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ravcnism · 5 months ago

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STRIKEOUT. ( PART 2 ) — KEN SATO x Male!Athlete READER

Summary: An after-party. A conversation-turned-confrontation. Kenji finally meets the esteemed Toyo Bullet and struggles to define the difference between anger, terror, and infatuation.

# # TAGS: Even More Tension, Kenji Has a Good Relationship with His Team, Intense First Encounter, Domestic Sato Family Shenanigans

# # WARNINGS: Mature Language, Alcohol Consumption, Nothing Too Crazy, No Beta Again We Die Like Onda

Note: Okay, here we go: the actual second part. Again, I am so sorry for accidentally publishing my draft earlier — I am ill with embarrassment. But I’m very happy to know that people look forward to it! If you read the false-post, then you’ve only read half of the chapter. This one has over 3000 words more! Enjoy.

“It was a nail-biter of a game here at the New Tokyo stadium tonight, folks. Right off the bat, both teams were going neck and neck, toe-to-toe. And it seemed like neither one was willing to give an inch! Our home team managed to pull off a narrow victory in the end, and by narrow, I mean narrow, Kiba.”

“That is absolutely right, Sasaki. I truly have never seen anything like it in my entire career. And you know- you know I know a lot of baseball. You know I’ve been doing this for many years, but wow! Just- insane.”

“Truly a close call. Eight additional innings? To break the tie? I cannot believe it. Let me tell you, neither the Hiroshima Toyo Carp nor the Yomiuri Giants wanted to lose today.”

“If you look at the crowd, It looks like everyone’s been wanting to go home.”

Exhausted was an understatement. Kenji hadn’t felt this drained after a game since, well, only months ago: when he was still juggling the responsibilities of raising a baby Kaiju, carrying the weight of being Ultraman, and maintaining his reputation as a well-known baseball player. All of these, on top of the sleepless nights, no longer hindered him from his work. He usually left the stadium feeling brand new every single time — regardless of whether they won or lost. He had grown and learned to lean on people, to ask for help, accept defeat. Which was good and all that, but the point was: he was exhausted from this game. You had him panting for air like an overworked dog.

Shimura had Kenji on the field for longer than he should have been. While his younger, more egotistical self might have loved his moment in the spotlight, running base to base for six innings in a row was unsurprisingly really tiring. The teams had hit a clean tie by the ninth inning, and the tie-breaker lasted for eight more. You were eating their rookies alive and having their journeymen for dessert. When Shimura realized that Sato was the only one batting your pitches, he had him play for every round after the tie. The only times Kenji wasn’t on the field was when you weren’t either. Which wasn’t a lot. It scared him how you looked like you could throw that ball for days.

“Hiroshima’s L/n is just- an absolute unit, isn’t he?”

“He certainly is, Kiba. He certainly is. I mean his performance was near inhuman tonight. Each pitch was a gem and we- he really wanted us to know that he’s here, he’s ready, and he’s willing to change Japanese baseball. He was a major force out there on the field.”

“I cannot agree with you more. But credit where credit is due, we all know that the only reason the Giants are coming home with tonight’s win is because of none other than Ken Sato himself.”

“That’s right, Sato really put up a fight. L/n was throwing him off balance every time, but he always found his footing. I think tonight might have been the hardest I’ve seen him work. You know he- he usually makes his plays look effortless — disregarding last season’s slump.”

“I say he held his own very, very impressively. The team was right to rely on him. I know we’ve spoken a lot about their tension, but I’d say it’s their dynamic that really drove the point home. They were like- mirrors of each other out there. When you put two equal forces together, they deflect. You know what I’m saying?”

Kenji’s hand shook with a weakness he wasn’t familiar with. He stared at his calloused palm and noticed his fingers twitching. Shit. It really was some game. He might have been hitting the ball, but he was barely getting it through the field. Not only were your pitches fast, but there was weight to them, too. He was witnessing the caliber of your capabilities; understanding why you were the talk of every city.

The rest of the Giants came walking into the locker room, jeering and laughing amongst themselves. “That L/n is a real piece of work, ain't he?” Shirakumo, number 24, sat himself next to Kenji, unlacing his shoe. “Never seen anything like it.”

“Did you see the look on Tateoka’s face?” Yuki laughed, smacking his thigh. “Dude was scared shitless!”

“Hey!” Tateoka frowned in reply, tugging his jersey off his arms. “You try standing in front of that guy and telling me you don't feel a little threatened.” He shuddered, remembering the look in your eyes. Dark and pointed and menacing. “He was staring me down like he was gonna—”

“Eat you alive?” Kenji scoffed.

The team went silent, then erupted into a cluster of teasing ‘oooh’s. God. It reminded him of highschool.

“Oohh, yeah.” Yamada, number 21, slid over to him with a teasing tone. He wrapped an arm around Kenji’s shoulder and squeezed him closer. “I don't think I've ever seen Sato so shaken!”

He laughed, playfully pushing him away. He was also actually really sore on that shoulder. Hell, he could already feel the pain he’d need to go through just to get up tomorrow. He was going to need another ice bath. The rest of the boys jumped in on the jokes.

“Did you see the way he was looking at you Ken?” Tokuda opened his locker, grabbing a shirt from the top shelf. He whistled. “Like he wanted your head on a plate.”

Tanaka chuckled. “He wanted you dead, man!”

Kenji rolled his eyes. “Alright, alright. Let's not get carried away. I never said I was shaken.”

“But that last bat was sweet as hell.” Yuki nodded. “I doubt any of us would've gotten through the guy if it weren't for Sato.”

“Well, duh.” Shirakumo shrugged. None of the Giants denied it. Ken was their star player. And tonight proved it more than ever. “We owe you for drinks, bud. Give us a date and we'll treat ya’ to someplace you like.” He slapped Ken’s back affectionately, which elicited a pained groan. “Shit, sorry.”

Kenji’s watch started beeping. He flinched at the sound, eyes widening slightly. “Uh, see you in a sec, guys. I gotta take this.”

He was there a moment, then gone the next. Kenji rushed himself out the hallways and into an empty locker room to answer Mina’s call. “Hey!” he greeted, anxiously. A screen projected itself from his watch and lit up his face. “Hey. Hi. What's wrong? Everyone alright? I know I said I'd be home soon, but the game took way longer than–”

He was interrupted by cheering. His father clapped and whooped with excitement as Emi occupied the background, screeching with glee. Kenji could see the ground shaking as she was jumping around and doing her special dance. One of Mina’s arms was protruding from the wall and waving celebratory flags. It immediately put a smile on his face, easing the tension from his shoulders. He was always happy to see everyone alright, and even happier to see them as their silly selves.

“Kenji!” cheered Hayao. “That was an incredible game! You were unstoppable!” The professor chuckled. Emi picked him up into a hug, slightly toppling the camera over. His legs swung like a ragdoll’s. “Okay, okay girl-”

Ken laughed, slightly shaking his head. “Easy, Emi. Put Grandpa down.”

“It was a very impressive game, Ken. Perhaps one of your bests.” Mina’s calculative yet affectionate voice echoed from his watch.

Hayao fell to the floor with an ‘oof’. “You didn't tell me you were playing against THEE Mets’ Bullet!” He scrambled to stand up, barely leaning on his cane. “I wasn’t even aware that he was signed into the Carp!”

Kenji’s smile immediately faded. “Okay.” He rolled his eyes. “He was alright, I guess. And we don’t actually know if he signed into it or if he was traded. We barely heard anything about him from the press.”

“Alright?” Professor Sato gasped, appalled. “Kenji, he was spectacular! He’s a lot like you, you know. I’ve always suspected that the both of you equalled in skill, but to see it in action? Phew.” He wiped some pretend sweat off of his forehead. “What a show! Eight extra innings to break a tie? Unbelievable! I highly doubt that he was traded. Who in their right mind would purposely lose a player like that?”

Kenji scoffed. “He wasn’t that good.” His sore limbs would like to say otherwise.

“He had you chasing after his pitches like a dog!”

“I don’t like that analogy.”

“I ought’ to rewatch that documentary they made about him. You know they’ve done studies on the physics of his throws.”

“Dad.”

“And how fortunate for Hiroshima to have gotten him out of all teams! I can tell that this season is going to turn around really fast. Just today he’s already scored-”

“Dad!”

“Oh. Sorry.” Hayao chuckled. “I’m just very excited to see the both of you on the same field.” Kenji sighed, nodding his head. “Anyway, congratulations on the win, my boy. I’m so proud of you. I always am. Get home safe. It may be late, but we still have a lot of leftovers from dinner!” Emi made a noise that let him know she was waiting, too.

Going home sounded like heaven. Ken wanted nothing more but to rest. Maybe kick back and have a chocolate shake while he and his family watched cartoons to fall asleep. It was the perfect way to end his night. It had been an unexpectedly long day and he looked forward to tomorrow’s well-earned break. Eight extra innings might even win him a second day of rest. Or a third, if Shimura agreed not to schedule him for the next game. Which, he doubted, if it meant you’d be playing.

“I’m on my way.” He ended the call, and opted to take the fastest way out, desperate to avoid the press.

Ken collapsed onto the floor, snuggling into Emi’s arm. Having washed up and eaten his dinner, he felt the last remains of his adrenaline-fueled strength die out like a dwindling flame. He felt as if his limbs were about to fall off. “Ugh,” he groaned. “I’m going to be so sore tomorrow.” Emi didn’t much care. She seemed to be preoccupied by the new ( gigantic ) stacking blocks that Mina made for her. Ken sighed, sinking deeper into her arm. “She always smells so good after her baths.” The baby Kaiju’s warm and heavy grasp felt like a weighted blanket. It was a comfort that Ken would find nowhere else.

Professor Sato walked past them, chuckling into his coffee mug. “That, she does. You should have seen her earlier, you know. I’ve never seen her so invested in a game.”

Kenji hummed. “Is that right?” He rolled onto his stomach, facing Emi. “Hey. Baby.” He poked her cheek. “Is that true? Did you cheer for Daddy? I bet you did.” Giving into his cuteness aggression he rubbed at her cheeks. Emi expressed her annoyance through a small squeak. “God, that mean old Bullet had Daddy running laps, didn’t he? We hate him, don’t we?” Kenji pushed her cheeks up and down, leading her into a nod. “Yes we dooo.”

Professor Sato laughed. “Whatever happened to sportsmanship?”

“Whatever happened to loyalty?” He pouted. “My own father, rooting against me. I would never root against you, Emi.” Wanting to return to her blocks, Emi lifted Kenji up by his torso and placed him on her head. The batter laughed, laying on her with no protest.

“What!” The professor exclaimed. “I never said I was rooting against you. I was just— feeling enthusiastic, that’s all. For both teams.”

Mina entered the room, her mechanisms humming faintly. “Good evening, everyone.” The Sato’s greeted her accordingly. “I have a message for Ken.”

The mentioned Ken slumped into his daughter, rolling his eyes. “Here we go. I bet it’s the press.” He scoffed. “Let me guess, at least 30 emails asking for my statement. Or, better yet, it’s Shimura warning me not to miss the next game.” He raised his fist, mocking a reporter’s tone: “We’ve witnessed baseball history tonight, folks! Blah, blah, blah.”

“Actually, it’s an invitation for something else.” Mina hovered closer. “An event.”

This caught his attention. Kenji tilted his head. “For what?”

“A party, hosted by various sponsors.”

“Bit too early for an afterparty, don’t you think?” Ken sighed, resting his head on folded arms. “We’ve only won one game.”

“I suppose it’s to celebrate Mr. L/n as well.” Mina would shrug if she had the shoulders to do so. “His coming to Japan is quite a big deal.”

“Great.” Kenji was half-asleep by then, eyes already closed. “All the more reason for me not to go.” The professor had settled himself onto one of the desks, getting into some light reading. Emi had grown tired herself, and decided that she was not interested in the blocks anymore. Waddling to her spot, (with Kenji still on her head), she yawned, and opted for some much-needed sleep.

Mina’s light blinked. “I think you should go, Ken.”

The rightfielder cracked one eye open. “And why would I do that?”

“I think it would benefit you to interact with Mr. L/n more.”

“Mina, that’s literally the last thing I want.”

“Is it?”

Ken frowned. “What do you mean, ‘is it’? Of course it is.”

“Your vitals seemed to say otherwise earlier.”

Kenji scoffed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I was keeping careful watch of your vitals, as I always do. I have your daily status tracked and recorded.”

Kenji couldn't get rid of Mina’s voice in his head. Even amidst the warm crowd, with chatter swaying smoothly atop of light r&b music, he felt as if he could still hear her words ringing in the back of his mind. It remained vivid, though she had told it to him days ago. It was as clear as day. Like a broken record.

“Believe it or not, the heart beats differently for every emotion. There is a difference between fear, anxiety, excitement, and—”

Kenji stared at you from across the room, watching as you conversed with your team, nursing a glass of cold, hard whiskey. He watched as you bowed your head and smiled, listening for the faint, muffled sound of your laughter. He wondered what you were talking about; what joke might have made you grin that hard. He wondered why you seemed to illuminate a room, and why everyone seemed so drawn. His eyes were caught in the way the colorful lights sank into your hair.

“—Infatuation.”

You looked up, and your eyes met his. Kenji flinched. He felt his heart skip a beat. Shit, he thought. Mina was definitely going to catch that. She had probably already marked it down to tease him for it later. You held his gaze for longer than he could have standed and greeted him with that same annoying wink. The same one you gave him on the field. Confident, snarky, playful. You lifted your glass and took a sip, eyes still trained on his.

“What you may perceive as frustration for him might just be the opposite.”

Kenji's jaw clenched. Mina had no idea what she was talking about.

And he would prove her wrong tonight.

Like a soldier marching into battle, he waded through the party to make his way towards you. Was he intimidated? Yes. Unfortunately, he was. But he knew his way around a crowd, and his weapon-of-a-tongue knew all the right talk to make a conversation work. He was sociable like that. He was a poet, a wordsmith. If you weren't careful, one little exchange could have you wrapped around his finger. Some people called it his charisma, some blamed it on his irresistible good looks. Either way, Ken took it. He wasn't going to deny the fact that people loved talking to him — though he, admittedly, didn't really like talking to them in return. But he could do it. He could make it work.

Besides, how bad could you be?

With a newfound confidence, Ken dared to get closer. The distance between you and him lessened, and– oh, fuck, was that your cologne? He blinked. You smelled so good. Why did you smell so good? “Hey. Hi.” Shit. Abort mission. No, it's too late. Too awkward to back out. You were already looking at him. “L/n, yeah?” He spoke your name like he only just remembered you upon seeing you. When in truth, he hadn't stopped thinking about you since that damn first pitch. “Some game, huh?” Ken held his hand out for you to shake. ‘Fuck, I hope he doesn't notice how clammy it is.’

“Ken Sato.” It was the first time he heard your voice, as well as the first time he heard you say his name. He didn't like how his body reacted. There was a small shiver down his spine, a tingling flutter in his chest. You took his hand. Yours was cold. So cold. Kenji concluded that the icy glass of whiskey you had placed on the counter was to blame. He could feel your callouses against his. Your hands mirrored one another, marked with the battlescars of your sport. He was oddly sensitive to every detail. Touching you was.. a sensation.

You gave him a firm shake before promptly letting go.

“That's me,” he said, miraculously. Ken was oscillating between panic and confidence at a speed that likely wasn't normal. He was holding his own, though. Like the real champ he was. It was surreal to be standing in front of you without a ball to keep you apart. No bat, no competition. Just you, and a few shots of alcohol. “You adjusting into Japan alright?”

“As well as I can.” You shrugged. You had a tone to you; an elegant air of grace and self-assurance. You had no need to raise your voice because you knew he'd do his best to listen. It was pissing him off. “It's definitely different from the States.”

“I gotta say, I'm pretty surprised to see you here.” Ken usually knew what to say when it came to conversations. He never blanked out at interviews, nor left dead air hanging at conferences. But speaking with you made him feel like his vocabulary was on a limit. “After a game like that?” He whistled. “A lesser man would've taken a week off.”

“But we're not lesser men, are we, Ken?” A waitress passed by. Without the need to look, you had grabbed two shots of vodka from her tray. You handed the other one to him. “That's why you're here, too.”

He stared at you, brows furrowed slightly. “Exactly.” He took the shot from your hand and bumped the rim against yours. “Cheers.”

You grinned. “Cheers.”

Kenji tilted his head back, downing his drink, tasting the fire run down his throat. His face screwed up a little, but not enough for you to notice. You did the same, sighing the heat out of your nose. You allowed a small laugh to slip past your lips. “Japan’s liquor is surprisingly stronger.”

Kenji chuckled. “Yeah. If you know where to look.” The music felt like it was growing louder. He leaned in to speak to you better. “You know, I can't believe this is the first time we're meeting.”

You nodded. “Neither can I.”

“The Mets and Dodgers have always been at each other's throats, and yet—”

“Our schedules just never lined up.” You scoffed. “What are the odds of that, huh?”

It really was such a coincidence. If Ken had known that your interactions would've fired the press up as much as it did now, he would've fought to face you sooner. “When was it?” He snapped his fingers, trying to remember. “Playoffs. 2019, I think. The Mets were set to face the Dodgers.”

“2019,” you repeated, brows raised. “I was there.” Kenji took notice of the way your head slightly shifted to the side. Like you were trying to get a better look at him. He swallowed thickly. “I was there.” You shrugged. “You weren't.”

“I was overseas.” He was wanting another drink. But, speaking to you was surprisingly not horrible. “Didn't get back until 3 months in. And when I did—”

“I wasn't there,” you chuckled. “Alright. I remember. 2019, I was gone for half the season. Injury.”

“The world was in shambles.” Ken grinned at you. A second waiter passed by. He grabbed you another glass of whiskey. He took scotch for himself. “See what I mean? It's like– divine intervention.”

“Big word.” To say that fate had a hand to play in yours and his meeting was beyond your beliefs. You didn't place your trust in things like that. But to know that he had thought about it was charming.

“Hey.” Ken shrugged. “Ya’ never know.”

The music shifted, and so did the lights. There was a moment of quiet between the both of you, and in that time, you found a common interest in people-watching. It wasn't an uncomfortable silence, nor the absence of something to talk about. The two of you merely agreed upon the minutes it took to watch the party unfold. A good number of the guests were already drunk. The dance floor was alight and occupied mostly by women. Ken rested his weight on one foot, sighing at his still-aching muscles. He wondered if you were any sore too.

“They love it, don't they?” You leaned your back against the counter, arms crossed over your chest. Ken took quick notice of the necklace worn loosely around your neck. A silver dogtag, similar to his. “The drama. The intensity. Even the things that go on beyond the field.”

Ken shrugged. “It's baseball. Who doesn't?”

“Exactly.” You smiled. “Which is why it's important to always let the home team win the first game.”

It took a moment for Kenji to process what you said. He was distracted by the colorful lights, his favorite song coming on, and a tray full of hors d'oeuvres. “Mhm.” He reached over to take one, before— “Wait.” His brows knitted together. “I'm sorry, what?”

“Hm?” You had your lips pressed together into a thin line. Your expression feigned innocence, a stark contrast to your bold statement. “I said it's important to let the home team win the first game.”

Kenji made a sound between a scoff and a laugh. He couldn't believe his ears. Had he been standing by the speakers for too long? “No, I heard what you said. What I'm asking is what you're saying.” It was a dare of a reply, with a tone that commanded: go on. Clarify.

Your smile refused to leave your face. Nearing the batter, ever so carefully, you whispered:

“I'm saying you won because I let you.”

Kenji blinked.

And there it was. He knew you were too good to be true. Goddammit, he knew it! Beneath your seemingly-perfect self was something cold and rotten and he called it. He fucking called it. How thrilled he was to be correct, and oh, how utterly terrified.

But this was good. This was absolutely good. He needed something to hold onto, something to keep himself afloat. The next time he found himself drowning in your eyes again, he'd only need to remember that you were a grade A asshole. That you had the audacity to claim that you were in full control of the game. Surely it would solve all his problems.

Kenji broke out into a laugh. It started out as a small cluster of sarcastic chuckles, but erupted into actual laughter. You were funny. So, so funny. Unbeknownst him, you were watching with amusement. “Because you let me!” Kenji repeated, smiling, but, exasperated. Two can play at that game. “Right. Of course. Totally not because you're an average pitcher and I can bat anything you throw.”

“If that helps you sleep at night.” You shrugged. Your attention wasn't on him anymore. You were watching the crowd, disinterested.

Kenji felt his eye twitch. “That's big talk coming from someone who got struck out by a rookie.” He was referring to the eighth inning, when Tateoka managed to bat your pitch into a homerun.

“That's right, Sato.” You laughed, low and sultry. “Batted by a rookie. How could I have struck you out at the last inning but be batted by a rookie?” You tilted your head at him, brows knitted together. You spoke in a sickeningly soft tone. Like you were helping a toddler understand something simple. “Doesn't seem to make a lot of sense, does it?”

Kenji was growing flustered. His face was warm and his fist was itching to meet your cheek. Nobody spoke to him this way. Sure guys had been mean to him before, but it was mostly because they were threatened by him. They'd tried to put him down and pick apart his flaws, but what you were doing was something different. You weren't claiming that he was weak, you were claiming that you were stronger. You didn't deny the amount of talent that Ken had in his body, but you were fully convinced that you had more. You were bigger, smarter, and better. And you had him under your control.

“Oh, c’mon. Seriously?” God, your voice. It infuriated him. It drove him insane. You leaned in, closer, whispering your words, as if hearing you through the party wasn't hard enough. He could smell the whiskey on your breath. It mingled with your cologne. It was intoxicating. “Are you blushing?”

He scoffed in disbelief. “No.” Except he totally was. He could feel the heat radiating off of his face. His breathing had gone shallow, his heartbeat rapid. “Why would I– Tch. You— You don't know what you're talking about.” Holy shit. He was a mess.

He wanted so desperately to blame it on the alcohol, but he knew damn well he wasn't drunk enough to be acting the way he was. He was stumbling over his words stone-cold sober.

You were smiling. He was dying, and you were smiling. “You amuse me, Sato.”

Ken took a cautious step back, knowing that being that close to you for too long was only going to make him worse. “Who the hell do you think you are, huh?” He had to retaliate somehow. Like a soldier fumbling for his sword, he had to get up and do something. “You don't think I don't know what this is? Where you're heading?”

You tilted your head. “Do enlighten me.”

He wrinkled his nose. “Sure. Celebrity-Athlete from America waltzes into Japan thinking he's the shit— that he can rule the world. He's a shiny new toy and everyone's just dying to catch a look. Nevermind that his old team traded him off, nevermind that he goes home to an empty penthouse. He's got the stats to prove his skills and he thinks he doesn't need anything else.” Ken dared to retake a step forward. He sort of regretted it when you didn't take a step back. “Well, guess what,” he continued. “I've been where you are. I know how you feel, what you're thinking.

Everything you're trying to be is a shadow of what I already was.”

There was a beat of silence. You weren't smiling anymore. You were staring at him, stone-faced, seemingly indifferent.

Kenji narrowed his eyes. “So don't go talking to me like you're any better.”

He didn't know what to expect. You were quiet for such a long time that he thought you were going to snap. He partially expected a punch to the chin. But you were calm. There wasn't a trace of irritation on your face. Instead, you set your glass of whiskey — now empty — on the counter behind you. With a sigh, you shoved a hand in your pocket. “Are you done?”

Kenji blinked.

“Let me tell you something, Sato.” You raised a brow at him. Ken felt his heartbeat pick up again. Your once-approachable gaze shifted into something cold and commanding. He swallowed thickly. “There is a difference between you and me. And that difference is the fact that I don't settle.”

Kenji was glaring at you, brows fixed together.

A teammate called you from the other side of the room. You nodded at him, once, then returned your focus to the Yomiuri Prince. You placed a hand on his shoulder, tauntingly, smiling at him as if you'd known him your whole life. “I hope last season’s slump accustomed you to the feeling of losing those points.”

Kenji wanted to say something, but his lips refused to move. Somehow, the blaring music in the background had faded into a muffled blur. All he could hear was your voice. Like a moth to a flame.

You winked at him. Again. And like before, his body reacted in ways he didn't like. You squeezed his shoulder once, before leaving to go to your friend. With your back turned against him, Kenji released the breath he didn't realize he was holding. He clutched his chest, watching wide-eyed as you moved through the crowd. He could still smell your cologne. The last thing he heard from you was,

“I'll see you on the field.”

taglist: @fairy-lenaa @moonjellyfishie @witchygod — Thank you for your patience!

#kenji sato #ken sato x reader #x reader #ultraman rising #ken sato x male reader #kenji sato x male reader

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thorough-witness-enjoyer · 25 days ago

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(Small, frivolous rant incoming, apologies)

One thing I wish the Destiny fandom did more of was dabble in the utter horror this universe holds, especially when it comes to portraying the vile atrocities committed by many of the cosmic level characters.

Destiny‘s T rating holds it back so much in my opinion (but it still manages to lay down excellent foundations for horror and more mature themes!!) and I really wish there was more fan works that explored the unimaginable tragedies that occur in lore!!

When you really dwell on the scale of many of the disasters that happen in lore, it really dawns on you just how sinister and monstrous many of the larger villains are. Antagonists like Eramis are much more grounded, certainly not saints though, but some of the antagonists we have encounter are truly odious in their behaviors, even if they are deluded into thinking what they are doing is correct (like the Osmium siblings ravaging whole star systems in pursuit of the sword).

For example, it’s no secret that I LOATHE the Witness like no other. This wicked entity has me fighting bile at the mere thought of it and I truly think the way it delivers cruelty with such a sense of compassion and righteousness to be the most stomach wrenching form of being baneful. I could not think of an entitlement more deplorable than the Witness‘ and it’s existence is a travesty that has caused irreparable harm that spans EONS.

Yet, in my experience, I never see much content that taps into the horrors experienced by those touched by the Witness and its pawns, such as the Noesis and humanity during the collapse. There are INCREDIBLE artistic and written works that tap into the psychological horrors of exos and the unethical hell Clovis was putting people through, but not as many on the more cosmic horrors from what I have seen!!

This may just be a me thing and the personal reasons why I want the Witness put under a hydraulic press speaking, but I often see plenty of depictions of the Witness being uncharacteristically soft and having deeper feelings towards its disciples, but works about its vengeful rage, simple mindedness, violation of the autonomy of others, and predatory grooming are quite barren.

I wish to see just how HEINOUS it is displayed in all its turpitude and how it leaves a festering rot on everything and everyone it touches. I love the Witness because it is so evil in it‘s actions and my heart SINGS any time I see people tap into the trauma it causes, especially for characters like Rhulk or Savathûn!!

There is so much room for exploring just how vast the Destiny universe is when you decenter perpetrators in stories and focus on the incomprehensible number of victims.

Destiny genuinely has a character running around with the title „The Final God of Pain“ haunting people and refusing to permanently die, but there is only so much a T rated game can do and I feel like Destiny enjoyers can go beyond what’s in game in such creative ways!! Just thinking of the fall of Torobatl has me going „Wow, I’m actually so sick to my stomach, I need to honor Caiatl and really capture the pain of such an event!“

The latest lore on the Qugu? My chest HURTS.

Some of the hive experimentations? The hive in general? Hell is not hot enough for what the Witness lead them into.

But you know what they say, be the change you want to see in the world! Create the content you want to enjoy and promote the content you do enjoy!! I wish to dabble into the darker areas of lore, and of course, promote Witness hatred any chance I get!! Hopefully I get more time to write about these things and really value the work the Destiny writers have put into portraying such strong feelings of loss time and time again!!

And also!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE read The Garden‘s Witness by Titanmaster_117 !!! ESPECIALLY THE FIRST CHAPTER, I COULD RANT ABOUT THIS BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF PROSE ALL DAY, IT GENUINELY MADE ME CRY!! PROMOTE THE CONTENT YOU ENJOY ALL DAY, EVERYDAY!!

But this is just something I’ve been thinking for some time now. This isn’t condemning anyone in the fandom or saying there is an issue, just a desire I would love to see (and hopefully fulfill if I ever get back into writing for Destiny!) If you guys have any recommendations for Destiny works that are horrific, focus on themes of loss and devastation, or hate on the Witness, feel free to mention them so other people can find them!!

Not enough Witness hate going around for my liking… this looks like a job for me.

#destiny 2 #destiny #destiny the game #d2 #the witness #destiny witness #destiny art #destiny fanart #destiny fanfiction #destiny eramis #eramis #nezarec destiny #nezarec #im just tagging whatever at this point #maybe it’s just me being from a group of people on the recieving end of a lot of the atrocities committed in destiny #witness haters where are you I NEED YOU #this is not to hate on anyone who makes any content in the destiny fandom btw!! I love you all so much #the destiny fandom can be so talented and creates AMAZING works #i wanna write and draw as good as some of the people in this fandom!! you guys are amazing!!!#if destiny was M and focused more on storytelling with some rpg elements I think I’d die happy #anyways make sure to blow up the witness with your mind whenever you can #i need that entity blown up into a million pieces NOW #destiny savathûn #savathûn #savathun #maybe one day I’ll write that fic from the perspective of someone who lost everything #someone who fought back against the Witness and was abused by it horribly

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seraphinitegames · 4 months ago

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The Wayhaven Chronicles—02/August/2024

Blimey, it’s been a hot one here this week in the UK! But it certainly has set the mood for Book Four, which has a lot of heat to it…in more ways than one! ;D

I will keep it a short one this week, because although it was a fantastic week where I was on a serious roll, there is the most important thing I want to mention:

Chapter Two of the Book Four demo will be up on Saturday for early access on Patreon to $5+ tiers!

The post will be out around 1:30pm-ish (UK time) :D

Public release will be some time late next week/end, I would think!

