#who else wants this little pompom? | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

writingouthere · 1 year ago

Text

neighbor!sukuna x singlemom!reader. Sukuna picks up your daughter from school, he makes quite the impression and we learn more about his background.

cw: None really here except I guess this is low key becoming a slow burn, idk.

You were stuck at work and didn't have anyone else who could go get your daughter so you had asked Sukuna. The tattoo shop was usually slow in the evening this far into winter anyway, and he couldn't imagine saying no to you even if he'd been fully booked.

It felt strange to be going outside when it was still light out but Sukuna took in the sights as other people walked around, other parents clearly in the process of picking up their children from school.

Not that Bug was his kid, at least not as far you knew. Yet.

Sukuna didn't do things halfway, just wasn't in his nature. He knew he was moving fast, he had put up with his little brother Yuji's nervous protests at dinner the week before when he had explained his new living situation, but he wasn't going to slow things down when they were going so well.

For a long time, it had just been him and Yuji. There had been other relatives, like Yuji's grandfather and his freak of a mother, but the two had mostly bounced around foster homes and made due until Sukuna was old enough to take care of them both. Yuji was graduating college in the spring and Sukuna had been alone since he left for the dorms and now he had an apartment with some friends from school. Sukuna was proud of his brother, he was one of the only people he really gave a fuck about. Their lives had been hard and that had made Sukuna even harder. Yuji had never been like that, he had come through even kinder than the average person and Sukuna could admire the strength that showed in it's own way.

The point was, Sukuna had paid his dues. He had done right by his brother even when the world had done them so wrong and now he was ready for his reward. You and the little girl he was about to go get.

The daycare was inside of a little beige building, decorated with those tacky outlines of children playing and some fucking mural with birds that always seemed to cover the walls of places like this. Parents, mostly moms, walked out with their children in tow, asking about their days and zipping up coats. Sukuna noticed the double takes as they took him in, the way the adults seemed to pull their little ones closer. That was fine by him, he didn't want any of these fucking rugrats near him except his own.

"Ryomen Sukuna, mom should have added me to the pick-up list," he told your daughter's teacher, showing her his ID. She didn't react to his tattoos or general aura with anything but a smile and he supposed that childcare workers must be aware more than most that they really do let anyone be a parent.

"Of course, I'll go get her while you sign here," she said handing over a clipboard with the names of all the kids in the center along with blue pen with a fuzzy pompom attached to it. While he was signing his name he heard a familiar squeal and looked to see your daughter running towards him as fast as her little legs could carry her.

"Sukuna!"

She tripped on some particularly tricky air and Sukuna moved forward to pick her up before she could face plant on the hard tile.

"Careful there bug, told mom I'd bring you home in one piece."

She ignored him and started babbling nonsense about her day that Sukuna could only really catch half of, but he nodded and hmmed as he finished signing her out and with a quick nod to the amused staff member, he headed out.

He shifted her on his hip so he could finish zipping up her coat. What was it with kids and their refusal to just zip up their damn coats? He remembered Yuji had been the same.

Bug continued to regale him with tales of her day until she eventually squirmed on his hip, the universal signal for "put me down until I get tired and whine for you to pick me up again" and Sukuna put her down on the sidewalk but took her backpack which he slung across his shoulder and then grabbed her hand with his. He could see people take second looks at the two of them and he supposed they cut quite the picture. The tall scary guy with tattoos carrying a pink princess backpack and the little girl pulling him down the sidewalk.

"We in a rush or something?"

Your daughter laughed and said something about being hungry for dinner with mommy which he could get behind. You both had only been living with him for a week but you already had a bit of a routine. He made breakfast in the morning while you got the kid ready but you always made dinner that was ready when he got home. It was nice, domestic. It felt like what he imagined life was like for people who had normal families when he had been a young kid. Holding a crying, hungry baby Yuji on his lap while they ate whatever he could scrounge up in whatever shithole they were in that week.

He remembered when Yuji had been the same age as your daughter and the idea of her ever living in the places they had, or going through the things they had made him pull her a little closer.

He wasn't going to lie to himself and say he was a good man or that he wanted you, the both of you, for some pure love nonsense but he knew he wanted you all the same. He had done terrible things and he would do them all over again if it led to this moment where he watched as your daughter cooed over the neighbor's dog. Said neighbor looking at him in confusion and fear as he told your daughter they needed to leave the fleabag alone and go home.

Later, when Sukuna was working on dinner and your daughter was sitting on the counter, "helping", he heard the sound of a key in the lock.

"I'm home," you called out and Sukuna called out that they were in the kitchen.

"Hey, thank you so much for getting her. I just wasn't going to make it in time," you said, picking up your daughter.

"No worries, we weren't busy at the shop today anyway." You hummed and smiled at him.

"Still."

"You can go ahead and change," he told you and you looked ready to protest when he went to grab your daughter from you but then Bug went willingly and he saw how you melted at the two of them. Good.

"Okay, but when I get back I'm taking over dinner."

Sukuna agreed and he watched as you walked away, admiring the way your clothes hugged your frame. He was glad the only witness to his hunger was a toddler who was more interested in poking his cheek than observing social cues.

The rest of the evening passed peacefully and Sukuna felt what he could only describe as content. When your daughter started to nod off on your shoulder, you got up from the couch to take her to bed, telling Sukuna he should stay and that you got it. With your daughter on one hip, you used your free hand to press against his shoulder and lean down to where he was still on the couch. He closed his eyes at the feeling of your lips pressing gently against his cheek and then with a quick goodnight, the two of you were in your room, the door closing with a quick 'click'.

The gesture had been so innocent and Sukuna would have mocked anyone he knew who got so flustered over a gesture as meaningless as a kiss on the cheek.

But how could any gesture be meaningless when it came from you?

#jjk sukuna #jjk x reader #jujutsu kaisen sukuna #ryomen sukuna #sukuna ryomen #sukuna x reader #sukuna x singlemomreader

3K notes · View notes

love-of-the-red-star · 4 months ago

Text

That time I got reincarnated as an Aeon

(Series)

Chapter six: A place to belong

(Unedited, like the rest of the series)

Outer space had always been cold.

Your body didn’t suffer the effects of the temperature, yet you still felt the chill of the void on your skin. The stars and their dusts glowed around you, decorating your space in the most beautiful way that your human self could never dream of.

You thought of your family in your previous life and wondered how they were, if they were alright, if they were eating well and living well.

You also came to realize you weren’t homesick at all.

Materializing in the express and glancing at Welt made you feel a humane sense of relief in knowing you aren’t the only one who wanted to badly convey that you were safe in this new world you resided in.

Unlike Welt though, you don’t have the luxury of ever returning to what once was, or have the choice in having the best of both worlds. Your existence was cemented in this world permanently the moment you became the embodiment of a concept and a being no longer human.

You can’t turn back. It’s a little funny that though you represented freedom, you don’t have the luxury of ever returning to something simpler. You did not have the freedom to return to be the being you once were.

You can emulate human expressions, you can still feel, but you know you’re not really seeing or feeling things the way a human would anymore.

You’re not disturbed by this in the slightest.

You snapped out of your thoughts and walked towards your room then thought of how you’d decorate it— maybe something similar to a bachelor pad? No, Pompom would not be a fan. Maybe something similar to the archives? No, you’d be stealing Dan Heng’s shine.

Then you remembered cozy cabins, quilts, books, all things comfortable and got an idea.

You walked out of your room to seek Pompom and Himeko, ready to lay out your idea in personalizing that little space inside of this train— now that you think of it, it’s more of a house than anything else.

You realized having a home feels comforting more than it ought to be. As an Aeon, your home was the cosmos, the space being your cradle and the nebulas your walls; but the cosmos is hollow and cold, and it did not provide the warmth of the train, or the warmth only humans had.

While you could not go back to being what you were before, you at least had a choice in what your home should be, and what you could do.

“Himeko.” You called out to her, and she turned to you, smiling like you’re a kid that wants her company. “I have ideas to personalize my room, would you be fine if I were to be a bit loud in there for a bit?”

“I don’t mind, though you should ask Dan Heng-“

“I’m fine with it.” Dan Heng answered for her, sitting on a chair and tasting one of her coffee cups— you bit the urge to grimace at the sheer will he had to even drink that.

“Great! I’ll start when we’re on our next stop.” You said with a grin. “Herta got something heavy for us to do right? Leave it to me, think of it as a thank you and a vacation of some sorts.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to burden you.” She sounded cautious almost, even after more than eight years.

“It won’t be much. Besides, you do own this train, think of it as a courtesy— like a tenant paying rent.” You stated, “I shared this space with you for more than eight years now and I’m modifying an area to my liking, it’s only fair if you get something in return in exchange right?”

Her eyes widened, seemingly surprised. She parted her lips, as if wanting to say something but you gently shushed her, knowing what it is she wanted to say. You’ve already given your protection and blessing to the express— you didn’t even need to help, but you want to.

“[Name].” She sighed fondly. “You can do as you wish, you don’t need permission from me or anyone else.”

“Oh, isn’t asking permission how things work in a shared space though?” You tilted your head, frowning. “I know I’ve done pretty unsavory things outside of this train,” you twirled a strand of your hair, looking away as you felt Dan Heng’s questioning stare on you. “But I don’t mind having to go back and forth with this every time I want to do something inside of it. it’d be unfair for everyone here if I don’t consider their feelings in the matter, or warning them ahead of time to what I will be doing.”

“Ah, I see.” She said, nodding to let you know she understood your point with a relieved and fond smile on her face. “Very well then. I’ll tell Welt you’ll be going to fetch the materials Herta asked for on your own.”

“We’ll have fun next time I promise— ugh if only Void was dead so I could use his body.” That sounded wrong, but soulium is great to use for whatever reason— be it a weapon, a snowboard, or a pan. “Hey uh before we land…. please tell Welt that (Censored).”

With those words, you left, disintegrating from the activation of a space anchor as you saw the planet where the materials on Herta’s list were particularly abundant.

Dan Heng for once looked a little horrified, Himeko however could only sigh at your antics.

What even was your suggestion? Well, it involves using Void as a snowboard, and using his “son” as the brakes.

Those words would be horrifying enough to hear if you were a man.

“Don’t worry, they won’t do that to you.” Himeko said in an attempt to reassure him. Although it worked, the words still rang through his head.

———————————

As you hummed and gathered the materials after killing a couple of Nanook’s children, you heard bells, then giggling.

You sighed. “You’re not very subtle in showing your amusement for the shit I do you know?”

You could feel them smiling, before multitudes of masks enter your vision and the sound of party balloons fill the space at the corner of your eyes.

The Elation morphs into a human-like shape like you, and you’re not surprised to find out whose form they took.

Familiar green eyes, and dark hair. Of course it would be Belobog’s conman this time— the last time Aha had showed themselves to you they took on the form of Hanabi when you were in some planet with Boothill some years ago.

“Of course! It’s rude to greet a friend without announcing my presence.” They grinned, their smile stretching a little wider than what a normal human could smile. You think this would have utterly creeped you out had you been a human.

“Good to see you again, Aha.” You said.

“And you are still the same old you.” They poked your nose. “What fun are you going to pull next I wonder?” They jeered.

“None of your business— I didn’t think you cared. I was under the assumption that as long as you are elated, then all is well.” Aha laughed at your intentional wording, slapping their knee as they wheezed too loudly.

“This is why you are my good friend.” They pinched your cheeks. “To think you’d offer all sides of a theater just like this, did you enjoy it when you were behind the safety of your screen too?”

What the fuck.

“What do you mean by that?” You innocently prodded, Aha merely kept their grin wide like a Cheshire Cat, their form morphing into something.. wrong, off, inelegant and disproportionate if you looked closer.

“Oh you know well what I am talking about, Little Libertas.” They said. “A reborn Aeon from a realm none of us can reach, how amusing indeed.” their eyes widened, pupils blown as they confirmed your suspicion. Aha had no reason to speak of lies to you for they were not human.

“Ugh.” You groaned. “Of course you’d break the fourth wall.” You said softly as you went back to picking up the materials with ease.

“Yet you still laugh whenever I rickroll you.”

“Fair.”

Aha hummed, their features returning back to normal seeing as it didn’t get a reaction out of you as they wanted.

“I would like to watch you more.” They said to you. “You are amusing.”

You made a face, and they laughed as they slowly but surely disappeared.

“Until next time little friend.”

You sighed, looking at the materials inside of the sack before dragging it with you and walking to a space anchor.

You still have a room to renovate after all.

—————————-

Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, Part VII (HERE), Part VIII, …….

Interludes: one, two…..

I’m still navigating on how I could properly write this fic, so when I eventually edit it please expect minor or major changes to how things would function because we know HSR lore isn’t that concrete yet.

