#EVENTUALLY!

[blushweddinggowns]

"You look stupid as all hell right now."

"You look stupid as all hell right now," Mike snorted as he watched Robin touch up Steve's eyeliner, "You know that right?"

"It's called romance, you ass," Steve hissed, flipping him off while dutifully keeping his head still, "Who invited you anyway?"

"Your better half."

Steve rolled his eyes but he didn't correct him. He was right anyway, "Isn't it a school night? Are you allowed to be out this late? What would your mom think, knowing you were wasting your precious brain power on Halloween parties-"

"I'm in college you fucking dick!"

That struck a nerve. Steve smirked, good. The little shit deserved it.

"And done!" Robin announced before either of them could throw anymore insults, "I think you look good, way sexier than Tim Curry, for sure. Mike come with me to go get Nancy for a second opinion. You obviously can't be trusted."

Mike huffed, mumbling something under his breath before both of them left the room. Steve was pretty damn sure Eddie had sent him in as a spy because despite all of his reassurances, he still didn't believe that Steve was going to follow through on this stupid costume. But here he was, adjusting his fish net stockings while examining himself in the mirror.

He looked...decent. Which was better than he had been expecting. The make-up wasn't as cartoonish as the movie, something that he hoped Eddie would appreciate. In all honesty, Steve was going to take no criticisms for how he put the whole thing together, Eddie was lucky it was happening at all. Not that he would but still. Though if Steve had to guess, Eddie was going to be a fan. He better fucking be a fan, considering how he'd been asking for this forever.

They'd been together five years. Five fantastic, wonderful years. And four Halloweens with Steve laughing in his face whenever he brought up the Rocky Horror Picture show as costume inspiration. But this year...Steve didn't know. Eddie had just looked...extra desperate this time, needy in a way that Steve just couldn't say no to.

So now here he was, moments away from going downstairs to entertain all of their new and old friends for hours on end, all while wearing a corset.

The things he did for love.

"Knock, knock," Eddie's voice called from the other side of the door, like he could just smell that Steve was alone, "You decent in there Stevie?"

"Not exactly?" Steve called back, still frowning in the mirror, "But you can come in. Just lock it behind you."

Steve didn't look up when Eddie waltzed in, but he did hear his little sharp intake of breath.

"Holy shit," Eddie mumbled, bordering on a whimper as he came up behind Steve. He wrapped his arms around his waist, locking eyes with him through the mirror, "You look..."

"Stupid as hell?" Steve answered for him, smiling a little at how flushed Eddie's face already was. Damn, maybe this thing wasn't that bad after all if it could make him look like that.

Eddie shook his head, swallowing once before breathing out, "I was going to say beautiful. Gorgeous. Breath-taking. Extremely attractive-"

"Okay, okay, I get it!" Steve laughed, turning around in his arms. He wrapped them around Eddie's neck, pulling him down for a quick kiss, "I'm glad you like it so much. In fact, I'll even let you take it off later tonight."

Steve thought that would have been a good deal, but it made Eddie frown, "Later? But we can-"

"We can what?" Steve interrupted, "Have sex with all of our adopted children downstairs waiting for us? I don't think so."

But Eddie wasn't done begging. He was even starting to bring out the wet, puppy dog eyes, the manipulative little shit, "B-But I can be quick. I can fix your make-up after. I can-"

"Nope," Steve laughed, pulling away from him with a little smirk, "You made your bed. Now lie in it."

Eddie nearly looked like he was gonna cry, the little drama queen, "I...I didn't think this through, did I?"

Steve grinned, leaning up to kiss his cheek before going to the door. He looked back at him, his smile getting a little bigger at the desperate look on his face.

Maybe he did look like an idiot in the bizarre get-up, but Steve didn't care. Not when it had Eddie rushing to follow him out.

[dorkicon]

guys who goof together stay together

[dsudis]

To Be Brand New: Chapter 16 is up!

Check out all the art by @fishfingersandscarves

To Be Brand New || Dream of the Endless | Morpheus/Hob Gadling || Explicit || 16/25 || 89,094 words

Book 7: Brief Lives (The Sandman), Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Fix-It, Alternate Universe - Everyone Lives/Nobody Dies, at least during this story, Age Regression/De-Aging, Slow Burn, like the slowest burn, Like One of Them Is A Pre-Sexual Child for the First 100K, What If The Red String Of Fate Was Also A Toddler Leash, Touch-Starved Dream of the Endless | Morpheus, Protective Hob Gadling, Cuddling & Snuggling, Caretaking, Bathing/Washing, Sharing a Bed, Crying, Hurt/Comfort, Minor Injuries, Illnesses, Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, Explicit Sexual Content, Masturbation, Not Exactly Loss of Virginity But Kinda?, Implied/Referenced Monsterfucking, Happy Ending

On a rainy day in the Dreaming, Dream of the Endless watches the dreamfolk doting on Daniel Hall, and wishes he could be someone small enough to be loved. Hob Gadling has waited a long time for a chance to be closer to his stranger. This isn’t the way he ever imagined it happening, but he does love nothing better than being surprised.

