#wearing more then one on one hand sounds freakin awful

[sekhisadventures]

Brightflame, Dim Memories

Valdrakken

Grimo scowled, sucking down a cigar as he walked through the city with two other members of Savage United. “So now she’s back AND she’s got a godsdamn dragon on her side?! Fuckin' fel that damn worgen keeps gettin' worse…” he snarled, flicking away the butt of the cigar as he finished and exhaling a cloud of foul smelling smoke that made the nose of one of his companions wrinkle up.

Sekhi was with him, the shamaness’ eyes watering at the awful stench of the cigar, but she didn’t want to say anything. Grimo’s song sounded exceptionally angry and scared right now, and she was afraid of setting the goblin off.

Their other companion had no issues with this, but then Grimo only came up to her knees. “Yeah, Mola’raum said that she almost got them from above when they found a village of gnolls that had been wiped out, likely by her. Jaie was with them and she and Mola are pretty sure that the wounds were inflicted by an axe… so we both know who that means.” replied Nitika, the goblin nodding as they thought of Az'arad and his penchant for such weapons. Dissonantia rarely did the dirty work herself, she was a demon summoner first and foremost which meant the actual killing was likely her minions and she harvested the souls as they finished them off.

“Great, well if nothin’ else that means we got a chance to finish what I’m workin’ on. If you guys see a demon, get somethin’ off ‘em. A tooth, a claw, a horn, ANYTHING. Sooner we got that, sooner I can finish it, miniaturize it, and make it portable. Then we got ‘em.” he nodded as the trio wandered past a stage set up in the city center.

“MY FELLOW DRAGONS!” came an excited sounding voice from the stage. A female goblin was standing on it wearing a shiny gold double-breasted suit over her small frame, along with a big pair of sunglasses decorated in rhinestones. She had a string of pearls around her neck and her fingers had enough gem-studded rings to qualify as fist weapons. “Today is your lucky day! My name is the Very Reverend Jezzi Fizcrank and I’m here to tell you the good news about Gold! That’s right, not gods, GOLD! Gold is the source of all happiness in Azeroth, don’t let anyone tell ya otherwise and, for a small small donation to my mission, I can show you all the secret path to everlasting happiness with GOLD! Step right up here and don’t be shy!” she called out as behind her a small choir of goblins sang a rather upbeat song about giving up your worldly possessions to earn more worldly possessions.

“Ugh… freakin’ Fizzcrank is here too… just what I fuckin’ wanted to see…” growled Grimo as they passed, very pointedly looking away from the stage as a few curious Dracthyr walked closer, one of them mentioning that he did like the idea of a nice hoard.

Sekhi looked at him curiously, “Um, ya know her?” asked the Vulpera, her ears flicking. The song was very catchy, but she could tell that like the woman’s suit while it held the appearance of gold it was very much not what it seemed.

“Yeah, little shit is one of the biggest con artists in all of Bilgewater Harbor. She ‘n her freakin’ cult lure in suckers year round ‘n bilk ‘em outta everything they got with th’ promise that donatin’ to her is gonna make ‘em rich.”

Nitika rolled her eyes at his words. She was a ‘priestess’ of sorts herself and Jezzi’s rather energetic sermon did annoy her a bit, but she wasn’t gullible enough to fall for it. “You’re just jealous she has more money than you Grimo.” she smirked down at him.

Grimo snarled and threw up his hands, “SHE’S SELLIN’ SNAKE OIL WITH NO SNAKES OR OIL! HOW TH' FUCK DOES SHE PULL THAT OFF?!” he barked, then fished out a fresh cigar and bit the tip off it, spitting it into the distance as he lit it while letting out a string of curses under his breath.

Sekhi giggled, a small chittering sound in her case, then she slowed as the other two kept going through the city. The vulpera’s ears perked, picking up faint traces of a person’s song reaching her. “Hm?” she yipped softly, looking over her shoulder, then padding off through the city as she followed the sounds.

Her feet carried her through the craftsman’s quarter, around past the bridge to the nursery set up for dragon whelps, and up some stairs until she found it’s source seated on a bench in the Obisidan Enclave. “Oh! Its ya again!” she said cheerfully as the bench’s occupant looked up at her.

Laura Brightflame was seated there, the dracthyr currently in her humanoid guise with her staff resting across her lap. “Oh hello, Sekhi right?” she asked. She had been lost in thought and hadn’t even noticed the vulpera at first.

“Yup!” she yipped cheerfully, “Ya okay? Your song sounded really sad… I could hear it all th' way up from infront of th' big tower…” she asked, cocking her head at the evoker.

“I… do not know…” she sighed, shaking her head, “The others are coping well enough, mostly… but… I cannot remember anything of what happened to us. What we were before we were sealed away. Just fragments and flashes. Nothing more.” she frowned. “I feel… I feel like I forgot something important, very very important… but I cannot recall what.”

Sekhi nodded, sitting on the bench next to her as her feet dangled off the edge. “Hmm… yeah I heard some of th' Dracthyr talkin’ bout that back in Orgrimmar. Guess ya guys were sleepin’ for a really really really long time huh?” she asked.

“… twenty thousand years, yes.” replied Laura. Her mind still reeled at all that had happened during their imprisonment. The fall of the Burning Legion, the defeat of the Old Gods, the arrival of the Orcish Horde… even the Sundering itself! They were imprisoned ten thousand years before the War of the Ancients ever happened!

Sekhi nodded, “That’s a yippin’ long nap, yup…” she replied, “You really can’t remember anything at all?” she asked.

Laura sighed, taking a deep breath, and closed her eyes. “There was… a battle, against a terrible foe. We were an army, under the command of Neltharion. Then… something terrible happened. Something broke, and we broke with it…” she rubbed at her temples, trying to pull on the small fragments of memory she had. “I… remember terror… the sound of thunder… my wingmates scattering in fear… flashes of… lightning… then… Neltharion did something… and…” she sighed, her shoulders sagging. “Nothing. The rest is just… it is like trying to remember a dream.”

 Sekhi’s ears drooped, the vulpera hearing the dracthyr’s song in her mind. A morose lament of loss and despair. “Um… yeah, wow…” she thought on that, then the flames in a nearby brazier caught in the wind and she heard a faint voice in her ears, a guitar mixed with a flute, and her ears caught the voice of the elements.

“I… might be able to help, but I’ll need to get some stuffs. Can ya, um, can ya meet me…” she looked around, “Um… over there, th' cliffside near that waterfall there, in about a day or so?” she asked.

Laura turned to face her, “Help? How?” she asked, looking confused.

“Well, Imma shaman… not like those Primalist jerks, but a proper shaman! I know some stuffs 'bout magic ‘n spirits ‘n stuffs!” she nodded with a little foxy grin, her tail swishing. “I gotta get some help settin’ up… but I think I can do somethin’!”

The next evening…

Laura flew over the cliffside in her dracthyr form, her wings spread out behind her. The vulpera seemed so certain she could help, but could she really? She was desperate though, she needed help from someone, and Sekhi was willing.

When she landed there were three others there besides Sekhi. A human man stood nearby, wearing elegant robes in a pandaren design and taking notes in a book he had with him using a sharpened charcoal stick. Also there was an orcish woman, but one of the red-skinned variety. She thinks that she heard them called ‘mag’har’ or something, though she didn’t know what the word meant.

Lastly, that tauren woman she’d seen on the boat to the Isles.

In the middle of them all was a large iron brazier with the vulpera fussing over the contents. “Okay… soooo… I swapped out th' dreamfoil from last time with some bubble poppy… ‘n th' branches are from local trees instead'a Mount Hyjal. Th' sand is some I scooped up from th' beach up north. But yeah, should do it… at least I think that’s what th' elements said would work…” she chittered as the mage’s charcoal scratched it’s way along the parchment.

“Interesting interesting…” he muttered. “I swear I’ve learned more about shamanistic rituals from you than most anyone else I’ve known.” he chuckled to her, looking up as Laura landed and resumed her visage form. “Ah, this must be the one you mentioned.” he said, tucking the charcoal and book away in his pouch and walking over. “Nelen Fullmoon of Gilneas, a pleasure.” he nodded to her. “I’m here to observe Sekhi’s ritual on behalf of the Kirin Tor. We’re always eager to see new forms of magic in use.”

Laura nodded to him, “You may call me Laura Brightflame.” she replied, looking somewhat nervous at the assembled group.

“Yeah I know you. You saved my ass when those Primalists came after the camp.” grinned the orc. “I owe ya. Name’s Galdia Grimaxe, you need someone to watch your back just yell.”

Laura nodded, letting out a nervous chuckle. She remembered Galdia from the boat ride over too… and how much damage she’d caused when the alcohol ran out.

“Alright!” yipped Sekhi, “I think we’re ready… so… Laura. Ya need to sit next to th' thingy…” she gestured to the brazier, “'n I’ll light it ‘n start playing my flute. Ya breathe a bit of th' smoke from it, then just try to think back… 'n if it works you should… well… remember somethin’… I hope.” she nodded. It was a variant of what she’d tried in the Shadowlands, but she also remembered how that one had gone awry as well.

Laura nodded, seating herself next to the brazier as the others scooted away. Nitika stood nearby, ready just in case. She had elected to come with Galdia for one very specific reason: if the ritual went badly wrong they would have an angry or panicked Dracthyr on their hands and in terms of sheer physical prowess they were the strongest of their allies. They would try not to hurt her, but their strength may be needed to restrain her.

“Okay!” yipped Sekhi, sitting down opposite Laura on the far side of the brazier. “Just… take a breath, listen, 'n let your thoughts do their thing.” she nodded, clicking her claws together as a spark flew from them to the mix in the bowl, which caught and soon began to smolder.

Sekhi put her flute to her muzzle, then began to play a soft gentle tune as she closed her eyes. After a moment she opened one, then glanced meaningfully between Laura and the bowl.

The dracthyr hesitated, then nodded and leaned in, taking a breath and coughing just a bit from the smoke.

For a long moment, nothing happened at all… then slowly Laura began to feel strangely detatched, as if the world around her was fading away.

“What… is happening…” she muttered, “I feel…” she began, her voice trailing off as her eyes drifted shut.

She thought she heard someone calling her name, her true name, over and over…

Then her eyes flew open, but she was in her true form once more, and all around her was chaos.

“LAURELGOSA! THE RELIC IS DESTROYED! WE HAVE TO GO, NOW!” cried another dracthyr, shaking her frantically. They had crimson scales and were wearing hooded robes.

There were dracthyr everywhere, some wounded, others dead, most of them in states of panic, and above them the sky exploded with lightning.

“DEATH TO THE SLAVES OF THE TITANS! DEATH TO THE DEFILERS OF AZEROTH!” roared a furious voice above them as Laurelgosa’s head snapped upwards.

Above them was a massive protodrake with violet scales, it’s body crackling with electricity as it unleashed a blast of elemental fury at the ground before it. A bolt of lightning so huge it was more akin to a laser cannon than a simple storm strike.

“Raszageth…” she whispered, her eyes wide. That’s right, they were fighting the Incarnates when it all went wrong.

“Laurelgosa! Focus!” shouted the other dracthyr. “Raszageth destroyed the Oathbinder! We must gather the others and escape while we can!”

“Oathbinder? I… I don't…” she stammered out, her eyes wide.

“Damn it all! You're still in shock from the control breaking! I will explain all later, but now we must…” the dracthyr snarled, then suddenly looked up as the sound of thunder rolled, “She's coming back! Laurelgosa! LOOK OUT!” they shouted, spreading their wings and flapping as hard as they could, shoving her away from them.

Laurelgosa let out a loud cry, flying backwards as the dracthyr flew away the other direction… and then came the lightning. She felt her chest catch as she saw a beam of energy slam down into the ground inches from where the crimson dracthyr was, hearing a scream of agony.

She ran forward as the beam dissipated, Raszageth flying into the air and cackling above her at the chaos spreading below, and saw the crimson scaled dracthyr laying in a pool of blood. Raszageth’s breath had shattered the ground around them, sending rock flying everywhere, and it had shredded their wings and scales. The extreme heat of her breath had scorched what wasn’t bleeding, one of their eyes was gone entirely.

“Laurelgosa…” they gasped, reaching out a clawed hand. “Leave me… run from here… don’t… let them…” they whispered hoarsely.

Laurelgosa’s eyes widened, but the crimson dracthyr suddenly coughed. a horrible wet sound, and Laurelgosa saw a jagged shard of rock protruding from their chest. Their arm fell to the ground, the light going out in their remaining eye.

“Jakrostrasz!” she gasped, thrusting her hand out infront of her, then yelping and pulling it back, stuffing her thumb in her mouth as she burned it on the brazier as the others cried out in alarm. Sekhi dropped her flute in her lap in shock as Nitika winced in sympathy to the burn, Galdia snorting a bit and standing ready to grab the dracthyr if needed.

“AUGH!” gasped Laura, shaking her hand and looking around. She was back in the present now, or had she ever truly left? She couldn’t tell.

“I… I remember…” she whispered, “We fought..." she hesitated, the Horde and Alliance were keeping the truth behind the leaders of the Primalists secret to avoid causing panic among their populace, "... a deadly enemy twenty thousand years ago. I was in shock, something had broken and… it had freed me from… something? I…” she shuddered, remembering the dracthyr’s face, “I… saw my clutchmate die right infront of me. He was wounded, but I could not think clearly… and… I could not save them.” she whispered, staring at the burn mark already swelling on their thumb.

Nelen had his notebook out, the charcoal stick moving like a blur. “Astounding… so the dracthyr were sealed following a battle with a major foe, but what was that about being ‘freed?’” he asked, looking up at her.

She shook her head, “I cannot recall… my clutchmate, Jakrostrasz, seemed to know what had happened. I just remember…” she screwed up her eyes, “A feeling of… order, perfection, we were all united somehow… then the battle came and…” she hesitated, trying to hold onto the memories, “He said something about a relic being broken. I can recall no more.” she shook her head, looking to the brazier… perhaps another breath.

Sekhi yipped, then shook her head, “NO! I mean, no… it ain't safe to do it again so soon! Th' elements are telling that’s really dangerous, like ya could get lost in your memories bad!” she insisted, slapping out a rhythm against her thigh with her hands. When she did a sudden miniature rainstorm appeared above the brasier, just long enough to extinguish the burning within. “We can try again maybe in a few weeks, but ya gotta wait.”

She nodded, “I see… then, I will wait.” she replied, rubbing at the blister on her thumb with her fingertip. Inside however she wanted to dive back in right away. Jakostrasz had been trying to tell her something before he died, but what? What was he talking about when he said ‘freed?’ Freed from what?

Would she ever know the answer now?

Next Story

Previous Story

[roguecanoe]

Mag 182: Wellbeing

[lolita-lollipop]

Can you do a wonderland Au with the Yandere platonic erasermic family and the reader was in a car accident and somehow was transported to wonderland I’m thinking the whole family might be the red heart kingdom Rulers thanks for listening hope you had a great day 😊✌️

(SOFT) YANDERE ERASERMIC FAMILY X FEMALE READER

WONDERLAND AU, ROYAL FAMILY OF HEARTS

You are very welcome anon! I love the erasermic family, they’re just... I can’t explain it, here you go!

-I’m realizing this after I finished the whole thing, but you said in your additive to the request “when she wakes up she sees a royal family member” but my idiot brain read it as “she is a royal family member”, so I used a prompt similar to that, I’m not goi N to change it unless you ask, I hope it’s okay!

*unedited, so there are probably many grammar mistakes

———————————————————————-

It was just litterally any normal day, you woke up, got ready in your school uniform(consisting of a black skirt and black polo shirt), ate, and walked out the door to walk to school. Yes, it was raining, but did you wnat to wake mom up to explain that she needed to take you to school? No, so you toughened up and walked out in the frigid rain, with an umbrella of course, you knew this path by heart, being as you’ve walked it for four years, so it’s not all that hard.

That’s what you had thought at least, it was all easy, there was virtually nothing that could go wrong here, that is until the water started puddling up in the edges of the road, you only had a few blocks more to go so you thought you could make it. You thought you’d be alright, this wasn’t bad!Just a little rain!

You were proved wrong through, when you stopped to let the small black cat on the sidewalk, it purred into your hand, deciding that it liked you, this is a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, a car went swerving off the road onto the sidewalk, where you were, one second you were just standing under the light purple umbrella, the next...

CRASH

your head was cracked open and bleeding, shattered glass everywhere, the water around you slowly was stained with the defeaning color of blood, the last thing you were able to hear before your mortality ended, was the yell of worry coming from a man in the crushed car, and the thought running in your head “I should’ve just asked mom to drive me”.

You shouldn’t have stopped to pet that cat

———

“Where am I? Oh god I’m dead aren’t I? But... what?” You questioned, it had come as quite the suprise to you when you woke up not in a hospital bed, but instead in some... forest of mushrooms? Or something of the sort, you were still wearing the same school uniform, but the skirt was ripped all the way up to your thigh, showcasing a bit too much leg for your comfort. This was... weird, to say the least, the colors were so vibrant and bright that they almost looked fake, like you had taken some weird drug or something that made you hallucinate... and oh Cracker your head hurts, really, REALLY, bad.

“OFF WITH HIS HEAD I SAY, OFF WITH IT!” A loud voice rang through what you thought was and endless showcase of mushrooms, you tilted your head towards the sound, at least you know there is some form of human here, not just a inch of freakin mushrooms. You didn’t even notice the small black cat file and plant itself right next to you, until you felt it’s papery younger brush your elbow, you snapped your head towards it, before “aweing” at the small thing. Before you could reach your hand out to touch it though, it walked off into the mushrooms, looking back at you for a moment as if it wanted you to follow.

“Wait! Where are you going?” You yelled after it, standing up on your feet, chasing after the little black cat, it’s not like you knew what else to do. You hesitated touching the wall of huge mushrooms growing everywhere to follow the cat, but soon proceeded forward in your journey, spreading apart them and jumping over with a small huff. The cat looked back with its big, yellow, eyes wide, before turning right back again and continue int forward. Sooner or later it paused again, planting its little butt right back on the (glittery black) pathway, it let you catch up for the moment, it and brought you too, a sight of sorts.

It looked aged, a red-ish wood, multiple arrows pointing in different directions were fitted to it like a spiral, black and white lettering was printed differently on each different point. They read as such:

“

Mad hatters house

Caterpillar lodge

Rabbit manor

The wild woods

Fiori gardens(beware of poisonous weeds)

Castle of hearts

“

“What the heck... wait up! Stop running off like that!” You yelled at the black kitty, who continued on his merry way, towards this “castle of hearts”, litttle flowers were planted along the path, the actual petals resembling the “heart cards” that you would find in a deck of cards. This place was odd, but pretty amazing, maybe you were in a coma or something, and this was your brain, that’s large only logical explanation to whatever this is.

“Princess! You know your fathers hate it when you wander so far off!” A male voice spoke form behind you, reeling around, you saw a yellow haired man, a lighting bolt was engraved in the side of it in pure black, his outfit was a fitted black suit, card sticking out of every pocket, a heart and a spade was painted across his face, and he had a large knife hanging form his jeans. You sent another glance to the cat, who had completely disappeared, this guy latched himself onto your arm, joking his own through yours... did he just call you princess? Fathers? What?

“I’m sorry... what?” You asked, attempting to back up, his faces into one of slight shock mixed with a tad bit of fear, he continued walking, holding you close to him as if you would break any second. You jsut kidnof followed in pure confusion.

“Did you hit your head again?Oh gosh, you silly girl, you’ve been hanging out with hatter again haven’t you? I swear every time you do you always ending up bumping your head on some wierd teakettle or mushroom or something like that, I told you didn’t I? He even gave you some odd peasent clothing!” he lectured, quickening his pace in a huff, you bright your unoccupied hand up to your head to touch your forehead, checking for any dried blood or scar bumps, but nothing was there, just a normal old forehead. Is this what a fever dream feels like?

“Uh- I- where are we- no scratch that, I by am I here? And who are you?”you spluttered, finally coming to and ripping your arm away, the man just chuckled, acting like whatever this is, is normal. He just continues dragging you along the red bricked path, muttering something along the lines of “stupid hatter, gonna get me in trouble”.

“I’m quite suprised you didn’t come back with blue hair again, that was such a pain to get ou- OH! My king! I have retrieved your daughter for you, it seems as if one of the cats had lead her back here... uhm... she was back at hatters house again...” he muttered, awaiting one of the kings in this kingdom to explode with rage, instead the overly loud- and eccentric king swiftly shuffled to you, shoving off the man to the side, and wrapping his arms completely around you. His face held the expression of pure worry

“You let her run off with that hag again? Do you even know what dangers she could get into? What if she ran into the Cheshire Cats? Hmmm? You are very lucky I like you, boy, or to it head would be rolling in a matter of seconds” he chided, speaking my as if you weren’t right there, immediately he picked you up off the ground, carrying you off bridal style to who knows where, before you could squirm again or ask any questions about what the hell was going on, he screamed.

“SERVANTS, RUN MY DAUGHTER A BATH AND GET HER SOME NEW CLOTHING, I NEED HER KNEES BANDAGED UP, QUICKLY” he screamed out, immediately you had many, many people rush out of the castle doors, all with the same print on their face and cards everywhere, they marched in a line formation, succesfully scaring the hell out-of you, it looked as if they were just about to trample you and this... guy, before you were pulled out of his arms, being held under your armpits like a cat, and being dragged off. Your attempts to struggle were completely useless, and the man who jsut self claimed the title of “father” gave you a little wave goodbye while you squirmed.

