#you know i can usually tell if something is off or whatever

[fairestwriting]

Reader sleeping on the couch after an argument w/Dorm leaders? How they would react w/happy endings?

this got super long so i decided to change up the post layout so longer stuff would look nicer. But im also posting from a new device so if this goes up and theres any formatting fumbles then uhm. you didnt see anything

𐙚 Riddle Rosehearts

Despite how hotheaded and stubborn he is, it’s actually really rare for you two to really argue. He values your opinions on everything, and he’d hate for you to feel like he doesn’t hear you or care about your feelings. The last thing he wants is to make you feel like doesn’t care.

That, however, is something he’s still learning. It’s not very easy to let go of the habits he developed growing up— Especially if he thinks what he’s doing is best for you. He doesn’t know how to convince people, so he ends up coming off forceful and inconsiderate. It might even happen without him noticing he messed up, if you’re not extra straightforward about it.

So he knew you weren’t happy with him, but really didn’t think it was that bad, seeing you asleep on the couch is the last thing he was expecting. Even more if it’s the first time it happens, it makes him freeze go into panic mode.

You’re woken up to a really shaken looking Riddle, asking you what you’re doing on the couch at this time in very genuine confusion. He might not even have considered it was because of the argument, too focused on trying to figure out what’s up with you. And it’s hard to stay upset at him when he so readily listens to whatever you have to say, apologizing profusely and making a promise to not do it again that he’ll always keep. His intention from the start was to do what’s best for you, after all— So if he turns out to be wrong, the first thing he wants to do is to correct it.

𐙚 Leona Kingscholar

Arguing with Leona is… definitely a situation. It might have you wondering if it even counts as an argument at all. Sometimes he just doesn’t seem to even react to what you have to say, sometimes he straight up states he can’t be bothered to argue. He’s not as stubborn towards people he really likes, but he’s still very proud.

He can actually tell that he messed up very quickly, pretty much in the middle of whatever interaction went wrong, but can’t bring himself to actually back down and admit it. He doesn’t even bother trying to convince himself that he’s right or anything, he’s just that allergic to saying the word “sorry”.

When he walks past you, his first thought is that he should just “let you sulk”. It’s probably not the first time it happens to him in a relationship— And the same routine plays out every time. He wants to walk away, but he can’t. He eventually does, then he comes back and stares for minutes. Regret starts to really sink in then.

You have a blanket draped over you the day after, and Leona just so happens to be around to ask, much more tentatively than usual, if you’re coming with him to get breakfast. It’s his version of an apology, kind of. He’ll actually say it out loud if the subject of the argument was more serious, but that’s rare. He’s not very good at this and the both of you are aware of that, but he still cares, and he’ll get there eventually. Maybe.

𐙚 Azul Ashengrotto

Surprisingly, or perhaps not, he might actually have the lowest argument rate out of all dorm leaders? He owes a lot of it to just being good with words, he pretty much always manages to bring up his disagreements in a really non-confrontational way, they’ll barely even register as disagreements at all. If he can’t find a way to seamlessly compromise, he often just keeps his thoughts to himself.

...Mostly because he gets too anxious at the possibility of you rejecting him. Even if it’s something small, it’ll stay inside his head and refuse to leave, getting dwelled on when life starts to get particularly stressful. If you two argue, the likelihood is that he actually started it, because some other minor issue came up and the pile he was mentally stacking ended up falling apart.

Things can get really messy in the moment. Everything sounds offensive to him when he’s freaking out, while at the same time he’s painfully aware that he’s being overly emotional and causing problems that didn’t exist before. He stops his rant suddenly when self control manages to return to him, but at that point things were already said, and you’re walking separate ways after he awkwardly suggests you two just take a moment to cool off.

He might not even see you on the couch, being too ashamed to leave his office, but Jade will let him know either way. Azul won’t disrupt your sleep, and he’ll even try to give you enough time in the morning to get through your usual routine, but as soon as it’s possible he’s looking for you to privately apologize. He takes care to clear up any misunderstandings before voicing any of his worries, even though it’s visible how nervous he is. It comforts him just to see you looking at him with fondness again, seriously relieved that he won’t be losing you over the situation.

𐙚 Kalim Al-Asim

Kalim is another one who doesn’t really argue, but that’s not to say he doesn’t voice his disagreements, because he does, and he does it very often. It happens as soon as the thought pops up in his mind, spoken all lightheartedly. Regardless of what the subject being talked about is.

…Which can very easily become a problem. He does take all your boundaries very seriously, but you need to be very straightforward about them. So if it happens that you two get into a topic he doesn’t know is touchy for you, he might say something that comes off insensitive. And yes, he will ask you as soon as he sees the change in your expression, but the lack of tact doesn’t mix well with you already being upset, and you end up just walking away.

Only then he stops talking, freezing up completely. He can tell, that you probably want some space now, and he’ll honor that— but the whole thing doesn’t leave his mind for hours. He has no clue of when he should go look for you to try to talk and apologize, no clue of how he should even word it all when he doesn’t know what he did wrong. His heart shatters when he sees you sleeping on the couch.

He probably asked Jamil for advice, then heard that he should really give you your space, but he just can’t take it. You get shaken awake and he’s tearing up while he apologizes, saying he really didn’t mean to make you upset, that he’ll do his best to be more careful if you tell him just what went wrong, but also that you don’t need to talk right now if you don’t want— He’s a little clumsy, and very emotional, but you know he means well, and that he loves you very much, which he’ll be sure remind you of over and over again.

𐙚 Vil Schoenheit

It’s no secret that he can really nag people, but Vil really doesn’t like to actually argue— He’ll say it every time a disagreement or misunderstanding starts to get tense. Partially a self-reminder, he’s aware that he doesn’t have nearly as much patience as he would like to. It can take a decent amount of effort to keep himself in check.

You two do successfully compromise very often, but sometimes even his suggestions can come off very harsh. It’s no secret to anyone who knows him. His peacemaking attempts are still pretty blunt, and his opinions are never held back. It can easily get upsetting, going as far as feeling like he’s judging you even though he’s not.

Vil actually takes a moment to tell that he might have said the wrong thing. He’s not so proud he’ll refuse to admit his own mistakes, but he’s just… used to upsetting people. You can outright leave mid conversation and it still won’t be his gut reaction, he always believes whatever he’s saying and only wants the best for you. It can take a good few moments until he realizes you’re not just “sulking” the way his underclassmen at the dorm do when he scolds them. Finding you asleep on the couch can honestly shock him.

He won’t wake you up right away— It’s still important for you to get your rest, and he wants to really think about what happened before he says anything— but there’s no way he’ll let you spend the night there. His voice is really soft when he calls your name, waiting for you to gather yourself before he tells you he’s sorry. Gently reassuring you in whatever you need while he explains himself, he’ll make sure everything is okay before he touches you at all, wrapping you up into a hug when everything is finally settled.

𐙚 Idia Shroud

He’s freaking out, full stop. He didn’t even think he’d ever get far enough with someone to be in this position. Since when does he even have the audacity to argue with a partner he never even believed he’d get? Whatever he did, he wholeheartedly believes he screwed up big time.

...And even though it’s his anxiety talking first, he might actually be right. He’s usually really passive, doesn’t even voice disagreements beyond maybe just whining about not wanting to go somewhere with a lot of people. And even then, he might be willing to try, just for you — So what went wrong? Probably a messy misunderstanding, where he said a lot of things he doesn’t mean…

He’s honestly just expecting it to be over. Believing that you’re going to block all his socials and never speak to him again. The second you walk away, the only thing in his mind is the absolute worst, so when he sees you on the couch he’s… relieved? But just for a second. It means there’s still hope for him! You would have just disappared if you wanted nothing to do with him, right? But he also recognizes the trope, he knows he’s going to need to work to be forgiven—

Idia is just standing there when you wake up. Pacing around the living room and losing his mind. He gets startled when he sees you’re awake, like he’s terrified of what will come next. At least he’s had (more than) enough time to think about what happened… the apology you get is very much sincere, even if it gets rambly at certain parts, ending with the two of you comforting each other.

𐙚 Malleus Draconia

For obvious reasons, things can get tricky with Malleus. Whenever you feel like you’re really starting to understand him, something strange will happen again, it’s a real cycle. All the factors in his upbringing connect with each other to build a very specific kind of character. Even if it looks like you two are really similar, there’s going to be a minimum of a handful of details that just change everything.

He’s always careful with his words, with basically no exception, but sometimes he just doesn’t know what the “right” thing to say would be, or he doesn’t know what a certain cue could mean in the moment, or whatever he knows is something that doesn’t apply outside of specific context of the royal family he’s a part of— The possibilities are endless, but a lot of the time, it’s more likely that things will just chalk up to the fact you don’t understand each other’s perspectives.

He might notice something is off right away, he might think nothing wrong happened at all, it can be wildly different depending on the topic at hand. He’ll ask what’s wrong if he does notice, but even if you do try to explain to him why you’re hurt, it may not make sense inside his head right away. And even though he’s genuine and fast to apologize, it can feel cold when he clearly can’t tell what’s actually wrong.

When he walks by the couch you’re asleep on, it doesn’t even register as being related to the argument right away. He shakes you awake to tell you it’s not a good idea to sleep there because it gets really cold later in the night. Right now, he’s had enough time to process and understand the situation, quickly giving you a new, truly heartfelt apology. Even if in the whole thing, in retrospect, was a pretty minor issue — And if it isn’t, or you’re just not ready to forgive him yet for whatever reason, he doesn’t push it. The only thing he’ll insist on is having you sleep somewhere more comfortable, really.

if you like my work you can support me by commissioning me or tipping me on ko-fi ── ᵎᵎ ✦

[nevadancitizen]

-> OH VIKTOR, MY VIKTOR (WHAT COULD'VE BEEN)

synopsis: viktor reality-skips and meets different versions of you, different versions of himself, and some sort of god, who tells him of an unyielding truth.

word count: 5k

ships: viktor/reader

tags: angst with a happy ending, fluff and angst, pre-established relationship, pre-season 1 act 3 (aka sky isn't dead (yet))

notes: this is me cashing in my birthday fic (as in i can write anything cause it's my birthday) so i rewrote my other viktor fic w a twist from his perspective

related reading: Rot in Purest Gold

It’s been six weeks since you… left. 

Well, ‘left’ isn’t the right word, and Viktor knows that. But it lessens the blow upon his heart and his mind to just say that you left. Like you took a vacation instead of just disappearing into thin air. But that doesn’t erase the memory of the blue arc of… something – natural lightning, artificial electricity, something else – coming from the Hexcore and touching you, and you just not being there the moment after. 

He had scrambled for you, his cane clattering to the ground as he grasped at the air where you just where. A chant of “No, no, no,” left his lips, and panic quickly wrung his chest until he felt like he couldn’t breathe – more than he usually couldn’t, anyway. His leg buckled beneath him and he held his hands to his chest as he fell to his knees, trying to hold onto whatever was left of you (which was… nothing).

It’s been six weeks of a cold bed, six weeks of not waking up next to you. 168 pills (two for pain, one to regulate high blood pressure, and one to dilate the bronchi in his lungs to breathe easier – all taken daily). 36 days of work, despite your insistence that he take both days of the weekend off. 

It’s been 42 days of you… you left. You didn’t die. Your body would’ve been here if you died. There’s no body, so you’re not dead. (At least, that’s what Viktor hoped and prayed for.)

But, for all that hoping and all that praying, he never thought about what he’d do if he walked into the lab one morning, with you just… waiting. Sitting on the workbench, cross-legged, looking out the window. 

He says your name – a rasping whisper, honestly – and you turn. 

A soft smile spreads across your face. It’s polite, but forced all the same. “Hello. Do you happen to know where I am?”

“You’re here,” Viktor says, breathless and unbelieving. He staggers forward the best he can while his body is still in this state of pseudo-shock. His mind is racing – the speed of the hexgates couldn’t even hope to compare.

“Uh… yeah. I am.” You look around the lab and pull your knees to your chest. “Pretty nice place you got here. You rich or something?”

The tip of Viktor’s cane drags along the ground – he can’t even bother to lift it properly as he makes his way to you. You probably can’t even begin to know what this means to him. Seeing you, you for real (not in his dreams, or behind his eyelids, or in photographs). 

Tears well up in his eyes and mist his vision. “My love… what happened to you?”

Viktor rests his hip on the edge of the workbench and reaches out to you, his hand trembling. You shift away, your eyebrows drawing together in confusion. 

“Excuse me?” You say. 

His body shakes as a sob racks through it, his teeth gritting together to suppress the ugly sounds threatening to escape him. Viktor is usually calm, controlled; the one with a royal flush hidden against his chest. But this poker hand isn’t one he recognizes – what game are you playing?

A look of panic washes over your face and you take Viktor’s hand, probably to try to soothe him. But in that instant where skin meets skin, something… happens. 

Viktor opens his eyes with a start. He sits up in bed, and his joints groan in protest. 

The bed is… plush. Many blankets and pillows with a straw mattress much too big for just himself. And the bedroom itself isn’t huge, but it’s much bigger than anything down in Zaun. (Probably something below average in Piltover.)

Viktor pushes the layered blankets off himself and hooks his legs over the side of the bed. He stands and grabs his cane. 

There’s a knock at the window above the desk across the room. He looks over, only to see you, smiling, perching on the outside window sill. You look younger – maybe fourteen, or fifteen?

The thought strikes Viktor just as he passes a full-length mirror propped in the corner of the room. He looks younger, too: the same age as you, most likely. His face still has remnants of baby fat, and it looks like he’s in that awkward stage where he’s yet to grow into his cane. 

You rap against the window again –

– and it’s not a window. It’s two doors. Big ones, at that; with armored guards with spears standing on either side. 

“Enter,” Viktor calls out. It’s an odd sensation – he wasn’t the one who commanded his lips to move, but it was his voice coming from his mouth all the same. Like he’s being puppeteered. 

The guards’ armor clanks as they pull open the door. You stagger through the entryway, gritting your teeth and clenching your jaw repeatedly. You look almost… manic. Crazed. 

As you come closer, Viktor observes you – no matter how hard he tries to move, he can’t. It’s like this body is his, but… not. He’s just an observer. He can’t approach you, hold you, even if you look different. He knows it’s you. 

Grey streaks through your hair, and deep scars litter your body, the nastiest above your heart on your bare chest. Your baggy pants are torn and bloodstained. Mud and dirt cover your worn feet. Your gaze is trained on the ground; you don’t dare to meet Viktor’s eyes.

You finally kneel before his throne. Wait – was he sitting on a throne all this time? Is he, like, a king or something?

You confirm his thought with a whispered, reverent “My Liege.”

“My warrior,” Viktor responds in kind. 

You begin to reach for him, but stop yourself. Instead you rest your hand on your knee. “The exile to the badlands… I – I wanted – needed – a conflict to call me back home. Back to you.”

Viktor thinks to himself as his disconnected body stays silent. Why would he cast you out, especially if you’re in such high standing? The scars on your body indicate numerous battles, and you being alive before him indicates you’ve won all of them…

“If I may have the honor…” You trail off. You glance up at him once, but don’t meet his eyes. You bow your head. “I would… it would bring me great joy to fight for you again. To be your chieftain once more.”

His body continues to stay silent. If King Viktor has any thoughts, he can’t hear them. Well… this might be an improvement from the last… reality? Since Viktor only had a few moments of seeing you before he jumped to another one. Wait – jumped? Skipped? He needs to get back home to discuss this with you further. (Never mind your apparent amnesia – he’ll deal with that when he gets to it.)

“When the vultures start to circle…” Viktor begins.

“I will keep my nerve still,” you complete for him, your head still bowed.

He hums appreciatively. A small sound telling you to continue.

“The badlands…” You shake your head. “We must bring order. There are no gods, no kings – only man. The people there are many, but they don’t know how to organize amongst themselves. They have nothing but pride to defend.”

“Pride is a powerful motivator,” Viktor says. 

“They speak of a crown for the victorious,” you say. “It shall be rightfully yours, if you allow me to conduct battle in your name.”

He takes you in. Your body is strong, chiseled, half-bare. You look battle-forged, molded in a crucible fuelled by hellfire. He can’t tell if the badlands have done you good or bad, but you stayed loyal to his kingly counterpart. That ought to count for something. 

Viktor holds out his hand, his palm upturned. You look up, your eyes trained on his hand before looking up and meeting his gaze.

A moment passes. Your face twists slightly, the corners of your lips turning down a little and your eyebrows coming together a bit. Your jaw starts to clench and unclench again. 

He turns his hand over, the back of it presented to you. You breathe out a shaky sigh and lift your hand from your knee. 

“May the true king rise,” you say softly. You take his hand –

– and then immediately flinch away, clutching your palm. You let out a low growl, your face contorting in pain. 

Viktor feels his stomach twist and his heart drop. He stumbles backwards into the corner of his cage, flexing his hands and digging his fingernails into his palms.

“No! No, no,” you say. You clench your hand, trying to stop your palm from bleeding. “No, Viktor. It wasn’t your fault. You just don’t know your strength yet, that’s all.”

You put your uninjured hand on one of the bars. “Please, Viktor. You’re hurting yourself.”

Viktor looks down at his hands. Sure enough, his fingernails have broken skin and his palms are starting to bleed. And, when he really looks at his own hands, they seem… different. His hands were comparable to King Viktor’s, but not to these. 

His hands are rough and big, almost paw-like. And the rest of his body is, too; it’s mutated and it’s wrong. 

He looks at you. You look… mostly the same. Your eyes are the wrong color and you’re a little bit shorter, but still. So why was he so different? What the hell happened to him?

“What…” Viktor’s voice is not his own. He’s not controlling it, and it’s deeper, his accent is thicker, and his words just barely slur together. “What did you… do to me?”

“I’m saving you,” you say readily. “You – you told me to continue the treatments…”

His eyes flutter shut. That’s right. He did. His disease is progressing and he is dying. This must be a truth in every reality. 

“Don’t feel guilty,” you say, your voice soft and reassuring. “It’s worth it. Everything is worth it.”

Viktor opens his eyes. You’re still there, still smiling through the pain and still by his side. You look at him with nothing but love.

He lumbers forward, his bum leg no longer as much of an issue. He raises one of his hands and gingerly presses his fingers against yours where they rest on the bars of his cage. 

“There you are,” you say softly. 

Viktor’s eyes sting with tears. He leans forward and presses his forehead against the bars, letting his eyes slide close. It seems like there’s two truths in every reality – his disease and your love for him. Even if he’s a monster, you love him. You love him. 

Surely, at home – in his base reality – you still love him. Somewhere, deep inside, there are remnants of your feelings… and Viktor would do anything to help you remember them.

A tear rolls down his cheek. “Here I am.”

“Oh, Vik…” You bring your hand to the side of Viktor’s neck, holding his jaw. “Don’t cry. You’re perfect.”

He lets out a shaky breath. He feels your lips meet his forehead – 

– and then pull away. There’s a crooked smile on your face, and there’s something around Viktor’s neck. 

He looks down, noticing a necklace you must’ve slipped on him while distracting him with a kiss. It’s sparkling with diamonds and white gold, but speckled with blood. He takes it off and puts it on the desk in front of him.

“Money is easier to process,” Viktor sighs. He shifts in his seat and crosses his legs. “But I appreciate it.”

“I put a whole lotta effort into gettin’ you all these nice things,” you say, your tone holding a twinge of a whine. You sling your arm around his shoulders and lean in. “Do all them families without pig-cop-daddies mean nothin’ to you?”

Viktor breathes in, then exhales slowly. He puts a hand on yours where it rests on his shoulder. “It means the world to me.”