Please note: The warnings for Depression and Suicidal Thoughts continue to be relevant in this chapter, but we'll be starting to turn the corner by the end.

Chapter 16: "Where is my book?" Dream asked.

[Go straight to Chapter 16 here!]

[xgoldenlatiasx]

-from your friends and your family

like they’re the next calamity

cut them out like profanity

censored into insanity

running from your commitments

you’re running up on the price

you better run little hero,

cause you’re running out of time

[the-old-witch-writes]

“whole lotta love” (part 1) - 18+ [monster trio x afab!reader]

title: “whole lotta love” (part 1)

fandom: One Piece

pairing(s): monster trio x afab!reader, implied frobin+jinbe, usona x OC

summary: one night, after realizing you’re unable to sleep, you go up to the crow’s nest to tire yourself out with some weight training or something. what you witness there ends up forever changing your life and the dynamic between you and three of your crewmates.

rating: Explicit (mdni)

content warning/tags: group sex, anal sex, oral (male & fem receiving), mlm pairings, polyamory, aspec luffy, reader is touch starved and finds it difficult to sleep alone, no character here is straight, just thought you should know

when franky introduced you to your new bedroom after the construction of the sunny, you couldn’t help but dread it, at first. 

granted, you had known it was coming. you were a new crewmate who came after robin—you had met the strawhats over in mock town, already on the run from your other life—so it was pretty obvious she wasn’t going to move out. nami had been with luffy from the beginning, so she wasn’t going anywhere fast—so when franky mentioned a second bedroom for the girls during his design of the sunny, you knew that it would be for you and whoever else would join along the way. just made sense.

so when you walked inside the room for the first time, you couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread—one that was unwarranted, of course. even two years ago, the room was and still is gorgeous. 

because of its position on the ship, the room's shape was circular. on one side of the room was a curved little bookshelf and a desk for you to work/write in. on the other side was a dresser for your clothes (with a mirror hanging on the wall) and a place for you to hang and maintain your weapons. 

then, right in the center that completed the circular shape—in front of the three windows that peek out at the ocean’s depth, the sway of seaweed and the movement of fish—was the bed. it was huge, so much that it took up space from one end of the first window to the last. atop the mattress was a huge dark purple comforter that could cover probably five of you, and at the top were a series of pillows in black and purple pillow cases so soft looking, you worry they might disappear with the briefest of touches.

and despite everything, you stepped up and sat on the edge of it. even just sitting and running your hands along the comforter, you were ready to absolutely melt into the bed. almost angry about it, your hands clenched around the softness. it’s perfect. 

god, why did it have to be perfect?

“hey, kid. is, uh. everything okay?” franky asked, a bit awkward. nervous, maybe?

(you totally understood. it took you weeks to get used to life here. the last thing you wanted to do was make life for a new crewmate difficult.)

so, with many conflicting emotions twisting your insides, you looked up at him with a smile.

“it’s great, franky! just perfect.”

franky then grinned, and did his usual pose. “super~! let me know if you need anything.”

you nodded and watched him leave you to get used to it all.

and that was that.

==

so looking back, you always knew your issue with sleeping alone would come back to haunt you one day—but this was never how you expected it to go.

first, let’s set the scene:

tonight is one of those nights where you struggle with sleeping alone the most. while robin, jinbe and franky are out on the island, spending the night in a room they rented, nami is spending the night with usopp and a nice girl she picked up from the island, so she likely isn’t going to sneak into your bedroom for you two’s semi-regular sleepovers. chopper is sleeping like the dead, the way he usually does after having warm milk before bed. 

and brook?

uh…actually, you don’t know what he’s doing. you’re kind of afraid to think about it, considering everyone else listed above (except for chopper, the sweet winter child) is—busy. but he’s somewhere. you just don’t know where.

(which is plenty fine, he’s not one of your usual snuggle buddies anyway)

point is, the usual people who usually help lull you to sleep with their company can’t tonight, leaving you to deal.

and on most nights, you usually can deal with sleeping alone, resulting in at least a decent amount of sleep—just not tonight.

you spend some time frowning up at the ceiling of your bedroom. each of the glow in the dark stars are shining brightly and beautifully as always. the rocking of the ocean outside your windows, with the occasional bubbling from a fish swimming by and the muffled sounds of oceanic life your windows are as soothing as ever. your huge bed is soft and warm, with the pillows behind your head feeling like a cloud as always.

but as it turns out, as lovely as your bed and bedroom are, none of it is enough to calm your mind tonight.

so, with a huff of frustration, you kick away the dark purple sheets and get up from the bed. you walk over to your dresser and pull out a pair of shorts and the sports bra you usually wear to work out. then you remove your pajamas.

