#yeah if we’re doing cliches we’re doing ALL EM

[uramilf]

Day Eight - Eggnog and Mulled Wine

“Babe, are you ready?” Y/N called down the hall to Matty. “Coming now!” They were headed off to George and Charli’s place for one final get-together before Christmas. It was the first time they’d properly be hanging out with the group since Matty and Y/N got together, minus the night everyone found out about their relationship.

Matty came out of the bedroom with his tie hanging loosely around his neck, smiling in disbelief when he laid eyes on his girlfriend. “Fuck, baby. You look perfect.” She smiled back and turned round to show off the back of her sparkly red dress. “You like?” “I love,” he groaned. “I don’t think George would care if we were a bit late.” “Absolutely not, we’re not gonna see them until after Christmas! C’mere.” She pressed a quick kiss to his lips before tying his tie in a neat knot. “Fine, let’s go.” He took her hand and they left the house together. The car ride was full of laughter and bad singing to Christmas songs on the radio. Presents for their friends were laying in gift bags on the back seat, so many they weren’t sure they would get them into George’s house in one run.

They managed to get all the presents inside and started greeting their friends, everyone cooing over Adam and Carly’s son who had just started walking. Matty couldn’t help but smile softly at the sight of his girlfriend holding a baby. “I know it’s early days, but this is making me want kids,” he whispered to her with a smile. “Good, so I’m not the only one with baby fever.”

Charli seemed to appear out of nowhere behind them laughing. “Baby fever? Good. Do it.” “Em, we’ve been going out for less than a month. Do you wanna fuck off?” “Matty!” Y/N hissed, gesturing to the baby on her hip. “You know he’s starting to talk now, do you really want him to learn that word?” “Yes, absolutely. Hann would hate it.” “What would I hate?” Adam called from across the room. Y/N, Matty and Charli looked at each other and burst out laughing. “Nothing!”

—————

The group settled back into the living room after dinner. There wasn’t enough room of the sofas and chairs for everyone, so Carly sat in Adam’s lap whilst Charli played with their son on the carpeted floor. Matty was drinking a glass of eggnog (which he hated, but it was such a nice Christmas cliche and he wanted to feel included) while Y/N sipped on some mulled wine that Carly had made.

“So, Denise’s for Christmas?” George asked Y/N. “Yeah, I’m a bit nervous if I’m honest.” “Don’t be, she’s going to absolutely love you. Didn’t you see her on Loose Women last week saying she sometimes prefers her sons’ girlfriends to them?” “No chance you watch Loose Women,” Y/N giggled. “To see my second mother? Absolutely!” “It’s true,” Charli piped up from the floor. “He loves it.”

“We’d better head off,” Carly said, reaching down to pick up her son and giving Charli a kiss on the cheek. “This little man needs to go to bed!” “Yeah, I should go too. I’m heading to Mum’s for Christmas tomorrow, long drive ahead of me,” Ross yawned, playfully ruffling the baby’s hair. “Thanks for the lovely dinner, Char.”

George showed them all out after a few hugs and Merry Christmases. Charli stood up and stretched, before saying “Y/N? Can you come help me in the kitchen for a minute?” “Yeah, of course.” “I’ll come help with the dishes,” Matty offered, standing up, but Charli shot him a look and said “No, it’s fine. We need a girls chat anyway, it’s well overdue.” Matty raised his hands in surrender and leaned back in his chair as George re-entered.

“So. Meeting the parents?” Charli grinned. “Yeah. How long did it take for you to meet G’s parents?” “A few weeks, about the same as you. But I wasn’t staying there for the holidays. You must be scared shitless.” “Finally someone who gets it,” Y/N sighed. “Everyone’s saying his family’s lovely, and I’m sure it’s true, but all his girlfriends before me were pop stars or supermodels. I just hope their expectations aren’t too high.” “Look, just because you’re not a model doesn’t mean they won’t love you. They’re probably bored of having the same conversations every Christmas.” “Maybe you’re right. I love Matty and that’s all that really matters, right?”

Charli’s jaw dropped before she squealed in excitement. “You love him?!” “Shit.” Y/N’s hand flew to her mouth. “I just said that, didn’t I?” “Yes!” “Oh my god. I really do love him.”

—————

Meanwhile, back in the living room, Matty and George were having a similar conversation. “I’m so excited for her to meet my mum. They’re gonna love each other. She’s just so perfect, G.” “She’s great,” George agreed. “I’m really happy for you, man.” “I think I’m gonna tell her I love her tonight. Cause I do. I really do. I’ve loved her since long before the whole secret Santa incident.” “Yeah, I fuckin’ know mate! You forget I’m the one who had to listen to you talk about her every day for months.” Matty just smiled. He was gonna tell her. And he was gonna mean it, more than he had ever meant anything in his life.

—————

They lay tangled up in each others arms at the end of the night, opting to stay at Matty’s house so they could look after Mayhem, of course. Matty decided not to make a big deal out of it, because he was sure she already knew. He hadn’t exactly been hiding it.

“I love you, baby.” Y/N’s heart started beating faster, her breath caught in her throat. “I love you too,” she whispered.

[leviathanlazarus]

Smother the Flame in Your Heart - Part XII

Read previous parts here or read on Ao3

Pairing: Danny Wagner x Sam Kiszka

Word Count: ~4300

Warnings: nothing besides mentions of binge drinking/vomiting

;)

---

The Montage was not a packed house for the sort of odd but tolerable-sounding indie-alt group that Sam had never heard of before and was sort of surprised Jake wanted to see, especially on his and Josh’s birthday. The whole thing seemed kind of lame, made even more lame because the venue floor was as sparse as it was–too much room to move around, killing some of the intimacy and general excitement of a real show. Also lame because, even with that, it was still too loud to have much of a real conversation, and Sam felt very out of the loop, because the noise barrier wasn’t seeming to stop Danny and Jake.

Why were they trying to talk to each other so badly anyway? Sam thought about this, brooding, as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other, tapping against the floor with the rhythm of the music despite not wanting to. He tried to focus on the band, and although the music should have been loud enough to drown out every word shared between Jake and Danny, his ears were anxiously tuned into the pair on his right who were huddled close together, with Danny hunched down on his knees a bit to meet Jake’s words, to keep their ears level. There wasn’t anything odd or concerning about the conversation between them from the few words Sam could catch here and there–it was just them talking about the instruments and the sound and the stage set-up–but nonetheless it made him prickly. 

“So what do you think?” Josh asked, pressing in close to Sam, who had just about entirely forgotten his other brother was there at all. Josh gave a brief jut of his nose and chin upwards, gesturing at the band: “I’m not so sure. Good bass though, right, Sammy? That guy might be the star.”

“Yeah,” Sam agreed. Now that Josh had turned his attention to it, the agreement was genuine. He tried to keep his ears on those drumming fingers and smooth riffs, the rhythm flowing through him enough to make him actually start tapping with the music, not just out of irritation. 

Josh leaned in even more, squishing their arms together. “Are you okay?” The question was sufficiently loud enough for Sam to hear, but a quick glance to his right assured him that Jake and Danny hadn’t heard.

“Why?” Sam replied.

“You’ve been quiet all evening. Dare I say that you even seemed uncomfortable at dinner?”

Sam let out a small huff and laid his arm over Josh’s shoulder. “I’m good, Josh.” Josh hadn’t proven to be an issue at all–he liked Danny, of course, and Sam knew that Josh wanted to be better friends with him, but he’d never crossed a line. Sam didn’t think this twin had any inkling Danny was anything other than his totally human, not-supernatural-whatsoever, boyfriend. So he gave his brother a reassuring squeeze and added, “Yeah, I’m good. Just trying to figure out what the fuck this band even is.”

Josh laughed and reciprocated, hugging Sam back. “Yeah, me too. Like, they’re sort of like 2010s indie but without the cliche vocals–probably a good thing there–but also trying to replicate the rhythm and percussion of, I don’t know, Radiohead? Is that accurate? It’s odd.”

Sam laughed too. “Something like that. Jake likes this shit?”

“I don’t think so. I think he’s just missing going to shows. The venues here have been dry lately.”

“Yeah, all two of ‘em.”

“Exactly.” 

Danny stood to his full height and leaned into Sam. “So what do you think?”

Sam traded Josh’s body for his boyfriend’s, roping both arms around Danny’s waist and holding him in place. “Josh just asked me that,” he said loudly. “I guess I can appreciate the bass but this really isn’t doing anything for me. It’s actually starting to sound abrasive.”

“Ouch. Don’t tell the band that.”

“Good thing I’m not a critic.”

“You might be someday,” Danny countered. “Hey, so, Jake says we’re going out after this. I guess they invited a few more people so–it could be a fun night after all?”

“I’m having fun now,” Sam assured him, though he wasn’t having enough fun and he wasn’t so sure extending the night would help. But what was he going to do, not spend time with his brothers on their birthday even when he wanted Danny all to himself? 

Sam could see more than hear the chuckle from Danny. “There’s nothing a few drinks can’t solve.”

That ended up being true, thankfully. Mostly Danny was consciously thankful of the turnaround, because he’d seen the fire of jealousy grow in Sam’s eyes at the show earlier as Danny and Jake kept talking, getting close. Not too close, Danny made sure, but it seemed like every step toward him and every word exchange created those dangerous sparks in Sam, and the numerous shots and drinks at the bar after was shockingly placating. Sometimes it was a guessing game with Sam and alcohol, Danny had come to learn, with the occasional fiery fit burning through jovial laughs and a wonderful, warm good mood. 

Sam was really just glad to get out of the concert. At the bar, other friends distracted the twins and he was able to keep Danny close. Hanging out at the counter for a bit, chasing those shots with good beer, turned into taking advantage of the small arcade area and Sam found himself having more fun than he expected. He should have expected it though because no matter the circumstance and no matter what was going on inside his own head, his boyfriend was fun. So much fun. Encouraging and easygoing, Danny was a great partner in games and also a great opponent–every time he won something against Sam, Sam was still rewarded with a kiss and even some murmured, dirty promises of what was to come. Danny was definitely wasted when he said those things, Sam realized, but he knew it didn’t make it any less true. 

“You might be too drunk to follow through on that later on,” Sam said, feeling up for some teasing, in Danny’s ear after he was told in somewhat slurred detail how his boyfriend was going to fuck him into oblivion once they got back home. Home to Danny’s place, that is. 

Danny scoffed and tucked his face into Sam’s hair, attempting to nibble at his ear. “I’m not that drunk. You think I can’t?”

It was also true that even when Danny got shitfaced, he could keep drinking for a while. Sometimes the whole night. Sam didn’t know how he did that, how his body allowed that–maybe the extra blood helped somehow, he thought jokingly. 

“I have to see it to believe it,” Sam said, enjoying continuing to toy with Danny’s own hot blooded mood tonight. 

“You’re gonna feel it,” Danny countered, successfully latching his teeth onto Sam’s ear, who laughed and groped at his ass. Danny laughed too, delighted at Sam getting even more handsy with him. Just as Sam’s hand gripped his ass harder, Danny heard Josh laughing from behind them.

“Whoa there! Are you two gonna get down and dirty right here?” Josh asked, all flushed cheeks and drunken giggles when Sam and Danny pulled apart enough to look at him. “In the arcade?”

“Pervert,” Sam quipped sharply.

“No,” Danny scoffed with his own drunk laugh. 

“God, I’m just kidding,” Josh said, clapping Danny on the arm. “I know you wouldn’t.”

“Why not?” Danny asked while Sam replied with, “Is that a dare?”

“Pace yourselves, gentlemen.” Josh raised his eyebrows and tipped his head up at the pair pointedly. “We have an after-party at our house.”

“For your information, I can go all night,” Danny told Josh, who erupted into more giggles, face coming up to cover his mouth for a second while Sam looked at his boyfriend, lovesick and drunk and eternally amused.

“Daniel, you really are wasted,” Sam said once Josh was pulled away by someone and he and Danny were left at the Pac Man game that was still idle. Sam’s intentions of playing any more games were dwindling–he was tempted to get an uber for himself and Danny to get out and actually screw around in private. 

“I’m good, Sammy,” Danny said. He was–he knew his limits. As long as they smoked the joint Sam had packed before the party, he’d be good to go all night for real. Screw going back to his apartment–he would fuck Sam in his own bed, no problem. Danny pulled Sam into another hug and eyed the jukebox behind him. “I do feel like I’m more drunk than you though. That might be a problem.”

It did end up being a problem. It wasn’t intentional, none of it was–but later on, when the night was thick and pitch black and cool air swept through the open windows of the Kiszka house, he found himself more drunk than he’d been in months and sitting alone outside in the wide expanse of that cool night air with Jake. Danny wasn’t even sure where Sam was–somewhere in the house, obviously, and last he’d checked, his boyfriend had been making Josh some strange cocktail that Danny was sure was diabolical. So he’d counted himself out of further risk of alcohol poisoning, stepping outside in the hopes of finding more weed. He’d found both out there on the back deck in the form of Jake lounging solo, smoke already streaming from his lips as he tipped his head back, a familiar glass bowl in one hand.

“You removed yourself from your own birthday party?” Danny questioned unseriously, uncapping the bottle of water Josh had handed him a few minutes ago. Jake turned around in his chair, shifting from facing the outskirts of the yard that were dark, the light on the back of the house stopping just a few feet further than the edge of the deck; Danny stepped forward, further into the light, and Jake smiled and laughed softly.

“Anyone is more than welcome to join me,” he said, leaning over to grab a spare chair and pull it closer to his own. “You wanna smoke?”

“Sure, man. Maybe more weed will help me even out.” Danny settled into the chair and sipped more water before he said, “People are filtering out now. I didn’t even notice how late it’d gotten.”

“Last I checked it was like one in the morning. But I’ve been zoning out here–what time is it now?”

“Uh, the clock on your stove said like, 1:45 right before I came out here.”

“Good. It's been a good birthday.” Jake passed the bowl and lighter over, then leaned back in his chair, arm laid over the back of it, to look right at Danny again. “Are you spending the night here?”

“Sam and I were gonna go back to my place–well, if I hadn’t drank so much. But at this rate–” Danny paused to take a hit, inhaling deeply and then coughing a bit before he finished: “At this rate, I don’t see a point in leaving. I can’t anyway. Not without an uber.”

Jake laughed a little. “So stay. Easy as that, man.” He took the bowl back and their smoke session rolled into motion; Danny felt it was a surefire way to bond with Jake, and he felt warm and comfortable in the chair, in the night air, even with the silence between them. He was drunk enough to not even register the silence as awkward in the slightest until Jake made it awkward by asking, “Tell me, Danny–what do I smell like to you?”

Danny heard him clearly, but all he could respond with was one wobbly word: “What?”

Jake chuckled, and from the flush of his cheeks and red-rimmed eyes, it was obvious he was stoned. But how much being under the influence was in turn influencing this conversation, Danny couldn’t be sure. 

“You can tell me,” he went on, and then Danny could hear the alcohol in that husky voice, each word getting a little louder as Jake leaned in closer, their legs touching. “I’m really curious. You must have like, a heightened sense of smell or something, right?”

“Uh–” Danny stuttered, staring at the bowl that was paused, motionless, on Jake’s knee. “I guess? Only when it comes to–um. Well, unfortunately, only when it comes to people, I think.”

“So?” Jake bumped his knee that wasn’t acting as a miniature table against Danny’s. “I wanna know. You said Sam smells good but, man, let me tell ya–to me, he usually just smells like he needs to start wearing actual deodorant.”

Danny chuckled, nervous–but also excited. Too excited thanks to the alcohol and the weed running through his own system. But the conversation was, at the end of the day, harmless. Right?

“It’s hard to describe,” he began to tell Jake, looking over his shoulder briefly to catch a glimpse inside the house. But the kitchen windows revealed nothing–no one visible. He wondered what Sam was actually doing in the house, wherever he was, and if the harm that came from this conversation was the feelings that would stir within his beloved boyfriend. Nevertheless, Danny went on, trying to find the words to make it make sense for Jake: “He smells sweet. Not like sugar though, something more…complicated. Rich. He tastes–” He stopped himself, not sure Jake would want to hear the more intimate details. 

Jake’s face was impossible to read–placid and cool, the visible high in his eyes diminished. “Interesting. What about Josh?”

His mouth going dry, Danny took a long drink of water while he thought about how to describe Jake’s twin. “Well,” he began, turning his attention behind himself again, but still the kitchen appeared to be empty. “Josh smells like, bright, I guess? Warm and summery. Sweet too, like a lot of people smell kind of sweet, but he smells more sugary than Sam.” He shifted in the chair. This was such a bizarre talk to be having, so strange to be putting sensations that were inherently esoteric into words. 

Jake hummed, face in profile while he looked out into the darkness. He lifted the bowl to his lips as if he’d suddenly remembered its existence and brought the lighter to life again, taking a hit and passing it off to Danny once more. After a soft cough into his elbow, Jake looked at Danny and said, “So that leaves me.”

Danny nodded, inhaling the smoke from the ember still burning in the bowl. Whatever, he concluded, trying to get back to how drunk and careless he’d felt just a few minutes ago–why should this matter? They were going to tell Sam soon enough that Jake had figured it out. Danny just wanted to get a little closer to him in the meantime. Satiate Jake’s curiosities. Secure the friendship.

“Yup,” he agreed while exhaling. “That leaves you.”

Jake’s unnervingly tranquil face broke into a wide, toothy grin. “Yeah?”

“You smell…syrupy,” Danny answered, and Jake burst into a short, loud laugh. Danny laughed too, realizing how odd it sounded, but it was the best he could come up with. “Like, sweet, right? But darker somehow. Kind of earthy. I don’t know, dude. I bet you’d taste like maple syrup. Or maybe straight tree sap.”

“Really? Maple syrup?” Jake asked, trying to stifle a stream of giggles with his hand over his mouth. 

Laughing more, Danny nodded and shrugged, reaching for his water again. “Yeah, man,” he concurred before he took another sip. “Maple syrup.”

“Well, fuck. One of these days you might have to try me and see if that’s, uh, accurate.”

Danny paused with the water bottle against his lips. He wasn’t so sure he’d heard Jake clearly then. But as he drank, he looked to the side to make eye contact with Jake, whose face had turned serious again, almost challenging. Danny swallowed, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, and inhaled deeply, trying to have the night air soothe him. But amidst the smell of weed, springtime pollen drifting through the breeze and someone’s backyard bonfire in the distance, he could smell that earthy sweetness that emanated so clearly from Jake. 

“Sam wouldn’t like that,” Danny said, looking over his shoulder for the third time. Still no Sam. Or Josh. He should get up soon, escape this dialogue and find his boyfriend. 

