#(( Well...even if the activity check doesn't get done--I'm going to put in a drop before the end of this month at least. ))

[cauldron-of-oddities]

meeeeeeeeeeeeeee I have a prompt

bird races! maybe Ekko and Powder race but he's also trying to prepare her to beat Mylo or something. Claggor is tired. Vi is mildly amused. Vander is pointedly ignoring everything

Feel the Rush

Peace and quiet, something rare in the Last Drop, usually it was full of chatty and rowdy patrons or bickering and noisy teenagers. Vander hummed along with the record player as he wiped the well-worn bar down, zoning out in the familiarity of the action. He stopped mid swipe. It. Was. Quiet. Oh dear Janna, it was quiet.

No sooner had the thought occurred to him when a flurry of feathers rushed past with the skawk clucking of Mylo with something in his beak and Powder bursting in behind him. Vander let out a long-suffering sigh.

“Be careful, you two!” The warning, unfortunately, came too late.

Nothing could quite describe the feeling of anger, frustration, and embarrassment Mylo caused. It brought out the worst, most impulsive side of her.

“That's mine!” She shouts as she makes a dive for the pheasant and tries to grab the bane of her existence. Only Mylo takes a sharp turn at one of the tables and has her crashing into a table leg with her shoulder. The cry she lets out has Vander winching. It hurts. Badly. And her eyes sting with both pain and failure. Why did such things always happen to her?!

Vander pinched the bridge of his nose and moved to help her up. She couldn't hold back a sharp gasp as he did. “Careful, let me check that."

“Now, what's this about?” The question stern.

With a crack in her voice from the pain, she begins “He took the chain I picked!"

“Hey! You left it, and you're only going to use it in one of your wonky contraptions!” Mylo wines.

“I put it there, I said I wanted it! Vi and Claggor heard me."

“You snooze, you lose, klutz."

“Enough! No fighting."

Between the finality in Vanders tone, Mylo's dismissal, and the pain, she feels so small. Why? She was finally proving herself, and it still wasn't enough.

“Pow!” She suddenly feels Vi cradle her cheeks before trying to hug her, which results in another squeak.

“What did you do?!” Vi's already balling her fist at Mylo.

“She bashed into the table, not my fault!"

“Vi!” Vander snaps. “You run ahead to the healer and give a heads up."

“Mylo, you know you all get to pick one thing from the loot to keep.” Vanders tone firm.

“But,”

“You get closing chores for the rest of the week. No buts."

“Claggor, you sort the loot and make sure your brother doesn't run off. Come on Powder lets get you sorted."

…

For two weeks, she sulks, she's ‘grounded’, injuries she learned carried over. Luckily, it was only badly bruised, still to be on the safe side. No strenuous activity for a week or two was advised, which included flying. Her mood already sour, having been deprived of something that gave her such a scene of freedom, only got worse, with Mylo's pestering. Here they were arguing again. Couldn't he just leave her alone?

“Fuck you! It's all your fault I have extra chores!"

“Shut up! It's your own fault! You shouldn't have taken what I'd already claimed!"

“I'm the older one. I get the first pick!"

“That's not fair! You're never fair!"

All she wants is to fly and stop feeling less than him. She's the wronged party here, and she really wants him to shut up.

“Tell you what you brat, you beat me in a race you get to keep whatever you want from the next time, if you don't muck it up!"

Powder is not quite sure what possessed her, but it was definitely her who finished issuing the challenge.

“The next ten times! And I get to pick from everything!” She's angry, done with being last in line, done with stupid Mylo, thinking he's better than her because he's older, because she's smaller.

She glares at Mylo, daring him to accept or maybe a part her hopes, back down. That was not to be, even if it wasn't Mylo saying it.

“I heard that, and I'm keeping you to it, Mylo. She'll beat you, no trouble."

Vi's voice chimes out from the doorway. There'd be no backing out now. Powder has that dreaded insecure squint again and is running her fingers over the long feather of her earring. She knows her nerves are on full show, but Vi carries on.

“Two weeks from now, we'll have a race, I'll set out the track, get popcorn, and a flag.” Vi's buzzed for this, Powder can hear it in her sister voice, then with a gentler pitch; “You can do it, Pow. This is your chance.''

"Pfffff, I got this in the bag. Good luck. Don't jinx yourself.” With that, Mylo sauntered away.

…

Oh, the nerves were making her feel nauseous. She’s only just healed and just ready to fly again. And here she goes and agrees to this stupid race, but Mylo was just so, so, so aarrrchh! Could this day get any worse?

“Hey there, heard from Vi what's going down, and I thought, maybe you'd like to practise with me?"

Ekko's face is suddenly close, and his hands are over hers. At the feeling, she stops digging her nails into her palm.

She wants to curl in herself and, at the same time, unravel. Ekko's suggestion to practice does sound like a good idea, and spending some more time with him is always good. Maybe when they're done, they could go by Jericho's again.

“Come on, let's go catch some wind currents.” How could she say no to that grin? With a laugh and just before he shifts “Catch me if you can.” he pulls her along. Oh, he wants to play chase? It's on.

She’d always been a klutz, tripping over things that were barely there, her inventions failing, always somehow causing an accident. It ate at her even if Ekko told her there was nothing wrong with her, and Vander and Vi told her she just needed to grow into herself. She still feared she'd never improve.

But here she was, at neckbreak speed chasing Ekko, weaving over and between the many interwoven buildings of Zaun, catching wind currents and seamless gliding. This was fun. This was freedom. She gave into this game they'd created wholly.

Flying had come to her with ease, driven that first time by an urge to get away. Now, it was driven by how free she felt. But she'd remained just that bit cautious. Long dive drops, narrow passages, and sharp turns, her mind supplied her all the reasons she wouldn't be able to do them. She didn't even notice these obstacles, the thrill of chasing Ekko's graceful form rushing through her.

That was until she saw Ekko tilt sideways, suddenly parallel between two walls of a very, very narrow passage.

She lets out a panicked kaw as she gets close, he's almost through, and she has no option but to try or crash. So she does, heart rising to her throat, adrenaline kicking in as she dives between the walls. Breaking through on the other side with an upward swoop, she crashed into him and sent them tumbling to the nearest roof as they shifted back.

Are you ok? She blurted out. She'd never forgive herself if she hurt him.

“Woooo! Look what you did. You caught me, Blue!” She did, didn't she? And then the other bit registers. Blue, she likes that, her still stunned mind supplies. Does that mean she's his favourite?

At that, she realises just how they've landed. It sent blood rushing to her cheeks and thinking that the day could not only get better but exponentially better.

She's leaning over him, one of her knees between his legs, and they're almost nose to nose. Should she lean in just that inch closer? Their breaths mix, and he's not moving away either. It would be so easy, and she wants very much.

“You worried?” The question snapping her back to reality. “Don't be, you were awesome, all sleek and fast, and that dive!” It's hard not to give in to the ego boost, and then he adds the cherry on top. “If you win, you can pet me as long as you like."

She's stunned for a moment before she lets the addicting feeling of just going with the flow take her. “As you are?"

“I ment as an owl!!!”

“Isn't that more of a prize for you?” She giggled. It's a pity she can't really see his blush. He looks adorably bashful.

Were either one really sure of what they were doing anymore? No. Was the likely answer, but she really didn't mind, and neither did he, she thought. Later, she decided, this may well be her new favourite game. Could it be his, too?

…

Vi had gone all out. Up on the roof of the Last Drop, she'd painted the start and finish line, two long rods with a strand of colourful flags between them. Claggor and Ekko had taken a seat on the edge of the roof.

She wondered if she really should do this. If it went wrong, Mylo would never shut up. Her lip stings a bit as she realises she's been biting it. Ekko turns around at that and gives her encouraging thumbs up. Does he have a sixth sense for her worry?

As Powder lets his grin distract her, she feels Vi put her hands on her shoulders and look her in the eye.

“Ok, I know I kind forced this, but I think it'll be fun and I do think you got this, Mylo's cocky, sure he can run through the narrow passages but he ain't got half your grace and he can hold his breath till he chokes but he is just that bit slower.” It's a whole spiel, but if Ekko and Vi believe in her, she could try, right?

It's at that moment Mylo starts pestering her again. “Readly to jinx yourself?” That's all it takes for that spark to ignite again “You wish! You get jinxed!” If he wanted to keep calling her that, she'd twist it back. Vi doesn't leave much time for bickering, calling them to the start line. "Alright! Follow the flags, up to the Entresol and back here. On your marks!” With that, her sister waves the flag.

Vi had made a proper obstacle course of it. Plenty of drops and narrow alleys where Mylo could run, but she can dive now, and then the stretch to the higher level has him straining. And Vi was right, when flying, she is that little bit faster even if her speed bursts are less explosive. It's exhilarating.

The last stretch back one final narrow alleyway. Powder remembers her rush when she'd chased Ekko. Would he be by the finish line to catch her? Mylo hits the ground running and she dive bombs through, and just in front of Mylo, where he needs to take off, just when there's room to spread their wings again she rises ahead and straight under the row of flags.

Ekko's standing there and sod it, she's too happy to care, just over the line she shifts mid air and tackles him with her victory hug. She did it, she did it! He spins her, and oh, what a rush in all the senses of the word.

...

Vander opens the door to the roof with a tray of drinks and lets out a sigh. He's not quite sure what triggered all of this. But they were having fun, except Mylo, who, by the looks of it, was entering a massive sulk.

He wondered briefly if it was ok to just be done with your children and their shenanigans occasionally.

“Better luck next time, Mylo, and you might, just might, want to consider this a lesson. Who was out practising, and who was out boasting, hmm?” With that, Vander sets a drink down and pats Mylo's shoulder consolingly.

Thank you for the promt @letters-to-rosie hope you like it.

[telleroftime]

This is me projecting but...

Yknow how lightning storms can happen with volcanic activity? Well, imagine a reader who's terrified of storms, just the clap of thunder makes them slip into panic, it paralyzes them, living in the castle when one of the Koopa Kingdom's regular storms hit.

Just how would Bowser react to that?

This was perfect timing because I actually started answering this during a thunderstorm where there was lightning every other second (not at all what I'm used to). Probably would have gotten this out sooner if I wasn't writing on data at the time.

Anyways! Angst my beloved -

Bowser isn't one to fear things. He never has been. He's always the source of the fear. From scaring people just to get his way, to moments when fear was truthfully not his intention, he knows he's frightening. It's why he was so enamoured by you. You were never really afraid of him. Sure, you had flinched away occasionally, but anyone startled would do so. You weren't afraid of him.

You were also not afraid of his kingdom and you voiced just that. The Koopa Kingdom? Beautiful? Bowser was certain he misheard you when you said it the first time. And the second time. But you meant every word you said and that had his tail wagging for days.

Naturally, you were cautious around fire. Even more so around the lava rivers that replaced where water would normally flow. However, you adapted to his kingdom. You adapted to the Darklands. It was like a second home to you and it made a warmth spread within Bowser's chest every time he thought of it.

So, when a thunderstorm rolls in, something that Bowser is very used to with how 'hostile' of an environment his land offers, he doesn't so much as bat an eye.

You, on the other hand, are handling it so much worse.

You had been planning on getting some work done when the sky turned dark a lot sooner than what you knew of the day-night cycle. It wasn't supposed to be night for a couple of hours still, and yet you were forced to turn on the magic lamps just to see what was in the room. This was certainly new, and checking your watch made no light of what was going on.

You only realised what was happing a moment too late when the sudden pitter-patter of afternoon rain turned to a downpour. It was a sudden whiplash, and the flash of light coming in from the window did little for your already rushing mind.

The thunder that hit next was all too deafening.

It hadn't taken long for your hands to start trembling and your blood ran cold long before the following flashes. The adrenaline followed quick and it set thick within your veins as you rushed out and away from the study.

You had no goal, walking aimlessly through the castle. Your eyes were watery, your vision hazy. Each crash of thunder felt all the more amplified by the wide hallways and corridors.

You never fully register the castle staff looking at you in worry, a few rushing to fetch the king, the rest getting out of your way.

When Bowser does find you he's all but panting. He was told that something was wrong with you and he dropped everything to rush in search of you. You have this twisted sort of smile you're putting up for him - the forced sort to try and ease his worry and achieving the opposite.

You see him talk but you don't quite hear anything. If you had it your way you would force your eyes shut and forget about the storm raging outside. Everything you've seen of thunderstorms - every warning about them in swirling in your mind like the rain pouring outside.

It only takes you flinching at the sound of thunder to let Bowser know what the issue is.

He's not the best at comforting people. He knows that. You know that. He's also never seen you like this. He knows the expression from other people - that fear-stained look that will definitely haunt him in the future. He doesn't know what to do.

Though it's not like he needs to know when you walk up to him and into his embrace. He can feel you quaking against his chest. He can feel your hands shake against his scales.

He would have long since barked orders at the staff staring at you if he wasn't for the fact he wasn't sure whether his booming voice would make it better or worse.

You barely register him picking you up and pulling you into him. You feel his hand cup the side of your face, pulling you that little bit closer. That's when the next snap of thunder is muffled. It's quieter. Between hearing Bowser's heartbeat with one ear against his chest, the other pressed to his hand, and your own shaky breaths, the sound of the storm is quieter.

If only by a little bit.

Bowser gives you time to cry. He hates to see you like this. If he could, he would have ordered the storm to be locked up in the dungeons. Of course, he's smarter than that.

It doesn't stop him from grumbling at it.

He's never hated the thunderstorms as much as he does now.

When you do eventually calm down, almost parallel to the storm's own quieting, Bowser will make sure you have fully calmed down.

Naturally, he wouldn't trust your own judgement. If you say that you are okay he will not believe it. He will not allow you out of his sight until a day after the storm. He'd nuzzle into you, huff and puff to get your expression to lighten. Anything to hear you laugh and that much more to ease the marks of worry from your face.

He'd disregard his duties if he had to, and he'd spend hours simply covering your ears and sheltering you from the thunderstorm.

Bonus headacanon:

I feel like Bowser wouldn't be that good at comforting, but he's be exceptional at distracting. He'd take you to the deepest part of the castle where the noise of thunder barely reaches and sit you there. He'd drag his piano if he had to. He'd sing for you. He'd play for you. He'd do anything to keep your mind from the storm.

And a final little tidbit because I love science and this counts as science:

Lightning near volcanoes tends to happen exclusively during eruptions, at least that's the most common form of it. With the Darklands being covered and - well - dark, I like to interpret that as pillars of eruption clouds layered over the sky. With the geography being how it is, lava rivers constantly in a molten state, I don't doubt the Koopa Kingdom experiences multiple eruptions a day. I love interpreting the thunderstorms coming from a collection of volcanoes errupting, sending waves of static-filled clouds in the form of potent thunderstorms.

(Also, fantasy aside, a fun fact about eruptions is that right before they happen - as volcanoes release moisture and ash into the air - there's a chance of mud rain which I love to assume is the Koopa Kingdom's version of hail. Well, that's not to say they wouldn't experience hailstorms, because they would. Those happen too.)

Apologies for the very messy answer to the ask. I know full well I changed tenses a few times within this post. I'm too tired to edit this at the moment and I don't want to reread it. I will later, maybe.

[themysticsword]

Genshin Impact Review

I've been playing this game for quite a while now, so I figured I might as well write down my thoughts so far, and dissipate some false assumptions about it.

Core Gameplay - pretty good, but not for everyone

It's a rather casual game, mostly limited by the fact that it's available on mobile, so they have to sacrifice some potential gameplay complexity to avoid making the mobile controls a mess.

The main things you do in the game aside from advancing through the story are exploration and fighting.

The exploration aspect is nice. Just check out every corner of the world and collect all kinds of things, all while admiring beautiful scenery and listening to calming overworld music, and get rewarded for it. (Or 100% an entire region just for the sake of it. I personally didn't even care for the rewards. I just wanted the funny number to go up.)

The combat system is interesting. You have a party of 4 characters that you can instantly switch between, with only 1 currently active character at a time. Each character has their own element that they inflict on enemies. Inflicting two different elements triggers an Elemental Reaction, with each reaction doing something different, e.g. fire + electricity triggers an AoE explosion, ice + fire triggers "Melt", doubling the damage from the attack that triggered it, water + ice freezes the enemy, and so on. Some of your characters will be more proficient at certain reactions than others, depending on how you build them. Therefore, if you want to get the most out of your party, you should also learn the best order in which to rotate the characters.

Lore and Music - extremely good

I don't want to spoil anything, so I'm not going to say anything about the lore. But it's very good. Trust me. It is kinda meh in the first half of the first region (because that part of the game mostly focuses on getting you acquainted with the game's mechanics), but it does get really good after that.

As for the music, well, I'll just share some of the more underrated tracks to avoid spoiling you on the grand ones.

Character and Party Building - very interesting!

This is an RPG, so, naturally, you are encouraged to make your characters' numbers as high as possible.

Characters have experience level progression, an upgradable Weapon, Talents that can be levelled up, and equippable Artifacts with set bonuses.

Artifact sets have a vast range of effects. Some of the more notable examples include:

Whenever this character heals a party member, a bubble grows near this character and pops in 3 seconds, dealing damage equal to the total amount of healing done

Increases healing by 15%, and whenever you use your Elemental Burst, increases healing by another 20%

Increases Elemental Skill damage by 25%, and by another 25% for the first few seconds after this character enters the field

Weapons have special effects in a similar fashion:

Killing an enemy with this will restore health

Repeated hits will increase damage

Even some crazy stuff like "This weapon will absorb healing equal to 10% of your max HP before you can heal again, but will also increase damage once that heal gate is bypassed"

Or "When you use your skill, a leaf will drop, and any other character that picks up the leaf will gain a stat bonus"

This adds extra layers of complexity to character building. Do you want them to be a very effective healer? Or maybe you want your healer to also deal damage? Do you want a general reliable stat-up on your DPS? Or maybe you want higher but conditional damage?

