#they're at the doorstep of slowly getting together

[zillychu]

Consider for a moment: A slow-burn identity reveal “no one knows” AU with an emphasis on ghosts being taken seriously as an actual, world-changing threat.

Ghosts are treated as an exceedingly dangerous, but unavoidable force of nature. They can come and go without warning, through naturally occurring spontaneous portals. They're territorial, driven only by obsession and hunger for the living. Particularly powerful ghosts are on par with natural disasters.

Life goes on because there's simply no other option. All major buildings have varying levels of ghost shields, some stronger than others. Just about everyone has some form of personal shield, weapon, or general deterrent. For the most part, humanity takes this apocalypse in stride, barely keeping it all together because there's just enough safety to keep them all sane.

Which is why the rumors of Phantom being able to fully mimic a human body incites panic in Amity.

Phantom was already a nightmare as it was–one of the most powerful and intelligent ghosts on record. His territorial fights with other ghosts for haunting (hunting) grounds in Amity have made global news several times already. Powerful ghosts could appear more human–but to think he was transforming down to a cellular level? Hiding among them? Bypassing ghost shields and alarms? Picking them off one by one?

The focus is mostly with Lancer's class, and how the school deals with this new threat on top of everything else. Everyone is a suspect, no one is safe, and Danny Fenton in particular gets slowly more and more exhausted, apathetic, and… unnerving.

The stress, the lack of sleep, the fighting, no one to turn to, not even his best friends or family–it takes a toll on him. Starving himself doesn't help, but he refuses to do more than take small bites from the ambient life energy and emotion of the living around him. Nothing that won't actually do lasting harm. He begins to slip up more and more, which Sam and Tucker begin to notice but haven't quite connected the dots yet.

But, well. What else can Danny do when Pariah Dark comes knocking on Amity’s doorstep, and his whole class is in the line of fire?

[tired-biscuit]

hmmm thinking about bratty, shit disturbing omega reader telling alpha kiba 'ooo you wanna breed me so bad' during a petty argument when they're not even together and it resulting in him putting you in a non-con mating press.....

18+ MDNI, fem!omega!reader // cw: noncon, omegaverse, breeding, reader is in heat and kiba is MEAN about it.

wait, this is actually perfect; there’s just something about omegaverse and kiba that makes such a good combo every single time!

i’m thinking about him being your neighbour. he’s nice on the eyes but he’s also grouchy, not much of a talker, and always seems super tense whenever you bump into each other in the hallway or at the entrance leading into your apartment complex.

and when i say tense, i mean tense. your mailbox resides next to his, so if you by any chance come down to get mail at the same time as him, he’s clutching his bills with a white-knuckled grip and is storming right back upstairs and slamming his door shut with an unnecessarily loud thud before you’ve even finished sticking your key into the tiny lock.

while living so close to each other, you’ve tried being polite towards him on several occasions. have greeted him with a smile and a quick “morning!” or “hi!” even though all he did in response was grumble something under his breath and brush you right off. you even went as far as to ask him how his run went when he came back into the building drenched in sweat and with his cheeks flushed a pretty red one time, but to no avail. the face he pulled made him look like he was seconds away from telling you to fuck off.

all signs point to general dislike no matter what you do, so winning him over just for the sake of having a good relationship seems to be outright impossible. which is also a huge bummer because he lives right next door, and it’d be nice to have him on your side since it significantly lessens the chance of him nagging you when the music is a smidge too loud or whenever you have friends staying the night.

by the time several weeks had passed — hell, you’ve endured almost two months of this crap — and he was no closer to warming up to you, you’d given up. not only that, you also made sure to give him a taste of his own medicine: you got rid of the sweet girl attitude and instead started treating him the same way he treated you.

rudely.

so it’s no wonder that he appears to be absolutely fucking pissed when he shows up at your doorstep one day when you’re in the middle of suffering through one of your worst heats yet, banging on your door with an impatient fist and sporting the pushiest demeanor you’ve ever seen.

when you finally force yourself to get off the couch and open the door, the first thing you realise is that he’s so big that he fills the entire entrance. all muscle and raw, brutal power. you’ve never gotten the chance to see him this upclose.

the glare in his dark brown eyes is harsh as he immediately makes eye contact with you, and his lips press into a firm line. there’s a constant flutter of a muscle in his right cheek that he can’t seem to get rid of.

he doesn’t look happy.

and there’s an odd sinking feeling appearing in the pit of your stomach because of it.

“what do you want?” you ask, trying your best to breathe as little as possible through your nose. he smells like pure alpha, heavy and intense because of that wretched musk — a scent you definitely shouldn’t be in close vicinity of at this particular time.

“i want you to get the fuck out of this building already,” he snarls with zero hesitation, gripping the side of the doorframe so that he can shove himself even further into your space. “you’re stinking up the entire place with your omega bullshit and it’s making it hard to think.”

“ex-…” you blink slowly, taken aback by the jumble of insults he’s just thrown at you. “excuse me?”

“you heard me the first time,” he snips, baring his front teeth for a split second as he visibly cringes at you. his canines are sharp; it’s your first time noticing this since he sure as hell never smiled in your presence. “i’ve got work in the morning and i can’t relax when your scent is taking over the entire goddamn floor. either find someone to take care of your heat for ya and give that vibrator that you’ve been riding since last night a rest already, or move the fuck out.”

you stare at him, dumfounded and wide eyed just like the first time. he stares right back, with his jaw tightly clenched and his shoulders stiff.

and there’s just something about the way he looks at you now, about the way he looks now — so rugged and blatantly male and rough around the edges, that causes your panties to turn even slicker than they already are.

“you’ve gotta be kidding me… christ, are all of you omegas so freaking pathetic?” he mutters quietly as he watches you squeeze your thighs together.

you’re dressed in nothing but a pair of tiny panties and an oversized t-shirt since you planned to do nothing else but sit at home today and try to make yourself feel better. the thin piece of fabric is doing absolutely nothing when it comes to keeping the scent of your urges at bay.

kiba’s throat feels like it’s on fire. it makes it hard to speak when he says, “whatever, just- are you gonna do somethin’ about it or not?”

“no, i’m not.” in your disoriented, the-heat-has-outright-cooked-my-brain-and-turned-it-into-useless-mush state, you can’t help but say the first thing that pops into your mind, “i’ve got just as much of a right to be here as everyone else does, you know. and it’s not my fault that you can’t focus because your shitty alpha brain is telling you to breed me… so if that’s all, i’ll be kindly asking you to get off my doorstep. i have a toy i want to get back to.”

you go to slam the door shut right in front of his nose, only to be caught off guard when BAM! — he uses his hand to shove it right back open again.

oh, he’s definitely not used to omegas disrespecting him or acting bratty around him. because of it, he’s all up in your face in a matter of seconds, blood boiling underneath tan skin.

with every step he takes forward, you try to take one back, but it doesn’t take long for him to corner you. before you know it, he’s got you with your back against the wall. his cock is thick and heavy in his sweatpants, pressing against your thigh and exposing the fact that your heat is affecting him too, and you spring into action because of it, desperately fighting to create more distance between your body and his.

however, the problem is that he’s ended up standing so close to you that the proximity is practically non-existent. trying to shove him away is futile since he’s so much bigger than you that he looms over your smaller frame and keeps you caged between the wall and himself with no issue.

you don’t stand a chance against him.

“look at me.”

forced to act submissive by nature, you give in easily to his demand despite the fact that it takes all the effort in the world for you to even attempt to refuse it. so you lift your gaze like the good little omega that you are, and you come to learn that there are tiny summer freckles dusting the bridge of his nose. you’ve never gotten the chance to see him this upclose either.

mentioned bridge slightly scrunches with displeasure now as his hand moves to wrap around your throat. he leans in, his voice hoarse, “is anyone else in here with ya?”

“y-yes,” you stammer, upper lip wobbling because of the fastly upcoming tears that are threatening to fall any second now. you’re well aware that alphas can get aggressive whenever they slip into rut, so you and your big mouth have put yourselves in quite the predicament. and if anything, this particular situation is definitely good enough of a reason to cry about.

“don’t you dare fucking lie to me. that shit pisses me off.” he gives your neck a firm squeeze, enough to make you kick your feet against the floor in sheer, utter panic. a scared little voice in your head tells you that he could lift you right off the ground if he wanted to. or worse.

“no, n-no there isn’t anyone else here!” you squeak out. “it’s just me and my cat! m’sorry!”

his eyebrows draw together.

“what?” you ask warily, trying to calm him down by distracting him even though you’re well aware that he can smell how wet your pussy has become by now and that it’s making him lose more and more of his sense of morality. there’s just something about his touch… it’s so warm that it makes you want to arch your back, as unbelievable as that sounds. “is something the matter?”

“no,” he mutters, still looking unimpressed. god, do his features ever soften? “it’s just that i hate cats, is all… dogs are better.”

you make a mental note to remember this piece of information for whatever reason. what the fuck.

“anyway,” he continues before you can say anything. “let’s take care of your heat now. i have a game to watch later, so i wanna be done by six… unless you feel like warming my dick at my place, that is.”

“w-what?” you freeze, cold sweat rushing over you. one tear falls, sliding down your much too feverish cheek and you sniffle. “no, wait-”

“yeah, yeah, you don’t want it, blah blah blah,” he brushes you off so carelessly that it makes your pulse begin to hammer inside your ears. “and yet you’re still soaking wet between your legs and feeling like you’ll die if i don’t shove my cock inside ya this very instant. spare me with the poor, helpless omega crap, sweetheart... you ain’t foolin’ nobody.”

he’s looking directly into your eyes again, completely shameless and with zero remorse, and you’re so turned on by it that your clit is throbbing. it’s making you slightly nauseous.

“i…” you swallow thickly, trying not to think about the amount of saliva that’s gathering in your mouth. “i don’t-”

without a single warning, he presses himself against you in a way that instantly makes you buck your hips towards him in search for more friction. when he begins to draw back, you act before thinking; grabbing a fistful of his t-shirt and frantically tugging him closer.

“see, i told ya,” he purrs, cruel satisfaction evident on his face as he watches you struggle. “you need me.”

he’s right. god-fucking-damn it, he’s right. the urgency to have an alpha like him inside you has gotten so bad by now that you can barely stand. if it weren’t for his hand that he’s still got wrapped around your throat, you’re pretty sure you’d already be laying on the floor by now.

and that is exactly where you end up.

on the floor, naked, manhandled into a mating press and forcefully stuffed full with his cock. moaning like a slut, sweating like crazy and crying at him to stop, to fucking stop stop STOP, even though you’re the one who’s reaching out, desperately trying to cling onto him and keep him inside.

the sounds your pussy is making whenever he sinks in to the hilt is fucking embarrassing. you’re so wet, practically delirious with want, twitching and whining when he hits that sweetspot deep inside you. you don’t even know his first name, so you’re just babbling nonsense, clawing at his strong arms in meek attempt to punish him.

“open your legs wider f’me.”

the desire to spread your legs further for him even if he’s literally the meanest piece of shit of a man is making you feel disgusting, but you just can’t stop yourself from obeying. your body wants him, it yearns for him, and it’s making your hormones go batshit crazy.

“that’s it, sweetheart.” he pants above you as he praises you, back arching and bicep flexing when he places one hand on your belly. “trying to be such a good girl for your alpha, huh? gonna do just about anythin’ to get me to knock ya up.”

your sobbing intensifies when he presses into the bulge his cock makes underneath your skin.

it’s the first time you see him smile.

[cougheemedicine]

Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

Jing Yuan x GN!Reader

Word count: 2463

Warnings: Nudity, suggestive but nothing explicit (they bathe together), drinking (drink responsively kids), no beta we just die, the impending wrath of Fu Xuan, ooc? I've never written him before, I think that's it?