———

It wasn’t long before you realized that these people were completely serious, tearing the school uniform off your body and setting you into the warm water, little heart shaped petals were scattered throughout the mass amount of bubbles, you of course didn’t have time to acknowledge the beauty of it, as there were over 10 people in here, half of them being guys, and you were completely nude, and a 14 year old, so this... this is mortifying. You’d can’t even fight back because your focusing on on not drowning right now. This water is way to deep to be considered a bathtub, it’s more like a whole swimming pool.

It hadn’t been long until you were scrubbed completely clean, exfoliated, moisturized, and a whole lotta other stuff you didn’t even know. The whole time you were squirming) slightly crying) and just genuinely trying to understand what the heck you are supposed to do, luckily, the male “servants” as they called themselves, exited the room when your entire body was pulled out of the bubbly water. When the process was finished, you couldn’t spot a speck of dirt on your entire body, and you smelled oddly like cotton candy. A girl helped you get dressed, shoving you into a lacy, lolita, dress thing, long socks, and thes shoes with buckle on them that your have to have help to take off later, all red and white, it was like they were dressing you up to look like one of those fancy porcelain dolls. All you could really wonder was “what in the fuck is happening”

“What the hell...” you muttered under your breath as you stared at the vast field, there was a crowd of people standing behind an iron fence, and four large thrones at the far top of the field. A little girl with a tiny tiara sat in one, along with two grown men, one being the you man whom you met earlier, and the other looking tired and bored of everything, the younger teen, who looked about your age, held the same exact expression, bored. That is until they saw you, all members of whatever this was straightened and brighten at your appearance in the the field.

“Y/N! Your finally here!you look so cute!” The little girl screamed, skitteri over to you with a bright smile on her face, apparently your depth perception is absolute Crap, because as she got closer, it came to you that you both were literally the same height, no cap at all, she was tall. Immediately cupping your hand in her own, she pulled you through the tall flowers, closer to the thrones, you dug your feet into the ground. In situations like this one, You are both helpless and clueless, considering anyone here has the ability to complete overpower you, and you still, have n o i d e a what’s going on.

“Oh, uh, thank you? Yeah, thanks. Where are w-“ for some stupid reason, no one ever lets you get a scentence out, the girl paused your speaking, giving you another large smile, before bopping your nose and dragging you 10x harder than she had been previously.

“We’re gonna miss it if we keep talking! Cmon Cmon Cmon Cmon Cmon!” She yelled, at this point. She was outright sprinting, keep in mind, you are wearing these chunky little heels, you never wear heels, so trying to run in them was hell, almost impossible. Eventually you had arrived at the thrones, which now looked utterly humongous. The three me. Sitting there all had their eyes pinned directly onto you, the black haired one started speaking the moment you got into hearing range.

“I’m done with you going to see that little wench over in that cook house, i will install a fence to keep you here with us if I have t-“

“You know, I really outta talk your little ears off about staying over at his house for that long, but we have a show tonight, and I think you might like it this time little one, we’re all just glad your safe and cozy back with us. Now... BEGIN!” He said, pulling you in his lap along with the other girl, a “servant” told you her name was eri, he wrapped his arms around your torso, pulling you close into his chest. Immediately after he yelled, a few people reeled in this stand thing, a man was latched into it... he almost looked firmiliar

“NO WAIT! IM SORRY, IM SORRY MY KINGS! PLEASE DONT DO THIS! I HAVE A FAMILY!” The man screamed out at the thrones you were sat on, the two “kings” scowled, while ten younger prince sat there in amusement. You then realized who it was... that was the guy, you know, the last face you ever saw befor you ended up... here. He ran you over with that car, you also came to the realization of what was going to happen. To him, his arms and legs were chained off in a wooden thigh, and a redwood guillotine was also being transported onto the field... they’re not gonna kill him right? It was an accident. They can’t just-

“OFF WITH HIS HEAD, HE HAS MADE A PERSONAL OFFENSE TO THE ROYAL HEART FMAILY” the yellow haired man screamed out, waving his hands manically, the blade came down, the man continued struggling, you let out a scream when his head detached from his body, you could see the inside of his neck, blood was getting everywhere. He thought you’d enjoy this? This, murder! There has to be a law against that or something. It started as a few tears, but then friends quickly into outright sobbing, you have no idea where you are, these people are treating you like some stupid child, and you jsut witnessed a murder of an innocent person. This is so messed up, this has to be some hallucination right?

^^^Right?^^^

“Oh baby, I’m sorry, I should’ve known it would scare you. I thought maybe you would like it a bit more than last time, tahts my fault, no need to cry anymore, I’ll make it all better. I’m sorry.” H the man spoke while eri held one of her hand on your back, he did a full 180, comforting you, and trying to calm you down. The pressure of your situation weighed down on your shoulders, doing absolutely nothing to help right now, jsutsmiung you cry even harder.

“I think that’s enough for the day. Let’s go to bed, it’s almost nighttime in a few minutes anyway” the man who you remembered name was hizashi from the lesson you were given while you wer bathing, spoke up, it was big nighttime. It was completely still bright outside. That’s odd. He sent a glare to the sky and clapped twice, and it immediately changed from the bright (almost too bright) blue, too a dimmer purpley orange color. The crowd faded out, and you were picked up, how in the charmers of hell did he just do taht?

———

If took a very short time for you and the two adults to arrive to whatever they deemed worthy for sleeping, the two siblings of yours(self proclaimed of course) had wished you goodbye, the purple haired one clearly having a bit more common sense and did nothing but kiss you on the forehead, clearly not wanting t overwhelm you more than you already were.

They helped you get out of thebuncomfortable set of clothing you were shoved into just hours before, instead opting for a small nightgown that for you perfectly, it wasn’t to tight, but also wasn’t too loose, leaving you with a very comfortable fit. The best part about it (in these peoples eyes at least) was that it matched their own silk pajamas, the heart designs embellished on the fabric matching your own. The gave you the choice of sleeping on your own, or sleeping with them, with obviously you chose to sleep independently, so you were carried off to your room. Where you were then forced to drink a glass of water, and then get into bed.

“Goodnight little one” Aizawa spoke, giving you a peck on the head he stared at you until you told him Goodnight back, th same thing repeated for the others, they walked out, sending in a few servants to also wish you Goodnight. One in particular stayed, placing a small rose upon your bedside.

“Goodnight darling, see you soon.” Then you were met with eyes, not one of a human, but one of a cat. Big, yellow orbs crowded your vision, the same ones from earlier, from the same cat that lead you here. The cat no longer looked so cute though, as a simply Cheshire manic smile was plastered upon its face, it hopped up onto your window, and was on its way out in almost seconds. That cat lead you here, that cat is the reason your caught up in this mess, that cat really messed you up,

That cat did this to you

———————————————————————

Tell me if it was terrible! I can fix it!

Have a wonderful day! Goodbye!

[sunjaesol]

THE MANY CRUSHES OF LUKE PATTERSON... AND THE ONE THAT STUCK

💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌

1982

Luke Patterson's first crush ever was Haley Martin. He adored the colour of her hair — like the clementines his mom bought — and the way she finger-painted, enough for his four year old eyes to stare at her in awe.

He watched her make mud pies in the sandbox from the monkey bars, only to ruin them to get a rise out of her. He couldn't understand why she didn't like him the way he did, so he nagged his mom to explain.

"Teasing girls should be fun for them too, sweetheart," she soothed. "This Haley clearly didn't like it."

He blinked. "Huh?"

Her smile stayed warm, similar to hot chocolate and whenever grandpa conjured candies from behind his ear. "Why don't you share your grapes with her tomorrow? I'm sure she'll like that."

His nose scrunched up. "Why?"

"Because it's sweet, Luke."

"I don't get that," he shrugged. "But I'll try."

The next day, he sat beside her during storybook time and that seemed to help a little already. By the time it was lunch, her mood was lifted, which excited him too, and urged him to offer the grapes.

It earned him a featherlight kiss on the cheek.

Luke squeaked in surprise, flushing a firetruck red, to which she giggled and plopped another grape in her mouth.

Three days later, his crush was gone from his mind and he began sharing his grapes with his new friend Reginald instead.

1986

"Can you ask Jessica what she thinks of me?" Luke hurriedly whispered, eyes flickering between Reggie and the girl from across the courtyard.

Normally, Luke Patterson exuded confidence. The resident class clown, always opening his jaw to react to the teacher without raising his hand, catching fights with stupid classmates, sneaking into dad's stationwagon to create mixtapes.

Fearlessness was his freaking middle name. (It was actually Beck, but whatever. He wished it was something cool like Duran Duran though.)

But when it came to girls... he got so nervous. Because they were girls! He didn't understand them! They hated rambunctious boys and only listened to stupid pop music and blabbered about how they stole makeup from their sisters.

Jessica, however, somehow made his heart flutter and his stomach twist up. She just looked cool in her dungarees and she had a pretty smile and she didn't wear that overwhelming, sugary perfume that was now popular.

Reggie snickered, in the way only eight year old boys could. "You liiiiiiike her!"

"No!" He scowled. "I–I'm just curious."

"Sure," he drawled, but then shrugged in agreement, the oversized leather jacket rustling on his shoulders. He stole it from his older brother after he saw him kissing (!!!) some girl and figured it held some magic to impress the ladies with.

"Just do it!"

With a dramatic flourish, the boy left their hiding spot, Luke lurking around the corner of the alcove to watch. Jessica looked up from her hard work of creating friendship bracelets and smiled at Reggie.

Oh, gosh. She was pretty.

A minute later, a sheepish Reg slowly crawled back to him, cheeks red and fiddling with the zipper of his jacket.

Luke grabbed his shoulders, urgent. "What did she say?"

"Uh... well..."

"C'mon, dude!"

Reggie sighed. "She... likes me, buddy. Sorry."

His hopeful face crashed into one of devestation, quickly covering it up with a laugh and a squeeze of the shoulder. Oh, man, what would Steven Tyler do?

"That– that's dope!"

In the end, Reggie and Jessica were boyfriend and girlfriend for a week while he wrote an angry poem about how stupid dungarees were.

Huh... it was surprisingly good.

1988

"Hey, Luke," Gwenn greeted, shy, tucking her hands in her Camp Wacky Rocka hoodie. "I really liked that song you made about your guitar."

Jumping from the tree branch to the ground, Luke dazzled her with an appreciative smile. From above, Reggie and their new friend Alex watched on curiously.

"Thanks!"

Who would've thought that summer camp would be the first time he made a real, girl friend! Gwenn was super cool and she played the saxophone and she liked Joan Jett and her hair was all curly and big and it reminded him of pretty clouds.

Looking over her shoulder, he noticed a gaggle of girls staring at them. Like they were waiting.

Gwenn stared at him. "Can you close your eyes?"

He frowned. "Why?"

"Just 'cause."

Whatever. Maybe she wanted to show him something cool and would stick it in his hand. Complying, he closed his eyes and impatiently waited, bouncing on his heels.

"So?"

Suddenly, he felt a light, warm touch on his mouth and — oh! She was kissing him!

Luke staggered back in surprise, gawking at a blushing Gwenn as she squeaked a sorry and ran back to the now giggling and screeching girls. They ran away like a flock of birds.

It was a dare! His first kiss, stolen by a dare!

His boys jumped down beside him, awed.

Reggie hollered. "You kissed Gwenn!"

"I don't get it," Alex muttered.

Luke's face twisted up in a sour expression. Camp Wacky Rocka should be all about the music and becoming legends and Gwenn ruined it!

He stuck his tongue out. "Whatever. Let's go to the mess hall!"

1989

When Luke turned eleven, he kissed someone for real.

His birthday party was at the arcade, loud chatter and robotic sounds clashing together in an amazing cacophony. His parents hated the place, which is why Luke loved it.

Of the twenty guests, Yasmine clapped the loudest after he finished his song with the boys — Math Is For Losers! — and grabbed his hand as they walked to a duel game.

Luke felt fuckin' giddy the entire time. (Freakin' in front of his parents, fuckin' with friends.) The swoop in his stomach, his cheeks stretched into a wide beam.

Freshly eleven and the king of the arcade, he boldly asked if he could kiss her.

She smiled, her purple headband glittering in the neon lights, and nodded.

It was short and warm and her lips tasted like pink lemonade and sour gummies and it gave him an entirely new buzz. It was exciting.

He kissed her a couple more times the days after, eager and curious, until she claimed she was now only interested in twelve year old boys.

Since Luke now held the record of most kisses between him, Alex and Reggie, he wasn't too bothered by it. They shook hands, complimented each other on the kissing, and that was that.

1992

"Are you or are you not my boyfriend?" Olivia bit, crossing her arms.

Luke sighed, lazy gaze drifting from her to his band waiting by their bikes. Damn, he thought having a girlfriend would be way easier. Why was she so tense?

"I am," he said. "Why do you think I'm not?"

"Because you ignore me, like, all the time!" Pouting, she fiddled with the hem of her tartan skirt. "And now you're going to be with your band!"

He shrugged. "You can come with us and listen, if you want."

Luke met Olivia this year as deskmates in French class. Her raven hair was long and thick and her lips were all shiny from lip gloss and maybe he got a little cocky, thinking he could be dating the hottest girl of freshman year, so he naturally asked her out.

Maybe he should've considered beforehand whether they had anything in common, but he'd always been the overzealous type. And besides... she was a good kisser.

She scoffed. "That's not any better. Whatever. I'll just hang with Tina and Priscilla then. Laters!"

Plopping a kiss on his lips, she turned around and stalked to her whispering friends. Luke puffed, adjusted the beanie and made his way to the boys.

Girls were confusing.

"I bet dating boys is easier," Alex mused. "Like, equally terrifying, but also... easier. I think. Maybe."

Bobby laughed. "How's the girlfriend, Luke?"

"Ha ha," he deadpanned. "Let's go. I got this new song, Crooked Teeth, and it's a fucking banger!"

Olivia broke up with him after Sunset Curve's first, official gig at the arcade with the explanation that he loved music more than her. He never loved her to begin with, so maybe that was the problem.

She made out with Bobby that same night.

Holy shit, man. He supposed that bitter feeling at the sight of them tasted like rock 'n roll, the one thing he actually craved.

What a funny, funny feeling. (He wrote a hell of a lot of songs about it after. He never quite looked at Bobby the same way either.)

1995

"Hey, Maisie." Leaning against the locker beside the girl, he shot her a million dollar smile. "You comin' to our gig tonight? It's at The Orpheum."

Maisie was fucking awesome. Always in short, flowery dresses and fishnet tights and thick eyeliner like a rockstar, always listening to something new on her walkman. She came from a rich family, but that didn't hinder them from becoming friends.

Her jaw fell slack in awe, him instantly gaining more confidence. Ducking his head to meet her eye, he leaned a little closer. He knew damn well what he was doing, and he got a thrill every time it worked.

"Really?" She gasped. "That's awesome! I'll so be there!"

"Sweet," he grinned. "And stay after too."

A brow quirked up, intrigued. "Why?"

He shrugged. "Just 'cause."

"Right," she drawled. "Nothing is 'just because' with you, Luke."

"And that's why you gotta stay," he teased, nudging her shoe with his. "To find out."

If they rocked that gig and he felt like a fucking legend, he hoped it would end with the two of them hooking up. He wasn't interested in dating — having learned his lesson after Olivia — and he knew she wasn't either, but she was fun.

And that was the most important to him: to have fucking fun. Luke Patterson was here for a good time, not a long time.

And if nothing happened between him and Maisie, then he'd still feel like a legend. In a couple of hours, he was going to play at The Orpheum! How gnarly was that?!

2022

Twenty-seven years later, Luke was still seventeen years old. While he preferred to not question the science behind ghostly activities — he flunked physics anyway — he was happy that he froze at this age.

Because Julie was seventeen, too.

And, man. He was madly in love with her.

He loved everything, from the babyhairs curling around her ears, to her voice and compassionate soul, to her beautiful smile, all the way to her cute, doodled sneakers.

Her epic music taste, her snark, the way she always found his gaze, the way she finished his lyrics, the way she always knew what to say to make him feel better.

His heart melted to a flickering candle whenever she hugged him, a raging wildfire erupting between every kiss. He was a fool for her.

"Stop moving," she giggled, one hand coming up to hold his chin.

He grinned, "Sorry, Jules."

Shifting closer, she dabbled more glitter on his cheeks. They were playing at a black-light club tonight, so Julie and Flynn bought all the glow in the dark makeup available at the store for the occasion.

They looked ridiculous in daylight, Julie's weirdly pink lipstick claiming all his attention, but he knew they'd look fucking cool once the lights went down.

"You want to watch a movie after the gig?" she whispered.

Luke rolled his eyes, playful. "You're gonna fall asleep."

"Yeah." With a bashful tilt of the shoulder, she leaned in closer. "But then you'll be with me."

"Julie! How scandalous," he teased, though his chest swelled at the thought of having some alone time, some cuddle time, with Julie.

"So?"

Murmuring a yes, he closed the little distance to kiss her, sealing the deal, only for her to chase after him — an attempt to wipe the lipstick stain off his lips.

"Nah, keep it." A smirk grew. "So the people know."

She tsked. "Idiot."

"You like it."

"I'm still taking it off though, seeing as you're supposed to be a hologram," she pointed out. "But... you can kiss my lipstick away after the show."

He sighed, dreamy. "I love you."

Finishing his glitter and removing the stain, she dazzled him with a satisfied smile. "Love you too."

She rose up from the couch and went to search for Reggie, the boy likely with Carlos. For a moment, Luke was alone in the studio, allowing himself to sink into that warm, fuzzy feeling.

No matter how many blunders he went through with girls — Haley, Jessica, Gwenn, Yasmine, Olivia, Maisie — they all prepared him, in one way or the other, for Julie.

To not only recognise when an awesome girl was standing right in front of him, but also how to treat her — because Julie Molina deserved the fucking world.

Even if that world now included the supernatural.

Whatever. They were all a little crazy.

💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌

@bluefirewrites @blush-and-books @pink-flame @ourstarscollided @constantly-singing @unsaid-emily @willexx

[organic-guacamole]

episode 210 here we go

awww seb doing the intro

congratulations to milky white and her baby chocolate milk😌

seb is so funny

but seriously, clean up that milk fast or else it will smell so bad in there....

was that Lauryn just randomly doing cartwheels? idk any theatre kids irl but that seems like it's a common thing...

is it just me or has ms Jenn been getting more harsh to Ricky and Seb mainly-

like what did they do to her

no because I actually snorted with laughter at the "you came back" WHAT IS THAT VOICE-

AND THE MASK OMG

yeah so my throat hurts now

I'm dying over here

KOURTNEY'S FACE

SAME GIRL SAME

Ricky's fake death got the whole place in tears /s

he looks like an asthmatic walrus

Seb's on piano, I love

we all know if he was the beast we'd all actually be crying✋

ok but I listen to Julia's version of home on Spotify when I want to cry-

right so gimme a second

is Ricky scratching his face.....while he's dying?

"belle i-" *flop*

round of applause to Ashlyn for trying to make Ricky's earthworm seizure look less.... yknow

Kourtney's just dying there

WAIT IS THAT NATALIE

did she really just disappear for 9 episodes just to come back and stare dramatically into the camera

WAIT SCRATCH THAT SHES HERE TO MURDER ASHLYN AND RICKY

oh so Ricky's wearing a gay shirt now too

so that's the real reason why Rini broke up, see y'all next season when Gini and caswen become canon /j

wait that was a long intro scene-

what was that look Carlos-

TALK TO MY BOY OR ELSE

carlos' run is so funny to me

therapist Ashlyn to the rescue

"that is...super" son you good?

ms Jenn call Benjamin, he would willingly put his loved ones on a rocket and blast them into Venus for you....

maybe

"I don't want you kids to be disappointed" girl you do realise you're the one that's most invested in this?

"a smooth opening night" wasn't there just 1 show though-

like their opening night was closing night too

"I think I was Troy at one point" PLEASE THATS THE MOST ACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF THE SEASON 1 FINALE

me Jenn looks like a serial killer during that clap and I'm lowkey scared for zacky

"I have notes"

oo if you're taking suggestions, lemme get my list

"mother is freaking out" uhhhhhh

right....'mother"

"is everyone sitting down?"

*looks around awkwardly*

*big red slowly sits*

"no..."

please seb was the only one sitting-

does that mean Carlos looked at Seb as soon as he walked in and assumed that everyone else was sitting too or am I a seblos clown🤡

"is this about the transformation"

WOW MAYBE OT IS RICKY

WOW HES A DETECTIVE FOR FIGURING THAT OUT SO QUICK🤩

YO WHY IS NATALIE HERE-

she just shows up when it's convenient? is she gonna be at the sleepover too?