And it doesn't end there. Once you have decided on what your characters do individually, you put four of them together in one party. The ways you can mix and match various characters into different teams are numerous. And all of that is in addition to the Elemental Reactions system I mentioned earlier.

Daily Energy System - the only thing I hate

Fully building a character will usually take around 1-2 weeks. Not because you have to grind it out every day for 8 hours, but because there's an energy system (think of basically any modern mobile live service game; limited per day, refills over time). This prevents you from farming Domains (basically this game's "dungeons" that drop level-up materials and artifacts) for more than ~15 minutes per day, stretching out the amount of days that you'll spend on fully building a character. You cannot just blitz through it in one day.

However, keep in mind that this energy system affects only Talent/Weapon levelling and Artifact farming. Every other aspect of the game is unaffected by it, and you could, in theory, go through the entire game in one (extremely long) sitting if you wanted.

Gacha - not as bad as people make it out to be

The game does not require you to pay to actually enjoy it. Every character is viable, and the game itself is easy.

You get a lot of free pulls for literally just playing the game. Plus, you are guaranteed a 4-star character every 10 pulls.

I have ~300 unused pulls right now + ~100 pulls I've spent previously and 17 characters I've gotten from them. That amount of characters is more than enough to make 1-2 well-paired teams that you will use for the rest of the game. I have not spent a single dime.

The thing that some people infamously sink money on are 5-star characters. 5-stars have the rarest drop rate, and are only guaranteed once every 90 pulls. They are obviously better than 4-stars, but, remember, 4-stars are just as viable. Think of it like this: 4-stars are good, and 5-stars are extremely good. You don't get an advantage over other players for having a 5-star, because this is a singleplayer game - there's nobody to have an advantage (or a disadvantage) over.

Conclusion

You'll probably enjoy this game if you like a relaxing in-game experience and deep out-of-game character minmaxing. However, if you're expecting Dark Souls-level of difficulty or something, this game may not be for you.

Anyway, if you have any questions, feel free to ask!

[inkrabbit]

How about the ghouls reaction to a reader who is a water Ghoulette w/ a heart condition and she struggles w/ physical activity (even walking) but as of late she has been exercising w/o the ghouls/Copia knowing (because makes the ghouls worry about her) but the ghouls catch her walking/doing pt but she doesn’t notice because she has headphones on. Feel free to say no!

Aether:

Oh boy, the second Aether sees you, he's running over to you in a huff

"Love, what are you doing? Are you okay?"

Don't even think about giving this ghoul any sass after he takes your headphones off because he's already crossing his arms and tapping his foot

He gets it. You want to be independent and do your own thing. But he's also worried

He's doing the routine check with you, hand over your heart and making sure you're breathing properly

Beg him to let you finish and he'll reluctantly agree. But only if you let him accompany you

Mountain:

You know, he didn't think it was you the second he looked over from his plants

You knew the rule Papa had given you: no exercise without supervision just in case something went wrong. So why...?

He trails behind you for a while, letting you walk down path after path through the garden. He'll admit, you're doing very well

It may or may not put his nerves at ease seeing you like this, and it may or may not make him happy. But, he still has orders to obey

"Excuse me, little one. How are you feeling?"

He won't stop you at all. Instead, he'll simply walk by your side, even letting your arms link together. You're doing fine and he's here now. He doesn't have to worry

Rain:

The first time he saw you, he assumed Papa or one of the ghouls was close behind

But then he looked and realized that no one else was behind you and he got scared

"Hey, wait up! You know you shouldn't be exercising alone!"

He's a bundle of nerves by the time he gets to you, his tail wrapped around his leg as he looks you over

Please don't laugh at his worried face. He's very scared that you'll knock yourself into an episode with no one around, and he refuses to lose you

Ask him to accompany you for the rest of your exercise and he'll drop everything to say yes. Your health is the most important thing to him, but so is your happiness

Sodo:

"Didn't Papa give you clear instructions?"

He didn't mean to pop out of nowhere, but what else was he supposed to do? Chase you down?

He's not mad at you. He's mad at the fact that you know you struggle with these things, yet you're ignoring how dangerous it could be. He might be a bit of a jerk, but he's just worried

But he's open to listening to how you feel because he gets it

You don't even have to ask, he'll just fall into step beside you, casually talking like he didn't just have a mini panic attack watching you have a nice little walk on your own

Just make sure you tell him if anything feels off to you. Because if you don't, he's gonna pick up on it through scent, and then he's going to be extra irritated that you tried to keep your mouth shut

Swiss:

Just like Mountain, he's going to follow you for a while

He sees the headphones so he's happily calling out praises to you for doing so well on your own

Okay, honestly, he just doesn't know how to get your attention without startling you and he's worried that you'll go into a panic if he does

So he'll just settle on following behind you, maybe even taking a video or two so he can gush about your progress to the others

He'll wait until you're done before finally approaching you with that warm and excited smile

"I'm so proud of you, lovely! Just... maybe call one of us next time, yeah?"

[geometragic]

Once the mods do February’s activity check (or before the end of March), I’m going to put in a drop for all of my muses (Shibata Katsuie on @geometragic​, Azai Nagamasa on @absurdjustice, and Kato Kiyomasa on @tigerstrategist). Also, I’m cutting down a lot on social media in general for the sake of my mental health, and I’m going to accomplish that in part by leaving Tumblr completely. I’m really thankful for all of my rp partners on here (both indie and in Isola) and the threads I had with all of you ! I just don’t have the time or energy anymore for roleplaying that I had before I started my job, and I don’t want my portrayals of any of my muses to suffer because of it. ^^;

[lovearne]

Glimpses in to suit making with Adrian (GN reader)

Warnings: blood, fluff, mentions of fighting

Word count: 2.2K

I had this thought the other day and was encouraged to write about it. So I hope you enjoy!!

You were always most tired after a long night with him. The noises and feelings overstimulating you all night. So much so that you wake up later in the morning than you usually do. Game night is always the hardest on your body. It can range from a innocent adn competitive card game, all the way to just dance. And Adrian puts his whole soul into the discography to the songs on it. Sore muscles with dull aches aways greet you after an amazing date night with him.

So when opening your eyes that morning, it wasn't a big surprise when he was already up and out of bed, going on about his day, being his busy bodied self. Even though it is your rare day off together. You could always ask him to cuddle.

Adrian standing inside the bathroom staring at himself in the mirror isn't a scary thing, you are used to his behavior by now. The part that makes you jump is the dark ski mask on his face, making him appear as a cat burglar. As he jumps, you realize you scared him quite a bot as well, reaching up and tearing the ski mask off his face.

"Y/n! I wasn't just checking out how hot I'd look in my ski gear" He gets out nervously. You giggle at his panic, "baby, you are always hot, now you'd be able to see yourself better with your glasses, put your mask back on and wear your glasses."

He does as you ask, adjusting the mask so the opening is wide enough. "I have never been more uncomfortable, well maybe that time I walked in my parents bedroom and they were having sex but spent an hour explaining to me that they were just wrestling." Adrian take his glasses off, placing them in your hand.

You just smile, leaning up to kiss the exposed bridge of his nose. You hum in thought, "We will just have to find an alternative, can't have you running around half blind, you'll hit all the trees." Adrian makes a cartoon eske face. Scrunched his face up and his lips all spread. You are unable to hold your laugh as you look at him. He looks at you with admiration, the fact he brings you joy making his heart sing.

You lean into his chest, giggling harder. Adrian swears his heart echos at that moment. He knows he has to keep his nighlty activities far away from touching you. He can't risk you ever getting caught in the crossfire. His arms are around you, one hand on your lower back, and the other between your shoulder blades.

"Now may you take that mask off and come back to bed so we can cuddle?" Adrian doesn't answer back, he just pulls you closer into him.

Coming home from work a week later, you find Adrian home and cooking dinner. Pushing some food around in a pan with a spatula. Walking up behind him and wrapping your arms around his waist, after dropping your go bag on the ground. You press your head against his shoulder, just feeling his presence after a stressful day.

"Hey, I'm making your favorite, Thursdays are always your worst days." Adrian, always so sweet, he never forgets a thing you tell him. He is truly your best friend, in every way. You lean up to kiss the back of his neck, tightens your arms for leverage. "Why are you always so sweet on me? Rhetorical question handsome." He hums and moves his arms a little. "Babe, if you don't want me to burn your bad day dinner, your gonna have to let me go." You giggle and release your hold on him.

Grabbing cutlery, you make your way to the table, to set it for dinner. "Hey baby, why is my grandma sewing machine out?" On the far side of the table, your old sewing machine is sat with various clumps of clothing. You double check to ensure it's unplugged before arranging your dining ware onto the table. Adrian, like yourself, quickly forgets about small tasks like unplugging things, no harm as long as one of you makes sure the task is done.

You hear him let out a breath, getting all excited for a second. "Oh yeah! I got that out today, I was watching some videos on how to properly sew a shirt. I think I've gotten a good grasp on it, well kinda." You laugh a little, "Well looks like you've found out how to thread the needle, that's farther than I've gotten without help. And this stitch work is beautiful, baby!"

Now plating up your dinner he smiles largely. "Thank you! I was sewing with your regular needles, but I kept poking myself and the fabric isn't the same colour as my blood, so I cleaned up the sewing machine and figured it out."

He sits now, a proud look on his face, loving the praise you've just given him. "Well either way, it's going to look amazing handsome. Is there a reason you wanted to make a shirt?" He squirms in his seat a little, his face pulling into one of discomfort and nervousness. You place your hand on his, and gently rub your thumb along it, a soothing gesture.

"I just think it's really cool to be self sustained. Like if I can make us our shirts? Then you'd be wearing something made by your best friend, and I'd be able to make them with the materials I like. You know I hate tags and seams." You smile at his reasoning, "I'd proudly wear anything my best friend, and love of my life make for me. And I think that's a really good idea baby, do you need help measuring yourself? I have some soft body tape measures in my nightstand, after dinner I could take your measurements and you could have clothing tailored to yourself."

The look Adrian gives you in that sentence is one you challenge yourself to see at least three times a week, if not then three times a day. He looks awestruck at you, as if you are the first thing he's seeing. "I'll take that as a yes, just to warn you, pants measuring is gonna feel odd. I will explain anything that I am doing to you tho." He nods, and the conversation leads to stitch patterns he's learned. And even though you've learned most of them already, you pay attention to what he's saying and let him explain everything to you.

Most nights you feel Adrian leave your bed. But he's always been restless, most nights he would get up, make some noise, and then sounds would fade away as you drift back off. Eventually you'd feel him slip back into bed, and give you a kiss on the forehead, holding you as he warms you back up, his side of the bed being frosty.

Tonight, that's not the case. When he left bed, you fell back asleep like normal. But later into the night, maybe 3 am, you head clashing and banging. You hear what sounds like falling as well. You are out of bed in record time, grabbing your baseball bat on the way. Ready to smash whoever the fuck has broken in and is fighting Adrian. Sneaking out into the kitchen, you prepare to swing, rounding the corner, the noises get louder. As you were about to swing at the dark figure at your sink, he turns his head to look at you. Adrian frozen still, he's dawning a suit, not like a tuxedo, but a suit that looks like superman's. Skin tight all over, except it has rips and you can see gouges and scratches all over his body. As well as, through his ski mask he is holding a wet towel to his head. "It's not what it looks like I promise you, I definetly don't sneak out to fight and kill bad guys, Y/n I promise you." Adrian is rapid firing excuses, and explanations, but for once you aren't listening to your boyfriends rambling.

Instead you are moving towards him. Reaching for the towel he's holding. And softly grasping the bottom of his mask. Gently pulling it over his head. Revealing a nasty black eye, a split lip, and a cut along his cheek, and one on his nose. "Oh baby" you hold his face in your hands, "what happened to you?"

Adrian was expecting anger, or disappointment, maybe even disgust. But you weren't one to judge him, never. So instead, Adrian only experienced your whole hearted Concern and affection. You didn't care he was wearing a crime fighting suit, you didn't care that he was dripping blood on your expensive-ish rug. You oy cared about him, how he git injured and helping him.

He starts to get a little lightheaded and stumbles, you support him with your body, "Oh my gosh, baby I'm so sorry, are you ok? Let's get you over on the couch. I'm gonna go grab my first aid kit." As Adrian sits there on the couch he just basks in your love.

You give him all your love, in the purest ways, and everytime he realises it, it blows him away. Making your way back to him, you help him out of his suit, so he's just sat in his underwear. "OK Adrian, I'm gonna start to check your wounds, just to see if any need stitches, let me know if anything hurts, ok?" You poke at his skin, looking for anywhere you can feel blood, or cuts.

He has a stab wound on his right hip. Somebody stabbed Adrian. What the fuck happened. And who did this?

"I know you found the stab place. Don't worry, I killed him. He won't be trying to find me anymore." You smile slightly at Adrian's attempt to comfort you. He's never been amazing at reading the mood of the room. But with you he's more observant.

He tries his best to read your emotions and tone. You adopted tone indicators, talking to and around Adrian. You understand the inability to read tone, you yourself having troubles with it. It makes life that much easier for the both of you.

Adrian doesn't really joke around much, but when he does, he lets you know, mostly by his laugh, or he will say this is a joke, before telling you something.

The fact that he murdered someone slips your mind, easily forgotten, in favor of taking care of your baby. Opening your first aid kit and patching him up, all he can do is stare at you. The amount of concentration on your face as you clean up his various wounds. Your tongue poking out a little as you wipe some polysporin onto surface scrapes.

When you finish bandaging his shallow stab wound, you lick your lips and look up at him. "I've seen you fight Gut, and Chris. Baby you aren't sloppy enough to get hit this many times. What's going on?" He looks panicked, shocked you figured it out. He opens his mouth, probably to deny any part he had in fighting. "Adrian, you really think I don't know you well enough, that I know you definitely were out there, fighting somebody? Or multiple somebody's." He just looks right at you. His jaw hanging open. You run your hands through his hair, scratching his scalp as a comforting gesture, he closes his eyes leaning into your touch.

Adrian's always acted like a cat in your view. You had been friends with him for a long time before developing into more. You were best friends, and still are. No matter how much he loves peacemaker, he loves you even harder. He'd choose you over most.

You study his face as you massage his scalp, bringing him down from what must've been an exciting night. He is almost completely jelly in your hands.

He clears his throat, "they had the advantage, I couldn't wear my glasses, and you know I hate the contacts!" He defends himself, trying to gather his thoughts further. You bring and hand to his chin and tilt his head up. "Alright, how about we make you a better suit. Find you a visor to fit over your glasses, and order a few more pairs of glasses too. Just in case?" He nods solemnly.

Together you sit and draw out your plan for his suit. There are things you will draw that he will correct. And there are things he will draw that you will correct. Adrian swears this is the 100th time that he's fallen in love with you. He keeps falling over and over, his heart is soaring with the love he feels from you. And the absolute adoration he has for you.

Tag

@flynnisavampire @neptuneswritingwork

[gildedmuse]

Hey, everyone.

So recently I've (predictably) very not well. Actually, whenever I don't post for long periods, just assume my body is trying to kill me. But I've gotten messages from three people asking if I. Okay, which is super sweet. I am actually trying to work on the next All Hearts, a really long ZoLaw post and two request fics, but mixing chronic kidney pain and capitalist society's mandate to work 40+ hours is not recommended.

But to prove I'm okay and still me, here is some Shanks antics with him being a total slut while Mihawk and Beckman just roll their eyes and go along with it. [Shout out to @jhaernyl who not only listens to me ramble about this stuff, but actively encourages it]. I also have many thoughts on the latest episodes and so many screenshots it's embarrassing. Hopefully, when I'm in less pain, I'll get around to actually posting those. Otherwise I just look like an insane person who literally takes by the second frame shots every time Zoro is on screen.

.... What is that? I look like that anyway? Fair.

Shanks Is A Bad Influence

It feels like Buggy and Shanks split up after Roger's death (the crew was told to, and they are the only ones who went to his execution) and I find it impossible to think Shanks didn't immediately set out and find a crew; like, pirating is the only thing this kid knows in life. This means two things:

He set out from East Blue. Also, he seemed at ease and familiar with the East so it's possible he spent like a year there getting everything together. Maybe he even played around in the other blues for a while before heading back to the Grand Line. I say this because his crew is from all over so either he found and recruited them in the Grand Line or visited various blues. Either way, I'm gonna say it took him about two years before getting a 'proper' start. In that case, he would have started out properly at the age of 17 and we know One Piece likes it's parallels.

That still puts Shanks at 17 to Benn Beckmen's 28. How the fuck did Shanks manage that? I'd call it grave robbing, but let's face it, the little tyke probably got up to some actual robbing of graves as well.

My point being everytime Shanks teases Mihawk about keeping this 19 year old kid on his personal island, mostly shirtless, Benn Beckmen just lifts an eyebrow.

Excuse me, captain, who had prefected the 'opps still don't have my sea legs' trip-and-fall into their first mates lap by the age of 17?

Shanks: Beckmen, you caught me! *Shamelessly nuzzles up* Thank goodness! I could be a devil's fruit user after all and - Ahh!

Benn: *Drops Shanks straight over the side of the ship into the water*

Shanks: *Sputtering* What what that!?