The new editing system seriously seems to be working! Although it means taking more time at the end of each chapter, there are WAY fewer issues coming back from the editor and readers, which in the long run will hopefully make Book Four’s writing and testing process go so much smoother, as well as a much quicker testing phase at the very end—which is always one of the most time-consuming and stressful parts!

But it was super nice to settle down to do the edits and comments from the readers and testers, only to end up looking at them and realizing there was hardly anything to adjust or edit!

Unfortunately, things always still manage to slip through (I’ve found a bug myself I will be fixing today before tomorrow’s demo release!) but it really is so much more polished at this point than where the books have been in the past.

Wow, after saying I was going to keep it short I still managed to write a longer update than planned, hehe! I’m just incredibly happy to feel like I’ve finally found a process for editing that actually works and will save so much time at the end, as well as making the books that much more clean and polished!

Next week, it’s social media days! So I'll be working on those before diving right back into writing! <3

#the wayhaven chronicles book 4 #the wayhaven chronicles #twc book 4 #patreon #twc book 4 demo #choice of games #hosted games #choicescript #interactive fiction #unit bravo #twc detective #romance #vampires #update

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1800-lemonadeg1rl · 6 months ago

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Devotion

Final part of the craving you series

Dark! Wanda Maximoff x reader

Minors dni!! Masterlist°•☆

Summary-your living in Wandas house, she pays your wage and the bills, she takes care of you.. would it be so bad to step back and only be hers

Warnings- manipulation, dark! Wanda, obsessive Wanda, unhealthy obsession, potential Stockholm syndrome?, not proofread!!, snappy Wanda, coercion,

Wordcount - 1.3k

A/n- obviously this is the last chapter for the craving you story :( I rlly enjoyed writing smthng different for once and again I'm srry it took so long to get out :(( !! The main story is over but I will write drabbles or headcannons if anyone's interested <3

Wanda was finally at peace. A blissful weight off her shoulders she hadn't felt in months since meeting you. For the first time in what felt like her years she could sleep the whole night through without worrying about you, your whereabouts or who you could be with. This new found bliss was all because her plan to isolate and make you hers was finally falling into place like pieces of a puzzle, a satisfying finish. She had you in watching distance 24/7 and when she didn't, she wasn't more than twenty feet away. You slept with her, the guest rooms which had been under 'renovations' since you arrived in her home had to be completely redone again after she told you they found plenty of black mold inside them, just one of the many ways she'd managed to keep you close without making you suspicious. She'd even gone as far as to cut wires in your car so you'd both have to go in her car to work, she just wanted you safe after all.

After about a week at Wanda's your cats had somehow re appeared aswell, unscathed and well fed. You'd been heading out to her car for work when you'd seen the two lay together next to a hedge, Nixie protectively infront of Milo in a motherly sort of way. Obviously you were ecstatic and swept the two up quickly to show Wanda who did her best to look surprised at the re appearing cats.

"Wow.. how could they ever end up here?.." She knew you were stupid naive enough to fall for what she said even when she barely hid the truth from you. In actual fact the cats had been in the room next to you all this time you'd just never thought to question what could lie behind the other doors in Wanda's house.

To be honest you never really questioned her, not anymore atleast. It felt wrong to not do as she asked when she was letting you and your two cats stay rent free with her. I mean she was such a good person almost angelic in your view these days. You could barely remember the time where she'd had you on your knees begging for your job, all you could think off was the warmth, safety and comfort she provided to you without repayment.

Wanda had planned for this to happen. That by being around her so much you would begin to feel like you owed her, as if she saved your life. Which she did but she was also the reason it had needed saving to begin with. Oh, if it wasn't for her you'd still be living your lonely mundane life all alone. She took great pleasure in watching the change in your behaviour to her. From fear to adoration. The way you began to need her almost crave her presence in a way she had craved you. She saw the glint in your eye when it was time for bed and you knew you'd get to lie next to her the whole night. She saw the way you waited on her every need like a puppy trying to please its owner.

Though this was a good progress to making you hers. Her personal doll. It wasn't quite enough for Wanda. She wanted more. She wanted to make you see there was no point to work when you had no bills to pay. Get you to stop searching for a new place to stay and stop your income therefore making you further dependent and indebted to her. She wanted you to be a good little stay at home who waited by at the door for her and hated being separate from her. She needed you to become this. She also knew no job meant you wouldn't have any excuses to be out without her eyes on you at all time. It meant you couldn't find someone else to replace her. She should be the only person in your life.

She brought it up during dinner one night just to see how you'd react to such an idea.

"So darling, I've been thinking and wouldn't it be much less stressful for you if you didn't work? I mean its not like you have bills to pay." She played around with the steak on her plate aimlessly pushing it around as she asked you.

"Well.." You gulped unsure what to say. To not work is a dream really but you need money to find a new place and eventually pay back Wanda's kindness. "That sounds really nice but without a job I'd be under your feet forever." You miss the look of excitement which crosses her face at that prospect. If you next to her. Forever. "And I'd never be able to pay you back for your generosity."

Wanda's eye twitched ever so slightly at your response. Of course someone as sweet as you would unintentionally set her off course by wanting to be helpful. It was so cute that she was hardly bad but it had made it hard for her to make any further argument.

"You don't have to pay me back sweetheart. And property is much too expensive for someone like you right now. I mean I just want what's best for you after all." Her hand finds place over yours and gently rubs over your soft and delicate skin.

What she'd said had made your head hurt and all your thoughts go mushy in your brain. She just wanted what was best for you and obviously someone like Wanda knew a lot about what would be right. So maybe she was.. maybe her idea would be helpful for you.

"Uh.. I.. I mean I just don't want to be so... useless." As you uttered those words Wanda felt as though her heart could shatter. You were not useless. Especially not to her. You were her reason to breath. Her sigh of relief. Hers. Her saviour.

"Don't talk about yourself like that." Her voice snappy in a way which made you feel small under her hardening gaze which threatened your every move.

"I'm.. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to.."

"I know you didn't. Don't apologise, just eat and stop troubling your little mind."

Dinner was fairly silent after that and so was the rest of the evening. You curled up in a chair near the fireplace and Wanda tapping away on her computer almost purposely avoiding looking at you. For you the opposite, you felt you couldn't look away from her beauty wanting to admire her. The pair of reading glasses perched on her nose that kept sliding off and her hair, oh her hair, the way she kept waving her hands through it everytime something annoyed her was so satisfying and hot?...

Night soon fell and you climbed into bed next to Wanda. An enjoyable time for the both of you and yet another moment where Wanda held all the control. Every night just as you fell asleep she made sure to turn down the thermostat so you'd have no choice but to curl into her body and snuggle into the heat that radiated off her. She was particularly fond of when you fell into a deep sleep, when she got to plant soft kisses against you and perhaps more? When she got to see you up close as peaceful as ever. When she'd whisper concerning sweet things into your ears without you even moving an inch.

"Your mine, aren't you sweet girl? Yeah that's it dont even question what I'm saying."

Tonight felt different to you, as you chambered into the left side of Wanda's four poster King sized bed you thought to yourself about what she'd said at dinner. Would it really be so bad to quit your job? Would it be so bad just to stay here with her and the cats? I mean her mansion did have everything you'd ever need so you could hardly even imagine becoming bored. And.. I mean Wanda suggested it so she mustn't mind the idea.. Hmmm she's probably right. She has been so far.

Taglist: @stayevildarling @reginassweetheart @alexawynters @your-my-mission @witchmaximoff @imjustvibingsworld

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jo-harrington · 9 months ago

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Longevity (Eddie Munson x Store Manager!Reader)

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Fem!Reader

Summary: Longevity (noun) - continuance; durability; permanence

Previous Part: Standard Operating Procedures 1.06

Warnings/Themes: AU where the Upside Down doesn't terrorize Hawkins. Reader works at the Claire's at StarCourt. Eddie works at TapeWorld. (For now.) Fluff, a little angst, discussions of the future, vignettes/time jumps, smut, HEA.

Note: Alright here it is, and it is a HONKING CHAPTER. But how could I break it up into pieces when it's The End? I'm tucking my little babies into the dollhouse and closing it up so they can live on the rest of their lives. To Eddie and Store Manager, I love you both dearly and you were the thing that brought me back to writing and into a wonderful community of writers and readers. To everyone reading, thank you so much for your endless support. You will never know how much it's appreciated.

You can find my masterlist here for more featuring our resident Store Manager and all of my other writing. Seriously, go read it.

Please do not interact if you are not 18+.

Enjoy!

---

April 1986

"Ope, if it isn't the man of the hour, Mr. Edward G. Robinson himself. We were just talking about you."

That was the greeting that found Eddie as he walked into Claire's after school on a lovely Thursday afternoon, ready to share some good news before his closing shift.

Great news, actually, if he was being honest. Life-changing news that he was sure would earn him a ton of kisses that he'd been craving after a long week of assignments and standardized tests.

Imagine his surprise then, that instead of finding you and Mindy behind the counter, chatting after a supposed "big visit" you'd told him that you had today, you still had company.

He skidded to a halt at the sight. Your guest smiled up at him with her hands on her hips.

Short in stature, blonde hair in pristine victory rolls, bold makeup that consisted of layers of glittery eyeshadow, and wrists adorned with stacks of multicolored scrunchies.

"It's nice to see you again Jen," he greeted your old Store Manager.

He'd only met her in person once, but had heard countless fond and semi-unbelievable stories about her from you--and apparently she'd heard the same about him, having greeted him with a bone-crushing hug the first time they met—so there was a familiarity and fondness there that they both indulged.

"What are you doing here?" he asked casually and crossed the distance to throw an arm over your shoulder and press a kiss to your temple. "I thought you said that you wouldn't be caught dead in Indiana."

You, Mindy, and Jen all broke out in a fit of giggles and Eddie felt a sudden sense of instinctual dread.

"Well then get ready to start planning my funeral kid," Jen announced. "Because you're about to start seeing a lot more of me."

"Jen just got promoted," you interjected finally.

"Oh yeah?"

"To District Manager. So she's gonna be my boss. Again."

"Oh, shi--shoot," Eddie felt like he'd been doused with cold water at the revelation. He peeled his arm from around your shoulder and took a wide step to put distance between the two of you. "That's...wow. Congratulations."

He'd been through a handful of DM visits at TapeWorld, never on his own, always under Kyle's cool guidance; however, he'd come to realize that the stiff authority figure of his District Manager Jeff was something to be feared.

So even though he was excited for Jen--your friend--on her promotion, the sudden realization that Jen--your boss--was standing here watching him make an idiot out of himself and possibly put your job at risk...

"Oh my god," Jen broke down in a fit of laughter. "Look at him, he's about to shit himself. Take a chill pill Ed, Jesus. I’m not gonna be a hardass until next week. If that.”

Once everyone had their fill of laughter, and Jen promised that she wasn't going to hold your relationship over your head--

"So long as you're not in here interfering with the business or making out on the sales floor or something."

--Eddie pulled you to the side and finally revealed his big news.

"So," he began excitedly. "It, uh, looks like I'm on the road to graduation. Like really graduating. Not just 'if I don't fuck it up in the home stretch' this time. I'm actually gonna graduate."

"Oh my god," you grabbed him by his jacket and shook him as joy bubbled in his chest from your reaction. "Eddie that's amazing!"

You asked him a few questions and your eyes sparkled proudly as he recounted his talk with his guidance counselor, and he couldn't help the smile that stayed on his face the entire time. Especially when you let out a shriek of joy and jumped around.

"We need to go and celebrate!" you insisted.

"I mean," he suddenly got bashful. "I haven't graduated yet."

"Still, it's big. You worked so hard." You looked back over at Jen and Mindy who were talking at the cash wrap. "I know you're closing tonight but I'm taking Jen out for drinks a little later. When you get out of work, meet us at the Hideaway. I'll get you the Wayne and a beer. And then afterwards, uh...if you wanna come back to my place? Like...actually celebrate?”

He grinned and nodded eagerly; you'd taken the words right out of his mouth.

---

His shift had gone by quickly and he’d joined you and Jen at the Hideaway with Kyle in tow. Kyle who was not only proud of Eddie and wanted to treat him to a beer for his efforts, but also intrigued at the possibility of schmoozing a pretty new face in town.

“Sometimes,” he announced with a flourish when he returned to StarCourt right before store close, dressed in the nicest clothes Eddie had ever seen him wear. “You need to take a chance. How many times did I tell you that kid? You miss all the chances you don’t take. That’s why it took you so long to get a girlfriend.”

Jen, unfortunately, laughed right in Kyle’s face when he kissed her hand upon introduction.

“I’m engaged, Romeo,” she informed him. “Sorry.”

“I don’t see a ring. You can let me down Jenny. Tell me the truth, I won’t be hurt.”

“You’re sweet. But it’s the truth. I just don’t wear the ring to work.”

“Alright, alright,” He sighed, then got a sly look. “Any chance you have a sister? Or a brother? I’m an equal opportunity man looking for true love.”

The night was filled with hearty food, rounds of beer, fantastical stories of retail hell and 4th Quarters past, and accomplishments on everyone’s part.

Kyle bragged about a new car he had just put a down payment on.

Your store had hit some Diamond Earring milestone that only you and Jen seemed to understand but the excitement was contagious.

Eddie got a round of applause from the table when you urged him to announce his big news to everyone.

Honestly he couldn’t care about Kyle or Jen’s reaction, it was seeing you look at him with all the pride and affection in the world that he basked in. He couldn’t wait for the actual graduation ceremony, for you to be front and center with Wayne and Rick and all of his friends. There to witness his hard work come to fruition…and for him to flip Principal Higgins off.

And then Jen stood up and announced her own accomplishment right before last call.

“So,” she cleared her throat and held up her glass and pulled something out of her coat. “I know I already celebrated back home and I don’t really know either of you, Kyle and Ed, but I know my little protégée here would be happy for me.

”Alongside my wonderful and well-earned promotion to DM, I also received my Longevity pin.”

She opened a little velvet jewelry box and showed off a tiny glittering purple pin with a tiny little diamond chip in place of the dot of the “I” in Claire’s.

“Ten long years,” Jen announced after a swig of her beer, “with the Purple Glitter Factory. And all I have to show for it is a pin, a little more money, and a lot more responsibility. God. Growing up sucks. But I’m very proud. And you’re next kid.”

She laid a hand on your head and you waved her off with visible embarrassment then disappeared to go and close out your tabs.

Later that night as you and Eddie settled into bed to sleep after some celebratory activities, Eddie laid awake and stared at the ceiling. Thinking.

“What are your plans for the future?” He asked after a beat.

“Uh,” you shifted your head on his shoulder so you could look at him. “Is this because of all of Jen’s talk of careers and stuff?”

“Yeah. And graduation. And all of that stuff. So? What do you wanna do…where do you wanna be…when you’re older?”

“God, I dunno. I got my associates in business because I was hoping it would help me get my own store. And I did. It also was so boring, I don’t want to go back to school. I guess the next thing is…actually take a vacation day now that I’m earning them. What about you?”

“Music legend,” he answered immediately.

“Uh huh.”

“Guess that’s gonna take some work though, huh?”

“No shit.” You rolled your eyes and then sighed as you settled against him once again. “There’s a reason you asked, Ed. What’s going on in that big head of yours?”

He ran his tongue along the seam of his lips repeatedly as he considered…everything that was laid out in front of him.

Corroded Coffin.

Tape World.

What about Hellfire? Damn, he knew Dustin and Will were the future of the club but…a few years down the line. What about next year? He was gonna have to pass the torch to Gare or Dave after he left. They weren’t ready yet.

And what was he gonna do after school was over? Could he see himself taking a class at TCCC? Maybe. Jeff had been showing him the Catalog at lunch the other day. There was a Creative Writing course that looked cool.

10 years.

That was half his life away. Impossible to imagine. Would there be flying cars by then? Space travel? He could enlist in Starfleet, meet Captain Kirk. Ok maybe that last one was stupid.

"10 years,” Eddie whispered into the top of your head as he rid himself of the fantastical thoughts. “That’s an awful long time.”

“Well it’s a good thing we have all that time to figure it out.”

We…

“Yeah. Yeah we do.”

He could only hope you’d still be there with him. One way or another.

---

July 1987

The spot lights were blinding and the air thick with humidity; his throat was dry and his fingers ached from how hard he was on the fretboard.

But the crowd was cheering and that’s all that mattered right?

No, what really mattered was the music.

And the band.

That's why he was up here with his friends, demolishing the bridge of The Sentinel, laughing and jumping and barely giving a shit when he missed a note or Jeff’s fingers fumbled or Gareth lost the beat for a second. He didn't even mind that the County Clerk had them censor out the "cuss words" of the songs they'd chosen.

It was exhilarating just to be able to play on an actual stage.

It had taken 2 years but they were finally playing at the Roane County 4th of July Festival. An actual gig. And not the first one they'd played, but certainly the biggest so far. Big enough and successful enough that Eddie expected it to be a standing gig for the foreseeable future.

The Polka Band from Kenosha hadn't gotten nearly half as many people and they were, by far, the most successful act of the night before Corroded Coffin.

There was a sea of friends, neighbors, families, and out-of-towners just below the stage, snacks and drinks in-hand, as they danced and jumped and headbanged to song after song. Rick and Wayne were out at Benny's getting all set up for the next stop on Corroded Coffin's "Independence Day Tour" but you were out there in the crowd with Mindy and her family, singing along and cheering louder than everyone whenever a song ended.

Which was why Eddie didn't hesitate to dedicate the final song of the set to you.

"This next one isn't our usual sound," he spoke into the microphone, words a little muffled as his lips brushed against it. "It's a little slow. Something you can dance to, so gentlemen please grab your ladies, tell them how much you love them. But before we begin...did you all know...it's almost Back to School time."

There was a series of boo's from the crowd.

"Now now, maybe yet not for you all, but definitely for a special someone out there," he shushed them and traded Sweetheart for his mom's old acoustic guitar. He plucked a few notes and then continued. "A special someone...who leaves me all alone every once in a while. Late nights. Lonely nights while I wait by the phone, as she and her team make magic happen and she forgets all about me. See I'm saying all of this because she's about to leave me high and dry this coming Sunday night, so I have to guilt her a little otherwise she won't let me surprise her with hash browns and coffee when she gets out of work.

"Queen of Glitter Kingdom," Eddie squinted and looked around the crowd until he found you standing there holding your hand over Mindy's mouth as she looked like she was about to cry. He pointed right at you. "My life, my world, my cheeseburger. This one's for you."

He and Jeff then began to harmonize their guitars for the opening of Beth.

---

"You're a shithead, you know that."

"Mmm...but I'm your shithead, sweetheart."

It was late. Wayne, Rick, and the guys had all left. You and Eddie were sitting across from each other in a booth at Benny's, as the last few fair-goers trickled in for a late night snack. Your own dinner sat half-eaten on the table between you--patty melts and an apple pie shake to share--as you talked and laughed and played footsie.

He and the boys needed to rush across town after their set was over so they made it in time for Ben's advertised happy hour, so he hadn't gotten the chance to get an earful or a kiss from you after his little spectacle.

Fortunately, you were giving him hell for it now, and although he was wiped, he gladly accepted your teasing wrath.

"Is Wayne still around?" You turned in your seat and looked at the sparse group of customers. "I'd like to make a return."

"Mmm...well I moved out in January so I think it's after the 90-day return policy," he said matter-of-factly.

"God damn it," you laughed and snapped your fingers. "And I think I lost the receipt too."

"Stuck with me forever," he teased in a sing-song. There was a beat and he straightened up in his seat and drummed a rhythm on the table with his knuckles. "So...I think it went well."

"I think so too," you agreed brightly.

"You know, Jeff found some...Septemberfest thing out in Jasper..."

Your eyes sparkled at Eddie's words, and he felt the flutter of butterflies deep inside of him that always kicked up when you gave him your excitement and encouragement.

“It’s not a competition or anything but there’s a prize for most popular act of the weekend. Audience ballot and everything. I think it would be cool.”

"That's great!" you grinned. "You should go for it."

"But it's Labor Day weekend."

"So?"

"Paulie's going for a promotion," he shrugged. "Kyle's gonna want us all there in case Jeff comes for a visit."

"And? I didn't know Paulie was planning on opening for Corroded Coffin. What's he playing? The kazoo?" you joked.

"Well no," Eddie shook his head. "But if he leaves...I mean, I'm the best bet for FTASM. I don't want to lose out on that for the future. That'd be...the money would be nice. Can do some repairs on the van. Maybe I'd get my own store someday too."

Your face crumpled--brows furrowed and lips pursed--and you didn't hesitate to shuffle out from your side of the booth and kneel beside him on his. You placed a hand on his forehead for a moment and then tilted his head back and forth.

"Uh, sweetheart," he placed a hand on your waist to steady you as you shuffled closer to pull the back the neck of his t-shirt to look for something. "What are you doing?"

"Trying to see if my Rockstar Eddie Munson action figure is broken," you explained.

"Uhhh."

"Or at least if I accidentally left him at the fair and picked up a Corporate Shill Eddie action figure instead?"

"What?" he laughed.

"How about Suburban Dad Eddie?" you asked. You straightened your posture, pulled on non-existent suspenders, and lowered your voice comedically. "Gotta prepare for tax season. Cut the grass. Do some repairs on the van."

"Stop," he pulled you down to sit beside him in the booth. "I just...don't wanna take the chance on that when I know the full time position is a sure thing."

"Ed," you shook your head at him. "I know you like Tape World but...promotions always come around, music is your dream."

"I know."

"Why did you tell me about this Septemberfest thing if you were not gonna go through with it anyway?"

"I dunno," he turned away from you and went to grab the shake. "I guess I just wanted to pick the thing...that you'd be most proud of."

"Listen here mister," you grabbed him by the chin and made him look at you, Apple Pie Shake be damned. "I'm always gonna be proud of you and support you in whatever path you want."

He nodded for a second and then stole a kiss from you with a soft "I know, thank you." You let yourself get lost in the feeling for a second, but Eddie knew that you weren't gonna let him distract you from the discussion at hand.

You put a hand on his chest and pushed him away, then stared him directly in the eye.

"So?" you asked. "What kind of future do you want?"

His eyes darted between yours--your gaze hard and challenging but nonetheless filled with hope and affection--and he had his answer.

---

May 1989

You could feel Eddie fidget in the seat beside you.

"Calm down," you muttered to him.

"Can't help it," he whispered back; you could tell he straightened out his posture, but his knee still bounced. "Too excited."

A name was called over the loudspeaker, then another, then another.

"Eddie seriously," Gareth was the one to give it a shot this time, leaning across you to put a hand on Eddie's knee and get him to stop fidgeting. "You're gonna shit yourself if you don't stop."

"Shit, sorry, this is only like..." he shook his head. "The most important thing I've ever done in my life."

You, Gareth, Jeff, and Dave all shot him skeptical and unamused looks.

"I don't have time to argue right now," he scoffed at the rest of you. "Shut up, here it comes."

"Peter Halliwell...Dustin Henderson..."

All five of you jumped to your feet and cheered and clapped, along with another group a few rows up that consisted of Dustin's mom, Steve Harrington, Robin Buckley, and their respective partners.

It was a repeat occurrence several times over that afternoon, as you witnessed the Hawkins High Class of '89 cross the stage and receive their diplomas.

"That's my kid," Eddie wiped a fake tear as each of his former Freshman Sheepies were called on stage, but he was especially emotional with Dustin. And when the newest DM of Hellfire flipped Higgins off before running off stage? Eddie stood on his chair and whooped and whistled. “That’s my boy!”

“Sit down Munson,” Higgins spoke into the microphone, over an audience that had become uproarious with laughter.

“It’s tradition now, Higgy,” Eddie shouted, words amplified by the hands he’d cupped around his mouth; still, he jumped down and took his seat so the rest of the ceremony could continue.

“You’re unbelievable,” you giggled at his antics. “You do know that right?”

“I’m unbelievably loveable,” he replied, quickly accompanied by the scoffs and mocking fart noises of his friends. He leaned closer and whispered in your ear. “Unbelievably in love with you.”

“Uh huh.” His tongue snaked out and he licked into your ear obnoxiously. “Fuck off!” You pushed him away from you with a shrieking laugh.

It wasn’t long before that the real reason you were in attendance at the graduation walked across the stage. Because yes, the kids were your friends but you wouldn’t miss this for the world.

“Jane Hopper,” came the announcement and you, once again, got to your feet with a cheer, along with her family and friends in the next aisle of seats. Chief Hopper had his camcorder out and his shoulders visibly shook as he sobbed for his daughter, and you couldn’t help but feel your heartstrings pull.

If Dustin and the boys were Eddie’s little sheepies, you supposed Janey was one of yours. From a shy girl whose ears you’d pierced for the first time in your early days at StarCourt, to one of your die hard regulars who looked up to you over the years trying to emulate your style, to one of your associates when she came in for her first summer job at 16; you’d watched Jane grow and gain confidence and really come into her own.

That was the high point of your career as a Store Manager, and something you happily shared with Eddie: seeing the kids you took under your wing flourish.

“All the birds have flown the coop Mom,” Eddie teased as you sat down and actually wiped a tear from your cheek.

“I think you guys can cut the Mom and Dad bit now,” Jeff said matter-of-factly. “Until you guys have your own kids someday.”

That was something you and Eddie happily shared too.

The two of you looked at each other for a moment…before making the most exaggerated vomiting and gagging noises, unfortunately getting looks from the people around you.

“Pass,” you and Eddie announced in tandem.

---

After the ceremony was over, Chief Hopper invited everyone to the shared Hopper-Byers abode for a barbecue. And by everyone, it seemed like he literally invited the entire town to the lakeside cabin the family called home.

All of the kids and their friends and families, Benny was somehow there—had he closed the diner for the day? Good, he deserved a day off—a handful of Hop’s coworkers and friends, including Wayne and Rick.

There were hamburgers and beers, conversation and music overlapping one another.

Eddie was in his element though, and it warmed your heart to see him talk and spiel and be accepted by such a big group when, not so long ago, it seemed like he’d been shunned by them. Even now, you could see some hesitation as he stiffly talked with douchebag Callahan and Mike’s asshole dad, but he wasn’t sweating bullets or falling back on the pricklier parts of his personality. He even cracked a smile once or twice.

What would his life had been like if he’d had this all along?

It was silly to think about after you’d been dating for years but…would he have asked you out sooner? Would you even still be together now? You thought about the ways that the kids had grown into their own…but it wasn’t hard to also appreciate how much the two of you had grown side by side as well.

Especially when you considered the next step you were about to embark on together...

“You’re thinking too loud,” Eddie startled you as he snuck up behind you and dangled a fresh beer in your face. You shot him a scathing look but he easily recovered, back into your good graces, as he swooped an arm around your shoulder and pecked a kiss to your temple. “What’s got you all sour?”

“Not sour,” you shrugged and picked at the label on the beer bottle. “Just��I don’t know. Thinking."

"Always a bad idea."

"Reflecting.”

“Well you look like you’re about to tell someone to get fucked so…”

"Maybe I am," you grinned at him cheekily.

"As long as it isn't me." He leaned in closer and lowered his voice. "But you know it gets me going either way."

You slapped the back of your hand against his chest just as a gaggle of voices called your names.

Jane was the first one to run your way from across the yard, with Dustin and Lucas hot on her heels. They were all talking over one another, and Jane especially looked like she was about to burst into tears.

Eddie was the one to try to make sense of them, and he yelled a bellowing "shut up" that got them to stop their barrage.

"You're leaving?" Jane asked, looking directly at you. "Leaving Hawkins?"

"Uh," you paused and looked at Eddie, who held his hands up innocently.

"Gareth's got a big mouth," he reasoned.

"Of course he does," you rolled your eyes and then turned back to the kids. "Uh...yeah we are. At the end of the summer. I’m opening a new store. Again."

"What about you?" Dustin demanded, pointing an accusatory finger at Eddie.

"Where my lady goes, I must follow," he stood tall and held a hand over his heart for a second, chivalrous as ever, before he took a sip of his beer and slumped back into his usual posture. "Besides, Corroded Coffin has a better chance in a bigger city. We're big fish in a small tank in Hawkins. Gonna pack up the van; give Chicago a chance to chew us up and spit us out."

Eddie and the boys bickered back and forth--gathering a small crowd of onlookers the longer it went--about the trip and the plans about where you'd all live and work while you stood there with Jane.

"How could you just leave?" she asked.

"Oh, honey, that's just...how it is," you reassured her. "I get a new assignment, Mindy takes over. And I'll be back to visit. Maybe you and Max will take a drive up for a weekend in the city."

"That'd be fun."

"It isn't goodbye."

"I know," she nodded somberly.

"Besides, you're going off to school in the fall," you reminded her. "You weren't meant to stay at StarCourt Mall forever, and I wouldn't want you too. You have a bright future ahead of you. I know it's scary, but it's all gonna work out. One way or another."

They were the same words that Jen had said to you before you embarked on your big adventure to Hawkins, and you were happy to pass the sentiment along to Jane.

"What about you?" she asked after a minute. "Your future? Are you afraid?"

That was the question, wasn't it? A new adventure, maybe in a more familiar setting but...a new challenge nonetheless. But you looked over at Eddie, who had both Dustin and Gareth in headlocks; his head was thrown back in obnoxious laughter and he gave you a shrug that said "how could I help myself" when he noticed you looking at him.

He was an idiot. But he was your idiot. And he'd be by your side for this next adventure, just like he promised he would be.

"No," you told her honestly. "I'm not afraid at all."

---

September 1990

"Alright, here's a question?"

"Shoot."

"When…is our anniversary?"

"Uhh...Ed..." You let the question hang awkwardly in the air, unasked, but Eddie could read your mind.

