#Even if it means leaving his family for a few days to willingly return himself to hell

[factorialsotherfandoms]

Something about Philza's insistence on Pomme and Rochas bringing as many potions as possible - not just for themselves, but because he doesn't think Baghera and Cellbit are going to be okay. He talked about maybe having to carry them back if they weren't able to walk, about how thirsty and hungry they must be (and I wonder if a bit of his mind he refuses to acknowledge thinks they must be dead). There was no mention of mental state but I'm sure he knows it'll be trash as he remembers how he last saw them. I just don't think he's expecting the sort of trash...

[cocogum]

The Great Wave - Chapter 2 Review

‼️ SPOILERS FOR THE CHAPTER ‼️

I have good news and bad news.

The bad news is, no smexy time here.

The good news is, we get some Yugo and Adamaï moments, AND the SADIDAS are FUMING 😍🥰

But before we see the sadidas, we can’t start this off without addressing Yugo and Adamaï’s interaction at the beginning of the chapter.

Cuz man, I liked it but when @vinillain addressed it and even ANALYZED IT I fell in love with this scene even more 💖💖

Without their perspective on the matter, I would have missed so many details. Here’s the post if you are interested.

So yeah I’m glad I found their analysis on it and I hope you like it just as much as I did ✨

Now let’s start.

I found babes lol (the dot is so tiny!!)

Look at his emo ass just looking gloomy after having a wet dream. My guy is such a drama queen that he decided to sit at the top of the kingdom just to make himself feel better.

(Get down from there you little shit-)

Adamaï swoops in and actually helps? Omg slay? Like you’re doing something helpful while scolding Yugo that’s actually good. Cuz ngl I’ve been getting kinda annoyed that Yugo had just left Amalia to deal with the sadidas’ problems all alone.

If Yugo didn't have nightmares like these from time to time, I could have overlooked his decision to leave her to deal with it on her own. But now that we know he does get them, it’s a pretty big deal.

He confirms it to Adamaï when he tells him that his condition has been worsening meaning that he’s already used to it and yet decides to not say anything to Amalia AND KEEPS LEAVING HER DEAL WITH THE PEOPLE ON HER OWN. Now he obviously doesn’t leave her like that during the whole day. It’s just that there’s a good chance he’s not there with her during the mornings. Like, imagine fucking a dude who keeps having PTSD nightmares every two nights. Now we know why she got pissed in Chapter 1 when he left her on the ground naked like that. Girl just wants to have fun and lead her people let her have her moment-

Also, we all saw this coming folks.

The blue cows are back.

Bro is trying so hard to be Eva. Look at him trying to visualize and zoom in on the wastes of spaces coming to the kingdom.

Also, I remember how some of us used to think that Aurora was pregnant which is why she might’ve had the balls to come back to the kingdom and try to regain her throne, you know, the very same kingdom THAT SHE FUCKING FLED FROM DURING A WAR THAT COULD’VE WIPED THE WHOLE RACE. The pregnancy theory was a common one to be shared around because the trailer for the manga did not show her stomach. Some of them also theorized that theory because it made the most sense as to why she’d want to come back willingly whether her father wanted her to or not.

Of course, no shade to anyone who thought about this theory before but I love how they tried to justify her stupidity for returning by making up this theory.

Cuz it turns out that bitch wasn’t pregnant after all.

Her stomach is flatter than a washboard and her return happened AFTER FOUR MONTHS (or around that number at least) so her stomach would have at least had a bump but she got none of that.

Judging by Yugo’s expression when he realizes them, he doesn’t look like he’s surprised to see that they’re coming back. He looks like he’s pissed off, annoyed at the fact that they’re coming.

I initially believed that the reason why Yugo looked angry, instead of confused or shocked at seeing them come back, was because the royal Osamodas family might have been trying to return during those few months after season 4. But it turns out that this wasn’t the case because when Aurora manages to re-enter the kingdom, Amalia tells her she didn’t expect her to come back ever again. This means that the royal osamodas family only came back once. So Yugo’s only reason for being angry at seeing them must’ve been because he heard everything the family did through Amalia (including all the times the blue cow tried to marry Amalia off to one of her brothers AND THEN her cousin) which is pretty understandable to be pissed off about.

Finally, after a full week of waiting, the Sadida people make their presence known in this chapter AND IT’S EVERYTHING I’VE EVER WANTED.

We learn that the sadidas are annoyed that the elite eliatropes have not only stayed but that they also shared some of their lands.

