you're comfortable with."

I groan because I hadn't thought about just taking a short shower since I usually stay in until the water runs cold. Back to back still seems too much but at the same time... I shake my head and chase out those impure thoughts of mine, now's not the time for that.

"We can try back to back only because... because I want to check your injuries. You said they felt fine but I've noticed you've been itching your back a lot lately," I sputter out.

She purses her lips and turns around, lowering the towel to her waist. I try and look away but quickly notice a large angry bruise and scrapes near her hips and a large scab in the middle of her back. But nothing could have prepared me for the scar of the back of her neck.

How have I never noticed that?

"Oh gods," I whisper.

"Is it bad?" she responds, concern lacing her voice.

It takes me a moment to come back to myself and quickly respond about to scrapes and bruises.

"I guess it would probably be a good idea if you could get my back... I mean only if you're ok with that," she says.

"Yes...-" I blurt and quickly clear my throat. "I mean it might be a little uncomfortable but I uh-" I pause feeling the sickening taste of the lie I'm about to tell. "I would rather be uncomfortable for a little bit than you acquire some sort of infection."

She nods her head and so do I and we sort of just stand there for an awkward moment until she lets her towel drop and scurries to the shower.

"I'm uh going to get the shower started," she says before turning the faucets and pulling the shower tab.

I'm too stunned to move, too stunned to say anything, too stunned at seeing her perfect body.

Goddesses of the winds and seas give me strength.

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

Shit.

Shit.

Shit.

Shit.

Shit.

You curse yourself for making such a stupid, impulsive and asinine suggestion. You know you could have waited in the nest room, ate breakfast and then take a shower but no, you just had to open your mouth.

Now you're about to shower with a six foot something life guard merman who you just realized you're in love with.

What the fuck is wrong with me?

Shaking your head you feel the water getting warmer to the touch and quickly step in and then turn to face the wall.

"Ok, Tao... Your turn," you say.

You hear him shift and what you can only assume is his towel dropping. You suck in a deep breath as you feel your cheeks getting hot.

Tao carefully steps into the shower, his arm gently brushing against yours which causes the both of you to jump and look at each other.

His eyes widen before they quickly look away and he offers a quick apology.

You turn around and nearly bump your ass against him but manage to dodge any skin to skin in the last couple of seconds. The warm water is helping the shivers and goosebumps you had earlier but it's doing nothing for the full body blush you're feeling right now.

Taking another deep breath you run your hands through your hair and ask Tao for the shampoo he had bought you recently. But instead of handing the bottle to you he asks if he can wash your hair.

"Is uh this another cultural thing?" you ask, your nerves practically on fire.

"Yes and no. It's something you can say no to but it would be very nostalgic for me," Tao admits, his voice a little calmer.

"How so?" you ask.

"In my old shoal mates would help each other with their hair, either cleaning and brushing it out or styling it with beads, jewels, and strung pearls. My step father would spend hours lovingly braiding beads and jewels into my mothers hair even though she wasn't a fan of those intricate styles. But she knew he loved spending that time with her and she eventually fell in love with him," Tao sighs and your chest tightens.

You place a hand over your heart feeling a strange pain their that's not entirely yours. Normally you'd give into his requests but after what happened earlier, after he dodged your questions so nicely, you're not sure if you can give into him or should anymore. Especially anything to do with mates.

"I-I um... can you give me the shampoo Tao?" you ask again.

There's some slight hesitation but eventually he hands you the bottle. You hear him grab for his soaps while you sudds up your hair and the pain in your chest grows till it's almost unbearable. You feel yourself slipping and quickly catch yourself on the shower bar.

"Are you ok?" Tao quickly turns to you and the ache in your chest lightens but your cheeks feel much much hotter all of a sudden.

"Yeah uh...just a little dizzy I guess," you keep your eyes respectfully on the bar but that doesn't last too long. You feel yourself being carefully lifted and places right back on your feet. One of Tao's large clawed hands snakes around your throat and tilts your head back.

"Let me rinse your hair out and wash your back, then you can get out. I don't want to risk you falling over and injuring yourself further," Tao says as he pulls the shower head down and starts rinsing out your hair.

You stay stock still as he carefully untangles your hair, his claws able to work out each knot with ease. Once he's down with your hair he places the shower head back and slowly removes his hand from your throat.

"Good girl," he whispers to you and your face feels like it's about to combust. "Stay still if you can while I get your back."

Knowing Tao, he's got to be oblivious to what he just said and how it affected you because damn. You squirm a little bit, your nerves making you twitch a bit but Tao's firm hands gently still you just a bit above your hips.

"Be good and stay still," he repeats as he kneels down behind you. You feel the lightest touch of a washcloth as he slowly and carefully scrubs your back. When he barely touches the middle where that annoying itch has been you can't help but to tighten up and shake a bit which makes it hard for you to stay still.

"Sorry I uh... Oh uh Tao, what are you doing?" you ask as his comes to rest against your stomach.

"Holding up right. If it hurts and it's making you writhe you could possibly slip and-"

"Injure myself again, gotchya," I roll my eyes at the continuous ridiculousness of this situation. Tao is obviously being a lot more mature about this than I am.

He's slow and methodical with how he's cleaning my back, taking great care at the bruised spots but somehow he keeps going back up towards my neck... Did I get cut there too or...

Oh god, he saw it... He must have saw it... There's no way he wouldn't have, especially with how close he was.

I feel my heart beating a mile a minute and everything feels light and heavy all at once. I want to turn around and tell Tao to stop, yell at him for touching my neck and giving it any sort of attention at all. But it's not his fault, it's mine and I have no one to blame but myself...

"You're shaking... are you ok?" Tao asks but you don't say anything.

For a few moments you just stand there, wet, sad and holding yourself because you know if you let go you might fall apart.

"I..." you start but it takes you a few too many breathes to continue and when you try and talk again you feel the words sticking in the back of your throat.

Tao moves quick and picks you up in his arms and takes you out of the shower before grabbing a towel and covering you up. Your mind goes blank then, everything is a blur and before you know it you're asleep.

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

When you finally wake up you find yourself wrapped up in the nest room and the sun is going down. You try and sit up but your body aches and you feel things pop and pull. So you settle for a quick stretch and sigh.

You ended up sleeping all day. You probably needed it being emotionally exhausted but this was too much. You try again to sit up when the door opens.

"Looks like sleeping beauty's finally awake. How you feeling?" Jes asks as she comes in to sit beside you.

You gawk at her for a moment and she laughs.

"I came by to check on you and drop off some pie, Blake baked too much and they weren't selling as well as the cheesecake," she shrugs.

"But you're still here," you raise a brow at her.

"Tall dark and stupid was having a panic attack when I got here so I knew right then and there that I couldn't leave you two alone. I got him to calm down after a bit of talking and a couple cups of strong coffee. He's worried about you and so am I. He told me everything by the way, left nothing out," Jes pinches her brow and shakes her head.

"I couldn't take it anymore, it's starting to really fuck with me. I can't just pretend that I don't like him anymore. It's only going to get worse if I do and I don't know... maybe it'll be easier for me to move on once he rejects me, once he fully fucking breaks my heart it'll be easier to fall out of love with him...right?" you start crying and Jes pulls you into her arms.

"Hush you, you know that big idiot wouldn't hurt you like that," she pats your back and squeezes you.

"Not intentionally but he will...," you mutter as the tears continue to flow.

Jes continues holding you and listening to your woes as you cry. Time eventually passes and you're emotionally drained again and as limp as a wet noodle. She carefully lays you back down as she leaves to go get you some hot tea and soup that Tao made while in panic mode.

You curl up in a ball then, too tired to sit up again and too sad to think. But you do anyways.

Thoughts of Tao introducing his chosen mate to you enter your brain uninvited. There's a vile disgusting taste in your mouth that has you gaging as you imagine who he's chose. You can't stop your thoughts nor your gut and slip and trip towards the bathroom in a mad dash to empty the contents of your stomach.

Since you haven't eaten anything in hours it's mostly acrid bile which makes you feel even sicker. Jes finds you shortly after you've puked your soul out and helps you clean up. She carefully escorts you back to the nest room and wraps you up in a comfy blanket and hands you some water.

"You look clammy as fuck sugar pop, I think all this stress is making you sick. You should probably get checked soon." Jes presses a warm hand against your forehead then cheek.

"I would if I could but I don't have insurance," you grimace then take a swig of water. It's cold and kind of stings your throat but overall it's a lot more pleasant than the burning acid.

"At least let Merjerk Mcgee take care of you then. I can come by and bring some medicine and shit before my shift tomorrow. Your stuff should be moved in by then too. I have Arty and my brother Kirk helping him with the moving van," She says as she picks up the tray with the soup and tea.

Your eyes widen and you stutter for a few moments too long, "Jes... please tell me that the three of them are not going to my grandmother's by themselves."

Jes looks down before her eyes widen as she realizes the mistake that's about to be made.

"We should go," she whispers. "Right now."

[f6bron]

you adored me before.

pairing : chamber x fem!reader x deadeye

note : victor is deadeye (fanon), 3 of them are around high schoolers’ age, childhood friends to lovers trope, reader comes from a lower-class background

The sun had just begun its descent, casting a golden glow over the prestigious school grounds. You stood anxiously at the entrance, feeling out of place amidst the affluent parents and well-dressed students. You couldn’t ignore the whispers and glances of disdain, the way they were judging you for your worn-out clothes.

It made you feel small, like you didn’t belong in their world.

But it’s just how the world works, on your part. You’re used to it.

Just as your discomfort peaked, Vincent and Victor entered your vision.

“Y/N!”

Vincent, the ever-energetic and cheerful twin, sprinted towards you, his face alight with excitement. Victor followed behind at a more leisurely pace, a small, reassuring smile on his lips at the sight of beautiful you.

“Sorry for making you wait for us. Victor was being too slow.” Vincent said, only to be interrupted by a warning smack at the back from Victor.

“He’s lying to you. He spilled his food on his book, and [sighs], well… someone had to help him clean it up.” Victor corrected, making you chuckle shyly.

Vincent rolled his eyes at his brother dramatically before turning his attention back to you.

“Shall we get going?”

You nodded, a soft smile spreading across your face. To your surprise, Vincent grabbed your hand, his touch warm and reassuring. Victor, not to be outdone, gently took your backpack from your shoulder.

“Oh, Victor you don’t have to–” you started, but were cut off by his soft smile, which is a rare sight coming from him.

“No worries, okay?” He said, with a soft but firm voice.

“Thanks…” you mumbled, turning away to hide the blush that crept up your cheeks.

The twins shared a knowing glance, both wearing smiles that hinted at their not-so-secret affection for you.

Arriving at the aquarium, your excitement was palpable. As soon as you stepped inside, you were captivated by the vibrant displays and the myriad of sea creatures swimming gracefully behind the glass.

A few days earlier, the three of you sat together at the neighbourhood park, your usual hangout spot. You mentioned in passing that you had never been to an aquarium.

“What do you mean you’ve never been to one ?!” Vincent exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief.

You shrugged, feeling a bit embarrassed. “The tickets are too expensive…”

Victor hummed thoughtfully, “Well, if that’s the case, we should go to one this Friday. Take it as my treat.”

Oho, finally! A reason to bring you out on a date, Victor thought. Until…

Vincent’s eyes widened in offense. “Hey, I should be the one saying that!”

“I want to bring Y/N only. You, on the other hand… You’re on your own.” Victor said, shooting his twin a deadly glare.

Vincent gasped dramatically. “Espèce de fils de pute! (You son of a bitch!)” he retorted, earning a laugh from you as the twins bickered.

You darted from tank to tank, your eyes widened in wonder. Vincent and Victor hung back, watching you with adoration in their eyes. Your enthusiasm was infectious, and they found themselves so whipped over you.

You had become an important part of their lives, and they had to protect you from all the dangers in this world. They were determined to keep you close, to make you stay with them.

Forever.

Victor pulled out his phone, snapping a candid photo of you. The way your face alight with joy as your doe eyes admired the marine life, it’s too adorable for him.

He’s going to make you his. One way or another. Victor has to.

But, too bad, he has a competition. Who might that be? If it’s none other than his younger brother.

Speak of the devil. Vincent nudged his brother, noticing your picture on his phone.

“Send me that.” he whispered. Victor scoffed lightly, “Certainement pas (No way). This one’s for my eyes only.”

Vincent pouted. “Allez (come on), now. I got some of her photos too. Do you want them? Y/N looks so pretty–”

“What are you guys talking about?” You questioned, which startled them both.

