#i won't never recover from this shit...

[kofolacitrus]

Actually kinda proud of this one 👉👈

And I'm also wondering...what if there was maybe another reason behind Sam's last words?

I mean...

What if he ACTUALLY SAW PAULIE!

Like his ghost or something 🥹 pfffff (I know I'm so silly)

[kittlyns]

Had to pay a small ransom fee to get back into my Yahoo email account, have basically been told I'm never getting my Gmail account back, sat in chat with Samsung support for over 2 hours only for them to tell me they couldn't do anything at all, and now I'm just like. Well, what's next.

[cosmic-dust-poltergeist]

Pt 5 of the Danny is a clone/reincarnation in DC au. Tw: discussions of sa and child sa

[Part 4 here]

Danny is not sure how he got talked into this. Sure, he's been steadily getting better at "normal" interactions over the last 2 and a half years, and he's met or is family with everyone here, but it's still a lot. It's Dick, Wally, Kori, Raven, Jon, Damian, Kon, Bernard, Tim, Jason, Roy, and him all camped out in the second largest family room for a sleepover. Sort of. As overwhelmed as he feels, it's still rather fun.

They have movies playing in the background while they all play different games. At first, different groups split off to play board games or card games, but Dick decided they should play something all together. It was hard to find something that accommodated so many players, so they decided to play never have I ever.

Danny could even play honestly because everyone here knows about his "second set" of memories. So there's no questions if he puts a finger down to something he hasn't technically done from their perspective. But it does mean they hone in when he hesitates.

"Never have I ever lost my virginity." Damian said it because he knew Tim, Jason, and Dick would put their fingers down, but his eyes widen when Danny debates if he should. "Seriously?"

"I'm not sure it counts.." Danny shifts uncomfortably.

"Oh-ho! You lose it to someone Before?" Jason teases, "Who was it? A girlfriend? A boyfriend?"

"Jason.." Dick scolds while staring hard at Danny. He's clearly pieced it together. There's this look on his face that isn't sympathy, but empathy. Danny feels sick knowing his eldest brother knows exactly what he means because he's also been through something similar.

"I've actually never made it past kissing with a romantic interest." Danny can see the exact moment his very specific wording clicks. He starts trembling as a bunch of ugly emotions make themselves known.

"Shit."

"Danny-"

"I don't think it counts." Dick cuts everyone off, his sunshine smile nowhere to be seen. "No more than my assaults should be considered cheating."

The way Kori flinches leads Danny to believe that's exactly what she accused him of at some point. He knows they're exs, but didn't know the details. The guilt written all over her over this topic is reassuring, though.

"Sometimes things happen outside of our control." Dick gives a small sad smile. "Which means we can't blame ourselves. We just figure out how to live in the aftermath."

The fact Dick has been sexually assaulted seems to be news to everyone, but Wally and Kori. The anger on both of their behalves is heartwarming, but Danny just feels the need to scrub his skin raw. The images of the pedophiles pretending to be scientists flashing before his eye and their phantom touches making him feel dirty.

"I'm never going to escape what that lab did to me.."

"You already are." Kon pipes up. "Look around you, kid. Even just a year ago, you wouldn't have agreed to be part of this hangout. Sure, the scars will never go away, you'll have moments where you feel like nothing but an experiment or a tool, instead of the kind and bright person you are, but that's okay-"

"Whenever you forget. The people who care about you will just have to remind you!" Jon's bright grin has sadness mixed in it.

"Danny?" Tim shuffles closer. "Can I hug you?"

Danny doesn't verbally answer, just nods and crawls into Tim's lap. Danny curls up tightly and whispers. "I think I'm done playing for now."

"Alright.." Tim hugs him close, rubbing soothing circles on his back. A glance towards Dick reveals Wally and Kori have him sandwiched between them, giving him comfort.

"How..." Jason starts slowly, clearly still recovering from the information that his eldest and youngest brothers have both been assaulted. "How about we play Uno? We have 3 packs worth, so there should be enough."

Danny knows this won't be the last time the topic of their assaults are brought up, but it's a weird sort of painful healing to even just acknowledge it happened. It'll probably also stop them from trying to push him into relationships like they do with Damian. He can't stomach the thought of dating currently. He's happy just sticking to platonic affection for now.

[sqgeism]

On a roll with the Anaxa fics! (i love him so much i cant even)

so, a bit specific; sometimes i bottle up emotions and get so anxious i might even get physically sick from it. what would phainon and anaxa do for reader when that happens? +anyone else you like

Thank you for reading. Don't do if this crosses boundaries

𐙚 𓏵𓏵𓏵 𐙚 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐢 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 | anaxa and phainon (seperate) x gender neutral reader

love mail — hellooo anonnie!! thank u i try my best w him and the others ( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ i hope you're alright!! i hope this request is up to standard and u enjoy also erm anaxa's is more nausea n stuff.. phainon is like. actual sickness. like you're unwell.. sick and stuff... sorry i wasn't sure so i did both ゜゜(´O｀)°゜

long before you got into a relationship, you understood how to handle yourself when your stomach began to churn in nausea. your own steps to stop it, or to recover afterwards.

anaxa watches as you fidget quietly, today was another experiment regarding his pursuit for knowledge- but it involved something physically violent for him. he knows you're more morally intact than him, more human, but he's not going to act above those feelings. he cares for you, even if it's hard to see upon first glance.

"sorry." you see him staring, and force yourself to hold it together. but anaxa isn't having it.

he puts away whatever he was focused on, but the confrontation makes it worse. you don't wanna ruin his experiment, so you abruptly stand. "please excuse me. don't wait, just continue."

he blinks as you walk off, out of his lab and back to the hallways. it doesn't take long for him to follow, noticing how you frantically down a cup of water.

anaxa puts two and two together. he's not stupid, he knows your habits, he knows you.

before you can even reach out to the cabinets, he's already opening them and reaching for crackers that you leave for moments like this. he pops a bag and passes a cracker to you, his expression stern but caring. "i noticed these help you, please, eat it slowly."

once his hands are free, anaxa opens the kitchen window to let in fresh air. then you notice, that he's noticed. he knows how to help, he's learned how to help, and you've never realized it before. "is there anything else you need?" the utter concern snaps you out of your daze, and anaxa's suddenly looming over you now, his knuckles brush against your cheek and his eye is fixed on your face. studying you for any more signs of discomfort.

"i won't be continuing with the experiment today," he sees how your face shifts and shakes his head. "don't worry, i'll find something else to do. i'm realizing now that my experiment has too many risks, yet the only one i care about is the one that tells me that you'll be upset with me."

the sage brings you into his arms, having you close as he buries himself in your hair. "please, never be upset with me."

phainon doesn't want to scold you, but he really wants to. though you don't need that right now, especially with the fact you've had such a shit week and the fact you're bedridden.

he's cuddling you while you rest, listening to you snore as he's behind you, your head on his bicep and legs tangled together. he'd say it would make it hard to leave, but he has no plans to. so he doesn't care.

you two often had conversations about how you handle emotions. you were still navigating that realm of your relationship after being an independent person for so long, and phainon understood that it would take time.. but moments like this made him worry. had his heart aching, wishing he could do more.

he wasn't able to catch on that you were bottling it up either, you were good, he'll give you that. but you could've gone to him, he knows you don't want to be a bother but he prays that you'd 'bother' him. that you'd choose to focus your attention on him, for anything. because he'll be there, aeon forbid he's halfway across the universe cause he'll do anything to go back home, to you.

