#CAN ANYONE HEAR ME . HE FINDS COMFORT IN THE BOXES HE PUTS HIMSELF IN AND IF YOU TOOK THOSE AWAY HE MAY CRUMBLE

[funkily]

i think traffic scott has crazy issues with his sense of self . i cant defend this at the moment but i feel it in my heart and also depending on how u look at his character i think there is canon backing

[lizzy019]

𝐼 𝒞𝒶𝓃 𝐻𝑒𝓁𝓅!

Confused!Johnny Cade x High!Fem!Reader [Established relationship]

cw -> sex toy usage, squ¡rt¡ng, drug intake, handcuffing, lil overstimulation, very minor injuries

Word Count -> 2K

This idea tho 😏

It seemed like a normal day as always, smoking cigarettes with you in the lot, holding hands and talking about little useless things that you wouldn’t ever need to talk about again. It was sweet, and he loved hearing your voice.

It warmed his heart hearing you talk about things that you enjoyed, things you were passionate about and things you disliked. All of which, he just enjoyed staring at how your eyes expressed such emotion and how your lips moved whenever you spoke. You were his sugar.

“I was watchin’ Mickey with Two-Bit last night, I ain’t gon’ lie, it’s nice seein’ him so happy. It’s rare for us greasers to find that sort of healthy outlet for stress and anger, y’know? I’m happy Two has his stress relief, even if it involves cake and beer.” You chuckled, squeezing his hand gently while taking a small drag of your cigarette.

Watching the puff of smoke swirl before dissipating into the oxygen around you had given you a bit of satisfaction, it looked pretty and the feeling of the cigarette was doing good to get you somewhat high. Johnny didn’t mind, he never did. He was the one who took care of you when you were high out of your mind anyway.

You were getting all giggly, a sure sign that you probably had enough of your cigarettes, but you were too focused on the feeling to care. Your marijuana was keeping you afloat, and he loved it when you giggled at something he said.

Bloodshot eyes were happily staring at him, your expression nothing less of dazed but gleefully blissed. You were dizzy, yet too far gone to see it or feel it.

“Johnnycake.. can you take me home? Wanna have you with me.” You murmured, cuddling up to him in a fit of trying to convince him to fulfill your request.

Johnny just smiled, nodding his head and offering you himself to lean on while he walked you away from the lot to where he remembered your house was. It was a lengthy walk, and it helped to reduce your little high from the cool night breeze alerting your senses back to their regular state.

It had you groaning, reaching back into your pocket to fiddle out more marijuana to smoke and burn out your nerves again, but Johnny gave you this look that showed you an expression of light disdain. So you thought hard, looking at his face while feeling the box of cigs in your hand before you pouted and put the cigarettes back into your pocket.

You’d choose Johnny over anything.

Hand in hand, walking down the barren sidewalks to your house, you found yourself lamenting him leaving, even if just for the night. You squeezed his hand and tugged him through the fence gate, bringing him inside your house with you and smiling in pride of your accomplishment.

You’d opened the door for him, slapping his rear lightly to shoo him inside before following suit. Johnny had kicked off his shoes, and you did the same, watching Johnny hang up his jean jacket and showing you that cute smile of his.

You smiled back, a toothy little grin before you waddled yourself over to him and wriggled your arms around him for a hug. It was warm, and you giggled to yourself when he wrapped his skinny, long arms around you as well.

Despite being able to feel Johnny’s ribcage, the hug brought you a sense of comfort and joy that couldn’t be matched by anyone else. It was warm and held a certain serenity to it that really made you feel secure in it.

To your misfortune, you had to pull away from his grasp and make your way to bed. Johnny disliked you finishing a high without sleep, and who were you to complain about it when your boyfriend was pampering you?

Leading him to your room, you happily sat on your mattress, leaning back and tucking yourself in before blowing him a kiss goodnight. Sure enough, all that energy you had from your high had you feeling more tired than anything, so you closed your eyes and knocked out within seconds.

Johnny smiled so brightly at you, loving how much you smiled and loved him when you were on drugs. Maybe he just liked the way he got to take care of you like you did to him, but whatever it was, he loved you more while you were high even if he didn’t encourage drug use.

Nonetheless, Johnny had his curiosities and he decided to explore a bit of your room. He crossed your dresser, eyes looking with intent as he occasionally peeked into a drawer to spot some panties, which he stole a pair for his own dirty pleasure.

Fortunately during his little hunt, he found a small box you had peeking out from your closet door. So like any curious boy would do, he grabbed the box and looked over at you to check if you were still asleep, which you were, before opening the box and giving a soft gasp.

A small box filled with vibrators, a dildo, some lube, and bondage ties? While Johnny wasn’t expecting that of you, he couldn’t really complain. He even chuckled softly when he saw that you had a butt plug.

Despite being the more gentlemanly kind in his mannerisms, he had to really think about trying some of these toys of yours on you. Should he do it while you’re asleep? Maybe when you’re awake to ask for consent? He didn’t know. Regardless, he took one of the vibrators you had and looked at it intently.

Johnny was.. a bit stunned to say the least. His pretty girlfriend was using inanimate objects to satisfy her desires when he was wide open to anything for her? He was offended!

His hands cradled the piece of plastic in his palms, watching the hefty contraption begin to violently vibrate once its activation button was pressed. Johnny was rather perturbed by how it worked, but he took it and took a pair of soft handcuffs with him before waddling nervously back to where you slept on your bed.

Johnny had now taken a seat beside your half asleep body, his hands gently taking your own and putting them behind your back to cuff them together so you wouldn’t be able to interfere with him. This was what had startled you awake, your eyes adjusting to see in the dim light even if they were bloodshot.

You looked at him incredulously, but your eyes widened and it clicked in your head when you realized what was happening. He was trying to play with you inappropriately? Was this a strange kink he had?

“Johnnycake? What are you doing?” You smirked, looking at him intently and watching his body tense when you caught him.

You paid no mind to whatever he was doing however, simply accommodating to his whims as he nervously held the vibrator. Truth be told, poor Johnny didn’t know what he was doing himself, but he wanted to try this out with you.

“Uh.. sugar, you didn’t tell me you had a bunch of toys you use on yourself. Why d’you use them when you got me?” He asked in a very humbling tone, making you question it as well as you shrugged shortly after his question.

“Does your dick vibrate? I don’t think so, and if it did, I’d probably take you to the doctor’s.” You retorted with a cheeky little grin, flipping yourself more properly onto your stomach and teasingly waving your ass around to tempt him.

Poor Johnny was weak in his confusion and desire, but he gently brought his fingers to spread your pussy lips apart and gently worked the vibrator on your clit and lips. This elicited soft moans from you, contentment and pleasure contorting your expression as you relished in the toy being used by him and not yourself.

The little rapid twitches of the machine working your clit already had your orgasm brewing in your lower stomach, the practically palpable sensation climbing upwards as you tried to steady your hips from wobbling around.

Johnny wasn’t gonna hold back, one hand gripping hard on your asscheek while he turned the vibrator up to the medium setting to work your already needy cunt into a fit of numbing pleasurable release.

Luckily, he did just that. Once the medium setting was selected and was used for just a few mere seconds, the ecstasy of him playing with you with your sex toys, added with the fact that you were still a tad high, everything piled up into a jumbled and rushed release as your pleasure exited your body in liquid form.

Coating Johnny’s hand was now a sheen of opaque fluid, and while it had him stunned out of shock, he was secretly rather prideful inside when he realized he’d made you feel good with your own toy. Maybe more so than you could by yourself.

“Oh sugar, that looked like a good one. You think you got another round in ya? We don’t gotta, but you wanna try with me?” Johnny asked you benevolently, gently wiping off his hand with the panties he stole from you so he could smell them later on.

You hummed thoughtfully, looking at him and nodding before you adjusted your position a bit lower so it was more comfortable. Once you were ready, Johnny turned back on the vibrator and gently began to insert it into your creamy cunny, watching as you shivered at the tingly sensation.

The toy had now penetrated your core, making your inner walls shake from its powerful jitters as you began to really moan and whine for him. While the toy shook up your insides, his thumb began to rub at your clit again, and he watched with rapt attention as his ministrations were causing you great pleasure.

“Oh yeah, sugar, come on. Doin’ good, just hold on a little more for me, yeah? I’ll get you a climax, don’tchu worry.” Johnny praised you, watching you nod helplessly as you succumb to the pleasure he so graciously handed you.

You nodded, dazed and drooling from the feeling of overstimulation. The cuffs had began to dig into your wrists, but you paid no mind to it as you fed off of the congenial ecstasy he provided.

Unrhythmic moans were now freely escaping your throat, resonating from deep within your chest as you felt yourself falling into the endless abyss of pleasure, but Johnny’s hand gently patting your rear in encouragement kept you from falling off that ledge into sheer intoxication of overstimulation.

Soon enough, with a synchronized tweak of your clit and a matched vibration of the toy, you cried out and squirmed when your pussy finally caved into the pleasure and once again, you came all over Johnny’s hand and the sheets.

Huffs and puffs left you while Johnny cleaned his hand, gently taking the toy from you and unclipping the handcuffs as he pressed a gentle kiss to your nape.

“So good sugar, made me so proud.” He murmured, gently rubbing your lower back as you plopped yourself flat back onto your mattress.

Johnny smiled, covering your body with the blanket as he pressed a soft kiss to your wrists which were a bit red from the handcuffs, but you didn’t mind or care. All that mattered was that Johnny was now with you and keeping you company.

“Mmh.. thank you, baby.” You hummed sleepily, your eyes closed as you put a hand on his hip.

Johnny nodded, pressing a kiss to your nose as he looked at you succumbing to your exhaustion.

“O’course, sugar. Sleep well, y’hear? I’ll wake ya up.” He hummed, watching you take the opportunity of good sleep.

Soon, the both of you were now happily asleep in each other’s arms, wrapped in warmth as you two snored gladly in the sweet relief of rest.

[acourtofthought]

THE ERA OF VANSERRA

I'm starting to think the Night Court is setting themselves up for problems by their lack of respect for the Vanserra's 😂

Nesta lifted her chin, smirking at last. “I suppose once we have the Crown in our hands, the Night Court won’t need you after all. Neither will I.” She could have sworn Cassian was repressing a laugh, but she kept her gaze on Eris, who went rigid, rippling with rage. “I do not appreciate being toyed with, Nesta Archeron. My offer was sincere. Stay with the Night Court and you risk your ruin.”

So Cassian said, “I grew up surrounded by monsters. I’ve spent my existence fighting them. And I see you, Eris. You’re not one of them. Not even close. I think you might even be a good male.” Cassian opened the door, turning from Eris’s curled lip. “You’re just too much of a coward to act like one.”

Rhys said at last, “I can stomach being around him.” “I’m sure he’d love to hear that thrilling endorsement.”

“Am I not doing that now?” He arched a brow. “Am I not sending twice-weekly reports to your spymaster?”

Not feeling very festive at all, I said sharply, “That you now feel more comfortable with humans than with the High Fae. If you ask me—” “I’m not.” “It seems like you’ve decided to fall in with two people without homes of their own as well.” Lucien stared at me, long and hard. When he spoke, his voice was rough. “Happy Solstice to you, Feyre.”

But I asked, “And what, exactly, does this Band of Exiles plan to do? Host events? Organize party-planning committees?” Lucien’s metal eye clicked faintly and narrowed. “You can be as much of an asshole as that mate of yours, you know that?”

Mor took another bite from her pastry. “Lucien can’t be entirely trusted anymore.” Cassian started. “What?” “Even with Elain here, he’s become close with Jurian and Vassa. He’s voluntarily living with them these days, and not just as an emissary. As their friend.”

“And?” Cassian bit out. Lucien threw him a withering look. “I’m not your enemy, you know. You can drop the aggressive brute act.” Cassian gave him a grin that didn’t meet his eyes. “Who says it’s an act?” Lucien let out a long sigh. “Very well, then.”

"I'm talking about you, about to kiss Elain, in the middle of the hallway where anyone could see you, including her mate".

"I think Lucien will never be good enough for her"

"I'll defeat him with little effort".

These two brothers are extremely connected and well informed and they've been going out of their way to share information with the NC. And while the NC is occasionally forthcoming and at times decent to Lucien and Eris, there's always an underlying lack of disdain, disrespect or lack of trust the IC has towards them.

Lucien is known as "the fox" and we know Autumn is a cutthroat Court. Is it possible they'll start working together after being put down one too many times by the IC? That they'll make a plan to head to the continent (with Jurian) to free Vassa and deal with Koschei and Beron but will conveniently "forget" to reveal their plans to Rhys and Feyre? Eris has grown increasingly concerned with Berons activities, and I don't think he's all that fond of the IC after they played him at the ball so it might be a natural breaking off point for Eris to begin distance himself and offering up less information.

We know Eris’s (and Lucien's) fire will probably not be a match for Koschei's lake:

"His fire wouldn’t have withstood Koschei’s lake, I don’t think.”

But know he now has a made dagger which he tried to trade for Nesta though Rhys said he might need it yet:

Keep the dagger, though. You might need it.”

And Lucien has Day Court powers. Both things possible weapons against a Death Lord (after first finding the box where he possibly keeps his soul which Elain may be able to lead them too) AND Beron.

There have been hints that Eris would like to make ammends with Lucien:

But as Eris strode by … I could have sworn there was something like sadness—like regret, as he glanced to Lucien.

Or has possibly been in contact with Lucien:

Eris’s face filled with cool amusement. “I wanted to feel out Vassa and Jurian.” He didn’t mention his brother, oddly enough. “But they clearly know little about this.”

I'd actually love to see them reconnecting and working together in Lucien's book. I have no doubt Jurian will remain Lucien's found family but also having his blood brother as found family sets up an even better core group of people for Lucien.

I wonder if the IC will find out their plans to travel through Azriel's spies (without having all the details), then send Elain to travel with them as their own "spy" to see what they're up to using Mor as her cover, claiming they've been unable to reach her.