I genuinely feel bad for this eliatrope getting criticism from this old sadida. True, they did come here and stayed but they’re not even a lot to begin with. We’re not talking about thousands of children eliatropes here. We’re talking about 30 to 40 eliatropes since these were the bravest to have joined their mother and ALSO completed a lot of missions (that they knew of through the eliaculus) that involved putting their life on the line. So to hear these sadidas claim that they don’t feel at home must say A LOT if 30-40ish eliatropes were able to make such a change. The old sadida man even said that they do not understand sacrifice as the sadidas do.

And that’s something that’s been bothering me since I learned that the sadidas weren’t aware of the eliatropes’ past.

Didn’t Amalia tell Yugo to explain to the sadidas their background?? It sure sounds like he didn’t do anything about presenting his people to Amalia’s. If you’re going to share a land with people you’ve never seen before, you might as well present yourself, no? Because if you don’t, tension and possible harassment are exactly what would happen to the eliatropes if they don’t do anything about that topic.

I also wanted to point out how the people have been behaving towards Amalia in Seasons 1 to the Ovas. This is important to notice because these guys clearly love her and always think of her as a good future queen. We even get a confirmation in Season 4 that a lot of sadidas would rather have her as their leader rather than Armand.

So the fact that a lot of them are now feeling like they’re not at home anymore because Amalia let the elite eliatropes stay makes them think as if they’ve somewhat been betrayed by her.

Translation for 1st panel: “Your father and brother would have never accepted this!”

Translation for 2nd panel: “He’s right! We aren’t at home here!”

Translation for 3rd panel: “These eliatropes are not like us! Your father and brother would have never shared our lands!”

This is a very big shift from what we know. For once, Amalia doesn’t receive smiles or praises.

A lot of them are now siding with Armand and her father, claiming that they wouldn’t have let the eliatropes stay. We know Armand wouldn’t have done that because he confirmed it to Amalia in Season 4 right after the meeting with the Eliatrope goddess ended. But Amalia’s father? No. King Oakheart would’ve welcomed them with open arms. He told Yugo that he had no problem welcoming his people (he said this in Season 2).

The sadidas were right about one of her family members not accepting the eliatropes and I believe it reflects how hurt they all feel about this decision. Because they have no one else to blame this decision on, they are trying to think that only Amalia in the royal family would’ve done that so they immediately point fingers at her.

And then, as if things couldn’t get any worse, the blue cows are officially back. And yes, I’m going to call them blue cows from now on, just like how I addressed them in the beginning too.

Yugo: “Sorry, I didn’t have the time to warn you.”

Also Yugo: has the ability to create portals.

The Osamodas family is even more brain-dead than I thought.

Blue fat cow over here is saying “here’s your legitimate ruler” while pointing at another cow but she ain’t even a Sadida. And then you’ve got Amalia over here who’s obviously royal Sadida blood so idk why tf the blue cow king would think he did something there. The sadidas just said that they don’t feel at home cuz of the eliatropes so what makes him think the people are gonna accept a useless blue cow who’s only not a Sadida but did nothing during the war? The sadidas are already pissed at not feeling like they’re at home, don’t throw more gasoline into the fire by claiming an OSAMODAS is fit for the SADIDA THRONE.

Yugo’s wave where you at?

The Osamodas King lost so many neurones when he stayed in that cave, he should just go back in there with his ugly crusty ass bats.

But it’s alright, I’m not even mad (i’m fuming) because no matter how stupid and dumb the king sounded, if you look at chapter 3’s cover, the king doesn’t look confident and cocky anymore.

Clearly, something must’ve happened in the throne room when he was spewing all this shit about Aurora being the “legitimate heir” because AGAIN, that’s clearly Amalia’s role so I genuinely hope that the sadidas were the ones who made the king frown like that. Because there’s a gigantic possibility that they must have flat-out told the king to sit his ass down and remind him that he and his worthless daughter didn’t do shit when the war happened and now he suddenly wants to rule them?? Of course they’d get pissed by what he said!

The majority of them obviously looked bothered by what he had just announced as well. Everyone in the throne room looked like they were just shocked to hear him talk. EVERYONE.

So yeah, I hope I see this fatass get humiliated. Even the eliatropes are like ‘sir what the fuck are you doing’ type of shit.

