#you can see his eyes light up when he sees something fascinating or someone engage him in his favourite things

[after-witch]

Horrorfest: This Confession Has Meant Nothing (Yandere Derek Goffard x Reader)

Title: This Confession Has Meant Nothing [Yandere Derek Goffard x Reader]

For Horrorfest request:

I don't have much of an idea beyond Derek as Patrick Bateman style serial killer. You're his final girl/boy. Surviving his spree.  he hates how fascinated he is with you.

Word Count: 748

notes: yandere, mentions of killing, derek wants to (maybe) kill you; reader is a sex worker

You are one, stupid ugly piece of shit. You’re worthless. Gutter trash. So far beneath him that you’re almost not worthy of killing; not worthy of him scuffing his shoes, handcrafted genuine leather that costs more than rent at your shitty apartment for a year. More, maybe. 

You are nothing. Just some bones and a meat suit, just something to bide his time with, something for him to (maybe) fuck and film and when he’s bored enough, dissect. He even tells you his real name (Derek Goffard, and you looked impressed, and you SHOULD BE) because he’s going to kill you so why not? 

You’re just something to discard with the morning trash, the morning paper, maybe his nice shoes too because he can buy a new pair whenever he fucking wants. An inconsequential speck.

And yet.

He can’t stop thinking about you. 

About the way your lip curled up at him when you realized what he’d done to Susie or Cheryl or whatever her name was. Doesn’t matter. A woman he bought for the night after he bought you, and you were pretending to get along so well that for a moment he assumed your first reaction to seeing her bleeding out from the knife sounds in her torso would be to reach out. Grief. Horror. Shock.

But no. Instead, you’d looked at him… straight at him… like you had the fucking right And you sneered. Actually sneered! With this look of hatred in your eyes that told him you thought you were better than him, that he was shit and you were gold.

You really were fucking stupid, weren’t you? 

But then how--and the thought creeps into his brain and he smacks it out viscerally with his hand--did you get away from him? How did you make it out of the condo, into the hallway, down the stairs (ALL those stairs) and out the front door into the night? How hasn’t he found you yet?

Maybe you didn’t have to be smart to survive. Yeah. That made sense. Animals survive in the wild all the time, don’t they? Not all rabbits are eaten by wolves. Some are just fast enough to scurry off into some hole to hide out in, to live another day, to fuck and breed and repeat the cycle until they are either roadkill or fall prey to an eagle or some shit like that.

You were his rabbit. 

But he wasn’t going to let you get away. He couldn’t imagine you getting away, cleaning yourself up, getting out of the city. You’d get some job that pays the rent and meet someone; maybe you two would have kids, and you’d be a grandparent or something ridiculous like that, decades down the line.

No.

That wasn’t what he wanted for you. Not when he’d killed so many others in the past few weeks. Not when he recognized you for what you were: his, in some way. His to kill. His to finish with. 

Yeah, that would be nice. After he killed you, he’d take a break from it for a while. Maybe see if he could get a promotion at his dad’s business. Find someone to get engaged with--appearances, and all that--and pop out a kid. He could always go back to killing if he felt like it.

That’s the way the world works. He was allowed to kill because he was richer and smarter and better looking. You were going to die because you were nothing beneath his (expensive) shoes. 

He just has to find you first. Oh, and when he does… he presses his face against the car window, breath fogging it up. He can just imagine what he’ll do to you. Hurt you. Kill you. Keep you? All three sounded enticing.

His fingers itch, his cock goes hard, just thinking about it.

The street lights are dim in this part of the city, but bright enough for people to make out the faces on the corners, the curve of bodies standing close to the curb. 

If you ran, you might have run right back here; where you ply your trade and get your drugs and maybe have a few people you call friends. It’s where he picked you up the first time, after all.

And he’s got all the time and money in the world to track you down again.

[astridthevalkyrie]

a weak heart | rafayel x reader

“Let’s go all the way, tonight, no regrets, just love,” she sings, and her voice is a little pitchy but Rafayel could listen to it all day, “we can dance, until we die, you and I, we’ll be young forever!” How very wrong she is about that last part. It’s almost funny. Someone with such a weak heart shouldn’t be this cocky.

cw: reader has she/her pronouns, fluff, light angst, rafayel being bratty but also down incredibly bad

word count: 1.4k

There’s a dip in the bed that alerts Rafayel to her presence. He’d already known she was inside, even though her footsteps were hushed. He’d heard her walk in and feed Reddie, and he almost gave up the vow he made to himself not to engage with her just so he could snark about how she was more invested in seeing the fish than in seeing him.

(Of course, she very well may have gone to the studio to look for him and decided to feed Reddie while she was already in there, but. He doesn’t want to be reasonable right now. He wants to be upset with her. And she gives him so little to get upset with because she is and always has been some kind of angel descended from the heavens with an embarrassingly weak heart, so he needs to take whatever chances he can get.)

A soft touch to the back of his neck is followed by a quick kiss to his cheek. “Rafayel?”

He doesn’t answer.

“I know you’re awake, Raf.” Well, his eyes are open so. Great observation, idiot. “You’re not even gonna talk to me?”

The window he’s staring through is so fascinating all of a sudden, all bright and stale with an afternoon light he’s painted a billion times. Literally a billion. That’s how old he is. One would think he’d learned to be patient in that time, but one would also think that after waiting for a woman for centuries, she could cut him some slack and not make him wait any longer.

(Not that she knows that but. Still.)

“It was really last minute.” She kisses his cheek again, hovering over him and he wants so badly to gaze up at her, because that will be something he’s never painted before—he’d title it Requiem For A Bland Thursday and Thomas would sell it for a couple hundred million and he’d tell her that and she would only ask him to buy her a rainbow popsicle because there isn’t a greedy bone in her body.

“I was going to text, Raf, I promise I was, but I’d pulled a night shift already and my phone was dead and Xavier and I both left our chargers at home, and we didn’t have a chance to stop and charge anyways.”

Always an excuse. Always a valid excuse that he can find no fault with. But it isn’t fair. The people she works with—Tara, Xavier, Captain Jenna who she’s definitely a little in love with—get her attention and her time every hour of every day. If there’s a mission to do, she’ll drop everything and do it. And Rafayel gets the crumbs, the vacation days and the after hours, whenever she remembers him enough to spare her time.

What’s worse than that is the fear. He doesn’t let it show through text, always opting to send whatever he thinks will make her smile, but everytime hours pass without a response from her, fear seizes his poor heart. All the twisted and cruel things that could possibly happen to her start playing on repeat in his head.

“Rafayel,” she pleads, tilting her forehead against his temple. “Please, look at me?”

His chest burns hot.

When he finally looks up, he finds he’s absolutely correct in his hunch. She presents like a masterpiece, hair mussed from whatever fights Xavier clearly couldn’t protect her from. Her eyes shine tiredly, lighting up when they gaze into his. And Rafayel’s heart releases a painful thump, thump, thump because if he could spend eternity with her looking at him the way she is now, he’d easily live the rest of his immortal life the happiest person in the universe.

She leans down and pecks his lips apologetically. “I’m sorry for making you wait.”

(It’s what she always does.)

“It’s what you always do,” he says, not harsh but definitely blasé enough to make her wince. “Why should this time be any different?”

A sigh escapes her, and he starts to feel that old guilt again. To hold her up to a standard because he fell in love with two other versions of her, and to give her grief for being late as though she wasn’t doing an incredibly important job keeping people safe—it’s not exactly fair. To either of them, but specifically to her.

And yet, it’s not like he spends his time with her imagining a princess running through the sands calling his name. This version of her makes his heart pound all the same, whether she’s absolutely beating his ass at the card game in the cafe, or resting her head on his shoulder from behind while he paints, or when she’s in his bed just like this.

The biggest similarity is that damn sick bleeding heart.

“What do I need to do for you to forgive me?” She tilts his chin up with her index finger, pressing a soft kiss to his jaw. Rafayel could never imagine being spoiled like this even if he was to be sitting on the throne in Lemuria right now, with jewels and gold surrounding him and beautiful maidens offering their hands. 

Somehow, this is more. Somehow, this is better.

“There’s nothing you can do,” he answers flatly, “and there’s nothing I can do. So let me be mad at you in peace.”

Her response is to brush the bangs from his forehead and drop a kiss to his forehead as well. “You make me feel like I’m in high school all over again,” she teases quietly, a small smile playing on the corner of her lips now. “My teenage dream.”

He groans. “Don’t—“

“Let’s go all the way, tonight, no regrets, just love,” she sings, and her voice is a little pitchy but Rafayel could listen to it all day, “we can dance, until we die, you and I, we’ll be young forever!”

How very wrong she is about that last part. It’s almost funny. 

Someone with such a weak heart shouldn’t be this cocky.

“Is this my punishment?” His nose wrinkles. “To hear you sing terrible renditions of already overplayed songs?”

Her giggle is the real music to his ears. “You’re an artist, you should know talent when you hear it.”

“I do,” he insists, realizing too late that he’s giving in. The lightness in his stomach is a bit frightening too. This is the same woman who carved out his heart. This is the same woman who needed to do nothing but flutter her lashes at him to make him give in to her any request. If, tomorrow, she were to ask him to rip his own scales from his body and place the bloody pieces in her palm, he’d do so without question.

Her hand comes up to rest on his cheek and he leans into it with a soft sigh almost on instinct. Such power she possesses, over the God of the Sea, and she’s the only person who would never even fathom abusing it. 

“You’re cold,” she murmurs, caressing his cheek. “Why do you always keep your house so cold?”

(So that she can warm him up so that she can warm him up so that she can warm him up so that she can warm him up so that she can warm him up so that she can—)

“It’s better for blood circulation.”

Her thumb gently brushes over his lower lip, like she’s mapping out her quest to treasure. “That’s like, objectively not true, Raf. My friend’s a doctor, he told me that cold is better for short-term pain and warmth is better for—“

“If you’re cold,” he interrupts, “get under the sheets.”

A brilliant, blinding smile lights up her face as she does just that, slipping under next to him and laying down at a slightly elevated level so she can tuck his head into her chest. Warmth runs through him like a flood, even the leather of her uniform is comforting because it’s smooth and light and smells just like her. Her lips press to the top of his head.

“I really am sorry,” she whispers, running her fingers through his hair, “I’ll do my best to text you and let you know next time, okay?”

And if she doesn’t, Rafayel thinks, curling into her more, they will still end up like this, quiet words and mutual teasing, memories of the past that he will forever be cursed by and she will never be burdened with, a heart that dances to the tune of her commands, wrapped up in each other, and absolutely nothing will change.

Because who really has a weak heart?

(It’s not her.)

[ray4hotchner]

Fate's Gentle Nudge

Chapter 6: Unbreakable (part one)

<<previous chapter ❀ last chapter>>

❀ 𝕡𝕒𝕚𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘: aaron hotchner x reader

❀ 𝕤𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕪: fluff, fluff, angst, happy ending

❀ 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕕 𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕥: 23k (part one and two together)

❀ 𝕒𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣’𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕖: Hi, besties! Sorry for taking so long to finish the last chapter. It's finally done, and it's a long one. Since it took me a while, I wanted to complete it entirely and not leave you guys with a cliffhanger. I hope you enjoy the last chapter. I'm thinking about writing small drabbles for this story, so let me know if you have something in mind. I'll divide the chapter into two parts so it's easier to read on Tumblr, but you can find the whole part on Ao3 as always. Anyway, I love you all. Thank you for reading!🤍

[18+ MDNI]

❀ 𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤: blood and violence, stalking, knife attack, mention of suicide and murder (let me know if there are any missing)

❀ 𝕞𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕒𝕔𝕔: @iyv-ray24

┌─❀*̥˚──❀*̥˚─┐

On Ao3

└──❀*̥˚──❀*̥˚┘

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"I knew it wasn't a good idea to let you in the shower," Y/N said as she and Aaron hurried downstairs to the building's garage, heading for Aaron's car. They hadn't overslept for long, but when Y/N got into the shower, Aaron joined her, and things went downhill from there.

"You weren't complaining when you had me on my knees," Aaron said with a devilish smirk as he unlocked the car.

Both of their hair was still wet, with hers wrapped in a towel. She was wearing Aaron's sweatshirt and joggers. They had to rush over to her place because she needed to change, do her hair, and get ready for school. She had promised the kids that they would be doing an experiment today, and she wasn't going to disappoint them.

They arrived shortly at her place, and he unbuckled his seatbelt, intending to go up with her.

"I would love for you to come upstairs," she says, leaning over and kissing him, "but you'll just distract me."

Aaron smiles at her affectionately. "Well, distracting you is one of my specialties."

She chuckles and playfully swats his arm. "Nice try, mister, but I really need to get ready for school."

Aaron nods, understanding, "Alright then, I'll wait downstairs until you're ready. I can still drive you to school."

She hesitates for a moment, then shakes her head. "No, don't. I'll take my own car. Someone could see us, and we need to be discreet."

Aaron agrees, understanding the need for caution. He leans over the middle console of the car, capturing her lips in a lingering kiss. Their mouths meet, and the passion between them momentarily erases the world outside. As she begins to pull back, he gently tugs her back towards him, a protesting sound escaping his throat.

"One more kiss, sweetheart," he murmurs.

"You make it really hard for me to leave, Aaron," she admits with a soft smile.

"Because I don't want you to," he confesses, his eyes filled with longing.

"I know, me too," she whispers, her voice filled with regret. "But I will see you soon, hopefully."

Reluctantly, he lets her go, watching her as she exits the car and heads into her apartment building. The anticipation of their next meeting already fills their hearts as they part ways, both hoping for the day when they can be more open about their feelings.

Inside her apartment, Y/N quickly got to work. She rushed into the bedroom to change into her work-appropriate attire. As she changed, she couldn't help but smile, thinking about Aaron and the passionate moments they shared. But she also knew her students were counting on her, so she focused on the task at hand.

After changing, Y/N took a few minutes to style her hair neatly and she applied some light makeup.

She decided on an experiment involving colorful water absorption. She wanted something engaging, educational, and, most importantly, fun. It was a simple yet fascinating experiment that would spark the children's curiosity. She gathered the materials she needed: clear cups or jars, and various food coloring.

The idea was to teach the kids about how plants absorb water through their stems while also introducing them to the concept of color mixing. Y/N had already brought the white flowers with long stems the day before and placed them in the clear cups.

As she arranged the materials neatly in a basket, her eyes fell upon the bouquet Aaron had brought her yesterday. It sat on the table, vibrant and fragrant. She couldn't resist the temptation and picked up the bouquet, taking in the lovely scent and smiling. Aaron had a way of brightening her day, even when he wasn't there in person.

With the white flowers in one hand and the basket of materials in the other, Y/N grabbed her bag and rushed out of her apartment, locking the door behind her.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Aaron returned to his now-quiet apartment. He couldn't help but smile as he picked up the remnants of their impromptu date night from his bedroom floor. Their clothes were scattered, a silent testament to the passion and connection they shared. He neatly folded them and placed them aside, his mind replaying the moments they had shared the night before. As he tidied up, he couldn't shake the warmth that filled his heart. Y/N was a remarkable woman, and he cherished every moment they spent together. Just as he finished cleaning up, there was a knock on the door. Aaron opened it to find Jessica standing there with two cups of coffee. "Morning," she greeted, holding up a cup of coffee. "Thought you could use a little pick-me-up and maybe we could talk." Aaron grinned in appreciation and accepted the coffee. "You're a lifesaver, Jess. Thanks." Jessica stepped inside, taking a quick look around. "I just dropped off Jack at school. Looks like you had quite the night, huh?", she says pointing at the wine bottles and glasses still in the living room. Aaron chuckled, feeling a little embarrassed. "Yeah, you could say that."

As they continued to chat over coffee, Jessica's concern began to show on her face. She set her cup down and looked at Aaron with a hint of worry in her eyes.

"Aaron," she began gently, "I can't help but be a little concerned about you dating Jack's teacher. I mean, it's wonderful that you two are getting along so well, and I know how much Jack adores her. But it's a tricky situation, isn’t it?"

Aaron sighed, understanding Jessica's apprehension. He hadn't expected their relationship to evolve so quickly and intensely either. "I know, Jess. I really didn't plan for any of this to happen, especially after Haley. It's just that Y/N is... she's different, and I didn't expect to feel this way again."

Jessica reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Aaron's shoulder. "I get it, Aaron. I really do. You deserve happiness, and if Y/N makes you happy, that's what matters most."

Aaron nodded, grateful for Jessica's understanding. "We're both aware of the risks, Jess. We've talked about it. We'll be careful, especially when it comes to Jack. I won't let anything risk his well-being."

