#while all you can do is hope your friend doesn't shatter to pieces you might never be able to find all of

[tams-writeblr]

Love in a hopeless Place 12

Synopsis: She was barely grown up, when she stepped into the bar that was the center of Zaun's resistance. The people she met there would forever change her life, and one of them especially. Silco x reader/OC; first-person POV; overall rating: E for Explicit; canon-compliant (though I might make a stretch on the timeline here and there to make things fit my symbolism); age gap! (younger female, older male); 9 chapters; 45k; cis female reader/POV; no beta-reader; completed Chapter ratings/warnings: T for Teen, somewhat strong language Wordcount: <1k Author's note: Please note, that the first paragraph doesn't represent my opinion on this topic, imo Kid has all the right to be angry. Ah Claus, the father everyone wished they had growing up, right? I really try to write him as just a really good dad, and he's just always worried about his daughter. I mean, who would want their daughter to date a naughty revolutionary? My dad was freaking out about a kind mechanic, haha. And of course smooth bastard Silco does his magic... Comments would be appreciated!

Today's music recommendation: Dick Brave - Take good care of my Baby

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Act II

Chapter II

Part 2/3

Work was a welcome distraction. Chatting with my favorite customers made my mood go up again, so that I didn't have to think about the fight all day. Still in the calm moments I was wondering if I had overreacted or could I have shown him more clearly that I didn't want what he was doing. Just like that, I was hanging in my thoughts, filling the racks with new goods as the doorbell rang.

"Ah, Silco, my friend!", I heard my father chirp. "Gods, lad, what happened to your face?"

"Ah, some enforcer-bastard didn't like it."

"Yeah, yeah, always the same with them. What can I get you today?"

"Actually, Claus, I'm not here for you today, but for your gorgeous daughter."

As I heard him talk like that, a glass of preserved mushrooms slipped my fingers and shattered at the ground.

My father called my name and asked if everything was alright, but Silco was already next to me, helping me pick up the pieces.

"What the fuck are you doing here?", I hissed, and took the shards rudely out of his hands. Of course, I cut myself doing so. I cursed under my breath, letting the pieces fall back to the ground.

Silco quickly took my hand and placed my bleeding finger to his lips. 

Looking into his green eyes, I felt my anger be washed away like junk on the shore.

"I'm so sorry for this morning. I couldn't let you go like that."

Before I could answer, the sound of my father clearing his throat made us both jump.

"What on Runeterra is going on here?" His eyes were fixed on my hand that was still in Silco's.

He gracefully stood to his full height. "This is part of the reason why I'm here, old friend. I just can't square this with my conscience anymore. I've been seeing your daughter." He paused, tilting his head slightly. "For a while, already."

My father looked at me, and I also raised to stand straight. "Do you know how old she is?", he growled, while not looking away from me.

"In fact, this was the first thing I asked her. Indirectly."

My father growled lowly and gave Silco a look that I truly didn't like. "So it was you all this time? I should have known by this stupid jacket she's been carrying around all the time. And those ugly red shirts she was wearing."

"Okay, I got that you don't like my fashion sense, Claus, but I hope this doesn't stand between us, on a professional basis, I mean. You need to know that I love your daughter."

I gasped at the confession, and my father gave me a short, warning look.

"Don't get cocky, pal." He seemed to be going over the last half year and finally faked a smile. "But, I'm afraid I'm not in the position to tell her who she's seeing." He looked at me with as friendly a face as he was able to. "Love, please go get a broom and a towel. I'll escort your boyfriend outside. He's clearly distracting you too much." The word "boyfriend" cut like a knife, and I cringed, quickly running to the broom closet to get everything I needed to clean up my mess. As my father returned to the store a few minutes later, I didn't dare to look at him. "You could have told me yourself!", he scolded, and I heard the disappointment in his voice. "I thought you told me everything." He clicked his tongue at my weak apology. "Silco of all people. You know that he attracts trouble, don't you?"

I nodded weakly. I had caught a glimpse of it just now.

Claus sighed. "At least he seems to be in earnest with you."

"What makes you think so?", I asked carefully.

"That he had the nerve to talk to me like that. I remember when I dated your mother. I was shitting my pants when I met her father. But he had to meet me. You were on your way." He gasped. "Gods, don't tell me you're-"

"No!", I quickly cut him off. "No! We're being careful."

My father covered his ears. "I don't wanna hear about this, you hear that?"

I laughed and hugged his broad frame. Planting a big kiss on his cheek, I thanked him for always being there for me.

[sprunkisongville]

A small blurb my partner and I wrote- I wrote Minty, it wrote Jevin. Also, before you read, here is some info on the religions of Selete:

Jevin’s Cult: Bluebird Church/The Prophets of God. (Jevin begins seeing visions- originally he faked them, but now they’re real.)

Prunism: Most common- it’s similar Christianity

Klacism: Second most common- similar to that of Paganism

Muthoism: Satanism basically- “Satan” is Muthos, “God” is Selete himself

There’s also Athiesm.

“Five…. Four… three… two… one…”

Counting down kept her calm, she thought. It kept her thinking, to keep her brain from breaking apart into shattered pieces of glass like the mosaics depicting this exact scene in her precious church.

She fidgeted with her skirt and kept herself in the kids “friendship room”, holding a cross close to her chest and repeating a count down over and over to herself in a hushed voice, scared of being caught- punished by god for trying to appease Him so brutally when she was taught that that was what He wanted.

He stares at the sky and it stares back. Millions of glaring eyes focused on the torment of the people he considered to be his friends, not to mention his lover and child. Gruesome, the deaths. Violent and brutal and unbecoming of those who are good. Those who are faithful. Had they deserved it? For angering God? For not worshipping Him as Jevin had?

Bad things happen to good people, and good things are happening to him on this endless day of judgement. His senses feel almost heightened, and it disgusts as much as it relieves him that he almost feels at home in this nightmarish realm. He knows when Minty enters His church, feels as she drips the blood of others on sacred ground. He doesn't have to walk very far from his observation point to get to her.

“...Minty. You're alive. Why are you here?”

“I am not enough for the lord… I am to be punished, my leader… why hasn’t he punished me for not pleasing him…? Why does he punish others and not myself? Is this my punishment?”

“You shall not question Him. It's of bad faith.” he continues, hushed, as though the walls aren't made of ears sending their reverie straight to Him. “You need all the help you can get in this place. Be grateful to Him for what He has granted you. It might keep you safe.” He says nothing more before walking off. He doesn't like not knowing exactly what's happening with the others.

“…Jevin?”

“Yes, my child?” 

“…Your husband. He-“

…

“He shot himself on the holy grounds upon witnessing his son's corpse. I’m sorry.”

“I already know. Thank you, Minty. It's a shame we won't find each other in heaven in the great after, but I will persevere for our eternal paradise. I only hope that Sky might be there too.”

“…You do not seem upset, my leader. Why?”

“I have to believe that our lord and savior has a plan for all of us, and we are only meant to follow it. If I don't… if you don't…” He stares off, feeling the ground rumble with holy righteousness.

“Apologies, I should not doubt, and neither should you. He has His plans and we will be saved when our deaths are earned. Until then we must stay faithful, and accept this holy gift from above.”

“…And if I was questioning my faith…? W… what then, Jevin…? I’ve murdered for the sake of my safety, and- and for what… for… for endless torture anyways? Nothing has changed and nothing will… if there is a god, he is a murderous, disgusting thing for an Angel, and I-… If I stopped believing in him, would you still love me…?”

“... We are meant to love everyone, even the misguided. I would recommend you cease this heresy now. Be grateful that you live, enjoy this life He has given you, and do not speak ill of His name in His temple. I will not welcome you back into the safety of my- of our God's church if you keep speaking in such a way, my child.”

“…No. I’m not living…”

She stands, still holding the cross to her chest for a while longer before setting it aside- even reaching under her collar to pull out her necklace and removing that too.

“You are like family to me, Jevin. But I…”

…

“There is a reason our brothers and sisters have left us behind. Your prophecies may be right, but our god’s morals are questionable, and I refuse to do his disgusting bidding any longer to save others- there are other ways to save them than joining in on their deaths. That is not saving- that is cowardice and joining in on the dangerous, disgusting man you once called a boyfriend. God can come for me all he wants. I care not anymore.”

“Then leave this place. Abandon me. I… I care not what you might do, but I hope your faith leading up to this will be enough to save you. I do… I do hope I see you once I'm in the pearly gates. Goodbye, Minty. You may no longer seek refuge in my place of worship.”

“…I love you. Thank you for giving me a purpose for a short while… but I have nothing for myself anymore but an empty shell.”

She walks towards the exit, clutching her chest like she used to in order to fidget with a necklace no longer there. It used to make her feel safe… now it felt hollow without it, despite the sinking feeling it began to face her once the judgment began.

The sky is as red as the blood of the sacrificed.

“…Five… four… three… two… one…”

…

She laughed to herself.

Why was she alive? Such a coward.

[heretherebedork]

Kenta/Pete is so much like Way/Babe, Babe only ever saw Way as a best friend, perhaps even a brother while Way fell in love and hurt Babe, driven by fear and helplessness. Kenta and Pete grew up together, and Kenta fell in love; but Pete only ever saw him as a brother. And then Pete abandoned him, hurting Kenta, making him more and more subservient to Tony, who kept abusing Kenta commanding to actively keep hurting the only person he loves. So if Babe can get a good apology from Way (kudos to Way IT was good), Kenta deserves a good apology from Pete too (even thought he is trying to help). Not for hurting him obviously, but for never letting him down gently but simply for not caring enough.

I really do love all the relationships in Pit Babe for being real. For being about people who love in the wrong way and in different ways and who find each other and lose each other and hurt each other and are imperfect in every single way with each other but still love despite it all.

It's about how Way finally apologizes to Babe because he's recognizing and realizing what he did to seek love from the only parent he had and the only person he thought could protect them without ever truly understanding why Babe ran.

It's about how Pete loves Kenta like a brother but couldn't convince him to be rescued because Kenta needed more than Pete could give him and so was left behind to cling to the closest thing to love he knew at the time because it was safe.

It's how Babe believes that he might, someday, be able to forgive Way because he misses him but also how he truly doesn't know because he still remembers the hurt and the betrayal even when he wants to trust again.

It's how Kim has fallen right into their group because he cares and he sees people who care as well and it's like being welcomed into a hug after a lifetime of punches and he is just ready to be there.

It's how Kenta truly isn't ready for anyone to help him and there is nothing that Pete could have done to pulled him away. Because he wasn't, he isn't, ready to escape or to admit even that he needs to escape because he is so desperate for the family Tony promised him that he can't stop believing, hoping, wishing, dreaming.

Pit Babe shows us love and family, good and bad, broken and new and repaired and bleeding, aching and screaming, the tears and the hugs and the tenderest touches and the way it can heal your soul ut also the ways it can shatter you to pieces.

[hadesknockedupintheunderworld]

Sonine Prime ... Part 3

Hi, everyone and welcome back to Sonine Prime! The part of the show when I come out and talk about Sonine (and a bit of Sontails) in Sonic Prime!

Last time we finished up the set of scenes starting with their meeting and ended with Sonic and Nine's capture by the Chaos Council. This time, we're hoping to get to move on to the next episode before moving on to the next part😂

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<< Part 2 | Part 4 >>

(Essay/thoughts/analysis under the cut)

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Starting out with an honerable mention of a moment!

"Nine! Is that you?"

Nine: You're just wasting your breath.

Sonic: Omg Nine👀😊

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And then, just before Sonic is put through a series of grueling diagnostic tests, Nine is used as collateral to get him to comply.

"Do not fight them. It will only end badly. For him."

"Nine!"

"Okay, let's start the test. The sooner we do this, the sooner Nine and I can get out of here."

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Another small thing:

The way Nine tenses up furing the first test, as Sonic risks being shot by both laser guns (another tick in the "Nine cares a surprising amount about someone he just met" box)

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Hmmm, and the little things just keep coming, don't they?

Sonic loses his footing in the giant hamster ball filled with spike balls.

"Sonic!"

Which of course, makes Sonic palpably annoyed

Hmmm almost reminds you of when Eggman insulted Tails, doesn't it?

"You wanna test me, Eggheads? Question. How do you tick off a hedgehog? ANSWER. Mess with his friends!"

Hehe. Interesting.

"No one messes with my best friend!"

vs

"How do you tick off a hedgehog? ANSWER. Mess with his friends!"

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Sonic begins to "hallucinate" as he says, and we're treated to another flashback

Amy: I guess he didn't hear the stick together part.🙄

Knuckles: Does he ever?

Tails: No. But he also hasn't let us down when it really counts! You know Sonic. He'll catch up at some point.😊

No comment about how everyone else is at least mildly annoyed at Sonic and Tails stands up for him in a way that redirects their attention from what Sonic did/is doing to the fact that he'll be there when they need him.

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Good bye Season 1 Episode 1 of Sonic Prime, hello Episode 2!

"It's not about the zigs or the zags... It's about the friends we made along the way."

Sonic looks at Nine, has a flashback/vision of seeing Tails and Shadow before the shattering. Then, he looks at Nine both after being confused and still a bit out of it

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Okay, so aside from that funny little moment (Sonic's face), there are some little things to piece together from Nine's end after the council brings out the energy extractor.

First, unlike Sonic's repeated winking afterwards, Nine winks at him smoothly. He doesn't change expression as he does so, and it happens in a singular smooth motion. This makes sense as to why the message Sonic received from the wink was a sort of "I have a plan". While we can't know exactly what he meant, what is clear was that the wink at Sonic was deliberate.

Second, the way he plays off the earlier wink. I think it's pertinent to mention that he's at the end of two Eggforcer's weapons, and Sonic hasn't exactly been subtle this whole time with the winking. His fairly loud whisper to Nine about a plan isn't exactly subtle either (and Nine isn’t exactly the confessing to caring about someone type), so it makes sense if he plays the earlier wink off as having dust in his eye. There is a real contrast begin the smooth wink before and the way he rubs his eye when he says he just has dust in it. That also being said, they did just meet still, so even if Nine cares about Sonic a surprising amount, I think it can be true that his earlier wink was him trying to tell Sonic that he's thinking of a way out of this just as much as it's true that Nine might prioritize making sure he'll live at least if Sonic's not going to survive the extractor. And since this is all about talking about ways certain bits in this series can be interpreted, anyone want to talk about how "I just had dust in my eye" is commonly used by characters who are pretending they're not tearing up due to the display in front of them? Nine has been watching this display of a hedgehog's last words with...an interesting expression on his face, I'll say. Is he...confused? Just thrown off by how Sonic’s acting here? Dumbfounded? Who knows. All we know is that the camera cuts to Nine quite a bit to show us his changes of expression as Sonic speaks, and that after Sonic looks at him for a prolongued amount of time (after asking if he has a plan), his expression instantly changes. This is to say, even though he clearly wasn't tearing up/betraying sadness in that moment, what if Sonic looking at him then, asking if he had a plan, sort of made him feel laid bare? What if he was afraid for a moment that his expressions betrayed his thoughts and feelings on the inside? I mean, imagine meeting someone for the first time and caring about another person for the first time in years. Imagine you've been lonely and isolating yourself for years of your life, and this hedgehog you've barely met uses his last words to call you one of his friends. Imagine he's begging on what could be his death bed for a plan, and you haven't worked anything out yet (even though earlier you'd winked to make him feel better, feel like there will be a plan). He could die, you don't know what to do, you're still not sure why you care, why this makes you sad. You just met him didn't you? He looks at you for a while, asking for a plan, and for a moment, as you're afraid something will happen to you as he mentions plans to free him, you're also coming to terms with the thought that this hedgehog *could* die. Playing it off as just dust in the eye doesn't just save you from another nasty shock, but it protects you from feeling like the hedgehog is staring right into your soul, seeing your conflicting feelings.

Third, after Sonic says "looks like this is game over" and seems to accept there's no way out, the extractor closing in, the camera cuts away to Nine again, zooming in on his face. There's a subtle shift in Nine's face right then and he looks...almost sad, or like he finds it hard to believe that this is real. Then, when it cuts away from Sonic again, after he says goodbye, Nine's eyes are wide.