The two of you were symbiotic at this point; still, he was happy that you had no idea what he had in mind for the day.

"No hear me out," he took a few steps ahead and turned to walk backwards so he could look at you. "Because I really put some thought into it. If we're going by first dates, it's in January—”

“Like it has been for the past 4 years.”

“—but, if we're going by first kiss..."

"If we're going by first kiss, that was last week," you laughed and rolled your eyes. "So you’re late."

“Yeah,” he agreed wickedly wistfully. “I guess I am.”

Of course you remembered.

The two of you were walking. Exploring, actually, around the cemetery where your Papa enjoyed his eternal rest.

5 years and it was a lot easier now.

You still cried sometimes but the initial guilt was gone and you found enjoyment in spending the day traversing about the sprawling cemetery grounds, visiting this great uncle and that distant cousin, just like you did with Papa when he was still alive.

“Did he make sure he bought flowers for everyone he ever met?” Eddie had asked as you piled bunches and bunches of flowers into his arms at the florist that first visit after Papa passed, when you told Eddie of the tradition. “Aren’t they just gonna die?”

“This is why I don’t like flowers,” you explained. “They die. At least when they die here, the dead can still enjoy them.”

“Well shit, that’s a pretty metal thought baby,” he cooed softly and shuffled the bunches to hold them with some more care. “Can I put that in a song? I’ll dedicate it to you.”

He had and you’d cried when he first sang you the haunting ballad in the privacy of your living room.

Today, though…well you’d already made the rounds today. Only one stop left; the most important stop. Eddie had suggested taking the long way through the mausoleum—down hallways lined with plush red carpet and dated sofas and marble walls filled with the dead—partially for his own curiosity, and partially so he could build up the courage.

You were doing quite a good job distracting him from his nerves as you conversed easily—whatever thoughts popped up in either of your heads—and explained the differences between this Saint and that one as you passed their statues and depictions in stained glass. They all looked at him with serene eyes and he thought that meant this journey would be a successful one.

There would be no crying, if he could help it.

Maybe tears of joy? He could settle for that.

“So what has you thinking of anniversaries?” you finally asked as you sat on the tufted velvet ottoman in front of your grandparents' epitaph.

Eddie shrugged and looked around, absorbing the names and dates inscribed on the marble walls that surrounded him.

“Been a lot of milestones lately. It’s been a couple years since graduation, 5 years since your grandpa passed…” He trailed off for a moment. “Been a year since we moved…since we’ve both been at new stores.”

You gasped and he felt his heart stop in his chest.

“Is…are you thinking of quitting?” You asked with big eyes.

“What?”

“That new Hot Topical store they’re opening? Or whatever it's called? I saw you chatting with that District Manager in the food court the other day. Are you leaving TapeWorld? Eddie, that’s so exciting. You should…”

“No I’m not quitting,” he announced with finality, shoving his hands in his pockets.

“…nevermind then. Then what’s going on? You thinking of breaking up with me or something?”

“No.”

“Well I know you’re not proposing; you literally just wrote a song called Marriage is a Death Sentence.”

Your laughter echoed through the mausoleum but you stopped abruptly when Eddie didn’t join you.

He watched your expression change as you processed the thought. And when you looked back at him again he smiled nervously.

“Eddie…” you said hoarsely and then cleared your throat. “Eddie, you just wrote a song called Marriage is a Death Sentence.”

“About my parents,” he explained. “And how they did everything wrong.”

“Yeah,” you nodded frantically. “A lot of people get it wrong. Marriage is a Death Sentence. Those are literally the lyrics. You’ve been singing it when you wash the dishes.”

“Yeah.”

“It’s catchy.”

“It is, isn’t it? But...while I was working on it...it got me thinking that…I mean…just because they got it wrong, and a lot of other people do, doesn’t mean we will.”

You said his name almost desperately now.

"A-and," he continued. "W-we don't have to get married but...I don't know. Spending the rest of my life with you sounds pretty great."

He pulled one hand out of his pocket casually and with it came a small ring box. He shook it a few times and held it out to you.

There were a bevy of emotions cycling your face, all of them undecipherable, until you settled on shock.

Good shock...hopefully.

“You’re supposed to get down on one knee I think,” you whispered again.

Yeah...good shock.

He let out a sigh of relief.

“Yeah but what if it isn’t a ring? What if this is all just a red herring? What if I had to get one of my teeth pulled and it's in here?”

You let out a shocked laugh and your brows hitched together in question.

"Did you put a tooth in there?"

"I don't know...seems as likely as any other potential surprise."

“Is it another cootie catcher?” you guessed.

“Only one way to find out.”

He shook the box again.

You slowly took it from him, fingers deliberately brushing against his which caused his heart to race.

He felt lightheaded when you opened the lid.

You smiled so brightly, he swore you rivaled the sun.

“Oh…Eddie…”

---

December 1992

"So what'd you do?"

"What makes you think I did something?"

"I love you son," Wayne sighed and leant against the counter. "But you always do something."

It was Christmas. The worst time of year for both you and Eddie. Long shifts, angry customers, restless coworkers...but a standing promise to make it back to Hawkins for the holiday had been the light at the end of the tunnel. Especially since Wayne and Rick had come out to see you for the past few years.

It was tough but you and Eddie made it work; hit the road right after your Christmas Eve shifts had ended, fallen into bed as soon as you'd arrived at Rick's close to midnight.

And you didn't need to be back to work until the 27th.

It was a perfect little getaway.

Except it hadn't been perfect.

Because you hadn't been talking to each other past the standard "good mornings" and "see you tonights" all week. The drive had been made in silence. And you chose to sit as far as you could from him during Christmas dinner, opting to sit beside Wayne and chat all night, instead of right next to him like you always did.

And unfortunately, yeah...it'd been Eddie's fault.

Eddie knew that, and usually he could admit it easily. Fights between the two of you were few and far between, and you had a good track record for recovering from them. For some reason though, this time was different, and it was hard for him to admit how badly he'd fucked up.

Wayne could see right through the two of you, though. Especially through his nephew. No matter how good you thought you were at hiding it.

"There was this...big opportunity we could have had," Eddie began his explanation calmly. "But it wasn't a sure thing."

"Oh yeah?" Wayne hummed. "How big?"

"Big. Like...a once-in-a-lifetime thing. An underground show a buddy of mine heard about it through the grapevine. Said they were looking for an opening act. Wanted to throw me a bone." He hit the counter with his fist gently. "But...he got his wires crossed. Told me it was tonight. So it meant we'd need to miss Christmas. But it's really next week."

"Hmmm..." Wayne nodded sagely and kept listening.

Eddie suddenly felt uncomfortable at the tone though, and became desperate for his uncle to understand.

Understand that he hadn't meant to hurt you.

"Work's been hard this season Wayne," Eddie continued with an edge to his voice. "Made me realize that I don't wanna do this forever. I wanna make music. You know that. It's been my dream forever."

"I know it has."

"Me and the guys. Our dream."

"What'd you say to her?" Wayne asked suddenly, as he lifted the mug of eggnog to his lips.

His knowing gaze made Eddie fidget and harsh words echo through his memory.

"Why can't you understand? This is huge for us. How can we say no?"

"I didn't say you had to pass it up, I just said it was a shame that we'll miss Christmas."

"You don't have to miss Christmas, you can just go to your aunt's if you don't want to go to the show."

"You know what I mean. You know Wayne and Rick look forward to seeing--"

"Wayne and Rick would understand how big this is. Why can't you? Why the fuck do you care anyways? It's not like they're your family!"

Wayne swallowed a mouthful of eggnog and then his lips pressed together tightly with a long exhale. Eddie turned to watch you and Rick chatter while you organized the gifts into neat little piles; even though you were avoiding each other, seeing your smile made him feel a lot better than his uncle's intense stare.

"I fucked up," he croaked. "I know."

"How're you gonna fix it?" Wayne asked.

"That I don't know."

Wayne sighed and clapped a hand on Eddie's shoulder.

"I would suggest," he leant in close and his voice rumbled, the same way it always did when Eddie would get in trouble growing up. The few times Wayne needed to intervene at all. "I would suggest you start with I'm sorry."

---

Eddie stared up at the glow in the dark stars that were stuck to the ceiling of the old guest bedroom that used to be his designated room at Rick's once upon a time.

It was quiet. Too quiet.

He couldn't sleep.

He might have spent most of his life in Hawkins but a few years in and around Chicago and he'd gotten used to the sounds of traffic and trains and people walking around late at night.

And it might've been easier if you were closer to him than you were, if the sounds of your sleep-deepened breathing and the soft snores you always denied were in his ear. Instead you were lying on your side at the edge of the full bed, as far from him as you could get, equally as awake as he was if your near-silent breaths were any indicator.

He turned his head and watched you for a moment before he took a breath of courage.

"Sweetheart," he whispered. When there was no response, he said your name, a little louder this time. "You awake?"

There was silence...heavy silence...and then you responded.

"Mmmhmm." You shifted to look halfway over your shoulder at him. "It's too quiet."

"I was just thinking that."

"Hmmm."

"I've got...a lot on my mind too."

"Yeah?" you turned fully now, lying on your back just like him; your shoulders touched but you refused to look at him. "What about?"

"I was thinking..."

What was he thinking? A lot of things. How to start an apology, how to fix this. How to make tomorrow better so your Christmas wasn't ruined.

"...that at least when we fight fight, we still talk to each other afterwards."

You scoffed and he closed his eyes, cursing himself and his big mouth.

"That...wasn't the right thing to say."

"No it wasn't," you sassed him immediately.

"It wasn't what I wanted to say either," he quickly added. "I wanted to say...that I'm sorry."

"I know."

"You do?"

"Aside from the fact that I know you too well," you began. "Rick was trying to get me to forgive you all night."

"Why did he think I did something?" Eddie asked incredulously.

"Because you always do something."

"God damn it, did Rick say that? Wayne said the same thing."

The two of you laughed together for the first time in days, and as you settled down, Eddie reached over and took your hand in his. He threaded your fingers together and rubbed his thumb back and forth to soothe you.

"I'm sorry that I...that I was a thick-headed, stubborn, big-mouthed idiot who hurt your feelings," he apologized. "I know that we've both been under pressure but there's no excuse. I could've been more level-headed, but I wasn't and I hurt you."

"Yeah well," you squeezed his hand tightly as you responded, "I guess I'm not innocent here either. I could have...been more excited for you, supportive. Instead of trying to make it about Christmas. I was thinking about how desperate I was to get away from work, excited to be back here. And it's no excuse. I'm sorry too."

"Yeah but I told you Wayne and Rick weren't your family."

"Well I told you--"

"Are we gonna fight again?" Eddie stopped you before you could get ahead of yourself. You huffed a soft "no" and melted into the bed, all tension in your body gone. "Did you like your Christmas gift?"

"Jesus." He could hear you rolling your eyes.

"Well did you?"

"Duh," you deadpanned. "Did you like yours?"

"Uh, duh," he parroted, a little more exaggeratedly. "You didn't give me a kiss though."

"Well you didn't give me a kiss either," you retorted, but you were already rolling over so you could close the distance and seal your lips against his.

The two of you showered one another with more whispered apologies and words of devotion before you got ahead of yourselves.

Clothes were shed, soft caresses shared, and lips lavished over the most sensitive parts of you.

You still liked it when you dragged your teeth along the shaft of his cock a little and got him to beg, and then Eddie returned the favor when he sucked a bruising hickey to your nipple that made you squeal and call him a god.

The two of you had lived on your own for so long that it was good fun trying to keep your voices down, or make sure the bed didn't slide across the hardwood floors with your passionate fucking.

And all slights were soothed when you reached the height of pleasure together, and whispered sweet words of affection and forgiveness as you descended back to earth.

Come morning, Wayne obnoxiously asked when the two of you were planning to hit the road back to Chicago.

"It's been a good while since I lost sleep thanks to your spirited activities," he noted, embarrassing the two of you in front of Rick. "No more fighting when you come back to visit in the future alright? I miss you dearly, but I can't say I miss that at all.”

---

April 1993

"It took you guys long enough," Dustin announced as he threw open the door.

“You know what, you try sitting in a rusty old shitbox with a bunch of musicians that still act like they're teenagers for 10 hours," you deadpanned and then pushed past the guys as they protested to pull Dustin into a hug. "Happy housewarming, congratulations."

It was Spring Break.

Well for the kids it was--although, they weren't really kids anymore were they--but for you and the guys, it was more like a long weekend. You'd scheduled yourself off for a few days, Eddie'd requested the whole week off, Jeff and Dave had traded shifts with coworkers, and Gareth simply quit his job.

"I'll find a new one," he reassured everyone, including his girlfriend, on St. Patrick's Day when he announced his departure before he and the guys had gotten on stage to play for a crowded pub in the suburbs.

It had been a headache and a half to get everything in order and everyone in the right place at the right time, but you were all here for one thing and one thing only.

Dustin's first apartment.

A Hellfire Club Reunion.

And a special one-shot that Dustin and Eddie had spent hours on the phone planning for the past few months.

Months.

You didn't think you'd been invited at first, but when Dustin told Eddie the full guest list, Eddie volunteered your attendance immediately.

Your forays into Dungeons and Dragons were few and far between; never a big campaign, only the one-shots that Eddie had put together here and there for the guys or a few coworkers who were interested. And this would be the first time that you played with such a big group. Or such an experienced group.

You were nervous.

"You'll do great," Eddie reassured you as he plucked snack cakes and sodas off the gas station shelves for snacks on the road. "I know the roleplaying is not your strongest suit, but it's just Henderson and the gang."

Now you were here and your nerves melted as you slipped further into mother hen mode the longer you looked around at what was obviously the apartment of college students. It was a familiar sight; you, Eddie, and the guys had all crammed into a duplex when you'd moved to Chicago and you'd had your fair share of pizza boxes stacked in the corners before garbage day and underwear of questionable origin and cleanliness tucked into the cracks of the sofa.

But that was a time long since passed and seeing it now made your fingers itch.

And your ears ring.

"...be here soon and I figured that you'd be here first to help me set u--Mom you ok?" Dustin stopped his chattering when he noticed you were frozen in the door of the living room. He glanced around the space that would soon host all of his friends. "Oh...yeah I should probably clean up a little more. To be fair, most of this isn't my mess."

You felt your eye twitch at his dismissive laugh.

"Jesus Henderson, didn't you just move in January?" Jeff asked when he saw the sorry state.

The boys all started giving Dustin shit, and Eddie had the foresight to put a hand on your shoulder and steer you back towards the door.

"We're gonna go take a quick smoke break; why don't you four nerds try to get this place looking a little more Hellfire appropriate in the mean time, m'kay?" he ordered them with faux sincerity. "We brought those props you asked for Dustin."

You heard the faint, sorry Mom, come from the boys as Eddie got you outside.

---

Eddie was extremely attentive and was quick to take charge of the ragtag group, running back and forth between the little stoop where you'd essentially set up camp right outside of the building, and back up to Dustin's apartment to make sure the cleaning and setup were underway.

"Hey listen, you boss enough people around at work," he reassured you when you insisted that you'd be alright to go back in. "You don't need to do it on your day off too."

You proved to be useful enough as the other started to arrive, little by little.

Max and Lucas had flown in from California and arrived via cab.

"It kind of sucks when the place you live is the place everyone else goes on vacation," Lucas laughed good-naturedly.

His younger sister Erica, who you remember from her days of buying scrunchies and glitter makeup, was now grown up and toted an entire kit filled with binders and notebooks and dice.

"It's my first ever Spring Break," she sniffed. "I could have been in Miami with my friends. But...I wouldn't miss this for the world, so it better be worth it."

Mike and Will drove up in the Wheeler's old station wagon, their siblings in tow in the backseat; Nancy and Jonathan had apparently been broken up for some time now.

It apparently had been an awkward drive for all of them.

Jane unexpectedly arrived with a new love interest friend and was beyond ecstatic to see you, barely letting you get a question in as she told you about everything she'd been up to.

Robin was unfortunately absent, but sent her regards along with the last person to arrive. Someone who you honestly didn't expect to see at all, but who had pulled up in a shiny new car, sporting a wedding band and a mustache: Steve Harrington.

"Look what the cat dragged in," you greeted with a smile. You pointed at the wedding band. "Seems like you don't need my relationship advice anymore."

"Same relationship," he chuckled and shrugged, suddenly bashful.

"No shit," you laughed. "Congratulations."

"Congrats to you too," he pointed to the ring on your own finger but you waved him off dismissively.

"Marriage is a Death Sentence. This is just...symbolic more than anything. We both know we're not going anywhere."

"Get more of a deduction on your tax return if you guys do tie the knot."

"Alright Ned Flanders," you rolled your eyes. "Taxes are a death sentence too. I'll ask Ed to write that song and dedicate it to you."

"By all means, I'm actually an accountant now. Maybe it'll get me some more clients."

You cackled.

You and Steve made some casual chit chat as you walked up to join the others now that everyone had arrived.

The apartment looked worlds different, especially with the abundance of candles that surrounded the table you all crowded around.

Dustin was taking the lead with this one, his DM screens in ominous abundance as he sat at the head of the table and filed through stacks of papers.

You looked around at all of your friends...really all of Eddie's friends who had become your friends, your family. It was nice to see them all in one place again.

Then you looked at Eddie himself, who looked right at home surrounded by them all. Laughing and spieling and picking on them with bright, glowing fondness that radiated off of him. You didn't think you could feel any more love for him, but suddenly in that moment, your cup overflowed.

He deserved this; deserved all of this...all of the love you all had to give and share with him because he loved you all so hard in return.

You took your seat beside him and grinned and patted your knee encouragingly.

"Perfect timing, sweetheart," he announced. "Hope you're ready to get absolutely obliterated."

Dustin hit a button on the stereo he'd set up beside him and everyone started to cheer as music and sounds created the ambiance of the adventure you were about to embark on.

"Welcome friends as we revisit a grand adventure of old tonight," Dustin began. "As we venture deep into Greyhawk and come face to face a great evil once defeated. Timelines have shifted, and what you might remember from the past is no longer what it seems; it will take great courage and strength to overcome challenges that you'd previously faced with ease. Are you up for the challenge?"

Everyone cheered again."

"Good," he said with a guttural groan, eyes rolling back in his head dramatically. "Then let us begin on our quest to face...The Cult of Vecna."

---

May 1995

It was like deja vu.

Maybe because he'd done this a thousand times, just not recently. It'd been years since he'd worked at the Mall, after all, and the muscle memory might have been a little out of practice, but it was still there.

He ran up the stalled escalator, long legs skipping every other step, until he reached the top, out of breath.

"Fuck," he bent over with his hands on his knees, panting. "Fuck. This is why I gotta quit smoking."

He'd taken the day off to surprise you; he and the guys were supposed to be recording today--their first album; it'd taken long enough--but this was bigger and he wanted to be there for you.

Needed to be there.

It wasn't every day that his best friend and beloved--the love of his life--his dear Store Manager...wasn't going to be a Store Manager anymore.

You'd both broken the news to each other on the same day. For weeks you'd only mentioned small developments in passing, never letting your hopes get too high just in case of a let down.

"We're getting signed," he announced as you'd collided into one another outside of your apartment building. "It's happening we're getting signed and we're gonna make a whole fucking album sweetheart!"

"Oh my god!" you shrieked. "Holy shit Ed!"

"No more weird touring schedules for fests, no more begging to get a song on the radio during the 3am broadcast, it's happening!" He cupped your cheeks and peppered kisses around your face.

"It's happening for me too," you laughed and tried to shake him away. "I got the job."

"What?!" he squished your cheeks harder until you jabbed him lightly in the stomach to get him to let you go.

"I got the job," you laughed, head tilted back as you announced it to the world. "Eddie, baby...you're looking at the new associate manager of Visual Development."

You'd spent the night indulging on a deep dish pizza, fucking making love, and talking about the future.

Maybe you could buy a house...maybe you could get a puppy...take an actual vacation someplace and not just a weekend trip to the Dells or wherever Corroded could find a gig...the possibilities were endless...

But from that moment on, it was a whirlwind.

The band had gotten started right away, signing contracts and working with the small label that had seen their potential and believed in them.

And now, a few weeks later, it was here. Your big day. Your last day as a Store Manager at Claire's, before you went off to their home offices to tell people what color scrunchie was gonna be big for the season.

There were a bunch of purple and pink balloons tied to the sandwich board outside of your store, and as Eddie got closer, he could hear snippets of conversation as your associates asked you about your new position.

"Have you seen your office yet?"

"Yeah, I have," you laughed.

"Is the desk pink?"

"No but the walls are."

"Do you get your own cell phone?"

"Probably not. I'm not the CEO guys. I'm just a manager."

"Are you gonna have to wear business suits?"

"No," Eddie answered for you as he quickly snuck up behind you. You jumped as his arms wrapped around your waist, but you quickly melted into the embrace. "But she's not gonna have to wear clothes from Seventeen Magazine anymore either."

"Yeah," you sighed. "It really sucks to wear clothes from the juniors department once you're past 30. They're just not made the same way."

"Gotta take your word for it sweetheart, I'm not 30 for another few months," he blew a raspberry against the side of your neck and squeezed you tightly in his embrace.

Your associates all sighed dreamily at the sight of the two of you canoodling—power couple who?—and Eddie was thankful for this once-in-a-lifetime chance that you wouldn't just swat him away for PDA while you were on the salesfloor.

"I'm sorry this is coming from the man who still dresses the same as he did when he was 17," you laughed and reached back to pluck at his battle vest that had only accumulated more pins and patches over the years.

"I'm very sorry that I'm not trendy, sweetheart." He kissed your cheek. "But I'm what you would call timeless."

"I'd like a divorce." You pulled his left hand away from your torso so you could attempt to pull the band off his ring finger. "Effective immediately."

"We're not married," he murmured teasingly in your ear. "Or did you forget?"

"You finally gonna seal the deal Munson?" you whispered back. "It's only been 10 years."

"Just so you can file for divorce? I don't think so."

"What if I trade you my longevity pin? I think it would look nice on your vest."

"How about...I take you to lunch first?" he asked, voice back to its normal volume. "And we negotiate the terms and conditions? She's got her big corporate lady pants on, trying to get me to sign a contract."

"I guess I could pencil you in," you feigned annoyance and then looked to your assistant manager. "Let me ask my secretary."

Both you and Eddie stared at them expectantly.

"Get out of here," they laughed at your antics. "Before I kick you out; so sweet, you guys make me gag sometimes."

---

The rest of your final shift was eventful, and Eddie sat in the chair of the Ear Piercing station while you chatted with your regular customers and received one visitor after another.

Old employees and coworkers, your mom who made you take a picture with the whole team, and then a very cheesy one with Eddie who dipped you for a kiss at the very last second.

Jen had come around close to 5 to bring even more balloons and a cake, and had made jokes that she was gonna have to haunt the corporate offices even more now.

"So we can talk shit, obviously," she joked.

Eddie had called Kyle up, who was now managing a store in Milwaukee, to tell him both bits of good news and Kyle had made the drive down to bring a sentimental gift to both of you on your last day.

A picture frame with a collage of polaroids from your years at StarCourt. There was a filmstrip from one of the photo-booths that depicted a younger you and Eddie, making funny faces and staring longingly at one another.

"You left this in the stock room once upon a time," he told Eddie as he pointed it out specifically. "That was before you were dating too. I squirreled it away and forgot about it but was gonna keep it in case you never got the courage to ask her out. And look at the two of you now."

"Yeah, Eddie watched you as you caressed the glass. "Look at us now."

"I still think I should have won the bet," Kyle sniffed bitterly.

You had scheduled yourself to close, and you were expertly restocking the scrunchie wall as the last few customers shopped.

Eddie kept snaking his arms around you and switching this scrunchie here for that one there, and you'd whine and complain about him messing up the color flow. Still, you never made any effort to stop him, and each time you stomped your foot petulantly, he would drop a smooch right on your cheek to "earn" your forgiveness.

"You know, this is what I was doing when we first met," you recalled after a few kisses. "Officially met."

"What?" Eddie asked.

"Restocking scrunchies."

"You sure?" he frowned and tried to think back. He vaguely recalled...bracelets of some sort...or had he just been looking at the jewelry. He'd been so nervous to ask you out back then...it was all a blur.

And he hadn't really even asked you out at that time either. Jesus Christ, what a loser he'd been.

Where would the two of you be now if only he hadn't fumbled on that first not-date? Right where you were now? Maybe broken up? A lot of the growing the two of you had done had been done with the soft buffer of friendship first...it almost caused his heart to ache to think that they might have caused an end to a relationship if things had been different.

Because now he couldn't imagine what his life would be like without you.

"You still haven't let me pierce your ears," you leaned in close to him, nose brushing against his, and teased him.

Eddie froze and then backed away.

"Well," he licked over his bottom lip pensively. "It is your last day...the last hour of your shift too...I think I could be persuaded."

You squealed and ran to get the forms ready. You didn't even let him fill them out, you just pushed him back into the seat he'd been occupying all day as you got it all ready.

"No more being afraid of needles babe," you cackled, the kind of cackle he'd only ever heard when you were being especially devious or evil.

"I have tattoos," he argued, trying to stand from the chair in protest, but you pressed your hand to his chest to get him to sit back down. "I have a ton of tattoos; if I was afraid of needles I wouldn't. Your logic is flawed."

"Yeah ok Spock," you dismissed his reasoning. "This one takes a chunk out of you though, so it's different."

"What argument are you trying to win here baby? Are you trying to get me to get my ears pierced or are you trying to get me to admit I'm afraid."

"Dealers Choice."

"You're lucky I love you," he grumbled.

You were silent for a while as you marked his ears, as you snapped on your gloves, and readied the piercing gun.

Was he afraid? No. He trusted you. But damn if the anticipation wasn't making him sweat a little.

Eddie closed his eyes as he prepared himself for the next step, but you paused and made one quick run across the store before returning.

"Alright I have one last important question to ask you," you began, and he peeped an eye open to see you standing there with your hands behind your back. "It's the age old question and I don't think we ever got a solid answer."

You revealed your plunder and then stared at him expectantly.

"Take your pick: broken hearts or gummy bears."

Eddie went soft as he stared at the two sets of studs backed by purple carding: little black broken hearts and the neon green gummy bears.

It was the age old question wasn't it? The first question he asked you before he even asked you out.

"See, if it was still 1985," he tilted his head back and forth, "I think this would be a hard one to figure out."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah. But uh," he reached out and pointed to his choice. "Now it's a no brainer."

"Seriously?" you laughed.

"Seriously."

"And why are you, Eddie Munson, lead singer of Corroded Coffin, the most metal band on Earth, picking the Gummy Bears?"

"Sweetheart," he singsonged, pausing for dramatic effect. "I think you know."

"I don't think I do," you parroted.

"Ugh," he scoffed and turned his head. "I guess I am the more romantic of the two of us."

"Answer the question, Cassanova."

"Sweetheart," he turned back to you, hand over his heart. "It has to be the gummy bears."

"Has to be?"

"Must be."

"Because..."

"Because I can confidently say that my heart is never gonna be broken if I have you around."

Your challenging gaze softened and Eddie swore that he saw tears at the corners of your eyes. For a moment he didn't know if you were gonna kiss him or start crying.

"Shut the fuck up," your associate shouted from across the store, ruining the sweet moment. "That was so adorable. Oh my god."

"Language Chels!" you scolded her good-naturedly.

And then, in those last few minutes of your career as a store manager, you kissed Eddie softly on his forehead...on his lips...and then punched holes right through both of his earlobes in rapid succession.

"Fuck!" He screamed. "Fuck!"

"I love you," you chuckled at him.

"Yeah. Love you too..." he grimaced. "Fuck! I love you."

---

Thank you for reading The Store Manager Verse.

#store manager verse #eddie munson #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson fluff #Eddie Munson smut #Eddie Munson fic #stranger things fic

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emersonfreepress · 7 months ago

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help i'm alive

So! Long time, no see. 2023 was a whole goddamn lot lol

I don't have a demo update to share yet, but that's because I had to scrap nearly everything I managed to write during a very, very, very bad stint of writer's block last year. I hadn't even realized it had been a block like that until I went over my work so far last month and realized it was bad -- like, trust me; a slog to read that didn't even sound like me. It's been extremely frustrating but I've finally broken free of that and it's been easy and actually fun to write again for the first time in actual years. I just hate giving updates that have no actual news in them. And I really had nothing to share other than: I deleted thousands of words and feel so much better now 😅

Anyway, little about my demo plans have changed: I'm still putting out the Chapter 3 demos in Choicescript/on Dashingdon and then will be going dark to move things over to Twine. Where I am in the process right now is... feeling like 35% done with the overhauled version of this chapter and 50% done for the next demo update.

As far as asks, I'm... not really sure what to do?? I believe I've read them all (I love you guys), but so much time has passed since getting most of them that I'm not sure if it's, like... still pertinent??? To go back and answer them?? I suppose some of them like character asks could be, but all the nice messages of support -- that feels weird since I've practically ghosted this blog since August! Idk. Y'all tell me what to do with 'em and I'll do it. Maybe I should make a poll.

Uh... that's really all there is to say regarding the game! I've added some personal stuff after the cut, but if you're done here: Thanks for reading and sticking around. It means the world, for real.

So what has occupied my time all this time? Doctor, therapy, money, and friends. And improv! But especially the first two. There was a lot of non-writing related stuff fucking up my ability to focus and write, so hopefully with my mind and body both feeling a lot better, I can get back to being present and active with the game. I didn't realize how physically unwell I was until last year and it's been like... life-long issues I've been treating. It turns out it's not normal to feel exhausted enough to sleep at any given time, at all times, for your whole life! wow!!

