#wherever you are in the cosmos...

[pixelsinmyveins]

♪

[starstruckodysseys]

i say i’m listening but i’m actually thinking about “there’s other partners, but none of them are you, jack” instead

[nephilim-tears]

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐒𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐎𝐆𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐖𝐀𝐑

𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐮𝐬 𝐗 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫   Warnings: F! Reader | NSFW | Word count: 8k ↳Arranged marriage/Romance: Dream and his wife's milestones

I.“I just escaped one cage, and you aid in throwing me into another?!”

Annoyed, Lucienne pinched the bridge of her nose, struggling to maintain her composure. “My lord, please — be still. This union is not without merit. It was arranged carefully, and not without reason.” She adjusted the sleeve of his coat with practiced ease. “You might try seeing her as a friend first. From what I’ve gathered, the Princess is far more reasonable than most born to crowns.”

“I don’t need more friends. I already have you.”

“I meant a friend you don’t employ.”

Morpheus’ eyes drifted to the raven perched atop the life-sized dressing mirror. “...Can I count you?”

Matthew ruffled his feathers in delight. “Hell yeah, you can count me! That’s a good start. And uh, what about that weirdo that roams Earth — what’s his name again?”

“...Hob?” A smug grin swept across Morpheus’ face and set ablaze the infinite cosmos swirling mischievously in his eyes. “See, Lucienne?” He tilted his chin upward slightly. “I do have friends. Matthew and Hob.”

Not taking her eyes off the busy work of fixing here, tweaking there, Lucienne deadpanned, “Excellent choice in company, my lord.”Pleased with her work, she straightened the golden crown of thorns that hovered above his head. “All done. Now... where’s your gift?”

“What gift?” Morpheus gruffed.

“You didn’t get your wife a gift?” Lucienne asked, her patience beginning to fray.

“For fuck’s sake, she’s not my wife.”

“Yet,” Matthew called over his shoulder.

“Right,” he intoned absentmindedly, swatting the bird away. Morpheus slumped into the chair, brooding over the foreign taste the petal-soft word wife left in his mouth.

Lucienne hesitated — just for a breath — sparing him a sympathetic look. “This was never left to chance, my lord. Threads like these don’t weave themselves. Someone higher is tying the knot... and we’re all just following the pattern.”

II. The nocturnal creature that he was crept up the altar like the waiting dark. He wasn’t curious; he was humoring the ceremony. It changed nothing — or so he told himself. When it concluded, he would return to his affairs, unchanged, untouched, undisturbed. Until his world went still.

She was here.

Morpheus craned his neck at her arrival for a better view of his would-be wife, tugging anxiously at the white tulle ruffles around his neck.

On cue, a swarm of fireflies rose from the lilac woods, blotting the dusk in gold flecks. The carpet of apricot clouds that stretched down the watery aisle parted as her bare feet dipped into the surface, each step rippling like breath across a dream. She breezed down the aisle like the warmth of the summer’s last sunset — and with her arrival, even the music seemed to soften: tinkling bells, stringed instruments, and choir harmonizing over David’s chord melted beneath the weight of her presence.

Each step she took fell in rhythm with his heartbeat. The afternoon sun sagged low behind her. Her dress, made entirely of thawed stardust, shimmered seafoam white in the fading light, shifting to lagoon green wherever the hem grazed the water.

Morpheus knew a walking fantasy when he saw one.

Internally, he scoffed at the Greeks — a thousand ships? Was that the best they could offer her?

Slowly, as if already tethered by an invisible string to him, she approached the altar till they became diametric opposites bound for collision.

It wasn’t romance that filled the space between them. It was something older. He glanced at her wet feet, then her wet face. And in a rare moment of clarity, he understood what the cost of new beginnings looked like: grief, dressed as duty.

She stood before him — melancholic, ethereal — with an expression like the Milky Way had begun to fall like snow. Her desperation had crumpled into fear, and though she spoke no words, he heard the voice inside her scream: Freedom. Freedom is better.

She looked frightened. Unhappy. Not the way most brides looked. He knew she’d imagined this day differently. Once, long ago, he had too. For beings as old as creation itself, regret isn’t a feeling they know. If they had known it, it was long forgotten. Though not entirely the same thing, sorrow, on the other hand, he was all too familiar with the notion of it.

 And so, as a man of quiet merit, he wanted to take her hands in his and say: No matter what happens, this is your home now. I ask nothing of you but patience. However, the more sensible part in him saw the temperamental fall like a thunderbolt demeanor seething beneath the layers of hopelessness. She had nothing to lose. And it made even the King of Nightmares want to flee. Yet he soured his face and stood rooted, adhering to the unwritten rules of the universe: Never run from anything immortal. 

Awkwardly, Morpheus shifted on his legs, his fitted suit of black velvet ash stretched too tight across his spider-long limbs. The dark indentation around the space he occupied — a void of nothingness devouring texture and saturating colors, shrunk in her presence. 

It wasn’t on purpose, at least not at first. But as the minister droned on, Dream found himself trying to seem as welcoming as possible. He slouched his wide shoulders and crouched his baleful presence of around seven feet closer to the ground. Much to his disappointment, it was apparent his efforts were fruitless. He couldn’t see his reflection in her eyes. But what he could see was that the Arabian poets came closest to describing them; the devil would kiss her eyes and repent. 

Uttered like a fractured fable, the first words she said to him were a resentful promise of commitment for the satisfaction of the minister: “I do,” she repeated after him. Out of respect, Morpheus bent his knee, lowering himself fully to the ground. After he slid the matching gold band up her ring finger, he delicately kissed her knuckles, then pressed it to his forehead. 

III.“And where exactly do you think you’re going?”Morpheus turned, startled, to find Lucienne standing behind him — arms folded, foot tapping, her disapproval sharper than her tone.

“For a walk,” he replied flatly, unaware of how selfish such a small desire could sound. But then his gaze flicked to his bride, sitting alone in a sea of celebration — her eyes glassy, her posture crumpled like something forgotten. The guilt was inextinguishable.

Turning back to Lucienne, he added, “See to it that she gets whatever she desires. Please.”Lucienne paused, watching the laughter and clinking goblets swirl around the woman in white, untouched.

Her voice was quieter when she replied, “She’s not a pet, Morpheus. You’ll have to speak to her at some point.”He didn’t answer. He simply plucked a stray piece of bread from a nearby table and muttered, “For the birds,” before disappearing into the woods cloaked in night.

One loaf of discarded bread later, he roamed restlessly through the empty halls, pushing past his chamber's double oak doors, eager for sleep's embrace. 

At first, he didn’t see her waiting in the dark; he only sensed her presence nearby, the way he senses dreams before they form. Startled, he stood rooted at the entrance. His curious eyes found her like a pinprick of light in his darkened bedroom, gazing back at him. 

Suddenly, Morpheus realized his room was in no condition for a princess, let alone one who was his wife. Nothing was her own in here; did Lucienne not arrange a chamber for her? He wondered.

His confusion only grew when she averted her gaze and let the robe topple to the floor, leaving her exposed. From a distance away, his eyes lingered on her frame longer than they should have. Perhaps it was the initial shock.

Or perhaps it was because so many centuries have passed since he last touched another; it might as well have been another lifetime. At that moment, the only thing that weighed heavier on his heart than sleep was the need to devour the woman before him. 

The sight was almost sacrilegious as the moon peeked through tufts of heavy storm clouds, illuminating the edges of her silhouette; she was divinity personified. None were worthy. His heart sped up thinking of the artless falsettos that would tumble from her lips if he touched her.

But the stiffness in her rigid muscles suggested she did not want to be touched; therefore, he dared not. 

Then: “Ahem.” He flinched, whipping his head toward the sound. One of her handmaidens stood near the doorway, holding a basin of water in both hands. She had bashful deer eyes, twitching ears, and slender hooves peeking from beneath her white shawl. Pink flowers bloomed in her antlers.The blush crept slowly from his ears to his cheeks, spilling across his pale face like watercolor.She thought they’d consummated the marriage. She was here to clean her mistress afterward.

Wordlessly, he entered the room and, for the second time that day, he sank floor-level in the presence of his wife. Picking up the discarded robe, he wrapped it around her shoulders; then exited the room as fast as he could, leaving both women perplexed.

IV. Sure and stingy, the late September morning hoarded the phantom moon, fogging up the rippled skies with its grey stillness. Somewhere in the palace, a grandfather clock chimed loudly, and she woke alone in a chamber of her own. As she had every day since the night she last saw Morpheus. 

A month had gone by, yet she still was unsure what to make of him. Although they were tangled in a waltz of avoidance, she often felt his presence haunting the halls, busying himself with work.   

Hidden, forgotten, or forbidden, the hollowness of unexplored attics, chambers, and tunnels echoed under her feet. If she stood perfectly still, she could feel the woodwork thumping at a consistent tempo, as if the fortress hid a heart under all the mosaics and broken marbles, like a living thing. 

A solemn chill blew through the palace, and with it came a long-dead lullaby and brittle leaves sailing about aimlessly in circles. Dragging her hand along the cobblestone wall, she followed the familiar sound down the hall to the library. 

“Für Elise,” she said. 

Matthew hobbled around to face her, abandoning the book he was previously hunched over, “You know it?” 

“I was there when it was written,” She smiled at the candle-lit memory of a man with untamed hair and spirit. Biting the insides of his flushed, pudgy cheeks in concentration as his nimble, quick fingers worked obsessively to perfect each note. 

“Who’s playing?” She asked, half wondering if her old friend was locked in a room here. “Ah, the palace does that sometimes,” Matthew said matter-of-factly.

“This is a favorite of your husband’s, especially when it gets cold. You’ll get used to it.” 

“The palace plays Beethoven for him?” 

Matthew did not have shoulders to shrug, so instead he tilted his head to the side casually, “Yeah, and that’s not even the freakiest thing about this place. If you’re quiet enough, you can hear it breathing sometimes. Now, if you ask me, I’m a simple man. I don't think architecture should be alive. It’s ghastly, but so is your husband’s taste in well…everything.” 

Her eyes traveled up several feet, fixing on a spot above Matthew’s head. 

“Aaaand he’s behind me, isn’t he?” The raven asked, devoid of shame. 

To which she only smiled and nodded. 

In his black floor-length robe, Morpheus’ large presence loomed ominously in the library, snuffing the light in the area he stood. The fringes of his ruffled perpetual bed head fell into his eyes, shielding his unamused, sour expression. 

Lucienne nudged him forward with her shoulder. Dream scratched the back of his neck, looking away, then paced forward and presented a black velvet box.

 “Th-thisisforyou.” He rushed the words from his mouth, accidentally shoving the box into his wife’s hands. She staggered back slightly, blinking at his strength. “I’m sorry,” Dream mumbled before scurrying away. 

On his way out, Matthew landed on his shoulder and whispered dryly in his ear, “If I had hands, I’d face palm with both.” The princess thumbed the velvet box and then snapped it open, revealing a crimson diamond, in the shape of a heart, strung on delicate gold. 

Lucienne, still cringing from the interaction, rested a comforting hand on the woman’s shoulder. “He made it himself.” 

Growing fond of his strangeness, a small smile etched itself onto the princess’ face.

The metamorphosis had begun.

V. The next time Morpheus saw her, the thorn-pricked jewel dangled at the base of her throat with effortless elegance. Instinctively, his fingers grazed the same spot on his own neck a quiet pride bloomed amidst the calm in his chest.

Gingerly, he offered her a hand to help her onto the mare. She accepted with grace. He considered mounting the saddle behind her, but since she didn’t suggest it, he maintained a respectful distance and walked beside her instead, the lead rope looped loosely in his hands.

Unfortunately for the princess, Morpheus was not an exceptional tour guide. He preferred the company of silence.They moved past knee-high yellowing reeds. And every now and then, when he thought she wasn’t looking, he stole a glance.

Her veil shimmered in the daylight — sea-salt and gold — cloaking her from head to toe like moonlight diffused through gauze. It trailed behind her, rippling in the breeze, fluttering against the black mare’s flanks. By tradition’s measure, she was appropriately dressed for her first passage through his realm.

They tracked a mile together through Fiddler’s Green. If Dream was tired, he didn’t show it; his face was unreadable as ever. Still, she reached into the saddle pouch and offered him a bottle of water. When he took it, their hands brushed — and he was certain she’d flinch, pull away from his touch. But she didn’t. Through the veil, she smiled at him — warm and unguarded — almost as radiant as the ruby nestled at her throat.

Unconsciously, he mirrored her smile for a fleeting second before glancing away and clearing his throat. The blush creeping up his neck did not go unnoticed. And just like that, she decided she rather liked this strange man and his stranger charms.

“I suppose I should thank you,” he said once they resumed their quiet rhythm.“Whatever for?” she asked.“Matthew told me about Beethoven.”

It was her turn to flush, and she quickly averted her gaze. This was the most direct he had ever been with her, and the full force of his attention was unexpectedly disarming.

“It would’ve been a shame if the world hadn’t heard his talents.”

“Funny,” Morpheus murmured, “I thought the same of Shakespeare.”

She gasped, whipping her head toward him in disbelief. “That one was your doing?” He allowed himself a small, rare smile. “Yes. That one was me.”

Tempted by curiosity — always — Morpheus could have let a dozen questions tumble out. Instead, he settled on one: “Tell me about the time you spent with them. With the humans.”

She let out a wistful sigh, her voice nearly lost in the hum of the meadow. “I loved watching them create, and build, and grow. The artists and children were my favorites. Politicians and bankers…” she pulled a face, “…not so much.”

“What’s their offense?” he asked, genuinely intrigued.

“They keep trying to reduce my myth to math. Strategize me. Trap me. And when it inevitably fails — as it always does — they say I’m fickle,” she huffed, clearly offended.

Morpheus disguised his amusement as a cough. “…you kind of are fickle.”

“I am not!” she defended, mock-offended. “Before I was conscious, I was a coincidence. Now, my work is far too deliberate to be fickle. Do you know how many parts move at once to keep harmony across the realms? If I falter even for a moment, everything collapses. The detail alone would drive some mad.”

A shadow crossed her features, fleeting but heavy. “You asked about my time with the humans. Well… It’s in the past now. We all know when it ends, Death will be the one to close the doors. But it was I who opened them.”

Morpheus fell silent, pondering the weight of her words — and the truth in them. It was luck that humans existed at all.

“You’ve grown attached to them,” he observed, voice low and steady. Then, with softened candor, “And I know you’re not fickle. I was only teasing.”

Her smile returned, gentler now, more real. He listened to her speak with such reverence, such insight, and found himself wanting to share something in return — a piece of his own regrets, or what passed for them in his endless life.

But not yet. Then a new thought crept in — unbidden and unsettling: how useful she was to mortals. And how dangerous that made her. He had seen human greed too closely, too many times, to dismiss the thought. His grip tightened on the rope. He stepped a little closer to the horse, not wanting to imagine what he might do if they ever tried to take her.

The unease stirred something raw in him.“Forgive me,” he said, at last. “I know the situation between us hasn’t been ideal… and for that, I’m sorry.” Waves of empathy shimmered through her as she turned to face him fully.

“You’ve done nothing that requires forgiveness, Morpheus. But… if it’s any consolation, I’m glad it’s you.”His name fell from her lips like a blessing, and something in him unraveled.“I’m glad it’s you, too.”

VI. Five, Four, Three,

The princess stood before the monitor at the center of the crowded room, her head hung low in shame, tears brimming in her eyes. Each staggering breath was jagged, sharp as knives.“This one is more than a dream—it’s a memory,”

Morpheus said, making his unexpected presence known.

For once, he was not the most morbid creature in the room. He stood facing the window with his hands folded neatly behind his back, anticipating the launch.

She gripped the coin until her nails dug into her palms. Another memory was melting into a different dream. She didn’t need to acknowledge it—she’d seen this one before. She’d lived this one before.

With a heavy heart, Morpheus stood with her beneath the same sun many moons ago, his gaze fixed heavenward. Under a clear blue sky, it looked like a lone star plummeting through eternity, forever falling upon this city.

“Luck never made a man wise,” Morpheus murmured, his voice falling flat against the dirty pavement.

“No, it never seems enough to do so.”

He could sense her distress more clearly than the day-old, crumpled newspaper skittering across the street. Even if he hadn’t taken a special interest in her dreams, he would have sensed it—in every realm, in every lifetime. And he would come to her aid in every realm, in every lifetime.

