#the rest of the group live in the same town as him and has known him since childhood | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

yanderecandystore · 2 years ago

Note

I love the yandere monster story, can I make a wish for some yandere monster boy naga who is looking for a mate to carry his eggs and live the rest of his life together forever?

I don't condone yandere shit irl, but if you bang a naga man someday I'll give you a pass and a cookie, you mad lad. Not proofread enough lmao, also sorry but I really don't know how to type s e x.

Tw/Tags: straight up NSFW/+18 scene (written by someone who struggles to imagine sex- So we don't guarantee quality) // not very descriptive genitals, if at all // the usual yandereness + breeding kink; possessive behavior; manipulation; suffocation; implied oviposition but not really cause I'm dumb // you're a literal desert mailman💀 I'm sorry // brief mentions of troubled family life/past trauma // language barrier // self-conscious reader // willing yet slightly scared reader.

🍭꒰⑅ᵕ༚ᵕ꒱˖♡🍮꒰⑅ᵕ༚ᵕ꒱˖♡🍰꒰⑅ᵕ༚ᵕ꒱˖♡🍮꒰⑅ᵕ༚ᵕ꒱˖🍭

Writing in the sand [Yandere!Male!Naga x AFAB!Messenger!Reader - One shot]

Being a messenger was actually a lot more dangerous than it seemed at first, how many times have you and your camel met with bandits, scammers, difficult terrain, awful weather, people who would tell you the wrong direction for shits and giggles?? MANY times, but did you ever consider quitting and going back to the tea shop of your very judgmental parents or worse- To accept the offer of personal servant to that weird queen from the faraway lands who wouldn't shut up about how much better her kingdom was?? NO!

I mean a little bit. Just a little bit. Occasionally, I mean her kingdom was really pretty, though constant snow sounds like a pain in the ass, and giving up the freedom you currently have for either a strict monarch or your family was NOT something you were planning to do, ever!

The first time you got off the borders to send messages for far away people was the day you truly felt alive for once! The desert itself was your greatest rival and yet you faced it head down after that day- Sure, you were unprepared at first and there's still plenty to learn out there but it was EXCITING!!

You fought (ran away as quickly as you could) many groups trying to get a coin out of your body, or your life! Or your camel!! King Mustard wasn't the same after the "giant scorpion with that group of thieves" incident that happened, the worst part is that it happened twice though the people were different at least. Your personal theory is that the scorpion WAS the same from before, and that it has been following you through your journeys and it probably was looking for revenge!!

You told that story to so many people that now it's hard to go someplace without repeating yourself, it's weird how even though you're never at one place for too long, most people know you! You're, humbly speaking, sort of a big deal in the great drylands- Not known for your bravery but mostly for your constant running mouth and your adapted technique in how to extract cactus juice safely from a cactus with 70% success of no cactus drunkenness! (100% Needle-safe not included).

Stopping in a town was obviously the safest place for you and your camel, but was also probably one of the most rewarding parts of your trips, of course because you always need to have plenty of resources out there in the sand but also because… Well, as much as you loved every second of exploration and travel, you were admittedly a very lonely person.

It's not something you like to tell others, as you have already experienced people doubting your capability of being a messenger if you get so "emotional" over being far away from people ("I told you so!" Yeah, thanks mum.). It was a time you could feel at least safe and… Sometimes welcomed.

But it wasn't always a lonely trip, after all, King Mustard was here! Him with his big personality was always the heart of the party! Everyday was fun with him, even if he couldn't speak to you… However, that doesn't mean you haven't found great comfort in your travels, you probably haven't noticed this yourself yet, but [y/n]...

You are a very dear person.

Every person you've helped along the way in your trips, just by coincidence finding them, and landing them a hand in the hot and harsh reality of the desert thinks of you dearly. You have friends! It's just that you don't see them very often… If at all. The desert has a funny way of getting people closer, people who struggle to survive in its environment, and yet it also drifts them away- The wind blows in every direction separating every small particle of sand, and maybe one day they'll meet again, or maybe not. Cruel was it, with its breathtaking beauty and extremely cold personality for someone so hot and merciless.

You often associate the desert with its forgotten god. You tend to talk about it as a person rather than just an environment of harsh conditions, you always remember to talk to it, hoping it would listen in a way. You were pretty much by yourself out there, but thinking that someone was listening to your travels made you feel safer, perhaps not as tormented as the blazing Sun would leave you to believe. You were being watched, and protected, you just knew it!

The proof of it came from one of the greatest encounters you ever had during your travels.

It was really hot that day, King Mustard seemed really tired and you were melting under the blazing heat- You two needed shelter and fast! And suddenly, as if the gods listened to your prayers!-(But quickly threw you two middle fingers)- An immense sandstorm was approaching!! For someone as cautious as you, you couldn't understand where the hell it came from!! It was so sudden and just- There was no indication of it!! At all!!

You got knocked out, and when you woke up- You were… Somewhere strange, like an underground oasis of sorts, hidden in the desert there was a cave of luscious greenery and drinkable water, it was magical how big the place was!! You thought you had died and went straight to Paradise!!

At least, you thought so when you saw a very large and handsome man staring back at you, smiling gently. He had tanned skin and a REALLY long, almost platinum hair! He looked so gorgeous with his green cat eyes that you almost forgot to breathe!

You asked the man if he was an angel, and he responded to you in a language you didn't understand. You were 100% certain that the man was really an angel and yet when he revealed the lower part of his body your face dropped immediately, terror slightly setting in. He was half snake, half a giant snake at that! His tail seemed endless, those dark scales were so pretty yet so terrifying! The gold markings seemed very regal and holy in nature but the endless darkness almost seemed to eat it all up! Like a demon!

You freaked out at first, but when you looked at his eyes, his gentle face- His expression of concern, those big bright eyes, you noticed he really didn't seem to have any ill intent towards you, perhaps you were misjudging him for something he was not. After breathing in and out, you calmed down, never taking your eyes from him, you felt comforted as you realized this creature was the one who saved you out there! And who saved your camel!! He was still really scared of your snake buddy, but you made sure to soothe him.

Long story short, you became friends with a human-snake guy who seemed genuinely very cool! It's a shame you didn't understand a word he said… You suspect that maybe he speaks in a very ancient language and perhaps this means he was REALLY old!! And yet, he seemed just about your age, and you got to hangout with him during your free time.

Poor thing, he seemed trapped down here (though to be fair, it is a fabulous prison to be in-) and he really wanted to catch up with times! So you made it your duty to help him understand the new world, you have no idea why he is here and how long did he live here separated from the rest of the world, but now that you knew how to get there and how to get out- You made it your mission to teach him everything you knew about the modern world.

And although the language barrier was massive, you two somehow got to learn something very special about each other- He shared with you his name, "Rakaski", and you got to teach him yours.

~"[y/n]"~ His accent was heavy, and yet you felt something flutter inside you whenever you heard him call your name. You remember him repeating your name over and over again as if he wanted to memorize how to say it.

After hearing his name, you made sure to research it, trying to find something that could lead you to know what language he was talking in- But no books nor people seemed to know how to speak it, except for one book you found, a fairytale book that was so old that it was a nightmare trying to understand the vernacular! But it didn't seem like a very "old" old kind of book, it was probably made after the language had changed, there were a lot of words that you didn't recognize.

The book never explained the name's meaning really, but it was always used as a common word- And given the context of the story you read, it seemed to mean either "falling" or "god"? Well, you're not very sure, since the book was confusing as hell, and your interpretation of the story was very mixed- Was it about a desert deity or a man that kept tripping over in the sand?! Seriously, why did it have to be so confusing!?

In the end, you still didn't understand the book and neither did you find out anything about Rakaski's name. At least you know it was older than your home kingdom, which was pretty cool.

Either way, the lack of communication never stopped you from coming down that hidden paradise to talk to your best friend every opportunity you could! King Mustard can be very squeamish whenever you guys try to get down there, he really disliked going there and you assumed it was because he was claustrophobic, which you already knew he was. So, today you'll leave him in the shade and get down by yourself, you don't want to stress the poor thing.

"M-Mustard! King Mustard Junior The Third, stop pushing me around!! You know you're a lot heavier than me! Seriously, this isn't funny!!" Ah, King Mustard, for a camel you're really just a scaredy cat! You push him away gently as you can, he keeps positioning himself in front of the hole you want to jump in.

"Hey stop!! If you don't want to come then fine, but let me get in! Please! I'll be back soon!" The massive animal was starting to get a little too agitated, and you knew better than to try to force your way.

"Mustard, seriously you're starting to scare me, you know I'll be back soon, please let me get down." You don't know if it was the deep magical connection of friendship that made him understand you and realize that he scared you, or if he suddenly felt disinterested in playing with you right now.

Taking by how the camel sassily walked away you're starting to think it was the second option- Of was he genuinely insulted by your stubbornness? Who knows.

"Sigh… You always get like this when we pass by." Though you can't really blame him, you know he still distrusts Rakaski, but come on it's been a year! And Rakaski has never hurt any of you two! Sure, he was a bit intimidating at first but he had a good heart, you just knew that.

Compared to the men back in your hometown? Rakaski was a saint, you were sure of it.

You had slid through the sandy hole and into the luscious underground with ease, you started to call for him, but before you could even yell out "Ra" you saw him not so far away, seemingly very occupied.

"Awn, guess you're decorating! Have I come at a bad time?" You walked to him and joked despite being aware he wouldn't understand you.

The way his face lit up and turned to face you was just so precious, he seemed very excited!

~"[y/n]!! [y/n]!! It's really good to see you again!! I was already worried you would never come."~ He talked just like you, committing the same mistake of talking as if the other would understand- You had no clue what he said, but as he coiled around you and his arms squeezed you oh so dearly you understood exactly what he meant.

"Yeah, yeah- Missed you too-" You never knew how to deal with anything social, period, and being flustered at someone who wasn't even human was not a first but it never got easier. But with him, at least, you feel like you don't need to pretend that you don't feel slightly flustered by his attention. Gods know you're a very easy target for large and very well built men.

After he let you go, you realized he was just building a new nest for him, so you decided to help him as well. It was already pretty much done when you got in, but you felt like he deserved a "fancy" bed so you helped him decorate with flowers and some of the trinkets you bought for him, he just loved human trinkets!

And by the gods, you knew you were currently in Spring, but these flowers?! They were just so damn pretty, it's a real shame that your traveling is mostly done in sand, occasionally though you have to go to the East to deliver important letters and gifts and you just kinda love that place! Every time you go, they're experiencing a different season, and it all changes so much, it's beautiful!!

"Oooh!! Maybe I should bring you flowers from one of the neighboring kingdoms, it'll be a way to show you the world since you can't leave…" You think out loud, and of course, he looks at you a little confused- And yet he repeats the word you said.

"Flowers?" He repeats it as if he didn't understand what you said, yet liked how you said it.

"Yes! Flowers!-" You say pointing to the flowers in his nest and surrounding you two, he quickly understands it, it seems.

~"Oh! Flowers! Oh, that's what it's called to you? Great heaven's, humans are always changing, aren't they?"~ He starts to laugh, you… Sort of don't understand the joke, but perhaps "flowers" just sounds funny to him.

He patted your head as he laughed, as if trying to congratulate you on making him laugh (I mean, getting this man to laugh was a challenge, you bet even without the language barrier).....

Although, it felt more like a "reward" sort of situation… As if he was rewarding you for… Being so entertaining, you suppose! Still, that's probably just all in your head, besides you know well when someone is being condescending to you, you're sure of it! Years inside your family's house has made you a pro in spotting bad apples from far away. I mean, you like to think you do, to be fair Rakaski was a little difficult to read, and sometimes he did things that you probably weren't sure of what they meant.

But then again, he was a very old half snake dude trapped inside a cave somewhere along the rock formations spread all over an unforgiving desert, his social life was probably a lot worse than yours, and who's to say that his antics aren't based on his own culture? Perhaps snake people like to coil around each other to show affection, even if it's really hard to breathe like this.

Things weren't so complicated between you two, however, as you guys have invented a form of simple and more direct communication through pointing to objects and scribbling on paper. You had thought about using sign language, so you learned a couple of words and tried to use with him-

"So- This means that- Hm..?"

But before you could teach him he already was talking to you through hand signs you didn't understand, he was very well adapted and you only knew a few like "hello", "you", "me" and "see you soon"- Which would be the most used one for you two.

"Huh, you always impress me, maybe you should be the one teaching me-" You bowed down, genuinely impressed with what you saw, and he seemed very content with himself as he smugly pretended to wave and throw kisses to a nonexistent audience. His ego was always a bit inflated, wasn't it?

You decided to cut your visit short and return back to King Mustard as you didn't want to leave him waiting for too long. It's funny how neither him nor Rakaski liked each other despite sharing a diva personality. As you waved your goodbye, Rakaski decided to give you one last big hug.

A hug that didn't seem to end at all. His body wrapping around you and leaving you to feel surrounded by darkness. This usually happened so it didn't come as any surprise. You tried to tickle him as that usually worked.

"Come on now, you know I'll be back soon!" You laughed as you tried to provoke him, his belly was so sensitive that you could see him contracting and trying to avoid giggling.

But he didn't let you go. Your attempt only made him restrict you further, the snake body trapping your hands with its weight.

You were well aware of Rakaski's animalistic tendencies, for example he was cold blooded and constantly held you to try to gain some height, like he is doing now.

You know that when he yawns his jaw unhinges and opens so inhumanly wide that you have to close your eyes so you won't have any more nightmares about it.

You know he is nocturnal so he is constantly feeling a little too sleepy whenever you two hangout, as you often come to see him during the day (which was something you did for safety, though you sometimes worry he is having trouble sleeping because of you-).

And you also know that snakes tend to suffocate their prey with their body before eating them whole.

While trying not to judge him as a human eating monster you still feel very, very terrified of the slight chance he might be hungry and has forgotten you're not food. The more you struggle the tighter it gets, and it doesn't help that his skin is so cold, it makes your nerves flare up as you can hear him growling with what you hope is not hunger.

"RAKASKI-!!" You yell, you couldn't help it, you were starting to feel dazed. While closing your eyes you felt his lower body shift and relax, you felt arms hugging you a lot more gently than the suffocating sensation from before. If it wasn't for his lazy eyes and the internal chuckling you can feel in his chest you would say he was actually hungry for you. He was just trying to scare you.

"Sigh, you'll be the death of me- Seriously you scared me to death!" You tried to push him off you, but he basically threw his entire body weight on you as you fell to the ground with your back on the soft yet not very ideally comfortable grass.

"Shhhh~!" He nuzzles on you while hugging your stomach. Normally he would have let you go now after petting your head or pretending to bite your neck just for funsies- But today he is very much not letting you go, at all.

Okay, you really didn't want to address the situation, you weren't planning on ever talking about it of course but- By the gods, you knew better than to assume his playful smile was just his usual silly self.

Oh, who were you kidding, you knew it from the moment you came in and saw the nest he was making, it's not like you haven't noticed his chest rising and falling as if he was struggling to breathe just by talking with you. You wanted to leave because you noticed that perhaps you took the wrong month to visit him.

It was mating season, wasn't it? Why now? Why today?! And why WERE YOU ACTUALLY CONSIDERING IT?!!!

"Okay I think I need to think about this a little more- I mean you're clearly not thinking straight right, I'm not even a snake lady, man!" You try to push him off you as you avoid eye contact, the worst part is that he was fairly attractive for someone's who's lower body was just one huge snake tail.

He wouldn't budge, he only shifted his head to look at your face, even if you were avoiding him you could feel his smirk creeping around the corner of your vision, you wouldn't be surprised if he knew what you also knew.

I mean, it wasn't a secret you liked him was it? You thought you didn't mind him noticing this but this sudden desire just feels like it's happening all too fast and you're worried it might be just a one time thing, that he is acting like this out of instinct not out of actual desire towards you. And well you never really did this before, I mean not with someone like him, at all! But you had experiences with people before.

Bad experiences. The ones that would leave someone worried for years that they're not good enough to anyone. Were you being cautious or were you just being self-conscious? Were you scared of him not liking you when this high of his diminished? Maybe you just weren't sure if this was a good idea.

"I don't know if I'm really ready for this." You confess, looking back at him- Hoping to find your answer.

And he looked back at you with a sad expression, did he understand what you said? Did he understand what you meant at least? He looked so concerned and genuinely "awake" despite his current very urgent instincts. He held your hand and kissed it for reassurance, you didn't notice you were crying until your vision was blurry and your chest was aching.

"Sorry.." You tried to wipe them yourself, you don't know why you're apologizing. Rakaski didn't seem to take it well, he was about to say something before shaking his head vigorously and wiping your tears himself. He came closer to look you in the eyes, stop staring elsewhere, you won't find comfort anywhere else but those eyes.

He decides to come off of you and give you some space despite his initial reluctance, the gentle and almost warm presence of reassurance leaving with him- And before he could give you space you decided to make the first move yourself.

You kissed him, hoping perhaps he would understand the gesture, and he did! He hugged you and kissed you back returning your neediness… Though coming in with a lot more desperation than you thought. Not seconds after forcing his tongue in despite your unisseanes.

I mean, it 's good! He isn't being horrific at it is just that you have underestimated how badly he seemed to want this. And although you're just as interested in this as he is, you're worried you may not hold to the same durability as he has.

Today was the day. Today had to be day, and he wouldn't have it any other way. To wait longer would be torture and you best believe this man was patient. He wasn't expecting you to almost reject him at first of course, oh you almost gave the immortal a heart attack!

He shouldn't have been so pushy, he knows that, but having your soft lips on his was so worth it that he couldn't help himself as he pinned you down again, ah… It's a shame the nest is so far away, this is not a very classy way to do things.

Then again, ripping off your clothes with no regards was probably not very refined either, humans needed a lot more courting than he was aware of- But it was fine! You were doing just great, you were being so good to him, he wishes he could praise you in your own language so you could understand him.

~"You're so lovely for something so fragile, thank you for accepting me- You have no idea how long I've spent being trapped here knowing damn well there's not a single other like me out there."~ He would praise you in his own tongue in frantic breaths while kissing your neck and nibbling in your ear, while his lower body made sure to lock you in place, you were a little scared, weren't you?

~"I'm genuinely sorry for having to put you in this position but I can't take it anymore- But I know you want this as well, I know you do!"~ He usually was very talkative, but there was something in his voice that sounded shaky, desperate, and his hands were too confused on where and what to grab that you noticed he seemed just as inexperienced as you were.

Well, at least you thought so before he spread your legs and started to rock back and forth in your lower region- It's not exactly that he is inexperienced, but he is very much off his mind right now- His movements aren't uncertain, they're just frantic for any release. Not that he won't tend to you as well, he just really needs this right now. But you'll understand, you always do. You always treat him so well, despite the monster he has become.

~"It'll hurt, and I'm not sure if it's only a little. I promise to make it worth it later to you."~

You were struggling to keep up with his weird and off putting rhythm- He was just so ready for this, it's been on his mind ever since he found you unconscious inside his natural prison, but he knew better than to be selfish to someone he'll have to share a nest with.

~"It'll be great don't worry, I'll make sure you'll be well taken care of. It'll be incredible, my treasure."~

You shivered when he went from humping your lower region to undressing kissing it almost as passionately as he did your mouth- He should probably move a little slower considering he changes activities way too quickly but hey it felt better than the awkward dry humping.

It wasn't bad, but it lacked a bit of finesse- Not like his careful and calculated attention to your privates right now-

"Humans need a lot more work than I remember, but does that mean we can make it last longer? Would you want that, treasure? [y/n]?" Rakaski was playing with it almost as if he never looked at something like a naked human before, but it was a lie- He was absolutely just trying to tease you with every poke and flick.

He ran his finger down slowly before reaching an opening and pulling it inside, at least one to feel you inside. It's lovely that you arch your back to the littlest of things, and although he doesn't understand your words, moans are hardly hard to misinterpret.

"Slower then? I guess I was being too unprepared, I'll be honest that it's more fun than I expected. If this is the work I have to do every time then I'll gladly accept." Human courting was fascinating to him, though now he understands why, he can't just expect you to take it all in with a little help- And helping someone never tasted so sweet.

You were feeling embarrassed by his stare as he licked you out and further tried to spread you- Trying to ease the inevitable soreness that would come but damn, did he have to look at you like that?! It made you feel a little dirty, a little too embarrassed to entertain his idea, for someone who seemed so eager to shove it in without any foreplay he was really taking his time now!

You grabbed his hair carefully, you didn't really notice what you were doing and to be honest you weren't sure how to continue with this but Rakaski looked at you in awe… His smugness was replaced with a look of pure adoration- His pupils wide and round as he expects you to guide him.

It gave you a bit more confidence knowing he trusted you to hold his head and sort of help him find the right pacing.

You don't remember for how long it went, you just remember that it ended with you on top of him, going at your own pace. He held your hips not stopping you to go as fast or as slow as you wanted but rather because he felt very uncomfortable NOT holding every centimeter of you. He needed to grab into something and your sweet flesh was exactly that.

You woke up in his nest, feeling a little disoriented, memories of what happened a little foggy, but you were sure it wasn't a dream considering the soreness in your thighs- It was hard moving.

You sighed, feeling weirdly satisfied- Well, that's not the right word, more like… Well, genuinely happy.

You tried around, and you saw Rakaski curled up into a ball, sleeping so peacefully and yet with that little mischievous smirk in his face you just knew he was dreaming about it.

You turned your body to face him, deciding to close your eyes and sleep a little more.

Until you remembered you left your camel outside.