“We, uh– we were talking about those fishes,” Vincent stammered. “Yeah! It’s just, uh–”

“But I heard you said my name.” You asked, curious eyes staring into their souls.

Trying not to cause more suspicion, Victor quickly cut him off. “Oh, the showcase is about to start. Isn’t that what you’ve been waiting for, Y/N?”

Your eyes lit up with excitement. “Yeah, let’s go!”

You took off towards the showcase location, with Victor following close behind, after giving Vincent a narcissistic smirk.

You bitch.

He lingered for a moment, shaking his head in disbelief before catching up.

(A/N): a drabble for now… huhu

masterlist.

[good-griief]

'school girl' crush

so… i've been seeing so many milf!reader x ellie stories so i had to write this write a little one shot (i may have to make a part 2)

During summer, as a college student in need of extra money, Ellie ran a daycare with her friend Dina, who was only doing it so her son had friends to play with. Now, though, Dina had met a woman named Mel, who also needed friends for her new kid, and Ellie was ready to send in her informal resignation. 

“You’re leaving?” There was one reason she wanted to stay. This adorable little toddler, Celeste. She had the biggest eyes, and the cutest hair always in little braids. She was always chatting away and stuffing her face.

But why she wanted to stay had to do with Celeste’s mother. Ellie had practically fallen in love with her. She must’ve been five or so years out of college, younger to be a mother, but definitely older than Ellie and her friends. Ellie assumed she was single, the kid’s other parent never picking her up. In fact, with that body, Ellie hoped she was single. 

Sure, she was being a bit of a perv, imagining what this woman’s body would look like outside of yoga pants and a tank top, but she couldn’t help herself when the summer heat was messing with her head like this— at least that was what she told herself. 

You, on the other hand, knew she was far too young for you. She was a college kid with a crush, but that didn't mean you didn't find her cute; always taking her shirt off around the time your SUV pulled up and swimming with the kids so she could show off her tanned, toned body. 

She’d walk your girl to your car, talking with her the whole way and smiling at you when she greeted you. 

“Mama!” Celeste would cheer, running with a waddle over to you as Ellie watched with a smile. 

You would crouch to hug her, laughing as she clung to you, but you were far too tired from work most days to lift her up and convince her to sit in a carseat. She always wanted to sit in front with you, and you always refused, but it was even worse when she hadn’t seen you all day. 

Ellie would get Celeste into her carseat for you, buckling her in and giving her an extra snack to convince her before she spoke to you until Dina called her back in. 

This time, you’d started the conversation, asking whether or not it was true what you heard your daughter tell you the day before. 

“Oh, uh, yeah. Dina found another mom, so…” She shrugged. 

“Well, that’s too bad…” You sighed, leaning against your car as you pushed your sunglasses up. You pointed your thumb to the backseat, where your toddler had already passed out. “She’s really attached to you. I don’t think I can send her back if you’re not there.”

“Aw, man… Really?” You hummed, brows raising. “Well, I guess I could—“

“Do you think you would wanna babysit for me?” You asked. Ellie paused, swallowing. Something about your attitude today was different, like you were finally acknowledging her advances. “You could come over in the mornings, same time as daycare. I’ll give you, like, two-hundred— no, three-hundred bucks? That sound good?”

“Three…” She blinked, dumbfounded. “I can’t. Not that much.”

“It’s the least I can do. We live on the complete other side of Jackson.” She nodded slowly. “Really? If that’s a yes, then… I’ll be home most of the time, working, but you can knock if you need me.” She nodded again, mind drifting to being in your home, being able to knock on your bedroom door at any time… Show you how good she was with your daughter. Maybe, she thought, you’d finally realize you were interested in her, too. “Think you can start Monday—?“

“Yes!” She quickly cleared her throat, lowering her enthusiastic voice. “Yeah. I can start whenever.”

“Are you off yet?” You then asked, earning an eager nod. “Don’t get too excited. I was just going to ask if I could get you froyo, or something.”

Ellie laughed awkwardly, scratching the back of her neck. “That’d be nice. Thanks.”

“No sweat. You’ve been working in the sun all day. Hop in.” You walked around to your driver's side as Ellie got in the passengers, completely forgetting about her shirt still sitting in Dina’s living room as you began driving. 

She looked over at you, noticing you were sitting with one leg comfortably bent up on the door and your elbow leaning on it as you held your head up. She, on the other hand, sat cross legged with her arm resting on the window. 

“I promise I’m driving safely,” you reassured her with a laugh. “This is just more comfortable.”

“Oh…” She waved you off. “That’s how I drive, too.” You chuckled at that as she looked at the hand you didn’t have on the wheel, checking for a ring. “Hey, can I ask you something?” She spoke after a moment, gaining a hum of a response from you. “Are you married?”

You laughed. “Ellie, we’ve talked about your little crush on me before.” She groaned, face heating in embarrassment. It was true, you’d told her not to be so obvious about it, but she didn’t take that as an outright rejection. “I’m way too old for you.”

“How old are you?” She asked, earning a brow raise. “Just makin’ conversation…”

“Nearing 30.”

“Well, I’m nearing 25.”

“You just turned 20.”

“21 in October. Come on!” She quickly defended herself. “You’re, what? 26? 28?”

“Oh, Ellie,” you laughed, shaking your head at her. “When this little crush you have goes away, you’ll be happy I didn’t indulge you.” You then switched the conversation. “Aren’t you excited to get back to school? What do you study again?”

You talked the rest of the way to the frozen yogurt shop, eventually getting there and parking. It was right along the beach, and you told Ellie this was usually what you did with your little girl every Friday when she got out of daycare, so she was welcome to join you. 

You were giving her mixed signals, at least in her mind, but you told her the truth as you got Celeste into her stroller. 

“You know, I really should tell you, Cella asked if you could come with us today,” you said as you nodded to the girl, who woke up with a giant grin on her face after seeing Ellie. Ellie was only paying attention to the nickname you had for your daughter, finding it adorable and fawning over it in her head. “I know what you’re thinking, so if you want me to drive you home after—“

“No!” Your toddler immediately protested. “Ellie, come home with us. Show you my new house. It’s pink!”

“Oh,” you laughed. “You’re awake enough to argue, huh?” You crouched down to look at her, pinching her little cheek. “Does that mean you’re awake enough to walk by yourself?” She immediately shook her head, grabbing her small sippy cup attached to the side of the stroller and making sure she had no way to answer your questions by sucking on the little straw. You shook your head, standing as you laughed at her. 

For being three, and halfway to four as she always reminded you, she was pretty advanced for her age. Ellie simply saw that as you being a great mother, which only encouraged her crushing on you. 

“Kiddo, I don’t think your mommy will even invite me over if you argue with her,” Ellie told the girl, who reached her little hand up for Ellie to hold as you pushed the stroller, taking note of her habitual use of mommy, and chuckling to yourself. 

“Sorry, mama,” Celeste said around the straw of her cup. 

“It’s alright, babygirl—“

“So, Ellie can come over?” Ellie laughed, covering it with a cough when you raised a brow at her encouraging your toddler to try and manipulate you. 

“Ellie?” You looked at her. “Would you like to stay for dinner?”

“Stay forever!” Your girl cheered. 

“How about dinner first?” She said, looking down at Celeste. “I’d love to,” she then said to you. 

You couldn’t deny how good she was with your girl, watching as she convinced her to walk on her own. She’d told her: “mommy’s been working all day, and she loves pushing you, but she’s probably tired, don’t you think?” And despite you saying nearly the same thing earlier, she agreed with Ellie. That gave you the opportunity to take the stroller back to the car, so she didn’t decide to sit again, and grab a shirt for Ellie— who you still hadn’t corrected about calling you mommy when your toddler said mama. 

When you came back, Ellie was talking away with her, laughing at whatever nonsense joke she would tell and making you smile. 

“Here,” you handed her the shirt and she immediately went red, saying she forgot she’d even left hers at Dina’s. 

By the time you got home, it was later than anticipated, but your girl still insisted that Ellie stay and have dinner with you. 

“Maybe another night?” You suggested as you picked her up. “Mommy’s a little tired, bubba. I think bubba’s a lil’ tired too, no?”

“Nope. Wide awake!” 

“Alright,” you laughed as you brought her in, setting her in her gated play area. “Show Ellie your new house while mommy makes dinner, ‘kay?”

The amount of times Ellie had heard you call yourself mommy that day were making her head explode. Celeste didn’t even call you that, she’d realized. She called you Mama, so she was headed down a path of thinking you were doing it just to tease her. She knew she shouldn’t be thinking this way, but it was hard when all she could think about was— “Ellie! Look!” She was brought out of her thoughts when Celeste pointed to the new dollhouse she got. It was taller than she was, and lit up like a real house. 

Ellie scoffed in surprise. “Holy shit,” she muttered. 

“Shit!” The toddler repeated before cackling to herself as Ellie freaked out and told her not to say that. “Shit, shit, shit!” She laughed.

“Stop that!” Ellie was afraid you’d hear her. “Fuck,” she cursed under her breath, “stop it. Now.” She then went on to yell ‘fuck’ as many times as she wanted. 

“What on Earth is going on in here?” You asked as you stepped out of the kitchen. “Ellie?”

“I didn’t—“

“Ellie saying no no words!” 

“No!?”

You laughed. “Ellie, why don’t you come help me in the kitchen?” You looked to your girl. “And you.” You narrowed your eyes at her, making her giggle as you smiled. “Get dinner ready for your dolls. Show Ellie how you set it all up when she gets back.”

Ellie followed you into the kitchen, the door swinging shut behind her. “I am so sorry, I didn’t mean to—“

“You know, teaching my daughter how to swear definitely won’t get you anywhere with me.” Ellie cursed to herself internally, sulking. “But, I guess it’s a good thing she already knows those words, huh?”

“What?” 

“Her dad loves action movies. She comes home quoting them.” You shrugged. “He just lets her say whatever. I’ve resorted to having her not say it outside of the house or in front of guests.”

“Great dad,” Ellie muttered, making you chuckle as you knew she was only taking the side she assumed you were on because of her crush. 

“He actually is.” She immediately grew embarrassed, making you chuckle. You couldn’t deny how much fun you were having embarrassing her this way. She was awfully cute. Especially with the way she blushed so easily. “He’s the one that got her that dollhouse. A little present for making in through daycare since he knows how tired I’ve been. She used to hate daycare before you.” That brought a smile to Ellie’s face. “Thank you, for agreeing to babysit, by the way. I don’t know what I’d do if you didn't.”

“It’s nothing,” she said quickly, gaining a smile from you. “So… I take it that means you’re not married?” She asked after a moment as she washed her hands, ready to help with whatever you were making. 

“Mm, no. He’s my best friend. We had drunk sex at a stupid party and I got pregnant,” you laughed.

“Were you dating before, or…?”

“God no,” you laughed again. “I’d just broken up with the girlfriend I had since, like, freshman year of college, so he was trying to help me get drunk and find someone else… one idiotic thing led to another, and suddenly I’m six months pregnant, and I didn’t even know until I went to the doctor for a strep test.” Ellie snorted, the whole thing sounding like something out of a television show. “I know, I know. He’s gay too. That makes it even better.” Ellie laughed loudly at that, making a smile come to your face. 

The rest of the night was spent making dinner, and putting your little girl to bed as she’d fallen asleep before dinner just as you expected. You offered for Ellie to stay anyway, and she gladly did. 

“Okay,” she finally spoke, interrupting your conversation that’d gone through dinner and dessert; it being surprisingly easy to talk to her. “I have to ask— I know I’m probably being ridiculous, but, uh, I may just need you to shut me down.” You raised your brows, humming. She realized that may be a habit for you, but it was an excruciatingly attractive habit to have. “She, uh, she calls you ‘mama’—“

Almost immediately, you lowered your head, laughing. “I don’t have an answer for that, Ellie.” Her face reddened. “All honesty, I just found it a little funny.”

“You were teasing me!” She accused with a red face. You shrugged, looking up at her with a smile and flushed cheeks. She thought back on the day, all the times she’d called you ‘mommy’, all the times she’d done so while wearing your shirt, and felt a flutter in her stomach that made her cross her legs. “You’re awful.”

“You started it—! And besides, I thought I’d have a little fun… I mean, since my little girl wanted you to spend the day with us, I needed a way to enjoy myself too, no?” Your tone was mocking, making her adjust her seating at your near insulting words. “The bathroom’s just down there.” You pointed down the hall, past the stairs. 

“Stop it,” she said pointedly, making you chuckle as you stood and grabbed both your plates. 