“This was never yours to carry alone,” he said, voice quiet but resolute. “If you strip them of conscience, you strip them of consequence. My dear Fortuna…it is finished. Let it lie.” He paused, as if giving silence its due.

“Here—let me take care of this for you.” Mere moments before the catastrophe, the world swirled in clouds of orange and pink, scrambling her view. Morpheus placed a firm, comforting arm around her shoulders and turned her gently away from the scene.

“My sister Death will be here soon. We must leave.”

“Yes. And Despair too,” the princess added bitterly. “She’s made a home among these people… and she’ll still be here for generations to come.”

Dream did not doubt it. Death and Despair often worked together, and it would be a pity for the world if they ever learned to get along.

As the blur of colors subsided, she immediately recognized the image before it fully materialized. Turning to her husband, she asked, “How do you know this place?”

His face remained unreadable. “It is my duty to keep you safe here in the Dreaming… and in the waking. Therefore, it is my duty to know this place.”

Secluded in the woods, they stood before a hot spring, quietly simmering in the dappled light.“This is my happy place,” she said with a small, reverent smile. Dream shrugged, and a flurry of petals came sailing from the clouds, decorating the surface of the water—his personal touch. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek, then turned toward the spring.

Morpheus gasped softly, startled by the unexpected gesture. Blinking twice, he lifted his hand and ghosted it over the kissed skin, surprised at how it lingered.

He hadn’t thought further than his desire to comfort her. So when she began slipping out of her silk nightgown, his breath caught.

Embarrassed, he flushed pink and turned his back, granting her privacy. He wondered if he’d already missed his chance to return the kiss.

“It’s okay, Morpheus,” she said gently. “You can look.” Still cloaked in dark robes, he crouched at the water’s edge and craned his neck toward her, surrendering to his attraction.The daughter of the sea stretched out, her naked body gliding luxuriously across the surface, rippling the hot spring in small waves. Like a siren rising from the deep, her eyes peered over the waterline, watching him with a knowing softness. She raised a hand and caressed his jaw, guiding him closer.

Obeying her silent call, Morpheus leaned forward, eager to please—until she grinned and pulled him suddenly into the water."Ah—!"He surfaced, sputtering and disheveled, his dark hair clinging to his face. He fought the urge to laugh… and lost. Her laughter was too infectious.

Grinning with pearly whites he rarely revealed, he watched her push the wet fringe from his forehead.“I would court you with more grace… if I knew how,” he said, leaning into her touch. “I’ve been alone for so long.”

“Not without reason,” she soothed, unwilling to let his sorrow return.

“If history serves as any reference,” he murmured, “I must inform you—I’m not very good at this.”

“Whatever you have been, you are mine now. Don’t look to your past, Morpheus—you won’t find me there. What’s done is done. Leave it to rest.”

“I like it when you say my name.” He kissed her knuckles gently, then placed her palm over his beating heart. Her warmth settled comfortably over his pale, frostbitten moonlit skin.

“I like it when you smile,” she whispered, leaning in. He met her halfway.

They happened like a miracle.

The kiss was gentle at first, new love blooming between their entangled bodies, curling into smiles on their lips. To Morpheus, she tasted of an intoxicating mixture of the finest ambrosia and nectar.

One button at a time, she disrobed him till he was as bare and vulnerable as she was. Peering into her eyes, Morpheus said, “We didn’t get a choice, but I promise you, this is. This will always be first and foremost, your choice. Beloved, will you be mine?” 

“I’m already yours,” she mused, playfully lifting her left hand in the air till her wedding band glinted in the sunlight. Impatiently, his fingers tangled themselves in her wet hair and tugged softly, tilting her gaze to meet his, “Morpheus,” she moaned.

He was certain he could hear the uprush of ichor in her veins charging the thick air till it crackled and popped like electricity between them. “I want to hear you say it again,” he gritted through his teeth sternly, “And I want you to mean it when you do.” 

Obediently, she responded, “I belong to you, Morpheus, take what is rightfully yours.” Her words may have been submissive, but her demeanor was not. Curiously, her hands glided across the lean, firm muscles of his chest; they looked small in comparison.

Touch-starved, Morpheus shuddered at the contact, his eyes fluttering shut,  “Bride of mine— ” he began, but she did not let him finish. In height, he towered over her even in the water, to level the playing field, she wrapped her thighs around his torso, hooking her ankles together, keeping him close and easily accessible. 

He slipped his hands under the water, gripping her thighs firmly, not only out of lust but to fulfill the ever-growing innate desire to hold her close. “Here?” he asked out of breath.“Right here.” She confirmed, sucking and kissing along his jaw then focusing her attention to his throat, determined to freckle the area with purple love bites as evidence of her existence. 

Morpheus stirred beneath her, arching his pelvis to find hers, with one hand wrapped firmly around his neck for support, she idly dragged her fingers down to his loins.  Heavy-lidded, he closed his eyes and sighed as she tightened her closed fist around his hard shaft. Needy as ever, he did not wait for insertion, instead he began thruting in her closed fist desprate for friction, frantically tugging and groping at the curve slope of her ass, the her back then her breasts. 

When his breathing became labored, she released him from her grip, giggling when he groaned, “Bride of mine, do not tease me, or you will find I am not the most merciful of eminems.” 

“Chances are in my favor,” she whispered against his lips, pulling him in for a kiss. Slowly, she took his length in her hands once more and positioned herself, hovering it between her folds, fluttering her eyes closed in anticipation. 

“Focus your eyes on me, dearest, I am your keeper now.” He vowed quietly, sinking completely into her body, stretching her out and making her his forever. Despite the burning sensation, she greedily rocked her hips into his, splashing water between them with every steady rhythm.

Her head already foggy with the building pressure and his fullness, marvling at all the ways they fit together. Morpheus groaned and leaned into her, pink lips attached themselves to every exposed area within reach, nibbling here biting there until settling on one of her nipples sucking firmly.  

She arched into it, nails digging crescent moon into his biceps, mewling and panting in ecstasy, knowing she would unravel any second, but clung desperately, the moment not wanting to end. 

Enchanted by the sounds tumbling past her lips, Morpheus twitched inside of her, his intense, unwavering gaze eager to memorize the twists and turns of passion on her face. Succumbing fully to her, he lost the sense of separate beings and melted into his wife with one final thrust, emitting a throaty growl. 

Limply, she draped over him, her heartbeat slowly syncing with his. He didn’t mind. He simply held her—tender, silent, eternal. Their bodies still hummed with the memory of what they had just become.The touches after were gentler, reverent. Fingertips traced temples, arms, and the slope of her back.

Their foreheads pressed together like a prayer, anchoring her until she felt real again, until she was wholly present in the Dreaming.“I think I’m falling in love with you,” she murmured, a yawn catching the edge of her words and twisting them into a soft pout.

Morpheus chuckled—a low, reverent sound that rumbled from deep in his chest. He pressed his lips to her temple, voice raw with something ancient and unguarded. “You may not have been my first love,” he whispered, “but I think… You will always be my favorite.”

VII. 

Mount Olympus

600th Floor,

Empire State Building

New York, NY

With best wishes,

Zeus

Morpheus cringed at the clutched envelope; he’d meant to throw it away, as he had with all of Zeus’ previous invitations. He cared little—if at all—for divine gatherings.

At their worst, they were soirées for gods to brush elbows and bargain favors. At their best, civil pretenses masquerading as peace. The invitation was merely a gesture, done in good faith. As far as Morpheus knew, none of the Endless ever attended.

Until today.

Linked at the elbows, he escorted his sophisticated goddess through the drab, dreary streets of New York. With tender composure, they glided across the pavement. His wife’s spirited heels clicked in rhythm, an elegant punctuation to each step.

It was their first outing as a married couple outside his realm, and she wore his colors proudly. They looked like a mating set. Or a united front.

As they walked past yellow cabs jamming the roads, the city’s usual cacophony paused. Drivers stopped shouting profanities mid-sentence. Pedestrians stood still, umbrellas clutched tighter, mouths agape. Morpheus smirked.

They looked human enough. But their presence was unearthly. Even if mortals didn’t comprehend what they were seeing, something woven in their souls made them stalk backward, clearing the area like prey evading unexpected predators in the wild.

In the empty elevator, she turned and fixed his tie.

“Morpheus.”

“Hmm?”

“Lighten up, will you? We don’t get out much. So behave, please?”

He sighed in surrender.She was right. Since the marriage, she’d remained in the palace, watching seasons pass. The only reason he’d agreed to come was for her.

When they entered the venue, the hush didn’t go unnoticed.Zeus—bronzed and broad-shouldered in a designer suit, hair flowing like a greying monsoon cloud—strode to greet them personally.

Pleasantly surprised, he clasped Morpheus’ shoulder with a grin.“Obedience does not come naturally to you,” he said, then glanced at the goddess, “but to have the odds eternally in your favor is a good trade-off. Congratulations on your union, brother. Come, it’s been too long. We’ve much to catch up on.”

Morpheus glanced at his wife, reluctant to part. Her eyes answered, Keep the peace. Go. She let go of his hand with a small smile and walked off. Had she looked back, she might’ve seen it—his quiet, aching gaze: I miss you already. Don’t stray too far.

Like a bullet through a flock of doves, a blond figure scattered her thoughts, reducing the room to white noise.

She recognized him instantly.She twisted away before he even reached her. Naively, she had expected him to be where sun gods usually lingered in the afternoon—drunk at the bottom of a suburban swimming pool. But a prestigious Olympus party suited him too.

“I’ve been looking for you,” he said, wine warm on his breath.

A constellation of nymphs hovered near, hoping to catch his eye. But he looked only at her. She couldn’t blame them—Zeus’ Great Gatsby theme looked exquisite on him. His white suit contrasted with his tan skin well, thick blond coils tamed and swept aside. A soft halo of light chased every shadow from his face, reminding onlookers he was born to be seen.

“I heard you got married.”

She thought of a time long ago when he had made plans to marry her. During their Southern Hills Country Club days, she spent her summers riding shotgun while he drag-raced his Corvette, a habitual blood red sangria within his reach.  Then she’d spend her nights ripping off his polo shirts, tying him to the bed. His wrists bounded together by her daisy chains. 

“I did,” she said. “To an Endless.”

He rolled his eyes, scoffing at the brevity of her reply.“What do you want from me, huh? Do you want me to beg? Is that it?”

“I want you to leave me alone,” she said, cold where he was fire.

“You don’t realize how powerful you are with me beside you. Olympus could’ve been ours.”

“Be careful,” she warned. “Your father might overhear you. And we all know how he feels about usurpers. Son or not.”

His expression twisted. “Is that a threat?”

She didn’t answer. Just stared. Daring him.

His hand shot out, gripping her wrist. He pulled her close. “Understand this. I’m only this desperate for you. I will never let you leave me. I will hunt you down if I have to.”

Before she could speak, like serpents crawling into his ears, coiling around his brain, a numbing voice hissed from behind him. 

“Boundariesss, Apollo.” 

Morpheus emerged, his presence turning the air to frost. “You’re trespassing on hers. Therefore, by extension—mine.”Morpheus' aura radiated bitter dread, amplifying everyone's worst fear till it hindered their ability to think.

Should Apollo choose to offend him further, there is no version of this event where he’d reign victorious. Yet the sun god stood his ground and looked up defiantly at the king of nightmares.

Horrified, the Olympians stiffened. This was a line none had crossed before—and none would now.

Apollo braced himself, shoulders tightening as Morpheus’ gaze settled on him. He felt wild and reckless, as if he’d abandoned all sense of self-preservation. But then an ancient terror began to unfurl within him—primal and absolute. In that instant, he understood why fear of the dark is innate: what dwells within it is seldom kind.

As Morpheus willed it, shadows peeled from the walls, snuffing out every light source. Cold nothingness compressed Apollo.The longer the nightmare king stared, the more Apollo dimmed—like a star being swallowed by the void.

Until he stood hollow, defenseless as an animal staring at a scalpel about to be flayed alive, flesh from bone. Hollow empty sockets where Morpheus’ eyes had been burned like twin melancholy-blue, dwindling charcoal flames. And with the stillness of an eerie viper ready to strike, Morpheus whispered  through the darkness, “Tell me, sun god, is precognition possible…without eyes?” 

Thunder clapped overhead. The crowd gasped. Ozone thickened the air. Zeus stepped in, voice forced into levity, “Ah, pay my son no mind. The boy means no harm, eh?”

He gripped Apollo’s collar, yanked him away from Morpheus, and addressed the stunned room.“You are all guests! Come! Laugh, eat, be merry!”Slowly, reluctantly, the party resumed.

Dream turned to his wife. “Did I scare you?”

“No.”

“Good.” He draped his coat around her bare shoulders, his voice low.

“There’s something about your shared history I do not like.”

“That’s all it is,” she said gently. “History.”

“Still,” he murmured, “I do not understand what you saw in him.”

A sly smile played on her lips. “Are you jealous, Morpheus?”

“Have I reason to be?”

“No, my heart. Take me home?”

He exhaled, softer now. “Yes. I shall take you home.”

IX. The king of nightmares slammed the double doors open, his frantic eyes searching every inch of the library, “Where is she?!” he growled with continent-shaking anger.

Who? Dissolved at the tip of Lucienne’s tongue before she could ask it, she already knew who. 

“She’s not in the palace. I can’t find her, I can’t sense her. Did she mention leaving to you?”

Lucienne knitted her brows together, “No, my lord.” Dream squeezed his eyes shut, fearing the worst. “Find her,” he gritted through his teeth. 

The days bled into night, and the night bled into more night. Like wishing on a birthday candle, the dark extinguished the sun and snuffed the vibrant colors of life and plunged the land into barren shades of grey.

All across the realms, the sleeping remained asleep while creatures of the dark haunted the streets freely. Around the palace, the sky thundered and cracked, flaking off, falling continuously like molten obsidian, the heavens weeping fragments of stars, lighting her way back home. 

Morpheus hadn’t been seen in weeks. Then months.

He was unraveling.

Despair felt it first. The sudden drop. A hollow thud that reverberated through her mirrors like a death knell.“He’s cracking,” she whispered, cradling her own cheek. “Cracking like old porcelain.”

Delirium had been watching him longer. She tried to paint a portrait of his grief—using screaming birds and melted clocks—but couldn’t finish. She'd lost the colors for "abandonment" again.“I think he’s looking for her,” she said to nobody in particular. “Or maybe looking for where he lost himself.”

Even Death—eternally graceful—looked worried. She visited the Dreaming often now, just to sit beside the throne he no longer used. “You’ll break yourself trying to hold what’s already broken, little brother,” she murmured. But he didn’t answer. Because he wasn’t there. He was everywhere else.

Dream crossed realms like a comet caught in orbit, burning through the edges of the known and unknown. He begged the stars of the Helium Courts for omens. He sat with Time and asked if she'd seen a woman made of summer sunsets. He descended into the Labyrinth and asked the Minotaur to dream her shape in sand. But no realm held her. No dream bore her name. And he could no longer dream of her himself.

It was Desire who finally pulled him from the brink. “You look positively ravaged, dear Dream,” Desire purred from their crimson threshold, one leg draped lazily over their armrest. “I must say, heartbreak wears beautifully on you.”

Dream didn’t answer.

Desire twirled a thread between two fingers. Red and fine as hair.“Still searching? That’s sweet. But isn’t it obvious by now? You’re not meant to find her.”

Dream’s breath hitched at the sight of the thread. “Where did you get that?”

“I don’t know, brother,” Desire smiled wickedly, leaning closer. “Where do all destined threads come from?” Dream stepped forward, realization dawning like a poisoned sun.

Destiny.

He arrived at his sister’s doorstep with fire in his eyes and frost in his voice.“I need you to take me to him.”

Death didn’t pretend not to understand. She closed her book gently and stood.“I warned him not to do this,” she said softly. “Told him not to play jailer with someone like her. You don’t bind Fortune. She chooses.”

“Then why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I wasn’t sure which would be worse: you knowing… or you going.”

Dream looked haunted.“Is she…” He hesitated. The word alive was meaningless for beings like them. But well was not.“She sleeps. Not dreaming. Not living. Just waiting.”His throat tightened.“I’ll take you,” she said gently. “But once you cross into his realm, even I can’t reach you. That’s his rule.”He nodded.