"i wish you'd trust me more." he knows you're sleeping, but he doesn't mind. he hopes that these words reach you while you're at least at peace. "i'd never force you to, i promise. but it really does something to me whenever this happens and i feel powerless to help." phainon chuckles in a way that's completely robbed of any humor. "i'm a chrysos heir, for aeon's sake. i can handle whatever outburst you throw at me that you'll think i'll be upset over."

his hand ghosts over your hair, slowly caressing you. "but i'll never be. i'll never be upset, not at you. and not when you're just experiencing stress."

he brings his mouth to your ear, whispering. "i love you. i love you, and you know that. so let me take care of you."

he notices how you shiver slightly.

that's when phainon lets out a genuine laugh, stopping you from squirming away from him.

[lizzieisright]

can you write something like alpha!abby that gets a little too alpha with omega reader and it pisses them off

Okay so in my Abbyland alpha!Abby would never get too alpha with her omega because this girl is Whipped and drinks her respect omega juice. However, tlou!Abby will definitely be an anxious asshole of an alpha and will act like this early in your relationship, so here it is.

This the same omega!reader x alpha!abby from this story.

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

It's hard, being an omega who goes on patrols in WLF. It's even harder when you've got an alpha.

Abby has learnt her lesson the first time she tried to get bossy with you (the knife at her throat was pretty convincing), but that time she was just so fucking full of herself it was easy to resort to violence.

Now, Abby is a little scared of you; or, more precisely, she is scared of losing you over stupid alpha posturing. She knows you won't hesitate to put her in her place, but she doesn't want to be this kind of alpha to you. She has seen you at your most vulnerable, she saw your fear. She doesn't want this.

However.

There's one thing Abby literally couldn't help - she doesn't even notice it, how it happens, but she gets extremely overprotective.

You come back from the briefing and start packing, and Abby watches you until you notice her.

"Isaac got a mission for me. It's for three days." You tell her.

"Alone?"

"No, two new alphas are also coming. I haven't learnt their names yet." You say offhandedly, like it's not a big deal.

But Abby's brain short-circuits right after "two new alphas". She doesn't even register as her eyes turn red, her scent gets suffocating and the she says the worst possible thing in the worst possible way - she uses her voice.

"You're not going."

You feel awful the moment Abby says it, and you take a second to breathe through it. Alpha voice is painful to disobey, her presence and scent are pressing you into the ground and something in you really wants to cry and start apologising, but you've been through too much shit to bend over for an alpha. "Come again?" You growl menacingly, your body going into a fighting state. You disobey an alpha? Get ready for a fight. "You are. Not. Going. Three day mission with two other alphas? I don't fucking think so." Abby stands up and you know she is going to get in your face, all puffed up. She is staring you down like you're a naughty child and this is a last straw.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" You growl in her face. "I'm not your goddamn property."

"I'm protecting you!" Abby growls and keeps getting in your space, which backfires immediately.

"I don't need your protection." You hiss.

The time itself stops.

Abby freezes like you've slapped her. The sudden silence is heavy and you know you shouldn't have said that. But Abby shouldn't have used her voice on you.

At least you shocked Abby enough so she stops suffocating you with her scent and presence, and you take a breath with you full chest as your headache subsides.

Abby watches you as you recover from disobeying her and she feels cold all over. She did this. Your words hurt, sure, but she did this: she made her omega suffer, she caused you literal pain. This is the opposite of protection.

"I'm so-" Abby starts saying, but you look at her, tired but sharp, and she shuts her mouth.

"I'm going. We'll talk when I come back." You tell her as you put a few other things in your backpack. "Otherwise I'll do something I regret."

You say it to yourself, but Abby hears it.

She fucked up. She fucked up big fucking time.

While you're away on the mission, Abby drives herself crazy: she is so worried for you she can't eat or sleep. She is worried that if everything goes to shit, the last thing she did was using her voice on you. She is worried that you're alone with two alphas and how much do you have in you to stand up to them. She's worried that everything is fine but the moment you see her you will dump her because she got so scared she turned into a controlling asshole.

You come back, just a few bruises on you and a jammed gun that gives Abby a heart attack (you were out there with a jammed gun? You had nothing to protect yourself with?). It should be a pretty serious damage if you couldn't fix it yourself, and it scares Abby even more. She knows you're insanely good with firearms and this is the last thing that could happen to you.

And of course it happened when you were on a mission without her.

Abby meets you as an anxious mess who barely slept and ate for three days and used her growling as the only means of communication. You know this whole situation was hard on her: it's easier for you, since omegas don't get this protective and you learnt to survive fully on your own, but Abby is the way she is because she is protective. She is commanding, ruthless and relentless because she wants to keep everyone safe. She wants to keep you safe - except she chose the worst way of showing it.

And you've calmed down: three days away with two young alphas who were quite sweet and annoying with their protective behaviours reminded you so much of Abby's endearing ridiculousness.

Abby follows you like a puppy, her nostrils flaring because she tries to catch your mood, and you let her have it: you smell safe and happy and a little annoyed so she knows she is still in trouble, but it's enough to relax her. She still absolutely stinks of anxiety and guilt, but at least it's not so sharp anymore.

"Come on, I'll shower and we will talk." You tell Abby and she nods.

"Can I hold your hand?" She asks nervously, like she fully expects you to reject her, like she knows she is on thin ice.

Still, you take her hand and let your fingers interlock. Abby relaxes like she was holding her breath this whole time.

"I'm still mad." You tell her and Abby lowers her head in shame. It's cute. "But we'll be fine."

"Thanks."

When you come back from the shower Abby is waiting for you with a cup of hot tea and a pastry she probably stole from the kitchens because she does use her status for little things. You sit next to her while she watches you, guilty and hopeful you'll except her offerings. You see, endearing ridiculous alpha behaviour.

"You use your voice on me one more time like this I swear to god I'll put a bullet in your knee just on principle." You start, but there's some lightness in your tone that makes Abby smile a little. "I know you got all protective and shit, but you can't command me. Unless I ask you to."

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry I hurt you like this." Abby says with her whole heart and fuck, you just want to hug the shit out of her and make this awful desperate smell go away. "I learnt how to control it, but I got so scared it just- I didn't even notice I was doing it."

"Good thing I'm a stubborn motherfucker who can disobey anyone."

And Abby knows it's true: if you haven't been able to disobey her and get pissed off, you'd have started crying from pain and apologising and this would have been so much more heart-breaking.

"I'm sorry I said I don't need your protection." You tell Abby, because you know this hurt her too. "Well, yeah, I don't actually need it, but I want it. I love when you take care of me." You nod at the cup and the pastry.

"Thanks. I needed to hear this." Abby smiles and you smile back.

"You wanna go stick your nose in my neck and cuddle until your anxiety goes away?"

Abby nods.

You spend the day cuddling and discussing your mission and what went wrong and why, but Abby calms down enough to actually fall asleep for the first time in three days, nose right in your scent glands while you caress her back, and you know you two will be okay.

And if Abby does use her voice again. Well, you are insanely good with guns.

[pleasantlycrazyworld]

Bob Reynolds/The void/ The sentry masterlist

Cat Cafe - Summary: reader takes Bob to a cat cafe for a date, and he ends up getting his own kitten.

Summary: Bob just likes spending time with you

Bob had no idea you had a cat

Finding comfort in the void Summary: Reader is having a dark day and only the void seems to bring them comfort

Mute!Reader- Summary: Working with the Thunderbolts* is a challenge, especially when you don't speak. Thankfully Bob is there to communicate for you.

