#you're in someone else's playground entirely

[thoughtsofthegirlwiththecurl]

"We need to talk about how X character is being written in fic!"

Do we, though, do we really? Babygirl it's all made up. They're just stories. Sometimes these stories are really close to the source material. Sometimes the characters are really ooc and the only thing relevant to the source material is names and vague circumstances. You can want to not read the latter and in that case you can back out of a fic. Heck you can block the author so you never accidentally read their stuff again.

But policing the way people write? That's not it babes. Just because something isn't written to your taste doesn't mean it's wrong. Don't like, don't read. That's all there is to it.

[slut4celebs]

You're Not Just My Best Friend

Gracie Abrams x Reader

Word Count: 1,505 words

Trigger Warning: miscommunications, public displays of affection

Synopsis: 1) Guys, I had to turn to ChatGPT for some writing ideas because I'm head empty from midterm season soooo please request. 2) Here is the angsty fic idea it gave me. In which the pressure of tour and her feelings for the R becomes overwhelming, Gracie decides to talk to R about it. Only, the conversation leads to a misunderstanding and fallout. R still can't help but go to Gracie's show after a message from her brother and the two confront each other and their feelings.

Requests are open. < Please guys, on my knees begging.

Gracie Abrams handpicked (Y/n) (L/n) to be her friend of their first day of kindergarten. On that same day, they held a wedding on the playground and Gracie kissed (Y/n) and told her she'd love her forever. From that day on, she kept her vow to always love her, it being a sacred promise that she held to her chest. Their bond could be categorized as intense and passion, even when they tried to date other people. Truth be told, no relationship between them and anyone else could last since they were always on a collision course to this exact moment in time. Now, Gracie was standing in front of (Y/n), ready to pour her heart out and put their friendship on the line. If only she hadn't started it with "I can't be your friend anymore."

The statement sounded like glass shattering into a million people, scattering around her. It made (Y/n) afraid to move, to stand, to say anything as she processed Gracie's words. Due to Gracie's silence as she picked the words carefully in her head, not communicating them out loud, (Y/n) took this as a statement that solidified the end of their decade long friendship. She always thought that they would end up more, not just end entirely. Apparently that feeling wasn't shared, as it seemed that Gracie was just dumping her onto the curb while in a city far from home.

A million thoughts hit her simultaneously, making her spiral. Couldn't Gracie have thought of this sooner? Where was she going to stay tonight? How was she going to get home? She had, after all, quit her part-time job to be one of Gracie's social media organizers. It was really just Gracie's way to bring her on tour, putting her on her payroll. It took forever for Gracie to even convince her, and now she was just dropping her. Was there someone else? Had she done something wrong? Her head began to hurt and she grew nauseous, and she finally stood right when Gracie was finally finding her words, thoughts finally connecting together.

"So, you mean to tell me that you convinced me to come on tour with you just for you to tell me you can't be my friend anymore?" She hated the way her eyes welled up with tears, causing her to take a sharp intake of breath. (Y/n) couldn't allow herself to cry in that moment. She bit her lip to stable her wobbly lip as she cleared her throat, trying to find the right words. But there was no words, and Gracie couldn't respond quick enough. "God, Gracie, I left a stable job to come here with you. I dropped everything for you. We're in New York fucking city… I can't even look at you right now."

Gracie's eyes were wide as she watched (Y/n) make a break for her tour bus door. She quickly caught her wrist, brown eyes pleading for her to stay. Her words were caught in her throat, blocked by a sob due to (Y/n)'s retreating figure. Why couldn't she just confess her love right then and there. All she wanted to say was that she had always loved her and she will always love her. Nothing had changed from their kindergarten wedding. But, somehow, she managed to ruin it. "No, (Y/n), please. I was trying to-"

"Trying to what, Gracie?" There was her opening, the opportunity needed to get her thoughts out. But she didn't take it. (Y/n) shook her head, tears finally spilling over her tear line. Yanking her wrist from Gracie's tight hold as she silently begged her to stay, (Y/n) headed out the door into the New York streets. She, unfortunately, had the pleasure to be met head on with fans who recognized her from Gracie's lives and Instagram posts, and they attempted to ask for photos. (Y/n) had to wade through them, trying to remain polite as she made her way to a hotel, her phone battery a little too low for her liking. Thankfully, the girl at the front desk let her borrow a charger before she booked a room. Once her phone was in significantly better health, she made her way up to her room, allowing herself to finally breakdown and grieve what had just happened on the bus.

She wasn't expecting a call to wake her up in the late afternoon. Blinking away her sleepiness, her brows furrowed when she saw it was from Henry, Gracie's older brother. She let her brain process for a moment before answering. "Hey, (Y/n), sorry to call you so randomly. I.. I heard about you and Gracie, and I know this isn't my place, but you should go to her show tonight." He said solemnly, as if he just lost her, too. In a way, he had. If she wasn't friends with Gracie, there wouldn't be a real reason for her to come to the Abrams home anymore.

(Y/n) let a hand run down her face. She couldn't believe Henry was actually trying to find himself in the middle of this. Ever the diffuser, she found herself realizing this was kind of his niche. With that said, it wasn't any of his business. "You're right, Henry, this isn't your place. So, please, just fuck off." She groaned, ending the call and closing her eyes. She looked at the time and knew that Gracie was at soundcheck. She had missed over twenty phone calls from her from last night and this morning, and she had a dozen texts. Maybe Gracie regretted it. She shook her head. Gracie didn't deserve any grace from the situation. She had pulled (Y/n) all the way across the nation just to end their friendship. Still, for one final goodbye, she was going to go to this stupid show and rebreak her stupid heart.

She adorned her outfit from last night, jeans and a hoodie with 'The Secret of Us' on it. It was exclusive and made for just Gracie's team. She pulled out her pass, thankful she still had her wallet because of her other belongings were on the bus. She didn't have an actual seat, usually sitting behind stage, so she leaned on an entrance way. After Role Model's performance, Gracie came on. Admittedly, she did look a little disheveled, not that the fans would notice these little quirks that made Gracie look unlike herself. (Y/n) didn't have time to dwell on it as Gracie started speaking.

"Okay, so… I was going to sing Close To You first, but… I've changed my mind. There's this girl that I've loved since kindergarten. We got married the day we met and I kissed her. I told her I loved her, but when it mattered most, I couldn't tell her I still love her in the way I meant it when I was little. The innocent kind of love, only it's now more passionate." Gracie swallowed, looking at her deep blue converse. (Y/n) was watching with fresh tears, and when Gracie looked up, their eyes met. "Here's I miss you, I'm sorry." She announced.

(Y/n) wiped tears from her cheeks as she listened to Gracie sing, her heart racing. At the end of the song, Gracie passed her guitar to one of the people on stage before getting off the stage. Everyone's eyes were on her as she almost ran to (Y/n). As she made her way to her childhood best friend, their lips crashed. It was a movie moment, where the camera would spin around the couple and emotionally charged music would play. It was their moment as their tears mingled into the kiss, the taste of salt on their tongues. The crowd was cheering but it was drowned out. When the two finally parted, a silent message passed between them. They were going to be alright, and yeah… They couldn't be friends anymore because they weren't just friends. "(Y/n), you're not just my best friend. I love you."

(Y/n) felt her breathe hitch as she nodded softly. Her head was spinning from their intense kiss and she connected their lips again. "I love you, too," she said, looking up at Gracie. Worry was still ever-present in her eyes and she smiled softly. "We're okay. We're girlfriends now, or whatever." She said in a soft whisper, both chuckling. Then, they both remembered where they were. "Go, Abrams, I'll be right here, cheering you on." She nodded. Gracie smiled a bit, kissing her again on the lips and once more but on the forehead this time before returning on stage. Everything was different, their collision course causing their universes to come together as one. Then again, when had it ever been two separate universes. They've always been just one entity, in the long run. It was always going to be (Y/n) and Gracie together, just as they had promised the day they met.

[the-kr8tor]

Fluffy friday!!!

And they were "best friends"! Who happens to like dancing together in the kitchen while cooking dinner together and giving soft kisses laced with promises and unspoken words while snuggling on the couch for date night.. I mean movie night. Lyla only sneaks in to take one picture of them all cuddled up, swear! 🤭

Hi, bestie! Thank you for the lovely request! ❤️

Pairing: Hobie Brown x fem! Reader/ Spider-Punk x fem! Reader

Tags: No use of Y/N, no specific physical description of the reader, cw food mention, cw vomit mentioned (just a passing joke, no detailed desc), FLUFF

It's fluffy Friday!

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The popcorn pops on the stove, the sound blending in with the music on the radio. The microwave dings, signaling the butter's fully melted. Your flat smells heavenly. Bare arms wrap around your middle, Hobie's chin rests on your shoulder while you take out the hot butter from the microwave.

"I thought you were preparing the drinks?" Leaning on his strong chest, you take a peek at his face.

"I'm done already, you're just bloody slow on your end" Hobie side eyes you with a sly smirk.

You take the bait, "I can't make the popcorn pop faster or else It'll burn, do you like your popcorn burnt to a crisp?" You can smell your soap on his skin, heart thumping fast at the thought.

"I like this song" he ignores your quip, not wanting to ruin the night. Hobie turns the volume up on the radio, swaying you with him. He practically drowns in your laugh. Turning you around to face him, your 'best friend' holds you by your waist, while you wrap your arms around the back of his neck, fingers intertwined.

Despite the punkness of the music, Hobie dances with you like it's a slow romantic song. He feels the occasion calls for it, you're wearing soft and comfortable clothes, cooking in your sweats, the soft pitter patter of rain against the windows. Him smelling like you, the domesticity of it all makes him tender. You gaze at him softly as he sways you to the beat.

"And here I thought you were gonna throw me around"

"It's still on the table" he twirls you around, slightly dizzy from the movement and from his touch.

When he stops your little twirl, hands curling around your hips, thumb grazing the smooth skin under your shirt. Hobie chuckles at your flustered smile. "I think it would've been better if you threw me around because I think I'm about to throw up" you joke, pretending to hurl towards him.

"Disgusting, I just showered, y'know" He says as he continues swaying you to the music.

"You sure?" Pretending to sniff him, you lean up to his neck, lips dangerously close to his pulse. Hobie freezes in place, not knowing what to do. "Is that my perfume?" Teasing him, you pull away. Seeing his flustered face for one quick second before it returns to his nonchalant expression. You want to rag at him more just to glimpse it again.

"Nuh-uh, do I look like someone who uses perfume? Especially someone else's?"

"Yuh-uh, let me get another whiff to confirm" taunting him again, you try to lean up again, Hobie stops you with his palm right on your face. His hands are big enough to cover your entire face.

Smiling at your playfulness. It's not like he doesn't want you touching him, it's because if you did it again, his lips might meet yours instead of his neck. And he might not be able to hold back.

"Perv," He shakes your head, palm still resting over your face, making you giggle. "Go get the popcorn, I'll ready the movie"

"Okay" smiling, your voice muffled by Hobie's hand.

—

Bowl of popcorn in hand, Hobie beckons you over to the plush settee. "Did you add salt?"

"Of course I did," you scoff, sitting next to him, but not close enough for your thighs to touch his.

"Get your arse over here, bowl's too far" he uses the excuse to get closer to you, hand pulling under the soft blanket you're currently sitting on.

Sliding towards him, "whee!" You giggle like you're sliding down a slide in a playground.

Hobie chuckles, throwing his arm over your shoulders casually, his hand rests on your elbow, cupping it. You lean on his side, head nuzzling on his chest for extra comfort as the movie starts.

He reciprocates by rubbing soft circles on your elbow. Hobie rests his feet over the coffee table.

You click your tongue, "no feet on the table, Hobie!" Pinching his toned thighs.

"Ow, fine!" He puts his feet down on the soft carpet. Stealing popcorn that's already on your hand.

"The bowl's right here" you gesture at the bowl of buttery popcorn on your lap.

"I like this one better" Hobie winks at you before bringing the snack to his mouth.

Heat rises in your cheeks at his charm "fine, Two can play at that game" you take his can of soda from his lips, the fizzy drink spills a bit, Hobie watches in surprise as you take a sip. Your lips touching the can that were on his lips a few seconds ago.

Hobie has no idea how to survive the rest of movie night, he can barely make out what the characters' are saying on screen. He sneaks a peek at his communicator blinking awake, Layla slyly winks at him before her hologram disappears.

"Goddamnit" he accidentally lets out.

"Hmm?" You blink curiously at him.

"Nothin' when will they start killing each other?" He diverts your attention back to the screen as he watches you explain basically the entire movie to him. He doesn't care though, smiling softly as you excitedly talk.

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Thank you for reading! Please consider reblogging if you enjoyed it ❤️

[heartfullofleeches]

Yan Clown/Circus + Imaginary Friend Darling Blurb

Throughout life, friends come and go, but you - were always the first.

Things were simple in the beginning. Sit with that lonely kid at the playground, wipe their face with your sleeves, and ask if they wanted to be friends. They always said yes. You were inseparable. Playing until streetlights came on plus a seat saved for you at the dinner table when they reluctantly returned home. The biggest fears you faced where the monsters under the bed and the dark... then came school, homework, the future. Your playdates became so far and few, they put in the efforts to make new friends and you were so happy for them.

"Y/n? Who's that? Quit talking to yourself and come hang out with us."

But none of them ever wanted to be yours. Your friend was never home anymore and when they were it was always school work or video games taking their attention. Your place at the table was given to someone else. They'd gradually drift away from speaking to you and it was like you never existed in the first place to them, and maybe you never did - so you left. Back to that empty that existed before it all. There, you remembered all your friends. All your precious memories and the treasures they gave you their parents questioned them about when they disappeared. You hated it there. You didn't want to reminisce on the good times - it only lead to wordless goodbyes. Why - why did they always leave you behind?

"I got invited to a slumber party this weekend... Everyone turned out to be so nice once I gave them a chance like you told me to.... You'll... always be my best friend, but I have real ones now. I'm not a kid anymore - and I can't live in a fantasy world forever."

Of course you always knew - but did your time together really mean nothing? The smiles and tears, joys and fears - were those fake too? This was how life for you went and has gone your entire path. Make a new friend, wait for them to make their own, force yourself to forget, and repeat. You never, ever blamed them for abandoning you. It was your biggest dream to see your friends go out in the world and do all the things you rambled about for hours - you just wished you could've been their when they made their dreams come true. If they could make those fantasies reality, why couldn't you be real too them? It's not fair-

"Hey! You gonna put your raspberry in the square yet? I don't mind waiting cuz you're really cute - but I've eaten most of the blueberries already and if I eat one more I won't have enough for a win."

A new friend - you kept them waiting, lost in your thoughts like that. There's something different about this one... They're a lot bigger than your old friends and dress strange just like those funny people in shows. How old are they?

"28..... Is my favorite number because that's how many waffles I can eat before throwing up. I dunno my age really, I like a lot of candles on my pie so it's hard to remember. I'm probably waaaaaay older - or younger, but I'm definitely not younger than eighteen because I get a new doll every year - and there's a ton. Hey, when's your birthday so we can get your collection started?"