I also uninstalled Tumblr from my phone back in February, so you could say I'm sort of generally focused on offline life. (And what an interesting coincidence that my writer's block dissipated shortly after that...) I also just moved!! The last two weekends have been so expensive and stressful -_- But I can't even compare the old place to the new. We're basically paying the same price for idek how much more space. The cats are so happy; which means the house humans get to be happy.

My schedule is finally freed up from constant medical shit (there was a 3-month stretch this winter with multiple doctor appointments literally every fucking week 🙃🙃🙃). My mental health is doing a lot better -- literally incomparably better compared to where I was this time last year. There's live comedy now (which I dabble in, to be clear lol), but I've finally found myself able to like... balance it all. The physical and creative energy that goes into it all, anyway. The lovely thing about improv is that you kinda just show up and do your thing -- it doesn't cut into my writing time so much as it costs energy. Unless I end up in this comedy debate show thing next month, which I am very excited to give up writing time for

So like... Life is life-ing and I'm just vibing. Or something? I'll be around.

Thank you all again so much for your interest, support, patience, and readership <3

#oh and if anyone knows where i can stream mob wives uncensored without paying any extra money i'd love you forever lol #that is unimportant- unless y'all find it important that i have access to all of my most influential pieces of media at all times IJSAYING!#jk jk ofc <3 thank you for reading #conspiracy in emerson #if cie #progress #cie ch 3

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innorogers · 2 months ago

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Lucid

Steve Rogers x Dark Past Reader (You)

Summary: Steve finds out about your past. You're nothing as he thought you were. You are better.

Warning: Steve struggling / Past revelations / You don't have to read this: Chapter 1 - Insomnia, but it would enhance the experience if you did.

What do you do the night you meet the love of your life? You spend it with to him—talking, hugging, kissing, teetering on the edge of going further... but it doesn’t matter, because one day, you won’t recall the specifics. Years from now, future you will think back to this night and remember only the magic you felt, the moments your heart skipped a beat, and the wonder of it all.

In the present, as the first rays of sunlight rise from the east and touch your face, you can barely keep your eyes open, almost drifting off against Steve’s shoulder. Once he finds out you’ve just come off a 13-hour shift, he insists on walking you to your dorm. And though it seems to take every ounce of his willpower, he refuses your unspoken invitation to stay. Ever the gentleman.

After a shift that handed you five hours of overtime, you managed to get immediate compensation—and even figured out how to maximize your sleep: you'll shower later.

So, after Steve kisses you goodbye for the sixth time, you finally close the door and collapse into your pillow. Though, to be honest, you’d rather be falling asleep on his chest.

Captain America, on the other hand, was more awake than ever. The last time he felt this energized was when they thawed him from his popsicle state. It was like walking in sunlight, and he half-expected some cheesy background music to play as he moved through the halls.

But, as always, fate was waiting in the corner to throw a punch and kick his perfectly peach shaped ass.

You were still on his mind when he stepped into the Level 0 – Avengers Only common room. You hadn’t left his thoughts since he said goodbye to you... thirty minutes ago.

To his surprise, Natasha was already there – she was never up before 11 – typing something into a computer - she was also never on top of her paperwork -.

“Oh wow, this is rare.” Steve was in a mood—no, actually, "mood" wasn’t the right word. He was still wonderstruck, wrapped up in his own bubble of happiness because of meeting you.

“Haha, hilarious,” Natasha deadpanned without even glancing up. “Go ahead and laugh now, Rogers. One day, that ‘I’m from the 40s, I don’t know this shit’ lame excuse is not gonna to fly anymore, and you’ll actually have to do some of this.”

“Well... by then, hopefully our genius philanthropist will have invented something to take this torture off our hands,” Steve replied, handing her a cup of coffee.

Now he had her attention.

“Someone’s in a good mood…” She raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Alright, spill.”

“Oh no, not a chance,” Steve shook his head, grinning. “Not happening.”

But after a pause, he added, “Hey, we have full access to everyone’s records here, right?”

“Yeah, Level 0 clearance,” Natasha replied, still focused on her typing. “You’ve got everything on your phone. Why?”

Steve glanced at your name in his phone and tried to sound casual. “What do you know about an engineer?” He wasn’t entirely sure if that was your title—you had mentioned it, but he had only been paying attention to the important stuff (like your favorite ice cream, song, hobbies, and what you wanted to do this Saturday night…).

“You’ll need to be more specific. I need an ID or at least a last name.”

“Illithya Lancaster,” he said softly, almost smiling as your name left his lips.

“Oh yeah,” Natasha responded immediately, “the one that goes by ‘Twelve,’ right?”

That got Steve’s full attention. He sat up straight, frowning. “‘Twelve’? Is that a nickname?”

“Code Name 12. Subject ID HE0012.” Natasha continued typing as though she were battling something. “You know what that means.”

“No.” Steve’s voice turned rigid. “I don’t.”

The typing finally stopped, and Natasha swiveled around in her chair to face him. “H for Hydra, E for experiment, number 12. She was one of Hydra’s experiments, Steve.”

That was a bucket of ice water he hadn’t expected. Right to the spine. Steve took a few seconds to find his voice.

“What?”

“There.” Natasha handed him an iPad with all the information: “See, here she is. Um… mission rescue R804, Siberia… Sokovia… yeah, she’s on Hydra's top confidential list, one of the few we’ve got. Stark moved mountains to save her from rotting in a federal prison for eternity.” She spoke quickly as she read, her voice unusually soft, full of compassion.

Steve paused for a moment, trying to recall if you’d mentioned anything about a nickname last night, but he didn’t think you had.

He could barely think. His voice, distant and faint, whispered: “‘Twelve’? What… happened to the other eleven?”

Swiping the iPad, Natasha didn’t even look up, just shrugged: “What do you think?” She didn’t notice Steve’s face go pale instantly.

“Illithya was the only survivor, barely. Used and discarded as anything Hydra could imagine… like something disposable.”

She sighed. “I’ve seen awful things, but this is one of the files I try to forget.”

Steve’s mind was in turmoil. He couldn’t think, and the pain in his chest seemed to crush every fiber of his being.

He couldn’t believe it. You, his treasured little secret, his enchanted, magical midsummer night, this beautiful, pure soulmate he’d fallen with—the one who told him a fairy would bring him all the stars—had been used, abused, treated like a guinea pig, nothing more than a lab rat?

He was beginning to understand the emotions rising within every cell of his body: a mix of uncontrollable anger, sadness, and fear.

Swallowing the lump in his throat, his voice wavered slightly: “...How… how long was she experimented on?”

Natasha set the file aside and looked him straight in the eye. There was empathy there. She knew Steve was shaken, so she softened her voice as much as she could, though her words remained honest.

“‘Till we got her? A lifetime. She was born and raised in captivity. Her entire existence was based on an experiment.”

Steve closed his eyes. It was more than he could bear. The pain he felt intensified with every word Nat spoke.

He clenched his fists, veins bulging with rage. How could they.

“How did you rescue her?” He found himself asking in a calm voice, as if inquiring about any other case.

“We didn’t. She escaped, and we found her. After you and Tony split in Siberia.” Nat pulled up the file again on the tablet and handed it to him, but Steve didn’t look. He wasn’t ready.

“So, until she got away…” Steve heard his voice, sounding unnervingly emotionless, and he hated it. “Was she under Hydra’s control her entire life?”

Black Widow didn’t respond at first. She nodded, just barely, while watching him. She was using the spy stare, reading everything beneath the surface, interpreting every unspoken word, every pause, every silence was a puzzle piece for her to figure out the entire picture.

“A lifetime under Hydra…” Steve whispered.

And he felt awful for saying it.

But there it was, a poisoned seed growing in the shadows of his mind. Steve wanted to bury it deep, but he couldn’t stop.

The doubt crept in, spreading like a toxin—the thought that everything you’d been through had changed you.

How could you ever purge Hydra’s venom from your veins? Was it still there, lurking in every dormant cell, slowly expanding like a plague, consuming all the good, the magic, the purity in you? Corrupting you?

“Stop,” Natasha suddenly said.

She gave him a look Steve recognized—she was about to ask something that would make him think, really think.

After a deep breath, she spoke: “If you’re asking about her, it’s because you’ve met her, right? So, what do you think? Did she seem like a…villain? Or was she different? Special, maybe?”

Steve leaned back into the chair at her words, the memory of you filling his mind again, your innocence, your weird yet adorable responses, your naivety, your smile…You.

The touch of your hand, the softness of your voice, the pureness of your soul. The way you’d clung to him, spoke to him, trusted him, kissed him. He exhaled slowly, a ghost smile on his face.

“No. I never thought of her as a villain. Or as any…negative. She was different, more than different. She was…she is…incredible…she’s wonderful…she’s…” Perfect.

Natasha remained in silence. Staring at him. Then she leaned up, her words like splashed ripples on the spring's surface. “Why do you trust Barnes, Steve?”

Her tone was calm and serene, yet it made Steve clench his fists. The question was unexpected, but not unanticipated—he knew she’d ask; she always pushed when she had that look.

“He was, or is, more Hydra than anyone we’ve ever rescued from those hellholes, yet you risked everything to save him.”

“That’s different. I know Bucky, he’s all I have left of my past. And he was brainwashed.” You weren’t. You acted, and you act by choice… don’t you? Steve panicked at the thought. Everything you did, you did with your heart… right? Everything that happened last night, was true…Right?

“So if she wasn’t brainwashed, she’s guilty?” A slight ironic smile tugged at Nat’s lips. “Even though she never asked to be born into a Hydra experiment, or to live in captivity. Is she at fault, Steve? For not trying hard enough to escape?”

Steve froze at her words, realizing what she was getting at. You weren’t brainwashed, no, much worse, you’d grown up knowing nothing of life outside Hydra. You weren’t just a victim. No. He thought of you. You were a survivor. A fighter.

“That sounded a bit protective.” Steve looked at his fellow Avenger, studying her expression. “Was it just a rescue mission, Nat? You don’t usually…attach to people.”

Letting out a laugh, Natasha returned to her usual mysterious, lazy smile. “I’ll let you find out for yourself.”

She hesitated but finally spoke under Steve’s gaze: “She’s… different, Steve.”

A slight, warm smile crossed Black Widow’s face.

“She’s kind…and good. I don’t know how to explain it, but she’s innocent. Her heart… it’s pure.”

Steve raised an eyebrow at Nat’s words. He could hear the awe in her voice, and it made him think of you: The way you’d looked at him, the sparkle in your eyes. Tiny butterflies fluttered in his stomach as he remembered the way you’d laughed and how they took flight when he kissed you.

Without even realizing it, his voice became as tender as it could be: “Yes. She is all those things.”

“Like I said.” Natasha leaned back in her chair, her fingers returning to the keyboard. “I’ll let you find out for yourself.”

LAB 278—it had taken some time to find.

Steve silently thanked Jarvis for lighting the way as he stepped into your lab—your private, secluded lab, hidden almost a 20-minute walk from the central facilities. Steve hadn’t even known this place existed on campus.

He pushed open the door and saw you through the thick glass. He couldn’t help but marvel as he took in the entire space. Your lab looked like a greenhouse, with plants everywhere—on the desk, under the tables, on the floor, shelves, and windows. Long curtains of leaves hung down from the ceiling like rain falling through broken glass.

Large screens dominated the room, and then Steve’s eyes widened at what he saw next.

An armory. Their. Armory.

A bow being analyzed by lasers, prototypes of metal gauntlets, shattered helmets, and torn suits.

And then, he saw you.

You were cleaning his shield.

Everything fell into silence when his gaze rested on you. The whole place became a quiet green ocean, so still that Steve could almost hear the plants breathing. And his own heartbeat. That stopped when you lifted the shield and gently kissed it.

“Do a good job,” he heard you whisper to it. “Protect him. Keep him safe.”

Steve snapped out of it as those words echoed in his mind. He had a hundred questions, but they vanished in that instant. He wasn’t even thinking—he was reacting—as he stepped forward and opened the door.

The look on your face when you heard the noise and turned around was indescribable. All the tension in your expression softened, and the light in your eyes brightened.

Steve wondered, how he’d been so blind, so stupid, to believe some reports instead of trusting…you.

“Oh. Hi…” You smiled, joy sparkling in every corner of the room.

God, that smile. The happiness in your eyes at seeing him weakened his knees. He spoke, his voice softer than he’d expected.

“Hey...”

You almost run to him under instinc. Wanting to move closer, to take his hands, but…you weren’t sure. Was it too much? Too fast? What are you (or this) supposed to be? Are you even dating? Will he hate it? So, you blushed and stood still. “I…I um… I’m so glad you’re here.”

Steve noticed the way you flinched, the way you wanted to reach out but held yourself back. It made him feel…sad, like something was cracking in his chest. He wanted to reach out and take your hand. But he didn’t—not yet.

Instead, he stepped closer, his voice gentle as he smiled. “…And I’m very glad to be here.”

“Oh.” You weren’t sure if it was the lack of sleep or if you were just lost in his eyes, but your mind was racing, and you couldn’t stop yourself from blurting out something dumb, like really dumb.

“I missed you.”

Oh, what the hell. You wanted to bite your tongue. Especially when you saw Steve freeze. Okay, that was stupid as fuck, you thought, looking down, unsure of what to say next.

“I’ll take it back, I’m sorry, that was stu—” But before you could finish, you were pulled into a tight embrace.

Steve pulled you towards him, wrapping his arms around you in a tight, protective hold. As if he wanted you to melt within him.

He realized how absurd he had been for holding this back, how deeply he craved you. Like a primal longing, like a dying plant thirsting for a drop of dew, or desperate for air.

“Please…don’t be.” He whispered, pressing your head to his shoulder, inhaling the scent of your hair, his eyes closed as he sighed. “I missed you too.”

“Oh.” You awkwardly ran your hands along his back, fumbling at first, before simply giving in and hugging him tighter. You caressed his neck until he rested his forehead against yours, exhaling deeply.

And you smiled.

“So…you did find out, huh?”

He stood silently, with his chin in your shoulder. And after a while he said in a bitter tone: “How’d you know?”

“‘Cause you look exactly like Tony and Natasha did when they found out. And… because you’re in my lab. I mean, I don’t think this place is a hot spot, huh?” You laughed and broke the hug slightly, but he tightened his grip on your waist, unwilling to let you pull away.

You caressed his face, inhaling the warmth of his breath, and looked into his eyes.

"Steve, what happened to me isn’t a burden for you to carry, you know that, right?”

Steve froze.

Isn’t it?

Wasn’t it because he hadn’t destroyed Hydra when he had the chance?

Because they didn’t find out sooner?

Because… he wasn’t there?

You struggled to read people, especially someone you cared about, so when you saw the pale, stiff look on his face, you paralyzed.

Was that why he came? To tell you it was over? Well…to be honest, you wouldn’t blame him. After all… you were you, and he was… Steve Rogers. And you were…Hydra’s Frankenstein.

That thought must have shown on your face, because Steve noticed the change in your expression—fear and shame, like you were some kind of Quasimodo who had his mask ripped off.

The mere thought made Steve’s blood boil—the idea that he might reject you because of your past, as if you were to blame for things you couldn’t control. As you were…sinful and…bad.

He suddenly cupped your face and spoke firmly, the words echoing from his heart, the same words he should have said the moment Natasha told him the truth.

“Hey, hey… look at me. Look at me.” He stared straight into your eyes. "Don’t doubt me. Don’t doubt… us.” His voice was filled with protectiveness and anger. “I’m here, and I…” I’m falling for you.

“Do you regret it?” Your voice trembled. “Last night… do you regret… meeting me?”

“No.” His voice was steady and resilient, unwavering and unshakable: “Not in a million lifetimes.”

You held your breath for a moment, trying not to cry. Then spoke as you were telling a secret.

“I always wondered…What would I have been like if I were… normal? If I had normal parents—a father working in a bank, a mom as a teacher. I’d go to school, go to prom, fall in love… have friends… but…”

You pressed your fingers into his hand and smiled softly.

“… I wouldn’t change anything about my past, if that was the road I had to take, that leaded me…to finally meet you.”

Steve felt like he could’ve started crying at any moment.

Your past had left a crack in his heart, something he could never fix, something that would always hurt. And yet, you said it was all worth it? All the suffering, all the pain… just to meet him? How could he… how could he deserve you? He couldn’t speak, couldn’t move, couldn’t even breathe.

“God…” he murmured, his voice filled with pain. “How can you say that… how can you still be so…”

Kind. Good. Pure.

Natasha was damn right. You were everything she said, and more.

“Hmmm… Maybe…” You thought out loud. "Maybe I always knew I’d meet you someday, and I had to be good enough… to be… worthy.”

Steve exhaled, trying to calm the storm in his heart and mind.

The weight of your words hit him hard. He paused for a moment before he pulled you against him, his arms wrapping around you tightly, as if that could protect you from all the misfortune or pain that might come in the years ahead.

“Damn it…”

His voice broke as he whispered.

“I can’t believe I found you…”

“Well then,” you whispered, pressing a kiss to the back of his hand.

“Thank you for finding me.”

Time stilled for a moment, but before he could think, Steve’s body had already reacted, he pinned you against the workbench as his hand weaved through your hair, and his lips pressed yours in a deep kiss.

He couldn’t hold back anymore, he needed you, wanted you, to hold you as close as possible, without letting you go ever again.

All the composure he had been trying to maintain disappeared the moment he felt you.

Your lips, your tongue, your scent… Any sense of reason was hanging by a thread.

He lifted you onto the desk, sending pens and books scattering to the floor, but he didn’t give a damn. Not when your legs wrapped around his hips and you moaned his name as his hand tightened around your waist.

“Jesus…”

The way your voice sounded, the way you were looking at him, the way you were sitting with your legs around him, everything was driving him desperately crazy, struggling to keep control to not to tear your clothes off and make you his right there.

He broke the kiss before doing something reckless, but his body was tense, and his breathing panting.

“You’re driving me crazy…” He breathes heavily, leaving a deep kiss in your forehead.

“What?” Your mind was still spinning from his kiss, and you replied without thinking: “Well yeah, welcome to the club.”

Steve left out a laugh, All the intense revelations from earlier had nearly made him forget just how incredible your comebacks were.

He looks down and kisses you again, this time with more tenderness than passion, and he speaks as he continues.

“I’ve been thinking about this since I left you this morning…”

“Can you…” You could barely form a word without moaning: “Can you think…of taking this further?”

“…”

That made him stopped.

The suggestion sent a shiver down his spine. Oh you and your amazing comebacks. His mind suddenly flashed, imagining all the things he’d wanted to do to you, maybe in his room, in the bed, with you under him, moaning his name as you just did, only louder and louder…

Steve quickly shook the thought from his mind, trying to force himself back to reality.

“God… please don’t tempt me.” He could feel his body reacting to his own imagination, so he pressed his forehead against yours, clenching his fists, trying to regain some control.

“I…” You wanted to say, "I don’t mind," or even, 'I don’t give a damn if you take me right now...You know what, there’s actually a bed at the back of this lab.' But then his phone rang.

“What the hell…” He glanced at the caller ID and groaned, “For gods sake, what timing…” One hand reached for the phone while the other held you firmly. “I’m sorry, babe, give me a sec.”

Your heart skipped a beat at the sound of him calling you that for the first time, but before you could process it, Tony Stark’s voice echoed through the empty lab.

“I don’t know what you are doing there, Cap…And trust me, I don’t wanna know…but Jarvis just sent me a reminder, to remind you, that there are cameras everywhere in the working campus. Everywhere.”

You could tell there was a humorous tone in Iron man’s voice.

“Even in remotely located labs for top secret employees.”

End but TBC-

Continue to:

3: Reverie |

4: Nightmare |

5: Awakening |

6: Dusk |

7: Hypnagogia |

8: Lull |

9: Vigil |

10: Eclipse |

Alright, thanks for reading up to here. Hope you enjoyed it!! <3

So when I started writing Part 1, I was like, 'Oh, let's just write cute one-shots and short stuff.' And here I am with a complex OC and a struggling Steve. I'm so sorry for that :3 I just can't help myself!

Part 3 comes with 'the one night I made you mine and made you beg' thing I was hoping I'd finally get to. I promise! (Still have no idea how I'm writing that through my working shifts, tho.)

Okay, have a good one <3 Lmk if you liked it ? Report and everything is highly appreciated <3 :D

Love.,

Moon.

#steve rogers x you #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers x ofc #captain america x you #captain america x reader #steve rogers x female reader #steve rogers fanfic #steve rogers fanfiction #steve rogers fluff

127 notes · View notes

sevenboarproductions · 2 months ago

Text

[IDOLiSH7] [Part 6] Chapter 13: Towards the Promised Hour

6.13.1. - Those days passed by

Takanashi Tsumugi: And thus the day of “Black or White Live Showdown” has come.

Takanashi Tsumugi: Good morning, everyone.

Nanase Riku: Good morning, manager.

Yotsuba Tamaki: Morning!

Rokuya Nagi: Good morning! It’s finally the long-awaited morning, isn’t it?

Takanashi Tsumugi: Yes! Today, it will finally be time for “Black or White Live Showdown”.

Nikaidou Yamato: Yeah.

Izumi Mitsuki: That’s true.

Takanashi Tsumugi: Ever since I learnt about “New Black or White” until now…

Takanashi Tsumugi: There was no time when I didn’t think about this day.

Takanashi Tsumugi: I was wondering if everyone else actually felt like that, too. How is it for you?

Ousaka Sougo: That’s true… For me, it was especially about the new song. In the back of my mind, I was always thinking about it.

Izumi Mitsuki: Aah, I get that. Even while going about my life, I’d be like, “Aah, that idea just now might be nice”.

Izumi Mitsuki: I was thinking “I might be able to use that in the live” a lot.

Nanase Riku: I was imagining it before I went to sleep, too! In my head, I’ve done this year’s Black or White about seven times already!

Rokuya Nagi: Me, too! We won and everyone congratulated us!

Yotsuba Tamaki: Me, too, me, too! Sometimes, the setlist changes too.

Izumi Iori: Please don’t change it for no reason.

Nikaidou Yamato: You’re worried because the time where you can’t change it anymore has come. Like “Is this setlist fine…?”

Ousaka Sougo: I get that. I changed up the order in my head and did some trial and error…

Izumi Iori: It’s a perfect setlist. It’ll be fine.

Takanashi Tsumugi: Riku-san, Tamaki-san, please try to recall the stage the two of you imagined.

Nanase Riku: Uhm…

Yotsuba Tamaki: Like this?

Takanashi Tsumugi: Tonight, IDOLiSH7 will be on a stage that’s even more wonderful than that one.

Nanase Riku: Manager…

Takanashi Tsumugi: That special stage performance that everyone took their time to create…

Takanashi Tsumugi: I’m sure it will be a live that reaches the fans’ hearts!

Takanashi Tsumugi: To everyone who’s been attending our lives with so much love and enthusiasm…

Takanashi Tsumugi: I am so grateful!

Takanashi Tsumugi: The real event is today, but the days leading up to it were a very precious time to me, like an irreplaceable treasure.

Takanashi Tsumugi: I learned a lot from being able to create a live from scratch together with everyone.

Takanashi Tsumugi: More than anything, it was really fun and I’m so happy we were able to do this!

Rokuya Nagi: OH… Me, too. I am very, very happy.

Nikaidou Yamato: Me, too. Coming up with everything from the theme of the live to the setlist together was fun.

Nikaidou Yamato: It might be an exaggeration since the competition hasn’t been decided yet, but I have the feeling that we are creating the culmination of who we are.

Takanashi Tsumugi: Yamato-san…

Nikaidou Yamato: I remember how we got started.

Nikaidou Yamato: When I heard it was gonna be an audition, I was planning to walk out that door.

Izumi Mitsuki: That’s right… You tried to leave as if you were just letting us pass.

Nikaidou Yamato: I didn’t want to become an idol… But it’s different now.

Nikaidou Yamato: Thanks for stopping me, manager.

Nikaidou Yamato: I should be thanking you, but…

Nikaidou Yamato: Tonight, I’ll make these guys win.

Takanashi Tsumugi: …Yamato-san…

Nanase Riku＆Yotsuba Tamaki: Waaah…！

Rokuya Nagi: Oh my god…

Ousaka Sougo: Wow, Yamato-san’s cool…!

Nikaidou Yamato: Now, now, don’t get too excited.

Izumi Mitsuki: This old man finally said it.

Izumi Iori: Seems like he is finally realizing his role as the leader.

Nikaidou Yamato: Please be a bit nicer, Izumi brothers. Well then, getting back to the point…

Nikaidou Yamato: I’ll show you how the idols you, as our manager, named IDOLiSH7 become the number one in Japan.

Nikaidou Yamato: Thank you for putting all your effort into planning and preparing for the live despite being so busy.

Nikaidou Yamato: Once we go on stage, it’s our job. Leave it to onii-san.

Takanashi Tsumugi: …Yes…!

Takanashi Tsumugi: From the bottom of my heart, I am proud to celebrate this day together with everyone!

Nanase Riku: Manager! Give us your support until the end!

Nanase Riku: The one who first told us to do our best was our manager, right?

Nanase Riku: Please cheer us on like you did back then!

Takanashi Tsumugi: Yes… I will!

Takanashi Tsumugi: Iori-san!

Izumi Iori: Yes.

Takanashi Tsumugi: Yamato-san!

Nikaidou Yamato: Yeah.

Takanashi Tsumugi: Mitsuki-san!

Izumi Mitsuki: Yeah!

Takanashi Tsumugi: Tamaki-san!

Yotsuba Tamaki: Yo!

Takanashi Tsumugi: Sougo-san!

Ousaka Sougo: Yes!

Takanashi Tsumugi: Nagi-san!

Rokuya Nagi: Yes!

Takanashi Tsumugi: Nanase-san!

Nanase Riku: Yeah!

Takanashi Tsumugi: I love IDOLiSH7 more than anything in the world! Please do your best…!

IDOLiSH7: Yeah…!!

–

Woman: Waa… So many people…! Aah…. So that’s what it feels like at a live?…

Woman: This is not the time to be impressed! I wonder if I can still get live goods…

Woman: Ah, that person might be a fan of Riku-kun. And that one seems to be a ŹOOḼ fan!

Woman: Everyone is smiling… Everyone looks really happy! …I’m getting excited as well!

Woman: I decided on it on a whim, but I’m glad I applied for tickets and got to come here…

Passerby A: I’m glad I could come today~! I’m looking forward to it so much I could die!

Passerby B: I’ve kinda been too nervous to sleep for a week!

Passerby A: Ahaha! For a week!

Woman: Fufu… Everyone’s saying the same thing. I’m kind of relieved.

Woman: We like the same things and we’re looking forward to the same thing; it’s like everyone here is friends.

Woman: Alright! Let’s have lots of fun! I hope everyone else does, too…!

Woman: So that everyone here moves toward the most happy new year!

Mage Takara: Haa… I couldn’t sleep…

Mage Takara: Thinking that TRIGGER is going to sing the song I wrote today…

Mage Takara: Oh my god… I said it… Even though it’s top secret information…! I gotta stop breathing!!

Mage Takara: …Waah… I almost died…. Kujou Tenn…

Mage Takara: Yaotome Gaku… Tsunashi Ryuunosuke… Okay, I calmed down…

Mage Takara: When I’m nervous, saying TRIGGER’s names is the best… Oh my god… I might die…

Older Sister: Oh my god, I might die… Do you think ŹOOḼ will win today!? Torao-kun is so cool!

Girl: Are you okay, onee-chan!? The one who will win is IDOLiSH7! I’m glad I get to see Riku-kun…!

Mage Takara: …Those sisters are amazing… They’re able to hold a conversation on the edge of that line…

Nervous Man: I feel kind of bad… Even though you invited me…

Sunohara Ruri: You’re fine, you’re fine! Please support your future brother-in-law! I want to introduce you later.

Nervous Man: W-we can do it another time. Since it’ll be right after a big job.

Sunohara Ruri: But Yuki-san wanted to meet you as well.

Nervous Man: I’m a stranger to Yuki-san, so why…

Sunohara Ruri: I’m looking forward to Re:vale-san’s live! I hope they can stay Japan’s number one!

Mage Takara: …They have matching rings… I’m a fan of Re:vale as a couple…

Mage Takara: It would’ve been nice if I could’ve brought my girlfriend. I don’t have one, though.

Mage Takara: Ah… a beautiful blonde IDOLiSH7 fan. Maybe a RabbiTuber…

Thorvald: ＜Well then, Prince Seto. Until I enter the venue, I will continue to provide live coverage.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜Yeah. I’ll leave it to you.＞

Thorvald: ＜This is the venue where today’s “New Black or White” will be held. There’s a takoyaki shop over there.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜Oh. Is there a any connection between lives and takoyaki?＞

Thorvald: ＜There isn’t- This is the live t-shirt. Later on, I’ll show you how it looks when it’s worn.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜This is a beautiful design. I appreciate it.＞

Thorvald: ＜Thank you very much. On behalf of the merchandise production team, I would like to express my gratitude.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜Yes.＞

Thorvald: ＜This an item used to cheer people on. It lights up when you bend it, but I will not do that yet. ＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜I know that one. It’s because the light slowly starts to fade, right?＞

Thorvald: ＜That is correct. By the way, Prince Nagi’s color is yellow.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜I know that, too. For his next birthday, I’m planning to give him a yellow sports car.＞

Thorvald: ＜That’s wonderful. I’m sure His Highness Nagi will be very pleased as well. The next thing I’d like to introduce to you is an uchiwa fan…＞

Mage Takara: He’s showcasing the live goods… What a way to spread word about IDOLiSH7 to the world!

Passerby C: Aah, my heart’s pounding! Since I have a great seat today, maybe ŹOOḼ will notice me!?

Passerby D: They’ll notice you for sure! I mean, you talked to them before, right?

Passerby C: Yeah! I even gave them a letter directly…!

