#wild that he's just out there looking like this god truly has her favourites

[userarmand]

JACOB ANDERSON as Louis de Pointe du Lac — Interview with the Vampire

[every-aj-needs-an-angel]

Chapter 9!! I genuinely cannot believe I've actually kept up with this 😅 honestly I'm the worst ask every teacher who ever wanted coursework from me 😂 the love and support I've received from everyone who's enjoyed this has been mind-blowing and I'm so grateful to each and every one of you 💖

Betting It All On Love

Robin, surprisingly, took him shopping, which was only surprising because of how much she truly hated it. She hated the crowds and the trends the masses felt a weird compulsion for, and that was before she got on to the whole thing about consumerism. But she knew how much he loved it, knew how a new outfit could bolster his mood, how the hum of voices echoing through the space soothed something deep in his soul.

The one advantage to still having anything to do with his biological parents was that they still paid off the credit card they'd given him when he had gone on a class trip to the zoo in middle school, so on the rare occasion he felt the need to go wild in the aisles, he didn't feel like he had to feel too guilty about using it. Especially when that meant he could buy Robin the plaid coat she hadn't been able to take her eyes off of from the moment they'd walked into the mall.

Especially when she grinned like that at her every reflection as she wore it around the air-conditioned space, which was far too chilly for the tee and shorts combo she'd chosen for the day. Not that Steve was quite sure why there was a surf and ski clothing store in the middle of Nevada, but it didn't matter, he knew the coat would be perfect for when winter came to Indy. It hadn't been quite perfect in the moment, of course, and he was seriously considering giving in and just going into the nearest store to buy her yet another hoodie.

"Steve, I'm hot!" Robin whined as she wandered listlessly by his side.

"So take the coat off," Steve reasoned calmly, shifting the shopping bags in his hands to take some of the pressure off of his tattoo.

"But then I'll be cold!" she countered.

"Truly a cross to bear," Steve muttered under his breath, rolling his eyes to himself as he steered them back towards the souvenir stand; because no way we're they ever going to own another average hoodie, it was going to be the most disgustingly gaudy 'I heart Vegas' glaringly obviously touristy hoodie humanly possible. 

Except as they continued to stroll along their new route, it took them right past the food court, Robin enthusiastically exclaiming "Ice cream!" That was how they ended up crammed into a booth, the amount of bags they'd acquired practically pushing them off their seats, a giant bowl of banana split sitting between them as they both picked their favourite parts out of the dessert.

"So, how's things going with Chris?" Steve asked as he shoved a spoonful of strawberry ice cream into his mouth.

Robin nodded, chewing thoughtfully on the caramel coated banana, "Good," she admitted, blushing deeply and ducking her head. "She's amazing, Steve, I've never met anyone like her. She's like a ray of fucking sunshine, you know? Like the kind cats curl up in. Just joy and warmth and, I don't know, magic, or something," she gushed, waving her hands and her empty spoon around as she talked, saying more about her feelings than what was actually coming out of her mouth.

She bit the inside of her cheek but couldn't keep the lovesick grin off of her face as she stared into the distance, gazing vaguely at the lime green vinyl of the booth seat just over Steve's shoulder, "I swear to God, at Charlie's last night, I was this close," she pinches her finger and thumb together so there's only the tiniest sliver of light between them, "to asking her to marry me! And not just drunken Vegas marrying, like full on, come home and meet my folks, months of planning and white dresses, marrying. That's insane, right?" she asked, finally looking at his face.

Steve wasn't entirely sure how he was supposed to respond, part of him was insulted that she thought his marriage was less than because of how it had happened. Part of him was just incredibly proud of her. It was crazy, and it also wasn't crazy at all. Sometimes when you know you just know and given how long they'd all actually spent together, it wasn't like she was just jumping in feet first. Robin had probably spent more hours with Chrissy than she had ever spent with Sammi and that relationship had felt like it was never ending.

Luckily, he was saved from actually answering when, after swallowing another mouthful of partially melted chocolate ice cream, she jabbed her spoon at him and exclaimed, "And oh my god, Steve! In bed! The best I've ever had!" And Robin might've continued to elaborate on that, but Steve had unceremoniously dropped his spoon to cover his ears and “la la la” loudly until her lips stopped moving.

It was a running joke between the two of them, the first guy he'd been on a date with after Billy had been phenomenal. Alex had blown Steve's tiny small-town mind, and even though they’d both agreed that their relationship would only ever be a casual hookup, it hadn’t stopped him from wandering around for three whole days like he was on an actual cloud. Robin had quickly become sick of his permanent grin and had asked him "what the fuck he had to be so happy about?" She hadn't liked the answer and ever since whenever either one of them went into specifics about their love life that was what the other one did.

She laughed, and he did too knowing full well she'd tell him, in intricate and unnecessary detail, all about Chrissy's skills in the bedroom as they finished their shopping spree; they still had to find Dustin’s book after all, and they both knew he would listen while she gushed about what an incredible lover she'd snagged, and he'd try desperately not to be green with envy that she'd found the love of her life and was actually going to get to keep her.

They didn't talk about Eddie, he could tell she wanted to, she kept opening her mouth to ask questions and then just snapping her jaw shut and carrying on, distracting him with pretty things and tasty foods. Part of him was glad. Part of him wanted to talk it through with her. Part of him just wanted to enjoy time spent with his best friend and live in the delusion that everything was fine. He had no doubt there'd be plenty of time to talk about it when they got home, even if Robin and Chrissy immediately moved in together, and he had to learn to talk to Chrissy the same way he talked to Robin (which he honestly didn't think would be that difficult) he had no doubt that they’d make space and time for him to mourn his loss, and maybe even mourn it with him.

At least with Chrissy across the hall, he'd finally have someone to watch sports with again. Chris' taste in sport had so far been Robin's only complaint. She'd been excited to finally find someone she was attracted to who actually liked sports but had been quickly disappointed to find out that Chris preferred watching basketball and the NFL like Steve, which meant that Robin still wouldn't have anyone to watch soccer with.

Even though Steve was always happy to watch it with her, he just didn't share her enthusiasm for it. That was the thing that apparently baffled Robin, because “how could any self-respecting bisexual not enjoy a field full of men in tiny shorts chasing a ball?” And honestly, it was the chasing the ball part that seemed to be the off-putting bit. It kinda felt more like watching golden retrievers in the dog park, and although the whole point of football and basketball was to get a ball in a goal, he was proud that neither were a game a dog could play.

As he was ambling around the bookstore looking for the fantasy section, it occurred to him that it would probably be the last time he’d be asked to do anything like this for the kids. Not that you could really class a bunch of twenty-somethings as kids anymore, but it occured to him somewhat horrifyingly that all of them were about to start going out into the real world. They’d all soon be grown-ups and would soon have to deal with all the problems that came with being an adult that were coming for them thick and fast. Real relationships and jobs and rent, for most of them this summer would probably be their last one at home with their parents.

It might even be the last summer he had a chance to see some of them ever again. Max still wanted to go home to her dad and the chances of him getting an invitation to California were probably slimmer than he’d like to admit. As he picked up the copy of Earthshaker he’d been searching for, he vowed to himself to spend more than one weekend back home before they all headed back to college. Take his camera home, organise a big party, and tell them all how much he loved them. It’d be fine, the summer wasn’t over yet. 

Robin interrupted his rapidly derailing train of thought when she came bounding around the bookshelf, a stack of books cradled to her chest like a newborn. He purposefully didn’t ask, especially when he could see that the one on the top of the stack read ‘Nuclear Medicine In Tropical And Infectious Diseases’. He just grinned knowingly and waved Dustin’s book in the direction of the register, mainly because they both knew full well that given the opportunity, Robin could and would happily spend the rest of their vacation immersed in the endless racks and shelves. 

He did, however, self indulgently snag the latest Jackie Collins novel to add to his growing collection as he passed by the display. Sweet old Mrs Johnson had been the one to get him hooked. She used to read them when she would babysit, at first to herself, but then there’d been a bad storm one weekend when he was six and the electricity had gone out for hours. It was winter so although it had been early in the evening, it was dark and he was scared. But Mrs Johnson had just pulled him into her lap and let him curl into her while she read by candlelight.

He hadn’t really understand the story itself, but she had had a nice voice, and he had liked listening to her read. From then on it had been what they had done on rainy days. In fact, the weekend before she had died, it had been stormy, and they’d spent two whole days curled up in her favourite armchair in his living room while she read to him.

The books had made him mad for a while, after she’d left him, but then when he was older and trying to navigate high school he quickly realised he preferred the salacious crime novels to Shakespeare or Chaucer that were, as far as he was concerned, basically the same thing but written in another language. It hadn’t been until he was older still that he realised that some of the characters in those books had also been vital in helping him create the King Steve persona that kept him safe for four years.

 

Steve hadn’t realised how quickly the day had disappeared until they made it back to the hotel. Not that he minded, his stomach full from the tacos they’d been unable to resist, and he’d had a wonderful day with his best friend.

They’d bought so many things that even in the short walk from the lobby, his fingers had started to take on that distinctive claw shape as the handles had dug into his skin. Sighing heavily in relief as he finally released the bags onto his bed, and again in frustration as Robin cheerfully tried and failed to check their voicemails, nearly making a collect call by accident. He used his one still fully functioning finger to press the necessary buttons, flopping down next to his best friend on her bed.

Beep. “Hi. It’s me. Chrissy,” she paused giggling to herself, “I hope you two are free tonight! Meet by the creepy looking goat statue at six?” she sounded so happy and hopeful, Steve couldn’t keep the endeared smile off of his face. Robin almost cut the message off before Chris had had chance to finish, and he couldn’t help feeling like a bit of a hero when he stopped her movements just in time to hear “Okay, see you soon. I love you!” Beep. 

Robin’s eyes immediately bugged out, if she wasn’t careful it was likely they’d fall out of her head altogether. She glanced franticly between Steve and the phone, her whole demeanour screaming “You heard that, right?” Steve grinned and jostled her playfully, enjoying the deep blush on her cheeks and her silent fluster as she processed what she’d heard.

Not that they really had time for an emotional crisis, “Come on, blushy! If we’re meeting at six, that only gives us half hour,” he reasoned, flipping himself off the bed and heading to his wardrobe to find his black pinstripe shirt and dark jeans. He had no idea what they would be doing, but it’d be a fine outfit for an evening in Vegas.

He was standing over the sink adding some serum to his hair when he heard her mumble from the doorway, “Isn’t it a bit early for ‘I love you’?” She sounded so small and hesitant, he dropped his hands immediately, stepping over to her and wrapping his arms around her shoulders, being extra careful not to get sticky fingers on her fancy blazer.

“Is it ever too early to say how you feel?” he asked, pressing his cheek against the top of her head.

“I don’t know” Robin muttered glumly, grabbing two fistfuls of the back of his shirt and scrunching it between her fingers anxiously. “There’s no way she meant “I love you” right? I mean, she can’t be in love with me, Evie. It doesn’t make any sense! We’ve known each other for what? A few days! There’s no way she could… She must’ve meant “love you” you know? Like in a friend way,” she rambled frenetically; whether she was trying to convince him or herself, he really couldn’t say.

Steve hummed thoughtfully, “Does it feel like love in a friend way?” he asked evenly.

She scoffed harshly like he expected her to, “No! But she wasn’t just talking to me, she was inviting both of us,” she pointed out.

It frustrated him how easily she could convince herself that people couldn’t possibly love her. He sighed heavily trying really hard not to roll his eyes, “She was talking to you,” he affirmed, because he had heard that message, and contrary to popular belief he wasn’t actually stupid, and he’d witnessed with his own eyes how crazy Chrissy was about her, how crazy she was about Chrissy.

Huffing loudly, she removed herself from his hold, so she could look him in the eye “But it’s been days!” she whined, still trying to convince someone that the facts weren’t the facts, probably because she was actually just kinda scared.

Steve just shrugged his shoulders, “Yeah, but how many hours has it been? How many hours did you spend with Mickey? You were in love with her. How is this different?” he asked, rather reasonably considering she was driving him up the wall because how could she not know by now how easy she was to love.

“Does sleep count?” she asked, wincing even as the words fell out of her mouth.

He laughed dryly, “No, Robbie, you can’t count hours you weren’t conscious for!” he deadpanned, tugging her back into his chest before she could start pacing like a caged tiger.

She made a pained sound in the back of her throat as she leaned heavily into him, gripping the sides of his shirt, moving her fingers around as she counted against his ribs. Eventually, after at least three recounts, she huffed the way she always did when he was right for a change.

“Do you think maybe you’re freaking out because you feel that way too?” he asked calmly.

“Maybe,” she muttered sighing heavily like she was holding the weight of the whole world. He knew he’d hit the nail on the head when she huffed a frustrated breath through her teeth and pushed him off, “How would you feel if Eddie said that to you!” she accused, pointing a finger at him.

Steve snorted derisively, too tired to be anything but honest, “Honestly, I’d be fucking delighted. I’m so fucking in love with him, it’s insane!” he admitted, trying desperately to ignore how whiney and pathetic he sounded.

All the fight dissipated out of her as he spoke, her eyebrows scrunching together in sympathy, “Really?” she asked softly, a pained look taking over her face when he nodded solemnly, “Have you told him that?”

Steve snorted a humourless laugh, “No! Jesus, Bobs, I’m not a complete fucking idiot!”

“But you just said--”

“Yeah! Because it’s obvious you feel the same way!” he yelled, not entirely sure why he was shouting. It wasn’t her fault he’d got himself all tangled up in infatuation again, “Sorry,” he muttered.

Robin wasn't fazed though just waved off his apology and raised a singular eyebrow at him, “And it’s not with Eddie?!” she asked condescendingly, folding her arms over her chest.