Actually, on Nine's expressions during what he and Sonic both believe to be Sonic's last moments, I may have hit the picture limit, but I can at least embed a clip here so you all can watch Nine's expressions.

All I'm saying is that if Nine wasn't having feelings about all this in some form, the creators would not have chosen to keep cutting away to Nine's expression, bidding the audience to see and wonder how he feels about all of this. And I think the fact that Nine is reacting at least a little, not looking bored or uncaring or as if he's trying to get this over with, tells us a lot about Nine and what the creators wanted the audience to focus on.

More evidence to the "Nine cares a surprising amount for a hedgehog he just met and doesn't only care about him out of curiosity/what sonic can do for him" box

Not to mention that just after this, when Nine gets his chance to slip away, he frees Sonic right after freeing himself. This is one of these scenes that *is* arguable, as there's really no point in him leaving Sonic there to die. But, we know that Nine has the capability to go on the offensive (not just because of the entire fight scene from episode 1, but also from the fact that he destroys/dismantles an eggforcer at the computer without even needing to turn around) and Rebel and Renegade are there. So it personally tells me a lot that Nine didn't leave Sonic there to fend for himself (especially since he'll later weigh his options and choose to leave Rebel, Renegade, and Rusty to the council over the chance of saving them and losing the red shard).

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Wooo! Season 1 Episode 3, everybody, let's go!

Now, this episode starts with a pre shattering flashback. Just like in episode 2, Sonic's friends talk about how annoyed/frustrated they are that Sonic isn't yet fighting with them. After everyone says their piece, Tails again stands up for Sonic, telling them that Sonic will arrive at some point and that he knows he will.

(We'll come back to these flashback bits with Tails standing up for Sonic while others don't trust/believe in him or are annoyed at him later)

And back to the present, Nine just manages to take control of Rusty Rose in time to save Sonic.

Now, as there are a couple things I'd like to bring to everyone's attention with the aid of screenshots, until part 4, everyone!

Next time we'll hopefully get to tackle the rest of episode 3, and there should be smooth sailing til the last few episodes of the season after that.

[cozy-pancakes]

Hello gorgeous and handsome people!!!

I am gonna tell you about yesterday at school.

And to start it off with it doesn't matter how weird you are.. doesn't matter what you do just know you are loved and even if you have a bully somewhere they will be gone someday they will be out of your life just get done whatever needs to be done and the person bully will be gone whether that's school and you have bully's get school done and they will be gone it could be work ignore them they probably don't like you because you are wayyy better then them and that's a fact!♥️♥️♥️♥️ Love you all and stay safe out there!!! Now with the story for Yesterday

I went to R's class as normal but I got a new person it's an Art the Clown plushie but it has a zipper on the back so it's a purse but besides that, I put it down and drew on my hand with a pen and finished the random drawings I did earlier in the day and students started to come in and H showed up again but.. but today I didn't feel mad at them I don't know what the feeling was but it was a kinda sad feeling? Like my heart was slowly shattering into pieces... I honestly don't know why but there are two bullies in my class who just are like "Stop looking at me" and "Stop staring at me" then talking shit secretly about me in the class but on the side and I can slightly hear them now it ends up being a group of them but I honestly wouldn't care as I don't so I just leave it the girl called me the weird girl with the tattoos lol I don't get any it's just the drawing on my hand that I drew but whatever... Anyways, so R was teaching H some math, and I'd been listening for a while on my phone, and once they were doing well, he slowly added me into the conversation... I don't know if R heard the annoying people, but he seemed a bit bothered after, but who cares... Anyway, he included me in some of the conversations with H, and I slowly got along with each other. I think R was happy about that... You know maybe me and H can become friends sometime.... I mean, she might have a crush on R, and if she does, I and she are almost the same... Honestly... So R asked about my bag. I told him it was a horror movie, and he said he would watch it... So tomorrow I'm gonna ask if he did and how it went... So after that day was over, I got home, and I just cried... I don't know why I cried but I did... I cried for almost no reason... My heart shattered as the day went on, holding the tears in... And they just all came out as soon as I was alone. I cried then and I cried at night... The day was terrible after that, so I just slept all day and now I am just in my room doing some art, and tomorrow I'm seeing them all again... But finally, it's almost Christmas, and that means no class for a while, which is good... But anyway, that is the day, and slowly, honestly, it feels like it's shattering even more, but I'm gonna leave it for now... I hope you all have an amazing day! And if anyone needs anyone to talk to about problems to love or anything, send me a message on here, and I will do my best to help as soon as I'm available:) Have an amazing day, my gorgeous people!!!!

[thunderous-mess]

Clay-made

Kaveh POV - First person.

Words: 866

Ship: Haikavehtham (unspecified roles)

Characters: Alhaitham, Kaveh

Summary: Kaveh talks about how his relationship with Alhaitham has changed through the years and how the Scribe has softened for him.

Notes: I woke up and wrote what my brain wanted. I kinda love writing First person KAveh :3

I think Alhaitham is like a piece of clay.

When you first start working with it it's hard, tiring, and unpleasant. It resists to change and it's overall hard to work with. But with time, as you work on it, heat it in your hands, and become acquainted with it, the clay slowly becomes softer and much more comfortable to use.

I don't mean that Haitham is someone you can mold to your liking. He definitely isn't. But seeing how he has changed for me; with me... makes my heart flutter in ways I can't simply put into words.

When we were younger he used to be too serious and cold. So logic and pragmatic that it even hurt to talk to him as a cold so extreme that burn.

We both suffered because of that. Even to the point of losing touch for years just to hurt alone, trying to heal the burns while missing the person who inflicted them.

In retrospect, we were both really dumb.

Maybe we still are even now, but I can't help to look back and pity the way we were.

But we managed to get back together. Older and mature — or so I like to think. And even if at first it didn't seem like he had changed at all, he started to mellow down. For me.

It was as if every caress and word I whispered to him slowly melted that cold and let free the tenderness under it that he was trying to hide and protect. It sounds stupid when I think about it, but it was in those moments when his cold facade shattered that we started to reach each other. When he was too overwhelmed by my words of affection and touch. When my roundabout words made him embarrassed or sentimental. It was in those moments that we finally started to work things out.

We still clashed. Of course we did. Even now we still do. We're too different after all. But now it's not as often and more importantly, it's not so painful as it used to be. Light disagreements (as heated as they may seem from the outside) instead of debilitating wars of painful words.

Instead of hatred looks or us leaving without a word after the fights, we started to apologize; to check if any of us had gone too far, or trying to at least mend the wrongs we did. In a way, it doesn't feel that different from the moments we curl up in bed against each other, feeling closer than ever; happy and satisfied.

Alhaitham warmed up, in my hands and in our bed. He opened up to me about a lot. His past, his thoughts, his future plans... likes and dislikes, his (very few) friends and even me. He started to talk about me a lot. It was terribly embarrassing at first and sometimes it still makes me blush from time to time... well, who am I kidding, almost every time. But after so much pain and coldness, after feeling alone in his company for so long, hearing from his own mouth how much he cares and all he does for me. It feels like magic. The persons we used to be and the words we used to say to the other fade in my memory when he tells me with his awfully handsome deadpan face the things he loves about me and about us, the ways I make him feel and the little things I do that make his day.

I love the man he has become.

I never thought we would be like this. When I used to look at him I only saw pain. It hurt to love him and hurt even more to know that we were the wrong person for each other despite caring so much. But seeing us now... Oh how naive and young we were.

Sometimes I hope we had met later in life. That way, we might have saved us from many headaches and tears. Yet at the same time, it's our journey that brought us to today. To the days when he sits on the couch with me and we talk about everything and anything without the need of picking on each other. Where he pulls me out of the studio and into our bedroom for a forced nap when I accidentally overwork myself. Where he grabs my waist in the middle of the corridor and whispers me how happy he is just because I smell like our shampoo. Or where he cries on my shoulder because he is tired and he's too happy that he came back home to a tasty meal and a kiss.

With a lot of effort, many sleepless nights, and a lot of talk he went from the hard unmovable rock he used to be to the softie he is now.

And it makes me so proud of him. Of us. And proud that despite everything we managed to come to this point.

It makes me excited for the future. I look forward to seeing how we are in ten or maybe even fifty years. Whatever happens, I hope we manage to stick together.

Thanks for reading!

[kneecapandribcageinverter]

I hoisted my shotgun.

"What's that your son said, way back when? "This is my body, broken for you?" Well, rations are running low, and I'm gonna be honest, I kinda miss the taste of bread. But wait, maybe it's lamb? He is called the "lamb of god." But he's also called a shepherd. And your blood is wine. Or at least your kid's was. But I figure the apple doesn't fall far from the tree... that reminds me, I miss apples. I've been eating bugs that I suspect are an alien invasive species from hell and long-pig that might have also been posessed for God- that's you- God knows how long. Mostly I got a hankering for revenge, on account of you ending the world and all. Yeah the devil's a jerk and all but you're the one with the seven seals and the fire breathing olive trees and- and the horses. And the men ON the horses. That Apollyon fucker did a drive by shooting that gave me the flu while his friend ransacked my pantry and took... uh, a specific percentage of the bugs I collected. I've been reading your book and those guys are 100% yours. I think. You know I can't tell what's real and what's fake anymore. Like I'm seeing people I killed, which ought to be textbook guilt driven hallucinations but I'm 40% sure there's a line in your book about how the dead are gonna walk the earth or something so I dunno. Anyway, where was I? Oh right I'm in a church! I was hoping to find you here, being the "house of god" and all. I mean you have a lot of houses. How many vacation homes do you even need? This is a horrible house by the way, where do you even sleep? Anyway I came here because hey, "god is in all his churches," so I decided to come here and kill you because free meat! Ahahahaha, God, I'm coming! I'm going to find you, I'm going to kill you, and I'm going to eat you! Meat! Free meat!"

I laughed, looking up at where God was trapped between metal bars. He didn't respond. Just stare down at me, silent, judging, making that same hand symbol He's always made.

"Don't you throw gang signs at me!" I said, hoisting my gun and poinging it at God's luminous face in the heavens before me. God shattered into countless shards of colorful glass without even a dying whisper. "Ahahaha! God's flesh! Mine all mine!" I scooped up piles of it off the ground and shoveled it into my face. Crunchy, crunchy. Even though the pieces of Him didn't bleed when shot, or on the floor, my mouth was filled with delicious blood. So what if it hurt? It must have been His attempt to smite me. Won't do Him any good any more.

I eat the body of the Lord until my vision fades, and I fall asleep. It feels so good to sleep on a full stomach for once. At last, god is dead. At last I am full. At last I can rest easy.

And if God is dead, that means... maybe tomorrow, the apocalypse will be cancelled. Maybe... tomorrow, I will wake up in a better place.

My eyes close.

You have survived the rapture for 4 years killing anyone to survive but one day you find God caged in an abandoned church

[somedaytakethetime]

My brain can never be quiet, and therefore you're either cursed or blessed with that? There's just words pouring out of my head and they needed a place to go so I might as well leave them here in case anyone cares to read them.

Notes: It's male perspective, I don't know, I just felt like seeing the world through a man's eyes? It's also done in two parts, this is part one. I'm posting part two right with it but I just felt like there should be a separation anyway. This part is tame, there isn't anything rated in here, it's all angst and longing and just confused inner emotions. The emo chapter if you will.

Word count: 3 948 words

There's a soft humming, followed by a dull tapping, as the radio plays quietly in the background. He's driving home, as he does every day, following the same freeway, the same routes, the same scenery. The sun is setting, as it does every day now when he leaves work, the winter hours are unforgiving and by the time he'll get home it'll be completely dark. He's humming an old song, that has followed him over the years, it's not the song playing on the radio but one that plays in his mind whenever he's pensive. Tapping the wheel softly as he wonders off and away, his thoughts many kilometres from where his body sits in the car, somewhere between his current residence and his true home. 'I need to cook.. god, I don't feel like cooking. I should order something.. but it's the third time this week.. that's not ideal. I could drink tea and just head off to sleep, what is there to even do anymore..' he misses home terribly. Misses his family, his friends, he misses companionship too. There's an empty house waiting for him, as it has been for a while now. He doesn't miss her, doesn't miss the before. There was turmoil and fights, nagging and resentment waiting for him every day before. He's glad he's put an end to that now but.. he's lonely. He's come to realise that there's a difference between being alone and being lonely. He enjoys being alone, loves peace and quiet, there's always too much happening around him and too fast, so he enjoys his solitude. But he doesn't enjoy being lonely. Yet, that's the only feeling he's been having.

He's fixating on the vase that sits perfectly on top of the fireplace. On the coffee table there's a mug of warm tea, steam slowly rising from it, the kettle is still on the stove waiting for him to do the dishes before he heads off to sleep. As he does every day. Some show or another is on TV but he's not paying attention. His eyes won't leave the vase. This ugly, small, greige thing. He didn't pick it out. He doesn't like vases. He doesn't like anything too fussy or too useless, he doesn't care to decorate a house with crap with no purpose to it. But she insisted on getting that vase. Argued with him even. 'The living room needs this vase, don't you see?? It'll bring the whole place together. There has to be something on the mantle and I've seen these decoration pieces all over the catalogues lately! We need it, I don't care what you say, you have bad taste anyway...' he can hear her voice ringing in his head, a voice that he's come to realise he never liked the sound of, her brows scrunching into a haughty frown as a scoff left her and she pursed her lips, walking off to order that ugly little thing. He takes a deep breath. Slowly, he rises from the couch and walks to the fireplace. He grabs the vase, it looks small in his hand, feels cold against his skin. A sardonic smile spreads on his lips 'How fitting', he thinks, she too felt cold against his skin for many years. He lifts the vase to the light, moves it around in his hand and feels the texture, he hates this vase. It cost him a pretty penny, too much money for something that never even had flowers in it, just sat on a mantle gathering dust. "To you, darling! I hope your days are as miserable as you made mine.", his voice is rough and angry, with one quick motion he throws the vase into the fireplace shattering it into pieces. He stands for a moment, looking at the broken ceramic, contemplating either it's still fitting or not the fact he feels like that broken vase too, after everything has been said and done.

Driving to the airport isn't something he enjoys doing so he always gets someone else to drive for him, praying that they'll be quiet and not try and make small talk. He's not much of a talker lately, words seem to die inside his chest. A lot of his replies have been grunts or nods, which his colleagues understand just fine so he doesn't feel like he needs to change it. He hopes that everyone back home will be as accepting too. They'll likely attribute it to being heartbroken, for some reason most have taken to assuming that he's devastated over the split. He's not. He's relieved. He didn't realise that he'd been slowly dying internally for years, that his lungs ached to breathe and he couldn't, kept suffocating and yet couldn't understand why or how it was. Until they kept arguing more and more, louder and louder, before things got colder and more distant. Sleeping in separate rooms, eating apart, barely speaking and when they did it always ended in arguments and resentful barbs thrown around. She blamed him for being distant, always working, spending too much time away. But what did she expect him to do? That's his job. He can't control his own schedule no matter how hard he tried. She made him feel bad about the time he spent away, punished him for working even though he needed to work otherwise her ridiculous spending habits and lack of work ethics would drown them both eventually. Things got harder and harder, he started to delay going home at the end of every day. He started to feel bad in his own house, still does, and after one angry, ruthless, cruel argument he just couldn't take it anymore. He wanted an out, and, despite all the arguing, in the end she did too. She liked the life he provided, but she didn't like him. That's what's stings him most to realise, it's painful to accept that you've never been loved for you. He shakes himself and walks out of the plane, finally sets foot on home soil, takes one deep breath of cold air once outside. It burns in his lungs, it's freezing at this hour here, but he closes his eyes and smiles softly. 'I missed you', he thinks as he settles in the feeling of finally being home. His lids open slowly, he's watching things come to life around him as the sun starts to peek out, people passing him by, chatting as they make their way out of the airport. He's surrounded by sounds that are so familiar to him, they're etched into his soul. This cold wind, the smell in the air around him, his language, his home. He aches to come home and never have to leave, aches to stay and have the freedom to be himself for the first time in years, but he can't do that. Not yet. So instead he just gathers his bags again and starts walking to find someone that will drive him, silently, to his destination.