"HOLY GODS, KING MUSTARD!!" You jumped up, trying to run as quickly as you could towards the entrance- But you couldn't even leave the nest when Rakaski wrapped his tail on you and pulled you closer.

"WAIT! It 's my camel!! I forgot I left him-"

"Stay." He said in a very half awake voice.

"You can talk…?"

"Stay." Rakaski wrapped himself around you, as he buried his face in your neck. You weren't sure if he was understanding what you said, or if he only understood the meaning of that one word.

"Rakaski, I'm just going to check on him, I'll be back soon, I promise-" You pushed his chest away. You shouldn't have done that.

Rakaski tightened his grip around your body.

"Stay. [y/n]. You're not supposed to walk so soon. Stay still, no mother should walk so early after mating…" He still sounds so sleepy, so innocent, but his half opened gaze was not… friendly.

"Rak- AH!-" Tighter, and tighter, and more tighter. He knows damn well that whenever you get to that camel you're leaving him for gods know how long, but as he stated before, soon to be mothers shouldn't walk around in the dead of night especially since he knows humans don't deal well with the coldness of the desert during this hour.

It's better to stay here and let him take care of you while you're now waiting for his kids, even if you aren't aware of it. He isn't sure how long hybrids take to be born, but he wasn't to be there for you every step of the way.

"Shhhh…. Go back to sleep, stop struggling, it is not good for you…" He kissed you goodnight as he suffocated you back to sleep.

🍭꒰⑅ᵕ༚ᵕ꒱˖♡🍮꒰⑅ᵕ༚ᵕ꒱˖♡🍰꒰⑅ᵕ༚ᵕ꒱˖♡🍮꒰⑅ᵕ༚ᵕ꒱˖🍭

#yandere naga #yandere monster #choco stuff #special delivery request #yandere naga x reader #yandere male #yandere monster x reader #yandere oneshot #Jesus Christ this must have SO MANY mistakes I'm so sorry #I'll iron it out real soon tho #also THANK YOU FOR LIKING MY MONSTER STUFF I LOVE YOU JSGDGJQSGJQSFQ

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animeredhead101 · 7 months ago

Text

Danny Gets Adopted DP x DC Crossover

Completed

Run to the Belfry by JollieRancher :

Danny is running from the GIW and lands in Gotham. The only warning he got before things went wrong were the words "Run to the belfry" on a sticky note. He doesn't know what a belfry is, but running is his only way to avoid capture. When a superpowered teen passes out in Batmans arms, Bruce decides to take him home. Word Count: 11,900

Gotham is Haunted by ArtemisMoore :

A kid is running around with jet black hair and impossibly blue eyes. Prime adoption bait for Bruce Wayne. But that's not why he has slowly gotten the attention of the members of the family. Homeless, skittish, disheveled, and quick to help the kid seems to be hiding from something - or somebody. He's scared and they want to know why. But other than his appearance and the name 'Danny' nothing is known about the kid.

At the same time they're dealing with 'Danny' a new Meta appeared in Gotham, a ghost with snow white hair and toxic green eyes named 'Phantom'. He's tired, sad, and just wants to go home. But something is preventing him from leaving. Something... or someone.

What are the two kids running from? Are they connected?

Will the bats find out before either kid ends up in serious trouble?

Word Count: 16,266

Grave Promises by Blueseabird2 :

Danny Fenton had nowhere to go and no one he could turn to without putting them in danger. Except, perhaps, the hero who'd cared for, respected, and trained Danny for all too short a time. Dick Grayson had never told anyone he'd once been trapped in the Ghost Zone. He'd also never forgotten the promise he'd made sure to get from Danny Phantom. Jason didn’t know what was going on but he was really very pissed that there was another kid with a y-shaped scar on their chest and eyes that feel like frozen reflections of home. Thankfully, there were suddenly several new targets for his rage and Dick seemed rather more inclined to join Jason than stop him. Word Count: 53,882

But I will hold on hope, and I won't let you choke by ghostly_frogly :

After the destruction of his hometown and being hunted by the GIW at the age of 14 Danny didn’t know what to do. He debated going to the Ghost Zone and living the rest of his life and afterlife there when he encountered a group of ninjas. The details of how and why are still lost to him but in the moment he fought. He fought and let out as much anger, frustration, and sorrow as possible. His eyes turned green and his fists were shaking and bruised from the fight.

Surprisingly, or maybe not with the life he lives, this isn’t the last time the ninjas come after him. He fights more and more off until he meets the man sending the ninjas his way. He is offered training by a man named Ra’s Al Ghul. Danny jumps at the chance, thinking how he could finally run away from his problems or fully die trying.

Danny runs away from everything he's ever known when it is all taken from him. Seeing no better option he joins a cult-like group of assassins. What could go wrong?

Word Count: 6,521

Prankster for Hire by thatshrubbery :

Danny thought he was pretty good at this whole harmless haunting thing. Really, it felt like he was doing good deeds through his pranking. Pull a few pranks on customers, drive up sales for the coffee shop as the rumor mill (correctly) begins claiming the place is haunted. Perfect symbiotic relationship. When Danny can't pass up the opportunity to continuously prank a certain regular, he finds himself being hired as an elite prankster the likes of which Gotham’s vigilantes have never seen. Steph is in love with the new coffee shop in town. The aesthetic? To die for. The vibes? Immaculate. The glitter markers? Genius. So, when a certain straw-stealing halfa steals one straw too many, she takes it upon herself to assemble her own first-class squad of Ghostbusters to handle the problem Batman style and bring one (1) prankster into the fold. Word Count: 46,702

Contractual Obligations by Calix, Tathartiel :

Danny is doing his kingly duties when a demon breaks into a meeting demanding the king’s soul. Now Danny has only a few months to find his birth father and nullify this soul contract or else he becomes a slave to the demon on his 16th birthday.

Word Count: 114,383

It Takes Three Days to Get Adopted by corkinavoid :

Danny is just doing Jazz a favor. Pretty simple favor, actually, check out the haunted house her boyfriend's family lives in. And of course, being the responsible sister, she has already made all the arrangements, so all he has to do is just show up, walk in, look around, maybe kick some ghost butt out, maybe deal with some shades or possessed artifacts. Easy. Wait, isn't this the Wayne manor? No, it's okay. Not every rich person has a weird secret basement, he'll be fine. What are the chances of another billionaire deciding to adopt him on sight? (Damn it, Jazz! You knew, didn't you?!) Just another Danny adoption fic, yes. Word Count: 50,143

Scrawny kid and the Batmobile by PickleofwhichisFickle64 :

Danny on the run from the GIW, stuck as a 10 year old, winds up in Gotham. He spots the Batmobile and decides to add a new feature to it. Dick Grayson is confused as to why a small child is elbow deep in the engine of the Batmobile.

Word Count: 7,185

On-going

Knight of the Boyking by Milaley :

There is a child hiding behind him. A glowing, powerful and possibly ghostly child with a flaming crown hovering above their head but a child, nonetheless. Older than Damian but younger than Tim. They are clutching onto the fabric of his batman cape with one shaking hand, making themselves as small as possible, trembling with fear. There are two guns pointed at Batman by a pair of muscular men wearing white suits and dark sunglasses. These two things are connected. An injured Danny runs to Batman for protection and in turn, makes the Dark Knight's life a lot more complicated. Word Count: 49,196

It may feel like an ending (but the battle's just begun) by NotSoStarCrossed :

He can't believe this is how he’s meeting his bio mother. It was never something he thought he’d have to do alone. — Lois could no longer push her baby into the someday. He had burst, rather abruptly, into the now. OR Lois had a kid she gave up for adoption and Danny can't seem to stop running. OR Danny's on the run after his friends and family were killed by the GIW. After escaping from Vlad he runs to the only place no one will look for him, the home of his birth mother Lois Lane. Word Count: 13,160

Alien Boys by Zylev :

With Amity Park destroyed, Danny falls through a portal that sends him to another Earth. The Justice League assume he’s an alien and treat him as such—but Danny might be more of an alien than he would’ve thought. Based on: This Word Count: 84,756

We Could Be Home by MyNameIsJag :

Danny has been deaged, he is hungry and very angry. Given his tiny body and fluctuating powers, there's not much he can do about that. He has questions that need answers, why is he here, where is his family, what is going on? Also why is everyone so weird? Danny gets thrown into Omegaverse DC, coming from somewhere were that is a fanfiction category, it's a bit of a culture shock. Poor Danny has so navigate this world with new rules he doesn't know or understand. Find a way home, maybe find out what happen to the him from this universe, and try not to get attached. The Batfam are just excited for the new pup in the family. Word Count: 13,385

Ghost King in Gotham (On Temporary Hiatus) by GDogDfeld124 :

Danny Fenton moves into Gotham to get away from the GiW and his parents. Luckily for him he got a scholarship to Gotham University and could move in without trouble. Everything goes haywire when one day while doing his homework he gets summoned. _____________ Planning for this one to be a long one. Trying not to make this crack. Word Count: 74,968

r/AITA for not wanting to clean the BASEMENT? by SaturdayNightFrights :

Danny doesn’t have many people to turn to about the minor issues in his life. So he does what any normal teenager in today’s time does: makes a post on Reddit.

Word Count: 17,091

Found Family by EvaDragon :

Danny Phantom is rescued from GIW by Batman and Superman, panics and runs from the heroes mid-flight back to the Watch Tower. He is then found by Bruce Wayne in Gotham. Bruce convinces the still injured Danny to convalesce at Wayne Manor. After spending time in Wayne Manor, Danny's core overrides his brain, and Danny spills his deepest secrets. Damian, to everyone's surprise, is the first to approach Bruce about adopting Danny, and is also the first to try to convince his siblings about the adoption. Damian's siblings are very much onboard with this plan, as most of them were at the Watch Tower when Danny was rescued. Now they just have to convince Danny that being in a family of multibillionaire vigilantes isn't all that bad. Word Count: 11,375

Experiment 666- project failure by Daemonshadowfox :

Let it never be said, Batman does have a heart. However, taking home the creature brings new issues to the house. Alfred is happy however, he has a new grandchild to take care of and the rest of the Bat-Clan is happy to have someone new to play with. Enjoy the chaos that happens when Danny joins the Bat-Clan.

Word Count: 18,215

Going Broody by bloggerspam :

When a suddenly de-aged Danny meets Black Canary in the middle of a battle, he accidentally ghost-wails at her...except all it does is push her back a couple feet. ....And make her think he's the cutest Lil' Canary in the world. Word Count: 19,866

#danny phantom #ao3 fanfic #crossover fanfiction #danny fenton #dc universe #dp x dc crossover #batman #justice league #superman #nightwing #red hood #robin #red robin #orphan #spoiler dc #signal dc #black canary

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jeankluv · 1 year ago

Text

Think I need someone older || Trafalgar Law x fem!reader

Words: 2.8k

Summary: Law was resting for a couple of days in a remote island and he has been amazed by you since he saw you the first day.

Warnings: +18, smut, rough sex, p in v, daddy kink (just two times), age difference (law is in his 40s and reader is in her late 20s), pet names, no use of y/n, possessive Law, dom Law, semi-public sex (in a library)

Note: so it’s Law’s birthday tomorrow what better way to celebrate it, than with a smutty one shot of the hottest man in OP.

Materialist

Law was sitting in that old bar from an island he didn’t even remember it’s name. His crew and him were resting in that town after a couple of weeks of sailing across the West Blue. Nothing interesting was happening in that town, ordinary people with ordinary lives. Or at least that’s what he thought when he stepped a foot on that island, until he saw you, a beauty. Law wasn’t a man that would fall on his knees for a woman after only seeing her but for you, he would. Your beauty was unmatchable, never in his years of sailing had he come across with such beauty.

You passed next to him, moving your hips making it impossible for him to look away. The floral dress you were wearing that day, short, showing your long legs, drove him crazy. And ever since that day he couldn’t seem to get the thought of you out of his head. He shook his head and finished his cup. He needed to go to the library of the town and see if he could find some medicine books he was looking for, or else he would have to stop on the next island.

He walked across the streets of the small town, searching for you, trying to see if he could see you on the market. But nothing, you weren’t around. He sighed and went to the library, he opened the door with one hand and the other one holding his katana. He looked around searching for someone that could help him.

“Leave… a client came in. I don’t want to keep talking about this anymore. So you better leave and don’t come back here.” He heard a voice, a female voice.

He waited there, without moving, just looking around at the books that were on the shelves.

“Hi excuse sir. How can I help you?” Law turned around and there you were, as stunning as the first day. You were wearing another floral dress, and your hair was on a braid that fell down on your back. And fucking hell, you were giving him the most beautiful smile.

“Yes, I’m looking for some medicine books.” He said swallowing, you nodded and told him to follow you.

You walked in front of him and you could feel his eyes all over you. Just like the first day when you saw him in town. You couldn’t lie, that man, catched your eye when you first saw him. It looked familiar and of course it was familiar, he used to be one of the famous Super Novas, in the same generation as the King of the Pirates, Monkey D. Luffy. He was in fact, the Surgeon of the Death, Trafalgar Law. You remember your father reading the newspaper years ago and commenting how a group of kids was making a mess in the new world.

But the reason he caught your eye wasn’t because he was a known pirate but because of how hot he was. He was older than you, you knew that but that didn’t stop you from daydreaming with having him touching you, all over your body. You swallowed hardly, trying to get those thoughts away from your head, you were currently at work, you couldn’t be thinking about a hot pirate in his 40s fucking you senseless on the back office of the library.

“Here you have them sir.” You said pointing at the shelves where the medicine books were at. “If you need anything, please call me.” You gave him a smile and turned around.

“Princess, what’s your name?” Princess. “I would like to call you princess, but I don’t think it would be appropriate.” You looked at him and he was looking at you, with hungry eyes and a smirk on his face.

You told him your name and when he repeated with a smile, you could feel yourself melting in that place. You wanted to hear it more, but you needed to focus on work. You turned around and started walking as fast as you could, making your heels click throughout the library. Arriving at your position, you sat down in the chair and sighed. You picked up the book you had halfway started and continued reading it. You read it for about 5 minutes before hearing the door of the entrance opening.

“What are you doing here? I told you like 20 minutes ago to leave.” You closed the door and looked at the person in the door angrily.

“C’mon babe, I got you your favorite.” He said showing you the flowers.

You huffed and rolled your eyes, those weren't your favorites. “Those aren’t my favorite. Now leave, I told you I didn’t want to talk with you anymore.”

“Let’s try to fix it babe, it was a mistake.” He tried holding your hand but you backed off.

“A mistake? So that’s what it’s called cheating on me not once but several times?” You raised your voice. “Fuck you.”

He shook his head and held you from the wrist. “Let’s talk, it won’t happen again alright?”

“Hey kid.” A deep voice talked from the side. “She told you to leave, so you better start leaving.”

“Who the fuck are you?” He looked at him, thinking he would have any chance against him.

“They know me by the nickname of Surgeon of the Death. You want to know why?” Your ex swallowed and let your wrist go after hearing those words, because of course he knew who he was. “Leave and don’t ever come near her or I will show you why they call me that.”

Your ex almost ran away from the library, he didn’t even look at you or say a single word. You were grateful he appeared in that moment and he helped you with that ugly situation.

“Thank you for that.” You looked at him.

“Your wrist…” He said looking at it. “It’s red, let me check it.”

“Oh! No it’s okay, it’s just…”

He held your wrist and pushed you closer to him. “I’m a doctor, so let me take care of you, alright princess?” There it was, once again that nickname. You looked him in the eyes and simply nodded.

He checked your wrist, touching it in different places to make sure it was okay. He nodded and let your wrist go, telling you that it was okay.

“Again, thank you for what you did.” You smiled at him. “My ex… he is kinda a dick.” You gave him a small smile, trying to make it look as normal as possible.

“I see…” He whispered. “That kid shouldn’t be treating you like that. He was the one talking to you when I came in right?” He said laying his back to the wall next to him.

“Yeah… he wanted to try things out once again because according to him I don’t have any other options in this town and I’m getting and blah blah blah, but I guessed you listened to us…”

“He cheated on you.” You nodded. “An absolute dick to cheat on a girl like you.” You clenched your fists and your thighs when he said that. You felt your heart rate increase, his voice was so deep and his gaze was so intense looking at you.

“I guess all boys are like that.” You played your hands.

“Maybe you need a man and not a kid.” Your breathing hitched when you felt him approach you.

Your gaze was still fixed on your hands, you didn't want to raise it, you didn't want to have to look at him and face what that infamous pirate was causing in you with just his deep voice. But Law didn't care and he grabbed your chin making you look him straight in the eyes. You looked away not wanting to look at him.

“C’mon look at me princess.” He said in a low tone.

You swallowed and you looked at him.

“So pretty.” He smiled.

You took a deep breath and took away your nervousness. “Maybe you’re right… I need a man.”

The sexual tension in the air was palpable. You wanted him and he wanted you, and you were willing to give yourself in. You bit your lower lip and sat up straight in the chair.

“Princess, tell me what you want, I need to hear it.” He said cupping your face with one of his big hands.

Your chest rose and fell, wanting to say those three words. I want you. I want him.

“I… want you…” You whispered.

“How princess?” He said almost touching your lips, you wanted them so badly.

“All over me, touching me… fucking me.”

He cupped your face with both hands and kissed you, capturing your lips. You groaned into his mouth due to the sensation it caused you. His tongue entered your mouth and started to play with yours.

“I wouldn’t mind fucking you on this pretty desk you have here.” He broke the kiss. “But I don’t want any of the villagers of the town to see how I fuck you and how I made a mess out of you.” You tried catching you air and tried to say something. “Or would you like that huh? You want me to fuck you here so when your little ex comes back sees how it’s done?” You moaned when he grabbed you and put you close to him, feeling his strong chest.

“We can go… to the back, no one usually goes around that area and... I can put the closed sign, that way no one would bother us.”

“Guide me princess.” He whispered to your ear.

You went to the door and put the signal of Closed and took his hand to guide him to the isolated part that was in the back of the library. Once inside that place, you felt Law standing behind you, his tall and muscular figure gave off a warmth like no other. You noticed how he hunched over and moved the braid away from your back, leaving your neck exposed. His breath hit your neck, making all your hair stand on end at the sensation. He rested his hand on the shelves and brushed his lips against the back of your neck, you gasped at the warmth of his lips. You turned to face him, you could see how his gaze passed from your eyes to your lips repeatedly. He stopped leaning and cradled your face with his hands, then kissed you with need, wanting to devour you. He growled against your lips, and intensified the kiss, lowering his left hand from your face to your hip, grabbing you tightly and pulling you against him.

You felt your legs trembling at the sensation that that pirate was causing you, you wanted him to start touching you as soon as possible. Your back was completely supported by the bookshelf while Law pressed himself closer to your body. You could feel the bulge in his pants, which made you start to get even wetter. You let out a moan as Law began to kiss your neck. You put your hands on the shelves to avoid falling, your legs were completely shaking and you didn't think you could remain standing if you didn't hold on to something. Law grabbed one of your legs, pulling it up and causing your dress to ride up, exposing your underwear.

“Fuck princess, you’re driving me crazy.” He said against your neck. “I don’t think I will be able to wait any longer without fucking you.”

“Please…” You moaned when you felt his hand going near your sex.

“Yes? Say it.”

“I need your cock. I need you to fuck me.” You said against his lips.

“I will fuck you really good princess.”

His hand went straight to your underwear, taking them down quickly, he began to touch you and play with your clit, you had to hold on to his strong shoulders to not fall and to have him closer to you.

“So fucking wet and just for me princess.” He said not stopping the mess he was doing down there.

You saw how he began to unbutton his pants and how he later pulled down his boxers, exposing his hard dick. You swallowed hard when you saw it, your ex was nowhere near that size, nor that thick.

“Don’t worry princess. I will take really good care of you.” He said to your ear. “I am a doctor after all. I won’t hurt you.”

You told him that it was okay and in one quick movement he grabbed both of your legs and made you wrap your legs around him. You could feel his cock at your entrance, rubbing against you. You wanted to tell him to put it in, you wanted to shout at him, but only moans and gasps escaped your mouth. Little by little he entered you and you felt yourself opening up, the sensation was overwhelming but pleasant. Your eyes rolled back as he entered you fully, staying still as you took a deep breath and your body adjusted to him.

“I’m gonna move okay princess?” He whispered.

“Please…” You said back.

Law began to move his hips, moving in and out of you quickly. The place began to fill with your skin colliding and the moans of both of you mixing.

More. I need more.

“Harder please.” You said.

“Exactly, taking my cock so good.” He kissed your neck. “Fuck princess, you hear that? So fucking wet for me. You look so beautiful princess, with my dick on you.”

You rubbed against him, loving how deep he felt.

“You’re so deep fuck…”

“Yes princess. Did your ex fuck you like this?”

“No… fuck daddy…” You gasped and felt how his dick grew bigger inside of you when you said that word.

“Shit baby, don’t say that or I won’t be able to last long. And you want me to last right? To make you feel fucking good right?”

“Yesyesyes… please daddy.”

Law started to move faster than before, making you go crazy with how good he was making you feel. You could feel your body shake and getting closer each moment to your climax. Law moved you away from the shelves and laid you down on the floor, leaving you behind him. While he was still inside you, he pulled down the straps of your dress exposing your breasts to him. He began to squeeze your breasts and play with your nipples, while he was still grinding against you. You bit your lips trying to silence the moans that came out of you, but you couldn't, Law was making you feel so good, it was inevitable.

You don't know how much time had passed when you heard the front door open. You cursed, you had put up the closed sign, why did they come here? Law didn't seem to care in the least that they might catch you fucking between the shelves, because he kept fucking you like it was his last day. You heard your name being mentioned and then you fell into who he was.

