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pollux-starsz · 2 months ago

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what do you call it when a cryptid and a daydreamer get together? no idea but anyways,

DCA Slasher AU belongs to @wyervan! check them out!

Love your boys so much I have WAYYY too many writings in progress. An entire google document with almost 70 pages now (in fact this writing itself has 10,260 words in it. been working on it allll week LOL)

......the brainrot... its gotten me....... i need certain two serial killers to kiss me. for i am dying....

long writing under the cut!

Tangled Mornings

Kalamela’s footsteps were slow and unsteady as she trudged down the hallway toward the bathroom. Her head throbbed with the pressure of an oncoming cluster headache, and she could already feel the familiar ache building at the base of her skull. Sleep had been a distant memory; her dreams were more like fragments of anxiety that never quite pieced together. Every muscle in her body felt tight, exhausted, and she couldn’t even remember the last time she’d felt fully rested.

She reached the bathroom and flicked on the harsh fluorescent lights, wincing as they lit up the space around her. The reflection staring back at her made her groan aloud. Her hair was a tangled mess, her face pale with exhaustion, her makeup from the night before smeared in places she hadn’t even realized. The usual pep she carried was nowhere to be found—just the dull weight of a bad night’s sleep and the dull throb of her impending headache.

“Ugh. Not today,” she muttered under her breath as she dragged a brush through her hair, tugging at the knots. The brush snagged in her hair as she tried to make it look presentable. It was a losing battle from the start.

The sudden creak of floorboards outside the bathroom barely registered at first. Then, the sound of the bathroom door creaking open hit her, and she sighed. She didn’t have the energy for this today.

“Occupied!” she snapped, still bent over the sink, struggling with her hair.

Moon, however, didn’t seem to care. He didn’t even hesitate as he poked his head through the door with that lazy, nonchalant grin of his. The toothbrush was sticking out of his mouth like a defiant flag.

“Mmmph. Brushing,” he said, foam bubbling up from his mouth as if it were some sort of toothpaste rebellion.

Kalamela barely spared him a glance, though she could feel the annoyance creeping up on her. “Moon, there are other bathrooms in this house, y’know,” she said flatly, trying to wrestle the brush through another stubborn knot.

Moon shrugged casually, unfazed by her irritation. “Nah, this one’s closer.” He stepped inside, still brushing his teeth, and leaned against the doorframe as if he owned the place.

She rolled her eyes, still trying to get through the mess of hair. “Well, I’m gonna need you to back off before this bathroom becomes out of service.”

He only grinned wider, not the least bit intimidated. The bathroom space felt smaller the closer he got, and soon, he was standing behind her—just close enough that she could feel the heat radiating off his body. Moon was tall, towering over her easily, but instead of just lingering behind her, he made himself more present.

Before she could say anything else, he leaned down, his breath warm against her neck as he stepped closer, pressing his chest against her back. Kalamela froze as his body blocked her from moving away. His large frame loomed over her, and suddenly, the mirror in front of them wasn’t just a reflection—he was in it too, inches away from her, so close that she could feel every subtle movement.

His fingers lightly cupped her face, his thumb and fingers gently holding her jaw, as if he were inspecting her. His breath tickled her ear as he leaned even closer, his chest pressing firmly into her back, causing her heart to skip, but she refused to let him see it. His fingers were light on her skin, almost like he was teasing her, but his closeness was anything but innocent.

“You look... a little rough today, K,” Moon teased, his voice soft but laced with a hint of something more playful. “Didn’t sleep well? Maybe thinking too much?”

Kalamela blinked slowly, her eyelids heavy from exhaustion and the dull, pounding ache in her head that had been steadily building. She tried to focus on anything else but how close he was, how his body practically engulfed hers, and how his fingers were so gentle against her skin, his touch there but not demanding.

But her reaction? Nothing.

Not even a twitch of a smile. Her face remained the same—stubborn, annoyed, tired. She just stood there, blinking at the mirror, her face an unreadable mask as Moon held her face in his hands. His thumb lightly brushed over her cheek, but she couldn’t summon the energy to even roll her eyes at him.

Moon’s grin faltered just the slightest bit as he noticed her lack of reaction. He held her face a little longer, trying to gauge her response, but there was nothing. No playful smile. No sarcastic comeback. Just silence.

He let out a frustrated breath, irritated that she wasn’t playing along. She wasn’t even looking at him, her gaze still fixed on her reflection.

He stepped back slightly, but only enough to move his face into her line of sight in the mirror. His eyebrow quirked as he watched her face—still expressionless—before he finally spoke again, voice tinged with a little more exasperation.

“Damn, you really are cranky and bitchy today, huh?” His words were sharp, but there was an edge of curiosity beneath the teasing. He wasn’t used to her being this... unresponsive.

Kalamela didn’t flinch. Her eyes narrowed slightly, but the headache pounding against her skull made her even more stubborn. She wasn’t going to entertain him today. Her head throbbed with each passing second, the dull pain in her temples making it harder to even hold her eyes open, but she wasn’t going to let Moon see her weakened.

“Yeah, guess I am,” she muttered, her voice flat as she finally pulled away from the sink. The brush in her hand went down a little too hard on her hair, but she didn’t care anymore. “Could be because I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck and, oh, I don’t know... maybe because I didn’t sleep last night?”

She wasn’t angry at him, not exactly, but the combination of everything—the headache, the sleepless night, and his blatant teasing—was wearing her thin. Her patience was already stretched to its limit, and he was pushing just a little too hard.

Moon didn’t move right away, still standing behind her. His gaze lingered on her for a moment, as if he were trying to process her reaction. She wasn’t giving him the playful banter he was used to, and it was honestly a little surprising. The usual back-and-forth between them was gone, replaced by this strange, quiet tension.

The silence stretched on for a few seconds before Moon’s expression softened ever so slightly.

“Alright, alright,” he said with a sigh, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “I get it. You’re in a mood.”

Kalamela didn’t respond, just focused on the reflection of herself in the mirror, feeling the weight of the headache pressing against her temples. She didn’t want to deal with anyone, least of all Moon. But despite the irritation and exhaustion, she couldn’t completely block out the fact that the tension between them felt different this time. He was too close, and she was too tired to care about the usual push-and-pull of their teasing.