An adult - An adult can see you, but why?

"Hmmm, I dunno how you got in here either. I was just thinking about how great it would be to have someone to eat all these waffles with since I made 29 today - and poof you appeared outta nowhere. You gotta so me that trick eventually - wanna be pals? I'll give you... a quarter, no- half the stack if ya stick around. My name's Gus. Gus the clown."

A clown... Alot of your friends loved those, others were terrified. This one reminded you alot of them. So silly and carefree, just like they always were before reality kicked in. It was never that way for Gus. You'll never forget the shocked look on their face when you told them chocolate milk didn't come from brown cows. They serenaded you with songs detailing your adventures together and nearly had a heart attack when you played peekaboo together which they later tried to play off as good acting - the tear smudges in their paint was just from hot how was is.

At the same time, Gus was far more mature they let on. They fantasized about finding the missing piece to their act and heart, and hopefully marrying that special someone someday. They were all smiles - but as soon as someone got hurt they knew when to drop the act and when to use it to their advantage. You prayed the day they found someone they wouldn't ditch you like everyone else.

It turned out there were a lot more like Gus. True to their status as a performer, they worked and lived in a traveling circus with others who were accepting of you - and had the eyes to see you. They never doubted your existence like parents used to and believed near ever word Gus said even when at the point in time you were nothing more than the ramblings of a mad-clown, and greeted you in kind. Overtime, you became corporal for these performers too and the brief hellos turned to bear hugs thrust upon dolls Gus' sibling made for everyone to have when they wanted sat hello. They still couldn't touch you, but for the first time everyone knew you were their and love you the same, if not more than the friend you came for. Sometimes it really did feel like you were a real person. If only....

"Ouch!"

You pull your hand away from Gus' as the clown bursts into a fit of giggles - yelping in pain as they clap their hands together, electrocuting themselves on the buzzer.

Whoo! That definitely sends a shock through ya. Can't believe that got you. Hey - that got you... you've never been hurt by any of the things we've done before."

They're right. That really did hurt. Wait. It hurt. You've never been able to interact with anything before - leaving Gus overwhelmed on brunch dates when they devoured your share. What's going on?

Gus expresses the confusion you're both feeling with a high-pitched scream. They dart around the room, nabbing their emergency supplies of candy from beneath their pillow. "Ahhhh, idea - Y/n, try one of these - hurry!"

You take one of the licorice sticks and shove it in your mouth. If picked up the treat wasn't proof enough, the explosion of flavor on your tongue confirmed your theories.

"It's...good."

Gus races in a circles, squeeling in delight as they grab and pinch your plush - warm cheeks. "They've never been warm before! This is amazing. Ahhh, next test- here goes!"

Shutting their eyes, Gus rams their lips against yours - grinning with teeth against your skin. They kiss your lips, cheeks, and noses - smothering you with a hug, soaking up the beat of your speeding heart.

"You have no idea long I've wanted to do that...."

You're still reeling from everything going on. "W-what's happening, Gus?"

"No clue! If you want my guess, I'd say so many people believing in you made you real like that one movie with the puppet. The others! Oh, man everyone's gonna love this! Come on!"

Gus picks you up and sprints to the main show room. They gather everyone into the area along with the biggest mirror they could find. They try to explain, but the excitement gets the better of them. Frustrated by everyone's agreeable questions - they rip off the blanket covering the mirror and your reflection, and the crowd goes wild.

"That wasn't there before! Can we touch Y/n now???"

"I call dibs on giving them their first piggyback ride!"

"Wonderful timing! I knitted you a lovely scarf before I forgot you technically were a figment of our combined imaginations."

"If they're really here and can touch stuff... They can be part of the show - can't they?"

Thats right. You'd fit right in with your history too. After a celebratory dinner and cuddle session - the preparations for your big debut were made. As expected, everyone loved you. You and Gus were the starting act, and two halves of the same whole. People saw you, they praised you, loved you. The adoration of the crowd was like no other, but everything after the curtains were closed was even better. Gus kept to their promise of never leaving you behind. You were that missing piece - someone they couldn't live without. It was time for you to finally grow up and leave the ghosts of the past where they lied.

"Aw, don't be like that, sweetie. You'll love it once we get there."

This is bullshit. Their college gradation and their folks were dragging them to some circus. Luckily they had a few buds pull through for an aftershow at a nearby bat.

"Maybe your opinion will change when you see the staring act. That clown reminds me a lot of that friend you used to go on about. What was their name again? I think it was -"

Y/n. Your name and smiling face were plastered on a billboard they passed. It was no vague resemblance - that was their first companion down to the scrunchie you wore around your wrist that they gave you on the day they gave you the lukewarm mercy of a goodbye. It couldn't really be you - right?

"Look how big you've grown...."

No-

"Your parents tell me you're graduating this year. I'm so, so proud of you. Are you going to become a scientist just like you said?"

How?

"You always said it was so you could find a way for everyone to see me too... I'm sorry for holding you back for so long. It's good that you made friends. I made alot too - really good ones. With them, I can live in fantasy and the real world at the same time. It's so much fun."

What are you apologizing for? Why are you acting like you're the one that abandoned them. You were everywhere to them. Everything they ever achieved was because of the shoulder you gave them to lean on. Being with you was like a dream - but everyone has to wake up eventually.

"Oops! Looks like a wasted all our time. I have a few more scheduled greets, but maybe if you stay after we can chat a little more before you leave. See you!"

They don't want to leave. There's still so much to be explained; to say and do, but just like them - you were gone as you appeared. They had to see you again in a better time. Do imaginary friends drink coffee?"

"How's it feel to be the one on the other end of the stick?"

Another clown stands behind them. It was the same one that shared your act. Gus. What do they want?

"Y'know I know alllll about what happened between you two. I know everything from their past since as their bestest friend - and potential future spouse - it's my job to make them loved enough to spill every, little detail. You shouldn't have come here. You're not the first to recognize them - and you won't be the last.

The ball of their wrist juts painfully against their skin as the clown grabs their arm.

"I won't let any of you get back into their heart. I won't let anyone hurt them again. You can't just take back what you broke when someone else fixes it. I'll make you feel what they felt. I'll make them forget you - and anyone who tries to take them from us that I promise and promises are meant to be kept. Quick question before you go though - think Y/n will like these matching necklaces I made us? Anything looks cute when its on them - but think it'll fit better than that old scrunchie."

[libraryofgage]

A Hop, a Skip, and a TARDIS Jump (2)

Part of: Steve Deserves Good Parents, Actually

Debbie and Fester Addams One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six Rick and Evelyn O'Connell One | Two | Three Harley Quinn One | Two 10th Doctor and Rose One | Two (you're here!) Scooby Gang (there are plans for this one lmao, so plz be patient with me orz) Jedidiah and Octavius (from Night at the Museum) One | Two Queen Clarisse Renaldi One | Two | Three Leverage Crew One

Here's the second line jump fic! If you'd like to learn about line jumping, you can read this post

Anyway, after 84 years, here's part 2 of TenRose being Steve's parents. This time actually with TenRose lol

There's a meme at the end of this one, too, so I hope you enjoy it

Anyway, as always, if you see any typos, no you didn't :^)

-------

Hawkins, Indiana, 1974

Steve looks the same, but his organs are new, he's a tiny bit taller, and he's having the same growing pains as his father. He stretches his fingers, wiggles his ears, and feels his liver chugging along like never before. He's doing better than his father, though; he's not too caught up in the taste of a new pancreas, at least.

He is, however, subject to scolding from his mother.

"I can't believe you!" Rose shouts, pacing in front of the console before coming to a stop. "Are you thick? You could've been seriously hurt!"

"Oh, I don't think that's very fair," the Doctor says, pushing his hair out of his face, something he's never been able to do before. "He's a teeny-weeny Time Lord, Rose. He regenerates just as good as me. Well, better even."

"That's not the point, Doctor! You've only got so many lives before you run out. Don't let Steve join you for the beginning of each one."

"Well, maybe we should remember how we got here in the first place," the Doctor says, "Someone thought, 'Oh, I'll just take a little peek-a-boo into the time vortex,' for the fun of it!"

After listening to them argue for a few more minutes, Steve slowly gets up and quietly makes his way over to the console. He places his hand on a dial, holding still but feeling it turn under his palm. "Take us somewhere safe," he whispers, glancing to where his parents are holding a staring contest that could end in them kissing or shouting.

Steve feels the TARDIS hum around him, agreeing with his suggestion, and the engine kicks to life. "What?" the Doctor asks, looking around before spotting Steve at the console. "Hold on a minute, who said you could send us anywhere?"

"I didn't turn anything," Steve says, innocently looking up at his parents. "Maybe the TARDIS got tired of your arguing, too."

As though agreeing with him, the TARDIS makes a particularly loud whoosh as it jerks and nearly sends Rose off her feet. The Doctor catches her easily, an arm around her waist, but stumbles himself. "Oh, blast, this body is scrawny," he says, clenching his jaw as he grips the console to keep himself upright.

"I'll say. You're likely to stab me with an elbow there," Rose replies, her voice more amused than anything else, and Steve quickly looks away before he's subjected to the gross goo-goo eyes his parents start making at each other.

When the TARDIS finally comes to a stop, Steve barely waits before rushing to the doors. He hears his parents shout after him, but he throws one of the doors open without a second thought, an excited grin forming when he sees familiar trees and a familiar playground. It's been a few months for him, long enough to be an entirely new person, but he has no clue how long it's been for Eddie.

Maybe only a day has passed. Maybe a week. Maybe fifteen years. Well, he doubts it's been fifteen years. The playground doesn't look like fifteen years have passed. Either way, he looks over his shoulder at his parents. "I'm gonna go play now!" he says, letting the door slam behind him as he runs out.

He's only more excited when he immediately finds Eddie. It's odd, because most humans just look alike to him, other than his mother, of course. They're all kind of shaped the same and none of them feel like time and space; they're boring, completely untouched by and unaware of the greater universe beyond the molecules of stardust that formed them.

But Eddie is different. Eddie's hair holds red space and his fingers scatter time when he moves. Eddie's words drip with galactic dust and meteoric currents. His eyes are the brown of T'Lochlor royal jewels and contain the sparks of planetary births. His smile curls with the essence of alternate dimensions and black hole gates.

Steve tried explaining it to the TARDIS once, figuring she was the most likely to know what's so different about Eddie. The only thing she'd been able to tell him is that, somewhere in the future, Eddie would be destined for tragedy and stars. She wouldn't say (or simply didn't know) what order they would be in, but Steve decided to focus on the stars.

He rushes over, his smile wide as he gets closer to where Eddie is sitting on a bench, watching the playground with a slight pout and a cast on his right leg. "Eddie!" he shouts, practically tackling the boy in a hug when he's close enough.

"Stevie?!"

Steve pulls away, hopping onto the bench and settling next to Eddie. "Yep! Hi."

"Dude, it's been so long!"

"Oh," Steve says, frowning slightly as he looks Eddie up and down. They still seem to look the same age. "How long?"

"Like three years. Where were you?!"

"Uh, traveling. My parents go all over the place," Steve explains, figuring it's not exactly a lie. "Anyway, what happened to your leg?"

Eddie blinks, looking down at his cast before pouting again. "I broke it in P.E. cuz the coach made me play soccer," he says.

Steve doesn't quite know what P.E. is. Or soccer. But he gets the main point: Eddie can't play because his leg is still healing. "How come you're still here then?" he asks.

"Better than being home."

There's something weird about Eddie's words, but Steve doesn't ask him about it. His mother has told him that, sometimes, you just shouldn't pry into people's home life. Even if you care, it could make them angry or upset. They'll share when they're ready.

"Oh," he says, moving closer to Eddie on the bench until their shoulders are touching.

"Tell me something cool," Eddie says. "Where did you and your parents go?"

Steve thinks for a moment. He already told Eddie about being an alien, but is he allowed to talk about the time travel stuff? Is that too impossible to believe? Maybe he'll just ease Eddie into it. "Uh, we went a lot of places," he says, swinging his legs, "Oh, like this city where they have a super big hospital and the doctors are all cat-people."

"Why'd you go there?" Eddie asks.

"I died, kind of, and Mom wanted to make sure I was okay, even though Dad promised her I was. And Dad died, too, but he's done it a few times, so he's better at it than I am. Anyway, Mom was going crazy with worry, so Dad brought us there to get me checked out. Clean bill of health, according to the doctor."

Eddie stares at him for a while. "You died?" he finally asks, his voice sounding a little strained.

"Yeah, but not really. I mean, my people regenerate instead of die. So, like, my current body can't survive, so I pull on time and space to make myself a new one, one that can live as long as I need it to."

"Oh, right, cool, that's not confusing," Eddie says, huffing as he glances away. He swings his legs a few times before asking, "What happened?"

"Mom looked into the TARDIS's heart, absorbed the time vortex and became Bad Wolf to save us. If she stayed like that, she would've burned up from the inside out, so Dad kissed her to draw the time vortex out. He started to regenerate, but the backlash of it was destroying the TARDIS. We would've crashed otherwise, so I absorbed some of his regeneration energy, and that burned all of my cells up, so I had to regenerate, too. Mine was a bit gentler than Dad's, though, so it didn't cause much damage."

"I feel...even more confused."

Steve smiles at him, holding out his hand. After a few seconds, Eddie takes it, and Steve squeezes once. "That's okay. Alien biology is weird. Like, I think it's weird that you've got an appendix. You don't even need it anymore."

"What did we need it for before?"

"Something digestive, I think," Steve says, waving his free hand dismissively, "Dad knows more about that stuff than I do."

Eddie nods, looks down at their hands, and then looks at the playground. "Your parents sound...really great, Stevie," he says.

There's something in Eddie's voice that makes Steve hesitate. He bites the inside of his cheek, hesitates for a moment, and then scooches a little closer. Maybe telling Eddie about the time travel thing will make him smile again; maybe it will take that weird hurt in his eyes away for just a few minutes. "You wanna see something cool?" he asks.

"Sure," Eddie mumbles, looking over as Steve reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a phone from 2046. It looks totally clear, but the glass panel on the back is frosted, keeping people from seeing what's on his screen.

"What kind of music do you like?" Steve asks.

"Usually whatever my mom listens to," Eddie says, shrugging as he watches Steve tap on the glass in his hand. He jerks when the screen lights up, showing a bunch of tiny squares across it. "What's that?"

"A phone."

"Uh, nope, no way, phones are, like, attached to walls and stuff. They plug in. They're, you know, bigger, and stuff. And they aren't made of glass."

"It's, uh, a future phone. From the future. Many, many years in the future."

Eddie snorts, bumping their shoulders together. "Time travel isn't real, Stevie."

"I'm an alien. I just told you about a city with cat-people doctors. Time travel is the unbelievable part?" Steve asks.

They stare at each other for a few minutes, Steve waiting patiently as he watches disbelief fade into realization in Eddie's eyes. "Holy shit," Eddie whispers, his eyes getting wider as he looks down at the phone. "Where's your time machine?"

"Across the street. That blue box over there. My parents are inside."

"How did I miss that?"

"It's got a perception filter," Steve says, repeating his father's words easily. "So people's eyes just...slide over it."

