#this one comes with a bonus but ill keep that one private for now

[zrllosyn-art]

Kohaku for Sipsteaandbleach on artfight

[ohraicodoll]

Prompt request from the angst portion of that list: “you can’t be bitter now, this was your decision.”

I’m mostly just ill for both Joel and your writing so do with this as you please but bonus points if you make it hurt. 🥲 🖤

You and your angst 😂 You asked for it!

Bitter Joel Miller x f!Reader/OC The Last of Us 3.2k Words Feral Reader Masterlist Summary: Joel makes a decision for all of them when they finally find Tommy in Jackson. Part 2

There were only a few minutes in Jackson where Joel was actually happy. That initial reunion with his brother, where he had hugged him and smiled so big it had eclipsed the sun, had been the happiest he’d ever been. She’d never seen Joel smile. Smirk, yes, but it was never joy that turned his lips. Reluctant humor, small satisfaction, but joy wasn’t an emotion she had seen on Joel Miller’s face in the time she’d been with him and Ellie. It lit his whole features up, took years off his face, turned his usually dark eyes brighter where you could see the hints of hazel. She watched from the horse, never feeling more like an outsider. But that only lasted a short while.

The hesitance, the discomfort, caution all sank back in as the reality that he had found his brother who hadn’t been in danger at all settled in. They’d offered them food. The soup from the older couple had reawakened her taste buds after months of eating questionably aged canned goods or whatever small animal they’d managed to kill. Her mouth practically flooded at the warmth of the meal put in front of them.  She knew how they looked. Ellie barely breathed, she was shoveling food into her mouth so fast and even Joel was having a hard time, standing on the border of looking respectable and desperately sating the hunger they’d felt for weeks. She didn’t bother and had long since given up caring about what looked respectable. But that didn’t stop her from eyeing their hosts, keeping track of everyone around them, feeling the eyes on their backs. 

Tommy hadn’t outright questioned Ellie or her presence but there was a hint of one towards her when he introduced himself. A prodding that made her itch as to what her relationship was with the gruff man next to her and the kid between them. “I keep the kid safe,” was the answer. Nothing more, nothing less. She had joined them because of Ellie and Joel had made it clear he let her come along because of Ellie’s attachment. It hadn’t been his choice exactly. But there was no need to delve further into her and Joel’s connection. 

They’d butt heads from the start and continued to even after that night where he’d helped her relax to sleep, making her come on his fingers and then on him, and then subsequently had done so frequently after in the small private moments they could get. There was hardly anything gentle between them. They weren’t anything. She watched his back and he watched hers, both dragging each other along through life against the other's wishes. 

She knew about Tess. Ellie had caught her up, told her of the smuggler who had been Joel’s partner and how she was no longer around. In the spaces between her words, she could see exactly what Tess had been to Joel and how that role, in a way, had switched to her reluctantly. Someone to have his back, help release the tension and satisfy that need for another person even if it was only through sex and her presence. But the woman whose ghost lingered had been smart, calculated, using Joel as a battering ram rather than get her own hands dirty but wasn’t against doing so. That wasn’t her. She wasn’t clever. She was nothing but instinct and claws and rage. So often it was Joel pulling her back, leashing her, telling her what to do even while she gnashed her teeth even at him. It was him in control. She was a weapon but somehow one he so often didn’t want to use. He yelled at her for her recklessness, for each scrape and bruise and cut she received like it was his job to keep her safe as well as Ellie. Each morning he checked her over, making sure her weapons were in the correct spot, the straps of her bag secure, enough bullets in her cartridge. And now, she noticed Joel’s back stiffening at her answer and the obvious lack of connection to him. Caught his eye and the furrow of his brow. They’d learned to read each other so well over the months and could communicate silently and she could see the slight flicker of anger in the line of his jaw. Maybe it had been the wrong answer. Maybe she shouldn’t have answered at all, had put too much emphasis on Ellie or downplayed Joel’s role as the protector and escort. People weren’t her expertise and she was already on edge from there being so many of them and having Joel’s brother of all people staring down at her. She didn’t know what she was to him, but could at least define what she was to Ellie. And that’s what she answered. She wasn’t sure why that tick of anger was on his face and wasn’t going to get into it with him while Maria was staring them down, particularly Joel. Especially after he tried to excuse the woman, saying the conversation he wanted to have was for family. Except he didn’t excuse Ellie or her from the table as if it didn’t register that they weren’t.  Then Tommy shared the news that Maria did, in fact, fit in that category. More so than she did.

Somehow Ellie was the most cordial of the three of them, nudging Joel into congratulating them with gritted teeth. She kept eating, head down, ignoring the itch of too many eyes.

Throughout the tour of Jackson she could see the wall that had been slowly unraveling around Joel come back up. He stayed behind with his brother, brow furrowed, distance between him and the two girls with him. She watched Ellie take everything in, laughing at the sheep, loving on the horse, but her companion only seemed to withdraw more.

That silent communication they had was gone, cut off.

Maria had suggested they get cleaned up, giving the boys the opportunity to split off and catch up. Instinctually, her eyes went to Joel to see what he thought of the suggestion. They never split up, were never far from each other, and now this woman she didn’t know wanted to take her somewhere else away from him. Ellie was hesitant too, looking at the man as well.

But his eyes stayed on the ground and he walked away.

She didn’t see him for a while after being carted away by Maria.

They both took a shower, a hot shower, and the girl in the mirror staring back at her afterwards was unrecognizable. No longer a girl, but a woman in her middle age. Twenty years, come and gone. Scars, so many scars, and spots dotted her skin all over. Her eyes were a little dull and hair lackluster, a bit too long. There was a faint fading bruise on her collar bone under the stars tattooed there from where Joel’s teeth had bit days before. Buried underneath that flesh had once been a girl who was shy and smiled at strangers for no reason and was warm. A rose, all blushing and bright, who only worried about her military family’s approval and writing down her songs in her journal. Now she was all thorns and crumbled petals. Meant to draw blood and nothing else. She’d gotten dressed quickly before she could shatter the mirror. Finding out about Sarah from Maria…a part of the picture that made up Joel snapped into place and things began to make sense. He was a dad, was always going to be a dad because it was engraved in him, and the young teenager traveling with them was a constant splinter in an open wound. No matter how much he pushed and yelled and raged, he always made sure Ellie was okay. She’d caught him on more than one occasion staying up to keep watch when the girl was anxious. He taught her to make a fire, how to use and take care of her gun properly, what to look out for. Joel Miller was a dad to the very foundation of his being and he was terrified because he’d already lost one daughter. The panic attacks were making sense. They would flare up at the possibility of danger, of uncertainty, not for him but for them. All the close calls. After the older couple’s house. The infected that almost got her in the woods. All had triggered one and she hadn’t known why, only that she had to calm him down and be there to center him. If anything, the knowledge made her feel more protective of him and their small group. It was a vulnerability and that meant something she had to guard it. It’s what it meant to watch each other’s backs. She didn’t miss the way Maria didn’t trust him and accused him of being a bad person. The things she had heard were probably no different than what she still did. Survival was ugly and Maria knew that from the bodies scattered alongside the river, but couldn’t seem to let that go for Joel.

If Maria only knew what she was capable of doing, the blood that covered her own hands. Killing meant so little to her now. The movie theater made her skin crawl, filled with sound and laughter and too many bodies. Ellie was the one to give her permission this time, telling her she was okay to go back to the house where it was quiet. She’d fought hard with herself over that. Joel was who knows where and letting someone else watch Ellie felt like blasphemy, but her heart was in her throat and she couldn’t focus with so much sound. 

So she’d gone back, huddling on the worn dusty couch with her knees against her chest, and unable to stop feeling her clean skin as if it were someone else’s. Her mind didn’t stop imagining every awful situation that could happen while she was gone. Ellie came back first and barely managed a nod at her, mouth tightly pressed together and silent as she climbed the stairs to the room that had once belonged to another teenage girl. Another dead one. She tried not to think about that, how Ellie always seemed to inhabit the echo of another dead daughter. First Sarah and now the room’s owner.

Even for her, Ellie was an echo of her younger sister.

She understood that. Inhabiting the shadow of a dead Tess herself. 

Joel came back next. He stopped, looking at her still with her knees drawn up. His face was darker, more heavy, like he had aged five years in the time she’d last seen him. Grief and pain and indecision lined the crow’s feet around his eyes and her fingers tightened, feeling like a bomb was about to drop. “She good?” he asked in a voice that was all gravel. “She’s whole. Upstairs in the room on the right,” she replied, eyes on the ground. He nodded, hands on his hips, and silence took over. Joel’s presence always felt like a cold fire. She could feel where he was in the room constantly. “You're gonna stick by her, right? Protect her?” Joel’s voice was harsh but not angry, just tired. 

She frowned, brow furrowed, and looked at him fully. There was a look on his face that she had only seen during his panic attacks. Like the weight of the world was crashing down on his shoulders and he was a second from not being able to hold it up, about to be crushed from it. “Is that really a question?”

“Just answer me, Red.”

His eyes were dark and he looked so tired and she was overwhelmed by this place. So she nodded, sighing out a simple, “Yes.”

He seemed to chew on the word, rolled it around his mind before nodding in answer, “Good.”

His steps were loud drum beats in her ears as he ascended, a door opening a bit later followed by the distant sound of Ellie and his voices.

She didn’t know if she should follow. Didn’t know if she’d be climbing into his bed that night or take the separate room on the first floor so far away from them both. Finding Joel’s brother had been the goal, was supposed to be a good thing, but all three of them only appeared to be in worse moods.

The bomb dropped a few moments later.

Ellie and Joel’s voices raising drew her from her spot on the couch and up the stairs. She could hear them arguing and hear the pain in the kid’s voice.

Joel was handing them over to Tommy.

Joel was handing both of them over.

Joel was leaving. 

It felt like a limb had been chopped from her. The ghost of where it was still there, a phantom pain, but its absence felt even stronger. He was leaving them. When he rushed out the door of Ellie’s room, he stopped abruptly at seeing her in the hallway standing stock still. The air had frozen around them dangerously, her anger a silent thing poised to strike and his own tinged in grief. “Just like that, huh?” she bit out, face blank and voice eerily emotionless. A muscle in his jaw ticked, teeth clenched as he spit out, “Just like that.” He moved to go to his room across the hall but something had snapped, urging her to follow like a shark scenting blood. She slammed the door behind them and it reverberated throughout the house, enclosing them in the room together. Something like betrayal coated her tongue and in the back of her mind she wondered at it, wondered if it was her trust or the trust of the teenager across the hall. “Are you really that fucking stupid, Miller?” she hissed at him, “She’s followed you for months and you’re just going to kick her out the door at the first chance? We were supposed to get her to the Fireflies-” He whipped around to face her in the dark, taking an angry step towards her, “I’m sending her with Tommy! That was the job! He knows where he’s going, he can take you both, but there’s no we. Never was.” The smile that slid onto her face was aggressive, canines showing, and he was reminded of those images of wolves snarling and licking their fangs, “Wouldn’t have pegged you as being a quitter, Tex, but glad you cleared that up.” “What’d you think was gonna happen, Starshine? A happy fucking ending?” His tone was mocking, condescending, and it was one of the few times he used his height on her to his advantage to look down his nose, “You, me, and the girl settling down somewhere while the Fireflies cure the world?” She had never thought that far, never allowed herself to think that far, because she hadn’t wanted to think about what the end of the journey would mean. For years it had been surviving one day to the next, long term plans were meaningless. But she knew enough that she wasn’t ready for this to be over and it made her angry. Because Tommy wasn’t Joel. Tommy was good and cared about being good and that wasn’t her. Joel chuckled bitterly, “You that girl’s protector? Then go protect her with Tommy. It ain’t got nothing to do with me. Jobs done.”

“So that’s it?” her fists were clenched so hard her nails made cuts in her skin, “You pass her off and leave me with your brother and simply walk away? Wipe your hands clean of us?” “You don’t get to be bitter, it was your choice to come along and watch that girl,” Joel put his hands on his hands, teeth grinding, “That’s what you wanted. I didn’t ask you to join us. I didn’t want you.” She huffed a laugh, mouth twisted in a bitter smile, “That’s ironic.” His features darkened and she knew she was touching something they didn’t talk about out loud. They never really discussed those moments in the dark, acting like they didn’t happen during the day and especially around Ellie. But they’d happened. Over and over again. “What? You think because I put my dick in you this means something? You ain’t-” “Tess?” In the darkness of the room, the walls felt like they were pressing into them. Both their rage filled the space around them and settled in the air but she could almost see the heat coming off of him. She knew it was dangerous grounds, especially after the conversation with Ellie, but this was it. This was the last bit between her and Joel Miller and if he was making her hurt, she wanted to hurt him right back. His nose wrinkled, voice low and quiet as he hissed out, “You shut the fuck up if you know what’s good for you.” Joel was so close, almost nose to nose, but spitting mad and muscles tense. She almost wanted him to hit her, give her an excuse to fight him and deal with this invisible pain she was feeling and didn’t know how to cope with. It hurt. Him leaving them hurt and she hated that he had somehow managed to wound her without even trying. “You’re right, Tex,” she spit the words out like they were covered in blood, “This didn’t mean anything. I didn’t ask for you. It was you that crawled into my bed.” A laugh left her as if mocking him would make her feel better, “This how you want it to be? Fine. But don’t you lie and say that girl means nothing to you because that’s a pile of shit no one is going to swallow.” His eyes were black in the darkness, but she could feel them as he snarled, “We’re done.” With a smile that was more a grimace and rage lining her face, she backed up, “Fine. Have fun in that hole you’re going to sink into, Miller.” The door shook as she slammed it behind her, pausing to breathe in the space of the hallway between both rooms. She was shaking. From anger, pain, sadness, adrenaline, she wasn’t sure, but she stared down at her hands as they shook unsteadily and the tiny cuts shone red with blood. He was making a mistake. She knew that but words weren’t her forte, violence was, so it was hopeless to try and convince him otherwise. The ghosts of Joel Miller’s past loved ones had haunted them for so long, she should have known he would choose them in the end. That didn’t keep the reality of it from hurting any less. She knocked softly on Ellie’s door, opening it upon hearing her tentative reply. They didn’t speak. Ellie only silently scooted over on the bed, giving her some of her space. In the darkness of the room, she tried to ignore the pain in her chest and hold onto the rage she felt. Because it was better than feeling the alternative, than acknowledging the feeling of abandonment. When the young girl curled into her and held her tightly that night, she didn’t say anything about it later or when she felt her shoulders shake quietly. She simply held her back and tried to ignore the empty space on her left where Joel usually occupied. ______________________ Feral Tag List: @alouise20

[idrellegames]

Wayfarer Dev Log 2023.03.06

Hi friends!

