#very easy fix already caught back up but urgh

[rad-roche]

i'm truckin away on The Thing i've been plugging away at for months, and i'm nearing the end, and unfortunately clip studio paint crashed and i'd forgot to save. don't worry, it said. i've restored the document. fantastic i replied. surely you mean the canvas with 70 layers. and it said no i saved the scrap file. the one with the 3D model of a hand and a font test. you are so welcome

[supersupernaturalimagines]

Crazy to Think

Pairing - Castiel x Reader

Summary - Castiel Request: When you almost get yourself killed for Castiel, it makes him start to question everything. Does age really matter when you care that much for someone? 

Word Count - 1,856

Warnings - Canon typical violence and some language, but that’s it! 

You knew in the back of your mind that it could never work. From the moment that angels had walked into your family’s life, you had learned very quickly that they were no good. They were not the strong protectors and guardians that you had always heard they were. In fact, most of the angels that you had met so far turned out to be nothing but pricks, doing whatever it took to make their own agenda pass. They cared little about anything else. So the thought of having one of them care for you didn’t seem possible. 

Castiel wasn’t like any other angel you knew though, and that was why it had been so easy to sacrifice your life for him. 

The blade had punctured something. You were sure of that by the amount of blood that you could feel leaking through your clothes. What organ it had, you didn’t have a clue. You didn’t care much anyway. You couldn’t when Castiel was holding you in his arms, one of his hands clutching you to his chest while the other held your head upright. He was calling your name, and it took a lot of attention to focus, but you did so, for him. “You have to stay awake. I’m going to heal you.” 

“Urgh, I know, but it still hurts like hell.” You groaned, letting out a hiss of pain as Castiel pressed his hands against your wound. “Shit, Cass!” 

“Shut up and let him do it, Kid.” Dean said, dropping down beside you and glancing at Castiel. “You can fix her up?” 

“Yes, but not here. They’ve put up symbols to weaken my powers.” Castiel replied, sparing him a glance before his gaze and those gentle blue eyes focused on yours once more. “I will have to carry you, and it will hurt.” 

“Doesn’t it always?” Another groan left your lips, and you turned your head to bury it in Castiel’s shoulder. You didn’t want the man you loved and the man you considered a brother to see you cry. You never wanted to be anything less than strong for them. 

You felt a hand clasp your shoulder for a brief moment and then withdraw. You didn’t have to look to know that it was Dean. “All right, let’s get out of here as quick as possible.” 

Without another word, you felt Castiel lift you into the air. The next few minutes were a blur of pain and blackness. All you wanted to do was sleep, but you forced yourself awake by trying to remind yourself that this was probably the first and last time that Castiel would be carrying you in his arms. 

And of course, the moment you all broke free from the tree lines, demons surrounded you. “Take her and go!” Dean yelled at Castiel. 

Castiel looked torn, “but Dean -!”

“I’ve got this! Go!” Dean yelled again. 

This time, Castiel didn’t hesitate. You heard the flutter of wings, and the two of you were outside the bunker. Castiel rushed the two of you inside, placing you on the couch before bringing his hand to your abdomen. 

You had always loved watching Castiel heal people, the gentle touch he would press against their skin, the way that his eyes would close in concentration . . . knowing you were going to see him like that was one of the few things keeping you conscious. 

As soon as his hands rested once more on your injury, a warmth flowed through them into you. You closed your eyes as white hot warmth seemed to enter your body, then vanish away. After you opened your eyes, you glanced down to find your wound healed. 

Once you were better, you had expected Castiel to let go of you at once, but instead, you found him staring at you, his expression unreadable. “Cass?” You whispered, the expression on his face making your heart start to pound against your chest. 

“Why did you do that?” He asked, the slightest frown on his face. 

There wasn’t any question as to what he was referring to. You had taken a stab from an angel blade for him. A stab that could have killed you if Castiel didn’t have his grace. Thinking back on it, there hadn’t been much thought in the first place. “I . . . I did it. I didn’t think about it.” 

Castiel shook his head, the confusion clear in his eyes. “Human life is so fleeting. Barely a leaf passing in the wind, and your life has just begun. It doesn’t make sense that you would risk it for -”

“I didn’t want to live in a world without you alright? With no guarantee that you would be brought back to us.” You snapped, once again annoyed that he had brought up your age. You weren’t that much younger than Sam, yet it was something that was brought up all the time. Yes, you were young, but not that young. “I’m done losing people I love.” You said, hoping that for once he would catch the double meaning to your words. 

After several moments of staring at each other, you opened your mouth, ready to take back everything that you had said, but Castiel beat you to it. “I must go help Dean.” He said, and with the soft sound of feathers unfurling, he was gone. 

Turning over, you groaned into the pillow, embarrassed. You weren’t sure why you kept putting yourself through this pain over and over expecting a different result. 

Castiel was never going to care for you the same way that you cared for him. He was an Angel afterall. You weren’t even sure if they could be in love. 

Apparently the fight had taken more out of you than you thought, because sometime later you woke up to the sound of three familiar voices nearby.

“So what happened when you brought her back?” Sam was asking. 

“I healed her.” Castiel replied, and once again, you could hear the confusion in his words from here. 

“After that, Cass? Did she give you a big kiss of thanks? Or did you plant one on her for saving your life?” Dean asked, digging for more information. 

Castiel hesitated a moment before responding this time. “She did say that she loved me.” 

You could only assume that one of them had spit out their food, and by the hoarse sound in his voice, you figured it was Dean. “About damn time, did she blurt it out or something?” 

“Well, it wasn’t quite like that. She said she saved me because she couldn’t lose anyone else that she loved.” Castiel told the brothers. 

“That’s the same thing, Cass. So did you plant one on her then?” Dean asked. 

No he most certainly hadn’t, but you did find it a tad bit embarrassing that the whole crew seemed to know about your, not so subtle, crush on Cass. 

“I did not.” Castiel admitted. “I went back to help you.” 

“Wait . . . you left her here? Without saying anything else?” Sam spoke up in disbelief. 

“Yes . . . Was there something else I should have done?” Castiel asked. 

“You mean besides plant one on her?!” Dean questioned. 

“Dude! Stop saying that. It’s weird.” Sam interrupted, and then he focused his attention back on Cass. “You should have said something Cass. Didn’t you want to?” 

You tilted your head back towards the door, making sure you could hear every word that Castiel was about to say. “Of course I did. I just wasn’t sure if it was . . . appropriate. She is rather young.” 

“Well if you’re waiting for someone around your own age, you might be waiting a while.” Dean told him, and you couldn’t help but smirk at his response, amused that at least someone wasn’t taking that bullshit response. 

“Does it matter anyway?” Sam asked him. 

There was silence, and you waited with bated breath for Castiel’s response. “What do you mean?” 

Of course, Dean was the one to speak up. “He means if you think age is what’s standing in your way, you’re lying to yourself.” He told him. 

“And whatever you’re scared of, you should go talk to her about it.” Sam suggested, and it sounded like someone clapped Castiel on the shoulder. 

Then there was silence, and you turned back as fast as you could to the position you had woken up in, afraid one of them would walk in and realize you had eavesdropped on their whole conversation. Sure enough, you felt footsteps heading straight towards you, and tried to deepen your breathing, but you tried too hard. 

Castiel said your name without any attempt of being quiet. “I know you are awake. Normally when you sleep, your heart rate is much lower.” He told you. 

You felt the heat rising to your face as you opened your eyes, embarrassed at being caught. “How long have you known I was awake?” You asked. 