Need - Summary: Bob, he just needs you (smut)

Migraine Pains - Summary: Bob helps you while you have a migraine

A Void Episode - Summary: Void takes over one day and uses everything you've told Bob against you to try and get you to leave Bob's side. When Bob remembers what happens he has to make it up to you.

Missing you (Sassy Bob) - Summary: Bob’s been moodier than a cat in the rain lately, and the team’s patience is wearing thin. It takes Yelena’s sharp eyes to notice the cause: you’ve been gone for a few days, and Bob’s acting out like a lovesick drama queen

Totally fine - Summary- Jealous, Sassy Bob mixed with Friends to lovers

You get hurt (Sassy Bob) - Summary: You left for a mission without warning and end up hurt. You try to hide your pain but Bob notices you're hurt quickly, it shouldn't be a surprise since he notices everything about you.

Void is getting...attached to you. Summary: The Void is not just a power or an alternate form. It’s Bob's darkest self, an entity that feeds on fear, destruction, and chaos. But the Void desires something different with you. Not to destroy...he wants to claim.

Cold Medicine - Summary: Since Bob is a recovering addict, I think you can say the most off-the-wall shit and it won't phase him especially when you are sick.

Compliments - Summary: Bob doesn't know how to handle compliments; especially when they're from you

Sentry falls first, Bob falls after Summary: Sentry falls in love with you before Bob even realizes his feelings for you

Bob's room - Summary: Reader helping Bob decorate his room but then finds out that he just likes your room better (Kinda smutty, kinda fluffy)

Haunted - Summary: The Void has always haunted Bob. You just never expected it to start haunting you. When the nightmares begin—dreams where Bob speaks in a voice that isn’t quite his—you begin to wonder if the darkness inside him is learning how to reach you.

All of you - Summary: Bob takes your virginity (Smut & Fluff)

Screams, S'mores, and Summerween - Summary: Bob might not understand Summerween but dammit he loves you.

Behind her back - Summary: Bob falls in love with the only person he really can't be in love with...why the hell did you have to be Yelena's sister.

Behind her back part 2 - Summary: You knew it was risky sneaking into Bob's room; all it took was one wrong door opening for everything to crumble but Yelena won't find out yet...will she? And if she does, will Bob run or fight for the one thing he never thought he could have?

Behind her back part 3 Summary: A soft quiet night--no words, just Bob holding you like he's afraid you'll vanish. The next morning, Yelena finally sees it. The way he's completely different with you. She doesn't interrupt just realizes maybe he's not the same man she thought.

Accidental Strip Show -Summary: Bob walks in on you changing and is extra dramatic about it.

Prank War - Summary: You and Bob are friends, you didn't mean to start a war...you swear you didn't. It's his own fault for being so damn tall

Walker...Shut up! - Summary: Sassy Bob just keeps getting worse with everything Walker says, and somehow you became the meditator between them

[verysium]

some thought on us/reader/yn (i don’t know how to address it lol 😭) and seeing ex-boyfriend, who preferably myb cheated and now is dump struck how we got a new boyfriend/it’s been some time since last seeing ex)

um.....i'm assuming the bllk boys are the new boyfriend for this. hopefully, that's what you meant, but here you go anon:

kaiser absolutely thrives off this situation. this is the perfect chance to stroke his ego, so he's going to take full advantage of it. definitely notices your ex before you do and tugs you closer, arm wrapped around your waist, nose buried in your hair. obviously, you can't see his facial expression, but you can tell by the way he's smirking that he's definitely up to no good. when your ex finally realizes that your new boyfriend is THE michael kaiser, he's like... 😏 that's right bitch. keep ogling. y/n's doing so much better without you. even better if your ex is actually a fan of kaiser. his sadistic ass will not let that go. you want my autograph or something? oh wait...sorry i don't give out autographs to losers. deliberately sets out on a mission to make your ex's day an absolute hell, and he's smug about it too. once your ex is gone, he looks back and asks...so did i do good? no, you don't need to thank me. i'm already thanking myself. (he's so stupid....i love him.)

sae's reaction is encapsulated in one word. side-eye. he won't actually say anything, but the judgmental aura leeching off him is already enough to send your ex running in the opposite direction. i don't even think your interaction is going to last more than one minute because sae is just so intimidating. the entirety of japan already knows who he is, and compared to him, your ex is an absolute nobody. poor guy will probably never recover especially after seeing you and sae on the front of every tabloid, magazine, and news channel. his ego is broken, masculinity in ruins, reputation in tatters. and honestly.....serves him right.

rin holds an even stronger grudge than you do. he never lets any personal slight go without consequence. probably still holding every single mistake your ex has made in the past five years over his head. what did you even see in him? he's a lukewarm piece of shit. again....like sae, i don't think you would even need to say anything because rin's death glare already says enough.

shidou needs a restraining order because i don't think your ex is going to make it out alive. probably goes straight for the throat too. he genuinely enjoys seeing other people in pain whether physically or emotionally. will probably make out with you right in front of your ex just to fuck with his mind a little bit. hand placement is key. he places one hand behind your head and the other one grasps your ass. uses a lot of tongue. leaves you winded with starry eyes and swollen lips before he maniacally grins at your ex. he definitely enjoyed that a little too much.

barou has a quiet but menacing aura. he's very tall, so i think he would likely tower over your ex. and uh...have you seen his physique? he would probably cross his arms, and his biceps would bulge, and he would whisper in the lowest, most chilling tone: you got a fucking problem? and that's about all it takes because your ex may be a wimp but at least he has enough self-preservation to know you don't mess with someone like barou. probably kisses you on the forehead after that and his voice softens just tad...you okay, baby? (dfhkjsdhf i just blushed)

nagi wouldn't really care. nothing fazes him, especially not your ex because he's in the past now and that makes him irrelevant. but he definitely does not back down from subtly throwing some insults. oh...him? he's just y/n's ex. a weak guy not worth the hassle. don't bother. if your ex is stupid enough to actually confront him though....he's not going to hold back. shut up. you sure bark a lot for someone with no bite. pet store's two blocks away. maybe you should check out a new collar. lmao nagi can be painfully rude when he wants to be.

[portraitofalinkonfyre]

Screenward Bound

Pairing: Twilight x Reader

Warning(s): Eventual smut and mild yandere behavior

Notes: Written for my 200 Follower Event!

Main Masterlist | Fic Masterlist | Next Chapter

You weren't quite sure what compelled you to visit the garage sale on the corner of 4th and Shirestone.

The lot was small and the yellow house inhabiting it was large, leaving very little space for the several tables of stuff in the miniscule front yard, meaning they spilled out onto the bordering sidewalk like an invasion of dusty books and even dustier boxes, which was probably what drew you to the sale in the first place.

"Do you have any Uncle Kracker?" You half-heartedly asked the old lady running the operation, idly thumbing through the CDs.

"Uncle who?" She raised a brow.

"Nevermind," you sighed, giving her a short once over before returning to your unenthusiastic perusal. You lived a few blocks away, tucked in the corner of a nearby cul-de-sac, but living alone was boring and your wallet had been crying to be drained after recovering from your car being in the shop for a few weeks. Besides, it wasn't like you couldn't drop a few dollars to pick up a half-decent CD for the radio, especially since people had a habit of dumping their unwanted shit on the side of the road.

With a huff, you flicked through the last row of CDs, all artists that you were either too old or too young to like. Sure, the Pat Benatar one was calling your name, but you already had a few of her songs on other CDs.

Just as you were about to go home and watch a couple hundred reruns of Family Feud while eating enough ice cream to make your doctor cringe, your eye caught another table, this one filled with an assortment of video games. You weren't the biggest gamer, but you had enough of a collection to put any normal ten-year-old to shame.