It’s been a while since my last proper update in January. I am recovered from illness and mostly back to normal; with the days getting longer and actually having sunlight now, it’s easier to stay focused than it was in the winter. A lot of developments have happened in the interim, so I’m hoping this dev log will serve to get you caught up on things I’ve been keeping under wraps until now.

✦ New Blog Reveal

My blog’s desktop theme has been redesigned and updated! Huge thank you to @ethereal-themes for taking this on, I am in love with the new look.

Desktop theme

About

Navigation (with updated tags!)

FAQ

Character Roster (updated with Episode 2 characters + sortable, including by romance type)

These pages cannot be viewed in the tumblr mobile app, but they can be viewed by inputting the link into your mobile browser. Mobile versions of the updated FAQ information and tag list are forthcoming.

Many thanks to @memaidraws for my new blog portrait of Alexia. 💕

Additionally, I am no longer tracking the tag "wayfarer" for community content. The tag has become overrun with bots that makes it very difficult to filter. If you've created something you'd like me to see, please use the "wayfarer if" tag or tag my blog!

✦ The Public Build

A new patch should be coming sometime in March to fix lingering bugs and issues in Episode 2. This patch will require a full restart of the game. Once it releases, you should not use old saves otherwise you may encounter continuity errors and bugs in later episodes.

✦ The Alpha Build

Work on the next alpha update is progressing. I am still writing slower than I usually do, but I am coming up on the end of a major branch. There should be a new alpha release later in March that will cover one half of Episode 3 Part 1.

Even though not all possible routes will be included, the update will add over 300,000 words of new playable content to the game.

✦ Development Changes

Until recently, Wayfarer was planned to be a free game. This is no longer the case. Though I am not ready to announce the full details yet, the game will be eventually be moving to a free demo + paid full game model later in its development cycle.

Act 1 (which includes the Prologue and Episodes 1-3) will remain free to play. Future pricing for non-Patreon early access to later episodes while the game is in development is TBD.

Because this change impacts some behind-the-scenes things, I am need to gauge how much of Wayfarer’s playerbase plays the game on their phone versus a computer.

If you would like to help me out, check out this poll here and let me know what device you regularly play on!

✦ Wayfarer 2023 Pin-Up Calendar

The Wayfarer Calendar is now closed! A huge thank you to our contributing artists and everyone who donated. Altogether, we raised $1094.54 USD. These proceeds were donated today to the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice.

I am so honoured that the calendar was a huge hit. On behalf of our organizers, I would like to thank everyone for their passion and excitement for this project. It’s too soon to announce whether we will do something like this again for next year, but there may be another calendar on the horizon…

If you’ve enjoyed Wayfarer, used my tutorials, or would like to support my work, please consider supporting me on Patreon. Patrons receive access to the alpha build, a private Discord server, exclusive previews, bonus content, side stories, and other benefits.

(Please note that if you are pledging solely for access to the alpha build, the alpha and the public build currently contain the same content.)

Wayfarer is a passion project and creating it is a full-time commitment. Any little bit goes a long way to help me bring it to fruition.

If you aren’t in a position to support financially, reblogs, shares, ratings and comments, and spreading the word about the game are much appreciated and do a lot to help me out! 💕

[n0bluev]

Somehow, im inspired to write that 'revision fic'. === (EDIT : u can skip but heres another snippet for u (3 separate bits that fit together nicely, actually haha) cuz hihi. THE AU: As i said, its a failed "3"rd regression context, where yjh is now in his "4"th round. The last memory he has of kdj is him dying, and to make things worse "In this round, that guy doesn't exist." is a thing, so yjh freaks out a bit but hes totally normal about this whole ordeal & the fact that he doesnt even remembers kdj's face now. Wdym! Hes fiiiiiine!

sorry lol back to the actual post : (,hope u enjoyed that little treat tho^^)) ===

!!THAT [Somehow, im inspired to write [...]] HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO ME BEFORE!!. I always like. do an outline for the overall story and vibe, then flesh out the start or something and cook up a little 500 (probably unsatisfying) words for fun kind of as a bonus. Keep it mostly for my private enjoyment and move on before the story comes to life. And that's okay... Yes, it would be cooler to actually write the AU ideas i get in novel or comic form instead of having them stay at just the 'sketch' & 'idea/brainstorm' phase before i get another idea and leave them to dust up in the pile,,

But yeah, its okay.

In the few years since ive started getting ideas for more elaborate aus/fics, ive noticed that my ideas improved with time. (no shit, i know, but it makes me happy! i grew up!!! i can see it.) My planning methods are better too. So all of that unfinished or abandoned stuff is not at all useless work in my eyes. And who knows, maybe one day i'll bring them back.

--> as a plus, all my fandom brainrot experiences even get transferred into my OC stuff, and frl whenever i read my notes these days (or listen to my voice memos lol) and im just like "HOW DID I THINK OF THIS WOW" or "WHEN DID I PUT THIS LIKE THIS? IT WORKS!" (not to brag or anything but my oc lore goes hard ☝️)

BUT. NOW THIS IS UNEXPECTED.

I DID NO PLANNING. I just started writing for orv and its. Lowkey, good ???? Dont get me wrong i only have 1.5k right now and there are clear holes i have to fill and stuff but... CLEAR HOLES! CLEAR HOLES. Sure Im used to being like "something of the sort should go there..." BUT THIS TIME ITS "THIS SHOULD GO THERE, ILL WRITE IT LATER BUT THE IMAGE IS IN MY MIND, CLEAR AS WATER, AND ONCE I START PUTTING IT ON THE PAGE ISTG THOSE WORDS WILL STREAM OUT OF MY FINGERS AS IF IT WAS A NORMAL OCCURENCE FOR ME" ,,- !??? Yo!

Anyways. Point is that somehow theres interesting stuff going on in my gg doc and the more i write the more i know where i want to go, so that's cool, i feel all powerfull for once

idk if that ease is going to stay once im done with the first scenes (ughh!!! theres so much potential!!!!!!!!) but hopefully yes. either way ill probably post it so im not baiting yall with a "um actually im writing smt rn --- *never shares with the class*" --- either 1) things go well and i write a "real fic" (!? wtf that wasnt my plan!) --- or 2) i only post the finished version of what i have now (expect around 5k? (i have no idea actually)) and we wait together to see if i pick up the idea again haha. (i do wish to write it tho! im not a 'writer' writer but i want to be one, u get me?)

! thank u see u byebye

[epithet-beloved]

ill try to keep my ramsey-related requests limited cause i dont wanna lose control but what are your dating headcanons for him 🤔

DATING RAMSEY MURDOCH

synopsis…  headcanons about dating Ramsey Murdoch !

ft. Ramsey Murdoch 

tags… relationship study, fluff

word count… 839

a/n… never feel bad for sending requests that’s what we’re for !!! It always makes us happy and we love writing these !! Also I promise you will catch me writing other characters in the future (I have a silly Slim post locked and loaded in the queue) for now I’m just snatching all the Ramsey posts and I feel confident about this one in particular because I am a Ramsey kisser myself so boy do I have headcanons ✧ 🦇

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 Starting off strong Ramsey is really into physical affection. Hand holding, hugging, kissing; you name it. He’s up for all of it.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 So part of dating him is genuinely just having him hover around you constantly with at least an arm wrapped around your shoulders, whether you’re in public or in private (he has no problem with PDA; but if you do, he’ll stop. Your comfort comes first!)

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 He’s a really attentive lover, he’ll memorize small things you mention about yourself or stuff you like

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 If you mention you want something, he will probably definitely get it for you as a gift, no matter how cheap or expensive it is. He’s big on gift giving too.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 Genuinely? He does not understand how you find him attractive, people usually recoil or make a face when they see him.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 And yet you look at him with those big eyes full of admiration and wonder… Oh he could just melt right then and there. No one has ever really looked at him like that.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 Call him handsome? Gorgeous? Beautiful? Anything? He’s gone. There’s steam cartoonishly coming out of his ears. He is unresponsive and his face is redder than his hair.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 It’s kind of part of the fact that draws him to you: you’re not disgusted by his appearance at first glance, nor do you seem to find it hard to look at him; he knows he’s not the most attractive person and to think you do find him attractive?? The most beautiful person he’s ever seen??? He’s a WRECK

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 It is so obvious when this guy has a crush on someone

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 He hands you flowers he morphed into gold. He just always kind of stands around you when you’re in the same room. He definitely tries to flirt just to fluster you or hear you laugh.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 Even if he fails catastrophically at flirting with you and falls over while trying to lean on a wall, he still claims it as a success if he hears you laugh (before he melts into a puddle when you’re all worried asking if he’s okay)

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 All in all Ramsey is very open with his emotions. You can easily tell when he dislikes or likes someone, he feels like it's not worth hiding it.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 But when you start flirting back and showing genuine interest in him? He’s terrified you’re making fun of him. Because why would someone as gorgeous as you want someone like him???

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 Please hold his face and comfort him. He has small tears in his eyes if you do but he promises they’re happy tears

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 He understands that perhaps what someone has inside is more important than the outside, but he has to admit the judgment of the outside still hurts a little bit

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 He has so much to offer in terms of personality and affection and you definitely get to see all of it.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 Think of a love language and this guy probably has some of it in him.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 Physical touch? Absolutely. Big cuddler. Holds you like a teddy bear if you sleep in the same bed (he snores really loud though so good luck with that)

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 He’s also warm so bonus points in winter you have your personal heater

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 Gift giving? As mentioned above, mention literally anything you like and he’s getting it for you. He might have scammed someone to get it if it’s expensive. He does not tell you.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 And he hopes you don’t figure it out because he does not want to get yelled at. He just wanted to get you something nice :(

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 Acts of service? He’s not a morning person but would absolutely get out of bed earlier than you in the morning to make you both breakfast. 

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 He’s not a very good cook but he tried his best!

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 Quality time?? SIGN HIM UP

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 He loves date nights. He gets so excited to do anything with you. But honestly? His favorite way to spend time with you is at home with some takeout and maybe watching a good movie together (and maybe you also cuddle)

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 He also likes cooking with you but again. Not a really good cook. You’ll have to do most of the work. Sorry

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 By the way the flirting he does with you pre-dating does not change in the slightest after you’re an official thing. 

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 He’s just more confident now and has no problem sounding all cheesy. He looooves making you flustered

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 He’s the type of guy to point at the scar on his eye and ask you to kiss it better

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 (He just wants an excuse to kiss you)

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 My favorite headcanon is that he would definitely turn something of yours into gold so you just always kind of have a memento of him with you, he thinks it’s nice. 

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 He’s a good partner but certainly not perfect (who is, honestly) so there might be some bumps in the road here and there

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 But no matter what he absolutely adores you and wouldn’t trade what you two have for anything in the world

[gillianthecat]

A Boss and A Babe - episode 2

Cher continues to endear himself to me despite all my expectations of finding him incredibly annoying. My darling ADHD baby. "Please pause before going on to the next thought." Uh no, sorry Boss that's not how our minds work.

But I love his irrepressible spirit, his absolute refusal to be intimidated by anyone, especially not this picky boss.

Right on the tail of watching SOTUS, I'm seeing a lot of overlap between the main couples' dynamics—the man with the power and the one who's like, Aw I know you think you're all tough and in charge, but I'm going to find you adorable anyway. Obviously Boss is not power tripping bully, just a tsundere rich man, so I don't have to hate him, but I love Cher and Kong for many of the same reasons.

(I'm just going to quietly ignore all the workers' rights violations of making your employee stay up late to ASMR you to sleep on the phone now escalated to video calls. We've gotta create situations of intimacy somehow to get the ball rolling on this romance.)

Others have talked about "straight ally" Cher's attack on homophobia and defense of marriage equality, and I nod my head along with them.

Mike as Jack continues to be beautiful.

Cher continues to appeal to me more than the story around him, but I'll survive.

I like Boss in this dark green suit w/ matching tie and shirt. Is that bottle green? I call that color bottle green in my head at least. Does this mean he's a Green Guy? Has @respectthepetty done the colors for ABAAB? I can't remember. (Absolutely no pressure! The opposite of pressure! I'm just musing cause I like the suit on him.)

Ok I'm trying not to focus on the office part of this office romance, but shouldn't the legal department be heavily involved in this decision? Shouldn't there be contracts in place saying what's Boss's and what's the smarmy ex-co-founder's? Or like, intellectual property law precedent or something? Not that I'm a lawyer. Or an entrepreneur. But I feel like this business is running off vibes and feelings, and that's not an effective strategy. </end uninformed yet oddly strong opinions>

Omg Zo and Three 😂🤣 I feel a toothache coming on from this🍬🍡🍭 overdose. They pull off these ridiculous lines though 😂

Force is doing just fine, don't get me wrong, but I still think a lot of things in this story would be better served by an actor who's visibly at least a decade older than the young employees in the cast. Like 40, 35 at the youngest. I don't know how old the character is supposed to be or where exactly the story is going, and perhaps his youth is a point, but I do find everyone's reactions to him as this intimidating authority kinda jarring in the context of Force's extremely youthful face.

Sometimes I love a big group meal (especially with upbeat acoustic guitar on the soundtrack) where the lonely uptight character starts to thaw a little bit, and maybe gets a taste of what belonging feels like. (I feel like the template in my head for this kind of moment is Gwyneth Paltrow in Sliding Doors.) Plus bonus Cher feeding Boss! (I eventually remembered his name is Gun but I still prefer calling him Boss.) In a very clear imitation of Zo feeding Three!

Yeah, everyone is noticing the vibes between these two. Interrogation time! Cher, what is going on between you and the boss, hmm? Aw, mon cher Cher doesn't know yet, sweet thing.

This and Bed Friend are very different shows, but I keep getting the casts of coworkers mixed up in my head.

The imaginings of them in bed together are grudgingly winning me over, I guess. Just because they're so cute like this. (But who is imagining it? Cher? Gun? The audience? It's all too vague as a storytelling device.)