“So you can only get your blood from one source?” Jake asked, the words gentle but the look on his face still challenging. Danny couldn’t tell if the intent was to rile him up, and if so, why?, or if Jake was really that curious.

“We have an agreement,” Danny told him. 

Jake sighed softly, eyes never breaking away from Danny’s face until he shrugged and stuffed his lighter in his pants pocket. “I’m just saying–plenty of you to go around, big man,” he said, clapping Danny on the shoulder with another Cheshire grin. “Plenty of blood to go around, too.” 

“Well, not really,” Danny countered, making himself stand up. “Blood isn’t exactly infinite.”

Jake’s grin softened, and as Danny towered over him still seated, he looked small and suddenly back to being somewhat innocent. “Shit. I’m sorry, Danny.” He huffed and sank back in the chair, looking away. “I’m just really drunk. And I do think you’re super interesting and cool and…maybe I’m just a little jealous that Sam gets to, like, experience an actual vampire.”

Danny sat back down, his own drunken mind kicking back into gear, making his heart more pliable. Jake never struck him as the sort of person who had even slightly malicious intentions and now Danny was reminded of the ultimate appeal he had to strengthen the friendship he was desperate for–just being a vampire. That’s all it took. He couldn’t blame Jake for being relentlessly curious. It was still a lot for Danny to remember each day that Sam and Jake even believed any of his life was real.

“I mean, I really appreciate how interesting you think I am,” Danny said, a drunken laugh bubbling in his throat as he repeated Jake’s compliment. He laid an arm over Jake’s shoulders and sighed. “But seriously, don’t be jealous. It’s all so fucked up. Sam’s the best though–I don’t wanna do anything to hurt him.”

“Yeah, no, of course not.” Jake leaned into Danny’s touch and his scent drifted even more strongly with the push of a breeze, ruffling through both of their hair, Jake’s long, dark strands tickling Danny’s knuckles. 

Whatever Danny was going to say was lost and quickly forgotten when the sound of the sliding glass door opening behind them bounced against the wooden deck. His heart jumped into his throat, a hummingbird flight of nerves in his stomach, but when he took his arm back and turned around to face Sam, it was Josh who padded across the deck through the light.

“I’m not surprised to see you two all alone out here,” Josh said, slightly sing-songy, and Jake chuckled next to Danny as his twin stumbled, barefoot, as he made his way over. At first, Danny felt compelled to read–or hear–between the lines, but then he remembered just how much of a wallflower he and Jake could be. Josh circled around them, planting himself in front and immediately reaching for the bowl. “Lemme get some of that.”

“Where’s Sam?” Danny asked while Jake fished around for the lighter.

“Oh shit, I almost forgot,” Josh replied, nabbing the lighter and leaning back against the railing. “He’s upstairs discarding, I dunno, the last six or so shots he guzzled down.”

Danny’s eyebrow furrowed. “Josh–what?”

“He’s throwing up?” Jake asked, which prompted Danny to get to his feet again.

“Oh shit. Fuck,” he said, giving Josh’s shoulder a squeeze of thanks as he meandered over the deck, forgetting all about the weed and the weird conversation. Poor Sam was throwing up without anyone–without Danny–to hold his hair back or give him water or make sure he wasn’t wrecking his knees on the tile floor of the bathroom. So Danny breezed back through the empty kitchen, pausing just long enough to grab another bottle of water from the fridge for Sam; the rest of the house was empty too. A quick glance at his phone told him it was nearly three in the morning now. Being drunk and high certainly acted like a time warp sometimes, he thought as he ascended the stairs, ears tuning in for his boyfriend’s suffering. 

At the top, he did hear a terrible wretching behind the closed door. Danny knocked softly before opening it, finding Sam just as he’d imagined–hunched over the toilet, limbs askew, hair a mess, cheeks wildly pink when he turned just enough for Danny to see his face.

“Oh no, Sammy,” Danny said, moving fast to grab a towel hanging from behind the door as he shut it. “Here.” He kneeled down beside Sam and nudged him a bit, trying to get the cushioning beneath Sam’s vulnerable knees. 

“Ugh,” was all Sam said, all drawn out and gargled. He heaved heavily once, then swallowed hard enough for Danny to hear before he added, “Don’t look at me, Daniel.”

Danny snorted and pet his hair, making sure to get it out of his face. “I have to look at you. Fuck, Sammy, this is the worst.” Sam heaved again then dove for the toilet bowl; Danny did, in fact, look away as he emptied more alcohol from his stomach. “Just get it out. You’ll feel better.” 

Coughing and wiping at his mouth and chin with his wrist, Sam leaned back against the wall. His eyes were wet with those awful, totally involuntary tears that came from throwing up as he looked at Danny and said, “I think it’s over.”

“Just sit for a minute,” Danny instructed gently, rubbing Sam’s bent knee. He set the bottle of water down next to him, feeling even more sobered up with his caretaker role. He didn’t mind–actually, Danny loved being so present and helpful much of the time, especially with Sam. He just wished Sam wasn’t in this predicament. “And drink some of this.” 

Sam chuckled weakly as he twisted the cap off. “Partied a little too hard, I guess.”

“Yeah, jeez,” Danny agreed, scooching to sit back against the wall with him. “You ended the night with more shots? Josh said you had like, six.”

Sam shook his head while he drank. “No,” he said, exhaling hard and letting his head fall back. “Not six. I had like, two more shots and a few more beers. We were playing a game.”

“Ah. That’ll do it.” Danny rubbed Sam’s shoulder. “What game?”

“It was called, um…” Sam groaned and took another drink. “‘Most likely.’ Yeah. So whoever is the most likely to do something, according to the group, has to drink.”

“Oh, so like, most likely to date a vampire? That sort of thing?”

Sam chuckled again and rested his head on Danny’s shoulder. “Yeah, exactly. Where were you during all this shit?”

“Out back. I didn’t even realize I was out there for so long. Long enough for you to get beyond shitfaced, anyway,” Danny said, listening for noise beyond the confines of the bathroom, but Josh and Jake must have still been outside themselves. “Smoking weed with Jake,” he added to fill in the blanks.

“Abandoning me in my time of need to get high with my brother,” Sam said with a sigh. “How traitorous of you, Danny.”

He knew it was a joke, but that word made Danny’s heart sink. “I know. I’m the worst.”

“No, you’re not.” Sam rose on slightly wobbly legs and stepped to the sink, grabbing his toothbrush. “You can make up for all that shit now anyway by helping me get to bed.”

Danny did. He helped Sam to his bedroom, assisted getting his clothes off, leaving him in just his underwear. When Sam was nestled beneath the covers, Danny went back downstairs for more water and a bag of chips that were left on the kitchen counter, half-empty; outside, the twins were still sitting. With a lingering look, Danny could discern Jake packing yet another bowl and Josh tipping his head back to drink yet another beer. Party animals, Danny thought, and not that he wasn’t too, but now his mission was making sure Sam was all good. Or as good as someone in that state can be.

After stripping down to his own underwear, Danny got in bed beside Sam. The moment their bodies were slightly touching, Sam grabbed Danny’s arm and pulled him closer, pressing Danny’s front flush with his backside. He was actually already too hot from the ordeal of throwing up and the excess of booze still sitting in his gut and flooding his veins, but he still needed the weight and warmth of Danny around him. 

He really hadn’t meant to get so drunk. He just got caught up in the game. And Danny hadn’t been there. What were he and Jake talking about this time? Sam wondered in the darkness, his eyes shut, his ears tuned into Danny’s barely audible, still-awake breaths. He tried not to let the mystery bother him. He tried not to weave through the theories of what Jake might know, if anything, and how. Thankfully, Danny nuzzling into the back of his head and keeping one hand over his heart lulled Sam into sleep faster than his thoughts could keep him up.

---

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[iguessitsjustme]

I Saw You In My Dream Ep 10 Thoughts

I’m behind on this show. I was debating even continuing my liveblog because I am very sleepy and also I have since started my book and now I gotta know how it ends. It took until chapter 4 but now I’m intrigued. Anyway. Reading break so I can eat so I’m catching up on this show. As always, under the cut:

These two are so ridiculously cute. I love them. I sure hope nothing weird happens in this episode.

Noisy sidewalk people go AHWAY.

Oh this other model dude is a creep. Creepy creep creeperston. And Yu is gonna need to save her and that’s gonna cause dumb drama. Where have I seen this before? Oh yeah. Very similar to Love Mechanics which I just binged recently. Do not ask me my thoughts on that show unless you want a whole rant about nothing in particular.

Now Yu. You’re going to explain to your boyfriend that Pan needs a safe place to stay and has nowhere else, right? RIGHT? You don’t gotta tell him why but you can at least communicate that. Right???

YU. Why are you sitting next to your EX and NOT your CURRENT boyfriend?

Honestly, if I were Ai, I’d leave. I would make Yu come after me to explain himself. Somewhere in private. Alas. Ai is a better person than I am I fear.

Noisy sidewalk people go AWAY. Question for my followers that read these: is it impossible to leave a restaurant without yelling? Cause I think it might be impossible.

Ice stop doing the most challenge. Why be a creep when you could literally just go like…read a book or something. I do not understand.

What an evil dream.

But I knew it. The levitating means it’s a dream that represents Ai’s fears and insecurities.

Oh yay we’re getting similar drama for the side couple. Of course it’s just a double dose of jealousy. Why have variety when you can do the same cliche twice in different fonts? I’m yawning. Where’s my book? It’s not something I’d normally choose for myself but it’s more original than this.

Oh my god they’re self aware.

Ice go away. Why is he doing the most to be the worst? See, if I were Pan, I would have posted a picture of the gps tracking device and tagged Ice and said “did you put this in my purse before or after I rejected you?” but again, she’s a better person than I am. Also I’m pretty sure doing that would violate a lot of her contracts. But also someone there needs to call the police what the fuck???

The POLICE. GO TO THE POLICE.

Ice stop breaking into people’s houses challenge. What the fuck is wrong with this man?

Ai’s mom picked up that frying pan and I yelled “Get ‘em girl!” and immediately went into a coughing fit and it seems that’s all the vocal power I had left. Forgot my voice was going out. Worth it. I hope she gets him.

Well that episode was…pointless. Why did that episode exist? Though I would love for a spinoff GL for Pan actually. Give me that? Please?

Anyway on to episode 11. Looks like it’s gonna be…something. Sure. This show doesn’t hurt me nearly as much as others have.

[chidoroki]

Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest EP17

aka: tee-hee~ ship go brrrrr

At least that new star dress mix was able to damage one of the tree golems.. just one though, which is of course the downside of Lucy not being able to maintain said form for long.

I love seeing Juvia fight but the pokemon trainer in me can’t help but think "not very effective" with her water attacking literal trees. Bad type match up indeed.

Cliche or not, the reaching out of the hands and just missing saving the other is so nice.

“Don’t worry about Juvia!” “Can I even do that?” Eehehe.

“Human.. what is this girl to you? Is it strength? Is she your strength?” “That’s right. She’s my strength to live.” HELL YEAH BOY! He said the thing with his whole chest and proudly!

I can’t even blame our girl for overheating y’all, that was so sweet to hear after all this time.

“Juvia, let me borrow your body.” “Yes, do as you please!” Her mind is totally in the wrong place but go ahead and live your dreams girlie.

There’s something so unbelievably funny to me about getting bashed in by a giant ice hammer that’s sporting a goofy smile on it.

Let’s go unison raid let’s go~

Gray is blushing so damn hard trying to avoid Juvia’s cute attempts to make him say those words to her again.

Awww, the head pat, the “I’m glad you’re okay,” the way they’re so close with both of ‘em blushing.. my heart is incredibly happy.

“Nice work, Gray and Juvia!” “Must be the power of love.” As if we couldn’t make it even more obvious, HA.

I love how Brandish is just chilling, completely unbothered and eating her treats while the whole town gets destroyed.

Oh yeah, Gajeel is gonna have a blast going huge.

“But I sense Jellal’s magical energy. I must go.” “Your boyfriend can take care of himself.” “My.. what?! Wha.. no … we’re not like that.” Not yet anyways. I swear we better see some happy pairs at the end of all this.

Ultear sweetie, you deserved so much better but glad to see you again!

“Live for her. That should be your new way forward now. You’ll be okay.” She returned for a minute, didn’t say much but made every word count.

“You shall be judged by the seven stars! Grand Chariot!” Ah, a sight for sore eyes. Why you so amazing Jellal, huh?

[itoshit]

I was desperate to jump, but I've noticed how time passed, and how I didn't move. Thirty minutes after and I was still on the edge, feet dangerously close to the void. I just wanted to see Vee one last time, to hear her voice, to feel her lips on mine. To be with her. I knew I wasn't the best at expressing my feelings, especially positive feelings such as the one that I felt for her. That's also probably the reason why I was in this situation in the first place. I was dumb when it came to things like that. What would have happened if I decided to take her in my arms and tell her that I liked her? Instead of that, I made Vee hate me, because I'm a fucking bastard.

Sitting on the edge, feet dangling above the void, I closed my eyes.

If Vee was by my side, I could do it. But she wasn't, would never be anymore.

How did I end up like this? I would have loved to have, for once, someone who has stayed in my life. And I really thought she would be the one.

It was now 10 pm, an entire hour has passed, without me taking any decision. But why push the inevitable? Standing up, feet now halfway in the void, I closed my eyes again, feeling the strong wind on me, making me shiver a bit.

I seemed to hear a door open, and footsteps. But I wasn't sure, not that I cared anyway.

And as I was finally ready to let myself fall, I felt small arms wrapping around my waist, and pulling me to them.

Falling on the body, I could only hear cries and then, a broken voice.

You fucking idiot

Eyes opening wide at her voice, I straightened up, and turned my body, now facing her.

Vee...? What are you- oh. I see

Resting my head on her chest, I sighted, peaceful.

I'm already dead... and that's my last seconds. I've heard about it, people's brain still functions for a minute after the fall. Fuck that feels good to be in your arms one last time. You know. I always wanted to say it to you but never had the guts to, I love you. Or should I say I loved you? Since I'm not alive anymore. I wanted nothing more than spend my life with you but I wasted it away. I'm happy that my last breath is spent by your side.

Breathing deeply, I tightened my grip on her body, making sure to engrave every detail in my mind. The way her chest rose each and every time she was inhaling air, her scent, her voice, her hands on my body, and her heart beats.

Nuzzling my head deeper in her chest, I chuckled a bit.

God I miss you so so much Venus, if I had to redo everything, I would kiss you like there's no tomorrow in that hospital room. I would have taken you on that bed, and every morning, and every night of my damn existence. I would have never been able to assure you a happy and relaxed life, but what I've would have been sure of, would've been that: I would have feel you loved. I'm sorry, I probably don't have much more time. But be sure of something Venus, I wish you a lifetime of happiness.

I... you're not- Manji'. You're not dead...

-Mikey

So many 'would have', not even sure if I wrote them correctly lmao. Sorry for the long wait, I'm leaving tomorrow so I need to clean the place! And yeah I've eaten, hope you did too baby! I rlly loved your part 🥰

i love your part pls. this mf thought he died n went to heaven. boy open ur dumb ass eyes.

He really was stupid. Truly.

Staring at his hollow face, bags reinforced beneath his eyes—his whole hollow face, not deformed and warped from being split open on concrete, the fear of him dying seemed to vanish into thin air.

You’re so fucking selfish, Sano Manjirō.

He was about to confess he loved me, something I once would’ve died to hear come from his mouth, just because he thought he was dead? All that vulnerability, his deepest thoughts, supposed last moments and he thought because he was about to see God he should just air it all out now? It was cheap. So fucking cheap.

Were you just going to leave everybody here?

I pawed at my face furiously, trying to wipe away the tears that felt like magma streaming down my face. They didn’t stop. Neither did I.

What about your executives? Your allies? You think Sanzu’s equipped to run Bonten, especially after his leader went ahead and killed himself? Huh? That any of them would be ready to just keep going without you? Did you even think about them? Did you even think about me? How could you expect them to live with that? How could you expect me to live with that?

If Dante were to come up here, he would have most likely laughed. With me crying my eyes out and simultaneously shouting at Mikey from the top of my lungs and Mikey just looking dazed, slowly catching up to the fact that he was alive and I was really standing before him, we probably looked like a couple from a television novella.

But I wasn’t laughing. Mikey was just so selfish. He acted as if he was the only one who felt so strongly. As if he was the only one who was scared of what’ll happen to the people you cared for. As if he was the only one who loved hard and wanted to protect them. He was so selfless, he didn’t even notice when that warped into selfishness. I hated that about him. I hated how he carried the world on his shoulders, and I hated how he felt like only he deserved to do so. That only him needed to make sacrifices. I hated that he was about to end his life so soon because he couldn’t bear the weight alone. I hated that he thought he was the only one suffering these past six months. I hated that I still worried about him during that time, waking up after seeing his face in my dreams to reach over and pull him closer to me as if I could singlehandedly defeat anything coming to hurt him only to realize he wasn’t there.

I hated that I loved him still, after all this fucking time.

Leaning into his chest, feeling the steadiness of his heartbeat, a reminder of what he almost gave up, I shakily insulted him, throat burning with tears each time I slapped his chest. Idiot. You stupid, self-centered fucking id—

He cut me off with a kiss.

[simpz-art-stash]

Late Beginnings [Ch. 2]

Summary: Macaque’s gotten over the biggest gap on his side of the burnt bridge between him and his broke af relationship with Wukong. Now he’s gotta take an even bigger leap in hopes of getting MK to give him a chance as well.

(Author’s note: DUNNO IF THERE’LL BE MORE BUT WE’LL SEE, FEEL FREE TO SUGGEST STUFF TO PUT IN HERE)

Previous | Next

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

It should’ve been easy, a kid like MK had a good head on his shoulders, enough to see the good in all besides himself.

It should’ve been easy.

So then why the hell was he still standing on the sidelines mulling over what to say to the kid who was just a few yards away training under the careful eye of his mentor?

What could he say? The same to Wukong? He felt that might be a bit too cliche, even if it had worked.

‘Just barely.’

Mac sighed, brushing his hair back and watching the two practice stillness together, Wukong resting on his tail in a lotus position while MK stood on one foot, straining to keep his posture in check. Even with the staff being used as a counter-balance his muscles flexed against the lack of support in his other leg.