“As soon as you woke up.” He responded, as if surprised by your question. “I assume you heard everything?” When you nodded, he gestured to the other end of the couch. “May I?” 

Nodding, you sat up and moved your feet so that he could sit down beside you. “Is Sam right . . . or is it the age thing?” You asked after being unable to take the silence for a second longer. 

Castiel still made you wait, his eyes on his hands as he wrung them for a few moments. Finally though, he looked up at you, a soft expression on his face. “I suppose it’s both. Your life is so fleeting, even if you are younger. I don’t want you to waste it on unknowns with me, no matter how I might feel about you.” 

You leaned forward onto your knees, desperate for the answer to your next question. “How do you feel about me, Castiel? If we were two regular people, angels, whatever . . . How would you feel?” 

His eyes drifted down to your lips for a moment, then made their way back up to yours. “I care for you deeply. A lot more than I should, and if we were two regular people . . . I would not be questioning what I wanted.” 

Your heart must have leapt out of your chest at his words. For so long you had been sure that there was no way that Castiel could feel the same way for you that you felt for him. Now, here he was, confessing that he, in fact, did. “Castiel . . .” You leaned forward to close the small distance between the two of you. 

But he stopped you, his hand resting on your cheek and caressing your skin with his thumb. “But we are not two regular people . . . and I can’t risk putting you in any more danger than you already are, because that’s what being with me would lead to. Danger.” 

Your heart, that had been so high moments ago, crashed back into your chest with blinding pain. You leaned back, away from his touch. “That’s not -”

“I must go.” Before you could even say another word, he was gone. 

And you were left . . . with nothing but a broken heart.

[ai-katsuu]

Jack and Audrey (1/5)

chapters: 1  2�� 3  4  5

next chapter

really excited about this red shoes fic! i was a bit nervous to share it but i hope you guys enjoy it! (thank you to @oceanspray5 for encouraging me to post this!)

---

“You...you are beautiful!” the blond prince looked at the fish who presented him with a pearl.

“Yes! Yes I will marry-” he’s not quite sure what happened after that. He remembers his nose getting clogged and his vision getting blurry. His body was cold as something passed through it. 

Jack’s body fell on the warm sand. “Oh no...not the sleeves!” he complained and groggily sat up in an attempt to shake the grains of sand off, only to discover that his sleeves were wet and the sand had stuck to it. 

“Huh..” he then gasped and suddenly pulled his mirror out, “Oh no, not my hair!” he combed his fingers through his damp blond locks. “Oh what on earth happened to-!” 

“You looked stupid.” a voice said.

 Jack looked around and pulled out his invisibility cloak. “Who’s there?” 

“Me.” 

“AH!” he screamed. The girl right next to him and her arms behind her as she leaned on the rock. Her face scrunched as she looked at him. 

At first glance, Jack thought to consider her to be beautiful, and he probably would’ve if not for that judgmental look on her face. Great, another woman to find him disgusting and hideous. 

“Did you do that?” he sighed as he got up. 

“Yeah, but only cause-” 

“It’s not very befitting of a lady to go splashing a dwarf now is it?” he tried fixing his hair. 

“Well, I did just save you for marrying a fish.” she shrugged. 

“A what?” he questioned. 

The girl shuffled her hands through her pocket, “That fish has intelligence. It puts you under a love spell for you to fall for it.” she finally pulled something out “If you had put that ring on then it would’ve consumed you to the ocean and you would’ve been fish food” she gave him a handkerchief. 

Surprised by the gesture and the new information, he reluctantly accepted it with a small thank you. “What were you doing here?” he asked. 

“The seawater here is surprisingly pure so I like to come here very often to relax.” 

Once he was done drying himself he handed it back to her, “Well milady, I must get going now so,” 

She snorted, “Milady?” 

“Well that’s what you are, aren’t you?” he dully looked at her. 

“No, it’s just that no one ever called me that before.” she laughed.

 Jack rolled his eyes and walked off to the forest. The girl had stopped laughing and saw him walking away. 

She ran up to him, “Hey, what are you doing?” 

“Trying to get home,” Jack said. He squinted his eyes, “I could’ve sworn there was a path here before..” he jumped up and down to get a better view. 

“You’re not from around here are you?” she looked at him. 

“I’m afraid not.” he tried to break through the vines. 

The girl stood beside him “It’s the Amabages Woods.” 

“Ambangles?” 

“Amabages.” she quickly responded, “The woods change paths every time you enter and exit, it’s extremely difficult to get through.” 

“Have you done it before?” he asked. 

“Countless.” she smiled. Now that she did so, Jack was starting to see how her features highlighted her face. 

Trying his best to not make it obvious, he said “Oh..well, I’m actually friends with the Prince and Princess of a certain kingdom so, you’ll be rewarded greatly if you help me through this!” he confidently looked at her.

“Huh, a member of the Fearless Seven asking me for help?” she playfully bent down. 

Jack’s eyes widened and he started stuttering. “Psh what! Fearless Seven? F7 who? Who are they?” his voice reached a pitch higher. 

“Well, didn’t they all get turned into dwarves by a princess? They thought she was a witch and she cursed them! How embarrassing for them. I heard the blond one was devastated the most.” she smirked

“Wrong! It was Merlin that son of a-!” he exploded. 

“Aha! Gotcha!” she grinned “So which member are you? I haven’t memorized all their names, I’ve only heard about them from my friend.” Jack looked flustered as he tried to get a hold of his words.

He crossed his arms “Jack. Prince Jack.” he tried his words trying to seem as noble as his human form. 

The girl bent down and gave her hand to him. “I’m Audrey, your highness.”

“Pleasure,” he sighed.

 Audrey stood up, “Alright, we’re going to have to move a bit quickly cause you never know when they’re gonna change.” She led him to a new entrance from the far end of the shore. 

The forest was very misty, for someone his height it would be very easy for Jack to get lost. He took a look at Audrey. She was his best bet at getting out and she seemed confident by the way she was walking. 

He looked at her clothes, they were very exquisite in his opinion, he was impressed yet confused. She wore a white sleeveless coat that extended until her waist. Her top and skirt was light blue carefully mixed with white, with gold decoration around the edge. But she didn’t seem to be a princess, ‘What’s someone with that clothing doing on the shore?’ he thought.

“So what were you doing on the beach?” she asked. 

“I was trying to find a way to break my curse.” he looked around, “One of the F7 recently got his broken and he looked so happy when he did. So the others and I set out to find a way to break the curse.” 

“And you turn human again?” 

Jack didn’t notice it but he already was his human self as she was walking ahead of him. “Oui, we turn human back again.” 

Audrey looked to her right and walked forward with Jack following, “And how do you break the curse?” At this question, he hesitated. She just might laugh if he told her. He knows he did when he first heard about it. 

“Well-” 

Audrey suddenly looked behind her. Her eyes were alert as she quickly looked left and right. Jack stopped talking and looked around as well, he could sense something as well. “Do you feel it?” she asked. 

“Yes..we should hurry,” he remarked. Audrey nodded and put a finger up to her lips she led the way again. 

The pair made their way through the forest in silence. The quiet and eerie feeling of the forest made Jack feel uneasy, but there was something about being close to this stranger that relaxed him, just a little though. She stopped. 

“Jack,” she said in an extremely quiet voice. He probably wouldn’t have even heard her if she spoke like that back on the beach. “Now is probably a good time to tell you that we’re not the only things alive in the forest.” 

“What?” he said in a loud whisper and asked, “What else is here?” she gestured with her eyes to her right. Jack carefully squinted and then that’s when he saw it, “Sacrebleu the trees are moving..!” he covered his mouth. 