“Fuck… why is he here again?” You whispered.

“Your ex huh?” Law looked at you. “Maybe I should make you moan harder so he knows how good a real man makes you feel.”

You moaned, hard when he touched your clit whole fucking you. You didn’t want your ex to see you in that situation but you didn’t want to stop. Law continued to thrust hard, making you moan, until you both came. Your legs were shaky when he pulled out of you and you didn't notice the moment Law covered you with his cloak and left.

You heard voices come from the entrance, a scream, and then the door open and close. You waited sitting between the shelves, and then you saw him arrive, Law. You bit your lower lip as you remembered what the two of you had done just a few minutes ago.

“What did you do?” You questioned him.

“You will never have to worry about that kid again. He won’t bother you again.” He said extending his hand for you to take it.

You took his hand and stood up, still feeling soak from the sex.

“Thank you…” You thanked him.

“Law.” He said, although you already knew that.

“Law.” You said for the first time and you told him your name and he savored the name like honey.

Who would thought that the pirate you used to see and hear so much about years ago, would have been the one to give you the best fuck of your life.

#law x reader #trafalgar d law x reader #trafalgar law x reader #trafalgar law x y/n #one piece x reader #law x you #trafalgar law x you

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jillsandwhichs · 2 months ago

Text

Our Future Days

Joel Miller x Reader series, Chapter 9, Melody

Masterlist

Pairing: F!Reader x Joel Miller

Summary: Tommy takes you up to Jackson where you and Joel are finally able to reunite

WC: 3.6k

Type: SFW

A/n: Hi! Hope you all enjoy. Please check out my masterlist, there's a lot of stuff there. You can get to know me, you can see the rules of my blog and then you can see all of my fanfictions. You'll be able to find the previous chapters to this fic and upcoming ones. You'll also be able to find my Wattpad & AO3. Comments, reblogs & likes are appreciated. Thank you

Tommy's horse began to slow down which caused you to look up. That entire ride, your head was resting against his backpack. You couldn't help but just stay like that with your eyes closed. Admittedly, you were thinking about Joel and how it'll be to see him again after two decades. You wonder if he'll even recognize him. You hope so.

Not much has changed with you. Same face just a bit aged, same body type but only slimmer if anything, same hair color and what not. You'd say all that's changed is you have longer hair and a skinner body type than before due to the lack of food and nutrition. You presume he appear very aged just based on those investigation photos you seen awhile back. He definitely aged due to stress—there's no way a man looks that rough in their fourties.

Nonetheless, you still find him attractive and you know that if you saw him out in the wild, you'd know it's him.

Looking before you, you saw a large long gate. It was a deep blue color and there appeared to be two people on top of it in little boxes. They're probably the ones in charge of keeping a lookout—smart. "Open the gates!" Tommy shouted to the two men. They gave him a nod and shortly after, both doors opened at a slow and agonizing rate. Your heart beat began to increase in speed and you could feel your palms getting hotter. You are nervous.

Tommy's horse picked up in speed again as he rode in through the gates. You analyzed the area. Wow. It's like a literal township. You are impressed to say the least. They really made Jackson their own. Tommy chuckled, "Enthralled?" "Definitely." You huffed out. You are proud of Tommy and the life he's managed to build alongside these people. They must have a strong bonded group. You doubt any of the people you were once with could've pulled this off. Maybe John but that's it.

You started to dart your eyes around. You hoped to catch a glimpse of Joel or just someone you may have known from a past group. Nothing. "Where do you think he is?" You asked Tommy. "My guess? Either at his house or at the bar." You nodded at his words. Makes sense. Tommy rode his horse into the stable and hopped off. He reached his hand out and helped you off as well. A blonde haired woman walked up with haste and looked you up and down before glaring at Tommy.

"Tommy I-" "Maria, don't start just yet, let me explain." Maria scoffed and crossed her arms. You felt judged. You also felt a bit scared. This woman seems intimidating. Tommy introduced you and began to continue his statement. "Me and Joel have known this woman for damn near twenty years. She was Joel's neighbor. I'm not sayin' she has to stay permanently, she's only here to talk to Joel." Tommy established with Maria. The woman looked at you and spoke.

"Listen I don't mean to come off as bitchy it's just that I don't trust very easily." Maria said softly with her hand cautiously in front of her. "No apology necessary, I understand. Like Tommy said I'm just here for Joel." You spoke kindly to her. Maria gave you a soft smile. "Okay." She nodded. "He's probably with Ellie at the tipsy bison, come on, I'll walk you there." Maria stated. You glanced back at Tommy and said thank you. He gave you a nod.

You and Maria began to walk side by side of one another as she led you through the town. The grass was green and the dirt on the ground was beige. It looked... Lively. Like a real town. You were surprised by all of this. People around the area were in nice clothing. It is later in the year, most likely November if you had to guess. You're sure this place will be covered in snow soon. You have to admit, this place is epic.

There were even children. You haven't seen a child in years. They were smiling and laughing. The sight was precious. There are also a lot of buildings that are clearly being put to good use. You saw a school, an aid and even a deli. "I have to say, this is impressive." You gawked out. Maria snorted and nodded. "Thank you. Me and Tommy built this together alongside our community. We've worked seriously hard so I appreciate that." Maria smiled at you.

Maybe this woman isn't so intimidating after all. She seems sweet. "Is Tommy your boyfriend?" "Husband." "That's nice. Did you two meet during all of this? I just don't recall him having a lady back in the day." "During all of this, yes. So I've heard, Joel talks about how much of a wild cat Tommy was." Maria giggled. You laughed along with her. "I don't remember much about Tommy, he was quiet and was only ever over if Joel had work." "Right." Maria nodded. She does seem cool.

"Just to warn you, Joel isn't the talkative type. A lot has happened to him and he's definitely closed up." Maria said softly. She seemed sad. You sighed softly. "I understand. I'll be understanding." "Good. He's definitely gotten better ever since he met Ellie but overall, he's still that brudy man." Maria giggled. Ellie? Who the hell is Ellie? You went quiet. Did he find some kind of lover in the midst of all of this?

Standing before the two of you was a place called the 'Tipsy Bison'. "Is this it?" "Yes. Come on in." Maria said kindly, opening the door and holding it for you. You walked in and Maria did too. Wow. This place is full of life. It has a warm feeling to it. It's definitely the lighting and the joyous laughter and conversing. The lighting is a deep orange dim color and the people just seem... Normal...

You looked around and whistled. "This reminds me of a bar near my hometown. This is great." "Thanks. I designed most of it myself because it was completely torn down. I've definitely flipped it for the better." "For sure." You're still wondering who Ellie is. If Joel has some sort of a girlfriend now, you get it, but it'll be a bit upsetting. You don't know why or how but you've somehow managed to maintain feelings for him. It's not healthy you imagine but it's just how it is.

Maria waved to someone and ambled up to her. The person was a young girl. She's definitely a young teenager. She's super pretty and seems quiet. All she is doing is eating a sandwich at the table. "Ellie, hey, where's Joel?" What a fucking relief. Ellie is a little kid. Thank God. You sighed softly and crossed your arms. "He just left, said he was going back to his place to get some rest." Maria sighed and nodded. "Thanks honey. Continue eating."

She glanced back at you. "Off to Joel's it is then." Maria then had the two of you walk out through the back. "Another thing we've managed to pull off was having houses all around. We have almost fourty different homes now. For others, we have cabins or they shelter someplace else. But Joel and Ellie have their own place together." "Who is Ellie to Joel? Sarah is his kid." Maria paused in her tracks and looked back at you. "It's going to be a long story and it's a story for you and Joel." How ominous.

You nodded and continued to stroll beside her.

After walking for a bit, you two reached a road and Maria nudged you. "This is it. His house is just up there." She pointed to a house just a few yards ahead. It was a white house. It looked like your average home, it was pretty but ran down. There was a white picket fence surronding it too and a cemented staircase leading up to it. The two of you gradually got closer and your heart rate once again increased. You've never been this nervous before, not even when in a fight or when doing something you shouldn't be doing.

Although, you froze. You froze as the front door opened and you saw him. He was wearing a brown jacket with a black shirt and jeans. Definitely still has his old style. He was wearing torn up boots too. His brown hair was lightly now and more messy. He had a bit of a beard but it appears he recently shaved it. You couldn't move. Maria nudged you but quickly realized you were in complete shock.

"Hey Maria." Joel said as he stepped off of his porch and began to tread closer to you both. "Hi!" Maria said in a friendly voice. It seems he has yet to notice it's you. Maybe he doesn't recognize you. As Joel got closer, his eyes widened and he dropped the bag he was holding. Maria slowly stepped back. "I'll just let you two... Rekindle..." Maria definitely felt the tension between the two of you.

The two of you locked eyes. This moment, you thought it'd never come but here you are, living it. You couldn't speak. Literally, you are speechless. Joel huffed out a breathless laugh. "Are you fuckin' kiddin' me?" He still has that southern accent you love. You didn't say anything. "After all these fuckin' years, you're alive?" Joel said in disbelief. You could feel your heart slow down. He seems happy? Right?

"Joel, I." You couldn't finish your sentence because you were suddenly picked up into his embrace. He had his burly arms around your torso as he held you close. Your arms encased around his neck and you giggled. This is a feeling you'll never forget because it's the feeling you had when you first saw him—love. Joel spun you around and held onto you tightly. You didn't want to let go, not ever.

The hug was special. This was the kind of hug you experience very few times in your life. It was full of love and remorse, kindness and happiness. "Jesus Christ." Joel whispered as he slowed down and placed you back down. You chuckled and gazed up at him as your feet hit the ground. His hands stayed on your waist and yours on his shoulders. He's gotten taller, or maybe you've shrinked. Or you're just misremembering because it's been twenty fucking years.

"Let me look at ya." Joel whispered. He looked you up and down and smiled. "Holy shit." He hummed. You didn't know what to say. You are just... Happy. The happiest you've been throughout this entire shit show. "Hi." Was all you managed to get out. "Hi? That's all you gotta say?" Joel laughed, he was just teasing you. His hands went to your face and he sighed. "You're so cold, come on." He took your hand and jogged you up to his house, completely forgetting about the bag he left on the ground.

Closing the door behind you, Joel entered his living room and patted a spot beside him. You sat down and sighed deeply. Joel looked at you again. Both of you are in shock. "Jesus girl, I figured you was dead." Joel admitted. You laughed out. "I myself am surprised I survived this long." You actually managed to speak. Joel's soft eyes gazed at you. "You look... The same... You sound softer, somehow." Joel chuckled. You giggled.

At least he thinks you still look the same. You constantly worry about looking too old.

"Tell me, how have you survived this long? Just tell me how these two decades have been for you." Joel was ready to listen intently to all of it. You snorted and nodded. "This is going to be a long one." "And I'll listen to every bit." Joel said with assurance. You smiled. "Well, when, Sarah and Tommy left, I took Becker into my car and we drove away. We drove for miles and miles until we got to Oregon." You stated.

"The car eventually gave out so we went on foot but we got to my parents house. They were both dead. Like I literally walked into the house and saw my mother and father decomposing. I never saw my sister, I still have no clue where she's at. Same goes for her dog she had at the time." You said. Joel spoke quickly, "I'm sorry for your loss." "It's okay. I'm long since over it." You spoke softly.

"Me and Becker eventually found a different car full of gas and we drove off for miles then. I was completely stocked up, I had a full arsenal and a shit ton of food. We stayed in Oregon for a while until eventually we moved back to Texas and that was pretty crazy as you can imagine." You said softly. Joel was still listening. "I think most of my time has been in Texas. I was even a QZ there for a while, that's how I knew you were still alive."

A confused look painted Joel's face. "What do you mean that's how you knew I was alive?" "I saw photos of you and some other woman. Those photos have been surfacing for a while." "Right. That was Tess. We were smugglers." You gave him a nod. It makes sense. It's a rough way to live, definitely not an honest one, but it gets the job done. "I moved away from Texas again and ended up staying in Michigan for a while. I had a great group there. But they eventually all died, me and Becker had to go."

"After Michigan, I stayed in Maine for a long time and that's when I lost Becker. He passed away. That was about four years ago. I stayed in Maine for another year after that but then I eventually found my way here, in Wyoming." You adjusted your seating position. You didn't know what else to say. "That's basically how it's been for me. It's been rough and I've been alone for most of it, but I've managed to survive and I think that's all that matters."

Now that you think about it, you can't shut up. It's hard not to. You and him have so much to catch up on. Joel nodded. "I'm sorry Becker died. He was a great dog. I knew you and him would stick together." "We definitely did. Through thick and thin." Joel chuckled at your words. He found that adorable. "Tell me, how has it been for you?" You are sure his life has been a lot more eventful.

Joel sighed deeply. He seemed upset, sad. You made a confused look. "If you don't want to, that's okay." "No, I do. It's just the beginning that's hard to get through. I'm just going to say it, Sarah died. She got shot on the same night all of this shit went down." That made you go quiet. She was shot? She was just a kid. This made you feel so sorry for Joel. He lost his babygirl. That must've been was Maria meant. This is terrible.

You let out a soft sigh and set your hand on his upper shoulder. You rubbed it gently and nodded. "I'm so sorry. Sarah was so sweet. She didn't deserve that." "No, she didn't. She was shot by some military guy. I tried takin' the bullet for her but it seems I didn't have my timin' correct." You shook your head. "It isn't your fault. It's the corrupt military. It was crazy that night." You reassured him. Joel licked his lips in concentration. He was trying to continue on.

"After she died, I ended up in a hospital where I was mended alongside Tommy. I could hardly live without her. My only will was Tommy. Me and him ended up in Boston where we became smugglers. I was a smuggler before I met Tess." Joel stated. "Then Tommy left me for some time. I was alone. He got sick of me, joined the fireflies and I hadn't seen him for a while. Actually, not even until recently." You were surprised. They always seemed close. At least they have each other again.

"When me and Tess met, I had a reason to live again. Me and her were smugglers together, we work together for a long fuckin' time until she died on me too." "Were you and Tess like...?" You paused. You are treading lightly. You don't want to upset him. Joel just gave you a nod. "We definitely hooked up a few times but she wasn't into romance or dating." Joel snickered.

That made you laugh. At least he had some action during the apocalypse. You did too. With John. "I knew someone like that as well. His name was John. I met him when I was in Maine." "Where is he now?" "No clue. He's still alive but when I left Maine he didn't want to come with me, I left alone." "I see." Joel stated. "Look at you now. Still alive. You didn't need anyone. I'm not saying this to sound like a dick but I'm surprised, a girl of your size and caliber would have died in usual situations."

You giggled and nodded. He isn't wrong. You are surprised yourself. Everyone told you that you would die sooner or later yet you're still living and breathing. Not even most men could survive on their own. You have always been impressed with yourself and your survival skills.

"No offense taken. I am surprised myself. I think it's mainly because I've stayed out of the action. I've really managed to stay stealthy and not in a lot of sticky situations, you know?" "Opposite of me. I was always getting caught up in some kind of bullshit." Joel laughed, crossing his arms. You nodded. "Sounds like you." You are just happy he's okay. You can't believe this. This is a once in a lifetime experience.

"I guess I never clarified how I found out about this place and about you." You stated. Joel nodded, "Yeah, I hadn't really thought 'bout it. I'm still starstruck if I'm being honest." "I was out on raid, looking for a random stuff when I saw your brother. The man nearly fucking killed me but we managed to realize who one another was. I asked him to take me here so I could see you." "I'm surprised he took you, he's always nervous about lettin' people in."

"He seemed a little off but I'm pretty sure he trusts me, and he should, I mean no harm. I only wanted to see you and I planned to go on my way." Joel raised his eyebrow. You didn't know why. "Go on your way?" "Yeah. I guess I just planned on saying hi to you, catching up with you, then leaving." Joel chuckled and shook his head. "I'll talk to Tommy about getting you a place here."

That surprised you. That's such a sweet thing to do. It would be nice to have a place to call home. You haven't had anywhere in so long. Being able to live in the same vicinity as Joel would be amazing. "You don't have to do that." "I want to." Joel spoke in a low tone. You didn't try fighting back. You know how that will go. "It seems we've had a pretty fucked up lives ever since everything went down, huh?" You huffed out. "For sure." Joel laughed. Both of you seem to laugh this stuff off, despite it killing the both of you on the inside.

"I always hoped we meet again." Joel admitted. It's true. He thought about you a lot. He's told everyone about you, at least those close to him. "I did as well. When I heard about you in the QZ I was in, I had faith." "I'm glad ya did." Joel muttered. "Can I ask you something?" "Yeah. Shoot." "Who is Ellie? Maria brought her up and I saw her for a brief moment at the bar in town." Joel's face went soft entirely when you brought her up.

"I'll tell you more later but just know, and I don't mean to sound like an idiot, but she saved my life." You smiled. You found that sweet. It's kind of predictable. He sees Sarah in Ellie and has clearly been able to heal because of that. You are glad he's been able to find someone. "You don't sound like an idiot. Is she under your guardianship?" "She is. A lot of people think she's my biological daughter." Joel cackled. "Do you treat her as if she's your daughter?" "I'm definitely paternal towards her but she is her own person." You nodded, you get what he means.

Ellie saved him. You can tell. The way he talks about her. You'd like to know more about the two of them. Maybe I'll get to meet her officially.

You sighed deeply and stood up. Joel's eyes followed your figure. "You alright?" "Yes. I'm just a little winded by all of this, that's all." "You hungry?" "Definitely." You snickered. Joel also stood up and nudged his head towards his front door. "Let's go get lunch. We can catch up more then." "Food sounds amazing right now. We can." Joel gazed at you and smiled. "Let's head out then. Just follow me." The two of you then exited his home, and had a great lunch together where the two of you continued to catch up.

#joel miller #joel miller fanfiction #pedro pascal #pedro pascal fanfiction #the last of us #tlou #the last of us fanfiction #our future days fanfiction #joel miller x reader #joel miller x you #tumblr fyp

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mintytealfox · 2 months ago

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angst, angst I say!! How much worst would it be if Norton had the touch of tuberculosis?

oh GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSHH 😭😭😭😭

add a bit of BLOOD to those coughs and AAAAAAAHHH 😭😭😭😭

Like TB is infectious but can only be caught if you spend a lot of time with the person infected with it. So in Norton's case if Benny had it, then Norton would too, sense it seems like Norton only really spent time with Benny and a lot of time at that, enough to catch a thing like TB. orz Gee thanks Benny....

"Treatment Early diagnosis, adequate diet, rest, and fresh air could help some people recover or at least have a remission. However, such care wasn't an option for the poor <---------- 🙃

Death rate In 1882, TB killed one out of every seven people living in the United States and Europe

Leading cause of death In 1899, TB, also known as "consumption", was the leading cause of death worldwide

in the early 1900s, even under the best conditions, 50% of people with TB died within five years"

Bro would 95% be on his way OUT orz Bro would be at the point of: find a bed, lay in it, and calling it a life DX NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

*points at* vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv Doc Holiday

talk about not caring anymore and just collecting as MUCH money as he can in ANY WAY that he can. Like, he is gonna die soon anyway so why not grab all the money he can get his hands on for as long as he can.

the key years that might have helped him survive it were gone and wasted in the mines anyway, so, thinking his fate is sealed, might as well live a life that gives him blue skies

a life of Gambling, Drinking, Travel, Blackmail, and all around not giving a FLYING F---CARE

I think he would survive longer than he thought, but still counting his days for sure.

So he would 100% accept that invitation to a fancy manor cause "why not, sure, it'll be fun to be in a fancy place for once and a life is all it costs for all that money, then I could just relax and drink when I don't feel like gambling"

Feeling that fatigue getting to him and needing more money so he can have more rest days orz

"Those with active TB can show any of the following symptoms:

Bad cough (lasting longer than two weeks).

Pain in your chest.

Coughing up blood or sputum (mucus).

Fatigue or weakness.

Loss of appetite.

Weight loss.

Chills.

Fever.

Night sweats."

Gosh DANG orz

Like the image of Da Capo in the same room as him and he just looks an absolute sweaty mess that is sort of drunk (and being drunk causing him to be more chatty)

-Norton knowing everyone is staring at him- "what..? ya can't catch it unless you're locked in a room with me, breathing the same air for a looong while." -leans forward with a smirk- "Heeeell, we can even share a kiss right now and you wouldn't get it~"

Bro would be drowning in the walls he has put up around himself and the characters he puts on. IT would take an excavator and years to get to the real him by this point ;;

But the thought of bonding with the Da Capo/(except Orpheus pff) group through shared trauma after escaping, and and just constantly having each other's backs. Even though its a lot of getting Norton out of trouble cause he keeps going back to gambling when drunk and causing problems in towns they go to.

And then the time would come when Norton ends up in a hospital and just "looks like this is my last stop..." and unable to follow the group in their efforts to run and stay safe from anything manor related that is following them.

OH and then after hearing they left town he just gets out of bed and drinks as much booze as he can and causes one last big scene that prompts those who have been following them to go after Norton only for him to blowup one more mine.

orz

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immoralimmortals · 3 months ago

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ok so what if, hear me out Takara was pregnant (gasp) nah like I want to hear your thoughts on this

So all cards on the table...miracle of life, wonderful, wonderful thing... Yeah, I know all that. But all the same, pregnancy to me is largely a form of body horror. A lot of this is going to be on the fly since it's not my cup of tea. So putting that aside and trying to make the subject warm and romantic, here are some thoughts on what it'd be like if Takara was pregnant:

You KNOW they dote on her. Absolute kings. There isn't a day that passes where ten separate Akatsuki members come up to her, if not multiple times, to make sure she's okay.

