#you can almost pinpoint the moment i gave up on this drawing

[koumori-1999]

orion and a younger ratchet (which is just his WFC design but poorly drawn/simplified to make it look similar to how i draw his TFP design)

what is he yapping about

[lovelytwistedwonderland]

The housewarden's reactions to Yuu forgetting their names and calling them "that faggot over there" ? Please and tank yew :]

→ prompt :: housewardens and their reactions to being called “that faggot over there” by mc/yuu

→ custom req :: n/a

→ content warnings :: use of the f-slur, reader is assumed to like to draw in azul’s, very light spoilers for ch. 2 (not anything too big) ch. 5 (only what the arc is about), mc/yuu curses a lot

→ word count :: 1,852 words

→ A/N :: this sure is a request to start out with AGSKJASHJK but this was very fun to write <3 even if it's kinda badly done (also yes i can reclaim the slur, otherwise i wouldn't say it)

•———••✦ <3 ✦••———•

riddle rosehearts

it happened in heartslabyul’s lounge.

riddle was helping deuce study magic history while you and grim were with ace.

you’d been talking about riddle but you’d forgotten his name in a brief moment of brain lag.

you were trying to figure it out when you saw him in the lounge helping deuce and pointed directly to him. “no, i mean that faggot over there, the red hair, what’s his name??”

almost instantly after you said this, ace snorted and both him and grim burst out laughing.

riddle, who’d overheard your conversation, whipped his head up and furrowed his brows.

he was absolutely flabbergasted.

you actually just called him that.

his face turned almost as red as his hair when he glanced at deuce and saw him trying not to laugh.

(a futile effort on deuce’s part that only made riddle angrier).

he slammed his hand onto the desk that deuce was currently cackling leaning against and stomped over to you and ace.

he gave you a firm talking-to about the use of that word in his dorm but you couldn’t really make out what he was saying because of ace’s laughter.

probably ended up ranting about it to trey about “can you believe the prefect actually called me that!?” “honestly yeah, i can.” “WHAT?!”

ace now brings this up every time you two pass riddle, no matter where you are (and it makes him extremely angry).

leona kingscholar

you and ruggie were in the cafeteria during lunch.

the two of you had been talking about your opinions on random students in the cafeteria.

it was now your turn and you glanced around to find someone to talk about.

“that guy, over there, you know him, right?”

ruggie turned to see who you were pointing at, and turned back with furrowed brows. “jack?”

“no, not jack.” you gestured. “the fuckin’- the faggot lion.”

ruggie snorted and got the attention of the table next to you. “LEONA??”

you nodded.

“DID YOU JUST CALL LEONA A FAGGOT?!”

leona, even if he was completely across the loud cafeteria, could pinpoint ruggie’s voice from anywhere, to be completely honest.

he growled to himself as the cafeteria went quiet, several students turning to face him.

“yes, i called leona a faggot. i couldn’t remember his name, what did you expect me to call him?”

ruggie started cackling and so did half the cafeteria.

leona’s ears went back and he snarled. this bitch.

he knew letting ruggie hang out with the prefect was an awful idea.

he took his food with him and left the cafeteria.

this wasn’t something he was awake enough to deal with.

ruggie mentioned it earlier and leona had to physically restrain himself from using the king’s roar on the little shit.

he avoided you for like a week before he decided it was too much work and just gave up, but he still isn’t happy with you and will not let this go.

azul ashengrotto

happened at mostro lounge on a really slow day.

you were doodling in the lounge while you were eating.

jade and floyd, finding entertainment in your art, were watching with interest, floyd standing behind your seat and jade standing next to you, watching over your shoulder.

they watched as you flipped to a new page and began to sketch what looked like a person.

“what’cha drawin’ now, shrimpy?”

you hummed as you looked up to say something but you stopped, forgetting his name. fuck, what was it?

“your boss. i can’t remember his name.”

jade held a hand up at floyd, who was about to tell you. “no, you can do it, prefect. try to remember.”

conveniently, azul had come out with the drink and food you’d ordered at that moment.

you pointed at him. “him- the- that faggot right there!”

azul nearly dropped the platter he was holding.

floyd was cackling and you even heard jade snort trying to hold back a laugh.

azul, meanwhile, turned bright red in the face and set the platter down on your table.

“that’s rude and uncalled for.” azul would say before turning on his heel.

“jade, you’re in charge. don’t come get me.”

and he ran off into the VIP room in the lounge.

floyd couldn’t breathe. even jade was chuckling.

you had just said what popped into your head, why was azul so flustered over it?

later, however, jade and floyd were teasing azul about it.

azul, pacing, shoved his face into his hands.

“how did mc know?!”

neither of the tweels have let him live this down.

kalim al-asim

you and jamil had been studying together, and were now on your way back to scarabia.

somehow, the conversation had made it’s way to talking about some of the crazy things you’ve done at this school so far.

“and then one time, me and this guy accidentally tripped floyd in mostro lounge and we had to run so fast to shake him, which was absolutely terrifying. i can’t remember his name but i wish i knew him better.”

jamil shook his head. “how do you not know this guy’s name? it sounds like you’ve done quite a lot together.”

“no, i can describe him, you know his name. he has like, white hair, and he’s in scarabia, i think.”

“you’ll have to be a lot more specific.”

you were about to keep trying (and failing) to describe this guy, when you saw him talking to another scarabia member.

you pointed at him. “that faggot right there! that’s who i’m talking about!”

jamil furrowed his brows as kalim turned around and pointed at himself.

“are you talking about kalim?”

“yes! that’s his name!”

“and you just called kalim a faggot?!”

kalim, upon hearing this, snorted a laugh.

he was not flustered in the slightest.

if anything, he thought it was hilarious that jamil was so surprised.

“yes i did, and you can’t deny it!”

jamil’s jaw dropped as he stared at kalim, who was now laughing heartily.

“i can’t believe you.”

kalim followed jamil into the kitchen as he stormed away.

you left scarabia giggling to yourself. you hadn’t seen jamil that surprised ever.

meanwhile, with the other two, as jamil began to get ready to cook something for kalim, he sat in a chair and kicked his legs.

“jamil, you’re smart, what’s a faggot?”

jamil almost tripped over himself. that was not expected.

vil schoenheit

probably happened while you were practicing for the SDC.

vil had the idea that maybe some makeup might tie together the look for the actual performance.

so, he pulled you and epel off to do your makeup.

he was out in the lobby while you and epel were waiting with your bangs tied out of your faces in the bathroom, awaiting vil’s return.

there was a bit of an awkward silence until you turned to epel.

“so, does this always happen?”

“wha’ddya mean?”

“like, do you always get your makeup done like this?”

epel raises a brow. “huh?”

you sigh. “like, does what’s-his-face pull you off to do your makeup a lot?”

epel snorts. “what’s-his-face?”

you groan. “i can’t remember his name, the fuckin’-”

vil, conveniently, enters at that moment and you turn to him.

you point and look back at epel. “this faggot.”

epel snorted and you couldn’t help but snicker too, until you looked at vil.

that man looked so offended.

he set the makeup bag on the sink and turned to face the both of you.

“what did you just call me?!”

epel’s giggling doesn’t help when you try to answer seriously.

“you heard me.”

“you do realize that is highly disrespectful? especially for someone so much better than you?”

epel can’t stop laughing.

“epel.”

“sorry, vil.”

man’s angry but he’s really good at covering it, being an actor and all.

he makes you and epel sit in silence while he does your makeup and then makes you practice extra for the SDC, which you and epel were both complaining about.

he would hold a grudge against this for the rest of the time you attend NRC.

idia shroud

you were on a voice call during a multiplayer game idia had asked you to play with him.

it was you, idia and someone who goes by the username “muscle red”.

muscle red and idia were both muted but were in the call while the three of you were playing.

idia almost didn’t make it to you to heal you and you began to shout about it in the microphone.

muscle red had messaged you in the private group chat you three were in, asking what you were shouting about.

to which you spoke aloud that “this fucker almost didn’t get to me in time!”

you three weren’t the only ones in the game, so muscle red had asked who you were talking about.

“i can’t remember his name,” you began, but you @ him in the chat. “i mean this faggot.”

the chat was flooded then with keysmashes on idia’s part and several LMAO’s from muscle red (who had, thankfully, began to pick up how to text in online spaces).

most of idia’s messages were as follows;

“WHAT T HEJFUCK WHAT TH EFUCK”

“WHY?????”

“ME??????” “YOU JUST CALLDE ME A FAGOGOT”

“HWO DI YOU KNWO???”

“AAASHAWMNAHETRGHJEAFS”

“KMS KMS KMS KMS”

quite frankly, it was hilarious.

meanwhile, idia was screaming in his room so loudly that ortho had entered and asked him what was wrong.

he ended up telling ortho in absolute dismay.

muscle red sends screenshots of this occasionally and idia hates it every. time.

malleus draconia

it was late at night outside of ramshackle.

you were with ace talking about some of the housewardens compared to riddle.

he’d been talking about them for a while and you cut him off to bring up one of them.

“i haven’t actually met him really but i’m sure you know him, shit, what’s his name…”

“you haven’t met like half of the housewardens. that’s not specific enough.”

you sighed and made gestures with your hands. “he’s like, okay, i think he’s the housewarden? but like, i can’t remember his name, shit-”

ace begun to chuckle as you struggled.

“he comes around here, he might be here soon enough and i’ll just show you-”

sure enough, someone familiar caught your eye. you pointed and ace turned to look.

“that faggot!”

ace covered his mouth to try not to laugh as malleus tilted his head.

“is that the name you’ve decided on calling me, child of man?”

ace’s soul nearly left his body right then and there.

“you just called malleus a faggot,” ace whisper-yelled.

“yes i did, and i’m not wrong.”

malleus watched the two of you argue about this with intrigue.

“what exactly is a faggot?”

ace’s eyes widened and you snorted as ace grabbed your arm and pulled you into ramshackle.

he dragged you off too soon, in malleus’s opinion. that was a fun conversation to witness.

he went to lilia, who was more up-to-date on current terms, and asked him what a faggot was.

he was extremely confused when lilia burst out laughing and left saying he “had to tell sebek and silver about this”.

[xxktnexx]

Who Does It Better?

CHAPTER 2

READ Chapter 1 - Picking A Fight

Chapter 2 - Let The Game Begin

Chanyeol's lips started to move against yours. Licking and sucking every part of your cavern without giving you a chance to breathe.

You needed air but could not pull back as he grabs your nape to keep you in place.

His lips trail down your jawline and into your neck. Finally giving you the chance to intake air for your almost burning lungs. But then his lips never left your skin, leaving hot kisses on its wake. Tasting every inch of you.  

You're not new to this. You knew foreplay when you feed on your prey's wet dreams but it's so different in reality. It feels like your mind is swimming in a  erotic whirlpool. It's disturbingly addictive.

You bit your lower lip, preventing yourself from moaning and Chanyeol doesn't like that. He suddenly bit on your sweet spot making you gasp then moan when he started to suck at it.

"That’s more like it." Chanyeol said.

“Shut the fuck up.” You fought the moan and push the snarl out.

“Let’s see if you can shut the fuck up, shall we?” He said with his taunting voice.  

You can feel him smiling on your skin and that woke you up. This is not about making love, this is a game. A competition to know who is better between the two of you.

Without hesitation you run your hands on his hair and tug on them deliciously. It did affect him, but he did not give anything away. And you are not having that.

You slide your hand from his neck to his collar bone teasingly as you grind on him at the same time. Your movement was slow and careful, angling directly yourself to the length of his hardening member underneath you.

"Hmm shit." Chanyeol moan but pulled it with growl under his breath.

You were too happy on yourself that you can draw this kind of expression out of Chanyeol.

You can feel his hard on under your crotch and honestly you're getting nervous. You can tell that his friend is big and guessing it's still getting bigger.

But your not cowering down now. You have to make him bow down.

You grind again. Feeling the absolute pleasure by just the friction of his member on your heat. You moan longingly and run your palm over his covered chest. Chanyeol suddenly grab your hip to steady you in place.

"Stop." He said out of breath.

He knew he’s screwed when he said that, especially when he heard your seductive chuckle.

"Aww what's this? Having a hard time aren't we?"

"You would be thankful that I stopped you." There is no humor on his words.

And you shiver when you meet his eyes. It looks darker than before. Seriousness, lust and something you cannot pinpoint swim in them.

You scoff taking the threat as a joke. "You don't have to be gentle with me. We're not making love here Yoda. This is all sex."

You felt his eyes turn cold and it made u regret what you said for a moment.

Chanyeol suddenly stood up making you yelp. You wrap your arms over his neck and legs around his waist, holding for dear life. He on the other hand had his arms over your ass and thigh.

He did not say a word as he went to the bedroom with you still clinging onto him. He shut the door and push you over it painfully.

You almost felt your spine snap.

You let out a squeak scream of pain and then replaced by a gasp when Chanyeol's mouth capture yours again and lick down your jaw. Biting and sucking on you fair skin living angry marks for everyone to see.

"Fine, then I'll fuck you. Twin's rule?" He asked referring to the rule Jina and Juna gave to you earlier this evening. He was alternating from kissing and licking the new hicky he just created on your shoulder blades.

"Deal." You answered.

The sweet and gentle kisses were all long gone

You decided to fight back, pushing him off you and he let himself be pushed. Chanyeol's back meet the bed and you hurriedly crawl on top of him making sure to seat on his groin.

You kissed him this time and give him hickies when your at it. You felt him flip the both of you. Making you lay under him.

The sweet hot actions of dominance looks more like a battle more than anything else. Each of you aiming to outrun each other. Making sure to give pleasure to another as much pleasure you receive, if not more.

Chanyeol’s lips captured yours again in another heated kiss. He sneak his palm under your shirt and made way to your breast squeezing it painfully.

You almost scream from the violence.

"No bra?" Chanyeol mocked you.

“Off course you dimwit. I took a bath.” You talked back while panting.

You really got to admit, Chanyeol was really good with that mouth of his. Everything he does to you was just a huge turn on.

You were taken by surprise when he suddenly rip his own tshirt off you. Even the boxer shorts he lend you did not escape the harsh treatment.

You’re all naked under him now and he still haven’t lost any clothing. And what’s more embarrassing is Chanyeol stopped whatever he is doing and scanned you with passionate lustful eyes.

But he gather your hands and pin it above your head before you could even cover yourself.

“Don’t even think about it.” He was hovering above you taking every details of you to himself.

You bit your lips. You will lose if this game stays like this. Without second thought you encircle your legs around Chanyeol’s waist and pulled is lower half down. The contact from his clothe boner and your naked wet made him groans in appreciation before he growls dangerously low in your ear.

Thanks to this you slipped your hands away from his grip. You hurriedly pull the hem of his hoody off of him. You’re not the only one getting naked here.  

Now you understand why that woman earlier almost moan when she touched Chanyeols arm. Those biceps are moan worthy you can guaranty that. You took the temptation and touch Chanyeol’s chest. Slowly gliding your soft hands from his upper torso's well built muscles to his six packed abs. Making sure to rake a little on them with your long painted nails.

“Shit.” He gasps under his breath.

“You can’t have all the fun now, can you?” Your voice made a sultry mocking tone.

Chanyeol shot you a dark look. 

You two shared another breath taking kiss and he made sure to cares every inch of you. From your breast down to your waist then legs and all the way to your pussy.

You gasp when you felt his calloused hand slide up and down on your slickness.

“Fuck, just like that.” You said grinding slowly.

“My tongue can do better.” Chanyeol said as he dove down and made slow lick between your folds.

You grab a fistful of his hair as he ate you continuously. The sinful moans spilling from your own mouth made Chanyeol’s dick grow painfully hard.

He harden his tongue muscle and push it inside your hole. Your back arch in pleasure pulling Chanyeol’s face more to have a contact with your womanhood.

You can feel your orgasm building up and he was far from stopping.

You can feel your walls squeezing his tongue and you tried pushing Chanyeol away but he pinned your body still. You came hard on his face as he cleans you dry almost driving you to insanity.

God damn it!

Chanyeol sat up and look at you with dark eyes. "You lost." He gave you his mocking smirk while licking his lips. Your juices was still smeared over his lips.

"That's only round one." You said while slightly panting.

Chanyeol crawl back on to you giving you a wet kiss, tasting yourself as his mouth abuse yours. "It should be." He suddenly said.

It took you by surprised. Did he want to drag this game long? You didn't bother answering your own question since you have to pay him back. You took the chance and flip over your positions.

"My turn." You whisper and began to pepper Chanyeol's body with wet kisses. You slowly lick his six packs like it was some kind of chocolate bar making him bite his lower lip because of how you look.

Finally, you made it to the waist band of his pants. And since you're a total prick and a tease. Instead of sliding it off using your hands you settle in using your teeth.

You can tell Chanyeol's getting impatient as his breathing turn rug and his face display pure anguish. That made your grin run deeper.

His already rock hard dick sprung up. The tip blushed with arousal and his pre-cum is trickling down, tempting you to lick it dry. You had to admit, you made a pause when you saw his thing. You've seen one before while feeding but damn, nothing beats his. 

"I'll take that as a compliment." Chanyeol's sudden comment woke you up from the thought.

The smug look he's giving you is irking you to no end. Just to get even, you squeeze his shaft and put it inside your mouth without warning. You suck the tip while swirling your tongue around it, his precum blending with your own saliva.  

"Fuck, yes." He threw his head back as your warm mouth envelope him. 

Chanyeol collect all your hair in a one messy ponytail while you're still busy sucking him off. You bob your head rhythmically ignoring the building pain in your jaw. You take his as much as you could while using your hands what your mouth couldn't take. Chanyeol is grunting above you and with just the sound of his low voice send shiver down your spine and into your pussy. Making it wetter in every passing minute. "Y/N..." He moan your name. The way your name roll on his tongue cause a pleasing wave in your being.

Chanyeol started to get aggressive, he's now buckling his hips to meet your mouth.  Tears forming on the corner of your eyes as you're starting to gag. But you fought the urge and relaxed your throat making the penetration bearable.

"Shit, your gagging sounds better than my music."

The sudden comment made you chuckle and the vibration just made Chanyeol grunt more. You can tell that he's getting closer, so you started to suck harder. You looked up and meet his eyes.

Chanyeol almost came then and there. You looking up to him while his dick appear and disappear in your mouth is a view to die for. You're as hot as hell that his mind couldn't see anything except you. But he won't let it end like that. There are still more things to do and he can't let himself fail here.  

You can already hear the sound of victory, Chanyeol's moan and grunts that is, when he suddenly pulled you up making his rod slip from your mouth. You look at Chanyeol, he was panting heavily. He may have mirrored your face earlier when you had your untimed orgasm. Tch. That was close. You thought.

"Let's get down to business." He guide your arms and encircle it on his neck, an act which you happily oblige. He lay you down on his comfy bed and you inhale the manly scent on it. 

Defenitely his.

Chanyeol pump his dick before sliding it up and down on your folds a couple of times. Coating his dick with your love liquid. You can feel it's head as he align it to your entrance.

You expect him to snap it inside you or even push it inside without even caring if you're ready or not. Fear came crushing in and you tighten your hold over Chanyeol's broad sholder. Squeezing your eyes shut, preparing for any pain.

But it never came. You open your eyes confusingly and look up to Chanyeol. He was looking at you with a sweet smile on his lips. He's eyes slid within your soul with an emotion you've never known before. Chanyeol's expression was soft, warm and... loving? You've never seen this side before. Wait... You did. When you were still kids.

Chanyeol saw the confussion on your face making his smile evolve to a grin.

Is he playing with me? You could not help but to think.  

"You ready?" He asked and you just nod.

Chanyeol placed his lips near your ears while preparing to enter you. "Just say it if you want me to stop." He whispered.

This 180 degree personality shift is making you a lot more baffled but did not made a word out of it anyway.

