#young miko oneshot

[xoluvx]

call her; b.eilish x reader x y.miko

smut

she was watching you. her eyes piercing into your soul as your hand traveled between your thighs. she traced every tiny movement. every curve and dip of your naked body on the bed. you tossed your head back when the vibrator touched your clit. so sensitive already.

you knew she loved to watch and that meant your arched your back a little more. you opened your legs a little wider. you moaned a little louder and she squirmed. she gasped and sighed and groaned clawing at her thigh watching you from her chair.

"how does that feel, mami?" she asked in a low voice.

"so-" you moaned and tossed your head back again. your free hand reached out across the mattress fisting the sheets as your moans grew more desperate. longing for her touch.

"so what?" she cleared her throat letting her hand wander between her legs where it rested while she watched you squirm and struggle to form words. words that were too wild to articulate. words that stemmed from thoughts that were too sinful to confess.

"i-i feel-" you stammered looking at her from between your legs. you were curling your toes. an intense shocking feeling coursed through your body. it was blinding as you pressed the vibrator to your clit.

"the- fuck. the interview," you hummed out of breath. the chair screeched as miko pushed her body off it and walked to you. she leaned over your body as your eyes shot open. they were glossy unable to handle the heat consuming your body as you grew tighter and tighter with each vibration.

"the interview?" miko asked furrowing her brows. her lips parted and it drove you crazy that she had that dumb expression on her face when she knew damn well what you were talking about. she'd teased you about it. she'd made it clear she was aware of your little crush. you insisted it wasn't a crush, she was just hot. something you both agreed on instantly upon seeing her in person.

"please," you moaned arching your back as miko ran her hand up your torso until her fingers were tapping along cheek. thumb tugging at the corner of your lip.

"you want me to call her?" she teased, fingers wrapping around your neck now. you raised your chest and her arm rested between the valley of your breasts as her fingers contracted and your whimpers grew louder.

"you wouldn't," you croaked as your grip on the vibrator loosened. your mind was racing with thoughts. all sorts of dirty thoughts. involving miko. involving billie. involving both of them together. the thought of billie's voice ringing through your girlfriend's phone was driving you wild so you couldn't phantom it becoming a reality. one that was sitting at your girlfriend's fingertips.

"bet," miko said pulling her phone out from her pocket. your eyes widened and your mouth opened wider as her fingers released your neck for less than a second before tightening again.

the ringing was so painfully slow. the waiting was painfully slow. the feeling between your legs was painfully sweet as miko rested her thigh on the vibrator pushing on your clit still hovering over you.

"hey baby miko," billie teased. her voice boomed through the phone's speaker and your body reacted unexpectedly. you twinged and caught your breath attempting to remove the vibrator from your clit but miko looked at you menacingly.

"hey billie, you busy right now?" miko asked glancing down at you. she raised her brow and smiled mischievously before looking away pretending like you weren't falling apart under her grip.

"nah, i'm in my hotel" billie replied and you could hear her shuffling. you imagined her sitting up in bed listening to miko's voice. completely unaware of the state you were in. completely unaware that it felt like you were overhearing a conversation that did not involve you and that turned you on even more.

you were biting your lip attempting to muffle the sounds threatening to spill from your lips as she held a conversation with billie that you were completely unaware of. you were aching. shutting your eyes and squirming under her touch. too oblivious to the arrangement happening right in front of you.

you placed your hand over your mouth when a shrill squeal left your body and miko shook her head licking her lip before removing it harshly and pinning it above your head.

"come on. don't be shy now. let her hear you," miko teased coming down to brush her lips along the corner of your mouth. the phone was pressed to her ear touching your warm skin. you couldn't contain yourself. you couldn't bottle it up anymore. there was nowhere for it to go. the desperation was real. it'd been, what felt like, hours of this.

it was guttural. it came deep from within your body. it was pornographic and stirred a visceral reaction in billie that became very evident when she uttered a prolonged 'wow' and there was more rustling.

"wow. goddamn," she muttered and just the thought of her relishing in your pleasure and your moans was enough to send you into a fit of whimpers and groans as miko held the hand that gripped the vibrator close to your clit. you were on fire. ashes. burning into ashes as miko let go of your hand and slid two fingers into your entrance.

"fuck. oh- yes," you breathed and moaned heavily as miko increased the pace of her fingers.

"she sounds so good," billie spoke referring to you. it was as if you weren't in the room. as if it weren't your moans filling her ear causing an unholy reaction.

"she looks really good too," miko replied cockily as she smiled at you. you could hardly see her proud expression through your blurry vision. you were floating somewhere between reality and subspace. you weren't sure if you were going to come out of this alive. it was taking every ounce of strength to hold it together until you were given permission to crumble.

"you're really gonna make me touch myself right now?" billie teased finally addressing you. that only drove you more wild. especially considering the context of the question. it only caused the heat to rush to your face. to bite your lip and muffle your loud moans that still seeped through the phone's mic and into billie's fortunate ears.

"please, please, please billie-" you managed to speak in the whiniest voice billie had ever heard. she snarled and unable to resist temptation, slid her hand under her layers of clothing until her finger was brushing her wetness. she teased her needy clit. sensitive to the slightest touch. throbbing when she heard your moans and soft cries.

miko was amazed by the way your body squirmed under her touch. there was something accelerating about her fingers being the ones inside of you. strangely turned on by billie willingly touching herself to the sounds of her girlfriend. her very fucking sexy girlfriend who was crumbling under her three digits now. you really were putty in her hands.

"i-" you whined moving your hips to match miko's rhythm. the vibrator still attached to your clit. the combined feeling intolerable. miko raised her brows teasingly and expectantly watching you struggle to find your words as you heard billie moan on the other side of the line.

"i need to cum," you whimpered tossing your head back trying to close your legs. vibrator now sloppy pressed on your pussy. you were so wet it slid and it took you a few seconds to find your clit again. your sensitive little bud throbbing.

"ask her," miko spoke the two words so assertively that it only made you imagine dirtier thoughts. dirtier positions. dirtier words to use. just plain filth.

"please, billie. please." you were struggling to breathe. you couldn't wait for her permission. miko was doing that thing with her fingers that drove you absolutely crazy and this was all totally not what you were expecting from what you thought would just be an ordinary night.

"wait for me," billie commanded and you whined. crying out and begging repeated as billie's grunts filled the room only amplifying the different sensations piercing through your body. miko was so concentrated on your pretty face and the way you wrapped around her fingers so sweetly.

it felt like an eternity. you'd left your body but were somehow still experiencing every little sting and twinge and throb and-

"cum. now." billie exclaimed out of breath and you noticed the shift in the sound of her moans. they were desperate and jagged. they match your own sporadic ones as your body convulsed with stinging pleasure. mikos fingers were still in your pussy. the vibrator discarded between your legs. phone at the side of your head.

you could hear billie's groans as she cursed under her breath.

miko grabbed the phone. fingers still in your pussy. she knew you were too sensitive for any type of movement right now.

"fuck." billie cleared her throat and miko nodded her head in agreement. 'fuck' indeed.

"how does she look?" billie asked completely skipping over the fact that she just heard you moan and that you begged her to let you cum on your own girlfriend's fingers. fingers that were still very much residing in your pussy.

"fucked out," miko replied with a chuckle followed by a snarl when she slid her fingers out and noticed your arousal coating her digits. when she separated her fingers, weblike strings connected them. evidence of hours of enduring euphoric torture.

"take a picture," billie teased and half laughed as if that was the most absurd thing to slip out of her mouth that night. she wasn't expecting her phone screen to switch to a facetime call request. she inhaled and thanked the gods above before clicking the answer button.

miko gave billie a head nod and there was zero shame in the looks exchanged. then she flipped the camera and ran her phone along your body as you breathed heavily. chest rising as you struggled to settle your breathing. your legs shaking. arms limply resting on either side of your body. eyes spent. mouth open swallowing all the air you could breathe even if you choked a little. after all, you'd already been left gagged that night.

she was still on the call. that could only mean so many things. you were quivering in anticipation.

diaween 2024 💜

[yandere--stuck]

I just read your yandere bulkhead and it gave me an idea.(This is all platonic btw)

What if, after a little while, the autobots get attached to the kids, so much so that they start seeing them as their sparklings.

They slowly make more adjustments for them at the base. Then they start getting more protective of them. All the sudden the autobots are hesitant to let the kids leave more and more. They start pushing away from Fowler and June. And finally, the autobots refuse to let the kids outside of their care because in their mind they are just sparklings.

This could work with or without reader, and it can be a big oneshot or a full on story. It's really your choice.

Basically all together it's platonic yandere autobots.

REAL REAL REAL SO REAL I LOVE FAMILIAL/PLATONIC YANDERES. Clawing the walls of my enclosure rn

I've thought about this so much watching tfp THEY'RE FAMILY. They love their kids ;w;

This isn't a straight up fic just spouting ideas I've had because so I hope you enjoy anyway! ^^;

---

No Cybertronian was left unaffected by the pain of war. Friends, family, allies… All of Team Prime had lost at least someone to the horrors of war. Who wouldn't be changed by that? Who wouldn't become invested in the little family of allies they'd made? Who wouldn't want to protect and care for these kids? These kids they've grown to know and love and want to protect so badly? Is that not what family is?

It started off slow. Just the bots getting closer and a bit more affectionate with their charges. Bulk picking up the kids to (carefully!) hug them. Extra hugs and hair-ruffles from Arcee. The 'bots working in 'I love you's to their goodbyes or goodnights. 

They'd be smart enough to keep up a facade about their intentions around Fowler, but it's much harder with June. She won't allow Jack to stay over or stay longer than usual, and is hesitant about letting Rafael and Miko stay, too. June argues that the kids miss too much school already because of this, not to mention Jack flaking on his shifts! But, she just won't listen to reason! The autobots can learn human curriculum to teach them! And Jack was so young, why did he need a job? Sounds like *someone* isn't good enough at providing for their young. They don't want to hurt June, just… Turn over custody of Jack and allow them to do the same with Raf and Miko without contacting the families or police or Fowler!

They'll get a consistent supply of food and drink, beds, books and games, more comfortable pieces of furniture for organics... The children take it in stride and are excited and thankful. Just as Optimus predicted.

With the trap set, the kids alone, Fowler distracted, and June secretly locked up within the base until she would come around, they're locked in. They don't even realize anything wrong until they asked to be dropped off at home, only to be met by refusal. Stern explanations and consoling reassurance.

But the kids are anything if not crafty, and will likely put their heads together to come up with a plan. Jack would be their man on the inside, so to speak. Pretend to go along with the Autobots' wishes and accept them as family until he gets enough freedom or the opportunity to call for help or make a break for it. Because as smart as the Autobots were, they were obvious. 

Even Optimus.

It was obvious that Jack was the favorite. Why else was he given the key to Vector Sigma? 

"The prodigal son," as Miko put it.

It was easy for Jack to lean into Arcee as his mom. Because he'd be lying if he didn't see Arcee as a maternal figure, yeah, but he already had a mom. He had the dynamic down. But what was hard was being alone with Optimus.

Optimus gently held Jack in his hands, telling him how overjoyed he was that Jack saw him as a father. That he adored him, his son. That there's nothing Optimus wouldn't do for him. And Jack breaks. He cries. He let's Optimus hold and soothe him as he cries, asking his Dad why he left and pleading with him to never leave again, and at some point Jack couldn't tell whether his words were directed to a metaphorical father he never met or Optimus. 

Either way, he couldn't bring himself to continue the plan. He was sorry, but he hoped Miko and Raf would understand.

Miko is Bulkhead's sparkling. There is no question. Don't get him wrong, he loves Jack and Raf, too! All of them are the team's sparklings, after all. But, Miko is special to Bulk. He wants nothing more than for her to ditch her host family and realize her so-called 'actual' family clearly didn't care for her enough to want her around! But, Bulkhead did. He loved her. And he'd do anything for Miko if she'd just call him Dad.

Rafael couldn't have known, but it was probably a bad idea to tell Ratchet about his large family and how loud and busy it is at home, now the medic is using it as a reason to keep Raf at base. Rafael's 'family', if he could even call them that, clearly didn't care about him enough to know where he went at all hours of the day, so they likely wouldn't notice if Rafael stayed there permanently - and more importantly, with those that actually loved and cared for him. His real family.

While Ratchet is probably the most stern out of the kids' caretakers, he's also the most likely to coddle and baby them. Because by the AllSpark, the eldest of them had only come into existence sixteen years ago! Compared to Cybertronian lifespans, their human sparklings were nothing more than infants! 

He loves picking up the kids and carrying them around, held up against his chestplates like he did with his child and grandchildren, but unfortunately Rafael is the only one who consistently allows him to do so.

—

If the team is able to convince themselves that the kids are their biological-sparklings somehow (separation after incubation? Maybe crashing onto Earth in pods and taking on human altforms to survive?), they are quick to turn on June, especially Arcee. How could she call herself Jack's carrier? Jack was Arcee's kid!

Arcee would be incredibly apologetic to Jack, even as he tried to make her see reason. How could she have been so stupid? How couldn't she recognize her own sparkling right in front of her? She'd lost so many… She couldn't lose him, too.

Bulkhead would assert that he and Wheeljack were Miko's carrier and sire (not necessarily respectively). He'd have to catch Jackie up to speed, but Bulkhead was sure Wheeljack would come to remember the child they almost lost. He'd have to.

He knew Miko would be mad for a long while, but it was only because she didn't understand and didn't realize that they were really family. She'd come around and things would go back to normal - better than normal. He'd hold and hug her often, for as long as she allowed before she starts kicking and squirming. 

It hurt seeing her angry at him. It hurt so deep when she shouted that she hated him. But it made it all worth it when she finally broke down into tears, realizing that Bulkhead did care about her. No matter how bad it got. He wouldn't throw her away. Bulkhead was more of a Dad than her actual father. Maybe going along with things would just be easier. Less sad.

Ratchet claimed Rafael as a grandchild. He thought he lost his child and all her sparklings, but… No. No, one managed to escape whole in protoform, somehow. And that was his dearest Rafael. Something about the look in his eyes and the rusted color of his hair… His spark still aches from the pain he'd brought unto him, before Ratchet knew. How he had nearly failed him. Had almost lost the last of his family. How could he have been so blind?

But, no. Not anymore. Not ever again.

Ratchet would somehow be even more coddling than if he thought the kids were completely human. Would try to scruff them, hold them while bundled up in blankets they had snatched, never allowing them to be out of his sight when under his sole care.