Benn: Checking to see if you had eaten a devil's fruit on us, Capatin.

Benn: You didn't.

Smart ass. But he can't resist Shanks forever. Shanks will wear him down eventually.

Next time Mihawk tracks him down for another match - because you know he gets bored way quicker than he'll ever admit and Shanks is at least amusing a challenge - Shanks makes a big deal out of how Mihawk follows him around, "accidentally" revealing they slept together, sighing about how it's so hard to resist him.

Benn Beckmen is just leaning against the side of the ship, sipping his booze.

Shanks: -and I can't stay for hours like last time!!

Mihawk: Are you quite done?

Shanks: *whispering* Does Benn look jealous?

Mihawk: He looks bored. Much like I am. Is this some strange attempt to get out of my challenge, Akagami?

Shanks: What? No, come on I told you I was game. But, hey, could you do me a favor? Maybe like try and kiss me or something? Like take a swing like your going to hit me but then stop shot and grab me by the waist instead.

Mihawk: .... Trickery is beneath you. Besides, you're absolute rubbish at it.

Shanks: Oh, come on, I would totally help you get laid if you asked!

Mihawk: .... *Sigh* I want a proper match afterwards.

Mihawk: *In a forced, monotone voice* After this I will take you to my lair and have my way with you, Akagami.

Mihawk: ... My lair? Really?

Shanks: *Holding up cue card with quickly scribbled line* What? That is how you talk.

Mihawk: I can't believe I wasted precious hours of light tracking you to this atrociously rural port.

Shanks: See? Now, read the next one.

Benn: Captain? If this is going to take all night, I am going to go join the rest of the men in the tavern.

Shanks: Huh? Wait! Benn! What if Miha really stabs me this time!?

Benn: *Salutes Shanks with his bottle* Sounds like that is his plan captain. Have a good 'challenge'.

Shanks: What? No... *Reaching out hand, like he might die if Benn leaves, looking completely devastated* Not even a little jealous...

Mihawk: You couldn't have thought that pantomime would actually work.

Shanks: Benny, don't leave me.... *Turns to Mihawk, immediately brightening* Oh, well, there's always tomorrow. Hey, Miha, guess whose free all night and horny as a pirate in the calm belt?

Mihawk: .... *Sigh* Very well.

Mihawk might as well get something for the trip he made. Although, he's reconsidering if the sex was actually worth the trouble after he ends up listening to Shanks worry half the night that Benn is shacking up with someone else (after a couple hours of rough and raw fucking, admittedly).

Is it the hat? He likes his captain's hat. Miha, you think his captain's hat is sexy, don't you?

Mihawk: It's utterly ridiculous.

Shanks: ....

Shanks: ....

Shanks: *Smile* Ahh, Miha, I knew you liked the hat!

Shanks: What do you old Northerns find sexy?

Mihawk: I am only four years older than you.

Mihawk: And silence.

Trying to convince Mihawk to go spy on Beckman for him. Shanks doesn't actually care if he does sleep with someone else, it's more that Beckman didn't immediately turn angry and jealous like Buggy would have that has him paranoid.

Mihawk is going to fuck this annoying red head again just to shut him up.

Mihawk: Maybe he doesn't like red haired boys who don't know when to be quiet?

The next morning Shanks is pacing among his poor crew that's gotten stuck listening to Shanks obsess about Beckman again. IS IT REALLY THE HAIR!?

It's not even a matter of Shanks's age (or obvious immaturity). I mean, Beckman got on board and stayed, didn't he? Beckman just enjoys watching Shanks try so hard to get his attention. Like Benn's attention isn't constantly on Shanks. He had to when his captain is always one step away from disaster.

He only left him with Mihawk because it was clear Dracule is not a real danger to Beckman's captain.

Except maybe insulting him to death. But Beckman is pretty sure Shanks can handle it. He's met Buggy. He's suspects Shanks LIKES it if anything.

It gets to the point where when they dock somewhere and see Mihawk waiting, or come back to the ship and spot his familiar silhouette, most of the crew goes off somewhere for another drink (sometimes the newer kids will stay to watch such an awesome fight, everyone else is like... Look, you'll have plenty of opportunities later. This is not a one off.)

Benn just takes a look around, nods to Mihawk (a silent signal for, "he's all yours, do with him as you please, if anything happens to him I will track you down and make sure your last few hours on this blue world are as painful as humanly possible") and heads off.

Oh, it's just the Hawk boy.

That's fine then.

Benn use to be a sailor on a trade ship between the North, East, West and Grand Line. He's seen it all.

They called him The Gun Slinger BEFORE he joined Shanks's crew and became a pirate.

So this young, broke ass kid from the streets of some near artic northern island trying to pass himself off as a Lower North rich type has a thing for his captain? Not really enough to keep Beckman up at night, no matter how good at swords he's supposed to be

Besides, he's pretty sure for the kid to keep tracking down Shanks, he must be bored out of his skull. He's not going to do anything to endanger their captain.

Not if Shanks is the only thing he can find to keep him entertained.

One day, Mihawk is going to be waiting on the dock when a bunch of Red Haired pirates are stumbling home, laughing and chattering amongst themselves (Shanks's crew always seems to be in a good mood). One of them will catch sight if Mihawk and walk by with a smile, patting him on the shoulder.

The captain's occupied. Seems likely he'll be 'occupied' for a good while, too.

Mihawk won't smile, but he will think "So you finally warmed him up to you, Akagami?" and snort lightly.

Poor Benn, though. Mihawk could never imagine being with someone so much younger than him. Shanks is only four years his junior and already it strains Mihawk to put up with his occasional moments of "youthful whimsy" (aka being an annoying, immature child)

"A young, cocky pirate with strangely colored bright hair"

Mihawk just putting that on his Not To Do List.

That lasted until Roronoa.

(Mihawk just looking at Zoro knowing this is bad news.)

Mihawk: *Takes list from Benn*

*Cross out, scribbles*

*Hands back to Benn*

Do Not Do:

- A young, cocky pirate with strangely colored bright hair a silly hat, who is overly dramatic and in any way, shape or form related to Gol D Rogers.

Ace: Hey what's up?

Mihawk: *Takes list from Benn*

Go ahead, Benn, laugh it up. Mihawk is aware he has a type. Young, pretty, and utterly insane.

After that night where Shanks was otherwise 'occupied', it's over six months before Mihawk sees his friend his rival again. He is, as expected, far too smug and proud looking.

Shanks: Oh, Miha, so sorry you came all this way, I'm-

Benn: Well, I'm off, captain.

Shanks: What!? But we, you, I... Benn, hessoeexyarentyouworriedforyourcaptain?

Benn: *patting Mihawk on the shoulder* Have fun with him. Don't forget to return him by noon tomorrow, we have a schedule. Oh, but if you can babysit him for at least four hours? That would be great.

Shanks: BABYSIT!?

Mihawk: I suppose I can be troubled to do so.

Shanks: TROUBLED!?

Benn: Thanks, Hawkeyes. I owe you.

Shanks: *Fake tears clinging to his lashes* You two are so mean!

No, don't feel bad for him. Shanks is just trying to guilt the two of them into bed at the same time, and they both know it.

Thanks no thanks, they're not into that. But Shanks can be pretty cute when he's trying so hard (Benn) and at least he's not as boring as everything else in this world (Mihawk) so they allow him to keep up the act

Shanks: *looking at Zoro's wanted poster over Mihawk's shoulder* But I feel like you'd gladly go to bed with him and his captain if he asked. That doesn't seem fair to me. You'd never go that far with me and Benn.

Mihawk: *Eyes Benn*

Mihawk: *DEAD. ONLY.*

Mihawk: I have my reasons.

They can and do agree on plenty of things, including reciprocally not being that attracted to each other.

Shanks: Sounds fake to me

Shanks: But guys!

Shanks: This isn't about you

He's gonna need you guys to drop the egos and focus on what HE wants. I.E., being in the middle of two sexy Northern men.

Honestly, so mean to poor Shanks!

[sanghyukstattoos]

SF9's reaction: first time over at theirs, accidentally leak

Warnings: mentions of blood, medicine (tablets)

A/N: None of the images in the collage are mine, refer to here for more; For more SF9, read here, for iKON, read here and for optional bias writings, read here

Safe and happy reading everyone!

Youngbin:

Partly anxious, partly thinks he knows what to do

He has a vague idea of what he should do, it presents itself to his decisions in the form of a solution but he isn't sure, is it what he is supposed to do? Suppose you have been asleep when he found out about your period, he will softly climb back into bed and wake you up. He'll hold you as and when you wake up and he finds it important to cuddle you all day long, even when he suggests that you watch something to distract yourself. He'll try to engage you in doing something like cooking as well but when he see that it doesn't work, he'll tell you that it's okay and pull you to the sofa where the two of you will spend the time either watching the tv or not but in each other's arms. You may go on a walk because he insists on getting fresh air and it's reliving, to feel the wind breeze through your hair, away from the growing stuffiness of staying indoors all day long.

Inseong:

''Oh, she must be in pain, what do I do?''

He may wake up because of your whimpers and heated body (you feel warm to the touch, much more than usual) so he wakes you up, giving you a detailed report of the blood stains and your probably high body temperature. He's freaking out which is cute before you sigh. The previous evening you felt your pms but when would it actually come? That was your question. Nevertheless, he leaves you to freshen up and takes the sheets for cleaning. He has some tricks up his sleeve; he knows that to do. When you come out, maybe hug him from the pain, his heart will squeeze like a towel filled with water, he'll press kisses on your face and give you gently words of support, ''You're doing so well. You want to lay down? I'll lay down with you, come.'' as he tugs you along. If you feel more active, he'll try his best to cook, as in, he'll give in his ultimate best. Extra effort so that you can eat food at home rather than from outside, it will taste good in the end because he would have followed the recipe and it's measurements to the t. Shining eyes should be following your movements when you taste his food, anxiously waiting for your response. Should you feed him, he'll melt, like a marshmallow. He loves you that much.

Jaeyoon:

Jaeyoon's a sweet heart

He'll ask you, ''Are you cramping?''. His voice is soft, almost down to a whisper. It draws you closer to him. You nod, pout whilst holding your lower tummy. You feel uncomfortable standing because of the pain, he knows it and draws you into his arms, holding you steady on your feet. He gives you little kisses on the cheek, teasing out giggles from you. He'll cook for you, maybe pancakes or avocado with fried eggs on toasted bread, whatever you want + as long as he is capable of making it, he may even surprise you! When you are eating, he'll give you company, his chin will rest in the palms of his hand and he'll give you this look where his eyes shine and the pads of his fingers drum on his cheek. He'll melt if you feed him, into a puddle his true form has been summoned. He'll make you smile, partly because of his cheeky jokes but also partly because of his own smile, lit cheeks that resemble a baking bun. He'll tell you not to apologise for the stained sheets, kissing your concern away. He'll join heads with you and figure out to do with it. The rest of the day, he'll spend it with you by taking you into his arms. Be prepared, fluff! passionate-driven! domestic husband! Jaeyoon is out to cuddle you!

Dawon I Lee Sanghyuk:

🥺🥺

He may wake up to your groans of pain, too disorientated at first to comprehend that you may be pms-ing so he'll go back to sleep. When he wakes up later on, the first thing he may say is, ''Shit.'', biting his lip but not yet thinking of a solution. He'll first check up on you, to see if you are still asleep or not. If you are, he'll let you you be and sit back with his mouth agape, wondering how this could happen. This may go on for some moments. He doesn't have even half the heart to wake up but if he has to, he will. When you curl up into a foetal ball, his heart will break. After you refresh, he'll rush to sort out a hot bag for you and maybe some tea and cuddle with you on the sofa till you begin to feel hungry (he may wait for when you are ready to make breakfast!). It's because he loves eating and so he'll love to see his significant other too. He knows that you enjoy what you are eating and that makes him happy, so he'll wait!

Rowoon I Kim Seokwoo:

Luxurious level Rowoon 💸💸💸

You may already be up when he wakes up. ''Oh!?!?'' is his voice when he looks at the lil' crime scene you left. You didn't stress about it okay maybe a little but decided to deal with it when he woke up. O-O is his facial expression. He can't believe his eyes. He's scared, he may never be able to un-see it again, ever. To bad for him, slightly better for you. You are already refreshed and not feeling to great, drained even before the day has begun but he's not asking anything, only how you are feeling. You settle in the seat beside him, pressing a kiss to his cheek, he greets you with a kiss back, discussing about your plans for the day. ''About the sheets'', ''It's okay'' he says, noticing your apologetic face, ''We'll throw them out'', ''Okay~ they are your sheets'' you laugh. Otherwise, if he wants to make love to you, your period may briefly hinder his thoughts but not by much, especially if you agree. He undress you in the shower and kiss you all over, to relieve the soreness of your body and fill you up. He would be okay to cock warm, to sit there with you on his lap and talk to you, giggle and laugh with you, occasionally cutting you off by giving you love-bites and sucking your nipples, nipping the area around them, if you find yourself comfortable with cock warming.

Zuho I Baek Juho:

Home-man Ju, never-leaving-his-cats Ju

But for you, it'll happen. You may have not brought pads or tampons with you because your schedule is hay-wire. If no and you have some then problem solved but if not, he'll leave you with a hot bag and run to the nearest store to buy you some pads. He'll hurry, knowing that you are in pain so he'll even say to his cats before he goes, ''Be good and take care of y/n for me okay?''. You have half a mind to chuckle at this adorable behaviour. In his pyjamas and slippers, he'll walk out, coming back with pads/tampons and food! Food! What's not there to love about this man? He'll bring your favourite snacks, putting them on a plate while you freshen up. If you borrow his clothes, you'll take his breath away. He'll put something on to watch or go out, like an amusement park or food stalls or wherever you would love to go. He wants you to feel better.

Yoo Taeyang:

Shocked or master level response

The first would be more appropriate for this man no? But I can't also help but think that he would see you in pain and move quickly. Without thinking of a plan or immediate solution, he would try to use what he has, a resourceful character is my point. He may rummage through the kitchen and medicine cabinets, standing there for two to three minutes, pondering over what he could use. He is quick to find a heat bag and warm it up, perhaps a wet towel that he thinks he will come back to and tablets for your pain. No doubt that his once blurry eyes and tired mind have disappeared to the back, your peacefulness of mind and sleep becomes his first priority. He takes you to the toilet and while you hazily strip off your clothes, he warms up the water and fills the tub with it. While you soak, cleaning yourself up, he lets you be, giving you the space you need to take a while and gather your peace of mind. There's a lot he would do for you. In the morning, he would cook for you and take you out. Later in the afternoon, you'll fall asleep together and in the evening, if you both are in the mood, he'll be willing to try and ease your cramps with releases. He's someone to be grateful for.

Hwiyoung I Kim Youngkyun:

Shy, to the bone

You knock on his door, ''Kyun?'', ''hm? You okay?'', he is curious. ''Yea, I'm going to the store and coming back.'', ''It's pitch black outside, I'll come with you.'', ''okay'', it's dangerous outside, anyone could be there. Just left the complex, he asks, ''What do you need?'', ''Tampons'', ''oh.'', he's flustered now. The tips of his ears turn pink and his cheeks- he can't resist them from going upwards. After scratching the tip of his ear, he asks, ''Does it hurt?'', ''hm, I can feel it, it's hurts a little but later it may hurt a lot.'', ''As in, unbearably?'', ''Yea and I think that I may have already leaked.''. ''Shit'' he murmurs, stopping in the middle of the sidewalk, ''If you want, you could go home and I could get them?'', he asks, in all seriousness. He doesn't contemplate that he's never done this before but he could, for you. ''It's okay, I think I can make it. Plus, you won't know what to get.'', ''Call me, ''Are you sure about this?'', ''Absolutely, I'll drop you off and then I'll pick them up, do you want something to eat?''. The endeavours make you smile, now you are at the front of his house, ''Anything is okay with me.'' to which he chuckles. He knows what you want, ''So some snacks?'', in a teasing manner. He moves closer to you. It's a pause from the outside world, cupping your face entirely in his hands, he kisses your cheek. You softly gasp, slipping into his grasp when he lets go. You could smell his shampoo and the way he lingered, he's already telling you, ''Go up, I'll come to you.'' having you shake you head and tell him, ''thank you.''. As he begins to walk, he resists turning back and pulling you into a kiss driven by heat-blinding passion.

I guarantee that the kiss doesn't happen for sometime but when it does, you end up making soft love under the covers. He starts with mapping out kisses along your body + he loves how you touch him when he kisses you.

Chani:

Loving and admirable

When he sees you in pain, he hurts too, expressed as a pout or frown, tugging your hand and asking if you are okay. He wants to make your pain go away. He may be doing some work on his laptop, he'll hold you in his arms with your head on his chest and you softly snoring away. It'll make him smile, after all you were woken up so early in the morning by your cramps, waking him up to a few hours later to find that you made breakfast. It depends on who wakes up, one or the other makes breakfast after a long competition of seeing who can sleep the longest. He feels grateful and he tells you that, before saying that you shouldn't have when you felt this much pain and that he was okay with eating outside food. You have to smile and place a finger to his mouth to prevent his nagging from chewing your ears off and give him a little kiss and then immediately pull him for cuddles. Complain about how you are in pain and he will melt like a lolly on a hot summer day and instantly cuddle you, hovering over your figure that he placed on the sofa and tease you, maybe by feeling your waist to your neck to a small make-out session. It'll be automatic for him to compliment you and shower you with love, easily embracing you and kissing you to tell you that he loves you.

