#the GRIN BEFOREHAND? INSANE.

[mappingthesky]

never getting over excited giddy nymph fitting so perfectly against peej <3

[bweeeb]

LOVING HER

Pedro Pascal × youngest reader.

Summary: Everyone could see the chemistry but neither of them believed it really existed.

Warnings: my writing, reader age 23, short.

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Chaos. Flashes. Makeup touch-ups. Instructions being shouted from every direction.You could’ve lost your mind—But there he was, sitting calmly with his arm stretched across the back of the white couch, his thumb gently brushing your bare shoulder as he listened attentively to the director.

Pedro had always been careful with you.As careful as someone could possibly be—even from the very beginning.The way he constantly checked in on how you felt about the scenes. The way he worried whether you had eaten that day—because somehow, he had noticed that whenever you filmed sex scenes, you wouldn’t eat beforehand, feeling too bloated to feel sexy in front of the cameras.He cared if you were sleeping well.If you were cold.If you were anxious.

Pedro paid attention to you all the time.You had always heard good things about Pedro Pascal—the gentle giant—and figured he must just be like that with everyone. Pedro was simply too good of a person.And you had made sure not to let your little fantasies get too far.

"So," the interviewer said, "this movie is definitely a big hit with age-gap readers—and, of course, with the massive Pedro Pascal and Y/n fanbase, because let’s be honest here..."

He pointed at the two of you before continuing.

"What was it like filming something like this? You guys have insane chemistry—crazy good—and the audience is going to lose it. Was it difficult?"

"I mean…" Pedro started.He rubbed his beard, smiled, and looked at you. "It’s a dangerous road. Of course we had to study how the characters would react to each situation... but honestly, it wasn’t hard. Things felt easy with Y/n."

"Yeah," you agreed. "I think because the characters have such a big age difference—and Pedro and I are a little distant in the same way Alek and Angel are—it just... worked naturally. We worked really well together."

"You're really an angel,"

Pedro muttered with a laugh, making you turn to him with a huge smile.His fingers brushed through your hair, and the interviewer subtly watched the moment.The chemistry between you two was unmistakable.

"I can't argue with that either,"

the interviewer said with a laugh, forcing you both to look away from each other.

"So," he continued, "living and acting through a story that explores a relationship with a big age gap... do you think it can work in real life? Or should it stay in books and movies?"

"I think it depends,"you answered simply.

"Yeah," Pedro added, "I think it depends on communication. A relationship can’t be based on one that failed—or even one that succeeded."

The interviewer nodded thoughtfully.

"But you once said you wouldn’t date women under thirty, right?"

"Yeah, I said that,"

Pedro admitted softly.Your gaze dropped from him to your hands resting in your lap—nothing you hadn’t already known.

"Would you date an older guy, Y/n?"

"Yeah. My parents have a fifteen-year age gap, and I think... if it’s the right person, it just works. No problem."

"Wow, that’s a really cool way to see it.Can you name three DILFs you’d hook up with—or is that too much?"

"No," you said, laughing. "Let’s give the people what they want. Chaos."

Everyone laughed, but you could feel Pedro stiffen slightly beside you on the couch."Good, good," the interviewer grinned. "We love chaos."

"Alright," you said playfully, "James Franco, Jensen Ackles, Aaron Taylor-Johnson... and since I follow Jasen on Instagram and am obsessed with his adorable family, I’ll throw in a bonus—Jeffrey Dean Morgan.And just so no one gets it twisted—this is all for entertainment, okay?I honestly love their wives even more."

You pulled a face, and the interviewer laughed loudly—unlike Pedro, who was smiling at the floor, but not like he had been smiling just a few seconds earlier."

Pedro, do you agree with that?"

"They’re good choices..." Pedro said, "but none of them would be enough for her."

"No?"

You turned to him, laughing."No. I'm a daddy bigger than any of them. You know that."he said, voice low, as he ran his hand gently along your face, down to your chin.

"Maybe. Maybe not. You never showed me,"

you teased back.When the interview aired three days later, you could barely keep up with all the comments and the endless edits about you and Pedro.You almost started to believe there might actually be something between you two—But a month later, the fantasy had faded away.What you didn’t know was that Pedro had been watching it all too—hiding at home like some lovesick teenager, as if the "old man" wasn't fifty years old. But because of exactly that—his age—he decided to let you go.Because he believed you deserved someone better.

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[softspiderling]

illicit affairs - part eleven

summary:

“You’re joking, right? You’ve never been interested in a real relationship and you talk to this girl for five minutes and suddenly you’re ready to settle down?” you snorted and Rafe glanced over at you, his eyes finding yours.

“Sometimes a risk is worth the reward, Precious.”

OR; you reap what you sow

pairing: rafe cameron x reader

warnings: kinda emotional damaging, idk what to tell you

word count: 2,4k

author’s note: okay so full psa I did kinda tear up a bit while writing this, but I'm also insanely sensitive so it doesn't have to mean anything idk lmfao I just wanted to warn you beforehand. either way, this chapter also is heavily inspired by is it over now by Taylor swift so do with that info what you will. hope you enjoy it my lovelies <3

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pt. eleven: “look at this idiotic fool that you made me” alternatively: "I think about jumping"

“He is smitten with you, girl. You’re blind if you don’t see that.”

The words kept echoing in your head, even after the dark had settled over Nassau, even as you stood in line for the new club Kelce was raving about where you just had to go. You, Rafe and Topper knew better than to fight Kelce about this, so you all just agreed to go, especially because you had promised him earlier that day. You severely regretted that promise now, absolutely not in the right head to go clubbing.

The woman’s words made you question your entire friendship with Rafe. Had he been feeling the same way all along? Were you just to blind to see the signs? Or was that just some sales ploy, to get you to buy more?

“Hey, come on Precious.”

“What?”

You snapped out of your thoughts, as Rafe waved you forward. Without realizing, the line had moved and you were holding it up. Quickly, you joined your friends and Rafe furrowed his brows at you.

“You good?”

A small laugh escaped your lips as you tried to play it off. “Yeah, sorry. Just didn’t think it would take us this long to getting into a club.”

“Right right, precious is used to skipping the line,” Topper said with a nod, and you swatted his arm, grinning.

“Shut up, Top.”

“I promise it’s gonna be worth it,” Kelce said, looking over the heads of the people who were standing in line in front of you. “Only like, five more groups before we get to go in.”

“Oh, I can’t wait,” Rafe deadpanned and Kelce elbowed him as you laughed.

The time passed quickly as you waited, mostly spent with making fun of Kelce. When the bouncer finally gestured for you inside, the breath nearly stocked in your throat.

“Oh my god, I can barely even move.”

“It’s great, isn’t it!”

At least that was what you assumed Kelce said. It was so loud, you could barely hear yourself speak, let alone anyone else. You moved towards the bar, where you quickly claimed one of the last free stools, the boys crowding around you. Kelce’s head bopped to the music, clearly feeling it.

“Let’s go dance!”

“I need another drink for that,” Rafe snorted, while Topper nodded in agreement, Kelce’s eyes falling on you. You glanced over to the packed dance floor, then back to Kelce, who stretched his hand out to you.

“Come on, Precious.”

A dance wouldn’t hurt. Maybe it would shake out your nerves. Distract you.

“Fine,” you sighed, taking Kelce’s hand and he didn’t even waste a second to drag you towards the dance floor.

“Get me a drink!” you shouted over your shoulder to Rafe and Topper, who only gave you a nod, watching in amusement, but they soon disappeared behind dancing bodies.

You turned back to Kelce, who must have found a decent spot to dance in because he twirled you around, making you laugh, holding onto him when you finally stood straight again. The two of you quickly found your groove, moving to the loud music that was blasting through the speakers. You lost yourself in the music, your worries melting away as you only focused on the rhythm and the beat, that was so loud, you could feel it in your heart.

It wasn’t long until people started to edge closer to you, hoping for a change to share a dance or two. Kelce was quick to weed out the people, especially the ones who were coming up behind you. He seemed to approve of one guy, because he eagerly nodded at you, wagging his eyebrows suggestively.

Glancing over your shoulder, you could tell that the guy was cute, even with the strobing lights, his dark hair curling over his forehead and he had a nice smile. He just wasn’t Rafe.

You didn’t know how to tell Kelce nor this guy that you really weren’t interested, so you just let him dance behind you, what was the harm in one dance?

Kelce gave you an enthusiastic thumbs up, his focus quickly averted when a guy came up behind him, giving him a charming smile, and you could tell he was definitely Kelce’s type. They quickly melted into one, with the way they were dancing and you tried not to grin, happy that Kelce could forget about Malcolm, even if it was for only one night.

You really should take a page out of his book, but alas, you were just a girl.

“I think I need some air,” you told the guy behind you, offering him an apologetic smile. “Thanks for the dance!”

The guy seemed to take the hint, nodding at you with a small smile before you slipped through an opening in the crowd, trying to find your way off the dance floor. The bar was crowded, making it hard to try to spot Topper and Rafe. Craning your head, you finally found Rafe at the side of the bar, Topper nowhere to be seen.

Rafe’s back was towards you as you approached him, so you reached out to tap his shoulder.

“Hey, Rafe I-” the rest of your sentence got lost in your throat when he turned to you, revealing a pretty girl by his side. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t realize you were talking to someone.”

“Hey Precious,” Rafe greeted you, wrapping his arm around your shoulder, so you were standing face to face with the girl, introducing you. “This is my best friend.”

“Hi, I’m Kayla,” the girl said with a bright smile, whereas yours was tight, forced, still trying to process what was happening.

The rest of their conversation passed you by like a blur, honest to god, you didn’t even want to hear what they were saying, but before you knew it, they bid their good byes. When Kayla disappeared from sight, you looked up at Rafe, and you wish you hadn’t.

He was still looking at the spot where Kayla had left.

You were a fucking fool.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to cockblock you,” you said, slipping out from under his arm, taking a sip from the cocktail that stood on the counter next to Rafe. It was strong, lots of rum, but that was exactly what you needed right now. If you were lucky, it’d make you forget the whole night.

“Cockblock me?” Rafe echoed, amused. “How do you know she only wanted to fuck?”

You took another huge sip of your drink because you were in no way drunk enough for this.

“Isn’t that why people talk to other people in a club? To get laid?”

“Think she wanted more than a hook up,” Rafe replied, lifting a piece of paper between his finger tips. You could only make out a row of digits before your eyes flitted to Rafe’s.

“You took her number?”

“She gave it to me.”

Scoffing, you drank the last of your cocktail, pushing the empty glass away from you, which Rafe eyed cautiously.

“You tossed that back in record time, precious, are you okay?” he asked, rubbing your back. You knew he meant well, he always did. But his gesture made you feel like a fucking kid, so you shrugged his hand off.

“I’m fine,” you insisted, annoyed. And because you couldn’t let it go, you asked: “Since when are you interested in anything else but a hook up?”

Rafe shrugged, taking a step away from you, reaching for his beer. “I don’t know. Guess I can see now what’s so apppealing about it.”

“You’re joking, right? You’ve never been interested in a real relationship and you talk to this girl for five minutes and suddenly you’re ready to settle down?” you snorted and Rafe glanced over at you, his eyes finding yours.

“Sometimes a risk is worth the reward, Precious.”

His eyes seemed to bore into yours, so you turned away, staring at the wall behind the bar.

“Just… whatever.”

You just had to ask, didn’t you?

You gripped the counter, your hands starting to shake. To your horror, you could feel tears welling up and you quickly dipped your head, in an attempt to hide your face. Really, here? Just because this girl seemed to have left such an impression on Rafe that he could imagine being in a relationship? With her? While all you, his best friend, were good for was a good fuck?

Out of the corner of your eyes, you could see Rafe shoving his beer on the counter, his hand coming up on your waist.

“Precious-”

Nope.

“Sorry, bathroom,” you pressed out, pushing away from the bar to flee towards the bathroom. The door hit the wall, since you basically kicked it open, nearly scaring the girl inside half to death, but you didn’t care. You pressed yourself against the wall, forehad resting against the cold tiles of the bathroom, your heart nearly beating out of your chest.

How could you be so stupid? Here you were, having sex with your best friend because you told yourself, this. This was the only way you could have him, a relationship was never in the cards, because he just didn’t do them. Well, turned out he did. Just not with you.

You couldn’t believe you let a stranger’s words affect you like that, make yourself hope, that you could ever be more than just his best friend.

The girl came up behind you, placing a gentle hand on your shoulder.

“You good girl?”

You let out a humorless laugh, shaking your head.

“No. No I’m not.”

Someone crown you the biggest fucking idiot on the island.

The next day, you still felt like an idiot. If it were up to you, you’d be on the next flight home, but how would you explain that to your friends? It was just one more day, before you’d go home. You could last a day.

Luckily, Rafe seemed to think your behavior was due to the cocktail you had just poured back. He was waiting in front of the bathroom when you had come out, thinking you had thrown up.

If only he knew.

“You sure you can do boats right now?” Rafe asked, peering at you over his sun glasses. You were tempted to say no. “We could just go do something else, you and me.”

Yeah, that was not gonna happen.

“I’m fine, Rafe,” you sighed, leaning back against the cushioned seat, your blue dress flaring out.

“You know, I get Precious getting to sit back and look pretty, but why are you not helping us?” Kelce asked, shoving the cooler on the floor. He and Topper had been walking back and forth on the marina, carrying food and drinks onto the boat.

Rafe shrugged, reaching for a beer in the cooler. “Well, how about the fact that this is my boat?”

“Told you not to bring it up,” Topper huffed, putting the two bags full of food on the table. “I knew he’d come up with some excuse.”

“Whatever,” Kelce grumbled, snatching the beer right out of Rafe’s hand before he could even get a drop.

Topper plopped down on the seat next to you, throwing his arm around your shoulders. “How’re you Precious?”

You threw a look at him. Out of the three boys, you knew Topper didn’t quite buy the whole “I drank too much” act.

“Fine,” you grumbled, crossing your arms over your chest, clearly not in the mood to elaborate. Rafe picked up on your tone, turning around to slap Topper on his cap.

“Hey, leave her alone.”

Topper pulled a face at him, but Rafe didn’t notice as he already turned away to start the engine, taking the boat out of the marina into the sea.

Despite your realizations from the previous night, you had a great time. You mostly pushed those thoughts away, trying to spend time with your best friends, because that was what they were, right? That was what Rafe was, first and foremost.

The sun had already started to set by the time you got back to the marina, the street lights flickering on.

“I’m gonna go pick up some food asap,” Kelce said, immediately getting off the boat. “I am starving.”

“I’ll get rid of the trash,” Topper said, yawning into his shoulder as he picked up the food wrappers, empty bottles and cans, collecting them in a bag, disappearing onto the pier as well.

You helped Rafe tie the boat, taking everything down, as it was gonna be a while again before someone used it.

“Think that’s it,” he said, throwing a look over the boat, and you gave him a thumbs up, ready to get back on land.

Suddenly his phone went off a couple of times, screen down on the console. It had been going off a lot today, you had noticed him on his phone a few times, but never really questioned it. At least you tried not to.

“Someone’s popular today,” you teased. “Who is it?”

Rafe shrugged, turning off the engine of the boat, ignoring his phone as it pinged once again.

“Oh come on,” you whined, reaching for his phone. “The least you can do is-“

Kaylas’s name flashed across the screen multiple times.

“-text back.”

You swallowed thickly, before you dangled his phone in front of him. “You texted her already?”

“I was bored.”

Rafe grabbed his phone from you, slipping it into his pocket, you barely put up a fight. Even though you had seen this coming a mile away, it still hurt.

“So you’re really serious about this wanting a relationship thing, huh?” you asked and Rafe lifted his head, looking at you.

“Yeah.”

You cleared your throat, nodding your head quickly. This was your own fault. You wanted too much, putting yourself in a position where you knew you’d get hurt.

Was it over then?

“Is it over now?”

“Yeah, Rafe,” you nodded, forcing a snort. “If you wanna get to know her for real, you shouldn’t be messing around with your best friend.”

“Right.”

Rafe’s voice was curt and you gave him a smile. “Let me know how that thing with Kayla goes,” you said, squeezing his arm before you turned your back to him, getting off the boat.

As your foot stepped onto the pier, your heart felt a little tight, as if someone had their fist around it. But the further you walked away from the boat, the freer you felt.

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author's note: feel free (like Precious LOL too early?) to come into my inbox hehehe I wanna know how you feel

[strawberry-nugget]

Ahhh I do NOT know what this is other than depressed af Bakugo, who is trying to be a good boyfriend with a hint of fluff

It starts as something as innocent as forgetting to fold your laundry after a hard day of work. Although he never does that, he's too meticulous about the house chores even after a 12 hour shift. You don't yell at him and he doesn't yell at you. He has ordered take out before even getting home and he eats in silence, after offering you some of his pizza and you decline, hurt that the portion of food that you made for him will go to waste. He doesn't say anything else for the remaining twenty minutes he remains awake and you end up folding the laundry.

By the time you go to the bedroom he's fast asleep, blond hair covering his forehead and mouth open enough so he can breathe through it. you notice the band aid on his nose; another wound he didn't bother telling you about.

It's a silent, muffled goodnight that puts you to sleep and not his arms around your waist but it's okay, you’ve been more than used to it.

When apathy isn't something that's enjoyable or even barely tolerable when you're in a relationship, you overlook it.

You think of him more often than you see him and you see him all the time. 

He delivers flowers to your workplace as an atonement for giving you the cold shoulder last night with a note. 

‘Sorry for being so grumpy lately, date tonight at 8?’

Your coworkers definitely enthuse about it and you grin like a schoolgirl. You think that even if you get off at six and you barely have enough time to get ready you can make it. So you text him, frenzied and insanely happy that you can make it and he snaps a picture of him drinking his smoothie while sitting on a railing of a building. Then he tells you where you're going for the night so you can be there as he'd be coming right after work.

Or at least he was supposed to. 

So what? He doesn't show up on a date. Katsuki's a pro hero, in the top five, too, so you can forgive that one time, despite having to endure the looks of pity from the waiters at the restaurant he has booked, and despite paying the minimum order fee all by yourself. All while downing a bottle of wine, dressed in your best clothes, make up done so nicely, in such little time too.

You try not to cry, at least not in front of anyone, because it's one time and it's okay that he didn't even bother to cancel on you, he for sure must have been busy! 

But you don't find it in you to plan another date anytime soon, and you don't allow him to mention whatever happened that night when he gets home to you. He’s battered, he’s bloody and behind red eyes there's that sorry expression of a dog that’s trashed the whole roll of toilet paper. 

You dont yell, you don't fight. He runs a bath for himself and you wash his hair.

Though, you'd love to actually at least leave a sassy remark on what he did, you're scared that his response won't be up to your standards or liking and hurting yourself like this -yes, begging for an explanation to the happening is begging- is not something you plan on doing. 

Until it happens again. 

This time, it's worse, because he's supposed to meet you and your friends at the cinema, on a day patrol shouldn't take too long to end. On a day there's no new article about a monstrous villain destroying the city. And yes, you do refresh the news section on your phone every second, with the way he's been getting so beaten up on the daily.

But this time, it's okay, because he lets you know beforehand. 

10 minutes beforehand. 

Through text. 

And even if it infuriates your friends, you can live with it. It's fine, you tell yourself and your friends. It doesn't usually happen, and he actually made an effort to let you know so you don't have to wait on him. 

It's more than understandable, you tell your friends, because your boyfriend (if you could call him that still) is a pro hero, and you, nothing but a civilian. His lifestyle is far more important than yours. Which, you actually find funny in the moment, now that everyone's staring at you. 

But your friends do not find it funny, actually. They don't lecture you yet, if they did, you'd burst in tears, and you enjoy the movie as much as you can in their company and rheir company alone. 

They're all you have, at the end of the day. 

Katsuki doest really have an everyday life as a civilian. And while striving to become number one he's overworking himself 

There's also the time he shows up to your friend's art gallery opening with his hero costume -broken left gauntlet and grease and mud all over his hair and face- because 1) you've lectured him about never showing up and the impression he's left on your friends and 2) he really is trying to make an effort and well 3)he doesn't really care about an amazing public image.

Your friends hate him. 

You don't.

The annual hero ratings come around the corner and he's fallen one place on the chart. The two of you spend that night at his parents’ and some subtle comments that youre not sure from whom it is worded sparks a fight with his mother, she tells him to not visit her again if he doesn't fix his attitude. They end up fighting over the phone every single day.

He gets worse after, always towards himself, as if he's done all the bad in the world. He spends most of his day on patrol and in the gym, but he doest bulk anymore. He’s more than okay with you making him lunch for work, he’s not mindful of any of his habits for a while.