I think Bumblebee would either side with the kids or just be so glad that Raf and the others wouldn't be leaving again that he wouldn't want to help. It's like Rafael said, they're family. Brothers, right? Family doesn't leave each other behind.

Optimus is definitely the most restrained out of the Autobots, but still as endlessly loving. They are not just the hope for their people,  but for him and his friends, as well. Optimus thanked his lucky stars every day that he somehow stumbled upon their sparklings and their family could be reunited.

At least, that's what he'd think when he's able to keep away bouts of regret and lucidity.

[linkemon]

Nandemonaiya (Haku x Reader)

Friendly reminder that English is not my first language. You can check my Masterlists both in English and Polish here. Consider supporting me on Ko-fi. You can also check out my commissions if you’re interested.

Other oneshots can be found here.

ɪɴ ᴏʀᴅᴇʀ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴀᴠᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛᴇᴍᴘʟᴇ ꜰɪɴᴀɴᴄɪᴀʟʟʏ, [ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ] ɪꜱ ᴀꜱꜱɪɢɴᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴡᴏʀᴋ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴀᴛʜʜᴏᴜꜱᴇ. ꜱʜᴇ ᴅᴏᴇꜱɴ'ᴛ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ʏᴇᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʜᴇʀ ᴇᴍᴘʟᴏʏᴇʀ ᴡɪʟʟ ʙᴇ ᴀ ʀᴇᴀʟ ᴡɪᴛᴄʜ. ꜱʜᴇ ɪꜱ ꜱᴀᴠᴇᴅ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴀ ʙʀᴇᴀᴋᴅᴏᴡɴ ʙʏ ʜᴀᴋᴜ. ᴀ ʙᴏʏ ᴡʜᴏ ᴅᴏᴇꜱɴ'ᴛ ʀᴇᴍᴇᴍʙᴇʀ ᴡʜᴏ ʜᴇ ɪꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴡᴀɴᴛꜱ ʜᴇʀ ᴛᴏ ᴀᴠᴏɪᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴀᴍᴇ ꜰᴀᴛᴇ ᴀᴛ ᴀʟʟ ᴄᴏꜱᴛꜱ…

[Reader] casts one last glance toward the shrine. A black roof covered in moss. A red tori gate standing out against the greenery. A few sisters heading to one of the rituals. Everything was as usual, except for the man standing at the top of the stairs. He emerged from the evening mist, looking off into the distance. He stroked his long beard thoughtfully.  

The current kannushi was so old that she had only seen him a few times, at major events. He could barely handle his work. None of the young men wanted to replace him. He had no children either. He had placed all his hopes in orphans like her. But for several years now, there had not been a single boy of the right age to learn. Several had passed away before his health failed and the only one left was only three years old. The fact that the monk had come out to see her off seemed oddly suspicious to her.  

She adjusted her bag, trying to understand what had happened last night. Right after dinner, the man had called her over. He didn't say much. It was mostly Annaisha-san explaining the situation to her. [Reader] had always respected the eldest miko. But she couldn't stop the angry and frustrated words from the bottom of her heart. Why did she have to leave? And she was the only one? Everyone else would stay here in peace and do what they always did. Meanwhile, she was going to change her entire life to work at some bathhouse, for a woman she'd never heard of before. That wasn't what she meant when she said she wanted adventure.  

— How long will I stay there? — the girl asked, trailing behind Annaisha.  

—As long as will be needed — the woman replied. She didn’t turn to look at her once. — Did you pack everything I asked you to?

— Yes. — [Reader] thought back to the stinking ball in her bag. Did her employer have a moth problem? All she had been told was to smell good and throw in another one just to be on the safe side.  

The sea of ​​green gave way to a sandy path. The tiny grains were still slightly damp from the humidity. She had been in this area many times but it seemed as if she had never seen this place before. A tunnel loomed before her, from which darkness peered out. The statue of a minor god seemed to bore into her with a piercing gaze.  

— Listen. — Miko finally stopped and gently grabbed her by the shoulders. — I know it's hard for you but it's the only hope to save our home. I don't know my parents and neither do you. This place has been my haven my whole life and I believe you feel the same way, so on behalf of everyone, I'm asking you for help. When you were little, you said how much you wanted to travel. Think of this as a chance to learn something new. I'm sure your work will help us all get back on our feet and you'll be with us again soon.

[Reader] didn't know what to say. She hugged the older woman, wishing she didn't have to let go at all. The woman silently patted her on the head, then led her deeper into the tunnel.  

On the other side, she was greeted by something resembling a train station. She thought she could hear a train but she couldn't see the tracks anywhere. She hurried past dusty benches and four-coloured windows. Outside, she was greeted by the clearest sky she had ever seen. It was a bit odd, considering it was long past noon. Blue reigned over her head as she crossed the green grass. She had to admit that the place, full of flowers and crisscrossed by tiny streams, was breathtaking.  

— Is this an open-air museum? — she asked, curious, seeing a row of buildings in the distance.  

— Something like that. — Miko’s response was quiet.  

[Reader] walked past the abandoned buildings, feeling a growing unease. She looked around, trying to find anyone selling tickets or tourists but there was no sign of anyone. Maybe the place had gone out of business? But if that was the case, why did she still see steaming delicacies at one of the stalls?  

— Don't touch anything! — the woman warned her as she saw her approach the skewers. — That's why I told you to take our onigiri. — She looked anxiously in the direction they had come from. — It's getting late. Listen to me carefully. In that direction — she pointed — there's a bathhouse. It's only a few buildings from here. Wait until it gets dark. Then eat anything. Fruit, a leaf, grass, it doesn't matter. Just remember not to eat anything from the stalls. Then go inside the building right away. Look for Yubaba. She's the one who's supposed to hire you.

— Can't you take me there? — The girl felt fear creeping up on her.  

— No. It's... a tradition — Annaisha finished awkwardly. With that, she turned around and quickly began to walk back.  

[Reader], alone in the large square, looked around uncertainly. Maybe it was just her imagination but it was getting colder. The sun seemed to be setting unusually quickly as she searched for her future workplace. She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to ward off some of the cold. As dusk fell, panic gripped her. The lamps were slowly turning on and she still didn't know where she was. Fortunately, a moment later she breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of a wooden plaque announcing that she had come to the right place. She leaned over one of the herbs growing from under the concrete and picked a tiny leaf. It didn't taste good, so she swallowed it quickly. However, when she raised her head, her scream died in her throat. She instinctively backed away, clinging to the brick wall. A monster was moving a few meters away from her, in the pale light. The creature was black. It seemed to be crawling over the stones. Right behind it, a whole row of something that looked like ghosts was wandering. Transparent bodies glided over the ground. They were lined up to the bathhouse she was about to enter. Terrified, she wanted to go back. But when she looked back at the place she had come from, she noticed that it was covered in water. She shook her head. She had to pinch herself. It was definitely just a dream. But no matter how many times she blinked, the image remained the same. The stairs ended in something like a wide river. In the distance, on the other side, something glowed that looked like the abandoned train station she had passed earlier. Suddenly, Annaisha's nervousness made sense. Had she known something like this would happen? Was that why she had left her alone in such a hurry?  

— What are you doing here? — The quiet but firm voice seemed genuinely surprised to see her there.  

Terrified, she wanted to scream but a hand stopped her. A boy appeared before her eyes, about her age. He was wearing work clothes. To her relief, his form was completely human. Seeing that she had calmed down, he removed his hand from her mouth. 

— You shouldn’t be here. — He looked at her closely. Her clothes told him a bit about who she was dealing with. Just to be sure, he followed the strange scent. He reached into his bag, pulling out an herbal pill. Just as he expected. — Are you from the temple? — he asked, wanting to finally confirm his suspicions.  

She nodded, afraid to speak.  

— It's not safe here. Come with me. — He stood up and held out his hand.  

He looked around the area anxiously. He paid no attention to the ghosts, though. He stared at the increasingly darkening sky.  

— What are... Who are...? — The girl didn't know how to ask about the strange creatures. However, her interlocutor understood in the blink of an eye.  

— Didn't the temple tell you where they were sending you? We have gods, spirits, demons and many others. People like you are rarely seen here.

— I'm looking for Yubaba. I heard she runs this bathhouse. — [Reader] felt like her voice sounded unfamiliar. 

— I work for her. You came to the right place but at the wrong time…  

Whatever the employee wanted to say, he didn't have time. A black silhouette passing by turned a strange head in his direction. He blew in response. The air was filled with the beautiful scent of cherry blossoms. Pink momentarily obscured the world. The mysterious stranger quickly pulled [Reader] after him and disappeared into another dark alley. The girl could swear that she had never run so fast in her life. She didn't even know she was capable of reaching such speed. It was as if she was racing against the wind.  

— I just bought us some time. No one can find you for now. Not until we get you a job. I'll cast a spell on you and you'll become invisible. The only place you need to be careful is the bridge. When you step on it, take a deep breath and don't breathe until you step off. Meet me on the other side. Is that clear?

— Can you say that aga… — She didn’t have time to ask. Another wave of tiny flowers blocked her vision.

When she opened her eyes, she was standing only a few steps away from the huge red bridge leading to the bath house. When had she even traveled that distance?  

Her guide had already stepped onto the wooden planks, weaving between the various figures. She wanted to cry but she held back her tears. She didn't have time for that now. She took a deep breath and ran after him. She didn't look back. A frog was loudly conversing with those entering. She was about to pass her when a giant loomed in front of her. Whatever he was, he was several meters tall. His rusty body resembled a shapeless mass with holes for eyes. He settled in the middle, filling the entire space. The creatures began to speak to him in strange languages ​​she didn't understand. Her lungs seemed to be burning as she tried unsuccessfully to squeeze past. She had to do something and do it quickly. She looked around frantically. There was a branch lying nearby. It must have fallen from one of the few trees. She picked it up, praying that whatever was in front of her wouldn't turn out to be a god. She didn't want to displease him. She stuck the stick into the red mass. Something gurgled and shrank as if in pain. She rushed forward, finding the black shag.

— You did it. — He whispered. — Follow me.

Contrary to appearances, they didn't go inside. He led her down a small path next door. Then they started down the stairs. In contrast to the splendor that greeted her from the front, this one was much dingier. They passed machinery. A series of pipes that probably carried water. Some of them hissed, others leaked slightly. They went outside again. This time they headed up. At one point, she stopped and looked down. It was a mistake. She hadn't realized how high up she was. She crouched on a narrow step with her head between her knees. It was too much.  

— Are you okay? — A warm hand rested on her shoulder.  

— Not really. What am I even doing here? I'm a few hundred meters above the ground. If not higher. If there's even ground down there! And we just left. How is that even possible? There are things around me that you only read about in fairy tales. You can do magic. And I was only supposed to work for a nice old lady. Everything is wrong! — Tears flowed thickly, disappearing somewhere in the strange space beneath her feet.  

— Come on, come on...— He hugged her and patted her head. — It's always hard at first. When I got here, I didn't know much either and I was alone. And you have me. — He gave her a reassuring smile.  

— But… I don’t know you — she stuttered, trying to calm down.  

— Call me... call me Haku.  

— [Reader]. — She wiped her tears with the sleeve of her robe.  

Sniffling, she followed her new acquaintance, who never once let go of her hand the rest of the way. She was grateful for that. She wasn't sure if at some point she wouldn't just start running back to the entrance, just to look back at where she had come from.  

She should have been prepared for Haku's familiarity to be just as strange as the rest of the magical world but for some reason she expected a figure similar to him. So when something like a giant spider emerged from the warm air, she hid behind the boy's back. Eight arms worked in superhuman symbiosis, feeding coal to the furnace.   

— [Reader], meet Kamajī. He'll find you a job…  

[Reader] grabbed a warm bun and stuffed it all into her mouth. She wrapped the rest carelessly in a white scarf. Her boss — a giant rat — added his latest baked good to the mix, then went on a break. He showed his not-so-clean teeth in what she assumed was a smile. He seemed pleased with her dishes today. She nodded to a few of the workers and ran downstairs. She couldn’t understand any of the cooks. They probably couldn’t understand a single word she was saying either. They were a motley crew of different species. It was hard at first but somehow they managed to work together. The longer she thought about it, the less she could tell how long they’d been together. Time seemed to flow differently here. She felt like she’d been working long hours, although the days seemed to drag on, too.

Getting the job was harder than the job itself. Just thinking about her first days in this world gave her the shivers. Meeting the head of the bathhouse was something she wanted to forget. She would never in her life displease her. Yubaba was a witch. In the literal sense of the word. A huge head and big eyes, as if staring into her soul. She didn't want to hire [Reader] for anything.  

In the old days, when she was still starting her business, she needed workers more than ever. People who were more familiar with the spirit world than others would come to her place. Some shrines or temples would deliberately send their miko there to receive payments or blessings in return. But over time, everything grew. And the owner stuck with her promise to give work to anyone who asked for it. Now, however, she did it reluctantly. So she tried to scare off interested people in every way possible.

[Reader] couldn't just leave where she came from. She didn't really have anywhere to go back to. Yubaba had said she wouldn't pay the shrine anyway, which would mean ruining her home. She also didn't want to look into the faces of the people who had placed such high hopes in her only to be disappointed. Even if she was angry at Annaisha, she still remembered the years she had taken care of her. Besides, she had prepared her as best she could, even though she had lied. She had given her bullets that would mask the scent of humans among the inhabitants of this reality. She had also prepared a wooden tablet. On it, she had carved her name in kanji. As it turned out, so important.

So she begged for her job with annoying persistence all evening. The boss's opulent office provided ample opportunities for her to show how strong she was. The witch worked her magic stubbornly to get rid of the young girl. She started by throwing a stack of papers at her face, ending with strange folding birds that wanted to peck her. Then she corrected it with a blazing fire from the fireplace and three heads that constantly jumped on the colourful, fringed carpet. Finally, irritated, she threatened to turn her into a pig. This made [Reader] turn her head toward Haku. The boy had warned her that they had to act like strangers. But she hadn't expected him to be so cold. He seemed like the complete opposite of the person she had met earlier. He didn't even blink when she screamed when she saw the pig's tail sticking out of the back of her robe. Accompanied by shrill laughter, she screamed that she needed a job. This caused Yubaba to close her powerful mouth, sighing loudly. She waved her hand and the tail disappeared. She gave up and handed her the contract with boredom, complaining about the ill-mannered youth. Help in the kitchen in exchange for room and board. She had little choice. As soon as the girl's name landed on the paper, she changed it. Several characters flew into the air, leaving her with a new identity. The boy had warned [Reader] that this would happen. That was why the tablet she had brought with her was so precious. Since then, she had written her old name in places she visited regularly. So that she could remind herself of it. The witch gained power over the employees because she stole their names. Over time, they forgot who they were, only to stay forever and work as long as they were able. Just like Haku.