When she finally stepped away from the mirror, Moon didn’t say anything else. He just watched her for a moment longer, then turned to walk out of the bathroom without another word. His footsteps echoed faintly down the hallway, leaving her in the quiet emptiness of the space.

Kalamela stood there for a moment, rubbing her temples in an attempt to dull the headache. She stared at her reflection for a while longer, feeling the weight of the morning, and Moon’s lingering presence, settle in her chest.

Kalamela moved like a ghost across the kitchen floor, slow and quiet and completely out of sync with her usual colorful energy. She stood by the toaster, arms crossed, her face blank—but it wasn’t peaceful. It was that kind of blank that buzzed with frustration just under the surface.

Sun, busy at the counter with his box of cornflakes, peeked over at her again, puzzled. Her silence was throwing him off big time. She always greeted him, always had something smart or sweet to say, even if she was exhausted. Today? Nothing. Not even a glance.

He fidgeted a little with the cereal box flap. “Kandy… y’alright?”

Before she could reply—if she even planned to—Moon strolled in, still drying his hands on the hem of his hoodie. He looked entirely too smug for how early it was.

“She’s got a headache,” Moon said, like it was the answer to a riddle. He strolled to the pantry, yanked out his Cocoa Puffs, and added with zero tact, “And she’s in one of her moods.”

Kalamela didn’t even acknowledge him. Just leaned on the counter like she was trying to melt into it, eyes squinting half-shut like the light was personally attacking her.

Sun blinked and looked between them. “Uh… moods? Like—what happened?”

Moon made a thoughtful little “hmm” noise and wandered to the fridge for milk. “Oh, not much. Just walked in on her being cranky and cute. Tried to tease it outta her. Y’know… got real close, leaned in, held her face like I was about to whisper sweet nothings in her ear or bite her neck or something.” He glanced over his shoulder at Sun, smirking. “She didn’t flinch. Didn’t move. Just stood there like I was furniture. Staring in the mirror like I wasn’t even there.”

Sun choked on his cereal. “You what?!”

“I was tryin’ to make her laugh!” Moon defended, holding up both hands in mock innocence. “Or roll her eyes or punch me, something. But nah. I got nothing. Not even a glare.” He turned back to the bowl and poured his cereal like a man reliving a spiritual defeat. “She’s that far gone.”

Sun tilted his head, brow furrowing. “Why would you even do that?”

“’Cause I’m a menace,” Moon said flatly, then jabbed a finger toward Kalamela. “And she usually bites back. I poke, she snarls. It’s our thing. But today?” He gave Sun a pointed look. “Today she just let it happen. Didn’t even blink. That’s not normal for her.”

Kalamela finally spoke, her voice hoarse and low. “You could’ve just minded your business.”

“Oh, but that’s boring,” Moon said breezily, flopping into a chair at the table with his bowl. “I was tryna see if you still had a pulse.”

Sun glanced at her, a little more serious now. “You really don’t feel good, huh.”

She didn’t answer. Just quietly retrieved her waffles from the toaster and set them on a plate, moving with mechanical focus. The microwave buzzed in the background as she added syrup and butter without really tasting it.

Moon took a bite of his cereal, crunching obnoxiously. “Told ya. Cluster headache. She gets ‘em sometimes. Real nasty ones.”

Sun frowned. “Does she need to lie down?”

“No,” Kalamela muttered, finally sitting down with her plate. “I need to work.”

“You sure?”

She just gave a small nod and kept eating.

Moon leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. “She’s stubborn. Don’t worry, she’ll be fine. Probably snarl at a customer and then feel better.”

Sun gave a soft little laugh, though his eyes lingered on her with quiet concern. “Okay… just tell me if I can help. Seriously.”

Kalamela nodded again. That was all she could manage.

Moon? He just kept munching Cocoa Puffs, like this was any other morning.

Except it wasn’t.

The door to Crystal Cove hissed shut behind Kalamela as she left for work, sunglasses perched low on her nose despite the clouds hanging stubbornly overhead. The air outside was heavy, cool but sticky, and it only worsened the dull pressure pounding behind her right eye. The headache was a beast today, tight and biting, coiling just behind her temple like it was waiting for her to falter. But bills were bills, and she had mouths to feed��Honeybun needed his favorite crunchies, and Mango had been throwing seed shrapnel around the apartment like a tiny, vengeful grenade artist.

Her rollerblades clicked down the sidewalk, fast and aggressive, every stride a little sharper than usual. She knew she looked like she’d been dragged through the wringer—hell, she felt it—but the warm buzz of her drive-in job offered a strange kind of comfort. She liked the simplicity of it. The chatter. The predictability. And the occasional teenage drama she got to eavesdrop on while balancing five milkshakes at once.

Meanwhile, across town, the arcade flickered to life like a waking creature. Neon lights lit up row after row of game cabinets, casting soft colored reflections across polished floors and plastic tokens.

Moon leaned back in his chair, casually crunching his cereal as Sun shot him a look. The tension from the bathroom scene was still hanging in the air, and Moon was just loving it.

Sun broke the silence first, shaking his head. “You’re really something else, you know that?”

Moon smirked, not even a little bit fazed. “Yup, that’s me. The one and only menace.”

Sun let out a small sigh, running a hand through his hair. “She’s got a headache, Moon. Maybe don’t poke the bear today, yeah?”

Moon just shrugged, clearly unbothered. “It’s not like I was trying to bite her neck or anything. I was just seeing if I could get a reaction out of her. You know, like we always do.”

“Yeah, well, she wasn’t in the mood for it today,” Sun shot back, now giving Moon a more pointed look. “She’s not gonna entertain you when she feels like garbage.”

“I know, I know, but I was just testing the waters!” Moon said with a lazy grin, leaning back further in his chair. “She’s usually so... interactive, you know? I lean in close, get her riled up, and we’re off to the races. But today? Today, it was like I was talking to a brick wall.”

“Could be ‘cause she’s got a massive headache and didn’t sleep,” Sun added, a little more irritated now. “So yeah, maybe cut her some slack. She’s not a punching bag.”

Moon let out a dramatic sigh, pretending to be put off. “Ugh, fine. But you know what I mean. It’s like... she was there, but she wasn’t. It was like I wasn’t even in the room with her.”

Sun shook his head, voice dry. “You really think that’s a good idea, not being in the room with her?”