I would also like to thank everyone for their love and support for this series, I love everyone’s praises towards this— I was initially hesitant to publish it, but I’m glad I did.

See you on the next installation!

#aeon reader #himeko x reader #honkai star rail x reader #hsr x reader #reader insert #welt yang x reader #yaoshi x reader #boothill x reader #aventurine x reader #honkai star rail #aha hsr #Aha x reader #aeons x reader

310 notes · View notes

scary-grace · 1 month ago

Text

(secret) santa, baby - a shigaraki x f!reader fic

Shigaraki doesn't want to participate in the office's Secret Santa exchange, but when Toga promises to make it easy on him, he gives in. But making it easy for him makes it a lot harder for you -- you're the one who got his list. Office AU, no quirks. For the first day of 12 Days of Christmas event in the X Reader Lovers community, prompt: Wish List! Divider by @ wcnderlnds

part i part ii part iii part iv part v part vi part vii part viii part ix

part i (wish list)

Tomura stares down at the blank piece of paper. It’s not totally blank. It’s – sparkly, just like the green and red pen with a pompom on it that Toga stuck in his hand. There’s a pattern around the edges, also green and red, of leaves and berries, and right at the top of the page, in curly letters, it says WISH LIST. Tomura doesn’t have a clue. He doesn’t even want to do this. He’s only doing it because Toga’s making him.

She’s staring at him right now. “Go away,” Tomura says. “I’m not writing it with an audience.”

“See, but if I leave you alone, you won’t write it at all,” Toga says, smiling. “It’s a Secret Santa, Tomura-kun. It won’t be any fun if you don’t write a good list.”

“It’s not going to be fun anyway, because I don’t want to do it.” Tomura shoves the piece of stationary back towards Toga. “Find somebody else.”

“Nope! Remember last year? You didn’t do it, and then you were mad all twelve days because everybody got gifts but you,” Toga says. She pushes the paper back towards Tomura. “Come on. It’s easy. Just put things on your list – not too expensive – and somebody who gets your list will leave them for you! Doesn’t that sound fun?”

“No,” Tomura says. Toga scowls at him. “I have to go shopping for somebody, too.”

Coming up with a gift list is bad enough. Waiting around to see if he’ll get presents – or even one present – from whoever got stuck with him is worse. But Tomura watched all of last year, saw all the effort everybody else put into their presents. Special hiding places, special wrapping paper. Last year Dabi got into an arms race with his younger brother and started leaving actual riddles for the person he was giving gifts to. Tomura’s not going to do any of that shit. Whoever he gets is going to be disappointed.

“I’m not doing extra shopping,” he says to Toga. “I’m out.”

“I’m organizing this year,” Toga says. So? “What if I get you somebody with a really easy list? Somebody normal who’s not going to ask for anything weird and who’s not going to get mad if you don’t set up a scavenger hunt.”

Tomura thinks about his friends, then his coworkers. “There’s absolutely nobody like that who works here.”

“Yes there are. You just don’t know about them, because they don’t do anything to annoy you,” Toga says. Her smile starts looking a little sharp around the edges. “Write the list.”

The sooner Tomura writes it, the sooner this will stop happening. He picks up the pen, sets it against the piece of paper, and hits an instant snag. “I don’t want anything.”

“Yes, you do,” Toga says. Tomura thinks about it, then writes something. Toga grabs the pen out of his hand and crosses it out. “No. It has to be a gift. Something you wouldn’t buy for yourself. Something nice.”

“For under ¥4000?” If Tomura wants something, he usually just buys it. “This is stupid.”

“If you don’t have specific things you want, just write down things you like,” Spinner suggests on his way past with a stack of copies. “Like say – video games, dogs, candy, energy drinks –”

“I’m not letting him put energy drinks on his Secret Santa wish list,” Toga says. Spinner shrugs and keeps walking. “That’s not a bad idea, Tomura-kun. Write the kind of things you like, and then your Secret Santa can find things like that for the right price.”

Fine. Tomura gets the pen back from Toga and writes: video games, dogs, candy – “More specific,” Toga instructs. Tomura scowls and adds parentheticals. “See, that’s perfect! Was that so hard?”

“Yes.” Tomura lets Toga have the list, then takes it back again a second later. “I need to add something.”

It’s only a sentence, and Toga reads it out loud, looking all kinds of skeptical. “I hate the cold, so I don’t want any let-it-snow shit. Wow, Tomura.”

“You said to be specific,” Tomura says. “Are we done?”

“Yes!” Toga folds Tomura’s list into a quick origami heart, then tucks it into her pocket. “This will be fun! You’ll see. You won’t regret it.”

She leaves without the stupid Christmas pen. Tomura tosses it after her and flops forward on his desk, regretting it already.

part 2 ->

#shigaraki x reader #shigaraki x you #tomura shigaraki x reader #tomura shigaraki x you #shigaraki tomura x reader #shigaraki tomura x you #x reader #reader insert #man door hand hook car door #12 days of christmas 2024 #a bisquared production

169 notes · View notes

throwaway-yandere · 1 year ago

Text

His Version Of You [Yan!Kaveh & Yan!Veritas Ratio/Reader]

a/n: tis another solid “twas a crack idea but I made it too serious” fic. kavetham rivalry is overrated af, KaTio is the way to go /j. when you finish it, can you answer the poll at the bottom on who you would pick between these two? bless you.

unreliable synopsis: When one grieves, sometimes it is best not to be reminded of who you're grieving for. Especially not by fighting over a recreation of their heart and soul. [based on @2broschlininahotub & @meimeimeirin's request]

content warnings/tags: [light yandere vs yandere]/[implied poly!yandere/reader] fic, geniuses who can't take a W, au shenanigans, the girlies love to bicker it’s their love native language

"What were you thinking, you idiot?! Thank my reflexes that I caught the statue beforehand or else I would have to explain what a monumental mistake that is. Just use your common sense for once, will you?!"

"Please— I don't want to hear that from YOU of all people! This is MY stone. Stop acting like you actually care. You took us away from my world! You're the one who's too obsessed with researching it! It's like a damn test subject and not a companion to you!"

"That's because it is, you fucking oaf!"

"YOU'RE THE ONE GIVING ME FALSE HOPE THAT IT'S A LIVING BEING!!!"

Veritas stood with his arms crossed, eyebrows scrunched and his frown the deepest Kaveh had ever seen. The architect, absolutely baffled at his experiment partner's harsh evaluation, felt his eyes dampening. His bumping of the sculpture was pure accident, but Veritas' sharp tongue cut deep into Kaveh's pride. Even the most understanding of men would find his tone abrasive.

Getting riled up…Over a damn statue.

"Just because it's alive, doesn't mean it's a companion. And just because it is a test subject, doesn't mean you can just near-topple it as you damn please."

The arguments subsided. They exchanged long looks as they tried to figure out how the "little dispute" had come dangerously close to abusive. With his anger gradually fading, Kaveh was the one to take the first initiative. Kaveh steeled himself. The architect's shoulders dropped, and his expression softened. Jaded.

"Veritas... I'm sorry. As much as this statue… means… to me, I shouldn't have yelled at you. I-I was just upset, you're aware that I've been working all afternoon polishing the statue and I took that anger out on you. I'm sorry." Kaveh said.

"Right." Veritas closed his eyes. "Apology accepted. I understand that you're visibly distressed, but I will not tolerate low-quality work."

As Kaveh was about to get defensive, Veritas placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Which is to say, take a rest, Kaveh. Work when you can guarantee peak performance." Veritas sighed. "Rest. Pompom has already prepared your bed for you."

Kaveh cast his gaze down on the floor, wearing a feeble smile. Though their list of grievances from the past days was enough to fill two pages, Veritas is steeped in cunning. He knew exactly how to plaster Kaveh's impulse.

"Right… I'm just tired."

"Precisely. The faster the progress, the greater the chance of errors." Veritas smiled back, although looking less sincere as Kaveh's. "Take a rest, Kaveh."

With a murmur, Kaveh got up and dusted off his pants from the metamorphic rock that had been sandpapered. People aren't made to stay cooped up inside all the time. He took one last look at the project before heading out for the night, noting that while the foundation was in place, work still needed to be done before they could decide on the final look. If he could just make the hands softer-looking…

"Kaveh…" Veritas chimed, warning with his arms crossed.

"Right, right!" Kaveh laughed nervously, still slightly vexed by the reproach. "Maybe I'm getting too brave at night, I don't know why I'm boldly thinking of trying my hand at smoothening the statue again."

"I'd consider you more weak-hearted than stouthearted," Veritas dusted Kaveh's shoulders off. "And do try to keep yourself clean."

"I'm too tired to run a shower…"

Veritas sighed loudly.

The both of them had decided to leave the studio with a degree of finality. Hunched over, the kidnapped architect left to take his well-deserved slumber while the doctor decided that a warm bath would benefit him more. The night "concludes", or so Kaveh thought.

Looking back, these two are the most unlikely friends to exist, are they not? A professor slash doctor of the Intelligentsia Guild and the architect "Light of the Kshahwerar" collaborating over a glorified arts and crafts project. To truly understand this bizarreness, it is wise to look back to its beginning.

In his quest to rid the galaxy of a disease he dubbed "ignorance", Dr. Veritas Ratio sallied forth to practice his preachings. Even joined the Astral Express at some point, but it was only in this instance did he found companionship with an extremely empathetic individual.

And their first meeting was not a decent starting point.

Veritas set out on his umpteenth assignment handed out by the Express. He was sent to explore the dangerous land formations of Sumeru with the trailblazer. Every extended curve revealed pyramids and sand, and Veritas kept Stelle close by using her straps as a leash. Nevertheless, when they accidentally entered an unstable domain, his disgruntled complaints ceased. Deciding it would be best for only one to investigate further, Veritas volunteered.

There was just one discernible light path inside the mostly collapsing structure. Yet, every step he took was curiously inaudible, and when he reached the Apex, he met the sight of blonde hair.

Enter: Kaveh.

"You get what I mean right? It feels like my problems just keep piling up and up, like an impossible mountain. There's never anyone who would listen to me complain, but you…" The words that fell from the stranger's lips were sweeter than honey as he waxed poetic. "You're always here to listen. And it makes me feel so much less alone. Thank you…"

The blonde man had his cheek against a large rectangular rock, caressing it appreciatingly. His eyelids were lowered and his cheeks were puffy. Whether he cried beforehand or was merely exhausted cannot be assessed from Veritas' distance from him.

February 5, ████.

Kaveh had recently lost his lover that day. They died due to an unforeseen heart attack, which pains him more since his darling had always been healthy. Since his "delam" has passed away, he has been inconsolable. He refused to part with any possessions they left. No matter how many of their fellow archeologists begged for (Y/n)'s notes, he barked with gritted teeth that his mind would not change.

… How ironic that he used to call his lover "my heart" when the very same organ was the cause of death.

Neither wine nor friends can get a reaction out of him. The best he could do to continue living was to focus on his work and his young mentees. (Y/n) always wanted to be a teacher but couldn't because of their daytime job, so Kaveh fulfilled their dreams instead.

That includes continuing their research on the strange rock they had found in the desert.

Kaveh remained hotly bent on preserving everything they loved. Despite its unconventional and jagged appearance, the rock struck him as the most beautiful thing he had seen in a long while. Its lack of clear patterns didn't matter; it stood tall, capturing his fascination. It had ended his slump and had become an integral part of him. This hyperfixation had not gone unnoticed by Lesser Lord Kusanali, but when she visited him, she… strangely endorsed of his newfound lunacy. She knew something he did not.

Something about the rock… felt so similar to his deceased "delam".

The doctor, lacking any context for the sight before him, raised an eyebrow. His duty may be to educate others, but this was beyond help. A pell-mell of incoherent ramblings filled the room with the hither and thither of blonde hair to match. But this was the first person he encountered in Teyvat. And he was determined to get any info out of him.

"Excuse me."

The blonde man blinked repeatedly, eyes going wide at the sight of Veritas approaching.

"I'm Dr. Veri—"

"T-This isn't what it looks like!!!" The blonde freaked out. "This is– It's just! This rock, it has sentimental value and–"

"…" Veritas drawled. "Riiiight. I'm… Dr. Veritas Ratio. I'm not of this world— I believe my companions and I are what you refer to as Descenders. We wish to collect petrology info for databank purposes. May you offer assistance?"

Kaveh did not know what to say. But by instincts, he knew something was not entirely right with this man.

He'd be right. Veritas wasn't there specifically for rocks. He's just, crudely put, nosy.

"And I am supposed to blindly believe any stranger who wears such a strange getup?" Kaveh stood up and protectively hid the rock behind him. "Sorry, I kindly refuse. And I am not equipped to help either."