“Yeah, we’ll be fine if we’re quiet,” and it was at that moment that Audrey bumped into a tree that definitely was not there previously as she turned around. “Ow..” she said “Oh crap.” she realized her mistake. 

Jack looked at the trees and their branches starting moving and swinging ferociously towards them. “Run!” he yelled. Audrey got up and ran along with him. The trees seemed as if they had no mind of their own and just swung at whatever they heard. 

“Watch out!” Audrey saw a branch coming towards Jack so she grabbed his wrist and threw him forward. He screamed until he rolled onto the grass. 

“Urgh..” he groaned before looking ahead.

 A stone wall at least 24 meters tall. In other words, a dead end. 

“Is there an exit?” Audrey caught up to him, out of breath. 

“None, it’s only up there!” he looked up then to the forest. They were coming in more aggressively. And then it hit him, 

“Close your eyes.” he looked at her seriously. 

“What?” she looked at him panicked. 

“Just do it!” he yelled looking behind him. Audrey shut her eyes right away, her hand over her head for protection. Jack grabbed her wrist and pushed her against the stone wall. Quickly he got his cloak out and covered the both of them as he stood in front of her. 

“Jack! What’s going on-?” 

“Shh!” although he didn’t cover her mouth but rather her eyes with his free hand. 

The hand..Audrey felt it with her own. They were human fingers, definitely bigger than dwarfs. And not to mention his voice was no longer heard from below but rather almost above her ears. Jack looked behind him and the branches looked left and right as if it were searching for them, even as it got closer it didn’t seem to see them. He sighed in relief as they crawled back into the woods. Jack faced forward again and saw Audrey’s lips pressed together. She was probably anxious.

He finally noted their position and that’s when it hit him. He suddenly felt warm and he swallowed his throat. Jack looked at her lips and wondered…

“Jack? Are we okay?” she whispered. 

He snapped out of his thoughts “Yes, yes we’re fine.” he removed his hand from her eyes and his cloak and tucked it back in his pocket. “Thank you for trusting me.” 

Audrey rubbed her eyes and looked at him. “Is that an invisibility cloak?” she asked.

 He proudly smiled “Of course, my greatest weapon.” 

Audrey paused and wondered aloud. “By any chance..do you turn into a human when I don’t look at you?” 

Jack’s eyes widened before going neutral again “Oui, that’s how it works sadly.” he shrugged. 

“I thought so,” she let out a small laugh. Audrey looked up to the rocks above them. “Alright, I can get up there and I’ll throw a rope down once I do.” She moved her cloak to the side and Jack saw several large vials of water there. She uncapped one and lifted her hand over it. When she did so the large liquid lifted itself off the vial. It went underneath her shoes as it lifted her up the cliff.

“Woah..magic?” he looked at her. 

“Not really,” she responded. “Wanna try instead?” she asked once she was up the cliff.

 He nodded eagerly which she found adorable. She moved her hands in a manner that the water took the form of a bubble as it went down the wall. “Step inside!” she called from above. He did so and surprisingly, he didn’t fall off. If anything the bubble of water was compact and almost relaxing, although his clothes got wet again, he didn’t seem to mind as he got up. 

“That’s amazing! You’re basically invincible when you’re near an ocean!” he laughed as did she. 

“Thank you.”

 The pair walked for a couple of miles more, but neither seemed to mind as they talked about their own stories. 

“Wait, so you offered her a face mask made of poo and she rejected? Oh dear, I wonder why!” she laughed 

“Hey don’t judge!” he did the same. 

A couple of conversations later, Audrey looked ahead in the distance and saw a few figures, “Hey, someone’s coming,” 

Jack looked on ahead to very familiar faces, “A group?” 

[lou-is-creative]

Unpredictable (pt 9)

ꜰᴀɴᴅᴏᴍ: 6 Underground

ᴍᴀɪɴ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀꜱ: Four/Billy // Eight/???

ꜱʜɪᴘᴘɪɴɢ: Four/Billy x male!Oc

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ 8: Guilt

ꜱᴏɴɢ: Weightless - All time low

𝔹𝕖𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤, 𝕡𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕖 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕠𝕦𝕤 𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤. 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕗𝕚𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞 𝕠𝕟 𝕞𝕪 𝕞𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕥!

AN: Pic isn’t mine, sorry this took so long (again), have fun!! 

The atmosphere was tensed. Everyone was holding their breath. Whoever would walk through the door was either going to be Eights death or dead.

Sadly, they all knew her name.

"Dad?"

It was Amanda, the beautiful young girl Eight called his girlfriend.

"Are you sleeping?"

She took a few steps forward, away from the door, but she hesitated. It was the moment where Eight didn't really know what he was supposed to do.

"You kill her and get out of there. It's either your life or hers."

He heard One speak and even for him this decision didn't come easy. She was still a child...

Eight quietly closed the door after he got out his knife, but Amanda heard him anyways. She didn't seem to understand, which was good for the boy as he could come closer without alarming her.

"Jacob? Did you talk? Why is he sleeping?"

So many questions, none of them answered. He stopped in front of her and turned her around before grabbing her tightly. She was just about to make a noise and fight his grip, but it was already too late. The ceramic blade ended her life abruptly. She would have fallen on the ground but Eight carefully laid her down so it wouldn't spark any noise.

"I'm sorry."

He whispered and turned around to leave the room, being as quiet as possible.

Eight knew that him walking the floor alone would look more than suspicious. He had to get to his car without meeting any security guards.

Maybe he already knew that this was not quite possible.

"Hey you, boy!"

Eight froze and turned around then.

"The kitchen is downstairs, what are you even doing up here?"

The boy didn't need long to process.

"Oh, well, yes, I'm sorry, I'm new here, could you uhm bring me downstairs? I really don't know where I came from."

"What the fuck are you doing there, Eight??"

Five asked and Two shook her head.

"He's clever."

She said and One turned to her, a big question mark on his face.

"Think. If he has a security man following him, or guiding him, no other guard will get involved."

The huge guy sighed a little and shook his head slightly.

"I can't leave this position."

"Oh... So I guess I can't convince you, even with all the nice food we have down there? Come on, it just takes a second and I am already late again. I can't afford being late... "

"Okay fine, but I want one of those small cakes with the little cherry on top."

Eight nodded and the security man walked him downstairs. Following the man, he passed at least three other guards. As soon as they had reached a corner where there was no one else to see, Eight took his one and probably only chance. He lifted his blade and with a very skilled throw, pierced it through the guards neck.

The man stopped and gasped heavily as he touched his throat, the blade going right through it. He wanted to turn around but before he could, Eight pressed the handle of the knife downwards, forcing the mans head to jolt up. The sharp blade had cut open his entire throat.

The boy pulled the knife out and carefully sat his victim down before he did something that would save his life later.

He undressed the mans black jacket and took his cap and his gun.

It was a critical situation. Every second that passed sparked a chance of being caught. And undressing a dead man wasn't something Eight could just talk himself out of.

Just as he fixed the jacket and adjusted the cap, someone walked passed.

Eight, who was internally ready to run, froze for a second.

"Hey you, small guy, what are you standing there for, huh? Get back to your post. Or do I need to- what the urgh-"

The moment, the other guy saw the corpse was the moment he faced death himself. Shooting would have been way too loud so Eight, again, relied on his blade to do the work.

This time he didn't try to hide his victim. He had to get the hell out of there. Which wasn't easy at all since the house was full of security guards. Quietly, he walked the floors, trying his best not to alarm anyone. Tension and fear rested within him.

His hectic breathing was quietly, but constantly echoing through the room. The other ghosts were equally tensed. Although one of them seemed to be even more strained.