Content: Fluff, some angst right at the end but all is resolved, established relationship, Reader is a long-living species, Reader is shorter than Jing Yuan, other characters mentioned, they're whipped your honor

Summary: Due to your position in the Xianzhou Luofu's sky-faring commission, you are rarely home. Often gone for months at a time. Your dear husband never copes well with your time apart. He always makes sure to make up for lost time.

˜”*°•.•°*”˜

   The ground under your feet slipped away before you knew it. So this is how it ends, this is how you die. Not the worst death one could have, you supposed.

       “General-“ A dying wheeze escapes you, “General, I can’t breathe.”

       Met only with a huff that sounded more annoyed than agreeing, the crushing weight on your ribcage lessens. If only slightly. Not enough for your feet to touch the ground, but enough for you to wiggle your arms out from where they were pinned to your sides, wrapping them around your husband’s shoulders.

       “I’ve missed you,” Low and hoarse, the deep baritone of Jing Yuan’s voice sends a shiver down your spine. You sigh, relenting to your husband’s affections. It had been months since you’d seen each other last. As the fleet-master of the Luofu’s sky-faring commission, one of your most important duties was to craft interstellar maps for all of the Luofu to use. The only way to do that was to go on the missions yourself, which could last between six to nine months.

       For the long-living Xhianzhou natives, nine months passed in the blink of an eye. For your beloved, equally as long-living husband? Nine months was torturous. The man laid his head on your shoulder, inhaling deeply. You debated on whether you should drag him back to work to avoid the wrath of Lady Fu Xuan on your doorstep in an hour’s time, or repent and simply bask in the presence of your man. Who was real and tangible, embracing you instead of hushed words through a disembodied voice on the other side of your phone, or a pixelated figure sitting bored at a meeting you had to attend via a live hologram.

       As his hand slowly rubbed up and down your back, his other hand supporting you while you still dangled in the air. You found the decision easy to make. You craned your head, pressing your lips to his hairline, right above his ear. “I’ve missed you too, my love,”

       But, there was one thing amiss. Even as you felt Jing Yuan smile against the fabric of your shirt. You could also feel the eyes on your back. Both of your crew, and of Luofu citizens. None of the gazes malicious, just a bit invasive. You could also hear the whispers. The giggling and gossiping.

‘The general’s gone soft,’

’Aw, how sweet!’

’How adorable…’

       “People are watching, general,” You spoke up, raising a hand to run through the hair that escaped his ponytail, tightening your hold on the back of his neck to keep yourself up. Jing Yuan sighed contently, pressing a kiss to your shoulder. “Let them,”

       “General, I’d like to bathe, and get out of this armor,” You tugged lightly at his hair, pulling his head from your shoulder so you could look him in the eyes. Any normal person would’ve seen no difference in Jing Yuan’s face, but you were far from normal. After centuries of marriage, you could tell. The curve of his brow, and the pull of his frown. “Stop pouting, general,”

       He rolled his eyes, but smiled nonetheless. That tired, easy smile of his. He set you back on the ground, arms wrapped loosely around your waist. “Stop calling me general, then I’ll let you go,”

       Despite his words, he still let you go. Stepping to your right and linking his arm with yours. You shared a smile as you walked, leaving the port. “Whatever you say, Jing Yuan.”

˜”*°•.•°*”˜

        The sound that leaves your mouth as you sink into the steaming bath water would make even the most stone-faced of war veterans blush. You were never more grateful for the sheer lavishness of the general's residence than when you just return from a mission. The bath of the general's home was better described as a pool. Set in the tile floor, and large enough to fit ten people. The large window on the far wall overlooked the Luofu, saying the whole experience was lavish would be an understatement.

        The feel of tar running in your veins instead of blood finally subsiding as the salts and oils in the water sunk into your skin. You rest your arms on the edge of the bath, letting your head lull onto the tile behind you. You don't focus much on anything, eyes scanning the traditional Xianzhou architecture of the bathroom, and letting your limbs, heavy with fatigue, float weightless in the water.

        "Enjoying yourself, dear?"  Jing Yuan's voice brings you back from your trance, eyes bleary as his feet come into view. You slowly lift your gaze, shamelessly eyeing your husband in a thin robe that was far from befitting a general. He's holding a small, porcelain cup in each hand, intricately decorated, with a bottle of wine under his arm. Oh, how you've missed this. "Very much. Even more so now,"

        "I heard from your co-pilot that you had trouble with some rogue asteroids on your way back to the Luofu," He hums as he sets down the cups and bottle a small ways away from your head, settling behind you with a washcloth.

        You groan "Ugh, I don't want to talk about it. If it weren't for my navigators we wouldn't of been able to come back unscathed,"

        Jing Yuan coaxes you to lean forward, and you let out a rather undignified yelp when the cold soap on the washcloth touches your back. Jing Yuan laughs. you flick water at him.

        "I commend your navigator's skills. They seem very talented," Jing Yuan lathers the soap as he speaks, taking the washcloth across your shoulders and down your back. He then gently takes your right hand, running the washcloth down the length of your arm.

        "Of course they are, I taught them." Jest laces your tone, even as you submerge yourself to the neck to rid yourself of the suds. As you finish, you lay your head on Jing Yuan's crossed legs. Jing Yuan smiles softly, emotion swirling in the single eye you could see. He leans down, pressing his lips to yours. When he pulls back, the washcloth long forgotten, he runs his thumb across your cheekbone, then down the bridge of your nose, and over the curve of your lips. You've long since closed your eyes, a smile pulling at your lips. "Join me?"

        Jing Yuan is silent for a beat, and you lift your head once more. "Your wish is my command."

        Jing Yuan stands, and you watch him walk to the stool you had set your own robe on. You watch him fiddle with the knot at his hip, then slowly shrug off one side of the robe, then the other. Making sure to stretch his arms above his head, allowing you the pleasure of seeing the entire expanse of his back and arms. You can sense the smile playing on his lips, and you know he can sense your staring. He's teasing you. You avert your eyes the moment his robe drops to the floor. 

       You feel him slip into the water beside you, letting out a groan very much like the one you had earlier. He smiles at you, his hand creeping up to the side of your head, guiding it down to rest on his shoulder. The two of you sit in silence a while, simply enjoying each other's presence. Months ago, silence meant sitting alone, in the cramped captain's quarters of your starskiff, charting maps and scribbling reports to send back home. Silence meant nights that seemed endless, hunched over your work, and being far, far away from home. Silence that was so loud you had wished so very hard for moments like this to happen more often. 

        Jing Yuan shifts under your head, offering you one of the cups he had brought in. Wordlessly, you take it, allowing him to pour the wine into your cup, then into his own. "Tell me," You pipe up, swirling the cup under your nose. The scent was light, you watch as he takes a sip "When was the last time we've shared a bottle like this?"

        "I can't say I recall. You're very cruel you know, keeping me waiting so long to repeat moments like this," Jing Yuan downs the rest of the contents of his cup, resuming his previous position at your side. "Fleet Master." 

        "Excuse you, we were right on schedule. Even after the whole event with the asteroids," You grin, playing with the fingers on Jing Yuan's free hand. "General-"

        Jing Yuan surges forward, before you even have half a mind to process, slotting his lips against yours. You hum, his lips taste of wine, and the scent of his shampoo roles off him in waves. One arm slung lazily around your back, the other keeping his cup above the water, he parts from your lips with a gasp, dipping his head to pepper kisses down your jaw and neck. You manage to suck in a breath right as he lifts his head again, mashing your lips together clumsily. Desperately. If you didn't know your husband better, you'd think him drunk. With how careless he was being. The sound of his porcelain cup clattering onto the tile beside you ringing sharp in your ear only proving your thoughts.

        His grip on you tightens, bringing his other hand up to push you even closer together, you throw your arms around his neck to stable yourself. You can feel every dip and contour of his body against yours, the callouses on his hand sliding up your back to between your shoulder blades as he brings you oh so much closer, his loose hair tickling your face when he hunches forward. Kissing you even harder.

        You're the one to pull away. Or perhaps it was him? You don't really have it in you to care.

        The both of you are panting like dogs. You let your arms around his neck go slack, and his hands drop from your back to your hips.

        It's silent again, only your breathing filling the room. Without really thinking, you raise a hand, cupping your husband's cheek. Immediately he leans into your touch, covering your hand with his own and pressing a flurry of kisses to your palm. His face is flushed, pink from his cheeks to his ears, and his lips bruised. Truly a sight for your sore eyes.

        You peck Jing Yuan's cheek, the one you aren't holding, laughing quietly against his skin. He joins you, a deep chuckle that always brought a pleasant warmth to your chest. It was rare for Jing Yuan to laugh to heartily, even rarer for you to even be present to hear it. You don't think you'll ever tire of the sound. He presses his lips to your temple. "I think we better leave before we become prunes,"

        "Always so wise, my dear,"

˜”*°•.•°*”˜

       “Jing Yuan, I can’t walk with you both leaning on me,” You whine. Jing Yuan groans, leaning more of his weight onto you. His grip on the front of your night shirt tightens, wrinkling the light fabric as Mimi curls around your legs, head butting your thigh. A chuffing sound leaves the lion, as if she were laughing at you. Jing Yuan rests his chin on your shoulder, cheeks still pink from the heat of the bath.

        “Don’t be mean, she’s missed you,” He lightens his iron grip on you, running a hand through the fur on Mimi's back. You smell opportunity. You worm your way out of your husband's arms, as warm and comfortable as they are, you still need to walk. Narrowly dodging his hand, fully intent on tugging you right back, you stride on down the corridor. You needn't look back to see Jing Yuan huff and cross his arms, dragging his feet as he follows you.

        The moment you close the sliding door to your shared chambers, you're shoved onto the unnecessarily large bed. Jing Yuan crawls over you as you shuffle up to the pillows. He straddles you, a leg on each side of your torso, keeping you down with a hand on your shoulder. As you settle your hands on his hips, you feel the bed dip once more. From around Jing Yuan, you watch as Mimi sprawls out over the entire foot of the bed. A hand on your chin guides your eyes back to your husband's face. He leans down, kissing you gently. Your hands travel, from his hips to his waist, then up his chest and over his shoulders. You settle your hands in his hair, running your nails over his scalp. Sliding a hand down his nape to his shoulders, you gently push him down, letting him put all his weight on you.

        "This isn't uncomfortable, is it?" Jing Yuan lowly asks, barely above a whisper. He's already shifting his legs, leaving only his chest resting on yours. Always attentive, your Jing Yuan.

        "No love, it's perfectly fine," You sigh, continuing to card your fingers through his hair.

        Jing Yuan hums, pecking your forehead then the tip of your nose. He lowers himself till his head is cushioned by your chest, pressing another kiss to your collar bone before settling down right above your heart, curling his arms around your ribs.

        Mimi huffs, and you hear her breathing become slow. You've certainly missed this. You can feel Mimi's tail sway against your calf in her sleep, and Jing Yuan tightens his grip around you, you can feel his every breath against the thin fabric of your shirt. You continue scratching at his scalp. "Jing Yuan?"

        You hear him mumble something, he throws a leg over yours.

        "I'm sorry I'm away so often," It stings. Whenever you leave. The silent nights holed away in your office, or piloting your vessel. The homesickness eating at you the minute you leave port. Sometimes you can't help but think that having someone so dear be so far away takes a toll that isn't worth the pay off.

        "Distance makes the heart grow fonder, my love," Jing Yuan replies, muffled by the fabric of your shirt, and slurred by exhaustion.

        On second thought. Maybe having someone tying you to your home was a good thing. Who knows if you'd ever return from the stars if someone wasn't waiting at home. Speaking of home...

        "Jing Yuan, how did you convince Qingzu and Lady Fu to leave you be for so long?"

        The man stiffens in your hold.

        "Jing Yuan!"

