#you might see them again soon… maybe maybe not :3c

[novorehere]

Humbly asking the community to send me funny custom Quiplash prompts in my askbox for this weekend 👀

[yandere-fics]

Less dark but still potentially, darling being in a relationship before they met their yans, allready taken :3c

♡ How They React To Their Darling Being In A Relationship ♡

♡ Dealing with a human inconvenience is not hard at all for her, since finding out her soulmate would be human, she had always been prepared for the possibility she would need to get someone out of the way before she could approach you, humans are just so silly, she understands that you don't have a way to confirm you have a supernatural soulmate out there but seriously babe? What were you thinking when you chose this buffoon to couple with. Perhaps she merely sees them as a buffoon because you are truly the living embodiment of perfection and can do no wrong in her eyes while everything they do is completely wrong in her eyes. ♡

♡ She won't challenge them with you around or even introduce herself until they are removed from the picture, she knows how stupid humans can be even when presented with their true love ans while she doesn't think you're dumb, she just thinks you're a bit too prone to human naivities, like for example allowing this person to breathe the same air as you. ♡

♡ She'll have to utterly humiliate them in front of everyone to insure even the friends who were close to them will see her as a breathe of fresh air when she finally introduces herself as your soulmate. You'll accept her immediately as soon as they're gone she sure so yeah maybe she doesn't have to do all this work because she could kill them and her perfect mate would love her all the same, nevermind how delusional she is, but she needs to make sure your pesky friends don't plant any stupid ideas in your head that might make you hesitant to give into your obvious love for her. ♡

♡ She sees you with them across the street and while she would try her best to come off softer to not terrify you, she can't stop herself from rushing across the street and snapping their wrist, the same wrist about to wrap around your shoulder casually introducing herself as your mate. Your partner is smart enough to get the fuck out of there and well that clearly shows they didn't even deserve you in the first place. Why would you even want to be with them when their wrist broke so easily? She could protect you a million times better, she'll prove it just agree to let her court you, please otherwise she might get scary. ♡

♡ If you protest, you know like a normal person who is frightened, then she's gonna get a bit more violent. She was willing to overlook your indiscretion by not waiting for your mate, nevermind the fact most humans don't have soulmates so how would you have known you had one, it's still horrible that you were being so lovey dovey with someone else in front of her, she clearly needs to put you in your place just a little bit. Sorry for this but she's gonna have to be mean until you decide you want her to start being nice to you again. ♡

♡ She'll take you to her apartment and allow you to settle in there for a the night, hopefully hold you in her arms if you aren't too fighty and then as soon as the night comes and you've peacefully fallen asleep on her bed, likely due to exhaustion, hopefully accepting that you and her are in love now, she'll go off to find whatever mongrel dared to put their hands on you and then flee, if they were going to touch something that wasn't theirs then they better at least have the courage to stay and try to fight for it, she would have let them have a merciful death for at the very least treating her soulmate the way you deserve but they ran so they must die brutally. ♡

♡ The moment she lays eyes on you, they have been vanished. You had heard the stories of humans in centuries past who had been chosen by a high ranking demon and their partner been torn to shreds, being lit on fire, drowning on air, but you had never heard of anyone having their partner just disappear. You would have reached out to see if they were invisible or something if you weren't frozen in shock trying to locate where the demon responsible was. Meanwhile Nikki is already headed your way fast, preparing to guide you safely into the abode she's prepared for both of you. ♡

♡ The person has been removed so now your relationship with her should be smooth sailing from now on. What do you mean you're mad she killed your partner? Dearest mate, she's your partner now, she knows this might be a bit of an adjustment but you should be thrilled that someone better suited to you than that weak human has come along, you could have never been truly happy with that person, surely you were just settling, you should be so happy that you are one of the lucky ones who has a soulmate. ♡

♡ Hmm it must have been her getting rid of them that way that made you upset, perhaps you wanted her to tear them apart and prove she's the superior mate. She teleported them to the outskirts of the city which is kind of like a living hell so she can't really bring them back for a fight but she'll remember her mate is a bit of a sadistic thing. Don't try to deny it, that has to be why you're upset, there's no other plausible explanation for you not being pleased with her removing them so suddenly. ♡

♡ The boss didn't bother to check whether or not you were in a relationship before she paired Nora up with you. Nora was also so thrilled when she saw your profile and realized you were the one bright light in her miserable immortality to even consider you might already have had a partner. It is a devastating blow to see your partner next to you on a date as she stalks you one night and it certainly makes her angrier with The Boss but this is just a momentary setback because she's willing to become anything for you and surely they are not that committed so she'll do her best to get you over to her side. She just needs to play the long game and be your friend for awhile and she'll get you. ♡

♡ She says that but the moment the moment the date is over and you two part ways, she finds herself pummeling them to death in an alleyway she pulled them into, too worried that you won't ever pick her if they're in the picture. Afterall she's a mess of a person and is very insecure so why would you ever pick her unless she gets rid of her competition. This works for her better anyways, she can now be your everything and soothe you after your partner was found brutalized. ♡

♡ Now she just has to guarantee you'll never find out she was the one who did that. She'll have to make The Boss give her a couple days off for this since she was also the one who gave Nora a darling, not bothering to check if that darling already had someone. Sure you didn't have a soulmate but you still were with a human, Sawyer really needed to start checking and making sure the humans she chose as her matches didn't have another human in the picture beforehand. ♡

♡ Rudie is freaking out but she has to wait, while the law is on her side and she is allowed to kill people who touch her mate, she can't risk killing in front of people and having people realize the knife wounds are similar to the bodies of the serial killings that have been happening for awhile, the law might allow her to kill this person but she still might get carted away from her darling for all the other killings, though being restricted in a special containment room where her darling is legally required to visit her daily doesn't sound terrible, she would still prefer to be able to hold and keep close tabs on her darling so as much as it hurts her to do so, she restrains herself. ♡

♡ Instead she waits for you two to be separated and then knocks you out and drags you back to her place. The pest can be dealt with later, right now she feels like she needs to completely scrub your skin clean because she can feel their traces all over you and having bits of them in her apartment, her sanctuary, is stressing her the fuck out. You'll probably wake up after having been bathed and fully dressed in her clothing meanwhile your partner is still knocked out and tied to a chair in the corner as Runa gathers the materials to torture them, biting her lip and debating on the merits of killing them in front of you versus shielding you from the gore. ♡

♡ She does freak out a bit because she was not ready for you to wake up, she needed more time to come to a decision and when she start crying she starts screaming and stabs your partner in the leg, waking them and screaming in their face how it's all their fault that you're scared and they deserve everything that's about to happen to them because they ruined what was supposed to be a beautiful moment when she finally locked eyes with her soulmate. ♡

♡ What? Oh the stupid waste of space you're using to fill the void of not having a soulmate? She's not concerned in the slightest. Afterall everything in this city is under her command, is in her debt, so if she tells them to bark, they will, if she tells them to dump their girlfriend of a very long time, they will have no other choice, they're in her debt and so she's free to approach you like she would regularly after you partner completely, randomly shatters your heart. ♡

♡ Pay no attention to the fact that after they shattered your heart, the biggest and scariest supernatural is suddenly approaching you, it's of no concern, there's no correlation, do not worry. If there were a correlation then your ex would be dead but since they're still alive, clearly The Boss has nothing to do with this, don't even stress your pretty little head about this. ♡

♡ Seriously don't. Things will be a lot happier if you don't think about how scary this situation is, it will only get scarier if you say something she doesn't like or try to reject her for that stupid mortal who could never provide for you like she can or give you the luxuries and power that she can. They could never love you like she can, she's your soulmate and she's waited quite a long time, don't upset her by dwelling on your past partner, okay? ♡

[crystalninjaphoenix]

The Pain of the Past

A JSE Fanfic

SepticHeroes AU: Part 35

First Part | Previous Part | Read on AO3 at CrystalNinjaPhoenix

I so badly wanted to work the word "nostalgia" into the title, because fun fact, it comes from the roots meaning "pain" and "homecoming" and I find that factoid really fitting for this chapter. But I couldn't come up with anything good. Anyway! The guys have completed their prison breakout! Now, they have to drop off JJ and his friend somewhere safe. Chase drives them there, and in the process... learns something he never expected to learn. Seems like his life before forgetting wasn't as lonely as he thought... Heh. :3c

===============

Chase scanned the horizon once again. It was hard to see much of anything. The sun had mostly set, so he couldn’t quite figure out where the sky ended and the sea began. He idly pressed a finger to the transmitter on his throat. “So... are you guys getting close? I can’t really tell.”

“There is a light on the front of the boat,” Schneep’s voice said through the earpiece. “You will see us coming.”

“Maybe we should turn that off?” Marvin’s voice asked, also coming through the earpiece. “We don’t want them to know where we’re going.”

“I don’t think any of us know how to do that,” Schneep said slowly. “Perhaps we should stick back to the original plan? Steal one of the rowboats to go the rest of the way?”

“I didn’t expect it to be this dark, though...” Gwen said quietly. “I say we risk it. We already took a whole ship.”

As they talked, Chase saw a glimmer on the horizon. He squinted at it. “I think I see you guys? Hopefully that’s you and not any of the guys looking for you.”

“I hope not,” Marvin muttered. “Honestly? Now that I’m out of the Vault, their security was a bit more lax than I expected. It was way too easy to pretend to be a guard in there. Especially for a place that was supposed to be impossible to break out of.” He laughed. “The League’s all bark and no bite these days, I guess.”

The light on the horizon got closer. Chase opened his car door. Frosty, lying in the passenger seat, looked up in response. “Hm... yeah, you’re right, not worth standing up for,” Chase said, closing the door. “It’ll get close enough for me to see, anyway.”

“Who are you talking to, Chase?” Gwen asked.

“Oh, oops.” Chase forgot to turn off the transmitter. “Not you guys, just, uh... talking to Frosty. You know, my dog.”

“Aw yeah the cutie!” Gwen cooed. “I can’t wait to see him again.”

“You might, soon,” Marvin said. “I can see the coast coming up.”

“Oh! So that is you guys, then,” Chase said. “I’m waiting at the place. There’s no, uh... dock or anything. How are you going to get off the boat?”

His rental car was parked on a rocky beach. There was no road to get down here. He’d had to leave the highway, find a random dirt road, then go off that road, careful to go in a straight line so he made it to the right place. He really didn’t want to end up at a completely different spot than the one they’d agreed upon. How did they even agree on this spot in the first place? He couldn’t quite remember... but he had a vague idea that Marvin had found it? By scouting it out on maps or something? Well, it didn’t really matter in the end, otherwise he would’ve written it down.

“We’ll uh... figure it out,” Marvin said vaguely.

The light got closer and closer... and eventually Chase could see that it was, indeed, a ship. The ship pulled up to the beach not too far from the rental car... and then it kept going. And going. And going, beaching itself on the coast with a terrible sound of metal grinding against rocks. Frosty whined, upset at the racket it was causing. Chase pet him idly to calm him down until the ship stopped.

After a moment, Chase saw a rope fall over the side, dangling downwards. Schneep, still wearing full Specter gear, got over and climbed down, looking up. Marvin appeared on deck, pulling the rope back up. There was some movement on deck, and then the rope appeared again, now with a loop in the end. And someone climbed over the ship wall, putting their feet in the rope loop and allowing Marvin to lower them down—

Chase inhaled sharply. That was JJ. Jameson. “Oh my god,” he breathed. JJ looked... awful. It was hard to believe he’d only been gone for around a week. He was wearing this pale green jumpsuit that looked baggy even on his thin frame, and as he reached the ground he staggered and almost fell. Schneep had to catch him. 

Schneep and Marvin had to repeat the rope thing two more times, one for Gwen, one for this Soren guy that they apparently picked up along the way (they’d explained everything to Chase while they were sailing towards the meeting spot.) Then, as they started to walk over, Chase opened up the car door again and twisted around to face them fully, his legs dangling out into the open air. “H-hey... JJ.” He gave a nervous smile. “How... are you doing?”

JJ returned the smile. Better now that I’m out, I guess.

“Yeah. You look... bad. That place must’ve sucked.”

JJ nodded.

Soren walked up next to him. “So you’re... Chase, then?” He held out his hand. “Soren. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Yeah, uh, same, I guess.” Chase took his hand and shook it. He could feel the bones through Soren’s skin. “Apparently you’re that Pathos supervillain.”

“Hah. I don’t like the word villain. It removes the nuance from the situation. But at the same time, there’s some style to it, isn’t there?”

“I guess?” Chase said. “Wow. Your eyes are purple, that’s crazy.”

“Like them?” Soren asked, grinning.

“Yeah, they’re really unique.”

JJ stepped forward, moving close enough to force Soren to step back. Alright, back it up. Where are we going now, Chase?

Chase raised his eyebrow. That cutting-him-off maneuver wasn’t really like JJ. “You don’t need to be so jealous, dude, I just think purple eyes are neat, I’m not stealing  your friend from you.”

Jameson inhaled sharply. His face started to turn red, but he quickly repeated his question to distract from that. I’m not jealous. Anyway, where are we going now?

“Marvin has a friend who has a safe house,” Chase explained. “It’s back in Daindover.”

JJ stiffened, eyes clouding. We’re going back there? But... that’s where... 

Schneep put his hand on JJ’s shoulder. “I know, you are worried about Anti-Virus, the blackmailer,” he said softly. “But Dahlia is probably in the city. I... I want you to be able to see her as soon as possible. And, well... the League will not expect you to go back there.”

“If you want to go somewhere else, we can find a place, I’m sure,” Marvin assured him. “But that’ll take time. My friend has this safe house prepared already, there’s no electronic devices of any kind. No computers or anything. And none of us brought phones. Anti-Virus can’t find you there.”

After a moment, Jameson nodded slightly. Alright. Let’s go.

“Hm... there’s not much room in this car.” Gwen is peering through the window into the back seat. “We weren’t expecting to pick up Uncle Soren, so we’re down a seat.”

“One of you guys will have to sit on the cupholder thing,” Chase said, patting the space between the driver’s seat and passenger’s seat.

“Uh... we’re going on the motorway, that seems really unsafe,” Marvin said. “We can squeeze another person onto the backseat, I’m sure. Gwen, you have the shortest legs, wanna take the passenger seat with Frosty again?”

Gwen gasped. “Yes! Chase, can I pet him right now?”

Chase laughed. “Yeah, go ahead, he’s not working while I’m driving.”

“Yippee!” Gwen circled around the car to get to the passenger seat.

“Everyone else, pile in,” Chase said. “Schneep, get the clothes from the trunk. Try to buckle up, but if you can’t, uh... hold on tight, I guess?”

The guys got into the backseat, sitting really tightly together, legs pressed against each other—even overlapping slightly, as JJ’s leg is partially on top of Schneep’s. Soren and Marvin are on the ends, pushed up against the windows. “Alright, we brought this.” Schneep had gotten something out from the trunk. A backpack. He passed it to JJ. “There is a hoodie in there, put that on over that fucking jumpsuit.”

“What about Uncle Soren?” Gwen asked. “I know we didn’t prepare for him, but...”

“I got it.” Chase took off his jacket. “Now, JJ, don’t get jealous that I’m giving him my hoodie.”

I’m not jealous! JJ protested.

Soren laughed. “Oh? Why not? I think I’m worth getting jealous over.”