Okaaay revealing your friend's private medical information to his coworker! Like, I'm guessing the show's intent is to de-stigmatized mental illness. But in universe it's a, ah, pretty fucked-up thing to do 😬

I kinda love Aoi's blatantly transparent "manipulation." Oh man, but Cher stayed quite late for her document. What a sweetheart.

Uh-oh. I was worried he was going to lock himself out of the office building, but it looks like there will be other trouble caused by the front door. My guess, Thyme the ex-co-founder will try to sneak in to steal company secrets. Am I right? We shall see.

Aw and his knight in shining armor is here to save him from the rain 😍

"Fasting for seven days is easier than stopping bad-mouthing for seven hours." Oh yeah this man has ADHD for sure. I don't know if the writers know this, but I know this.

"Though I have lots of responsibilities, I'm actually not that older than you." Well I guess that answer one of my questions. Still, I think this would be much richer as an age gap romance. I'm not even a major age gap fan, I just feel like it's what the story is wanting to be and Thai BL casting conventions held it back. (Again, no shade to Force who's doing great.)

But also these two are so cute together, and there are other advantages having them be near age peers, so who's to say.

Aww, my poor baby capitalist, carrying around all this guilt and self-loathing. (This sounds sarcastic, and it is a little, but I also genuinely love and feel for baby capitalist Gun.)

That man was about to kiss his intern right then and there. And I for one cannot blame him; who could resist after Cher's speech. (I am glad he resisted though, none of us (neither Cher, Gun, nor me) are ready for that yet.)

Cher what are you saying? "More than a hug"?! Are you teasing him on purpose? Did you realize you almost got kissed?

Um maybe? I can't figure out exactly how oblivious Cher is about his own sexuality and his attraction to Boss. But he's definitely asking for a kiss now.

However! The tension in the air is electric! The whisper in Cher's ear! (The kiss itself... eh... pretty dead fish tbh, but we won't dwell and at least that makes sense in context.)

Ok, the second kiss is significantly better, so fair. The first one was merely a challenge, this one is The Kiss. (I mean, it's not going to make my top kisses of BL list, but it adequately conveys their attraction to each other.)

So I guess Cher and Gun were ready for a kiss after all. I will just have to catch myself up.

And that's a wrap! Second episode and we've already had their first kiss, this is moving faster than I expected. I'm still not really sure what either of them are thinking about the other, but I find o don't mind, for now.

A Boss and A Babe continues to way outperform my (admittedly low) expectations. It's gentle, but with enough bite to keep it interesting to me, and Cher and Boss have a chemistry that works well for the story. I'm not exactly sure where things are going, especially because I was not expecting a kiss until the last quarter of the show, so my assumptions, such as they were, are all upended. But I find I don't mind.

[babychoko]

🎀𝔽𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕝𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕡𝕠𝕜𝕖𝕟 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕕𝕤🎀

Part 13

"We are very grateful to you for helping her." Smiled my dad with relief and put on his shoes. "Exactly, what would we have done without you?" Agreed my mom to him, buttoning up her chic jacket. Why did I insist on calling the jacket chic?

Well, the two of them are going to be home very, very late today. They've been invited to dinner. Me, too, actually. But I haven't been feeling well lately and I have to cram for the upcoming final exams, after all. I wouldn't really have liked to come, to be honest.

But..

"It's not worth mentioning. (Name) was a big support for us when she was babysitting Klee back then, wasn't she?"

"Yup! I like her!" Klee was happy as a pancake while clinging to Albedo.

Was it absolutely necessary to arrange for Albedo to be my "babysitter"? That he was just to help me study is surely just an excuse. But someone who keeps an eye on me, happens to be the biggest genius, and can therefore help me study is a bonus for my parents. I would have imagined my Thursday night differently. Although I really like Albedo and Klee..I just haven't been in the mood for contact lately. Three guesses why.

"Have a great evening."

"Same to you guys. I cooked, but maybe you guys would like to order something? It's up to you. You have our number... (Name)." My mother looked at me intently.

"I won't run away." I answered short and to the point. Without ifs and buts. Without wanting to defend myself in any way.

After our goodbyes, we closed the door and went into the living room. "Teheh...(Name)! Did you cause trouble?" Klee ran to the dining table and unpacked her school backpack. I sat down with her and picked up my mechanical pencil.

"Maybe. So you should be a good girl, Klee." She looked at me in shock and whispered something in Albedo's ear.

"No, she doesn't mean it like that. She's just joking with you. (Name) has no ill intentions." Then Albedo smiled at me. "Did you understand the assignment? Or do you want me to explain it to you?"

Maybe I mentioned once that I was Klee's babysitter for a period of time. At that time she lived with Albedo in our neighborhood. He's not much older than me. Sometimes I watched him with interest as he tried some experiments in his garden.

I think I was the only one who volunteered to spend time with him. Albedo, in fact, was known as the weird neighborhood kid. He got that honorary name when he ate a spider. Yes, a real spider. He really didn't make any friends by doing that. He seemed indifferent to it.

When he skipped many grades, he transferred to a private university. His degree wouldn't have lasted long either. Eventually, he just dropped out of his degree program, which caused a fuss. He didn't seem to care about that either. He now devoted himself to art.

You can ask Albedo anything about chemistry or art. He simply knows everything. I'm not exaggerating.

"Thank you. I think I'll try to solve the problem on my own for now." I suggested and opened my writing pad.

"I'll be diligent too. Look, I have to write an essay and then do a short interview." Klee looked at me expectantly. At first I was confused until I caught her hint.

"Uh...yeah, sure. You're welcome to interview me." She nodded at me approvingly, like a boss, without any comment at all, and turned to her little essay. What I could read from this distance was that she had been in the garden today trying to catch frogs..no.

She wasn't trying to catch frogs, she was trying to trap them, I hope the frogs are okay.

I was glad that Albedo is very relaxed in learning. No rushing and no impatience. If someone is looking over my shoulder all the time, I'm sure to make a lot of mistakes. Like a rooster in uniform, holding hands behind his back and walking all over the classroom, he fortunately did not. Many teachers, unfortunately, did. And then this, "Students, please make sure you read the assignment correctly blah blah." After the teacher looks over your back.

"Would you check that? I think I have something wrong." Albedo nodded and looked at the whole page I was scribbling all over with formulas and their examples. He sat down with me and turned to a new page.

"Now we'll do the third problem together. You did very well on the rest." I almost thought I got the entire page wrong! Whew, what a relief.

"Do you mind if I try this too? Oh, so many letters and numbers??? And where are the pictures?" Klee bent over the table to get a better look at my textbook.

Even when she's sitting next to me.

"Klee, she needs to focus. You're welcome to do the same assignments if you're in the same class as (Name)."

"Sorry!" She sat back down and continued writing her essay. What a decent but bright girl. Better than me at my current age. I hope she stays the way she is.

"I see..." I said quietly, as Albedo showed me an easier way to come up with the right result. Now I tried to solve this one on my own hand. It took me a little while to do that.

"You did that very well, (Name). I think it's enough for tonight. Too much studying is not good either." I had been studying since noon, after all.

"Oh, in that case..." Somehow I'm glad he suggested that. I haven't been able to concentrate for long at all lately like before.

"Albedo, I need your glasses! I'm doing my interview now." Klee got to borrow his glasses. But she wasn't allowed to wear them too long for that, because it was bad for her eyes.

"Ms, please have a seat." Klee held a clipboard in her hand and pointed to the sofa. She had decorated the coffee table with a glass of water and a vase of flowers that she had apparently gotten from the kitchen. I couldn't remember that being in the living room.

"Would you like some water? You just came from...uh, way over here."

"I'd love to, Klee." I just played along. As long as she enjoyed it and did her homework.

As Klee scanned the coffee table, she realized she had everything but a water bottle apparatus. "Excuse me." She got up from the sofa and walked to the kitchen. Albedo was still sitting at the dining table, watching us with a smile.

"Uh..(Name), where are there bottles of water?" She called out from the kitchen.

"On the counter, there should be a bottle in the corner." In the kitchen, I heard a chair move. Albedo stifled an amused laugh. "Klee, do you want me to come?"

"No, I'll get it!"

Before she proudly returned with the water bottle, I heard the squeak from the chair again. "So, here's your water. Now we can get started."

"Sure."

"Your are (Name), (last Name)?" Asked Klee accurately, looking at me seriously.

"That's right. I'm happy to be here."

"How old are you?"

"I turned 18 not long ago."

"Then you may drink, smoke, drive and marry long ago! You are a gracious woman! But why don't you look 18 yet?" What?!

"I guess it's genetics?"

"Gen..what's that? Ah never mind. Next question!" She cleared her throat and looked through her clipboard. I was glad they were just very common questions. And then I jumped the gun. Then she looked to me.

"Are you married yet?" I shook my head. Well, that may take many more years. I've had enough of love for now.

"Do you ride a motorcycle in the chicken coop?"

"What? No..." Who comes up with such a question...

"What do you do for a living?"

"I'm still a student. Soon I'll be climbing the career ladder as a notary clerk." Klee looked at me confused and offered me her clipboard. She told me to please write the word for her. When I did so, I handed her clipboard back.

"Hmm..." She put the glasses back on the table and massaged her temple as if she was now going to ask me the most complicated question. She must have copied this gesture from her teacher when he couldn't handle her. And I was sure she was getting a headache from the glasses.

"What's your favorite food?"

"Whatever I like."

"So not very picky. Good, good. I like broccoli. Do you?"

"If you cook it right, I do, actually."

"Your favorite person is?"

"Friends as well as family."

"Have you ever been in love?" This question shot to my heart. It felt like there was an elevator inside me and that my heart was slowly going from the top floor to the first floor. As promised, I didn't want to fib anymore. But I didn't want to talk about it. It was all out anyway.

Yes, my mother now knew that I was in a relationship. But not yet with whom. That evening I came home and was not able to talk. Until my mother kept asking me questions. Whether I had a fight with my girl friends, why I was home so early from the sleepover, whether something had happened, and so on. It just didn't stop.

I was already so irritated that everything gushed out of me. I was emotionally messed up. Nothing interested me or scared me at that moment. After all, nothing would change since it was over anyway. That evening, things got very, very uneasy between me and my mom. Then there was radio silence. I expected a slap in the face or worse... but none of that came. Whether my father already knew? I don't know. I know he can take it less.

And the disappointed and hurt look from her which I will never forget. After all, her daughter was only putting on an act.

"(Name)?" Klee looked concerned because apparently I had been quiet far too long for her liking. I smiled at her. "Don't worry." Before I could give her an answer, Albedo jumped in. "Klee, how about the next question?"

"Um..okay! Your favorite animal is...?"

"Dodoco!"

"Mine too!"

At the end, she had to draw a picture to go with some of the questions. Since she had left her crayons at home, I lent her mine. When I went to my room, Klee was eager to see what new things I had in my room. She was always excited about the butterfly stickers on one of my walls, my Bratz posters, or the clothes I had on my clothing rack. I even promised her that she could have many of my clothes when she grew a little more. A few clothes she had gotten as gifts from me that I no longer needed.

"Do you need anything else?"

"I don't think so..hmm..no, I have everything! I'm going to draw now." Her homework was much better than the homework I got in elementary school. I'd rather not talk about my elementary school days. I was a... spirited girl. But not on the level of Klee. Otherwise, my cheeks would have been redder than a clown's back then and my butt sore that I couldn't even sit down. She is lucky that Alice is rather patient and very kind.

"Well, that looks very nice!" I praised her as she proudly showed me her paintings. She drew herself with a microphone, like the one from a reportage and next to it another person had been drawn. "That's a very neat scarecrow, though. What adventure is she from?"

Klee stopped drawing and stared at me.

"Huh? That's supposed to be you." Oh.

Albedo, who was reading a book in the corner, held back a laugh.

After we ate dinner together, we played card games. I was able to stop Klee from picking Uno or Monopoly. No matter who I played these games with, it never degenerated peacefully in my life. I'm sure neither would want to mess with me or deliberately goad me. But the memories of a war remain unforgotten.

We were left with Memory and it wasn't a bad card game. It was even great fun as a finale for the evening. Afterwards my parents came back and exchanged a few words with Albedo and were very grateful. I expressed my thanks for his help, of course. He then took the sleeping klee home with him as we all said our goodbyes.

For the rest of the evening I took my CD player and listened to some songs in bed. Energy or desire for anything else I had not at all. I would love to turn the music up to full blast. But it was late and I didn't want to disturb anyone at this hour. Otherwise I would do that if I had been home alone. I closed my eyes and turned on my side. A certain CD I got as a gift, where songs were burned, lay untouched in a shoebox.

My school days have been nothing special these past few days. And they certainly won't be in the next few days. Okay, I wouldn't say special right now. But unusual on some days were they. On other days they were not unusual. They passed rather quietly. Or it could be because I was holed up in the school library. During breaks, I did some homework or just read non-fiction books that I've always skipped because they didn't look interesting.

I was right about my decision. The cover didn't just look boring. The content even resembled it.

When I didn't feel like reading, I would secretly listen to music and just pretend to read. In reality, I stared at the paragraphs and rather daydreamed.

But today I just kept studying for the exams, even though I was in school and it wasn't good for my head. But it was worth it if it meant I could be in my own little world.

I could only be in my own little world for the first few days. As if my friends would leave me alone... I didn't expect anything else from them! Getting me out of the school library was not an easy task.

Shall I list some attempts? All right.

Hu Tao burst into the building and told me that she had set up a small cotton candy machine in the middle of the schoolyard. And if I wanted some, I only had to put one foot out during the break. I almost stood up and peeked in.

..If Xiangling hadn't come to tell Hu Tao that the cotton candy machine had been confiscated by Mrs.Ningguang. It caused her to turn off the electricity for the school. After all, she needed an electrical outlet. Somehow I had a feeling that it was a lie. You couldn't just get a device like that. She would have had to have stolen it from a fair. Maybe Xiangling was guilty of trying to lure me out by lying. But I would believe them 100% that they would have pulled it off.

I got this suspicion because Hu Tao had claimed a day earlier that there was a Hello Kitty waiting for me. I wasn't 4 years old to fall for that! I just looked at her puzzled and continued doing my homework.