Chanyeol slowly ease in, stretching you to the size of his dick. His eyes was closely watching your expression.

Fuck, so tight. He cursed, fighting the urge to fuck you real hard. The way you envelope and tighten around him is already driving him crazy not to mention the expression you're showing.

You gasp in pain and the tears are starting to fall from your eyes.

He saw this and plant a passionate kiss over your lips to distract you but not before teasing you to lighten you up from the tension. "See, I was right. You're virgin. Well a moment ago."

"Fuck you." You chuckled a little then hissed.

"Currenlty working on that." He said with a husky voice while still pushing into you.

He was now fully inside you before you know it. He stayed still giving you the time to adjust on his size. You look at Chanyeol and you can tell that he's giving his best effort in stopping himself from ramming inside you.

"Move." You said and he greatfully did what you told him to do.

His hips starts to move in an angled motion. Each thrust is slow and passionate. He wanted to savor the moment, to feel and memorize every inch of you.

You started to moan in pleasure, pain is already at the back of your head.

"Faster, please." You didn't notice that you just beg and you absolutely don't care at the moment.

Chanyeol's thrust became faster that you're arching your back. The profanities keeps on swimming inside his head. She feels so good. He thought.

You can already feel the burning sensation on your lower stomach and Chanyeol was no different But both of you are denying the approaching orgasm for the sake of winning.

He pulled out from you and you could not hide the whine that exit your lips.

"Patience babe." His already deep voice made a husky turn. You glare at him but he only chuckled.

Chanyeol flip the both of you. He let you straddle him as he lay down on his back.

"Now, ride me." He said giving you that adorable grin.

"Don't tell me what to do." You said at him yet you grab his dick and pushed it inside your cunt.

You let out a shaky breath before starting to grind your hips back and forth. Your pace is constant, deep and rythmic. Chanyeol grab your hips, helping you on your action but you took one of his hand guiding it to your right breast. He squeeze your tits with your hand over his while your other limb is over his torso for support.

You can now feel your orgasm building up again.

Shit. Shit. Shit. I'm getting really close. You thought as you look down on Chanyeol.

He was looking at you with glisting eyes. By the way his cock pulsing inside you and the way his grip tighten, you know he's as close as you.

You moan again and again. Just a little more. You thought with close eyes.

You squeeze Chanyeol's dick with your hole for the last time before you finally heard his beautiful grunt. His warm liquid shooting inside  you.

You came right after he did. Your voice rose in another level as the euphoric feeling came flooding in. You ride your orgasm before meeting to a stop.  

Both of you are panting while looking at each other. Chanyeol was still inside you when you chuckle.

"It's my victory right?" You gave him your very rare grin and it honestly surprised Chanyeol.

He sat up and gave your lips a peck. "Not a chance baby girl." He chuckled. The sudden name made a total flip inside your stomach.

Both of you changed back to missionary position and you can feel his dick which is still inside you growing and hardening again. He was intensely looking down at you.

"Now, let's start the final round." He said.

You circle your arms around his neck. "Bring it on. Big guy."  

NEXT CHAPTER

https://www.tumblr.com/xxktnexx/749167622536544256/who-does-it-better?source=share

[biboybuckley]

i need somebody to pull me out of this grave

Teen and Up Audiences | 2k | Evan “Buck” Buckley/Eddie Diaz

also on ao3

Five times Eddie yells for Buck and one time he whispers

or:

Eddie flashes back to the events of the night before while sitting in the hospital chapel. Bobby finds him there after awhile and the two have an important discussion about handling their new circumstance and what it means for them individually

5 times Eddie yells 

Buck!

He didn’t know yet. He didn’t know that Buck was already dead, that yelling wouldn’t do any good. The first shout cracked open something in his chest, spilling poison into his veins. It didn’t matter that he was injured too- he was moving. Buck wasn’t. Buck wasn’t moving . 

His world narrowed to one pinpoint- Buck hanging midair, not moving, not calling back to him. Nothing. Helpless, vulnerable. Bile rose in Eddie’s throat but he ignored it, starting to scramble up the ladder on shaking legs, gripping the sides with trembling hands as he tried to force himself to breathe.  

It didn’t matter that he was essentially climbing up a lightning rod in the middle of the storm. Let lightning strike twice, he thought, let it take him out too. Just let him reach Buck first. 

Buck!

He went up the ladder as quickly as he could manage, shouting, begging for any sign that Buck could hear him. He had lost his breath, he could barely manage the one word shout. I’m coming, it said, I’m coming for you, I swear. 

His gaze didn’t stray even for a moment, desperate for any sign of life from the limp form of his best friend. His partner. His coparent. Chris’s second father. One of the two people in this world Eddie doesn’t think he can ever possibly live without. 

Buck!

He was almost there, so close. Hang on, please, I’m almost there. I’m going to get you to safety. There was no response, still, as his voice broke and the plea tore its way from his throat, burning as it left and leaving an empty space inside him that was growing by the moment. Desperation clawed at his chest, tearing at his throat, flooding his veins with a burning chill that was worse than being hit by lightning. 

Buck!

He was at the top now, looking over the edge at the lifeless body below him. He could see his face- barely. His expression was slack, not even a twitch. Nothing. He looked- 

No. No, he’s not dead, he cannot be dead. Eddie shook his head, his breaths gasping pants now as he grabbed the line, yanking on it with everything he had. It wasn’t logical- he knows that, now- but at the time all he could think was in my arms, I need him in my arms. I need him to know I have him .  

A sob ripped itself from him as he failed to pull his partner up, defeat beginning to cloud his brain, panic clawing at his throat, tears threatening to choke him. 

Can you hear me?!

Buck! 

A desperate plea, begging for any sign of life- anything to hold onto aside from the red line connecting him to the person that dragged him to safety when he was convinced he was drawing his last breath, who he reached for with the last of his strength, who saved his and his sons lives in more ways than Eddie can ever define. 

Eddie has experienced the worst of what he thought the world had to throw at him. But this- this is the worst pain he has ever felt.  

Need more slack!  

He finally gave in, accepting that if he couldn’t pull Buck to himself, he could deliver him to the only other people he could ever trust with his life. He felt the distance between them as a physical force as it grew, the invisible tether that has always connected them straining as the red line grew longer, taking Buck further and further from Eddie.  

He was choking on it, he couldn’t yell anymore. The further Buck got, the less he could breathe. Panic clouded his brain, blocking out anything that was not Buck’s lifeless form that kept getting smaller and smaller. 

Buck! Buck, talk to me! Please, c’mon, come on Buck!

He doesn’t remember getting down the ladder. He doesn’t remember running toward the ambulance. The next thing he knew, he was shoving Bobby- shoving his Captain- aside, desperate to lay eyes on Buck. To see his chest rise and fall, to watch the breaths leave his mouth, to feel his pulse fluttering beneath his fingertips. 

Bobby didn’t let him, holding him back and shoving him away. Eddie didn’t hear anything he said other than you’re driving! And Eddie- Eddie could do that. He could drive, he could get Buck to the hospital in time. Three minutes. That’s what Bobby said. 

Eddie pulled into the hospital two minutes later, slamming the ambulance into gear and leaping from the car. He bolted around to the back, reaching the doors just in time for them to be taking Buck on. He knows he shoved someone- he doesn’t remember who- but it didn’t matter because he was on top of Buck, beginning compressions. 

If Buck’s heart wasn’t going to beat on its own, Eddie would do it for him.  

Then he was being pulled off, and voices were shouting, and it all became a blur. Bobby yanked him away as a nurse swore they would do all they could. 

Not enough! Eddie wanted to shout, All you can isn’t enough unless you save him!

But his voice was raw and his throat burned and the words refused to come out as Bobby directed him away.  

The last several hours have been a blur. 

Eddie’s in the hospital’s chapel now. 

He doesn’t remember coming here.

He doesn’t know why he’s here. 

He hasn’t prayed in a long, long time. He decided- he’s not totally sure when- that if there was a God, He had nothing to offer Eddie but false hope and empty promises. He decided he would no longer beg someone who wasn’t listening for help, that he would never beg for help again. Not when he can help himself. 

But he can’t help Buck. 

So he’s here. His St. Christopher medal is clenched tightly in his fist, tears burn his eyes. His cheeks are wet and his throat is so raw from screaming and sobbing that even breathing hurts. He stares at his hand, at the St. Christopher medal resting in it. He doesn’t look up at the altar. He can’t. 

He doesn’t think he wants to pray. He doesn’t know. He needs- he needs to do something. But praying now… it feels false, like a ploy to convince himself he’s somehow helping. But is faith really faith if it’s only for the security of knowing you’ve tried everything? 

It all replays in his head, the shouts echoing in his mind on a continuous loop. If he closes his eyes, all he sees is Buck’s body- his corpse hanging from the line that Eddie clipped him to. The ladder Eddie let him go up. The rain falling all around them, beating down on Buck’s pale face. The flashing lights all around them. Everything a blur aside from the sharp focus on Buck.

He’s already thrown up at least once since they took Buck away, but nausea still twists in his stomach, acid rising in his throat. Clenching his jaw tightly, he closes his fist around the pendant, the edges biting into his skin. Saint of travelers, protective against sudden death. He and Chris were going to give Buck one for his next birthday. Eddie welcomes the pain, squeezing tighter as he clenches his jaw, silent tears dripping down his cheeks. 

“You saved his life, Eddie.” 

Eddie starts at the voice, jerking his head around just in time to see Bobby slide into the pew next to him. He looks like a wreck, his face exhausted and eyes bloodshot. Bobby doesn’t often look old, but right now he seems weighed down by his years, the lines in his face sharp and heavy. This is killing him, just as it’s killing Eddie.

“I failed him,” Eddie bites out, looking away again. “I fucking- he died, Bobby. I didn’t fucking save him.”  

“His heart is beating now.”

“But he may never open his eyes again,” Eddie chokes out, tears flowing faster now as he lifts his fist to his forehead, hitting it lightly over and over. “He might never wake up.”

Bobby’s fingers wrap around Eddie’s wrist, pulling his fist away gently. Eddie starts to fight, but finds he doesn’t even have the energy to do that. 

“You got to him in time, Eddie. That line saved him, gave him the chance he has now.”

“It should have been me.”

Bobby is silent for a moment and Eddie turns to look at him. He sighs deeply, then meets Eddie’s gaze. “That’s what Buck said. When you were shot. And before that, with the well. He begged me to let him go down after you when you cut your line.”

The breath is punched from Eddie’s lungs, escaping him in a sharp breath. “He-?”

“I told him no.” Bobby looks towards the altar. “I told him we didn’t need two cut lines. He was desperate, Eddie. We all- we thought you were dead. But we couldn’t tell him, not then. He was infuriated we would even imply you might not still be down there. You all think he’s dead. That’s what he said to me, when I told him we couldn’t dig our way to you. He looked- God, Eddie, he looked so betrayed that we might have lost even a bit of faith in finding you.”

“He never-” Eddie’s breathless, his head spinning. “He never- no one ever told me-”

“You found your way back to us, Eddie. To him. Now you have to trust he’s going to do the same.” 

Eddie hasn’t stopped crying and a fresh wave of tears burns as they track down his face. His voice is small, broken, when he begs, “And what if he doesn’t?” 

Bobby’s jaw ticks and his expression cracks and Eddie realizes how fucking unfair this is. Bobby has already lost two children, he can’t lose another. Eddie should be comforting him, not the other way around. 

“I’m sorry, I-”

“No,” Bobby cuts him off, raising a hand. “No, we aren’t doing that. Not now, not yet. We have to believe. I’m going to pray. And you…” Bobby looks at him and his expression softens. “You should go to him, Eddie. You need to. You and Chris, if you think he’ll be up for it.”

“Buck would never want Chris to see him like this,” Eddie whispers, the thought shattering his heart. 

“He needs to hear you, feel you. Both of you.” Bobby smiles a small, sad smile. “He needs to remember why he has to fight.”

Eddie draws in a sharp, shaky breath and nods. “Are you gonna be okay?”

Bobby turns his gaze back to the altar, his breath trembling as he inhales slowly. “I’m going to try. That’s all any of us can do right now, and we have to. For Buck.”

Eddie nods again, firmer this time. “For Buck.” 

+1 time he whispers

Eddie settles into the chair beside Buck’s bed shakily, his hands trembling as he studies Buck’s face. This is… it’s all wrong. The tube breathing for him. The slack expression on his face. The hospital gown. The beeping machines. All of it. It’s wrong. 

Usually, Buck looks peaceful when he sleeps. It’s one of Eddie’s favorite things, strange as that sounds. Watching the lines and anxiety disappear, fading into a sweet innocence and openness that Eddie can’t believe he’s allowed to witness. 

Shakily, Eddie takes Buck’s hand between both of his, pressing the St. Christopher pendant into his palm and squeezing lightly. He lifts one hand to Buck’s forehead, gently brushing aside the loose curls. They’re free of gel right now, washed away by the rain. Eddie loves Buck’s natural hair, but right now all it does is send a sharp lance of pain through Eddie’s chest. He clasps Buck’s hand with both of his again, lowering his head to press his forehead against their joined hands. 

“Please,” he whispers. “ Buck, please come back to me.” 

[ticklystuff]

Oho~ can we get se good old lee albedo ler aether pls? Spot is thighsss

send no more, thx!

this fic is brought to you by this official art of albedo's bare thighs

i mean.. look at them... why are they out like that..... sir..

---

Something was off.

Aether couldn't pinpoint what exactly, but Albedo looked different today and it perplexed Aether to no end. Jean and Kaeya's voices droned on in the background as he took in Albedo's form, watching the alchemist scribble away in his notebook, recording important details of the meeting. There had to be something he wasn't catching....

"Like what you see?"

Despite his discreetness, Aether should've known that nothing could slip past Albedo. He snickered to himself and leaned closer to the other. "I mean, when do I not?" he whispered, just barely audible to avoid drawing attention.

Albedo smirked and breathed amusedly, still focusing on the notes in front of him. "I suppose that's true."

"Aether, Albedo, do you two have something to share with the group?"

The two turned to look at Jean standing at the end of the table, staring at the both of them. Although her lips were upturned in a polite smile, the stress in her eyes told a different story. Standing beside her was Kaeya and he smiled at the two, placing a finger to his lips as he shook his head.

"My apologies," Albedo spoke up. "Aether just had some questions that I was happy to answer."

"Ah, I see." She gave the two a short nodded, before shifting her gaze to look directly at Aether. "We're delighted to have you join us for the Knights of Favonius monthly meetings. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to speak up to the group."

"Noted." Aether nodded towards the two, watching them go back to what they were presenting.

This time, it was Albedo's turn to lean in and whisper. "You're gonna get us in trouble."

"Probably," Aether snickered under his breath. "Are the monthly meetings usually this dull?"

"Why do you think we only have them once a month?" Albedo shrugged. "Would you like a piece of candy? I carry some with me for whenever Klee gets bored."

Aether quitely scoffed. "Is there something that you're implying about me?"

"That you might have the attention span of a child? If so, then yes."

Aether gave the alchemist a playful punch to the shoulder. "I disagree, but I'll take a piece of candy as a sign of forgiveness."

Albedo chuckled under his breath and reached into his coat pocket, rummaging for a moment, before handing the piece of candy to Aether under the desk. Just as he went to grab the treat out of Albedo's palm, Aether stopped himself, eyes widening when he realized what was throwing him off this whole time.

Albedo's thighs were visible.

It's not like Aether had never seen Albedo's thighs before. He was quite familiar with the alchemist and would often see Albedo walk around in nothing but a shirt and shorts whenever Aether stayed over, which was much more often than most people knew about. There was something strange about seeing Albedo in his usual outfit, yet lacking the stockings that he often wore. Albedo hardly showed off bare skin in public, so the way that the little sliver of skin peeked out from between the edge of his shorts and the top of his boots felt almost promiscuous, like he was intentionally teasing the other.

"What?" Albedo snapped Aether out of his thoughts and the traveler shifted his gaze from Albedo's legs to his eyes. "You're not a fan of vanilla?"

"No, uh, vanilla's good," Aether stammered through his words quickly, taking the piece of candy and praying he wasn't too obvious.

Albedo tilted his head and blinked. "Are you alright? We can step out for some water if you'd like."

"No, no, I'm fine," Aether said with a shake of his head. He quickly unwrapped the piece of candy and popped it into his mouth, giving Albedo a wink as thanks. Once he was sure that Albedo was no longer paying attention, Aether's eyes returned to Albedo's legs. There was nothing special about the pale shred of skin; they were just thighs after all, but something about them tempted Aether to touch them, to tease the alchemist. He fought back at those urges successfully by concentrating on the subtle sweetness of vanilla in his mouth, rolling the piece of candy with his tongue, only to realize those intrusive thoughts were back at the forefront once the candy had dissolved. Without even realizing it, Aether's hand began to slowly reach for Albedo's leg and just when he was about to reach them, Albedo's hand caught him by the wrist.

'Don't,' Albedo silently mouthed to Aether, his eyes creased into a glare, which Aether could only respond to with a smug grin, wiggling his fingers just barely above the closest target. The two fought with each other from under the table, while remaining perfectly still for the others to see, but Aether won out in the end, giving Albedo's thigh a quick squeeze.

"AgHHA!" Albedo jumped in his seat, banging the bottom of the table with his knee, while slapping down at his thigh to stop Aether's hand, but the traveler had already pulled back, staring straight ahead as if nothing happened.

"Albedo?" came Jean's voice from the end of the table.

"Aha, my apologies," Albedo chuckled awkwardly to the room once he had recomposed himself.

"Everything alright?"

"I was just being bothered by an insect," he shot a quick glance at Aether as he spoke, before holding up the palm of his hand for everyone to see, "but I managed to get it."

Jean sighed, before giving him a smile. "Alright, glad to hear you're fine." Albedo nodded subtly. "Please, continue."

Aether snickered to himself once the meeting resumed, earning himself a displeased glare from the other. He mouthed an unapologetic 'sorry' to the other, watching as Albedo scooted his chair away from Aether, only for Aether to follow.

There was something fun and exciting about this, about messing with the normally aloof alchemist while trying to not get caught in the act, giving Aether that exhilarating rush. He wasn't sure how to explain it; maybe he enjoyed having that control over Albedo, but Aether's hand found its way to Albedo's bare thigh again, feeling the way he tensed under his touch. His hand rested atop Albedo's leg, moving not an inch as he waited for Albedo's reaction, or lack thereof. 

When Albedo didn't move, Aether allowed his fingers to flower over the skin and that's when Albedo finally acted, placing his hand on top of Aether's. His own fingers tried intertwining with Aether's in an attempt to stop them from tickling him, but he was persistent and his fingers dug into the pale skin, making their mark each way they went, feeling Albedo's leg bounce erratically with each passing second. Aether took a look at Albedo's face and smirked at the way those teal eyes were creased shut, his lips pursed together to stop the giggles that threatened to spill out.

"St-Stop," Albedo breathed, nearly failing to stifle his laughter. "A-Aether.. stahahahap!" He slapped a hand over his mouth with wide eyes, but it was already too late.

"Albedo!" Jean shrill voice rung through the room, before she sighed and composed herself once more. "Albedo, I'll need to speak to you once the meeting has adjourned for the day."

Aether had to hold in his laughter as he watched Albedo look at Jean in disbelief, before turning to look down at his lap. Once things had calmed down, though, Aether caught Albedo leaning in once more and Aether did the same to listen to what the alchemist might have to say.

"I will deal with you later tonight."

[unknowncountrygirl]

Curse Breakers Gambit ch 7

Flourish and Blotts had been closed to the public, and when they entered the store, there were mix matched tables and chairs set up throughout to host the schools participating in the chess tournament along with a matchup board with all of the students names, along with a second with each school and the total number of wins.