Every single day that passes he’s more unhappy. Every day is worse than the other.

You continue to wash his hair and do the laundry on days he comes home bleeding and you don't get mad when he just wants to stuff his face in pizza. You go to bed with him and never let him sleep alone.

“you're s’nice to me when you don't have to” he mutters as you're stroking his hair away from his forehead. Not one of you is focusing on the movie that's playing. He;s sprawled like a cat on your chest, breathing from his mouth like that night.

“Its just cause i want to”

“m sorry i stood you up on that date”

“no need to talk about it” you reassure him. And its like he gets mad when you place a kiss on his exposed forehead. Brows furrowed, eyes half lid in exhaustion.

You pay him no mind, averting your eyes to the screen on your right He’s been so frustrated, you just know he's going to want to pick a fight

“dumbass. you should have dumped me.”

“You want me to dump you?”

He shakes his head in your chest as a response, hands wrap even tighter around your waist. 

“Stop saying dumb shit then okay? and stop thinking you don't deserve to be happy because life is shitty right now. You're the one who told me. Remember?”

At that he hugs you impossibly close. Pebbled chest pressing on your stomach as he wiggles his hands to wrap your feet around his waist. Your hoodie is lifted, just above your belly so he can plant a kiss on your skin and slanted red eyes look into yours again, this time more determined.

He knows how life has been for you. Things keep happening to you one after another and he's been there to witness it. To hold you. Your relationship with your own mother is only a little worse than his own and now, for the first time he actually understands how it's like to have someone hold him through all that he's been going through. 

No one can understand him better than you do, no one can love him better than you do.

There's an end to his restless nights, as you're spending them wrapped in his arms, face squished between his pectoral muscles. And now it doesn't matter if you sleep for two, five or eight or twelve hours. You're always rested. He’s not grumpy in the morning. Your migraines are gone. His muscles aren't sore anymore.

 Katsuki never had a civilian life, but when he comes home to you it's the closest he can get to one.

(this is my first post in two years be nice)

[targaryenluvs]

PERMISSION TO SHOOT?

pairing: photographer!ex!jeon jungkook (non-idol au) x fem!bride!reader

summary: turns out allowing your soon to be husband to book your photographer can go sideways. especially when it ends up being your psycho ex! then again, you never had much willpower.

warnings: bridezilla you, annoyingly smug jungkook, teasing, cursing, obsession, jealousy 😣

wordcount: about 500 idk

a/n: got a surge of motivation with my free time :P

bridezilla, god if you hadn’t heard that word everywhere when it came to weddings. not that you’d be one, of course not!

but as you sat pinching your nose over your wedding planners sheer stupidity over forgetting to book a photographer or videographer? the word bridezilla seemed to resonate in your soul.

“if it’s a bit too much on you, i’m sure my assistant could look into it.” your husband kenji piped up from the side. his presence was honestly forgettable sometimes with how still he was. like a statue. but you weren’t stupid enough to ever think he isn’t listening. you sighed as you turned to him, “on such short notice? it’s only a week away.” marion, your planner got up from her seat with a tight lipped smile, eager to give the pair of you privacy and save her own ass.

he sighed, closing his eyes, “it’s not a problem baby, just go get some rest.” you should’ve asked more questions, but who were you to doubt his ability? it’s not like there’s a lack of photographers.

and yet, out of all photographers in existence he had to book him?

jungkooks smile used to be one of your favourite things, in the morning and night. the wide bunny-like smile on his face could solve a lot of problems in your opinion. but when it was mixed with the smug expression as he stood by your husband? a shot to the face would be favourable now.

“sweetie, meet jungkook.” he beckoned you towards him as jungkook smiled softly, “hi.” your lips pressed into a tight smile as you shook his hand. “you look absolutely stunning.” the compliments fell from his lips easily since it was true. the dress you wore was not only expensive, but worth it.

your husband grinned in agreement, “she does, doesn’t she? i’ll let you two discuss.” the reception was in full swing now, laughter and smiles galore. how hadn’t you noticed him beforehand?

“what are you doing here?” you hissed as he guided you to a quieter area, his hand on your back as you shrugged it off angrily. “the camera in my hand doesn’t explain it?” you rolled your eyes, “i can see it asshole, but why would you take this job?”

jungkook leaned against the wall, letting out a hefty laugh, “why wouldn’t i be here? hurts yknow? i didn’t get an invitation.” your hands curled into your dress to help refrain from touching him. somehow he looked even younger than before, his skin practically shone in the sun.

“why would you? you’re halfway insane. if you ruin this i swear to god—,” the words wouldn’t come out anymore, not when he stood in front of you, staring down into your eyes. “if what baby?” the dress had to be shrinking with how difficult it was to breathe now.

his hand trailed your jaw, “not much makeup, all natural. i love you like this.” jungkook bent down to whisper into your ear. squeezing your eyes shut, you shook your head as if to wake yourself back up. “shut up it’s not for you.” his fingers found their way to your collarbone, “this dress is cute, but i think you’re much cuter y/n.”

taking a step back your hands wrapped around the balcony. the beach villa overlooked the water, the setting sun glistened. another step forward, he ended up behind you. “did you miss me? tell me you missed me, please.” his large hands found their usual place on your shoulders.

“just tell me and ill go.”

and the thing was, you did miss him. your husband was a nice man, but he never remembers. not once did he ever order the right food, the right size, none of it. and you thought you’d be able to put up with it, but it sucked when he could remember a random woman’s and not your own.

and the nice big home was amazing, but it didn’t mean much when the only voice that echoed through it was your own.

“when he reached out to me, i couldn’t believe it yknow? but i knew it was a sign. you came back to me. and you can still be with me, he doesn’t have to know.”

perhaps now the house would echo twice over.

[tinietaehyun]

A Cup of Madness, Please!

[MadHatter!Beomgyu x lost!Reader] [Wondrous Tales] [Series] [One-shot]

Pairing: MadHatter!Beomgyu x Lost!Reader

Genre(s): Fantasy, dark fantasy, action, dark romance, supernatural.

Contains: Profanity, mentions/implications of drug use/sedative, complex themes of time, obsessive behaviour, mental breakdowns, binding, violence, gaslighting, manipulation and dialogue-heavy.

Note: thanks for such a patient wait guys! Had t rework this one a lot, and I hope the end result is good! <3

Links: Wondrous Tales Masterlist || Masterlist

Summary: Having managed to elude the tea party and trick Kai into thinking you’ll stay, you scramble for your life by bargaining with a strange caterpillar hanging from the trees to escape.

Being barely lucid, you stumble into what seems to be another secluded grove, another tea party. Oh, you were definitely mad by this point. Not again! You see exuberant host with his feet up on the table with a grin, “Welcome, welcome, do come and join me, little love. I have lots of tea or are you sick of it from the March Hare?”

Panicked you rush off past him, he makes no move to chase after you. How strange. “Toodles, love!” Grimacing you rush off through the tangled foliage….only to arrive back to where you were facing the man again. A loop…?

“Time’s prisoner I am, and so you will be too. I’m awfully lonely and the hare’s fed up of my games. You’ll play with me and keep this Hatter company won’t you?”

Your feet drag along the muddy path. Everything seemed utterly weird here (which was saying a lot considering how much you had experienced and seen beforehand!) but this- this was truly weird!

You gaze at the floating leaves, the wind-blown trees of vibrant hues stuck in position, the birds in the sky forming floating statues with the way they hovered in place. Your mind itself felt fuzzy, your movements slow. This entire area felt absent of time. Despite having walked for what seemed to be ages, you felt as if you progressed nowhere at all.

Was this a sign that you were getting closer to the Hatter? Was this the consequence of killing time? Was he also perpetually stuck in this place with no way out? Surely you’d be safe right, you had heeded the caterpillar’s words of not following the path! Then why was everything getting even worse, you felt as though you were walking right into that madman’s hands!

Instinct bubbles uneasily within you as you sluggishly walk. Something didn’t feel right at all, in fact, it made you feel nervous. From what you had heard about the man, nothing good was bound to occur if you met face to face with that lunatic.

You shudder at the thought. Now your main objective was to somehow make it to the Cheshire Cat’s Woods. Your gaze lifts to the horizon, in the distance you see a murky, foggy space, the ominous silhouette of jagged trees. That’s where you were heading to. It made you feel uneasy, even just from the sight of it from afar. That would be your ticket out of here!

With a renewed vigor, you clench your fists and continue walking ahead. You had to make it out of here, no matter what. You clutch your head, a pounding pain pulsating in your forehead; your perception of time is warped and fatigue strains upon your bones. Everything felt overwhelming and all you wanted to do was go home and take an extraordinarily long nap. To think, you’d have called yourself insane before this, to miss your monotonous and stressful life!

The muddy path seems to curve off away from all the frozen in time chaos and floating objects and your shoulders slouch in relief. Anything further from the Hatter was good news in your eyes. You continue trudging along the path. How much more would you have to walk, to endure? Your mind felt weak, your sanity crumbling by every encounter you had. You really didn’t want to go insane here.

The foliage begins to morph and change, monochromatic bushes of black and white, the path ahead of you seems to change with every blink causing you to become disoriented. What the fuck was happening here? You wobble slightly and your mind feels fuzzy. That same unsettling feeling from before - it was nauseating. As though you had no grasp on anything. White noise fills your ears and you groan covering your ears, you begin running along the path in desperation.

What the hell was this place? You had to get out! After a while running; barely barely lucid, you stumble into what seems to be another secluded grove, another tea party. Oh, you were definitely mad by this point. Not again!

Your legs tremble and you attempt to steady yourself as the white static in your eardrums fades. The tea cups and saucers were mismatched, and numerous were shattered to smithereens on the floor. The table cloth was a colourful mismatch of fabrics, colours and patterns. The chairs all pristinely aligned along the sides and the food seemed untouched - varying from cupcakes, cakes, biscuits, scones and croissants perfectly baked to perfection, sweet and alluring in aroma, making your mouth water ever so slightly.

You couldn’t have wandered in a big circle back to the Hare, could you? No…it couldn’t be. The worst place to be in Wonderland. This couldn’t be the Hatter’s Tea Party? Oh you so desperately wanted to deny it, but you knew. You had indeed fucked up terribly.

“Welcome, welcome, do come and join me, little love. I have lots of tea or are you sick of it from the March Hare?” A rich, husky voice startles you and you whip your head to the side. Another small table of delights and treats arranged in pristine fashion. There, you see the exuberant host with his feet up on the table with a grin.

You look around mortified, it was! It was the Hatter’s Party! Fuck, fuck, fuck! Fear courses through your system, you don’t think your mind could handle another insane encounter! You realise nothing is fenced off in this grove, you were free to roam. Why did you have to indulge him anyway? What if you made a run for it now?

Panicked, you rush off past him, he makes no move to chase after you. How strange? No…this felt wrong. Did he simply not care? Were you running into another trap? He calls out grinning, “Toodles, love!” Oh shit. This wasn’t good.

Why couldn’t you think straight at all? You felt so weird, so disoriented? Where did all your logic fly off too? You keep running, adrenaline coursing through your vessels. Perhaps it was foolish to do so, but you didn’t seem to have any idea, you just wanted to avoid the Hatter at all costs. But now, you feel as though you had walked right into the palm of his hand.

Grimacing, you rush off through the tangled foliage, twigs and leaves brush your face. Heavy pants leave your lips, all you wanted to do was escape. You keep running…only to arrive back to where you were, facing the peculiar man again.

Fuck. What was this? A loop?

The eccentric male tilts his head, a wide grin on his lips and mischievous sparkle in his eyes as he gleams, “Time’s prisoner I am, and so you will be too. I’m awfully lonely and the hare’s fed up with my games. You’ll play with me and keep this Hatter company won’t you?”

Your heart slams against your sternum. Was there truly no way out? Or were you simply going insane? He swings his feet off the table enthusiastically and stands abruptly adjusting his tailcoat, a seductive shade of dark blue with vibrant patterned patches here and there and blood red corsage in his chest pocket. If it weren’t for this place, you’d have thought he was a prince out of some fairytale.

Who would have thought the epitome of madness would have such a pretty face? Chiseled features, pouty lips, raven locks which fall in a wolf cut framing his face perfectly; a few strands over his piercing murky eyes. A sharp jaw and pointed nose, truly a beauty with brimming insanity beneath his skin.

With his hands behind his back, he skips over with an ominously delightful tune. Instinctively, you step back, “I-I just want to get to the woods is all, please, I-I- I’ve had enough.”

He tilts his head with a delighted expression and coos, “Oh? You beg so pretty. You’ve had enough? But we’ve just met, love? My darling little love, I’ve been waiting for you! Oh! You mean the others!” The man throws his head back laughing and tosses his top hat off with a flair. Running his hand through his hair, he giggles, “You don’t like our hospitality?”

Hospitality? Glaring, you take another step back, warily keeping your gaze locked onto him. He walks forward, “It’s been ever so long since I’ve had a guest. It’s so, so, so unfair y’know? That pesky king takes the ones that do show up and kills them when he’s bored? Tell me love, then what am I supposed to do? I also want a pretty little guest. And well, well, well, if you made it this far, you truly must be very special!”

You open your mouth to speak. “Ah, ah, ah, shush, shush! Let me introduce myself, love. I,” he exclaims, with an extravagant spin with outstretched arms, “…am the Mad Hatter, tea party extraordinaire, the most fun person in this dreary place called Wonderland...” he hops over and you yelp as his face is millimetres from yours. His voice drops to a whisper, “But, you can also call me Beomgyu.” Like a gentleman, he bows down taking your hand delicately and bringing it up to his lips as he places a soft kiss on the back of your hand. It sends a shiver down your spine. His gaze. It looked like he was going to devour you whole.

Once again, you open your mouth to speak but you’re halted by his index finger on your lips, “Ah, ah, let me finish. Now…” You stiffen. “Say it, say my name. Let's see how it sounds coming from those pretty lips of yours,” he coos. Your eyes widen - goodness, he was impressively tall. All of the wacky figures of Wonderland were terribly good looking too! Almost as if the divine were cursing you!

You remain silent and Beomgyu tilts his head, and your breath hitches as he suddenly grasps your jaw tilting your head up, his lips inches from your own, as he murmurs, “I said,” his tone darkens, “Say my name. Don’t hesitate for long, if you want to stay alive, play along.”

With great reluctance, you utter, “…Beomgyu.” He releases your chin with a sudden bright smile, “Wonderful, beautiful, how lovely indeed! Now, was that so hard, love?” You glare remaining silent and he chuckles leaning down, “Oh you are terribly cute aren’t you? How did the others let you escape, hm? Goodness, who wouldn’t want to keep you to themselves with such an adorable pouty expression? Now your name.”

You remain quiet and he leans closer making you blurt out, “Y/n.” Beomgyu muses, “Oh a lovely name indeed for my pretty little guest.”

Infuriated, you snap, “Stop. This- look. I just want to leave. I’m tired. I…I’m- I don’t know what to do anymore!” Beomgyu shakes his head, “Tsk, oh dear, you must be so tired. So fatigued. I always knew the others never knew how to treat their guests well. So incompetent.”

With a flourish of his wrist, he leans over and grabs a dark purple rose out of one of the vases. A sudden fit of giggles escapes him as he covers his mouth abruptly, “Sorry love, you have to get used to that. I just… find a lot of things amusing.” Another set of giggles leaves his lips and a terrible feel of unease permeates your very being. Oh, he was insane, alright.

Beomgyu raises the rose to your line of sight making you flinch back as you eye the thorns on the stem. His lips twitch and his eyes widen, sparkling with fervour, with…hunger. “Take it love, an introductory gift from me. It’s my most favourite flower here.”

Stammering, you respond, “N-No thanks I-“ He suddenly snaps, “No? You’re saying no?” You feel your hands go cold at his tone before his expression morphs into a pleasant smile and then into manic laughter sending a jolt of fear through you.

“Goodness! You look terrified! How amusing! Were you scared?” Beomgyu asks, chuckling. “You’ve looked more scared than the moment you first saw me? Why? Did the others tell you bad things about me?” He pouts, reaching over to cup to your cheek, “I’m not scary, I just know how to have fun? Is that so bad? Tell me love, is that so bad?”

You stay quiet, hands trembling. You can’t even look him in the eye. Beomgyu suddenly tilts your head upwards again, his lips twisting into a smirk, “Oh love, feeling shy? Oh why? Come now, keep those pretty eyes on me, hm?” You quiver, “What do you want from me?

“Oh, oh, oh! What a great question!” He exclaims before scoffing with a roll of his eyes, “If it weren’t so abhorrently boring. But to answer your curiosity, I don’t know.”

You deadpan, “You don’t know?” He grins a little too widely, “Mhm, I don’t know. You don’t know either. We both don’t know. The possibilities are endless. Isn’t that glorious?”

Beomgyu gazes at the rose in his left hand, “What a thing of beauty,” he holds it up to your face, “Almost as gorgeous as you, love.” You roll your eyes. He drags the soft petal down your forehead slowly, along the bridge of your nose and rests it on your lips, “Doesn’t it smell divine?” Before you can muster a reply, a wonderfully sweet aroma emits from the rose. You inhale deeper, never have you smelt such an enticing scent. What the hell?…

“Inhale it deeply, love,” he lets out a breathy chuckle and you pale. What did you just breathe in? He takes the rose giving it a big inhale and sighs deliriously happy, “Oh, wait for it to kick in. You said you were tired right?”

Your legs buckle and your sight blurs. What drugs was this rose made from? Wacky and vibrant colours fill your gaze and the surroundings distort and stretch making you feel delirious.

“Isn’t it marvellous? Are you having fun?” He cackles watching you clutch your forehead and stumble and clumsily waver. “You can see the world, the way I do!” He laughs loudly, “Its a little hard you see, when time doesn’t move. Makes you go a little cuckoo, but hey on the bright side, you’re never late, or never early, or, or, never really on time at all!” Beomgyu guffaws clutching his stomach as if he had uttered the funniest phrase in existence.

Meanwhile, you were struggling to keep your ground feeling even the ground below you give way. You felt as though you were floating. Beomgyu hums amused, “Ah, look at your eyes blissed out, such a dazed expression, ah, I could never grow weary of such a sight.”

Knees buckling, you clutch your head as your eyelids feel weighty, drowsiness overwhelms your senses - with which you feel yourself hurtling to the ground and your vision snaps to black.

The Hatter muses crouching down, whether he’s amused by the thousands of colours he’s seeing or the fact you fell down with about as much grace as a sack of potatoes spilling, he himself didn’t know. Either way, he was utterly delighted to have someone after so, so long to be stuck in time with him!

Time was overrated. The future is bleak, unpredictable. Change is far too outdone. It’s not about the what ifs, but the what nows. He had killed time with his bare hands for that very reason, tore the fabric of existence here into shreds. He didn’t want Wonderland to progress forward, how preposterous would that be? What if one day everything faded into obscurity? What if…what if he were to be forgotten? The sheer horror of the thought sends a shudder down hus spine.

“No, no, no,” he mutters, he shakes his head, distraught laughs tumble from his lips, “We can’t have that.” Beomgyu gazes at you, his pupils dilated manically, “You poor thing, oh love, wanting to leave. You don’t know a thing about enjoying the present, not being tainted by the future. Eroded by the ravages of time.” He runs his thumb delicately over your cheek, “It’s okay, I’ll teach you, and I’ll make sure I don’t let you escape like I did with Alice, oh so long ago.”

After what seems like hours, you feel a terrible migraine. Your ears feel numb and you feel as though all the blood was rushing to your head. What the fuck did he do to you? You pry your eyes open and flinch at the light coming in. To your horror, everything was upside down. The same scene, but upside down. Your arms hang below your hand, fingertips grazing the vibrant grass below.

No wonder the blood was rushing to your head! You crane your neck to see your legs and see them tied up. You were hanging like a pendulum off one of the branches of this massive tree! Holy shit! Panic surges through your system, he was a a maniac! With every writhe of your body and deep breath, you swing pathetically.

Footsteps resound and you spot the familiar shoes in your line of sight. A low laugh escapes his lips, “You’re awake. I was beginning to think that my scent-of-sleep-rose had killed you or something.” You glare seething at him - him and stupid fucking smile.

“To make you aware, it is you, who is upside down, not me. Then again, to you, I must look upside down. Perception is a funny thing isn’t it?” He rambles with a grin. You snarl, “What’s wrong with you? I’ve done nothing to deserve this!”