˜”*°•.•°*”˜

work belongs to @cougheemedicine, all forms of plagiarism, modifying, translating, reposting are not allowed.

[alastorss]

AAAA ITS GOOD TO HAVE YOU BACK!

I love your characterization of Alastor sm ❤️❤️❤️

Could I request reader dropping dead things (people/body parts, deer, etc.) at his door/radio tower? No note, just corpses. He’s gotta figure out who tf if dropping these for him.

a/n: thank you, it's so good to be back!! i really appreciate you and everyone for being so welcoming :')) <3

⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆

"You've been doing what?!"

"I didn't think it was so bad... You're the one who wanted me to make friends!"

Charlie only gawks at you, tugging at the ends of her hair in stress. The Princess of Hell paces back and forth across the room, slowly piecing together why Alastor has been in such a foul mood lately.

"So you thought the best way to make friends with the Radio Demon was to leave dead bodies at his doorstep?"

"He loves dead bodies."

"Yeah, to eat them! Oh god, what kind of message have you been sending to him?" She babbles on, exasperated and flinging her hands around in a panic. "He must think you're threatening him or something!"

"Well..." you make some sort of constipated expression and Charlie stops dead in her tracks. "He might not know they've been from me."

"You've been leaving them anonymously?" The Princess squeaks, unsure of whether that makes it infinitely better or infinitely worse. "What was even the point then?"

"I get nervous!" You argue, flopping back on the couch and laying an arm over your eyes. "I was going to tell him eventually."

Alastor was a different breed of terrifying. He could silence a room just by breathing in it. The wailing souls in his broadcast were enough to command that sort of attention.

When Charlie had given you the task of making friends as a part of her "redemption project" you had assumed he was exempt from the list. He was, after all, fairly secluded despite his cheery demeanour. Very few had ever managed to become his companions.

However, your hopes of avoiding him had been flushed down the drain when you accidentally bumped into each other on the way out on your very first day.

He gave you a look over, scrutinizing you from head to toe until your cheeks burned. Then, demanded something very simple of you:

"Welcome! Please, do entertain me."

His first and, as of today, last words he ever spoke to you. Sure, your methods were a little unorthodox, but you had asked Husk for advice and Alastor's cannibalistic tendencies were as much as the bartender was willing to spill.

When you don't receive any response, you peel your arm away to peer at your friend. She makes another two laps around the coffee table before her face lights up.

"I've got it!"

"I don't like that look on your face—"

"Come on," she laughs, pulling you by the wrists. "You just have to be honest. And make sure he knows you're not trying to kill him!"

"How am I supposed to do that?" You ask nervously. "You just told me he's been in a worse mood than usual."

A sinister smile that could only belong to the daughter of the devil creeps its way across her lips.

Dread. All you feel is terrible dread.

⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆

As much as Alastor enjoys a good meal, this is becoming excessive.

It must be the seventh or eighth body this week. And, as usual, there is no note. No indication of why there's a corpse or a deer head or a rabbit's foot at his door. He can't even sniff out any traces of a soul being here.

He hates charity.

Not even because he does not need it, but because the anonymity is making him think they're gifts of pity. That, or it's a threat on his life. Either way, he loathes the idea that someone is looking down on him.

The demon needs to get to the bottom of this soon. Paranoia is not common for him, but the anxious bubbling in his chest is unmistakable. Whoever keeps leaving the bodies at his door is meticulously clean when they kill. He would hate to be on the receiving end of the blade.

Just as he's about to dump the body in his swamp for later, there's a knock on his bedroom door. He hesitates.

No, he isn't afraid of whoever is on the other side of the door. However, if there were a fight, he would need to get his suit tailored again and he simply doesn't have the time for that today.

He takes slightly too long to decide whether or not the person on the other side of the wall is a threat, because soon enough his ears pick up the sound of retreating footsteps.

Alastor swings the doors open so fast that you yelp.

At first he's confused why you refuse to turn around to look at him. Lacking common manners—he'll have to bring that up to you later. Then, he's confused on why you've shown up to his door at all.

"May I help you, dear?"

A chill creeps down your spine. Charlie and her ideas... they would be the death of you. Preferably today. Right now.

"I didn't mean to disturb you!" You stammer, still not looking at him.

Alastor raises a brow before popping up behind you from the shadows. You squeak, clutching somehing to your chest and shielding it from his gaze. He does a loop around your body and you spin around to keep the item hidden. The Radio Demon narrows his eyes.

"Are you hiding something?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

You do another spin as he tries to get a peek of what's in your hands.

"You wouldn't lie to me, would you?" He feigns offense. Again, another spin.

"Of course not!"

"You see, I very much don't enjoy being lied to. Last time I caught a scoundrel in my midst, I cracked them open like a—"

"Okay, okay!" You suddenly burst out. You turn so slow that Alastor feels himself holding his breath.

When he finally sees what you've been so insistent on hiding, he snickers. Impolitely, mind you.

"Don't laugh," you whine, squeezing the bouquet closer to your chest. Amongst the flowers are little pieces of death—fingers, eyes, ears.

Charlie had decided that one step back in your redemption by collecting body parts like this would result in three steps forward. She allowed it, just this once.

"Are these for me?" He purrs, leaning down until his face is in yours. You'd been warned before that Alastor had no concept of personal space, but you can't help the way it robs the air in your lungs.

"Please don't get the wrong idea," you strain in embarrassment. "I just wanted to say... I'm sorry. For leaving all those bodies here. I didn't mean for it to come across as insulting."

The demon blinks at you in stunned silence for a few moments before he cackles, standing back to let you breathe again. "Why, of course! No hard feelings, darling."

"Really?" You lighten up with a sigh of relief.

"Your little gifts have kept me on my toes," he assures. "Perhaps not my idea of entertainment, but the effort was there."

"I'm glad to hear that," you smile. "Charlie was worried you wouldn't accept my apology or want to be friends."

You seem to catch yourself, eyes going wide as you shake your head.

"N-Not that I'm assuming this means we can be friends!"

Alastor only laughs again, gentler this time. "No need to be so jumpy. I don't bite," he muses. "And tell the Princess she has nothing to worry about."

He takes the bouquet from you, hands lingering over yours for a fraction longer than he meant for them to.

"I would love to be your friend."

~

taglist: @the-lake-is-calling @dragons-and-dwarves-are-nice @averylonelysea @bri22222 @cxrsedwxrlds @amarokofficial @anae-naea-zacheria @for-hearthand-home @fantasy-is-best @angixyc @th3-st4r-gur1 @i-am-nonbinary-bean-deal-with-it @dilemmaiscool @concentratedconcrete @squiword7 @clarakainda @princekeerys @cedarrthefluffylee (send an ask to be added!)

[jo-speaks]

Happy birthday 💕💕💕 I would like to request 🍩 2 am and they're at your doorstep, crying, as they say, "i don't want to go to sleep-with this hanging between us, im so so sorry." With nico pleasee

warnings: very slight angst, arguing, that's it honestly, this is relatively fluffy.

wc: 640

Nico’s chest felt heavy, the mattress holding his weight doing nothing to alleviate the ache. 

The two of you had gotten into an argument over conflicting schedules, something neither of you could do anything about. Thus, resulting in you spending the night in your own apartment. Something you hadn’t done in months. He was mad he didn’t try and stop you, the space feeling vacant as your warmth wasn’t there to fill it. 

“What do you want me to do about that? Not all of us can be professional athletes and leave whenever we want!” You yelled, your hands flailing as you tried to make your point.

Nico sighed, “I’m not saying leave for a week! All I want is for you to show up to this game because it’s important to me!”

He tried his best to be the calm one in this situation, but with two rising tempers in one room that seemed to be an impossible task. 

“And I already told you I asked and I was told no.”

“So ask again!”

You rolled your eyes, letting out an exasperated breath, “God damn it Nico, are you stupid? This isn’t elementary school where you can just write me a note and get me excused for the day!”

Letting out a heavy sigh, he reached for his phone. Noticing the time displayed being 2 am, he tried to leave the conversation for tomorrow, but when he pulled up the text messages between the two of you, his eyebrows knit together. Your location was displayed at the top of his screen, showing you were very much not at your apartment.

You were at his.

He barely had time to process the information as there was a soft knock at his door, immediately shooting up to open it. The sight tugged on his heart as he took in your figure. Tears stained your cheeks, still flowing steadily as you looked up at Nico. He immediately pulled you inside, noticing your body shivering from the cold Jersey air.

“Are you okay?” He asked, holding the side of your arms to keep you in front of him.

“I don’t want to go to sleep with this hanging between us. I’m sorry, Nico. I’m so sorry.”  You let a sob out, struggling to keep your voice steady.

He shook his head, pulling you close to his chest, wanting to strip the guilt from your body and throw it out the door. He held you tight, wanting to warm you up while also comforting you.

“You have nothing to apologize for, my love. I’m sorry. I know it’s hard.” He reassured.

He was right. It is hard having your boyfriend be away more than it is having him there. You knew exactly what you were getting into when you began dating Nico. You knew he would be gone a lot, you just hadn’t expected it to hurt as much as it does. 

The apartment was silent as he lifted you up slowly, shut the door, and made his way back to bed. His grip didn’t falter in the slightest as he laid down with you, resting your head on his chest and rubbing slow circles on your back.

He noticed your flow of tears start to slow, drowsiness replacing your previous emotions. Your eyes began to flutter shut, wanting nothing more but to fall asleep in your boyfriend’s hold. Nico didn’t attempt to stop you, no matter how much you both needed to talk about how to handle this going forward.

However, he didn’t miss the mumbled, “You’re not stupid. I love you.”, that slipped out of your mouth before letting yourself submit to your exhaustion.

Nico laughed quietly, pressing a kiss to your forehead as he let himself get comfortable with you in his arms, right where you belonged.

“I love you too.”

[lit3rallyll0yd]

hey how are you? I'm sorry to make this personal request but it's my current situation and I wanted to console myself with this in the arms of chuuya x reader

I would like to make a chuuya request with a s/o who went on a trip with her family to the beach, but her family is toxic and usually does things to humiliate her, talk about her body, etc. She pretends she doesn't care about it but it causes her several crises.

when your family is toxic, but you don't show that you care to him

chuuya :3

warnings: mention of a toxic relationships, reader uses she/her, insecurities, mention of body shame, mention of nudity, overall border-line fluff

a/n: hmmm, did i write away from the topic a little bit? maybe, and for that, i'm sorry!!! I did try to get all the components you have asked for anon; also, i'm sorry you're going through all of that! im here to talk if needed.

OKAY FIRST OF ALL-

this man is not having you lying to his face.

no. no. no. NO!

he's sees right through you, anything you say that you may think is believing-

*CHUCK IT OUT THE DAMN WINDOW!!*

but not in a mean way :3

erm anyways.

he never really cared that you rarely mentioned your family, until he asked if he could ever meet your parents.

you know, because since you two are dating- he just thought it would be respectful. on his part, at least.

you tried your best to change subjects, but he would catch on quickly and ask if anything wrong between you and your parents.

"hmm, ohno- we just argue sometimes- but that's just life; people argue and people fight- it's normal!"

now, your not wrong? but you seemed to be hiding something about your family to him.

he's literally in the mafia; if you tell him that they're fucking murders on the run and you don't want anyone to know about it- who the hell is chuuya going to tell, mori?? 💀💀

thats not the case, but that's all what chuuya thinks.

you told him a couple of days later you and your family are going on vacation, and he was happy for you.

you needed the break.

you work too hard at your job, and you deserve a vacation.

he would help you pack because none of your relatives helped? that's okay, he'll get you everything you need.

with a kiss on your lips he watched as you entered your parents car and off to your vacation...what he didn't expect was you coming home two days earlier then you said you would be.