Seb's heavy swallow after Carlos shouts at him makes me so sad

"I never learned how to lie but I figure if I keep my mouth closed, I can't tell the truth" *nods and smiles at Nini when she asks*

why are they casually standing up all over the pizza shop, just sit at a big table and talk instead of blocking passageways and blocking off at least 6 tables-

"how about I invite myself" WHY DO PEOPLE ALWAYS FEEL THE NEED TO INVITE THEMSELVES TO ASHLYN'S HOUSE-

YOU CAN ASK BUT JUST FORCE YOUR WAY IN?

so Cash Caswell has a bigger house than... Dennis Caswell.... who would've thought

ah yes there's the good old EJ 1.0

Nini: "boys vs girls"

Gina: *looks devastated and glances longingly at EJ*

way to be inconspicuous

"but north high should be" *cracks her knuckles in the most uncomfortable way*

good for Ashlyn for getting more confident though

oo bossy big red

"i get bossy around the power tools"

is that why Ashlyn was holding up the drill in episode 8 orrrr 🤠

oh

Lily, leave him alone please

she's literally not blinking, is that what makes her creepy?

the diss at big red and his face afterwards is priceless

isn't that similar to what Gina's mom said to her in season 1? hmmmm

but seriously please don't try to redeem lily, let us have a character to hate, or to love because they're evil.

not everyone's a good guy.

"im not liked here and I don't know what to do"

let antoine finish his salad and it'll fix everything

"hug emoji" *gags*

y'all realize Lily's literally 14?

why is she calling a 16/17 year old from another school for personal advice-

"he gets weird around tools"

I shouldn't be laughing so hard

"deja vu maybe?" awkward silence

I'm dying here I love EJ so so so so much

"where's seb"

*cuts to seb being held hostage hoping that they'd notice he's missing and go look for him*

"don't ask"

"oh ok"

"100% real faux fur" as you should queen

sponsored by target

Kourtney is singlehandedly saving the entire show.

Seb making finger guns make me happier than it should

why is this kinda making me want to have a co-ed sleepover with my non-existent theatre friends

YES YOU DO NEED TO TALK/SING TO SEB CARLOS THANK YOU FOR KNOWING THAT

wait what-

you haven't talked to him all WEEK-

Carlos are you stupid /hj

Benjamin is so adorable I can't

he turned around to come back for her instead of going home. you're "what do you want Jenn🙄X act isn't fooling anyone Benjamin 🙃

10101

1+4+16= 21st?

they placed 21st?

or do I just not remember how to convert to base ten

GIRL DON'T BE RUDE TO HIM, HE'S GONNA SAVE YALL

no ms Jenn, the kids are not eccentric 35 year olds.

aww sebby

is he thinking that Carlos is only with him cuz he's the only other openly gay guy at school-

son you are a perfect little bean don't put yourself down

yes they all ship portwell as they should.

they'll be throwing risotto at the wedding.

not the chocolates. stop there are no chocolates. please stop I'm dying.

Gina you don't have to explain yourself to her

it was a misunderstanding and it's in the past

why is Ashlyn still laughing-

exactly it wasn't a big deal please just move on Nini

Kourtney really be out here saving everything

WHY IS ASHLYN STILL LAUGHING

why do I feel like when Gina finally told Ash about it, she didn't think it was that funny but wanted to feel included in the inside joke so now she brings it up randomly to show that she's in on it....I totally don't do that...

"idk, the farmer type" oh son...

Ashlyn and big red are just spilling the secrets back and forth huh?

OOO EJ AND GINA SITTING IN A TREE K-I-S-S-I-

cmon guys don't look at me like that-

"she is the best" and "we're buddies" don't sound right together

"pretty boy" "sweet boy" best ways to describe EJ

I love him.

and aw he's scared of rejection so he'll hold back just to keep her happy and not awkward how sweet

is Ricky wondering if letting her go(literally his song from last episode) was the best thing he did for Nini because he doesn't feel like it now? hmmm this is getting good

why is everyone so invested in Kourtney and Howie's relationship

PACK UP THE LAZY RICKY THING

oh yes Benji, that's exactly what she's doing

she couldn't follow her dream or whatever so now she's using the kids to gain some of the success she craves. why else would she have that massive hsm poster with her name on it in huge letters in her office.

just casually grab his hand with both your hands and stare at him creepily 🥰

ship jennzzara y'all

the first bump was a missed opportunity to do the baymax "falalala" as a reference to the fact that they watched big hero six while committing arson✋

wait so big red and EJ just left Ricky in the basement and now Ricky invited Carlos when they're supposed to be at the stage?

help no Ricky looks like he's about to tell Carlos he likes him (I know it's about writing the song for seb but still, look at his body language and tell me it doesn't look like that)

Ricky is so mature about this, he really just wants Nini to be happy even though he's hurting-

baby you deserve love, maybe Nini isn't the one for you but don't say you don't deserve it

why does he keep adding bro to the end like he doesn't know how to address Carlos

PLEASE CARLOS HAVING TO ADDRESS THE BRO THING

"let's write a song when we have like 45 minutes to get to the place and help our friends possibly win $50000 at the show in 2 weeks"

"can you hit a high C?"

"that's like the bottom of my range"

why am I laughing

this is so cool to see friendship interactions that we don't normally get to see

Nini why are you being like this-

Gina did nothing wrong??

I saw that, EJ and Gina being the only ones going in the same direction👀

right so obviously Kourtney's waiting until after the menkies to get back with Howie just in case he really is just using her as a way in to east high... obviously... right?

CARLOS

OK ITS COMING GET READY YALL

Why is portwell so awkward all of a sudden

OMG EJ

OMG GINA SAY YES or not, do what you want.

the way she doubts that EJ would genuinely ask so she has to make sure it's not Ashlyn behind it

OH

THE "NOT THAT I KNOW OF"

LIKE WHAT GINA SAID TO JACK ABOUT EJ BEING HER BOYFRIEND

GUYS THEY'RE SOULMATES

I want risotto now please

THEY'RE SO SWEET AND ADORABLY AWKWARD ITS LIKEEK LITTLE KIDS

OOOOOOO what is this place that seblos is in, looks fancy....and secluded

oh wait no Ricky's just standing there

wait is it the bomb shelter

it looks so good what

HSKAGSJAGAJAGWISGSKAUASBWKSVAIWBAISBQKSHIQBWOABWOABDOQBZIQBAIAQBSIWBQISVQKSIANSGOQBSAISBKASBKWBAIABQOSBBSJAHAJAVAJSBAJHSKAHSJAHAJAJAAJAHHHHHHHH

@youranxiousnerd ARE YOU OK?

CUZ IM NOT OK

LOOK AT SEBBY'S FACE

LOOK AT HOW ADORABLE IT IS

THE LYRICS ARE KILLING ME

SEBLOS IS KILLING ME

I AM DEAD

PLEASE SEND HELP

I like to imagine that Frankie and Joe practiced this in their apartment and just had a blast with it.

or maybe that Frankie practiced in secret like what Joe did for the climb

OH THE SUITS

THATS WHERE THAT CLIP IN THE PROMO WAS FROM

AWWW SEBBY'S SO CUTE

HE'S A LITTLE MARSHMALLOW

they're still so awkward with the dance I cant

let's appreciate Frankie's voice though

this episode really was made just for the seblos and portwell stans and you gotta love it

BIG RED GET OUT

WHY DOES HE ALWAYS DO THIS

Seb's little "yeah" IS ADORABLE

you can't tell me that wouldn't have been the best time for them to say I love you....IF FREAKIN BIG RED WASN'T THERE

ok but wait Ricky needs more hugs like that, look at his face

the boy needs love

"bro" please don't let Ricky and Carlos go back to not talking because their friendship is amazing

EJ laughing at Ricky sounding like a cat coughing up a furball is so funny to me

RICKY'S FLOP GETS ME EVERYTIME

I knew it was too good to be true

ok so Ricky's dead, next in line please

this episode was so short but I love it so much. this is what I signed up for for season 2✋

[capesandshapes]

Yours (Ladynoir)

Summary:

Marinette is crushed when Lila shows up to lunch with a matebite of her own, insisting that it's from Adrien. The shock finally leads her to make a decision, one which her kitty is hesitant to agree to.

“You’re an alpha,” she said, voice shaking as she crawled closer, admitting the facts that they’d long ignored. “I’m an omega.” “I know,” he replied miserably. “You need to start pulling away, you’re starting to warm up and I can almost scent you.” "Bite me."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cold.

She wasn’t sure if it was her or the slow breezes rolling through Paris that night, lifting stray strands of hair and depositing them in her eyes when she needed them the least. She brushed them away, securing the hair behind her ears as she pulled herself daringly closer to the edge of the rooftop she sat upon, eyes glimpsing momentarily out to the city before her arms wrapped around her knees, pulling them in so that her chin could rest upon them.

Inwardly, she cursed the effects of biology, hot tears biting at the corners of her eyes that likely wouldn’t exist if DNA had assigned her any other role. Alpha or Beta, she could have lived with those, she could have fought through this if it were one of them-- but Omega? Of course she had to be born like this, of course she had to have that building sensation gnawing at her stomach that made actual rational thoughts a haze.

And of course Lila freakin’ Rossi had to claim to receive his mate mark, the telltale purple ring of teeth marks making it undeniable. Adrien wore scent maskers for his own sake, but it made sense that the overwhelming smell of Adrien branded cologne would have been crafted from him.  

What was supposed to be another normal lunch date with Alya had quickly devolved into her walking away alone, Lila repeatedly reassuring Alya that she gets it because, you know,  Omegas are just so emotional sometimes ! Lila might have been a Beta, but she was also a Cancer and that made her extra empathetic.  

Marinette was not a fan of astrology… or Lila. Or, as of half an hour ago, Adrien Agreste.

How could he mate  her ? Out of all the people, why Lila?

Was Marinette really that blind?  

And now she was the last one! Everyone else had already gone around biting each other-- and even if her parents said that things don’t always happen quite as early, Marinette was sick of it! Sick of being alone, sick of shivering in her nest with nothing to hold and no one to hold her-- of waiting again and again for someone to see her--

Of sitting in black and red alone on rooftops alone, because that was the only way she could even hope to escape the pinkened haze that overcame her. At least when she was Ladybug, she could think. At least when she was Ladybug no one gave her pitying looks, smelling the oncoming wave of heat approaching her and noting the perfectly pale and unmarked skin on her neck. At least when she was Ladybug, she was never really alone.

“Hey bug,” a voice from behind greeted her as if on cue. His body easily slid into the space beside her as his arm ran around the small of her back in greeting, head falling against her shoulder as he very clearly took in her miserable expression.

She didn’t speak. There was nothing really left to say, not in this situation. Instead, she let her head slump on top of his, hand finally relinquishing the grip on her knees if only to respond to him.

She was expecting him, though she wouldn’t say it. She always expected him at moments like this. She wouldn’t tell him that, or even admit it to herself but, that was the reason that she came out there half the time.

She knew, and he must have been aware as well, exactly what her partner was. She knew it from the way that one touch never felt enough, the way that he always knew the exact moments she needed him the most, and that desire that kept coming in waves over and over again to just have something-- just a little bit of him-- to keep as her own.

Chat was an Alpha and she was another blushing Omega trying to fight the tides of nature.

“You want to talk about it?” he asked, thumb drawing long, gentle strokes just below her ribs.

“No,” she lied, the hint of a sob immediately betraying her. God she was pathetic, crying over the matebite of a boy that she never had any claim to to begin with.

“Mhm.”

His disbelief was evident, coaxing out of her, as it always did, the truth of her misery. She tried to bite it back, but it came tumbling out as usual, every little thought that she didn’t want anyone to know. “Do you ever feel like we’re falling behind? Like everyone else is onto something and they’re moving on, and you’re just dragging on behind them. Everyone has someone, absolutely everyone now, and here I am just struggling to get by.” Her eyes drifted to his neck, momentarily eyeing the pale, unmarked skin there, “well not everyone, but--”

“You feel alone,” he summarized, voice sounding like he knew about being alone in the seemingly endless ways that she did.

“Very alone,” she confirmed, allowing her knees to fall to the side and her body to slump further into his with a sigh of defeat. “Someday you’re going to have an omega and I’m not going to have this anymore, and I’m going to have to learn to get by. You’re going to be in love and I’ll be happy for you, but miserable at the same time.”

“I’m not going to have an omega,” he laughed, pulling his head out from under hers with a grin. He leaned further into her vision, exaggeratedly rolling his eyes at her. “How would I get the time? I told you, I’m a college student and I plan to be a college student for many years more. There’s no way I can balance that, being a superhero, friends, and work all at the same time. By the second week she’d be wearing turtleneck sweaters around me in case the thought so much as crossed my mind.”

“You say that now…”

“I say that every single time you bring up that ridiculous idea,” Chat shook his head, settling back in beside her. “Besides, I told you, I have a lot to get over before I can so much as think of meeting someone new,” he said pointedly, eyes trained on the city but a hint of a smirk still on his lips.

Right.

“What if it was me,” she began. It was normally a hypothetical statement, one which he responded to with grandiose visions of moonlight nights, well-padded nests, and an insistence that he would wear the mark on his neck as if one of honor. She loved when he responded like that, when he gave her all those fantasies to fixate on later in the night. That night it didn’t feel so hypothetical.

“You’ve gone delirious from heat,” Chat said, his eyes dropping back down to his lap.  

“I’ve not,” she said, though her heart had begun to beat like she was already gone. Too much excitement, too much want. Chat, chat, chat, chat-- how could she ever imagine Adrien at her side when Chat was the one who was always there?

Mating didn’t have to be about love-- but could she deny that she loved him just a little bit?

“Ladybug,” he warned.

She wouldn’t listen to him, wouldn’t let herself be swayed by things such as logic and reason. “Ladybug and Chat Noir, we’re two halves of a whole! It makes sense!” She insisted, grabbing his hands as he began to pull away, hoping that the clarity in her eyes would convince him of how overwhelmingly present she was at that moment. “Chat, I--”

“What about the other guy?” He interrupted, pulling back.

“He has someone,” she replied, the immediately flinched at the way that his eyes widened. Before he could pull away, she lunged forward, face just inches from his as she tried to keep his gaze. “It’s not like that, we’re not like that. I mean maybe I realized because of that but you’re--” She exhaled, hands tightening around his as an overwhelming need to pull closer gnawed at her. No doubt he saw her pupils grow as she looked at him, really looked at him.

It was biology, plain and simple. They’d been sidestepping the boundaries of desire through suits and determination, now she was really looking at him and she couldn’t fight back the blood of an omega loudly begging for more.

“You’re an alpha,” she said, voice shaking as she crawled closer, admitting the facts that they’d long ignored. “I’m an omega.”

“I know,” he replied miserably. “You need to start pulling away, you’re starting to warm up and I can almost scent you.”

She was, wasn’t she? She was starting to feel miserably warm, miserably close to the edge of the cliff known as heat-- a place where logical thoughts and awareness went to die. She didn’t want to drop it, to lose herself to desire and have him write it off as a onetime moment of insanity. More than that, she didn’t want him to give in and the moment to be lost to her in the haze of need. “Bite me,” she half commanded, half begged him. A part of her was terrified that he wouldn’t agree, that she was so terrible an omega that he no longer wanted her.

His eyes clenched shut, hands desperately clenching down onto hers as he tried to inhale and gather enough air to hold his breath. Unfortunately, there was too much of her lingering in the air for him not to recognize.  

His eyes snapped open, body jerking back as the scent of vanilla and cinnamon lingered in the air, her wettened eyes staring back at him. She knew from that motion alone, a hint of a sob escaping her as doubt, the kind bred by those awful hormones, began to overtake her. He knew, he knew exactly who she was now.

His hands pulled away from hers and a sob racked her body, the fear of rejection overcoming her. It wouldn’t be because she was Marinette, Chat liked Marinette for who she was, it would be because she’d waited too long. It would be because he’d actually already done the moving on thing, he’d just lied to placate her.  

His body turned to face her wholly and it was worse, so much worse than knowing Adrien had chosen Lila. It was worse than sitting alone, worse than looking at the mark on Alya’s throat and being reassured that it would happen someday, worse than every single time he vanished at an Akuma’s hands and she had to worry whether he would come back or not.

No, with this he would change it all. They’d still work together but there wouldn’t be moments like this. He would pull away, he would--

His lips gently touched the tip of her nose, bringing her back to reality.

“Do you hear me, Marinette?” he said, checking that it was still here, that she was not lost yet. His face was close, far too close, and her lips fell open in awe at the way the gold of his hair caught the moonlight. “I said yes,” he explained, thumb brushing a stray tear from underneath her eye. “Only if you’re here, but yes.” A beautiful smile crossed his lips at her ragged exhale, his forehead brushing against hers. The smell of apple, cheese, and that little bit of sweetness was overwhelming, so much better than the expensive cologne she’d once inhaled. “I need to hear you say it, I’m not going to mark you if you’re gone.”

“I love you,” not at all the words she meant to say but looking at the deep green in front of her, she couldn’t say anything else. It didn’t matter that she didn’t know who was under the mask, or that someday she’d have to explain the mark to someone else. It most certainly did not matter that Lila had Adrien’s mark because, looking at the man in front of her she knew; it was Chat, it was always Chat.

And to him, it was always Marinette.

One bite, and that was all it ever would be.

There was nothing comparable to his responding smile, she was almost disappointed by how suddenly it was taken away when his lips brushed against hers, pressing a tender kiss to the corner of her mouth. Her eyes closed as he moved to her neck, exposing that juncture between throat and shoulder to her so easily. One inhale, the pressure rising in her chest and…

“I love you too, Marinette.”

The world flashed as teeth collided with flesh.

[addicted2escapism]

Young Love | JJ Maybank

Pairing: JJ x Reader

Summary: You’re a Kook with parents that want to control your future. You need a fake date to get them off your back at Midsummers, and JJ seems like the perfect option. 

Warnings: None

“You do realize who you’re asking, right?”

“Yes, JJ, I do realize. I need a date for midsummers or my parents are going to try to force me into some arranged marriage like it’s the freakin’… 1700s or something!” You complain, taking your hands off the steering wheel to throw them up in the air dramatically. 

You’d scooped JJ up from the Southside, your new Audi SUV turning heads as you drove around The Cut looking for him. Typically, you didn’t like to drive yourself down to the Southside for this exact reason, but this was important and you needed to find JJ as soon as possible.

Now, he sat spewed out in your car, one leg up on the dashboard with his arm hanging out the window.

“And you think your parents would let you marry me?” The boy snorts, looking at you with a bemused expression.

“Ok, not actual marriage! I just need to show that I’m in a relationship so that my parents don’t try to secure my future for me.” You explain, putting on your turn signal and taking a third right in a row. You were driving around aimlessly.

“Once again, I don’t think your parents will accept me as your boyfriend.” JJ argues, waving a hand at himself to allude to his general appearance. “You should ask Pope.”

“I’ll fight for you!” Your outburst startles even yourself. You blink. “I mean- you can’t seriously think I’d just let my parents shit talk you. Besides, they’re practically oblivious to The Cut and everyone on it, so they don’t know anything about you. Please, JJ.”

“You really want me to be your fake boyfriend?” He asks, softness permeating his voice. You look over to see that he’s already looking at you.

“Yes. Who else would I ask?” It wasn’t really a question. You smile at him, and he returns it with an eye roll.

“You’re gonna dress me up, aren’t you?”

You grin.

“Yeah. And I’m gonna enjoy every second it!”

—

JJ looked… handsome. Undeniably and unconditionally handsome. You watched as he walked from The Chateau to your car. You’d seen the outfit before, as you were the one to take him shopping, but seeing him all made up was different. JJ was wearing a sober blue suit with a black dress shirt underneath. His dress shoes were also black, from some fancy Italian brand that you’d thought looked nice. When you were at the store, you had let him pick out a couple of ties because apparently he needed to see what type of mood he’d be in on the day of the party. He’d chosen the dark blue tie with metallic silver embroidery in a floral pattern.

You didn’t realize you were staring and sporting an idiotic grin on your face until JJ hopped into the car and called you out on it.

“Sorry.” You chuckle, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. “You just look very… nice.”

The compliment makes him smile back, and you try not blush when he looks you up and down and says: “You look very… nice, too.”

You make a face at the way he copies your pattern of speech, turning away from him and putting the car into drive.

“Time to party with some Kooks!” JJ cheers, banging on your dashboard in fake excitement.

“Please, contain your elation.” You tease, speeding down the road to head back to Figure Eight. “You’ll need to save some of it for when we get fed to the sharks.”

—

When you pulled up to the Midsummer party, JJ jumped out of the car and ran around to your side, opening the door for you before you had a chance to object. He graciously offered you his hand, and you accepted, letting him lead you up to the front door. After giving your name to the security guard standing at the door, the floodgates opened.

The moment you and JJ crossed the threshold together, young and old Kooks alike couldn’t take their eyes off you. You smiled sweetly at them as you made your way through the large dining room, noting the way they looked JJ up and down before their eyes flickered back to you.

“Why is everyone looking at us like that?” JJ murmurs lowly, only audible to you. He smiles at a grandma that had been staring for an uncomfortable amount of time.

“We walked in together.” You say simply, leading him to a door that will hopefully let the two of you escape into the backyard. “It’s kind of a big deal.”

You don’t want to explain that such a simple action of walking into a party with someone could mean so much. You don’t want to explain that because of such an action, everyone knows that you and JJ are together, that you are his, and he is yours. That everyone expects you to be tied together forever. But for the sake of getting your parents off your back, such an action was exactly what you needed. They were already here, somewhere in the crowd, and if they hadn’t seen you walk in, word would travel fast. It always did with Kooks.