“Dream,” she added, just as he turned away. “Do you love her?”

He froze.

“I do.”

When Dream stepped into Destiny’s realm, time ceased. Not slowed. Not shifted. Ceased. No wind stirred. No birds called. The garden stretched on infinitely in all directions—rows upon rows of pale gray trees, every leaf etched with ink. Footpaths twisted in fractal spirals that rearranged behind him with each step.

Here, the concept of choice was a myth. Here, only what was could exist. Dream's boots echoed along the stone path, though there was no sound. His cloak dragged behind him like a funeral shroud. At the center of the garden, as always, stood Destiny. Eyes veiled, chained to his podium, the Book in his hands—open to a page Dream had never seen. Not even in his own realm.

“Brother,” Destiny said without looking up.

“Where is she?”

“That is not the first question you should ask.”

Dream’s temper flashed. “Then allow me to ask them all at once: Why did you take her? Why did you put her to sleep? Why did you steal her autonomy? And why—why in all the realms—did you not come to me first?”

Destiny turned a page.“It was always written this way.”

“Don’t.” The wind trembled beneath Dream’s voice. “Don’t hide behind inevitability.”

“I do not hide,” Destiny replied. “I reveal.”

Dream stepped closer, fists clenched. “She is not a tool. Not a sacrifice. Not a line in your book. She is my wife. And you have caged her.”

Finally, Destiny looked at him. Behind the veil, his eyes were galaxies too ancient for stars. “I have preserved her.” Dream’s mouth parted. Confused. Reeling.

“She is safer here, untouched by the chaos her presence will cause.”

Dream advanced, his footsteps trembling the ground. “You claim to guide fate, not write it.”

“Some paths,” Destiny said slowly, “require a hand steadier than fortune’s. You were never meant to love her, brother.”

Dream flinched, as though the word itself were a curse.

“I used you both,” Destiny admitted without remorse. “She tempers your wrath. You temper her volatility. I forged the bond to bring balance. But she fell too deep into your realm. And you into hers.”

“You chose to bind us—”

“Yes,” Destiny continued, his voice the sound of dry ink scraping parchment paper. “And you have both outlived that purpose.”

“She is more than her role,” Dream said quietly.

“Yes. Which is why she must remain here. Until she forgets who she was.”

Dream stepped back as if struck. “Forget? You would erase her?”

“She will become what she must. And you will return to what you were.”

“I will not leave her here.”

“You cannot unwrite what has been written.”

“No,” Dream said, spine straightening. “But I can rewrite what is still becoming.” He turned. “Where is she?”

Destiny tilted his head. “You already know.” And he did.

Dream sprinted through the garden, past branches that clutched at his robe, past vines whispering fates he refused to hear. The trees parted, revealing a still pond—like glass—at the heart of the paths. There she lay. The Princess. The Goddess. His wife. Floating just beneath the surface, in a cradle of starlight and silk.

Her hands folded across her chest. Her hair drifted like seaweed in the water. Her face serene. Peaceful— Too still. Dream fell to his knees, the weight of eons collapsing onto him.

He pressed his palm to the surface. It did not ripple. “Fortuna,” he whispered. “Come back to me.” A faint red thread appeared between them—almost invisible—connecting the ring on her finger to his. A pulse.Then another. The thread began to glow. And Destiny, watching from the center of the garden, turned another page.

Then—A ripple. The water shimmered, her lips parted faintly, and Dream surged forward, preparing to break the veil between worlds—to reach her, to drag her back with him if he had to tear time and fate apart. But the light dimmed. The surface resisted. And behind him, Destiny’s voice split the air: “If you free her now, you unmake what remains of the balance. You don't know what lies ahead.” Dream didn’t turn. “I don’t care.”

“You will.” Destiny spoke, and eternity held its breath. “If you pull her from this place, you will not only doom yourselves—but what comes from you.”

Dream froze.

Silence fell like a guillotine.

“They will be born of dream and fortune. Imagination and chance. Power unbound by law or logic. Children of impossible will. I have seen what they become, Morpheus.”

He turned another page, slower now. “They would not simply shift the order of things—they would unmake it. Realities would bend. Time would bleed. Even Death would not be able to claim them.”

Dream’s voice cracked. “Then come for me. Bind me. Curse me. Take whatever you must—but not her.”

Destiny’s silence wasn’t stillness. It was judgment. “I gave you this love to temper you,” he said at last. “But you have let it consume you.”

Dream’s voice shook. “Because it is real. Because for the first time in all the infinite yawning dark, something belonged to me. Because, even if fate hadn’t woven us together, even if she was called into being by forces beyond me—she is still mine. And I will not let you erase her, no matter the cost, no matter the future you fear.”

Destiny stepped forward. For the first time, he closed the Book. And the sky cracked. “You think I fear what might come, brother?” His voice became the wind through every leaf, every turning path. “I know what will. I have seen them—your children. Born of realms that should never touch. They will walk outside time. Rewrite existence with thought alone.”

Dream’s face went pale. Destiny’s voice chilled to ash. “When they are born, I will come. I will erase them. From every page. Every story. Every star. I will erase their possibility. I will erase their luck.”

Dream turned, eyes glowing with fury and grief. “Then I will teach them to hide from you.”

“You cannot.”

“Then I will create a place even your Book cannot reach.”

Destiny stared at him, the weight of uncountable eons behind his gaze. “You were always the most stubborn of us,” he said. “And the most dangerous when in love.” He opened the Book once more. “Take her. She is yours. For now.”

The sky sealed. The trees exhaled. “But know this, Dream of the Endless: I do not threaten. I warn. And when your children come—so too shall I. ”With that, Destiny vanished into his spiraling paths.

Dream turned back to the pond. The glow around her body pulsed faster now. The spell was breaking. He sank to his knees again—and this time, the surface gave way beneath his hand.

The water shimmered. Fortuna gasped awake. She coughed, limbs trembling, and curled her fingers into his robe like a drowning soul clinging to shore. He held her like a man starved. Pressed his forehead to hers. “I have you,” he whispered. “And I will never lose you again.”

But far away, in the garden without choice, another page turned. And on it, a name had begun to write itself— A child yet unborn. 

A war yet begun.

EPILOGUE: THE EVIDENCE OF A SUCCESSFUL MIRACLE IS THE RETURN OF HUNGER 

The cat lay coiled beside her feet like a heap of cream and orange autumn leaves, its sweet face twisting into a yawn. It stretched languidly, then padded closer, purring softly as its nose brushed hers. This had been part of their shared morning ritual for over a millennium.

At the time, Morpheus had fashioned the creature as an anniversary gift, though she was certain a purring alarm clock had not been what he intended.Sensing movement beyond the chamber, its curious little triangle ears flicked toward the door. The translucent green wings on its back, delicate as dragonfly glass, perked in anticipation. In a blink, it zipped out of the room—no doubt in pursuit of the kitchen.

“I thought a king does not serve tea,” murmured the goddess in his bed, half-awake, her voice a warm teasing lilt.

“No,” he replied, the smile clear in his voice, “but your husband does.”She heard the soft clink of porcelain as he set the tray down beside her.“How are my Dreamling heirs this morning?” he asked.

“Excited to hear your voice, it would seem,” she said, guiding his hand to the swell of her belly. Beneath his palm, a flutter of movement greeted him. Morpheus beamed. “I cannot wait to meet them both.” He bent down to press two featherlight kisses to her stomach, then brushed a third across her lips.

Since learning of the children, he had developed a habit: when entering a room, he greeted them before anyone else—even her.“And to where do your royal duties call you today?” she asked, drowsy but amused.“I have declined them,” he said simply.

“Today belongs to fatherhood. We’re decorating the nursery, just as you asked. I’ve requested the staff to leave it completely barren. It will be yours to shape, just as you envisioned.”

“Finally!” she exclaimed, eyes now open and shining. “I’ve been putting it off, waiting for you. I was beginning to think I’d have to do it alone.”

Her words, even said in jest, struck a subtle chord in him. At once, Morpheus slipped beneath the covers, drawing her close, his body curving protectively around hers.

He cradled her face between his hands, and kissed the base of her ear, whispering with reverent certainty: “Mother of my children… you will never be alone. You are mine. And as long as I exist, you will be safe. You will be cherished. You will be loved.”

EPILOGUE: FORTUNA IS A WOMAN 

Death of the Endless sighed, tilting her head back with theatrical exasperation. “Of all the entities I run into at work, you’re easily my least favorite.”

Across from her, the princess smiled, cradling a once-warm cup of tea between her hands. “Last-minute change,” she said lightly. “I’m afraid you can’t have this one. Not today.”

She pushed the teacup across the table.“Here. It’s chamomile.” Death accepted it with a raised brow. “Stealing souls and serving tea. You’ve really embraced domestic chaos.”

She sank into the chair beside the princess, fingers curling around the porcelain, casting a sideways glance at the radiant crown of thorns circling her companion’s head.

A knowing smirk tugged at the corners of her mouth. She knew exactly who the crown belonged to—and the promise it carried.They passed the cup between them in easy silence, as old friends might, watching the moment unfold below.

A blur of red.The shriek of tires tearing across pavement. The vehicle veered violently off the road, spinning into a chaos of screeches and honking horns. Pedestrians screamed, scattering just in time.

All except one.

Mark stood frozen—caught between breath and fate.In a heartbeat, he was airborne.Then the sickening thud. Bones against asphalt. Gasps rippled through the gathered crowd like wind through dry grass. Screams followed.

The princess watched calmly, her golden eyes flickering once—an unearthly gleam, subtle and certain.

Down below, the boy stirred. He coughed once. Then again. And to the stunned horror of the onlookers, he stood up—shaky, bloodied, grinning like someone waking from a beautiful dream.

A jagged smile stretched across his maroon-smeared face, eyes wide in the sudden, inexplicable rush of being alive.“Dude,” someone breathed, “how the hell did you survive that?”

Mark blinked, swaying slightly.“Just got lucky, I guess.”

Back on the balcony of the in-between, Death took a final sip of tea, side-eyeing the princess beside her. “Luck,” she echoed dryly. “Sure. Let’s call it that.” The princess offered no rebuttal. Only a smile.

[multi-fandom-imagine]

Zeus for the ‘favorite places’ series? 🥺🥺 I binged those this morning and I LOOOOOVE the way you write passion. So adoring yet feverish!! I love love love porn with FEELING lol and you’re so good at that

A/n: I can do that 🫡 but that is so sweet because i do not think I write good at smut.

ZEUS’S FAVORITE PLACES TO BE INTIMATE WITH YOU — HIS WIFE

As the King of the Gods, Zeus is a being of storm and splendor, thunder and warmth — but with you, his beloved wife, he becomes something else entirely. Not just ruler, not just god. With you, he becomes a man who craves closeness, who finds solace and longing in the shared hush between heartbeats. And though Olympus stands tall and proud above all, there are sacred places scattered across realms where he chooses to love you fully — not just with his body, but with the storm of his soul.

1. The Peak of Mount Olympus – Under the Stars

At night, when the stars burn like diamonds against velvet, Zeus leads you to the highest point of Olympus, where the air hums with celestial magic and the wind carries only silence and starlight. It’s not just the height or grandeur that draws him here — it’s the way the heavens curve around you, like the cosmos bends just to witness your union.

He wraps you in his cloak, warm as lightning and soft as summer air, and lays you down atop white marble warmed by divine fire. Here, he takes his time. His touch is reverent, worshipful. He traces constellations across your skin with kisses, naming stars after the places you make him feel. His voice, deep and thunderous, grows hushed when he murmurs your name against your throat — the sound echoing across the night sky like prayer.

Here, he is not just the God of Thunder.

He is yours.

2. In the Heart of a Storm

There’s a wildness in him that few understand — but you do.

When storms rage over the sea or sweep through ancient forests, Zeus sometimes appears to you in a flash of lightning and wind. He pulls you close, into the eye of the storm, where the world holds its breath. The sky roars with power, yet here — in his arms — there is a furious kind of peace. Rain lashes the earth, thunder splits the heavens, and still, all he sees is you.

He kisses you with the intensity of crashing waves, pressing you against stone, tree, or temple — wherever nature shelters you. His passion in these moments is raw and consuming. His hands grip like a tempest, his mouth seeks yours like lightning to earth, and his voice — low and commanding — promises you’re the calm he’ll always come back to.

These are moments when his divinity crackles at the surface.When even the heavens blush at how deeply he worships you.

3. The Garden of Hesperides – Among the Golden Apples

Hidden beyond mortal eyes, the Garden of Hesperides is a place of eternal twilight and impossible beauty. It is one of your favorite places — so he’s made it one of his, too. The golden apples glint in the dusk-light, and the air smells like sweet ambrosia and spring rain.

Here, he is gentle. There’s a serenity in his movements as he guides you through flowering trees and glowing fruit, until you find a bed of soft moss beneath a canopy of blossoms. You laugh as he lays you down and crowns you with a garland of moonflowers. He touches you like you’re the most fragile secret he’s ever been entrusted with. The leaves rustle above like the hush of wings, and his whispers bloom along your skin.

This is where he shows you tenderness.Where even the King of the Gods bows to the sanctuary of your body.

4. In the Hall of Stormlight – Your Private Chambers in Olympus

Not even the other gods may enter here.

This chamber was crafted by Zeus himself, just for you. The walls are made of etched stormglass, shimmering with soft golden light that shifts with the sky. Your bed is draped in silk woven from starlight and thunderclouds. Every detail reflects you — his queen, his lightning, his steady flame.

Here, the intimacy is slower. Sacred. He takes his time unwrapping you from layers of robes and jewels, telling you how radiant you look in the flicker of candlelight. His hands memorize every inch of you like scripture, and when he presses his lips to yours, it’s not as a god. It’s as a man who would kneel at your feet just to hear you sigh his name.

In this room, you are the only thing that can bring a god to his knees.

5. Beneath the Sacred Olive Tree – The Old Earth’s Heart

Far from Olympus, in a secret grove blessed by Gaia, there stands an olive tree older than time itself. You found it together centuries ago, and ever since, it’s become your secret — a place where his divinity dims, and all that’s left is love.

He brings you there when the world becomes too loud, too heavy. He lays beside you in the grass, dappled sunlight playing across your bare skin as birds sing in distant branches. His love here is slow and sun-drenched — the kind that tastes like honey and warmth and roots grown deep.

Sometimes, he doesn’t say a word. Just holds you close as his fingers tangle in your hair and your heartbeats echo through the hollow of the earth. Here, you are not Queen of the Gods. And he is not Thunder incarnate.

You are simply two souls — ancient, entwined, and utterly devoted.

6. Inside a Temple Built in Your Honor – Lit by Flickering Flame

Tucked deep in a sacred valley stands a temple Zeus commissioned long ago — not for himself, but for you. Your likeness is carved into marble columns, your name etched into the altar where offerings of rose petals and honey are still made. But Zeus’s favorite part of the temple isn’t the grandeur. It’s the quiet hush that falls when he draws you into the inner sanctum, the way his hand slides into yours with reverence, like he’s returning to holy ground.

He kneels before you — not as king, but as a man who has loved you across millennia. And when he presses his forehead to yours beneath the low glow of candlelight, everything becomes still. He shows his devotion not with words, but in the slow way he holds you, the way his touch echoes ancient vows. Time forgets itself here.

This is where his love becomes ritual.

7. Inside the Eye of a Lightning Bolt – Between Seconds

Time doesn’t move here.

Caught between the strike of lightning and the moment it touches earth, Zeus pulls you into a place where nothing exists but you and him. Suspended in the raw pulse of energy, you float within silver fire and gold sparks, wrapped in his arms and cloaked in something divine.

He touches you like lightning dances — electric, precise, and impossibly fast, yet gentle in a way that surprises even him. The heat is not burning, but igniting. Every look he gives you is a flash. Every breath, a rumble of coming thunder.

When he kisses you here, it steals your breath and replaces it with stars.

This is where he lets you see him — not just as king, not even as a man — but as the storm incarnate. And he gives himself to you anyway.

Zeus may rule the skies and shape the fates of mortals and gods alike. But when he looks at you, there is only one truth.

You are his storm and his stillness. His wild and his home.

And wherever he loves you — whether under stars or amidst thunder —

He does so as if the heavens themselves were made jealous.