“I’ll give you a ride home, alright? Or, is your car at Dina’s?” You asked as you came back to the dining room. 

“What about—?”

“Her dad’s a few blocks down. I’ll tell him.” You quickly texted him, getting a message back almost immediately. 

When he got there, you went to your car with Ellie, driving with the windows down and old rock music blasting through the car at her request. You both sang along, laughing the whole way there. 

You paused the music when you got there, stopping in front of the driveway and looking at Ellie. “I’ll see you Monday?”

She nodded. “I’ll, uh…” She played with the hem of your shirt on her. “I’ll give this back to you then.”

“No need.” You gave her a smile that made her cheeks heat as you leaned your arm on the console to look at her. “Night, Ellie.”

“Night…” She muttered in a daze, quickly snapping out of it and getting out of your car to go to hers. 

As she drove home, all she could think about was your teasing, all she could smell was your perfume on the shirt, and all she could feel was her stomach fluttering. 

When she got home, she went straight to her room. She left your shirt on, slipping her bra off from underneath and taking off her pants. She got into bed, holding your shirt up to her face and inhaling deeply. She quickly stopped herself. “Oh my fucking God, Ellie.” She dropped the shirt and brought her hands to her face in embarrassment, but now all she could feel was the fabric brushing against her nipples as her mind clouded with your voice; calling yourself mommy as you looked her in the eyes. Goosebumps rose on her skin as she shook her head at herself, attempting to shake away her thoughts of you and your awfully mean teasing. She grabbed her pillow, shoving her face into it as she went red. “Get a hold of yourself.”

[shadesslut]

serene

Pairing: (Ethan Landry x Fem!Reader)

Content Includes: (Fluff)

Summary: Ethan and Y/N go on a lil cute aquarium trip together.

(a/n: this is really short and I miss the ocean)

Masterlist

✮

✮

✮

She pressed her palm flat against the glass as she wore a wide grin. Ethan looked at her with his eyes full of love. They were on their senior trip, in Florida, and Ethan had asked her to go to the aquarium with her on their last day. The whole trip, he had been pining for her, wishing she would catch on the subtle hints he gave her.

“Aren’t they beautiful?” She asked, still looking through the glass as various fish swam by. Ethan nodded, continuing to look at her. 

She turned to face him, and she kept her smile, which made Ethan’s cheeks flush pink. She glanced behind him, and she gasped before pulling Ethan to the next exhibit. He giggled excitedly as she pulled him through the crowd of people, and they stopped in a darker room, full of tanks with jellyfish. Ethan looked around, a flustered smile still on his face, and Y/N walked up to one of the tanks, pressing her face up against it. She looked like a little kid, a thrilling gaze lingered from her eyes. Her eyes followed a jellyfish, and she bent down as it swam lower.

Ethan bent down next to her, balancing on his knees. They stared at the jellyfish for a few minutes in a blissful silence. 

“I wish I could live in the ocean.” She whispered. “They look so at peace, you know? Nothing to worry about,”

“Just floatin’,” Ethan joked, laughing slightly. Ethan’s phone vibrated in his back pocket, and he reached back to pull it out, receiving a text from Chad.

Chad

Did you tell her yet ?

2:36 pm

Ethan looked over at Y/N, who was still staring happily into the tank. 

Ethan

Not yet

2:36 pm

He silenced his phone, putting it back in his pocket. He cleared his throat, gaining her attention. “Can I talk to you about something?” She nodded, smiling. Just as he was about to confess, a wave of anxiety suddenly rushed over him. His cheeks turned red, and his throat started to feel tight. “S-So, what’s your favorite animal?” He redirected. She bit the inside of her cheek, looking up as she pondered. Ethan mentally slapped himself for being too afraid.

“Whale sharks.” She answered, proudly. 

A little bit of his nerves washed away at her answer. “‘Whale sharks’? I’ve never had anyone answer that.” he chuckled, sitting all the way down against the wall as he situated himself. She laughed breathily, sitting next to him. It was just the two of them in the room now, sitting alone a little bit too close to each other, with the jellyfish happily swimming around. 

“Oh, so I’m the first girl to answer that? You ask every girl you take to the aquarium that question?” She teased, and his ears became red. His eyes widened, and he rapidly shook his head at her. 

“N-No! You’re the only girl I’ve taken!” 

She let out a cackle at his panic. She rested her hand on his shoulder as she doubled over laughing, but Ethan didn’t laugh. He only stared at the contact of her hand. He felt like a teenage boy, growing giddy over a girl barely touching him. 

“Why whale sharks?” Ethan asked, breaking her laughing fit. 

“Because, they’re just so…beautiful. They look like they’re space, and they’re white dots are like little stars. Also, they’re really passive with people, so people dive with them all the time. You can’t touch them though, something about a protective layer they have that’s really sensitive. But, just looking at them, it’s enough. Sorry, I’m rambling,” She stopped herself, looking at Ethan. He was in pure awe, he had never heard her talk about something she loved so much before. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Because you’re beautiful.” He whispered. She quietly gasped, widened eyes. He moved closer towards her, and she gulped nervously. His pinkie finger grazed hers, and with every drop of confidence Ethan had, he wrapped her pinkie with his. “I really wanna kiss you right now,” 

“In front of the jellyfish?” She whispered, half-joking. He softly chuckled at her words and reached up to hold her chin gently. He swiped his thumb over the bottom of her lip.

“I don’t think they’ll mind.” Ethan whispered back. He leaned forward while she reciprocated, and he lovingly placed his lips on her plump ones. He inhaled deeply as he felt her, all of her. He slowly moved his lips against hers and slid his hand around her, resting it on the back of her head. He pulled away, their noses still touching, and smiled at her. “I’ve wanted that, for so long.” 

“Me too,” she whispered against his lips. “You should do it again,”

He smiled sweetly, before answering, “If that’s what my pretty girl wants,” He leaned forward kissing her one more time. The soft lights from the tanks illuminated both of their features and glimmered against their skin. Ethan never really thought that much of the ocean, but now, he understood how she felt. The ocean was at a level of serene, and he felt it as he kissed her. He felt as if he was drowning in the water, suffocating. She felt like the ocean, pulling him down in a useless attempt to enchant him, but he was already enchanted. She felt like the warm water against his skin, and her hair flowed as the animals did in the sea. Everything above the water was muffled and blurred, she distracted him from everything else, and he never wanted to go back. He didn’t want to go back to the world, he wanted to stay under the water, with her, and the whale sharks. He loved the ocean, he loved her.

[wexhappyxfew]

the waiting game

(a/n): HELLO FRIENDS!!!!! how is everyone?!?!?! it has been a minute since i've been able to put writing out but! i finished my summer internship and took a vacay too and i'm back to do some more writing! :) i have one more prompt to put out that is taking me some time to rewrite/edit, but i wanted to start with putting out a piece for annie x brady for AGES AGO!!!! i wrote it maybe back in march/april and it never got posted so, i cleaned it up and wanted to put it out!! PLUS it features annie x brady being adorable beans and some cameos from other Silver Bullets members just being their normal, chaotic selves haha. so please enjoy that!!!! :D

Algeria was hot as fuck.

The belly of Silver Bullets could only provide so much shade as they waited for the 12th to show up.

Too hot inside the fort, too hot outside the fort, the strip of shade providing what it could, especially with the sun moving from east to west and the atmosphere simply being one thing - hot.

Annie lounged beneath the shaded nose of the plane, leg bent up with her other leg crossed over top, aviators over her eyes as she stared at the smoke from her cigarette, curling upwards towards the bright blue sky, half covered by the nose of the B-17. Her shorts were filled with sand, her tank top a size too big and equally covered in sand and parts of her skin were either dried out or burnt and peeling. A lot of the others were in a much similar or slightly worse state - sun burnt, sweating and coarse sand all over; anywhere you could think and it was there. Something kicked at her foot.

"Hey, you alive?" Annie looked up and found Francis there, aviators and that stupid hat Major Egan was also walking around wearing on his head.

"I am in fact living and breathing," Annie said, and then placed the cigarette on her lip, "you look ridiculous." Francis smirked and then came and settled down on the ground beside Annie and sighed.

"This was all his idea, if I must say," Francis said as Annie passed her the cigarette and she took a puff, "you know as they say, if you wanna look stupid, look stupid together." Annie snorted and glanced over towards Francis.

"So, any update?"

"None. Absolutely nothing. Oh, someone from Brady's crew is trying to train a goat to stand on its hind-legs. Otherwise, no, no news."

"Great." Annie said and glanced back towards the nose of Silver Bullets, her mind drifting briefly to that glance her and Brady had shared a few nights ago after landing, his eyes soft, his face worn with exhaustion, the slight smile on the corners of his cheeks, "Who the hell is training the goat?" Francis let out a snort and sighed, picking up a handful of sand and dropping it to the ground again.

"I don't know, I think one of their waist gunners," Francis said nonchalantly, "Brady's encouraging him. Either way, it was funny as hell trying to see those two trying to tame a goat. It was a treat, that's all I gotta say." Annie chuckled and took back the cigarette and blew out a puff. Her mind wandered - everyone was hot, a little moody, waiting for some fresh water, or a meal that wasn't hot as anything. The waiting game was only fun so many times before you were waiting to lead a horse to water where it wouldn't drink.

"We get water?"

"Yeah, some," Francis said, "I think Mari and Judy are helping Benny to pass some out. Want me to grab you some?"

"Nah, I can get it." Annie said and then slowly sat up, her head swimming a bit from the mixture of sweat and equally, heat exhaustion.

"No you're not," Francis said, "honey, you're burnt up like a fried pepper. Stay here." Annie pulled a face.

"It's just a little bit of sun-burn, I've had worse." Annie said and Francis shot her a look, even from behind the aviators, that told her to stay still.

"Don't start moving around, alright, I'll be back." Annie watched Francis leave, before lying back down on her back and staring up again at the nose of good ole Silver Bullets, before shutting her eyes. A few minutes of shut-eye might be worthwhile.

"Annie." Her eyes shot open and she found Brady standing there above her. Eyes widening rather dramatically, she flushed a bit and shifted.

"John, hey." she said, suddenly realizing her fetal-position-like posture there on the ground and blinked a few times before, slowly sitting up, head swimming and then getting to her feet, to which Brady placed a hand on her shoulder to steady her, which made her hiss, the sun-burn burning a bit from his warm hand.

"Oh, shit," Brady said, immediately removing his hand, "I just wanted to steady you-"

"No, no, thank you, it's okay. You're okay, thank you." Annie said as she glanced towards her shoulder, at the skin beginning to peel up, grimacing a bit as she looked towards him, "Sunburn that's all." Brady looked at her through his own aviators and she suddenly took him in there in front of her - shirtless - not exactly something she was complaining about or should even be thinking too deeply into.

It was hot. The sun was brutal, you basically wanted as little layers on as possible, and they all smelled generally, not too great. But Brady being shirtless was yeah….definitely a sight worth glancing at considering the circumstances where everything was simply draining.

She flushed deeper, and hoped it would pass off as heat exhaustion if anything as she watched Brady cross his arms, the evidently toned muscles of his arms extending far greater into her line of sight than she would've thought.

"You need me to get a bandage for it or something?" Brady asked her, "Some water to pour on it?" Annie stared at him and then wised-up and shook her head.

"It's alright, really, no worries," she said, and then cleared her throat, "how's it going? What's up?" Brady smiled and then shook his head.

"That's what I came to ask you, but now you have me considering scrounging bandages." he said, placing his hands on his hips, "Don't mind stepping up to the plate."

"Don't be telling that to Kennedy, she'll start a ball game in this heat and next thing you know we'll all be burnt." Annie said with a smirk and Brady chuckled at her words. She tilted her head to the side and considered his help - he was already standing in her presence, he didn't need to do much else.

"I'm fine really though, save the bandages. For a serious issue." she told him with a small smile and he shook his head.

"It could get worse." he told her, face falling to a pinch of worry that you had to see if you squinted, crossing his arms again - really nice arms, "C'mon, let me find something. Hey…..Stagliano!"

Paulina Stagliano, ever-the-presently-always-pissed person she was, sat under one of the wings of Silver Bullets sat up and lifted her aviators, her curly hair that was out of its usual braids, looking like it'd been just dumped in a bucket of water, sticking to her cheeks, glanced at him.

"What the hell do you possibly want me from me, sir!" she hollered, voice bouncing off the nearby metal of the plane.

"Bandages!" Brady called back, "For your pilot!"