Moon didn’t miss a beat. “She didn’t seem to mind,” he said, munching on his cereal. “In fact, she didn’t even look at me once. Just kept staring at the mirror, like I was some background prop.”

Sun raised an eyebrow, giving Moon a look that said, really?. “You're seriously that surprised she didn’t bite your head off?”

Moon shrugged, unbothered by the insinuation. “Hey, she usually would’ve given me something. A glare. A snarky comment. A punch to the shoulder. But nothing today. She just let me do whatever.”

Sun gave him a flat look. “Maybe she was just done with your crap.”

“Aw, c’mon, I’m fun,” Moon said, rolling his eyes but still looking smug. “She loves it when I mess with her. She just... didn’t have the energy for it today, I guess.”

Sun crossed his arms and leaned back, giving Moon a skeptical look. “Uh-huh. Sure. That’s why you always push it, huh? You’re a glutton for punishment.”

Moon grinned, completely unfazed. “What can I say? I like to live dangerously.”

Sun just rubbed his forehead in frustration. “You’re ridiculous. But whatever. I don’t think you need to keep trying to get under her skin when she’s like this. She’s already dealing with enough.”

Moon paused for a second, eyeing Sun’s more serious expression. “Yeah, alright. I get it. I’ll give her space... for now.” He took a bite of his cereal, clearly not thrilled about the whole situation but willing to let it go for the moment. “But if she snaps back at me later, I’ll know I’ve won.”

Sun rolled his eyes, shaking his head. “You’re incorrigible.”

Moon’s grin didn’t fade. “Yep, that’s me.”

Meanwhile, back at Crystal Cove...

Kalamela dragged her feet across the greasy tile floor of the drive-in, her entire body aching in ways she couldn’t quite describe. The headache was still there, a constant pulse behind her right eye, but now it was competing with the dull ache of her feet from standing too long. The shift had already been hell—and it wasn’t even halfway through.

The first thing that greeted her when she stepped behind the counter was a mountain of sticky trays and spilled soda cups, the remnants of customers who apparently thought it was funny to just leave their trash everywhere. The burger grease smeared across the counter looked like it was in there for life. The smell of fried food and spilled milkshakes was beginning to blend together in an almost suffocating fog.

A customer at the far end of the drive-in leaned out of his car window, waving like he was trying to flag down a helicopter. “Hey, you! Took you long enough! Can I get my damn order?”

Kalamela didn’t even look up. “It’s right there on the tray,” she muttered under her breath, already shuffling toward the window, grabbing a rag to wipe down the sticky counter as she went. The last thing she needed was a lecture about timing from someone who probably couldn’t even see past the greasy spoon in front of him.

She handed over the bag of food with a smile that was more of a grimace, her muscles stiff from the day’s non-stop demands. The customer barely said thank you before speeding off, leaving her alone in the back again.

The lunch rush had come and gone, but it hadn’t slowed down. Her arms were sore from carrying tray after tray of food out to impatient customers. The line at the window never seemed to shorten, and no matter how fast she moved, there was always something else demanding her attention—whether it was a drink spill, a messed-up order, or another customer who was too important to wait.

Her uniform, if you could call it that, was a chaotic mix of grease stains, splashes of ketchup, and whatever else had been flung in her direction during the madness. By now, she was pretty sure her hair had been through more trauma than it could handle, the messy bun falling apart with every swing of her head. She didn’t care anymore. Nothing felt right. Nothing felt like it was going to let up anytime soon.

“Can I get a refill on my milkshake?” someone from the back booth shouted, snapping her out of her frustrated haze.

Kalamela blinked, pausing for a second. Her legs felt like they were about to give way, but she had to keep moving. The shift had to end at some point, right? She was just about to answer when another tray of food slipped from the counter, and she groaned audibly.

Why was today like this?

She grabbed the spilled fries, muttering curses under her breath as she moved to collect everything. If she had any hope of keeping her head above water today, she’d have to power through it. The constant mess. The endless stream of rude, complaining customers. The greasy air. And the annoying jingles of the drive-in's speakers blasting in the background as if they had a personal vendetta against her sanity.

As she made her way back to the window, trying her best not to look as worn out as she felt, her eyes fell on a group of teenagers parked just a few spaces away, laughing and shouting over each other. They were holding their phones up and making a big show of taking photos of their food like it was some kind of life-changing experience.

Kalamela wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it all, but the only thing she could manage was an exhausted sigh as she slid the tray of fries through the window to a waiting customer. This was life today, apparently.

She just had to make it through a few more hours.

The sound of the bell above the door jingled, and she glanced up for the umpteenth time today. A new group of people had walked in, their loud chatter only adding to the noise that was already spinning in her brain.

Time went by and now it cycled back to the Arcade.

The final ten minutes of the shift dragged on, each second feeling heavier than the last. The usual post-busy buzz of the arcade had quieted, leaving behind the faint hum of machines and the occasional rattle of a coin sliding into a slot. Sun leaned against the soda machine, legs outstretched as he let out a long, exaggerated sigh. The day had been a grind, but it was almost over.

Moon, crouched behind the counter, was hunched over a jammed drawer, muttering curses under his breath as he twisted the screwdriver with little patience. His hoodie was rumpled, sleeves rolled up, and his focus was sharp. He had a look of pure annoyance, the kind that came from dealing with the kind of machinery that seemed to malfunction just to mess with him.

"Seriously, why do we always get stuck fixing this junk?" Moon grumbled, wrenching the drawer open again with a soft thud.

"Because we're too good for the easy jobs," Sun quipped lazily, not moving from his spot.

Moon rolled his eyes, clearly not in the mood for jokes. "Yeah, tell that to the broken drawer."

Just as Sun was about to reply, the phone rang, shrill and unexpected in the stillness of the arcade. Sun blinked in surprise; the phone wasn’t exactly a hotline for emergencies. Nobody ever called this number. He dragged himself off the soda machine, a groan escaping as he trudged over to answer.

"Superstar Arcade, Sun speaking," he answered, voice flat but polite, even though his exhaustion was starting to show.

"Hey, Sunshine," came Kalamela’s voice, a little muffled but still familiar. Sun immediately straightened up at the sound. "I’ve got a bit of a situation."

Sun raised an eyebrow, shifting the phone against his ear. "What happened?"