I’m not saying you’re not, JJ said. I’m just saying. I’m not jealous.

Chase laughed too. “Alright, JJ. Here, put that on, Soren.” He passed the jacket back, and Soren put it on. Then Chase started the car. “It’s gonna be a long ride, guys, I wouldn’t blame you all for taking a nap or something. Get some rest, I’ll get us back home.”

===============

It took about three and a half hours of driving to get back to Daindover, even with Chase going a bit over the speed limit. Marvin did, indeed, drift off for a bit. Chase could see him slumped against the window, breathing slowly. He must’ve spent a lot of energy back during the breakout. The others, though, stayed awake. 

Gwen and Soren were the only ones who were talking consistently. Soren was asking Gwen questions about different people they both knew, asking her how they were doing, how she was doing, if she was doing anything interesting in school or if she’d seen any good movies. Gwen was happy to answer. Schneep and JJ were pretty quiet by comparison. Schneep filled JJ in on some things that had happened while he was gone, about how the police and the League knew about Anti-Virus now, but didn’t know about Dahlia’s secret identity. JJ didn’t say anything. Or maybe he did, but just not while Chase was looking at his signs in the mirror.

By the time they got to the edge of the city, it was pretty late at night. Schneep shook Marvin awake. “We are here,” he said. “Where are we meeting Kanchana?”

Chase glanced back at him as he said that. They hadn’t told him the name of Marvin’s friend that they were going to meet after this. Just in case something went wrong and he got caught. Kanchana, huh? That was a very unique name. Had he... heard it from a video game or something? Because despite its uniqueness, he could have sworn this wasn’t the first time he heard a name like that.

Marvin rubbed his eyes. “Where’re we?” He mumbled, looking around. “Okay. Okay. Uh, turn left at Tortoise Street up here.”

Chase followed Marvin’s directions until he told him to pull to the side of the road in front of a small abandoned-looking church. There was another car in the car lot here. “This is it, then?” Chase asked.

“Yeah, that’s one of Kanchana’s cars,” Marvin said.

“One of?”

“She has a couple that she switches around.” Marvin opened up the door. “C’mon. Let’s go.”

The group left the car one by one. Chase was the last, as Frosty hopped out and circled around the car to help him get out. By the time he was out, a woman was approaching, having come out of the old church building. She had long black hair and dark eyes, and was wearing dark brown and beige so she blended into the surroundings. “Hey, Kanchana,” Marvin said. “This is JJ. And this is, uh... Soren. We, uh... ended up getting him out, too.”

Nice to meet you, JJ said, and Soren gave a little salute.

“Soren?” Kanchana asked. “Soren Moizone?”

“Mm-hmm.” Soren nodded.

“Oh, interesting. Well, it’s nice to meet you in person.” Kanchana held out her hand, which he shook. “I run HAUC, I think you’re familiar with that?”

“Oh! Yeah, I got some of my best men from you guys.” Soren smiled. “Good to know you’re still up and running.”

“Hah, yeah. It’s always work.” Kanchana chuckled. She then glanced over at Chase—and her expression shifted to surprise.

Marvin followed her gaze. “Oh. Kanchana, this is that friend I mentioned. The one who drove us?”

“I figured that,” Kanchana said. She gave a little laugh, sounding... relieved? “I never expected the driver was going to be you, Chase.”

Chase felt the wind get knocked out of him.

His name.

She... knew... his name.

How... did she... know his name?

How did she know his name?

 How did she know his name?!

“Hah?” Schneep blinked, confused. “Ah, I’m sorry, Miss Yang, do you... do you and Chase know each other?”

“I-I...” Chase’s voice was strained. “I don’t... I’m sorry, I don’t... remember you...”

“You don’t? Well, I guess we only met in person twice, but it’s me, hi.” Kanchana smiled and waved. “Kanchana Yang? How are you, by the way? It’s been three years, a lot must’ve happened. Did you work things out with Stacy?”

Chase’s knees gave out. Frosty was by his side immediately, trying to push him upwards again. When Chase didn’t respond to his attempts, Frosty hurried over to the nearest person—JJ—and started nudging him. JJ took the hint and walked to Chase, offering a hand to him. Chase took it, and JJ pulled him up—a feat which took a fair bit of effort in his weakened state. Are you alright, Chase? JJ asked once he was standing again.

That name.

He knew that name.

Of course he knew it, Stacy was a very common name, but—it was the way she said it. Implying that he was somehow connected to that name. Something about it struck a chord in his very soul.

“I’m... sorry, did it not go well?” Kanchana asked quietly.

Chase swallowed a lump in his throat. “I... don’t... My... I was...”

“Ah... Chase, do you want me to explain?” Schneep asked. Once Chase nodded, he turned back to Kanchana. “Chase was in an accident about two and a half years ago. He lost his memory, among other problems.”

“What? Chase has amnesia?!” Kanchana pressed a hand to her mouth. “W-well... I guess that would explain why you didn’t remember me.”

“We... knew each other?” Chase asked, his voice a harsh whisper.

“Of course. Well, uh, vaguely. Like I said, we only met two times in person. But I know everyone in HAUC. Or, everyone who was in HAUC, in your case.”

Marvin inhaled sharply. “What? Chase was in HAUC?”

“What’s... hawk?” Chase asked hesitantly.

“Henches Against Unfair Conditions,” Kanchana explained. “It’s a henchman order.”

Chase felt like he couldn’t breathe. And yet, he managed to speak. “A... henchman order. Like... like the people who... who help villains. Th-that’s what you... I-I was part of...? So I was a—” He took a step back, bracing himself against the car with a hand. 

Schneep shook his head. “There is no way. You must be mistaking him for some other Chase.”

There can’t be many people out there that look like Chase AND share his name, JJ pointed out.

“Well what other explanation is there?” Schneep asked. “I am sorry, ma’am, you must be mistaken.”

Kanchana shook her head. “I don’t make mistakes when it comes to people. My superpower is pretty minor, but it can’t be tricked. I can remember everything about anyone I’ve met. No matter how long ago I met them.” She looked at Chase again. “Chase Brody, right? You’re thirty? Birthday is April 11th?”

Chase nodded dazedly. The world around him felt like it was moving in slow-motion. Distant. Like he was trapped underwater, staring at his surroundings through the glass wall of a fish tank.

“But—But Chase would not be a henchman!” Schneep protested. “He is a good man!”

“Hey, henches are good people,” Kanchana said defensively, folding her arms. “Most of them just want to make a living. It’s just that... the only way they can do that is by working for bad people.”

“Bold thing to say to the leader of a henchman order, Specter,” Marvin muttered.

“I-I didn’t mean—” Schneep stammered. “I stole things for years, I am not objecting to this on a morality premise. I know that... sometimes, you are in a difficult situation, and there is only so much you can do. I just... Chase? Really?”

“What did I... do?” Chase whispered.

Kanchana looked at him, her eyes softening. “Do you actually want to know?”

Chase hesitated, then nodded.

“Well... you’re one of the few people who had experience with weapons before entering HAUC. You could use a handgun really well, mentioned that your dad taught you, but uh, you couldn’t really use those skills after you moved to the UK from the States. Even so, you had a leg up over a lot of people signing up to be grunts. You worked with us for six years, starting when you were twenty-one. I have no idea how you found HAUC, you never told me, but uh, that’s pretty young to be joining a henchman order. You took a lot of driving jobs, shooting jobs, you were on the no-kids list, which is understandable considering you had Abby—oh fuck, you have amnesia, do you even remember Abby?”

Chase felt his legs start to collapse again, but he grabbed onto the car to stop himself. Kanchana listing these facts about him felt so... disconnected, so surreal, like she was talking about a character in a TV show instead of telling him his own past. But the moment she mentioned that name—again, a common name—again, implying his connection to it—the moment she did that, it all clicked into place. It felt real, solid. 

“...I’ll take that as a no,” Kanchana whispered.

“Who the hell is Abby?” Marvin asked.

Schneep’s eyes widened behind his goggles. “A... child?”

A noise escaped Chase’s throat, something between a squeak and a groan.

Marvin’s eyes widened. “...holy shit, Chase has a kid, doesn’t he?” He looked at Chase. “Do—Does any of this—Are there memories—”

“I-I don’t... remember, e-exactly,” Chase said slowly. “But it feels... right. I... I-I can’t picture their faces. But... Stacy... a-and Abby... They... I... I know them. I-I do.” He stared down at the asphalt, taking in the cracks and details of the rocks. “K-Kanchana... do you... know them?”

“I never met them,” Kanchana whispered. “You... talked about them the couple times we met in person, though. And... they’re why you left HAUC.”

“Why?” Chase whispered.

“You said that... Stacy found out what your job really was. A-apparently you’d been hiding it from her. She didn’t react well. You said she ‘immediately’ left you, a-and you wanted help getting another job to try and go clean for her and Abby.”

“Did I find one?”

“Well, I sent you to SepTech’s Reformation Program,” Kanchana said slowly. “You emailed me and said they helped you out and you were leaving HAUC. And that was the last I heard of you.”

“And this was three years ago?” Schneep asked. When Kanchana nodded, he turned to Chase, whose eyes were still fixed on the ground. “Chase, your accident was two and a half years ago. At the East SepTech building, when it collapsed. That cannot be a coincidence! You were not just passing by, you were there because—because maybe you worked there?”

Chase didn’t answer. He didn’t say anything for a while. “Why... why didn’t anyone know about this?” He asked quietly. “I—J-just because she left, it doesn’t mean that... that people wouldn’t know... Th-there would’ve been a marriage certificate or something, right?”

“That is true,” Schneep said. “There was nothing for you. Only your driving license. That was the only record you had at all.”

“Which really doesn’t make sense,” Marvin said. “Because if you were part of the Reformation Program, that means you had a criminal record. But there wasn’t anything, was there?”

Schneep shook his head. Silence followed for a moment. Chase finally raised his head...

Just in time to see JJ sign something. Technopath.

“Huh?” Marvin blinked.

“Oh!” Gwen raised her hand. She and Soren had been standing off to the side while all this happened, quietly letting Chase and his friends have their moment. “Yeah! A technopath could totally wipe digital records of all kinds. They couldn’t do anything about the paper copies, but if you had some identification that showed up, then I bet whoever looked into your amnesia would’ve figured that was all.”

Schneep inhaled sharply. “Could it... could it have been Anti-Virus? Could he have wiped your records?”

“Why, though?” Chase whispered.

Marvin frowned. “Well, I don’t know why Anti-Virus would want to wipe some of Chase’s records, but let’s say that he did do it, for some reason. That means that he and Chase probably knew each other, right? Maybe... they met at SepTech?”

Schneep folded his arms, looking thoughtful. “That would be more evidence to our theory about Anti-Virus being Dr. McLoughlin.”

“The head of SepTech?” Kanchana asked. “Why would he want to attack his own business?”

“Well he’s not fully in charge of it,” Marvin said. “The McLoughlin family may have founded SepTech, but it’s run by a board now. He’s not fully in control. Maybe... he wants to be. For some... plan or something.”

Soren coughed. “Well, this all sounds very important, but um... the longer we stand out here, the more attention we draw. And we don’t want that when we’re still stuck in these jumpsuits. Chase, do you want your jacket back, by the way?”

“Oh, uh, n-no, you can keep it,” Chase said. “I’ll pick it up... later. From wherever you guys are staying.”

So you guys are going to know where we’re staying? JJ asked.

“That was the plan,” Marvin said. “We can’t use phones to contact you, so we’ll have to stop by in person to update you on stuff.”

“Don’t worry, there’s a secret way into the house if they need to avoid attention,” Kanchana added. “Anyway, Soren is right, we don’t want to draw too much attention. Jameson, Soren? Come on. I’ll drive you the rest of the way to the place. And as for you three.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out three loose sticky notes, handing one to Schneep, Marvin, and Gwen. “This is the address. Share it with people you trust. Uh... not through text or anything.”

“Oh yeah, definitely not,” Marvin said, putting the sticky note into a pocket in his costume. He looked at JJ. “Well... I-I can check on you tomorrow evening, if you want. See how you’re... settling down.”

JJ smiled slightly. I’d appreciate that. But... well, I’m exhausted. Soren probably is, too. I think we should get to this safe house so we can lie down.

Schneep blinked. “Did you give Soren here a name sign?”

Jameson nodded. Why wouldn’t I? He was one of the few people I could talk to. We... spent a lot of time together. Was his face turning red?

“Mm-hm, mm-hm.” Schneep nodded. “So, what did you two do while you were spending time together?”

That’s not important, JJ said quickly. The point is, I think we should go now. We’ve delayed long enough.

Kanchana started walking towards the car parked in the car lot. “Yeah, come on, you two. As for the rest of you, leave the rented car here, I’ll send someone to take it back to the rental place. Just in case you were trailed.”

“I don’t think we were, but that’s a good idea,” Gwen said. She took off her mask and jacket with the circuit patterns, suddenly looking like any other pedestrian on the street. “We can take the night train home!”

“I’ll ride with you, Gwen,” Marvin offered.

“Thanks, Spitfire!”

“Be careful, Gwen,” Soren said. “Stop by some time, okay? But... not too much. Stay safe, you know? Uh, and don’t tell your parents I’m back yet. Just in case.”

“Aw.” Gwen’s shoulders slumped. “Mom would be so happy to hear that, though. But alright. I know that we gotta be cautious.” She gave him a quick hug. “Good luck, Soren!”

Soren smiled. “Thanks, Gwen. You two.” He patted her back, and then drew away. “Jameson?”

JJ nodded. He looked at Schneep, Chase, and Marvin. I’ll see you three later, then. Tell Jackie... Tell him he was helpful. And that I’m alright.

“I’ll do that,” Chase whispered.

“Stay safe, Jamie,” Schneep said.

JJ gave Schneep a shoulder hug, then hurried after Soren and Kanchana. The three of them got into the car, which then drove off.

“Well... see you guys,” Marvin said, taking off his costume to reveal the normal clothes he was wearing beneath. “Gwen and I are going to the train station on Olive. What about you?”

“There’s another in Midway, I think that one is closer,” Schneep said. “We will go there. See you later.”

Marvin smiled, Gwen waved, and then they started walking, leaving Schneep and Chase alone.

Schneep glanced at Chase. “How... h-how are you doing? That information Kanchana shared... it was... A-are you okay?”

Chase stared back at him, then took a deep breath. “I will be. Just, uh... give me some time.” He picked up Frosty’s leash. “I’ll just go to the train station.”

“Do you want me to ride the train with you?”

“No, your place is in the opposite direction. It’s fine.”

“Are you sure?” Schneep’s voice was gentle, like he was afraid Chase would shatter into pieces if he was too loud.

“I’m sure.” Chase gave him a shaky smile. “I have a lot to think about, anyway. The train ride will give me time.”

“Alright... let’s at least walk together.”

“I’d appreciate that,” Chase whispered.

The two of them walked to the train station in silence.

===============

Jackie tried to keep himself busy all day, but the moment Chase left to meet up with Schneep and Marvin at the car rental place, he found he couldn’t concentrate on anything. He tried going on patrol, but with how distracted he was by the dread and anxiety pooling in his stomach, he knew he wouldn’t be able to snap into action if he tried to stop any crimes. So in the end, he decided the police could handle the city for one day and stayed home, trying to relax. But even that was difficult, as no activity could take him away from his thoughts. He switched through things rapidly until he eventually decided to try and go to bed early. It didn’t work. So he ended up just lying under the covers and watching YouTube on his phone.