“Iris,” Tulip turned to the blonde once they were inside. “Did you figure out how to get Badeea's set o cooperate with one another?”

“I did, and what's more I learned that it's the exact same secret to own own success here today.” Iris began. “Each of us has a unique approach to chess, and we need to embrace that difference if we wish to succeed here. Murphy is all theory, Badeea looks to the big picture, Tulip you think out of the box, and I take a more traditional route. If we all did the same thing the other teams would be able to pinpoint that weakness and destroy us in the first few rounds.”

“You're absolutely right, iris. I feel terrible that I almost broke up this team for not seeing that. Despite McGonagall's warning, I cracked under the pressure. Girls, please forgive me.” Murphy asked for each of their forgiveness, and they all muttered affirmations that he was forgiven.

“What matters is that we are all here together in the moment that counts the most.” Iris smiled to each of them.

“I'll say, and just in time for the tournament, too! I just-” Murphy stopped talking as the door opened. All the girls followed his gaze to see a group of rather all attractive students wander in. Specifically a golden brown haired girl in a blue tweed dress. Everyone suddenly went silent and there was muttering from corners of the store. “It's the Matagot of Wizard Chess! Celeine Castillon!” Murphy told the girls excitedly.

“That's the top ranked student player in the world?” Iris asked, and narrowed her eyes at Murphy who seemed to be awestruck.

“I imagined she would be taller.” Tulip gave Iris a knowing look and Iris just rolled her eyes.

“I don't think I've ever been so starstruck,” Murphy said airily and Iris nearly thumped the back of his head. “Not even when Ethan Parkin showed up to coach Gryffindor. I'm trying to calculate the odds of us taking on Celine's team and winning but my mind is drawing a blank.”

“Well I'm confident our team can beat Celine and her mates.” Iris said sternly, placing her hands on her hips, “we can achieve anything we set our minds to.”

“your confidence is inspiring, Iris! And you're absolutely 100% correct.” He beamed at her, but she was still a little irritated. “Our team has already come this far, let's take it all the way!” Just as he finished, Madam Villanelle ran a bell to gather everyone's attention. “Thankfully none of us have to compete against Celine, but I do have to face one of the players from Beauxbatons.” He explained, having already looked over the playing order. “Tulip you play against Uagadou, Badeea against Ivermorny, and Iris has to face Durmstrang.” Which he did not like because he saw just how strong and brawny they all were. “Good luck ladies.”

With that, they all found their respective opponents. Murphy peeked from the corner of his eye and witnessed Iris offering her hand to the Durmstrang boy for a handshake, but he nearly saw red when the young man took it, but instead of shaking he kissed the back of her hand.

Within minutes Murphy heard Celine declare-

“Check mate. My strategy ees' impeccable, eet' simply cannot be beat.” She said, and her opponent shook his head. Murphy though gave himself a pat on the back, because in less then ten moves he himself had his opponent in a check.

“Check mate.” Murphy cornered the boys King. Celine and Murphy were the first to topple their opponents, and Murphy looked over to watch his name exchange spots on the scoreboard, and for Hogwarts to be equal with Beauxbatons.

“Check mate.” Murphy heard Iris's sweet voice call out suddenly above the other voices. Just like that, Hogwarts moved above Beauxbatons. Murphy and Iris stood on the sidelines after their matches, and watched Badeea and Tulip in their matches. Murphy smiled when he saw the Queen on Badeea's board nearly jump for joy as the girl said-

“Check... Mate?” She asked more then stated, and the girl from Ivermony slap herself on the forehead.

“It is!” Murphy called out to Badeea who looked at him, then back at her board, then back at Iris and Murphy with a smile.

“Check mate!” She announced happily. As they watched Tulip's game, they soon realized that she was just toying with the girl she was playing. Murphy mimicked tapping a watch, and Tulip nodded, and within four moves, she was was announcing-

“that's check mate.”

“You were toying with me!”

“I was, and you fell for it.” She smiled.

Throughout the day, one by one, they managed to succeed in 24 of their 28 matches, Badeea loosing two, and then Tulip and Iris loosing 1 each. Murphy had managed to not loose one and he was ecstatic. That evening, over a celebration dinner at the Leaky Cauldron, Murphy filled “his” girls in.

“Great job today girls, we were nearly perfect!” He announced, pulling out the standings sheet. “We are going to be progressing to the final rounds tomorrow.”

“Brilliant! I was confident about our chances of winning the tournament, and now it's truly within our grasp.” Iris smiled, sipping on her tea.

“The way it's adding up it looks like we will have to face Uagadou and Durmstrang, and then if we make it past that... We will face Castillion and Beauxbatons.”

“We each beat our opponents from Uagadou, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang though, so that's good.”

“I lost one one my matches though against Durmstrang.” Badeea told her.

“And I lost mine against Beauxbatons.” Tulip mentioned pouring herself a cup of warm tea.

“What's more on that note,” Murphy stacked his papers, “I have some troubling news.”

“What's that?” Iris asked as the waitress came over with their plates of food. Murphy waited until the table was covered in the plates and bowls, before he continued.

“I was saying, I studied Celine's moves when I managed to finish before her, and I uncovered something disturbing about her strategy-”

“Oh sweet Merlin this is good.” Tulip mumbled as she shoved a spoonful of her food in her mouth.

“Celine is implementing the Dragon Variation of the Slytherin Defense.” Murphy finished. Iris finished chewing and asked,

“isn't that the rare and devastating strategy that Aberforth said he used to crush Brian Gagwilde?”

“One in the same, it's virtually unbeatable.” Murphy told her, and watched as Iris shrugged.

“Then we need to come up with a strategy to counter Celine's seemingly unbeatable technique and fast.” She stabbed at her dinner, “I wonder if Aberforth can help us, he's a master of the tactic so maybe he has a way to counter it?”

“Going to the Hogs Head Inn during the day is creepy enough, let alone at night.” Murphy huffed.

“But we don't have to compete in the wildcard rounds, we are already in the finals, technically our games don't start until after lunch.” Iris reminded him, “if we get up early enough and use the floo we could go see him, and try to figure out a way to beat it, and get back to Flourish and Blotts in time.”

Murphy almost kissed her square on the mouth right there in the middle of the restaurant.

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

The next morning, bright and early, Murphy and the three girls floo'd to Hogsmead. Once in the Hog's Head, Murphy was delighted that there was virtually no one in the place so early in the morning.

“Back again, are we? If you're looking for more lost chess pieces, I'm afraid I can't help you this time.” Aberforth laughed as he cleaned up the bar.

“We aren't looking for chess pieces, we're actually looking for some help.” Iris explained to him. “We've made it to the final round in the tournament, but we are concerned about our opponent Celine Castillon, who happens to be the best student player in the world.”

“Celine is planning to use the Dragon Variation of the Slytherin Defense against us in the final rounds.” Murphy told him further.

“I see why you'd be concerned. As I told you last time, that strategy is not one to be trifled with, it's far too powerful.” He told them as Badeea and Tulip took a seat at the closest table.

“Well... We were hoping you'd teach us a way to counter her strategy?” Iris inquired to him with her kindest voice.

“I wish I could. But Unfortunately a counter to the Dragon Variation doesn't exist.” Aberforth told her.

“Aberforth is right, Iris. In all my reading, I've never come across an effective counter for it either.” Murphy moaned.

“Why don't we just... Invent one?” Badeea offered.

“You want to invent a counter strategy to the Dragon Variation of the Slytherin Defence?” Aberforth asked surprised.

“Yes?”

“Why not!” Iris encouraged.

“It's a delightfully mad plan, but I detect a 3.87% chance it may just work!”

“Then let's put our heads together and figure out a counter strategy they won't see coming!” Iris said enthusiastically.

So that's what they did, they pulled out a chess board from the bowels of the Hogs Head, blew off the dust, and went to work.

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

“According to the Dragon Variation, Celine will castle Kingside in order to capture our most powerful pieces... But unlike Celine we will not overlook our pawns.” Murphy moved in the way to fullfill the Dragon Variation.

“So while she's distracted trying to capture our Queen on one side of the board... We will aggressively push our pawns forward on the other side, and capture... her King! Check mate.” Iris finished and looked up at him with a smile. Murphy looked down absolutely awestruck at the fact they had indeed made a move to counter the Dragon Strategy.

“I stand corrected, apparently a counter strategy to the Dragon Defense does exist after all.” Aberforth was astounded.

“Girls this is brilliant!” Murphy beamed up at Tulip, Badeea, and Iris. “I predict a 76.1% chance that it will work against Celine in the final round. But... Brilliant as it is, our strategy is missing one very important element.”

“What's that?” Tulip asked him.

“It's missing a name.”

“I think... That considering everything, Gagwilde's Return would be a great honor.” Iris suggested and both Tulip and Badeea nodded.

“I think Brian would very much appreciate that gesture, from the bottom of my heart, I heart I appreciate it too.” Aberforth told them, patting the center of his chest.

“We've come up with a promising strategy to counter the Dragon Variation, but now it's time to put it to the ultimate test.” Murphy told them. “Ready girls?”

“Ready!” The three of them smiled and told him happily.

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

They made it back to Flourish and Blotts with little time to spare. Iris had to run back to the Inn and insisted that she change, because she had soot and floo powder on her. In truth, she was changing into another distraction dress, as Murphy called it. Murphy nearly hot the floor when he saw what Iris had chosen.

The pompom fridge black skirt. Instead of wearing the matching top though, she had instead went for a black slightly oversized sweater... And knee high boots.

What was funny, was that all the girls seemed to take a page out of that book. Badeea had changed into rather cutesy red dress, and golden silk hijab that complimented her eyes, along with having her makeup done. Tulip wore a Hogwarts sweater, but also noticed that she had some makeup on as well, not as much as Badeea and Iris, but some, along with adding a little curl into her hair.

The three girls walked ahead of him, heading to the store and he couldn't help but notice the glances that the three of them got, and while his heart belonged to Iris, he pelt himself feeling proud as a peacock because he had not just the smartest team, but he had the prettiest in his mind.

“I think I have the prettiest team in the competition.” He told them with a smile once inside Flourish and Blotts.

“Even better the Beauxbatons?” Tulip smirked.

“Even better then Beauxbatons, look,” he pointed towards the French team, who's two male competitors were looking the three girls up and down.

“See something you like boys?” Iris smiled, which made them turn red and look away quickly.

“Well, ladies, this is it! The moment we've all been waiting for, the final round of the tournament is about to begin!” Murphy prepared to give them a pep talk.

“Yes! I just hope the strategy that we invented will be enough to beat Celine and her team.” Badeea mentioned as Madam Villanelle passed out the matchup papers for the day. Murphy took it and then his face went white.

“Murphy? What's wrong?” Iris asked him, putting her hand on his shoulder.

“Iris... You'll be going against Celine Castillon.” He looked up at her. He had to admit, he was a little let down, he had hoped to have the honor of playing Celine. He shook off his disappointment and patted the back of her hand. “The Matagot and the curse breaker, a chess match that's not to be missed.” He smiled at her hoping he reassured her. “How do you feel?”

“Focused. I'll need to perform at my very best if I hope to unseat Celine from her throne.” Iris told him.

“You have all the tools to beat her, Iris. Just keep your head in the game, and you'll do great.” Murphy encouraged her. “You do your best to beat Celine, and while you're doing that, we'll do our part to take down the rest of her team.”

“Sounds like a perfect plan, Murphy... Now let's go out there and play our hearts out.”

“We can win this thing Iris! I know it in my heart.” Tulip clapped her hands on Iris's shoulders, shaking her lightly.

��If we do win, I know what my next painting is going to be.” Badeea smiled.

“Bring it in ladies,” Murphy held his hand out in the middle of them, and each of the girls laid a hand over his. “Hogwarts!”

“Hogwarts!” Their voices followed after him as they looked to find their respective partners. Iris was directed to go to the extra large main board in the middle, where Celine had been playing most of her games. Murphy did his best to get his game over with as quickly as he could, but in doing so it caused him to make a few mistakes that cost him time.

As soon as he was done, he wheeled over to watch Iris and Celine play each other. Iris was quiet, and seemed very focused while Celine looked extremely confident... Almost an arrogant air about her. Badeea came over and tapped Murphy on the shoulder,

“how's she doing?”

“Good, she's keeping very level headed.” Murphy explained to her. “Did you win?”

“I did!” She told him excitedly, but not loudly.

“Good, so did I!” Tulip announced, crossing her arms and plopping them ontop of Murphy's head. “What about you, saucebox?” She asked.

“I happened to as well.” He assured them, not even bothering to push Tulip off of him. In fact, he found the fact that she and Badeea seemed to be so comfortable around him now very endearing. “Celine is playing right into her hands, Iris just need to keep pressing her.” Murphy whispered to Badeea and Tulip.

Then, Celine made the fatal error and it was everything in his power not to shout in excitement.

“Ha! Now zat' I have captured your precious Queen, ze end of zis games ees nearly upon us.” Celine smirked.

“You're right.” Iris nodded, and moved her last pawn into play. “Checkmate.” The look on Celine's face was nothing but shock.

“What? Ze Dragon Defense cannot be beat! Zis ees simply not possible!” Celine stomped, pointing a accusing finger at Iris. “You cheeted'!”

“I did not. You only use the Dragon Variation so my team came up with a counter strategy.” Iris explained to her, putting her hands on her hips.

“But eet' doesn't ave' one!”

“It does now!”

“Judges! Judges, check her! I believe zhe' cheeted'!” Celine shouted to the judges.

“Miss Castillon we watched the entire game, Miss Rosewood never cheated, she simply tried a different strategy.” Madam Villanelle told her, but the young French girl shook her head.

“No! Zhe' must have cheeted'. Zere' iz' no way that anyone can beat the Dragon Variation!”

“Look, Miss Priss.” Iris shook her finger at her, and looked Celine dead in the eyes, “there's no cheating. You lost fair and square. You can either do that with grace and respect or you can ruin your name and be known as the temper tantrum queen.” The look between the two girls was deadly, and Murphy enjoyed every moment of it. He could already see the piece he was going to write for the Hogwarts gazette.

There was more words exchanged, and Celine and Beauxbatons implored the judges to go over the game again. Murphy nearly blew a gadget when the judges actually indulged her and had the pieces go back and go through the game again, watching for any sort of foul play involved on either side.

None of course was found, and finally they called Iris the true winner of the match... Much to the dismay and fit of Celine. Honestly his admiration for Celine fell away the moment that he saw just what a hissy fit that she threw when she lost. Iris watched her meltdown with nothing but pity and disgust, and Murphy felt the same. The blonde walked over to where Murphy, Badeea, and Tulip stood and just shook her head.

“It is with great pleasure that we award Hogwarts with the Wizarding Chess Trophy.” One of the lead male judges announced as he handed the trophy over to them. “Finishing with a 28 out of thirty two wins. Congratulations.” All four of them were able to put their hands on the trophy, and smile for pictures from the press. It was all exhilarating and Murphy beamed with pride.

“Gagwilde's return worked beautifully, Iris. It's a true underdog story if I've ever heard one, but we actually pulled it off! I'd say this calls for a celebration!” Murphy smiled. “Drinks on me at the Three Broomsticks!”

[junexhamilton]

"If Robbie's ever able to part from one of his robes, just use it as a straight-jacket for next time and tie Mitchell up," she suggested, still unsure how she was able to joke at a time like that, but Hunter somehow brought that side out of her naturally. Maybe that's why she felt a weird tension in the room all of a sudden. She didn't know how to describe it or pinpoint what had shifted. It was just something. Maybe it was all her and the heaviness she brought. Wouldn't be the first time that happened.

She was still hugging Hunter when she felt him stiffen within her grasp. It didn't take away from the hug or anything, but it had question marks metaphorically bouncing around above her head. Instead of drawing attention to it, she ended up hugging him harder. "Still, it means a lot," she muttered before reluctantly pulling away. "You know, I'm thinking I might actually go raid Ashley's room for a bit. I'm kind of exhausted, and I'm sure you could use a moment of peace from...well, atll that," she nodded towards his door and out the hall. "But thank you again for everything. You're truly the one person I can count on, Hunter Smith," she gave him a quick smile, throwing in a peck against his cheek before walking backwards towards the door. "Sleep well, okay? Don't do too much studying or whatever else you do." With that, she tossed her hair over her shoulder and headed over to Ashley's room, everything she actually wanted to do or say lodged in her throat as she walked out the door.

***

June huffed as she starred at the ceiling. It was almost two in the morning, but she was completely jolted awake. The days events should have had her crashing by this point. Unfortunately, she couldn't stop replaying it all. James. Hunter. Every single stupid mistake she'd make in her life. With a groan, she rubbed at her sore eyes before pushing off the covers and catching a glance of herself in Ashley's full sized mirror. She'd changed out of her own clothes into what seemed to be passable as PJ's. Not wanting to be a huge bother, she took the first thing she'd happened to see, an oversized t-shirt reading "Good girls go to Heaven, bad girls go to Las Vegas." She settled for that and her undies as the evening's sleepwear. With her hair ruffled and face lightly stained with black mascara, she rolled her eyes and got up. Whatever. She didn't even know if he'd be awake, but the last thing Hunter cared about was how she looked. She tiptoed through the hall, only pausing when she heard what seemed to be a strange form of sleep-singing from Mitchell's room. A hand flew to her mouth to muffle any laughter before carrying on. She twisted the knob to his door, a bit surprised when it turned with no hesitation and let herself in. Her voice remained as soft as possible when she spoke.

"Hey, you still awake?"

“Trust me, we remind him everyday, but apparently his thing is short term memory loss.” In a weird way, Hunter got it. In a big family, it was hard to distinguish yourself, and Mitchell, for better or worse, managed to do so every day of his life. “Thank god for Mike, honestly. It’s a full time job keeping him in line and I don’t want to do it.” He knew things were very different with June’s family. Sure, her brother was chaos incarnate, but he had a feeling that chaos was a lot less tolerated in the Hamilton household compared to the Smiths. It was hardly intuition that brought him to that conclusion - he’d been her friend for long enough to see it first hand.

“Eh, check later. You know Ashley. If she’s coming home tonight, it won’t be until late.” He paused for a moment, pushing his hair out of his face. He needn’t have bothered - it all flopped forward again within seconds. “Or you can just stay here. Whatever you want.” He was surprised when she hugged him again, but he didn’t fight it, wrapping his arms around her and holding her tight. “Don’t mention it, June. I’d be a crappy friend if I wasn’t here for you.” He tried to ignore her latter comment, but a part of Hunter felt like he wanted to explode.

[sugarylawliet]

May I pretty please have a nsfw Light x Fem!Reader fic where Light is horny af and tries to seduce the reader but since it’s so rare to see Light needy like that, the reader decides to use this and pretends like she’s busy etc. and drives Light crazy af which leads to angry Dom!Light sex ;)

WHEW i got outta breath just reading this req-

warnings: nsfw/smut, dom! light, degradation with slight praise, this one has more plot than usual i think

taglist: @ygm1slt

"Y/N, do you mind?"

You glanced up from the dozens of tan manilla folders you held in your hand, spread out like a hand of playing cards, each one filled with documents upon documents about the legend you and your coworkers were chasing. The stacks of papers felt like the scribblings of a child in your hand; useless to you, because you knew who Kira was already. Hidden in plain sight, he was the man who had just called your name from the front of the room where he sat, beckoning for you to come near.

You let out a long sigh under your breath, slowly placing the papers onto the desk you stood in front of. You and Light were not dating, no, in fact you could barely stand to be in the same room as the man. His aura was suffocating, despite the large and sprawling rooms of the headquarters building, you could always pinpoint just where Light was; you could feel his arrogant energy wafting off of him, making it clear who the superior one was in the room. It was asphyxiating, and his words were even worse. Everytime he called you to come closer to him, your heart skipped a beat- and though you were sure it was from disgust, you never denied any of his requests. Your love-hate relationship with him only made your interactions more intoxicating. You weren’t gonna deny yourself the excitement.