Feyre winced. “Mor left for Vallahan this morning and is out of our daemati magic’s range.

Elain had squared her shoulders and declared that she was a part of this court—and would do whatever was needed.

"Don't forget that gardening often results in something pretty, but it involves getting one's hands dirty along the way"

Also, SJM has been hinting at revealing the truth between he and Mor since ACOWAR and beyond. Having Lucien, Elain, Eris AND Mor (as well as Jurian and Vassa) all in the continent together makes a lot of sense when tying up loose threads:

“I knew why you did it.” Again that secret smile that had Mor shrinking. Shrinking. “So I gave you your freedom, ending the betrothal in no uncertain terms.”

“And what happened next,” Azriel growled.

“There are few things I regret. That is one of them. But … perhaps one day, now that we are allies, I shall tell you why. What it cost me.”

Eris nodded to where Mor watched them from beside Feyre and Rhys, her face neutral and aloof. “She knows the truth but has never revealed it.” “Why?” “Because she is afraid of it.”

“Give me a damn answer.” Eris crossed his arms, then winced. As if whatever injuries lay beneath his immaculate clothes ached. “You’re not the person I want to explain myself to.” “I doubt Mor will want to listen.” “Maybe not.” Eris shifted on his feet, and grimaced again. “But you and yours have more important things to think about than ancient history. My father is furious that his ally is dead, but he’s not deterred. Koschei remains in play, and Beron might very well be stupid enough to establish an alliance with him, too. I hope that whatever Morrigan is doing in Vallahan will counteract the damage my father will unleash.”

As both Elain and Mor were absent from the crossover scene in CC2, it's another piece of the puzzle that seems to fit.

And while this line doesn't necessarily go with the above, I kind of love thinking about the Elain / Eris interactions we might get:

Nesta barely glanced to Eris, who pulled his assessing gaze from Elain to stare at the eldest Archeron sister with a mix of wariness and intent that set Cassian’s jaw grinding

[frankenstein-ate-my-left-shoe]

yay!! the gift has been gifted, so here's the little ficlet i wrote for @thefreakandthehair's wedding gift zine!!! congratulations Lex!!!!!

pairing: steddie | word count: 1,313 | rated: G | on AO3: it started with the oven

It started with the oven.

Well, with him complaining about the oven, to be specific. The house those government folks put them up in after everything happened last year was new to them o’course, but nowhere near brand-spankin’. Still had some issues to work out.

“Sorry boys, roast might be a bit crispy on one side. Damn oven is acting up again.” 

Wayne didn’t notice it that first time, but Steve immediately perked up, the look completely throwing off his attempted casualness about what he said next.

“I can help you fix it if you like.”

Without even looking at his nephew, Wayne knows they’re both giving Steve twin looks of confusion.

“You know how to fix an oven? How in the hell do you know how to fix an oven?” Eddie asks, half incredulous, half actually curious.

“I uh…had to figure it out once when ours went out…”

Wayne could hear the rest of that statement clear as day, though Steve stayed quiet after that. “It was either that, or go hungry.” Those goddamn Harringtons…

“Sure thing son, let's let it cool down and we can take a look at it.”

By time dinner is over, Eddie’s disappeared, back to his room to do god knows what while he and Steve pull the oven away from the wall.

The longer they work, the quieter Steve becomes. Knowing what he knows now, it was the nerves about what he wanted to ask, but to the Wayne in the moment, it was just nice to get some help around the house without also hearing loud complaining.

Steve tells Wayne what he’d done before to fix his, and Wayne gives him a couple other tips with other potential problems, and soon, the oven is once again able to heat evenly.

“Looks good, kid,” Wayne says, clapping a hand on Steve’s shoulder once they’ve got the thing pushed back where it goes.

He turns to put away his tool box, leaving the young man to do whatever it is he normally does with his nephew (gross), when Steve’s voice stops him.

“Wayne?”

“Hm?” 

Steve falls quiet again, so Wayne turns, taking in Steve’s uncharacteristically anxious demeanor and now pale complexion.

“I–” Steve looks him in the eye, but only briefly. His gaze drops to the dirt on his hands, which he brushes off. “Nothing, just–thanks.” he finishes with a small smile, heading down the hall immediately after.

Wayne shrugs, going back to his toolbox. Odd. But whatever; glad to be of help with…whatever it was he helped with.

—

The next time, it was the front porch.

Luckily not ‘cause of anyone fallin’ through or anything, just about high time he got those front few planks replaced before someone does.

He says as much to his boys at dinner a few weeks after he and Steve fixed the oven, and Eddie volunteers himself for moral support.

“You just wanna see me shirtless and sweaty.” Steve accuses.

“Correct. Moral Support.” Ed sweeps his hand out and leans back in his chair.

“Do I hafta be shirtless too?”

Both boys loudly protest in answer, fake gags and all.

He and Steve get to work tearing out the old rotted boards a couple days later, and as expected, Eddie makes himself scarce within an hour. Something about “You guys workin’ this hard is making me thirsty. I’m gonna go grab milkshakes.”

“Moral Support my ass...” Wayne mumbles, shaking his head fondly.

Again, not long after Eddie’s gone, Steve’s easy conversation peters off; and again, Wayne just assumes he’s not quite used to being around him alone, or that he just prefers comfortable silence over chatter (something Wayne himself can appreciate).

He does come back in, however, after a long lull. “Wayne, I wanted to ask…”

Wayne doesn’t find out what Steve wanted though, as Eddie’s van rattles up the road at that moment, the promise of a cool treat too good to pass up for chattin’ with his boyfriend’s Uncle.

Though, as he watches Steve help Eddie out of the van, grabbing the milkshakes (and a quick kiss) from his boy, Wayne thinks he already knows what it is Steve was gonna ask.

And what his answer would be.

—

The third and final time was definitely the time.

This time, there was no pretense. Wayne and Steve weren’t already working on something together, no current excuse to talk without Eddie nearby. It was a Thursday evening and Wayne was alone at home about to head in for a shift.

Opening the door to a knock was weird though. Steve basically lived here, so opening the door to his wide-eyed, pale face was a shock.

“Steve? What’re knocking for, boy?”

“Sorry, sorry, I’m just–I’m–”

“You ‘right, son? C’mon inside now..” Wayne coaxes the kid inside, and Steve takes his shoes off automatically, lining them up along the messy pile of Eddie’s shoes just inside the door.

“Eddie’s at the Emersons’ y’know.” Wayne says, plopping back into his previously abandoned armchair.

“Y-yeah, I know, I just dropped him and Henderson off there for their game.”

They both fall quiet then. 

Steve rubs the back of his neck nervously, and Wayne waits patiently.

…Okay, maybe not that patiently.

“Now look, Steve, not that I don’t appreciate spendin’ time wit’cha, ‘cause I do, but it seems t’me you came here for a reason.”

Steve’s gaze snaps up, mouth agape. “How’d you–nevermind.” he clears his throat and continues.

“Mr. Munson–”

“Nope, none’a that, not even for this. M’name’s Wayne, son.” He enjoys throwing Steve off sometimes, alright? Sue him.

All the breath in Steve’s lungs seems to escape at once and he smiles slightly, visibly relaxing just a tad. 

Good.

“Wayne, Eddie and I have been dating for over a year now…obviously…you know that..”

“Is that what you two’ve been doin’? I thought you two were just the best of buds.”

This time, Steve actually laughs. “Shut up, I’m nervous, okay?”

“I know y’are, kiddo.”

He takes another settling breath, much calmer now, and continues. “I love him, Wayne. More than anything in my life.

“I know it’s not for real, I know, but I want him, and you, to know that I mean this to be forever. That if I could, I would marry him tomorrow.” Steve chuckles to himself at that, “Probably would’ve months ago, to be honest.

“All this to say—to ask! Ask…” he shuffles nervously again.

‘You got this, Steve, you’re almost there.’ Wayne thinks encouragingly at him.

As if he could hear him, Steve steels himself, looks Wayne in the eye, and (finally) says:

“Wayne, I would like your blessing to propose to Eddie.” He takes another short breath and presses on. “And I don’t want to hear anything about “Why’re you askin’ me, he’s not my kid.” or some crap, either. You’re the most important person in his life, and always will be. It may not be important to you, but it is to me… That you approve, I mean.”

Okay, he knew it was coming. But the added impassioned (and unnecessary) speech that came with it was a surprise. As if Steve was willing to fight Wayne for thinking Wayne wasn’t important to Eddie. 

He stands, hefting himself out of the sunken springs of his chair, and immediately pulls Steve in for a hug.

“Good speech, son.” he says, squeezing the kid tightly for a moment before adding on, “Though I don’t think there was a single question mark in that whole rant o’yours.”

Steve laughs into his shoulder, beaming his wide bright smile when they separate.

“Do I have your blessing or not, old man?” he snarks, pulling a bellowing laugh out of Wayne.

“That’s more like it!” He claps a hand onto Steve’s shoulder. “And of course y’have it, Steve…

“I’d be proud to call you a Munson.”

you can read this one and the whole rest of the collection here!

[fuwushiguro]

I. NEW ME!

CHAPTER SUMMARY : after a year out of the spotlight following a traumatic event, you’re about to take your first step back into it on a popular talk show. your whole team is counting on you to be perfect; but nobody is seeking perfection more than you.

WARNINGS : 18+ only, past trauma, mental health struggles, alcohol.

WORDS : 2.3k.

notes: loosely based off ‘The Idol’ which we all know is trash but I wanted to make my own (and hopefully more entertaining) version!

               MASTERLIST �� NEXT CHAPTER

“Are you sure about this? I know you feel like you’re gonna let everyone down if you don’t start putting yourself out there again, but—”

“Yuuji.” you interrupt him, grabbing his hand and smiling at him. There’s not a single ounce of sincerity in it. And if there’s anyone who’s going to notice, it’s Yuuji. He knows you better than you know yourself. “It’s fine, really.” you do your best to assure him.

The crushing weight of disappointing your entire team is heavy on your shoulders. As much as you’d like to run away, to hide, to cry… you stand firm.

“Alright…” he sighs, returning your insincere smile right back to you. He’s worried, of course he’s worried. But Lord knows you don’t need him putting any doubts in your mind, not now. You’re doing that enough for yourself. What you need now is positivity. Faith and belief that despite what you’ve been through, you can do this.

“Okay, two minutes to go, are you ready?” your manager, Taylor, asks you quickly. Before you can answer, there are more words spilling from her lips like it’s out of her control. “We love you, but please do not fuck this up.” she reminds you before walking away to tend to something else.

Your eyes turn glossy as your cheeks fill with air. You quickly exhale as you fan yourself, doing all you can to make sure the sudden appearance of some tears won’t roll over your lashline and ruin your makeup.

Just then, Yuuji grabs you by the shoulders, forcing you to face him.

“Listen to me.” he starts. “You’ve got this.”

You’ve been locked in your bedroom with a bottle of champagne since the interview. It went well, apparently, according to your team. And yet… for some reason, you feel dead inside. The sounds of cheers and celebrations can be heard throughout the house, and all you can do is drink your champagne directly from the bottle.

“Hey… can I come in?” you hear Yuuji ask sweetly from the other side of the door. You get up, walking to unlock the door and let him in. Your smile finally finds its way back to your face when you see him holding a pizza box. “Getting a pizza through here in one piece with a house full of drunk people shoulder be a new Olympic sport.” he grins and laughs a little.

“Very impressive, Yuuji.” you agree with him, you wait for him to enter and then quickly lock the door behind him. “I don’t actually remember agreeing to a party?” you confess.

“Taylor mentioned it. And… well, you know Taylor.” he reminds you. “Everyone thought it would look good for some reason… not sure if I agree with that but they never listen to me anyway.”

“Or me.” you chuckle, taking a slice as you sit beside him on top of the bed. “I’ve been watching the interview on repeat…” you go to grab the remote, but he takes it first.

He presses play, settling comfortably against the headboard as he pulls a slice for himself. You get close to him, he’s always so warm. And when you’re always so cold, it’s nice to be with him, despite the fact it always ends up in sibling-like fights when you press your freezing feet against him to make him jump. Though it isn’t on your mind right now. You’re worn out, defeated, and you can’t believe he actually wants to watch this.

You weren’t embarrassed to watch yourself when you were alone. It was more like analysis. Seeing what you did right and what you could improve on. The pressure of being perfect is enough to drive anyone insane. But after this, after everything, you know you have no choice but to be perfect.

The sound of your voice carries through the room as you laugh with the host as you talk. Yuuji is smiling softly as he observes, like he’s proud of you.

“You’ve got a new movie coming up, right?”

“Uh… yeah! Kinda, we’re starting filming in two weeks.” you smiled, and it was genuine. You were lapping up the way that the audience cheered at each and every word you said. Whether it be sincere or out of pity, it didn’t matter. You felt truly adored after worrying no one would remember you.

“You’re working alongside some big names, I’m sure you’re excited! Tell me a little about the movie.”

“Yeah, right! I’m the lead but I’m working with Megumi Fushiguro…” you pause perfectly to allow the audience to cheer at the name drop. There are a few wolf whistles too. “We’ve worked together before; I love working with him because he’s so talented and nice. He’s always super serious on set but between takes he’s a total sweetheart.” you giggled as you reminisce on the last film you worked on together.

“I love Megumi too we’ve had him on the show a few times.” the host smiled, agreeing. “Now I do recall dating rumours for you two…” they announced and looked to the audience, earning a slew of ‘oooh’s’ and laughter. You rolled your eyes and shook your head.

“No comment.” you wink, “No, but seriously, I’m focused on my career right now and I know Megumi is too. We’re professionals!” you laughed.

“Alright, alright.” The host laughed too. “The movie’s called ‘Assemble’, leaves a lot to the imagination, wanna tell me more about it?”

“Sure! It’s a horror, which is new for me. I know a lot of people don’t take horrors seriously, but I’ve always wanted to be a scream queen and I’m really excited to sink my teeth into a role like this. I don’t wanna say too much; I don’t think I’m allowed.” you laughed a little more awkwardly to try and placate the host and the audience.

