#was gonna do a whole au but alas

[ultralazydumbass]

I’m on my Tinkerbell Dex agenda

[bonestrouslingbones]

now realizing that i haven't seen an edgepuff fic any longer than a oneshot since fucking. 2022. and not even a oneshot since 2023. god.

[0cta9on]

Cute/Jealousy thoughts on Hanni?

About you giving more attention to Minji, I can't help but think in a story stereotype 🤭, Imagine Hanni being jealous to Minji. How cute it would be in an AU world.😚

Have this baddie Hanni style

Hello mikeylo! As much as I love Minji, I'm a sucker for squishy cheeks and Hanni has her beat in that department :]

Edit: So I'm writing this edit after I finished writing the whole thing, idk if I actually wrote what you wanted :> Hopefully you'll find it entertaining at least :,]

You didn't plan for any of this, it just sort of happened.

The friendship you share with Minji and Hanni is something you cherish more than anything else in the world. Some people place value on material things or special locations; for you, it's the two knuckleheads you call your best friends.

One day, something just clicked. You started noticing small details that you didn't notice before. Suddenly, the Minji you knew your entire life looked different. The way the sunlight dances on her skin, the way her lips curl into the most precious smile, the way her eyes light up when she finds something interesting. Before you knew it, you found yourself being drawn to her in ways that exceed the boundaries of friendship.

You tried to suppress the feelings, afraid of what they could bring on the friendship you cared for so much, but alas, the heart wants what it wants, and one heartfelt confession later, you and Minji are now a couple.

Everything is going great - other than the fact that Hanni has no idea you two are dating. When the two of you first started going out, you decided that you wanted to start out small in case things didn't work out. But as the weeks went by and the both of you started falling deeper and deeper in love with you each other, the task of telling Hanni about your secret relationship became more and more daunting. Despite how happy the two of you are, it felt dirty in a way, keeping a secret from your best friend. You wanted to tell her sooner, but the opportunity just never came up. However, life finds a way, even when you least expect it.

It all came to a head one day when you were at Minji's apartment, making out on her couch. Most of your dates are restricted to each other's places due to the fear of being caught by Hanni, but it does come with the added benefit of not having to worry about the consequences of PDA. Your original plan of simply watching a movie together were immediately tossed out the window as Minji jumped into your arms, interlocking her soft lips with yours. You're not about to argue with her though; her plan seems much more fun.

Suffice to say, both of you are thoroughly distracted with each other's mouths. So distracted that neither of you hear the click of a spare key being inserted into Minji's door, nor do you hear the clopping of footsteps getting closer and closer.

"Hey Minj- OH MY GOD!" Hanni screams, dropping her bag of snacks onto the floor. Minji jumps off of your lap, her eyes wide in shock.

"H-Hanni! Uh, hey what are you, uh, doing here, I-I didn't know you were coming over," Minji stutters, nervously combing through her hair. All you can do is sit there like an idiot and look back and forth between your two frien- er, friend and girl friend.

"What ar- What? When? How? Why?," Hanni blabbers, looking between the two of you with a mixture of anger and disgust. "When were you two gonna tell me you were dating?!"

After exchanging nervous glances with Minji, the two of you silently agree that it's time for her to know the truth (Not like you were going to think up a plausible lie anyways after being caught in such a compromising position). You recount everything in detail - The day you started to feel things for Minji, when you asked her out, why you didn't immediately tell Hanni about your relationship. Hanni never spoke up during your explanation, her expression never changing from "shocked but also curious".

"So, yeah," you say, finishing up your explanation. "We didn't want to tell you in case things didn't go well between us, but then things did go well and we just... kinda forget to tell you. Sorry, Hanni.

"Yeah, I'm sorry too, Hanni," Minji adds, resting her head against your shoulder.

"First of all, ew, don't be doing that couple-y stuff in front of me." Minji quickly removes her head off of your shoulder, looking sheepish. "Second of all... Wow, you guys are really good liars. I never even noticed a thing."

"We didn't feel good lying to you," Minji notes. "We really did want to tell you sooner."

"So this whole time, you two have been hanging out without me!?" Hanni exclaims. "Every time both of you said you were too busy to hang out, you were actually just shoving your tongues down each other's throats!?" Minji cheeks burn bright pink, her gaze falling to the ground in shame and embarrassment.

"Not every time, just y'know... Most of the time," you shamefully admit. Hanni slaps your arm, causing Minji to jump to your defense. This only sours Hanni's mood even more.

"What the heck is wrong with you guys, I thought we were friends!" Hanni puffs up her cheeks in anger.

"We are friends! We didn't know things were gonna turn out like this either!" Minji sighs, sitting next to her. "We should've been honest with you from the beginning, but we didn't and ended up upsetting you. We're really, really, really sorry, Hanni."

The room fills with a pensive silence as Hanni stares at the ground in contemplation. You and Minji exchange worried glances, finding a semblance of solace in each other's eyes. Even though the dynamic of the group changed, you still love Hanni as a friend and hate the fact that you did something to hurt her. You'll do anything to gain her trust again.

"Do you guys really like each other?" Hanni asks.

"Absolutely" you answer almost immediately, smiling at Minji as she cutely hides her face in her hands. "I love her."

"Ew," Hanni mutters under her breath. "If you guys are going on a date or something, tell me beforehand so I can change my plans."

"Of course," Minji responds.

"And if we're all hanging out together, don't act all couple-y and stuff, I don't want to feel like a third wheel."

"Don't worry about it, PhamPham," you say, pinching her cheek. "Nothing is gonna change between us."

Hanni swats your hand away, but instead of being annoyed like you expected, she grins at you. It's a thing you've done to her ever since you were kids. Hanni always had chubby, squishable cheeks, even moreso when she was younger. She hates you when you do it, but you just can't help yourself - They're too cute not to pinch.

"Alright," Hanni says, her gaze shifting between you and Minji. "Do you guys want me to leave or...?"

"No, you should stay and hang out," Minji says, picking up the dropped bag of snacks on the floor. You nod in agreement, although you are a little bit disappointed you won't get to finish what you started with her earlier. Maybe later tonight, if you play your cards right.

Hanni agrees to stay under the pretext that you and Minji wouldn't be "all over each other" while she's there. Unfortunately, that means you have to stay on the opposite side of the couch while the two of them cuddle under a blanket. Oh well. They're your best friends. You're happy as long as they're happy.

______________________________________________________________

Hanni stares at the ceiling of her room, unable to sleep. The exhaustion of today's events should have knocked her out sooner, but the whirlwind of emotions won't let her catch any rest. With nothing else to do, she grabs her phone from the night stand, scrolling through group photos of her with her two best friends. What were once happy memories are now tainted with suppressed, unrequited feelings.

"I liked you first," she mutters to herself, cursed with the knowledge that no one else is listening. Those words become the catalyst that causes the first tear to drop. A light drizzle soon turns into a violent, emotional downpour. Guilt eats away at her brain while regret feasts on her heart.

If only she had been quicker. If only she had been braver. If only.

[phantompanties]

🔞MINORS DNI🔞

And They Were Roomates

Summary: It's your senior year at New World University, and there's been some changes to the dorms since you went home for your summer break. As such, roommate plans have been rearranged, and you were to meet your new one today. Imagine your shock when the man who walked through the door was your tormentor for most of your life here...

Relationship: Eustass kidd x Fem!reader

Tags: modern au, college au, Kidd is a bully, sexual tension, hatefucking, cunnilingus, vaginal sex, name calling, rough sex, creampie, brat taming if you squint, Kidd catches feelings at the end

Length: nearly 3k words

The lock of your dormitory door clicked as you twisted the key, granting you access. When you were welcomed by a dark entryway, you realized your mysterious new roommate wasn’t here yet. No matter, you didn’t mind being here first.

Due to a complication with the system, you were unable to find out who your roommate for this semester was going to be. It truthfully made you a little nervous, as your last roommate was a total sweetheart named Koala, a political science major who dabbled in martial arts. The two of you became fast friends during the previous few semesters, but alas, life wasn't so kind this time around. Starting fresh wasn’t bad though. You at least hoped that your new roommate would be just as nice as Koala. You pulled your luggage into one of the two small bedrooms allotted to you. You found it a little strange that there were two bedrooms, as you were used to the same single-room dorms you and Koala shared, but it wasn’t unwelcome. It felt like a luxury to actually have some privacy. When you were finished, you looked around the common area. It was very cramped, only having room for a loveseat and an itty bitty coffee table across from the small TV mounted to the wall, but again, it was far bigger than the dorms you were used to. You were actually kind of excited!

Of course, that excitement was interrupted by the door swinging wide open, and your heart sank when a familiar broom of red hair ducked through the frame.

When his amber eyes caught sight of you, his whole face soured. “No fuckin’ way. You!?”

Oh sweet merciful lord, NO. Eustass Kidd!? Your mysterious roommate is the biggest pain in your ass since you enrolled!? He’s done nothing but bully you around like a middle schooler every time the two of you had a class! This bastard was the number one reason you were so happy to go home for the summer every year!

You swallowed your shock and disdain, attempting to figuratively be the bigger person. “I… wasn’t expecting this…”

“Yeah, well neither was I!” he spits, his Scottish accent thick in his speech. “I have the bloody misfortune of rooming with this fuckin’ twat!”

“Excuse me!?” you bark. “How dare you!?”

“Ya heard me, bird. I can’t fuckin stand bein’ around yer prissy arse.”

“Prissy!?” you exclaim. “Well excuse me for actually caring about my appearance! You always look like you just rolled out of bed!”

“It’s called bein’ punk, ya dafty.” He shoots back. “That’s the bloody point.”

“I’ve seen punks that take better care of their appearance than you! Not to mention the stench every time I have the misfortune of being near you. If you’re gonna live here, at least take a fucking shower every day!”

“Oh, that’s rich comin’ from the twat that reeks like she bathes in a tub o’ perfume every mornin’! How many bottles do ya go through a week? I can smell ya from three rooms over!”

“It’s a nice smell and I hardly use that much!” you shoot back. “Maybe if you stopped huffing engine fumes all goddamn day you’d be able to appreciate it.”

“Hah!” he barks out a laugh. “At least I’m usin’ my time for somethin’ useful! Aren’t you majorin’ somethin’ bloody useless? Like English?”

“I’m a Communications major, dumbass. Big difference.”

“Aye, whatever. Don’t get yer knickers in a twist.” Kidd huffs, throwing his prosthetic arm up and dragging his luggage to his bedroom. Thank god the two of you at least had separate rooms…

When he returned from his room, he pointed at you. “We’re gonna have tae lay down some ground rules, bird. Coz if I’m stuck roomin’ with ya, I want my life to at least be a little tolerable.”

“I should be saying that…” you huff, crossing your arms.

“One, keep yer bleedin’ trap shut. I hate listenin’ to ya yap enough as it is.”

“You can’t just tell me to be quiet, asshole!” you argue. “That isn’t fair!”

“Life ain’t fair, ninny. Two, stay the fuck away from my room. If I catch a whiff of yer stench on any of my shit, there’ll be hell to pay.”

“That goes the same for you.” you agree.

Kidd snorts. “Three, you’ll let me bring over whoever the hell I want and ya won’t say a damn thing about it. That includes whoever I feel like shaggin’ that night.”

“Oh great, I get to listen to you disappoint your lovers in real-time. Is it my birthday?” you snark.

“Oy! Don’t be callin’ me some one-pump-chump, bird. You’d be surprised to know how many hoors I got blowin’ my phone up every day.”

“I didn’t call you a one-pump-chump,” you say with a smirk. “You’re telling on yourself.”

Kidd choked on air, and you felt like you could dance in victory. You actually got one on him! This is a high you’ll be riding for the rest of your life!

“Right, now listen here, ya cheeky cunt.” Kidd, growls, getting in your face and poking you in the chest with his prosthetic hand. “Don’t be thinkin’ that just coz ya made a little joke that yer above me. I guarantee that I can have ya shakin’ and screamin’ my name all night.”

“Looks like I struck a nerve,” you say, still smirking and looking up at his fiery eyes. “But I don’t believe your empty lies, Kidd. sorry.”

“Oh, it’s not a lie, bird…” Kidd growls, lifting your chin with his metal finger. “It’s a promise.”

Something about the way he said that sent electricity shooting down your belly and into your groin. Fuck, you hated this bastard, but the way his bright eyes were boring into you so hungrily made you wanna squeeze your thighs together.

“What do ya say, bird? Ya want a ride with the Eustass Kidd? The way yer lookin’ at me, I’d say yes…”

“Don’t call yourself “the” Eustass Kidd like you’re some kind of celebrity, dumbass.” you snarked.

“Oy, do somethin’ about that mouth o’ yours or I’m gonna do it for ye,” he growled, gripping your jaw and squishing your cheeks.

“Do it, you won’t,” you whispered, challenging him.

Kidd smashed his ruby-painted lips into yours then, groaning in a way that made your core throb. He moved his hands down to your ass, squeezing with both his flesh and prosthetic hands. Your hands travelled up his broad chest, hooking around his thick neck. When his tongue licked your greedy lips, you opened them, permitting him to shove it down your throat. The air became heated as the two of you clicked your teeth together, rubbing and grinding your bodies in an intense display of raw lust.

You squeaked as his rough hands picked you up like you weighed nothing, wrapping your legs around his torso. He smirked into your lips as he carried you to his bed.

Once there, he threw you into his sheets, not even waiting for you to settle out the first couple of bounces before he went and attacked your pretty lips again. He could feel that his lipstick was smudged all over both of your mouths, but he didn’t give a fuck. You tasted too fucking good, and he wanted more.

He disconnected your lips for a moment, smirking at the translucent string of saliva that connected your tongues. He removed his faded band tee, revealing his thick, muscled body scarred from years of reckless street fighting. He went in to tug your shirt off next, groaning in your ear. “Let me see that fuckin’ body of yours, bird.”

You gasped breathlessly, helping him remove your blouse and bra. When your chest was bare, he licked his lips approvingly. “Been wantin’ to see these pretty tits since I met ya.”

“Yeah, I bet, pervert.” you snark.

Growling, Kidd dove into your neck, biting and licking while he pinched your nipples in his warm flesh hand, rolling and tugging between his fingers. You bit your lip, holding in your moans.

“Ah, ah, don’t be doin’ that birdie. Let me hear how much ya love it,” he smirked against your skin.

“Y-you’ll have to do better than that, Useless Mid.” you challenge. “You aren’t getting shit from me.”

“Oh, the little prissy miss has a spine, eh? Very well.” you shivered when he looked you dead in the eyes. The look he was giving you was downright predatory.

In a swift motion, KIdd tugged down your sweats and panties at the same time, revealing your glistening folds. You looked away from his face then, embarrassed.

“Aww, are you gettin’ shy on me, bird? Where’s your cheeky jokes?”

“Sh-shut the fuck up…” you mumble, still not looking in his eyes.

“Don’t tell me you’re a virgin, love. Surely you’ve shagged at least a few times with this body of yours.”

“I-I don’t think that’s any of your business!” you gasp at him.

“I’m right ain’t I?” he grins.

“No, you’re not!” you shout, covering your face in annoyance. “I’m just not used to it being like this!”

“Ah, but you like it, don’t ya, bird? Yer as wet as a drowned rat.”

“Shut up…”

“I bet your minge tastes just as sweet as your mouth, birdie. I’m gonna give ya the face ride o’ yer fuckin’ life.”

“Stop talking and do it already you- hnnHHAAHH!”

You couldn’t contain your moan when Kidd’s rough tongue licked a stripe up your sopping folds, and he chuckled. “There it is. Keep making those sounds, pretty girl.”

You hated to admit this, but this was probably the best head you’ve gotten in your life. Kidd drank from you greedily like you were a water fountain and he was dying of thirst. The way his lips latched around your clit and the sounds of him slurping from your dripping hole were enough to make you go crazy. Your hand found his mess of scarlet red hair, tugging him further into your aching pussy as you ground it on his face. Kidd couldn’t contain his moans and the vibrations shocked your clit deliciously.

“Mmmhf… yer close, ain’t ya, bird?” he groans against your hole as he slurps. “Mmmngh… yer twitchin’ on me face. C’mon, then. Cum on my tongue ya dirty cunt. Y’know ya want tae.”

You gripped his hair harder with one hand and covered your mouth with the other, letting out a loud moan as your orgasm ripped through. Kidd moaned into your pussy as he lapped up your delicious cream.

While you were lying there, twitching with aftershocks, Kidd admired the new bright red pair of lipstick panties he left on your cute pussy. He wished his phone was closer to the bed so he could take a picture for his wank bank. Oh well, he had a good memory anyway.

“Sh-shit…” you gasped. “Oh fuck…”

“Mmmh, that don’t sound like disappointment to me, birdie,” Kidd smirks, leaning in front of your face.

“S-so what? You may be good with your mouth, but it doesn’t change the fact you’re a one-pump-chump…”

“You’re losin’ yer edge, lass. You don’t sound like ya mean that anymore.”

“Shut up, asshole.” you spat, although still breathless. “I’m not changing my mind.”

“Well, then I’ll just have to make ya, then.” he chuckles.

Kidd momentarily stepped off the bed to remove his belts and pants, revealing a sizable tent in his boxers. You swallowed in anticipation, a little nervous.

Kidd made a show of revealing his cock, and by god, Kidd was a large man, and that thing was proportional. Your eyes widened in both hunger and a little bit of fear and he laughed.

“Ya like what ya see, birdie?” he asks, stroking it slowly.

“It’s… bigger than I expected…” you whimper.

This seemed to stroke Kidd’s ego exponentially because he gave a low growl. “That’s right, bird. And every last inch is gonna fill ya right up.”

He knelt back on the bed, pulling your hips forward and slowly rubbing his cock up and down your pussy.

“Ah yeah, you’re nice n’ wet for me, ya dirty girl. It should slide in no problem.”

“W-will it fit…?” you gulp.

You saw Kidd’s cock twitch at that. “Careful, bird. You’re askin’ for me to break the bed when ya talk like that.”

Kidd lined himself with your drooling hole, slowly pushing himself inside. He threw his head back as your gummy walls fluttered around the intrusion.

“Fuck…” he moans. “So hot… so tight…”

You gripped the sheets as he slid further into your walls, nearly bumping your cervix with his blunt tip.

“Shit… yer like a bloody vice on my cock, birdie…” he groans, biting his lip.

“You’re just too fucking big!” you whine.

“Yeah, but you love it,” he says, leaning down and smirking in your face. “Yer hips are movin’ on their own, love. Ya want me to rail ya senseless, don’tcha? Ya want me to ruin other guys for ya? I’ll give ya what ya want, birdie. I’ll make you addicted to my cock.”

“Nnghf… shut up and fuck me!” you snap.

Kid grinned wildly, diving into your neck and slowly pulling out, then slamming back in. he gave a few harsh thrusts before he set a brutal pace, fucking you like a man possessed. It wasn’t a stretch to say he was, your pussy just felt that fucking good.

You whined, scrambling to find his neck for purchase. God the feeling of him stretching you was heavenly. You couldn’t help but rake your nails across his shoulders. Kidd leaned back from your neck, admiring the deep bite marks he left as he pounded you. Now Kidd was in there deep, but he felt like he could go deeper. He took his big hands, both flesh and metal, gripping your hips and pulling you even further onto his cock. You gasped, eyes filling with stars as his blunt head kissed against your cervix. “God… I’ve been wanting to fill your cunt for so fuckin’ long… wish I’d done this sooner…!”

“F-fuck! Kidd!” you wail, your fingernails drawing angry red lines in his skin.