You laugh and squeeze his shoulders, pressing the tip of your nose against his temple and knocking his glasses askew. Even though Viktor still feels… trapped in this body, for lack of a better term, this is nicer than the body he was in before. You’re warm against his cool skin, and he can feel himself smiling. 

He allows you to continue your clinging as he flicks on a bright lamp and picks up a small magnifying glass. The word comes to mind – loupe. He hums softly as he brings the necklace close to his face, inspecting it with a careful eye. 

“The white gold is real,” he says. “Most of the gems are real diamonds. Some of the smaller pieces are substituted with quartz. The piece looks relatively old, so they are more likely to be blood diamonds rather than lab-grown.”

You rest your cheek on Viktor’s shoulder. Your hand moves away from his other shoulder, instead tracing shapes into his back. “How much d’you think it’ll go for?”

“Our usual fence is shifting something big in Miami,” he says. “If that deal goes well, and she’s in a good mood… maybe twenty thousand?”

Viktor can feel you smile against his clothed skin. “Mh… I hope.”

“And the duffels you and the others brought back…” He sets the loupe and the necklace down on the desk. “How much do you estimate?”

“Maybe… half a mil each,” you say. Your hand moves further down his back, tracing over the notches in his back brace. “Silco has been talking to Danske Bank – they’re willin’ to launder. He also has an investor in Bosnia lined up.”

His stomach drops at that name. Silco. But… he might be different. Viktor’s different, you’re different – it’s almost as if you’re part of some sort of robbery group, with Viktor as a mediator with the fences. The blood on the necklace and the duffel bags full of money are evidence enough. 

“Maybe we can take a trip there,” Viktor says, leaning back into your touch.

“Vik…” You laugh. “I’m on, like, seventeen ‘do not fly’ lists.”

He lifts a hand and runs a few fingers down your jaw. “When has that ever stopped you?”

You hum and lean into his touch, silently acknowledging that, no, a simple piece of paper (and the authority behind it) has never even given you the slightest bit of pause. “Why, ain’t you the smartest gemologist there ever done was…”

“You are quite the flatterer,” Viktor hums. 

“Only the best for the love of my life,” you say softly. 

His heart roars in his chest and he’s smiling so wide he’s sure he looks stupid. A breathy laugh escapes him and he turns, holding your warm face in both his hands. 

You scrunch up your nose and screw your eyes shut, your smile big as you put your hands over his. Your laugh is soft and giggly when he pinches your cheeks lightly. 

Viktor leans in, but his mental projection onto this body is so strong that it actually hesitates for a moment. This is… a different version of you. But he’s also a different version of himself – one that’s in love with this version of you. Besides, he doesn’t have that much control of this body, anyway. He’s missed you so much he can’t bring himself to care. 

It’s almost as if you can feel his close presence, or his breath on your face, or maybe you just want to kiss him. His thin, chapped lips meet yours – 

– and your lips feel rough, with patches of moss smattering across your face. 

Viktor pulls away, one hand still splayed across your cheek, the other holding himself up with his cane. You bring him away from your face, and he can take you in in full. 

He’s standing in the palm of your hand. You’re huge; sitting, you must be a story and a half tall. Your skin is covered – no, actually, you’re made of wood, twisting branches and trunks and bark making up your entire body. A winding crown made of bramble sits atop your head. Golden flowers, almost glowing, bloom across your collarbone and up one side of your neck, the petals looking almost silk-like. Your face is a simple blank mask, but Viktor can tell how you feel. The intrinsic connection between you two is almost tangible. 

You hold out a finger towards him, then slowly, carefully ruffle his hair. Viktor feels a little like a doll, but the care and caution you use when handling him causes delighted laughter to bubble up his throat. 

He leans into your touch, and a moment later, he realizes it’s of his own volition. He’s not trapped – his thoughts match his body, and he can do whatever he pleases. The very idea brings a smile to his face.

You make a sound that’s vaguely affirmative, kind of like cooing. You run your fingertip across the shell of his ear and past his pulse point, tipping his jaw up. 

He looks up at you, that content smile still on his face. “Yes?”

You (again, slowly, carefully) move him close to you. With your free hand bracing against the ground, you stand. Wind batters Viktor, but he blocks most of it out when he hides against the flat, broad expanse of your chest. 

When you stop moving, he looks over his shoulder across the vastness now exposed to him. Roots of trees reach from the ground into the night sky. Some are weaved together neatly, some are jerked into tight knots, some seem to be isolated from all the rest. None are the same. Everywhere Viktor looks, it’s crowded, with roots from one collection traveling a ways before joining another knot or weave or lattice, then another. 

“What… is this?” Viktor asks.

“Behold the beauty, the interconnectedness of all realities,” you say. Your voice is deep and rumbling – it reminds him of the far-away explosions he’d hear in the mines as a child. “Lo, Viktor, witness the cosmos. We nurture its essence, lest each fragile existence come unraveled.”

“We?” Viktor echoes, looking up at you. 

You look down at him, then raise your free hand to lovingly caress the flowers blooming on you. The color of the petals almost seem to match Viktor’s eyes. “Yea. We.”

You look forward and take a slow step that thunders when your foot meets the ground. The roots of the trees groan and whine as they bend out of your way as you walk. “Not long ago, I beheld a reflection of my own being… they were of your kind – small and frail, bound by the same fleeting fate. Dost thou know of this encounter?”

“I… did not know of this, no,” he says. 

You hum, and it sounds like the rolling tide of an avalanche. “Yes. It is as I thought.”

Viktor watches as you reach up to a particularly intricate weaving of roots. Your fingertips grow branches and intrude the plait, lacing themselves into it. 

He reaches out and splays a hand over the pad of your thumb as you… work? He’s not sure what you’re doing, actually. He doesn’t try anything else – just slowly lets his fingernails drag and catch on the dips of your thumbprint. It’s almost peaceful like this. Not trapped in his body or forced to say words he doesn’t mean. 

“Doth that reflection of my own being recall thee?” You ask softly. (Well, as softly as you can ask, anyway.) “Or art thou but a wisp of memory, lost in the abyss?”

“They… they do not remember me, no,” Viktor says, his voice hesitating despite himself. “I do not even know if they would wish to have their memories back.”

Your fingertips slowly retreat from the lattice. “Thou and I art entwined, Viktor. A truth, unyielding – two fated souls, forever bound in every existence. In all realms, thou art bound to me, as I am unto thee. This truth cannot be undone; not even by mine own hand.”

“In every existence…” he repeats, a whisper to himself. The thought – fact, as you had pointed out – makes his chest swell. 

Viktor gets interrupted when he feels something make contact with his foot. When he looks down, a root, skinny and scaly, is winding around his ankle. It reaches underneath his pant leg, and when it touches his skin –

– it’s you caressing Viktor’s ankles as he rests his feet in your lap. 

Nothing to be scared of. Nothing to be afraid of. Everything is fine. There are no cosmos, no alternate universes and nothing to worry about. 

The living room is warm and comfortable and it smells like home. It smells like you and sweetmilk. Fast-moving, sequential images are being displayed on a weird, skinny box – it’s a television. Something is playing on the television. 

A rather… odd-looking man is sitting behind a table stocked with various candies and foods. He throws a handful of colorful candies in his mouth and chews. After a few moments, his shoulders start shaking in either subdued laughter or poorly-concealed terror – it’s hard to tell. 

“It tastes like hamburger meat,” the man cries. “It tastes like raw hamburger meat!”

You laugh, and Viktor finds himself laughing with you. He doesn’t know what he’s laughing about. What’s a hamburger? A food. It’s an American food. What’s America? Stop asking questions.

“I am nothing if not a scientist,” Viktor says out loud. “And scientists ask questions, do they not?”

He turns to you and you have the wrong face. Distorted, melted. He opens his mouth to scream –

– and finds the breath stolen from his lungs. 

You have the root crushed beneath your finger. It crumbles and withers away under the slight pressure.

“Pardon the interruption,” you say. “The feeble realities… they yearn for the conscious, intelligent soul. Thy mind must be a feast most bountiful.”

Viktor gasps, recovering from the mental whiplash. Then, after a moment, he smiles slightly, a soft breath passing his lips. “I would like to believe that it is.”

“More shall seek. They sense thee, crawling forth for whispers of memories remaining.” You move a bit faster now, with more purpose. “We must return thee to thine reality. Mine own dear Viktor slumbers… soon, the time comes for it to wake.”

You continue moving at a quicker pace, but it’s clear you’re making sure not to knock Viktor out of your hand. The roots groan and give soft cracking noises that leave him worried as you continue on your path. 

Viktor clocks what you said a second later. “Wait, your own Viktor?”

“Indeed,” you say. “For now, it slumbers. This is for the preservation of both your fates.”

“Your Viktor is in danger?” He asks. 

“Nay. With every shard of my being, I shield it from danger unknown,” you say. “Such potent, restless souls dwell within you both. I shall not tempt risk and allow both thine eyes to open at the same time.”

Before Viktor can question you further, you slowly come to a stop in front of a ball of roots – a delicate lace made of strong wood. He feels an intrinsic, instinctual pull to it; like how an animal doesn’t know the word ‘hunger,’ but eats when it’s hungry. He doesn’t know the word or the feeling he has toward this thing – this reality – but he needs to interact with it. Needs to be back in that reality, his base reality.

“Hark,” you say. “Thine home.”

You reach out to it, invading it with your branches like you did to the one before. They snake their way through the intricate weaving.

You then look down at Viktor and bring him up to your collarbone, close to the golden flowers. Up close, the petals are whorls and swirls of golden yellows, and the stamen are crimson at the base with off-white tips. 

“Dost thou not behold the beauty of my dear Viktor?” You ask. 

He stops himself from touching one of the petals and looks up at you. “This… this is me?”

“Indeed,” you say. “A reflection. Brush over the blooms. It shall lead thee back to thine home.”

Viktor takes a step forward and brushes his hand over the flowers. A chime sounds, and pollen falls – well, it doesn’t really fall so much as it floats in the air. 

A translucent, almost celestial figure appears from the flowers and pollen, curled up with its eyes closed. As it hovers, it morphs for a few seconds, then becomes a reflection of Viktor; naked, warm, peaceful. A small smile rests on its lips. 

“Lo, witness my harbinger. My Viktor, the conduit of fate,” you say. “A catalyst for thine return. Touch, and behold its might — your might.”

Viktor looks up at you. 

“Be not afraid,” you say. Your voice shifts, and it’s no longer deep and thunderous and godlike. It’s yours. It’s the voice you have in Viktor’s reality. It’s the voice you use when you’re marveling at his beauty, when you make him turn soft and mushy and romantic. “They wait for thee, Viktor. Who art thou to deny thine beloved?”

And something in him cracks and blooms, like a weed through the concrete slabs of Piltover sidewalks. Viktor reaches forward and touches his reflection’s shoulder. 

His reflection breathes out a sigh, a pink mist leaving its mouth. It slowly uncurls, then opens its eyes and turns to Viktor. 

Their eyes meet –

– and he’s home. He’s in the lab, still holding your hand in a crushing grip. 

Your eyes go wide and your breathing starts to turn labored. Viktor is still crying. Tears well up in your eyes in response.

“Viktor,” you whisper, your voice warbling. 

He whispers your name in return. Quiet. Disbelieving.

You let out a choked, ugly sound, and scramble for him, almost falling to the ground as you get off the workbench. You wrap him up in your arms and he holds you close, pressing his face into the crook of your neck.

“You’re really here,” Viktor says, his voice thick and sticky. 

“I’m here,” you sob. 

He pulls away just a little, just enough to see you, to take the true you in again. Your face is twisted in heavy emotion, and yet, you still look so gorgeous. Fat tears roll down your face and you can’t stop crying, but you’re all that Viktor ever wants. 

“I never thought I would see you again,” he says softly. “When you – it…”

He tilts his head forward, touching his forehead to yours as his eyes close. “I was so scared. I thought…”

“You’re not getting rid of me that easy.” You laugh weakly. 

“What? No, no, don’t say that.” Viktor moves his hands, one now holding your face and the other resting on the back of your neck. “I would never get rid of you. Never, never in a thousand years.”

You put your hand on his where it rests on your cheek and relax into his touch. A moment later, you gasp, turning away from Viktor. “The Hexcore!” 

You look around, then spot it silently hovering above its place on the workbench. It doesn’t make any noise, doesn’t spit blue arcs of lightning, doesn’t do much of anything. 

“Is it…” You trail off and sniffle. “Is it stable?”

“We have not so much as touched it since you left,” Viktor says. “We did not want to risk anything… not until I got you back, at least.”

“You got me back?” You turn back to him with a smug smile playing on your lips despite the drying tears on your face. “Possessive.”

He laughs and returns to his rightful place, resting his forehead against your shoulder. “Yes, maybe. But you cannot blame me, no? You have been gone, and I… I have been afraid.”

“I’m here now,” you say softly. Your arms wrap around him and ensure he stays close. “I’m sorry, I didn’t… I didn’t know what to do.”

“Don’t you dare apologize,” Viktor says. 

You hum and rest your head in the crook of his neck, breathing him in. He remembers you fawning over the faint scent of sweetmilk that hid under the smell of electrical smoke, smiling and telling him that it made him ‘even cuter.’ (But you had complained about the smell of rancid smoke. You told him to go get a change of clothes soon after.)

“I’m exhausted,” you say softly. Your voice is so quiet only he can hear, like it’s a whisper, like it’s a secret.

Viktor pulls away just slightly, then guides you to the plush sofa hidden behind the blackboard. He wheels it out of the way and waits for you. 

You lay down and stretch out, wiggling until you’re comfortable. You reach behind your head and prop your head up with your forearm, then pat your chest in a silent invitation.

Viktor props his cane up against the side of the sofa and carefully lays down on you, slotting himself against your body. You’re just as warm as he remembered. Your free hand strokes his messy, untamed hair, and it’s like you were never apart from him. 

He silently promises himself that this will never happen again – this separation will never happen again. The Hexcore will be dealt with, whether that means taming or destroying it. 

Viktor will never leave you again. Just like the god-you said, with every shard of his being, he will protect you. He may be a dying cripple, but a dying cripple doesn’t have a lot to lose. 

“Thou and I art entwined, Viktor. A truth, unyielding – two fated souls, forever bound in every existence. In all realms, thou art bound to me, as I am unto thee. This truth cannot be undone; not even by mine own hand.”

The voice of god-you, deep and thundering, whispers in the back of his head. The thought gives Viktor comfort. 

He slides his hand underneath you, holding you just as you’re holding him. He’s not letting you go, not for a while. As long as you’ll have him, he’ll be yours.

Come hell or high water, he’ll always be yours. He doesn’t have that much energy to fight that fate anyway. (Nor does he really want to.)

[thementalshawty]

PAC What’s Bloccin’ You From ROMANTIC Love.

Hey babies, I’m bacc with another pac I’m always hearing and getting the questions on when is love coming and I’m like aye same but there’s some things that we’re doing that’s kind of shoving love away and we don’t know what it is or we don’t wanna be real about it, well I’m here to be real some of us are purposefully pushing away love or bloccin it and we’re gonna find out why, choose between the 3 Gifs and find out what’s been bloccin you from love!!! so I won’t see your cards til I write up the reading for you guys cos I’m doing a blind reveal so I can give you very live on the spot intuition and feedbac, sometimes I like to see the cards to get an overall energy before starting the piles but something is telling me to just allow myself to experience this reading with you, hmmm maybe something in there about me we gon see.

Also I’ll be pulling one card for myself at the end to give myself a reading as well on this and I’ll love for your comments and thoughts about it, (Sumn new I wanna try)

P1

P2

P3

Let’s get started shall we 😏

Pile 1

At the bottom of the Decc for you guys you have Losing Yourself. I’m seeing that you guys easily lose yourselves in the ones that you’re involved with I’m thinking maybe even talking stages too and it’s okay to be obsessed with them I heard never stop showing affection or that you care but don’t make them your ENTIRE LIFE & EXISTENCE! You have a life too, so don’t forget to live it! This makes me feel like most of you will find love when you’re focused on you or when you’re doing something for you,living your best life you know? I’m getting a message for you saying “Also watch out for that in friendships, all relationships, all kinds.” I’m surprised that the boundaries card didn’t show up, oh well we didn’t even pull your cards yet but don’t be surprised if that’s one of the cards I feel. Yeah the main reason I feel like love is blocced for you guys is that you lose yourself completely in others which is in MY OPINION just because you don’t really know yourself that well or that confident in who you are, which is very normal so feel not type of way about it. Your first card is NOT MY TYPE. I probably have this pile cos I actually don’t know how this is a blocc but okay 🤷🏾‍♀️ you’re too picky, I think most of these people picking this pile got some kind of earth mainly Virgo placement, or you get the ICK real quicc. I am seeing that you may think only “ugly, or bleh people” hit you up or approach you but your missing out on good romantic opportunities and moments because you reject people to quicc or don’t give them chances in beating high standards which I adore! never settle Frfr, your guides are saying the same shit but they want you to be more open so maybe the person don’t have to checc off all the boxes on your list to get a chance with you, be more OPEN to different types of people, your romantic interest maybe someone you consider “NOT YOUR TYPE”. (���� I hate that shit to real shit cos if that don’t worc out then you’ll be even more upset cos you don’t even usually date mfs like that or whatever the case is you know, but I digress). Your next card is NOT BEING YOU. Your guides feel like you’re not showing the real you. There’s a Chris Rocc joke coming into my head, when he says when you date someone or meet someone you’re not meeting them you’re meeting their representative. This is the vibe. Some of you are shy, I think you hold bacc out of fear of judgement, or again for some of you it’s deadass lack of self and it’s bloccin you from attracting romantic love, honestly you should wanna be with someone you can be your true authentic self with and if you don’t know who that is yet than the focus shouldn’t be on romantic love it should be on SELF LOVE! You’re trying to portray perfection and this is again giving me VIRGO vibes, I’m not seeing this as you fake for some of you it’s lacc of self knowledge, but for the most of you guys it’s fear of judgement in hearing “looking weak???” You don’t like anyone seeing you vulnerable or having low moments you want to always be Beyoncé I woke up like this flawless, but hunny, the flawlessness comes from the flaws, perfection IS imperfection, what’s “wrong” about you, is what makes you right so be you always, regardless of the vibe high or low be you show you, loudly! Take the mask off and I’m hearing porcelain skin?? Don’t trip on appearing perfect, just be yourself or for some of you focus on figuring out who that is! Your last card is NEED RESCUING. This again is giving me the vibe of the previous card of not knowing yourself, or atleast trying to portray perfection. You don’t have to be perfect to find love you don’t need to sit around and pray that it falls into your lap, if you want love GO LOOK FOR IT! If you like someone shoot your shot, make your move, they feel like you’re waiting around for love to save you and they only feel you’re way more powerful than that, you go look for what you want and you don’t have to approach you can just put yourself out there, show the world that you’re ready for love.