But finally, he drifted off—only to snap awake at the sound of the front door opening and closing. He sat up, knocking his phone from his stomach to the ground, but didn’t bother to pick it up as he got out of bed and left the room, hurrying to the living room.

“Chase!” Jackie called out to him the moment he saw Chase and Frosty. “How did it go? I-is he—Did you get—Is everything okay?”

Chase looked up at him... but not directly at him. His eyes were... distant. “Uh, hey, Jackie. Y-yeah. It went... I think they had to come up with stuff at a couple times, but... he’s out. He wanted to... He wanted everyone in there to leave with him, but they couldn’t really... do that. But they did get another guy.”

“They got someone else out?” Jackie asked, surprised. “Who? Actually, no, this isn’t the time to talk about this.” They wouldn’t have broken someone out of prison who was supposed to be here, so the guy they broke out with JJ was probably fine. Not too bad with a criminal. Onto more important matters. “Are you alright, Chase? Are you tired or something? You seem a bit out of it.”

“I...” Chase shook his head. He walked over to the sofa and collapsed. Frosty put his paws on his leg and pushed his face into Chase’s, sniffing him worriedly.

“...Chase?” Jackie walked over and sat down next to him. “Did something happen?”

“I have a wife and kid,” Chase blurted out.

Jackie leaned back. “Excuse me?”

“I just found it out now, it turns out that I-I knew Marvin’s friend before I lost my memory, a-and she remembers me, and she works for—she runs a henchmen order and she said I was part of that but then Stacy got upset so I tried to go legit and I was part of the Reforming Program but then I lost my memory—and Anti-Virus might’ve made it so that I wasn’t married to her, like by deleting digital records or something, but I don’t know why he’d have done that but honestly I don’t know if I care when I just found out that Stacy and Abby were there, they were my wife and kid this whole time, and I didn’t remember them, I didn’t fucking remember them, Jackie—”

“Whoa, okay, hold your fucking horses.” Jackie held up his hand. His head was spinning. This was a lot for him to process after just waking up from a nap. “Marvin’s friend Kanchana? She knew you? Are you sure?”

Chase nodded. “She has that superpower, uh, she remembers everyone she’s met. And the second she looked at me she knew me. The second she looked at me, Jackie. She knew my name before anyone told her. Sh-she knew my birthday. She knew me.” Tears began to line his eyes. “She knew about my family.”

“But... you couldn’t be... you couldn’t have been a henchman,” Jackie said slowly.

“Schneep said that too! But it’s the truth, apparently!” Chase laughed. “Apparently I know how to shoot a gun? Apparently I—I-I worked for villains for like, six years? I don’t know! I don’t know what I did! It’s still a biiiig blank up here!” He smacked the side of his head.

“Woah, don’t hit yourself, man.” Jackie reached out and gently moved Chase’s hand downwards. “O-okay, well... if meeting Schneep, JJ, and Marvin has taught me anything, it’s that... villains and heroes aren’t all black and white. So the same thing has to apply to henches, right? You’re still a good person, Chase.”

“What if I wasn’t in the past, though?” Chase whispered, eyes wide.

“Well... then you can change. After all, amnesia is almost like a fresh start, isn’t it?”

Chase didn’t say anything for a second. Frosty climbed up closer, resting his head against Chase’s chest, and Chase absentmindedly petted his fur. “But... I don’t... want a fresh start,” he said quietly. “Not if it means... losing everything from my old life. If it means losing... the two of them.”

“Right... yeah.” Jackie hesitated. “You said you have a wife and kid?”

“Yeah,” Chase breathed. “Marvin’s friend mentioned them. Stacy and Abby. A-and... I feel like... like... I-I don’t know. That sounded familiar. But the memories aren’t there.”

“Well that’s good isn’t it?” Jackie said.

“...I guess.”

“You guess?!” Jackie nudged Chase slightly. “You have family, dude. That’s great! You thought you didn’t, turns out you did, isn’t that great? You have a family!”

“Then why didn’t they come for me?!” Chase suddenly shouted. Frosty jerked back in surprise. “Why didn’t they come for me, Jackie?!” The tears started to fill his eyes again, spilling over. “It’s been over two fucking years! Even if the records were deleted, why didn’t they wonder where I was?! Was I that bad a father? That bad a husband? Did they hate me that much?! Did I do something that they couldn’t forgive me for?! What the fuck did I do, Jackie?! Why didn’t they come for me?! Did they hate me?!” He fell back against the sofa, sobbing. Frosty recovered from his surprise and resumed his position, leaning his whole weight on Chase.

Jackie was speechless. He had no idea what to say. How was he supposed to comfort Chase about something like this? After a few seconds, he just reached out and put his hand on Chase’s shoulder. “They don’t hate you, Chase,” he whispered.

Chase sniffed, wiping his eyes, trying and failing to stop crying. “But—But a-apparently Stacy—my wife she—she left th-the minute she found out about—about the henchman thing. A-and—and that c-can’t be good. Maybe—maybe she—she c-cut contact? Maybe she—”

“Hey, hey, Chase,” Jackie said softly. “You don’t know any of this. You don’t remember, and even if you did, you don’t know what, uh, Stacy has been thinking in the past two years. Maybe she tried to find you, but couldn’t. After all, didn’t you say that Anti-Virus might’ve messed with your records? Maybe—maybe he deleted your phone contacts. Or even Stacy’s contacts. And you didn’t have any social media before this, right? Nothing they found? So... maybe it’s the same for that.”

“What if h-he didn’t, though?” Chase asked. “What if—what if they just don’t want—What if they want to forget about me? What i-if—what if I deserve to be forgotten?”

“Don’t you fucking dare say that,” Jackie said fiercely. Chase looked at him, surprised, still breathing quickly from the crying. “Chase, you are my best friend. You do not deserve to be forgotten. No matter what you did in the past. If you did something really bad, you can still move past that. And, honestly, I feel like if you did something especially evil, someone would’ve recognized you by now, so there’s that, at least.” He gave a little laugh, but Chase just stared at him silently, so Jackie gave up on that. “Look. I don’t know why your family wouldn’t have reached out to you. I can’t... possibly imagine what you’re feeling right now. It’s probably really complicated. But... I’m here. No matter what, I’ll always be here.”

Chase looked at him. “Even if... it turns out I... did something terrible in my past?”

“Well, Marvin’s also done terrible things,” Jackie said. “He admitted to killing someone, remember? And Schneep’s been a thief for years. And JJ—well. Even if he was blackmailed into that, he still did some real bad stuff. Are you saying you’d abandon them because of that?”

“N-no...”

“Exactly.” Jackie nodded. “I may not agree with what Marvin’s done, and I may not have ever done what Schneep did, but... they’re still people. And you’re a person, too. A person who I care about. A person... I don’t want to forget. I-I don’t know how to deal with the family situation. But whatever you want to do about that, I’ll help you with it. Even if you just need me to stay by you.”

Chase started crying again, silent tears this time, trailing down his cheeks. “Th-thanks, Jackie. I... I-I don’t know how to deal with this. I don’t know if I should go looking for them, or... or what. But... thank you. F-for saying all that.”

“Anytime, Chase,” Jackie said quietly. “Is... is there anything I can do for you right now?”

“Hah. I’m just gonna sit here for a minute. Let Frosty do his job.” Chase patted Frosty’s back. “He’s a good boy.”

“He is, he really is.” Jackie smiled slightly. “Hey, uh... are you hungry? We could order pizza. Mara’s does delivery this late.”

Chase laughed quietly. “Yeah. Let’s do that. We can talk about... about the implications later. Like... Anti-Virus and all that.”

“Yeah.” That part in particular gave Jackie a pit in his stomach. The possibility that the villain had messed with Chase before he lost his memory, before all this started... it scared him. But this wasn’t the time to show this. Chase had a lot more to deal with right now. “We’ll talk about that later. I’ll go order the pizza. I left my phone in the other room, I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll be here,” Chase said, still patting Frosty.

Jackie smiled. He stood up and went back into his room, quickly ordering pizza from one of their local places. Then he returned to the living room and turned on the TV, putting on a show for background noise. He could tell Chase appreciated the distraction. And he needed it, himself, too.

Once the pizza arrived, they ate, and then went to their rooms to go to bed. Jackie went to sleep surprisingly quickly, for all that was on his mind. Chase would have lied awake longer, if Frosty hadn’t been a comforting weight by his side, allowing him to drift off and forget about everything he’d forgotten.

[leadandblood]

Crozcest rewatch part 4 🙈

Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 here

They'll soon be on ao3, but I want to do that all at once and format them all prettily and add links and such. I'll keep posting the new ones on here, but they'll be on AO3 as well. Just with a slight delay.

Mandatory warnings in case there might be somebody new...

Below are my interpretations of canon scenes along with screencaps from the show. All the things below are speculation. No, these characters are not related whatsoever in the show. I made this AU up bc it's fun. Don't go into the soup store if you hate soup. Don't read this post if you hate blorbo incest.

Overall

Watching 'Punished as a boy' now.

I made some gifs for this one to make it more fun ^^ God knows it's fucking long... (almost 2k words) Anyway. Enjoy. ...If you can.

This is where we start to get the juicy anti-Edward attitude on screen and I'm so here for iiiittttttt!!!! Tommy has to confont some things and so does Francis (but he'll avoid it, obviously).

The Pissing

I know it only happens at the end, I just thought it'd be funny to call this segment that. Anyway-

I straight up believe Tom thought Francis was like yanking it or something. You just KNOW it's happened before. I know it, anyway. Not just on the ship, it happened at home, too.

The way he awkwardly looks around like he's trying to figure out wtf Crozier is doing. The whiskey glass is nowhere near him, so what's he doing?? More importantly, can Tom help?

"Sorry to interrupt... sir..." I LOVE that he sounds like he can't decide whether to add the sir or not, but says it at last second anyway. He soooo wants to say "daddy" btw. so badly wants to say it. The only thing keeping him from doing it is a lashing. (They're both strictly prohibited from ever calling him father/papa/anything similar while on the expedition. There will be exceptions, though)

Face before "Lt. Little" mention and after "Lt. Little" mention. "SHIT I forgot I also have a worse son. And responsibilities. FUCK."

Am I losing my marbles or does he look kind of fond for a second there? BTW he straight up looks like a frog here (said with utter love and respect)

Anyway, Tommy - ever the good boy he is - starts cleaning up, maybe, possibly, to help fix Francis's mood? I reckon he tends to be in a better mood when things are in order.

Tom's also trying very hard not to stare, probably. Francis stop spreading your legs like a whore, you're distracting him from work. He'd so love to just kneel between them and [redacted]. He's holding on by sheer willpower.

Francis asking if he knows the headlines, because he knows how observant he is and how much he pays attention to everything. It's frustrating, because Francis CAN do better at parenting, he just doesn't. Doesn't see the point anymore since they're both adults and "don't need support". Except for punishment, he's still willing to punish them.

Thomas I swear to god.

I think if Francis saw that he'd give him a good talking to. And the "me, sir? :3c" do i have to say anything...... well yeah i actually do- He can be such a little shit. It's just Crozier's luck that he chooses to be a sweet little angel in front of him most of the time.

I can't help but imagine what younger drunk Thomas must've been like... Full of sass and bite, probably. I need to write that one day.

"Job son, you hear everything." biting screaming throwing up. "FINE dad, you got me, here goes-"

I do love the way he says lieutenant Little, it's got such a nice sound to it. Again, very funny that Francis sort of sighs at the name Little. I think he regrets chosing it, lol. But! Edward's got a point! And these two both agree! For once! (and for now)

The pissing my god the pissing what do i even say about it. Tom's voice seems to quiver a bit, which is amazing. My man, that's your fucking father, stop being horny.

"have you ever thought of becoming a newsman?" what a thing to ask your son who is like 25 by this point and for whom you chose the career of a sailor. But better late than never, I guess. A job opportunity for when they come back home, teehee.

Anyway, I have to move on, or I won't watch anything else. I can't stay on this scene the entire post, it's already way too long.

Ship attack

Tommy finally realising this could happen to any of them...

This is the point when he starts being nicer to Edward. From this point on, he's truly finally realising, that any of them could die at any moment. The ship isn't safe anymore. Edward isn't safe. Francis isn't safe. He himself isn't safe. Like, he knew it in theory before, but it really hit him here.

It's hammered in by "it's come onto the ship, Edward" because they all realise that nowhere is safe now. Francis has this "oh fuck" moment too, that's why he goes to Edward to maybe comfort him or maybe to even comfort himself.

Btw they're so related it's disgusting.

"Please don't go, I'm scared for you" you see, Tommy, daddy has this thing called plot armor, so-

Francis and his youngest son- no, just kidding. But he's so very paternal with Evans, it's adorable. More than his own sons... which is a bit sad. "No ship's boys. Evans..." He's got it in him! Somewhere! It's there! Just to dig it out and use it.

To make this scene and the ones after worse - He's remembering his own boys when they were scared. Tommy clinging to his leg, yelling "papa!" over and over until Francis picked him up. Ned sobbing into his coat because he took too long to come home one night... (i'm fine btw << a liar)

Unfortunately, this is the worst time for him to choose to be comforting and mother-hen-y (not a word, probably, but you get my point).

After Evans dies :((

I like how Edward (I think it's him anyway) is welcoming everyone back.

He's probably waiting in agony for Francis to appear. I also think Crozier told him specifically to stay on the ship, so he wouldn't be in as much danger. He still has most of his common sense and the Edward hate isn't so bad yet either.

I want to say something intelligent about this scene, but I can't, other than Thomas missing should mean something.

Maybe these three having the most (?) hope until the end and lasting so long without any signs of scurvy, while Thomas wastes away pretty quickly after walkout... Just a fun thing to think about. (not)

"perhaps you should curb that for now" you KNOW Lydia used to tell him that exact same thing.

Anyway this scene makes me rabid even in canon. He did it for Sophy bc he wants to be with herrr. What if I bite you, sir. In the Au with the added context of wanting the boys to have a mother figure. *bursts into flame*

I think Francis might be a little obsessed with this idea of finding a mother to his boys, more so than finding a partner to himself. Like he's been doing it for years and it's turned into this unachieved goal he persues only because he's used to it. (dgmw though, he does very much love Sophia) Anyway.

Edward's. So. Fucking. Cute. "Yes, father 😔"

He's pretty much only looking at Francis in this scene, except for a one time glance at Irving after he asked a question. It's making me run in circles. (kind of funny, actually, EVERBODY is looking at Francis. James is there too, you guys-)

Flashback

He loves her so much I'm-

Thomas would be so jealous if he saw them btw. On the other hand, Edward would cheer them on. I think he'd actually give Francis some subliminal messaging, whispering to him while he's sleeping like "you want to marry Sophia so bad" because Sophia's been nice to Edward and he's dying to have someone who might actually like him in the house. *starts sobbing*

BING BONG, DADDY'S HERE

Deploy the guard dog!

That's right Tommy, show 'em.

"EVERYONE ON THEIR KNEES RIGHT NOW!!" hahaha, do you think he screamed at the boys like that when they were fighting, lmao- *bursts into flame*

Yes he did, he very much did and his voice used to be a bit stronger, too. I bet Edward flinched when he heard him yell. I don't think Tom would've heard over the people below deck, but he'd flinch too if he did.