"You've got games?" You asked, moving past the one-armed mannequin to assess the selection.

"Do I ever," the old woman shook her head, sending a few snow-swept whisps of hair flying from the confines of her satin headband. "They belonged to my son, but the little rat couldn't keep it that way when he moved out."

You managed a sympathetic chuckle, pulling your coat a bit tighter around yourself. There was a chill in the air, despite it being sunny outside. Your fingers felt a bit numb as you flicked through the cases. Final Fantasy, Digimon, Mario Kart...

You paused as your gaze passed over a very familiar title.

"Woah, Twilight Princess?" You lifted the case, marveling at the find. It was a bit dusty, and the cover art looked like it had seen better, less faded days, but it was nonetheless a great discovery. You had always wanted to play it until school got in the way, but now...

"Oh, yeah," the old woman leaned in a bit too close for comfort, tapping a knobby finger on the plastic. You could smell her flowery perfume and the lingering scent of coffee grounds as she spoke. "This was one of my son's favorites... too bad he could never get it to cooperate."

"How so?" You asked, taking a step to the right to create a bit of distance.

She shrugged. "It worked great at first, but the controls were always a bit glitchy for his tastes. He said it was like something else was trying to take control," her tone turned conspiratorial, faded blue eyes glinting in the sunlight. "but I think he was just making excuses to get a new controller for Christmas."

This time, you laughed loudly. "Yeah, they'll do that," you glanced at the game and back at her. "How much? I've got a ten in my wallet, but I can get more if needed."

The old woman waved a hand, dismissing your words with a smile. "That won't be necessary, I should be paying you for taking this junk off my hands. Take it for free."

You opened your mouth to protest, but she sent you a stern glare and you didn't have the courage to square up with someone who didn't have any personal space awareness and looked like she could break your back over her knee. 'Thank you," you ducked your head respectfully, slipping the game into your bag and beginning the trek home. The sun was beginning to set, and you didn't want to get caught in the dark. You waved, calling over your shoulder: "Have a nice day. Stay warm!"

The woman waved back. "You too, dear! Don't let the bedbugs bite!"

You chuckled, boots crunching on the pavement as you set an easy pace, one hand slipping into your bag to feel over the faded plastic surface of your new game.

If there was any truth to the old lady's words about the game being glitchy, it didn't show.

After booting your ancient Wii-U up, you plugged the game in without hesitation, grinning when it started up with nary a twitch. The title screen looked exactly as it should have, a very familiar song emanating from your dusty speakers. It was perfect, and you almost felt bad taking it for free.

Until you tried to select 'new game' and the screen stalled, fizzling back to the menu as if you hadn't done anything at all. "What the hell?" you muttered, attempting the action once more, only to be booted back to the title screen for the second time. "Oh my god, are you serious?"

You weren't really mad, because your expectations hadn't been that high, but you hadn't expected problems before you even began playing. The 'start' button glimmered promisingly, and you reluctantly selected it.

The screen flashed, and the game started. You gaped, nearly dropping the controller in surprise. "Oh, hell yeah," you grinned, mood lifting slightly at the progress. You had already seen several gameplays, so starting later didn't bother you as much as it should have. "Now we're talking."

Link was distinctly aware of the moment his world inexplicably shifted, falling into the soft hands of another. It was as if they were meant to hold his life in their palms, smooth fingertips caressing the edges of his pixelated consciousness, shrouded by colors and numbers and a thin sheen of fantastical insanity.

There was a voice, lighter than the one of his previous guide: the gamer without sense. Link was forgiving, it was practically in his nature, but he could only take so many instances of the kind of crass, harsh language that man had employed, especially when he addressed the dreaded "chat"--whatever evil that was.

"Let's get classic," the voice spoke, tone heavy with excitement, and the world reformed before his very eyes, swirling with the familiar colors and textures that he remembered, though they seemed... brighter, somehow. It was a new start, Link realized. A new play at the game. A new life to destroy. To shape.

Ordon Spring was exactly as he remembered; a clear, rippling pool, fed by the gentle waterfall in the back of the spring, flanked by thick, verdant brush and preceded by a wonderful, sandy bank. Home, he thought.

"I hope the old lady wasn't right," said the voice, sounding a bit mournful as it caressed the tip of his pointed ear. "I'd hate to have to get rid of you... I've been looking for you for ages."

Link felt his body stiffen, the belts crisscrossing his chest feeling more suffocating that normal. You must have heard about his 'resistance' towards the previous owner, who quite deserved it after attempting to make him toss the village dogs off of various high places and herd the children into frankly dangerous areas. Hylia, he hoped you weren't like that. He didn't think he could handle that again.

"Alright, let's go save a princess," your cheer hung heavy in his mind, and Link allowed himself a small, pixelated smile.

He could work with this.

Dear lord I'm so glad this is finally out! It fought me tooth and nail, but I hope it's still up to standard <33

[cosmerelists]

Who Should Be The First Stormlight Character to Say "Fuck"?

As requested by @cosmereplay :)

[THIS POST CONTAINS WAT SPOILERS!]

In Wind and Truth, Lift used "shit" as a swearword, so apparently real-world swears on now on the table in Roshar. So in the back-half of Stormlight Archive, who should be the first character who says "fuck"?

1. Zahel?

Zahel: What, me? Why? Because I'm grumpy all the time? Zahel: Fuck that. It's not even a color. Zahel: ... Zahel: Shit.

2. Gavinor?

Gavinor: I think that if any character deserves to be the first, it's me. Gavinor: I just returned from Trauma Hell and watched my grandfather kill himself. Gavinor: If I don't get to look Odium--sorry, Retribution--in the eye and say "fuck you," then what's the point? Lift: Proud...but also sad. Is this what it's like to be a parent? Gavinor: YOU'RE YOUNGER THAN ME

3. Navani?

Navani: Not to turn this into the trauma olympics, but... Navani: [Counting on her freehand] I'm encased in crystal, I don't yet know my beloved husband is dead, I don't yet know that I failed to rescue my grandson, I don't yet know that most of Roshar has been lost, I don't know that my daughter is traumatized, I don't know that my nephew is trapped in another city and lost his leg and went through hell, I don't know that my daughter-in-law has been lost off-world... Navani: If I wake up and don't whisper "fuck" when I hear everything that's going on...

4. Kaladin?

Kaladin: To be honest, I think I'm too pure to say "fuck." Kaladin: "Storms," which is definitely NOT the same thing, is good enough for me! Syl: But consider: "Fuck it. We ball." Kaladin: ... Kaladin: I can see it.

5. Shallan?

Shallan: Oh, I'll definitely be the first. Shallan: I like to push cultural norms. Shallan: I'm trapped in Shadesmar and probably pregnant. Shallan: [inexplicably wearing sunglasses all of the sudden] "Fuck" is about to be my favorite word, I bet.

6. Jasnah?

Jasnah: I care too much about how I present myself and how I am perceived to use an off-world, vulgar epithet. Jasnah: Unless, of course, I'm now so broken by losing a debate against Odium and letting Thaylenah fall... Jasnah: Which undermined my entire sense of self and proved myself incapable at the very things I believed made me worthwhile... Jasnah: Then, maybe, just maybe... Shallan: Is it wrong that you've never been hotter? Jasnah: YES

7. Adolin?

Adolin: [considering] Adolin: I think I'm a "fuck yeah" type of person. Adolin: Maybe we can make that, like, the catchphrase of the Unoathed! Notum: Maybe we won't do that. Adolin: You're no fun.