[a-pretty-nerd]

Tomura Shigaraki x AllMight!Daughter!Reader

Chapter 10

Premis:

When The League of Villains discovers that AllMight has a daughter, they are quick to snatch you up and hold you hostage. Shigaraki had a careful and thought out plan, but that was before you got there. Now you’re in the mood for some not-so-healthy rebellion.

A/N:

I hope you guys like this chapter! If you wanna support me further and hang out, check out my Patreon for more of my content and my discord!

Word count: 1,818

Warnings: Minor violence

Chapter 9 Chapter 11

Loud announcement after loud announcement blasted from the speakers as the police spoke. Repeating the same few sentences over and over again. His stomach turned as anxiety took hold of him. Izuku Midoriya stood nearly a block away from the scene as he watched. He and Bakugou were given orders to sit on the perimeter and wait in case they were needed. Having experienced The League before, their assistance was helpful. But everyone was hoping it wouldn't be needed. For now, everyone's top priority was you. Bakugou huffed in frustration, folding his arms across his chest as he watched.

"I don't get it. We should just round them up while we still can. If we don't act fast, they'll slip out of our hands again." He growled.

"Arrest isn't our top priority right now. The hostage's safety is. We can't risk any harm coming to her. You know that." Midoriya answered. The blonde scoffed and spoke again after a long pause.

"I still can't believe it."

"Believe what?"

"That he has a daughter. You'd think he would have mentioned something like that by now. After all these years. Especially one with such a strong quirk."

"Yeah...I don't have kids of my own so, I don't know much about that but...It's odd isn't it? That he never mentioned her. Not even to us." Bakugou thought for a moment.

"Maybe it was the mom. Maybe she kept it that way. We don't know much about her."

"No...that doesn't sit right. Her mom seems intense, sure. But that's his daughter. I don't know about you, but if I had a kid like her, I wouldn't be able to stop talking about her. So, it doesn't make sense why someone like him..."

"They were young, right? About our age?"

"That's right."

"Think about it. If you and Ururaka got pregnant right now, what do you think would happen?"

"Thats different, she's a hero too-"

"No. Really. Think about it. If she told you tomorrow you were gonna have a kid, how would you feel?" Midorya thought for a moment.

"Scared, I guess."

"Would you slow down your hero work? After everything you've done, all the work you've put into this. Would you risk it all to be a proper father? And what about her? Would Ururaka be okay putting her life on hold for that kid? I doubt it."

"I see what you're saying. But that still doesn't explain why we're just finding out about her now."

"I'm sure he was just trying to protect her from shit like this happening. It's clear he still cares for her. It was probably his was of keeping her safe. As messed up as that is."

"I studied All Might my entire life. Became his successor and student. And still...I feel like I never really knew him until now."

"Mh."

"You're still my most valuable player. You're staying right here." Shigaraki's voice purred as his grip tightened around your arm. Pulling you closer to him. You felt your blood quickly rush up to your cheeks. The hot feeling coursing through your veins. You heard the loud squeak of a chair shifting across the floor. Your quirk unwittingly being activated. He ignored the sound, his deep red eyes glaring into yours as his scarred brow bone curved over them in a tight scowl. His eyes, so brilliant and full of passion. You were lost in them. Time always seemed to stop when he did this.

"Boss! We gotta get out of here! We can't fight them all!" Spinner shouted, tearing those eyes away from you. How long had he been starring at you? Was he just as lost as you? You were doubtful. If he was lost in anything, it was probably his rage. His grip on you loosened, slowly dropping your arm almost like he was reluctant to.

"The truck. Is the truck ready?"

"Yes, but I doubt we can get out of here without being caught."

"Of course not. That's why we'll need a distraction. Until then we need time. Toga, the phone, quick." She jumped at the command. Grabbing a smartphone of hers and quickly adjusting it to film. Shigaraki's hands quickly found your body again. But they weren't nearly as harsh as last time, just firm. Man handling you to appear threatening. One hand coming around your neck from behind to display his fingers, and the other around your arm. He pressed you against his body.

"Filming!" Toga shouted.

"You heroes should know better than to just barge into such a delicate situation. The conditions are simple. Make one wrong move, and the girl is dust. I'll even leave her in a pretty little urn for you, hehehe, All Might."

"Cut! Edit and send to the heroes right?"

"And social media, anything to get it on the news. Dabi, Twice, is there a way for you to contact our friends on the outside?"

"But boss! They have us tapped! They'll be prepare for our escape!" Twice shouted.

"They've planned for it already. We've lost the element of surprise. We need results."

"Shigaraki?" You croaked.

"What!?" He shouted in your ear. You winced, holding your free had up to tap at his wrist around your neck.

"Could you, loosen up a bit?" He swiftly pulled his hands away from you. Watching you gently cough and regain your breath.

"We're not, really going to kill her, are we?" Toga pulled her attention away from her phone and shuffled closer to you. Turning to be in-between you and Shigaraki, almost to protect you from being grabbed again.

"No. Not if we plan to get out of here." He and turned sat down on the couch, his hands coming up to rub against his sore neck. Toga patted your back.

"You alright there? You're burning up. You're not sick are you?"

"No...No Im fine."

"You sure?"

"I'm fine. Thank you, Toga." It made her smile to hear you say that.

"Don't worry. Tomura's smart. He'll get us out safe, you'll see." You smiled back at her.

"I'm sure. But somehow I doubt I'll see you again. So, if this is goodbye-"

"Don't say that!" Toga shouted. "We're gonna stick together. Remember? I promised you I wouldn't let anyone hurt you!" You starred at her with wide eyes as your heart raced in your chest. A loud flutter.

"But, Toga."

"But nothing, friends stick together, right?" You nodded. "Then that settles it! We're taking her with us, aren't we guys?" Confused faces looked up at the two of you. "Well?"

"Uh- Sure." Spinner shrugged.

"Hell No - Alright!" Twice shouted.

"Heh, alright." Dabi chuckled.

"Tomura?" Toga called the absent-minded man.

"Huh?"

"We're taking her with us, right? She's one of us now!" Toga reached for your hand and curled her fingers between yours. Shigaraki looked up at her, his eyes lost in thought. "Tomura!" She scolded him like a little sister. He blinked a few times, shaking his attention to you.

"Are you, Y/L/N? Are you one of us?" You froze for a moment. No. Of course not. You're not a villain. You're not like these people! You're a heroes' kid! You're not evil! You're a good person!

You opened your mouth to speak, an overwhelming cacophony of thoughts keeping you from answering. For the first time in your entire life, you had been cared for in a way you never had before. No longer reliant on a bottle of pills to function properly. No longer forced to be productive. No pressure to be anything special. You could grow here. You could be yourself here. The room buzzed with energy at the activation of your quirk. Your emotional state boiling to a head, you opened your mouth to answer but before you could speak-

The building began to shake underneath you. You were thrown to the floor, eyes darting everywhere in search for the cause. The sound of explosions blasted above you, while what sounded like a bulldozer echoed below.

"Damn it! They're coming from both ends!" Dabi announced, gaining his balance to perform a ready stance before his blue flames emerged.

"C'mon Shigaraki! What do we do!" Twice shouted as he clung onto the man's forearm. The rest of you inching closer and closer to each other.

The blasts above became louder and louder until it became evident it was right above. Your stomach turned as you came to the realization. Before the order left his lips you had reached for a table across the room and brought it up above your small group for protection.

"Y/L/N!" Just in time for it to deflect the shrapnel of drywall that burst from the explosion above. Suddenly the floor below gave way, sending the six of you falling through the open air. There were supposed to be several floor to the building, but thanks to the hero, Deku, flimsy walls of the already rotting building had been quickly demolished within seconds.

You watched yourself fall, your hand desperately reaching for anything to hold on to. Failing and plummeting down with the rest of them. You watched as the DynaMight emerged from the smoke above to watch you with a satisfied grin plastered over his face.

The cries of the others behind you filled your ears. Why wasn't this hero doing something? Why wasn't he jumping to catch you? To catch the others? Is going to let you fall to your deaths? You can't let him do that! Quick- Quick- your quirk- catch them!

After a few attempts at activation in your panic, you were able to catch the others in the air. Just before their bodies hit the concrete of the building basement. Dropping them down from a safe few feet. The fall was uncomfortable, but a relief to you and the others that you could work so quickly.

But your success was short-lived as the building trembled and quaked with another explosion. You looked up just in time to watch what was left of the old hide out to come crashing down around you. Leaving you trapped in the basement, in complete darkness.

"THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!?" A familiar shriek echoed in Bakugou and Midoriya's ear pieces. They both jolted at the painful intrusion. Your mother, having just stolen a police walky talky huffed on the other end.

"Our apologies ma'am but they're fine. I saw it with my own eyes. They're just trapped under debris. Everything is going according to plan." Midoriya reassured.

"Ac- ACCORDING TO PLAN!? You mean to tell me, young man, that you intended to trap my daughter in with her KIDNAPPERS, WHO THREATENED TO KILL HER!?" She spat, understandably.

"If they wanted her dead by now, she would be. Shigaraki doesn't play games unless it's necessary. Trust me." Bakugou barked.

"So now what? We just wait until this psychopath decays his way loose?"

Taglist:

@craftybean13 @babayaga67 @imjustverable

@bat-eclecticwolfbouquet-love

@kamenoyaki @hentaiqween101 @skzero-99 @justanotherlifeff

@witch-o-memes @lolilith

[urban-witch101]

(Byakuya Togami x Reader? That's how this idea started.) - Danganronpa 1 Ghost AU - "They Failed."

Oh it's as funky as it sounds. Just trust me on this one. Also, big fat Trigger Warning for assault, s3xual assault, murder, and angst.

Hope's Peak Academy is reportedly the most haunted high school in Japan. After the Most Tragic Incident the world had ever seen, the class of 78 was forced into a recorded killing game run by their fellow classmates Junko Enoshima and Mukuro Ikusaba and failed to survive. The Future Foundation, after eventually beating Despair and restoring peace to the world, established the high school as a National Monument to the pain and suffering of the students and turned it into a museum recording the history.

There are too many stories of the passed students to count, some from construction workers and some from ghost hunters. These are their sightings.

============================================

Yasuhiro Hagakure is reportedly the most active ghost, which makes sense as the Ultimate Clairvoyant.

He tends to greet visitors at the entrance.

If you drop your hat or gloves and don't notice, you'll find them by the coat rack later for you to find.

Children tend to see him the most, or they hear a whispered joke in their ear if they're particularly upset at any of the Despair history.

He doesn't tend to interact with adults a lot, but he's known to follow the descendants of all their relatives or friends to make sure they're okay.

10/10 ghost, very friendly and a chill dude. Makes sure kids are okay.

Toko Fukawa is rarely seen or heard, but if she's there you know.

She hangs out in the bathrooms with the most common sightings being in the mirrors.

She's often found playing with her braids or grimacing at guests if there are a lot of people.

The friendliest sighting was when a child got lost and found their way to the women's bathroom.

When the panicked mother finally found them, their child was calm and content while playing with a stuffed toy they know they didn't bring.

When the child was guided to leave, they turned and waved goodbye to the mirror.

8/10, antisocial but harmless.

Genocider Syo is extremely active.

She likes pulling pranks on tall, skinny men, like throwing their wallets across the room and pinching their elbows.

If said men are blonde with blue eyes, they will tend to feel watched whenever the enter the building and will continue to think so until they leave.

Children tend to be scared of her, but if she sees a scared child she'll tend to leave the room so they're more comfortable.

She likes knocking over stuff, books and coffee mugs in particular.

However, if the staff scold her she'll knock it off.

She never knocks over artifacts, but people have seen her scissors rattle in their case.

8/10, harmless prankster.

Leon Kuwata can be found in the First-Floor Dorms.

People report hearing guitar strings playing in the boys bathrooms.

If someone mentions baseball around his dorm, mirrors and glass will crack or straight up shatter.

Paranormal investigators once spent the night in his old room, but they "forgot" to take off their shoes and slept above the covers.

They woke up with a blanket that hadn't been in the room covering them and their shoes neatly placed by the side of the door.

That same investigator used a Spirit Box to try and talk to him about what happened in the school.

Of course their older generations saw what happened live, but they never spoke of it.

"Do you have anything you need to say?"

"I'm so sorry."

6/10, ow.

Hifumi Yamada can be found in the kiln room in the Art Studio.

People hear camera clicks, as if he's still taking pictures.

Pencils will roll when the floor is completely flat.

He likes messing with the kiln and knocking off the hammers.

He loves playing the flashlight game.

If anyone mentions Celestia Ludenburg, people swear the room falls into a heavy and tense silence.

When everyone leaves the kiln, they feel his conflicting pain.

Anger? Sadness? They don't know. He's still grieving.

6/10, more ow.

Kiyotaka Ishimaru is silent unless he needs to talk.

He only talks if you do something wrong.

He doesn't play any of the games.

If you run in the museum, people swear they hear a loud voice telling them to stop.

If the staff breaks the rules at all, they straight up get smacked in the shoulder.

Groups of friends, particularly men, feel very welcome in his dorm room.

They all leave after a friendly, invisible squeeze is given to them on the arm.

6/10, he'll never change.

Mondo Owada has one reported sighting.

When construction to restore the building was going on, there was an incident between a worker and a girl on the street one afternoon.

He took her behind the building and attempted to hurt her.

A man in a Crazy Diamond gang jacket, which it should be noted that it doesn't exist anyore, pulled him off and hit him with a pick axe.

After the assaulter was unconscious, her savior didn't say a word; he looked at the girl up and down, presumably checking her for injuries, and passed her a card with a phone number before nodding to her and walking off.

It was the local s3xual assault line, which had been established only two years prior.

After she called the number, she was never able to find the card again.

She didn't even put two and two together until she visited the finished museum and saw Mondo's picture.

No one has ever seen him since.

10/10, badass.

Sayaka Maizono is in one of the boy's bathrooms in the dorms.

Visitors report feeling unnerved or even scared when they enter the bathroom.

She will not interact with you.

She doesn't like playing any of the games. Do not turn on the spirit box in her bathroom, the shower glass will crack.

One investigator decided to spend the night in the bedroom and turned on the shower in the morning.

When they got out, there was a message written in the fog on the mirror.

"LEON."

1/10, no fucking thank you.

Aoi Asahina hangs around the pool room.

She's reportedly like Hiro.

She's been seen walking the halls everywhere.

Children love visiting the pool room. They tend to feel excited and safe.

At night you can hear the pool splashing when no one is inside.

She has one recorded incident.

A child brought a small bag of donut holes to snack on.

Said child began to complain that "the air" kept pulling the donut holes out of his hands.

So they ran an experiment.

They dropped one on purpose and watched it roll away towards the pool room. After that, they didn't feel anymore pulls.

Now it's a tradition to leave a donut for her on Obon by the pool room or her dorm room.

Staff report donuts pulling themselves apart to share. If staff take a half that is offered, the treats are always gone by the next morning.

9/10, a whole mood.

Chihiro Fujisaki is relatively quiet.

They can be found in the boy's locker rooms by the pool.

People will smell a slight perfume over the chlorine.

Muscular men in particular will feel an odd sense of guilt when entering.

There was a guest, who was a muscular man, who took out their phone to record the room and listened back to it to find bits and pieces of the audio were gone.

They took it to a friend who deciphered it into a message in Morse code.

"I forgive you."

9/10, holy ow.

Celestia Ludenburg is only active in the kitchen.

Investigators have put on a full pot of tea water with no heat on the stove.

If they leave and come back, they'll find the pot whistling with the heat still off. The water is always the perfect temperature.

She is never active at night.

She'll only use the spirit box on Obon, but you have to make her a cup of milk tea first.

She's very picky about it.

There was one who got it right on the first try.

"Well finally," the box picked up. "Have some."

She will share details only she would know.

"I don't want to be rude, but do you have any regrets?"

A moment of silence. The cup on the table left for her shakes for just a moment.

"I have too many."

6/10, talkative but be careful.

Kyoko Kirigiri has never talked, but you'll hear her.

Staff will hear her heels clicking in the halls at night.

She likes writing in people's notebooks.

Random strangers will enter with an empty pocketbook and leave with a full one.

She loves to write.

She tells her side of the story.

If the mirrors ever fog up, she's there scratching out letters and numbers.

She also turns on the coffee pot in the kitchen.

Intuitive teenagers tend to know when she's there because they feel safer in rooms that people normally aren't comfortable in.

She writes clues to all the murders that she was never able to solve.

She's not done yet. She's made it very clear that she is not at peace.

9/10, talkative and informative.

Sakura Ogami is said to be hanging around in the recreational room where she committed suicide.

Children feel safe in there, but they never play with the old equipment.

There is an unspoken rule among them that they all know and have never discussed as soon as they walk in.

Some thrill-seekers sit in her chair.

They report feeling their head throbbing and intense nausea, some even passing out from the pain.

They also report intense guilt.

One child sat in the seat without thinking about it and they reported being fine but feeling a little sad.

She plays the flashlight game with investigators, but only if they're nice.

One turned on a spirit box and gave her a cup of tea on Obon.

"Thank you."

8/10, don't sit in her fucking chair you dumbass.

Mukuro Ikusaba is heard rarely.

Like Mondo, she has one reported calling.

In the gym, late at night, you can hear a quiet sobbing.

Children will hear a crying girl in their head:

"I didn't want this."

3/10, how is this even more ow.

Junko Enoshima is heard in the execution room.

Staff used to think there were multiple ghosts in there, but it turns out it's just her.

She laughs, cries, and shrieks.

The story is that she killed herself with her own executions after succeeding in the killing game.

At night investigators play the flashlight game with her.