[bluestar22x]

The Tree

Summary: Joel and Ellie pick out and decorate their first Christmas tree together (follows canon unless Season 2 contradicts it)

Characters: Joel Miller, Ellie Williams (Joel POV)

Rating: 13+

Warnings: Some fluff, some angst, fowl language, and a mention of a character from game 2 (a friend of Ellie's is named - that's it).

Word Count: 2,600 (ish)

Author’s Note: I didn't expect to make two TLOU oneshots for Christmas, but this one popped into my head and wouldn't leave. Update: 2nd one is now posted.

xxx

If anyone had told Joel during the previous twenty years that someday he'd find himself prepping to put a Christmas tree in his house again, he'd have called them crazy.

Celebrating Christmas was simply not a luxury he'd had since the outbreak, not that he would have wanted to. Whenever he had been in a place where he could track what day it was, the memories that rushed him during the Christmas season had him wishing desperately that he didn't know. What had been one of the most joyful times of the year had become the third worst, after his and Sarah's birthdays. Remembering her overzealously helping him decorate the tree and placing the latest handmade ornament she'd made at school on a branch of her choosing usually had him reaching for the nearest liquor bottle at record speed because she was dead and he wasn't.

This year was different. He was in Jackson now, where most days it was almost easy to forget that the outside world wasn't full of infected and corrupt people. Almost. He'd made a point not to forget. Had made a point to stay sharp for when the world found Jackson. Though he didn't voice it, a part of him thought it's fall was inevitable, there was simply no way the world would let Jackson stay hidden and safe forever, but that didn't mean he thought it was pointless.

He'd joined the patrol as soon as he could, not just to keep an eye on his little brother, not just to remind himself that Jackson was still surrounded by violence and death, but also to keep the town safe for as long as possible. As long as he was out there, as long as he was breathing, no one or thing would jeopardize what the town had, what his family had.

Family which now included Ellie, without a doubt. The girl he'd once begrudgingly taken on was now as much of a daughter to him as Sarah. And she was the only reason he was willingly diving into Christmas traditions again.

She had asked for a tree after having heard half the town talking about getting their own back in November, and he hadn't needed much convincing in the end. He couldn't deny her of the full Christmas experience when she'd never had it before. Maria had even lent them some colored lights the town had stored away. Typically Jackson households skipped having lights in their trees because they were in short supply and they already had the town square tree, but since it was Ellie's first official Christmas she had graciously loaned them a few sets of lights for the month. The ornaments Tommy had brought over the day before however, were gifts from their own personal supply and his brother had assured him that they did not need to be returned.

With the decorations in hand, all Joel needed to do was grab some gear and head out with Ellie just beyond the walls to cut down a tree to put them on.

He'd set time aside on the first Saturday of December to do it, waking with the sunrise and packing his bag up. He and Ellie weren't going far sure, but he never liked to go beyond the walls unprepared. Extra clothes, extra bullets, and metal water bottles were all thrown in among other things.

He woke Ellie up after for a simple breakfast of eggs and toast and then they headed for the stables to saddle up a pair of horses.

"I'm going to ride Luna today," she declared, approaching the silver dappled mare in the first stall to scratch her behind the ear. The mare, who was probably his age in horse years, leaned into her touch like an itchy dog, making Ellie giggle and the sound made the edges of Joel's lips quirk up. He'd never get tired of hearing her laugh. He'd never take it for granted after everything they'd been through since they met.

"You riding Caliber?" she guessed.

Joel nodded, giving the young solid dark bay stallion a brief pat on his neck as he passed his stall. Cal had been his go to horse to ride on patrol the last few months and he'd secretly become attached to the horse. He was smart and very dependable for his age. He didn't easily spook and was less accident prone than the other horses that were fresh out of their teenage years.

Ellie followed Joel into the tack room and they grabbed saddles, saddle pads, bridles, and brushes for the horses. It took them fifteen minutes to groom the horses properly and tack them up before they mounted and plodded towards the gate.

Joel waved up at the guard on duty, a young woman named Hannah who was also a patrol member, and she waved back before gesturing for two other community members on top of the wall to open the gate.

Then they were on their own, and even though he knew the guards were watching, even though a patrol was out, and even though they weren't going out of sight of Jackson's walls Joel's senses kicked into high gear, used to having to watch his back all the time. Even before his hazardous cross country trip with Ellie there had been the quarantine zone guards and the other shady people he and Tess had bartered with, and before that there were enemy raiders and infected when they had set out for Boston. The general safety of Jackson was foreign to him after two decades of the world being anything but.