Until I looked out the window and saw her with own Hello Kitty plush being escorted out of school by herself. I just stared.

Due to the lack of euphoria, I remained adamant. Well, she didn‘t lie.

"You know, then I told him: that he can go away! Skeletons are and will always be cute in my eyes..." Hu Tao pouted, sitting across from me and balancing a strand of hair over her lips. She had been telling me stories for several minutes. She didn't care if they made sense. She just wanted to entertain me.

"And he didn't want to spend the night with you?"

"Exactly! My bed is a coffin, after all. But it's a sweet and roomy coffin. You can shoot friends like that to the moon!" She grumbled in annoyance.

"I think your bed is cool..." I replied, refilling the lead from my mechanical pencil. "I don't understand people like that either."

"You said it. Only you can understand me, (Name)..." She sighed and got up from the chair. She wandered around me and looked at my exercise book. Then she pulled it away from me and held it up.

"Taotao..."

"Recess means recess! You eat, go wee-wee, or enjoy the fresh air outside!"

I looked at her confused. "It's way too humid outside. There's a fan here though..." She conceded defeat now and handed me back my exercise book. "Hmph, then stay a little nerd and enjoy the fan!"

I massaged my temple like Klee had done the night before. "I can't..sorry." I know they mean well by me and I appreciate that, I really do.

But I just couldn't at all and I just wanted to stay here. Spending recess in the schoolyard chattering away was not easy for me.

She grinned at me. "What are your favorite animals again?"

"Please...keep the animals out of the schoolyard and leave them alone in the pet store. You'll get expelled before you graduate!"

She disagreed. "That's where you can tell I'm entertaining. What employer wouldn't want to hire someone who's like that?" I, for one, could list a few employers. I preferred not to, though. "Oh, Hu Tao..."

Then I went wide-eyed as she raised her hands and glared at me.

"Violence is the last resort then.... OW!"

"That's enough!" Sighed Xinyan as she pinched Hu Tao's butt once before she could attack me. "Can't you see she's not doing well?"

Now I'm really feeling guilty about what they tried to do. Especially the way I reacted.

"But! I so want to see her smile again.... Laughter is healthy." She protested.

"Then we'll spend the break with her. Why should we force (Name) to go out?" Yun Jin suggested as she joined us. I sighed and was about to give in.

"Alright...I'll stop spending breaks here." That should satisfy her, and it's the least I could do after being made to care so much.

"Nope, now we're staying here!" Laughed they all. I didn't expect that. But I noticed very much how much I was withdrawn. Even though I wasn't really talkative, it was nice to hear conversation again.

We didn't realize how loud it was until Mrs. Lisa walked by us. But when she didn't catch sight of me alone this time, she looked rather pleased and didn't give us any trouble- fortunately.

There was no one here but us anyway. Not many people are enthusiastic about a school library.

At home, my father continued to help me with the application. My career was decided, but not the company I would soon be working for. He checked the way I wrote my resume and that the lines were Symmetrical to each other.

"You can send the application, of course. But I recommend you bring it in person. Pay attention to the clothes because..."

Oh right, I can't wear what I want in the future. I have to adjust my wardrobe for working life as well. Well, for my personal clothing style, I have my free time. Lately, though, I haven't really been motivated in my clothing choices anyway. Some wide jeans with a shirt, maybe some hair clips or even a necklace to go with it if I felt like it. Sometimes I wore a dress.

But my makeup remained untouched. Lipstick, eye shadow or glitter brush? Rather for special occasions- and again when I felt like it. I stayed rather faithful with lip balm.

I didn't need to look pretty for anyone anymore. Not even for myself. The important thing was to look appropriate for the public and that was enough for me. I enjoyed the extra few minutes of sleep I had in the morning before school.

After I picked out an application folder from my bookshelf, I realized that I couldn't find the photo that my mother had entrusted to me. It was no longer on my bookshelf and I couldn't find it anywhere. That too...

Silently, without any reaction, I plopped down on my bed and stared at the ceiling.

The little photo that gave me comfort and lit up the warmth in my heart was gone. Destined for each other.. I don‘t think so.

Believe me or not, I could no longer wait for my graduation.

Part 14 (coming soon)

Masterlist

[weeb-writor]

Hi, I'm Shouta and My Life’s Kinda Crazy

Hello again, as a happy birthday to my babes I'm starting a series for him! I have 2 headcannons on what I think Aizawa’s family is like either its huge and he’s the baby orrrr he is a lonely foster kid. This is the first in a small series where you meet his large family. Everything is as neutral as possible as usual. Requests are still open if you want something specific. I hope you all like it!!! Ill post a link on here when the next parts out. p.s a little suggestive because they talk about lingerie for a second

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

Aizawa Shouta x Reader

You meet Aizawa’s family on his birthday?

Words: 1348

Part One  Part Two  Part Three  Part Four  Part Five

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

Aizawa had been avoiding you for a few days now. He is a pretty private guy and remained that way even through your relationship. However, never did he ever avoid you. You knew something was up when he didn’t invite you over to his place in the dorm that Friday, saying some bullshit excuse about how security was increased… you a top 20 nearly top 10 hero wouldn’t be allowed in. After that you went to ask Hizashi about it and even he didn’t give you a proper answer. So you decided if he was going to act like a child then so were you. So here you are on the way to his apartment which he did stay in sometimes when he wanted to ditch the UA kids. He sent you some long ass text about.. well really you didn’t know. You decided you were still being a little petty and only read the last line which was ‘just come over when you can’. Of course you were coming over today whether he liked it or not! Today was his birthday and you didn’t give a shit about his silent tantrum. Finally you arrived in front of his house which almost made you forget your petty and rush inside but nope. You decided to knock instead of using your key in a sort of rebellion. When it opened your eyes were centered where you usually looked to meet Aizawa’s eyes but no one was there. You felt a tug on your leg and looked down to see a kid.

“You're a stranger.” She said to you. You only blinked before crouching down to be on her level.

“I’m L/N, who are you?” You spoke softly. The little girl looked away playing with her hair.

“Mama said not to talk to strangers.” She said with a cute little blush. Before you could respond a voice yelled from inside the apartment.

“Rei! Didn’t I tell you to watch your little sister, she’s opened the door!” A voice rang out from inside. Your heart stopped a little. It was a girl and one you’ve never met. The woman opened the door and looked shocked to see you.

“Oh hello! Are you a neighbor or something?” She asked as she picked up the young girl looking at you with her head tilted. Your voice got stuck as you thought of something to say but then another voice boomed out.

“One-san! Look at them, can’t you just tell. This has gotta be the one our little brother has been gushing about. It is isn't, Sho?” The man who looks strikingly like Aizawa said, grasping you by your shoulders.

“No way! Awh sho! You said they were outta your league you didn’t say they were like leagues beyond your league.” The girl said as more people came all gazing at you. Finally you heard Aizawa’s tell tale groan as he came to stand in front of you.

“Could you all not scare them away before they even know your names.” He said as he finally pulled you into the house and my god you had never seen so many people in one apartment.

“Uncle Shouta, who’s that stranger.” The young girl you met first said.

“This is L/N, we’ve been dating for a while.” He said softly to the girl.

“Like mama and daddy.”

“Kinda but only a little.” He chuckled at her.

“Y/n this is my family.” He said as he held your hand tighter.

“Sho, if you don’t introduce us properly, so help me god I’ll scare them away from you.” The woman huffed out. Aizawa sighed next to you but nodded nonetheless.

“This is my eldest sister Saika.” He pointed to the one with the young girl on her hip. “My older brother Shinji” He pointed to the one who came over to you outside. “Then there’s Sora, the other older brother, Shizumi, my other older sister, Shiori, another older brother, and finally my youngest, yet still older brother Shojiro.” He finally finished. Your mouth almost hung open but looking at them now. They all looked incredibly alike, like literally they could be quadruplets or whatever the name was for 6, wait no there was also Shouta, so seven siblings!

“You forgot about me..” the small girl said with small teary eyes.

“I didn’t, I promise, I was just catching my breath, there’s so many of us. These are my nieces and nephews. Rei and Nozomi, Saika’s kids. Haru and Jun, Shiori’s kids. There are a few more but they aren’t here right now. I tried to limit it to one, maybe two siblings but they said I should just rip off the band aid because they all wanted to get to know you before Christmas. Which by the way we are being forced to spend with them, where you're gonna meet the rest of the kids and my parents because they have my whole life planned out for me.” He said with a pout only you caught.

“Don’t act you mean, Sho! We always spend Christmas at the family house and it’s only fair for your cute little love to get to know us before or it's like spending a lamb into a den with like 15 wolves, literally. What Better day than your birthday too! We haven’t spent one all together since you were 18!” Shiori said with a cute laugh.

“Well thank you for considering me, it’s nice to meet you all.” You said with a slight bow.

“Well, I’m hungry and want to get to the gifting giving part so I can see our cute little brother all flustered. Rei and Haru, be good little boys and set the table!” The eldest sister said. The group went back to preparing dinner leaving you and Aizawa alone, well as alone as you could be.

“So you're the youngest, huh. You know since you're so fatherly and responsible I always thought you would be the oldest if you weren’t an only child.” You giggled.

“Aww what?! You haven’t said anything about us?!” Shinji whined with a pout.

“We’ve only been dating for a few months, you didn’t really give me time.” 

“Oh but you’ve been crushing on them for like 2 years. You’ve had more than enough time to say something. How did we end up with such a cruel younger brother.” Sora said as you all sat around the table to eat. Dinner was pretty eventful as the siblings told you stories of baby Shouta and their life together. Now it was time for gift giving.

“Here’s our gift to you, uncle Sho.” Jun and the other kids handed Aizawa a cutely drawn card and a big fluffy cat pillow. He ruffled their hair as he mumbled a thank you.

“Oh there this.” You handed him a box. He took it out to reveal a cute locket that had pictures of you, and all his cats. You had gotten it after he said that looking at you and his cats made his days easier.

“How cute! Now for our gift, you’ll get to use it later in the night if your lucky, little brother.” Shinji said, handing Aizawa a box wrapped with a huge red bow. Aizawa anticipating something bad only peeked before he slammed the box shut and flushed red.

“Get out.” He said burying his face into the pillow he just got.

BONUS:

“That's why you've been avoiding me, for like a week.” You said curdled into his chest.

“Yeah, didn't want one of them to scare you off before you could meet all of them. They’ve been coming in, in waves all week. It's all in my text I sent, wanted to at least warn you they were here before you came.”

“Oh right… that text. Anyway what was in the box? I'm curious.” You giggled.

“Oh just some cat lingerie and some other things to match.” He said calmly even though he was red once again.

“Huh? How’d they know my size, you don't even remember.” you mumbled.

“They didn't.”

RECAP: Saika is the eldest sister, Shinji is the eldest brother, Sora is an elder brother, Shizumi is an elder sister, Shiori is an elder brother, Shojiro is an elder brother. Shouta is the baby. Rei and Nozomi are Saika’s kids. Haru and Jun are Shiori’s kids. Keep this in mind for the next fic.

[rons-hermiones]

Come Find Me

Come Find Me

by rons-hermiones

Summary: Unplanned, Hermione is forced to spend Christmas at the Burrow due to her grandmother falling very ill. After being ignored by Hermione for weeks, Ron is determined to show her how much she means to him. Just before he gets the chance to tell her, Bellatrix Lestrange shows up with other plans for Hermione. Can Ron get to her before it's too late? (Ron/Hermione Half-Blood Prince AU)

Rating: M for language & dark themes in later chapters.

Chapter Nine

Soon after breakfast Hermione disappeared back to Ginny’s room, she traded in her flannel pants for sweats. Keeping on her navy jumper, she threw on a warm cloak from her trunk and snuck into the garden. 

Despite the cold, the outdoors were refreshing. Something about being outside just calmed her, helped clear her head a bit. 

Slumping against her new favorite spot, an old oak tree, she pulled out the very book she’s kept to herself for weeks. Hermione begins to read it, eyes skimming the same passages over and over, jotting down important points in her notebook. 

Like usual, she was so engrossed in her task at hand, she failed to notice someone walking toward her. 

“Bonjour mon chèri.” Fleur’s smooth voice announces, seemingly floating over to Hermione through the breeze. 

At first the brunette jumps at the surprise, having been tense lately, but soon she relaxes. Fleur was just about the only person she was willing to talk to these days. 

Like Hermione, she had been feeling out of place, trying to find her footing. And sure they were in two completely different situations, one being engaged to a Weasley, the other pining after one, but it was oddly comforting to not feel so alone. 

“Bonjour Fleur, comment allez-vous?” Another bonus, is that for whatever reason, the blonde reminded her eerily of her grandmother. 

Maybe it was because they both lived out their days in France and Hermione was trying to cling onto anything when it came to her Gran as of late, but Fleur’s presence allowed her to think of the woman without feeling sad. To just remember her how she is, a kind, loving woman. 

“Bonne.” She smiles, Hermione just now notices the blanket in her hand, “I’ve been sent on a mission to keep you warm!” She giggles, subtly nodding to the window. 

Hermione looks over to find Ron standing there watching them, but as soon as her eye catches him, he drops the curtain like he was never there. 

“Oh, I’m fine.” She tells the woman, quickly closing her journal and book. 

“Well, I was given very serious orders that I get this quilt to you.” Then, she drops on the grass next to the younger girl. 

She grits her teeth, “you can tell whoever sent you that if they want me to have that, they should’ve come themselves.” And she doesn’t even know why she said it, Hermione has in fact been avoiding Ron. 

“I said the same.” The blonde states, “but you seem to make poor Ronald rather nervous.” 

Hermione remains silent as she begins to pick at the quilt Fleur’s laid over them. 

“I know what happened.” The older girl states after a moment. 

Her eyes snapped to Fleur’s blue ones, “you do?” She sounds strangled. 

Curtly, the blue eyed woman nodded, “of course. Ronald writes Bill about any chance he can and Bill can only offer so much advice about girls.”

She scoffed before she could help it, “yeah, pretty girls like you, and Lavender Brown, or even,” 

Fleur cut her off, “they were all about you mon chèri.” 

At this a twisted laugh left Hermione’s throat. 

“No je jure!” She exclaimed, “Every night Bill comes to bed and reads his letters, he suggested I should join him to practice some English. At first it helped, but now I am invested!” 