"That was a little unneeded, John," Annie said, giving his shoulder a shove and he turned to her with that wide grin and shook his head, "really, the girls know I'm fine, that's what matters."

"You're their pilot. And also one of the 100ths, I'll look out for ya, alright?" Well, there was no use arguing anymore at this point. Paulina came hauling over with a few packs of bandages she kept at the radio station in the fort and smacked it into Brady's hands with a grumble.

"Why you always gotta say it like that? Because you know I'll come running, sir?" Paulina murmured crossing her arms.

"Because I know you like to carry extra things with ya - bobby pins, bottle caps, postcards and figured you also had bandages."

"Right." Paulina said and then deadpanned, "Sir, why the hell you need bandages."

"Not me," Brady said, "Bradshaw." Paulina looked to Annie and then smirked.

"Right, Mr. Chivalrous." Paulina said, "Lieutenant Brady, when did you become such a softy-schmuck." Brady gave her a look.

"Ask me again during business hours."

"News-flash, Lieutenant, we are on business hours." Brady glanced her way and Paulina raised a brow, "Just make sure you wrap the bandages real nicely, okay? No need getting infections in this hell hole. This is my pilot we're talking about." Paulina sighed and shook her head, squinting into the sun, "For Christ-sake." And with that, Paulina was wading back over to her spot on the ground. Brady turned to look back at Annie and found her looking after Paulina.

"You okay?"

"Yeah," Annie said quickly, "just….worried about some of the women. Like usual." Brady chuckled and then flicked through some of the bandages in his grasp.

"Well, you don't have to worry anymore at the minute. Let someone else worry about you for now." he said and she glanced at him, "You need help putting these on?" Annie stared, and then shook her head.

"Nah, I got it." she said and took the bandages, "Really, you didn't have to get these, I'll be fine-"

"Annie, if you say you'll be fine, one more damn time, I'm actually going to lose it." Francis said coming over with two canteens filled with water, "Lieutenant Brady, pleasure to see you here." Francis said glancing at him before looking back at Annie, "You gotta take care of yourself better. I can't be playing co-pilot and single-mother out here."

"I'm fine, Francis, really, I'll throw some bandages and water on to cool the burns down and we'll move on from this. It'll heal." Annie admonished and watched as Francis side-eyed, glancing at Brady before looking back at Annie.

"I will hand-apply those bandages on Annie I swear to-"

"I'll take care of it." Brady said calmly, cutting in and taking the bandages out of Annie's hands and one of the tins of water from Francis' grasp, "Go sit down for a bit, I'll help her out." Francis looked from Annie to Brady and then nodded.

"Alright, then." Francis said and then glanced at Brady and pointed a finger at him, "Wrap it tight, Brady, I don't wanna see exposed bits of sun-burn, okay?"

"Yes, ma'am." Brady said, snickering as Francis wandered away and lied down beside Bessie on the ground.

Brady turned to Annie and then poured water on his hands before opening up the bandages. Annie suddenly took in the fact it was the two of them; it always ended up being the two of them somehow - like back at base, when the night got long, and it was the last of the group at the bar; it was the two of them. The one night the group had gone out to look at the stars, sharing cigarettes, stories and drinks, the last of the group had simply been the two of them, a few glances that had Annie second-guessing a bit too much for her liking. It was always the two of them.

Annie caught a glance at his bare chest in the golden, honey sun again and looked away, her cheeks, if they weren't already burning from heat exhaustion or sunburn, flaming red.

"So, liking Algeria?" Annie asked him as he began to work. Brady chuckled and glanced up at her, overtop the Aviators and smirked.

"It's hot as anything, so….not my favorite, but…I'm not dying so, can't complain." Annie laughed.

"Got that right." Annie said quietly and she watched him smile as he gently placed the bandages on the sunburn and then continued to do the same until the majority of the sunburn was mostly covered, and then pressed down the edges before looking at her. He was standing so close to her, and she was sure she must've smelled like sweat, metal and blood and almost wished she was still lying on the ground, in fetal-position with Francis bugging her about the water.

"Handy-work, huh?" he said softly, "You need some water?"

"Thanks." she said as she took the canteen from him and took down some water, before pulling down the canteen and then looking at Brady, who was staring her down from her angle.

"I appreciate the concern over my sunburn," she said with a small smile as she screwed the canteen lid on, and Brady offered a quick smile, "but, your boys okay?"

"Yeah," Brady said, "Jacobs was trying to train a goat." Annie laughed.

"I heard."

"Francis?"

"Yeah." Annie said with a laugh, "So, how's that going?"

"Eh, could be going better," Brady said with a laugh, "funny though to watch a grown man chase around a goat with a piece of bread, trying to get the goat to stand on its hind legs." Annie laughed, before looking at him with a smile. That look, it made it her stomach twist.

"You managed to get any rest?" she asked him quietly; no one could really sleep it seemed just because of the circumstances, so when someone did, it was a small victory for the 100th it seemed altogether.

"A bit." Brady said, "Keep ending up with sand all up my nose when I get up though, you?"

"Here and there," Annie said, "it's why I was so surprised to see you, to be honest. I was half-asleep."

"Sorry 'bout that." Brady said quickly, with a grin and Annie laughed.

"It's fine, really, it's….it's nice to see you." she said and they fell quiet for a brief moment, Brady smiling at her with one of those closed-lipped grins he usually wore. Something seemed to shift between them. Brady took a small step closer and dropped his voice to the point only she could hear.

"Saw your plane take some hits flying out here….everyone okay?" Are you okay? His eyes begged the question.

"For the most part." Annie said managed quietly back, "I just think we're all glad to have made it. Thought at first we'd be going down somewhere over Italy - one of the engines….it's that stubborn third engine is always crapping out but…." Brady watched her, as the two fell quiet, the tension in the air between them overwhelming and suffocating. She couldn't help but take in a few shaky breaths, watching as he stared at her, their aviators suddenly the only thing between them it felt.

"Listen, Annie, I've been meaning to ask you-"

"Hey! Guys, it's the 12th!" Annie and Brady looked around the front of Silver Bullets, and there they were - the 12th. Coming in, like rolling thunder, dust kicking up all over the place in the far distance.

"Well, looks like we'll be heading home." Annie said, glancing over towards Brady with a small smile. The look on his face was hidden with something else she couldn't quite decipher, but instead he smiled and crossed his arms.

"Heading home." he echoed.

Heading home - wherever that seemed to be these days.

[empressgeekt]

Trolls/Sonic the Hedgehog Crossover - "The Grey and the Black" AU plot.

So, I have been on a sonic kick since I saw the third trailer, and I haven't posted in a while so I thought I would throw y'all a bone. THe basis premise for this AU, is that Branch dies as a teenager and is reincarnated as Terios the Hedgehog, or the original concept art/character for Shadow the hedgehog. I'm assuming folks had basic knowledge of both fandoms for this au summery. Don't like, don't read.

Let's get into the plot!

We start with a seventeen year old Branch. He's working around the river one day, and is being careful due to a risen chance of a flashfloods from a storm upstream. He finds the snackpack nearby swimming, and is not impressed with their reaction when he warns them about the flood risk. They ignore him as always, however this time his paranoia paid off. A Flash Flood does hit the stream. Almost everyone makes it into the trees in time, except for Creek and Poppy who get stuck on a rock. With the waters rising, Branch leaps in to save them. He gets Poppy to safety no problem, however Creek's caught on debris, Branch manages to free him, but is hit by an unexpected wave and dragged away. Post flood, Poppy gets everyone too look for him. Creek finds Branch's body, drowned and pale, and he's never the same. He tries to put it out of his mind, but he can't. He watched a troll die saving him, he heard Branch's last scream just before he was pulled under. Creek and Poppy eventually find their way into the bunker, and while they are not going to go full survivalist, they still read Branch's journals, and Creek carries a dart with Velvet Bee venom in his hair from then on, since there's no one else left to keep the village safe.

However as much as they try to remember, Branch is forgotten by the rest of the village, as are all the dead.

Now let's jump over to what happened to Branch. All he remembers is choking on water. Then something grabs him, but as they yank him away he feels to light. Something whispers words of comfort but he can't pay attention. He starts chocking for a second time, but the water felt warmer, and the limbs he flails feel unknown, there's a sharp pain in his eye, and his memories start to slip from his mind like fine sand. Branch catches one glimpse of the world before it goes dark, it's an elderly human with a fantastic mustache yelling at someone.

Now on the other side of the Portal, Professor Gerald Robotnik, currently lives in a constant state of anxiety. Between his work and Maria's ever fluctuating condition, he has a lot to worry about, however recently he had made strides in PROJECT SHADOW, two hedgehog/Black arm hybrids had been successfully maturing over the passed year, and the were in the home stretch. After the disaster with the biolizard this is probably the first time he can take a breath. Only for him to walk in on some of the interns freaking out near one of the growth tanks. Specimen 2ERS (Two - Extraterrestrial Roaming Specimen) or Terios as Maria named him, pod malfunctioned, making it appear as if the growing project was flatlining, and in the panic of trying to save their hard work some lab techs somehow accidentally damaged the pod and the ceiling, releasing Terios early, along with a broken electrical wire striking the full grown newborn in the left eye, permanently blinding it. The next few hours Gerald spends trying to stabilize Terios, hooking up the hedgehog to external life-support and treating the eye wound, and firing "incompetent scientists".

When Maria is told what happened, she is terrified. In between medical testes and her education she would spend time in the lab talking to the growing hedgehogs, even naming them. Growing too attached as some of the less friendly scientists would grumble. The moment that Terios isn't being worked on, she demanded to see him. Even if the scientists and even Abe, grumble about it, they can't stop her. Not only is her grandfather the head of the project, but she knows how to play up the part of the sweet angel like child who is cursed with a horrible sickness, she would make any one who tried to stop her feel horribly guilty for it. She spends those first couple days talking to Terios and giving a sleeping Shadow updates on his brother.

By some miracle Terios pulls through. He's weak and barely conscious for a few days, but resilient after nearly a week he's able to breath on his own. Maria and the hedgehog get alone swimmingly, and as Gerald observes their interactions he starts to get worried. Yes, Terios is fully capable of walking and is well on his way to speaking fluently, however, he still is a damaged product. His left eye never regained vision suggesting his healing factor isn't what they were hoping it would be, GUN might not like that kind of defect, and order his termination. Gerald is also disappointed by this fact, a cure for Maria couldn't be found in a being with little healing ablitliy, however he can't terminate Terios. The Hedgehog is functional, and healthy beyond his limited sight. And maria had already grown quite attached to Terios, His granddaughter was already suffering Gerald couldn't bare to make it worse. So, in order to protect his creation he labels Terios as dead from the lab incident, in his reports and altered any other file his coworker make in order to make it seem that way.

Terios meanwhile, wakes up in the lab confused. He feels like he should be some where else but he's not sure where. Maria is the first person he meets and he quickly becomes attached. He can't talk himself for the first few days of consciousness and that kind of worries all the other humans. However, they quickly figure out that his vocal chords are fine he's just shy. The first thing he clearly says is, "Where are we?" And to that Maria goes on this long explanation of the ARK, and while Terios is amazed at this place he can't help but feel like he should be somewhere else. Maria thinks she gets it, she wants to be on the planet below with her family, but Terios's problem isn't like that, he feels as if he shouldn't have been born, but he doesn't voice it. Besides, after telling him all about the ARK, Maria starts telling Terios about his brother.

Shadow is released from his pod a few days later, with only Gerald, Maria and Terios present. The moment that Shadows stumbled out of his pod onto the cold floor, Terios feels attached, something in his mind solidifies and he's not sure what. All he knows is that he's supposed to have a brother, be a brother, and from there the twin ultimate lifeforms adventure begins.

The time spent on the ARK is the most wonderful era in the brothers' lives.

Their education starts, both of them proving to be extremely intelligent. However, while Shadow tends to slack on basic assignments (AKA turning in his homework, but still scoring high on tests), Terios is much more conscious about turning things in. He also appears to have much more anxiety, then Shadow, who yes has issues with his creation and the fact they can't cure Maria yet, Terios is just straight up concerned everything will fall down. He stashes food in small places around the ARK, needs to have everything organized, is constantly asking about how equitment works/emergency procedures, and does not trust anyone beyond his family. This last fact does not mix well with the fact they live in the research facility. Often he would have to be sedated before being handled and he never wakes up from the effects peacefully. Even Gerald get frustrated over this issue, since it makes research into a cure for Maria's NIDs take longer and it makes Terios feel guilty. He tries to explain how being handled by creatures who are larger them him and separated from his family, makes him nervous, and the sedation does not help him calm down, but none of the scientists listen. He starts getting twitchy with his hands after a while, channeling the nerves through clenching and unclenching fists, but everyone write it off since they don't want to believe their weapon is on the spectrum (it was the 50s man).