once you’re dressed, you walk out of the room and head towards the deck. with a few leaps here and there, you manage to make your way up to the crow’s nest. maybe lifting some weights in the gym will help you finally feel tired enough to sleep.

this leads you to the present: you’re standing in the doorway of the crow’s nest, a small towel slung over your shoulder. you are staring at the scene before you with wide eyes, your hand frozen around the doorknob and your heart beating several hundred miles a minute—and you haven’t touched a single weight yet.

they don’t notice you at first.

luffy is still pulling on sanji’s hair from behind, bending the cook’s neck at an angle so he can bite and mouth at the side of his neck and a bit of his shoulder. sanji is staring upward at the ceiling with glossy blue eyes and his back is arched into luffy’s chest, his mouth parted to release strained groans. and right between sanji’s spread legs, his tan hands hooked under pale knees is zoro, relentlessly fucking his cock inside like he intends to make himself and sanji one being. 

oh god, you swallow hard, a raging heat seeping inside your blood and rushing just about everywhere. the pupils in your eyes are dilated, soaking it all in like the greedy little bitches they are. oh GOD.

how long do you stare? honestly, about a minute. to you, though, it might as well be an hour because you see way too much in this small minute of watching three of your crewmates going at it like animals, like monsters.

when it comes to battle, the three of them are a force of nature within their own right. but together like this? they are a mass of sweating muscles and groans and murmurs of pleasure of push and pull and hands upon hands and those smirks.

(mean, you think when you see how the sides of luffy’s grin curl as he wraps his hand around sanji's pretty cock, a hot shiver going down your spine, and then again when you hear how zoro chuckles darkly at the absolutely fucked out expression sanji begins wearing. mean mean mean—)

that’s about the moment when you lose it.

the sound that comes from your mouth is not a scream, exactly. more like a soft squeak that trails off into something like a moan. either way, it’s still enough to make all three men jolt and freeze in place. their eyes go wide as plates and they slowly turn to finally see you standing there.

they stare at you; you stare at them.

suddenly, luffy beams. 

“hey, bunny!” he says, using your usual nickname.

“s-sweetness!" sanji cried, his face a bright red and his eyes frantic as he waves his hands in front of him. “i swear, this isn't what it looks like—”

zoro snorts. “cook, she can clearly see that i'm like balls deep in you—this is absolutely what it looks like,” he adds to you.

an odd giddy feeling bubbles up from your stomach, and you honestly feel like giggling madly because seriously, what the fuck, how is this my life.

instead, this comes out of your mouth instead.

“y-you all realize this is the gym, right?"

once again, in silence, they stare at you.

“…the one w-we're all supposed to use? as a crew? did…did any of you think about that b-before…?” 

they blink. then they look at each other.

“huh, now that you mention it,” zoro says, his brow furrowing as he looks around.

luffy bursts out laughing. “we really didn't, shishishi!”

“kinda takes the romance out of it, actually,” sanji lets out a rather despondent sigh. 

“can't rent a room either, the witch would never give us the extra money…”

“ah? what about the galley?”

“no, you dumbass! not only do i cook there, we eat there!”

“okay, but imagine all the fun stuff we can do with food in there—ow!”

“you just want an excuse to steal from the pantry—!”

as the arguing goes on, you watch them all closely. although their voices raise, there isn't really the heat you usually hear. you watch how luffy laughs at sanji's anger, how his hand gently strokes through blond hair all the while. you look at zoro's bored expression, then how one hand rests on luffy's shoulder while the other is tangled with the fingers of sanji's hand. and you realize, the fighting aside, what ties these men together is undoubtedly love—and that's enough to melt your heart.

this is when you start to get The Idea—the one idea that makes you realize you might have lost the plot entirely—and you press your mouth closed, as if to repress it. is this actually happening? are you doing this?

after all, your crewmates—these three men you love deeply enough to fight for them, die for them—are in love. who are you to stand in the way of love?

fuck it, i'm doing it.

“i mean…you can always use my room.”

once again, all three of them freeze and look at you. they seem to pause a moment, their minds needing to catch up to what you said.

“wait, seriously?!” luffy exclaims first with a wide grin, his cheeks a bit flushed.

“i-i get to finally see my sweetness's bedroom?" sanji says, mostly to himself, his face completely red and eyes full of that adoration he always directs to you and women in general. a bit of blood begins dripping from his nose. “her special, personal bedroom? covered with her scent? all her things?”

“no offense, bun," zoro says dryly, raising an eyebrow. “but have you completely lost the plot?”

haha, probably.

despite your thinking, your brow draws downward to make your expression flat. you lift your hands to silence whatever else might come out of their mouths and—amazingly—they pause to wait, their eyes wide and all full of…something as they regard you.