Itachi swears she's radiant, glowing like she's holy. You've heard this all before in other headcanons on this site-- he's over the moon with love. Glued to her side, yet somehow not overbearing. 10/10, I'd let this man be with me during my morning sickness. Takara will want for nothing. Probably becomes the most overtly sweet and romantic in al the time they've known each other, gently stroking her skin and kissing her head. When it comes to the point where she's "showing", he's quick to tell Kisame to do tasks for Takara whenever she's about to do something, and he has to be reminded she's not useless and it's good for both her and the pregnancy to continue being active.

You thought Kisame was awkward and cautious *before*? He's at the point where every single little touch, regardless how small or where it is on her body, is so, so purposeful. Nothing he does is haphazard. He will clear paths for her if necessary. He's her knight, her guardian, placing himself between her and the rest of the world. Definitely at one point rests his head on her belly and cries. He's very quick to answer to Itachi's orders and further enables inactivity. It is a lot easier to use his body to interact with other things than it is to use it to directly touch her; he's up for anything. He'll mow down a mountain just so she could go for a walk without having an incline. He will walk to town to buy her flowers every single day.

Hidan gets...quieter around her, especially as the pregnancy begins to show. He's more observant than before. Still gets into his usual attitudes if he doesn't understand or see something coming ("What? You seemed FINE a second ago! What do you MEAN you're gonna throw up!")...but he's certainly taking all this in. What does it mean to Jashin if someone brings forth life instead of takes it? He holds his prayer beads and feels the sigil between his fingers, only shutting his eyes to pray once she is surely asleep. He'll wonder a lot, eventually out loud, what the baby is going to be like, who they'll grow up to be, what it'll be like to have one around. He won't say it, but he's nervous as hell for that part. It's a whole new human being.

Kakuzu is so fucking stressed. This man is the closest in the group to being a normal-ass man with a normal-ass job and goal. He is trying to coordinate enough income for eleven fucking people to live at least somewhat comfortably. You're going to add a BABY? Good lord he might break. That being said, he's a worrywort that's always a little bit on edge. If someone is fucking around with her or the pregnancy too much, he will actually hit you. ...But not until he took you outside, she doesn't need to see it and stress herself or the baby. He is also especially concerned about accidentally being too rough. She'd have to convince him to touch her or sit next to her. Once she does? He finally relaxes, and he's in heaven. There's a whole world that fits right in his arms. He has a second chance not just with her but this child to have a life worth living.

Deidara is the most to treat her like...a normal human being undergoing a body change? I'm not saying he's uncaring, more like he's the best at not losing his fucking mind. Most willing to just hang out and not make it weird, let her do things on her own. Other people-- no, literally everyone else-- will see her reaching up in the kitchen cabinet for a mug and will scold him for not jumping to do it for her. He argues otherwise-- and it makes sense-- so therefore the other person gets pissed off. He tells Takara to be grateful for what he does for her independence, and she genuinely is, rewarding him with a kiss on the cheek that makes him bright red. It makes him stutter and try to move on so things are normal again. I think like Hidan-- even more so actually-- he's very curious about what it'll be like once the baby is around. It's fun to see her change little by little, day by day, too.

Sasori doesn't like change. That's kind of his whole bit. He isn't looking forward to the noise, the filth, the troubles of a baby and then later another growing person. So the pregnancy is kind of a precursor for that. Once it's clear that yes, this baby is coming, he has to make peace with it. He's the one that's most attentive about her physical health and body. He'll notice any change in color of her skin-- reddening or paling-- catch on to ANY morning sickness before she even says a word. She'd have to remind him that regardless of if the stretch marks stay, they're a part of her right now, and with that explanation he begrudgingly appreciates them. He eventually becomes entranced by the idea of teaching the child what he knows.

Konan is...wistful, I think, as well as in awe. She's kind of like Itachi in that she's very present, very gentle. But Takara being pregnant gives her a lot of...thought. Surely when she was born-- when Nagato and Yahiko were born-- their parents, too, had the best intentions in the world. A piece of her is afraid. The best laid plans can still fall into ruin, the intentions of being good parents and giving a happy life certainly did not happen to her and her friends. That being said, she finds comfort in being a pragmatic planner. She's the one that gets a routine for Takara both prenatal and then postnatal, the one that strategized how the baby is going to be educated, what kind of food they need, etc. So if nothing else-- if anything and everything goes wrong-- they at least have a plan to follow even if they panic. She also, like Itachi, finds her radiant in this time. I can see her sitting with Takara and holding her hand for hours on end, just finding peace in how much she loves her right now.

Nagato picks up where Konan leaves off on the whole planning thing. She is not to be alone at any time. She wants to go for a walk? Kisame, walk ten paces ahead, Kakuzu, ten paces behind, Deidara, go up in the trees. If she so much as scrapes her knee, there will be consequences. This will NOT be fucked up. He won't say it, but he loves her even more right now than he ever thought he could. He thinks that despite all her flaws-- any human has flaws, of course-- Takara will be the best mother to grace this universe or any other.

"Tobi" is so, so excited. While Konan is sitting next to her, he's on the floor, wrapping around Takara's legs, talking endlessly about how much fun the baby is going to be. He's also excessively careful and protective, which is in earnest at heart but also being played up so no one second guesses he's an idiot. He will throw away a cup of tea if he deems it too hot for her to drink, uncaring if it hits and spills on someone else. In private...he's quieter. I can see him putting on her socks for her as she has trouble bending, and he does it nearly reverently, looking up at her through that mask with a gaze she can feel as adoring. Obito is feeling every emotion possible. He's afraid, he's overjoyed, he's shaken, he's happy. This situation is the culmination of everything he's come to want while Takara has been here. He looks at her carrying this baby like she's Mary, mother of Jesus.

Zetsu is the funniest one. He doesn't get it. Like he DOES-- there'd be a joke where he'd say he doesn't get it and Tobi begins to explain where babies came from and Zetsu would yell at him to shut up-- but he doesn't get it. He's like me, the author, in the sense that like...if you really want to experience parenthood...why are you making a whole new baby? There are so many babies out there who NEED a parent. And you're going to fill up that slot? Humans are really genuinely so selfish, what the hell. That aside, he's at least mindful of her, in a physical and medical sense. He asks her questions, in the rare moments she is alone, and he genuinely listens and tries to engage. I think he would, finally, in at least a little way "get it" when Takara invites him to put an ear to her stomach and listen.

Everyone is excited to see who the father is, regardless of how much they say it does or doesn't matter.

#akatsuki x reader #akatsuki headcanons #akatsuki x oc #pregnancy cw #itachi x reader #kisame x reader #kakuzu x reader #hidan x reader #sasori x reader #deidara x reader #konan x reader #nagato x reader #obito x reader #zetsu x reader #aswtn fic

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mossiestpiglet · 1 month ago

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Since I’m probably never gonna actually write them, I’m sharing my cotrk fic ideas so everyone can stew in the concepts with me:

Rise and fall of the Bloor family as shown from the perspective of their dining table - each chapter is a meal a few years/months apart, separated by big events in the Bloor family. Looking at how just deeply unpleasant it is to be a Bloor, that all the “family” stuff is sort of just set dressing for the reality of their situation. Haunting and creepy and weird, unhappy ending. Would follow canon events/timeline as close as possible and sort of just fill in the blanks.

Post-canon, Manfred and Asa reconnect and figure out their relationship - Manfred survives and leaves the city to try and figure out what his life is going to be now that the whole Bloor family scheme has fallen through. He bounces around for a couple years and then is finally working at (insert stereotypical job here) when he runs into Asa and finds out he has landed in the same town that Asa has been living in since getting away. There’s some “are you here to kill me” on both sides, they barely start talking stuff out before deciding Absolutely Not, and Manfred sort of hopes Asa will just leave him alone forever, but Asa recognizes the change in their positions and so won’t let Manfred go. Asa has found himself a new group of endowed friends (who actually like him! for the first time in his life!) and this group has a totally different view of him than being Manfred’s Dog, so things get a bit weird when Asa drags Manfred into this group. There is a lot of tension and the group doesn’t really get Manfred, or why Asa is so attached to such a weird asshole, but one day they are all out and Asa is getting pissed at some stranger and his new friends are all nervous and uncomfortable with his aggression and then Manfred is able to recall him instantly. And the group is like oooooohhhhhh that’s it. They had only known Asa as a Man and a Beast, but now they see that (for the right person), there is also a Dog. This incident prompts Manfred and Asa to dig a little more into what happened between them and how they are going to go on.

Post-canon, Naren and Harold meet - Naren decides she wants to meet the rest of her family and make up her mind about them herself (not just listening to what Bartholomew says). Since Harold has left the city and she has no idea how to find him, she asks Charlie for help, and he asks Lyell. In my BarleyAU “canon”, Lyell tells Charlie to go to Barley, and Barley facilitates the meeting, but I also like it without Barley as a chance to also explore the dynamic between Harold and Lyell and choices made in order to move forward. Harold and Naren end up having an odd sort of relationship, not least because they are siblings that are 35+ years apart in age, but the outlook is optimistic because 1) Naren is just Like That and 2) Harold is more generally unpleasant than actively harmful nowadays. (Manfred is alive, he’s just not involved in this because I hc that he and Harold aren’t on good terms post-canon for quite a while, and really only ever reconnect if someone else brings them back together, such as Barley, Lyell, or Naren)

BarleyAU, Barley and Billy bonding (alliteration yay!) - Barley and Billy’s relationship is like actually quite relevant to my BarleyAU plot because Barley gets so protective of Billy so quickly, but there is also just lots of fun side scenes of them bonding over their love of animals that wouldn’t make the cut if I did ever write a whole BarleyAU. This would be fun and funny and very much for the animal nerds, with also some undertones of found family as that is the trajectory of Barley and Billy’s dynamic.

Post-canon, Emma as an older teen with PTSD, trying to figure out how to go forward - Set when they are in their final year at Bloor’s and Emma has been having a rough time as the years go on. She has a lot of guilt and shame over feeling like she is disappointing everyone around her by not moving on, or being upset, and generally feels like there is no one who can understand what she went through, and her distress affects her endowment in painful and embarrassing ways. She starts to fixate on the idea of closure, thinking that the reason she can’t just “stop having problems” is because Manfred (and Harold but mainly Manfred) left the city when she was 12, and she never got to actually confront him about it. Everyone is super against her seeking him out, but Lyell feels bad enough about not having helped her when he was the person who had the most in common with her situation to give in and help her find Manfred, and also to try and protect her as much as he can (again). There’s lots of ways that talking with Manfred could go, but what I’m most interested in exploring is Manfred having also been a kid at the time and how Lyell and Emma feel about that, putting Lyell in a situation where he has to start processing things himself and can’t just act like it’s all wrapped up, and Emma realizing that there really aren’t any answers to be found in Manfred, she has to find it in herself and the people who care about her.

1902AU - Setting the whole series just a century earlier and exploring how that setting affects the dynamics. Plot would follow the canon without too many huge differences probably, it would mainly just be focused on how characterization and setting interact.

#cotrk #ecdysing #cotrk fic ideas #cotrk oc #barley wasserbar

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vashtijoy · 1 year ago

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Hey there! First off, I wanted to thank you for all your analyses and thoughts on P5 - they've really helped deepen my appreciation of this monster of a game! Now, onto the question (why yes I did create a Tumblr just to ask this, ha) - when do you think Akiren was arrested? I'd guess late March from context clues (or a little earlier if he's from a warmer place), but a couple weeks seems like a really quick turnaround to be placed in Sojiro's care. Curious to know what your thoughts are!

Wow, thank you! That's really kind of you. Great journal name, BTW.

I don't think it will have been two weeks. IMO it will have been some time the previous year, most likely in the summer holiday. Ren is out after dark, and he and the woman are both lightly dressed. You can see green leaves on the trees in the background—this is not definitive by any means, but by September, leaves on trees in P5 tend to have faded to brown, while in March the trees tend to be pink and in blossom.

(Also, notice how built-up this area is, and how tall the buildings are. A lot of people think Ren is from somewhere like Inaba, but this scene makes it look like he's from somewhere more like a regional capital.)

Ren is what's known as a "Type 1 Juvenile" (p. 123)—he's been sentenced to probation by the family/juvenile court, for at most until his 20th birthday. After a year, he can be discharged from probation if he's behaved himself:

If the probationer has complied with their conditions and has led a sound life for at least a year, the Director of the Probation Office can permit an early discharge.

Note that "live a sound life". We see it quite often in the top right-hand corner, as "live an honest student life". And that period of a year that Sojiro keeps bringing up is important—Ren won't have been allowed to sit around waiting for the new school year; he's likely just been sentenced, and reported in short order to Leblanc.

How long was the trial process? Ohya mentions in her confidant that she looked into Ren's conviction and thought it was obviously unsafe: "I have to say though, the ruling made in your case was really odd. Some kind of deal must have gone down behind the scenes to make sure that was the end result."

So it was probably rushed through. But it's Japan—even a rushed trial is going to chew up a fair amount of time. The prosecutors have to investigate and compile reports that make them look good and not corrupt, the trial date has to be set, the judge has to read everyone's reports and make a decision (Japanese trials are often essentially conducted on paper). Then there's sentencing and appeal. Then Ren's professional probation officer in his hometown (Sojiro is a volunteer probation officer, or VPO) has to find a school that will take him and a place for him to stay and (technically) receive guidance.

Could it be seven months or so, August-ish to March? Probably easily, yeah.

why doesn't he repeat a year

So if Ren is arrested around August 2015, and started his first year of high school in April 2015, why doesn't he repeat the year?

Well, first of all, do we know Ren is 16? Could he have been in his second year in his home town? I think we would have heard about this, honestly—someone would mention that he looks too old, or Kamoshida would have mentioned that the terrible transfer student is Repeating A Year. Ren likely is the same age as the rest of his year group.

While it's almost unheard-of for children in Japanese elementary and middle schools to repeat years, it's quite common in high schools. You can repeat for not getting good enough grades, or for poor attendance. But repeating must be approved. If you're seen as having, say, a poor attitude? You're likely to be politely told to shove it, and move up with the rest of your year.

I don't think we can fairly say that post-conviction Ren is perceived as having a good attitude. He certainly is not at Shujin. I think Kobayakawa threw him into the second year not caring too much if he sank or swam.

Ren also may not have been expelled from his original school until he was convicted—which would mean, based on this timeline, that he did get most of his first year of high school.

#asks #persona 5 #p5 meta #ren amamiya

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noyoucantpinmedown · 10 months ago

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Silly headcanon time: how the counselors like their eggs cooked (assuming all of them eat eggs).

Ryan: doesn't like runny yolk, so any hard-cooked egg will do (hard-boiled, over-hard fried, hard scrambled). Scrambled eggs was one of the first things he learned how to cook and he made them for Sarah a lot growing up, so they're a beloved favorite.

Emma: was obsessed with eggs benedict for a while and learned to poach eggs specifically to make that dish. Now enjoys avocado toast with poached eggs on top whenever she can. Her breakfast TikToks put the rest of the fyp to shame.

Nick: knows how to cook eggs all kinds of ways and is usually the one making them for breakfast in group sleepovers; has everyone's preferences down pat. Enjoys egg in all its forms but prefers the classic sunnyside up egg; enjoys dipping bread and any other foods into the yolk. Usually has them when he feels like having a fancy breakfast.

Laura: also grossed out by runny yolk. I see her as likely to be vegan or vegetarian so they're probably not even part of her diet. Before she quit animal products she would have hard boiled eggs as mid-day snacks because they don't need much attention to make.

Jacob: American breakfast enthusiast, enjoys them soft scrambled or fried. Has been known to pour maple syrup over scrambled eggs and dip pancakes into the yolk on fried ones. Kaitlyn shames him for it every single time.

Abi: doesn't have a preference but the really cooked-through, dried yolk grosses her out a little. Usually has hers the same way the person she's eating with has them (feels like a fancy lady when she has brunch with Emma)

Dylan: wants to cook eggs the proper way but 1) he sucks at cooking in general and 2) gets distracted and then realizes his eggs are burning because of the smell. Bought himself the little container things to cook them in the microwave. Nick and Ryan were disgusted and apalled, damn bitch you live like this?

Kaitlyn: soft boil queen. Enjoys adding them into any random meal because it reminds of how her grandma included them in noodles and soup. Has them fried with breakfast and will go to town on them with Jacob.

Max: got used to not eating eggs because of Laura, but absolutely adores devilled eggs. His parents made them all the time growing up for birthdays and gatherings. He has his great aunt's recipe and makes a big batch for dinner parties with friends.

#the quarry #emma mountebank #abigail blyg #laura kearney #kaitlyn ka #dylan lenivy #ryan erzahler #jacob custos #nick furcillo #max brinly #hacketteer headcanons #the quarry headcanons

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mackeralsauce · 1 year ago

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SLASHER AU - Plot Introduction

CW/TW for: descriptions of psychological horror, blood, gore, disturbing themes, etc. Basically, anything you might find in an 80s Slasher, or in Welcome Home's horror content.

The Backstory.

Wally Darling is a puppet whose origins are murky and not fully known. It is likely he was created to be used in a show, but that show never came to fruition and thus he was never brought to life. One hot summer night, he was found by a wandering kid, who discovered him discarded in the nearby woods. That kid ended up taking him back home and cleaning him up, bringing him to school the next day to show his friends. His friends were just as excited to see the new toy, and for the first time ever, Wally was being appreciated by others. This spark is what brought the puppet to life, although he did not reveal his living nature quite yet. Once the kid who discovered him brought him back home, Wally would sneak out of the house, trying to grasp his sentience.

Upon pondering his newfound existence, Wally realized a few things:

He quickly came to the realization that something was not right with his existence. He knew that he was supposed to be part of a show, and that in another universe, that had come to be. Due to this never happening, his existence is somewhat twisted and corrupted.

He has the ability to alter reality and time in some ways, the extent of which isn't truly known.

Although he couldn't exactly pinpoint why, he knew that his new friends were in some way supposed to be like him. Puppets. Yet they aren't, they're humans.

Still entirely new to this existence thing, and wanting to learn more, he used his powers to take on a human form much like his new friends. The next day at school, there was a new student introduced to the class: Wally Darling. He seemed to click almost instantly with the group that had found him prior. The group soon became childhood friends, and grew up together in the same neighborhood. Wally had used his abilities to fabricate an entire human backstory: a very successful father, a house just in the outskirts of town that no one had noticed prior, etc. No one had ever learned he was a puppet, and he had a feeling that telling them would end poorly.

As time went on, and the group of friends went to college together, Wally was becoming unable to rest. Why was the show cancelled? Why was he a puppet, but his friends human? What went wrong? It was driving him to near-madness. One day, he came up with a most brilliant idea...

If his friends are human when they aren't supposed to be, then why not turn them into puppets himself?

Of course, one doesn't simply just turn a person into a puppet. In order for a human to become a puppet, they have to be dead first. Then, their life essence can be transferred to a puppet vessel. It was a perfect plan! Or, it was to Wally, at the very least. Anyone with a sane mind could easily tell him this was a horrible idea. No one would willingly let their friend kill them! So Wally would have to be a bit forceful. Yet, every time he eliminated all of them, something would go wrong. When he would bring his friends back, they would be upset at him for what he did. Why wasn't it working?

Due to things never working out right, he would rewind time again and again. Perhaps the scenario was what was wrong, so he would change it up. Maybe it was the time, the place, the cause of death... He would try everything over and over just to see if it would work. The repetition of having to bring his friends to death over and over was making him desensitized to the idea of gore and bloodshed. As things kept happening, his methods got worse, and his state of mind more unstable. This is what led to the slasher-like gore-filled horror that is the Slasher AU. Will this group of 80s friends ever find peace, or will they keep experiencing horrors beyond their comprehension?

The Setting.

The AU takes place in the mid-to-late 80s. The fashion, trends, etc. generally fit that time period as a result. The location varies depending on the story, but most of them are at least close to the town that the characters live in. The majority of characters are human. There are living puppets, but most examples in history are either celebrities or the result of supernatural phenomena. It is unclear to the general public how a puppet is granted life.

The Characters.

The main characters started off as childhood friends. They grew close fast, partially due to all of them being made fun of for their own quirky traits that made them different than the rest of the class. Growing up together, they've become a sort of found-family, inseperable and sticking together in the face of everything that comes at them. As of the current time in the story, they are all college-age young adults.

Wally Darling: Wally, for as long as he can remember, has lived in the villa just off the outskirts of town. He was raised by his single father who happens to be a very successful businessman. Of course, this is what people think, at least. Everyone in the friend group knows one thing about Wally: he's the best friend you could possibly have, of course! He's always there to hang out with, give advice in a time of need, and lend something to a friend in need. Despite being socially savvy, his interests are often considered odd for his personality. He's much more into artistic endeavors, and has an especially unique interest in puppetry. Although his felt creations tend to scare others, he's actually quite a chicken! He hates horror movies and gets spooked easily. If you're looking for Wally, your best bet is to look for Barnaby. They're nearly inseperable! They often go out to hang, or even sleep over at each others' houses. You'll never find a better pair of best friends (and lovers)!

Barnaby B. Beagle: Barnaby was an orphan as a real young boy, but was taken in by a very kind Miss Beagle. It was tough raising him as it was hard for Miss Beagle to make ends meet. Despite the odds, she pushed through, wanting to give her son the best life she could. With a love for working on old cars and a penchant for jokes, Barns has grown to be quite the reliable guy. If you have a problem that needs fixing, he'll be there to help, and to share some of his mom's baked goods as well! He does struggle with a bit of a smoking problem, but only really indulges if he's stressed. If he isn't with Wally, you might find him digging around a junkyard for car scraps, or going to a car show at the local drive-in! If you're sitting in his car, you might be surprised by what plays on the radio: a mix of cheesy pop songs and glam metal! Barnaby's best friend (and lover as well) is Wally. The two stick together like glue, and are often found together. Wally has always been there to help Barnaby through the tough times, and Barnaby has always been willing to return the favor.