Kidd growled, grabbing the back of your thighs and folding you in half. The man had you in a mating press and was pounding into you so hard you were sure you heard the floor creaking. Your eyes rolled back into your head and Kidd chuckled, his eyes darkened with lust.

“I can feel ya gettin’ tighter, love. Ya wanna cum so bad, don’tcha? Yer already creamin’ so good on me. Say ya wanna cum, birdie. Tell me how bad ya want it.”

“F-fuck… fuck you, Kidd…” you whine, screwing your eyes shut.

“You’re already doin’ that birdie. C’mon now, don’t be shy. Tell me ya wanna cum. Beg for it. Fuckin’ scream it.”

“L-let me cum, Kidd, please!” you wail. “I need it! Fuck, please!”

Kidd groaned, cock twitching in your walls. “Good girl.”

His flesh hand travelled between your bodies. And his thumb met your clit, rubbing in tight circles. “Come on… cum on my cock, ya dirty cunt. Let the whole buildin’ know who ya belong to.”

White hot pleasure exploded in your veins, and your gummy walls clamped and fluttered on Kidd’s cock. A ring of white spilled around the base.

“Grrghh-FUCK!!!” Kidd moans, shoving his cock balls deep into you and painting your insides white with his hot sticky cum. He thrust a few times, riding out both of your highs until it got painful with overstimulation. When he was done, he collapsed with his face in your tits, being sure to mind his weight.

“Oh… oh my god…” you pant, mind thoroughly blown.

“Sounds like ya had a good time, birdie,” Kidd whispers in your ear.

You groaned. “A-alright fine… you’re good at sex, I admit it.”

Kidd surprised you by gently kissing your cheek, rolling off you and slipping his soft cock out of you at the same time.

As the two of you calmed down, you glanced at him. “So… you wanted to do that for a while, huh?”

For the first time you think you’ve ever seen, Eustass Kidd flushed bright red. You giggled, stroking your finger down his chest. “Did you spill a big secret?”

“Aye, haud yer wheesht, ya twat…” he grumbled.

“You don’t mean that Kiddy.” you tease. “You wanted me, admit it! How long have you been thinking about this?”

Kidd mumbled something incoherent, and you rolled over on his chest. “Say that again, Kidd. I can't hear you.”

“Fuck’s sake—since that time in class ya smacked the shite outta me for callin’ ya a bimbo.”

You couldn’t contain your snort. “Really? You got hard over a smack?”

Kidd flushed deeper. “I like when bonnies are able tae smack me around… it's a nice challenge…”

“Wow.” you say. “You’re full of surprises.”

“Shut it before I make ya regret openin’ that cheeky mouth o’ yours, bird.”

You snorted, resting your head on his large chest. “For what it’s worth, no one’s ever made me cum so hard in my life. I can barely feel my legs right now…”

Kidd grunted, wrapping his flesh arm around your waist and pulling you closer. “I suppose I can let ya stay here… just for tonight.”

“Oh, how gentlemanly.” you giggle, nuzzling into his large pecs. “Good, because you’re really comfortable.”

Kidd’s cheeks dusted pink. “Whatever, birdie. Just don't drool on me, aye?”

“No promises.” you sigh dreamily.

[callmelola111]

K.O. ♡ e.w. oneshot

 ✄ - - - -   inspo track   - - - -   bull believer- wednesday

synopsis: as hours, minutes, and seconds count down till the new year, secrets are revealed and trust is broken. who knew the downfall of your life could be so freeing—and that a total stranger would be the one to catch you.

      | 𓆣 | pairing & wc: ellie williams x reader. wc: 4.8k

      | ❀ | cw: 18+ themes (MDNI), modern au, reader is in a toxic relationship with a man (sexuality isn’t mentioned in huge detail so feel free to hc however you like—they could be bi, pan or just a lesbian with very real comp het), coming out scene (refers to self as “gay”), heavy swearing, descriptions of intense violence + gore, cheating (bf on reader), underage drinking + use of marjuana (18), reader is called a slur (dyke)

a/n: hi hellooo, long time no see! **first, a quick disclaimer: this isn't realistic, there is a complete lack of morals and an unethical/dangerous amount of violence that i wouldn't condone irl. but alas this is fan fiction based off a M rated game whose whole basis is violence, sooo plz keep that in mind when reading.** anywaysss... i’ve been obsessed with this song for months now and it sparked a little oneshot idea so here it is. not exactly my usual stuff, more of a passion project as i process my hatred for men as a lesbian who used to date them. soooo i guess this one goes out to my small town comp het girlies who love ellie williams. thanks for all the support!! ♡~ lola

In the south it never really felt like a true winter. All the holidays that came along with it never felt real either. Christmas was dull and New Years was even worse. After spending the last 18 years of your life in a small hick town, it felt like no use to wish for some “better future”. You were damned from the start. Sure it was a new year, but it was the same old shit and you knew nothing was gonna change until you got out of this hell hole.

Just 6 more months of pretending, you’d tell yourself. 6 more months of bending over backwards to please your overbearing parents. 6 more months of mediocre sex with your shitty boyfriend that you weren’t even sure you liked. 6 more months of artificial conversations with your estranged friend group from middle school who claim to “not get you” anymore. But at this point, as every little thing ate away at you, you weren’t sure if you could keep up your act for much longer. Especially tonight, where you’d be faced with the challenge of appeasing all 3. 

December 31st, 9:00pm:

Adorned in a matching set of mint green pjs you sat patiently on your bed waiting for the go-ahead. Like clockwork, your parents gave a small knock and pushed open your door from its cracked position. It always annoyed you how they knocked, pretending to respect your privacy while simultaneously enforcing a “no closed doors” rule. You thought at 18 they would’ve let it go, but no. 

“Well hun, me and your mother are heading out now. We don’t expect to be back till the morning… Ya know, just to be safe while taking part in all the ‘festivities’.” Your dad chuckled, throwing up some air quotes. Your mom stood deadpan waiting for him to wrap up his little bit before butting in.

“No plans for the evening, right?” She phrased her words like a question but you knew this was just her way of subtleing enforcing the stupid rules you’ve followed your whole life.

“Of course not momma. Probably just gonna watch Gilmore Girls reruns and then go to sleep before any fireworks start up.” You gestured to your pjs but your perfectly made bed said otherwise. See, you knew this little routine like the back of your hand. You knew just what to do and just what to say in order to lure your parents into a false sense of security. While they stood in the frame of your door wishing you a goodnight, your party clothes hung on the other side of it, just out of their view.

December 31st, 9:30pm:

A loud honking blared from just outside your bedroom window. You ushered the sheer curtains open and glared out at the little sedan sputtering in your driveway. Your hands ran down your face followed by a big sigh. It’s not like you didn’t know your boyfriend Jax was coming to pick you up for the new years party that night, you had planned it just days before. But unbeknownst to him, the only reason you reached out was because you didn’t have a ride and tonight was one of the few times your parents wouldn’t be around to police curfew. 

You climbed into the passenger seat already cringing at the unidentifiable smell and litters of trash covering the floor. Forcing a smile to your face you greet the grimey boy sitting at the wheel with a wave.

“Come onnnn, not even a kiss? You must be real happy to see me, huh?” You grit your teeth, squeeze both eye’s shut, and lean in for a peck to appease his complaints. 

“Of course I’m happy to see you babe.” This was a lie. Something you had become quite good at these past few years, even lying to yourself at times. The rest of the car ride was silent, leaving you to ponder this drudgery of a relationship. You weren’t quite sure when things shifted or if there was ever an attraction at all, but after a year together and college approaching you just decided to ride it out until the inevitable. And part of you recognized the same in him, so there was never any guilt about it. 

December 31st, 9:45pm:

Alcohol was the first thing on your mind as soon as the car went into park. The door to the house was propped wide open, inviting in teens of the small town. Some top 10 hit boomed from a speaker nested in the main living area, not really your style—at least not sober. You scavenged the kitchen for a clean solo cup to designate as your own and began the journey to drunkenness. Jax followed in suit with a couple bottles of beer. The harsh burn in your throat lingered but the alcohol's effect was already beginning to take off the edge that was your life.

You attempted to initiate some conversation with the man who had brought you here but he was too busy texting to listen. So consumed with the glow of his screen, you couldn’t help but peek to see what was so interesting. As soon as you got a glimpse you wished you had been less nosey. His attention was not being stolen by a dumb Instagram reels, but actually, a long string of texts with a girl whose name you didn’t recognize. Your stomach pinged at his possible infidelity. Partly because he was your boyfriend but mostly because you’d spent months convincing yourself to like him, to stay with him, to be a good girlfriend—and he could care less. All this work and effort on your part was simply discarded with his unloyal behavior. It was all for nothing. But hey, maybe you were just drawing conclusions. It could just be a friend. Right?

December 31st, 10:15pm:

Jax had finally shifted his attention back to you before his screen lit up again causing you to retaliate in irritation. You swiped up the cracked device before he had the chance and began to scroll.

“Can’t you just silence it? What is soooo fucking importan-.” Your voice caught at the sight of flirty messages littering the screen.

“Are-are you fucking cheating on me?” You instantly questioned.

“Bro no! Give me my fucking phone back!”

“Who the fuck are you texting then? ‘Mary Jane’,” you spouted in a mocking tone, “no way is that someone's real name. You’ve gotta be kidding me.”

“It’s a joke between me and my cousin. Now would you chill?”

“Your cousin?? You call your cousin baby?? I mean, I knew this town was full of hicks but I didn’t know y’all were those kinds of hicks.” The alcohol was giving you a little too much courage as your taunting waded into dangerous territory.

“The fuck did you just say? Don’t fucking test me! Can’t even handle a couple shots without getting all crazy on me!!”

“Crazy?? I’m being fucking reasonable. Literally any other person would be bothered by this just as much as me.”

“You know what, just fuck off. We can talk when you stop being such a delusional bitch.” He then disappeared into the living room, landing onto the couch, leaving you alone with your anger. 

December 31st, 10:30pm:

You stood idle, bubbling over with emotion, eye’s filling with tears when a wet sensation hit your upper lip. Its flow grew stronger and began to trickle onto your hands where your gaze was locked. Deep red stained your palms- a random nosebleed. It was like a sign from the universe. A sign that you weren’t crazy. In fact, you might be one of the only sane people in this whole damn town. Stuck in your reverie, blood continued to drip on your hands, your shirt, your lips- everywhere. That is until a kind eyed girl slipped you a dish towel to stop the flow. 

“Uh hey, your nose is bleeding.” You snapped your head up finally acknowledging the moment in full.

“Shit thanks, sorry…” Your face went hot realizing how long you had been just standing still, letting the blood fall where it may. The heat doubled, spreading to your ears when you finally acknowledged the person who had witnessed the whole thing. Ellie Williams. You had never formally met but knew of her existence, as she had kind of a reputation around school. There wasn’t anything inherently bad about her (at least in your opinion), she just didn’t fit the mold of most residents in your town. Therefore, she was a target for people's prejudices, especially being the only out lesbian in your senior class. Despite everyone else’s thoughts, you really admired her. You wished you had that type of courage.

“It’s no problem…” the auburn haired girl glanced down deciding what to say next before lifting her gaze back up to you. “Not to be nosey, I know you don’t really know me, but like… are you okay?”

Head tilted back, you gave a nasally reply, “Oh me? Yeah, yeah uh- I’m okay” 

“No offense but uh, you don’t look that okay.” she gestured to your bloody everything.

“Alright so I’m not okay, you got me.” You looked down to your now crimson stained blouse and scrubbed frantically at the chiffon material trying to reprimand the damage.

“Here, here– You can just take my flannel to cover it up, I promise I don’t mind.”

“Are you sure?” Before you could say anything else, Ellie was sliding the warm garment over your shoulders and guiding you into the arm holes. It was dark blue, in a faded plaid pattern, and smelled of pine and incense. The girl was now left barren in just her white tank– and all for you.

“Yeah of course.” She then took it a step further, buttoning you up. You watched as her dexterous fingers worked up from the bottom of the shirt to the top, brushing you at each maneuver. A little jab into the plush right under your naval, a swipe past your ribs, and a tap at your collarbones. The quick, unexpected interaction left you completely flustered and you weren’t quite sure why.

“Thank you.” was all you could say. 

“Sooo… do you wanna talk about it?” At this point, Ellie was completely enamored with you from the way you handled yourself with Jax. She had this unusual feeling, a feeling like she needed to protect you. A feeling that you were different from most. Maybe you were even a little like her?

“Honestly, yeah. My friend Samara was supposed to be here tonight but I guess she decided not to show, and I’m starting to wish I didn’t either.”

“Well, if it’s worth anything, I’m glad you’re here. Come on now, follow me.” Ellie led the way to a set of stairs at the edge of the living room. You snaked right past the couch where Jax was drunkenly passed out, mumbling obscenities at his phone. Of course, he paid no mind to you. The idiot was too consumed with himself to even wonder if you were okay.

December 31st, 11:00pm:

You and the sweet girl sat on the rough carpeted step talking about everything under the sun. Ellie was the first person in a really long time who you felt you could be honest with.

“So you think he’s cheating on you?” she questions trying to clarify the few bits of dialogue she heard while watching from afar.

“I know he is. I’m not stupid.”

“I’m sure you’re not.” Ellie put her head down staring at the laces of her dirty converse. You felt so unreadable, making her unsure of how to proceed in the conversation. “So00, how do you feel about it all then?”

“I don’t know, I guess angry.” you answered with a remarkably solemn tone. 

“What about… sad?”

Like second nature, you instantly thought of a less than honest answer until Ellie’s attentive green eyes brought you back to Earth. 

“It feels like… I’m supposed to be sad, but I can’t. In a twisted, confusing way, I’m honestly kinda relieved. So fucking pissed, but relieved.” Ellie’s lids widened, this was an answer she wasn’t expecting at all–but one she was glad to hear.  

“I can’t blame you, he does kinda seem like a piece of shit.”

“And his dick is small too.” you quipped, making Ellie chuckle under her breath.

“Maybe I’m reading into things, but… it seems like you never really liked this guy in the first place.” 

You took a guilty pause before confirming, “Maybe…”

“So why haven’t you broken up with him?” Ellie was genuinely curious. She thought if it was her in the situation she definitely would’ve gotten rid of that Jax guy long, long ago. Who would wanna keep around a douche bag like that?

“Being with Jax felt convenient. He felt like my ticket to ‘normalcy’.” You put your head down in slight shame but continued the explanation. “I got so caught up in my image that I neglected how I actually felt. I was doing everything to please everyone but me.”  Ellie scooted in one inch to the left, now connecting your thighs and bringing in a sense of comfort.

“Trust me, I understand. This town is fucking ruthless.”

“God yeah, the things I’ve heard people say about you are seriously fucked up. I don’t know how you do it.” A beat of silence lingered as Ellie articulated her thoughts.

“I think… community. I mean, obviously most of the people at our school look down on me, but all it takes is one singular person to be right there with you and then things don’t feel so bad. I guess for me, I can’t imagine being anything but myself. Like completely myself.” The girl looked up from the hangnail she was picking at as she spoke and was met with your tear filled eyes. “Fuck, did I say something?”

Your hand shot up to quickly wipe away the floodgates threatening to fall, “No, no. It’s just that you’re right,” you stuttered, choking down another cry, “an-and, I wish I would've realized it sooner because these past 4 years have been like hell. I don’t wanna be the cookie cutter straight girl anymore. I just wanna be me.”

Ellie then placed a gentle hand to your knee and brought her eyes to meet your own, “And what might that be?”

“Gay. Like really fucking gay.” you said through teary-eyed laughs as Ellie joined in with her own hearty chuckle.

“Welcome to the club.” she said, sticking out a strong hand for you to shake. You grasped it tightly as her warm palm guided you up and down, her touch lingering just a little longer than the gesture itself. As you collected yourself you whipped out a small pocket mirror to touch up the smudged mascara littering your undereyes. Ellie admired in silence. She was in pure awe of your resilience, and when you were finished with your clean up, you turned back to realize what had just gone down.

“Fuck, I’m sorry for dumping all that on you considering we just met. It’s weird how things I’ve never even said out loud before can come out so easily around a stranger.”

Ellie nudges you with her shoulder, “I guess I just have that effect, huh?”

“I guess you do.” you sighed, nudging her back.

December 31st, 11:15pm:

The two of you continued your banter until a cold breeze from the back door gave Ellie a brilliant idea.

“Dare I say… you look like you need a blunt?” she said with a mischievous smirk.

“No, please. It's exactly what I need.”

Ellie then reached into the pocket of her baggy jeans, “I guess it’s your lucky day then.” she said, revealing the most perfectly wrapped blunt you’d ever seen.

“You’re actually god sent Ellie. How are we just now meeting?” The auburn-haired girl gave a small laugh before grabbing your hand and leading you to the backyard. As she pushed the white panel door open, every single ounce of weight that had been lifted off from that one singular conversation, all came crashing back down. Ellie and you weren’t the only ones who adventured outside into the brisk night air. Right on the porch stood Jax, accompanied by your “friend” Samara, who up until this point you didn’t even think was coming. The piece of shit was practically sucking her face off before the creaking sound of the back door sent them 5 feet apart.

“I knew it! I fucking knew it!” you yelled, eyes growing dark with rage. Ellie just stood and watched from the corner.

“Babe, please! I swear it’s not what you think!” Jax stumbled forward, attempting to grasp at your figure.

“Don’t you dare try and touch me! You don’t even deserve to look at me. It’s over Jax. I’m done being suffocated by your never ending bullshit!” Knuckles clenched, you continued your lashings, this time at Samara. “I-I thought we were friends. What happened to that?”

“You don’t even like him. You should be thanking me.” she spat. 

“You really don’t get it, huh? This has nothing to do with me liking Jax or not, you completely betrayed our friendship the second you started fucking him behind my back. Friends don’t fuck each other boyfriends Samara!” Before she could even respond Jax was dragging her away, flipping you off on the way inside.

“Ellie-” you squeaked, trembling in shock. 

“Come here, it’s okay love.” she whispered, parting her arms to make a safe space just for you. You collapsed into the warm cavity and relinquished the buckets of tears you had been saving for the moment someone actually gave a fuck. And Ellie did. She never let go of you even for a second as you crumbled under her.

“Jeez I’m sorry.” you said after minutes of pure silence, lifting your head to meet Ellie’s green eyes. 

“For what?”

“For being a drunk mess, crying to you about a man, and also, I think I got a little snot on your shirt.” you tried to laugh it off but you really just wanted to disappear.

Taking your face in her palms Ellie reassured you, “hey, hey no need to be sorry pretty girl. You’ve been through a lot tonight. Besides, I think I look kinda good with this huge ass wet spot in the middle of my tank top. What do you think?” You stepped back and took a look at the damage, and honestly, she was kinda right. With the white cotton material you could see right through to her toned stomach, barely missing the bottom of her breasts. 

“Fine, yes. I’m sure there’s plenty of girls who’d kill to see you in a wet shirt Ellie.”

“Lucky you then.” she said, playfully nudging your shoulder.

You couldn’t help it as the corners of your mouth turned upwards, “Yeah, I guess so.”

“There’s that smile. Soooo… blunt now?”

“Yes. Blunt.”

December 31st, 11:30pm:

And just like that, you were halfway through the chestnut wand of herbs and deep in conversation.  

“So you really haven't seen But I’m a Cheerleader?” Ellie asked, blowing out a puff of smoke with the question and passing it on.

You took the blunt from between her fingers and let it rest between your own, “No. Should I have?” 

“Definitely dude, it’s like queer classic.”

“Oh yeah?” You cocked your head at the freckled faced girl. 