Veritas smirked and cracked some knuckles with his left thumb.

There was a damn good reason why Stelle was left behind. On the entrance of the gate laid an inscription that roughly translates to the words "adepti" and "tribute". His intellect in this linguistics may be rusty, but it is not incorrect.

He had an inkling that the rock this peculiar blonde was obsessing over was imbued with a sliver of ambuscade soul who took arms against the worst opponents imaginable.

A "yaksha", if you were a Liyue local.

Veritas was by no means unmindful of Kaveh's obsession. He held his tongue, assessing that to set a quarrel with an unpredictable variable would prolong his journey. There was no profit to be had in angering an unreadable man.

"Well then, if I can't take that rock within reason…"

Dr. Ratio opened his book.

…

"… Long story short, that's why this chick is all wrapped up like a present."

Through brute force, both Stelle and Veritas managed to drop both Kaveh and the rock inside the Express, to the surprise of many. They were initially sent to only survey Teyvat (which meant Veritas positively lied to Kaveh earlier). No one expected an angry Sumeru man to "visit."

"I-I am not a chick! I am a man! I'm Kaveh— an architect!!!" The self-proclaimed man wriggled around the trailblazer's yellow ropes, looking pale as he stared at the unfamiliar faces and scenery before him. "H-Hey!!! Unhand me at once!!!"

"Oh, you're not a girl? You're pretty, though."

"I should've known you would bring something peculiar on board, Dr. Ratio, I just didn't expect it to be a weird human-sized rock..." Said the red-haired lady. "But anyways, you, Sir Kaveh, have quite a remarkable sense of fashion."

"I haven't seen any guy wear earrings that big before…" The grey-haired girl said with grabby hands.

"Please don't try to yank it off him," the brown-haired man sighed and pulled her back with his cane.

Kaveh was a little taken aback by the diversity of tongues in front of him. It was clear based on their accents that they didn't quite come from the same world, yet they communicate as near-family.

"Do all Teyvat people have rocks for friends or is it just you?" A strawberry-haired young lady asked as she approached the rock, which set Kaveh in an even more panicked frenzy when she attempted to poke it.

"N-NO!!! DON'T!!!"

March flinched at his sudden scream and nearly fell had Stelle not caught her.

"Yeah, March, be respectful, you never know if that's the love of his life or something like that," said Stelle.

Kaveh's eyes widened. "You… How did you just understand me better than my friends…?"

The room went quiet. Dan Heng glanced at Veritas, who pretended not to notice him. Mentioning romance near him had always been a dangerous move. Veritas' face crumpled slightly.

There were scars in his own heart he had yet to patch up, and he needed no reminder that he was procrastinating.

Dan Heng cleared his throat.

"It's bad news to have Stelle be the only one who "gets you" if you consider yourself of sane mind." Dan Heng spoke. "But then again, you remind me of Argenti…"

"Where did you find this man, Doctor?" Welt digressed, concerned as he towered above the tied Kaveh. The older man doesn't have objections to his (kidnapped) presence. He can tell by the look on both Kaveh and Veritas' faces that neither was a man with no substance, and the latter saw to exploit the former.

Veritas only shrugged and jabbed his thumb in Stelle's general direction. "Assistant…"

"On it." Stelle saluted solemnly. "We found him in a pyramid. The doctor thought he would be a worthy individual to study if we wish to understand the culture behind one of the seven nations. Since Mister Yang told us to befriend important people–"

"Since when was kidnapping synonymous with befriending?"

"–this is Ratio's candidate."

"That is correct, and he's not just any other person. I have seen him in the Guild's Persons of Interest. He is Kaveh, the light of the Kshahrewar," Veritas claimed. "A certified scholar of the Akademiya and the face for the Darshan he was an alumnus of."

The Express quietly signaled shock over Ratio's interest in the man.

Kaveh slunk back, defeated. When there's little progress, a man naturally turns restive. Kaveh no longer had much to fear in his life. The worst had already come to pass, and the world became mere static noise. He had no hope of escaping soon, not when he saw his homeworld's true "sky". Or at least, back then, he thought it was one. The world he knew was a mere tapestry of ████…

…

"Not that there aren't enough rooms in the Express, but why bring him and the rock here?" Himeko paused to take a sip of her piping hot coffee. "Isn't it a bit, I don't know, overkill?"

"It's because that pyramid is no place to cultivate a living species, and there's no better–... lab assistant... than this man before us." Dr. Ratio looked at the man on the floor.

Dan Heng tried not to comment on how sad his tone was when Veritas referred to Kaveh as a "lab assistant". He knew what had happened to Ratio, but it was not the right time or place.

"What do you mean by living?" Himeko asked.

"That rock has adeptal power within it that we can awaken. That is, if he'd help us make his little rock come to life."

With his words, he moved the unweariable Kaveh to act complacent.

Kaveh felt as though the floor caved beneath him. An unholy mixture of disbelief, awe, and joy swirled within his already jetlagged mind. The fact of the matter was, despite being incredibly unstable, he was lucid enough to know that a miracle was possible.

"What…?"

"It's been a month since that whole debacle," Veritas muttered to himself as he flicked the wrist that held his book away from the bathtub's bubbly waters. "I suppose I was harsh to the poor man. But is that treatment not at all deserved?"

Over time, Veritas grew to like Kaveh, especially after knowing he was tutoring young aspiring architects free of charge. Still, Kaveh's strangely compliant behavior does not deviate from his first impression. His empty eyes were enough sign that Kaveh lived through emotionally draining struggles and came out with few real friends. He lost his raison d'etre, that's why he willingly threw his life in Teyvat away.

… In Kaveh's words, he only wished for a "vacation". If his prize was to go elsewhither with a satisfying result, then he's not opposed to (getting kidnapped) a new "collaboration".

The doctor can't say no to it either.

Deep down, prodigy genius Veritas couldn't deny the harsh truth: witnessing that pitiful man finding solace in an inanimate object was a stark reminder that he harbored the same "illness".

Hence, Veritas offered consistent "insults" to the brightest of Kshashrewar, and each time, Kaveh took the opportunity to improve. Veritas considered it a necessary evil. But even after surpassing those challenges, Kaveh was helpless to overcome the deep emptiness that persisted in his soul.

Kaveh never really spoke about who his previous lover was. All everyone knew was that he lovingly called them "delam"– his heart. They didn't want to bring him more pain by even asking a simple question like delam's real name.

A huge mistake later on.

"... Tch," Veritas grunted, his eyebrows furrowing sadly. The thought of his last love affairs had soured his mood.

Veritas stood from his bath, drying himself and wrapping a towel on his lower half.

… He likely won't sleep tonight.

Forgetting his agreement to continue the project tomorrow morning, he unlocked the door to the studio room Himeko lent them. He left trails of his wet footsteps. His wavy hair also remained damp, but he could not care much for it. Veritas will dress himself up later. Just a towel will suffice for now.

"Sculpting…"

Veritas laughed to himself as he took some tools off the table.

"Wasn't this your pastime and not mine—" he closed his eyes, muttering the next words with a teasingly melancholic tilt. "Assistant (L/n)?"

His grip on the chisel tightened, painting his knuckles white.

Professor (Y/n) (L/n).

The person responsible for the Council of Mundanites' existence. Their name rarely escapes his lips, treating their memory like a curse. Just exhaling the thought of them out of his system makes him nauseous. As if the air inside him gets knocked out. His eyes would flutter shut, no different from a dying man who held weakly holds on. Veritas hated this anguish. The doctor hated this vicious seemingly never-ending cycle called "grief".

"(Y/n)…" Ratio muttered. "Your face is still etched in my mind. What more do I need to eradicate these… unnecessary burdens?"

He could practically hear them laugh beside him.

Haha, please. You think about me so much that you consider me burdensome? Oh, you dork! If you loved me so much, you should've written a love letter.

"You absolute ignoramus," Veritas laughed softly. "You cannot discredit my efforts, though, can you?"

"My dearest…" He breathed out in pain once more. "My most wonderful partner. The best teaching assistant I ever had. You…"

… Never loved him back.

Dr. Veritas Ratio was no idiot. He despised any form of delusion. Throughout his life, he had been a tyrannical figure who pursued truth and not stagnant idolatry for every "patient". But when an immovable force meets an unstoppable object, would you consider him a tamed emperor?

Professor (L/n) was the first person he met who brazenly called themselves a "mundanite". A true mediocre. And they were beautiful at their very core.

Not free of sin, but free of hubris.

Molded as a genius since birth, the very foundations of (L/n)'s philosophies dismantled Ratio. (L/n) admired geniuses like Herta, but never romanticized the notion of natural-born wits. They always strived to eradicate their own "ignorance". But even when they are more knowledgeable than they let on, (L/n) never boasts. This behavior provides no benefit in an academically competitive field. Nothing confused the irrefutable prodigy like their longtime academic partner.

Geniuses— Masters— when I achieve great things, I don't want to have silly titles before my name. It's so… rigid, don't you think so, Veritas?

I wouldn't know.

Ha! Of course, you wouldn't. You've lived your entire life as one. But level with me for a second. Wouldn't life be less boring if…

He raised the chisel.

… we never stopped considering ourselves as mere beginners? Isn't there more joy to being a mundane with untapped potential than a stiff jack of all trades? C'mon, Veritas. Doesn't the idea that there's always more to explore make this vast world seem less dull?

Veritas bit his lip. Tears were threatening to spill.

February 5, ████.

It was Dr. Veritas Ratio's fault that they died that day. He thought (L/n) was capable of handling an extremely dangerous laboratory mishap. They were not. Despite his assistant's years of experience, every man is an unsuspecting fledgling in the face of death. It does not discriminate between the mediocre and the brightest.

That's absurd, (L/n). What is the point of learning if not for its mastery?

"Assistant… Let me offer this final tribute so that you can finally s-stop… haunting… me."

But they will never stop. Their last long exchange repeated in his head throughout the night. No matter how many times he hammered, the clanging sound did not drown out the voices in his head. The words mocked him, over and over, and over.

I'm sorry Veritas…

Why are you apologizing?

… I'm afraid I just don't see you that way. I'm just an ordinary person, and I doubt I could ever genuinely return the love of someone as brilliant as you. I'm afraid your affection might be akin to caring for a pet, and I can't find it in myself to figure out how to respond in kind.

… That's not true. You cannot simply decline my confession with a lukewarm excuse—

I'm afraid I'm just an ordinary college professor with no PhDs. I will have to reject your love. I'm so sorry.

But why?!

"(Y/n)… The one person I can never grasp…" Veritas muttered as he looked at the finished piece. "Here you are... Created by my own hands..."

Beautiful. Not a single doubt that it was carved in their likeness. The (Y/n) he knew was a professor who loved their teaching job, but wished they were more of an adventurer. Secretly, (Y/n) wanted to be an archeologist, and perhaps that's one of the reasons why Veritas let the mysterious rock formation inside the Express. Maybe if they continued living, they would've liked this gesture.

Ha… As if.

Veritas—

W-What aspect must I improve on? To dismiss me so impatiently— do I lack the charm? I can always learn to suit your tastes. Don't tell such a bold lie. I highly doubt that it is due to my academic performance. There's another man you've wasted your affections on, is there?!

Veritas, please…

Enough! Enough with these lies and tell me! J-Just… Just tell me, (Y/n)!

He's tired. Veritas just wanted to hold them again. He just wanted to "fix" their hair- tucking his golden hairpin to subconsciously teach their associates and students that Professor (L/n) was his. He missed the way he would hide (L/n)'s lab coat just so he could make them wear his as he left for the day. He missed secretly leaving small love confessions on their class grade spreadsheets, add/drop forms, and even their private online journals so he would read messages about how they must've caught a computer virus. He missed teasing them when they hadn't got a clue that he was unserious. He missed hearing (L/n) whine. He missed the way it made him warm.

He missed the warmth.

"Stop..."

He missed you.

"Stop this..."

And he continues to miss his (Y/n) so much.

"Please..."

It's unbearable.

There is no one else.

Yes, there is! I refuse to believe it! It's your recent lab partner, isn't it!? The man everyone has fallen for— you have taken a liking to him more than me, the person who has been with you all this time!!! You… You ungrateful!—

Veritas is so, so tired and more chipped than the rock he had worked on… Unlike the statue, he cannot tangibly pick up the pieces (L/n) that broke him in. There's only a hollow void of what could've been.

Why... Why did they have to reject him? If they hadn't rejected him, he wouldn't have coldly assigned (Y/n) to deal with the containment breach alone. He would've thought it through. He would've realized he was plagued with ignorance. He would've changed so many things that February 5th.

But that's all there was to it. Just "would have"s, not "have done"s.