Four had turned pale. His heart was beating the same pace as Eights breath. He didn't want to lose the friend he basically just made. He didn't want to watch Eight die. He didn't want to get a nine.

He was scared.

So scared, a single tear ran down his face. Unseen from anyone else, but noticed by the boy himself, who quickly wiped it away.

Fortunately, Eight could pass the other security guards without making much of an impression. But the real problem just emerged. How was he supposed to get his car out of there without being noticed?

Eight froze a while as he stood outside, analysing the scene.

And there it was. His opportunity. The guy whom he had talked to before.

The security clothes were no longer needed so Eight undressed them and threw them behind a giant pot of flowers. Along with the gun. Just in time.

"Oh hey, Jacob!"

Eight turned, acting surprised before smiling.

"Oh hey, nice to see you again."

The young guard walked towards him and Eight quickly grabbed the key from inside his pocket.

"Are you leaving already?"

"Yeah, well, as I said, it could be that I have to hurry home."

"And Amanda does not want to say good-bye to her boyfriend?"

He grew slightly suspicious of Eight, but the ghost stayed calm.

"She did, but she's talking to her father. Probably the... 'is he accepted or not' talk. Wish me luck. I really want to see her again."

"I get that. She's stunning."

Eight nodded and looked around before raising a brow.

"Why are you here? I mean, weren't you at the other end of the bridge?"

"Oh, uhm.."

The guard scratched his neck embarrassed.

"The others sent me to get food. I already have it, but I have to walk back and deliver it."

Bingo.

"May I offer you a ride?"

Eight unlocked his car and grinned a little. That's what you get for being nice. A free pass.

"That would be great! I will just get the foo-"

"Wait I'll help you with it."

Eight, who really didn't want to be seen alone, followed his new friend to get the food said person was talking of.

"So this bag it is?"

Eight pointed at the bag and the other nodded. Both of them grabbed a handle and they carried it to his car , placing it in the trunk.

"Well then, get in, make yourself comfortable. I'll get you there."

With a huge grin plastered on his face, the guard opened the door and got inside the car, settling his seatbelt.

Eight did the same before he started the engine and slowly made his way to the gateway. The security guards were suspicious but as their newbie gave them a sign with his hand, they opened the gate and let them pass.

"It looks even better from the inside."

"I know, right?"

Eight looked highly satisfied as he kept driving. But he always kept an eye on the side mirrors to check whether the guards already noticed that two of them were dead or not.

Whether it was luck or fate that Eight made it till the end of the bridge was arguable.

"Thanks for the ride!"

"No problem. Now I gotta hurry. Get your food."

Eight grinned and let the guard get out of the car. He heard One telling him to get out but Eight kept calm.

The second the trunk lid was closed again, he kick-started his car and drove as fast as possible. Again, right in time.

Cheers filled the room and Eight took a deep breath before laughing a little.

"I swear to god, the second you get home, I'll kill you."

One cursed but his grin was bigger than that.

"Go for it, I'll catch up with you later."

Eight laughed and turned off camera and microphone.

Relief. The room was filled with relief. Everyone that had been holding their breath for about an hour was now able to catch it again. Four grinned, shaking his head a little before he emptied his beer and stood up.

"Where are you going, Four? We aren't done yet."

Seven said but Four just shook his head, watching Five stand up.

"Go on without me, I promised someone something."

Five smiled a little as Four walked over to her.

"So, a movie and some snacks?"

The blonde pushed his hands in his pockets and smirked slightly.

"Sounds good. I'll get the snacks and meet you in your room?"

Five asked and a nod was the answer to her question before Four left to check if his room was cleaned.

He threw some clothes in his wardrobe and fixed the bed before turning on the TV and waiting for the woman to come in.

Fortunately, after much protest of Seven and Four, One had allowed a DVD player and a couple of movies. Although they had to go through the whole 'millennials-talk' again.

Five brought chips, chocolate and two beer. She really had some skills to carry all of that at the same time.

"So what do you want to watch?"

Four asked as he helped her lay down all the stuff she was holding.

"As long as it's not that beaver show, I am fine with anything"

Both of them laughed a little and Four shook his head.

"No I don't like that show either. So, no need to worry I guess."

They made themselves comfortable after choosing a movie that both of them liked and Four opened his beer.

"Would you?"

Five asked as she pointed at her bottle, smiling softly. It was a smile that subconsciously reminded Four of a certain feeling he had before. It reminded him of Amandas joyful expression, her energy and the feelings she delivered. Four couldn't make out where the sudden joy and energy came from, which is why he assumed Five to be the source of it. And looking back, it made sense. She had always been good with him, from the day they met. He liked her strong mind and her little attitude. But one thing he always admired was the deep care she had within her. Probably more than anyone else on the team, she cared for people. For the innocent civilians, the children and the hurt. Not to forget her fellow ghosts.

A thousand thoughts rushed through Fours mind but the only sentence he could make himself say was;

"Your smile looks good."

Yes, he said good. Not beautiful, not stunning, not adorable, not bright, no. Out of all the words available he chose good. Which probably spoke for him as the non-verbally-flirting-type of guy, who would just stare and drink until he was able to say something.

Although he had quite a way with words normally. Normally, he would have chosen a line that was stronger than that, but the boy couldn't help but be nervous.

It was his luck that Five really liked him.

It was getting darker and darker and Eight had not reached his new home yet. He was tired and the enthusiasm he had felt earlier had vanished. Thoughts of doubt kept creeping in.

If he would have stuck to the plan, Amanda, a girl who had nothing to do with the whole situation, would have been able to proceed living her life. Who knows, maybe she would have been someone who would fight the evil just like they did? Maybe she would have fought against cruelty herself? And now he had taken that opportunity away from her. The opportunity to choose a side.

Eight normally wasn't the person to admit that he felt a spark of guilt or remorse, but in this particular night he couldn't help but wanting someone to talk to. Which he would, probably, once he returned. He would walk up to Four and Four would be awaiting him with his dark green eyes and a cheeky comment. They would go into his room and chill on the bed before Eight would eventually consult Four about his feelings to check whether his decision was right or wrong.

At least that was how the young ghost imagined his return. But he wasn't greeted by Four. Instead, he found One whom he had to talk to.

"You are aware, that what you did was not only dangerous but incredibly stupid?"

Eight remained silent.

"Good."

One finally said, before he grinned a little.

"But, to be fair, through your work we were able to cut things short. So I'll let this one slip."

Eight took a deep breath before he made his way to the bedrooms, too exhausted to comment on One and too caught up with the feeling of guilt. He really needed to get this off his chest and therefore, he needed the only person he trusted around here.

The boy stopped at Fours door and was about to knock as he heard something. Something he wish he hadn't heard. It was Fives voice, but it sounded higher than usual. She seemed to be unable to form words, only noises echoed through the silence.

And Eight stood there, processing for a second before he finally backed away from the room to return to his, where he carefully pushed the not-yet-fixed door aside to get in.

He dumped his belongings on the floor and starred into the dark.

Standing there, utterly alone in the dark, triggered a wave of feelings inside him.

The remorse for Amanda, the fear he had went through while he was on the mission, the anger that Five sparked in him, it all came together. And yet there was something he was unable to determine. A weird feeling of disappointment that came out of nowhere and washed away everything he had felt before. Eight couldn't find a reason for this particularly annoying emotion although he'd later tie it to what he had witnessed while standing in front of Fours room.

"Pull yourself together.”