[eclipseberrycake]

Poly! MoonBerryCake x Reader

I took some inspiration from @huneybeen who wrote this first so please please dont hate me but I've been thinking about them for the past 3 days and I needed to word vomit.

...K thanks bye.

Divider Credit: @sister-lucifer

☁ The dynamic of this alone is something I'd like to touch on especially because it's so fun to me.

☁ I imagine if anything the reader would be a common toon, so that changed things. You have two mains, Astro and Sprout, and two commons, yourself and Cosmo.

☁ You and Cosmo probably meet first because of that. You get close because of similar interests and stay close during runs.

☁ To add an extra layer to this, imagine Distactor! Reader too? Licking my fingers at this.

☁ Cosmo thought he had just gotten a new friend! He loves giving them treats and using them as a taste tester and even taking naps together wherever possible! It's great!

☁ Until...it's not? Why are you taking off? Why do the trinkets hooked onto your belt look suspiciously like the ones Goob and Tisha are known to use? Why are you actively getting the Twisteds attention?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

☁ The first time he sees you distract is a little stressful for poor Cosmo. The second you're back in the elevator and it clinks shut, he is whirling on you and demanding an explanation.

☁ He's so exasperated that he's left speechless when you simply smile up at him, still high off adrenaline, while talking a mile a minute about how much fun that was.

☁....Are you insane?

☁ That being said, after the fact, Cosmo is literally your personal healer. He is constantly fighting Toodles the other toons for heals, not for himself, not really, but so he's never left with nothing to give you.

☁ That's probably when he realizes he has an initial crush on you. He's mid-way through using a med-kit on you, on a floor high enough he can see the running starting to effect you. You're sluggish and fatigued and can't chug pop fast enough. It makes his chest ache at the sight before he's swallowing his nerves and wrapping his arms around you.

☁ "You're doing great. Thank you for the work you do."

☁ Feeling you melt against him made every grueling floor worth it in that moment. The draining yank of his own health leaving him to go to you through every new treat was far beyond repaid. He would do it a million times over for you if only for a smidge chance at this moment again.

☁ The run was finished soon after that, and you were quick to express your thanks towards him after that. Safe to say, if you thought he was clingy before, that was nothing. It's like he literally took an invisible chain and connected it between you two and you just haven't found it yet.

☁ He's always there with a smile and a treat and a snuggle if time and twisteds permit.

☁ Now, some world building for ya. I imagine that the OG Twisteds of the mains you see, are the real mains until that research is completed. Then Dandy lets you purchase an...un-twist antidote or something and that's when they come back. It's fun to me >:(.

☁ Following this, most people are gonna assume Sprout comes first.

☁ WRONG. I got Astro first so guess whose coming back. Astro.

☁ When Astro comes back, he's evidently shaken by the whole ordeal. The mains probably didn't know the commons overly well unless they were explicitly paired together. Like Sprout and Cosmo in that one animation, or Glisten and Vee, etc. Astro isn't seen with any commons, as far as I know, so he's probably a little lost and feels like an outsider.

☁ While he's recovering he's banned from any runs. Point blank period. However, that means he's alone while the commons are all out scavenging for research.

☁ Guess who comes in? Guess :)

☁ It's you!

☁ Unlike Cosmo, there are other distracting toons. Tisha and Goob both are more than happy to take some shifts while you stay back to recover yourself. Unfortunately, there's only one Cosmo, so he's left going on the runs as a healer and leaving you behind. You always see him off though, giving him pecks on the cheek before he's stepping into the elevator.

☁ You take the time to wander through Gardenview, eyeing each room as you pass before blinking at the infirmary. The new toon was in there.

☁ Astro half expected you to just continue on, regardless of if he was there or not. He was fine on his own, even if it wasn't his favorite. It reminded him too much of when he was... Of before.

☁ But you poked the top of your head in the doorway, your eyes being the only part of you visible. He blinked at the action, making eye contact. Your head tilted at the action and his own mirrored it. It made you giggle as you disappeared back around the door.

☁ Despite it, Astro found himself smiling at the action. what an odd toon you were.

☁ He never heard your footsteps disappear however, stunning himself when you popped your eyes back in, gleaming with mischief. The rest of you stepped in right after, pressing a finger to your lips with a humorous little wink. "Wanna sneak into the kitchen and steal some cookies?"

☁ Needless to say, he found himself in the kitchen, sitting beside you with a cookie jar shaped like a suspicious, rainbow petal'd plant sat between you munching on cookies that looked a little too familiar for comfort.

☁ You filled the silence whenever something popped into your brain, talking about things you felt he should know for whatever reason. He now knew all about Rodger and Glisten and Teagan's tension, which he wouldn't have guessed, and all about Gigi's...problem with misplaced objects. He even knew about your own rumors that laid hushed in the walls, spoken like they were about someone else.

☁ "Yeah! People keep saying Cosmo and I are a thing but he's never asked so until then, that's a no."

☁ He hummed at the time, even if some part of him felt a bit relieved at the information.

☁ By the time he was cleared to go on runs, you were bouncing up and down by his side excitedly, trinkets clinking from where you had hooked them onto your waist, with Cosmo excitedly grinning behind you.

☁ He liked seeing you two like that.

☁ Now. Sprout. Mr. Seedly.

☁ He's last to join. Astro helps with this tremendously. When you're downed from a surprise Shrimpo attack, clutching your arm as Ichor pooled over, Cosmo is quick to try and jump in to help, only for a twisted clone of himself to turn and lock in onto him.

☁ As much as I love to proclaim "Distractor! Cosmo!" he's not actually a distractor. So, he has to run to lose the twisteds quickly before getting bit himself. This is where Astro comes in. Not only does he quickly re-energize both you and Cosmo, he is able to give you a momentary heal, letting you run off, air horn blazing, while hiding in the back to turn his attention to Cosmo.

☁ Whatever pieces you or Cosmo may lose, Astro picks up. Yet, not all of them seem to click into place just yet.

☁ When the elevator stills and you all hear the telltale steps, Astro is quick to grab your shoulders and spit all sorts of warnings. "Watch the tentacles. You'll know where they're going to appear. Don't try to test them. It's not worth it." "He's slow but don't take that for advantage. He will find a way to keep up." "Ignore every other twisted. We can handle them."

☁ Blinking, he watched you slowly nod before blinking and giving a much more firm acknowledgement. "Understood."

☁ When the elevators opened, Astro watched as you quickly got Sprout's attention, darting around a budding pile of ichor before sharply turning the other way. The reason why quickly became apparent when a twisted Teagan turned the corner, which Goob quickly took away.

☁ Nodding to himself, Astro found himself turning to face Cosmo, who looked terrified at the what just happened. Did he look that way when Astro was...That way with him? He hoped not.

☁ Frowning, he gripped his blanket tighter before letting out a breath, extending one of his hands through the opening towards Cosmo. The other looked at it with wide eyes before his eyes upturned to look at Astro's. "I'll stay with you the entire time."

☁ They had to follow you after all.

☁ They stayed a good distance away from where you and Goob were distracting (which was rather entertaining to watch actually), grabbing capsules wherever possible and tossing healing treats to you both as you passed.

☁ It was a rather seamless process actually up until the elevator timer began, sending the other toons of the squad running. Cosmo, who had been waiting for Astro to finish the last machine, seemed to halt before Astro was urging him forward, steeling himself to stay behind. "They'll run out of stamina before getting to the elevator. We'll be fine!"

☁ Albeit hesitantly, Cosmo did turn and run, finding safety next to Rodger while Astro stayed a ways away outside. Goob was quick to return, free of twisteds, but looking no less stressed. "They were far! Sprout cut off their exit!" Goob quickly explained, twiddling his fingers in front of him.

☁ Astro nodded before instructing him to stand in the elevator as well just in case.

☁ As the seconds ticked down, Astro was seconds away from stepping just far enough to remain out of Goob's range just in case when you came skidding around a corner. He could tell you were running on low as you kept looking back, narrowly avoiding Sprout's clawed grasp. Waiting until you were close enough, he let his power thrum along the ground, watching as you immediately perked up.

☁ Goob took this as a signal, or maybe you gave him one, as you quickly moved to push Astro forward, right into the awaiting arms as you continued towards the elevator. Just as the elevator began to close, you dove, making it just under the steel metal as it slammed shut behind you.

☁ You were panting as you laid on the ground, the entire elevator silent save for your heavy breaths and the sound of Dandy preparing for his arrival.

☁ Cosmo was quick to jump onto you, hurling threats of no more heals if you ever tried anything like that ever again. You took it with grace, gently resting a hand on his head as he cried into your shoulder. Your eyes angled back, catching his and extending your free hand. "You can't fool me. I know that scared you too."

☁ If Astro moved forward to take your hand, sitting close enough to you his knees brushed your shoulders.

☁ You had gotten what you needed though, evident with the glower Dandy shot at you, hidden behind a plastic smile.

☁ Getting Sprout back was harder than getting Astro back, admittedly. You had explained that when getting a main back, you kept most of the toons behind simply for everyone's sake. Distractors, Cosmo and fast extractors was where you drew the line.

☁ Which Astro understood. But didn't like. However, that being said, his power made him a valuable asset, which he used to argue his point. When you acquiesced, he nearly cheered, triumphantly trekking into the elevator with Cosmo by his side.

☁ To say this was like the previous runs, but on some sort of crack would be an understatement. It was fast. It was grueling. It was a thing of constant motion with machines constantly being done and the elevator a repeating pattern of opening and closing.

☁ There were no jokes like usual. There was no chatting. There was a new tension among the people in the elevator, simply waiting for the countdown before starting it all over again.

☁ Cosmo ensured he stuck beside Astro the entire time, remaining a rock the entire time while you were busy. They kept close enough they could rush to you should the need arise, and have a few times, but stayed within hands reach of each other.

☁ By the time they reached floor 24, with all of you tired and injured to some extent, the sound of his steps were both a welcome reprieve and a dreaded expectation.

☁ You were the one trusted with the serum, clutching it tightly as you glared at the elevator before you were turning to look at Cosmo and Astro over your shoulder. "Stay safe, please. Don't wait for me."

☁ It was a harrowing ask, but not one they could linger on as the elevator opened and you took off.

☁ But then the lights went out.

☁ And then they heard Sprout let out a shrill roar signaling he spotted you.

☁ Then they heard the snarling of Pebble signaling he too also spotted you.

☁ That was all they needed before the group of them dispersed, eager to complete the machines as quick as possible before you paid the price for their lack of action.

☁ One by one each ticked off before the elevator was reopening and they all rushed back to the elevator. Goob, Cosmo and Astro stood right up at the lip of the elevator, eyes darting for you. You appeared much quicker, both Pebble and Sprout on your heels as you did.

☁ You dropped a quick smoke bomb, loosing both of their attentions as you quickly rounded around a counter. Pebble let out a snarl as he ran off in the other direction. He didn't get far before hearing you move and it was like a movie.

☁ You moved, launching at Sprout with the Serum poised and ready while Pebble snarled, rushing to catch you. You managed to catch Sprout, digging the spout of the needle into his neck before being chucked off, making you scramble as you quickly darted back around the counter. Astro let his power thrum as Goob snapped his arms out, Cosmo catching you as you ran into the elevator while Goob's arms snapped back. The elevator snapped shut as Glisten moved to end the run and send the elevator back up, both you and Cosmo moving to where Goob cradled an ichor riddle body.

☁ You quickly let Cosmo do what he needed too, diverging to wrap your arms around Astro, who's eyes were locked onto Sprout.

☁ He spent the night with you and Cosmo, both of which he dragged out of your rooms to sleep in his that night.

☁ Sprout's recovery is quicker than Astro's, as he's a toon made for healing. He's up and bitching before any of you can stop him.

☁ Cosmo is his first stop, duh, they're canonically very close, with Astro a close second as he would know the other main. But you? Sprout's got no idea who you are.

☁ So he's a little stand-offish. He sees you interacting with Cosmo and sees you with Astro, and both seem to thoroughly enjoy your company, but he also saw you when he was a twisted.

☁ You were a dumbass if he had anything to say about it.

☁ You'd see someone way down a hallway and risk running into a wall to avoid them getting maybe even possibly spotted. He'd seen you eat enough chocolate bars to make him sake just to stay just in front of Pebble. He'd seen you slip on a stray jumper cable only to get right back up and do the same thing when you rounded around.

☁ He wasn't sure he wanted that rubbing off on him.

☁ But you stuck around. When Cosmo wanted to bake, you were the first to get a bit of the final product. When Astro wanted a nap, you were right there with a blanket, acting as a pillow while you napped with him.

☁ Even on runs, you were quick to come to his aid, taking back the twisteds once he'd gotten his aggro-tapes. All with a stupid smile.

☁ He kind of hated that smile.

☁ Man this is getting LONGGG

☁ Anyway, how would you and Sprout bond? Uh, the common denominators silly!

☁ You were injured on a previous run, bad enough to warrant bed rest decrees from both Cosmo AND Astro. Lucky you!

☁ Sprout had only been cleared for basic runs and this was another possible retrieval run, which you heavily protested against with not only you injured but your second healer still on probation.

☁ Still, they went on with it. You and Sprout were left in the infirmary, awkward silence settling between you. Neither of you knew what to say from there. Your buffers were gone.

☁ With a huff, you sat up, running a hand down your face before turning to face Sprout. Who was watching you.

☁ He watched you like a hawk, watching as you swung your feet off the bed and slowly stood like a shaky new born fawn. "Cosmo's not gonna like that."

☁ You snorted at him, falling back onto the bed only to try again. Sprout's eyes narrowed as he scoffed. "Astro's not gonna like it either."

☁ You snorted again, finally finding your standing before turning to look at him, narrowing your eyes at him. "Are you coming with me to get cookies or not?"

☁ ...well, he can't say he didn't warn you. He did follow you to go get treats, acting as a crutch along the way simply for the reason he didn't want to wait for you to hobble along.

☁ That was the only reason.

☁ By the time you both got to the kitchen, munching on treats, you had picked up a fun back and forth with each other, trading quips as you dug into the cookie jar once more. You pulled out the last cookie, offering it to him.

☁ He looked at it before shaking his head, only for you to roll your eyes and split it in two. He took it with a grumble, scoffing. "I made them I can make more."

☁ "Gonna make them with Astro's face again?" You shot back with a grin, nibbling onto your own half.

☁ He gave an affronted gasp before the ding of the elevator was making you both look over, Sprout giving you a hand to welcome back the group. They hadn't been gone very long, so it either went very well or not well at all.

☁ It turned out be neither. The run had been called as they were unable to fall into a rhythm and Scraps and Brightney had gotten into quite the altercation.

☁ Both you and Sprout find yourselves looked for Cosmo and Astro, only to find them chatting near the entrance, completely fine. There's a moment between you and hi m, where you both side eye each other before you're reaching out and shoving him. Without trinkets you two are practically the same speed, only he has you outmatched with stamina.

☁ Which was his only hope as he stumbled, not expecting the dirty play, watching you take off towards them. He quickly caught up trying to shove you only for you to dodge him with a laugh.

☁ He knew he should've distracted more. He had gotten complacent with Pebble and was now paying the price for it. He should've known you were a dirty filthy cheater. He should've guessed.

☁ In a last ditch effort he launched himself at you, making you squawk as you both rolled forward, giving both Cosmo and Astro little time before the two of you collided into them sending the four of you into a heap of undignified limbs and cackles.

☁ I spent that entire time just developing that omfg and its already long. sobbing.

☁ Anyway how y'all get together is gonna be TBD bc my head is hurty and my tummy is empty. ~<3

[talonabraxas]

“The Beloved is with you in the midst of your seeking! He holds your hand wherever you wander.” — Rumi Hand of the Cosmos Talon Abraxas

[cosmicretreat]

Happy Birthday, David, wherever you are in the cosmos. Thank you for teaching me that it’s okay, even preferable, to be weird.

[leftpoetrymoon]

Threads of Love.

Pairings:- Xavier x you( non-mc)

Genre:- angst, we'll get to happy ending soon! 💐💐

Tag list:- @corvid007 @lunia-likes-pomegranet @brailsthesmolgurl @sharieb25 @mcdepressed290 @umiwu @nezuswritingdesk @silverianni @koojunweh @sylusgirlie7 @jihae222

Anyone who want to get tagged for the next part please comment!