Joel took a moment to make sure he had his gun secure and nudged Caliber into a jog, one that Ellie mirrored with Luna at his side.

When they reached the tree line they slowed to a stop and hopped off their horses, looping their reins over a couple strong branches so the horses wouldn't think of wandering away. Jackson's horses were trained to ground tie but every once in a while they didn't follow the rules. Not unlike a certain someone.

"So what makes for a good Christmas tree?" Ellie asked loudly. "Besides being a spruce."

"Other kinds of evergreens can be used as Christmas trees," Joel informed her. "I just prefer spruce. They're classics for a reason. They have good color and they shed less needles. Ya know what we're looking for?"

She rolled her eyes. "I know what a spruce tree looks like, Joel."

"Good," he said, adjusting the strap to the rifle he was carrying over his right shoulder. "Find one that's got character and is six feet tall or less."

Ellie took the search seriously, taking her time as she trudged through deep snow to examine each spruce tree they passed that might work. She passed a lot that would've been fine to decorate, but he had told her to look for something unique and it looked like she was up for the challenge.

It took a half hour of Joel following her around patiently before she finally stopped in front of a nearly six foot fat spruce tree with a chunk of empty space at the bottom. "This one."

"That one has a bunch of missing branches," he pointed out.

"You said find one that had character," she reminded him, gesturing to the tree. "This one does. It may not be the prettiest tree out here, but it's special because it is different."

How could he argue with words as wise as that? He smiled at her softly and nodded. "Alright, let's get to cutting it down then."

He took care of that part, using the axe he had on hand to expertly carve the trunk so that it broke and fell away from them into a small gap in the forest.

"Were you a lumberjack in another life?" Ellie inquired, eying him curiously.

"Only at Christmas time," Joel answered with a chuckle. "Sarah and I went to the local Christmas tree farm every year and I always cut down the one we picked out myself."

It had always been one of his favorite days of the year, seeing Sarah giddily dart tree to tree in search for the perfect one, hair flying. He could picture it now, for the first time in over twenty years, Ellie having resurfaced the memory. It was a gift. One she hadn't intended, but a gift all the same, and Joel was grateful. He was grateful about a lot of things when it came to Ellie.

"Did you drag the tree out by horse back then too?" she quizzed.

He shook his head. "No, that's new." He shrugged his backpack off his shoulders along with the rifle and plucked some rope out of it. "Now help me tie it up. We'll have to carry it out to the horses, but after that I'm wrapping the tree up in the tarp and Cal's doing all the work."

Ellie nodded and did as told. The tree was a fair bit heavy for its size, but they managed to haul it over to the horses and secured it in a tarp that Joel had rolled up on Cal's back. With a bit more rope he soon had set up a little rope system so Cal could pull the tree with the connecting rope around the horn of the saddle.

Then they made the short trip back to town, the same group of people on the wall opening the gates back up to them.

Joel and Ellie rode the horses to their house and lifted the tree up the stairs and into the kitchen before they returned to the stables to give their mounts another good brushing and an armful of hay to munch on once they were alone in their stalls.

"Is there a special way we have to string up the lights in the tree?" Ellie questioned as they walked back home.

"Not in particular," Joel replied rubbing his gloved hands together. It was freezing outside, even for early December. "Everyone has their preferences. Some like to string them down, or across, let them hang from the branches or keep them tight over them. You can do it whichever way you want to."

The tree was probably going to end up chaotic looking if he left Ellie to her own devices, but then he wasn't doing all of this for himself. Whatever way she strung up the lights, that's how they'd stay.

As soon as they were back home Ellie untied the ropes around the tree and helped Joel carry it into the living room so he could secure it in a Christmas tree stand. She hung onto it until they were both sure it wouldn't fall over and he began to untangle the smaller branches. Ellie observed him quietly and started to do the same once she understood what he was doing. He smiled at the way she was concentrating, clearly afraid to break the branches if she didn't.

"Are the lights next?" she asked after they finished up.

"I've always put up the topper first," he told her. He wasn't sure why; half the time he'd needed to straighten it back out after all the decorating was completed.

"Topper it is."

The topper they'd been gifted was a silver star, and Ellie fetched it from the decorations box while Joel set a step stool in front of the tree. He showcased it when Ellie turned around to face him. "Honors go to you since this is your first Christmas tree."

She beamed at him, making his heart swell, and eagerly climbed to the top of the stool, placing the star over the tree's top center branch. "Like this?"