“No!” Steve exclaimed, because it was very unobvious, thank you very much! Robin didn’t argue with him, just threw her arms in the air like he was being the frustrating one, tutting and heading back into the bedroom to finish getting ready, leaving Steve to deal with the silence and his half serumed hair.

Chrissy, as it turned out, had procured tickets for a boxing match of all things. It wasn't something neither he nor Robin ever would've chosen, but apparently Chris' best friend from her cheerleading days, Beth, was now a ring girl, and she had pulled some strings and got them into a private box. They had their own bar and a balcony view over the proceedings, meaning they could see everything without getting coated in blood, it was different but once-in-a-lifetime experiences were kinda what Vegas was all about.

Robin was leaning with her back against the bar, Chrissy curled into her running her hands up and down the lapels of Robin's jacket, both of them giggling and whispering like schoolgirls. As much as he was glad Robin seemed to have overcome her earlier conflict, he was starting to find it all a bit sickening. It wasn’t their fault, and he wasn't really mad with them at all, he'd just been in a terrible mood since bickering with Robin and the dark cloud hanging over his head had only worsened when Eddie hadn't been waiting with Chrissy in the lobby like he had hoped.

He'd offered to go back to the room, part of him wanting to let them have a night to be together, the other part just wanting to be alone so he could sulk some more, but neither of them would let him. They’d giddily pulled him into their hold, linking their arms with his and practically frog marching him out the front door of the hotel and into the waiting taxi. 

In the seclusion of the private space, however, and with two or three shots in each of them, both girls had dropped all their inhibitions and seemed to have forgotten all about him. Honestly, he’d never been a third wheel before, not even with Tommy and Carol but he was seriously starting to feel like he should go home and call Barb and apologise for every time he and Nancy had made her feel how he was feeling because maybe he was technically married, but he’d never felt more single or more alone.

He sighed heavily, snagging a beer from the bartender and heading out onto the balcony, leaning heavily against the railing surveying the crowd below him. The venue was packed, not a single empty seat to be seen anywhere, which struck him as odd because the match wasn't due to start for at least another twenty minutes, and he'd been to enough ball games in his life to know that normally there was a mad dash to grab your seats before the game actually kicked off; but apparently the ring girls were supposed to be their entertainment, like some sick warm-up act.

The last time he'd seen a crowd as rowdy was at the strip club when he'd been inexplicably invited to Mark's stag do. Mark was his dad's number two, the guy being lined up to take over the company when his old man finally bit the dust. The bloke had spent the whole night weirdly trying to rub it in Steve's face how close he and his dad were, only finally shutting his mouth when after four beers Steve had lost his temper and had casually asked: "So are you sucking his dick, or--?" Mark had blushed furiously, started stuttering and stammering and had quickly disappeared. Steve had just downed the rest of his beer and hailed a cab, heading home to Robin to bemoan a wasted Saturday night.

Robin had whined about how it hadn't been fair that he'd been invited, but she hadn't. Everyone at the company had assumed they were a couple and after their first few jobs together they'd learned to just stop correcting people. Mainly because if they didn't their coworkers wanted to know why there weren't dating and usually "because we're like siblings" wasn't a good enough answer and then they had to deal with months of constant badgering and peer pressure to hook up. Robin had been right, of course, she would have enjoyed the strip club far more than he had. Personally, he thought grown men drooling over a half-naked woman, especially ones young enough to be their daughter, was a little grim.

A petite brunette who he assumed was Beth when she'd bounced up and down waving excitedly to him as she had headed into the ring, and her friend, who were both dressed in nothing but a metallic bikini and high heels, seemed to be enjoying themselves, however, especially when Beth's friend caught the attention of a stag do sitting in the front row. 

The groom-to-be was obviously a high school jock surrounded by his "bros" and by the looks of things, either his father or the father-in-law-to-be who was glancing anywhere but at the ring, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else. It made Steve shudder to think that if his life had gone a little differently, if he and Nancy had stayed together, if he'd stuck with Tommy and the team, would that be him now? Would that be his dad? Or worse, poor Ted? 

Thankfully he didn't have more time to dwell on it when Robin appeared next to him bumping purposefully into his side, swapping his empty beer for a cold one with a gentle smile. Chrissy quickly joined them on the balcony carrying a beer and a tray of nachos to share, shouting over the noise of the crowd to explain the rules to Robin when she had asked how they'd know who won.

Steve knew Robin knew the rules of boxing. Mainly because her grandpa had been an Olympic boxer, but he wasn't about to call her out on it. Plus, he liked how patient Chris was with her, he thought it was sweet when he wasn’t busy being a grumpy bastard.

The ring girls left the ring, Beth waving enthusiastically, shooting Chrissy a few hand gestures that Steve didn't understand but made Chrissy belly laugh as she headed out of sight. Then it was time for the match to get started; two gigantic blokes followed by a team of helpers charging into the ring, bouncing on their toes next to the smallest ref Steve had ever seen.

There was a bit of chatter and then the bell dinged, the ref moved, and the giants started to dance around one another, sizing each other up and dodging a few hits before the real action started. One hit, two. The excitement of the crowd and the anticipation were getting Steve's adrenaline pumping. 

That was why he jumped three feet in the air when he felt hands land on his waist (that's what he told himself anyway).

Eddie laughed brightly as Steve spun around, his hands raised placatingly, "It's only me!" he yelled, giggling adorably. He smiled, placing a careful hand on Steve's shoulder and squeezing some of the tension out of his shoulder blade with gentle fingers. Slipping Robin a placating smile as she no doubt glared at him over Steve's shoulder. He elbowed her absentmindedly, giving her a look that said "eyes on your own date!" before turning his full attention to Eddie.

Steve was honestly kind of dumbfounded by Eddie's presence, when Chrissy had been alone in the lobby, he'd just assumed that Eddie wouldn't be joining them at all any more. He wouldn't have been at all surprised to find out that Eddie had packed up and gone back to Indy with Dan, even if he had spent the past half an hour trying desperately not to think about the implications of that. Especially when Chris had deliberately not said anything when Robin had asked the only question that had been on Steve's mind, “Where’s Eddie?” 

Even a foot away Steve could tell something was off, Eddie’s eyes were puffy and bloodshot, and he’d done a terrible job of trying to hide it behind a thick layer of eyeliner. There was a permanent red patch down the side of his nose, like he’d scratched or rubbed at it too many times, bursting the tiny blood vessels. His hair was overly oily at the roots like he’d spent the day running his fingers over his scalp and his fingernails were bitten down to the quick; the skin looked painful to even look at and Steve had no idea how he’d dealt with acetone and nail polish to repaint his nails.

It was the gasp of the crowd reacting to the first real punch landing that brought him back to himself. Steve glanced behind him in time to see blood pour from the slightly taller one's mouth, followed by cheers and screams as the smaller of the two landed a second punch.

Steve shook his head, immediately turning back to Eddie, "Hi," he mumbled in astonishment.

Eddie smiled cautiously, "Hi," he greeted, stepping closer and reaching up to tuck a loose strand behind Steve's ear, "I'm sorry I'm late," Eddie yelled over the roar of the crowd, "Can we talk? After the match?" he asked nervously.

Steve's brain very obviously and very quickly went to the worst case scenario, that Eddie was here to officially ask for a divorce, but his poker face must not be what it once was because Eddie cupped his cheek gently forcing Steve to meet his gaze, "No! Nothing bad, I promise. I just want to tell you about my day, maybe we could go for that dinner we talked about?" he asked hopefully, pulling Steve’s SuperEl shirt out from behind his back and offering it to him.

Steve blinked at the shirt for a second and felt the smile tugging at his cheeks threatening to split his face in two. Hope starting to bloom unchecked in his chest, making his heart skip out of beat. Eddie's hopeful little smile had been the most adorable thing he'd seen since he'd seen him drooling into his pillow that morning.

Eddie beaming back at him when Steve nodded bashfully, nervously tugging the collar of his shirt through his fingers, came in a close third. Eddie’s hand got dislodged from his face when his head automatically flicked back to the action when the crowd let out an elongated "ooh!" as one of the boxers went down hard. 

Steve took the opportunity to take Eddie by the hand and lead him out onto the balcony, leaning against the railing to face the action, waiting for Eddie to mirror him and get absorbed in the match, then turning to watch Eddie react with the most adorable second-hand winces as the smaller boxer tried and failed to get up.

Steve quickly found himself wanting to watch Eddie more than the fight. He tried to stealthily turn his whole body so he was leaning sideways against the railing. The metal bar digging into his ribs a painful reminder that he was here and this was real. That Eddie was with him, and he wanted to go to dinner and talk. That he wanted to tell Steve about his day! Wanted to take him on a proper bonafide date! Because he’d brought Steve his shirt. Honestly, he’d forgotten that he’d even left it in Eddie’s room. The thought that he must’ve hung it up in the closet for him, so it wouldn’t get wrinkled was so sweet it was making his heart want to burst out through his chest. 

He knew he must look like the worlds most lovesick fool stood staring at Eddie's profile like he was the most beautiful man on the planet (which he was) and like he was the luckiest man alive to even be in Eddie’s presence (which he was) but he just couldn't find it in himself to care, he was going to take this moment while he could and store it in his heart forever.

The bell dinged again and Eddie looked over, flicking his eyes down noticing Steve's posture and smirking to himself. Steve felt the blush creeping up his neck and turned back to the action, forcing himself to not push himself too far into Eddie's personal space, but he needn't have worried. As soon as Steve was settled against the railing again, Eddie threw his arm around his shoulders, jostling him lightly and smiling joyfully at him, pressing a gentle kiss into his shoulder.

As the match went on Eddie's arm slowly slipped down his side holding onto his waist, then slipped further down to his hip where Eddie gave up and just hooked his thumb through Steve's belt loop, tucking his chin over his shoulder and pressing the odd kiss to any bit he could reach but just staying as close as he could, curled tightly into Steve side for the rest of the night; until the bigger of the two boxers had been knocked down for the final time, and it was time for the masses to disperse.

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

Part 10

tag list my beloveds @estrellami-1 @gregre369 @adhdsummer @nerdfighteratheart @anaibis @dolphincliffs @hbyrde36 @marinarasarah @deadflowercollector @lunabookworm @a-couchpotato @wonderland-girl143-blog @ddharrington @abstractnaturaldisaster @lololol-1234 @bestwifehaver @steviejeebiez

[missrosegold]

So let me just say quickly that bnha 427 and 428 are some of my favourite chapters for a reason, let me explain real quick:

I don't think I need to say it, but spoilers below the cut!

Exibit a:

I do appreciate the fact that Izuku sat down and had a one on one with Spinner and followed though with Tomura's final request. It won't bring his friend back, but I hope that his words gave Iguchi some closure.

Also I love that in the bottom panel he now appears to be emulating both Shigaraki and Dabi. The past never dies, and he'll make sure they're never forgotten. They will live on through him, and his possible comic! (Wouldn't it be wild if Horikoshi pulls a 180 and Spinner's comic ends up being BNHA but told in their universe? Jk I think I'm reading too much into it, but that would be an interesting twist)

Izuku really has changed. I believe him when he promises Iguchi that he'll remember his friends and that he has no intention on forgetting them.

Also, Spinner's final message to Shoji is perfect and very fitting. I'm okay with this being our final shot of him. I'll miss him 💔

This motherfucker.

Honestly. This is a fitting conclusion for the last time we see Overhall. Good to know that not every abuser in this series gets off easy. He has to live the rest of his life out knowing that he isn't forgiven by the person he respected most, and now he has to live with the rest of his actions. Also, the man is right. Eri deserves the apology, but I'm glad that she won't ever have to see him again. She'll move on and hopefully forget him, but he'll be reminded of his crimes every day for the rest of his life. Honestly, pretty glad with how things turned out for Overhall.

EXCUSE ME?!?!?

ARE WE GETTING A CONFESSION?? IS MY END GAME SHIP FINALLY BECOMING A THING?!

The way he looks at Ochako here. Enough said.

For gods sake it's still unconfirmed if Hemiko is alive or not, can we PLEASE just have this one? Please. The rest of the Leauge is either in jail/rehab, dead, or wishes they were. I need to see Toga make it out of this, and so does Ochako.

This shows how much she's struggling with this. If not for anything else, please have her live for Ochako. My poor heart. 💔😭

IS THIS IT?!?! ARE WE GETTING THE CONFESSION????

PLEASE LET THEM HAVE THIS. 🙏🙏

All and all, the last 2 chapters we solid, after 426 I cried for a while afterwards. 427 still hit like a ton of bricks, but at least there was a hopful undertone to it... poor Touya didn't get that. I don't think any of the Todoroki's are walking away from this truly happy. I appreciate the realism but christ it hurt to read...

I think 429 is out so I'll be reading that next and letting you know what I think!!

[newmusickarl]

5-9’s Album of the Month Podcast – latest episode out now!

The latest episode of the 5-9 Album of the Month Podcast is here and it’s a bit of a sad one as 5-9 Editor Andrew Belt was unable to join us! So this time around it’s just me and Mama Mañana Records' Kiley Larsen reviewing five high profile album releases from the past month in music, ultimately naming one as our Album of the Month at the end of the discussion.

For our June 2024 episode, it was John Grant’s synth-soaked majesty on The Art of the Lie that took home the coveted Album of the Month title. For our latest episode, we look back at five big releases from July and the albums vying for recognition this time around are:

King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2 by Denzel Curry

Django’s High by Future Utopia (Poll winner, thanks for voting!)

As Above, So Below by Highly Suspect

Harmonics by Joe Goddard

HEAVY JELLY by SOFT PLAY

If you want to listen to this or any previous episodes simply follow the links below, but also be sure to follow 5-9 Blog on Instagram, Twitter and now YouTube for more news and polls relating to the podcast.