“A horror, wow! I wouldn’t have expected that after what you went through last year.” the host spoke so casually. And at that moment, you think everyone watching could feel the way the air knocked out of your lungs. You began to fiddle with your fingers and look down at your lap as you considered what you should say.

You had never felt so small.

Not since it happened.

“Um… y-yeah. I mean… Like I said I’ve— I’ve wanted to do a horror for a long time. And things lined up well.” you nodded. “We have a great director and script. An amazing cast who I can’t wait to work with… It’s gonna be something special. I can feel it.” you told them, and the silence lasted a beat longer than you wanted it to, you couldn’t help but continue to speak. “I don’t want what happened to define me… It’s hard to talk about even though it was a year ago. But I’m more than what happened to me. I’m not the same person anymore, but I’m looking forward to learning who the new me is.”

You sniffle, hearing yourself say that. Really hearing it. You’ve played the clip so many times but that is the first time you’ve really heard yourself. It sounds so much more gallant than it really is. Because in truth, you’d go back to the old you in a heartbeat. You’d love the option to rewind to last year and change everything that happened.

Of course Yuuji noticed you starting to cry instantly, pausing the TV and putting an arm around you.

“I know you’re still struggling… maybe you should try therapy again.” he suggests.

“Maybe,” you sniff. “I just think it’s like… survivors’ guilt?” you tell him. “And I miss my dad so much. If I could trade places—”

“Don’t do that.” he chastises you. “I wish none of it happened, b-but… it did. And you’re doing great and I’m proud of you. And I know you don’t think so, but you crushed that interview.” he assures you. You smile at him, melting into his arms.

“I don’t know what I’d do without you, Yuuji.”

“Yeah, you’d never find another assistant as hard-working and good looking as me. You’d be doomed.” he grins, laughing a little as he speaks. You join in, finally deciding to wipe your tears and pull yourself together. “Let’s watch something else. Something… fun.”

“Yeah, I’d like that.”

You wake up the next morning, alone in the bed. Yuuji has tidied the room already and he’s opening your curtains for you. He laughs as you groan, the light burning your retinas. You sit up as you rub the sleep out of your eyes.

“Morning…” you grumble.

“Hey, I slept in my room by the way, don’t worry.” he tells you. “Everyone’s downstairs.”

“I’ve been off for a year and it wasn’t enough rest to prepare me for these hectic days again.” you sigh. “I didn’t know I had stuff to do today…”

“Uh… yeah, we’re doing a photoshoot here this afternoon. Makeup is coming in… an hour. Same with wardrobe, I think.” he tries to remember. “I left my phone in my room but I’ll go get it, Taylor wants you downstairs, like, now.” he reminds you.

You manage to pull yourself out of bed and put on a robe over the mismatched bra and panties you fell asleep wearing. The sight of you hungover and imperfect makes Taylor sigh as you come down the stairs. “You look gorgeous. Come sit.” she speaks, though you know she thinks otherwise. You slowly approach and she guides you outside to sit on the patio with her and the rest of your team.

“We want you to know how happy we are with your interview yesterday. It was perfect, really perfect.” your publicist tells you, making sure to butter you up as much as he can before moving on. “This is just the start though so we need to make sure it’s full steam ahead from now on.”

“You’re doing a shoot for Elle here this afternoon. You’ll get to show off the new place, talk a little about your recovery blah blah you know the deal.” Taylor speaks rapidly. “We just want you to know we’re all here for you for whatever you need to get through this transition back into the spotlight. It’s gonna be tough but we know you can do it.” she assures you.

“Thanks.”

“We all know perfection isn’t real, but, as close as you can get to it would be… well, perfect.” she adds. “So we’ll go over what you can and can’t discuss before the interview and—”

“Anyone order a big ass bouquet of flowers?” Yuuji shouts from inside, his voice booming through the house and out to the patio. Everyone stares as he signs for them and brings them from the front door all the way to you. He puts them down in front of you so that you can read the card.

Welcome back — love M x

You smirk as you keep the card close to your chest. Everyone is waiting with bated breath to hear who they’re from so the conversation can be over and they can get back to preparing you for this afternoon.

“I need to use the bathroom… don’t stop on my account.” you smile as you stand up. You pick up the flowers and hurry inside before anyone can object.

“Who were they from, Yuuji?” Taylor asks, which only earns him a shrug in return.

The house is full of liars on days like this. Taylor lied about you looking gorgeous just as easily as you lied about needing the bathroom. But neither of you are as good at lying as Yuuji. He knew damn well the flowers were from Megumi.

He just thinks you deserve a little time for yourself.

You don’t care that everyone can see you inside leaning against the bar in your lounge as the FaceTime dial rings and rings. There’s a real smile on your face that you cannot seem to wipe off your face as you gush over the fact he sent you flowers. The biggest bunch of flowers you’ve ever seen.

“Hey you.” he smiles, shirtless in his bed as he answers. The sharpness of his jaw and his pronounced collarbones remind you just how handsome he really is. “It’s been a little while, you okay?”

“I just got your flowers…” you tell him as you show him. “They’re stunning, thank you.”

“No problem, I saw your interview. How are you feeling?” he asks.

“I’m good, yeah. Getting lots of praise so I can’t complain.” you nod, leaning on the bar again. “I didn’t get you in any trouble for what I said, did I?” you wonder, he shakes his head which is a huge relief.

“It was just a joke so, no, no trouble at all. I was in London for a week, but I’m back now. I’m in a hotel.”

“Oh, really? Why aren’t you at your place?” you ask, curiously.

“I was gonna go home but I got warned there was paparazzi waiting for me, so I came here.” he explains. “I was thinking you could come over and run lines with me later.” he smirks as he gets out of bed. He’s walking, and you realise when he switches on a light he’s in the bathroom.

You can’t help but smirk, too, knowing what running lines will likely lead to.

“Um… I’m pretty busy today.”

“That’s a shame. I’m sure you can make the time since we’re both professionals.” he tells you as he turns on the shower. He always finds a way to make you smile. And knowing he really watched your interview is making you grin from ear to ear.

“Well, I guess I can make some time tonight.” you reply, giggling as you see his cheeks flush a little red at your answer.

“Good. Good girl, then I’ll see you tonight.”

© 2023 fuwushiguro  

[rottenroyalebooks]

Love Drunk - 0.1

Pairing: Eddie Munson x older sister!Harrington reader

Also includes: Steve Harrington x sister!reader (siblings)

Genre: Angst, Fluff

Summary: Y/N Harrington left Hawkins as soon as she turned eighteen with her boyfriend to follow her dreams of being a Rockstar. Three years later, she returns to Hawkins alone and scarred. Now, she has to repair her broken relationship with her younger brother, all while trying to prevent herself from falling for a cute metal head who plays at the Hideout, where she works.

Warnings: None.

Next ->

Driving back to Hawkins, Indiana, was the last thing I thought I would do.

I wouldn't say I liked this hellhole and got away as soon as possible. I never wanted to see the all-too-familiar roads and trees filled with bad memories.

Why did I come back here if I hated this place so much? My life fell apart underneath my feet, and I had no choice.

The drive was long and taxing, but I had a caravan from the 60s that still worked beautifully, so I didn't have to stay in any motels. I left California with a few boxes of my possessions and my black and white Saint Bernard Baxter, and we hit the open road together. It was a long trip, but eventually, I pulled into the driveway of my family home, which was pitch black.

Being late into the night, I was not surprised that the house was dark. I pulled my van into the backyard so it wouldn't be seen by anyone who drove by. I turned my van off and climbed into the back of my caravan, grabbing my travel bag and waking Baxter up so he wouldn't be sleeping outside in the cold.

I tried the back door, but it was locked, so I had to grab the spare key that was always kept underneath my mother's favorite garden gnome. I scoffed, showing the key to Baxter, who tilted his head. "See? They're predictable."

Once I unlocked the door and returned the key to its hiding place, I crept into the kitchen slowly, with Baxter trailing behind me and lazily trudging around. I poked my head into the garage, seeing it bare of any cars, and scoffed, "Nobody's home? They're probably away on business again." I pulled myself back into the house and closed the door.

I started thinking about my little brother Steve. He must have been nineteen, probably off at some fancy university far away from this town. Good for him.

I found my way to my old bedroom, letting Baxter in with promises of bedtime, and closed the door behind me. The room had barely been touched, though my parents were never home enough to care about what had happened. My bed was a mess, my posters were still on the walls, my desk was nearly covered in junk, my old makeup lay on the dresser, and my records were still in a box I had put together.

Sighing happily, I put my backpack on a chair and watched as Baxter jumped onto my bed, making himself as comfortable as possible. I sat on the bed next to my nightstand, which held the phone I had begged my parents to put in for me. I picked it up, hearing the dial tone and beeping as I pressed one of the few numbers I had memorized.

I pressed the phone to my ear, listening to the ringing. Finally, after a few rings, there's a male voice coming from the receiver, "I swear to god, somebody better be dead if you have the bright idea of calling me at three in the fucking morning."

I held back a laugh, "Jim! Hey, it's Y/N,"

I could almost feel his mood lighten, "Y/N? I never thought I'd hear your voice again! How've you been, kid?"

"Could be better. it could be worse. I'm back in town wondering if the pub needs a bartender."

He hummed lightly, "Luckily for you, Paul retired two weeks ago, and I've been having trouble finding decent help. You got any experience bartending?"

I smiled, thankful that he didn't push my return further, "I was a bartender for three years. I kept my nights busy."

"Perfect, you're hired. Can I go back to bed now?"

Giggling, I nodded, knowing he couldn't see me, "Yes, yes, sorry for calling so late. Goodnight, Jim." I placed the phone in the receiver and began stretching, getting myself ready to sleep.

My peace didn't last very long as my door swung open, revealing none other than my little brother, who wasn't so little anymore, welding a baseball bat in his hands. I jumped slightly and held my hands up in surrender, "Whoa, whoa! Steve?"

He stared at me, his features melting into a look of surprise, "Y/N?" He kept the bat high up in the air.

The two of us spoke in unison, "What are you doing here?"

"I asked you first, twerp."

He looked at me with an exasperated expression, "I'm literally the one with the bat."

I scoffed, crossing my arms over my chest as the adrenaline died down, "I have an attack dog. Don't make me sick him on you."

He glanced behind me, looking at Baxter; smirking, he just looked back at me as he lowered the bat, "Oh yeah, he's an attack dog alright."

I looked over my shoulder and turned to look at Baxter, who laid there unbothered; passed out nearly dead to the world. If it weren't for the slow rise and fall of his upper body, I would have thought he was dead.

"I could be facing an actual murder right now, and you would just be blissfully aware until you woke up to see my dead body."

Steve sighed, "N/N, what happened?"

I turned back to him, "I'm back in Hawkins. Mom and Dad don't need to know. Hopefully, I'll find a place of my own soon. Trust me, you'll barely know I'm here."

He just stared at me, his expression unreadable as he contiplated my words. He grew a lot since I last saw him. His hair was shorter back then. He was shorter. He's no longer the scrawney kid I had to protect in my senior year, when he was merely a freshman.

I probably looked different, too, but in other ways.

"I should probably get some rest, I have an early shift." He awkwardly ran a hand through his hair. I nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, kid. We'll talk later,  I want to know everything I've missed." I smirked, grabbing the covers and pulling them over my legs, "Hit the lights on the way out?"

He chuckled lightly, nodding, "Yeah, goodnight, Melody." He baked out of the doorframe, flipping the lights off for me before closing the door, leaving me to stare up at the ceiling; which still had the glow in the dark stars on it.

Baxter rolled over a bit, cuddling into my side as we got comfortable in my bed.

[sideblogdotjpeg]

hello unfortunately i thought even more about sol + swag as an analogy for being asian and it is . making me unwell. i am putting it under the cut for the main reason that it is stupid beyond belief

OK. so. hear me out .

STUPID REASONS WHY SOL IS ASIAN:

(and hint: this is all me projecting 100%)

1) moist frog who immediately turns off when it gets too cold. SOUTHEASTASIAN BOY AS FUCK (to me). guy who thinks thirty degrees celsius is pleasant temperature. guy who thinks that anything below 25C is sweater weather. guy who is soo sweaty and moist all the time (the humidity) and that is not only a natural state, but a preferrable state. 20 degrees is too cold. anything below 0 is actually not functional.

anyway. sol bufo. keepin it warm and gross. if its too cold and dry he immediately hibernates. king

2) idk if anyone reading this has seen shaolin soccer. but sol bufo. could clump shaolin soccer. essentially what im saying is sol bufo is like a buff asian jock. which is kinda goofy and goodnatured and loud and also very obnoxious. i cannot articulate this very well. but. what can i say except a human version of sol bufo was delivered to me in a dream and it was every buff chinese classmate ive ever met.

3) (you will notice the reasons get progressively more stupid and more deeply specific)

sol bufo would love milo. omg. like. chocolate drink in a juice box container that is branded as a sports/energy drink and also green. also the guy on the front of the packet milo. sol bufo coded. tbh

anyway. milo isnt strictly southeast asian..? but. yes it is actually.