Julie Joyful: Julie's always out and about, often hanging out at the mall, or checking out nearby shops. When she's at home, its with her friends! She'll always invite the others over for an exciting sleepover. You ever have that friend that's always there to hype you up and help you stay safe? That's Julie. She'll fix your make-up, give you relationship advice, walk you home at night, etc. She's protective of her friends, and won't let anyone mess with them. She loves fashion and music, sure, but she also loves math and science quite a bit. She'll read up on various fields of study in her spare time out of curiosity. If that's not enough, she loves to rollerskate, and will go out skating with Eddie from time to time (she tries to get Frank to tag along, but he's scared of slipping up). Of course, you'll often find her with her bestie Frank. Despite appearing to be polar opposites, the two are great friends. They often talk about entomology and biology together. Julie has two girlfriends: Sally and Poppy. She loves them with all her heart and is always spoiling them at the mall. They have lots of sleepovers together where they talk about anything and everything on their minds, and share hobbies with one another.

Sally Starlet: Sally is never at home, but that's because her passion is for the stage! Her work in musicals and plays takes up much of her time, but the other time is for hanging out with friends. She's an important part of the local theatre scene. Film fanatic and born performer, Sally lives for the drama and lives for the fame. While she could live without it, she has to admit that she loves attention, specifically if it's earned by captivating an audience with a story. She loves to watch the newest movies with her pals. Just be warned, she'll pick it apart for all of its inconsistencies! She knows her stuff and won't hesitate to point out if an adaptation was done poorly. Sally also quite enjoys making papercrafts and playing board games. She hosts a game night every weekend and introduced the group to tabletop roleplay games. Due to her love of drama, you can always find out the latest news from her, whether good or bad. That doesn't mean she'll stand for ill-intentioned gossip though! Sally's closest gal-pals (and lovers!) are Julie and Poppy. She loves to rant to the two, and enjoys taking them on movie dates as well. She'll often express her love for them through story recommendations and similar.

Poppy Partridge: Poppy is a bit of a homebody. She rarely leaves the house unless accompanied by the others, often sticking to the kitchen or her room. She has an internship at the local bakery, so she'll often be found there as well, baking fresh pies and desserts. It takes a bit to warm up to Poppy. She struggles heavily with anxiety, and tends to be very shy as well. It's not that she dislikes company, but she's scared of upsetting people, so she avoids the difficulty of meeting new people to prevent that. Even though it takes time to earn her trust, she's quite the friend, often providing a warm hug to those who need it. She enjoys trying out new recipes to share with her closest buddies, but doesn't like using new cooking tech. She prefers to stick to the older tools left in her mother's cupboard. She also enjoys knitting and sewing, and is always eager to help a friend with a fashion disaster. Her wardrobe is always on top due to being able to make whatever kind of clothes she needs for the ocassion! Poppy is very close to Julie and Sally. The three are girlfriends, and often stick together. Poppy always helps Julie make new fashion pieces to wear out, and helps Sally with costumes for theatre productions. In return, the girls are always there to provide her a safe space and to comfort her when the going gets tough.

Frank Frankly: Frank is quite a studious young man, often staying pent-up in his room, only coming out to hang out with friends or eat. His dad often has to tell him to lighten up and live a little. He's proud of him, but really worries for his mental health. A bit genius, but also a bit paranoid, Frank is the group's thinker. He's good at scheduling hangouts, but will also tense up at anything even slightly a risk. Despite his stiff personality, they all love him the same and do all they can to help him loosen up. He spends a good chunk of time at the library reading up on insects, plant care, and local urban legends. Although he's always on edge, he's easily entranced with stories of cryptids and monsters. He likes the mystique behind it all and enjoys solving mysteries as well. Give him a puzzle, and he'll think it through within minutes. Despite this, there are still some things that he struggles to grasp, like jokes for instance. His best friend Julie is working on that with him. Frank's got a soft spot for his lovers, Eddie and Howdy. Although he's always so high-strung, his lovers help calm him down, bringing him a light-hearted laugh every now and then. He thoroughly enjoys reading Eddie's poetry, and helps Howdy with calculations at his job sometimes.

Eddie Dear: Eddie's house-life isn't too notable, he's got a loving parent who supports his life choices. However, he has quite the active work-life, often trying out different jobs when he has the chance. Of course, his main and most steady job is working as a mailman for the local area. While he seems big and intimidating, Eddie is one of the sweetest guys you can meet. He tried lots of things when he was in highschool (choir, band, football, the whole nine yards!) and hasn't quite stopped trying everything since, even in college. Although he gets overwhelmed easily by the amount of options in his life, he has an ambitious spark, one that pushes him to discover himself and live life to the fullest. Eddie's favorite things are quite a colorful variety. He loves to rock out to metal, write poetry and love stories, rollerskate at the rink, and dance with a partner! He's gotten picked on in the past for his softer interests, but his friends have stood up for him time and time again. Eddie is a big softie for Frank and Howdy, his two partners. He's always trying to deliver hand-written notes and gifts to the two. Whenver he gets startled by a bug, Frank will take care of it for him. Whenever he needs an ice-cold soda after work, Howdy's got his back.

Howdy Pillar: Howdy has a bit of a chaotic house life. Having quite a number of siblings and cousins, he doesn't get much time to himself at home. That's why you'll rarely find him there! He often will be found manning the family's bodega or hanging out with the others. Getting up bright and early every day, Howdy has one thing on his mind: success! He's a very optimistic fellow, although his mannerisms are more old-fashioned, almost as if he was born in the wrong generation. He likes older aesthetics and tends to speak like he came from an old film with mannerisms to match. Despite these oddities, he's a rather popular guy, likely due to the sheer positivity he radiates. He's been urged to try out sports in college, but never really clicked with them. What he really likes to do is hang ten and surf some waves at the beach. Sometimes, he'll also tag along with Barnaby to a car show now and again. Howdy is very close to Frank and Eddie, and the three are also lovers as well. He loves his two boyfriends with all his heart, and they're happy to have him as well! He'll often stay over at their houses to avoid having to come home after a long shift.

#welcome home #welcome home au #welcome home slasher au #lets goooo uhhh lore #took forever to type all this out #i accidentally deleted it all at one point sobbing

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anthotneystark · 1 year ago

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And I wish you all the love in the world (But most of all, I wish it from myself)

She’s lived her whole life being terrified of love.

When you’ve known for your whole life that there’s something different about you, something people say is wrong, that kind of fear is just there. Forever.

Her parents are good, great even. They love her, they make sure she knows that people are people and everyone has good in them and there’s nothing wrong with people who don’t live the lives everyone says they should.

But that fear, it doesn’t go away. There’s always that whisper in her head saying those opinions are reserved for everyone else, but if she’s part of that crowd, she’s on her own. She’s only ever had unconditional love from them, but fear doesn’t care about logic. Fear doesn’t care that there’s no reason for them to change their minds.

It’s a tear in her soul, feeling that inherent knowledge about herself, feeling that part of her that wants to scream all the time, feeling that part of her that demands she shove it down, get over it, suck it up and accept that she’s going to be alone for the rest of her life because this isn’t something she gets to have.

Love isn’t something she can have. It’s not something she has the luxury of receiving.

So she hides, not everything, but enough. She hides the wrong and embraces the weird. She knows better than to think she can hide the bigger parts of her. She talks too much, too fast, she gets ahead of herself, she gets way too invested in things that no one else cares about but it’s fine, it’s good, she has casual friends and pretends to have crushes on average boys who don’t interest her because the truth is locked in her lungs like an infection.

She bites her tongue and screams into her pillow and cries sometimes because it aches holding it all in some days.

Through it all, love is terrifying. Because for her, love is hiding, love is acting, love is for the shadows if at all. She’s terrified to have it and terrified she won’t find it all at once. She knows it isn’t here, it can’t be, not in this town. But sometimes she watches other people and thinks maybe she’s not as alone as she feels.

Sometimes she watches other people and thinks she’s exactly as alone as she feels, but she tries not to actually dwell on that.

She gets used to it, being alone. She’s not the first choice, and it’s okay. It’s okay when she’s never a first priority. It’s okay when she’s picked last. It’s okay when she’s overlooked even for things she’s worked really hard on. She’s made peace with all of it and tells herself that someday she’ll be out of this town and somewhere bigger, where there’s a million more people and being overlooked is better because blending in might give her the chance to at least be happy. If no one is looking, maybe she could get away with the things she knows are just her, the things people here would use against her.

She swallows feelings and doesn’t let herself stare at pretty girls who set her veins on fire when they smile. She glares at the boys who discard nice girls once they’ve gotten what they want, careless of the broken hearts in their wake. She watches girls continue to fall for the false charms they put on when it’s time for the next conquest. She even gets to comfort some of them, on occasion, hugging whichever girl as she cried because she thought she could change him.

She bites her tongue as one of the worst becomes her coworker. She lashes out a little, not more than could be excused as simple irritation, and he accepts it. Somehow, he doesn’t get mad about it, just takes it with a smile and makes her feel terribly guilty for a moment about it.

To her utter dismay, she warms up to him. He’s not exactly the same as she imagined, as she built him up to be based on rumors and small interactions. He’s a little airheaded, a little dorky, a big pushover when it comes to a group of children apparently.

But it’s only when they’re both being held hostage, when he keeps talking bragging about knocking out an officer earlier, when he’s all but begging them to take him first, that she realizes she actually cares about him.

She wants to sob when they bring him back, when they tie them together and she has just enough time to wonder if they’ve just tied her to his dead body. She hates that she cares, but she doesn’t breathe easily again until he wakes up. She cares so much about him and now she can’t ignore it or pretend it’s something else, she just has to hold that care in her heart and hope he never notices anything else about her.

She’s been asked out before, she’s had boys who were her friends, but then they’d always, always get to that point where they wanted something more from her, where they looked at all the conversations and assumed she wanted romance and not friendship. She never wanted more, but the sting of losing someone she’d cared about was a familiar pain. The way they lashed out and called her names was familiar.

She didn’t want to imagine how much it would hurt when Steve joined their ranks, not after all this.

She’s never told anyone her secret, has barely admitted it out loud, but there’s a terrifying moment where he talks about having a crush on her and suddenly she can’t breathe. She needs to get it over with, rip the bandaid off, lose him before she gets any more attached. Because she knows the way people here think about her kind of people, because she knows there are strings attached to friendship and limits to what people will accept even if they’re not bad people. Because she will lose him, and it will hurt, and she’ll have to live the rest of her life wondering if she should have kept quiet, if she could have faked it enough to keep him in her life, if she could have forced herself to have a crush on him the way he says he does on her. Because she almost died and she was terrified of the thought of him dying but now she’s going to lose him anyway.

Except she doesn’t.

He takes a second, a terrifying second, as the words sink in, as her revelation sinks in, and she’s never been more scared in her life. But he surprises her, pokes fun and teases and in his words she finds acceptance, she finds affection.

He still cares, even after the rejection, and she kind of wants to cry, but she also just wants to hug him and never let go.

The moment doesn’t last, it can’t. Her terror finds new reaches, new fears, new nightmares she’s going to live with forever, but Steve is there, squeezing her hand right when she needs it the most. It’s the first time she’s held hands with a boy, the first time she’s wanted to, and she lets it be a comfort instead of one of those fears.

They get out alive though, by some miracle, and she holds on tight to Steve’s hand again as he lies about his parents being home to the EMTs. She knows they’re not home, he’d told her the other day.

She doesn’t let him get away with it, not fully. She drags him home with her, and her parents accept it. She almost bursts into tears at the implication that he’ll be in the guest room, out of reach, and it’s like they know there’s no motivation to it beyond her being absolutely terrified to let him out of her sight. So he sets up a blanket on the floor next to her bed.

Sleep should be impossible, but they’re too exhausted mentally and physically to stay awake. He snores, and it should annoy her, but it’s comforting instead. He’s alright, she can hear that he’s alright when she startles partially into wakefulness.

She wakes sobbing at one point, and she didn’t think it was very loud, but it’s enough to wake him and he’s right there, holding her, whispering reassurances. She falls back asleep sometime later, tucked in his arms.

He stays a few days, until she’s sure he can live through the night in his big empty house, but he’s never really gone for long. He’s there for dinners multiple nights a week, or she’s at his house when her parents have late shifts, and through it all he’s so solid and steady and she’s never had a friend like him before.

It’s the most innocent thing that makes her realize it.

After the “earthquake”. After the world is saved. After it’s all over and they can just be young again.

After.

He’s got a few more scars, she’s got a few more nightmares, but they can still laugh and he’s determined to teach her how to drive even if they both know she’s happy enough sitting shotgun. He’s healed, finally, and someday she’ll be able to close her eyes and not see the terrifying image of his face as he was being strangled in front of her.

It shouldn’t be a surprise though, what she finds.

He’s making lunch, some fancy mac and cheese that he swears is just the best she’ll ever eat. She’s hungry now though, so she goes to the fridge and pulls out the container of sliced strawberries that’s always there.

They’re just the right size, perfectly ripe, and have just enough sugar dusted over them to make them a little too sweet, just the way she loves.

Just the way she loves.

Her favorite fruit, exactly how she loves it.

Love.

He loves her.

He loves her unconditionally, knows her inside and out, knows her favorite things, knows her.

She’s been so terrified of love all this time, and she didn’t even notice when she found it. She didn’t notice it in all those nights spent in each others’ beds, all those times they’d dance around the kitchen while he cooked or she baked, all those times he was her first call or she was his first choice, all those days spent in a graceful dance around each other at work because they might as well be psychically connected at this point.

She’d tried so hard not to find love, to hide from it, and she didn’t even notice as it grew in her. She didn’t notice how she checks out books on things he’s interested in just so she can read to him on slow nights at the store or on the nights they can’t sleep, so they can talk without needing to think about heavy things. She didn’t notice as they played basketball or soccer, sharing the games they both loved. She didn’t notice as her definition of ‘home’ changed to fit him in it no matter where it was.

She loves him and he loves her.

He always has her favorite snack here, ready and waiting for her. Her clothes are in his closet, her makeup in his bathroom. All he has to do is reach and she’s right there.

She doesn’t even notice she’s crying until he’s reaching for her, worry in his eyes and a question she doesn’t hear on his tongue. She sets the strawberries down and lets him pull her into a hug, clings to him with everything she’s got because she’s so terrified of love but it’s just so easy to love, to be loved, with him.

Terrifying but not.

Because she can be scared with him, because she’s safe with him, because it’s him.

Romance will happen for them both, and it’ll be terrifying and happy and exciting and sad and everything else that comes with love and life. She will love though, she will be strong enough to take that risk where once she wondered how she could ever live that kind of dream.

She’ll do it, because she knows unconditional love, because she knows that love will always be with her through all the changes life can throw at her just the same as she knows he’ll always have her love.

For now though, she holds him, lets him hold her, and she loves and is loved.

#platonic stobin #steve harrington #robin buckley #just 2k words of love and fear and a little projection on my part #listen I love them #kat writes

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lin-lizzie · 11 months ago

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bitches keep talking about stinky dragon modern au or band au so guess what I’m gonna drop

Months old au for modern and band

Everything is still fantasy such as their races and world however they have moved onto our modern technology and other stuff

The interns are roommates that share an apartment together, Bart being a caretaker for Gum Gum, and the rest not really knowing one another but just decided to room together for the sake of rent costs

Everyone gets their own room but Bart and Gum gum, and gum gum has a little balcony or window garden

Gum Gum is a highschooler (15-16), and wants/has a little flower stall with really, REALLY pretty flowers

Bart went/is going to college, and is pursuing music

Mudd works at a cafe/coffeeshop, trying to make enough to hopefully start his own. He ran away from his family because he didn’t want to take over their business. (Huge company)

Kyborg is/is trying to get in a school where he can learn to make prosthetics (like at the end of the Infinights)

Brink goes to college as well to learn magic, and he also lives in the same apartment complex as the interns. Fun!

Of course, he and Kyborg hate each other as always

Now, in the regular modern au I was genuinely unsure of what to have for the Infinights, such as why they were well known, BUUUUT I remember talking about it w some people

They were known as/called the Infinights because they were investigating disappearances around the town (Boulderay, everyone is in Boulderay, it’s basically a somewhat big city atp), Fred being one of the disappeared people. A conflict happens, I forgot, but they disband. I can’t remember if Fred is found or not but if he is, he is alive and engaged to Marcy.

Marcy, Elleve, is going to school to get a medical degree and wants to be a pharmacist.

Slique is also pursing music, but hes done with school and he does his own thing. Being a solo artist.

Now, for Spectril and Grissly I actually wasn’t sure about. For Grissly, it’d either be something to do with athletics or physical-ish disorders (I’m not sure how to word)

And. God. I have no fucking idea about Spectril.

Dr. Ahem was the old man at the corner down from the apartment complex who owned a workshop. He’s there everyday, and that’s where the Infinights first banded up. And that’s how the interns knew about them, and why they decided to take over for them.

We move on from regular modern au to BAND AU now!

Same, HOWEVER, the Infinights were once a band. They were popular for a while around Faeza, until one day, they disbanded for reasons unknown to the public.

Spectril was either bass or electric guitar, Slique taking one or the other

Grissly had the drums,

Alleve I believe was on keyboard,

And Paralyte was the lead singer, with either Slique and/or Spectril as backup. (I headcanon Spectril is a GREAT singer/singing voice)

Fred was also part of the team, I think we made him the stage guy? Stage? Lights? I forgot.

However, one day, on a tour, Fred got hit by a car and did not survive. This caused the falling out of the band, and their disbandment. Which led Paralyte creating another band, the Everguards. The new Infinights rival band when they would take over the old Infinights band.

Dr. Ahem’s workshop is still there, but instead of an investigation group, it was the band that he had kept at the workshop. The old meeting room was still there, but never touched again.

After taking over the band’s name, the interns hear about how and why the OG infinights disbanded.

Fred had gotten hit by a car trying to go back for Spectril as he was distracted by a turtle while they were crossing the street, Ahem’s legs suddenly stopped working as he called out for Fred, Alleve and Grissly were on the bus, and Paralyte was with Dr. Ahem. Shortly after hearing he had passed, they went back home to Boulderay, to discuss what they should do.

They could replace his job with someone else, and could continue on, but it was way too soon to just continue on. But Paralyte didn’t want to stop, she wanted to keep performing and making music, whether Fred was there or not. Marcy thought she was crazy for already wanting to move on as if Fred hadn’t died.

Paralyte didn’t mean anything bad, she thought Fred would want them all to continue making music, whether with or without him. But the others didn’t know and just thought she was crazy. So, this led to the falling out.

Most of them still kept in touch, but Paralyte didn’t. Spectril and Slique ended up moving into an apartment together while they did their own things. Spectril had a job organizing stuff on documents for a company, while also helping his mother’s flower shop. Slique became a solo artist, but didn’t do many shows. Also doesn’t like to mention he was once part of the Infinights.

Alleve and Grissly kept in touch, so did Elleve and Spectril. Elleve and Spectril became a little closer after Fred’s passing, as Spectril blamed himself for Fred’s accident. So, he wanted to be there for Marcy. For Fred and her.

In Paralyte’s band had Brink, and he soon became rivals with the new Infinights. But a buncha stuff happens and……. God There is so much. That I cannot type here rn. If people like this post enough I’ll add the rest

#tales from the stinky dragon #stinkydragonpod #stinky dragon pod #tftsd band au #stinky dragon band au

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sweet-lemonad-rose-sapphire · 4 months ago

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Link Character Analysis Pt. 1

Child Link

Just as a little note here, by “Child Link” I am talking about the child version of Link from BOTW

What was he like?

Unfortunately, we don’t know much about Child Link in game besides what we learn from the Mipha memory and Mipha’s Diary (BOTW DLC):

- He’s described as “curious and full of energy with a ready smile”

- Has “exceptional swordsmanship” only at “about 4 years of age”! AND he was literally going against adult knights and even beat them! Why that was allowed, I’ll get to that later…

- He’s very impressed by magic!

Where did he live?

Ok. This one’s an unpopular opinion for some people but here’s what I found.

- According to Creating a Champion (pg. 376) , Link had likely started his childhood in Hateno Village.

- HOWEVER, also according to Mipha’s Diary, the KING sent a group of knights to the Zora Domain. The same group of knights that Child Link was with. MEANING that even though Link may have at least been born in Hateno Village, he must’ve ended up in Castle Town, where he spent the rest of his childhood, gaining traction as a gifted swordsman.

Link’s Family

I may be cheating a little on this one, but by also looking at past Zelda games, I can kind of piece together what his family is like.

- In Memory #11 (Shelter From the Storm), Zelda makes the first mention, probably in Zelda game history, of Link’s father who was a knight.

- Although I’m sure Zelda was talking about Link when she gives the comment “Your commitment to the training necessary to fulfill your goal is really quite admirable,” I think she was also still comparing Link to his Father’s journey of becoming a knight. According to Creating a Champion, Link is NOT of nobility. And unlike all the “likelys” and “maybes” that this book says about most of Link’s past, this information is for certain. Therefore, Link’s father would have had to work HARD to rise the ranks to be personally asked by the King to go to the Zora Domain with the other Hyrulian knights with him.