Listen on Spotify here

Watch, like and subscribe to our YouTube channel here

Album & EP Recommendations

Wild God by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

Let’s face it, Nick Cave doesn’t make bad records. However, even by his incredibly high standards across his illustrious career, his recent work has been truly exceptional, towering bodies of work. Fuelled by unimaginable tragedy, grief and loss, albums Skeleton Tree and Ghosteen rank among my favourite albums of the last decade, listening experiences that are beautiful yet emotionally devastating. His last album with just him and Warren Ellis, Carnage, was no slouch either, finishing in my Top 10 of the year back in 2021. Now both have reunited with the full Bad Seeds ensemble, and new album Wild God continues their recent hot streak.

Emerging out of the vast darkness, their eighteenth studio album is a much brighter and more joyous experience compared to its predecessors. Filled with uplifting, string-drenched arrangements, some of which include none other than Radiohead’s Colin Greenwood on bass duties, the lyrics also find Cave in a much more optimistic mindset. It all makes for another endlessly captivating listen, with Joy the real standout in the first half, as Cave’s poetic lyrics are spun across a mostly minimal, piano-led composition. However, the finest moments for me are in the back half, with the gospel cries and stomps of Conversion, the operatic and ghostly Cinnamon Horses and standout single Long Dark Night a particularly incredible trio.

Once again, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds have crafted one of the finest albums I’ve listened to all year. Impactful and stunningly orchestrated, it’s another stirring collection of songs that will keep you absorbed across countless repeated listens.

Listen here

I Lay Down My Life For You by JPEGMAFIA

Another album that has quickly become one of my favourites of the year, NY-rapper JPEGMAFIA has followed up his sensational collaborative album with Danny Brown, 2023’s Scaring The Hoes, with arguably his strongest solo outing to date.

It’s a rap record but with punk rock energy, with most of the tracks here under the three-minute mark and plenty of heavy guitars powering the sonics. JPEG uses the record’s frantic pace to jump wildly between each bold idea, with the production never anything less than stellar. Collaborating with the likes of Flume and Kenny Beats on the production front, he also pulls in other current rap superstars like Vince Staples and Denzel Curry to lend a few bars too. It all makes for a thrilling wall-to-wall listen but if I’m to pick out just a couple of highlights, it’s the metal-charged SAN MIEDO and string-tinged experimentation of Exmilitary.

Colliding fast and furious bars with heavy punk, noise rock and industrial influences, all in mesmerising fashion, this is without a doubt the rap record of the year for me so far.

Listen here

No Name by Jack White

Another man who rarely disappoints, guitar maestro and all-round modern legend Jack White returned recently with a surprise new album. Initially stealth releasing on vinyl towards the end of July, the record officially released to streaming platforms and critical fanfare at the beginning of August. While I may not agree with the consensus that this is his best solo outing to date, there’s no denying that this is another fun and mightily impressive release.

You see while some critics have found White’s solo discography to be quite patchy, I’ve actually been a big fan of his output over the last 12 years. Blunderbuss and Lazaretto both boasted songs that could be dubbed as instant rock classics, Boarding House Reach was wild but always fascinating in its experimentation, and the duo of Fear of The Dawn and Entering Heaven Alive showed that White’s songwriting shone through, whether plugged or unplugged.

With No Name, for me, what we ultimately get is more of what White has already done before and proved he can do previously. That said, the lo-fi production and fuzzy rock riffs still sound terrific, especially on tracks like Old Scratch Blues, Archbishop Harold Holmes, What’s The Rumpus and Terminal Archenemy Ending. So, while it lacks anything new or revolutionary and brings with it an air of safe familiarity, there is no denying that White can still rock out. If you’re a fan of his previous work, you’ll still find plenty here to enjoy.

Listen here

Lagos Paris London EP by Yannis & The Yaw

And finally on the EPs front, Yannis Philippakis of Foals finally released his long awaited first solo project, Lagos Paris London. A dazzling, collaborative five track EP featuring the late-great Nigerian drummer Tony Allen, the EP is as vibrant and sonically adventurous as the globe-trotting title would suggest. While Yannis brings his signature guitar grooves to the table, some soaring string arrangements, jazz-like horns and Allen’s Afrobeat-style drums ensure the project always has a different feel to anything under the Foals banner.

Whilst the whole EP is well worth 20 minutes of your time, it is Rain Can’t Reach Us and Clementine that particularly stand out for me.

Listen here

Also well worth checking out:

DAYS BEFORE RODEO by Travis Scott

Imaginal Disk by Magdalena Bay

True Magic by Salute

This World Fucking Sucks by Cassyette

A Firmer Hand by Hamish Hawk

Participation Trophy by China Bears

Heartbreak Town EP by GIRLBAND!

Song Recommendations

The Emptiness Machine by LINKIN PARK

It’s been quite the month for big comebacks, hasn’t it?!

First came the colossal news that the Gallagher brothers would finally be reforming Oasis for a huge 2025 tour, before Linkin Park also made their long-awaited return, announcing new album From Zero will be dropping this November. The Emptiness Machine is the first taste of that new record and their first single to feature new vocalist, Emily Armstrong.

Emily’s arrival into the band has certainly caused controversy, with her links to Scientology already a hot topic amongst fans. While that debate will continue for the foreseeable, what is clear from this single and the band’s return livestream performance is that Emily certainly has the vocal capabilities needed to front the iconic, much-loved band. While of course no-one could fully replace the late-great Chester Bennington, I am glad to have Linkin Park back making music once again.

Listen to The Emptiness Machine here

Watch the livestream performance back here

All You Children by Jamie XX featuring The Avalanches

A late contender for song of the summer, this huge collaboration between Jamie XX and The Avalanches was on heavy repeat for me towards the end of August. Propelled by an infectious tribal beat that will just make you want to get up and dance, it’s left me hugely hyped for Jamie’s new album In Waves dropping in a few weeks’ time.

Listen here

He by Hayden Thorpe

Another album I cannot wait for dropping at the end of September, Hayden Thorpe’s adaptation of Robert Macfarlane’s book Ness will also soon be here. With book and album both inspired by Orford Ness in Suffolk, He is the ultra-groovy second single from the project. Featuring an endlessly fascinating arrangement that even includes a sackbut (a 15th century early trombone) and a spinet (a small 17th century harpsichord), Hayden's unique songcraft shines through once again.

Listen here

A Landlord’s Death by One True Pairing

And Hayden is not the only Wild Beasts alumni to be releasing new music this year. A month later in October, Tom Fleming will also be releasing his second solo album, Endless Rain. Working with acclaimed producer John ‘Spud’ Murphy, the singles so far have suggested a much more traditional and folk-inspired sound compared to his solo debut. A Landlord’s Death continues this hypothesis, featuring some stomping acoustic riffs, wild strings and a catchy chorus.

Listen here

Sick Of The Blues by Porridge Radio

Another album due for release in October, indie rockers Porridge Radio will be returning with their new opus, Clouds In The Sky They Will Always Be There For Me. Sick of the Blues is the closing track for the project but also the album’s first teaser single, finding frontwoman Dana Margolin in an apathetic mood as raw rock riffs build and erupt around her.

Listen here

Straight To Heart by ALT BLK ERA

From MOBO and Heavy Music Award nominations to storming festival sets at the likes of Glastonbury and Download, there is absolutely no stopping ALT BLK ERA’s momentum right now. Now with their highly-anticipated debut album Rave Immortal due for release in January, the alternative sister duo have released the second taste of the upcoming record. The synth-soaked track highlights the continuing maturity of their songwriting, with Straight To Heart seeing Nyrobi open up and reflect on her agonising battles with chronic illness.

Listen here

Nothing Compares To Nineteen by Fiona-Lee

Another one of the UK’s most promising emerging voices, singer-songwriter Fiona-Lee has recently returned with her second-ever single. A hugely emotive track, it was written in the wake of Fiona tragically losing a lifelong friend after he took his own life. Recalling her struggles with anxiety, grief and depression, along with conversations with her father on mental health, it’s another hard-hitting single that absolutely soars.

Listen here

Split Lip by Dolores Forever

One of my other favourite new music discoveries in 2024, I’ve had the pleasure of catching indie-pop duo Dolores Forever twice over this summer’s festival season. With their debut album finally dropping at the end of September, Split Lip is one of the latest singles taken from the project and a song that really stood out in their live performances. Hugely anthemic amidst captivating vocal harmonies and shimmering synths, this upcoming record is slowly shaping up to be one of the best debuts of the year.

Listen here

One Day by Hallworth

Released at the end of August, singer-songwriter Hallworth also recently released her heartfelt new single, One Day. Inspired by the Netflix movie of the same name and written while she was in Nashville, it’s a stirring track about her struggles with a long-distance relationship. With Hallworth’s own tender vocals at the fore, it’s a gorgeously laidback love song that will have you hitting the repeat button.

Listen here

Never Meant by Iron & Wine / For Sure by Ethel Cain

And finally, this year marks the 25th anniversary of one of my favourite albums of all time and a seminal work that still inspires countless musicians today – American Football’s self-titled debut. To mark the occasion, the band are releasing a remastered version of the original record, along with a brand new covers version.

The first two of these covers have been revealed and they are both unsurprisingly stunning. Firstly, American singer-songwriter Samuel Ervin Beam transforms the iconic Never Meant into a wonderful, folky lullaby, reminiscent of Bon Iver. Then, the much beloved Ethel Cain has turned the haunting For Sure into a near 10-minute moment of beauty and ethereal transcendence.

If all the covers are to this standard, with more cuts from the likes of Manchester Orchestra and Blondshell still to come, this project could be something very special.

Listen to Never Meant by Iron & Wine here

Listen to For Sure by Ethel Cain here

Also worth checking out:

Ego by Halsey

You by Ktlyle

JACKIN’ THE SYSTEM by NOISY

Tonight, Tonight (Smashing Pumpkins Cover) by Snail Mail

Hometown Edge by Kele

Bright Lights by The Killers

HERE WE GO! by Lil Nas X

Find The Way by Peggy Gou

SO WHAT by Confidence Man

SilverCane by Corinne Bailey Rae

REMINDER: If you use Apple Music, you can also keep up-to-date with all my favourite 2024 tracks through my Best of 2024 playlist. Constantly updated throughout the year with songs I enjoy, it is then finalised into a Top 100 Songs of the Year in December.Add the Best of 2024 playlist to your library here

[just2bubbly]

can we get some kaider fluff please🙏

this the fastest I have replied to a fic request, and it's making me feel proud so yea, you absolutely would get some kaider fluff and just to be quick I'm gonna write headcanon in this one since it gotta be quick and I might take forever to expand each idea into 1000 words and you don't want to be waiting that long, also I don't want you to wait that long too!

after the revolution gets over, Kai decides to learn Cinder's favourite thing and wants to surprise her with her favourite things so he decides to ask Iko about it but learns that Cinder didn't really have much choice in picking favourites *sobs*, so she doesn't really have favourite things. So Kai takes it upon himself to make sure Cinder gets to try new things and stuff like icecream flavour, flowers, colours, books, places so she can have favourites.

So one time when he wanted to gift her flowers and he does have Peonies with him but he doesn't want to assume and instead wants Cinder to choose her favorite flowers so he takes her to the florist shop and they just look around the shop taking in all that colour and fragrance, as Kai makes her check each and every flower in the shop. Cinder finds it fun and silly but she internally loves him for it validates her choices and when she goes through the flowers she does end up picking Peonies since they do remind her of Peony but also since they look so beautiful and ornamental. It's closely followed by Pink Frangipani and Kai makes a note of all the flower she looks at multiple times or touches it in a comforting way when she knows he isn't looking her way, so that she can be gifted those from time to time.

Once they have figured out Cinder's favourite flower, it's Kai's turn where he asks her to make a wild guess and it turns to be a challenge for as she looks around the shop all over again to figure out what Kai's favourite flowers might be. And she does try to cheat by searching it on her netscreen but there all vague answers and every site has different flowers so she decided to name each one of them to him and it goes like

"This site says you like Burgundy Roses as you wanted to be devoted by your lover," she says as she gives a few collection of roses to him.

"The colour truly is mesmerising but I don't love them."

"How about Sunflowers or maybe Daffodils since you are always optimistic?"

"I do find them poetic but again a no."

"Wolf's bane since you love doing the forbidden?"

"God what site are you on?"

"emperordoesthingstome"

"Can we get to the next guess please."

And she goes on naming a few more and she can't a name on it so instead she changes tactics, making him tell his own favorite. So the first one to get a comm would lose and if it's Kai he will tell his favorite flower and if it's Cinder than she would have to extend her trip by an extra day. Cinder loses the game and no one is sad over it since she gets to spend one more day with him but she does pester him into telling about his favorite flower.

"Orchids, blue more than others," he says.

And Cinder notices that not a single site mentioned about Kai loving orchids and she asks about it and he tells that no one bothered to ask him as he was always given complimentary bouquets. And Cinder buys him Orchids of each colour, before walking out of the shop.

_

That's all, it was too long but I hope it satisfies, and thank you for sending the ask nonnie! Do keep sending them :)

[nemo-of-house-hamartia]

Hello, Cricket!!! For the OC questions:

💥🍰🌱✏️🌟💓

With the royal queen of the Nemo household: Lady Dorothea Marianne Starrick.

BRING IT!!!

Aww, Giulietta, my dear!! <3

Some questions for my Dottie, good gods it has been *ages* since I last answered anything about her!! I am actually so happy to have the chance to do it now! <3

So, without further ado, let me answer your questions about my most beloved brainchild.

💥 COLLISON - what emotions do they have trouble dealing with?