Mage Takara: …Directly!? That’s amazing. But to take it properly from them, ŹOOḼ must be surprisingly serious…

Mage Takara: Ah… I wonder if the tough-looking old men over there are idol fans, too…?

Passerby E: But it’s surprising~! Didn’t expect big bro Kuma to be interested in idols!

Passerby F: Yeah! My oshi is the reason why I rediscovered myself as an illustrator!

Mage Takara: Ah, an illustrator, huh? You shouldn’t judge people by their appearance.

Mage Takara: A lot of people are here. Ah, oh my god, my heart is pounding… My song will be sung in front of everyone…

Mage Takara: What do I do… If Kujou Tenn suddenly said that he will dedicate this song to Magechon…

Mage Takara: …No, I offered it. Calm down, come to your senses… Aah, I can’t stop imagining stuff like that…

Mage Takara: Start quickly!

Mage Takara: No! Don’t start yet!

Mage Takara: Even though it feels like the best right now, even better things are still coming up…!

Mage Takara: It’s the last day of December, but it’s not cold at all!

Mage Takara: “New Black or White” is the best…!!

~ to be continued ~

6.13.2. - To that place we longed for

Isumi Haruka: Haa…

Isumi Haruka: Finally, it’s time for “New Black or White”...

Inumaru Touma: Don’t be nervous, don’t be nervous!

Natsume Minami: You’re the one who’s too tense, Inumaru-san, your shoulders are too stiff.

Midou Torao: Even Minami is blinking a lot.

Isumi Haruka: And Torao is looking at the clock too much.

Utsugi Shirou: It’ll be fine. Everyone, please relax.

Isumi Haruka: What will be fine?

Midou Torao: How can you know that?

Inumaru Touma: Relax…

Natsume Minami: I would if it was that easy.

Utsugi Shirou: It is difficult, isn’t it… First, let’s go with a smile. Try smiling, please. 3, 2, 1…

ŹOOḼ: …Haha…

Utsugi Shirou: …That’s fine! Okay, this is the waiting room.

Isumi Haruka: Wah… look at all those flowers!

Natsume Minami: There’s enough to fill the room…!

Inumaru Touma: We also received some from the “BLAST” team and music programs, but most of the flowers in this dressing room are…

Midou Torao: They’re from Moonlight Ichirou…

Inumaru Touma & Natsume Minami & Isumi Haruka: …

Isumi Haruka: …Ahaha! Ryou-san, you’re overdoing it!

Natsume Minami: All the flowers look expensive. It seems like a thing Ryou-san would do.

Inumaru Touma: Ahaha! That sure is a surprise, but they’re pretty. What’s up with this Moonlight guy…

Inumaru Touma: …A lot of things happened, but if that guy hadn’t been there, we wouldn’t be here right now.

Inumaru Touma: I hope he’s watching us from somewhere tonight.

Isumi Haruka: I’m sure he’s watching. He’s calling our names.

Natsume Minami: That’s true… Let’s deliver our victory all the long way to that person.

Natsume Minami: We had enough defeats. We won’t lose again.

Midou Torao: Yeah. …That’s true. Should we at least take a photo and send it to Ryou-san? Utsugi-san, will you do it?

Utsugi Shirou: Of course. Everyone, please gather around here.

Isumi Haruka: Got it. How do we do it? Do we glare at the camera?

Inumaru Touma: No, it’s not a work shoot, isn’t it fine if we smile?

Midou Torao: That’s true. Since we only might be smiling for now…

Natsume Minami: Please stop. With the negative talk, I mean. We will be smiling in the new year, too.

Midou Torao: Surely. There’s no way I’d lose, after all.

Isumi Haruka: We will win for sure! Yay!

Inumaru Touma: Oh, that’s nice! Ryou-san, we will win!

Utsugi Shirou: Let’s go, one, two…

(click)

Utsugi Shirou: I think I got a good shot.

Natsume Minami: Thank you very much.

Utsugi Shirou: Even though he couldn’t come here, Ryou-kun did a good job. He made everyone smile.

Isumi Haruka: Haha… That’s right.

Isumi Haruka: When we stand on stage, we have to make the fans waiting in the audience seats smile, too.

Isumi Haruka: We will give ourselves our own applause and flower bouquets. We’ll swallow both wins and losses alone. I am prepared for that. But…

Isumi Haruka: When we stand on stage, I want to see dazzling smiles and cheers.

Inumaru Touma: Haha… You’ve changed. The old Haru never cared about the fans…

Isumi Haruka: I wanted to be acknowledged by Kujou. I wanted him to praise me, I wanted to be told I was amazing.

Isumi Haruka: After my affection for him ran out, I was singing to stick it to Kujou Tenn. But since both of those things are gone now...

Isumi Haruka: The ones in front of me as I sang were our fans.

Isumi Haruka: Even though I don’t like it all, and I don’t care. Obsessively calling my name…

Isumi Haruka: You’d fall in love with that, right? Saying thank you, thank you, you’d want to reward that, right?

Inumaru Touma: …That’s true…

Inumaru Touma: I was happy that they smiled in front of me… That’s why, when they turned their backs, I was anxious and sad, and I couldn’t do it.

Inumaru Touma: I was scared of being abandoned. But… That is a small matter.

Inumaru Touma: It’s not about me being thrown away. Rather, I won’t abandon anyone. Not you guys, not the fans, not this dream.

Inumaru Touma: I will love everyone who loved me, even if it was just for a moment. Even if it’s unrequited love, I won’t throw it away.

Natsume Minami: Easy for you to say, ‘unrequited love’. Aren’t you the one who made us feel that, Inumaru-san?

Inumaru Touma: Uhm, when?

Natsume Minami: Are you saying you don’t know?

Utsugi Shirou: Can he be that dense…

Midou Torao: See, that’s the kind of guy you are. Even though you didn’t notice, there might have been people who had feelings for you.

Midou Torao: Even when NO_MAD ended, there may have been fans who would continue to always think of you.

Midou Torao: Maybe even now.

Inumaru Touma: That’s crazy… That’s almost an eternity already. Even if I lost my form, they still love me.

Natsume Minami: Even if we lose our form, the feelings remain forever. As long as this unforgettable scenery remains in our hearts, we will not lose anything.

Natsume Minami: Sakura-san was who I admired. Even when I couldn’t meet him, even when were far apart, I thought about him and admired him.

Natsume Minami: And if that’s the case, isn’t it the same now? Even if he was in North Meir, even if he’s in heaven…

Natsume Minami: A slightly wicked old man I admire, I support, and don’t see very often.

Natsume Minami: It’s because I was able to meet Sakura-san, that I am here tonight.

Natsume Minami: Hey, I… This year, I want the Black or White trophy.

Midou Torao: I’ll listen to your request. We’ll take it away and make it ŹOOḼ’s.

Inumaru Touma: That’s right! This time, it’s our turn to win!

Isumi Haruka: We’ll win for sure! That’s what we came this far for! Let’s do this!

Midou Torao & Inumaru Touma＆ Natsume Minami: Yeah!

Utsugi Shirou: You can definitely win. Here’s one last thing before the big showdown: let’s do image training.

Isumi Haruka: Image training?

Utsugi Shirou: Yes.

Utsugi Shirou: ŹOOḼ, congratulations for winning today’s “Black or White Showdown”!

Inumaru Touma: Image training for winning!? Even though we just arrived at the venue!?

Utsugi Shirou: Although it’s presumptuous, I’ll lead with three cheers for you. ŹOOḼ, hurray!

Midou Torao: We’re doing this to the point of the cheer!?

Natsume Minami: If someone hears us from outside, won’t people think it's a provocation!?

Utsugi Shirou: Of course it’s a provocation. Let’s go to the point of no return.

Utsugi Shirou: Because it was our company that was at fault, over the past year, I was busy bowing my head to the other agencies to apologize.

Utsugi Shirou: I think it’s natural, I feel how big of a responsibility that is. However…

Utsugi Shirou: On the last day of the year, with your victory, please let me feel some relief.

ŹOOḼ: …

ŹOOḼ: Hurray!

Utsugi Shirou: Hurray!

Everyone: ŹOOĻ, hurray!

Okazaki Rintarou: They’re doing three cheers for ŹOOḼ… They’re really provoking us, huh?

Yuki: We won’t lose to something like provocation, though? Should we do something, too, Momo?

Momo: …

Okazaki Rintarou: What’s wrong? Are you scared, maybe?

Okazaki Rinto: Hey, president…! Momo-kun can be quite delicate to the point of losing his voice, okay!

Okazaki Rintarou: That’s not it! He won’t provoke them! I just thought it was rare.

Yuki: Momo, are you okay?

Momo: I’m okay…

Momo: I’m okay, I’m okay, I’m okay. I’m okay, I’m okay. Invincible, invincible, invincible, invincible, invincible.

Yuki: …Are you really okay?

Momo: Yeah. No, aah… Ha—...

Momo: This is bad, I’m so nervous. What should I do? Aah, I shouldn’t think that. I shouldn’t, I shouldn’t…

Yuki: It’s not bad. I’m here. I’ll make you relax.

Momo: How… how will you?

Yuki: An old story.

Yuki: Actually, there was a time I thought about quitting music and no longer going on stage.

Momo: …That’s about Ban-san, isn’t it?

Yuki: Wrong. It’s like… When things didn’t go well…

Yuki: I was anxious and wondering if my music is really reaching anyone.

Momo: Something like that happened to Yuki…

Yuki: But during that time, I received a certain letter and got back on my feet.

Momo: A certain letter? What kind of letter…?

Yuki: That’s right…

Yuki: It’s embarrassing, so I won’t tell after all…

Momo: Eeeeeh!? Now that I’ve heard this much, I wanna know…!! What is that certain letter!?

Yuki: Next time.

Momo: Haaaa!? I feel jealous when I hear such a special story, though!?

Okazaki Rinto: Ah, Momo-san started to feel better.

Yuki: I’m glad.

Okazaki Rintarou: The letter that brought Yuki back to his feet. Maybe it has something to do with me?

Yuki: It doesn’t.

Okazaki Rintarou: Actually, I wrote it. I’m the type of person who writes well.

Yuki: Don’t think so.

Momo: I’m super curious…!! Yuki, if we win, tell me! Who the letter was from!

Yuki: …

Yuki: Haa… Fine…

Momo: Why are you so shy!? Aah, this is definitely Ban-san’s! Momo-chan’s jealousy is erupting!!

Yuki: Momo erupting from jealousy, that’s cute.

Momo: It’s not cute! Sorry, IDOLiSH7!! I’ll definitely beat you!!

Yuki: Nice. With that momentum, we’ll beat TRIGGER and ŹOOḼ as well.

Momo: Of course! Re:vale are the eternal champions!!

Okazaki Rinto: Haha, that’s reassuring!

Okazaki Rintarou: Losing is fine, too. As long as you show us your stage, that is enough.

Re:vale: We’re saying we'll win!

Okazaki Rintarou: I get it, I get it. I said it to relax you.

Okazaki Rinto: Yuki-kun, Momo-kun. Re:vale continuing to win until now wasn’t a coincidence.

Okazaki Rinto: Because it was the two of you, you were able to keep winning. Re:vale is the best duo. In the past, present and forever in the future.

Momo: Okarin…

Okazaki Rinto: IDOLiSH7, TRIGGER and ŹOOḼ are aiming to defeat Re:vale…

Okazaki Rinto: Doesn’t that sound king-like? Please be prepared to make a stand.

Okazaki Rinto: Only you two know the pain of constant victory.

Okazaki Rinto: The confusion of your adored kouhai becoming formidable rivals, too.

Okazaki Rinto: However, you are being attacked by tremendous obstacles, rivals and pressure…

Okazaki Rinto: And re:vale will definitely enjoy it and overcome it.

Re:vale: …

Okazaki Rinto: Leave the role of taking stomach medicine to me.

Okazaki Rinto: Enjoy what lies beyond that stage, whether it’s heaven or hell.

Okazaki Rinto: Please show me your coolest Re:vale.

Yuki: Haha… Because Okarin likes us being cool.

Momo: Then… Let’s show you our cool parts, shall we.

Momo: Thank you, Okarin.

Okazaki Rinto: No, right back at you.

(knock knock)

Okazaki Rinto: Ah… Seems like someone came to check on us. I’ll go and check.

Okazaki Rinto: Ah…You are…

Yuki: Ah…

~ to be continued ~

6.13.3. - With each step closer

Anesagi Kaoru: Well then, you guys! The long-awaited “New Black or White” is here!

Anesagi Kaoru: Don’t get too nervous, but do give us your best performance! I know you three can do it!

Anesagi Kaoru: After all, you came all the way back here using your own strength,

Kujou Tenn: Anesagi-san…

Anesagi Kaoru: I know you were told this before… That we’re in uncertain times right now, so people choose safe things to love.

Anesagi Kaoru: That they don’t even look at those who are hurt. That they are scared of getting hurt themselves, so they let go of them.

Anesagi Kaoru: But that is wrong.

Anesagi Kaoru: There was an incredible number of people who never let go of you and kept cheering you on.

Anesagi Kaoru: It’s because you guys were the real deal. Even the people who were shaken by doubts and anxiety believed in TRIGGER and came back.

Anesagi Kaoru: You were born in the light, then swallowed by the darkness… And once again, you have obtained the light.

Anesagi Kaoru: You are the only idols like that.

Anesagi Kaoru: Ryuunosuke.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Yes.

Anesagi Kaoru: On that stage at the Tokyo International Music Festival, you didn’t run away and sang by yourself.

Anesagi Kaoru: Because you sang there, TRIGGER exists as it is today.

Anesagi Kaoru: Everyone’s hearts were moved by your courage and resolve then, by you saying that you wouldn’t ever let this go to waste.

Anesagi Kaoru: They felt like as you connected from there to the future, there was nothing to be afraid of.

Anesagi Kaoru: It was an amazing performance. You did a good job.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: …Thank you so much.

Anesagi Kaoru: Tenn.

Kujou Tenn: Yes.

Anesagi Kaoru: Even now, I clearly remember the street performance on that rainy day. I was crying out of frustration.

Anesagi Kaoru: But as you sung in that hell-like rain, you smiled and told your fans this:

Anesagi Kaoru: “I’m glad I sang this song.” I still remember your face, your voice that day.

Kujou Tenn: …This is embarrassing.

Anesagi Kaoru: There's nothing to be embarrassed about. At that time, I was thinking I will definitely take you back to that dazzling stage again.

Anesagi Kaoru: An idol who says he’s glad he sang, even while singing in hell.

Anesagi Kaoru: It felt so wrong that a kid like that couldn’t stand on stage in this world.

Anesagi Kaoru: It was like your crying face lit a fire within my and the fans’ hearts. We decided to start a revolution.

Anesagi Kaoru: It’s like the tears of that day are connected to the present.

Kujou Tenn: Thank you very much. Anesagi-san…

Anesagi Kaoru: Gaku. You did a good job on both “Crescent Wolf” and “Zero”.

Anesagi Kaoru: Regarding what happened to you guys, you must have been the one who was the most frustrated and hurt.

Anesagi Kaoru: You’re straightforward, you have a lot of pride, and get agitated easily, after all.

Anesagi Kaoru: Even though you were the one who was against Yaotome Productions’ aggressive sales tactics the most, you became a victim of that promotion.

Anesagi Kaoru: We made you go through a hard time.

Yaotome Gaku: That goes for you as well. You must’ve had a hard time, too, Anesagi.

Yaotome Gaku: But no matter what, there was no giving up.

Anesagi Kaoru: That’s true. You never gave up. Even though you were hurt head-on, you didn’t avert your eyes; you just kept looking straight ahead.

Anesagi Kaoru: Whether in an agency or independently, your strong pride and your competitive spirit never changed.

Anesagi Kaoru: You’ve always been the real thing. Even when you were hurt and beaten down, there was never a moment of misery.

Anesagi Kaoru: Seeing you unchanged, everyone started believing in TRIGGER once more. It was what made them want to come back.

Anesagi Kaoru: Tonight… Lead TRIGGER to victory. You’re the leader.

Yaotome Gaku: Of course. Together with these guys, I’ll definitely win!

Yaotome Gaku: I’ll hold up a huge trophy and show it to the fans who came with us…!

Anesagi Kaoru: That’s the spirit! This era belongs to TRIGGER!

Anesagi Kaoru: Idols who know both the top and the depths of hell. That’s you guys!

Anesagi Kaoru: Before long, people will start saying that idols who only know what’s in the light are outdated.

Anesagi Kaoru: TRIGGER can reach for glory already! Go ahead and do it to your heart’s content…!

Kujou Tenn: Yes!

Yaotome Gaku: Yeah!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: I’ll sing as best as I can!

(door opens)

Yaotome Sousuke: How are you guys doing?

Anesagi Kaoru: My, it’s the President!

Yaotome Gaku: Dad…

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: President, you came!

Yaotome Sousuke: TRIGGER will be joining the battle for the top spot, after all.

Yaotome Sousuke: I’ve never seen Black or White at the venue, but I felt like I wanted to be there today and cheer you on.

Yaotome Sousuke: I will witness the moment history changes in person.

Yaotome Gaku: Yeah, leave it to me!

Yaotome Sousuke: And also…

(door opens)

Kujou Takamasa: Hey.

Kujou Tenn: Kujou-san…

Kujou Takamasa: I’m looking forward to seeing you guys on stage. Do your best.

Yaotome Sousuke: Originally, Kujou-san was supposed to be the head judge. But he declined.

Yaotome Gaku: So that’s why the special judging system was removed.

Kujou Tenn: Why did you refuse?

Kujou Takamasa: Because I am biased and I would end up voting for TRIGGER.

Kujou Tenn: …

Yaotome Gaku: Seriously? Even though you called us second-rate.

Kujou Takamasa: That was my mistake. I apologize. I am very sorry. I just didn’t want to lose Tenn.

Kujou Takamasa: You’re all first-rate idols. You sincerely love your fans, never stopping to improve yourselves, and you sincerely believe in both yourself and your teammates.

Kujou Takamasa: You’re a great team. To the point where I am jealous.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: …Thank you very much. Hearing that the creator of the Zero era is jealous is the greatest compliment.

Kujou Takamasa: Likewise. Since I am a TRIGGER fan, too.

Kujou Takamasa: More than anything I am just happy to see your new live tonight. I’m looking forward to it.

Kujou Takamasa: May you three be left with no regrets. Winning or losing can come after. Do your best.

Kujou Tenn: Yes… Thank you very much. I’m glad you came to show your face.

Kujou Takamasa: Yaotome-kun invited me. I assume it was difficult for him to come to the dressing room by himself.

Yaotome Sousuke: Wha—… That is not true. It is because you said you had free time during the New Year holidays.

Kujou Takamasa: You invited me.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: It’s heartwarming to see how well the old guys get along.

Kujou Tenn: Do they?

Yaotome Gaku: Really?

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: You don’t think so…?

Anesagi Kaoru: Anyway! The president and Kujou-san both came to cheer you on!

Anesagi Kaoru: Give it your all in your own way and enjoy yourself to the fullest!

TRIGGER: Yes…

Nanase Riku: Ha…

Izumi Iori: Are you okay, Nanase-san?

Nanase Riku: I’m fine. I ended up being really nervous, after all…

Izumi Iori: You probably didn’t get much sleep, did you? You woke up several times last night.

Nanase Riku: If you know that, Iori, that means you couldn’t sleep either.

Izumi Iori: Well…

Nikaidou Yamato: I always end up wide awake before a live. Especially since it’s “New Black or White”...

Izumi Mitsuki: Don’t worry, don’t worry! Let’s overcome this with enthusiasm!

Rokuya Nagi: Are you ready!?

IDOLiSH7: Yay!!

Yotsuba Tamaki: King!

IDOLiSH7: Pudding!

Izumi Mitsuki: We can do this, we can do this, we can do this!

Ousaka Sougo: Forget about the sleep deprivation and pretend you’re in your best condition!

Izumi Iori: I assume the other groups are similar to this, too. ŹOOḼ in particular are the type who can’t sleep in this kind of situation.

Ousaka Sougo: TRIGGER seem to be the type who sleep properly. The kind who gets up early so they can sleep well.

Nikaidou Yamato: Re:vale are probably used to this kind of thing, after all.

Izumi Iori: Speaking of which, Momo-san seems to be really motivated this year.

Nanase Riku: A Momo-san who’s this motivated seems like trouble! Aah, stop scaring me!

Izumi Iori: No. Change your way of thinking.

Izumi Iori: There is no doubt Momo-san is a formidable opponent, but it is because he felt we were formidable opponents that he was fired up and took lessons.

Rokuya Nagi＆Izumi Mitsuki＆Nanase Riku＆Nikaidou Yamato＆Ousaka Sougo＆Yotsuba

Tamaki: …

Izumi Iori: We are the ones scaring Re:vale.

Yotsuba Tamaki: …A-Aren’t we kinda cool…!?

Nanase Riku: We are!! They think we’re tough!

Izumi Mitsuki: Alright! We can do this, we can do this, we can do this!

Rokuya Nagi: Burning! Our fighting spirits are burning!

Ousaka Sougo: I think I’m feeling more confident!

Izumi Iori: Nikaidou-san, please tie things up cleanly as our leader.

Nikaidou Yamato: R-Right… Alright!

Nikaidou Yamato: Listen, you guys!

Rokuya Nagi＆Izumi Mitsuki＆Izumi Iori＆Nanase Riku＆Ousaka Sougo＆Yotsuba Tamaki: Yeah…!

(door opens)

Yuki: Yamato-kun. I brought Shizuo-san…

Nikaidou Yamato: Let’s beat Re:vale and have IDOLiSH7 take over the world!

Rokuya Nagi＆Izumi Mitsuki＆Izumi Iori＆Nanase Riku＆Ousaka Sougo＆Yotsuba Tamaki: Yeah…

Izumi Mitsuki: Ah, Yamato-san, behind you…

Nikaidou Yamato: Your voice is too quiet!

Izumi Mitsuki: Sorry.

Nikaidou Yamato: Are you listening!? We’ll crush Re:vale and get the whole world to call for IDOLiSH7…!

Rokuya Nagi＆Izumi Mitsuki＆Izumi Iori＆Nanase Riku＆Ousaka Sougo＆Yotsuba Tamaki: Yeah…

Nikaidou Yamato: What’s that “Yeah…”? Put your energy into it like last time and say, “Yeaaah!”...

Yuki: Yamato-kun.

Nikaidou Yamato: Whaaaaat!?

Chiba Shizuo: That you, Yamato, would want the world to call IDOLiSH7’s name…

Nikaidou Yamato: Whaaaaat!? What are you doing here!?

Rokuya Nagi: OH! Chiba Shizuo!!

Izumi Mitsuki: Hey, hey, hey! You’re Chiba-san, right?! H-hello.

Chiba Shizuo: Nice to meet you. I am Chiba Shizuo.

Izumi Iori: I am Izumi Iori.

Izumi Mitsuki: I’m his older brother, Mitsuki.

Yotsuba Tamaki: I’m Yotsuba Tamaki.

Ousaka Sougo: I am Ousaka Sougo.

Rokuya Nagi: My name is Rokuya Nagi! I am your fan! Nice to meet you!

Nanase Riku: I’m Nanase Riku! Yamato-san is a great leader to us!

Chiba Shizuo: Likewise, you have also been a great help to Yamato. I’m sorry for how sudden this is. Yuki-kun brought me here…

Yuki: Look at you talk. Wasn’t that your intention?

Yuki: You came to Re:vale’s dressing room, so we brought you here. Come on, Yamato-kun.

Nikaidou Yamato: What…

Yuki: He’s your dad.

Nikaidou Yamato: I know…

Chiba Shizuo: No, I’m sorry for bothering you before such an important event. I think it’s time for the older people to leave.

Nikaidou Yamato: Ah, sorry. It’s just… It’s not that I don’t like that you came. I was just surprised, so…

Chiba Shizuo: I know. Yamato…

Nikaidou Yamato: …

Chiba Shizuo: Please take over the world with IDOLiSH7. And make them call your name.

Nikaidou Yamato: Please forget that I said that.

Yuki: I’m glad I didn’t bring Momo. You said you were going to crush Re:vale.

Izumi Iori: But that is certainly not a lie, because we will do it for sure.

Yuki: You just declared war politely, huh.

Yuki: We won’t lose, either. Since Momo would be sad if we lost. And I don’t want to make Momo sad.

Nanase Riku: We won’t lose, either! So we can become the greatest IDOLiSH7!

Nanase Riku: Isn’t that right, Yamato-san!

Nikaidou Yamato: Ye… Yeah!

Rokuya Nagi & Izumi Mitsuki & Izumi Iori & Nanase Riku & Ousaka Sougo & Yotsuba Tamaki: Yeah…!

Nikaidou Yamato: We are the ones who will stand at the top!

Rokuya Nagi & Izumi Mitsuki & Izumi Iori & Nanase Riku & Ousaka Sougo & Yotsuba Tamaki: Yeah…!

Yotsuba Tamaki: Yama-san, you’re so cool!!

Rokuya Nagi: Yamato! You’re the hottest!

Yuki: Oh? I’ll be sure to remember that.

Chiba Shizuo: You’ve become an adult… Win or lose, you’ve grown up splendidly.

Yuki: Shizuo-san. Please cheer me on as well. We’re friends, right?

Chiba Shizuo: Of course, I want both of you to win. Yuki-kun, do your best. Yamato, do your best.

Rokuya Nagi: Good ahead and enjoy it! Here’s a penlight with Yamato’s color.

Chiba Shizuo: Thank you. Looks like I could use that to strike someone down.

Nikaidou Yamato: Stop making that kind of joke!

Nanase Riku: Ahaha! Chiba-san is funny as well!

Nanase Riku: It’s 12 o’clock… The venue opens in seven hours, huh…

Nanase Riku: A new music festival, “Black or White Live Show Down”, begins!

Nanase Riku: Please make it so we can put on a performance we won’t have regr… (coughs)

Nanase Riku: We won’t have regrets with!

Rokuya Nagi & Izumi Mitsuki & Izumi Iori & Nikaidou Yamato & Ousaka Sougo & Yotsuba Tamaki: Yeaaah…!

Izumi Iori: …

~ to be continued ~

6.13.4. - With our unwavering hearts

Mr. Shimooka: “Backyard MAGIC”.

Mr. Shimooka: I had to do the title call by myself because Mitsuki-kun isn’t here, how lonely~!

Mr. Shimooka: Now, time to pull myself together… Everyone! There’s only a little time left this year!

Mr. Shimooka: Everyone knows the reason why Mitsuki-kun isn’t here, right?

Mr. Shimooka: The long-awaited “Black or White Live Showdown”. The male idol division finals!! It starts in one hour!!

Mr. Shimooka: In this program, we will be showing you the real faces of the idols who will be competing!

Mr. Shimooka: Everyone, thank you!

(clapping)

Mr. Shimooka: Wow, this is so exciting. Re:vale, TRIGGER, IDOLiSH7, ŹOOḼ are all really fired up.

Mr. Shimooka: Mitsuki-kun should be at the venue right now, too. Good luck, everyone~! Then again, they probably don’t have the time to watch this?

Mr. Shimooka: Well then! In this program, we would like to give you some advance information so that you can “Black or White” to the fullest!

Mr. Shimooka: Here's the one who will give the explanation!

Mr. Shimooka: It’s Producer Matsunaga, the producer of this show and the person who started "New Black or White"!

Producer Matsunaga: Thank you for having me.

Mr. Shimooka: Well then, let's get started! Can you tell us about the rest of today's schedule?

Producer Matsunaga: Yes. Since you will be the host, Mr. Shimooka-san, I'm sure you already know…

Producer Matsunaga: The show and streaming will begin at 7 P.M.. The opening ceremony for "Black or White Live Showdown" will then begin.

Mr. Shimooka: The opening ceremony! I'm looking forward to it! It looks like it's going to be very exciting!

Producer Matsunaga: Yes! Please be sure to check out the idols' performances as well.

Producer Matsunaga: And then the mini lives begin. The mini lives consist of four songs. Please pay attention to the stage set and costumes.

Mr. Shimooka: The set list is still a secret, but the order in which each group will sing…

Producer Matsunaga: Has already been decided. It was decided by drawing lots the other day. There is also a video of that.

Mr. Shimooka: Ooh, let's take a look!

–

Staff: Inside are sticks with numbers from 1 to 4 written on them, please draw one.

Kujou Tenn: Understood.

Nikaidou Yamato: Who’s going to represent us?

Nanase Riku: Someone who’s lucky should go! Someone who drew a great fortune this year!*

Nikaidou Yamato: Eeh!? I don't remember anything about the beginning of the year, though.

Izumi Mitsuki: Leader, leader, go!

Nikaidou Yamato: No, at times like this, I end up being the last one to perform…

Rokuya Nagi: Tamaki, you had great luck in the gacha the other day!

Yotsuba Tamaki: Right! I did a 10-pull and got 3 SSRs! Isn’t that amazing!?

Ousaka Sougo: How amazing is that?

Yotsuba Tamaki: It’s an amazing probability! Almost as amazing as winning the lottery!

Izumi Iori: I wish I would win the lottery…

Rokuya Nagi: Tamaki, you're my angel!

Ousaka Sougo: Riku-kun, didn't you win the convenience store lottery?

Nanase Riku: I did! I won an Usamimi Friends pencil case!

Nikaidou Yamato: So it's Riku or Tama. You’ll play rock-paper-scissors and whoever wins can go.

Nanase Riku＆Yotsuba Tamaki: Rock, paper, scissors!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Which one of us is going?

Kujou Tenn: Isn’t Gaku fine for that? He seems like an auspicious guy.

Yaotome Gaku: Alright. Leave it to me.