Jessica smiled, her worry still present but softened by her friend's words. "I know you'll be careful, Aaron. And I can see how much you care about Y/N, too. It's just that... well, you know how protective I am over Jack."

Aaron gave her a warm smile. "I appreciate that, Jess. You've always been there for us, and I'm lucky to have you."

Jessica squeezed his shoulder affectionately. "Just promise me you'll keep an open line of communication with me about everything, especially when it comes to Jack. And if you ever need someone to talk to about this, you know I'm here, right?"

Aaron nodded, touched by Jessica's concern. "I promise, Jess. Thank you, our support means the world to me."

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

It was a quiet Friday evening when Y/N's doorbell rang, surprising her. When she opened the door, she found herself greeted by a delivery guy holding a stunning bouquet of winter flowers. They were vibrant and fragrant, perfectly matching the changing season outside. Y/N's heart swelled with warmth as she already knew these flowers were from Aaron.

They had been dating for two month now, and things were going better than she could have imagined. Aaron had made it a tradition to bring her flowers every week since their first date. Sometimes, when he was away working on a case, he would send her flowers to let her know he was thinking of her.

She carefully took the bouquet from the delivery guy and found a small card tucked amidst the blooms. As she read the note, a tender smile graced her lips. The message was simple yet heartfelt: "For the woman who brightens my life every day. - Aaron."

Y/N couldn't help but feel her heart flutter at his sweet gesture. She knew she had found something special with Aaron, something she hadn't felt in a long time. She took out her phone, composed the message, and snapped the photo, capturing the moment. "They are beautiful. Thank you," she wrote, "and I miss you."

As she hit send, she couldn't help but wonder how she had gotten so lucky to have someone as thoughtful and caring as Aaron in her life.

Over the past few weeks, Y/N and Aaron's relationship had blossomed in the most delightful ways. They had shared countless memorable moments, each strengthening the bond they had formed.

Their dates were often spontaneous because of his work. They visited museums, strolled through art galleries, and occasionally indulged in spontaneous street food adventures. On quieter evenings, they would cook dinner together, experimenting with new recipes and laughing at their culinary mishaps. These shared moments in the kitchen brought them even closer as they discovered their individual quirks and preferences. One evening, Aaron surprised Y/N with a cozy movie night at his place. They snuggled up on the couch with popcorn and watched classic films until the late hours. Y/N had never felt so comfortable and content in someone's presence. Their communication was effortless. Aaron's vulnerability and openness made Y/N feel safe, and she reciprocated by sharing her own thoughts and feelings. But no matter how busy they were, they made sure to connect daily, even if it was just a quick phone call or a sweet text message. And right on the queue, her phone buzzed with an incoming call. She smiled as she saw Aaron's name on the screen and quickly answered.

"Hi," she greeted warmly.

"Hello, my angel," Aaron replied with a hint of affection in his voice. "I'm glad you like the flowers."

Y/N couldn't help but blush at the pet name, even though she secretly loved it when he used such terms of endearment. "You know I always do. How's work going?"

Aaron let out a sigh, and Y/N could sense a hint of weariness in his tone. "It's been challenging, to be honest, and things are a bit hectic."

Concern crept into Y/N's voice. "Is everything okay?"

Aaron reassured her, "Don't worry, sweetheart, I'm fine. It's just one of those cases. But talking to you always makes my day better."

She smiled, her heart warming at his words. "I'm here whatever you need. Tell me about the case. Maybe talking about it will help."

As Aaron continued to share details about his challenging case, Y/N seized a momentary pause in the conversation to bring up something important.

"Did you get the email I sent to all the parents?" she asked.

"I did, but I didn't have the time to really read it," Aaron admitted. "Is it about the school trip?"

Y/N nodded on her end of the line. "Yes, it is. We're planning a visit to a natural history museum with dinosaurs and all that exciting stuff, and the kids will be part of a project."

"Sounds interesting," Aaron replied, genuinely intrigued.

Y/N hesitated for a moment before continuing, "You know, parents can attend too, but it's not mandatory. So you don't have to, but if your schedule fits... you know," she said, her voice tinged with uncertainty. She didn't want to force him into anything, fully aware of how busy he was.

Aaron considered her words for a moment before responding. "I appreciate the invitation, Y/N and if I can make it, I'd love to join."

Y/N's heart warmed at his willingness to consider it. "That would be wonderful, Aaron. I think Jack would be excited to have you there."

As they continued their conversation, Y/N listened intently, appreciating the opportunity to talk to Aaron even when he was preoccupied with work. However, her attention was momentarily distracted when she heard another voice in the background. It was a voice she faintly recognized as Derek's. Y/N hadn't met the team yet, but she had heard plenty about them from Aaron.

"I'll be right there, Derek, just finishing the call," Aaron said to his colleague.

Then, Derek's voice came closer to the phone, and he spoke a little louder, clearly intending for Y/N to hear. "Sorry for stealing your boyfriend, Y/N."

Y/N couldn't help but giggle on the other end of the line. "No worries, Derek," she replied playfully. "I'll share him with you guys, but only if you promise to take good care of him."

Derek laughed, and Aaron's voice returned to the forefront. "I'll call you later, Y/N. Thanks for making my day better."

With that, they said their goodbyes and Y/N couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and contentment.

Aaron joined the team in the bustling precinct. Emily glanced at him with a knowing smile. She leaned in slightly and said, "One of these days, you have to introduce us to her, you know," referring to Y/N.

Aaron nodded, a fond smile crossing his face. "I will, Emily," he promised. "I'll make it happen really soon. But for now, let's focus on wrapping up this case before next week. I've got a field trip I need to attend."

The team exchanged determined nods, as they delved back into their work, they were all looking forward to the day when they would finally meet the woman who had captured Aaron's heart.

As the week flew by, the field trip day arrived. Y/N, along with several other teachers, stood outside the school by the parked school buses, each one adorned with a colorful banner displaying the destination: the Natural History Museum. It wasn't just Jack's class going on this exciting trip, it included all the second and third graders. The school parking lot buzzed with activity as children and parents gathered for the adventure ahead.

Y/N, dressed in comfortable yet stylish attire suitable for a day of exploration, couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. The children's enthusiasm was palpable, and she knew this field trip would be an unforgettable experience for them.

Parents and guardians chatted amongst themselves, some offering encouraging words to their little ones, while others helped organize backpacks and snacks for the day.

Y/N's heart swelled with affection as she spotted Jack in the crowd. His eyes were wide with anticipation, and he clutched his permission slip and backpack tightly. Just as she was about to make her way over to him, she noticed Aaron right behind his son, searching for their designated bus. She couldn't help but smile at the sight of them.

Aaron finally noticed Y/N amid the sea of children and parents, and he made his way through the crowd to greet her. However, they both understood the need to maintain a certain distance, not wanting to draw too much attention in front of the students and other parents. She was surrounded by students and parents eager to speak with her, Aaron patiently waited nearby. They exchanged warm greetings, but the hustle and bustle of the field trip preparations kept them from engaging in a private conversation.

Aaron and four other parents volunteered to join the field trip to help supervise the children. It was a thoughtful gesture to ensure that the kids would be well looked after during their adventure.

As the teachers and volunteers organized the students into their respective buses, Y/N and Aaron exchanged a brief, knowing glance. With a sense of anticipation and excitement, they all boarded the buses, ready for a day filled with exploration and discovery of the Museum.

Y/N made her way from the back to the front of the bus, counting each child to ensure everyone had boarded safely, she couldn't help but smile at their eager faces. It was clear they were all excited about the adventure ahead.

However, her heart skipped a beat when she reached the front and noticed that Jack had ditched his father and was happily sitting with his best friend, chatting animatedly about what they hoped to see at the museum. Aaron, sitting with the other parents in front of the bus, looked apologetic as the only empty seat was beside him. Y/N hesitated for a moment, glancing around to see if any of the other parents had noticed the empty spot next to Aaron. Fortunately, everyone seemed engrossed in their own conversations and preparations for the trip.

She settled into her seat and exchanged a quiet glance with Aaron, their eyes reflecting the unspoken understanding between them. Feeling Aaron's thigh gently press against hers sent a shiver down Y/N's spine. She always missed his touch, even the subtle ones like this. The bus rumbled along, and she tried to maintain her composure despite the proximity.

Aarons's voice was low and filled with a hint of smugness, as he broke the silence between them. "Nice turtleneck," he commented, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Y/N shot him a discreet but sharp glare, her eyes conveying a mixture of annoyance and affection. It was clear that he was the reason she needed to wear a turtleneck today. After the last case he worked on, he had come straight to her that night, leaving behind bite marks and hickeys that still hadn't faded. She leaned in just a bit, her response equally hushed. "You're impossible," she whispered, her lips curling into a teasing half-smile. Aaron chuckled softly, his smirk growing. "Guilty as charged," he whispered back, and they shared a brief, intimate moment, their playful banter adding a layer of excitement to their secret relationship.

Unable to resist the desire to be even closer to Y/N, Aaron discreetly slipped his hand between them. With a gentle touch, he interlocked his pinky finger with hers, creating a subtle but intimate connection that only they shared. It was an unnoticeable gesture amidst the chatter and excitement of the other parents and children on the bus. Y/N felt his touch, and a soft, affectionate smile played on her lips.

They arrived at the Natural History Museum and Y/N took charge, dividing the class into three groups, with two parents assigned to supervise each. Despite knowing that pairing herself and Aaron in the same group might not be the best idea in terms of discretion, she couldn't resist the opportunity to spend more time with him.

"Alright, everyone," she began, addressing her group of enthusiastic second and third-graders. "First, we'll have a tour with the whole class, and a museum guide will tell us all the important facts about the exhibits. Then, in smaller groups, we'll work on some fun projects. Okay?"

The group of excited children answered her in unison with a resounding "Yes!“

Aaron watched from afar, admiring Y/N's ability to effortlessly control the whole class. He was mesmerized by her grace and confidence as she interacted with the children. It was clear that she was not just an excellent teacher but also a natural leader. Her dedication and passion for teaching shone brightly, and it only deepened his admiration and the sense of pride he felt for the incredible woman he was dating.

The tour led by the museum guide proved to be an engaging and educational experience for the children. Y/N, leading the way alongside the guide, ensured that the kids were actively involved, asking questions and taking pictures to document the day's adventure. Her digital camera was always at the ready, capturing candid moments of the children's wonder and excitement. She knew these pictures would be a cherished memento for the parents who couldn't join the trip. The kids, full of curiosity, were eager to absorb as much information as they could about the exhibits, and the parents, including Aaron, appreciated Y/N's efforts to keep them involved.

After the informative tour, the group gathered in the museum's spacious lobby area. Y/N distributed snacks to the children, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. The kids chatted excitedly about what they had learned, sharing their favorite parts of the tour.

As Aaron observed Jack engrossed in conversation with his friends, he spotted the perfect opportunity. He approached Y/N quietly, leaning in to whisper, "Meet me at the gift shop," before casually walking away. Earlier he saw that the gift shop was conveniently located near a narrow corridor for staff.

A couple of minutes later, she made her way toward the gift shop, when she suddenly felt a strong hand grasp her arm and pull her into the narrow corridor. Startled, she gasped audibly, her heart racing as she collided with Aaron's chest.

In the dimly lit corridor, away from the prying eyes of the parents and children, Y/N looked up at Aaron with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. Y/N playfully punched Aaron's chest, her laughter breaking through the initial shock. "You scared the hell out of me, Aaron," she scolded him with a grin.

Aaron couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction. "I'm sorry," he admitted, his voice filled with genuine apology. Without wasting time, he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek, a silent assurance that he meant no harm. He couldn't seem to get enough of Y/N's presence and showered her jaw with a trail of affectionate kisses. "I missed you," he murmured between each sweet gesture.

Y/N chuckled softly. "You saw me last night," she reminded him.

"Still," he insisted, his desire to be close to her evident. He couldn't resist the temptation to pull down the collar of her turtleneck slightly. His lips brushed against one of the marks that he had left on her throat, and he couldn't help but place a gentle kiss there.

Y/N's whimpering warning brought them both back to reality. "Aaron, someone might see," she cautioned, a hint of worry in her voice. Their relationship was something they both cherished, but they knew the importance of discretion, especially in such a public place.

Aaron reluctantly withdrew, his gaze locked on Y/N's. "I know," he replied softly, his eyes filled with longing. "I just can't help myself when you're this close."

Unable to resist the soft and affectionate look in Aaron's eyes, Y/N tiptoed up to him, a sweet and lingering smile on her lips. She leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss against his, their lips meeting in a soft, romantic exchange.

Aaron responded by wrapping his arms around her, pulling her into a warm and loving embrace. Their hearts beat in unison as they savored the sweetness of that stolen kiss, feeling the warmth of their love enveloping them. At that moment, they shared a world of emotion that words couldn't express, a love hidden away but burning brightly in their hearts. Lost in the sea of their emotions, Aaron couldn't resist the urge to deepen their kiss. He tightened his grip on Y/N's waist and gently turned her around until her back was against the corridor wall. Their lips met once again, and this time, the world around them seemed to fade away.

As they finally pulled apart, their breaths slightly ragged, Y/N and Aaron locked eyes, their gaze filled with a whirlwind of emotions that neither of them was quite ready to put into words. In that lingering moment of connection, their unspoken feelings hung heavy in the air, a silent exchange of love, longing, and desire. The corridor remained their secret haven, a place where their hidden love could blossom, even if only for a few stolen moments. With a soft, knowing smile, Y/N reached out and gently touched Aaron's cheek, her fingers tracing the contours of his face. Her touch conveyed a myriad of unspoken emotions, a promise of love and understanding, and a silent agreement that their love was worth all the challenges it presented. Aaron, in turn, pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, his lips lingering as he held her close. For a brief moment, Y/N rested her head against Aaron's chest, finding comfort in the steady and calming rhythm of his heart. It was a sound she had come to appreciate and cherish. "We need to go back," she whispered softly, her voice filled with a hint of reluctance. Aaron tightened his embrace, hugging her tightly and burying his nose in her hair. "Just one more second," he murmured, his words filled with a longing to prolong their stolen moment of intimacy.

Reluctantly, Y/N and Aaron made their way back to the larger group, one by one, careful not to raise any suspicions among the other parents and children. The secret of their relationship remained safe, hidden away from prying eyes. As the break came to an end, it was time for the classes to divide into smaller groups and participate in the projects and games organized by the museum. Y/N, once again taking charge, organized her group of children with efficiency and enthusiasm.

The museum had thoughtfully organized a variety of engaging stations for the children to enjoy, each designed to provide both education and fun. As Aaron, Y/N, and their group of eight children made their way to the first station, they were excited to dive into the activities.

At the first station, the children were handed brushes and tools, their faces lighting up with excitement as they prepared to uncover replica dinosaur fossils buried in the sand. The station allowed them to feel like paleontologists on a real archaeological dig. Aaron and Y/N stood side by side, their shoulders brushing as they watched the children eagerly engage in the activity. The kids were focused and determined, carefully brushing away the sand to reveal the hidden treasures beneath. Jack's face lit up with excitement as he proudly displayed the plastic bone he had unearthed. As Y/N glanced at Aaron, she noticed how his eyes shone with a deep sense of happiness and pride. Seeing his son so thrilled and engaged in the activity was a moment of pure joy for him. It was these small, precious moments that made being a parent so rewarding. Y/N couldn't help but share a knowing and affectionate look with Aaron, silently acknowledging the shared happiness they felt in watching Jack's excitement.

After the engaging fossil dig activity, the group's next station was the life-sized replicas of various dinosaur fossils that awaited them. The children were excited to touch and examine these fascinating fossils up close while learning about their history and significance. Y/N and Aaron were in high spirits, laughing and talking as they guided the group of children to the next station, which was located on the other side of the museum. However, their cheerful journey took an unexpected turn when someone collided forcefully with Y/N's shoulder, causing her to let out a painful yelp.

The group came to an abrupt stop, and Aaron immediately rushed to her side, concern etched across his face. He couldn't hide his anger as he turned to confront the person responsible. "Can't you look where you're going?" he asked angrily.

The woman who had collided with Y/N turned around, and to their surprise, it was the same mom from Jack's soccer game who had openly flirted with Aaron. She put on a fake apologetic look as she approached them, but the insincerity was evident all over her face. "Oh, goodness, I'm so sorry," she said, her voice dripping with insincerity. Her attempt at an apology did little to ease the tension in the air.