Every visitor is always unnerved by her.

There is an unspoken bitterness towards her.

She doesn't deserve her success.

0/10, scary bitch.

Makoto Naegi is seen everywhere.

The Ultimate Lucky Student loves telling his story.

He's seen in windows and mirrors with his hoodie and a warm smile.

He's always kind and welcoming.

People leave him popular snacks at his dorm room on Obon.

He never speaks, he just likes watching everyone learn about them.

If children ever get lost he leads them back to their parents.

They'll always tell their family about the "nice boy with brown hair" who takes their hand gently and leads them to safety.

He feels a duty to protect the staff. They never feel alone at night. He's always there to keep them safe.

The descendant of Komaru Naegi, who happened to be a paranormal investigator, once spent the night in his old dorm room.

She reported hearing quiet crying and sniffling that morning before she opened her eyes and was flooded with a sense of relief.

Oh thank god, she was okay.

10/10, heart of gold.

Byakuya Togami is seen in one room and one room only.

He is the only one that people regularly see in the flesh as a full figure.

He's sitting in the library, reading a murder mystery novel.

He has never acknowledged any of the guests, except for one.

A small child, a descendant of Togami's old butler, gently knocked on the table to get his attention and waved politely. They thought he was a staff member.

He looked up at them, gave a little wave back, and went back to his book.

When they turned away and looked back, he was gone.

Staff will see him walking back to his room when the museum is closing up.

He's snobby, sure, but he has his manners. He won't purposefully get in the way of the staff.

9/10, super chill.

???

There is an unknown ghost that has one known/recorded interaction.

One night a paranormal investigator spent the night exploring the building.

They walked in the library to see Togami with a book and a lamp on that was previously off.

They nodded at him politely and went to the bookshelves to "find a book". They turned on a spirit box and stayed quiet.

The library door opened and closed.

They hear a passing conversation.

"Hello love."

A kiss, presumably on the knuckles.

"How was today?"

"Tiring", says a voice. "Lot of cleaning. Did you get any visitors?"

A chuckle. "Too many. I think they can see me."

"Probably."

A pause.

"Togami?"

"Hm?"

"Do you think they'll ever figure out what really happened here?"

Hesitance. "For their sake, I hope not."

============================================

Feedback would be lovely. Thank you for your time!

[echo-three-one]

Whatever It Takes

It's Task Force 141's first mission after gathering intel about the whereabouts of Samantha Coleman. Gary and the rest of the team proceed to briefing and would probably head straight to their rescue mission. Do these mini summaries even make sense? Find out soon.

Chapter 3 to another story made by Ray (echo-three-one) Comments and Reviews appreciated! I hope you enjoy! Love you all ❤️

Previous Chapter : Soap - F.N.G.

"Run Through the Jungle"

Gary "Roach" Sanderson

Task Force 141

Task Force 141 - Mess Hall

Gary was almost done with his raccoon story when the PA system alerted them of an immediate briefing. Simon nodded to him and got up making his way to the briefing room. Gary also noticed the rest of his squad from earlier walk to the door, and was France crying on Alex? Much to his curiosity, he went to John who was still sitting by the chair.

"Anything you want to tell me, Soap?" he asked, patting his comrade's shoulder. 

"Bugger off, mate. Let's just go to the meeting." he replied, Roach couldn't tell if he was sad or disappointed or mad, but it may have something to deal with France crying.

"Whatever mate. I'm always here if you want to talk it out." he assured, and he was in fact true. It's been a month since the Task Force was created and Gary was the team's therapist, everybody's friend and ally no matter what. He always felt that he could feel everyone's emotions and believes he could be a sponge for someone who's unable to deal with the trauma. Ghost was one of his customers, he had a lot to deal with and Gary was always there for him.

"Few hours ago, our informants intercepted with a group of armed men on a safehouse near the borders of Germany. They told us that there was a man named Augustus who happens to be our step closer to Nero." Gary took note of the information General Shepherd relayed, his scribbles became faster as the General continued.

"We also received word that our hostage, Samantha Coleman is with them in one of these houses. We have to proceed with caution as this area may be rigged with traps or surrounded with tangos." he added.

"As for rules of engagement, fire only when fired upon. This is a local settlement and civilians may be anywhere. We don't want to create unnecessary civilian casualties just to retrieve a single person." he instructed. Gary took a quick survey of the room, everyone looked at the screen intently, he could see MacTavish's eyebrows furrowed in anger, France's eyes were downright sad and Alex, despite being a CIA agent, actually looked worried.

"As for assignments, I'll let your captain take the floor." Shepherd concluded and exited the area, Price then stepped forward and began briefing.

~

The silent chirping of the crickets echoed from the nearby forest. Gary took a cold exhale and leaned on the railings just outside their quarters. 

"Big day tomorrow, huh?" Ghost surprised Roach as he spoke.

"Yeah, it's been a long time since I spotted, but I still know the basics." Gary answered. He and Ghost were assigned for sniper support a few clicks away from the Alpha Team lead by Alex and the Bravo Team lead by Captain Price.

"Your math is good and fast?" Ghost asked, chuckling at the question. Gary inhaled before he answered the question.

"Yeah. Try me." he dared, glancing at the masked man.

"Suppose there's a target about 516 meters far, the wind is one half value." Ghost planned out the situation. Gary's gears started turning as he scratched his freshly shaven chin.

"Five degrees. Descending." he muttered. Ghost thought about it and agreed.

"Yeah. Your math is still on point." he mused laughing at him.

"What do you think Nero is up to? I mean it all doesn't add up. And what's with erasing memories?" Gary flooded the man with questions. Simon just pondered without saying any words.

"I dunno mate. I'm as baffled as you are." he replied, waving to Alex and France who were out on a late night walk.

"Say Gary, what's the deal with the new girl? One minute she looks tough as nuts then the second Soap comes in she's fucking crying?" Ghost rambled. Gary could feel a hint of jealousy but not entirely. It's as if he's mad and jealous at the same time.

"Well, we were too far from their table and I couldn't hear anything. Maybe they had an argument while Soap was out with her on the training room?" Gary speculated, he saw Simon's fists clench as he left his side.

"Eh. Not that I care anyway. Get some rest, spotter. Big day tomorrow." he remarked and went to his room.

"Yeah yeah." he replied waving at the two walking around the oval. They both waved back and Gary yelled good night to them before entering the quarters himself.

Gary plopped on his bed and closed his eyes. He was actually nervous enough that he could hear his own heartbeat, he took deep breaths and lulled himself to sleep. He wanted to see to it that they save the hostage tomorrow and a perfect sleep is what he could contribute right now.

GERMANY

0458H

Gary hated the ghillie suits. It was heavy, uncomfortable and animals sometimes land on you, but it does the job well. Treading the dense forestry just above the safehouse, Gary and Simon head out to look for a perfect spot.

"This one's got a view of the houses." Ghost whispered, signaling Roach to move forward.

"This is Echo Three One, we've cleared the two houses on the right, all empty. Over." Alex reported over their comms.

"Bravo Six copies that and the two houses here are also clear." Price reported.

"Looks like it's going to be the one on the far side." Soap concluded.

"I've got eyes on the safehouse. There's no activity on all windows. Proceed with caution." Ghost reported.

"Rog." Price replied.

"Copy that, eye in the sky." Alex replied.

Gary put out his spotting scope and placed his eye behind the lens.

"I've got my eyes on them, Ghosty. Alpha Team is on its way." he whispered.

Ghost rolled some knobs on his sniper making a soft clicking sound as he spins it.

"Don't call me that, Bug. I have eyes on Bravo Team. Still no movement from the safehouse." 

"This is Alpha Team, approaching the left side of the safehouse."

"Bravo Team is Oscar Mike as well."

"Roach, did you see that?" Ghost whispered.

"Yeah. The winds are shifting." Gary noted, sticking out a tool that detects wind speed.

"Three Fourths value at 400 meters. 15 miles per hour. Adjust to 15.3" he informed, calculating on Ghosts still shoulder with a pen. Decimals are too dangerous to calculate mentally. Ghost's sniper clicked once again to adjust with the wind, he took a deep breath and his targets stabilized once again.

Leaves rustled behind them, Roach quickly held on his rifle and slowly turned back to check if it was an animal. Nothing, but before turning back on his scope, he saw a black figure from the corner of his eye.

"Bollocks. We've got movement on our Six." Roach reported. 

"Remember our ROE, Roach. Fire only when fired upon." Price reminded.

"I'll take care of it from here. You go check on that." Ghost said as he turned back to his scope.

"Roger that. Be safe." Roach quickly ran to the direction if the rustling.

He couldn't make out much of the figure, but he was sure enough it was human. He tried to look for areas where the leaves were disturbed but with the wind picking up, he was clueless. Then there it was again, movement. He quickly dashed to it's direction, not wanting to get lost again. His boots slapped the fresh soil as he made his wauy to a clearing.

'Left, right then left by the rocks.' Gary mentally noted his each turn so he could easily remember but when he's chasing someone whom he felt like it doesn't know where it goes, then it's a whole different story.  

Gary was alone in the windy forest, in pursuit of a person who's out on the woods at five in the morning. He wanted to go back but there's something that bothered him and convinced him to keep chasing it.

"Roach, you okay? They're almost in the safehouse." Ghost pointed out.

"Yeah haaaah… I'm still haaaah… hot on its trail." Gary panted. He suddenly turned when he heard a yelp.

"It's a girl. It might be our hostage." he radioed and followed the direction of the sound.

Soft sobs and English curse words could be heard from where Gary emerged. This alerted the injured female and she plead at the British solider.

"Please. I'm not an enemy. I'm I'm- I don't know who I am or where I am… Please. Don't hurt me." She was an American girl, possibly around 20-30 years old and had blonde hair wearing a black tank top and grey sweatpants, there were a few bruises on her arms and she was threatening him with a stick.

"Maam, put down your weapon and calm down. I will not hurt you." he dropped his weapon slowly on the ground stepped forward, his hands both raised.

"Good good. I need help." she whimpered, looking at her sprained ankle.

Gary immediately took his ghillie off and ripped a piece of his sleeves to wrap around the sprain, treating it with something from his medical kit.

"There you go… You're feeling better now? Maam?" Gary accommodated. The unknown blonde nodded in agreement.

"So.. you don't know who you are?" Gary asked.

"All I know is that I'm with another girl, Brunette." she added.

"I located the one out on the woods. She's American but I can't ID her. She's about 20 - 30 years old, short blonde hair." Gary informed.

"Is that Maxine?" Alex and France simultaneously replied over comms.

"Excuse me. Do you go by Maxine?" Gary asked politely. The girl quickly covered her ears and screamed.

"Aaaaaah! My head hurts!" She yelled. Gary was quick enough to cover her mouth as soon as she opened it as to not give away their presence.

"I don't know if that's a yes or a no guys. But that definitely is a reaction." Gary said over the comms. He assisted "Maxine" and lifted her up as he tries to get back to Ghost.

"Thick trees everywhere. Any Idea where you are Ghost?" he asked over the secure radio.

"I'm at the same spot I've been since we got here. Can't you retrace your steps?" he replied.

"I could try." he muttered, carrying an unconscious woman on his shoulders across the jungle.

Next Chapter : Déjà vu

[dawnrider]

TGIF!

Not that I'm working yet... but dude! Managing the drop off and pick up lines at school with a 2 month old is HARD. Plus trying to get CEUs done and household chores too. All on less than 5 hours (total) of sleep.

So I actually meant to post this last week and then... probably fell asleep. 😅 So have some But I've Heard Love is Blind, a modern AU Escaflowne story that was actually the snippet in my first ever #Fuck it Friday post. Weeeeeeee!!!

Hitomi said thank you several times more before being moved to the last table. Gladys grinned at the little family. “You've already met our young hardware store man, Van.” Hitomi nodded a hello, resisting the urge to stick her tongue out at him when he nodded and looked directly at the floor. “This is little Merilynne, we call her Merle for short.” The little girl eyed her curiously for a moment before offering her a small smile. Hitomi grinned in return. “And this is her mother Annie. She's my girl,” Gladys said proudly. The young teacher smiled, putting out her hand to greet her. Long dark hair hung down her back, swept up near the top to keep it out of her eyes, which were a startling blue. Hitomi could see why Van had been attracted to and married her.

“It's nice to meet you,” she said in a soft voice.

“Well now that you've met everyone, have a seat and let's get you a drink. On me,” Gladys laughed, gently pushing Hitomi down into the seat beside Van. Hitomi noticed his nose twitch but he didn't look up at her. “Hard lemonade, regular or we have a couple kinds of beer.”

“Uh, a beer sounds great. Doesn't matter what kind.” Gladys smiled and bustled off. “She's so... active,” Hitomi breathed to her table companions. “How does she keep up that kind of energy all day?” Merle giggled a little.

“Grandma Gladys has always been like that. Momma says it used to drive her crazy.” Annie smiled at her daughter, glancing over at her mother, busying herself behind the counter. Apparently some of the gentlemen needed more beer while she was back there. Hitomi looked around the table and noticed Van had a small smile on his face. “Uncle Van says she's always checking on him at the store, trying to feed him. She tries to feed me all the time too,” the little girl explained. Hitomi did a double take at the word 'uncle' and tried not to make it obvious that she was surprised. As Gladys brought her a beer and gave Annie another drink, Hitomi tried to glance surreptitiously at her left hand. No ring on her finger. Van didn't have one either, but a lot of men didn't wear wedding bands these days. She could have sworn...

Suddenly caught up in the conversation, mostly driven by Merle, about the coming school year, Hitomi didn't have much time to continue thinking about her assumptions. If he wasn't married, then his snubbing of her was even more irritating. The social went well into the night, and Hitomi had to plead her exhaustion to get away before two in the morning. When she commented on her walking home, Gladys insisted that someone walk with her. Van, of course was volunteered, quite obviously against his will, and he stood. “Oh... no, it's fine. It's hardly a block away,” Hitomi tried to insist. No one would hear of it and she found herself outside with a silent and surly Van by her side. Merle had opted to come along as well, making Hitomi feel a little better. The little girl grabbed on to her 'Uncle Van's' hand, seemingly dragging him along in her excitement. “So Merle, you're going to be going out for volleyball, huh? Are you excited?” Getting Merle to chatter was easy and it kept she and Van from having to speak to one another. They arrived at her house very quickly and she turned to thank them for their escort. Van looked terribly uncomfortable and Merle was trying to peek around and into the house.

“Did you get our present?” At her question, Van noticeably stiffened. Merle seemed oblivious, charging on. “Grandma Gladys said you wanted a garden and Uncle Van said he had some stuff for you to start one and we brought it over, Uncle Van and me, and we left really quick so you would have to guess it was us!”

“Well now she doesn't have to guess, does she?” Van muttered.

Merle's eyes widened and her little hand went to her mouth. “Oops.”

[meenah-chan]

Requested by: @zimelu-eloni-nova-lycan (hope you see this since I can't tag you ಥ‿ಥ)

My apologies in advance if Malleus is OOC. Other than wanting to play TW and doing a bit of research of him, I know nothing 😂 I never thought of taking requests coz I'm a slow writer but it was quite interesting so I did it anyways. (And took daaays to finish 😂)

To Thine Own Self Be True

An OM! Brothers x GN! Dark Fae MC (slight OM! X Twisted Wonderland crossover)

5.47k words

Genre: flangst

Trigger warnings: self harm, violence, self depreciation? (cringe jk) Read at your own discretion.

"You're an incomplete puzzle... I hope you find your missing pieces." And thus, they were sent to someplace they didn't know...

They... have always been alone. But Y/N is not lonely. They have Malleus, a powerful yet caring brother. They have their grandmother, that even as busy as she is, tries to show her love as much as possible.

They are the only one they need. As long as they have them, they needn't anything else. Or atleast they think so.

"As a part of royal family, you have to broaden your horizon." But they think otherwise.

Before Malleus' departure for Night Raven College, he left Y/N a word, "You're an incomplete puzzle, Y/N. I hope you find your missing pieces." and that was months ago, and they were still confused by it.

Incomplete puzzle... It doesn't feel like they are. They are content of what they have. They capable of doing most tasks perfectly. They fulfill their responsibilities impeccably. It's not like they can't live on their own either. Having no friends and acquaintances but they're two family members is also fine. They don't need any more. No one who could stand their presence anyways.

The intimidating dark energy far more destructive than a fae possessed, in which Y/N could never control. Those menacing, sharp green eyes. Their skin as pale as the dead corpse, and lips charred black. But most of all, those pair of disgustingly sharp, black horns that keeps on growing back no matter how hard they try to get rid of it.

Y/N is the epitome of fear. They knew it more than anyone. If they were to be reckoned that way, it is better to maintain distance from everyone.

But I should fulfill my duty, atleast. They thought, fortifying their resolve as they stood before the future King of Devildom and his butler. "Welcome to Devildom, Y/N Draconia."

"It's an honor to be of your acquaintance, Prince Diavolo." Placing a palm on their chest, Y/N bowed.

As per the two Kingdom's agreement, they were to live in a safe place different from a lavish lifestyle they have been used to inside their gold plated walls. And thus they were led by the Future king's shadow, Barbatos, to their new home. The House of Lamentation.

House of Lamentation. What a gloomy and dreadful place, befitting a sinister being like me. they scoff.

But the sight the dark fae witnessed within that walls was not within their expectations.

"Beel! Don't eat the my wallet! H–Hey, I said let go! My goldie'll snap! B–Belphie, help me!" A white-haired man is pulling a leather wallet from the teeth of a bulky orange-haired one.