How long has it been? How long have you been suffering watching the boy you love is looking at her with the same gaze that was reserved for you once?....

What's even worse is he seems to think that the star tassel was gifted by her not you. This isn't what you expected when you died at his arms while watching the meteor shower with him.

This isn't what you expected when you became the queen of Philos. Sure you became the queen because you are the feeding source for the planet which was full of selfish people who sacrificed you for their own survival.

He is the only one who travelled through thousands of planets to find a cure instead of using you for survival. So, that man once you knew, who looked at you like you were his entire cosmos is giving the same look to her?

You should've eloped with him when he asked you 200 years ago. Like a fool you insisted on saving the planet and sacrificing your love knowing both of you will get hurt. You remember how he looked at you at the starfall forest when he offered you to elope with him.

"Y/n, during my exploration I found a beautiful planet full of flowers... It looked so ethereal, you'll definitely love it. I named it Uluru it will be our little planet, Maybe after your coronation shall we visit it together?"

He held your hands and squeezed it gently and waited for your answer. It pained his heart to see how tired you look sacrificing yourself for others. For once.. just for once he wanted you to look at him and smile at him forgetting all of your problems.

"Xavier, of course... I'll go wherever with you, I'll definitely come with you to visit the planet you've found.."

As much as you want to sound cheerful your soul and your body is both physically and mentally damaged because of the energy that was draining out of you by the planet. You caressed his cheek and smiled at him knowing that he will worry about your health.

Sighing to himself, xavier took both of your hands and placed it on his cheeks. "I... I don't want you to suffer anymore y/n.. let's run away to Uluru, the planet that I've been talking. You don't need to become the queen! You don't need to sacrifice yourself! Please... Just listen to me once.."

It pained your heart to see tears wells up in his eyes. You gently wiped his tears and placed your forehead on his and closed your eyes. "I can't Xavier.. you know they won't allow us to, after all my life is not in my hands.."

That was your last conversation before he left for another exploration. This time you knew your star won't come back. This time you knew you won't see him again. You looked at the sky watching the space shuttle which now looked so far from you.

You always read his messages which were recorded by him during his travels. You know something has happened to him when you can't reach his messages anymore.. something terrible must have happened to him that your heart told you.

Strolling through the starfall forest, you sat by a nearby lake watching the swans swimming around beautifully. Oh, how you wish Xavier is sitting beside you, how much it will calm your heart to hold him again?

That's when you noticed another presence behind you. It was eerie. Standing up you look around anything suspicious but nothing catches your eye. You constantly felt like someone was watching you. Telling yourself that it was just a imagination you continue to walk through the forest. The starfall forest, which is the symbol of serene is now giving you a presence of danger.

That's when you heard the sound of footsteps which was coming towards you. Glancing around to see if anyone has been following you but there was none. Not a single soul. Suddenly you feel that presence right behind you. But before you can react that figure grabbed both of your hands pinned you on the tree.

It was someone you never saw in your life. He was taller than you, his eyes looked so cold and his smile looked sinister. "My, my never thought the sacrifice is this beautiful.." You tried to hit his leg but he dodged that and looked at you. It was enough to give you chills throughout your body.

"w-who are you!? You don't look like someone who lives at Philos! Tell me who are you at this instant!" The man scoffed and let go of your hands, he raised his in a surrender way and spoke to you in a mocking voice. "Me? I'm surprised the queen of Philos don't recognise their diety."

Diety? Ah.... this sly bastard is Astra. How can you forget that? Pale face, eyes that never see forgive anyone if someone betrays him, heart that is not suitable for love. You can say a devil in disguise. He is the forgotten diety of Philos. Back when earth existed Astra was the diety of time. But after earth's been destroyed he became forgotten.

He took a step back and looked at you with a sinister smile. "I'm sad.. you're too good to be a sacrifice. But you do realise that Philos will die soon right? That means everyone, every single being created in Philos will eventually die. Even if they travelled through different universe or time travelled. Ah! You understood who I'm talking about right?"

That's when your brain strikes. You do know that even if you fed the planet all of your life it eventually die because it needs so much energy that you can't give. But those foolish people don't know that. They thought that once the queen became the sacrifice they are safe. But no. Philos will die soon and everyone within it perish too. It includes Xavier too....

"Since your love looks too pure, I'll give you a chance to save him." At that moment you knew you're going to make a choice that'll make you regret. But, love makes us blind. Doesn't it?. Mustering up your courage you looked at Astra. "I'll do anything to save what's mine."

"bravo! I knew you'll agree! I'll save him by not erasing his existence when Philos gets perish. Currently he is at earth because his spaceship was destroyed. But the price is, he'll forget you. He'll forget your love, your existence, your voice, the love you two shared up until now."

Ah... he'll forget you? That's the crulest thing that could happen. Can you live knowing that he'll forget you? Your entire existence? No you can't. You definitely can't. But inorder to save him, you'll sacrifice anything. Even you.

"I agree."

He looked at you trying to read your expression. "Fine. Let's see how it will go."

During Philos's end you happily died that you'll see your beloved again. Your star. You hugged youself tightly and died within Philos. What a tragedy...

How can you be happy?

You don't deserve to be happy..

You need to suffer.

Suffer. Suffer. Suffer!!!.

It pained your heart to see him with her...

Who is she? She is someone who don't deserve your hate? You thought she's a innocent soul? Poor you.. how naive you are...

Let me tell you Y/n, everyone have two sides. The girl who stole what's yours is your biggest fear. Who is she?

Even if he looks at you, she somehow makes him forget you with her innocent smile. She's a trouble in paradise isn't she? More like.. devil in disguise? Feels similar to Astra?

Astra's sister. The one who destroys love.

But what is it this red thread on your hand? It looks like.. soulmate thread.. oh! That jerk, Astra knew you two are soulmates! That's why he played this game!!

Now you got reborn at linkon. Watching your love slowly forgetting you...

"I love you y/n.. please don't leave me.."

[revelboo]

normally i don’t send in asks but i’m going through it a lil bit. completely blocked w/ no explanation by a guy i’ve been talking to for months. could i mayhaps gets a continuation of the cosmos story? nw if not, love your writing!!!

I’m so sorry to hear that

In Space Pt 2

Cosmos x Reader

• Heart racing as you stare up at his faintly glowing visor, you try to figure out what he is. That pitiful little plea of his strings you tight, making you need to help. Because as massive and potentially dangerous as he might be, he’s also badly hurt. And whatever did that damage to him? You definitely don’t want to run into it. “Are you in trouble?” You ask, lifting a hand to point back the way you came from. Toward your house and barn. To safety.

• Staring at you as you just look up at him, all innocence and trust, he doesn’t know what to make of you. Or that you seem to be wanting to help. Or are you just trying to lure him somewhere? Hurt and trap him? Tries to push himself up, but this much damage is going to take forever for his self repair to deal with without a medic. And his coms seem to be down, too, cranking his anxiety higher. He’s helpless.

• It’s the way he’s keeping low like he’s cowering away from you even though you’re so tiny compared to him that makes you reach out. To lay a hand on a massive servo while you smile reassuringly. “You’re going to be okay. You need a place to hide, right? I promise I won’t hurt you.”

• Hesitating because he can’t stay here in the open and he knows it, but if you really are as kind as you seem? If he goes with you and the Decepticons find him with you? “Go, they’ll kill you,” he manages, gently giving you a nudge with a servo. Doesn’t want you to get hurt for trying to help him. And he’s not even sure he can drag himself wherever you want him to go anyway. “I’ll be okay,” he lies, trying to sound more confident than he feels.

• He’s so hurt and his first thought is to worry about you? Someone he doesn’t even know? “I’m not leaving you. Come with me.” You make the words a demand, not a request, grabbing his servo with both hands and pulling even though you know you can’t actually budge him. Trying to bully him into behaving like you’d done your younger siblings when they were being awful. And he’s makes a low, pained noise as he begins to drag himself, your heart aching for him. “It’s not far.”

Previous

Next

[shizuturnspages]

Brain rot scenario! :D

So I read your yandere genshin men with traveler reader. Imagine if Reader asked the Yandere to go with them? Reader has grown very close with them and wants the Yandere to see the stars and galaxies with them?

Do you think they'll agree to join them or not? I think yandere's like Kaveh, Kabukimono, Aether, Thoma, and probably Tighnari would agree to join the reader. But I'm not sure. Who do you think will agree?

YESS brain rot activated. This is such a beautiful twist on the concept too—like, the usually detached, long-lived reader finally getting attached and choosing someone to travel with?? Ugh, poetic.

Here's how I see it going with the ones you mentioned:

Kaveh

YES. Absolutely. Without hesitation. He’s been dreaming of escape, of freedom, of a life not tied down by debts and regret.

He says yes before you even finish the question. His heart's already halfway in your hands, and the idea of being apart again? No. Never. He romanticises it instantly—travelling the cosmos with you, sketching alien architecture, naming stars after you. “If I go with you, will you promise I’ll be the one who builds your home wherever we land next?”

Kabukimono

He’s suspicious at first. "Why would you want me to go?" he’ll ask, arms crossed, bristling. You’ll have to convince him that you’re not leaving him behind—that you want him to see your world, the endless stretch of galaxies, the beauty you couldn’t share with anyone else until now. Once he believes it’s real? That you’re real? That you’re not going to disappear like everyone else? He’s yours. Quietly devoted. Silently terrified. "If you leave without me again, I’ll tear the sky open until I find you."

Aether

Absolutely.

He knows what it means to travel. He gets your heart. He’s seen loss, wandered the stars, touched other skies. He might even tear up when you ask him, because he’s never had someone ask him to go somewhere, not since Lumine. It’s always been him chasing. But you—you're offering him a home between galaxies. He’ll follow you through black holes and burning suns.

Thoma

Yes, but it would break him a little first.

He loves Inazuma and is so deeply rooted there… but if you asked him, genuinely, he’d put aside his loyalty to follow love.

He’ll leave with only a little hesitation, making sure someone trustworthy watches over the Kamisato estate first. Then he’s by your side, hand in yours, gentle and loyal as ever. He’s the one who’ll make sure you eat space rations and have a warm coat on a freezing planet. A domestic king in the void.

Tighnari

Yes, eventually.

He takes the longest to agree, but not because he doesn't want to—it's because he needs to understand what this means. His science brain goes wild trying to make sense of you and your journey.

"And the atmospheric conditions of your next destination? And food? Water? Can my body even—" but then you smile. And he stops talking. “… Forget the logistics. If I stay behind, I’ll regret it forever.” He's surprisingly sentimental beneath the logic. He won't say it out loud, but he’d follow you into a supernova if it meant he wouldn’t lose you.

He sees it as a chance to study new ecosystems and stay with you. A double win. You’re his starlit obsession, after all.

[steviebbboi]

For your celebration, I would like to make a request 💙

Steve Rogers. Soulmate AU. "Are you fucking kidding me?"

Go wild, hon!!! And congrats!! 🎉🎉

The Heart and the Head (Captain America/Steve Rogers x F!Vigilante!Reader)

Pairing: Steve Rogers/Captain America x F!RogueVigilante!Reader

W/C: 5.2k~

Prompt(s): Soulmate AU, "Are you fucking kidding me?"

Summary: Finding your soulmate was always a dream for other people. But certainly not for you and Steve. It’s too bad that fate had other plans.

A/N: Well, lads, and my special lad @justagirlinafandomworld - this is a long time comin'. This ask was sent by the lovely Yvette back in September for my 200-follower writing challenge. It only took the new year and 100 followers later - im so sorry. The writing muse really left my soul after publishing my challenge and it was just terrible timing. Hoping the cosmos will bless me with more energy to write as I love interacting with you all on here, feel so grateful to have a community on here, and also because I still love to write for our bb Steviee Rogers. Hope this won't disappoint too much! Yvette, thanks for sending in this ask and hoping all has been well with you, lovie~

*Soulmate AU where people who have soulmates develop their soulmate’s heart rate on the inside of their wrists. It’s a light gray color that just slightly glows and when you touch it, it can fade but eventually comes back. When they meet for the first time/find each other, the heart rate burns slightly and becomes a permanent tattoo on their wrist. Doesn’t fade but turns into a faded black tattoo. 

Warnings: 18+ due to explicit language, angsty, Reader has powers that are mildly descriptive, sorta cliff hangar-y-(ish) but can be considered complete. Mild violent fight scenes and descriptions of theft/policework/etc.

Steve hasn’t ever given too much stock on finding his soulmate. To be honest, he never had the time to truly think about it. 

He knew that it would be aimless to try and find ‘them’, wherever ‘they’ may be out there. 

Even before the serum’s transformation, Steve was committed to enlisting– to contribute to keeping his country safe. It wasn’t fair for him to put his soulmate in a position to wait for him, only to find that he likely would never return from a war that was dead set on taking away lives to give more lives a chance.

Even when he fell for Peggy, even though they both knew that they weren’t rightfully each other's' ‘other half,’ he thought that maybe his fears surrounding love would end with her. But ultimately, his fears still came true. She was kept waiting for 90 years only for him to return to her, not dead, but heartbreakingly unchanged– forced to level with an incompatibility that went beyond not sharing the same heartbeat. 

Even with this knowledge, Steve celebrated the privilege of having his soulmate’s heart rate glow on his wrist. Not many people would develop the mark – he was surprised to see it still beating strong too when he woke from the ice. The knowledge that he was meant to be in this modern era oddly satisfied his deep seeded curiosity about his soulmate, not enough to go and find ‘them’, but enough where he was admittedly comforted by the jagged lines still running past his humming veins.

Despite not seeking ‘them’ out, seeing that mark was the only thing that he felt that he had to grasp onto sometimes. It felt familiar and felt like home.

One brush across his wrist was enough for him to start his day but ‘they’ never preoccupied his thoughts for too long lest he wanted to bring himself a shot of angst in the beginning of his day. 

But he couldn’t help the stray thoughts that would come sometimes when the day would be too idle. What did ‘they’ look like? They say that your soulmate smells like the scents that attract you the most. Would ‘they’ smell like fresh ambrosia? The potency of a fresh summer day? These questions stalked Steve when the days ran long and the nights became darker by each hour. Suppressing them became harder the more that he carried his mantle as Captain America. 

Witnessing his team, feeling the camaraderie, even seeing Tony and Pepper just reminded him of what he was truly living for– he wanted to serve and protect. He just never gave thought about himself, or to consider building his own life personally until after the blip. As everyone frantically looked for others and found them again, he realized the importance of being someone other than Captain America…of being important to someone. His soulmate.

But how could he place his soulmate into a position to cope with the fact that he’s not just Steve Rogers.

“Captain Rogers, an alert has just been registered within the parameters that you’ve previously requested.” The dulcet tones of FRIDAY’s Irish brogue interrupted Steve’s daydreaming.

Steve’s heart thundered in his chest in anticipation, “Thank you, FRIDAY.” More alert than ever, he pressed a few keys on his desktop to pull up a live feed of one other thing that seemed to preoccupy his mind lately. 

One thing that did come out of the Accords was that they’ve learned to finally listen. More than ever, Steve understood how important the Avengers needed to be mindful of reparations after their dangerous missions. Civil liberties should include repairing what was ruptured, and so, more efforts have gone into not only world-saving missions but also local crimes. 

There was a new vigilante on scene– every time that he’s sent an agent to apprehend said Enhanced, they seem to always slip right through their fingers. 

Until today.

Steve watched the masked vigilante calmly center themselves in the middle of the armed room – and with a gallant wave, the contents of the room that once sparkled expensive jewels and gems vanished leaving stark, blank empty display shelves. 

The robber’s face flashing a grainy smirk through the lens of the video, with one last wave of their hand, they disappear from view as if they were never even there. 

Watching the feed one more time, Steve couldn’t help but release his own smaller smirk at witnessing the thief in the act once more. FRIDAY promptly pulled up news headlines next to the feed to reveal in huge bold font:

“Brooklyn’s ‘Heart’ Makes Its Mark: Stolen Gems Become Jewels for the Local Community”

The Heart of Brooklyn. Steve had to hand it ‘em – it's not a bad name for the local hero. Certainly wouldn’t have minded one of those kinds of folks back in his day, could have saved him from getting beaten on so often.