“Yeah. And now that I’m thinking about it, you’re honestly just like the main character.”

“How so?” you asked, taking another long draw. 

“She’s in denial about being gay for like the first 30 minutes of the movie.”

A string of coughs unleashed from your chest as you let out a hefty laugh mid-inhale, “Bitch-”

“What? I’m being so deadass!”

“Fine, what character are you then?” you pry, passing the lit blunt back over to Ellie.

Taking a hit she replies, “I guess I’d be graham.”

“And what does she do?”

“I’m kinda like your awakening in a sense. Graham is all gay and cool, and of course Megan—that's you—totally falls for her.” 

You retrieve the lit cannabis and roll your eyes, “I haven’t fallen for you yet Williams.”

“Yet.” she emphasizes, placing a soft finger to the tip of your nose tauntingly.

“Ha. Ha.” you monotonously mock, “Now here, I think it’s done.” You hand Ellie the roach and she promptly stubs it out into the concrete slab deck.

“Come on, let’s go inside. I’m fucking cold.” she pleas.

“Dude I’m scared. Like I am way too fucked up for this.”

“No, no– I promise you’re fine. I’ll protect you.” 

“Fineee.” you drag out.

December 31st, 11:50pm:

Things were seemingly fine as you and Ellie entered the muggy living area of the packed house once more. Your hesitancy was quite clear though and Ellie could sense you needed just a little reassurance. Your right hand, currently picking away at the hangnail on the thumb of your left, was quickly captured by Ellies own rough hand which led you back to your comfortable spot on the ascending stair set.

As you both took a seat your grip remained tight on the girl, afraid that if you let go you might jump up from your spot right then and there just to give Jax one more lesson. Just the sight of him through the slats of the stairs’ wooden railing—legs casually spread wide and eyes focused in on a casual game of Mortal Kombat—drove you fucking crazy. 

“Dude if you keep staring like that you might actually burn a hole through his dumb ass T-shirt.” Ellie said, nudging your tensed shoulder.

“Good it’s ugly anyways.”

“Fair point.”

“I just have this burning need to get back at him. I wanna beat his ass just like in that game he can’t take his eyes off.”

Ellie rolled her eyes, “Very funny, but you wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

“Oh yeah?” you questioned before laying a soft punch to the girl's forearm. A string of dramatic “Ows” reverberated from her lips. “See, I’m a badass right?”

“Fine you’re a total badass” she agreed begrudgingly, rubbing the soft tissue of her arm where you had left your mark. 

“What? It hurt that bad? You need me to kiss it better?” you taunted. 

“Maybe I do.” she said, longing eyes staring into your own. 

You gulped down any hesitation and felt it drop straight to your nervous stomach, “Where does it hurt?”

Ellie pointed to her arm slowly, “here.”

You placed a soft peck.

Hot breath raising goosebumps to the surface of her skin, “and here”, she gestured to her outstretched neck

Another supple kiss.

“And um-” she continued, but was quickly cut off and brought back to reality with the bellowing sound of a countdown. Too caught up in the moment, you both had almost forgotten about the holiday currently taking place.

FIVE… FOUR… THREE… TWO…

“Can I kiss you?” she blurted frantically, and with no words you dove into her plump, chapped lips. Just like a puzzle piece your bottom lip slotted perfectly between her own. It was a gentle and delicate kiss at first, drinking in the euphoric moment. Quickly though, soft maneuvers of the mouth got quicker and harder. Spit was exchanged with passion and need, as your hands were becoming grabby at the girl's toned figure. The heat growing between your legs was an easy distraction from the fact that you were at a large party, in a hick town, with your ex-boyfriend now hovering over your more than friendly exchange.

January 1st, 12:01am:

“The fuck? You’re a dyke now?” he yells, practically loud enough for the whole party to hear. You and Ellie frantically pull apart, bumping heads in the process.

The calloused hands that were once caressing the small of your back are now balled into tight fists as Ellie rises from her seated position.

“The fuck did you just say?” she questions, tilting her head to the right.

You now stand up with her, worried where this might go, “Jax you need to walk away.”

“Oh shut up slut. You’re so fucking desperate you’d do it with anyone!” 

That one hurt. That was the tipping point. Tears welled in your eyes. 

“I’M NOT A FUCKING SLUT! I’M GAY AND NEVER LIKED YOU IN THE FIRST PLACE!”

“You need to leave now before I do something I’ll regret, you dirty bitch.” he threatens. And that's it, Ellie takes a swing aiming straight for his nose. Her fist retracts and reveals his bloody and now crooked cartilage. Through clenched teeth Jax grips onto Ellies white tank, throwing her into the open space of the living room. Just like a car crash, it’s one of those things where a scene can be so disturbing but you just can’t look away. And everyone else in the room was feeling it too—backed into corners, hands over mouths, some men even obnoxiously chanting “fight, fight.” But this isn’t what you wanted. Not at all.

“STOP! YOU NEED TO FUCKING STOP IT!” you screamed desperately. You didn’t even want to imagine what Jax would do to the freckled girl who changed your life in mere hours. But you didn’t have to, because here they were, brawling it out for the whole school. Jax swung at Ellie’s head to which she ducked before jabbing him in the stomach, stealing whatever air was swimming in his lungs. He stumbled backwards 3 steps, coughing through the hit, but this just made him angrier.

He charged back at the flustered girl with more force and gained a grip on a wad of choppy auburn hair. With a forceful yank she came tumbling to the ground with him on top. Ellie wriggled, pushed, and kicked but the sheer weight of the furious man was enough to keep her pinned. Jax began punching left and right, capturing her face with each blow. Thick crimson decorated his knuckles and the entirety of the girl's face. You could barely make out her litter of freckles and the half-lidded slits of emerald green—it was blood, all blood.

But as Jax kept on going, and the room grew quieter, this fight turned into something much more serious. It was inching on life or death and you had to do something. You surveyed the room, eyes dancing from counter to counter until a large glass beer bottle nagged at the tips of your fingers. Grabbing it tightly in your fist, you did what you had to to end this. Glass and gasps scattered through the room. The sharp brown shards littered the floor and evoked a gushing red stream from the back of Jax’s head. He instantly rolled to the side leaving Ellie an opening to escape. You weren’t done yet though, he hadn’t gotten what he deserved yet. Falling to the floor right at his body, hot tears streamed down your face.

Through curses and screams you thrashed at the man's barely conscious frame, “FUCK YOU JAX! FUCK YOU!” This was for every time he made you feel stupid, for making you feel like the ugliest girl in the room, for all the times he kissed you while you just prayed for it to be over, for making your life a living hell. With each scratch, punch, and kick all the pent up anger and resentment drained from your soul. Ellie let you have at him for a bit but as the crowd started to thin she knew the cops would be here any second now.

“Come on! We gotta go hun!” she nagged. 

“NO I CAN’T! NOT YET” you yelled, collapsing down into tears. Ellie promptly scooped you up by your armpits and dragged you from Jax’s limp body.

“I know baby, you're angry, it’s hard. But the cops are coming and we need to leave now.” she said, picking you up completely and carrying you through the frame of the propped open front door. You nestled your head into her bloody top as your chest still rapidly rose up and down, choking on the last few streams of tears and snot. “I’m gonna get you home love, don’t you worry.”

January 1st, 12:15am:

Finally through the small window of Ellie’s red truck you spot your familiar 2 story home. She grips the steering wheel, whipping to the right into the empty driveway. Of course she helps you inside and up to your quaint little bedroom. It felt weird almost—so quiet and still after such a chaotic night—and void of any life but you and the freckled faced girl. It was a cold feeling knowing you’d be all alone in just a few minutes, and tonight, you weren’t sure if that was a feeling you wanted to know.

“Els?”

“Yeah?” she answered softly. 

“Can you stay?”

With a kiss to the head she agreed, “Of course I’ll stay.” The rest of the night was spent cuddled up under your warm comforter, and despite all the events from just hours before, you felt safe. And for once, in fucking years, you were content.

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[bettyfrommars]

Crawling towards the finish line that is this year – biker!Steve notices and remembers you used to love Christmas when you lived in town (maybe it’s something that’s lost on you now). I feel like he’d do something quietly sweet.

This is coming from the girl who can’t write a single sentence for her Steve fic so pls feel free to ignore lol ❤️‍🔥

Welcome to 2025! Gah, I'd been hopinggg to get this out before the end of last year as a holiday gift for you, Mel, but alas. You know how it goes. Loved spending time with him so thank you for always wanting to get to know our biker boy.

biker!Steve x afab!Reader

For others seeing this, I know "biker Steve" can get confusing here because I have two different ones 😂 But this is Ring of Fire Steve, in a universe parallel to Hawkins called Hawkeye. You do not have to be familiar with that au to enjoy/understand this.

18+only but this is just so fluffy. Strange things happen in Hawkeye, and this is no exception. Introduction to a place called Hellfire Hollow. A Christmas song is mentioned, but that is it.

Word Count: 2.2k

"Does this look okay?"

You stepped out of the bathroom to smooth your hands up and down your thighs. Steve was stretched long on your bed, head propped up on the knuckles of his fist, flipping through an issue of Sassy magazine.

He mumbled "uh huh" before even looking up, fully engrossed in a quiz titled: How to know if he is really into you. You said his name and he blinked to attention.

"Wowzers," he froze and then slowly sat up, swallowing hard.

An awkward laugh bubbled out of you. "I take it that's a yes?"

It's not like you were in an evening gown or anything, but you realized he's only ever seen you in casual jeans and tees, possibly a hoodie or two. He probably didn't even know you had a waist to speak of.

He hasn't moved, you're not sure he's even breathing until he offers a few micro nods. It took a herculean amount of strength not to blurt out that he loved you, but that would be absurd. Normally he’d put on the ‘ol Harrington charm of pretending he didn’t care, but he was too far gone at that point.

"You didn't say where you are taking me," you shifted your weight from foot to foot. "So hopefully it's not to go rock climbing or something."

His wallet chain jingled as he stood to step over and kiss you softly on the corner of your mouth, hovering close as he spoke. "That's right, it's a surprise, but what you're wearing is fine. More than fine. It's beautiful, I mean, you're beautiful." He moved back to gather his thoughts. "You'll need a coat or something though. Something warm you can put on once we get there."

"Consider my interest piqued," you scratched your fingers through the side of his hair, tucking a piece behind his ear with the hoop piercing, and he leaned into the touch like a cat. He wore a black Corroded Coffin tee under his blue and green flannel, and that spicy cologne you liked.

It's the first week in December, but it's rare for the temperature to ever fall below freezing in Hawkeye, so you no longer own a heavy winter coat. Your trusty leather jacket is hanging on the door handle behind you, and you hoped that would suffice for the evening.

"You're so far away," Steve said once you were in the truck, patting the space on the bench seat next to him, begging with those puppy dog eyes for you to scoot over to be closer to him. Once you were there, his hand went to your knee, and that is where it stayed for the rest of the trip unless he was fiddling with the radio.

"I missed you while you were gone," you said over the grumble of the engine and his trusty yacht rock sifting from the speakers. Steve just got back from being out of town on a run with his motorcycle club for a few days.

"Really?" He turned to stare at your profile as if he needed confirmation that it wasn't a joke. "I missed you too. Thought about you the whole time. There was a payphone at the place we ate at on the way home. I was gonna call, but then I thought nah that's stupid. You were probably busy anyway."

"I would've liked that,” you replied, but it was too quiet for him to hear.

He drove for a while, to the outskirts of town where the highest point in the sprawling desert was telephone poles lined against a darkening sky, snuggled in a sea of sagebrush. He cut left down a road that didn’t even look like a road at first and then crests a ledge that drops down into a valley.

Finding a station on the radio playing Christmas music, he twists the knob to turn up the volume a notch. It's Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Judy Garland.

"I love this song," you said, cracking a smile. 

"I know."

It was your turn to check his profile to see if he was pulling your leg. Steve only shrugged and squeezed your knee.

"How would you know that?"

He sniffed, secretly proud of himself. "You, um, you told me. One time at school you were sitting alone on the roundabout humming a song, so I asked to know what it was. You seemed like you didn't really want to tell me, but I don't know, I'm pretty persuasive, I guess." He flicked a shy smirk. "It was in a movie you used to watch with your grandmother."

You weren't sure if it was the memory itself or the idea that a ten-year-old Steve managed to retain that detail, but emotions tightened in your throat and tickled there until you coughed.

"I wish it would snow," you admitted, lowering your temple to his shoulder. You imagined the landscape ahead covered in white with fluffy candy flakes blanketing the windshield before the wipers brushed them away, but it never snowed in Hawkeye.

"We're almost there," he replied with an answer that was seemingly unrelated, tilting his head so that it was touching yours.  .

It's then that you see it: Hellfire Hollow. 

Against the deep purple sunset, the trees looked like long, crooked, menacing fingers coming up out of the ground.

"Have you ever been here before?"

"Never," you said. "I've only heard the stories."

The bark of the trees that comprised Hellfire Hollow were said to be black with char and void of any foliage or other signs of life. Some say they were the product of a horrible fire that swept the town generations ago; others believe they came out of the earth like that.

"Didn't a kid disappear out here a while back?" You adjusted in your seat, leaning forward to get a better look. “He was in high school.  There was a search party and everything.”

"Yeah they never found him," he parked and turned the engine off but left the lights on.  “He showed up like months later as if no time had passed.  Said he went through a tree, ended up in a place called Hawkins, and couldn’t find his way back. No one believed him.”

“Weird.” That was the only thing you could think of to say, peering in through the sinister shapes. 

“That’s Hawkeye for you,” he unfastened his seatbelt and paused.  “You know you don’t have to worry, right? I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“I know,” your gaze fixed out the windshield to the motes of dust swarming in the beam of the headlights. “I like this place, it’s creepy.”

“I thought you might,” he stretched across the cab with a grunt to flick open the glovebox and grab a flashlight with a yellow handle.  “We’ll go get some dinner after this, but there’s something really cool I want to show you. Not many people know about it. Grab your coat.”

“How far are we going?” You wondered this as he helped you step down from the cab; you couldn’t imagine traveling far enough for that much of a temperature drop.  

“Hundred yards or so,” he stole a kiss, and then another and another, lips salty and cinnamon sweet, taking your face in his hand for one final long one, huffing a soft exhale of pleasure. “I promise, it’ll be worth it.”

A sharp wind bit through the air, whipping his hair in his eyes, and your whole body rippled from the chill, hissing as you shrugged into your jacket.

He held your hand once it was through your sleeve and pointed the flashlight beam ahead. Each step felt like walking on popcorn, and a huge bird, possibly an owl, flapped its wings to ascend from the branches with the fanfare of some mystical beast.

The weight and smell of the air changed, as if that specific area belonged to another space in time and you’d crossed an invisible barrier.  Faint whispers crackled at your ears like they would in a hypnagogic state, making your skin ripple with gooseflesh.

“It’s right over here,” you were pinned to his side while he guided you to the left, carving a path of light through the inky night. One massive, charred tree had a thick trunk with an opening in it the size of a hobbit door.  

You shivered so hard in reaction to the icy pocket of space that your back teeth clacked together.  Steve hooked an arm around you and pulled you into his side while he used the other to point at the opening in the tree.

“Get closer,” he hushed, giving a soft nudge. “Look inside.”

After a sharp intake of breath, you held it in, staring at the arched opening in the seemingly ancient tree that was something out of a fable; it had roots erupting from the ground like the bent knuckles of some earth dwelling beast..  

The opening was big enough for you to crawl through, but just.  Without a glance at your companion, you bent down and shuffled forward, bending a knee to stick your head in.

“Wait no!” He was quick to snatch you back, his eyes wide and feral. “I didn’t say go in. That would be bad.”

You wet your bottom lip, your warm breath making smoke in the air. “Why would it be bad?”

He took a firm grip on your arm instead of answering. “Let’s look together.  Stay back here with me.”

You were happy to go along with that suggestion, another chill cramping the muscles in your thighs. 

Lowered to mirroring crouches, you peered inside.  At first you saw nothing but the dark insides of a hollowed out trunk.  After a few blinks, the space filled with what resembled static from a television. 

But it wasn’t static; it was snow.

Snow?

A gentle stream of fluffy, white flakes inside the tree? Never had Hawkeye ever seen a snow fall.

Steve turned to catch your reaction, pleased to watch your jaw go slack.

“How is it possible?” Your mesmerized eyes glistened with wonder, tilting your head back to see if it was falling from above.  

“Hell if I know,” he nuzzled his nose against your cheek. “It’s a doorway to another place, that’s what they say.”

“Another place?” You squinted, peering closer to see the outline of a building, lined with pine trees. There was a whole scene of a tiny town in there, as if someone shook a gigantic snow globe.

He rested his temple against yours to watch the scene.  “I remember you said you wanted to see some snow.”

“Yeah.” Your throat tightened when you swallowed, a dam of tears building behind your eyes. Steve had proven to be such a thoughtful boyfriend, you felt melancholy about all of those years you’d spent without him.  

“It’s a doorway to another world that is kinda like ours,” he continued. “Some people go through and come back, but some people don’t. There’s no rhyme or reason to it, as far as I can tell.  A guy from our club went through there once when he was running from the law.  He showed up the next day, but he was ten years older. Said he’d made a whole other life for himself with a wife and all in that other town, but he robbed a bank and thought he’d hide out here for a bit.”

“Did he go back?” Your hands crept under Steve’s lined Carhart jacket to leech his warmth and his armpits welcomed you in.

“That’s the sad bit,” he squeezed you, exhaling.  “The tree wouldn’t let him go back.  Every time he tried, he’d just end up in the belly of a regular old tree.  He tried for months, it drove him mad I think. Ended up crashing his motorcycle in a high speed chase. Died instantly.”

You were silent, watching a few stray snowflakes escape the doorway only to melt instantly on the matte black bark.  

“Maybe that means he finally made it back,” Steve mumbled.  

“I hope so.” You didn’t realize at first, but you were taking steps backward, creating distance from the entrance.  The idea occurred to you that maybe some cowboy lasso would fly out and snag you to drag you into that other place.  

“C’mere,” Steve pulled you around so that your chest was against his, leaning in for another kiss.

“The tip of your nose is like ice,” you chuckled, dragging your lips along his before wiping your own nose with the back of your sleeve.  

“Yeah, it’s fucking freezing out here. You hungry?”

Your nod was enthusiastic, but you kept checking the snowy portal over your shoulder as you walked. There was a gravity about it, pulling you in, a sense of untethered yearning. Little did you know that the urge to step inside that tree was one you’d have to fight every day for a long, long while.  

[emmg]

sending this anon bc im shy and about to be deranged in ur inbox but i just wanted to say thanks for sharing your Emmrich doesn’t realize he’s a sugar daddy au bc not only is it genuinely delightful (its probably my favorite thing currently updating on ao3, I’m printing out every update grinding it into a powder and snorting it, it consumes almost all of my waking thoughts), but it also has me thinking about a swapped version where Emmrich assumes that rook wants a sugar daddy, someone to bankroll her life while she gets her phd, buy her nice things and pretty clothes, take her to fancy restaurants. (And he’s willing bc this Emmrich is 27% lonelier and 14% less well adjusted and he 100% catches serious feelings almost immediately but tells himself that everything will be fine.) When really rook just wanted to fuck her friends hot PHD supervisor but omg he’s actually really sweet and now they’re dating and in love and he’s totally going to propose when she graduates, he only pays for everything bc he’s a gentleman and he buys her clothes for their dates bc she’s not familiar with the restaurant dress codes.