“You laying claim to me, or something?” JJ raises an eyebrow at you, letting go of your hand to wrap his arm around your waist as you exit into the backyard. You laugh, beelining for the hors d'oeuvres.

“Or something.”

JJ’s eyes light up at the sight of free food, and you nod at him when he glances at you questioningly. He grabs a small plate and starts loading up, making a quiet, interested noise when he comes across something new. Your heart swells with intense fondness for the boy, your fake boyfriend, and his endearing behavior. You take a few items to snack on as well, and then you both make your way to a standing table.

You’re glad that you could take JJ somewhere and provide him with something to eat. You knew he usually lived off whatever he could come by. At the same time, you didn’t want to think that you were doing him a favor or something. You just wanted the best for him, and if you could make sure he didn’t go hungry for a little longer, you would.

You let him eat, looking out for your parents or any teenaged Kooks that would undoubtedly recognize JJ and cause trouble.

“Oh man, I’ll go to all of your Kook events if I can get free food like this.” JJ sighs in satisfaction, taking a deep breath and then popping his last hors d'oeuvre into his mouth.

“Well, as my boyfriend, you’re more than welcome to all of them.” You say matter-of-factly, eyes still scanning the crowd. JJ stays silent, an unusual attribute that makes you look at him curiously. His eyes are wide, and he looks panicked in a way that usually ends in him bolting from the situation.

“Uh, fake boyfriend.” You correct, awkwardly scratching behind your ear. “I know you’re not into the whole… commitment thing.”

Your words make his eyebrows furrow, but it only takes a moment for his face to smooth out and be replaced with a smirk.

“You know it, baby.” His usual energy wasn’t in his words, but he links his arm with yours and starts towards the group of people on the dance floor. “Shall we dance? I think it’s time to subject these beautiful people to my impeccable moves.”

“Oh, the horror!” A malicious voice taunts from behind. You sigh, clenching your jaw and putting on a brave face for the altercation that was about to come. You and JJ turn around to face Topper, who was backed up by Rafe and Kelce.

“Hi, Topper.” Your sharp tone of voice cuts through the growing tension. “Do you need something?”

“Oh, I’m just here, enjoying my time at Midsummers, when I suddenly see a Pogue infesting our land.” Topper smiles nastily.

“He’s my date. I invited him.” You defend, unlinking your arm from JJ’s to grab his hand instead. “He’s my boyfriend.”

The three Kooks were incapable of suppressing the surprise on their faces.

“Damn!” Topper cracks his knuckles, looking between you and JJ. “I knew you’d been whoring around with them, but I didn’t think you’d actually commit to one!”

JJ throws himself at Topper with an incredible reaction time, and you’ve never been more glad to be holding hands with someone in your life. Topper raises his arms in defense and shoves JJ back, and you follow up by tugging on his hand to rein him in.

“You don’t wanna be doing that, boy.” Topper snarls. Rafe and Kelce are subtly squaring up, ready to assist their friend if need be.

“Don’t talk about her that way.” JJ grinds out through his teeth. You try to pull him backwards so that he’s standing behind you, but he won’t budge. You can tell he’s boiling on the inside from the strength of which he’s gripping your hand. You squeeze back, trying to give him some sort of grounding force.

“Control your pet.” Rafe snarks at you, not even bothering to address JJ himself.

“Shut up.” You clenched your hand that wasn’t in JJ’s into a fist. This wasn’t the place to get into a fight. You knew that JJ wouldn’t think twice about practically letting himself get jumped to defend you. Plus, your parents would never stop hounding you if your brand new boyfriend got into a beat down at Midsummers.

“Aw, young love. So sweet.” Topper tilts his head to the side and smirks. “Do you love him?”

You can feel JJ hold his breath.

“Yes.” You say it with such conviction, without even thinking. JJ is staring at you incredulously. Topper is sputtering, Rafe looks disgusted, and Kelce seems like he’d rather be anywhere else. You hold your confident gaze on Topper and his friends, staring them down as you take a few steps backwards, pulling JJ with you. “Thanks for your concern.”

When they don’t seem to have anything else to say, you turn around and march over to the dance floor.

JJ looks like a deer in headlights, completely out of it as you maneuver into the middle of the crowd, trying to hide from prying eyes. You turn to face him, hooking your arms around his neck and swaying him side to side in a weak attempt to make it look like you’re actually trying to dance.

“Are you okay?” You whisper, wanting to keep the conversation away from any overextended Kook ears. “I’m sorry about them. At least it didn’t get too bad, right?”

“Did you mean it?” JJ sounds like he’s practically choking on the words. He tentatively reaches up and places his hands on your hips. You swallow nervously. JJ’s eyes are red and pooling with liquid, and the way his lips are twisted into a frown shows how hard he’s trying not to let any tears escape.

“I- yeah. I did.” Suddenly everyone else in the crowd disappears. It’s only you and him. There might as well be a spotlight beaming down, making the sea of Kooks you were swimming in insignificant. Your words feel like a confession and a revelation. You laugh softly in happiness. “I do. I love you.”

“Can I kiss you?” His voice cracks and he brings a hand up to softly touch your cheek. You nod. He leans down and connects your lips tenderly, as if he’s afraid you’ll run away if he kisses you with any more force. You smile against his mouth and return the kiss, hands tangling in his hair. When he pulls away, he whispers: “There’s no way this is real.”

“You better believe it, mister.” You confirm, pressing your forehead against his. “You’re in for a lifetime of Kook parties, now.”

[meepmoopfanfics]

you don’t get a win unless you’re playing the game: Daveed Diggs x Reader Chapter 6 Part 2

The familiar sound of Alexander Hamilton blares through your phone speakers waking you from your deep, restful sleep. You reach over to snooze it but are almost too excited to continue rehearsals to even close your eyes again. It’s 7:30am. Monday. It’s finally here. The day you would rehearse for your dream show in front of your dream cast. The sunlight peeks through your window, shining warm, bright light on your cheeks, filling your soul with positive energy for the day. You reach over to your nightstand to flip through your script to make sure you’re able to nail all of the alto harmonies in front of the whole cast today. 

You had your rehearsal outfit laid out from the night before. You weren’t one to be this organized or prepared... but for Hamilton?! You were instantly on top of your shit. You pulled on your favorite black Lululemon leggings, a camo sports bra (you’re ready for battle here!), and a cute cropped burgundy shirt from Urban Outfitters. You threw on a white Nike hoodie over top to keep you warm when you weren’t dancing. You giggled at the thought of potentially wearing your copy of Daveed’s signature Purple Oaklandish hoodie to rehearsal that you got as a gag gift from your parents on your last birthday. One day that would have to happen. Would be fangirling at its finest. Maybe you would eventually just burn it so no one saw.

Your subway ride to the Richard Rogers was not as chaotic as usual. The trains were on time and you felt like the universe was finally on your side. You stopped into the coffee shop across the street to grab a large black coffee and a classic bacon, egg, and cheese on an English muffin with avocado to get you going. You were there a little early so you could foam roll and stretch while listening to chill music. You always needed your “me” time to get into your groove before facing the day. You walked into your dressing room and were so happy to see Michelle already there, devouring her favorite Panera bagel, the cinnamon crunch. Mid-bite, she squeals at seeing you.

“Y/N!!! You have me on the edge of my freakin seat here. What in the HELL happened after brunch?”

You giggled and felt the heat come over your face. 

“Let me tell you Michelle... it was everything.”

“Was it good?!” Michelle immediately blurted out.

“...yeeeeeeeah...” You said through a smirk. 

“WAS HE BIG?!” Michelle yelled.

“SHHHHH” You said to shut her up while snickering.

You both laughed so hard you felt tears coming to your eyes. Thankfully there was no one else in the dressing rooms near you yet so you weren’t that worried. 

Until two seconds later when you heard a knock from wall next to you.

Michelle and you screamed and continued to die laughing. 

“Laaaaaadieeees!! What’s goin oooon?” Anthony bursts into your dressing room without warning. “What are ya laughin’ about?”

“Nothing, it’s nothing!” You said quickly back, continuing the laughter.

“Oh yeah?! Nothin at all to do with Diggs, right?” Anthony’s signature grin came across his face as his face turned red as he held back laughter. He nudged your arm a couple of times. “I heard the whole thing, Y/N, the walls are paper thin. But it’s chill! It’s chill!” He waved his hands signaling that he would keep a secret and would have your back. Then out of no where he whisper taunts “Diggs is after the bullet! Diggs is after the buuuulleeeeet!!!”

Thankfully Anthony’s actual dressing room was upstairs next to Diggs. Ant was only visiting the PT room to warm up.

“You’re the absolute worst!” You responded.

“Enjoy your breakfast ladies!” Anthony waved goodbye in the silliest way and headed back out. 

You and Michelle caught up over your breakfast sandwiches. You showed her the note you wrote on your phone about your hookup, trying not to miss out on any details when telling her. Your attentiveness to details and your photographic memory were so helpful when it came to choreography, but when it came to remembering events, it was both a blessing and a curse. Re-reading it, however, was having you break a sweat more than if you started warming up.

Michelle then filled you in on her evening with Cedric. You knew the two of them were bound to become a thing even though she was hesitant about it. And thankfully you wouldn’t have to worry about Cedric coming on to you in any way.

--

Time passed and both you and Michelle warmed up together, foam rolled, and got ready to go. You started to get butterflies thinking about dancing for Lin Manuel Miranda. He was having his alternate, Javier, stand in for rehearsals so he could watch from the theater. He was going to see your every move of Act 1. You were proud of yourself for how well you knew the show and felt perfectly comfortable with your castmates. 

“Alright good morning everyone!” You heard from the loud speaker that reached all rooms backstage. “You all can make your way to the stage for our first run through of Act 1! Make sure you grab your mic belts and mics from sound. Thank you! Everyone to stage, please, everyone to stage.”

“I can’t believe this is happening.” You said aloud. 

You made your way to the stage. Even though you already had seen the set and the majestic view of the theater seats in the Richard Rogers, it still gave you chills every time. The intricate detailing in the set design was something you could stare at for hours and continue to find something new.

You walked out of your comfort zone to stand next to Anthony who was giving Jasmine a shoulder massage. They were so sweet and truly the epitome of what love/healthy relationships should be and look like.

You looked around at everyone chatting to each other in awe. There was Oak making Michelle and Cedric laugh as if they’d been best friends for years, Renee and Philippa giggling and rubbing each others arms to stay warm, and Leslie pacing already in his craft, perfecting every last detail to ensure he still had that Tony winning performance in him.

Stephanie was seated a few rows back to get a good view of the full stage and balcony. Andy, the choreographer, wasn’t there this week since he was working on some other projects, but he would be coming to watch soon. You couldn’t wait to dance for Andy again, your dream choreographer. She sat next to Alex Lacamoire with the “god mic” which she would be shouting out notes and corrections from during the run.

“Check check...” Stephanie said in a low, radio-esque voice. “It’s me, God.”

The entire cast and crew erupted in laughter.

“Just jooooking it's Steph. WHAT’S UP WOLF PAAACKKK?!”

The OBC woo’d, shouted, and clapped. 

Then you heard a familiar raspy voice shout, just about an inside voice, “It’s too early SK.”

You looked over to see Daveed looking hella hot with his hair pulled up a-la Lafayette style with his glasses on, scratching the scruff of his freshly trimmed beard.

“It’s too early for shots out the grammy hangovers, Diggs.” Stephanie responded playfully. You hoped one day you’d get to take one out of the grammy.

Daveed looked tired, but so sexy as expected. He was dessed in a Black Oaklandish tank and red sweats, with a black hoodie tied around his waist. You instantly you got a sour feeling in your stomach. You imagined him partying out late with other women, hooking up with them after he threw back a few Belvedere shots with Rafa... wait. Your mind was making up situations that were not even real. Shit... I guess you were starting to like this idiot. You rolled your eyes at yourself and focused back on his bulging biceps to snap out of it.

Gotta pay attention, gotta pay attention. You thought.

“I can guess who he was out late with!!” Anthony softly whispered in your ear. Jasmine instantly hit him on the shoulder giving him a dirty, yet playful look. 

“Oh shut it, A.” You whispered back as you elbowed him in the side. 

Daveed looked over at you and Ant but had no idea what you both said. His eyes then met yours, sending a heartbeat to your core. He winked at you quickly and smirked. You winked back.

“I see you, Y/N...” Jazzy whispered. “You guys are acting like Ant and I did when we started this shindig.”

“It’s nothing, really.” You said while breaking eye contact, trying to sound chill.

“Y/N... don’t you dare lie to me!” She giggled. You were dumbfounded by her perfectly clear skin.

“Well, we’re just two super flirty people, it’s nothing, well, nothing more than that on his end I don’t think.”

“Girl just be patient. Enjoy it. He really isn’t openly flirty with many people. He sees what he likes and takes it. You’ll see. If anyone knows that, we do.” Jazzy mentioned while pointing at her and A. She then started softly warming up her vocal chords and gave you a pat on your shoulder. She was so sweet and the positive, chill energy she brought into the room was contagious.

“Lets take it from the top y'all!” Stephanie shouted on her mic.

You headed backstage to get ready for opening. You and Daveed started backstage Left together. You approached him and he gently placed his warm hand on your lower back as you passed him.

“Morning, (Y/Nickname). Merde, babygirl.” He said as you walked to your wing.

“Mornin, Lafayette.” You said as you snickered. “Loving the hair.”

He smiled and shook his little poofball on top of his head back at you as you both settled into your spots.

The piano keys pounded the same melody as you heard from your alarm waking up this morning. An unreal moment for you. After Leslie sung his solo, one by one the principals started rapping the words to Alexander Hamilton. It was hard not to mouth them under your breath. It went perfectly. Aaron Burr, Sir went through quickly since you weren’t on stage really. You didn’t get a single note during My Shot. The little moments you had together bantering with Daveed were cute and he “shoved you with love” as the chorus says during rehearsals if you know someone’s in the wrong spot. One after one, you all nailed your dances. You and Cedric nailed your partnering with only one slight mishap with the basket toss lifts in Helpless, since it was your first time using the rehearsal skirts. They were heavy as hell.

Then came time for Stay Alive. Your first moment as the Bullet in front of Lin. You counted and perfectly grabbed the bullet from M4′s rifle causing Stephanie to come on the mic and say “You better work, Y/N!” You smiled as you mimicked the bullet just surpassing Javier’s skull. You respected Javier so much because he took his work so seriously. That’s how you wanted to be known. The quick change into the British army coat was going to be difficult, but you know the dressers backstage were on top of it a and would make sure you’d get to stage on time once the show premiered.

The rest of the run through was a sheer blur of running back stage through the wings, mimicking where your quick changes would be, staring at awe at Daveed as he rapped 19 words in 3 seconds, even while completely hungover, and chugging water bottle after water bottle. This was tough stuff. Non stop was a cardio routine essentially, and pushing Chris as Washington on the moving stairs was way tougher that you thought. You didn’t want to hurt the set so you were extra gentle with it. The way Stephanie responded to the cast was so positive. You all were knockouts. She gave some notes to Michelle about her mother lift, which she corrected and perfected immediately. You were so thankful to be part of such a talented and intelligent cast who were quick on their feet and no nonsense.

“If that were in costume, that would’ve been a near perfect first run for your cast.” Stephanie said.

“EXCEPT I WASN’T IN IT.” Lin said as he snatched the mic. The cast giggled as they plopped onto the stage floor, panting from the run. “My new cinnamon rolls are perfect. PERFECT I tell you. I can feel all of your energy beaming from the stage. I can’t wait to perform with you all. This is truly an honor.”

Everyone clapped together. Just so happy to be performing after such a long time apart. You’ve never felt more proud.

“Now OBC’s... make sure we don’t let our comfortability tinge our performance okay? Remember when the material was fresh and fun? We need to make it fresh and fun for our audiences. Jazz watch the eye contact with Ant, you’re gonna ruin it for the LAM fans if John Laurens looks like he's straight.” Everyone laughed. “Also Daveed, quit milking your side moments with Y/N.” 

“I noticed that too...” Steph chimed in in a tone which sounded like she had discovered a secret.

You began to feel embarrassed and covered your face with your hands.

“I was shoving with love!” Daveed shouted, trying to make the situation less awkward. He didn’t look back at you, no recognition, no nothing. Your stomach started to churn with nerves again. Could he not admit he was flirting with you? I guess it was a professional setting, but still sort of upsetting. 

“Alright let’s take a twenty minute break. New ensemble, we’ll go a little more in depth with minuscule notes and changes. Wolfpack, take a half hour before music brushup with Alex.” Steph turned off the mic and people dispersed into their dressing rooms, the green rooms, or into the audience to grab snacks/ foam roll.

Your Burgundy top was slightly sweat drenched from the hard work you put in. You got back up to your dressing room with Michelle and saw your phone light up with a text.

Diggs: You looked hella good out there, Y/N. Couldn’t take my eyes off of you

Y/N: Thanks, Diggs. You weren’t too shabby yourself ;)”

Diggs: Like I said before, even though I’m not technically the bullet, I still got ammo... and you have a twenty...

Your eyes widened. A quickie? Right now of all times? You couldn't. Not with the professionals in the room.

Diggs: My dressing room in 5?

Well I’ll be damned, Lafayette’s on my side... you sung in your mind.

Y/N: Here? You sure it’ll be okay?

Diggs: I don’t share a room. Only if you’re comfortable, babygirl

You felt a pulse go to your opening when he said that. Also him calling you babygirl drew you over the edge. You also didn’t realize how much of a turn on it would be to potentially hookup in the very place the most respected people who’ve ever worked on Hamilton would be simultaneously working, unfazed at what would soon happen behind Daveed’s dressing room walls.

Y/N: I’m in

You checked yourself out in the mirror without saying a word to Michelle, made sure your flyaways were sprayed back, put some more deodorant on and gave yourself a splash of your fave perfume.

“And where the hell are you in a hurry to go to, missy?” Michelle said as you began to briskly exit out of the dressing room.

“Can’t talk, will update you later. Love ya.” You winked in her direction. Her eyes widened and she started laughing to herself as you closed the door behind you while ferociously typing a new text to get Diggs excited.

Y/N: Your shirt better be off by the time I get to your dressing room. 

Diggs: Way ahead of you

Diggs: Can’t wait to hear you struggle not to moan

God damn, Diggs.

Y/N: Oh yeah? How cocky of you to assume you’d make me moan ;)

Diggs: You know I will

Diggs: And I know just how I can muffle them ;)

Fuck.

Your brisk walk turned into a light jog as you became desperate. You climbed the last set of stairs to his dressing room and stood outside of the door that was slightly cracked ajar. Here you were again, with one inch of barrier between you two. You couldn’t wait any longer.

You lightly knocked on the door and waited.

@alexander-hamilhoe

@riiyy

@lonelydance

@braidedchallah

@ohsoverykeri-blog

@roman0ffxnat

@lizzzaaaaaaaaaaa

@i-know-i-can

@vemazing

@ramp-it-up 

[woogyu]

Funny Drabble Game

Drabble Prompts; fluff | angst | funny (when requesting PLEASE add which prompt list it is from)

Can have up to 3 prompts per request + can send multiple requests.

They will all be written for fem reader. I’m very sorry about this, it is just because of what I know/have experience in writing.

Please format requests as follows; funny member prompt # or #s.

ex. funny member #12 + #15

ex. funny florist!member x student!reader #14

Send your requests/asks: here

~ prompts under the cut ~

crossed out = don’t request, usually for when I’ve gotten tired of a specific prompt coming up too often or I don’t like it

Drabble Prompts [credit; https://justforshitsandcackles.tumblr.com ]

“You’re such a fun drunk.”

“Since my dog likes you then i guess i like you.”

“Tell them to fuck off.”

“It’s six o’clock in the morning, you’re not having vodka.”

“I want to strangle you 99% of the time.”

“Could you not suck for five minutes?”

“The ladies love a guy who’s good with kids.”

“You can’t banish me! This is my bed/bedroom too!”

“You’re seriously like a man-child.”

“Well thats tragic.”

“I’m too sober for this.”

“You are actually insane!”

“I think you’re actually satan.”

“It’s like -50 degrees in here.”

“Laugh at my jokes! They’re funny and you know it!”

“Sorry isn’t going to help when i kick your ass!”

“Don’t let one of them electrocute themselves or something.”

“Welcome back. Now fucking help me.”

“Do you find this amusing, fuck face?”

“Holy shit! That thing is huge!”

“Don’t kink shame me.”

“I hope i’m never stuck with you on a deserted island.”

“I just cleaned that!”

“Don’t get sassy with me!”

“What do you have behind your back?”

“If you interrupt me one more time, so help me god.”

“Not to toot my own horn or anything, but the dog loves me more.”

“I’m going to put on some clothes before you say anything else.”

“Bite me.” “If you insist.”

“Im not going to stop poking you until you give me some attention.”

“I need you to be my fake girlfriend/boyfriend.”

“Can you stop playing connect the dots with my freckles?”

“You snuck into my room, at 4am..to cuddle?”

“If we get caught i’m blaming you.”

“What? No! I wasn’t staring..i-i was looking at something behind you!”

“I locked the keys in the car.”

“This is why we can’t have nice things.”

“Wait a minute. Are you jealous?”

“Define normal.”