He angrily whispered to himself before undressing until he only had his boxers covering his body. While he did, he kept thinking about the way Five had angered him without any logical reason. And no, the jealousy she showed as they talked alone didn't count as logical. So far Eight had done nothing to establish any kind of romantic relationship between him and Four. He didn't even have the want to do so.

Whatever. She had what she wanted.

Eight finally let himself sink on the mattress. He quietly glanced at the door, starring at it for a while before turning away and closing his eyes.

Hours passed. Hours, in which the young ghost was turning and twisting in his bed, fighting the thoughts and images he had in his head. Without any success.

[prismatic-cannon]

uhm sis (or bro or whatever u prefer i just call everyone sis) pls reblog more fics like i need some good ones and pieces was hella good

Ahhh i’m really glad you like Pieces!!! It deserves more love for sure and the feels are only going to get better I can promise you that hoho \o/ (and I’m good with both sis/bro, I don’t mind either or it’s cool)

So far I’ve been blindly going through the AO3 tags for jojo fics so I’m not sure if my fic recs would entirely appeal to you … but if you’re interested you could definitely take a look at some of these faves! (Do mind the fics’ tags if you’re sensitive to certain tropes) Most of these are going to be heavily skewed towards part 4 and 7 (absolutely no one is surprised), but there’s other parts under the cut too!

Part 2

see you again by efthemia (6k oneshot with background Part 7 ship) - A Caejose reincarnation fic! This is set in a modern day au where Joseph and Caesar meet in another life … by crashing vehicles into each other lol

Can You Ever Go Home Again? by alexclusive (4k oneshot, contains Part 4 spoilers but is mostly centred around Part 2 and 3 characters) - I don’t want to spoil too much for this fic so I’m just going to copy paste the fic’s original summary here: “A few months after his adventure in Morioh, Jotaro goes on another personal errand at the request of his grandfather, and ends up discovering yet another lingering ghost.” A lowkey fix-it with feels!

Part 3

Torture Me by Xyloto (nsfw 2k oneshot) - The SDC gang walks in on jotakak inappropriately using their stands lmaooo enough said

Young Flame by greenteafiend (nsfw 7k multichaptered) - More Jotakak! Takes place during the Devil-Yellow Temperance part of SDC where Jotaro and Kak share that hotel room in Singapore lol

Kiss With A Fist by nevermordor (nsfw 6k oneshot) - Tempers and egos flare between Jotaro and Kakyoin as they make the long tenuous journey to Egypt – Fistfights inevitably happen. I really like how much of a cold hardass bastard Kakyoin gets in this lol

time after time by dimolto (11k oneshot) - TIME LOOP TIME LOOP TIME LOOP!!!! God time loops are one of my favourite tropes of all time, I don’t think I could get sick of it. SDC canon compliant (kinda) – Jotaro is the only person that’s aware of the loop and has to work his way out of it somehow. It’s jotakak too!! Highly rec this fic

Part 4

No place where we can’t go by tjesje (4k oneshot) - Josuyasu! Two dudes slowly fall in love over the course of their summer break. OP really nails the friendship between Josuke and Okuyasu – the banter flows so easily you can’t help but get caught up in how close and in sync they are with each other. Also, the summer vibes are super strong in this fic! Always a big plus with duwang content lmao

electric word life by Fluffifullness (8k oneshot) - More Josuyasu mutual pining + confessions, suuuuper sappy and sweet with some light post DiU angst.

Just Let Me Know, How Do You Feel? by hushroom (6k multichaptered) - Post DiU – Set during their college years, Okuyasu meets up with Josuke for the first time in a while, and they work towards overcoming emotional distance caused by the strain of long distance relationships and misunderstandings. Aged up Josuyasu content is always such a treat and this one doesn’t let down!

Bosozoku Boys by VulpesVulpes (nsfw 4k oneshot) - Takes place a few years after DiU. One night during a sleepover Josuke accidentally stumbles upon a porn mag under Oku’s bed – midnight confessions and feels ensue. This fic always has a soft spot in my heart just because of how vulnerable Josuke gets, argh my heart it aches

Crashing Waves by chamomilekai (7k multichaptered) - Post DiU – Josuke and Okuyasu deal with the lingering effects from the final Kira fight. It’s a slow burn romance with heavy feels where both bros find comfort and support in each other, very delicious part 4 h/c sob x10000

Part 5

the passenger by havisham (nsfw 5k oneshot, contains Part 6 endgame spoilers) - A Brugio fix-it …. of sorts. Ten years after Vento Aureo ends, mob boss Giorno somehow finds himself sent back in time with the opportunity to save Bruno and the others. I really like how desperate and jaded Giorno is in trying to save everyone, and how despite everything things still don’t go entirely the way he wants them to …

DIOmestic by writers_haven (4k oneshot) - Yep, it’s modern au mudad lmao. Some JonaDio here and there but the focus is mostly on Dio+Gio father-son fluff. It’s stupidly cute and there are little nods to canon material that I love to bits, like Hamon being reimagined as a fancy form of new age yoga ahahaha

Part 7

Riches and Wonders by etymology playground (8k oneshot) - A lighthearted gyjo fic that takes place during canon events – Two weeks after Sugar Mountain, Johnny and Gyro spend some R&R at a stand-powered onsen lmao. This was one of the first few fics I read right after finishing part 7, and it really helped to soothe the post SBR pain … not that I’m completely over it yet but then again would anyone ever be lol

Laundry by Petronia (2k oneshot) - Another lighthearted canon gyjo fic with lowkey ust lol – Johnny and Gyro take time between travels to do laundry. Idk, there’s something about gyjo domestic downtime that’s so comforting sob

i’ll see your face again by queenieofaces (2k oneshot, Part 7 endgame spoilers) - Oh boy this one … It’s a reincarnation au where Gyro experiences deja vu and misplaced memories from Phantom Blood and Battle Tendency during the events of SBR. 10/10 lots of feels bc reincarnation aus pair so incredibly well with gyjo gosh

nowhere to go; I’m already inside by librisdedita (31k multichaptered, major Part 7 spoilers all around) - A canon compliant gyjo fic – Johnny’s perspective on life is especially bleak in this one. OP tore my heart asunder by the end of this fic but oh man I wouldn’t have it any other way lmao

Cowboys Ain’t Easy To Love by jotarosgirl17 (36k multichaptered, Part 7 spoilers) - A series of interconnected slowburn gyjo canon compliant fics, suuuper heavy on angst and period-typical homophobia and internalised homophobia. Very good for a cry … or ten lmao

see you when the sun sets east by mourn (nsfw 2k oneshot) - Two cowboys sit five feet apart from each other not talking about their repressed feelings yeehaw. Jokes aside this is a quick but intimately tender glimpse into the beginning of Johnny and Gyro’s relationship

Spin This! by polyphenols (17k multichaptered) - A modern day office au where Diego works at a new tech startup named Steel Ball Run. Honestly, I don’t think I could ever properly articulate how much I love this fic – It’s full of sooo many nods and easter eggs to all the bizarre eccentricities that happen in part 7′s canon, and I think nearly every major/minor character gets featured one way or another, if not all (everyone works in the same horrifyingly open air office space after all). The witty banter and dialogue between characters are so snappy and succinct you can’t help but smile or laugh while reading along. Diego in particular stars as the long suffering Straight Man and audience surrogate into the madness that is SBR, with a lowkey crush on HP that slowly builds as the fic progresses (there’s background gyjo too!). While there’s more of a central focus on Part 7 at first, characters from other parts also make an appearance and gradually become more involved as well. I can’t rec this fic enough!!!