"sweetheart, your back?" he would hug you, but you wouldn't hug back they way you usually do.

you dropped your bags on the floor of his doorstep with the door wide open..the time was currently 1:06am and chuuya was in PJ bottoms and a black t-shirt..his hair was tied in a small ponytail.

you hid your face in his neck as he hugged your8 tightly, expecting you to hug back.

you just stood there, arms draped by your sides and your suitcase on the ground.

he couldn't help but smell your hair, then kissed it as he rubs your back as he spoke; "babe, have you showered?"

you shake your head, still not responsive verbally.

he takes you inside his home, taking your bags in with you as he sat you down on the stairs steps; combing his fingers through your greasy hair.

he looked at your face; it was dry and your eyes were dark and your eyelids were purple.

he took your hand and kissed each of your knuckles as he saw tears fall from your eyes, however your face stayed the same.

"could i bathe you?" he would ask, and as he waited for your response, you nod.

gently, he would lift you from the steps and carry you to the bathroom.

he sat you down on the sink and started to run the water to a warm temperature for you to bathe in.

once he filled the tub with water and added a bath bomb of his own, he slowly turns to you and softly smiles; now standing in front of you.

"i'm going to undress you now, is that ok-"

before he could move you grabbed his wrist and looked at him. you seemed scared to show him your body as you tried to close your body together.

he gave you a sad frown, kissing your arm, up yo your shoulder.

"sweetheart, i have seen your naked multiple times, and i've had no problem with what i see; it's almost as if i have a gift from heaven itself.."

you stared into his blue eyes, thinking about what to do in the heat of the moment.

you guided his hand to the collar of your shirt, and nod slowly...allowing him to undress you.

in a way to make you comfortable, he would kiss your bare skin each time he would remove a piece of clothing from your body...

once your body was bare,, he would lift you up and gently play you in the tub and rub your shoulders.

couple of minutes went by, and chuuya had just dumped a handful of shampoo in his hand and started to message your skull with it.

"i take your vacation wasn't so...memorable?.."

he would ask softly, his eyes widening when he heats your soft sniffles.

"i'm'so sorry, my'love..." he would lean down and kiss your shoulders as you hide your face in your knees and sob.

chuuya would just rinse your hair after conditioner and held your body in his arms as you sobbed and sobbed for possibly 20 minutes.

as your crying settled, he would ask you what happened and if you would want to talk about it he would drain the water and help you change, of course leaving you if you would prefer to do it on your own.

sit on the bed, cuddled close together and talking about your family.

you would say how much they take you for granted, and talk about behind your back. your mother would body shame you, saying you eat either too much or too little.

your father would always make fun of your clothing choses and when your out, he would say your too fat for that bathing suit, or you could never fit in that dress unless you start caring about yourself.

both of them would also mention how much chuuya deserved better then to be with a sad, disappointed girl like you-

chuuya would cut your ranting off by kissing you on the lips for about a couple of minutes, a break for breathing if course, and would tell you no matter what your parents tell you, they're just jealous from what an amazing, beautiful women you have become ❤️

[dwobbitfromtheshire]

Writing prompt: After season 4, Steve becomes a single dad after the girl he gets pregnant drops the baby off in his doorstep. To Eddie's surprise, he also gets a baby dropped on off his doorstep, too. After the spring break from hell, Steve and Eddie had both grown close, so they decided to raise their kids together as friends. Slowly, but surely, they start to fall in love and realize they're both bisexual.

[lordkuntfuck]

Au where a drunk newly 19 year old Eddie shacks up with a girl, not long before he gets together with Shannon. 9 months later a baby shows up on his doorstep.

(I'm sorry in advance)

Not knowing what to do but not wanting to just abandon a baby, Eddie and Shannon take him in. Everything continues as is in canon (to an extent) but now with the extra layer of chris not actually being biologically Shannon's (so her story is even more heartbreaking (I love her, this is not Shannon bashing at all))

Eddie joins the 118 and meets the firefam, all is well. He can't help but think that Buck guy looks vaguely familiar but then again blond white jocks are pretty indistinguishable.

One day, a few years later, their all talking about their childhoods while on a q-word shift. Buck says something along the lines of "when I was little girl" without thinking about it.

Everyone's a little surprised but very accepting obviously.

Later after the shift, when they're alone, Buck needs to find out more on how Eddie feels about him being trans so tells him he can ask him anything. Eddie asks about like when and how he knew and stuff like that. It starts getting a bit emotional cuz of the Buckley parents and whatnot.

So to lighten the mood Buck makes a joke about being a really hot woman and he knew the world couldn't handle it so he had to transition for the sake of humanity. Eddie makes a snarky comment about how that's impossible (and quietly thinks that no way Buck could be hotter as a woman than he is as a man).

Buck takes offense (jokingly) and decides he needs to prove himself. He shows a photo to Eddie when he was 18, not long before he was able to start socially and medically transitioning (he couldn't before because of his parents). He's also not usually this nonchalant about himself pre-transition but it's Eddie and he trusts him.

Eddie's about to make another joke but as he takes a closer look at the photo, he almost drops Buck's phone. Because no fucking way.

Buck thinks Eddie's reaction is to how hot he was and makes a comment about how he knew Eddie would be drooling over him (he tries not to hurt himself too much with that thought, it was just meant to be a joke after all)

But then he realises that Eddie isn't laughing anymore and he's like having a full blown panic attack and shit what just happened.

Meanwhile Eddie's mind is slowly imploding because what the hell is he meant to do with the knowledge that not only has he already slept with Buck, did so when Buck was in a body he was massively uncomfortable with (which makes Eddie feel extremely guilty), but that there's an extremely high likelihood that he's the father of Buck's son.

Not that he isn't completely shocked by this cuz like come on despite all the years of trying and failing to not wonder who Chris's bio mom was, this scenerio certainly never crossed his mind. And yet somehow he can't say he's that surprised, the amount of time people have thought Buck was Chris's dad instead of Eddie becuase of how similar they look. It actually makes perfect sense.

And maybe he'd be more freaked out if Buck wasn't as close to Christopher as he is because seriously he's thought of that man as a second father to his son for the last however many years already, it's actually kind of a comfort to found out he literally is.

It's that though that finally calms Eddie down enough to allow him to breathe normally again.

Buck is looking at him with that look (you know the one) and Eddie kinda melts on the spot.

Now he just needs to figure out how to break the news to Buck without freaking him out so much that he'll leave again.

Cuz that's another thing, Buck didn't want that kid, except Eddie knows Buck and he knows how much he craves a family so why the fuck did he abandon Chris on his doorstep all those years ago (seriosuly is there any adult in his son's life that hasnt left him at least once, god that poor kid). Also how does Buck not know, if he knew enough to know which house to drop the kid off at, how doesn't he recognise him, he hasn't changed that much. Or maybe he does know but hasn't said anything because he doesnt want that. There are so many questions and Eddie doenst know what to do, he kinda wants to break down again but he feels too drained to even do that.

They don't end up talking about it that night, they just sit with each other until it gets late enough that Buck realises he should get going so he's not a zombie at work tomorrow. Eddie let's him leave.

Buck doesn't really get what happened that night, everything was going fine until he showed Eddie that old photo of him. He couldnt help but think that sure maybe Eddie was fine with him being trans as like a passive thing that happened to him, but when Buck forced him to see the changes he'd gone through it got too much? Eddie's pretty repressed and grew up catholic of course this was gonna be difficult for him to accept when he was probably told people like Buck where freaks of nature or somehting (obviously not all Catholics believed that but he's spiraling here)

After many many hours of self-hatred, a long long talk with Maddie (which included a lot of cuddling with his favourite niece), and a metophorical slap round the head from Chim, Hen and Bobby. Buck confronts Eddie about it.

Eddie feels like a peice of shit for making Buck think his reaction was due to transphobia, and he felt even worse when Buck tried making excuses for him.

Eddie realises he has to come clean.

Buck freaks out as expected. However it's not for any of the reasons that Eddie thought it would be.

Turns out when Buck realised he was pregnant he returned home. He hadn't been gone for long and he really didn't want to have to go back already but he couldn't do this by himself and he wasn't about to ask the random dude he'd hooked up with at a party to raise a child with him. His parents were shocked and reprimanded his behaviour but helped him through his pregnancy nevertheless. Buck suspects it was because they that this meant he would finally change his mind about being trans, but if course it didn't, leading to so many fights and leaving a very hormonal Buck in tears everytime.

Buck doesn't remeber giving birth, he doesn't even remember the drive to the hospital. All he remembers is waking up, his parents sitting by his side, Maddie nowhere to be seen (she was never told, iconic that they both ended up keeping pretty big secrets from each other involving a child). His dad looked stoic but somber, and his mom had two perfect tear tracks running down her face, her makeup left unaffected.

Immediately Buck knew something was wrong, it didn't take a genius to figure out what that something was. His parents told him the baby hadn't even taken a first breath.

Buck looked up at Eddie after finishing the tale of the worst day of his life. Eddie was red faced and crying, Buck had never told anyone else that story before, not even his therapist, he knew he looked much worse.

Eddie takes Buck's hands in his own, forcing Buck to meet his gaze, and says with as much love as humanely possible "he's alive". Buck let's out another sob, and God he sounds so wrecked. Eddie repeats himself, "he is alive, Chris is alive, our son is alive"

Before Buck can respond the phone rings, it's the hospital, Chris was in some kind of accident and he's being taken into surgery, they don't know if he's gonna make it yet.

Buck is delirious, he almost wants to laugh because he's just found out that his child that's he's thought was dead for the past 13 years is actually not only alive but the son of the literal love of his life (whos very much straight and does not reciprocate by the way), now might actually be dead. The whiplash is enough to kill a man.

Eddie has gone pale, he looks like he's about to throw up, Buck cant help but think ditto (okay he's still a bit delirious)

They race to the hospital, neither of them should be driving but they're not about to waste time waiting for an uber.

When they got to the hospital, one of the parents of another kid in Chris's class is there. She tells them she was driving them back to hers for the kids' sleepover when a drunk driver smashed into the side of the car, the side Chris happened to be on.

Hospitals are shit. Waiting rooms in hospitals are even more shit. Waiting in a waiting room in a hospital while your son is having potentially life saving surgery and no reassurance that he's going to make it is soul destroyingly shit.

Buck's mind is stuck in a loop of "his first breath was stolen from you, now his last breath mightve been too"

After what felt like a lifetime of misery, a doctor finally approaches them.

Eddie is grasping Buck's hand so tightly he thinks he might break it (hey at least he's already in a hospital his brain provides)

The harmonious sighs of relief that punch out of the two men when the doctor tells them the good news could surely be heard the next state away.