“look, i already have insomnia on a semi-regular basis. i struggle with sleeping alone, this isn’t a secret,” you say. “most times, i either go up here to work out and make myself tired, or i head down to the library to read a book. either way, i’m usually gone for like an hour or two. so i’m thinking that occasionally—let’s say, once a week—during these moments, you three can borrow my room and use it to do…well, whatever you three do together.”

zoro’s eye flashes, with a noticeable twitch of his jaw. he looks over at luffy, who is nearly bouncing on the heels of his feet, his grin a little too wide and eager at this piece of information. luffy looks at zoro, then at sanji. sanji looks ready to faint from sheer happiness.

“a bed,” you hear him murmur, in a way that sends a pang of sympathy through your chest. “an actual bed. and it’s where my sweetness sleeps a-and—”

“sounds a little too good to be true,” zoro says, ever the skeptical one. with a narrow of his eye, he asks, “what’s the catch?”

fortunately, you already have the answer. 

“no catch, just three rules,” you tell them, before starting to list off your fingers, “one: if you need to use my room, you need to let me know ahead of time. two: any messes you leave, you clean up. and i mean, clean. whether it’s a wipedown, bleach, whatever—as long as my room looks like it did when i left it, in some manner. 

“and three: you have to change my sheets before you leave my room. not my pillowcases, of course, but maybe my quilt and bed sheets—essentially whichever is on my bed when you three…do your thing. and you have to wash them the next day!”

those are your terms and conditions, and you are determined to stick with them. so, folding your arms, you stop there and look at them. 

the three stand there, looking at you and then looking away to think. then suddenly, after a thoughtful hum, luffy taps sanji and zoro’s shoulders and draws them into a huddle. they start talking in whispers and murmurs that you can’t really hear from your place at the door—but you find the situation rather comical. sanji’s still barely clothed, his shirt practically hanging off his shoulders and his dick (which you totally aren’t staring and drooling over; obviously) still out and his legs still bare to the world. zoro is basically in a similar state, although his pants are still somewhat on, just hanging a bit low. luffy is actually the most put together—still wearing his cardigan, his denim shorts, yellow sash, and of course his straw hat—which kind of shocks you yet doesn’t, somehow. 

part of you wonders the details about their dynamic. just as quickly though, with a hot blush in your cheeks, you shake it off. 

not my business, you tell yourself. i’m just a friend helping my three friends out. nothing more, nothing less.

after about a minute, the three men seem to come to a sort of consensus. with a nod, all three of them turn to face you, each wearing expressions full of determination and—be still your insane heart—anticipation.

“bunny,” luffy says, stepping forward. there’s something dangerous in his crooked grin before he stretches out his hand. “you’ve got yourself a deal!”

welp, fuck. no turning back now.

despite the trembling that starts from within your body, you lift your hand to clasp his in a firm handshake. 

“we’ve got ourselves a deal,” you confirm.

smiling, luffy stares into your eyes a bit more, his dark gaze boring into you as your hands stay connected. you’re not certain what he’s looking for, but when he finds it, he tips his hat over his eyes—and then begins to laugh.

“this is gonna be fun!”

[tmntaucompetition]

WAIT THERES GONNA BE A LOSERS BRACKET???

yes :)

[bklynmusicnerd]

Meme brought down by the environment in a comp again. First, that stupid fly sabotaged her. Now, gravity keeps making her letters fall smh

[ff7-has-taken-me-over]

Johnny kissing Daniel in high school but then freaking out and running away and never talking to him again.

Flash to the future where they’re working together and they come across Chozen and Mike and Johnny finds out that they’ve both dated Daniel in the past and weren’t complete assholes that just ran and ignored.

He also finds out that the two of them are entirely too eager to get back with the divorcee and he cannot have that. They had their chance at dating him, it’s Johnny’s turn and he’s gonna be a man about it and actually stick to it… eventually

[ghost-whump]

sorry for the long wait, guys!! i make up for it with some oc content perhaps????

Eventually! (Part One)

CW: pet death mention, stalking, home intrusion, kidnapping, chloroform, (let me know if I missed anything!)

As a highly paranoid individual, Ezra is prone to assuming the worst in just about every situation. A car takes the same turn he does? He’s being stalked. A friend doesn’t respond to a text? They’ve been murdered. His house smells more like gas than usual? He left the stove on, poisoned his cat, and will forever be known as the feline-murdering klutz who also happened to play music. He will admit, some fears are more outlandish than others, but that is entirely besides the point. After all, Xanax is real for a reason. 

So when his living room light is on when he comes home, he dismisses it quickly. It’s late, nearly midnight, when he finally makes it to his house, cello case over his shoulder. It’s too big to take the bus, so he’d had to shed some of his busking money to get an Uber. Not ideal, but a necessary expense. It takes him some fumbling to get out his keys, but eventually lugs both himself and the behemoth of an instrument in the door. 

“Mew!”

A gray, furry lump comes bounding towards him, weaving in and out of his legs. 

“Hey, Noodles, buddy.” Ezra crouches down, running his hand through the cat’s raised fur. She stays near him, ears pressed back, facing the kitchen. He peers through the dark doorway, “What’s the matter?” 