Ngh–?! Why… did you... slap me…?

Veritas, maybe you should stop and look down and listen to us common-minded folks for once in your life! The simple fact is that you're just so out of reach. How can you love me, when you don't even understand me, Genius Ratio? How can you confess when you don't know what it's like to work for the knowledge you have? How can you love a "mundanite" like me?

… (Y/n)… T-That's simply untrue, and you are aware of that...

It's morning, an appropriate time to head back to his guest room.

When he was certain that he was alone, Veritas finally allowed himself to cry.

"There's no mistake that we both are- were idiots. We both failed to see that I'm a mundanite, just like you."

In contrast to his former roommate, Kaveh is an early riser. Not exactly a morning person, but a man of discipline nonetheless. Perhaps the concluded argument last night made his rise more motivating. He had no qualms with getting out of bed, heading straight to take a shower before drinking coffee with Himeko.

The morning was wordless but calm.

Whatever happened after he reentered the studio, however, was the exact opposite.

"Delam…?" Kaveh knelt with both knees down on the floor, shocked.

"Is that you…? Delam… Delam!!!"

You tilted your head.

Delam. That was the first word you've heard upon your birth or "rebirth", depending on whose narrative was at play. You first rose from your slumber much like an earth's crust would give way to a volcano. Warmth seeped from your chest and then throughout your body, filling you with life and newfound nerves. But no one was around. You had been observing the fading trail of wet footsteps, yet lacked the courage to leave the room.

Veritas was right. The rock does have life. And you have been awakened.

You looked human. You move human.

But you do not sound human.

"Delam! I-I can't believe this!"

For words fail.

「… Who are you?」

After all, since when can statues speak?

With unsteady legs, he attempted to approach your nearly nude figure. The sheet they used to keep out dust was the only cover you had. He pulled you in when he got close enough, and you wanted to squeak when he rested his nose on your shoulder. His breath tickled hot. However, his warm tears helped you to accept the melancholic reality.

"Delam! D-Delam, my sweetheart, my (Y-(Y/n)… A-Ah… Ah…"

Kaveh pulled back only to kiss your forehead. He was warm. You are not. Despite the fabrics he wore, you can feel his heat against your "skin". His heart was beating. Such an organ does not exist inside of you.

"(Y/n), my (Y/n)…" He gasped out between peppered kisses on your neck. "Mine… My heart has returned to me. Can you hear it too? It's beating again… It beats… I never thought I'd hear my heart again since you've been gone…"

His words made little sense to you, but you knew he liked your form. Kaveh's fingers traced around you, loving each inch, whether it was curved flesh or bone-like sharpness— he didn't care for he knew it was his (Y/n) (L/n).

He's so colorful. Reds, yellows, oranges, and even hints of blues and greens. It made you silently conscious about how you were a boring dull gray.

Warm, like the sun.

「… Baobei?」

"My (Y/n)… D-Delam…" Kaveh pressed his forehead against yours, your lips nearly touching.

You wiped his tears away.

Was that your name? (Y/n)…?

"Kaveh, what the hell are you doing?!"

The blonde man momentarily stopped cradling you out of shock.

This new man was all purples, blue, gold, and small taints of cyan and red. The expression he wore made you believe he might be covetous beyond mankind. There's a level of gluttonous greed in his anger that makes even the earth like yourself phased.

「… Who is he…?」

Both of them feel familiar to you, but you do not know why.

"Veritas!" Kaveh's eyes widened. "A miracle just happened— delam— they're—!"

"Put (Y/n) down this instant!!!"

Kaveh blinked.

"What… What did you say?"

"I said put them down, damn it! Who the hell are you, touching them so carelessly like they're yours?!"

Kaveh's eyebrows furrowed.

"How do you know that name?!" Kaveh yelled. "How did you know who (Y/n) is!?"

The doctor was equally confused.

Why would the ignorance-prone Kaveh know the name of his deceased love too?

Veritas has not talked about his old assistant to any breathing being for a long time. Talking felt like admitting that they were gone for good. But in this case, it produces a contrary result.

"Why the fuck wouldn't I?!"

"I don't know— maybe because you're not from Teyvat?!"

"What are you on, you imbecile?! Can you stop defiling them with your filthy hands?!" Veritas scowled and summoned his book. "Hands. Off."

The warning only made Kaveh even more possessive. He gently pushed you behind his back, glaring at him.

"No."

"Kaveh, you pestilence ridden—!!!"

"No, not until you tell me why the hell you know the name of my fiance!"

Veritas' heart sank.

… Fiance?

No… No, no way.

What's happening? How would that make sense?!

(Y/n) is his. Why should you belong to Kaveh?

"Are… are you insane?!" Veritas screamed. "I should've—"

"What?! Threw me off the Express?! I dare you!!!" Kaveh glared. "You knew you couldn't win against me alone, that's why your best bet was to knock me out— and you know it."

"Ngh."

Neither of them realized the greater reason as to why they knew the "same" person. The doctor may have jumped through various universes, but he had not done enough to notice a key factor.

There they were, claiming to love the image behind their animated statue— when they didn't know what it was they cried for.

"Just answer the question: who is (Y/n) to you?" Kaveh grumbled.

Somehow, he was far more frightening when his voice was calm and low.

The usually diplomatic architect materialized his weapon out of thin air.

"Go on. Tell me."

The doctor stiffened. There was no way Veritas was losing this argument.

It's unethical. Wholly unethical to appeal to pathos in this manner. To weave tales for his benefit.

But the end justifies the means.

Veritas flashed you a guilt-ridden expression…

Before he said the biggest lie known only to himself.

"Professor (Y/n) (L/n) is MY dead lover, and I molded the statue based on their appearance last night!" Veritas yanked a fistful of Kaveh's shirt and brought him closer. "So why are you claiming them as YOURS?!"

…

The sound of a cane hitting the floor stopped all hell from possibly breaking loose.

Welt Yang had one foot inside the room and one out the door. He wore a knowing and empathetic look. The others were behind him, looking particularly shaken up.

This screaming match was the worst the two ever had.

"Kaveh, Dr. Ratio, enough." He calmly spoke up. "I think I understand the confusion."

"Allow me to explain…"

"I'm surprised you have no comments on their flower-bespangled clothes, yet…"

"The aesthetic is... tasteful. I like the headdress."

"Of course, you like the crown of laurel…"

"However–"

"Oh Lord Kusanali, here we go…"

Upon Welt's intervention, every piece started to fit together. The explanation was a frustratingly simple but difficult truth. (Y/n) (L/n) was not just one entity in the vast universe— there are inevitable variations.

The two eventually calmed down as they heard both sides. Veritas' (Y/n), who Kaveh later refers to as an "expy" as a placeholder name, was a professor— while Kaveh's "delam" was an archeologist. Almost the same, but not a complete copy-paste.

You, however, they are unsure of. No one knows yet if you do carry (Y/n)'s soul or if you're a mere replica. Veritas is working on the hypothesis that you were an adeptal tool who aided in freeing the vigilant yaksha from a malevolent Sumeru God.

But those bits of info doesn't matter in the end. Why?

Because they both love "you" deeply.

And these intelligent men can "learn" how to share.

"Are you not tired? Perhaps it is time I take over. Only a fool would work when completely drained." Dr. Ratio then added. "Does it not fall in my skilled hands to weave such clothing for them now? Even better than mere fabric, I'm willing to handle clay and mold it around their bo—"

"Considering how many fools can also calculate and perhaps wear an asbestos mask as a quirky character trait, it is surprising that the fool in front of me thinks he can show proficiency over a tedious task." Kaveh raised an eyebrow, seething at the thought of Veritas' unfair perverted touch lingering on your body, again.

"I think you are experiencing what is known as the Dunning-Kruger effect, as Mister Yang calls it." He added.

Veritas scoffed.

They may be revered both as geniuses in their fields, but they're reduced to kindergarten-like rivals when it comes to you. Their first order of business after another truce was to provide your clothes. Fortunately, Stelle's fashion sense was more unisex than anticipated so you borrowed hers in the meantime.

While you sat on the sofa with the bubbly March 7th, the two started planning your wardrobe. Kaveh returned later on the same evening with the most… floral clothes much to Veritas' dismay.

He missed seeing his version of (Y/n) who wore classic academic styles, not— whatever this was.

"It is mere confidence; no other variable is at play. The fool in question is the artisan responsible for the expeditious sculpting of the aforementioned statue within a singular nocturnal interval. A fact that eludes your appreciation, my less-than-appreciative and unskilled interlocutor."

Kaveh momentarily had the face of a man unpracticed in speech. People often forget that he majored in STEM, not HUMSS. Though he had some essay-based minors in his first & second years, he lacked preparation for Veritas' otherworldly vocabulary. Kaveh would whet his greatsword if Veritas said something bluntly deprecating.

Still, he can't deny that it was through Veritas' handiwork that made your hands as soft as Kaveh wanted them to be. And that secretly pisses him off.

You tilted your head.

Somehow, your creators are arguing again.

"Are you threatening to rob me of the joys I have toiled nights for just to sate your shortlived desires, Veritas?" Kaveh rebuked him sternly. "I didn't know you were kind of a brat."

"I am only offering a hand. But it's clear that you are projecting onto me."

「You two–. 」

You tried to cut in, but can't utter a word…

"I'm not projecting! I know that once you prove you can make clothes, you'll kick me out of the Express, that's just the kind of man you are! Manipulative, arrogant—"

"And you're insecure. There is no more loathsome creature than a man who does not acknowledge his own hubris and repeats his mistakes."

「Master Veritas, Master Kaveh—. 」

You loathed to watch them fight for another round of meaningless squabbles. Why weren't you blessed with speech?

"Is that so? Do you seriously subscribe to that belief?"

"Why, of course."

"You should listen to better men than yourself, then."

"Oh c'mon, knock it off!!!" March cut in, giving them both a light smack with Veritas' book. "Can't you get along better? Your little darling looks upset!!!"

The two halted. She was right, you weren't comfortable. Veritas cleared his throat awkwardly while Kaveh looked down, both apologetic.

"See, Kaveh? Your persistence caused this."

"How is it MY fault?"

"I'm merely stating that the lack of options is bound to make them uneasy." Veritas deadpanned and handed you an IPC magazine he had been trying to get you to browse. "Why don't you pick to your liking? Don't worry about expenses. I have it covered."

"What?! Do you want them to wear those un-stylish clothes? Please, you just want to have them wear your brand!"

"Don't project your carnal possessiveness as my own." Veritas scoffed. But Kaveh was right. He missed seeing his (Y/n) wear his lab coat.

"Oh really?! Fine then! Let's ask (Y/n) what they really think!"

March sighed. "Guys, I think you're forgetting that you're fighting over clothes—"

But they didn't hear her. Nothing else mattered to those two except you. And you alone.

Their partner.

Their heart.

Their reason for living.

Hence, they yelled in unison.

"Who do you prefer, assistant? Him or me?!"

"Who do you prefer, delam? Him or me?!"

Taglist: @vennnnn-diagram, @meimeimeirin, @korianne, @prophecy-harmony, @shellofthewell, @sagekun,

744 notes · View notes

bullet-prooflove · 5 months ago

Text

Pears: Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto x Reader

Tagging: @kmc1989 @wabi-sabi1090 @lostinwonderland314 @turtle-cant-communicate @fallout-girl219

Prequel to:

Bubble

Crazy, Stupid, Fucked Up World (NSFW)

Ironically the hellhole that’s stealing Carmen’s fucking soul is the place he falls in love with you. He’s been trying to source cheap organic produce for The Beef ever since he came back to Chicago and he’d found this eco-friendly little urban farm not too far away from the restaurant that’s willing to sell him their seasonal overflow for next to nothing. It’s a win win because you deplore wastage and he needs the discount.

When you arrive at the back door with his order he has no fucking clue why you’re here because it’s late Christmas Eve and everyone else in the world is sending time with their families. Instead you’re standing in front of him, bundled up in a navy blue hat with a pompom with a matching scarf over your white quilted jacket.

“Christ, get in here.” He says tugging you inside because it’s minus who the fuck knows outside and he’s terrified you’ll freeze to death. “Why the fuck are you out in this? You should be tucked up somewhere warm with your family.”

“Because you asked me to asshole.” You reply, tugging off your hat so that your hair falls loose across your rosy features. “You called me up at stupid o'clock because you wanted pears for some seasonal shit you were trying out.”

“Shit.” He says, taking the box from you, because honestly he thought he dreamt that but now he realises he had another dissociative episode. They’ve starting to happen more and more recently since Mikey’s death. He wakes up and he finds himself doing weird shit, cooking plastic, re-organising the tins in his cupboard so they all face backwards, sorting his recycling into colours.