— Faster than me, as always. Do you even sleep?  

— Sometimes. — Haku smiled mysteriously.  

She had never seen him sleep or doze off but he had a lot of responsibilities. His job was one of the most responsible in the entire bathhouse. He was always on his feet from the crack of dawn until dusk.  

He hid in their favourite spot, in the middle of the flower maze. The azaleas and oleanders were a mosaic of pink and orange. The rising sun coloured the white camellias, which still had dew on them. The boy was just finishing watering the plants. It wasn't part of his duties. He simply liked doing it. Ever since she learned that he was always here at this time, she had come to visit him. She leaned against the dark hedge. She closed her eyes for a moment to enjoy the cool air.  

— What’s for breakfast today? — he asked, looking into the basket.  

— For gods magic goo, for demons magic goo and for spirits…  

— Let me guess, also magic goo? — Haku finished for her. — Good thing all I see here are buns. — He bit into one as he said that.

Food for the creatures of this world almost never looked tasty. It was usually gruel or soup. They had flavours and many of them reminded [Reader] of ingredients she knew but what she put into the huge pots looked unfamiliar. Only magic could turn liquids into dishes that resembled home-cooked food. She was still learning it. It wasn't an unattainable skill but it required time and focus. Something that the kitchen lacked during meal times, when she could practice it. Haku, as Yubaba's apprentice, helped her a lot. She couldn't count on a rat boss. He showed her gestures with his paws and what the end result should look like but he couldn't explain in words what she should do.

— How are you? — She leaned against Haku's shoulder.  

— Very good. You’re getting better and better. — He reached for another piece.  

— I think I’ll be promoted soon — [Reader] mused.  

The boss liked her. Magic was getting better and better. Plus she had friends around her. When she first found herself in this world, she was terrified. Now she had her life in order.  

— I made you a new tablet — Haku said, pulling a piece of wood from his robe.

Carefully carved kanji characters. Beautiful calligraphy. So perfect. Almost too perfect.  

— Another one? I told you to drop it.

The boy kept insisting that she repeat her old name. It irritated her. It was enough that she did it once a day. And he produced such reminders and left them in various places so that she would come into contact with them as often as possible. She left the orphanage and the temple behind. In that world, she was practically a nobody. Here, she had a chance to be somebody. She really mattered to someone. She didn't need to constantly think about the past.  

— It's important. You'll get out of here someday, and then...   

She didn't let him finish. She abruptly stood up, irritated.  

— Again with this! We've been through this before. There's no escape from here. Yubaba knows everything that happens here. There's a slim chance and I'm not going to take it. I know you're hurting because you don't remember who you are but I'm not you!

A shadow of resentment crossed his warm face. Barely noticeable but still. She felt a pang of guilt but she knew she was also right. He was projecting some of his resentment onto her. He had made a decision long ago that he now regretted. He didn't know himself and for years it had been eating him up inside. Who was he? What did he like to do? Where was his home?  

— It's true. I regret becoming Yubaba's apprentice. That's why I want to save you from what I myself can never escape. What happened to your dreams? When I met you, you said you wanted to see the world. Are you going to give up? — Haku gently grabbed her by the shoulders, as if to talk some sense into her.

— Dreams change. I have a new life now. You're one of the reasons I don't want to leave here. You should be happy. — [Reader] smacked his hand away.  

— Me? — Haku's face showed shock.  

— Is it so strange that I love you? — The girl seemed to not immediately realize what she had said. But once she did, she did not intend to take her words back.  

The boy didn't answer. He simply hugged her tightly. It wasn't like he hadn't seen how their relationship had begun to go beyond friendship. It had happened a long time ago. Subtle smiles. Holding hands. Spending every free moment together. Thoughts of her that haunted him while he worked. He had put the pieces of the puzzle together a long time ago. But hearing those words from her alone seemed to finally seal what was between them. He couldn't just leave it like that...

Haku said goodbye to Yubaba with a stony face. The witch draped herself in pitch-black feathers. She looked at him longer than usual but he held her piercing gaze. Had she guessed?  

— I'm leaving the business in your hands. See to everything. — With these words she took to the air and flew out through the open window.  

He let out a long-held breath. The festival was no problem. Everything was practically ready. A wealthy client had simply fallen from the sky. Ever since he had requested a big event, the entire bathhouse had been trying to prepare one for him. Yubaba would have liked to have been rushing the workers all evening but for some unknown reason she had left the bath house in a hurry.  

Haku walked out in front of the building. The usually empty booths were still filling up with new guests. The bath attendants were just starting their shift, rushing through the line of people gathered in line. Luckily, [Reader] was already finishing up. She was standing next to the boss, nibbling on the food on display. He waved hello to them. Then, without a word, he grabbed the girl's hand and headed for the stone steps.  

— Where are we going? — She looked pleased as she munched on the magic skewer.  

— To one of my favourite places. It’s almost always flooded but today the water level was low enough. — With that, he led her through the crowd of ghosts.  

He hoped the workers would manage without him for a while. The streets were swarming with capricious gods.  

They crossed a flowery meadow. The buds closed from the lack of sunlight. Shadows seemed to thicken around the buildings without light. Haku felt a tighter grip on his hand.  

— Are you sure we can go this far? — [Reader] looked around uncertainly.  

— We'll be fine. Yubaba left and it doesn't look like she'll be back anytime soon.  

The further they walked, the further they got from the baths. She passed places that had long since faded from her memory. This was where she had walked when she first came to this land. If she looked closely, she could even make out the abandoned train station. The one she had passed through long ago.  

It was only when she saw the lights that she understood where they were headed. In the middle of the meadows was a tree surrounded by thousands of fireflies. It was huge. Its spreading branches reached high into the air. It had completely dried out. She could still see the empty riverbed that had once flowed here. The birds that had once lived here had left behind only empty nests. The sight might have seemed eerie but to her it only brought sadness.

Haku felt connected for the tree for some reason. He didn't remember it. But he felt like he had seen it in his previous life. The sight of its death filled him with sorrow, though he couldn't imagine what it might have been like in life. [Reader] didn't interrupt his story. She laid her head on his lap, as she had done for a long time and let him speculate. Stories of how he imagined himself before. What might have happened to him in the past. A cool wind with the scent of cherry blossoms carried his stories across the meadow. They flew away towards the dark sky, surrounded by the glow of fireflies.  

He would miss these moments. The peace her presence brought him. But he believed he was making the right decision. He hoped she wouldn't be mad at him. At least not mad enough to erase him from her memory entirely. Would she even remember him when she will leave this world? How wrong was it that after what he was about to do, he still selfishly wanted her to love him? 

He wanted to visit this place with her under different circumstances because in some way it was a part of him. Even if he didn't know how. It was like sharing a piece of the past. If he forgot, she would still know. He wished they had more time.

He prayed to the gods that Yubaba would not find out it was him. If she discovered the truth, he would probably say goodbye to his life. But it was a fair price for the risk. One life in exchange for another.  

— I love you [Reader] — he whispered one last time.  

[Reader]. Yeah, right. That was her real name before she came here. The words came to her slowly. She didn't even notice the moment her eyelids grew heavy. Something that was probably a kiss rested on her forehead. She felt a nice warmth. She wanted to say the same thing but she didn't have the strength. She fell asleep.  

— [Reader], [Reader], [Reader]! — Yumeka happily jumped around her. — You must see the river.

The woman adjusted her hat, smiling. She offered the little girl her hand. She was pleased with how much good she had done. This was an example of a happy child. The orphanage she had founded was doing well. Unlike the temple where she had grown up, no one forced the little ones to follow one path. She had found people who were willing to support them in choosing a career when the time came.

[Reader] wanted to repay the good fortune she had experienced. The couple who had found her in the woods a few years ago, gave her a home. The doctors had determined that she had suffered from partial amnesia as a young girl. Whenever she tried to explain to them that she had grown up in a temple, they said it was impossible. Her adoptive parents took her there so she could see that it had been abandoned. It was only after several years of work, when she had been awarded the title of a top chef, that she managed to make enough contacts to look at the guarded documents. Some of the people she had grown up with were still alive. When she asked them about her disappearance, they told her that she had simply left one day. Supposedly because they had found parents willing to adopt her. What didn’t add up, however, was how much older she seemed compared to them. She couldn’t explain it but she felt as if there had been a gap in her life. A much longer one than anyone around her suggested.

Over time, she gave up digging into the past. There was little she could do and no one knew the answers to her questions. So she set herself a new goal. She travelled the world. She cooked for many different celebrities but also for ordinary people. She was hailed as a magical cook. Guests claimed she could do magic. According to critics, the dishes she prepared seemed to have a taste of something they had never been able to taste from anyone else. When her parents began to fail, [Reader] returned to her hometown. There, she came up with the idea of ​​opening an orphanage. Only, it was better than the one she knew. Raised as a future miko, she felt no happiness. She wanted the children to choose their own paths in life. After the deaths of their mother and father, she began to visit the building more and more often. The bond that developed between her and the children was something special. They were the only ones who didn't laugh when she told stories that the adults only shook their heads at. That for years she had been dreaming of a distant land. And in it a colourful bathhouse and magical creatures. Above all a terrifying witch. More often, however, a boy with a gentle smile and green eyes. One day, however, he stopped appearing there and did not want to return for anything.

— You’re saying that out of nowhere a river started flowing here? — [Reader] looked curiously at the lazily flowing water.

— Yes. My friend Chihiro said it just showed up here one day. She came here recently with her parents and they were the first to discover this. Then the neighbours came. Everyone was surprised.  

She nodded, staring into the clear surface. It seemed familiar for some reason. Like she had seen it before but that couldn't be possible since the stream had appeared only weeks ago.  

She took off her sandals and dipped her feet into the cool current. The world seemed to stop for a moment. Silence surrounded her. The scent of cherry blossoms filled her nostrils. She stood under a blooming, spreading tree surrounded by fireflies.

— You're so stupid, Haku! — The girl clenched her fist.

She looked helplessly at the water that was now flooding the entire area. He had fenced her off. He had fenced her off from that world. He had the nerve to carry her right up to the station and disappear while she was sleeping. On the other side. When she woke up, it was already morning. All he had left behind was a letter, which she opened with a trembling hand.  

Dear [Reader],  

I know you're angry. You have every right to be. I know that what I'm about to do will hurt you deeply but I can't let you spend the rest of your life here and forget who you are like I did. In time, it will start to bother you, just like it did me. You'll start to forget about the people, places and dreams you've had. Knowing that I'm the main reason you don't want to try to escape from here is one of the worst thoughts I've ever had. If I didn't do anything, the guilt would eat me up inside. Knowing you, you're probably wondering if it's possible to wait here and go back to the bathhouse. I'll answer your question. It's impossible. You can't step into the same river twice. You only have one path and it leads home. I love you. That will never change. That's why I'm selfishly asking you for one last favour. Go through the tunnel. Don't look back. Do every single thing you've ever wanted. I hope that one day we'll be able to meet again. Even if it will be just in our dreams.

Forever yours x͕̪̙͓̟ͯ͒́̕x̵̛̯̭̒̆̿͘x̴̡̬͇̼̙͋̀̂̋ͮx̷̬̙̍̉͊́̕x̷̨̫̹͉ͤ͒̔̓͋͞x̶̫ͦ̇̽̎  

She thought she saw the kanji forming a signature but it seemed to spill and dance before her eyes. Kohaku? No… The correct one would be…  

— Nigihayami Kohakunushi. — The words seemed to escape her lips on their own.  

— [Reader], are you okay? You were completely out of it for a moment. — Yumeka waved her hand in front of her eyes. — How did you know what we named the river? You said it was the first time you’d heard of it.

— It's nothing. I got lost in my thoughts. One of the neighbours probably told me and I just remembered. — She cast a last, lingering look at the river. — Let's go for dinner. I was going to wait a bit longer but I actually came to tell you the good news. If everything goes well, I'll be able to start the adoption process soon. What do you think?

— Really?

— Really. — She smiled, grabbed her hand and together they walked away from the shore. Cherry blossoms were still dancing in the air.  

[aishien-the-aishien]

Transformers: Prime oneshot [writing]

I am new here, I don't know if this is something people on Tumblr do, but firstly - who's it gonna hurt, and secondly - almost no one is going to see this anyways, so!! That's basically the thought process that led me to posting this short writing about Transformers: Prime (mostly Ratchet, I have my favourites alright). Have fun! (TW for robot injury, I guess?) Hard to believe, but afternoons in the base had grown to be... peaceful. Everything had become a routine - the children's arrivals after their school day was finished, whatever activities they could come up with each day, even the occasional missions felt like chores to gallop through rather than battles of an age-old war.

Ratchet wasn't too fond of that at first. It seemed to him that their purpose here was being forgotten, diminished into a child's play. Everyone treated this like... like a vacation, even. He had not come here for a vacation, though, he had come through sheer necessity and he was determined to see this war through, and Megatron in his rightful place, in some dusty old scrapyard.

And yet... Even he couldn't disagree that this state of things was simply... pleasant. He never felt without purpose; there was always something to do at the base, something in their equipment to adjust, some device or a part of the long out of use base to repair, sometimes even staying on his guard while the younger bots were out with the humans proved useful. Primus, Ratchet was beginning to think that Miko was his true enemy here on Earth, considering how often Bulkhead came from their escapades with new dents and scratches and minor Energon leaks to fix. Miko's own scratches and bruises can't even be mentioned, as the frequency with which she gathered new ones was far beyond Ratchet's own capability to study proper human treatment. She did, to be fair, claim that they would "heal on their own", but the old medic found that difficult to believe.

It was all really peaceful. But if all the years of war, by the Allspark, if the fact that the war had even broken out had taught Ratchet anything, it was that peace never lasts long. It was on one of those calm afternoons in Jasper, Nevada, a small city on planet Earth, when it was ruptured yet again.

That was the kind of day when they picked up some Decepticon signals, undoubtedly moving towards a potential relic location. With Optimus not having found those coordinates in the Archives before, he had seen it fit to investigate the case himself, Bumblebee and Arcee coming as support. Ratchet accepted that without an objection. When they had first arrived on Earth, and when Decepticons followed, he had found it troubling to allow Bumblebee out on potential combat missions. If back then, he had been asked to let the young scout to go investigate a site even Optimus was uncertain about, following enemies headed that way, Ratchet would have laughed at the asker's face. Far too dangerous, he would have said. He would have never put Bee in such danger. But now was not then, and danger had become a habit.