Beomgyu snickers, “Oh hush, hush. Why so angry love? I just wanted to play a game. Believe me, we could talk forever, and I mean that literally by the way,” he giggles before abruptly covering his mouth and composing himself, “But I thought, we could make things a little more fun? I like fun. You like fun. Everyone does. So…why so cranky?”

This piece of…your jaw tightens. His gaze sharpens and he leans down, his hand giving your body a little push and you feel nausea hit you unceremoniously. “Well, what are you going to do about it? Glare into me till I what? Turn to ashes, quiver and blubber away,” he mocks, raising his tone of voice. Beomgyu coos, “Love, you’re in my territory, my grove now. My rules, my games, my…my everything.” He dramatically bends down plucking a bright blade of grass between his index and thumb, “Even this blade of grass,” he blows it in your face with a chuckle.

Anger and fear amalgamate within you into an uncomfortable mixture. Beomgyu’s voice darkens, a crazed expression in his widening eyes as he leans down; his face inches from yours, “Even…you.” Beomgyu stands brightly spinning around with a bright demeanour and a clap of his hands, “So! Suck it up, buttercup!”

Your restraint snaps, all your deliria, patience, fatigue building until it bursts like a geyser as you release a shrill scream piercing the air. It takes Beomgyu aback, the sound rattling his eardrums and momentarily making him stiffen.

You scream hoarsely, “Suck it up? Suck it up!? You’re fucking deplorable! You insane maniac! You- you- do you even know how hard it has been to get here? It’s all just a fucking game to all of you!” Your gaze burns into his as he quietly observes your apparent mental breakdown. You snarl, as you swing pitifully, your hands digging into the dirt to steady yourself. “I’d wish you hell! But this place is already worse than hell itself,” you seethe.

“Is it so fucking hard to get a break here?” You shout, tears running back into your eyes with how you were upside down. “And this! Being fucking hung up like meat at a butcher’s shop, icing on the cake really!” You continue rambling and cursing for another minute as Beomgyu stares almost entranced by you.

You snap catching his stare, “What? What now?” For a moment, he doesn’t reply before stepping forward and dropping to his knees. The expression you see next sends a chill through your body. Wide-eyed, he cups your face, “That was beautiful, what a performance. So much pent up emotion,” another set of tittering laughs leaves him.

“Are you…” he laughs again, “are you losing your mind already, love?”

Your heart flies to your throat. No. No you couldn’t be. No way. That was just…a little pent up anger. No, no, no. You? You going mad? That was ludicrous to even suggest. The Mad Hatter of all people to suggest such a thing?

He coos, fingers pressing into your cheeks, “That look in your eyes, it’s like mine. So chaotic, so panicked, so fiery, so delirious. I can see it, this place has taken its toll on you, as it has done on me. We’re the same. Not willing to die, but to endure, to afraid to never wake up again, but tormented to live!”

Beomgyu rambles as you blankly regard him, your mind spinning. Maybe it was the fact that you were hanging upside down or were you genuinely losing your mind? You couldn’t tell anymore.

You attempt to compose yourself as you splutter, “Beomgyu…I- I can’t be stuck like this forever.” He cuts you off, “Oh don’t worry about that, I’ve killed time! So you can? See,” he gestures wildly around him, “I have..,I’ve been stuck here, even if I want to leave I can’t! I just get brought back here,” he throws his head back laughing maniacally.

You feel even more nauseous than before. How were you going to get out of this one? You tremble, “Stuck? You…can’t leave? Why? Because you killed time?”

He nods wiping a tear away from laughing so hard, “Precisely, love. Consider it a punishment of sorts,” he leans down whispering, “Though this is exactly what I wanted, but don’t tell anyone that. This way, Wonderland can stay happy forever, no one will forget anyone, because we’re all perpetually stuck,” Beomgyu huffs, “Especially me, I can’t even leave my grove, the other losers here can at least have a little more freedom.”

You couldn’t imagine why anyone would subject themselves to this? No wonder he was like this, such a fractured mind, such a delicate psyche. You stammer, “W-Why?”

“Why?” He asks tilting his head, “Why?” He chuckles as he rapidly runs his hands through his head, “Because I wanted to. That pesky rabbit kept saying he was late, that abhorrent king said my tea parties lasted way too long. That crafty hare was trying to steal my limelight. Pathetic scum, the lot of them! And, and, and, the guests we get, oh love, before you, we hadn’t gotten anyone new in Wonderland for so long!”

He squeezes your cheeks, “Could you imagine how bored I was? Time was passing so quickly. The king barely came to my parties anymore, the Hare went his own way, and that stupid white rabbit didn’t even bother to tell me anything of anyone anymore. I was…” he giggles brokenly, “I think, I think I was being forgotten? Me?” He cackles, “Me? Being forgotten, isn’t that so funny? I’m the most memorable of the bunch!”

It hits you like a truck. The one weakness of the Mad Hatter. Time. Time’s passage. He was obsessed with being stuck in a moment. The relentless forward march of time terrified him.

Beomgyu releases your face and he peers down at his shaking hands with a wide smile, “Oh look at that. Even my hands are excited.” Afraid, you think, he’s afraid. He’s afraid of the fading joy and madness that defines his existence. He’s afraid of being forgotten.

You almost, almost feel bad. Perhaps you’d even feel sympathy if it weren’t for the fact you were hanging like a bat off a branch. A twinge of guilt permeates you…would it be so bad to exploit his weakness? To get out of here? Would that make you a bad person. No, you just wanted to flee is all.

“Why so quiet?” His voice is sharp and you’re startled by the husk in his tone and you see that you had zoned out whilst he rambled incessantly. “What?” You murmur dazed. Beomgyu’s lips form a twisted smile, “You’re definitely losing your mind.”

“I’m not,” you fire back. He coos, “Denial is always the first step. I would know, after all.” You snap, “I’m not! Just- Just let it be!”

He snickers, “Why? Is being mad so bad? I believe in madness lies great genius! Only the best people are crazy after all. Hmm…that brings me to the question, is being crazy, the same as being mad?”

You groan frustrated and yell, “Just keep quiet for ten minutes, please.” The Hatter muses, “Agitation, the common second phase of going mad,” he smiles darkly, “I like that, the notion of making you go so insane, you cease to function- no, no!” His eyes widen stopping himself, “No..not cease but ascend, to see things the way I do.”

Beomgyu stands with an eccentric step, “Don’t you feel pity? For the Hatter is lonely in his madness? Won’t you join this Hatter in his madness? In his little stagnant bubble?”

Silence stretches between the both of you as you simply gaze at each other. You didn’t know what to say - were you overwhelmed, drained? You didn’t know. You felt nothing.

Beomgyu grabs a chair and spins it around, sitting on it back to front, resting his chin on the back of the chair with his arms for support. “I don’t like when you’re quiet. That scream you let out earlier was delightful. Could you do it again?”

You give him a blank stare, attempting to get your fried brain to work. His gaze morphs into one of displeasure, “Are you ignoring me?”

You say nothing drilling your blank gaze into his. His jaw tenses, a scary expression on his face, “I don’t quite like what you’re doing, Y/n.”

With a long sigh, he hums, “Fine, fine, I’ll humour you since you’re special. I’ll stop pestering. How about this? I’ll let you down-“ Your eyes brighten and his lips quirk up, “Oh that got your attention now did it? All you had to do was say so, love.” You grit your teeth, piece of shit! As if he’d do so if you asked.

“I’ll let you down, if you play a little game. I think we’ve both been a little too personal with each other an frankly I’m just itching to see how that pretty head of yours works. So let’s lighten the mood. Riddles.”

You groan loudly, “No…I can’t even think straight now.” Beomgyu giggles, “That’s because you’re upside down silly!” If you could just wrap your hands around his neck and-

“Anyway, you don’t have a choice, love! I’m good at keeping promises, so don’t worry. All you have to do is answer the riddles correctly and I’ll untie you.”

“What if we raise the stakes? If I answer them correctly, you’ll let me go?” You murmur. His face morphs into one of disdain, “Come now love, that’s not what we agreed to do.” You snap, “We, we? We didn’t agree to anything? It’s all you!”

“You, me, he, she, whatever, whatever, all these are trivial details!” He exclaims. You smirk catching him off guard, “You’re afraid.”

He stiffens, his eyes narrowing, “Afraid? Of what?” Time. But you didn’t want to say that outright. You murmur, “Of me winning. Moving ahead. So you don’t even want to put that option on the table. Because there will always be the tiniest sliver of a chance that I’ll win.”

For a moment, you see his lips twitch and twist upwards and his head snap into a tilt, “Oh. Oh you think you’re so clever don’t you?”

You hum, “I do.” You expect him to seethe with anger but instead he smiles widely, “Good, I like guests with a little spunk. By far, you’re my favourite yet.”

“So you agree to my terms?” You beam. The Hatter muses sardonically, “Of course not, love. Don’t be foolish. Even if you left, you’d not be able to break the loop.”

“And how do you break the loop exactly?” You raise a brow asking. The Mad Hatter observes you amused, “You can’t.”

“I’m sure I can, there has to be a way,” you retort. “There is, one guest managed to. Pesky little brat,” he grits out. You hum, “Care to share?” Beomgyu sarcastically smiles, “When you win my game, I will.”

“Fine, if I win, you’ll tell me how to break the loop,” you mutter. He muses, “Mm, I’ll think about it. Actually, I don’t know. I lied.”

Fury bubbles up within you. Of fucking course! He resumes, “Anyway, first riddle. I can be cracked, made and told. What am I?”

Your brain whirrs slowly. Everything seemed foggy. Cracked? What on Earth? Think, think, think Y/n! Your brows furrow as you see his smug smile. Told…made…? Cracked? Oh-your eyes widen. A joke! A joke!

Before your lips part to answer, you hold back. Why did you have to oblige him? He never promised you anything. Who said you had to give the right answer? You tentatively murmur, “A…secret.”

He stiffens, before snickering, “Oh love, that’s incorrect.” You feign innocence, “A secret can be told, made, and cracked, can it not?” The Hatter’s lips part and then close for a moment and he scoffs, “The answer was a joke, love, a joke. Come now, that was easy.”

“I’m technically right,” you snap. Beomgyu rolls his eyes, “No, you’re not.” You scoff, “It fits the criteria!” He muses, “It doesn’t fit my criteria.” You notice the surprise in his gaze as if he expected you to get the riddle right off the bat.

Hm. Perhaps the key, was to unsettle the Hatter. Use his weakness against him. Time. Lower his guard and attack. He mutters, “Second riddle, I’ll make it even easier this time,” he sighs drawling out his words, “The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?”

Oh you’d heard this one before! It was footsteps! You furrow your brows deep in thought. Beomgyu sharply observes you and muses, “Oh come on, this is a classic riddle, don’t tell me you don’t know this? How did you even get this far then?”

Tiredly, you sigh, “I…I don’t know. I just…don’t know.” His gaze shifts and he mutters, “What’s this…this was supposed to be more exciting.” He scoffs, “Whatever, just say an answer, don’t keep me waiting.” You see him tapping his foot and you have to refrain from smirking, he’s giving you a hint.

You think deeply. Hm, the more you take. The more you leave behind. The more time you take. The more time you leave behind. Time. You could also say time. How…perfect.

“Time.” You utter. The Hatter’s slouch diminishes and his gaze blazes into you, “What? That’s preposterous? How? How in Wonderland do you mess that up?” You feign being disoriented, “I- Is that not right? Everything feels…so…ugh.”

Beomgyu’s eyes narrow, his grip on the back of the chair tightening, “It’s footsteps! The second one is also wrong!” You let out a laugh and you see his right eye twitch. “What’s so funny, that I’m not laughing with you?” He questions.

You laugh louder, “You…you look confused.” His body tenses and he observes you laughing to yourself. Had you truly gone mad? He himself mirrors your laughter, “Has that head of yours been upside down for a little too long? My, my, perhaps my riddles are too complex for you at the moment. You’re losing your sanity as we speak.”

You snap, feigning anger, “No! I-“ His lips form a devilish smile, “Oh but you are, love.” You clutch your head and groan, “No, no, no-“ you let out a frustrated yelp, and you gaze into his eyes widely, “Please, just let me down!”

Beomgyu regards you for a long time before finally stepping forward. He reaches into his pocket pulling out a handkerchief, a flower, a broken pocket watch and then he scoffs in irritation. “Nothing to cut you down with.”

You gaze at the fractured glass of the pocket watch on the grass . How curious that he still had such an item with him. He grabs a knife and walks over beginning to slice at the rope around your ankles, “Do cover your head, don’t want you knocking what’s left of your sanity right out of you upon impact now, do we?”

It had worked! How odd…he caved in quicker than expected. You yelp as you feel yourself fall into a crumpled heap on the ground. The urge to vomit surfaces from the sheer blood rushing back to where it’s supposed to be. God…you felt awful.

You sit up groaning, hair disheveled and panting for breath. Beomgyu crouches tossing the knife aside and grabs your jaw tilting your head upwards, “You’re certainly something, y’know that?” His eyes scan down your flushed face and he smirks amused by your state, his thumb tugs at your lower lip, “Such a pretty thing. I almost feel bad. But if it means you can see things from my point of you, then I’m indeed happy to enable your insanity. Because what I’m doing, what you’re experiencing,” he leans closer; his sweet breath caresses your cheeks, “is your mind being freed. Sanity is the chain which holds you down, but madness, insanity, it opens your mind. You might be feared, marginalised but they don’t know how we think. They fear the unknown, what we’re capable of.”

You gaze into his eyes. God, that face. The type of face you’d believe anything that’d come out of his sinful lips. He whispers, “With every moment, everything you do, it just feels intoxicating. You so…unpredictable, so…thrilling. I love it. I love everything about you so far.” The words send a dark unease through you.

You question, voice just above a whisper, “Tell me, why did you kill time? It’s because you fear the passage of it. The passage of time means you’ll eventually be forgotten.” Beomgyu’s fingers dig into your jaw and his eyes darken, “You don’t get it. Being forgotten- ah, ha,” he brokenly muses, “No, no, no, you don’t understand it like I do.”

You murmur softly, placing your hand timidly atop his, “Then explain it to me.” His eyes widen bizarrely by your sudden compassion, “What are you up to?” You muse, “You don’t trust me?”

His eyes narrow and you see his lips twitching trying to refrain from smiling, “I don’t. But I want to.”

“I won’t leave,” you murmur and add on, “Not like I can. Even if I did, I’d be stuck in this godforsaken loop, that you so, kindly won’t tell me how to break,” you emphasise and he snorts, “Oh I genuinely don’t know. Even I can’t break it. As I said, it’s part of my punishment. As long as I exist, it will exist also.”

You hum, “If you cease to exist?” His eyes widen panicked, “No- no that can’t be. I can never die in this realm. Time has to pass for that.” Time to throw a wrench into his philosophy.

With a small smile, you utter, “You don’t exist outside of Wonderland.” His gaze snaps to yours, “What?”

“No one knows you outside of this world,” you say bleakly. Your hand tightens across his. You had to make him break down, had to keep him distracted until you could think of something more concrete.

“That’s…preposterous,” he stammers, “Even if I don’t technically exist there, I still exist here. I’m still alive.” You murmur, “That girl who once escaped, surpassed the loop, she must have forgotten you, no?”

You remember the caterpillar’s words. Only one of the many guests here had escaped Wonderland. That must be her!

Beomgyu rips his hand away roughly and his gaze darkens. Your notice his breathing become ragged and a mixture of anger and panic on his visage. Beomgyu trembles, “Stop it- don’t remind me of such nonsense! She…no. Forgotten me? I had almost driven her insane, there’s no way she could have forgotten me?”

You continue, “She’s escaped, living her normal life, what, perhaps years have passed in the real world? You think she’d remember you still? The older she gets the more you fade.”

With a shaky breath, you say, “Have you not considered, that by killing time, you’ve only inhibited your ability to progress, to remain relevant. What you’ve done, is confined yourself to the past.” Beomgyu’s eyes dart back and forth and he screams, “Stop, stop, stop!”

A manic chuckle emits from him, “I-I-I know what you’re doing Y/n. I know your little tricky mind game!” You shake your head, “I’m not playing any games. I’m saying my thoughts on our predicament,” you smile widely, “What’s wrong in that?” You inquire, “I’m right, aren’t I?”

Beomgyu yells infuriated, “No! No! No! You are not! Such insolence- I- how dare you?” It gives you a strange satisfaction to see him like this. Were you sick for enjoying tormenting his already fragile psyche like this? Maybe. Perhaps Wonderland had indeed taken its toll on you. So why were your lips itching to break into a delirious smile?

You catch a flicker of movement in the sky. The birds, you swear their wings flapped for a second. Your heart races - were you seeing things?

Beomgyu clutches his head distraught, “No, no, I killed time, time is only bound to make things worse! I’m not trapped in the past, I…I just want to preserve the moment. Don’t you get it? How don’t you get it?”

You peer at him with a grimace and he lets out an unhinged cackle dragging his hand down his face, “You’re looking at me like I’m mad? I am, I am?” He chortles to himself. “Oh…I’m a mess...”

Your eyes widen as you see the bunting move a little, the birds’ wings flap. Wait…did that mean time was passing? You glance back down at the deranged Hatter. Guilt and pleasure mix within you. His madness was the key to your escape. He had grown comfortable with his own twisted philosophy, and now that you were intentionally provoking him, provoking his conscience entirely, it seemed to mess with the loop.

With a smile, you bend down picking up the cracked pocket watch, “Why have this with you?”His eyes widen and he goes to snatch it before you place it behind your back, “For someone who doesn’t care much about time, you have something like this.”

“Don’t test me, love,” he grits out standing. You attempt to compose yourself and keep your fear in check as you inhale, “Does the truth hurt? The fact that you’ve trapped yourself in this bubble of time. Whilst everyone outside forgets about you? After I escape, don’t you want me to remember you, Beomgyu?”

Beomgyu marches forward, his hand flies to your throat as he slams you against the tree. The bark digs into your back and you grimace as his fingers dig into your neck. The broken pocket watch slips out of your fingers.

He clicks his tongue rapidly in annoyance as he snarls, “You sly vixen, you think you can just talk your way out of this? You don’t know anything about me! You don’t know anything at all! It seems you’ve truly gone bonkers!” Choked gasps and splutters leave your lips as you try to pry his hand off.

Your eyes flutter up and you can’t help but smile stupidly at the sight, the birds were moving, flapping away. This so-called punishment given by time was intrinsically linked to his mind and consciousness. No wonder he was as mad as he was.

Beomgyu’s eyes widen dumbfounded by the sight of you smiling as he chokes you out. The stagnant air seems to dissipate around him, the scent of nostalgia dissipates and he feels the brush of a hefty breeze against his skin for the first time in a long time.

Beomgyu tugs you forward, his face inches from yours as he seethes, “What? What are you grinning about?” You rasp out, “T-Time,” you cough, “is…moving.”

His hand immediately lets you go as you collapse, gasping for air. He looks up, where were the same three birds which hovered in the air? Why were the clouds moving so jaggedly, almost buffering?

Panic fills Beomgyu’s system as he stumbles back at the horrific sight. Time will always continue. After all, time makes everyone his fool. And now, the biggest fool of them all, was Beomgyu. The Mad Hatter.

A distraught and strangled laugh escapes Beomgyu’s throat as he peers at the livelier environment. Trees rustling, the sunlight glimmering. Tears drip down his face as he laughs, “I have not killed time, but time has killed me! How funny! Is that not hilarious?”

His head snaps to you as he cackles, “Laugh! Laugh, laugh, laugh it up! I’ve been the fool all along? Who was I to think I could outsmart time itself when it was in fact time who kept me trapped in my own consciousness, to be a fool who was but a mere memory!”

You gaze at the Hatter who had been shattered beyond recognition. His chronic phobia of the passage of time had seemed to overtake any remaining sense of rationale. With a cautious step back, you peer at the forest at the horizon. You just needed to slip away now…

Beomgyu beams brightly as sparkling tears run down his cheeks, “Oh, you…you, you. Never before have I seen such cunning, such a pretty face,” he coos before growling, “But twisted mind.”

Beomgyu steps forward, “How does it feel to have broken the Hatter? Huh? Huh? Not only have I been shattered once, but now twice?” He bursts out into another fit of laughter before his crazed eyes gaze lands upon you once more, “That smile on your face… you liked it. You like seeing me suffer, you’re just as depraved as we all are here in Wonderland.”

Your heart drops; no. You…,couldn’t be. Depraved? You wouldn’t go so far to be depraved- okay, perhaps you were enjoying tormenting him a little but that’s just because you were getting closer to a way out- you weren’t twisted or sadistic?