Eddie slowly nods and looks back at Steve's phone. "I, um, my mom likes David Bowie."

Steve nods and looks up David Bowie music videos.

----------

Despite thinking Steve might hang around this time, that he might not disappear from Eddie's life like last time, that's exactly what he does.

He introduces Eddie to music that won't exist for decades, to bands like Green Day and Lovejoy and some singer from another planet called Ln'ra. Their voice makes Eddie's brain prickle between his ears, his heart lurching in his chest with the desire to sing the way they do.

Steve holds Eddie's hand the entire time, a gentle breeze passing over them, their heads leaning against each other. Music plays surprisingly clear from the piece of glass Steve insists is a phone. Time seems to slow down for a brief while, and Eddie forgets all about the world for a while.

He forgets about his mom crying. He forgets about his dad shouting. He forgets about the dull ache in his leg as the bone mends itself. He forgets about everything, and it's the most peaceful and relaxed he's felt for months.

And then the sun is setting, dipping beneath the trees and splashing the sky with oranges and pinks and reds. Steve sighs when he sees the colors, lets the music video play to the end, and then turns of his phone and slips it into his pocket.

"I've gotta go," he says, standing up from the bench but still holding Eddie's hand.

Eddie doesn't fight it, even though he wants to, because something tells him Steve can't stay. Something deep in his mind tells him that he won't. Not yet, at least. Because Eddie is sure, at some point, Steve is going to stay.

Or Eddie will stay, because he's technically walking away, too, right? He's not exactly begging to follow Steve wherever he goes, because he can't. He has a mom, a dad, an uncle, guitar lullabies at night and surprisingly good waffles in the morning, some friends at school and a group project that needs turning in.

So, neither of them can stay. Not right now, at least. But maybe next time. Eddie hopes---as he watches Steve push open the door of that weird blue box and wave one last time before going in---that one of them will get to stay sometime soon.

-------

Tag List (let me know if you'd like to be added!)

@romanticdestruction, @lublix, @jackiemonroe5512, @lee-da-vinci, @rowanshadow26, @didntwant2comecome, @katouasobi

And here's the meme! Very tiny text but it's basically just copy/paste Steve's dialogue about regenerating lol

[jokeroutsubs]

[ENG SUB] Bojan Cvjetićanin on Radio Sova (13.11.2024).

In this interview, Bojan talks about the new album ‘Souvenir Pop' and answers some questions fans asked.

Transcript, translation and subtitles by IG marija_rocen, @moonlvster and IG irenalemajic, proofread by IG GBoleyn123.

Full video and transcript below the cut👇

Host: Dear listeners, it's 8:30 p.m., you're listening to Radio Sova, a student-run show on Radio Rijeka. As we announced earlier, on the phone with us today is Bojan Cvjetićanin, the frontman of the popular Slovenian band Joker Out. Bojan, good evening and welcome.

Bojan: Good evening, thank you.

This week is a big week for Joker Out, in a little over 48 hours your new third studio album 'Souvenir Pop' comes out. I bet you're excited, but are you nervous about how your fans, and also the general public, will react to the album?

I have to admit that I am, I'm a little nervous. When you're releasing an album, I think it feels like the first time. So, even though it's our third one, let's say it's the first one this year and I'm nervous to the max.

The album is called 'Souvenir Pop'. Why that name and what does it represent?

You know, this year and a half since Eurovision ended has been really, like, interesting, to say the least. And a lot of things happened to us, a lot of new people, a lot of new places, feelings. So all of those things we brought home instead of fridge magnets, let's say, those are our souvenirs. So we said that 'Souvenir Pop' is kind of the name that best encompasses everything that happened in that period.

One of the songs on your newest album is 'Carpe Diem', the song with which you represented Slovenia at Eurovision in 2023 and the song which, you could say, opened a lot of doors for you. Your popularity has expanded from our region to Europe, but also to the entire world, which was confirmed by many sold out concerts around Europe. How much did the fact that you spent almost the entire last year and the start of this year on tour influence the creative process of creating the new album? How different was it to write and record 'Souvenir Pop' from 'Umazane misli' and 'Demoni'

Quite different. We had limited time in the studio for the first time and it was very clear in that period we had to finish the album and in that period I was writing, more or less. It was also interesting to me to think introspectively about how, in a certain period, I have to put all my thoughts into songs because I'm honestly quite a lazy author, so I don't create much throughout the year, so, to create more or less everything in that certain period while we were in the studio, was a bit hectic and tiring, but in the end I'm very satisfied with everything that happened.

What does it look like when you're in the studio? That is, what does your creative process look like? When you write the lyrics, how do you balance between personal experiences and universal ones? Do you think about what the audience will say and how the audience will experience a certain song or do you write entirely from your point of view regardless of everything else?

When it comes to writing songs, I write more or less entirely introspectively or retrospectively if I see that I’m trying to find myself in the story of someone else I know and whose feelings I want to take on and write about in a song. As for the creative process, it really depends on the song, some songs come about when I come up with the lyrics and the melody, some songs come out of a jam, from the band’s improvisation. So, there's a lot of playing, a lot of playing and it more or less looks like a playground, where everyone takes their own rakes and trucks and then we go on some kind of a trip, and try to get somewhere.

All artists draw inspiration from other artists. Is there maybe a musician or a book, a movie or a work of art that shaped you as an artist?

There are certainly quite a few musicians, I was more or less a big fan of bands from the former Yugoslavia. So, let's say, I was shaped a lot by them, I listened to a lot of Slovenian music. And as for international artists, we listened to the Beatles, Arctic Monkeys, ABBA a lot, so I think that as a band they are our mutual idols. And from our region, Indexi, Bijelo dugme, and a lot of pop, Zdravko Čolić, Toše Proeski… I mean, everything, everything, everything.

How important is experimenting in music to you, is there any musical risk you wanted to take, but you didn't have the courage or opportunity yet?

I think we experiment a lot as far as our band is concerned, at least within what we can do and what we know. I would certainly like to go down some other musical paths, but I believe that there will be some time for that as well. I don't know, right now I have a trumpet in front of me, so maybe the next album will be a trumpet solo, if my trumpet teacher allows me.

It's time for a short musical break, we will listen to the song 'Bluza.' Bojan, for everyone who hasn't heard 'Bluza' before, maybe it's best for you to introduce it?

'Bluza' is… well, 'Bluza' is lost, found and lost love in just one moment. I wrote it with a story about a kafana¹, where, let's say, I saw something that could exist, but never did, so it's for all found and lost loves in one moment that's 'Bluza'. Radio Rijeka.

¹Kafana is a distinct type of local bistro, common in some former Yugoslav countries, which primarily serves alcoholic beverages and coffee, and often also light snacks.

That was 'Bluza' by Joker Out, their frontman has joined us over the phone. Your new album comes out this Friday, and all your fans will have the chance to hear it on your album release tour, during which you’ll be performing all over the Balkans, but also beyond, so on the 3rd of December you're coming to Croatia as well, precisely, to Zagreb. How did you decide where to present your new album?

Well, you know, we spent a year and a half playing exclusively around Europe, more or less, and we weren’t present that much in the Balkans. We truly see the Balkan region as a concert at home, so at the end of the year, and for this album, we decided we wanted to feel like we're at home, which is why we have chosen those main cities, let's say, which are closest to us for this first round. I think the choice was very logical and very quick.

What can your fans who have decided to be a part of the album release tour expect? Will you perform some of your old songs or are these concerts meant exclusively for 'Souvenir Pop'?

No, of course, we'll play songs from all three albums, but we'll probably play the whole of 'Souvenir Pop' only on this tour, which means all ten songs, because later, when we make setlists, I doubt we’ll end up putting all ten songs on the same one. So, if people want to hear it from start to finish, this is their chance.

Last year you also had a fantastic concert in Rijeka which made a strong impression on the audience. How do you remember your first concert in Rijeka, and do you plan to perform here again sometime soon?

The concert in Rijeka was awesome, because many of our musical colleagues, who are a bit older than us, talked about Rijeka as sort of, how can I say this, concert treasure for musicians, because the audience is always really cool, and it truly was like that. The concert was awesome, and later in the backstage, we were joined by the members of the band… Oh, what's their name, "šč², mama šč, mama šč kupila traktora…"

²'Mama ŠČ!' is the song of the punk-rock band Let 3 from Rijeka. They represented Croatia at Eurovision in 2023. The English translation would be: "Šč, mom šč, mom šč, mom bought a tractor".

Let 3.

Let 3, Let 3, Let 3! So, we met for the first time after Eurovision, and it was really great.

So, you agree with everyone who says that our audience in Rijeka is completely different from others?

It is! I'd say that it has a bit of a punk vibe, I really like that. Aside from being in Rijeka last year, you also travelled, as you mentioned, all around Europe after your big success at Eurovision. Joker Out went on a grand tour and you certainly felt a huge growth in popularity. What did the transition from one intense experience to another one look like? What was the most challenging, and what was the most exciting thing when it comes to facing such a large and suddenly expanded audience?

Well, the biggest challenge was absolutely transportation. Even though we have a great crew and an excellent tour manager who organised everything, we were travelling last winter and it happened to us that four flights were cancelled during one night, so finding alternative options - buses, trains, and so on, that was really chaotic, because we had to make it on time for all our concerts. You know how it is - one night you're playing in Germany, the next in Poland and you have to show up, you simply have to, we were ready to run if necessary. But in the end everything went well.

I hope that you won't have similar problems on this tour.

We marathon runners³ will run the final lap maybe.

³'Maratonci trče počasni krug' - The Marathon Family (lit. Marathon Runners Do a Lap of Honour) is a 1982 Yugoslav black comedy film and it is regarded as one of the classics of Yugoslav Serbian cinematography. The story takes place in a small Serbian town in 1935, and focuses on the Topalović family, consisting of six generations of undertakers with a dark secret.

Let's go for another musical break, we'll listen to the song 'Stephanie'.

That was ‘Stephanie’ by Joker Out, whose frontman has joined us over the phone. In this part of the interview, Bojan, we have questions for you which your fans asked us on Instagram. I want to thank everyone who asked their questions. There were over 60 questions, and there was a wide variety of them and they were all great, but unfortunately I can't ask them all, so I chose some of them. I also apologise for any mispronounced usernames. Bojan, are you ready?

I'm ready.

@/talvikoira asked: What song was the last to be completed in the new album and why?

'Mesto duhov' ('City of Ghosts'). Because it was originally written in English, it was called 'Wembury Mews' and I decided to write it in Slovenian because I had that story ready about the city of ghosts I returned to after the tour, so that was the last one.

@/milapongrats asks: What's your favourite album you've made so far?

My favorite album is definitely 'Souvenir Pop'.

@/anačepelkina asked: Did you ever have a creative burnout? If yes, then how did you overcome it?

Well, I think I feel some kind of creative burnout quite often but I wouldn't say it's exactly a burnout, but let's just say I feel a little empty. But honestly, then I just talk to people who are close to me, with people who inspire me, and very quickly things fall back into place.

@/trickme asks: What kind of books do you read? What are the last three books you read?

Well, I honestly like reading all sorts of books, but the last thing I read was 'Kafka on the Shore' by Murakami. Then, I don't know what it's called, but in Slovenian it's 'Tuleči mlinar' ('The Howling Miller') by Arto Paasilinna, a Finnish author. And… How to…', I have no idea, something, How to Mend Your Mind,' or something like that.

@/GBoleyn123 asked: Do you like the interview/promo part of being a musician? What makes for a good interview?

I mean, I love doing interviews. The only part of interviews that I don't like is if I have to do them before singing, because I have to talk a lot and it exhausts me. For example, at Eurovision it was a terribly difficult part, because we had at least 40 interviews a day, and all the pressure is on you to sing your song as well as you can, so, yeah, it can sometimes be a bit tiring for a vocalist. And what makes a good interview? I don't know, good energy of the interviewer and good questions.

I hope this is one of those interviews.

Of course.

@/sara_gicevski asks: What is the most important promise or goal you made/set for yourself?

Huh! Well, I think that honestly I haven't really thought much about that and I don't promise myself many things, but I believe that once I promised myself that I would do what I believe in, that I wouldn’t create things I’m not 100% sure of and which aren��t 100% me, so there it is.

Finally, Bojan, what would you say to everyone who still doesn't have a ticket for your concert in Zagreb?

Well, to everyone who doesn't have a ticket for our concert in Zagreb I’d like to say that on the 3rd of December, December, right?

That's right.

On the 3rd of December we’re playing at Tvornica Kulture, we were there last year and it was phenomenal. We’re preparing our third album. It will be wonderful for us, so why shouldn't it be wonderful for you too, because it's more beautiful when we have a wonderful time together.

Bojan, thank you for the time you set aside for Radio Sova and we wish you good luck and a lot of success on Friday.

You as well, thank you very much.

[atxxzist]

sweetest lies | c.s (prologue)

next // series m.list

pairing: choi san x f!reader

word count: 1.6k

warning: none (i think)

dinner in the presence of yunho is always pleasant. not just the sight of him--though that is, too, but in the way he's always able to bring smiles out from anyone--your parents and his arranged around the table, all praising his accomplishments and excited for the next step in his journey.

he's sitting across from you, a shy smile on his face with light pink tinted cheeks, flustered from the amount of flattering, but you know he's happy. happy to have made his parents proud, and happy to have kept the family customs that's been established before he was even born.

"now that you're officially done with your master's and will be helping your father soon, is there anything else you have in mind? anything else you wish to do?" your father asks politely.

he's never had a son, and yunho is probably the closest thing to one, having treated him like his own from the days he was still running around the playground like any child, so much shorter than him, to the present where he's grown into the young man he is, towering over your father with ease.

"like marriage," your mother adds, prompting yunho's own to chuckle along as the two share an amused look and swat each other on the arms playfully at the thought.

your attention immediately picks up at the word (as if you already weren't listening in on it intensively), and your sister's might've as well, though you're too busy thinking for yourself to notice even if she's just a seat away.

short-haired, petite frame, cute in her features, and two years entirely younger than you, it's hard to not feel small next to her despite being a few inches taller.

she's also graceful in her manners, the food on her plate showing only few bites and little to no crumbs anywhere; the napkin and utensils even neatly placed on the side.

if you were not so spiteful and a little less of a bitch, you would say your sister is the perfect daughter--a combination of everything a young woman in her early 20s should be and more.

but if you're to spend time talking about your sister and the many ways she makes you feel inferior, you would never get to the point--the point being, you couldn't care less about the deep insecurities rooted in you from just being in the same room as her at the moment--your mind stuck in a trance, only able to think about yunho and marriage.

"a fine young man like yunho deserves only the best in a partner," your father adds sweetly, delivering a smile to yunho as the corners of his lips curve in return.

"i agree." yunho father's nod in agreement, raising his glass of expensive champagne. "she needs to be someone who will be able carry the family's name forward. but most importantly, she should be smart and competent--someone equal to yunho."

a low and dry chuckle leaves him before he looks to yunho.

"right, son?"

there's an unintentional hesitation from yunho, stumbling with something nervous in his eye before nodding his head lightly.