"It's a little crooked," Joel noted. "Try to tip it a little more to the left."

"Okay, better?" Ellie inquired after adjusting it slightly.

It looked good to his eyes, but Joel chose to ignore that. "A little more left."

She listened and he hummed. "No, that's not it. Move it back a little to the right now."

He couldn't help the twitch at the corner of his mouth, but he did manage not to laugh as Ellie obeyed again, and she wasn't facing him to see it.

"Good?"

"A little back now."

Ellie sighed dramatically but adjusted the star again anyway and Joel kept making random suggestions until she finally caught on a minute or so later. "You're fuckin' with me, aren't you?" she asked as she glanced over at him, a hand on her hip.

He smirked. "Guilty."

"Asshole."

"You fell for it," he countered.

"Shut up." She hopped down and pointed at the box of lights. "If you're done messing with me, can we now add the lights?"

Joel nodded back at her. "After we untangle them."

She groaned, already having had her fill of menial work, but she dug into the box as quickly as she could, anxious to get it over so she could see what a tree looked like with lights in it. Her friends at the school in Jackson had promised her that she was going to love it.

"Gonna just stand there, old man, or are you going to help?"

"Pass me a bunch," he ordered, gesturing for her to hand some over and she carried a bundle to him. He sat down on the couch and got to work while she took the floor.

It felt like longer for them both, but they managed to get the lights straightened out in just over twenty minutes.

"So how are ya going to hang them?" Joel questioned. "Have you decided yet?"

Ellie mulled it over for a moment. "I think I want to string it across, but tightly. That's what Cat said she prefers."

Cat was one of her friends. Her best friend. Ellie hung out with her the most out of the whole little group she'd joined once she'd started going to school.

"If you're sure."

She nodded quickly. "I am."

"Alright, then, let's get started."

Joel gave Ellie suggestions as they circled the tree, the bulk of lights in his hands, but she was otherwise completely in control the whole time as she unfurled them, and it turned out for a first timer, she really had a keen eye for it. When they finished putting in the last set of lights, plugged them into a power box and turned it on, he was honestly impressed by the results.

Ellie looked pretty proud of it too, a smile spreading out across her face, brightening up her eyes. "Nice."

"Turns out Cat was right," Joel mused.

"Don't tell her that though," she pleaded and he chuckled.

"I won't if you tell me one thing, and you're honest about it."

She blinked up at him blankly, not sure of what kind of question to expect.

He smiled slightly at her reaction and tilted his head towards the tree. "Is it everything you hoped for?"

Ellie's face broke out into a broad grin, recalling two of the few pleasant memories they had of their journey across the US as she examined the tree before her once more. Joel could see the red, green, yellow, and blue lights shining in her eyes, making them sparkle, and it was beautiful.

"I can't believe how long it takes to put lights in a tree," she told him as his eyes followed to where hers were looking, "But you can't deny that view."

Joel glanced over to her again, studying her radiant expression.

She was right. He couldn't.

xxx

Tagged: @harriedandharassed, @morallyinept

xxx

Main Masterlist

xxx

[chill-pills-yandere-haven]

To Soothe a Heartache

An: Kaoru apology piece! My search history for this thing too lol. Isolation works a lot faster than it's portrayed to in media. The average person can't go longer than a day in extreme isolation (extreme basically meaning adding in sensory deprivation from how the studies pose it)

Tw: yandere, implied isolation, implied kidnapping, man is abusive, mind break, Stockholm? Either of those two. (Little hint, read between the lines because Kaoru... Isn't the most reliable)

Today was perfect.

Nice and hot, blue skies with just a little bit of clouds in them, the smell of the beach, and having you by Kaoru's side. You held his hand as usual. You liked to hold on tight to Kaoru and hated to let go or have him leave you for even a second.

Completely perfect.

You sat in Kaoru's lap on a beach chair, loosely hugging him. The fact that you were willingly cuddling him again, the oceanic scene, and just everything about you made him happy beyond belief.

The perfect date for the both of you.

You were so obedient nowadays too!

No more fighting or trying to push Kaoru away, instead, you willingly embraced him, in both forms of the word.

 Yes, you may have been a little 'damaged', but it was necessary for your relationship to flourish.

After all, everything he did, he did out of pure and utter love for you.

He heard of you from rumours first. 

A seductive type who practically made your dreams come true.

Of course, being who Kaoru was, he was interested.

Then he met you for himself.