Her insincere attempts at an apology continued as she completely ignored Y/N, as if she didn't exist. "I'm so clumsy sometimes," Nancy began, her attention firmly fixed on Aaron. "Oh, Aaron, so nice to see you here. We missed you at last week's practice."

Aaron's response was curt and cold. "I was away for work, Nancy."

Nancy brushed off his explanation with an obnoxious laugh. "Typical Aaron, always work, work, work."

She then turned her attention to Y/N, offering a smile that came off as incredibly fake and almost creepy. "And you are?"

Y/N replied simply, "The teacher."

Nancy's response was dismissive and condescending. "The teacher... Wow. That's good to know. Anyways, hope to see you this week." She patted Aaron's arm in a way that was far too familiar and walked away, her exaggerated hip-swinging movements drawing even more attention to herself. Aaron and Y/N exchanged a brief, incredulous glance after Nancy's departure, both equally unimpressed with the encounter.

As they continued to guide the children through the museum to the station, where they could touch and feel the dinosaur bones, Aaron and Y/N exchanged knowing looks. They both understood that they would discuss the encounter with Nancy later, but for now, their focus remained on the kids and the educational experience.

Unconsciously, Y/N rubbed her shoulder where she had been bumped, trying to ease the lingering pain. Aaron, always attentive, noticed her discomfort and gently placed his hand on her arm, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"You alright?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Y/N nodded, offering a small smile. "I am, it's just... her vibe is so off. And she definitely did that on purpose."

Aaron couldn't help but agree. "No doubt about that," he replied, his hand still resting on her arm. They shared a moment of silent understanding, grateful for each other's presence. With the minor disruption caused by Nancy behind them, Y/N and Aaron rejoined the kids and wholeheartedly enjoyed the remainder of the field trip. They explored each station, shared stories and laughter with the children, and even squeezed in a last-minute visit to the souvenir shop.

A couple of hours later, the classes reunited outside by the buses. The kids, now tired from a day filled with excitement and learning, were either asleep or engaged in playing with their newfound treasures and souvenirs.

The drive back to school was marked by a comfortable silence, broken only by the occasional laughter or chatter from the children. Y/N and Aaron exchanged contented glances, knowing that they had created a memorable experience for the kids and, in their own way, for each other.

As they arrived back at the school, the parking lot was already bustling with parents eagerly waiting to pick up their children. Y/N, standing in front of the bus, bid each child a warm and heartfelt goodbye, ensuring they left with smiles on their faces.

Aaron and Jack shared quick farewells with Y/N before they made their way home. It had been an eventful and tiring day for everyone involved, and they were all ready for some well-deserved rest.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Y/N returned home, feeling the weight of the day's activities but also a sense of accomplishment in providing the children with a memorable experience. After Y/N had taken a refreshing shower and changed into her comfy pajamas, Liz came over as planned. The two settled on the couch, wanting to enjoy a night of wine, well-deserved takeout, and lighthearted conversation about the field trip and school gossip.

As they chatted away, the doorbell rang, interrupting their evening. Liz raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "We just ordered, how did the food arrive so quickly?"

Y/N shared the same confusion as she made her way to the door. To her surprise, it was Aaron standing on her doorstep, holding two bags of food. Her eyes widened in amazement. "Aaron?"

With a warm smile, Aaron explained, "After a long day, the best thing is some take out, so I thought I'd bring you some."

Y/N opened the door wider, revealing Liz sitting on the couch, who waved at Aaron with a friendly greeting. Y/N couldn't help but giggle. "We had the exact same idea," she said, feeling a rush of gratitude for the thoughtful surprise.

"Oh, I don't want to disturb your girls' night. Just enjoy the food," he said, offering the bags of takeout to Y/N.

Before Y/N could respond, Liz chimed in enthusiastically, "Ahh, don't be ridiculous! Come in. I was dying to properly meet you anyway."

Aaron exchanged a questioning glance with Y/N, who nodded and pulled him inside. Liz's welcoming and curious demeanor made it clear that she was genuinely excited to get to know him better, and it was an invitation he couldn't resist. With a grateful smile, Aaron stepped into Y/N's cozy home.

Aaron walked in, placing the bags of food on the coffee table before taking a seat on the couch. Y/N couldn't help but be curious as she peeked through the bags, her eyes lighting up with anticipation.

"It smells delicious," she exclaimed. "He brought Chinese food, and we just ordered Persian, so it will be a fusion night, I guess."

Shortly after, the Persian food they had ordered arrived, and the table was filled with a delightful array of dishes from both cuisines. The three of them settled in, comfortable in each other's company, as they indulged in a feast of flavors, sipped wine, and engaged in lively conversation.

Liz, with a mischievous glint in her eye, shared a particularly embarrassing university story that had all of them erupt in laughter. "And she," Liz laughed out loud, "she didn't notice the professor standing right behind her." Aaron was seated on the floor at the coffee table, with Y/N behind him on the couch. Her fingers occasionally found their way to his hair, and her gentle touches sent shivers down his spine.

Y/N couldn't help but tease, "I knew bringing you two together would backfire on me."

Liz, unapologetic but still apologetic, chimed in, "I'm sorry, but he needed to hear that story." She couldn't help but chuckle along with them.

Amidst the laughter, Y/N turned her attention back to Aaron. "You know I'll get my revenge when I meet your friends, right?" she asked, playfully threatening.

Wito feigned seriousness, Aaron stopped laughing and turned his head upwards to look at her. He teased back, "I'll threaten them with paperwork if they tell you anything."

Y/N, not one to be outdone, bent down and gave him a small peck on the lips. "I see we're not playing fair again," she said, her eyes sparkling with affection and mischief.

Liz playfully joked, "Eww, too much PDA," causing all of them to laugh once more. However, her humor quickly gave way to sincerity as she continued, "But all jokes aside, I'm happy this is working out for you guys." Y/N and Aaron exchanged a glance filled with warmth, grateful for the friend who embraced their love and celebrated their happiness.

Liz, with a smile, said, "Anyway, I'll leave you two lovebirds alone now."

Y/N immediately protested, "No, stay," and reached over to hold her friend's hand.

Liz happily grabbed her hand and playfully swung their hands back and forth like children. "It's late, I should really go, but we should get some drinks sometime," she suggested, turning her gaze toward Aaron.

Aaron nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, definitely. I need to hear more stories."

Y/N playfully punched his shoulder, and they all rose from their seats to accompany Liz to the door. It was a heartfelt farewell, filled with promises of future gatherings and more shared laughter. As Liz left, Y/N and Aaron watched her go with warm smiles.

After Y/N closed the door, Aaron wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her close. She leaned back against him, resting her head on his shoulder. He pressed a loving kiss to her cheek and remarked, "She's great. I understand why you guys are best friends." Y/N smiled, her heart warmed by his understanding. "Yeah, she's one of my favorite people ever."

"How high up am I on the list?" Aaron inquired playfully, his voice laced with curiosity.

Y/N couldn't resist a giggle at his question and teased, "Hmm… maybe in the top 3." Her voice was filled with affection as she embraced him.

"Maybe?" Aaron echoed, raising an eyebrow in mock indignation.

"On good days," she continued, playfully joking with him.

"Is that so?" Aaron responded with a warning tone, his fingertips finding the sensitive side of her waist. Without hesitation, he began to tickle her, eliciting a burst of laughter from Y/N as she squirmed in his playful grasp. Their affectionate banter and shared laughter filled the room, reminding them both of the joy they found in each other's company.

Amidst her laughter and pleas, Y/N begged, "No, Aaron, stop..." as she attempted to escape his playful tickling. However, his arms were securely wrapped around her, making it nearly impossible to break free. With a determined effort, he lifted her off the ground, causing her to yelp in surprise.

He carried her to the couch, laying her down gently before settling beside her. Despite the tight squeeze, they didn't mind, as Y/N naturally found herself half-laying on his chest. Aaron tenderly stroked her hair as he spoke up, his voice filled with admiration and affection. "You were incredible today."

Her laughter subsided, and she looked up at him with a soft smile. His praise warmed her heart, and she nestled even closer to him, finding comfort and contentment in his arms. It was moments like these, filled with laughter and affectionate closeness, that made their love even more precious.

"I had great helpers," Y/N replied, acknowledging the supportive parents who had volunteered on the field trip. Aaron, however, was insistent. "No, seriously," he continued, his voice warm and sincere. "The kids love you. They are all so well-behaved when you're around and Jack couldn't stop talking about everything he saw today. He talked Jess's ears off."

"Oh wait," she said, remembering something as Aaron mentioned Jack's name. She pushed herself up on Aaron's chest and climbed over him, walking into her room. He sat up and watched her curiously and when she returned, she had a big green book in her hands. She handed the book to Aaron, who read the title, "The Little Dinosaur and the Mysterious Footprints."

"I saw it at the gift shop today, so I got it for Jack," she explained with a warm smile. However, Aaron remained silent, his expression unreadable. Y/N started to feel nervous, her words tumbling out in a ramble, "He always tells me which books you guys are reading, so I thought maybe he would like this one."

She inspected his face, her eyes searching for any sign of his feelings. Aaron, however, gently placed the book on the coffee table and brought his hands to her cheeks, cupping her face in his warm and tender grip. It was a familiar gesture between them, one that conveyed a depth of affection that words could hardly capture.

Their eyes locked, and Aaron took a deep breath. His voice quivered with emotion as he confessed, "I'm so in love with you."

Y/N blinked in surprise, her heart skipping a beat. "What?" she asked, needing to hear those words again.

Aaron smiled softly and repeated, "I'm sooo in love with you. It's ridiculous. My days and nights are consumed by you, and I can't help but think about how incredibly lucky I am to have you in my life."

Tears welled up in Y/N's eyes as she listened to his heartfelt words. Her surprise transformed into overwhelming joy and love for the man who held her heart. Without a moment's hesitation, she threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. Aaron wobbled slightly at the impact but hugged her back, his laughter filled with happiness. He whispered sweet nothings in her ear and pressed loving kisses to her temple. In that cherished moment, Y/N couldn't believe that he truly was in love with her, and her heart soared. She pulled back just slightly, so she could look him in the face, her voice filled with sincerity and affection. "I love you too Aaron," she confessed, sealing their love with a heartfelt declaration that brought a radiant smile to both their faces.

Aaron's heart swelled with overwhelming love as her words and the tenderness in her eyes washed over him. Unable to resist the pull of their emotions, he leaned in, and they shared a deep and passionate kiss. It was a kiss that spoke volumes, carrying the weight of their feelings and the depth of their connection.

Feeling an irresistible urge to hold her close, Aaron gently pulled Y/N onto his lap. Their bodies pressed together, fitting perfectly as they continued to share their love through their affectionate embrace.

With a trail of soft kisses, Aaron began to journey down her jaw and throat, his lips leaving a warm, tingling sensation in their wake. Between each tender kiss, he whispered endearing words that conveyed the depth of his love.

"My love," he murmured, his voice filled with affection.

"My Angel," he breathed against her skin.

"My Happiness," he continued, his words a gentle caress.

As his lips continued their descent, his whispered endearments filled the room, creating an intimate symphony of love and desire that was shared between the two of them alone.

!!!!!!!!!

Sensations of desire and affection coursed through them as Y/N arched towards him, her hands entwined in his hair. Aaron responded by pulling her even closer, his arms wrapped lovingly around her. With a delicate touch, he lowered the sleeve of her shirt, revealing her shoulder and collarbone bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. His lips, filled with devotion and longing, left a trail of lingering kisses on the tender skin he had unveiled. As he undid a couple of buttons on her pajama shirt, her bare chest before him, her curves enticingly close, ignited a fire of desire within him. “God,” he says against her throat before lowering his head and biting her breast. Her fingernails dig into the back of his strong neck, as he captures her nipple between his teeth and bites. He can't get enough of her, almost intoxicated by her scent and soft skin. His lips are still around her breast when he slides his hand under her pajama pants and underwear and strokes her slickened core, and a moan tumbles from her lips. “Aaron, please”, she begs as he slides two fingers into her. She throws her head back in pleasure and rides his thrusting fingers. “So pretty, so fucking soft” he groans and his hand squeezes her waist tightly, feeling like fire. Her walls clench around his fingers as he fastens his movements and curls his finger just the right way. She rocks her hips against his fingers chasing her high, with his name leaving her mouth over and over again. The tight coil of tension releases when the first wave of her orgasm washes over her. He pumps a couple more times, making her legs shake but eventually pulls his fingers out of her, making her whimper. He brings them up to his lips, licking every last drop of her pleasure as she breathes heavily, her eyes dark. “You taste always so sweet”, he grins shamelessly and pulls her close, kissing her again like his life depended on it. With Y/N still held securely in his arms, Aaron stands up from the couch and ithout a word, he carries her into the bedroom promising her a long night ahead.

!!!!!!!!!!!

The room was still bathed in darkness as Y/N sat up in bed, half-asleep, in response to the distant ringing of Aaron's phone. Aaron let out a groan, burying his face deeper into the pillow.

"Let me get that," Y/N mumbled, her voice heavy with sleep. She stumbled out of bed and made her way to the living room, fumbling around to locate Aaron's phone. After a moment, she found it in the pocket of his jacket. She returned to the bedroom and read out the notification aloud, her voice still drowsy. "New voicemail from Garcia." Aaron groaned again, his eyes remaining closed. "Can you play it, please?" he asks, reluctantly sitting up in bed.

As Y/N played the voicemail, it became apparent that Garcia was calling him in for a new case. Aaron sighed, the weight of work pulling him from the comfort of her bed, even though it was still dark outside.

With his phone still in her hands, Y/N noticed a saved voicemail from her number. Surprised, she looks at him and presses play. It was the voicemail from the time when Jack had fallen sick at school, and she couldn't reach anyone. She glances up at Aaron with a curious expression.

"You still have this?" she asks, her voice tinged with both surprise and tenderness.

Aaron rubs his neck, a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. "Yeah," he admits, his gaze fixed on her. "I used to listen to it when I would miss your voice… before we got together. And, well, I still do sometimes."

Y/N couldn't help but smile at the sweet confession, feeling her heart swell with affection for the man who had held onto a piece of her before they became a couple. It was a testament to the depth of his feelings, and she reached out to touch his cheek lovingly.

She reaches for her phone on the nightstand and dials Aaron's number. A curious expression is in his eyes as he watches her. The familiar beep of her voicemail filled the room, and she began leaving a new message, a radiant smile on her face.

"Hey, my love," Y/N begins, "I hope you have a great day. I miss you a lot. And I love you. Don't forget to eat and rest. Take care of yourself, stay safe and did I mention that I love you? Anyway, I'll see you really soon, so don't miss me too much.”

With a contented smile, she ends the voicemail and hands Aaron his phone back. "Now you have something more positive to listen to," Y/N said, her grin lighting up the room. Aaron couldn't resist the impulse to show his fondness, and he lunged forward, wrapping her in a tight, affectionate hug. As he did so, Y/N fell backward onto the bed, the cheery sound of her laughter filling the air.

"I hate my job," Aaron protested, his voice muffled as he buried his face into Y/N's neck.

Y/N gently stroked his hair and countered, "No, you don't."

Aaron couldn't help but chuckle. "No, I don't," he admits, lifting his head to look into her eyes. They shared a warm laugh, their connection strengthening with every shared moment.

"Come on, Agent," Y/N said, her voice filled with understanding. "Go and save some lives. I'll still be here when you come back." He peppered her face with a series of tiny kisses, each one filled with love and adoration. With a few lingering kisses and affectionate ‘I love yous’, Aaron reluctantly pulled away and rushed out the door, leaving Y/N behind in bed. The day ahead would undoubtedly be filled with the demands of his job, but he carried the warmth of their shared moments with him as he faced the challenges that awaited.

After Aaron had left for work, Y/N luxuriated in the coziness of her bed for a few more moments. The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the room. With a contented sigh, she stretched and then slipped out from under the covers. She took her time getting ready for the day, savoring the peaceful moments alone. Once she was dressed and ready, she made her way to the kitchen to clean up the remnants of their cozy night in. She gathered empty takeout containers and wine glasses, humming a tune as she worked. The memories of laughter and shared stories from the night before lingered in her mind, bringing a smile to her face. With a quick check of her schedule for the day, she grabbed her bag and headed out the door, ready to face the world and her students with renewed energy and a heart full of love.

The rest of the week unfolded relatively uneventfully. Y/N took the opportunity to catch up with some of her friends, enjoying their company and laughter. She had her usual weekend run in the park, where she found solace in the rhythm of her footsteps and the serenity of nature. And on Sunday, she spent a delightful shopping excursion with Liz, browsing boutiques and sharing stories as they strolled through the city streets. But regardless of her activities, Y/N made sure to carve out time for phone calls with Aaron whenever possible, cherishing their moments of connection despite the physical distance.