“Nice to know my life is entertainment, Fleur.” Hermione teased with a small smile. 

“No, I didn’t mean it like that!” She defended, but then noticed the smile on the younger girls face, “alright well, it is entertaining. Anyway, if Ronald knew I read them or am telling you about it, he’d surely die from embarrassment.” 

In turn, the witch just scrunches her brow, imploring the woman to go on. 

Fleur clears her throat and sits up, “Oh Bill!” She starts in her best English accent and Ron impression, stifling a laugh from Hermione, “Almost died again tonight! Hermione saved me, again! She is brilliant, oh Bill,” she gasps dramatically, “I need something to get her for Christmas, but she’s already perfect! What do I do? Please write.” 

“No way.” Hermione laughs at Fleur’s impression and at the dramatic recap. 

“I swear it! Recently his letters have been a lot more, how do you say?” She pauses, “pathetic.” 

“Go on then.” Hermione encourages liking the amusement of Fleur’s performance as Ron, as well as the additional information. 

“Bill I am a,” she thinks for the exact word, “a tosser! A right tosser!” Hermione laughs, that was something Ron would say, “I have messed up terribly, Hermione, she’ll never speak to me again and I can’t blame her.” 

Suddenly, Hermione’s brown eyes go wide as Fleur goes on, this time dropping back to her normal voice, speaking softly, “It’s so hard without her and I would give anything to make things right.” She finished. 

The brunette's vision began to blur, “he really wrote that?” She asked hoarsely. 

In turn the French woman nodded, “every word.” 

A tear slipped down Hermione’s cheek at the knowledge. Knowing Ron missed her too made things even harder. She doesn’t think she has it in him to talk things out and go back to how things were. She’s too scared to be hurt again, she doesn’t know if she’ll survive. 

“Look Hermione,” she sighs sadly, “I understand that things between you and Ron are complicated and that you are hurt. We all see that, he sees it more than anyone, and he’s been beating himself over it since.” 

“Fleur, I,” she begins to protest. 

“I am not saying you should forgive him just like that, what I’m telling you is that he knows he’s hurt you and it’s killing him. Just give him a chance mon chèrie.” 

She contemplates this for a few moments. Her heart aches for Ron. It’s kind of backwards that she feels bad because he’s aching for how he hurt her, and she feels bad about it. It’s like she just can’t scrub him out of her life, no matter how much she thinks he wants her gone, she knows that’s not the case. 

And Fleur’s right, she isn’t ready to forgive him, she probably won’t be ready to for a long time, but she is willing to take a step with him. To hear him out and just try and understand, but when the time is right. 

“Okay.” She says simply, wiping at her eyes with her wrists. 

The blonde plants a warm kiss on her bushy hair and moves to stand up. 

“Stay warm.” She flashes her a small smile as she works her way back into the house. 

“Fleur!” She calls before she can help herself. 

The French woman turns eyes wide with curiosity. 

“Not that I’m not grateful, but why did you tell me?” Hermione just needed to know. 

Again a smile sat on her pretty face, “because us girls, we need to look out for each other, especially here,” she gestured to the Burrow where eight men were currently residing, “you and I especially.” Subtly hinting that the only two other women were Weasley’s themselves. 

A small smile now stretched on Hermione’s lips, “thank you Fleur.” 

And with a wink the blonde walked back into the house knowing if she and Ron got through this, one day Hermione would surely be her sister. 

...

“Fleur’s been out there a long time, what do you reckon they’re talking about?” Ron asked, still looming by the window. 

“I dunno, you.” Harry shrugged over his Quidditch magazine. 

“Hardy har.” Ron shot back sarcastically. 

“Have you figured out what you’re gonna do tomorrow, with your gift and all?” He asked casually. 

“How’d you hear about that!” Ron bellowed embarrassed. 

The chosen one dropped his magazine to his lap, eyeing his friend, “the whole house knows by now, except Hermione.” He shrugged. 

“I’m gonna hex the bollocks off Bill.” 

“Wasn’t Bill, it was Charlie.” The green eyed boy corrected. 

Ron rolled his eyes, “even better.”

“Well,” Harry drawled, “Ginny told me Hermione’s trunk is overflowing with gifts.” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively. 

The ginger shook his head, “doubt she got me anything mate, not unless it’s puking pastilles, you know, without the purple end.” 

“Oi, that’s my best mate you’re going on about, don’t you doubt for a second that she wouldn’t get you anything.” He said annoyed with Ron’s lack of faith. 

Weasley said nothing and continued to poke his head out the window, quickly jumping away when Hermione’s brown eyes found his. 

“You and Hermione may not be speaking but she does care. I reckon that’s the problem, that she cares too much.” 

He drops his hand from where they’re clutching the tattered drapes, “I know that Harry.” Ron says defeatedly. 

“You seem to be forgetting.” He sits up, “I know for a fact she’d die for you Ron, even now, even when you two aren’t speaking.” Harry states. 

Ferociously, the red head shakes his head, “don’t say things like that. I don’t wanna think about that.” His response was reaching that of when Fred made his Death Eater joke yesterday. 

Sensing his best friend's rising temper, he quickly averts the subject, “so when are you gonna give her it? The gift.” 

Ron shrugs, his initial plan was to give it to her privately, explain everything behind it, but as Christmas closed in he grew more nervous. “Leave it under the tree?” His voice is high and squeaky. 

“Ron,” the dark haired boy grumbled, “again my knowledge about girls is limited, especially when trying to think about Hermione like that.” He squirmed, “But I think if you put this much into the gift, you might as well explain why.” 

“It’s not easy.” He admits quietly, plopping onto the couch, “it wasn’t easy telling you, or Ginny, or even breaking up with Lavender.” 

Harry shakes his head, “I think that’s the whole point Ron, if things were easy then we wouldn’t know how much we wanted them.” He said quietly, silently reflecting on his own wishes. 

“Harry Potter,” Ron said after a moment, “when did you get so poetic?” He teased. 

In response the chosen one laughed and chucked his magazine at the gingers head. 

“I reckon I’m rather tired of watching some tosser feel sorry about himself.” 

“Who ever could you mean Potter?” He joked. 

“Hmm, tall, red hair, blue eyes, I think he’s Gryffindor keeper. What’s his name? Roger? Rupert?” He suddenly sounds a lot like Slughorn. 

“Shove it.” He chuckled, “I don’t even know what I’d say.” Ron commented. 

Harry sat up and went to the edge of the couch cushion, scooting closer, “pretend I’m Hermione.” 

His face scrunches, “what? No! That’s bloody weird.” 

“Come on Ron! You need all the help you can get. I don’t think anyone can handle this from the two of you anymore.” The chosen one encourages. 

From the rare good mood Harry seems to be in Ron complies. 

“Hermione, would you please,” he notices Harry watching him, “can’t you like... look away?” His friend rolled his eyes and kept staring at Ron, “would you please come outside with me, I’d like to give you something.” 

“No Ronald!” Harry shrieked in his best Hermione voice. 

“Harry what the hell? You’re supposed to make this easy!” Ron countered. 

“Well would she?” The dark haired boy asked. 

“Good point,” the ginger agreed, clearing his throat, “anyway, it would really mean a lot to me and I’d like to talk to you.” He tried entering the act again. 

“Oh so now you want to talk?” The Boy-Who-Lived asked, impersonating his best friend quite poorly. 

“Harry.” He groans. 

“Fine, fine.” He stops, “let’s talk.” 

Averting his blue eyes from green ones, he envisions Hermione somewhere in the room, “I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for hurting you. I know that it won’t fix anything, but I’m through with Lavender, we should’ve never been together. Not when it was hurting you and you don’t have to tell me why, I knew it was, so I’m sorry. I really am, I just hope you can find it in yourself to consider forgiving me. I’ll be here, however long it takes.” He rambles out, momentarily forgetting Harry was even there. 

“Is this when we snog?” The chosen one says, interrupting the daze. 

“Oh shove off.” He grunted back annoyed. 

“I thought you did good Ron, I’m sure you’ll have to account for at least two interruptions, but, I think it’s a start.” Harry’s voice is now serious. 

“And that’s all I’m asking for, a start.” He clears up. 

“Well as long as you buck up tomorrow, that’s what you’ll get.” 

Before Ron can even answer, Harry’s green eyes find the window. Abruptly, Weasley turns and panics. 

“Fleur’s coming back! Act casual.” He jumped to the couch and acted as if he were napping, leaving a laughing Potter. 

The door soon opened as Fleur appeared, “Bonjour boys.” 

“Oh hey there Fleur, didn’t even notice you came in.” The redhead states, causing Harry to chuckle even more. 

The blonde rolled her eyes, knowing what he was doing, “you know Ronald,” she began, too casual for his liking, “I’ve been told by someone, that next time you’re to give them something you should do it yourself.” Obviously she was referring to the blanket, but Ron’s mind jumped to the gift in his room. 

“I told him the same!” Harry called happily in agreement. 

“Oui, smart boy.” She praised me. 

“Alright, alright, I get it. I swear the next thing I need to give Hermione will come directly from my hands. No one else’s.” He promises. 

Fleur stares at him for a moment before a grin stretches across her face, “good Ron, for a moment I was worried you were a, what was it? A right tosser.” She says before leaving the room. 

For a moment he’s left shocked by her words, wondering why she’d say such a thing. Then suddenly, his mind flashed to how he closed every single letter to Bill: A right tosser, Ron. 

“Oh Merlin,” he grumbled red as a tomato, “Bill!” He bellows as Fleur’s giggles float from the steps.

[blookmallow]

🎃 Gumdrop Island Halloween Event OFFICIALLY OPEN!! 🎃

hello friends its finally time to share what ive been working on for the past couple months: my 🎃HALLOWEEN MAZE 🎃

HOW IT WORKS: ive built a spooky maze in the northwest corner of my island!! there are signs/markers around but ill explain how to get to it below. its not a very big maze but i didnt want to tear up too much of my island. i hope u enjoy anyway!! will probably be updated with more stuff once the official halloween stuff starts and i have access to more things :’) 

- your goal is to reach the winner’s circle at the end of the maze! i will be there to congratulate you and restock prizes as they get claimed (and make sure people aren’t taking more than one prize/taking things they didn’t actually win. please don’t do this. i dont want to have to start doing private dodo codes or something ) 

-  axes and shovels will not be needed. if there’s a tree in your way, you gotta find another way through - please leave my trees alone! 

- use of ladders is allowed but not needed. you can get through without a ladder, but you can climb over stuff if you wanna. you will need one if you want to use the fast exit through the mini graveyard at the end though bc i dont wanna build another incline. if you come in through the exit you’re disqualified :T (if you forget to bring a ladder you can still get out the way you came in, just, uh. gotta go back through the maze again) (also some of the scavenger hunt presents might require a ladder to get to them) 

- if you find a wrapped present inside the maze area somewhere that is NOT the winner’s circle, you can keep it!! i will be hiding these around in different spots throughout the month! im not going to impose a limit on how many you can take so depending on how many visitors i have at a time they might all be found before i can restock em for next time 

- WHEN YOU REACH THE END: spin the wheel!! you gotta interact with it again to stop it :’) 

if you get a fruit: take the present under your fruit symbol!! 

if you get a bell, or a leaf: SPECIAL prize!! these are rarer/more expensive things!! again, depending on how many are claimed, i may run out of these eventually but i will do my best to keep them stocked! the prince (the lil green dude) is representing the leaf because.... hes. green (i didnt want to make a leaf symbol shh) 

if you get The Fish: the unlucky prize... better luck next time :/ 

- everyone can win one prize per visit, though you are welcome to come back and win another prize another time! the bonus hidden presents do not count

here is a ref post for general island info, tldr its fine to pick flowers or fruit, fine to take shells, please leave my decorative star bits and stuff alone, if you have shovel privileges please ask before you dig up any flowers outside of the free flower garden/please leave my trees alone

the halloween shop is also open!! everything on the ground in the shop area is free to anyone! here’s a post about that 

the maze and the shop will be up all through october and probably a bit into november too, ill be doing dodo code nights now n then and you’re also always welcome to message me to work out a time to come visit if you’d like! dream town will also be updated soon, though obviously you can’t win any prizes there :(

TO GET TO THE MAZE: 

follow the path to the shopping area! (this also leads to the halloween shop; if the signs/paths are confusing just look for the nooklings on the town map) 

head around back of the nook shop - the spooky purple path will show you the way! (the halloween shop is to the left near the able sisters also) 

on your way through the graveyard, you’ll pass by THE HAUNTED MANSION! 

why not stop by and visit the happy haunts? they're DYING to meet you...

( my haunted mansion is still ongoing but i have most of the rooms now!! ) 

ENTER THE MAZE!!! have fun, don’t get lost, and watch your step! 

[lilydalexf]

Old School X is a project interviewing X-Files fanfic authors who were posting fic during the original run of the show. New interviews are posted every Tuesday.

Interview with Marasmus

Marasmus only has a handful of fics left at Gossamer, but you can find more X-Files fics at AO3 (as finisterre). Some of my favorites of her stories I've recced here before, including one of the most clever fics you could read, Cellphone (here at AO3), and the lovely, London-set A Candle for Katherine (here at AO3, bonus commentary at LJ). Big thanks to Marasmus for doing this interview.

Does it surprise you that people are still interested in reading your X-Files fanfics and others that were posted during the original run of the show (1993-2002)?

Mine, yes, older XF in general, no — some of that stuff is amazing. Though I wonder how well fandom operates now there is not a plethora of rec sites. I know of yours and one more Tumblr blog and that’s it.  I find it really difficult to find good stories in any fandom unless someone whose taste maps to mine recommends something.

What do you think of when you think about your X-Files fandom experience? What did you take away from it?

I look back on it fondly, but it was one of the first things that really hammered it home to me that every grouping throughout life follows the pattern of school.

A lot of people are really talented and funny and kind. Then there are absolute ego-rampaging nightmares who act like lady bountiful in public but do cruel things in private, or chuck their toys out of the pram at the least provocation.

And like school, fandom brings together a disparate group of people who you’re friendly with, but once you leave, the ones you stay in touch with are your friends.

Social media didn't really exist during the show's original run. How were you most involved with the X-Files online (atxc, message board, email mailing list, etc.)?

Thank God.