8. Moash?

Moash: Why are we pretending that any of these straightedged, goody-two-shoes protagonists are capable of introducing "fuck" to Roshar? Gavinor: Excuse me? Moash: Please, you're going to be crying the whole next book, I bet. Moash: I'M the edgy one. I'M the guy who dyed his Bridge 4 uniform black just to look cool. Moash: If ANYONE is saying "fuck" for the first time, it's ME. Moash: Because there is NO ONE in these books who is as ANGRY or as EDGY or as BAD as me! Blackthorn Dalinar, raised from the Spiritual Realm and probably coated in fire or something: [waves] Moash: CAN SANDERSON PLEASE MAKE ME RELEVANT AGAIN

9. Sigzil?

Sigzil: Look, it's definitely not me. Sigzil: If I wasn't saying "fuck" at any point while on Canticle, then it's clearly not a word in my vocabulary.

10. Lift?

Lift: Sure, I introduced the word "shit" to Roshar. Lift: So you may think--"Oh, of course it's just gonna be Lift again." Lift: And I get it. I'm fucking awesome that way. Lift: But consider. Lift: Somethin' is going down. Something bad. Something horrible. And all the sudden we cut to Wyndle, and he just whispers, "Oh fuck." Lift: ... Lift: I don't think the world would recover.

[that-hazbin]

Things Alastor Has Definitely Said 7

Vaggie: You have a talent for being a grade A jackass. Seriously, you can get snappy within seconds, the fuck is your problem?

Alastor: Thank you, it's the chronic pain!

Vaggie: What?

Alastor: I never fully recovered from the war.

Vaggie: WHAT?!

Alastor: Did you believe the cane was for aesthetics?

—

Angel: You got hurt during the war?

Alastor: Incorrect!

Angel: But you just told Vag—

Alastor: I was lying!

Angel: Ah, okay. So the chronic pain and the cane stuff ain't true?

Alastor: No, no, I got the chronic pain from being beat as a child! I started needing the cane as I grew older, the damage just sort of stacked up.

Angel: ...That's worse than getting it from the war.

—

Alastor: The universe is theorized to have been created about 13 to 14 billion years ago, is that correct?

Lucifer: Eh, I mean, that's an accurate estimate.

Alastor: And you were created before the universe was?

Lucifer: Well, yeah, I was made to help create the universe.

Alastor: So it's accurate to call you a cradle robber?

Lucifer: LILITH WAS A GROWN ASS ADULT WOMAN, OKAY—

—

Alastor: So, Lucifer doesn't know you're an angel yet.

Vaggie: Oh SHIT—

Alastor: Not to worry! I just confirmed that he's insecure of the age gap he had when he fell in love with Lilith. If he shows disapproval, you just need to point it out and he'll immediately back down from any complaint he has!

Vaggie: You... I don't know whether I should be touched that you did this for me, or pissed that you went around looking for insecurities in Charlie's dad.

Alastor: I'm not hearing a lot of gratitude, and I find that rude.

—

Alastor: Charlie, I understand you want me to get along with your father, but I don't believe you have all the facts.

Charlie: What facts?

Alastor: That your father is a figure of authority and I hate figures of authority.

Charlie: ... But I'm the princess, and you get along fine with me?

Alastor: Well, my mother would have adored you, so you get a pass.

Charlie: AW REALLY?? 🥺

—

Husk: You know she's going to notice one day, right?

Alastor: What, that I say something sappy to distract her from making me "get along" with Lucifer? Please, she won't—

Husk: No, I mean she's going to notice how often Lucifer stares at you the same way he probably used to stare at her mother.

Alastor: ... Husker, that was absolutely heinous. Do I need to sew your mouth shut? Never torture my ears with your delusions ever again.

—

Alastor: NIFTY! Come along, we're going to sabotage my relationships! Can't be having another Vox situation, after all.

[insolentgod]

reminder extremely tough and maybe a little harsh.

a lot of folks gotta work themselves to death just to have a halfway comfortable life, some don't even have the basics. many will have to do crazy stuff for money and others dream of giving their loved ones a good life but can't. some will only be able to see luxurious lifestyles on phone screens or in other people's TikTok accounts. and others don't even have the money to pay for internet to see that.

lots of people will spend years hating themselves, hating their appearance, personality, social life, social status, skills, everything about themselves. many live with insecurities, feeling like a supporting character in their own story, some have things that bother them but it's "impossible" to change them so they'll just have to live with it. others spend a fortune on surgeries or treatments to change something about themselves, and many die because of it.

many people will have to live trying to recover from traumas and bad things that hit them, without knowing how to simply erase them from their lives, and unfortunately, some prefer to end their own lives so they don't have to live with those burdens.

many people will have to face horrible diseases, some they simply can't get rid of and others that are incurable. suffering, waiting for a miracle to free them from this torture.

some folks may never achieve their personal goals and dreams, out of fear, lack of opportunity, lack of means, or because they think it's impossible for them. so consequently they will have to surrender to a mediocre life that they hate.

many people will have to spend years in shitty relationships without knowing how to get out, others will see the love of their life being happy with someone else, others will think that love only serves to deeply hurt them, and others will accept horrible things from their partners because they think they don't deserve anything better.

a lot of folks unfortunately live out there lonely, without love, without a good social circle, without friends, with an abusive family, with people who don't want the best for them, with people who only hurt them and make them think that's what they deserve.

you might think I'm a jerk for talking about such harsh examples and I'm sorry if I hurt anyone, but damn..

all these examples I mentioned are really sad and they leave us with a heavy heart thinking that a lot of people go through this. I think everyone deserves a dignified and happy life, you deserve a dignified and happy life. you don't deserve to be like those people in the examples I mentioned, and you're not. because you have a key in your hands. it's like life is a damn game and you have all the hacks and cheats to simply WIN and do whatever you want, while other people don't even dream of that or are too skeptical to try.

but you know what's funniest about this? it's that this shit ain't just any game, it's your life. it's literally your damn life and you're there playing with the law? saying "oh I can't" "oh persisting is too hard" "I think I'll never have my desires".

girl, I'll kill you if you keep thinking like that.

there are folks who just don't take the loa seriously, and that's why they never fulfill their desires!!!!!!!!!!!! and they won't have anyone to blame for their failure but themselves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the LOA community is very small, discovering about it was extremely lucky. so tell me a good reason why you know about it and simply can't manifest? exactly. there isn't one! you can and you should.

I'm not here to judge your difficulties in manifesting (even if I judge everything and everyone), because having difficulties and keep trying is one thing and simply giving up and saying "I can't manifest" is another.

it was a blessing from the universe, God, higher power, whatever you believe in. you discovering LOA was the damn greatest blessing of your life, don't you see that? don't you really see how blessed you are? maybe in the past you've been through hell, but now, my love, the sun is shining for you, you just have to want to shine. unfortunately a lot of people will never have that luck, there are people who would kill to be blessed like this. so please, I beg you... use this tool and have the damn happiest life you can, enjoy it and stop playing with the law.

tell me what do you really want? a true and light love? have a look that would never make you feel insecure again? being the pride of mommy and daddy and having their love? having that beautiful house and a happy family? finally healing from depression or other mental disorders and finally being able to live to the fullest? friends who really care about you? want to meet that idol you've been a fan of for a long time and that everyone thinks your passion for him is silly? want to live in that country far away from everyone? want to stop feeling that guilt or any other bad feeling that has been tormenting you for a long time? want to be truly happy for the first time in your life? want to be rich, a millionaire, billionaire, trillionaire? or just have enough money to lead a comfortable life and never have to work again? go ahead, tell me what you want. you can have it.

stop suffering, you don't deserve to suffer. enough torture. take what's yours and move on. you're strong enough for that. the game ain't over for you, you can't just give up like that. the game is yours, it obeys you, and it ends when you decide. take freaking control.

i suffered a lot in life, i hope one day i have the courage to tell you about my success here. and I simply don't know what I would do without finding out about LOA, just thinking about it fills my heart with gratitude. I feel like a winner. you deserve to feel this peace of having won too.