Fear of losing the people she loves. Dorothea suffers from PTSD due to an accident that happened when she was younger, where she saw something she wasn't supposed to see, and that left her shattered inside, riddled with anxiety (or hysteria). The fact that she was so overly sheltered as well, both from her parents, Byron, and her cousins, left her completely unprepared as to how to deal with some of the situations she found herself facing after meeting Jacob. After falling for him, marrying him, and carrying their children, things have not entirely gotten better for her in that department, in the sense that her fears have multiplied, because she got so much more to lose.

🍰 CAKE SLICE - favourite cake flavour? are they specific about types of cakes?

Her favourite cake flavour is definitely the citrusy one, lemon custard in particular. She just appreciates the lightness and delicate flavour that comes from it. A specific type of cake she particularly appreciates is the one with lots and lots of fresh fruits in it.

🌱 SEEDLING - what is their most vivid memory from childhood?

The first gift she ever received from her father for her name's day, was destined to become one of her most favorite things: a music box, playing the lullaby Crawford always sings her before tucking her to sleep. Even when the prologue of my story takes place, in 1908, she still has it in perfect condition, and she still plays it out, whenever she feels frail and needs her papa's warm memory to comfort her.

✏️ PENCIL - is there a particular quote / lyric that you associate with them?

"Long as the day in the summer time Deep as the wine dark sea I'll keep your heart with mine 'Til you come to me

There like a bird, I'd fly High through the air Reaching for the sun's full rays Only to find you there

And in the night when our dreams are still Or when the wind flows free I'll keep your heart with mine 'Til you come to me"

🌟 GLOWING STAR - what do they think about when they look at the night sky? is there someone they want to star gaze with?

Stargazing is THE hobby for Dorothea, the one that earned her the moniker of "Morning Star". With Byron teaching her everything he knew about the starlit sky and how to navigate through those constellations, Dorothea spends each clear night sitting at her window, wondering about the deepest of thoughts, doing many hours of introspection in order to understand her own self better and sometimes, when she feels particularly melancholic, wondering if she would ever find a person that would love her for who she is. As for someone who she would want to stargaze with, the answer here is easy: Jacob. She loves to just sit with him and explain to him EVERYTHING about the starlit sky. Her eyes literally lit up when she explains all she knows to him.

💓 BEATING HEART - what gets their heart racing?

Jacob's smile, his laughter, his voice, and his kind eyes. My girl cannot look at him for 5 minutes without becoming a babbling mess, all flustered and with cheeks burning so hot she can cook eggs on them. She got better with age, but even after having been married to him for so many years, when she looks at him deeply in the eyes, she finds herself wondering how lucky she was to have been given the opportunity to love him with all that she is. And these thoughts DO make her heart race like wild horses in a prairie.

thank you for these questions, I truly loved answering them.

[draslihanxfahri-bailey]

She beamed up at him. Stifling her giggles was an impossible task, especially with him peering at her with narrowed eyes and the sound of his voice over her words. Admittedly, she thought too much about him recounting his and Rhia's first trip to Coral Cove together. How he panicked to Rachel about whether the baby girl would end up traumatized or not over the fish. How she had a fit of giggles listening to the tale and trying her best to assure him that their daughter was okay. Though, admittedly, it was fun to mess with him about it from time to time. Especially when it resulted in moments like this.

Though, now that Rhia was older and in her phase where she was shy over anyone and anything that wasn't them, Alex, and the cats, there was a part of her that worried if this could be the moment. But, she tried not to dwell on it. Otherwise she knew that her boyfriend would pick up on her worries and form ones of his own as well.

Fortunately, Alex's excitement helped to pull her from her troublesome thoughts. To stop worrying about her youngest baby's potential near-fearful-experience, and to focus on her first baby having a wonderful seventh birthday. She gently fluffed her hair up slightly, running her fingers through her soft wavy hair. Was it truly that just a few years ago, she was once so small? That she couldn't speak yet already held such a massive personality? That she already held such curiosity towards the world, always looking at everything and anything with just fascination that only grew more with each day? Truly, it was hard to believe that that's the case, even though she was filled with so many memories proving that. Yet she cherished them all the same.

The spew of facts leaving the seven year old's mouth was nothing short of incredible. What made it even better was Alex's own excitement. How utterly clear it was that she truly enjoyed learning more about what she reading aloud to them. That she has read that factoid before and genuinely loved it. Elijah was right: she was her twin. Though the woman did giggle softly, nudging him with her hip before kissing his arm. This was paradise, truly.

However, her paradise soon took off. Alex running straight to look at the animals and Eli with his long legs soon after her with Rhia. "Oh, fuck me," the curator grumbled. Trying to keep up. Though, magically, seeing her partner extend his hand out to her and wiggling his fingers did, admittedly, fuel her motivation even more and she sped up. Quickly, happily, catching up and interlocking their fingers, her other hand moving up to place on his lower arm while she cuddled up close to him. Being by the musician's side was, quite frankly, her most favourite place to be at.

She nodded at his words, her own eyes and smile wide. "God, they're big! Though if there are any Galapagos tortoises around, then they'd be tiny. They're incredible." As Alex eagerly talked to Rhia, pointing out the different tortoises to her baby sister, the woman looked up at the man. Her features softening as she said to him gently, "Think the girls would love a safari where they can be up close and personal to animals in the wild?" ||📜@elifalvey

“Woah, woah, woah — unlike the fish?” Elijah interrupted, narrowed eyes peeking around his giggling baby to land on his all-too-smug girlfriend blowing raspberries against her cheek. He knew that she was only teasing him now — because hell, she was the second person to reassure him otherwise, if not tell him outright he was being a little insane about the whole ‘traumatized by fish’ thing — however, the words alone were enough to keep a smidge of skepticism hanging over him like a cloud.

For all he knew, after all, turtles were where Rhiannon drew the line. He wouldn't let his guard down completely.

The sound of Alex's mirrored giggles did put a smile on the man's face, though. It effectively pulled him out of his thoughts, which became increasingly more ridiculous the longer that the four of them stood there mulling over their next move. Instead of thinking about what Rhiannon would do when face to face with a much larger animal, he tried to focus on the little girl's gigantic encyclopedia — tried to focus more on her, in general. The whole point of them coming out to the Adventure Park was so that they could celebrate her and have a good time, and as long as she was having fun then he could put aside whatever parental worries were flooding through his mind as best as he could.

Rendered rather speechless from the barrage of facts from the seven year old’s mouth, his brows raised in surprise and he couldn’t stifle the amused chuckle as she skipped ahead of them to get a closer look at the turtle — no, tortoise. It was almost as if he was staring directly at a younger version of Aslihan herself, and it was endearing the way she even seemed to recognize that while she leaned against his arm. “More like your twin, I think. Are you sure she’s only seven?” It was his turn to tease, standing still in order to let her steady for a moment until he took off after Alex who’d been eagerly awaiting them to follow.

His long legs walked in even longer strides, though his hand extended behind him with wiggling fingers to entice Aslihan to come along. Rhia bounced ever so slightly in his arms and he planted a kiss of his own to her cheek once they came to a stop behind where her sister stood nearby the railing.

“Oh, there’s a bunch of them!” he exclaimed to no-one in particular, eyes coming to look at a rather large cluster of them on the grass. “Look at those guys. They’re actually kind of cool up close, aren’t they?”

( @draslihanxfahri-bailey )

[andysbubba]

hello there! i just discovered this song called “emily” by james arthur and i was wondering if i could please request a dad! chris with that song? just him bringing his new baby girl home and him loving her 🥺😩 very softie right now tbh! thank youuuu x

daddy and emily

↳ chris getting some daddy-daughter time with emily

---

walking dodger! em's milk is in the fridge. be back soon. you got this, papa!

ps; i left my phone here on purpose ;)

Chris freaked out for a moment, instantly realising that he's alone with Emily. He has never been alone with his little girl. At least not without you being somewhere in the house too. But now? You're nowhere near and Chris has no way of contacting you if anything happens. He's scared shitless.

Just on cue, the little girl starts blinking her eyes open and a soft cry leaves her lips. He takes a deep breath, calming himself down before he picks Emily up and cradles her in his arms.

"Good mornin', pretty girl." Chris says softly, leaning down and pressing a soft kiss on her head with a smile on his lips. "Daddy's here, baby. I got ya, okay?"

His heart warms when a tiny smile peeks out on Emily's lips, her eyes glinting and her small hand is wrapped around Chris' index finger. He leans down, and kisses her hand, watching as his little girl grins wider at the action.

"Lets go heat up your food and wait for mommy to come back with your brother, alright?"

He knows she doesn't understand what he's saying but you've always said that Em loves his voice and loves hearing him talk. And if that will stop Em from crying, Chris is willing to do anything.

---

He's holding his girl up, palm rubbing her back so he can get her to burp. Chris doesn't really know why but you've always done it so he figures that it should be important.

"C'mon, baby. I dunno why I'm supposed to make you burp but mommy has always done it, hasn't she?" He laughs breathily when Emily giggles softly at his words. "You're the cutest, sweetheart. Just like your mommy, huh?"

"You think mommy's tryin' to test me? She's taking a long time walking Dodger, isn't she?" He chuckles softly when Emily finally lets out a quiet burp. He holds her against his torso and Emily's cheek is pressed against his chest. "I'll be honest, Em. Daddy's pretty scared you're gonna cry, so promise me you won't, okay?" He gently caresses her back, hoping to calm her down.

He regrets his words immediately when Em's face cramps up, scrunching into a frown before a loud cry leaves her lips. Chris' eyes widens, instantly pulling Em up and closer to him.

"Oh no, baby. It's okay, sweetheart. I'm sorry, daddy shouldn't have said that, huh?" He holds her, pressing soft kisses on her forehead. "Should I try and sing for you, baby? Is that gonna make you feel better?" His voice was soft when he turns Emily around and cradles her in his arms. Chris laughs lightly when his little girl calms down, staring up at him and sort of waiting for him to sing. He clears his throat with a smile.

Dear Emily I really wanna write this carefully Know that we're a family It's only you, your mom and me Dear Emily We're gonna live forever happily I'm gonna ask your mum to marry me But there's some things you need to know

He has no idea what he's doing but Emily stopped crying so Chris figures that he's definitely doing something right.

Poppa was a rolling stone playing in a sold out show, yeah Taking all the highs and lows, been living with an empty soul, yeah And if you ever read the things they wrote, I hope that you can let them go I was living in a different world before I had my little girl, yeah Emily When I hear you cry I'll sing you back to sleep Do you know you inspire all my melodies? 'Cause you make me a better man than I'll ever be, ever be, ever be Because of you, Emily Dear Emily I saw you way before you came to me 'Cause I picked out your name and wrote it on paper I needed life and life came and gave me Emily Will I be good enough for you? The truth is I'm afraid of everyone and anything that could hurt you

Chris didn't even register the front door opening. He's too enthralled with how peaceful his daughter looks with her eyes fluttering close. But he keeps on singing the lyrics of your favourite song that you're always playing on repeat. He doesn't know who sang it but he has always felt that he could relate to the lyrics.

Oh, Emily If you ever feel lonely, just sit next to me Since we brought you home with us you're everything 'Cause you make me a better man than I'll ever be, ever be, ever be Because of you, Emily, yeah Oh, you're all I'll ever need, baby You're all I'll ever need, oh no, no no, no When I'm looking at your tiny feet I feel your heartbeat here inside of me I feel a love that I just can't believe

He's used to being in the public's eye. And he had a pretty wild life before you and Emily came into his life. The first time he saw a picture of the ultrasound and it truly dawned on him that he's having a daughter with the love of his life, Chris cried. It was easily one of the happiest days of his life.

He knows at that exact moment- there's nothing he wouldn't do for you, Emily and Dodger. His little family.

He sees some sort of movement from the corner of his eyes so Chris instantly turns, seeing you stand there and guiltily holding your phone up, seemingly recording his whole lullaby session. Dodger was obediently sitting by your side, so Chris has a feeling that you told Dodger to be quiet before you two came in.

"How long have you been standing there?" Chris asks quietly, a smile growing on his lips before he stands up from the sofa, careful not to move his hands too much so Emily stays asleep.

"You're the best dad, bubba."

He leans down when he's close enough, pressing a kiss against your lips and he rests his free arm around your shoulders. "You left your phone on purpose?"

You giggle softly at his question before you lean down and softly kiss Emily's cheek. "Thought you might need some daddy-daughter time. So I brought this guy out." Your hand reaches down and rubs Dodger's fur, laughing when he nuzzles into your leg.

"I'll go put this little one in her cot then we can have breakfast, okay?"

You hum as Chris leans down and presses his lips against your forehead before he turns around with Emily in his arms and going up to Em's nursery.

Chris sets Em down in her cot, arranging the pillows and the small bears so she's comfy. "Y'know, little one." Chris starts, hand reaching down and brushing Emily's hair off her face. "I've got a little ring hiding in the drawer." He whispers, leaning close to his daughter and kisses Emily's hair. "Once you wake up, daddy's gonna take the ring and ask momma to marry me, okay?"

---

i have no idea what's up with me and babies lately– i swear to god i cannot stop thinking about being pregnant or like just carrying a baby jebdusbhssh 😭😭😭

thank u for reading! like comment reblog and follow if you wanna hehe <33

taglist: @milea @ajeff855 @fanofalltheficsx @justile @christowhore @amelia-song-pond @melissad1974 @thegirlwiththeimpala @bval-1 @suchababie @ephemeralfics @franzliszts-wife @tenaciousperfectionunknown @worksby-d @hallecarey1 @paintdripsandbrownies-blog @notbrooklynsblog @perfect-peter @alwaysclassyeagle @coffeebooksandfandom @gitasor @mansaaay @iguess-vall @feralherbs @kaiparker-avengerssmut

[slashingdisneypasta]

Favourite Animated Hero/Villain Relationships... As Wallpapers

(For no reason)

Made with BeFunky, PixlR, kissthemgoodbye and animationscreencaps.