I watched the show pre-widespread internet and mostly when I had almost no money. I didn’t have regular internet access until the third season, and that was only at my incredibly conservative workplace. I didn’t get home internet access until midway through season six. You couldn’t download episodes easily, you couldn’t stream, you just had to wait until it aired overseas. I decided I didn’t care if I was spoiled and that worked for me. In fact for some particularly annoying episodes, I was glad.

I was a newsgroup and mailing list sort of person. Never really did message boards unless a newsgroup counts, though I had a Haven account.

What did you take away from your experience with X-Files fic or with the fandom in general?

Mostly, how talented people are. I know some are now professional writers, but so many people who didn’t do it as anything but a hobby were also amazing.

What was it that got you hooked on the X-Files as a show?

I always liked science fiction, oddness and urban legends, so it was kind of made for me. But it was the relationship between Mulder and Scully that kept me around, and after season six, it was the fandom that kept me around. I loved Scully in particular, cos let’s be honest, Mulder can be kind of a twerp at times.

What got you involved with X-Files fanfic?

I hung out on alt.tv.xfiles.analysis (a newsgroup), which was one of the smartest boards I’ve ever been on. The threads were full of well-read, erudite people. That led to a site which collated reviews of XF episodes. They mentioned alt.tv.xfiles.creative, and I got there the summer after Gethsemane, which was pretty optimal timing.

I’d take floppy disks into conservative workplace and quietly download the most gloriously filthy fanfic onto them for reading at home on my ancient second-hand Mac.

After that I joined Scullyfic, a mailing list, which was a lovely place to hang out for a while, and got stories through a couple of other mailing lists.

What is your relationship like now to X-Files fandom?

Like my relationship to ice hockey: glad that activity exists and that some people enjoy it, but not watching and not involved myself.

Were you involved with any fandoms after the X-Files? If so, what was it like compared to X-Files?

Reading, yes, and writing the odd bit of feedback, but any other fandom involvement didn’t really take. I’ve never found a bunch of people I liked as well as I liked some of the people in XF.

Who are some of your favorite fictional characters? Why?

I am usually more interested in female characters than male ones (the Doctor, Mulder and Jack O’Neill notwithstanding), which is why I only read a bit of m/m slash. I usually develop a perverse dislike for any woobie the fandom loves.  

Some favourites are: Samantha Carter and Jack O’Neill, Granny Weatherwax, Furiosa, everyone from The Good Place, Donna Noble, Sarah Jane Smith, Martha Jones and Yasmin Khan, Maia from The Goblin Emperor, Cordelia Naismith and Miles Vorkosigan, General Leia Organa, Rey and Finn, and lately all of The Old Guard, even Booker...

I like nerds, pining, best friends discovering feelings for each other, second chances, redemption narratives, people being sneaky for good ends and stoics who stay stoic through all kinds of misery, only to crack and start crying when they get a happy ending.

Basically, you know Eleanor at the end of the Emma Thompson Sense and Sensibility? That.

Do you ever still watch The X-Files or think about Mulder and Scully?

No. I had about four years there where I made up stories about Mulder and Scully on any commute where I’d forgotten a book, but that’s gone now. I watched two episodes of the revival, but it wasn’t for me.

Do you ever still read X-Files fic? Fic in another fandom?

I occasionally wander in and read a bit on AO3, but nothing that deals with anything past season seven. Not interested in William, not interested in domestic fiction, not even interested in post-col any more, which was 100% my crack during XF fandom days. I did read By the Dim and Flaring Lamps [Lilydale note: by @sunflowerseedsandscience] earlier this year. Love a bit of AU historical.

I read lots of different fandoms, though I am between intense enthusiasms at the moment, which always feels a bit odd.

Do you have any favorite X-Files fanfic stories or authors?

Yes, but they’re all about 20 years old. Is there such a thing as fandom classics any more?  There used to be a litany of stories that ‘everyone should read’. I wonder how well they hold up now.

I think there are waves of writers who come into a fandom and then leave again: I think I was part of a second wave, with the first wave being Mustang Sally, RivkaT, Karen Rasch, Lydia Bower, Nascent etc.

Then there must’ve been a third wave for the revival (and mini-waves in between). I don’t know that group of writers, so I am probably leaving out people who are really good.

One of my favourite Scully voices is Five Years and One Night [Lilydale note: by Shalimar], because of the contrast between her inner monologue as written and how little she actually says.

I really like quieter, thoughtful authors like Michelle Kiefer, Cecily Sasserbaum, Scullysfan, Cofax, Anjou, Maria Nicole, Kipler.  Love everything Kel ever wrote.

At one point there were also about three authors called Rachel who were knockout. I like to think Rachel Howard is writing professionally because it’s a waste of talent if she’s not. Rachel Anton had a crazy gift for pacing and wrote a good Krycek.

I really liked Branwell’s strange AU novels, which riff off The Field Where I Died (a wretched episode but so much good writing came from it.) [Lilydale note: Condemned to Repeat It by Branwell is a really long story involving The Field Where I Died.]

Everyone who is reccing other people’s stuff here is also a good writer. (and their taste in recs is — mostly — excellent): http://www.thebasementoffice.com/museaxfnet/museans/TitlesAF.html

What is your favorite of your own fics, X-Files and/or otherwise?

I like The Flexible Concept of Tomorrow. I loved trying to work out the timelines. I like the one about airships and cross-dressing which only exists on my iPhone and in my imagination right now.

Do you think you'll ever write another X-Files story? Or dust off and post an oldie that for whatever reason never made it online?

Only an AU, if ever. I am completely at sea with canon.

Do you still write fic now? Or other creative work?

In my head. Mostly AUs. Everyone has daemons! It’s an airship! They’re exploring space! It’s mediaeval Slovenia!

Most of my creativity is sucked away by work. Which is good I suppose, as writing fanfic never paid my Netflix subscription.

Where do you get ideas for stories?

Reading long-form journalism and non-fiction books.  

What's the story behind your pen name?

Well, I changed mine. The first one was picked out of a magazine article about Branwell Bronte, and I liked the shape of the word. Then I got to feel uncomfortable with it because it was a real illness that made people suffer. The current one comes from the shipping forecast when I was a kid.

Do your friends and family know about your fic and, if so, what have been their reactions?

No, and also absolutely not. Over my dead body. Over YOUR dead body.

Is there a place online (tumblr, twitter, AO3, etc.) where people can find you and/or your stories now?

I took my stories off Gossamer but I don’t remember why. They’re on AO3 now and there are probably stray copies on some archives out there.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with fans of X-Files fic?

I have made all of these mistakes. All of ‘em.

— On no account offer unsolicited concrit. In fact, do not provide concrit EVEN IF THE PERSON ASKS FOR IT, unless you know them reasonably well and it’s in private.

— Avoid the wank. If you have the perfect riposte to something awful, write it and file it to drafts for two days. If you still want to send it after that, godspeed.

— Write anything you want, and when you start keep going. You can edit later.

— Never put any story into the public sphere unless you’ve had a second pair of eyes on it, preferably the eyes of someone who is willing to say “are you SURE about that?”

Finally, just have fun. Being in the grip of love of story is a wonderful thing, and you never know how long it will last.

(Posted by Lilydale on September 29, 2020)

[bokutosbestie2]

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Ah thanks to those who are reading this story! Love you all ☻

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Y/N Pov:

After getting dropped off by Atsumu, I check my phone to only see 20 miss calls from Semi.

Yikes, he probably thought I died or something...

I decide to call him back.

" Hello. "

" Y/N WHAT HAPPEN TO YOU! I WAS TRYING TO FIND YOU ALL OVER THE PARTY! " he shouted through the phone.

" OK FIRST OF ALL CALM DOWN! I'M OK DON'T WORRY! "

" Thank GOSH! I REALIZED YOU WERE GONE AROUND 3 am?! "

" Wow what a nice friend realizing I was gone after 5 hours at the party! " I say with sarcasm.

" HEY! AT LEAST I REMEMBER?! "

" YEA! You right... " I laughed.

" OH ALSO?! How did you get home your car is still at the Venue?! " Semi asks confused.

" WELL!  A guy name Atsumu helped me out when I was completely out! "

" ATSUMU?! THE VOLLEYBALL PLAYER?! LIKE THE REALLY GOOD ONE?! "

" Yea?! The one with the twin! "

Why is he so surprised?

" DO YOU GUYS KNOW EACH OTHER?! "

" No, we just met last night! How do you know him ?" I asked curiously.

" We used to play volleyball together in high school same with his brother Osamu! Also, Osamu catered for the party! "

" Hmm, interesting... Well, I met Osamu at his restaurant."

" Osamu is the calmer twin but he still pretty crazy, on the other hand, Atsumu is a big flirt with the girls watch out!" Semi laughs on the phone.

" Yea not interested. "

" Haha, that's a loss for him! Anyways you need a break from volleyball players. " Semi laughs.

" Yea I do! Alright SEMI SEMI I'm gonna get going now I have to finish a couple of things from work. Also, I need to cure this hangover before tomorrow. "

" Ok then ILL LET YOU GO! BYE! "

" Bye Semi! "

We both end the call.

Now I need to find a way to get my car before noon because I have tons of work to do.

I can't ask Semi to take me there because he staying at a friend's house, I can probably ask Kenma to help me. I haven't seen him in a while so maybe we can catch up a little also.

I shoot a text to Kenma.

Texting on phone:

Y/n: “ Hey are you free right now? “

5 minutes later

Kenma: " yea why? "

Y/n: " Do you think you can come over right now?!

Kenma: " I don't see why not. "

Y/n: " PERFECT! "

I put my phone down on the counter and change into different clothes because I was still in Atsumu shirt.

I guess I'll be keeping the shirt until we meet again, or if we ever.

30 minutes later

I hear my doorbell ring, and it was Kenma.

" KENMAAA COME IN! " I say happily."

" Hey what's up its been a while! " he says as he went in for a hug.

" Nothing really.. "

" Bs I heard you and Kageyma broke up.. "

" FROM WHO?! " I say confused.

" Hinata... "

" OH YEAAA HIS BESTFRIEND... "

" Yea, he didn't really tell him but Hinata suspected when he texts him " how are things going with y/n, " and let's say he didn't take it well. " Kenma said in a conflicted tone.

" WHY did he not take it WELL! He the one who broke up with me?!" I say angrily.

" Did he ever tell you why he broke up with you? " Kenma asked.

" No, he just said I dOn'T LOvE yOu aNyMoRE "

I’m so annoyed right now why is he acting like the victim.

" That's it? " Kenma was surprised.

" YEA! "

" Oh wow, I really didn't think that the reason like... Strange."

" Who cares, I don't like him either. "

Obviously, I was still hurting but it's fine I don't need him.. Screw him.

" If you say so! "

Kenma Pov:

Yea no she still likes him...

Y/N Pov:

" Enough about him... DO you want to help me get my car?! "

" Wheres your car? " Kenma asks confused

" UH well, It's at a Venue.. "

" Did you go to a party or something? "

" Yea Semi had a party yesterday and let's say I got a little too wasted... BUT don't worry someone helped me out... "

" Uh, who helped you out? "

" I don't know if you know him but he is also a Volleyball player, his name is Atsumu the last name is Miya? "

" Wait a minute the one with the twin? "

" YEA HIM!"

" Are guys friends?! " Kenma asks

" No, I literally just met him last night. "

" Atsumu is a nice guy he just a big flirt. "

" THAT'S WHAT SEMI SAID?! "

" Well, it's because he is always out with a new girl every week. "

" Yea no thanks... " I say weirded out.

" Ok, so are we going to get your car?! " Kenma asks in a bored tone.

" Ok, let us go! "

I got into Kenma's car, luckily the venue is only 20 minutes away.

" AHH MY Precious car!! " I shouted.

" SHEEZ be louder next time will ya. "

" Kenma stop being grumpy... " I say as I try to keep in my laugh.

" Yea whatever go get your car now! "

" Already kicking me out... "

" Yes! "

" AH YOUR SO COLD! " I laugh

" Ok well thank you Kenma! We actually need to hang out ok?! "

" Fine... We will one of these days. " he smiles.

I get out of the car, wave to Kenma then I get in my car.

Finally, I can go home now and start working on projects.

After the 20 minute drive, I get in my house and start working on the three projects.

Meanwhile At this time:

Atsumu pov:

I'm sitting on the couch, my phone started buzzing uncontrollably.

What the heck.

I flip my phone over only to see texts from my friends. I open up the group chat and see something unexpected. A PHOTO OF ME AND Y/N IN THE CAR ON “ THE PEOPLES “ TWITTER PAGE.

The big 4 :

Sakusa: Oh so is she another new girl?

Bokuto: Already Atsumu?!

Hinata:  Isn't that Kageyama's ex!

Me: NO NO THEY GOT IT WRONG WE ARE NOT GOING OUT!

Me: ALSO HINATA DID YOU JUST SAY?! KAGEYAMA EX?!

So that's who broke her... What a small world.

Sakusa: Sure that's what you say about every girl..

Bokuto: Can we get a Rip

Hinata: Rip.. Also Yes

Sakusa: Rip

Sakusa: Damn already making moves on a girl who broke up with her boyfriend.

Bokuto: Wow..

Hinata: HAHA I WONDER HOW KAGS IS GOING TO REACT TO THIS..

Me: CAN YOU GUYS STOP THAT?!  YOU GOT IT ALL WRONG...

Sakusa: Ok then if she, not a random hook up who is she, and does she know she on " the people's " Twitter account label as mystery girl?!

Bokuto: YEA DOES SHE KNOW!?

Oh my, we just met and she isn't going to like this.

Me: NO SHE DOESNT KNOW...But she was some random girl at the party Osamu was catering. I decided to help her out because she was alone and drunk so I took her to Osamu's house, so she can sober up. The next morning I took her home because she left her car at the Venue... I DIDNT THINK THE Paparazzi WOULD CARE SO MUCH?!

Hinata: Wow Atsumu that was nice of you.

Bokuto: ^^^

Sakusa: Well you're going to have to tell her or do something about it because we all know how crazy your fangirls get.

Me: Fine fine let me tell her right now.

After texting the group chat, I was about to text y/n only to remember... I don't have her number, but I think Osamu has her number.

I texted Osamu, now I have to wait for him to respond.

Now back to y/n :

Finally, I'm almost done with this projects...

Then all of sudden I get a text from Tendou.