Will I ever write it? Alas, no I shall not bc I can’t pin down the details or decide what direction i want to take it. (How does the misunderstanding begin? How does it last so long? What does Emmrich tell himself to convince himself that he’s not really taking advantage of her? Is it okay because its not like he’s paying her rent, only buying her pretty things and taking her places, is her phd position payed and she has scholarships? Is it bc she approached him? Has rook begun to wonder why she is always the one to take things to the next level, or does she think he’s just a gentleman who’s letting her set the pace? (it is her first serious relationship after all, but why isn’t he responding to her subtle hints that she want to get married and have kids pretty soon after she graduates?) What does Emmrich think is gonna happen when she graduates? does he think she'll end it amicably, a clean break where they never have to see each other again? Or is he preparing to stick it out as she strings him along until she find someone she wants to date for real this time? Is he continuing as normal until he can’t pretend anymore or is he ramping up the princess treatment in a last ditch effort to make her stay just a little bit longer?)

All I know is that it 100% blows up in their faces spectacularly and I am rotating it in my head 24/7

When I tell you I absolutely inhaled this. I mean I practically unhinged my jaw and swallowed it whole. And now I’m just sitting here, seething with jealousy, wondering why the hell I didn’t think of something this disgustingly perfect myself.

You said you wouldn’t write it, but listen: I need you to. If you ever do, you better tag me immediately, because I’ll be sprinting at full speed, ass-first on a warhorse, ready to gorge myself like a famished beast.

Emmrich was just made to be a sugar daddy ok. He wants to take care of peopleeeee

[shybunnie20]

Eddie Munson x Alt!Fem!Reader

★Teaser ★My Masterlist

Summary: Eddie seeks Steve's assistance in wooing you, but it doesn’t go the way he intends.

Author's Note: This was so fun to write! I don’t think it turned out particularly angsty tbh. There's a little bit of Halloween in it, 'tis the season.

Proofread to an extent. 90s AU. No use of Y/N. Reader is vaguely depicted: wears black, has tattoos and piercings (no amount or locations indicated for either), enjoys spooky movies, and likes metal music. Happy ending!

Word Count: 4.7k

Warnings: brief mention of alcohol consumption, contains profanity.

The sun hangs low, blowing kisses of dusk through the streaky panes of Family Video. Inside the store, the sporadic popping of kernels sets the tone for the evening shift.

When it comes to this job, unboxing shipments of snacks is the one task that manages to hold Eddie’s fleeting attention, simply because it gives him an excuse to wield a box cutter. Alas, today is not one where a shipment has been delivered. He’s more or less getting paid to hang out and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Leaning beside the register, Eddie lazily flips through a dated issue of Rolling Stone magazine. He’s not even reading the articles, just skimming the pictures.

In the documentary section, Steve is busy restocking the shelves. “I heard Keith’s giving out a plaque for 'Least Productive Employee' this year. If ya ask me, I think you’ve got Robin beat.”

“That’s debatable.” Eddie licks the pad of his finger and flips the page. “You’ve got it handled, don’t you?”

“Yeah, but there’s plenty of stuff that needs to get done before we get slammed tonight.”

Eddie raises his head and a smirk slowly overtakes his bored expression. “I’m doing my part. Someone’s gotta keep the front counter company. It gets lonely.”

“Aw, how touching. Of all things, you’ve found true love with a piece of furniture.” Steve scoops up the bucket of go-backs and sidesteps to the neighboring genre. “That’s got to be the closest thing you’ve ever had to a relationship.”

Burn, but an accurate one. Eddie isn’t a Casanova but there’s nothing wrong with that, not at all. He’s got his hobbies and friends, what point is there in trying to convince the town that he’s up for a little romance? Besides, the absence of encounters means that flirting isn’t in his wheelhouse.

Eddie looks down at the face of his Casio, reading that it’s nearing seven o’clock. “Hey, do we still have a copy of Beetlejuice around?”

“I doubt it. All of the spooky flicks have been going like hotcakes since Halloween is around the corner.”

As customers trickle through the door, Eddie shifts to the computer system and types hurriedly on the keyboard. “Fuck, it’s gotta be here.” He abandons the register and searches the store.

Steve opens a case and snaps it closed, entirely oblivious to the commotion until Eddie whizzes by in his peripheral vision. “Okay, this is a whole new level of obnoxious. Why are you so hell-bent on finding that specific movie?”

“Because she’s probably gonna wanna rent it, and if we don’t have it…” Eddie trails off as he flies by on the other side of the store.

“Cool your jets, turbo.” Steve notices that more people are coming into the store so he waves Eddie over. The last thing they need is a lawsuit because an old lady got plowed down. “Seriously, what gives?”

Wheezing at the end of the aisle, Eddie hunches over and bows his head. He grips his knees for dear life while he tries to catch his breath. “There’s this girl.”

Steve’s feathered brows mirror the nosey tone of his voice. “Who is it? Do I know her?”

“I doubt it. But she stops in every Friday night.” Eddie coughs.

“News flash, butthead. It’s the busiest day of the week, that’s not exactly narrowing it down.” Steve feels a creeping presence over his shoulder. Speaking of old ladies; he peeks, just to find an elderly woman encroaching on his personal space to view the titles that he’s blocking. “Sorry,” he says halfheartedly before directing his coworker toward the register with a toss of his head. “Is it Tara P.?”

“Nope.” Eddie follows and plops on the stool furthest from the computer. “She wears a lot of black, has tattoos, piercings-”

Steve shakes his index finger. “Okay, yeah, I know who you’re talking about now. She’s always dressed for a funeral."

“I know, isn’t it hot?” Eddie sighs dreamily while he tugs at his green coil key ring, stretching it as far as it’ll go.

Steve shudders dramatically. “I mean, if you’re into that kinda thing. Gives me the heebie-jeebies.”

“I’m definitely into that.” Eddie gnaws on the soft pink flesh of his lips as he pauses. “There’s this aura around her, y’know? Not just her looks either, it’s her energy too.”

“Dark and brooding, huh? That’s what gets ya going?” Steve switches to his customer service voice as he checks out the elderly woman with minimal back and forth.

“Yeah, whenever she’s around my hands get all sweaty.” Eddie looks down at his large palms that are growing slick from discussing you. “She hangs out at the bar where I play. God, just seeing her makes my heart sing.” He loses himself in thinking about seeing you at Wraith. You’re the only one that he strives to impress but he has yet to. You dance to other bands but not Eddie’s. Sometimes you nod your head to the beat, though it’s never enough for you to acknowledge his existence.

“Pass me a barf bag. She 'makes your heart sing?'"

“Whatever, dude. It’s not like you’re gettin’ any action with your so called Harrington charm.”

“Excuse you.” Steve looks at Eddie pointedly. “I almost got that girl’s number on Monday, thank you very much. She was totally digging me.”

Eddie chuckles mockingly and tilts his head. “Was she, though? ‘Cause she left without giving you her digits. How many more times do you have to strike out before you finally throw in the towel?”

“That’s rich coming from the guy who canoodles furniture. Don’t come for my manhood. At least I have the balls to make a move.”

“So many moves, and yet, so few takers!” Eddie throws his head back and laughs boisterously.

Steve groans. “Put a sock in it." 

Speak of the devil. Eddie spots you walking into the store, just as you always do at this time. “Oh god.” He gulps and his joints lock, freezing time and space simultaneously. His mouth is slightly agape as the world comes to a standstill. His vision narrows to a tunnel, rendering him deaf and mute.

Steve snaps his fingers in front of Eddie’s face. “Jesus, man. Try to act somewhat normal. If you even know how.”

Eddie does not know how especially not after being literally snapped out of his trance. His palms are clammy, his breathing is rigid, and he’s dizzy as all hell. “Look at her,” he whispers. Christ, you look so fucking pretty today.

“Are you trying to catch flies, dude?”

“No.” Eddie scowls, tightening his lax jaw. “Fuck off.”

Steve takes notice of your figure moving down the aisle and turning in their direction. “Duun dun,” he begins to imitate the Jaws shark theme. “Duuun dun,” As you approach from the other end of the store, Steve gets progressively louder. “Dun dun dun dun dun-”

“Quit!” Eddie barks through gritted teeth and kicks Steve’s calf. “Don’t be an ass.”

“Ow, that was uncalled for.” Steve bends over to rub his leg in an attempt to soothe the ache.

“Jesus Christ! She’s coming over here.” Eddie paces in the cramped area, nearly colliding with Steve when he pivots. “What the fuck do I do? I don’t know how to be Mr. Cool Guy.”

With your chosen film in hand, you are in fact approaching the register. Steve’s voice becomes discernible as you get nearer. “...if you keep acting like such a wuss. Grow a pair and just-”

“Shut up! Shut it.” Eddie makes it appear as though he’s doing something productive to the snack display, but he’s really just shifting the packets of Skittles around.

“Just this,” you say while setting the tape down. Then, you dig into your purse. The atmosphere feels tense, to say the least. You’ve clearly interrupted something. It’s plain to see on the other employee’s tomato-red face.

Steve offers a straight-lipped smile and scans your membership card. “Find everything alright?”

You hum in response. While he carries on with the transaction, you notice how peculiarly still the other guy is. “Hello.” You greet him softly, hoping to ease the atmosphere.

Eddie’s hands come to a halt and he looks up at you with wide eyes. “Heh.” He meant to say hey but only the first letter made it out alive. As you pay for your purchase, his mouth is still moving and he doesn’t know why. “That’s a good one.” He gestures to the movie.

You startle inwardly, not having anticipated an actual conversation to start. He seems nice enough. “You’re a fan of scary movies too, I take it?”

Eddie nods timidly. He flexes his fingers to combat the overwhelming numbness that’s plaguing his hands. His heart is beating so goddamn hard that it’s on the verge of bursting through his chest and landing wetly at his feet. “Yeah, I like them. They’re good. Really good.”

“Agreed.” While you tuck your wallet away, a polite smile rests on your face. “I was actually in the mood for Beetlejuice but it doesn’t look like you have it.”

Your smile falls. The sight causes Eddie’s pounding heart to twist and plummet to his ass. He’d give you every copy on the planet if he could.

Steve listens in over the sound of your receipt printing. His brows arch in genuine surprise that Eddie knew you’d want that movie tonight. Creepy, but impressive nonetheless. “Sorry about that.” Steve tears the paper from the machine and hands it to you. “Maybe next time.”

“Maybe.” You nod, accept the receipt, and pick up the tape. “Have a good night,” you say to both of them and head out.

Once you’re through the doors, Eddie clutches Steve’s forearm to ground himself in reality.

“Ugh!” Steve yanks his arm away to escape the muggy grasp. “That’s gnarly, man.”

“Do you believe me now?” Eddie wipes his sopping palms on his jeans.

“Oh, I believe you, especially after witnessing that. I’m pretty sure Henderson has more game than you.”

Eddie returns to the stool with a plop and rubs his face, sighing. “Just kill me already. Put me out of my fucking misery.”

“Don't threaten me with a good time.” Steve laughs to himself. “Anyway, back to Little Miss Dead Inside. What’ve you tried?”

“Nothing. I don’t think she even knows my name.” Eddie drops his hands and slouches in defeat.

“You gotta give her a reason to.” Steve continues conversing from over his shoulder while he checks out another customer. “What about notes? Y’know, old-fashioned love notes.”

Eddie scrunches his nose. “I don't about that.”

“It’s right up your alley, Shakespeare. Besides, the ladies love melodramatic shit like that.”

Eddie suddenly perks up. “Wait, I could be totally anonymous! She could figure it out on her own. That way she comes to me and I don’t even have to approach her.”

“That’s not what I said at all.”

“This could totally work.” Eddie motions to Steve’s head. “Who woulda thought there’s a few marbles rollin’ around in there.”

“Ha-ha. Don’t think I’m helping you.”

“The hell you aren’t.” Eddie hops up on the counter beside the register. He swings his legs with newfound optimism and tears open a package of red vines. “You’re obligated to help since it’s your idea.”

“I absolutely am not, and I have no interest in being inadvertently bitten by some vampire chick. Leave me out of it.”

“C’mon, I’ll owe you big time,” Eddie begs with his mouth full of waxy candy.

“You have to clean the restroom for two weeks.”

“No fucking shot.” Eddie points with a half-bitten licorice rope. “Pick something else.”

“Do you want help or not?”

Eddie did indeed want help, so he agreed to the bullshit terms and conditions. He can scrub a toilet, no problemo. Honestly, he’d polish a hundred of them with a toothbrush if that meant you’d step into his life. You’re worth cleaning toilets for.

After closing up shop for the night, Eddie sits at his desk in his bedroom until the early hours. He writes draft after draft, struggling to find words that are forward and inviting without coming on too strong right off the bat.

Upon your arrival the following week, Eddie is shaking like a leaf. He listens to your interaction with Steve while being partially concealed behind a tall cardboard cut-out. Despite not being able to see you, he can see your lips forming the words in his mind. Your voice alone is making him weak in the knees. Eddie’s certain that if you don’t hightail it out of here soon, they’ll buckle and his cover will be blown.

Once he’s certain you’ve left, Eddie releases the breath he’s been holding since you walked in. “How’d it go? She didn’t see you put the note in there, right?”

“Why are you even asking? You eavesdropped the whole time. Yeah, it went fine, she didn’t notice.” Steve grumbles.

Eddie chews on his thumbnail. “Okay, cool. Shit, what if she thinks it’s creepy? What if she thinks it’s the lamest thing ever? Fuck, what if-”

“Dude.” Steve closes his eyes and holds his hands out. “You’ve gotta stop.”

In the comfort of your home, you plop down in front of the VCR and open the case that holds the reels of this evening’s entertainment; a movie you’ve rented a few times before, but not enough that you could quote it. Instead of a hard plastic shell, your fingertips find wrinkled notebook paper. Your brows furrow as you inspect it, shredded pieces dangling from where it was yanked from the spiral binding.

You unfold it three times.

In the aisles of the video store, I've found a treasure unsurpassed. Not on the shelves, but in your eyes, I fell so fast.

It’s a prank, whatever the fuck this is.

Never in your life have you ever thought about Steve, like, at all. You’re aware of his reputation, that he apparently has the tendency to be douchey and arrogant. But the more you think about it, he’s nothing like that when you interact at Family Video. Maybe he’s not that judgmental and he sees past your midnight exterior. This note is stupidly genuine and endearing. Who would’ve thought he had it in him? Certainly not you.

That’s the thing, though. Steve isn’t your type and you’re certainly not his. But you can’t recall a time when he’s ever looked at you like you’re some kind of freak. Most guys do, that’s something you’ve grown used to over the years and learned to ignore. This poem basks him in a new light, and you’re not quite sure how to process it.

Like clockwork, you’re back again but this time your chest is thrumming. The note could’ve been a fluke or maybe it was meant for someone else, you’re not entirely sure. You’d be lying if you said you didn’t want to be the intended recipient. Right now, it would be ideal to appear composed but you’re already wearing an unusual expression—a pleasant one—while you make your way to the drama section.

Tonight, it’s Robin and Eddie holding down the fort. As your combat boots scuff across the forest-colored carpet, Eddie can feel your arrival in his bones. He’s immediately seeking you out and when he locates you, he just about faints. Admiring from afar while manning the register, his mind races. Kissing is what’s on the curiosity menu tonight. Eddie wonders what flavor of toothpaste you prefer. If he could just get a little taste…

You meander your way around the shelving and through the dotting of customers. Eddie snaps his head in the opposite direction to avoid being caught staring. The sudden motion causes a pinch in his neck and he winces.

Lost in his own little world for a minute or two, Eddie’s attention is violently brought forward when you place a tape down in front of him. He buffers, noticing how you look subtly disappointed all of a sudden. He can’t imagine why, but he hates it with every cell in his body. Eddie fails to greet you and instead, he stares at your wine-painted fingernails as they tap the surface of the case.

“Is he not here?” You glance around with a lack of determination.

“Steve? Er, no. He called in sick.” Eddie clears his throat harshly, all of the moisture drying up in his mouth by the millisecond.

“Oh, okay.” Over your other shoulder, you admire the new promotional display that was put out during the week.

He seizes the opportunity to slip the second note into the case. His hands viscously tremble despite his best efforts to steady them. “Not to worry though, I can check you out way better than that walking hairdo.” Stop while you’re ahead, man. “Ring you up, I mean. I can ring you up better… than him.” Jesus fucking Christ.

“You’ve got quite the mane yourself. I like your curls.” A smile blooms as you look into the chocolate pools he has for irises. You can’t help but giggle at how bug-eyed he becomes from your compliment.

“Uh, thanks.” Eddie bites back the cheek-splitter of a smile threatening to form. His trembling hands tingle unbearably from being able to make you laugh, despite not knowing what he did to earn it. He grabs a packet of M&Ms from the rack and slides it across the counter to you. “Here, free of charge.”

Your tightly sewn brow is accompanied by a slight pout. “You don’t have to do that.”

“Nonsense,” Eddie insists. “Everything’s on the house.”

“Is this some loyalty reward thing you guys do now?”

“Right on the money.” Eddie winks.

“Sweet,” you chirp. It’s as though your spirit has been replenished by saving a few bucks. “Do I get one of those little punch cards? I love those things.”

With the way your eyes are shimmering over a stupid piece of paper; Eddie would build you a house made of punch cards if that’s what you wanted. “Yeah.” He searches aimlessly. “But, uh, we haven’t gotten them yet.”

Your gaze finds his name tag and then returns to his flushed face. The corner of your mouth quirks as you notice the faint freckles dotted across his cheeks and nose. “Okay, well, thank you, Eddie.”

“No need to thank me, I should be thanking you! You’re a valued customer!”

“If you say so. See you around.” You exhale with amusement and turn to leave. 

Eddie holds his palm open as a farewell gesture until you’re out of sight. He then brings his hand directly to his forehead in a ruthless smack. “You’re my favorite customer,” he mocks himself in a nasally voice.

With the press of a button, the register drawer launches open with a thunk. He nonchalantly retrieves his wallet, plucks out a five-dollar bill, and tucks it under the stainless steel clip to pay for your 'free' movie and candy. Eddie finds Robin staring at him with a knowing look on her face. “Not a fucking word, Buckley. Not a word.” He glares, to which she throws her hands up in defense.

You couldn’t possibly wait until you got home to see if there would be another note. As you hop into the driver's seat of your car in the parking lot, you find an identical piece of folded paper. Your heart pitter-patters with the assumption that Eddie is in on it and he did Steve the favor of delivering this one for him.

With your illuminating smile, Baby Ghoul, you're the moonlight in my darkest night.

This note takes you by surprise for a different reason. It feels far more personal to be bestowed with the cutest goddamn nickname you’ve ever been given; ghouls are so metal. You obsessively reread it through the duration of your movie, while you brush your teeth, and as you lay in bed. You’re swooning over each messily penned letter, memorizing the spots where the ink drags and smudges.

It’s a bit difficult to imagine Steve saying this to you, but your insides are lurching at the thought. You hold the note to your chest and squeal.

The following visits are heavenly. Eddie loves seeing you bounce around on the balls of your feet like you’re on cloud nine. It’s becoming damn near impossible to fight the urge to smile because he knows that you’re looking forward to his imminent written affection.

Note after note, confidence simmers in his belly from seeing how the expression of his feelings is affecting you. To know that he’s the reason you’re glowing like this is turning his brain to pudding. Not tapioca, though. Ew.

With wide puppy dog eyes and a glossy lower lip, you present your past-due rental to Steve. He sucks his teeth, crosses his arms, and scolds you playfully. You successfully get out of paying the fee by simply batting your lashes at him.