Your footsteps echo through the almost empty room as you walked towards Light, the only other people at the task force at the moment being L, Matsuda, and Soichiro, all of whom were working together on the right side of the room, their focus on L’s computer.

“What is it?” You ask as you approach Light, stopping next to him.

“I’d like to know your thoughts on this, a second opinion would be helpful.” He gestures towards his computer screen, which was packed with data you could barely read. As you attempt to decipher the text, Light places his hand on your upper thigh, gripping it horizontally. You hold back a gasp, trying not to draw attention to yourself. Light stares at you, your eyes unwavering from the screen in front of you.

“Umm, well, it’s....”

Light’s hand slides up your thigh, his fingers inching up your skirt and brushing the fabric of your panties. He moves his fingers slightly with the slowness of a lover brushing their thumb up and down your hand as you hold theirs. Your breath stutters as you found yourself craving a harder touch from the man you thought you hated.

You break your gaze from the computer screen and glance at Light- his eyebrows were turned downwards, and the image gave you an idea. You grab Light’s hand, peeling it from your leg and dropping it into his lap. “Actually, Light. I’m kind of busy with these documents right now, sorry.” You smile, walking away and returning to your spot at the other table.

You sort through the papers, your mind off of Light before you feel the vibration of your phone from the table. You check to make sure L wasn’t looking before checking your phone, opening the message notification.

Light Y.

brat.

You glance over your shoulder before typing a quick response.

                                                                                                                        Y/N

                            i’m sure i don’t know what you mean.

You place down your phone screen-first on the table and turn your ringer off, not bothering to see whatever quip Light would respond with. You catch him rolling his eyes out of the corner of your view before returning to his work. He places a hand over his mouth and throws one of his legs over the other, crossing them. You smirk to yourself.

This was a back and forth you and Light Yagami often shared ever since you joined the Japanese Task Force. Light, the esteemed man he is, never places doubt in his ability not only to seduce women, but to get what he wants, whatever that may be; in this case, it was you. You, on the other hand, prided yourself on being strong- a stubborn person with an unwavering will, someone who could out-work and out-show the men who thought they were better than you. Often you forgot the end goals of your little adventures to prove yourself better than, getting caught up in the chase of it all. You and Light’s relationship was a quite hectic blend of both of your guys’ stubborn behavioral habits, and neither of you would settle for losing.

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

“Light-kun, it’s getting quite late. You two aren’t tired?” L asks, glancing at you and Light, as the three of you were the only ones remaining in the main area of task force headquarters. Everyone else had either gone home or gone to their designated rooms in the building.

“No, There’s a lot of work to be done so I’m fine with sacrificing a little sleep.” Light glances at you briefly. You knew he was expecting to be left alone with you, but you decide to push the envelope a little further. You refused to give into him; at this point, your ego and desire to not lose rivaled his.

“Actually, Ryuzaki, you’re right. I’m gonna head to bed.” You wave goodnight to the men, sending Light an innocent smile as you walk upstairs to your room. 

You made yourself comfortable in your bed, as surprisingly Light had taken several hours to come upstairs- he didn’t want to chase after you, you assumed. Though, you could see how desperate he was through his facade.

Eventually, though, the door to your room opens with a creek, as Light steps his way inside and locks it behind him.

“Oh, hi Light. Do you need something?”

“Don’t play stupid.” Light runs his fingers through his caramel hair, frustrated. He walks over to where you sat on the edge of the bed, taking your jaw in his tight grip and forcing you to look at him.

“What was that all about, huh?” He places his hand on your leg, sliding further and further upwards as he speaks. “Teasing me as if you have the right. Have you forgotten who you’re talking to? I don’t appreciate the bratty behavior.” His fingers return to the position they were earlier, softly brushing up and down over your clothed heat. You bite your lip, holding back a moan; you weren’t going to give into him this easily. No, this was a competition for pride, and you were determined to win.

“Actually, Light,” You push his hands away from you, standing up, “I’ve had quite a long day. I’m gonna go get some rest, maybe you should too?” You remark before leaving, shutting the door behind you and finding another room to sleep in. You were going to win.

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

“Are you guys coming with?”

You stand in the main hub of task force headquarters near Light, as L was on a seperate floor working and the rest of the task force was getting ready to leave for lunch.

“No, sorry, I wanna finish this work as soon as possible. But Matsuda, do you mind bringing Y/N and I something back?”

You whip your head towards him with a sour look as he volunteered you to stay with him- alone.

“Sure, text me what you want!” Matsuda exclaims cheerfully before leaving with the other detectives. 

The loud slam of the door echoing through the large half-vacant room did not draw your attention away from your work, as you were determined to remain focused.

“You know, Y/N,” Light stands up from his chair, approaching you from behind where you sat. You take in a breath, preparing yourself for the antics he was about to pull.

“You never did apologize to me.” He places his long slender hands on your shoulders from behind, slowly rubbing up and down.

“Apologize? What do I need to apologize for?”

“For being a fucking brat.”

Light abruptly grabs the sides of the chair and spins you around to face him, his nose almost poking yours and his hot breath tickling your face, flushing your cheeks red. You take the opportunity of your close proximity to lock eyes with him, slightly shaking your head no, your confidence unbreaking. 

With haste, Light knots a finger in your hair and roughly pulls you towards the nearest table, shoving you chest-first into it. He smacks your ass, earning a yelp from you. “How hard is it to follow fucking instructions? God, is your ego that big?”

He creeps his hand up your legs, dipping under your skirt and pulling your panties down to pool around your ankles. He runs his fingers up your slit, leaning down to whisper in your ear, “Just give into me...”

You shake your head as best you can with Light still gripping the roots of your hair and whine out a small “Nuh-uh.”

He dips two fingers inside you, curling his fingers upwords and making a beckoning motion inside of you. Quickly, he pulls his digits out, extending his hand to force you to suck on them. “Hmm, taste all that? It sure looks like you want to give into me...”

You pitifully whine around his fingers, pushing your backside to press against the bulge forming in his pants, asking for more.

“See? I knew you were needy for me.” He removes his fingers from your mouth and slips them back into your cunt, pumping in and out at a steady pace before adding a third finger. You pathetically squirm under his methodical movements; he was too good at this. You try to bite back your moans to save your confidence, but soon fail as Light scissors his fingers inside of you.

“Mm, I love the sounds you make, you sound like such a slut.”

Light increases his pace and depth, curling his fingers against your walls until his fingers were no longer visible. His manipulation of your senses drew your orgasam out quicker than you expected, causing you to clench against his digits. Light, sensing this, promptly removes his fingers from you, causing you to whine.

“Light...”

“What, you think I’m gonna let you finish?” He chuckles leaning down to speak in your ear, “Just say you’re sorry, Y/N. It’s not that hard, really.”

“I have nothing to apologize for.” You pant. 

He smacks your backside again, the hand-print stinging with the frustration building up inside the man. “Don’t talk back to me, brat. You know, you’re really being difficult and I don’t appreciate it. Maybe I should just leave you here...” He removes his grip from you and begins to walk away, and you’ve never felt more alone without your arch enemy.

“No, Light...” You bite your lip as you call him, the swing to your ego panging your chest.

“Hm, what’s that?”

“Light...” You look away, feeling embarrassment bubble inside your stomach.

“You only get what you beg for, Y/N. I can’t hear you...” He walks closer to you, a smirk forming on his lips as he backs you against the table, “C’mon, pet. Beg for me to fuck you, I know you want to.” He places a soft touch on your clit, rubbing it slowly in circles.

Against everything you’ve been fighting for this whole time, against your pride, your body was aching and obeyed, “Light, Kira, I need you so badly, please, please just fuck me already.”

“Hm, I don’t know. Are you sorry?”

“Yes, yes, I’m really sorry.”

“For what?” His tone grows more stern.

“For being a brat, for teasing you, for not listening to you, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, just please, touch me....”

Light hums in appreciation as he unbuckles his belt, tossing it on the floor and pulling himself out of his tan pants, “Mm, that’s Kira’s good girl, I knew you’d come around.” He pumps himself a few times, sliding the head of his cock up and down your slit, pushing slightly in every now and again just to evoke a mewl from you.

A slew of “please”s and begging whines spilled from your lips like a desperate prayer as Light continued his torturous teasing.

“You’re nothing but Kira’s pet, right?”

You nod rapidly.

“And you’d do anything for me? You’re mine, mine to use how I please and dispose of? Mine to use as a fucktoy?”

You nod again without question.

“Good, that’s what I like to hear.” Light rewards you, finally pushing himself inside of you after what felt like an eternity. He rocks his hips to meet yours as he stretches your walls out, the moans from both of you mixing in the echoey room.

“God, Y/N, you feel so good. All this time I’ve waited...”

“Fuck, Kira,” You cry, wrapping your legs around Light’s waist, pulling him as close as possible. Your fingers curl into the hard, cold desk beneath you in an attempt to grapple with the amount of stimulation you were receiving.

His forehead came to rest on yours as he pounded into you relentlessly, “God, you’re such a good little slut for me Y/N, yeah? Nothing but a dirty fucking slut for my cock, fuck you take me so well.”

“Light, I’m gonna cum...” Your loud moans were hiccuped by the rhythm of Light rocking into you.

“Cum for me Y/N, cum all over my cock like the slut you are, make a mess so everyone knows how good I make you feel, how you’re mine and only mine to use for my pleasure.”

The harsh words that tickled your face encouraged your on-coming orgasam as you soon came around Light. He continued to thrust into you until he threw his head back with a groan, cumming inside of you.

Light pulled himself out and tucked himself back into his pants, tidying up his appearance with still labored breath. “Don’t even bother to clean up,” He head tired at the sticky liquid that was leaking down your legs and dampening the table beneath you, “Everyone knows you’re just a slut anyways, might as well let them know you’re my slut.” He winks before leaving the main room, walking off into a seperate hallway presumably to collect himself.

You stood up from the table, still panting. The fight was over, you had lost. Lost. Lost to the man who always seemed to win despite being plagued by misfortune. You huff, pulling your clothes back on and allowing the sting of losing your pride battle with Light Yagami to overpower the pain you felt in your lower half.

[koiir]

I’LL NEVER BITE THE PAIN

Pairings - Kazuha x fem!reader, heizou x fem!reader

Genre - angst to comfort

Part 1

After you left Inuzuma, heizou lost feelings quickly. He understood why too, because of that bet. It’s not like he agreed to it though! But, those words stuck with him.

“Say Shikanion, I bet you won’t be able to make [name] fall for you.”

“And why do you say that?” Heizou wasn’t exactly sure where he was going with this. I mean, it couldn’t be that much of a challenge, right? “Because! Everyone says how oh so cold she is, don’t you wonder if she would be willing to let someone in her heart? Don’t you think it would be an ego booster if you made the [name] fall for you?” It’s not like he was wrong, but… leading you one was just something Heizou wouldn’t do. “Still, with her smarts, she could probably tell if someone’s feelings are true or false.”

“Aren’t you confident in your abilities though, Shikanion? You might as well view this as a case itself. See if you can make [name] fall for you, without her doubting your motives.” These words made heizou halt, he knew how wrong it was, yet why did he feel the need to continue on with this plan?

After you had made it to Inuzuma and got the news that you would be working with heizou, he started to make an effort to talk to you. Not for the bet though! Rather… he viewed talking to you as a way to find out more about yourself. Plus, he was going to be working with you, so it would be best if you two got along.

Yet spending time with you were his favorite moments, maybe because of everyone’s shock. Shocked In how the two of you got along, how you two were spotted frequently around the city. Still, heizou truly felt as if he was catching feelings. Yet he couldn’t help but think he was just pretending. Pretending so he wouldn’t feel like an ass once you realized it was just a bet.

Although, once you left, those feelings quickly faded. And he felt, somewhat happy. He missed you, he really did. But he knew that you fell for him. And that’s what excited him. He was actually able to make you fall for him, and it wasn’t even much of a challenge! But hey, at least this boosted his ego. This almost felt like solving an actual case, it gave him the same satisfaction as someone praising him for his work.

Although heizou wasn’t heartless, he was anything but that. Because he did fall for someone, not you, but her. The local baker from the city. Heizou had actually talked to her on multiple occasions. Whenever he took on a case, if needed, he would go to her bakery and ask her questions. As more time went on, He took quite a liking towards her. How he enjoyed watching her blush as he flirted with her. How he would compliment her all the time. And this didn’t stop while heizou was working with you. He would flirt you with as-well as her. Although he only, felt something real towards her.

You walked through the city, trying to seem somewhat normal and avoid drawing attention to you. It almost felt as if everyone was watching your ever move. And you weren’t wrong, someone was keeping a close eye on you. You decided to head to Amakane island, even with your current emotions, you knew the island was calm you down. It was extremely gorgeous at night, it was even more gorgeous with fireworks.

As you got to the island, you still felt that presence. Was someone following you? Are you in potential danger? You looked around anxiously, wondering if someone was about to kidnap you. But In reality, they had different motives.

Kazuha knew something was up. He could tell by the way you looked, yet he couldn’t pinpoint what was bothering you. Yes, he knew that it was kinda creepy to be following you around, but it’s not like he was a stranger to you. He knew that you would understand, and all he wanted to do was cheer you up. Or at least comfort you. Kazuha truly cared for you.

“Don’t fret [name], it’s just me. I can tell something is bothering you. So, if you don’t mind, I can perhaps comfort you or even just be a listener. Whatever you need or want, I will do.”

“It’s like, he knew what he was doing. I mean, he just talked to her and left like he didn’t see me.”

Kazuha listened to you explain your situation, and he noticed the heartbreak in your eyes. This, broke his heart. Kazuha knew heizou, he viewed him as friend. But this is something he didn’t expect the detective to do. He felt anger bubbling up in his chest but made the effort for it not to show.

“And he didn’t even bother to talk to you? That seems unlike him, but either way, he most likely wanted to tell you something. Not with his words, but actions.” Kazuha started to regret what he said, was it too straight forward? His plan wasn’t to hurt you even more. But you understand what he meant.

“Yeah, and he definitely got a reaction out of me,” you sighed, realizing what an ass heizou was. You wish you could’ve somehow knew of the bet and not fall for him. But love makes people vulnerable. And you fell too easily for him.

Kazuha kept quite, usually he would know what to say, but in this current moment he didn’t have anything to say. He watched you look up at the night sky, in awe of its beauty. He wanted this moment to be one where you could move on from this situation. It wouldn’t be easy, but you would have to eventually. Because Shikanion heizou wasn’t worth it. He wasn’t worth your heart nor your love. Kazuha just hoped heizou would realize what he did. Not only did he play with your heart, but he also missed the opportunity to be with you. Being with you was something the poet often thought about, yet he never dared to make a move. Even when he saw you and heizou around the city, he felt jealous, an emotion he never had until he saw the two of you.

But Kazuha knew that he shouldn’t hit on you or even make a move at this moment though. He would until you were ready, and even when you did move on, if you found someone else, he wouldn’t interfere. He wanted you to be with someone who you truly loved, even if it wasn’t him. No matter what, he would always be there for you.

Kazuha thought that this moment wouldn’t last long, he thought you would end up leaving which he understood. But this, snapped him out of his thoughts.

“Kazuha… perhaps when we get back to liyue, would you like to go out together?”

Omg finally finished this, Also if I need to explain some stuff, reader didn’t magically gain feelings for kazuha, but reader does want to spend more time with him, yk as like a way to move on and possibly blossom into a relationship

@apyrose since you wanted to be tagged!

[after-witch]

Act of Contrition [Yandere Chrollo x Reader]

Title: Act of Contrition [Yandere Chrollo x Reader]

Synopsis: A shimmering blue evening gown was not the last thing you expected to see draped over the sitting chair that was tucked into the corner. What you didn’t expect, however, was his suggestion for you to try it on

Word Count: 3646

notes: yandere, kidnapped reader

 A shimmering blue evening gown was not the last thing you expected to see draped over the sitting chair that was tucked into the corner. It would certainly not be the first time that Chrollo had brought back something ostentatious, something glittering and expensive; something that you (if you were to psychoanalyze him, which you did, out of anxiety first and boredom second) would guess he wanted you to admire before it disappeared into the ether like so many other things he’d pilfered over the past few months.

What you didn’t expect, however, was his suggestion for you to try it on. 

At first you thought you’d misheard, your brain still pulling itself out of a dull, listless sleep. You had argued with him the night before, and the space between you on the bed was thick and heavy with tension until you had finally slid headlong into sleep. Surely he wouldn’t try to give you a gift after you spend most of the evening reminding him that you’ll never love him, or even like him, much less feel one iota of happiness in his presence.

But then he repeated the suggestion.

“Why?” Your tone is borderline acidic, and you don’t feel the need to hide your suspicion of his intentions.

Your captor had no doubt become well-acquainted with your nastiness over the months, though he rarely reacted to it with more than a tight expression, if he even gave you that. Sometimes he simply ignored you, as if you were a child having a tantrum, not his kidnapped victim.

In some ways, it was a surprising relief. In some ways, you could consider yourself lucky. Considering his abilities, considering his past, considering what he did when he left you alone in the condo or hotel or wherever he had you situated--he might well be the type to slap the attitude off your face, gentlemanly facade be damned. He could do worse than a slap, too; far worse.

But the months had gone on with only pointed sighs and looks; and despite his rationally stated insistence that you would give in to his attentions in time, you held onto your bitterness as tightly as you could. You prized yourself on it, the way you figure that he prizes his most precious steals.

He sometimes comes back with glittering jewels worth calculable fortunes, laying them out to see the way they look when the moonlight filters in through the open curtains. He doesn’t keep them for long, doesn’t display them, just memorizes their magnificence and then whisks them off.

You can relate to the gloating. But you don’t give your greatest treasures away. You, on the other hand, wear your bitterness 24/7 like an old woman clinging to her last precious mink coat, a remnant of an era gone-by. Draped over your shoulder, haughty and visible, daring him to say something when you give him a sarcastic jab in response to perfectly-polite-inquiries about this and that. The worst (but best, you think, to you) is when you feign interest in a conversation, feign some sort of acceptance of your situation, willing your hands to get closer to his as you sit on the sofa and read; only to snap back at the last moment, baring your teeth.

You hope it hurts him, to think he’s getting an inch forward with you only to have it pulled away. He deserves it for keeping you here.

Sometimes, you almost hope he would say something, do something, only because it might be a sort of reprieve. If he gets mad or slaps you, even, maybe the solid, sticky bitterness surrounding your heart might abate just a bit.

Then again, you know this saying very well: be careful what you wish for.

“I need to see if it fits.” His expression and tone haven’t changed. Polite, cordial, matter-of-fact. You hate it.

You force yourself out of bed and give the gown a glance before heading into the bathroom. He follows, picking up his own morning routine as you wash and brush side-by-side. You think he does it to seem domestic, in his own fucked-up way. You pointed this out, once, and he’d merely given you a small smile and asked: “Do you want to this to be domestic?”

Chrollo had a habit of turning your impulsive snark around on you, so you tried to plan your barbs out more carefully in the future.

“Why do you need to see if it fits?” You finally ask, words a bit muffled by the toothbrush hanging out of your mouth. You force yourself to glance at him in the mirror. He’s finished, already drying off his face, pinning a wrap around his forehead.

He catches your gaze in the mirror, and you feel too caught to look away.

“For tonight. We’re going to the theater.”

The toothbrush drops from your mouth and lands next to the sink, splattering lathered toothpaste on the counter. You wipe your mouth with a washcloth, missing a bit and not caring, and physically turn away from the mirror so you’re face-to-face.

“Are you serious?”

