#this got longer than i thought it would be lmao

[ridiculed-baker]

Tikki needed to hide behind a baked-goods display case when her holder got trapped in the clay. While Marinette attempted to struggle, she narrowed her eyes and almost laughed at the mention of Betterfly. “Yeah, good luck with that,” She commented. She’s never been able to track the hero down herself as Shadybug. 

As they left, Marinette closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. What a nuisance. Tikki flew over, seeking to provide comfort in any way she could. Yet Marinette had no want for it. Walking away, she turned on the sink behind the front counter, rolling up her sleeves and cleaning her face. 

There was a mirror, too, and her reflection showed the make-up washed away. The black lines stood out more as they followed the shape of her face on the left side.

“... Let’s go to bed, Tikki,” She mumbled, heading back upstairs with the kwami not too far behind.

The next morning after re-applying the make-up, Marinette’s parents were quick to blame their own daughter for their goods disappearing, but was able to convince them she was asleep the entire night. At least it was the weekend and there were some delivery orders; she’d be able to get out of the house. Hauling some of the deliveries (and Tikki) in tow in a bag, Marinette hopped onto her motor scooter. She knew many of the streets like the back of her hand.

She stopped at a red light, taking a moment to adjust her sitting position. The group was still out there, no doubt, yet she lacked the knowledge to know where they fled to-

There was movement in her peripheral vision and her eyes went towards it, turning her head fully since her helmet had a visor.

"What the!? Who are you? Why are you...how are you in my head!?" Before Des could choke answers out of this guy he left, was he the butterfly? Was this a quirk or the guy they were looking for? A neck to choke later. Shaking out of his daze the butterfly seemed to fly off. Shadow was about to destroy it but Des stopped him.

In the shop the young girl probably didn't notice him, but there he was, Diezel was still in the shop and with his clay quirk grabbed the girl. "Heh heh he, gotchu."

"Follow that little butterfly shit, it might lead us to the guy we're looking for!" Des would shake off the fatigue.

"Heya boss I caught someone in the store watching us. Lookie she's like a girl you? She even has hair covering her other eye." He'd bring her side by side with his boss, Des would look embarrassed, moving away a bit.

"You know we don't do kidnapping D.Z...let the cute, I mean girl go." His tail would wag betraying his try hard tough nature. It's been a long time since he saw a girl around his age, he was hanging around with dumb adults.

"I disagree...she seems familiar, and this butterfly we learned is a hero, maybe with bait we can lure him out." M.T would stand to his full height, tall as a building he'd crack. "Bring er, fer now, let's find a place to crash."

"...Boss?" The group would look at him.

"Tch! I don't take orders from that giant idiot...D.Z." Desmond would take her and remove her from the clay. "We honor the old man...we don't kidnap...let's go." With that each of them would follow on their bikes after the flying villain. Des would look back at the girl one last time before running off to join them.

[nenoname]

stan twins the canon cptsd brothers i will always think about all your unaddressed issues that would make perfect plot fuel for your spinoff

and also the whole 'stan getting that poem by bill via a website which contrasts with bill getting one from the axolotl via a website' foreshadowing thing

like idk i would love something like su future but like more optimistic, aka not an accumulated breakdown that has to be mostly resolved off screen at the end :/// but something thats being kinda addressed throughout? (although would love to see one of them turn into a monster thats always fun lol)

stan having severe issues from his dad and those years of being homeless that we keep on getting more info on but never really getting confronted on (the drifter catalogue and tijuana incident...), him being completely alone for like twenty years when running the shack before soos comes along to the point that 1998 is noted as his low point, and him not really learning about bill+what he did to ford until ages after he killed him if he ever did get the full context

while i think amnesia and everyone seeing him as a hero actually helped with stan's 'i'm a worse version of my brother' thing its still a lingering issue too and we now got him being insecure over his own hands

ford being immediately thrown from 'being tortured by bill' to 'being stuck in the multiverse and being chased by bounty hunters constantly', him fully expecting himself to die when destroying bill, and him only now being safe for the first time in 30 years ....relatively safe, he's still in constant danger because of course he is

idk in the end the series wants them to be happy and they deserve it, its why i wasn't too worried about the book being like 'ooh bill is back!! and the book is haunting ford' thing cos i knew they'll be ok

[mabaki]

GW2CC Revenge for @ilona-art Power Couple Enya and Ace!!!