"yes, father."

someone who will be able to carry the family's name forward, smart, competent, and equal to yunho.

in all honesty, you probably don't meet one or two of the requirements, but you do have a few things in your favor--the first being you are somewhat equal in terms of status.

their house might be bigger and they might throw more lavish parties, but you all shop at the same places, wear the same brands, drive the same kinds of cars, and live in the same neighborhood.

the last thing being--in the entirety that you've known yunho, he's never had a girlfriend and never seeked out relationships. as far as you're aware, you're the only woman in his life.

so pardon you for sounding a bit full of yourself, but you can't possibly think of anyone else who's better suited for him than you.

the dinner goes on, still with the compliments and small talks about the future, but a few more minutes in and you have to excuse yourself from the table to use the restroom.

no matter how many times you've been here, you will always get a little lost at first from how huge and spacious the downstairs is, until you finally find the door to one, relieving yourself and washing up, eager to head back so you can hear more about yunho.

but you're barely a foot out the door when you hit face first into someone's hard chest, just one glance up at him and it makes your stomach churn.

"hi," he says all cheeky smile, looking down at you with batting eyelashes, a tank top and messy hair like he just woke up. at almost 6 in the evening.

you don't say anything, only rolling your eyes in an attempt to get away but not before he's fast to block off the open space, making you thump your head into his chest again.

"i don't have time for you right now, san," you warn quietly, patience beginning to thin, but he probably doesn't even hear you, his gaze entirely elsewhere as a smirk appears on his lips.

"is that a new bra?"

"i don't know, what do you think?" you cross your arms, slouching and waiting for him to get the show over with so you can return to what actually matters.

"it definitely is. i've never seen you in it before."

you brush off the comment; it not even being worth a reaction.

"you know, i'm surprised you're even here at all."

he snickers, one arm leaned against the wall like what you're saying is ridiculous.

"at my own house? during my brother's celebration dinner? why wouldn't i be here?"

you see.. san is the biological son of the choi's. yunho was adopted into the family after a tragic accident took both of his parents' lives, and always having been a close friend and good business partner of yunho's father, mr. choi took yunho under his wing, allowing the boy to keep his family's original surname and raised him until he's quite literally a mere reflection of the man himself.

you have no idea what went wrong; how proper and sophisticated people like mr and mrs choi can end up with someone like san who has so little care for the world, as if he's just floating through life.

but you suppose that's the advantage of being the biological kid--he gets to fuck up however many times he wants and can put in the bare minimal efforts and get asspats for it, while someone like yunho has to go the extra mile, sweating blood and tears just to prove he's worth something. that mr. choi wasn't wrong.

and maybe that's one of the reasons why you always resented san--that he's just another rich and spoiled kid.

despite the prejudice, the awful thing is that you still have more in common with him than yunho--putting on pretty facades of being a good son at family events and business interviews when behind it, he was busy smoking weeds and getting drunk at dirty frat parties every week.

you only know that because you were also at those parties, smoking dirt cheap weeds and getting stupid drunk, failing half of your classes.

"just pointing it out because you seem to have a knack for missing important events."

"i never miss important events, that's why i came to find you," he delivers with a sly tone, inching too close that you're basically pressed up against him, proceeding to pinch your brows at the confession.

"you followed me?"

"of course. i heard the conversation at the table. you know, if you're going to get married off to my brother soon, we might as well get it over with; go into one of these rooms. we might not get the chance ever again. i'll make it quick, and this will just be between you and me."

he does the suggestive gesture of swiping a thumb over your lips but you're quick to push him off, hissing back, "you're fucking disgusting."

he smirks in amusement.

"all i heard was 'fucking', and definitely, we could be fucking right now."

your eyes roll into the back of your head so hard, you're surprise you don't pass out.

"i wouldn't fuck you even if i'm on life support and need your dick to survive."

he laughs.

"who knows. desperate time calls for desperate measures. after all, we have made out before."

you kissed san. once. and that was only because you were high as fuck and had no idea what the hell was going on, but san will always bring it up any chance he gets, holding onto that fact like a badge to be proud of.

"only time i'd let you lay a finger on me is if i'm fucked in the brai--"

"--y/n?"

both your heads snap to the voice a couple feet away, seeing it's yunho and having to immediately distance yourself even further from san, clearing your throat.

"what's going on?" he asks in his soft timbre.

"i was just uhm," you half answer, running over to his side to make yourself at home by wrapping your arms around one of his, staring back at san in annoyance, "using the restroom and ran into him."

"you were taking a while so i told everyone i'd come and get you."

the way your expression immediately changes at yunho's words makes san feel pure disgust; how you can switch character so quick almost unbelievable.

"thank you," you reply with a smile, lightly snuggling the side of your head on his arm. "let's go back."

hauling him back the other way, you wait as he stops and turns slightly to san, uttering, "dinner is still going on. you should come."

san can only watch the two of you walk away, groaning to himself as he pushes past the restroom door and slam it in irritation.

next // series m.list

taglist: @freeandrealme @shingene @cookiechristie @softie00 @crimson-mia @hexheathen @lixpixstix @atinytease @turtash @moonseonghwa @kkayfan @curryramyeon @justineasian @mikaymee @chickendrum @yujispinkhair @sannie-pudding @itsokaytobedumb00 @nerdy-kimchi @fannyxmh @acciocriativity @mel-the-mad-hatter

[kararisa]

marigold promises

— 32. a letter and a promise [☕︎ = 2.5k words]

notes: happy birthday to me~ in celebration, here's my gift to all of you <3

cw: abandonment

10:08 p.m. 

You haven't had lights out this early in months. 

There's a first time for everything, you suppose. A good time as any to sleep in the same room as your estranged rival-turned-lab partner.

It's hardly the first time you've let impulse dictate your decisions — and it certainly won't be the last — but you would be lying if you said you were certain about how you felt about this whole mess you've gotten yourself into. In your infinite search for answers, all you've gotten are infinitely more questions. 

What the hell is going on? 

You shift on your mattress, disturbing the stillness of the night with the sound of crumpling fabric and soft shuffles. Albedo's room is more decorated than you thought it would be; certainly bigger compared to the rooms you get with a private one-bedroom dorm back on campus. An entire wall is covered in sketches and paintings — all of them his handiwork — with some photographs littered in between them. His desk lies in organized chaos, a mess of papers laying atop an old textbook with a decently organized box of pens and highlighters on the side.

Not paying you any mind, Albedo lays in his bed with his back facing you. The only light in this room comes from his phone which he's been reading from for the past few minutes, and honestly, you wouldn't be surprised if he's flipping through his digital flashcards just to get some last-minute studying done. 

Your shuffling disturbs the silence once more. Not once would you have thought that pushing through with your half-baked idea would have led to… this. Whatever this is. Is there a word to describe how surreal this all feels? A theory to explain how the hell you got here? 

How do you wrap your head around the fact that Alice walked through that door? 

Sure, you may have thrown out a theory to Yanfei a while ago, but that doesn't even begin to explain how Klee is connected to all of this. The fact of the matter is your theory is incomplete.

Albedo finally turns to you and asks, "How long are you going to keep tossing and turning? At this rate, you're going to wear out the mattress." You glare at him and respond, "It's not my fault I can't seem to get comfortable. I'm not used to sleeping with someone else in the room."

Amusement colors Albedo's voice as he replies, "Sounds like a 'you' problem."

Your frustration grows, and you snap back, "Well, you better hope I don't suffocate you tonight, asshole." You hear him snicker as you turn around, hoping to finally drift off into a peaceful sleep

Suddenly, you hear more shuffling from Albedo's side of the room. "I'm going to head out for a walk. Want to come with me?"

"A walk at this hour?" you asked incredulously.

"I can't sleep either, so come on. This won't take long," Albedo replied.

In response, you sit up and rest your hands on the mattress, “Where we headed off to?”

“It’s a train station away, won’t take longer than 10 minutes to get there.”

“Where are we even going for it to warrant a ride on the train?”

He takes out a cardigan from his closet, rolling his eyes, “Are you coming or not?”

“Fuck you, I was already getting up.”

Gods, you should have brought a jacket.

Considering it’s Mondstadt, you shouldn’t have been too surprised by the frigid air, biting through your clothes and clinging onto your skin — even after the holidays have long since passed.

You and Albedo sit on a bench overlooking the playground you saw just this afternoon, the slushie you're holding making your hand slowly go numb. The swings, seesaws, and merry-go-rounds stood silently as if frozen in time. The only sound was the faint rustling of leaves in the breeze. The moon, half-shrouded by clouds, cast a pale glow over the empty park.

Despite the darkness, the playground retained its picturesque innocence. The colorful slides and climbing frames looked like candy-colored castles, while the surrounding trees provided a natural canopy that seemed to cocoon the play area in a protective embrace.

You take a sip of your drink. You and Albedo sit on opposite sides of the bench. The silence between you two stretches on into the night. 

You want so desperately to move closer, to say something, to close the distance between you. But where do you even start?

As the sweetness of the slushie fades, so too does your illusion of distraction. You can feel the weight of your rival-turned-lab partner's gaze upon you, a silent challenge that threatens to unravel your composure.

You hear an amused sigh coming from your left, "You can sit closer, Cupcake. I don't bite." You don't know why, but you choose to inch closer. 

And closer. 

And closer. 

So close that your knee brushes against his for just a moment, and you pull away like that one second of contact had burned your skin.

You take another sip, desperate to stave off the flood of thoughts and emotions that threaten to overwhelm you. But as you feel Albedo's eyes on you, you turn your head to meet his gaze. 

"Aren't you cold?" he asks. 

"I wasn't able to bring a jacket, Sunshine." you shrug. Like hell you were going to admit that you've been freezing since you stepped out off the train. 

In response, he takes off his cardigan and drapes it around your shoulders. 

The ivory-colored cardigan enfolds you in its loving embrace, a gentle shield from the harshness of the cold. Its large buttons run down the front, each one a drop of brown against the ivory backdrop. You feel the three gray stars stitched into each sleeve as you put your arms through the sleeves.

You hug the cardigan closer.

"You seem to have a lot on your mind," Albedo adjusts the folded-over collar. You try to ignore the fact that his hand nearly brushed against your neck.

"It's nothing." you shake your head.

"Please, I know you better than that. You can talk to me about it if you want to."

Would it really be appropriate to bring up the many questions that have been brewing in your mind? His private life, his family affairs, they’re none of your business.

And yet.

A heavy silence falls between you and Albedo. Finally, you break the stillness with a tentative whisper: “I was just thinking about your mom.” You notice Albedo’s shoulders tense, and you realize that your words have hit a nerve. “What about her?” he asks, a subtle unease in his voice that you barely notice. But it’s there.

This was a mistake.

“She’s nice…” you clarify, “Just like how I remember her.”

You shouldn’t have brought it up. You shouldn’t have brought it up. A rushed apology spills from your lips, “Sorry, that wasn’t very appropriate of me.”

“It’s alright.” his tone is surprisingly gentle. “I kind of expected that you’d at least be a bit curious, really.”

“Still,” you say, “I shouldn’t have just brought it up like that.”

Silence falls between the two of you once again, and you take the time to empty your drink. With no other way to feign distraction, you finally take a look at the boy to your left. He tucks a stray strand of his pale blond hair behind his ear, and you can’t think of a moment that you’ve seen him free from his usual up-do. He idly fiddles with the straw of his empty slushie cup. A glint of silver catches the moonlight; it’s there that you see his pendant, his moon pendant, resting right between his collarbones.

You would do anything to ignore the palpable tension in the air. Tension that you caused.

“You have my permission to ask,” Albedo starts, “If you want to.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to pry.”

“Yes. So please, ask me.”

A pause.

A breath.

And you finally ask him the question that has been plaguing your mind since the day he returned to you: “When you left, six years ago… What happened?”

He leans back. You feel his knee brush against yours, but this time you can’t bring yourself to move away. Albedo meets your gaze and asks, “How much do you know?”

You shrug, “Not much. Just that you and your mother packed up for Fontaine one day and left.”

“That’s half correct. She was offered an opportunity to work at Aurum Labs — one of the most prestigious institutions in the world. Who wouldn’t say yes?”

He loosely crosses his arms as he looks towards the playground ahead of you, “She sat me down one day and told me about her decision. She would be leaving for Fontaine, and I would stay here. In Mondstadt. My own mother thought I was a burden, and that I would hinder her in her career. So”— Albedo gives a bitter laugh — “She left. She left me with nothing but a letter and a promise that a friend of hers would take care of me in her stead. And what’s worse is that a part of me still wishes she’d come back for me.”

Ah. 

That explains a lot. It explains so much.

But more questions fill your mind. How long has this been weighing on him? How long has he had to carry these burdens alone?

How long?

What do you say? He needs you, damn it. Say something.

But no words come.

So you do the next best thing: you reach out and place a hesitant hand on his shoulder. A small gesture to let him know that you’re here for him.

He looks at you in response, surprise flickering across his face before he quickly averts his gaze. "Don't look at me like that," he says, his voice shaking.

Puzzled, you quietly ask, "Like what?"

"Like you don't hate me."

You want nothing more than to comfort him and tell him that everything will be alright. Say something for fucks sake. 

Albedo’s hand goes to his pendant, his moon pendant, and clutches it tight, “I never bothered to text or call, I didn’t even put in the effort of sending you a letter. I could have done something but I didn’t. And I was horrible to you last year. I’m so, so sorry.”

The weight of your shared history and the silence between you threatens to suffocate you.

It wasn’t always like this.

From the moment you met, it was clear that the two of you were cut from the same cloth.

When the two of you were young, when the world was kind, you would spend countless hours poring over books and debating complex ideas. The difference between you two was once thinner than a razor.

But six years have gone by, and you're not the same kids that met in those fields near your childhood homes one summer day. The friendly debates became heated, the discussions competitive. You found yourselves vying for the same academic accolades, the same opportunities, the same ranking. You both became obsessed with outdoing each other, with proving that you were the better scholar.

As you grew older, you began to realize that the world can be a harsh, unforgiving, and mean place, baring its fangs and showing you just how cruel life can get. It's a sobering realization that comes slowly, creeping up on you with each passing year until you can no longer ignore it.

Maybe you got a little meaner too.

We are tabula rasa. Every person begins their life as a blank slate, devoid of any preconceived notions or beliefs. As people grow and develop, they begin to form their own understanding of the world. They learn to distinguish between light and dark, hot and cold, rough and smooth. They begin to recognize the faces of their caregivers, the sound of their voices, and the touch of their hands.

It is in the people around you that one learns about love, kindness, compassion. But it is also where one learns about anger, an ugly mixture of frustration and hostility that surges through your body like a raging fire; about bitterness, a knot in your stomach that eats away at you from the inside; about envy, that plants resentment in your heart and feeds off your inadequacy. And it is where one learns of hatred, a venomous emotion that seeps into your very soul, poisoning every aspect of your being. 

Yes, you were angry at Albedo. Yes, you were bitter when he first acted like you were nothing more than an obstacle to him. Yes, you were envious of his seemingly limitless intelligence, how answers to even the most difficult of questions came easily to him.