God bless you. take care of yourselves and put your head to work.

i ain't that selfish. if you need some backup, im here for you, babe. I wanna see you win. 🌟

[pizzaapeteer]

I’ve really been thinking about toxic!boyfriend mattheo. I’ve seen like 100 Theo headcannons of it but not my king matty 😔

AH yes anon I completely agree, let me be his addiction - his obsession - his fucking drug, where we ruin each other.

An: I’m very fortunate to have like zilch interaction with a toxic boy so praying this hits right bb 💛 also thank you to @finalgirllx for this sexy edit of matty! tw: talks of some verbal or emotional abuse, he's still a dick basically. @suugarbabe @fuckaperioddrama much love for your help 💛

Toxic!BfMattheo; who secretly gets a thrill from arguing, turns him on in a way he never knew could. Literally fuels his dominance, makes him feel powerful when he raises his voice or throws in a swear word. ‘The fuck!, You’re fucking delusional, I never said that’, 'Are you gonna stop spitting out bullshit or do I need to fill your mouth with something else?" Taking his anger out on you in the best way he knows how.

Toxic!BfMattheo; who hides his insecurity of losing you in his jealousy and will never admit to it gaslighting the hell out of you. But it's done in a subtle way that has you believing him pretty quickly. He’ll make sure to kiss your forehead and temple while he tells you, you’re wrong. 

Toxic!BfMattheo; who has the stupidest double standards ever. Will snap and lecture you about talking to other men (he doesn’t believe it's ever innocent). But who will always brush it off as not meaning anything and how you have nothing to worry about when he does the same with girls. 

Toxic!BfMattheo; who gets extra vulnerable when he’s drunk. Love bombs HARD, how he can't live without you, how he won't take you for granted. Opens up a lot about his father and shares a side he still only trusts with you. 

Toxic!BfMattheo; who hardly ever apologises for anything with words. He won't let himself admit when he’s wrong, so he’ll just buy you flowers, or he’s coercing you with sex in a way that has you somehow begging him that you forgive him. Promising him you love him and will never leave, that you are his. 

Toxic!BfMattheo; who's controlling but plays it off as just being protective and looking out for you. 'You really want rumours starting that you're a whore, didn't think so - go change.' ‘I’m just looking out for you baby.’ But is secretly glad you listen and only he gets to see your body that way.

Toxic!BfMattheo; who gets irritated when you get busy with studies because he’s needy, but also doesn’t want to show it and pretends to be nonchalant that he doesn’t care. But he’ll avoid you for like almost a week to balance it out in showing that he also too doesn’t need you. 

Toxic!BfMattheo; who gaslights and belittles you for acting upset and getting emotional when you express your feelings about his absence. He’s quick to call you ‘so fucking sensitive’, ‘dramatic’, ‘crybaby’ that is not a big deal and he just needs space. 

Toxic!BfMattheo; who won’t shy away from bragging about how he has you eating out of the palm of his hand. Making sure to leave specific details out about your body, after all you’re ‘his’ and he doesn’t need his friends knowing all the visuals. But he’ll make it clear how good he fucks you to make them jealous. ‘Where’s your girlfriend?’, ‘Recovering from last night’. 

Toxic!BfMattheo; who wouldn’t stand up for you if his friends are being sexist. If they look at you or flirt with you he’d punch them but if they made some joke at a woman’s expense he’d laugh it off.

Toxic!BfMattheo; who will hold a grudge if you make a mistake but goes ballistic if you bring up his own shit in retrospect. Using excuses such as, ‘I’m just really stressed’, ‘I’ve just been going through it can’t you just be there for me,’ ‘you know the pressure my father puts on me.’ 

Toxic!BfMattheo; who does love you, he’s completely obsessed. But he’s so deeply rooted in his toxic behaviour that he won't change. Or at least he doesn’t see it as a big deal, something you should get used to if you love him. That if you truly loved him, you’d accept him for who he is. He won't hesitate to emotionally manipulate you to stay if you dare. 

Toxic!BfMattheo; who you loved deeply, craved and were so attached to. Injected into your veins, and who you knew loved you at the end of the day. That he had picked you out of everyone. No matter what he did, or how he treated you, you knew you’d always be by his side and loving him.

⤷ navigation. ⤷ masterlist. ⤷ mattheo masterlist. All work is my own and is not to be copied, claimed or stolen. ©️pizzaapeteer 2024.

[gallusrostromegalus]

I noticed when reading through all your worldbuilding stuff a bit ago that you changed from having isshin remember some stuff to not remembering shit and while i am absolutely not complaining, im curious why I out changed it? Like, cool either way, I'm just interested in the process ^^

I did and did not change it?

Amnesia is almost never a total void- it's more common for people to have SOME memories, but a total lack of context- the memories play out like a movie scene, but the person has no idea who the people in it are, or why they're doing that.

So Isshin has... some memories, but no context for them. He remembers a family member named Kaien- was that his cousin? A young uncle? A neighbor? He's not sure. He remembers a scary old man and some kid and the world's most annoying woman (affectionate), but he doesn't know who they are or how he knows them.

He also has memories of monsters, and the lore about how to avoid and destroy them- was it something Masaki told him, when they were both recovering in the hospital after his accident? Or something older? He doesn't remember.

Ichigo's taxidermy cat starts talking and walkign around and says his name is "Kon" and he's something called a "Mod Soul". Isshin thought that was a subgenre of music, but something about Kon's story follows a pattern of... something. Who knows what.

There's something familiar about the girl Ichigo brings home one night- his classmate, Rukia, who he found sleeping rough, can she stay here? Of course she can! Isshin has a good feeling about her, but heaven knows why.

Ichigo is going through something that he's weirdly reluctant to talk about- all boys get weird during puberty, but locking himself in his room or hanging out on the roof for hours on end, talking to himself? Odd, even for Ichigo. Especially when Isshin tries to eavesdrop on the conversation and it sounds like Ichigo is talking to an unseen friend- this "Zangetsu" guy. Why does that name sound familar? Why does Isshin even try to remember anymore?

Something is wrong. Something is terribly catastrophically wrong. Kon has been Piloting Ichigo's body for DAYS and won't say where his son's spirit has gone. He was doing the dishes and then suddenly... woke up on the kitchen floor. Karin and Yuzu are sluggish, all feeling like they'd been drugged. There's people asleep in the street. There's a terrible, heavy feeling in the air, like an impending hurricaine, despite the clear blue sky. Isshin is running to the hospital- if everyone's been knocked out, there's nobody watching the ICU, or what if someone was doing surgery when this happened-?

There's a man in the road.

"Shiba? Is that you? Is Destiny serving everything to me today?" he calls out, laughing. He's handsome, with a smooth voice and disarming smile. In the surroundings, it makes Isshin's skin crawl.

"...Don't you remember me, Captain Shiba?" the man asks, sounding vaguely disappointed.

Isshin absolutely does not. But he knows, deep in his bones, that this is a wicked, evil man. And that he doesn't have a chance against him, save for one thing- a ripple, less than half a sense of something, but a man knows his son in any shape, coming up behind the man at speed, he just needs an opening.