All it took to call Edward over was one vague head movement that I didn't notice until my fourth rewatch, so I think it's safe to say they're both used to this and that Edward is a good boy, actually-

Interrogation

I can't stop laughing, they're literally two parents whose kids misbehaved at school-

I know I made the Fitzjames = wine mom joke like 5 times already but aaah! look at them 😭

btw....

I could make a whole post of just them doing things synchronously. This episode is so rich with it...

Francis is very amused.

He doesn't believe a single fucking word Hickey is saying. He has kids. They have lied to him. He knows what it looks like when a kid's lying (Hickey's not a kid, but you know. close enough)

Angry Ned! You do NOT talk to his dad with that tone of voice. (I'm so normal about his teefs, btw, I promise)

So fun and lovely that Edward can also go protecc mode, just in different situations from Thomas. He's so angry oh my goooood, giggling kicking my feet. "You disrespect my dad? Die." He's literally shaking with it.

Breathe, my guy. And stop being so tense, you're not the one getting punished (for once)

Francis is so nonchalant about announcing the punishment, he's done it so many times before... He definitely enjoys it to at least some extent, too. Like, maybe doesn't hugely revel in it, but it does give him a little kick. A little boost to the ego.

*WHAM*

Edward flinched so hard at that table slam. And that's canon, it's not my fault the camera isn't on him, it's canon because I said so-

The lashing

Hey boys, what's wrong? :) Is your dad doing something very questionable? :))) Something deplorable? :))))))

I already did the "Thomas won't look at the lashing if it got him a million pounds" spiel somewhere, but yeah, he's absolutely remembering his own lashing.

He's already tense after seeing Hartnell and Manson, but I think this one's even worse, bc of how humiliating it is. He is NOT having a good time (also flinches! bonus points)

I think in this whole scene, Francis is thinking "I'm gonna be the strict father figure these boys need" and kind of overdoes it and forgets his humanity for a bit, woopsie!

Not like he was any good at controlling it before. He was shit at it, really, especially with Nedward. Oftentimes the punishments would be over the top unreasonable. He still punishes them, btw. Well into adulthood. They're horribly codependant and severely broken <3

Wallowing in self-hate all by yourself, handsome?

Very telling, btw, that Ned didn't want to come talk to Francis himself and sent Irving instead. He's scared of him. So very scared of him. And I think Thomas is, too, when he's in this state, although he doesn't want to admit it to himself. I'll get to it in ep 5, but yeah, he hates when Francis is drunk.

Conclusion

WHAT AN EPISODE. This took DAYS to compile, wow. Francis begins to antagonize Edward in this ep much more, even though his concerns are valid.

My theory of Edward taking/inheriting mannerisms and other behaviours from his father is being supported sooo well, it's basically writing itself.

The boys have been confronted by a side to Crozier they haven't seen in a long time (mostly because they're so well behaved and he doesn't have to punish them very often) They're very unsettled by it, too. Also scared. It's delicious.

If this was ep 4 i can't even hope for what ep 5 and 6 will hold *melts into a puddle of heart shaped marshmallows*

[solottrpgchronicles]

3c. Socialize - Fox Curio's Floating Bookshop

Bookseller: Merry the capybara

Town: Thistledown

Date: 3rd of Bloom

Weather: warm all day

Total customers: 32

Books: 398

Coins: 223

Dear diary,

I'm sneezing even as I write this. What a mess! I can tell Bloom is here, judging by how itchy and watery my eyes are.

Today is the first properly warm day of the new year, and I had the brilliant idea to open all the windows, let the air in, and then open shop.

Let me tell you, helping customers in this state is no easy feat.

First, a group of schoolchildren barged in, touching every book they could put their grubby paws on. Their teacher, a mouflon with salt-and-pepper fur, was doing his very best to wrangle them.

"I'm so sorry, they're just really excited, you see" He apologized; I reassured him it was no trouble at all.

Truth be told, it was a bit of a bother, but I was surprised at how much joy their presence brought me, and how infectious their excitement was; I even gave them a group discount.

They bought a few classics to read during class, as well as fantasy and sci-fi novels, and a few colouring books.

My second customer - the schoolchildren count as a single unit in my mind - ruined my perfectly good mood; a badger in a pristine suit and tie, who walked in as if he owned the place. He shook my paw firmly and introduced himself as none other than the mayor of Thistledown, Mr. Furlorne.

Now, I'm not a big fan of authorities, but mayor Furlorne didn't put any effort into being likeable. He looked around the shop, nodding and stroking his chin. "Certainly a very nice and cozy shop. I trust you have the license and proper paperwork?" He stared at me inquisitively.

I don't. I didn't even know I needed a license. Luckily, my allergies decided to act up right at that moment, sending me into such a sorry state that mayor Furlorne left in a hurry, muttering something about having this conversation when I'm feeling better.

Isn't it strange that he would personally go and inspect businesses though? Maybe it's because this town is so small. Either way, I have to leave as soon as the river thaws; I have no patience for silly bureaucracy.

In the afternoon I met a few more strange characters:

A couple of travelling otters who were actually looking for a hotel

A loquacious seagull who insisted on telling me all about every single book they had ever read

A traveling salesnake called Seerah

Initially I thought Seerah just wanted to sell me stuff; she must have sensed my distrust, because after slithering up to me and introducing herself, she said "I'm looking for a book, but I'm also looking to make new friends. It's not easy, traveling around all the time and having no fixed home. I thought you might understand the feeling."

I found her openness and sincerity to be refreshing, and ended up offering her a cup of sweet chamomile; we talked until it was almost time to close shop.

She bought an anthology of short novels and left me her business card, saying she hopes we'll cross paths again soon. That would be nice.

At that point I was pretty much ready to close shop, when I heard a soft knock at the door. To my surprise, it was a scruffy sparrow, shivering in the rapidly cooling evening air.

"Uh, sorry sir, may I..."

I waved them inside without hesitation.

Kiki the sparrow was happy to warm up in front of my modest fireplace with a glass of warm milk and biscuits.

They're apparently not from around here - I'm sensing a pattern today - they just arrived in Thistledown after having freshly left their nest, and don't know how to even find a place to sleep, let alone a job. I offered to walk with them into town tomorrow and help talk to people; for tonight they can sleep over.

It's difficult to start a life on one's own, I can definitely empathize.

---

Rereading this entry, I realize I complained a lot today, but there were plenty of nice moments. I just find it uncomfortable when people barge in and try to get through my armour.

I suppose all this socializing could be beneficial; even I need people, friendship, community.

I'm still going to sail away when the river thaws, though.

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

This is a playthrough of a solo journaling TTRPG called "Fox Curio's Floating Bookshop" by lostwaysclub.

You can check it out on itch.io: https://lostwaysclub.itch.io/floating-bookshop

[startouched--blog]

hello there >:3c

if it is not too much to ask, nsfw brat!reader x ichiro? a little kinky freak, if you may…

reader and ichiro work a lot and needs to let off some steam. maybe dabble in a bit of what you think ichiro would be into? all up to you!! i hope you have fun with this request, if you do it— you’re a blessing <3

I can't tell if this is the same person from last time but kudos to you either way /pos. I have also learned how to write better so I might go in and edit all my other stories!!

SCENARIO - Ichiro and you need to let off some steam,, but you're a brat!

PAIRINGS - Ichiro x gn!reader

GENRE - NSFW, oneshot,

You are a hard working person, sure, but sometimes, you really do need a break. .

You work at a convenient store down the block from where you currently lived at, being the same place your boyfriend, Ichiro, lived at. You were happy to have moved in with him, and it was nice to be able to see his face after a long day of work.

Although, a lot of the time he wouldn't be there. Ichiro also worked a job, and was a well known rapper in Ikebukuro. A lot of the time he would be busy working with other people, delivering orders to people around town, or saving another person from another incident. You loved him dearly and loved everything he did, but sometimes you just wanted to be with him and just him.

You waved and smiled to another customer as you let them go, leaning against the check out counter that you were stationed at. It was basically time for your shift to be over and you were honestly excited to be able to sit down after multiple hours of standing and working.

The last few minutes went by quicker than you thought as your boss waved you off your station and told you to get ready to leave. You gave out a sigh of relief before turning everything in and clocking out. You were happy to finally have a break from your night shift for even a second. You really were considering looking for a different job but that was a thought for another night when you weren't sleep deprived and over your head.

You walked your way all the way back to your boyfriends small house, quietly opening the door to not awake the other ones that lived in the house. To your surprise, you were greeted with a tired smile and arms wrapped around your waist as soon as you entered the living room.

"I missed you. ."

"that much huh? you could have slept and waiting for me in bed~?"

Ichiro chuckled and hugged onto you tighter, bringing you down with him onto the couch, a small oomf coming from the both of you.

"come on, I have one night off, what's better than waiting for my lovely partner to come home and greet me" you giggled.

You could only smile as you poked him in his cheek, gaining an even bigger smile from the male. You mumbled lightly under your breath.

"still, you look tired as hell"

He could only laugh "oh come on be nice to poor ol me" He did a fake pout and sat the both of you up, setting you down in his lap, legs straddled over his as you faced him.

"Are you too tired to pay attention to me~?" you pouted back at him, wrapping your arms loosely over his shoulders and neck, gaining a blush to appear on his face.

"well. . no. . but you know how work is" Ichiro chuckled and leaned his forehead against yours. You pout again as you traced a finger down his collarbone, making him shiver and hold onto your hips tighter

"come on Y/N.." he seemed to only whine out, but you weren't listening to him. You continued to trace your fingers down his body until he eventually had to grab onto your wrist and stop you himself. He gave you a semi-stern look, but it was rather playful as well. "not tonight okay.. we can do this- another night" You frowned to what he said, making pouting noises again until he finally let go of your wrist. You ignored all he said beforehand and forced him onto his back, sitting down by his waist, hands pinning down his wrists. He gave you a stern look, trying to tell you that you probably shouldn't be doing it in the living room of a share house with his younger siblings, but you didn't seem to care all that much. It was night after all, what harm could it do. You giggled as you slid down his jacket, putting it to the side, not like you'll need it. You kissed at his neck and shoulders, small groans escaping his lips. He tried to shift under your touch but it didn't seem to work. "seeee~ I think this is just what we needed" A small giggle escaped your lips as your hands wandered all around his chest, right until they met the bottom of the shirt. You looked over at him for clearance to take it off. He only nodded towards you, so you delightfully took off his sweater shirt, and also threw it to the side.

You began to trail your kisses all over his chest and stomach, making sure every inch of skin was covered in your harsh kissing fits. Your boyfriend only made sudden movements or noises under you, trying not to show he was enjoying it too much. He was mad at you wasn't he? You could change that. After leaving many marks on the males chest and stomach, you tugged your hands under his belt, trying to move it down. Ichiro sat up and held onto your waist. "hold on-"

He looked away from you in a flustered panic as you tilt your head, but soon enough turned back and began to undress you. everything up top first, then everything below. You sat there and only chuckled at how her goggled at your body "like what you see? is that why you dug right in?" "maybe-" You laughed quietly so you didn't wake the others in the vicinity, scooting closer to him and again, tugging at the belt he was wearing. "come on~ I'm already naked, just take it off already~" He let a sigh fall through his lips again before nodding, undoing his belt and removing it with his pants, leaving him alone with his boxers. You giggled to him, getting off the couch and sitting down in front of him, in between his legs. You poked at the tent in his boxers, kissing it as well, just to show your affection. He mumbled and grabbed at your hair, startling you, but it wasn't surprising at the slightest. You knew exactly what got him going, so why not do it. you kissed him from the outside, lathering his member with kisses and gentle bites, although covered with fabric still. "you could take it off y'know..?" "I'd rather not"

He huffed at you as you continued to spread the kisses all around, one hand poking down on the tip and the other fondling. You could laugh internally as you watched his body tense up from all the attention it was getting, so needy for your touch and physical praise. The tight tugs at your hair that you were getting were enough to tell you he was enjoying it.

You eventually did feel bad though, kissing his boxers was so evil of you. You took a moment but completely stripped him of the rest of his clothing, kissing the tip gently. You were nothing but smug as your trailed harsh kissed and sucks all over his member, making sure every part wasn't left unscaled. A hand went up then down quickly as the kisses didn't stop. You wanted to cover more ground in shorter time. You heard mumbles from your boyfriend that he was close. good. This means your plan could spin into action. As he bucked his hips into your hand, you used your thumb to cover the tip, letting nothing leak out from inside of him. "what- hey- you can't do that--" "yes I can, I want you to say you enjoyed tonight. Say you deserved it and I'll let you cum" There was a pause, not awkward, but it was a pause nonetheless. He whined at you, he didn't want to say anything but he wanted to released. You only sat there and leaned again your free hand, tapping another finger on the side of his member. "come on, you're a big boy you can do it" "fine.. I deserved this.." He muttered out quietly, but that was all you needed for you to let go of him, allowing him to release on himself and some on you. Holding it in must have taken a toll on him, because after that he was breathing pretty heavily. "There you go~ I'm glad you think so"

Hope you enjoyed~!

[mojaves]

🫀🩰🌵🍕🎪🎨🪐 for Beck :3c

🫀 ANATOMICAL HEART: Do they have any “upgrades” to their body, like cybernetic enhancements?

he does not! but. well. he Can see and communicate with ghosts. dont know if that can be considered an upgrade! he's suffering constantly and theyre all mean to him.

🩰 BALLET SHOES: Can they dance? Do they enjoy dancing even if they’re bad at it?

he looks like he should be able to dance. but he can't. and also he is too crunchy and uncoordinated to Ever be good at dancing. that won't stop him from having fun. when he remembers what joy and fun are anyway.

🌵 CACTUS: What are some reasons someone might not like them? What are their personality flaws?

beck is Very quiet and withdrawn, and generally comes across as very. standoffish. unapproachable. but that's mostly because he is constantly in hell and exhausted because of the ghosts tormenting him most of the time. of course the average person wouldnt just Immediately know that about him. they just assume he'd be an asshole.

and in a way he Is sometimes, not intentionally. he's just very direct and short with people on account of lacking energy to put any more effort in. and he wants to be able to so bad!!! he wants to befriend people!!! but he cannnnn't and he is all too painfully aware of it.

🍕 PIZZA: When they’re having a “lazy day”, what do they like to do?

a Lot of his days are lazy days, and they mostly involve reading, or doodling in a notebook, sometimes attempting to make a bit of music if he's feeling up for it,,, sometimes even that is too much so he'll just lie there with his eyes closed listening to music and daydreaming. he has got Very good at that lately, and it passes the time pretty effectively for him. he would love to be able to just sit and hang out in the sun for a while one day...

🎪 CIRCUS TENT: Would they ever go to a music festival, a Renaissance fair, a holiday parade, or some other large communal event? Would they dress up to fit a theme? What would their favorite part of it be?

he LOVES music festivals and concerts so much he is a little freak when it comes to music, especially when it's Live. he used to go to as many local concerts as he possibly could before things got Bad bad for him, and he wants to do that again one day... maybe even perform in one, if he ever got the chance.

his favourite part of live performances is always the interaction with the crowd, and getting everyone involved to make the songs sound even better than you couldve ever imagined,,, live music does something to him and thats the exact feeling and moment he wants to be able to experience forever

🎨 PALETTE: Are they artsy? Which art medium do they prefer?

not as much as he used to be. when he was younger he used to make little clay charms, and embroidery patches, but that soon became a little too difficult for him. now he's a little more focused on music and doodling on whatever paper he can find, just to keep him in practice

🪐 RINGED PLANET: How do they feel about space? Does it inspire them or make them feel lonely?

now that is a Good Question,,, probably. doesnt feel too strongly about it one way or another?? it's interesting to him, sure, wondering what could be out there, but that got pushed to the back of his mind when he discovered ghosts are in fact Real, and theres still so much here on earth that we don't fully understand yet. he can think about aliens Later.