But could you ever hate him? Did you ever hate him? 

You learn that dreams shatter like fragile glass, scattering sharp, jagged shards that cut deep into your very being. Promises, once steadfast and true, crumble like dry leaves underfoot, leaving you with nothing but bitter disappointment and a sense of betrayal. In the aftermath, you find yourself picking up the pieces of your shattered dreams, each shard slicing through your fingers and embedding itself deep within your skin. 

You learn that the harsh reality of the world seeps into your veins and becomes a part of you. Defines you.

But even as the weight of disappointment and betrayal threatens to drown you, life continues to move forward. People come and go, leaving their own marks on the world and on you.

In those five years you’ve spent apart, you can at least take comfort in the fact that he had gained a mother and a sister. Alice, who would once travel all across the world for her academic pursuits, chose to stay in Mondstadt for the sake of her children. Klee, who would keep him grounded, gave him someone to care for. You wonder what it would be like to have a family that truly cared for you as Alice and Klee cared for Albedo.

Your mother has always been obsessed with the numbers on your report card, endlessly doting on you while claiming to want the best for your future. Your father couldn’t care less. Why would he, when he was off working in another region? You grew up barely knowing him.

Rhinedottir was no better for Albedo than your parents were for you.

And yet.

As you and Albedo sit side-by-side, you realize that there is something here that you never had with your family. And sifting through the shards of your shattered promises, you realize that they are not entirely lost.

You take his long-empty slushie cup from his hands and place it on the ground. For a moment, the world falls away, leaving only the two of you under the gentle glow of the moon’s watchful gaze. The next words you speak cut through the silence, "I could never hate you."

Albedo turns to you. He watches you as you take off his cardigan and gently drape it over his shoulders, sharing the warmth he has given to you.

Giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze, you finally, finally, find the words you want to say: “It wasn’t your fault.”

In response, he lowers his head, causing some of his hair to fall in front of his face. You tuck a single strand behind his ear, your sun pendant catching the silvery light of the moon, before gently guiding his head to rest on your shoulder. 

“It wasn’t your fault.”

— previous || masterlist || next

summary: you and albedo have finally reached a mutual understanding as your first year of college comes to a close. with a new school year comes a new beginning, and you start off strong with albedo asking you the oddest of arrangements: "would you like to be lab partners?"

author's notes:

yes, albedo is wearing the iconic taylor swift cardigan. and yes, he is a swiftie

the theory of tabula rasa (latin for “scraped tablet” — i.e. a “clean slate”) is a philosophical theory by john locke. this was also my favorite part to write 🫶

this chapter was so hard to get just right that i’ve had to redo it twice, but i’m really happy with the final result ^^

featured songs: I Wish I Was the Moon by Ewan J Phillips & almost home by mxmtoon

taglist (i):

@fvkkyu @mintreen @edreee @khyllynnn @xxmirrorballxx @aiikalvr @yaefics @unsterblich-prinz @aequha @alch3myy @lovely-althxa @nei-rinn @cridtiins @zestrya @skylions-den @moriiartt @theother-victoria @sunsethw4 @dazaisfavgf @serossidechick @koiir @lazy-sanns @sweetbunnybunbun @dee-zbignuts @redactedhimbo @yurstepm0m @fanfictwarrior @fuyaa @saoiirsee @ireallylikehamsters @kissingkzuha @whosxangel @kitsuvil @orionicchaos @blurr3db3rry @semi-orangeapple @kunikuzushiit @atlatcaheart @wrrapedroundmyfingerlikearing @scarafrisbee @lost-wicked-artist @kairxse @elysiasbae @eurekatanya @empathum @tatiratty @zannivrs @mikismusings @sunoo-bby @astolary

— the taglist is currently CLOSED! shoot me an ask or a reply if you've changed your url or you'd like to be removed.

[hlficlibrary]

hiiii i was wondering if you had any recommendations for fics where either harry or louis are single fathers and keep the kid secret when they met/started dating. I know I've read one or two like this but I can't remember the names and would like to read them again or others with a similar plot. Thank you!

Hi, anon! You're very welcome! Here are some that fit what you're looking for! I added the last one as a bonus because it has a similar premise but with a twist.

He Was a Different League (When I Was Nothing Much) by AFangirlFantasy / @afangirlfantasy

Prompt: Louis and Marcel dated at school, but they ultimately drifted apart. Years later, a lonely Marcel is made to start online dating by Niall, only to be matched with Louis.

Sick of being alone, Marcel is forced (by Niall) to join an online dating app. The idea is well and all, except for the inconvenient fact that he hasn’t moved on from his childhood sweetheart - Louis. If only Marcel could learn to let go, he might actually be able to love again.

Or, an AU where finding that 'someone new' actually leads to finding that 'someone old,' and Marcel is painfully oblivious.

How It Begins (series) by phdmama / @phdmama

New town, new job, new school for his daughter. It's a chance to start again for Louis Tomlinson, a clean slate.

Or is it?

Love This Christmas by lovelarry10 / @chloehl10

“Touch those toes, Mr Styles, come on, bend down a little more. Excellent, well done. Look, the five year olds are showing you up here!”

“I’m trying,” Harry replied through gritted teeth, coming back to a standing position, much more red in the face now than he had been at the start. “I can’t say I’ve seen you- oh.”

Louis promptly bent himself in half, almost laying his palms flat on the playground as he showed off, well aware this was entirely for Harry's benefit and no one else's. He could almost sense Harry's gaze burning into him, and he held the stretch for a moment longer before he slowly stood up, walking his fingers up his legs as he did so.

“Right, is everyone warmed up? Good. Now you need to line up, and listen to what Mr Styles says you need to do next.”

Teacher Harry is excited for Christmas with his class. When new TA Louis starts, sparks fly between the two men. But Louis’ always dashing off, and Harry's left pining. Will Christmas help them find love?

Falling in the Wrong Direction by @fallinglikethis

When Harry’s fiancé, Liam, passes away just before their wedding, he doesn’t know how to cope. As time goes on, Harry learns to heal, but is left living in the house his fiancé used to share with his best friends and Harry is uncovering a lot of secrets he didn’t know Liam had... while possibly falling for the one person who helped Liam keep them from him.

Harry never quite got along with Louis, but maybe he’s the one person who can help Harry bridge the gap between the life he thought he would have and the one he is now living.

A Catch and Release au

[velvet-paradox]

Heartstrings (Part Three)

Heartstrings (Part Three) Pairing: Vessel x Female reader Length: Medium Warnings: NSFW, 18 + ONLY, reader discretion advised, there's some drug mentions, angst, Vessel hurts readers' feelings, he's caught between a rock and a hard place, some flashbacks, how Sleep slips into Vessel's life, mention of self harm and a reunion! Tagging: @synnersaint @megangovier20 @thesoundresoundsecho

ENJOY!!!

He couldn't remember whose idea it was to break into the city pool well after hours but you'd all hopped the iron fence, II had let you step on his back to get over the height of it. Trying to keep quiet was hard, you and the boys had gotten high an hour before which lead to you all splashing each other to cool down.

Someone else was there though.

Some girl that had caught Vessel's eye that spring had tagged along, he wasn't sure she'd get into the antics of maybe getting busted, but she joined just the same. Clinging to his arm while his besties floated or somersaulted beneath the chlorine.

He watched you float by as the girl rested her head on his shoulder. "What's wrong?"

"Hmm? Nothing's wrong."

The girl grunted. "I know we haven't hung out a whole lot, Ves but I can tell when something is bothering someone and you sir, are a bundle of nerves."

Vessel sighed with a shrug, focusing on III dunking IV. "It's nothing really. Don't worry about it."

She didn't press any further, which he was grateful for because how do you express to someone you're going steady with that all you care about is floating several feet from you, fully dressed without a care in the world? You didn't belong to him but in a way you did and he touched the necklace as an afterthought.

"That thing is so gaudy." She laughed and Vessel jumped as if she were made of fire, touching it. "Where'd you get it?"

"Y/N; she found it."

"Y/N found it and you wear it? What does it mean?"

It means everything.

"Uh well," Vessel started, his mind still a bit on the fuzzy side. "We play a game with it. She wears it for three days and I have to do whatever she says and then it's my turn."

She quirked an eyebrow. "You do whatever she says? What if she told you to jump in front of a moving car?"

Vessel snickered. "I have."

"And you just did it?!"

"Well to be quite fair, I deserved it. I did dare her to lay down on a set of train tracks until we heard a whistle."

"Oh my God!"

"It's all for fun though."

"Wait-- so only you two play the game, not them?" She pointed to the three boys attempting to play chicken and failing miserably.

"No. Just us."

"Sounds childish." She shrugged and got up from the bench, lighting up a joint of her own.

Was it? You two had been playing so long it just flowed easily, just something you did like take a shot, curse when a car cut you off, growl when you stubbed a toe. It was natural. But as he sat there, dry as bone on the pool bench he was a little upset.

Not with you and not necessarily at her either but the way she'd said like. Like he shouldn't be having fun, indulging like he was too old for playground games, even if he did enjoy them.

"Hey sourpuss," you said, splashing his shoes with water as your crossed your arms over the stucco concrete of the pool siding. Wet and glistening and smiling. "You comin' in or what?" ….

III knocked on the bedroom door, red wisps of memories dissipated entirely once the lankier man peeked inside. "You up?"

Vessel rolled over, having apparently fallen asleep as the bright light from the window was now setting beautifully below the horizon. He pushed himself up, still holding onto the necklace.

"Uh yeah man, what's up?"

"You got yerself a phone call, mate."

Vessel made his way downstairs, the boys made themselves scarce while he padded over to the tipped over receiver. smoky yellow with faded number pads. "H-hello?"

"Hello yourself."

Vessel gripped the bottom of the phone, his heart beating in his ears as if he were underwater.

"Ves? You there?"

"Yeah. Yeah I'm uh I'm here. How are you? It's been awhile."

"I know," you apologized and Vessel couldn't help but coil the cord around his fingers. "It's been forever. I hope you're not mad I sent you the necklace."

"I'm not but-- wait. How do you get this number?"

"Ask II."

Jerk off, Vessel grumbled but stayed on the line. "I'm not surprised actually. I haven't held the necklace in so long, feels foreign but… familiar. I can't believe we wore that thing constantly."

"I know! We had some good times with it though. So uh… not to be pushy after all this time but-- would you be game?"

"What do you have in mind?" ….

"MARRRIED?! Y/N's getting fuckin' MARRIED?!" III freaked out, IV gasped and II didn't make a sound. "She can't. She can't marry some loser!"

"You don't know if he's a loser, III." Vessel grumbled, the blood was rushing and pooling in his head, clogging his ears and making him close his eyes to block out III's dramatics, with his fingers at his temples. He'd been laid up upside down for twenty minutes after your phone conversation. Vessel bit back tears at your excitement, squealing on your end with glee.

"Says you!" III exclaimed and stomped around the living room. His heart broke into fractions, little petals of his heart fell to his feet. Sleep tsked in the corner.

"You know good and God damn well brother, that she belongs with us. A falling out, sure, that can be mended but to marry off to someone she barely knows… I don't like it. Not one bit."

"By the sound of it you'd think it was you whose still in love with her."

The room fell insanely silent. All eyes were on Vessel when he cleared his throat.

"After all this time…"

"It's not that big of a deal, honestly."

"You shouldn't lie to them, my pretty little host," Sleep cooed and manifested right in front of Vessel's face, hanging there like a fly caught in a spiders' web. "You should tell them how badly you miss her, pine for her, that you've been waiting for her until the end of time. Y/N is your puzzle piece is she not?"

Vessel let out a shaky breath as the other guys chatted and made all kinds of accusations and scenarios. Maybe this was a cry for help, a plea, she was trapped maybe. That Stockholm Syndrome shit.

Something foul.

He may have told them you were engaged, someone had taken his place; that had been heartbreaking enough. What he didn't tell them was that you'd dared him to walk you down the isle, give you away, hand you off to some stranger.

Tears slipped out of his eyes and made tracks over his eyebrows and hairline as the boys continued to argue. Maybe he'd give in and fly out to see you, see for himself with his own blue eyes that you were in fact safe and in love and not grasping at straws for your past life.

Maybe. Maybe…

"Calm yourself now, Vessel. If you keep up that heartrate Y/N will be able to hear from the parking lot!" Sleep quipped in his ear, dangling over his shoulder like an afghan shawl on his grandmother's couch. Vessel did in fact let himself go, along with the other eepy's in tow, all just as excited to see you again. Three years is a very long time after all.

Three years of heartache and loneliness he'd turned into music, got those fragile pieces out of his nervous system, out on paper and murdered with ink. He thought about that journal entry when he'd caught you kissing IV, tear stained pen reminded him of too many things.

The accident.

Only it wasn't an accident. More like an incident you weren't meant to overhear and one that he horribly regretted.

….

"Take that ugly thing off."

"What?"

"That stupid necklace! You can't honestly tell me you think that thing looks good on you?"

Vessel frowned behind his homemade mask. It wasn't Tommy Hewitt levels of grotesque or made of human skin but he was experimenting with becoming more anonymous lately. You'd gotten him into another fight of sorts, the one left a gnarly scar on his cheek that made him more self-conscious than he had been before. Even if you did claim he would be more devil-may-care that way if he chose to show his face.

Red flags flew up and landed at his feet at her words. She was being nasty and for no good reason.

"I don't see the problem with it. Or why you have a problem with it." In the back of his house he'd followed her outside when you showed up, happy and full of spirit. Vessel remembered it had just began to rain and you had shook off your head and kicked away your boots.

She had a problem with you and he couldn't understand why.

"Because you blind idiot! She's in love with you and you wearing that God awful necklace every three fucking days isn't helping and it's driving me nuts!" She shouted.

Vessel didn't know what to say.

He'd never been yelled at like that before especially by a girlfriend!

"I'm going to say this very clearly now, alright?" She motioned with her hands, rearing on Vessel in the back garden like she was reprimanding some rotten child. "What means more to you? Me or some silly little necklace Y/N found messing around in dirt? Hmmm? You're an adult now Vessel, a man. A grown man playing foolish games with a foolish girl with a foolish promise. Soulmates don't exist, Vessel. Fate isn't real."

Vessel took his time, holding the beads and coins in his painted hands, memories, all fond and full of fun and fancy. "It's real to us."

"Us? You and Y/N… why are you wasting my time? If you love her so damn much why aren't with her instead?"

"I'm not… I'm not wasting time. I like you."

"But you love her."

"That's not that same thing and you know it."

"Do I, Vessel? What I do know is this," She stood toe to toe with him then, soft hands on his shoulders that felt like a fire poker in a blacksmiths' cool bucket. "Either you tell me and show me how much I mean to you and take that dirty thing off or you go on and tell her you want to be with her and let me go. I can't sit by here another day knowing your heart only belongs to her."

Vessel didn't like this. At all. Commitment, ultimatums, hard lines drawn in the sand. It made him nervous, edgy, uncomfortable.

Yet on the one hand he knew what she was saying. That's why she didn't like you. You were filling the position she had wanted. So Vessel clutched the necklace, determined not to hurt or maim either one of you with his action of pulling the coins over his head. She smiled and watched as he held it in his hands. He'd just put it right back on once she'd left anyway.