[bunnihearted]

🫖🐭☁️🍚

[romanceddawn]

A Night of Quiet Surprises by deevotee| Rating: T

Getting through an unplanned pregnancy is one thing, trying to actually raise a baby without Yugi losing his mind is another. Some days are easier to handle than others, but this one…not so much.

Tags: No Archive Warnings Apply, Kaiba Seto/Mutou Yuugi, Kaiba Seto, Mutou Yuugi, Trans Mutou Yuugi, Trans Male Character, Kid Fic, Single Parent Mutou Yuugi, Pre-Relationship, Pining, Kaiba not knowing how to function without Yugi, Or how to convey affection, Minor Character Death, Depression, Post-Partum Depression, Yugi's going through it, Angst and Fluff, Post-Canon

Part 1 of Newborns and New Beginnings

[akkivee]

wound up revisiting the hypmic timeline last night and maybe there’s a chance rei and nayuta met in that military department!!!

what makes me giggle about that tho is by the time wwiii starts, ichiro’s already been born and is 4 years old so if they did meet in that specific point in the timeline, that would mean it only took two years for rei and nayuta to start making babies LOL

[moreaugriffins]

Imagine Peter getting a call in the middle of the night

him thinking it's probably Ray getting excited about a definitely haunted hairbrush, and letting it ring

eventually picking it up as it continues to ring for a few minutes, only to find out it's Egon's wife

She's stressed, and worried, and Peter isn't sure why she's ringing him

But Winston isn't picking up the phone, and she knows that Egon and Ray have been arguing a lot recently so...

But she's worried

Because Egon's not doing well. He hasn't been sleeping much, or taking care of himself much (which Peter had noticed every time they went on call together), he's been muttering weird stuff, and obsessed with his notes and books, and usually she can help stop him spiralling but he's been pulling away recently, and spending less time and home and-

"He hasn't come home yet"

Egon always comes home, they made an agreement years ago. He's never broken the agreement before

So she's worried

And Peter is too

He knew Egon wasn't doing well, but they were men in their 40s, Egon wasn't a child, he could look after himself, and it was not Peter's job to monitor him. If Egon was struggling, he could speak up. He knew he could come to his friends for help

Then his mind casts back to the time in uni when Egon tried to drill a hole in his own head, how it all started just like this: the sleepless nights and obsessive studies, and pulling away from everyone, even skipping his lectures.. Peter and Ray just about got there on time.. Though Peter joked about the incident now, he's still rattled by it

He's still pretty rattled by many of Egon's vaguely suicidal experiments

He says he'll go look for Egon (after all, she's got a toddler to keep an eye on)

Reassures her that he's fine, that it'll all be fine, he probably just hyperfocused on the proton packs or something, you know how he is

It doesn't reassure her much - he doesn't even believe his own words either, but what else can he say

After the call, he heads to the Firehouse, knowing that if Egon was anywhere, it would likely be in the lab. It was practically the scientist's second home

He storms up to the lab (the place felt eerily quiet. Janine doesn't work at night anymore, Winston has his own home, and Ray has his flat above his shop)

the light is on

that's something

He opens the door, expecting to see Egon in a chaotic state (or god forbid...), and to be fair, the room is an utter mess, with books open, numbers and scripture written on the whiteboard, a pile of empty Twinkies packets around the bin stuffed full of crumpled papers

and in the middle of this mess, is Egon, head in hands, book open in front of him. It's subtle, but he can see the rise and fall of his shoulders

at least he isn't dead (he ignores how worrying that thought is)

He goes over to Egon and whacks him over the top of his head - usually an affectionate gesture from Peter (the affection is slightly lost)

"Come on Spengs, you really leaving your wife at home?"