Maybe he could offer him something? Nothing major of course, something innocent but worthwhile and thoughtful. Demon head’s wouldn’t do, the kid had no real use for those, nor would he probably appreciate a trophy that wasn’t his. What did kids even like these days anyways? He thought of toys but, MK was practically a bigger kid than most other cub’s. Most kids like him usually just kept to popular places or their phones…

Decisions decisions…

A small yelp forced him out of his thoughts, his gaze shifting back over to MK who had since fallen back on his butt. Groaning and complaining like usual before Wukong gave him the ol’ ‘keep it up!’ attitude, prompting MK to simply nod and give it another try.

‘Geeze, and I thought my training was harsh. At least I gave him actual critique on his form…’

Then an idea flashed in his mind, popping off like a rocket and he suddenly found himself with something worthwhile.

------~------

“Alright bud, I think that’s enough of that. Why don’t you hit the bench, I need to go check on the kids back inside n’ make sure they haven’t left a mess after that marathon I set up for em.” Wukong claimed, patting MK on the back before turning away. Offering a curt wave as he left, “Call me if you need me!”

“Alright, I will!” MK sighed and made his way over to a makeshift seat, which happened to be nothing more than a split log. And proceeded to take his headband off if not to just drench his hair in some of the water from one of the bottle’s he’d brought along with him. Before guzzling the rest of it down like he hadn’t drank in forever.

“I see he’s been keepin’ you on your toes. Full pun intended.” Mac commented, earning him a startled squeak from MK who had just about spat his drink out when Mac rounded him from behind to sit himself down on the opposing side of the log.

MK had heard a little snippet from MKing about Macaque trying to make amends, he didn’t get the full details but he’d heard enough to know to keep an eye out for the guy. Not that he wasn’t already always on high alert for any suspicious activity.

“Guh- yeah.” MK coughed a little, rubbing his throat a little as he cleared it. “It hasn’t been uh, easy, but I think I’m gettin’ better. Just need to try harder or whatever…”

“Mmm…” Mac let his gaze concentrate on the immortal peach tree Wukong had planted out in the front of his yard, it having long since bloomed and been picked clean.

MK shifted a little under the uncomfortable silence that spread between the two, there wasn’t tension in it per sey, but it was still a lil awkward for him to just outright be chatting it up with the same guy who had once tried to kill him at one point.

“So uh..I was hoping to..make it up to you, what with everything that happened the last time…” Mac’s face squinted a little, his tail irritably swaying behind him, it seemed this was just as awkward for him as it was MK.

“Uhm..okay?..” MK veered a little away from the guy, not too sure how to handle that. “Hey if this is about the whole ‘you trying to kill me thing’ then uh, hey man we’re cool.”

“What? I mean yeah but, it’s more than just that..” Mac fiddled idly with the hem of his cloak, the things color long since having been worn down from the elements. “A lot more…”

“Complicated?” MK quirked a brow at him.

“Yeeaaahh…”

“Heh, been there. Done that.” MK nodded, not that it was anything to be proud of.

“He didn’t tell you?” Mac looked at MK finally with a concerned expression.

“About you and him?? I mean..yeah he told me a lil..mostly just warned me to keep an eye out for you but…” MK rubbed the back of his neck out of nervous habit, shifting under the demon’s gaze.

“Of course he didn’t…” Mac sighed with a frown, “Well, maybe that’s where I can help you out. I know Wukong, he doesn’t exactly give you the full picture so easily, then again he’s never really had a student before either so.”

“So?”

‘So, he won’t just outright give you the benefit of the doubt just like that, especially if you just say you’ll give him whatever advice he wants. He’ll think you’re just trying to pull him from Wukong again or worse.’

“What I mean to say is, if you want to correct your form with that whole balancing thing, you should try putting less focus into just your foot, and put it towards your whole body.” Macaque stated plainly, his gaze shifting away back to the peach tree.

“Oh..uhm..alright?...Thanks???” MK blinked, none too sure what to make of that, but he wasn’t trying to kill him, or hurt his feelings so, maybe that was a good thing??

“Feel free to mention it to him…” Macaque claimed, his gaze softening before he got up finally and began to walk elsewhere.

“h-Wait!” MK called out, standing up right then. To which Macaque of course obliged, though he kept his back facing kid.

“..are you..like...being serious about that whole, ‘making amends’ thing?..” MK squinted at him suspiciously, even if Macaque could lie about his true intentions, MK at least thought it right to ask. Considering everything else…

“Yes.” Mac stated, his tail curling a little behind him.

“Ohkaaay... “ It was still hard to tell but, “Then why’re you trying to?-”

“Because he told me to.” Mac claimed, his head turning just enough to share a glance with the kid. “Don’t get the wrong idea..it was wrong of me, but.”

“Buuut?”

-------~-------

“But whatever you do, you gotta stop lyin’ about the real stuff.”

Mac grunted, that was probably gonna be the hardest trial of his to overcome. For him, lying was basically his day by day means of survival. “I think I’d rather cut my own tongue out at that point an be mute then cut that out.”

The chick shrugged, “Hey, I’m just sayin’. Honesty is the best policy. Even if it hurts to hear it, better said than left for dead. You want em to trust you again? You gotta earn it. A few pretty words ain’t never gonna be enough. You gotta put some effort behind em.”

“Uuuugh.” He rolled his eyes, already regretting having decided to go through with the whole thing. “Fine...but if I get my ass beat because someone couldn’t take the heat, I’ll hunt you down.”

“I’ll take that chance.” The chick smirked.

-------~-------

Macaque sighed, he could already imagine just how easy it’d be to screw up something so casually done by others. Century old lies he’d held onto for most his life being the worst one’s, with how gnarled they were from the many times they’d been knotted by his reasons to keep them from being undone by any means necessary. He’d run from them for such a long time though, enough to the point where he’d finally hit the end of his lead, and now he was forced to look back at the mess he’d caused.

It wasn’t a pretty sight at all.

But that didn’t mean he couldn’t go back and try to fix some of it. Now matter how long it took, little by little. He just had to be careful in doing so or else he’d just get himself wrapped up in knots all over again.

“...I..” Just say it, even if it’s half the truth.

“I didn’t want to see you waste that potential under a guy who wouldn’t appreciate it...” Macaque claimed, his gaze shifting away.

That...was probably the first time MK had ever seen Mac show a genuine side of himself before. Even during training he’d been distant and strict, similar to Wukong but a lot less merciful in a spar. Where with Mac, bruises were lessons learned.

“...Thanks. For the uh..advice I mean.”

Macaque stiffened a little at the response, but he didn’t spoil it for fear of ruining what little ground he had on that bridge.

“Anytime.”

And then he was gone.

[joviewinchester]

“You’re absolutely positive you can’t come with me?” Y/N asked Matt.

“I’m sorry, Y/N. I work that day. Maybe you can ask Ty or Stefan or something.”

“Yep. Been there done that. Stefan has plans to hang out with Caroline and Tyler has another wedding to go to by some stupid twisted chance of fate. I hate June.”

“You can…well, I’m not even going to suggest that torture.” Matt said cutting himself off.

“What? Anything is better than the torture of my family trying to set me up with someone.”

“You could ask Damon, but then again, he’s literally the worst. I guess pick your poison. Damon Salvatore or wedding set up. Personally I’d go with the latter.”

Y/N patted Matt on the shoulder and sighed. “You don’t know my family.” She exited The Grill and reluctantly drove to the Salvatore Boarding House.

She knocked, and Damon immediately opened the door. “You know, I was wondering when the tension would catch up to you.” He smirked.

“That is not why I’m here, Damon. I need a favor.”

“What kind of favor?”

Y/N sighed and took a deep breath before starting her rant. “I need a date to my relatives wedding, and i’ve already asked literally everyone else i know, so i know you probably hate me, but please say yes. Otherwise they’ll try to set me up with someone, and they have awful taste.”

“And what do I get out of agreeing to this?”

“Um…I don’t know? The wedding is literally tomorrow and I have no other option so…I have no clue. Whatever you want.”

“Whatever I want, huh? I’ll let you know when I figure out what that is. What time does this wedding start tomorrow?”

“Wedding’s from 5:00 to 6:00 and the reception’s from 6:30 to 10:00, unfortunately, I have to help with setup, so I have to be there three hours early, it was almost five luckily I got out of that, but I’m not going to make you deal with that, so I’ll leave from there early, come pick you up around 4:30. Dress nice…but not too nice. You’re already going to outshine the groom. My cousin does not know how to pick em.”

“That was a very trivial way of you saying you think I’m attractive. I’ll be ready, and don’t think I’ll forget that you owe me.”

“I wasn’t saying that! And I didn’t think you would forget. Not even for a second. And one more thing, please don’t eat any of my relatives.”

“Oh I’m not that bad. Why would I eat one of them when I could eat you?” He said eying her from head to toe.

“Stop making everything sexual! I’ll see you tomorrow!” She exclaimed as she brushed her hair to cover her red face.

He watched her as she walked back to her car, because let’s be honest with ourselves, he loved to see her walk away, then he shut the door and poured himself a glass of bourbon.

“Did Y/N just ask you to her cousin’s wedding?” Stefan asked walking downstairs.

“Why yes she did, brother.”

“Then you’re welcome. I don’t actually have plans with Caroline tomorrow. I told her that so she’d ask you. Don’t screw it up.”

“Really Stefan? I could’ve gotten the girl on my own. I’ve had plenty of practice.”

“See? That’s what I’m talking about. Y/N is different. She likes you, but she doesn’t like you just because she wants to sleep with you. She likes you because she wants to be in a relationship with you. If you don’t want that, then don’t lead her on. Promise me you won’t lead her on.”

“Do you really think that low of me, Stef?” Damon asked placing his palm over his chest.

“I won’t hurt her. Believe it or not, I actually like her, and tomorrow I’m going to be a perfect angel around her family, and she’ll have no choice but to invite me to another family event. I will be the best fake boyfriend. Mark my words.”

The next day was absolute torture for Y/N to say the least. “Y/N, Mark and Angela have to be seated near the back. They have not earned the status of front and center. Move the cards.” Her cousin, Allison, was normally really sweet, but she was an extreme bridezilla.

Y/N rolled her eyes but did as she was told. She expected for Allison to follow her every order when her wedding came around.

“So, Auntie Bethany has invited a really cool guy to set you up with. His name is Reggie and he’s so much nicer than the last one.” Allison said taking a minute to rest, which did not bother Y/N one bit.

“First of all, I’m eighteen which is freshly out of high school, I don’t know why she thinks it’s so urgent for me to settle down. Second of all, mom is going to be real disappointed because I actually have a boyfriend now and I invited him. I mentioned him a few weeks ago to you.”

“Now that you say that, I remember you mentioning it.” Yeah, she didn’t say a word, but Allison bought it and that’s all that mattered. She’d been pushing her to get a date since the wedding was announced.

“Speaking of which, it’s 4:00 and I told him I’d be there to pick him up at 4:30. You don’t mind me leaving a bit early do you?”

“No. Of course not. Chloe, Lilly, and Amy will help me finish my makeup then I should be all ready! Can’t wait to meet this mysterious boyfriend of yours.”

Y/N waved at the other bridesmaids, who all glared back at her for leaving them alone, and got in her car to get Damon. She knocked.

“Just a minute!” She heard him call. He opened the door a couple minutes later.

She smiled brightly. “You look great.” She said.

“Yeah, and you look…gorgeous. Your cousin was very generous with the bridesmaids dresses.” Damon commented.

https://shoplook.io/outfit-preview/2847398

“Come on. If we’re late I will not hear the end of it.”

Once they arrived, there were literally like five minutes till the start of the wedding. “Shit.” She muttered. “Just sit down and avoid eye contact at all costs. I really wish she hadn’t made me a bridesmaid.” Y/N muttered the last part and got to her place.

The ceremony lasted forever. The only thing that made it tolerable was watching Damon mess with the dude sitting next to him.

“Oh my god. That was literally the longest wedding ever. Why the hell did she force us to wear heels?”

“On the bright side, you were definitely the hottest bridesmaid up there.”

She elbowed his side playfully. “Oh shut up. Now come on, we need to get going. If we’re late to the reception, my mom will kill me. I haven’t even got to talk to her yet.” Y/N to practically dragged Damon to the car.

Of course the reception was about as cliche as the ceremony. It was held in a big old barn decorated with fairy lights.

“There’s my mom. Come on, act coupley or whatever, and be on your best behavior would you?”

“Oh, Y/N I’m hurt. When am I not?” He wrapped an arm around her waist.

Y/N rolled her eyes, smiling slightly at his antics.

“Hey, mom.”

Her mother looked kind of upset. “Come on, Y/N. You should’ve told me you were bringing a date. Reggie is going to be disappointed.” Her mother motioned backwards towards a guy who was already making out with another bridesmaid.

“Yeah…that him? He doesn’t seem too upset. I wouldn’t worry about it. Mom, this is Damon, my boyfriend.”

They shook hands. “Hi, Mrs. Y/L/N. It’s great to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much, and can I just say, you look lovely this evening. Speaking of which, where’s the lucky man?”

“Oh, he’s just over there talking to the groom. I’m glad that Y/N has finally gotten a boyfriend. I was starting to think she was going to be single forever.”

“Mom, cool it, will you? I’m eighteen years old. I just enrolled in college. I’m not getting married anytime soon. I know that’s how people in our family usually do it, but I don’t want to be married and have three kids running around by the time I’m twenty five. Okay?”

“You may feel that way now, dear, but wait until the baby fever catches up to you.” Y/N rolled her eyes.

“I need a drink.” She mumbled with hostility.

“Y/N Y/M/N! You are not drinking any alcohol!” Her mother scolded after her.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she doesn’t get into too much trouble. You just have fun. Raising a girl with that attitude must have kept you away from fun quite a bit.” Bethany laughed.

“You have no idea.”

Damon followed Y/N to the open bar, and found her with a wine glass filled to the very top.

“Dude, first of all you aren’t even of age, and second of all, do you really want to get drunk at a relative’s wedding? Answer, no. No you don’t.”

“You don’t know what I want, Damon. Just go charm off the pants of another middle aged woman.”

“I’m trying to be a perfect fake boyfriend so your mom will get off your back. Did you already drink one of these?” He asked taking the glass from her hands and swirling it around.

“Yeah, duh. Did you meet my mom? She makes it her mission to control every aspect of her life. I love her, but some alchohol would really help me love her even more. Here gimme that.” She said grabbing the glass from his hand. She downed the whole thing in one go as if it was just a shot glass.

“Y/F/N! No! You are banned from this bar for the rest of the night. Come on.” He hoisted her over his shoulder.

“Damon...what are you doing? You’re supposed to be the least responsible one in this fake relationship.” She whined.

“No. I’m supposed to be like a real boyfriend which means I have to keep you out of trouble and do everything I can to make your parents like me which is what I’m doing.”

“Come on. Just let me walk. I won’t do anything stupid. I promise.”

“No.” Y/N huffed.

“Fine. If you want some douchebags looking up my dress then whatever.”

“Fine! Okay fine. I’ll put you down, but only because I’m your douchebag, and I don’t want anyone thinking otherwise.”

They ran back into Y/N’s parents.

“Did you get her away from the bar before she went psycho?” Mrs. Y/L/N asked.

“No. I took away the wine glass and she took it back and chugged it.” Damon said glaring at her.

“I’m fine. See?” She walked in a straight line.

“Oh come on Bethany. Lighten up. If you think she isn’t too young to get married then don’t you think in that mindset that she isn’t too young to drink alcohol.” Her father, Chris, said.

Y/N snapped and pointed at her dad. “Yeah. He’s totally right? Ready to admit that eighteen is too young for someone to get married?”

“Fine. It’s too young. Now no more drinks for the rest of the night, missy.”

She smiled triumphantly, but then she started sulking again. “Rest of the night? As in I have to stay here for the rest of the night and not drink anything?”

“Fine. You can leave like an hour early, but come talk to me before you leave. Have fun, but not too much fun.”

Y/N smirked. “I thought you wanted grandkids?” Her dad choked on his drink.

“Y/N!”

“Kidding. I’m obviously kidding…mostly. Bye!”

“You’re a lot of fun when you’re not avoiding being killed by some type of villain. I like you when you’re not in serious mode.”

“I’m so so sorry that I don’t have any witchy woo or an immortal life, but you do have to admit, I am amazing with a crossbow.”

“Yeah. Yeah. Sure you are. Even though you’ve almost hit me multiple times.”

“Exactly. I’m amazing with a crossbow. By the way, Allison wanted to meet you. We should get that over with.”

“Okay. That was uncalled for. You can’t just change the subject after admitting to trying to murder me multiple times.”

“You would have healed. What do you want me to do? Fall at your feet like Elena?” Y/N asked clearly passive aggressive.

“Woah. Woah. Woah. Stop walking for a second. Are you jealous of Elena?”

“What?! No. Why would I be? I don’t…I don’t even like you!”

“This wedding has proved that statement otherwise. Come on. Admit it. You. Are. Jealous. You want to get with all of this! You want to go for a ride on the Salvatore train!”

“No! No! No! I don’t! I don’t like you! I don’t want you! You... you infuriate me to no end!”

“But you like that don’t you? You like it when I get you all flustered. And don’t think I didn’t catch you blushing earlier when I called myself yours, given I said I was your douchebag, but you still blushed. Not to mention the fact that you put my hand back on your waist when we were walking back from the bar. You like me.”

“No I don’t! Everything that happened here was for show! It was for show.” She defended.

“The only reason you didn’t want to invite me to this wedding is because you knew that I would get your heart racing. Yeah. I can hear that.”

Y/N ran her hands over her face in frustration. “Oh. Don’t mess up your makeup. I can do that for you later.” Damon smirked. So what? His plan to be perfect didn’t last very long, but this plan seemed to be working just fine.

“Stop. Stop saying stuff like that.” She whisper shouted.

Damon leaned in. His mouth was only inches away from her ear. “Why? Does it…frustrate you?”

Y/N gave him a glare and crossed her arms, huffing. Damon smirked. She grabbed his wrist and took him outside.

Damon still had a smug look on his face. “You wanna know how you really make me feel? Yes, Damon! Yes you fucking frustrate me! You make me question my existence on a daily basis and sometimes I even wonder why me?! Why does he like me?! I’m no Elena. I’m not the perfect annoying ass girl next door, and I still don’t know the answer, but you know what?! Since you’re deciding to push me and push me until I explode, I love you, Damon Salvatore! I fucking love you!”

After seconds of tension filled silence and staring at each other, Damon smashed his lips against hers. She immediately kissed him back. She felt his hands gradually slide further down her back, until they were groping her ass. She pushed him away out of spite. “No.” She stated crossing her arms defiantly.

“Really? You’re going to be like this? Now?”

“Yes. Yes I am. Say it back and maybe I’ll be more lenient.” She sassed.