No harm no foul, right?

Only it was the worst thing he could've done in that moment. Save for what he told her next.

"There. See? It doesn't mean anything, just some thing lost in the dirt. "

"Is that true?"

Vessel's face dropped, clutching the thing in his hands and with a grimace turned to face you behind him at the back door.

"Y/N-- it's not what it looks like."

"Vessel…"

"It means nothing to you?" You asked, your voice a little watery as you stepped down into the garden, your eyes only on him. "Was it all just a game then? None of this is real? Are you even my friend?"

This was certainly real as he could feel his heart began to scramble and throb out of his chest, up his throat and threatened to lurch out of his mouth at any given second. He could see you cry, muffled words and actions, your hands up in the air in anger he'd never felt the wrath of. You were shouting at him, even louder than his girlfriend had been moments ago. There were other dark figures filling the space behind you as you cried.

Only when you'd snatched the necklace from his hands, did he suddenly come back to life.

"It's a mistake I'm sorry I'm sorry--"

"This means nothing now Vessel! You ruined it," you pointed, gripping it so tight he was scared you might break skin. You righted yourself, not bothering to wipe your wet face, lashes full of dewy tears as you spat on the ground with a shiver and sniffle. Your eyes were like lava, molten and insanely hot with purpose. "You ruined it. If this means nothing to you, none of it at all… then neither does this."

You could hear a pin drop.

A shattered mirror; broken glass on a stone floor.

Pain.

Vessel watched you grab both sides of the necklace and tear in two. Beads and coins fell to the wet ground. He couldn't believe it. He didn't mean to… but it was too damn late.

You double fisted what was left and before you left his house for the last time, crying and rushing past your friends, even as they called after you, you had said the one thing he'd replayed over and over in his mind for the last three years.

"Game. Over."

He kicked everyone out after that, needing to be alone was an understatement. He broke plates and windows, screamed out in agony for the tenth time, the thought of the police being called was fleeting. And honestly, he'd probably want them to take him. He'd held a shard of what was left of his bathroom mirror to the tender side of his wrist. Pushing it in just enough to let his nervous system alarm him. All he saw was red.

Viscous red.

"You'll regret that, you know?" A raspy voice sang out in the mess that was left of his bathroom, bloody knuckles spilled over black paint, under his nails as he gripped the shard tighter. Had someone broken in while he tore his house apart? An intruder? A vagrant? Vessel looked around but came up empty.

"What do you want?" Vessel asked behind the shower curtain, scared of what might greet him on the other side.

"I'm here to help, silly. You poor thing tsk tsk tsk, such anguish you're in. What peril, one wrong move and you'll be on the other side with no way to fix what it ahead of you."

Vessel stood up, back to the ugly green tiles of his shower. sticking out the glass the other way now. "What are you-- what are you saying?"

"I can help you," the raspy voice swirled and sounded like it was coming at him from every angle possible. Above, below, in both ears and out of his own throat as if he were talking out loud to himself. Even though his voice was nowhere near what he was hearing. "I am in need of a new host and you my boy, absolutely reek of perfection."

"Go away. Whoever you are."

"Are you sure, boy?"

Vessel fell over, slashing at the air when a blood red cat with six black eyes perched at the top of his shower curtain, swaying its' tail and tilting its' head at him. "Ah! What the fuck?!"

" 'ello Vessel."

"Ho-ow do you know me?"

"I've known you a long time my boy, you just didn't need me like you need me right now," the red cat disappeared and reappeared at his feet, hugging Vessel's legs, looking up with blinking black eyes. "Like I've said; I can help you. All you need to do is ask?"

"Ask? Ask what?"

"I am in need of a host, you believe in me and everything and I do mean everything you've desired will be yours. I know you've lost a friend, a true, honest and loyal friend this night. Pity."

"I can't lose her, please. If you'll bring her back to me I'll do whatever the fuck you want."

"Now now, no need to be vulgar, Vessel." The red cat leapt and floated up to Vessel's eye level, eyes blinking one at time before it outstretch its' paws to his forehead, or where his forehead would be behind his handmade mask. Inky eyes merging into one as he gave in, without question. "It's quite simple really. Become my host. Take me in, swallow me whole and accept what is given so freely."

"And in return?"

"You do as I say."

"And for me?"

The cats' grin was evil, sinister even, all fangs and obtusely sharp and dripping with desire. "I will keep a very close on Y/N, she'll be protected but only if you succumb to me. Be my host, be my arms and legs darling boy," the cat said its' name, an ancient deity of desire, once a pillar of hope and granted longing. "Become you're true form; become my vessel, Vessel." ….

"Think she looks the same?"

"Will we recognize her?"

"Will she recognize us?"

"Of course she will! You're pretty hard to miss all the way up there!" II jeered up at III, bags in hand as they made their way through the bustling airport. They got looks, that was to be expected with their faces concealed with balaclava's. Security would have a field day and detain them rather quickly if they wore their full gear.

"Knock it off or I'll make you even shorter, punk." III countered and made II trip.

A feral squeal erupted throughout the airport, everyone looked around, the crowd of people parted as if this were some choreographed event or some dance mob scenario because as the people began to part and step aside, grab their loved ones, their children, their service dogs… there you stood at the end of the airport.

You were jumping and waving your arms around frantically, motioning for them to come closer, to hurry up that you might combust.

"She looks so happy." Vessel mumbled nervously the closer they got to you, Sleep appeared on top of his head, dangling his little paws over Vessel's forehead.

"She's about to be a lot happier, my boy."

You grabbed II and hauled him into a giant hug, somehow getting him up off his feet for a millisecond, IV did manage to pick you up after cupping your face and patting your head. III swung you around like a ragdoll, all eyes wet with feelings and lost sands of time.

"There you are." You said once III set you down, stepping over a downed duffel bag and marched right up to Vessel, excited and thrilled to see him wearing the necklace, the trinket of years ago swaying against his chest.

You smelled the same, God you looked good and healthy. Your arms locked around his shoulders, raising yourself up on to your tip toes. You hugged him tighter until he returned the same generous embrace.

"I missed you so much." You admitted and that made Vessel shudder and heat through like an oven. "I have so much to tell you."

"I missed you too." Vessel whispered back and as he pulled away he was uncertain by the watery look in your eyes. He thought they were glossy from happiness but the way you sniffled, took his hand, pointing towards the open doors to the outside world beyond, he wasn't so sure.

[spacenintendogs]

glad you're feeling better !!! for drawing requests i'd love to see some of your au stuff – i know this isnt very specific but maybe a scene/event you like to think about a lot? i just rly love ur au :D

what do you do when the backbones of your friend group nearly end their friendship?

tuffnut and fishlegs were friends before anyone else in the gang. as kids they lived a few doors down from each other & often ran into each other at a local playground. tuff's outgoing & curious nature helped fishlegs feel more confident in exploring & they could discover things together. fishlegs' sensitive & skittish nature drew tuffnut in & got tuff to slow down every so often. they have more opposite approaches when it comes to learning & as little kids, they just LOVE learning. fishlegs being quiet also helped tuff find someone to confide in, while tuff being louder helped fishlegs find someone who can teach him how to stand up for himself.

as they become friends with the rest of the gang (tuff already has ruff obv but!!) they find they have less in common than they thought & while they still care & hang out, it's no where near the same as when they were little. esp once they're teenagers.

by the time they're 14 they've basically become friends but wouldn't rlly hang out with each other alone or confide in the other.

tuff & ruff obv aren't the types to hold back in their comments towards the others & in the shows even make fun of fishlegs for his weight/tend to go off on side tangents that seem irrelevant to the topic at hand. this hurts & annoys fishlegs. fishlegs (as well as the others in the group) tend to get snippy & make snide comments abt the twins being stupid & brushing them off when they try to contribute. this hurts & annoys tuffnut, esp bc as they grow older, fishlegs gives off a "know-it-all" attitude.

they're both internally bitter & don't understand what changed between them from when they were kids. why they seen to have disdain towards each other. it reaches its breaking point when they're in college. it's not fishlegs who snaps, it's tuffnut.

fishlegs rolls his eyes at a comment tuffnut makes & it's the final straw. tuffnut just asks "do we have a problem?" and it opens a whole can of worms, esp bc it was in front of the entire gang & ends with tuffnut & fishlegs storming off (ruffnut hesitantly going with tuffnut out of pure shock of what just happened).

& now every time the gang hangs out or goes to work at the sanctuary & tuff & fishlegs are there, it's just tension. they give the silent treatment towards each other. the rest of the gang feel stuck bc they feel like they are being forced to pick sides & try their best in hanging out with everyone but maybe not having tuff or fishlegs there with each other & it's a hassle. hiccup & astrid try to get them to stop being stubborn & talk it out. snotlout is completely lost & can't help but make it abt how it's affecting him bc he doesn't know what else to do. ruffnut is supportive towards tuffnut, having heard him talk abt his frustrations with fishlegs for years at this point, but does try to push tuffnut to talk it out with fishlegs, too, albeit, not as hard as hiccup & astrid.

reconciliation only comes when tuffnut & fishlegs are scheduled to close the sanctuary together alone (not on purpose, it's just how everyone's schedules lined up & the rest of the gang dreaded that it could be the true final straw).

while closing, tuff sees barf and belch haven't moved since the afternoon when he arrived (& even since the morning when astrid & hiccup opened the sanctuary). he checks & sees the dragons haven't eaten or drank any water all day either. he panicks and gets the first person he can think of, which is fishlegs.

they both work together in discovering a few of the zipplebacks, including barf and belch, have come down with vorpentitis, due to a venomous vorpent getting into the pen. they quickly gather potatoes (the cure is known & had here, unlike book 4 of the httyd books... sorry for spoilers there lol). it's during this that they both feel regret & after everything has calmed that they apologize to each other, more calmly explain their sides of the story, and hug each other for the first time since they were kids.

they'll never go truly back to where they were as kids, they've crossed too many thresholds. too much has changed. but they can work on what they have now & it'll be equally as strong.

[noowayybroo]

Unfair - Part 4

Because you people are too good to me.

Characters: Albert Wesker + Reader

Warnings: NSFW?? (No sex yET but like it gets a bit sensual???~?~?~/rogvrwg) , no kids here pls this is kid unfriendly playground, deathtraps, potholes, taxes etc. Wesker hypnotises + Brainwashes + TEASES you, Gender Neutral, Dub con?? Forced -> Happy about it (Manipulation ig) VERY slowburn :/ I write too much. Wesker is a LOT softer cuz I don't like meanies, I'M NEW TO RE so idek when this is set. Petnames, generous amounts of teasing, I think I'm getting worse and worse @ writing,

OK SORRY:

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Alone with nothing but humiliation and emptiness, you watch Albert expectantly. What next? Jump up and down? You could do that... Bark like a dog?… Maybe, you supposed. If it were just him watching. Fetch his pen? Much to your shame, you were more than ready for each of these commands. In fact, you were quite sad to not be currently obeying them.

Your only reasoning was that it just felt too good. Each time you'd done as he'd said, you'd felt refreshed, excited and accomplished, much like a well trained dog. Slowly, you accepted your place. Slowly, you began to love your place. Were you a dog? A slave? A pet? You had no idea, but what you did understand very well was that you were his.

Almost entirely unbeknownst to your want for being used, Wesker stood there, watching you. This was all too good, he thought. You're so powerful, so resilient and so strong, and now, he had you all for himself. He could have you on your knees, he could have you filing his papers, answering his phone, cleaning up after him. He could make you do so much for him, and you wouldn't even be able to consider protesting.

How was that for mind bending? He thought proudly, swimming in a pool of deep, murky contemplation. It was so easy for him to do this to you, as would it be for him to hide with the right suggestions nestled snugly into your cortex. So why couldn't he imagine doing it again to someone else? He couldn't be getting second thoughts on his morals. No…

It wasn't wrong… It was just too good.

You, personally, were just too good.

"Please…" You whimper suddenly, slicing the chilling silence like butter and grasping Wesker firmly from his dark, thoughtful lair and wrenching him out into the light.

"Hmm??", he sounds soft, in a trance of his own. A more than dreamlike state. "Please what?"

"Please I.. I want-" An eerie quiet enveloped the laboratory around you once more. You'd have almost worry you'd angered or upset him, if it weren't for the entirely placid expression on his face. Albert genuinely seemed confused, his brows were furrowed.

"What… Would you like?" Your mind was so cloudy, a murky puddle, and no matter how much you dug through the dirt at the bottom, you couldn't find your answer. Instead, more mud and debris clouded the clear waters around you and made it harder to think at all. You were quickly becoming distraught and stressed. You were desperate, you wanted so much but at the same time, couldn't place a finger on a single desire.

"I want you… T-To-" a considerable pause, "I want you…"

Wesker's confused expression dropped entirely and was quickly replaced with one of intrigue. He playfully drew close to your outstretched, needy hands and clasped them in his. He smirks down at you, pouting, "Me?... You want me? Is that so…?" He loved this. He adored your neediness, your clinginess. His breath was hot on your neck, summoning each of your hairs to stand on end at the mere sensation. You found yourself helpless but to nod. You hadn't meant to say you'd wanted him, he'd just cut you off immaturely, but now the suggestion was there, you couldn't help but flush at the apparent truth.

This was dangerous. Something was so addictive about this sensation. Controlled yet… Safe. You felt like he meant you no harm at all. An evil mastermind. Your genetically modified predator… Completely safe…

He wanted to tease you more. Something had been eating at him. Wesker snakes around you until he's flush behind you, his arms trailing around their new perch on your waist, still holding each of your trembling palms. He embraces you, almost as a partner would. It was loving. It was close. It was intimate. Your mind continued to melt, joining your physical body in his coils. And then you heard him- hissing alluringly into your ear:

"I never told you to want me, darling…"

A shiver runs comically up your spine as you jitter against him. You begin to ponder: he hadn't? No. He'd only asked you to enjoy his commands. Nothing else. In fact… The sick man himself probably wanted you to revel in fear and disgust as you obeyed, horrified at your own pleasure. Mind against body. Said sick man was pressed against you still, broad chin resting softly upon your quivering shoulder. It served as a painful remainder that he had you just where he wanted you.

It quickly became a battle of mind against mind. He was correct. He'd never commanded you to enjoy his actions, his voice or his presence. So why did you? Why did the low grumble of his voice excite you? Why did the feel and sound of his rough leather soothe you? Why did the tingling breath of a man who surely did not deserve to breathe please you?

Why were you so eager to let go for him?

"I expected you to hate this. You were meant to writhe under my touch and seethe at my voice…" he leans into you more, letting go of your hands and embracing your waist strongly as your digits rest on his forearms, clutching instinctively. "…But you enjoy this. You like my hands on you... You need my attention." His voice oozes with delighted self-loving. His hand rises to his chin to stroke it, trapping your torso against him firmly. "Could that be why you've been so obsessed with me? A little crush, perhaps…?" Wesker pouts, nipping playfully at your ear before pulling away to marvel at how you tense in response to his words.