4) the whole monk class is extremely steeped in asian 'aesthetics' anyway. i mean. ki. so whatever i can claim this monk for me thats my right

NONSTUPID BUT STILL KIND OF SILLY REASONS:

and this is also me projecting 100%. obviously all delusion. so i guess see this as a for-fun reading of the sol/swag storyline through the lens of a very specific of asianness

okay so. swag right. his journey is about leaving his home where he was comfortable and safe but also very confined. mothership lures him to ezry w the promise of opportunity & seeing the world, making something of himself. he ends up being exploited for his body and skills. and he runs away, but his blood still oils up the mothership cogs.

so anyway. i think its pretty clear how that cld map onto like . an immigrant experience? leaving home because of the need to find urself, but simultaneously, the threat of exploitation at the hands of ppl who see you as a potential profit to be mined. this is the first part

the part that is more crazy to me is his experience in irondeep. like, when he left moonstone he left his entire community. now hes alone ... and he cant go back. (he is stranded physically, emotionally). and at this low point, of true and utter loneliness and purposelessness, comes along bronzebeard industries. they offer him a job - but more importantly, they offer him connections.

like. thinking about how were introduced to swag. its not at his job, its his downtime, its when hes hanging out with his coworkers, when hes surrounded by 'friends'. w people who think hes cool, and the people who think hes a "sucker".

idk! but i think this also relates rlly strongly to a common experience of being international? like. when you know you are permenantly lost from home. what you want more than anything is to feel the same community and sense of belonging you used to have. and it is very easy for that desire to ge manipulated. (like - im just gonna mention the one specific instance that ive seen. which is like. international students on college campuses getting targeted a lot by christian groups. because they know those people are lonely and want a feeling of shared tradition and practice. anyway. this is one specific example but also this is literally what happens to lyddie and sister rosaline :-| )

anyway so in summary: swags story of hope/idealism, exploitation, and loneliness leading him to be a very good pawn. i think that is something that could potentially be read as the experiences of ppl dislocated internationally from their home. and im saying its asian because I Want To.

... and sol! okay. i think very simply: sol is super white-washed. total banana. and thats part of his character. he is a moonstone bullywug who never knew his own home, and still, has never even seen moonstone with his own eyes. he does not know his own history. (and kinda tangent, the place where he spends the majority of his life is in launchpad, a sanitized corporate version of reality. and i mean, the whole 'boy wizard and frog pal' is very clearly alluding to harry potter. like. its white.) but ignoring that, the essence of his character is like. this is a guy who does not know where he came from

and currently? a large part of his arc is about trying to unravel his identity by figuring out where (who) he came from. swag daniels is his one link to a community hes just now found out he has. that is a part of why hes trying so hard to save swag. swag is his family - specifically the parts about family you cant choose. that is hard, complicated and how you understand where the parts of yourself track back to.

like. i think a lot about how the pivotal moments of connection between swag and sol are all about swag... showing sol what moonstone is like. in a dream, he lets sol experience what that place is like. that place is a muggy swamp. idk. swag is taking sol back home. that fucks me up a lot

... anyway digression aside. i think one of the most painful things gg on rn w sols arc rn is. how its looking right now. sol is going to lose swag. sol is going to have to come to terms w losing swag. sol for the first time, yearns to know who he is and who he came from. but by the time he went looking it was too late. his time is up. that moment of connection was brief and gone. there are so many questions about their history that sol will never know now

so obviously this kind of dips a bit into metaphor at the end. swag represents connection to cultural history and heritage and identity. and in that lens, it reads to ME as a story abt being asian and disconnected from ur roots. but anyway. even without that lens i think sols story is still v much abt cultural estrangement

(i also have a very loose and unformed thought: which is that sols journey from wanting to stand out/be special to wanting to find a place of belonging. is ALSO INCREDIBLY RESONANT to the experience of being whitewashed asian... ESPECIALLY for ppl who do come from asia. and how that also relates to the tragedy of wanting to understand ur roots when its already too late. but . i dont rlly know if that is a common experience so. itll be noodling in my head for now)

anyway. my essay. and yes this is all make believe in my head . TLDR: i think swags an immigrant sols a banana and i am fucking insane thanks everyone

also if u read this all and want to know what part of this long ramble actly answers the question of why i think theyre asian. well. you know what.

[tomatoswup]

phone calls

summary: two old rotary phones begin the connection between two souls. One from the past and another from the future.

warnings: angst, literally angst, sad vash :(, hurt/comfort but its not the comfort you think it is. kinda more like an acceptance comfort

pairing:vash x reader

-inspired by the movie "The Lake House"

A/N: am i a fiend for writing angst? yes. do I like reading it? NOPE. wanted to get this out before I hustled on school work hehe. But fun fact this was originally longer but I rewrote and condensed it b/c I thought it was too long for just a one shot lost media typa beat. honestly i don't think i wrote this right but fuck it we ball. I recommend reading this with the saddest song you have bookmarked. Enjoy!~

"Hmmm...Well you got some personality to you.” You mumbled, staring at the old red vintage rotary phone sitting in front of you. How did you come to achieve this old relic of time? Well in short terms, you liked to think about it like an equation.

Old attic + mischievous white cat = you adventuring to go find said cat and to your dismay, said cat scares the living ever hell out of you making you lose balance and fall backwards into endless towers of boxes.

Fun times right?

Those bruises weren't gonna be….

But that was the least of your problems at the moment. As expected, the rotary phone suddenly started to ring, shaking and clicking in itself, making you sigh in disappointment. Grabbing the phone, you yanked it up to your ear “Hey, yeah I don’t think this is gonna work.” You deadpanned “Now we know that we're always gonna be connected, what is this? The 5th time?"

"Damn and I thought you hanging up would’ve solved the problem. I don't think we could connect with anyone else though! I asked the farmer about it and he had no idea!" Chirped the male on the other side of the line.

Of course! It sounded like a normal conversation between two individuals but even Einstein himself would've been baffled at these circumstances. Imagine this, you find an old phone and you had been playfully talking into it until a voice actually responds without it being connected. Strange right? And no, you were sure you hadn't been seeing any strange figures on the sides of your vision.

Now here you were, trying to figure out what the fuck was going on alongside the man who had introduced himself as Vash The Stampede.

"21st century my ass, Google isn't doing shit!"

"Wait hold on now, did you just say 21st?"

"Yeah? Something wrong?"

"Uh well.. It's just that its actually the 32nd century."

You blink a few times "No, it's not. My calender literally says it's the 21st century. It's general knowledge."

"No I'm pretty sure its the 32nd century!" Vash snapped back.

Silence filled the air on both sides.

"WAIT A MINUTE-"

And thats how the unknown man from the future and you hit it off.

After this discovery, the two of you talked on the phone for a while, sharing things about each of your own time periods. And you slowly found yourself enjoying the conversations you would have with Vash who you soon found out, was pretty goofy in his own way, but kind. And unknowingly, Vash felt the same way.

What was an accidental and odd situation turned into practically an everyday thing for the both of you now.

After work, you always looked forwards to that red phone on your nightstand until one day, you decided to decorate it with cute little stickers because why not?

After all, it was fasinating to hear things about the future. Sometimes you'd laugh at the way Vash described it, like something out of an old wild west movie.

"It's all just desert! Really!" He groaned out as you chuckled, holding the phone to your ear with your shoulder as you put books and CD's away on your bookshelf "At least you can make some cool sandcastles or something!"

"With what water?"

"Your tears." Snorting, you listen on as he whined through the receiver. "Hey but just imagine me helping you build them! Makes it hurt less."

Vash let out a exaggerating sigh "But seriously, it's not always sunny were you live?" He asked curiously.

"Nope!" You smiled, slipping one of your favorite books into place "It changes every so often really. Depending on the season." You hummed out, looking out the window to your right to see the drenching rain down with its spring showers.

"Season?"

"Sometimes it rains and sometimes it gets super cold. Other days it just gets too hot and if we're lucky, we get days with perfect temperatures. Its never the same but I guess that's the beauty to it here. Every day is a new sight no one could really get tired of. "

Or a new headache.

Vash stayed quiet on the line, and you imagined how he looked like deep in thought. Eyebrows furrowed, his supposed pointy blonde hair messily spread out across his pillow, and eyes as blue as the sky looking up at the ceiling in concentration.

…Okayyy that’s enough out of you.

He didn't say the eye part himself but you liked to ponder on the idea.

"That sounds beautiful.."

And to that, you smiled. "Yeah, it kinda is."

But something in your head made you stop and look down at the book you had in hand, unsure if you wanted to say anything.

"Hey Vash.."

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry that I'm the only person you could really reach with this thing. I know you really wanted to talk to your friends.."

"Why are you apologizing? It's not everyday I talk to someone from the past! From even before No Mans Land!”

You sigh and slip the final book away to which Vash adds in one more sentence. "And even if you weren't, I like talking to you."

You scoff in good humor "You're lying blonde."

"NO I"M NOT!" Vash gasps out dramatically "Oh how you hurt me so!"

"Hardy har har." You chuckled, shoving a box of things you wanted stored away in the corner of your room. "At least I know I'm speaking to someone as beautiful as the nightsky!" He huffed out trying to sound manlier.

“Yeah? Now how could you tell that?"

"Because I know a pretty and kind soul when I hear it."

E-Excuse me?

Your face flushes red "Alright cowboy are you trying to soften me up?"

"Pftttttt nooooooo~"

Your conversations never ceased to end, and when talking to Vash about practically everything, it felt...comforting. To know there was someone to listen to your struggles, and listen to his own. It felt so intimate.

Sharing about your life on Earth, the things you do and him speaking about his own life and travels around his home planet.

One day, Vash and you had been talking for the night and he mentioned something that gave you a sense of familiarity.

PROJECT SEEDS.

A large project that's been reported on the news for more than a few months now so of course you caught onto that. You've watched their segment on TV before. Something about bringing life to other planets?

You knew the Earth was dying, scientists had announced that someday in the nearing future, the very sun that shone down on you, would destroy you. But did that really matter to you anymore?

The project had been accepting registrations for boarding their new ship incase it happened. Your sister got to register in time but you had been too late. All the slots were filled.

That was a very odd day to say the least.

But that didn't stop you from speaking to Vash.

"Vash, do you ever think you'll see me in the future?" You pondered one night as you were cuddled up in your blankets, the cold being unbearable this winter season.

"Well, I hope so. Sometimes it gets tiring speaking into a thing of metal and plastic hehe.." You could practically hear him playfully grin through the receiver.

You gripped the handle of the phone tight as tears threatened to leave the corner of your eyes.

"I hope I get to see you one day Vash.."

He went quiet for a moment.

"I do too.."

That night, you slept with the phone held to your chest as the fluttering feeling in your stomach never ceased. And you didn't want it to.

Vash had made it a routine to call you every night at exactly midnight to check in on how you were since he couldn't really do it in person either way. And every time he called, it felt as if he heard your voice for the first time all over again. The warmth in his chest made him smile when you answered the phone with the nervous pitch in your voice.

"Vash?"

He found it theraputic to listen as you talked about your day, the normalicy and peace No Man's Land and that his own life had lacked.

Hanging out with friends, reading in libraries, and more.

How he loved it.. Hearing you speak so fondly, so excited, it felt refreshing to Vash.

You were full of life

And Vash wouldn’t trade it for anything.

With every time you spoke his name, he felt like melting into a puddle. He just wanted to hear you repeat his name over and over again, and no, he'll never get tired of it. He could spend an eternity laying in the dusty bed of the farmer’s home just listening to your voice. Listening to your worries, your hopes, and the momentary jokes you would tell him.

But as the days passed, after one full year and a half of the two of you speaking over the old rotary phone, you answered the phone one night with a change clear to Vash. You sounded so weak, so sickly and out of breath.

"Are you alright?" He asked, hearing loud shuffling and things falling on the other line.

"I-I'm fine!" You coughed out as Vash peeked out the old wooden window in the room he was staying in, spotting Wolfwood and the broadcasting girls waiting for him to join them.

"Are you sure?" He breathed out in honest concern, feeling his fingers fiddling with the hem of his sleeve.

"I'm fine Vash, seriously." Your voice weakly echoed through the receiver "Just a little sick, that's all.."

"Please make sure to get some rest okay? I'll ring you when I come back."

"Promise?"

"I promise lov-" Vash caught himself, quickly shutting his mouth.

"Hm?" You hummed out in question.

"Sorry a fly got caught in my throat! Hahaha!" He played off before sighing.

"Take care of yourself, for me okay?"

"I will, I will.." Before Vash put the phone back onto the base, you said one more thing.

"Love you." And with that, the familiar ding of the phone receiver on the other line rang through Vash's ear, signifiying the end of the call.

And Vash was left in utter silence and awe. Love. Love you said. Him?

A fond expression instinctively grew on his face, yet the churning feeling in his stomach wasn't one of butterflies, but one of dread. He couldn't help but leave with the gut feeling that something was wrong.

When Vash returned back to his room and picked up the phone at the same time the two of you would call each other at every day, there was no reponse.

He called your name and no sound came out of the other end. So he put the phone back down onto the base and lifted it back up again to his ear as the same dread slowly seeped into his chest. The room was starting to feel a bit more heavier than usual.

"Hello?" He breathed out nervously as he felt his forehead start to sweat.

"Come on.." He muttered to himself worriedly. Maybe you weren't home in time and had gone to the doctor. Yeah, maybe that's the reason. So Vash left the phone alone for the night for the first time but the prodding feeling in his chest didn't leave.

He tried the next night.

No response.

Maybe you had stayed over your parents' for the day.

He kept the phone by him whilst he napped, waiting for the ring of the phone to wake him up like an alarm, but that didn't come.

He tried the next night, the next night, and continued for the next 3 months until finally.

One night, Vash just stared at the old red phone that hadn’t rung since that day, anticipating at least one final call, one last goodbye from you. Sitting on the bed side, he kept his eyes on the phone until finally Vash couldn’t hold it anymore and cried. Clear waters falling down his cheeks as he tightly held the phone to his chest in desperation.

Did you forget about him?

Did you find the love of your life and decided not to bother with him anymore?

'Come back.'

'Dont leave me please.'

'I love you."

'Please speak to me.'

The string of desparate thoughts ran through his mind as the burning sensation grew in his chest. He can't breathe. He gasped for air as his quiet wails filled the night.

Don't go.

The morning after Vash permanently left the farmer's residence. Of course, he took the phone along too, incase you ever decided to ring back but to Vash's dismay, it never did.

And Vash thought back to you, from time to time, stil wondering if you remembered about the red phone that sat in your room and the idiot blonde on the other side of it.