Work took Aaron to New York this time, and he returned home on Sunday, but the weight of the difficult case had clearly taken a toll on him. His exhaustion was palpable as he spoke with Y/N. "Jack will be asleep soon, then I can come over," he suggested.

But Y/N, ever concerned for his well-being, replied, "No, Aaron, you need to rest. Get a good night's sleep, okay? I'll see you tomorrow."

Aaron couldn't resist a teasing tone as he asked, "Hmm, so you didn't miss me?"

Y/N's response was both stern and loving, "You know I did. But I love you, and I want you to rest."

Aaron chuckled, "Is this an order?"

"If that's what you need, Agent," she teased.

"Don't call me Agent and not expect me to come over," he playfully retorted.

She laughed and said, "Sleep, Aaron. I love you. Have a good night."

"Have a good night. I love you too," he replied, feeling grateful for her caring presence in his life as he prepared to get some much-needed rest.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Monday morning brings a newfound motivation for Y/N, knowing that she will finally see Aaron again after a couple of days apart. The school day proceeds as usual, with her dedicated focus on her students. At lunch break, Jack approaches Y/N with a blue Tupperware box in his tiny hands.

"Hey, honey, what you got there?" Y/N asks with a smile.

"Dad came back from work yesterday, and we baked cookies," Jack explains.

"Wow, that sounds like a lot of fun," Y/N replies.

Jack nods enthusiastically. "It was, but we made a mess, and Aunt Jess scolded us," he giggles, and Y/N joins in.

He holds the box towards her and says, "I wanted to bring you some because you gave me cookies once."

Y/N's heart melts at his kindness. She takes the box with gratitude, saying, "That's so kind of you, Jack. Thank you." The simple gesture warms her heart, reminding her of the loving bond she shares not only with Aaron but also with his son.

Y/N couldn't resist the temptation, and she opened the Tupperware to find a tiny pink Post-it Note squeezed to the side. But first, she took out a cookie, a delicious-looking one, and took a big, appreciative bite. She knew that Jack was watching her closely, so she let out a contented sound, showing him just how much she enjoyed his homemade cookies.

"Jack, these are the best cookies I've ever had," she said with a smile, and his eyes lit up with pride and joy.

"Really?" Jack asked, his excitement noticeable.

"Really," Y/N confirmed. "Thank you again for bringing me some."

Jack walked away with the biggest, most satisfied smile on his face, leaving Y/N's heart warmed by his affection.

Then she turned her attention to the tiny note and carefully unfolded it. The message was short but adorable: "Sweets for my sweetheart." She couldn't help but let out a tiny giggle, feeling like a teenager in love again. Now, she was even more excited about seeing Aaron tonight, knowing how sweet and thoughtful he could be.

As Y/N drove home, her thoughts were already consumed with what she wanted to wear for her evening with Aaron. He had promised to take her to a new restaurant a little outside the city, where they could enjoy each other's company without worrying about anyone recognizing them.

Her anticipation grew with each passing mile, but when she arrived home and unlocked her front door, something unexpected caught her attention. There, at her feet, was a small white envelope, seemingly squeezed between the door and the frame. She bent down to pick it up, her curiosity piqued.

She inspected the front and back of the envelope but there was nothing written on it. Y/N's hands trembled as she pulled out the single photo from the mysterious envelope. It was a picture of her and Aaron, locked in a passionate kiss, taken during their recent field trip to the museum. Her heart skipped a beat, and she felt a cold shiver run down her spine. How had someone managed to capture such an intimate moment between them? She stared at the photo, her mind racing with a whirlwind of questions and concerns.

She looked left and right through the corridor and peered inside her open apartment door but then slammed it shut and with a sense of urgency, quickly retraced her steps back to her car. As she climbed inside, her hands trembling with anxiety, she locked the doors immediately and reached for her phone, needing to call Aaron.

Y/N's hands were shaking as she sat in her car, her heart racing. She glanced around the dimly lit parking area, feeling a chilling unease. Whoever had left that photograph had been disturbingly close to her apartment. Feeling watched, she took a deep breath and thanked her instincts for not entering her apartment immediately. Her heart pounded as she contemplated what might have happened if she had stepped inside and discovered an intruder. The unease settled in her chest, and she quickly pulled out her phone, her trembling hands betraying her fear.

She called Aaron and took a couple of deep breaths, trying to calm herself down.

Aaron was in his office, working on some reports when he received her call. "Hello, my angel. Can't you wait to see me already?" Aaron answered the phone cheerfully, excited to get her call.

"Where are you, Aaron?" she asked, and he immediately heard in her voice that something was wrong.

"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice filled with seriousness and concern.

"Someone... someone was at my apartment, and they... they left an envelope with a picture of us kissing."

"Leave the apartment right now!" he says as he stands up, ready to walk out.

"I didn't even go in, I locked myself in my car," she informs him.

He is relieved to hear that but he also knows a parking lot could be as dangerous as her apartment right now so he adds, "I'm coming to you right now."

"No, please. Where are you right now? Let me come there. I can't wait here Aaron, I'm scared," she tries really hard not to cry but her voice trembles as she speaks.

"I'm at the office. Y/N, let me come and get you. You are shaken up, you can't drive like this."

"No, no, I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm leaving now," she promises and starts the engine.

"Drive carefully. I'm waiting for you here," he says before he hands up and storms out of his office and into Rossi's. Inside, Rossi and Spencer were in the middle of a chess game. The look of terror on Aaron's face caught their attention.

"Aaron, what's wrong?" Rossi asked, noting the distress in his friend's expression.

Aaron paced back and forth in his office, struggling to find the right words. "Y/N, she... someone left an envelope at her door with a picture of us."

"A stalker?" Spencer inquired, his analytical mind immediately trying to piece things together.

Aaron ran a hand through his hair, his worry evident. "I don't know. She never mentioned one. Dave, what if this is about me?"

David Rossi understood the weight of Aaron's words, knowing how difficult it had been for him to open up and love again, especially with the lingering guilt from Haley's death. He stood up and approached Aaron, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"First, you need to calm down," Rossi advised. "Where is she now?"

Aaron replied, "She's driving here right now."

Rossi turned to Spencer and said, "Spencer, go call the reception and tell them to immediately bring Y/N Y/L/N upstairs when she arrives."

Spencer nodded and hurried out of the office, leaving Aaron and David alone.

Aaron's voice quivered as he confessed, "I can't lose her too, David. I can't do this again."

Rossi placed a comforting hand on Aaron's shoulder and spoke reassuringly, "You won't lose her. What happened with Haley was not your fault. You have the best people here, and we will find out what's going on."

Spencer went to his desk and called the front desk, informing them about Y/N's arrival. The rest of the team overheard the call, and Spencer quickly briefed them. Derek headed straight to Garcia's cave to inform her as well. The urgency in the air was palpable as they prepared to support Aarons's girlfriend through this unsettling situation. Not long after the team watched as an agent escorted a visibly shaken woman to the office's glass doors. It is the first time most of them are meeting her. Aaron had talked about her occasionally, but he hadn't revealed much information about her to the team. Only Rossi and Derek had some prior knowledge, with Rossi having met her before and Derek being informed after the incident at work.

As the woman and the agent approached the team, Garcia couldn't contain her excitement and whispered, "Omg, now I know who she is!"

Derek raised an eyebrow and asked, "You know her?"

Garcia nodded, her eyes wide with realization. "Yes! She's Jack's teacher."

Emily chimed in, her surprise was evident. "Hotch is dating Jack's teacher?"

Y/N approached the team, slightly nervous, but JJ greeted her warmly. "Hey, you must be Y/N. I'm JJ. These are Emily, Spencer, and Derek, and I think you met Garcia before," JJ introduced, and everyone offered simple greetings.

Y/N smiled and replied, "Nice to meet you all. I wish the circumstances were different."

Meanwhile, Rossi and Aaron spotted Y/N standing in the bullpen from his office window. Aaron wasted no time and quickly opened the door, rushing down the stairs to reach her.

"Y/N," Aaron said as he approached, his voice filled with relief. He immediately wrapped his arms around her, holding her close for comfort.

"Are you alright?" Aaron whispered in her ear, his voice filled with genuine concern.

Y/N nodded, whispering back, "Yes, just shaken up."

The team stood around them, watching this rare display of emotion from their stoic unit chief. Garcia, a hopeless romantic, couldn't contain her excitement. She squeaked excitedly beside Derek and held onto his arm, her heart warming at the tender way Aaron comforted Y/N, caressing her back and hair. It was a sight that melted the hearts of everyone present, showing a different side of their stern and dedicated leader.

Aaron pulls back but still leaves his arm firmly around her waist and gestures towards the briefing room. The team and Y/N move there, away from the other curious and prying eyes in the office. "Hey Dave," Y/N greets him as they walk into the room. "Hi, dear," he says and gives her arm a reassuring squeeze. They all take their seats at the round table, and Aaron makes Y/N sit in his spot while he stands behind her, protectively.

Aaron begins, "Let's get to the bottom of this. Y/N, tell us exactly what happened."

Y/N takes a deep breath and starts explaining the unsettling incident. "I was coming home from work, and when I got to my apartment building, I found a white envelope wedged in my door. There was no sender or recipient, just a single photo inside." She pauses briefly, her voice quivering. "The photo was of Aaron and me, kissing at the museum. It was... unnerving."

Aaron keeps a reassuring hand on Y/N's shoulder as she continues. "I felt like someone was watching me, and I don't know if it was just paranoia, but I didn't dare go inside my apartment. I came straight here."

"That is actually called the psychic staring effect. Some studies have found that up to 94% of people report that they have experienced the feeling of eyes upon them and turned around to find out they were indeed being watched," Spencer rattles down the information. But Aaron notices how it's affecting Y/N because her shoulders shiver under his palm. He shoots Spencer a subtle, warning look, silently urging him to be cautious with the information given the circumstances.

Y/N carefully pulled out and placed the envelope on the table and Spencer put on gloves before he took it, so he could give it a closer look. Her nerves were on edge, and she instinctively glanced up at Aaron for reassurance.

As Spencer opened the envelope and pulled out the picture, Y/N felt a rush of embarrassment. The intimate image of them kissing in a dark corridor was now the center of attention on the table, exposed for Aaron's whole team to see. However, Aaron's composed demeanor helped her relax a bit.

Spencer carefully placed the photo into a clear bag, and Emily pointed out, "Hey, look, there's something written on the back." Aaron, now holding the photo in the clear bag, turned it around to examine the writing.

With the word "whore" glaring from the back of the photo, the team's focus shifted to discussing possible theories.

Derek asked, "Have you ever received gifts, notes, or surprises from an unknown person before?"

Y/N shook her head and answered, "No, never."

Emily then questioned, "Any past relationships with a jealous ex-boyfriend or someone who might hold a grudge?"

Y/N replied, "My last serious relationship was in college, and we parted on good terms. He got married and moved to Europe, so I don't think it's related to that."

Emily chimed in, her tone serious. "It could be a stalker or someone with a vendetta against Aaron."

Derek nodded in agreement, “So far, this stalker hasn't made any direct threats or approached Y/N. But they're keeping tabs on her,” he adds.

“Their knowledge about her schedule and personal life is unsettling. It's not just casual curiosity”, Rossi chimes in. Our Unsub could feel some intense emotions, like loneliness or jealousy. It's possible they're trying to maintain a façade of normalcy in their everyday life. They may not even realize how intrusive their behavior is.”

Carefully, not to scare Y/N even more, JJ says, “ It's possible that this stalker isn't violent or an immediate threat but the concern here is the potential for escalation. If we don't intervene, this obsession might turn into something more dangerous.”

“Statistically, stalkers can start with seemingly harmless actions and then escalate to violence or harm over time. It's a pattern we can't ignore,” Spencer adds as Y/Ns head moves from one person to another, listening carefully.

“Hotch, what if this stalker isn't targeting Y/N but you? Someone with a vendetta against you might be using her to get to you. It could be an attempt to rattle you or exploit any vulnerabilities. If they know how close you are to Y/N”, Derek speaks up knowing that is exactly what Aaron is fearing.

JJ suggested, "It could be targeted solely at her and not related to Aaron."

"We'll check security footage around your building, Y/N. Garcia, can you look into any recent threats or unusual activity targeting Aaron?" Garcia nodded enthusiastically and walked away to her room after saying "You got it, my fearless crime fighters. I'll start digging right away."

Aaron takes a seat beside her, holds her hand, and says, “You can’t go back to your apartment or to work until we find out what’s going on."

"Please, Aaron, the apartment I get, but let me go to work," Y/N pleads.

"Work is even far more dangerous. This person knows where you live, so they know where you work," Aaron says.

"You going to work could endanger the children too," Rossi adds, and Y/N doesn't protest anymore.

"You will stay at my place until this is resolved," Aaron says firmly, his protective instincts kicking in. "There, I can keep you safe the best."

Y/N begins to protest, "Aaron, don't be ridiculous. I can't stay at your place. How will you explain this to Jack?"

Aaron stops and thinks for a moment, realizing the challenge. "We'll just make up some excuse."

Y/N isn't convinced, shaking her head. "No, we won't. I can stay at Liz's or in a hotel."

JJ suggests an alternative. "We could put her in a safe house." But one look on his face and JJ knows he won't ever allow that, not after what happened with Haley.

There's only one person Aaron would trust enough to take care of Y/N when he is not around so he turns to Emily. He doesn't need to say anything more, she immediately understands.

"Of course, yeah," Emily replies. "She can stay with me."

Y/N starts to protest again, but Aaron firmly interrupts, "No, Emily, thank you, but that is too much to ask for."

"No, it's decided. You will stay with Emily," Aaron settles with his stern boss voice, leaving no room for discussion. "Em, you and Derek, go to her apartment, check things out, and get some of her stuff. Spencer, bring the picture and the envelope to the lab. Let's be sure that there aren't any traces of anything on there. And JJ, let's keep this between us for now. I'll tell Strauss myself." They all leave the room, and Aaron is left alone with Y/N, still holding her hand for comfort.

She rolls her chair closer to him and he immediately understands and offers her a hug. Her head is resting on his shoulder and he kisses her forehead. He holds her even closer, his strong arms providing comfort and protection.

"All this is really scary. I know nothing happened, and it's just an envelope, but I can't shake this feeling off," she admits. "How do you guys do this every day?"

Aaron leans down, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple. "Everything will be fine. You are safe now, and I won't let anything happen to you, I promise," he reassures her, though it's clear that he's trying to convince himself as much as her.

She pulls back slightly and cups his cheek, “I know you will,” she caresses his furrowed brows and the wrinkle that appeared between them. “Don’t worry, okay? I trust you, and you trust your team,” she adds, her fingers still on his skin.

He lets out a sigh and says, “How can I not worry when my love is in danger?”

She leans in and peeks his lips. A squeaking sound comes from the door, and they both look up. It’s Garcia giggling behind her tablet, “No, don’t stop the love, please. I’m melting here.”

Garcia's entrance breaks the tension, and Y/N can't help but chuckle. "Sorry to interrupt your moment," she says with a sheepish grin, "but I have some information for you, Hotch."

Aaron nods, his protective instincts still on high alert, but he gestures for Garcia to continue.

"We found some security footage," Garcia begins, "and it appears someone has been lurking around your building recently. Enhancing the image unfortunately didn't give us a better view."

Aaron thanks Garcia for the update and then turns back to Y/N, his concern still evident.

Garcia leaves again and Aaron declares, “You'll stay here with me for now. You can rest in my office. And later, I'll drive you to Emily's place, okay?” She just nods and agrees.

Part 2

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𝕋𝕒𝕘 𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕥: @mrs-ssa-hotch @aaronhotchswife @aaronhotchner135 @lambsheepsheeping @teenagegoateecollectorposts @hmett20 @callm3c0nfus3d @superskittles @carolinelec @emobabeyy @prentissim @perpetuallyconfused10 @topguncultleader @ttzamara @wingedcoffeechaos @gffesegjoiegj tags don’t work if your blog is private

[youcalledmebabe]

webroe for things you said that i wasn’t meant to hear? 🙏

a little webroe prequel moment. ty for asking and soooo sorry it took so long.

They were moving out again. At least it’ll give him something to write about, David thinks, lighting a cigarette and tipping his head against the bricks of the pub’s exterior. But all he’s been able to write about is split seconds of terror and then the crushing monotony. It doesn’t make for a great story.