Kujou Tenn: You didn’t ask "Why?" or anything.

Yaotome Gaku: I also think I'm an auspicious guy.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: You’re so dependable! Let’s put our hands together.

Yaotome Gaku: Hahaha. Looks like a jizo!*

Yuki: Momo, you can be the one to draw the straw.

Momo: U-Understood. Yuki, which one do you like best?

Yuki: The final act.

IDOLiSH7＆TRIGGER＆ŹOOĻ＆Momo: Ooooh…

Yuki: I don't like being first because I don't think I'll be mentally prepared in time.

Isumi Haruka: I don’t wanna be the first either… I’ll definitely be nervous…

Inumaru Touma: Let’s aim for anything other than going first! Who’s going?

Natsume Minami: Wouldn't Midou-san be a good choice?

Midou Torao: Why?

Natsume Minami: Somehow, I sensed an aura similar to that of an animal mascot beloved by the New Year deity once every 12 years from Midou-san ...

Natsume Minami: I think it might be Midou-san this year.

Midou Torao: I’m not sure, but if Minami who’s into fortune telling says it, I’ll draw the straw.

Staff: Then, please.

Nanase Riku: Here I go! Then, this one!

Yaotome Gaku: I’ll take this one.

Momo: That one!

Midou Torao: That one! Please!　

Staff: We’ll pull after I say “go”. Ready… go.

Nanase Riku: …Second…！

Yaotome Gaku: Third!

Momo: Whoaaaaa! We’re the final act!　

Midou Torao: Whoaaaaa! We’re first!　

Isumi Haruka: That makes us the opening act…!

Yuki: Good job, Momo.

Nanase Riku: Second! Second is just right!!!

Izumi Mitsuki: Just right, just right!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Isn't being third nice! We're three, after all!

Izumi Iori: Ah… It's in order of who debuted last, from the newest, ŹOOĻ-san, up to Re:vale-san.

Ousaka Sougo: That might be true… It's like the idol eras are going backwards.

Natsume Minami: That might be interesting, it's like following the feeling of history.

Isumi Haruka: But we're first…

Inumaru Touma: Don't worry! It’s when the audience is the most pumped up! And you can just go out with a bang!

Nanase Riku: I'm sure the audience will be all warmed up after ŹOOḼ, so things will be easy, thank you!

Inumaru Touma: Y-Yeah.

Yaotome Gaku: Perfect, we're in the right distance to pull the trigger on the champions. This year, we'll take the win.

Yuki: Fufu. We won't let you have it.

Momo: We definitely won't lose!!

Yotsuba Tamaki: We won't lose, either!!

Producer Matsunaga: …That's the result of it.

Mr. Shimooka: Oooh! I see!

Mr. Shimooka: There will be mini-lives with four songs each in the order of ŹOOḼ, IDOLiSH7, TRIGGER and then Re:vale; it'll be the best singing contest of all time!

Mr. Shimooka: Isn't that right, Matsunaga-san?!

Producer Matsunaga: Indeed. For the specific times, please look at this.

Mr. Shimooka: From 7 p.m., the opening ceremony begins. ŹOOḼ’s live is at 8 p.m.. IDOLiSH7’s live is at 9 p.m…

Mr. Shimooka: TRIGGER’s live is at 10 p.m... Re:vale’s live is at 11 p.m…. And at 11:45 p.m., results will be announced!

Mr. Shimooka: It seems like it will become an unforgettable New Year's Eve!

Producer Matsunaga: Before the lives, there will be a video message from each group.

Producer Matsunaga: Everyone at the venue, everyone in front of their TV, everyone watching this show; please feel free to listen to the idols’ enthusiasm!

Mr. Shimooka: This is the first time and all, but seriously, I really cannot imagine which group will win!

Producer Matsunaga: That's true. Every group has the skills deserving of winning.

Mr. Shimooka: I will explain how the winner is decided once more!

Mr. Shimooka: There are three ways to vote! You can use the special “New Black or White” app to vote! You can vote via your TV menu!

Mr. Shimooka: And you can vote by dialing our dedicated phone line!

Mr. Shimooka: From now on, there will be no special votes by the judges, right?

Producer Matsunaga: That's true.

Producer Matsunaga: I considered having them, but the person I was considering for the position of head judge rejected, and….

Producer Matsunaga: He said that if we are judging the live itself, all people who have seen the live should have an equal right to do so.

Producer Matsunaga: It is as he said. They came this far because they treasured the perspective of the viewers; the perspective of the audience the most.

Mr. Shimooka: A new era of Black or White… It's a very “Black or White Live Showdown”-like initiative!

Mr. Shimooka: Well then, before we show you the messages from the idols…

Mr. Shimooka: We are showing you a message from the people involved in the lives!

Mr. Shimooka: Behind the beautiful stage, there are many people, many talents sparkling just as much as the idols!

Mr. Shimooka: Built up by many people, today we finally have this stage!

Mr. Shimooka: So that even more people will love this stage!

Mr. Shimooka: Let's take a look at the backyard of “Black or White”! There you go!

Concert Promoter: Congratulations on the "Black or White Live Showdown"!

Concert Promoter: The idols on stage, the audience at the venue, and everyone watching via live stream…

Concert Promoter: From the bottom of their hearts, all of our staff will work together to do our best to provide you with the best possible experience!

Concert Promoter: So many talented people have come together with the honest aim of making someone happy and inspire them.

Concert Promoter: It will be the best New Year ever. You definitely won't regret it! Look forward to it!

Re:vale Costume Designer: Congratulations to everyone on the "Black or White Live Showdown.”

Re:vale Costume Designer: I am really happy to have the opportunity to be involved in this huge festival as Re:vale's costume designer.

Re:vale Costume Designer: I'm a bit worried about whether I did a perfect job, but they really liked my costumes…

Re:vale Costume Designer: How can I put it.... I think Re:vale wearing my costumes is the coolest thing in the world.

Re:vale Costume Designer: Ah, I'm getting too cocky. Fufu…

Re:vale Costume Designer: We've been making adjustments to match the atmosphere of the song and the choreography, so please look forward to it.

Momo: Please look forward to it!

Re:vale Costume Designer: Ah, Momo-san.

Momo: Ahaha! Sorry, I was listening there!

Re:vale Costume Designer: It's super embarrassing….

Momo: Not at all! You're so handsome! Ah, after Yuki, that is!

Re:vale Costume Designer: Fufu, I know.

TRIGGER Stage Designer: Well… Congratulations on the "Black or White Live Showdown.”

TRIGGER Stage Designer: Looking at the set design, the set design... What can I say in one word? I shouldn't give away any spoilers, right?

TRIGGER Stage Designer: ...That's difficult…

TRIGGER Stage Designer: This time there are four songs… That is less than 30 minutes long. And what's more, they have to perform within that short time.

TRIGGER Stage Designer: So I tried to create a sense of immersion and a worldview that was on par with what you'd get from watching a two-hour movie or a three-hour play.

TRIGGER Stage Designer: I think we were able to create a stage worthy of TRIGGER. Please look forward to it.

TRIGGER Stage Designer: ...Hmm? Who will I root for? TRIGGER, of course.

TRIGGER Stage Designer: Ahahaha!

ŹOOḼ choreographer: Congratulations on the "Black or White Live Showdown”—!

ŹOOḼ choreographer: Wow, it's quite exciting... I want ŹOOḼ to win, but even just entering the competition is impressive.

ŹOOḼ choreographer: That alone is enough… No, I really want them to win after all!

ŹOOḼ choreographer: Everyone at ŹOOḼ has strong fundamental skills, is clever and highly technical... And what's more, they're not afraid of challenges.

ŹOOḼ choreographer: It's an honor to work with them! I'm sure tonight will be another great night!

ŹOOḼ choreographer: ŹOOḼ! Do your best！

Inumaru Touma: Wah, what are you doing？

ŹOOḼ choreographer: Touma-san！

Inumaru Touma: I just heard you tell me to do my best.

ŹOOḼ choreographer: The interview! The BackMagic one!

Inumaru Touma: Ah! Thanks for your work.

ŹOOḼ choreographer: Do your best at winning Black or White! ŹOOḼ! Do your best!

Inumaru Touma: Yeah. I'll do my best.

IDOLiSH7 producer: Congratulations on the "Black or White Live Showdown”!

IDOLiSH7 producer: I'm very happy to be able to take part in this wonderful stage with lots of tradition.

IDOLiSH7 producer: And the members of IDOLiSH7, whose stage production our team was able to support…

IDOLiSH7 producer: As well as TRIGGER, Re:vale, and ŹOOḼ are all truly wonderful people who love and are loved by so many people.

IDOLiSH7 producer: Tonight, I believe that the greatest stars will bring their best smiles and their best sparkle to see your smiling faces.

IDOLiSH7 producer: Let's keep this miracle-like sparkle in this world just a little longer, stronger…

IDOLiSH7 producer: I will do my best to make sure that many people can see it and that these wonderful people receive more love.

IDOLiSH7 producer: Please, please, look forward to it…!

Oogami Banri: The opening ceremony is about to start in 30 minutes. Is everyone ready?

IDOLiSH7: Yes!

Takanashi Tsumugi: Do your best!

Takanashi Otoharu: Everyone, do your best!

Izumi Mitsuki: Yes! Everyone, we’ll do it!　

Yotsuba Tamaki: Whoaa！Let's do this!

Rokuya Nagi: Let's enjoy the best New Year's party!

Nikaidou Yamato: That's right! Let's forget about winning or losing for a moment and let's entertain the people watching!

Nanase Riku: Yes! I'll do my best…!

Ousaka Sougo: …

Izumi Iori: Ousaka-san, what's wrong?

Ousaka Sougo: Ah, no…

Oogami Banri: Sougo-kun, can I talk to you for a second?

Ousaka Sougo: Yes…

Oogami Banri: I just checked the seats, and there's no one there in the ones reserved for your parents.

Ousaka Sougo: …Is that so…

Oogami Banri: I thought it would be bad if you got upset when you get on stage. If anything changes, I'll let you know.

Ousaka Sougo: No, it's okay… I don't think they'll come.

Oogami Banri: Sougo-kun…

Ousaka Sougo: It's better this way. Thank you for letting me know. Thanks to that, I feel better now.

Yotsuba Tamaki: Sou-chan, are you alright?

Ousaka Sougo: Yeah. Let's do our best, everyone!

IDOLiSH7: Yeah…！

~ to be continued ~

6.13.5. - Up on that stage

Woman: …It's about to start…

Takara Mage: …My heart is pounding…

Kujou Takamasa: …

Kujou Aya: …Kujou-san…

Kujou Takamasa: Aya… I thought you wouldn't come.

Kujou Aya: I was hesitant, but… It's my big brothers' big day.

Kujou Takamasa: That's right. It would be a shame to miss it.

Kujou Takamasa: We are witnessing the beginning of a new tradition, after all.

Audience: Kyaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: Welcome to “Black or White Live Showdown”...!!

Audience: Kyaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: The renewed monster show has powered up and descended upon the country tonight!!

Mr. Shimooka: I'm your host, Mr. Shimooka! I’ll be in your care!

Audience: Kyaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: As you all probably know, this is the venue where the top male idols will compete!

Mr. Shimooka: It's up to you all to decide who will be the winner...! Please cheer as much as you can so that there will be no regrets!

Audience: Kyaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: Are you ready!?

Audience: Kyaaaaah...…

Mr. Shimooka: Ready!?

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: So, let's invite them in! The four groups aiming for the throne! First off...

Mr. Shimooka: ŹOOḼ……！！

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: Here they are, ŹOOḼ! They're appearing in the costumes they wore for "Poisonous Gangster," their stunning debut song!

Isumi Haruka:: …

Audience: Haruka! I love you…!

Inumaru Touma: …

Audience: Touma! I'll always cheer you on!

Natsume Minami: …

Audience: Minami-kun, you look cool...!

Midou Torao: …

Audience: Torao-kun, you're the best...!

Mr. Shimooka: The event started with some intense music! The opening dance performance!

Mr. Shimooka: Perhaps with their debut song in mind, they've done some intense dancing with a gangster-like story! Cool, isn’t it...!

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Audience B: ŹOOḼ's dance is so cool...! I wonder if we'll be able to see all the other groups too!?

Audience A: Oh my god!　I’m about to cry…！

Audience A: Everyone at ŹOOḼ… Even though you're surrounded by amazing idols, don't be intimidated, just do your best in your own way...!

Audience A: So cool and gangster...! ŹOOḼ, I love you...!

Inumaru Touma: …Ha…

Inumaru Touma: ŹOOḼ！We’re in your care!

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: Thank you to everyone at ŹOOḼ! The next group to appear is...

Mr. Shimooka: IDOLiSH7！

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: IDOLiSH7 appear in the costumes, which they wore when they won in their first Black or White competition as challengers singing “MEMORiES MELODiES”!

Nanase Riku: …

Audience: Riku-kun…！Riku-kun, I love you…!

Izumi Iori: …

Audience: Iori~! Do your best~!

Nikaidou Yamato: …

Audience: Yamato-san...! He’s cool...!

Izumi Mitsuki: …

Audience: Mitsuki~！　I love you…！

Yotsuba Tamaki: …

Audience: Tamaki...!! He’s the best...!

Ousaka Sougo: …

Audience: Sougo-san...! I love you...!

Rokuya Nagi: …

Audience: Nagi-kun! I love you...!

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: A dance performance by IDOLiSH7!

Mr. Shimooka: A refreshingly prince-like, poppy, light-hearted dance to go with the aristocrat-like costumes!

Woman: ...It’s R-Riku-kun.... I finally got to meet the real Riku-kun...

Woman: ...That's amazing, so amazing.... We're in the same space right now... I was so happy that tears came to my eyes...

Woman: I'm glad I got to know Riku-kun. I'm glad I could come here today.... I'm glad I did my best up until today...!

Woman: I was anxious and confused, but all that was blown away! I made a decision and it was great!

Woman: I love Riku and everyone else...! I love everything I can see right now...

Nikaidou Yamato: …Ha…

Nikaidou Yamato: We’re IDOLiSH7! We’re in your care…!

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Audience: Yamato...! I love you...!

Audience: Nagi-kun! I love you...!

Mr. Shimooka: Wow, the cheers show no signs of dying down! Thank you to everyone in IDOLiSH7...!

Mr. Shimooka: Now, next up is this group!

Mr. Shimooka: TRIGGER！

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: TRIGGER will be appearing in the costumes from their shocking debut song "DIAMOND FUSION" that shook all of Japan!

Yaotome Gaku: …

Audience: Gaku-kun…! You’re the best…!!

Kujou Tenn: …

Audience: Tenn-kun！I came to see you...!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: …

Audience: Tsunashi-san！I will always, unchangingly love you...!

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah…

Mr. Shimooka: A dance performance by TRIGGER!

Mr. Shimooka: TRIGGER's sexy and mysterious dance feels like an invitation to a secret evening party!

Takara Mage: Whoaaa……！TRIGGER is so cool...!!

Takara Mage: I think I just made eye contact with Ryuunosuke...!

Nearby Woman: Oh my god! I think I just made eye contact with Ryuunosuke-san...!

Takara Mage: …

Nearby Woman: …

Takara Mage: Whoooooa…!

Nearby Woman: Kyaaaaah…!

Yaotome Gaku: …Ha…

Yaotome Gaku: We’re TRIGGER! Let's enjoy the last hours of the year!

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: A thunderous cheer...! Thank you to everyone at TRIGGER...!

Mr. Shimooka: Next up is this group!

Mr. Shimooka: Re:vale！

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: Re:vale are dressed in costumes from “SILVER SKY,” an anniversary song released on the 5th anniversary of their debut!

Momo: …

Audience: Momo-chan, do your best...!

Yuki: …

Audience: Yuki-san, you're the best!

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: Re:vale's dance performance!

Mr. Shimooka: From stillness to motion, these are stunning entertainers! After a stunning debut, they quickly rose to the throne, showing off his charisma!

Sunohara Ruri: Kyah…！Momo! Do your best...!

Sunohara Ruri: Yuki-kun, do your best, too! Re:vale will definitely win again this year...!

Man: Do your best, please—...!

Momo: …Ha…

Momo: We’re Re:vale! Everyone, we’re in your care~!

Audience: Kyaaaah…!

Mr. Shimooka: Thank you to the two of you from Re:vale!

Mr. Shimooka: Now, at last, all the young people competing for the crown are gathered! Who will the goddess of victory smile upon?

Mr. Shimooka: Is it ŹOOḼ!?

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: IDOLiSH7!?

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: TRIGGER!?

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: Or Re:vale!?

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah…

Mr. Shimooka: We'll find out the answer tonight!

Mr. Shimooka: "Black or White Live Showdown", Male Idol Division, Opening!

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

Mr. Shimooka: The first act begins at 8 p.m., which is when ŹOOḼ's live will start!

Mr. Shimooka: While we set up the stage, please enjoy a video message from ŹOOḼ!

Mr. Shimooka: Well then, everyone! Let's enjoy the hottest New Year's Eve in the world!

Audience: Kyaaaaaaah...

~ to be continued ~

TL notes:

* Riku is talking about getting “great fortune” in the omikuji you got during hatsumoude * This is a jizo, a common statue. Hello, it's mod Riku again!

This was a long one... and the next one will be even longer (6 sub-chapters), so don't expect it for a while, haha. On the plus side, it is the last one, and we will finish this year unless I literally get hit by a bus! ᴴᵃʳᵘᵏᵃ⁻ᵏᵘⁿ ʸᵒᵘ ᵍᵒᵗᵗᵃ ᶠⁱⁿⁱˢʰ ⁱᵗ ⁱᶠ ᴵ ᵍᵉᵗ ᵇʸ ᵃ ᵇᵘˢ ˢᵒʳʳʸ

First TL note courtesy of Haruka-kun btw, thanks for that!

#idolish7 #idolish7 part 6 #idolish7 spoilers #idolish7 translations #idolish7 translation #i7 translation

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livesworthlivingau · 5 months ago

Text

Lives Worth Living Chapter 12

ISAT and Two Hat spoilers below! CW: Stabbing

(You're surrounded by your family… Trembling and shaking, sobbing while they all hold you close… In this moment, you are loved…)

"So cute… To think anyone could actually love you~. It's just pathetic Stardust~!" (You hear Loop's voice as it echoes around you, snapping you out of the moment, everyone is gone. You're left kneeling there alone in a lightless void… You frantically look around, getting to your feet. This place is familiar… That realization terrifies you…)

"To think that anyone could love someone as BROKEN as you!" (You snap around to the voice, met face to face with the sadness from all those years ago. Its spiraling eye glares deep into your soul while its inverted shades envelop you. You're frozen… like touching one of the king's tears… You can't move at all as a sick, deep, twisted grin grows across its face. Its teeth are sharp as daggers, perfectly slotting together across that horrid smile. You feel your frozen form shaking, tears flowing from your eyes, you try to struggle free, you NEED to get free!)

"Keeping you frozen is no fun, I want you to FEEL THIS STARDUST~!" (It shrieks out in a demented version of Loop's voice, grabbing you by the throat. It feels as though it yanks you out of time itself, slamming you to the ground and raising a dagger above it's head. You choke out for air, raising your hand to stop it, but it's too late, the familiar stinging yet somewhat dull sensation of it slamming into your chest fills your entire form.)

(You jolt awake with a gasp. You're shaking, sweating, panting. You feel at your chest for a moment and rub your face, looking around to find yourself in a tent, noticing Isa lightly snoring beside you… You're safe, you're loved, you're safe, you're loved. It was just a nightmare…)

(You wipe the tears from your eye, hold your hand to your chest, and take several deep breaths. It takes a minute to finally calm down... As much as you don't want to, you manage to pull yourself away from Isa and slip outside of your tent. The sound of sniffling makes you pause, looking around to find Bonnie holding their legs close to their chest and sniffling. They sat near the extinguished firepit and were trying to calm themself down.)

"… Bonbon?… You okay?"

"Huh?!" (They jumped at first, startled by you appearing near them in the dim night.)

"O-Oh… H-Heyfrin…"

"Nightmare?" (They just put their chin to their knees, trying to fight back the tears as they nod.)

"Yeah… Me too… If only some cool kid with magic hugs could help me out about now~." (You tease a bit to try and relieve the tension, only for Bonnie to snap at you.)

"I'm not stupid Frin! I know my hugs aren't magic…" (They shout then grumble. Something was really bothering them…)

"I… I'm sorry Bonbon… Do you wanna talk about it?" (Wow it feels really weird to be the one saying that for once… They give another sniffle and sit silently for a moment.)

"… What if we don't find Nille?… Why did stupid Nille even leave!? Doesn't she know I'm coming back?! What if she gets hurt?! What if you even talking about it changed everything?!" (Bonnie gets louder and louder as the emotions well up, tears pouring down their face.)

"Woah! Hey, hey, it's okay Bonnie… Breathe with me? Please?" (You ask sincerely, your hands lightly bracing their shoulders to help ground them. They give another sniffle and nod, choking out a few heavy, difficult breaths with you and wiping their tears again.)

"Nille turns out fine, I promise… She even took down a sadness all by herself last time!" (You decide to leave out the part where she got injured… Bonnie doesn't need to hear that right now.)

"R-really?… Nille did?…"

"Yup! Your sister's real tough! Besides, if anything happens I can always just loop back and fix it!"

"… How do you loop back Frin?… Everyone looked at each other like they knew and didn't want to say it! Why won't they tell me!?" (You freeze. How do you answer that… How COULD you answer that, to a kid no less… Bonnie just crosses their arms, pouting more as they recognize the look on your face.)

"… You get hurt, don't you?… You promised me you'd try not to get hurt! You super duper promised!"

"… I'm sorry Bonnie, you're right… I shouldn't talk about looping like it's no big deal… Can… Can I make you a new promise then?…" (Bonnie keeps quiet, but appears to be listening still.)

"… I promise I won't loop on purpose anymore, not unless it's the only option, okay?" (Bonnie sits in silence a little while longer before turning and rapidly swinging their arms around you, squeezing as tight as they can around your waist.)

"I don't want you to get hurt anymore Frin! Not for me, or Nille, or anyone!!"

"Bonbon…"

"It's not fair that you have to get hurt again! Why does it have to always be you!?"

"… I… I don't know Bonnie… And I'm sorry but… As long as I have this gift, or curse, or whatever you wanna blinding call it at this point… If I can use it to help you all then... I wouldn't really hesitate to… But you're right, I shouldn't see myself as disposable… So I'm gonna make you a secret wish promise, okay?" (Bonnie breaks the hug for a moment to look up at you in awe.)

"A… A secret wish promise?… Is that real?!"

"Yup! But it requires a very specific ritual. Do you think you're up for it?"

"Y-Yes!! Yes I can do it!!" (Their frantic eagerness just made you break out into laughter.)

"Alright! Alright I believe you! Now, here's what you gotta do… You gotta hold up your pinkie with your right hand. Then you put your left hand over your heart, and believe as hard as you can about our promise!" (You and Bonnie both do this silly little ritual you've just made up, then you hold out your pinkie.)

"Now curl it around mine and say 'I promise' 3 times." (And again you lead as they follow, repeating it 3 times together.)

"There, secret wish promise done~."

"Woah… I can't believe I just made a wish promise…"

"Now don't go telling everyone about those, like I said it's a very secret ritual!" (Bonnie nods quickly and gives a sort of salute.)

"I promise! Super duper promise!" (You chuckle again, ruffing their hair and hugging them close.)

"Great, now you ready to go back to bed?" (Bonnie nodded, giving one last hug before heading back to their tent, all giddy about this new shared secret.)

(You decide to stay up a little while longer, enjoying the still night with only the occasional faint sound of animals moving through the terrain. Your nightmare flashes into your mind again for a moment with a wince… You decide to bring your thumb to your ear and pinkie to your mouth again…)

"Loop?… Can you talk to me?… Please?… I just want to know you're okay…" (You pause, waiting for a response that never comes… But it feels like the connection is there...)

"Do you remember that time... I forgot Mirabelle's name?… I was so freaked out, all I could think to do was call you for help… Without a second thought, you helped me… you helped me remember everyone's names, their nicknames even, and why I started using them… You brought me back from the edge, and it helped keep me going… I don't think I ever thanked you for that… So thank you, Loop… Thank you for keeping me going when I thought I couldn't anymore…"

["… Stardust…"]

"Loop?! Loop where are you?! Are you alri-" (You suddenly feel the connection fade, but you heard them… They're alright, and you've made progress. That's all you can ask for in this moment.)

#lives worth living au #lwlau #isat au #isat fanfic #isat spoilers #isat #in stars and time fanfic #two hat spoilers #in stars and time spoilers #isat two hats #I wrote this entire chapter at work btw #like start to finish #all of it during my 9 hour shift #it was a slow day so I got paid to write my fic #fuck yeah

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diorsluv · 10 months ago

Text

feather , part 22

“ with you out my life ”

series m. list previous chapter next chapter

( socialmedia!au )

yourusername

liked by lhughes_06, _quinnhughes, edwards.73, and 81,177 others

yourusername she’s officially a single pringle nowww ‼️ if u see me on tinder no u dont 🫢🫢

view all comments

jackhughes i love pringles

→ yourusername pringles don’t love you back

→ trevorzegras jack’s been a single pringle longer than you have yourusername

→ lhughes_06 oh 😒

luca.fantilli is that why you popped up when i searched up the girl of my dreams

→ yourusername good thing it’s called a dream for a reason 🥰

→ luca.fantilli i knew i shouldn’t have turned to tiktok for pickup lines

→ lhughes_06 oh 🫤

username20 why is luca flirting with mini drizzy this aint right

mackie.samo swipe right when you see me

→ yourusername why are you all doing this

→ rutgermcgroarty not if she sees me first

→ adamfantilli jokes on you she swiped right on me already

→ lhughes_06 oh 😓

trevorzegras not for long 😘😘

→ yourusername get the hell away from me i’m barely legal

→ trevorzegras you are not “barely legal” 🙄 AND ALSO stop making me look like the bad guy

→ yourusername you are the bad guy

→ trevorzegras i’m fighting the urge to strangle you

→ yourusername i don’t my brother would really appreciate you saying that 😒

→ lhughes_06 oh 🤬

edwards.73 your hands look pretty

→ yourusername hand kink????

→ edwards.73 WAIT NO FUCK

→ markestapa eddy this is not what we discussed

→ luca.fantilli bro you did it wrong

→ edwards.73 i’m sorry 😕

→ lhughes_06 oh 😨

username12 why the hell does luke keep going “oh”

→ username3 and why the hell is everyone tryna make a move on my girl 😟😟

colecaufield my friend’s younger brother was asking about you

→ yourusername jokes on you i know you don’t have any friends

→ jackhughes is this about who i think it’s about

→ colecaufield no one of our friends’ brothers actually asked me about her.. jackhughes

→ lhughes_06 oh 😞

markestapa damn how’d you manage to crop me out of that first pic

→ mackie.samo the implications are wild

→ dylanduke25 wow u were in her bed 😱

→ yourusername yes dylan he was in my bed WAITING FOR ME TO PAINT HIS NAILS

→ markestapa HELL NO i was just watching you do yours 🙄🙄

→ lhughes_06 oh 😧

username99 luke keeps oh-ing i’m slightly scared for him!

username45 SHE’S FINALLY FREE

→ username24 escaped booking.com’s basement

→ username27 BOOKING.COM???? 😭😭😭

username71 are they all commenting this shit on purpose lmfaoooo

username36 if their goal is to make luke mad i’m sure they’re succeeding

→ username2 fr i can hear him sobbing from here

jamie.drysdale

liked by _alexturcotte, mackie.samo, rutgermcgroarty, and 64,312 others

jamie.drysdale reminder to never break up with someone over text

tagged: yourusername

view all comments

_quinnhughes she’s gonna kill you LMAO

→ jamie.drysdale oh please she can’t even push me

→ trevorzegras jamie last time she quite literally almost knocked your head on the corner of the counter

yourusername first of all JAMIE I CANT BELIEVE YOU

yourusername THIS IS SO FUCKING FOUL

yourusername LIKE THATS AN OUTDATED PIC YOU CAN’T USE IT

yourusername I’M NEVER FUCKING VISITING YOU AGAIN

yourusername and it wasn’t text it was warzone because he blocked me on everything else 🙄

→ jamie.drysdale one, that’s embarrassing, and two, STOP SPAMMING MY COMMENTS

→ yourusername ok mr proper grammar

→ jamie.drysdale your so annoying

→ yourusername okay i take it back your grammar is ass

adamfantilli aw was she crying

→ jamie.drysdale yeah we got a noise complaint from our neighbors

→ yourusername i can’t tell if you’re being sarcastic or not 😕😕

→ adamfantilli aw were u crying ☹️😔😖😣😩😪

→ yourusername aw did i accidentally block you ☹️😔😖😣😩😪

colecaufield don’t tell me she was actually crying over blaker

→ jamie.drysdale she was!

→ yourusername she was not!

username27 first pic is me knowing dryshughes is never gonna happen

→ username89 IT WILL HAPPEN

→ username37 DONT PUSH UR NEGATIVE THOUGHTS ONTO US

→ username14 ur praying for our downfall arent u

username54 honestly tho she’s a mood

username28 i cant believe jamie actually posted this

jackhughes i just realized you have her saved as “fucking menace 🥰”

→ jamie.drysdale i hate her

→ yourusername don’t u think that’s a little mean jimmy johns????

→ jamie.drysdale god here you go AGAIN with the nicknames 🙄

→ yourusername YOU LAUGHED AT MY NICKNAME FOR JACK WTF DO U MEAN

→ jackhughes HUH WHAT NICKNAME????