I looked at my phone and I can't believe what I see... He sends me a screenshot of Me and Atsumu in the car... It was trending on Twitter. The title was " Star setter mystery girl? "

Texting On phone:

Tendou: I didn't know you guys were going out?

Y/n: OH MY GOSH? Please tell me this is a joke?!

Tendou: No I don't think so...

Y/n: WE ARE NOT GOING OUT... I MET HIM LAST NIGHT!

I explained to Tendou what happened last night.

Tendou: this Has to be the most miss interpreted picture ever. LMAO!!

Y/n: YEA IT IS NOW EVERYONE AT WORK IS GOING TO ASK ME... OH NO KAGEYAMA PROBABLY SAW THIS!

Tendou: HAHAHA.. WHO CARES HE BROKE UP WITH YOU... His loss..

Y/n: YOUR RIGHT! BUT I DON'T WANT TO BE KNOW AS ATSUMU ANOTHER GIRL?! I DON'T EVEN KNOW THE GUY!

Tendou: Has he talked to you about it?!

Y/n: No HE DOESNT EVEN HAVE MY NUMBER?!

Tendou: Well this is going to be fun to watch...

Y/n: NO it's NOT..

I stressfully put my phone down on the counter...

What I'm I going to do?! HOW DID I GET INTO TO THIS MESS?

I hear another notification go off on my phone... It was an unknown number.

Text message:

Hey can we talk?

Y/n: Who is this?

Atsumu: Its Atsumu

Y/n: NO WE CANT TALK DID YOU SEE TWITTER?

Atsumu: YES I KNOW THAT'S WHY I WANT TO TALK?

Y/n: Also? HOW DID YOU GET MY NUMBER?

Atsumu: OSAMU GAVE IT TO ME!

oh, yea I forgot I gave him my number.

Atsumu: WELL HEAR ME OUT! This will die down tomorrow, me and the team are leaving for Osaka in the morning so you don't even have to see me again.

Y/n: Sheez that's a harsh way to put it.

Atsumu: I mean if you want to see me you can~

Oh my, I can hear his flirtatious tone from here.

Y/n: NO!

Atsumu: AW you're SO MEAN!

Atsumu: ALSO I DIDNT KNOW Kageyama was your boyfriend...

Y/n: Who told you that?

Atsumu: Hinata! We play on the same team..

Y/n: OH Gosh NOW IT SEEMS LIKE IM JUMPING AROUND Guy to Guy...

Atsumu: YOU THINK IT MAKES YOU SEEM BAD? IT MAKES ME SEEM BAD TOO!

Y/n: Atsumu Shut up! Everyone knows you're a big flirt.. now I'm going to seem like I'm one of your little playthings.

Y/n: WHAT IM GOING TO SAY at WORK PEOPLE ARE GOING TO ASK IF WE HOOKED UP?!

Atsumu: I have an Idea.. What if we pretend we're dating?

Y/n: HUH?

Atsumu: It will fix both our reputation.. I won't be seen as the guy who hooks up with every chick and people at work can stop questioning you. There's a BONUS we can make Kageyama jealous... You can win him back.

Y/n: IF we do this... together in private we don't have to act as a couple right.. I just MET YOU...

Atsumu: Yea don't worry your not even my type, this should be easy because I won't be near you.

Y/n: DEAL!

Atsumu: PERFECT! Just let me know if anything happens tomorrow! Ill fill you in too!

Y/n: Fine.

I place my phone down on the nearby table.

WHAT HAVE I DONE? IS THIS REALLY GOING TO WORK?

Atsumu pov:

Why couldn't have it been with much cuter girl? Now no girl is going to talk to me.. Stupid paparazzi.

Chapter 5

[the-pen-pot]

WIP Challenge

Tell your blog the titles of all the WIPs you are currently working on right now and a little about them and then tag five other writers.

I was tagged by @simply-clockwork

I have so many Wips it’s ludicrous.

Actively Updating

No Clean Slate (Sherlock) - 17 chapters posted

Not even Mary's death is enough to wipe her slate clean. Especially when she never died at all. John Watson must face up to his wife's past and keep his daughter safe. He doesn't ask for help, not from anyone.

Except Sherlock Holmes.

Sorcerer’s Bane (Merlin) - 2 chapters posted

Arthur gave Merlin his cloak thinking only of the warmth it would offer in a snowstorm. He never thought his manservant may be mistaken for him and snatched by bandits. Nor did he expect his dashing rescue of Merlin to turn his world so utterly on his head.

Because the bandits hadn't kidnapped a prince. They'd snatched a sorcerer, and now captivity is the least of anyone's problems.

Working On Intermittently/When Patrons Vote I Do So!

Monachopsis (Sherlock)

" Monachopsis n. the subtle but persistent feeling of being out of place. It takes John Watson decades to discover where he really belongs." Magical realism (sorta) and dream sharing. Eventual Johnlock.

Guard Of Diocletian (Sherlock)

'What's his Shift?' John asked, frowning to himself. Sherlock had not mentioned anything about another form. That in itself was not unusual. A lot of people were rather private about their alternative shapes. It was frowned upon to ask someone outright what creature they were when changed, but Mike was like him, baseline, and if he was going to live with this man then he needed to know what he could wake up to find one morning. Shedding on the furniture was one thing, but he had no real desire to find a strange, threatening animal in the living room one day.

'He isn't one, is he?' Mike's eyebrows were up, his honest face truly puzzled. 'I've never seen him change, and he's been coming here for years. I mean, I suppose he could be, but...' Mike trailed off with a shrug. 'I think he's like us.'

John pursed his lips, tapping his cane on the floor as he shook his head. 'No, Mike, he is nothing like us.' Animal/Fantasy shapeshifter AU. Casefic.

Catlock 10

Sherlock and John uncover a Felisian trafficking ring. Sherlock uses himself as bait.

Merlock

Injured and sent home to England, John finds himself guarding a mysterious tank at Baskerville. Will he do his duty, or will he risk it all to help rescue the man imprisoned within the watery depths?

Original

"Sometimes the murders were simple: a knife in the dark and bloody secrets that soon found their way into the light. Those were the good days, but in a city where magic is both revered and maligned, death is rarely so straightforward.

Lucy Davis is an officer of the Blackguard, and it’s up to her to solve those crimes rooted in the extraordinary."

Where The Heart Is (Hobbit)

'There was an attack. Raiders. There was no warning of their coming.' Gandalf sighs, and it is a broken sound of someone who has failed in their duty of care.  The raiders took everything they could carry, and burned everything they could not. Many of the fallen were impossible to recognise.' Gandalf leans on his staff, and the wizard looks more tired than the King has ever seen him. He swallows, and Thorin wants to put his hands over his ears, because he knows, sick and certain now, why Bilbo's letters had stopped.

'Bilbo is not among those who live.'

(Bilbo's presumed dead, but has actually been taken by raiders. Thorin must rebuild his kingdom with a broken heart, while Bilbo fights his way across the wild north, broken and bleeding, to make his way back to the mountain that has become his home. With bonus hobbits re-homing in Erebor. A fair bit written. Not yet posted)

Erebor Never Fell AU

Bilbo Baggins and his mother leave the Shire after his father's death, as Belladonna has little left to live for but adventure. Unfortunately, she falls afoul of a cruel prince, a man who is used to taking what he wants. In the ensuing struggle, both she and the prince lose their lives, and it is Bilbo who wielded the blade which avenged his mother.

Taking prisoner and accused of murder, his sentence is to be the king’s food-taster. His eyes are bound, as he is unfit to look upon the Men who imprison him, and every day he is dosed with poison and every evening given enough antidote to keep him alive.

Such is his existence, until the day his Master takes him to Erebor as part of his retinue, and he discovers the promise of a future among the dwarves who live there. Especially the eldest dwarven prince, Thorin Oakenshield.

(Erebor never fell AU with political intrigue, and Bilbo Baggins finding friends when he thought there was no one left in the world who cared for him at all.)

Quarantine Hobbit Fic

Inspired by the prompt of quarantine. Erebor is saved from the dragon and beginning to rebuild, but Thorin, newly healed from the injuries of the battle, suddenly takes ill.

The sickness is a dwarf's worst fear: highly contagious and always fatal. Thorin locks himself away to die a slow death, alone. Of he would, if not for the persistence of a certain hobbit.

Bilbo breaks into the royal chambers, effectively locking himself away with Thorin. Except as the disease progresses, he begins to think it looks rather familiar. In fact, it's a common childhood illness, one hobbits have been able to cure for years.

Plenty of Bilbo and Thorin hurt/comfort and a happy ending. (Of course)

Untitled Merlin Fic

Friends make all the difference. What if the knights of the round table found their way to Camelot before Arthur became king? What difference would that make to Arthur, to Merlin, and to their destiny? (25k written, unpublished. In my head this is basically entitled *~shenanigans, love and a golden age~*

I’m late replying to this, so consider yourself tagged if you’ve not yet done it <3

[nomimits7]

Dream walkers | 2 kinda?

Title: Dream walkers

Genre: Yandere if that’s what this is called

Pairing: BTSot7 x reader

Warnings: Mental health that’s deteriorating is described. THIS IS NOT A FLUFFY FIC!! READ WITH CAUTION. I kind of have no idea. Yandere behaviour. THIS KIND OF DAYDREAMING IS MY OWN INTERPRETATION. The illness mentioned is real but by no means have I done any research on it.

Summary: when illusions you dreamed up to help cope with the loneliness, one day disappears because of your own foolishness. You thought there was nothing else left for you in this world. But as you’re lying on the shower floor and the world slowly fading around you, the last thing you expected to see are a pair of combat boots and sneakers belonging to those you somehow dreamed up.

First part

A/N: I have no idea... Oops I guess. Impulse is real and it apparently leads to shit like this. This just a drabble and very ( I mean extremely) short... 

∞

That day in the hospital they made you promise to never try and take away the only light they had in this dull world. They told you all about their Idol life and how they stumbled upon your beautiful mind. They even dared to tell you how much they craved you.

It wasn’t suppose to feel normal, you knew this, yet here you were smiling at their confession. It was beautiful to see their cheeks turn pink at your laughter. You instantly fell in love with them just like before, but your smile didn’t last. You knew you would have to return to your lonely life soon. Your cold apartment would never be the same without their presence there. their real presence.

It was indeed scary to think hoe depended on their company you have become. You might be addicted to them, if that is even possible. They could feel your shift in mood even before your face showed it. They knew why, but they had no idea how to address it. It was easier in their dreamed-up appearance to be direct. They would never fear any repercussions. But now… even if they craved your raw emotions they knew they wouldn’t be able to handle any eruption of emotion while in the same room as you. Things could get messy.

Your emotions got them high. They even perfected the act of riling you up right before they had to perform. The unexpected amount of raw feelings gave them a rush like no mundane drug ever could. Not that they ever tried any, they just knew it would never be able to compare. Luckily the doctor came by to discharge you.

“Miss Y/N? I would like to ask you a few questions in private if that is okay?” his gaze momentarily shifted to the seven idols that lounged around the room.

“Oh, you can talk to me with them in the room. We’re close and I am probably going to tell them any way so why not directly from the source?” You answered with a slight smile. Seriously, what could be so confidential?

“Very well. When they brought you in, they mentioned you sometimes would daydream? I took the liberty to do some tests while you were asleep, and I have found that you have a severe case of Maladaptive daydreaming. By severe I mean that it could be life threatening if you are not monitored daily. Mind if I ask what you do for a living?”

“I’m a writer. Why?” came your reply

“Well that explains it a bit. You can use your writing to ensure that you would never daydream to the extend that you begin living in your alternative universe. Simply put, you’ll have to at least allow yourself to write once a day to get some of that creativity out. Now that said, if you ever do fall into a lucid daydream the best option to get back to real life would be either to end your story, or via something that would almost be like a rude awakening. Good luck my dear, unfortunately there is nothing else we can do for you”

With that the doctor left. You sat in your bed for almost five minutes before a small scoff fell from your lips. What the doctor didn’t know was that you had somewhat suspected this. But you had to admit, it can get dangerous quickly. Especially with your very much alive and active mind.

“Y/N? Wh-Why don’t you move in with us? We could keep an eye on you. Besides it would be weird going back to our dorm without you. We miss you baby…” Jimin spoke up. Eyes hopeful as the rest of the members nodded their agreements.

Your heart felt like it would burst out of your ribcage. You have never felt your heart swell so much with adoration. Tears brimming your eyes as you hastily look over to Namjoon for confirmation. What you failed to notice was the visible intake of breaths. Your sudden spike in emotion was unexpected to say the least. None of them could wait to get out of there and keep you away from anything and everyone.

You were theirs and theirs alone to share laughs with, to pull pranks on, to cuddle with, to love unconditionally… to fuck like there’s no tomorrow. They intended to make you theirs in more ways than one, but for now they needed to get you out of your shitty apartments and safely into their dorms.

The fact that you barely had friends was just an added bonus that would ensure a smooth transaction from one place to another. The only problem they had at this stage was to contain their need to ravish you right here in the hospital. Luckily your attention was else were and you failed to see their inner battle.

“Only if you want to little one. We have more than enough room and we’ll be happy to have you. I could even get arrangements made so you could travel with us when we leave for events or tours. Luckily your work comes in the form of a laptop. What do you say little dove? Will you move in with us? Will you allow us to never let you go again?” Namjoon asked while tilting his head slightly to the side.

You would never know what your live could have been like if you have said no. You would never know how unnatural their behaviours truly were. You had no idea how much they played with your mind to make you agree to things no normal person would ever agree to. All you knew at this moment was that you wanted to move in with them. You wanted to see them and feel them every single day of your life. Nothing else mattered in more than that.

“Please” your reply sounded almost desperate. But the smile that grazed their lips was worth your vulnerability. It was worth they pain in your wrists to get to this point. It was worth cutting all other human interactions with.

“Please what angel?” Seokjin asked as he came closer to run his fingers through your hair. His eyes locked on yours with such intensity it made you feel small.

“Please let me move in with you. And please don’t ever let me go again” Your voice was almost softer than a whisper, but it was loud and clear to them. Finally, they have finally found someone worthy of their possessive behaviour. Someone willing to give up everything for them.

“Never again baby. Let’s go home” Hoseok said as Taehyung carried you bridal style out of the room, never to be seen by the public eye again. Why would they want to share such treasure when they finally had you all to themselves?