He breathlessly chuckles stepping forward, wiping away his continuous tears, “You’re singlehandedly the most twisted guest I’ve ever received.”

Fuck. You were so close. You step back timidly; you catch him looking at your feet and he runs his hands through his ebony locks, smiling widely to himself, “Oh, look at you, look. at. you.” He muses, closing his eyes as if trying calm his rage, “Get out.”

Your body stiffens at his words. Did you mishear him? “What?” You ask, quivering.

Beomgyu drags a hand down his face as he looks down, strands falling over his eyes dangerously, “Get out of my sight, before I make your pretty little head a cake topper for my next tea party.”

You take another step back, and another one. A few more. Finally, you turn around and break out into a sprint, you even glance behind you only to see him standing completely still - his chilling gaze burning into your back with a clear message:

DON’T. EVER. COME. BACK.

With that, you look ahead and run, run and run like your life depends on it toward the eerie forest on the horizon. The sun begins to set once more and the entire place seems to wane, stretch, move and distort, with a new breath of life. A delirious laugh escapes your lips as you run along the decrepit path, wind whips past your face in which you relish immensely.

The Cheshire Cat…what would you face next? Your hands itch, at the rate you were going, you feel like you could…ki-no. No. Compose yourself Y/n. You just wanted to go home. Was that…so hard? No damn cat was going to stop you.

You’d do anything.

Anything to leave. Anything.

As you disappear from his line of sight, a smile laces Beomgyu’s lips and a breathy chuckle emits from him. His knees buckle and he clutches his pounding, overwhelmed head. His brain was truly scattered, broken into mere smithereens.

If you do get past the Cheshire Cat, by which you will, he knows it. That bastard of a cat, will most definitely let you go.

Whilst he may have lost to time, there’s one ounce of peace and one absolute truth that makes him grin so hard that his cheeks hurt.

He’ll never forget you.

Ever.

And he has a feeling, most importantly, you won’t forget him either.

Taglist: [open]

@naoristerling @staaaarykids @tremendousphantommiracle @lun4kazumii @lunathewritingcat @ur-mother-realnotclickbait @taehyhunnzly @20crowsinahoodie @baekberrie @syraphyina @fullbodyblankets @soohashits @f4iryfever @themochiverse @atiny-chocolate-chip @nothingwithoutgyu @ethystclove @hancafe @nap-of-a-starr @isa942572 @evn-09 @ninitorih @m3chigo @tenleeluvr-blog @matcha-binz @soobunnymoa @sleepyygyu @nicngyu @vicurious28 @kurokkkiko0 @zyoopioo @noraimp @bvqler @lailols @iiisusy @astridxxxx @kookiesbunny @scrumptiousloser

[justauthoring]

the trees told me about you.

the trees whisper to you and gojo thinks that makes you special.

a/n: i just started watching frieren and i NEEDED something fantasy okay???? also, i love him <3

pairing: prince!gojo satoru x f!elf!reader

The trees whisper to you.

Whisper words that ghost past your ears and leave your eyes sparkling with warmth, staring at the twinkling green leafs that bristle in the wind. 

No one else can hear them, except for you. 

Some think you're mad, others just don’t like you cause you’re different – either way, you’ve long ago learned not to care.

Because the trees speak to you, tell you secrets of the world and bring you the love you’ve never felt elsewhere. They don’t judge you because you look different, and they make you feel included – loved.

So even though you’re glared at and cruel words are whispered behind your back;

She’s not right. Spending her days talking to trees…

They say her parents abandoned her when she was young… you don’t have to wonder why.

What a lonely life… but no one wants to talk to a girl who thinks trees speak.

You’ve learned that there’s no point worrying and no point in trying to change their minds. 

A life of solitude is one you’ve accepted for yourself. And besides, you don’t feel all that alone in the first, shrouded by trees, protected from the small, the feeling of the dirt and grass and earth beneath your fingers as you smile and laugh and talk.

Yeah, you don’t feel alone at all.

At least, until you meet him.

-

“You know they all think you’re insane, right?”

A moment ago, you’d been positive you’d been alone. You hadn’t heard him walk up, the crunch of his footsteps along the forest floor or even the rustling of his clothing; so when you hear his voice, so much louder, harsher, sharper than the voices that whisper in your ears, it makes you jump.

You’re startled, incredibly so. You lose your footing beneath you, your bum hitting the ground harshly as you turn your head to face the voice, worrying just who it was that had snuck up on you.

It’s a boy. Roughly your age, or at least you assume so. He’s tall. Even though you’re on the ground, you know he’d tower over you. He’s got bright white hair that shifts to a purple hue when the sun hits him just right. And his eyes are a striking blue that rivals even the sky and unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

You’d lived in your small village all your life and you’re positive you’ve never seen this boy before.

“Who… who are you?” Your words come out shakier than you want but then again, you’re not all that accustomed to speaking to others. Most of your time is spent listening… and even you know there’s a difference between listening to trees and real people. You’ve never had someone speak so directly to you before – most of the time, they opt for whispering behind your back even though both you and them are aware you can hear them.

Still, you force yourself to speak; “what are you doing here?”

He’s grinning. Ear to ear. And it’s wide and it’s bright and there’s a twinkle in his eyes that seems some sort of mischievous, yet, the smile feels real and genuine and almost… kind(?).

Then, he’s crouching, moving so he’s more level to you and his head tilts to the right. “Gojo Satoru,” he introduces, saying his name with pride. “And I am going for a light stroll in the woods.”

Gojo Satoru…

Gojo…

That’s… that’s last the name of the king—

Your eyes widen, instantly shifting to meet his gaze while he continues to just smile at you, bright and happy, hands clasped in front of him without a care in the world. You take in his clothes properly then, the detailing and the quality of the fabric, hemmed with laces – clothes you’ve never even had half enough coin to buy.

Clothes you’d never be able to buy.

You’d heard the King had a son but you’d never seen him or any drawings of him either.

A boy that looks like this though? Looks like he could be the King’s son.

“I ventured through the village beforehand,” he gestures over his shoulder. “You are not well-liked.” 

You blink out of your daze, frowning at his words.

Shifting, you move so you’re sitting straighter, straightening out your blouse as you glare at him. “That’s rather rude.”

He shrugs, still grinning. “You didn’t deny it though.”

And you frown because you know he’s right.

“Okay, so, what’s the King’s son doing taking a stroll in the woods well outside of the castle grounds?”  

He pauses, raising a brow; “so you did recognize me…” He hums lightly, pointing at you. 

You nod; “yes, I did.”

You’re well aware that your lack of respect for the King’s son could get you arrested, or worse. But, you don't care all that much. You figure that Gojo would’ve done something by now if he was really bothered by it, and… well, he’s the one who snuck up on you in the first place.

Laughing lightly, Gojo shrugs; “couldn’t stand being there anymore.”

You raise a brow; “the castle?”

He nods. “It’s so… stuffy! Gods, no one knows how to have any fun in there! And I'm constantly getting reprimanded for trying to liven the place up a little.” His words are dramatic, doubled by his actions as he wildly waves his hands around, rolling his eyes as he sulks. “You’d think royalty, with all the money we have, would know how to make things at least a little exciting… but no! They’re dreadfully boring.”

He finishes his rambling with a loud huff, and a second passes before you burst out in laughter.

Gojo blinks at you, once, twice, stunned before he’s grinning once more.

“That’s funny?” He asks, watching you amusedly.

Clutching at your stomach, you shake your head; “sorry,” you gasp. “I just never expected the King’s son to be so… un-princely?”

Chuckling, Gojo’s eyes trail your figure as you continue to laugh; “no?”

“No,” you snort, calming yourself down. Then, a second later, you glance at him; “so you ran away?”

“For now,” he agrees. “And you?”

You blink; “what about me?”

“What are you doing here?”

Your smile fades. “Well… you heard.”

“So, you really do talk to trees?”

You pause, bewildered. “You believe me?”

“Why would you lie?”

And it’s the first time you’ve heard someone say that to you… because, yes, why would you lie? Why would you make all this up?

And yet he’s the first one who believes you.

“I’ve never seen someone like you before you, you know,” he shuffles closer and your breath halts, eyeing him as he leans in. “I thought you all died out.”

Subconsciously, your fingers move to touch the tip of your pointy ears that’s hidden by your hair. “We did,” you whisper, “it’s just me.”

Resting his head on his crossed arms, Gojo fidgets in the spot. “That’s unfortunate.”

You hum, not sure how else to respond. It was unfortunate and sad, but no one else had ever seemed to think so. At least not anyone in your village. Scorned and judged because of your smaller stature and your pointy ears… you were a freak amongst humans in your village and they constantly liked to remind you of the fact.

“You think the trees talk to you because you’re different?”

Wide eyed, you turn to Gojo. “What?”

“I don’t hear them,” he frowns, and he strains his ear, cupping it for emphasis as if that’ll help. “And I’m royalty. They should talk to me… but they don’t. I bet it’s because you’re an elf. Makes you extra special then.”

Lips parting, you glance around, taking in the trees, hearing the whispers that have softened, before turning back to his blue eyes. “More special than the prince?”

He smirks; “I guess,” he obliges, chuckling. “Just this once.”

You smile. A real, genuine smile.

“You shouldn’t hide them, either.”

“Hm?”

“Your ears,” he explains, reaching forward. You barely have time to react before he’s brushing back your hair, the tips of his fingers brushing against the skin of your ears as he tucks the hair behind, revealing your insecurity to his eyes. He doesn’t look away, and panicked, you watch him, overwhelmed by how close he suddenly is, breath stuck in the back of your throat.

But he doesn’t look disgusted or freaked out.

He looks… amazed.

“You shouldn’t hide them,” his gaze shifts back to yours, grinning again but this time it’s softer, more demure. “They’re what make you you.”

“They make me look strange. Different,” you mumble to yourself, lowering your gaze as you attempt to pull your hair back out from behind your ear.

Gojo grabs your wrist, small in his own grasp, halting your movements.

You turn to him with parted lips.

“No,” he whispers and it’s the softest he’s sounded, but yet, it’s still so confident. Like he doesn’t doubt a single word he says. “No, they make you special.”

You stare back at him, stunned. But you don’t pull away and you don’t move. You like it, having him this close. This boy who you've just met. This boy who is the King’s son. The prince. Next in line for the throne.

This boy who’s made you feel more normal than you ever have your entire life.

But then he’s pulling away, despite the disappointment that burns through you, standing up straight as you crane your head up to look at him. He’s grinning, ear to ear again, as he takes small steps back.

“I should go,” he explains, laughing. “My father is probably throwing a fit. But, come back tomorrow okay?”

You raise a brow, tilting your head in wonder.

He just laughs.

“I plan to run away again.” 

Is all he says and then he’s turning, offering you a short wave before disappearing through the thick of the trees, leaving you to yourself and the whispers.

You stare at the place he left, undeniably grinning from ear to ear yourself now.

“Yes,” you nod to the whispers. “I think I like him too.”

[2-dsimp]

Hey, for your Spotlight Boys, how would they react if they met their Darling and they already had a partner?

Who would take out the competition immediately and who would just want them to be happy? What would they do if there were signs they weren't actually happy?

Cw: jealousy/manipulation/coercion/blackmail/gore/death

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The types who’d take out competition:

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Rashiq the rabbit

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In his version you’re a nun supposed to be serving the lordship. So of course having any type of romantic relationship with the other gender is forbidden.

But if the rabbit hybrid priest finds out that you were having relations with another… He devilishly grin at how much fun he’d get out of ruining that dipshits life. While also getting you into his paws up and far away from that bastard Zebad’s grasp. With a little bit of playing instigation he’d sooner have your partner branded as a cheating heretic and stoned to death as punishment. Of course he’d get his 2 cents in beforehand, what can you say? This rabbit is petty, so what’s wrong with leaving that bloke with a couple bones broken? It’s not like they’d need em anytime soon. Especially if they’re set to die at the stake.

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Quio the Dilf

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Well in his version you wouldn’t be allowed to have any significant others. As one of the requirements for being his nanny would be that you’re completely single. That way your focus would be primarily on his daughter Peina.

But hypothetically speaking, Quio’s the type to act like he’s happy for you but he’s plotting on the downfall of your relationship. When he got the information relayed to him, the A list actors perfect image twisted into one of pure insanity that he kept under lock and key. He’ll bide his time and wait for the moment your relationship reaches its sugar high. Only for him to crash it and burn it to the ground in one fell swoop. It pains him to see you so devastated but at the same time it made him feel such ecstasy. As He’d be the one to pick up the pieces one by one and make you all his by design.

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Temothy the Bull

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He’d be utterly heartbroken… If he weren’t such a schemer underneath that klutzy innocent exterior of his. Being an info broker on the side of being your assistant. The bull knows everything about what’s happening in his surroundings in real time. So with a simple searches on the internet, He’d fabricate blackmail to prevent anyone. From even getting the idea that you were on the market. That’s why every single date you had was a failure, leaving you to be ghosted the next day. Even if the first date was absolutely perfect. Your assistant would accidentally stigmatize you as a forever alone without even knowing.

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The types who’d just want you to happy:

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Moros the Torturer

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All he’d ever want for his sunshine is for them to be happy. In fact he’s one of the very few men who’d be willing to be in a poly relationship with his darling. But if you already seemed to be fine with a partner of your own he’d stand by the sidelines watching over you like a guardian angel.

On the flip side if you were noticeably unhappy even worse if your partner had been abusing you. That’s when this gentle giant’s shell cracks into a vengeful ogre. He won’t tolerate anyone dimming your shine and would deal with them the best way he knows how. Via torturing them, it’s the job he’s well versed in. Besides that he genuinely wants to know how they were audacious enough. To think that they could break your precious heart. Unfortunately, Moros would never get the answer he so desired. Since his hands would’ve already subconsciously cracked open his victims rib cage with his machete. As if he were splitting open a watermelon. To tear out their beating heart that died out, Before he could even register what happened.

[witchygagirlwrites]

Bandit-Part 3

Jay Halstead x Reader (nicknamed Bandit)

The undercover op pushes Jay to confess his feelings but you’re not sure he actually means them

“Anybody heard who our backup from Major crimes will be?” you asked, glancing around the room. You felt bad for Adam, poor guy barely got to catch his breath from a two week stint of being undercover to getting tossed into another. At least it was just one night and he got a day’s worth of a breather at least. 

“Lopez, Long, Younce and Martinez” Kim replied and you breathed a sigh of relief at the names. All were decent cops. You’d worked with them before. They could hold their own, would play by your rules and didn’t mind getting their hands dirty for the right side of the line. 

Carl Mcintosh. That was your main target for the night. From the intel you’d received he always had two lieutenants at his side but he was the one everyone was wanting to take alive if any way possible because although he was a big fish, he could lead to a fucking megladon. “And why can’t any of them go under?” Adam asked with a groan and you shot him a wink “Because it’s our playground and we just invited them over. We get the best toys” he shook his head “Bandit, you’re insane” you grinned “You love me though” he nodded “Anything that keeps Kim from telling you to bite me again darlin”

The undercover was set for the following night. Your undercover personas were picked, clothing choices and where every backup would be positioned inside and outside of the club. The only thing to do now was to wait. 

You leaned back in your chair and closed your eyes “Is it bad outside of places like Molly's I have never stepped foot in a club without it being for an undercover?” you opened your eyes and looked over at Kenny who was closest to you. He smirked at you “Can you even dance?” you grinned “Oh I can dance just fine honey” 

Adam laughed “She can, her and Kim made right at two hundred bucks one time and they were even under as strippers. They were just enjoying the music” Kenny raised an eyebrow “Ok then”

__________________

Jay was listening to everyone joke about the undercover, he knew it was a way to work nerves off beforehand and any other time? He would have been in the middle of it, cracking jokes. Now? The only thing he was able to think about was the last time you and Kim were under. The way you moved with the music, the way it felt just seeing other men look at you. This time he would have to sit in a van and watch while Rixton had his hands on you and not be able to say a damn thing or risk the whole damn op.

When you told Rixton “Oh I can dance just fine honey” he snapped the pen in his hand without thinking. Hailey’s eyes flew towards him, “Jay?” she whispered, trying to not draw attention to the blue staining his palm. 

“Shit” he muttered and she slid the sanitizer off her desk to him. “Here” she whispered and he nodded “Thanks” and used the sanitizer and some tissues to clean his hand. She looked from him to you and he hoped like hell she hadn’t clocked exactly why he’d snapped the pen. He didn’t need anyone calling him out on how he felt about you. He didn’t want to face it. He couldn’t lose you, no matter how it was going to feel to suffer through a damn undercover op, facing someone with ties to the cartel, someone dangerous all the time being eaten alive with jealousy because it won’t be his arms you’ll be in.

“Hey, are we good?” You asked Jay the following morning when you and him met for coffee like usual. He nodded with a smile that you knew wasn’t quite genuine. “Yeah, why wouldn’t we be?” you waved towards his face “That fake ass smile for one or are you forgetting just how well I know you Jay?”

He sighed, stirring his coffee slowly “It’s nothing Bandit, I swear” you raised an eyebrow “Is it the fact that we’re not back riding together yet? Because I think Voight just wants to wrap this case before he shifts stuff around. Not to mention Kenny only has a couple weeks left in the unit” he scoffed “It’s been a helluva few weeks for him hasn’t it?” you tilted your head to stare at him “What is that supposed to mean?” he shook his head “Nothing sweetheart” you stared at him “Why does it feel like there’s a gap growing between us?”

“There’s not” he promised and you sighed “I hope not, Jay you’re my best friend. You mean so much to me, if I lost you. I don’t know what I’d do” he reached across the table and squeezed your hand gently “Not gonna happen” you smiled “Ok” 

Jay knew he had to reel in his actions at least a little. You were thinking he was pissed off at you. That couldn’t be further from the truth but how was he supposed to say “No Bandit, the gap is filled with the fact that I’ve fallen in love with you and I’m a fucking coward” 

He scrubbed his hand down his face and forced himself to get his mind back on prepping the pre-raid plan. He was helping to mark areas where patrolmen should be. That helped to keep you safe inside the club. That was what mattered, not anything else. 

“Where’s our U.C.s?” Martinez asked and Voight nodded towards the locker room “Bandit and Upton were finishing getting ready in there, Rixton and Ruzek were changing downstairs. About that time the locker room door opened and it took everything in Jay to not curse under his breath. You were wearing jeans that looked like they were literally painted on with a corseted top and a leather jacket. Your hair was down in loose waves and you looked fucking gorgeous as always but damn.Everything hugged your curves perfectly. You were adjusting the holster at your back that the jacket covered. 

He had to watch Rixton’s hands on you, while you looked like that. Yeah it was gonna be a long night.

___________________

You adjusted the holster at your back as an excuse to squirm under everyone’s eyes. You fucking hated being eye candy. You glanced at Jay and felt your stomach flip when his eyes quickly skimmed over you then he looked away. What the hell was that about? Not like you could focus on it right now. You had other things to worry about. 

“We rolling out?” you asked and Voight handed you the com to slip into your ear “All we need is positive IDs then we’ll move in” “Copy that” you replied, hearing Adam and Kenny come up from downstairs. “Looks like this party is ready to get started”

You were standing near the bar with your back to Kenny, your hands on your hips as your eyes skimmed the bar. Hailey and Adam were positioned across from the two of you and you knew Jay, Kim and Voight were tapped into security cams along with the backup from Major Crimes.

“We gotta move around a bit” you spoke into the com and heard Adam and Kevin say “Copy that” you spotted Adam and Hailey head to the dance floor and say Kevin ask some random woman to dance so you turned and smiled at Kenny “You were bragging about those dance moves, lets put em to the test” and pulled him behind you to the dance floor. Offices were on the other side of the floor so you had to get over there to get a look.

___________________

Jay felt like his jaw may just crack as he watched the feed. Your back was to Rixton’s front as the two of you moved to the music. The moment “Like you mean it” came on he knew he was fucked. You loved that damn song.

“She does remember this is a fucking op, not a date doesn’t she?” he muttered and Kim’s eyes got wide “What?” he hadn’t realized he’d spoken out loud until then “Nothing” he turned his eyes back to the camera and Rixton’s hands were on your hips, moving you in rhythm with his body. He was gonna rip his fucking arms off and beat him to death with them. That was the only option for ever putting his hands on you so damn casually. 

“Jay, tow the line” Kim reminded him “My husband is dancing with Hailey and I’m not acting as bad as you are over Bandit. What’s going on between you and her?” 