For the second time that day Eddie turns to Buck, with tears staining his face and a wobbly smile and says "he's alive"

[puhpandas]

What about beckory is so appealing to you? /gen

outside of them themselves and my own personal preference, them being a mlm ship and also not canon and completely hypothetical are huge factors to me. it's so interesting building them up in all of these different interpretations since theres not much canon to go off by, but the canon we DO have is really good

and now speaking of the ship itself the last point I made applies because ggy the book is just. really good. when you read it for the first time it's fine but then you reread it and notice things and look deeper and you find all of these things making the friend group you thought was average way more deep and you see everyones flaws, and that makes them interesting. the book revolves around tony and ggy so we get the most about them, and what it shows us about them makes me claw at the walls

it showed us how tony is obsessive when it comes to mysteries because of his dad being put in prison and how he cant handle not getting to the bottom of a mystery because of it, and that obsession has driven a wall between everyone and him. then he meets the most mysterious guy in the universe Rab and he becomes obsessed with ggy to an unhealthy degree while also slowly starting to prefer greg over his best friend since he was 4 (which like how am I not supposed to like the ship when tony inadvertently became obsessed with Gregory throughout the whole book that's so funny😭)

they're both flawed people and even outside of ggy Tony's relationship with Gregory is almost purely hypothetical since they never actually met. but making aus or story ideas where tony survives after the end of ggy has so many possibilities for his and Gregory's relationship

theres a whole new world if you think tony dies and Gregory mourns later on when he gets freed, theres whole new worlds if tony goes on a quest to save Gregory or if Gregory fights back against ggy to save Tony's life or whatever could happen. everything u could think of has potential and it could all be unique and different and could hit off their relationship in tons of different ways

and their relationship has so many directions it could go becuase of their respective characters. in my personal interpretation of them, Tony's obsession doesnt go away after he survives the ggy attack and he tries to track down greg after he goes missing after the attack, and when he finds him it's a year later and greg isnt actually greg at all but Gregory. to me the idea of tony having an idea of Gregory in his head that was never him and that he has to unlearn would cause drama between them but it makes their bond stronger. tony has to get worse before he can get better to me, and that playing out with Gregory as they get older is so good to me

and amneisiac gregory is one of my fave things so the idea that Gregory slowly remembered tony over the course of living with 3 star fam and had an idea of him too, and when he shows up on his doorstep hes excited to meet him and the fact that tony is from Gregory's past thats a whole mystery to him he means a lot to him immediately

I guess tldr they're so interesting to me because they have all the potential in the world and a thousand different things you could do with them, but also their characters themselves are already just so interesting and fleshed out that it's fun to see how they could get to a relationship from their starting points and how flawed they are. they're not immediately compatible and they have so much about themselves and their personal stuff to work through at the time they meet but they go through growth together and it makes them rlly close. they make eachother better people as they get older :)

[aziraphales-library]

Heya ! I'm looking for some fics that are set post season 2. Not fixits exactly, not that I would mind fixits. But I'm looking for long canon compliant fics. Also, is there a tag for such fics ?

We have #good omens s2 and #canon compliant tags. On ao3 you'll want to use the tags "Post-Season/Series 02" and "Canon Compliant", which is what I did to find you these...

scherzo in f-sharp minor, for orchestra by astrhae (M)

It was a truth universally acknowledged that an angel in possession of no memory must be in want of a wife. No, that was the wrong book. The wrong line. Aziraphale frowned. “What,” the gentleman before him asked, “and I mean what, are you doing here?” ----------------- Or, two years after things fall apart, Aziraphale shows up at Crowley's doorstep without his memories. The easy part is getting it back, the hard part is getting them back together.

Until the Bitter End by sentientsky (T)

After learning the truth about Heaven's plans and fruitlessly trying to fix a corrupt system (and maybe also having his memory messed with a little bit in the process), Aziraphale slips back to Earth in search of Crowley.

i will make it better, if only for us by davethefish (T)

With Aziraphale in Heaven, everything that Crowley loved has left the earth. He doesn't know what to do, so he starts small. Maybe someday he'll love the earth as much as he loved Aziraphale. It's time for him to remember why he chose to stay in the first place.

Black Holes and Revelations by ArtisticRising (E)

Crowley takes a leap of faith… into the heart of a black hole. It’s the last card Crowley has to play. He can’t do this without Aziraphale… and he’s betting that Aziraphale can’t do this without him. Act I (Black Holes) ends around Chapter 6 (10 if you want the smut babes). You could leave the story off there. Up til chapter 6 you have a whole story that’s pretty much G rated. From there my thirst comes out like a sexy little demon in tight jeans and a vaguely downwards saunter. Act II (Revelations) is an attempt at season 3. Treat it as a separate work that builds off Act I. Lots of plot twists ahead/theories/speculations that I won’t spoil for you :)

The Ineffability of Gray by kitfornow (NR)

Fifteen years have passed since Aziraphale returned to Heaven, and still sometimes Crowley feels shell shocked and embarrassed and grief-stricken. And mostly, he still feels numb. Fifteen years isn’t really so long, in the grand scheme of things, and yet these have somehow been the longest years of his existence. He can almost feel time crawling by, laughing at him. But slowly, so slowly, Crowley began to try again. To try harder. To find a piece of himself that Aziraphale had not touched. To find a piece of himself that does not need changing. On his good days, he can open up. His friends come over to the flat, once in a while, and Maggie brings new records and Muriel brings burnt cookies that no-one complains about because they're so proud of them. They'll exchange stories and simply enjoy each other's company for a few hours. And sometimes, he feels almost alright. Until Crowley turns around and Aziraphale is there, standing in front of him, trying to stop the world from ending all over again.

hurry back, please bring it back home to me by Percyjacksonfan3 (T)

“Why should I?” The demon interrupts cuttingly. “You’ve made it perfectly clear where your priorities lie and anything I say won’t make a bit of difference.” “That’s not true at all.” Aziraphale replies after a long hurt moment. “And you know it. Besides, you’re being stubborn. You’ll help me eventually.” Rage flashes over Crowley’s face. “You think so, do you?” Aziraphale juts his chin up stubbornly, ignoring the unpleasant feelings Crowley’s expression stirs in him. “Yes.” Aziraphale needs Crowley's help in saving humanity from the Second Coming and despite what happened between them he's determined to get it. After all, it's not only that he needs Crowley, but his plan also includes their car. As for the other matters between the two of them... well there's no reason those can't be sorted out along the way as well, is there? Or, a possible take on Series 3 that includes the Bentley, a resurrected Jesus Christ set on bringing about the End of Days, and an angel and a demon who are stupidly in love with each other but are both suffering from a lack of experience on how to actually deal with said emotions. Emphasis on the stupidly.

- Mod D

[goldfishontheceiling]

guys wake up new nowen AU just dropped /hj

doordash AU

picture this:

march 25th. Owen and his girlfriend Izzy decide to order some good old doordash because why not, and the dasher rings the doorbell, drops off the food, and is about to get into the car when-

GASP

IS THAT NOAH?! OWEN'S CHILDHOOD FRIEND WHO MOVED AWAY!? AT HIS DOORSTEP?!

(ramshackle pilot refrence teehee, GO WATCH IT ITS ON YOUTUBE I LOVE IT)

anyway, Eva grabs the food, Owen stops the dasher/Noah from leaving and asks if it's really him, Noah says some sarcastic remark about how "no, i'm just a stranger with the exact same name, exact same hair, and exact same childhood best friend from 10 years ago," they reunite. but now Noah has to go do another order, so they exchange numbers and Izzy makes a group chat titled "team e-scope."

(nobody questions the group chat name because it's Izzy, she winks at the 4th wall /j)

and all the sudden, Owen starts ordering doordash more, and keeps asking for a certain employee. at this point Owen knows Noah's schedule better then Noah does because he wants to see his little buddy!

but what's this? this is a nowen AU? so why are Owen and Izzy still together?

WELL NOT ANYMORE *hits ozzy with the break up beam*

and during that period of time, between Izzy breaking up with him and his desire to be closer with his childhood best friend, Owen develops a litttttle crush. just a little.

and at the same time, Noah realizes just how much he loves Owen. his smile, his warmth, both physical and personality, the way his touch was slowly helping Noah out of the cold touch starved house he locked himself in. and the more he thinks about it, the emptier his apartment feels.

and Noah develops a littttttle crush. just a little.

they're both scared to love again. Owen doesn't want to build walls, but the other part of him wants that extra protection, even if the construction hurts more then not having them does. Noah doesn't want Owen to put walls up, because he knows from experience (how's Emma doing now?) it's not worth it. he doesn't want to lose him the same way he almost lost himself (does Owen wonder if Izzy's moved on by now the same way Noah wondered?)

but it's okay, because they're working on taking walls down together, one brick at a time.

but right now it's march 25th, so Owen's just going to plan another doordash order. he just reunited with his Noah! surely he works tomorrow too, right?

[youshouldhavepaidattentiondad]

Holding on to Feel the Same

Ao3

The sweet taste of cherry pie lingers on Duke's tongue. With a satisfied sigh, he sets down his fork.

Miss Holloway appears, clearing the empty plate with a grin. “How was it?”

“It was delicious, darlin’. It always is,” Duke chuckles.

The jukebox plays some 80's ballad to the empty diner. The clock on the wall reads a quarter till midnight.

In this moment, it feels like they're the only two people in the world.

Duke gives her a dreamy smile. He stands from his seat at the counter, extending a hand to her. “May I have this dance?”

Musical laughter escapes Miss Holloway's painted lips as she steps around the counter to take his hand. “You certainly can.”

As they sway together to the music, Duke gathers his courage. “I have a question for you.”

“Oh?” Miss Holloway tilts her head. “What is it?”

-

The question hangs heavy in the silence.

Sam takes one deep breath then another. “Never mind,” he finally says through gritted teeth.

“Sam, honey, just talk to me,” Charlotte pleads, voice wavering like she's about to cry.

“Fine.” A hand reaches up to pull off his aviators. His blue eyes are filled with tears. “Why do we keep doing this, Char? We're both fucking miserable.”

Gasping, Charlotte shakes her head. “We're just in a rough patch right. It'll get better-”

“When?” Sam demands, his voice breaking. “It's been years, nothing is getting better, Nothing is helping. Not counseling, not cuddle nights, nothing.”

He takes a deep breath, bringing a hand up to wipe at his eyes. Exhaustion bleeds into his voice. “I'm tired, Char. I'm so fucking tired.”

-

“Then sleep?” Paul suggests, brow furrowed in confusion. “I don't-”

“No, Paul,” Emma tries again with a sigh. Her brown eyes glimmer sadly. “I'm tired of this.” She gestures between the two of them. “I'm not- I'm not the settling down type. I'm not the girl you take home to meet your parents and have a nice little white picket fence life with.”

Blinking, Paul slowly stands from where he had been kneeling. The ring box in his hands closes loudly, the sound echoing in the quiet.

“So that's a no,” he tries to say nonchalantly. His voice still trembles.

“Look, I'm sorry.” Emma tries to console him. A hand comes up to run back through her hair as she watches how poorly he attempts to cover up the obvious heartbreak.

“Okay.” Paul slides the ring box back into his pocket. “Okay.” He gives her a weak smile. “Okay. Thanks for letting me know.”

He gives a thumbs up. “I should go. Take care, Emma.” He heads for the door, hoping she'll call after him.

-

There's no sound.

Ted sits on his bed as he studies the photograph cradled in his hands. Silent tears slip down his cheeks as he stares at the image.

He's there, young and naive, face free of facial hair. He ignores himself in favor of the young woman beside him. 

Years have passed but he can't seem to let go. Despite the sadness, resentment burns at his heart just like the tears in his eyes.

She never bothered to reach out to him so why should he go through the trouble of tracking her down? What does it matter If he loves her?

Jenny clearly didn't want him.

The silence breaks as he mutters, “Fucking bullshit.”

-

“What?” Ethan asks, tone stunned as he stares at Lex.

“You heard me!” Anger rages like fire in Lex's eyes. “I work my stupid fucking minimum wage job and come home to cook and clean and all this other shit-”

Ethan tries to shush her. “Babe, keep it down, Hannah's trying to sleep-”

This only seems to infuriate Lex more. Her voice drops to deadly quiet. “I do everything and what do I get for it?” She hisses.

“Babe, you're not alone-” Ethan tries, only to be cut off.

“It sure fucking feels like it!” Lex shakes her head, hands fumbling in her jacket pockets for her cigarettes and lighter. “I just- I need to be alone for one goddamn minute.”

She walks out the door, slamming it behind her.

-

Pete flinches at the sound. He stands on the doorstep, unsure of what to do next.

On the other side of the door, he can hear the mayor and Steph yelling at one another. He winces at their raised voices, taking a step back.

After what feels like an eternity, the shouting stops. The door flies open and Steph storms out. She takes Pete’s hand, squeezing so hard it feels like his fingers might come off.