[yappacadaver]

2 + 14 + 22 💖

Thanks you so much for sending me nubers :’3 ILU!!!!!!!

2. What would they do if the other woke in a manic state after a nightmare?

Raymond: Dealing with a manic Yumi is basically his third (fourth???) job now. If possession was taking over, he’d tap into the skills and knowledge they’re building together on how to deal with that (PLOT!!!! Coming v soon working on this chapter now lol). If it was just general psychological distress, that would be a little further outside his comfort zone, but he’s prepared to do what he can. The question “what do you need?” comes up a lot. Despite being a certified yapper, comforting words don’t come easily to him. His preference lies in problem solving, though Yumi shows him that sometimes a quiet and reassuring touch is what she prefers.

Yumi: Yumi would have a hard time with Raymond’s mania, mostly because it’s a very rare state for him to be in (these days). Where he has worked very hard to get a handle on his anger and fear, seeing him rage or panic would scare her— especially rage. If she ended up being the target of his rage she’d be paralyzed, and wouldn’t be much help. Otherwise, she’s very attentive and would do her best to see to his needs that he’d surely neglect like feeding him, keeping him hydrated, keeping him from staying up late working/smoking. She’s got a good ear for listening, and good arms for hugging. The episode would likely end with a long heart-to-heart, maybe some tears, and cuddles back to sleep (or at least back to resting, eyes closed).

14. How do their personalities compliment each other? How do they clash?

Oouh these two are complimentary like yin and yang

They have great “opposites attract” energy: she’s wild, he’s mild. She’s modern (90’s modern) and he’s more traditional. She’s sexual, he’s more discreet.

And in every aspect they maintain, there’s a little bit of the opposite energy in them. Raymond, the traditional type, might balk at being first-named when he expects an honorific, but he also designs websites and databases (in the 90s). Whereas Yumi, the MTV kid with a gameboy attached to her hand, does expect Raymond to pay for everything.

Their complimentary personalities only clash when their goals are misaligned. Only then do their worst aspects come out against each other and then Yumi is soooo bothered with how controlling Raymond is, or he is soooo frustrated with Yumi’s unreasonableness.

22. What reminds each of their partner?

I think I did this one before but it is such a fave and I’ve got more to say LOL

Raymond: he thinks of her in capricious summer weather, when honeysuckles start to go from white to yellow and you can smell them in the air. He sees her in lightning strikes and wary animals. A certain postcard with a certain crab mascot might arrive any day now and snap his memories straight back to their road trip.

Yumi: She has reminders of him etched into her body, the little scars on her fingers evoking the memory of him holding her hands for the first time and bandaging them in the back of his car. When she smells cigarettes, or hears waves crashing against the rocky New England shore, she remembers him.

Tysm again for sending some numbers!!!!! Yayayay these were so fun (*≧∀≦*)

OTP ASK GAME HERE, always accepting and anon is always on :3c!!!!!

[littledragondork]

Little Dragons

This is my first real attempt at fanfiction, I've written stories in the past but never fanfiction and I'm quite proud of it if I do say so myself :3c

A content warning for some heavy topics in the beginning and middle but they get better I promise.

Silence. Deafening silence was all Balneim could hear from the two tiny bundles he held in his arms, the two of them combined wouldn’t be able to reach the size of his forearm. They were wrapped snugly in warm, soft blankets, their tiny bodies barely breathing. To look at them made Balneim want to wail in agony, to scream until his lungs gave out, to make himself feel even an ounce of pain they currently are feeling. They are dying and there is almost nothing Balneim can do.

All he can do is keep them warm, fed, clean and cast restoration magic on them once every few hours, at least that’s what his court healer told him to do, even then she didn’t seem hopeful in the slightest. They hardly moved, and when they did it was to either stretch out a limb or just wiggle a small bit. He didn’t dare separate them in fear it would just make them worse, loosing the only other creature that understood them in this time of need, their closest companion, their twin.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Balneim’s days became like clockwork. Keep them close while he worked, don’t go too far from the palace, feed himself and then them every few hours, cast the restoration magic on their tiny bodies and do not sleep. He thanked his newly gained godly blood for the ability to no longer need rest or food, but then again. It might have been that very same blood that put them in the pain they are now.

They were so small, just one of their tiny bodies would fit snugly in Balneim’s hand, born too soon and so very, very weak. Everyday Balneim would look at them and expect to see little corpses, but instead would be greeted by the shallow rise and fall of their tiny chests. They’re still fighting. He also began to notice differences, before the two would be identical, but now, he found the eldest preferred it when he would rub their back gently while the youngest liked to just be held with as little movement as possible. They both seemed to love it when he would sing to them. The soft sound seemed to help them sleep, but he always feared they might not wake up. At least his voice would be the last thing they heard.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He found they both hated it when Balneim would swap the blankets to clean them, their weak, hardly audible cries would go on and on until they could have them back. And he had to give the correct identical blanket to the right twin or else they would be even more furious with their father, how dare he mix them up!

After a few weeks they started to cry properly, and wow could the youngest scream. 

“Yes! I hear you little one!” He would say to them. “All of the isles can hear your voice!”

They started to get rounder, larger. Balneim couldn’t help but think they were getting too round. They were so skinny for so long and now they are getting so large.

 Are they bloated? Are they starting to die from the inside? They deserve a better father than me—

“M’lord!” The court healer would get his attention, ripping him from his spiraling thoughts. “They’re perfectly healthy! They’re just getting fat! It’s a good sign if anything!”

Now Balneim just felt silly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He doesn’t know how they’ve made it so far. Balneim thought for sure they would have died a week, maybe even a few days into their life. But they just refused to let go. Whether it was pure will, a desire of life or just pure stubbornness Balneim wasn’t sure but he was grateful for every second he would watch over them and their little movements, and hear their little sounds.

The eldest one seemed to sleep a lot, it was so much to the point Balneim had to check if they were even alive and every time they would whine when woken up, only to fall back asleep. The youngest seemed to almost whistle when they would breathe, not all the time but enough to be concerning. This terrified Balneim, making him fear what life they would live if they were able to make it to adulthood. Will they live fulfilling lives or would they struggle to take care of themselves, could they follow their dreams or would they have to settle for less. He just wants them to be happy and know they are loved.

Balneim often wondered how his children’s other father would feel at their current state, would he hate him for inflicting the life they currently live? No, he would likely be just as terrified and paranoid as Balneim felt, he was a compassionate man, he would likely join in the hours of crying and exhaustion. Balneim wished their other father could be with them now.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Another day of not letting the little ones out of Balneim’s sight, bringing them with him wherever he would go in a palace and keeping them warm and close. They have their eyes open now, they just spend most of the time staring at their father’s face, taking in his details. Do they care that his face is covered in scars, that his red hair was rapidly turning white, that his eyes were no longer that of a mortal man’s? They just stared blankly at him, their little eyes would follow him and sometimes follow his gaze, like four little lanterns. Tiny eyes, so full of curiosity and wonder for the world around them. The youngest’s eyes are just like how his used to look, a rich brown that almost seem to swallow the light around them. The eldest’s eyes are a sky blue, just like their other father’s, looking into their eyes almost makes Balneim see the sky of nirn again, except for the left eye which is the same rich brown of their siblings.

He can tell they won’t be ‘normal’ he can feel it, but that’s okay, the mind is a place of Balneim’s expertise, and that only means he’ll have more fun with them. The eldest stirs in the lord’s arm, looking down he meets their gaze, the tiny face staring back up at him and taking in every detail. And they surprise him, they stare at him and something changes. Their little face moved to show off a large and bright smile across their face. A sight that makes all the lord’s months of fear and anxiety begin to melt away and tears begin to well up in his eyes.

They’re going to be fine, his little Brigitte and Micah.

[sienna-the-doe]

HEYYYYYY So since we're trying to be More Ourselves!! I think its about time we put an Official Post together so you can maybe get to know to me and my plurality!

Lets introduce ourselves. Our system's general name is Sienna its easy that way. This blog is run by me, Sienna Marie (they/she/doe). I'm usually the one of us in control of this shitshow, and am in a fun little relationship with my headmate Kiera.

Speaking of, Kiera (She/her/they *if you know her*) will be picking @kiera-the-elk back up again soon! More often than not Kiera and I will usually both be around at the same time later at night when its harder for only one of us to keep this treehouse in order.

Our newest friend, and the third most likely to see in general, is named Aeris (he/she/they/it) and is a little deerthing made of slime. :3 Its gender is really dependent on how his day is and what she feels fits. They want to make a tumblr, and might soon! (Posts on this blog by Aeris will be tagged #slimewords)

@tex-as-toast will be being picked up again soon probably by Tex (He/they). not much to say about Tex that theyd let me talk about. Ill leave that to him on his blog.

Sam (she/they), or Tech as I lovingly call them by, doesnt have a blog of her own yet. might make one, might not. Kiera and I are trying to convince her to have a space. (Posts here from Sam will be tagged #techstore)

August (she/her) most likely wont be around much. she keeps to herself and would rather keep it that way.

And thats all of us!!! :3c

We really hope to be friends!!!

[scourgefrontiers]

so remember how a while back i was like "i wanna get into comics for a living!" and then i immediately went "actually no i do not"

well. i was thinking abt it again. as i do

in light of me getting adderall soon (hopefully. cross ya fingers) i was thinking like..idk. maybe when i get my adderall i'll actually have the energy and motivation to Do Comics for a living. and i dont mean like, work on other people's comics or go to a publisher, id definitely have to do self publishing bc 1) my shit's inconsistent as fuck and nobody's gonna wanna sign for that, and 2) i take SO LONG currently to work on comics and finish them so like. idk. i dont think a company would wanna invest in something that takes that long lol

so idk! maybe i might make some original comics to sell :] like i DID say that i would start my other comics just to give me smth to do when i dont wanna work on some other comics...so! that could be a good way to spend my time :]

ive always wanted to have a physical print of my comics lol. but so far my comics have been all fancomics and i dont think thatd be acceptable to like..sell

SPEAKING OF WHICH, i was considering printing mirrors either once i finish the entire 10 chapters OR sooner, but just chapters 1-5. i wouldnt technically be able to sell these..however, i thought of a loophole. i "give them away for free" with every purchase of an item from my shop $20 or more :3c so like, in reality youd be paying for a copy of mirrors and get a free keychain or something lol. but itd be like you pay for the keychain and get a free copy of mirrors yknow

but ya. once adderall is in my possession things Might change for me irt comic making :3c we shall see.. i def wanna make my other shit into comics tbh. alien love, step, facets, pretty accident, blessed, the rest of villain + school, HOPEFULLY the shadow of doubt if i ever get back into it. i might redesign some characters and do some fiddling w the story at this point

anyway. ramble over

[crystalninjaphoenix]

It's Soon

Switch AU

A JSE Fanfic

Feels like we've been stuck in IRIS for forever. Let's change that, why don't we? :3c They're not quite getting out yet, but there's finally a hint of something. Anti messes around with the camera in his room, and in the process someone finds him... someone familiar. It looks like IRIS needs to keep an eye on threats from the outside. Because some of them are slipping past their defenses and scouting things out. Heheheh... enjoy!

More of This AU | | First Chapter | Previous Chapter | Read on AO3 under CrystalNinjaPhoenix

———————

“Come on, you stupid fuck,” Anti muttered. Then he winced. He shouldn’t have said anything. He was trying to do this subtly. If IRIS heard him cursing to himself while sitting in the blind spot beneath the camera, they might start to get suspicious. But this was so frustrating! Why was this camera made of fucking solid rock?!

He took a deep breath, careful not to move too much so the chair he was standing on wouldn’t creak. Just... take a mental step back. He was making some progress with this tiny Allen wrench. He could almost feel the camera give way in a couple spots. But it also felt like the wrench was just as likely to bend before the camera moved.

Alright. Get a better grip. Both on his temper and this tiny bit of metal in his hands. Anti wiped his sweaty hand on his shirt then tried again, jamming the Allen wrench into the small gap where the body of the camera met the swivel mechanism. He started pulling and pushing, wiggling it deeper before taking it out again. Actually, could he hook the bend of the wrench around something and jam it in there? Maybe if it was stuck, the camera would break the next time it swiveled? But... the mechanism also might just break the wrench. Could he risk losing it?

He considered it for a while. Then another idea came to him. One which might stand a better chance of working... might. 

Anti angled the wrench so that the shorter part of the L-shaped wrench fit inside the gap. He pushed it some more, then twisted it until he couldn’t move it any more. It wasn’t as securely jammed as he wanted it to be. But if he failed, he could just pull it out and try again... provided that the noise of his attempts didn’t attract IRIS’s attention. 

After a moment, he whispered, “Fuck it.” He was getting desperate. Whisper said that help was on the way, but he didn’t know when, or if help would succeed when it got here. So time to try something. He grabbed hold of the wrench, making sure to hold it tight—then hopped off the chair.

SQUEAK!

Pain shot across his fingers. He yelped. The moment he landed he pulled his hand close to himself, looking at the damage. The skin had been torn on his pointer and middle finger, as well as across the pad of his thumb. The places where he’d been gripping the wrench. Blood was immediately dripping down his hand towards his wrist. “F-fuck,” he hissed. He couldn’t assess how bad the damage was because there was so much blood. Of course he’d just injured one of the spots on his body with the most blood vessels. How tightly had the wrench been stuck, if it did this?

The wrench! Where is it? And what was that loud screeching squeak?

Anti looked up again. Yes! Yes! The camera had been moved! Not by much, but it was tilted up a noticeable amount. At the very least, the blind spot had been expanded. Good. He had more space to work with. The Allen wrench was still jammed in place as well. Anti could see a bit of his blood on it, about to drip off. He quickly reached up and wiped off the wrench with the black sleeve of his jacket. Just in case the drop of blood gave something away.

Now... to try and take care of the fucking painful cuts.

He grabbed onto his injured fingers with one hand, squeezing it tight. The pressure helped distract him from how much it hurt—and it helped stem the blood, as well. Then he walked back into view of the camera. “Hey!” He shouted. “I don’t know if you’ll care, but I’m fucking hurt.” He raised his injured hand, wincing as the lack of pressure made the pain return full force. “I doubt you’ll fucking do anything, but worth a shot, huh? I’m gonna fucking... bleed all over your stuff.”

Then he walked over to the bed and sat down, picking up the blanket and crudely wrapping the corner of it around his fingers, tying it around them and yanking it tight with his teeth. Sure, he could use the sleeve of his jacket. But fuck these IRIS guys. His blood wouldn’t be getting all over their blanket if he hadn’t been imprisoned here in the first place.

Anti lied down on the bed, staring up into the ceiling and trying to ignore the pain and the pressure. Maybe he could fall asleep after a bit and ignore it...