For the moment, your bitterness slides off, forgotten on the floor. He’s never offered to do something like this before. Sure, he’s mentioned that you might go out--”it depends on  your behavior”--but the thought of “being good” for Chrollo made you sick to your stomach every time you were tempted. So you hadn’t been outside for months, not really--the brief gaps when he’d whisk you into a car, always by his side, then pull you into a new hotel or luxury condo didn’t really count.

He nods.

“Yes. Please do hurry and try it on, I’ll need time to find another if it isn’t suitable.”

You glance out of the bathroom door and back into the bedroom, where the gown sits, draped, shimmering softly in the morning light. It’s something you never would have been able to afford before--and the thought of wearing it now makes your skin tingle. What is his plan? Why is he doing this?

“But I haven’t been good,” you say, almost spitting out the last word. Last night, in fact, you’d been almost beastly--you recall the words “go fuck yourself” and “I hate you” being thrown out before you twisted in the knife by bringing up an ex-fling.

He laughs, quick and harsh. It seems like a real laugh, for once, and something in your chest twists. It’s been a long time since you’ve heard anything truly authentic from him. Or yourself.

“Maybe it’s a reward for me, to have you by my side.  You want to go, don’t you?”

The thought makes your stomach clench. But… you did want to go. Really. To get out of here, even for a night? To get sucked into some type of show, whatever it was? You didn’t entertain the idea of trying to escape or draw attention to yourself for help--you knew Chrollo would never suggest taking you if it was a viable option. He was just as likely to slaughter the entire theater if you whispered to an usher that you were being held captive.

No, no escape in the cards… at least not physically.

You shrug your shoulders and try to seem nonchalant about it, though you’re sure he can feel the way your skin is buzzing.

“Sure, whatever. Don’t expect me to hold your hand or anything.”

He laughs, again. It’s blatantly false this time.

***

It has been… a while since you’ve done your makeup. The pile of messy makeup wipes on the counter can attest to that--this is now your third try at a full face without messing something up. Thankfully, the third time has been the charm, and you’re satisfied with the reflection in the mirror. Chrollo had turned up your old makeup bag, and sliding on the eyeliner you used to wear to work, out with friends, in your old life felt surreal and comforting at the same time.

You’ve even done your hair, though it could be nicer. You haven’t bothered with anything but hasty brushing in the past few months, and sometimes you’re too lethargic and frustrated to even bother with that. But it’s styled, a bit elegant--if you do say so yourself.

You glance down at the trio of lipsticks he set on the counter earlier. They’re not a brand you ever wore--they’re expensive, something out of reach for anyone used to pulling cheap store lipsticks out of a bin. The center lipstick is a bold red, and your hand reaches for it. Brief memories of your mother gushing about red lipstick come to mind; she always associated red lipstick with elegance, the fanciest of events, and you’re inclined to agree. It feels smooth, impossibly so; praise be to expensive formulas.

After blotting it with toilet paper--old habits--you step back to stare at yourself in the mirror. The dress fits you beautifully. The fabric is soft, refined, showing you off in all the right places. You’ve taken your time with your hair, your makeup, and you really do look nice. You bring your wrist up to your nose and sniff--the perfume Chrollo had picked out for you was elegant, subtle. Rose petals and apples and white musk.

You feel a wave of nostalgia come over you that you push down. It’s too bad you’re going to the theater with your captor and not with your friends. Or your mom.

“Are you finished?” His voice calls from the bedroom.

The thought of Chrollo seeing you like this makes you feel uncomfortably anxious for reasons you can’t quite pinpoint. The gown is not exactly risque, but it’s designed to highlight your features--and while he has never crossed the hardest line in regards to your personal autonomy, he wasn’t beyond stealing kisses from your unwilling lips when the mood struck him. He said it was to help you adjust to the relationship, as if kissing you against your will would make you love him.

You don’t answer him and instead give your hair a final touch up before heading out the open bathroom door.

Chrollo is standing next to the vanity, wearing an elegant suit, primped and polished--and handsome. You can’t help but freeze in place when he gives you a once-over, slow and deliberate.

“You look beautiful,” he says, finally, a slight breathiness to his voice. There’s an authentic tone to his voice again, and it makes you feel queasy.

You try to ignore the way your skin feels heated and shrug, crossing your arms over your chest as you approach him.

“Are we going now?”

He gives a soft smile. “Almost. One more thing.”

You watch curiously as he pulls out a jewelry box from his pocket, then opens it to reveal two glittering sapphire earrings. You can’t hold back a little gasp, but when you reach for them, Chrollo holds the box out of reach.

“I’ll do the honors.”

You want to say no. But you’re so close to leaving, so you simply stare to the side as he steps behind you.  He touches your ear--and you flinch. He chuckles quietly and you ignore the blossoming heat across your cheeks, both from his closeness and your reaction, while he fixes the earrings into your ears.

When he’s finished, you look up. The visage in the mirror seems like a familiar stranger. The feeling you get at seeing yourself so dressed up is familiar in some way. You think back to going to shows with your friends, or going to the ballet with your mom; your little ring-clad hand gripping hers as she hurried you past alleys on the way to the theater, your sparkling white party dress shedding glitter onto the streets. You can practically feel the way the theater always hums with anticipation, the unusual heaviness of feeling alone in a crowded room as your friends left you with the tickets while they grabbed a drink or two.

The sight of Chrollo behind you in the mirror, watching you with clear intent, breaks you away.

“We’re leaving now.”

***

“I… actually really like The Sleeping Beauty ballet.”

You feel awkward. It’s certainly not the first time you’ve been in a car with Chrollo, whether your forcibly pressed against him in the back seat or in the front, blasting the radio in an attempt to prevent him from striking up a conversation as he drives you to some new destination.

But it’s the first time you’ve been in the car for reasons other than transporting you to a new ‘home.’ The first time that you’ve both been dressed up; Chrollo’s cologne wafts gently over to you, and you can’t deny that he knows how to pick a good scent.

It’s also the first time you’ve felt conversation to be a necessity, if only to find out where you were going (the opera house) and what you were seeing (a ballet).

In fact, the news of the performance makes you sit up straighter in your seat. You feel a ping of excitement, and without thinking you share it out loud.

“That’s actually the first ballet I ever saw with my mom. Do you know what company it is?”

He tells you, and you bite your lip anxiously, squaring your shoulders against the back of the seat as you start to imagine the night ahead. Then you remember the smooth red lipstick and force your mouth to relax.

You talk, instead, to keep yourself from ruining your lipstick with your nervous habit. “I’ve heard about this company’s version. Well,” you continue, “I wanted to see them perform this a few years ago, but tickets sold out so fast. I couldn’t afford the scalper prices.”

“How nice that I have tickets for this performance, then.”

“Right!” Your pitch is higher and you internally cringe. You shouldn’t sound so excited. You glance at him from the corner of your eye, but he seems focused on the road.

As the drive continues, you keep talking. Without realizing it, your voice becomes lighter, easier, and even you don’t know why you’re speaking so freely. You talk more to him on this stretch of road than you have within months, sarcastic replies and bitter responses notwithstanding. 

You talk about ballet. You talk about the history of the show. You talk about this company’s costumes--you saw them displayed in a store window and wow, were they gorgeous--and as the words come out, you feel lighter. Less bogged down by your protective anger, less heavy and hateful.

Happiness. 

It’s something that you haven’t felt in a long time. It’s a feeling that your stomach rebels against, not welcoming the sudden intrusion of lightness and lift while you’re sitting in a car next to your captor. But you push your stomach’s rebellious nature down and force yourself to remember that tonight,  you get to escape onto the stage; for a little while, you can be somewhere else.

Even being in the car tonight is doing wonders for you, you think. You must be getting close--the lights of the city are brighter and there’s throngs of nicely dressed people walking down the street towards what you realize is the theater. You see a little girl holding a woman’s hand and your stomach clenches in bitter nostalgia, but the thought is pushed aside quickly enough when Chrollo pulls into a valet circle.

You don’t have time to open the door before he opens it for you, extending his arm like a gentlemen.

“Ready?”

**

You’re buzzing on the way home. Not just from the champagne--three glasses, Chrollo having subtly waved away the usher approaching your opera box with your requested fourth. Not just from the show, which was magical and lush and everything you hoped it would be. Not just from the fact that you had a night out, away from the stuffiness of whatever luxury suite you were trapped in.

But from the thrill of feeling something, anything, other than your own deep despair and bitterness. You laughed in delight at the sillier moments, the bright-yellow Canary fairy and her trills; you cried at Aurora’s pleading vision to be set free, the first time you’ve cried at something other than your own situation in ages; you clapped and even, in the end, let yourself shout out a cheery “Brava!”

Even Chrollo seemed different during the evening. No forcible hand-holding or other niceties that had given you anxiety earlier in the evening. No unbearable condescension, only the hint of a smirk during the intermission when you--instinctively, you insisted to yourself, not because you liked his company--began an excited conversation about the events of the first Act. Did he like this part? What about the orchestra? And oh, this variation, didn’t he think it was a bit too overdone on the part of the dancer, but she more than recovered by the end?

When Chrollo helps you out of the car into the private parking garage, the air is cool and crackling; everything still feels electric, the way it always does when you come home from an event. Though as the doorman opens the private elevator leading to the condominium above, you dimly remind yourself you’re not coming home, exactly.

The swift ride up the elevator leaves you feeling dizzy. Your mind feels like it’s crashing, suddenly. From the champagne, maybe--but something else, too.

The elevator doors open into the condo suite you share with Chrollo and it hits you as you take the first step inside: you’re back to where you started the night. Trapped. The transporting, glittering events of the evening fall off your shoulders like a worn coat; you’re left once again only with yourself, with your present situation--and with Chrollo.

Your cheeks feel hot and you know the tears are coming before you feel them prickle at your eyes. The urge to wipe them away is masked only by the remembrance that you’re wearing makeup, but that doesn’t stop it from running as they begin to flow down your cheeks.

It burns, and you start for the bathroom, intent on scrubbing your face and ripping off the dress--but your entire body jerks back as Chrollo grabs your arm and prevents you from taking another step.

“Let go,” you say, voice empty of anything but the desperate need to be in the bathroom, to clean your face, to be alone with your returning misery.

He doesn’t. Instead, he pulls you back, forcing you to stand up straight as you fruitlessly fight against his grip.

“You’re crying.”

“I don’t need you to tell me that,” you murmur, voice edged not with bitterness this time, but sorrow. You don’t want to look at him. He’s seen you cry countless times, but you hate the way he looks at you when you do.

“Tell me why.”

You finally force yourself to look up at him, eyes blinking away the stinging tears, and you’re not surprised by his intensive gaze. He’s studying you. Analyzing. Like you’re some sort of book he can read and discover.

Maybe the champagne has loosened your tongue; maybe the night itself has loosened the tight-lipped hold your bitterness has on you. Whatever it is, you confess.

“I was happy,” you say, voice wobbling with tears. “I was--happy on the way there. I was happy at the theater. I was happy on the way home. I--I haven’t…” you rub at your eyes, smearing eyeshadow onto your fingertips. “I haven’t felt that way in months. And now we’re back and I don’t feel it anymore.” Your voice finally cracks with your last words, and you cover your eyes with one hand as crushing feelings of sadness sweep over you.

He pulls you closer to him, and you can’t fight away from his physical strength.

“Let go,” you plead. “I just want to be alone.”

You jerk your face away when he strokes your cheek with his free hand.

“Alone? Whatever for? My hypothesis for tonight was correct.”

His words make you stop pulling. Hypothesis? You sniffle and try to get your bearings, try to brace yourself. But you’re tired, and sad, and your head is swimming.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He places his free hand on the back of your head and leans in closer. The heat of his skin and the pressure of his grip makes a flushed warmth bloom across your skin.

“You see,” he whispers, his lips ghosting against the side of your ear. “You can be happy with me, after all.”

[gruesomejack]

A heavy swallow had the man's throat bobbing. Rabbit locked on those grey eyes as he spoke, and his body gave into the trembling again. He could stare in that pretty gaze all day, but he'd be lying if he ever tried to say this was where he wanted to end up. A little house in the mountains? Sure, but he had plans as a kid. He wanted to go to school and see the world and find himself. The Bakers' house was a prison, and he dreamt daily of the moment he graduated, when he'd be able to leave that place behind and breathe. He'd wanted to kick this town aside, but he was still here in a new prison of his own design. Even if it was comfortable, even if every ounce of passion and love was put into every single moment making it-- He was still stuck here, bound by the crimes he committed and the fear he held of humanity. He never gave himself a chance.

Rabbit's gaze was blurry by the time Alex made his offer. The words only pushed it further until the tears were running down his cheeks from wide, fearful eyes. Rabbit's breath hitched in hid chest from panic, but he couldn't pinpoint if it was from the idea of stepping out into the world again or because he was once again facing a reality where he'd left behind real people that cared about him. "I-I-" He struggled and squeezed at that hand again, terrified. Glancing back at Andy, his heart only squeezed, meeting an equally wet gaze with heavy emotion saddled behind them. The freckles decorating the space beneath his eyes were wet; before today, he wasn't sure he'd ever seen Andy Campbell cry before. As a kid, he'd been everyone's sweetheart, always bright and smiling, never a bad word about anyone ever touching his lips. Unless you, of course, were lucky enough to know him and get him unfiltered. And Rabbit had, if only for just briefly. Taking a shaky breath in, he opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off.

"Do you still not get it, Jonny?" Andy tried, his own voice touched with a shake. He didn't want to speak for both of them, but he'd been friends with Alex long enough to know it was the truth. Offering the man a small smile, he took his cheek in his hand and held it. "We love you." He said quietly, "We have for fifteen years, and it's never wavered, not once." Andy brushed a tear from his skin and pulled his lip between his teeth, "You were the first person I ever loved." He admitted, drawing his thumb along his jaw until he could hold onto his chin. Leaning forward, he kissed the corner of his eye and pressed another to his cheek. "And you deserve to be taken care of. Jonny-- You deserve a second chance more than anyone I can think of." He told him, "A-And we want to help. Please."

Rabbit was speechless. For a second, all he could do was stare at him. Love? They loved him? Nobody had ever said that to him before. Nobody had ever made him feel this way before. His chest felt so full it might burst, and it scared him to death. Rabbit glanced between the two of them, his whole body shaking. The words settled in deeper, further, staining him in a way he wasn't sure he'd ever be able to scrub off. Brows pinching, he broke.

Face in his hands, he leaned forward to cry. The sobs wracked through him almost violently; he was terrified and overwhelmed. The noises woke the hound near the fireplace, and she very quickly picked herself up to sit by him and rest her big head against his knee. Rabbit's voice broke, whimpers pushing through his chest as he did his best to calm himself down, but found no luck. A warm hand was felt rubbing along his spine and left him choking. The scared, nervous part of him wanted to tell them both to leave, but that's not what he really wanted at all. He'd loved them, too. He did love them. Andy had been the first boy he'd ever let himself fall for, and Alex was the first person he saw a future with-- Was that future still really viable? Rabbit sobbed and shook and scrubbed at his face.

This place reality was a prison as much as a sanctuary. The thought of leaving it all behind made him want to vomit, but the idea of dying here was so depressing, he couldn't stand it. There was more out there, and if they could promise it, wouldn't it be worth a shot? Leaning over to rest against Alex, he didn't look up or drop his hands. Still trying to quiet himself, he nodded.

"You really think it's safe for me to bring the kids out here with that wacko on the loose?" Andy was leaned against a tree, his thumb in his mouth as he bit at a hangnail. His eyes were moving over the lush greenery-- It was gorgeous and this place used to be great when they were kids, but with the recent murders and talk of a serial killer lurking about, it brought him the heebie-jeebies rather than a sense of adventure. Glancing at Alex, he dropped his hand to fold his arms against his chest. "We can't all be as batshit insane as you and hang out in the deep woods for fun. -- That cougar shot was nutty, and you know it."

Hanging out with Alex on the weekends had been part of his regular schedule since high-school. It took a little lapse when during his brief stint in the league, but the second he was back home again, it fell right back into place. It was a little strange! The disappearance of a mutual friend had been what brought them together-- They didn't really have a bunch in common outside that, but despite it, talking to him came naturally. They'd gone from a pair of kids that felt obligated to mourn together to whatever this was now. Andy wouldn't give the other man the pleasure of knowing it because it'd be used to tease him ruthlessly, but Alex was his best friend.

Andy opened his mouth to say something else, but paused. Through the trees, past where he could see, he could hear the baying of a hound. It was too early for deer hunting season, wasn't it? Unless some dick was out breaking the law-- Which wasn't entirely surprising. Deep enough in here, nobody could really keep track of what you're trapping. And if you were skilled enough to clean your own game, nobody would ever know. The dog bayed again, and the group of quail the two of them were setting up to photograph immediately hurried for the brush. Pursing his lips, he frowned. "Sorry, bud." He said softly, "Maybe we can find something else for you to get some pictures of?"

The crunch of leaves had his attention pulling. The dog made its appearance near the treeline, but it wasn't what had him freezing. Following behind was a looming figure in a white rabbit mask. Andy watched his heavy steps and felt a hard shock run up his spine. Skittering closer to Alex, he smacked him gently on the back and forced his face towards the trail. "WE'RE SO DEAD. IF HE SEES US, WE'RE DEAD. THAT'S HIM." He whisper-hissed. "That's-" The witness accounts were right. He had to be close to seven feet, and that mask was terrifying, knowing the person behind it was out looking for blood. "We gotta GO. RIGHT NOW."

@purposefully-lost

[keysmashingfantasies]

Bloody Comfort

pre borderlands!Niragi x fem!reader / Niragi x fem!reader

A/N:  i feel like i only post Marvel on this blog and i missed my show so here it is, finally an AiB fic! :D also, minigame: how many alice in wonderland references can you spot? also also, bloody comfort is an awesome name for a band and if you do name your band that, i want my money. enjoy the fic! also also also i didn’t proofread SHIT so sorry for any grammar mistakes.

trigger warning: bullying, mentions of violence (nothing too graphic, i think but beware nonetheless), death (graphic. i mean, i’m not that good of a writer but still, beware), very slight mentions of nsfw, especially torwards the end, niragi (HE’S A WARNING OK), niragi having disturbing thoughts (what else is new. but fr, ok), sliiiiiight yandere niragi torwards the end. (also I tried not to describe in too much detail the bullying that niragi and the reader suffer in the fic so it wouldn’t be too sad). 

@dreamingofanisland here it is bestie! 

Niragi couldn’t pinpoint when he stopped being sad and when he started getting angry. From a suffocating hopelessness came a desperation he could only describe as feral. He often fantasized about just jumping over his desk and strangling each one of them to death but his thoughts quickly ended with Niragi envisioning himself being overpowered and beaten. He started to not only get angry at his bullies, but people in general. Things. Life.

How could so many people turn a blind eye? How could life be so unfair to give people like this the upperhand and not him? Not him that clearly deserved it? This world was backwards.

-

He knew he was fucked when he saw the bat, and although he braced for the impact he couldn’t help but fall to his knees and wince at the sickening sound that the baseball did in contact with his nose.

He just sat there and while all he wanted to do was to rip their throats with his teeth all he did was to endure a few more punches before they left with a promise that there would be more. He sat there trying not to cry with sheer frustration. His papers were scattered around, the left arm of his glasses was broken and his pristine black outfit was now covered in dust from the gravel, his hands scratched. He could taste blood on his tongue and he felt a sick satisfaction, pretending for one moment that it was another person’s blood he was tasting.

“Do you need help?”, a voice woke him from his violent daydreams. Suddenly everything boiled over and he felt an overwhelming anger rise inside of him. In a blink of an eye he was standing up, yelling at a somewhat blurry image of a girl who he towered over, even more as she shrunk under his anger. If he wouldn’t be so busy screaming profanities, he would be madly aroused.