Of course, Noodles can’t answer him, but she does allow Ezra to pick her up, hooking her claws into his shirt. Her sharp, yellow gaze is fixed on the kitchen, only raising Ezra’s alarm. He takes a step closer to the room, the floorboards creaking beneath his feet. If this creepy, horror-movie scenario didn’t let up soon, Ezra might actually die of terror. Noodles jumps from his arms as he approaches, skittering into another room. Fantastic. 

Before going in, at least he has the foresight to dig his keys (and attached pepper spray) from his front pocket. Wielding the plastic weapon, Ezra suppresses a small, nervous laugh at the situation. Did he even have a reason to be so nervous? Just because his cat’s acting weird and he left a light on earlier? 

Floorboards creak ominously when he breaches the dark room, only adding to the unsettling atmosphere. Feeling along the wall for the light, Ezra holds his breath. 

“Please don’t turn on the light!”

Ezra freezes. “What…?”

“Oh, jeez, this isn’t how it’s supposed to go!” Whoever was in his house mutters, and Ezra hears them start to walk around on the tile floor. “God – God, I’m sorry. I didn’t think you’d get home till later, so – so I wasn’t ready yet.”

“...What the fuck?” Is the only thing Ezra can say, the only thing he can think. “W-Who are you?”

The footsteps grow closer, but he still can’t move. The intruder sighs, “Look, I’m really sorry about this. I didn’t want – I didn’t mean for this to happen. Christ, I’m sorry.”

“The fuck are you–Mmf!” Suddenly, a cloth, damp with a putrid chemical is on his face. He drops the pepper spray, his keys clattering on the floor. His attacker moves quickly, shoving Ezra into the wall. No amount of struggling, of beating on the assailant’s chest, does anything. His movements feel weak, muscles relaxing as the cloth presses harder over his nose. A moment passes where consciousness floats away, and before he even realizes it, his arms are limp. Legs giving way, Ezra’s eyelids begin to droop.

“Shh, it’s okay,” The attacker coos, in a crude mockery of sympathy. “It’s okay, Ezzy, I’ve got you. Just go to sleep, baby, it’s alright.” Continued murmurings of sweet nothings echo around Ezra’s skull, until there’s nothing left. The darkness somehow grows darker, until Ezra can’t tell if his eyes are open or closed. The long seconds turn into quick bursts of awareness, slowly spacing themselves further and further. 

Ezra tries to fight back, or at least, he thinks he does. It’s a little hard to tell, and he’s really tired. 

Maybe if he just drifted off for a moment, he’d have some strength to fight later. 

Just a little nap.

“That’s good, just close your eyes, baby,” Gentle fingers brush his hair, “I’ll take good care of you.”

let me know what you think + if u want more <33

[sparrowmoth]

WIP Wednesday

Tagged by the ever lovely @jazzythursday to share a snippet of a WIP I'm working on! I have a couple I'm actively working on, but today, I'm in the mood for my hybrid AU, The In-Between, so here's an excerpt from the chapter I just posted today (as not to spoil the next one):

CW: Dehumanization, angst

Do you understand? He did—and didn’t, at the same time. There might, after all, come that chance to escape. That big word they couldn’t speak, lest their chains grow even heavier. There might—but if it ever did—and no matter if from here, or off the gold leash of some mercher’s wife— What freedom could he ever have, unable to pass as human? He remembered too well when his baby teeth had fallen and his canines emerged, sharp and glistening when he smiled. He had learned not to smile, and to duck his head when he couldn’t not. More and more, through the years, it was easier not to smile. He had been given little reason to.

Tagging: @wespertilionidae @kindness-ricochets @tinyarmedtrex andddd anyone else who wants to do this, just say I tagged you <3

[seyvia]

Loving your thoughts on the last post, and I sure agree. I love how all the contestants have their own charm, and Blue is the type to flirt while joking and has no fear to say what he want, but while his mouth is straight to the point, his body language is slower and respectful and just wants to make Rhea comfortable 🥺

That's exactly what I was trying to convey!👏 There is more than meets the eye with this guy...

Continues to babble on about thoughts on Blue below.

Ergh! There is so much I've been sleeping on! Especially when it comes to this poor boy's past. I wanna just brain spill it out😫 LIKE! has anyone noticed? I said Blue was raised by only by his mother, and yet his little sister age 7! ...looks like blue? Who looks like his dad???

And yes, nobody cares about his supposed ex-girlfriend, but she is the reason he has the klepto trait, and everyone thought was the reason he left home to rome the road, but actually isn't!

[ellohcee]

...So yes!  They have been through much, much worse.  A walk through a forest with a neglected road?  Should be a breeze through the park!  And yet, they drag their feet as if they’re travelling through muck, looking over their shoulders with an unneeded precaution, hoping to delay the inevitable.  Jasper’s memories couldn’t have been as fond as David’s, given their last year together but…

“Oh.  Shit.”  Jasper’s mumbled exclamation draws him out of his thoughts.  “Looks like you were right, Davey.”