Diamond Ball Run by polyphenols (15k multichaptered, Part 7 endgame spoilers) - A gyjo fix-it of sorts … Johnny takes up Funny Valentine’s offer and asks for an Alternate Universe Gyro. The fic is mostly told from Alt Gyro’s perspective in the later half, and argh this makes my heart ache in so many ways I didn’t know were possible god help me –

happy new year, johnny by 3kanite (7k oneshot, Part 7 endgame spoilers) - Aaaah I just read this one today lmao – The fic is written from Johnny’s POV over the course of several new year celebrations – pre-race and during SBR canon. It really nails Johnny’s characterisations and personality shifts down nicely and makes the last year spent with Gyro that much more bittersweet and heartbreaking oh why won’t these part 7 feels stop coming for me

desperado by 3kanite (35k multichaptered) - Features missing scenes that take place during the events of SBR – Admittedly I’ve only read the first two chapters so far and haven’t fully processed things yet but I’m already so caught up in these pre-slash gyjo feels that I can’t help but rec this one catch me crying behind Owson’s @ 3am bc it’s just that good urgh I need an adult Could possibly be nsfw but I haven’t gotten that far in yet obvs

Aaaand that’s about it for now! Hopefully some of these interested you haha. Go show these wonderful OPs some love because they deserve it!!!

[iceartweek]

Final Ice Art Day

Before I get into it, just thank you for being here. Whether you’ve read the mediocre fics I wrote, or contributed art or fic that genuinely I loved and was amazing, or whatever you did, thanks. I know it’s just a trial and wasn’t super huge but I had fun, so thanks for letting me. If anyone still had things I’d love to see it, but even if there isn’t this blog will remain open.

Anyway. Final Day. Future

Marinette stood on her balcony practically bouncing where she was. The sun was going to set soon and the fairy lights that she had lined the park with were lighting up. The ones on Luka’s boat would also light up when everything was ready. In some ways the fact it had got trapped when her miraculous ladybugs fixed the bridge destroyed the akuma was sort of sad especially as Anarka had lost hope years ago of getting it moved, but on the other hand it had meant she had spent her senior years waking up to Luka’s serenades and him always just a moment away. Now she could just see Luka and Kagami in the greenhouse adjusting their outfits and triple checking everything. Her musical prince who had slowly taken over the world with his ballads and volunteering much time to Music Fund. Then her now long haired princess who after nearly making it to the Olympics decided she could do good in the UN as she wasn’t afraid of standing up for what she believed in and after Hawky’s defeat felt weird not helping others. Sure she wasn’t a full fledged diplomat yet but she was on her way. From the small glimpses she saw they looked perfect.

“Are you ready, my love?” Felix asked, Marinette turning to see him extending a hand and looking suave. Even ten years later and he was making her catch her breath every time she saw him. For a while he had helped with his father’s business but focused more on the work than life part, often taking on too much due to a fear of delegation. Eventually they had all convinced him to calm down a bit because between the four of them anything was possible so he might as well follow his dreams. While he figured out exactly what he wanted - lawyer, politician, and air host were currently at the top of the list - he had opened up a quaint little book shop. Marinette already knew how it would end though. He had helped out at the bakery one too many times and with her parents retiring in the next five years he’d likely take over. Tom was convincing. 

“If you think so?” Marinette responded doing a quick twirl in her dress. The hat from way back had served her well in being noticed, especially when she became the girl to refuse Audrey Bourgeois. With Jagged also backing her and personal drive she had started her own label. For a while she dabbled in esports but that turned out to be a flop, and baking was a hobby and not something she wanted to do full time. Fashion just always was there for her and seeing people comfortable in things she made was inspiring to say the least. Especially when it was her loves who could wear a paper bag and still look great. 

“You always look stunning,” Complimented Felix, planting a soft kiss on her lips, fingers playing with the tips of her short hair before going down her arm to grab her hand. “Handsome even.”

“Thank you,” Smiled Marinette feeling the blush comeback. 

As she walked down the steps she considered a bit of what happened in the past ten years from simple high school dramas to Hawkmoth’s defeat. Just how had her pack managed to survive that? It was a miracle. Even Alya and Nino had broken up for about half of that before finding each other again, and Rose and Juleka who had been the perfect couple had split. And they had been perfect. That being said Rose and her new girl Violet a travelling tour guide in south east Asia were just beyond adorable together, shame neither of them could make it. Juleka with Clara was also a surprisingly good fit. 

“If you forgot the rings-” Marinette warned coming back to reality hugging Felix’s arm a little tighter.

“I have them. Your design with Luka’s touches and using Kagami’s old rapier and with the glimmer of Agreste jewels. How could I possibly lose them?” Felix retorted patting his pocket. Originally they had planned to just swap rings. Luka would give the black one he always wore to Kagami, Kagami would give her family ring to Felix, Felix would give his mother’s engagement ring to Marinette, and she would give a family heirloom ring to Luka, but it just hadn’t seemed special enough. “You worry too much.”

“Marinette!” Squealed Sabrina at the bottom of the stairs. Their ceremony organiser because after so long of carrying Chloe it was realised she had a very keen sense of style and amazing time management skills. Wedding, funerals, birthdays, or love dedications like the one today and she was the go to gal. Once she had called Chloe out and set boundaries she had changed a lot, from meek and timid to firm and do not cross her. “You look gorgeous. Everyone is here and waiting!”

“Thanks, Brina,” Marinette gave the girl a quick hug and kiss cheek. “Does that include-”

“We’re not a thing,” Snapped back Sabrina.

“Really?” Felix questioned genuinely surprised. “Could have sworn you were unless we’re talking about someone different.”

“Chloe and I were never a thing. Just friends,” Sabrina corrected clicking her pen a few times. “It’s what she wanted.”

“We better go before Jagged starts doing a rock cover of here comes the bride,” Marinette hurried just wanting to leave the awkward situation. From the limit gossip she knew, when Chloe had tried to be a better person Sabrina had always been by her side, always being ditched for the first hotel heir or prince to walk into view. Everyone blamed Audrey indocrinating Chloe into money and style is everything and everyone is below you, but after a certain age it got old. Sabrina and Chloe were still friends and Chloe was a much nicer person, but somethings were just never outgrown. 

“Good call,” Felix agreed holding the door open for Marinette. They turned into the park, sun very very close to being perfect. Gina and Rolland off in one corner having a hushed argument which everyone could probably guess what was being said. Sabine trying to get Tom to stop crying on his daughters’ day. Tomoe, Anarka, and Felix’s parents drinking champagne, Anarka already laughing a bit too hard. 

“So I can officially retire as your knight now? Contracts signed and they can’t back out anymore?” Adrien joked standing next to the door. Even as an adult he was model material, despite no cameras being on him anymore. 

“I thought you were going to be in Nice!” Marinette exclaimed in surprise, before giving him a tight hug. “Something about Nathalie or family assets?”

“And miss my bugaboo’s big day?” Laughed Adrien hugging her back. When they stepped back he shook Felix’s hand but it was clear even after everything they hadn’t become super close. “As your original crime fighting partner it is my duty to make sure you are not harmed and nothing ruins this day. I’ve already stolen Plagg back from Fu so will cataclysm anyone who has cold feet or any girl wearing white. Give me the signal and the claws will come out.”

“But you’re ok?” Marinette thought back on his face when Gabriel had been defeated and Emilie’s body had been found. Even now they were searching for Emilie who had taken the two miraculouses and fled, somehow managing to escape them. Until she was caught, Adrien couldn’t have peace. He had trusted Nathalie and she had abandoned him and the threat of Hawkmoth, or a version of him, was forever looming. Sure, Adrien was coping but having the tip Nathalie was close by couldn’t be easy. 