'I should get a haircut. Or something. Maybe it would look different? I feel old..' he's watching his face in the mirror as he fusses with his hair. It's early morning, the sun hasn't appeared yet, but he needs to get on a flight. He's finally going home for a while, he's been desperate for this day to come. He feels silly over feeling like a homesick teenager, hasn't felt like this in years. He's grown up away from home, nearly all of them do, it's just how it is. Move from country to country, train and work hard, try to climb up the ropes, make it to the top, win win win. It's a grind and when you're a young boy if feels like you can do it all and quickly. Desperate to prove your own worth to everyone, desperate to show that you're not like the rest of them. What you don't realise when you're young is that every last one of you is doing the same. All thinking they're unlike the rest and they can prove it if they're just given the chance. It changes as you age, reality settles in. The months and years away from loved ones, the rush and the thrill of it all dims and becomes replaced with the exhausting grind to keep fit and keep on top. Otherwise someone else will replace you. The glory gets replaced with the heavy burden of missing, and longing, and aching to just be. To have normal weekends, normal schedules. Time with the ones you love so dearly. Lazy days in, just watching TV and snoozing in and out of sleep. Maybe holding someone dear tightly and feeling at peace..

He sighs, leaves his bathroom and grabs his things. He takes one last look at this house before he leaves, feeling a strange ache in his chest. He's slowly coming to realise that he doesn't like it here either..

Walking in to that familiar old building, ready for his first day back with his boys, is always the best feeling. Something grows in his chest. He feels excited, like it's his first day of school all over again, feels years younger. There's an unmatched energy around this place, nothing will ever compare to how he feels here. He's done much over the years, has felt loved in other places, but this? This is unique. This is home. He smiles without meaning to as he walks in and gets greeted by the same old janitor he's been seeing for years. "Welcome home, son! It's good to have you back." he smiles and thanks him, tries to fight the mistiness he feels in his eyes, he's more emotional this time around. He surrounded by old friends, knows every single face around, knows details about their lives, their loved ones, asks about them and always gets told they send their love and wish him luck, he's with family here. The boys are no different. There are newer faces around, but they're not new to him, he's seen them rise up the ropes. They feel like old friends too, they greet him happily, everyone loves this time of coming back home. They feel like themselves around each other, many have known each other for decades, there's jokes and teasing all around. He feels light and happy, every single face a familiar one, it's comforting and soothing. It starts to heal a broken part inside himself and he relaxes in the familiarity of his surroundings. That is until the moment an unfamiliar face walks in. Following behind many familiar faces. Hiding behind his coach, holding papers tightly to her chest. Everyone barely calms down as the coach greets them, asks them how they've been, old chatter flooding in the large room. She doesn't speak a word. Doesn't get introduced nor introduces herself. She watches everyone quietly, shyly. Talks to the assistant coach whenever she wants to ask something, in a tone so soft he can't hear what she's saying. He's.. intrigued to say the least. She's unsettling the inner peace he felt previously. Can't take his away from her. And he notices he's not the only one. A pretty girl walking into a room full of men is bound to make an impression, even if she herself clearly doesn't try to. He hears a few whispered snickers, there's gossip already, men, at their core, are worse than women, he thinks. They're curious about her, want to know her name, what she's doing here. Yet, no one dares to ask. She avoids everyone's eyes, follows the coaches around like a shadow, and his eyes follow her too. She's a curious presence, something unexpected, and well.. he can't say he's not intrigued too.

He wouldn't say that she stayed on his mind, more that she's a point of interest. He's made it a job to know every single person here, to develop a good working relationship with everyone, from the janitor all the way up to the board. And given how she appears and disappears, seems to avoid talking to anyone besides three coaches, is making his professional reputation difficult to upkeep. The harder she evades contact with everyone, the more he's curious to establish it. There's a rumbling in his chest, something he hasn't felt in years. Male curiosity. Not in a debased way, but more in a.. teenaged boy way. Curiosity to figure out a pretty girl. Almost in a rudimentary hunting way, the way predators out in the wilderness circle their prey first, with excited interest, trying to understand them, taking thrill in the chasing and getting to know how to best approach their prey. Granted, he would never consider himself in those terms, he's not a predator and she's definitely not his prey, but he feels like a curious lion trying to figure out why and how this young lamb has walked into their den. What's her purpose here? Why does she evade everyone? What's her name? His coach smirks when he quizzes him for information, snickers and just says "Go ask her if you want to know, I'm not paid to answer inquiries. I'm paid to tell you to run laps and chase balls, which you need to start now actually." he huffs as his coach turns his back and walks towards the nets. He hates when people evade his questions, 'If you want something well done, you're just going to have to do it yourself', he figures he can do just that.

She has a pretty name. And a pretty voice. And a pretty face too. Pretty everything if he had to answer. A pretty girl, in this very unpretty place. Surrounded by ugly bastards with no manners, as they always tease each other. She doesn't seem to like them much. They're all acting like idiots when she introduces herself and explains what she's there for. "So, you're here to babysit us?" he can see her mildly roll her eyes at that question, he side eyes the guy across from him for annoying her, finds himself already feeling a nearly paternal protectiveness over her. "If you're going to behave like a baby, then I guess so.." she says with no humour at all, the older ones snicker quietly and the younger ones look thrilled. She has little patience for idiocy, he likes that. She's straight and to the point, doesn't smile much at them, doesn't play around. 'Guarded.. smart girl, it'll suit you well here' because he knows that you can't give these guys the leeway, you give a hand they want not just your arm but also your leg. She's strict, she's here to make sure they behave indeed, after a few.. rumours.. have circled around of certain behaviours that are had when they all get together. Management isn't having it, so they've gotten her to keep them in line. 'Should have gotten an ugly girl though, she'll only make them rowdier' he's not even ashamed to think because it's true. He sees all the eyes falling on her like she's the next big interest. He also sees, as she does a once over all of them, that she's not to be messed with. He figures the boys will learn that the hard way..

Over the weeks he figures out which ones she dislikes. And which ones she likes. He figures out small quirks about her. Her nervous pen fidgeting. Her lack of patience for stupidity and childishness. Her need to hide away and blend into the background. She doesn't like attention, doesn't like being the focus. 'It's tough luck, darling, you're never going to go unnoticed here' he thinks fondly, as he watches the boys trip over themselves to follow her around. She hates that too. Gets pleased when the coaches scold them all and force them to run laps. Watches her get smug as they complain and turn into petulant children. Watches her blend in with some of his most trusted friends, the ones that have no interest at all in her, married for years and with lives of their own. She feels most comfortable with the ones that don't treat her like a woman, but instead treat her like an extension of the coaches or yet another physio they have. Just a regular person working here. No more set apart than the girl at the desk out front is. She enjoys being respected and seen as a neutral presence. And.. if that's the case.. what is he doing wrong? She refuses to talk to him unless she's forced. She never gets close to him. Fidgets and seems uncomfortable around him. She has looked into his eyes a total of three times since they've met. And he doesn't understand what he's doing wrong. He's polite, tries to make her comfortable, doesn't joke around, he's neutral and professional to a fault.. "What is it that I'm doing then? She's comfortable with you, so why isn't she comfortable with me?" his oldest, most trusted friend laughs "Because you're a scary bastard, that's why! You look at her like you're getting ready to bite her head off, what else do you expect?" he's annoyed. He does not look like that at all, he's neutral. "No, you're not. You're serious and mean looking. Your "neutral" face is terrifying, mate. Even we get scared still. You look at the poor girl like you hate her guts, of course she feels scared around you. Most do.." he rolls his eyes "You're useless and unhelpful.." it earns him a playful slap on the shoulder "Sure, whatever you say, pal." as he's lead down to the cafeteria for lunch while his friend is already on about something. He, however, is not. He can't shake the feeling inside his chest. He hates that she doesn't talk to him. He doesn't know why that is, but he knows he needs to change it. If only he knew how..

There's waves crashing in the distance. Slowly and peacefully. The wind is strong today, he can hear it whistling. He's sitting outside, all alone, near the water's edge. His eyes close without much effort, he takes a deep breath again. Coaxes every muscle in his rigid body to relax, he's tired after training. A little sore and achy, there's a bruise on his side that's been hurting for a few days now, but he has to keep pushing. 'Man up, now is not the time to be a baby, you've had worse.' and he has, but it's still uncomfortable. He gets tired. Tired of hearing that voice in his mind telling him to man up. Tired of being strong and unbreakable. He hurts, and aches, and gets sore and exhausted. But he can't fall apart. There's no one around to pick up the pieces..

"Excuse me, sir, I hope I'm not interrupting.." his eyes open slowly and he turns his head. She's taller than he first assumed. Up close he can gauge her size better, she's not far off from what he guessed but it's still amusing to him that he's faltering on measuring lengths now too.. 'I'm really aging..' her soft voice breaks his thoughts "I hope you can spare a few moments? I have a few questions I need to ask. It's for the folder." he nods and turns to face her, she's small when paired with him, not difficult to do he figures, he's never been a small man. He watches her intently as she flips papers, pens down answers he gives, reads questions and corrects things to suit what she needs. Doesn't once look up at him, 'Let me see your eyes, look at me' he wants to say, wants to coax her into relaxing the way he does with his own painful muscles, wants her to look at him so he can figure out what she's thinking of. Wants to get some reaction from her so he can figure out if she likes him or not. Because suddenly, in his mind, for no apparent reason he can understand, that becomes the most important task he's ever had.

Her voice is behind him. That nagging, scratchy voice. It's back to haunt his dreams again. He turns around, startled, feeling his heart racing. She's here. He watches her walking in with a friend, chatting loudly and without a care for anyone else. 'Fucking hell', he hasn't seen her in so long. Since she left that night actually. She didn't come back to collect her things, he didn't allow her. He shipped them off to her and tried to get rid of her as fast as he could. He looks around for a place to hide but it's too late, she's already seen him. They lock eyes and her whole face sours. She stares at him, starts walking towards him but her friend stops her. She loudly says she deserves to greet him but her friend tells her he's not worth her time, "You're right.. I shouldn't waste my precious minutes with useless trash.. I was always too good for that anyway." and he narrowly escapes having to face her again after so long. He watches her walk down the hallway, still glaring daggers at him and he feels his stomach turning. He rushes outside through some side door, hides behind the building, feels his blood rushing in his veins. His heart is beating erratically. He doesn't know why he's feeling this way. Slides down the wall and tries to breath calmly, tries to calm down. Flashes of all the bad years flood his mind, glimpses of all the arguments, the shouting, things being thrown at him in the heat of the moment, loud shattering, sneers and criticism, insults hurled at him along with small random objects too. "Are you okay?" the voice, the sweet one now, startles him. She's here. He doesn't know how she's here, but she is. Kneeling in front of him, eyes full of concern, "Can you hear me? Are you alright, sir?" he tries to answer but his throat is burning, he feels tears stinging in his eyes. 'It's you, thank you, God, it's you' he thinks, feels a flood of relief wash over him, while concern grows heavier in her features. Her small, delicate hands take his and he feels his heart pounding loudly in his ears. He hasn't felt this way since he was a young boy. "Do you need help? Do you want me to call someone? You're okay, I won't hurt you, it's alright. Take a deep breath, okay? I'll go get someone." and she pulls to lift but he doesn't let her. Holds her hands tightly, pulls her forward a little and she almost loses her balance. Nearly falls on him but steadies herself before they touch, he shakes his head slowly, "Thank you, but that won't be necessary. I'm alright." they look into each other's eyes for a long moment. He watches her turn a deep shade of pink and look away from him. Her hands are still in his. He laughs softly as he let's them go, "You can run away now, I won't hold you captive." she gives him a strange look but he just says "You always run away from me, don't think I haven't noticed." and her cheeks burn stronger. She's about to say something but the side door opens as a waiter walks out with trash bins, ruining whatever moment this was, "I'm glad you're okay. I should go now." is all she says before he watches her walk away, 'Come back.. don't leave me, just.. come back' he stands there and feels his chest constricting again.

[annies-bookshelf]

Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey #BreakupBookReviews

I know countless other women have been in my shoes before. There's nothing earth-shattering about a girl navigating her first heartbreak and looking to literature for help figuring out WTF comes next, or to feel less alone.

My partner of five years leaving me was not on my 2023 bingo card, especially considering just a week before, she was promising me that we were going to be together forever (but I'm 99% sure there is somebody else). Ouch. I truly thought she was the one for me.

How does someone who loved you for so long walk away so easily? How do you accept that someone you trusted so completely lied to you and broke that trust? How do you cope when you're the one left behind to pick up the shattered pieces of your heart, while they get to be happy and move on like nothing happened?

All questions I'm sure every girl has asked herself after being dumped.

In an effort to answer these questions for myself, and to return to something I love and that is wholly mine, untainted by my relationship, I turned back to my true first love: books.

Narratively, Really Good, Actually isn't for everyone. Many Goodreads users dislike our protagonist, Maggie, but I reveled in the messiness Heisey portrayed. Let's be real; not every woman walks out of her breakup with her head held high and is able to drink her matcha lattes while writing in her manifestation journal and hitting the gym to "find herself" again.

Maggie's kind of a mess. She sleeps with her ex's best friend, is trying to figure out her sexuality through a series of disastrous dates and a disappointing almost-threesome, refuses to go to therapy, and arguably is a bad friend. And while it's frustrating to read, it was also liberating for me. It made me feel less alone. I might not be in full-on self-sabotage mode like Maggie, but I was able to relate to some of her faults.

Her anxiety. Her need to feel loved. Her not being strong and begging to be given another change.

Yet, we do see Maggie grow. After her ex refuses to show up to a couple's counseling appointment Maggie schedules to aid in the process of divorce, she strikes a relationship with the therapist and becomes a regular patient. After being a bad friend, she works on changing her actions and behaviors and makes apologies to those she's hurt. When she sees her ex with Janet - their beloved cat - on the bus, she gets off at the next stop and waits for a new bus.

She's not perfect. She doesn't deal with the breakup in the healthiest of ways. But she's human.

That's what I loved about Heisey's novel. Maggie felt real. I felt validated in some of the spiraling thoughts I'm having. It felt like having a - albeit, much messier - friend going through this breakup with me. And it gave me hope that one day, I'll heal too.

If you're going through a breakup, pick up Really Good, Actually for a read. The way I see it, you'll either relate to Maggie and feel seen, be so relieved you don't relate to Maggie that you can congratulate yourself on handling your breakup better, or be so pissed off at her that you'll forget about your own worries for a while. Any way, a win's a win, right?

[munsons-maiden]

𝐄𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

Do NOT spam-like without reblogging, please. It will get you blocked.

𝐎𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬:

▹ 𝐓𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐒𝐨 (𝐄𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐱 𝐟!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟)

You’d been pretty sure Eddie Munson didn’t reciprocate your feelings - until the Upside Down gets you, and Eddie gets to prove that he might be brave after all. (Takes place during episode 7 when they’re at Lover’s Lake)

▹ 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥 (𝐄𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐱 𝐟!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟)

Eddie introduces you to Black Sabbath - and who could've guessed Heavy Metal could be that romantic?

▹ 𝐂𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞 (𝐄𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐱 𝐟!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫)

Requested: Fighting with Eddie trying to wrestle his vest from his grip cuz you're doing the laundry and that thing really needs washed but he doesn't wanna lose the 'mosh pit smell'

▹ 𝐀 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐎𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐝𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 (𝐄𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐱 𝐟!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐬𝐦𝐮𝐭) 

With the love of your life dead in your arms and your heart shattered to pieces, you’re ready to make that deal with God and swap places. Everything to bring Eddie back. But the only God in this dark place, frozen in time and filled with monsters, is not a benevolent one. And when you agree to his deal to play the game of gods and monsters and bring Eddie back, you know you it might be a losing game. You heard that story before - and it never has a happy ending. Now it’s on you to trick the fates and rewrite Eddie’s stars.