Steve didn’t admonish ‘vigilantes’ as much as long as they carried on to do the right thing. However, the UN doesn’t seem to share that opinion – especially given the Accords. A stipulation that Steve still hadn’t had the time to fully process how he felt about it – this ‘Heart’ person committed crimes to benefit the people around them. The ‘Heart’ protected the people while he protected the world. How could he suddenly and justly prosecute when he was just like them once upon a time? 

If he were being honest, Steve held admiration for the vigilante. It didn’t seem like much would be getting in the way of their agenda to bring about their own sense of justice. 

Steve sighed as he looked at the official order of arrest for the ‘Heart’ signed and decreed by the state, along with the federal official government seal. A resolve settled in his chest as he did his best to put his unsettled feelings to the side to make space for Captain America. The ‘First Avenger’ who is sent to ultimately carry out and enforce these set of agendas that never seemed to benefit anyone else but the world. 

Though, as he geared up later that afternoon to investigate a solid lead, the admiration for this local hero didn’t seem to wane. 

Beads of sweat seemed porous as the anxiety-ridden man paced a few feet behind you before coming in close. His destabilizing emotions felt palpable despite the internal processing. The older man did a poor job of concealing his nerves, automatically putting you a bit on edge.

“Seriously, we need to move! It’s been too long– the police are on their way!” 

“Oookay, relax, hotshot. I’ve got some scatters in place to lead them in a tizzy for awhile, alright? Just keep an eye on the door fo’me.” You said with a forcibly placating tone that obviously had no effect on the semi-masked man behind you. 

You tried to work jobs on your own – it was better that way. Unfortunately, the prospects of this current lead led you to hire the most green man in NYC (as green as a thief could be) – but the score was too good to pass up. Thinking of what, who, and where this money could go was too high of a risk to lose.

Schematics of the building forced you to need a team to watch your six as you tried your hand at cracking the safe. But the poor guy’s nervous rambling and anxious pacing made it so hard for you to focus - you were spending more time calming the man more than getting the job done. 

“I’m telling ya, Heart - I think they’re onto us! We need to leave this place before we get caught.” The heat of the man’s breath hit the back of your ear from where you were kneeling. His rattling nerves are practically audible and steaming off of his looming figure, frustration fueled through you with an annoyed eye-roll.

“Listen, Mattie. Mike told me that you were good and that you were the one who wanted to come on this one. You need to calm down, buck up, and do what I need you to do- which is stand over there, keep watch and shut your mouth. Can ya do that?” Pure irritation was the only thing being emoted now in your command.

Mattie released a reluctant sigh as he petulantly stomped back towards his original position to face the windows, finally quiet for once since the entire time that they had reached the location.

“Thank you.” A reverent breath couldn’t help but escape your mouth at the newfound relief in the sudden, yet much needed, quiet. 

You were only a few more notches until you would be inside. When you felt the weight of the door give, your lips curved upwards in victory. Tilting the handle, you opened the steel opening…to reveal nothing inside of the safe. 

“What the fuck?!” Your thoughts were intrusive and scrambled as your mind tried to process the emptiness in front of you. You were so confused, the intel that you had seemed so solid! Unless…

Your whole body tensed as you stiffly glanced behind you to see Matt, who hadn’t noticed the newfound tension– too preoccupied with his own. He resumed his pacing and was anxiously looking out the window with angsty glances here and there. 

Turning back to the empty safe, you mutedly closed the heavy door as quietly as you could before calmly standing up from your posed position. 

“Remind me, ‘Mattie’ – what’s the color of the day?” Stoicism and a cold fury radiated off of you in waves, making the man across from you sweat profusely. His face turned pale as he responded dumbly, “Pur–uhm, huh?”

The pallid man’s answer infuriated you even more as your theory just became confirmed. You knew that the cops usually gave each other a code to indicate their undercover status - this guy must be so (ironically) green that he basically gave it away with his anxious pacing and his near-answer. 

A fierce growl left your snarled lips, “This is a fucking set-up!” Gathering your duffle in a rushed frenzy, you turned to the revealed, fumbling cop to state, “Tell ‘Mike’ or whoever you actually report to that we’re through, Officer.” 

The undercover mess was speed talking his excuses at you as you continued packing your duffle to get out of there when all of a sudden, tear gas canisters splintered through the glass windows. The shards sprinkled everywhere around you as you attempted to flinch away from the shattered pieces. 

Quickly crouching down behind a large cabinet, you could distantly see a blur of black tactical uniforms surrounding the darkened warehouse. Trying to control your breathing, you muffled a surprised shriek from hearing the distinctive multiple shouts, “POLICE! FREEZE NOW!” 

Your mind was in a frenzy but your body was in a frozen state, until it forcibly stumbled away from you as another canister landed in front of your feet. Releasing a loud curse, you panicked and ran into view. Ignoring the spearing voices shouting different commands, you gave a sharp wave of your hand, coughing up a lung from all the smoke invading your system but achieved your goal by vanishing from their naked view.

Although you had ensured your invisibility, you didn’t account for all of the smoke that was being inhaled, causing your coughing fit to exponentially expand. You also didn’t account for the glass that was suddenly in your face, successfully blinding you as you protected your face from the sudden crash. The brashed cuts of glass caused by the crash landing of something, or rather, someone that you would never have expected to see in the flesh: Captain America.

Attempting to muffle your coughs once more, the visual clarity of the renowned Avenger was hard to miss. His dark blue stealth suit on display and the States stripes in all of its glory had you gobsmacked with your mind running rampant once more.

You didn’t realize that your recent…behaviors would’ve ever caught the attention of someone so high up. The Accords were criminalizing all and any Enhanced beings, but you weren’t hurting anyone! The communities deserve more than what they’re receiving from state and federal governments. There wasn’t enough money, food – people needed help. 

For some reason, as you looked at Captain America, the hero that stood for the hearts and wellbeing of others, who stood there scanning the room for his enemy, for you– the hero hunting down those who he swore to protect– a sudden rush of hot indignation filled your entire body. 

How dare he stand there? How dare he use his gifts to triumph over the needs of others? How dare he?

A harsh snarl left your lips as your body reacted first, any sense or voice of reason leaving your mind. Your feet were suddenly rushing over to the super soldier, who heard your exclamation as soon as it left your mouth. Steve’s preparedness in your capture heightened his other senses as he listened for your rushing footsteps towards him. 

His shield at the ready, and with the smoke in the air aiding his instincts, he looked out for the sudden brush of fog and lept to action in blocking a sudden thunderous blow to his face. In the midst of throwing a vicious punch, ignoring the blinding pain to your fist from the hard metal’s impact, shock settled on your face on how easy it was for him to dodge your advances- but it didn’t stop you. Blind anger fueled in your veins and energy surged through you once more.

You and Steve proceeded to engage in a dangerous dance, with your relentless energy and forceful strikes attempting to land on his physical body. Steve was doing a careful job of listening to the brush of air as you attempted another punch, being attentive to the electric charge that only seems to be apparent when in close proximity with another human being, the swoosh of moving white fog, heavy landing steps of your physical presence. 

It became clear that despite you being invisible, your current environment was destined to fail you. Your muscles ached in pain as your breathing became heavier, exhausted panting leaving you even more breathless. After one more lousy and tired punch, Steve’s mindful gaze attested a faint outline of a physical body heightened by the fading smoke in the room. With a determined lock of his jaw, Steve quickly crouched down to land a quick swipe at your legs. 

Not expecting the swift move, you yelped in pain as his strong boots connected with your ankles. It was as if you were in slow motion with the way that you landed on your back. Muscles screaming in pain with a sharp ache on the back of your head pulsing in agony. Strength was distancing itself slowly but surely as your vision started fading. 

Laying flat on the floor, all you could make out was Steve’s bouldering figure standing over you, and all that left your mouth was a tormented whisper, “Traitor.”

As you passed out, whether from the pain or fatigue from your fighting blows, Steve only furrowed his brows in confusion from hearing your last words. All he knew was that his curiosity for you grew larger as he finally met the Heart of Brooklyn.

Both of you also neglected to pay attention to a telling zap that ran throughout both of your forms the moment that Steve’s body collided with yours. It’s easy to chalk it up to the familiar aches and pains of a fight.

Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. 

You came to in the quinjet, the flying saucer already up in the air with the way that you fumbled slightly on the metal bench. Blearily, you looked down to take in the feelings of your arms across your chest and your fists being swaddled in strong, metallic cuffs. The silver wristlets looked like they were made for something stronger than you, that’s for sure. But – they did the trick. With these cuffs on, you weren’t able to access your powers. With another flick of your wrist, you could’ve been invisible from peering eyes and out of these cuffs in a flash.

“Just remain calm, Heart, and there shouldn’t be any issues.” A deep-baritone voice cut through the frenzy of observations running through your mind. 

Blinking fiercely through the blurriness of fatigue, your eyes centered on the domineering force that was Captain Steve Rogers. The fury of the past day started to thunder the looming clouds that were your thoughts – feeling stupid is all you could center your anger into. 

You felt stupid that you allowed greenies to intervene in today’s mission. You felt stupid that you even trusted the people who decided to come along under the guise of ‘’the cause’’. And, you felt stupid that you even thought that you could take on Captain fucking America in his tight spandex outfit. His limb features and muscular figure were cut like no other. It became clear to you that images of the First Avenger could not compare nor embody the pure visceral power that this dude emotes in person. 

Sitting tall and straight, his helmet emphasized his determined blue eyes as they peered over your rigid position only to flit over the jet in wariness. It was like he was waiting for something else to happen with you on the plane, always monitoring.

You couldn’t help the derisive scoff that flew from your mouth, “The forever stiff and vigilant soldier for Big Brother, huh? Psh, pathetic.”

Your comment seemed to break his hard exterior as a tiny glint of– what seemed to be guilt, shined over his cerulean blue eyes. The glint disappeared though as soon as it came in, “Those are some abilities you got there. What else can you do?” The question seemed non-objective, though the curious tilt in his voice made the hint of warning glaze over his voice all the same.

Meeting his warning with your own blaze, you leaned in to whisper tauntingly, “I guess you’ll just have to find out.”

After hours of interrogation from countless federal agents, you were able to exasperate the last one with a long exalted sigh of frustration and the metal door slammed after their departure from the cold, steeled room. 

Your hands were still bound together uncomfortably so that your fingers interlocked together, creating the inability for you to snap out of your cuffs. Their analytics team detailed that a wave of your hand is one of the triggers to your abilities…giving you information that they don’t seem to be aware of all of your abilities. And you’d like to keep it that way. 

Short of whistling and popping noises with your lips out of boredom, the agency seemed to have given up and have finally sent in the big guns.

Ardently groaning your frustration, “UGH - finally! Captain Rogers, we meet once more. I guess your agents have finally had enough of my poor rendition of Uptown Girl till they put me back onto your plate, huh?”

Just wearing his suit, shield and helmet out of sight, the super soldier still embraced intimidation within itself by just baring his broad shoulders out a bit more as he stood before you. A beige manila folder in his grip as he clasped the belt around his waist. 

Trying not to look at the area south of his belt, you distractedly pointed it out, “That looks ominous.” 

A slight smirk fell on his pink lips, “It’s meant to be. You got some heart, kid.” 

You couldn’t help the weathered chuckle that erupted from your throat, “Wow, you really are as old as they say, huh ‘Cap’?” 

Blatantly ignoring your jab, Steve released a resounding sigh as he took the empty metal seat across from you. Setting the folder down with a sharp slap, he proceeded to read out your file. 

“What we know so far is your alias being measured by the media as, “the Heart”. Real name- unknown. From what our intelligence could gather, you’re an Enhanced with tactile and perception control—“ 

“Argh— blah, blah, blah, blah,” you interrupted with an exasperated roll of your eyes, “Just give it to me straight, Captain, what am I looking at?” 

If Steve seemed perturbed by your bluntness, he didn’t show it. Only gave you a knowing and understanding look with his eyes, “You may not be looking at anything if you’d just be honest with me. Drop the snark for once and tell me what you want. The Accords are here to protect not just others, but as well as you. I can’t help you do that if you’re hiding underneath all of the smoke and dagger.” 

A lump formed in your throat from how compassionate he sounded. If he was being sincere, it was convincing enough to bring a small glisten of tears in your eyes (not that you’d ever let them fall). 

With a clenched jaw and a speculative squint, you gazed back at Steve and met his compassion with curiosity. “Why would you want to help me?” 

Steve gave you another tired and soft smile, “Why wouldn’t I help you?” 

The barriers inside that were locked and solid lowered just a bit at the genuine tone to his voice. You couldn’t help but notice the softening around his eyes, or the long eye lashes that enhanced his stern looking features. But his smile, it felt so open. Suffice to say, it wasn’t what you were expecting from the super soldier that you criticized as a defector. 

Feeling your own features soften, your tense posture relaxed unconsciously as you leaned back into the discomfort of the metal chair. The cold parts of your cuff seemed to seep into your skin as you accepted this moment for what it is: a truce. 

Steve seemed to catch the moment your guard went down and mirrored your physical ease by leaning back into his own chair. Soft smile and gentle eyes still intact as he cut into the retired silence, “So, all cards on the table. What can I help you with?” 

Looking back into his soft gaze, you suddenly felt the air stifle around you and could barely keep eye contact with the man. Your voice was quiet as you spoke, “I only want to help people. While the Avengers are saving the world, there’s barely anyone around to help the world also save itself. Neighborhoods, communities— people are suffering.” Anger fueled through you as your words haunted the steel room, “People are going hungry and no one is doing anything about it. I got sick of waiting around for someone to do something— so I did instead.” 

A reverence caught in your gaze as you felt your heckles arise, “I’ve only done what was right. If I could do something with what I have, then maybe, I can restore some good into the world.” 

All the while, Steve hadn’t moved a muscle. Just silently listening and taking in your intentions and reasons for your “considered crimes”. There was something about the anger and rage that disguised something that Steve was all too familiar with— powerlessness. 

He understood what it felt like to be without resources. Memories flooded his mind of moments before the war, gaining food scraps from Bucky’s family as he could barely make dinner for the day. He remembered how it felt for his stomach to make unnatural noises of hunger and to feel a desperation for change. 

Powerlessness leads to motivation. To change. He knew it was possible— but he hasn’t seen it for some time, he realized. 

Until you. 

A stark realization embodied him as he took in your ambitious gaze and clenched jaw. A fierce embodiment of someone who understood their own capabilities and the willingness to do something good with it. In the most non-egocentric way, Steve saw himself in you. Not the broader back soldier, but the scrawny kid from Brooklyn who enjoyed stencils and baseball. He saw the version of himself that he had just now found again, through you. 

Cutting through the thick silence, each of your brains processing the sudden change in air, something seemed to resonate and click with Steve the minute that his eyes met yours once more. 

With a determined nod, he stood up and took out a small metallic pencil-shaped device and leaned forward to uncuff you. You looked at him in confusion and weariness as you felt the cuffs pressure release and you grip your wrists with a protective hiss. Rubbing the insides for comfort, you failed to notice the zap feeling once again as you touched your mark- chalking it up to the cuff release (again— spoiler alert: it definitely wasn’t that either). 

“Are you sure you won’t regret doing that?” You asked deliberatively. Steve only looked down at you with heavy silence. Meeting his gaze hesitantly, you were met with an instantaneous warmth that felt so jarring that your own eyes widened in surprise. His eyes were darkened with a certain cloud of suspicion and unknowing in the last few hours – but right now, it was colored with a vibrant hue of faith, as if he could see right through you. 

Before you could mask it, you felt your cheeks redden as you flushed under his familiar sight. You couldn’t deny that the super soldier was gorgeous…and tall..and had long eyelashes –

“Get up.” Steve interrupted your intrusive thoughts with a firm command. 

“And go where?” Getting up slowly, you felt weirdly nervous about leaving the metal-boxed room. The room that was your prison had felt strangely comforting. Under this new territory with Steve, you suddenly felt that the outside world was something new, and that you had to be ready to explore. 

As if sensing your newfound fear, Steve sent an easy going smile your way that you could only describe as a boyish grin.

“To go do some good.”

You couldn’t describe it but your entire body just felt off. You figure it must have been those cuffs that they put on you - maybe some weird Stark tech. Walking down the sleek hallways to the large gymnasium, you did your best to put your odd body aches to the side and reflected upon the past week. 