For a moment she remembered the reveals and all the rejections. So much heartbreak and drama that at the time seemed world ending. He managed to handle it all with grace though. Just disappearing for a few days after the reveal, before coming back with smiles and jokes, calling Marinette cousin, threatening her royal court that if they ever hurt her they would be dead. He had also threatened Marinette if she ever hurt Kagami but it was a weak attempt. From there they had gone back to friends which seemed perfect. They were still there for each other whether it be late night ice-cream sessions dishing out relationship advice or supporting him when the truth about his family came out. They really were better as friends. 

“Always,” Smiled Adrien. “Trust me, I have the purr-fect cat-itude and your day will be pawsome.”

“Urgh, still? One day you have to stop the puns,” Marinette warned.

“Auntie Mari!” Screeched a kid colliding into Marinette, her arms wrapping around Marinette’s legs nearly making her fall over. Felix put a hand on her back to steady her. 

“Watch it, you don’t want to ruin her dress. Hi Felix and Marinette,” Greeted a blonde chasing after the child and pulling her away. After quick cheek kisses, she stood beside Adrien holding the little troublemaker. The perfect little family. A little over five years ago Adrien had been in a tv studio giving some interview about stepping away from the Gabriel brand when he had run into Paris’ favourite weather girl Aurore. After quick polite chit chat about mutual friends or how crazy highschool with all the akumas was, they realised it hadn’t been chit chat but a two hour conversation. The conversation then turned into current events, and by the end of the month they had been dating. Wedding eighteen months after that which had been beyond stunning - partially thanks to Marinette’s designing the outfits for the whole wedding party and the bakery doing the most exquisite cake - and child ten months later. Marinette had met Emilie a few times and even at such a young age it was obvious she was going to have Adrien’s kindness, Aurore’s determination, and both of their beauty. “Sorry about Em. First wedding.”

“Love dedication,” Corrected Felix, glancing down at his watch. “Legally-”

“Don’t get him started. Please, please, don’t,” Laughed Marinette trying to silence Felix. “We better get started though. Talk to you later.”

Marinette and Felix walked into the park, all conversation falling short as eyes fell on them. Later that night they would listen to Alix joke about how love was dumb before comments on how no matter how many times she bunny hops the four of them would always be the best example of love, adorable, beautiful love which nearly made her want it. They would talk to Alya and Nino who would gush about their current jobs in America, Alya’s latest expose on why not all charities are good, and Nino struggling so hard to not reveal the twist in his movie before spoiling the whole movie. They’d laugh with Jagged and Penny as they told stories about their biography or latest up and comer they were mentoring, Luka still after ten years being flustered when speaking to his idol. Mylene and Ivan still going strong ten years later. Nathaniel and Marc kissing on the dancefloor, and later talking about their latest comic idea or how their old comic was about to hit the big screen, with pleas and begging Luka, Felix, Kagami, and Marinette to play themselves. Chloe would come late, leave early, and  say it was ridiculous the latest scandal. Max would talk about his latest game while Kim talked about the olympics. Bustier, Mendeliev, and Damocles would make sappy comments about how they wish they had students like this now, before ranting about their current students. They would meet with Fu in the bakery, him decked out in all the miraculouses so that the kwamis could see their chosen’s perfect day, all crying and smiling. Sure, there were times miraculouses were still worn by the heroes but those times were getting rarer. Plagg would be there too asking Tikki if she wanted to try it out to see what all the fuss was about. 

But that was all later in the night. For now, Marinette and Felix stood at one end of the park under an arch, sunset painting the sky pink and orange. Jagged was playing a classic wedding march, Penny having a hand on his shoulder to stop him getting too out of control, Adrien accompanying him on piano. They turned to see Kagami and Luka walk into the park, the most beautiful sight Marinette had ever seen. Marinette wanted to tell them to walk faster, so they wouldn’t be so far away and she could pledge her undying love. Sure, legally it all meant very little, but she just needed to the world to know how much she loved them. Felix squeezed her hand, and she turned to look at him, tears in his eyes that were filled with love as he watched their sweethearts walk down the aisle. 

They each took turns saying their vowels. Hurried, messy vowels, full of classic babblenette moments, as they just could barely wait another moment not being married (or closest they would get to married legally). They just wanted to start their lives officially together. They just hated having to wait. They’re happy ending was insight. And maybe life loved to challenge them, make ant hills seem like mountains, but nothing could stop how miraculous their worlds had become. Just two words left to capture everything they felt: I do 

(credit to @autumnlover13moni8 for the final line)

[another-chorus-girl]

Erik House - Chapter 26

"Panaro please," Gerik mumbled. "Why? Your kind don't even like guns. Even you wouldn't go this far-"

"OH WOULDN'T I?!" Panaro snarled, shoving the barrel harder against the film adaptions neck.

"I don't want to fight anymore!"

"You seemed eager to fight before!"

"I was wrong! I just felt alone and angry!" Gerik could hear Panaro was breathing heavily, likely through clenched teeth.

"Panaro, please just listen to me for one moment. Give me one last chance."

Gerik tried to explain, "I know now taking advantage of Karimloo like this was wrong."

Gerik felt the barrel slacken against his skin at the mention of the West End Merik.

"I've been trying to fix his head, make him make sense of all this. 'Did you think that I would harm him?' I was selfish trying to play along but I never tried to make him unhappy. That night on the roof, I wasn't myself! I've been trying to control my anger. Please, I want him to love you again."

The film adaption exhaled a sigh, feeling the hand holding the gun be lowered.

But that moment of relief was just that, a moment. Before Gerik knew what was happening, the Broadway Merik spun him around to face Panaro-who looked haggard and deranged more than ever.

Gerik felt the gun shoved under his chin.

"I. Don't. Believe. You." Panaro practically hissed, getting right up in the masked man's face.

"Panaro, I-"

"SILENCE! You're lying! All you are is a liar!" The Broadway Merik screamed,

"You're not getting away with this trick!"

But before Panaro could do anything-whether he bluffed or had full intent on shooting Gerik-the film adapted tenor got the upper hand. Ramming himself forward, Gerik brutishly headbutted the Merik who fell over clutching his aching skull. The forehead of Panaro's porcelain mask was cracked, and the Broadway man moaned in pain.

Gerik grumbled, rubbing his forehead. While he was use to such forceful tactics, it would still leave a bruise. Not to mention the cracking and sharp shards from Panaro's mask on impact cause Gerik's temple to bleed. Panaro starting to come to, Gerik tried to snatch the gun away before the Broadway Merik got up. But both men's hands wrapped around the gun.

Panaro shot up ramming Gerik into a neighboring wall, the film adaptions diorama dolls clattering to the floor from the cinematic tenor's impact.

"Panaro don't!" Gerik cried, "I don't want to fight you!"

"Then you make this all too easy for me!" The Broadway man growled, wrestling with the film adaption. In a battle of strength the scales were definitely leaning in favor of Gerik.

But in a moment where neither knew who did it, the room went ominously still with a sudden bang. 

--

Winslow grumbled impatiently.

"Oh do stand still birdman!" Mr. Y scolded him.

"Hey-dfjsdngsk! sgvrbge!!" He garbled. Something-whether it was Polo again or not-had torn through the wiring of Winslow's speech box. This all the more annoyed he and Destler, as this had caused them to postpone their last outing in the city. Already they were bickering before this.

"Hmm," Y hummed examining the box. "For one thing your wiring is a mess, looks like it hasn't been touched since the 70's."

Winslow gave him a dark eyed scowl as if saying he was pointing out the obvious.