Nala and Scar, The Lion King: I just think it has so much potential. Both Scar and Nala are very strong, popular Disney characters separately and in relation to Simba but we get very little interaction between the two- despite these three frames telling us theirs a story. The way he looks at her? Not Sarabi, not any other lioness-the lighting suggests her. Nala. The only real scene we have between them is from the Stage Musical, in The Madness Of King Scar, when Nala goes to him to try talk some sense into him, and he's losing his mind and tries to get her to be his mate, and she's absolutely disgusted.

Nala was close to Simba as a kid, so there's a good chance she spent time with his favourite uncle. She knows Scar- he's not just some creep making her uncomfortable. This is who used to be her best friends Uncle, who's now her useless King. For damn sure she's heard rumours about him, whatever they may be, from other lionesses that may have grown up with him, and its just very curious what she must feel and think about him.

I think they could have had a very interesting Villain/Hero dynamic, like that of Hades and Meg and Jafar and Jasmine.

Zoey and Scott, Total Drama; Revenge Of the Island: I just think they know each other so well. Zoey might actually know Scott best out of everyone in the whole show, including Dawn and Chris. He knew her from being a people pleasing, unsure little home-schooler to a feral wild child with a bow and arrow that challenges him- and that change was in no little part, Scott's fault, too, and I find that so fascinating when it comes to villain/hero bonds. The hero becoming better because of the villain. Owing their improvement, to the person they hate the most. And the villain knowing that perfectly well and being frustrated that they cant manipulate the hero the same way they did before, because of their damn self.

Now, we don't get a lot of interaction between them in All Stars unfortunately!! But I'd love to have seen more of them Not-Quite-Hating each other but also being Definitely-Not-Friends... Sort of allies? Zoey knowing that Scott is not the one she has to worry about right now (That moment when he's getting flushed and warns ZOEY, specifically ZOEY, because there is NO ONE ELSE THERE HE COULD BE WARNING, that Mike isn't who he says he is lives in my mind rent-free) and Scott knowing the same, what with Mal running around. I would have been on the edge of my seat!

Sinbad and Eris, Sinbad; Legend of the Seven Seas: These two are very similar to Hades and Meg. A flirty, manipulative God playing games using an emotionally constipated, sarcastic mortal they definitely have horniness for as their pawn. I really love that here, despite the gender swap of the characters (Making the woman the dangerous, powerful villain and the man the manipulated anti-hero with demons swimming around in his head), their positions don't change from what Hades and Meg had going on. The creators didn't make Eris any less of a powerhouse or make her feelings for Sinbad anymore then lust and they didn't make Sinbad the dominant ones in their conversations- ever.

They also just have great chemistry.

Drake Mallard and Jim Starling, Ducktales (S2.Ep16. The Dark Knight Returns): AHH, oh my god. Okay. Jim just absolutely hates, Drake. Of course. Drake is the new, brighter, better version of him that they've decided is his replacement- and he couldn't control it. He had no say. In his mind Drake stole Darkwing Duck (His character, who he put all of himself into. His life) from him and he is heartbroken, because (Specifically in this scene I've used) he knows now that he wont get Darkwing back; Its not going to happen. There's nothing he can do.

And losing hope- that is what truly destroys Jim Starling. So he hates, it Drake.

But on the other hand- Drake loved Jim. Jim was his idle. Of course, now he knows that Jim is just a pathetic, needy, narcissistic person and when he figured that out he felt betrayed- but I still think he'd be happy to find out Jim is alive.

Just- they- They're so similar yet so so different and that's what makes them close, and that's what causes all the heartbreak.

Milo Thatch, Lieutenant Helga Sinclair and Commander Lyle Rourke, Atlantis; The Lost Empire: Look at them?? Poly goals XD Sorry- seriously, though. Milo is just such a nerd and they're constantly in equal parts amused and frustrated by him. Helga is able to look at him and think = Cute, but it drives Rourke crazy and that what bubbles over in the end.

Jane Porter and William Clayton, Tarzan: Oh, he is so patronising. If he would pick his head a smidgen outta his ass, he would see what a total BAMF Jane is. He treats her like she's silly, like she's hysterical, like she's weak- but that just so happens to be everything she's not. I don't think she ever really trusted him. She wasn't taught to make herself smaller for a mans benefit, her father never subscribed to that kind of thinking, so she saw Clayton for the kind of... off person, he was. I love how they hated each other (He was much more her villain, then Tarzans I think, seeing as she had to deal with him more. Same with Meg and Hades and Jasmine and Jafar) but they matched XD Like, I know Clayton was wearing yellow so he would match Sabor- but then why did they put Jane in the exact same shade? Its interesting.

[justjams2003]

Snippit 2

Hello, this is another little part from the Thor fic I am writing. :)

Pairing: Thor Odinson x Oc

Warnings: Naked reader, fluff, body worship

Summary: Thor takes Star (oc) to a clearing in the forest with a lake. Where he worships her body and declares his love.

Word count: 906

Unedited

“Where are you taking me, my dear?” The Light Elf asks, trying her best to use her heightened hearing to figure where she in. There is water running and birds chirping. That could honestly be anywhere. She can feel grass under her feet and the wind gently blowing through her hair.  

Even if she’s using her pointed ears, all she can truly focus on is Thor’s heartbeat heavy in her mind. His touches are like little storms forming on her skin. A thrilling feeling with very little to compare it to. “It’s a surprise, little one, we are almost there,” his voice is thick with excitement.  

Star’s eyes are closed, her full trust in her lover. She can feel his hands leave her shoulders. Along with the rustling of grass from only what she can assume is Thor moving around. “Okay, you may open!” She hears him call out.  Those soft-skin eyelids gently do as told.  

She has seen many forests before. With many different trees, many different plants and many different wild life. Ones that the imagination can’t even make up. That glow in the dark with colours not seen before. With creatures that make you rethink what is possible. This forest, however, has to be her favourite by far.  

Not due to the crystal-clear water crashing down on the smooth shining gray stone. Or the bright green moss that grows on those stones. Or the butterflies of every colour gently drifting in the wind. No, this one is her favourite because Thor is in it. Him being in only his boxers is a big plus.  

He stands tall at the very top of the waterfall. He looks so proud of himself. For causing that amazed and bewildered look in your eyes. Thor’s heart swells even more when a giggle falls from Star’s lips. That laugh he would split a planet in half just to hear.  

Without another thought, the prince takes a big leap. His blond hair follows after as he tumbles down into the body of water. A big splash sprays Star wet with water. Her nose scrunches up at the sudden soak. When Thor emerges, he looks heavenly. Thick water-drops fall from his eyelashes. As if crystals have formed all over, just to worship his body.  

“Come, join me, my love!” He calls out, holding out his hand. A bright smile graces her lips, she takes one between her teeth. Thinking for a moment. She did not wear undergarments. She did not feel the need to. Where she’s from, nudity is a part of nature and they embrace nature in everything they do.  

They don’t wear shoes and when they do, only for special occasions like battle or a formal ball. Their clothing is the same, only tight fitting when they need to impress or fight. Having everything open and free is their way of living. Did Thor believe the same? He hasn’t questioned any of her other traditions.  

It’s not like she’s ashamed of her body either. She knows the beauty she holds. Even if she is not classified as a God or Goddess. Many believe elves to be equal to them. In every aspect. She’s had many beings offer up planets and kingdoms to sleep with her. None, offering themselves as Thor has, she noted.

The girl nods, taking the thin straps of her forest green dress and pushing it off her shoulders. Letting the garment fall to the floor. Exposing every curve of her warm body. Not fazed by the breeze of the forest, as long as there is sun. Thor gulps, “By Odin’s beard,” he mutters out.  

He’s seen every part of Star thousands of times before. Ravished and dined on every inch of skin he could find. Yet still, every time he sees her it’s like all the air in his lungs has been drained out. As if every beautiful thing he’s ever seen falls dead in shame at the comparison of her.  

Star’s shoulders are raised in confidence and pride at Thor’s reaction. Also, a light blush coats her cheeks, thankful to have someone like him. He holds out his hand, needing to touch some part, any part, of her right at this moment. Even just her hand.  

The sun’s rays gently embrace her body in warmth. The lake, even if it looks icy-cold, is warm and welcoming. The wind lightly brushes through her hair. Highlighting the snow white and point of her ears. Thor feels like a mortal. Or, what he imagines it to be. That feeling of exploding and uncontained awe at the divine being in front of him.  

He watches closely as he guides them deeper into the lake. How the water spread out her waist-length hair. How it covers the curve of her breast. Sheltering her with a liquid quite like the sky. Mirroring her very own beauty back at her. No mead or mushrooms or magic could ever compare to this moment in his mind. That being said, he’s sure he’ll feel this way tomorrow too.  

“I love you.” He blurted out, his tongue out of control and for once he does not regret it. Star’s mouth flies open, agape in shock. Yet also from love. She’s felt the same way since she saw him for the first time. “I love you.” She replies, within a heartbeat. After all, they’d both say it, even if it was with their last breathe.  

[the-starry-seas]

oh man I love Wayfaring Stranger. have you heard the version by Thom Allison from Killjoys? (the internet apparently only has one copy that's not a show/spoilers music video, and you have to download it, but 10/10 recommend it here)

Will Wood is a grade-A match for Racer, every song I hear from him is just pure chaos. I think I've linked 2econd​-2ight​-2eer for both her and Fury in the past but idk where. "God forbid I'm seen just as an average human being" is truly her, she loves being the centre of attention and also like. she is just too wild to be average. (Funnily enough she's the least neurodivergent of the whole squad, besides the standard issue PTSD she's fine mentally, she's just like that all on her own. incredibly funny tbh) also "I outsmart them with a ray-gun and a tweet" yeah. she IS tweeting on the battlefield and Blue IS yelling at her about it. god forbid women do anything. I want her to say 'you have to like me' to Blue, he would snap.

the entire second verse of that song OUGH. yeah. chewing this like a beaver. "Born to live your legacy, xxisting just to fill your needs" is a great song for all the clones I'm gonna be ruminating that for like a week. it IS a shame it took so long to rescue ner, but hey, better late than never even when it comes to therapy, right. takes ner like ten years but whatever we stan anyway. and I'm having a lot of thoughts about 'never standing on my own' because hello squad life but also ne does have an Issue about standing out and how that's unsafe but also something ne wants to prove ne's not just another number in the army. not thoughts i can articulate but they're there.

Fury would love that song (canon Blackpink enjoyer, love that for him). You know that 'brutal fight scene set to peppy 80s music' trope? this is the music for him. "So if it takes forever, we'll save the world together" 🥺🥺🥺 yeah it's him!!! he's so determined to make things better, no matter what it takes, he's such an optimist and i love that for him. and "don't care if the world ain't ready for me" also yeah it's him!!! he's doing his thing regardless, he doesn't expect people to like. Vibe With It. but he loves when they do!

I say this politely (?) but this song sounds like a panic attack in the making and yeah. Mr Anxiety Issues for sure. "I can't do this man I'm not happy" LMAO. "I am happy, I am good, I am outta here screw you!" LMAO THE SECOND. he really does say 'get your shit together' a lot to the Aces, but like. you've seen them. you understand.

ooh I love this song with "you'll only stand a chance if you're out for love". and "think of who you care about, protect 'em and be out for love". and THE ENTIRE BRIDGE. this man has so much love and it's what he deserves honestly! look at him, he's such a doll.

I don't have time atm to listen to the playlists because it's almost dinner but I did peek at the song names and 👀

Run Run Rebel is a fabulous choice. love that her band's on there (idc who started it in canon, it's Liithal's now <3). Encanto song!!! yes. would you be at all surprised to know that Surface Presure is on Fury's playlist. oooh yes girl finally snap at your toxic family. oh shit there's a cast recording of The Lightning Thief??? Heirloom. OUGH. do I wanna know about "I miss her and I blame you" (yes I do gimme). omg Icon For Hire! I used to listen to them so much!

seeing SHIT on Sol's playlist took me out that's hilarious. A Sky Full of Stars is an adorable ship song I love that. and I am 100% stealing Therapy Is Cool Dad for one of the clone's playlists, idk which one yet. MULAN COVER SPOTTED. I have Could Have Been Me on Racer's and Fury's and Kestrel's playlists. MOTHER MOTHER SPOTTED. Favourite song of theirs. TREASURE PLANET SPOTTED. I used a lyric from Brother for the Barton boys once (extended Marvel phase. rip.) TARZAN SONG SPOTTED. Jackie and Wilson is such a good song love that for him.

randomly assign me a song from your playlist!

tell me about some of the most jarring songs that have played back to back!

tell me about the songs you like but won't listen to!

do you have songs you would assign to some of the Aces perhaps 👀

there's gotta be songs you assign to Liithal and/or Sol right 👀

also if you have OT3 vibes in there somewhere I live for OT3s

You get this song! Because I need to try to get more people into the No Evil fandom!

Okay I made a mini playlist specifically out of my jarring songs for your listening enjoyment!

Oh this should be fun. So, Christmas Shoes is a song I used to love, and it's still a great song. But until today, the last time i listened to it was on the radio on the way home from my dad's funeral in 2012. I think the fact that after over a decade, today I can finally hear it again without just turning it off is a pretty good mark that I'm really doing better than I was before.

Racer. What can I say? She be like that. Here me out: Whisper. I think it could fit. There are a lot of lines in this song that remind me of ner. Fury. For sure. I was going to give Blue a real serious song, but this song came up while i was looking and I thought of him So Hard, so here ya go. Ember. Because he's a badass motivated by love.

Liithal and Sol both do have playlists haha. Their lists overlap a lot because of couple songs of course. They are not yet in chronological order, but each song does correlate with events of their stories.

I probably have poly vibe songs around here somewhere, but unfortunately my mind has blanked here lol.