"Smells chicken mushroom oil." While the orange head kept their teeth sunk into the wallet almost ripped into two. "It's just a drop, stop going crazy over it!"

"Belphie, wake up! You promised you'll help me with clearing dungeons today! The raid will start anytime now!!" A violet haired male violently shakes an asleep man in blue but the man is far from dazed at all.

"Hrmm... Five more minutes—" "We have no more time!! I can't play with a missing player!"

A feminine faced guy appeared right in front of them, instantly invading their comfort zone and kept locking eyes with them. "Ohh? Who is this with you Barbatos? Ahh, The one moving in! You're quite early, darling. Ignore those bunch in the back and play with me?"

"Behave, you fools!!" A booming voice reverberates and in an instant, the rowdy bunch is silenced. "Such a disgrace..."

Except for one, who didn't make any ruckus until that very moment.

A bucket came flitting up in the air and in the next second, all of its contents all poured on the man who controlled the ruckus a while ago.

"SAAAAATAN!!" It was an utter chaos. This place far from the gloomy place they have in their imagination. It is filled with rabid demons that could obliterate them were they to join forces, and now Y/N have to adjust in this new environment.

"I see it's not a great time to introduce myself." Said Y/N, yet the only one who probably heard them is the butler beside them. "If you'll excuse me, I would like to know where my room is."

"As you wish, your Excellency. Allow me to lead you the way." The butler responded to them. They left the common room, where the rowdy ones moments ago, were trying to suppress the supposedly-most decent of the seven, from destroying the mansion.

Y/N usually do not receive a normal greetings on the events they've been into or more like, forced to come by either their grandmother or by Malleus. It could be the fairies either— gives them space with no one dare shorten the distance; reluctantly greet them before leaving them as fast as they could or; flat out ignore them.

Yet so far, the experience I have today is by all odds, the most insulting way I have ever been greeted. Y/N clasps their trembling hands as they sat on the bed.

I wish this will end sooner. This will be a hell for me...

Almost everyday is a crazy, eventful day. Far different than their everyday life in the Valley of Thorns, their homeland. First impression doesn't really matter to Y/N, but for some reason, they couldn't stand them since day 1. Sure, they haven't done anymore distasteful things like the rude way of welcoming them. Still, the members of the family are crazily weird in their own ways. And they hate it.

Lucifer is the eldest of the brothers. The one who leads the brothers and manage everything in place.

"As your family have wished, you were to live differently than you have thus far. So I won't exempt you with the cooking and housework."

"As a part of Royal family, I expect great things from you. I won't tolerate screw ups."

"Remember to complete your tasks. I am assigned by Diavolo to take care of you, so I will check on your activities throughout your stay here." He is an ass. A bossy and dominating dictator who think he could order a royalty like them.

But one time, when they entered his study, they saw a scene they never thought they'll ever perceive.

*Tak* A fountain pen falling from his gripless hand.

He was splayed on his desk filled with tall stacks of paper, out cold. Y/N didn't know they would witness such vulnerable side of such condescending demon.

So they chose to put off their business for tomorrow, placing his coat over him and letting him rest.

But the event didn't occur only once. Atleast twice a week of exact time before midnight, he's always been unconscious on his desk. That's when Y/N realized: he is not strict and short tempered for no reason.

As the eldest, he took it to himself to be the father figure to the brothers, all while perfectly doing his job as Diavolo's right-hand man. He fulfills his job with perfection. But perfection doesn't come without hardwork nor sacrifices. For the sake of his great responsibility he sacrifice himself, working so hard until he drop on his desk.

With thoughts of him made Y/N ponder over something.

Does having a father feels like having a Lucifer in my life? Maybe it is, they never knew since they never remember their's. He isn't as bad as they thought he were if they think it that way. That is praiseworthy, as they think so themself and deserve some respect.

No more stern expressions whenever speaking to him. Being more compliant if his instruction is reasonable. Thanking him even for a simple thing he does for them.

Soon, they noticed he doesn't nitpick them either and praise them for every job well done. The dark fae may still be annoyed with him but that's not a bad outcome at all.

And then there's Mammon, the second eldest, who is supposed to assist the eldest.

"Ye're a royalty right? So ye're loaded. I'm in a pinch right now so let me borrow from you." He leans on their shoulder, with his smug grin.

"Don't listen to that fool. It's past 200 years and he still haven't paid his debts to me yet."

"Shut up, you otaku!"

Behind violet-haired appears the black haired demon. "MAMMON..."

"EEK— W–Wait!! Lucifer, this is not wha–ACK—!!" Mammon is a scum. A rude demon who could care less of his words and language. Trouble is where he is. Even so, in his tough exterior, Y/N took note of a soft side.

Y/N saw him one time, poking at the mopping otaku demon outside his room. "Yo Levi. What you doin' there?"

"Just let me be... I lose my raid last time because I couldn't play... Now I can't even bear looking at my PC... No one would want to play to a no-show gamer like me..."

"Hmm... Then, it can't be helped. C'mon, your big brother Mammon will play with you!"

"R–Really..?"

"Yeah, Yeah. Let's play to your heart's content" He pulled him up and push him inside his room.

Consoling a sad brother, lending a helping hand when they need it. He may not look like it, but Mammon is also taking good care of his brothers. All the emotional support Lucifer fails to give his brothers, Mammon provides.

So before Mammon entered the room, the dark fae decided to tap his shoulder, earning his attention. "You really love your brothers."

"W–Wha... Where does... who loves—"

"That's really admirable." They promptly reach out a bottle of a jet-black faerie dust only they could concoct. Mammon gingerly took it from them and scanned the inside. "That may help you settle some of your debts. Then..." After giving the bottle, they went on their way.

"AAAAHHHH!! THIS IS ULTRA RARE!" As expected to a man who could appraise goods.

They remember Malleus from his caring side, they couldn't help but smile and commend the yellow demon. I miss my brother...

Leviathan on the other hand, has a different case. He is the third-born of that household. A timid person... At first glance, atleast.

They just can't understand him. He spoke in language they couldn't wrap their head around like, "LOL! ROFLMAO!", "Tss, normie..."

It is tolerable, at least. What they can't tolerate is the fact that,

"UUWAAH!! MY RURI-CHAN LIMITED EDITION COBALT PIN AND FIGURINE IS HERE!!" He is, by far, the loudest. His sudden and unexpected outbursts kept on triggering every jumpy cells in their system.

Leviathan is too hyped he seemed to enter his own dimension. He skipped through the corridor, he sung a Ruri-whatever song that is, until, "Ahh—" he made a misstep in the stairs, a few steps away from them.

Y/N dashed and caught them barely in time, with firm hold between his shoulder blades and another to his package, which should be flying right now but was pressed secured to his chest.

"You should be more careful or you'll hurt yourself. Your treasured package almost fell." They sighed.

"... An angel has descended." He stared at them in awe. As he move his hand to the box, he touched their hand. That's when their position fianally sinks in to him. His face flared beet red and in a few seconds blew a fuse, passing out right on the spot.

"... What a troublesome demon..." With no other choice but to bring him themself, he carried the unconscious Leviathan up to their room. After opening the door, what welcomed them is a messy room.

No, not messy. The room is filled with items and materials of all sorts. Tons of CDs, figurines and posters on shelves and walls. Stuff toys and pillows of all shapes and sizes. Hanged intricate costumes and clothes, which in just a glance, they knew is made with effort. Even pins, threads and needle atop a... Sewing machine? Did he made all of this?

Y/N took another glance on the other side of the room. There he saw three monitors with various programs registered. A game, video editor and a Photoshop... I wonder what else can this man do?

Is this what they call a hobby? Such passion and dedication in pursuit of doing what he loves... An unfamiliar feeling for this dark fae.

They... can't really understand this man. Not at all... But I can now see him in another light, I guess...

The one who sought Y/N first were Beelzebub, the sixth-born. A bulky, tall demon who loves to eat. They were having a snack on the balcony when the older twin sniffs his way in. Such action that freaked the dark fae out internally, considering the sight they witnessed when they first moved in. The fact that they saw a few times 'accidentally' eating inedible things doesn't helped at all either.

"I followed the smell from the kitchen. Your cake smells delicious!" The drooling giant stood by them, and they couldn't take another sip from their tea.

"Hmm... Help yourself." Or you may help yourself with my flesh if I didn't satisfy your hunger.

"Really?!" He sat oposite to them and within minutes, all the plates on the table were wiped clean. "That was delicious!... Ahh that's right. Y/N, why aren't you eating with us during meals?"

"I'm used to eating by myself."

"But why? Eating with someone make the food taste better." Y/N doubt that'll be the case if that someone is him, who could definitely eat them if his appetite cries its needs.

Beelzebub touched his chin, thinking. "Hmm... How about I eat with you during snacks time? I'll bring food you'll definitely like!"

"Ah—" And they lost their timing. His eyes sparkles like stars and the pure happiness in his voice made it impossible for them to refuse. They wouldn't know what he could do were they to decline what he desire.

Since then he would appear without fail during Y/N's snack time, sharing both of their food with each other.

They tried to slowly end such dangerous activity yet, the enthusiasm in his eyes whenever he eat held them back. In the end, Y/N conceded, increasing their baked goods everyday to sate the needs of the ball of sunshine before them– who could bring warmth or burn them. As a response he will also eat it all like it's his first time eating their goods.

He is a man of few words yet, also quite easy to read, especially when eating the sweets they made themself. A straight forward person who means just as he say.

He would even sometimes bring his other twin, who will eat a few bites before snoozing.

"Beel really likes you, you know..." They glanced from their teacup to the youngest, seating beside them as the gobbling twin is busy with his food.

Belphegor stares in an ever-drowsy eyes. He is the man they least interacted with. How can they? Whenever they see him, he is always asleep. And it's not like Y/N is interested in communicating with him or anyone at all. "He even does his research for everything he brings you here. I don't know if you knew, but he really want to convince you to eat meals with everyone."

"...Ehh? Why? We're not even..." Y/N raised an eyebrow.

"Because he loves everything you make. He wants to talk to you ever since the first time you cook, but you're too antisocial to even eat with us."

"Says the demon who is always sleeping whenever I see him." Y/N snorts before taking a bite from the cupcake Beel brought. Hmm... this is good...

"...You, are you getting enough sleep?" Belphegor peers at their face.

"...None of your business."

"Whatever..." He frowns before burrying his face on his pillow.

What a keen observant. Y/N thought.

They've also been observing him since the first day. They share a lot of classes together and the dark fae knew, he is someone who rarely attend his classes, and whenever he does, he is always asleep. They also never saw him hold a book, much more read it. Yet, when they have exams, he finishes halfway the alloted time, almost the same time as them and sleeps after. The worst thing is that he could pass them easily.

He... is a dormant monstrosity. They conclude as they unlock the door to their room the day after. But before they do so, they noticed something.

Beside the door is an unfamiliar paper bag and inside... is a pillow, a bit caved it to the top center—similar to the one they use back to their home to be able to sleep well. It also comes with a note:

'The caneles and the stew is passable. You can throw away the pillow if you don't want it. Just know that it took me a great deal of effort to buy that.'

Really, what a frightening observant.

And there is Satan, the fourth-born, a pretty decent guy who craves for nothing but knowledge. If Y/N may say, he is the one they spend the most time with, though it's not that much.

"What are you reading?" Voicing not a word, they faced him the book cover.

"L’intelletto e Il Cuore... Hmm, that's a good choice." With at least 3 meters away from him, and few to no words exchange between them inside the library, it's not really that much.

He is a rational and intelligent man who respects personal space. Though, from time to time he would snicker eerily between the silence they have, holding either a cursed or homicide book. Creepy.

"What did you say...? The books you borrowed from me... Fell in the river? And it was washed away...?" And when he is angry, all his rationality is thrown out of the window.

"I–I will replace it I promise–" Pleads the peach-haired demon, kneeling before him.

"Replace, you say...? Didn't you know they were a Century membership gift to me from the Bibliomagicus Guild? Do you think that's replaceable...? Ha... Haha...HAHAHAHA!! THEN WHY DON'T YOU REPLACE THEM WITH YOUR WORTHLESS LIFE, HUH?!"

His wrath makes Y/N tremble, like all the bookshelves and books present in the library. Right, the books, the bookshelves. He'll destroy everything if this continues.

"Somnus Enim a Dum." So in a snap they cast a spell, amplified by their own dark pixie dust, and render him unconscious.

"Y/N!" That night he showed up in the library, frantically and still disheveled clothes and hair.

"Thank you. I don't know what would've happen if you're not there. And I also apologize you get to see that side of me." It's the first time they ever saw him smile without looking at the book. A smile similar to their brother.

"You're weird. You got so angry because of books that you'll ruin all the other irreplaceable books here."

"..."

"Don't mind it. I'd feel bad if the books are ruined."

"...Right." He chuckled, brushing his hair with his fingers and fixing his clothes to place. He then picked up the book he's reading, pulling the other sofa to sit beside them.

Now that's annoying. Nevertheless they let him. For they're a mere guest.

The fifth-born, Asmodeus, is not a problem back then. Having only a few occasional invitations for salon and parties, they could decline politely. But after the book incident, everything about his approach changes.

Since then, there was Asmodeus, everywhere!

In the classroom, in the library, in the music room, in the planetarium, in the balcony, in the bed, even the bathroom! He won't give them a break!

"Y/N~ I noticed you're always with Satan in the library. Are you getting along well? Beel too, you always bake and eat with him. That's so unfair! And you invite Belphie without me? Don't tell me you already like one of them?"

"If you'll choose one of us, shouldn't you choose me, the most beautiful demon of them all? I swear I can love you thousandfold than any of them, but... of course you can only be my second~~"

"What's with you and Lucifer? You always went to him every night. Is it a nightly endeavor? Hey~? Y/N, don't ignore me~!" He is a complete chatterbox. A motormouthed demon who don't know when to shut up.

But being with him comes with a few merits. Despite not looking like it, Asmodeus is a real gentleman. He maybe not as keen as Belphegor's capability to observe, but Asmodeus is an attentive and thoughtful demon. He does his everything to provide every small help he could give to them.

Whilst not needing help, it's much better than him being a clingy, dead weight. Y/N tries to look at the bright side.

"But this is tiring..." Y/N sighed, closing the book they are holding.

"Are you tired of reading? C'mon, let's go out and breathe fresh air!" I'm tired of you, you idiot.

"If you want to go out, you can go." The dark fae massaged their temple. It's been throbbing from time to time after that incident with Satan and Asmodeus bugged them.

"No! You've always been cooping yourself here or your room since coming here. You have to go out from time to time or you'll wither away!"

"You're so noisy Asmo. Y/N said they don't want to go." Asmodeus pout at Satan sitting beside Y/N, before pulling the dark fae out of the library and House of Lamentation.

"I'm telling you, I don't need this." Asmodeus holds 5 hangers of clothes, pondering which one fit them best.

"But~ It's such a waste for a beautiful person like you if you don't try dolling yourself up..." They stare at Asmodeus as if he just said the most ridiculous thing he could ever say.

"Don't tell me..." Asmodeus stared at them in disbelief, gasping dramatically like he always does,t "Y/N, YOU'RE GORGEOUS! DON'T EVER THINK YOU'RE NOT! YOU'RE A DROP DEAD BEAUTY AND—" They covered his lips before he could even shout louder in such a public place.

He then pulled their hands off after a few moments. "And look! A bit of blush suits you! And black lipstick—" Y/N let him dressed them up— in exchange of shutting up. He chose meticulously, accenting every parts that they consider an abomination. A dizzying position they were in.

But the real deal has yet to come. What's worse than being bothered by a bug? More bugs...

"Asmo, are you nuts! You're hogging them all to yourself!" Mammon barged in their room as Asmo is applying makeup to them who gave up on him for a while now.

"Y/N couldn't come to our snack time because of you." Beel and Belphegor followed close behind, clearly unamused of Asmo's action.

"I haven't even got a chance to introduce them to the wonders of anime and games!" So do is Leviathan.

"They prefer reading in the library more, right Y/N?" Satan rest his back on the door frame, crossed arms.

"Excuse me? If I may say, Satan, Beel and Belphie are the one who took their time more than I!"

"YOU—" And their greatest fear since living in Devildom occurs. All hell broke loose. An all out brawl of the short tempered demons before them with all the six brothers, a thread away from transforming and blasting everything they touch. No... That's not it. Without transforming, they're already smashing everything into pieces.

The dressers. The desk. The chairs and mirrors. Everything but the bed they are sitting on.

"WHAT'S HAPPENING HERE!" The last and the strongest of the brothers made his appearance, yelling in his most intimidating voice.

And they...finally snapped.

"Each and everyone of you... GET. OUT!!!" Such horror reflected on their eyes, with their whole being trembling uncontrollably. Tears poured down one after another. All of the emotions the brothers have never seen them make all spilled before them. As if a predator threatened to the end of their life.

On their hands...

were horns severed from their own head. The seven demons were so taken aback their bodies moved on their own to comply to Y/N's order... or more like, plead.

And the doors were completely closed.

They never left their ransacked room. They wouldn't open their doors to anything. No food, gifts nor even apologies. All but the brothers' words received a single response: "Malleus... I want my brother."

Hence the brothers and future king have no choice but to call him as soon as possible, or they will perish inside such place, alone like they've always been.

"Thank you for taking good care of my sibling. I hope you will continue so in the future."

"We also hoped we could. Yet considering the circumstances, I doubt they would want to stay here a second longer."

"Let—" but before Malleus could even finished his sentence, Y/N came flying down on him.

The distressed fae buried their face in their safe haven's chest. He then proceed carrying them in his arms, assuring them they are safe.