▹ 𝐀 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐓𝐨 𝐃𝐧𝐃 & 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝐄𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐱 𝐟!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫, 𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟)

While you’ve been cancelling dates to secretly learn D&D and surprise Eddie, the worried little voice in Eddie’s mind starts coming up with its very own reasons for why you might be avoiding him. It’s a good thing that not all misunderstandings end in disaster.  

▹ 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 (𝐄𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐱 𝐟!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐬𝐦𝐮𝐭)

It’s been two weeks since you and Eddie decided to stop sneaking around and start behaving like every other couple at Hawkins High. Only that you’re not. And after overhearing a group of cheerleaders’ especially cruel gossip about your relationship, Eddie’s insecurities, nourished by all those years of bullying, hit home despite all of his attempts not to let people’s vile words get to him. This time though...he feels like they might be right. Because why would a girl like you ever fall for a guy like him? And when Eddie realizes he made a mistake...he can only hope it’s not too late to fix what he broke.

▹ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝐄𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐱 𝐟!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟, 𝐬𝐦𝐮𝐭)

Eddie doesn’t have much experience in bedroom activities, but since he wants to pleasure you as best as he can, he begrudgingly throws his pride overboard and seeks advice with Steve The Hair Harrington himself.

▹ 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐘𝐨𝐮 (𝐄𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐱 𝐟!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠)

Based on this request: could i request maybe eddie brings reader to a deal but wants her to stay in the van so she’s safe but the people he’s dealing to see her because she walked out to tell eddie something and it doesn’t go so well. and after the situation eddie and her argue but eddie’s upset and just what’s to protect her but ofc it ends well

𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬:

▹ 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐀𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 (𝐄𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐱 𝐟!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐬𝐦𝐮𝐭) - 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐝

THEN. You’re the only survivor among the Mind Flayer’s victims, thanks to your friends - but after the Battle of Starcourt, you find yourself adrift in a sea of nightmares. Until an encounter in the woods with Eddie The Freak Munson offers an unexpected life line and turns your world upside down.

NOW. Four months have passed since the winter night you walked out of Eddie’s trailer and his life for good. But when the mysterious headaches and nightmares return full-force and something wicked stirs in sleepy Hawkins, starting a witch hunt against Eddie, you realize that there are two things in this world that might be more persistent than you’d thought: Evil...and love.

The story will be told in two timelines: the past (after the Battle of Starcourt) and the present (during the events of season 4) Access the series masterlist or read here:

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐧𝐞

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐰𝐨

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐱

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐢𝐧𝐞

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐧

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧

𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬

[chrysanthemumgames]

Heya to my favourite writer!

I was just wondering, do you - or any of your lovely characters, have any advice or comfort for someone with, for lack of a better phrase: a broken heart? I feel a bit like I've been shattered into a million pieces, and I know some of your characters have felt the same, so strangely enough (if its not too much trouble!) I wondered if they might have any wonderful wisdom?

I can't wait for the update! Your work is so lovely, I almost want it in a beautifully embossed hardback parchment book!!

Hey nonnie.

I'm sorry to hear you're going through that. It's one of those feelings that just feels totally insurmountable while you're in it, isn't it?

I suppose if they were in the position of giving advice to someone with a broken heart, the advice would probably vary in, uh, quality to say the least.

For example, Hermes would (jokingly) suggest lots of hookups or revenge pranks, which depending on your mindset might have some validity or none, heh. More seriously, though, I think he would remind the recipient of his dubious advice that there are still plenty of lovely things in the world, and it's okay to wait a while until you can see and appreciate those again.

Charon would be the sort to add that there's no correct time frame for feeling 'better' and one ought not to try and hurry oneself along too much.

Pyri would suggest trying to do things that are very you-centric. Hobbies you have on your own, perhaps that you've always had, perhaps brand-new, that don't involve thinking about other people at all and just give you time to rest and be.

Alekto has always found physical activity to be most diverting in that way, even just short walks, though of course that doesn't work for everyone. Heartbreak is a tricky subject for her, but she'd also recommend leaning on friends, especially if you have any of the kind who can just sit with you in sorrow and not try to force cheer into the situation if it doesn't belong there yet.

Hekate would say that, when the time comes, you may be able to appreciate what has been for the temporary thing it was. Or, maybe you won't, and in that case, you'll have reason, in the end, to be glad it was only temporary.

I don't know that Hades would consider himself in a position to give advice about how to handle this sort of thing, but I do think he would be concerned to remind you to keep doing important things like eating enough and taking care of yourself, but also to extend yourself grace if you can't manage it all right now.

As for me, I don't know that I've ever 'learned' anything all that helpful from heartbreak. Sometimes it just sucks, and that's how it is. I'm so sorry you are going through this, anon, and I hope that little by little, it gets better for you. Please take care. :)

[beels-burger-babe]

Storm Clouds on a Sunny Day

***Oooooo Teen!MC! Thank you for the request @lovevictoire! Now, although I think I'm technically Gen z??? (I could be a millennial. I have no idea). I have like 0 sense of most pop culture and probably won't be able to write that classic gen z chaotic humour properly, so I'm not going to attempt. What I can do is the hurt/comfort aspect of this which I LOVE! So, let's do this. I hope you enjoy it. ((Oh and before I forget *hugs*))***

Summary: MC has always been a happy positive ray of light that brought joy with them wherever they went; at least that's what the brothers and the other exchange students would tell you. But when they suddenly start getting quiet and begin isolating themselves, everyone is concerned.

TW: descriptions of grief.

In the darkness of the Devildom, you were the sun.

Since arriving in the dark, cruel world of the demons, you had reminded them how to smile, how to laugh, how to love. With you around, it was like the brothers had another sibling again. For the other exchange students, you were a breath of fresh amongst all the horror and despair of the Devildom.

In short, everyone had come to love and be incredibly fond of the teenage human that; which is why they noticed instantly when you weren't acting like yourself.

For starters, you had skipped breakfast, which greatly concerned Beel. The friendly giant had to go up and bring you your food afterwards.

He gently knocked on your door with one hand as he held a plate with way too much food on it in the other. "MC? Are you awake? You missed breakfast."

There was a small curse from the other side before he heard some shuffling. The door cracked open to reveal you wrapped in a bundle of blankets. It wasn't until you looked up that Beel got a good look at your face and his stomach dropped.

Your eyes were tinged red with tear tracks stained onto your cheeks. Your bottom lip was still trembling from the effort of not breaking down into sobs. There was not a trace of the sunshine child that you usually were inside of your stormy sad eyes.

Beel's heart broke as you still attempted to give him a small smile and took the plate from him. "Th-Thanks Beel."

He kept a hand on the door to prevent you from closing it. "MC, are you alright? What happened?"

Your eyes widened a little and you quickly wiped at your cheeks. "I-I'm just not feeling that well. Can...Can you tell Lucifer I'm taking a sick day?"

Beel nodded as concern grew stronger and stronger inside of him. "Of course. Whatever you need."

You weren't actually sick, Beel could tell that much. What you were was heartbroken. Something had reached into your soul and shattered it into pieces. He to ask you what it was. He wanted to reassure you that everything would be okay. But instead, he let you close the door and hurried back to his brothers.

His brothers looked at him skeptically as he arrived, noting the lack of a tiny human alongside him. It was Belphie, however, who noticed the distressed look on Beelzebub's face. "Beel, is everything alright? You look upset."

Beel simply shook his head and looked over to Lucifer. "MC has asked me to tell you that they would like to take a sick day."

Everyone was instantly on their feet in worry.

"Sick? What kind of illness? I can get any medicine they might need and look up the quickest way for them to recover." Satan quickly stated as he began to move towards the kitchen.

Belphie nodded and picked up his pillow. "If they're sick, they'll need rest right? I'll go up there and help them sleep better."

Mammon moved to go with Belphie. "I'll come with ya. They'll feel better with if their favourite's there with them."

Belphie growled and shoved Mammon as Levi spoke up. "I-I mean, I doubt they'd want to spend the entire day with me, but at the very least I can provide them with some movies and games for entertainment. In fact, it might be easier if we just, um, m-move them to my room."

Mammon and Belphie were now snapping at Levi rather than each other.

Asmo scrunched up his nose in disgust and put up his hands. "Yeah, no thanks. I love MC, but I'll leave you guys to handle all the snot and vomit thank you very much. Tell them when they're healthy, I'll give them a spa day, just the two of us."

Lucifer sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Boys, Beel hadn't even told us what is wrong with them yet," everyone froze and turned to Beelzebub. Lucifer nodded and gestured for him to continue. "As you were saying, Beel."

Beel shifted uncomfortably at the attention. "Right. So, I don't think they're actually sick."

Lucifer rose an eyebrow at this as an air of defence grew around him. "You think they would lie?"

Beel huffed in annoyance and shook his head. "No. I don't think they would. But when they answered the door, they didn't look sick. They looked like they were grieving," everyone breathed in sharply at the statement, but Beel continued. "They honestly looked like they had been crying since midnight. I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't get any sleep at all last night."

Lucifer frowned and finally made a move towards the door. "I, and I alone, will go speak with them. We don't want to overcrowd them. In the meantime, someone please contact Simeon just in case they truly are sick and Beel misinterpreted it," he ignored the several shouts of protest as he walked to your room.

He knocked softly on the door twice before carefully opening the door. "MC? Beelzebub informed me that you aren't feeling-"

Lucifer cut himself off as he saw you hugging your knees to your chest in bed, sobbing your heart out. He quickly made his way over and sat down beside you, gently placing a hand on your back. "MC, what's the matter? I've never seen you this upset before."

You didn't answer. You merely turned towards him and buried your face in his chest as you clung to his shirt. Lucifer quickly wrapped his arms around you and held you tight.

It was almost as if he could feel your sorrow within the sounds of your cries. The way they shuttered and cracked with every inhale and vibrated with pure agony on every exhale. You were trembling violently in his arms in a way that he hadn't felt since-

Since he held his brothers after Lilith's death.

Realization came to him as he glanced over and noticed the lightly crumped picture of you and another human on your side table. His breath caught in his throat and he held you tighter. "Oh MC," he whispered softly. "I am so sorry."

He held you there, letting your tears stain his shirt without a single care. He held you as your sobs softened into sniffles. He held you as your head lolled to the side and you finally gave in to sleep.

Lucifer had been about to fall asleep himself when he noticed the door open. Simeon, Luke and Solomon stood there with equal expressions of concern.

Luke took one look at your tear-stained face before a flicker of fury and angelic protectiveness flashed across his face. He opened his mouth to shout at Lucifer, but was stopped as a hand came over his mouth.

Solomon looked down at him sternly. "They're sleeping, Luke, and clearly in need of it. You don't want to wake them."

Luke huffed and slapped Solomon's hand away before going over to the bed and climbing in beside you and Lucifer.

Simeon pulled out a bag that clinked and clattered from the vials within it. "Satan had said that there was a possibility MC was ill?"

Lucifer sighed and continued to rub circles into your back while Luke gently dried your face with a handkerchief. "Unfortunately it seems the only illness they have is a broken heart." He nodded to the picture on the nightstand. "They appear to have lost someone. Today must be an anniversary of some sort that reminded them of it."

Both Solomon and Simeon's faces softened at the explanation. Simeon put the bag away. "I'm afraid I don't have anything that can help with that."

Solomon nodded. "It's a feeling I believe we are all familiar with," he stood in silent thought before snapping his fingers and grinning. "I know what will cheer them up! Some soup! It most certainly cheers me up whenever I'm upset. I'll go make them a pot right away," he smiled proudly as he left the room, missing the look of horror on everyone else's face.

"Oh my," Simeon began, "I better go supervise and make sure he doesn't accidentally poison them. Luke, do you wish to come?"

He shook his head and hugged you. "I'm not leaving them."

Simeon smiled fondly and glanced up to Lucifer who shrugged. "So long as he doesn't mind being the presence of a demon, I suppose he can stay."

Luke grumbled and continued looking at your hand as he held his up to it and compared sizes. "If they were able to fall asleep around you and you were able to comfort them...maybe you're not so bad."

Simeon raised an eyebrow in shock and laughed a little. "Well there you have it," he looked back to Lucifer. "I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything."

He nodded and watched the older angel leave.

@thegrimgrinningghost

Although the day was a rough one for you, there was not a second where you felt alone. There was always someone to hold you, to listen to you, and comfort you when you needed it most.

On days when sadness and despair threatened to cloud over the Devildom's only source of sunshine, the lords of the Devildom and your friends would be there to keep you warm until the sun could shine again.

***I hope you enjoyed this cute little comfort fic! Thanks again for the request @lovevictoire!***

TAGLIST

@henry-and-the-seven-lords

@satans-beloved-riv

@cosmixbun

@sufzku

[cheerstotheelites-if]

Oh I love the pinning, may I ask for (“hey, i didn’t know you’re into sports,” you friends say as you enrol your name in the sports club where you know he’s going to be there but you spend hours in room alone with no physical activity all day long) for Zeph my dear author?

Prompt list h e r e ;]

Ya'll somewhat unathletic Zeph here we go *wheeze*

I'll modify this just a tiny bit

~•~•~

I'm tired of waitin', I was never good at sports,

Save the games for the girls on the tennis court,

Say you need me, but lately, you feel unsure,

Come on to me, come on to me, I need more.

- Sports, Beach Bunny

~•~•~

Eliseo gives his friend a raised brow as he reads her club enrollment slip. First choice is volleyball club. He glances up at Zeph, then back at the slip, then returning back to her.

"Are you signing up just to get good and spike my ass?" Eliseo asks with a frown as he raises his head to look at her fully. "I know you hate volleyball."

"No, it's not because of your school athlete ass," Zeph grumbles in reply, folding her arms across her chest as she leans back against the metal window frame. A breeze brushes through, ruffling her hair just a bit. She bites her lower lip, head looking down as hesitation strikes her. Gods, does she even want say the full reason why. She's sure Eliseo will make fun of her for it, no doubt about that. He's her asshole-of-a-bestfriend so of course he will.

Fuck it. Might as well get it over with.

"It's because MC's there," she says after a long pause.

"Oh? Is that a crush I smell?" Eliseo raises an intrigued brow as a smug smirk formed on his face. Gods, here it comes. "What's this? Lumintoile's best badminton player in volleyball club because of someone else, even though she knows she's shit in volleyball?" He gasps, a hand failing horribly to hide it as his smirk formed into a cheshire-like grin. "How scandalous!"

"Fuck off, Eliseo." Zephyrine groans, throwing her head back as the back of her head lightly hits the metal window frame.

"I'm not hearing you deny it, so it's true."

She rolls her eyes and looks away. Zephyrine knows that MC's in volleyball for someone else too, and that someone else is standing before her.

The smug ass named Eliseo. She doesn't know what they see in him, but it's clear to her that MC is madly head over heels for him. Maybe it's the muscles in his arms and legs, or the finesse and excitement he brings in the sport, or maybe MC has grown a sudden interest in it because they want to relate to Eliseo. It's a trick she knows all too well. She's done that to be closer with her friends before, and she's doing that now.

Why can't MC show interest in her stuff too? Why Eliseo? Is it because he's cooler? Is it because he's more fun? She can be fun too, but maybe it's not the type of fun MC's looking for.

A silent sigh escapes Zephyrine's nose as she looks back at Eliseo.

"So you're going to be the one to coach on the first day?" She asks him and Eliseo smiles cheekily.

"Yep, you're going to see my annoying ass next week." He says rather proudly. "I'll be helping MC, while I watch you suffer."

"Oh fuck you." She laughs, well, forces to as an ache in her chest forms at the next words she utters. "You're just doing that because you like them."

"Hell yeah I do." Eliseo grins as his usual smugness return.

It's not a secret that there is some tension going on between MC and Eliseo. It's been clear as day that both are falling for each other to the point it made Fleur concerned and Weylyn happy for them. For Zephyrine, it's pure heart ache. Whatever hope she had to have MC has shattered into miniscule pieces taken by the wind. She hoped the feelings would leave when she found out, but gods damn them, it didn't leave.