Lo and behold, the moment that you left the room, you were met with the rest of the Avengers and a welcome package to the team. You initially rejected it (not that they really let you - it was either join or go swimming with the sharks at the Raft) but Steve insisted that you had potential to grow - to continue your work, to help others and help the local communities that needed it. He mentioned how you were right – the Avengers couldn’t be everywhere. They needed people on hand, on the ground to help fight the good fight where they couldn’t.

The prospects of being an Avenger certainly incentivized you. You never thought you’d be able to live up to its name, but realized that if Steve was able to see something in you that you couldn’t, it may be worth a shot. As much as you despised him when you were off the radar, there was something that cleared in your vision and you quickly were able to learn that the team certainly didn’t unanimously agree with the dynamics of the Accords. You also learned that Steve did his best to keep everyone together, and that he also genuinely just wanted to help. 

Reluctantly, you realized - you admired him.

There was something about Steve that you found honorable. Was he handsome? Sure. Muscle-y? Sure. Light blue eyes that you could drown in? Perhaps. But it wasn’t just his looks that drew you in. The energy felt like something deeper and more ingrained…you respected him. And his capacity to understand that underneath it all, people were just people, and that we need each other. 

You’d like to think you could be like him some day. Or be on top of him, or under him…– 

‘’Stop that!’’ The parts of you that felt attracted to Steve certainly became louder as you spent more time with Steve. There was just something about him that you couldn’t seem to just put away. 

You’ve been training with the team, mostly Natasha, to become more equipped in hand to hand combat. Today, you were pleasantly surprised by the screens that greeted you at the gym. Natasha waved over to you and gestured you over with a curious smirk. 

“Hey!” Flushed from being lost in your thoughts, you stood next to Natasha reverently while staring at the computer screens in front of you. “What’s all this?”

“Penny for your thoughts, Ghost?” Natasha’s grin was unfaltering as she cued in your new nickname. Ghostface - slipped right out of Stark’s smug mouth after watching the footage of some of your enhanced abilities. Ever since then, the team has taken a liking to the codename. 

Rolling your eyes good-naturedly, you replied dryly, “Oh - the infamous Black Widow is asking me a question - your interrogation skills are quite unmatched. But I think I’ll keep my thoughts to myself.” 

Letting out a small chuckle, she turned back towards the screen and nodded for your attention, “I wanted you to take another look at the footage from the warehouse–,”

“Ughhh, do I have to? Why are you rubbing it in my face? I get it - Steve is way better at hand to hand combat but to fair – “ you interrupted childishly only for her to swat her hand in your face to disturb your complaints. “Relax, that’s not why. I want you to analyze your footwork in comparison to some of the skills that we’re learning right now. I want you to point out anything different about your moves.”

Sighing petulantly, you crossed your arms and proceeded to watch the grainy camera footage from Steve’s suit. After a few minutes of watching Steve kick your ass, you pointed out a few steps that you felt that you can do differently now. Natasha seemed to agree and continued to encourage you to point something out, but this time in your upper body movement. After a few more minutes of silence, you looked closer at your arms and noticed something peculiar right as Steve basically tripped you.

Brows furrowed in confusion, you gestured to the video once more and asked Natasha to go back a few seconds. It was hard to see, but you could see the sliver of your wrist exposed in the video. The quality wasn’t the best, despite the Stark tech, as Steve was moving pretty fast. 

Your heart stuttered as your brain attempted to process what you were seeing on the screen. Something that clarifies the ‘’off’’ feeling from the past few days, something that made sense of the dysregulation in your body– without thinking, you shoved Natasha’s bent form from the controllers and proceeded to go back and forth between seconds in the footage.

Natasha only frowned in confusion from the move and allowed her eyes to match your suddenly focused gaze. What she saw made her eyes widen in slight surprise. 

The height of both of your fixations was the slight glow of your soulmate mark on your wrist suddenly fading as Steve’s legs intercepted yours. Although faint, the mark’s glow disappearing from your wrist was too clear to dismiss as simply the trick of the light. 

Almost in fascination, you felt your body disconnect from yours as you found yourself unable to deny what you were seeing. How did you not notice it before? 

Steve Rogers was your soulmate. 

The following words escaped before you could even process them: “Are you fucking kidding me?” 

A/N: DON'T HATE ME! lol, I thought that I'd do a different spin on the Soulmates!AU where Reader is kinda left with this surprise. Wonder how Steve noticed his mark also fading away 👀 figured this would leave enough room to continue this universe if we did enjoy it. Ngl, not the biggest fan of this work -- I'm sure it needs some editing but tbh, I didn't wanna leave y'all hanging anymore! It's been too long since its been asked and I wanted to be able to publish it so it can finally be read! Regardless, hope you enjoyed it a bit and please leave your thoughts, lads <3 ta, for now.

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[arayapendragon]

the beauty of quantum immortality 🦋

“what happens after i die?”, is a question that has been asked by many throughout the course of history. yet, us humans were never able to find the one true answer to what awaits us once our life in this reality comes to an end. unless...? ;)

this brings forth the concept of quantum immortality, which is a theory stating that our consciousness will continue to experience lifetimes where we are alive, after we “die” in this timeline or reality. Hugh Everett was an american physicist, who proposed the very fundamentals of quantum mechanics in his PhD in the 1950’s. he introduced the idea of quantum events leading to the universe branching into several different timelines, where each timeline represents a different outcome. therefore, if we choose to, we can continue to keep experiencing timelines, or realities, where we survive, thus leading us to believe we are “immortal”. this is known as the Many-Worlds Interpretation (MWI).

circa 1980’s, the physicist and cosmologist Max Tegmark delved again into the concept of quantum immortality, suggesting that we actually die many times in our lifetime, however, our consciousness continues to experience timelines where we are alive.

here’s an analogy of quantum immortality to better help you understand: imagine a person playing a game of russian roulette; hence, the gun leads to different quantum outcomes. - basis the MWI, the gun fires (due to an “upward spin” in a subatomic particle) in some timelines/realities, killing the person. - while in other timelines/realities, it doesn’t fire (due to a “downward spin” in a subatomic particle), so the person survives. from the point of view of the person in the experiment, they would only experience the timelines where they survive.

the very fundaments of quantum immortality and reality shifting intertwine with each other when inspected at a closer level. both focus on the existence of an infinite amount of realities, and seeing as we shift realities for every decision taken, even the smallest ones, it can be deduced that we permashift to either an alternate version of our CR, or any other DR after we experience death in this reality. meaning, we can experience whatever it is we desire after death, there are no limitations or set rules.

to answer the question at the beginning, there is no definite answer to where we go after death. given that the magic systems for this reality are the law of assumption and the law of attraction, it can be said that we will shift wherever we believe or assume we go after death, thus, in a way, demonstrating quantum immortality.

a few resources you can explore that discuss quantum immortality are:

Our Mathematical Universe by Max Tegmark

Parallel Worlds by Michio Kaku

The Fabric of the Cosmos by Brian Greene

Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed by Jim Al-Khalili

The r/quantumimmortality community on reddit, though note that the users will have differing opinions of the concept, so it is best to conduct your own research.

[ordowrites]

what dating them is like (HSR)

characters: aventurine, argenti, jing yuan

cw: none / gn!reader, use of pet names ("darling"), some fluff. general mdni, minors do not interact. self indulgent. possible ooc? i don't think i've written HSR before so i hope i got them okay.

aventurine will always find excuses, ways, and time to spend time with you. he talks more, with you around and feels less on edge. your smile brightens his day, every day, and even in the middle of the night, he will text you. if you can't sleep, well, he's on his way with some expensive wine and a movie of your choice. spending time with you is one of his love languages, but don't be surprised if you find yourself on the receiving end of some pretty expensive gifts.

("think nothing of it, darling, i thought that those jewels would match your eyes and i was right.")

the man of beauty is nothing less of romantic, perhaps, there's even a picture of him next to the word in the dictionary. argenti shows up when he can, wherever he can. you get good morning texts, long winded messages throughout the day, pictures of the cosmos and good night texts. people believe this to be lonely, but you never feel alone. argenti is a beautiful man, and a wonderful lover.

when he is with you, there is not a second that goes by where you are alone. when he is with you, he clings to you, holds you as close as possible, kissing you, and making sure you feel worshipped. words of affirmation is what keeps him going.

("in all the cosmos, there is nothing more beautiful than you. idrila has blessed me with your presence, and i will never take that for granted.")

jing yuan gives you the best of the best, always. the general makes sure you are safe, but you have your freedom and your life outside of him. one of the things he does, however, is tease you. and he teases you often. sometimes it's to get you to blush, other times, it's to make you giggle.

laid back and calm, you are able to talk to your hearts content about the things that bother you. he gives advice, he listens, and you always feel heard.

there is a tenderness when he gently cups your face in his rough hands, peering down into your eyes, and kisses you. he never asks but he never takes, he wants but always waits for you to guide. he is a physical man and the tenderness always betrays his title, his past, his former deeds.

you are his and he will make sure you feel protected and secure.

[stxneflxwers]

ideal.

⋯⁂ summary. your lover's ideal kind of date~

⋯⁂ charas. aventurine. dr ratio. jade. topaz. stelle.

aventurine

staying at home.

he loves staying home – wherever home may be, as long as it's with you. it's far less stressful than feeling like he needs to be constantly performing outside of the house.

games, movies, fancy dinner – hell, even just takeout for dinner works! all he wants is you around. then, the world is quieter. his mind is quieter.

he has to do a lot of talking day in and day out, so when it's nighttime with you around, on a date, he prefers to listen to you. even if all you have to offer is silence. he can't complain too much about some quiet time with you.

with these kind of dates, it's a little easier for him to fall asleep.

dr ratio

the museum.

of course, he's already been to so many museums throughout the cosmos. but, with you, it feels a lot more relaxing and...happifying. plus, he gets to impart his knowledge with you! if it's on your homeworld, then there are bonus points to be had.

he's quietly rambling to you a lot of the time, but his voice is low enough not to disturb other guests at the establishment. he almost sounds enchanted rather than stern – he's just really enjoying this, to share knowledge and history with you.

he's in his element, truly. and you're happy to see him so happy. the smiles he has, the giddy glint in his eyes... you revel in it. you know he's a little irritable, even grumpy, most days. so this is perfect for both of you, even if you're not paying attention that much – mostly because you can't stop staring at his joyful features.

of course, you end up purchasing plenty of little knickknacks at the small gift shop. one time you found a small golden duck pendant, and this is what you gifted to him the next day. he was both flabbergasted and playfully irritated. but, in truth, he adores it to bits.

jade

the boardwalk.

it's a calm enough activity, and she is mostly willing to buy anything that truly catches your eye as you pass by the many shop windows. she thinks it's quite adorable how your eyes will light up when you see something neat that panders to your interests.

you two will come to a slow halt, finding a drink stand to indulge in. she pays for it. and there are times where she silently wonders if you only love her for her money.

but then you do something remarkably stupid and she can't but snicker, almost falling in love all over again. she appreciates your silly moments – it reminds her that not every adult is greedy and devious.

there's you, after all – one in a million. besides, you say thanks to her every time she gets you something. and she can tell how heartfelt your gratitude is. mostly because you try to buy her things that she likes as a surprise. it's never a surprise to her, but she loves you for it all the same.

topaz

the café.

the café. one of Topaz's...many places she visits. she has a certain café in Pier Point that she loves to death. she'll tell you all about it, content with not discussing work or anything related to it for a while.

she's not the wisest when it comes to her own limits since she often goes above and beyond. but you're happy to remind her at any point in time. she might pout, though. she knows you're worried for her well-being in the end, though.

it's hard for her to not talk about work, unfortunately. but you have plenty of things to discuss that are outside of the realm of work, thankfully. and she makes a fantastic and compassionate listener. she has her own comments and remarks to make as you two chat, and she's so mindful about it. she doesn't sugar coat her truth, of course. but she doesn't let it hurt you, either.

she loves the coffee and the chocolate eclairs the most, but she also loves to try whatever you order – no matter how simple or complex it may be. she wants to live a part of your world, your experiences. she wants to always be there in your world – no matter how physically faraway she may be.

stelle

picnic!

a picnic feast? count her in! she loves it. she loves you even more. and now she loves you doubly for taking her out on a picnic. she tries to interact with curious animals, but you have to rein her in before something bad happens. the idea is dumb, she is also dumb, but you love her far too much. this allows her to get away with things at times (much to your dismay).

she's the one who brings the most food. because of course she did. she claims all of it is homemade, by her hands – this is certainly a lie. you'd wager 70% of it is made with her own hands. the rest is bought. but you don't care that much, it's okay to indulge every so often.

she eats far too much junk food, though. you worry. and also wonder how in the hell she manages to live like that. in fact, she eats most of the junk food she bought for the picnic. or maybe this is some sort of secret plan of hers to have you try out her cooking and baking? who knows, truly. you enjoy it all the same – you can tell she put a lot of love and effort into every delightful snack and questionable concoction.

she nearly passes out when done eating – a food coma, maybe. you're content with having her head on your lap, your hands idly brushing through her hair. and then your hand snags in her unruly locks and she wakes up with a dramatic whine. you mentally note to brush her hair later.

[yoonyeon0]

DADDY’S HOME! | kengan hcs pt. l

𐙚 𓏵𓏵𐙚 WITH: adam, akoya, hayami, hatsumi, himuro, cosmo, inaba

𐙚 𓏵𓏵𐙚 SUMMARY: the kengan men have finally found refuge in the small (or big) family they have with you!

𐙚 𓏵𓏵𐙚 WARNINGS:

suggestive, mentions of s*x, cursing, children, female body parts, LOTS OF MENTIONS OF PREGNANCY, mention of baby trapping in akoya's part, child birth, throwing up, sickingenly fluff ❤️❤️

𐙚 𓏵𓏵𐙚 AUTHOR’S NOTES: i love doing these sm 😭 pt two coming out either tmmrw or sunday !

⋆★ ! ADAM

surprisingly a good dad, (even though he prob got you pregnant on accident)

very attentive to both you and your child’s needs

sometimes shoos you away so he can spend time with “his offspring”

cosmo is DEFINITELY the Godfather, argue with a wall

GIRL DAD that swears he wanted a boy (he's lying)

literally cannot take anything serious as a dad and makes everything a joke

fun but kind of an irresponsible dad but it's ok!

as soon as you opened the door to your humble pent house, you were met with babbling sounds and squeals from the living room. you slightly chuckled to your self, already knowing what you were walking unto.

"im home!" you yelled out, alerting your husband of your presence.

not a minute after, you heard loud, quick foot steps coming your way and suddenly you saw the appearance of your husband and your 7 month old. upon seeing you, the baby burst out in squeals and laughter, kicking her feet up and down rapidly in her father's arms.

"awhh! hi there honey! did daddy take good care of you? yeah?" you said in a high pitched voice, slowly taking the baby from your husband's arms.

once the baby was secure on your hip, you decided to look up at your husband's face, expecting to see the hardened facial expression that only softened for you, the small stubble slowly forming around your husband's chin, and the quiet but alerting baby blue eyes that your child had inherited.

instead of seeing any of these qualities, you unfortunately saw a low quality photo of your face taped poorly unto the face of who you assumed was adam's. you stared at his face for a good minute, trying to figure out why the hell he has a photo of you on his face and as if he read your mind, he started to speak up.

"the kid wouldn't listen to me without this thing on me. 'hope you know that you corrupted her."

you couldn't help but burst out in laughter, partially silencing your baby's babbles. you noticed the slight twitch of your "loving" husband's face, causing you to cover your giggles.

"im - pffth - im so sorry that my kid actually loves me.."

"keep talking and im gonna render you immobile."

⋆★ ! AKOYA

kinda unavailable as a dad

like he will be there for his child physically but emotionally? yeah no

claims that he "does everything" (even though you're the one that teaches, feeds, and clothes them)

baby trapped you. (yall this man is NOT A GOOD PERSON)

boy dad. he will be DAMNED if you give birth to a girl (but secretly loves her SO MUCH bc that's his baby girl)

you had finally entered the school grounds of your child, rushing to the principals office due to the call you had gotten earlier.

once you had finally reached the principals office, you took a deep breathe and fixed your clothing before entering, not expecting to see the face of your lover, currently giving your daughter's principal the meanest stare that he wouldn't even give you.

"what do you mean my daughter was being disrespectful to teachers? are you questioning my parenting?"

you cringed at the word 'my', knowing damn well he didn't do anything to help you and your daughter, just throwing money around and going on his way to wherever.