He shook his head “We’re just friends” she scoffed “Yeah cause everyone threatens murder over their friends dancing with someone” he could feel the muscle in his jaw flexing “Please don’t tell her I said anything” she nodded “As long as you promise to not kill Rixton” he laughed “Deal, I guess”

__________________

You spotted movement in the office and saw Mcintosh through the slit in the door “Confirmation boss” you spoke across the coms. You looked over to Adam and Hailey and they both nodded to you, Kevin excusing himself from who he was dancing with. The four of you moved to the side exit where Jay and Kim would be waiting with vests.

You slipped silently out and Jay smiled when he saw you and helped you into your vest. Voight split everyone up in teams to cover all the exits then gave the order to take the club. You tapped Jay’s shoulder so he moved forward. “CHICAGO PD” 

The op turned out to be a success. You got Mcintosh and his lieutenants. When you got back to the precinct, Voight headed in to question McIntosh while Martinez took one of them and Lopez took the other.

You  sat down on the edge of Kim’s desk “Well that was fun” she grinned “Really?” you shrugged “No one got shot” she nodded “Good point” you bumped Hailey’s leg “Help me get out this damn top?” she grinned “If you’ll help me out of this one” the two of you stood to head for the locker room. You wanted back in your regular jeans, a henley and your combat style boots. Something comfortable.

_________________

Jay watched you walk through the bullpen and was trying to resist the urge to punch Rixton dead in the mouth for looking at your ass. “When’s your contract up?” he asked and Kim’s eyes got big. Rixton shrugged “Two more weeks” he stood up “Good” and walked towards the locker room, hoping to talk to you once you were changed.

Hailey walked out first and grinned when she saw him “Could’ve seen that coming” “What?” he asked and she shook her head “Nothing, she’ll be done in just a minute” then she headed for the bullpen” 

_______________

You walked out of the locker room and smashed into Jay’s chest. “Shit, sorry” his hands came out to rest on your hips “It’s ok” you swallowed hard from the position and smiled at him “Do you need something Jay?”

He shook his head “Nothing important” you raised an eyebrow “You waited outside the locker room for me to get through changing for nothing important?” he sighed “I need to talk to you but not tonight when adrenaline is still really high on everyone”

“About what?” you asked and he sighed “Bandit, please” you shook your head “No, talk to me now” “I wanted to kill Rixton for having his hands on you” your eyes widened “What?” he nodded “I had to sit there and watch him have his hands all over you and tried to tell myself it was ok, it was for the op but no I still want to break his jaw because he looked at you ass when you came to change so I got half a hand to leave my handprint on your asscheek if you let me”

“Do you actually want me or is this because you see someone else looking at me?” you asked and he froze “What?” you knew you couldn’t let yourself just crumble then and there because you were hearing what you wanted to. What if that’s all this was? “Do you actually want me Jay? Or are you the only constant man in my life and don’t like the idea of anyone else being there? I know what I want but I can’t break myself without knowing for certain”

“I want you” he whispered and you nodded, slipped your hands up around his neck, pulling him down to where your lips were almost touching his “I’ll back Rixton off but I have to wait until he leaves and things go back to normal. Then if you still want me, we’ll talk” he nodded, eyes going from yours to your lips and back. “I want you Bandit” you laughed “You said that already” and turned to press a kiss to his cheek before walking away.

You were stronger than you ever thought possible by not giving in then and there but you were in love with Jay, had been for years and couldn’t fold just because he was jealous and could very well get bored once anyone he saw as competition was gone (as if anyone held a candle to Jay in your heart)

If he still wanted you when Kenny was gone and you and him were partners again then you would talk but until that happened you couldn’t risk your heart, no matter how much it hurt.

Part 4 (Final)

@desimarie12

@nevaehstreater18

@allisonargent144

[nicksbestie]

Nooks And Crannies - M. Sturniolo

a series

part five (read part four here)

Summary : You always seem to be somewhere in the bookstore Matt works at, never buying anything, just reading, and while Matt is technically not supposed to talk to customers for so long while he's on the clock, he can't help himself.

Warnings : none!

Word Count : 1038

Pairing : Matt Sturniolo/Reader (romantic)

A/N : i didn't forget about this little project, don't worry!!

You stared at the bookmark, and the number scribbled onto it, pushing down the anxiety and deciding to send a message.

hi! is this matt?

You didn’t have to wait long for a response, the almost immediate ping of your phone catching you by surprise, indicating a reply.

(XXX)-XXX-XXXX : yes! i assume this is ____?

You quickly saved his contact, simply saved as “matt :)”.

“yes! how are you?” 

The conversation only blossomed from there. You were glad that you lived alone now, because had you still been living at home, your family would have teased you about just how much you were smiling at your phone. You texted Matt nearly nonstop, and you had been enjoying every moment of it. It was just like your normal conversations at The Ivy, sharing book thoughts, or snippets of your day, or even funny jokes. You had received a ton of silly pictures from Matt’s brothers, as they had a habit of stealing his phone and sending random selfies. You found it funny, Matt found it annoying, but either way, you always had something to talk about. Conversation with him was never dry, which you had been slightly afraid of when you had texted him for the first time, and he always replied as quickly as possible, unless he was at work. 

When you weren’t talking, you couldn’t deny the fact that you missed speaking to him. It was really nice to have someone who actually wanted and enjoyed talking to you. It was another couple of days before you could actually take any time off to leave your apartment, and of course, the first place that you went when you left that afternoon was The Ivy. It had been pouring rain, but you couldn’t stand being inside your room for one more minute. So, you pulled on a raincoat, grabbed the umbrella by your door, and began the short walk downtown. Since it was warm out, and the sun was peeking through some clouds, the walk wasn’t miserable, and you actually quite enjoyed it. You had always loved the rain, and since you had an umbrella to keep you dry, you didn’t mind being out walking in it. 

It wasn’t long before you pushed open the door to The Ivy, shaking your umbrella out beforehand. You wrapped it up, putting it into your bag, and moving to a shelf that had some colorful book covers, as they had caught your eye the second you walked in. You noticed that a lot of them were new shipments, having just been placed on the shelves, and you were so excited to pick up a couple of them and pore over the pages. You read the backs of a few of them, and they seemed intriguing, so you held them in your arms as you made your way over to the cafe to get a cup of coffee. Besides, you deserved it after your insanely busy previous couple of days. However, when you got over to the counter, there was already a cup with your name scribbled on it, with it being your usual. 

You went and picked it up, smiling when you noticed Matt waving at you, sitting at one of the tables with his own cup. “Was this you?” You asked, motioning to the cup. He smiled at you, nodding. “I saw you walk in, figured I’d order your usual for you since I was grabbing my own coffee anyways.” You smiled, taking a drink from it, enjoying the way you automatically felt relaxed. “Well, aren’t you sweet.” He grinned, a smirk on his face. “I try.” You read the back of the book that he was reading, nodding in slight interest, and it was at this point that you noticed the name tag being on his shirt.

“Wait, are you working right now?” 

He shook his head, turning a page.

“Nope. I’m on my break, but I took it so late that I actually get off only fifteen minutes after I go back on shift.”

You sat with Matt for the rest of his break, chatting about random things, mostly books and coffee, but also how both of your mornings had gone prior to being at The Ivy. Matt had worked a short mid-day shift, so he hadn’t been there all morning, which he was grateful for. He had picked up a coworker’s shift since they had been searching for coverage due to a family emergency, and he was heading right back home as soon as he got off. You found a good book to read when Matt had to clock back in, and you dove right into it. You were enjoying the gentle atmosphere, and the time flew. You were a fast reader, so you got through a good chunk of the book before Matt got off the clock and found you still at the coffee table, coming over to say goodbye before he left The Ivy. 

“So, where are you heading after you leave here?” 

You softly laughed, shrugging.

“Honestly, I’m not sure. The rain has gotten a lot worse, and I was going to go walk around shops, but I’m not sure I want to go back out into that. I may just stay here for a while until it lets up, but I’m glad I got to see you! Even if it was within your working hours.”

He smiled, removing the name tag off of his shirt.

“Yeah! One of these days, we’ve got to hang out outside of this shop. I do have a personality other than work.” 

“Oh, I’m sure that you do. You’ll have to show me it eventually.” 

Matt looked like he was pondering an idea, so you quietly waited for a response.

“Why don’t you come home with me?” 

You were slightly taken aback, and nervously laughed.

“Damn, you have to ask me out first!” 

Matt smiled, shaking his head.

“Not like that. Just for dinner. You can meet my brothers, we can spend time together outside of where I work, a nice get to know you more night. If you’re not interested, I totally understand!” 

You smiled at him, walking towards the door with him.

“I would love to.”

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[g3tj1nx3d14]

even more caitvi / violyn because i’m bored !! fair warning i’m SO tired so these will be incoherent

warning, spoilers up to act three season two, NSFW after the big warning, and mentions of alc + w33d

SFW

• I see a lot of people saying Vi would smoke, but I fear Caitlyn could also be a bit of a stoner. She was insanely nervous when Vi got her to try smoking, but after her first time taking an edible and getting in a bubble bath with a book? She’s relaxed, that’s her new favorite little thing.

• Vi quit drinking after her underground fighting time. She doesn’t like how it makes her feel, especially as she’s been trying to develop more healthy coping mechanisms for stress.

• Caitlyn gets jealous. It’s harder to tell, as when Vi gets jealous— which is much rarer than Caitlyn— she tends to be very obvious. Grabbing Caitlyn’s waist, the obvious comments of “MY girlfriend”, maybe even straight up PDA. But Caitlyn? Oh, you looked at Vi the right way and all of the sudden Caitlyn is plotting your downfall. She doesn’t share well, at all.

• Random less wholesome one because I like hurting people emotionally; when Caitlyn got out of surgery for her eye— considering she lost it, there must’ve been some sort of surgical process post stabbing— she didn’t call for Vi or Jayce like expected. She called for her mom.

• Vander used to just yank his kids around, so the kids did it to each other too. Not in any bad way, just scruffing them or pulling them over his shoulder with no hesitation. Vi didn’t notice most families didn’t do this until the first time she wanted to show Caitlyn something in the other room and decided to just yank her out of her seat and carry her into the other room.

• Vi and Caitlyn would SO have a dog. 100%. There’s no disagreements there, but on the name? A huge disagreement. Caitlyn wants to name it a cute person name, while Vi wants to name it something stupid. They both train it to respond to their name. This dog ends up named like, Florence but also replies to Microwave.

• Given the amount of explosions they’ve both been in proximity to, they both have wonky hearing. They’re either always super close to hear each other properly or kind of shouting and not realizing it.

• Vi gets more piercings. 100% would.

okay freaky time, warning we’re lowk getting nasty in a good way

NSFW

• I need to elaborate on the Vi bites thing because I’m so sure it’s true to me. She’s biting Caitlyn’s shoulder anytime it’s exposed. Biting her fingers whenever they’re near her mouth. Biting down on her thighs. Everything. She grins like a smug idiot whenever she sees Caitlyn with teeth marks.

• Similarly, Vi is a hickey leaver. She takes it as a challenge whenever she sees Caitlyn try to cover up a love bite.

• Caitlyn tried to do a similar thing, leaving lipstick marks all over her face to embarrass her, but she was proven to be an idiot for that when Vi proudly showed everyone what her girlfriend did.

• Vi would SO be a strap user I fear, and she treats it like it’s her own. I know a lot of people hc the hex strap as feeling like it’s an actual appendage for the user, but if she’s using that or not, Vi is 100% using that shit like she can. Now I can’t stop imagining Cait giving her strap head SORRY IM A FREAK

• Vi tried to tease a few times, but Caitlyn was somehow even more patient than her and cracked before she did.

• Caitlyn used to think she’d always be solely into very pre-planned sex— think candles, already having a plan of what she’d do beforehand, never spur of the moment— but Vi quickly changed her mind. Before Vi, she usually had to spend a bit of time before any hook up trying to make herself get worked up, but with Vi? She could see her in her pajamas, half brushed hair, just grinning at her in a certain way, and she’s jumping on her.

• Vi lowkey seems like the type to lick her fingers after ✌️.

[prentissluvr]

the impala, 4:00 p.m. — sam winchester

cw : gn!winchester!reader, fluff, hurt/comfort, sam & reader are twins, dean's implied to be dead/gone (you choose which time lol), unedited, 608 words. requested ! for my 800 followers event [ closed ] .

summary : sam lifts your mood with a book on a sort of somber day in the impala.

MOVED BLOGS TO @sammyluvr !! no longer active on this blog! all fics can be found there!

for months now, it’s just been you two. sort of like how it was when sam was at stanford. you moved near campus to be close to him at nineteen. the year apart beforehand had been hellish sometimes.

but these days have this odd liminality to them. there are no crappy college kid apartments or girlfriends or parties. just the impala, the road, monsters, and each other. you miss dean. some days you almost don’t.

lots of days you miss what you and sam could’ve had, but it feels too late now. it’s sort of nice, though, because you don’t hunt all the time. you and sam take breaks. you help where you can, then you visit southern california for a taste of hot weather and salty air. last week, you stopped for a few days in a midwestern national park. it was stunning, and perfectly suited to yours and sam’s tastes.

today is an in between day, no plans and no hunts on the horizon yet. you’re behind the wheel, your mixtape playing through the speakers. as for the way you feel, everything there is an in between too.

you’re tired, but painfully aware. mourning, and oddly at peace. it doesn’t quite feel bad, but you don’t feel good.

oftentimes, your mood aligns with sam’s. you guess it could be that cliche twine telepathy, but to you it feels more like a deep understanding of each other paired with so many sort of insane and mundane shared experiences.

but today, sam is good. he’s not great, because it’s sort of hard to be more often than not these days, but the two of you are slowly figuring it out. sam very easily senses the way you feel. today and every day. he thinks you’re teetering on the edge enough that he can steer you in the more pleasant direction.

he’s going to offer to switch to the drivers seat in a bit, but he’ll do a few other things first. before interrupting your quiet time with the music and scenery, he’s going to find a good place to eat. not an american diner, but somwhere with better food. he hopes he can find a thai place with good reviews.

then he pulls out a book. you don’t look over at the movement at first. you can see the book in his lap through your peripheral vision, and don’t blink because he’s always reading when he get’s bored in his passenger’s seat. but then he turns down the music and shows you the cover with an unspoken question.

the fellowship of the rings.

you had forgotten that sam carries the lord of the rings books around with him. it catches you by complete surprise, the sight of the worn copy you two shared as kids and the question in his eyes. you grin. he’s asking if you want him to read it aloud to you, to fill up a bit of the gaping hole in this car.

“i forgot you had that,” you say, eyes turning back to the road, but your smile sticking around. sam grins back at you.

“what, you think i go anywhere without a copy of this?” he says lightheartedly, half teasing himself by saying something so nerdy.

“as you should,” you shrug, shutting the music all the way off. “go on, then.” you hear the creak of the spine, and the rustle of pages. then sam’s voice, a sound that melds in perfect familiarity with the rumble of the impala.

“three rings for the elven-kings under the sky, seven for the dwarf-lords in their halls of stone, nine for mortal men doomed to die…”

[kais-au-lore-fics]

Caretaker Shanon au:

Chapter one; "It's going to be okay now, I'm here"

Tw: Scars mentioned (not detailed); starvation mentioned; neglect mentioned; it's rough. They're rough.

~ Shanon goes back and saves her precious daughter, but also saves someone else along the way. And stops for cookies beforehand... She can't resist her best friend's cookies lol ~

────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────

The morning was fast for Shanon, as she had honestly speedran everything she possibly could just to be as ready as she possibly could. She had to find her that day, she had to- Shelly wasn't going to last much longer solo like that, especially not with the limp she had in the video and the various other wounds she had. The skinniness to her too... The look of exhaustion and terror in her eyes... Shanon couldn't get that image out of her head no matter how hard she tried. She grabbed the duffle bag full of supplies, food and water, grabbed her old lanyard with her old handler badge on it and grabbed her keys before rushing out the door, not even stopping to eat breakfast after getting ready to do her mission. Or coffee. She'll just stop by the cafe... Sam always has her favorites out, just for her. They were such a good friend, even though they're most definitely going to scream at her for hours once they realize what she's about to do.

At Gardenview however, it wasn't as rushed. Shelly sat on the edge of her old bed, shaking a bit as she tried desperately to focus on sewing up the newest hole in her dress, eyes half closed as she fought back the urge to go back to sleep and just snooze all day. Vee sat beside her, watching, patient, fully charged.

"So... You think Veronica would ever see that video..? You know it's definitely going on that uh... Youtube thing, I think it's called. Those people man... They like posting about us on the internet... If only I got better service down here." Vee stated, dramatically sighing afterwards and flopping backwards onto Shelly's bed. Shelly looked at her, then weakly smiled, putting her needle down gently beside herself as she turned to her wife.

"Vee... I'm sure someone would come for us... But... We should try to find food..." Shelly mumbled out, slowly looking down at herself afterwards. She then looked at Vee's leg - her left leg specifically, the leg with the bandages tight around it, right under her knee. Ichor was starting to seep through them, the wound must've reopened because of her chaotic movements. Shelly sighed at that, while Vee sat back up.

"Are you absolutely certain we should? What if one of those... Humans... Comes back down here mid run and we end up bringing a twisted up here on accident? What if those dumb clones just take it all again to give it to Mr. Everything-Is-Fine instead of you? What about that one that throws chairs??? WHAT IF WE GET HIT BY A CHAIR?" Vee dramatically asked, getting a look from Shelly as she pulled her close, worried.

"Vee... I... I don't think they'd do that..."

"If you twist they would!"

"I'm... Not going to turn twisted... I promise, as long as I have you, I'll keep doing my best." Shelly softly reassured, wincing at the intense growl her barely existent stomach made afterwards. Vee blinked at that, then slowly reached over and patted her thin tummy, making Shelly start giggling.

"There there, you're not dying, Shelly's Tummy."

"Vee... I don't think it's helping."

"Oh I know it's not, but it's making you smile." Vee pointed out with a chaotic grin, her antenna flicking excitedly afterwards. Shelly just laughed a little more and moved closer, letting Vee lean in as well, their faces now inches away from the others- both now blushing.

"One small kiss before we look for supplies, okay?"

"Okay, Cinnabun. I love you..."

"I love you too."

Shanon at that time barged right into the little cafe she went to every morning, quickly adjusting her ponytail before rushing over and plopping down on her usual barstool. Sam, the ginger now staring at her like she was insane, just slowly passed her a large coffee.

"Shanon... What is that evil look on your face for?"

"Sam, I'm afraid I've finally lost it."

"Shanon I'm afraid you've lost it long ago." Sam replied, leaning against the counter while squinting their green eyes at their blonde best friend and ex co worker.

"What are you plotting, psychopath?"

"Hey I'm not THAT insane, but... Did you see that video that was uploaded to Youtube yesterday, Sam? They found Shelly- She's alive Sam, she's starving and exhausted but-but she's ALIVE, SAM!" Shanon ranted, raising her arms up in disbelief. Sam's eyes went huge, the other now fully standing again.

"Shanon please don't-"

"I have to, Sam. I have to... I can't just leave her to die, I... I promised her that I'd be back, I promised I'd always take care of her- I have to." Shanon pleaded, looking at the counter as she talked, blinking furiously to battle her tears. She sniffed as a few fell anyways, her body shaking as she thought about the picture again. Sam looked away too, sliding over a box of tissues, ignoring their own tears as much as possible.

"Shan... If you do do this... Please stay safe, okay?" Sam whispered, gently taking Shanon's hand in their own. Shanon gently gripped it with a sniff, still avoiding Sam's gaze. They both knew what she was planning was wrong- it was illegal- but it was also the right thing to do.

"I will Sam... I promise... I'll be extra safe... You don't happen to have any spare cookies today, do you?" Shanon asked softly, smiling as she finally looked up at the other. Sam just rolled their eyes, shaking their head a bit in shame with a sad smile.

"You know I always keep extras for you, psycho."

"Hey I'm not that crazy!"

"Says the one in her old job uniform on her day off."

"It's so they know who I am!" Shanon argued, sticking out her tongue at her best friend. Sam just laughed at her, patting the blonde on the head as they slipped the box of extra cookies over to her.

"You're fun to mess with."

"SAAAAAAAM!"

"Tell Shelly I miss her, will ya? You got this girl, you got this. You're gonna get your daughter again, you're gonna be a great mom, and you're gonna definitely get arrested for trespassing." Sam reassured, winking at her before giggling. Shanon just burst out laughing at the last one, shaking her head slowly as she just gently took the box, not even realizing Sam had packed extra cookies for her that day.

"Thanks Sam... I needed that."