Pete waits until they've walked a couple blocks before he stops, tugging Steph to a halt as well.

She turns to look at him, tears streaked with mascara running down her face.

He pulls her into a tight hug, unsurprised when she slumps against him.

“He hates me,” Steph manages to get out before her voice gets stolen by a sob. “He hates me and I don't know why.”

-

“He's just adjusting,” Tom assures, frowning slightly. “I'm sure he doesn't hate you.”

Becky sighs. “Tim said it to my face, Tom. I don't know if he thinks I'm trying to replace his mom or that I'm trying to steal you from him,  but he said it and it felt like he meant it.”

Tom fidgets with the piece of wood in his hands. “I'm sure he'll come around, Beck. He's nine. Big emotions and all that.”

Nodding, she sighs again as she sinks into a nearby chair. “I don't want to cause problems between you and your son,” Becky explains, “But I don't want to lose you again. It was hard enough the first time.”

-

Wiley laughs, a harsh, gravelly sound. “Really now? What, were you heartbroken over me, Johnny? Crying into your pillow like some lovesick teenage girl?”

Without thinking, John hits his fist off the plexiglass that divides the two of them. The ache in his hand is nothing compared to the pain in his chest. “I loved you!” he snaps, composure completely shattered.

Smirking, Wiley takes a step forward, placing an open palm on the plexiglass, right over John's fist. “I think you messed up there, Johnny. You said it in past tense. We both know you're not over me.”

The tags around John's neck feel like they weigh a thousand pounds. 

Wiley's grin only grows. “Oh, I know you,  Johnny. I know you even better than you know yourself. You keep hoping I'm going to come back. No matter how much you try to push it down, try to ignore it, you just can't get rid of that hope.”

It hurts. John feels like he can't breathe. His hand relaxes, his palm pressed against Wiley's through the plexiglass. 

“You want to beg for me to come back.” Wiley's eyes glint maliciously. “Go on.  Just ask.”

-

Duke swallows nervously. “Would you want to go on a date sometime?”

Their dancing comes to an abrupt halt as Miss Holloway stares at Duke, something akin to horror in those bright blue eyes.

“Oh, Duke…” She steps away from him, shaking her head. “I'm sorry, but I can't.”

His heart drops. “But I thought-” he starts.

“I'm sorry,” She repeats. She reaches up like she's going to cup his face, but jerks her hand back like she's been burned. “I'm not… you could do better.”

“But I want it to be you,” he counters almost desperately.

Shaking her head once more, Miss Holloway turns away from him. “It's late. You should get going. I need to close up.”

Defeated, Duke heads for the door, the bitter taste of rejection lingering on his tongue.

[iguana-eyanna]

NCIS: Damon Pt. 1

So I've been watching NCIS since summer and fell in love with a lot of supporting characters. Here are some blurbs I had in mind. <3

Damon Werth:

"Damon needs you, more than ever." Gibbs said as you stared at Damon through the one-way mirror glass.

"Special Agent Gibbs, I'm not sure. We broke up before his deployment." You said, tugging your cardigan closer.

You and Damon were high school sweethearts. He had dreams of serving his country, but his immune system got in the way of being medically cleared. In just an instant, he became one of the strongest and fastest soldiers in his unit. You couldn't believe how he progressed through training, but you kept it to yourself.

Things didn't go as planned the month before he deployed. He decided to break things off between both of you. You didn't understand, since both of you were thinking of marriage. Even if it wasn't easy, you had to move on for the sake of your unborn baby.

You found out just days after the breakup and Damon was already deployed. Up till now, two injured NCIS agents came to your doorstep asking you about your ex and that's how you ended up here.

"I never seen him so afraid." You whispered. Damon could only be described as a deranged beast, frightened of his surroundings as he tried to break free from his restraints.

"Somebody drugged him with enhancements. We're trying to figure out who did it." Gibbs said.

Your hand landed on your growing bump, feeling protective.

"You're the only one who can get through to him. You were listed as his emergency contact for a reason. If anything happens, I'll be outside the door in an instant." Gibbs reassured you.

You look at the agent and back to Damon, determined to get the love of your life back.

"I'm ready."

You were escorted out then arrived at the door where Damon was in. Your heart felt like it was going to leap out of your chest, but you nodded to Special Agent Gibbs to open the door.

Once he did, Damon's head whipped towards who came in and saw you. He didn't say anything, but his eyes explained it all. Gibbs closed the door gently behind you and you slowly made your way to sit down.

You tried to formulate words, but they couldn't come out.

"Please tell me you're real."

"Wh-What?" You replied.

Damon gulped as he felt his throat dry, but he continued.

"Tell me that you're actually here, and I'm not hallucinating."

You thought for a moment, and you looked up at him.

"When you finally got enlisted, you wanted to take me out to this fancy restaurant. After that, we strolled through the park and you bought me a yellow rose from a stand. Then you said..."

"... I'd buy all the flowers in the world if it meant to see you smile again."

Damon's voice became soft and saw how his muscles relaxed. You raised your hand on the table, trying to reach him but he flinched back.

"I don't - I don't want to hurt you." He said, his voice straining.

"You won’t, Damon."

He scoffs as he sits back.

"Really? Who do you think hurt those agents that brought you in?"

You pause, but you held your ground.

"You were scared, you didn't know what was real and what wasn't."

"Don't make excuses for me, I hurt people. It's not safe for you or your baby to be here."

You could feel your eyes water as he also looked like he was close to tears.

"Damon, it's our baby."

He was speechless. All this time, he thought you already found someone and made a family together.

"How long have you've -"

"6 months. I found out after we broke up."

And that's when his shoulders began to violently shake. He began to sob and tried to face away from you, ashamed.

"I should have- stayed. I should have never - left you." He hiccuped, as his eyes began to grow red.

You got up from your seat and stood by Damon, enveloping your arms around him. He sank into your embrace as his sobs began to grow louder. You silently cried as well, as you held him closer, missing his touch.

"Dammy, they're trying to help you. You need to tell them who did this to you."

"I-I can't. It's complicated."

You let go, feeling a burning sensation in your chest.

"Damon, that agent told me you could overdose! You would rather die than live long enough to see your daughter born?"

His eyes soften as more tears threaten to pour down his face.

A daughter... he always wanted a girl.

He wanted to tell you the truth so bad. But if he admitted that he'd administered the enhancements to himself, he would have been dishonorably discharged. He fought so hard for his future in the Marines, that's all he ever wanted to be: a soldier.

But all he could do was look up at you with saddened eyes.

"I'm sorry." Damon whispered.

You stood still as your tears felt like they were burning.

"You're not the man I fell in love with, Damon. I hope this is worth it." You said, storming off as you opened the door. He called your name, then began to yell after the door was closed. He tried breaking off his restraints but there was no use. You close your eyes as you lean behind the door, sobbing. Agent Gibbs was there in front of you with sympathetic eyes and you hugged him, needing some comfort that you hadn't had in a long time.

Damon could hear your sobs outside the door, only wanting to hold you in his arms and place a loving hand on your bump where your little girl was safe.

But he knew he had to keep this secret to protect you two.

Even if it would kill him.

[macsimagines]

I'M SORRY BUT

TW: NSFW, Toxic!Ran, DRUG USE

The fact that Ran Haitani is so fucking mean to you and just such an ass with you most of the time. In public you're just a pretty little face he likes to show off, but he'll toss you to the side real quick when he wants to flirt with other girls, and then call you a 'possessive bitch' truly a king of gaslighting

But then 🤪 he feels kinda bad when you're mad at him, he notices he's been getting the cold shoulder and he doesn't really like how it feels when he's not your whole world.

So of course he decides he has to remind you how nice he is. Just shows up at your doorstep with a couple of pre-rolls, like they're fucking roses, asking you to come in so he can 'apologize'

And Oof you almost don't let him in, but Ran always has the best green and you're running low on your own stash. Not to mention the way you can see him through his sweats that has you rubbing your thighs together.

You'll let him in and then he's walking straight to your couch and sitting down, legs wide open letting you see his cock's outline in his pants. Ran's hands rub against his thighs a gesture meant to tell you to come sit on his lap and you relent with a roll of your eyes.

Then he's putting one of the rolls between your lips, telling you to; Open up like a good girl. One of his hands trailing up your thigh up to pet you like you're some of puppy. But you just can't help but cling onto his words, the praise going straight to your pussy.

And Ran is such a gentleman, he even stops cupping your ass to light it for you, watching you take a big hit and licking his lips when you bring your mouth down to shotgun it to him. Then his hands go right back to fondling your ass and bringing it down to rub your pussy against his the tent in sweats.

He loves watching your face when he does this, loves the fact that he can see the fuzzy haze filling your eyes be mixed with arousal so suddenly. Ran can feel it too, how wet you are with just him fondling you for a few moments, the thin fabric of your panties not hiding anything from him.

But he steals himself from just pulling your underwear to the side and making you ride him, afterall he's supposed to be saying sorry. Ran will lay you down on the full length of the couch so gently too.

"It's ok, princess," he'll tell you, kissing his way down your stomach and slowly pulling your legs apart, "You keep smoking, let me take care of you first."

And you do, you don't even look to watch him pull your panties to the side, or to watch him lick his lips at seeing your wet folds. NO, you just take another drag as his tongue drags across your slit, and you close your eyes as he repeats the motion your whole body suddenly relaxing.

Ran does this languidly at first, enjoying the taste of you on his tongue, the way your pussy clenches around it. But he can tell you're getting impatient with the way you're rolling your hips, he even has to grab them to keep you from squirming too much.

And Ran will stay down there switching from tongue fucking you, to licking your slit until he decides he wants to feel you cum against his mouth and sucks down on your clit.

Any other day he would have yelled at you for grabbing his hair, but he lets you fuck up his braids and hold on for dear life as he forces an orgasm out of you suddenly, ignoring your "P-please! Its too much-Ah-!"

Ran won't waist anytime, you're not even fully done calming down when he pulls his leaking cock out and rubs the head along your slit.

"Fuck, baby~ Make daddy feel good too?"

[helloalycia]

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐒 [𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄] // 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐤

summary: after accidentally exposing your vulnerable side to Alicia, you fear you've crossed the line and can't go back on your feelings for her – and you're not sure you want to.

warning/s: mentions of death, blood, injury and weapons.

author's note: i think you’ll like this chapter haha, hope whoever requested this one does at least anyway! ♥️

one / two / four / masterlist / wattpad

When Alicia and I returned to the ranch the next day, I knew there was a shift in dynamic between us. Last night had brought us closer, especially since we fell asleep together, and I didn't hate it. Mostly, I was grateful for her company, but it also scared me a little. Growing closer with her meant my feelings were only intensifying, and that meant I was getting attached. I couldn't take losing someone else I cared for, so this was a dangerous game to play.

And yet I played it just a little longer. It would have been rude of me not to acknowledge what she'd done for me, how she'd been there for me. So, when I had the time, I picked some flowers, making her a bouquet – a little thank you for helping me – and left them in a vase on the doorstep of her family's cabin. As I left them there, hoping to avoid confrontation, footsteps behind me startled me and I spun around, embarassed.

"Er, hey."

It was Nick, Alicia's older brother.

"Erm, hi," I spoke awkwardly, offering a matching smile. We'd only spoken a few times on occasion, so it was still pretty odd between us.

His eyes fell to the vase behind me. "You good? You need something? Alicia's not here."

I cleared my throat uncomfortably. "Yes, I'm aware. Sorry, this was supposed to be– never mind. I was just– the flowers are for Alicia. They're a thanks for her helping me out with something yesterday. That's all."

He nodded slowly, definitely confused. "Nice. Okay, I'll let her know."

Letting out a breath, I smiled. "Great. I'll leave you to it."

As I was about to walk away, he stopped me and asked, "Are you and Alicia, like–? Y'know?"