Turns out, they didn’t drag their feet long enough.  Ahead of them stands the familiar old sign of Camp Campbell, though half the letters are missing.  The rickety old sign is hanging loose and limp, the one remaining chain allowing it to swing idly as a strong wind jostles it.  Apprehension grips David as he looks over the once familiar campgrounds.  When did the disasters start?

When did they begin?  

I’m alive I’m still going! @jaspvid-week day 3: AU day is based off of the post apocalyptic AU by my wonderful @jubilantwriter, in particular this installment here which is where the excerpt is from!

[xiaoswrld]

i apologize for being on hiatus for so long. it was overwhelming to have a bunch of inbox requests, it will be open until the limit gets full. but it was hard to balance two blogs and juggle school too. id be more likely to active on my other blog

[blametheeditor]

The Expense Of Trust: Chapter 4

First | Previous

Content Warnings: Cursing. Mentions of death and murder. Mentions of others being lesser than. Intent to kill. Death by anomaly. Dehumanization. Addressing someone as 'it'. Darker themes and tone.

Run Down: In the instant of a site-wide containment breach, there are only a few protocols available to follow. Know the right people, hope to be at the right place at the right time, and whatever you do, don't trust anything.

And that's a wrap!

________________

Even though the pure white walls, reinforced doors, and safety procedures about dangerous monsters escaping are the only things Caleb has ever known, it didn’t prepare him for a sitewide containment breach. Because even though he lives in the facility, he’s never been trained on what he’s supposed to do whenever sirens start blaring. He actually tends to be ignored by almost everyone unless he directly talks to someone, and that’s usually when he asks for breakfast. 

But that’s why Fredbear helps him! 

Don’t move, Caleb.

He trusts the plush bear to keep him safe. Fredbear has never let him down, even when Caleb was shoved into a room with an SCP that wanted to kill him. And this is much more scary then being face to face with only one monster, but he didn’t hesitate to follow instructions in order to get to the nearest exit. And just like he was promised, they didn’t meet anyone or anything the entire time. 

Until right now, as something made of darkness comes toward them. Caleb doesn’t know what it’s supposed to do other than knowing it’s sharp and doesn’t look friendly, but Fredbear said to hold still so he does. 

It gets really close when he hears a really high whistle, gasping when the sharp shape suddenly turns into a shadow on the wall. One that starts twisting and turning like it’s in pain. 

“Turn it off!” 

Caleb hugs Fredbear closer at the voice that sounds like it’s being hurt. Worried if he’ll be hurt by whatever’s making the noise. Glad when it is turned off and the shadow completely disappears. 

“What the fuck, James!” 

James? 

Caleb almost forgot there was a scientist opening the door in front of him before the darkness appeared. The man looks frightened, but he doesn’t look mean. He doesn’t look like the officer who’s always checked in on him and Fredbear after getting back from a mission, though. 

“Sorry, David, it was for an emergency.” 

“Officer James!” Caleb exclaims, recognizing the familiar voice. Almost runs forward when he finally spots the man before remembering he should be staying put. 

But he’s not ignored. The friendly officer gently pushes his way past the scientist with a smile in order to come to Caleb. “Thanks for waiting for me.” 

“Fredbear said you’d come,” the boy beams as he takes the offered hand to hold, feeling much safer now that a monster hunter is with them. “Did you see any monsters?” 

“A few,” James says. “But I found a few friendly ones, too.” 

“What was that?” the scientist asks, looking confused. “What happened? Was something trying to-?” 

“I don’t know who the hell you think you are,” someone interrupts with a growl, Caleb gasping when a shadow suddenly turns into a man. One who’s glaring at James. “But I don’t appreciate being interrogated when you’ve sided with that monstrosity.” 

An arm is then gestured toward Caleb. But he’s not a monster! All of the scientists said he didn’t even have ‘residue’. 

He’s talking about me, Caleb.

Oh. Well, Fredbear’s the friendliest monster he’ll ever meet! It’s not very nice to say someone’s bad without knowing them first. You’re allowed to be scared, but the shadow man’s not allowed to be mean. 

I appreciate your words, Caleb.

“Vince,” the scientist hisses. “Did you seriously try to kill a little boy-” 

“Not now, Scotty.” 

“K-Kill?” 

James doesn’t say anything, only gives Caleb’s hand a gentle squeeze as another scientist then carefully walks through the doorway. But it’s another person he knows. Wants to wave to in excitement but decides to bounce in place with both of his hands full. “Doctor Jeremy!” 

The nice doctor blinks for a moment before Jeremy gasps, turning toward the purple man with a fierce glare. “You m-monster! Why would you t-try t-t-to kill Caleb!” 

“I’m the monster? What about the abomination he’s carrying!” 

“It’s a st-st-stuffed bear!” 

“No it’s not!” 