"No problem Shan, now go get your girl, go go shoo shoo I have a birthday cake to make." Sam lied, nudging Shanon a bit while talking a little louder than normal. Shanon got the memo and nodded, smiling wide as she waved her best friend off before she started walking out with her cookies. She then paused and turned around, walked back over, took her coffee and THEN actually left. Sam just burst out laughing at that, just good old Shanon being Shanon. It never got old.

Vee leaned over and picked up a can of cola, then looked it over before looking at Shelly, gently handing it over to her. They were resting in one of the warehouses, Shelly panting heavily and shaking horribly, her face pasty white and sweaty. She very carefully took the soda from Vee, muttering a thanks as she popped it open and soon was drinking it like she was going to die without it. Vee just looked around, soon tightening a bandage around her right arm, right beside her shoulder.

"I'm gonna go see if I can find a bop or something, take your time, catch your breath. It's safe here, I promise." Vee softly told her, giving her beloved fossil a kiss on the head. Though before she left, Shelly reached out and grabbed her arm tight, so Vee stopped and looked over at her.

"Stay... with me... Please... Don't do what he did..." Shelly weakly begged, gently pulling the robot closer. Vee froze at that, the mention of Sprout without even saying his name shattered her internally, her body now stuck in place as she breathed heavily. She just nodded once, swallowed hard and slowly sat back down beside Shelly.

"I can carry you if-"

"I'm okay, Vee. I just need a minute, I'll be okay. I promise."

"Okay."

The two just sat in silence together after that, both just resting against the other softly. Quietly. Vee even closed her eyes for a moment, letting herself fully relax for the first time in a long while. Shelly stayed alert, mostly because the light blue Gigi was peering in at them. Without a word, they pulled out a chocolate bar and slid it across the room to her, then vanished without a sound. Shelly gently flicked it onto her foot, then kicked it up, catching it mid air before she looked over it. There was a tiny yellow sticky note on the back. "Get better soon, Shelly. We care about you! :] - Gi". Shelly looked up at the spot the clone used to be, then back at the chocolate bar.

"That Gigi clone sure is weird..." Shelly mumbled, getting a nod in agreement from Vee.

"We should go up again after this floor, we should have enough food for a few hours at least, you need to rest too. Maybe we can come up with an escape plan... I don't know how much longer we'll last just, waiting for a miracle." Vee pointed out quietly, making Shelly sigh and reluctantly nod in agreement as she moved away from Vee, just to start opening the chocolate she was gifted.

"Fine, but only if you promise not to hack into anything again."

"Fine... I won't... For now... Last resort."

"Thanks Vee, I appreciate it, I just want you to be safe." Shelly told her gently, then started eating the chocolate quietly. Vee nodded, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.

"And I want you to be safe too, so I'm carrying you to the elevator."

"I'm still walking, Vee."

"Not if I can help it." Vee stated, going and reaching to grab Shelly. The fossil squealed and moved away, laughing as she got up onto her feet and soon was speed walking away. Vee was quick to follow, limping after her while also laughing, ignoring the pain in her leg just to chase her.

"GET BACK HERE STINKER!! I'M CARRYING YOU!!!"

"NOOOOOOO!!!"

"I AM AND YOU'RE NOT STOPPING ME!!!"

The two immediately burst out laughing together as they ended up just walking side by side to the elevator, both walking with slight limps and leaning against each other, tails wagging happily as they stared into the other's eyes. They knew two things - one was that the weirdly sentient Gigi clone was on the last machine, and the other was that they were both deep in love with the other and they were certain that would never change.

Unlike the lock on the employees only back entrance, which Shanon was currently cussing at as she attempted to get it open using every single code she could remember.

"Of course, they'd change it so we couldn't even go back to get our stuff back from the employees rooms, of course!" She yelled, kicking the door aggressively before sighing. Though she was soon surprised by the sound of the automatic lock unlocking itself, and soon was looking all around to see what the hell that was. Then she saw it - a security camera. Aimed right at her, perched above the door, zoomed in.

"Vee..?" She called out, just for the camera to immediately flick back off afterwards. Shanon blinked at that, terrified.

"So she really is the expert hacker everyone claimed she was... Uhm... Thanks for unlocking the door, if that was you. I won't tell anyone." She said, watching the camera as she opened the door. No life. No light. She nodded once, solemnly, then walked in, closing the door carefully behind her. She looked around the old abandoned mud room, then slowly started walking forward to the employees hallway, the one that lead them to their specific elevator. The elevator that should take her to the Main Toon Rooms and hopefully - Shelly. Possibly Vee too, now that she thought about it, though she didn't really think too hard about her current mission as she just thought about how absolutely insane it was to be back in Gardenview again, to be back ten years after it closed, 9 years and 11 months since she was fired, almost a decade of pain and feeling like she didn't belong anywhere just to be back where she felt like she fit in the most. Her fingers gently traced the claw marks going through the yellow stripe in the rainbow on the walls... Shelly's claws... The trail ended in a doorway, right where the employees lounge was. The room the handlers would often say goodbye to the Mains in... Shanon's eyes soon locked in on an old, dust covered orange couch in there. She couldn't stop the tears from falling the instant they formed... She remembered that couch all too well... That day...

"You'll be back tomorrow, right?" Shelly's cheerful voice rang out as she sat on the orange couch in the employees lounge, watching Shanon as she packed up everything as she always did right before she went home for the night. "Yup, I'll always be right back here the day after I leave, they can't keep me back from my favorite person ever! Tomorrow, we're gonna have so much fun, I'm gonna see if they'd let us invite Vee over again! Isn't that exciting?" Shanon told her as she put her orange backpack on, turning around and looking at the chubby fossil, who's eyes were massive in excitement and her smile was so wide it nearly took over her entire face. "Yeah!! That's so fun!! I hope I can see you every single day until the world explodes!!" Shelly near screamed, raising up her arms as she always did for one last hug before Shanon left. Shanon, as per usual, had scooped her right up and given her a kiss on the forehead. "I hope so too darling, you really are my little ball of sunshine, you make every cloudy day feel like a sunny one. I love you, Shells." Shanon told her, getting a kiss on the cheek in return from the vibrating from happiness fossil. "I love you too, momma!"

Shanon forced herself to turn away from the room, taking a heavy deep breath as she wiped her tears away. She betrayed her that day, she would've been lucky if she forgave her for that. She forced herself to take another deep breath before she walked past, adjusting the duffle bag she had strapped to her, hoping they'd be where she expected them to be. Thankfully, she could easily access the lobby if they weren't in their rooms, but she really hoped she wouldn't have to stay for too long. It was extremely creepy without anyone else there... Even if all the electricity still worked, for some reason. She wondered why they'd keep paying the electricity bills as she walked to the elevator, being even more surprised by it being there and open- as if it was greeting her. Welcoming her back to what once was her favorite place in the world, even if it now gave her the creeps. She walked right in anyways and pressed one of the few buttons, sat down on the bench in the back and waited.

"Someone's inside."

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT???" Shelly near screamed while Vee looked off in the distance, sitting on the elevator floor, antenna raised. She always looked like that when she was either searching for internet or searching through the security cameras, and Shelly always sat by her while she did that, but this was the first time Vee actually spoke to her while she was doing so. Shelly had absolutely no idea that was even possible... And no idea why she was so casual about someone being inside the building with them.

"Blonde human, 'bout Shanon's height and weight, cussed at the back door before I-"

"Vee. You. Did. What?"

"Let... Her in..." Vee mumbled, flicking back to her own system and slowly inching away from Shelly. Shelly looked at her like she was insane, shaking from fear as her eyes went from large cartoony circles to little scared pinpricks.

"I told you, hacking is a last resort Shells, I'm terrified for you- You've been coughing, out of breath near constantly, sweating- you're sick, and they are in a handler uniform, and- if anyone can help you, it's a former handler, Shells. If they came back for real this time, you could finally be free and start getting better and finally just live a good fucking life Shelly!" Vee explained as she turned and grabbed her partner by her shoulders tight, tears flooding her digital eyes as she hiccupped back a sob.

"I know, I know I said I wouldn'- I wou- wouldn't hack again b-but I'm terrified for you b-baby-" Vee continued, her body shaking as she desperately attempted to calm down and talk normally, to pretend that she was okay as she always did. She couldn't though, she couldn't act like she was okay because she wasn't okay. Shelly just looked at her in concern, raising a hand just for Vee to move it away, her antenna flicking in anger - but at herself, not Shelly.

"Stop."

"Vee... I'm not mad at you... I'm just... Scared..."

"I'm... I'm scared too, I'm really really scared... I just want you to be okay..." Vee admitted quietly, looking away as she let Shelly touch her screen, just to wipe the tears away. Even though she... Couldn't exactly do that, it always felt comforting when she'd try so Vee never stopped her. Shelly just nodded as she gently tried soothing her partner, despite honestly just wanting to join her in crying on the floor of the elevator. Vee just slowly leaned into the affection, slowly calming back down, slowly stopping the shaking. Shelly watched closely, smiling at her as she started gently scritching the side of her screen, which immediately melted Vee into a relaxed puddle of love and purrs.

"Shelly... Promise me... If you leave without me, you'll keep giving the world the same amount of love you give me." Vee mumbled, nuzzling her head right into Shelly's hand. Though, the scritches stopped, and Vee soon looked at her, freezing up when she saw the oddly blank look on her face.

"I'm not leaving without you. I don't care if they don't want us both, if you're staying, I'm staying. That's final." Shelly firmly stated, eyes now back to normal size and full of pure determination. Vee went to say something, but she paused as the elevator opened, and the two soon looked out of it. Then they looked back at each other, ignoring as most of the clones mindlessly walked out around them.

"I love you, Vee."

"I love you too..."

"For the love of stegosaurus where is everyone?" Shanon said aloud as she closed the door to Sprout's old room, sighing angrily as she attempted to find any signs of the mains.

"I know Shelly's still around, Vee HAS to be messing with the technology- where are you two?! Where's the dinosaur museum guys?!" She called out, figuring that saying something Vee would have an automated reply to would make her, yk, automatically reply. She didn't get a reply, though she instead found Vee's old room, and soon was staring deeply into the small room. Just a couch, a desk, and a closet for her costumes. The desk had old schedules, a single dinosaur plushy - a green and yellow stegosaurus - and a small green cup full of various pens. The forest green couch had just two matching throw pillows and one dark blue blanket, the blanket Shanon remembered Vee always being swaddled in after repairs. Was... That the only one she owned? Was she really not even given a bed? Shanon's grip on the door tightened as she took a shaky deep breath.

"What the hell kind of bedroom is this..?"

"Miss, are you a human?" A squeaky little voice called out, making Shanon jolt and immediately turn around. Standing there wasn't a toon she recognized, well, sort of. She knew Gigi the gachapon- but that wasn't Gigi, kind of. Instead of being red and in a sweater, they were light blue and in a yellow raincoat and matching boots, wearing black leggings underneath their coat. Shanon stared, then looked around, then stared at them again.

"Uhm... Yeah... Yeah I am a human, I... I don't know why you'd ask-"

"That's so cool, I never got to meet a human before. What's your name? I'm Gi!" The little gachapon greeted, holding out a yellow sleeve covered hand for the human, doing a little happy dance as they waited for a reply. Shanon just started giggling as she walked over, gently taking their hand and giving it a gentle shake, which made Gi squeal from pure joy. Adorable.

"I'm Shanon, I was Shelly's toon handler, have you seen her anywhere?" She sweetly asked, hoping and praying they'd have at least some answers to the thousands of questions running through her head. What was Gi tho? Why did they look like a recolored Gigi? Their names were near identical too- their voices- some of their mannerisms. Everything. It was like she was talking to a clone of Gigi in different colors that didn't remember her, and Gi seemed to understand she was thinking that way as they looked away a bit and awkwardly laughed.

"Yeeaa but she won't ever talk to me because I was made to replace one of her friends and I... Don't think she's uh... Okay with that... But! She should be right in the lobby, follow me~!" Gi loudly proclaimed as they turned and let go of Shanon, just to start proudly marching off. Shanon followed, hoping they were telling the truth and not leading her somewhere that was falling apart, even though the building seemed extremely structurally sound somehow. It was almost like someone was preserving the place for some reason... Maybe it would open back up again one day, maybe it would reopen as just a museum for the Gardenview Saga, Shanon didn't know. She was scared to know, even if things shouldn't be scary in such a safe and once happy place. She just couldn't shake off the feeling that something really bad happened there...

"And that should be the last one." Shelly softly told Vee as she tightened the last bandage on her before tying it up, getting a heavy sigh of relief from Vee before she winced and hissed like a cat.

"Oh jeez, sorry-"

"It's okay, it's okay, you just tied it in a bad spot for a second. It's good now." Vee reassured softly, yawning soon afterwards. Shelly immediately yawned after her, then shoved her playfully.

"Stop spreading your yawns, you're gonna make me all sleepy!"

"Like you haven't been an eepy fossil all day, Shells."

"Well- You're right... I need a nap, is it okay if I take one?" Shelly asked quietly, getting a nod from Vee as she got up and stepped away from the bench they were both on, then just sat beside it on the floor.

"Take your time, I'll be right here."

"Thanks Vee..."

"Anything for my wife." Vee casually stated, crossing her arms as she put the back of her monitor against the bench. Shelly just laid down on her belly behind her, put her head on her monitor and closed her eyes. Though, she soon sat up again.

"Momma..?" She asked, blinking a few times as she adjusted herself so she was sitting in a somewhat comfortable position. Vee blinked a few times, looking over at her. She didn't say anything though, she just listened, hearing the faint voice too. Shelly was shaking, a hand soon flying to her mouth as she tried not to cry, her tail soon was wagging. Shanon definitely was there, she definitely heard her- and soon saw her as she opened up the door that connected the back rooms to the main lobby.

"So what you're saying is that Dandy got lonely after everyone left, found out how to work those weird machines and made you out of ichor like the rest of the toons?" Shanon asked, getting a nod from her new companion.

"Uh-huh! That's exactly right!" Gi cheered, getting a nod from Shanon as she passed the gachapon a granola bar.

"And you said they should be around here then, right?"

"Yup, should be around here som-"

"MOMMA!!!" Shelly screeched as she flung herself off the bench and bolted for Shanon, who was now halfway between the train station and the elevators, right in front of the weirdly empty stand Dandy usually sat at but wasn't there at the moment. Shanon turned and looked at the fossil running at her, then dropped to her knees, arms out wide.

"SHELLY!!! MY BABY!!! COME HERE!!" Shanon screamed right back, fighting tears as she watched Shelly struggle to come over, and absolutely broke down sobbing when she finally was holding her again. Shelly immediately was clinging to her and also grossly sobbing, face buried deep in her shirt, body trembling as she sank to her own knees, her tail now wagging a mile a minute. The two latched on as they sobbed together, neither budging for anything, just so grateful to be reunited with each other. Vee watched from a small distance, gripping her mic in her hands, feeling... Weird. A bad weird. She flinched a little at a glitch, then sneezed quietly, her antenna lowering as she just watched the two. Gi also watched, hands over their mouth, invested.

"Is... Is this normal?" Gi asked, but Vee ignored her. She just walked right past the clone and went right over to Shanon's bag, unzipped it, and immediately was rummaging through it. Shanon looked at her, but she didn't stop her, especially not after seeing what she was after. Vee had simply wrapped one of the blankets she had packed for Shelly around herself, and soon was messing with one of the dinosaur shaped stim toys she had gotten for her too, her eyes slowly closing as she seemed to be soothed by it.

"I'm so cold..."

"You can come here Vee, it's okay baby, it's okay. I'll keep you safe now, I promise, you'll never be forgotten again."

Vee immediately froze up at those words, her antenna pinning back as she hissed like an angry cat, making Shanon raise one arm in a sign of peace. Vee immediately calmed down and went back to investigating her duffle bag, acting as if she didn't just confess to feeling weird, so Shanon sniffed as she looked at Shelly. The fossil had gone quiet, her hold on her weak, her body shivering here and there as her tail now was still. She had dozed off mid happy sob, still clinging to her mom, probably feeling the safest she felt since Shanon was fired. Shanon just smiled at that, gently adjusting Shelly just enough to make sure she was cozy and comfortable, then she watched Vee some more. The robot was now investigating a granola bar, though she immediately dropped it when she realized she was being looked at.

"No-no, it's okay, you can-"

"Please just take us out of here... Please... Please at least take Shelly..." Vee suddenly spoke, her voice quiet and shaky, sounding like she was seconds away from breaking down.

"She hasn't eaten more than a chocolate bar and a few hard candies today, she keeps coughing, sneezing, she's pale and she can hardly get supplies. She's warm too... I'll be fine here alone, it's fine, I- I just want her to be okay." Vee continued, gently zipping up the duffle bag before putting her hand over the zipper.

"I'm just going to burden you... Please take Shelly out of here and don't look back, it's not safe for anyone. I'll be okay..."

"Damn right you would be okay, you're one of the strongest, bravest toons here Vee. Though, have you considered how not okay Shelly would be without you? What do you think she'd do if she fell asleep with you right here, then woke up to you being missing?" Shanon asked her quietly, obviously realizing that Vee's decision was purely made with the idea of Shelly getting help sooner without her around, putting her girlfriend in front of her own needs to get her to a better place sooner than later. She's seen it before with kids at her daycare, the oldest would put the youngest first if they didn't think there was enough for both of them, sometimes they'd split really small snacks up between each other for extra food, stuff like that. Vee looked confused by that logic, like she didn't expect to be questioned in her decisions, because she genuinely didn't. She genuinely thought she'd just take Shelly and go... Instead they both sat there still, staring at each other, waiting for her response.

"I... I didn't..."

"Think about that, now did you?" Shanon softly finished for her, getting a slow nod from Vee as she looked away.

"How about we make a compromise, I'll take you both in if you can help me move stuff you two need from here to my car. Would helping me make you feel better about getting help too?" Shanon suggested softly, making Vee pause before looking up at her, then at the blanket she had around her before pulling it closer to herself.

"Can I keep the blanket?"

"Definitely."

"Fine... I'll go with you then... Just because Shelly would want me to..." Vee grumbled, slowly getting up afterwards and brushing herself off. Shanon nodded and slowly got up herself, then she adjusted Shelly once again so she was comfortable in her sleep before checking her bag zipper, then she nodded again. She turned and went to thank the gachapon that showed her where they were, but they were no longer there.

"Oh, uh, guess I'll-"

"Can we please hurry up and get Shelly out of here?"

"Okay, lead the way, Vee."

Vee nodded at that command, even though it wasn't even supposed to be one, and started walking off. Shanon followed her closely, watching her as she cradled Shelly, keeping a close eye on both toons as they walked to the toon rooms yet again. They were silent, just existing, just processing everything. Vee huddled under her new white and green plaid blanket, limped, shivered. Shanon watched every move, every twitch, every glitch, until she suddenly stopped. Shanon stopped beside her, then looked up at what they stopped at. Vee's room.

"I don't have much... Give me like... Two minutes."

"Take all the time you need honey, I'm in no rush." Shanon reassured, but Vee didn't listen. Vee rushed off, and within two minutes, she was back with a small box in her arms. The sight of it broke Shanon's heart... It couldn't have held more than a few outfits, a blanket and her plush, if it even held that. It was possible it was the smallest box she had and it didn't even hold that much, but she didn't know, as Vee wouldn't let her touch it as she instead put it in her duffle bag and zipped it back up.

"Okay... So... Shelly's room is just across the hall... Can we go rest for a bit, maybe take a nap too? My battery is low and my leg is fucking killing me." Vee asked softly, rubbing her screen with her arm, then yawning. It was very dramatic, like she had to prove that she was tired... Shanon just sadly smiled at her, nodding slowly.

"Of course we can, come on hon, I'm sure Shelly would love to cuddle and rest with you a bit one more time down here."

"Nevermind, I'll live."

"Vee..." Shanon sighed out, exhausted and starting to see why people would be frustrated with her a lot. She was stubborn, but to Shanon, it was obvious she secretly wanted to be loved on and taken care of, she just has to keep trying. So, the two just went to Shelly's room, which Vee opened the door to without even thinking about it.

"So... How much do we take with us?"

"As much as you think she'd need, we can always come back for anything we need if we can't carry it all at once."

"NO- I mean... No I think we got it all." Vee blurted out, looking quite embarrassed after her slight moment of panic. Shanon just nodded, going over to the bed and slowly laying down the sleeping fossil, gently covering her up in the blanket that was on her bed before she looked over at Vee again. She was struggling to fold up all of Shelly's favorite clothes, her body trembling as she rested her left leg against a box, the one with the bandages around it. Shanon quickly came over and very carefully helped her steady herself, despite the immediate hissing and swatting she got in reply.