Steve is eating this shit up. While you might not be his flavor of choice, he’s suddenly feeling open to sampling the femme fatale vibe. You’re beautiful, he wouldn’t waste his breath denying that. Not to mention, you’ve got a great sense of humor, considering you’re laughing at his awful jokes. That’s something he will admit—they’re bad.

Eddie doesn’t have to hear the conversation to know what’s unfolding. He feels like he’s gonna hurl when Steve leans down to shorten the distance between the two of you. He's supposed to be the middleman, not stealing Eddie’s thunder. In hindsight, there haven’t been any hints at his identity and Eddie’s been too chicken shit to give them to you except for the other day when he had no choice.

To put it simply, he’s torn. Eddie wants to scream that he’s your admirer, that he’s the one who dreams of you, but he can’t bring himself to do it. He can’t possibly reveal that it isn’t dashing Harrington who’s pining for you, but instead, it’s the dork. That would be a world-crushing level of disappointment.

This deal turned out to be a massive ego boost for Steve. The conversation is easygoing and it quickly progresses past small talk. The best part is that you haven’t even mentioned the notes. You think he’s some poet when in reality, he doesn’t even have a clue of what they say. You’re smitten without him having to bend over backward to impress you. He’d be nuts not to take advantage of it.

During closing time, Eddie stomps around while collecting the flimsy trash bags full of receipts and candy wrappers. For the past hour, he’s been pondering ways to 'take care' of Steve. Sadly, it would be tricky to avoid raising suspicion if he suddenly disappeared, but hey, a guy can dream.

After dishing the silent treatment all night, Eddie finally speaks up. “You think you’re pretty clever, huh?”

“What?” Steve briefly looks up from counting the cash drawer.

“Cut the crap. You know exactly what I’m talking about.” Eddie drags a clunky vacuum out of the cramped utility closet and unwraps the lengthy cord.

“It’s not that serious. Look, it’s not my fault that she’s into me.”

“Is all that hairspray finally soaking into your brain? She’s not into you,” Eddie growls, throwing the canary-colored cord to the carpet. “She likes the person who’s writing to her. Last I checked, that’s me.”

Steve shrugs. “Yeah, but she thinks it’s me. She’s happy, I’m happy. I don’t see a problem here.”

Eddie stares daggers. “The problem is that you know how I feel about her. The shit you’re pulling is really fucking unfair.”

“Life’s not fair, buddy. It’s not like you’re gonna do anything about it.”

“We’ll see about that,” Eddie mutters, clenching his jaw as he turns around to plug in the vacuum.

“Will we? I don’t think I’ll live to see the day.”

It’s Saturday night and Eddie’s praying to every conceivable higher power that you’ll be here. You don’t come to Wraith every weekend, but when you do show, he’s nothing short of a nervous wreck.

He peeks out from behind the velvety black curtain of the concrete stage. Eddie’s heart stops when he finds you in your usual booth. You look hot, so so hot. It’s already hard enough to perform in front of you but when you look like this? Oh, brother.

Every year, you look forward to coming here on Halloween. Your friends have gone all out with their costumes and the hours you spent getting ready were well worth it. The typical dark and dingy ambiance is heightened by the plastic skulls and bones strung from the ceiling. Your drinks emit wisps of dry ice fog and each table has a bowl of candy.

Seated at the end of the booth, your eyes drift from your drink to the floor. There you find a pair of dirty white Reeboks. Your gaze travels up the lanky figure shrouded in navy coveralls.

Eddie twists his ring around the base of his finger and the glide is effortless, thanks to the premature perspiration. “Hey.”

“Uh, hi. It's Eddie, right?” Your expression reflects a mix of hesitance and confusion, though you maintain a kind demeanor. 

“Yeah.” She remembered my name. Eddie motions to your getup. “I like your costume. Elvira?”

While you may not be sporting a ceiling-high black wig, your costume is unmistakable. “Right on the money.” You flash a pert grin, quoting him from the other day. “And you’re a…”

“Supposed to be Michael Meyers,” he clarifies, pulling a plastic knife from his oversized back pocket. “The mask was too hot to wear so, I guess I’m a killer repairman?” Max’s borrowed mask was indeed suffocating.

“Or a plumber who secretly dreams of being a professional chef.” You shrug, your irises glistening with humor.

Okay, so far so good. Talking to himself in the mirror for an hour is really paying off because he’s not a bumbling idiot for once. He could be imagining things, but it looks like you’re leaning closer. Maybe you’re just trying to hear him better over the music. He shouldn’t be overanalyzing your body language but it's the only thing keeping him vertical.

Eddie wants to prove Steve wrong but most of all, he wants to tell you how incredible you are. He’s not sure that you’ll want to talk to him after this. You might be hurt when you realize that you’ve been misled and he’s not the one you want. There’s only one way to find out.

The sound of his band getting set up beckons him. “Show time.” Eddie shakes jazz hands with the toy knife still in his grip. Of course, he just had to make it weird.

While he’s playing through the usual set with Corroded Coffin, you don’t pay them any mind, per usual. Their final song is a new one. Eddie may lack the confidence to confess, but he’s gonna sing this with all of the moxie he’s got.

In this world of shadows, what else is there to do

Wanna explore life’s cemetery with you

Your haunting beauty tells no lie

The one thing I cannot defy

The familiarity of the lyrics floods your head. You look up and find his dark, gleaming eyes locked onto you. Your heart leaps in your throat as he repeats the verses. Eddie leaves no room for uncertainty, confirming that the lyrics are pulled from the notes you’ve received. The tone of his voice is raw and passionate as he sends his affection across the room.

As soon as he steps off stage, you’re on a mission to find him. He feels a tap on his shoulder and turns to find you beaming at him. Eddie finally allows himself to do the same, all the while blushing with exhaustion and anticipation.

“Hey, again.” You stare down at your shoes and scuff them against the floor. “You sounded great up there.”

“Yeah? You liked it?” Eddie swallows hard.

Your eyes snap back up to his. “All of it, every single word.”

“I’ve got like half a notebook’s worth of stuff like that. Is that weird?” Eddie chuckles and rubs the back of his neck.

“Far from it.” You tilt your head toward the bar. “I’d love to hear what else you’ve got to say.”

Eddie hovers his hand over the small of your back to guide you through the crowd. “I’ll sweet talk you until the sun comes up, Baby Ghoul. Anything for you.”

Reblogs are greatly encouraged and appreciated! ♡

Consider reading From Bar to Billboard, I worked really fucking hard on it 🖤

★My Masterlist

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[gabriel-xander]

Don't Forget

[Sans x Female!Reader]

35: Chat, I Think He Likes You

♪────✿⁠(⁠✧◕⁠ᴗ⁠◕✧⁠)✿⁠────♪

It’s been fucking hours, you know it has been! Hours of searching around the forest of downtown Snowdin and you couldn’t find shit!

You were useless since you couldn’t detect anything without magic. Sans and S-Papyrus were playing “Hot or Cold” trying to locate the source of this irritating feeling that was messing with their magic. But alas, their search came up empty.

Sans was kind enough to explain it to you to the best of his abilities on the walk back.

“imagine if there was a constant high pitch noise in your ear that was loud enough for you to constantly hear, but quiet enough that it can still blend in the background. but the sound is also at a terrible pitch anyway. but not only that–have you ever listened to music with the bass so high, that you can feel the vibration in your chest? and, imagine swallowing cotton balls. no matter how much water you drink to get rid of it, there’s always gonna be a few lints clinging inside your throat.”

“…”

You’re fucking thankful you can’t feel it. That’s such a sensory overload–it’s horrible just trying to imagine it!

“yeah,” Sans laughed at your expression, “all of that happening at the exact same time. that’s what it’s like. but instead of physically dealing with it, it’s like all of those sensations are caused emotionally. for us monsters, especially monsters like me, our magic is insanely tuned with our feelings. that’s the best i can do for you.”

“Brother, eugh.”

No wonder S-Papyrus has been on edge lately. If he really has been in this area this whole time for weeks trying to look for the source, you’d be fucking murderous.

It got to the point where even Sans was walking at a distance from you on the way back to S-Papyrus’ home. He said he was too overwhelmed and didn’t want to hurt your feelings on accident.

Reasonable crash out, honestly.

The walk home is quiet and carries an air of defeat. You’re all tired and can use a good night's sleep to cry about it while you snooze. You’re not looking forward to sleeping in the Capture Zone if you’re being real. Maybe you can somehow convince S-Papyrus to at least let Sans sleep in the living room if nothing else.

As you’re nearing the house, you spot a few monsters here and there, smiling and waving when they look at you. You don’t recognize any of them, they must’ve been switched with the others that you’re familiar with.

Aw, wait!

You almost stop walking but force yourself to keep going.

Fucking… Grillby’s Restaurant…

Passing by it, you read “Muffet’s” on the sign instead of the fire-man’s name.

Man…

Wait, so does that mean that Grillby would technically be the one who has a boss fight in this Au? That’s kind of hot if you think about it. You’d be down for a feral Grillby, you’d wanna see that.

Finally making it back to the house, Sans is already putting his hand on your wrist, pulling you to the Capture Zone. You assume he wants to just go to sleep already. You want to ask S-Papyrus to let Sans sleep indoors, but judging by the shorter skeleton's mood, he probably doesn’t want to be separated from you right now.

“hey. wait.”

Sans stops at S-Papyrus’ voice however he doesn’t turn around to look at him. You do though, you’ll be his eyes if he’s not going to look. S-Papyrus grimaces while looking at the shed.

“you two… ugh. there isn’t room, but if you’re willing…” Wow, S-Papyrus looks like this is physically painful for him, “you and the other sans can share the living room.”

You light up with a wide smile, nodding before Sans can possibly protest. “Yes! Thank you so much! Sans!”

He begrudgingly turns around, looking right at you.

“Say thank you to Mr. Papyrus.”

“…thanks, man.”

“…don’t mention it.” He grimaces and turns around to open the front door, “literally.”

“already filed and locked away.”

“Awe, you guys are so wholesome,” Sacchariferously and sarcastically, you clap your hands together, “If only we can keep this nice energy forever.”

…The other two are too tired and irritated with today's events to even reply. Dang, tough crowd.

You’re given a single pillow and a single blanket from S-Papyrus. He said something like how Sans doesn’t really need anything since the floor will be comfortable enough for him. Sans couldn’t defend himself from this slander since he was in the washroom to clean himself up. You didn’t say anything, but you already know how you’re going to fix this situation.

“tomorrow, i was planning to go back there to keep searching. that’s why i wanted to sleep in early,” S-Papyrus was telling you suddenly as you were fixing up the couch, “since we’re all going there anyway, i might as well just keep going with you and–him.”

“That’d be great, Papyrus,” You smile at him, “We can use all the help we can get, thank you.”

“ugh, you’re way too nice,” He sighs, rubbing the side of his face, “it makes me wonder…”

“Hm? About what?”

“if there’s gonna be a version of you that’ll show up here. if you did, would she be as nice as you? or am i gonna have something to worry about?”

You falter in your moments. You didn’t consider that at all. Not really. At least, not in the way S-Papyrus has.

If the roles were reversed, would it actually be you who shows up? Or maybe… Would it be your best friend, Elliot? He was technically “with you” the day this happened. You guess in a Swapped Au, Elliot would be in your position instead. But even then, he would just have your personality/role, wouldn’t he?

Oh, God. Would that mean in the Swap Au, Elliot would be dating Sans–no… Papyrus?! Or maybe nothing romantic would happen, but where would that leave you anyway?

This is weird to think about. You’re going to stop thinking about it.

“I wish I had an answer for you, but… I’m not an expert on these things. I quite literally just came along for the ride,” You answer truthfully, but you refuse to turn around. “If for some reason, my counterpart shows up here, I think you’d be in good hands. I can’t imagine a version of myself where I’m violent.”

You refuse to turn around because he would’ve seen just how much of a fucking liar you were. Your LV tells a different story, and you are fully capable of violence–your entire past is violent and gruesome. Were it not for Kōrenki’s involvement, you would probably still be a shit person.

S-Papyrus hums in contemplation. He mumbles a goodnight and just leaves to his room upstairs.

Wow.

Inch resting.

You finish setting up the couch and give it a good look.

[ You’re taller than Sans / You’re about the same height as Sans / Unfortunately you lost the lottery and are somehow shorter than Sans ], but either way, you think if you just cuddle with him, you two can squeeze together on the couch.

Nodding to yourself, you start to undress yourself. You know Sans has completely forgotten by now, but you DID pack for this adventure. Sans had stored it away in that Void of his that you never ask about because that’s too much to think about-

Anyway! You have packed clothes, and you don’t want to sleep in your snow-dirtied clothes. You remove your jacket and are about to take off your shirt too.

“hey!”

You stop and find the source of the whisper-shout. Sans had shortcut to the bottom of the stairs, a blush on his face while narrowing his eyes.

You raise a brow, “Yeees?”

“you weren’t going to seriously strip out here, please tell me you weren’t!”

“It’s not a big deal…” You lower the hem of your shirt anyway because he looks like he’s about ready to fucking shit himself. “By the way, don’t forget you have our stuff in your fucky-wucky shortcut void thingy.”

Sans looks up the stairs, snapping his fingers at the same time. Your duffel bag appears on the couch in one piece. You step to it to pull out your sleep clothes.

“[y/n],” Sans whispers with some anxiety, stepping towards you, “i really don’t wanna be that kind of guy, but please don’t get naked out in the open at someone else’s home.”

Your smile is involuntary: “I think it’s sweet you’re conscientious about these things. I understand though. I’ll be right back, then.”

Sans shoulders drop with relief. Geez, he must’ve been really scared to tell you anything in the first place. You hope it’s not because he thought you would blow up in his face about it. You want him to be comfortable with coming to you about things that make him uncomfortable.

This is gonna be a bumpy road for you, if you’re honest. You got used to being shameless and not being involved romantically with someone else. You have to remind yourself that, while Sans by no means owns your body, you need to be considerate about his feelings when it comes to things like that.

“thanks, i appreciate it.” Sans snaps his fingers again, his own bag appearing next to your duffel bag.

As you walk by him to change in the washroom, you stop to lightly kiss his cheek. “Thanks for telling me, by the way.”

He looks away with a blush and his smile relaxes. “i–yeah. i don’t want to tell you what to do-”

“-No, no. You’re allowed to feel this way if it bothers you,” You reassure him, “And really, I need to get used to being with someone again. So… You know, if I do shit that really bothers you, I’d rather you tell me so I don’t keep doing it and make it worse.”

Your sweet boy nods, looking at you with bigger eye-lights. It reminds you of a cat when they’re looking at the human that they love so much.

…Sans is like your kitty…

“okay, i’ll try. and you’ll tell me too, okay? i’m far from the perfect partner, i know i’ll fuck shit up sometimes, too.”

You shake your head and continue up the stairs, “I think you’re doing pretty good so far, Sans. Besides, trial and error are all part of a relationship. Sunshine all the time makes a desert, and all that jizz.”

Sans was going to reply with his own cheesy ass quote, but that last part threw him off.

“don’t you mean jazz?”

“….Anyway, I gotta change.”

Dang.

Sans is now left with your final jizz as you hurry to the washroom.

He changes into cleaner clothes as well, feeling icky from all that walking around today. This is a lot more labor than he’s used to since he loves doing absolutely nothing. Of course that changes when you have someone important in your life to mix it up.

Sans can’t say he hates it, not at all.

This day though…

Ugh, it’s such a fucking mess.

Immediately getting caught by this Au’s version of himself, having tension between Swap-Papyrus, and keeping a constant eye on you to make sure you’re okay… It takes a lot out of a skeleton, believe it or not.

Having the Judge role, of course, S-Papyrus will be the most suspicious of them. It makes your journey more complicated, but Sans hasn’t been fighting it for one reason. Two reasons, actually, since you brought it up earlier.

Sans does not believe in coincidences. If getting caught happened so soon after their arrival, then it must be because it was meant to happen. And now on top of that, you’re so insistent that you shouldn’t be hiding the true motives from their counterparts because of this “strange feeling” you have.

Considering you’re also a key in all this, Sans must rely on your intuition as well. Even if trusting someone other than himself (and Papyrus) scares the fucking hell out of him.

Sans has faith in his ability to keep you safe, at least. If all else fails, he can keep you safe.

Not that it’s completely necessary. Today he learned that you’re, apparently, decent enough around a fight. Well no, Sans always figured that you had to be some kind of fighter with that insane strength of yours. Having it confirmed is a whole other thing.

Man, Sans really wants to check out your soul to look at your stats. He’s so fucking curious. Ah, but not that curious. He’s not sure if he can handle the idea of someone loving and trusting him enough to willingly show him their soul.

Someone as great as you showing your soul to him just because you love him…

Sans allows himself to daydream it for a few seconds.

It leaves him red and embarrassed to hell and back. He needs to take a seat on the couch to pull himself together.

What a lovely thought, though…

Sans flinches at the sound of you coming back downstairs. He stands up and straightens out his shirt. He doesn’t know where the hell he should put his dirty clothes…

Your clothes are already folded, and you simply put them on top of your bag. You move it next to the couch almost like it was routine. Sans supposes that it must be considering you were living on his couch for a month. He kind of feels bad that it took so long for them to decide to move you into his room.

“Hey,” You draw his attention to you, taking his dirty clothes from him, “We’re gonna share the couch, is that okay?”

Sans eyes the piece of furniture, “uh… we can fit if we… uh, are you okay with, you know, cuddling?”

You grin at him. “Hearing you say cute words like that is so funny.”

Why must you always tease him this way?

“how is it funny?”

“‘Cause you got a deep voice. It’s a sexy voice though, you’d make fucking bank doing Boyfriend ASMR videos.”

Sans is already getting used to the fact that his face is going to be blushing around you. He’s made peace with it.

“heh, i like hearing you talk, too. a lot.”

“You’re so cute,” You’ve been folding his clothes this whole time. “Are you ready to sleep, then?”

Sans shakes his head, watching you put his clothes on top of his bag. You move it next to your own bag, making sure it’s neat. You’re so demure. He likes that.

“not yet. i wanna write this all in my journal. i gotta make sure the mini-dj isn’t busted, either.”

You sit down on the couch, “Need any help with the mini-dj?”

He pauses, “do you know how?”

“No, not at all. I just wanna be useful.”

Sans snorts, “you know what would help me a lot?”

You deadpan, already know where this is going. “What?”

The skeleton moves so he’s standing in front of you. He puts a hand on your head and leans over, kissing your forehead sweetly.

“getting some rest,” He says quietly, “you’ve been moving all day, but you fainted earlier, remember? i was worried all day about you.”

You sigh out of your nose in defeat, “Fine. I’ll try sleeping. For you. But you better know how reluctant and disgruntled I am about this.”

“thank you, feeling better already.”

This time, he leans lower to peck your cheek. The action makes you smile like a little bitch, fucking cheesing over here on the damn couch. Sans is a lot nicer than you, he doesn’t tease you about your reaction. Or maybe because his mind is preoccupied with the things he brought up earlier.

You get comfortable on the couch and lay down, pulling the cover over your body to get all cozy. Sans moves to the small table on the left side of the couch where it holds the Quantum Physics joke book. He puts it on the floor so it’s not in the way. Snapping his fingers, he pulls his trusty journal and pen from his Void.

The lights in the house are off, leaving the only source of light from Sans’ face. You know what that is, but tell yourself it’s better if you don’t check for yourself. His scribbling and muttering are soothing in the house.

This house is identical to the one back home, but it still feels like a stranger's home. You’re staring up at the ceiling, have been for the better part of the last 30 minutes.

You can’t fucking sleep. You’re tired too, but you can’t sleep.