I quirked a brow. "Like what?"

He studied my expression, confused, before shaking his head. "Never mind... You're friends, right? You hang out a lot."

"I guess so, yeah," I answered, visibly confused. "Why? Did she say something?"

"Say something?"

"Yeah, like did she say something about it?" I asked, wondering why he was asking a question with such an obvious answer.

He glanced at the flowers then shook his head. "No. Why? Did you expect her to say something?"

I tilted my head to the side, baffled by the direction of the conversation. "No... never mind. See you around, Nick."

"See you later," he returned with a nod, before shaking his head and taking the flowers inside.

I walked away, wondering what on earth that encounter was, before thinking about Alicia and hoping she'd like them.

That same evening, I was putting together a tray for dinner when I felt someone standing too close to my left. I looked up and realised it was Alicia, and she was smiling so softly that it made my heart skip a beat.

"Hey," she said, gaze holding mine. "I've been looking for you. I wanted to say thanks for the flowers."

I didn't know what to say, my brain short circuiting at how close she was standing to me.

"You could've just given them to me in person," she added, tilting her head playfully.

"It's no biggie," I said as coolly as I could.

Her smile began to widen with amusement, eyes twinkling. "You're no good at talking about your feelings, are you?"

I pressed my lips together awkwardly as she laughed at my dismay, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks.

"Never mind that," she said, thankfully. "You wanna sit with Ofelia and I?"

I nodded slightly. "Sure. I'll be with you in a minute. Just let me tell my dad."

She chewed on her lip as she nodded, her smile sure to stun me into silence forever, and then she walked away with her dinner tray.

Well, this crush thing didn't seem to be going away anytime soon.

"Hey, dad, d'you know where Ofelia is?" I asked, finding him by the pantry.

He glanced up from a clipboard he was holding, probably taking inventory. "Hm? I think she said something about feeding the horses, dear."

"Thanks!"

I took a leisurely stroll to the stables with a bag of clothes in hand, the ones Ofelia wanted me to patch some holes in. It was nice out today, albeit a little warm, with the sun shining down and giving everyone a reason to be outside.

Eventually, I spotted Ofelia at the stables, though she was holding the reins to a horse outside of them, talking to Alicia. I tried to ignore the way my heart rate increased slightly at the sight of the Clark girl, telling myself it wasn't a big deal that she was there, too. We were friends and I was grateful for her presence in my life, but this crush of mine wasn't going away in the slightest.

Every time I was around her, I tried to play it cool, but it was beginning to get impossible to stop my hands from growing clammy and my brain to stop functioning. At the same time, I couldn't distance myself from her because I liked the way she made me feel. I enjoyed talking to her, and I especially enjoyed the way she would give me all of her attention when she was with me. It made me feel foolishly important to her, and I didn't want to trade it for the world.

It terrified me.

As I approached them, Alicia spotted me first, her green eyes shining bright and matching her smile when she waved at me. I waved back, but my heart was already racing. Ofelia paused from her conversation and did the same when she saw me.

"Hey," I greeted them with a small smile, before holding the bag towards Ofelia. "Patched those holes up for you, Ofelia."

"Yes, thank you!" she said gratefully, accepting the bag and looking inside before pulling me in for a quick hug. "I owe you."

I waved a hand dismissively, knowing she didn't, then glanced at the horse. "What are you guys up to?"

"Ofelia here won't teach me how to ride a horse," Alicia answered, shooting her an unimpressed look. "I'm trying to convince her otherwise."

Ofelia raised her hands in defeat. "I've told you a million times, Alicia, I'm a shit teacher. And I can barely ride one properly myself."

"Ofelia, c'mon!" Alicia tried to convince her lightheartedly.

"Y/N, why don't you teach her?" Ofelia looked to me, making me quirk a brow. "You're more patient than I am. And you kinda taught me, didn't you?"

I blinked. "I– er–"

"You can ride a horse too?!" Alicia asked me with surprise. "Of course you can. Right, now you have to teach me."

I sighed, glancing at my watch. "I don't know. I said I'd help–"

"Please," she begged, hands on my arm as she gave me a pleading look. "I'm a quick learner, swear."

I couldn't help but smile at how cute she looked. It was impossible to deny her. "Fine," I gave in, making her grin.

"Yes!" she muttered, before saying to Ofelia, "Thanks for nothing."

Ofelia rolled her eyes playfully before giving me the reins to the horse. "She's all yours. The horse too."

I laughed as Alicia glared at her when she walked away. Stroking the horse's head, I smiled before looking to the eager Clark girl before me.

"Okay, let's start with the basics, yeah?" I said, holding out my hand. "Give her a stroke, go on."

Alicia stepped forward, placing her hand in mine, and I placed it gently on the horse's head, starting her off. She began to smile as she relaxed, stroking her fur.

"She's cute," Alicia commented, glancing at me. "She got a name?"

"Not that I know," I said, watching her with admiration. "She's one of the ranch's horses, not ours."

Alicia hummed, attention back on the horse, and I forced myself to look away from her before she caught on.

"Okay, we'll start with mounting the horse and then dismounting, sound good?" I said to her after a moment.

"Whatever you say, Miss Y/L/N," she said, purposely teasing me.

"Don't be an ass," I warned her, but a smile was ghosting my lips nonetheless.

We spent the next half an hour together, with me attempting to teach her how to grow comfortable around the presence of a horse. She got as far as riding around the field in circles at a slow trot, but nothing more than that because she didn't trust herself to do more.

"Okay, this is a lot more tiring than I realised," she admitted when I helped her dismount and she jumped off beside me.

I hid my smile as I said, "What did you think would happen? That you'd be galloping around the place in two minutes?"

She quirked a brow. "Er, yeah?"

I laughed, shaking my head. "C'mon, Alicia, it takes practice."

She sighed dramatically, crossing her arms and watching the horse. "I won't give up. But we're definitely done for today."

I shrugged, stroking the horse's mane. "Suit yourself. I think you did pretty good though."

She nudged me in the side. "Thanks. Now, are you gonna take me on a horse ride or do I have to take your word for it that you know how to ride this thing?"

Again, I tried not to laugh as I glanced at her. "You think I'm lying?"

She challenged me with a smile. "Maybe."

"Wow." I rolled my eyes playfully, before mounting the horse and patting her back. "You coming or what?"

Alicia grinned and I held out my hand, helping her up on the horse. Getting comfortable behind me, she suddenly wrapped her arms around my waist and I felt goosebumps all over my skin, even in the heat. Dismissing the feeling of it all, I glanced over my shoulder.

"You secure back there?"

She nodded in my back. "You got one shot to impress me, Y/L/N."

I cracked a small smile, nerves disappearing for a moment, before facing forward and grabbing the reins. With a slight move of my foot and wrist, we were off, initially at a slow walk which then transformed into a gentle gallop. Alicia's arms tightened slightly as we moved a little faster, but she didn't tell me to stop, so I kept at the same pace for a bit.

"Okay, this is really fun," she admitted joyfully, looking around the field. "How don't you do this all the time?"

"As much as I'd love to gallop around a field all day, I have other responsibilities," I joked, before glancing back. "Want me to go faster?"

"You can do that?"

"Obviously," I said knowingly. "Only if you're comfortable."

I could feel her smiling against my back as her hands tightened slightly. "Do it."

With a suppressed smile, I began to ride faster, feeling lightweight as the horse galloped at full speed around the field. Alicia yelped, grip squeezing me more, before she began to laugh, and that was when I knew it was okay. Her laughter filled me with a warmth that I only ever felt around her, and I wouldn't have traded that moment for anything else. It was perfect.

Eventually, I returned to the stables and we slowed down, coming to a halt outside them.

"You okay?" I checked in with her, glancing behind me.

She was grinning. "Are you kidding me? That was awesome!"

I smiled, dismounting the horse before holding my hands out for her to grab. She accepted them and let me help her off, her hair all dishevelled from the ride, only serving to make her look more beautiful.

"I take back what I said," she gushed, "that was insane. You were so good! You've gotta help me get that good."

I chuckled. "I will, I promise. You'll get there eventually, Alicia."

She laughed, licking her lips and glancing from the horse to me. We were both on cloud nine, adrenaline coursing through us from the ride, and I didn't notice how close we were stood to one another until I spotted the ethereal gold flecks in her irises, and the stunning laugh lines around her smile, and the softness of the slope of her nose, and– god, was she always this pretty?

Of course she was. I'd always known it, I just never wanted to admit it. But right here, right now, I was mesmerised, and I couldn't seem to move away. But I didn't need to because she took me by surprise, her eyes flickering between mine, smile fading as she looked to my lips. Eyes meeting mine once more, she closed her own and leaned forward, lips pressing to mine.

They were as soft and delicate as they looked. I closed my eyes, melting into her in seconds, nothing making sense except for the feeling of her against me. It was as if every part of me was weighed down and as soon as she kissed me, my insides shot up into the sky like fireworks. I couldn't stop, intoxicated already, my hand creeping up her neck and hers curling around my waist.

I wanted this, and so did she, but this was insane. What the hell was I doing?

I pulled apart suddenly, flushed and embarrassed and stressed. When she saw my expression, her smile faded.

"Wait–"

"That shouldn't have happened," I cut her off, letting go and taking a step back.

She licked her lips and I cursed inwardly at how easily my eyes followed it. "Y/N–"

"I just realised I said I'd help Ofelia with something," I lied terribly, but needing an excuse to leave. "Sorry."

My head was spinning as I walked away, mortified. How could I give in so easily?

I should have known Alicia would try to talk things out with me after our kiss – she wasn't as emotionally immature as I was, clearly – but I tried to avoid her at every cost. She'd look for me in my cabin, where I'd get my dad to tell her I wasn't there, or if it was in the evening, he'd tell her I was already asleep. Of course, that led to the conversation with him of why I was avoiding her, and I had to lie saying it was a minor thing, but he definitely didn't believe me.

It was easier not to talk about it – ever again, if I had it my way. Liking her was one thing, but the thought of her liking me back? And the possibility of us actually being something more than friends? Absolutely terrifying.

So, I avoided her as much as I could, finding an excuse to leave if she ever approached me whilst doing chores, and then she seemed to get the hint after a few days, giving me some time to cool off.

It was obvious enough to everyone else, the awkwardness between us, since prior to this we'd been glued at the hip. That's why when we were sat in a meeting with my dad, her mum, Jake, Nick and Ofelia, it was brought up.

I was zoning out for the most of the meeting, knowing they were just going over what was going on at the ranch, where we were at with supplies and things like that. But then Madison called my name and I looked up, startled.

"I'm sorry, what was that?" I asked, feeling everyone's eyes on me, including the green ones I didn't want to be.

Madison nodded to me and then Alicia. "You and Alicia are gonna go on a supply run. A gas station not far from here."

I sat up straight, about to protest, but Alicia beat me to it, giving her mum a disapproving look.

"Mum, I don't think–"

"It's already been decided," Madison interrupted her, as my father nodded in agreement.

I gave him a questioning look. "Dad, don't you think–"

"You heard Madison," he cut me off with finality.

"Maybe it'll finally fix this rift between you both as well," Madison added quietly, exchanging looks with Alicia.

I raised my eyebrows with disbelief, both embarrassed to be called out and also nervous because the last thing I needed right now was to go on a supply run alone with Alicia.

"You did this on purpose, didn't you?" I muttered to my dad as he handed me my backpack. "You and Madison."

"Partially," he admitted. "We do need some more gas if you can find it, but also you and Alicia need to solve whatever this petty fight is. There's no time for it, Y/N."

I rolled my eyes in response before shouldering my backpack and approaching the pickup truck outside the front gate of the ranch. Of course, Alicia happened to be doing the same thing and we both reached for the door handle at the same time, our fingers brushing one another. I instantly pulled away, hating that I was already being reminded of the feeling of those same fingers around my waist the other day.