Though, while there were struggles there were still good moments. During their free time, Maria would drag Shadow and Terios for games and mischief around the ARK. They would have hide and seek tournaments, read story books, and seek into the food pantry to steal Gerald's coffee beans, which both young hedgehogs get hooked on. For her 12th birthday, Maria is gifted a record player, and she eagerly plays it for her brothers. Terios is initially spooked by the device but eventually he warms up to it, and enjoys the music. On her good days Maria tries to teach Shadow and Terios how to dance, but only Shadow really needs the lessons, Terios takes to dancing like a fish to water, and quickly grows to love music. He isn't sure what made him start singing, but he finds he enjoys it even more, though he only does it in private at first. Maria and Shadow first catch him in the act, and they are astonished by how good he sounds. Most of the Scientists don't bother with the talent, they aren't trying to make the Ultimate singer. Gerald just finds it ironic, since the Black Arms, being a telepathic race, have no concept of music. Despite the mixed reaction to his gift, Terios continues to sing for his family, especially Maria when her condition acts up and she's bedridden.

However, good things never last for long, and Terios' peaceful beginning to life ends with the GUN raid on the ARK. The day starts out peacefully enough. Maria was feeling strong, and they had no schedule school, so they fired up the record player and were dancing when the alarms went off. Gerald runs in telling them to get to the escape pods, but they are intercepted on the way. The soldiers are under the impression that only Shadow is abord the ARK, so Terios is a rather big surprise. It's enough to get the drop on the soldiers and makes Terios realize that those "agility tests" were really combat training. Gerald gets separated from them, and they are cornered in the escape pod bay. Maria preps the pods when the soldiers run in. One throws a grenade, and while Shadow gets away and pushed Maria, Terios is hit. He didn't see where the explosion landed due to his eye, and gets thrown across the room. Maria grabs him while disoriented, placing Terios in a pod. Terios watches, as Shadow get forced into his own capsule. Maria presses the launch button and is shot as soon as the count down starts.

For ten horrifying seconds Terios is forced to watch as his sister bleeds out, and his brother beats against his own pod to get to her. His head is ringing and he can't move. In his mind there is the echo of a phantom scream, some part of him feels as if he's failed to protect someone he loves for a second time. The pods are launched, and on the decent, Terios is put in hyper-sleep. However his pod is knocked off course, landing him in the middle of a lake, keeping the capsule intact, keeping him in hyper-sleep. Shadow lands and wakes up only to be re-captured by GUN. By some small miracle, despite what the witnesses claim, there is no record of a second ultimate lifeform on board, so they don't search for Terios.

Gerald snaps after the loss of his Granddaughter and creation. He doesn't tell his captures about Terios, there's no point, he's likely dead. He's legacy can only happen through Shadow, and he will make sure the world knows his pain. Shadow is sealed away with false memories, a promise for revenge and a dead brother.

50 years pass. When Shadow is woken up by Eggman, he has a second reason for taking out prison island. He remembers Terios dying but he doesn't want to believe it. He searches the island and ARK for his brother, but Terios is not there. When Rouge confronts him about not being the true PROJECT SHADOW, he lashes out say even if he isn't the ultimate lifeform, his brother certainly was. Since he could make Maria smile even on her worst days. Rouge presses him about his brother since he was never mentioned in any of the files she found. This just serves to make Shadow more angry, how dare the humans try to erase his brother's memory, he unwittingly tells Rouge Terios' name before stalking off.

After the Biolizard, and Shadow Falling, Rouge would look a the remaining inhibitor ring Sonic gave her, and think of what SHaodw said about Terios. The second ultimate life form was believed to be dead or it never existed, however, Rouge wasn't so sure. The professor lied to shadow about Maria's wish, why not add to the pain by telling him his brother was dead too. She had to find him, if only to tell him that Shadow has been laid to rest. She gets Sonic and Tails involved since, she's not quite ready to go to her employers with this information. It takes a few weeks, and hacking into a GUN satellite, but they find Terios. The pod is a bit banged up, but it kept the hedgehog inside safe. They take him back to the Tails' workshop.

Terios wakes up in an unknown place, with unknown people. A world with out his family. Maria is gone. He watched. Gerald is gone. He was old. Shadow...Terios struggles with his brother's "death" the most. The loss is horrifyingly familiar, but he doesn't know from what. The world around him is beautiful. The forest and sun give him so much peace, but he has to discover it alone. Rouge gives him Shadow's ring, and he wears it on a string around his neck. Later, he joins Rouge on her missions, Popping in and out of Sonic and Tails' lives. No offence to them, but Sonic and Tails reminds him of Shadow and Maria in so many unexpected ways. And the loss is still to fresh.

The Events of "Sonic Heroes" roll around. Terios is with rouge when they find Shadow and Omega. He spends the entire adventure trying to get Shadow to remember him. Shadow doesn't, and it gets pretty ridiculous in Terios opinion. Like he can hear Shadow's heartbeat, his brother is not a robot, and the robots have yellow stripes! Shadow doesn't recognize him until Team Dark camps out, and Terios is unable to sleep, so he tries singing to himself. Shadow sits up and finishes the verse, and there's a small look of recollection in that set of red eyes. It gives Terios hope.

Shadow 05, coming into play now, and the first Black comet invades the earth. Terios does not trust Black Doom in the slightest, freaky eye tells you the time of reckoning has come and do this? Yeah no, you don't trust that. However Shadow is desperate for the rest of his memories, and Terios hasn't been able to jog anything after that camp out. So in search of the past, they follow their bio father, and eventually kill him. The trip is actually really enlightening in some ways, Terios finally getting a reason as to why he felt like he could read his brother's mind, they could! Shadow's memories are restored, but with them is the grief he feels for Maria. Grief that he pushes deep down and away. He doesn't want to think about her cause it hurts. Terios had a similar reaction when he woke up, but he had to face those feelings when helping Shadow with his memory, since the only person he knew could get through to Shadow was Maria, and had to think about what she would do. Also, the whole forget about it mindset bothers him for some reason.

Life goes on. Team Dark gets an apartment, they join up with GUN, Rouge is banned from the kitchen, Abe is old now, and then the planet splits apart. However that's nothing they need to worry about, since there is now a second Black Comet was invading. Yay! The mission is simple at first, nuke the space rock! However it gets a lot more complicated when Shadow comes across, Eclipse the Darkling. The twins biological half sibling. Shadow goes to scout the Black Arm base, while Terios stays with the group, however he knows the moment something is wrong, when Shadow is suddenly panicked and stressed on his side of the mental link. The new leader of the blakc arms, Black Death takes control of Shadow's mind, making them work for their side, however they were unaware of Terios involvement in the mission. Black Doom never considered Terios his despite the mental link, due to his appearance and the blindness in his eye, so Black death never learned of Terios' existence. Once Shadow is freed from the control, Terios demands and explanation and Shadow reluctantly tell him about their youngest sibling. Teri does not react well, after making sure Shadow can handle Black Death, Terios goes after Eclipse. He does the math in his head, Eclipse claiming to have been born after Black Doom's death, meaning at most he was couple months old, and well the whole comet was rigged to blow up. He couldn't let a child, his family die like that.

Black Death loses to shadow, and in his final moments, He sends Eclipse away. Terios following and sneaking aboard the escape shuttle as the comet explodes from the nuke. The dark hedgehog finds Eclipse mourning over the limb dead, eye of Black Death, and immediately feels bad. He knows what it's like to wake up in a world all alone. Comforting is not possible, since Eclipse does not want either Terios or Shadow right now. And a fight breaks out aboard the shuttle, eventually the controls are accidentally smashed and Teri notices they were going to crash on Angel island. The landing is rough, since Eclipse won't listen when Teri tries to warn him about the impending crash, still Teri tries to protect his younger sibling. A piece of rubble gets stuck in Terios side, but Eclipse and Four of the dark arm eggs on board walk away with bumps and scratches. With his slow healing and wounds, Eclipse ties up Teri and keeps him prisoner while taking care of the dark arms. Terios is sending mental signals to Shadow as to where to find them. All through out his imprisonment, he's playing two arguments, trying to convince Shadow not to murder Eclipse on sight, since he's kid, and trying to convince Eclipse that world domination is no longer needed nor is possible. All while his far too slowly healing wound is getting infected. By the end of it, he somehow reangles his younger siblings into a truce from his fucking hospital bed, and Eclipse comes to live underneath his older brothers care due to being a minor.

Maybe Maria is revived as a Hedgehog to make this trio a Quartet, but I'm not sure if it would work in this scenario.

Now let's jump back to the other side of the portal. TBT has rolled around for the trolls, with Creek never betraying his tribe since he managed to escape from Gristle's mouth using the venom dart he always carried around since Branch's death. So he's there when Poppy tells John Dory about his baby brother's demise. It's the news of Branch's death that manages to get Brozone to actually talk and heal, since they don't want to die alone too. Barb is the one who asked, while intoxicated, if they had looked for Branch's reincarnation, since her tribes believe in it if two trolls are born with similar sounding singing voices. This sends the brothers (mostly JD and Floyd) down a rabbit hole trying to find whomever had their brother's soul. Poppy and Creek tag along, Poppy for the adventure, and Creek because he feels bad for how he treated the troll who saved him and wants to apologize. Somehow this search leads to an old funk troll who's a little on the crazy side, zapping the group (brozone, Poppy, Viva, and Creek) into a portal.

When they land on the other side, it's kind of a shock, since they are all suddenly hedgehogs, not that they know what kind of creature they were turned into were called that. They are a lot bigger then they were a couple of minutes ago, and their hair has been swapped out for quills. The forest is unfamiliar and it takes a while for them to get their barring's. Unfortunately the Forces War is in it's fifth month, and they are hit by a brigade of shadow clones. John takes the offense real quick, his machete still in tact from the trip, but the clones, even if a fraction of the real thing's power, are still stronger. Thankfully, just as when the chips appear down, when a scaly creature and darker colored creature like them who was blinded in one eye and covered in scaring, leap into the fray.

Shadow was captured by Eggman not long after Sonic, and Teri and Eclipse had been looking for their brother ever since, teaming up with Tails since they both have the same goal. Find their family, and save anyone who hasn't been evacuated yet, per request of Amy Rose. The group of hedgehogs they save are a little weird, though only Teri notices that these guys don't really act like hedgehogs. Terios is at first a little pushy wanting to get them out of the danger zone so he cna continue the search for Shadow. However, John and Floyd aren't having it, claiming they aren't going anywhere until they find their baby brother. Reluctantly Terios allowed them to join, since well, he's looking for a brother too, though he misinterprets their situations as a kid who got separated during initial evac of the situation. The group meets up with Tails, whose stress repairing Omega, the Fox only wants to know if Teri or Eclipse heard Shadow through the hivemind, since he's hoping Eggman will keep Sonic and Shadow together and finding one would mean both.

From there our group bonds. John kind of sympathizes with Terios, being the eldest sibling with no parents around, even if their situation is very different then from Young Brozone. Bruce is ticked off when he meets Tails, this is an 8-12 year old on his own looking for his teenaged brother with no parents around, like who lets this happen to kids (completely forgets that this was Floyd's situation at one point). Clay is just impressed with how intelligent tails is, and they talk math when they can. Floyd doesn't interact, he wants to find Branch's soul. Eclipse is just chaos incarnate when he gets with Poppy and Viva, the three of them are all high energy and trouble prone. Creek is civil, but Eclipse and Teri unnerve him, they aren't that colorful, but he's trying not to let that get to him, it's hard though when Eclipse mentions the Black Arms used to eat people.

On the side I do think that Poppy is feeling some form of attraction to Teri, like he's dark mysterious, but a total softy when it comes to Eclipse, Tails, and the dark arms. She actually gets him to open up a little about his past, and is promptly horrified, but she recognizes his loyalty and love for his family (minus black doom). Terious is also feeling something with Poppy, though he isn't sure what. The idea of a relationship never crossed his mind, he was too busy taking care of his family, and keeping his sister's promise. Eclipse recognizes the mutual attraction right away, though he's very blunt about it, and doesn't understand having a mate beyond the purpose of having kids, so he says a lot of things that nearly get Terious kill by Viva's hand or makes a bunch of people uncomfortable.