“WHAT, HUH? CAME TO SEE THE SHOW? TO LAUGH AT ME?”, he was furious, and as he approached her, she proceeded to walk back.

“No. I just wanted to help”, she said. It seemed another flash and suddenly he could see a bit clearer. Although startled, she didn’t seem afraid of him, and was extending him a tissue. “Your nose is bleeding”, she said, and Niragi wanted to scoff at her for stating the obvious. But she was being kind. And as angry as he was, kindness wasn’t something that he could say no to. He tried his best to control his shaky hands as he took the tissue from her hands and carefully dabbed his nose, as she ducked to collect his papers, and tuck them back into his bag.

“Saw what they did to you. ‘m sorry”, she mumbled. Niragi wanted to strangle her out of sheer embarrassment.

“And you just took some popcorn and enjoyed the spectacle?”, he spat.

“I wanted to help but I wasn’t sure what to do. Would you rather if I had called someone?”, she asked. He breathed once, twice. She wasn’t mocking him, but was unnervingly calm. Something about her being calm while he was practically foaming at the mouth had him seeing red and suddenly he regret having wiped the blood off of his lips.

“No”, he said, calmly. “No, I wouldn’t. Sorry. I have to go”, he said, ripping his bag from her hands with such force that he tugged her arm with it.

“Wait! I mean what I said! I want to help!”

“You, help me? What are you going to do, huh? Be my bodyguard?”, he mocked her one more time. He couldn’t help himself, his brain got used to this. Fight or flight. His adrenaline was pumping and everytime he was around school grounds he looked over his shoulder.

“Hmmm, sorta? Not exactly but I could show you a place. A safe place”, she said. He just looked at her.

“If we get there and it’s a prank of some sort I’ll let you punch me. Square in the face”, she said.

“Are you insane? You just go around letting people punch you in the face?”, his mouth was quicker than his brains and suddenly he felt his face grow hot at the irony of what he had said. But if she noticed it, she didn’t mention.

“Let me help you”, she said.

And he did.

He followed her through a wooded area near the school grounds after walking through a hole in a fence.

He was getting ready to beat you to the punch and hit you so hard that you’d bleed as hard as he did, until you stopped until you reached a very underwhelming toolshed with a padlock.

“We’re here”, you said, and he realized that she sounded different. All this time she was on edge. ‘Of course, Suguru, you threatened the girl like, 3 times’, said the voice in the back of his head. She pulled a key from her bag and the padlock opened easily and they heavy chains fell to the ground and she pushed open the door, going inside. He hesitantly followed.

The inside is nothing as he thought it would be. For starters, it was surprisingly clean and  it didn’t smell bad. And instead of tools and brooms and leafblowers, it had bean bags, blankets, a table with a radio full of knickknacks in the corner and a chair that had clearly seen better days but looked comfortable none the less. The girl walked to a corner of the room and his eyes followed her as she closed the door, which had small sharpie drawings on it. She reached for a white box and settled it on the floor between the two bean bags, and reached inside a very small thermos to pull out an artificially blue isotonic drink and settled it down too. Then from the plastic bag he previously assumed was trash, she pulled a bag of chips.

She then patted the bean bag next to hers. “Welcome to my clinic”, she said, placing the white box on her lap.

-

After an entire afternoon of bonding over unhealthy food and an impromptu first aid rescue, Niragi learned that her name was Y/N, she was a year below and that this little world she created was her refuge from the girls in her class that picked on her.

“I found this and decided that it would be nice. No one’s using it, it’s far from everything. It’s on the Beheaded Woman’s territory”.

Niragi heard the rumors through his bullies. “One day we’ll drag you to the Beheaded Woman’s woods and fucking kill you”.  After further investigation, he learned that allegedly a girl was dragged through the woods and beheaded with a blunt axe.

“I made the rumors up. I had to make sure no one would find my safe haven”, she explained. “And once you write something in the girls’ bathroom stall, there’s no turning back. It’s out there and it’s truth”, she sighed. “I would know”.

He wasn’t the most up to date in all the gossip but she told him her story. The rumors they spread, the things they did to her. She almost seemed amused. He in turn told her his story. By the end of it, he could kill someone. She then offered him the other key to her safe haven.

“You can decorate it too. Don’t tell anyone else and make sure to lock it after you use it. Use it as much as you want, just make sure they don’t follow you, okay?”

He took the keys with shakey hands, a knot on his throat. Another type of adrenaline was pumping through his veins. When a few moments ago there were a fast white heat, coursing through him like an electric current, this was slow and almost overwhelmingly warm, like molten lava.

“Why are you doing this? Being so nice to me?”, he whispered as if it was a secret, as if this moment was another fantasy, a deer that’s easily spooked. He had fantasized about this too. A safe haven, an ally. A friend.

“Because we’re the same, you and I”.

-

You hated him. You hated him with a burning passion. What was at first an act of pity, born from the empathy you felt by seeing someone go through what you did, quickly became a friendship and like a disease, it spread to beyond your safe haven. You would spend your free time together, walk home together. You became friends. And what did he do? Exactly what he told you he would.

“Sometimes don’t you wish to disappear?”, he whispered to you once.

“Yeah. Like, run away? Yeah, I do”, you replied agreeing with him.

 ‘You’re the only one that understands me. We really are the same’, he would say. What at the beginning of your budding crush on him gave you butterflies on the stomach now made you want to throw up.

You lost your only friend. You despised the sound of music now, because every single song you heard, you shared with him. For the same reason, you didn’t enjoy your favorite movies anymore. Your bullies banded together to target you. And the worst part of all, is that you couldn’t even care. There was no silver lining anymore.

“Don’t you get furious?! Don’t you want to hurt them, make them pay?”, he said as he watched you apply concealer to a bruised cheek.

“I mean, I get angry but I try my best to not let it get to me. It’s what they want. I despise those people, I can’t get in a funk because of them”, you said nonchalantly.

But you had loved him. And now you felt like even moving around was an herculean task, like you were almost dead trying to get to safety. But there was no safety anymore.

Ironically, you started to understand him more and more after he disappeared. The anger, the hatred. How could anyone just follow their lives? When there’s people like you just suffering through yours?

Suguru Niragi was an illness, a parasite. He carved his way under your skin and into your heart, laid eggs of his hate on your veins and sucked you dry of your life’s essence. Then, after you were a shell of a human, he disappeared out of thin air, leaving you alone. Leaving you with those people. Leaving you to die.

And you were still in love with him.

-

You thought you were finally insane when it happened.

The streets were empty. Absolutely no one. You wondered for a moment if you felt so alone that your mind convinced itself that that’s exactly what had happened, if any moment now you would be locked in an insane asylum for running around and screaming until you throat got raw.

It took you two games to understand what was going on. You made sure to change clothes. Running shoes, leggings and a warm hoodie that you never let the hood down. You decided to significantly shorten your hair after you saw a man pull a young girl by the ponytail in a spades game. You loaded a backpack with food and bottles of water, anything you could find. And an axe that you took from an emergency box from the building you slept in.

It was on your 5th game that it happened. You saw people die in these games, but none of it was hands on for you. You just watched your back and hoped to win and let whoever was running this show take care of the rest. Honestly, you didn’t even wait to know if anyone even survived. You were done doing that.

When you got there, there were five people already. They banded together and whispered amongst themselves as you passed them by and grabbed a phone. Probably just a group of friends that got stranded at the same time and decided to stay together. You clutched you axe harder.

You didn’t even realize that you had zoned out until you heard hollering and four guys heavily armed walked you by. Where the fuck did they get guns? One of them let out a boisterous laugh that reminded you of someone that you wanted desperately to forget. You couldn’t even get over him during fucking Saw? That sound made your skin crawl.

Registration closed, said the mechanic voice. Difficulty: 8 of clubs. The first 5 players will be the first team and the last 5 players will be the second. One team must eliminate the others without losing any players. Both teams will be identified by the color of your screen, and will have one minute to hide.

You saw the armed guys’ screens light up red. You sighed in relief as yours did too. You made sure to keep your head down and thank whoever that not killing teammates was a part of the rules. They seemed amused and absolutely calm, and the guy with the rifle laughed again. You were shaking by now.

When the minute started, everyone bolted in different directions. You didn’t even look back to see if your teammates had accompanied you but by the sound of your footsteps crushing leaves, you were alone. You decided to go back after a while, looking around. A lamppost. Huh, lamppost it is. You leaned against the cool metal and focused on the silence. The minute had ended but they were still hunting. You didn’t come across anyone, which was good. After a while, all you could hear were distant gunshots.

You looked to the floor, only to see a shadow approaching you quick. You barely had time to dodge before a man hit you behind the head with a rock. You reacting made him lose his balance, falling to the floor and letting go of the rock. You looked at him. It was one of the boys from the other team. He had on a white button up blouse and a black hoodie. His hair had fallen over his brown eyes and he looked so scared and so alone.

This will have to do.

You didn’t stop, suddenly lifting the axe and bringing it down was like an automatic thing.

“I’LL FUCKING KILL YOU! HOW DARE YOU DO THIS TO ME? AFTER ALL I’VE DONE FOR YOU! YOU ABANDONED ME IN A MINUTE, LEFT ME ALONE IN THAT HELL!”

You didn’t stop when he started praying and then screaming. You didn’t stop when he started bleeding profusely or when the strength of your movements made your hood slide down from your head. You didn’t stop when his head got detached from his body and if you weren’t so angry, you would’ve listened tfootsteps. You didn’t stop until you had made mincemeat out of his face. Just for the sheer audacity of reminding you of him.

He looked at you from afar while you looked at the body of the boy whose skull you just had destroyed, a maniac, victorious smile on your face. You were pretending the boy was him. You really thought he had abandoned you? He would be absolutely heartbroken if he wasn’t so aroused. That’s what he always wanted to see, the instincts that you tried to push down. You were right, you were both the same. He wanted to lick that blood off of you, use it as lube to take you right there. When he first arrived at the Borderlands, when he first killed someone and liked it, he thought you would be disgusted by him. But look at you now. You were here, perfect for him, soaked in blood, feral. He’s never been so hard.

“Y/N”, he said.

“Niragi?,” you said. He ran to you, held you even when you fought back, even when you screamed bloody murder that you were going insane, begging to die already, even when you passed out on his arms. He licked a drop of blood from your neck.

“Let me take you to our safe haven”, he whispered against your skin.

[minty-mumbles]

True Colors

Summary: Monsters are stupid, but they do have excellent color vision, and can recognize patterns almost as well as Hylians. This leads to some misunderstandings.

Or:

Monsters assume that Hylians operate under the same color system as they do.

Content Warning: Not much to note. A few Bokoblins die.

Author's Note: I wrote this to fill this prompt from @linkeduniverse-prompts. It got way out of hand and ended up being about 3k words longer than I expected. I have a cheat sheet about color meanings at the end.

(Read on AO3 Here)

~~~

Greg wasn’t stupid. Well, he had been told plenty of times by his sisters that he was. He was a Red Bokoblin, and Reds weren't known for being very smart. (Not that any kind of Bokoblins were, but that was irrelevant to Greg.)

But personally, he felt he was a lot smarter than many of the others in his clan. Like Jeff.

Jeff was an idiot, even by Bokoblin standards.

It was because he was so intelligent, Greg thought, that he was able to devise a plan to sneak up on this group of travelers. (Truthfully, he wasn't being very sneaky. The group he was tracking was just being particularly unobservant at the moment.)

Greg had seen the perils of attacking first and asking questions later first hand. His brother, Derek, had done so, and picked a fight with the wrong group of travelers. Derek had paid the price for that mistake with his life. And then Derek II did the same... And then Derek III. And then there was Derek IV, who truthfully hadn’t made that poor of a choice in target. It was just plain unfortunate that that Hylian hero had shown up and lit him on fire. (Honestly, maybe his parents should stop naming their kids Derek.)

Not that picking a fight with the wrong Hylians was particularly hard to do for them. Their clan was mostly Reds, the lowliest and weakest of their kind. Only his eldest sisters were lucky enough to be born as Blues. If they went up against any Hylian but the weakest, they were in trouble.

So, yeah. Greg had seen many of his fellow clanmates fall to stupidity. He wasn’t going to be one of them.

At least he hoped so. Jeff might get him killed anyway. Greg didn't know why his sisters always put the two of them together for patrol duty.

Greg crept relatively silently through the bush towards the loudly chattering group of Hylians, letting out only an occasional squeal. Jeff, however, was moving as if he were a Hinox, and he was going to get them caught. Never mind Greg’s brilliant plan of sneaking up on the group of Hylians and seeing what they were up against first.

He turned to Jeff and tried to mime that he should stay here, while Greg got closer to check things out. Unfortunately, it just looked like flailing, with the occasional slap thrown in, and Jeff didn’t seem to understand. Thankfully, he seemed content to stay put. He had gotten distracted by a strange glowing blue ball halfway through Greg’s attempt at communication. Greg really didn't care, as long as Jeff shut up and didn’t move.

Greg crept further forward on his own. When he finally reached the treeline, he hid behind a fallen log, and set about observing the group.

Immediately, his malice-filled veins ran cold.

This was not an ordinary group of travelers.

The intricacies of the Hylians’ marking system were somewhat lost on Monsters as a whole, and although he prided himself on his above-average intelligence, Greg was no exception. The Bokoblin marking system was very straightforward. Those who were Red, like Greg, were the weakest. Then came the Blues, then the Blacks, the Whites, the Silvers, and then the mightiest of all Bokoblins, the Golds. It was quite simple. It telegraphed their ranks and battle prowess nicely, both to other Bokoblins, and to their enemies. Greg thought it was rather thoughtful to give their enemies a heads up on what they were going to be fighting.

Hylians were not in the habit of returning that favor. No Bokoblin had managed to really make heads or tails of their marking system. There were only a few accepted truths that all young Bokoblins are taught.

Brown was the most common coloration, and was pretty much assumed to be similar to Red Bokoblins. There wasn’t anything particularly special about the Browns, except that they were good at running away. A couple Reds could take down a Brown with no trouble.

Then there were the Whites. They were only really found near central Hyrule, near one of the Great Hylian Camps. They were much faster than the Browns and actually seemed to know what they were doing with weapons. They were also very good at sneaking. Greg knew that many camps had been wiped out by White Hylians.

Then there were the Reds. These were possibly the strangest of all the colors. Greg’s sire had told him that they were to be treated, cautiously, as allies. They never attacked Bokoblins without provocation, and they even occasionally teamed up with Bokoblins to take down the Hylians, especially the Whites.

Next up on the Hylian totem pole were the Blues. Personally, Greg thought it was weird that Hylians placed Blue above White, but Hylians as a whole were very strange. Except for a few sightings recently, Blues hadn’t been seen for many, many generations. Their legend persisted though, as they were perhaps the most consistent of all the Hylian colorations. If a Hylian had a bright blue coloring, you could assume that they would have high quality weapons, and would know what to do with them. Browns would even run towards them for protection, or so Greg was told.

They had been known for working together in large groups to bring down entire camps of Bokoblins. Greg had once been told that Bokoblins learned how to band together, and how to find safety in numbers from observing these Hylians.

And then.

And then there were the Greens.

If Blues were legendary, Greens were mythical. Sightings of them were few and very far between, which might have to do with the fact that the Bokoblins who saw them didn’t live to tell the tale. The destruction they wrought was so absolute that even if they hadn’t been seen for hundreds of years, their legend lived on.

(Greg himself had seen one, once. He had only lived because he had run away before the Green had spotted him. He usually tried not to think about it.)

So, yeah. Greg had been expecting a small group of Browns, perhaps some Whites or a Blue thrown in.

That was not what he had gotten.

This was an entire goddamn clan of Greens.

A loud yell from the pair closest to Greg covered up his shocked squeal, as his brain tried to process exactly how much danger he was in.

He could count seven Hylians in front of him, huddled around a campfire. The pair closest to him were wrestling on the ground. Distantly, Greg was reminded of how his sisters wrestled to assert dominance, but these Greens seemed to be much friendlier about it than his sisters were. They weren’t even drawing any blood. The one who currently seemed to be winning wore armor around his shoulder, and a stripe of bright blue around his neck.

That made Greg pause for a moment. Was this a Blue instead of a Green?

But no, the Hylian’s torso was covered in undeniable green.

Similarly, the one pinned under the Blue-Green wore a Red tunic, but under that, a dark Green gave him away. Perhaps the two were some sort of hybrid? The concept of hybrid Bokoblins was foreign. Bokoblins were always one color, but who knew with Hylians.

Most Hylians did not accept Reds into their groups, as they were hostile towards others of their own kind. Maybe that was why Blue-Green was wrestling with Red-Green?

A few yards away, another pair sat on a log watching the pair fight, with a third tending to a fire nearby. The two sitting on the log were the biggest Hylians Greg had seen in this group. If he had to pinpoint any of them as the leaders of this clan, it would be these two. One was covered in armor, which Greg had only seen on the most skilled Hylians, and only in small amounts. The fact that this Hylian was covered in the stuff was intimidating. Greg couldn’t really tell what color this Hylian was, as the armor covered him, but this must be the leader. He was big enough for it, and the one next to him seemed to be showing him a good amount of respect.

The Hylian sitting next to the Leader seemed more like the run-of-the-mill Green. (Not that any Green was run-of-the-mill, but whatever.) The most notable thing about him was the wolf pelt he wore around his shoulders, which did give Greg pause.

His sisters wore the skins of large animals they hunted, as a symbol of their higher status. Neither of them had a wolf pelt, though. Wolves were strong creatures, and best left alone. It could take an entire clan to take down a fully grown wolf, let alone a whole pack. The fact that this Hylian, who wasn’t even the leader of this clan, was wearing the wolf pelt so openly was clearly a warning.

The third was crouched over the fire, moving the logs around with a stick for some reason. This one was a White-Green, a long white covering over his shoulders. He was listening to the conversation between the Leader and Wolf-Pelt, occasionally adding his own thoughts.

Once Greg was able to get over his shock of seeing so many Greens in one place, he was able to see that they weren’t actually all Greens. Two of them, huddled closely together, were just wearing pale Blue. Not quite as concerning as the others, but still strong.

One of them was smaller than any of the others in the clearing. He wore a pale blue covering. Greg paused in confusion. In a group of powerful Greens, why would they tolerate a small, weak Blue? Clans could become stronger, as Greg’s was, as stronger Bokoblins were born. But if his clan was made up of Blues, and a Red was born, they would be killed or driven out. There was no room for weakness.

But then again, Hylians were very strange. Perhaps, since this Blue was obviously a youngling, they had simply not matured into their adult Green coloration? It was possible.

The youngling was crouched over a strange flat rock, held by the other Blue. Now, this one was the same size as the others in the group, and obviously an adult. The excuse of being a youngling did not apply to him.

So why….?

The Blue shifted, lifting the strange rock, and handing it off to the Youngling, joined the White-Green near the fire. As he did, Greg caught sight of a familiar symbol on the rock.

An eye.

The symbol was not strange to him. It was scattered all over the land on large black rocks. However, to see it on a smaller rock like this… seemed familiar, and not in a good way.

Greg strained his memory to try to remember when he had seen this before, and then it hit him.

He had seen this strange rock before, when Derek IV was killed. He had gone after a pair of Brown Hylians who had unwisely traveled off the road. Greg, still being quite young at that point, had hung back to see how it was done. It had gone well for a while. Derek IV chased the pair, swinging a club at them, while the Hylians screeched in fear and scrambled away.

Then, swooping down from the sky like a bird of prey, a Blue Hyalin descended. True to legend, Greg had watched the Browns scramble toward the newcomer for protection. Derek IV, likely having fallen asleep during their sire’s lessons, did not register the danger of this Hylian’s color, and ran straight towards the group.

Greg had watched in horror as his brother was cut down with graceful ease. He hadn’t even had time to squeal a battle cry before he was falling to the earth with a flaming sword buried in his side.

He continued to stare in mounting terror as the Blue bent down and harvested his brother's teeth. The Blue had even taken Derek IV’s weapon for his own before his brother finally took enough fire damage, and broke down into smoke, disappearing.

The Blue had approached the Browns, who hadn’t even looked disgusted at the looting of a body, and had instead gifted the Blue food as a token of appreciation for his protection.

Greg came to a sudden realization. This was no Blue. He was colored like one, but he was alone. According to legends, Blues came in packs, ruthlessly efficient in working together. Besides that, Greg could imagine only one color that was that efficient at killing.

Greens.

Greg didn’t know why this Green was disguised as a Blue, But he didn’t stick around to find out. The last thing he caught sight of was a strange rock on the Green’s hip, with an ominous eye on the front of it. He had booked back to the safety of his clan’s camp. Not that he harbored any delusions that anyone in his clan would survive if the Green-in-Disguise found them.

Thankfully, he hadn’t, and Greg had grown up trying desperately not to fall into the same trap of attacking first and finding out the consequences later as Derek IV had.

Now, the same strange eye symbol was back, on the same strange rock, in the possession of the same Green-in-Disguise. Well, the same clan, at least. The Youngling was still fiddling with the rock, occasionally calling out to the Green-in-Disguise. Greg could only assume it must be some type of weapon, if a Green was in possession of it.

Greg stumbled back, turning to flee. He had saved himself once by fleeing in the face of one Green, and he wouldn’t make the mistake of trying to take on seven Greens at once.

Wait- hold that thought. A rustle in the bushes on the opposite side of the clearing caught his eye. Against his better judgment, he crept back to look. If that was Jeff coming to look for him, and he stumbled into the encampment of a clan of Greens in the process, Greg was not going to be helping him.

Fortunately, (or unfortunately, Greg thought privately,) it wasn’t Jeff. It was two more Greens.

Greg felt faint, and nearly swooned on the spot as Wolf-Pelt called out in greeting to the two new arrivals.

These two new arrivals were underwhelming. They were both small. In fact, one of them was even smaller than the youngling already in the camp. His coloring was a strange mash-up of Blue, Red, and, oddly, Purple, which was a color that Greg had never heard of Hylians being. But he also had Green, plain as day. Greg had to wonder if this Four-Color was even younger than the Youngling. Maybe it wasn’t certain yet what his strength level was going to be?

The other was of a more reasonable height for a Hylian, although not as big as many of the others. He had brown coloration peeking out from underneath his green. Perhaps this was the weakest of them all? But again, if he was tolerated in this, frankly overpowered, clan of Greens, then there must be more to him than meets the eye.

But these two new arrivals, no matter how unthreatening they looked, meant the clan now numbered nine. Greg had never seen a Bokoblin clan this large, let alone a Hylian one, at least outside of the Great Hylian Camps. Normally, Hylians only traveled in small groups.

This was bad. If an entire clan of Greens had appeared in Hyrule, then the Hylians were getting stronger. He had to report this to his sisters.

With a determined grunt, Greg turned back to where he had left Jeff. He needed to collect him, and then head back. Under the circumstances, he didn’t think his sisters would care about them not finishing their patrol route.

When he arrived back to the place he left Jeff, his brother was still absorbed with kicking around that strange glowing blue ball from before. Greg didn't know what it was, but at this point he didn’t particularly care. He just wanted to get back to the slight safety of their camp.

Just as he was about to squeal at his brother that it was time to go, he heard a shout from behind him. It was one of the Greens, calling out. For a moment, Greg was worried that they had been discovered.

Then, he didn’t have to wonder anymore.

The weird glowy ball that Jeff had been playing with exploded in blue light. Before Greg could even shield his eyes against the light, it was over. The explosion had taken Jeff out in one hit. His brother's body was already disappearing into smoke, leaving nothing behind.

Greg knew they had been discovered. Somehow, this whole situation must have been a trap, and it had been set up by the Greens. They must have known that Greg was there the entire time.

These Greens were terrifying. Greg could hear Hylian footsteps moving in his direction, and booked it out of the clearing. He wasn't sticking around for them to find him. He was leaving.

At least his sisters couldn't put him with Jeff on patrol anymore.