Pile II

Aww my overly romantic pile I’m feeling. Your bottom of the Decc card is Love’s The Answer. So for you guys what’s bloccin you guys from romantic love is that you think it’s the answer for everything, I think you feel if you have a partner, Spouse, even a sneaky link you’ll feel complete, there’s only dependence in you at this time and you need to focus and work on being independent and self reliant cos SELF LOVE is the answer and the Only Answer at this time!! Your guides are reminding you that love won’t solve ALL your problems, I feel you’ll meet someone when you’re not looking for it, when YOU ARE IN YOUR ELEMENT! You honestly don’t need anyone but yourself to feel whole and complete, love isn’t the answer to the problems right now you want romantic love first then love yourself with all you got, you deserve too! show the world how to treat you by treating yourself that way! I also think right now ROMANCE isn’t in the cards for you, I think you need to be working on your independence right now, a glow up is in the cards for you and that’s sort of bloccin you from love overall I think. Your first card is Unavailable. Are you only interested in people who seem to not want a relationship right now, or that is taken themselves? I’m seeing one of the things bloccin you from romantic love is that you re only chasing people that are unavailable in some way shape or form. The funny thing is SOME OF YOU ARE THE UNAVAILABLE ONES! Some of you run away from romantic opportunities that come your way, someone can be flirting with you and you’ll find some way to push them away or run away, do you ghost people? I feel like you chase unavailable because you lowkey want it to fail, I just feel like you self sabotage yourself, you’re bloccin your own way to romance. Your next card is Too Hard. Your mind is your biggest enemy when it comes to love, I feel like you have a lot of fear when it comes to love and I’m hearing that’s it’s something about your childhood, love was hard or you seeen that those around you made it hella hard so you maybe have a mindset that love is hard or has to be to work & nah!!! Your guides want you to know that love doesn’t have to be hard to have or to find, you just have to truly allow it to flow into your life and allow the vibe to be! Just flow and glow that’s what I’m hearing, just keep swimming, just keep swimming! I’m hearing dory! Your guides don’t want you to give up but they do want you to focus on your independence cos I’m seeing that your mentality about romance needs to be unlearned and that’s where you need to work on your independence because I feel that’s going to ease your mind & heart, it’ll help love flow into your life naturally and easily I think you’re overthinking and overwhelmed about love but I honestly don’t think you know what you want in a relationship. Your guides say you just do you and the rest will follow. Your last card is, Being Needy. You have the mentality of I need it I need it I need it this to me is an iteration of the bottom card, you don’t need love to feel whole! also I feel like you may also be super needy in a relationship, hence why working on your independence is key for you to find love! It’s hella fuccin KEY 🔑! Don’t worry about finding it you’ve got some success made just for you! It’s time for you to have your spotlight, figure out what you need for you and I feel like they said (Your guides) the rest will follow! Hang out with friends and appreciate the NON romantic relationships that you have, take some pressure off your own mind and the thoughts of romance. 💘 you need a break I’m seeing, you blocc yourself from romance because your mind doesn’t recognize it so you run away, focus on you, love will knocc you off your feet literally I’m seeing that!

Pile III

This is my shy pile, nonchalant, detached emotional babies. Your bottom of the Decc card is Hiding Feelings. Ok my babies you blocc romance by not being upfront and open about your feelings, you may lead the ones you like or that like you to feel you don’t like them bacc. You may also be scared of rejection so you hide your emotions from the ones you’re interested in, but your guides are pushing you to open up about how you feel and deal with the feelings of them regardless if they like you bacc or not, I feel like hiding in the shadows won’t bring you love and it won’t make the ones you want want you, I’m hearing you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, so I’m feeling like you need to be brave. Your first card is Fear Of Loss. Again p3 you’re afraid of getting hurt so it’s like you’d rather not even waste your time even attempting to try, I feel the same way about this but you have got to understand that you’re gonna get hurt and not every swing is gonna be a hit you know. You are being urged to take a chance to take that risk, you are ready, you maybe talking to someone or there’s someone in your life you may like, you’re afraid of being abandoned which I get but that’s bloccin you from finding romantic love. Abandonment issues are huge in this pile. This gives me 8oC energy for some reason. Your Next Card is Insecurities. This shit is all put together and in your face this reading may be the shortest, I feel your insecurities and how you see yourself is bloccin you from love, there’s a lot of fear surrounding love this makes me feel like a lot of you been alone for a while or have never been in a relationship before (me either) hmm this may be my pile. I feel like again you may feel like someone may leave you or deny you if they see you so you’d rather be alone or just hide your emotions but I feel you’re so loveable and anyone who is for you will love ALL OF YOU! you need to work on building your confidence up, so that you can feel safe and secure in your relationship because I feel you’ll end it or push them away because of this you shouldn’t deny the other person a gem like you because of the chance that it MAY NOT WORK, even if it doesn’t that one relationship isn’t the end, you don’t ever have to hide your heart and soul cos that’s your compass to romantic love as well, work on your confidence and your shine will be a beacon for romantic love. You’re a runner for sure, that makes you feel uneasy, settling down or staying grounded and it can be because you’re not used to it or it never lasts but you’ll find some permanent ground with another cos I feel this is one of the only piles that has mastered INDEPENDENCE! You can be alone! Now we have to get you to be interdependent leaning on others as well as relying on yourself. We get it, you got you! I feel like you’re the type to be like nobody got me like I got me, I’ll never betray me or leave me, I feel you’ve had mo choice but to depend on you so you’re kind of stucc in your ways. Your last card is Body Shame. Again!!! Insecurities coming out, I feel like it’s both sides whether you feel you’re too big, too small, too fit, not fit enough, you don’t see yourself as beautiful or as handsome as you are and maybe you were bullied this is why I feel like this is my shy reserved babies you’ve been in the shadows you’re the baddies that work in the library nobody notices cos you got glasses on. You need to embrace who you are and be more confident in you, if they like you bacc lucky them they won, if they don’t fucc em they lost and you need to gain that mentality cos I know we all know you gon be alright on your own hunny don’t nobody got to even worry about that but that’s lowkey bloccin you from love. You feel unattractive atleast to the ones you want you need to accept yourself, ALL OF YOU! You’re perfection don’t forget that p3 don’t mf forget that!

ALRIGHTY TIGHTY BABIES IMMA NEED YOU GUYS TO GET YOUR INTUITION UP AND RUNNING FOR ME, imma pull a card for myself and give myself a reading on the same topic since im single too!!!

2 cards came out bacc to bacc so imma just flow with it, the bottom of the decc for me is Past Trauma. There’s some hurt from my past that I feel is bloccin me from romantic love cos there’s a part of me that can’t see past it, regardless if it’s a relationship trauma or something else there’s some pain there that’s keeping my heart closed from romantic love and I just may feel like it’s not worth it, or attempting to try. I need to definitely take time for me and heal my trauma before moving forward and thinking about romantic love. My first card is TOO MUCH. I feel like I’m too open, and in that sense maybe too allowing of my energy and that can invite some negative energies in, now I’m not gonna say being too honest is a problem but there’s some things I need to hold bacc and keep to myself, I tell others too much about me, all at once, it’s like this is who I am take it or leave it and my guides are like before I give my all makes sure they are worth it kicc bacc and allow them to show who they are before giving them all of me. The final card is Holding On. Again this is a reiteration of the BOD card, there’s some shit that I’m holding on too and I’m hearing it’s out of paranoia, you got me once you’ll never get me again mentality and it’s like not everyone is out to get me or hurt me or something negative and I need to allow myself to let go. Also I can be holding onto someone that need to go in my life cos this card is about starting over with someone new after cutting old ties, which is making me feel like I need to cut my old patterns and ways of thinking but again due to past trauma I need to take some time out to heal and focus on releasing things, people, and feelings that serve no more purpose.

Let me know what you think in the comments.

I hope you guys enjoyed the reading and that it resonated for you guys, 😘😘😘😘😘

[ayumigotabittoolonely]

Is there someone else?

(Satoru gojo xreader angst)

Part 2

{i used chat gpt to fix my grammer)

Is There Someone Else?

The rain poured relentlessly, cascading down the large windows of your shared apartment. You sat on the couch, your phone clutched tightly in your hands, waiting for a message-any sign from him. But Gojo Satoru, ever aloof and unreachable, was silent once again.

He’d been distant lately. His playful demeanor remained, but something felt off. The way he avoided eye contact during conversations, the way his smile didn’t reach his eyes anymore—it gnawed at you like a persistent shadow.

Tonight was the breaking point. You had waited for hours for him to come home, dinner growing cold on the table. When you finally called, it went straight to voicemail. Not that it surprised you. Satoru’s life as the strongest sorcerer was unpredictable, but this wasn’t about his missions anymore.

It was about her.

Her name was uthaime. She had always been a presence in his life, confident and alluring. You told yourself it was paranoia, but the little things added up. The whispered phone calls, the inside jokes they shared, the way his face lit up when she walked into a room—it was unbearable.

When the door finally opened, Satoru stepped in, his hair damp from the rain and his blindfold hanging loosely around his neck. He looked exhausted, but the sight of you froze him in place.

“Hey,” he said softly, but the warmth in his voice felt rehearsed.

“Where were you?” you asked, your voice trembling despite your best efforts to sound calm.

“Out,” he replied, evasive as always.

“With uthaime?” The name tasted bitter on your tongue.

His eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. “Why does it matter?”

You stood up, the pain bubbling into anger. “It matters because I feel like I’m losing you, Satoru! You’ve been so distant, and every time I see you with her, it feels like you’re slipping away.”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “You’re overthinking this. Uthaime and I work together. That’s all it is.”

“Then why don’t you ever tell me where you’re going? Why do you avoid me?” Your voice cracked, betraying the hurt you tried so hard to hide.

“Because I don’t want to fight about this every time!” he snapped, his usual playful tone replaced by frustration. “Do you think I don’t notice the way you look at me, always doubting me?”

“Can you blame me?!” you shouted. “You never let me in, Satoru! I don’t even know what we are anymore.”

For a moment, the room was silent except for the sound of the rain. His gaze softened, but it wasn’t comforting. It was filled with something that looked like guilt.

“Do you love her?” you whispered, your voice barely audible.

He froze, his expression unreadable. “What kind of question is that?”

“Answer me.”

He hesitated, and that pause was enough to shatter whatever hope you had left.

“I care about you,” he said finally, but his words felt hollow.

You laughed bitterly, tears streaming down your face. “That’s not what I asked.”

He stepped closer, but you took a step back. “Don’t, Satoru. Just… don’t.”

“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” he said softly, his voice filled with regret. “You mean so much to me.”

“But not enough,” you replied, your heart breaking with every word.

The gap between you felt insurmountable, a chasm filled with everything left unsaid. Without another word, you grabbed your coat and headed for the door.

“Where are you going?” he asked, panic creeping into his voice.

“Somewhere I can breathe,” you said, not looking back.

As the door closed behind you, the rain outside mirrored the storm inside your heart. You didn’t know where you were going, but one thing was clear—you couldn’t stay. You didn't know if you'll be back or not.

And somewhere in the empty apartment, Satoru stood alone, his hand still reaching for the door, wondering if he had just made the biggest mistake of his life.

[darksigns-exe]

it's delicate - noah sebastian x f!reader

warnings: swearing, fingering (f receiving) oral sex (f receiving) protected intercourse

word count: 4k

note: a little continuation of this thing that i combined with a request from @somebodyels3 hope this comes close to what you had in mine <3

masterlist | taglist sign-up

The party around you buzzes. 

It’s the end of the year – New Year’s Eve – and everyone is here. The band's place is stuffed full of all of your friends. You’ve had a drink or two already, just to curb the bubbling anxiety that has settled in your belly. 

These things aren’t for you, but at the same time you like seeing everyone. You haven’t seen some of these people in ages, and really it is nice to see some familiar faces again. 

You’ve only seen Noah for a moment. 

Things between you have been interesting since the encounter. Noah has kept a little more distance and while it had stung at first, you’re somewhat glad that he had taken that step. Getting that close to him had ignited a few feelings you had been very happy to ignore so far. Having a little bit of forced distance between you had given you time to reevaluate how you feel. Unfortunately, you had always come back to the same conclusion. 

The things you feel for him are just a little bit more than friendship. 

You can’t tell where he stands on the matter, but there’s a small part of you that hopes that he feels somewhat similar. 

You’re ripped from your thoughts by the sounds of commotion in the kitchen. 

The source seems to be an animated discussion between Folio and someone you can’t immediately recognise. It distracts you enough for Noah to be able to sneak up on you. 

He drapes an arm around your shoulder, sidling up next to you. 

“What’s he up to?” he asks, trying to get a glimpse at whatever is happening. 

“I have no idea.” you reply. 

You can barely make out Folio, and you honestly have no idea of what they’re debating. All you can tell is that it clearly isn’t entirely serious. 

“You wanna head upstairs with me? I have something I’ve wanted to show you for a while.” 

If he hadn’t sounded so earnest and things between you hadn’t been so off you would have made a joke out of it. Instead, you quietly follow up to his room. 

You know that he’s been looking for a place of his own, but seeing boxes stacked in his room still takes you a little aback. 

“Did you find a place?” you ask, pushing past some of the boxes so that you can sit down on his bed. 

The room feels so much colder than it usually does. 

Something about this feels odd. 

“I did. That’s what I wanted to show you.” he pulls up a page on his computer, motioning for you to join him, “I know you’ve been having issues with your landlord so – there’s a spare room that could be yours if you want it.” 

You sit on his desk chair and start to scroll through the listing. 

The place is stunning. 

Central, but in an area that feels like an actual neighbourhood. The rooms are spacious, and flooded with light. The living room is gorgeous, the kitchen looks to be newly renovated too. You know that Noah has already put so much thought into this, and really it’s a tempting offer. Maybe you would be less hesitant if it hadn’t been for that encounter.

“Can I think about it?” 

“Of course.” he gives you that pretty smile of his, “It’s just an offer. It’s closer to where you work, too, just in case that influences your decision-making process.” 

A small part of you wonders if that is part of why he settled on that apartment in particular. 

“While I have you up here, I think we should talk about something else.” Noah continues. 

You shoot him a questioning look, even though you already have a vague idea of what he wants to discuss. 

“When I came over to your place and you — got me off?” you give him a nod, prompting him to continue, “I didn’t want it to make things weird between us. And I think in trying to give you space, I made it weird. I’m sorry about that.”

“To be fair, I took a step back too.” you reply, “Let’s just forget about the whole thing.” 

Noah cocks his head to the side, “The whole thing? What if I don’t want to forget about it.” 

You swallow a breath. 

You can’t deny that you’ve been thinking about it a lot. The way he had looked up at you with tear stained eyes had seared itself into your brain. The visual of him thrust into your hand with nothing but pleasure had played on repeat in your mind. 

“I don't think that you want to forget about it either, hm?” Noah squats down in front of you, “I can’t stop thinking about how good you made me feel.”

He brings a hand to your knee, thumb gently caressing your bare skin. 

You force yourself to look at him. 

His eyes are so soft, and there’s nothing that tells you that he’d be upset if you’d ask him to stop this. He waits patiently for you to make your move, quietly watching you with a curious expression. 

You bring a hand to the side of his face. Noah leans into your touch, practically melting at the warmth of your palm.  

“What about everyone downstairs?”

“They’ll be busy for at least another hour. We have plenty of time. And if we miss the countdown, we’ll just say that I wasn’t feeling good, and you stayed with me.” 

He removes your hand from his cheek, and presses a kiss to the backs of your knuckles. 

He rises back up to full height, your hand still grasped in his. 

You let him pull you up from the chair. 

Noah mirrors your earlier motion and places a soft hand against your cheek. 

“Can I kiss you?”

The words just won’t come to you. The nod you offer seems to be satisfactory to him, though. Noah moves in so slowly, giving you plenty of time to move out of the way. 

The first touch of his lips against yours is so soft and chaste. You hadn’t thought about what kissing him would feel like. But when you feel the gentle brush of his lips against yours, you never want to miss it again. His hand remains on your cheek, keeping you close to him. In return, your arms wrap around his middle. 

Noah’s free hand comes to rest at the small of your back, and you can feel him toying with the tie that keeps your dress together. 

When you finally part, your head spins with the lack of air. 

“Sit down for me, will you?” he says softly. 

His hands slowly drift away from you when you take a step back to sit on the edge of his bed. A moment later, Noah sinks to his knees in front of you. He moves to take off your shoes, placing them somewhere off to the side. 

“Nothing you don’t want will happen. You can stop this at any point.” he says quietly, “We’ll only go as far as you want.”

You try your best to focus on the soft brush of his fingers against your calf, instead of the bubbling anxiety in your belly. 

It’s always like this. 

You want this – him – but when it gets to it, the anxiety to do well overwhelms you. 

“Hey.” Noah gives a gentle squeeze to your thigh, “Everything okay? You’re looking a little lost.” 

The concern on his face is unlike anything you’ve seen from him. You know that he cares deeply for his people, you included, but this feels different. 

“Just a little nervous.” 

“Don’t have to be nervous, sweetheart. I promise I’ll take good care of you. This is not the first time you’re doing this, right?” 

You shake your head. 

Maybe not the first time, but your anxieties had limited your experience quite a bit. More than a few partners had headed home again without seeing any kind of action after you’d gotten too into your head to enjoy it. 

“Okay. Can I do something to make this better for you?”

You look down at him, finding only comfort and warmth in his eyes. 

“Can you tell me what you’re doing? I keep trying to anticipate what’ll happen and –” 

“Takes you right out of the mood, huh? Well, we can’t have that. I’ll tell you exactly what I’m doing. All you have to do is lie back and feel good. Sound good?” 

You give him a nod in return. 

“Has anyone ever eaten you out?” his voice is surprisingly calm considering the nature of his question. 

“Just once, but – it didn’t seem like he enjoyed it.” 

Noah scoffs, shaking his head. 

His voice turns so awfully soft when he finally speaks up again, “Will you let me show you how good it can be? For both parties?”

“Will you?”

“Of course, sweetheart.” he presses a kiss to the inside of your knee, “Do you want to stay like this or do you want to lie back?”

“Like this is okay.” 

“Good, if something feels off, let me know. No hesitation. I want this to be good for you.” another kiss to the inside of your thigh, a little higher this time, “Do you want to keep your dress on?”

“Is that okay?”

“Whatever you’re most comfortable with. If you want to keep it on, that’s okay. You wanna push up your hips for me?” 

You do as he asks, allowing him to take your panties off. He’s careful, slowly sliding them down your thighs. 

“Put on something cute before you came here, huh? Got all dressed up just for me.” he speaks more to himself than anyone else. 

His hands roam across your thighs, giving gentle pressure to make you part them. 

“Spread your legs a little, darling.” when you’ve made enough room for him, he continues, “I’m gonna touch you now, just with my fingers.” 

His fingers slowly trail up your thigh. His touch is feather-light, barely there. You hold your breath when he reaches your centre. The tips of his fingers brush through your folds, until they catch at your clit. You gasp when he circles his fingers across the bundle of nerves. 

“Don’t be shy, darling. Let me hear your pretty sounds.” 

He keeps up the slow, gentle touch for a good while. Occasionally, his fingers drift a little lower, swiping through your folds again. With every pass, his focus shifts towards your entrance. You try your best to focus on him, but it’s already so hard to keep your eyes open. 

Noah gives you another warning before he begins to tease the tip of one of his fingers into you. 

He takes his time working his finger into you. The slow, teasing touch makes you gasp out loud. And, as his finger sinks deeper into you, you let yourself fall back against the mattress. 

“There you go, baby. Does that feel good?” Noah asks softly.

You whine out a yes, but Noah doesn’t seem to be very happy with that. 

“Words.” He says then, sounding almost a little taunting. 

His fingers still, as he waits for your response, eyes fixed on your face so very expectantly. 

“Feels good. Feels so good.” you choke out. 

“That’s it. Gonna let me get a taste of your pretty little pussy?” 

“Y-yes.” 

He presses a kiss to the inside of your thigh, “Thank you.”

Noah removes his finger again and a moment later, you feel him trailing a barely there line of kisses up your thigh. And then you finally feel his lips pressing against your folds. 

At first, it’s a soft little kiss, but then you feel the tip of his tongue dragging through your folds. He moves so slowly, that you feel like you could stop him so easily if it becomes too much.  

You shift yourself upwards, in the attempt to get a glimpse at him. And when you look down, Noah meets your glance with the softest look. 