“Now we’ve ascertained why I’m here.” You say, stripping the gloves from your hands and tucking them into the pockets of your coat. “What are you doing here?”

“Christmas isn’t…” He hesitates because he’s thrown back into that last event, the one where Mikey was still alive, clutching that fork and his mother drove a car through the house. He doesn’t know how to explain something like that to you, someone who’s family isn’t as fucked up and dysfunctional as his is.

“I get it.” You say, your hand coming to rest on his arm and he finds himself staring down at it as your thumb traces lightly over the tattoo that’s etched onto his skin. “Christmas isn’t a great time for me either.”

He can’t remember the last time that someone touched him like this, with such care, such gentleness. Richie’s always clapping a hand on his shoulder, shifting him out of the way but it never feels like this. It doesn’t ignite something in his veins the way that yours does, it doesn’t sent a rush of heat flooding through his system.

“You wanna stay?” He asks you, tilting his head up to meet your gaze. “I’m about to make hot pear cider.”

You have such beautiful eyes, he’s never really noticed until now despite the fact he’s been in your company a handful of times. It’s a brilliant, rich hue that leaves him completely captivated as the edges of your mouth tip up into a smile. His heart palpitates in this chest because that smile, it makes something blossom inside of him, something that Carmen has never felt before in his entire life.

“That depends.” You say, your thumb trailing over the scar that resides alongside his tattoo. “Are you going to feed me too?”

“I’d cook you anything you damn well want.” He finds himself telling you before he captures himself, his cheeks flushing at the boldness of his words.

“Surprise me.” You say and he surprises you both by leaning and kissing you instead.

Your lips feel soft underneath his mouth, he can taste the strawberry lip balm, feel the press of your body against his as your fingers thread through his hair drawing him closer. He moans at the sensation because it’s been such a long time since he’s touched another human being like this and you, you make it feel like his entire body is on fire, like he’s burning from the inside out.

“Fuck, I’m sorry…” He says as he tries to pull away because he shouldn’t have done that, he knows he shouldn’t.

Your hands grip the fabric of his chef’s jacket, pulling him back towards you and he complies because this sensation he has, he wants to chase it, he wants to see where it goes, to hurtle head first into it.

“Don’t be.” You murmur, your fingertips ghosting along his cheek with a tenderness he doesn’t deserve. “We should do it again Carmy.”

Love Carmy? Don’t miss any of his stories by joining the taglist here.

Like My Work? - Why Not Buy Me A Coffee

#carmy berzatto #carmy the bear #carmy x reader #carmen berzatto #carmen berzatto x reader #the bear #the bear fx #carmen berzatto fluff #the bear hulu #carmen berzatto imagine

257 notes · View notes

yinyuedijun · 11 months ago

Note

sooooo is Dan Heng seeing his dream self rail you, you think? or is he watching you solo and you see him, thinking he’s part of the dream and needs him to come touch you? 👁️

(reference to this post!! also it was not my plan to write a drabble but it happened 😔 cw voyeurism, breeding, dragon fucking, gn afab reader)

hi beloved 🫶 forgive me if these are mild spoilers for the dreampeek calls, but they're actually audio-only! I'm not sure if you've done them but it's a literal phone booth that will allow you to listen to randomly chosen acquaintances' dreams if they happen to be asleep. so dan heng is calling, not sure who he'll hear—maybe pompom dreaming about penacony dishes, or jing yuan dreaming about matters on the luofu, etc. but instead the call connects and he hears... a very familiar moan.

he doesn't entirely register what he's listening to at first. the rhythmic creak of a bedframe, the slap of skin against skin, your voice calling for him—gege, please, please—all overlaid with the distinctive and obscene noise your pussy makes when it's dripping all over his cock. I missed you so much, you keep panting, I tried using my fingers while you were gone, gege—but it just—it just didn't feel—ah...

your voice clips off into a whine. dan heng recognizes it: the one you make when he presses a hand against your abdomen while seated deep inside you, forcing your g-spot against his cock. he can practically hear your tears in your overwhelmed voice. wait, wait, you whimper, if you do that, if you keep going—

your voice cuts off into a gasp this time. a million scenes fill dan heng's head: is he grinding his hips against yours, pressing himself tight against your walls? is he playing with your swollen clit? did he throw your legs over his shoulders, put his cock so deep inside you that you can hardly breathe? you love all of those things—you've said it yourself, clawing at his back and begging for him—so he isn't sure what you'd be dreaming about.

you'll what? his dream self asks. in reality, dan heng almost jolts, hearing himself over the phone.

I—I'll cum, you reply, voice small.

he hums. already? he asks, and he's more surprised than he is mocking, but the noise you make in reply still sounds a little embarrassed. go ahead, then, he says. you'll need to be relaxed anyway, if you want both of them inside you for the rest of the night.

th-the rest of the night? you whimper, sounding overwhelmed, but not displeased.

of course, he says. how else am I going to breed you?

dan heng's mind goes blank at the exact moment the call drops off. he's never said that to you before—never known that you wanted him to say that, let alone do that to you—and the way this new information is making his cock throb is distracting him from the cheerful voice of the dreampeek platform.

"your acquaintance's dream has now ended," the program announces. "we hope you enjoyed your experience today. would you like to make another call?"

"no thank you," dan heng replies immediately. "I have somewhere else to be."

#cw.breeding #HI GRAY LOLL #dan heng x reader #dan heng smut #sure ill throw this into the tags lol #yueshuo.asks #nsft #cw.monsterfucking

413 notes · View notes

biancadjarin · 1 year ago

Text

bully!eddie finds out

you’re a cheerleader

“What. the hell. are you wearing?” Eddie scoffs as he looks up at me from his sitting spot on my front porch.

“I made the varsity cheer squad!” I jump up and down excitedly. “I told you I was going to try out. But you never listen.” I grumble the last part under my breath.

“Hey” Eddie stands and towers over me as I turn my key in the door and let us in. “I listen.” He says, his hand coming up to rest on my lower back as we walk inside. “Just didn’t think you were really going to go through with it. It’s just so not like you.” I feel his eyes scanning my body as we walk down the hallway to my room. “You only care about grades and homework. And now look at you.” He waves his hand at my new uniform. “Who even are you anymore?” I roll my eyes. “You’re being dramatic. Nothing’s changed about me. I’ve always liked dancing. And now I just have some new girlfriends and a couple teams to cheer for.” I chirp. A blazing fire starts behind his eyes. “Bet all the idiot jocks are gonna be drooling all over you.” He shakes his head as he flips the hem of my skirt up. “Hey.” I squeal and hold my skirt back down. He shakes his head. “Is that what you want? For Jason and all his basketball bros to notice you?” Eddie asks.

“No Eddie.” I grumble with an eye roll. “That’s right no.” He growls. “And why’s that hm?” He asks expectantly. I sigh, shifting my weight to one hip, avoiding eye contact with him defiantly. Which is hard to do when his face is inches from mine. He looks at me with his eyebrows raised, waiting.

“Because I only want you to notice me.” I say halfheartedly. He nods, appeased but still not happy. He steps closer, his nose grazing my cheek as he whispers in my ear, his hands settling at my waist. “Because I’m the only one that matters. Because you belong to me. And no one else will ever have you, right?” I stare back at him blankly, not wanting to play his childish game.

Eddie chuckles to himself, turning away and plopping his body on the little pink couch in my room. His eyes rake over me, taking in the way the HHS cheer logo stretches over my chest, the striped ruffle skirt hitting the tops of my thighs, the pompoms still in my hands. The anger is gone from his eyes and all that’s left is lust.

“Show me a cheer then.” He nudges his chin up at me, eyes daring me to move. His arms are stretched across the back of the couch, leather jacket hanging loosely over his white t shirt. I wrinkle my brow and scoff “No. you were just making fun of me.” “Aw c’mon sweetheart. You look so cute. None of the other cheerleaders look this good in the uniform.”

I shake my head at the comparison. I know Eddie has a thing for cheerleaders. He’s hooked up with at least 3, he eyes them whenever they cross his path and I’ve heard rumors about his and Chrissy’s hangouts in the woods. Not that they’d ever admit it. No popular, well respected senior at Hawkins would say they’ve messed around with Eddie. But rumors will fly. And now that I’ve been surrounded by the cheerleaders for a couple weeks, I see most of the rumors were true. But that’s not why I tried out for cheer. I like dancing and being peppy… right?

Eddie’s long legs are spread and he’s staring at me. His hands rest casually in his lap, his fingers intertwined. He’s waiting. “Fine.” I surrender. I didn’t learn all these new cheers for nothing. “T-I-G-E-R-S! We’re better than the rest!” I say hopping up and down. Eddie nods, a soft smile on his face. “That’s great, babe. So cute.” But I don’t want to be cute right now. I want to be hot. And I want Eddie to think I’m hot. So I toss my pompoms to either side of the room and the corners of Eddie’s lips curl into a smirk. I grab the remote from my nightstand and push a button to make my record player start. “Is this love” by Whitesnake plays from the corner of my room. Eddie chuckles and shifts in his seat, getting comfortable. I walk over to him slowly and begin swirling my hips to the beat, letting my hair fall behind my back. I close my eyes and get lost in the music.

Eddie’s eyes are glued to me. He’s staring at my legs, the little peek of skin between my skirt and top and my face, lips parted, eyelids fluttering and covered in sparkles. He’s never seen anything so beautiful. “Is this love or am I dreaming?” the song lyrics swirl around in his head.

I open my eyes and I’m suddenly closer, in between Eddie’s spread thighs. My palms plant on his shoulders and I shimmy my body shamelessly inches from his face. His hands reach up and rest behind my knees, slowly grazing up the backs of my thighs and under my skirt to squeeze palmfuls of my ass in each hand. He bites his lip, his eyes so low I could count every long, pretty eyelash framing his big brown eyes. His hands slide back down to my knees, pulling them forward so I can sit on his lap.

His lips find mine and we kiss for the rest of the song. My brain goes blank, thoughts and games leaving my conscious. All I care about is this feeling that I’m feeling in this moment with Eddie. My bully? My boyfriend? I’ve lost track at this point.

I feel Eddie’s hand start to unzip the side of my tank top. I raise my arms so he can slip it off over my head and my tits spill out, bouncing against my chest, nipples already hard. “Mmm no bra baby?” Eddie rasps as his warm hands grab my boobs and squeeze. I shake my head. “Don’t really need it in this kind of top… besides, the girls say a little extra jiggle looks good during the routines.”

Eddie’s eyes turn from hungry to worried to puppy dog in the span of about half a second. “The basketball team really is going to be all over you.” He says sounding truly worried. He lets his head fall back and hit the headrest of the couch, his hands still gripping my hips, his eyes squeezed shut. I place my hands on either side of his neck softly, his skin’s warm and I can feel his pulse thumping under my fingers. “No they’re not Eddie.”

His head shoots back up and his eyes resemble an owl’s. I giggle, “ok well even if they try,” I push the hair away from his eyes, “it won’t matter.” “It won’t?” He asks hopefully. “Mm mm.” I shake my head. “Cause you’re the only one that matters to me.” I relax my thighs, sitting fully on Eddie’s lap. I can feel how hard he is already. “No other guy could make me feel the way you do.” I purr.

He groans. Eddie Munson fucking groans. And his hands are squeezing my hips so hard it’s starting to hurt. But I like it. He smiles softly at me before turning his attention back to my exposed breasts, his thumbs rubbing and pinching my nipples. “So sweet to me baby. How’d I get so lucky?” He smiles up at me and my heart feels like it’s going to burst into a million pieces. I snake my arms around his neck and pull him in for a hug, his leather sleeved arms wrapping around my body and holding me close.

I’m the lucky one. But I’d never tell him that.

more bully!eddie here

Thanks for reading!!

#eddie munson x reader #eddie munson #eddie munson fanfic #eddie munson x y/n #eddie x reader #bully!eddie x y/n #bully!eddie #bully!eddie munson #boyfriend!eddie munson #boyfriend!eddie #eddie munson smut #eddie munson x you #eddie munson fluff #eddie munson stranger things #eddie stranger things

584 notes · View notes

mtchee · 8 months ago

Text

"Mm! A little taste of heaven!" "Do you have any preferences for the ice? We've got..."

"...Awakening Apple!" - Izuku Midoriya

menu coming soon~

"...Invigorating Orange & Peach!" - Katsuki Bakugo

Silence is Silver, Your Voice is Gold [SOULMATE SERIES] - GN Deemed as an 'extra' in his straight laced life, you've resigned yourself to covering your soul words and sealing your lips, becoming U.A's first year general course prodigy, the silent designer. It's unfortunate that despite your title, the angry pompom won't take a goddamn hint from your silence. When you even go out of your way to avoid him, you start to think that he knows you a little too well despite never having uttered a word.