2 years had passed since that night, and both Vash and the gang found themselves in the city of Augusta for their annual merchant gathering, an event in which all the merchants from around the planet come and trade their valuables or tools in a big, single event.

Crowds of people flooded the streets as the stands were all surrounded to the brim. Vash had been walking beside Wolfwood, who was talking about some bounty hunters causing trouble around when something red caught his eye from an stand that they had walked past, causing Vash to stop in his tracks. Eyes widening in realization, he rushed over to the stall, leaving Wolfwood in the dust.

"H-Hey where are you going!?!" Wolfwood called out but Vash ignored him. His leather clothed hands slammed down on the stall table, the young man who managed the stall yelping in surprise.

"H-HOW CAN I HELP YOU?!" The man nervously shouted out as Vash reached over and picked up a very familiar red rotary phone "Where did you get this!?" He exclaimed in urgency. "How'd you get this!?"

"I-I-" The young man quickly cleared his throat and regained his composure at the sudden burst from the tall blonde-spiked haired man.

"It's a very old device! Back during the old days according to my great-grandmother!"

Vash looked down at the red phone, very dusty but he was able to make out the sticker decorations and doodles that were scattered around on it. Inspecting it more, he turned it around to the back and saw something melancholic.

"12:00 PM Midnight" was written on the back of the base with black marker. The time the two of you would call each other every night those years ago.

"Sorry, is.. is there anyone I could talk to about this?" Vash apologized, giving the young man a somber smile as he held the phone to himself, as if someone were going to rip it away from his grasp.

The man observed Vash for a moment, before nodding and giving Vash directions to his great-grandmother's home, right outside the border of Augusta.

"There you are!" Wolfwoods' voice rang out angrily behind him "The hell did you see now?!"

Vash turned to Wolfwood and simply gave him a smile "We're gonna be paying a visit."

It didn't take long to reach the old worn down home and greet the owner of the property, a small old lady to which surprised Wolfwood that she hadn't kicked the bucket yet.

Vash, of course, elbowed him in the rib for that one.

Seeing the phone in Vash's arms, the lady let out a small smile "My, I haven't seen that phone since I was a child..." She quickly showed Vash and Wolfwood inside, explaining how the phone came to be here.

"According to my grandfather, our lineage began with two sibilngs who were born and raised on Earth. When Earth neared its end, the daughter of the family was able to escape whilst the other sibling unknowingly stayed behind on Earth."

The old lady snapped her fingers to Wolfwood and waved him over "Be a dear for me and put this on the table."

Watching Wolfwood put a very old and deteriorating box on the table, the lady continued.

"Well, the sibling died before the daughter left Earth, so in attempt to preserve her family's memories, the daughter took some of her siblings' things, something to remember them by."

The old lady points to the phone in Vash's arm "That was one of them. And here-" The lady patted on side of the box "-are the things she was able to take with her. Check them out yourself." She softly motioned Vash to come closer with her frail, wrinkled hand.

Hesitating for just a second, he took slow and steady steps towards the box, biting the inside of his cheek in attempt to not just cry.

Damn, he sure felt like a cry baby these days.

Putting the phone down besides the box, Vash reached into the box and pulled out various things. Old shirts, CDs, a wallet, wired headphones, books, and something he never thought he'd ever see in fine print that made his breath hitch.

A colored photo I.D and on the side of it, your full name printed in black.

It was you.

These were your things, these shirts you've worn, the CDs you've listened to, the wallet you used in your day-to-day life, but he kept his eyes on the I.D.

Vash stared at your photo, the features you've described to him once were in his hands, proof of your existence.

He couldn't hold it anymore, how could he? Silent tears ran down his face as the small giggles he let out, turned into full on laughter.

He laughed and laughed whilst holding the I.D close to his heart.

You didn't purposely leave him.

You hadn’t meant to.

The same gracious laughter morphed into sobs as he grabbed everything he had taken out of the box, and enveloped them tightly into his arms.

This was the first time he was able to physically feel you, even if you weren't there yourself. He wished the smell of the favorite perfume you had gotten one day had still lingered onto your shirts, he wished he could've shared and listened to your favorite music alongside you. And he wished you were beside him, looking through all these things with him. He wanted to hear you reminsce your past and your present again.

Oh he wished.

Vash spent hours at the old ladies' home, looking and observing every single one of your belongings. There were some he remembered you talking to him about, and others he didn't recognize.

But it was time for him to leave and Vash knew it.

Looking up at the sky outside, he softly smiled, caressing the small compartment he had your I.D pocketed in.

"C'mon needle-noggin. Time to get your ass moving!" Wolfwood shouted ahead of him.

Letting out a large exhale, Vash muttered out a few words before running to catch up with the priest "Wait up!"

Behind him, two objects were left behind in the sand, placed neatly besides a metal nameplate.

The two red cherry rotary phones glistened in the sun, one filled with stickers and the other covered in dirt and scuff marks as your name plate, that had been cleaned of any dirt or scratches, continued to sit in peace as the windy breeze passed on by.

"I'll live on. For the both of us."

[vaulthistorian]

Its the scoot ask anon, Could I get more Male/Gn Courier x Joshua? Where like Joshua and The Courier have been hanging out a lot recently and either the tribals or Daniel think something's goin on between them. And like Courier is being a shitlord about it, but Joshua is denying any claims made about something going on between him and The Courier. I think it would be funny/ silly :3

Of course anon, I did my best 🫶🏻

Daniel is a very observant man. To think he doesn't know what goes down in Zion should be something foolish. Daniel watches. Under the shadow of his hat his eyes watch the valley's bathed in glowing warm sunlight.

The trees groan and cry as the birds sing and the breeze whispers secrets away with it.

The breeze carries something warm today. Daniel heard the footsteps coming, hearing the clank of boots as leather twisted and bent along with the metal that slowly bobbed against your heel.

Some of the Sorrows had run into you on your trip back to Zion. His eyes softened slightly and he hummed. "Six, welcome."

You nodded, putting down a crate. "One delivery of fresh pastries right from the Mojave, to you."

Daniel raised an eyebrow, but motioned the Sorrows to have a look if they wanted. So they crowded the box and had a look, excited with what they found.

"Thank you. I figured it would take you longer to get here."

You shrugged. "You'd be surprised how fast you can run when you've got a family of Cazadors on your ass."

"Well, I'm glad you made it here safe-"

"Yeah, do you know where Joshua is??" You cut in.

Daniel paused and looked up. "Joshua is where he usually is. Try the river."

"Ok cool, thanks Daniel! Enjoy the food!" You quickly rushed off despite your feet probably hurting. Usually you'd stop to rest with Daniel for a moment or two but as of late you haven't.

Just rushing straight to see your favorite person in the world. Hm. Daniel remained quietly in thought, putting his book down and watching you go. The soft breeze brushed over the foot prints you'd left.

One of the Sorrows noticed and stood adjacent to him. "You think?"

Daniel hummed. "Just wondering about our little courier. Something tells me they've got a thing going with Joshua..."

You eagerly rushed down to the river, wading past their traps and across the high caverns until you reached the small campout. A few Dead Horse members roamed around, but you just smiled as you passed.

You skipped up and through the mouth of the cave. Immediately going to find Joshua.

When you did, you smiled again. "Hey, Joshua." You made yourself comfortable on the edge of his desk, crossing your legs.

Joshua looked up at you, his eyes moving slowly up your legs, past your belt and duster, up to your face.

"You're back." His tone carried a sense of appreciation to it. As if glad that you were back.

"I am. So... Did you miss me??" You have him a cheeky grin, leaning over so close your breath brushed against his face. His eyelids fluttered briefly, calculating himself. "As much as anyone else, I'm sure."

It made your heart melt, one day you'd get those lips of his to spill their secrets. One day...

Daniel continued to watch you. Of course the Sorrows also gave him updates, but he didn't need to look far. When all of them were gathered around the fire he saw the way your knee brushed and knocked against his. Joshua would frown if you did it too hard or too obvious. But never pushed away.

Daniel saw the way you acted when you told your stories. He saw the way your eyes focused on Joshua, as if no one else was there to listen to your ramblings. You'd speak as if the whole world ceased to exist if not for his attention.

So of course, he asked one day. You were out splashing around with the Sorrows when Daniel approached Joshua. Joshua's eyes flickered up from his thumb rubbing the edge of his gun, to where you were.

Daniel slowly sat down. "Is something going on between you and Six?"

Joshua let out a soft raspy scoff at that. "What do you mean?"

Daniel nodded toward the water. "Look at how you look at him, he shares the same look y'know."

Joshua is quiet. He watched you splash around, his gaze carrying the same heat and intensity it always did.

"I would be lying if I didn't say he is a vital alliance to Zion. But I'm not sure what you'd like out of me. Six is an errand boy."

Daniel considered his words before standing again. "If that's what you want, then I'll go ask Six instead."

Joshua's eyes widened slightly at first, before fixing himself to sit down still. "Go on, whatever you are looking for, I'm sure Six will answer your questions."

So Daniel waited until you were panting and dragging yourself out of the water. "All done?" He asked as you scrunched out your under garments from sticking to your skin.

"Oh yeah, I'm done. Whew, refreshing." You chuckled.

"What is it with you and Joshua?"

"Hmm??"

"I see it. The way you look at each other. There's something going on. No harm, I just want to know."

Your smile spread and your cheeks went a little pink as you picked up your pants. "Joshua? He's a... He's a nice guy. Real good personality."

Daniel listened.

"Y'know I think he's the perfect friend. He's great, nice to talk to. I wish I could see if the fire got him anywhere vital y'know. Just for research purposes." You winked.

Daniel blinked.

"I'm... Confused."

"Oh come on Daniel. You know he wants me to tug on his rope."

"Rope?" Daniel frowned. He understood what you were saying, but why say it like that?? Holy crap, Lord help him.

"You know what, I don't even want to know anymore." Daniel tried to turn away but you scampered up and grabbed his neck gently, whispering in his ear. "I wanna see his pen-"

"Get off me." Daniel pushed you away and shrugged violently, shuddering. "Forget I asked. Forget I asked.."

He mumbled and walked away, hiding his blush under his hat. Damn you two.

You grinned, grabbing your duster and heading over to Joshua. "Hey."

"Hello." Joshua looked up at you. His eyes soften briefly. "What was that all about??"

"Nothin', nothing at all."

You grinned wide. Oh you were going to milk this as long as Daniel was alive. He'd regret questioning your preferences.

So among the next few weeks you were there you blew your attraction to Joshua in Daniel's face as much as you could. When Daniel would hand out everyone's food, before you left, you'd casually eye Joshua's butt and make a wide motion to smack it.

It always made Daniel freeze, unable to stop the worry of what the consequences would be

He always saw you tracing his hands or eyeing his belt. Casually complimenting it. Daniel bit his tongue, knowing what you were doing. Joshua didn't give off many signs he was effected if he was.

But that didn't stop you at all. Daniel was afraid of just what he started. He's scared. Someone help him. He's got a crazy ass courier who wants to fuck his best friend shoving it down his throat at every turn.

Daniel's at a loss, despite Joshua's continued denial, he feels like they're already going ham at each other. He dreads the day he finds out.

[froggybrainz]

I'm still currently fighting artblock rn, so HEAD CANON TIME!

Jacky

When Jack was kicked out of the Garden, his box was found by Isaac's father, who then brought it home (we all know the story from there).

Isaac became Jack's new owner/brother when opening the box. I think it'd be cool that for anyone opening Jack's box, he then gets their memories to help create a bond.

Jack has a hard time remembering his past before Isaac. For as much as he knows, his purpose was to be Isaac's friend.

Jack is well a Jack of all trades, lol. He's an old man with too much time on his hands while being blessed with talent from a certain red character:)

Jack is old old. He only thinks he was created around the 1800s, but boi doesn't know it was more like 1566 or 1600. ( I made an entire timeline to keep track of my nonsense).

Jack is one of the few who are able to shape-shift into a human with the only defect being his eyes. Glowing blue/silver eyes aren't exactly human, you know.

Ma boi Entity

Entity is an agent of chaos doing whatever whenever they please.

They are the first and only anomaly/demon that can successfully shape shift into a human form without defects. Only the most powerful can perform such a task without too much strain to their original forms. Anomalies created after the 2nd or 3rd generation are lesser than the ones before.

Originally, I had it where they didn't actually talk it was more telepathic, but after some thinking, I think they would have the voice of a broken radio. Like it hurts to listen to them talk, so preferably, they take on more comforting voices, whether it be a parent or cartoon character. Personally, I hear them with the voice of either Will Wood or the singer from Mindless Self Indulgence.

I don't like creating one-sided characters, so the idea of them acting like a white girl holding a Starbucks coffee with the song Barbie Girl playing in the back ground while also being the most powerful and destructive being in this known universe is funny to me.

Willie boi

Will plays an old Yamanha guitar he got from his Pa (granddaddy). Well, most of what Will owns is his Pa's. His house and everything in it were given to him when he passed away. You can find him playing it on the front porch.

His Pa later died in the hospital due to severe injury caused by fighting off some feral monsters off his property. (Living in more rural areas is more dangerous due to law enforcement and the GOC being further out from reach). Will blames himself for his death, saying if he wasn't so far away, he would have been there in a heartbeat.

Will carries a firearm while putting up cams around the property to keep an eye out for and to track the ferals around the area to hopefully take revenge on em.

[reigningqueenofwords]

Shoot Him in the Leg

Pairing: Steve x Reader, Bucky x daughter!Reader

Part 22 of Looking for the Captain

Neither man spoke as you left the room. What was there to say? Right now, they were in limbo. Nat and Bruce were the only other two that knew about you taking Plan B a couple weeks ago, and Bucky hadn’t said anything about it to either since. Part of him wondered if he should have called and spoke to Nat while he was at the store that morning. She had helped him before, after all. It was too late now, so he would just have to deal with whatever happened. 

“You know I gotta ask, right? You’re gonna be there for them if she has your kid, aren’t you?” Bucky glanced at Steve. “You’re not gonna pull away because you’re a superhero or anything?” While he was pretty sure he knew that Steve would never do that, his instincts as a father made him ask. 