You feel him smile against you, before he pulls away just so. 

“Still feeling okay?” He asks. 

This time, your nod is enough for him. 

Noah quickly dives back between your thighs, burying his face there once again. He’s so careful with it. There’s something devotional about it. His attention is entirely on you and your pleasure. 

You bring a hand into his hair, remembering how he had shuddered last time. 

Noah lets out a sigh in response, but shows no sign of wanting to remove himself. In fact, you think that he sinks even deeper into you. You can just make out the flutter of his lashes against his cheeks as he continues his efforts. 

He gives a first experimental suck to your clit before he pulls away again. 

“Think you’ll be okay with my fingers inside?” 

“I want to try.”

“That’s good enough for me.” He presses another kiss to the inside of your thigh, “Just keep making those pretty sounds for me, and I’ll give you whatever you want.”

He keeps his focus on you while he eases his pointer finger back into you. When you give him no sign of discomfort, he returns his lips to your core. 

Noah gives the softest little kitten licks to your clit, drawing whine after whine from you. As overwhelming as it feels, you just can’t tear your eyes away from him. 

Soon enough, he starts to work a second finger into you. The stretch of it makes you sigh, and the grip of your hand tightens in his hair. And in turn, you’re rewarded with a moan from Noah. 

The careful curl of his fingers, mixed with the steady licks he gives to your folds, drags you closer and closer towards your climax. 

“Noah.” you choke out, making him look up at you. 

“Getting close?” he asks, “You wanna cum for me? Let me hear how pretty you sound when you fall apart for me?”

You can only give him a desperate nod in reply. 

“That’s it baby. You’re so tight around my fingers. I bet you’d feel so good around my cock.” you don’t understand how he sounds so unaffected by all of this, when you feel as if you’re about to be torn apart, “Come on, let me feel you. You’re so close, aren’t you?” 

You’re right at the edge of it, but something is still holding you back. You let out a whine, hoping that it’s enough to tell him that you need more. 

“Aw need a little more, sweetheart? That needy little pussy just can’t get enough, hm?” 

He brings his thumb towards your clit. The slow circles he draws there, are enough to push you over the edge. You feel yourself clenching around his fingers, as you cry out in pleasure. You’re suddenly so very glad that the music playing downstairs is loud enough to disguise the sounds you’re making. 

Noah works you through your climax with practised ease. The gentle praise he showers you with only makes you feel dizzier. 

Eventually, his fingers slow until he stills entirely. 

“You did so good for me.” he says softly, “I’m gonna pull out my fingers, okay?”

You give him a nod. 

Your breath catches in your throat when he pulls his fingers from you. His fingers immediately dip between his lips. His eyes fall shut again, and he lets out a pleasured hum. 

“Noah?” you ask, voice barely above a whisper. 

His eyes fly up to meet yours, “Hm?” 

“I want you.” “You just had me, sweetheart.” Noah says with a smirk.

“All of you.” 

“All of me?” the smirk fades into something you can quite identify. 

He rises up to his feet and for a moment, you think that he’ll turn around and leave. But instead, Noah leans down to you, placing a hand against your cheek. 

“I’m going to kiss you now. Is that okay?” 

Your heart is beating at a thousand miles a minute. Since the evening when you’d gotten him off, you haven’t been able to stop thinking about him. 

“Please, Noah.” 

His lips meet yours just a split second later. And before you know it, you find yourself on your back, with Noah hovering above you. 

You bring your hand into the hair at the back of his neck, to keep his lips on yours. 

One of his hands drifts up your thigh and under your dress. You feel his fingers digging into your waist. 

From your lips, Noah trails a line of kisses along your jaw and neck. You sigh when he sucks a pretty little mark into the skin of your neck. 

You try your best to tug his shirt out of his trousers, desperate to feel his skin beneath your fingers again. Noah seems to understand what you’re trying to do and quickly pulls his shirt off. He doesn’t return to you immediately, instead he moves to unbutton his trousers. You’re sure it’s just your imagination, but for a brief moment, you’re sure that his hands tremble just a little. He drops them onto his desk chair, together with his shirt, before he finally returns to you. 

You scoot back, making a little more space for him on the bed. Noah kneels between your parted thighs. You let your eyes wander across his mostly bare body. His chest heaves with quick breaths. You can’t deny the bubbling anxiety in your belly, either. 

Taking this step could change everything between you.  

You bring your hand to his waist, to guide him back to you. 

Noah meets you in another quick kiss, before he sits up again. 

“Can I take this off?” he asks, playing with the hem of your dress. 

As much as you want to seize up, you have to feel his hands on your body. And so you give him a nod. 

Noah helps you sit up, allowing him to take off your dress. You don’t care where it lands because as soon as your body is bared to you, his lips are back on your neck. His hands roam across your body, and now you’re actually able to feel the tremble of his hands. 

Noah kisses his way across your chest, grazing his teeth against your collar bones. You bring a hand between your bodies, pressing your palm against the bulge in his boxers. Noah’s forehead instantly drops to your shoulder. The groan he lets out makes you shiver. 

“Careful, baby.” he sounds so breathless already, “Don’t wanna finish before I’m inside you.” 

He shuffles out of his boxers, finally giving you a proper view of him. 

“Hurry up then.” You say, once again reaching out for him. 

Noah manages to catch your hand in his before you get a chance to catch him. 

“Don’t get impatient now. You’ve been so good until now.” 

He leans over to his night stand and pulls open the top drawer. Somehow you hadn’t thought about protection until now, but you’re glad that he did. 

“Better to be safe.” He notes as he tears open the package. 

Noah leans back over you, dipping down to steal a kiss from you. 

“Ready?”

You nod, bringing your hands to his waist. 

Noah remains focused on your face for a moment longer, before he looks down to where he’s working the head of his cock into you. 

The focused furrow in his brow makes you wonder if he’s struggling to keep himself composed. He takes his time with it, slowly working his length into you. 

Your hand remains on his waist, trying to steady both of you. 

“Oh—fuck.” His head drops against his chest, “You feel so fucking good.”

You wrap your arms around his body, gently coaxing him back down to you. Noah drapes himself across your body, burrowing his face against your neck. 

You feel his breath against your skin. He’s still for a long moment, his body heavy against yours. The weight of him eases your worries. He’s warm and comforting, skin so much softer than you had imagined. 

The skin of his back twitches when you move your hands. 

He begins a slow, steady rhythm. He rocks against you, barely moving away from you. But it’s enough for you. His lips return to the side of your neck, leaving what you assume will be a rather prominent mark. 

He sighs out your name, whispering it against your skin. 

With every thrust, he picks up a little bit more movement. Noah still doesn’t allow a lot of distance between you, but with the extra bit of leverage, he manages to hit all the right spots. 

You’re not sure how long you’ll last. 

The intensity of the moment is quickly dragging you towards your climax. Your belly already feels so taught. 

You can’t tell where his body ends and yours begins. 

Your name is a prayer on his breath. You’ve long given up on trying to form actual words. Between the moans and sighs that fall from your lips, you barely manage to utter his name. 

Your fingers dig into his back. Noah gasps against your skin. You swear that you feel teeth scraping against your bare shoulder. 

It’s a slow unravelling. 

Your climax hits you in slow waves, dragging you under like a current. Noah stills above you. You feel him release into the condom with a quiet gasp. His breath fans out against your skin. 

He stays where he is for a long moment. 

Noah’s back rises and falls beneath your palms. A part of you wants to keep him close like this forever, but you know that you’ll have to face the people downstairs at some point.

Eventually, he begins to pull away from you. Your hands stay on his body as long as possible. But once he has sat up completely, you’re practically forced to let go of him. 

“I’ll be right back with you, sweetheart.” 

He gives a barely there squeeze to your waist just before he gets off the bed. 

You don’t have time to feel shy about being entirely bare, as Noah quickly returns to you. You find yourself scooped up in his arms. Before you know it, he’s wrapped all around you again, this time with his chest pressed up against your back. 

There’s so much you want to say, but you just don’t know where to start. 

Noah’s arm snakes around your middle, somehow pulling you closer against him. You wrap your hand around his. 

He presses a kiss to your shoulder.

“So about that room –” you say quietly, scared to disturb the mood.  

“It’s yours if you want it.” 

“Gonna make me sleep in the spare room, huh?” 

You hope that you haven’t read too much into all of this. Every little touch is still embedded in your mind. The way he had looked at you is burned into your brain. And in that moment, all you hope for is that you’re not the only one who feels like this. 

“Can you look at me?” he says and is voice is so unexpectedly soft then, “Please.” 

Noah eases his hold on you enough for you to turn around. 

His brow is furrowed so faintly, “Would you want me like that?” 

“Noah.” 

“Please – I need to know.”

Just like you had done at the beginning of the night, you place your hand against his cheek, “Of course I do.” 

The corners turn up into the faintest beginning of a smile, before he dips down for a kiss. 

“Does that mean that I can call you mine?” 

The barely there nervousness makes your chest ache a little. 

“Only if I can call you mine too.” 

He breaks into that pretty smile of his, “I think this might be the best start into a new year so far.” 

And really, you can’t disagree with him.

The party downstairs is long forgotten. The important thing is right here in front of you. And as selfish as it feels, you’re glad that you have him all to yourself in that moment because truth be told, this has been a long time coming. 

Eventually, you hear the fireworks, but neither of you moves even a muscle. You stay here, wrapped up in your own little moment, wholly entranced by each other. And for the first time, you realise that he’s been yours for a while, just like you’ve been his for just as long. 

All it took was a little nudge.

taglist: @deathblacksmoke @circle-with-me @sitkowski @ladyveronikawrites @baddestomens

@malice-ov-mercy @chels3a-smile @ferduttini @somebodyels3 @itsafullmoon

@shilohrosechicken @poisongirl616 @mysticdoodlez @agravemisstake @th4t-em0-k1d

@thisbicc @iloveyoutodeathbutimdrowning @mrsnoahsebastian @blackveilomens @sorrowsofsilence

@fadingangelwisp @lacy1986 @tosoundlessdarkistare @thisisntablogspost @tintadecirco

@rumoured-whispers@cheyyyyr@mathfairchild1 @thewrstinme @Follow-me-down-to-wonderland

[rikiislvr]

unavailable . 4 - nishimura riki

pairing: afab!reader x nishimura riki

summary: fresh out a relationship with a heavy heart, niki seeks comfort in his best friend, not knowing you were falling for him

warnings: cussing

ps. read part 1-3 (on my page) if you’d like :)

after he left, you decided to leave too. you couldn’t go home since you were ditching, so you decided to stop by a nearby convenience store to get snacks.

before you could even step a foot inside the store, you were stopped at the sight of niki and ivy, standing in front of each other on the sidewalk, talking but you were too far away to hear what it was about.

you hid behind the side of the store, watching from pure curiosity, but.. whatever they were talking about, led to niki leaning down and pressing a kiss on her forehead, ivy smiled up at him and giggled before grabbing his hand as they ran down the street together.

you weren’t sure why your heart began to ache. maybe it was a good.. reasoning on why they’re.. happy together again?

you brush it off and slowly walked into the store to grab something to snack on until you can go home. but you couldn’t stop wondering.. what was that about? and was he gonna tell you?

-

the next day you walk into school, you don’t see niki in his usual spot, beside your locker waiting for you, you sigh and open your locker, being jolted from tickling hands on your sides,

you turn around to be faced with niki, “did i scare you?” he teases, you didn’t reply and turned back to your locker, “uh yeah..” you nod slowly, he tilt his head “you okay?” he asks, you close your locker and sigh,

“mhm!” you shot a fake smile before walking away, niki followed you, “you’re acting odd, what’s wrong?” he grabbed your shoulder making you stop, you look up at him and sigh,

“you’re back with ivy?” you say, his face dropped softly, “right um… yeah- i am.” he ran his fingers through his hair, you just blinked up at him, needing more of an answer.

“she’s in a really bad place and, i just feel really bad, she needs someone to rely on, you know?” he explained, you didn’t really understand it, but as his best friend, you have to be supportive…

“okay..” you shrug it off, “you understand right?” he says, you just nod before walking to your class, niki watched you and sighed, rubbing his neck.

he knew it was the bad decision getting back with ivy, but when he found her crying yesterday after he left the park over some of her family issues, he couldn’t deny the fact he still had care for her, he just didn’t want you to think he was overlooking how much you’ve helped him.

because you did help him a lot the night she broke up with him, but he couldn’t lie he wanted to be with her again, so he didn’t take up the opportunity.

he just hoped you’d understand somehow..

-

you’ve had the craziest headache all day in class, you finally got the last bell of the day and left the classroom immediately, all the work + the thoughts of niki being back with ivy was taking over your head.

why did you even care so much? it wasn’t your relationship or your business so who cares? why was this taking such a big toll on you?

you sigh and walked out the school with your head down,

“y/n!” you heard someone call you from behind, you turn around, seeing ivy, who was holding hands with niki, she smiled and motioned for you to come over..

what did she possibly want from you?

you groan and walked over, putting on a fake smile, “me and niki are gonna go get sushi, wanna come with?” she smiled at you, you turn to niki, who was looking at you, you could sense the guilt in his expression, “sure.” you shrug,

ivy giggled and grabbed your arm with her free hand as she pulled you guys to walk to the nearby sushi restaurant.

as you three walked, ivy rambled about her day, you look up past her to see niki, who was smiling at every word ivy said,

you felt very uncomfortable.. gosh, why did you even say yes? you just felt like a third wheel right now. why would ivy invite you in the first place?

you get to the restaurant and walked in, you guys sat in a booth, niki next to ivy, and you across from them, you tap the table awkwardly and looked out the window, ivy must’ve noticed your awkwardness and tapped your arm,

“so, where’s your boyfriend?” she asks, you clear your throat. “i don’t have one.” you nod, she gasps, “oh that’s a bummer! you’re pretty.” she shrugged, “thanks.” you nod, for some reason this was throwing you off…

you turn to look at niki, who looked just as awkward as you did, you sigh, “you know, i can get you a boyfriend.” ivy smiled, you tilt your head,

“yeah! my friend jake, he’s single, you two would be a power couple.” she giggled, “i don’t think i-

“oh come on! you can’t hangout with my boyfriend all the time, i know you two are best friends but like..” she smirked and grabbed onto niki’s arm, niki looked at you before looking down.

you then realized what this was, ivy only invited you to tell you to back off of him.

fuck this.

“yeah i’m gonna head home, thanks for inviting me.” you stood up and quickly left, niki so badly wanted to chase after you, but due to him being in the inside of the seat, he was trapped,

ivy scoffed, “she’s weird.” she shrugged and began eating the sushi, niki sighed.

you walked home with your head down, she was right. you can’t hangout with niki all the time anymore. he’s your best friend but you can’t deny you’ve been catching feelings for him.

and it’s wrong. he’s not available for you. only thing you can do now was to avoid him at all costs, if you’re not with him, you can’t gain feelings…

right?

a/n: didn’t expect for so many people to want me to continue this but hey! should i end it here or continueee orrr, lmk!

taglist : @certified-ni-ki-lover @noblub-4ulolz @yourmyst4r @vixialuvs @ni-ki-ismyluv @judeduartewannabe @soobs-things @en-chantedtomeetyou @definitelynotherr @heyniki @wntersm @geniejunn @pkjay @baevsxii @k1ttylvr @geniejunn @pkjay @chaevibes @jiyeons-closet @rii7eis7

[antinousletmehit]

୨୧┇more early palace for you guys

────୨ৎ──── ────୨ৎ──── ───

Y/N’s feet pounded against the stone floor of the palace halls as she ran, her chest tight and her vision blurred with tears. Antinous’s harsh words rang in her ears like thunder, each one cutting deeper than the last.

“I wish I wasn’t your brother! I regret even bringing you along with me!”

Her heart ached, and the lump in her throat grew unbearable as she burst into eurymachus’s room without knocking. He was lounging on his bed, sharpening a dagger lazily, but immediately sat up at the sight of her tear streaked face “Y/n?” Eurymachus asked, his usual smirk replaced with genuine concern. “What’s wrong? What happened?”

She didn’t answer right away, instead collapsing onto the floor beside his bed. Hugging her knees to her chest, she buried her face and sobbed. Eurymachus awkwardly set the dagger aside, unsure of what to do at first. “Hey, hey, calm down,” he said, sliding off the bed to crouch beside her. “Did someone hurt you? Was it one of the suitors? Because if it was, I’ll—”

“It was Antinous!” she cried, looking up at him with red, puffy eyes. “He said—he said he wishes he wasn’t my brother! And that he regrets taking me with him!” Eurymachus’s brows shot up in surprise, and for a moment, he was at a loss for words. He’d seen Antinous get angry before, but this? It wasn’t like him.

She sniffled, wiping her nose with the back of her hand. “I—I don’t want him to be my brother anymore. I wish you were my brother instead!”

Eurymachus blinked, then let out a dry laugh. “Me? Your brother? Gods, y/n, you’re setting the bar pretty low if you think I’d be better.”

“No, you wouldn’t say stuff like that,” she muttered, her voice cracking. “You wouldn’t… you wouldn’t make me feel like I don’t belong.”

Eurymachus sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Look, Antinous is an idiot. A big, loud, overly dramatic idiot. He probably said something stupid in the heat of the moment, and he’ll regret it later.”

“I don’t care!” She snapped, though her tears betrayed her. “I’m done with him! I’ll stay here with you, and he can go off and be king or whatever he wants without me!”

Eurymachus smirked faintly, though there was a softness in his gaze as he reached out to ruffle her hair. “As tempting as that sounds, I don’t think Antinous would survive without you around to drive him crazy. He’s probably already pacing the halls looking for you.”

She scowled, swatting his hand away. “I don’t want to see him!”

“Fine, fine,” Eurymachus said, holding up his hands in surrender. “You can stay here for as long as you want. But just so you know, I’m not exactly ‘big brother’ material. I’d make you carry all the heavy stuff, and I’d eat your share of food.”

She let out a watery laugh despite herself, and Eurymachus grinned. “See? Not so bad, huh? Now, stop crying. You’re making a mess on my floor.”

She sniffled again, wiping her tears away. “Thanks, Eurymachus. I mean it.”

He leaned back against the bed, folding his arms behind his head. “Yeah, yeah. Just don’t tell Antinous I’m the one who made you laugh, or he’ll start thinking I’m stealing his little sister.” She managed a small smile, the ache in her chest easing just a bit. For now, this was enough.

——

She sniffled one last time before climbing up onto Eurymachus’s bed and curling up beside him. Without asking for permission, she rested her head on his chest, her small frame trembling slightly from the remnants of her sobs. Eurymachus froze, his usual smirk replaced with a look of bewilderment. “Uh… what are you doing?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Getting comfortable,” she mumbled, her voice muffled against his tunic.

“Comfortable? On me?” he replied, his tone laced with disbelief. “Y/n, I’m not exactly a fluffy pillow.”

“Don’t care,” she murmured, clinging to him as though he were the only stable thing in her world at the moment.

Eurymachus sighed, staring up at the ceiling. “This is so weird,” he muttered under his breath. Still, the sight of her tear streaked face softened him just enough to lift a hand and hesitantly pat her back.

“There, there,” he said awkwardly, his fingers lightly drumming against her. “You’re fine. Antinous is just an idiot. He doesn’t mean half the stuff he says.”

She didn’t respond, just curled closer, her breathing starting to even out as she relaxed against him. Eurymachus shifted uncomfortably, clearly out of his depth. “You know,” he said after a moment, his voice a mix of sarcasm and begrudging warmth, “if anyone walks in and sees this, they’re going to think I’ve gone soft.”