"...Mesmerising Lychee & Mint!" - Shouto Todoroki

Silence is Silver, Your Voice is Gold [SOULMATE SERIES] - GN The piercing first words spoken by your soulmate leave you shattered, and your passion driven brother, Inasa, doesn't take kindly to it either. You thought you could get over your soulmate's rejection, accepting it wholeheartedly. So, why is he being so nice all of a sudden?

"...Motivating Plum & Sugarcane!" - Tenya Iida

Silence is Silver, Your Voice is Gold [SOULMATE SERIES] - GN Your spitfire attitude is a stark contrast to your sister Ochaco, but that doesn't stop you two from having each other's backs. That's why it baffles her when you become dead silent after you're scolded by class 1A's class president, Iida, for an outburst in class. When usually you'd scoff at him, you'd reeled back and sat in your seat. But now... you won't talk at all.

"...Balancing Blackberry & Lime!" - Hitoshi Shinou

menu coming soon~

"...Strengthening Strawberry!" - Eijirou Kirishima

menu coming soon~

"...Persistent Peach!" - Mirio Togata

Silence is Silver, Your Voice is Gold [SOULMATE SERIES] - GN As a late transfer, you feel uninclined to intrude on the connections your classmates have already forged, and feel even more so guilty to tie Mirio to you. Who are you to come in and claim one of U.A's best as yours? Though despite it all--through your silence, and avoidance--he seems to have had his eyes on you all along.

"...Buzzing Lychee & Butterfly Pea!" - Tamaki Amajiki

Silence is Silver, Your Voice is Gold [SOULMATE SERIES] - GN LOUD AND PROUD! That's who you are! So when you're paired with none other than one of U.A's Big Three, Tamaki Amajiki, your heart shatters when he flinches away from you before you can even utter a word. Your own soulmate is terrified of you without even knowing you. So perhaps, it's for the best that you pipe down and let him find someone else to better suit his needs.

"...Burnt Caramel & Plum!" - Dabi/Touya Todoroki

FALLEN GEMINI - GN You'd been tasked to infiltrate and investigate the League of Villains long before the group was even officially formed--namely your assigned target, their rogue, Dabi. Through your hard work, you've become closely aquainted Dabi, to a point where your true loyalties start to waver...

"Snow Tea Specials!" - Several OneShot/Drabble/Story Series

Silence is Silver, Your Voice is Gold | SOULMATE AU Mirio Togata | Shouto Todoroki | Tenya Iida | Katsuki Bakugo | Tamaki Amajiki | more coming soon~ After hearing the voice of your soulmate for the first time--knowing they were out of your league and deserved (and probably would want) better, you keep silent. However, fate determines you to be together nonetheless, where despite your silence, they either grow fond of you or curious, wherein eventually, you can be silent no more.

#bnha x reader #my hero academia x reader #mha x reader #character x reader #x reader #boku no hero academia x reader #mtchee's library #mtchee's tea & story house #reader insert #various x reader

143 notes · View notes

elliespassagerprincess · 1 year ago

Note

I hardly seen any love for Dina can you maybe do one her shy x popular trope

One chance - (popular!dina x shy!reader)

hi anon, firstly real! we need more Dina fics! I'm sorry if this sucks I struggle with writing fluff lmao, but i hope you enjoy :)

Pairing: dina x fem!reader

requests are open! send me your silly thoughts:)

warnings: none

Summary: In which the popular girl asked you out

authors note: on a serious note we need more dina fics, she's sooooo fine but so underrated and it's so sad

masterlist

"Earth to Dina"

"huh?"

"Dina are you ok?" Ellie asked concerned at her friends spaced out expression.

"I'm fine"

no she wasn't.

Dina was not fine.

She was fucking fuming. Why? Because you were giving someone else attention.

Dina had always wanted to be a cheerleader. Ever since she was a little girl, she watched countless videos on YouTube for cheer routines, and she memorized them all.

As soon as she became a freshman in high-school she immediately auditioned, and as if god was on her side she became the caption and she stayed the caption up until her senior year.

She fucking loved to cheer.

The makeup, the routines, the crowd screaming for them.

For her.

God she loved it all the attention. She loved all the people around her, people praising her, and telling her that she did a good job.

Dina was the classic popular girl and as cliché as it was, this was who she was and she loved every fucking second of it.

It was like no other day.

She stood at the entrance of the field, watching the football teams run out.

She observed the other cheer teams standing next to hers, they were pretty, but surely they weren't as talented.

The whistle blew and a grin spread on to Dina's face, as she jogged out the massive doors, her squad running behind her.

The crowd cheered as the girls came out, and Dina proudly raised her pompoms, shaking them slightly.

Her gaze fell onto the crowd, as she tried spotting people wearing the schools colors but her eyes fell on you.

woah.

She's never seen you before.

Holy fucking shit.

For the rest of the night, Dina's eyes lingered on you.

Every time they had to perform, she always kept and eye on you, hoping you'd make eye contact.

You never looked her way.

You wanted to but you were scared.

You'd only join the school a month ago and you remembered on your first day of school, you saw her.

The pretty girl with the dark hair.

That's what you called her until you were told her name was Dina.

Dina. Dina. Dina. Dina Dina.

She was all you could think about.

Everywhere you went there was a reminder of Dina.

You saw a bow? Dina wears bows.

You saw someone wearing blue? Dina always wears blue converse.

You wanted to talk to her so fucking bad, but you couldn't. Every time you got close to her it felt like you were going to piss yourself.

You made her a paper flower one day, hoping you'd be able to give it to her. You'd hype up yourself in the mirror but as soon as you saw her, the confidence you once felt fell away.

"C'mon lets go" your friend Abby begged. She'd been asking you to the football game all week but you weren't in the mood for the loud crowds and all the screaming.

"let me stay home dude" you replied

"Dina will be there"

That's all you needed to hear. You raced to get ready, and you put on a orange jumper hoping the bright color might catch Dina's attention.

You sat on the field with hundreds of other people, you anxiously waited for her, you realized that her seeing you would be unlikely due to the amount of people that filled the seats.

All you remember was the crowd cheering and Dina jogging out, wearing her blue converse. There was a grin on her face as her team followed her and she looked fucking perfect.

As hard as you tried not to look at her you couldn't help it.

She stood in front so obviously you were gonna look at her.

She performed with so much confidence, with so much grace. You could truly look at her forever.

When the game came to an end her squad asked if she wanted to go out with them, but Dina kindly declined because she had other plans.

She had to talk to this pretty girl that distracted her throughout the whole game.

Dina walked through the crowd, trying to avoid all the people who were trying to talk to her.

She was growing frustrated. Where the fuck were you?

Just as she was about to lose hope, she spotted your orange jumper. You stood on the side of the road talking on your phone. Dina slowly walked towards you and she didn't mean to listen to your conversation but she did.

"Abby i swear to god if you don't come pick me up in 5 minutes I'm going to kill you"

Dina softly giggled at how overdramatic you were. You put your phone into your pocket on you sighed.

Dina could walk away right now, she could turn away and you would never have to know about this.

Fuck it. Dina wasn't a pussy.

She tapped you on shoulder, and you turned around. Your eyes met with the girl you've been silently in love with for the last month.

Fuck.

"Hi" Dina started, giving you her charming smile.

Your mouth went dry and you felt so fucking nervous. She could probably see how you were shaking.

"Hi" you replied meeting her gaze shyly.

"Well I'm Dina and i just wanted to say you're really pretty and i was wondering if i could have your number?"

You wanted to pinch yourself. Is this even real? Was this a prank?

"yeah" was all you said without looking at her. You watched Dina reach into her bag to pull out her phone, and she silently watched as you put in your number.

"You don't talk much do you?" She laughed awkwardly as she took her phone from your hand.

"Yeah" was all you said.

Dina didn't text you. Its been 2 weeks.

Its not that she didn't want to, but she was terrified.

You barely spoke to her that night, who says you'll even text her back?

You on the other hand saw the situation differently. You thought she was taking you for a fool. Someone like Dina would never just ask for your number.

As the weeks went by you and Dina make eye contact, she would give you a small smile and you would just walk away with a nod. You'd make no effort to talk to her because she made you so fucking nervous.

Dina hated this. She hated that she wanted someone that can barley look at her. But here she was getting mad at you for talking to someone else.

Some blonde bitch sat with you and you acted so differently. You laughed, you fucking smiled and showed emotion, but when Dina was around you barely uttered a word to her.

You drove her insane.

"Dude why are you fucking lying?"

"what?" Dina asked.

She actually forgot Ellie was sitting here.

"You keep looking at her and Abby"

so that's what her name was.

"What's your deal with them?" Ellie persisted.

She might as well admit it.

"She isn't the problem, Abby is"

Ellies gaze fell to you and Abby for a while before it all clicked.

"Dude are you jealous? do you have a fucking crush on her or something?"

"Yeah" Dina admitted "but I don't know anything about her, i tried talking to her, but she doesn't say much"

Dina quickly glazed to you before she groaned in frustration

"she doesn't" Ellie confirmed.

"She only talks to Abby, she's quite shy in my opinion"

shy is an understatement.

Dina was losing her mind. Every time she sees you and Abby together she feels sick. But at the same time she's too pussy to talk to you or to even text you.

Dina could perform in front of thousands of people without batting an eye but she could barley say hi to you.

You were fucking breaking her.

Dina went to an empty classroom to let off some steam and to her surprise you sat there.

"Hi" Dina said in amazement.

"Hi" you responded looking everywhere in the room but her.

'just fucking look at me' Dina thought to herself.

"What are you doing here?" She asked you.

"Abby isn't here today, i didn't feel like sitting alone"

Dina's fist clenched tightly at the mention of Abby.

"Can i ask you something?" Dina randomly asked, after staring at you for a while.

"yeah"

"why don't you want me?"

"What?"

Dina dropped her backpack and she made her way towards you: "like you- fuck- why don't you look at me? I always look at you"

You wanted to run out the room, this was all happening too fast. "Dina-"

"no listen, i know nothing about you but you seem like a really sweet girl, please just one chance" she begged.

You would give her a million chances.

"Yeah..." you started, you looked around the room one last time before you finally made eye contact with Dina.

"so are you gonna take me on a date?" You smiled at her shyly.

Dina chucked and she responded with one word: "yeah"

#dina tlou #dina woodward #ellie and dina #the last of us game #tlou 2 #dina the last of us #dina nolastname #ellie williams #dina fanart #ellie x dina #the last of us 2 #the last of us #tlou #tlouedit #the last of us part ii #the last of us part 2 #dina #dina x ellie

212 notes · View notes

crazylittlejester · 10 months ago

Note

Time for some happy/fluffy headcannons since I can :3

Sky sees all the Zeldas as his daughters since he and Sun created the royal lineage. No matter how distant, they are his and Sun's children no matter what. (Some of the Zeldas who didn't have good relationships with their dads *cough* Flora *cough* nearly sob in joy because of this). Also, the Zeldas get their prophetic dreams from him too.

Legend's nose does that cute twitching that rabbits do. It makes him so flustered whenever anybody points it out.

Four, if he were to ever met any of the Gerudo, would be highly respected by them despite his height. He is short, yes, but he is very strong, intelligent and can make his own weapons. He'd probably have to fight off suitors if he ever went to Wild's Gerudo Town, tbh.

Everybody from Ordon is blessed by Ordona, and they have square pupils like goats do because of this. Despite being Hylian, and not being born in Ordon like the others, Twilight was also blessed and later in life developed these same pupils. He loves them despite how creepy everybody else thinks they are.

Time actually gained a little weight after marrying Malon because he felt safe enough to do so. He always made himself stay at top shape in case he had to go on another quest, so when he didn't immediately get thrown into one he got a little meat on his bones. He didnt look like a skeleton anymore. Malon was happy he did, since he was always thin even as a child.

Warriors knits and sews and Proxy has a small hat he made with an itty-bitty pompom on top.

Wind is scared of lighting storms due to a bad sailing trip after his adventure, and Sky tries to comfort him despite also being terrified of lighting himself.

Wild's mother was a piece of Farore's spirit traveling Hyrule as a mortal, and fell deeply in love with his father. Both Wild and his sister are considered forest spirits, and his sister actually became a korok after her mortal body died. The first korok he ever finds is his sister :)

Hyrule really likes the non hostile Zora whenever they visit them, and he learned how to swim from them.

None of the Links can hold their alcohol. One drink and they are all tipsy beyond belief. Except Wind, he can take two drinks before he also is drunk off his rocker.