Egon looks up at him, brows furrowed, and a practised guarded expression, though his eyes gave away the deep exhaustion and paranoia the scientist must be feeling

If it were Winston, he'd know the exact thing to say to Egon, a talk on how his actions are making his (Egon's) wife feel, and to get his act together, with the reminder that everyone was here for him

If it were Ray, despite all the arguments the two had recently, Ray would comfort him, know the exact words to calm the man and ground him back in some sense of reality - those two understood each other on a level like no other

But it was Peter here, right now

And he's not good at emotional conversations or situations. A serious conversation makes him feel like he's going to break out in hives. It's easier to joke than deal with emotions. (that's why he and Egon got on well. Neither liked talking about how they feel)

So when Egon replies with ramblings about Gozer, clearly lost and not in his right mind, Peter makes a couple jokes, he deflects from Egon's worries and brings the man down to the kitchen to make a hot chocolate to calm Egon's mind (that's what they used to do, right?)

There's more talk, mostly from Peter, about some studies he's working on (that are mostly accurate), and how Dana and Oscar are doing, and the show because oh boy does he have a story about that one man who believed he could communicate with fish-

Egon is barely engaging, Peter could see, his mind is elsewhere, running at a million miles an hour, doing complex calculations and making connections. Peter didn't envy the man really - it must be difficult having a mind so clever and loud.

So when he can tell the talking isn't working, he asks "We defeated Gozer, remember? when my girlfriend was turned into a dog, and Stay Puft got the biggest commercial for free, and we crossed the streams. He's gone forever, right?"

Egon seems to come back to reality for a moment, and they stare at each other, before Egon nods slightly and finally takes a sip of his hot chocolate.

Peter eventually drives Egon home, selfishly because he wants to keep an eye on his friend for a little longer, but Egon doesn't utter a word. That's fine. The silence makes Peter's skin itch but it seems to be doing Egon some good.

They arrive at the house (the living room lights are still on), and Egon goes to leave the car, but Peter reaches over last minute, his mouth moving faster than his brain, "All you gotta do is ask, if you need help. We're still your mates, yeah? I don't know what goes on in that brain of yours but you aren't alone."

Egon seems to be mulling something over in his head, then pulls away from Peter's grip - "Goodnight Peter." - and heads inside.

Over the next few weeks, Peter keeps an eye on Egon

He seems to slowly get better

There are no more phone calls from Egon's wife (except one to talk about what happened that night), his eyebags seem to fade away, he talks less about Gozer, the notes disappear and the books are put neatly away or are packed up, and most importantly he seems to be arguing less with the group and making an effort to spend time with them

Then he's gone

and all the equipment and Echo 1 are gone too.

[inushimas]

it's a daily mission whenever you visit the Astral Express, Luocha.

[snzluv3r]

plot twist update on my gf catching my cold: turns out i caught her cold, and it’s definitely something a little worse than a cold but maybe not quite as severe as the flu

[gerudospiriit]

🦎 + marriage

🦎s for Headcanons || Open!

[After Ganondorf's demise, Nabooru swore off the idea of ever marrying. While this isn't necessarily surprising considering Gerudo culture, her own view of marriage itself, and how she doesn't feel she has the time to foster that kind of relationship, she not only doesn't see it happening, but she doesn't WANT it to.

Until Ganondorf proposed, she never expected to marry, even to him when they were in a relationship beforehand. Only with him did she LIKE the idea of being married, even if it wouldn't change much. Considering it now doesn't give her the same joy or comfort. Imagining herself bound like that to someone else doesn't appeal to her. Their relationship was special to her. HE was special to her, and she is pretty stubbornly convinced no one will be as suitable for her as he was. Plus, in a lot of ways, despite their differences and the end of their relationship, she would feel like she's betraying his memory (and she had already done enough to betray him). Their plans and what they were beginning to build together. In a way, she...kind of still feels like she's still engaged to him, either out of the love she felt for him even in their worst hours or some attachment to the fact that they never REALLY broke it off, the latter likely being exacerbated by being brainwashed before that could happen IF it was going to happen. It's why she hasn't pulled what so many people in movies and books and the like do with their wedding/engagement rings when things go south: she can't bring herself to get rid of or stop wearing the arm band he gave her (sorry, no dramatic tossing the jewelry into Lake Hylia here).