"My bike broke down. I’m at the old auto shop on River. I... uh, can you guys come pick me up?" She sounded more annoyed than anything, but there was a slight edge to her voice that told him it wasn’t just a minor inconvenience.

"Of course," Sun said, not skipping a beat. "Stay put. We’ll be there in ten."

"You’re the best," she said, but Sun could hear the faint sarcasm there, like it was just another minor hiccup in her day. The kind of thing you roll with when you’ve had a crap shift.

"Yeah, yeah. Hang tight," Sun replied, hanging up the phone. He turned to Moon, who had already started to move toward the door, coat in hand.

"You know where to go?" Moon asked, his tone dry but casual.

"River," Sun replied, grabbing his jacket. "Old auto shop."

"Great," Moon muttered, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Another scenic drive at night."

Sun shot him a look, more tired than annoyed. "Stop complaining. Let's go."

The door swung open with a soft creak as they stepped out into the cool evening air. Moon pulled the keys from the wall with a flourish, the jingling sound too familiar at this point. The car was parked a few spaces away, and the drive to the auto shop would take no more than ten minutes, but Sun didn’t mind. He could use the break, even if it was just a quick ride.

Moon threw himself into the driver’s seat, slinging the keys around his finger before tossing them to Sun. “You’re in charge of the music. I’m driving, but I’m not responsible for your taste.”

Sun smirked, flicking the keys between his fingers before tossing them into the ignition. “You’re lucky I’m even letting you drive.”

“Oh, I know,” Moon replied, giving a sharp look as he started the engine. “I’m basically your chauffeur.”

Sun’s eyes rolled, but he didn’t say anything else. The drive was quick, with only the sounds of the engine and the occasional murmur of Moon’s half-formed complaints filling the space between them. As they pulled up to the auto shop, Sun could see Kalamela sitting on the curb, her back slouched against the cracked pavement, motorcycle resting awkwardly beside her.

Sun threw the car into park and was out of the door before Moon could finish his sarcastic remark. “There she is,” Sun muttered, walking toward her with an exaggerated yawn.

Kalamela looked up as they approached, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Took you guys long enough," she said with a raised eyebrow, but the frustration was already gone, replaced by her usual cool demeanor.

“Had to wait for Moon to finish complaining,” Sun teased back, the weariness in his voice replaced by his usual light sarcasm.

Moon rolled his eyes from behind Sun, holding up a hand as he approached. “It’s a gift, really. You should try it sometime.”

Kalamela let out a short laugh, standing up and dusting herself off. "I swear, you two are the most dramatic pair I know."

Sun held up his hands, grinning. “What can I say? We aim to please.”

The ride back was quiet—though it wasn’t uncomfortable. Moon’s hands gripped the wheel lightly as he drove, his focus sharp and methodical, while Sun sat beside him, lazily fiddling with the radio. The road was familiar, their route worn by routine, but it felt different tonight, quieter, like the entire world was holding its breath, waiting for something. Maybe it was just the end of the shift, the lingering exhaustion in the air, but it hung there, a little heavier than usual.

Kalamela leaned against the passenger window, her forehead resting against the cool glass as the blur of city lights passed by. She had kicked off her boots earlier, now resting her feet on the floorboard, arms crossed tightly over her chest. The weight of the day pressed on her like a vice, and she didn’t care enough to hide it. The longer the drive went on, the more her frustration from earlier began to creep back in.

“So, what happened with your bike?” Sun asked, his voice breaking the silence. His words came out light, teasing even, though there was a small undertone of genuine curiosity. “You get stranded on the side of the road, or did it just decide to up and die?”

Kalamela didn’t look at him. She just stared straight ahead, her eyes narrowed as she responded, her tone sharp. “The chain snapped. Pretty much all my bad luck at once.”

“Oh, that’s it?” Sun smirked, his voice still carrying that teasing lilt. “Was hoping for a more dramatic ‘stuck on the side of the highway with no service’ kind of story.”

“Sorry to disappoint,” Kalamela shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “I’m not that dramatic.”

Moon chuckled dryly from the backseat, his eyes briefly flicking to the rearview mirror. “Isn’t that your whole thing, though? Dramatic, chaotic, always in the middle of something?”

Kalamela glared at him but didn’t respond, choosing to roll her eyes instead. She could feel the tension slowly creeping back in, like it was following her home. “Sure. If you want to make my life sound like a shitty soap opera.”

“Hey, wouldn’t be much of a show without the drama,” Moon retorted casually, turning his attention back to the road as he weaved through the streets.

Kalamela didn’t feel like engaging with him further. The day had been long, and the sarcastic remarks coming from both of them only reminded her of how much she just wanted to be left alone for a bit.

Minutes passed, and soon they were pulling up in front of her house. The familiar sight of her front porch, the garden lit by the soft glow of the streetlights—everything looked still, almost like nothing had changed. Sun was the first to open the door, stretching his arms above his head with a groan. "Home sweet home," he muttered under his breath.

Moon followed suit, his steps slow but deliberate as he pulled the keys from the ignition. “Try not to wreck anything on your way inside. I’d hate to have to fix whatever mess you make.”

Kalamela, still irritated from earlier, didn’t even bother with a response. She simply opened the car door and climbed out, dragging her feet as she made her way up to the front door.

“Thanks for the ride,” she said, voice clipped, not looking at either of them as she reached for her keys. She didn’t feel like pretending she was in a good mood anymore.

“No problem. You’d do the same for us, right?” Sun replied, his tone light as he adjusted his jacket.

“Yeah, yeah,” she muttered. “But not with that much enthusiasm.”

“I’m sorry, did you just insult me?” Sun’s voice had the same teasing edge as always, but it was clear he was just giving her a hard time.

Kalamela shot him a look over her shoulder, her face expressionless. “Maybe.”

“See you inside,” Sun said with a shrug, stepping back toward the sidewalk. He made his way toward the house, leaving Moon to follow her inside.

The door creaked open, and as soon as it did, she immediately tossed her bag on the couch, flopping down beside it with a dramatic groan. “God, finally,” she muttered, letting her legs sprawl out in front of her.

Moon wandered in behind her, his hands stuffed in his hoodie pockets, a lazy grin tugging at his lips. “Tough day, huh?”

“Yeah, real tough,” she shot back, letting her body go limp as she sank deeper into the couch. “I’m really living the dream over here.”