Bulkhead had stayed behind, partly because the destination was a barely accessible area atop of some Earth mountains, where his large and awkward build would have made trekking it near impossible, and partly because lately, someone had always had to stay at the base - someone other than Ratchet, of course - to safeguard the three humans. The old medic never objected, either, for a reason as simple as any. He did not think he would not have been able to protect the children, oh, no, but he certainly wouldn't have wanted to be the one to entertain them while the rest of the team was gone. That had become almost a regular duty for Bulkhead, though it didn't seem to pose a problem to him, oppositely - he enjoyed his time with the children, speeding along the roads and drifting off of cliffs. Each time, it was the reason of unlimited amusement for Miko, and of Jack's and Rafael's ever-rising concern, as far as Ratchet understood. And there they were, outside, on that warm afternoon, perfect for outdoors activities, when a signal came from the Bots on the mission.

Ratchet rose his head sharply as he heard the quick, high-pitched beeping echo through the empty base. He lifted himself from his knees, abandoning the Energon refiner he was cleaning, and brushed his hands off of the blue spots as he walked up to the console. "Yes?", he asked when he was in the microphone's range. "What is it, Arcee?"

"Open the Ground Bridge!", he heard her yell. Immediately, he straightened up and stood at the ready. Arcee sounded shaken - that could not mean anything good. "Now, Ratchet!"

"On it", he confirmed as he pulled the lever, opening the Bridge at its previous coordinates. "What happened?"

The last words, he said less into the microphone, and more directly to the Bots entering the base through the Bridge as it opened deeper in the base. Two Cybertronian shapes, untransformed, were hurrying across, staggering and stumbling, one visibly helping the other one keep up. Ratchet frowned with concern when he realised that neither of them was Optimus. A twinge of fear struck him - Optimus could be a Prime or anything else he desired, his medic would worry about him either way.

But Optimus wasn't the only one he worried about, and when the two shapes came nearer, Ratchet was hit with far more than a twinge. A wave of fright came upon him as he realised it was Arcee who was helping Bumblebee up, hunching under the larger Bot's weight. From what he could make out, Bee was barely moving.

"What happened?!", he repeated, far more sharply, rushing towards the incomers.

Bumblebee was, in fact, fast unconscious. All the bodywork on his chest was jagged, with the metal grotesquely curved outwards and stained with Energon, a blue trail left on the ground behind him. Only a flicker of light could still be seen in his always bright eyes.

"It was the relic", Arcee spat, letting out a relieved grunt as Ratchet supported the young Bot from the other side, lifting some of the weight from her shoulders. "It... stuck itself to Bee and wouldn't come off, then it started opening him up". It was an attempt at a description, but she clearly wasn't sure what she saw herself.

Ratchet shook his head, all his focus was on Bumblebee now, anyway. "Let's get him to med bay", he commanded.

As they laid the injured one down, they both heard footsteps, approaching fast. Through the Ground Bridge, still open, ran Optimus, giving out shots backwards, and with enemy shots following him. Fast as he could, he reached the Bridge control lever and pulled it, closing the portal before any Cons were able to come through.

Optimus was in no perfect shape himself, with several dents and burns from the Vehicon guns, but he took no time to rest. "Bumblebee needs immediate treatment", he announced, turning to the others. Ratchet had already known that, plugging the diagnostic devices and Energon supply wires to Bee's body after but a quick glance to see if Optimus was well. Bumblebee was the priority. "The relic we found turned out to be an old Decepticon tool, a device used to acquire operational cogs from corpses of the slain." But how could he speak like that, so evenly and collectedly? "Our enemies got to it first, and-"

"Stop talking", Ratchet finally cut him across. He gave Optimus a sharp look - that much, he could afford. "We'll speak later."

Both Optimus and Arcee looked surprised by the medic's tone. It wasn't the first time he'd spoken harshly, and most certainly wouldn't be the last - but it happened so rarely for Optimus to be the target. Arcee turned her head to the leader, shock and worry on her face.

Ratchet paid no mind to that at all. The Energon was leaking through multiple holes in both Bumblebee's bodywork and his exposed internals, but while the medic was patching the wounds, he realised it would not even be his biggest concern. Bumblebee's insides were... rearranged. Ratchet had never seen anything like that before, and he wished it had stayed that way. It looked as if something had reached inside and pulled at whatever that stuck out, without a second thought, ripping cables, misshaping the metal awfully. And worst of all, there was not a single second for terror, no matter how much that would require the medic to silence his own thoughts. He soon realised another problem, one that made acting quick far more significant.

He didn't even notice how stained his hands were when he pushed Optimus aside to reach the console, commanding the systems to run all the possible diagnostics. Bumblebee's Energon had a disturbing hue, visibly darker than it should have been, and it wouldn't stop leaking, even after all this time. Ratchet had one suspicion, and one he had to confirm or deny fast - that the young Bot had been injected with some sort of a toxin, and required an antidote urgently.

Optimus stepped out of the way, observing the medic's actions with widened eyes. He always hid most of his emotions, and he hid them well - those other than his concern for a life in danger. Any life. And this time, it was far more than just any life.

"Will he be okay?", Arcee asked, staring at the operation with wide eyes as well.

"Just let me work", Ratchet spat, not even gracing her with a look, his gaze fixed on the monitors and his fingers running through the tools beneath the console.

He would not have any distractions. He couldn't afford any. His thoughts, any that weren't an analysis of Bumblebee's medical state, were muted and slow, as if something was blocking them, avoiding distraction even within his own mind. But he knew he was stressed, he knew that much. He knew he was scared for the scout's life. And he knew he was angry.

Arcee did not seem to be able to find herself in this situation. She stepped back, fists clutched, trying to collect herself.

"Arcee", Optimus said soothingly. "It would serve you well to get some rest."

The blue Bot looked up at him, it seemed hearing a voice had snapped her back into reality. She nodded and pushed herself to walk away from the med bay area and into the deeper parts of the base, to enter a stasis nap. An odd feeling, she noticed, still trying to gather her thoughts. She never needed to get a nap after missions, lately she rarely felt the need of stasis at all, but this time... This mission had not seemed so different from others when they left, but now...

Yet before she could exit the main room, she heard the sound of an engine, soon followed by a bulky green shape driving into the base. Bulkhead stopped close by the entrance, allowing the kids to get out, and transformed to the clanging of metal. He was laughing, along with the kids. Primus, he was laughing...

It only took them several moments to realise what they had stumbled into. Laughter was caught in the kids' throats. Bulkhead paused for a minute before he rushed up to the scene and stopped only by Optimus.

"What happened?!", he yelped.

"Get away from here, all of you!", Ratchet snapped in response as he passed between the patient and the screen filled with diagnostics results, and a couple vials and tubes, ran dusty, where the machinery was trying to fix up the antidote. There was so much damage, he feared it might be too much... But no, it wouldn't be, it couldn't be. "Just step back, you're getting in my way!"

"Bulkhead", Optimus turned to him, "I think you would do best to take the children and go back outside. None of you needs to see this-"

"No!", Ratchet interrupted yet again. He halted midstride, staring at Optimus with a blaze in his eyes. He sure was angry. "You go outside, Optimus, get out of here and don't return until Bee is well!"

He tapped a finger on Optimus's chest, accusingly, leaving a bright-blue stain where he touched him. Prime didn't move, not any more than opening his mouth a bit, shocked. "Ratchet...", he tried to speak.

"No, I don't want to hear any of it! This is your fault!"

He turned back at Bee and was hit with another wave of emotions, fear and guilt on the leading edge. He shook his head and rushed back to the scout, back to the whirl of doing whatever he could to fix him.

Optimus furrowed his eyebrows. He wasn't angry, he never was. But he wouldn't be accused unreasonably, not as a leader in a moment of crisis, and not of... Not of what was happening.

"It was a mission. Bumblebee was doing his part, I do not see how I-"

"I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE MISSION!"

Keeping his cool was far beyond what he could do now. He turned to Optimus, then back to Bumblebee, his mind spiralling. He shut his eyes for a second, trying to collect himself well enough to continue working.

"When you go with him on the mission, then the mission is not your priority, don't you understand?! I don't care how important it would be! It's your duty to keep him safe, your damn duty!"

He kept talking as he searched for the right tools, used them, methodically, regardless of his panic. He couldn't keep those words inside.

Optimus wasn't responding. He couldn't find the right words, he... he didn't know what he could say. Hesitantly, he tried: "Bumblebee is a soldier..."

"FOR PRIMUS' SAKE, OPTIMUS, HE IS OUR SON!"

The words rang through the base, accompanied only by the beeping of the machines and the metallic sounds of tools against Bumblebee's insides. The three human children stood where Bulkhead had left them, eyes and mouths wide-open. Even though neither of them seemed to understand everything fully, Rafael's eyes were beginning to water - but he never made a sound. Bulkhead and Arcee could only watch silently.

Optimus Prime took a deep breath.

"Arcee, Bulkhead, take the human children outside", he said with a flat voice. "The doctor needs the space." He sighed. "And you really do not need to see this."

Optimus took a step closer. He never left, but he'd made sure to stay out of Ratchet's sight for the past hours, as the medic was fighting for Bumblebee's life. But all had gone quiet by now. Ratchet stood by his equipment, weary hands resting on the console, with the monitor pulsating green and blue light in front of him. All other lights had been turned off, to save energy - just in case. The operation had lasted long.

The medic had washed his hands off of Bumblebee's Energon by then, but light blue stains were still visible here and there across the room, with no one who would have had the strength to clean them up. Bulkhead and Arcee had left, as Optimus told them, and they were right to do so - nobody wants to watch one of their friends with his arms stained to the elbows with another's Energon.

The beeping of the machines had become stable and muted, the loudest sound in the room was the constant hum inside all the tubes, attached to Bumblebee's body, slowly refilling his resources. As Optimus gazed upon the scene, he realised that he didn't have the slightest notion as to how any of those systems were operated. He ought to make sure he learns the basics, and so does the whole team. The well-being of them all was too heavy a burden to lay on the old field medic's shoulders alone.

Prime was going through words in his head, trying to find the right ones. He always did. Primes always said just the right thing, no more and no less, as they were supposed to. No matter to whom. No matter when. No matter what he might want to tell his partner, and no matter how much he might want to... He couldn't even tell what he would want to say or do, if he could. He was a Prime. He would only say the right thing.

He walked closer and put a hand on Ratchet's shoulder. "Ratchet, I believe you should rest now-"

"Leave me alone." The voice that cut him off was slow and quiet out of weariness, but stone-cold nonetheless. "I don't want to see you." But there was no anger in him anymore, there was nothing but exhaustion. Ratchet never turned his head, never gave Optimus as much as a glance. He didn't move at all, only stood there, boring his eyes into the control panel, into the steel reflecting the pale light of the monitor, Bumblebee's life in numbers and graphs. "Not until he wakes up. Or until..."

He didn't have it in himself to finish.

Optimus drew back his hand.

"I understand."

His heavy steps could be heard across the base as he walked off into its halls. He hadn't left before, and he wouldn't leave now - being here, on his guard, was all he could have done for his scout right now - but he could afford to give Ratchet the solitude he needed.

Ratchet gathered what strength was left in him and pushed himself away from the monitor, trudging towards where Bumblebee was lying. The boy looked better now, but the gash in his chest was still wide open, and wires and tubes were sticking out of his body, as if he had a grotesque spider sitting on him. His state was stable... But bad. He got the antidote, but his Energon analysis was still off. The deformation of his chest would not allow him to wake up, let alone move, for a long time, before Ratchet would be able to fix it. If he would be able to at all...

The medic put his hand on Bumblebee's shoulder and looked into his face with an expression of blunt determination on his own. He would see his son open his eyes, here, on this table... He had to.

[gumasantan]

hemorrhage: a yaeyato oneshot

about: a yakuza AU with yae miko of the grand narukami shrine and kamisato ayato of the kamisato clan.

word count: ~4.5k words (istg these oneshots just keep getting longer and longer).

author's note: requested by one of my moots, had real fun writing this one! next fic would be ~10k words long now HAHAHAHA anyway, please enjoy!

Bang!

…

…

…

A loud thud resounded within the room, immediately followed by a deafening silence.

Sounds of footsteps shortly filled the quiet space, heading towards the source of the noise.

The pink-haired woman stares keenly at what’s laying in front of her before looking to the fabric that has been fully stained with red through and through.

This is gonna be such a mess for the poor bastard that’s going to tidy this up.

Appearing unimpressed, she sighs as she walks over the lifeless corpse beneath her and towards the window. The rain that’s slowly but quickly dripping over the glass hazes the lively glows of the cityscape over on the other side. She gazes wistfully at the sight that cannot be absorbed.

Expressing slight disappointment with a frown, she turns around and sits down on the office chair.  With the same unamused look, she puts her weapon down, reached inside both of her pockets and grabbed a cigarette in her left and a lighter in the right. Like a match made in heaven.

Flick!

“It’s so damn cold here.” She grumbles to no one.

As she attempts to conceal her shivering as if she’s hiding her anxiety while negotiating for a juicy deal in front of three businessmen— Oh.

She inhales the rough flavor of tobacco and blows the smoke outwards carelessly.

At least here no one will fucking complain.

She flicks the burning cigarette once more before putting it again in her mouth, withering it to crisp in one go and throwing its butt to the wall. Giving herself time to soak some warmth back to her chilly form, she puts down her sunglasses to the table and forcefully takes her phone from her pocket.

Letting her back fall onto the chair, she sets her foot aside on the wooden furniture.

She looks up to the ceiling and closes her eyes, allowing some of that fatigue to melt just so she could recover some of that lost energy in this day that seems to go on without end. Not her first time, but she could just never get used to it. God help her if she ever did.

A few seconds have passed by and she finally let herself enter back into consciousness.

She opens her phone that she has tightly held in front of her, and is greeted by the ever-familiar sight of a young man with a hair that reflects the color of the sky, magnificently contrasting with his maroon tuxedo, tightest as it can get to reveal some form of his true build.

Unbeknownst to her, whether by impulse or conscious choice, she purred at the sight.

Her look became that of a miner who had just struck gold, or rather, diamond for that matter. Tantalized by the figure her eyes had seen, she swayed her fingers towards her phone, gently caressing the screen, with the desire of someone that wants them to just morph out of their pixelated form right there, right then.

“Oh…how badly I just want to be with you.” His enchantment has seemed to work once more.

“I promise you. I would never have anyone have their way with you. Only me, and me only.” With a teasing tone in her voice.