“I thought it was a given. I’ve literally been flirting with you and pining after you for months, Y/N. Of course I love you.”

“Was that so hard?” She joked. She leaned in to kiss him again, this time resting his hands on her butt. He squeezed her ass making her gasp, and slipped his tongue in her mouth.

“Woah. Woah. Woah. This isn’t your honeymoon Y/N.” Allison had walked out of her own reception looking for her.

“Oh, shit. Sorry Alli. So what’s up?” Y/N asked slightly out of breath.

“Well, I was promised that I could meet your mystery man, but you were nowhere to be found. I decided to look for you myself. Aunt Bethany was complaining about your grandkids joke earlier. I didn’t think you were serious.” She joked.

“So, this is Damon. Damon this is my cousin, Allison.”

“Nice to finally meet you. By the way Y/N, I connected the dots, and I realized after getting out of the point where I was completely freaking out, sorry about that by the way, that this is the same Damon that you literally used to call me just to complain about on the daily.”

“Hey, now. Let’s not bring that up, especially the things that I said…” Allison cut her off.

“She used to call me and talk about how annoying you were. I believe one time she called you a flaming douche nozzle? That sounds about right. Every single call always ended with her saying he is so infuriatingly attractive. It’s not even fair.” She knew she was embarrassing her cousin, and to be honest she loved it.

“Hey! He doesn’t need an ego boost! Trust me. I would know.”

“Okay. Okay. All jokes aside, if you are leaving, your mom and dad wanted to talk to you. Oh, and I won’t tell them about this little encounter. I know how they can be.” Allison winked and walked back in the building.

“Was it just me, or did we just get permission from the bride to leave? Come on we have got to hurry up and talk to my parents so we can get out of here.”

“What’s got you in such a rush to leave?” Damon winked.

“None of that. Stop. No. No. Bad.” She said pointing her finger at him.

“Relax. I won’t be myself, but only for you.” They walked back into the reception making a bee line to her parents.

“Hey mom, we’re about to head out.”

“Y/N, your lipstick is a little smudged.” Her mom said. Damon had to look away to stop himself from laughing.

“Huh. Is it? Must’ve been from where I got a drink. Anywho I love you guys and we will see you later.”

“Wait a second. Damon would you like to come over for dinner this Friday?”

“Of course. I’d love to Mrs. Y/L/N.”

“Great. We cannot wait to see you again. Alright. I won’t keep you. Have a nice night.” They both waved goodbye to her parents and headed back to the Salvatore house. They walked in, and Damon poured a couple of glasses of bourbon.

“I have been accepted by your family. I’d say this calls for celebration.”

“I thought I wasn’t allowed to drink, dad.”

“Oh shut up. You can do whatever the hell you want when your parents aren’t there to witness it.” Y/N rolled her eyes, and flopped on the couch.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m tired. I’m going to sleep no matter what you say.”

“Come on then.”

“Where?”

“If you’re going to sleep then you’re coming with me to a comfy bed, not the couch.” Instead of waiting for her to reapond or get up, he slug her over his shoulder and took her upstairs.

“Goodnight, Damon.” She said sleepily.

“Goodnight, sleeping beauty.”

[biisexualemma]

pretend. oscar diaz

word count: 1396

warnings: swearing and brief mention of sex and i oop-

requested: hi!! im in love with your writing!!🤍🤍 you're so talented!! you can totally ignore this if it's a terrible idea lol but could you write a situation where the reader and spooky have to pretend to date and one of them develops real feelings. dw if you don't want to do this, im looking forward to reading all of your future works! 💞 💞

hey i adore your spooky imagines😍🥰 could i pls ask for an imagine where they're fake dating? cliche i know but i love me some spooky where he catches feelings without even realising it🥺 thank you so much!!💖💖

hey could you do an imagine with spooky where he and the reader are fake dating for some reason and they fall for each other? ty!! :)

a/n: so many requested this so i put ‘em all into one imagine bc they’re all the same request hehe but thank u! probs will do a part two because i have more to write but this was already long enough and i just like the suspense of it all hahaha oop

pt.2 / pt.3

masterlist

"i don't like it," your best friend wore a concerned frown on her face. you shrugged. "and i don't support it."

"you don't have to," you rolled your eyes. "it's not like anyone will get hurt, it's just pretend."

"you say that now," she crossed her arms over her chest. "you used to crush pretty hard on him and i don't want you to get seriously invested, for him to break your heart."

"i won't," you stressed. "it's not like that, i'm doing him a favour," she didn't look too convinced but she couldn't do much to change your mind at this point. "besides, it's just for a few weeks."

she hummed, unconvinced. "come on! you like oscar, i don't know what your problem is?"

"you don't have to convince me of anything, this is your business," she shrugged. you felt a little hurt by her comment. you didn't talk about it again all night. you didn't like not agreeing with her about anything. it was unsettling.

-

you laughed at something your friend had said, sipping the alcohol from the cup in your hand. "i never said that!" you gawked.

he only let out a chuckle. "you were drunk! how you gonna remember what you said and what you didn't?" he teased, laughing with you as you rolled your eyes.

your eyes moved across the party to where oscar was sitting with his friends, in a similar position to you. he was laughing at something someone had said, you felt your eyes lingering for a moment.

your friend hummed, catching your stare. "how's that going?" he raised an eyebrow when he spoke.

"uh, good. i guess," you shrugged, sipping your drink again to disguise how little you had to say about him as your boyfriend. you only really saw him at parties and occasionally he'd have you 'round with his friends. other than that, you didn't see much of each other. it was weird, you felt like you saw more of him when you were just friends. now that you were pretending all the time, it didn't feel like it did before.

"good?" he frowned. "that's it? give me the juice— how is he in bed? i heard he's pretty good," he pursed his lips as he spoke. your face contorted when he brought the topic of sex up.

"where do you here these things?" you scoffed.

"you didn't answer my question," he nudged your arm. you glanced at him again, he caught your gaze this time and you quickly looked back at your friend.

"i don't know," you shrugged. "we haven't done anything yet. he wants to take it slow or something," it felt weird lying through your teeth like this. especially to one of your closest friends. also, you weren't a very good liar at the best of times and something told you that your friend didn't believe you.

"doesn't sound like the spooky i've heard about," he made a face and you shrugged again.

"you need to stop listening to these things about my boyfriend, please," you joked halfheartedly, hoping to diverge the topic of conversation.

you spent the rest of the party mainly with your friends, until later in the night when oscar grabbed your arm and pulled you aside. he took you away from your friends and his. he backed you against a nearby wall, reaching out and picking up your hands with his. he began to fidget with your fingers.

you gulped, it was weird being this close to him still and having him treat you like this. you'd been friends for so long it was weird seeing this side of him.

"you good?" he mumbled. you nodded, letting out a soft smile. "i saw you talking to your friend earlier."

you hummed. "yeah," you shrugged. "he was asking me about you."

oscar wore a smile when you said this, breathing a laugh. "oh yeah?" you nodded, mimicking his smile. you could talk to oscar like this no problem, it was the intimacy you were getting used to. "that's why you couldn't keep your eyes off me, huh?"

"ha-ha," you teased, rolling your eyes. "you're just so attractive, it's hard to look away," you raised an eyebrow, teasing him. he nudged your stomach with his elbow, you hurled over a little and laughed.

"shut up," his hands moved to your neck, his thumbs rubbing against your jaw line. it was kind of comforting having him touch you like this. and even if this was just for show, it proved what you always knew deep down— that oscar was a softie. "i'm gonna kiss you now, ok?"

you stiffened a little, he stepped closer, pushing you further up against the wall. your breath caught in your throat a little but still you nodded. you knew this was part of the deal but still, this was the first time of you'd kissed each other. and it was in a very public place.

before you could voice your uneasiness, he leaned down a little and pressed his lips against yours. you were caught a little off guard, but still you kissed him back. his hands roamed down to your waist where he pressed you against the wall. you gasped a little as he did so, allowing his tongue to slip into your mouth. your hands moved to the nape of his neck, pulling his body closer to yours.

you had to pull away after a while to catch your breath, your chest rising and falling pretty heavy when you did. "do you think she was looking?" something felt wrong, him asking about his ex-girlfriend after he'd just made out with you. but that's exactly what you were doing it for. so he could get his ex-girlfriend to notice them and realise what a mistake she'd made.

your hands dropped to your sides, tilting your head to the side a little to try and get a glimpse of his ex. which you did, she was staring daggers at you. you couldn't help but laugh a little at the look on her face. your eyes moved back to oscars face, snickering.

"what?" he smiled, mimicking the expression on your face.

"you know the expression, if looks could kill?" he wore a smug smile and nodded. "well, i'd be dead."

you both laughed together, his face nestling into your neck for a second. you continued to laugh, ignoring the feeling in your stomach. you were beginning to think that maybe you should've listened to your best friend.

"that's good though, right?" you spoke up after you'd both calmed down a bit. "that's what we're after. pure jealousy and hatred— oh my god, what if she tried to scrap with me over you? do you think she would do that?" your eyes widened when you thought about it. you weren't much of a fighter. you left that up to oscar.

he chuckled at the expression on your face. "nah, i won't let her touch you," it was nice to know he was still protective of you as his friend.

"good, i'll hold you to that," you mumbled, smiling a little now.

"come on," he grabbed your hand and began to pull you back to the rest of the party. you stopped him before he got too far, his eyebrows furrowed when he looked back at you.

something had been playing on your mind since your conversation with your friend before. "hey, you'd have sex with me right?"

he let out a laugh, raising his eyebrows. that didn't reassure you much, you frowned and punched his shoulder. "what kind of question is that?"

"don't laugh about the thought of having sex with me! that's so mean," you gawked at him. "i just meant, if you weren't my friend and you didn't know me, would you think i'm pretty enough to have sex with?"

he couldn't help chuckling, you'd caught him off guard with the question. it didn't reflect how he really felt about it. "yeah— absolutely. you're hot, y/n. you don't need me to tell you that."

you hummed, shrugging your shoulders. "ok," you carried on walking. "that makes me feel better."

"why?"

"no reason," you glanced at him with a smile. "just wanted to hear you say it," you teased, joking as he shook his head.

"loca," he rolled his eyes.

"shut up."

[anonsservice]

Wake Up!

|Prompt: Nightmare Comfort | request fill | Jade West x Reader | gender neutral!Reader| Jade, and Reader go to a sleepover at Tori's house prompted by Cat, and You have a nightmare. Jade comforts you. | fluff and a tiny little bit angst | 

    You had been getting night terrors since you were little. Anything would set them off back then. A stranger on the passing sidewalk who looked at you for a moment too long, the ladybug who had one too many spots, really, everything could have sent you down one nightmare after another. It got better in your teen years, but they still happened, still jolted you awake in a cold sweat, crying nine times out of ten. This is why you were reluctant to accept this slumber invitation. You really almost said no, but Jade had convinced you to go. After all, who would say no to an honest 'please' coming from the normally stone-cold gank.

    Jade would have said no as well and just spent the night with you instead, but Cat was tearing up and going on a long-winded speech about how senior year was almost over and how college would separate you all. All of which led up to this moment. You were packing your small overnight bag. Clothes, deodorant, hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc., etc. Jade would pick you up and the two of you would face this horrid night together. You did in fact like spending time with Cat and Tori, but your nerves got to you and all you could think about was 'what if I have a stupid nightmare? Like a child! Wake up crying and ruin it for everybody.'

    This is what caused you to stare at your shoes the whole ride over, only looking up when forcefully brought back to earth by Jade.

"What were you thinking about?"

"It's nothing, Jade. We should go in now, better get it over with-"

"Y/N were not leaving this car unti-" She was cut off by Cat bounding over from the front door of the Vega's house and over to your passenger side door.

"Hiii!" Cat yelled while twirling a strand of her hair around her finger.

"I tried to stop her!" Tori yelled while following after her, panting.

    Jade rolled her eyes and pointed her finger at you.

"We're talking about this later, Y/N. Now let's go, I got your bag."

    Jade, You, Cat, and Tori all walked in together. Jade holding both of your bags. (whipped? more likely than you think.)

    Cat was the first to jump onto one of the couches, sitting on the right couch, Tori followed her and sat next to her. You and Jade took up the left couch, you laying your head on her shoulder. And every time Cat or Tori sent an 'aww' look your way she snarled.

    "So! we should start off with hmmm- oh oh I know! Truth or dare!" That was Cat, and she was buzzing with excitement. You could practically see the happiness seeping from her tone.

    "What are we? Ten? No, Cat."  Jade hated truth or dare, or well most times she did. It was only fun when it was in her favor of looking for gossip or stirring up drama.

    You, however, were open to the game. Having played it growing up to pass time you didn't mind the small request from the red-headed girl.

    "Cmon' Jadey! Please-" Cat tried to speak but Jade cut her off.

    "No!" The one word Jade said multiple times a day. It seemed to be her only reaction to things.

    You didn't want to see Cat sad or hear for that matter. Cat would start to cry and then all hell would happen, so you took things into your own hands.

    "Jade, don't be rude! It's a sleepover! Just play the game, please. For me?" You sat up to look her in the eyes right as you said please. Crossing your eyebrows a touch and only slightly pouting your lips. A look you've perfected to get the girl sitting in front of you into a puddle.

    Jade grumbled a 'fine' and the four of you played for an hour. One of the 'truths' being asked by Tori to Jade was "Is it true your whipped for Y/N?". It took you and Cat lots of tiring effort to pull Jade off Tori.

--------

It was two hours since the game. You four were now watching a movie and poking fun at the cliches, well you guys were until Jade reminded you all that every single one of you guys fit into one or another cliche. After a movie or two, you guys ate dinner and just talked until the time came for sleep. Tori slept in her bed, Cat, You, and Jade played a human game of Tetris and managed to fit on the floor

    You tried to sleep, you did, but you just couldn't. So once you thought that everybody was asleep you grabbed your phone and scrolled endlessly through Twitter. An hour later and your eyes were getting more and more sensitive to the light, your arms slowly let go of your phone, and you fell asleep.  

You woke up in school, you heard nothing but your ragged breath. Everything around you was blurred, and from what you could see there were thick layers of fog. You could make out the familiar bright student decorated lockers that lead you to find out you were in the school. You stepped forward but all you saw was the fog. You walked the familiar way to your favorite acting teacher's room. You walked forward through the classroom door until you almost tripped over something on the floor. You knelt down to get a closer look, but you wished you hadn't. You had thought you just tripped over a chair or miss placed item, but what you tripped on was far worse. It was jade. A bloody Jade. A dead Jade. Your heart stopped, and you stopped. All you could do was stare. You wanted to scream, to run, to hug her, to help her. But all you could do was stare. Eventually, it stopped. You leaned forward and grabbed onto Jade's shoulders.

"Jade?!" Your voice echoed as if in a cave.

"Jade!" You shook her and screamed and cried.

"What happened? Jade? Fuck! No no no!"

    Her lips, looking both pale and blue but also a blood-red moved slightly, saying something.

Tears freely flowed down your face as you leaned in.

"Jade? What is it? Jade!"

No response.

You held her body close and cried, just cried. Although you heard a voice that only got louder.

"Wake up."

"Y/N."

"Wake up!"

You felt as if there was an earthquake and shut your eyes.

But once you opened them all you saw was black and blue hair that you knew to be Jade's. The same Jade that was just dead in your hands. Your arms flew around the familiar body and you held her close while your body shook in tears.

"cmon, Y/N. Up." She gripped your torse and helped you up from your makeshift sleeping bag on the floor to the living room.

You two sat on the couch, you were still crying, silently this time. And Jade was holding you. Long arms wrapped firmly around you, rubbing the small of your back. You weren't sure how long had passed since you woke from the horrible dream. but finally, your tears had dried and you pulled away from Jade.  

"Wanna talk about it?"

You didn't. Not one bit. But you knew she would be ever so worried if you didn't. So you pulled it together and nodded.

"It was um a dream- well no- a nightmare."

    Jade merely nodded along with every few words you said.

"I get really bad um nightmares, ever since I was little, that why I was in a bad mood when we arrived. Scared of doing what I just did."

"So what was this nightmare about?"

"You."

"oh?"

"I was uh in school, there was a fog, and uh I went to Mr.Sakowitz's room. You were there on the floor-" You started to tear up again. The image of your girlfriend on the floor flooding your mind once more.

"It's okay, Y/N."

"You were there on the floor... bloody, blue, and dead. And I wanted to scream I wanted to do something but I couldn't. All I could do was cry silently and stare. It was horrible Jade! Horrible!"

At this point, you were full-on crying again.

"Here how about this, you go wait in my car, I'll grab our things, and we can go to my house. Okay?"

"But I don't wanna impose- Cat was so happy for this."

"If you don't want to stay you don't have to, if they say anything about it I'll cut em up with my scissors. Okay? Now go," Jade fished through her purse that was thrown on the couch from earlier and handed them to you.

You took them and walked as quickly as you could to Jade's car that was parked out front.

After Jade climbed into the car and drove you back to her place, she made you tea, got out chips and other snacks, and took you down into what she likes to call her 'demon lair'.

You slowly sipped the hot tea while you pushed your body as far into Jade as it would go. You watched a silent film and slowly fell into a dreamless sleep.

Jade took your tea cup and put it on her side table, tucked you in, and held you close to her.

---------

    The next morning you woke up to Jade staring at you. "You watching me sleep, spooky lady?"

She shook her head at you and pressed a kiss into your cheek. "Morning,"

You tried to kiss her on the lips but she pulled back. "Morning breath, Y/N!"

Your own face scrunched up and you sat up.

"Sorry," With that you went up the stairs and into the bathroom to brush your teeth.

Jade took the time to call Cat, who she assumed would be up by now.

"Hi, Jadey!"

"Don't call me that, Cat"

"Sowwy!"

"Don't baby talk me either Cat!"

"Anyways. I was calling to say I was sor- sorr- I can't do it- I just- we left early because Y/N's mom needed her and I drove her home. I just didn't come back because it was my chance to escape."

"Okee Dokie! Is Y/N's mom okay?"

"Yeah just, bye."

Jade hung up and turned round to see you smiling at the foot of your bed.

You and Jade ended up meeting back up with Tori and Cat for a day out.

A/N: Woah! me updating- at a semi-decent time? Who knew that was possible, I didn't. I also completely forgot the men in this show existed for a hot second and forgot to write them in. Oops? I only went through this once so- do with that as you will. That is all from me! 

-tooth >:)

[meruz]

Aforementioned long ask post please excuse me while i try to figure out tumblr's new text editor. I’ll get into the art meme questions first and then the rest at the end.