- Strangely enough, just a few paragraphs before this, Link is said to be born into a line of knights. These could also probably have been Hateno knights too

- This is the point where I’m slightly cheating. In the Japanese version of Creating a Champion, there’s a whole TWO PAGES of concept art that us English speakers are missing out on. 😔 On one of those pages, we can see an image of a (what looks like) 12 year old Link with an older man and a little girl. The man may look older than a father but, after what Zelda said, this can likely be Link’s Father!

- And the little girl would likely be Link’s little sister! Unfortunately, there’s no evidence in the game that Link had a little sister, but after looking at the Wind Waker game for reference, I have a feeling this girl is supposed to be BOTW’s version of Aryll. She even looks like she loves Cucco’s while Aryll in Wind Waker loves seagulls! I could go on about what this means for Link and his backstory, but then that would be touching “spoiler territory” for my duology, and I don’t want to do that just yet!

Link’s Childhood Friends

Most of Link’s friends that are mentioned in game are actually Zora! Although I’m sure he had some Hylian friends as well.

- Bazz: Was the leader of the Big Bad Bazz Brigade (BBBB). Link trained him sword fighting (or at least the “art of the blade”).

- Rivan: him and Link used to swim together when they were kids. Also a part of the BBBB

- Gaddison: her and Link used to play together as kids. She was also part of the BBBB, known as the heroine.

- Mipha: she used to heal Link whenever he would get hurt in training.

I’m not adding Kodah to the list because (I assume!) she didn’t “befriend” him until he was older

unfortunately I can't find a clip of Bazz talking about the BBBB, but believe me that it's in the game!

#botw #botw link #botw child link #link #tloz #character analysis #Rose Sapphire's The Link Project #The Link Project #botw character analysis

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whatstruthgottodowithit · 1 year ago

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Here You Come Again [Part Seventeen]

Fandom: Elvis Presley, RPF, American Actor

Pairing: Elvis Presley × Original Female Character

Characters: Elvis Presley, Addison Goodwin, Original Female Characters, Priscilla Presley, Colonel Tom Parker, Vernon Presley, Gladys Presley, Minnie Mae Presley, Marci Cunningham, Jerry Schilling, Red West, Sonny West, Marty Lacker, Joe Esposito, Charlie Hodge, Lamar Fike, Alan Fortas, George Klein, Memphis Mafia

Rating: Mature

Word Count: 10,784

Summary: When Addison Goodwin was seventeen years old her life was turned inside out after a chance encounter with her past.

Now, fifteen years later her life is the best it's ever been. She has a home, a good job and a daughter she loves more than anything in the world but will all that remain when an old familiar face rolls into town.

Tags: Angst, Fluff, Graceland, Las Vegas, The International Hotel, Elvis In Vegas, 1970s, 1970s Elvis, Friends To Lovers, Rekindled Romance, Parenting, Time Line is Sketchy, Guilt, Betrayal, Teenage Pregnancy, Hawaii, Hidden Pregnancy, Jealousy, Sex, Absence of Parent, Single Motherhood, Trauma, Oral Sex, Tension

Notes: Well we made it. Hope it’s what yall wanted 💕

LINK TO ALL PARTS // LINK TO AO3 // LINK TO PINTEREST

‘Please tell me you’re joking,’ Marci said as she paced up and down their hotel room. Addison was sitting on her bed, where she had been all day, wallowing in self-pity. Jess had spent the day out, no doubt keeping Elvis preoccupied as promised, and Marci had been God knows where until she’d waltzed in around dinner time and found Addison looking morose as ever.

‘Mar,’ Addison sighed rubbing her fingers along the bridge of her nose. She didn’t intend to be short with her friend but she had been through everything again and again in her mind -that by the time evening had rolled around she was done with thinking about any of it. Of course that hadn’t stopped Marci from asking and it wasn’t as if she could lie about the chasmic gap Addison had put between herself and the rest of the group.

‘No,’ Marci protested looking at her with disbelief, ‘no, please tell me that you didn’t just turn down the love of your life after he poured his heart and soul out to you?! The man who you’ve loved since you were seventeen years old! The father of your child!’

‘Mar it’s not that simple,’ Addison sighed, closing the book she been failing to read and placing it on her lap.

‘Why not?! You love him and don’t bother telling me that you don’t,’ Marci said cutting Addison off with a stern look before it fell into one of despair, ‘I just don’t understand…I’ve seen the way you guys are together. Addie he loves you so much.’

‘Yeah and he loved me then too and look what happened. Hell he loved Priscilla enough to marry her and that went to hell,’ Addison retorted moving so that she wasn’t looking at Marci as she threw the book she had been holding onto the bed behind her. She had known no one would understand. She didn’t expect them to, but she at least wanted them to respect her decision, something none of them seemed to do.

‘So what? That’s the past,’ Marci said watching her friend as she failed to look at her. She could see the hurt plastered across her face, hurt she had seen before, especially in those early days. Back when any mention of Elvis seemed akin to taking a live wire and running it across Addison’s skin given it offered the same reaction. But that was then. They’d made it through those times so why not give it a shot? It didn’t make any sense to her, not until Addison mumbled, ‘and what if it’s our future?’

‘That’s what this is about? You’re scared?’ Marci said in little more than a whisper yet it was enough to make Addison’s head snap up, her eyes flaming with anger.

Why did everyone keep saying it? So what if that was the truth? Didn’t she get to be? Wasn’t it fair to want to protect herself from all the pain she had lived countless times over?

When she had lost her father she had been distraught but resilient. She’d kept going, putting one foot in front of the other in the hopes that one day it’d get better, that her grief would at some point stop consuming every fibre of her being, and she’d been right. When Elvis had burst back into her life he’d saved her, wrenching her from the pits of despair like an angel, tethering himself to her and promising a life she had only dreamed of. Back then she’d allowed herself to believe, she clung to him like a life raft, but that had been foolish.

And when it had all come crashing down, like she should have expected it to, it’d hurt more than before. She’d fallen from a greater height, been broken into tinier pieces. Yet she’d managed to rebuild. Bit by bit she’d put herself back together until she was almost complete. To say yes to Elvis might have been the missing piece but should she break this time there would be no going back. To break this time would be to fracture into pieces, unable to put back together no matter who tried to help.

So yeah, she was scared. Scared because she remembered that sadness all too well.

‘Don’t I get to be?’ she asked incredulously, ‘don’t I get to be scared that it’ll blow up in my face again? I mean when has anything ever gone right for me?’

‘What about Jess? What about us? We had a pretty nice life or was that just a consolation prize?’ Marci bit back angrily making Addison sigh.

‘Of course not! I love our life…in fact you guys are the only things that have really gone right for me…’ Addison sighed as Marci took a seat beside her on the bed, the pair of them looking at the wooden flooring beneath their feet as they tried to calm their tempers, worried their words were escalating into a fight of their own. Eventually Addison spoke, ‘which is why I don’t want to ruin anything. It’s not just me this time.’

‘It wasn’t just you then either,’ Marci countered earning herself a glance.

‘But it was different. She didn’t know him then…now if it goes wrong she’ll be torn between the pair of us,’ Addison said dropping her gaze before she mumbled, ‘or worse.’

‘Worse?’ Marci asked with a frown.

‘What if she picks him?’ Addison whispered looking at her friend as tears appeared in her lash line.

It had been something she had been worrying about since Elvis had threatened to take her, well probably before that. In fact, it had been something that had always played in the back of her mind.

Back when Jess was little it had seemed wise to keep them apart, though it was more about keeping her from the Colonel’s grip than Elvis’. Yet as Jess had gotten older Addison wondered if that had been the right idea. She’d doubled down on it of course. Elvis’ life was unruly, hectic, no place for a child. And as she’d watched his personal life change it had only added to her reasoning. He had another kid, a family, and they wouldn’t get a look in. At every avenue there’d been some excuse, a reason not to bring them together. It had been why she had been so scared when he’d first come back into their lives, watching her as if he’d seen a ghost in the foyer of that club.

But she wasn’t scared of Jess getting hurt. She was scared that Jess would choose that over her. She’d worried, like Gladys had, that the appeal of glitz and glamour would call to her baby in a way she couldn’t stop. She had worried that she’d lose her altogether.

‘Addie she wouldn’t,’ Marci said placing her hand on Addison’s thigh hoping it would give her even a modicum of comfort.

‘Why not?’ Addison asked bitterly, ‘he is her dad and she loves him so much. Not to mention I kept them apart far too long I wouldn’t be surprised if they both resent me for it. I mean he practically said as much.’

‘Addison,’ Marci said firmly making her hazel gaze snap up to her own baby blue eyes, ‘Jess wouldn’t leave you so get that through your thick skull right now.’

‘But Elvis-’ Addison protested.

‘But nothing. Besides neither of you would make her choose between you two. I know you wouldn’t and I don’t think he would either regardless of what was said in the heat of the moment,’ Marci said, the tail end of it becoming louder as Addison looked as though she was going to but in, ‘and anyway say she did. Say Jess tells you tomorrow she’s packing her bags and moving to Memphis. Say she tells you she’s living with him forever and she wants no contact with you would you stop loving her?’

‘Mar,’ Addison said puzzled at what her friend was trying to suggest though she didn’t know if she wanted to given the wave of fear that rolled through her at the mere idea of Jess leaving her.

‘Would you?’ Marci said not backing down from whatever point she was trying to make.

‘No of course not,’ Addison said.

‘So why are you doing that with him? You love him, he loves you, and just because someone might one day leave you shouldn’t be a reason not to let yourself be loved Addie. You deserve to be loved Addison. God knows you’ve pushed it away long enough. But being scared doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do the thing,’ she said, ‘I mean don’t you think I’ve been scared about the idea of leaving Tom? But I’m going to do it.’

At this Addison’s head snapped up. She had known Marci was grappling with her own struggles and yet she had been too wrapped up in her own problems to think about it. She had a million questions and yet none of the coherent, thoughtful and logical ones came to mind. The only words that tripped off her tongue were, ‘for Jer?’

‘No,’ Marci said rolling her eyes, ‘not for anyone. For myself. Because I know what I want for myself. And I want to be happy, I want to do what makes me happy.’

‘And Tom?’ Addison asked.

‘I love him…but he doesn’t love me. He loves the idea of me, this perfect little housewife and that’s not what I want. I want my shop, a career, my life as it is. I mean sure maybe that stuff one day but I want that to be part of the journey. He just sees me as a means to an end. And I know what it looks like but it doesn’t have anything to do with Jer,’ she said looking at Addison who tried to give her friend her most reassuring and non-judgmental look. Marci smiled back, squeezing her friend’s thigh in thanks, before she continued. Though as she listened Addison couldn’t help but notice the way her smile widened as she spoke of him, ‘but he spent an hour talking about setting up a new place and what I could do. He listened to all my ideas and encouraged me and told me I could do it. That’s what I want in a husband. I mean I know Tom’s got all the looks and the money and whatever I want someone who loves me for me.’

‘That’s understandable,’ Addison agreed.

‘Which is why I don’t understand why you’d say no to Elvis. Elvis loves you for you…as infuriatingly stubborn and wary as you are,’ Marci said.

‘But-’

‘No buts,’ Marci said firmly, ‘I didn’t agree when you decided to keep Jess a secret but I didn’t intervene. In fact I think we’ve spent most of our time buried in each other’s lives and yet we’ve been too scared to tell the other one they might be making a mistake. I mean I know you guys didn’t even like Tom and yet you let me run off into the sunset with him.’

‘I guess I didn’t want to be the one to tell you no,’ Addison said before she added with a melancholy smirk, ‘then again when do either of us ever listen to what anyone says.’

‘Maybe we should start I mean thirty-three is as good an age as any,’ Marci said. It was enough to make Addison’s smile dim as thoughts Elvis and Jess started to creep back in.

‘I can’t do it Mar,’ she said with despair, ‘you saw what happened last time…it’ll break me.’

Marci sighed watching that all too familiar expression wash over her friends features.

‘Okay,’ Marci said pulling her friend in for a hug like she’d done all those years ago when she’d stormed to Texas demanding answers. She didn’t understand it though she hadn’t understood the first time around. Back then she had tried to comprehend as best she could but ultimately she had decided to let her friend do as she saw fit for fear she’d only add to the hurt. But not now. They’d been through too much now. They weren’t fresh faced kids anymore and she was sure Addison could take her opinion even if it did sting and as Addison allowed herself to be held she decided to give it to her, ‘but I want you to know I don’t agree with you. I think you’re making a mistake…and I know you’ll say it’ll break you but I don’t agree…in fact I think it could be the making of you both.’

Neither of them said anything after that. Instead, Addison kept her face buried in her friend’s shoulder, allowing the soothing circles Marci was rubbing on her back, as if she was a child, to be a comfort to them both.

✵✵✵

Needless to say the last couple of days in Hawaii weren’t exactly easy. Whilst nothing was expressly said to anyone in the group, besides Marci and Jerry, there seemed to be a noticeable shift in the dynamic. Elvis tried to keep everything the same, well as much as he could, and yet it was hard. It was hard to see how her face plastered with guilt every time she looked at him. How she pretended not to notice when women flirted with him – something that hadn’t been occurring throughout the trip either because their behaviour had resembled that of a couple or he had been too enthralled with her to notice anyone else. It hurt to see how she distanced herself from him, still participating but just out of reach, hoping that her feelings would disappear.

It ate at him, every interaction gnawing at his soul. He wanted to convince himself it would fade, that time would heal the ache in his heart eventually though he knew that was pointless. Fifteen years apart had only dulled the ache, not removed it. The only thing that had healed it had been having her back in his life and now it was ruined. In fact, the ache had only seemed to become worse. This ache, this rotting, gut wrenching, twisted ache inside him felt like it had increased tenfold because it wasn’t as if she was gone. It wasn’t as if he could tell himself, the way he had used to do when he cried himself to sleep in his barrack bunk, that she didn’t love him, that she never had, because he knew that wasn’t true.

And that was why it hurt even more.

He wondered how she could possibly feel this was the right thing to do. He understood her worries, after all he hadn’t been the best husband in the world, but she had to know that it was different with them. He’d try harder this time around. He’d be better. Losing Priscilla and Lisa had been one of his biggest regrets, surely she had to know he’d not risk that again. More to the point he wouldn’t risk losing her.

He loved Priscilla of course and though losing her still hurt he was slowly recovering. He’d even become somewhat amicable with Mike, much to his own surprise, but losing her hadn’t felt the same. It hadn’t torn at him the way losing Addison had, as if the life raft he had been tethered to had cut him loose, allowing him to plummet to the bottom of an icy sea waiting for something to help him back to the surface. Surely she had to realise that?

‘Dad?’ Jess said snapping him out of the daydream he’d been having. She was sitting across from him watching him worriedly as she waited for him to speak. He glanced around, noticing that they were now parked outside the airport, the luxurious and scenic views of Hawaii now gone as they headed for home. He could see Addison climbing out of the car in front, Marci following close behind as Jerry moved to help them with their luggage. They could’ve ridden together, it actually made more sense to given that Jess was getting on the same plane as them and not the rest of the group, yet he couldn’t bring himself to. He didn’t want to watch her make pitiful excuses or thank him for the trip as though she was an acquaintance. Watching her head home when he’d hoped she’d be on a plane to Memphis hurt enough already. So when they’d broached travel arrangements at dinner last night he’d asked if he could have a car just for him and the girls, a last goodbye before they all headed their separate ways. Of course no one had refused him. Not even Addison, who had merely looked at him guiltily and nodded.

‘Ya got everything?’ Elvis said glancing around the car though Jess already had her small backpack on her lap, ready to climb out.

‘Yeah,’ she nodded, ‘my suitcase is in the other car.’

‘Right, right,’ Elvis said as he dropped his gaze to his trousers, fiddling with the material with them as if they had a crease that needed smoothing even though they had been perfectly pressed and laid out for him that morning. He didn’t know why it felt so awkward. Maybe it was because he had been so focused on not having an uncomfortable and painful goodbye with Addison that he hadn’t thought about what he should say to Jess.

‘It won’t be long…till schools out I mean,’ Jess said, ‘I bet we can see each other then.’

‘Yeah, I bet you’re right,’ Elvis said trying to keep his voice light though he could feel that ache gnawing at him as he thought about the implication of that statement. How no doubt it would be Jess travelling to Memphis alone this time.

‘Maybe we could even go to California? I mean I’d love to come and see you at some point,’ she said looking at Lisa who smiled.

‘Yes! You and daddy can come to my house any time you want to,’ she beamed.

‘Sounds good Jessie,’ Elvis agreed though his face fell as she dropped her gaze, fiddling with the straps on her backpack before she spoke.

‘I don’t wanna go you know,’ she said quietly.

‘I don’t want you to,’ Elvis mumbled making her look back up at him, ‘I don’t want either of you to.’

They were both watching him, sadness awash over their faces as his own blue eyes stared back at him. He had been expecting saying goodbye to hurt, he just hadn’t thought it’d be this one.

‘C’mere,’ he said gesturing for both girls to climb onto the seats next to him. They did so quickly, each tucking into his side as he wrapped his arms around them. They stayed silent for a moment, both of them hugging his middle, their arms holding one another as he kissed the tops of their heads.

‘Now you both listen to me okay,’ he said, his voice rumbling against their cheeks, ‘no matter what happens between me and anyone else that don’t change how I feel about you girls okay? You two mean more to me than anything on this god damn earth and I won’t have you forgettin’ it you hear me?’ he said earning nods that ruffled the fabric of his suit jacket, ‘whether we’re together or miles apart it don’t change how much I love you.’

‘I love you too,’ Jess said looking up at him with a weak smile.

‘Me too,’ Lisa said moving so she was knelt up beside him, kissing his stubbled cheek which made her wrinkle her nose as she grumbled, ‘your face is all prickly.’

‘Sorry baby,’ Elvis said kissing her own as an apology. Their interaction seemed to help Jess, her smile strengthening as she pulled out of his grasp, grabbing her bag from where she had deposited it on the opposite bench.

‘I’ll try you know,’ she said as her fingers rested on the door handle, threatening to open it at any moment.

‘Jess you don’t have to do that,’ Elvis sighed, his hand ghosting down her hair and landing on her shoulder.

‘I do,’ she corrected, ‘because I don’t wanna spend forever getting on a different plane to you.’

And before he could say anything she opened the door and climbed out shutting it gently behind her before she walked up to where Addison and Marci were waiting on the curb. They couldn’t see him through the tinted windows, but he watched as the three of them headed inside the airport and out of sight. As the car pulled away, heading to the tiny airport his plane was waiting for them at, Lisa sat herself beside him quietly nestled into his side as if she knew he needed a minute.

As the industrial sight of the airport faded back into palm trees and greenery his mind started to spin. Again it struck him as odd how Addison could think this was what was best. How she could watch her daughter trying to split herself in two to keep both parties happy. In fact he wondered if she could see it at all, after all, Addison had been just like her trying to keep everyone but herself happy.

And selfishly he hoped that his daughter would succeed. That Jess would make her mother see sense about them being together but if she didn’t, if she couldn’t change her mind, he’d let her go. It wouldn’t be easy but if it meant protecting Jess, he’d do it.

✵✵✵

‘Hold on,’ Addison grumbled as she dumped her bag by the front door hoping that whoever was calling would hang on until she could reach the phone. She moved quickly through the house, practically throwing herself across the kitchen counter as she clasped her hand around the receiver.

‘Hello?’ she said as she pressed it to her ear, trying to hide how breathless she sounded given how frantically she’d rushed inside. She was expecting it to be Marci, after all since they’d come back from Hawaii she’d called everyday – assuring Addison it was to sound off about everything going on with Tom in California though she suspected it was to make sure Addison hadn’t cracked. Which fortunately she hadn’t. It hadn’t been easy, the ache inside her never quite ebbing, but she was managing, well just about. Being out of the Graceland bubble allowed her to focus on other things; her job, Jess, Marci. The way she had for almost fifteen years, and that dulled the ache, well until she heard the voice on the other end of the line speak.

‘Addie?’ Elvis murmured, making the feeling she got every time they spoke now roll through her. The kind that you get when you drive your car over a bridge too quickly, a furl of nerves and excitement all in one.

‘Oh hi,’ she said feeling her throat run dry as she stammered out, ‘Jess isn’t here, she’s at a sleepover. I thought she’d told you-’

‘She did, actually it’s you I called to speak to,’ Elvis said quietly making her throat completely dry out. They hadn’t spoken much since they’d landed back in Vegas. She’d answered the phone when he called, the pair of them making excruciating small talk until Jess had dived in, playing both sides as promised. Every phone call had made that ache inside him swell, consuming every fibre of him. And to hear her trying to act as though they were nothing more than friends angered him, the way it had the first time, when he’d force every thought of her away by finding anyone pretty and willing.

‘Oh…what’s up?’ she said as evenly as she could muster.

‘Well I wanted to ask you about the fourth of July,’ Elvis said. There was no reason not to get to the point. It wasn’t as though they’d spend hours talking, like they used to, finding anything they could just so neither of them would have to be the first one to hang up.

‘What about it?’ Addison replied.

‘I wondered if you girls were doing anything for it…if you had plans,’ Elvis said clearing his throat.

‘Oh, uh, I don’t think so,’ Addison said, her stomach rolling again with nerves as she wondered what he was building up to. If they’d have to face one another.

‘It’s just ‘cause there’s this party, here I mean,’ Elvis said, ‘we have it every year and it’s a lotta fun and-’

‘You want Jess right? Well I’ll ask her but I’m sure she’ll say yes. I don’t think she’s been invited anywhere,’ Addison said as her stomach rolled again though she didn’t know if it was at the idea of being invited or not.