→ yourusername don’t worry about it jacky boy

edwards.73 i could’ve sworn i heard a witch screeching but ig it was her crying

→ mackie.samo it’s okay man we all heard it

→ jamie.drysdale can confirm that’s what it sounded like

→ yourusername can confirm i’m being harassed by my friends and brother

→ dylanduke25 we were never your friends yourusername

→ yourusername oh 😥

yourusername i forgot to say i’m not heartbroken

yourusername so STOP MAKING ME LOOK LIKE I’M SAD

→ jamie.drysdale i thought i told you to stop spamming my comments

→ yourusername i’m not even spamming ur such a baby 😒

→ jamie.drysdale RESPECT ME IM OLDER

→ yourusername whatever

next chapter notes ) like i said in my other post i’ve been so tied up in school it’s been hard to get these chapters out WITH GOOD QUALITY nonetheless i hope it was still enjoyable albeit late 😭 also i forgot to mention but u mightve noticed the song lyric at the beginning of the chapter is NOT in order (yes it annoys me) but i didnt wanna repeat lyrics so that’s just how i’m gonna put them in for the rest of the song: if the lyric has been repeated then i’ll skip it til i get to the next new one 🙏🙏

tags: @aliaology @hockeyboysarehot @absolutelyhugh3s @jackquinnswife @freds-slut @love4ldr @blueeyedbesson @43hughes @v1olentdelights @dancerbailey3 @random-human02 @ho3forfakeguys

#luke hughes x reader #luke hughes x y/n #luke hughes fic #luke hughes fanfic #luke hughes #quinn hughes #jack hughes #alex turcotte #cole caufield #trevor zegras #jamie drysdale #ethan edwards #dylan duke #mark estapa #mackie samoskevich #adam fantilli #rutger mcgroarty #luca fantilli

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cxsmicbaby · 1 year ago

Text

something nice - 1

CHAPTER ONE OF A SERIES

pairing : miguel o’hara x fem!reader

word count: 4.1k

warnings : smut at the end! cursing throughout. enjoy :)

you and hobie play a prank. miguel doesn’t like it, but he can never stay mad at you.

𓆩༺🕷༻𓆪

“And then... my uncle died.”

“Mmhm.” The smell of hot coffee grows stronger. It’s mere inches away.. I just have to suffer through this for a moment longer.

“And I realized. I’m not even real! I’m just a clone of the real Peter. And that totally destroyed me.”

“Oh wow,” I say, nodding. Ben, or Scarlet Spider, continues to go on about his tragic backstory, somehow still managing to flex his biceps as he begins to well up in tears.

Finally, the spider in front of me finishes filling their mug and it’s my turn. God, if I had to stand in line with this melodramatic asshole for a second longer I think I would’ve tried to cut my own ears off. He’s still talking as I fill my cup with coffee, but this time I’m not listening. It’s probably some variation of the same things I’ve been through, anyhow. I wonder how Miguel is able to sit through thousands and thousands of these things whenever he recruits a new spider. He’s not a very patient guy.

Miguel. He walks through the lobby at 5:30am, every morning. I woke up early today so that I would run into him. Not like I said anything to him; I walked past him, smiling, and he just grunted. Just about what I expected. But I still woke up early to see him. I feel a little stupid thinking about it. I’ll probably do it again tomorrow.

“Yeah, Ben, that really sucks. Maybe you should see a therapist.” I turn and give him a pat on the shoulder, smiling as genuinely as I can. He nods, and wipes his teary eyes. This guy cries way too easily.

I swing off into the main lobby. Thank god, I can be free. I don’t know what the plan is today, but I’m always up for an adventure.

“Oi!” I hear, and behind me Hobie is swinging forward, his mask already on. That must mean there’s something happening. Regardless, I’m always happy to see him. He’s probably the only person I really talk to here; other than Miguel.

“Hey! Got anything for me?” I ask, as we land on a free platform. Hobie pauses for a moment before he starts digging around in his pockets, and pulls out a bag of my favorite snack from his universe; unfortunately, it doesn’t exist anywhere else, so I depend on this not-so-dependable guy to bring them for me. 5/10 times he actually remembers it.

“What’s with the drink? I thought you hated coffee,” he asks, plopping himself down on the edge of the platform. I do the same, and we watch as the spiders swing and climb all over the place, like a jungle gym. Every time I take a step back from this whole thing like this, it always amazes me. Just a few weeks ago, I was stuck in a universe where I was the only one, and now I’m in a place where everyone is just as corny as me. It’s lovely.

“I do,” I start, taking a sip of it. I fight the way my lips threaten to purse in disgust. “I needed a pick me up.”

“Ah.” Hobie pulls at a loose thread of his shirt and smiles deviously. “Up all night thinking about Miguel, huh?”

Hobie is far too observant for my liking. There’s nothing that gets past him, which is great for combat, but not great for me.

I swallow hard, and shake my head. “No. And you should stop saying shit like that! What if someone overhears? They’ll think something weird is going on.”

“Like?” Here we go.

“Like. They’ll think I’m in love with him or something. We’re just friends. He’s cool. I’m cool. Everything’s cool.” I sound like an idiot, and I know Hobie thinks the same when I hear him laugh. It’s like I’m a fucking teenager again, gossiping about my crush in the locker-room. I hated high school.

“Cool, cool. Everything’s cool,” he teases, mocking me.

We’re both quiet, basking for a moment in the odd sort of peace that comes out of this chaotic place.

Hobie snickers softly, shaking his head at something that he’s thought of. “Heard some of the others talking bout how Miguel’s pickin’ favorites. Guess who’s the favorite?”

I sigh, and down the rest of the disgusting black liquid. “Whatever. I’m not his, uh. His favorite. He talks down to me like all the rest.”

Hobie is quiet. That’s rare. When I look over at him he’s just staring down, a weird sort of smile still on his face. His fingers are drumming against the platform.

“Hey, what’re we gonna do today? Please say you’ve got something fun.”

That seems to get him, because his head perks up and that teasing expression is replaced by one of excitement. Thank god. If I had to talk about Miguel for another second it would not have ended well—I tend to get a little loose with the things I say the longer I’m forced to talk about them.

“Something fun, eh? I’ve got something fun. But only if you’re up for it.”

I smile. “You know I am.”

Compared to a lot of the others, I’ve been here for a very short time. Still, I’ve learned the ins and outs, the dos and the don’ts. Like, do listen to what the higher ups (and Lyla) say. Don’t make fun of Miguel’s tediously slow entrance on that weird platform thing. Do make friends. Don’t be an ass. And for god’s sake, do not pull any pranks.

The thing about spider people; we tend not to really listen to rules.

Hobie and I are perched on a bar above the lobby. We’re trying to figure out the best way to go about things. Me, I think he should take charge, but he seems to think nobody really likes him, so they won’t listen. He thinks they’ll all fall in line with my beguiling feminine charms and do whatever I say. I think that sounds like bullshit, but I don’t really wanna do the other thing, so I agree to it.

I drop down smack in the middle of a group of spider-people in a conversation. Immediately, I put on the most panicked expression I can muster and start running around frantically.

“Jessica’s gone into labor! I repeat, Jessica is giving birth at this moment! Help her get back home so she can go to a hospital... or something!” I shout, trying to get as much attention as I possibly can. Of course, everyone loves Jessica, so everyone starts rushing to her aid. None of them actually know where she is, but they just launch into help-mode, as Spiderman does. Soon, the lobby is basically empty. Sometimes, I think about how gullible I must be if I’m really just a variation of this same person.

“Coast’s clear,” Hobie calls, dropping down from above. “We don’t have a lotta time, gotta make this quick.”

I frown. “We? But you said all I had to do was get them out!”

“Yeah, that was a lie.” Hobie shrugs and tosses me a spray can. “Now, you gonna help or not?”

The idea of getting caught spraying painting the building Miguel has built specifically for us makes me queasy. The idea of being caught doing anything that would make him upset makes me queasy. But if I back out now, then I just made a fool of myself for no reason. I don’t mind looking stupid, but it’s gotta be for a reason.

I sigh, and reach up to tug my mask over my face in case someone realizes that Jessica is not even here right now, and decides to come back. I mean, not like I would really be hiding much, considering everyone knows what my suit looks like, but there’s no harm in it.

The moment I pull it down, the room is doused in red light and an alarm starts blaring. Fuck.

“You gotta be fuckin’ kidding me, mate,” Hobie groans, tossing his head back in frustration. “That old man did not just sound the alarm ‘cause we’re pulling a goddamn prank. Might as well do as much as we can before the rest of ‘em come back.”

That does not sound like a good idea. If Miguel is angry enough to turn on the alarm that signifies intruders, he will definitely not like us continuing in spite of his obvious warning. But Hobie’s already swinging up, spraying bright purple in a strangely elegant ribbon across the walls. I start to hear footsteps, but they’re far enough away that I think I have some time. So, despite my better judgement, I follow Hobie, tagging wherever he’s painted with a green design of my own. Gotta admit, it looks pretty dope. That assuages my fears somewhat and I find myself letting go a little, whooping in excitement as I swing around the lobby.

Then, I hear it again. Footsteps, but I know these very specific footsteps. Heavy, fast, angry. My stomach drops and I land, turning to Hobie to see he’s still painting away. He probably hears it too, he just doesn’t care. I wish I could be as carefree as him. Especially when it came to this sort of thing.

But I can’t. In fact, once Miguel actually appears in the room, hair slightly disheveled, face twisted up in an almost scary amount of anger, I freeze in place. God, he’s fucking fuming. His eyes sweep the room like we just painted Miguel Sux! in somebody’s blood. And then his gaze lands on me, and I feel myself shiver; in fear, in anticipation, in... something else.

“What the fuck are you doing?!” Miguel bellows, and that catches Hobie’s attention. Before he can say anything else, the flake is gone. Typical Hobie. Saving his own ass. I can’t even really be mad at him, because if it weren’t for the annoying way my feet were sticking to the ground I would’ve done the same.

The alarm shuts off, and the room goes deadly quiet. I’m still staring at him as he approaches me, his chest heaving as he takes deep breaths, probably trying to calm himself down. He needs to see a therapist, I think, but don’t have time to even smile at my own quip before he’s looming right above me.

“Do you get joy out of causing this type of shit? Out of wasting everyone’s time?” Miguel spits, and I know I’m supposed to be hurt by what he’s saying, but god if I don’t wanna just pounce at him right here, right now.

So I keep my mouth shut. He doesn’t seem to like that. His fists are clenched tight at his sides as he studies me.

“You know, if I knew you were gonna be such a fucking nuisance, I would never have brought you here.”

Ouch. That one sort of hurts, so I take off my mask and I look up at him, trying to keep my composure. I frown. “It was just some harmless fun, Miguel. No need to get so mean about it.”

That was not the right thing to say, apparently, because his eyebrows furrow even deeper. Before he can open his mouth to say something that will probably make me cry, I force a smile and swing up to the wall.

“And it looks great! Don’t you think this place is too... I don’t know. Sterile? Everyone’s gonna love it.” I hope he can’t hear the way my voice is trembling. When I hear my words echo back to me, I’m relieved to find that I sound quite confident. I’ve always been good at that, faking like I know what I’m doing. I think that’s a Spider-man thing.

Miguel doesn’t speak. He crosses his arms over his chest and inhales deeply, hanging his head.

“You are going to clean this shit up. Understood? And when I find that little shit Hobie, I’m gonna tell him the same thing.”

I think that’s the closest I’ll get to him saying he isn’t really that mad about it, and that’s good enough for me. I swing back down to stand in front of him, and this time when I smile, it’s real.

“Are you sure? I’m telling you, it looks super—”

Miguel’s eyes narrow and I feel my stomach twist. “Don’t test me.”

I straighten up and salute him, fighting the urge to run as Miguel’s eyes burn into mine. “Yes, sir!”

I swear to god, he almost smiles, before he just shakes his head.

“Don’t do shit like this again. I won’t go so easy on you next time.”

𓆩༺🕷༻𓆪

“You don’t let yourself have anything, do you?”

Miguel pauses. He finds himself looking up at you, despite the desire to remain stoic and focused and uninterested. It’s always hard to do that, with you.

“What?” he says, his voice slightly biting. He means it to be. He wants to scare you away so you will leave him alone, finally. It’s been mere weeks since you joined them, and in those weeks, you have made it your mission to annoy him more than anyone ever has in his life. It’s like you live to bother him. He should hate it more than he does.

He should hate your stupid fucking pranks and your dumb, unfunny jokes. But he doesn’t. He knew it was you today, even before he got to the lobby, but for some reason he wasn’t that mad. And then the fact that he wasn’t mad about it made him mad about it, and he was mean to you. He wants to apologize, but that’s not like him. Everything he does or feels when it comes to you is a contradiction to the person he has built himself up as. The whole thing is just so muddled up he’d rather ignore it.

You sit on a metal box to his left, swinging your legs back and forth as you scrutinize him. Miguel doesn’t like how you always have this knowing look on your face, like you’re waiting for him to discover something you’ve already found out. Frankly, all the Spider-people have that sort of glint in their eyes, but with you it’s different. He bites the inside of his cheek and forces himself not to look away.

“I mean, you don’t let yourself have anything nice, or fun. The closest you get to letting yourself feel happiness is those empanadas you make me bring you.”

You smile at him, and he thinks to himself that he wishes you would do it more, but the moment the thought passes he stamps it out with a frown.

“And even then, you always scowl when you eat them.” You cancel out his grimace with a little laugh that makes Miguel fucking furious.

“You know, it’s not in your best interest to keep talking about this. If causing a useless ruckus is fun to you, then yeah, I don’t fucking do that.” He practically spits it, and swivels his head to focus again on his work. He doesn’t know if he wants you to apologize or if he wants you to just go. Apologize? He’s kidding himself. You would never.

He can’t help but listen carefully for your movements, wanting to hear if you’ll leave or not. But he hears nothing, and he turns again to see you just sitting there, swinging your feet. Still smiling.

“What are you still doing here? Don’t you have shit to do?” Miguel asks, narrowing his eyes at you. He notices that his tone lacks the sting he meant it to deliver and chooses to ignore it.

You boost yourself up from the box and stand. “Not really. Can’t I just stay? I won’t make any noise, promise.”

Miguel frowns deeply. “That’s impossible.” But he doesn’t tell you to leave.

You sigh, your body swaying side to side. Miguel thinks its a subconscious thing you do when you’re standing; most people would just be still, but he’s noticed that you cannot possibly remain perfectly in place for more than a few seconds.

“Yeah, whatever. I’m gonna get some sleep. You should too.” You send him a small wink and turn, walking off toward the exit. You stop briefly, turning to face him with an expression he can’t quite read.

“And, uh. Sorry about today,” you call, and he says nothing. You turn again and he watches you leave.

Everything has changed since you showed up, and if anything can be taken from his obsession with anomalies, it’s that Miguel hates change. Especially when it seems like there isn’t much changing for anyone but himself.

It was him that found you. He went on a mission to a universe he had not yet traveled; a rare occasion, because it wasn’t to destroy an anomaly, but because something was telling him to go. It wasn’t like a voice, or even a sense. More like a feeling. There was something there for him to discover and so he went without saying anything, hoping he’d be back before anyone noticed.

Miguel found you on the roof of a museum. You were sitting on the edge, swinging your feet back and forth, just staring into the streets. You had your mask off, which he remembered thinking was incredibly stupid, seeing as it was still light out. Your suit was nothing to gawk at, nothing too different than the hundreds of others he had seen, but for some reason he knew it was you he was supposed to find. You, he had been called to. For what, he didn’t know.

You noticed him before he intended you to. When you saw him, you didn’t look shocked, or scared; you looked happy. No one had been happy to see him in a long time.

“How long you been standing there?” you asked, turning your body to face him. You crossed your legs and watched him approach, staring up at him like he was someone you knew, someone you had been waiting for.

Miguel was quiet. He wasn’t sure what he was supposed to say.

“You know, one of us is gonna have to change.” And you laughed hard at your own dumb joke. Your laugh made him uncomfortable, how truly happy it sounded, how real it felt. You seemed like you hadn’t yet experienced the tragic things that came with being a Spiderman. You seemed innocent. Like you needed to be protected.

And by god, you were beautiful. The suit didn’t leave much to the imagination.

The thought startled him and he stayed quiet.

“Your suit is super cool. Kinda cyberpunk.” You stood and you watched him carefully, walking slowly around him in a circle. Miguel’s eyes followed you, his body on guard as if you were going to suddenly lunge at him.

“Why aren’t you... surprised?” Miguel finally said, his tone accusatory. But you didn’t seem to notice, and if you did you didn’t mind. You stopped in front of him and stuck your hand out, inviting him to shake it.

“Welcome to Earth-72, Miguel. I’ve been waiting for you.”

And that’s how he found out about a Dr. Strange, and how you knew about Miguel already; in fact, you were expecting him. The idea made him irrationally angry. Someone like you, obviously flippant and probably reckless, with knowledge about something as dangerous as the multiverse? You were most likely new to your abilities, to the mask. You were too naive and carefree not to be.

But Miguel was wrong. You had long been bitten, lost your uncle, your sister, your best friend. You just seemed to lack that bitterness that he saw in the others, in himself. You were happy.

Like most things, that also made Miguel angry.

You begged him to let you join the Spider Society. You said you had known about it for a while, and you dreamed of being apart of it, of something bigger than yourself. Your words exactly. He was slightly impressed by that, but didn’t show it. In fact, Miguel wanted deeply to say no. But he didn’t, for reasons he’s not quite sure of himself, and that’s how he ended up with a permanent, relentless distraction. He was starting to wish he never brought you back in the first place.

If you were more like him, he thinks, he probably wouldn’t have this problem. But you’re not. You’re almost the exact opposite. It drives him fucking crazy.

Miguel shook his head, grunting in frustration at his own inability to focus. It seemed even when you weren’t there, he was plagued by the thought of you.

And think about you he did, for hours on end, sometimes. When he would lie awake in bed, his body aching from the strains of the day. He wouldn’t be able to close his eyes, because the image of you was always waiting for him. Smiling, laughing. Looking up at him with those eyes of yours. He would find himself imagining what it felt like to be close to you. Your skin would be soft, he knew. Your lips would be softer. Your hands, calloused by years of fighting, swinging, winning, losing. How they’d touch him. How they’d hold him.

How he would touch you. Make you feel good. Make you think about him, just like he thought about you. Make you want him.

Miguel always lost himself in thoughts like that, and he was usually able to bring himself back to reality. When he got back to his room that night, though, he felt as though he couldn’t push it down. He didn’t let himself have anything nice. And god, did he want something nice.

The water ran over his taut back, soaking his hair and running down his cheekbones. One hand, splayed against the tile wall, and the other by his side, just inches away from an itch he is fighting not to scratch. His cock is aching. He swears he can see it pulse with every second that passes, every drop of water that lands on his shaft, veins prominent and throbbing.

Miguel imagines that you’re there with him. That you stand in front of him, and that instead of the wall it’s you he’s touching, your skin slick with water and sweat. That your hands are on his chest, your nails scratching him just the slightest bit, and god, those eyes, staring into his like he’s the only thing that has or ever will matter to you.

When he finally wraps his hand around his cock, it takes his breath away.

“Jesus,” he whispers, slowly stroking himself, gripping so tight he’s sure his fingertips are white. It’s not enough.

Miguel closes his eyes, and immediately he pictures you. He feels almost guilty to think of you this way, on your knees, with your lips wrapped around his dick. But he can’t stop. His breathing grows heavier as he imagines you taking him deep into your throat, gagging on him, your nose brushing against his pelvis. He thinks about what he’d say to you. How he’d tell you how good you were doing, how perfect you were. He grips himself impossibly harder and is unable to stop himself from relentlessly jerking his cock, his hand pushing so hard against the wall he’s afraid it’ll crack.

“Fuck,” he groans, his voice breathy and deep. More water drips onto his shaft and immediately he thrusts desperately into his own grip, envisioning that it’s you, spitting on him before you take him in your hand, running your tongue over his tip, looking up at him.

He thinks about what you’d say to him. He knows he would be too big for you. But you’d try to take him all, because that’s what you do. He’s sure your hand wouldn’t even wrap around his entire length. And you would tell him how big he was, how beautiful you thought he was. You’d probably tease him too, about how quickly he’d been reduced to a mess, how eager he was. He’s surprised at how close that thought brings him, and he has to bite his lip to keep from letting out a shameful moan.

When Miguel comes, he says your name. It’s not loud; it’s more like a plea, a prayer. His body caves in on itself and he shudders with the force of it, his legs trembling ever so slightly as he tries to bring himself back to reality. He stands there for a moment, trying to catch his breath, feeling a little ashamed at how quickly he finished. He hasn’t had the time to do anything like that in so, so long. He hasn’t let himself.

He washes himself off and gets out of the shower.

When Miguel lies in bed, he’s haunted by the thought of having to see you tomorrow, knowing what he’s done. And then he grows angry. You did this to him. And you’re not even trying; you’re just there. What a nuisance you are.

He tries to close his eyes, but he finds himself plagued by you still.

𓆩༺🕷༻𓆪

CHAPTER TWO

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socialfakes · 4 months ago

Text

the devils in the details- luke hughes

chapter 4; part 5: fools in love

nhl x platonic!fem!reader

luke hughes x fem!reader

the masterlist

Liked by lhughes_06, bboeser, elblue6 and 7,125 others

yourinstagram | oops. finger slipped 🤷🏻‍♀️ but i don’t regret it at all. love you more than you could even imagine luke ❤ tagged: lhughes_06

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lhughes_06 i love you too ❤

bboeser congratulations on finally going public. you guys have such a solid relationship and it’s only going to get stronger as you get older ❤

user03 wow i love this

nicohischier honestly glad it’s always been him. he treats you exactly how you deserve to be treated and if that’s not the true definition of a ‘perfect boyfriend’ then i don’t know what is 😊 | yourinstagram ❤

_quinnhughes now aren’t you glad we got you back home? 😊❤ | yourinstagram absolutely ❤ luke is my home 🥰

user12 so glad someone loves luke as much as the fans do 😊

elblue6 my babies ❤

trevorzegras you managed to hook all the brothers on your line at some point, huh? respect 😉 | trevorzegras but in all seriousness, congratulations to the both of you. the journey to where you are now was far from perfect but you managed to get there and hopefully you’ll stay on that path for the rest of your lives ❤ | yourinstagram that’s the plan trev 😊

user07 can we get some context to the pictures? please? | yourinstagram of course! first pic: the dinner where he asked me to be his girlfriend, second pic: us goofing off one night a while ago, third pic: a very recent kiss we shared & probably one of my favorites, fourth pic: the most gentleman thing luke offered to do was tie my shoe even though i can do it myself, fifth pic: thought we needed a random kiss pic, last pic: we were at a park and luke decided he needed a nap. he looks so cute, don’t you think? 😊

jackhughes picture perfect couple. so glad you finally posted about it. was starting to feel like i had to do it myself 😂

Liked by jackhughes, yourinstagram, _quinnhughes and 398,914 others

lhughes_06 | you have my whole heart and i plan on giving you the whole world next 🌎❤ tagged: yourinstagram

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jamie.drysdale the goofiest and also sweetest couple i have ever known 😊

jackhughes remember the rule, luke. break her heart and you’ll have to deal with me and quinn 😏 | lhughes_06 luckily i don’t plan on breaking her heart 👍🏻 besides, i am not scared of you. quinn maybe but not you 😂

trevorzegras the luckiest dude alive honestly 😏 | yourinstagram right? 😉

user12 i really love seeing this 😊

colecaufield was actually not expecting this but i love it

edwards.73 you guys are such a perfect couple

bboeser love this a lot. never seen either of you so happy before 😊

_quinnhughes you’ve got the best girlfriend ever so if you screw this up, i will never forgive you 😏

user04 the boys being incredibly protective of y/n makes me wish i knew someone like them 😔 they’re perfect

elblue6 soulmates 🥰

user08 so luke how did you finally make it official? we need to know | lhughes_06 it’s a long story | yourinstagram when i got back from vancouver, he made me a nice romantic dinner and he got me a ring i've been wanting forever. then he made a big speech about how much he loved me and he started rambling so i shut him up with a kiss and then he asked me 😊 | user08 awe so cute 😊

Liked by lhughes_06, yourinstagram, _quinnhughes and 399,817 others

jackhughes | you guys, this was BEFORE they started dating. we decided to take the boat out one night and they sat like this the entire time tagged: lhughes_06, yourinstagram

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_quinnhughes they’ve always been super close so it can’t really be a surprise that this happened 😊

lhughes_06 in our defense, it was the first time in a while we had actually been able to see each other. i was not about to let the opportunity pass me by again ❤

edwards.73 they’re lucky they’re a cute couple

nicohischier 😊

trevorzegras if they weren’t such a cute couple, i would hate how lovey-dovey they are 😊

colecaufield this was the trip that you broke up with julia, wasn’t it? | jackhughes yes. couldn’t stand her hating on my best friend anymore. had to be done | yourinstagram oh so i'm your best friend now? how sweet 🥺🥰 | jackhughes oh don’t act so surprised. you've known this forever 🙄

user13 and people ask me why my standards are so high. i mean you broke up with your girlfriend because she didn’t like y/n, both you and quinn as well as a few other hockey boys are so protective of y/n and have threatened to kick luke’s ass if he hurts her, and luke does anything for her. she deserves happiness and you guys are doing everything you possibly can to make sure she feels loved. And that is why my standards are so high ❤ | yourinstagram they just do what any guy is supposed to do when they care. if nobody can show you that same amount of love, then they don’t deserve you. you deserve happiness too, love 😊❤

user09 i love that y/n gets along with not just the other hockey boys, but the fans as well. she is truly the best | lhughes_06 the love of my life for sure ❤

taglist: @worldlxvlys @bunbunbl0gs @jacktoria4ever @callsignwidow

#fake social media #instagram au #hockey player social media #nhl #luke hughes #quinn hughes #jamie drysdale #jack hughes #trevor zegras #new jersey devils #hughes brothers #nj devils #friends to lovers

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plutoswritingplanet · 29 days ago

Text

Vicarious (Homelander x Female!Reader) pt. 6

a/n: Mama a new chapter behind you (had to reupload this, because it didn't show up in the tag for some reason), this chapter might seem like a blurb of bs but it's important to the story guys please believe me. Cross-Posted on AO3

Warnings: Creepy Behavior (wow, a shocker), Discussion around some Non-Con situations (nothing explicit though), Smoking, Cussing, the regular

Summary: Finally, you get your phone back... And make a promise which will haunt you forever

Vicarious Masterlist

- What the fuck did you do? - Stillwell asks through gritted teeth, her expression frozen in a tight smile.

The very second he has announced, the photoshoot would have to be postponed due to your "health problems", he could practically hear her heart drop right down to her tight, corporate ass. He decided not to comment on the sudden flood of adrenaline in her veins, but the moment she turned to him, demanding an answer, an explanation, he could feel the vein on his temple start to pulse.

Because how dare she, look at him like that? Like she actually cares about that ungrateful lowlife, he left wheezing on the floor, in some forgotten conference room?

- She's not feeling well - he repeats, his voice becoming tense - Last night must've worn her out.

Stillwell scoffs at his pathetic attempt at sounding sympathetic. Her eyebrows crease, as she takes a long, steadying breath, her shoulders slumping slightly. He likes that expression, likes the way people give up around him. The feeling of breaking someone down always gives him such a rush, it's unparalleled to anything else.

He wonders how your face will twist and turn, when he finally manages to wrench himself under the layers of masks and disguises. He got close, he got a whiff of blood, and like a starved shark, he needed more.

The team of photographers continues to hassle about the place, setting things up, as if the photoshoot will take place. Which, it won't, he made sure of it.

- Is she alive? - Stillwell asks with a resigned sigh, and Homelander rolls his eyes.

- Yes, of course she's fucking alive, I'm not...

- Hey, y'all. Sorry for being late.

Your voice shoots through him like an arrow of some fucked up, drunk cupid. His entire frame goes rigid, as his head all but snaps with the quickness he turns around.

There you are.

A plastic imitation of a laid-back smile plastered on your face, as you regard every person in the room with a nod of greeting. Not a hair on you seems out of place, even though he can clearly see, through the tissue and the muscle, that your ribs are only beginning to heal, the fragments of bone connecting with each other at a snails pace. It can't be pleasant, but your eyes shine nonetheless, as your platform boots carry you in their direction.

Stillwell looks just as shocked as he feels, her eyebrows nearly touching the perfect hairline on her forehead.

- Miss Stillwell - you greet her with a pleasant smile - Homelander.

- I see you're all better now - he comments after a beat, his eyes scanning your form.

He doesn't like the way your expression doesn't even budge. It feels insulting, your refusal to show your true colors to him, especially since he has seen you. He knows there are thoughts brewing under that blowout, and when you direct that fake smile at him, it feels like a personal jab.

A small middle finger, pointed straight at his smile, stuck like glue to his face. The word "Bitch" echoes in his mind, and his eyes start to burn at the corners.

- Ah, that party last night must've tired me out more than I anticipated - you shake your head in a rather forced attempt at looking bashful - I hope I haven't inconvenienced y'all too much.

It's a blur from then on. Stillwell directs you towards the makeup booth, swallowing around her shock, before she comes out as too relieved.

Homelander doesn't register any of her words, silently stalking to his own chair, where he lets some intern cake his face with makeup. He keeps his eyes on you, all the time, imagining all the horrible things he could do, will do, once this charade is over.

He notices, with the accuracy of a starved hawk, how your breathing is still quite shaky, how your lungs aren't expanding as much as they're supposed to. Then, there's the tremble in your hand, as you curl your fingers around the armrest, nails digging into the plastic, when the makeup artist glides her brush over your collarbones. His eyes catch the smidgen of glitter, and his lip quirks up, seemingly on its own.