Ok first of all thank you all for sending in questions! Giving me an excuse to talk hehe. I’ll address these in number order. Here’s a link to the ask meme for reference but also I’ll restate the question for ease of reading.

1. When did you get into art?

Super cliche answer but I don’t remember a time where I WASN’T the weird art kid! I started keeping a dedicated sketchbook when I was about 12? But here’s a page from my kindergarten journal about what I want to be when I grow up.

2. What art-related sites have you ever signed up for? 

LOL this is a weird question. Not sure why so many people want to know. Anyways I definitely had a dA. more than one dA account. I used to browse oekakis when I was a kid but I think I was only signed up to some small ones that internet friends owned. What else...? Mangabullet,Tegakie, Paintberri, iscribble back when that was a thing, instagram if that COUNTs, I used to post art on livejournal and dreamwidth too. Patreon, I guess. Gumroad, inprnt, bigcartel, storenvy all for selling stuff.

In terms of resources.. I have a schoolism account that I’m sharing with friends. Used to take classes on coursera for free. I signed up to textures.com for work recently haha. I can’t remember if I ever had an account on posemaniacs. Did they have accounts...? I definitely used to visit all the time.

3. Show us your oldest piece of art you have on hand.

Alright here’s me actually logging into my old deviantart account. These are from September 2008 So I was 13 years old. I don’t have a deviantart account from before then because 13 was the required age for having an account and I didn’t want to lie about my age because I wanted people to be impressed by how young yet clearly incredible at art I was LOL.

4. What defines your artistic style?

You guys are probably more equipped to answer this than me but uh... I wanna say... Focus on colors. And... a slightly heavy hand? Like confident... not always well-considered mark making HAH...

Also I think I have a pretty healthy mix of american comics/manga influences. I feel like people who are into american comics always think my art is too manga and people who are into anime/manga always think my art is too american. And I’m taking that as a good sign.

5. Do you practice other styles/have you tried other styles in the past?

I like to think I switch it up a bunch! I mean, these are pretty different, right?

I think I’ve mentioned this before but one thing I really took away from art school is that, for an illustrator at least, art style shouldn’t be consistent. Your greatest weapon is changing the aspects of your style based on the task, the emotions and message you want to illustrate etc. So depending on the project I’m working on, the fandom I’m drawing for, whether I want something to be funny or serious or dramatic, I’ll change things about my style all the time.

One thing I don’t rly post on here is really tight polished work and that’s because I do that for my day job haha. If you’re not paying me... I’m probably not gonna color in the lines.

6. What levels of artistic education have you had?

I have a whole ass diploma LOL. Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration. from the Rhode Island School of Design. And I had a great college experience tbh. Besides the student loans. If any of you guys are thinking about art school feel free to e-mail or message me questions or concerns, I’ll be happy to help. Be as honest as I can be.

7. Show us at least one picture you drew or sketched recently that you did not put on a public site.

heres the wandavision kids. Uhh what else do I have...I feel like I’m rummaging for loose change here...

assorted valentines prep doodles

8. What is your favourite piece that you have done?

Well, obviously this is gonna change all the time and generally it’s gonna be my most recent piece LOL. So yeah, why the hell not. I’ll say it’s this one. I have a pretty short memory which I count as a blessing for an artist. I don’t dwell that long on older work and it keeps me moving forward.

10. What do you like most about your art?

I like that it’s something that only I would make! I had this thought fairly recently and I wrote it down in my sketchbook, it’s pretty cheesy and rambling but it felt revolutionary at the time:

So yeah. I like my art best when it’s the most me and for me. And I like it least when it feels like I’m just making something for social media or for other people’s expectations or whatever.

14. What do you like drawing the most?

Kids in baggy clothing are like my go-to LOL idk if that’s obvious. but also I like being challenged so lately I’ve really loved drawing multi-character compositions, environments, weird angles, etc.

oh i LOVE drawing the underside of shoes lol. And bandages. People that are kinda beat up.. I think it comes from getting a bunch of cuts all the time. I’m always patching myself up and I want to patch characters up too.

15. What do you like drawing the least?

mmm I try to find something to like in every drawing but lets see... I don’t like doing commissions of people’s dogs. Just because it’s normally like... a family friend and my mom volunteered me without my consent and I don’t even really know what they’re expecting me to draw and I don’t even get to meet the dog. Also I’m not that great at dog anatomy. Trying to learn though.

18. What is your purpose for drawing?

This could have a million answers! Uhhh to GIT GOOD??? But also to express myself... and also to make money... I mean it depends on what the drawing IS. I draw fanart mostly to connect to people in the fandom so if you ever see me drawing fanart please take it as like an open invitation to talk to me about the character haha. 

20. How would you rank your art? (poor, mediocre, good, etc.)

Good!!! I have a lot of self-confidence primarily born out of ignorance and a short attention span. If I don’t think too hard about how many other artists are mindblowingly unfathombly good... its easy to think I’m good too! LOL

In all seriousness though, I think the opinion a person has of their art is like a crazy balancing act, right? Like you have to think you suck enough to want to get better but also you have to think you’re good enough to not want to give up. I think we’re all walking that line, I know I am! But also I’m a glass half-full type of person so. Most of the time I feel good about it.

22. List at least one of your “artspirations.”

This is a good question because I’ve been trying and failing to put together one of those “influence map” memes for like a full month now. What’s giving me a hard time is I feel like none of these are actually really obvious “““influences”““ in my art? Like it’s hard to see a lot of them in the work I make...? But idk maybe you guys’ll see what I can’t.

And these are just a couple! God there’s so many more. I could talk about other artists for ages, from all different genres of art. Daumier, Rockwell like every illustrator out there, Dana Gibson, Alex Toth, Hiroshi Yoshida, a lot of the Brandywine School. Lots of current working artists too, Karl Kerschl, frikkin Masashi Kishimoto lol, Jake Wyatt, Richie Pope, Edouard Caplain, Matt Cook, Sachin Teng, - lots of big internet artists, Sophie Li, Freddy Carrasco, Milliofish, Angela Sung... like all my friends from art school too. I could just keep going but I’ll stop for now lol.

24. Do you have a shameful art past? (recolour sprite comics, tracing art, etc.)

I mean if that’s how we’re defining shameful?? sure LOL. It’s not sprite comics but I used to do pokemon sprite recolors all the time. And I used to trace manga panels and color them... Granted this was all when I was like under 12 yrs old so it’s not even embarrassing. Can you really call it shameful when a 7 year old wets the bed or whatever? Not really. In fact some of these are cool as fuck. Look

25. Draw a picture!

Man I’m so tired now but here.

I used to get a lot of compliments for drawing people smiling lol but I don’t think I’ve drawn a lot of smiling lately.. here’s proof I’ve still got it.

OK MEME DONE. onto the rest.

I read this ask first thing when i opened my computer in the morning and it made me really emotional.. I’m so glad my sketches could help you!!

I think a lot of artists on social media talk about the struggle of making art but imo not enough people talk about the joy! Like I know it’s corny but. I really meant what I said at the beginning of that sketchbook about re-contextualizing art around process and progress > product and perfection. I think its super important..! The strength of messy, unfinished, and energetic art! For the feeling of it, for the love it!

That's crazy!!! I hope you like 'em. The whole line of x-books is really good rn imo.

Hi! I totally have the answer for digital stuff on my faq lol. But in terms of drawing on paper.. it varies! I tend to use sketchbooking and any on-paper doodling I do as a way to loosen up/warm-up or experiment. But right now my go-to aresenal is:

from top > bottom

- kuretake no.55 doublesided brush pen

- tombow fudenosuke

- muji 0.38 ballpoint

- medium size poscas

- grey tombow double brush pens

- good ol bic mechanical pencil

not EXACTly sure which inking you referring to from my sketchbook but if I had to take a guess it'd probably be the kuretake no55. That's been my main inker, lately. Great for sketching with the thin end too.

You can print out and eat my art if you like. Just please don't mass produce or re-sell. <3

Thanks! I've come to accept that my art is always gonna be sort of gestural and painty naturally. It's getting it to tighten up enough to be legible that's hard lol...

uh yeah lol I agree actually. I think yolei is great.

I assume these asks are related? LOL

1) Yeah totally true. I love David.

2) I don’t take requests, sorry! But if you want to commission me to draw Legion i would be MORE than happy to. Just e-mail me at isellhotdogs@gmail.com.

<33333333333333333333333333

[keichanz]

More Than

so i was listening to the song More Than My Hometown by Morgan Wallen which is now my new obsession and i shit you not, the ending to this little drab popped into my brain so fast i knew i had to write it down. thus, this angsty little blurb was born. 

now as i was writing, i realized that it was giving off sooo many One Last Ride vibes, written by the ever so talented @lemonlushff​​, that i decided to tweak this so it could tuck somewhere into the story itself as a sort of unofficially official glimpse of their breakup. i’m happy to report that it has Lemon’s official seal of approval and she loved it! 

so now i’m gonna share it with all you fine folks and i hope you enjoy it too! :) and since it is in the OLR universe, there will be angst hahahaa. 

so this is for you Lemon, my sweet and sour friend~ ❤️ 

one last thing--i highly recommend either having the song above playing while you read this, or at least listen to it beforehand. yes, it’s a country song, but it really is so good and the lyrics - which i’ve italicized and bolded - seem to reflect Inuyasha’s thoughts perfectly, which is why i thought it fit so well with OLR’s theme. 

....shit okay one last last thing: i swear to fuck that the ending jumped out of a scene from a goddamn western harlequin romance novel with its level of cliche and drama and yes i am entirely proud of that fact ;ljadfilajflkahjsfue

She stood beside the bed, feeling empty, cold, hollow as she stared down at the pillows and blankets. It was still unmade, the sheets twisted, messy from her hasty retreat just that morning. Tears burned her eyes as she remembered why; the argument, the begging, the screaming. The heartbreak.

Her heart twinged and Kagome gasped, closing her eyes as she brought up a hand to cover her mouth. Was this…was this really it? Were they really going to leave things like this, unresolved and painful between them? God, she didn’t want to. She wanted to run outside, run through the night to his house, throw open the front door and beg him to—

Her bedroom door crashed open and Kagome gasped, whirling around with wide, liquid eyes, heart in her throat. Golden eyes, furious, hard, bore into her own and suddenly a heat suffused her body, chasing away the previous chill, and her stomach swooped as he shut the door and stalked toward her.

Her breath left her in a stuttered exhale, body trembling, coming alive from the heat in his gaze.

“Inuy—”

“Shut up,” he growled, grabbing her waist, hauling her in tight against him. His lips fell over hers, swallowing her gaps, the crush of his mouth hard, unforgiving, punishing.

Hands – frantic, desperate – removed clothing, touching, grabbing, caressing. They fell on the bed in tangle of limbs, skin against skin, heart against heart, flushed, needy, desperate. Growls, moans, whispered pleas echoed throughout the darkness of the room as they rocked together, moving in a dance as old as time. Fingers grasping sweat slicked skin, hearts thundering wildly and then perfectly syncing in a moment of euphoric completion. A stuttered breath, a gasp of a name; then silence.

Tears trekked down her flushed face as she was gathered against a hard chest, as familiar arms wrapped around her stated body and held her as she cried.

Girl, our mamas are best friends and so are we The whole town's rooting for us like the home team Most likely to settle down Plant a few roots real deep and let 'em grow

Kagome stood in front of the full-length mirror and ran a brush through her still damp hair, the yellow and blue sundress she wore complimenting the blue of her eyes. Blue eyes that were dull as they stared at her reflection, but didn’t really see it.

Which was just as well. She didn’t know why she picked this dress to wear, but had felt compelled to wear it anyway, even if looking at it made the vice on her heart tighten even more.

A gentle knock on her door startled her out of her thoughts and she blinked. Kagome turned her head in time to watch her mother crack open the door and poke her head inside, her smile kind, but her eyes sad. The older woman took in her daughter and her smile faded, but she didn’t comment as she stepped inside.

“Souta brought the car around,” she said softly. “And the keys are in it. Do you need help with your bags?”

“No,” Kagome answered and looked at her reflection again. “I packed most of them in the car last night. I just have my carry-on left.”

Mama nodded but said nothing as gazed at her daughter. Her heart ached at the pain she saw reflected in those dear features, in the eyes were that identical to her late husband’s—Kagome’s father.

“Kagome…” she started, but then sighed as those sad, sad eyes turned toward her once again. Mama shook her head. “Are you going to say goodbye?”

Kagome’s breath hitched. She didn’t need to ask who she was talking about. She swallowed past the lump in her throat and tried to ignore the butterflies that took flight in her belly.

“I…I’m going to try,” she whispered and god help her, but she couldn’t stop the tears from welling in her eyes. “But Mama, I don’t…he probably doesn’t want to see…”

Her throat tightened and she pressed her lips tightly together to stifle the sob that welled up. Immediately arms, warm and familiar, surrounded her. Kagome buried her face in her mother’s shoulder as the tears spilled from her eyes.

“I’ll talk to Izayoi,” Mama murmured and kissed her daughter’s head, her heart aching for her little girl as she felt her own eyes getting hot with the threat of tears. “If anyone can talk some sense into that boy, it’s his mother.”

Kagome sniffled and nodded, grateful that her mother would help her in this endeavor. It was unlikely he’d want to see her, but she had to at least try…

Closing her eyes as her mother rubbed her back and smoothed her hair, Kagome clung to her mother and let herself remember, the memories flashing before her mind’s eye and then fading away just as quickly, only to be replaced by another one, fresher, more precious, more painful than the one before.

But we can't stop this real world from spinnin' us Your bright lights called, I don't blame you for pickin' up Your big dream bags are all packed up and ready to go But I just need you to know

“Shhh! Quit laughing or they’ll hear us!”

Another badly stifled giggle echoed in the night as he drew her into the darkness of the trees, toward their secret spot they’d found years ago. One hand held a six pack while the other held tight to her hand, fingers laced, and he couldn’t stop the grin from spreading across his face before an exhilarated chuckle of his own burst from his lips.

Darkness gave way to the orange glow of a fire, the soft crackling of wood breaking the stillness of the night.

“Why is this so good?”

“Because we’re seventeen.”

“If we get caught, I’m blaming you.”

“Shut up and maybe we won’t be.”

“Hey, this was your idea—”

The rest of the words were stolen in a kiss, a hand coming up to cradle her jaw as a ragged sigh whispered against her lips. He tasted like beer and spearmint gum. She smiled. A strange combination, but it was him, and she loved it.

--

“You should have seen it, Inuyasha,” Kagome gushed a year later, sitting on her bed as she excitedly gushed about her time in LA to her best friend. “The sunset was absolutely gorgeous, like nothing you’ve ever seen before! God, I wish you were there with me. I just know you’d love it.”

Inuyasha smiled and reached forward to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “I doubt I can love anything more than you.”

Blue eyes widened as a flush spread across her cheeks; her breath hitched, lips forming his name and eyes drifting closed as he leaned forward and took her mouth in a warm, lazy kiss.

--

“Would you ever wanna go?”

“Go where?” Fingers racked through dark hair and her sigh was blissful, a soft melody in his ears.

“California.”

“…You mean like…visit?”

“Well, maybe longer than a visit…like an extended trip, or something…lots of opportunities out that way…”

A brief pause before the fingers continued. “No. …Do you?”

“Mmm…dunno. Maybe after graduation? I had so much fun last time, but…”

“But what?”

A pause. Then, “Nothing. Kiss me.”

A husky chuckle before a pair of lips covered her own and any thoughts about the Golden State far, far from her mind as she returned his kiss.

That I love you more than a California sunset More than a beer when you ain't twenty-one yet More than a Sunday morning Lord Turnin' some poor lost souls 'round, Hallelujah bound

“Ewww, get that away from me!”

“C’mon Kagome, it’s just a worm! It ain’t gonna bite ya!”

“Eeee! Inuyasha, don’t you dare—!”

Laughter as he chased her around with a baited hook, the sound of water splashing as bare feet waded into the lake.

“Wait, I think I got something!”

The crank of a fishing rod as he reeled it in, the water splashing as whatever was caught struggled against the pull. Grunting, muttered curses, and soft giggling before with a splash the bass burst from the water, dangling from the hook.

“You got it!”

“Damn, ain’t nothing more satisfying than that feeling when the bass hits the hook!”

“I can think of one thing…”

Soft lips, warm and smiling, pressed against his own and Inuyasha abruptly decided that yeah, this was definitely better.

--

“California?”

“Yeah! Can’t you just imagine it, Inuyasha? The lights, the nightlife, the ocean, and no more snow! You always complain about the snow.”

“Yeah, but…Kagome, I don’t know…”

“Just think about it, okay? I’m not asking for you to decide right now. But this is something I’ve thought about for a while now, Inuyasha, and I just…I want to experience it with you. Please?”

A pause, and then heavy sigh. “Fine. I’ll think about it.”

A brilliant smile, soft lips pressing to his cheek in a warm kiss. “You know I love you, right?”

“…I know, Kagome. Me, too.”

--

“I can’t believe you’re reading that crap.”

“It’s not crap, it’s romantic. You could probably learn something or two from these books, you uncultured dog.”

“Uncultured? Really?”

“Besides, I like it when the guy gets the girl at the end. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.”

“I can make you feel all warm and fuzzy, too.”

Her gasp was cut off as lips pressed against her neck and hands slipped beneath her shirt to roam across soft skin. The book fell from her fingers to dive into silver hair, eyes closing as her head fell back with a breathy sigh.

--

“Yes.”

The blood was rushing so loudly in his ears he barely heard her and the thundering of his heart against his chest was so forceful, it was a wonder it didn’t leap out into her waiting hands. 

“Y-yes?” he echoed, voice naught but a disbelieving rasp as he stared at her with wide, shocked - and cautiously hopeful - golden eyes.

A half-sob, half-laugh burst from her lips and her eyes were bright from more than just the unshed tears brimming the beautiful depths.  Lips trembled as she smiled, hand trembling even more as she held it out before her.

“Yes,” she whispered. “Yes, Inuyasha, I’ll marry you. I—”

What she felt next wasn’t the cool metal of his grandmother’s ring as it found a new home on her finger, but instead the warmth of her beloved’s hand as it wrapped around hers and yanked her forward into his arms. They tumbled to the ground, laughing, crying, exchanging endless kisses and promises of forever as the ring, forgotten on the ground but still nestled within the velvet box, glittered merrily in the warm glow of the fire.

Yeah, I love you more than the feeling when the bass hits a hook When the guy gets the girl at the end of the book But, baby, this might be the last time I get to lay you down 'Cause I can't love you more than my hometown

“Come with me.”