She let out a small, tired laugh. “Let them think that. You’re nice when you’re not being a dick.”

Eurymachus scoffed. “Nice? Me? Don’t start spreading rumors, kid.” But as she nestled further into him, he sighed again and let his hand rest more firmly on her back, his fingers idly tracing small, absent-minded patterns. For all his complaints, he didn’t push her away.

“Just don’t make this a habit,” he grumbled, though his tone was softer now. “I’m not your personal teddy bear.”

She didn’t answer, her breathing now slow and steady as she began to drift off to sleep. Eurymachus looked down at her, shaking his head with a faint smile. “Antinous is going to kill me for this,” he muttered, but he didn’t make a move to push her off. Instead, he adjusted slightly to make her more comfortable, silently resigning himself to his fate.

——

Y/n had latched onto Eurymachus’s arm the moment she woke up, and no amount of coaxing, scolding, or death glares from Antinous could get her to let go. She clung to him like a barnacle to a ship, walking beside him with an unrelenting determination that even Eurymachus himself couldn’t shake off. “Y/n,” Eurymachus groaned as he tried to shrug her off for the umpteenth time. “What are you doing? I’ve got things to do—important things. You know, like… not babysitting.”

“Nope,” she said cheerfully, tightening her grip. “You’re stuck with me today. Antinous doesn’t want me around, so you’re my new favorite person.” Eurymachus sighed, looking over at Antinous, who stood across the hall with his arms crossed and a murderous expression on his face. His eyes bored into Eurymachus like daggers, silently promising retribution for every second she remained attached to him.

“Can you not look at me like that?” Eurymachus called over, half joking, though he was starting to sweat under the intensity of Antinous’s glare. “It’s not my fault your little sister thinks I’m better company than you.”

Antinous’s jaw clenched. “Y/n, get over here. Now,” he ordered, his tone dangerously low.

“No thanks!” She chirped, burying her face into Eurymachus’s arm. “I like it here. Eurymachus is way more fun than you.”

Eurymachus grimaced, caught in the middle of the sibling standoff. “Okay, let’s not make this my problem, yeah? I don’t want to die today.”

She ignored him, dragging him along as she walked toward the courtyard. “Come on, let’s go outside! You promised you’d teach me how to throw a knife, remember?”

“I never promised that,” Eurymachus muttered, but he let himself be pulled along, casting a nervous glance back at Antinous, who looked like he was about to explode. The day continued like this, with her sticking to Eurymachus like glue and refusing to leave his side no matter what. Whether he was eating, chatting with the other suitors, or even just lounging around, y/n was there, practically glued to his arm.

At one point, Eurymachus leaned down and whispered, “You’re really trying to get me killed, aren’t you?”

She grinned up at him. “If Antinous tries anything, just tell him it’s my fault. I’ll protect you.”

Eurymachus rolled his eyes. “Oh, great. I’m sure he’ll totally listen to that.”

By the end of the day, Antinous had had enough. He stormed over to where his sister and Eurymachus were sitting in the hall, looming over them with a thunderous expression. “Y/n,” he said through gritted teeth, “if you don’t stop clinging to him right now, I swear—”

“What?” She cut him off, crossing her arms defiantly. “You’ll what? Yell at me again? Tell me to go away? You don’t want me around anyway, so why do you care?”

Antinous’s eyes flickered to Eurymachus, who was trying his best to look anywhere but at him. “You’re my sister,” he growled. “Not his shadow.”

She stuck out her tongue. “Too bad. Eurymachus doesn’t yell at me like you do. Maybe you should try being nicer if you want me to hang around you instead.”

Eurymachus winced. “Please don’t drag me into this,” he muttered under his breath, but it was too late. Antinous’s glare shifted to him, sharper than ever.

“This isn’t over,” Antinous warned before storming off, his footsteps echoing down the hall.

She smirked triumphantly. “See? Told you I’d protect you.”

Eurymachus groaned, rubbing his temples. “You’re going to be the death of me, you know that?”

She just grinned, leaning back against him. “But I’m your favorite, right?”

“Not even close,” Eurymachus muttered, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward despite himself.

——

Y/n had been Eurymachus’s shadow for the entire week, much to Antinous’s growing frustration. No matter where Eurymachus went—whether he was lounging in the hall, sparring with the other suitors, or sneaking off to flirt with servant girls—she was always there, clinging to his arm or pestering him with endless chatter.

By the seventh day, Antinous had reached his limit. He watched from across the hall as y/n sat beside Eurymachus at the dining table, stealing bites from his plate and laughing at something he said. Eurymachus, who had long since resigned himself to her presence, simply rolled his eyes and muttered something under his breath.

Antinous stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the stone floor. The other suitors looked up in mild surprise, but Antinous ignored them. His focus was solely on his sister. Striding across the hall, he came to a stop in front of the pair. She looked up at him, grinning. “Oh, hi, big brother. Come to join us?”

“Not exactly,” Antinous said tightly. Without another word, he bent down, grabbed Pandora by the back of her tunic like a mother lion grabbing her cub, and hoisted her off the bench.

“Hey!” She squealed, flailing her arms and legs. “What are you doing? Put me down!”

Eurymachus stifled a laugh, leaning back in his chair as he watched the scene unfold. “Finally had enough, huh?” he said, smirking at Antinous.

Antinous shot him a glare. “You’ve entertained her long enough,” he growled. “She’s my problem now.”

She twisted in his grip, glaring up at him. “I’m not a kitten, Antinous! Let me go!”

“Not a chance,” Antinous replied, carrying her away as if she weighed nothing. Her protests echoed down the hall, but Antinous didn’t falter, his steps steady and determined. The other suitors burst into laughter as the two siblings disappeared around the corner, and Eurymachus shook his head, chuckling to himself. “That,” he said to no one in particular, “was a long time coming.”

Meanwhile, she continued to squirm in Antinous’s grasp. “This is so unfair!” she whined. “I was just hanging out with Eurymachus! Why do you care?”

Antinous didn’t answer until they reached his chambers. He finally set her down, his grip firm on her shoulders as he looked her in the eye. “You’re my sister, y/n,” he said, his tone exasperated. “Not his minion. And definitely not his shadow.”

She crossed her arms, pouting. “You’re just jealous because I like spending time with him more than you.”

Antinous groaned, rubbing a hand over his face. “You’re a nuisance,” he muttered. “Just… stay here for a while, alright? Give Eurymachus a break.”

She huffed but didn’t argue. Instead, she flopped onto a nearby chair, muttering under her breath about how unfair her brother was. Antinous, meanwhile, leaned against the doorframe, wondering how long this truce would last before she inevitably found her way back to Eurymachus.

——

Antinous slammed the door to his chambers behind him as she followed, her footsteps quick and defiant.

“You’re impossible!” Antinous snapped, turning to face her. “Do you have any idea how it looks, y/n? You clinging to Eurymachus like a lovesick puppy? People are starting to talk.”

She crossed her arms, her face red with anger. “So what if they are? Maybe you should have thought about that before saying you wished you weren’t my brother! Maybe then I wouldn’t need someone else to hang around!”

Antinous froze for a moment, guilt flashing briefly in his eyes before he quickly buried it under a scowl. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it.”

“Oh, really? Because it sure sounded like you meant it!” She shot back, her voice trembling with both anger and hurt.

Antinous pointed at her, his voice rising. “What I meant is that you need to start acting like a proper lady instead of running around making a fool of yourself! Eurymachus isn’t some toy you can play with, and people will start assuming the worst about you!”

Her eyes glistened, but she refused to let her tears fall. “You think this is my fault? Maybe if you weren’t so cold and distant, I wouldn’t have to spend time with him! Maybe if you actually acted like my brother, I wouldn’t feel so alone!”

Antinous took a step back, startled by the raw emotion in her voice. “Alone?” he repeated, his tone softer but still defensive. “You’re not alone. You have me.”

She scoffed bitterly, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. “Do I? Because all you ever do is push me away. You’d rather spend time scheming with Eurymachus or chasing after Penelope. And then you have the nerve to tell me not to hang around Eurymachus? You’re such a hypocrite, Antinous!”

Antinous clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. “Y/n, that’s not fair—”

“No, what’s not fair is you acting like this is all my fault!” She shouted, her voice breaking. “You were right, Antinous. You shouldn’t be my brother. Maybe then I’d have someone who actually cares about me!” Her words hit him like a blow to the chest. For a moment, the room was silent, the tension between them thick and heavy. Antinous’s face softened, but before he could say anything, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

Antinous stood there, his shoulders slumping as her words echoed in his mind. He ran a hand through his hair, sighing deeply. “What a mess,” he muttered to himself, feeling the weight of their argument settle heavily on his chest.

——

The palace was alive with the hum of celebration for Antinous’s birthday, but y/n wasn’t in the thick of it. Instead, she was sitting cross legged on the floor of a quiet corner of the garden with Eurymachus, who leaned lazily against a column, sipping wine. The breeze carried the faint sound of music, but her scowl was evident as she fiddled with a flower in her hands.

“You look like someone kicked your puppy,” Eurymachus said, arching an eyebrow.

“Shut up,” she snapped half heartedly, ripping a petal from the flower.

Eurymachus smirked. “Ah, birthday blues? Or is big brother Antinous being an ass again?”

At the mention of her brother, her frown deepened. She paused for a moment, hesitating, before blurting out, “He’s always an ass. I don’t even know why I bother with him.”

Eurymachus tilted his head, intrigued. “Oh? This sounds juicy. Go on.”

She let out a frustrated huff, her fingers tearing the flower to pieces. “He acts like I’m just… some annoying little kid. Like I don’t matter. And then he expects me to do whatever he says, like I’m his puppet or something.”

Eurymachus chuckled, swirling his wine. “Well, you are kind of annoying.”

She glared at him, but her shoulders slumped. “At least you don’t make me feel like I’m nothing,” she muttered.

Eurymachus blinked, caught off guard. “Whoa, where’s this coming from?”

She shrugged, avoiding his gaze. “I mean it. You… you actually talk to me like I’m a person. Like I’m not just some stupid kid getting in the way. Sometimes, I wish…” She hesitated, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Sometimes, I wish you were my brother instead of him.”

Unbeknownst to them, Antinous had been standing just behind a nearby pillar, having stumbled upon their conversation by accident. He’d been about to call out to his sister when her words froze him in place. The flower fell from her hands, and she hugged her knees to her chest. “You’re the brother I wish I had,” she admitted softly.

Antinous’s eyes widened as the words hit him like a punch to the gut. He stood there in stunned silence, his usually sharp mind blank. Slowly, his hands moved to his ears as if to block out the words, his lips pressing into a tight line. “y/n… I ain’t exactly…role model material” Eurymachus began, his tone unusually serious, but before he could continue, the sound of hurried footsteps made them both turn.

Antinous, unable to bear hearing more, had bolted from his hiding spot, his hands still covering his ears like a child avoiding a scolding. He didn’t look back, his mind a swirl of confusion and pain as he ran through the halls. Y/n and Eurymachus exchanged a bewildered glance, the latter raising an eyebrow. “What the hell was that about?”

She frowned, watching the retreating figure. For a moment, guilt flickered in her eyes, but she quickly masked it with a scowl. “Probably just an animal” Eurymachus shrugged, returning to his wine.

@simpformoonkight @xo-cuteplosion-xo

[saebyeokbliss]

ONCE MORE TO SEE YOU— PART I.

synopsis: on a cold january day, you were worrying about the reason your girlfriend wasn’t texting back. when she finally does and asks to meet at your apartment, you’re met with heartbreak as she ends your relationship. no explanation. two years later, you run into her at a cafe with someone new. what are you to do? warnings: angst (that's it LMFAO)

pairing: sae-byeok x fem!reader

Everyone knew Seoul’s coldest month of the year was always January. The snow seemed to be thicker, the cold pinching anyone’s cheeks red. 

Which was why your red tipped fingers pulled out your phone from your beige tote bag, shaking ever so slightly.

You had been waiting for a text from your girlfriend. But she hadn’t texted. And it was starting to worry you.

You knew Sae-byeok worked jobs that weren’t legal sometimes, to get money for her and Cheol, and it scared you. What if she couldn’t come home to you one day? What if those people she worked for came after her?

You decided to send her another text, just for good measure.

Delivered. Again.

Then your phone buzzed.

Finally, an answer. 

You smiled at the text and hearted it, putting your phone back into your bag. You slipped on your gloves to fight against the cold and started walking to your home.

When you arrived at the gates of your complex, Sae-byeok’s slender figure stood under the roof near your door. You walked up the stairs and met her.

“Hey,” You spoke softly, clasping you hands together. “It’s cold.”

“Yeah.” She nodded, her tone as cold as the snow falling outside.

It didn’t bother you much; she usually spoke this way. 

“Inside?” Before she answered, you reached for your keys and unlocked the door, letting her in first.

After closing the door behind her, you headed to your kitchen island and set down your bag. Then, you faced her and tried to read her expression.  

Of course, it was unreadable, her eyes distant, as if she wasn’t really here. She stood stiffly by the door, her hands buried in the pockets of her jacket. Something was off—more than usual. Normally, Sae-byeok’s guarded demeanor was like a wall that only you were allowed to climb over. But this time, the wall felt impenetrable, like she had built it higher, thicker.

You smiled anyway, hoping to warm the room. “Do you want tea? Or maybe coffee? I know you like it black, but I could—”

“No.” Her voice cut through your words, sharp and flat.

You froze for a second, blinking. “…Okay. That’s fine. Uh…” You trailed off, unsure of what to say. She wasn’t looking at you, her gaze fixed on the floor, her mouth a tight line. 

You shifted awkwardly, leaning against the counter. The silence between you was heavy, suffocating even. Normally, you could fill it with small talk or a joke, but today, Sae-byeok wasn’t giving you anything to work with. You bit your lip, trying again. “Did something happen? You’re… quiet.”

Nothing. Not even a shrug.

Your chest tightened. You hated this—hated how she could shut you out so easily. But you couldn’t stop yourself from trying. “Sae-byeok, seriously. What’s wrong? You’re scaring me.”

Finally, she looked up, her dark eyes meeting yours. For a split second, you thought you saw something flicker in them—regret, maybe, or sorrow. But whatever it was, it disappeared as quickly as it came, replaced by something colder. Something final.

“We’re breaking up.”

Three words. That was all it took for your world to tilt on its axis.

“…What?” The word escaped your mouth before you could stop it. You felt like you’d misheard her, like maybe the cold outside had frozen your brain. “What do you mean?”

“I mean we’re done,” she said, her tone devoid of emotion, like she was reciting a fact. “It’s over.”

You stared at her, the words hitting you like a punch to the gut. Your throat tightened, and for a moment, you couldn’t breathe. “Sae-byeok…” you whispered, “Why? Did I—did I do something wrong? If I did, just tell me. We can fix it. I’ll fix it.”

“No.” She shook her head, her expression unchanging. “You didn’t do anything.”

“Then why?” Your voice cracked as you took a step closer to her, desperate to understand. “Why are you doing this?”

She didn’t answer. Instead, she moved toward the door, her footsteps echoing in the quiet room. 

“Sae-byeok, wait—” You reached out, your hand brushing against her arm. But she pulled away, her movements quick and deliberate, as if even your touch was too much.

“Don’t make this harder than it has to be,” she said quietly, her back to you. And then she opened the door, stepping out into the cold without another word.

The door clicked shut behind her, leaving you standing there in stunned silence. For a moment, all you could do was stare at the spot where she had been, your heart pounding in your chest.

And then the tears came.

You clutched the edge of the counter, your knees threatening to buckle as the weight of her words sank in. She was gone. Just like that. No explanation, no closure. Just three cold, cruel words and an empty apartment that suddenly felt far too quiet.

Outside, the snow continued to fall, blanketing the city in white. And inside, you stood alone, your heart breaking into pieces that felt too jagged to ever fit back together.

[blueinkphantom]

Phantom of a Book

Summary: While in prison, Techno finds out a new fact about Dream and with it a new escape route opens up for his roommate. The choice of whether or not to use said escape plan gets taken out of their hands, however, when a visitor comes. (7,280 Words)

Aka. a Fic that was supposed to be finished on the 17th December for the Dreamnoblade Christmas Event. I just now managed to finish the second chapter which is why i didnt post it here before.

Bubbling of lava was the only sound reigning in the cell.

It had been weeks since Technoblade joined Dream in prison. Two months if Techno's inner clock was still to be trusted. Which it was more than Dream's at the very least. The green teletubby's was pretty destroyed by now considering he didn't even know how long he had been in prison so far.

And technically, Techno was already supposed to be out and about. By a bit under 2 months to be exact. Either Phil's inner clock was just as terrible as his roommates or he forgot to read the will.

Either way, it didn't seem like his original escape plan was happening any time soon. As a result, they had started to try digging a tunnel from the hole in the corner. And it was successful so far. They already got... two blocks downwards with Dream right now breaking the next one a bit to the side.

Every now and then he'd get him to pause a bit and eat something. Only having potatoes didn't give Techno much to work with but he still tried to cook them a bit so they weren't completely raw at least. It was working okay-ish, he'd say.

He wished being the spirit of an object would erase any need for food. Then at least they wouldn't need the potatoes. Unfortunately, they were only halfway a spirit so to say.

Speaking of that subject. He was still curious how Dream seemed to know what to do with him when he was recharging in the sword. It’s not common knowledge after all. And he doubts there are many books on the topic if any. So the only way he could see Dream knowing about this was through personal experience. Which brought up another question.

Was Dream friends with someone like Techno or was Dream himself like him?

Glancing over to his roommate, it was hard to tell. Similarities to the object are usually only obvious once the object is known. But considering he also didn't know what Dream even was, it would be even harder.

His right eye reminded him much of an eye of ender down to the slitted pupil while the other was more pale, probably a result of what also caused the scar across said eye. His hair was as white as snow but that seemed more recent. Looking at his black hands, he still didn’t have any more clue. He could see the guy as the spirit of a weapon, maybe his Nightmare axe but he knew that didn’t need to be true. Philza once told him off a librarian who had been the spirit of the very library she worked at. There was also someone that had been the soul of a pair of elytras.

“What are you staring at?” Dream asked in an annoyed tone.

“How did you know what to do?”

“What do you-”

“At the execution, when I had to retreat into the sword. How did you know what to do?”

Dream stared to the side. “Does it matter?”

“Of course. Chat’s curious. Imagine the clout I could get from potentially unlocking more of the mysterious guy’s backstory.”

“Well, curiosity killed the cat.” The guy muttered, probably in an attempt to get Techno to stop pursuing the topic. Unfortunately for both, Techno could be stubborn.

“But satisfaction brought it back. And besides, Technoblade never dies and with it Chat too. Thought you’d know by now.” Techno chuckled.

Dream grumbled.

-----

There were many topics Dream would rather talk about than this. So many in fact that Dream tried to pick any that would distract Techno from the current one.

“You know, if you are also like me, you can just tell me. I won’t judge. I won’t use it against you or whatever you think I will do.”

“Why are you talking like you already know?”

“Call it a hunch. I have been told to have a sixth sense by some.” The piglin grinned at the other who in turn raised an eyebrow as the edge of his lips moved slightly up.

“A sixth sense or voices that whisper hints?”

“Eh. Same thing.”

Dream's tail swished back and forth as silence resumed. His thoughts stayed on the topic, debating with himself if he maybe should tell him. He already clearly knew that he was something. Besides, Dream knew what Techno was.

“Fine.” Dream stared back at the lava wall, vehemently ignoring Techno’s presence and gaze at him as he stood up.