Steve stared at him. “Of course I’d be there, but I wouldn’t be able to stop being the Captain. It’s my job. What else can I possibly do?” Being Captain America was literally his life. He wished he didn’t have to fight, but how could he walk away when he could still help keep people safe?

He shrugged. “You like art. Be an artist. I’m sure people would pay good money for a piece of art by Steve Rogers. Or hell, I’m sure Stark could put you through school. Especially since she dropped out. Can find another way to fight for the little guys where you aren’t putting yourself in danger.” He suggested it like it was nothing as he put a box of pasta away. 

“You just want me to hang up the shield?” He asked, wanting to make sure he was hearing that correctly. “We don’t even know if she actually is pregnant. Like she said, it could be stress.” That’s what he was truly hoping it was. As much as Steve had always wanted a family, he felt that he wasn’t ready, and felt it was too soon in your relationship. The pair of you had just started dating. 

“Judging by the look on your face, you’re more committed to your shield than you are to her. Funny, you’d choose her if I told you to pick. Fine. I get that. However, I’m guessing that’s not the same reaction you’d have if you had to choose between her and being the Captain.” He crossed his arms over his chest. 

“I’m here, aren’t I? I didn’t stay behind to help the others. I didn’t say she should stay here herself so I could keep being the Captain. I didn’t even bring my shield or uniform.” He defended himself. “And being the Captain is the only constant I’ve had since I woke up. Hell, since the war. It’s not something I can just shut off.” 

Shaking his head, he sighed. “You’re telling me if things had gone differently, that you wouldn’t have hung up the shield for some dame back in the day? That had you found someone you’d still be the Captain. You wouldn’t have found some other job?” 

“That’s entirely different, and you damn well know it.” He shot back, getting annoyed. “This is the one connection I have to back then.” 

“Funny. I thought you had me, too.” He said sadly. 

“The only reason I have you now is because someone is after Y/N. If that never happened, there’s no telling when I’d see you again.” His tone was just as sad. “Let’s just get the cold stuff put away and go check on her.” He didn’t want to keep talking about this. 

Before Bucky could reply, the landline rang. He quickly went and lifted the receiver to his ear. “Stark?” Who else would be calling. 

“We’ve got a location. Sending a helicopter for you and Rogers.” Tony told him quickly. 

“How long?” He asked, heart hammering in his chest. 

“Be there in about an hour. Do you have your gear?” 

“No. Have Nat grab it. She knows where it is. Steve’s gear is at the tower, too.” He explained. “Is anyone going to come stay with Y/N? I’m not comfortable her being here alone.” As much as he wanted to go after the people responsible, he wouldn’t leave you vulnerable, either. 

“Barton. He volunteered, figuring you and Rogers would both want to go after these people. He’s packed a bag like a little girl for a sleepover.” He chuckled lightly. 

He ran a hand through his hair and let out a breath. “Alright. I’ll fill them in. Thanks, Stark.” 

With that, the men hung up. “What’s going on? We’re leaving?” Steve asked, confused. 

Bucky nodded. “They’ve got the location. They’re sending a helicopter for us and Barton is staying with Y/N.” He explained.

You couldn’t hear the guys outside the bathroom door, so you assumed they stayed downstairs. You were sitting on the side of the tub, the test on the sink. It said to wait 3 minutes, so you didn’t want to stare at it the entire time. Although, you were sure it had been longer than 3 minutes at this point. You just couldn’t bring yourself to look at the result. 

Finally, you heard noises outside the door before there was a knock. Getting up, you went to answer the door. “Stark is sending a helicopter for us. They have the location.” Bucky told you instantly. 

“Seriously? It’s almost over?!” You let yourself be hopeful. 

“Barton is gonna come keep you company while me and Stevie go.” He went on. “We’ll be leaving in about an hour.” 

Nodding, you chewed on your lip. “I’m not going to look at the test, then.” You told them. 

Steve furrowed his brows. “Why?” 

“If it’s positive? You two will have that on your mind when you need to be focusing on coming home safe. If it’s negative, awesome. You wouldn’t have to worry about it.” You explained. “I think I’d rather wait to find out now.” 

They could understand that. They would be distracted. “In that case, want to go play a couple card games before we have to go?” Bucky asked, hopeful. 

You smiled at that. “Sure.” You agreed, making your way to head downstairs. You’d deal with the test later. 

You’d hugged both men goodbye, and told them to come home safe. Of course you were worried about them rushing off to fight. You just hoped that it was a quick thing, and that you’d get a call that night or the next morning that it was over with. 

Clint had brought some clothes, his gear, and was hoping to help distract you while the other two were off. He planned to crash on the couch, leaving Bucky’s camp set up for him. “Have you eaten?” You asked him once you shut the front door. 

“I haven’t, but I can wait until dinner. We can just snack or something for now.” He thought maybe you wanted to eat as a comfort thing, which he couldn’t blame you. 

“How does chips and dip sound?” You offered. “And we have beer, soda, water, milk, and juice.” 

“I’ll have a soda. Sprite if you have it. Movie while we snack?” He motioned to the TV and stack of DVDs. “Pick whatever you’d like, and I’ll be right back. Bathroom upstairs?” He pointed. 

You nodded. “Yeah, it’s the only open door.” It wasn’t until he was all the way up the stairs, and you were stepping into the kitchen, that the fact that there was a pregnancy test sitting on the bathroom sink hit you. “Shit.” You groaned. There was literally no way to make it so he didn’t see that. 

“So, looks like we’re gonna have a tiny Cap around, huh?” Clint asked gently as he walked in. 

This was not how you expected to get your answer. You couldn’t help but tear up. “Guess so.” You managed. 

“Hey, I get it if you’re scared.” He assured you. “But I hope you know we’ll all be there for you guys. How did the other two take it?” 

“They don’t know yet.” You sniffed. “I guess while I was taking the test…Tony called to say they were going after the people that are after me. So, I told them I wasn’t going to look at the test, because if it was positive they’d have that on their minds the whole time. I’d rather them focus on coming home safe.” 

Clint sagged. “You didn’t even know.” He noted. “I’m sorry.” 

You shook your head. “Don’t be. I meant to throw it away after they left, but I spaced out.” You handed him a Sprite. “I don’t know what I want to do.” 

“With the kid?” 

“Yeah. I was thinking about it earlier when Dad was at the store.” You dumped some chips into a bowl. “I know there’s adoption, and abortion. I know those are options.” You shrugged. “I don’t think I would be able to do either of those, though. But, I don’t know if Steve even wants kids.” 

He looked confused. “Why do you say that? He seems like he’d be a natural.” 

“He’s Captain America, for one. Do you think that and kids would go together well? And it’s never something I’ve heard him talk about.” You popped a chip in your mouth before moving to the fridge to get out the dip. “What if he freaks out hearing I’m pregnant and decides that’s really not what he wants? All he told me when we talked about it was that he wouldn’t be mad.” 

Clint felt for you. “Out of all of us, I would think he’d be the biggest family man.” He assured you. “White picket fence and all that.” He was clearly trying to ease your mind. 

Shrugging a shoulder, you let out a breath as you spooned some dip into a smaller bowl. “Guess only time will tell how he reacts.” You were honestly worried about it. More now than when it was just a possibility. “And I just have to hope that he doesn’t panic and want out.” 

He didn’t know what to say, as there was nothing that could help you feel more positive. “How about if he tries to run I shoot him in the leg with an arrow?” He joked. 

You couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle. “Yeah, that would make it a lot more difficult on him.” You noted. “Make it easier for Dad to catch him.”

“About that, you’re calling him ‘dad’ now? That’s awesome!” He smiled. “When did that happen?” 

“A day or two after he got here, I think? It just…slipped out.” You explained. “I’d been in my feels about everything and I went to say goodnight. Without even thinking I called him ‘dad’, and it stuck.” Picking up the chips and dip, you turned to him. “Can you grab me a bottle of water and I’ll go find something funny for us to watch?” 

Tagging:

@vicmc624 @hisredheadedgoddess28 @otterlycanadian

[malsfefanfics]

Oolong and Green and Ginger! And let's go everybody <3

Ooooh goodie~! Let's see.

Oolong: How does your OC decorate their space?

Medee's space is decorated with bookshelves and journals, medical diagrams, small plant terrariums, and the like. Think classic witchy aesthetics mixed with a doctor's office. Her space would get her interrogated by the Church.

Rosamund is similar to that of Bernie mixed with Petra. Arts supplies neatly put away, when not in use, a painting or two on the wall, carefully cared for and ethically sourced fur at the end of her bed or on the floor as a rug. Dog toys as well.

Tancred is a basic children's room at first. Typical children's decorations and books and toys. A big book of old Opera posters collected. Big toy chest. But as he grows older his tastes start to mature. Some of the posters are on the wall but most are still in the book. He has a table with a map of Fódlan and he's using his toy soldiers to practice strategy, and he has a large wall scroll of beginner's dancer moves on it he practices.

Davi's space is very much filled with colors. He has wood carvings he's done to memorialize the faces of his loved ones. There's a tapestry weaved and hanging from the wall he managed to rescue from his village that was hanging in the home of the local priest before he left home. There's a small alter in the corner of the room he often sits in front of when he feels the need to pray or speak to his mother, brother, or grandfather. He also has a box of special candles and incense he burns on special occasions.

Green: What is your OC’s favorite piece of clothing?

For Medee, it's her hair piece. Her sister gifted it to her before leaving for the Kingdom.

Rosamund loves her cloak. She won't say it out loud, but she loves how she can come off as intimidating in the dark when wearing it.

Tancred loves all his clothes because they're mostly Hubert's hand-me-downs, up until he gets his post-time skip look. That's an outfit everyone collectively supported him getting for himself and he adores it.

Davi's favorite piece of clothing is his father's kilt. A large, soft, twilight colored traditional great kilt with patterns traditional to his village back home in Duscur.

Ginger: What always brightens your OC’s day?

Tancred: Seeing his brother, sister, mother, or anyone from the Strike Force. He just loves spending time with people.

Rosamund: A nice walk with her dogs in the woods. It's the one place she can always be guaranteed to find comfort in.

Medee: A surprise. She's usually preferring to be a giver rather than a receiver, but you bring her something aligning to her tastes and she isn't expecting it, she'll brighten up immediately.

Davi: Singing. Whether it's him or someone else. He hears a song, and he's much happier.

[autistickremylecroux]

Stick with me- lyney & lynette

TWS: Heavily implied Child Abuse & PTSD ,also slight implied transphobia if you look .

Extra’s: all of the siblings are autistic.Lyney is also ADHD, transmasc lyney , Also [——] isnt any other character its just a replacement for Lyney’s deadname bc i dont wanna give him one

WC: 1034

Rule one.Dont cry.

The unspoken rules had left the siblings scarred for years, it had been a while since they had last spoken with their ‘father’.

Each of the three had different ways to avoid the treatment if they were caught, it varied usually from a comforting hug when they were younger. Or sometimes at the beginning of their distraught. But quickly switched into words harsh enough to give you whiplash.

Lyney could still hear the words ringing through whenever he felt himself get upset. “Its just a dress, get over it.” or even worse. He could still feel his younger self crying and begging his caretaker to spare him the slightest glance, apologising over and over again in a futile attempt to please her.

It never worked, he would be ignored until the verge of a mental breakdown, sometimes well after it. When Arrlechino would finally give a sharp “youre forgiven” before continuing her current task.

Lynette suspected it was why he liked the attention so much, why he needed to be in the spotlight. Being ignored reminded him of the times he would be neglected in his harshest times. Lynette hasnt seen him upset since a few years back.

It was a nice evening, she was walking home with her brother. Not that she knew it at the time. He hadn’t had come out by that point in time. Freminet hadn’t joined their little trio then. They were only about six.

Lyney was rambling about his day, they had been put into separate classes unluckily, and lynette was more than happy to listen. By the time they got to the house. Father had already been standing at the door. A sweet smile on her face. Something felt off about it. “Lynette , would you mind coming upstairs with me? [——] you stay there”

She walked up with her Father, her cat ears twitched as she heard Lyney’s feet following them. If Father found out he would be in big trouble. So she hoped that he would turn around. Her Father led her into a side room, it was her office. Although, Father stopped, suddenly letting go of Lynette’s hand. And slowly turned to look at the door. Lynette’s breath hitched, she didnt want her brother to be hurt. “Lynette, stay.”

She sat down on her Fathers’s desk. Unfocusing her eyes to the best of her abilities. She didn’t want to listen.


Soon enough there were kicking sounds, shouts and screaming ringing through her ears. She felt bad, Lyney had only went to make sure she was ok. But now he was getting hurt instead. The screaming held up, eventually everything went pitch silent. And the noise of footsteps up the stairs, they were lighter now. She wasnt angry.

“Lynette!” She opened her eyes, seeing her twin staring at her. “Yes?” she replied, standing up. They had a show soon, but she wasn’t sure how long she had been zoned out for. “have you seen the concealer anywhere?” He said, making a show of glancing about. “i cant find it at all! Everywhere i look its not there!” he rambled, digging through some boxes. “Oh, i used the last of it” she admitted, her breath pausing for a second. Trying to gauge his reaction before continuing.

“oh.” he paused, suddenly his energy drained, and his hand went up to cover his eye for a second, his finger ghosting over the area under his eyebrow. She immediately knew why. So she spoke up.

“I can do some eyeliner to cover it up?” Lyney contemplated it, before nodding hesitantly. He didn’t like anyone going near his face, let alone touch anywhere near his eyes. Not even Lynette. But he was rather desperate now. He silently walked away, grabbing some eyeliner and eyeshadow.

“Be careful—“ he said, as they both sat down on the couch. She nodded, adding in a little hum when she realised he had closed his eyes. Up close you could see it,a small sunken in scar there. She knew when he had gotten it. But she never asked what had happened. And he had never told her either. People assume they tell each other everything, but somethings they preferred to keep quite, but they usually had some idea what had happened.