All of this even though she is fully aware he would very, very likely heap nothing but hatred on her name. That he would view their relationship and his proposal to her as a mistake and perhaps with no fondness at all. That he would kill her on site, if not torture her first. But...she doesn't hate him for what he did, not really. She was afraid of the repercussions her people might see and she was afraid FOR him when she saw him changing before her eyes, but she can't hate him herself. She does understand how he got where he was.

Because of this and other factors like the brainwashing leading to a sort of weird gap in time for her and her views of marriage anyway, when it comes to the promise she made to him and their relationship, she both feels guilty for seeking out marriage again and just generally doesn't have any desire to do so.]

[akai-anna]

So I already asked this before, but here I am asking you to do it again cause I honestly really enjoy reading about how you view each of the relationships in decto. So if it's not too much to ask will you do a part 3 just rambling about other relationships in decto. Also I'm glad my last ask made you that happy, and don't worry take as long as you like there's no rush to make them.

Anon-san. Dear. Darling. You are truly a blessing, a pure source of joy, a beauty in this measly existence we call a life. I would have never thought you'd come back for more rambling. Just. Thank you. So much.

And I'm happy you enjoyed my previous ramblings, and I hope you will enjoy this one too.

Notes, as always:

as in the previous asks relating to the ship opinion bingo, i interpret relationships in the broadest possible sense

i check everything that makes sense to me, even if they seem contradictory; i view them applied to different situations/universes/possibilities

*rolls up sleeves* Ok, now buckle up.

I. Akai Shuuichi/Okiya Subaru - Kudou Shinichi/Edogawa Conan (and The Kudous)

The Silver Bullet Duo (and the Parents Partners In Crime)

They just... have such a fascinating dynamic.

Akai, first learning about this lil kiddo through investigating Vermouth (Cool Guy) and as they started interacting, treating this boy as an equal despite him (seemingly) being a child. The fact he is openly impressed by Conan/Shinichi ("You always amaze us, boy."); I cannot put into words how important it is to me that Akai respects this gremlin child. (ONE OF thE BESt INVEstigAtoRS IN JAPAN HE SAID!!!!) Shinichi Being all sus of the guy at first, only to find a great mind in him, an amazing scheming partner, someone he can trust to protect his friend. They are not only on the the same wavelength (not even being in the same place) but make a very effective as a team; the sheer compatibility.

But also their actual first meeting BEING: SHINICHI BASICALLY CALLING AKAI SHUUICHI A CLOWN. INCREDIBLE.

And also, Akai being one of the precious few who knows about this lil gremlins identity. It's so important to me; as someone who dearly wants and aches for Shinichi to share his identity with at least a few other people, I cherish all individuals who are aware of his true identity. Not to mention, that the identity reveal to Akai was one of the most hilarious things I have ever witnessed. (Shinichi literally outing himself because he is too comfortable, too at ease in his own home and around these people, and distracted by Ran and solving the mystery, he forgets to be cautious. THIS FCKIN CHILD I LOVE HIM.)

And Akai constantly hinting at his real identity gets me so bad too. They are so precious to me.

And then there is the whole Akai-Yukiko & Yuusaku dynamic too. He literally became part of this oddball of a family? (YUKIKO tAUGHt HIM to COOK I CANNOt???) FITTING IN WITH THEM SO EFFORTLESSLY. I LOVE THEM.

⊱✿⊰

II. Agasa Hiroshi - Kudou Shinichi/Edogawa Conan - Miyano Shiho/Haibara Ai (- Detective Boys Trio)

Found Family: "Sometimes a family is 1 middle-aged man, 2 fake and 3 real elementary students" as I like to say.