“Do i get bonus points if i act like i care?”

“Just remember if we get caught, you’re deaf and i don’t speak english.”

“Don’t look for any redeeming qualities. I don’t have any.”

“And you wonder why you’re single.”

“Remind me to kill you. Please.”

“I’m listening to you. I’m just not paying attention.”

“She’s crazy. and just when you think you’ve reached the bottom of her craziness, theres a crazy underground garage.”

“Sorry. I don’t speak skank.”

“My middle finger salutes you.”

“I don’t think i could ever stab someone. I mean, lets be honest, i can barely get the straw in the capri sun.”

“I don’t have enough middle fingers to let you know how i feel.”

“Somebodys cranky.” “Somebody needs to shut up.”

“All due respect but thats a bunch of crap.”

“I am one of the few people in the world who can murder you and leave no forensic evidence behind.”

“Excuse me. I have to go make a scene.”

“What did i tell you about calling him/her the devil?” “That it’s offensive to the devil?”

“I heard that!” “You were supposed to!”

“I’m not weird. I’m limited edition.”

“If history repeats itself, i am so getting a dinosaur.”

“You seem somewhat familiar. have i threatened you before?”

“Even when we were kids, i always kicked your ass!”

“Sarcasm is the body’s natural reaction to stupidity.”

“Don’t look in her eyes, she might steal your soul.”

“She’s hot, but she’s evil.”

“Do i regret it? Yes. Would i do it again? Probably.”

“You’re going to burn in a very special level in hell. A level they reserve for child molesters, animal abusers, and people who talk at the theater.”

“I’m not a damsel in distress. i’m a damsel doing damage.”

“Sometimes i question my sanity. Occasionally it replies.”

“Why should we date?” “Because we’re attracted to each other.” “I am attracted to pie, but i do not feel the need to date pie.”

“Why does everyone assume the worst of me.” “It saves time.”

“You’ve successfully cured him/her of anything interesting about his/her personality.”

“Neither one of us is drunk enough for this conversation.”

“Wow somebody needs a happy meal.”

“I didn’t do it!” “Then why are you laughing?” “Because whoever did it is a freaking genius.”

“Idiots. I’m surrounded by idiots.”

“You couldn’t handle me even if i came with instructions.”

“Obviously you have mistaken me for somebody who gives a shit.”

“I’m so glad you could come.” “Cut the crap. give me a drink.”

“Where have you been all my life?” “Hiding from you.”

“I can tell that you think what you’re saying is funny, but…no.”

“If you pull out my earphones, i will pull out your lungs.”

“Ah, he’s playing hard-to-get. thats cute.”

“I feel like a freakin’ soccer mom.”

“My ex? Yeah id still hit that. Except this time it would be with a car or a baseball bat.”

“Such big evil in such a little thing.”

“For the love of fuck.” “Yep, thats me. i love to fuck.”

“Are you ready to go?” “Yeah. let me grab my machete.” “We’re going to sephora. no machetes needed.”

Clears throat seriously, “Yas bitch.”

“No road trip is complete without the snacks. So go in there and buy everything you can fit in a tiny cart.”

“I’m all for making you miserable by being insufferable, but unfortunately i have things to do today.”

“Come on, you can help me make conspiracy theories. If you make an especially good one, ill pay for dinner.”

“You know what? Why not? I haven’t ruined my life yet this week. Lets go.”

“Do these dark circles under my eyes say nothing to you about how i am doing?”

“If i didn’t know you better, id say you were trying to flirt by giving me books.”

“What are you talking about? Im hilarious!”

“Duct tape? Duct tape is not going to fix this!”

“What did you think? That you were going to fight him?”

“You’re blocking the view.” “I am the view.”

“Why are you on the floor?” “Tying my shoe.” “You’re wearing rain-boots.”

“Cant stop me from slaying!”

“Close your eyes and imagine it, all the dogs in the world.”

“Be careful, he’s so sweet you might get diabetes.”

“Would you reconsider if i was sober?”

“Stop running i’m wearing flip flops!”

“Why are you holding your boobs?”

“I wouldn’t call it stalking, more like far distance admiring.”

“You need to stop making her laugh! you’re ruining her makeup!”

“I’m sure i can get some kind of sexual gratification from just staring at him if i try hard enough.”

“I’m not sure if its a sexual thing or not.”

“I’m either in the mood for french fries or to rip someone’s head off. Hmmm. decisions, decisions.”

“If you’re not out of the shower in the next five minutes, i’m going to cut your fucking hair off to make your life quicker.”

“No, i will not dress up as a chicken.”

“I never told my extended family that we broke up, and now they want to know when you’re coming over for dinner again.”

“I need a date to my relatives wedding, and i’ve already asked literally everyone else i know, so i know you probably hate me, but please say yes. Otherwise they’ll try to set me up with someone, and they have awful taste.”

“One more sound and i swear to-”

“Sometimes when (name) texts me, i just pretend they didn’t so i don’t have to respond.”

“You gave our pigeon boyfriend the wrong beans!”

“If i’m like 50 and still single, ill marry you because tax benefits.”

“Please, never have children.”

“I know its like 11pm, but i’m on my way to your house with nacho fries.”

“Sometimes i wish i was gay so i wouldn’t have to deal with all these dumbass boys.

“You know, would’ve been nice if you told me your whole ass family was coming to this dinner! I look like a troll.”

“Im going to the party to pet the dog, no thanks drugs.”

“I hope in college i get some excuse to deck him. Maybe with a bottle or something, ill wing it and be like “oops, sorry shithead, my hand slipped.”

“What is this shit…i’m just trying to graduate.”

“Ooo, i sense attitude in your tone.”

“Guess who only got two hours of sleep? Me, lol, i’m gonna die.“

“I’m gonna strangle you.” “Is that a threat or a promise?”

“Superheroes aren’t allowed in my house, especially after they’ve destroyed my living room. go away.”

“oh you’re coming. even if i have to drag you through the snow in your pajamas.”

“i swear you’re gonna end up getting like botox in your tits or something.” “well i mean-” “whAT DO YOU MEAN?!”

[doc-pickles]

i saw mommy kissin’ santa claus

Hello! And welcome to “Festive Fridays with Two Dumb Bitches So Dumb They Can’t Stick to the Schedule They Make for Themselves” featuring me and @odd-birds-and-booksellers We wanted to find a day of the week for December to post our Christmas fics on and decided on Thursdays (this was originally titled ‘Two Dumb Bitches Thursday’ but we are both terrible procrastinators so now we have that fancy new title up there)

Will you get posts on Thursdays? Fridays? Who knows! But we’ve both committed to posting once a week every week of December with a fun festive fic! (Please don’t come to our inboxes and hound us about them, we yell at each other enough as it is and Lay is mean.....)

Anyways this is my first fluffy fic entry of the month and it’s definitely not inspired by real life events. Hope you enjoy! :) 

(also this is not my best work because i’m sleep deprived and also my pregnancy brain is not letting me write how i normally do soooo cut me some slack please and thanks)

“Karev!”

Both Jo and Alex turned at the sound of Bailey’s voice behind them, the woman looking expectantly at Alex. Now that he wasn’t a young resident, Bailey rarely evoked a feeling of fear in him but today her stern voice had him racking his brain for anything he’d done wrong recently.

“What can I do for you, Chief?”

“Doctor Peterson retired earlier this year,” Bailey waited for either Jo or Alex to make a connection from her words, but both stared blankly at her instead. “Doctor Peterson used to dress up as Santa every year for the Peds Ward Christmas party. Since he’s no longer available, I need a replacement.” 

Jo’s eyes lit up in delight as she turned to Alex who wore an unamused expression, “Absolutely not, I am not putting on that ridiculous costume.”

“Oh c’mon! It’s for sick kids Alex,” Jo settled a hand onto her husband's arm as she batted her eyelashes at him. “It’ll be fun! You should do it!”

Alex looked between his wife and his boss, Jo smiling excitedly at him while Bailey fixed him with a glare. A groan left him as he realized he didn’t have a say in the matter, “Fine I'll do it. But I’m not happy about it.” 

Jo let out an excited squeal as Bailey thanked him, walking away with a satisfied smirk. Turning to his giddy wife, Alex wrapped his arm around her waist and leaned down to whisper in her ear, “You better make this worth my damn while.”

“What, do you want me to come and sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what I want for Christmas,” Jo rolled her eyes, but Alex kept his gaze fixed on her. “You’re serious? You really are a pervy old man sometimes I swear.” Alex swatted at Jo’s ass playfully as she walked away from him. If she hadn’t happened to be standing next to him when Bailey asked he wouldn’t have caved so easily. His eyes narrowed at the thought, knowing that at least one of the women had planned that out. 

“Stupid freakin’ Santa costume…” 

+

There was a reason that he’d avoided the Christmas party for the Peds ward all these years and he finally realized why. Alex was surrounded by dozens of sugar high children who hadn’t seen outside of the hospital walls in weeks. He loved his job and working with kids, but he rarely had to deal with them when they were running around and screaming at the top of their lungs.

“Well you look like you’re having a great time,” Meredith sidled up to Alex, chuckling as she pulled on his fake beard. “The white doesn’t look so bad on you, maybe by next Christmas you won’t even need the fake beard.” “Oh shut up, I’m only here because Jo made me come. And she hasn’t even bothered to show up and make things around here more enjoyable,” Alex grumbled as he swatted away Meredith’s hand. He’d been sitting with kids on his lap for almost an hour and a half now, asking them what they wanted for Christmas and listening to their lists. “I’ve got fifteen minutes left before I can go home and drink beer and I can’t wait.”

“I’ve gotta go find my kids in this madness, but it looks like you have another visitor,” Meredith gestured to the little girl patiently waiting to meet Santa, bright blue eyes staring up at Alex in awe. “Have fun Santa!”

As soon as she was gone, the little girl bounded up to Alex and settled herself onto his lap, a gap toothed grin appearing on her face. Alex recognized her as one of his own patients, five year old Lauren who had a gastrointestinal problem that kept her in the hospital for weeks at a time, “Hi Santa!”

“Hi Lauren,” Alex almost chuckled at Lauren’s wide eyed expression when she realized that ‘Santa’ knew her name. “What do you want for Christmas?”

“I want a Barbie dream house and a pink glitter ballerina Barbie too,” Lauren was full of giggles as she relayed her wish list to Alex. Her expression softened however and she leaned in close to him, whispering her next words. “And I want my tummy to feel all better so I can go home and have a real Christmas. Christmas in the hospital is no fun.” Alex’s heart broke at the little girls words, realizing just how much of a toll being here was taking on such a young girl, “You know what, I think your doctors will do their very best to get you home for Christmas so you can play with all your new Barbies. How does that sound?” Lauren’s face lit up at Alex’s words, her arms wrapping around his neck as she giggled in delight. A string of thank yous left her as she hopped off Alex’s lap and reunited with her mother, who sent an appreciative wave in his direction. 

“Well aren’t you the best Santa in the world,” Alex turned at the sound of Jo’s voice, holding back an eye roll as she lifted her camera to snap a photo of him. “See, I told you it wouldn’t be that bad! Your mom is going to love that photo, I hope she puts it on the mantle.” “Did you come here for any reason besides to mock me,” Alex grumbled. “I’m almost done with this and then I’m never doing it again no matter how much you beg.” Alex couldn’t help but smirk at Jo’s amused expression. She looked so happy that he was doing this, like it had made her whole year. If nothing else, Jo’s excitement made the stupid gig worth it.

“Well I came here to tell Santa what I want for Christmas but if he’s too grumpy…,” Alex reached for Jo’s hand, pulling her into his lap as she laughed at his antics. 

“Now what do you want for Christmas,” Alex pressed his face into Jo’s neck, more laughter coming from her at the feel of the fake beard against her skin. “I’m sure Santa would be more than happy to oblige.”

“You realize you’re trying to talk dirty to me at a children’s party right,” Alex pinched Jo’s leg at her remark, a squeal leaving her as she jumped. “Okay okay, what I want for Christmas is… a baby.”

“A baby?”

“Yes a baby,” Jo grinned widely, leaning in close to Alex with a twinkle in her eyes. “I want you to knock me up. Preferably not wearing the Santa costume.” 

Alex stared dumbly up at his wife for a moment, her grin never fading as she watched him process what she’d said. A baby… Jo wanted to have kids. Kids with him.

“You know there’s easier ways to say that you want to try for a baby,” Alex chuckled as he leaned up to kiss Jo, his fake beard getting in the way of his attempt. “C’mon let’s go home, I finished my duty for the day. Maybe if you’ve make it on the nice list I’ll put in a good word for you with Santa.” A string of giggles left Jo as she watched Alex try and sneak out of the room, instead getting ambushed by almost all of the kids that were running around. After a quick goodbye and a promise to work hard on their wishes, the pair finally made it out of the room, Alex turning to Jo with a grin, “You want one of those? You sure?”

“More than anything. Now kiss me,” Jo pointed upwards to the doorway where a sprig of mistletoe hung. “It’s tradition.”

+

“I can’t believe you volunteered to do this this year,” Meredith stared dumbfoundedly at Alex, who sat in his chair with a smirk peeking through his fake beard. “Seriously, are you feeling okay? You couldn’t stop complaining last year.” “Would you pipe down, it’s different this year,” Alex shrugged, waving at one of the kids that ran by. “I wanted to spread some Christmas cheer to sick kids, is that so wrong?” “Don’t listen to him, he didn’t want some ‘germy mall Santa’ to hold Peyton for photos,” Meredith turned at the sound of Jo’s voice, a grin lighting up her face as she took in the sight of the small baby cradled in the baby sling across Jo’s chest. “Although the peds ward of a hospital can’t be much better.”

“Stop whining and come over here,” Alex held his arms out, expecting Jo to hand the baby to him but instead having her sit across his lap. “Really? You’re gonna sit on my lap again?”

Jo shrugged, pressing a kiss against his cheek as Alex reached up to uncover the baby’s face, “I figured my Christmas wish came true last year, might as well go again.” “Listen I love you but this one barely sleeps through the night as it is,” Alex gestured to Meredith, who was smiling at the happy family with her phone in hand. “Now would you smile so we can have a semi decent first Christmas photo for our daughter.” Jo and Alex both wore bright smiles as they looked at Meredith, the two month old between them not even batting an eyelash as she slept soundly on her mom’s chest. The warm feeling in Jo’s chest almost made her tear up, thinking to just the year before when her husband had begrudgingly put on a Santa costume to please her. This year he had eagerly gone through the motions, excited to create memories with their daughter without a care about all of the patients that came with the deal.

“What’s on your mind? You have that blissed out look on your face,” Alex’s fingers on her cheek snapped Jo out of her daze, her lips coming down to press against his briefly.

“Nothing, just thinking about how lucky I am and how much I love you.” “I love you too, but you can’t just kiss me like that,” Jo’s brows furrowed as she took in Alex’s serious expression. “The kids are watching! What are they gonna think when they see you kissing Santa like that? I’ll get a bunch of angry letters.” “You’re the worst, Karev.”

[shinadog]

Alright, here’s my first attempt at writing something Yakuza related - inspired by a freakin nightmare I had, here’s MOB! It’s a multi-chapter plot oriented story based on an alternate ending for Yakuza 5 (so be careful, it will spoil that game).

Summary : Something happened after Haruka’s concert.

PART 1 - The Crowd

The crowd was completely silent as the girl spoke.

No one really knew how to react - how could they? This is not what they wanted to hear. They came here tonight (they paid an exorbitant price for a ticket, for the right to stand in a pit with hundreds of others) for one thing only. To hear a trio of teenagers sing about love, dreams, and all kinds of other nice things. Not to have one of said teenagers make a heartfelt but ultimately uncomfortable speech about…

About what, by the way?

The fact that she, Haruka Sawamura, was now standing on a stage, something most people would KILL for, and that it wasn't what she wanted? That the beautiful moment she had lived tonight just wasn't good enough for her. That she wanted to go back home. To her family.

When she started to explain what she meant by family is when she really started to ruin the mood, though.

It's not that the people in the crowd were cruel.

If you asked them "can a former yakuza turn over a new leaf and raise a kid", they'd probably say yes. If you asked them outside of an idol concert that was now pretty much ruined, that is. For some reason, hearing that girl talk about her love for her criminal of an adopted father didn’t sound as reasonable when she was standing on a stage and the crowd was standing beneath her, forced to listen. Forced to realize the perfect little picture they had in their mind, the cute upbeat innocent girl who came here to sing nice songs and thank them for their attention, never existed.

They felt cheated, somehow.

Still, they said nothing. There were a few whispers here and there, some questions asked a bit louder, but other than that, Haruka bowed down and left the stage in an unnerving silence. Her two co-stars eventually left too, and for a moment, the crowd was lost.

Was this it?

That was the moment people were starting to show the first signs of agitation. When the crowd started to feel less quiet. As the staff started to get them to leave, apologizing profusely, more and more people were starting to object. They paid to be here, to spend a nice wholesome moment, and all they got left with was this vague feeling of disappointment. Worse than that, they felt betrayed.

That girl practically told them, to their faces, than this dream, being an idol and having the incredible chance to perform at the Japan Dome, an once in a lifetime opportunity, wasn't good enough for her.

That's not how it was supposed to go.

The crowd was lost.

Eventually, they had to move. Hundreds and hundreds of angry, upset people walking into each other to get out of here. A human wave, grumbling and complaining about how short and ultimately upsetting that whole experience had been.

But they were reasonable, well adjusted citizens, after all. They would leave without making a fuss. Go back home, make some angry social media messages about the concert and move on.

That would have been nice. Reasonable.

Instead of that, the crowd ran into a fleeing girl who, like them, was trying to get out of here.

There was an awful moment when they stared at each other. The idol and her fans. The girl who rejected them and the angry people who felt as if they had been personally betrayed by someone they loved. Someone they swore they knew.

It wasn't clear who started it.

Who threw the first punch.

Who pushed who.

Who first started to run.

When the crowd of reasonable, civilized music enthusiasts became a mob.

When instead of cutesy pop tunes, the air was now filled with the screams of people being caught in the stampede.

No matter how it happened, in an instant, chaos had erupted. The mob was a loud angry wave now, crashing into itself, stomping mercilessly on the poor souls who had the misfortune to fall.

When asked about it, later, well after the dust had settled, people who had been part of the mob will say they don't know what happened. They'll say they were scared - and they were. The threat of being crushed by other people in the absolute chaos of it all had been terrifying. They'll say they were sad that it happened. That the girl didn't deserve that.

They'll never admit they felt a self righteous anger that almost turned them into monsters.

After all, they were well-adjusted, normal people.

******************

Kiryu was not smart.

A smart man wouldn't have run to fight some asshole all on his own after being shot and punched a bunch of times, only to collapse in the snow like a moron trying to get back to home. Hell, a smart man wouldn't have joined the yakuza at 16 just to run after the respect and love of the man he wanted to call father. And, of course, a smart man wouldn't have been convinced to abandon his family so that his child could become a pop star.

While he wasn't smart, Kiryu had a good instinct. He knew when something was up, deep in his gut. So when he woke up in a hospital bed, his whole body screaming as the pain woke up with him, he knew. Something was wrong.

Not because of the pain. That, he expected. He had no idea how long he had been out, but it hadn't been long enough to heal, that much was certain. Every muscle in his body felt sore, and the burning ache where he had been shot was still there. If Kiryu had to guess, he'd say he wasn't unconscious for more than four days. Not that he cared about that right now. What he wanted to know was why he woke up with this feeling of dread. With an alarm blaring in his head, warning him that something was wrong. It might have had something to do with the friendly yet incredibly worried faces in front of him.

Saejima, standing with his arms crossed near the room's door, and Akiyama, sitting on a chair near the end of his bed, were both staring back at him, stuck in an uncharacteristic silence. It was especially jarring for Akiyama, who had opened his mouth when Kiryu had turned his head in his direction, closing it just as quickly, as if he didn't know what to say.

Kiryu frowned.

Then all the things that were wrong with this scene struck him at once.

The way Saejima was standing, stiff and tense, completely still even as their eyes met.

The small "fuck" that finally escaped Akiyama's mouth, and the way he immediately stared at the door, as if he was hoping for some needed interruption.

The wrinkled clothes, still covered in blood in places, that both men were wearing and the heavy bags under their eyes, as if they had been up for days.

The fact that they were the only two people in that room, when Kiryu remembered separating from three companions on that fateful night.

The blurry memory of a man making the promise he'd protect his daughter. A man who was not here today.

The horrible realization that Haruka was not here, either.

And, finally, the fact that the heavy, oppressive silence was still here as his brain painfully connected the dots.

"What happened?"

All things considered, his voice didn't sound as weak and shaky as he would have expected. It wasn't his usual voice, though, it was tainted by the panic that was now compressing his chest, making it sound way less threatening than usual. Maybe it was weak and shaky, after all.

He was met with more silence, and it both scared and angered him.

"Shit, he woke up?"

Majima's head poking through the open door startled him.

Not that being startled by Majima was anything special. The man had found many ways to surprise him through the years, and hearing his shrill voice was usually enough to make Kiryu brace himself for whatever was coming for him. He was less of a wildcard these days, sure, but Kiryu had learned it never hurt to be on his guard anyway.