He’s distracted from his reverie by someone stumbling out of the other Aldbourne pub, the seedier one, where Nixon and Welsh like to drink. When he squints he can just make out Eugene Roe’s graceful features.

“Doc Roe,” he calls, trying for casual.

Eugene peers around and then sees him. David can practically see the hesitation on his face. It’s not in his nature to socialize; he eschews nights at the pub, doesn’t use nicknames, stands firmly on the outside. David sees a lot of himself in Eugene, except that Eugene seems content, sure of his isolation, while David is always hanging around the margins, seeking something he never finds.

Eugene crosses the road and joins him, leaning against the bricks. “Webster,” he says, southern accent a hint stronger than usual. His eyes are unfocused.

“Did you hear? We’re moving out again.”

Eugene sighs. “Good timing.”

“What?” David asks, cocking his head. That’s really not like Eugene, but neither is being drunk, and judging by the sway where he stands, he went past drunk a while ago.

“Just left my fiancee.”

David ignores the twinge in his stomach, the way his pulse jumps. “Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.”

Eugene snorts. “Go sweep her off her feet, Webster. She’d deserve it. Nice, handsome, rich. Practically a prince.”

Handsome. David feels the flush on his cheeks, ducks his head down to try and hide the pleased smile on his face. “Surprised she’d let a sweet talker like you go.”

“It’s for the best,” Eugene says, soberly. “Still felt terrible. Ain’t used to hurting people.”

David wants to reach out to him, to pat his shoulder maybe, or squeeze his arm, but something stops him. He settles for nudging his foot. “I’m sure there’s someone meant for you. A great love.”

A breeze drifts past them and Eugene shivers. Again, David has to ignore the impulse to reach out. He curses himself for not wearing his jacket but what does he think he’s going to do? Drape it over Eugene’s shoulders? He’s being ridiculous.

Being this close to Eugene is nice though; let’s David notice the line between his brow from where he furrows it, how his hair looks like a splash of ink, that his eyes are blue, like David’s own, but more like the sea at night, stretching endlessly on.

And then Eugene throws up.

“Jesus!”

David is not the medic here and he really doesn’t know what to do, beyond pat Eugene’s shoulder and sidestep the vomit. He’s saved by the arrival of Lipton and Smokey, who steer Eugene in the direction of his billet. David feebly calls a feel better after him and then begins his own walk back, the other way, to the house on the hill.

He is beginning to think his fascination with Eugene is crossing some sort of line. It had felt natural once; his favorite Hemingway was A Farewell to Arms, of course he’d be enchanted by the company medic. But perhaps the fact that he’d been using words like enchanted should’ve tipped him off sooner. The delight he feels at the end of Eugene’s engagement confirms it.

He sighs. Somewhere in him he finds it romantic, in a dreadful sort of way. It would make a great story, he thinks. But great stories are often incompatible with real life.

He’s finally getting that.

[aswallowimprisoned]

Restless far from a Wine Dark sea - Sedation

Nurse Brunel checks in on a post-sedated vampiric merman to find their captive with significantly fewer inhibitions than normal..

Tw captivity, sedation, medical whump, drugging, injury, Dead Dove Jewish vampiric whumpee, religious whumpee

RestlessffaWDs' timeline is going off piste for @medwhumpmay

masterlist

≪ °❈° ≫

set maybe a month or two into Nathaniel Fogal's captivity. This is the first snippet that features Dr Elias Freid, a psychologist/therapist who is Nathaniel's main interrorgator alongside Logan.

≪ °❈° ≫

“This is Nurse Ivan Brunel, Post Sedation check on the merman known as Fogal, mer patient #3.” Ivan went through the familiar recording of medical protocol. “Due to the negative after effects of thiobarbiturates on the wellbeing and mood of the patient, anaesthesia for this set of tests was achieved using Propofol.” He snapped on fresh blue gloves as the pneumatic doors hissed open to reveal the sleeping form of the merman bound to his hospital bed. “It has been 30 minutes since the cessation of anaesthetics and removal of airway support, so patient is expected to be still experiencing significant sedative effects… And our resident mer psychologist Elias Freid is in observation bay to assess behaviours and provide therapeutic guidance if required...”

Ivan gave one last check of the monitor displaying the mermans blood oxygen, before unhooking the oxygen mask from his face and replacing it with nasal cannulas. Within moments, the sea monster’s face crinkled with the start of wakefulness at the smell of a human in the room, and he rolled his head to regard him, blinking sleepily.

“Glad to see you awake Fogal. We put you to sleep for a while, and I know you are probably still pretty sleepy.” Ivan kept his voice soft and calm, a familiar routine for waking patients from their deep sleep. Fogal murmured something unintelligible.

“I am just going to flash a light in your eyes now,” Ivan gently steadied Fogal’s head in his hand as he checked his responses. The merman’s pupils were blown wide, barely reacting to the light shone on them.

“Pupils are dilated and slow to respond to stimuli, but he seems both semi-aware and calm.”

Fogal closed his eyes and pushed his head into the palm of Ivan’s hand, chittering softly.

Ivan stalled for a second, before brushing his fingers though the young man’s hair. No - Fogal was not a young man, he was an ancient bloodsucking sea monster who just looked like a young man. And who, going from the delighted whirring noises, really liked getting skritches.

“Is this ok?” Ivan asked, more to the psychologist on the other side of the 1 way mirror than to the snuggly merman.

“Yes,” Elias’ voice came through Ivan’s earpiece, “Though still be careful with those teeth. Drugged means unpredictable. This behaviour is fascinating to watch. Even if he would not normally engage in such displays of affection with any of the staff here, it does suggest that he may exhibit this behaviour towards loved ones in a less stressful environment.” Elias was contemplative, "I wonder if he would be the same with someone he doesn’t like, say Dr Rana?” He was tapping information into the computer, the keys audible over the comms. “I mean, we know mer live in groups, so he is likely to be… touch starved. I do hope we can allow the captive mer to have social bonds sometime later in the project, but allowing touch when semi-sedated may be a good sign he trusts you to some degree...” 

 “I guess someone really likes Propofol.” Ivan smiled softly, “It is nice to see him calm. Even if that calm comes out a bottle.” Ivan moved to stroke the top of the merman’s head, and he let out another slew of chittering squeaks, drooling effusively.

“Indeed.” Elias hummed, “Do you reckon he is going to remember this next time he wakes up?”

“Vaguely. The levels of sedative in his system shouldn’t be high enough for complete memory loss, even if they have affected his behaviour...” Ivan replied.  

“Ok Fogal,” he raised his voice, and the merman focused his gaze on him, “Do you think you can describe how you are feeling right now, and if you are in pain?”

Fogal frowned comically before slurring out an affirmative noise.

“Ok…” Ivan swiped the merman’s doll out of the box at the end of the bed. The communication doll was one of the first tools Elias had introduced when he had started as the merman’s therapist, “Can you point on the doll where it hurts?”

Fogal groped clumsily at the doll’s arm, where Ivan knew the merman had a comminuted fracture to the ulna , then poked all round the top of the toy’s tail, mirroring the placement of the stab wounds on his body. All areas where he was expected to feel pain, but maybe some pain medication might not go amiss.

“Ok. And do you feel sick? or dizzy?”

A low hum for both assured Ivan that negative side effects of the Propofol seemed minimal. 

 “...And do you feel like you want to hurt anyone or yourself right now?”

Fogal shook the doll’s head. Then he started to stroke the stuffed merman’s hair. Ivan had to stifle a laugh as he ruffled his hair. “Good job answering questions, I just have a few more things to do, you can just doze off if you want.”

“That was good non-verbal communication!” Elias sounded impressed, “Propofol is looking good for the retention of awareness and reduction of anxiety.”

Ivan smiled as he put on his stethoscope and listened to the steady beat of the mermans heart. Fogal didn’t mind the cold metal, concentrating instead on wiping the plush merman doll’s head against his hip, crooning gently at the soft material against his bare skin. Ivan enjoyed the quiet - Fogal didn’t always wake up so calmly, the thiobarbiturates they had been using for anaesthetics triggering what appeared to be quite intense PTSD flashbacks. He peacefully allowed Ivan to use the tympanic membrane temperature probe, check his urine output into the box on the side of the bed, and other post-anaesthetic checks. 

“All done and looking healthy, Fogal. You can go back to sleep now. Can you give me the doll?”

Fogal looked up at him with watery eyes, glancing down to his doll then back up at Ivan.

“P’ease?” the merman asked hopefully.

“Dr Freid? Please advise.”

There was a beat of silence.

“Allow him to keep the doll Nurse.” There was a determined note to Elias' voice. “Unlike the previous situation where he tried to take something, the doll is not a choking hazard and has been requested fairly politely. Though this shall be discussed with Logan as his other handlers, I believe that having a possession will aid in a sense of security, and that the doll has great potential for further use as a communication tool."

Ivan gave the merman's hair one last ruffle. 

"Ok Fogal, you can keep a hold of it. Now let's get you back to sleep, ok?"

--888--

Nathaniel awoke theto the heavy tread of Nurse Brunel. Memories came back in dregs. Dr Rana had put him to sleep, so they must have done something to his body, though there were no new spots of pain...

“Hey Fogal, how are you feeling?”

His hands hadn’t cramped up as much as usual. They were clamped around something soft and thick, far better than the thin sheets he usually balled up in place of seaweed. He creased his brows and held up the item as best he could with his wrist still bound to the bed. 

The stupid rag doll stared back at him.

Nathaniel cocked his head in confusion, and looked up questioningly to his favourite nurse. 

“We sedated you for some tests, do you remember?”

Nathaniel nodded slowly, then wiggled the doll at him questioningly.

“When I went to check on you afterwards, you really wanted to keep a hold of the communication doll there. And Elias thought it may be useful for you to have him with you anyway.”

Nathaniel looked down at the soft little plush merman. His tail was the same pleasant deep red as Nathaniel’s own tail, his sewn-on expression one of peaceful neutrality.

He squished the doll’s head gently. A strange half memory rose of petting the doll's hair, and then of gentle fingers carding through his hair. Nathaniel scowled.

What would his interrogator think of him if he saw Nathaniel wanted to keep a toy?

- I. no. need. stupid. Communication doll. - He signed, trapping the doll under his wrist to form the words. 

“That’s ok too, Fogal.” Nurse Bruel spoke peaceably, “And you can let me know if you change your mind. Can you keep a hold of it while I check your eyes?”

Nathaniel nodded, and Nurse Brunel stepped forwards with a tiny bright light. Nathaniel surreptitiously shuffled Little Fogal under the sheet. He could barely see the little lump the doll made under the covers. He tucked it into the fabric and rested his hand back by his side. 

“Looking good, no post-sedation signs. I can take your oxygen mask off now.” Nurse Brunel took the bulky plastic off his face. Nathaniel wiggled his jaw.

- Thank you - He signed.

“No problem, Fogal. I’ll let you pray now, and Elias will be through for a session once you are done…”The nurse glanced down to Nathaniel's empty hand next to the little doll shaped lump, and the slightest smile appeared on his face. Nathaniel watched him warily, but all the nurse did was give him a swift gentle pat on the wrist before turning to leave the room.

Nathaniel squeezed his new possession once, and settled into prayer.

[drink-tang-gang]

I posted 244 times in 2022

90 posts created (37%)

154 posts reblogged (63%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

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@drink-tang-gang

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I tagged 216 of my posts in 2022

Only 11% of my posts had no tags

#baffy - 69 posts

#you sittin there yakkin (talk tag) - 48 posts

#isn’t that lovely? (ask tag) - 46 posts

#looney tunes - 44 posts

#daffy duck - 39 posts

#bugs bunny - 38 posts

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#zany fam - 6 posts

#✍��� scenery! where’s the scenery? ✍️ - 6 posts

#animaniacs - 5 posts

Longest Tag: 102 characters

#the animal characters 👩‍⚖️👩‍⚖️👩‍⚖️ should exhibit animalisms 👩‍⚖️👩‍⚖️👩‍⚖️ i said what i said!!!!

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

If I had a nickel for every time someone commissioned me to draw LT KH, I’d have two nickels. which isn’t a lot but it’s fun that it’s happened twice. 💜🦆🐇🧡

620 notes - Posted November 22, 2022

#4

I think irl and in canon ppl are baffled by what Bugs sees in Daffy, as if Daffy’s Mr. Wrong.

But…. It’s kinda switched once you think about it??

Yes, Daffy’s flaws tend to outshine his better qualities, but his friendliness and cheerfulness is overlooked. Like, he’s best friends with one of the most temperamental yet patient everyman there is! Daffy’s selfish, but he knows how to be part of a team. In both the meta and literal sense, he has the unparalleled ability to slips into various roles to accommodate a dynamic, and still be true to himself (Duck Twacy, Duck Dogers, Porky’s Husband friend or enemy, Danny Boy) His affectionate gestures are quite sincere compared to the rest of the tune cast. (and again, as a rule of thumb any sincerity is offset by a gag, so take that with a grain of salt) Bugs on the other hand, operates in a way that teamwork or camaraderie is out of the picture. Without trying, he dominates. He’s unreachable in ways that make it hard to be friendly with him, or engage in conversation without him (somehow) talking down to an audience. Have you noticed he has that air about him?? Even with his peers, he’s always on a pedestal. And Bugs has never been cast as anyone but himself… he’s inflexible.

Bugs can be at once, affectionate and manipulative. He’s very hard to read, and his few positive relationships make it unclear when he’s being honest or not. That’s not to say Bugs can’t be kind, generous or polite, I think compared to Daffy (and most tunes) he exhibits better etiquette. He’s more charming by design. Daffy, for better or worse, has no filter for his motivations or deeper emotions. He’s supposed to be relatable in that sense.

So what does Daffy see in Bugs?? Longtime WB producer and director Tony Cervone has stated multiple times that Bugs finds Daffy entertaining, his unpredictability fascinates him. (and further cements the insinuation that team ups have been initiated by Bugs, i.e, he pursues)

So, I think for Daffy, ironically, it’s complicated. It seems what draws him to Bugs, are also what he despises him for. Ok, the elephant in the room: Bugs models the qualities Daffy lacks. Stardom, adulation, effortless appeal, knowing what to say and when (tact is something Daffy desperately needs). It’s very easy to look up to Bugs, and as I said a couple posts ago, he once and (kinda??) still does. But, Daffy also has the hidden ability to being people to his level, and after spending enough time around Bugs I think he recognizes he’s not as untouchable as he (and his audience) makes himself out to be. Bugs is the type of person who masks imperfection well. Fortunately, Daffy’s drawn to mystery (in canon and in his roles in shorts), so I can see him quietly trying to investigate the parts of Bugs that never reaches public eyes, like a case study. So, is this a positive or negative draw?? it depends on Bugs’ attitude and Daffy’s mood. I guess it can be said that the fascination is mutual, Bugs is entertained by Daffy and Bugs gets under Daffy’s skin.

And of course, we CAN’T ignore the surface level of Bugs’ appeal to Daffy. Bugs’ generosity gives Daffy many opportunities to exercise his materialism and lavish lifestyle. He gets free dinners, Bugs covers all their vacations, and (a big plus for Daffy) he doesn’t mind relinquishing treasures and fortune when they come across it. Don’t call Daffy a gold digger don’t call Daffy a gold digger don’t

So yeah, I went off on a tangent but I hope I cleared up the misconception that Daffy’s Mr. Wrong, both of them—Bugs even more so— are the ‘odd’ choice.

This clear up doesn’t help paint their relationship in a healthy light. There’s ulterior motives and mutual selfishness, but I believe there’s never a fundamental misunderstanding of the other. If they were both more introspective, they’d find to their horror no one understands them the way they do each other. For two stars with excruciatingly large egos, that’s probably the best and worst quality of their weird relationship, ‘being known’, haha.

697 notes - Posted January 19, 2022

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My #1 post of 2022

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[eternitas]

17 and 24 of that ask game for Sanji, Hayato and Xiao uvu

This Ask meme

17. What's a book, movie, or show you think [character] would like?

Sanji

Very obvious answer? Anything to do with cooking. He breaths cooking. But he is also a majour softy and slight pervert so I can see him have some guilty pleasure movies that involve a lot of romance and soft erotica. I am not very versed in ANY of these things, but I could see Sanji enjoying Titanic and Moulin Rouge. I also think he would love Food Wars for not just the cooking, but the over the top orgasmic depiction of how good food can taste.