~~~

It was a rather chilly night. The seasons were just changing in his Hyrule, splashes of reds and golds dotted here and there as some trees started to shed their leaves, and the autumn air wasn’t exactly warm or balmy.

The group usually waited until Wild was ready to make dinner to start a fire, but not tonight. Sky volunteered to collect firewood, and only stopped to set down his pack before leaving to search for kindling. Four and Hyrule also left to scout the area, and make sure there weren't any threats lingering nearby.

Wild helped Time and Twilight move some fallen logs into the clearing for makeshift benches, and then collapsed onto the nearest one. He sighed, and pulled his boots off, shaking a pebble out of the left one that had been bothering him for hours. He didn’t immediately put the boots back on, letting his feet relax after a long day of walking.

Wind settled next to him, Time and Twilight not far off. Legend and Warriors were already bickering about something or another, snarking at each other for where they were perched across the empty fire ring.

Wind sniffed next to him. “Goddess, Wild, your feet stink! Why did you take your shoes off?”

Wild very maturely stuck out his tongue at the younger hero, pointedly ignoring Time’s muttered: “Don’t encourage him, we already have one squabbling pair, we don’t need another.” Wild stuck his dirty boots back in his slate, pulling out one of his cleaner pairs. Wind, forgetting the apparent stench, shifted closer in interest.

“So, how many different sets of clothing do you keep in there?” Wild shifted to show Wind his slate, swiping through the armor and clothing he accumulated on his journey.

“So, this is the Sheikah stealth set. It’s the first set of clothes I bought after waking up from my shrine. I got it in Kakariko. Before that, I was basically wearing a set of rags I found in my Shrine.”

A rustle from across the clearing drew Wild’s attention as Wind continued to poke at the slate. It was just Sky, carrying an armful of wood. Before the Skyloftian could start to set up the fire, Warriors took things one jeer too far, causing Legend to leap across the pit, tackling him off his log. Sky didn’t even do a double-take, ignoring the two wrestling near the side of the clearing, and started to get the fire going.

Next to Wild, Time and Twilight were watching the fight with interest. Twilight turned to Time. “Should we stop them?”

Time shrugged. “They’re not actually hurting each other, are they? Think of it as hand-to-hand combat training.” Twilight stared at Time as Legend got pinned underneath Warriors, and screeched, biting his hand in retaliation.

Time stared back. There was a moment of silence, before Time spoke again. “Fifty rupees that Legend wins.”

Twilight sighed, returning his gaze to the fighting pair. “You’re just as bad as the others sometimes, you know that?” Time just raised an eyebrow in question. Twilight groaned, defeated. “I’ll take that bet.”

Wild snorted. Twilight liked to pretend that he was less of a gremlin than the rest of them, but really, he just hid it better.

“Hey, isn’t that what the Warriors was teasing you about the other day?” Wind’s question brought Wild’s attention back to his slate. Showing on the screen was the Gerudo set, displayed on the digital form of Wild himself. “Wait, it’s yours?”

Wild’s hand darted out, covering the younger boy's mouth. “You will tell no one about this.” He hissed, eyes darting around the clearing, checking to see if anyone had heard. It looked like he was in the clear. It wasn’t that he was particularly ashamed of wearing those clothes, but he would rather spare himself the teasing he knew would be imminent if the group found out.

Wind batted his hand away from his mouth, grinning at him mischievously. “Okay, I won’t.” Wild waited, not believing that it would be that easy. “You have to make seafood curry for dinner though.” Wild hummed, considering. It wasn’t as bad as he thought Wind was going to demand.

“Alright,” He acquiesced. He was planning on making Creamy Vegetable Soup tonight, but he thought seafood curry was just as good. It was no trouble for him to switch up the menu. He had a couple of nice Progys in his slate they needed to eat anyways. He would have done this even if Wind just asked him, though, so he wasn’t sure why-

“But you have to make it spicy.” Wind insisted. Ah, there it was.

“Sure.” He shrugged. Most of the others wouldn’t be pleased. Seafood Curry had a lot of goron spice in it, at least it did the way Wild liked to make it. Wind, Legend, Four, and himself were the only ones in the group who could handle spice. He and Wind had grown up eating spicy food, and Legend traveled to very distant lands, building up a tolerance to all sorts of spices. Four could only tolerate spice occasionally. (It varied. Sometimes he couldn’t even handle a spiced meat skewer, and sometimes he inhaled the spiciest food Wild could make. It was very strange.) Most of the others in the group had low spice tolerance.

Usually, Wild acknowledged that fact in his cooking, and cut back on the spice, but since Wind was asking…

Well, he certainly wouldn’t complain.

He handed the slate off to Wind, rising to join Sky next to the fire, to make sure it was at the right temperature for seafood curry.

Another rustle from the bushes around the clearing drew his attention to the returning Hyrule and Four.

“Anything to report, boys?” It was Twilight who called out, as Time was still snickering at the sulking Warriors and his own purse, now fifty rupees heavier.

“Nothing of importance,” It was Four who answered, coming to sit next to Time. “There’s a stream a few minutes away, and we found a set of Bokoblins footprints, but they were days old.”

“Good, now we should-“ Wild’s attention was drawn away from both the fire and Twilight’s response by a call from Wind.

“Hey, Wild! What does this button do?” That sentence made dread well up in Wild’s stomach. There were only so many buttons to push on the slate, and Wild’s mind flashed back to a very crucial detail that he had forgotten.

He spun around, nearly hitting Sky with the stick he had been using to poke the fire. He could barely get out a shrieked “Wait!” Before there was an ominous click, a moment of tense silence, then-

BOOM.

Right. The bomb he had dropped earlier, and had forgotten to dissipate.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling all the world like he was every one of his one hundred and seventeen years. He let out a slow breath, feeling everyone’s eyes on him. Was this what Twilight felt like all the time? He needed to go easier on his mentor.

“That button explodes things, Wind.”