Not many scenes to share here (tho I will definitely collect them in my newest reread session) because I don't have the energy to look for them. BUT.

Agasa Hiroshi is a Good Man. He doesn't have to invent all that stuff for Shinichi BUT HE DOES. He doesn't have to help this lil gremlin out BUT HE STILL DOES. All the times he just drove him around, all the times he allowed himself to be used (with no advance notice which he keeps ASKING SHINICHI FOR, TO JUST LET HIM KNOW) as a way to solve a crime; EVERYTHING HE DOES, DESPITE KNOWING HOW DANGEROUS IT IS. The way he only helped Yukiko and Yuusaku with the mad plan (because IT IS MAD; ODDBALLS) of "kidnapping Edogawa Conan" because he thought it would help drive the point home, of how dangerous this whole business is. Agasa Hiroshi just wants what might be best and safest for Shinichi. Just being there for him, and if he cannot he lets others, who can, know (Yuusaku and Yukiko in the above scene, Heiji in desperate revival, and so on). He cares.

On the other side, Shinichi might seem like, he doesn't appreciate Prof Agasa much at first glance (his constant comments about Agasa creating junk, says the one who uses his inventions, HYPOCRITE), but god, he goes BALLISTIC WHEN IT COUNTS. (Kidnapping case, just to mention one off the top of my head.) Shinichi literally grew up with this weird adult figure around, he is like family to him, and he cares. Tons. He trusts Agasa Hiroshi, literally, with his life.

Moving on: another point of Prof being a really good man. The way he is with the kids. He literally goes out of his way, to take them out to places, spend time with them. Be it camping, or eating out, or invent stuff for them, cooking for them, or just getting a cake to eat together... He got attached to these kids (just like Shinichi himself) as they spent more and more time together, and cares a great deal about them. And the kids grew fond of him too, despite all the little comments and teasing. (Or as I see it: he is an adult figure to them that they are comfortable around, and are not afraid to say what they think.)

As for Ai. Exhibit C of Agasa Hiroshi being a really good, kind-hearted person.

Agasa Hiroshi picked up a girl that brings even more danger with her mere presence, and at this point she is not trustworthy. Who knows what she might do? But he took her in anyways. (Without talking to Shinichi too, which led to some Emotions and Yelling.) And as time went on, this girl, who constantly lives in fear of being discovered (fearing so much, that she even tries to let herself die, and considers leaving everyone behind to protect them), slowly crawls out of her shell, to just be a person. Ai and Agasa come to care about each other too, so deeply; there is no blood-relation between them, yet there is such a strong familial bond between the two. (People mistaking them as father and daughter!)

They are a weird lil family unit, your honour, and I care about them so. So. SO MUCH.

⊱✿⊰

III. Mouri Kogorou - Kudou Shinichi/Edogawa Conan - Mouri Ran

The Mouri Family Unit

I just love them. God. I do.

I love how Shinichi got integrated into Kogorou and Ran's everyday life (be it cleaning, or just checking he's there and didn't run off again LOL). I love the rare moments of Kogorou actually being parental, be it to the lil gremlin or Ran. (HE LOVES BOTH OF THEM YOUR HONOUR!!!

I adore the fact that they watch stuff together, and discuss it, I find it really sweet (and funny). Also the fact that they eat together. Eating together with loved ones is a very important point in my own life, and it's a really... "intimate" is not quite the word I'm looking for but... I guess a bonding thing. Something meaningful. And these 3 definitely do it most days. The way they are so comfortable around each other, and everyone has their own lil space at the table. I really adore the thought of Shinichi getting so used to the lil routines and bustle of the Mouri Household, that after he turns back, he'll miss it. Especially, how he was living alone for years before the Conanification, without his parents; the Mouris are such a strong contrast against that. (Post-Conan Shinichi, that moves back to the Kudou House, and finds it too big and quiet and lonely, just going over to Agasa's and the Mouris' all the time to be around his loved ones. Him spending most of his time at their places, so much, his stuff is slowly moved into both places. And No One says a thing about it, it just happens, and they all let it happen. Please. I'm WEAK.)