YAY FLUFFY HEADCANONS (god knows i need more of these after the obnoxiously sad headcanons i have)

- This is so cute actually, I can totally see Sky and Flora becoming close

- Legend 100% does that, I also headcanon he hops when he gets really excited

- OKAY THE ORDONA GOAT EYE THING IS ACTUALLY SO COOL??? THATS AN EPIC HEADCANON

- My favorite thing ever in fiction is when characters start to look physically happy and healthy as they recover from trauma, and I write a lot of this happening to Wars (because I gave him horrible food anxiety and write about how he’s been able to work over that and become a lot healthier and happier) and I can see this happening to Time too

- WARRIORS KNITS IS REAL. REAL AND TRUE. YOURE RIGHT AND YOU SHOULD SAY SO!! I can see him making sweaters for everyone

- Wind and Sky and Legend all being unnerved by storms 🤝

- I think it’d be hilarious if they couldn’t hold their alcohol and Wind could out drink them, but whenever I write these guys I always give them at least a couple instances where Twi gets a good few beers and Wars gets his wine. I don’t think Time would drink, not because he wants to be the responsible adult, but because he just doesn’t drink

#linked universe #linkeduniverse #lu warriors #lu time #lu twilight #lu wild #lu sky #lu wind #lu four #lu legend #lu hyrule #jes talks #jes ask

104 notes · View notes

empressmcblondie · 9 months ago

Text

As you know I'm already down this Shauna and Jackie rabbit hole (this pun is absolutely intended), and so, I wanted to touch upon something else I've noticed. During 1x01, we see Shauna's rabbit collection, and obviously, in 1x06 Shauna receives a little ceramic rabbit from Mrs. Taylor under the impression that "Jackie just adored rabbits." Now... Shauna's facial expression in reaction to this statement is very telling. She plays along with whatever this is. Yes, Jackie adored rabbits, sure thing... And because of that, I adore rabbits now because I've become a Jackie substitute in the eyes of her bereaved parents. Initially I scratched this off as a mother who didn't actually know her teenage daughter well enough, which is pretty on brand. The Taylors give me perfect-on-paper-but-dysfunctional-in-reality energy with a lot of the tension coming from Jackie's relationship with her mother. Jackie herself denounces this connection to rabbits quite explicitly in the immediate scene that follows when she and Shauna go checking the traps, referring to the animal as a "squirrel with floppy ears and a pompom on its ass." Clearly, Jackie did not care for rabbits whatsoever. But... Where did Mrs. Taylor even get the idea that Jackie likes rabbits in the first place? It has to have come from somewhere, no? It did.

It most likely came from Shauna.

Shauna's room in 1x01.

You can see the small ceramic rabbit, strategically placed beneath the light in Shauna's room, linking her to the animal explicitly. It's not that Shauna took it upon herself to love rabbits because of Jackie's parents. It's that Shauna projected her own love for rabbits (to whatever length that went) onto Jackie. Just like with the journal in my previous post... Shauna is rewriting Jackie not just by taking on Jackie characteristics as her own, but by inserting her own characteristics into Jackie posthumously.

Shauna's confession of "I don't even know where you end and I begin" (also a Radiohead song) takes on a whole new layer of meaning. It's not just that Shauna doesn't know anymore... But we, the audience, don't either. It's becoming increasingly difficult to understand who Jackie is. What elements of Jackie's life are actually Jackie's doing and what are props, planted by Shauna... Small edits she makes to match the story that she tells herself in her own head. Anyways, as always, this show is a gift that keeps on giving.

#shaunajackie #shauna shipman #jackie taylor #yellowjackets

96 notes · View notes

dirgeforworms · 2 months ago

Text

OK SO kink event overall

The Ick:

Get kinkshamed within the first fifteen minutes by someone who was apparently deeply uncool with "that tactical shit" which they "guess some people are into." (Me, my voice high with offense and injury "YES. ME?") It's been a few weeks and yeah I'm still really upset by this? It sucked? It was mean. I have never been more aware that my tastes are niche until that very moment. tumblr, Twitter, thank you for not giving a fuck about military gear kink. Apparently this person were giving everyone a hard time that wasn't dressed in all-black "classic" BDSM fetish wear, which makes me feel a little better that it just wasn't me being targeted. Like, yes there was a dress code. The dress code said no jeans, I respect this. But the dress code also said uniforms were acceptable kinks wear and what is my fucking shit if not a uniform. What is my fucking shit if not elaborate genderfuckery. Like ok I don't know if you know this but I am not a military boy in real life. This is a kink thing.

Anyway ultimately I took off my pants (this was acceptable) and was roaming around in my jock strap so that was a thing. Ass out and packing all night and it was good.

The cops were out at the very end of the night and I had to put my pants back on, which was definitely some like, unprecedented levels of irony after needing to remove them to get in.

Everyone was kind of already paired up so there was really no pickup play. Someone else had waited in line for a few hours for something and ended up giving up. I was there just to watch so it wasn't a huge deal but it was definitely an issues for others.

It was sort of narrow "classic" BDSM stuff. I went with Pervert Chat (we will be using their scenes names, Bishop and Llewyn) and Bishop was vaguely disappointed by the lack of variety? Granted, all three of us are primarily online perverts so there's that.

SOMEONE BLED BLOOD AND WE MISSED IT.

The Yum:

Listening to someone get hit repeatedly is like, really soothing. Like you don't know how mesmerizing the sound of asscheeks being repeatedly slapped is until you just zone out watching someone get hit. It's great.

The classes were fucking awesome. I learned how to tie the world's most basic shibari on myself and it hit the same buttons as wearing a harness does so that was nice. I bought rope.

There were One Million attractive people there in various states of undress like wow I don't know about you but wow.

I ended up waiting in line to do some estim stuff and. Uh. Was glad my friend weren't there at that time because I was feeling some. Feelings. About being shocked. There was back arching involved and I think I said "holy shit" in a weird voice and I couldn't walk right afterwards. It was ultimately good and I'm glad I did it but hm. Hm hm. It sure was Sensation alright.

I had so many marks after being zapped (tools- dull knife, cattle prod, strings of beads ("jellyfish stings" via the person shocking me), and like a metal tinsel pompom thing) and it was nice to look at them for days but also the knife ones scabbed and got itchy, which was an unforseen but totally logical problem.

I met a nice pup who's staying in touch we chatted in line and held hands as emotional support during the estim since neither of us had done it before.

Me, sappily to a handsome cowboy drag king covered in butter who just sang a song about corn: "You were really cool <3" The Drag King: "Oh thanks!"

I need to meet up with the pup again but work is a fucking nightmare and I'm suffering from what I think is an eczema flareup so I'm mostly stressed and miserable rn and going out with a new person feels... Like something I don't want to do. But I should plan it at least.

Overall it was worth it I just wish that person wouldn't have immediately made me feel like a fucking interloper, especially since everyone else was really nice. I got to hang out with Llewyn and Bishop all day though. Bishop went home early bc he doesn't stay up past 9pm but Llewyn (who was really not interested in any of the kink his tastes are very narrow) was a great driver and was very patient when I stumbled off to the cuddle room with that pup and vanished for an hour. The cuddling was also really good. Turns out when someone kind of gently headlocks you into their chest it feels really nice.

#if my friends hadn't been there I would have been so fucking upset at the beginning #dirgeforworms #kink event 2024

9 notes · View notes

xieni-logs · 1 year ago

Note

Ooooh how about the whole Astral Express fam but both Caelus and Stelle + Y/N at an amusement park? Like who would be grabbing onto who for dear life on rollercoasters, who enjoys the spinny and 100 mph rides and then all of them on those water raft rides or just some ride with enough room for them all?

THE ASTRAL EXPRESS: AMUSEMENT PARKS

a/n: i hope i did your request right. i havent been to an amusement park in years so im honestly just assuming these rides all exist inside one park. i did think of writing for pompom but wondered if pompom can even leave the express. i enjoyed writing this, thank you! (ˊᗜˋ)/

March 100% enjoys thrill rides and ferris wheels. she acts like the ride is scary when she's in line but has no fear taking out her camera right before the roller coaster is about to drop. does her little peace sign pose and takes a picture as the people around are yelling and someone passed out. she'll even go on a ride multiple times just for a good picture. forces everyone to go with her at least once. if you say yes easily, great: you're going on the drop tower for the third time in two hours with March now! Welt holding his poor back, Himeko is a little dizzy, Dan Heng is sweating and feeling nauseous, Stelle and Caelus are both saying they're perfectly fine but their legs are shaking like crazy, March is completely unaffected though! she's running to the next ride and telling everyone to hurry up as if she didn't just make Caelus throw up inside a little. if you're unaffected like she is, pray for your legs because you'll be standing in line for hours going on the same ride again and again.

Caelus enjoys the bumper cars and bumper boats the most. there’s something therapeutic about purposefully crashing into people, according to him. he targets people but denies it. has nearly flipped another bumper boat open and was forced to apologize to the whoever was on that bumper boat by welt later. don't be surprised if Caelus begins targeting you for no reason, he does it for everyone!

Stelle loves the haunted houses and test of strength games. nothing better than going through it all trying to prove who's better. March happily goes along with her, Caelus will too, and Dan Heng will be dragged along whether he likes it or not! Himeko and Welt wait outside, still recovering from the rides March dragged them on. most of the time, you'll walk through the haunted house no problem. the most you'll get is a sharp gasp from Caelus and Stelle or an "EEP!" from March, and nothing from Dan Heng. but if it's one of those creepier haunted houses, well... you'll walk out, all of you holding onto somewhere on Dan Heng.

Dan Heng probably enjoys the lazy river the most. thats saying a lot since he doesn't exactly like nor dislike any rides at the amusement park. this is an activity the entire astral express will partake in! as much as thrills and fun rides and attractions are appealing, you can't beat a moment of relaxation in a chaotic day. Caelus and March have fallen asleep while floating down the lazy river while everyone else sits in comfortable silence.

Welt doesn't have a preference on rides and attraction. he's an everything type of guy! will try everything at least once, mostly because you and the others ask him. feeling too nervous to go on a ride but you still want to? ask him to tag along. don't want to line up for the overpriced amusement park food alone? he'll come with you. he's like a personal plus-one for everyone on the astral express crew!

Himeko enjoys the ferris wheels. something about being at the very top of the ferris wheel, overseeing the world from a different angle that is so, so nice. March likes the ferris wheel too! she and Himeko will take pictures in the ferris wheel. the entire crew is likely split into two cabins; one having Himeko, March, Caelus and you, and the other has Dan Heng, Stelle, and Welt. of course, Himeko doesn't stay on the ferris wheel the entire time, she can be seen going through gift shops and all that; a souvenir to commemorate this occasion.

112 notes · View notes

stargazer-sims · 10 months ago

Text

The Art of Redemption

(part 17)

previous // next // story index

—————

Nikolai's entire skating career was in that box.

He sits on the bed with everything spread out around him and the box discarded on the floor. When he pushed it off the bed, it landed with the labelled side up, and he tries not to glance at it. He doesn't want to see what's written there.

Beth-Anne had obviously tried to conceal the word 'donate' that had been inscribed on it in all capitals. She'd scratched it out with her own black marker and printed Nikolai's name neatly above it, but unfortunately the writing under the scribble is still legible.

Nikolai can't say for certain what had happened, but if Beth-Anne had taken the box from his house, there's only one person who could've filled it and marked it to give away. It had to have been Anya. That realization hits him hard, like a right-handed punch to the stomach.

When he first saw the box, just a couple of days after arriving at Beth-Anne's house, he hadn't wanted to believe Anya had anything to do with it at all. The thought had crossed his mind briefly, but he'd rejected it. Now, however, it seems likely she had everything to do with it, and Beth-Anne somehow knew about it and rescued the box with all his things inside.

Or maybe Beth-Anne didn't know. Perhaps, like him, she'd initially noticed part of his sparkly purple costume poking out between the flaps, and simply grabbed the box on impulse.

He decides the second scenario is more plausible. That would explain why Beth-Anne hadn't mentioned anything. She didn't know what was in it, and left it for him to discover on his own. If she had known, he doubts she would've kept quiet about it. She'd be outraged, and she's not particularly good at containing herself when she's angry on someone else's behalf.

Nikolai surveys the items arranged around him. His two costumes from the Four Continents, one purple and one red and black, are creased and not looking their best, but he's not as concerned about them as he is about the other items.

Wedged into one corner of the carton was a tiny pair of skates. They'd been his very first pair, and for years his mother had kept them wrapped in cloth and tucked away in a clear plastic container on the top shelf of her bedroom closet. She gave them to him when he moved out on his own, and he kept them on display with a snapshot of himself, Grandpa and Natascha. In the picture, Nikolai and Natascha look to be about three or four years old, and Grandpa's hair is still mostly brown. Nikolai and his twin sister are dressed in matching red coats and red and white knitted hats with pompoms. Grandpa is holding each them by the hand. They're all wearing skates and they're standing on a frozen lake.