It only grew until it became unbearable. It came to the point where she would cry late at night, wondering if she were only to confess sooner or showed her feelings more. But no, MC has already slipped through her fingers like a gentle breeze in the morning.

It's too late for her, but she can't stop trying to make herself known. She is her namesake. She is the wind. People know she's there, but she will never be seen.

Zephyrine smiles, a strained playful one as she shoves Eliseo on the shoulder. "Fuck you and your biases, De Loughrey."

[yutanology]

Promise Me | Yandere! Nakamoto Yuta X Fem!Reader

Warning : 18+, possessive, foul behaviours, sexual content(nothing biggie), mental illness, death, etc. No proofread. Please, don't be too harsh on me. I'm still new and this is my first ever one shot/fanfiction here :)

Word count : 2.4k+

"Could you just stop?" Y/n whisper shouted at her seatmate who had been bothering her since this morning.

It's not like this is new to her or to anyone in their class but today, he seemed to be more clingy and touchy than he usually was and she found it quite unusual.

By the time she stepped into the school campus this morning, he abandoned his game with his friends on the soccer field just to greet her with his dashing smile and a nice warm hug.

She didn't mind it at first as she was already used to it but when she thought he's going to leave her alone after that, he followed her around instead like a lost puppy. She could almost see a furry tail happily wagging behind him.

Everywhere she goes, he's there right beside her. Either his hands were holding hers or his arms were wrapped around her lower waist. Some people were jealous or happy when they thought they're finally officially together and when someone questioned their relationship, Y/n would immediately respond saying they're just friends while Yuta would say otherwise, leaving them confused.

He was still attached to her during her classes and even ditched his just to be with her. The teachers could only sigh in defeat and shake their head. They knew that whatever they say, there's nothing they can do to make the stubborn guy follow their orders.

At the end, he'd always get what he wants.

The Japanese boy glanced at her side profile. His head was laying on top of his other hand. Seeing her brows furrowed irritatedly, he stopped for a moment before continuing to twirl a few strands of her silky hair between his long fingers.

It doesn't look like he has any plans of keeping his hands to himself at all. She'd been trying to get rid of him for countless times and she failed with all of those useless attempts. She's so close of getting angry at him but she doesn't want to lash out on him and seem like a bad person.

With her another sigh passing through her soft reddish lips, she looked at the clock on the wall. ‘Just five minutes more, Y/n. Just a little more patience, you can do it.’ she tried to convince herself. By those five minutes, she let Yuta play with her hair.

When the school bells rang and echoed around the campus, she immediately fixed her things and rushed out of the classroom before the teacher could even dismiss them. The corridors are already crowded and she could only hope that Yuta wouldn't be able to follow after her this time.

She decided to go to the restroom and stayed there until she was certain that Yuta's nowhere around her. He's really acting weird and she couldn't understand why. Whenever she asked what's wrong with him, he'd always say the same thing like 'I'm fine. It's all in your mind.’

His gaze, the way he looks at her also felt different this time. She felt something uneasy somewhere in the pit of her stomach or maybe there's something wrong with 𝘩𝘦𝘳. Maybe she's just overthinking way too much since that's what she always do mostly when she doesn't get enough sleep and she stayed up late last night.

That's right... these shit are all just in her head.

She released an exhausted sigh and turned the faucet on to wash her face, hoping that it would also wash her frustrations away. She reached for a handkerchief from her bag and wiped her face dry as she made her way out of the comfort room.

Her heart almost jumped out of her ribs when she found Yuta standing just a single step from the exit. She gasped and her hand immediately flew to her chest in surprise. "Yah! Stop scaring me like that!" she yelled and he only chuckled in amusement.

"I've been waiting for you. What took you so long?" he asked her, locking his hand on hers as he lead her to the canteen. Eyes of the people they passed by were immediately on them like they're more interesting than the lessons that their teachers taught them.

"Wait, why were you waiting for me?" confusion was evident on her face.

"So we can eat together for lunch, of course. Come on, we don't have all the time. Classes are going to start after forty minutes." he casually said, pulling her closer to him when they walked passed a group of boys and he didn't fail to notice the way they looked at Y/n.

He didn't like it, not even a bit.

Y/n seriously couldn't count how many times she sighed at how she always end up letting Yuta do whatever he wanted to do with her. From the simple hand holds to sudden random kisses that he pepper on her face. No matter how hard she tried to push him off, he'd always stick himself even more closer to her.

It was like that for the passed weeks and it was honestly so tiring as hell. Yuta just won't leave her alone even when she goes to the restroom, he would insist to wait outside the cubicle that she had to push him away and lock the main door of the room.

She could barely talk to other people peacefully as he would shoo them away immediately and ask them to leave her alone. It was so frustrating and she's getting fed up of his unexplained foolish practices.

She's well aware that the guy likes her more than just a friend and she also can't deny that she's attracted to him but these behaviours of his are just too much for her.

The said dirty blonde haired Japanese guy was sitting closely beside her, his chin rested on her right shoulder as he watched her turn pages of the book that she's reading. He wasn't paying attention to the words written on the dead leaves. His eyes stared at her small hands, wondering how they would feel like around his cock—

"Yuta." the guy's ears perked up when she said his name. Snaking his arms around her waist, he pulled her to his chest and planted a kiss on her neck. Her cheeks heated at the unexpected skin contact but she tried her best to ignore the butterflies that he's giving her.

She's planning to finally confront him and she had to make him stop whatever he's doing cuz it's no fun at all. It's not entertaining and she's not amused at all. "Yuta." he hummed, his kisses getting wet and he started to graze his teeth on her skin, lightly nibbling on them until he finally bit hard enough to leave a mark.

A whimper tried to escape her mouth but she's fast enough to bite her lower lip, trapping the sound until it disappeared on it's own. He was disappointed when she didn't make any sound for him, thinking that he didn't do well enough to make her feel good so he ran the tip of his tongue on her neck.

His hot minty breath heated her skin and tingles spread around her body when he blew her sensitive ear, nibbling her earlobe and placing a kiss on one of her flushed cheeks. His hands wandered under her blouse, caressing the side of her hips with his thumb.

He slowly dragged his large hands up under her breasts and just when he was about to touch them, Y/n pulled away from him. A low whine and groan simultaneously erupted from him, complaining at the lose of skin contact from her.

Y/n looked around the library if someone saw them and she was thankful that no one was there but only them. She straightened her blouse, closing the book and stood up. "Where are you going?" he also stood up from his seat, ready to follow her wherever she's going.

She didn't answer him. She slung one of her bag's strap on her shoulder, walking away with the book and placed it back to where she took it. Yuta was quick to keep up with her steps, confused of why she was suddenly in a hurry.

When they finally got out of the library, she stopped at the nearby bleachers where students barely pass by and turned to him with an exasperated sigh, "Yuta, seriously, what's wrong with you?" the way she questioned him came out more stressed out than how she wanted it to be.

Yuta blinked his eyes a few times as if he's trying to figure out what she meant. "What do you mean, what's wrong with me? I'm totally fine. Are you okay?" it was his turn to ask her, walked close to her and placed a hand on her forehead.

"Are you sick? You don't seem fine to me. Let me take you to the clinic—"

"Yuta, stop." she stepped away from him before he could even hold her hand. He halted, his brows met as his eyes stared at her worryingly.

"Stop whatever you're doing to me and please, leave me alone. I also need some time for myself and other people around me, alright? You can't keep me from interacting with anyone. This is honestly suffocating, Yuta. We can't keep doing this."

He felt like his heart shattered into tiny pieces. His chest tightened and his airways narrowed, making him unable to breath properly. Without him knowing, tears were already streaming down his cheeks.

Y/n was taken aback at this, immediately feeling guilty for making him cry. She didn't expect him to be this emotional for his appearance.

"Look, I'm sorry but—"

"D-don't you love me anymore, Y/n?" He didn't let her finish her words, leaving her speechless at the question.

Her mouth left agape, struggling to find the right words to tell him. "Did you find someone else better than me that's why you're planning to leave me, is that it?" more salty water poured out of his eyes.

"Yuta, w-what are you talking about? We're not in a relationship to begin with."

"Then let's be together officially! Just you and me, Y/n. I'll do anything just to be with you. I promise, I'll be the best boyfriend you'll ever have. I'll give you everything you want—" he held her arms, "—just promise me I'll be the only one you'll ever love and want to be with. Promise me, Y/n. Promise me!"

Yuta secured his arms around her, holding onto her desperately. Scared that if he lets go, he might lose her. He can't let that happen. Like what he said, he'll do whatever it takes just to have her.

All for himself.

"Y-you have to promise me, Y/n."

Her head was clouded with a lot of thoughts. She was barely thinking straight and her emotions also messed up with her. She really likes Yuta. The increasing speed of her heartbeat and the butterflies flying around her stomach with euphoria whenever she's with him didn't lie at all but it felt wrong.

These feelings didn't feel right.

She pulled herself away from him and shook her head. "I'm sorry, Yuta..." that was all she said before she left him without even looking back at him.

She had no idea how it broke him and how it made him do things that a normal person wouldn't do. He saw nothing but red after she disappeared from his sight. Everyone who tried to touch or talk to her the next day suddenly disappeared, a minute after they left somewhere else.

At first, she didn't think much about it until the number of people disappearing quickly increased and made everyone alarmed. All schools around the place were forced to close for a moment and people were told to stay at home with tight security to keep them safe.

Everyone was scared including Y/n, of course.

It made her so anxious that she could barely sleep at night. One morning, a knock on her door echoed around her silent apartment and she panicked, quickly hiding on her bedroom.

She almost peed her pants in fear when the knocking and ringing of doorbells continued for minutes. Her phone went off on her nightstand and she ran to it. Yuta's calling.

Without a second thought, she answered it with trembling voice. "Y-yuta..."

"Y/n, are you okay? Please open your door for me, I have to make sure you're safe. I'm the one outside your house."

And that was all it took for him to be with her. Make her scared to be outside, convince her that everyone is dangerous and he's the only one who can protect her.

Whenever he goes outside to buy food and other necessities for the both of them, he'd always return with a small cut or bruises and it made Y/n scared that she might lose him too.

He's all she had left.

He made her thought of that. He's all and everything she could ever need. She'd be nothing without him.

"Do you love me?" he asked and she nodded silently.

"If you really do, promise me that you'll love me and only me, Y/n. I wanna hear it from you." Yuta looked at her straight in the eyes when he said those words.

"I promise." his heart raced inside his chest.

A smile stretched out on his plump lips. "I love you, Y/n. So much than you could ever imagine." He meant it. He always had and always will. He leaned his body closer to her, locking his lips with hers and they moved in sync.

This is paradise to him.

He couldn't explain how much happy he's right now. With her here in his arms, it's the only place where she's safe. He watched her drift off to sleep, he kissed her forehead when her eyes finally closed.

He could look at her like this forever. The love bites that he painted on her skin looks so beautiful. She's like the most beautiful painting he'd ever seen and she deserve to be placed on his art gallery but she's only for him to be looked at.

He sighed dreamily as he continued to press more kisses on her neck. He successfully made her love him. There's nothing he could ask for, now that her naked body is already tangled with him under their soft blanket.

He could only hope that she'd keep her words and stay true to him.

Feedbacks are pretty much appreciated and requests are open! Feel free to share your thoughts!

I will not always be active but I will try my best to attend each of your requests and to also interact with y'all.

I apologize for not being word-perfect in English. English sadly ain't for me—

[nothing-but-dreamy]

FAKE DATE

Pairing: FFXV! NYX ULRIC x GENDER NEUTRAL!READER

Words: 10.822

Warnings: some cursing, fluff, mentioning of cheating

A/N: So.... this idea started as a quick idea for a one shot.... I guess, it got a little bit out of hand... but who cares... have fun... it's worth to read it

Summary: Your ex marries your cousin and because it's family, you have to attend there with a date. No matter how hard it would be for you. You talk with Crowe about it and she comes up with an idea: a fake date with one of her friends, Nyx Ulric. Nyx agrees reluctantly and even if he had sworn to himself to avoid meeting new people or rather to let them get too close … little did he know that you could change this plan without even knowing it…

"Crowe, it's horrible! I really tried to talk with my mother but she won't accept the fact that I don't want to come to this wedding. She said: 'We become a family. You're mature enough to work past all this'. Argh! I would love to scream.", you cried out, raking violently through your hair with your fingers.

"Yeah... Right... It's about maturity that you have to watch how your cousin marries your ex-boyfriend who had left you. For your cousin. This marriage is crazy. Since when do they even know each other?"

"For seven months.", you muffled into your hands.

"Wait! What? You met this idiot what? Ten months ago!"

"Yup. And then, we had a family meeting where he met my cousin. They got along pretty well. Maybe I should have sensed something there already. But I didn't.", you said heartbroken.

"So, he met your cousin behind your back, he cheated on you and your mother still wants you to join the wedding? Are really all of your family so stupid, sorry for that, to accept the fact that he’s a lying and cheating bastard?"

"Yes, they are!", you cried out, burying your face into your hands once again, "Just because he's some high-paid, upper class doctor. And you know what the worst is? I have to bring someone with me. A date. You know for the 'aesthetic'. It’s my mother’s twisted ‘perfect world’ thingy. But I don't have someone. I'm still hurt because of what he had done to me. I don't wanna meet someone new.", you breathed devastated.

Crowe nodded slowly, understanding your point because she was there as she had picked up the shattered pieces that had been your former self. Then, an idea popped up in her mind even if it was a tricky one, "YN, I might have a solution for your problem."

Slowly, you looked up, "Yeah... I already considered running away but I can't. My mother would find me everywhere."

Crowe chuckled, "No. Not that. Maybe we keep this running away idea as a back-up. No, I might have a solution for your date misery."

***

The next day, Crowe searched for Libertus and Nyx in the training area of the Kingsglaive headquarters. Finding them warping around, she watched them for a while before both men closed up to her for a small break.

"I will never really get used to this warping shit. My stomach makes somersaults all the time.", Libertus complained and rubbed over his stomach and chest to calm down the heartburn.

"Well, not every person is made for flying.", Crowe said teasingly what caused Nyx to chuckle and Libertus to roll with his eyes.

"So, what's up? It's a bit too early for you.", Nyx said, leaning against a pillar with crossed arms.

"Actually, I wanted to talk with you, Nyx. I... I need your help.", Crowe said carefully.

Nyx frowned as he saw the wariness in his friend's eyes, "And for what?"

"The thing is... I don't really need your help. It's rather a friend of mine.", Crowe said and saw how Nyx pressed his jaws together.

"Crowe? Is this another try to set me up with someone?", he asked serious.

Crowe gnawed on her lower lip, "No... Well... Not really?"

"Crowe! Come on. We already had that!", Nyx said serious, drawing his brows together.

Crowe raised her hands, "I know, I know. You made this clear the last time. But this is different. YN really needs help. Listen, their ex marries and they have to attend there-"

"Why? Why do they have to attend their ex' wedding?", Libertus asked confused.

Crowe grimaced, "Well, he's marrying their cousin."

"What?", Nyx and Libertus called out at the same time.

Crowe pinched the bridge of her nose, "It's a pretty shitty situation. This asshole cheated on YN with their cousin a few months after they started to date. But because he's such a great doctor, with much prestige and money, everyone seems to be cool with this wedding no matter how YN feels about this."

"Holy six...", Libertus whispered, shaking his head at how complicated this situation seemed to be.

"And why do you need me? What role shall I play in all this?", Nyx asked even if he already had an idea what would come next.

"Well... Not enough that YN shall be part of the wedding, they also shall bring a date along. Something about aesthetics or stuff. I dunno. Don't ask me. And that's the point where I need your help, Nyx.", Crowe said and looked at her friend with a pleading expression and a hopeful smile while Nyx stayed silent.

"Why don't you ask me for help?", Libertus asked, pointing at himself.

Crowe looked apologetically at the taller man, "Well, sorry, but I think Nyx is more of their type-"

"More of their type? Crowe!", Nyx called out, getting slightly agitated.