Still, Majima's sudden appearance in the room wasn't what made him suddenly straighten up in his bed, ignoring his body's complaints. No, it was the way his expression shifted as their eyes met. That weird horrified look, one he never saw in that lone eye, as Majima dragged himself inside the room, closing the door behind him - now THAT was startling.

"What the FUCK happened?"

Alright, so his voice was definitely shaking. It wasn't weak anymore though, he had pretty much roared that question, trying to get up despite the pain being hard to ignore by now. He was a mess. He didn't care, he needed some kind of answer. Akiyama’s hand was on his shoulder, he wasn't sure when that happened. When he spoke, the man's voice sounded lower than usual, and that hushed tone did nothing to calm him down.

"We can talk later, that's the first time in eight days you've been truly awake, maybe you should take it slow."

Eight days, huh. Not the four days he imagined earlier, but still not his worst. It didn't tell him what happened while he was out to make everyone stare at him like that. Kiryu had been awake for what felt like minutes and no one had done anything to give him an answer. Which only made the alarm in his head blare louder.

He strained his neck to look at Saejima across the room, still motionless:

"Saejima, please."

Kiryu wasn't sure why he was singling him out. And if the way the man raised his eyebrows was any indication, Saejima was surprised to hear him call for him, too. Maybe it was because both Akiyama and Majima were already starting to tell him to calm down and consider going back to sleep, the former mumbling something about fetching a doctor. Maybe it was because he had the feeling Saejima wouldn't lie to him.

Eventually, the tall yakuza made a few steps to stand near the end of the bed, his expression unreadable as he started:

"Our plan mostly worked, but-"

"Where is Haruka?"

Kiryu thought he could let him talk - he wanted too, even, but the second he had started explaining, he had to interrupt. He had to know. Saejima looked at the others for what felt like an eternity, and finally-

"She's alive."

No one in the history of the world had ever said "she is alive" to talk about someone who was safe and sound. He couldn't have picked a more worrying wording if he had tried. Kiryu focused on the man in front of him, ignoring once more his exhausted body begging for him to at least lay down again.

When Saejima started talking again, he didn't dare interrupt this time, horror taking over with each words:

"The concert, uh, it happened. Shinada got the shooter, and we took care of shit at the Millenium Tower too."

Kiryu couldn't care less about the events at the Millenium Tower. If he had to guess, he'd say Majima and Saejima had to fight, maybe even fight each other, as they were sporting a variety of bruises. All he wanted was to know what went down at the Japan Dome.

"At the end of that one song, Haruka, she…" Saejima took a deep breath, and Kiryu swore his heart had stopped. " She made a speech. ‘bout ya. Said she wanted to go back home and stop the whole singing thing."

Uh.

That wasn’t really what Kiryu had expected. Months ago, he would have been overjoyed to hear those words. Days ago, even. But right now ? All he could hear was the voice in his head yelling that it wasn’t right, that something terrible had happened. He managed to mouth a small "...and ?", urging the other to continue.

At this point, Saejima looked as if each word was costing him a lot. Kiryu would have felt sorry for him if he wasn’t on the verge of having a bloody heart attack. Majima must have felt his brother’s distress, because he eventually took a step to get closer to the bed :

"The concert got to an end, people were pretty pissed about it, and Haruka, she just ran away. Tried to come get ya."

"It’s my fault." Akiyama blurted, looking more serious than Kiryu had ever seen him. " I’m the one who called her. To tell her you left for HQ and that we didn’t know what happened there. I’m so fucking sorry."

Asking "sorry for what" was on Kiryu’s mind, but somehow he didn’t manage to form those words – there was a heavy lump in his throat by now, and he felt so tired that he was afraid he was going to faint before those fuckers finally spit out the truth.

It eventually came, from Majima, his voice horribly serious for once, deeper and full of pity, which Kiryu realized was awfully scary to hear :

"When she got out, she ran into some folks from the audience, and a fight broke out."

"It was more like a stampede than a fight," Saejima added, contempt in his voice. "Those stupid motherfuckers just started running and they crushed everything in their way."

Kiryu was finding it harder and harder to focus on what was being said. Or to picture what happened. Or to just stay awake at all. He knew his body enough to know that he was about to drop and sleep for a couple more days, and he knew that he couldn’t. Not before he knew-

"Four dead and too many wounded to count."

He blinked. He wasn’t even sure who had said that. Akiyama, maybe. Kiryu somehow didn’t register a voice, just a number. And the word "dead" ringing in his ears. Saejima said she was alive, he told himself. She is alive. Four poor fuckers were dead, but she was alive. She had to be.

"Haruka ?" He asked, his own voice sounding like it came from far, far away. He was really starting to lose it, he was out of time-

"The mob got to her before any staff member could react, she was already outside and there was too many fucking people…" This time he was certain it was Akiyama’s talking. Probably. The scene was getting pretty blurry, by now. Words had mostly stopped making sense, but he still listened. "By the time they got her out of here she… She had been through a lot."

"She’s in a coma right now. Doctors said her vitals are good, she has a good shot at waking up"

The word "coma" still made sense.

In fact, it made so much sense that it made all the blurry noise surrounding his senses disappear, leaving him with nothing but dread.

Dread and stupid, impulsive anger, of course.

He got up.

Well, he tried to.

He almost managed to put one foot on the ground before Saejima shoved him back in the bed, humiliatingly easily. "Don’t fucking do that. I know it ain’t easy but you need to calm down."

"I need to see her."

"We’ll go once you’re strong enough." Akiyama said, his hand uselessly pressed on his shoulder, as if Saejima needed any help to keep him pinned on the bed. "Date is with her right now, so she isn’t alone. It’s probably better if we wait a bit, she’s… It’s a lot to take in."

You don’t fucking say, he wanted to shout.

"This isn’t how it was supposed to go..." Kiryu heard himself say, his voice breaking slightly, before a new spike of anger made it get louder. " Where the fuck was Shinada while all that shit was going on ? He said he’d protect her !"

"Well, when it started getting bad he did try to find a way through the crowd, but…" Saejima shook his head, looking more tired than ever. "It was an angry crowd, Kiryu, I’m sure he did his best, but it was too much. No one could have done anything."

Kiryu is vaguely aware that he kept talking after that. That he said Shinada was still alive after being pretty much crushed by the stampede, and that he was in a room somewhere in the hospital.

He didn’t care, though.

No one could have done anything.

The last thing Kiryu thought of as he passed out was that HE could have done something.

No angry crowd could have stopped him. He was certain of it.

He could have prevented this.

He should have.

[wevegottogetaway]

Whirlwind Part II - Bora

DAY 2

Echoes are bouncing within the sturdy walls of the San Diego Marine Corps Air Station's main hangar. Blackshoes are in the middle of pre-flight logistics runs and equipment set-up before the launch of Top Gun program's first training mission. Aircrafts are being carefully escorted outside towards the runway, the sound of their roaring turbines whelming Harry's ears but he doesn't let that disturb his self-reflecting musings. His body is leant on the metallic hinges of the warehouse's entrance as his absentminded gaze doesn't shift from the take-off runway.

He is about an hour early but the upcoming events of the day have had him on edge since he reluctantly draped the cool bedsheets off his body that morning. How could he possibly get a wink of sleep knowing he was, at last, going back amongst the clouds for the first time since the accident? For the first time without his best friend. For the first time without is partner by his side (or rather behind him) watching out for hidden threats and targets in line. Jonathan had always had his back but from this day forward Harry would have to rely on Aella to keep them both safe.

He doesn't know what to make of that, what to make of her. There is no questioning her skills and capability, one could never join this program without those...but two highly proficient flyers don't necessarily equal one flawless unit. Especially since they know so little of each other. Be that as it may, the fellowship that binds two pilots flying the same aircraft is indispensable to their success and in those life-of-deaths seconds, when it feels like the sky is closing in on them and the next move can make or break them, it all comes down to one thing: the entrustment between him and her.

And he wants to. Wants to take his trust out from the jetted pocket of his uniform, lay it on the palm of her hand and enclose her fingers around it to keep secure. But it doesn't work like that, does it? Trust is not so much a choice as it is a spontaneous feeling immune to rational thinking. And for a reason he doesn't want to mull over too much, Harry can't help but feel wary of her in a way. He's seen her fire; the night before last when she made a fool out of their most redoubtable opponent. Recognized the same flame that used to inhabit his best friend's eyes and make him the warmest being Harry ever got to be around. It doesn't sway him as much as it scares him. Fierceness is a good trait in the Navy world, but too much of it can be deceitful. Harry experienced it first-hand.

He doesn't dwell on it too much for now though, and makes his way to the back of the warehouse where his "classmates" have started to huddle while waiting for the superiors. Most of the promotion is there, the usual inner-groups appearing clearly to Harry as his eyes takes in the scene: herdsman Rex and his sheeps on one side while the other crews enjoy one last round of banter before their sternness is summoned for the first mission of the program.

Harry takes note of Aella's absence just as someone calls out to him. "Styles!" It's his callsign tumbling out of Dean Marshall's mouth. Harry used to have another, but the only person who was allowed to make use of that one special letter, is no longer able to claim it.

Dean and his partner Emmet Iggersman - or as they are commonly addressed to on base, Dazzler and Tigger - complete the other half of Harry and Aella's team. The four of them fly in tandem to form a section and hopefully fulfill the missions' objectives before the others do. Harry has flown many a time with these two guys and he's glad he'll be able to count on them as well should his new pairing go south.

"Hey Daz, how's it goin' ?" his greeting is followed by a good-natured handshake.

"S' goin' awesome, thanks for asking! My boy just started walking like a penguin on steroids right before I left. I swear the little champ is takin' the helm to keep his mum on her toes while his father's gone!" The proud smirk teasing Dazzler's lips triggers a contagious chuckle from his peers as they all take in the sheer bliss coloring the new-dad's face.

"That's grand man! Send my prayers to Catherine, sounds like she might need it, yeah?"

"Will do Styles, but enough 'bout me, how are you holdin' up? I can't deal fo' you man, what with Fox gone and this new partner thing..." There's a painful tug at Harry's chest at the utterance of Jonathan's callsign, the nickname born from his tangerine-like hair though Harry always believed it was more reference to his best-friend incredibly cunning mind. He ignores it in favor of a more tempered and diplomatic answer than what his heart was crying out.

"It'll be an adjustment fo' sure, yeah. But overall I'm just glad to be back in the game"

"As we all are Styl-" Tigger has just placed a comforting hand on Harry's broad shoulder when he is interrupted by none other than Rex's disdainful voice.

"Hey girls! How's the BFFs reunion going?"

Dazzler doesn't hesitate before stepping forward and firing back "Just about a punch away from properly kickin'off. Why? are you offerin'?"

"Wooo I'm shaking" Rex replies with a fake tremor. Then he seems to spot something - or rather someone - coming up behind Harry and Tigger. It's Aella, head kept down as to not attract any attention. She's seen the despicable man interacting with her new crew so she tries to reach the makeshift classroom (mostly just chairs aligned in a couple of rows in the middle of a hangar) as inconspicuously as possible. The déjà-vu impression is not lost on her.

"There she is!" Aella tilts her head up, knowing she's busted. "Miss James Bond Girl in the flesh! C'mere sweetheart, come show these suckers who wears the pants in this team!" The disdain within her levels up a notch (as if possible) but Aella doesn't know what she hates the most about this nonsense. The fact he is ridiculing her once again or the fact he acts like none of the after James-Bond-Girl-debacle two nights ago ever happened. As if she didn't put him in his place like the badass she is.

Or maybe it's the affectionate pet-name coming out of his repugnant lips and directed to her... Anyway, she doesn't have the time to prepare a comeback before a second round is launched, this time at her new partner.

"Better watch it Styles! Next thing you know you'll be the one in the freakin' kitchen..."

"Cut it out, Rex-" Harry starts defending his team but a stern and humorless voice overpowers his.

"I don't reckon anyone asked for your moronic opinions. So please pack your ignorant bullshit away and leave us the fuck alone" She keeps her countenance as she tells him off but Rex is not budging an inch and neither is the insolent smirk hung on his face.

"Damn Harry, quite the mouthy one you have here. Sure you can handle her?"

"For Christ's sake, please shut the hell up and go back where you came from Rex or by God I swear I won't hesitate to have you weep on the floor for your momma like a baby, again."

"Again?" Dazzler perks up with a smiling frown just as Rex's smugness fades away to be replaced by unadulterated contempt.

"You're delusional if you think I can be scared of you Lonethorne" he spats out while backing away, head up mighty high. "Stupid cunts" he adds under his breath as he turns around to rejoin his buddies.

Aella knows she's worked herself up but she can't help but call out to him one more time. "Oh and Rex?... How's the hand doing?" He doesn't give her the curtesy of a respond but Aella is satisfied with the flare of his nose and the twitch in his eye.

Meanwhile the three men still at her sides are left speechless, Dazzler and Tigger still processing the heated exchange while Harry seems lost in his own thoughts.

She'd done it again. Let the fire out and turned Rex's crudeness into ashes before they could scar her skin. There was no attempt of taming the beast before she went in guns blazing. That didn't help assuage his worries one bit. She's too impulsive is playing in his head over and over like a broken record. Because while Harry agrees Rex is the worst kinds of knobheads, he's always believed responding to antagonization was pointless. Better to look the other way and let the jerk waste his energy on petty words that will never reach aim. And because all in all, there are dogfighters, but that endeavor is reserved in the air, not on land.

"My my, darling. You just pimped the shit out of the least pimpable man on base. I think I'm in awe." Dazzler says after regaining his senses.

"Please don't call me darling" Aella retorts softly as she knows he doesn't mean it in any condescending way.

"Sorry. Aella, is it?"

"Yeah, that's me. And you are...?"

"Dazzler, so very nice to meet you" he smiles widely accepting her handshake offer. "And just a heads-up dear Aella. After you tell me all about weeping Rex, you and I are gonna be besties, I can feel it" She chuckles lightly as his enthusiasm and decides she'll not only welcome his affection but also return it. Before she can reciprocate the sentiment however, the room falls suddenly quiet and a second later the reason, or rather 4 reasons, come into her view: Commander Berks, Lieutenant Rogers and two other officers that have yet to be introduced.

"Morning everyone, I can tell some of you over-indulged in Induction Rave. If you could put the same amount of devotion you put at getting faced into your training, I would be eternally grateful." Berks earns himself a full house of laughters, before compelling the room back to sobriety. "Time to be serious now. ACM training was not invented to entertain you and make you look pretty up there. As an era where the potential of confrontation is constantly rising, air combat excellence is now more than ever a vital technique to the protection of our country. And don't you forget that: you are above all defenders of the nation. Not heroes, not athletes. I say again: protectors. Best be at you sharpest then." The Commander pauses after his inspiring tirade.

"Now, let's talk about this first assignment. Just plain good old-fashioned dogfighting to give you guys a foretaste of what's coming. Today it's gonna be 4 units at a time against 4 of ours. Your goal is to target any one of the instructors' units while trying not to be shot yourself. I'll say it now, we won't go easy on you. This exercise is meant as an assessment of your current skills, so don't get too cocky up there, just do your ex-Commanders honor. First one to reach its target or last one to be shot wins the mission. Remember, there is no points for second place in this program." He pauses and starts grinning. "Show me what you got."

With that Aella tries a small glance in Harry's direction but his eyes are fixed towards the horizon with a permanent frown shrouding their luminescence. She sighs.

Fully equipped of her G-suit, helmet and headset, Aella is making the last adjustments on her seat at the back of the cockpit. She's not unfamiliar with the radar intercept officer position though she's usually the one at the commands. She's also used to flying alone.

The panel in front of her intimidatingly takes up all her front view with a couple of screens and numerous switches and tuners. Her perspective is limited to a peripheral vision on both sides of the cockpit but she wouldn't be relying on a full panorama to spot target and threats anyway. No her job is to accurately keep tract of all flying elements within the largest range and most anticipated time possible. There's no point in crying out for enemy presence when they're already at your six and firing away... Along with relaying their position to Harry, Aella can also suggest tactical maneuvers based on the predictions she draws from the opponents' moves.

Speaking of Harry, they haven't exchanged a word since their brief introduction two days ago. Now they're both tightly harnessed to their seat about to navigate a near-thirty-tons engine beyond the speed of sound. Aella's never been a religious one but as the technician gives her one last thumb up to signal their operational status, she's praying to all deities that the awkwardness between them on land is nothing but the result of a subliminal force destined to counterbalance their incredible chemistry in the air.

The canopy of the cockpit locks them into silence before Harry speaks up. "All good?" The mediocre quality of the microphone's transducer makes his voice even raspier than usual through the headset tucked over Aella's ears.

"Yeah all good. You?"

"Same."

She thinks their conversation is over but then she hears a hushed voice. "Let's kick the tires and light the fires." She figures it was more so for his own benefit though, so she doesn't comment.

All too soon they're propelled forward, backs pinned to their seats because of the tremendous speed pressure. It can be a small-scale body trauma for some but Aella has never felt more comfortable. A tingle of the fingertips later, they are welcomed in an infinite azure dotted by a few scarce clouds, the runway long gone behind them. Both pilots enjoy a couple peaceful seconds to take in their new panorama and then they snap: it begins.

"I've got a six strobe. I think he's locked on us." Aella starts reading out the incoming movements entering her radar scope.

With a switch on his radio transmitter, Harry reaches out to Dazzler and Tigger as they are flying in a parallel tandem alongside them. "Tigger, you spot it?"

"Positive. It's Rogers, looks like he's a single." Tigger who endorses the same role as Aella quickly reports, before she pitches back in for a few more precisions.

"Contact at 900 knots closure. He's gaining speed."

"Daz, it's split time." Harry announces.

"Copy that Styles."

After Dazzler's approval, the two aircrafts are both sharply veering outwards in a defensive split, leaving a Y-shaped trail of smoke after them. The move comes through as the chaser is contrived to choose one direction to follow, but to Harry's dismay they get the short end of the stick.

"Rogers coming left, eight o'clock high." Aella signals immediately.

The scenery below them is a mix of wild purples and pale magentas, with fields-worth of lavender adorning the dry soil so characteristic of Californian lands. Peace and nature prevail on these grounds slightly remote from the bustling life of the city but the same cannot be said ten-thousand feet above where Harry is caught in a tedious game of zig-zag trying to escape his pursuer.

"He's tailing us. Watch your six!" her pulse quickens every time Rogers' unit manages to lock its position right behind them. There is no more vulnerable position for a pilot than to have an enemy flying at their six. It usually means incoming fire. It's why Harry is relentlessly jerking the TomCat in a rapid and unpredictable manner, the constant change in direction making it near-impossible for Rogers to lock, aim and shoot them.

"No shit Sherlock, why d'you think I'm jinxing so much?" Harry is starting to see spots on his peripheral vision from the gravitational pull, and he can only hope his tailgater is experiencing the same. Beads of sweat dotting his hairline and starting to dribble along his temples but it doesn't put a damper on his concentration. He can't relent or he becomes an exposed target.

"Goddamn, he's not budgin.'" Harry tries with all his might to leave his frustration out of the cockpit but the situation is not looking up.

"You got new contact ahead, 2 o'clock." Aella perks up at the discovery.

"Imma bit preoccupied with Rogers up my ass, if you haven't noticed." She should have known pointing out a potential target while they were heavily pursued themselves was not what Harry wanted to hear, but she already had a plan all mapped out. That's what Aella is best at after-all: reading a situation and coming up with a strategy in .2 second flat, no reflexion needed, just the numbers, the physics and the sky on her side.

"I didn't mean it as a target. You can use them as a shield if you keep Rogers high enough right before making a dive under them." She explains her vision to him, desperately wishing she could be the one on the front executing it.

"He'll just go above and back to tailgating us."

"Not if you barrel-roll right after the contact, he'll just overshoot." His lack of response betrays his skepticism so she insists further, brushing off the way he's second-guessing her.

"At the least, it'll give you leeway and buy you some time." This time her argument weights enough to tip his scale in favor of her plan.

"'lright then." Harry reluctantly agrees, tilting his chin slightly to the side as if he couldn't believe himself he was going through with her move. "'s gonna be snug timing."

"Just trust my cue." Aella's words are left hanging between them like a desperate echo thrown in an empty ravine. Does he trust her? Does she? It's definitely not the moment to reflect on it, much less have a discussion about it, but neither of them are oblivious to the eerie silence filling up their space like a faux smile greeting a bad joke. Then the aircraft is once again yanked to a blunt left and Aella is snapped out of it.

"That's it. Target at 1 mile abeam 40° on your right." She's got the fellow fighter in her line of view, both on the radar and through the bulletproof glass of the cockpit's canopy. "Keep high, keep high...3, 2, 1, drop!" Harry immediately complies, the aircraft nearly skimming the underbelly of its twin above, before shooting right back upwards, nose pointing at the sun. The trajectory describes a half loop leaving them upside-down for a milli second before Harry rolls them back to normal, in the end effectively realizing a vertical U-turn. Rogers skillfully avoids a fetal collision with the third wheeler but doesn't anticipate Harry's sudden volte-face, in accordance with Aella's prognosis.

"Fuck, we're losin' airspeed." Because of such a twist of direction, they are indeed relegated to a lesser speed which Harry is not too enchanted about.

"He's losing some too." Aella reasons, before jumping to another matter. "2 incoming bogies ahead. I think it's Berks tailing Dazzler." She's barely finished her sentence that two familiar aircrafts flash passed them at such high speed, Harry has to crane his neck backwards to watch his friends in the same predicament he was mere seconds ago.