That night, about four AM. Lyney was lead back into their shared room by their Father.She closed the door without saying anything. Lyney walked over, shaking. Half of his face was covered in bandages , and he had a few bruises here and there. He crawled into her bed. And stayed there every night for the next few months.

She doesn’t think he sleeps properly anymore, neither does Freminet. They bond over it sometimes. She doesn’t mind missing out on their midnight snack adventures. She prefers her catnaps.

She finished the lines, making sure to cover up the scar. “you know nobody can see it while youre on stage?” she added, putting away the kit. And she’ll act tomorrow like nothing was said. And so will he.

[creachureboy]

Secret Gift Giver

Notes:

Age regressed reader, dni if kink

tbh i dont like the way i formatted this but im not insane enough to fix it line by line (#mobile)

established friendships with the mercs :D

Spy with he/she/they pronouns

Summary: you keep on recieving nice gifts, which conveniently have no name written on them! Who could've possibly given them? The secret gift giver has to be around here somewhere..

You approached Scout, who was flipping through a comic book in the common room. He seemed really into it with the way he gave every page a silly grin! You peeked over his shoulder to take a look. "Jeremy?"

He jumped up onto his feet upon hearing your voice, whipping his head around but immediately relaxing upon seeing you. "What're you doing sneaking up on people?" He ruffled your hair as he sat back down.

You giggled. "Sorry Jeremy."

"Nah you're good. Just.. don't tell anyone I jumped like that." He patted the seat next to him, then casually showed you the cover of the comic book he was reading. "Spiderman. Wanna join?"

You circled around the couch to sit down next to him, giving him a big side hug and hiding your face in his chest.

Jeremy put a comforting hand on your head, patting you like a little puppy. "Hey, hey, somethin' up, sweetcheeks?"

You kicked your feet nervously. "Can't find my paccy.."

"Oh, your pacifier?"

"Mhm."

He gave you a few firm pats on the back, putting his comic book down. "Hey, look at me."

You followed suit, not realising the way you pouted at him.

He gave your cheeks a gentle pinch. "No need to worry. Big smart Scout here will help you find it."

Your eyes lit up. "Really?!"

"Yeah!" He shrugged. "Not to brag, but I could be called the number one scavenger." He paused. "Wait, no, that don't sound like a flatterin' name."

You giggled, holding onto him. "Tank you Jermy!"

"Yeah, no problem! Now where did you last see it.."

..but after a long day of searching, it was still nowhere to be found!

Scout walked with you to your room that night, patting you on the back. "Sorry I couldn't find it. We can try lookin' again tomorrow, alright?"

You nodded, holding his sleeve. "Ok.. thank you Jermy."

After exchanging hugs and "goodnight"s, you walked into your room and saw a plain and neat box on the table. It had the label of some brand on it, which you recognized to be a brand that sells pacifiers.

You lit up, grabbing the box and running to throw the door open, yelling down the corridor for Scout. "JEREMY!!"

Distant footsteps were heard as he turned a corner to look at you. "What's up, ya find it?"

You held the box high above your head, yelling, "THANK YOU!"

He squinted from afar. "What's that?"

You paused, leaving your room and walking up to him. "Jermy didn't give it?"

He walked toward you too, taking a look at the box. "No, what's that?"

You both opened it together, and inside was a brand new pacifier in your favourite colour, with a bunch of decorations you could add to it.

Scout patted your back. "Hey, new pacifier, awesome!" He caught himself yawning, pulling you in for a side hug. "Well, uh, now that you have a new one.. you still need my help to find your other one?"

Another day, you were hanging out with Sniper in his camper.

You sat comfortably in Sniper's lap as you told him about something you liked, feeling his chin tap against your head as he nodded along, as well as little humming sounds he made as you explained.

After a while though, you found yourself yawning as your throat got tired and your eyes got droopy.

Sniper chuckled, petting you. "You seem sleepy, 'roo."

You shook your head. "M not.."

He held you close. "That's alright. Where's your pacifier?"

You reached into your pocket and fumbled around, pulling your new paccy out.

He leaned closer to you to get a better look at it. "Oh, that's a nice lookin' one, ain't it? Can't say I've seen it before."

"Mhm," you put it in your mouth, but then took it out to speak, "is new."

"Ohh." He smiled at the sight of you looking so comfortable. "Scout get it for ya?"

You shook your head. "I thought it was, but it wasn't." You played with his fingers that were around your waist. "I dunno who gave it, it was just in my room."

"Huh," he answered, taking a pause to think. "Maybe it was Medic or Heavy, you guys seem close."

You hummed in thought, resting your head against his shoulder. "Maybe."

So that night at dinner, you asked them.

Heavy and Medic took a good look at your brand new paccy as you showed it to them. They gave you big smiles.

"Wow," Medic commented, "that's very pretty!"

Heavy chimed in, "yes, very."

The two looked at each other, and Heavy spoke again,

"But we did not buy it."

Medic chuckled. "But now I'm thinking that we should have!"

You rocked back and forth, holding the pacifier. "Then who gived me it?"

Heavy hummed in thought for a moment, before answering, "maybe.. Sniper?"

You shook your head. "Mm-mm."

"Scout?"

You shook your head again.

Medic perked up. "It may be Pyro! You are close friends with them, ya?"

You looked at it and figured, yeah it seemed like a Pyro thing! You looked around the room, finding that Pyro's usual seat was empty - they must've already gone to bed for the night. But you'd definitely thank them tomorrow!

When you got back to your room, a brand new plushy was waiting patiently for you on your bed. It was from a cartoon you had been watching lately with Pyro.

You thought for a minute, remembering all the times a new episode would air, causing you and Pyro to scramble onto the couch and flick channels as quick as possible until you got to the one with the cartoon.

You smiled at it. It seemed like it'd be a great snuggle buddy, and you were definitely planning to thank Pyro for it tomorrow.

The next day finally came, and you rushed to find Pyro after breakfast.

You held the plushy excitedly out to Pyro. "I love it!"

Upon seeing it, Pyro immediately took it from you in order to give it a big hug. They started rambling excitedly about how adorable they found it.

You paused, tilting your head at them. That's not the sort of reaction they'd give if they really were the one that gifted it! "Pyro didn't get it for me?"

Pyro shook their head, giving the plushy back to you.

"I dunno who gave it.." You took the new paccy out of your pocket and held it up to Pyro, who also seemed to not recognize it. "I also dunno who gave dis one.."

Pyro mumbled something and you lit up.

"Engie!"

You both rushed over to his workshop, giving the door careful knocks.

You heard Engie's muffled voice from inside the room. "Perfect timing, get in 'ere!"

You and Pyro glanced at each other, before walking into the workshop. You were met by Engineer holding up a sentry which seemed to be missing a leg, with the floor around him littered with nuts and bolts.

"Can y'all gimme a hand?" He gestured to the sentry. "Hold this feller up for me."

You both walked over, and you tucked the plushy under your arm so you could hold up the sentry. It was much heavier than it looked, and you almost tumbled over until Pyro took hold of it too.

Engineer picked some parts up off the floor, working on something on the sentry.

"Um, Engie?"

"Just a sec, Sugar."

You both watched him, keeping quiet. He worked diligently, doing.. whatever it is he was doing, as if it was second nature.

With a loud bang, the door of the workshop slammed open, causing the three of you to whip around to see who it was.

"I require a teleporter," Soldier half-said half-shouted.

You and Pyro shushed him, nodding your heads at Engie, who only greeted Soldier with a grunt.

Soldier, clearly not catching on, glanced over at you. "What are you doing with that animal, Private?"

You stiffened, realising Soldier didn't know about your regression. He approached you with a determined gait, and you glanced between Pyro and Engie, lost on what to say or do.

Engineer's voice piped up. "Aand done." He moved backwards, nodding at Soldier, before looking between you and Pyro. "Y'all can let go now."

You both let go of the sentry carefully, and it stood proudly.

"Private," Soldier said from right behind you, startling you as you turned to him once again.

You hugged your plushy to your chest. Were you about to have to explain what regression was to Soldier? What if he thought it was weird! What if..

Soldier produced a small military helmet from his pocket and placed it on your plushy. "We must keep our brothers in arms safe."

Your shoulders relaxed as you giggled.

Engie chuckled from beside you, reaching to buckle the helmet on your plushy properly. "Lemme get that for 'ya." Once it was secure, he turned to Soldier again. "Where'd you even get this?"

"It was originally for Liutenant Bites, but I cannot find him anywhere." He knocked the plush's helmet, as if to prove its sturdiness, before turning to Engie. "Engineer, I require a teleporter."

"For your raccoon?"

"He is no mere raccoon, he is my right hand man! I have scheduled a rendezvous with, him but he was absent." Soldier frowned. "I must confront him about this matter."

"Huh." Engineer walked over to one of his desks, bending down to pull out a teleporter from under the table. With the press of a button, the teleporter whirred to life.

Soldier marched onto the teleporter, saluted at you, and was gone in an instant.

Engie quickly disabled the teleporter, before turning back to you.

"Engie," you started, showing him the plush. "Did you give this?"

Engineer came back up to you and bent down to give it a good inspecing. "Well, I reckon I ain't haven't seen nothin' like that in my life." He gave it some scritches under its chin. "But it sure is a mighty cute little thing."

You slumped your shoulders a bit, "I dunno who gave it.." You turned to Pyro, who suddenly was no longer there. "Where'd Pyro go?"

You and Engie looked around the room, eventually finding them admiring something in the corner.

Engineer lit up and quickly rushed over to them. "Oh, ya found it! About time." He picked up what Pyro was staring at, holding it up. "It ain't quite done yet, but I was makin' a special jetpack just for you."

Pyro was practically bouncing in place, giggling and applauding excitedly.

Engie turned to you. "If ya wanna take a look, ya can. But I'mma pitch a guess and say you're still tryna find who gave ya that." He glanced over at Pyro as if for confirmation, before turning to you again, "if ya wanna do that, you're welcome to stop by again later."

You nodded, saying your goodbyes and thank yous as you walked out the workshop.

Once you closed the door behind you, you took a big step and ran right into someone!

You looked up, barely having a moment to process who it was, before being held in a huge hug.

"It's you! Ya wee little thing!"

You giggled and hugged him back, before being let go. You looked up at him, and he smiled down at you.

"That's a cute lil friend ya got there."

"Thank you Tavy!" From his response, it sounded like he didn't know who gave it, but you decided to test your luck. "Does Tavy know who-"

"Spy," he interrupted, "definitely a Spy thing."

"Spy?" You echoed, looking down at the plush as if it would give you answers. "Really? Is Spy-"

Soldier, who was suddenly there without you realising he even approached, went, "Spy!"

You and Demoman turned to him.

Soldier had a bright smile. "I don't know what Spy did, but you must have a good reason for saying his name."

Demo returned the smile, gesturing to you. "Our wee lil friend here has a question for Spy."

"That Spy, with their secrets!" Soldier turned to you. "Come with me, Private! We will show Spy the true meaning of American patriotism!"

With that, he marched off, leaving you to wave goodbye to Demo before chasing after Soldier.

He led you to what you recognized as Spy's smoking room.

You politely knocked on the door, before Soldier walked in front of you and threw the door open.

"IT WAS YOU!"

You watched the back of Spy's head at the couch, which didn't even turn as you heard a sigh from him.

"Keep it down, Soldier," Spy said plainly.

"You cannot silence patriotism," Soldier exclaimed, continuing to march around the room.

You took Soldier's hand and tried to pull him. "We're botherin Spy.."

"That's precisely the point! She knows secrets." Soldier walked in front of Spy, dragging you with him as he stared him down.

"The extent of your foolishness is no secret. Now get out."

But Soldier didn't budge.

You feigned surprise, gasping as you pointed out the door. "Is that Liutenant Bites?!"

Solder whipped his head around. "Where?!" He rushed out the door with a spring in his step. "Liutenant, do I have a bone to pick with you!"

As Soldier ran past, you mumbled an apology to Spy before folliwing him out.

The last thing you heard in Spy's room were a few simple words.

"Meet me outside after dinner."

So you did.

That night, you put on your coziest jacket and hugged your new plushy under your jacket as you walked into the chilly night air. The stars sparkled overhead, drawing attention to Spy's well kept suit.

"Hello, little one," he greeted with a smile, "I am glad you came."

You fiddled with your thumbs nervously - from the way she talked, it seemed like they knew you were regressed. "Hi?"

He merely chuckled, approaching you to wave at your plushy peeking from your coat. "Do you like your new friend?"

You nodded. "I don't know who gave it.. Demo said Spy gave it, but-"

"I did, little chou-fleur."

Your eyes widened, a your jaw dropping "Really?"

She leaned back, eyelids drooping and lips curving in a smug expression. "I believe that's what I said, was it not?"

You glanced between Spy and the plushy, as if to check if it was as surprised as you were. "Spy got me the paccy too?"

"Yes, little one." Their shoulders relaxed as he tilted her head to get a better look at you. "I saw you quite liked it."

You hummed in confusion. "So why didn't Spy tell me before?"

"Well.." they shifted on his feet, "I was.." she cleared her throat, "nervous. I did not want to seem.. out of the ordinary."

"Spy is very out of the ordinary!" You smiled at the plushy, then looked up at him. "Thank you Spy. Um, huggy?"

Her face softened, coming closer to you and wrapping their arms around you in a surprisingly comforting embrace. "I hope it is not strange of me to say this, but I have always wanted to care for a child like you, little one."

You looked up at him. "Jeremy."

They seemed only briefly taken aback, before shaking his head. "What ever are you talking about?"

"Your ch-"

"Even if that boy was my child, he does not like me." She ran her fingers through your hair in an attempt to distract you. "But he is not here right now."

You wanted to pry, but held back - maybe you'd get answers from them another day. But for now.. "Does Spy wanna be my friend?"

He took a step back to hold your shoulder reassuringly. "Are we not friends already?"