Moon flopped down next to her, his legs splayed out in an almost identical fashion. “I can tell. You’ve got that ‘I’m done with everything’ look.”

“Gee, thanks, that’s exactly how I’m feeling,” she replied dryly, her eyes scanning the ceiling as she tried to relax.

Just then, the sound of running water could be heard in the background, and Sun poked his head back into the living room, still toweling his hair off. “I’m just gonna shower, try not to burn the place down while I’m gone.”

Moon glanced at him, his expression unamused. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll make sure she doesn’t break anything.”

Kalamela sat up slightly, her eyes flicking to Sun. “I’ll make sure I don’t break you if you don’t stop talking.”

Sun grinned before disappearing back down the hallway, leaving Moon to sink further into the couch.

For a while, there was silence, broken only by the sounds of the house settling and Sun’s voice faintly coming from the shower. Kalamela closed her eyes, the exhaustion from the day catching up with her. She wanted to sleep, to not think about the frustration she had felt earlier or the mess she’d left behind at work. But despite how much she just wanted to zone out, her mind wouldn’t shut off.

Moon, on the other hand, was unbothered, his eyes flicking toward the TV, though he didn’t pay much attention to what was on. Instead, he let the sounds of the night fill the space.

After a few more moments of quiet, he turned to her. “You know, we could’ve done something more fun tonight. Could’ve gone to get some food or something.”

“I don’t need your pity night out,” she shot back, her voice a little sharper than she intended. “I just need to sit down and not deal with any of this for five minutes.”

The ride back to the house was a bit quieter than usual, but Moon’s presence in the car was still as teasing as ever. Every time the tires hit a bump in the road, he’d jolt forward dramatically, slinging his arm over the backseat like he was trying to stretch into her space. Kalamela wasn’t in the mood to even bother telling him to knock it off, though. The exhaustion was creeping in, and she just needed to get home.

Once they reached the house, the front door creaked open with a slight groan, and the chill from the night air rushed into the house as they stepped inside. Kalamela could already feel the tension from the past hours begin to ease as she walked across the entryway, a deep sigh escaping her lips.

Moon kicked his shoes off at the door, tossing his jacket on the nearby chair. He was already making his way towards the living room, but not without sending her a teasing glance over his shoulder. “Race you to the couch,” he said, not even waiting for a response before he practically sprinted the short distance, nearly tripping on the rug as he threw himself onto the couch.

Kalamela just rolled her eyes, still standing by the door for a second as she pulled off her jacket. Her legs felt like they were made of lead, and it was all she could do to shuffle toward the couch. She sank into the cushions, letting out a long groan as she collapsed into the soft fabric. The weight of the day pressed into her bones, and all she wanted was to just… not think for a moment.

Moon was already sprawled across the couch like he owned the place, one arm hanging lazily over the backrest, and he didn’t miss the opportunity to push her button. “I wasn’t serious, y’know. You didn’t have to take the challenge literally,” he teased, his voice all too amused as he gave her a side-eye.

She shot him a look, not bothering to muster much of a response. “If you call that a race, I’m taking a nap,” she muttered, half-laying down, her legs draping over the edge of the couch. Her eyes closed for a second, her head resting against the cushion.

Moon’s smirk didn’t fade. He shifted next to her, just a little too close for comfort, though his posture remained casual. He leaned his head back and stretched his legs out, but not without brushing against her side. The shift in his body wasn’t accidental, and he definitely knew how much it would irk her. “Mm, you’re no fun when you’re tired,” he quipped, voice teasing, but the way he shifted even closer didn’t go unnoticed.

She rolled her eyes, but the smallest flicker of a smile threatened to pull at her lips. “Go away,” she muttered, but her words didn’t hold the usual bite. Instead, there was a fatigue that softened her tone, something that Moon noticed right away. His eyes flickered over to her, gauging her response, but he didn’t budge.

“Go ahead, take a nap. I’ll just be over here, stealing the blankets,” Moon continued, his voice low, but not completely sincere. He was testing the waters, seeing how much he could push without getting her to snap back at him.

Kalamela wasn’t in the mood to fight, so instead, she flopped onto her back with a groan, her hand covering her eyes. “I’m not even gonna dignify that with a response,” she sighed, her voice barely more than a murmur.

Moon didn’t take the hint, though. Instead, he reached over, his hand lightly brushing against her side. He wasn’t grabbing or holding her—no, it was just a soft touch, teasing and subtle enough that it was hard for her to ignore. She felt the warmth of his palm for a split second before he pulled his hand back, clearly just messing with her.

“Nice,” Moon commented, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. “You’re definitely not as cranky as you were earlier. Is it just me, or are you finally giving in to the charm?”

She didn’t answer immediately. The hint of his closeness was getting under her skin in a way she couldn’t ignore. But she didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of showing how much it bothered her. Instead, she pressed her palms against her face, rubbing her eyes with a slight groan. “I don’t have the energy for you today,” she muttered, though her voice lacked its usual sharpness.

Moon’s grin only widened at that. “Oh, I know,” he said softly, his voice trailing off as if he was savoring the moment. He shifted again, rolling just slightly closer to her, the space between them getting smaller by the second. He could feel her tension, even if she didn’t admit it, and it seemed like he wasn’t about to let it go.

“You sure about that?” he asked, his voice barely more than a low hum, the teasing edge still present in every word. He leaned in just a little, his breath warm against her ear. “You’re getting all quiet now. Gotta admit, it’s kinda cute when you’re not biting back.”

Kalamela's breath hitched slightly as he leaned in, his presence suddenly overwhelming. She could feel the warmth of his body so close to hers, the softness of his breath sending a shiver through her that she didn’t expect. Still, she kept her eyes closed, trying to focus on anything other than the fact that he was so close, so very close.

“Don’t start with me, Moon,” she warned, but even she could hear the faint crack in her voice, betraying how close his teasing was getting to breaking her composure.

He paused for a beat, as if savoring the silence between them. Then, just when she thought he might back off, he shifted again, his hand brushing against her side once more—light, deliberate, and enough to make her skin tingle.

“Maybe I’ll just keep doing this until you crack,” he said, his voice dripping with mischief.

Kalamela’s breath hitched again, and for a moment, she couldn’t tell if it was the exhaustion catching up with her or the sudden closeness that made her heart race a little faster. Either way, she knew she couldn’t take much more of his teasing. “You’re impossible,” she muttered under her breath, not sure whether she was irritated or amused.