Lucifer led them to the music room, giving them privacy in their conversation.

"You've become so light, Y/N. And what happened to your horns?"

"...I wanna go home."

"Why? Do you hate this place?"

"I'm scared of them since the first day."

"That's understandable... But is that all?" Y/N stare at him in disbelief, while Malleus smiling softly at them.

"...Then what else... should I feel? I know I'm a monster... But that doesn't mean I could live with such monstrous demons! I'm just a monster with a weak heart!"

"Then you can blame it all on me. I'm the one who chose this place for you after all." All words were blown off Y/N's mind. The furrow between their eyebrows disappears as their face relaxes.

"Brother... But why?"

"I want you to realize your own self."

"..."

"Now answer me. You said you're scared of them, but do you hate them? Do you want to leave this place so badly? Is that really everything you've felt in this place?"

"Of course! I... I..." Y/N already knew the answer to his question, way before he even asked.

"They were annoying, noisy and self-centered bunch who does things as they pleased. They keep dragging me on their antics, I never had a peace of mind... I hated it, I despise it. I..." They bit their lips.

"I felt so frustrated! Why do they look so lively and happy despite being so unruly? They're always on each others neck yet they were having fun? Why?! And hobbies? How can they have such thing? I have nothing of sort! I just wake up day after day, desperately searching for something and fill this empty void inside me!"

"I fulfill my responsibilities without fail, on what cause? I have no purpose! Seeing that demons made me feel so miserable with my existence!"

They looked on their lap, holding back the tears on verge of falling. "What do they have that I don't? They're also the strongest, incredibly so that even I shook when they unleash their power! So why aren't they isolated like I am? How can they live a normal life unlike me?!"

"I think you already know the answer."

"...Because... They rely on each other. I never relied on anyone nor let anyone rely on me..." Malleus' smile widens when they hit the nail on the head.

"You're a strong person, Y/N. You won't even depend on us, not until today. You're capable of anything. You're just afraid of any more rejection, of being left behind." He paused and lift their face to meet his eyes, "Diavolo and others explained to me what happened. They said the incident frightened you. Yet knowing you, I doubt it is fear. Will you tell me why you blew off?"

"...I was overwhelmed. They were fighting over me. It never happened to me before so don't know what to feel. The attention was too much that I hated it. And I don't know how to respond to them..."

"So you brushed them off and isolated yourself." They nod weakly.

"And you snapped your horns to show them you're not who they think you are; to scare them off."

"Something like that..." Malleus smiled at them as he pet their head. "See? It's not bad being honest to yourself. Do you still want to leave, now that you let it all off your chest?"

Y/N shooked their head. "I want to stay."

"My Y/N is amazing... To surpass all the beings who estranged them. You're all grown up now." He held them in his arms, Y/N nuzzling onto his chest.

"Come on, they've been waiting for you for the longest time. You know what to do, right?"

"Yes." They left the room, Y/N clinging to him like never before. As childish as it seems, Malleus knew they grew a lot in just a few months of living in Devildom. It is indeed a great decision to choose the brothers to take care of them. They were no longer the incomplete puzzle he saw before he left for his studies.

"Y–Y/N..." Waiting in the common room are the seven brothers with Diavolo and Barbatos.

"W–We understand if you really want to l–leave." Mammon looked down as he clenched his fist.

"It was our fault." Leviathan followed.

"We've been insensitive, pressuring you despite knowing you're not accustomed interacting with a lot of people." Satan said with a serious frown.

"We even destroyed your belongings." Asmodeus glanced away, holding onto Satan's jacket.

"We'll make it up to you in any form."

"Y/N, sorry." Belphegor and Beel voiced respectively.

"It was due to my negligence you have to experience such incident. I also want to apologize." Lucifer held his palm to his chest for a slight bow.

"N–No!" Y/N strongly shook their head, "I should be the one to apologize! I'm so sorry!!" before bowing deeply.

"Y/N!? No, please raise your head—" Diavolo held Lucifer's shoulder to stop him like Malleus cued to let his sibling continue.

"It was all my fault! I've been a coward all this time. I was wrong for trying to push you all away when you don't mean harm. It was all my fault for venting all my frustrations to you. Please, if you would still allow it, I want to stay a bit longer."

"Y/N you are more than welcome here so please raise your head now. We don't deserve your apologies." Satan was the first one who walked towards them to raise their head.

"Y/N?!!" But as he did so, a crying Y/N appears in the brothers' view.

"This is the first time I will ever ask someone but," they sob and sniff, "will you guys be my friends?"

"Y–Yes, so please stop crying!" As conflicted as the brothers are, being asked such question that could hinder their future plans with them, they were forced to agree to their wish instantly.

Let's leave it for another day... The same phrase runs in the thoughts of the brothers, a very rare occurence to happen once in a millenium.

With Asmodeus' lead—he, Mammon, Leviathan, and Beel wrapped their arms around them to console the crying faerie. Lucifer, Satan and Belphegor stood a feet away from them, watching the five in the middle.

As things calms down, they decided to sit on the same dinner table for the very first time. Food were served by Barbatos, who prepares who knows when. He could actually have predicted such outcome for all they know.

The place were so warm, and lively. "This tastes wonderful." That's an understatement. The food have the richest taste than everything Y/N ate in their entire life. "You're right, Beel. Food were best eaten with someone." Beel have them a toothy grin. "I'm glad you get me."

After the meal, Y/N fell asleep on the spot. "Hehe, they're so carefree now." Belphegor played with their fringe. They didn't woke them up and instead carry them in a new room, letting them have the deep sleep they couldn't have for days.

"Congratulations, for being Y/N's first friends. I'll leave them in your care." Malleus bid his farewell to everyone, not bothering of waiting for Y/N to wake up. "I also hope this incident will be the last one."

"Yes, we won't let such thing happen again, and ensure a comfortable life for Y/N throughout their stay here." Diavolo answers in stead of everyone. The brothers are not in the shape to reply as they absorb Malleus' first sentence.

First friend. Such a bitter-sweet word. Whether the word stings them or not, it doesn't matter. It won't stop the brothers from trying to achieve the same goal as subtle as possible.

And so, a not-so-obvious scramble goes on.

This took longer than I expect 🤣😂 In all honesty, it was quite challenging, making a blatant All Brothers x MC. I also don't have a plot and flow until I actually wrote it sksksk dunno if that's a good or bad thing 😂🤣 and this was the longest one I wrote for the past half a year.

Masterlist

[karasunology]

⸙ ˚₊ ➷ SUNA RINTAROU & KITA SHINSUKE AS YOUR OLDER BROTHER HEADCANONS ! ❞

╰─ ─ ﾟheadcanons of suna & kita of how it would be like if they were your older brothers.

✐ . . . BIG BROTHER HEADCANONS.

[ OIKAWA TOORU & KAGEYAMA TOBIO VERSION. ] [ MIYA TWINS & BOKUTO KOUTARO VERSION. ]

-ˏˋ ➶ character(s) ━ suna rintarou & kita shinsuke <3

[ trigger warnings ━ slight manga spoilers !! ]

-ˏˋ ✉️ REQUESTS ARE ALWAYS OPEN.

⇣ please read the RULES before requesting.

SUNA RINTAROU.

➜ suna would your quiet older brother that's very caring for you

➜ nAH I'M KIDDING SHSJZ LMAOOO

➜ THIS BOY MAY SEEM QUIET BUT PHEWW

➜ DAMN IS HE NOISY IN TEXT & ON UNGODLY HOURS

➜ let me explain

➜ suna is the type of person that may seem quiet but could honestly be as chaotic as he can be

➜ good chaotic? or evil chaotic?

➜ you decide for yourself

➜ and that's when he's just a normal person to any other normal person

➜ but you're his younger sibling

➜ y'know, the one he sees everyday

➜ willingly or not HSJSNNXC

➜ yeah he'll be quiet sure but if YOU ever join into the mix

➜ fox boi is thriving quietly while your parents are just so done with you guys

➜ i headcanon that he's the type to fall asleep in day time

➜ but when it's night where h's supposed to be sleeping, homeboy is anything but sleeping

➜ he'll have a hard time sleeping and honestly you're probably also in the same situation as him because wow, sibling goals😍❇✨🗽

➜ and if you ARE in the same situation as him, and you'd get a random message from him at the most UNGODLIEST TIMES to go to a 24 hours open mcdonalds fast-food,

➜ who were you to object??

➜ like y'all's parents would wake up to go to work or something and would when they check the family gc, suna sent a pic of you falling asleep on a mcdonalds playground

➜ would paniK LMAOOO

➜ but before they pull your drowsy ass back, they'd check your guys' rooms and in the midst of checking they'd find you guys sleeping on the living room sofa

➜ woke up the next day in the floor because suna unconciously pushed you from the sofa y'all were sharing but you had a blanket placed on top of you while he was ShiVERING to death

➜ expect cursed videos or weird snapchat stories of you guys either saved privately or drunkenly high posted for the whole world to see😗😍

➜ y'all have the most random conversation at 3 am in imessage but y'all still forgot you sent those

➜ the type to message you a meme he finds funny while his drowssiness is taking a toll on him

➜ the type to message you while he's in the same room as you

➜ like especially if there are guests around & he hates socializing & just doesn't have the energy to talk to them

➜ fights were uncommon, and if it ever happens oH my

➜ he'll give you a cold shoulder because he's THAT petty b itch💅👊

➜ but he's probably the first to apologize because you are probably also a petty bi tch 💅👊

➜ b i c t h

➜ he's honestly a great listener 10/10 would recommend

➜ he may not be the best at advices, but atleast he's good at listening

➜ would a HUNDERED ( 100 ) PERCENT % dump the chores ordered for him to do TO YOU

➜ and would definitly use the excuse

“ because i'm older than you ”

➜ in conclusion, suna may be a lazy bicth but he'd be an . . . entertaining brother to say the least & never fails to take the role as an older sibling through hidden and small ways.

KITA SHINSUKE.

➜ the silent but active older brother

➜ the type of older brother that may not seem he cares about you but he actually does

➜ like  a l o t

➜ like that one chapter in the manga where kita may sound like a judgemental douche but actually cares about atsumu and gave him a note to take care of himself or something? with cough drops, pickled plums, lemon water etc.

➜ ugh i live for that

➜ anywh0res, that chapter?? yeah, you experienced alot of those

➜ you have gotten used to his attitude ever since you guys were young

➜ one time, when you guys were young, you scraped your knee and kita may seem like he's lowkey judging you but he was actually so worried

“ see? that's what happens when you're too clumsy ”

➜ yet proceeds to kneel next to you & would piggyback you while saying that you should lay off desert becausr you were getting heavy

➜ THE DIFFERENCE WITH HIM AND BOKUTO THO FGFDJJKDR

➜ and one time when you overworked yourself because of your studies to the point you got sick, kita was the one that was taking care of you

➜ your temperature? taken AND recorded by him. your porriage? made by him. if you got worse, he would make an appointment with a doctor. appointment? scheduled and made by him.

➜ and that's on periodt😋

➜ would scold you and use judgmental tones BUT would be so caring towards you ahHh

➜ and if it wasn't that bad but you still had to stay home the next day, but it was a school day so that means volleyball practice for kita

➜ and y'all probably argued about something that morning and he left while you were still sulking about your fight and when you entered the kitchen you would find a bag of your favourite foods, those cooled things you put on your forehead to bring the heat down, & medicines.

➜ and in the table was your porriaged cooked and served with a note on the side which says :

please take care of yourself more, i'll be home after practice like usual.

love, kita-nii.

➜ UGH YOUR HAND IN MARRAIGE SIRRRR

➜ and when bb boy went home you apologized about your fight that morning and he'd be so shocked because you don't usually say sorry first whenever you guys fight

➜ would tell you stories of what happened at practice that day simce you weren't there

➜ speaking of that, you would wait around the volleyball club and would be their unofficial manager

➜ why? because kita made you since he would ALWAYS walk you home with him and maybe some of his team mates that lives near you guys

➜ like he ain't reporting a missing teenager anytime soon

➜ already has a lot of things to handle so he would appreciate that you would get kidnapped on a different day? yeah, thx💋

➜ would garden with you because i headcanon that he really loves and has a passion for gardening & probably has his own little vegetables growing in the side awe

➜ would 100% help you do your chores

➜ and with anything you need honestly

➜ ugh we stan

➜ and if you ever awknowledge everything he has done for you and would let him know that you awknowledge him & that you REALLY APPRECIATE HIM AS YOU SHOULDDD💅😩✋

➜ he'd probably cry on the spot ngl

➜ i'm joking, but y'all would probably be so soft at that moment that he just offered you to watch those old childhood movies you guys used to love to watch

➜ in conclusion, i love this mans so much and that you should too. even if he may seem judgemental & a douche but trust me when i say he cares ALOT about you but he just shows it subtly. and he deserves a lot of love as well because you don't know how much has he taken care of you ever since you guys were kids.

-ˏˋ playing soleil's tape ˊˎ-

[ 📼 ] . . . another big brother headcanon?? y'all eating tHAT SHI T UP. but honestly, me too. also, another one of bokuto's sister x akaashi one will be posted either tonight, or tomorrow as per an anon's request. ugh we love a productive sister. @ to the anon who requested this, hope you enjoyed it because i totally did while my crusty eyes tries to stay awake last nighy writing this👑

requests are open or just send me anything because i need hooman interactions rn😋✌

[itsadamcole]

birthday in december

fem!reader x adam cole

it’s reader’s birthday, and Adam plans a surprise party for her but things don't go very smoothly since he's still recovering from that insane Wargames match on Sunday ...

word count: 2.5k+

warnings: fluff, upset!adam, a little angsty, soft smut

— hi hi, it's my birthday so i decided to write a birthday themed imagine with my all time fave ... enjoy —

masterlist || request an imagine here

~ 18+ content below - read at your own risk ~

Adam’s POV

"Fuck this stupid brace," I shout, trying to hang up decorations for Y/N's surprise birthday party. I have limited mobility with it on but my wrist hurts when I take it off.

My whole body is still sore from Wargames on Sunday with the boys. We beat Pat McAfee and his group but it was a grueling match like it has been every year. Bruises are scattered across my body, my wrist is in a brace, and I am still extremely sore.

But I promised myself that I would get through decorating for Y/N's party. I invited her family over, plus the Undisputed Era, their wives, and a few of Y/N's friends from NXT. No one is here to help me so I'm doing this alone.

It sucks. I just wanted to decorate and get through today for Y/N. She's my girlfriend and I wanted to do something nice for her birthday today since she's helped me with everything since Sunday.

Eventually, I do get the "Happy Birthday Y/N" banner up. I almost fall off the small ladder I used to get it up several times.

I scatter balloons all over the place. They all say "happy birthday" on them.

Then I smell something burning in the kitchen. "The cake!" I yell, running into the kitchen.

Smoke is coming from the oven and, like a dumbass, I try to get the cake out with my bare hands. I burn my hand on the metal cake pan. "Shit!" I yell, rushing to put my hand under cold water. I dropped the cake in the process.

My hand is blistering up and Y/N's vanilla cake is on the floor. I lean down and put my head on the counter next to the sink.

Everything is falling apart. I can't even do a simple thing like make a cake or decorate the house.

After a few seconds of running my hand under cold water, I pull it out it the water. I wet a paper towel and wrap it around my blistering hand.

I look down at the cake on the ground. Maybe if it landed on the bottom then I would have been able to serve it. Instead, it landed with the cake down on the floor.

Frustrated, I kick the thing across the room.

"Woah!" I hear come from the doorway.

I immediately look up at who it was and see Y/N standing there.

Shit, I think.

***

Your POV

"Why are you kicking food around?" you ask, curious.

Adam sighs and says, "Because I tried to surprise you with a party and a cake. Then I burnt the cake because I was having issues decorating. Then I burnt my hand trying to get the cake out of the oven."

You look at his hand wrapped in a wet paper towel and walk over to him. Adam doesn't even look at you. You pout and take his burnt hand in yours, checking on the burns.

His hand is blistered and red. "Let me help you get this cleaned and bandaged," you say, smiling at Adam. "Please."

Without looking at you, he nods. You walk off to the upstairs bathroom to get some antibiotic ointment and a bandage wrap. Once you find everything, you walk back downstairs.

You find Adam sitting on the couch in the living room and you sit beside him. He looks upset as he looks down, avoiding eye contact with you.

After unwrapping the wet towel from his hand, you begin to apply the ointment on his burns and blisters. Adam hisses in pain. "Sorry," you quickly say.

He mutters to himself, "I couldn't even bake a simple cake without hurting myself."

You begin to wrap his hand and say, "You're still healing from that match on Sunday. You shouldn't have pushed yourself to do all this just says removed from the Wargames match."

Adam sighs and says, "I just wanted to do something special for your birthday since you've been helping me out since Sunday. That's all I wanted, and I couldn't do it."

Pouting, you finish wrapping his hand and say, "Adam, baby, it's my job to help you. You're hurting and I'm supposed to be the one taking care of you. The only thing I ever wanted for my birthday was to spend the day with you."

Adam finally looks up at you, tears in his pretty blue eyes. You feel your heart break in your chest as he says, "I just wanted to do something simple and special but this stupid brace and my stupid body got in the way."

"Baby, you sprained your wrist and had a long match on Sunday," you say. "I didn't think that you would be able to move by today let alone run around the house trying to make today special for me. I don't need a big party for my birthday. I just need you and me on the couch eating some ice cream and watching some of my favorite movies." You smile at him.

Adam pouts and says, "You've done so much to help me since Wargames. I just wanted to do something special for you, Y/N."