“So are you-”

“I’m the Revival Book.” Dream confessed to Techno with a firm look all while broadening his shoulders and uncurling. Something Techno seemed to find amusing, though he didn't comment on it. Though it was unsurprising. Technoblade still seemed taller despite sitting. Taller and handsomer with the orange glow of the lava throwing him into a warm hue.

"Ah." was all that Techno uttered at first. Eyes slightly widened either at Dream telling him or the object named.

Dream's tail kept swishing back and forth behind him and he resisted the urge to wrap it around his own leg. "Well, roommate who is also the spirit of the book that can bring people back. I may have a new escape idea." Techno announced happily though Dream could see the nervousness on his face which made him instantly hesitate.

"And what's that?"

“You know how we can retreat into our object at any time if we want to? If you have the book here, what if you-”

“No.” Dream could see where this was going and no way in hell would he do that.

"Very fair. Very fair. Can't blame ya considering the horror stories that exist. I can tell ya, being stuck in someone's inventory is not pleasant. 1/5 stars. I'd take this vacation over that any day." Techno chuckled. “Well. Guess we will stick to the current plan.”

“What would it even bring? I can walk myself out so me being in your inventory won’t bring much. At most, there’s one less person to fight against Sam and anyone else who wants to stop us.”

“Well, not if a certain someone finally read the note I left him. You know how I knew this was a trap? Well I had planned that someone gets me out via a stasis pearl chamber. If he still were to read the note at some point, I could get us both out as long as you have the book with you here. But also I get it if you don’t wanna.”

Dream stayed silent. What if Techno doesn’t ever let him out?

-----

More time passed. Techno’s suggestion was almost like an elephant in the room, keeping a certain amount of tension in it. Neither spoke about it. Not that they talked that much during said time anyway. Only quick words when food got dropped in or the silence got too much. Despite not doing much, this place had a strange way of sucking the energy out of people. Probably the mining fatigue extending into more areas than just mining.

A chance to escape, one requiring lots of trust. Techno wouldn’t blame him if he passed up on it. He would still return later for the teletubby whether the guy trusted him or not. He couldn’t leave him here. When he first heard of Dream’s imprisonment he figured the favour would be used for a breakout. By now Dream wouldn’t even have to use the favour for it. Techno get him out with or without it. He couldn’t leave anyone in here, especially someone who had never gone against him and instead assisted him. Heck, he had any chance to keep him in weapon form and instead took care that he could come back as soon as possible. He will get Dream out.

Who knows, maybe it's even a courtship behaviour for whatever species Dream is. He’s pretty sure he saw something with cages and caging under one species, either creepers or wardens.

He was brought out of his musings when Dream stepped in front of him, leaning against the wall in what looked like an attempt to keep the pressure off his right foot.

“Okay.” Dream’s voice cracked halfway through. It had gotten better before but with the new silence, the bit of progress regressed a bit.

“Heh?”

“You can put me in your inventory.” He could see Dream slightly shaking, something he tried to unsuccessfully suppress.

It took Techno several seconds to respond, surprised by either the trust or saddened by the desperation. Considering who it was, the latter seemed more likely even if he hoped it wasn’t that.

Before he could respond in any way shape or form though, redstone ticked loudly alongside the heavy shifting of machinery.

Dream tensed immediately, form stiffening more than Techno thought possible. He barely wasted a second as he put himself between his roommate and the slowly retreating lava curtain.

It only took him a small bit of time to register who was on the other side.

Sam, of course, Warden of the prison. And Quackity.

-----

"Well. Well. Well. If it isn't my two favourite prisoners. How have you been? You been good?" Quackity asked as he waltzed off the bridge wearing netherite armour and ...were those shears?

"Yeah, you know. We've just been chilling. Not much to do in here." Techno replied while keeping his eyes on him, only shortly glancing over to Dream who was standing in the other corner, leaning on the chest.

"Hm. Im sure. I'm sure." The duck's eyes squinted at him as the grin stayed on him. He turned around to where Sam was still observing them from the other side and called out "Okay, well. Sam-" Seeing a chance, Techno sprung forward, not seeing his roomy shaking his head as a pink fist connected with Quackity in an attempt to throw him into the lava below.

Unfortunately, the three months had taken their toll, the punch not doing much besides pushing Quackity a bit further just before the edge where he turned quickly to him. "Yo, what the fuck?! What the fuck is wrong with you, Techno?! We didn't even start! What is wrong with you?" Techno chuckled even as the duck was slashing at him with the shears, leaving multiple cuts of varying size and depth. "I was gonna ease into it. I was gonna ease into it. Okay but since you so clearly wanna rush things along, why not?"

"Sam! Keep this guy in check." Keeping him in check apparently meant, aiming a bow at him with an arrow notched, ready to fire any second.

When Techno looked back in the cell, he saw Dream near the hole, Quackity close to him. "Here's what's gonna happen. I am sick and tired of these prison visits." He stepped closer and closer to Dream, with his roommate trying to get further and further away to the other corner until he was pressed against the chest. "I've been trying to get the revival book for the longest time, Dream. And today, you are gonna give me the book. You wanna know why?"

"I'm not giving you the boo-"

Quackity slammed his fist against the wall right next to Dream's face. "You wanna know why? Because this guy, this guy right here is your only way out of here and if you won't give me the book, he dies and with it your only chance of getting out of here. That's the only reason he's here. So that I finally get the book after all this time you’ve wasted."

"That's kinda harsh,” muttered Techno. “Don't do it, Dream."

"You know what I don't even care if you break out. If this guy gets you out. All I care about is the Revival book, and you are gonna give it to me.” If Quackity had half the knowledge about stuff, he's gonna care a bit more probably. Besides, it's not like Techno can really die. Not unless his Sword gets smashed to bits and the Sword is safely tucked away at home. Speaking of death...

"Wait. Hear me out. Hear me out, Dream. Does he really have any leverage? Cause if he kills me and my best friend is a Necromancer, doesn't that kinda just work out? You could just revive me after. I'm just saying." Dream’s eyes were locked onto his, the same thought Techno had probably crossed him too. Techno won’t die. Then his gaze skittered to Quackity, awaiting his reaction which was as expected another slice of shears at the piglin before turning to Dream again.

"You know what just give me the Revive Book. Just give me it. I'm not playing games anymore. I don’t care."

“I can’t give you the Revival Book, you know that. Hell, even if I could give you the book you're just gonna kill me. And probably kill Techno right after. The whole reason I'm in here is cause I have the book. Otherwise, I'd be dead."

"Okay then you know what. What if I just killed you both right now? No more best friend for you, Techno. And no headaches for me. Why not stop the madness, right? Not like the book brought many good things with it anyway, did it? So I'm just gonna kill you both and get this over with."

"Now let's just relax first. Let's calm down." Techno tried, moving both hands up to no success as Quackity didn’t stop talking. 

"No no. I should just kill you both right? So why not? Starting with you Techno and don’t think I’ gonna forget about you, Dream. And I'm gonna make sure it's painful enough as payment for ruining the execution and every second I have wasted here just because you couldn’t do a single thing. Just because you wouldn’t tell me and wouldn’t open that goddamn book." Any protests from Dream got ignored as Quackity turned to Techno. "I've been waiting a long ass time to do this." The first slash still hit him but the next got blocked by Dream who put himself between them. "Oh, you wanna go first? Wanna make sure that there's no chance for Techno to come back? Want him to watch his buddy die? Fine by me."

Techno tried to pull Dream away, out of Quackity's range but before he could make much progress, the rips on Dream's form spread. Rips that reminded him of torn-apart pages until they split apart entirely and green mist formed. Green mist which seemed to dissolve but turns out to have just entered the object as a book was left behind. One that Techno didn't hesitate to grab before Quackity could. And by the duck's wide grin and eyes, he knew that the guy was aware of what it was even if he didn't know the full extent of its connection to Dream. "Techno, give me the bo-" He saw the swing and felt part of the blade enter before the sensation abruptly left. His arms stayed raised in defence as he slowly took in where he was.

Blackstone walls with Nether bricks. A pink sheep connected with a led to a wall decoration bearing three wither skulls. Lava flowed down in the corners and stone bricks on the floor, some with moss.

It was the Syndicate Meeting Room. He was out. He was-

"Did it work?" A familiar voice. A familiar voice that he was incredibly glad to hear.

"Oh my god. Phil." He was still on edge as he turned to his best friend for years.

 "Here, drink that. Drink that." The immortal handed him a glass of milk alongside a golden apple. Both of which Techno gladly consumed.

"Phil. I gave you that book three months ago, Phil!" Techno exclaimed once he swallowed the bite he took out of the apple. His wounds healed, stitching themselves back together with the feeling of pins and needles pricking his flesh.

"You said three months!" Philza tried to argue.

"No, I did not! I thought you'd take like two days. I've been in jail for three months!"

A look of realisation came across his oldest friend. "Wait, wait wait. Oh my god, you said three days."

"Bruuuh."

"Well at least you got a book out of it, it seems."

Ah. He nearly forgot. He looks down at his right hand, still holding the book, still holding Dream there.

"What's with it?"

"Well. The good news is, we don't need to head to the prison soon."

"Not fancying another visit to Dream?"

"I mean if he was still in there, I'd go back. You know break him out and stuff. Return the favour and all.” Techno moved back to his hair, settling down into it and setting Dream down on the table, out of his inventory even if it would probably take a while for him to come back with the hits he took.

"Did he break out?"

"Now yes. Next thing is waiting till he’s back." His gaze stayed on the book, noting the glowing green writing, and the firm but used-looking leather cover. An eye of ender was sitting on the front inside a golden frame. One that looked just like Dream's. Slowly the parallels became clearer.

The white hair from the pages that were still as white as snow despite the many years this book probably existed. The eye. The black on his hands from the ink that likely stained the pages. And the green highlights in his hair from the glowing title.

It made sense.

Dream is the spirit of the Revival Book.

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

It's been a few days since Technoblade got teleported out of the prison.

Getting used to being out again went well so far. Sure, he may be a bit apprehensive about potatoes now. For all the love he held for the multi-use vegetable, even he could apparently get enough of them, especially when he's had nothing but potatoes for weeks. If they had at least been prepared in different ways but no. A shame considering how many different delicious meals one could cook with them. But now he lacks any appetite for them. Dream probably won't have one either once he returns, whenever that is.

Dream's book was still on the pillow where Techno had put it upon entering the room. He figured out quickly that he wasn't entirely comfortable with leaving Dream out of his sight in this state. Sure, he'd probably notice if anyone tried to sneak in but this felt safer. Besides, this way he got a comfortable amount of warmth from the fireplace while still staying a good distance away. Techno's been freezing more than usual after getting used to the heat of the cell. No doubt Dream would have even more issues considering his longer stay. He's probably gonna need several layers of clothing when he comes back.

If he comes back.

Techno tried to shake that thought.

Now he knows that there can be different recharging times from one object spirit to another. Heck, with all the things Dream went through in that prison, it shouldn't be surprising that he took a bit longer. It didn't stop Techno's worry from constantly nagging. It didn't stop a few of the voices from throwing in their concerns as well.

The book still had that green shine over it. Dream was still alive. Logically, he knew that. The small bit of a tail he had barely ever ceased from swishing back and forth whenever his thoughts drifted to his roommate. There was nothing he could do but wait. Wait and hope Dream returned.

Knock, knock.

Techno turned to the door, hand already on his sword's handle before he even thought about it. Silently, he neared the door.

Chances were, it was just Phil who had made it a habit to check on him daily. Preferring to be safe than sorry though, Techno listened first to make out anything suspicious. Not that it was needed when a voice soon rang out. "Heya, mate. It's me." Just Phil. He let out a breath he didn't know he was holding and nearly earned Phil's fist in his face when he opened the door.

"You know, I'm all for trying out new greetings but I don't think a fist to the face is the best." Techno smiled more when Phil let out a laugh at that.

"Didn't expect you at the door so soon. Anyway, you ready for the meeting?"

He stared at his friend blankly for a tick. And another. "About that..." He sheepishly looked away, avoiding Phil's gaze.

"Did you forget about it?"

"Yup." His mind was running between preparing for any unwanted visitors, preparing for when Dream was back and taking care of his usual chores. Everything else had slipped his mind.

Phil clapped him on the back. "It's fine. Come on. We still got time."

They packed and headed out with Techno carrying Dream in a bag that would hopefully not prevent him from forming like being in an inventory would. The meeting itself went by in a blur. His mind drifted to the book beside him. To the person in it. Like it always seemed to. Even before this whole thing, his mind would sometimes drift to Dream. Curious about what his favourite flower might be, his favourite animal and more.

When Niki and Ranboo asked where he'd been the last months, Phil answered for him. Explaining how he'd been locked up and stuck there till Phil, rather late, got him out with the stasis chamber. What followed were concerns about Dream's breakout and questions of if he had anything to do with it to which Techno was honest. Though he did try to avoid mentioning how Dream's like him, well aware that the teletubby would prefer as few people as possible to know his status as spirit. Techno himself avoided many people knowing. Too many had wished to wield the sword that housed the mighty warrior.

Luckily, he managed to calm them mostly down, partly thanks to bringing up a few things about how the prison was handled and reassurances that he would ensure their safety.

The meeting got dismissed rather early and once Techno was back at his cabin, he only went out to feed the animals again before falling into bed, taking the book with him.

-----

More days passed. So many hours and still Dream didn't come back out. Techno continued with attempts to keep his worry down. Him and Dream just take different times to form again. The teletubby had been tortured for weeks by the time he was there. They had different objects, him a sword and Dream a book. Maybe it's the material. Maybe- Maybe Quackity had carved into Dream while in the book. So many factors that could delay it. So many reasonable explanations.

Maybe Dream just didn't feel safe to come back around him? He tried not to think about that. But also, he couldn't blame Dream if that was the case. He couldn't put him outside. That was too risky. What if someone decided to visit right then and take him? No one had come to attack yet. No warden or duck or ex-best-friends with a murderous promise. None. Yet.

He glanced at the unmoving book on what could probably be considered a makeshift nest. Pillows and blankets and a cloak he had made for Dream surrounded the book from beneath and around. The faint green shimmer never stopped, reminding Techno of an enchanted object. It reminded him of how Phil and Chat described his sword whenever he was inside.

It was beautiful and unnerving at once. The longer he stared, the more he could see the parallels between the book and Dream. The eye of ender on the cover fit with the one Dream had. The green glowing writing in enchanting language matched the words he could see through some tears in the clothing Dream wore when they tried the book on Techno. The pages nearly looked white as snow or rather Dream's hair. If he took a guess, the ink used for the words and sketches inside was probably as black as the tips of Dream's claws that gradually went over to his usual skin tone along the arm or the words on his skin when not using the book.

He gently felt along the cover with one of his hands before removing it as if burned. He technically held the book for multiple minutes by this point - hours if one were to include the time he accidentally fell asleep with it in his arms - still he tried to keep it to a minimum for Dream's sake. He knew Dream wasn't the biggest with touch. Touch-starved? Most likely, based on how he still leaned towards Techno in prison and how he'd been before, way before. Willing to touch? Eh. Considering the bits he learned while roommating with him in prison, it wasn't surprising. Trust this broken is hard to get again, even more so when all recent touch seemed to have been with the intent to hurt.

It reminds him of himself before he met Phil.

A groan brought him out of his musings. Steve was looking at him with such a puppy-eye look that Techno barely had to think about what he wanted. "You hungry, Steve?" Another groan. "Alright. Alright. You get your food." He rose back to full height before picking Dream's book up. "Just need to do something quickly." He tried to carry as many blankets and pillows too before moving everything downstairs into a mostly hidden corner in the basement and restarting the nest. Maybe if the delay was due to being constantly in the same room as him, this would help Dream feel comfortable enough to come back.

He stepped away, eyes on the book before turning and climbing back up and started making dinner.

-----

Having many animals had its perks, Techno would like to note. They were good company, fighters and more. However, they could also be a disturbance to his plans.

When Techno woke up the next day, he found Dream's book next to him, one of the foxes lying on top of it.

He sighed, before softly petting the fox which continued to sleep despite the gradual removal of the book from below it. With it in hand, he headed down and started his daily routine, item placed once more on a seat near the fire.

The voices started throwing different suggestions for why Dream was still in there. Ranging from simple refusal to death. He tried to ignore that last suggestion. Dream couldn't be dead. The book would have to be destroyed. Just like the sword had to be broken and shattered into pieces for Techno to die. The voices were wrong. Nothing more to it.

He tended to his farm and animals, cooked and fixed some of the fence around their clearing that was starting to deteriorate a bit. A squirrel shortly paused his work as it climbed along the structure.

It was when he was putting away the dishes that a green light from behind made him freeze.

Turning showed a green mist taking shape around the book and a second later, Dream sat there, left eye focused on Technoblade as his face shifted between multiple microexpressions.

Dream was there. Dream was back. His hair was still white, one eye with a whiteish hue over it and one leg missing.

They both stared at each other for several ticks.

"Welcome back, teletubby." Techno greeted him, trying to go for humour with all the relief in his chest at seeing Dream out.

"Why didn't you open it?" Dream asked, voice rough from not having used it in more than two weeks. A frown sat on his face.

"Huh?"

"I've been inside for days. You had so many chances. Why didn't you open it?" Dream looked at him as if he had grown a second head. As if he was a puzzle he couldn't solve.

"Why should I?" Techno asked back. "You didn't give away what was inside even under torture. I could be wrong but I was under the impression you weren't really a fan of anyone else knowing what was written inside."

"Yeah, but not like that ever mattered. It sure as hell didn't matter when Sam let Quackity in the first time. Didn't matter when Quackity tried to get it to open with an axe while I was inside."

"It matters to me," Techno responded, stomach sinking at the thought of someone attacking him while inside the object. No wonder Dream's right leg didn't form. Severe damage could limit how much of one's body can be formed. Especially if it's damage to his object. He wouldn't be surprised if his torturer had intentionally aimed at his leg in hopes this would happen.

Dream was silent, eyes moved to the side as Techno's own flickered over Dream, trying to find anything else that was missing or damaged. Except for a missing ring finger, he didn't find much to be concerned about. Scars of course. Plenty. One or two in the form of a familiar smile, some burn scars and others from an axe or knife. But nothing else that would impact Dream's ability to move much.

After many more ticks, Techno clapped his hands. "So, anyway. I made some food if you want. Fish with spinach. It should still be warm."

His roommate squinted at him. "I'm fine. I can get some myself."

"Sure. Sure but I may have made too much, so really, you'd be doing me a favour," Techno continued, hoping for an agreement. And he got one, although reluctant and with obvious scepticism.

He didn't let that dissuade him though and put some of the food on a plate before noticing a slight shake in Dream's hands. "Wanna sit at the table?"

Dream looked to it before shaking his head. "Alright. Hope I didn't salt it too much though. Phil says I sometimes go overboard." He also for some reason had always accompanied it with a wink which Techno was still confused by, though that detail didn't feel important.

After sniffing at it and still looking for something off, Dream took a bite and then another. He didn't keep track of how many but it turned out too much as it didn't take long for Dream's face to turn pale and attempt to rush outside only to reach a window and promptly throw up.

Ah right. Stomach's not used to that much.

-----

Carefully, Techno cut more and more slices of wood away. The form was slowly becoming recognisable much to his satisfaction, but there was still a decent way to go. Once finished, it would fit neatly next to the wolf, crow and pig carved from the same material. After that, he already had another one in mind.

The fire in the chimney flickered softly. It crackled regularly from the bits of water in the wood which was unavoidable. The warmth helped well with the current weather. A snowstorm ruled outside. Not the strongest snowstorm that Techno had ever seen but still not one that should be underestimated.

Looking over to Dream, who sat on a couch near the chimney, he was somewhat glad for the weather. The guy was determined to get out and do whatever stupid thing he had in mind. And that was when his body hadn't even fully healed to its capability.