She giggled slightly as she tried to wear off that fleeting moment of temptation which have been recurrently disrupting her otherwise serious approach to her work, but it had never bothered her in the slightest.

Oh…you’re going to be the death of me. And I’m gonna make myself your death too.

As quick as she became roused in that instant, she swiftly managed to switch her attention back to her task at hand. She finally opened her phone and worked her way to her contacts list, scrolling past what seemed like thousands of numbers, looking for the right one to message. Tapping on the number, she typed:

=

“I got the right guy. Expect no more disturbance from him.” 

=

-

She sent the message seconds before hearing a sound that confirmed its delivery. She turned her phone off as she let her mind wander over to one of the million things she constantly think about every day.

Life here is definitely difficult, but she had no choice, because this could lead to a better outcome she is hoping for, unlike her other dead-end jobs. They weren’t cutting it at all. She had, and to an extent, still has love for her passion works nevertheless. Inside that scope of limitless satisfaction, any competition present would be effortlessly defeated, they could have made her live forever.

Only if the environment wasn’t so demanding, only if the people weren’t that toxic: Only if she didn’t constantly feel like something was missing, then maybe she wouldn’t have turned to a life full of violence, torture, conflict, and revenge. She is cruel enough to keep working like this, but…

She wasn’t soulless.

Her concern for her own safety, financial stability, or even legacy, fails in comparison when it comes to her concern of what’s left of her own purity, desperately clinging onto the last unstained fragments of her character.

For her, the only thing that sets her apart from her peers is her unparalleled ability for romance. Yet her growing numbness has made her ignorant of what makes her, her. Years of being in the same business has molded her into being an unrecognizable part of the whole, slowly breaking down her own identity. It’s a miracle that it hasn’t completely destroyed her.

She only recently realized what it was doing to her, but it didn’t come from any life-changing occurrences nor any attempts at self-reflection. Her true self-esteem, unperceived by the people who think who knows her, cannot allow that to happen anymore.

No.

It was like an outside force that just barged her doors down. It was entirely unexpected.

“That guy—“

Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a sound vibrating from her phone.

She quickly grabbed her phone, appearing frustrated that her time for contemplating was disturbed. She opens it, and sees the message on the notification tab:

=

“An order from the oyabun himself: Eliminate shatei Kamisato, guilty of colluding with rival clan Aritoshi-kai. He will be there soon, you’ll have only this night to carry this out.”

=

She looks with widened eyes as she reads the message again.

-

The bad dream.

“Ah.” She utters.

Truly the perfect model of composure, she calmly sets her phone down and gently spins his chair to face the window again. From an outside look, she seemed unfazed as she always does whenever any hit mission is to be carried out, but this was the first time she had been ordered to kill one of their own. And that person, really had to be him.

“My, my. It just had to be you, pretty boy. Hm?” She says with a luscious voice, forming a smile on her lips as she looks towards the window, noticing the same sight of the moist glass.

She grabs her phone away from the table to her soft palms. She opens it and quickly went to her gallery. Pictures amounted to thousands, she scrolls down as if she’s desperately looking for something: Fancy shots of her fine-dining quality sets of meals, close-ups of red foxes, selfies of herself trying out multiple clothes and dresses, images of jewelries, screenshots of texts and book covers, and an old picture of her in a white robe and a scarlet skirt-like clothing.

Scrolling past these photos caused her to smile pensively as she reminisces within her mind.

She really have lived a life.

Though they were great memories, they will never compare to the relevance of what’s just now presented on her screen.

“Oh, look at you.” She mutters with that same tone in her voice.

Several pictures of her subordinate clothed in different suits, taken by her in multiple occasions when they are in the same room together or when they boss had to call in a meeting. She couldn’t just resist taking candid photos of him when she had the chance.

He wore formal suits in most of his pictures, only varying in color. One in complete black, another in a floral cyan tuxedo with black pants, and another one in white tuxedo and red pants. She definitely could have completed the entire color wheel just with his clothing style. Sometimes, she could get a picture of him in his casuals, especially when he’s off his job. There’s a picture of him in blue sweaters and black tights and another in a simple blue t-shirt and white shorts.

Seeing all of those with a thirsty gaze, she scrolled a bit before finding and tapping on another photo of his:

It was a picture of him during the initiation ritual when he officially joined the clan. He was only wearing an underwear that time while having a tattoo of a mishmash of dragons, suns, and flowers on the right upper half of his body, covering his entire right arm. During the capture of the photo, the rites were finished, he was drinking a bubble tea while resting on a chair.

“Shame, you look so handsome in these photos. In fact, this one is my favorite.” As she continues to stare at the semi-naked photo of his, swallowing the dryness she’s feeling in her throat.

She didn’t know what to feel in carrying out her mission. She knew that she was definitely in love with him, but she also knows that she couldn’t go against the boss. Let it be anyone, a middleman or whatnot, just not the boss. She had seen the consequences firsthand of continuing with such an act.

Courageousness? Stupidity?

Either way, the outcome was always the same.

She could have let a battle rage on in his mind about what she should do. She could have let the dilemma go on for a bit longer like what back then when she received her very first orders. But no, she had learned. She knows where to set her mind to. After all, this is her job, isn’t it?

“Alright.” She firmly says, with no more traces of hesitation.

-

A notification sound was heard from her phone again. It was a message from an unknown number:

=

“This is Ryuma. Oyabun messaged me of your task. Kamisato and I are about to enter the room in a couple of minutes. This is your chance, ane-san Yae. Your call, I’ll be prepared.”

=

She returns her phone back to the pocket.

This needs to end quickly. Someone might’ve called the police once the gunshot possibly echoed through the walls.

Alright, I’ll take him out with one bullet, and this will soon blow over.

As the glass reflects a nod, she returns the chair back behind the table and settled herself down. She stood up, putting her sunglasses back on and grabbing the gun, putting it behind in the back of her pants, a snatch away from being able to arm herself.

She arranges herself to look as pretty as she can get, especially in front of his crush target. Brushing her hair so that it falls down as straightest as it can get on his back. Adjusting her bangs back to the correct position towards the middle so that it may not block her sight.

Beautiful, but efficient.

Now, comes the worst part: The unpredictable wait.

But she will have to endure, even if it gets a little insufferable.

All of this fucking tension for what?

…

…

…

“So, what am I to do with this body? It feels so…out of place for a room that’s intricately designed as this one.”

She complements the room as she tries to entertain herself while waiting, tapping her heels on the floor.

To be all alone, even with a corpse, in anticipation for someone and standing, not doing anything but to maintain that form, is a little bit awkward…and a bit creepy.

…

…

…

A sound was heard as the door unlocks.

-

Footsteps resonated within the dead space as they entered the room, encountering a pink-haired woman sitting by the table.

“Ane-san Yae!” A black-haired man spoke and bowed in front of her.

She immediately identified him as Ryuma, her companion.

His greeting was followed by another:

“Ane-san Yae.” The familiar blue-haired man spoke and smoothly bowed in front of her.

This man’s gentle voice reverberated along her bones, causing slight goosebumps arising on her skin. Somehow, his voice creates an aura of comfort that follows him wherever he goes, and she wants to be within that distance, and much closer.

She notices that he had worn a combination of colors he had never used before. He paired his white tuxedo and pants with a light purple t-shirt and a golden tie. He has never managed to look this as elegant as this before.

Taken aback by his appearance, she returns back their greetings.

“Shatei Ryuma, and shatei Kamisato. Good evening, let’s have a talk, shall we? And oh, sorry for the body here, please let it not bother us.” Her sultry tone has returned, the fault of one Kamisato.

Yes, keep looking at me.

“Oh, and before I continue, Mister Kamisato, would you be so kind to allow me to refer to you by your own name?” She curiously but excitedly inquires.

“Ayato, you mean, Ma’am Yae?” He clarifies with a smile.

She nods back with a smile, childishly letting those butterflies float in her stomach.

Your smile is enough to paint more than a million stars.

“Yes, you may. You need not to ask me about that, ma’am.” He jokingly replies back with a soft smile within the corner of his lips.

She gestures to Ryuma to close and lock the door behind them, signifying that she still hasn’t forgotten their intentions with him here.

“Alright. Mister Ayato, I’m going straight to the point. Our oyabun called us here to…settle some differences.” With a bossy voice, she starts explaining the situation to her subordinates.

“There are rumors going around in the clan of someone being dishonest and treacherous to us all. That someone was collaborating with one of our rival clans, exposing all of the clan’s details to them.”

She continues to explain, creating that controlling aura over them.

She looks towards Ayato, observing that he keeps that same serious look as she talks. Sometimes, she often confuses Ayato’s attentiveness with his indifference. If he is able to maintain this same look every damn time, then it is no wonder why he can get away with anything, including this one.

Listen to me, sweetheart. Listen carefully.

“Since our oyabun deeply cares about the integrity and trustworthiness of the clan, he wanted to know if there was any substance to the rumor. Unfortunately, with the help of our superiors, they managed to confirm that the rumor is indeed true.” She sighs disappointingly at the end of her little summary.

Both of her juniors remained quiet, listening to their senior.

One, responsively listening and looking to her.

And the other, responsively listening but looking away from her.

“Did they manage to track down the culprit, Ma’am?” Ryuma questioned with a startled look, playing into Yae’s little ruse.

“Yes, they did. With the greatest efforts of the administrators of our clan, they managed to pluck out a name.” She assured Ryuma.

“Mister Ayato, how do you feel?” She gazes back at him, trying to suggest something.

He seemed to nonchalantly quiver after she asked him, looking straight back at her. A man that looked like he was tranced by something off the distance.

“I…I must say, Ma’am, I find all of that saddening, but most angering. I never would have thought that one of us will have the brass neck to betray the clan, after everything that the clan has done to them. Although I’m the most recent one that have joined, I am very appreciative of the assistance that each member, and above all, the boss, have given us.” He finally answered, though, with some hesitation present in his tone.

And she caught onto that.

Good boy.

“As you might’ve known, we have always strived to expand our reach but if there is one thing that this clan values above all, then it would be our utmost royalty. We may be few as compared to our rivals, but each and every one of their members have never had such a close relationship like ours.” She loudly proclaims while looking suspiciously at both Ryuma and Ayato.

Ayato may be good at playing dumb, but Yae is a master at playing the part.

Regardless if it represents much of her morals or not.

“And as one of its seniors, might I say that I quite simply had enough…”

A hushed snarl was heard as she trailed off her little speech. Something that was uncharacteristic of her.

“Let’s cut the bullshit. This traitor is present in this room.”

She had never been quite the angry type that would lash at people from out of the blue. She could be angry but still have that same attitude as if she wasn’t. There is something calculated in the manner of how she unleashes some of that irritation.

I had fucking enough of playing this little game and having to do it over and over again!

Her subordinates were startled at her, but understood of some her annoyance.  

Well, at least one of them does.

The other seemed to be a little on edge.

“Let’s play a little game: At the count of three, whoever’s alive after is clean, while the person with a hole in his skull is the traitor that I’ve been talking about, got it?” Those words slipped past her tongue like a knife cutting through a butter, intimidating them both, even Ryuma.

Effortlessly, her hands danced towards the gun, cocks it, and then points it towards their general direction.  

“One.”

She starts the countdown.

Ryuma remained still in his posture. He knows that he isn’t the target.

Ayato looked threatened but retained that confidence in the way he presents himself.

“Two.”

Ryuma stayed still as he stares towards Yae, and switching his attention to the would-be victim.

Ayato bit his lip, staring at the floor while putting his hands behind his back.

Oh?

“Three.”

She finishes the countdown.

Bang! Bang!

-

A loud thud resounded within the room, immediately followed by a deafening silence.

Sounds of hitched breaths shortly filled the quiet space.

Two succeeding gunshots were heard, instead of just one.

The figures still standing held their form, arms outwards after shooting at the other, all while staring at each other intently at the eyes.

Yae realizes she’s still alive, in relief.

Ayato realizes he’s still alive, in disbelief.

He peeks beside at where Yae is looking.

The poor Ryuma has been rendered lifeless by a gunshot in the head.

Ayato looks back at Yae.

He realizes that he had missed her by a few inches, and had shot at the window behind her.

Damn it, I need to bear the weight better!

The two of them still gaze at each other in silence, waiting for the other to start speaking.

…

…

…

“I…I was torn between killing you and letting you live. I suppose you had already known since the beginning that I was referring to you?”

She muttered between held but disjoint breaths, either from nervousness or the fatigue of letting it all out.

“Yes…yes, Ma’am Yae.” As he confirms her suspicion.

Oh, you beautiful thing.  

“Stop it now with the ‘ma’am’ now, shall we? I am no longer your superior.” She quietly admits.

He looks at her suspiciously.

“Yeah, haven’t you had the clue of what I’m trying to say here? I no longer want to be a part of this clan. When I said that I’ve had enough before, I really meant it, not just with this thing but with everything.”

She drops her weapon, letting herself be defenseless in front of him.

A dangerous move.

“Do you realize what you have just done?” He wants to make sure if Yae’s acting like herself, and not possessed by some otherworldly force.

She lets her body fall on the table, still sitting straight as drips of sweat trickled off her forehead.

“To be completely honest with you, I don’t know what had just happened. I was assigned the task of eliminating you. At first, I accepted the assignment, but when you and Ryuma came here, and I saw you in person, something clicked inside of me. I don’t understand if it’s the frustration of senseless killing or is it the frustration of having to kill you that got to me, but it made me aim my gun towards Ryuma instead of you.”

She confesses in an honest but distressed tone.

She wasn’t the type of person to tell anyone what’s she’s been feeling. The social isolation created by his work has trained her to be used to the stoic but confident approach to life, only letting some of her honesty from time to time when the situation truly required it.

This...this was something foreign to her. She didn’t act like this before in any of her previous hits, what’s so different about this one? It was easy to do, the setup was great, and all she had to do was point towards the target, and not to someone or something else.

Don’t you realize?

“Yae, I appreciate your honesty, but I’m a rookie with a gun and you could’ve just simply ended me there and then. Why didn’t you? It would’ve been less hassle for you. And now, they will hunt you down too.” Ayato spoke.

You have such a thick skull. Is this what chronic consumption of bubble tea does to you?

Ayato’s ignorance of the situation hit Yae like a truck, and it prompted her to shoot out of the table, consuming any of the energy she has left just to walk towards him and grab her by his collar, facing him just inches away.