But after a while—a while that both felt like forever and only a few seconds at the same time—he heard the door open. Anti quickly sat up. Two guards walked into the room, wearing helmets that fully covered their faces. The door closed behind them. “Subject,” one said. “Are you injured?”

“Oh, so you do care,” Anti muttered. “You want your subjects to be in top form, hm? Or are you mad I got hurt in something you didn’t do?”

The two guards were silent for a moment. “Are you hurt?” the second guard repeated.

Anti rolled his eyes. He held up his hand with the wrapped fingers, dragging the blanket along with the motion. The corner was stained red with blood. “What do you think?”

“How did the injury happen?” the first guard asked.

“I was sitting on that chair,” Anti said slowly, glancing at the chair in question. “But I started to fall, so I grabbed onto it, and that sharp fucking edge of the back cut me.” There was a section of the chair that was unusually sharp. But it probably wasn’t enough to cut someone. Still, it was the best he could come up with.

The guards looked at the chair. Then the first one turned back to him. “Where?”

“On the side,” Anti said. “I was falling pretty hard, you probably wouldn’t cut yourself normally.”

The first guard looked at the chair again. Did they seem uncertain? He couldn’t tell with their face covered. The second one faced them and started moving about silently... were they talking to the first one? But Anti couldn’t hear their voice. Ohhhh did they have some sort of radio channel in those helmets? That made sense. They were speaking into microphones. But they must’ve been very good microphones, because when they spoke to Anti he couldn’t hear any trace of speaker interference.

After a moment of silent conversation, the first guard looked at Anti again. “Stay,” they said, then headed towards the door.

Anti sat up straight, instinctively wondering if he could make a run for it. But the second guard held up a hand, asking him to stop. He didn’t want to listen, but he knew he probably wouldn’t make it anyway. Especially since he’d either have to untie the blanket around his hand first, or run while dragging it behind him.

The first guard started rummaging around their belt. Anti tensed. What? Were they going to pull out a weapon? If these guys were planning to taser him, drug him, or worse, he wasn’t going to go down without a fight. He glared, getting ready—

A green light darted out from one of the pouches on the belt, heading towards the camera. The guard sighed. “Okay so we have about a minute,” they said.

“A minute for what?!” Anti demanded, voice cracking slightly to give away his fear.

“You don’t recognize my voice? Or Sam?”

“...Sam?” Anti glanced over at the camera. The green light now hovering beneath it... was a glowing green eyeball. Sam waved their nerve-tail at him. Anti gasped, and looked over at the ‘guard.’ Now that he recognized Sam, he thought back on the voice and it did sound familiar—

The ‘guard’ reached up and flipped back the visor on the helmet. “Hey, Anti,” Jack said, smiling. “You, uh... you doing alright?”

“Jack!” Anti gasped. He shot up and wrapped his arms around him.

“Whoa!” Jack stumbled back in surprise. He laughed. “You must be in some sort of state to hug someone.”

“I’m so glad to see you,” Anti whispered. Tears welled up in his eyes.

“I’m glad to see you too, but we only have a minute,” Jack said. “Sam can disrupt the cameras for a short period of time, but they’ll come on again quickly.”

“Right.” Anti backed away. His excited hug had dragged the blanket off the bed, as it was still tied around his hand. He quickly gathered it up, bundling it to his chest and holding it there. “H-how’d you find this place? How’d you get in?!”

“Okay, it’s weird and you can’t ask follow-up questions because we’re short on time,” Jack said. “This weird glowy guy called Whisper showed up and told me where to go to find this hidden facility. Sam’s apparently able to temporarily disrupt IRIS tech for a bit so that’s how we got through the cloaking. We went to find JJ’s magician friend, that Aoife lady, and she and this group of magicians are helping us.”

That was a lot to take in. But Anti latched onto the most familiar part. “Whisper? Yeah I know Whisper. They’ve shown up to me twice now.”

“Really? Uh, good!” Jack nodded. “So they’re probably actually helpful and this isn’t a trap.”

“How’d you get the guard uniform?” Anti asked.

“Uhhh long story,” Jack said. “Basically I snuck in with some magical invisibility and then I used this magic thing here to copy a uniform.” He took another object out of his pouch. A small stick of polished dark wood, branching off into a two-pronged fork at the end. “And from then on, they just sorta... accepted that I was one of them?” He quickly put the stick away.”

“Are you going to get us out of here?” Anti asked. “Jackie and Marvin are on this floor, I’m pretty sure they’re really close by, if not my fucking neighbors. We don’t know where Jameson and Volt are but Jackie said they’re on the ground floor—o-or a basement, if there’s a base—”

“There’s a basement,” Jack confirmed. “I haven’t seen into it yet. I’ll check it out as best I can.”

Sam darted towards Jack again, flying into the open pouch on his belt. Jack quickly closed it, and Anti raised his eyebrow. “We’re out of time?”

“Getting close,” Jack said, closing the visor on his helmet again.

“Wh-what do you want me to do?” Anti asked.

“Me or Stacy will come get you when it’s time to break you out. We’re just scouting things for now. Uh, now before the camera comes on again... remember, this never happened.”

Anti nodded, sitting down on the bed again. “I’m going to be, uh, aggressive to you a bit. Because I’ve been aggressive to all the guards. Don’t want to blow your cover, but remember, it’s not real.”

Jack nodded back. “Of course. Now shh.”

Anti snapped his mouth closed and started glaring at Jack, the same way he’d been glaring at him before he realized who he was. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the camera’s red light flick on again.

A few moments passed in awkward silence, with Jack standing there stoically and Anti continuing to glare. “So... you guys can’t trust me alone right now?” he said at one point. “What changed your mind? Should I be impressed that you think I’m so dangerous? Or is this about my injury? Should I appreciate your caring about me for the first time? Ohhhh thank you so fucking much.” Jack was pretty good at playing the ‘emotionless IRIS guard’ part. It was mildly unnerving at times, but Anti reminded himself that beneath that reflective helmet, it was still Jack in there. His cousin. The only family he really had.

Damn... he should probably spend more time with Jack once all this was over with.

After a while, the first guard reappeared, holding a white plastic briefcase. The guard shoved it at Jack, clearly annoyed. Jack stumbled a bit, looked down at the briefcase, then nodded. He walked closer to Anti. “Unwrap that wound,” he said.

Anti continued to silently glare at him. Then reluctantly untied the blanket corner. Or—pretended to be reluctant. He trusted that Jack would be careful with... whatever he was going to do next. But he was still nervous. His hand shook a bit as the wound was revealed. The blood had mostly clotted by now, though some red still leaked out.

Jack opened up the briefcase and took out some sort of wet wipe. “Give me your hand,” he said. 

Again, Anti hesitated. This was a bit more real than his previous fake reluctance. He didn’t know what that wipe was, but there was a chance it would sting. But... well, he was bleeding. So he slowly held out his hand, bracing himself.

Jack set the white briefcase down on the bed next to Anti and took Anti’s hand. He wasn’t gentle about it, but Anti could imagine a real IRIS guard being harsher, so he didn’t say anything. Jack started cleaning the cuts with the wipe—and yep, that hurt. Anti hissed, gritting his teeth and fighting the urge to pull his hand back. His fingers twitched and his free hand curled into a fist. “...sorry,” Jack whispered in a barely-audible voice. Anti didn’t dare respond.

After the cuts were clean, Jack reached into the white briefcase and pulled out a roll of some sort of bandages. He started wrapping up the wounds on Anti’s fingers, and Anti’s eyes widened in surprise. These weren’t normal bandages. They were cold and... sticky? He shuddered slightly. 

Jack finished, and Anti quickly pulled his hand away, looking at these weird bandages. They were keeping his blood in, at least. And they weren’t too tight, wrapped individually around each finger and the pad of his thumb. He could probably get used to the stickiness—it wasn’t too different from a band-aid. The cold feeling was pretty weird, though. “...thanks,” he said quietly. Then added. “Or fucking whatever,” just to keep up appearances.

“Don’t hurt yourself again,” Jack said.

“I’ll do what I want,” Anti said. “But if it’s sooo much trouble.”

A little laugh escaped from under Jack’s helmet. He closed the white briefcase and stood up straight, looking back over at the first guard. And then after a moment the two of them headed towards the door.

“Hey, don’t come back here!” Anti called. “Especially not anytime soon. Fuck you.”

The door opened and the guard stepped out. Jack faced back towards Anti for a moment before also going through. The door closed and locked behind them.

Anti let out a breath and laid down on the bed. He stared up at the ceiling idly, then held up his hand to look at that as well. He probably wouldn’t be able to use those fingers or his thumb for a while. Not without it really hurting at least. That sucked.

...he hoped that Jack understood his last words. Hoped that he understood he really meant the opposite.

‘Please come back. Soon. ...I love you.’

———————

The goal was to explore as much of the facility as possible today. They needed to have a good idea of the layout and security before they tried to break the others out. But if they kept infiltrating the facility repeatedly, that would only increase the chances of them getting caught and everything going to shit. So the three of them agreed they only had this one shot to learn everything they could about this IRIS compound.

Aoife had indeed found the three of them before they found her. She’d been trying to contact JJ for the past couple days, and when she couldn’t reach him and found his and Marvin’s house empty, she tried to find JJ’s friends, stumbling upon Rama’s house first. They returned with Jack and Stacy from their search for the IRIS facility and found Aoife standing right on the front step. “Oh! I wondered if you were home,” she said. “Listen, I-I think—I think something’s happened to JJ and Marvin.”

“We know,” Rama said as they walked over. “Um, why don’t you come inside? We can discuss things.”

It turned out that Aoife had a terrible vision on the same day that the group had gone to help wake Anti up—she said that it was so bad it woke her up from a nap. “My undirected divination magic doesn’t really result in clear visions,” she explained. “Not like you see in movies. I just... had a really, really bad feeling. Y-you kind of learn to read them. It was concentrated around JJ and his friends.”

“Why did it take you three days to go looking for him if it was so bad?” Stacy asked.

“I... hoped that the future would change,” Aoife said quietly. “But by the next day, I realized it wouldn’t, and I would need to find JJ’s friends. I didn’t actually know much about them, you see.”

The three of them shared information with her, to her great worry. She agreed to help them as much as she could, though she said that she didn’t know much magic outside of her divination and some combat spells. So, she contacted her friend Persephone, head of the Magic Circle which had helped JJ find the other IRIS facility. With Persephone’s help, the four of them concocted their plan. Stacy would reach out to IRIS, pretending to be more willing to tell them about her experiences with Distorter, then try to convince them to take them to one of their facilities. If—when she was able to do that, Persephone would cast an invisibility spell on Jack and Sam, while Aoife gave him a talisman to help him copy some clothes from someone there so he could blend in once the spell wore off.

“Are you sure I’ll be able to convince them to take me somewhere?” Stacy asked. “What if they take me to a facility, but it’s not the right place?”

“Then we come up with another plan,” Jack said. “We could probably sneak in since Sam can disrupt their cloaking for a little bit... but that’s riskier, since their security will be up.”

“Yeah,” Rama agreed. “They’ll have to lower their security to get you there. It’ll be a narrow window, but easier than sneaking around when they won’t be expecting us.”

Luckily, Stacy succeeded easily. She contacted the man she’d spoken with before—the man she’d met up with in the city, who’d sent her the WTCHR cameras. He was all too eager to speak with her. And in fact, she didn’t even need to ask to see one of IRIS’s facilities, as the man she spoke to asked her if she was able to come visit one first. Stacy had agreed easily. IRIS said they would send a car to her rented house the next day, so the others scrambled to get their plan into action.

The ride to the facility had been extremely tense for Jack. The car IRIS sent was small. The front two seats were taken by a driver and a guard-looking guy in black, while the back two seats were for Stacy and the IRIS worker who she’d spoken to. So Jack had to crouch on the floor, partially on top of Stacy’s feet, trying not to make any sound or move too much, in case the guy heard him or noticed something floating on top of an invisible guy.

Things went smoothly once they actually got there, though. Jack got out of the car as it parked in the parking garage (there was a fucking parking garage in here! A short one, but still!) then found the first person he could who was wearing something that covered their face; he knew he looked a lot like Anti and the others, and he didn’t want IRIS to realize that. That turned out to be one of these security people in black. A pair of them were standing near the entrance to one of the buildings. Jack quickly tapped the two forked ends of the magical talisman to their outfit then darted away before they could get suspicious about the random tap. He found somewhere empty and pulled the uniform over his clothes, just in time for the invisibility spell to wear off.

From then on, it was surprisingly easy to blend in. One would think IRIS would have better security, but apparently nothing accounted for human error. He just had to stick close to the other people in these uniforms. The copied helmet was already tuned into their radio channel, which seemed to work by proximity. If he was close, he could naturally talk to others with the helmet. The helmet also seemed to know when he wanted to talk to someone not using the radio channel... which was a tad worrying but there was no time to think about it!

Jack figured out that he copied the uniform of a C&C officer. He wasn’t sure what C&C meant, though. Maybe one of the Cs stood for containment. There were three ranks of C&C—that he could figure out, at least. The ones without helmets who just had face masks. Then above them, the ones with helmets and an all-black uniform, like the one he’d copied. Then at the top, ones with helmets and black-and-white uniforms. He assumed that the authority and weaponry of the guards scaled with rank, as it tended to.

There were four buildings in the complex, except for the parking garage. The IRIS man took Stacy into a small low-lying building that just seemed to be offices. There was another building that seemed to be full of dormitories—Jack hadn’t explored that one much, feeling weird that he was intruding on someone’s private space. Then there was a square white one that he needed a key card to get in. Unfortunately, the copy spell hadn’t made one. “Sam?” he whispered. “Do you think you can... disrupt that?”

Sam said they probably could override the keycard system for a second, but that they probably shouldn’t. Just in case IRIS detected that and thought it was worrying.

“We were planning to disrupt the cameras, though. You think they wouldn’t detect that?”

Sam thought that disrupting cameras would be less worrying to IRIS. Besides, they thought that the group was probably in the big building.

“Good point. We’ll check that one out.”

And Sam had been right. The biggest building had been where Jack found Anti, and Anti confirmed that the others were in here too. Jack knew where they were. This copied helmet had the same systems as the original, including virtual words overlaying certain doors. Like some sort of AR goggles. When he looked at some of the doors in this cell block—three of them, exactly—they had a green X appear over them. Anti had been in one, so Marvin and Jackie would be in the others. Now... to find the other two.

There was nothing on the top floor but big empty rooms and a lot of doors that he couldn’t access without a keycard. The floor beneath that had some storage and weird glass-walled rooms that Jack didn’t want to think about. Beneath that was the cell block where Anti, Jackie, and Marvin were, along with some more keycard-locked rooms, especially around the elevator. Beneath that was the ground floor, which was mostly office-looking spaces around the front entrance, and the rest was all shiny metal—floor, walls, ceiling, everything. And beneath that... was a basement.

Jack was nervous as he stepped into the elevator and pressed the button to get there. The last of five. His stomach sank as the elevator did. Soon, he stepped out into a hallway with white walls and a concrete floor... lined with metal doors.

He swallowed a lump in his throat and walked forward, scanning the doors as he did. They all had locks, so he was unable to go into any of them. He turned a corner—

One of the doors was marked.