You sit up the moment you hear Sans no longer writing. Sans is looking over the mini-dj, but that’s all. Maybe because there isn’t anything wrong with it after all. Feeling your stare, the skeleton turns his head to you.

Oh, wow. He’s not even hiding his glowing eye from you.

His right eye-light is replaced by a ring of swirling cyan and bright yellow. The brightness is enough that it illuminates your face and the wall behind you. It’s not blinding, and you don’t feel scared staring into it like you thought you would be.

It’s beautiful, actually.

He blinks at you with a confused smile, “have you been awake this whole time?”

You nod.

“[y/n]… go to bed.”

Raising your voice without yelling, you demand: “Join me, then.”

Sans simply sighs in defeat. He knows damn well you’re not sleeping without him, and doesn't fight back. He snaps the pen, notebook, and mini-dj away and stands up with a quiet grunt. He makes sure to put the Quantum Physics book to where it was before walking to the couch.

You grin at him while moving the covers, “You’re super light, it’ll be better if you sleep on me.”

Thanks to his glowing eye, you can see his blush and sheepish look easily. “i wanted to be the small spoon, anyway.”

“Yeah, yeah. Come here.”

Sans carefully climbs over you, making sure not to dig into your limps with his bony knees. With magic, you presume, he’s able to rest comfortably on you without his ribs bothering you. Sans adjusts the cover over you two, wiggling slightly to get comfortable.

He kind of feels like a weighted blanket.

It’s nice.

“are you good?” He whispers so softly.

“Mhm,” You wrap your arms around him, “goodnight, baby boy.”

“ugh. goodnight.”

Fucking score!

Closing your eyes, you find that you’re suddenly exhausted. You’re so fucking corny, did you actually need Sans with you for you to sleep? Perhaps you felt safer to sleep with him right here. Or maybe you really did need a weighted blanket.

Whatever the reason it may be, you fall asleep rather quickly this time.

…

…

…

Nothing.

Behind your eyes in the unconsciousness, there’s nothing. Swirls of nothing. Different shades of nothing.

Until there’s something else.

In the depths of the abyss in your unconscious mind, you see a man. A skeleton, in your dreams.

You immediately recognize who this is supposed to be.

“☟︎♏︎●︎●︎□︎📪︎ ☯︎✡︎📭︎■︎☸︎.”

☹︎♏︎t’s fix th♋︎t.

The man who speaks in hands clears his throat. This time when he speaks, you can understand exactly what he is saying.

“Hello, [Y/n].”

────────

A/N: I drew hims. The mans, the myths, the legends: Mr. W.D. Gaster

Tags:

@lemonboy011

@adriixboo

@fetusbaconegg

@fluffyart5000

[brucewaynehater101]

Was afraid of sending this ask until I recalled the wise words of Junko Kaname

“If you find yourself at a dead end and there’s no other options left, doing something the wrong way might do the most good.”

Plus I'm anonymous. I've got nothing to fear

Platonic Omegaverse AU based on "Back and There Again" by wolfsrainrules and your fic "Words Unspoken" on ao3 —WAIT WAIT WAIT!!!

toss in "Three Robins walk into a tower" by Law_10 plus the fic where Tim gets Surgeoned wings

Also there's some unreliable narration later in this ask which evolved into a fic lol

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

Setup; Tim gaslights and lies to himself about Batman's abusive treatment towards him until he's forced by Jack to stop being Robin

When Stephanie comes along, he helps by giving her notes and recordings from his time as Robin, making up for where Batman lacks in training her himself

This leads to Stephanie learning and calling out just how bad his tenure as Robin was, being more distant with the Batfamily + professional-ish w/ Bruce

They try to spend as little time possible with the Bats for their own sakes from them on because the other would worry for them

While Tim doesn't have as much time as Barbara, he does presume an Oracle-like role for Stephanie to help her out

Stephanie also becomes quick friends with the Teen Titans. She's got Tim's seal of approval

Janet Drake dies. Tim is grieving and now he's stuck with Jack so he copes Batman style on the computer—

ooh nooooo. deadpanning??? that's just how I grieve, officer. I can't believe someone would kill my daaaad! who could have done such a thing? Oh you already have him detained and you're even imprisoning him in a whole 'nother state that isn't a revolving door! Thank you officer! You're my hero

Tim set things up so Cluemaster and Jack were unknowingly in the same area and Cluemaster accidentally killed Jack

But nobody is gonna figure that out. It's not like he did the deed!

And who else could advocate for the villain being jailed for life after killing a millionaire away from the New Jersey State itself than the new star of a CEO for Drake Industries, Edward Drake? The fact he works remotely from home and is insanely reclusive is totally irrelevant!

In unrelated news? Tim and Steph have become best friends who flip flip between who they have sleepovers with

Whoop! Suddenly there's two Robins running around often at the same time and they are manaces! Menaces to society I tell you!

Together they train to become the best Robin duo there ever was!

Oh no, I made this a "it gets better before it gets worse before it gets better fic" FUCK ME

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

Titans Tower isn't crack like Three Robins. In fact all the Robins are screaming and crying at each other

"You stole my name!"

"You stole it from Richard first, how about you apologize for taking away the very name his own parents gave him!"

"It's not just about Robin but my place in the family dammit!"

"Why would you not come back already! The family misses you! We aren't even daughter and son! We're just unpaid interns at best! We could never take your place. they think you're dead but the spot is open for you if you ever come back! We never replaced you! We're here until you return!"

"Batman's a crazy kid beater Tim!" Steph's right but even with a support system, abuse does a number on ya

Alas, Jason is not seeing reason and while he gets bruised up and does it back, the two Robins at least didn't get beat as much as Jason wanted. Small mercies

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

When Jason finally comes back into the fray, it's smoother than he expected. Weirdly enough, he hardly saw his Replacements in the Manor, but given he wants as little to do with them as possible? Small mercies

When Damian comes into the fray and tries to prove himself in the form of attacking both Robins? Proof that there's lots of cult deprogramming to do; but for Jason?

It's nice having demon brat around again. Dami understands what growing up in the League was like and the Replacements spend even less time around him when in the Manor. Any instances where they would usually be asked to interact face to face are done through voicemails or emails instead

Man, Tim must really be living up to Eddie Drake's image if he only sees him and Stephanie as Robins on the field now

Meh, for all he knows they're prancing around with the other bats

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

It's his 16th Birthday

Stephanie is first and only to know

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

Whenever Red Robin laments getting Spoiler's image tarnished in the super scene for good when it just could have just been his alone, she hounds him for it

As she does when he looks back to his time of cloning, thinking about their mutual lack of spleens instead of the dead

it's progress

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

The Core Five of Young Justice sit together in silence. Typing together contingencies for when Batman enacts the third test and beyond

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

"Demon brat," says Todd, ruffling Damian's hair

"Dami," says Grayson, trapping him in arms

"Son," says Father, says Pennyworth

The Replacements Father owes life debts to say "Robin," and nothing else until the public is upon them. Then they say "Wayne"

"Damian" when it is professional and polite West etiquette 

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

It wouldn't be the first time a villain---Dynamics Master---came from another dimension

The second time they were fixated on biology

Or the third time their targets were Bats

Least of all a new permanent divide between Batman and his proteges came

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

Jason hasn't let go since they got out

Neither the pups Replacements with each other

"Unhand me Todd!" Damian. His puppy fussed.

'Responsibility' Jason corrected himself. He kept him close to his chest

Didn't matter what Dami had to say. His scent betrayed him; distressed-puppy-scared-omega-help-please

Emoting through smell. Wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if it was just him and Damian

Jason didn't even realize when he started purring and rubbing his wrist against Damian's hair. Probably another "Dynamic" thing the villain raved about

Something about not wanting to be stuck in a world full of people unlike theirs, since this was the norm in their own

Damian yipped—his hearted melted, good god these Dynamics can't pick if their truth serums for thought or straight up liars themselves—as he buried his nose in the kid's hair, inhaling the smell of puppy-pack-omega-here-safe-and—

His nose scrunched with distress refusing to part from Damian

That wasn't right, it wasn't parting from him either

In fact it's been a chore to not gaze at the PUPS! Replacements the other side of the room

Replacements who would have long since left the room without a goodbye since all their checkups and duties were done for the day

Replacements who's gazes flicked between them and each other

And wore bandages over their wrists and necks

'Scent-blockers' he recalls the villain saying

Jason bared his teeth at them for a warning to— to— he had a pact to protect

Red Robin and Spoiler jumped to their feet and ran out the room, forgoing closing the doors, not once letting the other's hand go

. . .

For some reason, he and Damian's scents felt worse than ever before

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

Brown and Drake don't say his name anymore

that is if he ever sees them at all outside of Robin

They don't appear in high society either. Father said they made a scene about faking responsibilities, injuries, and sickness to get out of dealing with elites forever

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

"That villain really did a number on you, didn't he Dami?" 

"I remain unshaken!" Damian announced, wrapping fresh scent-blockers around his wrists

When the Manor's doors opened to reveal Jason—wearing blockers himself—Damian was already running towards him, not locking back at Dick until he spoke again

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

Another alien invasion—one needing all hands on deck—done with. All that was left

And barking a warning at the Replacements to not get up in his personal space

"Man, not even their teammates want them," he swore he caught a rookie hero say off-handedly, "and they're still allowed in Young Justice?"

But practically everyone was here catching their bearings, so in case he misheard it

"Hey, hey! I heard you talking about Spoiler and Red, right?"

The rookie turned to him, "You mean the nutcases?"

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

'Ever-constant despair' Cassandra had to say about the pups Replacements when Jason's hand started hovering over his phone

Alfred had commented on a trend from before the villain where they barely appreciated their meals without the other with them, otherwise they deigned for quick, efficient meals

afterwards it became impossible to get them to eat anything at all without the other with them

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

For the first time, Jason felt unfulfilled from Dick's octopus hugs. He was slowly and painfully spenting less time cuddling Damian now and he still didn't feel as hollow.

He grumbled in a way that came with being an 'Omega' and Dick didn't vocalize back. He didn't smell anything but chemicals from Richard— everyone actually

Jason felt hollow

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

Once when Jason met up with Damian after the kid changed his blockers

He whiffed Misery

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

It was during a drug bust that things really went downhill. That Jason realized he couldn't do this anymore

It was the usual. Drop in. Stop the operation. Pack things up; just with the added downside of his stronger sense of smell making drugs stink like never before—even through his helmet

Spoiler—who came in on a short notice—seemed to have the same problems, coughing like there was no tomorrow.

He could almost swear to hearing keens of all things in between her fit as she shook violently in a way he hardly saw her do

Unmasking wouldn't be an option until the Cave, so she seemed to settle for placing a hand on the bandages on her throat

He placed a hand, on a crate for support. The drugs smelled awful, sure, but to render him dizzy? It was strong, but not that much

It was then that she noticed the blood on her hand which came from blood splattered on the bandages earlier

"Shit— do you mind if I swap out my blockers quick Red Hood?" She wiped down her glove for as much blood she could

"I'm not your boss Replacement."

She scrambled to grasp for her pockets and used her now less-bloodied glove to unwrap the bloodied bandages

'Great' he wanted to spit out 'I can smell you through my helmet and your costumes.'

Instead he got hammered with the puppy-alpha scent of pup-in-danger-not-safe-omega-hates-me-help-save-me

Jason wasn't even sure he could keep himself still, but he did it. It didn't matter if his brain was rewired or scent glands got grafted onto him, he was the master of his own body—!

He can't do this anymore, he can't—

nobody one else for sure

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

Jason was going insane

He entered the cave to see Batman on the Batcomputer, but that wasn't what he was focused on, unwilling as it was

Stephanie might as well be clinging to Tim's shoulders for life, looking at the screen of the laptop he typed on

The two had forgone their blockers, forcing their scents to mix and mingle in the air, drowning the place in together-alone-pups-alpha-omega-miserable-together as he picked up bits of a discussion between about about 'dynamics' and a 'syringe' together

Tearing through his skull however was their frequent keens of miserable-pack-hates-us-we're-not-safe-here

Unseen by them was Damian, stiff if not for the movement of breathing and the gazes of oh god that was longing

Jason used all of his willpower to not tear off either of their blockers and he took Damian's hand

Try as he might, he couldn't resist keening in response to his pups. His response making the others stop barely made him feel better

Jason was going insane

He has to put an end to this

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

With even Barbara having to go offworld, Batman entrusted Tim with keeping charge of Gotham

After Batman left, he couldn't be faster in delegating some of the job to Jason, shakey as his limbs were

The back of Jason's brain tingles with deja vu seeing the sorry sight that is Timothy

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

A hospital in Gotham admitted a new patient

Days later, word hit the streets that Joker was good as dead, a vegetable for life, if only for the bare minimum brain activity and heartbeats keeping him going

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

'For once,' Jason thought as he stocked up his chosen safehouse to hunker down in, 'The Bat was right but too late in not entrusting me with unclipped wings'

He would do anything to make Gotham more peaceful than it's ever been for this string of months. Even pull every favor he had to get it done

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

"Pack everything you want to keep more than anything in your suitcase pup. nothing for keeping face, we're going to be alone"

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

"Steph! Red Hood betrayed us, it was a false alarm. Alert the on-world Bats and—!" Scent withdrawal was a nasty, nasty thing if a hug and an older omega's scent was all it took to knock the pup out

Omega-protector-here-you're-safe-now-pup wafted through the air yet unable to purge the misery-alone-unsafe clinging to them both

Jason would rectify that soon

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

Stephanie had been on her wits end and her mind frayed alongside Tim's in ways everyone and thing else would envy

Today that thread of sanity snapped. She had no pack—she can't trust anyone—Tim needs her!

The Drake Manor acquired a broken window, which the super-computer stored in it's secret bunker promptly noted for repair. no girl or boy would see it for a time

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

Deep in the Batcave, Cassandra gazed at the syringe full of fluid

A syringe which would be innocuous if not for it being locked in a suitcase that needed a mix of Tim and Steph's Dynamic vocals and pheromones to activate

Something achieved only after intense trial and error, prediction of randomly timed password lockouts, and guesswork on what clips of the two making sufficient audio were Dynamic vocals, and which of their items retained enough pheromones to trick the technology it was fresh from their wrists

Included with the syringe were documents of its nature

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

Danger!-unsafe-unwanted-pack-where-are-you-please-don't-kill-me flooded the room after Tim caught sight of Damian and Jason

The omega chuffed, pack-omega-here-pup-you're-pack

An omega-puppy's keen, i-don't-get-it-confused-you-hate-me

A puppy's yip, omega-is-safe-protector-pack-scared-unsafe?

"You're safe pup," Jason crooned, combing his fingers through the teen's hair, "You belong to my pack and so will Stephanie, nobody, not even we'll hurt you."

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

All the desperation in the world couldn't get Stephanie to escape a Red Hood who'd spent the last months studying their battle tactics endlessly

And even more months packless meant a new pup in the roster led to him purging the air of anything but his scent of precious-pups-you're-my-pack-i-love-you

Tucking his new pup in the nest, he did a round of checking on the safehouse's security, then his nest, making sure the pack was sleeping comfortably. He scented them again for good measure

Exhaustion wore on his bones. Wrapping his arms around Stephanie as Tim did Damian

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

Something was coming, Jason shot up, longlearned in trusting his gut, and as the only grown pack member? It fell onto him to protect them all

He froze at the approaching scent of a beta-pup, another pup, but how?

He heard the mechanisms of the front door unlocking and locking again, and waited for what was coming

The scent drew his gaze to Cassandra's eyes, Cassandra who was waffing lonely-packless-beta-pup-i-want-my-pack-confused

No matter, Jason made room in the nest for a fourth pup, and chuffed for her to come in

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

Jason has maybe a year left of three of his pups being pups according to their Dynamics until they're full-fledged adults

All those months before they stewed in misery because he let their pride and societal expectations trump it all

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

"The syringe" is all Cassandra has to say about her sudden dynamic

As Tim confesses, those three Young Justice members had wanted to do something about Stephanie and him withering away

The solution? Reverse engineer their own biology to craft a more autonomous means of gaining a dynamic

Jason huffs that he and Dami weren't their first pick

That being said, he isn't saying no to three more pups

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

Word rapidly spreads that the Batman's baby birds were spirited away by Red Hood

Even quicker is their meta status of the same vein

Asking strangers "Would you rather get caught doing child-involved crimes by Red Hood, or laying a scratch on his pups?" becomes a viral sensation much like Man vs. Bear

Rogues throw their hands up once Wonder Girl, Superboy, and Impulse join the fray of Red Hood's adoptees

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

When the Bats return back to Earth, they find those who stayed have not only cut contact with the rest of the world outside of Gotham and Young Justice, but have dragged Young Justice to join in on pushing their new isolationist policities to their absolute limits

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

When Batman discovers photos of the Joker's mauled and unrecognizable body have gone viral on Twitter, he's dissapointed at his own surprise as how easy finding the details were

All he had to worry was verification, which was simple enough

When the hospital's data shows that it was done with claws and teeth, unrecognizable pheromones matching just one boy he knows

Jason grins at him, omega canines on display

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

Is it Batman's business if his pups hand over a syringe and their favorite hoodies to a precious little light down two parents to Joker Gas?

Jason thinks not

. • ° · ☽ 【×】 ☾ · ° • .

I accidentally made a fic

How did this happen? Oh well then

Extra Notes

This was just meant to be a Jason & Damian & Damian thing but then Stephanie and Young Justice and Cass snuck into the nest

And this transforming into a fanfic that was semi-jason-centric wasn't on my bingo but lol

Also rip if you dunno wtf the omegaverse is lmao

Even if Joker is out of the game, Jason couldn't prevent his inventions from getting out there and being reverse engineered and being distributed, hence how Duke's parents still took the L

Now a little Jason think piece

In Canon, he's arguably just as guilty as Bruce for Joker's crimes and victims after he doesn't kill him then and there

Arguably because he cares more about Bruce than the victims and collateral of Joker's deeds

Jason in a position where more than ever, he sees family and community as his world, to the point it's need to live on a psychological level? Threats cannot be allowed to exist

Or at least be able to do anything meaningful for as long as they still live

Joker is at the top of that list. And if Jason can come back from the dead? So could he. What to do?

You only need a beating heart & brain activity to live, and Batman won't let him his long time nemesis die, even as a mercy

I'd present more questions and ideas that didn't get into the final product and do another round of editting but my computers gonna die now lol

Go crazy, go stupid about my ask everybody

Alright! I do in fact know what the omegaverse is. I don't particularly like it for a variety of reasons, but some of the concepts are cool. If I wanted to have similar enough dynamics, I typically read shifter AUs. They have the pack bonding, the scent shit, the different instincts, etc. without the stuff I don't particularly like (depending on how it's written, ofc).

The stuff I loved about this fic/AU:

Fixed Tim and Steph's dynamic in a way I didn't know I needed. Fuck yes to them supporting each other through their Robin years instead of being pitted against each other.

Steph and YJ bonding

Steph and Tim continuing to support each other even through the BruceQuest

Steph and Tim bonding over how fucked up Bruce was to them during their Robin years

The hc/au that Tim becomes an Oracle-like support to Steph's Robin

The hc (kind of canon-ish) that Jason and Damian met in the League

Jason adopting everyone including Cass and YJ and Duke

I am curious about Dick and where he is in all of this. Also, it wasn't quite clear to me who was affected by the omegaverse stuff. Everyone who was adopted by Jason was, but is there anyone else besides that villain?