Eventually they run out of ground bases to search for Shadow and Sonic, and look in other options, eventually hacking the Death Egg and finding old security footage of the hedgehog in question. The resistance is down for a mission now that they have the coordinates for the space base. Most the trolls group have gotten close to members of the resistance by this point and are down to help. Everyone but Floyd. He's looked through every member of the resistance, and all the refugee but still hasn't found someone that could be his brother's reincarnation. Branch was a sweet happy and ever loving little brother in blue, and no one here fit the bill. He doesn't want to get wrapped up in the mission stuff, he wants to keep looking even if it meant leaving the safety of the resistance base. Floyd stays behind, with Bruce and Creek there to make sure he doesn't run off.

On the mission, John is on the infiltration team that finds and frees Sonic. The moment he sees the Blue hedgehog with a gleam of happiness in his eyes, he mistakes the hedgehog for Branch's reincarnation. Sonic's a little out of it, dirty and exhausted from his imprisonment, but he's really happy about the save. This John guy is really nice too, even if he's a little clumsy and doesn't know how to curl up for a spin-dash properly.

Poppy and Viva are on the team looking for Shadow, with Terious and Eclipse. Shadow's containment cell was more heavily guarded and the Black Hedgehog was one a constant stream of drugs to keep him docile. Eclipse and Teri are clinging to their brother the moment they can. Eclipse is just focusing on trying to get Shadow to wake up, while Terious is taking note of the IV and the odd energy signature that Shadow is giving off. It's not chaos, no it's more like what the clones are made of. What did they do to his brother.

The two rescue teams meet up on the way out. Sonic is happy to see Teri and the others, though worried about Shadow. He remembers hearing the black hedgehog screaming whenever that new jackal Eggman was working with entered his cell. Terious and Eclipse are horrified, when he mentions this. They needed to get out of there. They meet up with the ground team outside after fighting for their escape, Clay and Tails with them. John tells Clay he thinks Sonic is Branch, and Clay can't help but agree. Blue and perky, that's their Bitty B, they just need to hear him sing to know. Tails is clinging to sonic full trip back to the main resistance base.

The infirmary takes both recently freed hedgehogs immediately. Sonic goes willingly knowing how worried Tails was. Shadow had been out the whole trip back, but had started mentally stirring by the time of there arrival. John and Clay tell the others about their theory and they rush to meet sonic. Floyd runs up to this Blue hedgehog with so much hope, and is severally disappointed when Sonic only stares awkwardly as Floyd slings to him and tries to get Sonic to join in a song. It's in this awkward silence that Shadow wakes up. But between the months of drugs and psychological torture done by the phantom Ruby, he's disoriented and doesn't think anything is real, lashing out at the medical staff and causing a scene. It almost turns deadly but Terios rushes in and pulls a trump card to make Shadow calm down. He doesn't sing unless in private but he needs Shadow to stop panicking.

For Brozone its enough. The voice is deeper then they remember, but Terios isn't a baby, Branch grew up. Still it's that falsetto of gold they were looking for. There brother had been infront of them this whole time.

Shadow calms enough to ask for confirmation that this is real, which Terios asures that it is. Eclipse joins the hug, and Shadow passes back out from exhaustion not long after. The moment Terios takes a step back and lets the doctors work, Floyd is running into him hugging hard, and calling him Branch.

The rest of the plot would be the Brothers coming to terms that Branch is dead, and Terios is his own person. Floyd being the hardest to convince, he still wants to take Teri back to the troll world to build the waterslid in the bunker. John and Bruce come to the realization quicker then the others, they see Teri as his own person since they talked the most before the reveal. Clay is somewhere in the middle, he's angry that even after death Branch still doesn't have peace, to which Terios tells him to shut up, yes his life is hard but it's one he chooses and he isn't alone. Creek gets his closure, by apologizing to Teri even if he says it isn't necessary. Viva was just along for the ride. Poppy finds away to keep in touch with Teri, though I'm not sure how long the relationship would last, as they would both be needed in each other's worlds.

----

Well this was dumb! Lol I hope yall enjoyed. Questions are now once more welcome! My gap year is about to start!

[that-one-random-writer]

That's My Kind Of Night Chapter: 1 |Complete|

Jake "Hangman" Seresin x (Southern!F)Reader word count: 1,932

Summary: Jake takes leave and goes back to Texas. His friend is now married with a woman. This woman's friend gets under his skin and he loves it.

Warnings: cussin', flirtin', heavy banter, angst, mentions of a lot of southern recreations in this series, Sexual tension. Mature

Southern Chronicles Masterlist

Jake throws a bag in the back of his truck. He hopped in the driver's side. It roars to life, sending vibrations all through the cab. He pulls out of the driveway and sends a text to let the boys know he's heading out.

Hangman is on leave for a month. There is a party with some of his life-long friends and their new women. Jake had stopped to grab a couple of cases of beer. It was going to be a night like his younger years.

The group is meeting at the lake. Four wheelers will be muddy, Beers will be passed around, swimming in the lake, the ladies might even start mud wrestling in the pit, and of course, ending the night with a bonfire.

Jake parked the truck next to a few of his buddies out in the pasture. He hopped out and grabbed his things. "Jake!" Blake yelled out. They grabbed hands and pulled each other in, then out for a quick hug. The two friends hadn't seen each other in quite some time.

"Man, it has been a minute. How have you been?" Jake happily greeted Blake. He had joined the Army, while Jake had opted for the Navy. They looked polar opposite. Blake's black hair contrasting to the lighter shade of Jakes. The brown eyes are much different to Jake's seafoam green.

"I've been great, man. Missions have been a little out there, but nothing I can't handle." Blake had an ego, but not near as mighty as Jake's.

"I know the feeling, man. I've saved a couple of lives myself." He chuckled deeply and puffed up ever so slightly. "I'm one of the few that have had confirmed air to air kills. I was the only one, but a few of my coworkers had a stroke of luck." His face beaming with pride.

"Good on you, man!" Blake exclaimed. Clapping his shoulder. "Hey, come on. Come meet my old lady. She is hell on wheels. Her friend ain't much better. They are firecrackers."

Jake nodded. "Show me the way home, Blake." Blake's chuckle bellowed. The roots showed in the women in Fightertown.

They just weren't quite like the southern belles of Texas. It was quite noticeable when the pair came into view of the tracks. Two women stood tossing handfuls of mud at one another. He could tell they were playfully bickering.

They were both covered in dirt, wet, and dried. Their pants were tight on top and boot cut loose to fit their boots on the bottom. Their tank tops matched with one wearing pink and the other wearing purple. He could barely tell a difference with all the mud. The pair of women were definitely about to start wrestling. They both laughed as one tackled the other. "You'd better not." The girl that pounced said. The one on the ground that had been tackled looked up and noticed the men at the other side of the track about 30 feet.

" Ooo Honeybee, look at what we have here." She was shouting to you, the pouncer, with the nickname you had been graced with years ago. "You must be Jake. I'm Vanny, The new Mrs." She held out her hand.

Jake took it softly in his and winked at her. "Very nice to meet you, Vanny." Vanny blushed. "Blake, honey, you are right about him being a charmer." She smiled back at her husband.

Vanny then introduced you by name, "but everybody calls me Honeybee." You cut her off before she could add anything too embarrassing and smiled politely at the handsome stranger. You held out your hand as well and had a tight grip while you shook his hand.

Jake kept his poker face but was surprised at the firm grip. Expecting the delicacy Vanny had shown.

"She stings a little." Vanny made reference to your nickname. "You'll get adjusted to it Jake. From what I hear, you're a bit of a biter too." Vanny spoke up again. She giggled as Jake looked up at Blake with an eyebrow arched. Blake had told her he had a bit of a mouth on him, even Jake himself couldn't disagree. "Ooo Blake baby, look at the time, drive me up to the dock. We've a party to get ready for. Honey bee, why don't you let Jake drive you up to the house to grab the stuff."

You giggled brightly. "That's funny, Van." You had started making your way back to the four-wheeler following the pair.

"Im driving!" He calmy made his way to the four-wheeler. He started strapping his bag and beers down. You looked that man up and down. Appreciating how this man looked. His body was sculpted. His biceps are far too big for that tiny shirt. It was enough to make you crumble. "No, you're not." You called back to him, wrapping your legs around the seat. He raised an eyebrow. Looking up from the straps. "I'll tell you what doll face. You get to ride in the front." He hopped on behind you. You could feel his body press against yours, your ass pressed so close to him. His minty breath was so cool against your ear that it sent a shiver down your spine.

"You just better hold on, Darlin."" He whispered softly. This man was gonna get you in trouble.

He had grown up around Blake's family lake house. He knew the trails like the back of his hand. He drifted down the side of the path, cutting off Blake.

You held up a bird passing Vanny. Your irritation materialized. She's giving this man ideas. Vanny wiggled her fingers to wave you off. She knew what she was doing. The couple already decided that they wanted to play Cupid in your life. You had been mad at first. You're starting to rethink your emotions, seeing him up close and feeling him so close to you. You're hard-headed, so you'll still give her hell about it later. "So you know where you're going?" You yelled over the engine.

"I've been here as long as I can remember." He yelled back over the loud vibrations.

"Good, can you take me down by the campsite. I left some things down there." He took a turn down a trail, and you knew he heard you.

The four-wheeler stopped once the tents were in front of you. "You had a whole lake house, and yall camped last night?" He leaned back to make room for you to hop off.

"Yeah, a bed isn't the same as a hammock. Im out here any chance I get." You walked to your hammock and grabbed your gun, slipping it in the holster on your belt. You put your ball cap back on your head. It was distressed and had the words Mama tried on the front in bold letters.

"Don't worry, I took a shower this morning." You called back with a laugh, grabbing a couple of other blankets, lighter fluid, and matches.

"It sure don't look like it." He chuckled, looking at your mud covered curves. He had to admit, those jeans definitely complimented you well. Especially when you bent down. The mud was accentuating all the rounded edges.

"And you look like you just hopped out of a Barbie doll box, Ken." You put everything on the back of the four-wheeler strapping it down. Then leaned against it. "Blake made it seem like you're more G.I. Joe, the way he talked about you." You got back on in front of him. You made a dramatic sad face. "Bless your heart, Malibu Barbie must have had her way with you..." Your voice got much softer into a whisper. "One too many makeup testers at the beauty shop." You giggled softly at the banter.

Jake smirked and looked up at you. "Honey, G.I. Joe is scared of me."

You matched his smirk. "Prove it..."

He turned his attention the trail and then pressed the gas, knocking you back into his chest. He made sure to hit the mud puddles a little harder, causing mud to splatter all over the pair. "How's that for a Ken doll?" He called over the engine.

He drifted and parked right in front of the house. You both made your way to the door. He opened the door and held it open for you. "You look better." You patted his chest and complemented the mud on his clothes, walking through the door. Your eyes lifted with your smile.

You walked into the kitchen and leaned against the kitchen counter. Cool air blasted from the A/C. Confidence seeping out of Jake's aura, he followed behind you. "Tell me about yourself, Y/N." He glanced around the house. It was just like he remembered. He walked to the kitchen and grabbed a beer in the fridge. You took it in your hand as he offered it to you. He grabbed one for himself. You popped the top.

"Well, I'm 27, and I own a hair salon in town." You started. Then, you paused to take a sip. "What about you? Tell me about the life of a handsome ken doll."

Jake smirks and leans against the door frame. His elbow is against the frame, placing his hand behind the nape of his neck. His biceps filling up the tight sleeve of his tee shirt. You didn't hide that you were checking him out as your eyes dragged to where his shirt lifted. "I'm a naval aviator. I've had two air strike kills in the past six months." His chest puffed. "We've been on some pretty crazy missions here lately. A lot of classified information. I'm thinking about taking an instructor position I've been offered. The school is up in California."

You were impressed but held the poker face. You giggled to yourself when he stopped at California.

"I knew I smelt malibu Barbie on you..." you muttered giggling, you then spoke back up continuing,"Naval aviator, That sounds like a dangerous career. My momma would smack me if I didn't thank you for your service." He nodded his head, acknowledging the appreciation. "I guess I stand corrected. G.I. Joe might just be shaking in his boot. When you're back in California, make sure to say 'hello' to your girlfriend Barbie in the dreamhouse for me."

He stiffled a laugh from exiting his plump lips. "I'm still waiting for a Barbie to complete my collection. I do have the dream house, though. I just bought it about a month ago. If you ever want to take a vacation in San Diego, let me know. You can come play Barbie with me. You have a G.I. Joe, that might be scared of me? "

You bit your lip, looking him up and down. You placed both hands on the counter, leaning forward comfortably. Your chest is displayed with a glow from the sweat and mud. "I'm not a Barbie Doll type, and G.I. joes dont quite do it for me. I need something a little more intimidating, " You whispered softly.