Not to mention the appointment he had booked for Dream to get him a prosthetic because let's be honest, Techno doesn't have the medical and mechanical knowledge required to get Dream a good one. Not even a decent one. There was maybe one or two people on the server who could make a good one, but Techno didn't trust either of them with this.

Safe to say, Techno wasn't entirely comfortable with letting Dream out and about. Not until he at least healed more. And even then he hoped the guy would stick around. Continue the roommates arc and all. Nothing else. Chat shut up.

In his slight distraction, he slipped and the carving knife cut him on his finger. It luckily didn't get deep, piglin skin is rather sturdy, still blood exits. He put the wood and tool to the side and went to get a cloth to stop the bleeding. When he turned from the cabinet where he got the cloth though, Dream stood right there, eyes fixated on where the wound is, the cut looking like a crack in metal.

"Let me look at it." Confused, Techno did.

Dream held his hand and Techno could feel his face heating up for some reason. His friend leaned down with his head so close that he could feel the heat of his breath as he whispered something Techno couldn't make out. A tick and he felt the skin there tickle. The wound glowed green as it sealed shut. Stunned he kept staring at where there was just a wound but now there was nothing. Only a small faint scar that's barely noticeable.

"How did you-"

"The book didn't just have the secrets to revival." Techno glanced up and saw Dream also still looking at where the wound was. He shortly lifted his head before averting his gaze and moving back to where he was with the help of the stick one of the woods wolves - one that for some reason loved to steal Techno’s glasses - gave him.

-----

It started with the wolves barking outside.

They didn't bark when it was a friend. Every time Niki, Ranboo, Phil or Dream entered this area, the dogs didn't bark. That was the first sign for them to get ready.

They had discussed this, him and Dream. Techno would go out, armour and weapons at the ready. Dream would try to hide somewhere in the house where he hopefully won't be found while Techno tries to get them out of this with the least amount of bloodshed. As much as Techno wanted to get back at Quackity and Sam, killing them could lead to more unwanted attention from the rest of the server, especially if they got confirmation that Dream was still with Techno instead of on his own somewhere. Right now, the priority was safety.

So Dream hid himself away covered by Steve. As embarrassing as the position seemed, Dream figured neither of the two looking for him would risk angering a bear just to see or get what seemed to be in its grip.

If he had a mouth, he would have stopped breathing when he heard Quackity enter. And he knew those footsteps even if they sounded more unsure. He also knew the ones that followed and noted a third one he expected missing. Just Quackity and Technoblade then. Sam probably stayed outside in case Dream tried to sneak away.

The two inside were talking. Dream knew they were talking but he couldn't focus on the words. He tried to. He needed to know but he couldn't. Mind

A screech cut through his haze. For a second he worried that it was Techno before registering the next words. "Technoblade, get your fox off of me, dude. Get your fucking fox off of me."

Dream tried to peek and sense what was going on and got a rough image. A dark blue figure shook in pain as a smaller, way smaller green one tore into his arm that had reached up to a bookcase.

"Aw, come on. They just want to play. Ain't that right, Em?"

"It's literally biting me. Get it off of me." Dream had to admit, that fox was determined. She didn't let off despite the way Quackity shook his arm. Good fox.

Blood was soaking through his sleeves when one of the wolves came from behind and bit into his leg, mauling on it multiple times. It didn't go missing on him that it's the same he lost and he wondered for a second if the hound knew.

If it wasn't for his current mouthless state, Dream would have burst out laughing when another one bit into the intruder. For a second, he thought they might be close to actually kill-

Quackity's form poofed, leaving his items behind. He heard a cackle from somewhere in the room. He'd have thought it was himself if he could make sounds. Instead, it was Technoblade who seemingly couldn't hold it in himself.

"Well done, Em and June. Well done, you two." Techno praised them. Tears crinkled at the edge of his eyes as he petted them.

He stood back up properly and went to the door only to come back rather quickly. "Welp. Sam dipped too. Probably scared of the big fearsome fox and hound. Probably helped that Ravyn was outside too." Techno's gaze stayed on the outside a bit more. Likely making sure that no one was there anymore. "Dream, you can come out. Pretty sure we are not gonna have to worry about them for a bit."

Dream did so after a few more ticks. Forming around the book again. However, he realised a moment too late that it left him stuck with Steve, who seemed to like holding him. "Um. Techno. A little help?"

"You know what? Nah. Who am I to take my emotional support bear's emotional support war criminal."

"Techno!" Dream tried to wiggle out of the soft arms, only to be held closer. He would have tried again if not for the snout moving against him as the wolf that still had blood around its snout was starting to lean against him. Same for the fox as they seemed to cuddle together against him.

Moving would be impossible now without accidentally hitting one of them.

Reluctantly, Dream gave up, sagging in Steve's hold while Techno brought in two more wolves. One snowy one and one woods. Both joined the animals already resting and Dream didn't need to look up to see Techno smirking at him.

"When I get out, I'll get my revenge."

"Sure you will, bud. Sure you will. What do you want for dinner?"

"...Broccoli Gratin."

-----

Dream settled back in the same place on the couch the next day. Once more idly watching as Techno carved a new wooden figure that Dream could make out to be a cat. It looked good already. Incredibly so. He had spotted the wooden figures on his shelves before and debated asking but never did.

"Whe-" His voice cracked. He moved past. "When did you start with wood carving?"

"Uh. Probably around eight months ago? Give or take. Been wanting to get into it a few years ago. Didn't really get to. Stuff got in the way. Lost the books teaching woodcarving. Got called to war. You know, usual things?"

"Heh. Yeah. Usual."

Dream's gaze shortly went up to Techno's eyes. They were blue. Like the sky but, more colourful. Like aquamarine. Like the gem on his sword.

"You know, I wasn't always the spirit of a sword." Techno at some point voiced. "It's been... roughly about a hundred years ago I think. I was in an arena, one of their best champions even if their treatment of me never really matched it. The audience would cheer whenever I fought, not that it mattered to the owners besides the money it brought them." He huffed. Dream stared, unsure how to respond.

"I was good enough that I caught a certain god's attention. The Blood God loves to see fights and apparently, he loved to watch mine. So much so that he gave me a blessing." The last word was accompanied by a tone he couldn't pinpoint. Dream glanced back down to the figure the other was still carving.

"That night, I became immortal. Not to be killed unless the sword he gave me was shattered beyond repair. It was also the night I became free. So both immortality and freedom. Pog if you ask me." Techno seemed to be carving details like the eyes and mouth now. He was silent after that. It took only a few more ticks for Dream to open his mouth instead.

"I made a deal with Schlatt. He got protection and an army, I got the book. Then one moment I was there, burning a copy of the book, the next, I was like this." It was less than Techno told him. But Techno didn't need to know about the experiments. He didn't need to know about Punz and how somehow only he became the spirit of the book, not his mercenary.

"Huh. Always thought you were a bookworm. You sure you don't write any fanfics?"

"Oh my god, no." Dream immediately responded.

"That was a suspiciously quick denial," the piglin joked.

"No, it's not. What?" A smile tugged at his lips, tail swishing back and forth behind him.

"Come on. What's your pen name? I promise I won't tell a soul." Techno grinned.

"No, I'm leaving." Dream said as he planned to stand up, only for one of the wolves to settle on top of him.

"Yes. Good, Yawn." Techno encouraged.

"No, No. Bad." Dream tried to discourage it to no avail.

"Well. Guess you're stuck now. Now where were we?"

Dream leaned his head back, scratching the spotted wolf with one hand.

-----

Dream couldn't sleep. It was nothing new. He spent plenty of nights awake either by choice or inability. Usually, though, he didn't need to figure out a way how to get out of another person's arms.

Slowly, he started shifting into a mouse, making himself small and light enough that hopefully, Techno wouldn't wake. He stepped along the bedsheets and down onto the floor. He gave his sleeping roommate one last glance before changing to a screech owl and quietly flying himself down the ladder and through an open window. Once on the porch, he shifted back.

It was cold. Freezingly so. He didn't have the cloak. Or anything really fitting for the temperature.

Just a few hundred ticks and then he'd go back in.

Before the time passed though, he heard the floorboards inside creak and just a few ticks later, a cloak found its way around him and a certain piglin next to him.

"Nice night, isn't it? The sky's so clear you can even see the stars and constellations like the Nightmare Eater and the Lava Walker." Techno spoke softly. Eyes up to the sky as well.

"Which ones are those?" Dream asked, not so much for the knowledge about stars and more just to hear Techno's voice.

His roommate pointed to different stars while leaning closer to Dream, their heads next to each other. "This one's Nightmare Eater. A phantom that feasted upon the nightmares of gods till they had enough and punished it by turning it into stars, never to get another meal." He pointed to another cluster. "And that's Lava Walker. A strider who had helped a young adventurer get help from his friends after falling down from a great height in the nether. The injury could have caused his death if the strider didn't get them. As thanks, the lil guy got immortalised."

Dream looked from the stars to Techno, seeing them reflect in his eyes. A sparkle in his blue eyes that entranced Dream. He didn’t even notice their hands being intertwined.

Techno turned his head down, looking back at Dream after noticing his silence. His eyes flickered to his lips.

They stared at each other as the moon shone down on them.

With the stars as only witnesses, Techno kissed Dream and Dream kissed back.

[hyacinthleaves]

hii i had a request ,,,,,, damon, kai and ulysses being flustered hcs🫶 have a nice day!!!!!!

I'm in dire need of sleep. Please forgive any errors...

Damon Maitsu:

Its so easy to fluster him but he hates to admit it

Because he swears he's so tough and nothing can get under his skin but one well placed innuendo will get him to shut up

Like literally one sex joke and he's putting his hand over his face and blushing

Easiest way to fluster him is just a kiss to the forehead in the morning

Its one of those things that he wouldn't even notice happened until after he's fully awake

And then he'll be thinking about it for hours

He constantly has to fight the urge to tell you to shut up or stop because he knows how immature it is

He'll try to cut you off before he gets embarrassed but the thought of you saying something to fluster him just flusters him anyway

Kai Monteago:

Unlike Damon, he will quickly tell you to shut up if you're flustering him enough

They're literally opposites. Damon gets quieter when flustered and Kai just gets louder

Will literally yell at you for seemingly the smallest reason ever but it's just cuz you're doing too much

Like no Kai you cannot cover your blush with exclamations

He won't try to cut you off he'll try to prevent you from opening your mouth in general

He'll try to beat you to it

"and I know you want to say..." How would you know gng get out of my head

Anyway it's easy to fluster him just don't overdo it. I mean, unless you really wanna get yelled at

Ulysses Wilhelm:

I think he's actually the hardest to fluster out of all of them

Because he only gets flustered by kind actions

Like that one scene where Damon gives him a great gift? That's typically the reason he would get flustered

Even then it doesn't last long

Usually he's too tired to even get innuendoes and stuff or he just doesn't take them seriously

He reads too much and knows too much to get flustered by those things, you know what I mean?

Like there are too many freaks him history that he has to know about to get flustered too easily

When he does get flustered, it's genuinely the cutest thing ever because he still feels the urge to respond to whatever you did/said to cause it

And you can see him actively searching for the right words to respond with

Which is why he typically hides his face with his journal

[howlsofbloodhounds]

Who do you think Epic met first between Color and Delta?

If it was Delta, do you think Color would get paranoid, jealous or upset about Delta having other friends (he doesn't really, just acquaintances)? Would he feel that at first Epic is a threat to his stability?

How would they (mostly Delta/Beta) handle this?

I usually tend to think that Epic met Delta first, and introduced him to Color later on (probably worried about causing Color to feel overwhelmed or trapped with too many people in one spot too early), but I was talking with @toffeebrews on Discord awhile back—when I was making this headcanon—and had the thought that, Color doesn’t know Epic, but Epic saw Color around in Sugar’s (Lust’s) bar a few times.

They never talked to eachother, and Color never saw or remembered Epic being there, but it was an awkward first meeting you can imagine.

As for if Color would be paranoid, jealous or upset, I think so, yeah. I’d imagine that the security he felt with Delta, that likely took awhile to build, would start to waver; and now suddenly everything Delta does and says, or doesn’t do or say, feels—to Color—like he’s going to leave, or that Color is starting to “fade” from existence again, being forgotten again.

Which might be particularly devastating, if Color thought that Delta would never do that to him. Couldn’t.

Considering how we all know Color feels his emotions intensely and—according to himself—can’t control them, is known for his intense anger, explosive emotional outbursts might be likely. However, this is Delta. Someone very, very important to him.

Color has also said he likes the Patience soul in particular because it makes him calm. Not tells him to be, not helps him to be, makes him calm.

We also see in some of the Othertale comics that Color is the type to “go for a walk” and “need space” when his emotions start becoming too much—so he’s at least self aware enough on that front.

In this case however, in his and the souls’ eye, maybe they think Color can’t handle being alone again, being left behind again. They all can’t handle it—they’d rather die. Again.

So I’d imagine that if Color’s emotions—especially his anger—ever start to become “too much” or “bad and wrong,” Patience will make Color unnaturally calm. Eerily so, and in sharp contrast to his behavior earlier. It doesn’t actually stop whatever emotions Color was feeling; it’s just something stopping the dam from breaking and flooding, either at that moment or at that place.

Because it doesn’t want Color to “make” Delta leave them with his emotions, and possibly, doesn’t want Color to hurt himself—hurt them all—as a result of his emotions.

I’d imagine there’d be a lot of internal criticism, guilt, shame and disgust about feeling “wrong” and “bad” emotions on Color’s end. Other souls could make this worse, such as Justice having its own black-and-white sense of justice, Patience disapproving of anger and impatience, and Kindness wanting people to not be “mean.”

Integrity likely could become critical and judgmental as well, if Color ever does or says anything that goes against their morals, values, and rules (assuming they have those in place at this point in time); but only if Color does that. I doubt Integrity is type to place ideas of “good” or “bad” on emotions, feelings, or thoughts—or at least, not to the extent that Color and Justice do.

I feel like Integrity is much more likely to advise Color into just being honest—both with himself, and with Delta. To encourage Color to ask for what he needs, or to ask for something to stop.

It could all lead to Color neglecting himself and his emotions, seeing himself as something evil and tainted for even having them at all, but it still doesn’t stop the growing fear, hurt, and anger—which Color is likely to try to deeply suppress or take out on himself internally, while outwardly either overcompensating or withdrawing and shutting himself off if that fails.

If whatever Delta is doing or saying, or fails to do or say that makes Color feel forgotten, belittled, abandoned, or rejected, continues to persist, it’s possible that’s when Color will have an intense, explosive outburst.

Especially if Color feels like Delta is doing it knowingly and purposefully—because then it shifts from blaming himself, to making it harder to do so and potentially starting to blame Delta or even Epic—only able to see the absolute worse in Delta and/or Epic.

Potentially a lesson for Color to learn to be more communicative about what’s going on inside his head and what he’s feeling.

Ebbebw I hope that made any sense my brains been all over the place lately I’ll probably try to talk more about delta & beta later (or delta and beta fans can add on themselves)

[yuu-twisted]

Jamil and Kalim and their Sticky Fingers

Kalim and Jamil have this habit of taking things out of each others hands. They have no idea why they do it, it's completely subconscious.

If they thought about it, Jamil takes things out of Kalim's hands as a part of him thinking that Kalim cannot handle himself, so removing the item is in service to protecting him- the equivalent of taking a pen out of the hands of a baby.

Meanwhile Kalim takes things out of Jamil's hands usually subconsciously not registering that Jamil may be using said item, a subconscious demand for the item that prioritizes Kalim wanting to have the item over Jamil already holding it.

Jamil's comes from a deep seeded mental block of thinking whatever it is, Kalim cannot handle it. While Kalim's comes from a deeply embedded meshing of Jamil and himself to where sometimes subconsciously he considers Jamil as an extension of himself.

Mind you, neither is very healthy for them.

Content Warning: Discussions of Alcohol and Tobacco Usage

I like to think this especially comes into play when it comes to things like alcohol and smoking. Kalim I imagine has a very high tolerance for things, with his exposure to poisons over time possibly even training to be able to take such things, he can put one over on others rather easily. Jamil ... cannot handle his alcohol.

This has led to many circumstances of Jamil getting drunk just from tasting Kalim's drinks for poison, something Kalim absolutely finds just a bit endearing and endlessly entertaining. Jamil is a fool when drunk, which is something he does indeed despise about himself.

Kalim started smoking rather young, due to social situations with businessmen and his father, but it's merely a social obligation for him, he doesn't find it very fun. It usually mellows him out and sometimes makes him simmer on heavier things, so he avoids it.

This changes however, whenever he sees Jamil out on the Scarabia balconies smoking cheap cigarettes. He is very quick to steal them, either fully or just taking a drag off him and telling Jamil he could buy him much nicer ones.

Jamil knows Kalim prefers the hooka, he also knows he could buy nicer ones, he knows he will have nicer ones in his nightstand by tomorrow night. He will not be smoking the nicer flavored ones the next time Kalim catching him smoking again.

This cycle will continue between them.

Because Jamil likes to smoke the bitter ones, because he knows when Kalim comes to steal it his face is going to screw up into something sour, that he'll pout and stomp his foot and ask where the nice ones Kalim gave him are, and he'll get to say he hasn't the faintest idea and watch Kalim scramble to find a way to get them more and put them in an even more obvious place.

And Jamil despite hating it will always end up getting drunk and acting a fool, no matter if he says he will not drink other than to taste. Kalim will take the tiniest bit of smug satisfaction watching Jamil's face twist up in disgust as another glass touches the heir's lips, another over the limit Jamil had set for him. He'll revel ever so slightly as Jamil snatches the cup from his hands and downs it until its empty to rid Kalim of it before immediately regretting his decision.

[romirola]

Hey! First off, I just gotta say I love your work! The way you characterize everyone always feels so deep and full of thought, and it just adds onto the already interesting stories that you have going.

One character that I always enjoy reading from the perspective of in any fic is Babe, but one thing I've noticed is that there's not a ton done in regard to their dynamics with certain pack members across the fandom. While there are plenty of works out there featuring their dynamic with Asher (of course), Angel, Sweetheart, and sometimes darlin' and sam, I feel that there's rarely any exploration done with their dynamics with Milo and David. Longwinded preamble aside, I'm curious how you would describe your personal view of their dynamic with the two. Is there anything in specific you approach it with when writing?

Thanks!

Hi, Anon! Hey, thanks so much for stopping by and sending this ask. It means so much to me, and I really appreciate it. <3

Babe is an incredibly fun character to write and to read about. I love their tenacity and heart. I love their dry sense of humor, their ability to see the big picture, their courage, and even their vulnerability when the time is right.

As fun as it is to write bona fide Asher/Babe-centric stories, I also really enjoy mixing things up by having Babe interact with other members of the pack. Your question has been so much fun to think about!

I think one thing that's really important to note about Babe is that they are the FIRST unempowered mate of the Shaw Pack ever. That's a lot of pressure. To integrate into a world of magic is hard enough, but to be thrust into the role of beta-mate while trying to navigate this huge change in perspective? Babe strikes me as the type to want to know as much as possible, to fill in all those knowledge gaps as best they can, and to do so on their own because they don't want to be dependent on Asher. I headcanon that Babe can often be found at at the Empowered section of the Dahlia Library, studying as much as they can about not just shifter culture, but empowered society in general. They attend lectures, seek out classes, read on their own. Whatever it takes.