But Moon didn’t give her a moment to respond. Instead, he leaned in just slightly closer, the playful edge in his voice dropping lower. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Kalamela was almost halfway to drifting off when she felt it—a shift in the air, like something was about to happen. Her eyes snapped open, but she didn’t have time to react before Moon’s hands gripped her by the waist with surprising ease. Before she could even start to protest, he pulled her up from the couch, lifting her effortlessly and flipping her onto her back.

“Moon, what the hell?!” she snapped, her voice thick with annoyance. She barely had a chance to get her bearings before she was sprawled across him, her chest pressed firmly against his, legs tangled together in a way that made her heart skip just a little faster.

Moon let out a soft chuckle, his arms loosely wrapped around her, keeping her right where she was. She wasn’t going anywhere. “You’re in my space now, K. What are you gonna do about it?” he teased, his voice low and smooth, though there was an unmistakable smugness to it.

Kalamela, despite her frustration, couldn’t help but feel the heat rising in her chest. She glared down at him, her face inches away from his, but she wasn’t going to let him see how much she was struggling to keep it together. She was still tired, head aching, and his constant teasing was making her head spin. The fact that he had so easily pinned her down didn’t help either.

"Moon, you are such a pain," she growled, trying to shift her body to escape from his grip, but he only tightened his hold. It wasn’t painful, just firm enough to make it clear she wasn’t going anywhere.

He just grinned up at her, that mischievous spark still in his eyes. “Mm, I’m starting to think you like it when I’m a pain.” His thumb, almost too casually, slid across her cheek, just lightly grazing her skin. The touch was enough to make her breath catch for a second, but she wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of reacting.

“I swear, Moon,” she muttered, grinding her teeth. “If you don’t get off me in the next five seconds, I’ll—”

He cut her off, shifting ever so slightly, and once again, his hand—strong and steady—cupped her face. His fingers brushed along her jawline, a teasingly tender touch that made her skin tingle, but there was something else in the air now. He was leaning in, his breath warm against her ear as he murmured, “You’ll what, K? You gonna yell at me some more? I’m already getting the vibe you’re too tired for that.”

Her stomach churned as she felt his closeness, the warmth of his chest against hers, but she refused to let it show. Kalamela could feel the flush creeping up her neck, but she wasn’t going to let him see how much he was getting to her. Not now. Not when she was so damn annoyed.

“I’m gonna make you regret this,” she said, voice flat, though the way she said it sounded like she was trying to convince herself more than anything else. Her hands were pressed flat against his chest, trying—unsuccessfully—to push herself away, but Moon just grinned up at her.

“You keep saying that, K,” Moon said, his voice low and teasing, but the hint of something deeper lingered behind the words. “But you never do.”

Her eyes narrowed, her grip on his chest tightening for a moment before she relaxed. “You’re really pushing your luck, you know that?” she spat, her usual sharpness still laced in the words. But the way Moon’s fingers slowly, deliberately, slid from her jaw to her neck, tracing the curve, made it hard for her to stay angry. The teasing glint in his eyes was getting to her.

The worst part? She knew it. And that made it all the more frustrating.

“I’ve got plenty of luck to push,” Moon responded, his grin widening into something more smug. “You should try it sometime. Just let go for a second. Might be nice to not be a cranky bitch all the time, huh?”

Kalamela’s face flushed, but this time, it wasn’t just from irritation. There was something else in her chest—an irritatingly strong pull toward him. But she’d never give him the satisfaction of seeing it. She shifted again, but this time, he didn’t let go. His fingers gently but firmly wrapped around the back of her head, pulling her even closer.

“Stop it,” she grumbled, but the softness in her voice was like a crack in her armor. It wasn’t as firm as it usually was. The tension between them, the closeness of their bodies, was doing things she didn’t want to admit. And Moon? He was all too aware of it.

His other hand slid down to her waist, holding her against him, and with a lazy, teasing movement, he gently rocked her just enough to make her stomach do that damn fluttery thing that she definitely didn’t want to admit to. “You want me to stop, huh? You sure? I could go all night, K.”

She exhaled sharply, exasperated. “I’m too tired for your games, Moon,” she muttered, her voice lower now, softer, even though she still tried to hold onto that tough edge. But that was the problem—she couldn’t. Not when he was this close, not when his touch was that distracting.

Moon, sensing the change in her, didn’t back off, though he did slow his teasing, just a little. His fingers brushed against her jaw again, this time with more care, as if he were genuinely interested in seeing her let go.

“Maybe you need to stop being so stubborn for once,” he murmured, his voice rich with something that felt too serious, too intimate, to be casual.

Kalamela barely managed to keep her composure. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to ignore the rapid beat of her heart. “Maybe I do,” she muttered, barely audible, her voice more vulnerable than she’d like.

But before she could say anything else, Moon shifted again, this time sliding one hand to her back, holding her there against him as he looked up at her. His voice dropped lower than before. “Well, I’ll make sure you don’t get too cranky tonight. I’ve got plenty of time to show you how I can be... charming.”

And as much as she tried to push against him, Moon’s teasing, relentless as always, was starting to break down every single wall she’d put up.

And that? That was more irritating than anything else.

Moon, clearly satisfied with the way things were going, gave her a smug grin, but it was quickly replaced by something more tired as he relaxed into her. His weight shifted, and before she could even process what was happening, he simply collapsed onto her, rolling her back onto the couch with a lazy, almost lethargic grunt.

“Moon!” Kalamela yelped, completely caught off guard by how quickly he pinned her. She barely had time to adjust before she realized he wasn’t going anywhere. Not this time. He just... flopped on top of her like he owned the place.

“Mm,” Moon hummed lazily, his head burrowing into the crook of her neck as he wrapped his arms around her, completely trapping her underneath him. “Too tired to move,” he mumbled, his voice muffled against her skin. “Feels good here, K. You’re comfy.”

Kalamela froze for a moment, then huffed in annoyance. She could feel his warmth seeping into her, his weight pressing down just enough to keep her from squirming away. But that was the thing about Moon—he didn’t care if she was irritated. If anything, it just made him more persistent.

“Moon, get off,” she grumbled, squirming slightly under him. She tried to push at his chest, but it was like trying to move a brick wall. He didn’t budge, just relaxed even more as if this was the most normal thing in the world.