[foli-vora]

counting stars

A/N: I apologise if this is a mess—I’ve just written this on my phone while camping in the middle of nowhere 😅 truly inspired by the outdoors hahah. Yes I’m sitting incredibly still in a spot that I found had cell service so I can upload this because I’m Impatient™️.

Pairing: Francisco ‘Catfish’ Morales x f!reader

Word count: 2.5k

Warnings: depressive thoughts, insecurities, A SICKENING AMOUNT OF FLUFF

+++

The truck’s packed. That’s the first thing you notice when you pull into the driveway, eyeing the bags chucked neatly in the bed of the vehicle. The brief sharp stab of panic that impales your heart is drowned by a sickening twist of understanding. Of course he’d leave — why would he want you? Why would he waste time being with you when he could do so much better? You don’t blame him. You wouldn’t get in his way of leaving.

The sigh that leaves you as you exit your car is long and drawn out, each step towards the house drains the low level of energy you had leftover after your shift and you wonder if you’ll be in Frankie’s way if you take up the couch to sleep. Will he want to take the couch? He had bought it, after all. The bed, then. He wouldn’t leave you without a bed — maybe he’ll come back for it tomorrow.

Frankie’s coming down the stairs when you walk through the door, a dark backpack slung over his shoulder and Mena giggling in his arms. God you’re gonna miss those little giggles. He smiles when he sees you, dropping the bag next to a bright pink unicorn one on the floor before striding over to you.

You’re stumped when he slings an arm around your waist and brings you in close, hips bumping together, and Mena immediately dives in to press a wet kiss against your cheek. He kisses the other, sharing a little smile with his little girl before looking at you.

“You’ve got 10 minutes to pack some clothes.” He says, and you blink, stomach rolling.

Oh. Maybe he was packing your stuff.

Of course, it’s his house.

It’s in his truck because you couldn’t possibly fit everything in your car. He was helping you move out. He didn’t have to—you could have called a removal company or something. He shouldn’t have to go out of his way, especially with Mena.

You’re sullen as you answer, brushing past him with a quiet okay. The stairs are hard to climb, but eventually you reach your bedroom. You try not to look at the photos lining the walls—pictures of Mena, of her with Frankie or you, of all three of you, of you and Frankie snuggled together on various dates and trips, scribbles deemed masterpieces plastered proudly in expensive frames. Maybe you could ask for a few copies, or take the originals if he was just going to throw the ones of you away. Which he would, of course, why would he keep them?

He’s left a duffle on the bed for you—his old army one. He loves this one. He uses it for everything. You make a mental note to make sure to return it.

Tears choke your throat as you pack the bag, and it’s not until strong arms wind around your waist that they fall free. You won’t say no to a final hug. You try to memorise the tightness of his arms, the feel of his beard along your skin as he buries his face in your neck.

“You ready? Mena’s getting cranky,” you hear the chuckle in his voice and nod your head. He must feel the tension in your torso because immediately he’s turning you, frowning at the tears streaking your face. “What’s wrong, baby?” He’s gentle as he wipes them from your cheeks, the pinch between his brows deepening as your face crumbles in his hands.

“I don’t want to leave,” you admit, sniffling quietly, “but I will if that’s what you want. You and Mena deserve better.”

“What?”

“It’s okay—”

“No, it’s not.” Soon your face is pressed hard against his chest and he’s crushing you, hand tight on the back of your head as he holds you. “You’re not going anywhere, not without us, anyway. We’re going on a trip. All three of us—together.”

A trip? Your mind is a whirl as you try to catch up. He wasn’t leaving you? Or, more accurately, you weren’t moving out? Suddenly the packed bags, especially Mena’s unicorn one, and packed truck make a little more sense to your darkened mind, and you instantly relax in his arms.

He pulls back, dark eyes sad as he studies your face.

Frankie had watched you the last few days; watched your mood sour, watched the bags below your eyes deepen. You’d barely been sleeping — he could feel you toss and turn all night, could feel the shudder in your shoulders as you tried to keep your sobs quiet in fear of waking him. He’d seen the look of utter defeat wash your face when you accidentally spilt the milk trying to make a coffee yesterday, seen the immediate glaze of tears as he wiped the spill away. You were gone before he could even turn and comfort you, the door slamming as you all but ran to your car.

He knew what was happening—could recognise the signs a mile away after having to defeat his own monster lurking in the back of his mind telling him he wasn’t good enough, reminding him of all the awful things he’d done in his life, what he’d done to others. He’d gone straight to work, said he wouldn’t be able to do any shifts on the weekend, and had left at lunch to start packing.

“I love you.”

Your face falls, head shaking in automatic denial.

“I do,” his touch is gentle, brushing more tears away with his thumbs. “I know you’ve been struggling lately. I’m sorry for not saying anything—I should’ve made it clear when you came home. We’re going camping for the weekend, unless you don’t feel up to it which is fine. We can just order a pizza, cuddle up on the couch and watch movies if that sounds better.” He smiles warmly, reassuringly, and you know in your heart that he really truly doesn’t mind what you decide to do.

How you ever landed Francisco Morales, you’ll never know.

“No, I want to go.”

“Are you sure? Please don’t be scared to say no—”

“I want to go.”

For the first time for what feels like all week, you smile, and actually mean it.

His eyes flick across your face, searching for any signs of hesitation, and then he grins, your eyes automatically falling to admire the dimple creasing his cheek. You kiss it instinctively, relief washing through you as your mind and hearts calms. He stops you as you pull away, leaning in and letting his nose run along yours before pressing a soft kiss to your lips.

He helps you put some clothes together, and with the two of you, you’re packed within a few minutes. He holds your hand on the way down the stairs, but stops to collect all the bags while you grab the little girl pulling at your legs. She babbles to you excitedly as you follow Frankie out of the house, her little fingers habitually pulling and fiddling with the chain around your neck.

You try to fend off the overwhelming feelings of unworthiness while you listen to Frankie talk animatedly back to Mena as you buckle her into her car seat, her little voice loud and bubbly as she claps her hands and bounces in her seat. You try to smile, try to reassure yourself that Frankie loves you, that Mena loves you, but you struggle truly believing it. How could they?

Music’s soon blaring throughout the cab of the truck as the familiar houses of your neighbourhood fly past, the Spotify playlist Frankie spent a good hour finding and adding songs to filling the quiet. He sings along, grinning at Mena’s attempts to sing along in her own little language, and when he looks at you, eyes shining with adoration, your chest feels tight and constricted.

You really didn’t deserve these two.

It takes a couple of hours to get to Frankie’s favourite spot—somewhere familiar to you from the many times he had taken you there. The small clearing is the same as it always has been, the large logs still situated around a small burnt patch of ground where leftover charred logs sat from previous campers. Frankie’s quick to erect the tent and organise the bedding inside, and soon he’s joining you and Mena at the edge of the wide lake glowing under the fading sun.

She’s dancing in the sand, little bare feet kicking up the grains as she twirls and twists and giggles when she goes too far and her toes touch the cool water. You sink to the ground and hug your legs, content to watch her enjoy the last bit of sunlight before it sinks beneath the horizon with a longing to feel as wild and carefree as she does.

“Papa!”

Frankie answers her call with a loud playful growl, and soon she’s squealing as he chases her across the sandbank. He catches her, throws her over his shoulder and spins, laughing at her wild screams of delight as he tickles her sides. Your chest warms, and the smile tugging at your lips is automatic as Mena runs on unsteady legs back to you, curls bouncing in her pigtails as she escapes Frankie’s arms and bolts to you for safety.

“Mama!” She climbs into your arms and your face drops in shock, wide eyes blinking up at Frankie who’s stopped dead behind her. The grin that widens his face practically blinds you, his eyes immediately shining with a sheen of tears as he drops beside you and smothers you both with a hug, pressing loud kisses to wherever he could reach. Mena giggles, pulling away to look between the pair of you with sparkling dark eyes. Little arms wind around both you and Frankie as she cuddles you close, her little head falling tiredly against your chest.

You catch Frankie looking at you, and return his fond gaze, smiling shyly under his admiration. The three of you snuggle together as the sun disappears, throwing bright hues of pink and orange across the cloudy sky, and finally, the tight feeling in your chest lessens under the pressure of two pairs of loving arms. Finally—you feel like you can breathe.

Frankie pipes up soon after the sun sets, “Who’s hungry?”

Mena’s head pops up instantly, the sleepiness that was just weighing her body down seemingly vanishing at the mention of food. She wiggles off your lap, and runs back to the campsite leaving you and Frankie chuckling quietly to yourselves as you follow. He and Mena sit together while he builds a fire, and you hear him talk through the process, Mena watching with curious eyes as he stacks the wood and lights it.

You all stay huddled together as the chill of the night drops over the camp site, sharing quiet laughs and keeping Mena entertained until her eyes start to drop. You stay mostly quiet, happy to just witness the two loves of your life share in each other’s affections.

Soon you and Frankie are left alone once Mena succumbs to sleep, and he brings two cups out with his phone playing quiet music, wiggling the bottle of whiskey he had hidden in his bag mischievously after putting her down in the tent. He pours a generous amount into both before sinking onto the log beside you, watching the flames dance in the dark before nudging you softly.

“Talk to me, baby.”

Sighing, your finger traces the rim of the cup and you shrug helplessly. “I don’t know. I just... I haven’t been feeling like myself lately.”

He nods, “Has something happened?”

You purse your lips, thinking over the last few weeks. Nothing jumps out and you shrug again, frowning at the flames. “No. My head just... I don’t know. I’m happy with my life—I love you, more than anything, and Mena, too... my job is fine—everything’s fine, but... my head just...” you struggle to finish your sentence, frown deepening.

You’re not making any sense. You never make sense. How can you possibly turn the jumble of thoughts in your head into words and make him understand? You barely understood it all yourself. What did you have to be upset over? Your life was picture perfect. Perfect man, perfect daughter, perfect job, a home full of love... so many people had it worse. You shouldn’t feel the way you do.

You must’ve spoken aloud because the next minute Frankie is reaching for your hand, rubbing the skin soothingly.

“I get it.” He says quietly, shooting you a comforting smile when you blink up at him, tears filling your eyes. “Our minds can be cruel sometimes, but just because there are others out there who may have it worse doesn’t take away from how you feel. You matter, just as much as others.”

You don’t try to stop the tears that fall from your eyes, instead letting them fall down your cheeks in a heavy flow. He moves closer in response, moving the arm holding your hand around your shoulder and pulling you in close to his side. The warmth from his body seeps into yours and you take a shaky breath as the tears continue.

“Is there anything I can do? Do you want to talk to someone? I know of a few good doctors around.”

Shaking your head, you lean your head on his shoulder and sigh deeply. “No, I think I’m alright for now, but if it gets worse...”

His arm tightens in response, and he nods quietly.

“I’m here for you, honey.” He murmurs, turning to kiss your forehead gently. “You don’t have to hide from me.”

You smile through your tears, turning to gaze up at him gratefully. “Thank you, Frankie.”

Quiet conversation starts up once the flow of tears dies off, and soon he has you in fits of laughter, the whiskey loosening the last bits of tension from your frame as it warms your insides. When Frankie’s favourite song comes on, he’s up before you can even make a comment, holding a hand out to you with a wide grin once he throws back the last of his drink and tosses his cup aside without a care.

“What?” You ask, eyeing his open palm with a grin.

“Dance with me.”

How could you ever say no? You couldn’t. Not to him. Your grin turns shy as you take his hand, letting him pull you up and off the log and into his frame. He holds you close, arms winding securely around you as you sway softly. The stars catch your attention when you rest your head on his shoulder, and you feel a lump growing in the back of your throat when Frankie starts to softly sing in your ear. It’s not depressive thoughts that have you on the verge of tears this time. Instead, your heart is damn near bursting, the flood of love for this man so strong you have to stop yourself from squeezing him too tight.

Your eyes flick to watch a shooting star, but instead of making a wish, you tuck yourself impossibly closer to Frankie. You didn’t need a wish—you had everything you needed already.

+

Tags: @anu-simps @seasonschange-butpeopledont @withasideofmeg @you-got-me-starry-eyed

[rocketmuse]

I thought I'd share my playlist for the anniversary of the boathouse kiss. :)

Song translations, MANY thoughts, and timeline under the break.

Noise warning for song 19, Hinahanap-Hanap Kita. 4:23 to the end. Loud high pitched beeps.

YouTube music version to be made soon.

Translations for foreign songs:

Ewan [Dunno] — Apo Hiking Society — Filipino/Tagalog

Amour plastique [Plastic love] — Videoclub — French

Panalangin [Prayer] — Apo Hiking Society/Moonstar88 — Filipino/Tagalog

Hinahanap-Hanap Kita [I'm Looking For You] — Rivermaya — Filipino/Tagalog

This is a collaborative playlist made with my friend.

Thought Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy would be a good starter song. Something about the music. Represents a good start of Alec persuing Maurice, like, hey, I can be yours... Whatcha doin'?

I added Puppy Princess because of the chorus but I know some people don't like that song so... You can skip if you'd like. KISS MEEEEE KIISS ME WITH YIIR EYESSS CLOSED . ALL I WANT IS YOU YEAH YOU. TELL ME I'M NOT FUNNY TELL ME I'M LEGIIIIT

Ewan. OH MY GOD this song is so them. Alec cares for Maurice, and doesn't like not being taken seriously or being treated badly and brushed off.

"I don't know why you're like that, you're difficult to talk to and you're a snob" COME ON IS THAT NOT THEM — Just a smile from you, and I'll be in heaven. Please give me a response, anything but "No idea"... What a perfect representation of Alec's continuous persuit of Maurice, always talking, always trying...

I could go on with every lyric.