“What the hell is going on?” the angry voice that yelled at James before growls. A tall man then steps through the doorway, wearing a suit and looking like he wants to start a fight. HIs mouth opens to say something, but then hazel eyes lock onto Caleb. Freezes with a look of terror. “James, you need to slowly make your way over here.” 

Jeremy and Vince suddenly stop fighting, looking between the tall man and James. Even Caleb’s a little unsure with how quiet the instructions were spoken. Like they’re trying to hide from a monster. 

The officer shakes his head. “Caleb and Fredbear are harmless.” 

“James, please,” the man begs. “I know you can’t see it, but whatever that kid is holding isn’t what you think it is.” 

“I know what it is.” 

“You really don’t.” 

Caleb, tell Vince that Scott will not be harmed, and tell David that Fritz and James won’t be either.

“Vince?” Caleb begins, looking at the purple man who stares at him with pure white eyes. “Fredbear says Scott won’t be harmed. David, he says Fritz and Officer James won’t be either.” 

The suited man looks even paler than before. But Vince doesn’t look as tense anymore. And even though the purple man had tried to kill them, if Fredbear forgave him then Caleb does too. 

And then another person peers out of the doorway. A bald man who wears a D-Class uniform. Just like Caleb does! “Does that shit include the Jerber?” 

It includes the Jerber.

“Fredbear says Jerber’s safe too!” Caleb giggles, liking the nickname that was given to Jeremy. “Are you his friend he always talks about?” 

The man smirks as he nudges Jeremy with his shoulder, making the doctor squeak. “I fucking hope so. Do you have any other shitty friends, Jerber?” 

“J-Just you,” Jeremy huffs. He then sends one last glare over at Vince before walking across the hallway with his friend following. Perks up when James holds out his hand currently being held so Caleb can grab Jeremy’s instead. “Are you o-okay?” 

“I am! Fredbear didn’t let us see any monsters.” 

“He doesn’t mind I brought a few to you, does he?” James asks. 

I do not.

Caleb shakes his head. “He does not.” 

“Good.” The officer glances at everyone still standing by the other door, looks down the hallway where the one leading outside is. The one Caleb refused to go through until James came like Fredbear told him. “Are there any other anomalies, David?” 

“We’re not going to discuss any further?” David snaps. “I’m just supposed to trust its word? It could kill any of us without even trying. I don’t know what it did to make even you drop your guard, but I am not willing to-” 

“Vince tried to kill Caleb,” James interrupts, and Jeremy’s grip tightens. 

There’s a long moment of silence. “This doesn’t give me any incentive to stay any longer than I have to.” 

“I appreciate all of the time you willingly give.” 

The suited man glares before sending a nervous look toward Caleb. Reaches behind him and gently pulls on the arm of another scientist to push him toward the outside door. “I don’t sense any, but Vince has a larger radius.” 

“It’s clear.” 

James quickly follows after David, leaving Caleb behind with Jeremy. “I-Is that much fighting n-normal for them?” 

“I never met David. Officer James sometimes talked about him, but he also said they do fight a lot,” Caleb shrugs. Though he’s unsure why the officer almost sounded sad. 

“Maybe it’ll be better o-o-once we’re out.” 

Out of the facility. Caleb only had a vague idea of what to expect. He had been taught about what it was like beyond the pure white walls, and James never said no to telling stories about his adventures, but he doesn’t think it pictures it properly. Because he always forgets there’s a sun that goes across the sky. And during the night, everything becomes dark instead of just one room when lights are turned off. That there’s more than just monsters and people in lab coats. 

That’s why he didn’t want to go alone. Even though the facility isn’t safe anymore, it’s still his home. Everything he’s ever known. But James has been outside, so he’ll know what to do. 

Everyone freezes when the lock on the door creaks and clangs, so loud it echos down the hallway. They wait for the sound of someone or something saying they were heard, but nothing happens. Not even Fredbear warns they have to hurry. 

“Okay,” James murmurs. “A siren will go off as soon as we open the door, so everyone needs to get out as fast as possible and then help me close the door so it locks again. You can all go your separate ways after that, but the door needs to be closed. It’s the only way to buy us some time.” 

“That’s it?” Vince scoffs. “You’re just going to let deadly anomalies out into the world?” 

“I have no equipment to capture you. No cell to contain you inside. Not to mention I owe the debt of saving my life. But you will only be free until I reach the next facility, in which I will begin the hunt for everything that has escaped this facility, including you.” 

The purple man snorts. “And if I kill you now?” 

“Just because I can’t contain you doesn’t mean I am defenseless. Or did you forget what happened when you attacked Caleb?” 

“I was only asking.” 

“Is that your plan? To get to the next facility?” Scott asks. 

James nods. “I need to report a sitewide containment breach.” 

“Can I come with you?” 

Vince turns toward Scott with a look of anger. But Jeremy raises his free hand so he earns attention. “Can Mike and I-I-I join, too?” 

Caleb straightens up in excitement to travel with the doctor. He doesn’t know Scott really well, and he’s sure Vince won’t apologize for calling Fredbear a monstrosity, but they haven’t tried to hurt anyone since then. They had also been with James, so he trusts them! 