"I have to cover them." His instinct takes over.

"Fly your needles Harry, it's too late for them." Aella objects to it straight away. Her mind is unbiased, she knows going for them would be pointless.

"Like hell I'm gonna sit tight, they need cover." Harry's voice is categoric like he couldn't ever fathom a world where he would leave his friends stranded for the sake of a mission.

"They already lost, Berks' gonna turn for us now."

"You don't know that." He replies adamantly despite her warning.

"Except I do. Daz was loosing speed, it's over for them." Now she's the one trying to stifle her frustration with all her might. She just wishes he would listen, but instead they're doing yet another 180 to follow Dazzler's trail to the rescue. She has no choice but to adapt and keep calling the positions.

"Contact ahead, four hundred, coming down. He's gonna turn."

"Not if I nail 'im first." If she weren't so bitter about being ignored, she might find his determination admirable. Admittedly she can't deny Harry is an amazing pilot, as are proof his excellent accuracy in space and timing as well as the ease with which he performs each maneuver. But alas, the git won't take her words for it, no matter how knowledgable she is. Talk about eyes rolling...

Meanwhile, Harry is desperately trying to aim for the TomCat launched in his direction, but his opponent is using the same tricks he used against Rogers.

"Shit, 's not stable enough to fire." Aella can't believe he has to audacity to groan about it to her. DIdn't she warn him?

Any shot is missed as the two aircrafts cross trajectories, nearly grazing each other

"Don't lag, he's gonna come around high at your five." Instead of commenting on his failed attempt, she communicates her best educated guess.

"How'dya figure?"

"Cause he was lagging too." Her retorts are getting sharper and drier as her annoyance grows the more he questions her. Her eyes take a rest from the screens on her panel to lay on the Californian landscape flowing passed them. They've wandered quite the distance away from the base, the relatively greener scenery of the seafront giving way to a craggy turf redder and drier by the meter.

"Fuck." Harry suddenly swears, the quality of his voice could rival the roughness of the ground Aella was just observing, and she's effectively brought back into focus.

"Damn it, I told you!" She indulges with an expletive of her own once she spots the fast-approaching signal of Berks unit on her AMDR (Air and Missile Defense Radar).

"The fucker got in my blind spot, I'm doin' my best." Harry is quick to defend himself but the damage is done: they're being chased down once again.

Aella thinks she's starting to reach her disgruntlement threshold. The fact Harry isn't much receptive to her ideas doesn't alleviate her growing frustration at her lack of control over the damn carrier. "Well step up before we get wiped." She spits.

"I swear to God Aella, now's really not the time"

"If you just listened to me for- Watch out! At your six, closing fast!" She desperately wants to tell him off. Wishes she could go on a rant about how much of a dismissing jerk is being, but her duties reins her in when a loud signal starts beeping frantically on her board. Berks is locked at their six, a press of a finger away from shooting them.

"I hear that" Harry grunts as he gives a sharp jerk at the control stick in order to dodge Berks' line of fire. He keeps jinxing the aircraft in all axis but Berks follows suit and matches all his moves.

"He's too fast, I can't get out of his fire range." Harry's heartbeat skyrockets as the situation becomes more dire by the second. He doesn't know how long he can maintain the zig-zagging going, for the sake of both his energy and the carrier's. Abrupt moves are what's currently keeping them safe but these are sadly the greediest in kerosene.

Then all hell breaks loose when Aella is hit by one of her craziest ideas.

"Try a complete thrust reversal of the turbofan engines."

"' the fuck?! Are you nuts?! It'll send us spiraling." Harry's livid. He knew it. He fucking knew she was impulsive and reckless on the edges. She held to much fire in her hands for him to put his trust in them like he wanted to.

"Precisely." His harsh reaction doesn't deter her confidence. "If you're out of control, he can't anticipate your moves, can he?"

"Are you even listening to yourself? That's a stupid idea if I ever heard one."

"It's not. You just have to switch back off the burners for a sec and you'll get the control back."

"And what if I don't?" She knows her calculations are foolproof but Harry won't have any of it. He can't think past the boldness and near-arrogance of it all.

"You will, just trust me." Once again, the words leave a bitter taste in her mouth, even more so because she knows he won't likely follow through with it.

"That's suicide mission Aella. I'm not doing it, that's final." The last two words are categorical, a way for him to officially close the conversation.

"Damn it!"

The theory of it was beautiful really, but Harry thinks in practical and surefire moves he knows won't send him six feet under before his time. Aella, on the other hand, has always relied on her infallible knowledge of astrophysics to enhance her flying experience. She's followed the same motto ever since she stumbled across a quote that inspired her beyond grasp. It goes something like "aviation records don't fall until someone is willing to mortgage the present for the future." And while she would never even entertain the idea of a reckless and immature move, her self-taught philosophy gave her access to a whole world of potential tricks most pilot couldn't even conceptualize.

Aella is in the middle of an attempt at regulating her breathing when she starts noticing the spinning arrow on her altimeter. Her head swiftly tilts to the side to get a brief snapshot of the crimson soil of San Diego's wasteland. They must be pretty far in the land if the upcoming sierra of rocky mounts is anything to go by. That's not what is retaining Aella's attention. No, she's more puzzled by the lack of space between her and the ground, the carrier grazing over pebbly elevations and lorn cactuses.

"Flathatting? That's your idea? Christ Harry, the trees won't save your ass." She figures if he doesn't bother being civil then she should drop her filter too.

"Leave it Aella. Just do your job."

"I'm trying!" She fires back.

"Just trust me on this."

Blank.

"Fuck you Harry, that's a two-way street." She's actually fuming. He had the balls to call her out on trust when he hasn't been returning the same courtesy. If she had the time to worry further about it now, Aella would be questioning if coming to Top Gun and partnering with Harry was really a life-changing opportunity. So far, she's had very few upgrades from the grim world she's been privy too.

"There's a split trail 3 miles ahead on the left." She was under the impression they'd stop talking in tacit consent but the rasp of Harry's voice through her headphones is no mirage. "I can lose him there. Can you read the positions please?"

She's tempted to give him the silent treatment but the fervid pilot in her wouldn't let her jeopardize a mission on such petty grounds. At least he was polite about his request this time. "He's closing on 300, nose up. Going by 800 knots."

"Roger that" Probably the closest thing to a thank you she'll get from him.

They're currently speeding through a gorge, tall cliffs of maroon stone fencing them on either side. Aella starts to question Harry's move as it restrains their room for maneuver but then he makes an extremely obtuse left turn and she gets it. The intimidating mount on their left actually split into two narrow canyons. At the speed they were going, one is most likely to take the second channel whose angle isn't as sharp as the one Harry chose. Only someone with previous knowledge of the surroundings would know how to successfully make that turn. It's then Aella realizes Harry has more insight on the environs than he lets on. His trick proves to be conclusive as Berks falls into the trap and enters the other passage.

"He's out."Aella simply confirms, before Harry veers upwards and back towards the base.

"Hunky-Dory." He utters in the same whispered manner he used before their take-off. "Now let's bug the fuck outta here."

The moment she has her two feet on the tarmac, Aella is scurrying over to a furious-looking Harry. Nostrils flaring, daggers in the eyes, they're both squaring their shoulders once nose to nose, or rather nose to collarbone. She doesn't give him the time to even part his lips before she's jabbing her pointer finger at his taunt chest.

"You prick! I got better things to do than to fill some empty space at the back of your stupid plane. If you don't want my insight you can shove it where the sun doesn't shine."

"Insight? You call that insight?!" He starts laughing jeeringly. "'s fuckin' madness is what it was. I can't believe I passed the mission with someone like you!" Harry doesn't even care to temper his disdain anymore. He's seen enough to make up his mind about her. He doesn't like her. Doesn't want to find out about the person inside because he doesn't like the pilot that she is. It reminds him to much of futile losses and irreparable hurt.

"Someone like me?" Aella's face turns sour and if it didn't make her look so sentimental, her eyes would be hosting a few pearls. She really thought he wasn't like those sexist jerks back home. Maybe not the warmest but at least respectful of her talent enough to appreciate her place in the Navy. Now she hates herself for entertaining the fantasy of ever having an ally flying by her side. "You're an asshole Harry, and certainly no better than Rex." Then before he can reply she storms off, too angered not to lose her wits.

And really, her last words don't sit well with Harry, because he knows she's not referring to the jerk's flying skills.

[coldlittlecuties]

Bundle Up

The boys are on an early season 1 hunt in Michigan but aren't quite used to how cold it is. (Words: 2086)

I might continue this if anyone is interested.

Dean shoved Sam through the entrance of the nearest store, the little bell above jingling. The younger hunter was shaking so harshly from the frigid Michigan air that Dean feared it was a seizure. He steered Sam over to the nearest vent, then began brushing off the snow while hot air blew over him.

"You okay?" Dean checked.

"F-F-FFF-F-Fi-Finnne," Sam stuttered.

"You're not fine, you're frozen! The Hell were you thinkin', man?!" Dean scolded. Sam looked at him with the most heart-wrenching puppy eyes he'd ever pulled. Of course him being all huddled up and shivery made it all the more effective.

Dean sighed. He brought his brother's icy hands out from his jacket sleeves to check for frostbite. "Look: I don't care how close you think the library is. When it's this freakin' cold, you call me to pick you up. You don't walk! Man, look at you! You better have all your toes."

"*fffffuhuhuhuhuh* N-N-NN-NN-No-ot th-th-that *buh-buh-buh-buh*bad," Sam denied. He then shuddered so hard Dean had to stop him from falling.

"Yeah, tell that to your teeth," Dean interrupted. "Geez, Sammy! If you're gonna be so underdressed, at least wear gloves."

"D-D-D-Do-on't ha-ha-avvve 'nnnny-y," Sam explained. Dean lightly smacked him upside his head.

"You should've said something! I told you we'd be close to Canada this hunt! Are these the warmest clothes you have?" He berated. Sam's lack of eye contact was all the answer Dean needed. He sighed, washing a hand over his face. "You trying kill me, Sammy?"

"Y-Y-You-u'd c-c-c-co-co-com*mmm*ee b-b-bb-back a-a-an *huhuhuh*haunt m-m-m-me."

"Damn right I'd haunt your ass," Dean smirked. "Now let's see if this place has anything to keep you from turning into the abominable snowman."

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

The brothers have stayed in some pretty awful places: motels that reek of cigar smoke, empty houses infested with pests, even outside on cold concrete if the situation was dire enough. This cabin might be their least favorite place. Sure it looked beautiful, was clean, and free from rodents or bugs, but it was not built for winter.

It's insulation is nonexistent, the windows are single paned which let the chill seep into the cabin, there is no fireplace, and no matter where they are, there is always a draft to send shivers up their spines. Dean was convinced that the cabin was colder than the snowy forest outside. He was tempted to sleep in the Impala, but since she was made of metal, she would be even colder (though he doubted it was possible for colder temperatures to exist).

Their father trained them to withstand cold temperatures and how to deal with cold weather emergencies. Dean kept trying to regulate his breathing like he was taught. Every inhale felt like a brain freeze to his sinuses, even inside! Despite all of this, Dean was still more worried for his brother.

Sam has never been very cold tolerant. His skinny body just didn't hold in enough heat. Living in the warmer climate of the Bay Area made him even less tolerant. Dean's stomach clenched at the memory of his baby brother shivering through cold weather training, his teeth clacking together so intensely that even their father allowed him to wear another layer. It was excruciating to see his little brother freezing without helping him.

This time wasn't cold training. This is one of the circumstances they trained for. Only this time, Dean won't sit idly by while Sammy freezes to death. He'll do whatever it takes to keep him warm. Whatever he did, he knew he'd have to do it quickly. Dean could already see his brother shaking from the cold, even in his new winter clothes.

"Why don't you go find some more blankets and I'll see if I can pump some heat into this place," Dean suggested. Sam nodded, rubbing his arms as he walked away. Dean examined the cabin, trying to find a thermostat or a furnace: anything. He nearly cheered when he found the water heater. All he had to do was relight the pilot light and... done! In an hour, it would be warm enough for a hot shower or two.

"D-D-Dean!" The older brother sprinted to where he heard Sam call. "We d-d-don't have p-p-p-p-power."

"Hang tight, Sammy! I'll try to find the generator. Stay here!" Dean ordered before running off. He checked the kitchen, the living room, the hallway, the bedrooms, the closets, even the bathroom. It must be outside. Dean rushed outside and around the perimeter of the cabin. Finally, he found the generator piled under a mountain of snow. His gloved hands made opening the control panel very difficult, but if he took them off, he'd lose fingers to frostbite. Dean's hopes fell when the door opened to reveal every piece either rusted or frozen.

"Sonovabitch...," he grumbled, slamming the door shut. Hopefully whatever they had in the Impala could help, just until they could drive back into town for supplies. Dean ruffled through the trunk, the hidden compartment, the interior: all he found were a few more scraps of clothing and a lighter. He sighed.

"Generator's busted. We'll pick up stuff to fix it tomorrow. I did find a few more gloves and socks though," Dean explained, shaking off the snow from his jacket before putting it back on again.

"Don't worry, Dean. The stove's gas powered with a full tank of propane. It's kinda cozy," Sam replied, holding his gloved hands close to the lit burner. Dean was glad Sam wasn't shivering anymore. He knew from experience that it made his muscles sore as Hell.

"You wanna roast marshmallows and chestnuts?" The older brother teased.

"I know you're joking, but I could seriously use some hot chocolate right about now," Sam smirked, rubbing his arms again.

"You said it. We should get some mix. And some milk! Watery hot chocolate is disgusting," Dean added.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

After a couple of hours researching, Dean heated up a few cans of soup over the fire. It was getting dark, especially with the increasing snowfall. It wasn't too bad thanks to the candles they lit. They also provided some much needed warmth. Both boys divided the remaining clothes and blankets among themselves, Dean making sure Sam got whatever was warmest. His kid was bundled up in as many layers as he thought he could wear without Dean noticing. Of course, he did. But he wouldn't say anything.

Out of the corner of his eye, Dean watched Sam blow into his gloved hands and bounce his legs. While waiting for the soup to warm up, he rifled through the cabinets in search of something that could help Sam. He found a few heat packs and even one of those aqua bead pouches that could be heated or cooled. There was also some tea and sugar. Dean started to heat another pot of water for the tea and to heat up the aqua pouch.

"*huh-huh'PSHH! h'NSHuuh! hih-GISHhuuh!*"

"Hey, Sammy. Why don't you take a break for a bit. Stretch thise freakishly long legs of yours," Dean suggested, hoping to lure his brother closer to the heat source.

Sam happily left the dining room chairs, taking the long route to the kitchen so he wouldn't be too obvious.

"*HISHhuuh! tchSHOO! Heh-hih-ihHSHSH!*"

"You getting sick?"

"No. My nose is just running 'cause it's cold in here. And my scarf tickles sometimes," Sam explained, hugging himself.

"Wanna try one of these hot pack things? They're suplosed to be for injuries but they advertise heat," Dean offered, already preparing a pack. Sam nodded, but Dean would've put the pack on him anyways. The younger hunter shuddered violently when his shirt was pulled up in the back. He felt the pack stick to him, then Dean let go of him.

As upset as Sam wanted to be with Dean for invading his personal space, the glorious warmth of the pack started to kick in. He sighed contentedly, almost purring, as it helped his shivery muscles loosen.

"It's so warm," he thought aloud.

"That's why it's called a hot pack, Sammy. Here, eat up," Dean explained as he handed Sam a bowl of soup. The brothers stood by the stove as they ate the soup and drank the tea. Both were savoring the warmth from the dishes as well as their contents.

"You think you're gonna be warm enough, tonight Sammy?" Dean checked, handing him the warmed aqua pouch.

"Yeah, I'm good. What about you, though?" Sam worried.

"I'm too hot to freeze!"

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Dean let out another shuddery breath as a chill wracked him. He tried to curl himself into a tighter ball, but it wasn't helping. The hunter was so cold he couldn't stop shivering. His teeth kept making that annoying chattering sound no matter how much he wrapped himself in the blankets. He even used some spare towels from the closets!

"S-S-S-S-Sa-ammmy's w-ww-wwarm-m-m," Dean kept telling himself. "*huhuhuh*He's wwwwa-warm a-a-and s-s-s-s-sa*fffff*fe." He then shivered so hard it rocked the bed. Dean was wearing every piece of clothing he could. Everything else (minus the Fed Suit) was mingled in with the towels and covers. How was he still this cold?!

Finally fed up with turning into a popsicle, Dean eased himself out of the blankets to stand by the stove for a while. He was amazed to feel how much colder the room was outside of his cocoon. All his shivering reminded him to check on Sam. Dean shuffled around the corner and into the kitchen. He turned on the gas for the stove, but couldn't work the lighter with his gloves. He took them off then shuddered impossibly harder.

He dropped his lighter with a loud *THUNK!*. Dean winced, hoping the noise didn't wake his little brother. He decided to turn off the gas until he could find another way to light the stove. No sense in poisoning them both. While he waited for an idea to come, he saw one of the hot packs on the counter. Dean took off his gloves on the other hand so he could open their package. But he was shaking too much to properly grasp it.

"I knew it!"

Dean whipped around as Sam came out of his room with a blanket wrapped around him.

"You lecture me about the importance of of staying warm and wearing plenty of layers while you go and do the exact opposite!"

"M'f-f-ff-fi-ine S-S-S-Sam," Dean assured.

"You're not fine, you're frozen!" Sam echoed, wrapping the blanket around his brother. He grabbed the dropped lighter, then lit the front burners. Dean gave a shuddery sigh as he felt the warmth and held his palms out.

"Here: put these back on." Sam watched Dean struggle to put the gloves on for a few seconds before doing it himself. Dean looked away as he huddled into the blanket. Sam opened the hot pack and slipped it onto his brother's back before he had a chance to protest.

"Why didn't you tell me you were freezing? I could've added more layers and given you more blankets!" Sam demanded, preparing a pot of water for tea.

"Y-Y-Y-You wwwere *cuh-cuh-cuh*co-old a-all ddday," Dean explained.

"And you've been freezing all night. Maybe even longer!"

"*muh-muh-muh-muh*my-y j-j-jjjob-b... p-p-p-prot-tect y-y-yo-ou...."

"What's my job then? Sit around all warm and cozy while my big brother freezes to death? I can deal with being cold. I can't deal with losing you too." Sam looked away and took a breath to compose himself.

"S-S-Sam-m-my?"

"I'm fine!"

Dean unhuddled from the blanket so he could pull his brother into a hug. Sam burried his face in Dean's shoulder as he relaxed into the embrace.

"S'ok-k-kay S-Sammy. I-I'm g-g-getting warm-m-mer nno-ow. M-M-M'ok-k-k-kay."

Sam nodded into his shoulder. Dean's shivering slowed to a stop after a few minutes. Neither brother was willing to let go of the other just yet.

"You wanna try to sleep a bit more?" Sam offered, suppressing a yawn. "You can stay in my room 'cause it's warm."

"Yeah. Let's get'cha to bed, Sammy," Dean chuckled. Reluctantly, they let go to walk into Sam's room. They crawled under the covers on opposite sides of the bed, but they ended up gravitating towards each other. Their chilly and sleepy minds only registered the soft warmth and the presence of his brother.

Sam was snuggled up against Dean's chest, his head tucked right under the older hunter's chin. Dean wrapped his arms around his kid and nuzzled his soft hair. That was how they fell asleep: warm, cozy, and protected.

[tefanfics]

Changes

Chapter 41

“Rose, he’s going to cry like a baby.”

I looked up from my lunch, my eyes landing on Taron’s mom. Dress shopping had gone a lot quicker than I anticipated. I expected to move from store to store, being indecisive as I tried to figure out what dress I wanted to wear when I said I do. But one store was enough. I tried on a total of seven dresses and of course lucky number seven was the one.

“If he cries, I will do,” I replied as I put my fork down.

“Please. You’re going to cry even if he doesn’t,” Callie retorted. Laughter ensued around the table. I had missed Callie’s sense of humor. Texts and FaceTime were great but it wasn’t the same as having her here beside me.

“So how long have you two been friends?” Tina asked.

“Kindergarten,” Callie and I answered at the same time.

“This dork was reading a book at recess,” Callie said as she nudged me. “Figured she needed little fun in her life.”

Tina chuckled while my mom rolled her eyes at us. “Callie has been our other ‘daughter’ for years,” my mom joined in. “Didn’t realize I’d get a second daughter when Rose went off to school.”

The four of us sat and chatted long after our meals were gone and dessert had been devoured too. This was the first real time I had spent with Taron’s mom. We’d met briefly a few months ago but this was different. We were actually getting the chance to bond. And I wasn’t sure who was more excited about it- me or Taron.

It was nearing dinner time when the four of us finally returned to the house. Taron was lounging in the living room, the TV playing a movie louder than necessary.

“Babe!” I called as I came through the hallway. The TV immediately went quiet as we got closer to the living room.

“Hello, ladies. Any success?” Taron asked from his spot on the sofa.

I flashed a little grin as I turned to the side of the room where the kitchen was and heard Callie. “Yup. You’re going to bawl your eyes out,” she said. “And if you don’t, I’ll make Rose go back and start over.” Once again Callie accomplished her goal of laughter in the room.