"sir, I never said anything of the sort. all I am saying is that a punishment is due for all of her rudeness on school grounds. i mentioned maybe a 5 day suspension so maybe thats-"

"definitely not. again, why are you persecuting her? my daughter would not do anything of the sort and you are despicable for even saying that she would."

you decided to not make any noise to not alert the two, who were obviously in a heated argument. instead, you decided to step back and close the door a bit to watch the scence unfold. the way he acts toward you and your daughter seemed like he hated the two of you but here he was, defending her!

the principal and your husband went on and argued for a bit more, leading to the principal leaving the room and "expelling" your daughter from your husband's lack of compliance.

your daughter and your husband sat there for what seemed like a long time before he patted your daughter's head.

"it's okay sweetheart, that vile woman will be dealt with for carrying out the will of evil. how about instead of dwelling on her wrongdoings, we go out?"

you daughter looked up at akoya's face, smiling a jumping up to hug him.

"thank you daddy! can we get ice cream too?"

"of course we can love."

you smiled softly at the scene, your heart bursting at the seems from the adorable scene. though you wondered, when did your angry, mean, and justice-obsessed husband become so..soft?

⋆★ ! HAYAMI

#mymanmymanmyman

litterally everything you could ask for in a dad

PERFECT mix of strict and fun, litterally second best dad (kaolang is first)

you wouldn't have to do anything during the pregnancy; he's got it don't worry

PROBABLY got you pregnant on accident (he was lost in the sauce)

him and his kid are BEST FRIENDS

probably a boy dad but wouldn't mind a girl

stresses more than a mothafucker when you go into labor

there you were, huffing and puffing from being in the scorching pain of child bearing. if actions could speak, you'd be screaming louder than sound itself from all of the hitting and smacking you were doing to the hospital bed. you really were trying to refrain from yelling so that you don't manage to lose your voice but the dammed baby in your stomach was as stubborn as you.

suddenly, your vagina felt like it was on fire and your breathing became more prolonged. you were tuning out the calls from the doctors telling you to "push" and to "keep going" from the intense pain.

you were holding back the angry and sad mix of yells you were about to let out. with heavy breathes, you decided to let out your anger on your fiancé, who was covered in hospital attire next to you. your soft and manicured hands were holding his rough and large hands kindly before you inputted a large amount of pain and anger into the hold.

it seemed like you even took your husband off guard because of how intensely he was looking at your hand that was now squeezing the life out of his. he was about to speak from behind his hospital mask before you sent him a glare that shut him up immediately.

"i don't want hear a SINGLE word from you right now."

you shut him up faster than a punch could, which could be called an achievement if you think about it.

once your baby boy, who took every bit of strength out of you, was finally born, it seemed like your fiancé couldn't get his hands off of him.

"hey there little guy... im gonna be your dad ok? I hope you'll take me."

you smiled at him softly cradling the pretty baby in his hands with gentleness that he hadn't even touched you with. the baby's soft coos could be heard from inside your fiancé's arms, warming your heart even further.

maybe the childbirth was worth it.

⋆★ ! HATSUMI

super duper fun dad

ngl he would do either TOO MUCH with his kid or not enough.

either way he's the best with his kid

another one who would be bffs with his child

probably didn't want kids UNTILL he got you pregnant (accidentally)

girl dad. no questions whatsoever

it was a traditional thing that you and your family had made to always surprise someone whenever they went out and came back. this time, your husband was due to being surprised this time.

as your husband came back from another one of his fighting tournaments, your daughter had a great idea on how to surprise him today.

"im home!" he called out as he walked inside of your warm home, contrary to the cold weather outside.

..no response.

to his surprise, he wasn't being scared as soon as he walked in or greeted back in silly costumes. instead he was greeted with the same silence he always desired. but now, this same silence made him feel uneasy.

where was his daughter and wife? did they go out? are they hiding?

with a new found determination, he decided to push those thoughts away and instead look for an answer.

hatsumi tore the place down, top to bottom and found no one, just himself. with his heart slowly forming a sense of fear he started to become more agitated, calling your phone repeatedly and shouting for the two of you. hatsumi was about to search outside of the house before he released he hadn't checked on place. your daughters old nursey.

the nursery was long forgotten but it was still there, with all of the toys and your daughters old crib in order to honor her baby self. he reluctantly went closer to the door, slowly pushing it open to find you and your daughter dressed up as loraxes, dancing around a fake thneed tree to no music. all of the fear and worry hatsumi had before had now been replace with confusion and annoyance as he stared at the two of you.

"what is this."

as if on cue, the two of you handed him a oncler outfit and told him to change.

if this was family bonding, hatsumi wasn't sure he liked it very much.

⋆★ ! HIMURO

when he settles down, he settles DOWN

amazing dad, probably just is a bit too strict for your liking

probably baby traps the WHOLE house and says that it's to protect your baby

super overprotective over his child and you can't change his mind unfortunately

boy dad but wanted a girl.

he is the best dad (top 3)

you had left for the night shift of your job and had instructed himuro to feed your son before putting him to sleep and so that was what himuro was going to do.

well, it was what he attempted to do.

"no!"

himuro let out a huff of defeat as he slowly lowered the fork full of spinach down from his son's face. it had been 30 minutes now of begging the little boy to eat his veggies but he wouldn't let up.

"cmon hitori. if you wanna be strong like me, you gotta eat your vegetables!"

the little boy pouted his lips and shook his head vigorously, refusing to eat again. himuro was lost. he never cared for a child before and now this one was complaining and huffing over vegetables. he then sighed again, knowing that he would have to use his secret weapon.

your voice.

himuro had previously instructed you to record a voice message and to send it to him in case your shared son was feeling grumpy and uncompliant with certain demands.

as himuro pulled out his phone and turned on the voice recording, it seemed like the little boy was now intently looking at the phone until he heard your voice.

"hi there honey! i know im not there right now but be a good boy for mommy and eat your food okay?"

the boy quickly started to smile and cheer at hearing your voice immediately, causing a ruckus from the joy he was in. at seeing this, your husband started to pick up the fork full of veggies and push them to the mouth of the boy. instead of throwing the fork on the floor and complaining like the previous times, your toddler happily accepted the food, gulping it down in the matter of seconds.

damn, my son is really a mama's boy. himuro thought with a smile.

⋆★ ! COSMO

I can't see him as a dad but a cool uncle but I digress,

litterally SO FUN AS A DAD?

probably uses dad jokes everyday and he's dead serious in saying a joke everyday

he's that one dad you'd be embarrassed to bring to meet your friends bcs he's so awkward and corny

can and will be strict when needed—otherwise he is just a kind soul

honestly he is both a girl and boy dad but leaning towards boy

I'm sorry but he caves to anything his child asks of him

you want to go to Paris? okay sure!

you wanna own Paris? not sure he can do that but he'll try!

"daddy daddy! can I come with you to your job?"

your fiancé was one step outside the door when your three year old son decided to bring up his terrible fighting job he was in the middle of going to. he slowly turned to see him, grabbing tightly unto his sweat pants looking up at him with the most pleading eyes he has ever seen. cosmo quickly looked around for you to shut down your toddler's request until he realized that you were fast asleep in your shared room. he then quickly looked back to to make eye contact with his child.

"oh well buddy..you can't! daddy's job is very dangerous and serious and it's not made a cutie like you!"

your son's face slowly faded into a sad one, his lips now pouting and his eyes watering up. cosmo swore that his heart broke into millions of piece just looking at the poor baby.

although he didn't really want to, he couldn't exactly resist the sad, doggy eyes he was getting from his son.

so he caved.

------------

walking to the abandoned warehouse with a stroller was absolutely stupid of him, why didn't he just carry the boy on his shoulders?!

whatever, he was already here and his adorable baby was in the stroller on his tablet watching some lousy kids shows.

cosmo could've sworn that his heart dropped when he finally entered to see a match already going on with so many business men surrounding the event. he was now rethinking everything. he should've just said no! now it's gonna be a pain having to fight and watch your son..

as he entered, he was immediately approached by adam and kureshi.

"hey cosmo!"

the two didn't seem to notice the stroller immediately until small baby sounds came from it. adam was the first on to speak, noticing the child almost immediately.

"-what do we have here?"

cosmo knew he was screwed. you and adam were great friends so he probably wouldn't hesitate to you where your child currently was!

before kureshi could ask a question of his own, cosmo bent down into a bow.

"i beg of both of you! please don't tell [name] i brought him here, they'll kill me!"

the two laughed as cosmo was begging, his voice starting to shake in fear of what would happen to him if you were to find out. adam sharply put his arms on cosmos shoulders before talking to him again.

"ahh don't worry cos! we won't tell them, but one condition.."

cosmo looked up at adam, subtle fear in his eye of what Adam was about to suggest.

"what is it?"

"you've gotta leave the child in our care while you fight."

cosmo sighed a loud sigh before he finally realized that that the two were just playing with him to make him scared. he chuckled a dry laugh before saying,

"yeah, i was planning on it"

⋆★ ! INABA

little dad with little daughter <3

SO CUTE AS A DAD

litterally cradles his child in his hair and make like a little woven basket to hold them in 😭❤️

SO protective over you and the child

your daughter DEFINITELY got all of her hair from him, no questions asked

GIRL DAD COMPLETELY, DIDNT WANT A BOY

you had 'accidently' walked in on you husband's 'daddy and daughter time' that they had told you not to interrupt but you were just a girl and curious on what they were doing but the heart warming sight in front of you was the thing you expected to see.

your daughter was getting her hair braided by your husband into a long french braid while she was in a pretty mulan kimono that you are sure inaba bought for her. she was humming the words to "Be A Man" from the Mulan movie while making the sounds effect too.

your husband, who was behind her, focused on brading right, was dressed in a formal yukata with black and gray Chinese warrior armor that resembles a Genji armor with gold trim with his hair in a neat bun, obviously replicating li shang. it was adorable seeing the two bond so eagerly, you decided to not bother them.

as you went back into the living room, you wondered if they were going to watch the movie which in turn made you want to make Mulan inspired snacks for them. you quickly texted your husband, telling him not start tge movie until you come. almost immediately, you got to work.

you made a bunch of the snacks, some looked prettier than others and some tasted better than others but you tried your best for not having recipes for all of them. you plated all of them, making them look as presentable as possible before you walked to the bedroom where the two were before.

on cue, as you opened the door, both your husband and daughter surprised you with their outfits. your daughter now had chinese inspired makeup on and she was ranting about how good it looked on her. your husband on the other hand, stared at you, captivated by you before speaking up.

"you didn't have to my love but thank you."

a small smile showed up on his face as your heart warmed up even more at his words of gratitude.

the night went on with you and your family, chowing down your homemade snacks and falling asleep to the quiet mulan soundtrack in the background.

yall im backkk 🤭🤭

𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙤𝙣! 𝘿𝙤 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙡, 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠.

[eclipseberrycake]

Top Shelf (Support! Reader x Sprout)

AN: Oooh mr. Seedly. I love making you all fall in love with my version of Sprout >:) Then requesting more Sprout >:) Then I get to write more Sprout >:)

This is a request!

☁ Now, now, now. A support toon.

☁ Hear me out. An ability like Gigi, but instead of getting the objects yourself, you give a random object to a toon of your choice.

☁ Of course, you give this to Sprout, all the time. Because it's funny.

☁ Imagine he's hiding from a twisted behind a box and is suddenly pelted by gumballs falling from the air above him, your giggles falling away.

☁ Just as he goes to yell at you, the twisted spots him and he's left running to lose them, glaring at you as you snicker from your own hiding place.

☁ Sprout is an overprotective guy, we've established well enough, and this ability kind of pisses him off.

☁ Why is he taking something, especially when luck strikes and it's something like a band or a med-kit, when it could be going to you?

☁ A part of him knows that this is your way of showing affection however. You do what you can to protect him while he's always giving you heals whenever needed. It's a give and take really.

☁ I haven't really touched on it directly in the MBC works, but Sprout is a touchy guy. He loves just touching for no reason. But he's a jerk when he does it/ affectionate

☁ He's leaning on you like you're a table, messing with your head, using his hands to steer your shoulders wherever he wants, holding you like one would hold a cat, crouching down to talk face-to-face with you even if the height difference isn't that great.

☁ He even does that thing where he holds your forehead with one hand while the other holds something out of your reach.

☁ Like I'm sorry but I love the Lovers who are actually each others biggest haters. It's so funny to me.

☁ Don't get me wrong, if you're with Sprout, you're probably returning it tenfold.

☁ You call him over for tapes only to take them the second he's close enough to do so (Oooh ginger mains when I CATCH YOU GINGER MAINS-), running off giggling even if he's quick enough to catch you. You're making sure you're using your ability when he's in the worst situation, making him stumble to catch the bottle of pop as Twisted Teagan chases him down.

☁ It's all in good fun, trust.

☁ You guys probably get together because he's talking to Cosmo about his feelings an Cosmo goes "You want me to set you up with them?" And like a FOOL, he agrees. So, in the elevator where it's isolated with no escape route, Cosmo SCREAMS across the elevator. "HEY Y/N SPROUT LIKES YOU!"

☁ He would throttle the cake roll yet.

☁ He nearly did when you turned at the sound of your name from your conversation with Glisten, who hides his laugh behind his hand. You're cheeks immediately flush as your brain computes the knowledge given to you and Sprout wants to crawl into a hole and die.

☁ And then you laugh. It's slow little giggles and then hearty laughter that makes his stomach flip hearing it. You shake your head before beaming. "I would hope so, as far as I'm aware, we've been dating for months."

☁ Which was news to him. He gapes as Cosmo cackles, patting Sprout's back before running into the newly opened room. The only two left in the elevator are him and you. You watch the others leave, before stepping just enough the elevator won't kick you out, watching Sprout as he steps beside you.

☁ He avoids your eyes as he scratches the back of his neck, his own seeded cheeks turning a more ruby red. You grin at him, gently taking his hand. "What's wrong, Seedly?"

☁ All signs of the bashful, shy Sprout are immediately dashed as he deadpans at you, raising a brow ridge at the use of his name. You smirk up at him again, nudging him with a shoulder.

☁ "Did you really think we were dating?" He suddenly asks and your face falls. It makes his own gut twist as he goes to try and rectify it, but you're already talking, trying to take your hand back. "I'm so sorry, did I read the signs all wrong? I thought when you mentioned feeling closed to me a couple weeks ago-"

☁ He had done that. He mentioned being closest with you weeks ago, and was going confess then, but wussed out. To know now, that you took it that way anyway? His hands tighten around yours. "I was!" He blurts. "I was going to, admittedly." He frowns at this even as you stop trying to pull away. "I chickened out, but I do like you. A lot. I did then and I do now."

☁ You stare at him before letting out a sigh of relief, shaking your head with a grin. "Oh, Mr. Seedly-"

☁ "Well if you're calling me that-" Sprout is the one to try and pull away this time, making you giggle as you try and grab him again, saying all sorts of denials and apologies through your laughter.

☁ He lets you grab his cheeks, staring into the pools of your eyes with a dopey grin on his face. Sure Cosmo was being chased by a twisted right now, but he'd be fine. He deserved it. At least for a little.

☁ "Can I kiss you?" You ask suddenly, and his cheeks burn a bright red, only able to mindlessly nod his head. You reach up and press a kiss to his lips, only a quick peck, but he swears fireworks go off somewhere.

☁ You grin at him once more and there's suddenly something much heavier and cylindrical in his hands. You're waving as you run off, and he's left staring between his hand, which now holds a can of pop, and you're retreating form before laughing at himself and what's he's gotten himself into before turning to save Cosmo.

☁ Cosmo gives him all sorts of scoldings in the elevator after the fact, but Sprout can't even find it in himself to care, leaning his chin on your head even as you swat at him.

☁ He does love your ability, let me add, he just wishes sometimes you'd use it in a better time. There are times however when it's perfect.

☁ He doesn't distract often, not if he can help it, but when he does and he feels himself running on empty, only for a bottle of pop to appear? He's forever thankful. Or when he's been too busy healing everyone else, he doesn't realize he himself has been hit until he's being smoked with a bandage box.

☁ In return, he throws cupcakes at you.

☁ All in the names of healing.

☁ He's such a turd sometimes I swear.