In his weird AR overlay, one of the doors had a blue X, similar to the green ones on the doors in the other cell block. Okay, good. Someone was down here. Schneep or JJ, one of them, at least. He hesitated outside the doorway, but... there wasn’t anything he could do right now. He was lucky that one of the other guards basically said to him “hey come check on this subject with me” and he got to talk to Anti. He doubted something like that would happen down here. Security was clearly much tighter. So he kept walking.

He turned another corner, and found another cell marked with an X. This one was white. Hm... what did the different colors mean? Did they mean that they were different... types of prisoners? Or was it different security levels?

At the end of this hallway was a set of double doors. A set of double doors currently guarded by two C&C guards in helmets.

Shit.

“What are you doing down here?” one asked Jack, his voice coming clearly through the radio.

“I got curious,” Jack replied, trying to sound calm.

“Curious?” the second guard asked, doubtful.

“Yeah, I heard what was happening and I wanted to know if I could see.”

The two guards looked at each other. “Well... you can’t go in, but I guess you could look through the window if you want,” the first one said.

The what—oh. He’d been so distracted trying to come up with an excuse that he didn’t notice the windows in the double doors—or the blue glow coming through them. Luckily, the helmet hid the way he suddenly went pale. “Thanks guys,” he said, impressed at how calm he sounded. He walked over to the doors and peered through the window...

What was this?! Some sort of fucking evil experiment room?!

Jack took in the scene through the window in chunks. The tables with straps. The scientists in white. The other C&C guards. And—Jameson. Tied down to one of these tables, hooked to some sort of machine by some weird headband, his whole body glowing blue.

“Crazy, isn’t it?” said the second guard. “I’ve never seen an anomaly be so... obvious, I guess?”

“Yeah... crazy,” Jack said, trying to focus on his words and not the trembling in his hands. He could see tears in Jameson’s open eyes.

“I heard they got it to do some bloody wild things during some of the tests,” the first guard said. “Like... I think it turned into a bird or something.”

“Really?” Jack asked, tearing his eyes away from the window. “That’s fucking wild.”

“It is, isn’t it?” The first guard laughed. “Alright, for real, though. You can’t be here, mate.”

“Right, right. S-sorry.” Jack turned and walked away. “See you later,” he said, trying to sound casual.

“See you,” the two guards said.

Amazingly, Jack managed to get into the elevator before the tears started to come.

———————

“Okay, so how fast should I drive to get away from here?” Rama asked as Jack climbed into their car.

“It’s fine, I don’t think they figured me out,” Jack said.

Getting out of the facility had been a blur. He saw Stacy leaving, escorted out in the same car she’d been driven to the compound in. She sent a thumbs up emoji to the group chat, indicating that everything was fine. So... Jack left on his own. He walked until he reached the same place where he, Rama, and Stacy first saw the facility from. Then he sat down and texted a car emoji to the chat, indicating to Rama nearby that they had to come pick him up at this spot.

Sam wiggled out of the pouch on his belt and flew up to sit on his shoulder. They said they thought that went well... but they couldn’t be sure.

“Do you have any feelings, Sam?” Jack asked, taking his helmet off.

After a moment, Sam said they had a feeling they should rescue them soon.

“Right, yeah.” Jack nodded. “We’ll just... go with the plan. Move on Friday.”

Rama glanced at him as they put the car into gear. “Good. I-I don’t know if I could wait for much longer.”

“...after seeing that place? Me neither.” Jack’s voice was quiet. As they drove away, he looked into the rear view mirror, at the spot where the facility is, cloaking spell or no. “Hold on guys. We’re coming.”

———————

 wua? taAekie ? nAyro

Anti started , surprised to find he’d been dozing off. Not quite asleep, but not quite awake, either. “Fuck,” he whispered to himself. He was trying not to be as... low energy as he was last time he was in IRIS. But it was hard sometimes. These fucked up tests tired him out. Still, he made a note to do some exercise or something before he fell asleep again.

...

There was something next to his bed.

Not a person, but... vaguely person-shaped. Glowing white.

Anti didn’t understand what he was looking at. Well, he understood what it was—as said, glowing white person-shaped thing. But why was it here?

Oo.,p ohs

The person-shaped glow disappeared. Clearly, they didn’t mean to be visible.

“Whisper?” Anti asked, his voice barely above a whisper itself.

Yes.

Anti jumped slightly. That was very clear. And almost... familiar, in a way? Something about the voice... “What are you doing here?” he asked.

erfB dr yeao tomorrow ettrf ayedha.

“The day af—” Anti started to repeat that, but then snapped his mouth shut. IRIS was watching. The red dot on the camera was active. “What’s happening?”

e,rTu . escape oh ofesc

Anti nodded. Of course it was the escape. With Jack here, that made sense. So quickly, though... “Does it go... D-do you have a warning?”

Whisper was silent for a moment. Tngn'h.t..i wos, they said slowly. Tooegn 't ywh NYEIRELT to plan... 

His stomach dropped. That was never a good thing to hear. “Wh-what should I do?” he asked. “Is there anything I can do?”

n eoyaee pne K sJ.em t n newoedb gi'Ho too good.

“H-he won’t?” Anti breathed, worried. “What—what have these sicks fucks been doing to him?”

 otuw h shaeoctb,esnaj u Oft ttjtossoe foIh n Ssbihon. daeRe gnI

“What’s that supposed to mean?!” Not just because of IRIS? Was he going to get sick or something for some unrelated reason? Or... would it have to do with magic?

eaWpefh ehpepldt.ey,resrspuedeou yt u reladtnonsr rmr. Whisper sounded very serious. Protect the others.

“Huh?” Anti was confused, but he nodded slowly. “I... I will, I guess.”

oGd.o

And then... he could feel it. Whisper was gone.

[gredandforgeweatherby]

The Girl One Floor Below

Marilyn Jean

series masterlist

Summary: Peter is awkward while trying to talk to Marilyn

WC: .9k

Warnings: talk of Gwen, kinda rushed writing

Authors Note: I know it's been forever but I was so blocked on this story. Hopefully this short chapter will help me!

Peter hadn’t seen Marilyn again.

Granted, it had only been six days since he had helped her move in. He was sure she was up to her neck in unpacked boxes and messily placed items; he knew he was when he moved in. Hell, Peter's apartment had been filled with boxes for a month after he had first moved in, him not being able to find time to unpack between his new job at the bugle, wallowing in self-pity, his spider-man duties, and trying to maintain his own survival. He knew it would take some time for her to settle in and maybe, he thought, he could be of assistance.

You know, to be neighborly.

But Peter just could not gain the courage to knock on her door and once again offer his help. Each time the idea would pop into his head, his own mind would give him a reason as to why he shouldn’t, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that his mind was right.

Another eight days had passed (no, Peter totally wasn’t counting) and he still hadn’t talked to her. Not only that, but he hadn’t seen her at all. He knew it was irrational for him to worry, as the amount of time he spent passing between the halls and lobby was very small, but still, he was. I mean, had she even left her apartment? When Peter was moving in he wanted to be in his apartment as little as possible, but that might just be his wish to not be alone with his thoughts combined with the procrastination to not unpack. Still, he was worried that this girl he had met already found a terrible end because of her acquaintanceship with him. 

Could he call them acquaintances?

Anyway, Peter was worried that the woman had met her end just because she met him.

This worry was what finally got Peter one floor below.

He found himself in front of apartment 3C, slightly jittery, building up the strength to raise his fist and knock. Finally, he found himself quietly rapping on the door, part of him hoping it was too quiet for her to hear or that she wasn’t home but was soon face to face with her.

“Oh, hey Peter. How’re doing?” She greeted him with a smile.

“I'm doing great, I actually came by to see how you were doing. You know, settling in and everything?”

The small she greeted him with widened a bit before she answered. “Yeah. It’s a little annoying to unpack, there’s a huge part of me that to just say “That’s future me's problem” and stop but,” she paused, shrugging her shoulders and clicking her tongue, “unfortunately I really can’t.”

With that information swimming around his head, Peter spoke. But, it seemed his mouth and brain were detached, as the words that spilled out of his mouth were not in his head, and like his speech had a mind of its own.

“Well, I could help…” Peter trailed off realizing what came out of his mouth. “... if you want. I could help if you want.” Peter wanted to smash his head into the wall.

“I appreciate that, but I was actually gonna turn in for the day, get cleaned up, maybe eat something, but thank you,” Marilyn replied, a slight chuckle escaping her lips at the look on Peter’s face. She had a small feeling he didn’t mean to offer his help.

Yeah,” Peter started nodding his head (maybe a bit too rapidly). “Yeah okay, well, uh, you’re welcome. The offer will stand tomorrow, and the day after, just,” he paused, trying not to ramble while Marilyn stood in front of him with a small smile dancing on her lips, “You know where to find me.”

Marilyn nodded, “I do, thank you, Peter. I appreciate it.”

Bidding her a quick goodbye, Peter made his way back up to his apartment. Once inside, he stooped his head, heaving a quick sigh at himself before moving toward the kitchen.

───────────────────────────────────────────

A few days had passed since Peter offered his help. Part of him was a bit sad she hadn’t come up to his apartment and asked for it, while another part was a bit grateful. After that interaction, Peter stood at his kitchen counter for a few minutes, staring down at it and zoning out. He replayed their conversation in his head, cringing at how he responded. He had certainly lost his touch.

It wasn't that Peter ever really knew how to talk to girls, he just wasn’t the suave man that was able to seduce a woman. He was charming and charismatic, he knew that because if he wasn’t he never would have been able to get with Gwen.

Gwen.

After Gwen, Peter lost whatever touch he had. He had gone on about three dates since her death, and any time he’s tried to talk to a girl he failed to do so. He flubs, and stutters, and says things that he didn’t even think were floating around in his head. Marilyn was just another example of that.

Peter shook his head to clear his thoughts, though when that didn’t work he went with something he knew would. He rushed to his room and hastily stripped himself of his clothes before quickly putting on his suit–well, as quickly as one could pull on a spandex suit while also beginning to sweat from the sudden movement and exertion. Pushing up his window and climbing onto the fire escape, he swung into action, thanking the universe that he had the day off.

Taglist:

@whatareyouhidingpeter

[stereax]

seems like other teams have started their off season moves early. *coughsinleafsimplodingtheirFO*

what’s your hope for the devils? a top 5: either signing, trade, free agent acquisition, and a wild card (something unexpected)

Hmmm. I mean, I'm just waiting for what Fitz does. I trust that man. but let's go through signing, trades, wildcards, and the current prospects. I think that's what you want, yes? (Also, glad we're keeping Lindy, at least for another year or two. Not the time to fuck with that.) Or did you want top 5 most important things that need to happen? I'll put them in Devils red for you.

I've said many times that this offseason is CRUCIAL for the future of the Devils. We mess this up and our contention window can be screwed. We get this right and we could win it all next year.

I. RFA resignings

Bratt: Bratt seems to want 8M AAV. Fitz probably is more around 7M AAV. Whatever happens there, happens. If they can't agree on a deal, flip Bratt's RFA rights. Obviously you want to keep him, though, and it seems he might want to be kept too, so that's a good sign.

Meier: Get it done. Offer plastic surgery for the nose. Whatever, just do it. I think Timo's staying, especially because he seems so happy around his Swiss buddies and the team at large. Just figure out the contract and sign it.

Sharangovich: Shango is good at things, like the penalty kill and defensive play. Problem is, he's very streaky. We can get him a decent deal and bridge him into UFA or trade him. Either is honestly fine by me. We have a MASSIVE pipeline of rookies. I think he stays another year or two. We'll see.

McLeod & Bastian: I'm going to get so much flack for putting these two in red (these two, because we know they're inseparable), but honestly, after the playoffs, Mikey's shown EXACTLY why he needs to be here, whether it's 3C or 4C. I like him on 4C if only to keep Nate on his wing (as I don't see him going 3RW with our current pool of players), but either is fine tbh. Nate, for his part, is a crucial "glue guy" - just look at the Bastian Effect stats (where we had an over 80% points percentage with him on the ice versus 55% without him). I'd love to see them with matching like, 3-4x1.420M contracts (get it, because their jersey numbers- I'll shut up now). I'm sure this will happen, so it's not something I'm worried about.

Boqvist: Cheap and solid team-controlled bottom-sixer. Keep him but for cheap.

Bahl: You can keep him for like 900K or so, I think. DO THAT. Man has blossomed slowly into a solid defenseman.

Blackwood: Blackwood is not a bad goalie. When he's good, he's GOOD. The problem is, as some of my friends say, "he lacks the most important ability - availability". There is no goalie in the NHL better than Mac... at getting on the injured list. I think after the Caps game where Akira stole his net and turned the game around, and then the playoffs where Akira showed he's probably our top goalie going forward, Blackwood is done.

II. UFA resignings

Tatar: I love him but he's generally a nonfactor in the playoffs. And expensive. Unless he takes a pay cut I think he's out, and I think he knows he's out.

Wood: Unless he loves NJ so much he'll come back for a 1M-ish deal, he's on the move. Maybe the Isles. Meet Lou again.

Haula: RESIGN THIS MAN ASAP. It's not a Meier/Bratt thing where one can set a price for the other. Do it, Fitz. 3x2M. Figure it out.

Severson: Old Man Sevo :') He loves us and we love him. I suspect it's the end of the road for him soon. He might get extended - maybe like 4 years at 6M or something - and traded in a year or two, that's totally possible. As an RD though and one of the top D-men hitting the free agency market, it feels like he'll get a better deal from someone else that we won't be able to match. Again, though, prospects out the wazoo. It'll suck to see him go but if that's how it goes, that's how it goes.

Graves: I love him but even he seems to know he's gone :( But I don't trust any other team with this man!!! Can he stay? Just for emotional support? (Also, Gravy has this thing where he tends to clutch the fuck up at the most necessary moments, like scoring the 1.4 seconds left goal against the Blue Jackets that kept Bedard out of the East. For that, if nothing else, keep him, pretty please?)

Bernier: He's on LTIRetirement. Possible he sticks around the organization, though, a lot of people seem to like him.

III. Trades and Acquisitions

Honestly, I don't see too many trades happening. We have prospects. Prospects will fill whatever spots we lose. Blackwood should be traded if possible to a team that wants to take that risk.

Hellebuyck: I see the rumors. I don't think so, though. You'd have to basically ship Vitek, Mac, and a bunch of other stuff for one year of Hellebuyck. Would be great, if we were the Bruins and this was the LAST year of our window (push all the chips in kind of deal). I genuinely think Schmid can be our long-term future in net, barring injury (see: Schneider, Blackwood). I don't see why we need to get Hellebuyck.

Clifton: Connor Clifton is usually mentioned only because he's FROM NJ. We have WAY too many d-men. Nah.

I don't really know too much about what's available on the market, but if there are trades, they're probably going to be low-key like the Lazar acquisition. If there are any trades or UFAs you're thinking of, let me know, and I'll think about them.

IV. The Rookies

Filmon and Gritsyuk: I think they both get a year in Utica at least, unless they impress at training camp.

Foote: Fitz mentioned Foote a LOT in his exit interview. Fully possible we see him on the fourth line - could be Foote-Lazar-Bastian or Foote-McLeod-Bastian. Seems to be the Wood Replacement by now.

Geertsen: I only mention him because we all love him. Obviously a career Comet at this point. But like. Keep him pls.