"Well I'm sad to say I'm at a loss. The tech in this box is very dated, and even if I attempt to rewire it all, it would take up to a month for the proper replacement parts. I'm sorry monsieur."

Frustrated, Winslow merely snatched the faulty wires away from the sequel adaption and stormed down to the parlor, babbling garbled noise as he stomped through the hall.

--

Lewis sighed hopelessly as he walked up to his room. Kelly wasn't returning his calls, surely she cared? Wanted to make sure he had escaped?

Hopelessly he was worried about her. The tall framed Merik sighed, shutting the door to lean against it.

"OH HELLO GOOD SIR!"

Lewis bolted upright, finally bothering to look up.

"Wh-What ARE you doing monsieur?! Lewis questioned wide eyed-although the others could hardly tell when his eyes weren't wide.

Brawford sat there in their room fully at ease. He was wearing his blue evening robe and hat, but the red bedazzled tights were very distracting. Especially as the fresh Broadway Merik continuously crossed and uncrossed his legs.

"Why so tense good messieur!" Brawford jeered happily,

Lewis babbled awkwardly trying to make sense of the situation.

"You clearly don't follow my Instastory do you?" He asked.

"I'm...not too big on social media."

"Just as well. Why so down?"

"It's Kelly," Lewis moaned woefully, "She hasn't been getting back to me. I need to make sure she's ok."

"Not to worry monsieur, I'm sure she's alright. In fact let me look into that."

Crossing his tight clothed legs again, Brawford pulled his phone out typing away.

Quirking a brow, Lewis hesitantly approached the Broadway Merik.

"What...are you doing exactly?" The West End masked man asked.

"Kelly M Daae..." He mumbled, "Ah! There's her feed."

"Her what??" Lewis asked puzzled.

"Her Twitter feed! Ah, she seems to be doing well. Trying to adjust to some bloke named Thaxton." He read.

"You got all of that from this?" He asked pointing to his phone.

"Oh yes! Want me to show you how to use it?"

"I don't see myself becoming accustom to using such a tool. But maybe you could...help me get updates on how my Kelly is doing?"

Brawford smiled beneath his half mask, "Certainly!"

He chuckled aloud as Lewis sat opposite Brawford, hesitantly crossing his legs similarly to his new roommate.

--

Karimloo with Wilkinson's assistance had hobbled up the third floor steps. The West End Merik insisting he was alright was left alone, as he intended to ask Mr. Y if he planned on going into the city later that day. Perhaps fresh air-and just a few reps at the gym-might do the masked man some good in unclouding his jumbled thoughts.

Hearing disgruntled noises and something big being slammed into a wall of the adjacent room from Y's, Karimloo hesitantly approached the door noting it was Gerik's room. He really did need to speak to him, almost avoiding it really as it constantly ate away at him.

But what he saw was not a welcoming sight as Gerik and...and Panaro were fighting.

He wanted to help, he had to stop the Merik before he tried to kill Gerik too. But watching the two slam each other across the room, Karimloo's fractured mind was travelling a mile of minute in thought.

Who is who? What is what? Real? Not real?

The bang snapped his attention back in the room.

"NO!!!" Karimloo screamed seeing Panaro drop to his knees in pain. "PAN!"

Gerik was wide eyed in shock, just as much as the West End Merik was. He wasn't sure if his hand pulled the trigger or Panaro's, either way he hadn't meant for anyone to get hurt.

Karimloo lost his balance on his poor footing but went as far as to begin crawling on all fours toward the wounded Merik.

"Pan? Pan, Pan please." Karimloo mumbled through quivering lips. "Come on Pan, you're alright...come on..."

Panaro's breathing was hard and his hands clutching his stomach were coated red. But despite this he squinted up.

"This....it must be...a hallucination." Panaro gasped from the pain, reaching a blood smeared hand to ever so slightly touch the unscathed half of Karimloo's face. "Kari..."

Karimloo gathered Panaro up in his arms as both men wept.

"What the hell is going on?!" Mr. Y and Harley poked in, immediately taken back by the sight. "God..."

"Go get help!" Gerik called.

"You let the others know," Y explained to Harley "I'll try and-"

"No! No," Panaro managed to croak. "I'll get everyone into trouble..."

"With all due respect love, you're bleeding out in my arms!" Karimloo retorted.

Panaro smiled, "Back to love I see? Urgh...It hurts but it's not as bad as it looks..."

Mr. Y knelt down, pulling open Panaro's suit jacket and shirt-Panaro keeping a hand on the open wound.

"He's actually right," Y said. "Obviously you can't just leave it. But if you really want to avoid geting the others involved or a hospital-"

It seemed that Panaro, Karimloo, and Gerik all cringed at the very mention of a hospital.

"-then I can probably patch it up. I'm not a physician, but it'll be good enough to help it heal."

"I'll..." Gerik stared at the two Meriks "I'll help you get the supplies you need." Leaving the two, Karimloo continued to cry.

"How could I be so foolish?" He wept, "How could I possibly have forgotten you? How could I possibly hate you?"

"'Poor fool he makes me laugh ha ha ha...'" Panaro smirked but grimaced. "No I was the fool. I wouldn't be bleeding onto this surprisingly intricate carpet if not my own recklessness."

"I'm just so sorry Pan..." Cradling the bleeding Broadway Merik.

"As am I Kari..." Panaro sniffled.

--

While word thankfully hadn't reached Erik's ears, it certainly had to Crawford's after arriving home from an evening of errands. And though displeased that violence had still conspired in the house-and by one of his own this time-the elder Merik was relieved the situation hadn't gotten out of control as the rooftop had. The wound looked worse than it really was.

The bullet hadn't punctured any vital organs or arteries and Panaro hadn't lost enough blood to turn the situation fatal. Aside from several stitches, the Merik was able to get around as required.

"Away, away with you all," He shooed away the gawking sets of mask concealed eyes from Panaro and Karimloo's reunited quarters. "Both of them are fine but for now gentlemen I kindly ask you leave them be."

Like pouty children the Meriks' dispersed at the command. Mismatched eyes caught a shadow peaking around the corner by the stairwell.

"You're not expecting me to throw a fireball at you, are you Monsieur Gerik?"

He asked, already knowing it was the film adaption-not to mention the cologne on him was powerful enough to smell from where the Merik stood.

"Every time something goes wrong I always expect the blame," Gerik mumbled. But what he was not anticipating was the elder gentleman outstretching his hand to him.

Gerik cocked his head confused, "Why?"

"A thank you is in order, Panaro confessed to me you tried to stop him without resorting to a violent conclusion." Crawford said.

"But it did?"

"Of course either one of you could have pulled the trigger, more than likely the boy shot himself. Yet another reason we loathe firearms being that our aim is also quite off. Fire is a much easier substitute..." The elderly masked man shook the nostalgia out of his head. "My point being you only fought back when you had to and that you have been trying to help Monsieur Karimloo. This week has been difficult for everyone but especially him."

His malformed lips curved in a genuine smile at the film adaptation. "Thank you Gerik. And believe me, eventually this will lead to more than just simple words of gratitude."

Gerik nodded, shaking the outstretched hand.

"You're welcome."

*sniffles* Onto a few footnotes!

-More Ben Crawford instastory jokes! One popular joke in particular is the “Crawford Cross” where he films while crossing his legs in costume, usually wearing the Red Death tights.

-On another note while Ben Crawford is very social media active Ben Lewis on the other hand is not and very rarely used behind the scenes social media streams.

-David Thaxton is in reference to the current London Phantom after Ben Lewis left.