"I know, I know, you don't want me to touch you, I just don't want you to fall over and get hurt."

"Why? Because your precious little daughter would be upset about it?"

"Because I care about you too, Vee. I care a lot about you two... I want you both to be okay."

Vee blinked at that response, genuinely not expecting that, not at all expecting someone to still care about her after so long. She nearly cried. Nearly.

"Oh... Uhm... Thanks, I think. But I'm fine, I've lived with both legs injured, this is nothing." Vee muttered, elegantly folding Shelly's favorite onesie as she talked before putting it in a box. Shanon just watched, keeping the robot steady so she could focus more on what she was doing instead of her injured leg. That was, until Shanon knealt down behind her and gave her a kiss on the top of her monitor.

"I love you."

"Fuck off..." Vee mumbled, barely able to keep herself from tearing up at the soft motherly affection. Shanon just chuckled a little, knowing better than to actually listen to her.

"I will once you feel better, I promise, I'll leave you alone when you're better." Shanon softly soothed, knowing all too well that she would definitely warm up to her by the time the two toons recovered from their injuries. Vee just nodded, silent and focusing on her work so they could leave sooner, focusing so she didn't have to pay attention to the sweet smell of Shanon's perfume or the gentle warmth she's desperately missed from her own mom for so long, focusing so she didn't show her real emotions. So she could remain blank faced and pretend she was okay, even though she was falling apart in every way possible internally. It took her a bit because of her glitches, but she eventually packed up everything she knew Shelly would miss, all with Shanon holding her from behind and taking the pressure off her wounded leg. Vee didn't know how to feel about it... But she didn't stop it, secretly really loving it.

"Alright, I think that's it." Vee stated as she slapped a lid onto the second box she packed, giving Shanon a glare as she turned around. She didn't realize she had startled Shelly awake, but she didn't really think about that, she just wanted this weird feeling she couldn't explain to stop. And it soon did, as Shanon nodded and moved away from her, just to gently take the boxes and nod.

"Thank you, Vee, I appreciate you helping her pack up her favorite things. I'm sure Shelly does too. You did a great job, sweetheart." Shanon softly praised, which made Vee's eyes water for a second and choke back a soft cry, but she quickly blinked them away and scoffed.

"Whatever. Let's just get going, okay? I'm sure we all just want to get out of here..." Vee stated firmly, turning and walking away from the human as best as she could, chin up and arms crossed under her blanket, which still was draped across her back like a cape. The facade dropped immediately when she saw that Shelly was awake though, as she immediately hobbled excitedly over to her and held out her hand to help her up. Shelly took her hand with a smile, slowly getting up from bed and holding the blanket around herself with the other hand, yawning softly as she stood.

"I packed everything you said you considered essential my love, I even grabbed your sewing kit and our matching onesies and-" Vee was rambling until Shelly gently shushed her with a kiss, which she immediately melted into and slowed down for immediately - minus her tail, it was wagging a mile a minute, which made Shanon hold back a laugh.

"Shush... You're going insane again, you silly little tv." Shelly softly soothed, gently reaching up and messing with one of Vee's antenna sleepily, which just got a lovestricken slow nod from the very very obviously lovestricken robot.

"Yeahhhhh... I love thinking about you, so I go a little bit crazy when I do."

"That's so precious... I love that so much... Come on Vee, let's help momma with the boxes, okay? I'll get the clothes, could you grab that box off the desk?" Shelly softly asked, gently pointing to her old doodling table as she gave Vee a gentle forehead kiss. Vee just gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, gently tied Shelly's blanket around her neck for her, then hobbled off to help her beloved out. Shelly just looked at Shanon as she grabbed her own box like it was nothing.

"Sorry if she's been a bit snappy with you ma, she's... She's been really missing Veri, it's been rough down here and she's not doing great." Shelly quietly informed her handler with a concerned look, but she immediately smiled when Shanon gently patted her head and chuckled.

"Oh trust me, that... Gigi lookalike told me it's been rough, and from the looks of you two, I'm sure you both just want to be cleaned up, put in some cozy pajamas and eat some of those really good cookies Sam makes." Shanon softly replied, making Shelly sigh and nod, yawning as she adjusted the box she held.

"Oh I'd so love that right now..."

"I wish I could eat." Vee stated suddenly, now standing beside Shelly. Shelly looked at her, blinked, then looked at the desk.

"Vee how in the world did you-"

"LET'S GO BEFORE WE DIE MY LADIES!" Vee loudly blurted out before Shelly could finish, walking out with her head high and her confidence, despite being faked, higher. Shelly blinked a few more times, then looked at Shanon, who just grabbed a box of her own and shrugged.

"I don't... I don't understand her either girl."

"Nobody does, it's part of her charm. Chaotic, but loving. I just hope she gets along with you ma... I really hope she does."

"I'm sure we can make it work Shells, I'm sure she'd warm up one day. For now, let's get you two in the car, I have some water and snacks if you need it too hon."

"Oh yes please, I'm starving-"

"You definitely are, I don't like seeing you like this, I'll make you extra waffles tomorrow I promise." Shanon softly told her beloved little fossil with a huge smile, feeling like the happiest mom on earth now. Especially when Shelly giggled and nodded, gently leaned against her mom and smiled like she won the lottery.

"I missed those waffles every Sunday..."

"I missed making enough for you, it felt so weird making just enough for me."

"I missed everything about you mom, I'm so glad you're okay, I hope the others are okay too." Shelly mumbled, rubbing her eyes on her shoulder for a moment before sniffling, then sneezing quietly. Shanon smiled and chuckled a little at that, shaking her head a little bit.

"You'd be glad to know the others are all okay, Sam actually is still my close friend and- is she okay?" Shanon asked when she realized that Vee was just silent, waiting at the employees elevator, sitting with her hurt leg off to the side and her gaze stuck on a small mouse sized hole in the wall. Shelly looked at her, then back at Shanon, then at Vee again.

"Vee-Bee?"

"'m okay Shells... Just low battery..."

"We can go charge you-"

"Shelly I just want to get the fuck out of here." Vee admitted bluntly, rubbing her arm gently as she continued to stare at the hole in the wall, her green eyes squinting a bit in thought. "I just want to see my mom again... That's all I ask..." She added quietly, nearly mumbling it, being terrified of saying it loudly and being seen as weak despite being in a really safe spot now. They both knew that, so they didn't push her, Shanon instead just walked over and set her own box down on top of the one Vee had set down, then picked them both up. Vee looked at her like she was insane, but didn't say anything, just slowly managed to get back up off the floor with a simple little nod.

"Uh... Which one again..?"

"Floor 1, Vee, like we used to. Are you sure you're okay babe?" Shelly asked in genuine concern, but Vee just smiled like nothing was wrong as she pressed the button for the other two when the three were in the elevator.

"I'm all fine, there's nothing wrong at all. Don't worry about a thing~"

"Your voice is starting to glitch, honeybun-"

"It's fine~"

"You're also shaking-"

"I'm fine~"

"Vee... Darling... It's... It's fine to not be okay, ya know-"

"I'm all fine, you worry too much you sweet little fossil you~" Vee attempted to reassure as she nuzzled Shelly softly, but the fossil just raised an eyebrow at her and looked at her like she was speaking nonsense.

"If you fall over and pass out suddenly later I'm just going to laugh." Shelly stated with a shocking amount of calmness, making Vee pause, then scoff and cross her arms sassily.

"Why would I do that?"

"I know you, Vee, I know when you're about to go sleepy baby mode, and you're going to be a big sleepy baby in less than an hour." Shelly pointed out, getting another scoff from Vee as she turned away.

"You're just saying that to make your mom laugh."

"Shanon looks sooooo amused, Vee." Shelly sarcastically replied, though she immediately was proven wrong as Shanon was indeed highly amused and soon laughing at the two's argument. Shelly looked over at her mom with a look of confusion and honest shock, while Vee soon was laughing along with her, tail wagging and eyes half closed in a very sleepy way.

"Sorry, you two just act like a married couple, it's really cute." Shanon admitted, making the two look at her, then at each other, Vee soon just pressing the elevator button before she messed up a ring on her finger. It was one of those cheap mood rings from the gift shop, just a silver plastic ring with a star shaped color changing decoration on top. Shelly looked at it, then smiled a little bit.

"We do act like one, don't we Vee?"

"I guess so, but seriously I'm fine, let's just get you home and fed." Vee stated, focusing on the ring on her finger as they silently rode the elevator together for the last time. It was silent as they walked through the employees area again, silent as they walked through the employees exit one last time, all following closely together. All knowing how heartbreaking this was for the three of them. A silent goodbye to their old home, a silent goodbye to all their now lost friends.

Vee sniffed.

Shelly blinked back tears.

Shanon just took a breath and stayed strong as she set the boxes down and opened up the trunk of the car, though the solemn hours immediately ended when Vee climbed in.

"Nono, Vee honey that's not where you go-"

"Oh hahaha I know Shanon, I know, I came in to help move them into the back." Vee explained while laughing at Shanon's shocked expression, which immediately made her and Shelly burst out laughing with the now hysterically laughing robot.

"Oh, thanks Vee, I was worried you thought you were cargo. I wouldn't put either of you in there I promise!" Shanon admitted, laughing even more when Vee shrugged and crawled into the back, curling up just to fit in an empty spot.

"What if I'm cozy?"

"No, Vee come on girl, I'll drag you out myself if I have to!"

"Fine, fine, only because you insist I stay in the horribly uncomfortable seats of your car and listen to horrible music and suffer instead of being cozy in the trunk and crushed by boxes." Vee extremely sarcastically replied as she climbed right back out, once the boxes were all in and secure anyways. Shelly just laughed even more as she shook her head, Shanon just sighed and playfully rolled her eyes at the girl. Though once they were all in the car, duffle bag plopped between the two toons and Shanon at the wheel, they were all quiet. The only things keeping them from focusing on their thoughts was the music Shanon was playing and the sound of Shelly eating a granola bar for the first time in years. None of them spoke, none knew what to say, how to catch up after years of cycles of torment and pain. Shelly slowly sipped some water. Vee blinked at the trees outside the window.

"How does it feel to be a mom again?" Vee suddenly asked, soft and honest. Shanon just smiled as she blinked back tears, focusing more on the road than her own emotions.

"It feels like I now own the world."

"Because you own my world, now."

The car went silent again, both of them now choking back the tears and the words they had to say to each other. Vee burying her fear and anxiety deep within herself, Shanon hiding the fear of messing up and failing the two who obviously needed her now. When she pulled up to her house, she smiled at the two gasps from the toons in the back. They were amazed by the building - despite it being nothing special to most people. Just a small one story house, white fence around the back, the siding a pastel pink that looked almost pastel red in the afternoon sunshine. The roof a simple but elegant light grey. It was simple, but it was home, now to three instead of just one. Shanon couldn't have been more relieved to be back, though she was careful with her excitement as she turned around to see the two in the back. Shelly looked back at her, eyes huge, hands gripping the stegosaurus plush that used to be on Vee's desk. Vee was obviously nodding off, slumped forward and leaning on Shelly, but obviously fighting off sleep out of fear of her new surroundings. Shanon nodded at the sight of the two and smiled a bit.

"How about we get you two cozy and resting and figure out everything tomorrow when everything is less scary and new, eh?" Shanon gently suggested, and Shelly nodded as Vee blinked quickly to get the sleep out of her eyes. She didn't say a thing, but she didn't have to, they both knew that's exactly what she needed right now. Shanon slowly got out of the car and made sure to very carefully close the door behind her before she walked to the back and opened the side Shelly was on. The fossil just casually climbed out, but Vee didn't budge, she just sat there and stared. So- doing what a mom of any sleepy child would do- Shanon leaned in and carefully picked her up, taking her out herself and soon was holding her in one arm as she grabbed the duffle bag, letting Shelly close the door after she had fully gotten the two out.

"Okay, I'll show you two the couch, then I'm gonna put on some comfy clothes and we'll all cuddle for a while, okay?" Shanon softly suggested, getting tired little nods from the two very tired and honestly ready to nap toons. Shanon nodded back and just slowly walked to her house and opened the front door, letting Shelly get inside before she gently kicked the door closed behind her and used her shoulder to flick the lights on. The living room was simple, a chair and couch against the wall, a black coffee table in the middle, a tv mounted on the wall across from the couch. It was a basic set up, but a cozy one, one that seemed to soothe Shelly as well as there weren't many new things around. Vee however, she was different, on high alert, shaking. She studied every new item around her like it could kill her, her antenna were pinned back so they didn't block her sight, face an anxious scowl. She fought hard to stay awake, to act like she was okay, that everything was fine and nothing scared her.

The battle ended when Shanon sat on the couch beside her after she changed into an old t-shirt and sweatpants.

"Oh, Vee is everything too much? It's okay, you can hide behind me if it's too much, I under-"

"Could you just lay down... please..." Vee gently cut her off, and with a nod, Shanon did, laying right down on her back beside her. Vee immediately hid behind her, curling right up and pulling the blanket she had over her entire shaking body. Shanon just smiled and pulled her close, letting Shelly get all cozy on her other side as she started slowly stroking the two's heads to comfort them both. Shelly was honestly asleep in no time, but Vee was harder to soothe. She kept sniffling and trembling into Shanon's side, muttering that she was scared despite every attempt to hide it all. Shanon didn't mind, she just rubbed her back slowly and whispered back reassurances to her, staying right there until she fell asleep. It didn't take long tho, as she was already exhausted and didn't have much will left in her to stay awake, though the last thing she heard definitely helped make her feel safe that day.

"It's going to be okay now, I'm here."

[wonysugar]

need sugarmommy wonyyyy

i need her too anon, i need ha tew..

okay but genuinely talking,, sugarmommy wonyoung would be so elegant? the rich, cold, collected and intimidating classy ceo that everyone knows and admires? yeah, that’s her. her name, jang wonyoung, would ring in your ears everytime you heard it. you’d grin just from spelling it out in your own head.

but that’s just because you admired her for other reasons.

the way you met her was truly unexpected but so very welcome though, you created an account on some local sugarmommy finding app that liz showed you a girlie’s gotta get her bag somehow. it was fairly average from the start, couple of matches here and there, but nothing really clicked.

that is, until you matched with her, of course.

you already knew who she was beforehand, which kinda made you wonder if this was the real deal? her texting habits made it clear to you, however, this was really her. she was just so eloquent with her words, so.. assertive? you felt hypnotized by simple pixels on your cellphone’s screen, your eyes slightly widening as she called you fancy nicknames like darling and sweetheart during casual conversation. she was so persuasive, you just wanted her to take complete control of your life from the get-go.

and to nobody’s surprise, that feeling just grew stronger each time you went out with her.

she’d always walk into the restaurants, expensive handbags and rings in hand, all because “coming empty-handed to a date would simply be ill-mannered of her”. hell, wonyoung even asked you which country you wanted to visit so she knew where to fly her private jet to next. she spoiled you rotten, really, and she didn’t even ask anything of you for the first few dates, and remained patient and attentive with you. she simply wanted to make you happy.

up until around 5 dates later.

she finally offered to bring you back to her mansion, after confessing that she secretly bought some lingerie she thought would suit you, and that she’d just love to see you try it on for her. yknow, a silly excuse to get you to see how big her house was.

you later figured out that her house wasn’t the only thing that was big!

this woman surprisingly had the most kinky objects in her possession, handcuffs, flogs, ropes, you name it. christian grey style, if you will. wonyoung, so composed and charming when it came to important meetings, yet so animalistic and rough when it came to sex. of course, she started slowly, asking you if you were ready for what was about happen, letting you know of a safe word, etc.

once that was done, she immediately got to work. planting rough kisses all over your body, muttering about how you were her pretty little thing and how nobody else could have you. you were hers, and she made sure to let you know of that.

i mean, you understood that pretty quickly when she roughly pounded your cunt with her probably-expensive-as-shit strap on. you didn’t even know rich people had those, and she didn’t even care if it hurt you. she wanted to fuck you good, and that’s what was bound to happen. her fingers rubbed on your throbbing clit insanely well, you could tell she had an insane amount of experience from the way she leaned into your ear and whispered praises into it. she’d treat you with unlimited amounts of respect anywhere else, but definitely not when she’s in her giant bedroom, stretching you out<33

oh and also, can we please talk about how stern this woman would be? you’d be begging, pleading her to go slower and she’d say something like “i don’t remember telling you that you could speak, love.” LIKE OU?? yes ma’am i am silent

or even in your day to day life?? bringing you to some expensive ass store that sells dresses with price tags that look like they could pass as math equations, you’d try and convince her that it’s too much and that she could you always buy you something cheaper elsewhere and her just shutting you down immediately going “nono, pick one, y/n, i absolutely insist.” like FUCKCK??

[tokoyamisstuff]

Run Rabbit, Run.

3,6k. words | Alexander Anderson x f! goth! Reader | enemies to friends | open-ended | slow-burn | hurt-comfort | not proofread

Synopsis: While investigating supernatural murders in a small town, Anderson jumps into wrong conclusions.

Warnings: Blood, injury, stockholm-syndrome?

A/N: inspired by some guys in our town that would always call the cops on us goths, saying 'dark figures are doing satanic rituals' (we were literally just chilling)

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."

You run as fast as you can, but he keeps pace easily, merely strolling as he wears you out.

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness..."

A bayonett pierces the tree next to your skull and you let out a bloodcurling scream.

"...against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

The woods are swallowed by a pitch black tonight, eventually making you trip and fall. Blood runs down your calf, the sharp pain in your leg numbed by the adrenaline rushing through your veins. You try to get up, to keep running, but it's too late...he got you.

"Amen."

The man in front of you was wearing the robe of a priest, looming over you with a manic grin stretched across his face.

When he started his chase you had thought him to be insane, a mass murderer who was merely disguising himself as a man of faith.

That theory would soon prove to be wrong - and the truth is way worse.

"What a bloody waste of time" he thinks, watching you squirm in the dirt like some cornered animal.

If he had known how pathetically weak you are beforehand, he wouldn't have bothered coming himself. Sending Yumie or Heinkel instead would've sufficed by far, and even that would be flattery for some cheap excuse of a demon like you.

Boring, but now that he's here, might as well enjoy the hunt...

"Please...I have no idea what you want from me!" Countless begs drop from your lips, clinging to the hem of his coat as you try to explain yourself, yet he wouldn't budge. Usually he'd have a violent outburst at such a vile creature touching him, but much to his own surprise, he remained frozen, staring at you with a mixture of irritation and sympathy.

"My, what a sweet voice you have." He looks down to your torn dress, a wound gaping on your leg. So you're too weak to even heal your own injuries. "That must really hurt, little one."

The assassin sees dried blood straining your clothes, skin, fingertips, tainting himself as well. He had found you like this, in an empty alleyway crouched over a fresh corpse, claiming you merely wanted to save them.

How foolish of you to run off into the woods, where he could get rid of you without causing disturbance for bystanders.

"Such a young gal" he looks at you with a stern, almost pitying expression. "Had her whole life still in front of her. What a shame."

Maybe you were turned against your will, left confused and afraid after your bloodrage got the better off you.

Anderson shakes his head, trying to become rational again. He's used to all kinds of deceit, has fallen deaf to any pleads over time. After all, the last time he hesitated, he's got a lesson that's still written clearly on his left cheek.

Ever since then he promised himself to never show mercy again.

Seeing him brace his weapons, you shuffle until your back hit the tree behind, shouting at the man. "Do-on't touch me, you freak!"

"You're one to talk" he scoffs, crouching over your trembling form. He gazes at you without any malice, considering to grant you a merciful death. "But lemme tell ya'...if you behave, I'll make it quick."

A hint of guilt flashes over his face, as he calmly draws his bayonetts, thrill dampened by the tragic circumstances. He carefully, almost tenderly holds it against your neck, whispering "Rejoice, for I'll bring you salvation from this horrid fate."

Just when he takes a swing you seize the opportunity, ramming a sharp branch into his sides, right beneath the ribs. You had hoped to temporarily paralyze him, but much to your horror he didn't even flinch...

...moreso, he easily pulled it out of his flesh, the wound healing in an instant.

"Ye lil' rat..." the man practically growls, pupils dilated and baring his sharp canines at you.

"You...you're the monster here!" you shriek, grabbing a handful of dirt and throw it into his eyes, partially blinding him. He coughs, needing a few seconds to orientate, but when he looked again, you were already gone. "Feisty lil' thing...didn't think she had it in her."