Crowe raised her hands in surrender, "Calm down. I don't wanna set you up with them. But YN shall bring a date to this already crazy and hilarious wedding. The idiot cheated on them for several months, left them and now, YN’s still very hurt. After the breakup and the announced engagement, they were a mess. I needed some time to collect all the pieces that were left from them. They're not able to date someone or to find someone new. So, I thought about a fake date. It's not a real date. You just have to act like it. Please, Nyx. You don't have to do much. Just accompany them to this wedding. Keep them company and distract them a little. Just have some fun."

Nyx considered the idea. He wasn't really in the mood for dates or weddings but he knew Crowe well enough. If she thought about this as a good idea, he really might be helpful. Nyx’ strong helper syndrome was now also kicking in once again, "So, just if I say yes, and I say if, what shall I do?"

On Crowe's lips grew a smile because she knew Nyx would say yes if he was already this far with his considerations, "Nothing much. You meet them. I guess they will pick you up or something. You attend the wedding in the church and the party afterwards together. That's it. You don't have any responsibilities except to be by YN's side as their date. Maybe support them a little bit during this whole carnival."

"And when shall this trickery be?", Nyx asked warily.

Crowe's face changed into a grimace once again, "That's the stupid part... It's this weekend."

"Crowe!", Nyx called out. It was already Wednesday.

"Hey! It's not my fault. YN also told me about it yesterday. Obviously, they tried to discuss this whole thing about the presence with their mother but she was very persistent with this point. Nyx, it's urgent. Next to you two, they're my best friend. I hate to see them suffer. It’s not fair because they’re a jewel of a person. That their ex shall get a happy ending after everything he had done is already the biggest joke. But now, he will become part of their family, as well. I really need your help.", Crowe begged.

Nyx took a deep breath and released the air slowly, "Alright, alright. I will do it. But", he said and raised his hand as Crowe already started to get excited, "I guess I need a tuxedo or something like this-"

"I will take care of that! You don't have to do anything like I said. I promise."

"Then, just one more thing. Maybe it would be better if we met before the wedding? You know, to check if we get along and if the chemistry is working."

***

"He did say yes?"

"You really had doubts?", Crowe asked with a smirk. Your reaction had been gold as she had told you that she had found a date for you: Nyx Ulric - one of her friends and colleagues.

In fact, you had heard a few things about him. That he was from Galahd, had lost his family and had a tendency to be a little bit gruff in front of others but with that he was just hiding his soft side, as Crowe had told you. To meet him and Libertus was long overdue, "Well... A little bit to be honest. I mean, he doesn't know me. I know we will just be acting but still it's like a blind date. What if we don't get along? It's all about chemistry and stuff..."

Crowe blinked and stared at you, "Well, I'm sure you two will like each other. In fact, Nyx mentioned the exact same doubts with the exact same words."

"Really? Well... it's maybe just coincidence.", you said, turning around to get something to drink from the kitchen.

But no matter how quickly you had been, Crowe had seen your blushing cheeks and grinned about it. It had been a long time since she had seen you like this: filled with life and pleasant anticipation.

"So, Nyx is okay with this whole fake date thingy?", you asked, while gnawing on your lower lip. You felt nervous to meet him even if he was a friend of Crowe.

Crowe smiled, "Don't worry, he is. You said you could get a tuxedo?"

"Yes! Of course. Just give me his size and I will take care of it. It's easy for me. Tomorrow, it can be here."

"Great. So, could I bring him here tomorrow? You two can meet and he can try on the tuxedo."

"Perfect idea. And I will cook something for us.", you said with sparkling eyes. You had no idea why but suddenly, you were even looking forward to meeting Nyx, your unexpected lifesaver.

***

"You said, I don't have to do anything.", Nyx complained as he made his way through the city the next day with Crowe by his side.

Crowe rolled with her eyes, "Yes and you really don't have to do anything except to try on one or two tuxedos, alright? It's not that I would drag you to a shopping trip. We meet YN at their place where you can try on the clothes. So, we will kill two birds with one stone."

Nyx had laid awake last night while thinking about this fake date idea. Sure, he wanted to help Crowe and her friend but that didn’t change the fact that there was a reason behind his reluctance to date new people. So, once again, Nyx asked himself if he really was doing the right thing…

*

As you heard the first knock at your door, you jumped by surprise. It was friday evening, the day before the wedding and it was arranged that Crowe and Nyx would visit you after they were done with their shift. But still, as your friend was there, you felt excited. You were even sick with nervousness to meet Nyx. He was the first guy you would meet after the horrible break-up and even if it was just a fake date, your hands became sweaty and your heart began to race.

The second knock brought you back to reality and you hurried to open the door, "Hey, guys. Come in-", you stopped as Crowe passed you and your eyes fell on Nyx who smiled at you warm and softly. Never in your life had you seen such a handsome, good looking man. Even your ex wasn't able to keep up with Nyx’ undeniable, rough sexiness. His eyes were the bluest and his lips the fullest. The stubble he sported and his greyish hair with the braids suited him perfectly. You noticed something wild in his appearance which got underlined by the tattoos on his face and ears. For the first time, you understood what Crowe had meant as she said that it was visible that Nyx was from Galahd. He wasn't hiding his roots and as it was for you, there was no reason for him to do this at all.

"YN?", Crowe asked as she saw you gaping at Nyx. Internally, she was pleased with herself. To see you like this told her that she had been right: Nyx was your type of guy.

Crowe's voice brought you back from your daydreaming, "Yeah... Sorry, I was just... Uhm...", you stammered.

Crowe grinned but stepped in to help you, "YN meet Nyx. Nyx this YN, my emotional support when I have to deal with too much of your bullshit."

You smiled thankfully, "Yeah... The support might be questionable nowadays.", you said shyly.

"That's okay. It will change again. I'm sure.", Crowe said.

"It's nice to meet you finally, YN. I heard a lot of great things about you.", Nyx said politely as you invited him in. As he and Crowe had gone to your place, Nyx was intimidated because of your fancy apartment complex. You were from Insomnia but because you were refugee friendly and even tried to help to improve the underground district your friendship with Crowe had been possible which calmed Nyx a little. But as you had opened the door, nervousness and excitement spread through his emotionally cold veins. Crowe had described you as nice, sweet and beautiful. But in Nyx' eyes, these words were far away from being suitable. Your eyes were clear and bright as you looked right into his soul. Your lips had such a rich color that they already looked delicious. Nyx knew he had to keep his composure together and actually he wasn't really interested in meeting new people as he always said like a mantra but you and your sweet appearance made it extremely difficult to stick to his plan.

"I'm sure Crowe made up a few things to let me look better.", you said chuckling.

As Nyx heard you laughing, his heart made a little jump and suddenly, he asked himself how it was even possible for someone to hurt you at all.

Pleased with Nyx' reaction about her friend, Crowe grinned, "No, I was always honest and I just told everyone how amazing you are."

"Liar. But that's okay. So, I... The tuxedos already arrived and the dinner is almost done. What about you try on the clothes, Nyx, and then, we eat?", you suggested.

"Sounds great.", Crowe said and went into the kitchen to check the oven for what you had prepared.

"Come on, I will show you the way.", you said to Nyx and guided him through your apartment into your bedroom, "So, Crowe gave me your sizes from your uniform. I got an anthracite and a black tuxedo. The only two colors my mother allows tomorrow. Just try them.", you said and shot the man next to a shy smile. Somehow, his scent was able to fill your small room so quickly that you knew it would be stuck there for a few days and you already were looking forward to it.

"Thanks.", Nyx said and cursed himself because he wanted to say more but he couldn't. Somehow, his tongue was tied up into a knot. Obviously, he had been out of training for human interactions a bit too long.

You were about to leave him alone before you stopped at the door once again, "I have to thank you, Nyx. I... If you wouldn't do that I'm sure I would die because of so many things tomorrow. I owe you really big. So, thank you really much.", you said with a shy smile and reddening cheeks. And before Nyx could say anything, you left the room and closed the door.

Nyx stared at the spot where you had stood. It was one thing to do Crowe a favor in helping you. But to see all these raw emotions mirrored in your eyes did something to him. Your voice had been filled with sadness even if you had tried to hide it. And somehow, deep empathy for you flooded his veins and anger towards your ex entered his muscles. He should accompany you? He swore to himself to do this and to watch out for you the whole evening. Because like Crowe, he already hated it to see you suffer.

*

"So, you like him, huh?", Crowe asked as you joined her in the kitchen.

You stared at your friend with shocked filled eyes, "I- I don't know what you mean.", you said defensive even if it wasn't really working.

Crowe grinned, "Come on, YN. I know you. And I saw how you were staring at Nyx. Therefore, you like him."

You felt your cheeks blushing and you even pretended to look after your cooking pots so you could avoid Crowe's smug smirk, "He's nice, yeah. I mean, I owe him a lot that he does this for me. I'm grateful for that."

"Yeah... Right. Grateful. Grateful with big, sparkling and hungry eyes-", Crowe said teasingly but got stopped by your elbow and in the next moment Nyx entered your kitchen to present himself. Crowe whistled, "Wow, look at this. I had no idea there could be a real gentleman underneath this gruff surface.", she said, which earned her an annoyed eye roll from the Glaive.

You smiled appreciatively, "Crowe has a point, tho. You look really great in this tuxedo.", you admitted. Indeed, Nyx had tried on the black tuxedo first and it was already a match. Because of the white suit shirt, his blue eyes seem to glow even more. His longer strands gave the tuxedo a nice, foreign touch you already liked, "If you ask me, you're done with testing. Is it comfortable?", you asked, checking the fit on his back.

"Yes, it's extremely comfortable. I had no idea it would fit so well.", Nyx admitted while the soft touch of your hands on his back gave him slight goosebumps.

"I'm not surprised. These are high-class tuxedos. They're very expensive. Don't worry, it's borrowed.", you explained as you saw Nyx' concerned expression, "No one should buy such things just for one evening. So, great. That was it. You're done. You can change again and then, dinner is ready. At least a little try to make it up to you and your time."

As Nyx disappeared in your bedroom once again, Crowe closed up on you with a smirk, "It's so good that I was right with my assumption that you two would fit together perfectly. And now, you will even have some eye candy to look at the whole evening. I'm the best friend you could ask for."

Instead of answering, you just rolled with your eyes even if she was right. But you wouldn't admit it out loud. Never.

*

"God, this was delicious, YN.", Crowe sighed satisfied as she leant back in her seat.

"I just can say the same. This was great. But if I may ask, what was it? I mean, I know the stuff you used but somehow the taste was … I never tasted like this before.", Nyx asked curiously. Whatever you had done, it was delicious but he never had found something similar in Insomnia before.

You chuckled, "Actually, it isn't something fancy. Vegetables, meat and rice. But the spices make the difference. You don't find these here in Insomnia. I got them from Lestallum. There's a huge market full of stands with spices and ingredients you won't find anywhere else. I like exotic stuff so this market is like a treasure."

While you had answered his question, Nyx was fascinated by the way your eyes started to glow in a new way. You were happy to talk about what you liked. Your happiness was contagious and made his heart jump. Nyx caught himself by the thought that this fake-date thingy wouldn't be as bad as he had thought in the beginning.

Crowe watched you and Nyx. She already saw the connection between you two and even if she respected your decision to be alone for a while after everything you had experienced, she saw that both of you were interested in each other. So, for her, it was the time to give you some space, "Oh, look. How late it got already. I have an early meeting tomorrow.", she said and jumped up from her seat, grabbing her jacket, "Thank you very much for this delicious meal and I wish you two a lot of fun tomorrow.", she said before she hurried out of your apartment.

Slightly speechless, you and Nyx looked after her. As Nyx met your eyes again, both of you were laughing. You looked at your clock on the wall, "Late my ass. We just have eight.", you pointed out while still laughing.

"You know what she's trying right?", Nyx asked with a grin.

"Of course. She's trying to set us up with each other."

Nyx shook his head with a grin, disbelieving that Crowe had pulled this trick, "And that although she knows that I don't want to date anyone.", he just said but regretted it immediately as he saw your face. It was a mixture of surprise and disappointment. Quickly, you tried to hide it behind a smile and that sight hurt Nyx even more than he thought, "Oh uhm... I- I didn't mean you... O-or this.. I.. I'm sorry, I...", he stumbled over his own words and cursed himself for speaking so mindlessly.

You waved with your hand to brush it aside with a weak smile, ignoring the disappointment, "Calm down. I know what you mean, Nyx. After what my ex had done, I'm also not much interested in dates. Don't forget that this will be just a fake date.", you said softly to reassure him before you collected a bunch of plates to be able to turn away from him.

But Nyx had seen the sparkling in your eyes that extremely resembled unshed tears. Once again, he cursed himself. Here he was, Nyx had promised to himself to protect you from everything that would happen at the wedding but was able to make you sad in his own way.

Quickly, he stood up, collecting the cutlery to go to your side, "Hey", Nyx said softly to get your attention, he smiled as you looked at him, "I'm sorry, YN. I didn't mean you at all. It's just...Crowe tried many times to matchmake me. It never ended well. I guess, it's because of my job as a Glaive. I try my best but... it's my work. I owe King Regis a lot for saving me. And I see myself forced to pay it back in protecting this city and its people."

"Don't apologize, Nyx. What you and the other Glaives are doing is honorable. Not everyone is able to cope with what you do all day for this city. If someone has a problem with that...well... it's just not the fitting person, I guess. The fitting person would always support you to make your life easier instead of making it more difficult.", you said and smiled.

Nyx was speechless about your caring words and your warm smile, "Thank you. You... I can see why Crowe cares so much about you. You're very sweet. And you know what? I'm looking forward to spending the day with you tomorrow."

You sniffled back a sob, "Thanks, Nyx. I'm sure it will be horrible tomorrow. Just the thought of seeing him makes me anxious right now. But to know you will be with me calms me already.", you admitted softly.

Nyx smiled but also wanted to change the heavy topic to something lighter, "So, about tomorrow. How shall we do it? Already have any plans?"

"Yeah, my idea was to pick you up but maybe it would be easier for you to come here so you don't have to carry the tuxedo around. I mean, if this would be okay for you?", you said while bringing Nyx to the front door.

"Sounds good. Oh, one thing. Shall I do something with my hair? It's not typical for Insomnian citizen-"

"No, please, don't!", you hurried but you looked away as you felt your cheeks blushing again.

Nyx chuckled, shooting you a smile as you looked back at him, "Don't worry. I won't change anything if you don't want to. I just want to make sure that you will have a nice day tomorrow."

***

The next day, Nyx knocked at your door as agreed. Once again he was excited to meet you. This time because he was looking forward to seeing you again. Usually, if Nyx was dreaming during the night, he had nightmares but the last night was filled with dreams about you. This morning, he was more rested and relaxed than ever before.

So, as you opened the door, Nyx was already smiling and happy but as he saw you, his smile faltered and his expression changed into staring, "Whoa, you look amazing.", he breathed.

Your small smile grew into something bigger that reached each of your ears, "Thank you. Come in.", you said excitedly and stepped aside to let Nyx into your apartment.

Ten minutes later, Nyx joined you in the kitchen, dressed in the tuxedo and ready. You prepared some coffee before the car would be there to pick you up, "So, what's scheduled for today?", he asked and closed the buttons on his cuffs. At least, he tried it.

You watched him fumbling for a few moments until you joined him for help, "In fact, everything's pretty timed. We will drive to the church were the wedding will be held. And after that we will drive further to the Caelum Via where the dinner and party will be. I just hope we can escape during the party when the official thing is over. So, it's done.", you said softly. Your fingers were brushing along Nyx' warm skin. You lingered a few seconds longer before you realized what you were doing.

Nyx felt the connection between you and him as well. Your touch was small, soft and warm and everything he wanted to feel again and again. As he saw your caught expression, he smiled at you to show you that it was okay and he saw that you understood.

Coffee, smalltalk and just being with each other let the time run too fast and as your doorbell rang for the arriving car you felt annoyed because this, with Nyx, was pure fun.