Silence; thick, stony. Cold.

Desperation made her voice high, the words falling from her lips fast. “Inuyasha, please, come back with me—we’d have such an amazing time together, learning, living and—you can enroll in my school, Inuyasha! It’s not too late, there are so many programs to choose from, and I just think you can do so much more with your life than—”

“Than what, Kagome?” The words were snapped, harsh, biting as he whirled around to peg her with a hard stare. “Than taking on the valued responsibility of the ranch that’s been in my family for fucking generations? Than building our fucking house? You know, the one we'll live in after we’re married? I can’t do that, Kagome. I won’t.”

“But that’s just it, Inuyasha, you have no room to grow here! You’re stifled by the responsibility you feel to take over the ranch when leaving could relieve you of that burden! The world is so big, Yash, and there’s so much more beyond this little town, so if you would just trust me—”

“You’re asking me to drop and leave everything I know behind, Kagome!” His voice was loud, thunderous in his anger, his frustration, his pain. “This my home, our home, and you just want me to leave like it don’t even matter! Like the fucking life I’m trying to build for us don’t even matter!”

“That’s why I’m asking you to come with me!” Tears, hot, salty ran unchecked down her face, blue eyes big and pleading and flashing with undisguised panic. “I want to be with you, Inuyasha, I do, but I need you to understand—!”

“Then be with me here, dammit!” A note of desperation, amber eyes pleading, frantic, angry.

A choked sob, a muffled whimper. “I can’t…”

An anguished sound, a shattered cry, and then a door slamming shut, loud, devastating, final.

--

The words slammed into him harder than any blow he’d ever received, the shock greater than hitting the unforgiving ground after falling off a horse, and the pain far, far worse than he ever could have imagined.

Fuck, it would have hurt less if she’d just outright slapped him in the face.

She wouldn’t look at him, her gaze focused on the ground, dark hair hiding her expression. He swallowed once, twice; his mouth felt like a desert, his tongue heavy, thick, useless. His throat worked but no sound came out. Ice replaced the blood in his veins, freezing his lungs, making it hard to breathe.

“Wh…what did you s…” He shook his head, swayed on his feet as he blinked hard. He couldn't have heard her right. She couldn't have just told him—

“…I cheated on you. Inuyasha, I—”

He didn’t hear the rest of what she said. His legs abruptly gave out and he stumbled back, sitting down hard onto the fallen log behind him. The log he’d proposed to her on. The log they’d kissed on—

He shook his head again, a frown pulling his brows down low over his eyes as he tried to register the words spilling from her mouth a mile a minute. Two days…two days ago. That—that didn’t make any sense. He couldn’t—he couldn’t smell anything, couldn’t detect any sort of incriminating evidence that suggested she’d been unfaithful. 

Amber eyes lifted, flashing with tentative hope. She’d been drunk—she didn’t remember, so maybe if he told her—

The sight of his grandmother’s ring, nestled in the middle of her palm, might as well have been his heart because it sure as sure shit felt like she’d just ripped it out of his chest. His stomach clenched, the breath seized in his lungs, and a curious numbness spread throughout his entire body. The realization hit him even harder than the pain had, and that in and of itself would have brought him to his knees had he not already been sitting. 

Honeyed eyes, agonized, pleading, lifted to her face. Again she would not meet his gaze, eyes closed against the tears that spilled down her cheeks. He suddenly tasted salt and with a start he realized he was crying too, the tears warm as they streaked down his pale face but he gave them no mind. 

“K…Kagome…” It was the only thing he could get through a throat tight from anguish. A plea, a prayer, a question all in one as he stared at her, heedless of the tears that continued to fall. 

Her eyes squeezed shut and she shook her head; a clenched sob broke from her lips as she reached forward, grabbed his hand, closed his fingers around the ring, giving it back, giving back his heart that she no longer wanted. Pain, sharp and intense, pierced through him and he gasped, unable to do a damned thing as she backed away from him, arms folded around herself.

“I’m sorry,” she rasped, shaking her head, over and over, backing away. “I just…I can’t…”

A sob, borne of a sorrow so deep, of regret and fear and pain so sharp it felt it in the very marrow of his bones, broke free of her lips right before she whirled around and dashed away, through the night, through the trees, away from the fire, away from him.

Inuyasha could do nothing but sit there, his rejected grandmother’s ring clutched in his fist and his vision blurry from hot tears as he watched her run. Curious, that instead of the crushing pain he expected to feel in his chest, there was a hollow ache that resonated, like an echo of a mournful howl for the one who had just run away with his heart.

What hurt more than the pain of watching her go, however, and more than the diamond cutting into his palm, was the jarring realization that the woman he loved more than his own life would rather fabricate a lie of infidelity than be with him. 

And because he loved her more than his own happiness…he’d let her. 

I ain't the runaway kind, I can't change that My heart's stuck in these streets like the train tracks City sky ain't the same black Ain't that a map dot shame, man, to think that

Sitting on his bed, freshly showered and donned in simple jeans and a t-shirt, Inuyasha’s head was bowed between his shoulders and his arms were propped on his knees. His hands, clenched into tight fists, gradually relaxed and a breath he hadn’t’ even realized he’d been holding rushed from his lungs, escaping his mouth in a harsh exhale that did absolutely nothing to absolve the torment wreaking his mind.

As the last vestiges of the memory faded away, far more painful than all the ones before, he opened his eyes and stared down at the hardwood floor, scuffed and scratched and worn. He frowned, his chest feeling tight, his stomach in knots, his muscles tensing and relaxing with a restless energy that was hard to ignore. He wanted to punch something, to run, to fight, fight for her to stay, fight for them.

But he remained where he was, hands flexing, jaw clenched, eyes shut tight against the pain that was determined to bring him to his knees. God, why, why did she have to—

Gentle rapping on the door before it was cracked open. He didn’t look up but he didn’t need to; he knew why she was here. The ache in his chest intensified, sharped, traveled up to knot in his throat and make it harder to breathe.

She didn’t say anything at first, simply stared. Then, “…She wants to see you.”

Inuyasha turned his head, looked out the window.

A pause. Then a sigh, resigned, sad. “Asako called. Before she showed up at the door, I mean. Asked me to talk to you. Said I would, but didn’t make any promises.” Pause. “You already know how I feel about her doing this, but…you should at least say goodbye. You’ll regret it if you don’t. You know you will.”

A tightening of his jaw and a deep furrowing of his brow was her response.

“…I’m sorry, my love.”

The door closed with a soft click.

A minute passed. Two. Three.

Inuyasha exploded to his feet, grabbed the lamp on the nightstand, and hurled it against the wall with a roar that was equal parts rage, frustration, and deep, intense anguish that reverberated throughout the entire house; echoing, thunderous, shattering.

Deafening silence followed his outburst; he sank to his knees and wept.

I love you more than a California sunset More than a beer when you ain't twenty-one yet More than a Sunday morning Lord Turnin' some poor lost souls around, Hallelujah bound Yeah, I love you more than the feeling when the bass hits a hook When the guy gets the girl at the end of the book But, baby, this might be the last time I get to lay you down Cause I can't love you more than my hometown

It was impossible not to hear it. As the color drained from Kagome’s face and her heart clenched in her chest, Izayoi stared at her with eyes hardened from the ache she was feeling for her son, the sorrow she felt at his heartbreak twisted into bitter, resentful anger at the woman standing before her.

Kagome closed her eyes, bit her lip to stifle the sob that welled in her throat, sucked in a shaky breath meant to harden her resolve. It didn’t and she fought not to fall apart on the front porch, locking knees that threatened to give out on her.

“Go,” Izayoi muttered in a voice like flint and ignored the younger woman’s flinch. “You’ve done enough damage here. And I’m not talking about whatever he just destroyed.”

Hot tears pricked the back of her eyes. Her throat tightened, preventing any words, protests, to spill from her mouth. She stared at the older woman with wide eyes, someone who she, for the longest time, had looked upon as a second mother, someone to confide in, to trust.

She found none of the warmth that she was used to seeing. No fondness, no compassion, no understanding. Coldness spread through Kagome’s veins, turning her blood to ice, knotting in her stomach, heavy, uncomfortable.

Izayoi stared back, cold, unforgiving, unregretful.

“I’m sorry,” Kagome whispered.

The older woman pressed her lips into a thin line and looked away, arms tight across her chest.

Rejected, heartbroken, Kagome turned, her feet feeling heavy as they carried her back to her car. The tears ran unchecked down her face now, streaming down pale cheeks. She tasted salt and she got in the vehicle, closed the door. Her body felt like it was on autopilot as she revved the engine and started down the long dirt driveway.

It wasn’t until she had gone halfway that she broke down, great, gasping sobs erupting from her throat. Her vision was blurry from the unending tears and her knuckles were white from gripping the steering wheel so hard. Without even realizing it her foot had slipped from the accelerator and she was merely coasting now, too distraught, too tormented to think about anything else but the pain ravaging her heart. Unbidden one last memory, the most recent, flashed before her mind’s eye, twisting the knife keeper, crushing her, killing her…

“Don’t do this.”

He froze at the softly uttered words, spoken in a tone so raw with pain that it trembled. He swallowed hard and turned his head just the slightest bit, but said nothing.

Silence. Thick, tense, deafening.

Then he tightened his jaw, hardened his eyes, and continued putting his boots on.

A choked sob, the rustle of cloth. “Inuyasha, please—”

“I’m sorry.”

He stood up from the side of the bed and refused to look at her as he collected his jacket, still sitting in a heap on the floor from where it was hastily thrown the night before.

A stuttered breath, followed by the salty scent of tears. His lips drew into a tight line and his hands fisted tightly at his sides as he forced himself to head toward the door. But, goddamn him, he paused right in front of it, hand on the knob, jaw clenched so hard it ached.

“Please,” she begged and the word was a raspy plea, vision blurry from tears. “If you would just—we can talk about this—”

“I love you, Kagome,” Inuyasha said and he heard her sharp intake of breath, but he didn’t turn around. He swallowed once, twice, and closed his eyes as he opened his mouth and forced the words past a throat tight with emotion.

“Inu—”

“But I can’t…love you more than this. I just…I can’t.”

Another sob, a hitched breath, and his chest ached. He bowed his head.

“See you around, Kagome,” he whispered and left, his footsteps fading down the hallway and down the stairs until the slam of the front door echoed in the dark house.

Kagome dropped her face into her hands and wept.

The front door burst open and Inuyasha was desperation personified as he rushed past his alarmed mother, sprinting as fast as he could toward the barn that held the horses. Not even a full minute later a white blur sped from the barn and bolted through the open gate of the pasture, following the car that was leaving with his love, his soul, his very heart.

Standing on the porch, Izayoi pressed a hand to her heart while the other covered her mouth, muffling the sob that burst from her lips as teary eyes watched her son chase after the woman who broke his heart.

'Cause I love you more than a California sunset I love you more in a twenty-dollar sundress Hate that loaded down car you got your keys in Girl, but I hate even more that you're leavin'

Urging his mount to go faster, harder, the thundering of her hooves against the ground rivaled that of the thundering of his heart in his chest. Hands gripping the coarse hair of her mane, Inuyasha grit his teeth against the harsh wind, his eyes wild, desperate and bright with unshed tears as he kicked the mare’s flanks to go faster, dammit, faster!

The distance between them was closing, the rumble of the engine, of gravel crunching beneath tires becoming louder until he was riding alongside her, along the fence that enclosed the front pasture. His hands fisted his mount’s mane in a while-knuckled grip as he leaned over her neck, legs tight to her sides.

He turned his head and wild, despairing golden eyes collided with wide, tear-filled blue.

Kagome’s heart lurched in her chest, making her gasp as goosebumps erupted on her skin. She sobbed, shaking her head, mouthing his name and forcing her eyes to look straight ahead. What—what was he doing?! Why?! God, he was making this even harder than it already was, taking her heart and stomping on it, cruel, cold, conniving.

But it made sense, didn’t it.

She had broken his heart, and now he was doing the same to her.

'Cause I love you more than the feeling when the bass hits a hook When the guy gets the girl at the end of the book But that ain't you and me so I guess I'll see you around 'Cause I can't love you more than my hometown

Inuyasha didn’t let up, not even when she looked away, gritting his teeth, kicking his mount to keep up when she accelerated. She was crying, and although he couldn’t hear her, he could see the way she shook, shoulders jerking, chest heaving, face wet from her tears and fuck she was wearing the sundress—

The end of the drive was in sight. Kagome slowed down, so did he, but she didn’t stop as she once again turned her head and caught his gaze. Inuyasha was already staring at her, heart in his eyes, a silent plea falling from his lips, willing her to hear….

“Don’t go.”

A sob, raw, choked, anguished.

“I’m sorry.”

Without even realizing, he let up on his mount, the mare slowing to a trot, a walk, and then stood still, recovering from the hard gallop. Golden eyes, awash with ears, watched the car reach the end of the drive and turn, driving away, going, going, getting smaller, fading.

Gone.

Something inside Inuyasha shattered and he didn’t think it could ever, ever be repaired.

Love you more than my hometown Love you more than my hometown Love you more, baby, love you more

[emerald-echeveria-plant]

[[Part 4 of ???]]

Stuck with you

//Baozhai and Islay walked through the jungle. Islay cutting down leaves in their way with her sword.//

Baozhai, looking at the map: You think we'll find any skeletons through here??

Islay: How should I know? I Never heard of this place before.

Baozhai: Oh well, then allow me to tell you about this place!

Islay: please don't-

Baozhai: The Paititi was a civilization that were known for having tons of gold and practically living in it everday! Everything they had was made out of gold. Bowls, statues, and even clothing! Isn't that amazing to know??? Then one day the the civilization just disappeared! As well as the gold items and riches they had. Once outsiders arrived, all they found were statues and the abandoned villages. The weirdest thing they found was murals, depicting where they supposedly hid their treasure...

Islay:

Islay: How do you know all that? I thought you were supposed to be stupid or something.

Baozhai: Oh Ironbeard told me- HEY! I'm not dumb! I have the intelligence of a highschooler thank you very much! >:(((

Islay: Yeah, yeah whatever you say.

Baozhai, still angry: I could literally wire your mouth shut if you said that in front of a crowd of people..!

Islay, stop walking and turns to Baozhai: Baozhai, let me get one thing straight with you. I don't care for your threats and I'm not afraid of you. Everyone else on the ship might cower in fear when you brutalize someone but I've seen other pirates with less anger issues do worse. You're just a temperamental brat who gets offended at the slightest comment that criticizes you. Now all I want to do is get this treasure, leave, and ignore the fact that you still exist... You think you can manage shutting your mouth for once?

Baozhai:

Baozhai, pouts: fine I'll be quiet but I won't be happy about it >:(

Islay, rolls her eyes: Just make sure you don't loose the map.

//Islay took a few steps forward. She pushed some giant leaves out of the way. In front of them was a stone path with strange runes drawn on them. Baozhai looked at the map. She took a step forward and put her pressed her foot down on the path. Immediately, arrows came flying out from the walls. Baozhai quickly backed away before one of the arrows could pierce her.//

Islay: The classic arrows coming out of walls and trying to figure out the correct pattern on the floor... How cliche.

Baozhai: Good thing this map shows you how to cross.

//Just as the two were about to cross, a gunshot fired near their feet. The two women jumped back. A few feet from the left of them, stood Flint and Billy. Flint had the gun pointed towards the women.//

Flint: Not so fast ya' harlots.. give us that their map and we'll let ye both walk free..

Islay: Fuck off mate! This is our map and we're getting to that treasure!

Bones: Islay, we all know where this is going. Ye really want to risk a limb over that map?

Islay, holding her sword towards them: I'd rather die for it then let ye rats have it!

//She rushes towards the two. Unfortunately, she was taken down by Billy with a swift kick to the stomach. Billy put himself on top of her, putting her arms behind her back. Preventing her to do anything else harmful.//

Islay, struggling underneath Billy: Doesn't matter! My accomplice will tear you both apart!!

Flint: Well then I guess we'll have have pry it from their cold dead han-

Baozhai, hands him the map: Here you go :)

//Flint, Bones, and Islay all stand there completely stunned for a few seconds. Islay stared at Baozhai with her mouth gaping. Flint snatches the map out of Baozhai's hand.//

Flint: Seems like yer accomplice is more accommodating than ye..

Baozhai, hugs Flint tightly: you're so handsome..

//Flint stared, unamusedly at the small woman. He tried gentle pushing her off of him. But alas, Baozhai stuck to him like glue. Flint attempted to shove her off but still she stuck onto him. With all his strength, he tried to shove her off.//

Flint: LET GO OF ME!

Baozhai: 💕

//Flint grabbed Baozhai by her shoulders. He put his foot up against her, trying to pry her off of him. Fortunately, he managed to get her off of him.//

Baozhai: sorry... Couldn't help myself from wrapping my arms around your big, beefy, frame~

Flint, obviously disgusted: ...

Flint: tie em' both up Billy..

//Billy nods as he takes out some rope. A few minutes later the two women are tied, back to back to each other. Flint and Billy leave them behind as they successfully cross the booby trap.//

Islay, eye twitching angry: I cannot ... BELIEVE YOU HANDED OVER THE FUCKING MAP! WHY THE HELL DID YOU DO IT YOU FUCKING IDIOT. YOU COULDN'T DO THAT BRUTAL SHIT YOU LIKE TO DO TOWARDS THEM?? DID YOUR TWO FUNCTIONING BRAINCELLS GIVE UP ON YOU???

Baozhai: I'm sorry! I couldn't help myself.. he was just so dreamy💕 I feel like we had a real connection there!

Islay: HE PUSHED YOU OFF OF HIM! HOW WAS THAT A "REAL CONNECTION"????

Baozhai: it didn't seem like through his actions but I could feel it.. emotionally 🥺

Islay: OH I'M GOING TO SHOW YOU A REAL CONNECTION YOU STUPID SON OF A BI-

//Cut back to Billy and Flint walking through the jungle. Flint was holding the map.//

Bones: you think those two ladies will be fine..?

Flint: I'm sure they will. If they don't, too bad.

Bones: I mean, I feel a little bad.. I knew Islay for a few years and seeing her again was pretty nice... Until she tried killing me. That other girl seemed to like you a lot too..

Flint, sighs: They're the enemy, Billy. Don't think you should feel bad for em'. If the captain was here, he'd smack you on the side of the head.

Bones:

Bones: but he isn't here..