Two notes you made at the end that were impactful:

Jason is complicit in Joker's murders after he doesn't kill the Joker

I think that is dependent on Jason's characterization. If, how it's often portrayed in canon/media, he cares more about Bruce's actions/reactions than justice, then this is true. On the other hand, Jason may be unable to kill the Joker due to a vicious concoction of trauma, fear, Bruce, and circumstances. It would be understandable (and a great angst/conflict point) if Joker is the only person Jason is unable to kill. He wants to, by everything he is does he want to, but he can't. If anyone wants me to expand, send an ask.

"Batman won't let his long time nemesis die, even as a mercy"

This is the type of Dark Bruce I want to see. My gods, I would kill to see a fic where Bruce views murder as a mercy, too permanent, and too forgiving. This Bruce wants to force villains, rogues, heroes, civilians, etc. to work for their redemption. If they die, how are they going to make amends? What good is atonement if the only one to witness it is God and the dead? What good is forgiveness given by those unaffected?

I'm not saying this is an okay or decent mindset (hence why it's Dark Bruce). I'm just saying it would be cool to explore a Bruce who refuses to kill for entirely different reasons. Instead of it being too far, him being worried about never stopping, or him not agreeing morally, I would fuck with a fic where he doesn't kill so he can make people pay for as long as he wants.

[autumnmobile12]

Something I wish had been addressed in My Hero Academia...

Pros and Villains alike underestimating the sheer determination of a Quirkless person with a weapon.

You have Geten monologuing on how only people with a strong Quirk have a place in the world. My dude...I can think of a few people who can absolutely challenge that philosophy.

Crossover insight.

Castlevania: In a world with magic, monsters and spellcasters, Trevor Belmont had no magical abilities, but he didn't let that stop him. Oh, the whips were magic? Support item!

Besides, he didn't use their magic elements most of the time. He puts out someone's eye in Season One and he straight up strangles a guy in Season Four.

Arcane: Ekko. No magic. Just a gravity-defying board, a metal pipe, and a well-time strike. Granted, he wasn't up against a magic user in this scene, but she did have a gun and explosives.

Avatar: And then we have Ty Lee not even hesitating to annihilate an entire group of Earthbenders with nothing more than her chi blocking fists. ATLA had a whole cast of non-benders who were holding their own against the ones with 'powers.'

Sokka

Suki

Asami

Jet

Mai

Moral of the story: Do not mess with the 'Quirkless' people.

...

It really goes to show how heavily the world in My Hero began to rely on powers to the point that anyone born without a Quirk (or a Quirk that was useless) was someone to be pitied.

Honestly, when I first started watching the anime, I was with my sister and she'd already seen it. So by the time we got the part with the Slime Villain and all the Pros not knowing what to do, I just turned to her and asked, "So wait, since Deku has all the knowledge about these Pros, is he just gonna become a master strategist and coordinate an effective attack and save the day?"

And she just looked at me with this sad expression and said, "No, but that would have been really cool."

Even though I enjoy My Hero Academia, faults and all, I will admit that is a small disappointment I'm still not over. And that might be why the Villain Deku AU appeals to me so much personally. It would have been awesome to have a Pro-Hero or a villain who was 100% Quirkless and making it work the best they could.

I mean, imagine anyone of the My Hero cast humbled like that. "Got our asses whooped by a Quirkless fella."

Aizawa's Quirk is virtually useless on its own. That's why he also uses a scarf, a knife, and martial arts combat to fight. Even if he lost his Quirk, he still has a scarf, a knife, and martial arts combat. Not much changes except he now has to adapt his fighting style to finding a different kind of opening to strike.

Touya might've been fine if someone suggested he use a highly-flammable accelerant as support gear. It was only prolonged usage of his fire that seemed to be hurting him.

Deku losing One For All? He was a brain over brawn character-type to begin with, so I genuinely don't see this as a major issue. An issue because losing any abilities sucks, but he's got a legitimate workaround as the strategist.

And if Midnight was going to use a whip...

...why couldn't she have used it like a fucking boss? Alas, we were robbed.

[leoruby-draws]

Continuing from yesterday, two more members for the team (they really, really need a name jeez...)!! Eliza Harmon aka Trajectory and Bobby Barnes aka Wonder Boy!! Yes, I'm doing a wonder boy, its my au and I'll do what I want with it!

As for why, well I noticed there weren't a whole lot of sidekick options from the Wonderfam/Amazons. I got a a bit lucky with Vanessa for Jason's team, since she could've been Wonder Girl in a nicer timeline. I kind of thought about Yara Flor as an option but I felt she might not mesh well with the team, or at least not in the way I wanted. Plus during the time I was trying to decide this, I was not actually sure how old Yara actually was or what exactly her history was.

So I decided to get a bit creative and try something new for the role I wanted, I thought if Tim had Wonder Girl on his team then Steph should have a Wonder Boy on hers! And back when I was doing my Vanessa read-through I found the perfect candidate, a nephew of one of Diana's loves interest called Bobby Barnes. It kind of struck me how few examples of women having male sidekicks are, we see a lot the other way around.

(Btw there was an actual canon Wonder Boy in the comics, in Team Titans but I think he got erased in Zero Hour. At any rate, he wasn't connected to Diana nor did he interested me enough.)

Bobby is the nephew of Trevor Barnes, who had a short-lived romance with Diana. Its a shame it didn't last, because I thought Trevor was very charming, very good-looking, and with good chemistry with Diana. And Diana's crush on him was kinda adorable to read. In the issue showcasing Trevor's family, we meet Bobby, who's a bit of a superfan of Diana.

His admiration of her reminded me of Vanessa, who also hero-worshiped Wonder Woman (along with collecting all her merchandise). It's always nice to see when media has boys admiring woman, its something that should be shown more often. When meeting him, Diana remarks that she in fact liked the idea of making him Wonder Boy, so the idea's already been put out there.

But after Trevor dies, we never see Bobby or the rest of the Barnes family so the chance for that was lost. But I really liked the idea so I'm putting it into my au.

Here's some concept drawings for Bobby, when trying to work out what kind of costume I could use for him. We can see him interact with Kara and Steph, making for a little trinity here. There's Diana trying to encourage her new sidekick, I didn't draw her well here I'll admit, I need to practice drawing her more. We also see Bobby converse with Cassie, they're probably talking about how cool Diana is.

I'm still not sure how exactly Bobby gets powers, right now I've got three options:

A- he gets them the same way Cassie got them, by using magical items to power him

B- he uses some form of technology to mimic the powers the Wonders have

C-by having a god grant him the powers he needs to fight. I actually had the idea of having one of the gods that contacted Trevor to grant him the powers. Specifically Lady Ala, since she was located where Trevor's (and thus Bobby's) ancestors came from. This option might be the most interesting tbh.

Well, I spoke about Bobby the wonder of the group, so now I'm gonna talk about the speedster Eliza!

You can see her interact with the others in this concept doodle of her, she definitely has a fun dynamic with everyone (also little cameo of Jenni Ognats, I'll talk about her later tho).

Eliza was someone I found while searching for speedsters around Steph's age, which was surprisingly hard considering how many speedsters there was out there. But they were either too old, or too young, but then I found out about Eliza. She was part of a team created by Lex Luthor, using the name Infinity Inc (he bought the trademark, what a dick). She's a major fan of the Flashes (and Impulse), and wants more than anything to be a speedster.

So she joins Luthor's team and due to being rude to Luthor ends up dying for it(on Luthor's orders no less). It's a pretty messed up way to go, esp since in just 2 short issues you get to see a ton of personality from her. She's kinda of rude, ambitious, fame-hungry but her geeky fangirl tendencies also make her come off a somewhat innocent and adorable in a way. She's delightful and her unique personality made me want to draw her, I think she'll have great chemistry with the team.

In my au, I thinking I might still have her be connected to Luthor, gaining her powers in a similar way (don't know if through the Everyman Project, maybe a different way). since she's younger (and my au's lighter) its not likely she'll have the same fate. I'm not well versed on Lex Luthor but I don't think he kill off a 10 year right? Right?? I honestly think Luthor might be using her as a spy/mole among the baby heroes, debatable if Eliza even knows it, she's very grateful to him for her powers tho (she's still a rude little shit, this frustrates Luthor lmao).

Also its shown in the comics thats she using a drug cuz her powers have the drawback of not letting her slow down. Obviously I'm not having a kid use drugs, she might still have issues with slowing down tho. Maybe the Flashes can help her with that?

Actually I kind of had the idea that during the time she has her artificial powers she somehow unlocks the speedforce and gains speed powers all on her own. She's so ambitious and determined to run, I think this works thematically.

Little extra doodles of her, she's so fun to draw! Here you can see her, and Owen, bother poor Wally. Everyday he suffers lol, despite (or because?) the fact she's a huge fan of him.

Also just like what I did with Owen and Jack, I also had Eliza become good friends with a lantern, Miri Riam (an apprentice Violet Lantern). Another homage to the Flash/Green Lantern friendship. Two energetic, happy kids (with a slight moral bent) just having fun! Surely two little girls won't cause too much trouble lol!

Well, thats it for the moment for introducing members, I've got ideas for even more members (including for the other teams as well) but for now I'll just stop here.

Hope you liked all that!

[crystallizsch]

it’s almost 3am help. i have to be awake in like. 4 hours. anyways i shall share with the class this filipino fairy tale au before i conk out (<- do not expect more from me this is all i could think of 😭)

i also legit cannot draw this because it’s too much effort that i cant do rn 😔 so my thoughts on this will just be a ramble below-

FIRST OF ALL. SETTING. OLD-TIMEY SEASIDE VILLAGE.

we also have a village chieftain and all that jazz— just a hierarchy with nobles too and “peasants” and fishermen and farmers and all that stuff.

jamil and his family are “helpers/servants” for one of the more richer/influential families (kalim’s family) in the village.

yuusha is the chief’s oldest child, next-in-line to be chief. because of course she is.

gonna bring in some sort-of aladdin plot points too and say that young yuusha got curious and went undercover and explored the village (the village is fairly big so not everyone knows each other).

she met a boy her age (jamil) and they became fast friends. because of this yuusha snuck out more to meet him and hang out.

one day yuusha finally got caught and she was never permitted to stray far from her home ever again.

years later when they’re older and of age, they see each other again in one of kalim’s family’s gatherings.

yuusha asked jamil for a dance not realizing/caring he was just a servant.

okay so HARD pivot (because idk where to go from there and how their love story and pining starts and the added conflict of jamil cant be with her bc of his social status).

so mr jade leech. he’s an outsider/newcomer (dare i say a “sirena”—or siren—who literally came washed up on the shore). he charmed the whole village + the chieftain.

(not sure if he should come as a package deal with the rest of the octatrio but ALAS- i only care about jade’s involvement rn)

MAYBE their job is to lure the chieftain’s daughter into the sea.

but for some reason jade’s charm did not affect yuusha (or jamil for that matter) so he has to try it the traditional way :)

and uh oh jade’s feelings started to turn real too :))))

then cue love triangle shenanigans.

who’ll be the winner? that’s tbd. (it’s jamil. i WILL find a way to make it jamil somehow even if it’s the last thing i do. i can’t let that slippery eel win)

@cheerleaderman @viperbunnies pspspspsps hi sorry for the tags but since you guys were curious 👀????

[backtothefanfiction]

All The Good Girls Go To Hell | TF!Boys Mafia AU~ Part ONE

Summary: When Phoenix comes home to find her fiancé banging some other girl, her whole life changes seemingly overnight. Forced to go back and live with her Dad, she's about to be dragged into a life with the men her Dad is indebted to.

Warnings: 18+ ONLY (Mature Content), Dark Mafia Romance Au, setting things on fire, swearing, dead parent, debt, mental health issues, brain tumour, broken family, anger issues (female rage), AFAB OFC, objectification of the female body, pyromania, little bit of theft (smut to come)

Word Count: 3.8K

A/N: I didn't need to have yet another idea for a story. I also didn't need to write it straight away, but I recently read Den of Vipers and figured I could do something better featuring the Triple Frontier boys. I don't know how many parts of this there will be, or how regularly this will ultimately be updated, but I thought I'd share anyway. Smut will come, featuring all four guys this time. This will use an ofc but apart from the hair, there aren't too many descriptors. This will also be written from multiple characters points of view throughout to keep things interesting. Enjoy!

ONE

PHEONIX

My fingers itch as I grip the steering wheel tighter. I should have worn gloves, I say to myself as I drop one hand from the wheel and rub it vigorously against my torn jeans, hoping the friction from the denim will- at the very least- satiate the itch left behind from the lighter fluid long enough for me to get to the next gas station, so I can stop in and wash my hands properly.

It was reckless of me really- the whole damn thing. My brothers taught me better than this, but then again, everyone said I had a temper that was only second to Archie’s in my family- so I’m really not that surprised. People say my Dad used to be equally hot headed before he got remarried to Marina and took over the club, but I’ve still yet to see it- even after all the shit me and my brothers have pulled over the years. It’s like after our Mother died he just gave up. But I don’t blame him. I would too if I lost the love of my life to a fucking disease like that. I had barely known her anyway, so I didn’t really notice all that much when the brain tumor turned her into a “literal monster”, as my older brothers used to so fondly call her when she was on one of her rampages.

I’d always said that my only real memory of her was when she tried to burn down the house by settling alight to the curtains in their bedroom. I remember we all stood out on the front grass as the smoke billowed out of the windows and mixed with the night air. Archie stood on my right holding one of my hands, E.Z stood on my left holding the other. Maybe that’s why I’ve always had a thing for fire myself. Messing about with lighters, setting things on fire- all so I can try and understand that night… At least, that’s what a therapist would probably say.

My Dad tried to make me go to one once, after I ended up burning down the whole science block at my school at 16, but alas, that never happened. Which is why I’m probably still using fire as a coping method after all these years.

My phone is blowing up by the time I reach the nearest gas station. I scan the messages from my brothers over quickly as I pull into the lot.

Deano: Heard what you did, I’d say he fucking deserved it.

Archie: Dad is pissed. Gonna try to calm him down before he does something stupid.

E.Z: Seriously, Phe, again! Dad is gonna be so pissed.

Leo: Just heard about your latest work, props little sis, I think your balls might be even bigger than Dean’s.

Rolling my eyes, I shove my phone in the glove box as it begins to buzz again. Uhh, I really don’t want or need a lecture right now about how I should or should not have acted upon finding my fiance in bed with another woman. Did I over react… by some people’s standards- maybe. But did I also live out every woman’s fantasy of dousing the bed in lighter fluid and striking a match whilst they were still in the bed… yes- yes I did- and do I give two fucks about any repercussions? Absolutely- fucking- not. Because there won’t be. Never have been. My Dad works for some of the most powerful men in the city- and I’m not talking about the Governor or the Mayor. No- someone will send some money over to keep them sweet and in a couple days time, everything will go back to normal.

I scrub at my hands with the shitty cheap soap in the tiny cubicle inside the gas station to the point the giant rock, still on my finger, almost slips off and down the drain. It’s the first time I’ve thought about it. I’ve been wearing it so long, it’s just an extension of my hand at this point. What am I gonna do with it? I mean- it’s worth a fucking fortune. Freddie was fucking loaded after all. None of it fucking his mind you. His Dad was a close business partner for the same guys my Dad worked for. Let’s just say, crime pays and his Dad has made so much money over the years working for Santiago Garcia and his crew, Freddie has never had to lift a single finger, let alone do a days work, to get what he wants.

I grab a handful of shitty paper towels, drying off my hands and the ring, holding it up to the fluorescent bathroom light. Uhhh it wasn’t even my style. I hate diamonds, they’re so basic and boring. Give me a massive fuck off ruby or saphire anyday. 

Still unsure what to do with it, I tuck it into the back pocket of my jeans before assessing how I look in the mirror. It’s like waking up from the weirdest dream and not recognising yourself. I look at my blonde hair in the mirror, the plain white t-shirt covering my breasts. I look like one of those young Barbie, trophy wife wannabe types. Where did the color and fun go? He drained it all out of me.

In college, when I met Freddie, I had pink in my hair and always had on something bright. At least my ripped jeans still have some character. 

Exiting out back onto the shop floor, I grab myself a large bag of cheetos and a cherry icee- that's as big as my head- from the machine in the back. As I place the large bag of cheesy puffs on the counter, I take a large sip of my drink, before placing that too on the counter, reaching for a pair of bright yellow heart sunglasses on a display next to the cashier.

“What d’ya think?” I ask the portly man behind the counter, who’s polo shirt doesn’t look or smell like it’s been washed for at least two weeks with its armpit stains and ranch dressing smear on the front.

It’s obvious he’s trying to come across as if he’s not checking out my whole body as he looks at me, but his eyes scan lower than my face, falling on the V neck of my t-shirt and my breasts for a hint too long. I flash him a sickly sweet smile as I take the sunglasses off my face and hook them into my shirt where his eyes seem to linger instead. “How about now?” I ask.

He quickly clears his throat as he looks back to the register. “Uhhh, yes- Yes- I think they suit you, yes.” he rambles and I can’t help but laugh. Men like that were always so predictable.

I reach for the icee taking another sip and try to school my features when I get brain freeze. “With the sunglasses,” he says, “16 bucks.” I sigh, but fish a couple notes out my back pocket and hand them over, just as my eyes land on a lighter covered in black and white harlequin print. My fingers instantly reach for it.

I turn the lighter over and over again in my fingers before flipping the top of it open and striking up a flame, my eyes getting lost in its amber glow as it sways hypnotically back and forth. It instantly takes me back to not 20 minutes ago and Fred and the girl’s screams, as the bed covers went up in flames and they both shot out from underneath them as he screamed about how much of a psycho I was. 

The ding of the till draw brings me back to the present and I flick the lighter closed. “Oh, and I’m taking this as payment for you oggling me.” I smile at the balding cashier, as I pocket the lighter and grab my bits off the counter.

I can hear him calling after me, “HEY, COME BACK HERE! YOU NEED TO PAY FOR THAT!” but I just laugh and take another sip of the slush and place the sunglasses back on my head.

As I walk back to my car, I notice a bum, sitting in the shade of the wall at the back corner of the station. As I look at him, I can feel the weight of the ring in my back pocket, dragging me towards him. Hey, the ring might not have changed my life, but it doesn’t mean it can’t change someone else’s life.

“Hey.” I say, lifting the yellow sunglasses on top of my head so I can meet his eyes. “Catch.” I toss him the ring. It sparkles as it hits the afternoon sun and I know from the look on his eyes as it makes contact with his fingers, he feels like he just won the lottery. “Pawn it. Get whatever you want with it, I don’t care.” I say as I begin to turn away from him and back to my car.

“Uh-thank you.” he says at first in shock, “Thank you.” he says again, a little more confidently now.

“Don’t mention it.” I shout back to him as I unlock my car with a chirp and climb back inside. 

I open the bag of cheetos, taking one and popping it in my mouth, before dumping them on the passenger seat and reaching to open the glove box, taking my phone back out.

7 more texts from my brothers and 5 missed calls from my Dad; with a final text saying:

DAD: Get your ass home. NOW!

Well, that does it then. I guess I’m going back to the old family home.

I start the engine, shuffling through the radio stations until I find something I like. When I hear the opening riff for Britney Spears’ Toxic, I stop and whack the volume all the way up. My tires screech as I speed out of the forecourt. I sing at the top of my lungs all the way home.

☆

I’m not through the door five seconds when E.Z is trying to usher me back out again. He’s always been the softer one. Third born. The middle child. Always overlooked, but still always trying to appease everyone.

“Dad is pissed.” He says, when he meets me in the foyer. After Mom tried to burn the house down, the place got remodeled. My Dad had to sell his soul to the devil to do it, but it meant we got to stay in our family home. Well, sort of. 