“Nope,” he mumbled, clearly too tired to do anything more than lounge. “You’re comfy. Besides, you can’t get away anyway. You’re stuck with me now.”

“I swear,” Kalamela muttered, rolling her eyes, though there was a hint of a laugh in her voice despite herself. She was still pissed—her headache was pounding, and she wanted to just collapse into the couch and forget the world for a bit—but Moon had a way of making everything feel... just a little more bearable. Even if he was infuriating.

"Look, I'm not in the mood for this," she snapped, her voice sharp, though she could feel herself losing the edge. “Seriously, Moon. You’re... heavy.”

He just shrugged, his face still buried in her neck, breathing deeply like he didn’t have a care in the world. “What can I say? I’m a big guy. You’ll survive.”

Kalamela huffed again, though she was starting to realize he was right—she wasn’t going anywhere. Not with him sprawled across her like a human blanket. The weight of him wasn’t even uncomfortable, and the fact that he was just so nonchalant about it was grating.

“I’m gonna get a cramp, you know,” she said, half-exasperated, half-amused. She wasn’t sure which one of those emotions was winning right now.

Moon shifted slightly, adjusting to find a more comfortable position, but still not moving off her. His arms tightened around her waist, keeping her anchored to the couch. “You’ll be fine,” he muttered. “I’m tired. No energy for your angry little rants right now.”

“Oh, so now I’m just a ‘rant’ to you?” she quipped, raising an eyebrow, her annoyance still strong, but there was a slight playful tone slipping in. “I’m not just some angry little nuisance, you know.”

“Eh,” Moon mumbled lazily, as if the whole thing was a side note. “Rants, nuisances, whatever. You’re still stuck with me.”

He adjusted his weight again, and just when Kalamela thought he might actually move, he settled into her a little more, like he was making himself comfortable for a nap. She could feel the slow, steady rise and fall of his chest against hers as his breathing deepened.

“You’re... really heavy,” she muttered again, her voice quieter this time, the edge of annoyance slipping away as she began to realize how tired she was, too.

Moon responded with nothing more than a small grunt, as if that was all the acknowledgment she needed. His body felt warm against hers, his relaxed weight making it harder and harder to stay irritated. Despite the situation, despite her best efforts to stay annoyed, she could feel the tension in her chest slowly unraveling.

Kalamela sighed, letting her body sink into the couch beneath her. She couldn't even fight it anymore. "You're lucky I'm too tired to deal with you right now," she muttered, her words losing their sharpness as the exhaustion settled in.

“Yeah, yeah. I know,” Moon replied lazily, his voice almost a purr now. He was clearly on the edge of sleep, the weight of his tiredness suddenly becoming even more noticeable. “Next time, you’ll thank me for it.”

She gave a soft snort at that, though it was drowned out by the quiet calm that had descended over the room. He wasn’t moving. And frankly? Neither was she.

“Whatever,” she muttered again, now barely able to keep her eyes open. With Moon settled on top of her, the world outside seemed to fade away, the only sound the soft rhythm of his breathing. He wasn’t too bad to have around, even if he was stubborn, irritating, and overly touchy. In this moment, it was just... comfortable.

"Don't get used to it," she mumbled sleepily, though even she knew it was a half-hearted threat at best.

But Moon? He didn’t respond—he didn’t need to. He was already out, his breathing steady and calm against her, leaving her to do the same.

And so, with the weight of Moon’s relaxed body on hers, Kalamela couldn’t help but let herself fall into that rare moment of quiet peace. A little annoyed, still a little tired, but... alive in that strange, intimate way that only Moon seemed to manage.

And for the first time in hours, she actually didn’t mind being trapped. Not by him, at least.

The minutes ticked by in a quiet, almost peaceful way, save for the soft sound of Moon’s deep breathing. He was practically sprawled on top of her, his weight a steady pressure, but Kalamela was starting to get used to it. Maybe too used to it, actually, and she could feel herself drifting into that cozy, sleepy haze.

Then, just as her mind was about to completely shut down for the night, the sound of a door creaking open shattered the moment.

“Hey, you guys still awake?” Sun’s voice rang out from the kitchen, a little too chipper for someone who wasn’t currently being used as a human pillow.

Kalamela’s eyes snapped open, her body tensing instantly. She had just about forgotten how locked she was under Moon’s weight. With Moon’s arm lazily draped over her waist and his face still buried in her neck, it was as if she was part of the furniture at this point.

“Of course we’re awake,” she muttered under her breath, clearly not impressed with her current position.

“Hey, Moonie!” Sun called again, now heading for the kitchen. “I brought back some of that take-out we—”

Before he could finish his sentence, Kalamela gave an exasperated sigh, then, with a grunt, shoved Moon’s chest with as much force as she could muster.

“Moon,” she grumbled, “get the hell off me.”

Moon didn’t even stir at first, his arms slack and his body a dead weight on hers. But Kalamela wasn’t giving up—she planted her hands firmly on his shoulders and pushed, this time harder, gritting her teeth with effort.

Moon groaned dramatically, his eyes fluttering open for just a second, but he didn’t move. He let out a lazy sigh, completely unbothered by her attempts.

“Nope,” he muttered, voice thick with sleep. “Too comfy here, K. You’re not getting rid of me that easy.”

Kalamela, thoroughly done with this nonsense, narrowed her eyes at the ceiling and, with one final effort, shoved him hard—right off the couch.

“Moon!” she snarled, practically launching him to the side with one last shove of frustration. He landed with a soft thud on the floor, looking completely unphased. He didn’t even flinch as he rolled over and stretched lazily, his arms flung wide.

“Eh,” Moon muttered from the floor, not even bothering to pick himself up right away. “Was getting too warm anyway.”

Sun, who had come in just in time to witness the entire spectacle, stood in the doorway of the kitchen with a grin plastered across his face. He leaned casually against the frame, holding a take-out container in one hand. “Well, that was... dramatic,” he teased, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Kalamela shot him a glare, brushing herself off as she sat up on the couch. Her arms crossed over her chest in a huff, clearly not impressed by either of them.

“I’m done with both of you,” she muttered, shooting Moon a glare. “I’m just trying to relax for five minutes, and then this happens. You’re impossible.”

Moon simply chuckled from the floor, still lounging comfortably as though he had all the time in the world. “Yeah, yeah. You love it.”