Flint: I can clearly see that-

//Suddenly, Flint fell through the ground. Flint was clinging to the edge of the ground. Below him was molten lava... Seemed as though it was another one of the booby traps. Unfortunately they had overlooked it. Billy, quickly began to pull Flint up. As he began to pull him up, the map slowly slipped out of hands. Flint, just now realizing this, tried grabbing the map. Unfortunately, the map fluttered down into the lava.//

Flint: No, no, no!

//Map: disintegrates.//

Flint: GODDAMNIT!

//Billy successful pulls Flint out of the hole.//

Bones: You okay??

Flint: No! Damnit I lost the FUCKING map!

Bones: It's okay maybe we can-

Flint: No, it is not okay! I lost the fucking map because I chose to talk instead of looking where I was walking! GODDAMNIT, GODDAMNIT, GODDAMNIT!

//Cut back to Islay and Baozhai. Baozhai was trying to figure out a way to untie them.//

Baozhai: maybe if we... No that wouldn't work.. how about! No, no, that wouldn't work either.. HUH! I've got it!

Islay, dying on the inside: what is it...?

Baozhai, slowly tries to use her knees to get up: we'll... Stand up.. and walk to the treasure tied together!

Islay: Sounds stupid.. but by this point what choice do I even have..?

//Islay uses her knees to also get up. Struggling but successful the two were able to get off the ground.//

Baozhai: Okay! Now we just run across the trap!

Islay: If I die doing this... Tell the crew... I hate you more than that warden that almost killed me..

Baozhai: I'll keep that noted!

//Together the two began to run towards the trap. Immediately tons of arrows flew out of the walls. They screamed in terror as the arrows came close to piercing their skin. With luck on their side, they managed to get across without any arrows sticking to them.//

Baozhai, breathing heavily: see.. that.. wasn't.. so bad..

Islay, white as a ghost: I think I may have wet myself there.

Baozhai: ... Gross...

Islay: I SAID I MAY HAVE!

//Cut back to Flint and Billy. After Flint got over his breakdown of losing the map, him and Billy began to walk around the jungle.//

Bones: uhh, let's take this direction..? *Points to a path*

Flint: we already walked through there...

Bones: Oh, um, then how about through here-

Flint, facepalms: we already walked through there too... ten minutes ago.. WE'VE BEEN WALKING IN CIRCLES FOR FUCK SAKE!

Bones: um... how about we try to walk back and retrace out steps?

Flint, let's out a long sigh: ... Fine.

//The two walk back in order to retrace their steps. Behind a bush they saw, Islay and Baozhai. Who were still tied up together.//

Baozhai: I'm telling you, if I was captain I'd be great at it!

Islay: if you were captain, the ship would immediately blow up from your incompetence.

Baozhai: Hey at least I'm the one who memorized the map! That has to count for something when it comes to leadership or captainship..

Islay: Since when do you have photographic memory???

Baozhai: Ever since I could remember ever little detail of me getting "treated" at the mental asylum I was forcefully put in. Like how they'd lock me in a padded room for hours on end in complete darkness and isolation or how they stuck a needle into my eye and into my brain to get the bad spirits out of me.. god it was painful.. haha! Those were the worst times of my life..! :D

Islay:

Islay: Let's just try to get to the treasure in one piece.. and maybe figure out a way out of these ropes.

//Behind the bush, the two clearly heard what they were just talking about. Billy nudged Flint.//

Bones: I've got an idea..

Flint: Let me hear it..

//Baozhai and Islay continued to walk together. It looked like the sun was starting to set. Islay took notice of this.//

Islay: Damnit, night's gonna arrive soon. As if we need any more problems..

Flint, comes out from behind the bushes with Billy: Stop right there!

Islay: Speak of the devil.

Baozhai, gasps: You came back for me! :D

Flint: I'm not here for you, you stupid cow!

Baozhai: yes you are~! I knew you couldn't resist me..

Flint, groans: I swear I'm going to punch you again.

Baozhai: Ooo, sounds hot..

Flint:

Bones:

Islay:

Flint: you know what nevermind... Tell us how to get to the treasure or we'll cut out your tongues!

Baozhai: Oh okay! Make a-

//Islay hits her head with Baozhai's head.//

Baozhai: Hey! Ow...

Islay: Don't tell him anything you idiot! The last time you did that you got us into this mess! Who knows if they'll do it or not!

Baozhai: okay fine

Flint, holds a knife against Baozhai's neck and growls: Talk..

Baozhai: I'd love to but I'm caught between wanting to tell you or possibly being strangled to death by my crewmate..

Flint: I'm going to count to three and if you don't tell me I'm going to kill you and her..

Baozhai:

Flint: One...

Bones: don't you think we should torture it out of them at least?

Flint: two.. *puts the knife and his head closer to her*

Islay: Whatever you do, don't tell him anything Baozhai!

//Baozhai with precious seconds passing by did the only reasonable thing imaginable. She gave Flint a kiss.//

Flint, cutting him off from saying three: *proceeds to gag and quickly step away from her* WHAT THE HELL??

Baozhai: I'm sorry you were getting close to my face and I couldn't help myself~ It was worth it~! Albeit your teeth did kinda cut my lips..

Flint: FUCK THIS *pulls out his flintlock pistol and presses the end against Baozhai's forehead* I'm gonna put a bullet in this cunt's head!

Bones: What about getting to the treasure???

Flint, growls: ... We can figure that out later..

Islay: Hold on now! How about we all get there together..

Flint: What are you talking about?

Islay: I'm saying how about we NOT kill each other until we arrive to the treasure..? You help us get out of these ropes and we lead you guys to the treasure.. then when we get there we can go back to hating each other as normal... That sound like a deal..?

Flint: Why would I trust you.. you could betray us or strand us at any moment when we let you go..

Islay, looks at Baozhai: even if I wanted to, I couldn't because of the simp next to me..

//Flint stared menacingly at Islay. He took out his knife again and held it against Islay's neck. Islay tried moving her head away her from the knife. Instead of slicing her neck open, he swiftly cut the ropes.//

Flint, puts away his gun and his knife: let's get a move on then. The sun is getting low and I'm not planning on carrying the either of you.

Baozhai: ha, I knew you would do that. You care about me too much to ever do such a thing..

Flint: talk one more time and I'm throwing you down a lava pit.

Baozhai:

Baozhai: my lips are sealed..

//The four walk off straight ahead with Baozhai taking lead.//

To be continued...

[one-more-offbeat-anthem]

Gonna leave my last comment on Winchester In Love over here. 💕

Em, reading along with this fic felt like watching you make a gift. You crafted it with all the love and care in the world, so intricate and thoughtful and emotional, and then wrapped it up in a beautiful bow with this last chapter. And now it's out there, completely, and people can watch this gift of a story unravel over and over as many times as they want, and they should!!! Because it was BEAUTIFUL!!!

On a more personal note, being a film student and a writer with a million insecurities and perpetual fear of the future, this Dean of yours made me feel ALL the things. WOW okay if i get into this too much I'll start crying. But thank you. Don't know how you nailed him and that experience so well but. That Me. and the ending you gave him made me feel so very hopeful for my own journey. Was not kidding when i said i was WILdean-coded.

And god their RELATIONSHIP. So raw so real so complicated and yet. It's simple. It's just about falling in love like you never have before and how all-consuming that feeling can be. You made me cry and squeal and laugh and fall in love with their love throughout all ten chapters. And i'm sad it's over, but it's also just beginning!!! :')

All in all. Endless forever infinite kudos. Everyone go read Winchester In Love right the fuck now 💕💕💕

praying tumblr doesn't eat this ask oh my god

gen i have just been reading this ask over and over. I am cradling it in my hands. I am cradling you in my hands.

I've said this before but when I started writing winchester in love I fully did not expect people to be really into it. I mean, the concept is a little cliche and based on a 1998 romantic drama about a fictional affair that Shakespeare had xP

I am not a film student (as I say in the notes of the fic) but I am in college myself and I think we can all relate, whether we’re in college or not, to feeling like the greatest thing that’s ever gonna happen to us has already happened. I spend a lot of time wondering if I peaked in high school or if I'm ever going to do anything that impacts the world because the world is kind of a vast and terrifying place sometimes. I really wanted to have Dean sort through those feelings throughout the fic. 

honestly this is one of my favorite versions of destiel I've ever written ;-; they fall in love with reckless abandon! we only see dean’s perspective but I can tell you for certain that cas was experiencing all the same doubts. and yet they kept coming back to each other. and you know that part near the end where dean thinks to himself that he’s certain that tomorrow or next week or whenever his insecurities will be back but that at least he’s got this? yeah. I wanted dean to be showered with love in this fic and wonder if he deserves it and then realize at the end that yeah. he maybe (definitely) does deserve all sorts and conditions of love. brb making myself cry over my own fic. 

also gen your comments each week were like little gifts and they seriously buoyed me as I was writing and posting and struggling with my own insecurities as a creative. I'm so glad you were along for the ride on this one <3

[the-everlasting-dream]

Cookies - The Perfect Cliche Part 3

A/N: Wow okay its been a YEAR since I’ve touched this but better late than never right? Idk who’s interested still so I’ll tag a few people. 

Tags: @ooo-barff-ooo​  @saivilo​  @burnsoslow​ @client-327​ @i-miss-trr​ @gkittylove99​  @tinkie1973 

‘Bitch you did what??’ 

‘I know I know,’ Elizabeth mumbled around the spoonful of ice cream in her mouth, dragging a hand down her face. ‘It just happened I just reacted and… I didn’t mean to hit him in the face.’ 

‘Yeah no one means to hit their insanely hot neighbour in the face,’ her best friend replied sarcastically. ‘What did he say? He must have been pissed!’ 

Elizabeth hesitated as she scooped another mouthful of raspberry ripple into her mouth, straight from the tub. ‘He actually let me use his shower after that.’ 

‘WHAT?!?’ Athena’s screech was loud enough to break the sound barrier and her eardrums. ‘You mean to tell me that you were naked in that man’s apartment while he was also in that same apartment? How did you not get laid?’ 

‘Are we forgetting how just moments ago I’d hit him in the face with a wooden spoon? And I feel so bad about that,’ Elizabeth rushed on before her friend could get a word in. ‘I made him cookies.’ 

‘Cookies?’ There was a snort over the line. ‘What are we twelve?’ 

 ‘What was I supposed to do? Offer him sex instead?’ She winced immediately, knowing she shouldn’t have given Athena the opening.   

‘You know I would have. At least if I was still single of course.’ 

‘What would you be doing if you were still single?’ A male voice could be heard in the background of the call followed by a string of giggles which Elizabeth could only assume was from his ticking his girlfriend. ‘Hey Liz.’ 

‘Hey Damien.’ 

‘Ready for the interview today?’ 

‘As I’ll ever be I guess.. I mean its just for the bar down the street.’ 

‘You’re gonna crush it babe,’ Athena chirped enthusiastically. ‘Go in there and give em Cece from New Girl vibes.’ 

‘Yeah we’ll come celebrate with you after,’ Damien promised. 

‘Thanks guys, I gotta go or I’ll be late,’ she replied, shrugging on her jacket as they chorused their goodbyes. Giving herself a once-over in the mirror, Elizabeth put on her most winning smile before grabbing the plate of cookies off the counter. Loudly knocking twice on the identical door from hers across the hall, she set them gently on the floor before rushing off to her interview. 

  - 

We have to talk. Tonight 8pm.

The single text message no doubt forecasting impending doom lit up Drake’s phone screen from where he’d left it that morning on the kitchen bench top. Cursing himself for forgetting it, he’d rushed back home to pick it up on his lunch hour, only to find a plate of cookies at his doorstep. Now it and the handwritten Sorry again! note from his neighbour Elizabeth — he could tell by the spider drawing — lay forgotten to the side as he ran a hand through his hair, sighing in frustration. 

Kiara was mad. Again. He’d fucked up again. Somehow. No amount of wracking his brain would do him any good now. Just when things were starting to improve, or so he thought. All he seemed to be doing was making her mad lately. 

Absentmindedly, Drake shoved a cookie in his mouth before thinking better and grabbing the rest to eat on the long trek back to the office. - ‘You got the job!’ Athena wrapped her friend in a bear hug. 

 Elizabeth chuckled wryly, ‘Its just a bartending gig, Thee.' 

‘Still! Its your first big girl job you got by yourself. No longer a debutante of the north, we’ve got a working city gal over here!’ 

 ‘Complete with a shitty boss and everything. Did you know he asked me if this is the highest neckline I own?’ 

Athena wrinkled her nose as they continued down the street. ‘Ew are you sure you want to work there babe? You know I could get you  a job at my magazine place right? Just say the word and I’ll make it happen.’ 

Elizabeth was already shaking her head. ‘Thanks again but no thanks. Like you said this is my first real job that I’ve gotten myself. If I’m going to be independent, I’m gonna have to take my chances.’ 

‘Well you’re a trooper,’ her friend announced, linking her arm through hers. ‘Anyway, this calls for a treat. Lets go out tonight! But first can we stop by your place? I gotta pee so bad.' 

-

Getting dolled up together was something Elizabeth didn’t realise she’d missed. Athena had moved to the city years ago and she was starting to think she should have done the same. 

 ‘C’mon Liz! D and Nadia are already waiting,’ her best friend yelled from where she was scrolling through her phone on the couch. 

 ‘I’m coming!’ she yelled back, applying that final coat of lipstick before pressing her lips together to make that perfect pout. Just as she stepped out of the bedroom, there was a knock at her door. Athena gave her a quizzical look before leaping up to answer it as she reached back into the room to grab her other earring. 

 ‘Is Elizabeth here?’ 

She poked her head out to see Drake leaning against the doorframe, tie hanging loosely around his neck, offering her a half smile. 

 ‘Oh.. Hey Drake.’ Her voice was breathy as she crossed the living room, trying to ignore Athena who was furiously mouthing something probably inappropriate from behind the door where her neighbour couldn’t see. 

He handed her the plate. ‘Thanks for the cookies. Came in handy today.’ 

Elizabeth swallowed as their fingers touched for a moment. ‘You’re welcome. I’m glad they did. So… um you done with work?’ 

‘Yeah. Might head out for a bit later. You look like you’re on the way out yourself.’ 

‘Yeah,’ she chuckled. ‘I got a new job so my best friend is taking me out to dinner.’ Why was she telling him this? Why would he care? 

 Drake nodded. ‘Well I’ll leave you to it.’ 

‘Thanks. And again I’m so sorry about the…’ Elizabeth gestured awkwardly at the fading bruise on his face. 

 ‘Don’t worry about it,’ he called over his shoulder, retreating back into his apartment. 

 She’d barely closed the door, before Athena pounced on her. 

'That’s him?? Thats the guy?!?' 

'Thats him.' 

 'You hit him in the face.' 

 'I did.' 

'I can’t believe you hit him in the face.' 

'I know.’ 

Athena suddenly shoved her roughly. ‘You should have invited him out with us! He said he was going out a little later anyway. C’mon girl!’ 

‘I can’t! He has a girlfriend for starters!’ 

 ‘Who from the sounds of it is halfway out the door!’ Athena licked her lips. ‘Did you hear his accent? Soooo sexy. Must be some kind of European..’ 

‘Beats me,’ Elizabeth deflected. 

 ‘Imma beat your ass if you don’t snatch him up soon,’ her best friend threatened playfully as they grabbed their bags. ‘Now come on Nadia’s already sent me seven text messages.' 

-

‘Whatever it is Kiki, I’m sorry,’ Drake began even before he entered Kiara’s lavish penthouse. ‘Its not you, its me. I’ll do better I promise.’ 

The elegant diplomat gave him a pointed look before turning on her custom Jimmy Choo’s as she lead him further into the apartment. ‘That’s just it Drake, I don’t think you can do better.’ 

His brow furrowed, shoulders sagging. ‘What do you mean?’ 

‘You heard me,’ she replied almost nonchalantly, flipping her hair over her shoulder. ‘I just got a call from Sara Burton, Alexander McQueen’s creative director. She’s uninvited me from her fashion show next week. The same fashion show I was supposed to take Princess Marguerite of Monaco to as part of our efforts to broker a trade with her country. Do you want to know what reason Ms Burton gave me?’ 

She barely paused, steading herself against the mantlepiece before continuing on. ‘She told me that you were drunk at her show last week and told one of her aides that her entire collection looked better as fishing tackle than as clothes.’ 

Drake snorted without a hint of remorse. ‘I stand by what I said. No one on God’s good earth needs a fishnet jumpsuit. No one.’ 

 He instantly regretted the words as Kiara’s face flushed with anger. 

‘Mon Dieu! You don’t understand! You never did! This is not about the outfits, its about grace and finesse and being strategic in what you say and do. My parents warned me about you. They said you couldn’t handle the pressures of the nobility and sooner or later you’d only bring me down with you.’ 

He tossed aside the roses and chocolate, a belated peace offering. ‘Bring you down? Is that all I am to you Kiara? An accessory to your status? A means to an end?’ 

Her eyes narrowed in fury. ‘Don’t you do that! Don’t you dare twist my words like that when I’ve done nothing but make you comfortable with who I am for our entire relationship.’ She sucked in a ragged breath. ‘You think yourself above all the flattery and finery, living by your own rules but what your arrogant ass forgets that some of us make our livelihood to protect king and country this way.’ ‘

Don’t hit me what that holier-than-thou bullshit now,’ Drake interjected. ‘You know just as well as I do that shit is just a farce. Just ass-kissing and brown nosing your way to the top to get where you want to be.' 

‘If that’s what you think I do, then you never knew me at all,’ Kiara declared with finality, tears shining in her eyes before she turned away from him. ‘Let’s stop fucking pretending, shall we? We’re way too different for this to work. Everyone else can tell. We’ve only been fooling ourselves for the last three years.' 

‘Kiara…’ He came up behind her, so close but not touching. Was she really doing this? 'How did we get like this Kiki?’ He asked, barely daring to whisper. ‘Surely we can figure this out...' 

‘We can’t.’ When she spoke, her tone confirmed what he knew all along. ‘What we had died out a long time ago.' 

 ‘Kiara please..’ Drake could hear the desperation in his voice now. ‘Please don’t do this.’ 

 ‘It’s done, Drake. We’re done.’ 

 ‘Ki-‘ 

‘Please leave.’ 

She didn’t even turn around. Drake hesitated for a moment before obeying. In the elevator, frustration broke and he punched the walls hard enough to make the lights flicker. As soon as the bell dinged for the ground floor, he headed towards the nearest bar. 

- Elizabeth was still smiling when she unlocked the door to her apartment. She had needed the dinner with her friends more than she’d realised. Now for a goodnights sleep before her first shift at the bar tomorrow... 