Edit: I just realised this song fits so well for Alec's letters and meeting at the museum. Must resist the urge to add the same exact track twice.

So about Touch Me... Some of the lyrics apply better in other versions. Spotify just has this version tho. Touch me, just like that.

All I've Ever Known. Maurice discovered so much that night about touch and sharing and being with someone. He wants to be with Alec. "All I've ever known is how to hold my own, but now I want to hold you too. [Hold you close, I don't wanna ever have to let you go. Hold you tight, I don't wanna to back to the lonely life.]" Alec opened up his eyes and he'll never be the same.

Can't Help Falling in Love With You. 'Did you ever dream you'd a friend, Alec? ... Someone to last your whole life...' 'Alec, you're a dear fellow and we've been very happy.'

I'd Like To Walk Around In Your Mind was added from Maurice's perspective. Perhaps it fits Alec too...

I think Love At First Sight has the double meaning of the literal title, as well as "wouldn't you like to kiss her" perhaps being... Something Maurice would hear.

I Don't Dance. Based on this post/edit. Please watch this video oh my God.

Pink in the Night. Alec yearns for Maurice in the boathouse. He hasn't come. He hears his heart breaking tonight.

Every lyric is perhaps pulled straight from Alec's brain, to be honest. I remember seeing a post with this song in other contexts with them too. So yes, a few meanings.

Amour plastique. Alec reminiscences on the night in the Russet room. Why hasn't he come?

In my mind, everything goes wild. I lose myself in your eyes. I drown myself in the vagueness of your loving gaze.

And at night I cry tears that stream down my cheeks. I think of you only when the days ends, only when my sad demons descend upon my mind, into the bottomless abyss.

Waiting in the boathouse at night, when the day ends.

I ring out in kisses all down your chest. Lost in the avalanche of my heart astray. Who are you? Where are you?

The moments of then repeat in his mind. Where is Maurice?

I suppose Hopelessly Devoted To You and I'm A Fool To Want You are self explanatory. Maurice should really come... Alec really toughed it out, 2 days he spent in the boathouse, really wanted to see Maurice, really knew they had something, and doesn't want to be treated like a dog. Generally, his 1st letter.

Moon Song. My friend said they added it as a general love song. — Why do you treat me like this? Why didn't you come to the boathouse? — Alec's 2nd letter as a whole. Plus bits of 1st.

And you pushed me in, and now my feet can't touch the bottom of you. ... So I will wait for the next time you want me, like a dog with a bird at your door.

Ewan would fit here tbh.

Panalangin. My only prayer in this lifetime: to be beside you, to be together with you, that's my prayer.

"I since cricket match do long to ... place both arms round you and share with you, the above now seems sweeter than words can say."

And this heart won't allow if you will be away from me, my love, please listen.

It also fits the end of museum.

I Want You. Maurice, can you come to the boathouse already? Alec has no power to teleport you there. I hold one card that I can't use.

I found you. I found the door, but when I stepped through, there was no floor. He found Maurice, bit he's not being here for Alec.

You're coming back And it's the end of the world We're starting over And I love you, darling And I am done, dear

Alec wishes this would happen. Also, he does come back later and they love again over, and "it is finished".

Credit for suggesting the next two songs goes to @beatle-capaldi!!! He also wrote was in quotations!

English Summer Rain

The Most Radical Thing To Do

Hinahanap-Hanap Kita. 1st letter, he's looking for Maurice. Thinking about them together.

In my thoughts and dreams, in every turn of destiny, I look for you. Also applies to that hotel/post-hotel feeling. I look for you, even if I try to forget you, saying goodbye, looking back...

Wildest Dreams. They think a lot of each other. They share once more. But they must say goodbye. Alec saw this coming. Maurice hopes that Alec will remember him like this.

I Hear a Symphony. Alec truly opened up Maurice's eyes. Maurice was meant to be with him. He helped Maurice, changed his life. But now Alec is leaving on ship... Or is he? The symphony leads into...

An orchestral sountrack. The Boathouse. Unfortunately the Maurice soundtrack is not on spotify. It's on my personal YouTube music version. I added it because it just captures the boathouse the only way the sountrack itself can.

The Word of Your Body (Reprise). MLM people have moment of romantic tension, which culminates in confessions of love. Just had to add it. "Haven't you heard the word of your body?" perfectly describes Alec gifting and showing Maurice the wonder of truest physical affection and love. He lets Maurice be okay with himself, and again, changes everything. Every lyric is perfect.

Also, sorry JBW, I like other versions more... Too bad Spotify is mean.

I See The Light. Yeah. Every lyric. Maurice is Rapunzel. Movie Blond too. Both the morning at Russet room and the museum. And the world has somehow shifted. All at once everything is different, now that I see you. "By now they were in love with each other consciously."...

Suddenly Seymour. Suddenly see more, yeah? Clive = ass and someone gives him affection for once, wow! Sidenote, I want to sing this with them and their accents... Suddenly SCUDDER...

Helpless. Musical theatre songs seem to be good retellings of their love story. It's why they belong in post boathouse. Summaries and retellings. They're also good at conveying love they'd feel for each other in general, all times ever. Like loving men, retelling a story.

I'll Cover You. Cute love song feat. gays. I like to imagine them dancing around, declaring their love and devotion for each other. Walking and dancing around like in the original scene, sometime post canon. In my own imagination, I thought of Alec as Angel and Maurice (Christopher) as Collins.

Video Games. They must love spending time together. I thought this to be Maurice POV. Only worth living if somebody is loving you I mean, come on.

It's you, it's you, it's all for you. Everything I do. I tell you all the time, heaven is a place on Earth with you.

Un sospiro. I headcanon that Maurice picks up the piano and plays for Alec. Perhaps he picked it up bc of/after Clive, but now can play it for someone who gives a shit.

Something about the melody reminds me of them. And then it gets more intense... A bit like the passions of love, showing up in sharing and touch and more, too.

Liebestraum. I mean, it means love dream/dream of love. I just had to. Also I just like Liszt.

Take Me Up With You, Dearie. This song is just so sweet... So soft... Edwardian to boot... I love how quintessentially 1909 it is. Discovered it in a YT video. The thought of them getting married makes me cry. This song in general makes me want to cry, it's so romantic, tender, and exudes my favourite era...

Let us float, float, float through the clouds, and just have a lot of fun. We'll go up, up, up as two and then come down as one.

Put Your Head on My Shoulder. We Belong Together. I always imagine Maurice and Alec slowdancing to songs that come on the radio together, when the 1950s hits... Alec probably rests his head on his shoulder as this plays and they dance...

I'm using a lot of ellipses, am I secretly Rupert Graves?

Welcome to the 70s and 80s. They love dancing together and being with each other. Now, Panalangin can be a happy song. My only prayer for this lifetime ... To be together with you. And this heart won't allow if you will be away from me.

Just the Two of Us. What a nice, vibey song. Great title, great scenario of them dancing to this...

Tiny Dancer. Your Song. MLM people in the 70s + Radio, being happy and in love with each other. — I just thought I should add some Elton. A different friend, and I, like him. Maurice sings to Alec, "And you can tell everybody this is your song." That I put down in words how wonderful life is with you in the world.

Electric Love. Fun fact: this song got me to share the playlist. Got me thinking about them and their anniversary again. The funky busy instrumental describes well their passionate love. The highs of electric LOOOOOOVE describe the intensity of them.

Alt text continued: themselves together under and the love. And the love. The song has its own tension and it perfectly pictures their own tension. So yeah, this is THEIR song quite literally.

Sorry if my music taste is perhaps basic. I just made it for when I hear songs that are Them.

Falling for Ya. Alec falls for Maurice. "I saw you when you first drove up, Mr Hall..." Something about Maurice, right? Plus really nice vintage vibes with the music. The bit about Into your arms and it's a secure sure sounds like Maurice. Awh, they're falling for *each other*...

Rainbow Connections. Gay and bi people. Marriage. Everything that Maurice and Alec went through to get here, where they were meant to be. Clive. Working for Clive. Leading up to now.

All the things that had to go right, all the things that had to go wrong, that lead us to the place where we were going all along.

On the YT version there's a soft/jazzy cover of Panalangin here. Because they're old and spending time together and being happy. What a throwback, a defined meaning in their lives over time.

Still Into You. After all these decades... Old and grown, together... True soulmates... Two men can defy the world... Maurice and Alec still roam the greenwood. Imagine Maurice meeting Alec's mom in this context. If only.

Postmodern Jukebox cover, because they are a quintessentially 20th century couple. They exude vintage.

Some piano playing for Alec. Soft, tender, romantic, emotional, true. Feels like nighttime. Feels like Maurice and Alec. And a throwback to the pre 1914 world as well. Claire de Lune feels like... A credits of life piece. Time spent in the early 1980s. Nocturne feels like that too, but more romantic. Smidge less nighttime. Ah yes, Gymnopédies. The truest credits feel of them all. None of these actually are credits for Maurice and Alec, but I struggle to find the word for this feeling. But yeah. These all have Them vibes to me. Piano of the time just does I suppose. Glad to be reminded of them at any time.

What a long playlist. Like going through almost their whole lives together. 1:52 hrs. Almost like a movie. Imagine that. A full movie of THEIR lives... But leaving to the imagination was a good thing. Led to this such action. Thank you E.M. Forster.

Timeline:

1. Pendersleigh

4. & 5. Russet Room. Night, then Morning

9. Cricket

10. Boathouse Nights

18. The Museum

20. The Hotel

21. After

23. The Boathouse

24. They Still Roam the Greenwood

I just like to imagine them dancing to songs on the radio, for decades to come...

[gyuluster]

txt as boyfriends

requested : yes, thank you @engenemoa-forever​!

words : 1.23k words

genre : fluff, just a lil suggestive but hella hella fluff, bitsa crack too

a/n : hi good evening thank you and sorry for writing this so late ))): i hope you and all u sexc mfs enjoy <3 special mention to @soobmint for helping out with this!! her ideas are too cute not to include <3

SOOBIN

this man would never stop thanking his luck stars that he’s dating you

a total lovebug - he is at his best when he’s in a relationship, so he just can’t stop smiling or simply be happy in your presence

is extremely shy so when you show him affection he has to hide himself so you can’t see him blushing like a churchboy

on the other hand, would always want to show you the love he’s too embarrassed to accept - would never be too proud or too shy to tell you how beautiful you look every morning or whispering sweet nothings to you in the night to help you sleep

would randomly cook meals in the night to show his commitment to you - even though he works extremely hard he would immediately take over the housework if he sees you tired

the PERFECT listener - you could rant about anything and everything for HOURS and he would not even fidget, listening intently to your problems

also gives insane advice so you always turn to him - basically your free therapist

endearments galore - “my love” is his utmost favourite 

dates always include romatic-lit dinners somewhere intimate, and always end with the two of you, hand-in-hand, looking at the stars in your home

in short, this man is wholly dependent on you - you become the beacon of his life, and are every way his missing puzzle piece 

YEONJUN

you both are fucking WILD

honestly no one even doubts the two of you are going out it’s literally so OBVIOUS

this goon is the most flirtatious little fucker known to man

WILL make you sososososososo flustered all the time 

he is so bloody shameless - like he would happily argue with another over how his girlfriend is the prettiest, and not someone else’s 

a lot of contact !!! so much contact on god!!!

HAS to have his arm around you all the time, perhaps the sneaky hand lingering on you all the time

ADORES to kiss you - honestly could kiss you all day, whether it be on your forehead, nose, lips, other places

would show you the whole world - spontaneous trips to either the streets of Paris or the mountains of South America, he’s ready to take you anywhere

y’all might not agree with me on this, but i don’t think he’d be jealous at all concerning you - in fact, he’s so confident in his abilities as a great-as-fuck boyfriend that he doesn’t mind you having boys as super close friends - he knows you’ll be in his arms by the end of the night

you are his only “darling” - his muse, and the love of his life

BEOMGYU

beomgyu as a boyfriend would be the best thing of your life yet the bane of your existence at the exact same time

constantly playfighting 

like you both are at each other’s NECKS at ever waking moment - whether that be over you purposefully taking the last chip to you threatening to burn his neighbourhood down

teasing!!! the teasing never stops!!! this man will have you blushing all the time - he loves seeing you flustered so he can make fun of you which then only gets you pissed

his head is ALWAYS on your shoulder - sometimes he just falls asleep when he’s a little tired and despite you tempted to toss his head off and into the wall, you let him rest upon you

the two of you don’t have particularly loving endearments - i mean, if y’all think “prick”, “dickhead” or “cumshot” is affectionate

a massive brat - either his way or the highway homie you’re gonna have to submit to his movie choices

KING of pouts — one of those bad boys being whipped out and that’s it you’re the victim of emotional manipulation

jealous !!!! this mans gets soooooo annoyed when other guys are bantering around with you — always results in you poking fun which then leads to him sulking in the corner

super late messages at night where he sends voice notes of him singing or playing the guitar which help you fall asleep

basically he’s a massive pain in the ass but it’s a pain you don’t really wanna get rid of

TAEHYUN

okay so this man is quite different from the others because he’s not instantly comfortable

it takes him time to truly mould into the idea of a relationship, but when he does it’s literally seventh heaven

the realest — he is the one who tells you the hard truths or any upsetting news he has — even so, you only want to hear it from him because he would never sugarcoat anything from anyone, least of all you

deeply emotional — his greatest wish is to see you happy and will go to great lengths to fulfil it whether it’s just going out to get your favourite snack or helping you through a more serious problem

HATES !!!! absolutely DETESTS to see you upset — if it’s anyone specific that’s it they’re getting their shit ROCKED

super observant !! this man picks up on how you’re feeling, whether you need help or simply want to be in his presence — either way, he senses and comforts you in the best way

LOVESSSS to sing to you — for him it’s one of the most intimate acts he can offer, so at any time when you both are alone, he will play with your hair as he sings a soft melody to you

is actually kinda clingy — once he’s most himself with you he always wants to hold your hand or at least be closer to you, even in certain public areas — it makes you MELT because it means he fully accepts and sees you as his own

basically, you could not live without this man — he is the epitome of collected, trustworthy and deeply affectionate goodness

HUENINGKAI

oh my goodness

hyuka would literally never stop screaming about you

some goon could be talking about the presidential elections and hyuka will still manage to slide you into the conversation — eventually someone will tell him to shut the fuck up (he won’t listen though)

HUGS GALORE !!! this man would never stop he NEEDS to have his arms around you or how will he survive ??!?!

is never too shy or proud to declare his undying love for you — one time he shouted it a little too loud and it resulted in him getting a warning from the neighbours

no barriers !!! this man would tell you EVERYTHING about his life it does not remotely matter how insignificant it is he will report it to you

spontaneous as fuck !! wanna go midnight shopping for instant noodles in your pjs?? travel to another city on a whim of a decision? hyuka’s the one you seek

super emotional — not like taehyuns, where it is more suppressed — his is an all out spectacle — if you guys have a fight, he WILL cry his eyes out

sleepovers ALWAYS have to include the both of you making pillow forts in your bedrooms while watching some fantasy adventure — you both end up sleeping in your creation

although you will grow up, hyuka is the man you can still be a child with and enjoy yourself

[bl00dgutsgl0ry]

ahh i’ve read all ur childe fics and they are absolutely amazing 🥺 i also live for angst and the way you portray ur characters emotions is emasculate *chefs kiss* is it possible if i may request an angsty childe fic where his s/o feels betrayed after finding out hes only been with her as part of the fatui’s plans but throughout the process childe actually falls in love and never meant to hurt them? and pls a fluffy ending bc my heart can’t take angst 🥺👉🏻👈🏻

Pairing - Childe/Tartaglia/Ajax x Reader

Warnings - Spoilers for Childe’s background.