"OH HEY!" Isshin says, like catching sigh of a co-worker in the grocery store and shouting the first name that comes to mind because somehow he knows this will make the wicked man apoplectic with rage and blind to Ichigo's rapid approach. "URAHARA! KISUKE URAHARA I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU FOR AGES!"

[sennerixx]

What bugs me most is when people say Stolas is "falling out of love with Blitz" just because he's not smooching Blitz to death or reciprocating the affection Blitz is giving to him in the final two eps. No.

Love doesn't magically cure depression, no matter how much love someone can be given, unfortunately.

His life before "MASTERMIND" was already a shit hole, in the throes of losing Blitz and the Stella scenario, the only good thing that ever happened to him was his daughter, Via. He says in "SINMAS", "You have always been the only good thing in my life," he's desperate at this point, desperate not to lose something so precious to him and a reminder he's probably not taken his medication since he was "exiled" so he's probably already "unstable" in the sense he's not what Via is used to.

After the scene with Via and Stolas, Stolas is most likely dead set on thinking Via hates him. He's crushed and is blaming himself for everything, especially after not being able to explain. He feels that he's completely lost his daughter, forever (while I'm hoping this isn't the case) at this moment it feels like it.

Perhaps it might've gone better if Stella allowed the phone call (though we all know that was never going to happen) and Stolas had a chance to explain himself.

While yes, it was his choice to save Blitz and take the blame. Stolas didn't do it to get away from her, he didn't even know how she'd act to it, it was an in-the-moment choice that Stolas didn't get time to think through and bear in mind, Stolas went to save Blitz with the idea that this was it, he was going to die to save Blitz, he wouldn't even be around to apologize to Via.

Going back to my first point, love doesn't magically cure depression, it takes a lot of time and can be very draining to deal with. Throughout the episode, we can see how exhausted Stolas is.

As a person who's suffered with this myself, depression is different for every person but I do know it won't magically go away just because you're in a relationship. While it can make you feel better, it's not a miracle cure.

Depression is something that lingers and takes patience, time, and a lot of gooddamn resilience to conquer, and even then, people still have their shitty days, who doesn't?

It annoys me when people have such black-and-white views on things or only see what they want to see, if some people took a moment to take a step back and actually reevaluate the situation, they'll find what I'm saying.

I'm not surprised Stolas didn't return the hug at the end because he's still grieving the loss of his daughter and Vias grieving the apparent loss of her father, he's still feeling like the shittest person in hell, still processing all these feelings and everything that's happened all while dealing with depression and an already serious shitty lack of self esteem, motivation and confidence in himself.

What im trying to say, Stolas isn't falling out of love with Blitz, he just needs time to heal, recover, and readjust to the new lifestyle he's been thrown into.

And with fingers crossed, work things out with Octavia in the next season.

[ddejavvu]

Rugby!james having a celebratory dinner with his team and he brings shy!you along to meet them for the first time 🥰 they don’t expect you to be so shy considering James is such a loudmouth but they love you all the same ofc. plus james is just enamoured with you so they wouldn’t dare say a bad word about you

Despite James's many, many lectures on proper behavior, Sirius feels like stirring shit. He's sure you won't freak out, he just wants to see how far your sense of humor will go. James has insisted you're shy, and that you're nervous to meet his teammates, but Sirius's love language is teasing. Really, you should feel very loved right now.

"So, Y/N, you're madly in love with James." He observes, setting his glass on the table in the low light of the restaurant's patio seating, "Have you ever seen him after a match?"

Your face flushes at the accusation, even though it's true, and you nod warily. Remus groans at Sirius' goading, but pays polite attention to you.

"Pads..." James warns, but as is his specialty, Sirius ignores him.

"So you're okay with the disgusting, sweaty, grass-stained, adrenaline-drunk buffoon that cries in the showers when we lose."

James sighs, and you merely turn to him with a hint of concern on your face.

"Do you really cry?"

Before James can answer, Sirius gushes, "Oh, all the time. 'S pathetic, really, you can hear him blubbering in there 'cause he can't be a sore loser in front of the other team."

"Sirius," James is more tense this time, but Sirius won't be deterred.

"Personally, I make sure my tears are never out at the same time as my cock, but you do whatever you want, mate."

He's done it. He's said a word, the word, that makes the heat in your cheeks spread all the way to your ears and neck. You're on fire, you're burning up, and James yanks you into his side to cool you with the icy tone of his voice that he levels at Sirius.

"Nice going, Pads." James sneers, leaving Remus to corral their mutual nuisance as he ducks down to speak with you at a murmur, "S'alright, darling, ignore him. And- uh, yeah, I do cry in the showers sometimes. Not as often as Sirius said. But- but it happens."

"Oh," You nod, trying to recover from the humiliation that's trying to seep into your bones, "Well- if you want, you can cry to me. You don't have to do it alone in the shower."

James's face splits into a bright grin, and he refrains from smashing a kiss to your mouth only because he knows it'll embarrass you more. Instead he presses it to your forehead, which is only slightly less embarrassing.

"Thanks, darling." He squeezes your waist, and apparently he's just as wicked as Sirius, because the thought forms in his brain and he can't slow its rapid movement towards his mouth even though he knows he needs to. He at least manages to dull his voice into a barely-audible whisper, ensuring Sirius won't hear him and make a show of it as he presses his shit-eating grin to your ear, "Can I still get naked first?"

[allthingsfangirl101]

In The Past – Ben (Anyone But You)

Ben's POV

I got out of my car and tossed my keys to the valet. I put my hands in my pants pockets and smiled as I looked around at all the familiar faces. I was feeling confident and excited to be at my best friend's sister's wedding.

All of that evaporated when my eyes landed on her.

I instantly knew it was her. I'd know her anywhere. She looked exactly the same. Well, not exactly. She looks even more beautiful all these years later.

"Holy shit," I said under my breath. I didn't notice that I wasn't alone until someone very loudly cleared their throat. I looked over to see Pete smirking at me.

"Y/N looks pretty damn good, huh?" He chuckled.

"She always looks good," I mumbled looking back at her.

"How long has it been since you've seen Y/N?" He asked.

"It's been a while," I answered slowly.

"When was the last time you talked to her?"

"The night before I left," I said before I could stop myself. "Things didn't end well and she never spoke to me again."

"You know," he sighed, "I never understood why, in all the years that the three of us were best friends, you never told her the truth."

"What truth?" I pretended not to know.

"Come on, Ben," he said, actually sounding disappointed. "I know. You know. My sister knows. Hell, everyone knows. The only person here who doesn't know how you feel about Y/N is Y/N."

I looked back at Y/N and watched her hug some other old friends. I couldn't help but wonder what she's been up to all these years. She always talked about wanting to go to art school. I wondered if she ever ignored her family's pressure to go to med school or law school. I wonder if she ever used her art knowledge and became an art curator for a big museum.

"Why didn't you ever tell her, man?"

"It would've messed with our group dynamic," I said the thing I've been telling myself since I walked away from her.

"Bullshit," he scoffed. "If you had talked to me about it, I would've told you that I was okay with it. I would've told you that I support it. If you asked me what you should do right now, I would tell you to get off your ass and finally tell her how much you've always loved her."

Little did he know, that I did tell her the truth.

Once. A long time ago.

I still remember the look in her eyes when I told her I loved her.

~ • ~

"What do you want me to say to that?" She asked, her voice softer than I had expected. I opened and closed my mouth, unable to come up with an answer. "This isn't funny, Ben."