“I’m sure I’ll cry.”

“You better,” I chimed in from by the fridge. I opened the door and pulled out a soda for myself. Soon the kitchen stools were occupied and Taron was by my side as we started talking. I was excited to see how well Callie and Taron got along, to see my mom interacting with Taron’s, and just how well things were going. We snacked and drank, telling stories and making jokes for hours.

I was genuinely happy as I stood in the kitchen, Taron’s arm around my shoulders and surrounded by people I loved. I leaned into Taron and he responded by kissing my temple.

“You two are sickeningly cute,” Callie commented. “Time for wine yet?”

I nodded and broke free of Taron’s grasp as I retrieved the wine glasses and Callie picked out a bottle. I filled three glasses and went to get two more but my mom interrupted.

“Us mom’s are headed off to bed. You kids have fun,” Mom said as she stood up. She hugged Callie and I before she left the kitchen. Tina followed suit, bidding us a goodnight.

“Bonfire?” I asked.

Before an answer was given, Taron opened the back door and disappeared into the backyard. I grinned at Callie and handed her the bottle of wine and her glass before I took the other two. We went into the backyard and found Taron. He had already started the fire and pulled up chairs for us. He took his glass from me as we sat down, Taron between Callie and I. Which truthfully was a recipe for disaster.

“Callie,” Taron spoke up. “I need to hear some embarrassing stories from when you two were growing up.”

“Oh I have tons of those,” she answered, sipping on her glass. She thought over the request for a moment before speaking again. “First time Rose ever drank alcohol. So we were at a little party, like maybe ten people, at a friend’s apartment. We were all crashing there because drinking and driving and we were underage. Rose has never tasted a drop of alcohol in her life- I know I should’ve broken her in before this- so someone offers to make her a drink.”

I groaned at the memory, shaking my head already. “I hate this one.”

“Go on,” Taron urged.

“This guy mixes Dr. Pepper and banana schnapps!” Callie exclaimed, warranting a shushing from me. Taron scrunched his nose, making a disgusted sound. “Yeah, it was awful. Any way- Rose here takes a whole three sips from it and decides nope, drinking is not for her. So she packs up her things and leaves. And-“

“And I cried the entire fifteen minute drive home,” I finished off, staring into the fire. “I felt so guilty about drinking alcohol at the age of nineteen. So I get home and Mom comes to the door and she’s all surprised I’m home. I tell her why and she just laughs at me.”

Callie threw her head back and cackled, covering her mouth as quick as she could. “She freakin’ laughed at you!”

I looked at Taron, meeting his gaze as he shook his head at me. “Go ahead. Laugh,” I said with a shrug and downed the rest of my wine. The smile on his face contorted to a grin as laughter started to escape. “Yeah, yeah. Hilarious.”

“That’s… Wow, Rose.” Taron laughed harder before finishing off his glass of wine. He took the bottle from Callie and filled his glass again followed by mine. “Any others?”

“Tons,” Callie answered. “Pick a category.”

I sat back and listened. Callie and Taron took turns telling stories. Callie’s were mostly about the things that we had done throughout the years. Taron told ones about us but mostly about his friends.

Even though the fire in front of us was roaring, I shivered in my seat. Taron excused himself and ran inside, returning moments later with two blankets. He handed one to Callie and threw the other across my lap before leaning down and kissing me.

“I’m exhausted, babe,” he said. “Plus I’ve got that meeting with a director tomorrow. I’m going to call it a night.”

“Okay. Love you.”

“Love you too,” Taron answered with a smile. “Callie, I expect to hear more stories tomorrow.”

“Oh, don’t worry. I’ve have twenty-one years’ worth of those to tell,” she answered with her famous wide grin. “Night, man.”

Taron waved as he walked back into the house. I moved from my chair to where Taron had been sitting, pulling the blanket back over my lap and drinking from my glass. “Well?” I asked.

“I approve,” Callie said simply. “Not that it matters. You do what you want anyway.”

I laughed and nodded, reaching for my friend. She took my hand and we sat there, enjoying the fire and sipping our wine. Over the years, Callie was one of the few things that had remained consistent and I was forever grateful for her.

[ladyscribbles]

Crow: Chapter One

I was just walking down the street when I saw some kid my age thrust a knife into her forehead. 

Now, isn’t that a hook? Really cuts through your short attention span and gets to the point. Alright, alright, I’ll stop with all these totally cleaver puns (but considering my ultra-writer-nerd-ness, can you really blame me for making them?).

Alright, so back to the crazy girl.

She was pretty lanky and had wild, unruly auburn hair. She also had a crooked nose that looked like it’d been broken several times. She was wearing a black cloak over a black dress with fishnet sleeves. Connecting the cloak was a bright red brooch, a stark contrast to the rest of her clothing. There were also weird, wire-thin horizontal stripes on her skin that I’d originally mistaken as part of her outfit.

Other than the knife sticking out of her head, the whole image made her look hot, not gonna lie. 

“Oh, hello there,” she greeted nonchalantly as she thrust the blade out, black blood gushing out. Yeah, black blood.

“And I thought my middle school fanfiction was weird.”

“Yeah. You weren’t supposed to see that.”

I walked up and stopped a foot away. “So you gonna say I’m special or something and take me to some magical world to defeat some tyrant ruler?”

“That’s awfully optimistic.” She then placed her hand onto my forehead. “Especially when it comes from a corpse.”

“Wait, what-”

Then there was a flash of white, and the next thing I knew, I was on the ground, throwing up my lunch. Aw man, the old man’s gonna be worried, I thought dazedly. Then I noticed the black combat boots in front of me. I had the irrational thought that they were mine for a second before I realized they were too big. Plus, they were a hell of a lot more worn out than mine.

“Get up.”

I wiped my mouth with my sleeve and slowly rose to my feet. The girl was staring at me with narrowed eyes, her arms crossed. Well, actually, only one black eye was narrowed. The other was hidden under messy bangs swept over the left side of her face.

“What the hell was that?” she demanded, and she sounded angry.

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

The girl let out an aggravated sigh and placed her hand on a nearby bush. I watched in horror as each individual leaf shriveled up and died, leaving nothing but a wooden skeleton. “I kill with just one touch,” she growled, sounding much more intimidating than me (and I was the one with the deadpan, gravelly voice).

I then widened my eyes as the color drained from my face. “You...you were going to kill me.”

Holy shit.

“So why didn’t you die?”

I shook my head to snap myself out of my stunned daze. “You were going to kill me! What the hell?!” I yelled, my voice shaking. “Just who the hell are you?!”

“Crow,” she said after a few moments.

“No last name?”

“No.”

“Alright, then I’m Red. Now just what in the hell is going on here?”

Crow rolled her eyes and cracked her neck. “I’m dealing with another freak, it seems.”

“Don’t call me a freak when you freakin’ stabbed yourself in the head and tried to kill me!”

“Well, I’m not going to kill you now.”

“That’s reassuring,” I muttered. I then looked around. We were standing in the middle of a desert with black sand. As if that wasn’t strange enough, there wasn’t anything around for miles. “What the actual fuck.”

And to top it all off, I probably just made this beyond PG-13. Unless I’m allowed to have one more f-word up my sleeve.

I then took a deep breath and pulled out the tiny pad of paper I always kept in my sweater pocket. I checked my right ear for a pen and found one. I began to scribble furiously, letting my frustration pour out onto the white canvas in harsh, impulsive strokes. 

“What the hell are you doing?” Crow questioned as I felt her gaze over my shoulder. 

“Managing my emotions in a god-damn healthy manner.” I then closed the notebook and put it away, having released my feelings. “There. Now I’m better equipped to face shit.” She placed her hand on my shoulder. “Uh, what are you doing?”

“I was hoping that was only a fluke. But no. I still can’t kill you.”

I backed away from her, uneasy. I seriously didn’t like how she talked about death with such ease. In fact, it unnerved me to my very core. It was like being in the same room with a serial killer. You know what? She probably is. I shivered. 

“Uh, so where are we?”

“The desert.”

“Really? I couldn’t tell.”

“If you must know, this lies just beyond the outskirts of Jakraut. Now come.” Crow walked several steps right, but I didn’t move. Why the hell would I? She turned around. “What are you waiting for?”

“Why would I go somewhere with someone who tried to kill me?” 

“Suit yourself. I figured you wouldn’t want to deal with the sand lards on your own, but I don’t care either way.”

“Sand lards?”

“Farewell. Perhaps they won’t be able to kill you either.”

I bit my lip and ran to catch up with her. “Alright, fine! You win!”

She raised her brow. “I wasn’t aware I was in a competition.”

“So, um, how long will it take to get to this Jakraut place?” 

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t?”

“I don’t pay attention to the time. It hardly matters. Minutes and hours are all the same to me.”

“Uh, okay. What is it like? Jakraut, I mean.”

“It’s a small village. The only thing of worth there is the poison shop.”

“Poison? Are you an assassin or something?”

“No. It’s for me.”

“You...you poison yourself?”

“Enough with the questions. They’re annoying and serve no purpose.”

“Sorry if I was curious about why someone would voluntarily poison herself.”

Crow ignored me and continued onward at her brisk pace. Her long legs covered much more ground than mine, making it nearly impossible to keep up with her. Plus, I wasn’t exactly in peak condition. Several minutes later, she stopped without warning, and I bumped into her.

A few seconds passed, and then she quickly jerked me out of the way right as a giant cloud of dust and sand rose up from the ground. When both cleared, I gaped at what had been hidden.

It was a giant - and I mean giant - blob of what looked like fat. Sand lard. Definitely a sand lard. 

“Make sure not to touch it,” Crow warned. 

Why the hell would I voluntarily touch a thing like that? 

As if she thought I was dumb enough to do such a thing, she set out to prove her point. She reached her hand into the sand lard’s side and swiftly pulled it out. Her hand had been reduced to its skeleton, dripping with acid, and I had to bite back the bile that rose in my throat.

“I think I got the point,” I replied, unnerved by both the lard’s acidic effects and Crow’s complete lack of concern.

The lard then melted before my very eyes until it had been reduced to a mere puddle. Oh, yeah, death touch.

“I believe we’re close now,” Crow announced as she began walking again.

“Now hold on!” I cried as I grabbed her arm. “Are you just going to ignore-” I then stared at her hand. It had completely healed itself. “Oh, you have healing powers?” I think I wrote a story about a girl with healing powers once. 

“Obviously,” she replied before wrenching her arm free from my grip. “Otherwise the stab wound from before would still be there.” Stab wound…? Oh, yeah, the knife in the forehead.

“Are you immortal?”

“Yes.”

“So nothing can kill you?”

“Unfortunately.”

“Uh, okay.”

“I’m tired of the delays. Let’s get going already,” Crow growled impatiently.

I nodded in agreement. After all, I figured it wouldn’t be wise to stick around and wait for more of those creatures to show up. 

Maybe five minutes of awkward silence passed before I simply couldn’t bear it anymore. “So...where’d you get your powers?”

“I was born with them.”

“You were?”

“Yes,” she growled impatiently after cracking her neck.

“So you’re immortal. Do you feel pain?”

“Unfortunately, no.”

So that explained why she reacted so calmly when she stabbed herself and plunged her hand into an acidic substance. “Why is that?”

“Don’t know, don’t care.”

“Before, you said I was a freak like you. Does that mean people don’t usually have powers here?”

“As far as I know.”

“Could you maybe answer with more than just five words?”

“I don’t give a rat’s ass.” 

“Well, that’s six, so I guess that’s an improvement.”

“I wasn’t aware my behavior was being critiqued by an annoying-ass earthling.” She then heaved a sigh and gestured in front of us. “Look, town. Get distracted.”

I turned away from her to gaze at Jakraut. Like she’d said, it was pretty small. There were only maybe ten houses in sight. Plus there was a store with a large sign that read in big, block letters: POISON! GET YOUR POISON HERE AT KILL-ONE, KILL-ALL! Then in smaller print underneath it, there was a little caption: Cyanide and belladonna half-off this week only. Get it while supplies last.

“You’re right. The only interesting thing here is the shop.” Though I’m sure as hell not interested in buying anything. Hell freakin’ no. 

Crow slammed the door open, a little bell chiming at her entrance, and she hurried in. I followed her inside and stared at the shelves upon shelves of bottles that surrounded me. Whoa. That was a lot of poison. 

I watched uneasily as Crow picked up a large bottle covered with danger labels all over. She peered at it closely before grabbing another one and placing both into a basket. I followed her around the store as she snatched several more poisons of different shapes and sizes. Crow didn’t stop until the basket was nearly full. I followed her to the counter and watched her plop the basket down, and several loud clinks sounded from the countless bottles. 

“How much do I owe you?” Crow asked the man there. 

He stared at her for a few moments before looking over each and every item. A few seconds passed as he ran the math through. “Th-that comes up to about twelve hundred.”

Crow dumped a large sack down. From the sound of it, that thing was filled to the brim with coins or some shit. “This should cover it.” 

He nodded vigorously and snatched the bag away. “H-have a nice day!” 

Crow rolled her eyes before taking off a backpack I hadn’t noticed until now and dumping the bottles into one of its compartments. All but one, anyway. As we walked out, I watched with dismay as she opened it and started chugging it. 

“That really won’t affect you, will it?” 

“Only if I’m optimistic,” she replied before returning to guzzling the liquid. 

“Where are we heading now?” 

“Away from Jakraut,” she replied between drinks. 

“Where, exactly?” 

“Does it really matter to you?” 

“Well, I do appreciate knowing where I’m going whenever I travel with immortals who guzzle poison for fun.” 

Crow rolled her eyes as she downed the last few drops of the bottle and reached inside her bag for another. “I am not forcing you to accompany me. You’re making the decision to follow me.”

“Because I don’t want to be left out in the middle of nowhere alone with no idea where I am or what’s going on!” I snapped. I pinched the bridge of my nose and took several deep breaths. “Look, if you were in my shoes-”

“Then I would have a higher chance of dying and this conversation would be over in an instant,” she replied before taking a shot. She then sighed. “If you must know, we’re heading to the station.”

“As in a train station?” Crow nodded in response. “Where is it going?” 

“A town down south. I have a contract there.”

“Contract? It’s not a killing one, is it?” I asked worriedly, hoping that I wasn’t stuck with an assassin or something horrible like that. 

“No.”

I waited, but she never added anything. “Are you going to clarify or what?” 

“Why would I feel the need to clarify myself to a stranger I couldn’t give two shits about?” 

I let out a groan. The one time I was sucked into a different world, and I got stuck with an apathetic asshole with no clear goal in mind. Where was the whimsical feeling of experiencing a whole new place full of fantasy and wonder? Where were the heroes that fought for truth and justice and defended the weak with their awesome power? Where were the vibrant, fantastical creatures that either helped or hindered the heroes on their quest? Speaking of which, where was the god-damn quest?!

“Damn it! If I was going to get dragged to a different world, it could’ve at least been better than this!” I took a deep breath. “Well, maybe I just need to experience it more,” I muttered to myself. “Surely, this isn’t all there is to it.”

And it could be worse. I could be alone. And though she’s a total asshole, Crow seems willing enough to protect me from stuff like those sand lards. Hmm, maybe she’s only an asshole because she has a dark past and/or hasn’t had anyone show her compassion or love. Considering her awful power, it fits. If I was gonna write a character with her kind of personality and abilities, I’d probably go either route or even both.

“Do you have a dark and tragic backstory?” I queried. Crow ignored me, instead taking several drinks. “Would you share it if we became closer?”

“I’ve heard drinking together is an activity that can bring people closer,” Crow commented drily as she held out the bottle. 

I grinned nervously. “Uh...I think I’ll pass.”

“Then shut the hell up,” she replied before taking yet another swig.

I sighed. If I didn’t know better, I’d say I’d be better off alone after all. 

My stomach then grumbled. “Can we stop somewhere to eat?” I asked, ignoring the learned instinct to just not ask at all.

Crow heaved an exasperated sigh. “Right. I forgot you have mortal needs. Luckily for you, my train isn’t scheduled to leave for a few days, so I can afford the delay to the nearest town.”

“Gee, thanks,” I muttered. I then stumbled and fell. A brief feeling of fatigue washed over me before I shoved it away and got back up again. I’m alright, I’m alright. “So how far away is the nearest town?” I asked after a few minutes of walking.

“A few miles.”

“Okay.”

Since Crow wasn’t exactly a conversationalist, I was left with my thoughts. I decided to think about the story I was working on - well, one of them, anyway. 

So far, it was about this elven girl who leaves her village to explore the world, as well as learn more about the human race, which kind of dominated most places. The only reason she’d never come across them before was the fact that her village was in a very secluded, hidden area. Maybe some enchantment is involved too. She also has sacred tattoos that’d been passed down from generation to generation, but what she doesn’t know is that they also contain some hidden power. And that was all I had at the moment.

Maybe elves are on the brink of extinction, and part of her quest is to discover them. Maybe humans don’t know about the elves’ existence since there’s so few of them left. Maybe...

After becoming lost in my thoughts for maybe a good half hour, I collapsed. Just like before, fatigue washed over me, except much stronger. I shook my head and shakily rose to my feet. I can handle this. Surely, it isn’t too much farther. Once again, my weakened legs collapsed from underneath me. I tried to get up but couldn’t find the strength to do it.

Aw, shit, I’m going to pass out, aren’t….I…?

END OF CHAPTER ONE

[magpiemorality]

(Oh no, it's him again!) I have another prompt :) "God wanted me dead and now you get to know why." Demus human au Deceit saving Remus from being hit by a car and by accident ends up meeting the most weird boy in town.

Oh no? Think you mean oh yes! Went with a different name for Deceit for this because I love switching it up.

Warnings: blood, not very PC narrator, cursing, judgemental behaviour, implied bullying, implied suicidal tendencies, injury, spooky stuff.

AO3

***

“-and we’ll need some new shoes for your sister, and possibly some for you. I do wish you wouldn’t insist on wearing those awful sneakers to school, darling. Darling? Dorian, are you listening to me?!” 

Dorian was not. He was scuffing his shoe along the edge of the curb as he followed as far behind his mother as possible without upsetting her further. He had been daydreaming actually, about finally telling Roman Sanders what he really thought of him in front of the whole stupid school, but he looked up with a great sigh when his mother snapped at him, requiring his input at last after talking at him non-stop ever since they’d got in the car twenty minutes ago to go on this stupid shopping trip. 

Who even did back to school shopping, anyway? It was all just a capitalist con to get the exact type of well-off, brainless, insecure suburban mom his mom was to spend all their money trying to beat Kathy from three doors down. It was kind of genius, really. Marketable lies. Dorian was considering a career in advertising, purely based on that. 

Apparently all his mother had needed was acknowledgement as she swiftly went back to her monologue about all the terribly expensive things they desperately needed, and Dorian was free once more to let his mind wander. 

He looked out around the little town centre, shoving his hands in his pockets and eyeing each of the people that passed them by, wondering what their stories were and caring not even a little when they caught him staring. 

One old man was probably an ex-Army guy, wishing he could relive the glory days when murder was cool. One lady looked like she definitely had at least six cats to go with the one she was carrying towards the groomers. It was wearing a freakin’ sweater. In August. There were some junior high kids he recognised vaguely from his sister’s yearbook, and a couple with twins in a stroller, and a boy stepping out into the road without a care for the jeep turning the corner and- 

Shit! 

Dorian didn’t even think. He just ran, bolting away from his angry mother and over the memorial garden to grab the boy by the arm and yank. 

They went sprawling, knees and elbows smarting instantly from being scraped on the sidewalk. The boy was laughing but Dorian was gasping for breath, eyes wild and heart panicked. “What the fuck dude?!” He wheezed at the crazy kid. “What the actual fuck?!” 

The boy rolled onto his hands and knees and sat back on his heels, examining the bleeding scrapes on his hands curiously. He looked up at Dorian as if he’d just noticed he was there, blessing him with a breathtaking grin with a distinctive gap where one front tooth was missing. 

“I’m Remus. Why’d you save me?” He- Remus- asked. He seemed genuinely curious, and Dorian was confused and more than a little worried. 

“Um, because I didn’t want you to get hit by a car?” He suggested. Remus considered it, and then shrugged, holding out one hand. 

“Well okay, but you’re messing with fate here.” He wiggled his fingers pointedly until Dorian shook his hand in a daze. 

What did he mean? “Messing with… fate?” He repeated sceptically. “What do you mean? What did I do? I just saved you!”

Remus smiled ever-brighter, until Dorian was almost blinded by it. 

“I know, it was pretty cool! We’re totally friends now.” 

“Uh, sure?” Why not, after all? Why not befriend this weird kid with the crazy talk and oddly charming smile?

“Oh good! But I gotta warn you ‘bout something…” Remus said, leaning close. The sound of people rushing to check on them and his mother’s voice faded back in and Dorian realised he’d heard nothing but Remus’s voice for the past however long since avoiding the accident. That was… weird. 

“What do you need to warn me about?” Dorian asked, helplessly curious. 

Remus’s smile at that was scary interesting. He closed his mouth, expression going flat and sharp for half a second before his lips curled slowly, inexorably upwards towards his ears, eyes crinkling with mirth but glinting with something darker. “God wanted me dead. Now you get to find out why.”

Their blood mixed in their clasped palms. 

--

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