Nyx noticed the change in you and placed his hand on yours, "I will be with you all the time. Or, I will be close to you. You're not alone in this, okay?"

You nodded reluctantly but forced yourself to smile. And with Nyx by your side, you left your apartment for the worst day ever in your life.

*

But Nyx stuck to his word and was with you. The car brought you to the church and he was about to leave the limousine as he noticed that you weren't moving at all. Ignoring the driver's glance, he leant over to you, avoiding touching you in fear to scare you, "YN?"

You stared out of the side window. There was the church, the church you wanted to marry in one day. Not exactly your ex but generally. Flowers were decorated everywhere and between the different colorful plants stood your family. Your mother, your dad, both of your aunts and uncles and Matt...your ex.

Nyx followed your gaze and saw the group of people. Even without asking he knew it had to be your family, considering the fact how you were looking at them. Nyx noticed the younger guy in the festive attire and knew instinctively that it had to be the groom. The guy was tall, slim fit and looked like a lot of money. But the way he moved and talked was easy to dislike because he looked snobbish. Nyx saw your distress and felt sorry. He could just imagine what you were feeling right now, "Listen, we can go if you want.", Nyx suggested softly.

You shook your head, "I can't. We're family. My mother would kill me."

Nyx sighed low, "I know family is important but... you're also important. And if you think you can't handle this under these circumstances then it's okay. You don’t have to."

Slowly, you looked at him, already thankful to have him by your side, "I can do that. I have to."

Nyx nodded, accepting your determination before he left the car. The driver opened your door and as you left the car as well, Nyx was already waiting for you, offering you his arm to link your own with it.

As you two closed up on the group of your family members, your mother was the first to spot you. Suddenly, Nyx noticed a slight change in your behavior. You straightened yourself, you held your head high but the grip on Nyx' arm also became stronger.

"Darling! You look great.", your mother said, grabbing your shoulders to kiss you left and right of your face without touching your skin.

As she leant back, you saw the huge, happy smile on her lips that only money could produce, "Mother, you look lovely. The whole decoration is breathtaking.", you said with a huge smile.

It was fake. Nyx could already spot the difference because the smile didn't reach your bright eyes. Then, your mother's attention shifted over to Nyx and he swallowed thickly by the sight of her mustering glance at his appearance.

You noticed her glance as well and stepped in, "Oh, right. Mother, this is Nyx. Nyx, this is my beloved mother."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, ma'am.", Nyx said politely and even bowed a little.

Internally, you grinned about her surprised expression because she never had expected such good manners with a guy who had Nyx' looks. You knew her well enough to know what she thought.

"It's a pleasure for me. Where have you two met if I may ask?", your mother asked.

You knew it was a test and you knew how to play this game, "Through a friend. Nyx is working for King Regis."

"For the King? That's amazing."

You saw the sparkling in your mother's eyes but before she could say anything else, you took Nyx' arm to guide him away, "Excuse us, we will go inside. Searching for our seats.", you said and without waiting, you passed the group to go into the church.

As you two were out of earshot from your family, Nyx leant to you, "That was smooth."

You grinned, "Have you seen her eyes as I mentioned the King? That was pure greed. It doesn't matter if it is money or prestige. She loves it. I'm sure she thinks you're a member of the royal family. And that's the reason why it's okay for everyone that my cousin marries Matt. He's a doctor. A high-paid surgeon. Money and prestige.", you explained.

As you and Nyx sat down, a thought struck his mind. He was just not sure if he should ask or not-

"You wanna know how I could land him?", you said as you saw Nyx' glance.

"No, not how you could land him. Rather...what you saw in him. I don't know you for long but...such a guy? I'm not sure if he suits you well…"

You nodded, "Yeah...trust me, now? I know that, too. But as we met, he was…", you stopped as you remembered the early time with Matt, "We met accidentally in a bookstore. Somehow, we ended in the same row of bookshelves and he bumped into me. Obviously, he liked me so he invited me for coffee. I agreed because he can be extremely charming. But if I think about it now, we never had something in common. I was imagining things and was blinded by his looks. Although ...well…recently, I've met a guy who is more handsome than Matt will ever be."

Nyx knew you meant him. In the way you had said it and how you looked at him told him whom you meant. Nyx' heart skipped a beat by the thought of how you saw him. In his eyes, it wasn't fair. Here he was, sitting next to you, starting to like you. He was attracted to you and still, he didn't want to have any love interest. It always ended badly and that was the last thing he wanted for you. Nyx wanted to say something, to lower your interest in him, but the wedding started and cut him off.

*

The ceremony was beautiful and romantic. You had to admit that even if you hated it. Your cousin looked wonderful and as they both brought up their vows in a solemn way, you had to suppress a tear because it was sweet and lovely what they swore to each other. Just the point 'I will never love someone else next to you' from Matt caused you to roll with your eyes. It was pathetic.

Most of the time, Nyx tried to stay focused on the wedding but it wasn't easy. His brain was busy with different things. On the one hand, he searched for a way to keep you on distance but whenever he had an idea, Nyx asked himself 'why?'. Why should he stay away from you when you were interested in him? He was interested in you, too. You were attractive, sweet and nice but also hurt. The last thing Nyx wanted was to take advantage of your sore emotions or to be the reason to get hurt even more.

"Nyx?"

Your voice brought him back to reality and he realized that the church emptied slowly, "Sorry, I was thinking about something."

"Totally get it. This wedding was...I don't know. Maybe it was the sweetest thing I have ever seen or the most hypocritical. But no matter what it was, it's over now."

"Then, if I may?", Nyx asked and offered you his arm once again.

Smiling, you took his arm and walked down the aisle with Nyx to leave the church.

*

As you reached the festive decorated ballroom of the Caelum Via, Nyx wasn't surprised anymore. You had told him that your family and even Matt's had a lot of money and they loved to show it. But even if you were dressed in something expensive and even if you knew how to act properly amongst all the other high society people, Nyx noticed that it wasn't really your world. You had been forced into it by blood and family relations.

You introduced Nyx to everyone you met on your way to your table. And not for one second, Nyx felt misplaced by you. You even gave him the feeling as if you were proud to have him by your side.

"Holy six, we have made it.", you sighed as you slumped down on a seat of the table you were aiming for, "Once again, I have to thank you."

Nyx smiled softly, "But I've done nothing."

"You're here. You're by my side. And you're not running away after meeting my family. You keep me sane. I would say you do enough."

Nyx watched you but he was sure he was right with his assumption, "You don't have the best bond with your family, do you?"

You chuckled dryly, "No, not really. It's better now but...I haven't become a lawyer like everyone else, tho. I mean, even my mother had been a secretary in a law office. There, she met my dad, who’s a lawyer. Like my uncles."

"So, you're kinda the black sheep?", Nyx asked amused and saw himself as confirmed: this world was not yours.

"Oh, yeah. You have no idea. That I dated Matt had raised my prestige in their eyes but…", you stopped as Matt and your cousin entered the ballroom under loud cheering, "I have no idea what I was for him. Time distraction? Toy? I mean, we had fun and I feel so stupid for not seeing anything coming."

Nyx had no idea what he should say to comfort you. Maybe there was even no way to comfort you at all. Things like this needed time to heal. But somehow Nyx got the impression that you were stronger than you seemed to be right now.

You wanted to say something but your mother and dad joined your table and gone was the calmness you had felt during the last few moments.

"Darling, have you congratulated Matt and your cousin?", your mother said, placing one hand on your shoulder and one on Nyx'.

That touch looked more possessive than you liked to see, "Of course, I did.", you said with a charming smile.

"Wonderful! Wasn't the wedding a dream? And the vows! I really had to suppress a tear."

"Yes, mother, it was wonderful.", you agreed.

"And you, Nyx? Everything's-", but your mother got called over by your aunts and excused himself again. Even your dad excused himself again.

Nyx waited till she was out of earshot before he turned over to you, "You haven't congratulated them, have you?"

"Of course not.", you said with a huge grin that made Nyx chuckling. You liked the way he smiled. You already liked his presence. He was calm and quiet but knew how to tell his stories to entertain you.

Quickly, the dinner got served and was done and the last part of this circus started: the party. You knew you couldn't leave right away. Even if you wanted to run away as far as you could, it wouldn't look too good. So, you stayed until you would find a good moment to escape.

"Hey, you wanna get some fresh air?", Nyx asked as he saw how you were watching Matt dancing with his partner closely to a slow, romantic song.

Like awakening from a trance, you blinked with your eyes and nodded as you looked at Nyx and his warm, encouraging smile. As you stepped out, you breathed in the fresh breeze with closed eyes.

Once again, Nyx caught himself staring at you in a fascinated way. While you walked across the balcony to the handrail, Nyx followed you slowly and thanked Crowe silently that he had met you, "How do you feel? You're still okay?", he asked carefully.

You turned over to him, "Yes. Yes, I'm feeling good. As I watched them dance, I noticed the way Matt looked at my cousin. He never looked at me this way and I'm… I'm getting okay with it. If they're happy then I don't care. Maybe this wedding was the right cure."

Nyx was impressed how strong you really were. He was sure that you were still hurt but it looked as if you were on the right way.

"Can I ask you something?", you asked, gnawing on your lower lip.

"Of course. I'm at your service no matter what it is. So, what do you desire to know about me?", Nyx said solemnly and smirked as he heard you chuckling.

"I know Crowe can use the King's magic. So, I guess, all Glaives are able to do that?"

"Yes. That's why we're members of the Kingsglaive. Not everyone is able to use these powers so, just the 'best' or talented of the refugees get picked out.", Nyx explained.

You nodded slowly, "It's too bad that refugees get used to fighting battles to secure this city instead of the citizens who actually live here.", you said while letting your eyes roam over the skyline of Insomnia.

"I'm okay with that. I mean, Niflheim attacked my home, Magiteks killed my family. If I can fight against them, I know I do the right thing. Taking revenge. At least as good as I can.", Nyx said low and also watched the scene in front of him.

"I'm sorry for your loss. Crowe told me about it once. Nothing much, just a few things. Is… Is this also the reason why you try to keep people away from you? In fear you could lose them as well?", you asked carefully. Maybe you were too bold but you felt a connection to Nyx that gave you the courage to ask these things.

With a sad expression, Nyx nodded. He was surprised that you had figured him out this quickly but maybe he wasn't such a riddle or you were really attentive when it came to him, "Yeah... you're not so wrong. I know how it feels to lose loved ones so I don't wanna put someone else through this as well. And as a Glaive things can turn bad really quickly.", he said and watched your reaction.

"I guess you're right."

Nyx nodded and felt an unknown pain stinging his heart that you thought like this as well.

"But", you started again, looking straight into Nyx eyes, "I got to know you a little bit today. Trust me, I understand your point but as I said yesterday, the right person wouldn't see a problem with that. I mean… you shouldn't be alone Nyx. No one should. And if you think life is so short for you, you should stop being alone and start to make the best out of the time you still have.", you whispered.

Without noticing, Nyx had closed up on you forced by your words. Unknowingly, you had hit a point: he was alone...rather he was lonely. He felt lonely when he was done with the training and went back to his empty home. He felt lonely when he came back after an exhausting fight on the battlefield. When he felt lonely, the flashbacks and nightmares became worse and darker. These were the times where he wished to have someone by his side who would be there for him. Who would drag him out of the darkness because their light was so much brighter than every shadow would ever be. Bright like your glowing eyes and your charming smile.

Slowly, Nyx leant forward and raised his hand without thinking about it. He just wanted to feel your skin under his touch. Softly, he placed his hand on your cheek and saw your surprise but you stayed where you were as if you wanted him to continue. Driven by your alluring scent, he closed the gap slowly and-

SCREESH!!!

The cry of a bird that flew above your heads let both of you jump away from each other. You and Nyx were breathing heavily while you two recovered from the shock. You smoothed down your clothes to distract yourself while Nyx ran a hand through his hair to do the same.

The situation became awkward but Nyx wanted to show you that everything was alright. At the same time, he wanted to show himself that everything was still alright between you and him, "Hey...uhm… You wanna see some magic?", he asked softly, almost shy.

You smiled, thankfully that Nyx had sensed the awkward tension, "I would love to.", you said while still recovering from the surprise that Nyx wanted to kiss you. Not that you would have stopped him…

Nyx grinned and raised his right hand. He showed you the bare palm and in the next moment, sizzling flames were dancing over his skin as if they were following a rhythm no one could hear. Nyx checked your reaction and was pleased as he saw your sparkling eyes, illuminated by the flames, and the growing smile.

Fascinated, you watched the flames. You felt the urge to touch them but as you closed up on the flames with your forefinger, you already felt the warmth so, you retreated your hand again, "It's hot! I don't know why I'm surprised but… Don't they hurt you?", you asked concerned.

Nyx chuckled, "No, not at all. If you can use elementary magic, you're safe. It's just painful for your enemy.", he said with a grin and was happy to see you smile again.

"Can you just produce fire? Or is there more?", you asked excitedly, totally hooked about the fact how cool this skill was.

"Two more. Lightning", Nyx said and killed the flames by closing his hand before his fist got enveloped by small, twitching bolts that ran across his hand like busy worms. But they became a bit too fast and 'overexcited' and Nyx casted them away before something could get hit by them, "And then, there's ice.", he said and changed the bolts into a subtle fog.

You leant forward to look closer but even in the dim light from the candles and the light coming from the ballroom, you noticed small, sparkling ice particles which were swirling through the fog. Whenever light hit them, they were glittering in every possible color like a prism, "I- I… that's so beautiful. I mean, it sparkles like millions of diamonds."

Nyx chuckled, he never had seen the magic he used on a daily basis as what it actually was: magic. It was something not many people could control. It was indeed something special, usually just reserved for the royal family and yet, he was also able to produce ice and let your smile grow even bigger than before as you had seen the fire, “I don’t know but I guess to see the world through your eyes must be wonderful. You seem to be delighted by the smallest things.”, Nyx said low but smiled as you looked up with a now shy smile on your lips.

“Life is more than just money and prestige. We are surrounded by wonders barely someone sees anymore. I mean, for example in Lestallum, the city uses the energy of a meteor that lies there for centuries. You should see the magical view by night. The golden and blue light dancing into the sky. I swear you never had seen something like this before.”, you said excitedly and once again, you noticed how Nyx was staring at you. It wasn’t unpleasant. Rather quite the opposite. It was a silly thought but somehow you had the feeling that Nyx could see more in you than just a little flirt and a nice kiss at some wedding.

It was crazy. As Crowe told you Nyx would be your type of man, you had laughed about it. After everything Matt had done you needed a break from dates and men and love and all these things. You didn’t want to quit it forever just a little longer but obviously your friend saw it differently and silently, you already thanked her.

Once again, Nyx was mesmerized by you. The way you saw things. How you looked at the world. How you looked at him. He was sure you weren’t flawless - no one was. But no matter what kind of flaws you would have, he wouldn’t care about it. He would deal with everything as long as he could keep you in his life. Giving him the magic he had lost somewhere in his life. Maybe you could be friends or … maybe even something more.

Nyx killed the ice and once again, he leant in for another attempt to kiss you. The moment was perfect again. The way you looked into his eyes and how your lips slightly parted told him what he needed to know - you wanted the same. So, he stepped closer, cupping your face with both hands softly as if you were made out of glass and while you leant forward to meet him on the half way, Nyx leant forward to kiss you-

"Hey, YN, can we talk for a moment- Oh! I’m sorry. Did I interrupt something?", Matt asked and grinned amused as he saw you and Nyx jumping away from each other like caught teenagers.

You cursed internally because it was the second interrupted kiss and you had no idea how many times Nyx would try his luck considering the fact that he even was willing to go this step at all.

Nyx saw that you were annoyed. And he felt the same. He had noticed that you wanted the kiss as well so it was clear for him to try it again but maybe all the interruptions were just signs for him to let it slip? Maybe he shouldn’t try his luck because he was still the Glaive who could die during the next battle. He looked from you at Matt who closed up slowly no matter if his timing had been good or not. And suddenly, Nyx saw that the guy had done this on purpose. He saw it in Matt’s gleaming eyes and in his smirk that he was amused about the fact to humiliate you once again. But as you had said before, he was part of your family now and maybe Matt just wanted to apologize or something. So, Nyx did the only logical thing that came to his mind, "Is it okay for you? I will get something to drink for us then.", he asked carefully, watching your reaction.