A fitting camouflage, for the carnage he's left underneath.

You suck in a sharp breath, as one of the ribs clicks back into place, and mask the sound with a cough. Which brings another wave of pain, crashing over your chest. He has to admit, the way you pretend to be completely unaffected is admirable. If anything, it gives him some hope regarding the future movie you're supposed to do together. In a month or so, he doesn't remember the details. Doesn't care for them.

And then, you're up.

Solo shots first. The photographer ushers you in front of the green screen, where you stand on the mark, shuffling on your feet awkwardly. Homelander watches, his head tilting, as you let yourself be posed, like a doll for the entertainment of millions. For his entertainment.

It's the same, boring series of poses. The same, ass-and-tits-in-the-same-shot bullshit. He's seen it on practically every female superhero, and yes, perhaps at first it was exciting. Right now, however, it feels like licking off a plate after reheated leftovers. Still, he has to admit, there's something intriguing about the way your body twists and turns to accommodate the photographer's artistic vision.

Despite that, despite the way your thighs peak almost too scandalously from under your plaid skirt, or the way your chest practically waves at him from beneath your corset top...

He feels nothing. No familiar tightness in the lower parts of his suit. No fidgeting, no sudden wave of heat. He looks at you, and sees... Well... You.

Even when your painted lips pull back into a flirty, curling smile, as you wink at the camera (as instructed), he can't really see Fireball anymore. It's like those couple of minutes ago, when he left you writhing on the floor unlocked some deep truth, some unexplainable dam, which has burst completely.

For a moment, he doesn't know what to think. The photographer thanks you, motions for him to take his place, and with limbs, which are suddenly much too heavy, Homelander makes his way in front of the camera.

Your gaze follows him, eyes shifting under ridiculously large fake eyelashes. He feels them, burning the back of his neck, and for some unknown reason, it makes him feel... Almost pleased. He's always been a slut for attention, for admiration, for the looks of awe. And while there's nothing on your face which would suggest the latter two, you're still looking at him.

It makes his chest puff out a bit more, his back straightening, his smile cutting even more than usual. And the camera clicks, and clicks, until it's time for your paired shots.

The chair squeaks, when you stand up, and Homelander swallows, listening to your platform boots, as they click on the linoleum flooring. Soon enough, you're in front of him, the photographer maneuvers you to his liking, and Homelander looks down, takes a whiff of your perfume. That lingering, suffocating scent of jasmine. It swirls in his nose, cements itself into his brain, and his chest makes a quick up and down movement, his lungs refusing cooperation for just a second.

The photographer turns you around, makes you stand closer to him, chests almost pressing together. And then, he places your arm across his shoulders, and Homelander freezes.

He doesn't know why, not really, but the feeling of your plush flesh against his sends a wave of paralyzing shivers down his spine. Surprisingly, not of arousal, but something else entirely. Something he refused to recognize.

Your eyes flicker to his, eyebrows twitching in a display of curiosity, as you feel him tense under your hand. He doesn't like it, the way you seem to see right through him, like he's made of glass. Like you can sense his thoughts, his very soul.

Annoyingly perceptive.

His mouth opens, so close to a biting, threatening comment, but before anything comes out, the pressure on his shoulder lessens, before disappearing completely. Eyes flickering to the side, he can see the way your hand hovers, just millimeters from his costume, maintaining the illusion of contact.

Anger is his natural reaction, embedded into the very core of his being. He doesn't want to recognize the flood of relief at the lack of contact, he doesn't want to understand the implications. And most importantly, he absolutely hates, that it's you. Once again, you've managed to read him like a fucking book, and took it all in without even moving a muscle.

Thoughts swirl inside his brain, and he's so focused on the noticable lack of your touch, that he doesn't hear the photographer until the third time.

The next couple of poses go in that exact manner. The photographer tells you how to pose, and you do so, keeping your body hovering over Homelander's.

He refuses to recognize the flicker of gratitude in his gut. He's never grateful, he's a fucking superhero, and physical touch is not something he's shied away from. Yet, he can't deny, that small show of respect, not directed towards his power, but rather, his own preference... Strange.

You're strange, you're infuriating. Your hair looks so soft, despite the gallons of product they dumped onto it.

He gravitates towards you after the shoot ends, when all the staff is slowly packing up, flickering out of the room in a river of insignificance. You're standing by the makeup table, Ashley at your side, explaining something with that same 'i'm going to have a heart attack any moment', terrified stare. He watches with mild interest, as your presence alone seems to slow the ginger's heart.

Your ribs seem to be healed over by this point, he watches some lingering, floating pieces of bone, as they fit into the puzzle of your insides. He takes a step closer, suddenly mesmerized by the way your blood vessels connect, reaching towards each other. Joining hands.

The sound of your laughter cuts through his thoughts like a knife, and he blinks up towards your face, noting deep in his brain the different types, different sounds of your joy. It's such a strange observation, he stuns himself for a moment. But then again, there's no one but himself to police his thoughts. What goes on in his mind, stays within. No corporate restrictions, no paparazzi, no Stillwell. Just him, and the soft chuckle you just let out, light, breezy, barely a sound really.

He's caught in the middle of replaying the way your voice carried above the music, back at the party, where he listened to you, and only you, floating above the roof like a dark omen. That cracking, unrestrained sound, which both irritated him, and brought a strange feeling of confusion, swirling in his stomach. So different from your Fireball persona, from the soft, high-pitched sounds you were emitting while in the Tower, constantly under surveillance.

- Just don't blow it - Ashley sighs, a swan song of her professionalism, and the wink you give her is nothing short of diabolical

- I never blow jobs without a "please" first - you shoot back, stunning both the redhead, and the lurking Homelander into silence.

It's almost a relief to him, when the familiar tightness around the lower section of his suit manifests itself at your words. He greets it like an old friend.

Would he ask for it? Would he twist his face into a pleading expression, would he guide you down, a steady hand on your shoulder, as he repeats "please" like it's a prayer? He shudders at the mental image, his fingers curling into fists so tight, the leather of his gloves starts to creak.

When your conversation with Ashley finishes, he follows you out the room, a small distance behind, and he truly doesn't know what compels his legs to move forward. He doesn't understand the need, that's suddenly manifested itself somewhere in the darker parts of himself. All he knows, is that he walks behind you like a shadow, through the corridors of the ground level of the Tower, ignoring the looks of awe and inspiration from all the inconsequential workers.

They filter like ants around the two of you, faces rising from their computers, abandoning their lunches in favor of gaping at the unexpected pair, that's slowly but surely making it's way towards the smoking area.

All the while, that ridiculously short, plaid skirt sways to the sound of the only two words, rattling around in his brain, as he observes your movements.

Ripe. Plump. Ripe. Plump. Ripe. Plump.

It would be so easy, he thinks again, to just pull you away. He knows every nook and cranny of this place. Every shadowed broom closet, every blind spot of the cameras. He has used and abused all those places, burned their existence into the mind of many, many women.

There are walls in this building, which are most definitely lacking your body pressed into them. His hands itch. They would fit so nicely under the plush flesh of your thighs, sinking into them, holding them apart. It would be child's play at this point.

And he knows Madelyn made you sign an NDA, he's seen the intricate lines of your name on the white paper. No one would stop him, and yet...

The smoking area is relatively empty. You find a spot at a table near the large window overlooking the street, and he says nothing, as he slinks into the chair opposite yours. Finally, you look up at him, tilting your head to the side, like you're trying to read something out of the schooled, passive expression on his face. He doesn't like it, the way your eyes drill into him, like you're peeling away some layers he doesn't even know are there.

He's supposed to be the one doing the peeling.

- So - you start, and he immediately snaps his attention to the tone of your voice - That was fucking exhausting, wasn't it?

Higher register, breathy quality. You're talking to him like he's one of them. One of Vaught, one of the press, like he didn't see your trembling body on the floor of the office.

Anger flares within him at the revelation, and your breath catches in your throat as without warning, the sound of a chair scraping roughly on the tiled floor fills the air. Homelander pushes himself right next to you, his hand clamping down like a vice around your wrist, holding it tightly on your lap, the leather of his gloves squeaking in protest.

Your eyes widen a fraction, muscles tensing at the unexpected proximity, and your gaze darts around the smoking area, taking in the noticable lack of other people.

- The fu...-

He cuts you off quickly, his grip tightening to an almost bruising intensity.

- Don't ever use that voice with me. - his voice is low, a hint of a warning hidden in every syllable.

For just a second your eyebrows furrow in plain confusion, and then, realization hits the both of you like a freight train.

This isn't you. You're not here.

You didn't know. You didn't notice until he pointed it out. Slow horror blossoms on your face, breath catching in your freshly healed trachea, as you blink up at him.

A mixture of emotions swirls in his gut.

They almost got you. For just a second you were completely immersed in the fantastical, corporate creation, this hellish place wanted you to be. So immersed in fact, you forgot your own voice. Fireball, like a greedy parasite, has taken root in your system, sucking away your person hood. Just like he is trained to always smile towards the camera, his face twisting every time, like a compulsion he can't get rid of.

Your shoulders sag, this unexplainable heaviness returning to your bones. He will remember this moment for years to come, long after the contract has ended, this small flicker of understanding, however damning it might be, will forever cement itself into his very being. The first time you've ever recognized, that there's more to him, that he knows he's not the only thing you're fighting.

Because in this small moment, despite the animosity, the tension, the downright horrible thoughts and actions he's taken against you, will take against you, both of you know the horrible truth. The price to pay for stepping a foot in his world, even momentarily.

- You will never lie to me - he says like it's an universally accepted fact, not a request.

And you nod, a sudden jerk of your head, hair jumping around your face, because there's no other way. He'll sniff out lies from the very essence of your being, but more than that, you're slowly growing more desperate to maintain this flicker of kinship. Your only chance at establishing a connection, at worming yourself into his brain as something more than just a piece of fuckable meat.

You will take any crumb at this point. Any way to ensure he sees you as something more, than a toy to play with and discard. To earn your safety amongst his heated stares, and pages upon pages of contracts. Stillwell won't protect you from him anymore, that much has become obvious, the moment she made you sign an NDA. Now it's your job to make sure it'll never be used against you.

Which is why, your lips part, tongue running over your teeth, as if chasing the lingering taste of Fireball's voice in your mouth. So you can recognize it earlier, cut it out like a tumor, before it consumes you.

- Thank you - he shudders, as that phrase leaves your lips once again, so reminiscent of your time in his penthouse, and yet so distinctly different.

His jaw twitches under his skin, eyes blinking in rapid succession, and you can almost feel the way the bones of his hand creak, as he detaches himself from your wrist. There are indents in your flesh, in places where he pushed just a bit too far, but as soon as the pressure's gone, you can feel your skin spring back into its original state.

The chair scrapes once again, a shrill sound in the silence of the room, and with a terrifying mixture of emotions, your eyes glue themselves to the image of the American flag on his back, as he all but flees the place. For the first time, since you've landed here, he's the one retreating. But it doesn't feel like victory, it feels like the executioner's axe.

The next day, you spot your friend sitting at that same table, right in front of the window overlooking the street, where just yesterday he sat in that very chair. They notice you immediately, face twisting into a bright grin, as your heavy boots thud against the tiled floor.

You absolutely, viscerally hate seeing them here, in this suffocating, terrible place. Alas, Stillwell made herself clear. This meeting is arranged during your working hours, and as such, must take place in the Tower. Despite that, you can't help the heartbreaking feeling, that tears your chest apart as they wave at you.

You've missed them, so incredibly hard, for just a moment you're willing to forget, that the walls of this building quite literally have ears. That there's always someone watching your every movement. That he's watching, listening in.

- Good God, look at you - your friend huffs a laugh, and wraps their arms around you, finally making the faux leather of the corset somewhat bearable - You look like an industry plant.

- That's cause I am an industry plant - you smile against their cheek, revelling in the way your voice finally sounds like it's supposed to.

Ignoring the gnawing feeling of unease, you sit back in your chair, forcing the image of Homelander to the very back of your mind. You might never be safe in here, but this small reprieve, you'll take in stride. God only knows, you need some familiarity.

- How are the wedding preparations? - you ask, grabbing your phone from their hand, reunited at last

- Well, I had no idea there's so many flowers to choose from, lemme tell you that much - they huff, and your lips pull back into a smile on their own accord.

It's so easy to forget where you are, when they're near, when they're teasing the Smirnoff out of you. It's like their sheer presence here stomped hard on Fireball's neck, forcing her to stay down, to know her place.

You needed that.

With practiced ease, your fingers fish out a pack of cigarettes from your cleavage, the only place you could've hidden them, considering your super suit doesn't have any pockets. And with an even more practiced smirk, your friend produces a lighter. The exchange happens naturally. They pluck one cig from the package, light yours up, and then their own.

The scent of smoke fills your nose, biting and grounding at the same time. The feeling of nicotine slowly trickling into your system, a tightness in your lungs, makes your shoulders sag ever so slightly.

- I'm surprised they let you smoke - your friend muses, cloud of gray curling around their mouth - Not very 'superhero of the people' of you.

You scoff, your eyes rolling.

- I swear, everytime I pull one out, they all look at me, like I'm snorting coke in front of a fucking preschooler.

You're well aware just how bitter your voice sounds, and as much as your friend tries to maintain the easy going smile, there's a flicker of deep-rooted concern.

- They really made you into something else, huh? - they ask, voice quiet and almost mournful

- Five more months - you sigh, trying to take some consolation in the passage of time, however hopeless it may be. - "Life is a Cabaret, old chum..."

The quote hangs heavily between the two of you, twisting your faces into mirror images of sardonic smiles, as the utter ridiculousness of your situation falls on you like a weighted blanket. Smoke fills the space, lingering around your heads, before inevitably it gets sucked away by the ventilation system. For a second, you wish, you could ingrain this scent, this nauseating stink of chemicals into your very being, somehow sink it into your blood.

Perhaps this way, you'd finally feel safe. Perhaps it would make him repulsed enough to leave your shadow.

It's quiet for a moment. The hum of the air conditioning, and the distant sounds of lively New York streets combining into a harmony of your current life, drowning you in the unchanging rhythm of the big city. Your mind starts to wonder, towards the ever-seeing eyes of your mentor. If he sees you now, what is he thinking? Is he planning some elaborate way to twist your very being to his liking?

No. Not after your last conversation.

Surely, it would be easier, if he had just accepted Fireball as your ultimate, perfect image. You were a good actress, and exceptional liar. You could've pulled it off. But of course, he wants you. He wants Smirnoff. And by God, that thought twists your guts into a mixture of fear and disgust.

Why won't he just let you pretend?

- So, how's Mister America? - your friend's voice brings you back, pulls you away from your darkening thoughts, and wrenches a heavy, tired sigh right out of your lungs.

You can't tell them.

You're contractually obligated never to say a word. Still, they can read you like an open book, having spent years of their life getting used to the twists and turns of your expression. So, when you look up at them, through haze of cigarette smoke and unspoken words, they understand without a second of delay.

Their face falls, that smirk you've known so well, trampled by an image of pure worry. It doesn't take a genius to see the undercurrent of fear, the acceptance of the inevitable flowing from your eyes like a broken faucet.

- Oh...

Yeah. Oh.

What else is there to say? What words could bring you comfort in this mess? Truth is, as much as you'd hate to admit it, you've brought this upon yourself, the moment you sat in Stillwells office. The moment you saw the CCTV footage, and still decided to sign that damned non-disclosure. You should've ran for the hills. Pack your pride, pack your bleeding heart, and hide back in your house, between boxes of your mother's belongings, between your sister's old posters. Under your old diploma, and all the other trash you're never going to use again.

But here you are. Waiting for the other shoe to drop.

- You have no idea... - the words seem to run out of your mouth on their own, carried away on the hands of cigarette smoke.

- Did he hurt you?

Now you laugh. A bitter, grating sound that hurts both your ears, and your heart. Because yes, of course he did hurt you. But how can you explain, that in that very moment you felt more seen, more alive, than you've had for years of your life? How does one even begin to comprehend such terrible truth, not to mention saying it out loud.

And how do you explain, that physical violence is not the part you're worried about?

- That's... - you pause, raking your brain for something, any phrase that wouldn't endanger the contract, while still describing your hopeless situation - That's not the worst thing, that can (will) happen to me here.

There. You can see, by their sharp intake of breath, that suddenly they understand in fullness. Their throat bobs around a nervous swallow.

- What's your plan? - your friend asks, leaning closer, their elbows sliding on the glass table - You have to protect yourself somehow, this can't... You can't.

- I don't know - the admission feels both hopeless and cathartic - I thought I did, but I don't. All I know is, I need to make myself irreplacable. I need to be entertaining enough, without loosing the last fucking shreds of dignity I have. Damned if I do, damned if I don't otherwise.

Another moment of heavy silence falls between the two of you. The tiles on the floor start to merge together, as tears spring into your eyes. Pathetic, really. You promised yourself not to cry, and yet, despite still being inside the belly of the beast, your friend's presence brings out, well... You.

Their tone of voice is soft, measured, when they say your name, and your eyes flicker towards them, wetness gathering on the ends of your fake eyelashes.

They hold your gaze for a moment, something akin to determination flowing in tides across their face.

- So, saying "Yes", and saying "No" are out of question. - they muse, and you nod, a single, tense jerk of your head - Then there's only one answer.

You blink, confused. The cigarette sizzles, as they chuck it into a half empty paper cup of black coffee, smoke rising into the air, before it's extinguished completely. Elbows slide across the glass table, as they lean in closer towards you, as if sharing some incredibly juicy secret.

You can see the small mole on their cheek is dusted with a bit of makeup powder.

- The answer is, "Maybe."

#my writing #homelander x you #homelander x reader #homelander fanfiction #homelander #the boys fandom #the boys fanfiction #the boys amazon #aaaand we're back stronger than ever im already working on the next few chapters so perchance ill be able to keep up a schedule #we'll see how it goes bear with me

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olichat-reads · 2 years ago

Text

Mrow | Part Five (finale)

Bakugou x roomate!reader

Summary: back human?? fucking finally??

A/n: WE'RE HERE. THIS IS LAST CHAPTER I PROMISE OH MY GOD. i'm NEVER writing quirks again is what i wanna say because GODDAMN if figuring this shit out wasn't ridiculously hard. i feel more nervous posting this last chapter than all the others combined. hopefully the ending lives up to all the love you guys have given!

🌟

Closing your eyes, you took a deep breath-

In..

And out...

-before reopening them.

Yeah, no. Still naked as the day you were born.

"CLOTHES," you screeched in a panic. Scrambling frantically, you grabbed the first thing you could in your proximity, holding onto the tattered cloth to your naked body for dear life, desperate to maintain some semblance of modesty. "BAKUGOU HELP HELP HELP-"

"WHAT THE FUC-" You didn't even have to see him to know he was gaping at you in shock. At the corner of your eye, you caught the villains charging up their attacks, taking aim while both your heads were spinning from the situation at head.

"BAKUGOU HOWITZER IMPACT-POWER SHIELD COMBO!" You yelled, one hand still holding up the too small cloth like a lifeline over your naked self, you steadied your other hand, timing your quirk with Bakugou's.

Bakugou didn't hesitate, having paired up with you enough to go through the motions of your combo moves like its instinct.

One blast from your roomate sent the villains flying back from its impact. The kickback had the air around you whipping, making you squeak as the wind tried to rip the cloth from your death grip while you activated your quirk, creating a power shield to buy you some time to-

"Sunshine?!??" Wow he wasn't even going to pretend to yell at you for telling him what to do. He must really be distracted.

You barely chanced a glance at Bakugou, doing your best to concentrate on keeping your forcefield up. You caught your roomate all but whip his head around to stare at you, eyes almost bugging out of his head as though he couldn't believe the sight before him.

"BAKUGOU MY BIDDIES ARE ACTUALLY OUT RIGHT NOW. WE CAN TALK LA-"

"WH- HAH???? SUNSHINE?????" He all but wheezed out. You wanted to to tell him to save his breath with all the panting he was putting his lungs through but both of you had other priorities.

"BAKUGOU PLEASE," you cried out exasperately. "CLOTHES FIRST. THEN YOU CAN INTERGORATE ME AS IF I ATE THE LAST PUDDING IN THE FRIDGE-"

A beat of silence.

"BITCH I KNEW IT WAS YOU!" The blonde yelled back, recovering quickly, huffing in exertion while he scrambled to get something to cover you up while you kept up your forcefield.

"BOY I'M THE ONLY OTHER PERSON WHO LIVES WITH YOU OF COURSE IT WAS ME-"

"I BLASTED SPARKY OF OFF THE ROOF FOR THAT!" He screeched back, chucking the soft material into your face with enough force to make you stumble a bit, your power shield wavering slightly.

"YOU DID WHAT."

"YOU TOLD ME HE TOOK MY FUCKING PUDDING!!"

"I DID NO SUCH THING. I JUST VERY STRONGLY IMPLIED THAT IT MIGHT BE SOMEONE ELSE BESIDES ME-"

"BITCH IT WAS SO CLEARLY YOU THOUGH-"

"OBVIOUSLY, YOU DUMBASS. I DIDN'T THINK I WAS SO CONVINCING YOU'D THROW DENKI OF OFF A FUCKING ROOF-"

"DON'T DUMBASS ME, DUMBASS!"

You almost deactivated your quirk in favour of a facepalm. You return to human after two weeks of being a cat & the first thing you do is get into a screaming match with your roomate about fucking pudding of all things.

"Okay, SHUT. Take over & cover me for 10 seconds while I get decent & I'll charge you up."

"You get 8 & you're buying me pudding," he bargained with a smirk. The audacity of this man.

"Are you serio- you know what. Fine. Fine!"

With that you leaped out of the way, letting Bakugou cover you. Quickly tugging over the baggy shirt & sweatpants abandoning the tattered cloth.

"Oh my god. Did you actually manage to find your own merch for me to wear right now?" You couldn't help but snort as you held up an oversized black shirt with Ground Zero's signature orange X on the front.

"Fuck off. They were the closest things I could get my hands on. Call it coincidence."

"Doubt."

"Sunshine."

You couldn't help but chuckle as you rushed over to position yourself behind the burly hero.

"Alright, alright. One power up coming up," you gave him the heads up. You brpught up your hands to rest on Bakugou's shoulder blades, ignoring the toned muscle beneath your palms as you focused on directing energy to his arms.

"Thats more like it," Bakugou smirked, feeling the heat return to his palms.

"Alright, Lord Explosion Murder God Dynamight. Better live up to that ridiculously convoluted name of yours."

"Its Ground Zero now & you know it, gaslighting brat."

"Aw but I liked the tongue twister better, you menace to society." Rolling your eyes as you thought back to all the times he used to insist everyone get that absurd hero name right. The entire thing. No shortcuts.

You caught the smirk your partner threw you, paired with that classic murderous glint in his ruby red eyes when he was about to go berserk. Wew, you almost felt bad for the villains who were going to face his wrath as you watched his grin turn predatory.

Then you remembered they had no qualms in hurting furbabies to get their way.

Yeah, no.

"Fuck them up, roomie," you smirked at the thought of serving these villains what they deserve, smiling at the huff of a deadly laugh the explosion hero breathed out.

"Lets give them hell, Sunshine."

🌟

"That will be 6.99," the cashier said robotically, his eyes wide & owlish. You didn't blame him though- you & Bakugou were quite the sight. The two of you were intensely ragged & disheveled from your little villain encounter, though fortunately, neither of you were severely injured- just a couple of light cuts & bruises that would be a bitch to wake up to tomorrow morning.

"Take your fucking pudding," you all but growl at the blonde smirking over your shoulder. Bakugou swiped his pudding of off the counter gleefully, one large hand going to ruffle your head. You pretend to threaten him with a bite, snapping your teeth at the offending hand, making him laugh at your expense.

"Thanks, Sunny."

"Its Sunshine to you," you huffed, stepping out of the store, Bakugou close to your side.

"You've been Sunny for the past 2 weeks. I think its too late for that at this point."

Stopping in your tracks abruptly, you turned to face the blonde, your narrowed eyes meeting amused red ones to pout up at him.

Smug bastard.

Rolling your eyes, you stepped into his personal space, making his shit-eating grin falter slightly, confusion falling over his face. That got a satisfied huff out of you, masking your nerves before you launched forward pouncing onto your roomate & wrapping your arms around his waist. The contact made Bakugou freeze, his entire body tensing up in your hold.

"..whats this for?"

Fuck. Your face felt hot. You didn't let yourself back away though. Instead, you hid yourself away into his chest.

"Nah. I kinda promised myself I'd hug you as thanks when I'm back human. For, well, looking out for me & shit," you mumbled into what was left of his hoodie, nuzzling into the soft fabric. You continued when Bakugou didn't say anything.

"Its weird. I didn't even go anywhere, but I missed you. I guess."

It took a moment, but you soon felt hesitant hands come around your body to return your hug, the reciprocation making you melt into Bakugou's careful hold as he rested his chin on your head.

"I should've known," he started lowly, making your brows furrow at the tone of his voice- something you could only describe as regret. "Even if you looked different, you were still you. From the way you sass me to the way you hiss at me in the mornings. Even- even the way you pretend to bite me after I mess with your head. It was all you. And. I should've seen it," he swallowed.

You pulled back to look at those downcasted red eyes you've grown to love so much, especially after having the oppurtinity to stare into them as much as you wanted with your excuse of being a cat. Slipping your hands into his, you squeezed lightly to make him meet your gaze.

"Bakugou. I was a cat."

"Yeah, but-"

You rolled your eyes fondly at this dumb blonde, not bothering to listen how he should've known, how he didn't do enough.

Instead, you clasped a hand over his mouth to shut him up before he could get even more agitated with himself, leaning forward to lightly press your lips to your own hand, right where his lips would've been without you covering it, letting your eyes flutter shut. Just for a moment.

Pulling away, you looked up at your roomate with a fond smile, not even caring that you had hearts in your eyes from how much adoration you had for him.

God, you were down bad for this man.

You watched Bakugou blinked at you blankly, seemingly frozen in shock as you pulled your hand away from his face, leaving his mouth gaping in surprise.

Heh. You smirked, satisfied at your roomate's flushed face & reddened ears-

Your roomate that your brain has helpfully supplied as so fucking hot the moment you laid eyes on him all those years back in UA.

Your roomate that you had to pretend you weren't completely fangirling over when you two moved in together & eventually started working together on missions, preening at every subtle praise & approval of your idol.

Your roomate that you have grown to recognize as more than just an amazing hero you look up to but also as a friend you adore as his own person- angy pomeranian, mom friend tendecies & all.

Your roomate that you've managed to befriend as more than an ex classmate to someone you trust no just with your life on the field but also with your most vulnerable self, stripped off of your hero status when you're home stress eating cookie dough ice cream at 2 am like the gremlin you are.

Your roomate that you have promptly fallen in love with after he danced with you on the roof that one cold night when he found you up there alone, swaying to a melody lost in the wind- yet vowed to not pursue.

Your roomate that your heart grew fonder for after having seen his soft side during which he cared for you as Sunny- when he sat by you with his gentle fingers in your fur on days you were lost on ways to break the quirk, seemingly atuned to your down days, even while you were cat. All the while working his ass off to find your human self.

Your roomate that is now currently malfunctioning from your actions as you turned around & continued your walk home cooly, proud to have been able to fluster the man who has had a hold on your heart for so long now & blatantly ignoring your own burning face as if your heart wasn't about to keel over from giddiness.

"What- what the fuck was that? I-if you're going to kiss me do it right dammit! Coward! Pussy!" You heard your roomate sputter after you as he jogged ahead to fall back in pace with you, roughly grabbing your hand.

You snorted at his choice of words, readjusting his hold on you but never letting go of his hand.

"The only pussy I am is the one you couldn't say no to the moment I so much as bat my pretty eyes at you. The one you cooed & talked to even through all your complaining about me being a loud little shit. The one you told all about your precious Sunshine you worried about every ni-"

"You're never going to let me live this down are you, brat?" Bakugou winced at how much blackmail you had against him the past 2 weeks he coddled your furry ass.

"And let this knowledge of how much of a softie you are deep down under all that gruff outside go to waste? After all I had to go through? Absolutely not. Mrow, bitch."

🌟

A/n: HELLO ALL OF YOU WHO STUCK AROUND UNTIL THE END. i hope the ending was okay? i scratched all my previous drafts for it & decided on something much more lighthearted because i feel thats what made this series so fun & as lovable as it is. i love you all so fucking much & i hope you enjoyed reading mrow as much as i enjoyed writing it <33 until the next crazy series my brain comes up with <3

Series taglist: @deadpoolsvodka @zbeez-outlet @fixed211 @arael-asuka @sadcookie365 @phrogfungi @trash-heichou-kacchan @sad0ni0n @woodzonesworld @mushi42 @yappydoo @kazxtora @nnubee @chuugarettes @voidsatoru @freakyundercover @momdisappointment @simp4rengoku @yaskna @zane2408 @lynn-writes-things @dinodumbass @jihyuniepark @julietdelamare @captainchrisstan @atrainb @wannabewolf @cupidcole @atsushiki @trashbin-nie @mothmanuwu @skyesayshi @nezykoi @theredtater06 @lanaxians-2 @alextheknight707 @vollkornpraline @misakik28 @carnationhcs @some-ryvant @blubearxy @dangerousluv1 @seokjin-bby @slytherclaw1227 @tjmaxx556 @kuleo26 @answer-the-sirens @stxrrielle @call-me-drartemis @ouch-thats-harsh @coodoritoss @thychuvaluswife @dynakats @naneko-nakooooo @letharue @sleepylittlebarista @moonbinnie0983 @ninashellhole @lovra974 @i-cant-write-for-shit

#mrow #bakugou fluff #bakugou x reader #cat dad!bakugou #oliwrites

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