[transientwordsmith]

Don’t Fall-- Chapter 9

This is technically a bonus chapter! It picks up right where chapter 8 left off because they were originally going to be one long chapter, but it was too disconnected. This has been a fun journey! | Word Count: ~1300 | Characters: Peter Parker, Tony Stark, Ned Leeds | Link to ao3

After finishing breakfast, Tony and Peter saw Dr. Strange out.

“Thank you for this. If you ever need anything, just call,” Peter told him.

Then, Peter got ready to go see that movie he had been waiting for. He was sitting in his room, deciding on a shirt, when he got a text from Ned:

so did you convince mr stark to come with us?

Peter gave a long sigh. A lot has happened since that conversation, he thought. He responded:

no not yet lemme ask

Then he added:

also ive been calling him tony now btw

Peter left his phone on his bed to avoid it buzzing like crazy in his pocket after what he just said.

“Hey Tony?” he called out into the hallway.

“Yeah?” Tony responded from the living room.

“D’you want to come to the movie with me and Ned?”

A moment of consideration.

“Sure.”

Peter returned to his phone, and sure enough there were a bunch of messages from Ned:

since when???

peter explain

p e t e r

so is he not coming

is this like a secret thing

Peter smiled and wondered how he was going to explain everything. He responded:

tony’s coming

also ill explain everything when i see you it is a  l o n g  story

Ned responded by sending Peter a facetime request. Peter hung his head in defeat and clicked the accept button.

“You can’t just say ‘ill explain when i see you’! Tell me now!” Ned said. Peter chuckled.

“Wow, impatient much?” he said.

“Yes, I am.”

Peter explained everything from the first Friday to this morning. He explained the moment he realized he couldn’t keep any notes and that nobody would remember anything. He recounted the moment when he realized that falling asleep before midnight was what was resetting everything. And, of course, he explained when he went from calling Tony “Mr. Stark” to just calling him Tony.

“I just realized that it must be such a sudden change for him,” Peter said. “I had a week to adjust, but he didn’t.”

“Yeah, man. I mean, I last saw you on Thursday and you were calling him Mr. Stark,” Ned said.

“Thursday?” Peter said. “But I went to school on Friday…” He trailed off, remembering that the only Friday, May 7 that would be immortalized in history was the one when he skipped school.

“Damn, I’m going to have to make up so much work!”

Ned and Peter chatted for a bit longer before getting off the phone. About 15 minutes later, Peter and Tony left for the movie theater. They went to the store to buy candy first, because the candy at the store is much bigger than whatever you can get at the theater, but they bought sodas at the theater.

They met Ned outside the theater.

“Ned!” Peter called out to him. Ned saw him and they did their handshake. “It’s good to see you,” Peter said, a sincere look in his eye.

“That must have been the longest week of your life,” Ned said. Peter nodded. Tony placed his hand on Peter’s shoulder.

“Come on, we’re going to miss the movie,” he said and walked inside. Tony didn’t often show his concern, but Peter knew it was there. Peter also knew he was going to get told he needed therapy after this.

The movie was okay, but not as good as Peter thought it was going to be. It was incredibly predictable and most of the characters were flat. The action sequences were confusing at best, and the indoor scenes were so poorly lit you could barely see anything.

“So how’d you guys enjoy the movie?” Tony asked as they were walking out of the theater.

“It was good,” Ned said.

“Well, I didn’t like it that much,” Peter said. He told Ned what he thought.

“Ok, all of those things are true, but I still liked the movie,” Ned said.

“That’s fine,” Peter told him.

Peter invited Ned to sleep over at the tower that night because he still wasn’t sure he wasn’t going to wake up again on Saturday morning. When they got back to the tower, Tony went to go to corporate business things while the boys played video games.

“Minecraft?” Ned asked.

“Minecraft,” Peter agreed.

Peter played on his laptop while Ned played on the TV. For a while they played on one of their old private servers where they just built whatever they wanted wherever they wanted. They had planned multiple cities there and had built scale replicas of fictional buildings, such as the Death Star or Trump Tower.

Then they moved to Hypixel where they could play games like hide and seek or build battle, which was a lot of fun even though they frequently lost to strangers. During one of the rounds of build battle, “The Avengers” was the prompt. Peter and Ned both tried to convey a chaotic scene in the kitchen, everyone else drew giant heroic statues. Peter and Ned came in last place.

After a few hours, the two got hungry.

“What do you want?” Peter asked. Ned shrugged. 

“I don’t know either,” Peter said. They both thought for a moment. Then, Ned had an idea.

“What if we filmed ourselves making viral food or something,” he suggested. Peter did finger guns at him.

“You’re a genius,” he said.

Peter got on his computer and looked up some recipe trends.

“I can only find ones from 2020,” he said.

“That should be fine,” Ned said.

One recipe for no-churn ice cream looked interesting.

“Does Mr.--Tony even have cream?” Ned asked.

“He has everything, I’m sure he does,” Peter reassured Ned.

Most of the recipes looked too difficult to try at 9.30 pm so they fell back on something it turned out both of them had wanted to try since it became popular: whipped coffee.

“I know Tony has coffee here, he practically lives on the stuff,” Peter said.

It was late, so Peter and Ned agreed to try and find some decaf. It took a bit of searching but at the back of the drawer they found an almost brand new jar of instant decaf. They added two tablespoons of that, two tablespoons of sugar, and two tablespoons of warm water to a bowl. Then they went rummaging through the drawers in the kitchen again in search of a whisk. Once they found one, Peter whisked the mixture until there was a layer of foam on top. A glass of iced milk was poured and the foam was added bit by bit. The boys put in two straws and each had a sip.

“This is good,” Ned said.

“I know, right?” Peter agreed.

After they finished the whipped coffee, they cleaned up and washed the dishes. It was getting late so they decided to move into Peter’s room and get ready to go to sleep. Eventually, Peter got settled in his bed, and Ned got settled on the air mattress Peter set up for him. The pair started chatting about the day. They talked about the movie, about the games they played, and the coffee. And what would happen in the morning.

Peter got hesitant when talking about the morning.

“Are you okay?” Ned asked. “You’re getting all quiet.”

“Yeah,” Peter assured him. “I guess I’m just a little nervous that I won’t wake up on Sunday, you know?”

“I get it. Well, no, I don’t, but I can imagine how you feel.”

“Thanks.”

After a little while, both boys fell asleep.

And both boys woke up on Sunday.

Chapter 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

[normal-thoughts-official]

UWU I'm in the mood for some Raphael talk, I love the headcanon you've talked about in the chat about Raphael tolerating Alec only because he makes his dad happy (which is so damn valid of him), and it's one of my most fave things do you have more slightly silly headcanons about it?

you really want me to be beaten up huh may. you want them to come for me again. you want to ruin my life

okay disclaimer Alec stans pwease dont hate me uwu I'm not saying i hate Alec I'm saying that i dont think Raphael would vibe with him. especially after the whole punch which I'll never get over cuz like i KNOW rationally that alec didnt have the full story and if izzy was hurt and sitting beside a white shadowhunter he would go there and beat them up all the same cuz alec's like this, but I'm still upset eidndidjdid my boy doesnt deserve this okay

anyway with that being said

i dont think its Raphael like, genuinely hating him as much as them having nothing in common besides their mutual love for Magnus and desire to see him happy. so Raphael can tolerate him fine, but he's not exactly dying to be best friends. besides, alec's like, all of the most annoying things about shadowhunters (all serious, never fucking relaxes, must have a weapon close at all times, doesn't understand food, doesn't listen to music, doesnt-) that arent like straight up nazist bigotry. so hes just like. ugh. whatever. I'm here for Magnus. leave pls

i can absolutely see that tbh Raphael just goes to their house and is all like "Alec leave i want to talk to Magnus" and alec's like "this is my house?" and raphael's like "and?" and alec's like "Fine, ill take a walk. Magnus, Raphael is here." but he also kisses Magnus goodbye in front of Raphael because he can, in fact, be an ass

also i know i told u about that already but Raphael lowkey challenges him every time like. he'll come by Magnus' and bring food, and of course theres food for 3 because Raphael is not gonna be that rude and he doesn't want to make Magnus feel like Raphael wants him to choose between Raphael and Alec. Alec makes Magnus happy and Raphael would never want to make Magnus feel like his love or presence in his life is conditional. Plus, he doesn't actually hate him. Just a little.

anyway so he brings the food and he's like (clearly judgemental tone) "i brought hot sauce because i figured Alec doesn't usually eat spicy food" and he's obviously correct, Alec had never eaten anything with season in his life before he met Magnus, much less pepper. he's the kind of ultimate, boss-level gringo who puts salt on his food when he's feeling adventurous

so Raphael sits down and puts the food on his plate and he pours hot sauce into his plate while making unwavering eye contact with Alec (yeah raphael can eat in this because he deserves it and i said so) and it's an obvious challenge and it evidently works because Alec 1- is competitive, and 2- actually wants Raphael's respect because he knows how important he is to Magnus. so he takes the salsa from Raphael and starts pouring it too while maintaining eye contact right back, jaw clenched in challenge, looking all serious and Magnus is like "children, please" and raphael's all like "oh no no no, let him" but Alec considers that a win because Raphael is clearly trying to contain a smile and thats the first step to winning him over

so anyway Alec sweats and grimaces through the whole meal, cuz like, look yes he may have pain tolerance because he's a shadowhunter but he's also the bitch who reacted to taking a sip of beer like someone had farted on his face. he can't hide his reactions for shit, but fuck if he doesn't lick the plate clean (not literally like gross) and doesn't shed a single tear, even as he clearly can't keep his eyes open with the effort

Magnus is like "Alexander, you dont have to do this" and alec's like "(eyes squeezed shut, grimacing, drenched in sweat) do what? this is very good" and Raphael is smiling into his plate even as Magnus shoots him dirty looks

then Alec is like "i won. i ate it all" and Raphael is like "(looking at his red sweaty face and puffy eyes) really?"

also look ill always love the hc that Raphael resents Alec for his height and Alec doesnt even notice. Raphael is not short, god damn it, hes 175! thats TEN whole centimeters above the mexican average! he was the tallest boy in Guadalajara! RAPHAEL IS TALL, OKAY

EXCEPT everyone in the goddamn shadow world is apparently a god damn giant. Its humiliating enough that Magnus is 180. but Magnus is his dad, so whatever. but Alec is FUCKING 190. no one needs that much tall. no one! Raphael went from being the tallest boy in the neighborhood to the shortest, and boy he is so not pleased about it

but Alec has no idea because who cares? (Raphael. Raphael cares. deeply. he cares so much) it's not even good to be that tall, he keeps banging his head on things. so there will be moments like. Raphael is standing in front of the bookshelf, seeming very focused. Alec shrugs, figures he's looking for something, and puts the book he was going to put there up. Raphael shoots him a dirty look that might as well be a stab, and Alec's like ???????? did i disrupt you? sorry? and Raphael just crosses his arms like "you didnt do anything, i dont know what you're talking about"

in reality the shelf was too high up because Magnus adjusted his shelves to his and Alec's height, and Raphael refused to stand on his tiptoes or god forbid, a stool, to grab his book, so he was just glaring at the shelf until the book came to him or something. and when Alec put the book up he was mad cuz Alec could reach it fjdndid

later Alec tells Magnus about it like "i dont get what i did. is he just that private?" and Magnus is like "hmm. i have no idea, darling" but next time Raphael comes, the shelves have been spelled to adjust to the book picker's height

also this always makes me think of that scene in hsm where zeke tries to talk to sharpay and she goes "evaporate, tall person!" and leaves and i love that mental image tbh

also like. eventually Alec apologizes for the punching thing (look. look. Im still salty and Raphael deserves it okay) and Raphael is like. moved because something deep inside of him still believed it was his fault and he was a monster, and it's. nice. and Alec kind of extends his arms and Raphael is like "dont think so" and crosses his arms and Alec kind of very very slowly lifts his arm and pats Raphael's head once and Raphael wants to scream and Alec looks very awkward and sheepish and Magnus bursts out laughing

(Raphael doesnt mind, though, because Magnus is genuinely so happy all day that they had a good interaction. so happy. and Raphael thinks, okay, this is okay. it's good if it makes Magnus happy.)

(Magnus also pats his head and plays with his hair, but its okay because Magnus has always done that and Raphael doesnt mind. only from him though. and raphael's partners. but anyway)

plus whenever Magnus is like, upset, or sick or something, theyre like. an unit. because for all they have no common interests they do think very alike (autistic solidarity i guess) and are very practical when it comes to taking care of others, and they both just. adore Magnus, okay. so Raphael will arrive, make Magnus soup. while he makes soup, Alec stays with him and takes his temperature. once Raphael is back with the soup, Alec goes out to buy medicine, and Raphael stays with him to make him company. and so on. at some point Alec is almost falling asleep by Magnus' side and Raphael taps his shoulder and points to the chair nearby, and Alec nods and dozes off for a while. then its the other way around. Magnus isnt seriously sick, of course, but he doesn't usually get sick so it's an event, plus they're both Like This. and for all the grief they give each other, they trust each other to take care of Magnus. theres no argument about that

(Magnus was resting, but he did see some of these moments, and smiled a bit to himself before dozing off again)

also Raphael and Ragnor gave Alec the ultimate shovel talk (Ragnor doesn't trust anyone after Camille, and while neither do cat and dot, they were more chill), but it lowkey backfired because they were like "if you ever hurt him, we'll remove your kneecaps" and Alec was like "(nodding seriously) thats fair"

also i know we've talked about this already but i also love the idea that Raphael goes to their house and is all absentmindedly like "hm can i have some coffee" and alec's like "sure, ill make it :) you stay here and talk to Magnus" and when Alec comes back he hands Raphael his coffee in a "best. bonus son. ever" mug and then he leans back against the wall, sipping his own coffee from his "world's #1 stepdad" mug that he bought himself, trying to hide his shit eating grin, and Raphael scowls and deliberately holds it so his hand covers the words, and Magnus laughs and his eyes shine as he sips his tea.

(later, Raphael is like. guess me and lightwood have a dynamic now. gross. but he still rolls with it)

in short Raphael and Alec being little shits to each other but still building something of a relationship for Magnus and always taking care of him..... ultimate trope