Well, now he's not only pissed that you deceived him - he's downright excited. This mission had just become significantly more fun.

Anderson will relish in tearing you apart...slowly and painfully.

"Come out, ya heathen." His voice echoes through the woods, as if coming from all sides at once. "I can feel your fear."

What an amazing feat for a man of his calibre to move without making a sound. No leaves, not even a stick breaks as he walks, nothing indicating from what direction he might strike.

You see the town's lights at the horizon, limping as fast as your legs can carry you. If only you could make it out of here and call for help, then-

"Gotcha!" The priest's voice didn't even dring to your ear before he grabbed you by the throat, slamming you so hardly onto a nearby tree that all air left your lungs. Your head is spinning and you kick and claw at his arm, but his grip is relentless. He leans close to your ear, breath hot against your cold skin, making you shiver. "Stop resisting and accept your divine punishment."

"How...often...do I need to...tell you?" you wring out, feeling as if you're close to losing consciousness. "I-I am not a vampire, damnit!"

"Silence!" he now screams, sending a violent tremor through your body. "The dead do not speak...and their soulless bodies shouldn't roam this earth."

"Prove it, then" he taunts, "But I doubt ya' could."

Your mind went a mile an hour, scanning for everything you possibly knew about vampires, myth or not. Without any other options, you clasp the cross dangling from his neck. "I-I shouldn't be able to touch this, right?"

Powerful demons are able of many feats, but then again you don't seem even close to that level. Still, he senses some kind of greater scheme behind that innocent demeanour of yours.

Even while being practically invulnerable, Anderson won't let his guard down this time. He throws you to the ground, hurt pride recovering as he enjoys you writhe in pain. "Ye can't fool me again, fiend."

For the fraction of a second he is taken aback, seeing actual tears instead of red liquid escaping your eyes. He grunts in annoyance at this soft spot in his heart he never really could erase, janking you up by the hair. "Look at me..." he orders harshly, a sadistic glint in his eyes. "I love to watch the light go out."

Weighting your options you tackle him out of sheer exasperation, despite his strenght surprising the man enough to make him lose balance. Before he can react you sink your teeth deep into his neck, but without fangs you can't even break the skin. Anderson growls, no, almost moans at the sensation, shocked with the way his body reacted to the sudden proximity.

"See? See?" you point to your dull teeth, but the man is less than impressed by your drastic measurement.

"Bloody hell, woman! Get off of me!" he yells as he throws you away, now being on top and pining you down onto the damp grass, once again rendering you helpless. "I'm a man of god, do you have no shame?"

"What else was I supposed to do?!" you snap back at the man, chest heaving in between sobs. Anderson can barely contain his bloodlust, but beneath it there lies another kind of sensation he doesn't want to acknowledge. He seems flabbergasted by your boldness, contemplating whether to abandon his purge for now.

"Fine..." he rubs his temple, a headache forming as his gaze wanders to your quivering lips. "But I'll chain you up for examination. And don't you dare trying something funny again!"

"Alri-" Your words got stuck right in your throat, seeing red irises gleam in the dark from the corner of your eye. "Watch out, behind you!"

The priest narrows his eyes. "Oi c'mon, yer not really thinking I fall for this-" Your captor's words stuck right in his throat as a sword cut deeply into his neck - not enough to decapitate him though.

"Oh, I see you even brought me desert" a grim voice appeared behind the two of you. "How considerate, Father."

This was your chance, wasn't it? You could just run and leave them to themselves, hoping they'd busy each other in a fight long enough to return to safety.

And yet you don't.

"Shit, wai-wait..." you have to keep yourself from gagging as you pull out the cold steel from his flesh, watching as the tissue repaired itself like it was nothing. You threw the weapon right back at the attacker, though he catched it with ease and scattered it with his bare hands.

Anderson was quick to react, this time not taking any chances to debate if you're trustworthy. If you're really a civilian, he won't be able to fight as long as you're close. He throws some kind of artifact your way, a batch of enhanced bible verses and a flask of holy water just in case. "Run, you fool!"

The real vampire chuckles quite amused at the scene, overconfident and boastful now. "Noble one you are, eh? And I was so careful to set her up, too..."

"Good grace...you made me go after that woman?!" God's guillotine glares at him with a feral wrath, but the demon simply shrugs. "Townsfolk loves to gossip, and it's fairly easy to accuse someone that so deliberately making themselves an outcast."

"Quiet, you wicked hellspawn!" The priest's head cracks as he moved it from left to right, testing the healed muscles. "And my eye will not spare, nor will I have pity. I will punish you according to your ways, while your abominations are in your midst..."

"Amen!" you exclaim, and just when Anderson was about to launch an attack, something pierces the enemy from behind.

The priest gasps as he recognizes one of his own bayonetts, sticking out of the vampire's chest. You had plucked it from a nearby tree, returning instead of saving yourself.

Due to lack of both strenght and experience, you miss his heart by far. Luckily it was enough to distract the abomination, so Anderson set one swift finishing blow.

The otherworldly being instantly dissolves into ashes, and for a while you just stand there, staring at each other in awe.

Anderson is covered in blood now, his own as well as the demons. He's wheezing, breath visible as white fog and he snarls like a damn bloodhound, visibly dissatisfied with the outcome. To grant this creature such an easy demise left a foul aftertaste - he wanted to make it pay for using him to hurt an innocent bystander.

Damn it, he almost killed you!

You are still deeply in shock at the events, heart beating threateningly loud against your ears. Rooted on spot, you dread the worst when the priest approaches you. He reaches out and you wince, but he merely puts a reassuring hand on the top of your head. "That sure was reckless" he scolded, yet his lips curled into a proud grin. "I'm impressed."

In an instant his menacing aura had disappeared completely, being replaced with genuine concern. "Are you alright, lamb?"

You opened and closed your mouth a few times, instinctively moving away from your former attacker but stumbling again. Instead of falling however you were caught in the priest's strong arms, amazed at how fast he could move if he wanted to.

If he had taken you serious, you would never have survived this far. The thought sent a shiver down your spine.

"Come" he lifts you up with ease and you blink up at him between wettened lashes, far too exhausted to struggle any longer. "Let's get you somewhere safe."

Only now you realize that you were freezing, curling up against his body as he carried you bridal style to the motel room he had booked for the mission. A few minutes later you sit on a rundown mattress, knees pulled towards your chest as you tried to process the events of this night.

"Sorry for the wait" his voice shook you up as he entered the room, "Had to make a call and report back to the Vatican." You nod mutely and watch as he picks up a small first-aid-kit, kneeling down in front of you. "Show me yer' leg."

"H-He-e-ey!" you object as he tries to lift your dress out of the way, but he frowns as if you had just accused him of something horrible. "I already told you, woman: I am a man of god. So relax, would ya?" You pout but surrender, pulling the fabric aside yourself. "Just a wee lil' scratch, you're gonna be alright."

Trying to distract yourself from the pain your eyes dart around the room, but then they are stuck on the man himself, taking a proper look at him for the first time: Grey strands were shimmering through his wild blonde spikes, blueish-green eyes glistening behind round glasses. A deep scar adorned his left cheek, proof of his - at least past - humanity.

He had discarded his bloodied robe and gloves, revealing more muscle than his tall build indicated. You shiver as he absentmindedly squeezes your thigh, working with great concentration.

"I'm patching others up all day" he assures, filling the silence with small-talk. "The children at my orphanage hurt themselves quite often. Reckless folk."

"You-ah!" you hiss as he wipes the wound clean with more pressure, and you shudder. "You are working with children?"

"Yeah. What about it?" He furrowed his brows, looking downright offended and you couldn't help but snort. "Nothing, really. It's just...two vastly different professions, dont'cha think?"

"You're lucky I found my conscience today" he half-jokes, half-confesses. "Usually I don't care if a heathen get's hurt. Hell, I'd even do it myself." Wow. Very soothing, really. "But ya saved me and I guess it can't hurt to return the courtesy..."

At least he has some sense of honor.

"You got a foul mouth for a priest" you utter under your breath, but he catches it anyways. "And you got a lotta nerve running through the woods at night, dressed like a damn devil worshipper."

Momentarily, you both scowl at each other before breaking out in refreshing laughter.

"I'm not a satanist" you snort, but he won't have any of it. There's a literal pentagram embroidered on the chest piece of your dress, after all. "Then why do you dress like one?" Rolling your eyes, you cross your arms in defense. "It's a subculture, old man. A fashion style. And to my defenses, I didn't even know that any of the occult is real..."

Oh, if only you knew the true extent of evil in this world, you'd be terrified. Or maybe not? Iscariot could always use people with your guts, but he doesn't voice that thought.

If anything, you deserved a long and safe life.

"Hopeless task, making sinners see the light. That's why I prefer gutting them." He makes a dismissive wave of his hand, plummeting down on the bed right next to you. "All done." You smile as you let one hand run over the bandage, expressing your gratitude.

"...m'sorry, little one" he's not meeting your eyes anymore, forearms resting on his knees. "And thank you for helping a wrench like me despite my transgressions. Let's hope the lord will reward such actions."

"Yeah, maybe..." Actually you weren't that much of a believer - but hey, everything you just witnessed might make you pick up a bible soon.

"Do you want me to bring you somewhere?" You mentally consider an answer, but find no sufficient one. To be honest you didn't want to be alone right now. But there was no one you'd be comfortable to bother so late at night in case of friends, and no relatives lived nearby either.

But what's the alternaive? The man at your side surely has better things to do than babysitting you, even if he wasn't a stranger you just met...and almost got murdered by.

Noticing your distress, he wordlessly stood up, the mattress creaking as it was relieved from his massive weight. "Take the bed, I'll sleep on the sofa."

"Bu-but I couldn't possibly-"

"You can, and you will " he protests, "It's the least I can do to make up for what I've done."

"N-No!" you then shout, grabbing onto his sleeve. "I'd be damned if I let a holy man sleep on that small couch." He looks at you baffled, as if he cannot think of the obvious alternative. "Lay down, there's...there's enough room for both of us."

The man looks at you dumbfounded, making you chuckle. "What's the matter? You said you're a man of god, right?"

"...lil' brat."

Anderson sighed deeply, hesistant to do as you told him to. But eventually he gave in, lying on the other side of the bed so far away from you that he threatened to fall over the edge. Just the mere thought of this indecency made his heart beat uncontrollably loud in his chest. "What's your name?" he asks, so you don't notice.

"Y/N" you breathe out in a whisper, "Y/N Y/L/N." He repeats it, tasting the name on his tongue. It's as sweet as the sound of your voice. "What about you?"

"Anderson. Paladin Alexander Anderson" he corrects himself with his proper title. You smile to yourself, an oddly safe feeling encoating you with him at your side. "Well, despite everything, it was nice meeting you, Father Alexander Anderson."

"The pleasure is all mine."

Surprisingly, you had quickly drifted into a deep slumber, body desperate for rest. For a moment you thought it was all just a dream, an obscure nightmare, but then you realized where you were...and with whom.

"Alex- Father?" Your voice is husky and small against the sound of his soft snore in your ear, and instead of waking he shuffles even closer. The feeling of his broad chest against your back makes goosebumps raise on your skin, yet you refused to enjoy cuddling with a literal celibate.

Not wanting to embarrass him you try to scoot away, but the tall man has got you perfectly secure in his hold, an arm and leg wrapped around your much smaller form, tightening his embrace each time you moved. "Umm..." you turn to face him and dare to cup his cheek, gently caressing it to wake him up. His eyes snap open and he reflexively grabs your wrist, breathing heavily. "Hey, big guy, it's okay...good morning."

"What the-" Noticing the delicate situation he stumbles so far back that he lands ass-first on the floor, making you break out in boisterous laughter. "I'm so sorry" you wheeze, lending him a hand. "No idea how we ended up in that position."

Anderson lets out a low growl, stretching his back as he stood up. "I don't know about you" you teased, "But I've slept very well." He'd rather die than to admit he hasn't rested like that in years, if not decades. "...I'll make us breakfast" he announces grumpily, "Bath's on the left."

Shortly later you sit at the small kitchen table across each other, munching on stale toast. Since your clothes were torn and bloody Alex got you a spare shirt of his, long enough to cover you up to the knees. Gosh, if his superiors would see him being with a woman like that they'd probably excommunicate him.

"So..." you adress the elephant in the room, "When are you supposed to be back?"

"Already contacted the order while you were showering. Will be picked up in 30 minutes." Hearing this made you somewhat woeful. You'd wish to stay and riddle him about that amazing life of his, but were pretty sure he wasn't allowed to answer either way. You bite back the burning question if you'd ever meet again, simply answering "Oh...great."

"Promise me ya' will stay outta that devilish business, a'ight?" he grins almost mischievously, "Next time I see ya' tryna seduce innocent priests, I'll think you're a succubus."

You blow a raspberry at the man. "Me?!" You point a dramatic finger towards him, "Maybe you're the one enticing innocent maidens after saving them."

You both exchange smiles and meaningful looks, talking so carefree and enjoyable that time passed faster than you wanted.

"Here ya' go." He pushes some money into your palm, hand lingering on yours as long as he could allow himself to. "Call a taxi. The roads are dangerous for a sweet lil' thing like yerself."

"Thank you, Alex- I mean Father. For everything."

Six months later, Anderson was currently back at the orphanage from another mission, reading a novel in his room. He'd find his thoughts wandering back to you more often these days, having given up on his hopes that this feeling would ease over time.

Letting his free hand run over his neck where you bit him back then, a smile tugs at the corner of his lips. What a woman you were. He's glad to have met you, and he'll at least allow himself to keep those memories locked in his heart forever.

"Father Anderson?" One of the nuns knocks on his door, tearing him away from those silly thoughts. "I'm here, yes."

"Someone wants a word with you" the woman explains as he sticks his head outta the slightly ajar door. She points towards the window in the hallway, whispering "Apparently about joining Iscariot. She's waiting outside in the garden."

"Understood. You may leave." Anderson was left confused but not for long - because as soon as he looked outside, he saw the last person he ever expected to see again. You timidly looked around, dressed in a black robe like usual, yet adorned with a silver cross instead of pentagrams and the likes.

Coincidentally you notice him standing at the window, eyes lighting up and waving eagerly at the man. It takes everything inside of him to not rush outside and pull you right into his arms after such a long time - at least in public he wouldn't.

Oh, he always knew you were special.

[mrs-delaney]

Joe Opens Up to Trae

Request: Can we get a moment where Joe tells a friend about riley for the first time?

Pairing: Joe Burrow x OC

♡ read my masterlist ♡

✧ read *Hide* ✧

Dropping a little something from the Hide universe. I’m on vacation this week and trying to get through my very full inbox. Thank you for your patience and for the requests, I love doing this.

Warnings:  Casual marijuana use, chill vibes, and two dudes trying to talk about feelings.

*･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ 𝗛𝗜𝗗𝗘 ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ*

"Nah, we watched that one last month," Joe said, sprawled on Trae's couch as his friend scrolled through Netflix.

"Did we?" Trae glanced over at him. "When? Because I feel like I haven't seen your ass in weeks."

Joe shifted slightly, ashing the joint in the tray on the coffee table. “I’ve been around.”

"Have you though?" Trae abandoned the remote and turned to face him fully. "Because Sam was asking where you've been. Said you bailed on basketball last week, and the week before that you were on your phone the entire time."

"I've been busy."

"With what?" Trae's tone was curious, not accusatory, but persistent. "You're being all mysterious and shit. It's weird."

Joe was quiet for a moment, taking a slow drag before passing it back to Trae. He could feel his friend watching him, waiting.

"There's someone," he said finally.

"Someone?"

"A girl. I'm seeing someone."

Trae blinked. "Since when?"

"Few months now."

"Few months?" Trae's voice pitched higher. "Dude, what? And you didn't say anything?"

Joe shrugged. "It's complicated."

"Okay, so who is she?"

"Riley Carter."

Trae’s jaw dropped. “No way. Riley Carter? Dude, she’s...come on. She’s, like, next level. That’s insane.”

Joe just laughed, shaking his head as he took a another slow drag. “Yeah. I know.”

"Damn." Trae sat back, processing. "How the hell did that happen?"

Joe let out a quiet laugh. “The Fallon show. February. She was on, and...yeah, it kinda started there.”

"And you just... what? Asked for her number?"

“Not exactly.” Joe grinned, shaking his head. “Jimmy did this game where I had to pick between a bunch of celebrities, and I kept picking her.”

Trae’s eyes went wide. “So you just kept picking Riley Carter and then Fallon actually brought her out? Dude, what, how did he know you’d do that?”

Joe shook his head, still grinning. “Man, I have no idea. We never talked about it beforehand. When she actually walked out, I was just sitting there, trying not to look like an idiot. She thought it was funny though.”

Trae was quiet for a moment, studying his friend's face. "So where's she been? Why haven't we met her?"

“She splits her time between New Orleans and LA. Travels a lot for work. And…” Joe paused, choosing his words carefully. “We’re keeping it private.”

"Private or secret?"

"Private."

Joe ran a hand through his hair. "I just... I need to figure out how this works before everyone has an opinion about it."

"Makes sense." Trae leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "So, what's complicated about it?"

Joe was quiet for a long moment, watching the smoke curl up from the joint in Trae's hand. When he looked up, there was something vulnerable in his expression that Trae rarely saw.

"She's not like anyone I've dated before."

"How so?"

"She's..." Joe searched for the right words. "Intense. But not in a crazy way. She just feels everything. Says what she's thinking. Doesn't hold back."

"Sounds like the opposite of you."

“Exactly.” Joe’s laugh was quiet. “She’ll send me a voice memo at midnight with a new song she’s working on. Or text me pictures of her breakfast. Or just tells me what she’s feeling, even if it’s hard.”

“And that doesn’t freak you out?”

"No. That's the thing, it doesn't. It should, but it doesn't." Joe shook his head slightly. "When I'm with her, I want to tell her everything. About football, about my family, about shit I don't talk about with anyone."

Trae nodded slowly. "You like her."

"Yeah. I do."

Trae gave him a look. “Wait, are you gone for her dude?”

Joe went quiet, then let out a low breath. “Yeah. Fuck, I think I am, bro.”

"So, what's the problem?"

"There's no problem. It's just..." Joe rubbed his jaw. "She already splits time between New Orleans and LA. She's got this whole world, music, touring, friends who've known her since she was a kid. And sometimes I feel like I don't know how any of it works."

"The distance thing?"

"All of it. She'll be in the studio for twelve hours straight, then fly to Italy for a week, then come back and spend all night writing because she can't sleep. Her life is just... different."

“Different how?”

Joe scratched his head, searching for the words. “It’s like… she doesn’t slow down for anything. One day she’s in the studio, next day she’s flying across the country. She just decides what she wants to do and does it. No hesitation.”

Trae laughed. “So, the opposite of you.”

Joe grinned. “Pretty much. I like to know what’s coming. She doesn’t care, she just figures it out as she goes.”

Trae grinned. “And you don’t hate that?”

Joe shook his head. “No. Not even a little. That’s the crazy part. It’s what’s got me all in my head about her.”

They sat in silence for a moment, both processing that admission.

"When's the last time you saw her?" Trae asked.

"Like a week ago. She was in Cincinnati for a few days."

"And?"

Joe's expression softened slightly. "And I didn't want her to leave."

"So when do I get to meet her?" Trae asked.

"I don't know. Maybe never. This whole thing might not even work."

"Why not?"

"Because she wants things I don't know how to give. Not material things, emotional things. She wants me to be open about how I feel, what I want, what scares me. All the time."

Trae studied him for a moment, then smirked. "She working some kind of voodoo magic on you or something?"

Joe's face shifted slightly, and Trae caught it immediately.

"Oh shit." Trae's grin widened. "That's what this is about."

"It's not—"

"Nah, man, I can see it on your face. She's got you all twisted up." Trae leaned back, clearly enjoying this. "Little Louisiana girl putting some spell on you?"

Joe let out a slow breath, his voice barely above a murmur. “Something like that. I don’t know what she does to me, but yeah. She takes me places no one else has.”

Trae nodded slowly, understanding passing between them.

"And that scares you."

"Terrifies me."

Trae was quiet for a moment. "Can I ask you something?"

"Yeah."

"When you're with her, do you want to try?"

Joe didn't answer right away. When he did, his voice was quiet but certain.

"Yeah. I do."

"Then maybe that's enough to start with."

Joe nodded slowly, something shifting in his expression. They sat in comfortable silence, the weight of the conversation settling around them.

"Riley," Trae said finally, testing out the name.

"Riley."

“I like it. Riley. You’re in deep, man.”

Joe grinned, not denying it. “Yeah. I am.”