Kalamela groaned, feeling the remnants of her annoyance start to dissipate in the wake of the two of them. She had spent all day dealing with cranky customers and her own headaches, and now it felt like the universe was conspiring to wear her down even more. But despite the frustration, there was something almost endearing about the way Sun and Moon were always there to be exactly that: Sun and Moon.

“Anyway,” Sun chimed in, finally moving toward the fridge to grab some leftovers, “I don’t know about you two, but I’m starving. Leftovers are looking pretty good right now.”

He pulled out a container of Chinese food, unceremoniously popping it open. “Who wants some?” he asked, looking over his shoulder with a grin.

“I’ll pass,” Kalamela sighed, rolling her eyes as she stood up from the couch and stretched. “I’m too tired to even think about food right now.”

Sun, unaffected by her disinterest, waved the container in her direction anyway. “More for me then!” he said cheerfully.

Moon, still sprawled on the floor, raised an eyebrow. “I’ll pass, too. But I wouldn’t mind a drink.”

Kalamela turned toward the kitchen, shooting them both a last annoyed glance before heading toward the fridge. She grabbed a bottle of water and twisted the cap open with a sigh. “You’re both exhausting,” she muttered, though there was an undeniable softness in her voice as she began to unwind.

Sun was already halfway through his leftover take-out, humming happily as he stuffed his face. “You know, I’m just happy we’re all back home. It’s been one hell of a day, huh?”

“Tell me about it,” Kalamela said with a faint smile, leaning against the kitchen counter. “I’m ready to just crash for the night.”

Moon finally got up from the floor, brushing off his hoodie and standing with a mock stretch. “Same. But... I gotta say, Star, it’s not every day I get to use you as a personal pillow. So, you’re welcome, by the way.”

Kalamela rolled her eyes again, but there was a flicker of a smile on her face despite the frustration. “Yeah, I’ll definitely thank you for that... next year.”

With that, she grabbed her water and made her way back to the living room. She was exhausted, but at least the chaos had subsided—for now.

Kalamela stayed quiet for a moment longer, her fingers tapping absently on the water bottle as she glanced over at Sun. His back was turned as he casually started picking at his leftover take-out, humming to himself. She cleared her throat with a soft cough, just enough to get his attention.

“Sun,” she said, voice more serious than playful. There was no teasing in it, just pure fatigue creeping into her tone.

Sun turned around, instantly noticing the change in her energy. "Yeah?" His expression softened slightly, the playful grin fading as he saw the exhaustion that still clung to her.

Kalamela didn’t waste time. “I need a hug. Now.”

There was no joking around with this request, no hint of sarcasm. She didn’t wait for his response before she took a step toward him, crossing the space between them with purposeful strides.

Sun’s eyes widened a little, his lips parting as if he was about to make some smart comment, but then he just sighed, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Alright, alright, come here,” he muttered. He opened his arms, his usual cheerful self coming back in full force, though a quiet concern flickered across his features.

Kalamela didn’t hesitate. She walked right into his arms, pressing her face into his chest without saying a word. She felt his arms wrap around her, and for a moment, she just stayed there—her face buried against his shirt as her fingers clenched into the fabric. The warmth of his embrace was oddly comforting, but her mind stayed sharp, focused on the exhaustion in her bones, not on the way his presence felt a little too good.

Sun pulled her in a little tighter, but she didn’t lean into it, not really. She wasn’t looking for comfort in a hug, or at least, not in the way people usually did. She needed it to end sooner than later.

She sighed, the tension in her body telling him all he needed to know about her mood. “Better?”

“Not really,” she muttered into his chest. “But it’ll do.”

There was a moment where Sun just held her, like he wasn’t sure what else to do, but he was too kind to let her go. He gently pulled back after a moment, still holding onto her as he looked down at her face. “I’m gonna take a guess—headache?”

Kalamela nodded stiffly. “You could say that,” she said flatly, trying to hide how much the pressure in her skull was making it hard to even focus. “I’ll be fine.”

Sun hesitated, clearly not convinced, but after a beat, he sighed. “Alright. I guess I’ll go back to my dinner, huh?”

“Yeah. You can do that.” She gave him a small, stiff smile before looking up at him, her hand slipping off his back. “Thanks,” she muttered, not needing to say much more. The gratitude was there, but she didn’t have the energy to express it properly.

She was just about to turn away when she caught herself for a brief second. She wasn’t sure if it was her exhaustion or just the way Sun’s presence made her feel a little bit more... grounded, but her eyes flicked over him in that quick, instinctive way that she wasn’t always aware of. She didn’t linger too long, but she noticed how his shirt fit, the way his arms were slightly flexed from carrying her into the hug.

Her eyes narrowed, but before Sun could notice, she quickly cleared her throat and walked toward the couch, keeping her posture straight. “I’ll be over here,” she said, the words blunt as she plopped down onto the couch.

There was a soft chuckle from the kitchen, and Sun called over, “You sure you’re okay? I’m not gonna carry you to bed or anything.”

“Don’t even think about it,” she snapped back immediately, her tone sharp.

Moon’s voice piped up from the other room. “Oh, don’t worry. We wouldn’t want to spoil your cranky mood with any kindness. She’s perfectly fine, right?” he said, voice dripping with mockery.

Kalamela’s head snapped in his direction, eyes narrowing with annoyance, but she didn’t feel like dealing with him. Not now. She just leaned back into the couch with a heavy sigh, rubbing her temples as she shut her eyes. “Don’t start, Moon. Please.”

A silence filled the room, broken only by the sounds of Sun continuing to chew through his food and Moon’s lazy grumbles in the background. It was enough to let her relax, just a little—at least in the sense that she didn’t have to talk.

She didn’t have to entertain anyone. She just needed a break. A moment to exist without constantly having to interact, to feel.

Finally, after what felt like a full minute of sitting in stillness, she rolled her neck to the side, a low grunt escaping her. She exhaled sharply through her nose.

"Alright, I'm done being moody. For now," she muttered under her breath.

But Sun, of course, was already heading back to his food. There was no sympathy in his expression, just his usual smile that always managed to make her feel more like a pet than a person.

The quiet in the room stretched on a little longer, but it was exactly what she needed. Just for a little while longer, she could let the rest of the world stay in its chaos, and she would just... be.