Hayato

Obvious answer? Cryptid fanatic. Doesn't even matter if the movie/show/book is good. He WILL engage with it, even if just to say afterwards that it SUCKS. I personally see him def more into horror that is on the supernatural side and less horror that goes into splatter or gore territory like Saw or-- whatever other slasher film there is, I personally do not watch much horror. Since he is also incredibly intelligent I can see him be REALLY into crime thrillers, but only the super technical and bizare ones that are hard for some others to read. I can also see him be into extremely accurate mafia novels. If he reads a mafia related book and it gets something terribly wrong he stops IMMIDEATLY. One movie that especially fascinates him and the book it is based on is 'I heared you paint houses'. I think he is a biiit of a fan of Scorcese, tho he does also have his opinions (TM)

Xiao

I think there is ONLY an obvious answer? Xiao is REALLY into chinese mythology and Wu Xia Stories. He isn't someone who engages a lot with shows or movies, but he does read enough especially theoretic books about different martial arts. Fiction isn't exactly his thing unless it's historic novels set in ancient China. Or the usual classics. He actually also has a bit of a soft spot for poems and books that are juste purely wholesome. Stories about someone making it out of the darkness or just the beauty of mundanity. Nothing overly melodramatic. Maybe that means he would like some Ghibli movies? Jury out on that one.

24. What's your favourite thing about [character]?

Oh boy here we go

Sanji

wet boy soggy cat baby pathetic manlet. Need I say more? I won't go into spoilers, but Sanji is both incredibly infuriating and beloved to me. I just love when he is caught up in a situation, where he just ends up showing his true colors. How soft and kind he can be, how much he cares about others even those he might not particularly like much or strangers. He is ready to lay his life on the line EVEN IF HE SAYS HE DOESN'T CARE OH BOY DOES HE CARE!!!! Especially the Wano Kuni Arc has made me adore him so much. Whole Cake Island broke me into pieces but Wano Kuni showed both his worst and his best sides. Also who doesn't love a man that can cook? The way he just LIGHTS UP when he gets to talk cooking or about his dream of finding the All Blue! *chefs kiss* (pun intended I am absolutely kissing that chef, icky smoke be damned)

Hayato

The fuck do you mean like? This bitch is the bane of my existance and i hate him and his stupid face with his aweful green eyes and the dumb smile he is capable of making. Oh and don't get me started on his aweful obsession with UFOs and cryptids wow what a loser, what an absolute cringefail, it's not like I enjoy his damn progress as a character from a selfcentered obsessive idiot to a more open cooperative jerk that actually trusts people and relies on them, oh gods are you crazy nah get that away from me. Bitch is so smart it's infuriating I loathe how intelligent and truly innovative he is, god his brightness is so annoying!

I do love his cat tho c:

Xiao

Love of my life one of the most misunderstood and MISINTERPRETED characters in all of Genshin yes you heared me FIGHT ME!

Look. Xiao is dear to my heart. I know I say it was Kaeya who got me into Genshin, but nah we all know that is a lie, yes he was the character that piqued my interest, but before the game was out the Genshin website already had some mini profiles on some characters and Xiao also had one. I made one look at the guy and said "that one". He is an abuse victim that was enslaved and forced to do horrendous things, knowing nothing but savagery and violence until he was saved, swearing unwavering loyalty to his savior who gave him his current name. And his life just kept being full of violence, as he became a Yaksha, cleansing and protecting Liyue through slaughter. This guy has probably MILLENIA of karmic debt accumilated, he was a GENERAL in a war, he faught alongside a myriad of other Yakshas and-- in the end he became the only survivor. Xiao is the LAST Yaksha, he is the only one remaining, he keeps his comrades and friends memory close to him, he saw them perish and fall to their karmic debt and after it all he became someone who kept fighting for Liyues safety in pure solitude, because GUESS WHAT he can't even get close to mortals. His strong karmic debt causes others harm, so he naturally isolated himself and accepted this fate. Sacrifice is something Xiao sees as natural and unavoidable, bitch is DEPRESSED and absolutely unsocial. He just has no social skills whatsoever and human customs confuse him. It's not maliciousness, it's actual confusion and mostly ignorance that leads to him being mostly misunderstood. He needs patience and a lot of understanding. So many people just write him off as some edgeboy, being rude and arrogant- when in actuallity boy just doesn't know how to deal with people. deep down he is a soft soul. FOR FUCKS SAKE his namecard says QUOTE

He longs for a day to come when he will wear the mask and dance — not to conquer demons, but to the tune of that flute amid a sea of flowers.

HE WANTS TO DANCE IN A SEA OF FLOWERS WHILE FLUTE MUSIC PLAYS I AM SORRY HOW CAN ANYONE SAY THIS GUY IS EDGY WHEN HE IS A FOCKING MARSHMALLOW DEEP DOWN

He lost so much, he believed to find his end by being alone forever until he succumbs to his karmic debt-- and yet he tries SO HARD

From watching the Lantern rites Xiao lantern from just outside the city, to watching the fireworks on the roof of wang shu inn, to COMING INTO THE CITY TO DINE WITH OTHER PEOPLE, TO ACTUALLY RELEASING A XIAO LANTERN WITH THE TRAVELER HIMSELF!!!! Even in his letters he says that he is starting to be more casual with the other adepti, he joined the fucking Poetry Festival-- I am losing my mind at this guy he is genuinely so fucking pillowy soft deep down, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD PLEASE SWITCH THE VOICES TO CN AND HEAR KINSEN IN ALL HIS GLORY CONVEY XIAOS CHARACTER!

(I am sorry but whatever the english voice director told his VA was absolute bullshit fight me on this.)

I am very normal about this guy

Other canon things that make me lose my marbles

The fact that the moment Xiao and the traveler first meat a track plays in the background that is called Lovers Oath

You can bait Xiao into coming somewhere or participate in something when you say the traveler will be there

During the Chasm Storyline he first wanted to keep the others away saying that to keep them safe and Yanfei USES THE TRAVELER TRICK to get Xiao to IMMIDEATLY join their gang.

Usually special dishes are food that is prepared by the characters themself. Sweet Dream, Xiaos Specialty dish is something the traveler makes for him

He???? eats or at least ATE dreams???? He says almond tofu tastes like sweet dreams???? thats where the special dish got its name from???? hello?????

when a traveling pilgrim came to the mountain as Ganyu and Xiao were training he did NOT want to deal with a mortal and basically told Ganyu her next training task is to deal with that guy before he skidaddled. Pro move to escape social interactions

when saving everyone from the chasm he sacrificed himself to ensure everyone else makes it to the surface. Daddy dearest ofc saved him but he was SO ready to let this be his end. I am glad it wasn't

from what I can tell his illuminated beast form is a bird, not like cloud retainer however and the fact there is a CHONK BIRB XIAO PLUSHY has me wheezing.

especially in early game crystalflies are hard to catch. Xiaos first birthday letter included 10 crystal cores, the item that drops when you catch crystalflies, a very valuable resource for crafting condensed resin. He also admits that he kind of didn't intend to catch that many and that he believes they would look cute in the travelers hair

he is strongly implied if not outright confirmed to be in chronic pain from his karmic debt. Pls save my boy

I might be a bit off on some of these but I am at LEAST 89% sure these are true facts.

[nobuverse]

Fight willing to die, and you shall live. Fight wishing to survive and you will surely meet death.

Kagetora had held many titles, many names in her lifetime. The Invincible General. The Dragon of Echigo. The God of War. This Buddhist who lead armies from the front lines, never once meeting defeat in her over seventy major battles. Her confidence so unshakable, her faith so powerful that it would inspire all who surrounded her. The avatar of Bishamoten who united all of Echigo.

Her own men, her own allies had cowered from her in life - not in the battlefield, but off of it. Many said she'd held eyes of a monster without a soul. Her unwavering, haunting smile and her complete indifference towards injury and pain terrified them. In life, she'd been considered something completely inhuman; a creature completely incapable of feeling sorrow or fear.

Yet, she'd spent all her life attempting to protect these frail and weak humans. Not because she understood their anguishes and sufferings - but because she knew it was right. Her God and her horse, Houshou Tsukige, being her only true friends in the world.

Her own body betrays her at the very end. Urtine cancer finally takes her life right before she can face the self-proclaimed demon king of the sixth heaven.

One does not engage in battle for self-gain. But should your reasons be just, all shall aid in your cause.

At her funeral, even her enemies weep. They speak of her as a hero- someone who would rather give food and salt to starving cities than wait out sieges. An honorable rival, only taking up blades against the cruel and unreasonable. In life, she was feared, but in death she was loved. She never would come to know of this, of course.

She'd never left the throne of heroes once she'd entered it. Not out of arrogance, but a lack of desire for the grail itself. She had never believed in gaining things through wishes - if she wanted something, she'd rather gain it herself.

Fate is decreed by the heavens.

Something tugs at her soul. A call from a distant world, something which could have easily been ignored. Were it not for the fact that she had found no other master suitable to resonate with her, she might have done so. But the lancer reaches for it, letting the thread of fate lead her to places unknown. She's too fascinated by it - the idea of someone who would accept a monster fighting for the name of justice.

Armor is strengthened by the heart.

These aren't the ley lines back on the earth she knows. Maybe it's a lack of faith - maybe the magic was worlds apart from her own. The runes glow, they hum- but there is no grand flash of light as her body manifests. Instead, her soul slowly leaks into this new world; golden dust dissipating into the wind. As she begins to see - spirit form allowing her to observe from between the land of living and dead, she sees him for the first time.

This young man, so bruised and disheveled- exhausted to the very bone. Arm torn from his body, digging at the dirt clumsily. It makes her wonder if it's not his dominant hand.

She knew she should be horrified by the sight. Expectedly, however, she feels nothing. She does not know this man. She doesn't understand his pain or his sorrow. Why is she here? Why her when there were so many spirits that would have more easily answered the call of such a battered soul?

The gun is raised as she watches him, not understanding his desire to keep digging in such a deplorable state.

It's when the gun is raised that she finally understands that he's digging his own grave.

And glory is gained on foot!

It's not a moment too soon for her to be able to manifest. Without hesitation she grabs the gun as it's fired, it's barrel forcibly pointing towards the air.

"Ha....ahahaha!! "

That shrill laugh is closer to a shriek - and she smiles. She's held this expression for so long that she's forgotten how make any other face, tearing the gun from its wielder.

"You humans - are so vile! No, I don't understand you at all!"

The weapon is tossed away, useless as far as she's concerned. It's no use relying on something that can miss. Her own spear manifests in her hands. It's pointed as a threat - not at the terrified man in front of her, now disarmed and helpless, but at those beyond who are still armed.

"Enough men to form an army, and you're too scared to approach a single man? Pathetic! You must instead starve him to his bare bones, mutilate his body and humiliate for your own satisfaction? I'll not take your lives unless you make me, but I know that the deepest pits of hell awaits for men like you!"

Even if they were to shoot, she knew the bullets would not hit her. Nothing ever did as long as her faith remained strong. They would curve around her- miss her in inexicpliable ways. She only takes care to move next to her master as she speaks, to serve as his invincible shield if needed.

She turns - making eye contact with the man who had terrified kings. Even if she cannot understand the gaze in his eyes, she is determined to do what is just.

Her glare fades, the Dragon's eyes soften.

"Come. I think you've spent too much time here already, don't you agree?"

An armored hand reaches out to him - inviting him to step out of his grave.

@nobuverse

It was like dark magic. The warships blotted out the sky, the black hulls like thunderclouds. The hum of their motors a thousand shrieking voices. None of his tactics had prepared for him. Dozens of warships. And they shelled the entire forest for three days. All the vanguard camps were wiped in a flash. Months of victory after victory. Of careful concealment, of keeping guarded to maintain their fight. In a flash, it was gone.

All the burned corpses of the men and women fighting under his command. All of the groundsmen he’d taught to read and write, who’d never seen a doctor in their lives until he’d arrived with one in their troop, volunteering upon learning what hope they meant to bring. Gone. He was fortunate to have survived the shelling. His position was not targeted, but he had an idea why. It was as if he had been explicitly not hit to see the damage.

It was his failure for believing in him, his old friend. It was his fault for desperately wanting to believe he wouldn’t be betrayed.

A scouting party followed, marching directly to his tent. So it was true. A man stepped forward, where he sat in front of a fire boiling water. He wanted to make a last cup of coffee and smoke one last bowl of tobacco from his pipe before they arrived. They wouldn’t even allow him that.

“Mister Otxo, I’d like to speak with you.”

“No one intimidates me.”

It was three weeks of torture. All forms that gave the capacity to leave him intact, without a sign of damage, to make certain it wasn't revealed exactly what they did to him. Electrocution, being forced to stay awake, simulated drowning, left naked in the blistering sun for hours with no water. Starvation. Everything to get him to sell out the remaining vanguards, his subcommander. He never once spoke a word.

He spent three days chained to the wall of a former rural clinic’s examination room. A peasant girl from a neighboring village fed him. Pottage and water, one meal a day. She looked at him with curious eyes. Fear and anxiousness in her face, seeing this disheveled man. It was clear that she wondered of the danger he posed that an entire Empire’s fleet would come to snuff him out.

“I heard you’re here to kill us.”

“I’m here to help you. No longer having to live like this.”

His eyes stared at the medical charts and informational posters on the walls, tattered and torn from years in disrepair. Of course, he didn’t mean her specifically. This wasn’t her village. The ones who lived here had fled long before.

His left arm had been shorn. A punishment by the Sao monarchy against all who committed treason against the crown. He was kept in chains for as long as they could decide what to do with him. Finally, word came from the Council, wire through the lines, that he was to be executed.

It was told that he was considered too great of a threat to be taken back alive to the capital. The Empire’s greatest enemy, officiated and signed with the execution sentence. Too dangerous to live, starved and chained to a wall, dirty faced. His last meal was simply a pipe of tobacco.

He was forced to dig his own grave. One-handed, struggling with all the strength he could muster. Beaten, battered, bruised. Deep enough to just cover him in enough dirt to hide him away. Shallow enough that the wild animals could dig his body up and tear him apart.

In the process, a strange circle was unearthed. His left hand palmed its center with his bleeding calluses, but he thought nothing of it. All his thoughts were about back home, in his little townhouse. All the work yet to be finished. All the friends yet to welcome him back.

Despair. Hopelessness. He knew that once they finished with him, they were certain to turn their attention to Yarima. To stamp out Anacaona. To murder the flower princess.

He was made to stand over the grave he had dug. He felt a cold steel pressed against the back of his head. It was shaking, unsure of what it was doing.

"You know what you're meant to do, coward. Steady your arm and aim carefully. You'll only be killing one man."

What were meant to be his last words, facing the junta that had decided his worth was a shallow, unmarked grave. He looked to them with pure disgust, laughing at his words while a kid was forced to hold the gun. He felt the muzzle steadied. He let out a deep breath and closed his eyes.

Neither history nor death will separate us. Farewell.

[pompompurin1028]

intimacy plus dazai is one of my favourite things

[spiltcandycoatedpunkblood]

dear peter jackson and steven spielberg: it is illegal for you to make tintin this pretty

[andraxicated]

more of you

Pairings: diluc x f!reader

Request: Is it ok if I can ask for an enemy’s to lovers with either Diluc, kaeya, Childe, or itto. But the reader doesn’t know why they ^ “hate” them

Tags: fluff

a/n: thank you for requesting! I hope I actually interpreted it right T_T i was supposed to make a pun but i stopped before i cringed and deleted this

one night when diluc's taking over angel's share, he sees kaeya come in with a familiar sly smile on his brother's face and automatically roll his eyes. he prepares himself for the worse as kaeya sits down with a moan, slamming a bottle of unknown liquid to him. "what's that?" diluc asks as he looks at the bottle quizzically. he's used to his brother's antics but he feels oddly bothered by this one.

"abyss mage extract" "...." kaeya chortles and asks charles for an empty glass, he opens the lid of the bottle and pours the smooth liquid onto the glass, bringing it to half. he slides it to the left and diluc's gloved hand swiftly caught it.

he smells it first and the sweet but faint scent of alcohol irks his senses, diluc could only guess this is one of the cat's tail's new concoctions. he sighs and says. "I don't copy recipes"

"someone asked me to bring it to you. it's non-alcoholic but tastes and smells like it. a little token of apology for whatever they did because you keep giving them the stink eye." "I don't want to" he stubbornly refuses and kaeya has no choice but to make him do.