That's something I bring to bear on their relationship with David especially. Babe wants to be a capable, supportive mate to Asher. They want to make sure that his best friend and alpha views them as an asset to Asher, not a burden. So I think when it comes to David, especially early on, they often try to "prove" to him they aren't just some informed-idiot. (Apparently, they discover, that's a common phrase in magical society.) David always saw Babe as a wonderful addition to Asher's life, not so much for their knowledge (though he is often impressed by them), but because of their love for Asher. David sees the difference. Asher is more confident with them. He shares ideas more readily. He takes charge more frequently. He breathes a little easier. And David loves to see that. He never struggles with Babe, finding himself enjoying both conversation and silence with them. And lately, I've even gotten the chance to explore the deep connection I know David and Babe share. My current fic, The Prince Shifter, is an AU where I've cast Babe and David as cousins. Having that dynamic has really allowed me to explore a very comfortable vibes between them. AU and Canon, I think Babe has the guts to always tell David what he needs to hear, and David really respects that. They just... click.

When it comes to Milo, I think he and Babe hit it off right away, much to Babe's utter surprise. They know they come off as stony, stoic, even abrasive. It's usually hard for them to make friends, despite the friendliness and care lurking just below their surface. But Milo seems to take them in stride, never pushing for more than they are willing to give, yet very willing to meet them right where they are. It's fun. The pair really enjoy spending time together, plus Milo loves to see Asher fall in love with his person. There's a really small , brief moment in It Was the First Time (Things Felt Normal Again) where Babe helps Milo breathe as he suffers through a bout of "magic-stroke" (his post-Inversion injuries), and it's honestly a nice moment that I think demonstrates their bond.

Something I should probably also mention that underscores just how much Milo and David appreciate Babe: I headcanon Asher has had a string of truly awful partners. Users, cheaters, and worse. People who just took-took-took from a nice guy willing to give so much of himself over, and expecting nothing in return. It broke Asher's friends' hearts every time to see the relationship crash and burn, usually with Asher feeling devastated. David and Milo initially presumed Babe was going to be the same. Until... they realized, this was different. Babe was different. And they couldn't be more glad.

What do you think, Anon? That was long-winded, but I do so love the opportunity to talk about this stuff! Please do feel free to reach any time!

[leggerefiore]

how possessive / jealous are they for grimsley, the subway twins + whoever else you wanna do ALSO I LOVE UR BLOG

cw: jealousy, possessive behaviour

characters: Grimsley, Lear, Cyrus

Submas done here

♠️Grimsley❤️

♤ This gambler… He can be quite varied in his reactions depending on his state of whatever at the time. Most of the time, he finds himself quite blasé about it all. Why waste his time with jealousy? He mostly trusts his partner, but he is always watching and observing his surroundings.

♡ In most cases, he simply introduces himself to the equation and wards them off with his presence alone. No need for jealousy – Well, unless he is in a mood. Much like a cat, he has times when he wants attention and others when he despises it. There is no need for him to overreact. A playful smile and a head on your shoulder make it clear that you are more than taken in this situation. (He is the type to flash a wedding band if he somehow has taken your relationship that far.)

◇ If luck happens to land a tails over heads, he ends up quite a different man from the one who just boldly interrupts. He comes in loudly, wrapping an arm around your waist and leaning himself against you. His gaze is cold as he makes it apparent their presence is unwelcome. This can be triggered if you are clearly uncomfortable with whatever this person is doing. When it comes to teasing, he feels as if he is the only one allowed to do so. His cheek rubs against you, much like a cat bunting to scent its owner.

♧ Should they not back off from such obvious signs of a relationship, he will ponder momentarily if they want a threesome before shaking the thought from his head. Grimsley has no interest in anyone but you for that anymore. Instead, he casually comments on how some people are simply unaware of when they are unwanted while looking directly at them. If it excels further, he has his Bisharp make a point for him to get them to leave. (And gets away with casual violence due to his connections to elite society.)

👑Lear💎

🪙 The prince has a jealous streak a mile long. He denies this, of course, seeing no fault in his actions or character, but everyone around knows just how he gets. While he may trust his partner wholeheartedly, the rest of the world does not get that benefit of the doubt. It crosses his mind sporadically to lock them up in his villa (or castle), but he does resist. Mostly because Sawyer and Rachel tell him off when he mentions it.

🪙 Usually, when his jealousy rears its ugly head, he finds himself standing at your side and glaring. Who does this foolish person think they are coming onto his betrothed?! He has made it plainly apparent their marriage is up-coming and soon. There should not be a single person left on his island unaware of this fact. All manners can be forgotten as he states plainly that you are his, and not available for anyone else to enjoy. (Admittedly, he has done this at extremely inappropriate moments.)

🪙 In a more severe case, someone must actually be clearly flirting with you and making you visibly uncomfortable. Lear stomps over in those cases and glares at them behind his sunglasses. His rage about having someone attempt to take you mixing with his upset at seeing someone he loves so much hurt makes his chest burn. In those cases, any of his “subtlety” is dropped. An order for them to go to the dungeons is barked out. (As if he actually has those.) Hoopa usually just teleports them off to calm him down.

🪙 Afterwards, you will find yourself clinging to tightly and reassured about how much he simply adores you. If anyone actually tries to touch you, he might truly say something about execution – which is a bit far, but he is severely upset and lacking normal socialisation. They probably are arrested for harassment, though. Lear does not play nice with anyone interfering with his fantasy. At least, these occurrences are extremely rare. The prince's reputation precedes him.

🌌Cyrus🛰

☄️ The Galactic Boss claims he does not get jealous, as he does with most emotions. He does not simply feel them – he has moved past such foolish things long ago. Is that true? No. Not at all. It is exceedingly difficult to get him to visually react, but if he does… It is quite a sight for all involved. Though, he does have a more subtle reaction first. His lies of being without spirit fall apart the moment his partner is in a position that makes him uncomfortable. (And inspires his urge to rid this world of it even more since he hates feeling like this.)

☄️ At the sight of someone getting too close for comfort, Cyrus usually finds himself approaching you and standing at your side. No contact, of course, but plenty of uncomfortable staring. Too much of it, in fact. He is observing this fool to find out their intentions. They must have some hidden reason for approaching you… He believes most people around are aware that he is in a relationship these days. Especially since you likely came with him to whatever event you two are at. This typically works to deter. Though, you do ask him questions afterwards that annoy him. No, he was not jealous. He was attempting to decipher what they wanted.

☄️ Yet, if the person is more touchy, Cyrus may find himself plainly to state about how they should respect personal boundaries. The sight of their hand laying on your shoulder makes his skin crawl. This is unacceptable. He hates the urge to grasp their hand and remove it that enters his mind – but he is not a confrontational person. Cyrus simply reminds them that unwanted touching can earn harassment charges. They definitely back off at that point. You thanking him only earns a scoff from him. His perfect world will not have such people. (They specifically will not be included.)

☄️ The last tier involves actual unwanted contact and clear invitations. Cyrus feels the rage he so hates burning in his heart. The heart that he hates. So, a lovely situation all around for this poor person. He will actually step in between them and you and glare at them. Enough is enough. You clearly were not interested, and the idea of anyone making you uncomfortable is enough to make him upset. He basically orders them to back off and threatens them subtly about what might await them. Seeing the man in such a state really scares off anyone, so they absolutely leave. Cyrus them drags you out of the event, unable to stand this any longer. He and you need to be alone, and he needs to get himself away from these things that inspire such horrible feelings.

[drleggman]

Otoya Eita x reader

summary: Otoya learns that you had sex with his best friend, and the envy he feels isn't towards who he expected

tags: bi/pan!gn!reader, no physical descriptions (character & reader), established relationship (fwb), vague descriptions of sex, 18+ minors don't look or I'm telling your parents

wc: 1.9k

a/n: this is mostly just a convo between Otoya and reader, and the horny bits don't even directly involve him rip. it's very silly and unserious! sorry if you were expecting more

“Curve or no curve?”

Otoya’s question catches you off guard. You’d been sitting in relative silence until now—both reclining on his couch, legs intertwined between you with only the soft sounds of your respective video games filling the otherwise quiet room.

“What?”

“You prefer your cocks with a curve? Or without one?” He asks again like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

The music pouring lowly from the console in your hands stops abruptly, your game momentarily paused. “My bad for the confusion? I don’t always have dick on the mind, unlike you apparently.”

“Answer the question, will you?”

You take a moment to consider. And then another. Is one better than the other? This isn’t something you’d really put much thought to until now. “I… don’t think I have a preference.”

“Oh bullshit.” You can tell he's rolling his eyes without even seeing them.

“I don’t! You know what people say, it’s about how you use it or whatever. As long as your stroke game is good, it doesn’t really matter what your dick is like.” You shrug, and just as you’re about to return to your game, he pipes up again.

“Well Karasu said-“

“You talk about dick with Karasu?” You grin. This is more entertaining, you decide: fucking with him. You set your Switch on the coffee table beside you and give him your full attention.

“Will you shut the fuck- Ugh.” You hear a long exhale, and he sets his controller down. "Karasu said," he turns to you, eyes squinted and brows pinched together, “bottoms prefer it with a little curve. To hit all the good spots or whatever. I told him the same thing you told me, that it doesn’t matter.”

You blow air through your nose, grinning to yourself. Oh you know exactly why Karasu said that to him.

“He’s had a big head ever since I told him that,” you murmur.

“What?”

Your brow furrows. “What?”

“Since you told him what?”

“That the way his cock curves feels good…?”

He makes a face at that, pained and something else that you can’t quite place, and you hide behind your hand so he can’t see you snickering.

“Hated that.” He says, but you can’t help but notice that he’s blushing, though just barely. Almost as if he’s flustered. “How do you know what his dick feels like?”

“We’ve… had sex?” What kind of question is that? Is he stupid? “How else would I know that?”

He straightens up, noticeably more invested in the conversation now that you’ve divulged this information to him. “ When did that happen?”

“Why are you interrogating m-“

“When??” His tone is by no means stern, but he’s insistent. You’ve always known this to be true. He’ll pester you til the end of time if you don’t tell him what he wants to hear.

“Like, five months ago?”

You’re not even sure exactly. It happened when you and Karasu were both a little tipsy at a birthday party. Whose it was, you can’t remember. You’d been complaining to him about being pent up, and Otoya had chosen to spend the night with another girl. Karasu offered himself up, cozying up to you and whispering low and raspy into your ear, “How about I take care of you tonight, then?” He’d had his eye on you since you were first introduced to him, seizing the opportunity to finally get a taste of you as Otoya usually doesn’t let you out of his sight when he’s around.

“We were fucking then.” He states plainly. His expression is unreadable, ever the face of indifference even as his words contradict that sentiment.

“Otoya. Since when do you care about the other people I sleep with?”

“I don’t care. I’m just… curious.” You don’t think he’s even trying to be convincing. He won’t even look at you.

“It seems like you care.”

He chews on the inside of his cheek, gathering his thoughts. “I’ve never cared less about anything, actually.”

He does care. Obviously. You’ve talked to him about all of the women you’ve slept with since the two of you had started your relationship, if you can even call it that, and never once has he been this weird about it. It’s something you bonded over, in fact, because of course he’s sleeping around too. Sharing the intimate details of your trysts with other girls is a favorite pastime of yours. At some point Otoya started to wonder if he’s the only guy you’re actively having sex with, so to hear that not only is he not the only guy you’ve fucked recently, but that the other guy was Karasu Tabito, of all people, has him feeling. Feeling what, exactly? He’s not sure.

You know full well about how he likes to fantasize about you with your other partners after you’ve recounted every last detail to him, just as you do with him and his. He’ll let his hand slip between his legs, lazily pleasuring himself as he imagines you with the pretty girl you’d shown him a picture of—sometimes in front of you as you tell him about her, sometimes when he’s alone and too lazy to find a video to jerk off to.

Is it okay for him to think about Karasu like that? What exactly would it mean if he does? God, he has so many questions.

Were you a bit more dominant with him like you are with those girls he hears about? Or did his friend have to put you in your place after you started acting bratty like you do when you're with him? Karasu is a charmer though, and a sweet talker too. Maybe you didn't want to be bratty at all. Karasu has always had that subtle air of dominance about him. He knows how to get his way with people. He’s more than capable of teasing and talking down to you in a way that would lull you into a sense of submission. Otoya has seen it before, both on the field and off, the way that Karasu commands obedience.

He lets his mind wander further. He pictures you with Karasu. You're sweaty and panting, your hips grinding together and hands groping and tongues down each other’s throats. He can hear you so clearly in his mind. Can see the way your face scrunches up in pleasure. If Karasu’s dick really does feel as good as you say it does, it must leave you a whining, overstimulated mess by the time he’s done with you.

The image of Karasu is just as vivid. He can see the cocky smirk he wears as he comes undone underneath him. He can see the sweat beading down his forehead, his neck, and his chest. How he’s glistening with it as he puts more and more force into each thrust. He can hear him too, his honey-slicked words spilling from his lips that are pressed against his neck. And his cock… the ease with which it hits all of the right spots inside of him.

It’s gotta feel so fucking good, Otoya thinks to himself. And I bet he’s hung-

He cuts the thought off immediately once he realizes the gravity of it. He crinkles his nose as he wills away the image of his best friend on top of him.

“What is this?” You say, and suddenly Otoya is reminded of your presence.

He can pretend not to care about Karasu all he wants, but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s visibly unsettled by what you’ve said. After knowing each other for as long as you have, you find him easy to read. The way he fidgets with the frayed fabric of his beanie, the way he refuses to meet your gaze. All easy tells. He’s lost in thought, and you think that whatever image he’s conjuring up in that pretty little head of his must be really good to get him to shut up for this long. “Are you… jealous?”

You’ve never seen him react like this to hearing about you fucking someone else. Otoya doesn’t care about exclusivity. He never has. You two sleep with whoever you want, whenever you want. You have a feeling it’s not the fact that it’s a man you slept with that’s getting to him, but rather because it was Karasu specifically.

“Why would I be jealous? I get to fuck you all the time.” You just barely catch the way his voice quivers.

Oh. He doesn’t even know. He’s got that look on his face, the one you’ve only seen a handful of times. It’s the face he makes when he wants something that he thinks is out of reach, and he doesn’t realize he’s doing it. His genuine confusion is almost endearing. He’s seemingly blissfully unaware of his own desires.

“I didn’t mean jealous of Karasu.”

He’s stone faced as he finally looks at you now. You can practically hear the gears turning in his head.

“You are, aren’t y-“

“Shut up.” He doesn’t let you finish. He doesn’t like what you’re implying, and he doesn’t want to unpack that.

You bark out a laugh. “Why were you even thinking about that conversation you two had anyway?”

“Shut. Up.”

You listen, though only for a moment. There’s a pregnant pause, and he’s daring you with his gaze to keep pressing.

“His cock does feel good-“

“Stop that.”

You raise an eyebrow, feigning confusion.

“Stop talking about my friend’s cock.”

Oh, but that wouldn’t be any fun, now would it? You have to push his buttons some more. “It’s not like it only feels good because it’s curved, though it does help.”

He says nothing, giving you one last opportunity to drop the topic before he turns his attention elsewhere.

“He just knows how to fuck, I think.”

Another sigh, then he turns back towards the tv and mutters, “I’m done with this conversation.”

He picks up his controller and unpauses his game, and the rhythmic sound of him tapping buttons fills the space between you. He’s getting his ass kicked, not that he doesn’t usually, but right now he seems to be particularly incapable of defending himself from the ai enemies on the screen. You can tell his focus is elsewhere, try as he might to pretend he’s more invested in the game than whatever thoughts are swirling around in his head.

Your lips are pursed as you hold in the words threatening to spill from you. He’s aware that you’re watching him, he can see you in his periphery. Your self restraint is running thin, and he’s started to squirm in anticipation, knowing full well you have some more bullshit to say.

“Have you ever played with your ass before?” You blurt it out before you’ve even realized it, hands clamping over your mouth as if you can’t believe you just said such a thing.

“Jesus fucking Christ.” Again, he sighs. The game pauses and he briefly tightens then releases his grip on his controller. He sits on his answer for a moment, not yet sure if he should indulge you further. Maybe if he imagines it hard enough, he can explode you with his mind and be done with this.

“Yes, I’ve played with my ass before.”

You beam, the part of you expecting him to just call you a freak and disregard your question entirely put at ease. “Did you like it??”

You're much too excited about this for his liking. “I- yeah… I did.” Head rolling back onto the couch and his whole body slackening, he looks utterly defeated. You, on the other hand, are basking in your victory. You’re peeling away at him, layer by layer. Unveiling his desires that he’s kept hidden so deep within him he may not even be sure they’re there. “It’s just usually too much of a hassle to do it most of the time...”

Your tongue pokes out to wet your lips, and he watches the movement with rapt attention. “I have this toy… It looks a lot like Karasu’s dick…”

His eyes snap back to yours in an instant, and you continue on as if he’s not silently pleading with you to have mercy on him. To stop implanting these images in his head.

“It’s not quite as thick, but it’s got the same subtle, upward curve~” Your bottom lip is pulled between your teeth. Otoya watches again, letting himself get lost in the visual to distract from what you’re saying to him.

You feel his leg shift between yours. His foot trails up, settling just shy of the apex of where your thigh meets your hip. “Okay… You’re telling me this why…?”

“We should try it.” You grin. His face goes flush. “On you, of course.”

“And why do you think we should do that?”

You sit up and push yourself towards him. He tries to back away, but there’s nowhere for him to escape to.

“So you know what to expect when you finally decide to ask Karasu to have his way with you.”

divider by @/animatedglittergraphics-n-more

[cuppajj]

Is this the ask box? If not I'm so sorry I'm not used to tumblr literally only got it to follow your au. It's great btw love everything about it.

But anyways can I bonk Dragonberry on the head with a stick to get her attention and say hi, but with a really long stick so I'm not close to her when I do so? She's my favorite but she's scary and I while I would prefer to write her a letter but I don't want her to have my return address.

Also I've had my own au in the works but never actually bothered to start writing or properly figuring things out till after coming across your au which inspired me to start doing so and I just wanna know how you set everything up and figure out how to use who where and how you split stuff into arcs? I currently have 2 arcs based on the continent one being Crispia and the other being Beast-Yeast and both have chapters but Beast-Yeast is becoming a lot longer than Crispia due to how my au is set up and the fact the canon Beast-Yeast storyline isn't fully out and I was just wondering if you have any advice on what's best to do? I do want to eventually post my au and I've already gotten to work on the designs but I don't know the best approach to make it into something that others who are unfamiliar can understand.

Also sorry this turned out kinda long!

You can!! Though would advise against using the stick bc if she feels like it she could grab it and fling you while you’re still holding it

As for your second question about how I use arcs, it really just boils down to being a way to manage all the characters that are in the AU. Each saga focuses on one beast (including their respective of the original 5), the protag who is usually related to them in some way, and whatever story takes place in that specific arc alone. They’re meant to be mostly self contained, but they’d feed into a bigger narrative. The Vanilla Saga is a little different because while it’s technically self contained, Crepe as the main main character dabbles in a little bit of everything; but only crepe (also choco technically). You’re not likely to see Princess in the Lily Saga unless the two stories surrounding Dragonberry and Midnight Lily overlap.

I do have plans for sagas to overlap before the “all stories converge for the final saga” part, for example the Vanilla and Berry sagas will converge in Parfaedia well before that, but that would be a single story arc before they split up again. Some sagas can/would share the same events but would still largely be self contained.

Im going off on a ramble here but basically, BAAU’s sagas are just info management lol. With so many characters and stories to handle, it would be very confusing and bad if all of them were crossing over at every turn. When you’ve got a plot line that can serve as its own thing, it’s easier to tell where pieces of information belongs.

So that being said I should really start tagging the sagas in some of my baau posts 😭😭😭