Nikolai's mother had given him a copy of the photo in a stiff cardboard frame that opens like a greeting card, and because she'd written a message on it, he'd never bothered to put the picture into a more sturdy frame. He regrets that decision now, after having located it under his little skates, bent and damaged.

The majority of the space in the box had been taken up by all his medals, which looked as if they'd been scooped up and dumped in there all at once. All of their ribbons are crumpled, and he had to spend time untangling some of them from each other. They look terrible, and he doesn't know how to fix them.

Even worse than the state of the lake photo and his medals is the condition of some of the other pictures. A photo of him as a child with a silver medal around his neck, posing with Grandpa and Allison in front of a massive Canadian flag, has a chipped frame. The frame of another one is cracked completely through. His favourite photograph, which he always kept on the sideboard in the dining room, has a huge spiderweb of a crack in the glass, as if something had struck it. One of the medals, probably. The irony of that is not lost on him.

He picks up the photo. Even with the crack, the image is still visible. In it, eighteen year old Nikolai and rookie coach Beth-Anne have their arms around each other in a jubilant embrace. They're both facing the camera, wide smiles on their faces. His gold medal is around her neck. On the lower part of the black photo mat around the picture, gold text in a looping calligraphy font says forever.

He remembers exactly when this picture was taken. It was at Skate Canada, his first international competition that season, and he hadn't even been favoured for a top-three finish, let alone to win gold.

He recalls crying in the hallway outside the locker room before his long program, overcome with nerves and paralyzing self-doubt. Beth-Anne had offered no comment at first. She gathered him in her arms and stroked his back in that soothing way of hers until he settled down and stopped shaking. Then, she held him at arm's length and looked directly into his face.

"You are a champion," she said. "Do you believe that?"

He didn't know how to respond. "Do you believe it?"

"I do," she said. "I believed it from the first moment I laid eyes on you and I saw you do that brilliant quad toe loop. But, you know it's not all about technical skills, don't you? It's about attitude and it's about heart, and yeah... maybe that sounds like a load of motivational bullshit, but I think it's true."

"It... kind of does sound like motivational crap, honestly." he said.

"Fine. Then how about this? Is skating fun?"

"Yeah," he replied. "You know I think it's fun. I love everything about it. It makes me happy."

She nodded. "You show me that every day in practice. I've seen you skate this routine to near perfection, and I can see the joy and confidence practically radiating off you when you do it. So, tell me something. What makes you think you can't do it today?"

"Uh... maybe the thousands of people watching? And the medals?"

"Forget about the medals for now," she said. "Forget the audience. I'll be standing where you can see me when you start. Just look for me, and pretend we're alone. Keep that in your mind, okay? Try to have as much fun as you would in practice, and everything else will fall right into place, I promise."

Despite how it had sounded, she hadn't been telling him to forget about winning. In fact, he understood it to be the opposite. She'd been telling him she believed he could win, but the way to do it wasn't to be preoccupied with earning a medal. If he made the idea of winning a medal his main focus, it would create too much pressure on him and he wouldn't be able to concentrate properly on what he was doing, but if he just let himself relax and enjoy it, he could perform exactly as he did in their practice sessions.

The strategy had worked. It worked so well that he surprised everyone, including himself, when the judges showed his scores and he and Beth-Anne realized he was in first place.

When the officials presented him with the gold medal, he started crying all over again, but this time his tears came from happiness rather than fear. As soon as the medal presentations were over, he bounded off the podium, across the floor and straight into Beth-Anne's waiting arms. While sports journalists snapped photos, Nikolai took the medal from around his own neck and placed it around Beth-Anne's.

"I couldn't have done any of this without you," he told her, and they hugged again.

When someone in the crowd called Nikolai's name, he and Beth-Anne both turned to look. It was Grandpa. Stan and Ginger were with him, and Stan had a camera. Stan pressed the shutter button at the precise moment to capture Nikolai and Beth-Anne's expressions of happy surprise.

Nikolai carefully touches the cracked glass with his fingertips. His chest feels so tight, he can barely breathe and his eyes are stinging. He wants to cry or scream or... do something, but all he seems capable of doing is to stare down at the broken object in his hands.

The question plays on repeat in his mind, Why?

Why would Anya do this? Why would she throw away all his important items as if they were useless junk? Why would she do something she must've known would upset him?

Sure, he can live without these things, and if it came down to a choice between preserving them or protecting the people he cares about, he'd choose the people every time, but it's the principle that matters here. He thought Anya loved him as much as he loves her, but if that were true, how could she fail so completely to protect him?

No, it's not just a failure to protect you. It's a deliberate attempt to hurt you, comes a whisper from a dark corner of his mind. She doesn't really love you.

He doesn't want to accept that, but the possibility is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. It's not just his treasures. It's not just her hiding his crutches and then leaving him to fend for himself when he could barely walk, and it's not just her taking Tangerine the cat and not telling him. Things between them have been deteriorating for a while.

The problem is, he doesn't understand what triggered their decline. He's always tried to do everything in his power to please her. He's done his best to take care of her and give her the lifestyle she wants, sometimes to his own detriment. There was a time when he would've moved the Earth for her if he could have, and maybe there was a time when she would've appreciated that sentiment too, but lately it seems like nothing he does is enough.

Since their return from the Four Continents Championship, when it became necessary for her to take care of him, the situation became exponentially worse. She'd never demeaned or belittled him before, but since Taiwan, he's lost count of the awful things she's said to him. Incompetent, stupid, a failure... She berated him constantly for not being able to do things for himself, and sometimes yelled at him so harshly that his fragile psyche couldn't take it. He'd break down crying, and then she'd humiliate him for that.

He'd made an effort to talk to her about it. He'd asked her what was wrong, and what he could do to make it better, but she invariably avoided answering him. She'd say things like "It'll be better when your knee heals," or "This is just a rough patch. I'm sure it'll pass."

But, he knows it won't. This isn't something that'll fix itself, and more and more he wonders if it's even worth fixing anyway.

When did I stop wanting to make it better? he asks himself.

A couple weeks ago, he told Beth-Anne that he wanted a divorce from Anya. He's still certain that's what he wants, but he doesn't completely remember when he made that choice. He's thought of it several times before, but never in a serious way. It wasn't until Anya walked out on him that he began to consider it seriously, and it's almost as if his brain all of a sudden settled on it as the correct course of action and wouldn't harbour any other options.

One more chance, he thinks. I'll give her one more chance. I need to hear her explain her side of it, and then, if I don't like what I hear...

He clenches his hands around the edges of the picture frame so hard that his fingers ache. His gaze takes in his medals, his tiny skates, the mistreated costumes and damaged photos, and finally comes to rest on the fractured glass in front of him. Without warning, something inside him lets go. A multitude of emotions surge to the surface, but the winner of the race by far is anger. He's not an angry person and doesn't experience it often, but he has no trouble recognizing it for what it is.

How dare she…? She doesn’t deserve another chance!

But still… it’s not always about what someone deserves. Or maybe in this case, it’s about what I deserve. I’m entitled to know the truth.

Without pausing to reconsider what he's about to do next, he places the framed photo gently on the bed alongside the others. Then, he gets up and returns to the kitchen where he puts on his sneakers and jacket and grabs the keys to Beth-Anne's truck off the shelf by the front door.

He's somewhat calmer by the time he arrives at Anya's grandparents' house; clear-headed enough to have a conversation but still angry enough not to be scared.

He hops out of the truck, marches up to the front door, and knocks loudly.

A moment later, Anya's grandmother opens the door and peeks out. She's a small, elegant woman with her silver hair perpetually done up in a neat bun, and it's a rare day when she doesn't have a smile for Nikolai. Her smile fades when she takes in his appearance.

'Kolya! What's wrong?" she exclaims in Russian. She barely speaks English, and doesn't even bother using it with him since she knows he speaks Russian as fluently as she does. "Are you all right?"

"No, I'm not," he answers honestly. "I'm looking for Anna-Valentina. I see my car is here, so I assume she's not out anywhere."

"She's here," Mrs. Baranov says. "I'll go and get her for you. Will you come in?"

He shakes his head. "I'm sorry, babushka. Not today. Can you just tell Anya to come outside?"

She frowns, confused. "Of course. If that's what you want."

She disappears back into the house and the door closes with a soft click.

Nikolai waits several minutes before it finally opens again to reveal Anya. She's as gorgeous as ever with her big blue eyes and her heart-shaped face framed by smooth golden hair. She must've recently come back from practice because she's still dressed in a form-fitting pink top and light grey athletic pants that accentuate all her sensuous curves.

There was a time when the sight of her looking like this would've been irresistible and incredibly distracting to him, but today he's unaffected. Her beautiful smile used to melt him, but now it only irritates him. How can she be smiling?

"Kolya!" she exclaims in much the same way her grandmother did. "Look at you! You're back on your feet. I was worried about you, and I couldn't—”

He holds up a hand to cut her off. "Anya, stop."

"What?" she peers quizzically at him. "Kolya, what's wrong with you? Your face looks like a stormcloud. Here I am, so glad to see you, and you look like you're ready to... I don't know. Do something awful."

"I'm not going to do anything awful. I just want to talk."

"About what?"

"Don't act like you don't know," he says.

"If this is about your cat—"

"It's not, but since you mentioned Tangerine, where is she? I'd like to have her back."

Anya meets his eyes and says evenly, "I can't give her to you."

"Why can't you?" he demands.

"Because I can't."

"Anya, I want my cat, and I’m not going to play your stupid games and negotiate for her like she’s your hostage or something. You don’t really want her, and she needs me, so can you please just stop being like this?”

"I'm not playing a game," Anya says. "I can't give you something I don't have, can I?"

"What do you mean, you don't have her? You took her, so what did you do with her after that? Where is she?"

"Well, you know my grandfather is allergic to cats..."

"Anna-Valentina." His voice is much louder and harder than he intended, and his heart is suddenly pounding rapidly. He takes a few steps forward so that he and Anya are less than half a metre apart. "I'm only going to ask one more time. Where is Tangerine?"

"We surrendered her."

His breath catches in his throat. "To the animal shelter? How long ago did you do that?"

She gives the tiniest shrug with one shoulder. "Maybe a week ago? I tried to keep her in my room, but you know how she likes hiding. She kept escaping and hiding under my grandparents' bed, and Grandpa was getting sick, so... we had to do something, didn't we?"

"You could've given her back to me!" he cries, stunned and distraught. He had expected their conversation not to be easy, but he absolutely hadn't predicted that it'd take this drastic turn. "You—"

Don't waste your breath arguing, says the rational part of his mind.

It's the only shred of logical thought he's able to grasp onto in a consciousness that feels like home to a raging storm of negative feelings. He glares at Anya for a second before he turns and sprints off the doorstep and back to the truck, heedless of the sports therapist’s instruction that he’s not supposed to run on uneven surfaces yet.

"Kolya, where are you going?" she calls.

He ignores her. He climbs into the cab and guns the engine. Small rocks fly up from the gravel driveway as he tears out onto the road.

His anger is rapidly giving way to despair. He's never surrendered an animal to a shelter before, and he's never adopted one from there either. He got Tangerine when she was just a kitten, from a neighbour whose cat had an unplanned litter. He doesn't know anything about shelters. Maybe they've already given her to a new family by now, or euthanized her, or...

Don't think about it.

He makes it only as far as the nearest cross-street before he has to pull over. It's not because he's too upset to drive — although he does fear he's dangerously close to that point — but rather because it occurs to him that he has no clue where he's going. To the city animal shelter, yes, but he doesn't have the faintest idea where it is.

He takes a minute to pull out his phone and look up the address. Satisfied that it's not on some obscure street he's never heard of, and that he'll be able to find it, he reaches to put the phone back in his pocket. Then, he has second thoughts. Even if he can get to the shelter with little difficulty, he's not confident he'll be able to keep himself together once he gets there. He has a horrible mental image of himself falling apart in front of a receptionist or whoever he might have to speak to.

He dials a number that's almost as familiar to him as his own, and listens to the line ring three times.

Eventually, Ginger's bright voice filters into his ear. "Hey, Nik! Saw your name on my caller ID. What's on the go?"

"Are you busy right now?" he asks.

"Not particularly," she says. "Stan said I could skip the gym today, so I was thinking about doing a bit of shopping. Why?"

"I need your help."

"Of course," she says. "What do you need?"

"Can I come pick you up? I'll fill you in when I see you, but... I have to do something really important, and I have to do it right now, and I... I don't think I can handle it alone."

#writing #the art of redemption #theartofredemption #nikolai pavlenko #stargazersims

22 notes · View notes