A loud banging on her apartment door woke her up hours later, shaking her out of a deep sleep. Her bleary eyes found the clock reading 1.51am. More banging followed by someone yelling. 

 This is how I die. Alone in avocado pjs, strangled to death in my own bed by a lunatic who’s probably the Zodiac killer reincarnated. 

Whoever it was didn’t seem to plan on stopping. She debated with herself for a moment longer before hastily reaching for her robe, turning on each light in the apartment as she passed it, grabbing a wooden spoon for good measure as she passed the kitchen. The sounds were clearer now, it almost sounded like someone was moaning in pain. As she inched closer Elizabeth was able to hear a word, a name. 

 'Kiara..' 

Why did that name sound so familiar? 

 Just then her door handle started jiggling and she brandished her weapon more fiercely ready to strike. Before she had time to react, it burst open to reveal... her neighbour Drake. 

Clearly drunk off his face, he stumbling into her living room, swearing as his shoulder caught against the doorframe. The impact sent him teetering precariously but somehow he still managed to keep his balance, moaning out Kiara’s name as he peeled off the henley he was wearing. Wrestling to take it for a second, is knees buckled and he sprawled face first onto her couch. 

 Elizabeth remained frozen and to anyone passing by must have looked quite comical, standing shock still in her pyjamas, hair in a messy bun and eyes bleary from sleep with wooden spoon raised in the air above her head. It wasn’t until Drake let out a snorting breath that she was shocked out of her stupor. 

Ohmigodohmigodohmigod. What the hell just happened? 

Her very attractive neighbour was on her couch, shirtless and blackout drunk at 2am. 

What the hell New York?? 

Elizabeth did the first thing she could think of. She dialled Athena then immediately hung up. 

 Its freaking 2am woman. Get a grip. 

 Taking a deep breath, she shook her head coming to her senses that there was nothing she could do about it now. Placing a glass of water and an aspirin on the table beside Drake, she turned off all the lights and crept back to her bedroom, shutting the door for good measure. - He must have forgotten to close the damn blinds again because it felt like the sun itself was shining on the other side of his eyelids. His head was already throbbing and when he swallowed, his throat felt like sandpaper. Blinking grains of dust out of his eyes, Drake gradually came to his senses and his vision cleared to reveal the words of a graphic tee with an avocado on it, reading Hardcore. 

  Wait… This wasn’t his apartment! 

He shot up to a sitting position, the action making him nauseous as the pounding in his head only intensified. 

 ‘Rough night?’ 

A woman’s voice took him by surprise and with effort he turned to see the owner of the avocado shirt, his neighbour Elizabeth sitting on the armchair across from him...

[number-one-micoverse-fan]

FebuWhump Day13: Hiding Injury

Spy AU time! Honestly probably my favorite Micoverse AU.

Warnings: lots of guns, blood, violence, very cliche, like absolutely dripping with tropes i’m not kidding, open ending

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

Miranda throws herself around a corner and presses her back against the wall, ejecting the spent cartridge from her gun and pulling a fresh clip from her belt. Shots chip off the concrete next to her and she flinches when Dom comes swinging around the corner after her. His suit coat is open and both his guns freed from their shoulder holsters. He leans against the wall, catching his breath as he reloads.

“Well,” He pants, a bitter smile on his face, “This certainly didn’t go as planned.”

“No,” Miranda agrees and leans down to kiss his temple, “But date nights rarely do. Come on, we’re almost to the extraction point; just a bit more to go!”

“Tell that to my aching legs.”

“I did tell you to stretch before we left, hon.”

Dom makes a face, takes a deep breath, and dives out of cover, firing down the hall as he goes. Miranda’s hot on his heels, picking off anyone unlucky enough to think they’ve dodged a bullet. It’s a rather harrowing dash to the door at the end of the hall but once they’re through it, they’re able to smash the electronic lock and keep themselves from being followed. Still, Miranda keeps an eye on the door while Dom hacks his way through the next lock.

“I hate missions like this,” Dom mutters, scowling at the keypad as it refuses to play nice with him, “I’m always so tired afterwards I never get to spend any quality time with Cody.”

“We did get that time off approved for next year,” Miranda says over her shoulder, “So that will be a whole month we get to spend with him. Have you thought about a vacation destination yet?”

There’s a beep as the electronic lock finally gives in to Dom’s demands, “Not yet. I was playing with the idea of Disneyland though. Do you think he’d like that?”

The door slides open and Miranda puts a bullet in the head of the guard waiting on the other side. She beams at Dom, “Sweetie, you know he’d be happy no matter where we took him.”

“Well, yeah,” They take off down a narrow hall lined with steel doors, guns at the ready, “But I want it to be really special! We don’t get a lot of vacation time.”

Miranda is spared from replying by a handful of armed guards bursting out of one of the doors they pass. Dom says a word he would never even dream of using in front of his son and starts taking potshots over his shoulder. But it’s hard to aim and shoot at the same time and everyone’s shots are going wide, pinging off the floors and gouging lines into the ceiling. Miranda feels a bullet graze her shoulder and hisses at the sting of it, but grits her teeth and keeps moving. There’s a T-intersection up ahead that can provide them with cover where they can pick off the enemy before moving on.

But apparently one of the guards has had enough.

Their gun empty, they instead hurl their weapon at the pair of spies, the strap on the rifle whipping through the air. It snags around Miranda’s ankles and she crashes to the floor, her own weapon spinning out of her grip as the air rushes out of her lungs.

“Mira!” Dom turns on a dime, spinning around so fast he almost drops to all fours as he sprints back to his wife. Bullets are still snapping at the air around him but he doesn’t hesitate, just picks Miranda up, throws her over his shoulder, and runs like hell. They’re both gasping for different reason when he ducks around the corner, Dom setting Miranda on the floor so she can get her breath back while he takes careful aim around the corner to pick off the enemy.

“How’re you doing? Are you okay?” Dom asks without taking his eye off the few remaining guards.

“All right, in one piece,” Miranda confirms, a little breathlessly, “You good to go?”

Dom fires another shot, there’s the thud of a body hitting the ground, and then silence. He lets out a slow, shaky breath, and looks at Miranda with a wobbly smile, “Er, yeah. I got the last of ‘em. We’re close, we should be okay from here.”

And they’re on the move again.

Miranda’s in the lead, having retrieved her dropped weapon, and is keeping a sharp eye out for anyone trying to make a move. They run into a few more harassers but nothing they can’t take care of. Dom is breathing heavily, sweat clinging to his brow and matting his hair. Not that Miranda looks much better, with fly-aways spilling from her bun and her shirt clinging to her back. She’s exhausted and ready to collapse into a hot bath and then curl up in Dom’s arms for a good night’s sleep. They’re almost out of here, they’re almost home, they just have to go a little bit further.

The extraction point is a large balcony on the side of the enemy base. Large enough for their allies to land and get them out. Miranda barricades the door, loose hair whipping in the chilly wind, and then turns to watch the sky. She keeps her gun in her hand and her nerves on alert; it wouldn’t do to relax just yet, they’re still in woods and danger is still very nearby. Dom is leaning against the wall near the door, his legs shaking, chest heaving, his eyes closed as he tries to even his breathing out.

“Are you okay?” Miranda asks, glancing at him before looking back to the horizon.

“Y-yeah,” Dom wheezes, “Jus’…just tired. Sorry. I’ll, uh, it’ll be better once we get out of here.”

“Do you think they’ll get us back in time to finish our date?” Miranda jokes, smiling at the skyline. The smile wavers when she doesn’t get a response, “Dom?” She turns, frowning, and the frown turns into panic when she sees her partner sliding to the floor, “Dom!” She hurries over and takes a knee beside him, hovering, “What’s wrong? Dom, talk to me. I need you to talk to me. What’s wrong?”

Dom slides his hand under his suit jacket, wincing, and withdraws it again, looking down at the red smeared across his palm. A crimson stain is spreading over his white shirt, soaking into the fabric. Dom looks pale and sick, his frame quivering with pain and his eyes glazed with exhaustion. His gun slips from his fingers and clatters to the floor as he lets his head thud back against the wall.

“Oops…” His voice is a hoarse whisper.

“You’re hit!” Miranda moves his jacket aside, abandoning her own gun to tear open the buttons on his shirt and inspect the wound.

“‘Least w-wait ‘till we’re home…” Dom says, chuckling weakly.

“Shut up, Bridges,” It’s said with panicked affection, worried and full of love, “Shit, this looks really bad. It’s been bleeding for a while, you’ve lost a lot of blood. When did you get hit?”

“When I went back for you.”

Miranda looks up at him and he’s smiling. It’s a weak smile but it’s so tender and warm that it breaks Miranda’s heart to see it. She presses a hand against his face and he tilts his head into her touch, letting his eyes fall closed as he just savors her. Her fingers card through his hair, thumb brushing his cheek, taking him in.

“You fantastic idiot,” She murmurs, leaning into him, pressing her forehead against his, “You’ve been running around with that injury and you didn’t say anything. You’re so stupid.”

“Couldn’t leave you.” He tells her in a low voice, tired and fading.

“Well you better not leave me now, Mr. Bridges,” Miranda tells him, shrugging off her jacket to fold it up and press it over his wound. He hisses, twitching at the pressure, but is too weak to do much else, “Or else I’ll be very angry with you.”

Dom’s tired chuckle is almost lost under the sound of chopper blades coming closer. His eyes are still closed and his breathing is shallow. Miranda blinks the hot tears from her eyes and presses closer to him, wants desperately to hold him and kiss him and hold his hand. She wishes they were home, on the couch, just sitting together and holding hands while the television played something stupid and mundane. His blood is seeping through her jacket and her breath hitches in a sounds that wants to be a cry.

“Don’t you dare leave me and Cody alone,” She says to him, ducking her face into his neck, listening to his wispy breaths and the fluttering of his heart, “I would never forgive you if you left us. Don’t leave, Dominic, don’t you dare. Don’t you dare leave me…” Miranda looks back up at his face, pale and still, his eyes closed, and she doesn’t stop the tears from racing down her face as her colleges run over to help bundle them into the chopper,

“I couldn’t live in a world without you in it.”

[peach-pops]

This self insert series was created/planned by the wonderful @shoutamajiki​ and is based off of the insane discord conversations and friendships we have made in the past few weeks. The story follows the female volleyball team from Okami International Academy, a school that has been ranked top three in the national team in Japan for the last five years. When the girls training camp gets cancelled, Okami’s coach makes a last minute call to attend the boys training camp where powerhouse teams from all over Japan come to practice under one roof.

The main plot/characters/masterlist for the series is found here .With permission from Nana, I have written a few snippets for the Okami self insert that are ‘bonus scenes’ that add more context/background for characters and loosely follows the main storyline.

Team Members: @kirislut, @goopyartiste, @katsushimaa, @nieve-blancas-deactivated202010, @hannahalanib1, @icejins​, @art0saurus, @sugas-sweetheart, @estridries​, @suggiebabe​, @shoutamajiki, @deephasoceanmagic, @yee-harr​, @spookykiri, @peach-pops​

Ⅱ. Bonus Scene Two 

[inspired by @kirislut​ ‘s “hit list” which shows how insanely thirsty she is for these 2D men and how we don’t slut shame on this team]

Meg’s sweet and infectious laughter could be heard all the way across the other side of the court which only piqued Hannah’s curiosity as she turned her head towards the sound. 

“ Your captain sure is popular,” Noya smiled down at his girlfriend and handed her a water bottle before taking a seat beside her,” she’s really hitting it off with Konoha over there.” 

Hannah took a sip of her water and nodded as she continued to watch the interaction between Meg and Fukurodani’s wing spiker,” Yeah, Meg has always been the type to hit it off with everyone, especially the guys. Usually, Emma and Nana would have to pry her away if it gets too distracting cause all the boys are wrapped around her finger.”

Noya nudged Hannah softly with his shoulder and wrapped his arm around her frame,” Not all the boys. You have my undivided attention babe.” 

Hannah leaned her head on his shoulder as she smiled to herself. Before she could respond to his sweet comment, Amy let out an audible ‘bleh’ from behind the couple. 

“ Get a room, my eyes physically ache watching you two in love. If I had an ice cream scooper my eyes would be out of their sockets by now.”

“ Then look away if it bothers you so much,” Hannah replied as she chucked her water bottle at Amy’s chest but Amy caught it easily,” and I don’t remember saying anything to you when you and Kageyama were ki-”

“ Finish that sentence,” Amy taunted back at Hannah,” go on. See what happens.” 

The two girls sat still for a moment and as oblivious as Noya could be sometimes, even he could sense the palpable tension between the two girls. Hannah was the first to break eye contact and groaned, mumbling obscenities under her breath. 

Amy smirked to herself but sat down beside Hannah anyway as they talked amongst themselves for a few minutes. 

“ Hey look, Emma’s back,” Noya broke the flow of the conversation as the three of them watched her walk into the gym. 

Emma’s eyes scanned the gym briefly as she looked for her captain and sure enough, there she was with Fukurodani’s number seven. Emma’s feet seemed to have a mind of their own as she briskly walked over to Meg, who had her hand placed on Konoha’s bicep. 

“ Your arms are so huge, do you bench?” Meg giggled as Konoha nodded, his face seemed to grow even more flushed than before,” you okay Kono? I can stop touching you if you want.”

“ No! I mean, I don’t mind, I like it,” Konoha gushed. 

Meg could feel her chest tighten in excitement at the sight of her making yet another boy flustered under her presence and she mentally took note of the interaction. If Meg was a witch, it would be obvious to everyone that she had all the boys wrapped around her spell but that wouldn’t be giving enough credit to Meg. 

She was always just that charming and lured people in with her charisma and for the most part, Emma was always there to hype her friend up around guys. Just not today. 

“ Sorry, I’m just going to borrow her for a second,” Emma interrupted as she gripped the back of Meg’s jersey and started to drag her outside of the gym into the courtyard. Konoha gave a small wave back to Meg and the sweet gesture alone made Meg’s knees weak. 

Meg whined as she stumbled alongside Emma and rubbed the back of her collar once Emma loosened her grip,” You better have a good reason for wrinkling my damn shirt and cockblocking me Em!” 

“ Where were you last night?” 

“ Sleeping with you guys in the room-”

Emma scoffed as she grabbed a stray newspaper from the floor, rolled it up, and bonked Meg on the head,” Liar. You were with Kyoutani last night...in the storage room!” 

Meg rubbed the top of her head as her face started to grow red,” N-No! Who told you that? Honestly Em, why would I lie to you?”

“ Oh sure, cause Hajime would totally lie about walking in on you two when he tried to find the bathroom last night! You guys traumatized the poor dude! And what made you think he wouldn’t tell me!” Emma retorted as Meg stopped rubbing her head to give her vice-captain a small smirk. 

“ Hajime? So you two are on a first-name basis now? Interesting,” Meg hummed as Emma only thwacked her in the head harder,” ouch okay stop that. Why does it matter if I was with Kyoutani last night? Are you- Are you slut-shaming me?” 

Emma rolled her eyes as Meg pouted back at her to make a lousy attempt at making her feel guilty,” Meg, even if you were a slut I wouldn’t slut-shame you-I would probably give you a card or something. Look, you know me, I have your back no matter what but you just need to tell me if you sneak off. I covered for your ass last night since Coach Yamazaki saw you weren’t sleeping next to me.” 

“ So what did you tell her?” 

Emma’s smirk grew as she shrugged nonchalantly,“ That you were shitting your insides out because of that meal the Karasuno boys cooked last night.” 

“ Emma you did not!” Meg gasped as she covered her mouth with her hands,” that’s so embarrassing! Why would you say that, oh my god!” 

Meg slapped Emma’s shoulder hard enough to let out a loud ‘smack’ sound but that only made Emma laugh even harder. 

“ That’s called karma for not telling me where you were. I don’t care that you’re flirting with almost every guy from each team, in fact, I applaud you for it! You just need to tell me if you sneak off so I don’t have to worry about you.” 

Meg opened her mouth to make a comment on Emma’s habitual habit of worrying for her but decided to wait for another time to tease her. 

“ I don’t flirt with everyone-”

“ Lie number two of the day. I found your hitlist page on your notes, it’s an agonizing read,” Emma sighed as she pulled Meg’s phone from out of her pocket and handed it to Meg,” I knew you had a thing for that tall dude from Nekoma you liar. That’s your second lie of the day!” 

Meg was at a lost for words as she held her phone against her chest protectively,” First of all, his name is Lev-”

“Don’t care-”

“And second of all, don’t look through my phone if you’re not prepared to see certain things...so what do you think of the list?” Meg asked, knowing full well Emma had thousands of snide remarks from the extremely detailed and psychotic list. 

Emma peeked her head back into the gym for a moment as if she was making sure no one else was around and then turned back to her in a soft voice,” Your comments on the Miya twins are troubling but accurate. Seriously, those Inarizaki are no joke, and I’m all up for juicy details but I rather not talk about what you said about Date Tech’s captain.” 

Meg laughed as she checked over her phone to see what she had previously written but before she could comment, Oikawa’s head poked out from the doorway and called out to the two girls. 

“ You princesses ready? We’re just about to start our practice match now unless I’m ruining a beloved moment,” Oikawa teased as Emma walked over and slammed the newspaper roll over Oikawa’s head, almost four times harder than she did with Meg,” ouch you’re so violent. You and Iwa-chan really are meant for each other.” 

“ Yeah, tell me about it.” 

As Meg walked past Oikawa, the two locked eyes for a moment and both gave each other an affirming nod, something Emma wouldn’t have been able to pinpoint if she had not read Meg’s list.

“ Toru?” Meg prompted sweetly as she stopped in front of him with an innocent gaze. 

“ Yes Meg?” Oikawa returned, and the way he said her name sent a shiver down Emma’s back.

Meg reached up to Oikawa’s shoulder at an agonizing pace and as cliche as it was, Oikawa could feel a shot of electricity ring through his body where she had made contact. 

“ You’re in my way,” Meg pushed the captain aside and caught up to Emma in long strides as Oikawa watched her walk away with a small smirk.

Emma thought back to Meg’s hitlist, something she had read over a million times in the span of only a few minutes and she couldn’t seem to get a certain sentence out of her mind. 

‘Oikawa- been there, done that.’

Once they were far enough away from Oikawa’s earshot, Emma nudged Meg with her hip,” So, you and Oikawa? Is there something going on between you two?” 

Meg shook her head and looked up at Emma. She could feel the gym lights grow hotter above her but Meg swallowed down a laugh and shook her head again,” Nope, never has and never will.”

Meg walked back over to the bench as Emma rolled her eyes for the millionth time that day because she had just caught Meg in lie number three.