“You want to know why I did it? Well, I’ll fucking tell you why. It’s you, you are the reason why I shot that poor idiot beside us, and not you. Here’s what you need to know about me: I am Yae, and I am utterly tired living like this. With all of our previous meetings you might’ve thought that I’m living lavishly and happily, but I am not. I live in constant fear being here. And so, when you came here, I thought of you as a way to break out of this shell, because I fucking fell for you at first sight and I loved you then, and I love you now, and I want to live with you, without bother from these assholes we’re working for. I do not know much about you except that you are fucking hot, and I want to witness this art handcrafted and chiseled by the gods themselves, every single, living, day, of my life. But you know what made me grab your collar and speak to you aggressively like this? It’s because I realized that you are not a shallow man. When you asked me why I didn’t kill you, it confirms to me that you are thoughtful, unlike the past good-for-nothing suitors I’ve encountered. I want to live with a person like that because that’s the way I’ve been living my entire life. Now, I am presenting you with two choices: Either you can render me and everything I’ve said meaningless by not returning my feelings for you, or you can just say to me straight that you love me as well and I’m inviting you, as your would-be girlfriend, to run away with me, living like hunted rats, but at least…at least…I’m with you.”

Yae ended her little rant breathlessly, yet unmoving with the way he handles Ayato by her hands. Still inches away from his face, letting his sweet scent enter her nostrils and her desperate breaths enter his.

The smell of those who are out of luck.

She awaits for his reply, knowing that she will allow herself to be forceful enough to only accept one decision.

“Alright, Yae.”

Ayato answered with conviction written all over his voice.

“Alright what?! Ayato?”

She presses the issue to leave no doubts.

Yet found herself stunned when she felt something wet on her lips.

Ah, yes please.

His lips briefly met with hers.

Both of them immediately snatched onto the other.

In that short amount of time, Yae managed to melt into the kiss enough to savor his taste. She could definitely taste some traces of the bubble tea, but overall, it was unlike any other that her mouth had the pleasure of receiving. She wanted this taste to be hers, and hers only.

He pulls away from her, seeing her half-lidded eyes return to normal.

She liked what she received.

"Mmmm~"

Sirens were heard from outside the room.

Hearing the noise, they both stood up at the same time, supporting each other as they gaze at one another.

“Yae, I do not know much about you too, but what I do know is that you’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever laid my eyes upon, and yes, I would agree with everything you’ve said about this way of living. Even after betraying the clan, when I thought that having more would satisfy me, it still didn’t.”

Ayato pensively speaks as he shamelessly confesses his own reasons for betraying the clan, hoping that she could just brush it all off. And lucky for him, it’s easy for Yae to find things that don’t matter to her and not give a single shit about it.

“People do not need more, they just need a single thing, the correct one.” She replies.

She hopes that Ayato would see what she’s hinting at.

“I’m still not sure about my feelings for you…but I want to figure it out.”

Was that a yes, or a no?

“Ayato, you’ll only have a few moments to choose before the police fucking catch us and lock us out like dogs. Do you want to be hunted alone? Or be hunted together with me?”

She gave him the ultimatum of her life.

-

The police would soon arrive at the scene.

The detectives note the dried messiness of the blood splattered all over the floor and walls.

This time, the window would be clear.

The corpses covered with body sheets, number markings present everywhere, from the table to the chair so they can be used as evidences in the court.

Besides the crime scene, an interview was occurring.

“Can you give us any details about the way they look? Anything that stands out that can help our forensic artists create a more accurate sketch of the appearance of our suspects here?”

“Well, the thing was, I was flat-out drunk that night, so I wouldn’t be able to give you anything regarding their faces. Although, I can remember that I saw them escape on the rooftop: One with pink hair, and one with a blue one.”

[tinycoded360]

G/t favorite/rec list from fanfiction.net part 3

Of myths and legends by Khalthar

Just as she arrives on Earth, Moonracer, finds something that is NOT supposed to exist! What's a robot from outer space supposed to do with a WEREWOLF? Raise it of course! IGNORES MOST OF DOTM

Miniaturized by midnightbloom14

Finding a mysterious relic and not knowing what it's purpose is, sure. But if you didn't at the very least try to keep a curious Miko away from it, then you deserve to suffer the consequences. Major fluffy Oneshot, bonding, nightmare comforting, cuddles/hugs all that good stuff. Rated K to be on the safe side.

A whole new world by Autobotguy710

Post-Predacons Rising. AU. With Cybertron's atmosphere now altered to sustain human life, an age of unity among the species has begun during the period of uneasy "peace" between Cybertronians. Now, in the midst of this new age, political leader Ultra Magnus decides to take a homeless human boy from the slums of Kaon into his home. A choice that will change their lives, forever.

Playthings by LauraCynthia

Answering a distress call from a colony scout ship, the crew of the Enterprise experience some distress of their own when the inhabitants of the planet mistake them for something else. For those of you who watched the animated series, imagine the characters thusly. (Chekov instead of Arex, but M'Ress is in this one). I wrote this in a few days.

A drone named Jeffrey by LeaderPinhead

I am Jeffrey. The Vehicon. I did this thing a little while ago. I met a girl, left the 'Cons, and drove off into the sunset. Now what the heck am I supposed to do? [Sequel to Drone]

Everything changes by hiniko

Trisha was just trying to be nice, buying the Jazz toy for the little kid, but her world is completely changed when she brings it home and it comes alive... Inspired by Leonixon's story 'Me, My Friend, and His Friends'

Don’t call me Tinkerbell! By Livi2Jack

Jack learns a lesson from a small visitor. It's not the size that counts!

Close encounter by Tiamat1972

What would you do the first time you meet a transformer? How would you react? Rated for Coarse Language. Chapter 8 - You'd think setting up a meeting would be a simple task.

Delta Angel by Littlemewlugia

When Starscream is forced to take shelter in a barn, he does not factor in being discovered by two young human children, one of whom happens to be Annabelle Lennox.

Clark catches a bat by Dunyazada

Clark captures a little animal, and frees his best friend. NOT slash.

[turquoizxe]

𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

Caitlyn x Fem!Reader

content ― oneshot; Caitlyn freaky as hell, jealous!possessive!Caitlyn, reader is nicknamed "dove", mentions of dacryphilia, dom!Caitlyn, sub!Reader

wc ― 1.595k

Caitlyn loved toying with you. Caitlyn loved that you were her toy. Someone to experiment and explore, with constant access to every inch of you whenever she was allowed.

Your families were often the topic of Piltover; Close connections, and it was hard for your families not to be seen together. Despite their connections, you never spoke to Caitlyn much.

The young nobles were always so preoccupied with other things, more important than the infatuation she had with you the moment you came into contact longer than a mere moment.

Caitlyn had taken her time to study you― how many kisses it took to get from your neck to your sopping cunt. It was almost embarrassing how quickly she coaxed an orgasm from you, and it never got any easier as time went on. She always found a new crevice of your body to tease, probe, lick, suck. For you to feel things in places you weren't sure were possible, she felt like a miracle worker.

When you became an enforcer, that's when it became awfully clear there was something more to explore in your dynamics. You were different people when working together.

You started to patrol together quite often after your training process. You proved rather capable, your impeccable wit and sly tongue often putting you in the most interesting environments.

Which is exactly how you ended up under Caitlyn, to begin with.

You always had a smart-ass response to her comments, always offering some sort of support, whether it be the knowledge of politics or your fixation on literature. You had so much to offer her and her obsession with you began to reach uncertain heights.

It started with her offering to sharpen your shooting skills with her mother, and then the family dinners. You became rather acquainted with her family.

The lingering stares, when she would hold your hand a bit too long, the still silence whenever the idea or thoughts of relationships were expressed.

Then another colleague expressed interest, covetous― Caitlyn expressed blatant distaste in your choice of romantic partners, and she could tell you had considered entertaining the thought.

"Have you ever done anything further than our last encounter?"

You felt the infliction of annoyance in her voice. It was easy to tell that Caitlyn had feelings for you that exceeded friendship. You didn't really talk about your romantic endeavors, as you didn't have many― and you remained rather prudish, often concealing the things you truly desired.

The last time you had, it led to a predicament you didn't wish to explore further. You weren't very experienced in sex, while your close friend was the complete opposite. She would mention all the toys she had and how much she enjoyed being in control when it was a viable option.

You were afraid of seeming prudish because you often refrain from the topic altogether, embarrassment often being the culprit.

Caitlyn had been so patient because she could tell you were frustrated with some of the issues going on within your family with the multitude of responsibilities that took up your life. You often offered outlets for one another, crafts and activities usually kept in mind. But what you had in mind was much more physical.

Caitlyn had weakly suggested the idea as a joke, immediately retreating thinking she had made you uncomfortable. The tension was beyond palpable. Your uneven breathing indicated that you had taken that offer as seriously as she did.

You had gotten too close, mostly heavy petting. You mainly avoided speaking about it due to your family connections. The reverence that was reserved for you would surely disappear.

Caitlyn knew you felt the same way after a while, which made it all the more annoying that you kept mentioning your colleague in this time of desperation. You both knew you would only use admiration as a distraction from what you both needed.

It only took mere moments for you to give in when she searched your eyes for permission. You invited her to proceed when you had leaned into her touch, her chest against your back as you guided her hands to yours.

"We both know that they're not what you want." Her voice was enticingly low, her baritone emerging the whimper of a million whores from your throat.

You did not make it home that night like you had told your parents. But you did make it to an orgasm― or two, or so many times that you had lost count.

It only took one time to acknowledge the bed chemistry that was between you. While you had vaguely expressed wanting to be dominated, you didn't think it had been engraved in her system.

Sleepovers that were once every other week became more frequent. You weren't sure how it hadn't occurred to either of your families yet. But then again, both were too busy to concern themselves over a bond they could trust without question.

"You like when I fuck you like this, Dove?"

Caitlyn always made sure to earn the guttural cries that spilled for your lips. She particularly liked fingering you. And it was evident you enjoyed it just as much. Her actions were always so intentional, experiemental― intense. It was overwhelming and never failed to bring tears to your eyes.

If Caitlyn's head wasn't shoved in a book, it was certainly between your legs. Multiple bites riddled across your thighs, and the red tint that framed your ass so perfectly. You were so perfect in her eyes.

As you were inexperienced, Caitlyn slowly worked her way into your desires. Every other day, you had always planned what to explore next. Caitlyn was always so eager to work your body and relieve any stress either of you may be experiencing.

Words couldn't express how much she adored your moans of desperation whenever coaxing multiple orgasms. She loved having you bound before her, handcuffs bounding you to the headboard when she would fuck you into submission.

"You're always so good for me, Dove."

This time, you had let her try a strap-on. In all honestly, you were against the idea initially. You've never inserted anything over your fingers. But as always, Caitlyn was patient, always looking for permission before unleashing the beast that dwells within her.

Hours had passed by, and you couldn't get enough of her hips snapping into you. The positions she placed you in― you hadn't even considered were possible.

All that was heard in Caitlyn's room was the violent slaps of skin coming in contact, the headboard banging against the pristine walls, and your cries of pleasure bouncing off of her walls.

It's a sort of passion she hadn't planted on anyone before you. Your body could withstand all her lashes. Another smack planted into your ass, her hand forcing you to look into the mirror that was in front of her bed. She hovers over you, making sure your face isn't hiding in the sheets, your face flushed, drool at the corner of your lips. Your walls convulsed as you felt another orgasm nearing. Caitlyn had looked down for a moment, admiring the mess you were making, biting a lip to muffle her moan at the sight of the white ring that formed around her phallic toy.

"Gonna come f'me like a good girl?"

"Plea..se..", you ache, your back arching at a deeper angle, the head of her strap probing at your spot. Caitlyn hovered over your stature, her hand below your back, pressing your abdomen further into the sheets. The warm sensation coursing through your entire body. You whined out another moan, alerting her of what was to come.

"Ri-ght there! Cait-"

"Mhm..I know all about it Dove. Fuck― you always feel so good." She pressed kisses along your neck to soothe you, his breasts gliding across your back, matching her thrusts. Her hand had snuck beneath you, her fingertips slick against your folds, spreading your fluids across your clit, working another orgasm out of you. Caitlyn had been nearing her own, the friction from her thrusts was more than stimulating.

Her hips began the stutter as the circles around your clit become erratic, Caitlyn bites into your neck to lure one last wail as you reached your peaks. Your mouth was agape as your walls convulsed around her, your head plopping into the sheets, working to regain consciousness as Caitlyn slowly pumped you through your highs.

Once you look relaxed, you tap her thigh, indicating you've reached your limit for the night. She chuckles before carefully removing herself from you. A sigh of relief, a small 'pop' being heard once her strap exits.

"You lasted much longer than I expected." She teases, peppering kisses as she lays beside you, pulling your leg over hers as she faces you. Her hands caressed your body, her orbs never leaving yours.

It was hard to figure out your expression. It took everything in Caitlyn not to laugh at how fucked out you look.

"I wouldn't mind if you were rougher", you breathe out, a small smile planted across your lips. You both softly chuckled at your insatiable drive for more. It's what she adored about you. You always knew when it was enough, but always willing to push when both of you were ready.

You had reached out to touch her face, rubbing her rosy cheeks, her breath still working on going back to normal.

"...How about I take care of you this time?"

No one had ever pleased you like she does. She doesn't just fuck you. She fucks you proper.

― turquoizxe

[falselysecuredeuphoria]

Re:Teyvat - A Genshin Impact fanfic oneshot

A bedridden young Oni and long-lived Kitsune on a stool sat in a room. The Kitsune exerted a pressuring gaze on the young Oni.

“Tell me little oni, how much do you know about this world?”

“Umm…”

Hesitation quivered in his voice.

She looked at his eyes. They were pointed at the sheets he was under, but they had this distance behind them.

A question asked merely to tease the young Oni Reincarnation quickly devolved into a looming omen.

How much could you know about the story that is Teyvat?

The Kitsune couldn’t help but wonder what the Oni was thinking. A mix of curiosity and dread welled within her.

Does he know about her personal life? The people she holds dear in her heart despite hiding such vulnerabilities under the facade that is a mischievous Kitsune?

Her predecessor who used to attend the Sacred Sakura Shrine before-

“Just ask me!”

Huh?

“I uhm… I can’t tell you everything I know just yet, but if you want to gauge my knowledge, just ask me some questions!”

Ask? Gauge?

Yae Miko was perplexed by the Oni’s demand. She couldn’t tell if this was a calculated choice or an idiot’s blunder.

No.

She recalled the look in his eyes when she asked how much he knew.

Perhaps he was already planning on how to navigate this world the moment they began speaking. If that were the case, then this could either be the best investment she’s ever made or the most costly mistake of her entire career.