I also love to see them in various combinations: Ran-Shinichi teaming up against Occhan, but also Ran and Kogorou constantly being "WHERE IS THE CHILD" in their own ways, and Shinichi and Kogorou team up too (like the time they tailed Ran, or when Ran told them Araide will be in the play too, HAHA). Each is so very delightful for their own reasons.

Thank you so much for asking me (AGAIN!!!!) to talk about relationships, it means a lot tome, and I truly hope you enjoyed reading these! May you have a blessed day, darling.

[skenpiel]

IM SO HAPPY TO BE BETTER!!!!!!! i had a full meal for the first time in days with faucking. fries and hot dogs and mash potato. i literally feel like i could weep with joy rn

[waywardsculs-a2]

so there's a few things to unpack here with this bitch.

IN REGARDS TO ROMANCE - she's kind of hard to pin down. it's not because she doesn't want to be with someone romantically, far from it actually, but part of her does worry that her status as an Overlord will put her partner at risk. she doesn't form bonds easily on purpose, and that might never change, but it makes it all the more special when she does welcome others close. she's got so much love to give, but it's intense, potentially dangerous because of how emotionally unstable she is. one thing to keep in mind? she's not the type to share. she's demanding, high maintenance and an absolute brat. she wants to be the focus of her partner and the only one they love.

IN REGARDS TO SEX - this girl is picky as fuck. she says it's because she has high standards, but more so because she doesn't like the thought of submitting herself in any way to anyone unless she knows she can trust them. vox and valentino, as much as she gives them shit, are currently the ones with whom she places the most trust in and have literally the best shot of getting with her. that said, though, they would have to be the ones to initiate . why is that? it's quite simple really ; she doesn't want to risk the friendship she has with them. she adores them so, so much. yeah, she'll have sex without the need for a romantic attachment, but it'll be a quick one and done with that individual - you get the best performance from her if you take the time to build up that bond, and let me tell you, she's worth the work. most of the time she's an absolute pillow princess of a brat, but ... well, the right person might be able to convince her to be a bit more active in other ways.

HER FAVOURITE THINGS - in regards to courtship, dating, sex, that sort of thing. she's a headstrong and free spirited woman for sure, but that doesn't mean she's against possessive partners. quite the opposite in fact. she thrives on being wanted, on being desired by her partner, on knowing that there's someone who wants only her and no one else. it's why she'll sometimes flirt with another person in front of her partner - or more likely sit there and let flirting from a third party happen - just to " be reminded " later of who she's with. it gives her a thrill. she thrives on physical affections, on words that back up the action, and one of the biggest things will always be consistency . confident as she may seem, even she can get a little insecure sometimes. finding ways to remind her, even without being present, that she's got someone that cares for her will go far.

OTHER LITTLE THINGS - if you value your life and whatever kind of relationship you have with her, don't ever try to compare her to anyone else and claim she's lesser than them. that's one way to trigger an absolute fit. try not to interrupt her work either, unless she's particularly frustrated with something, in which case pulling her away for a little while can be quite helpful. she absolutely loves having her hair played with, but don't you dare pull it if you want to live . she loves being covered in bite marks and scratches. a lot. she also wants to be shown off like the absolute prize she sees herself as.

[the-yearning-astronaut]

.

[byanyan]

@quick-drawn sent:ㅤ[ hiding ] sender finds out that receiver has hidden an injury from them — oh, even better

non-verbal angst promptsㅤㅤ∘ ˚ ( accepting )

ㅤsneaking into the bar through the back has become a fairly common practice since they've started hanging around the place more regularly, though usually it's reserved for the times where, for some reason or another, they'd rather not be noticed right away. times like tonight, for instance. slinking out from the area labelled 'employees only,' byan beelines for the most secluded corner table and drops themself unceremoniously into the nearest seat. exhausted and in a good amount of pain, they proceed to slump forward over the table, one arm sweeping into place to separate their forehead from the hard surface. the other arm is left very purposefully curled over their lap, out of view.

while not entirely sure of how long they sit there like that, or when exactly they were first noticed, at some point, inevitable as always, they hear the unmistakeable approach of those godawful boots. they'd recognize the sound of those horrid things anywhere.