Holtz: 23-24 is his last shot. If he doesn't work his ass off and prove at camp that he deserves the fourth top-6 winger spot (Mercer, Meier, Bratt are the other three), he's not going to make it in our system and should be traded while he still has the possibility to crack an NHL roster in another team. Hell, with Haula often on Hughes's wing... Holtz REALLY needs to improve (especially skating, and I think ice vision is big too) if he wants to stay here. Otherwise, he's done in Jersey. He's a 7OA, we shouldn't resign him to career AHLing.

Nemec: He'll be a training-camp decision, I think. But also, I think that Sevo's resigning or lack thereof will say a lot. Sevo gets resigned, Nemec is DEFINITELY staying in Utica another season. (You're not scratching Dougie, Marino, or Sevo.) Sevo doesn't get resigned, Nemec likely hits the NHL. Only likely, because...

Walsh: Reilly Walsh also exists. And if he impresses at training camp, we could see him instead of Nemec for next year. I don't know a lot about him, but he sounds NHL-ready? At least for a third pair, like - Siegs/Dougie, Luke/Marino, Bahl/Walsh could slap. This also lets Nemec develop more in Utica.

Daws: Will be the third-string goalie, going to the NHL level if/when Schmid or Vanecek get hurt. I see him tandeming with Schmid after Vitek's contract is up. Fuck, our net will be SOLID if so.

V. Wildcards

Mercer and Schmid: Both Mercer and Schmid come off their ELCs in 24-25. The earlier especially Mercer is extended, the cheaper he'll be. Akira will probably want to see how the 23-24 season goes before a deal is inked. (Also, I want to see if Akira sticks with number 40 or goes to 93, which he used in Utica.)

Vanecek: TANDEM HIM WITH SCHMID. Vitek can get a 30-win season but he's not built to be a starter a la Sorokin or Shesterkin. VV's confidence is DESTROYED after the playoffs; I hope for his sake that the team can get him a sports psychologist or something to help with the mental aspect of the game.

---

Is this what you wanted, anon? Let me know :)

(this is the stuff I do instead of focusing on my finals :') )

[virtuissimo]

Fox Curio's Floating Bookshop: Ch. 3, the last day in Thistle Down

Previously on:

Rabbit bookseller Espuma has to deal with a SERIES of destruction to the bookstore. They have to shell out for repair-beasts and groceries. They also met some of the local business owners from within Thistle Down.

LAST DAY OF THAW: SAY GOODBYE

Weather: 8, Queen, 9

Thunderstorms in the morning. Strong winds, Blossoms blown away in rough waters by evening. Quiet in the shop (3).

There must be days of drudgery. Today was one such day. Oh, yes the Storm would be lovely, beautiful even! The turbulence on the water shook the raft. Most days, for most animals it would scare them. Now that my window is all fixed, I wasn't even worried about the books getting stormed on.

A watersnake named Jake came in looking for a Truman Capote. The browsed the shelves and I brought the book out. They had been out fishing just minutes ago.

"In this weather?"

"Yea, I'm gonna have to call it quits today. Not much you can do in a storm like that. Might not even be worth opening shop today, pal."

"Maybe. Even so, I can't afford not to. Got bills to pay."

"I hear you. Let me give you advice, next time you see a storm like this, you haul ass to the next town. You ain't gonna see sales all day anyways, so you might as well get to traveling. See some new faces when the sun comes out."

Watersnake Jake had a point. Not actionable today, we commiserated, since the last of the ice was still breaking up. Nice chat, then they left.

The next hour, the plumber came down. She was none too happy to be out here in torrential storms, particularly, she made a point to say, for such an easy fix. (-70c). She tried to tell me how to fix it for if it ever happened again, but I couldn't hear her over the pouring rain, & her gestures were lost on me. I'd better never need plumbing work in Thistle Down again, because I wouldn't be able to look her in the eye.

The other customer to come in was no customer at all. A young crane had left his laundry on the line outdoors, & in his rush to bring it in from the rain, a gust of wind knocked him off his feet, sliding through the mud and splashing directly into the River! He pointed through the window to his house by the riverbank. The splash of mud had gotten all over the clean clothes. Wasted load!

As far as last days in town go, it's been pretty miserable. Only a handful of people came, & I felt like maybe I haven't impacted the town with my presence.

I closed up shop & immediately the storm ended, shifting into blustery winds.

I went into town & saw a flurry of activity. Many were packing their things, since a not-insignificant percentage of the inhabitants of Thistle Down call another town home & hadn't been there since before Brisk.

In town, I saw many familiar faces. I ran into Ava Bird, one of my first customers, with her wife and daughter. I said happy birthday to the girl, who looked thrilled to be acknowledged.

"I see you're preparing to head out, too, Espuma!" Ava said. "I'm going to Kiawake for an urgent delivery starting tomorrow, so I'm glad I got to rest during Brisk and this Thaw week."

"So far away! That's over a week's journey with no breaks!"

"Such is the life of a riverstrider. It's a peaceful thing, long days of travel."

"Well, I'm going down the river little by little, so I'll be getting a taste of it soon. Do stop in if you ever happen upon me in town!"

"I'd love to!"

I bought caramel sweet buns & gave one to the daughter, Pluma. (-3c) She seemed to have come to peace with her mother's job for the moment. The three storks walked down the mail.

I recognized someone in the street. "Talia!" I called, & she jumped a foot in the air. When she saw it was me, her face transformed into joy. She hugged me and thanked me for her new book.

She realized that there were more ways to live life than just studying. She said the book inspired her to, when she became of age, move to a new town and start a new life, one that was all her own. I was proud of her! I gave her my best wishes.

Later on, I heard a scream of my name.

"Espuma!" came the voice, & I recoiled. Penny Whistle, ever present. "I guess this is where we part ways, ey chum?"

"I am leaving in the morning."

"Me too! I travel by canoe, though, & so unburdened by your pontoons, I shall make a quick clip down the River. Nonetheless, it's likely we'll meet again. Oh! I said I'd tell you about my book, didn't I!"

"Yes, although I am a bit busy at the moment." A lie, but I really didn't want to be there.

"No matter! Next time, I see your floating shanty, I'll come in for a chat!"

Yes, because surely I'd be less busy in my place of business.

I wanted to buy a rare printing of New Leaf: Starting Afresh, but I was already grossly over-budget. I was ashamed. Perhaps everything Penny Whistle said of me was true.

When I returned to the Bookshop, I saw many other boats and rafts packing up & preparing to set sail.

I will always have fondness for my first town on the River. Next up is Rueberry. I wonder what I will find there.

Books inventory: 316 Till: 221 Total customers: 22

[snortlaughs]

stubborn

fandom: the owl house

pairing: implied huntlow

characters included: ler!luz, lee!hunter

word count: 1663

genre: tickling :3c

warnings: none 

author’s note: ITS VEEN SO LONG SINCE I HAVE WRITTEN/POSTED ANY OF MY OWN WORK… i sincerely hope that you guys enjoy it (;﹏;)

“are you alright, hunter?” luz asked, knocking on the doorframe of the spare bedroom.

she cocked her head slightly to the right like a confused puppy would.

“and don’t even bother lying to me. i can read you like a book.”

“what do you mean?!” hunter spat as he looked up at luz, surprise tainting his voice. “i’m fine! you can’t read me like anything!”

he knew that he was lying. he was recently told by willow that his emotions ��really show on his face’ — not to mention, luz knew him too well.

the girl rolled her eyes.

“who do you think i am?” she scoffed, walking into the room and taking a seat on the bed with her friend.

“you’re sitting in our spare bedroom and looking longingly out of the window while everyone else is watching ‘break it bralph’. we all miss you. you’re isolating yourself, and it’s not difficult to see. i know that something’s up. what’s wrong?”

hunter looked at luz for a moment before stubbornly turning his head away with a huff. he crossed his arms over his chest.

“nothing’s wrong.”

luz ran her fingers through her curls, at a loss.

“you’re so annoying.” she said with a pout. “what am i gonna do with you?”

hunter smiled a little, seemingly pleased that he bothered luz.

“hey!” luz hissed with faux anger. “why are you smiling?! did i say something funny?”

the boy ever-so-slightly giggled, not responding to luz’s question.

luz grumbled, not knowing what to do in order to help hunter feel better.

he was obviously upset, but he wasn’t budging.

however, an idea soon invaded her mind. she didn’t know if it would work, but maybe…

“oh, you think i’m funny?” luz sassed. “i’ll show you something really funny.”

hunter furrowed his eyebrows and looked at luz in intrigue.

“oh, yeah? what is it?”

the girl scootched closer to her friend and wiggled her fingers menacingly.

“oh, stop that.” hunter groaned. “that won’t work on me.”

he tightened his arms that were still crossed over his chest, protecting his ribs.

he was lying again, and he hoped that it wasn’t showing on his face.

“are you sure?” luz teased. “can i give it a try~? it might help get a smile on that face!”

hunter inhaled sharply to block his nervous, anticipatory giggles from coming out.

“y—yeah, sure, but you’re going to be disappointed.”

a large grin overtook luz’s face.

“okay, great! lift up those arms, then!”

hunter’s eyes widened.

oh, no. OH, NO. THIS IS BAD.

“a—ahalright.”

CRAP! A GIGGLE CAME OUT!

“my cover has been blown, and luz hasn’t even touched me yet…” hunter thought, his face growing rosy as he raised his arms and placed them behind his head.

luz, after asking if it was okay, took a seat on hunter’s belly as he laid down on his back.

“are you ready~?” she asked, fluttering her thin fingers in the air.

“yes…” hunter replied, still trying to keep his giddy nervousness locked behind a sturdy facade of confidence.

sure, he let a snicker out earlier — but that was just a fluke! he was just nervous! luz won’t be able to break him with something as childish as—!

his train of thought was broken when luz lightly poked his right side, making the poor boy flinch with a gasp.

he wasn’t going to be able to not laugh. there was no chance.

“ah!” luz exclaimed. “i think that someone may have lied to me.”

“n—no i didn’t! i didn’t!” hunter said, already breathless. “i never said that i wasn’t ticklish! i just said that tickling me wouldn’t get me to say anything!”

“ooh…” luz cooed, leaning backwards and jabbing her fingers into hunter’s hips, resulting in a surprised squeal from the boy. “that sounds like a challenge to me.”

“it ihihis!”

… that’s not good.

hunter’s competitive nature made his mouth move before he had a chance to rationally consider the fact that luz was absolutely going to win this battle — he might be the most ticklish person in the boiling isles. being tickled could make him admit practically anything.

and luz was about to find that out.

—

the two kids made a deal that, if luz could get hunter to say ‘uncle’, he would tell her what’s wrong.

“okay, are you ready?” luz said with a smile.

hunter grimaced in response, but it didn’t hold a whole lot of weight — his face was red, and it was obvious that he was physically trying to hold back a smile. he was still holding his arms steadily above his head.

“alright! let’s go~!” luz chirped, starting to poke at hunter’s bottom ribs.

“AH—!” hunter screeched, his arms automatically coming out from behind his head and slamming against his sides. “nohohoho!”

“hey, come on now!” luz remarked. “keep those arms up for me! that’s what we agreed on!”

“i knohohow, but i didn’t expehehect it to be so dihihifficult!”

hunter whined through his laughter as he put his arms back up.

his gap-toothed smile was on full show now.

he was no longer trying to hide it — there was simply no point in doing so.

not to mention, his smile really was endearing. he doesn’t like it, but everyone thinks that it’s cute. he should smile more.

luz’s fingers began looming over the blonde’s torso and ribs once he was re-situated, the boy letting out quiet whimpers whenever he thought luz was going to attack.

“plehehehease stop making me wait! the anticipation is kihihihilling me!”

“oh, so you want me to tickle you?” luz teased.

this comment made hunter’s blush deepen and blotch down his neck.

“thihihis wasn’t part of the deheheheal! i didn’t prepare for teheheheasing!” hunter squeaked, nestling his face into his bicep. “plehehease!”

“okay, okay, fine.” the curly-headed girl said with a soft smile.

hunter was right — teasing wasn’t part of the deal, and she didn’t want to cross his boundaries. however, there was something about how he blushed when she asked if he wanted to be tickled. it told her that he was enjoying himself — at least a little.

maybe she would tease him about it later, but that wasn’t her main goal right now.

“gehehehet on with it!” hunter snipped through his chuckles, expectantly turning his face towards luz and kicking his feet impatiently.

“alright, alright!”

this being said, luz began to poke sporadically around her victim’s torso in an attempt to find the best spot to torment.

hunter bursted into peals of squeaky laughter, wriggling under the perpetrator’s touch.

however, luz was in for big surprise when hunter let out a snort.

she paused for a moment and looked at her friend, who stared blankly back at her.

“…wow!” she said with a chuckle after a few moments. “first of all, i won’t be forgetting that your ribs are seemingly your most ticklish spot, given that reaction.”

hunter couldn’t help but smile. there was no use in denying it, so he gave her a simple “perhaps”.

“and secondly,” luz continued, “i didn’t know that you snorted when you laughed. why didn’t i know that?!”

the wavy-haired boy pursed his lips before responding.

“it’s embarrassing, so i try my best to hide it. i don’t think that it’s very pleasant.”

luz didn’t even say anything in response before she clenched her fists and began kneading her knuckles into hunter’s ribs, making him squawk in startled laughter.

“hehehehehey! (snort) hehehehey! thahahahat’s so bahahahad! plehehehease!” he yelped as he writhed under luz’s weight.

“your laugh isn’t embarrassing or unpleasant!” luz scolded as hunter uncontrollably howled.

she moved her hands more towards his underarms, which seemingly broke the boy even more.

“your laugh is the sound of you being happy! and we love it when you’re happy!”

“okahahahay! i belieheheheve you! UHUHUNCLE!”

the moment the word came out of hunter’s mouth, luz stopped tickling him and climbed off of him.

“you’re really ticklish!” the girl noted with a grin.

“yeheheah, you think so?!” hunter retorted, his belly filled with butterflies from being tickled so much.

“anyways…” luz said, looking at hunter with expectation in her eyes. “it’s time for you to tell me why you’re being such a grump today.”

hunter sat up with a sigh.

he was hoping that she would forget about their deal after tickling the titan out of him, but he knew that was too good to be true.

“promise not to tell anyone?” he asked, holding out his pinkie finger.

luz quickly held out her pinkie as well.

“of course. i promise.”

they firmly crossed their little fingers together and looked at each other, trusting that this secret would stay between them.

“okay.” hunter began. “so… you know willow, obviously.”

luz chuckled. “yes, i do know her.”

“well… after spending all of this time in the human realm with all of you guys, i have come to realize that she brings out some… confusing feelings in me. feelings that i have never experienced before. i have felt this way for a long time, but i haven’t felt able to fully comprehend these feelings until now. it’s… scary.”

the dark-haired girl nodded knowingly.

“you don’t have to say any more if you don’t want to, but i am here for you if you do.” luz murmured, gently rubbing hunter’s back. “i can imagine that the feelings that you’re having are intimidating, but i think anyone would be scared if they were in your shoes.”

hunter looked at his friend and rested his head on her shoulder, feeling at ease due to her advice.

“it seems like someone’s got a cruuuuush~!” luz whispered, poking at hunter’s belly and lightly pinching at his sides.

he squeezed his eyes shut as he chuckled, gently swatting at luz’s nimble hands. “shuhuhut up!”

“if it helps, though…” luz continued, “i think she likes you, too.”

hunter’s left ear twitched as his eyes widened.

“are you kidding me?!”