"I'm not trying to be funny," I said slowly. "I mean it. I really do love you, Y/N."

"Please, stop," she said, her voice breaking. "Do you not see how cruel this is, Ben?! You are leaving for school tomorrow. Literally, in nine hours you are getting on a plane and flying far away from here. Away from me. It was horrible of you to tell me you have been in love with me for years the last time I'm going to see you."

"It's not the last time," I stuttered. "I'll come home and visit."

"Right," she scoffed before slightly starting to pace. "You'll come home a couple of weekends during your first semester. Then you'll only come home for the holidays. Pretty soon, those visits won't happen anymore and I'll never see you. And I'll begin to wonder if you actually loved me or if you met someone else and completely forgot about me. Or worse, the longer you are away, the more out of love you fall for me. You'll eventually move on. And me? I'll be heartbroken and won't believe in love anymore. You'll move on and I'll be stuck. Stuck, Ben. I can't handle that. I can't sit back and endure losing you."

"Y/N," I said, grabbing her wrist and stopping her from pacing.

"No," she said, instantly pulling her hand out of my hold. "I can't do this, Ben. I'm sorry, but I can't set myself up just to be heartbroken in a year."

~ • ~

I snapped out of the memory when Pete pushed me toward Y/N. I quickly recovered before weaving my way through the rehearsal dinner guests. As I got closer, Y/N still hadn't noticed me. When I got to her and Pete's cousin, her back was still to me. Pete's cousin saw me and excused herself. Y/N turned around, her eyes slightly widening when she saw me.

"Well, I'll be damned," I teased. "Y/N, you haven't aged a day."

"Ben," she gasped, tightening her shawl around her shoulders. "It's good to see you."

I hated that it sounded like she wasn't sure if she meant that. I hated that it seemed like I made her uncomfortable. I didn't want that. I wanted her to feel comfortable and safe around me. I wanted her to depend on me, to need me. I wanted her and I wanted her to want me.

"It's great to see you," I smiled, trying to reassure her. "I've missed you."

She studied me for a moment before finally whispering, "I've missed you too, Ben."

"Ben! My sister wants to go over the timeline for the wedding tomorrow," Pete yelled across the restaurant.

"In a minute," I shouted back. I turned back around toward Y/N to see the disappointed look in her eyes. "Y/N, I'm. . ."

"I'm sorry, man, but my sister is seconds away from a panic attack."

I opened my mouth to say something but Y/N beat me to it. "Go," she whispered. "You're needed."

She started to walk away but I grabbed her hand and turned her back. "Y/N," I whispered her name, not caring how desperate I sounded. "I hate how we left things. I know this weekend is going to be crazy with the wedding, but I want to fix this. I want to fix us. Please. Promise me you'll sit down with me for ten minutes."

"Ben. . ." She stuttered.

"Five minutes," I changed. "Give me five minutes to try and apologize for breaking your heart. Please, Y/N."

Y/N studied me. The longer she studied me, the harder it was for me to breathe.

"Okay," she whispered.

"Thank you." I let out a sigh of relief. Before I could think about it, I leaned in and gently kissed her cheek.

"I'll be right back, Y/N," I tried to reassure her. "I promise we will talk."

* * * * *

Going through the timeline took longer than I would've liked. The entire time, I couldn't focus on the wedding day schedule. Instead, I thought about Y/N. I thought about our childhood together. I thought about the last time I saw her. I thought about how I felt about her. I thought about what I wanted to say to her.

By the time we were done finalizing things for tomorrow, the guests had all gone back to the hotel. Part of me wanted to do this big romantic gesture and find her hotel room, knock on the door, and confess to her that I still loved her. But another part of me knew that was insane and I should wait to talk to her until after the wedding.

I listened to the first part.

It took some convincing (a.k.a. begging, negotiating, and promising), but eventually Pete's sister, Claudia, finally told me what room Y/N was staying in.

I knocked on the door before I could chicken out. I held my breath as I waited for her to open the door.

"Ben?"

When she opened the door, my heart jumped into my throat. "Hi," was all I could say.

"What are you doing here?" She asked. She checked her watch before adding, "At 11 o'clock at night."

"I was wondering if we could have those five minutes."

"Are you sure? Can't this wait. . ."

"No," I said, cutting her off. "I'm sorry, Y/N, but I've waited too long to talk about this. To talk to you. Please. Just hear me out and, if you don't like what I say, then you can kick me out."

I watched, holding my breath, as I waited for her to decide.

"Five minutes," she whispered. She slowly opened the door and stepped aside. I nervously wiped my hands on my pants and walked into her room.

"What did you want to talk about, Ben?" She asked with her arms wrapped tightly around herself. I walked over and gently grabbed her wrists. I was surprised when she let me unwrap her arms.

"You were right."

"What?" She asked with a small giggle.

"All those years ago," I continued. "I never meant to break your heart, Y/N. That is literally the last thing I want to do. With that being said, I meant what I said that night. I really do love you. And I have loved you for a long time. That's where I was an idiot."

"You were an idiot for being in love with me?" She asked, her voice breaking.

"No," I said quickly. I pulled her closer to me before trying to explain this all better. "I was not an idiot for being in love with you. I'm an idiot for choosing the night before I left for college to tell you. I should've told you how I felt a long time ago."

"That would've been better," she whispered.

"I know," I sighed. "But if you don't hate me too much, maybe we can try this again."

"Try what?" Y/N stuttered.

"Y/N, I am and always have been deeply in love with you," I confessed. "I have loved you since we were young. When I went off to school, all I could think about was you. I never stopped thinking about how much I hurt you, Y/N. And if you give me a chance, I will spend every day of our life together proving it to you. I will never walk away from you again, Y/N. I swear."

Time seemed to stop as I waited for her to say something, anything.

"You'll never walk away from me?" She whispered, her voice barely audible.

"I promise," I said desperately trying to get her to believe me.

"Prove it."

My heart finally left my throat as she smirked at me. I pulled her until her chest was pressed to mine. I studied her face, making sure to never forget her expression before leaning in. Soon, I felt my lips press to hers. As soon as they did, I let go of her hands and wrapped my arms around her waist. She started kissing me back as she wrapped her arms around my neck.

After making out for several minutes, I broke the kiss. I leaned back and studied her.

"Are you done proving it?" She taunted.

"Not even close."

* * * * *

I woke up the next morning to my phone ringing non-stop. I looked down and smiled when I saw Y/N sleepily moan and roll away from me. I quickly sat up and kissed her bare shoulder before answering my phone.

"Hey."

"Where the hell are you?!" Pete yelled as soon as I answered the phone. "Why aren't you in your room? We have pictures in an hour."

"Calm down," I sighed. "I can be ready in ten minutes."

I hung up and turned around to see Y/N sitting up in bed with the covers close to her chest. "You in trouble?"

"Nah," I brushed off. "I can get ready fast."

Y/N smiled when I gently pushed her back down, hovering over her. She wrapped her arms loosely around my neck as I made sure I wasn't hurting her.

"I thought you had to go," she teased.

"Pictures are in an hour," I said, slowly leaning closer to her. "It only takes me ten minutes to get ready. Twenty if I want to shower."

"Which you should," she smirked.

"That still gives me forty minutes to keep my promise," I said as I slowly pressed my lips to hers. She instantly started to kiss me back. But she was the one who broke the kiss.

"You should get going," she sighed, gently pushing on my chest. "Today is Claudia's and Halle's day. Go focus on making this day go as smoothly as it can. Once the wedding is over, you can focus on. . ."

"Us," I finished for her. "After the wedding, I'll focus on us."