"oh? but I took a sip and it tastes heavenly. I'm not sorry for tasting what's meant to be yours."

the moment the liquid glides along his tongue, he swallows it down, and the remnants of it in his mouth. his distaste for you grows even stronger. all he could hear in his tavern the past few days were praises for the new bartender in cat's tail. he had someone take a sample of the alcoholic drink and diluc just had to taste what's everyone raving about.

he hated it. he hates you. he hates you for converting him into something he's not. he hated how he's liking something he's not supposed to.

you don't know any of this, you keep on sending delicious drinks his way to appease him since you can't stand the thought of someone hating you. and every time kaeya reports the recipient likes it very much that his brother's eyes sparkled, you feel a sense of relief and lightheartedness. but is kaeya lying to you?

every night after your shift, you wait for diona to go out of the city and then you saunter off to angel's share. waiting for diluc to go home so you could meet him outside. you've tried many times to talk to him but all you got was apologies and a prior engagement. it's very annoying to deal with this kind of matter and so, you have to talk it out like mature adults.

but for some reason, the patrons are coming out one by one yet no sign of diluc. you decide to wait, maybe he's still cleaning up the tavern? and an hour passes without seeing him. you were about to barge in until you heard a voice from above. "come in"

where did that come from? you look up and stop at the pair of red eyes glowering down at you from the balcony. your back immediately straightens at the intimidation.

"master diluc! I-" yet you're cut off when he goes back inside and you follow him suit. the tavern is a bit dim with only a few lights left, everything is put back into place like the chairs and the bottles; the tavern was finally quiet.

"what did you come here for?" diluc asks as he was going down the stairs. he pays your fidgeting no mind and offers you to take a seat at the counter. he prepares a drink wordlessly, the slushing and stirring of liquid could only be heard as you follow his every movement. his actions would only be fascinating for a moment because his face always steals the spotlight. diluc looks so good when he's extremely focused on what he's doing...

his ponytail hair swaying, the veins on his arms presenting themselves when he's shaking, and his gloved hands gripped so tight on the material. you wish—*thud*—"here's your drink"

you're snapped out of your reverie and thank him for the drink, sipping the cool brew for your flushed body and dirty mind. when did you start thinking about him that way? nevertheless, it is very inappropriate.

mhm, the taste lasts on your mouth and gave you a smile. you rarely have time to create your favorite drink for yourself as you're always serving other people. but it means a lot that this man who supposedly hates you made you a drink. how come he knows this anyway?

"how did you know I like this drink?" you ask out of curiosity. and diluc visibly freezes, stopping on wiping the glasses and opening his mouth to speak. yet no excuse can come out of him when he can't think of any. that brother of his is always a menace to him even when he's not around.

"uhm" diluc coughs awkwardly. "kaeya told me" he reasons out and you smile happily, his heart unknowingly throbbed at that moment. as if in a trance, as if his body knew what to do; he made your favorite drink from scratch in his first time. no recipe or anything. and his memory served him right.

"I have to thank kaeya for that" you say and diluc felt a strange painful pang. why do you thank kaeya for something he did? he felt his blood pressure rise at the mere thought of you with his brother but he chose to hide it. kaeya this kaeya that. you rambled about how good his brother was to you and he couldn't take this anymore. speaking of another man when he's in your presence irritates him so much.

"are you done?" "huh?" "I said are you done?" his voice was cold and angry, and you finally remember what you were here for.

"mhm, I'm done praising your brother for being so kind to me. why can't you? what's wrong with you?" the influence the alcohol is truly something you cannot fight. you're still sober but it's giving you the courage to fight back diluc. alcohol transforms cowards into something brave, and you hope he does the same despite being sober.

"you're drunk" "I'm still sober! I'm just so angry right now with you! why can't you be nice to me! it's so annoying!" you bark and bark like a mad dog with little sanity holding her back. diluc just stayed silent watching you insult him after insult, complaining about his treatment to you, and the last straw...comparing him to his brother.

"if-if I had to date one of you...it would be kaeya. he's the better—ack!" you're suddenly pulled towards him over the counter. his face so close to you that your eyes hurt from the proximity. diluc thinks it's time to face the truth, he doesn't like keeping the heavy feelings buried.

"I hate alcohol" "eh?" you're so confused by what he's talking about and he lets go of your arm. "does it suit your taste? is it that delicious?" he asks, gesturing to your drink and you nod immediately.

"yes, I like it-" "then let me have a taste too"

everything was so fast that you couldn't register him closing in on you and connecting lips to lips. diluc welcomes the unpleasant taste of alcohol on his tongue, he dislikes it so much that he had to replace the slight bitterness. and so, he moves his lips further into yours, smearing the taste onto your lips and playing with your tongue.

you had no choice but to close your eyes and follow his breathless rhythm, locking your hands behind his head and pushing your kiss to deeper heights.

it's dizzying, it's confusing, it's magical. you get mixed emotions from this intimacy with him, it's so unlike of someone to kiss their rival and the source of their bane. but diluc doesn't and won't care anymore, he had enough of putting on this silly 'I hate you' facade. when in fact, he feels the exact opposite of what he's trying to portray.

pulling away from the kiss, diluc tucks your hair behind your air and whispers a hushed sentence. his hand soothes the back of your head and you continue to space out from whatever just happened.

"I want to get a bit used to alcohol. I want to appreciate what you make. I...want more of you"

[oceanoecielo]

Simon pouts exaggeratedly, indicating he is not actually dejected, the light still sparkling in his eyes.  “Well, I find that to be just a miserable way to live,” he says.  He is not trying to get Vasco to come around to his side because he does not have the time or energy to entertain petty arguments like this.  He has all the time in the world, but those are not precious minutes he wants to spend on this.  It is fine if this is one of those things where they must agree to disagree.  Simon is just making conversation for its own sake, which includes voicing his opinion, even if his handsome new acquaintance disagrees with it.  It is a free country, so they should be able to say what they like and engage with each other’s differing viewpoints.  How are they supposed to learn about each other otherwise?

“I mean, how do you know if something is useful to you or not if you won’t engage with it?  Personally, I find variety to be the spice of life, and I would be lost if I stuck myself into a singular rut.  A friend of mine once told me that knowledge is power, and you become most powerful and realize the most of your potential when you don’t purposefully entrap yourself.”  That friend has recently turned to tunnel vision in regard to his own pursuits, refusing to even glance at the bigger picture, but back in the day, he was great and taught Simon a lot about what he knows now.  The problem with Jonah is that he has become complacent and feels he has enough knowledge that his power cannot be challenged, which exempts him from trying new things.  He had hoped that he could come out and meet someone who was not so pigheaded, but perhaps not.

It is a little early to pass that kind of judgment on Vasco, and even if it wasn’t, the fact that he is stubborn is not enough to negate his beauty.  Simon is sure that there are a good many other qualities that are admirable about him.

“Ohh, a secret station used only by family,” he says, his eyebrows raising with intrigue.  “That makes me think of something like… the Mafia.  You’re not in the Mafia, are you?”  He rests a hand on Vasco’s arm and laughs a little before withdrawing it in case the touch comes as unwelcome.  Besides, flirting is all about that give-and-take, push-and-pull sort of game.  It can’t be all pushy offense; you have to make the occasional coy retreat.

“I moved out of Italy long before the Mafia came to power, but I still pop by every now and again to investigate some of the stories I hear for myself.  I find them fascinating.”  Italian natives do not and live in fear of them, but fear is Simon’s proverbial bread and butter, so his visits exhilarated him.

“But yes, Mr. Mafia Man.”  He grins and leans in a little but does not touch.  “I would like to see you again, and I am interested so far.  Does seven tomorrow night work for you?”  Maybe once an official date is scheduled, he can clear up this storm and let the man go on his way—so long as he doesn’t stray too far.

❝Of course, you don't. I'm sure not many are too aware of what my family tune into.❞ It came off more as a mutter to himself. ❝I think that's the difference between you and me then. I honestly only tune in if it helps me. Nothing beyond that.❞

He's not much to engage in anything else other than what is provided. He probably should have, but it's not his preference. It's not something that sparked his interest. At best, it'll be a background noise, though even then, it becomes too distracting for him.

❝I doubt you'll be able to get into the station I use. It's only used between my family and no one else. I can check the other stations though, but I doubt I will switch over to them.❞ There's a system placed down that worked perfectly for the Nauts. It helps them function better than relying on anyone else. Not that anyone else can't be reliable, but again, there's a system going on. ❝If you do have suggestions, let me know.❞

He may end up looking at them when he had the time. Otherwise, he didn't seem to mind doing other things in the meantime.

❝I'm flattered you think so. I don't think my name that much or in that regard.❞ It's not that he hated the name. He actually likes it. The thing is, he didn't think of it as a delight or something too unique. There are other people who shared his name as well, though it's not as common as one would think. ❝And you're implying you want to actually see me? That's another step. I doubt I'm that interesting.❞

[wolfstarlibrarian]

HELLO I was jw what were your favourite fics featuring POC Marauders without the shitty stereotyping 💜

Also thank you librarian for your content. Honestly this is the top tier rec blog in the fandom due to your amazing taste.

Well THIS is a great ask! It’s nice to see fans looking for authentic diversity in fics as opposed to tokenism. Just about all of these fics have been listed on various library lists, but hopefully people enjoying seeing them listed somewhere convenient. Also, this is just a VERY SMALL selection of fics featuring Remus or Sirius as POC, so if you’re looking for more of a certain representation, just send an ask!

Also, a note to authors looking to include representation (other than their own ethnicity) in their next fic: make sure that you read first hand experiences from multiple sources, research with advocacy groups, and THEN try reach out to a peer who can potentially beta/do a sensitivity read for you. It's important that we all try and learn as much as possible on our own before asking our peers to work as our educators. ❤️

POC Wolfstar

Black James & Cuban Sirius

Be My Baby by @remus-john-lupin It’s the summer of 1963, and 18 year old Remus Lupin discovers dance, love, and even himself. (A very romantic and very gay Dirty Dancing AU.)

Latino Remus

Forget-Me-Not by @halictus-writer

For someone who just woke up with amnesia and a bad concussion, Remus Lupin isn't too dispirited. He'll get through it with the help of his friends, taking it one day at a time, as Sirius says. The only (other) problem? There's something important that he's forgetting.

Retrial by phoenixgal

Remus Lupin, host of the popular podcast Retrial, decides to focus on the case of Sirius Black, a man convicted of murdering his high school best friend, for his upcoming season. Remus has gotten too close to his subjects in the past, so he promises himself that won't happen this time.

Desi Sirius

Young Hearts Intertwined by @goodboylupin

There’s a special kind of magic to a wartime wedding.

Latino Remus & Desi Sirius

A Lucky Mishap by softiejace Of course this would be just Remus’ luck - the library printer breaking when the deadline for his term paper is coming up. And to top it off, the pretty boy he’s been running into all week is there to witness his moment of misery… but maybe he can turn things around?

Sephardic Jewish Remus

Candles in the Darkness by @miraxb

In the winter of seventh year, James, Sirius, and Remus are all carrying their own burdens and fears for the growing darkness in their world. Together, they find comfort and light at the Hanukkah celebration in the Lupin household.

Half Syrian Remus

I Tried Writing Your Name In The Rain, But It Never Came, So I Used The Sun Instead by @prefectmoony

Don’t get Remus wrong. He loves his friends, he does! Loves them to the moon and back in fact. They’re his people, his favorite part of everyday, his found family. He’d do anything for them. But the thing is that doesn’t take away from the very simple fact that his friends are fucking ridiculous. Remus knows this, has known it for five years now. But it doesn’t stop him from startling awake on the morning of his sixteenth birthday surprised by the sound of fireworks exploding in their dormitory and a raucous chorus of “Happy birthday Moony!” being shouted into his ear with jaunty gusto.

Chinese Sirius

got a fascination (with your presentation) by @alifeincoffeespoons

When Remus thought of Oxford as a child, he envisioned turrets, laughter, and an unnameable, unforgettable magic. He did not envision vomiting his breakfast all over himself while standing in the halls of St. Catherine’s College.

Cut Your Bangs by @notmycatsname

"There’s something about him that catches Sirius’s eye. His voice is a little whiny, almost off-key. Sirius has heard it time and time again in the bands that Lily plays through their speakers at their apartment but it sounds more genuine, almost heart breaking, through his voice. Remus’s voice."

Black Remus, Desi Sirius & James

Palo Alto by NachoDiablo

Modern AU set in Silicon Valley. It's easy for Sirius to ignore his mixed-up feelings while he's got Remus all to himself, but when Remus starts dating again, Sirius is forced to figure things out before Remus moves on for good. Or before James and Peter strangle them both.

Japanese Remus and Taiwanese Sirius

kavaluan (means white lily here) by @claudiafekete 1926, Taiwan. Japanese empire's prized colony. Remus needed an interpreter. Sirius volunteered.

Philippino Sirius

Problems with Narrative Structure and the Rules of Manly Engagement [+Podfic] by @xinasvoice

"There were easily six hundred people living in the Paramount building in downtown San Francisco. That was a lot of neighbors to get to know, but it only took a single day of living there for Sirius to notice Remus."

Latino Remus & Japanese-American!Sirius

Discards by @picascribit​ When 21-year-old assistant librarian Sirius spots a cute hipster college student at the Seattle Public Library, he just needs to figure out a subtle way of determining whether he’s into guys. But Remus’s life is more complicated than Sirius knows.

Native American Sirius

Grimsfall by @remus-john-lupin

There is a legend in the old city of Grimsfall that a large, black creature used to emerge from the forest at night, and anyone who met its gaze would be driven to madness before the thing dragged them into the depths of hell.

Mexican Remus & Sirius

A Whole Queer County Fair by @bigblackdogfic Two queer Mexican kids talking, having sex, and feeling their feelings in Arizona.

Indigenous Australian Remus

Among The Gumtrees by WolfstarGarden Sirius inherits his uncle's farm, but finding the right farmhand isn't as simple as he'd hoped: Sirius just couldn’t help but wonder if fantasising about his straight farm assistant was maybe one boundary breach too far. On the other hand, perhaps Remus shouldn’t suck on the end of his pen while lost in thought.

South American Remus

The Delegate by @wanderingbandurria

It’s 1921, and Sirius Black is a sailor that wants to prove himself as a political agitator. He sets foot in a lost, forgotten port in South America, where he’s supposed to help with the local organization of syndicalists. He’s not expecting to meet a brown-eyed man who is there to help put his words into Spanish. A man that’s really not interested in anything but doing his job. Nothing more.

Thai Sirius

Whatever Words I Say -orphaned fic

When Remus Lupin is hired to control the antics of famous lead singer of the Marauders, Sirius Black, he knows he has his work cut out for him. Sirius is contrary and has absolutely no chill, and loves pissing off the press. Remus feels up to the challenge, but he certainly does not expect to fall head over heels in love from the moment he meets the charismatic singer.

Something Beautiful -orphaned fic When Remus Lupin’s ex talks him into a drunken tattoo mistake, he goes to his friend and co-worker Lily for help. Luckily her husand’s best mate is a tattoo artist who can help with the cover up. Unfortunately for Remus, the tattoo in in a rather compromising area, and he’ll have to get over his embarrassment. Luckily for him, Sirius Black is just the man for the job.

So many fics and yet so many more to go! As always, feel free to reblog with your own recs!

[watchmegetobsessed]

LUCKY PAIR

a/n: another one :)

pairing: Sebastian Stan X Reader

word count: 1.5k

This fic is part of the LITTLE ONE series, but can be read as a simple oneshot as well! Find the masterpost of the series HERE!

masterlist

Sebastian has always been a humble man. Growing up, with a strong and loving family background, he never really left the path that leads to good manners and appreciation even for the smallest things in life. Not even becoming a successful actor could change the way he sees and feels grateful for everything he has and achieved.

There were times when he thought he wouldn’t find the person he could settle with, feel comfortable enough around to spend the rest of his life with. Let alone start a family with. That was until he met you.

From the very start he felt a sense of belonging to you, like you pulled him in, so easily and fast, enchanted him and simply made him yours. And he didn’t mind it, not even a bit. Dating you has been such a different experience than his previous relationships. As if it made him realize how shallow and loose they were, but now he had the chance to taste what real love is like. With all the good and bad, the two of you have been sharing such a deep connection since the beginning that put his previous dating experiences to shame.

Now that you are pregnant and engaged, Sebastian has been immensely overwhelmed with how amazing his life is getting, all thanks to you. He is amazed by everything about the road to becoming parents, all the changes and challenges, he feels like it all led him to this exact point in life. What he likes the most about it however is you. Seeing you grow your baby, see the growth and the changes every day, the miracle of life happening right in front of his eyes. And he is still having a hard time believing that you chose him to do all of this with, to have the most beautiful gift of life with him.

He has always admired you in many ways, you’ve been a fascinating creature to him from the very beginning and he loved learning new things about you, things that made him fall in love with you even more. After spending years together he could still look at you with the same amount of love he did when you were just getting to know each other. But then came the pregnancy and Sebastian found himself falling deeper than ever.