Other Comments - Hello!! I am so glad that you are enjoying my stuff! I never would have imagined that I would receive so much positive feedback as I just started doing this but everyone has welcomed me with open arms hehe!!  (//▽//) Anyway you are in luck because I absolutely love writing angst so lets go! Also these are heavily inspired by the songs Decode and All I Wanted by Paramore so I kinda recommend listening to them while you read. (๑˘︶˘๑)

      Everyone you have encountered along your journey have been so friendly; all of them going out of their way to assist you. You have gained many friends along your way which have caused you to become quite a trusting person, to a fault at this point. Every person you have met with try their best to help you with your journey and leave a lingering friendship which you are incredibly grateful for. When you first decided you wanted to become an adventurer, your parents were extremely apprehensive, not trusting the world around you. You were determined to prove them wrong, and so far you have. 

      You had decided you wanted to settle down in Liyue for a while, exhausted from the constant traveling. This way you were always able to stay close around the Adventurers Guild. Along your journey of living in Liyue you had continued to meet many lovely and helpful people; one being a tall copper headed man. 

      During your travel and adventuring you had started to become a fairly big name, as you were incredibly skilled and managed to help save Mondstadt on a variety of occasions; even getting to know the grand master of the Knights of Favonius. So when a tall young man approached you, already knowing your name you weren’t all too surprised. You had already settled down into your small cozy apartment when he had come up to you.

      “Excuse me, you don’t happen to be (y/n) do you?” You looked up, your eyes meeting bright blue ones as you found the owner of the soothing voice.

      “Oh uh, yes that’s me. Is there something I can help you with?” A pleasant smile graced your face as the tall man gave a polite smile back before continuing. 

      “I was wondering if you could assist me with a domain, I seem to be having a bit more trouble with it than I had expected. I’ve heard you’re one of the best out there right now.” Your face flushed, something about this man was so endearing, and helping him out couldn’t be too hard, you had been able to defeat most of the domains in the area anyway so why not?

      “Sure, I’d be more than happy to help you out! Are you an adventurer like I am?” You heard Childe let out a low chuckle.

      “Oh no I am a Fatui Harbinger.” Wait- did he just say he was a Harbinger? You didn’t know much about the Fatui, but what you did know and have heard from other people was that the Fatui were always bad news. He didn’t seem like what everyone was saying though.

      “Well then, when would you like to go?”

      That was the beginning of your relationship with the Harbinger. After that you two both seemed to get along surprisingly well, and you found yourself struggling to stop seeing him. He was always on your mind, and with him almost always being around you that wasn’t helping either.

      “So, where shall we go today darling?” Childe had decided to take up space in your already cramped apartment, not that you were complaining. It had been about six months since you had settled down in Liyue and you decided it was finally time to start traveling again. You had formed a really close connection with Childe, he always seemed to be your savior in situations that you needed it. You hoped that Childe would come along with you, but part of you had a feeling that he had to stay here for some reason.

      “Well I was thinking I would go back to traveling again, I have stayed for about half a year so I think it’s time.” The smile that always seemed to find its place on Childe face quickly dropped, and you saw something change for a split second before returning back to normal.

      “Oh well if that’s what you want then I am not going to stop you, but I can no longer accompany you, you better leave as soon as possible though.” Now what could he have said that for. 

      “So you can cover as much ground of course!” Childe must’ve picked up on your questioning gaze when he said that, as a reassuring smile found its way back to his face.

      “I suppose you’re right, I need to say goodbye to the friends that I’ve made here though. Could you help me pack my things while I go do that?” A strong nod came from Childe before you granted yourself permission to leave.

      It took you longer than you had anticipated to track down and say goodbye to all of the friends you had made here and Liyue, which you could blame Xiangling for as she made sure to make plenty of your favourite dishes for your trip.

      As you approached your building you saw the back of the boy you knew so well, duck into a dark alley. Something could’ve been wrong, so to make sure he was okay you quietly followed a little ways behind. 

      “Are you deaf or just stupid? Your job was to get close to the dumb bitch and then bring them in. What is taking so long are you kidding?” A shorter man with a large hat was currently talking to Childe, surely they couldn’t be talking about you.

      “Listen I know what my orders were, I was just waiting for a good time.” Childe’s voice was quite and his eyes were focused on the ground.

      “If they’re leaving today, you better hope that they are still in Liyue for your own well being.” With that the shorter man quickly turned away and stormed off. So it was all a setup. Everything they did and talked about... All the things he told you... You as you were backing away in disbelief your shoe scuffed against the ground, causing Childe to whip around, those once familiar blue eyes meeting yours blowing out wide.

      “(Y/n) wait-” You didn’t let him finish before you took off sprinting up to your apartment, hoping to get up there and lock yourself in. Was he going to kill you for over hearing?

      You tripped a couple times going up the stairs hoping to the gods that you would still have enough time to shut and lock your door, all the while Childe was behind you begging for you to stop, for you to come back. Relief washed over you as your eyes found your door, adrenaline still pumping wildly through you. 

      “Please please please gods let me in!” You franticly attempted to unlock your door, the adrenaline making you shaky causing you to miss the keyhole. Your feverish prayers were answered when you flung the front door open, Childe’s loud footsteps pounding against the floor behind you. Right as you were slamming the door closed Childe’s body flew against the door, causing it to swing back open, hitting you in the process and tossing you to the ground; knocking the wind out of you.

      Childe stood over you, panting as he tried to catch his breath. Was this the end? Were you going to die? Your wild eyes found his, the fear in them causing him to falter. He never wanted to see fear in your eyes, especially not because of him. The darkness of the night made it hard to see, the only light spilling in from the hallway through your open front door, spotlighting your face and the tears you had falling down your cheeks. You don’t remember when you started crying but it was obvious now. Neither of you spoke for a while, not knowing what to say. It was clear that Childe wasn’t going to kill you, but that still left a plethora of issues.

      “You...” You began to speak, your voice shaky and uncertain. Childe’s eyes silently begged for you to stop.

      “You took advantage of me. Everything was a lie. Was anything that came out of your mouth true?!” Sadness and anger flushed your face and you slowly rose to your feet.

      “(Y/n) please... I never meant for it to go on this long.” That didn’t help his situation, that sentence having the same effect of putting water on an oil fire. Anger bloomed from your chest, almost making it hard to breathe.

      “I trusted you! I guess this is all my fault for putting my trust into a Fatui Harbinger! Childe’s not even your real name! I know NOTHING about you!! And... and I let you stay with me! Keep me company! I let you put your filthy hands on me! You kissed me!!” Tears began to spill faster, but not just from you this time.

      “(Y/n) please my feelings and actions towards you were no lies!! I admit this was all set up, but then I began to truly fall in love with you!! You have to believe me!” A loud broken laugh escaped your lips, almost like a bark.

      “Believe you?! Again I don’t even know your real name-”

      “Tartaglia.” This stopped you in your tracks, you couldn’t quite make sense of what he said.

      “What?” Your words were barely above a whisper.

      “My name. It’s Tartaglia. My family calls me Ajax. I am the 11th Harbinger of the Fatui. I moved to Liyue as a debt collector. I don’t want to be in the Fatui, not ever since I met you. You knew who the Fatui were and still chose to trust me. No one except my family has ever looked at me the way you do. I am from Snezhnaya. My birthday is July 20th. I enjoy ice fishing and combat. I have many siblings, a couple younger brothers named Teucer and Anthony and I have a sister named Tonia. See? You know so much more now!” You couldn’t bring yourself to say anything, you just stared at him. Childe or Tartaglia rather, was clearly getting anxious at your silence, as he shifted around more or fiddled with his gloves. He was normally so confident, so seeing him like this was shocking.

      “(Y/n) please, say something; anything.” The desperation in his voice made your chest tighten. What could you say? On one hand you wanted to just forgive him and fall into his arms, on the other hand he had completely destroyed your trust; were you really willing on forgiving him that easily?

      “Childe... I...” You could see Tartaglia flinch, not used to the tone of his code name on you tongue. He wanted so desperately for you to just say his real name. He wanted to embrace you, for you to forgive him. He would find a way out of this for the both of you. 

      “(Y/n) I will help you. I fell in love with you. I knew the second I set my eyes on you that I say going to fall for you. I will get you out of this situation, I have to. I know it’s stupid to say this now, but you have to trust me on this. After I get you out of here is when you can hit me scream at me and tell me never to see you again. I just need to make sure you’re safe.” You couldn’t hold yourself back anymore as you began to cry again. Tartaglia stepped close to you, slowly to make sure that you had a way to back up if you didn’t want him to get closer. When you didn’t move he took that as an ‘okay’ to get close, and that’s what he did.

      Slowly the distance between the two of you closed as Tartaglia sunk to his knees and clung to you. His hold on you was iron tight, as he waited and hoped for you to return the hold; which much to his surprise you did. You clung to him and cried. 

      “I will make you trust me again (y/n). I will make you trust me and I will keep you safe. You have my word. I love you.”

[welcome-to-the-end-of-eras]

Okay bc this has been a thought in my brain for a while, twofs/tlfop characters and their music tastes:

Thaniel: anything and everything. This man’s playlists are disgusting. I’ve never met a good musician who didn’t have the most buck wild taste in music and I refuse to believe it’s any different for him. Shit goes from Ice Nine Kills to Megan Thee Stallion to Tchaikovsky to the Big Time Rush soundtrack, it’s a mess. Though I firmly believe his favourite artists are like Elton John and David Bowie and all them.

Mori: he gives me Måneskin vibes for absolutely no reason, but also he seems like the kind of person who would pretend to have a very sophisticated and high-brow taste in music when really he’s in the top 0.05% of Nicki Minaj’s listeners on Spotify. Can’t blame him tho shit smacks-

Grace: fuckin indie hipster bullshit, and she’s very annoying about it. “Oh idk if you’d like this, it’s very underground *plays Sweater Weather*”. That kind of shit.

Matsumoto: he listens to whatever’s popular when he’s around people, but this man fucking l o v e s musicals and listens to them constantly in his free time. He’s gone to auditions for shows he likes without rehearsing in the slightest and has gotten callbacks because he knows the songs that well.

Six: I’ve said this before but I really feel like she’d like metal and rock songs. Like just picture this small, sweet looking kid with lil purple cat ear headphones listening to Rob Zombie on the highest volume while making naval weapons. Truly her father’s daughter.

Takiko: she also listens to indie music but she’s cool enough to get away with it and isn’t annoying about it. If you ask her for music recommendations she’ll actually give you music you’ll like instead of just forcing you to listen to the stereotypical indie songs everyone knows. Actually does know cool underground artists and brings people to their shows and it’s always a blast.

Midori: …girl in red-

Vaulker: his playlists are full of the stereotypical Masculine™️ bands and artists like Van Halen, Alice Cooper, Aerosmith, yknow the kinds of bands/artists who base their entire aesthetic off the queer community’s popular aesthetic of the 60s and 70s but nooo of course it isn’t gay what are you talking about-

Kuroda: he listens to podcasts. Not just any podcasts tho, centrist political podcasts. And he calls in daily.

Fanshaw: if you had a computer that generates playlists for people and you typed the word “gay” into it, Fanshaw’s playlist is what you would get.

Pringle: definitely listens to Yung Gravy, Toji, and any artist that has a “I <3 Milfs/Dilfs” vibe (but all his playlists kinda smack — nobody wants to give him the satisfaction of telling him tho)

Tanaka: like Thaniel he also has a very diverse music taste, but he uses it for evil. And by evil I mean he’ll figure out what kind of music just gets under your skin like no other and blasts it whenever you’re around. This man can stand in a room with the most god awful music blaring at the highest volume and he’ll start headbanging.

Choshu: exclusively listens to classical music and jazz and stuff like that, the kind of music you’d expect a person with a high quality leather arm chair and fancy whiskey decanter set to listen to.