“...David?” 

“Oh so now you want my opinion?” the taller snarls. Looking like he wants to punch something. Maybe even wants to punch James. 

“Will you and Fritz be joining me?” 

David goes still as he watches James for a few moments. “You had to ask?” 

The officer rolls his eyes as a smile tugs on his lips. “I did encounter an anomaly with psychic abilities.” 

“You’re a dumbass. They can join as long as none of them touch Fritz.” 

Caleb beams with the confirmation the two are still friends. He doesn’t really like David, not with how angry he gets and clearly doesn’t like Fredbear, but James likes the suited man and that’s all that matters. At least Fritz looks like he’s nice. 

“Scotty, we are not-” 

“We are not discussing this, Vince. I am going with them. You can decide if you want to or not.” 

They all watch the purple man who gives a fierce glower. “Can I help you?” 

“It’s settled then,” James smiles. Braces himself against the door. Takes a deep breath and then pushes it open. 

A siren blares, so loud it’s hard to think. But Caleb quickly pulls Jeremy through the opening once everyone else is through. Holds his breath when he sees David leaning against it on the outside, worried James will get locked in. 

He won’t let that happen.

Mike slips out with James right behind him, both of them immediately turning so they can help push the door closed. It shuts with a loud thud, the sound of the lock clicking back into place. 

That’s when Caleb finally notices the rest of the world. Gasps when he sees green everywhere. On the ground as grass, in the air as leaves on a tree. Sees nothing but blue beyond that, past the tall walls of the facility casting a large shadow over them. Shivers when a cold breeze blows past him, feeling nothing like how the AC felt whenever it turned on inside his room. 

He can’t help but wrinkle his nose at the unfamiliar scent trying to overwhelm his nose. Pulls on Jeremy’s hand for attention. “What’s that smell?” 

“Nature. Specifically a f-forest,” the doctor whispers. So that’s why there’s so many trees. 

“Come on,” James commands as he starts to walk down an odd concrete path. One that’s cracked and covered in dirt. “We need to get as much distance possible before the sun goes down.” 

Caleb let’s go of Jeremy’s hand with a smile to race after the officer, jumping off the path a few times in order to crunch the leaves on the floor. “How far away is the other facility, Officer James?” 

“Very far. It’ll take us multiple days to get there.” 

“But not to get to civilization, right?” David calls from behind them. 

“You can last one night in the forest, David.” 

“We get to sleep in the forest?” Caleg gushes, earning a smile from James. 

“We better not be!” 

“We’ll see how far we get.” 

It won’t be far enough.

He doesn’t tell David what Fredbear told him, not wanting to possibly make anyone else upset if it was confirmed they won’t be escaping from nature anytime soon. Not that he minds, but one look back at Jeremy and not even the doctor looks excited. 

“So,” Vince begins. “If we’re all going to be traveling together, would it possible to know who and/or what we’re dealing with?” 

“Depends,” James responds. “Will you be telling us your secrets?” 

The purple man hums. “Maybe not tell, but I wouldn’t mind showing.” 

“No, wait-!” 

Both Caleb and James spin around to see Scott suddenly falling through the ground as Vince laughs. They don’t see or hear anything else until someone just appears from the tree next to them, stumbling until the officer catches their arm. 

The boy gasps when he realizes it’s Scott, amazed by the fact he was teleported. “Can you do that to me, too!” 

Vince’s smile drops as he stares at Caleb. And then David barks out a laugh. “Well that backfired.” 

“At least even the half-breed can do something, you’re basically useless.” 

“Excuse me?” 

Caleb turns to James as he looks over Scott with a frown. One the scientist tries to wave away. “I swear, he’s only ever done it to me, he won’t-” 

“He can teleport you?” the offices gently interrupts. 

“I don’t know specifics, just that he can and it has something to do with shadows.” 

James looks back at Vince and David’s argument. “Was that ever on his report?” 

“No. He deliberately did it outside of where cameras recorded and never in front of others.” Scott hesitates, looking confused. “Why?” 

“Just means I’ll need to be more prepared.” 

He wants to use them.

If it was anyone else, Caleb would be nervous. But James only wants to help people. And if there’s anything Caleb can do to help as well, then he will. 

Good thing there’s lots of time before they arrive at the next facility. 

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4

SCP-8092  |  Incident 8092-16  |  SCP-8000  |  Incident 8000-1  |  SCP-8889  |  Incident 8889-1  |  SCP-8266  |  SCP-8787  |  Incident 8786-1

[dotmander]

new salad time! concept: very tall and buff warden ranger who secretly wants to be a princess fainting into the arms of Big Strong Warrior. she has terrible luck with her pets actually being sentient. look concepts: (potential outfit modeled by the accidentally sentient pet)

and now, for the real question

[chicohungers24-7]

Nine going from one horrible experience to the next