The whole left side of the house needed rebuilding, which meant they got to extend it out a bit more. We lost the basketball court the boys liked to play on, but it meant they finally got their own rooms so they didn’t mind. 

“I know.” I say to E.Z, waving my phone in his face with one hand, while I take a sip of my icee with the other. 

“Give me that.” He says, snatching the drink from my hand, the contents within the straw almost going everywhere as he rips it straight from my mouth. “This is serious Phe, Andy,” Freddie’s dad, “has already been on the phone making threats. You know how important he is for the business. He’s threatening to cut off the club’s supplies.”

“And….” I shrug, before reaching to take back the large cup in his hands. He merely moves it further out of my reach. “Look, I’m sure the guys who own the place have other connections he can use.”

“You sure about that?” My brother presses, raising his eyebrows and looming over me.

“Oh come on, you telling me those four wannabe goodfellas bozos, haven’t got some other dipshit on their payroll to import and export shit for them off record to help keep club costs down.” 

E.Z’s face is a picture. Eyes wide, face serious. It’s clear from his expression and his mouth that keeps gaping like a fish as he tries to get a word in, that he thinks I should shut up. “What!?” I hiss at him, but as I’ve been ranting and raving, I haven’t heard the second set of feet that have made their way through the front door into the foyer. E.Z’s face turns pale as he looks behind me to the figure and back.

“Oh no, don’t stop on my account.” A forced casual voice comes from behind me.

I turn my head and follow the voice to one of the most gorgeous men I have ever laid eyes on. All tanned skin and dark curly hair, a smattering of grays mixed in- the only hint to his age. I frown as a familiarity falls over me, but I can’t quite place from where. “I’m sorry- do I know you?”

He slides his fingers into his trouser pockets, his foot tapping slightly as he looks me up and down. “Oh you know, I’m just one of those bozos who’s now having to help clear up your mess.”

Before I have a chance to respond, my Dad and Archie step out of his office at the end of the hall. “PHEONIX!” My Dad’s voice bellows and I blanche, maybe that anger isn’t as far away as I thought. 

I turn away from the stranger in his Armani suit by the front door, to my Dad, flashing him my sweetest smile. “Hi, Dadd-”

“Uh- No!” He says, holding up a hand to stop me, “Don’t you dare-” He stops as he spots the other gentleman in the foyer. “Pope.” He says, his demeanor growing lighter as he greets the man who actually owns his ass.

“What kind of name is Pope?” I hiss to E.Z under my breathe, but he just nudges me to shut up.

“David… Archie…” Pope nods his head to the two men. “Shall we talk in your office.” He says, nodding back down the hall behind him.

“Uh- yes. Yes.” My Dad says nervously, turning his body to indicate for him to follow him back, before shooting me a stern look, telling me to behave and that this was far from over.

“Pheonix.” Pope nods to me as he passes, a faint smirk in the corner of his mouth and a look in his eye that I could only describe as fascination. But it quickly disappears again as he turns back to my Dad.

As the door to my Father’s office closes, my brother begins to ferry me towards the stairs. “I’d get up there and stay out of trouble if I were you.” He warns. 

I roll my eyes at him before I slip the yellow, heart shaped sunglasses, down over them with annoyance, snatching back my icee, before I stomp upstairs- as usual, out of sight, out of mind.

~

POPE

“Mr Garcia, I am so sorry for my daughters behavior. I really had thought she’d grown out of this,” David Leacher says, as I sit myself down in one of the leather armchairs in his office. “And I never thought she would do something like this that would put your well balanced business in jeopardy.”

I fain disinterest about the subject, because really, it doesn’t actually bother me all that much at all. Sure Andy is a bit pissed now on behalf of his son, but from what I hear, if you’re gonna go sneaking around behind your soon to be Mrs' back and she finds out, you kinda get what your asking for. To be fair, I gotta give the little lady props; it takes real guts to dump lighter fluid on a guy and strike the match, regardless of the consequences. 

“… I just don’t know what to do with her.” David says, slumping back in his chair behind his desk with a large glass of bourbon in his hand. 

“And this is why I never got married and had kids.” I say, giving him a tight lipped smirk. There’s an awkward pause between us, the only sound in the room, the ice clinking in David’s glass as he takes another nervous sip, his hand shaking slightly in anticipation, waiting for the slap on the wrist he thinks is about to come. “Look David, I’ll get to the point, Andy wants compensation for the money he’s already forked out for the wedding.” David puts his drink down and begins rubbing his temples as if this whole ordeal is giving him a headache. 

He sighs, turning to me, an earnest look in his eye, “Pope,” he says softly- imploringly- “you know I don’t have the money for that-“

“I know.” I say, cutting him off. “That’s why, we’ve decided to franchise Medusa’s. We are going to acquire two more clubs, you’ll get a pay rise and oversee all three venues, to help cover the costs. We get more money coming in through the clubs, you get more money to pay off Andy- everyone’s a winner.” 

The look of relief on David’s face is a picture. “Oh thank you, Pope- uh Mr Garcia.” He says, as his whole body seems to let out a very long breath that he had been keeping tight in his body, probably since the first call he got this afternoon about his daughter’s antics. “Thank you, thank you.” He seemingly pants.

“Look Dave, you’re a good guy- a loyal guy-“ I say honestly, “you work hard, you run Medusa’s well. Profits have been up 30% since you took over. I’m not gonna jeopardize that over some silly tiff between a couple kids.”

“No, no… thank you.” He says quietly, acknowledging my words as I continue to speak.

“Whether this had happened or not, we were going to come to you with this proposal this week anyway. Help you pay off your debt to us quicker too- you know.”

“Yes… thank you, Pope. Thank you.”

“Very well then.” I nod to him. “I’ll call Andy, let him know everything is settled.”

“Thank you, Pope, thank you.” He says again. 

David is a good man- a loyal man. He runs our most popular club well, but it was a real shame how soft he had gone in his old age. Ever since he lost his wife, he’s never been the same. Then he married that wannabe wag Marina- who does nothing but spend the rest of what little money he has coming in after he repays some of his debt to us- and walks all over him. Back in the day he had really made a name for himself bare knuckle boxing. They used to call him The Reaper because he could knock a man out with a single blow that brought a man close to death; but nowadays he’d barely hit a fly. This was yet another reason I never settled down and did the whole wife and kids thing- it made you soft.

Still didn’t stop his little girl from being as tough as nails and crazy to boot- but when the only female role models you had growing up were a Mother with a brain tumor that made her- to be polite- unhinged; and then Marina, it's no wonder she’s ended up as she has. She bounced around three different boarding schools in her teens. By the third school- after she had burnt down the science block at the second school- we had to write a fairly hefty donation cheque, in order to get her in. Just another number added to David’s bill to be repaid.

Although he had initially approached us looking for work in order to pay off his wife’s medical bills and then to redo the house after she had burnt half of it down, most of the money he’s borrowed from us over the years has been for Phoenix. Frankie, Will and myself have spent many a night around the table with a drink in our hands speculating on why he continues to bail her out and put himself in more debt to protect her. We’ve long come to assume it’s probably because of guilt. That she was robbed of a proper Mother. Cursed to have a weak Father. If she had been my kid, I would have tossed her ass out on the curb a long time ago and told her to deal with her own shit if she wanted to keep behaving the way she has over the years.

To be fair though, after she met Freddie, we thought she’d finally straightened out- or at least she had become Fred’s problem and he was dealing with it. She stopped going to the clubs. Started wearing more grown up clothing that matched her age. Began running with Freddie and his older friends. But I guess it was only a matter of time and you know what they say- a leopard never changes their spots.

I’m halfway to the door, ready to leave, when David stops me. “Umm, Pope.” He says tentatively. I slowly turn myself back to him, ready to hear his request, even though he’s in no place to be making requests right now after I’ve just bailed his ass out for the fifteenth time. “I was just wondering…” he continues hesitantly, “seeing as Phoenix and Freddie are no longer together, she’ll probably need an actual job of her own now…” I can almost feel myself rubbing at my temples, knowing the question that was about to come out of his mouth. It’s the same question that had come when all of his son’s came of age and needed a job… but this time is different- and we both know it.

Phoenix isn’t like her brothers. Where they are able to be mature and step up and follow orders, she most definitely can not. I’ve seen enough of her school reports over the years to know what kind of employee she’d be. When David had asked about getting the boys jobs, it had been a no brainer. Each one of them had a build similar to their father in his hay day, perfect for a bit of muscle and extra protection in the club. But a job in Medusa’s for Phoenix would be behind the bar- and I know for a fact she’d sooner pour herself shots of liquor and dance on that bar than stand back and serve everyone else whilst they had a good time.

I already know I’m going to regret this when I finally climb into my bed at the end of the night, “She gets one chance.” I say. “One chance.” I hold up my index finger to him for emphasis.

“Thank you, Pope. I promise she won’t let you down.”

“Yeah, yeah.” I mutter to myself, my thumb and forefinger rubbing at my eyes in both irritation and exhaustion, as I finally leave the room. I give Archie a brief nod of acknowledgement as he sees me back out to my car.

I'm about to climb back in when he says, "I know you didn't have to do that, but he needed that, you know. He needs that hope that she'll be okay."

I only give him a nod as I look up to the row of upstairs windows and back to him, "We'll see." I say. "We'll see."

-----------------------------------

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[foxsoulart]

Blorbo for Mystic Summons au, takes place after Leo loses his arm.

Leo opened his eyes, half-lidded and drowsy still. The world spun in a kaleidescope of blurred colors and shapes. He scrunched his eyes shut, tensed, and willed it to go away. It did. Gradually. Once the spinning and subsequent nausau stopped, Leo reopened his eyes and settled into his body. The crinkle of sheets under him and the shift of a blanket when he moved told him he was in a bed. Not his though if the scent and color choice said anything. Which it didn't literally but still.

The dimmed lighting either meant it was night or someone was worried about waking him.

Tilting his head to look on either side of him felt like a momentous task. Muscles aching in tandem with his brain fog. Geez, what did I do before this? Run a marathon or six? I am so tired.

To his left was the rest of the room. Which if his eyes would focus he could tell what that was, but alas, it wasn't meant to be.

To the right was the door. And a slumbering figure in a chair that looked like it was dragged in from another room. Because, wow, that does not match the decor in here that I can see at all. I hope it is not normally in here. Otherwise I'm gonna need to have a talk with somebody.

After straining to pick out details with his still unfocused eyes for far too long, Leo gave up and closed his eyes with a sigh. Letting his head flop back onto the pillow with a thump. The motion jolted awake the guy in the, absolutely hideous, chair.

A grey sweatshirt over baggy worn blue jeans, long black hair pulled in a messy half pony, and startingly blue eyes.

Ah, I know this guy. Casey.

"Still a walking self-care disaster." Leo mumbled outloud, potentionaly unintentional.

Casey heard but elected to ignore that comment. He instead slipped around the end of the bed and checked Leo's pulse using his left wrist. Comparing and counting with a watch he was wearing.

The yokai scrunched his brow in confusion.

"Dude, you could have just done that with my right. Less work."

He lifted his right to wave it around to prove his point. Or tried to anyway.

He was met with the sensation of.....nothing. He felt his shoulder move, but nothing after that. Feeling just.....ended. Leo's beak twisted in further confusion, his mind on the brink, the precipice of remembering something important, of clearing his fuzzy head.

Casey was saying something but Leo wasn't paying attention, too preoccupied with the mystery of why his right arm wasn't responding. He turned his head and lifted it to see better, ignoring his body's aching protests. What he saw...was nothing. A small bit swathed in white bandages extended a little past his shoulder. But that was it. His arm just ended. It wasn't there.

What. Why isn't...

Then the brain fog cleared and let the memories come crashing back in.

The glint of metal, the all consuming burning pain, a horned face cruel and cold.

Horrible re-realization and panic pulled him into a sitting position, lurching up. His left arm held onto his shoulder, feeling the absence of that arm. He hunched forward, eyes blown wide, pupils pinpricks, his breathing shook and convulsed in his chest. Tears fell unbidden. He leaned forward pulling his knees up to grind his forhead on. His whole body tensed, fingers and toes curling in, then released inone long shuddering breath.

"I'm never going to see a triceratops the same again, am I?"

".....No." Casey said, remorseful. The experience had already been ruined for him, but it must be 10x worse for Leo and his brothers.

".....Cool." It wasn't. "My favorite was brachiosaurus anyway." Leo tried to joke. Emphasis on tried.

He really needed a better coping mechanism. But laughter was supposed to be the best medicine right? Too bad his laughter died deep in his chest. And dang, the tears just wouldn't stop. No matter how hard he tried. So he dropped his resistance and let them flow. He just lost his entire freaking arm, facade be damned.

This felt better that holding it back anyway.

Leo was a quiet cryer, quieter that even Donnie(who wasn't as quiet as he thought himself) He didn't sob loudly, it was just silent anguish. Over time his brothers figured this out and learned how to tell. Leo would say he preffered to cry alone if it wasn't a lie, he absolutely hated it. It was just so hard to take that first step. Once he started, moving anywhere by himself was out of the question; he just couldn't.

Leo had curled further into himself. The solitary arm hugging his knees to his chest had him crying harder.

Now a Leo from another time might be thinking himself selfish for crying over his arm before making sure his brothers were okay; but those same brothers had drilled into his brain (and their own) that if no one was dying right that second, to take care of himself first. They were all still working on that, but they were working on it.

Casey was panicing.

"Um, it's okay. I'll uh I'll go get your brothers? Would that help?" I have no idea what I'm doing.

Every action was faltering, not sure what would help or make it worse. He moved toward the door, deciding to find someone else who would know what to do, at least more than he did.

Leo noticed Casey leaving and was clutched by fear, he hated crying alone.

"Don't leave!" was choked out past his tears in desperation.

The utter and absolute panic in the slider's eyes told Casey that the best course of action would be to stay. So he did. His hand lifting off the doorknob to hang awkwardly at his side. Casey came back around to sit back down in the chair Leo had first seen him in.

"I won't." He promised.

Leo sagged in relief. Silence only broken by shuddering breathes settled over the room. Surprisingly the atmosphere was not negative.

Casey was still uncertain if he should be doing something more, so he fidgeted nervously. Carefully studying Leo when he sat back up, wiping away his remaining tears with his remaining hand, sniffling.

"Do you....um.....do you want a hug?"

For Casey a hug always made him feel better after crying.

Leo looked surprised by the offer but recovered quickly, smiling softly and shy. "Sure, I'd love one."

Casey stood and leaned over, wrapping his arms around Leo. He gave his best, most comforting hug he could, mindful of Leo's injuries.

It reminded Leo of Raph's hugs. Of a big brother. Of warmth and safety. It wasn't nearly as crushing and all-encompassing, but it was still absolutely amazing and exactly what he needed.

[therealslimshakespeare]

Any other Elvis and wife/girlfriend sagas in the works in the same vein as Elaine and Gigi?

Mm why yes, yes there are. Who knows if I’ll get to them but I’d love to share. I’m still chipping away at the Regency Au, I bet I’ll keep spitting things out for it at random. But then there’s working title: Honeysuckle. Which sort of came out of people requesting more in the tome of Honeymoon. I’ve nothing written for it yet except a plot pitch I shared with a couple dear friends, I’m going to include it below for anyone interested. Maybe y’all will have additional suggestions, I’d welcome them. Xoxo

Honeysuckle Plot 🎀

I once had a whole Governor’s Daughter plot but then the more I read about her (the real gal Ann) the more I thought it was sweet they just had a kissy friendship, both being well aware they were headed in opposite trajectories. They parted ways and remained in contact, we need more of those represented so I’m not going to meddle and make it steamy...

BUT THEN

I had a notion and I do need more scheming on it but -what about her little sister, ok?

See, the Governor's daughter -the little sister-, she’s adorable and very young and a buttercup when Elvis comes home in 1960. She has posters of him in her mansion room, squeezes his hand too tight when he goes through the endless greeting of shaking hands and is a giggly mess when she spies on him kissing Ann while Ann shows him the mansion. Altogether her girlish crush is cute as can be, because he’s sweet as pie to her and he looks like Prince Charming and he becomes friends with the family and laaa deee daaa…

Life goes on. A few years later he even comes to her sweet sixteenth when she writes him a detailed letter making a case and citing how he said (teased more like) that he would marry her just for her custard, the least he could do is come to her birthday party. And so he comes and again, it’s cute.

Now it’s not entirely unusual for him to stay with the Governor and his family when he’s recording in Nashville and one year Ann gets engaged and he comes to that party and perhaps there’s a bit of moment, and eying up of his little friend as she stands with her fruit punch and passes her bridal sister gifts- “lordy, buttercup, you’re fillin’ out nicely” he complaints in a bit of daze.

“Elvis, you know I’ve turned sixteen!” she’s a bit outraged he didn’t notice how grown she’s become, he watched her blow out that candles!

And yet, it remains all cute.

BUT THEN

one night he stays with them when she’s seventeen and she thinks nothing of it, letting him into her room along with a couple other of the old hooligan set, gardeners kids and the maid’s daughter and a few other younguns, because they’re gonna do what they’ve been doing since the first night he stayed with them once all the adults go to bed.

PILLOW FIGHTS!

except this one, oh it’s fun as can be but when 3:00 am strikes they all reckon they should probably go to sleep, so the kids sneak out her window and Elvis sneaks out her door to go to his room down the hall.

but alas!

somebody sees him, and my, my, ain’t that front page news the day after?!

And her daddy calls Elvis into his office furious, i mean, ‘what’s he thinking sneaking into his young daughters room in the middle of the night?’

I’m imagining Elvis trying to explain to her father and Governer’s all “yeah, sure, of course it was a pillow fight uhuh.” ��� “Mr Presley, you’ve already taken my hospitality for granted, don’t take me for a fool, too”

Governor had figured between that and the way Elvis had maintained good friendship and been a gentleman with the older sister. that the reports on him where exaggerated -but this!

I’m sorta imagining him calling Buttercup into his office too, partway through this, the Sweet Little Thing swears up and down it was just a pillow fight and even hikes up her skirt to show a bruise, assures her daddy it’s not so bad, she walloped Elvis real hard on his belly right back, “-won’t you show him, E?”

Which is… painfully innocent and also exposes Elvis as being a bit of uh…well…she’s comfy enough to hike her skirt up and demand to see his belly. What a mess.

But like, she’s from the debutante world, she’s seventeen, it’s prime time to be out and meeting boys and snagging s marriage and Elvis has gone and ruined it.

I think chiefly what I love about this possible Au is that it gives Elvis a chance to be impulsively chivalrous as he often was, — he offers to marry her.

And then it allows him to be regretful and lazy, which he also was, and postpone the thing indefinitely. Boarding school and model school and all sorts of engagements he visits her at, keeping up appearance and allowing himself the occasional slip of composure, she’s lovely after all. And likes him so very much. He just knows marrying would be the worst thing imaginable. It would, he’s not suited.

But it’s idiotic leaving a beautiful gem like that in the wild, she should be secure round his finger and chained to his side but he doesn’t see it, not when he’s so busy with his movies and such. Not until she’s in the papers again with a flock of fellas around her, not acting particularly engaged. It makes Elvis’ engaged blood boil. He visits her after that, be sure of it. He even hauls her to Paris and angrily demands a dress be chosen and tailored by the end of the week. By the wedding.

Well, anyway it’s all sorta leading up to what was in Honeymoon. Maybe not exactly the same universe but the whole concept and dynamic. Maybe he gets into diplomacy thanks to her father? I never have endings for my stories, only ever beginnings. Anyways. Innocence kink abounds here, lol. Except for the pillow fights, those are legit just fun.