You smiled brightly at them, before she spoke up again.

"You seem to get along well with the other mercenaries. If it does not bother you-" he got on a knee, perhaps to seem less intimidating, "I would like to take care of you as well when you are little. Of course, if that is alright with you."

You lit up, giving them one more big hug. "Okay!"

"Very well. From now on, I-" he gently flattened your messy hair, "can be one of your caretakers."

[krsive-writes]

I Want It Real

Title: I Want It Real

Author: krsive

Rating: T+

Warnings: angst, family found out

Rick stood frozen in the middle of the garage looking like an empty cicada husk. His eyes were red-rimmed and watery. Morty had never seen him like this, didn't recognize the hollow man wearing his grandfather's lab coat.

"You're not supposed to be here," Rick said, voice stilted like he had never practiced uttering words before.

"I s-stole dad's car. I drove all night. I—“ Morty couldn't breathe. He clasped his hand to his chest. Could 15 year olds get heart attacks?

"No wonder they've been blowing up my phone. You always have to go and make it worse, don't you?" The words seemed like Rick's familiar banter, but they had no heart in them. This was just rote imitation of himself

"I don't want it to be worse. It can't even get worse!"

"Yeah, I thought so, too. Yet here you are." Rick took out his flask, and Morty could hear the liquid inside sloshing as his hands trembled.

Anger flickered to life in Morty's heart.    Such a familiar emotion. He let it take over, finding comfort in the heat.

"Stop trying to act like you're above it all, Rick! There's no one here but us, so who are you pretending for?!”

"Who's pretending? You shouldn't have come, case fucking closed. You think this—“ Rick trailed off spluttering, gesturing to indicate Morty from head to toe, "you think this is gonna change any thing? You think I'm happy you showed up to remind me one last time what a piece of shit I am for..." He grit his teeth hard, silencing himself.

"It can change everything if you let it. That's why I came." Morty took a step forward, Rick a step back. "Run away with me."

Rick gave an unconvincing scoff, "What, so I can be a kidnapper, now, too? Really round out the pedophile trifecta?”

"That's not fair! Nobody cares what I want in all of this a-and I'm sick of it!”

"Yeah, Morty. You're spot on. I don't care what you want, so just drive yourself back to grandpa Leonard's house where you're wanted."

"Bullshit. Bullshit! I know you want the same thing as me!"

"That's the problem, idiot! You want the same thing I do because I'm a disgusting, depraved groomer who warped your stupid little Morty brain so bad that you think this is your idea, now!" Rick turned his back on Morty, pretending to shift his attention to a half-packed box of science junk on the workbench. "Just go away. I'm busy. All this shit has to be out before Space Beth comes to cut off my head for her trophy wall."

"I don't care why I want you, Rick! Wh-Why does that even matter? So what if you did the g-word to me? It doesn't make my love a lie.”

''That's exactly what it makes it." Rick's shoulders were a stiff line. He was tense as steel.

Morty took another step in. And another. He felt Rick sensing his closeness. "I do love you, though. L-Like, I really love you."

"Stop it."

"I know you better than anyone else, Rick. I know how shitty and mean you are—“

"Really winning me over, here."

"I know you're in great pain." Morty, though fear had quashed the breath from his lungs, put his arms around Rick and laid his cheek against his back. ''I know you didn't want to love anyone ever again.”

"Morty..." Rick clutched the edge of the workbench, knuckles white.

"But you love me. You love me, and I saw it, a-a-and now you can't lie to me."

"So what?" Rick became a flurry of motion like a flock of birds all taking flight together. He turned, forcing Morty to step back. He jabbed him in the chest to punctuate his words. ''You think that matters? You think because I love you that means I didn't fuck you up so bad you'll need the entire American Psychiatric Association to put Humpty Dumpty together again?"

Morty took Rick's hand between his own. Rick was frantic, eyes crazed, shoulders heaving. Morty placed a kiss on his knuckles before he could rip his hand away.

"I don't want to be put back together. I want to be with you." Morty reached up and touched Rick's cheek. making him flinch away. Still determined, Morty touched him again. "I don't want to live without your shitty jokes o-or your crazy rants or the way you kiss me."

"My jokes aren't shitty," said Rick, because it was the only part he could engage with lest he burn himself. He cast his gaze down to the ground, petulant like a stubborn toddler.

"I buried my dead self before just to stay with you.    More than once. You don't think you're worth it, but I'd do it again. The way you look at me when we're together...I don't think everyone gets a love like that in their life.”

"That's why I have to go. Don't you see? You frustrating little..." Rick growled, bathed his fists at his sides. "Don’t make me hurt you more. I'm tired of hurting you."

"What if it's worth it? We'll never have this with anyone else again. What if love is worth the pain?"

Rick cracked. He let out one thick sob. Biting down harder, clenching his jaw, he struggled to keep the rest in.

"You feel it, too, right?" Morty laid his palm on Rick's chest. "I can see you like no one else does, and I don't want to get away from you. I just want us to be together."

"Please, Morty." Rick looked like he might faint, pale and trembling. "Please, I’m so sorry for what I did."

"For this?" Morty asked, smoothing his hand up to the back of Rick's neck. His heart was hammering wildly.

"Yes," whispered Rick.

"For this?"

Morty bounced up on his toes and drew Rick down into a chaste kiss. He threw his arms around his neck and held on tight. Rick's arms hung limp at his sides.

"Yes," said Rick, breathing Morty's air back to him.

"I'm not sorry.” Morty nuzzled against Rick's stubbled cheek. ''I want more."

"Please. Morty, I'm not a good man. I can't...you have to leave now."

"No."

"You fucking idiot! You have a death wish or something? There's no happy ending for us." Finally, Rick put his hands on Morty's waist, if only to steady himself.

"You're my only happy ending."

Again Morty pulled Rick close, again their lips brushed. Now Rick's arms were around him and Morty was like the rock in the storm of his life; he could sense the need in the clumsy kiss he pressed on him. Morty tasted gin on his tongue, and it made him feel so safe. Rick was back.

"Run away with me," Morty gasped when Rick pulled away to breathe.

''I love you," said Rick, kissing Morty's neck just the way he liked it.

"I love you. Take me with you."

"Ok." Rick pulled back just enough to look Morty in the eye. He was still so afraid, but Morty saw light there for the first time since the night they were caught. "Fuck. Ok. Come with me."

"Promise you'll never leave me again."

"Baby, I didn't even have it in me to leave you this time."

"But you almost—“

Rick cut him off with a kiss. "Shut up.”

Morty's terror was falling away so rapidly. Rick's love felt like the sun on his face after a long winter. ''Make me,” he challenged.

"I've kind of got the opposite idea," said Rick. He stepped back and took out the portal gun. "I've got a dire need to make you scream my name, so get ready to get fucked within an inch of your life, baby. We're going to the most ridiculous luxury hotel in the galaxy and I'm keeping you in bed for a week."

Morty smiled a soul-felt smile, and when Rick offered he took his hand. This was all he had ever wanted wanted. Rick's love was the only truth he cared about.

[lydiaisgeeky]

Meant to Be

Jason x Reader Fan Fiction

4. Lex (w.c. 1629)

Waking up in the Manor was a weird experience. The room was absolutely massive - my eyes were scanning mostly to take inventory of everything but ended up just sitting in awe. I was in a queen size bed with a classic hotel like bedding. The room was expertly decorated - it was classic and modern something I never imagined Bruce Wayne to be capable of it. I could hear the hussle and bussle of the house and grabbed my phone checking the date - Friday so I should be going to school. My eyes continued to scan looking for an indication or what was what and eventually landed on the note on the bedside table. I picked it up carefully. I remember Jason setting it down but then again he also brought in my bags.  I hoped the note would be something important or telling and I just couldn't bring myself to read it. I tucked it in my pocket and moved to the bags - somehow I think Robin managed to get everything I owned into these bags. I eventually found an old uniform - it didn't fit the best but it wasn't the worst just slightly on the small side. Then I heard the most gentle tap on my door. I opened it and was surprised by who I saw.

A gentle smile and cold eyes. Bruce Wayne. I had never seen him in person before. I took a step back "Hi- Thank you for letting me stay here for a bit" I barely whispered out. Putting his hands into his pockets Mr. Wayne responded "If I didn't you'd be on the streets right?" I nodded "Many are" it was his turn to nod. "Well Miss y/n I don't think you should go to school today - I am keeping Jason and Dick home as well. Any chance you've heard from your parents-" I shook my head "- well try and keep it on the down low where you are. Let me know if you hear from anyone - word on the street Joker is looking for a kill. I'd rather it not be a kid" Bruce turned and walked away from the door down the long hall. If I am being honest I have no idea where I was within the house but knew I should find someone- someone other than Mr. Wayne. I closed the door and changed into something more comfortable. I thought about texting Jason or Dick but then thought better of it.  I decided to explore on my own. I found the stairs and walked down to see Bruce and the boys talking their heads shaped towards me and then back to their conversation but much more hushed.

"Hello Miss y/n - can I fix you something to eat?" Alfred smiled at me walking me over to the kitchen. "Oh I'm okay I don't need anything - I don't want to be a problem you guys are doing alot for me already" Alfred nodded "You're okay but let me know if you do decide to eat something." Both our heads snap towards the door as we heard glass shatter and 2 voices shouting. "Excuse me Miss y/n but I suppose duty calls". It wasn't long before Dick and Jason came in - both not noticing me just deep in their conversation. Dick was rumaging through the cabinets "Jay you've got to give Bruce a break- he is trying his absolute best. It's not his fault we are in this situation" Jason was at the sink washing blood off his hand "No but it might be mine and I'll be damned if something happens and we can't stop it. I mean" Jason looked up and we made eye contact "Hi" He said as he shook the water off his hand "Dick where are we with the supplies" Dick pulled out a little box "Got it - oh hi y/n" Dick smiled and stared at me for a second before his eyes widened. "Oh God what did you hear" Jason groaned "I'm bleeding here can I have the kit" Dick passed it to him and Jason started to patch himself up. Dick continued to stare at me. "Umm I didn't hear much I promise just that I guess Mr. Wayne and Jason are have some issues that led to something breaking" Dicks smile returned "Perfect - so what do you want to do today? I think Bruce wants us to here for some reason. He's got some work meetings but it should be fine if we are seen in the back." Jason tossed the kit on the counter "She needs to eat. When was the last time you ate?" I shrugged and Jason started moving around the kitchen.

It wasn't long before Jason had fixed up some breakfast sandwiches complete with a side of breakfast potatoes. My first bit blew my mind - the best food I've ever had. Then after breakfast the guys thought it would be funny to take my phone so I chased them all around until we ended up in the back of one of Mr. Wayne's work calls. On the screen was Lex Luthor and both of our faces dropped. I physically dropped out of frame behind the couch and the boys joined me but I hushed them - I needed to listen.

"Bruce who was that girl that I saw behind you I wasn't aware you had taken in a new kid" Bruce laugh but it sounded forced "Lex don't worry she's not mine she's a friend of the boys she's just staying with us for a few days" Lex was quiet for a bit and Mr. Wayne tried to bring up work again "I'm sorry Bruce I'm just confused why my daughter is at your house" Mr. Wayne quickly responded "If she's your daughter why does she live in Gotham- why does she have two parents who are missing? Why didn't she call you?" Lex must have thrown something because you could hear a crash over the call "I'm coming I need to see her in person. Pack her stuff she's staying with me - out of Gotham" with that the video chat ended. Mr. Wayne turn back to us "Is Lex Luthor your father?" I stood up and looked at him. "Biologically yes but I've only met him twice in my life" I heard him curse under his breath "Y/n I need you to tell me everything about your connection with Mr. Luthor or you'll be leaving with him. I don't have any sort of way to keep you here legally unless we find something". My heart quickened "I'm sorry other than him being biologically related to me and meeting him twice - I don't know anything else." Mr. Wayne's hand slid down his face "I suppose we better bring your stuff down here then - I'm sorry y/n this is out of my hands."

All that was left to do is wait. Dick and Jason tried their best to cheer me up but I was just not really feeling it. Lex Luthor was a stranger. Not someone I wanted to have to stay with but it also makes me worried that my parents may never come back. The helicopter landed with a loud roar. It wasn't much long that we were all sitting in the living room. "Bruce you should dimiss your boys they have no buniness being in this conversation" I had a boy on either side of me "In my house I believe they should be allowed anywhere and if they are in my sight then they aren't doing something reckless. They may stay if they choose". Dick tapped my knee with his reminding me that he was there and I was not alone. Lex looked at me and back to Bruce. "Look I called her parents and got the Joker. She's safer outside of Gotham. Thus she will come with me. Legally this is the only play." Bruce nodded "You'll be taking her away from her life" Lex stood up and walked to the door "I'll be saving her life. I should have done this long ago she has too many scars as it is. Y/n we need to go. After nightfall you won't be safe. Maybe these boys can be useful and help load your stuff into the helicopter". With that he left and Jason stood up screaming "Bruce do something - this can't be right. You know we can't send her with him". Dick was already moving my bags and I just sat there. Bruce and Jason were arguing and Dick was loading my bags. Alfred came up to me. "Miss y/n I'm afraid it's time to go. Would you like me to walk out with you?" I smiled "Yes I would very much like that" and with that I was on the plane without so much as a goodbye from anyone other than Alfred. I was alone with Lex Luthor.

"You won't be leaving unless you're accompanied by a staff member. You may go to school and then immediately come home. We will replace that phone so give it to me - now - the Joker may be stalking you." Reluctantly I handed him my phone and he smashed it to pieces. "Now let's get you settled in your new room". And I followed. My life was then set. I never saw Lex Luthor I simply went to school and returned home. I trained to protect myself and I made only one friend- Conner Kent. He was a bit younger but very friendly. Every time there was a Gala I'd ask to go and the answer was no. But 3 years later - I was nearly 19 - I got a yes. And the Gala was in the most unlikely of places. Gotham.