Rage and humiliation breed deep within you, threatening to emerge in some form of outburst, which to Wesker would no doubt appear pathetic. "It's okay!" Wesker giggles almost, proud of his mastery of your emotions "I know, I know… I'm a 'hideous, terrifying man', you're probably thinking, and you'd 'never like me' blah blah blah.. I understand…" He soothes, your emotions dying down again, for once to your relief. "But... that was then, and this is now... and I'm no therapist but I think you feel something for me, right?" Even you, yourself weren't sure but you certainly didn't think there was any pure reason or intent for Albert to ask you such a thing, so you remained silent.

"If not for me, then for this little situation you're in. I'm right, aren't I? You silly little thing. You enjoy it, don't you? You enjoy being made to do as I say. You enjoy surrendering your thoughts and feelings to me, don't you? For me to do with as I please..." Blood rushes to your cheeks, reddening you. It's hard to think, but even in your mindless state, and to your shame, you recognise that he's correct. Unless this is some insanely well-done gaslighting, unless he's already planted those content, submissive feelings in your brain and made you forget about it, then he was right. You enjoyed it. "You don't need to stay silent." He coos, watching you expectantly with those predatory orbs, "That's another thing I never asked of you..." His voice trails off into mock innocence. He knows exactly what he's doing.

One deep inhale later, you feel ready to say something that a rational you would perhaps never disclose, especially not to Albert Wesker: "It... feels okay... It feels safe." Your voice leaves you in a shaky whisper, and it warms you how Wesker seems to fall entirely silent to listen to each syllable, each small sound you make. He seems to be revelling in your mixed emotions, and you wonder if his intentions are more considerate or corrupted. Albert takes your silent thinking as a good chance to pipe up once more, and to partake in his newfound hobby: 'tease Y/N'.

Wesker had released you, pacing around a little as he listened to you say your piece, but once you were done, he drew in again, like a dancer at some regal Ball, grasping you firmly, yet supportively, as if you'd buckle at any second before him. On second thought, you probably would with the next words he intended to bully you with.

"You're not safe at all... I could do whatever I want with you, because you are wrapped right. around. my. finger.", his index rises, and your eyes follow it as it comes to rest on your throat, breath hitching as his uroboros snakes out to taste at you once more, tickling your goose-bumped skin. "But you don't mind, do you?", Wesker asks as he bows, levelling his face perfectly with yours, captivating your doe-like eyes once more.

Headlights - burning red ones.

His voice becomes a low purr, gushing with seductive animosity "You like being mine. You love doing what I say." Albert continued to bombard you with lines such as these, each time becoming more cruel and confident in his words, but not before pausing to take in the way you quivered, and the way you contorted as his tone washed through you.

"It's a shame, really. So smart, so brave, and now look at you. Mindless, obedient, weak..."

"Nothing but a play-thing. A toy. You're all mine... mine to use."

"You'll do anything for me, won't you, little doll? Aww... Poor you. Of course you will! You can't help it! ...Pathetic little puppet..."

"Ah yes, puppet, puppet, puppet...", he seems to ponder, "A puppet on a string, and when I pull-"

The dark figure takes a long stride from you now. Impossibly far, impossibly fast, as though he had teleported, now standing meters away from you. The sudden movement sent your sore head spinning. His degrading almost felt complimenting. You felt grateful to hear the truth, and so, to lose him so suddenly sent you spiralling into upset.

When your pleading eyes caught his beckoning hand, calling you towards him, your body could not help but oblige. Your master was calling you before him, a generous offer that you could not refuse. Initially, your legs moved on their own, scarpering towards him at speed, the seconds between you and your saviour captor feeling like minutes, hours even. That was, however, until you tripped. Your foot caught on something and sent you plummeting through the air, still focused on Wesker, in a trance.

You watch his face, whilst he watches you fall to the ground.

Your landing is not painful, nor does it bruise or graze at your skin. In fact, it's soft. Soft and... moist. You were fortunate that Wesker was a quick thinker, for had he not been, his Uroboros would not have been able to cushion your fall as it had. The sleek tentacles writhe beneath you in response to your touch, especially as you do your best to scramble to your feet. You planned on thanking him profusely as soon as you reached his side, but were surprised to feel your feet lift from the floor. His limbs had enveloped you now, creeping up between your legs, under your arms, around your chest and waist - everywhere he could grab you, hoisting you into the air.

His feelers squelched and slurped around you as they retracted and coiled, working to gradually, smoothly bring you to him like a spider reeling in its webbed prey. Within seconds you stood before him, a few of his tendrils remaining to support your shaking form. It seemed that you both knew you could fall at any moment, and you couldn't help but think of how considerate he was being. Just as you open your mouth to thank your master, his arms embrace you, hands cradling your cheeks again. You swoon into his delicious touch before he continues:

"When I pull, you follow me... You don't even want to help it, do you?", you see a satisfied smile on his lips as you nod again, leaning your head shyly into the touch of one of his hands, and letting your body rest against his uroboros' snaking form. "You're so obedient... I don't have to speak, you just come running. You're just ready to serve me... You know..." he trails off, leaving his statement unfinished as he pulls you a little closer. You can no longer see his face which instead resides alarmingly near to your neck. You can hear his very breath in your ear, fanning against your sensitive shoulder once more. "It's... almost cute... So innocent... and so obedient. So good for me."

He seemed almost excited, as though unwrapping a present he'd always wanted. The thrill evident in his wide smirk and raised brows, despite how hard he tried to hide it with his not-quite-best stone cold stare.

Wesker sighs, his Uroboros reaching off to one side, only to return with a chair for him to promptly sit down in as he admires you. Still, you can hardly think. Realistically, though, you don't want to. He's not at all vulnerable, he has the upper hand here, even though he's sitting down. I'm standing over him... and that makes him seem so vulnerable. You become upset at these thoughts, as they conflicted with your budding image of your Commander as your protector. He was powerful, much more so than you, and his claim over you only proved that, and as you drop slowly to your knees, Albert can't help but appear... surprised.

He adjusts himself from his slouched position to sit up and look down at you, chuckling a little. He'd certainly been caught off guard, but there was something else. Was he nervous? No, that couldn't be, could it? You'd never felt this way before - so absent minded yet so focused. You wanted him, you needed him, yet you felt completely content alone. In this state of relaxation, thoughts were able to whisper at the back of your mind. They reminded you just who you were a mere two hours ago. You recalled sneaking into his office, you remembered being cornered and petrified, and you remembered having your thoughts robbed from you..

But really, you didn't have it in you to care.

Albert was still evil, but this probably remained the only way you'd get out of things alive. Something reassured you through it all, too, that your new master would protect you. He would care for you and look after you as long as you were good to him and served him well. Really - was that too different from your original role under him? You still knew all of his secrets, in fact you'd just seen most of them up front, but you could no longer picture disclosing them to another soul. That was, unless he'd asked you to, of course. You felt content. You felt warm and fuzzy, and you felt safe. You trusted Wesker, just a little bit (and in a very twisted, manipulated way.) His ego tended to get ahead of him sometimes, prompting him to say things he often shouldn't. And you'd be a fool to forget him calling you "useful." That was right, he needed you.

Surely, he'd keep you around.

...Wouldn't he?

You smile up at him, brain utterly fried as his right hand reconnects with your sizzling cheek. You're in a daze, in a stupor, and you can't help but oblige when he asks you to leave your knees and sit before him, or when he asks you to look up so that he can arrange your hair. You can't fault his command as he asks you to place your hand in his awaiting one, like a dog giving a paw, and you certainly can't refuse his question as he pats your head, firmly yet softly. "So good for me... Tell me, do you like this?"

"I do. I like it.", you lean upwards, eagerly angling yourself back toward his hand after each reassuring touch. Your voice is a mere whimper, everything you do is nerve-packed, worried to upset or disappoint him. After a while, your eyes close and you begin to sway back and forth oh-so-slightly. Your mouth hangs open just noticably and your breath begins to slow. It's long-gone 2am now, and the pair of you are exhausted.

"You're sleepy aren't you? Poor thing", Wesker slurs slightly, trying to conceal his own fatigue. Your eyes shoot open at the sound of his voice, only to see him making 'shoo'ing motions with his free hand, gesturing for you to move away from him. Earnestly, you oblige, clearing away from him on your knees until his hand lifts, flattening into a 'stop' sign.

Your superior sits there for a moment, seemingly contemplating his next actions before, with a soft sigh, pushing away from the chair behind him and slowly lowering himself to sit cross-legged before you. He's met by your excited outstretched hands, which he submits to after a while. Taking his large hand in both of yours, you watch him expectantly for a new command but are met with silence. He just watches you, seemingly waiting for you to do whatever you'd like to in that situation.

After a lot of cautious hesitation, you shuffle onto your side and slowly lay your head down into his lap, still holding his hands tightly, as if scared he might leave you. Staring up into his red eyes, you're anxious. Perhaps he hadn't wanted you to do what you were doing, perhaps he'd become angry at you... Was this a trap too? Your thoughts are dissolved entirely as a small, weak smile forms upon his lips, and a heavy sigh leaves his nose.

It seems you're both too tired to form words. Furthermore, it's quite strenuous to stay looking up into his eyes, no matter how wonderful they are, and so, you close your eyes once more, turning properly on your side now so that you're facing his stomach. You curl up, snuggling and pulling his hand to your chest, but he doesn't seem to retaliate or resist at all, no matter how uncomfortable he might be.

So cute, so pure, Wesker thinks to himself as he begins to pet your head once more, lost in an empty mind. It felt so good to refer to you as a 'toy', a 'puppet' - an 'object', even. However, he could not deny that as a human, as an individual, you were wonderful. He found you beautiful. You were alluring. He had so many wonderful uses for you...

Wesker's eyelids succumb to their heavy sensation, leaning his head carefully back against the lab chair behind him. He'd had no idea that this night would end this way, but had he known, he'd have done it a lot sooner, and perhaps prepared a meal for you.

You're almost asleep now, entirely content in his warmth surrounding you, both physically and emotionally as Albert's Uroboros slithers its way up your legs and torso, coating your arms almost like a knitted blanket. You feel good; safe and secure. You feel ready to fully submit to your superior, and do whatever he may ask of you. In fact, you're excited to do so. And so, you eagerly allow slumber to claim you, the last thing you gather is Wesker's soft voice:

"If you can stay like this for me, forever... I'll never ever hurt you Y/N."

Eventually, unbeknownst to your softly snoring form, Wesker soon joins you in sleep, his laboured stroking of your hair continuing until consciousness abandons him.

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THIS PART WAS SO LONG IDK WHERE I'M GOING WITH THIS I REALLY REALLY REALLY HOPE YOU LIKED IT IF YOU WANT ANYTHING PLEASE PLEASE TELL ME IDK WHERE TO GO WITH THIS

sorry, caps.

Guys, is Wesker too soft for you??? If he is, I can make him uh... harder. No wait I mean meaner I swear.

I got... 2 pieces of feedback, and I tried to incorporate those a bit. Your feedback is much appreciated! As are your likes and reposts! I'm so grateful to have someone even tolerate my work! Thank you! <3

If you want something, please ask!

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Parker Molloy at The Present Age:

Alright, folks, let's talk about the strangest new trend in politics: calling your opponents "weird." Yes, you read that right. In the past week, the Democratic camp has decided that the best way to take on Trump and the GOP is to break out their middle school vocabulary. It all started when Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (a potential VP pick, by the way) described GOP nominee Donald Trump and "cat lady"-obsessed running mate JD Vance as "just weird." From there, it's like the entire Democratic Party collectively went, "You know what? He's onto something," and ran with it. Now, I know what you're thinking. "Parker, are you seriously telling me that seasoned politicians are resorting to playground insults?" And the answer is... kind of, yeah. But here's the kicker: it's working. Or at least, it's getting one hell of a reaction.

The Evolution of Political Language

Remember when political debates were all about tax rates and foreign policy? Yeah, me neither. Welcome to the era of political discourse where calling your opponent "weird" passes for a campaign strategy. But before we judge too harshly, let's take a step back and look at how we got here.

Over the past few decades, we've seen a gradual shift from policy-focused debates to character-driven campaigns. It's no longer just about what a candidate plans to do, but who they are (or who they claim to be). This isn't entirely new; politicians have always tried to sell their personalities alongside their policies. But social media has cranked this up to eleven. In a world of tweets and TikToks, nuanced policy discussions don't exactly thrive. Instead, we get catchy slogans, memorable insults, and yes, apparently, the word "weird." It's like politics has merged with reality TV, and we're all just waiting for someone to say, "I'm not here to make friends." But here's the thing: as much as we might roll our eyes at this trend, it's not just about dumbing down the discourse. These simple, punchy messages often cut through the noise in a way that lengthy policy papers never could. They stick in people's minds, spark conversations (or Twitter wars), and sometimes reveal more about a candidate's values than any carefully crafted speech ever could.

Unpacking the Appeal of "Normal"

Let's talk about "normal" for a second. It's a concept that's been at the heart of conservative messaging for decades. The idea is simple: we're the normal ones, the real Americans, the default setting. Everyone else? Well, they're the outliers, the deviants, the ones trying to change everything. As writer A.R. Moxon puts it in a recent Twitter thread: ["What recent discourse is exposing is something I've been trying to say for years now, which is that there is little conservatives care more about than being considered the only normal ones by everyone else, and they'll use bullying and the threat of punishment to get it."]

This obsession with being seen as "normal" isn't just about feeling good. It's a powerful political tool. If you can convince people that your way of life is the default, then anything else becomes a threat. It's why we see so much fear-mongering about the "radical left" or the "gay agenda" or whatever the boogeyman of the week is. But here's where it gets interesting. By labeling the GOP as "weird," Democrats are flipping this script. They're challenging the very foundation of conservative identity politics. And boy, are conservatives not happy about it. Julia Serano, in her recent blog post, nails why this is hitting such a nerve: ["I think it has to do with the MAGA worldview being centered on them being the supposed norm. They are heavily invested in the notion that their perspective and lifestyle is the one true and righteous way that all others must follow. Calling them 'weird' upends this worldview."]

Parker Molloy with another gem of a post on the GOP’s weirdness to Americans who aren’t in the MAGA Cult.

See Also:

The Advocate: Democrats embrace ‘weird’ label, turning tables on conservative rhetoric often used against queer people

[nayialovecat]

The Ink Demonth 2023 - Day 23. Contraband

Day 23. Contraband Crossover: Craig of the Creek, Disenchantment Apparently Workshop toys are a pretty bad currency at least for the time being, but wait until you have some more of them, Kit, and you can make the best trade in your life: "limited edition toys from haunted studio, only from me!"

Kit, as well as the Trading Tree itself, come from the cartoon "Craig of the Creek" (I drew Craig once), which is an extremely nice Cartoon Network production showing kids playing on the titular Creek. I love it for many things - firstly, it brings back sentimental memories from my own childhood, secondly, it is a wonderful cross-section of different types of kids and their behavior, thirdly - it shows small problems in a completely different light. Every parent should watch this series to understand things better. I especially love the episodes that alternately show what the kids see - and what is really happening (e.g. during the game "the floor is lava"). My objection is the same as against Bluey: that it is a bit unrealistic that all the kids always take part in the games and accept the sometimes problematic rules (e.g. when playing hide and seek or being trapped in a maze) - that no one will say "ok, I've had enough, I'm not playing with you anymore". But apart from that - a wonderfully presented world of imagination, actually a mini-community. This series was also "nominated" for the City entry for a while, but I decided that I wouldn't find anything else for the Contraband (plus wanted to draw Kit).