The teasing was very tempting. His eyes shifted down to where cotton didn't cover. The glow was so inviting. His smirk raised back to his face when he met your eyes again. He was lost for word. Your teasing had got him. You had won in his mind, and that both infuriated him and intrigued him. Especially when that just confirmed your relationship status to be single. The only words he could muster came out in a low growl. "I think I know a guy."

CHAPTER 2

Tumblr ate my post. 😒 Trying this again...

No permissions to share the story as your own. Do not repost to any site. Don't steal from aspiring authors that makes you a 'C U Next Tuesday'!

[dorkwalf]

subnautica au part 12

Tails Pov

Warnings;

I looked up at the sky as the sun goes down, my ears lowering. Amy hasn't returned yet. It been two days. I curl my tails around my belly. Knuckles walks over and places his hand on my head. "She's not back yet."

"Then we'll give her one more day and me and Lulu will go after her." Knuckles say. I whimper scared that Amy might be hurt. Knuckles frowns. "it's okay Amy's a taught chick. She'll be fine."

"True, I just....We don't know what's out in these waters... We don't know if something more dangerous is lurking out there. I mean... we've found seven pods Knuckles....Seven. Each with no survivors."

"Tails I bet things will start to-"

"No." I cut him off "Stop it. I may be twelve but stop treating me like a child. Ive been on missions and in war as much as you have." I watch as knuckles frowns, His purple eyes Dulling at the thought of what we've all gone through.

"I know. I just. Tails your supposed to be a kid. Your supposed to go fly your model airplain after school and go hang out with friends your age."

I frown lowering my ears. "that would be nice....But honestly I'd never trade this life for the world."

Knuckles smiled sadly and weakly jokes, "even if we're stuck on this planet forever?"

"Even if we were stuck in the viod of space forever." i say smiling.

Suddenly we both jump up at the sound of a scream from inside the pod. We quickly open the hatch and climb down only to see Lulu's hair smoking as if Shes been electrocuted and Sonic laying on the floor laughing his quills off.

"What happened?" I ask confused

"Lulu tried to mess with the solar batteries" Sonic chockes out giggling as Lulu caughs out a puff of smoke and smiles.

"But I lived" She states proudly.

everyone chuckles at her words and we all grab some rations. "I think im going to go out and make a bigger base. Sonic would you like to jion me?"

Sonic green eyes found my blue and he smiles. "Sure bro. After all the water in the shallows isn't to bad."

I smile and nod hopping up and grabbing my tank, sonic following behind me. I grin and jump into the water the bubbles floating through the water around me. I look up as sonic dives in and start to swim west. Sonic swim Infront of me challenging me to a race and I grin accepting and racing back against him.

We get to an opening near the edge of the shallows away from the radiation and look to each other in silent agreement that this is where our base should be.

Sonic starts clearing the rocks and plants being hesitant to go too far from me which is understandable. I'm just happy he's in the water and not stuck on the Pod. I grab my building device and start with the main part of the base. Making a hatch and solar system for the base. As soon as it was online I go in and lay out some storage.

Sonic looks through the glass hatch but doesn't enter which surprises me a bit. I come out to see and I giggle, and I see Sonic playing with the shuttle bugs like he did with the choa back home. My ears lower and I smile sadly. I'm so glad my big brother get time to be a kid. He went from war to raising me. He barely had a childhood from the stories I've heard.

I glance back at the base and start adding more and more. The base was pretty big even going out of the shallows a bit. Finally, I was out of Titanium. I sealed the last bit off and came out to find sonic had gathered more but I laugh when I see the acid mushrooms that are in his quills. A little shuttle bug resting on his tank. I swim down cleaning his quill and motioned to go back to the pod. He grins and nods dashing in front of me and laughing racing me back home.

[jazzfromthevoid]

Huh been thinking about when I lived back in my old town, and about the made-up ghost stories I'd tell my school friends. My town was pretty old, and it had some local legends, even to the point where my school was built next to the cemetery where said local legend was burred, though for the most part it was just a place for teens to skip school and drink.

But me being the very creative and original story teller, my story was a little bit closer to home. My house was built on one of the tallest points in my town, and at the foot of a place called Mount mutton. Mount mutton was in my humble opinion, one of best places to walk, it had a main walking trail that went all around spat you out at the other side. There was also a trail that went up to a lookout and a huge water tank, that also had a few local legends tied to it. But I'd say it's most interesting part was deeper into its forest. You see, if you went off trail, deeper into the brush, you could find a small structure, I would struggle to even call a cabin. It was a small crudely make stone cabin that was completely overgrown. I can't remember it super vividly, I don't even think you could go inside. But that thing completely enwrapped my imagination, and me being the hell spawn of a child I loved to scare my friends with stories of that place.

One such tail was about the supposed owner of the cabin, an old man who built it himself. He was a recluse, not dangerous by any means, but someone who you would steer clear of. But the few times anyone saw him, he was always accompanied by a large greyhound. The greyhound and the man were never seen without each other, the two of them were more than dog and man, they were family, in every sense of the word. But unfortunately as time went on the man became older, he couldn't get into town for basic supplies, he begin relying on the greyhound to find the both of them food. It was on one of these days the greyhound disappeared, it wasn't uncommon for the dog to leave for a day or two, but three days had passed with no sign of her. It was winter at the time, but despite that the man went out to look for his companion. He surched restlessly for days, with no sign of her. He was weak, tired, and cold, but he still didn't give up.

Eventually he did find her. But it was too late, the greyhound had slipped off a cliff and fell into a blackberry bush, where she was unable to escape. The man was heartbroken, he couldn't bare to go on without his loyal friend. So, he lay down to rest one last time, with his friend at his side he slept, letting the cold take him. Unfortunately for the old man, he couldn't quite yet join his friend. His still broken heart kept a part of him in the forest, and in that old stone cabin he built with his own two hands.

Of course that story wasn't true, it also kinda spiralled into me pointing to random unrelated structures and telling my friends he also haunted them too. And something about the number 17?? I can't remember exactly, I'd also tell my friends that if you were mean to dogs the old man would dump you in a blackberry bush and watch you very slowly die, but I mean who's mean to dogs anyway?

And that wasn't the only story me and my friends came up with, we'd always tell stories like that whenever we had to walk anywhere for school excursions. There was also one about the abandoned swimming pool also near the school, were people would say they heard screaming from, (Wow there were alot of creepy things near my school). But the old man and the greyhound was always my story and I really loved it for that.

Anyway it's pretty fun to reminisce about stuff like this, and it's kinda sad the place I'm at now doesn't have any thing like it. Or at least that I know about now. I really wish I could go back and visit the stone cabin but I'm decently sure it was nocked down when they started to build there. But if I can find it I will definitely take a picture of it, I really just need to make sure it actually existed lol.

[doodleferp]

I like to know more about your character Ari, her back story and her relationships with other characters please?

Absolutely! Ari’s gotten reworked a LOT in the past year or so, and I'm always happy to infodump about her! However, her backstory is long, convoluted, and it would be a REALLY long read by itself. So I'm gonna split it up into illustrated increments a la one of my favorite SCPs, World of Two Artists. So we’re going to start with her personality and work from there. These bits revolve around the events of the Trigun manga, and if asked, I’ll likely go into how these changed in the 1998 and 2023 adaptations.

TLDR, Ari is a very wounded, very complicated individual who is quick to anger and even quicker to violence. She's lived through trauma after trauma at the hands of human beings and wishes to punish them for what they've done to the PLANTs and to each other. Her hatred for humanity runs deep, to the point where she openly rejects her own species and desires become a PLANT herself. But thanks to the love and support of her childhood sweetheart Vash, Ari is slowly, slowly moving through her trauma and searching for a way to heal rather than simply lash out.

First and foremost — Ari is aggressive. Irrevocably, unapologetically aggressive. She is a loaded gun, and her finger is always on the trigger. Were it not for Vash’s influence (and sometimes even his mere presence), Ari would shoot first and ask questions later. She is easily flustered and overwhelmed when confronted with a potential danger, which can lead to her judgment being clouded or cause her to act on impulse instead of thinking rationally. Her inner turmoil over her love for Vash and her desire to fight for him often leads her to betray Vash’s pacifistic principles and cause others harm. Like Knives, Ari is also severely misanthropic — the Tesla incident led her to develop an ever-growing hatred of humanity and even over a century later she dislikes being around people and is hard-pressed to not trust anybody. Not even the insurance girls, and they end up being two of the few humans she legitimately trusts.

Over her 155+ years of life, Ari's been routinely exposed to a ton of PLANT energies and fluids, everything from swimming around in PLANT tanks to swapping spit (among other things) with the twins. And that's caused her body to go through some...changes. In addition to dyeing her hair and giving her the ability to generate bioelectricity, Ari now has an abnormally-long lifespan and doesn't show any physical signs of aging. She's even able to heal faster and survive in harsh climates. At this point in her life, she doesn't even really need to eat anymore. She knows her exposure to PLANTs is mutating her, and she's completely fine with it. In fact, she welcomes it. She doesn't see herself as human anymore and wants to set herself apart from the species she was born into. Connecting with PLANTs, taking to PLANTs, being around PLANTs — it’s never enough. She wants to be a PLANT.

Though this isn't to say that Ari is completely heartless. When realizing how much she hurt someone she cares for, Ari will try as hard as she can to set things right, working hard to counteract the damage she may have inflicted. Despite wanting to appear as an impenetrable force that nobody can tear down, Ari truly respects those that care for her and is willing to protect them with her life, and ultimately allows herself to be emotionally vulnerable with them. The fact is, Ari's just let herself be hardened by all the pain she experienced. She's only ever been hurt by humans; humans she knew, humans she didn't know. Even her own mother hurt her, but that's a story for another time. And because of this, Ari wants to reject humanity with everything she has. As of the first Trigun chapter, she is slowly starting to move past her hatred of humans -- where she once refused to even enter a small rest station for water, she can now walk through towns and speak with people (though she's not always very nice to them).

Little bits of Ari trivia:

Thanks to her PLANT mutations, Ari has two sets of genitalia -- one masculine and one feminine. Unlike PLANTs, however, Ari does not have a cloaca. Rather, her masculine genitalia just hangs out. More simply put, Ari is intersex.

Ari is polyamorous and is on the ace spectrum, but appears to be exclusively attracted to PLANTs. She kissed a human once and hated it.

A while after the July Incident, Ari picked up a job as a freelance PLANT engineer. She uses her mutations and connection with PLANTs to get much better results than a typical PLANT engineer. Like a…like a PLANT doctor of sorts (botanist?). She charges next to nothing for her services, so she’s very sought after by towns who are in desperate need of PLANT maintenance but can’t afford the outrageous repair costs. In turn, she is vilified and resented by the engineering companies, who see her as a direct threat to their business.

Ari and Vash have been married a total of four times. The first wedding took place in the Floating Colony, the second took place in Kasted City while Ari was pregnant with the quadruplets, the third was officiated by Wolfwood in the back of a pickup truck, and the fourth and final was performed after their reunion at the Mesa Probe Church.

Ari's last name isn't actually "Rowhurst". Rather, she gave herself that name after travelling No Man's Land for a while. Nobody knows what her real last name is.

Ari has little if any understanding of gender norms due to living alone with two Independents PLANTs for a long time. She also refuses to learn to understand them and will sometimes be openly defiant of them just to make people uncomfortable. There’s no reason she should be the only one who hates being here.

Despite not really needing to eat, Ari really likes savory foods. Fried rice, breadsticks, empanadas, etc. She also really likes bug and worm meat for whatever reason. Zazie's not really happy about that.

Trigun c. Yasuhiro Nightow.

Ari c. doodleferp 2024. do not steal or repost.

[maxineholtzmann]

just fall in love with me (this Christmas) - complete on ao3

Rating: Mature

Relationships: Robin Buckley/Chrissy Cunningham, Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Hallmark AU, References to Sexual Content but this fic is not explicit, Misunderstandings, Healthy Communication, Platonic Soulmates Robin Buckley & Steve Harrington, Platonic Soulmates Chrissy Cunningham & Eddie Munson, Hawkins is a Christmas Town, Christmas Store Owner Chrissy Cunningham, Robin Buckley's Parents Are Dead, Car Crash Discussions, Parent Death Discussion, Mild Angst, Happy Ending, Christmas Parade, Background Steddie

Word Count: 7,102

Chapters: 1/1

Snippet:

Robin woke up naked–which was not completely unusual but it was unusual for it to happen in a stranger’s bed in Hawkins, Indiana. She stretched out her arms and legs, the bed empty but still warm–clearly whoever she was had only just got up. What was her name? They’d had a lot to drink the night before and Robin was a bit fuzzy on the details other than that the woman was probably the most beautiful woman Robin had ever seen and her name was something with a “K” maybe. Kristine? Keri?