ㅤㅤ" 'm'fine. "ㅤanswering the question before it can be asked, the hand on the table raises as though to wave cassidy and his nosy concern away.ㅤ" just need t' rest for a few more minutes. i'll be outta your hair 'fore you finish closin' up, don't worry about it. "

for a second, they think it worked. but a second is all it takes for them to notice the uncomfortable sensation of liquid sliding over the skin of their fingers and, presumably, dripping to the floor beneath the table. the liquid, they're sure, is red, and something tells them they're not the only one who noticed as, in the next second, the weight of a large hand finds their shoulder.

ㅤㅤ" don't touch me! "ㅤa shout, an honest one, brought on by the surprise of the contact. with it, byan shoves themself upright, arm that isn't bleeding swinging wide to shake that contact, to break it for themself if they have to. continued blood loss has taken its toll, however, sapping a fair amount of their energy and strength. not only do they fail to shove cassidy's arm away, but their scrambling, clumsy movements also fail to stop him from gaining hold of their injured arm. hissing and spitting curses, the fiery teen flails in an effort to pull free, but he's a grown man with a solid hold on their arm, bent forward enough to block their free limb from interfering with his inspection as he lifts the other up onto the table. there's not much hope of tearing away unless he makes a mistake.

ㅤㅤ" fuckin'— get off'a me! "ㅤnow pounding their fist against the bartender's back with all the strength they can muster, byan's eyes are wild. they feel him pull the sleeve of their jacket up, revealing the makeshift bandage made from the torn sleeve of their shirt, which is now soaked in red, and slam their fist harder. they knew they should have just gone straight to lena's to make use of her first aid kit instead of stopping here for a rest, dizziness be damned. this was a mistake, they knew it when they sneaked in, and they regret it as they continue to shove at cassidy's side.

ㅤㅤ" s'none of your business! "ㅤhissing at cassidy as he instructs the sole remaining customer to go into the back and bring him the first aid kit, they find it oh so tempting to reach for one of the many knives on their person — the only thing that stops them is the voice in the back of their head reminding them that this is lena's friend, and that she won't take kindly to them stabbing him. ...fine, a less damaging form of attack, then! lunging their face forward in the ongoing efforts to get this asshole off of them, byan sinks their teeth into the shoulder that's right in front of them. a sense of satisfaction rises from the startled exclamation the bite earns but, in the state they're in, a mere shrug is enough to make them release their hold with a frustrated noise.

ㅤㅤ" i'll kill you, "ㅤthey threaten, despite now sinking back into their chair, head tipping against it for support as their eyes close over. hearing the sounds of another pair of feet hurrying over, likely with the first aid kit in hand, byan sucks a sharp breath through grit teeth and gives a final tug of their injured arm.ㅤ" th' moment... —the moment i can see straight again, you're fuckin' dead, got that? "

[serendipitous-mage]

“you’re telling me you’ve lived on god’s green earth for how long and you don’t know what books are??” the man laughed as though it was the most ridiculous idea he had ever heard of. “you’re pulling my leg, isn’t no way you’ve never seen a book. kids unfortunately nowadays i could see, but you?”

“well,” the being paused for a moment, recalling their conversation up until that point. “i apologize, i neglected to mention, while i am around the equivalence of your age in human years, i am afraid i have not been on uh—how did you phrase it? ‘god’s green earth’?—for very long. most of my time here has been spent assessing the technological and travel advancements, and while i have heard of books and become familiar with several written languages of the planet, i have not been privileged to see many paper based products myself, books included.”

as the odd but interesting fellow’s sentence continued on, the man’s face began to transition from disbelief into awe. “you . . . you mean, you’re not from earth?” he managed. “you’re an alien?”