"Sorry, I–"

"It's fine, you can drive," I told her, clearing my throat.

"You sure?" she asked, eyes trying to find mine, but I avoided hers.

"Uh-huh," I agreed awkwardly, before rounding the truck to get into the passenger's seat.

I reminded myself that this was just another job, before putting my seatbelt on and keeping quiet as she got in the truck too. The air was thick with tension, so much that I was forced to roll down the window as she drove us to the gas station. Get in, get out, that was all we had to do.

She parked the truck out front before we both jumped out and made our way to the back of the gas station to find the generator. It was uncomfortably quiet as we located it and prepared to turn it on with some fuel we'd brought with us.

"I'll head inside and turn on the pumps," she finally spoke. "You okay to turn the generator on first?"

I nodded and she left to do just that. After fiddling about with the generator, the gas station finally had enough power to last long enough for us to fill some gas cans, but we had to be quick. I met Alicia back out front and, in more silence, we began to pump gas into some cans we'd brought.

"So, I was thinking and maybe now would be a good time to talk," she suddenly said, breaking the silence. "Unless you were planning to ignore me forever."

I pursed my lips, focusing on the task at hand. "I'd rather not."

I could feel her eyes burning into my face, unimpressed. "Y/N."

I didn't answer, hoping she would take the hint and leave it at that, but she hung up the pump and faced me properly.

"I don't get it," she said tiredly. "I kissed you, yeah, but you kissed me back! It doesn't have to be complicated. It doesn't have to be–"

"It does!" I interrupted, not meaning to snap. Exhaling slightly, I risked looking up at her, my fear returning. "It is. It is complicated."

Her expression softened as she tried understand. "Why is it? What are you so scared of, Y/N?"

I closed my eyes, looking back down to the gas can in my hand.

"I can't read your mind, although right now I wish I could," she admitted with a sad smile. "Please, tell me."

The struggle in her voice made me feel guilty – she'd only ever been patient with me, but I couldn't have this with her.

"I've lost a lot of people," I spoke reluctantly. "And I'm not putting myself into this situation where I'm gonna lose you, too. It's easier this way, and I shouldn't have kissed you back."

She furrowed her brows. "So your reaction is to push me away and lose me instead anyway?"

"Uh-huh." I put the can down and grabbed the gas pump. "At least it's my choice that way.

She scoffed, sounding completely annoyed and upset for the first time. "That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard."

My grip tightened on the pump. "Then I'm dumb. Leave it."

"You can't just–"

"I said leave it!" I exclaimed heatedly. "It was a mistake, okay? It shouldn't have happened!"

"Let's say that's true," she persisted, despite my protests. "You're saying we aren't friends anymore either?"

I frowned, swallowing the lump in my throat. "No. I don't need you."

She fell quiet and I knew it wasn't very nice, but it had to be said if it meant she'd leave me alone.

"You really mean that?" I nodded, but she said, "At least look at me, Y/N."

I sighed, lifting my head to meet her hurt expression.

"You really mean that?" she repeated, jaw clenched as she waited for an answer.

"Yeah, I do," I said bluntly.

She pressed her lips together, eyes betraying her hurt, and it broke my heart to see her like this, especially because I was the cause. But I couldn't give in – I needed to push her away otherwise I'd gain her, just to lose her to something or the other. And after my mum, I couldn't bear to lose someone else so close to me.

"Whatever," she mumbled, eyes avoiding mine now. "I'm gonna check the store."

She left me alone as she headed inside, and I felt horrible but knew it had to be the right thing to do. I didn't understand how she could be so confident and fear nothing from us – I wished I could be the same to give her what she deserved, but I wasn't.

I tried to hurry up, wanting nothing more than to go back to the ranch and pretend today didn't happen, but as I was filling up more cans with fuel, I heard a gunshot come from the store and froze.

"Alicia?!" I called worriedly, before dropping everything and running inside the store with my gun in hand.

When I went inside, I called out for her again, on high alert, and only when I ran to the till at the back did I see her on the floor, bleeding out from her stomach.

"Oh my God," I got out, running to her side with my heart in my throat. "No, no, no, Alicia."

She was dazed, eyes glazed over and barely able to focus on me. My eyes followed down to her wound, hands pressing to it to stop the blood, but it was everywhere and I couldn't pinpoint the exact spot. I looked up, trying to figure out what happened, and then I saw the staff room door opposite her open, with a shotgun aimed right at her. Someone must have rigged it as a trap to go off when the door opened and Alicia had been caught in it.

"Alicia, talk to me," I pleaded, eyes tearing up as my brain struggled to work out what to do next. "Alicia?"

She let out a groan, hand weakly reaching for mine, but she scrunched her face up in pain and dropped it. The shrapnel from the shotgun shell had made a huge mess of her stomach, blood everywhere and scaring me to death. This was all my fault. She'd gone in here because I'd pissed her off, and now she was hurt.

No, there wasn't time to think like that right now. I needed to get her back to the ranch.

"Okay, I need to get you out of here," I spoke aloud, needing to hear something other than my own daunting thoughts. "Just– think, Y/N."

I let go of her quickly, spotting some t-shirts hung up in the corner of the store – one of the few things left in a place already ransacked – and tore into it, the cheap fabric ripping in no time. I tried my best wrap it around her stomach, needing something to soak up the blood whilst I got her to the truck, but it was already staining a deep red and I couldn't see it holding for long.

"I'm gonna help you up now, Alicia," I warned her, heart aching when I saw the tears in her eyes.

I wrapped my arm behind her shoulders before lifting her up into a sitting position. She let out a scream, falling limp for a moment, but I couldn't afford to stop. I powered through, trying to remind myself that it was for her benefit, despite the screams she was letting out, and carried her weight on my side as much as I could.

With great difficulty and a lot of muttered swearing on her end, I managed to lay her down in the backseat of the truck before jumping into the driver's seat and already starting the route back.

Too much was happening as I radioed the ranch, warning them of Alicia's state and to prepare the medbay for use. The inevitable bumpy ride was causing great pain to Alicia as she continued to lose colour in the backseat; I kept glancing back at her, trying to talk her into staying awake, but it was no use as my voice was long gone to her.

My heart was racing so fast by the time I pulled up to the ranch, so much that I didn't acknowledge anything other than making sure Alicia would be okay. Nick helped me take her out from the truck, lowering her onto a stretcher, and she was rushed straight to the medbay where they could take a look at her. After giving a quick account of what happened, I was ushered out the room, my last sight of her laying unconscious on a bed.

I wanted to throw up as I stood outside, catching my breath. This wasn't supposed to happen. It was only supposed to be a quick in and out supply run, nothing more, nothing less. It was all my fault.

The sound of the medbay doors opening suddenly made me turn around, and out walked Madison, Nick, Ofelia and my dad, the latter of whom embraced me in a tight hug before checking over me once more.

"You're sure you're okay? You didn't get hurt?" he asked the same thing he did when I first pulled up.

"I'm sure," I told him quickly, before my eyes fell to Madison and Nick's, and the guilt very quickly set in. "I– I'm so sorry, Madison, I– Nick, I– we didn't know. It was a trap and she shouldn't have gone in alone. I should've been with her, but we had an argument and I– she was pissed and she went in there to get away, but I– I'm so fucking sorry– I didn't know– I–"

"Hey, hey, hey, it's not your fault!" Madison cut me off, pulling me in for a hug, and I hated that I was crying into her shoulder when she should have been crying. Her daughter was literally on the brink of death because of me!

"It is," I told her between sobs. "She wouldn't have got hurt if I didn't–"

"The trap was there whether you fought or not," Madison told me, holding me at arm's length. "Neither of you knew."

I begged to differ, since Alicia wouldn't have stormed off inside so carelessly if I hadn't upset her like I had.

"The doctor said you brought her back just in time," she continued, eyes red as she had cried earlier, but she was holding up for me. "Thank you. Now, we wait. But you need to get cleaned up."

"I don't–"

"She's right, Y/N," Ofelia stopped me from protesting, already taking my hand. "Come on."

I frowned, glancing back at the medbay and praying to anything and everything that Alicia would make it. I let Ofelia bring me back to her place, but I couldn't stop shaking as I thought about how weak and lifeless Alicia looked before.

"It was my fault," I muttered to Ofelia when we were in her cabin. "I was so horrible to her and now she's dying because of me."

"Y/N, what happened exactly?" she asked worriedly, meeting my eyes.

I shook my head, trying not to cry again as I looked down at my trembling hands. They were still covered in Alicia's blood, dried up but serving as a reminder of what happened.

"Y/N, you need to talk to me," Ofelia encouraged.

Tears rolled down my cheeks as I looked up at her. "She kissed me. A few days ago. And I kissed her back, but I shouldn't have. I ran away and hadn't spoken to her since, until today. She wanted to talk to me about it at the gas station, but I told her I didn't need her, as a friend or anything more. I– I was so horrible, Ofelia. I didn't mean it. I didn't mean any of it, I was just scared of losing her. But now I might lose her anyway and she's gonna think– fuck, she's gonna think I hate her and–"

I stopped, shaking even more and realising how foolish I was to do any of what I did in the first place. The irony of it all would have been laughable if it didn't mean Alicia was hurt.

Ofelia pulled me in for a hug, practically holding me together, and she didn't need to say anything for me to know she was sorry. I didn't deserve her pity – this was my fault. But it was comforting nonetheless.

[zhaliacain]

Huntikmas day 21- How the team does their shopping

Dante:

I mean we've seen how Dante does his shopping. This man knows exactly what he wants and needs and goes and gets it and comes straight home. He only needs a basket because he knows not to overwhelm his cupboards with perishables in case of missions and he's completely on top of everything else he's so planned out he can always carry it home in one bag. He also brings reusable bags to do the shop with because those handles are far too long for a usual paper bag. He's also probably going to a local market for all this to get everything fresh and the stall holders probably know him by name.

Cherit:

I mean he can't go outside so he's either in a bag whispering to Lok or Dante what he wants or in this day and age he's taking full advantage of online shopping and deliveries. He just speaks through the intercom of Dante's house and tells them to leave it on the doorstep or sends someone else out for him. Still praying Cherit gets paid by the foundation.

Sophie: Leblanche:

I mean Leblanche does it doesn't he? Unlike Dante, Leblanche is only going to those high end shops, nothing budget and everything has the word 'luxury' or 'finest' on the label. He isn't afraid to go to multiple shops to get what he needs, he's got the time whilst everyone is so busy and it's quite a pleasant routine for him. His meals are always planned without a hitch but unlike Dante they sometimes run out of things between planned shops but he likes the excuse to head into town and stretch his legs to replace it.

Zhalia:

Zhalia's policy for fresh food is that if she can't carry it in her arms then she doesn't need it. She doesn't waste food given her past and she's acutely aware of how often she's away on missions so she gets fresh food as she needs it rather than doing a regular shop. Non perishables she does stock pile in the cupboards but she builds it slowly over time rather than buying loads at once. She definitely reuses the same shopping bag from the store every time rather than buying a new one or a tote.

Harrison, Den, Lok:

Three idiots go shopping together, I wonder where I've heard that one before. Walk around the shop speaking in cryptic meme and vine references, have no clue where anything is, can't steer the trolley. Lok always writes a list of things he needs but ends up forgetting it, very much impulse buying anything that catches their eyes. Den and Harrison have a similar background to Zhalia but they're still so young that this leads to them buying everything and hoarding it. Lok has experience shopping with his mum which was always a pleasant experience so he remembers most essentials but he always goes home with a couple of crucial ingredients missing. They have hundreds of bags at home but always forget them and end up getting more at the shop. Definitely overestimate how much they can carry and they struggle to get home and whilst online shopping probably would be better for them, the fun and experiences they have are worth the hassle.