He has often found himself looking at you with his heart full and chest warm at the oddest moments. When you were doing your skincare routine in the evening, standing in front of the mirror, putting on all the different products, he always has a great view of you from the side, sitting on the bed and he loves how he saw your belly get bigger each time, as you went through the same steps. Or the way you always scratch the lower part of your bump every morning as your good morning to the baby, humming to yourself with your eyes still closed in the soft morning light that floods the bedroom through the massive windows. Or how you draw a little heart on your tummy with your lotion before spreading the scream all over your skin. All these little things have had him melting, so thankful that he gets to see and experience it. With you.

Now the two of you are having a lazy Sunday, Sebastian has been watching a football game on TV and you are sitting next to him, your laptop on the top of a pile of pillows next to you, your legs crossed underneath you as you’re typing away on the keyboard. You’re wearing your reading glasses you recently got and for what he nagged you forever to finally get, but you refused to, feeling like you’re a little too young to have reading glasses. But then you realized you really did need them when you had trouble reading emails on your phone. You gave in and bought a pair, the transparent frame is a subtle accessory on your pretty face. Sebastian hasn’t told you, but it’s doing things to him, especially when you push them up to the top of your head, keeping your unruly hair back with them from your forehead. However now it makes you appear more on the cute side rather than the sexy, though that aspect is still there as well.

You’re snacking on some veggie chips, your latest craving that now takes up half of the pantry, reading something your mother has sent you about the wedding that will only take place after the baby is born, but she’s been so excited about it, she’s been bombarding you with ideas she finds online. You don’t mind it, carefully reading everything she proposes to you and then leaving comments and suggestions of your own before sending it back to her.

You’re wearing an oversized shirt with no pants on, just your underwear, your legs bare and looking so soft and squishy, Sebastian is having a hard time not to reach out and feel them with his own hands.

It’s so domestic, so mundane and simple, seeing you like this in the comfort of the home the two of you share, yet in this moment he feels like he is on top of the world. He swears he could cry from happiness when he looks at you in this state and he wishes he could preserve this moment forever.

He watches you reach into the bag, your eyes still on the screen, but then you realize that the chips is gone and you pout softly, giving the now empty bag a sad look. It’s just then that you notice him watching you instead of the game on the TV.

“What is it?” you ask with a shy, confused look. Sebastian shakes his head, smiling to himself as he leans closer, his lips meeting the corner of your mouth in a soft, chaste kiss.

“Nothing. You want me to grab another bag for you?”

“Ah, no. I shouldn’t even have eaten this bag,” you mumble under your breath, pursing your lips.

“Just eat it if you want it, Doll. There’s nothing wrong about it.”

“Don’t tempt me, I’ve already put on so much baby weight!” you warn him playfully, making him chuckle.

“That’s alright. You still look beautiful,” he assures you, making your heart flutter in your chest. As a reply, you just give his hand a squeeze before returning to your laptop, starting to type away, but Sebastian can’t stop himself from staring still. Licking your lips you notice his gaze again, feeling a little shy under his inspecting stare.

“What? Do I have something on my face?” you start guessing, but he shakes his head no, a hand reaching out to finally grab your bare thigh, his fingers deliciously sinking into your flesh.

“No, I just…” he sighs. “You’re so beautiful and I love you so much. That’s it.”

Your cheeks immediately heat up at his words, not sure where all of this affection is coming from all of a sudden.

“Stop, I didn’t even shower this morning,” you huff awkwardly. You just simply couldn’t muster up the energy to undress, shower and dress again, so you decided to skip, now Sebastian is treating you like a princess.

“I really don’t care,” he smirks, reaching up his palm cups the side of your face, his thumb running across the soft skin under your eye. He simply can’t fight this sudden wave of sentimentality, not that he wants to. Showing his love and affection has always been important for him and he will not shy away from letting you know how he feels. “I know I’ve said this before, but… I really am one lucky man.”

“You always say this as if I’m doing you a favor by being with you, but it’s mutual, Seb,” you softly tell him. Abandoning your laptop you scoot closer until he can wrap an arm around your shoulders, your sides pressed up against each other. “I’m lucky to have you too.”

“Yeah? So you’re not sick of me yet?” he teases you playfully, pressing his fingers into your side, making you jump a little.

“You think I would have said yes if I was?” you ask, holding up your hand, the diamond ring sitting not so subtly on your finger.

“Maybe you said yes just because I knocked you up,” he prompts and you smack his chest, making him laugh.

“Stop that! As if we weren’t already planning to have a baby, sometime soon,” you mock him, narrowing your eyes at him and smirking down at you he just kisses your forehead.

“I know, I know. I’m just still kinda looking for the explanation how someone like you ended up with me.”

“Oh please! Thousands of women were devastated when it got out that you’re off the market,” you scoff at his comment. “I should be thinking about the how, not you.”

“I guess we are… a lucky pair then, huh?” he smirks as you snake a hand behind his neck, pulling him down so your lips meet in a smearing kiss.

“Mm, the luckiest,” you grin against his lips.

Thank you for reading, please like and reblog if you enjoyed it!

[llamagoddessofficial]

Oh I am incredibly interested In a zoo/research facility au for the siren boys

... 👀

The facility is legally a zoo, it’s how they get a lot of their funding, but it also doubles as an incredibly important centre for the study of sirens. Sirens actively hunt/prey on humans, and having three adult males of different subspecies’ is invaluable to research on how to defend against them. The guys draw loads of visitors, being huge and dangerous and the like... but they also have a lot of scientists keen to examine them.

Sans: An orca boy. His lower half resembles an orca (he’s nowhere near the size of an actual orca, he just has the tail and markings of one), and some of the black markings travel up his bones too. 

... ‘Apathetic’ is the best way to describe Sans...  He’s very intelligent, even by the standards of his own species, but that means keeping him in a tank has left him painfully bored no matter how high the quality of the tank is. He’s so bored and unenriched it’s lead to him becoming... slightly sociopathic in nature. He’ll find any way he can to torment staff, visitors, even his own food when given the chance; it’s been noted that he has a clear preference for living meals that he can chase to exhaustion around his tank. Staff get bitten and splashed, visitors get jumpscared or ignored, and as soon as he’s done he goes back to swimming in mindless circles to pass the time.

... Mc, the cute little new staff member, visibly fascinates him. When she’s around, he’s more friendly, he’s more active, he seems far less bothered with psychologically tormenting any human near his tank. He gets this playful side to him that nobody knew existed... and fortunately for him, nobody gets suspicious of.

Red: His lower half resembles a tiger shark. C’mon, with those chompers? It wasn’t exactly a surprise. Unlike Sans, Red’s actually brilliant with kids, especially younger ones- when schools bring children on supervised ‘educational’ visits to see the sirens he finds himself the natural focal point, given the fact that he’s not only a big cool shark but he’s also the only one of the three who seems to enjoy engaging with visitors. Kids will flock to see him, and he absolutely revels in the attention; spending too much time in a tank has made him desperate for interaction and there’s something about the way their eyes light up when he grins or taps the glass that helps him keep going. 

... His issue is that he’s very aggressive with staff. Anyone he perceives to be part of the group keeping him in the tank get the foulest edge of his temper and often become closely acquainted with those teeth of his; Sans may be smarter than him, but Red’s jaws can do much more damage upon impact. 

When Mc’s around, he just... turns into a dope, like he’s been turned onto his back; he clearly totally adores her, and he doesn’t care if the zoo uses it as an easy way to get him to do what he’s told. If he gets to see her face and spend time with her, it’s worth it.

Skull: Deep sea siren, the kind that barely get any media attention but account for quite a decent chunk of the siren-related deaths, especially at night. His lower half...? A black giant squid.

His tank has a cave in it, for his comfort, which he rarely ever leaves. Occasionally you might a see a tentacle reach out to grab food that’s drifted to the enclosure floor (if you’re lucky) or the flash of an eyelight, buuuuut... that’s about it? All attempts to lure him out of his hiding place end in slightly embarrassing failure. He was popular when he was first caught and brought to the zoo because of the mystery factor, but the fact that he never leaves his cave meant people got bored of him pretty quickly. As such, his darkened tank room is often empty... and it conveniently provides a nice, scenic place to study, work in private, or even just sit down for a bit.

... That’s how Mc met him- she had her back against his tank’s glass after hours, doing some boring paperwork, and it was only when she realised there was a strange red light on her page that she turned around to find that he’d not only left his cave, but he was right up against the glass, his hands and tentacles curling around her as if trying to break through the enclosure and grab on.

Someone left a little treat out in the open for him...

[crystal-moon-101]

Since I saw people talking about Ben's little big chill kids, I thought I'd finally do some headshots of my ones, who are also a part of my Ben 10 Next Gen. For me, I've always imagined that for young necrofriggians, they all start out looking the same (Beyond some size difference), but as they grow older, they'll start to develop their own patterns, small body traits and shades of colour, as showcased here. I'll share the little info on each sibling, and the basics of who they are as a person. When Ben first found them again, saving them from poachers and going full mum mode, they had been developing these different psychical traits, but not enough to identify each properly on their own, so while giving them names, Gwen used bandana pieces to colour code them, and each kid still wears theirs to this day, slightly modified. So here they are now, as full grown young adults. You can follow from left to right each row, or just the colours next to their names. -North (Black)- The largest and physically strongest of the kids, North acts as the leading member when Ben isn't around, doing their best to watch out for their siblings and be a middle ground to them. It's been this way since they were born, looking out for them and doing whatever they can to protect the others. This has resulted in North collecting quite a few scars and wing tears, though they wear them with pride, wanting to display how strong they are to others. They often looks up to Ben when it comes to being a hero, in how their mumdad protects others and the galaxy, and wants to be a fighter like him one day, often asking to train with their mumdad whenever he's around. Ben has suggested Plumber training for North, but they're still thinking about that. -Tundra (Red)- Tundra is a very curious one, and is known to wander off when things catch their interest. They prefer using experience to learn from, thus making them quick on their feet when something happens, and good at thinking logical. When the siblings are struggling with something, or come across some kind of problem, it's often Tundra who provides the quickest answers that should go well for them. That being said, due to their wandering, they gave gotten into trouble a few times and need to be saved by their siblings or Ben, as despite how smart they are, they can be a bit of a ditz when something catches their interest. -Grey (Silver)- Having a connection to the earth bellow, Grey often spends their time searching caves, and any hidden areas they can find. They especially love to research and find minerals of any kind, ranging from metals to gems, sometimes even studying their metal lunch for the day before eating it. Because of this, they can be carelessly dirty, and aren't the cleanest of people, but does pick up after themself when reminded. Grey is also pretty close with their sibling Storm, and surprising Gwen and Ben when first hearing the two call each other "Dweeb" and "Doofas", when first meeting them again. -Storm (Brown)- As someone who likes to spend a lot of time flying and high in the clouds, Storm is fascinated by the weather and how it behaves, and feeling the cold fresh air and challenging themself with flight training. This has provided them to have the most agility in the air, and knows the best ways to build up speeds, while also not draining themself. Whenever they aren't flying around, they're doing research on the weather, very keen to be a meteorologist one day. Whenever Ben visits, they will often ask him about the weather on other planets, and any adventures he's had in the sky. Storm is also pretty close with their sibling Grey, and surprising Gwen and Ben when first hearing the two call each other "Dweeb" and "Doofas", when first meeting them again. -Crystal (Blue)- Graceful on their feet, Crystal is a charming and gentle person, with a keenness for the art of dancing, especially when hovering in the air. This was something sparked in them when seeing how the patches in their wings, which are see through, glittered and reflected light through them, making Crystal often move around to see what they could get them to do, and the introduction of dancing was something they latched onto as a result. They are one of the hardest of the siblings to get angry, upset or rile up, and often goes with the flow and speaks in a slow and soft voice. Because of their kind nature and beautiful display of their wings, Crystal has attracted many others who are interested in them, many falling for them after meeting Crystal for a mere minute, though they tend to pretend not to notice, and turn down those who ask. -Orion (Orange)- Having an eye for art, Orion is a skilled painter and drawer, while also dabbling into other art forms to create things, their room filled with their works of art, and often creating gifts for others. From when they were little, Orion has always admired their auntie Gwen, and are always keen and eager to hang out with her when she visits, showing every new drawing and painting they have made while she was away. In fact their fondness for auntie Gwen is why they picked the orange bandana, as it reminded them of her hair. -Neva (Green)- Fashion focused and head strong, Neva is a keen one, who knows exactly what they like and isn't afraid to say it. They love designing things to wear, especially since fashion isn't that big on Kylmyys, and Ben brings them fabrics and items they request from earth whenever he comes by on a visit. Though, despite Neva's expensive tastes, they are most certainly aren't a snob, and more often than not create outfits and accessories for others that Neva knows they'd like, and wants to bring out the best beauty in them. Though admittedly, they can get a bit carried away if someone asks for fashion advice, or even brings up the idea of something related to it. Neva also a bit of a business mind too, having gotten some clients recently on their homeworld after seeing what Neva could make. -Raine (Aqua)- A very sweet young one, Raine has a keen eye for collecting things, particularly shiny or unknown stuff. From gemstones to simple earth utensil, if something interests them, Raine is known to take it with them, sometimes snatching without thinking. They don't mean any harm, and just sometimes think before acting, and will give something back if they've realized what they've done, but if it's clear they can keep it, then they aren't one to share, though do like to show off what they have with joy. They are also very well organized, knowing where everything they own is, and even when their siblings misplace something, having a photography memory and mental list of things. They may own a lot of stuff, but that doesn't mean they want to live in a pigsty. -Vale (Yellow)- Being one of the quiet ones, Vale likes to keep a lot to themself, and don't speak very often, only when they need to. They spend a lot of time outside, observing nature as it passes by them, using a little diary to note down what they see, hear, feel, smell and even taste. They like to appreciate silence and the world around them, and the beauty of nature, and collect little things to store away in their diary as memory. Whenever they visit earth, they love to visit the forests in the spring and summer, seeing the range of colours blooming from flowers, and has many flower prints because of this. -Lux (Beige)- Quite the basic of people, Lux likes to live life in a simple way, and tends to try and stare clear of any chaos, which is quite hard when you have 13 wild siblings. Because of them, they can come across as annoyed and frustrated at times, and can be blunt and honest, but they do love their siblings, and is often the one that says what's needed to be said. Lux also have massive wings compared to their body, a ratio none of the others have, and use to trip over their feet a lot growing up. Now, their massive wings are a great way to hide away when they're not in the mood to talk to read a book, or to hug a family member when seeing them down. -Micha (Pink)- Bubbly and sneaky, Micha has been dubbed the "Pink Ninja" for a reason, someone almost always able to hide away and sneak up on others. They love to jump scare people, and has found more and more crafty ways to get around without being noticed, even without their ability to go invisible. They love to pull jokes and get a laugh out of people, and Micha is known to have a snort with their own laughter. It's always their mission to catch Ben off guard when he visits, as each time it gets trickier due to him knowing it's coming, and his training and skills build up over the years, but Micha always finds a way in the end. -Zodiac (Gold)- Patient and often neutral toned, Zodiac is often seen to be pretty wise. From a young age, they've always loved stories from history, especially those about myths and legends they hear from around the galaxy, and spend a lot of their time reading and researching anything they hear about, always keen to hear a new story they may have never heard about before. It always fascinates them how much Ben has seen and done, and the stories he tells, Zodiac is practically fond of those about Alien X and Celestialsapians, and wants to meet one one day. -Alaska (White)- High on energy 99% of the time, Alaska is always zooming around and never has time to stop. They rarely sit still for long, and it takes a lot to drain them of their endless energy, always moving in a blink of an eye. Because of this, Alaska is the fastest of the crew, which has come in handy often. But they can be easily bored, and a little frustrating to deal with when they don't pay attention, but they do like to spend that energy by jumping around each sibling to spend the day with, and wants to engage in all of their activities to support them. -Arlo (Purple- The smallest of them, Arlo was born the runt of the group, but thanks to their siblings, especially North, they managed to survive childhood when most other necrofriggian runts would have died. This makes Arlo the baby of the group, and the one they all want to protect, even if it can be a little baring at much, wanting to prove they can be strong on their own. And Arlo somewhat got their wish, when reaching a certain age and Ben learning that one of his children had the spark, thus meaning Arlo is an Anodite, and is able to use magic, though they're far from being perfect at it, and their small body sometimes struggles to keep up. But each day Arlo practices, wanting to feel more than just the tiny one, but they are generally kind and great with emotions, being very supportive and just trying their hardest.