She couldn’t be certain, but that’s what made life all the more exciting.

And who knows, maybe she could learn a thing or two that would greatly improve her company’s future novels.

---

Feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[inukag-on-ao3]

Many Glowing Moons

by Woodrosia

UPDATE! CHAPTER 3 NOW AVAILABLE HERE!

Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: F/M

Fandoms: InuYasha - A Feudal Fairy Tale

Relationships: Higurashi Kagome/InuYasha

Characters: InuYasha (InuYasha), Higurashi Kagome, Kaede (InuYasha), Higurashi Kagome's Mother, Higurashi Souta

Additional Tags: Romance, Intimacy, Alternate Canon, Hurt/Comfort, Coming of Age, plus 6 more

Summary: One moonless night, Kagome, a powerful young priestess, comes across a mysterious, dark-haired, handsome stranger in a cave, with whom she shares a passionate tryst. Now 6 months later, the Shikon Miko is faced with yet another stranger who happens to be a powerful demon. Why is he here? And what is it about him that she finds so compelling?Thanks to popular demand, no longer a oneshot!***Nominated...

Words: 25,884 | Chapters: 3/? | Language: English | Private: No

[engshoujosei]

Honey Blood

3 volumes

Licensed by Viz Media digitally.

Based on Mitsuki Miko’s popular vampire oneshots comes the serialization of this tale of the love between a vampire and human. Hinata was just a normal girl attending a Catholic school until she hears of the recent incidents in her area concerning a crime scene that looks like the doings of a vampire. He seems to attack only young girls, and Hinata’s suspicion begins to arise that her new neighbor Tokinaga Junya, the author of incredibly popular vampire-human romance novels, may actually be the culprit! Or, is there more to him then what meets everyone’s eye? The laws of vampires in his novels state that kisses are a contract–a contract where the vampires are only allowed to drink the blood of the one they’ve kissed! And yet, this Tokinaga Junya claims he’s never been kissed… could it be, he’s a vampire?!

Related Series 

Mitsuaji Blood - Mitsuya Hatsukoi Shinjuu (Sequel, licensed, i assume it’s included with the 3 volumes)

Status in Country of Origin 

2 Volumes (Complete) + Tale 0 Volume

Tags:

Age Gap

Immortal Male Lead

Novelist

Older Male Younger Female

Reincarnated Lover

Vampire/s

Writer/s

[inu-mothership]

Inu-Mothership Spotlight Saturday: Sept. 3, 2022: Kaede

Hello everyone! We here at @inu-mothership are very excited to bring you this week's fic rec list! Continuing with our character-centric lists, this week we are featuring everyone's favorite wise and sassy miko, Kaede!

For this one, we have a wide variety of stories for you. In our research, we found that there are stories that ship Kaede romantically with another character, stories that feature her platonic relationships with others, and stories that are Gen fics, often character studies exploring Kaede's mindset at different points in her life. And to that end, we have stories that also span a fairly wide timeline in terms of Inuyasha fanfiction. We have some that are brand-new, that were written specifically for this week's list, and we have stories that date back over ten years. As with Shippō's list, we will be organizing these according to romantic ships, and then platonic/gen fics.

Our list is below the cut! And a special thanks to everyone who helped out this week, by making recommendations and/or by writing some new fics for us! Kaede is a wonderful character, and we're sure you'll agree that she deserves ALL the love 💜

Kaede-ship fics

The Clouds and the Birds (T; SessKaede; complete) by @julyzaa

The Priestess Kaede was eight and ten when she first met the infamous Sesshōmaru of the West. And despite only seeing him a handful of times, her fondness for the cruel demon does not disappear even after forty years.

Diamonds in Your Eyes -- Ch. 16: Kaede/Suitor (M; Kaede/OC; ongoing) by thetroll/@moon-ion

Kiss and Tell -- Chapter 17: Kaede/Totosai, Investigator, Tawny (M; Kaede/Totosai; ongoing) by @sereia1313

Spirited Soulmates (E; InuKag; Kaede/Tsubaki; complete) by @fawn-eyed-girl

Higurashi Kagome is quite happy living alone with her cat Buyo. She enjoys running the most popular spiritual school in Tokyo with her friend Miroku, eating takeout, and drinking beer. She has no desire to be involved with anyone--especially because to do so would mean an end to her spiritual power, and thus, her very successful career.

But then she meets National Police Agency detective Matsushita Inuyasha, and her whole world is turned upside down, especially when she figures out they are soulmates. Will she tell him before her growing desire for him overpowers them both? And when mikos start going missing across the country and turning up dead, will she be safe? Or will she give in to Inuyasha, tell him the truth, and let him protect her?

Gen/Non-Kaede-ship fics

Bereave (G; Gen; Kaede & Kikyō) by anonymous

Kaede, in the aftermath of her sister's death.

Bluebird at Night (M; SessKag; complete) by thetroll/@moon-ion

Kagome has been raised by her two aunts most of her life. She owes them everything and she works hard to ensure they'll have it.

She just never expects to have a monkey wrench thrown in to her plans in the form of the most beautiful man she's ever seen.

The Closest Moment to Dawn (M; InuKag; MirSan; ongoing) by @sassybratt9791

They named her Kagome after finding her injured and unconscious on the subway. Suffering from amnesia, she recuperates under the care of a semi-retired surgeon and a fresh young doctor. But when dark and violent flashes of her past come back to haunt her, Kagome begins to wonder if her past was worth remembering. Especially when a man she doesn't recognize quite literally lunges into her life, accusing her of murder.

Encounter (G; Gen; complete) by sadladybug (Ao3)

A year after his sealing, Inuyasha gets an unexpected visitor, and Kaede has an unexpected encounter. A oneshot in which a demon and a priestess meet in the woods and determine the fate of a sleeping hanyou.

Encounters: Chapter 14: Inuyasha & Kaede (T; multiple pairings; complete) by sapphireLavender (Ao3)

Inuyasha is being impatient, and Kaede doesn't feel like dealing with it.

Flower Festival Ficlets -- Chapter 4: Doting & Dutiful (G; Gen/Kagome & Kaede) by AshMish111/@mrfeenysmustache

Kaede resigns herself to Kagome’s fussing as she learns to be the one taken care of for once.

Funeral of a Spider Tattoo (T; NarKik; Kikyō & Kaede; ongoing) by Eravon (Ao3)

Tattooist AU. The story of a beautiful tattooer and a red spider tattoo.

Inspired by 蜘蛛葬刺 by L·Morgenstern. Translation of NarKik fanfic "蜘蛛葬刺" written by L·Morgenstern, originally posted on Chinese forum Baidu Tieba in 2012.

The Greatest Debt (G; Gen; Inuyasha & Kaede; Complete) by NightStar28 (FFN)

On a stormy night a wise old woman has some things to make clear to a foolish young Hanyou.

The Sins & Virtues of the Sengoku Jidai -- Chapter 1: Wrath & Patience -- Kikyō & Kaede (T; Gen; Kaede & Kikyō; complete) by @neutronstarchild

In Sengoku Jidai, everyone can be defined by the choices they make. Sometimes those choices lead them to sin, and sometimes to virtue. Here are seven vignettes, where characters’ relationships are defined by their paths. A sin for a virtue, a virtue for a sin.

Sister (T; Gen; Kaede & Kikyō; complete) by MadHatterLilith (Ao3)

Kaede can't accept her as the sister she knew, no matter how hard she tries.

Someone Else’s Shelter (G; InuKik; Inuyasha & Kaede; complete) by Numisma (Ao3)

It was like he was frozen, half-drowned and waterlogged in time.

Thirty Shards of Inuyasha and Kaede (T; Gen/Inuyasha @& Kaede; complete) by myLink’sLady (FFN)

Stories from prompts about the relationship of Inuyasha and Kaede. A Post Manga story with flashbacks and memories.

Time Again (T; Gen; complete) by Elusion (FFN)

Kaede reflects on time and change, revealing things in her past and how they affect her present.

With One Eye (T; Gen; Complete) by Britedark (FFN)

Who is Kaede, and what happened to her after her sister Kikyo died? A series of pieces, based on LiveJournal prompts.

[xoluvx]

touch; young miko

"Does it hurt?" you eyed the piercing as your bodies scooted closer subconsciously like a gravitational pull you had absolutely no control over.

"No," she smiled shyly looking down at her hands. Thumb playing with the palm of her hand before glancing up at you. Her eyes were stunning, reflecting the club lights so beautifully.

"Can I touch it?" you whispered swallowing your nerves. Were you hitting on her? Yes. Had you planned on it? No. Did she know? Probably.

You felt the warmth of her thigh against your own, the space between your bodies almost nonexistent as she replied with a soft ‘yeah’ while looking at you earnestly. Your hand reached out for her brow piercing, index finger touching tentatively. Then your thumb traced her brow, toying with the metal.

Her eyes focused on your lips, the way they curled in concentration. The sounds of the nightclub were drowned in the moment you were sharing. Your bodies close in the booth, breathes mingling, thighs touching.

Your thumb ran down the side of her face as her hand landed on your thigh. Her body turning so she was facing you. Your eyelids fluttered when you caught a whiff of her intoxicating scent and your fingers couldn't help themselves. They cupped the back of her neck leaning close until your lips were faintly touching.

This was the confirmation she needed to wrap her arm around your waist pulling you close before clashing her lips on yours. It was hot and desperate. But she held your chin so tenderly. It didn't matter that anyone could turn their heads and see you devouring each other in that booth. It didn't matter that she was holding you so tightly pulling you towards her almost straddling her in the middle of the bustling club.

You were in your own little world wrapped in her kiss and her arms and she smelled so fucking good you were getting dizzy.

"We should stop," she stammered grabbing your thigh that was now mounted on hers. She smoothed out your skirt, gently placing your thigh back on the leather seat. Then she cleared her throat wiping the gloss from the corners of her mouth.

You looked at her with confusion in your eyes, lips parted and eyes big. Your arms were still wrapped around her shoulders, but she was slowly unraveling them placing them on your lap.

Then she leaned in, thumb brushing away the lipstick that was now streaked along your lips. Her eyes met yours and you inhaled feeling the proximity of her gaze, her body, her thumb. When it ran along your bottom lip, your tongue peeked through running along her skin and you heard her snarl and clear her throat before removing her hand.

She inhaled almost as if trying to compose herself even though you were in complete shambles.

“Let’s get out here,” she said nonchalantly motioning with her head. Her fingers clasped on her lap as she leaned her elbows on her knees. She glanced at you expectantly and you nodded without hesitation. She smiled cheekily, holding out her hand as she stood. Your hand found hers as your bodies slid out of the booth. A promise of more hanging in the air.

More touching, more kissing, more everything.

[asnowperson]

Takemiya Keiko's Boku dake ga Shitteiru

I bought a random Takemiya manga from Mandarake one day without knowing anything about it, and I want to share my findings.

Boku dake ga Shitteiru (僕だけが知っている - Only I Know or Nobody Knows But Me) is a collection of two stories published in 1991: Boku dake ga Shitteiru and Dare ni mo Yaranai (誰にもやらない - I Won't Give It to Anyone Else). I just found out that both long stories are also published in a later digital edition, Dare ni mo Yaranai (also why does this sound like an edgy BL title from the 90s?). So I'd advise you to get that if you want to read those. The digital edition has two more one shots too.

Front and back covers.

Boku dake ga Shitteiru

Title page.

First story, Boku dake ga Shitteiru, was originally published in Asuka Extra-Fresh Fantasy's 1990 #1 issue (prologue) and Asuka Extra-DX 1991 issue (main story). It tells the story of Yuuta, a cute little boy who can see and hear things, and the things he sees are captured on video. Like, when he touches a VHS tape, what he's seen is reflected on the screen. One day, he sees a terrifying demon when he's out to play, and it touches his hand. Afterwards, he becomes sickly, and has to quit school to undergo psyhological treatment.

This boy be suffering.

On his way to the hospital, he meets a cute miko at a temple, Nachi, who doesn't like to be associated with the holy and calls herself a simple esper. Nachi knows that something's up with Yuuta, but thinks he's an esper-lite, and doesn't think much about him. She says that the demon who's hanging around him is actually his guardian spirit, and nothing to be afraid of. She names the demon "Rasetsu" (and makes it take on a handsome human appearance-it's what you see on the volume cover), and Yuuta becomes friends with it. Nachi's views on Yuuta change after Yuuta discovers the dead body of a woman with the help of Rasetsu. The perpetrator comes after Yuuta to shut him up, but with the powers he himself is unaware of and Buddhist magic, Yuuta scares the murderer shitless. At the end, Nachi is very impressed with Yuuta's skills, and it ends on an omoshiroi note.

Nachi flying into Yuuta's life.

This story feels so... incomplete. I expected to see at least a second part where Yuuta's powers are explained and we get to learn more about Nachi, but nada. This feel more like a prologue than a stand-alone oneshot. That's why I wasn't feeling it with this story.

Have some cute.

Dare ni mo Yaranai

And the second story, Dare ni mo Yaranai, is a more psychological than supernatural story. It was published in 1988 June and July issues of LaLa.

Had to steal this color title page from the trial reader of Booklive. I wish printed books kept these nice color pages too. And are you enjoying that peak 80s fashion as much as I do?

It's about Kichijouji Makoto, a young man majoring in psychiatry and working part time as counselor, and his neighbor, junior high student Naoyuki. Makoto is into young boys and doesn't hide it, so he can't help but watch his cute neighbor. However, he shows him a different face at times, not the cute face of an innocent junior high student. Intrigued, Makoto digs deeper only to find out that... Naoyuki has developed a multiple personality disorder.

Let me introduce you Naoyuki A, Naoyuki B, and Naoyuki C.

Sensei, this angle is illegal for an underage boy.

It turns out that when Makoto was in high school, he once tried to strangle this kid because he was frustrated with his mother, because she wanted him to go to a certain university. What a jerk! Makoto's chuuni speech about how he belongs to himself and himself only, and he should not give himself to anyone, and stay true to himself leaves an impression on young Naoyuki, upo which he creates different personalities to respond to different expectations from him. One of them is a wimpy kid who is bullied at school and easily influenced by others, another one is a delinquent-type who shoplifts, and the third one is the smug bishounen who has the hots for the neighbor onii-san.

When you want to save bae from his terrible personalities at night.