Robin sat up, her head swimming. Going out last night had been a mistake. She had to meet Steve and Eddie in– oh shit. Robin looked at the clock. It read 8:30 am. She had less than an hour to meet Steve and Eddie at her parents’ house and she had no idea how far away from it she was.

She started searching the room for her clothes. They had had some very enthusiastic sex the night before which had apparently involved her bra ending up on the other side of the room from her shirt. She was unfortunately not able to find her panties, so she was going to have to just put her jeans on sans underwear– yikes –and hope for the best. Maybe that was her punishment for being a horny idiot in her hometown at Christmas.

She pulled on her socks, hopping on one foot as she opened the bedroom door to see the woman from the night before running around her apartment in sweats and a tank top, clearly panic-cleaning.

“Oh good, there you are. I’m so sorry to do this and I swear I’m not usually like this but you have to go. Like, now,” the woman said, her strawberry blonde hair pulled up in a messy bun,blue  eyes wide in panic. She had hickeys all over her neck, courtesy of Robin.

“That’s totally fine, I actually am late to meet someone. Have you seen my jacket?” Robin asked, casting her eyes around the living room of the small apartment.

“Yes, here,” the woman said, thrusting Robin’s jacket, bag, and shoes into her hands and subtly pushing her towards the door of the apartment. “Again, so sorry but I have friends coming over in like, an hour, and this place is a mess and I’m a mess and I had a great time last night uh…”

“Robin,” Robin supplied.

“Right, of course. Robin. So fun, so great to meet you, great sex, thanks for the orgasms, et cetera,” the woman said as she opened the front door of her apartment, depositing Robin in the hallway.

“Right, uh–” Robin said, standing in the hallway, shocked at how efficiently she had been ushered out of this woman’s apartment.

“I hope you have a Merry Christmas!” the woman said, smiling brightly as she shut the door in Robin’s face. Robin heard the lock click as she stared at the wreath on the door.

read the rest here

written for @thefreakandthehair's Spicy Six Winter Fanworks Challenge! Prompt was: "All the movies make this look so much easier."

[carnivorousyandeere]

Werecats/Cat Hybrids Intro

Lion (she/her)

Poetic, romantic, and usually calm and patient. She loves summer, citrus, gold, tarot, and sun-shaped trinkets~! She also loves keeping fancy goldfish, with a particular passion for researching different species being developed, as well as the anatomy and lineage of them. In her free time, she does like to help Clouded Leopard with more whimsical jewelry designs.

Tiger (she/her)

Outgoing, bold, energetic, life of the party. Never a dull moment. She loves shooting the shit and playing basketball with the neighborhood guys. She also helps Clouded Leopard with her business, both in day-to-day tasks of making items and packing them out to ship. Generally more of a househusband💕

Clouded Leopard (she/her)

Adventurous, teasing, with a passion for alternate fashion, even running a business making clothes and jewelry. What exactly she does all day outside the business is a mystery, but she has an uncanny sixth sense about where interesting things are happening and will show up "out of nowhere."

Snow Leopard (she/her)

Extremely organized and health-conscious, maybe a bit neurotic;;; She loves her routines and her job, as well as occasionally hanging out with her coworkers. She loves organizing things and decorating, as well as having collections of various items; namely, decorative knives. She also loves softball and baseball, both watching and playing, as well as watching sports in general.

Housecat (he/him)

Bastard man with two braincells. Doesn't quite realize what a small cat he is (literally and figuratively). Causes a lot of chaos; half the time it's intentional and half the time he's really just fucking around and finding out. He’s much more capable than he lets on, but the others enjoy coddling him too much to call him on it often.

GROUP INFO:

Lion and Tiger are wives, and often wear complementary jewelry, Lion with dainty gold, sun-themed jewelry, and Tiger with silver and pewter jewelry usually shaped like stars. Clouded Leopard and Snow Leopard were childhood friends, and are also each others' primary partners. The werecats live just outside a big city, and they started as roommates to rent out a house together (Lion and Snow Leopard met at work and hit it off). The two couples figured out early on that the others were werecats like them, and were incredibly relieved at how well they all got along from the start. From there, things evolved, and they became a rarely seen Quad polycule.

Then one day Housecat just kinda showed up. The Quad thought he was amusing and decided to let him stick around, and now he's wormed his way into their hearts too. They spoil him rotten and he contributes to the household only in cuddles and and cuteness. He causes more chaos than anything else, but they can't stay mad at that cute face of his.

All of the werecats help model for Clouded Leopard's online shop. Snow Leopard and Lion love meditating and napping together. Tiger and Lion love watching Lion's fish swim around in their tanks together.

Lion and SL both work at the same place, an interior design company, and they respect each others' work but often butt heads when collaborating on the same project (or trying to decide on how their shared house should look).

Lion prefers more colorful, whimsical, and maximalistic styles, and SL prefers neutral colors and minimalist decoration. In terms of their shared house, CL is also more maximalistic like Lion, but more gothic in specific taste. Housecat aligns most closely with CL in terms of taste, but doesn't care too much about how their place is decorated. Tiger's idea of decoration is posters and magazine cutouts of scantily-clad women on the wall with some home workout equipment scattered around on the floor, and she gets the garage as her workout room to live out that dream.

The other werecats sometimes use Tiger's workout equipment too (except CL and Housecat, who don't like working out— although Housecat will sometimes hang out in the garage to watch the others work out or look at the posters).

You probably met Lion and SL first, through their job, and that's where their infatuation with you starts.

Tiger is the tallest, broadest, and most muscular of the group. Surprisingly, human form Housecat is the next tallest, but lanky. After that, SL is the next tallest, with Lion being just an inch or so shorter. CL is the shortest and daintiest of the group, coming in at around 5’2”.

[sbzbrainrot]

Robin and Al-an talk about monkeys and gratuity

I listened to unused voice lines yesterday and there was a removed line where they discussed the sea monkey's gifting behavior once you obtain Al-an. I like to think that they just had the interaction behind the scenes rather than being totally unused, so I wrote this to show my interpretation! Who doesn't love emotional fluff between Robin and her local brain alien <3

Robin had been on 4546B for about a month at this point and she was proud to say that she was starting to learn her way around this freezing hellscape. She was even, dare she say, starting to get used to it – as used to it as she could, anyway. Sure, it was way too cold outside the water (where she unfortunately often found herself led) and she had managed to accidentally pick up a little alien parasite from a storage cube, but she was managing. It was all generally a very uncomfortable experience, but she was surviving.

Today, she swam through the Creepvine Forest, having to gather some resources that she noted seemed more plentiful in this biome compared to others. Despite her circumstances, she did enjoy how pretty everything was (It won’t kill me to at least enjoy the environment, she had reasoned), how the forest was glowing gently with the golden seed pods that sat upon the vines, only accentuated by the dusk overhead. It was like each seed pod was a night light, protecting the forest from the enveloping darkness.

Distracted by the sight, she swam into something. She was startled by the collision and kicked her flippers, propelling herself back so she could see what she’d hit. It was … a sea monkey! She protectively slipped her Seaglide to her back, putting herself between it and the creature. She’d had plenty of experiences with those things in her first few weeks of living around here and if she knew one thing about them, it was that they were really grabby and it was really hard to catch them to get her stuff back. Especially if what they took was her Seaglide.

But the sea monkey seemed to have something different on the mind today. It shook off the confusion from the impact and gave her an open-mouthed smile of excitement as it reached into its pouch and presented her a chunk of gold.

Robin stared at it in shock. At her hesitation the monkey seemed to insist, swimming a little closer and nudging the gift towards her. Robin took it and mumbled the best “thank you” she could through her occupied mouth. The monkey responded with an excited chitter and then swam away, seemingly satisfied. Robin took this, along with the sunset’s complete fade past the horizon, as a sign it was time to go back to base and sleep.

Robin pondered the experience as she swam back towards her makeshift home. She opened the hatch and climbed in, taking her mask and tank off, setting them onto the table she had placed near the entrance. She sucked in a deep breath through her nose, always satisfied when she was able to get off that oxygen tank and breathe as greedily as she wanted. She never knew what she wasn’t appreciating until she took on something that pulled it away from her. She had gone on other adventures before on other planets in her life, sure, but every one was different and took away something uniquely enjoyable while she was there. Like breathing freely. Ugh.

She took the precarious chunk of gold out of her bag and looked at it. It was nothing special, just another chunk of gold, but it was really fascinating how the monkeys had changed their tune. Was it just that one monkey? Maybe he missed the memo instructing all the monkeys to be mean and thefty towards her.

“Do you like your gift rock?” That voice in her head she’d never get used to, Al-an, spoke up. He was eager to engage in conversation now that she seemed idle. There was a tinge of amusement in his voice.

“Huh?” Robin inquired, before realizing he was talking about her chunk of gold. “Oh, uh… yeah, I guess.” She was definitely happier with this new arrangement, much better to receive gifts than be stolen from, but still wondered why things had changed. Perhaps they’d finally noticed the scraps of unusable metal she’d been leaving out for them and they had decided to ally with her?

“Your interpretation of this interaction is intriguing. You seem to find the sea monkey’s behavior strange.”

“Well, yeah. I can’t believe they brought me a gift. They always liked to steal, and now they’ve completely changed their tune. It is strange.” Robin looked at her chunk of gold with a slight expression of fondness as she sat on her bed. She placed it on her nightstand. It may just be another chunk of gold, but it was a gift.

She yawned and laid her head on her pillow as Al-an responded. “That is odd.” he said plainly.

“Right? I’m thinking they noticed the shiny scraps I left out for them. That’s my running theory.” Robin turned over in bed and sighed, pulling the covers up to her shoulders. The lights in the room dimmed and she drew her attention to her window, observing the pretty view – she had placed that window directly facing the Creepvine forest. It was the prettiest thing around, especially at night. Not the safest thing to explore in the dark, so it was much nicer to see it from the comfort of her bed.

“No, I don’t find it odd that they are giving you gifts. I find it odd that they had initially been stealing from you.” Al-an hummed thoughtfully before continuing. “They’ve always been providing to us. I would always have to designate space for their gifts when I knew I would be passing them.”

“Hmm?” Robin questioned curiously, raising an eyebrow. She really did not think those monkeys had it in them and she was surprised to learn that to Architects, it was just how the monkeys behaved. “Are you suggesting they’re only being nice because you’re in my brain?”

“…Would it be undesirable if there were benefits to traveling with me?”

“Hey! Don’t oversell yourself, it’s not like they brought me anything useful.” Robin rolled her eyes. She was sure Al-an didn’t actually know when she was doing that, but she hoped he did because she sure found herself doing it a lot when he spoke.

“How is a sea monkey to know what you need? I have read your PDA in its entirety and I don’t know what you need.” Al-an objected, seemingly indignant at his perceived maltreatment of the monkeys. Robin giggled and his annoyance seemed to melt away.

“Keep your nose out of my PDA, Al-an.” Robin teased.

“We Architects do not have noses as you do, but your point is nonetheless understood.”

A comfortable silence passed between them. Robin grew sleepier as she watched the world outside her window settle into its own slumber. She yawned and pulled her sheets closer. Al-an noticed her heartrate falling and sleep fast approaching, but he decided to elaborate on one last thing before he missed his chance.

“I accepted the gifts each time. I did not want to seem ungrateful.” He spoke quietly, gently. Then he added, “It is very useful to make allies, no matter how unlikely, or perhaps inconvenient.”

Robin considered it for a moment, slightly roused from her tiredness as she considered what Al-an had said. She spoke gently, too, as she replied. “The things we see as inconvenient are usually not always that way. I’ll use that gold the next time I have to make a computer chip, their gift saved me a trip.” She let out a tired hum before thinking of one more thing to say. “I hope I can be grateful, too. Sometimes I think I forget to show it.”

She could feel an understanding warmth radiate from Al-an’s presence, almost like a smile. More silence passed and she could feel her eyes grow heavier, breathing grow slower. He could feel it too.

Softly, in almost a murmur, he responded. “I wonder what gift would make you truly happy. Perhaps if you indicated your needs more often, they would be easier to fulfill.”

But Robin was already asleep, and he knew.