‘Actually I was wondering if you’d both like to come,’ Elvis said.

‘Oh…are you sure?’ Addison said twirling around the cord around her finger as that knot inside of her tightened.

‘Worse,’ she thought, ‘him not wanting her there would’ve been worse.’

‘Ads come on,’ he said with a sigh, ‘did you really think I wouldn’t invite you?’

‘I don’t know,’ she said quietly. She wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t.

‘Look I know it’s not been the easiest couple of months but believe it or not I still like ya,’ he said tyring to inject some mirth into the conversation if only to make himself feel better as he pictured the way she’d be chewing on her lip guiltily.

‘I just thought…’she mumbled, unable to finish her thought for fear weeks’ worth of everything she had been thinking would come spilling out. A complete and utter mess of guilt and sorrow.

‘Addie I told you I’m not going anywhere didn’t I?’ he asked.

‘I know but-’

‘Look I meant what I said…and if this is it we need to get it together for Jess. Right?’ he said. He could hear the irritation in his voice even though he hadn’t meant it to come. He didn’t know why after all her stubborn nature and hard-headedness had been the thing that always got under his skin but to hear her flounder, to hear her doubt him, felt worse.

‘Yeah,’ she said hesitantly before coming back firmer, ‘yeah you’re right.’

‘So will you come?’ he asked.

‘Yeah…I mean I’ll ask Jess but I’m sure it’s a yes,’ she said quietly.

‘Well let me know,’ Elvis said and before she could agree the line clicked off leaving her with that knot in her stomach. She had been right, him not wanting her was worse.

✵✵✵

As expected Jess had no qualms about going to Graceland for the fourth of July though she did however seem nervous when Addison informed her it wouldn’t be a solo trip. She didn’t say anything, of course, but as always Addison could feel her daughter’s worried eyes watching her whenever the subject was mentioned. Marci vehemently assured her she needn’t worry and that she’d of course come along to support her though Addison couldn’t help but notice her friend didn’t seemed shocked to hear about the party or ask her to let Elvis know she was tagging along which she could only assume meant she had already gotten an invite from a certain long-locked friend. Nevertheless Addison’s anxieties continued, running through her mind whenever she didn’t busy her brain with something. They bothered her so much so that on the day before they were due to leave she found herself creeping into Jess’ bedroom and slipping into the bed beside her.

‘Mom?’ Jess said hoarsely, her mouth as dry as the desert given the warm summer’s night.

‘It’s me,’ Addison said as she slipped down behind her daughter, stroking her hair gently as she watched Jess’ shoulders move evenly as she breathed. They were quiet for a moment, both listening to the others peaceful breathing and buzz of the cicadas outside. It was a role reversal, Addison climbing into Jess’ bed instead of the other way around, which led Jess to believe her mother would speak first, that all Jess would have to do was wait and it’d come spilling out of her like it did Jess whenever she could no longer contain her worries. But that didn’t happen. As always her mother remained an enigma, whatever thoughts and feelings she was having kept within her so as to not burden anyone else. Of course that didn’t work, Jess knew her mother was hurting, both her parents were, and it didn’t really make sense to try and keep her out of it given that she had spent the better part of the last month fretting about them. Even if she didn’t know what had happened before this act alone would’ve been an almighty red flag but Addison didn’t yield. She wouldn’t allow herself to, too scared to put on her young daughter, so instead she lay beside her, enjoying the way she was still allowed to cuddle her close as though she wasn’t too old to be doing so. That was until Jess spoke.

‘He loves you you know,’ Jess whispered. It was barely audible and yet it hung in the air above them as Addison refused to speak. She couldn’t because the guilt that gnawed at her about Elvis was the same guilt she felt about dragging Jess into all this mess.

‘Jess,’ was all she managed to sigh after a moment hoping her daughter would hear the weariness in her voice and leave the point be. But she didn’t. Instead she sat up turning to look at Addison who pushed herself up into a similar stance as her daughter continued, ‘no, mom. Look I know you think I’m a kid all gung-ho on getting Mommy and Daddy back together but I’m not. What I want is for you two to be happy. You guys deserve to be happy and he makes you happy don’t deny it,’ she said glaring at her mother in a manner so like Addison it was frightening, ‘and even if not. If he breaks your heart so what? You have me. I mean when this whole thing began you promised me that no matter what happened I’d always have you.’

‘I meant that,’ Addison murmured feeling completely like a chastised child.

‘Exactly! And that’s why I knew it’d be okay even if it all went to hell because we had each other like you promised… so please let yourself live a little because even if it all goes wrong we’ll be fine because we have each other right?’ Jess said waiting for her to answer. Addison felt that wave of guilt flood through her once more as she looked at her daughter’s young face.

In fact it felt as though she was looking in a mirror, only she was watching her younger self, not the woman she was now. The one that had been full of hope. Yet the longer she looked at her expectant face the more she realised she wasn’t watching herself, she was watching him. Throughout the years everyone had always told Jess was her mother’s twin yet Addison had always suspected that was because they couldn’t say anything else given that they didn’t have her other parent to liken her to. She knew it was true, of course Jess resembled her mother, but Addison could only see Elvis. It was him she was seeing now, those blue eyes watching her, hoping for her to be as optimistic as she was, the way Elvis watched her. But like with Elvis Addison couldn’t bring herself to agree. She couldn’t make the words come out of her mouth and so all she offered was, ‘you should sleep.’

‘Mom just think about it,’ Jess said quietly, placing her hand on Addison’s knee.

‘Good night sweetheart,’ Addison said gently patting the hand on her knee before she slipped off the bed and out of the room.

✵✵✵

Addison had forgotten how warm Memphis could be and though it went without saying she had become accustomed to soaring summer temperatures in the pits of the desert the balmy heat that settled into her bones the moment they touched down was something she couldn’t say she had missed all that much. Though she supposed she couldn’t blame her warmth solely on the weather given that she spent most of her time on the move, desperate not to leave herself in a situation where she would be alone with Elvis or whenever she was in a room with him she found her entire body warming up, cheeks aflame, every time he looked at her.

Fortunately she had been spared much interaction with him today given that he was playing host, his house overflowing with guests and friends who he expertly entertained and wooed. She remained on the fringes with Marci by her side, allowing Jess to enjoy the holiday with her newfound relatives and friends. They were sitting by the pool, Marci chattering on about the book she was reading, and though Addison tried to remain focused she couldn’t help but let her gaze wander to where Elvis was standing at the barbecue. He was preparing the grill for cooking, stoking the coals, as he talked to Lamar who was standing by his side and as she watched she couldn’t help but notice how relaxed he looked. Though she figured that might have been because for once he wasn’t dressed to the nines. Whilst his look was casual, just shorts and an unbuttoned shirt, it felt in no way thrown together. It felt natural, like everything about him did.

Even being with him felt as easy as breathing so much so that over the past few weeks she’d felt as though she’d forgotten how to. That every move she made felt as though she was trying to kick her brain into gear to remember how to do it, how to function without him. She wondered what it would be like, how in another life she might have sidled up to him, plate in hand as she played hostess. How he would smile and lay a kiss on her temple, never breaking conversation, before he loaded up her plate for her to entertain their guests in his absence.

‘Addison?’ she heard her name being called up and pulled herself out of her daydream long enough to find Jerry standing in between her and Marci’s sun loungers, a drink in his outstretched hand.

‘Thanks,’ she mumbled, sitting herself forward as she took it from him, choking it down quickly in an effort to cover how lost she had been in her own world, a world far away from Marci’s conversation.

‘Can I sit here?’ Jerry said as Marci immediately moved to let him, her bronzed legs swivelling under her as he dropped onto the lounger and handed her a drink. As jovial conversation broke out between the pair Addison busied herself with her drink, suddenly feeling like a third wheel. Though it wasn’t as though she felt awkward about it, actually, she felt content to just sit there and allow them to talk around her without her having to participate but the pair of them seemed to feel guilty about not including her, so after yet another failed attempt by Marci to direct the flow of chatter into something Addison could be a part of she decided to relieve her friend of the burden and stood up.

‘Are you okay?’ Marci said watching her with concern, as did Jerry though his was admittedly more subtle.

‘Yeah fine. Just gonna refresh my drink,’ Addison said tapping her now empty glass as proof she was being truthful and not just fleeing to the safety of the house.

‘I’ll come with you,’ Marci said shuffling to get up but Addison waved her off.

‘And leave Jer on his own?’ she said with a forced smile, ‘it’s fine. Need anything?’

‘I’m good,’ Jerry said with a kind smile.

‘Yeah, me too,’ Marci nodded and with that Addison headed off in the direction of the house.

To say it was cool inside would be a lie though the opened doorway created a funnelled breeze that wafted through the kitchen relieving some of Addison’s discomfort. It also didn’t hurt that she was now out of the way, the curious glances that had followed her most of the weekend trying to fill in the blanks that gossip had left were now gone. In fact she was so relieved to be away from everyone she didn’t even notice Mary, who had been bent over looking for something in a bottom cabinet, was now standing across the counter from her, a hand clutched to her chest as she said, ‘oh child you scared me!’

‘Sorry,’ Addison mumbled though she felt a smile creep in, the first genuine one that had past her lips in the last couple of days.

‘Oh it’s alright,’ Mary said as she started to resume whatever she had been up to, ‘ya need something?’

‘No, no, everything’s fine,’ Addison said roaming into the kitchen and resting against the counter as she watched Mary work, ‘need any help?’

‘Shouldn’t you be outside?’ Mary asked as she started to grease a pie tin.

‘It’s a little warm,’ Addison shrugged. At that the older woman paused, eyeing Addison closely which made her drop her gaze to the carpet, but fortunately she seemed to realise Addison had no interest in talking about whatever was going on and so she nodded and said, ‘well the apples need preppin’ for the pies.’

‘On it,’ Addison said moving to grab the bag of apples from the other kitchen counter so she could set to work, just thankful that at least someone didn’t want to make her talk about her problems.

They worked well for the next hour or so keeping the party flowing from behind the scenes and though they did talk Mary kept it more around lighter topics something which Addison was thankful for. They’d even managed to get into a good rhythm which was only disturbed when Priscilla appeared to inform Mary her husband was on the phone to which she muttered in annoyance before disappearing into the house to answer it.

Addison kept her head down, figuring Priscilla would head back out to the party seeing as her job was now done, but she didn’t and when Addison glanced up she found the other woman lingering on the other side of the kitchen watching her closely. It made a pink tinge flood to her cheeks. They hadn’t spoken much, there hadn’t been a need to, and now they were standing in front of one another Addison felt as though she didn’t know what to say anyway and it appeared neither did she. Luckily they didn’t have much cause to as their was attention was caught by the returning cook.

‘That damn fool,’ Mary said bustling back into the kitchen with her apron now gone and her bag over her shoulder.

‘Everything alright?’ Addison said with a frown.

‘Would be if he weren’t a damn idiot,’ Mary said rolling her eyes, ‘I asked him to do one thing over the holiday, clean my gutters, and he’s only gone and fell off the ladder. Managed to get himself into the house but says he’s hurtin’ real bad.’

‘Oh well that’s no good,’ Priscilla said with a frown.

‘You don’t think he needs the hospital do you?’ Addison asked worriedly.

‘Naw,’ Mary said shaking her head, ‘needs a clip around the ear for bein’ so stupid mind.’

‘Well you should get home,’ Addison said, ‘do you have a ride?’

‘Yeah I’ve got a ride. I better tell Mr Presley though,’ she said.

‘We’ll do it,’ Addison said though she was volunteering Priscilla more than herself, ‘you just go.’

‘Are you sure there’s things that need doing and-’

‘We can handle it,’ Priscilla said looking to Addison who nodded though she hoped Priscilla was happy to leave her to it rather than wanting to do it together.

‘Tell him I’m sorry won’t ya?’ Mary said as she moved towards the side door.

‘Of course,’ Addison said, ‘let us know how he is, okay?’

‘Will do,’ Mary said and then she was gone, leaving Addison standing in the kitchen watching the space where she had vacated hoping that when she turned around she would find she was now completely alone and that Priscilla had gone to inform Elvis.

That however wasn’t the scene that greeted her as she turned around and when she did she found Priscilla had taken to Mary’s station, starting to glaze the chicken wings Mary had been preparing. Addison squashed down a sigh inside of her and returned to the salad she had been tasked with though she suspected it would barely get touched. Still she’d rather do a pointless task than be the one who went outside to go and let Elvis know about the situation even if it was uncomfortably awkward in here.

They worked in silence. Each of them taking curious glances at the other whenever they were sure the other wasn’t looking. Addison supposed it was natural for Priscilla to be curious about her. After all she’d been nothing but a memory for fifteen years and then she’d burst back into Elvis’ life and wreaked havoc, so she figured she was bound to have some questions. Yet what she didn’t understand was just how curious she was about the woman in front of her. She’d spent the better part of a decade watching her pretty face plastered over screens and papers and yet the woman in front of her looked nothing how she pictured. The pale, dark haired beauty she pictured whenever Elvis had mentioned his ex-wife was nothing like the sun kissed brunette across from her. If anything she looked younger now, without all the heavy makeup and ratted up hair do’s and for a moment Addison wondered if this had been what she looked like when they had first met. A natural, youthful beauty. Like Addison had been.

As that thought entered her head she shook it out though there wasn’t much of a need to given that Priscilla had finally managed the nerve up to speak to her and said, ‘so how are you liking the party?’

‘It’s fine,’ Addison said, her gaze transfixed on the cucumber she was slicing.

‘Is Jess enjoying herself?’ she asked. That Addison looked up at, searching for any hint of malice behind the woman’s eyes.

‘Yeah, I think so,’ she nodded when she found none.

‘I’m glad, Lisa really likes having her around,’ she replied casually, and Addison allowed herself to relax hoping this idle chit-chat was all that was going to arise.

‘Yeah, I’m glad they’re getting along,’ Addison agreed. She’d returned to the task at hand, as Priscilla’s gaze dropped to the chicken in the tray, her movements slow as she said, ‘you know she’s quite liking the little family you guys have going.’

‘What?’ Addison said her gaze snapping up which made Priscilla look up too though she appeared as though she was standing firm by her words, floundering in no way.

‘It’s okay,’ she said, ‘you don’t have to pretend.’

‘What are you talking about?’ Addison asked though she didn’t know why. If Elvis was chatty with her no doubt he was chatty with the other mother of his child, his ex-wife no less.

‘The staying apart? You keeping your distance? I assumed it was so that I didn’t feel too put out, I mean I knew it would happen eventually-’

‘You think we’re together?’ Addison scoffed even though it wasn’t completely ludicrous to assume that fact. Hell if this barbecue had been held just over a month ago she wouldn’t have been able to blame her for assuming they were together.

‘Aren’t you?’ Priscilla said, genuine confusion across her pretty features.

‘No.’

‘Oh, I mean I figured from the way he talks about you,’ Priscilla said awkwardly looking down at the tray on the counter though there was nothing more that needed doing to it.

‘It’s complicated,’ Addison said flatly, hoping the other woman would drop it. But she didn’t, in fact she looked up at her as if something had clicked as she said, ‘oh.’

‘What?’ Addison said quickly.

‘You’re hiding,’ she replied.

‘That’s not what this is,’ Addison said tightly though that wasn’t true. She was hiding, she had been for nearly a month, yet for someone she barely knew to point it out felt embarrassing. Even more so as Priscilla started to laugh, an angelic titter echoing throughout the room.

‘What?’ Addison said feeling more irate than intrigued about what she had to say.

‘It’s just funny that’s all,’ Priscilla said, more confident in her movements now she had seen how Addison was shifting. She moved to rest against the counter watching as she wrapped her arms around herself as if she could protect herself from whatever character assassination was headed her way.

‘What?’ Addison asked.

‘I used to worry about this. That he’d fall in love with you again and I worried because I figured that would mean was it for us and I’d always assumed we’d find our way back to each other,’ she said honestly, ‘but looking at your face. I don’t miss feeling like that.’

‘Yeah, well like I said it’s complicated,’ Addison grumbled.

‘I don’t doubt it,’ Priscilla said, ‘but you’ll get no complaints from me if you do get together.’

‘Well thanks but we’re not,’ Addison said curtly, hurling the chopped-up bits of cucumber into the large salad bowl so that she didn’t have to look at Priscilla though she couldn’t help but do so as she asked, ‘why not?’

‘Why haven’t you?’ Addison challenged and for a moment she saw her bristle, but it didn’t deter her. In fact she seemed to have the same opinion as everyone else in Addison’s life – that she needed to know their opinion no matter whether she asked for it or not.

‘I thought he needed time, we both did,’ she started looking at Addison who was watching her closely, ‘I needed to figure out who I was. I mean I used to be focused on being whatever he wanted or needed me to be that I kind of lost myself. I changed my hair, my makeup, I thought if I acted softer or less jealous, he’d stop acting out. But then I realised nothing would stop him from doing that until he found out what was making him unhappy because he could change me all he wanted but that wouldn’t fix anything if he was still searching for something else.’

‘So you get it,’ Addison said finally feeling as though someone was on her side. It wasn’t about not loving him it was worrying that even if he did love her they’d never be quite complete.

‘Not really…’ Priscilla said immediately dashing her hopes, ‘because I think he’s found what he was looking for. I think he just tried to convince himself you weren’t it because you hurt him.’

‘What if I hurt him again? What if he hurts me?’ Addison asked cursing herself for sounding so fragile. It made a smile play along Priscilla’s lips. Not a malicious one but after years of feeling second best to a ghost she couldn’t help but enjoy seeing her as something more human.

‘I can’t say he won’t but I don’t think he’d risk it,’ Priscilla said earnestly.

‘Why not?’ Addison asked.

‘Because I think he’s realised he can’t be happy without you,’ she said earnestly. Addison’s stomach was in knots now, everything churning around inside her, and it only grew worse as Priscilla leaned in and said, ‘question is do you think you can be happy without him?’

Addison stood watching her as she moved away taking the tray of chicken she had been working on outside so that it could be cooked. Her words bounced around in Addison’s brain unable to land so she could make sense of it all. Of course she hadn’t been the first person to try and talk her round, but she had been the only one to make that point.

She knew Elvis could make her happy she had just been worried that like everything in her life it wouldn’t last and the pain would inevitably return.

But was she happy now? Could she say hand on heart that she’d ever be contented living without him? Of course she had been happy before. Jess had made her happy. But there was always something there, that missing piece. She just had to decide if she was brave enough to take it.

‘Hey,’ Jess said as she came in through the back door, snapping Addison from her thoughts.

‘Oh uh hey,’ Addison said.

‘Priscilla said you’re done with the food and needed a hand shifting things outside,’ Jess said expectantly as if Addison should’ve known what she was on about.

‘Oh, uh yeah,’ she said moving to grab the salad bowl so she could hand it to her though as she placed it in her daughter’s hands and found her blue gaze watching her she hesitated and said, ‘actually…I need your help.’

✵✵✵

‘Where is she?’ Elvis’ voice echoed, bouncing off the open office door as he headed inside. Though once inside he didn’t find the scene he was expecting. Instead of finding Lisa with an injured knee he found Addison lingering by his father’s desk and the door closing behind him with a thunk and click that suggested it was now locked, Jess, Jerry, and Marci’s faces peeking through the glass for a minute before they disappeared leaving him more confused than ever.

‘What’s going on? Where’s Lisa,’ he asked looking at Addison who straightened up.

‘She’s outside,’ Addison said unsure of the narrative that her helpers had spun to get him in here.

‘Jess said she’d hurt herself-’ Elvis said. In fact Jess had made out like her baby sister was near mangled the way she’d carried on begging him and Jerry to follow her to the office where Lisa was crying for him.

‘She’s fine,’ Addison said suddenly nervous that her plan to get him alone may have been a tad over the top and thus she tried to explain, ‘I didn’t tell her to say that. Man for a straight laced kid she’s got a flair for theatrics though I guess-’

‘Addie what the hell is going on?’ he asked cutting her off, his voice laced with anger that made her stop in her tracks. He didn’t mean to sound angry, but this had been the most she’d spoken to him all weekend and now she was babbling with things that didn’t even make sense. His stance weakened as she looked towards him, chewing on that lip of hers like she did every time she was nervous.

‘You were right,’ she said quietly.

‘Right about what?’ he asked still semi-confused about the whole situation. Addison shifted.

‘Everything,’ she whispered, moving towards him though she stopped just short of him, wondering if she could touch him or if they were past that, ‘I love you…and I know you probably hate me and I deserve it for messing you around. God, I understand if you want nothing to do with me though if you do I don’t what I’ll do.’

‘Addie,’ he said whatever confusion he had melting away as he pulled her into him, his arms wrapping around her waist her hands on his biceps as she continued, ‘I’m sorry.’

‘For what?’ he asked.

‘Running. I know I shouldn’t have…it’s just that,’ she said biting her lip once more.

‘What?’

‘Promise me forever,’ she whispered, her hazel eyes looking up at him properly as worry plastered her features. His confusion returned.

‘What?’ he asked.

‘Promise me forever,’ she said, though this time it was less shaky as she got to her point, ‘promise me that this, us, is what you want for the long haul. Till we’re old and grey and wrinkly,’ she said her mouth twisting up in a smile as he chuckled, ‘I mean you’re just off the back of a divorce and you’ve only just met Jess. I’d understand if you were searching for something after all that. If you thought that you loved me because it would mean we could be a family. But I’m not the Addison you fell in love with at twenty-two and I can’t build something hoping you’re not gonna fall out of love with the person I am now…’

‘Addie, I love you,’ he said unable to fathom how she could possibly think he was still chasing that seventeen-year-old, ‘do you think I can’t see that you’re different? Do you think I don’t know we’re both new people now?’