You weren’t amused about the idea to be alone with Matt but you nodded. You understood that Nyx might need a break. You waited till Nyx was gone before you crossed your arms over your chest, “You wanted to talk?”

"Yeah, this guy… Tell me, what did you have to pay him so that he would accompany you to this wedding as your date? I’m sure he’s a stripper or something like this. Poor soul-", the loud slap into his face let Matt stop in his sentence. While holding his stinging cheek, he looked back at you, surprised that you were even able to have such a power.

With raging eyes, you stared at him, standing your ground in front of him for the first time. All the anger and sadness you had felt had laid in this one single slap and even if you were no fan of violence, you noticed how relieving this had felt. It had been long overdue, "Don't you ever dare to talk like that about him ever again. He's a Glaive! Protecting you and everyone else in this city with his life."

"Oh, interesting! So, he's just a refugee? He’s not from here? Fascinating with what kind of people you spent your time with. Your mother will be pleased to know that.", Matt said with a smirk, turning around to go back into the ballroom to find your mother.

You called Matt back and he stopped, looking expecting at you with one raised brow. You saw the surprise about your courage in his eyes but the thing was your strength was never gone you just had forgotten to use it. You just needed a trigger to get back to your old self and Matt had found this point without knowing it. So, you stepped forward, keeping eye contact until you stood right under Matt’s nose. With a low but serious voice and a lopsided smirk on your lips you said: "You know, it doesn't matter what he is or not. It doesn’t matter what you or anyone else will think. He’s a soldier and it’s honorable. It doesn’t matter where Nyx comes from. And besides, Galahd was a beautiful, magical and unique place before Niflheim decided to destroy this jewel. No matter what you will do or say to whomever, Nyx will always be more of a man than you will ever be in your entire life, you little, lying cheater.", you said and ended your little speech with a sweet grin as you saw Matt’s shocked and surprised expression.

As you watched satisfied how Matt disappeared back into the ballroom and into the world he belonged to, your eyes landed on Nyx who stood there in the door frame with two drinks in his hands and staring right at you with big eyes.

With a soft, warm smile you walked over to Nyx, taking one of the drinks from his hands, “So, you heard what I said, I guess?”

“Y-yeah, actually every single word.”, he whispered, still not believing what you had said about him, “You had defended me in front of him. I- I mean, I have no idea what he did so you would react like this but … it was impressive to watch and … flattering.”, Nyx said honestly.

You nodded before you gulped down the stiff drink in one go to calm your nerves, “You know, to talk back to this asshole was long overdue. And … as long as he was attacking me it was okay but you … You don’t deserve this. Never. From no one. And mostly not from one person in this room.”, you said and somehow Nyx’ eyes were sparkling even more. Emotions were staring back at you which seemed to be buried away for a very long time.

Nyx, who was still flashed by you, closed the small gap, cupped your face and leant down to kiss you and this time, it worked. As he felt your warm, soft lips, he couldn’t believe it. An emotionally lightning shot though his body and electrified him within seconds as if he had been dead before for years. Your lips tasted as sweet as he had imagined and that you moved along with him gave him goosebumps.

Your heart skipped a beat as Nyx kissed you. It was perfect. It was the only way you could describe this whole scene: as perfect. Nyx’ full lips were warm and demanding in a sensual way. He kissed you not to say something he couldn’t find words rather because he just wanted you. To pull him closer, you grabbed into his suit shirt and jacket what caused Nyx to chuckle about your eagerness but you didn’t care. Like a thirsty plant for water, you were thirsty to taste more of Nyx.

Slowly, the kiss increased as both of you opened your mouths to taste each other's tongues, exploring each other. Nyx still tasted the stiff alcohol on you and breathed in your breath while deepening the kiss. He moved his hand from your face down to your back to pull you closer-

“YN! That’s not appropriate behavior for a wedding!”, your mother called out.

Slowly, you left Nyx’ lips, not seeing any reason to hurry at all. With a stupid grin you looked into the most perfect blue eyes you had ever seen which were sparkling with so much fire and joy as if their light had been rekindled after a very long sleep.

Nyx matched your grin and was still holding you in his arm, snaked firmly around your waist, not ready to let you go just now. Gently, he nudged your nose with his own, “What do you want to do now, YN? Any plans?”, he asked.

“We will leave this place. Together. Come on, Glaive.”, you said, taking his hand in yours to leave the balcony. As you passed your mother, who stared at you in shock, you said: “Goodnight mother, we will leave. Usually, I would say ‘it was a nice evening’ but that would be a lie.”, you said and stepped forward before you stopped once again, “Oh, and I didn’t congratulate the bridal couple because, well, for reasons. But I’m sure they will be happy together. Something tells me they deserve each other.”, and with that said, you left the wedding with Nyx.

Your mother was calling after you but you ignored her. But if you would have turned around one last time, you would have seen how your dad was grinning and cheering for you because in his eyes, you had done the best move possible.

*

While the driver of the limousine drove the two of you back to your place, none of you said something. You were just cuddling. As Nyx had entered the car, you had scooted over to him immediately, leaning your head against his chest while he laid his arm around your shoulders. You had intertwined your fingers with his and with your thumb you drew small patterns on his skin while you were smiling stupidly.

Nyx followed his own thoughts while burying his nose into your hair to breathe in your scent. But none of his thoughts were dark anymore. Rather, he asked himself why he had withdrawn himself the whole time and thought he would do the right thing? The only one he was punishing was himself and with you, he realized that he had done it far too long. The first kiss had been enough to spark the dying flame of all his hopes and dreams again. But the flame wasn’t just some smoldering. It was a roaring fire that filled his chest with all the emotions he had sealed somewhere deep all these times before. Just one kiss with you had been able to break this firm seal.

There was no turning back and Nyx would fight like on the battlefield to let this fire burn till he would die…

Still cuddled to Nyx’ side, he brought you to your floor and to the apartment door. You were about to open the door which would mean the end of the night as you turned around, flinging your both arms around Nyx’ neck to kiss him longingly.

Nyx didn’t need to get asked twice. He pressed you against the door, letting his hands roam over the fabric of your clothes to get a first feeling of your curves while he noticed how your fingers found their way into his hair. You played with the longer strands, tracing down the braids and stopping at the beads you found. Alone this touch was enough to make Nyx hungry for more.

You were surprised how soft his greyish hair really was. The whole evening you had asked yourself how Nyx’ hair would feel between your fingers but reality was so much better than what you had thought. Unfortunately, your lungs demanded oxygen and so, just very reluctantly, you left Nyx’ lips. He rested his forehead against your and was as breathless as you were but he was also grinning. Still playing with his hair, you pushed yourself to ask the question you wanted to ask, “You… Would you like to come in?”, you asked hopefully that he would say yes. For you, the night was still not over.

Nyx leant back, looked into your eyes and chuckled before he smirked about your confusion, “Of course, I want to come in. My clothes are still in your apartment. Remember?”, he teased.

“Oh, right… your clothes.”, you said, grinning from ear to ear, “How inconvenient this coincidence is.”, you teased back.

“Just open the door and I’m sure your clothes will join mine pretty soon.”

***

Two months later…

You stood in your kitchen, preparing the morning coffee as you did every day. The rising morning sun was illuminating your apartment in a magical, golden light. It was this kind of light and the smell of the brewing hot liquid that made it easy for you to lose track of your thoughts. Just two strong arms around your middle brought you back to reality and conjured a lovestruck smile on your lips.

You turned around in the arms to face Nyx who was matching your smile even if it was a tired one. Even his hair was tousled and so, you smoothed down the long, stubborn strands before you pressed a gentle kiss on his lips, “Good morning, handsome.”, you whispered.

“Morning, babe. I missed you in bed. I wanted to cuddle.”, he said, pouting.

You chuckled softly, feeling sorry to disappoint him, “I know but I have this important call in an hour and have to do a few things before- hey! Let me down! Nyx!”, you shrieked, laughing by surprise. Nyx had grabbed you to throw you over his shoulder. With you hanging upside down, he carried you back to the bedroom. You bounced slightly as Nyx let you carefully down on the mattress, “Nyx, come on. I don’t have time.”, you chuckled while he was crawling on top of you, kissing along all the bare skin of yours he could find.

“You said one hour. That gives me still forty minutes to have some fun with you. And then, you will still have some time to prepare whatever you want.”, Nyx said between a bunch of hot kisses along your collarbone before he continued over your neck, your weak spot he had figured out really quick.

You sighed, obeying him and his lips as you always did when he was in this kind of mood. It were two months you dated Nyx and it was still thrilling like in the beginning, “But this call is important. It’s with my dad. You know, because of the contracts I need for the refugee foundation.”, you moaned while Nyx bit into your neck. It was already difficult for you to keep your thoughts straight.

Nyx leant back, looking at you with a smirk, “With your dad, huh? He will understand it if you need some extra time. Don’t forget that he likes me. A lot. So, stop trying to resist me. It’s not even working. Just obey me and my lips.”, he breathed, leaning down, “I know you want me.”, Nyx whispered and kissed you passionately that you melted underneath him. Like you always did.

*

And Nyx was right. You were delayed and you apologized a hundred times to your dad but as you mentioned Nyx, your dad was understanding and brushed it off with a smile and a bunch of questions about Nyx and how he would be doing. In fact, since the wedding two months ago, your whole life had taken a complete turn.

After the wedding, Nyx stayed the night. And the next night. And the night after that. Quickly, the two of you had developed a deep, loving and strong relationship and three weeks later, you followed your heart: you had asked Nyx to move in with you. You didn't need much persuasion because Nyx was looking forward to being able to spend more time with you.

Your mother had called you after the wedding, scolding you for your behavior and how you could dare to bring a refugee as a date. But quickly, you gave her a talk about how bigoted she was and that she had to be more open minded if she wanted to keep you in her life. Very slowly, she realized that you meant what you said and gave in. She needed a bit more time but after a while she started to like Nyx, too.

It was helpful that your dad liked Nyx from the start. After the wedding, your dad had called you to congratulate you for your impressive act in front of your mother before you had left. In fact, he also had heard your little speech you had given Matt as you had defended Nyx and was proud about this as well. You had been speechless because til this day, you never had thought your dad would be proud about anything you ever did. And because the ice was broken between you and him, you talked about everything.

So, three weeks after the wedding, as you, Nyx, Pelna, Libertus and Crowe sat at Yamachang’s, you came up with an idea. You loved spending time with Nyx, Crowe and the others. You loved being in the underground of Insomnia where the refugees were living. You loved the different foods and the music, the atmosphere was unique and exotic but the circumstances the refugees had to live in were questionable. So, you had the idea to do something against it. You were already a big fan of the different cultures and you were convinced Insomnia would benefit as a city if it would use this unknown knowledge.

And with the help and support of your dad, who was hooked by your idea immediately, you started and planned a foundation to help the refugees. The infrastructure of the underground had to be changed and some things had to get modernised while the heart and the soul of everything had to be preserved.

You never congratulated Matt on his wedding and if he was at family meetings, you just refused to come as well. Your mother was raging. Your dad had your back with the most creative excuses. But now and then, when you were awake at night, and while you were watching Nyx sleeping next to you peacefully, you thanked Matt for cheating on you. Otherwise, you would never have found this treasure of a man who had turned your world upside down.

You never thanked Crowe for setting you up with Nyx and you didn’t have to because you knew she was already proud of her matchmaking skills. To see two of her best friends finding happiness and love in each other was enough regard for her.

Because in the end, she had done nothing more than finding a fake date for you, a friend in need…

[shadyteacup]

I.. wanted to write fluff... it ended up being angst... sorry

Dazai x gn!reader

Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High

Your phone buzzed, alerting you of a new message. You ignored the constant buzzing, focusing your attention on the screen of your laptop. You had a worksheet to fill and submit tomorrow. Well, technically today, as it was already 2 am. You sighed, rubbing your temple with your fingers. You had been at it for over five hours now. God, you hated your past self for procrastinating on this project. You were given a whole week, but your lazy ass decided to fool around and work on it on the last day.

'I'm such a bloody idiot.', you thought.

You only had two more pages to fill, then you'll be free. Hopefully, you can sneak in some power naps during your breaks today, because considering the amount of time you might take to complete this, you'll only be getting two hours of sleep.

Stretching your arms and neck, you continue typing.

A little while later, your phone began ringing. Looking over to read the contact, you realized just who it was.

This is it.

You've had enough. You need to stop this bullshit.

Angrily snatching your phone, you answered.

"What is it?! Can't you get a bloody hint?! I don't want to talk to you!"

You scream into the phone. For a minute all you hear are small sniffles. Was he crying?

"Hello? Dazai?", you ask, much softer now.

You hear shuffling on the other end.

"Hey, b-bella"

A slurred, slightly cracked voice speaks.

"Are you drunk?", you ask, worried.

"No.... maybe... well, yeah..."

He mumbles.

"Where are you?"

You can hear more sniffles and some shuffling. He was probably squinting at his surroundings, trying to make sense of where exactly he was. He's probably way too far gone.

"It looks familiar... like... you.."

You furrowed your brows.

"Think again. Tell me where you are."

You bit your lip, chewing on the delicate skin.

"Ok, how about you tell me what you see?"

"I.. I see you.. no, wait.. no it is you... you're smiling... *sniff* I want to hug you.. *sniff*.. what did I do wrong?? *sniff* please come back.."

You sighed. So he was at home. He was probably staring at the framed photo that you had gifted him some time ago. It was a picture of the two of you, smiling widely at the camera. You remember where it was taken, and the occasion,  too. You both were celebrating your one year anniversary at an adventure park. Both of you had completed their obstacle-race in record time, and were being gifted some hamper for breaking their fastest record.

Things were so good back then.

"You broke up with me, so why don't you ask yourself that?", you say, trying to ignore the onslaught of memories and the impending feeling of sadness.

"But... I.. I love you!"

You sighed again, holding your head in your palm. He always did this. He'd call you at ungodly hours when he was drunk, and tell you that he loved you. It would get your hopes up, and you'd try to soothe him into going to sleep. In the morning he would message you something along the lines of,

'I accidentally called you, it was supposed to be someone else.' Or 'I didn't mean to dial your number.'

It broke your heart, shattering it to a billion pieces. But you were used to it by now. Besides, you had no reason to believe that he still kept your photo in his house. He probably threw it away or something, and remade all those memories with someone else. It pained to think that he was so in love with someone else.

"No, you don't. And don't call me again."

You cut the call, slamming the phone on the table and trying your best to keep your tears in.

Meanwhile, Dazai was heartbroken. He was sobbing while lying on his futon, clutching your shirt in his hands. It was one of the few items he had accidentally forgotten to give you when you moved out. He was an idiot. He knew that he was capable of protecting you, but he was also a coward. He had already witnessed the death of his best friend, he couldn't bear to have his lover fall to a similar fate. So he broke up with you. To keep you away from this dangerous life.

But he loved you, and missed you. He was so torn. He wanted to barge into your house and hug you, beg you to forgive him and ask you to be his again. But he also feared the consequences and wanted to spit rude words at you to keep you away from him. He wanted to make you hate him, because he knew if he were to see you again, he wouldn't be able to control the urge to embrace you. So it would be much easier for him if you were to look at him with disgust and hatred, push him away and reject him, so he doesn't have to reject you. Because he doesn't have the self control to reject you. He can't do that to you. So he'll bank on your hatred towards him to make things right. But he can't do this anymore, damnit!

But he didn't have any other option. He had to do this. For you. To keep you safe. All he can do is cry, and that's what he did. He cried himself to sleep.

...

The next morning, you had finally submitted your project, and were ready to relax, when your phone buzzed.

Reading the text, you felt your heart clench.

[10:35 am]

Dazai: Hey, sorry for calling you last night, I had meant to call someone else. 😅