A silent, judgmental stare from Time told him to fix the mess he’d created. With a huff, he heaved himself to his feet, and motioned for Wind to follow him. “Come on, kid. Let’s go do damage control.”

~~~

A/N: You know, writing this made me headcanon that Bokoblins have truly excellent color vision.

Anyways, here's what all the colors mean;

Brown: Average Traveler // White: Sheikah // Red: Yiga // Blue: Hyrule’s Military // Green: Heroes

Blue-Green: Warriors // Red-Green: Legend // White-Green: Sky // The Leader: Time // Wolf-Pelt: Twilight // Youngling: Wind // Green-in-Disguise: Wild // Brown-Green: Hyrule // Four-Color: Four

[thefanficmonster]

Fated

Karl Heisenberg x Autistic, Sound-sensitive Reader (Female)

Warnings: Swearing, Spoilers for RE8:Village, Noise sensitivity

Genre: Romance, Comfort

Summary: Not everyone could love a man like Heisenberg. But Y/N isn’t everyone, nor is she just anyone. She loves him as the whole package he is: murderous intentions, human experiments and all.

Requested by @phoenixofthevalley Hi dear! Here you go - the first fic I’ve ever written for Karl Heisenberg (first of many) and thank you so much for being my first ever Resident Evil 8 requester! Hope you enjoy the read! Feel free to correct me if I’ve described anything incorrectly or in an accidentally offensive manner. I have no intention of spreading hate or any type of misconception so I’d really appreciate the correction. Love, Vy ❤

Watching Karl get so excited over this grand plan of his - the destroying of Mother Miranda, his revenge - it all makes me feel uneasy. I can’t explain the feeling, mostly cause I’ve never felt it before, and I can’t quite describe it either. I don’t connect to people easily and I’ve always been told I’m the problem but I guess it took the right person to make me feel things I haven’t felt for no one else all my life.

“The weren’t worthy of your emotions, darling.“ Karl told me on one of the rare occasions when I opened up my mind to him. I felt his words wrap around me like a comforting embrace. For the first time in my life, I felt understood.

I think that’s what took me the longest to get used to - being understood, seen and validated. My opinions had never before been taken into account seriously, my personal boundaries were rarely respected by others and people always had a hard time dealing with how distant I can be. But what bothers me above all is how people refer to me as dramatic because of my sound sensitivity - something no one took seriously when I’d tell them about it.

Karl did though, surprising me to no end.

He respects that I like my personal space and prefer not being shown much affection, especially not physical. He understands that I have a hard time showing people affection myself. He goes out of his way to make sure I’m ok with whatever it is he’s doing, saying or suggesting. And I’m sure that if I were to ever tell someone about this, they wouldn’t believe me. That’s most definitely due to his rough exterior and intimidating appearance. Also probably because he comes off as downright selfish and rude when you first meet him, but getting to know him was a journey worth taking because I now know the real him. A trust me, his rough exterior and the softness of his true self have nothing in common. Although, he does claim that softness is only reserved for me.

With all that laid out, it’s completely understandable that I don’t want him going up against Mother Miranda. Thanks to Karl I’ve never had the displeasure of running into her, but I’ve heard countless stories of how powerful and downright terrifying that witch is. Bottom line: I don’t want Karl walking into something that’s the equivalent of suicide.

And I’ve finally decided to let him know exactly how I feel about it.

I’ve been sitting here, searching for my voice as I observe Karl in his deepest thinking space. He’s constantly in it, if you ask me - constantly thinking, looking for ways to make his innovations better, stronger, more powerful to add to his chances of victory against the sadistic ruler of this village. He was already at his desk when I walked in, hunched over dozens of drawings drawn with cut-edge precision yet in his mind they are probably not near good enough. In his mind, all he does is never good enough. He prides himself on this factory and what he’s produced thus far but he cannot stay proud of himself for very long, he constantly feels the need to better himself in order to remain worthy in his eyes. I wish I could change his mindset on those grounds but I know that my tries would be futile and pointless.

“Karl?“ I suddenly speak up, surprising both him and myself. I don’t know what I was thinking opening my mouth when I still have no idea how to go about this without making it seem like I don’t believe in him. That is in no way the case. I believe he can defeat her, if he cannot do it himself, his robo-army most certainly can. But I don’t want defeating her to cost him his life cause without him in mine I’m not sure what will be left of me.

He straightens up from where he’s been hunched over for the past God knows how many hours, rolling his shoulders and stretching his arms as her turns to look at me, his sunglasses capturing the white neon light in the office as he does so.

“What is it, darling? Something wrong?“ he takes a step towards me as I stand up and go to approach him.

“Actually...“ Suddenly, that thing he keeps in a safety cell just below this room starts going off with that annoying loud sound it makes. It’s always disturbed me, ever since it came to exist which was not so long ago considering it’s been his latest project. It not only terrifies me but triggers my sound sensitivity as do most of the machines in this forsaken factory.

I close my eyes tightly shut as I cover my ears with my hands, praying for the sound to go away as soon as possible because I can’t take it. It almost makes me physically nauseous and gives me vertigo, bringing me to the brink of tears because of its loudness and intensity, like it’s drilling right into my brain.

I can’t quite pinpoint the exact moment the sound went away because when faced with such a pain-inducing experience, my senses tend to tune out while I still remain conscious, but when my hearing returns I the only thing I’m able to hear is a steady heartbeat and a steady breathing. 

“It’s ok, darling. You’re ok.“ I hear Karl’s quiet whisper, giving me peace and coaxing me into opening my eyes.

When I do so, I come to realize why the rest of the world has gone quiet. Why I’m suddenly so flooded with comfort like no one is able to bring me. No one but him.  One of my ears is pressed up to his chest while the other is covered by his warm hand which travels up to move a strand of hair from my face and put it behind my ear as he repeats his soothing words like a chant, slowly starting to let go of me out of fear that he’s crossing a line. He’s always so wary about that and I’ll forever be grateful to him for it.

“Are you ok, sweetheart?“ His hands gently cup my cheeks, tilting my head so I can look him in the eyes - directly in the eyes, for he has ridden himself of his glasses. I’ve found he does that often when around me - removes his glasses. I once asked him why that is but the answer he gave me was vague, all the while a small smile played on his face. Guess he’s a bigger secret-keeper than I primarily thought. It doesn’t bother me really, I know the only secrets he keeps are the ones that would be a hazard for my safety if he exposed me to them, so I allow him his secrets and I keep some of my own to myself. It’s only fair, after all.

I nod, blinking up at him, “Yes, I’m ok. But...“ Now or never, girl. Now or never. “But if you want me to be honest, I will be.”

He looks baffled by my answer but he doesn’t falter, quickly regaining his composure before he replies, “Of course, dear. I always want you to be honest with me. What’s on your mind, what’s bothering you?“

Now “I haven’t been really ok for a while now.” I take his hands in mine, removing them from my cheeks but holding them firmly between us - a gesture that surprises me just as much as it shocks him. Never have I felt the need to be so close to someone. It may be momentary and temporary, but I refuse to dwell on that as I push forward with my argument, “I haven’t been ok since you told me about your plane. The whole thing with Mother Miranda and all that...” Not the time to be leaving me, words. I started this, I’ll finish it. “Look, Karl, I know you and your army can bring that witch to her demise but...”

“But what, Y/N? Tell me.“ He encourages me softly, his hands subtly tightening their hold on mine as if to keep me grounded, remind me he’s listening closely to every word I’m saying. Like he always does.

“But what if it doesn’t go as planned?“ I blurt out, biting my bottom lip nervously. It makes me anxious, being so honest and emotionally exposed. That’s so rare for me I doubt I’ll ever get used to it, but that’s the only way I have at least a fragment of a chance of convincing Karl to drop this. “What if things go south and you end up killed or turned into a monster or something else?“

The concern on his face washes away when he hears my words, getting replaced by a soft, consoling smile. I quickly look away, feeling that confession on my part was quite odd. I feel out of place but not uncomfortable, I don’t know how to explain it. It almost feels like relief, like I’ve finally gotten a huge boulder off my chest and I can finally breathe properly. But I can’t, not until I hear his reply. That smile should probably tell me something but it doesn’t - I won’t believe anything until I hear it come out of his mouth with my own two ears.

“Oh Y/N, darling, you won’t lose me. Ever.“ His thumb swipes across my knuckles soothingly, drawing abstract patterns on the skin of the back of my hand, “You never need to worry about me, hun, I ain’t going anywhere. No one can take me away from you or you away from me. Anyone who dares to try, well, bad things will happen to ‘em.“ He chuckles, easing the tension enough for me to able to look up at him again. When our eyes meet again, I see something I can’t name nor describe. All I know is that what he’s telling me is genuine and comes, “I’ll always be here, by your side, Y/N. I will always be here to shield you from anything and anyone. Any rogue lycan or any loud sound, I’ll be there to prevent it from reaching you. Never forget that. Ok?“

That urge to be have him close takes over me again. I think that somewhere in the back of my mind I see a clock ticking down, counting down the numbered hours we have together before he inevitably carries out his plan. As scary as that is, I think I can do nothing but accept it.

And so, that’s exactly what I do.

Wrapping my arms around him tenderly, enveloping him in the first hug I’ve ever given him - probably the first hug anyone has given him - I accept our fate, silently hoping it changes somewhere along the lines.

“Ok.“

[poguestvff]

LIKE A BIG SISTER SHOULD — WHEEZIE CAMERON

in which wheezie cameron finds that blood doesn’t make you family, love and affection does.

taglist | masterlist | 2.5k words | @pogueslandia ,

warning(s): food, she/her pronouns, ward slander, a little sarah slander but that’d include reading between the lines. why’d this make me want to make a series of reader and Wheezie being best friends.

There's always been a heavy feeling of loneliness that rested upon the youngest cameron's shoulders, weighing her down as it seemed to pile over the years. Her siblings were always older, an age gap between them that even if it was shortened by a few years, their worlds would still be two different things. All three of them were in three different stages of life yet somehow it felt like Wheezie wasn't even there at times.

Throughout the entirety of her schooling career so far, everything had somehow been about Rafe and Sarah. Sarah was the perfect one; the paragon who could do no wrong. Even if Sarah tried to disobey, it'd be turned around to be made out as a minute mistake. She'd probably be able to get away with it a second time if she did it a different way. Maybe the same way.

Rafe was quite the opposite. The bastard child who needed a plentiful amount of attention in hopes he can be more like the paragon. With all this attention, his head only grew. It never gave him the space for growth. It minimized the space to stay exactly where he was for years on end.

This left Wheezie to be the ostracized sibling. She wasn't a social butterfly or a poster child like Sarah and she definitely wasn't a loner or the 'damaged goods' child like Rafe. She was just... average. With average grades and an average personality. Just average old Wheezie. She told herself this consistently, watching her father balance his attention between making sure Rafe stayed between the lines he'd drawn for him in a radius such as a dart board and allowing Sarah step out of them, even erasing some of the lines so she could walk on by them without a second thought.

But Wheezie was stuck in that tiny little circle in the middle, the bullseye as if scared to move out of those lines. The one place that was the hardest to pinpoint specifically by her father. But there was one thing Ward Cameron always said correct about his younger daughter. That he wouldn't be able to pin point his little dart of control into the middle of the board because she was misunderstood and misunderstood she was.

Though one person had been able to pick up on every single one of Wheezie's emotions.

Y/n Y/L/N was a pogue who had done tutoring on the side for a little extra money and when John B had recommended Y/n for help with Wheezie's homework, Ward was quick to say okay. He hardly even asked a thing about Y/n, just telling her to help Wheezie pass eighth grade and that was all. It was made very apparent to Y/n that was Wheezie was not as much of a priority to Ward as other things were.

Their first tutoring session, Wheezie was awfully dismissive. She didn't care for any of Y/n's efforts as they sat within the comfort of Wheezie's bedroom. She just wanted the entire hour to be over with the second she'd entered her room but Y/n was insistent, knowing that by the end of the school year she would have something instilled in Wheezie's brain. She just didn't know what that something was yet.

The second time they met, Y/n was more passive aggressive in hopes of breaking down the brick walls Wheezie had stored between her and everyone else in hopes of not disappointing them like the way she thought she'd disappointed her father. Y/n sat her down in her desk chair, swiveling her chair to her as she rested her hands on the younger girls shoulders. "You are going to have a really awkward couple of weeks if you and i don't become friends so no work today. We're playing 20 questions."

That night, Y/n learned a lot about Wheezie Cameron that she never thought she'd learned. Wheezie hated the color purple, she just painted her room that color because Sarah liked that color. Wheezie loved to paint and to draw, it was her favorite activity, she just rarely showed it bevause she hadn't believed in herself. Though, when she showed Y/n the canvas' that were shoved at the back of the closet, Y/n marveled at them. But Y/n's favorite fact, and the same one that almost made her hug Wheezie on the spot, was that she was never taught to swim and Y/n made her a promise that she would teach her.

As the weeks went by, Wheezie waiting anticipatingly for Y/n's beaten down, green ford bronco to pull up on the driveway and she'd leave the house with a giant smile on her face. It’d be early in the morning, a little less than an hour until school started, just like how Wheezie liked. She'd jump in the driver seat, embracing the smell of vanilla from the scented item hanging from the rear view mirror. She’d toss her bag to the back as Y/n would ruffle her hair, just like she had every morning. "And beloved was set in... late 1856!" Wheezie answered excitedly as Y/n drove down the final street towards her school after the two had gotten breakfast together.

"Perfect! You're gonna do so good on your test, Wheeze, I promise." Y/n told her ecstatically as she pulled into a parking space. Just before Wheezie could get out, Y/n held her upper arm just to gain her attention before she got out. "Tell Rose she doesn't have to get you after school. I'll leave school early and you and I are having a girls day. No studying, just me, you and a shit ton of sweets."

Wheezie smiled, she could feel the muscles in her jaw begin to hurt from how wide she had. She tilted her head to the side out of curiosity, eyeing the look of excitement on Y/n's face. "But why?"

Y/n shrugged, adjusting in her seat and fixing her rear view mirror. "Cause, you deserve it. I'm so proud of you, Little W." She told her, looking back towards the girl and seeing her smile slightly drop. "You okay?"

Wheezie couldn't remember a time where she was genuinely told that. Yeah, sure, Ward said it a few times but it'd be in a lousy tone before he'd wave her off, saying he was busy with whatever office work he had to attend to. Sarah may have said it a few times but it was rushed before she'd run after her friends with a quick goodbye to Wheeze, leaving her alone in the sand. It was never sincere. Not in the way Y/n had said it.

She rubbed her hands against her jean clad thighs with a sharp breath before nodding. “Yeah. I've just never really been told that before. Like—Like genuinely." She said, lowly, in hopes Y/n would understand and wouldn't push it.

Y/n had known Wheezie long enough to know her tells and avoiding eye contact was one of the biggest ones. So she didn't indulge further in the conversation, brushing it under the rug but knowing she'd have to go diving back in for that little tidbit later on. Instead she wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into a tight hug from over the console. "I'll tell you i'm proud of you everyday if i have to." Y/n muttered before kissing the top of her head. "Now go, if you're late to first period, your dad will kill me." And Wheezie was able to leave the car with a smile on her face, already looking forward to the day planned later on.

Y/n was overall consistent, it was one thing Wheezie enjoyed knowing that when she made promises she tried to keep them as best as she could. Sometimes things slipped her mind but Wheezie could recognize that Y/n didn't forget a thing when it came to Wheezie. Like she made sure to engrave bits and pieces of her into her mind like a data chart. But it showed she cared and that was enough for Wheezie.

Y/n cared enough that when she entered her car after school, the smell of her favorite cinnabon's filled the car that made her look in the backseat, seeing a picnic basket. There wasn't a chance, right? You could only get them on the mainland. She turned her body swiftly towards the elder girl who sat with a smirk on her face. "You didn't?"

"I did. Second I left fourth period, got on a ferry just for you to have those overly sweet treats." Y/n said, tapping her nose with a 'boop'! "And I almost got stuck on the mainland because of it so you better enjoy the hell out of them."

"I will, I promise." Wheezie said dramatically as Y/n smiled, pulling out of the parking space to head down to the beach. Wheezie had said she didn't have a bathing suit, not prepared for the outing, though Y/n already said she had ransacked her room for clothes for after. Y/n was the only person allowed in Wheezie Cameron's room without Wheezie being there and the elder girl took pride in it.

As Y/n set up their small area for the few hours, she noticed Wheezie standing just where the water and the sand met. She kicked around the water with clear disinterest causing Y/n to huff, hands on her hips, before tossing off her hoodie to get in. The splash she'd made by pushing herself into the water made Wheezie jump, a laugh falling from the two's lips. "Come on." Y/n said, standing and holding her hands out to Wheezie.

"Y/n/n, I can't swim."

"Y/n/n I can't swim, well, obvi, i know that, little W. But, you have your amazing best friend to keep you afloat. I won't let you go, i swear." Y/n said, holding up her pinky.

"Swear?"

"On my life." She reassured with a trusting smile before Wheezie walked further in. When the water had gotten to her above her waist, it'd freaked her out a bit though Y/n talked her through it, coaxing her further in slowly. Wheezie was kept above the water as Y/n held her hands as the buoyancy was used to their advantage. "See, not as bad as you thought?"

Wheezie shook her head though still nervous. "Not as bad, not my thing though."

"Why don't we try actually swimming? I won't force you if you don't want to and we can get back to shore right now but maybe just try?" She asked as Wheezie had to think about it for a moment. She almost felt guilty, remembing just a few months ago when Sarah had asked her if she could teach her but she refused. Though maybe, just maybe, it was because of Y/n being a bit more trust worthy that Wheezie said yes this time.

It took a while, Wheezie was frightened by letting go even as Y/n would say she was okay. Wheezie would tighten her grip on her shoulders before trying again and again until she eventually got it. She finally was able to keep herself above the water without flailing, recognizing that she was okay. Y/n cheered as she watched, not caring for the stares of others around them. "See, dude? You just have to start applying yourself! You did it!"

"I did it!" Wheezie said as Y/n hugged her, the two laughing before Wheezie screamed making Y/n's laughter die fast. "Something touched me!"

"Wheeze, it was seaweed." Y/n said softly before turning and letting her place her hands on her shoulders. "Yeah let's get you out of here before a jellyfish gets you."

Wheezie widened her eyes. "Jellyfish?"

As the sun had began to set and people had packed up their things and left, Y/n and Wheezie stayed. Wheezie was on her fourth doughy treat, even though Y/n told her to slow down two treats ago. Towels were wrapped around each of their shoulders as they watched the pretty colors fade in to one another, a mixture of pink, blue and orange array of colors combining to make a cotton candy sky. Wheezie watched as Y/n got up, accepting a phone call from Ward, the only phone call she hadn't silenced since they'd left the car.

In the time she'd left, Wheezie took advantage of it to recognize how appreciative she was of all that Y/n was doing for her. She came in as a tutor and, to Wheezie, was to stay as a friend. As family. Wheezie was more then ecstatic to have someone who would be there to rant and rave about the other Cameron's, someone she could trust with her secrets and the contents of her always running brain. Someone who was just there.

"Hey, your father would like us back in thirty so we should leave in ten." She said coming back and sitting beside Wheezie as she caught sight of her face, the lack of the smile that was there previously concerning her. "Tell me what's wrong."

"Nothing, really. Just... I really enjoyed today, Y/n. It really lets me know you're not just here for like... like the money or something."

Y/n let out a scoff. "Are you kidding? I enjoy nothing more than watching you freak out over the existence of jellyfish." She joked as Wheezie pushed her to the side with a laugh. Y/n recovered, letting out a content sigh as she tossed an arm over Wheezie's shoulders. "You're stuck with me now, Wheezes. Can't wait to record you falling at your next soccer game."

Wheezie couldn't help the laugh that slipped past her lips, leaning into Y/n's embrace as her head rested against her clavicle. "And I'll be looking for you in the stands, Y/n/n."

Y/n and Wheezie had both found out something about the other that night. Wheezie found that she didn't want to be like Sarah and she was glad she wasn't like Rafe. She was content with her own little circle on the dart board but maybe she could take a bit after her newest role model. And Y/n found that she was able to instill several things into the youngers mind including To Kill a Mockingbird, Inca Civilizations, and that she now had a true and present big sister to look up to.

[xcrystalzero]

to understand you

pairing: xiao x gn!reader

summary: as far as you know, xiao hates humans. so why is he offering to come to liyue harbor with you?

note: listen to this, then read plz! warning, these are leaks so don't listen to it or read this fic if you don't want to be spoiled for coming content!

"If you have free time, we can go to Liyue Harbor together."

Never in your life did you think that you would hear those words coming from Xiao. He had been warming up to you in the months that had passed since you had met, enough so that he would actually stick around after the missions you went on together for lunch or just to rest instead of immediately disappearing as he had in the past. He even talked to you now, about things that weren't conquering demons or karmic debt!

Baby steps, you had thought, just happy to able to share his company for some time. So this was a bit out of left field. Of course, that didn't mean that you would treat such a suggestion lightly! The light dusting of pink on his cheeks and the way he wouldn't meet your gaze told you that it must have taken a lot of mustered courage for him to bring this up himself. If you refused him here, you doubted he would ever open himself to you again.

Not that you had plans to refuse him in the first place. No sane person would.

And now, the two of you stood at the edge of one of the many bridges leading into the harbor, you felt a strange giddiness come over you. Xiao was coming with you to Liyue Harbor, he was here because of you!

"So... you're doing this for me?" you had asked.

"Yes, to understand you."

If only he knew exactly how much of an effect those words had had on you.

When you glanced over at the adeptus however, you had to stiffle a giggle. Xiao was standing up stiff as a board, his eyes darting between the people meandering through the pavilion in the distance with a sort of nervous worry. As a man crossed the bridge across from the two of you, Xiao all but leapt out of his way, standing as close to the railing as you were sure was physically possible.

"Are you alright?" you asked, trying to keep the amusement out of your voice, though judging by the glint of annoyance in Xiao's gaze, you hadn't been particularly successful.

"There's... a lot more people than I thought there would be..." he muttered, eyes downcast now as though not looking at said people might somehow make them disappear.

At that, you audibly laughed, drawing the adeptus' gaze back up to you. "Well, it is a harbor! Don't worry, I doubt you'll get recognized or anything like that!"

"That's not what I'm worried about..." For a man pretending to be so cold, his eyes certainly were expressive. Was that, guilt?

"Xiao... you know that you're not going to hurt anyone just by being here right?"

Bingo. Xiao flinched slightly. "... you don't understand my debt... It is supposed to be my burden to handle and yet, with all these people here..."

A soft smile made its way onto your face as you slowly reached out, wrapping your fingers lightly around Xiao's wrist. His initial reaction was to try to pull away immediately, though when your grip remained even then, he relaxed slightly. "Xiao, you're not going to hurt these people. Think of it this way! If the one in a million happens and things do go south, I'm here to take care of things right?"

Xiao was silent and for a moment, you were sure that he was about to drop all of this and make his way immediately back to Wangshu Inn.

"... alright, I trust you."

Oh. You hoped the grin that had spread over your face covered the way your cheeks and ears were heating up like a furnace. "Alright then, let's go!" With the hand still around his wrist, you gently tugged him forward, pulling the two of you across the bridge and into Liyue Harbor.

~~~

As much as you wanted Xiao to try out Liyue Cuisine, you were a bit worried. After all, the only thing you had seen the adeptus eat was Almond Tofu, a steep departure from the spicy seafood cuisine that was served in Liyue Harbor. You brought the issue up to Xiao and his reply was a bit unexpected

"I said I wanted to learn about your world didn't I? If this is the food you are always speaking about, then I must too experience it to be able to relate to you."

As it turned out, you were correct in being worried because for all his strength as a Yaksha, Xiao had the worst spice tolerance you had ever seen. All it took was a single bite of Xiangling's signature Wanmin Restaurant Boiled Fish and he was coughing his lungs out. Were those... tears in the corner of his eyes?

"I'm so sorry Xiao, I had no idea it would be like this!" you sputtered, waving down the nearest waiter with urgency. "Could we please get a plate of Almond Tofu! And some more water!"

"I'm fine-" Xiao hacked out, evidently not okay. "Just... give me a moment..."

"I'm sorry, it's my fault! I should have given more care to your tastes!"

"I told you didn't I! I want to experience what you talk about, and if it ends like this, then that's fine as well," he managed between coughs and if he wasn't currently hacking his lungs out in front of you, you thought you might have tackled him in a hug.

When the Almond Tofu arrived, despite all this protests, Xiao seemed intensely happy and gulped it down within minutes. Eager to put the meal behind you, you paid quickly and pulled Xiao back out onto the street with you.

The next few hours were honestly a blur. There was just so much to show Xiao. Despite his initial reluctance to make conversation with the people wandering about, you found that it was actually rather easy to get him to talk. All it took was a sentence or two on your part to draw him into conversation and he would always grudgingly join in. There was often a scoff involved, or a "humans..." muttered under his breath, but at least he was talking to people!

He also didn't seem to want you two to leave. Every time you thought that you may be running out of places, he would make some innocuous remark about a landmark you had mentioned or a certain stall that you frequented that he hadn't seen so far. If you didn't know better, you'd think that he was looking for excuses for the two of you to remain in the harbor.

Not that you were complaining of course, especially since your special plan for the day hinged on you two remaining there until the sun set. Finally, it seemed as though you two had exhausted your sightseeing list, you look a seat on the steps overlooking the harbor, sitting in comfortable silence.

Despite his apparent lack of love for human food, you had managed to get him to try a certain pulled cotton candy dessert. He must have absolutely loved it because he had gone back for seconds about three times before you managed to pull him away from the stall.

"Such a sweet tooth!" you had teased, bringing a slight blush to his cheeks as he took another bite.

"... shut up it tastes... nice."

The sun had gone down a little while ago and from where you sat, you could see the edge of the wharf, as well as the activity you had been planning the entire day. Hopefully Xiao would like it... You were't sure though if it would be particularly to his taste. After all, he had refused to come to the Lan-

"Are you ready to head back now?" Xiao questioned, drawing you from your thoughts.

You shook your head, perhaps a little to enthusiastically based on the questioning look he aimed at you. "N-No not yet! There's just one more thing I think we should do before we leave!"

Xiao shrugged at that, though the way he was glancing at you out of the corner of his eye was a dead giveaway that he was at least a little interested. "Well, let's get it over with then."

Beaming over at him, you stood, making your way over to the edge of the wharf. There was a woman you had never met before standing there, a pair of glowing lanterns in her hands. As she saw you, she gave you a warm smile before extending the lanterns to you. With them in your possession, she bowed quickly and turned to leave. Xiao's curious gaze followed her as she retreated, though his attention turned back to you and your lanterns quickly.

"What are these for?" he questioned.

"They're lanterns! You weren't here during the Lantern Rite, but people release them with their loved ones! You're supposed to make wishes on them too!" Your tone is a little too peppy, but you can't help it. Not being able to get Xiao to come to the Lantern Rite had felt like a genuine failure to you, mainly because there was nothing you wanted more than to just see him happy. If he left now too...

Xiao aimed a skeptical look at you before examining his lantern. "I don't see how this contraption has the power to grant human wishes..."

You giggled at that. "It's just a tradition! Don't think about it too much, and just make a wish!"

Xiao was still staring at you rather blankly. "How do I?"

"Well, close your eyes. Then think of your wish and when you're done with that, just release the lantern!"

You closed your eyes as though to demonstrate, though they opened quickly once more to glance over at Xiao the moment you knew he was no longer looking at you.

Despite his hesitation, the adeptus went along with your instructions. With a soft sigh, he closed his eyes, holding the lantern between the palms of his hands as he angled his face up to the sky. You weren't sure if it was just you, but there was something different about him right now, but you couldn't pinpoint what it was.

"I just want you to know-" When he started talking, you almost dropped your lantern in shock. Immediately, you closed your own eyes, hoping that he hadn't noticed your staring. "I... I saw part of the Lantern Rite this year."

"Really?"

"You were speaking so highly of it, so I watched from a distance... The lanterns drifting into the sky looked so beautiful, even from far away and... and I wished that I had gone with you."

Your eyes opened on instinct as you turned back to him, mouth agape. Xiao's eyes however, remained closed as he continued to speak softly into the sky.

"Thank you, for this." The words were so soft you may have missed them if you weren't so captivated. It was then that Xiao softly let go of his lantern, finally opening his eyes to watch it drift gently up into the night sky.

You couldn't drag your gaze away from him for a moment, but when you did, you let out a soft sigh before releasing your own lantern.

"These are called Xiao Lanterns you know. They are beauty and hope and a light in the darkness. I wonder who they might be inspired by..."

If you didn't know the man next to you, you might have thought that the small sound he just let out had a hint of a laugh to it.

"Perhaps one day, you'll be able to meet him. Someone worthy of such a legacy."

As the Xiao Lanterns floated up into the heavens, the two of you sat the the edge of the pier, watching them. Eventually, you broke the silence with a soft question.

"So tell me, how did you like my world? Did you enjoy experiencing all that you've heard about?"

Xiao sighed, though the sound lacked the usual grit. "Today was certainly... interesting. I suppose humans and their strange rituals aren't always terrible..."

"You could just say you had fun you know?" you giggled as you nudged him gently, bringing a slight glare to his face as he pulled away first before taking his turn to pointedly nudge you back.

"Well, some humans are quite adept at ruining the mood..."

You laughed at that, turning your face to the sky as you basked in this moment. "That, we are!"

note: he's so precious. i just want him to be happy...