‘I don’t know,’ she mumbled suddenly feeling silly for even thinking it. After all she had come to love the man he was now it made sense he felt the same.

‘Honey, I know we’re different and yet I fell in love with you, this new you, just as easily as I did the first time…because we’re still us,’ he said forcing her hand to move to his chest as he moved a strand of hair off her face, ‘I’m still that boy from Memphis when I’m with you.’

‘Promise me forever?’ she asked in a shaky whisper, ‘because I can’t do anything less than that. I just can’t.’

‘Addie I promised you forever the first time. I mean it now as much as I meant it then, you just gotta let me,’ he said leaning in to rest his forehead against hers, closing his eyes as he mumbled, ‘can you do that?’

‘Yeah,’ she whispered.

And then she leaned in to kiss him. There wasn’t any rush to it, their lips meeting and moving against one another in a slow loving embrace but there was more love wrapped inside it than she could’ve ever anticipated. When they broke apart she was breathless, a giggle emitting from her as he pulled the to sit in his father’s office chair, her collapsing onto his lap. He didn’t say anything for a moment, the pair of them watching the other as they revelled in finally being able to just be.

But as she leaned forward pressing another kiss to his lips he found a question swirling around in his mind and he pulled back to ask it.

‘What?’ she asked as he grasped her hand, his thumb tracing gently over her knuckles. He didn’t know what prompted him, if anything he’d keep his mouth shut for the rest of his life if it meant she wouldn’t spook again, but it was something he was curious about.

‘What got you to change your mind?’ he asked, keeping his gaze on his thumb’s movements until he heard her giggle, a sound that made his heart swell.

‘Honestly?’ she asked, ‘Cilla.’

‘Really?’ he asked with genuine surprise. He didn’t even know she knew what had been going on between them. He’d been too hurt to speak about it with anyone properly.

‘Yeah, well everyone’s been telling me how much of an idiot I am,’ she sighed which made him bark a laugh and a scowl to befall her face as she chastised, ‘you don’t need to be too happy about it.’

‘Oh come on it’s the first time ya have ever conceded to being wrong,’ he chuckled leaning up to kiss along her jaw as she rolled her eyes.

‘Well it only happens once in a blue moon,’ she retorted making him smile against her jawbone. It was amazing to think that after over a month of feeling a gut-wrenching ache by the mere thought of her he could now be smiling against her soft skin without a care in the world. Content with her being just as proud and hard-headed as always. Her fingers moved up from where they were resting against his neck to play with his hair making him moan against her without warning. Though it made her smile he felt a blush flow through his cheeks and determined not to deepen it he cleared his throat, looking for a change of direction as he said, ‘so what did Cilla say?’

‘It wasn’t what she said,’ Addison started hesitantly, ‘I mean everyone’s been telling me the same things…it was what you said to me anyway…that morning.’

‘Ah,’ Elvis said pulling back to watch her.

‘I guess I got it more when it came from her…none of them understood, not really…they’ve never known what if fells like after-’ she said hesitating. It was true as much as they tried to understand they couldn’t comprehend how it felt to lose him. How it broke her. But Priscilla did, ‘but she does…the only difference is without you she seems happy and I guess…I’m not. I don’t think I ever have been. Oh God, I bet you think I’m an awful person.’

With that she buried herself into his neck, trying to ignore the guilt inside her at finally admitting the truth of over a decade. It took him by surprise but he allowed her to do it all the same, stroking her hair as he mumbled, ‘of course not.’

‘I’m not saying I wasn’t happy. I mean I love Jess, Mar, our life and everything. And we were happy. I guess I mean I just didn’t feel whole y’know?’ she mumbled feeling Elvis nod against her. He knew exactly what she meant, after all he’d been feeling it for just as long. He didn’t say anything, knowing it was probably better to let her get everything off her chest without interruption, ‘actually I think the only time I started to feel that was…when you came back. That’s why I was scared because you make me feel complete but nothing has ever gone our way and if we lost one another again it would’ve been worse. This time having you close but not having you would feel worse…like a square peg in a round hole.’

‘So you pushed me away?’ he asked. It wasn’t challenging, just trying to understand why she had acted the way she had, but it made her swallow thickly all the same.

‘I convinced myself that not letting myself have what I’d always wanted was better that trying and failing,’ she admitted.

‘But now?’ he asked hoping that after all this outpouring she wouldn’t be so cruel as to leave him out in the cold, like she had done in Hawaii.

‘I wanna try anyway. I love you too much not to,’ she said firmly, words that made his heart soar.

‘Okay,’ he said pushing her so she wasn’t nestled into him anymore but looking him face on as he placed both hands on her cheeks.

‘What?’ she asked.

‘You want forever I promise you forever,’ he said firmly.

‘Elvis,’ she said thickly, trying to push the tears of happiness away and enjoy the moment.

‘But you gotta promise me forever too, okay?’ he said.

‘I promise.’

✵✵✵

As to be expected neither Addison nor Elvis got a moments peace after they were practically pulled out of the office to return to the party. Whilst Elvis was forced to return to hosting duties Addison was squirrelled away by Marci and Jess to inform them of everything that had gone on, their questions never stopping until well after everyone had finished eating. Fortunately as the party continued into the evening they managed to find their way back to one another and though they couldn’t abandon everyone they found comfort in being able to sit together, comforting and loving touches shared throughout the night.

In fact they only broke apart as Elvis took a sleeping Lisa up to bed. Addison headed to the room she had been sleeping in and changed before heading through to Elvis’ bedroom. Though just as she was pulling back the covers to climb inside she heard the door click shut and felt his strong arms ensnare her waist pulling her up to stand against him as his lips met the bare skin of her neck.

‘Mmm,’ she murmured, her fingers reaching up to stroke the back of his head before he spun her around and kissed deeply. He slotted against her perfectly, his toned body radiating heat through the thin pyjamas she was wearing as he held her by her face, leading the kiss in every way. He wanted her. After months of pining and a mere taste of what he could have he wanted nothing more than to lock the door and not leave this room until they absolutely had to. But as she responded to his touch, her fingers working their way down his shirt buttons towards where he was desperate for them to land he was called to his senses. Before anything else he wanted to do this. As he pulled away she looked at him confused waiting for him to explain why he was not getting to the task at hand.

‘Just a minute honey,’ he said moving away from her and into the bathroom. She watched as he disappeared before climbing onto the large bed as she heard him move into the other room. When he returned he was without a shirt, though his shorts remained, and he was holding a small tin box. He clambered onto the bed beside her, letting it rest on his lap as she turned to face him watching him curiously.

‘What?’ he asked all of a sudden feeling nervous.

‘Nuthin’,’ she smiled, ‘I guess you were right.’

‘What about?’ he asked confused as to where her train of thought had headed in his absence.

‘We’re definitely not those dumb kids anymore,’ she said matter-of-factly.

‘How d’ya figure?’ Elvis asked.

‘Well the old you wouldn’t have run off to find some tatty old box when he found a very willing me standing in his bedroom,’ she teased making him smirk.

‘Oh yeah?’ he chuckled as she leaned in to kiss him. He allowed her to, chuckling at her impatience as her hand travelled down his torso, dancing along the waistband of his shorts.

‘Mmmhmm,’ she mumbled against his lips.

‘Well the old me didn’t have something important to say,’ he said making her pull back and quirk an eyebrow.

‘Oh yeah? What’s that?’ she mused watching as he opened the tin. It was crammed full of papers and she was sure that somewhere amongst them she had seen a flash of a picture or two, her face appearing in each of them. Though he didn’t take note of any of them, instead he pulled out something small and shiny and it only took her a second to realise what it was.

‘Elvis,’ she said feeling the wind knocked out of her at the sight of the ring, the one she had seen only once yet remembered forever.

‘Addie,’ he said just as seriously. He was watching her now, a smirk playing on his lips on having knocked her teasing on its ass within seconds. But now was no time for teasing so instead he continued, ‘now I know this might not be the most logical thing to do given that we’ve been a couple less than twelve hours but I figured we’ve waited long enough, don’t you?’

‘I’d say so,’ she whispered, eagerly awaiting him to continue.

‘Ads when I left here all those years ago all I wanted to do was get through my time and get home to you. So I could put this ring on your hand, like I promised I would. Now, I know it ain’t exactly been straight-forward and there’s been a few…bumps-’

‘Mountains,’ she corrected with a smirk.

‘Moutains in our way…. but Addie I love you. I never stopped.’

‘Me either,’ she admitted making his smile widen.

‘So…will you marry me?’ he asked. All she could do was nod, her throat thick with happy tears as she leaned in and kissed him pouring every inch of love she felt inside her heart into him hoping that would convey her answer as she was too overwhelmed to speak. He kissed her back, knocking the tin box off of his lap as he pulled her onto it in its place kissing every inch of her face, her happy tears wet against his lips, until finally he stopped resting his forehead against hers. Her hazel eyes were watching him closely and thankfully her body had decided to cooperate even if the only thing she could say sounded shaky.

‘Forever?’ she asked.

‘Forever,’ he nodded.

SERIES TAGS

@girlblogger2002 @sania562 @caitlin1996 @literally-just-elvis-fics @notstefaniepresley @artlesson8892 @18Ikpeters @velvetelvis @jaqueline19997 @elvispresleyxoxo @amydarcimarie @presleyenterprise @everythingelvispresley @elvispresleywife @lillypink @richardslady121 @lettersfromvenus @louisejoy86 @ccab

#my writing #elvis #elvis presley #elvis fic #Elvis Presley x ofc #Elvis and Addison #Addison Goodwin #elvis x ofc #here you come again

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sugurushimura · 3 months ago

Text

another fever

Mido, after years of wishing, has a one-night stand with Namikawa. She's less happy about it than she'd imagined. (namido in the standard "light doesn't kill the yotsuba group" AU. 2.5k words, no major warnings. crossposted on ao3.)

Mido Shingo was an acne-spotted 17-year-old nearing the end of his third year of high school when he met Namikawa Reiji for the first time. The school building nearly empty, winter-afternoon yellow light beaming through the windows; fencing practice abruptly canceled, mother at her favorite nail salon on the other side of town. Everything abandoned, except for the sullen, baby-faced teenager on whose face his eyes lingered as he passed the open classroom.

“Where is the rest of the—” Mido’s eyes flicked up to the sign above the door— “shogi club?”

“That’s exactly what I’d like to know,” the boy said. His voice was even, clear, unamused, every word like a nail hammered into its decisive placement.

Mido wanted to laugh but couldn’t tell if it was appropriate, and their eyes met in the split-second he hesitated. Suddenly embarrassed, he decided at that moment to brave the train ride home.

They crossed paths a few more times before Mido graduated. He assumed that Namikawa was a third-year from another class, or maybe a second-year; baby face aside, something told Mido that he was a peer—and not just any peer, but one of those few who were clever and driven enough to set him on edge in that odd, stomach-clenching, face-reddening way. Namikawa’s image lingered in his mind—short black hair, smooth and parted down the middle; white skin, unblemished and almost shiny; chin raised high, nose sculpted, gray eyes always searching for imperfections. It wasn’t until Mido graduated that he would realize Namikawa had been a first-year when they met, and by then, it didn’t matter. They would never see each other again.

After graduation, Mido rarely thought of Namikawa. When he did, it was always the same: My father would have preferred a son like that.

Higuchi has been dead for almost a year, and Mido discovered last night that first-year Namikawa had hardly been his father’s son for as long when they first met.

It’s the first thought to cross her mind after she wakes up around 6 a.m. following a night of sporadic sleep and realizes she’s in Namikawa’s bed. You wouldn’t think it (it, always it), unless—well, unless you were fortunate enough to be in Mido’s position, which presumably few are. In any case, changing it was too much of a hassle, or something like that, and so when Namikawa took off his underwear Mido just sat there gaping like an idiot for maybe three seconds. It isn’t as if he hadn’t warned her, but he had sure been opaque about it, and she didn’t put the pieces together until it was staring her in the face. Maybe she should have known, but the idea of someone else at the Yotsuba Group being like her had always seemed like an impossibility.

Like her. What a joke—but the idea sends a thrill rushing through Mido’s body anyway.

She opens her eyes and stares at the ceiling in dull shock. That explains the baby face, at least, but otherwise? She never would have guessed. For a moment she wonders what would happen if she told him her secret, too, but the idea isn’t worth even considering. No, not Namikawa.

Mido is almost afraid to sit up for the risk of waking him, but her body is restless and her mind is already building speed. All these years, she’s suffered alone, and there Namikawa was the entire time, having apparently left their shared struggles behind in middle school. No one calls him whatever awful name his parents had picked out for him; no one expects him to quit his job to marry some old lecher from Operations Management. He gets to live the way he chooses and no one questions a thing.

And why, she wonders? He must have told his family when he was very young. The surprising thing is that they allowed it, but then, Namikawa’s parents seem better than hers, or maybe they had always wanted a son anyway. But forget Namikawa’s parents—that doesn’t really answer the question. The question is existential, not practical.

Oh, to hell with it. Mido sits up slowly, blinking her eyes as they adjust to the dark. She should really leave before Namikawa wakes up.

The funny thing is, she had thought she was over him. She really had. For years after the Sales department hired Namikawa, Mido found herself oscillating between camaraderie and resentment; one day, Namikawa was the only person worth talking to in that entire glass-metal building, always charming and amusing, understanding her frustrations in a way none of their other colleagues could, and the next day, the opaque half-smile seemed mocking, the coy maxims pretentious, and it seemed he understood not Mido but rather a crude parody of her. Then Higuchi died and Mido found herself entertaining Shimura’s company more often, and her thoughts of Namikawa faded, even though they saw each other no less often.

Apparently it wasn’t meant to last.

Mido turns her eyes to Namikawa. All the lights in the room are off, but the single dull moonbeam shining through the window illuminates just enough for her to make out his pale features, smooth and tailored to beauty like a Michaelangelo, unblemished. Even in high school, his skin had been clear. And it is now, too, just like his face, peaceful and unguarded for the first time in its shallow existence.

Something about seeing Namikawa sleep feels wrong, like walking in on your boyfriend having sex with Kida from the College of Psychology. This isn’t meant for her to see, and for a moment, Mido is angry, just like she was at 20 years old in the doorway of Hinata’s sordid little dorm. But it passes. Namikawa hadn’t wanted her to see this, anyway. He wouldn’t have slept with her at all if they hadn’t drank last night, and they wouldn’t have drank last night, not the way they did, if Shimura and Namikawa hadn’t fallen out.

Actually, Shimura and Namikawa fell out a while ago, it’s just that Namikawa chose not to notice it until now. And the anger is back again.

“Idiot,” Mido whispers under her breath. As soon as the word is out of her mouth, she reddens with shame—not that Namikawa is awake to see it, or that he’d be able to make it out in the darkness even if he was. God, she’s acting like a child, isn’t she?

She tilts her chin up to look around the room, but her eyesight is bad enough in broad daylight, and besides, Namikawa’s sense of interior design is too tasteful, like her own but whiter and less ornate, and she’s sick and tired of her own house. She misses Shimura’s living room.

Finally in Namikawa’s bed, after all these years, and she’s thinking about Shimura’s couch.

Come on, Ayame, isn’t there a single thing you won’t ruin for yourself?

No, this is Namikawa. Namikawa. Try to remember last night. Remember the warm press of his skin under her hand, the angle of his chin tilted back, the sheets of ebony hair thrown back over his slender shoulders, the long eyelashes fluttering. Isn’t this what she wanted?

Yes, it is. Mido shifts her weight onto one side, gazing down again at Namikawa’s sleeping face. Her eyes drift down to his neck, and she can’t restrain herself from brushing her fingers over the delicate arch of his throat. His skin is so smooth, so cool, pale and unmarked by scars or wrinkles, and she wonders idly (idly) how it would look with red finger marks staining it, right in the front where the entire office could see.

She retracts her hand.

Mido still knows she should leave. They were both drunk last night; nothing that happened has any real meaning. But Namikawa was drunk, Namikawa who only ever drinks in reserved sips, and she wonders how likely it is to happen again, whether she’ll get the chance to glimpse his reddened face and his few out-of-place hairs and the look of irritated defeat in his eyes at any time before the heat death of the universe finally wipes even the Yotsuba Group off the map.

She’s about to get up when Namikawa stirs. Her body freezes. Several moments pass, then the thin voice comes: “Mido. I didn’t think you’d wake up before me.”

Her heart pounds guiltily in her chest. She can almost hear the next thought: And I thought you’d leave if you did.

“Just barely,” Mido answers stiffly. “I’ll be out of your hair soon.”

“There’s no rush.” With that, the sheets rustle, and a bright white light bursts from the bedside table. Mido cringes, shutting her eyes tightly and blinking several times before she begins to adjust. She’s embarrassed to even look at Namikawa right now, embarrassed for him to look at her, so rises and crosses unsteadily to the chair from which her clothes hang awkwardly.

“Oh?” she asks as she moves, then faces away from Namikawa and tries to sound casual as she fumbles with her underwear. “I thought for sure you’d be busy, even on Saturdays.”

It’s mostly a joke, or it’s supposed to be, and the response is mercifully dry: “I doubt I’ll be getting much done today.”

Mido is silent, suppressing cold shivers, as she pulls the rest of her clothes on, then her glasses. The vest seems like an absurd addition when everything is all rumpled and haphazard, so she tucks it under her arm instead and turns awkwardly to face Namikawa. It’s not like she can avoid looking at him forever. Besides, shame is weakness, and she couldn’t stand for Namikawa to think of her as weak.

When she finally rests her eyes on him, the realization hits her like a train: Namikawa is hungover as shit. The thought hadn’t occurred to her, probably because she drinks so much that the meager bottle they’d swallowed down last night wasn’t enough to floor her, and hell, even Shimura can handle his alcohol better now that they’ve been spending their Friday evenings together more often than not. She should have guessed otherwise for Namikawa, but even in the midst of a drunken stupor, he had acted so confident that she hadn’t stopped to consider it.

He certainly isn’t acting very confident this morning—in fact, from the looks of it, Namikawa is too miserable to act at all. His hair is a complete tangled mess, eyes half-open and red-rimmed. Even his posture is stooped and exhausted.

A mixture of pity and perverse glee yank at Mido’s stomach, and somehow that’s more embarrassing than the material reality of the morning after a drunken sexual romp with a colleague. She swallows. “Let me get you some water.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Namikawa mutters. He closes his eyes for a moment then blinks them back open and rises to his feet, unsteady for only the briefest of seconds. The bedsheet, previously bunched unevenly on the mattress, rises as his long fingers yank it up around his body.

“After last night, I don’t see the point in covering yourself,” Mido jokes, averting her gaze to the wall.

Namikawa’s voice is an ounce lighter, but his back is turned to her as he moves into the conjoined half-bath, ambling but steadier with each step. “Is that an excuse to see me naked for a few more minutes?”

“Maybe.” Oh, why did she say that? “I know you don’t need me to tell you how attractive you are.”

“I’m surprised you’re not upset.”

The words process like jagged ice down her throat. After a hanging pause, she replies blandly, “Upset about what?”

A sigh from the bathroom. The faucet runs, then turns off, and Namikawa emerges with the bedsheet now draped rather than wrapped around him.

“Let’s be adults about this, Mido,” he says tiredly, looking at her now. “Sleeping with a colleague is always awkward, especially when they aren’t what you expected, and if you want to clear the air, you talk about it. It doesn’t have to be a long conversation, but if you’re upset, you should say so now. You’re going to have to see me at work Monday either way.”

Always, he said—and he doesn’t sound awkward at all, either. But Mido isn’t upset.

“Really, it just doesn’t matter to me,” she replies, voice clear. “It’s your body, not mine. I don’t see why it would matter.”

“How mature of you.”

Always. But Mido isn’t upset. That thought just won’t leave her mind.

Is he doing this on purpose? He must be. He is. She would ask herself why if it really mattered.

“I’m not trying to be mature, it’s just the truth,” she says slowly. Looks back at him, manages it for a few seconds, looks at some expensive piece of art on his wall instead, barely sees it. “Still, I’m sorry you’ve dealt with… poor reactions.”

“I appreciate it, but that’s just how it is. It doesn’t bother me.”

“No one at Yotsuba, I hope.” And this would be the perfect time to look at Namikawa, if she could bring herself to do it.

His voice edges on amused. “I’m afraid that’s one secret I’ll have to keep.”

Goddamn him.

“Shimura wouldn’t care,” Mido tosses out faux-casually before she can stop herself.

The amusement evaporates, leaving Namikawa’s voice oddly hollow. “And what does he have to do with this?”

Mido feels so regretful and so uneasy under his gaze that she accidentally looks back at him in a moment of horrified panic, although her face hardly emotes. Namikawa also looks the same, at least his expression does; normally the rest of him would, too, but she can see that his body has gone tense. And that’s not all she can see, because now, in the light, with her glasses on, she realizes that his pale skin, at some point over the past few months, has turned sickly.

“Nothing,” she replies lamely.

The bedsheet drops with defeat. Something about the motion intimidates her, even as Namikawa repeats, “If you’re upset, you should say so.”

Well, what can she say? One: You have everything I want but don’t have. Two: You have everything, but it’s not enough. Three: We both want the same thing but can never have it. Four: You might as well have nothing. Five: You’re not acting like yourself.

And if you were, you never would have looked my way. If you weren’t at your lowest, I wouldn’t be here.

“I’m just hungover,” she mutters.

#Shingo Mido #Reiji Namikawa #Mido/Namikawa #jocko's writing

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