He works with Naoyuki's girlfriend and delinquent friends to put an end to this, and they make him get caught in flagrante delicto while shoplifting. However, even though the case doesn't make it to the police because Makoto pulls a "trust me I'm a doctor and he's sick" on the staff, the rumors make it to school. Naoyuki is shunned by his friends and is feeling confused, because his personality A has no idea what personality B did. In the end, he is called out by teachers. His mother is summoned to school, and she takes a very blaming tone against Naoyuki.

But what is this fashion sense?

After being saved from committing suicide at a railroad crossing and being forcefully kissed and confessed to by Makoto, Naoyuki goes back to his life with the help of his strong girlfriend Machi.

Delicious bad end.

I liked this story much, much more that the first one and will re-read it. The underlying theme of this story is the unrealistic expectations of parents from their children, and how vulnerable children are in the face of such pressure and even the smallest remark can leave a permanent scar on them. Makoto's mother forced him to study psychiatry because his father was a pshychiatry professor, and he now hates his life and his mother. Naoyuki felt absolutely devastated when his mother didn't believe that his son didn't steal, but reprimanded him instead of trying to understand him. In different panels, Takemiya-sensei drew the mother figures without a face, which I thought was an interesting "symbolism".

I am proud to have read another manga from my random backlog of manga.

[hanatsuki-esperanza]

Today is Fanfic Writer’s Appreciation Day...

...so here’s my list:

Anne B Walsh (aka whydoyouneedtoknow): Writer of the Dangerverse AU, a Harry Potter AU where Remus Lupin meets Danger Granger, Hermione’s sister and an untrained Dreamseer, a seer who receives prophetic dreams. Her magic was awakened upon the death of her parents, so she never went to Hogwarts (at least in the main series, it’s different in other AUs). Because of her dreams, Remus learns the truth about Peter, breaks Sirius out of prison, and kidnaps Harry from his aunt and uncle. The whole series is worth a read, even if you’re not a fan of canon Harry Potter. The series goes through all seven years of schooling, and fair warning, some beloved characters die, and it’s miserable. But overall it’s a good time. Start reading here: Living with Danger

Rhiannon Archer (aka SplendentGoddess): Writer of Inuyasha fanfiction, this  writer deserves recognition, even though the fandom is older. I think fandoms get better with age, especially after the main canon is completed and all the crazy fans leave. Recommendation: Cheap Imitation: the thoughts of a miko, 250 words, well-written, and it may surprise you.

Ravyn: Writer of several fandoms, I would like to highlight the contributions to the Rurouni Kenshin fandom, another old fandom (hmmm, is my age showing? maybe, maybe not. :P) Ravyn tends to write AUs, and more mature fics, but there are a ton of hidden gems (I’m going to be honest, the RK fandom is full of older hidden gems, but I think I’ll keep them held for future sharing. :]) Recommendation: Trouble with Vegas: In a world of magic, Kaoru wakes up heart-bonded to an assassin. And she doesn’t remember marrying him.

Lacrow: Oh look, a new fandom! SpyXFamily was a small but appreciated fandom, then the anime hit, and it exploded. Old writer got more appreciated, and new writers brought new gold. Lacrow brings to the table amazing AUs and fun little scenarios that may be canon one day... Recommendation: Forged in Fire: In a world of magic and gods, the Iron Curtain was placed by the god WISE to separate two countries. Ten years later, a certain disinherited young noble becomes a squire to a certain blonde paladin, and new adventures begin.

Cinnomyn: I would like to highlight Cinnomyn’s work in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon fandom with the flavor text series, a collection of ficlets that look at different items from the PMD series. Short, simple, and incredibly well-written. Series collection here: flavor text

Titans R Us: This writer has contributed to several fandoms, but I would like to bring their Voltron Legendary Defender work. It’s fluffy and tooth-rotting, a lot of their works highlight the bond between the paladins. Pillow Forts for the Soul is especially warm, when the Gunderson trio help each other through their homesickness. Read it here: Pillow Forts for the Soul

xLoveMx: Finally, I would like to highlight xLoveMx’s works, especially the Critical Role works. I have certain opinions of the CR fandom, but the fix-it fic writers and other amazing authors help make things better.  If you like Widojest, here’s some tooth-rotting fluff for you: Something Always Brings Me Back To You If you like Macabre Melody, here’s some angst with a happy ending: 'Cause I Really Need To Know That You'll Stick Around ...aaannnd a comfort oneshot: So I'm Thankful For The Scars ( 'Cause Without Them I Wouldn't Know Your Heart )

...

...

[[Okay, confession time: This list was an excuse for me to dig though my fanfic list and advertise my favorite authors.

Do I regret it? Absolutely not.

Am I going to do it again next year? Absolutely yes. I have a ton more authors I want to share with ya’ll.]]

:]

[sesskagarchive]

Do you have any favorite Sesskag stories that you would recommend? If so, I would love to read them😊

Thank you for the ask!

Chie’s Favs:

Dancing With Scissors by piratequeen0405

Posted on: Dokuga, FFnet Rating: MA Summary: Complete!  Thank you for your patience and support.  Kagome's niece, Rin, is left orphaned by a tragic car wreck, leaving Kagome to raise her alone. Or so she thought...help comes from an unexpected source, Sesshoumaru. The only problem is that they can't stand each other. Will they be able to act like adults for the sake of their niece...and maybe find love in the process? 

Frivolous Sentimentalities by Tally Mark

Posted on: FFnet Rating: K+ Summary: If men are from Mars and women are from Venus, what galaxy are youkai from? Because Kagome would really like to know. SessKag oneshot. Status: One Shot

Lord Charming by forthright

Posted on: Dokuga, FFnet Rating: T Summary: CU. More than Sesshoumaru’s pride took a blow when he lost his arm. He’s in a delicate position... and desperate enough to seek the advice of a self-proclaimed expert. An awkward romantic adventure told in 100-word snippets.

Tease by Resmiranda

Posted on: Spark Rating: MA Summary: Deception. Desire. Great hair care.  PWP. Status: One Shot

The Colour of Love by Mythicamagic

Posted on: AO3, Dokuga, FFnet Rating: T Summary: Shippo puts a spell on Kagome that allows her to see emotions in colour. It's fun to test out on her friends, but why is she seeing an awful lot of magenta around Sesshoumaru whenever she comes near? Sesskag oneshot Status: One Shot

Sage’s Favs:

Chain Of Love by Chie

Posted on: AO3, Dokuga, FFnet Rating: MA Summary: Sesshoumaru's mother decides that the Western lands need an heir and hires a Matchmaker to deal with the job. She soon realises that no arrow of Amor could make Sesshoumaru fall and thus resorts to more extreme means - or rather it would seem, to a chain.

Conversing with Emotion by mythicamagic  

Posted on: AO3, Dokuga, FFnet Rating: MA Summary: Sesshoumaru can't get Kagome out of his head. No, literally. She's trapped in there. While searching for a way out, Kagome makes the acquaintance of the Daiyouaki's many emotions, stumbling upon a few secrets and memories she was never supposed to know about. Sesskag

Earning Her Stripes by The Hatter Theory

Posted on: AO3, Dokuga, FFnet Rating: MA Summary: -Cannon Oneshot- Tattoos can be intensely personal. They can show clan loyalties, family ties, and sometimes they serve as reminders that the wearer is more than she appears to be. Status: One Shot

I Found A Reason by The Hatter Theory  

Posted on: AO3, Dokuga, FFnet Rating: MA Summary: A different take on the end. Both are celebrated because of their power, and only they could understand the loneliness of the gap that set them apart from everyone else. Originally posted: 05-29-11 Status: One Shot

The Light at the End by LikeABlueThread

Posted on: AO3, Dokuga, FFnet Rating: MA Summary: In contemporary Tokyo, where demons are stigmatized and must hide their identities, two lonely souls find each other on a train. MA for explicit sex. NOW COMPLETE!

Stormie’s favs:

Benten's Lesson by Melanippos/Papertigress

Posted on: AO3, FFnet Rating: K+ Summary: Sesshoumaru angers and offends a goddess. In retribution she decides he is in need in a lesson of humility and decides on Kagome's knowledge of unusual foreign literature as the means of exacting an education on the both of them. Status: Hiatus

Destined Love by asuka-2004/Valore

Posted on: Dokuga, FFnet Rating: MA Summary: Kagome goes on a trip to an art museum and is shocked to find a picture of Sesshomaru. Told of a legend of the Woman who tamed the beast she learns that the Woman in the painting is none other than HER! COMPLETE!

Red Lotus by Madison/Maddie-san

Posted on: AO3, Dokuga, FFnet Rating: MA Summary: Five hundred years later, an obligation brought him to her when the end was near. He could watch her die, or he could vow to look after her until death do them apart. Status: Hiatus

The Broken Miko by RosieB

Posted on: FFnet Rating: M Summary: New summary: After a tragic battle and a wish with unexpected consequences, Kagome finds the infamous taiyoukai. He has the power to help her, but will he? KagomeXSess COMPLETE WITH EPILOGUE!

Unspoiled by forthright

Posted on: Dokuga, FFnet Rating: T Summary: CU. Something goes awry during a trip through the Well, and Kagome is stranded in the distant past, where she encounters a familiar face. When a very young Sesshoumaru decides to keep her, the consequences ripple through time. A serial tale told in bits and pieces. Romance takes the scenic route. COMPLETE.

[mythicamagic]

20 questions tag~

I was tagged by @chierafied thank youu!!

How many works do you have on AO3

109

What’s your total AO3 word count?

1386487

How many fandoms have you written for and what are they?

InuYasha - A Feudal Fairy Tale (75)

Diabolik Lovers (19)

Fruits Basket (5)

Bleach (3)

Avatar: The Last Airbender (3)

Frozen (Disney Movies) (1)

Mystic Messenger (Video Game) (1)

Teen Titans (Animated Series) (1)

僕のヒーローアカデミア | Boku no Hero Academia | My Hero Academia (1)

ピオフィオーレの晩鐘 | Piofiore no Banshou (Visual Novel) (1)

What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Swimming in Silk 

Summary: Training in front of her, engaging her in conversation and now lending her his clothes...Kagome is starting to suspect that Sesshoumaru is trying to gain her attention.

What follows is nothing she could have ever expected, with Time forcing difficult choices between the two.

Night Terrors

In a haze of bloodlust caused by his demonic heritage, Inuyasha kills his beloved friends. All except Kagome. Finding them too late, Sesshoumaru takes the traumatised miko into his group. Sesskag.

Conversing with Emotion

Sesshoumaru can't get Kagome out of his head. No, literally. She's trapped in there. While searching for a way out, Kagome makes the acquaintance of the Daiyouaki's many emotions, stumbling upon a few secrets and memories she was never supposed to know about. Sesskag

Soul Mates

Soulmate AU where soulmates share pain. Kagome feels Sesshoumaru’s arm being cleaved off as though its her own. He in turn feels the moment when a piece of her soul is ripped out. As soul mates they want nothing to do with each other, but some aches and pains are too difficult to ignore. Sesskag.

Husband Catalogue

Due to a spell, Kagome experiences waking up each week in a different alternate future. This offers a glimpse of her potential husband and married life, sure. However, it also comes with the awkwardness of acting as a wife towards best friends, old enemies and demon lords alike. Eventual Sesskag.

Do you respond to comments, why or why not?

Sometimes, and it’s not that I’m not grateful- because I am! Comments give me liiiife and they’re wonderful to read. Very uplifting. However I feel awkward responding. I don’t know why. All I can say is - ‘thank you’ so it feels weird. I hope my lack of response doesn’t come across as too arrogant or ungrateful, I worry about that sometimes.

What’s the fic you’ve written with the angstiest ending?

Uhhh well its not Sesskag. I’d say in my oneshot collection called Diabolik Fairy tales, there’s one that covers the Little Mermaid. It ends like the fairy tale- with the Mermaid dying. She leaves Laito alone and empty. 

What’s the fic you’ve written with the happiest ending?

I think Romancing Ego. It’s verrry fluffy and self indulgent and its cute! Ends with Sesskag and their kids.

Do you write crossovers? If so what is the craziest one you’ve written?

I’ve only written one called Young Love that has both Zutara and Sesskag. It involves Kagome being a matchmaker.

Have you ever received hate on a fic?

Oh yeah, a bunch of times. Usually on ff.net. Once it was about someone not grasping that Terracotta Teeth was a Dark Romance and they kind of blew up about the problematic elements. Other times its usually about my Kagome portrayal not being ‘strong’ enough, but female characters are SUPER hard to write, since people are more critical of them than male characters. Most of the time Sess can do no wrong to readers, it can be mildly frustrating.

Do you write smut? If so what kind?

Yes! Uhh I don’t think I’m super detailed with it but I write a lot of standard stuff. Occasionally I throw in some shades of Sub Sess, or a lil bit of bondage. Most of the time its rough, passionate sex. I love writing Monster Sesskag smut at the moment though hehe.

Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Yep I had Diabolik Fairy Tales uploaded onto Wattpad. Luckily everyone on tumblr was v supportive and helped me take it down.

Have you ever had a fic translated?

I think so, though I’ve since stopped agreeing to it since I always forget who I’ve given permission to lolol

Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Yeah, though it’s made me realise I’m a bit of a control freak when it comes to writing and would prefer to pace the story my own way rather than compromise.

What’s your all time favorite ship?

I don’t think I have a definitive one, though I’d say Sesskag have taken centre stage lolol

What’s a WIP that you want to finish but don’t think you ever will?

Probably Support for Limbo. I hope I’m able to eventually finish Macaria...

What are your writing strengths?

Dialogue and emotions. I feel like I can usually write teasing and engaging dialogue. I try to give visual cues to showing emotions but I’m no stranger to using metaphors for emotions too. 

What are your writing weaknesses?

Description for sure. From the scenery to characters clothes, I’m terrible at setting a scene and remembering to say what people are wearing. I need to work on writing scenery more but I can never summon the energy to talk about clothes. Unfortunately a couple of times some LOVELY fan artists have drawn stuff from my fics and didn’t know what Kagome was wearing so they had to improvise haha. I feel bad about that, I’ll try slipping in more clothing stuff.

What are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic?

Not a fan unless there’s a reason. Idk the early days of fanfiction has scarred me from too many random japanese phrases thrown into fics. 

What was the first fandom you wrote for?

Teen Titans

What’s your favorite fic you’ve written?

Ummm....Ya know I’m still gonna have to say Snake Charmer XD I know I should say Swimming in Silk or Conversing with Emotion but I think for me as a reader, I’d pick Snake Charmer to re-read. I don’t think it’s ‘the best’ but I like it! It’s a guilty pleasure.

I tag: @deadlyglacier, @forgettable-fox, @wulfintheforest and @the-sloth-woman