The tears roll down his cheeks and you can see how upset he actually is. You pout and reach out, wiping his tears away.

You cup his face in your hands and say, "Adam, I love you and I appreciate that you want to do something special for me today, but you make today special just by being here with me."

He blinks away some tears and he nods. Adam says, "I'm sorry I'm such a mess. I just wanted to do something simple today."

You carefully hug him and say in his ear, "Baby steps, Adam. You need to stretch out and get your muscles moving again, and not by running around the house."

Adam lets out a little laugh as he wraps his arms around your waist, holding you close.

The two of you sit like that on the couch for a second before you pull back. You smile at Adam and say, "Thank you for trying to make my birthday special. It means so much to me that you did try to do something for me today."

Adam finally smiles at you and he says, "I love you, Y/N. So much. Thank you for helping me out recently."

"I'd do anything for you," you say. "I mean it."

He says, "I know you would. It's what makes you such an amazing person, and it's what made me fall in love with you in the first place."

Right after you and Adam started dating, he was involved in a two out of three falls match against Johnny Gargano to retain his NXT Championship at Takeover: Toronto in August 2019. The match was brutal, and you took care of him then like you did now. Adam admitted a few weeks later that when you were taking care of him after his match, he knew he was starting to fall for you.

Flustered and happy that Adam isn't as upset anymore, you smile and say, "I love you, Adam. I'm seriously thankful that you tried to make today special even though you're still recovering."

Adam smiles back at you and asks, "Can I at least get a kiss for my troubles?"

Giggling, you say, "Of course you can."

You lean into Adam, kissing him lightly. He kisses you back just as softly.

The soft kiss turns into two and three soft kisses, before the kiss starts to get more passionate as you press your lips harder against Adam's.

Adam slides his hands to your waist and he pulls you closer to him as the originally soft kiss slowly turns intense.

Your hands cup his face as you kiss him.

His sneakily slips his tongue into your mouth, making you giggle against his lips before doing the same to him.

Adam starts to slowly push you onto your back on the couch, crawling so he's laying between your legs on top of you. The kiss is rough and passionate now.

You grip the sides of Adam's Undisputed Era t-shirt as you pull him against you.

His lips leave yours and attach to your neck. You let out soft sighs and close your eyes. "Adam," you say. "Baby, you're not physically well enough to do anything."

"Hm," he mumbles against the sensitive skin on your neck. "Says who?"

You smile and say, "Your body. You can barely do your usual activities without aching or being in pain."

Adam pulls back and looks down at you. "Y/N," he says, almost sternly. "I can have sex if I take it easy."

You almost laugh at how serious he's being before you say, "Come upstairs with me. I know it's my birthday but I have a surprise for you."

Slithering your way out from underneath Adam, you walk up the stairs. Adam follows behind you.

Once in your bedroom, you say, "Wait here." You grab a bag before walking into the master bathroom that's attached to the bedroom.

"What are you planning?" Adam calls as you change out of your t-shirt and leggings into the black lingerie set you bought yesterday.

You giggle and say, "Patience, my love. You'll see."

The black lingerie set is a lacy bralette that's pretty much see through with matching blank panties. You tie your hair up into a ponytail before leaving the bathroom.

Adam's jaw drops before he says, "Oh, damn."

He's sitting on the bed so you walk so you're standing in front of him. You say, "I had a feeling that you would try to overdo yourself today so I decided to buy this and help you feel better."

You stare down at your boyfriend as he bites his lip and says, "Oh, I am already feeling better."

"Good," you say, kneeling down in front of him. You reach up and unbutton his jeans. "I'm helping you feel better so you just lay there and look hot while I help you feel better."

You start to pull Adam's jeans off his body. He lifts his butt up and helps you get them off easier. His boxers come off with his jeans and you lick your bottom lip as you throw the pieces of clothing to the floor.

His eyes are on you as you take his member in you hand, pumping him a few times before licking his tip and taking him in your mouth.

Adam groans and grunts as you slowly begin to suck him off, using your hand to make up for what doesn't fit in your mouth.

You hum a little bit as his fingers find their way into your hair. You know humming a bit while Adam is in your mouth drives him crazy, and you want to make sure he feels good. So you do it several times.

"God," Adam moans slightly. "God, I love you. I love this. So freaking much."

Before he has the chance to release in your mouth, you pull back and stand up. Just to tease Adam, you do a little strip tease for him. He's propped himself up on his shoulders to watch you as you slowly undress in front of him.

He bites his lip as you finish. You push up his shirt so it comes off of him.

Carefully, you crawl onto Adam. You straddle his waist as you trace every bruise and little cut on his body that he got in the Wargames match. You lean down and leave little kisses on his chest as he moves and cups your face in his hands.

Adam's eyes meet yours and he leans up, kissing you. You kiss him back. This kiss is much softer and sweeter than the kisses a few minutes ago were.

His lips moves against yours for a few seconds before he pulls back, meeting your eyes.

"You have no idea how much I love you," he says, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I'm serious."

You peck his lips and say, "I love you too, Adam. More than you know."

A smile appears on his lips and you sit up, your hands on Adam's chest to keep your balance. You begin to grind slowly against Adam. The tip of his erect member is moving through your soaked folds.

His groans and little noises when you were sucking him off made you wet. You couldn't stand it anymore and you needed him. You still need him.

After a moment of this, you take his member and line him up at the entrance.

Slowly and carefully, you lower yourself onto him. You sigh softly as you begin to move your hips. You're careful not to hurt Adam's already bruised body as you move so your movements are slow but filled with passion.

With every movement, you slide deeper onto him. Soft moans escape your lips as you throw your head back, enjoying this feeling.

Adam reaches up and plays with your breasts, groping them.

Your breathing gets heavier as you move faster. Your moans get louder and you slide your hands down Adam's chest.

The room is filled with your moans and the sound of skin slapping skin as you move.

A knot forms in your stomach and that's when you know you're close to an orgasm. You feel your walls begin to pulsate around Adam.

Your moans get louder as you moan Adam's name and several profanities.

"Baby," Adam groans. "I'm about to come."

Biting your lip, you say, "Me too."

He says, "On three?"

You nod as you speed up your movements.

After a three count, Adam releases his seed into you and you release around him while he's still inside of you. You moan out his name, almost screaming it as you come.

You help yourself and Adam ride out your highs before you collapse onto his chest.

Both of you breathe heavily and you close your eyes, not having any energy to pull yourself off Adam.

It's quiet as Adam begins to play with your hair.

"Happy birthday, Y/N," he says, kissing your forehead. "Now it's time to give you my present."

You smile and look up at Adam, asking, "What's my present?"

Adam smirks and says, "Sex. All day, as many times as you want."

Biting your lip you say, "That's the best birthday present ever."

He doesn't waste any time in starting round two as he attacks your neck with kisses.

[samtheflamingomain]

25.21%

I've been sober for 3 months today. 92 days. 25.21% of 2021.

I could've posted more updates, more milestones (it took a LOT not to post on Day 69) but I wanted to kind of save it up for a Big Day. It was also a decent way to continue to incentivize my continued sobriety: a full pass to do a shameless, hardcore bragging sesh.

Anyway, this post comes in 2 parts: the TL;DR for those who only want the gist, then more in depth on my ability to stay sober, the lasting effects of rehab, etc.

I tried my damnedest to pare this absolute novel down, but it's long, so feel free to dip out if you just get bored. Onward!

TL;DR: I went to rehab the beginning of July for 3 weeks and haven't had a drop of alcohol since. I've lost weight, I'm more healthy, my daily anxiety level went from 8 to 2, I haven't had an anxiety attack in 3 months, and everything generally just seems... easier. My memory and concentration have improved. I've been productive and I've been meditating every day. I'm saving money, and while I sometimes fantasize about getting drunk, that's usually all it is.

Honestly, it's been much easier than I expected, but I think a lot of that is because for the first 3 weeks, the time in which I would usually break down and start drinking again when trying to get sober myself, was spent behind a locked door. So far I haven't had any days where I was close to giving in. I haven't had many days where I've been depressed about it, missing it or really tempted. Maybe 3-4. I've basically just gotten on with my life as if alcohol doesn't exist.

To wrap up the short version for those ready to peace out, I'll leave it with a bit of advice.

I don't feel qualified to give any specific advice, because my story feels very unique to me, and I honestly don't think what worked for me will work for MOST people. Sometimes people spend a year in rehab and still drive straight to the liquor store on their way home.

That said, there's one thing that I've found pretty universally true: you have to really want it. For a while, I floated about without much of a "reason" to stay sober. I don't have a spouse, kids or a job I've been fired from, so I didn't see the point.

It's taken me a while, but after not being "convinced" by a few superficial "reasons" like weight loss and saving money, I thought I needed something more... permanent? Consequential? I now realize that my "reason" for getting sober at a young age after only a few years of alcoholism is that I don't want it to get to a point where I'm hurting other people, drinking myself into multiple lasting health problems... I don't want it to become permanent or consequential.

Anyway, that's my two cents. If you do have something like kids or trouble keeping a job, definitely use that as your reason. But for anyone who's a pretty "functional" alcoholic like I was, "not letting it go on long enough to become disfunctional" is a good enough reason.

This is going to get stupid long, so feel free to walk away now, just glad you read this much and it really does mean the world when people listen to what I have to say.

Now some more things in depth. I'll go in chronological order: what made me get sober, what I took from rehab (and what I left), and how it's been the past few months.

I started drinking when I got kicked out, manic out of my mind and homeless unable to sleep. It took a while until I was able to sleep without alcohol, but by then the addict brain had taken over. I'd tried a few times to get sober myself, but I never made it more than a week without, and always got back to daily drinking after a few months maximum.

Some people need a "wake up call", a "last straw" or a "rock bottom". Something external to make them realize they can't go on as they are. For me, the catalyst was my health, which is more of an internal reason I suppose. I didn't have a heart attack or liver failure, but my anxiety was getting uncontrollable and I knew it was directly tied to my drinking.

My life had been starting to feel tolerable, and I was more financially secure than ever before. Things were looking up... except for the alcoholism. This is a weird analogy but the only one that makes sense to express why, if I was doing so well on paper, I decided to go to rehab: you have to sweep before you mop. If I hadn't been in the place I was, I don't think I would've been successful at rehab. I had to sweep up the cat turds from the floor of my life before I was able to mop up the shit stains with sobriety. I know, I'm a true wordsmith.

When I finally called the hotline that hooked me up with a bunch of different rehabs, I knew I was in for a wait. It was about 5 months from that call to checking in, which isn't too bad considering I've been on the waitlist for a neuropsychiatrist in ALL OF CANADA for 4 years.

That brings us to July 12th, Rehab Day One. I've gone in depth in multiple other posts but to touch on it briefly, if I had to describe my experience in a sentence I'd say "the place I went to got very lucky with me".

What this means is that, of the 5 people in my group, I think this exact program was only ever going to help me. At the same time, I didn't even know what I would need, but this exact program was 90% of it. I didn't think 3 weeks would be long enough, but for me it was. The hours-long, repetitive, basic-ass CBT groups held 5 times a day 7 days a week was absolute torture for everyone but myself. While it was a drag to spend an hour on defining what a cognitive distortion is, the routine and repetition, something I've never gotten out of any outpatient program, helped me to really absorb the information and let it rewire my brain.

I've always said that I'm someone who should be spending an hour a day with a therapist for the rest of my life, and while that's not even remotely feasible, this was as close as it's ever gotten, and it proved me right, because it worked. I've done biweekly therapy for a short time but even that didn't come close to the way my brain changed in those 3 short weeks.

This program required absolute commitment and open-mindedness. This isn't because it was hard work or difficult concepts, but quite the opposite. While I hate the entire concept of art therapy being used as a cure-all for mental illness, I willingly got out of my bed, went downstairs and tried doing a dot mandala for an hour because I'm willing to try anything to get better. A lot of people might think they are, but really aren't. To use the mandala as an example, one guy was really into it, I wasn't, but we both finished. The other 3 tried, messed up a few times, and then scrolled through their phones. When I say this program necessitates complete engagement, that's not a compliment. It shouldn't be a chore to engage with the program. It shouldn't take me actively saying "I know I've known this basic concept since 4th grade, but maybe hearing it again will help" to get something out of a rehab program. So again, in every way, I got lucky, and so did they.

Before I finish with the rehab section, having had a few months to reflect on the whole thing, I now have an endless list of things wrong with it. I arrived, greeted by the most jaded and disillusioned of staff, and quickly became disturbed and at points concerned with just how negligent the staff are.

Maybe it's because I've been on the psych ward where they won't even let you have shoelaces and shine a flashlight on your face every half hour through the night, but it could've been so incredibly easy to sneak in alcohol. I brought 2 full water bottles, fully expecting to have to dump them out upon arrival, but they said "nah it's fine". Is it though?

Then there were actual counsellors there who were... okay. I recall one, the one I thought was the smartest, reading a handout aloud and coming across the word "delve" as in "let's delve into..." and stumbled, then said she doesn't know that word. The room was silent. As she pulled up Google on the screen I said, "it means to dive into it". She Googled it anyway. Synonyms include "dive in". If that was the only example I wouldn't mention it, but this was the first of at least 10 words she had do Google, none past a 10th grade level, from HER OWN MATERIAL. From that point on it became clear that they had no fucking idea what they were doing.

We had one last one-on-one counselling session before we left and the counsellor just filled in boxes to questions on her computer, rephrasing everything I said to fit into the buzzwords and "lessons" we'd "learned". Example. Me: I do think I'm better able to catch myself thinking 'oh I can just have one drink' and say 'no I can't'." Her: "Okay, so would you say that you can recognize negative cognitive distortions like permission-giving thoughts and counter them with a more rational and less emotional mind?" Like girl, blink twice if your boss is holding your family hostage. She gave me some papers, detailing all the online courses they were signing me up for and options for more treatment they'd be sending me, a phone number to call and a phone appointment for the next Monday. I never got that call, the phone number is a hotline, I never got a single email from them, and given how shitty they really are at their jobs, I didn't feel the inclination to try and get those resources. If they even exist in the first place.

In summation, it was a place where it was physically impossible to get alcohol. That's really all I can say in its favor. Oh, and they let you have your cell phone.

Now on our timeline I'm back home. I want to kind of analyze why it's been easy for me.

I often said that my main goal of going to rehab was to lock me away from alcohol long enough for it to reset my brain. Most people thought that was naïve, but that's exactly what happened. But I'm well aware that my experience of "instantly became sober and literally hasn't had a single hard day in 3 months" is absurdly unusual.

I put this down to a few things. Firstly, I'm on seven different meds for my mental health. Almost all of them have their effects dulled or even eliminated when you drink. So when I noticed my mood, fatigue, memory, concentration etc all getting better at once - right about as I left rehab, I don't think it would be a stretch to say that all those meds started working properly.

Secondly, I've been keeping myself busy, but that's something I've always been good at. Now I specifically choose to undertake projects that will eat up a lot my time and put me in a state of flow. I recently made an entire card game from scratch, and let me tell you, I didn't think of alcohol for a week.

Thirdly, my other goals now get in the way of alcohol. I'm getting old and my body is deteriorating. But I've always wanted to do just one last season of gymnastics. Well, I need to lose weight for that to happen. I've already lost 35 pounds, and after another 20 I'll be ready to go. Also, I used to spend more on alcohol per month than rent. Even though I've done a few shopping sprees lately, I haven't come remotely close to how much I was spending before.

I want it more than anything. I want to be sober more than I want one night of "fun" that will more likely than not lead me back to where I was a year ago. I never want to need anything as much as I needed alcohol.

Lastly, just a few more random thoughts.

A lot of people, myself included, worried about the fact that I work at a bar as a cook, but honestly the entire time I'm there I'm thinking about food, not alcohol. If I'm hanging out with some regulars before/after, I can watch them drink and be perfectly fine with my coffee, because the coffee is $2, and I used to spend $20 after every work shift.

I also decided in rehab to start taking better care of myself as best I could. This started with getting my second vax which I'd been putting off, then an eye appointment, then new glasses, then a dentist appointment where I was informed I need to do $3000 worth of work on my implant that's erroding my bone matter, so that sucks, but I caught it early. I've also been meditating every day. In just 3 months, I've made pretty big improvements to my self-care and my daily routine.

One of my fears about sobriety was "missing out" on "having fun". A few days ago, all my housemates got together to play Mario Party, and it was kind of my first night doing something social while sober. It was a breath of fresh air - I wasn't constantly running to piss, I didn't worry about running out of alcohol, I didn't get sloppy and obnoxious as I can sometimes do. I even came very very close to winning my first game of MP. When I reflected on the night, I realized that, if I'd been getting drunk the whole time, I would've sucked at the minigames, been a hindrance to anyone unfortunate enough to be teamed with me, and likely would've stopped caring about the game itself after the first few turns.

Yesterday I was making my 4th pot of coffee of the day when I realized there was a full glass of wine just sitting on the counter. I had absolutely no idea where the hell it came from - nobody in my house drinks wine. I shrugged and poured that sweet sweet bean juice. It was only when I sat down and took a sip of coffee did I find myself thinking automatically, "this tastes so much better than wine". I only realized then that it had been rose wine, the only kind I've ever been able to tolerate. It was the ultimate moment of possible temptation, and the thought of just chugging that glass - as I may've done in the past - didn't even cross my mind.

I'm so glad to be where I am. I'm about to undergo some serious financial changes - i.e. going absolutely broke - but drinking isn't gonna help that, so I'm cautiously optimistic.

Stay Greater, Flamingos.