“that is the phrase that humans use for it, yes.” the other agreed.

they looked human, in fact up until that point the man had had no reason he would ever have thought otherwise. they appeared male and, as they’d said, perhaps a big younger than himself. the only thing he’d thought of when they had approached him at the bar and initiated conversation was perhaps they’d grown up in a rich household and didn’t quite match with the social standards of regular-waged people, but an alien?

the man glanced around the rest of the bar, but the tender was at the other end with another patron and no one else appeared to have heard the fellow’s words. “is that, i mean, do people know? we can be . . . not the friendliest sort,”

“oh of that i have seen, yes.” the fellow acknowledged, in something between a solemn and impressed tone. they nodded back toward the door, where a rainbow striped flag was waving over the entryway. “but this town seems accepting to the ‘outsiders’ of your species, and i had a feeling that you were someone trustworthy.” they glanced down at his patch covered biker jacket and smiled. “i have been wanting to use that expression.”

the man blinked at them, not following. “huh?”

“ ‘i had a feeling’, there are so many interesting terms of speech that you all have come up with.”

“oh . . . heh,” he raised his eyebrows and nodded. “i suppose you’re right,” the man looked the apparent alien up and down. “do you . . . want to see the library? it’s around the corner, it’s filled end to end with all sorts of books. you can look at ‘em all you want.”

the fellow lit up. “truly? i have seen mentionings of libraries but did not want to impose on one if it were culturally inappropriate-”

“oh pf, you kidding?” the man downed the last of his drink and stuck the bill underneath the glass, waving to the bartender as he slid off his seat. “they’ll love you over there. not enough people in libraries anymore, the folks who work there love books and love to help other people love ‘em.” he said, stepping outside and squinting a little at the brightness before moseying off.

“i am truly eager to see such a place, thank you . . .”

“justin.” he supplied.

“thank you most wholeheartedly, justin.” the fellow beamed at him. “you are very kind.”

“nah, just uh, neighborly . . .” he scrunched up his face a little at the word, not sure it fit. they could be from a neighboring galaxy, he supposed? “do you uh, have a name?”

“i do not, but i am happy with anything if you would like to have something to refer to me by.”

“ah, geez,” he looked up at the approaching library. “i don’t want that kind of responsibility haha, but maybe you’ll find a name in here you like . . ?”

“an adept solution.” the being agreed. they were quiet for a moment. “i like this endeavor, i shall witness books in their full form and can be alert to an interesting term for myself in the process.” they paused at the front steps. “will you be joining me, justin? i do not want you to feel obligated, but i would enjoy your company further if there is nothing needing your attention elsewhere at the moment.”

justin thought for a second. “nah, nothin’ i have to do today. i’ve been wanting to check if they have a new series anyway, just haven’t gotten to it.”

the fellow smiled and stepped back with a little motion allowing justin to enter first. as he went in, he called back over his shoulder. “hey you know what cows are right? have you seen a real live cow? cats? what about . . .”

- - - - -

“hey . . . i’m here,” justin whispered softly, cradling the alien’s head in his lap. they looked dazed, but he knew it was much worse than that. somewhere he was vaguely aware of distant sirens.

“i . . . am sorry . . . justin,” they managed. the underlying chime to their voice that was always just present was now much more audible, almost overpowering their words.

“what? don’t be, don’t be-” he said firmly, feeling his face growing hot as he tried to hold back tears. “it’s not you’re fault, we’re cunts. we’re absolute bastards who can’t enjoy life and living and allowing others to do the same we can’t even just be decent to one another let alone, i, i’m so sorry i shouldn’t have kept you here-”

“you . . . did keep me,” they admitted. “all of you, did . . . this planet is so beautiful, its people are too . . . in so many ways . . . and you’ve shown me so much of it. so much to taste, to see, i can never, thank you enough . . .”

“but you’re dying . . .” he choked out. 

they smiled faintly, letting their eyes close. “perhaps . . . but i have lived. my hope is . . . you can do the same . . . be well . . . my most precious friend . . .”