I really like the character of Kit. This little, enterprising girl is something of a higher instance of the creek - thanks to her, kids (for a small fee) can eat their favorite sweets or snacks without having to leave their playground and go to the store, she also sells toys and gadgets. I ship her with Craig - all the episodes of them working together confirm in my eyes what a wonderful couple they'll be when they become teenagers. I'm honestly counting on it, because of all the girls hanging around Craig, Kit is the one who best suits him in terms of character and common interests.

More observant people may also notice a guest from another cartoon, this time absolutely not for children - the demon Luci from "Disenchantment" - a series by the creators of Futurama aimed at adult viewers, a somewhat modern fairy tale, and partly a parody of many well-known stories. If someone is an adult and doesn't know it, I recommend it. A wonderful story with a very good ending to the whole plot. Luci, the personal demon of the main character, Princess Bean, is undoubtedly my favourite character. I love his physical two-dimensionality, to his absolutely non-one-dimensional character. I love his texts and the fact that in all his participation in Bean's adventures, he never forgets for a moment that he is a hellish being, and his "do it, do it" is always wonderful. In his original storyline, Luci was considered a "weird cat" by those around him, hence Kit's text (while he's actually just another of Bendy's "cousins" that the ink demon is wandering around with).

As for the technical side... it took a lot of time to colour, but was surprisingly fun. It was the first time in a long time that I shaded in such a strange way. Oh, it's worth noting that the colours of Bendy's clothes were entirely developed by my daughter, Ursa. Kudos to her! By the way, I wonder who Bendy stole these clothes from X"D

Finally, I will just mention that the Contraband theme was originally associated with "The Owl House" and Eda's stall, but I moved it to another place with a better idea. And that's why Craig landed here.

PS. I don't like Kopiko, but I'm not crazy about avoiding showing existing products in my drawings. But seriously, I didn't feel like changing the name, so here you have it, a covert advertisement for the hideous Kopiko coffee candies. You're welcome, Kopiko.

Bendy and the Ink Machine (c) Joey Drew Studios Inc. Craig of the Creek (c) Cartoon Network Disenchantment (c) Matt Groening Sammy and the Ink Machine (c) Nayia Lovecat

[anjumzm]

Midnight Summer

A Legacy of Gods fanfic

JerCes Daughter x LanMia Son

Chapter 3.

Theodore Sokolov King.

Nearly three days of waiting and no response from the little bird, makes me wonder if the hints I'd left are enough, she seemed like an intelligent person, but I could be wrong.

Judging by her reaction during the Bratva meeting, I thought she'd be here by now, seems like I'll have to up my game a notch. Initially I'd not planned to expose the Volkov's vulnerability at the Bratva meeting, but since Williamson had been making his move after the so called leaks over media, all thanks to yours truly, the news reached the Bratva Headquarters. Williamson threatened to expose the Bratva secrets and try to break other alliances too, due to the fact that the Bratva failed to keep up it's end of the deal. Which is why it became important for me to jump in, you see even if I'm untouchable, the Volkovs net of spys and organization preeceeds anyone else's in the entire US, UK and Russia combined. Sooner or later my involvement with the incident would come up, although personally I couldn't give any fucks about the Bratva business and try to keep away as much as possible, my cousin and grandparents at my mother's side are higher ups in the organization, so it's necessary for both our sakes to keep my name clean, which is why I came upfront to the Pakhan, and made it look as though I'd gotten back the files through unknown sources, shooting two birds with a single stone. Williamson would keep quite for a while now since he might be busy cleaning the mess created before next elections, and the Pakhan now thinks I'm someone who could be relied upon, a fact that doesn't seems to sit well with the Volkovs given the history between my father and Jeremy Volkov, both of whom tolerate each other due to the fact that Cecily Knight or Mrs Volkov is a friend to my Father and Aunt Ava, while my mother , Mia , is a friend to Jeremy and his entourage involves my Uncles Killian and Nikolai. This doesn't lessen the tension whenever the two parties meet for family dinners or so.

Just when I'm thinking about another way to trap my birdie, a loud and obnoxious presence derails my thought process "What the fuck do you think you're doing motherfucker ?" Punch. "Why, hello to you too cousin dearest" I say clutching my jaw, the uncultured piece of crap almost ruined my masterpiece of a face. "I specifically told you to stay away from Aaron and the Volkovs, this ain't your playground Theo, it's the Bratva where there are incomprehensible consequences to your actions" "Is that concern I hear in your voice, Dommy boy?" "Not even in your dreams, the only thing I'm concerned about is getting myself out of this shit show you've put up, which puts me in a tight spot with Aaron, I don't like this Theo, not even a bit" "Do you want to Fuck him? Aaron Volkov I mean?" "What!! NO! Whats wrong with you man! Why would you even think that?" "Good, it's enough that our little helion of a cousin Jessica is obsessing over him, such a downgrade for being a King, I'd bet the lapse of judgment and lack of taste on the Carson genes" "Wow. Just Wow. How can you be so nonchalant about this entire thing?" "Don't stress, I have a plan" "You better do. And it better be something that won't get us in the middle of whatever fuckery is going on between you and the Volkovs, I'm tired already man. I just wanna ride my bike, rail and maim people for fun, eat sleep and repeat, this ain't something I signed up for." "Trouble in Paradise?" Sean comes in with a wicked smile planted on his face. "You better keep your mouth shut big bro, if only you didn't let your hand loose, we wouldn't have to take this psycho's help" "A Thankyou would suffice" I chime in Sean raises his hands up, as if surrendering "those idiots had it coming for a while, they asked and I served, besides you're the last person who should be giving me lectures on "not letting my hand loose", seriously did you forget all your rendezvous including but not exclusive to an attempt to murder?" " Yes, but we never cross a line, not where our families are involved. Seriously Theo what is it that you're planning, why steal from the Volkovs, knowing you, I bet there's more to this than what meets the eye" "I was bored" "WHAT??, do you seriously think I'd believe that bullshit , "Well if you know me so well, you'll get to know my ultimate goal, have patience cousin dearest" "Whatever, this is the last time I'm taking your side over my friends, the next time you fuck up, I'll be sure to help Aaron dig your grave. Don't worry I'll lend Aunt Mia a shoulder" "Sure thing, Dom" Just when he's about to spew some more nonsense, my assistant and guard, a gift courtesy of my Grandad Kyle Hunter arrives in. "What's the update Shera?" "The plan's executed and met it's goal as expected, my sources reported that Ms.Aanya Volkov just left the property and the drive with the files missing too" "Wait, go back, did Shera just say "Aanya Volkov? as in the Volkov princess?" Says Dom with a murderous expression, "Have you lost it you motherfucker, you know that my Dad is her Godfather and would maim you to death if a single hair of hers is out of place?" "Good thing I have Uncle Brans unwavering support" I add in. "What do you mean the pendrives are gone, you trying to double cross me you twat?" Sean says in his cold tone. I zone out and don't pay attention to the two, my minds already high with all the plans I have to play with the little bird, or should I call her little fox, judging the fact that she easily managed to pull something that would have been a difficult feat for others She's cunning, I'll give her that. "You guys are thinking into this too much, trust me I won't get you guys or our families involved, like I said I have a plan. So please remove your unnecessary presence from my vicinity so that I can concentrate on the issues at hand, the doors to the left. Thanks"

Now that the first phase of the plan is complete, time to set the playground for a new game.

[threadsun]

🎉You're Invited to the Dead Dove Discord Server🎉

What is the Dead Dove Discord Server?

A discord server dedicated to all things yandere! The Dead Dove Discord Server is dedicated to anti-censorship and exploring the darker (and kinkier) sides of yandere content. With our consent statement and rules (see below), we allow any content as long as the real people involved are all consenting adults. We consider fiction to be equivalent to a scene in bdsm, and therefore operate under the same ideas of informed consent and playing with the taboo that the bdsm community do.

How do I Join?

Shoot me a DM! One of the most important parts of our server is that everyone is 18+ so we have an age verification process. You will be asked to send me a picture on discord (so you can delete it once I've verified your age) of you holding a paper that says your discord ID + a photo ID with everything but your picture and date of birth blocked out. I will walk you through it more thoroughly once you've reached out to me. The mods of the server all went through the same process with each other. We are dedicated to keeping this an adults-only space. Because we are also dedicated to making it a space where consent is important, any blogs I have blocked for violating my consent by following me without an age in their bio are automatically barred from the server. Before sending the link to join, I will ask you for the password that is hidden somewhere within the rules. Once you have joined, you will be automatically given a role for 24 hours that only allows you to see the server and not participate so that you have time to acclimate to the culture of the server.

What Can We Post in the Server?

Fanfics, fanart, headcanons, silly thoughts, OCs, basically anything that doesn't violate the rules!! As long as you keep the right topics to the right channels, go wild!! We are a server dedicated to yandere content, however, so try to keep most of your conversations on topic.

Consent Statement and Rules:

Consent Statement: By joining this server you are consenting to seeing 18+ content centred around yanderes. This may include kinks and scenarios you personally find uncomfortable/distasteful/immoral. By being here, you are consenting to see these things. You can revoke this consent at any time by muting channels or leaving the server. Because you are giving your consent by being here, you may not try to stop people from discussing things just because of personal discomfort or a personal belief that it is wrong. It is your own responsibility to keep yourself safe, not the responsibility of the server. By being here, you are also consenting to being under the tyrannical rule of the Big Rats. If you aren't okay with that then you are welcome to leave at any time. This is our fun little playground we're inviting you to, so for as long as you're here, you're beholden to our fickle whims. Rules:

Don’t be a dick. Treat everyone here like they’re real people, cause they probably are.

Any kind of bigotry against marginalised people will get you hit with an immediate ban, no exceptions. This includes defending bigotry in media and especially bigotry in comedy.

Consent is key! If someone tells you to stop talking to them about something, respect it! However, as everyone has agreed to the consent statement, no one can tell someone to stop talking entirely about a topic unless it violates a rule (other than mods, we can do whatever we want)

No sadposting/venting. If you’re having problems in your personal life, reach out to a trusted friend, not a discord server full of horny weirdos. Examples of venting will be shown below.

ALL character hate/clowning MUST go in ⁠⁠the-dunk-tank. No hating on characters anywhere else.

Keep things to the appropriate chats! If you don’t know which chat it should go in, feel free to ask. If you're in the wrong chat, you'll get a gentle nudge with the spray bottle to go into the right chat, but that doesn't mean you're in any trouble! We all do it sometimes, and we're all working to get better at it together.

No kink shaming and no moral posturing about fantasies/fiction. As long as the real people involved are consenting adults (and by being in this server, you are consenting) then you are not allowed to shame or try to silence people. Bringing up specific real children or animals does NOT fall under this rule, and WILL result in a ban.

No posting full content from paid sites. If something is only available if you pay for it, do not share it in totality for free. The code is rape and incest. If you're posting free content, make sure the creator is credited. Respect artists/creators and their works!

No screenshotting personal information/discussions. Everything else is a free-for-all unless people specifically say otherwise, but block out names and icons if you're going to share screenshots.

Do not dm other members of the server without permission. Not everyone is comfortable with being approached one on one out of nowhere. If you're unsure whether or not people are okay with it, you can either ask or check their roles for the @DMs Open or @Ventable (in DMs) roles

No bringing up proship/anti discourse or any other similar fandom discourse. It's reductive and stupid, and we all know where this server stands on fiction so there's no point. This is meant to be a place where we can forget about the way other people think we should enjoy fiction, so please don't remind us. Examples of discourse will be shown below.

No arguing with the mods. We are The Giant Rats Who Make All The Rules, whatever we say goes. This is not a democracy, it is a silly discord server for fun and the mods don’t owe you access to our server.

If you violate a minor rule, you will be put on a time out. If you violate a minor rule multiple times or violate a major rule, you will be banned. If the mods haven’t noticed something that violates the rules, or you are having issues in the server, please reach out to us about it! These rules are always subject to change, and any changes will be announced in the ⁠announcements channel

Examples of Venting and Discourse:

✅ Allowed ❌ Not allowed

✅ “I have the flu and I’m sad”/”I tripped down the stairs lmao”/”My eczema is acting up today 😔 ” ❌ “I’ve been sick all week and I haven’t been able to talk to anyone or do my work and there’s no groceries in the fridge, but I can’t go out to get any 😭 “ ✅ “Work was shit today, oh well. how is everyone?” ❌ “Hey guys, how are you? work was so shitty, my boss is such a dick and i think i might get fired. seriously freaking out right now, what am I going to do? life sucks so bad” ✅ “Hell of a day today. Not feeling the best so sorry if i don't talk much.” ❌ “No like. I'm going through a Lot rn but it's fine I'll be ok. I'm having so many issues rn don't even worry about it. It's jsut. A lot rn and i don't know what to do but don't worry about it.” ✅ “Hey, I’m having a tough time, is anyone up for talking in DMs about it?” ❌ “I just got kicked out of my house and I don’t have any money, can I talk to someone please? I don’t know what to do, I’m so scared right now.” ✅ “Damn, I wish I had someone local to play with, I wanna get fucked” ❌ “Ever since my partner left me, I haven’t been able to find anyone to have sex with, and it sucks. I want someone to hold me and love me and make me feel like I’m important and special. And I want someone to tie me up and fuck me, but now I’m single so I don’t have anyone to do that with” ✅ Going through a bad breakup rn. Won't be too active for a bit. Sorry. ❌ I'm fucking HEARTBROKEN rn it's not right! Not fair! How could they do this to me! After EVERYTHING I gave them. Sorry I'm so emotional but!!! It's too much for me rn I can't believe I got played like that. I gave them everything. EVERYTHING. I thought they loved me! But no of course not, I'm so unlovable! I'm gonna go lie down in the dark and listen to a sad playlist and die. ✅ “Why do all the snaccpop guys have the same hair??” ❌ “Honestly, the fact that all the snaccpop guys look the same is such a sign that they’re going downhill. Seriously, they suck and are clearly cutting corners with their art. They’re losing all their fans and the fandom is basically dead” ✅ “Lmao look at this stupid anon I got [screenshot of an anon saying genuinely funnily stupid things]” ❌ “Look at this post, it pisses me off so bad, people don’t understand what the point of this game is [link to a tumblr post that’ll make people mad]” ✅ “For anyone looking to write about an alcoholic character, here’s some of my personal experiences of alcoholism: [information/personal experience]” ❌ “I think my problem with intoxplay is that I’m a recovering alcoholic and I find it super triggering because I had to find a completely new friend group since all my old friends were heavy drinkers too. So seeing people write about it is really upsetting to me, and I need to talk about it with my therapist cause I saw some untagged intoxplay on tumblr and now I’m in a spiral”