He knew you were pursuing him in the beginning. Kaoru thought he'd have enough experience and caution to not fall head over heels for you, But there was just something about you.

Something about you made him feel complete.

You filled the hole that was drilled into his heart with his mother's death and his ever painful relationship with his family.

He just had to have you.

So he took you for himself.

 

He even gave you a place, it was pleasant and roomy too. A nice big room in one of the houses his father gave him. It was quiet and secluded there too, in a sleepy rural area that was easy to get to from the city.

 

He was good to you. He cared for your every need and want. He took good care of you. Kaoru was a good boyfriend, a good lover.

Yet you always seemed to fight him.

You wouldn't even let Kaoru hug you. And it depressed him deeply. You even tried to leave him on multiple occasions, saying that Kaoru was holding you captive. You ignored him, pretended he wasn't even there.

He just wanted your touch, he wanted that unconditional love of yours to return. He wanted you to let him in, let him love you.

Weeks went by, same as always no matter what Kaoru did.

He was starting to tire of your defiant tendencies.

He had read studies on isolation before…

It only took a few hours to put most people into a highly volatile emotional state if they were in full isolation…

Though considering the situation, he could just play it safe and do it for the whole day…

It was the practically same strategy he usually used to make women fall for him. He just needed something stronger to get you emotional enough for him to work with. Invoke high emotions and ride the waves…

Maybe he could.

But that would be bad, wouldn't it?

But both of you had to be tired of all this…

He'd be doing your relationship a solid, just reminding you of how much you loved him…

It truly pained Kaoru to hear you scream for him. 

You begged to be let out after only an hour.

And all he had to do was blindfold you, put some good noise cancelling headphones on you, and tie you up in a cozy and safe room in the house.

Eventually, when he knew it was the right time, Kaoru let you out, taking all of the makeshift sensory deprivation equipment off you. 

Immediately, you ran into his arms and held Kaoru tight.

He could feel your love for him, your heart was racing and your breathing unsteady with just how much you loved him. You had even cried from how much you missed him.

 Perfect.

See? He knew you just needed a little push. You said that you'd be a good lover for him and tried to hold Kaoru as close as possible. You even asked to sleep in his bed for the night.

That was the first time you slept in the same bed as him.

And he was sure it wouldn't be the last.

From then on, everything was so bright and pleasant for Kaoru.

You were finally warming up to him, being friendly and truly being his lover.

You cuddled with him, said I love you, even initiated affection with him. 

Kaoru just knew that everything was going to be perfect from then on.

Now this? This was heavenly.

He could be as clingy and loving ad he wanted now as well. And of course, you held Kaoru's hand below the waters.

Kaoru had persuaded you into going in the ocean with him, a life jacket on just in case of course. After all, you did have a tendency to get all… distant at times. No matter, he'd love you no matter how you were. 

After all, you were the only thing that could soothe his heartache.

[mcalhenwrites]

Distraction time, aka "What if I ramble about my stories?" What if I talked about the sort of things Vivian could have had as a child if someone like Phineas had found and raised him instead? Something cheerful with a happy ending would be nice right now. Even if it's not canon. ;) If you didn’t read the original AO3 posting of Seasons to the final chapter, this does contain some significant spoilers. Wouldn’t it have been fantastic if Phineas had visited Wyskaria and noticed Vivian’s signature when he was still little? He’d be a scrappy boy in rags, but old enough he already named himself Vivian. That means he’s not without some trauma. He just didn’t endure all of it before Phineas realized what was going on and stole this abused child away from his family. Vivian would go willingly. If someone had offered him food and a way out, he might be suspicious, but he would also be desperate. What could possibly be worse than what he dealt with from his family? Phineas realizes he’s hungry when they first meet, leaves, returns with food. Vivian is shocked but immediately snatches the food. Then he backs off. Until Phineas shows him magic. Child Viv is not like 400 y/o Viv. He’s impressed. Fascinated. Maybe he would have named himself after Phineas instead if he had met him first. Phineas doesn’t push Viv to come with him. All he does is feed him over the next couple of days. Then he says he’s going to leave town. “You can come with me if you want. You don’t have to stay here.” Vivian follows the food and the kindness. He’s a bit cautious but mostly? He’s hopeful. This is different than it was with Gideon, who forced Viv into structure immediately.

Phineas finds some better clothes and necessities for Vivian, including a toy. This is Viv’s dream. The 400 y/o canon Vivian wanted this childhood. In a different story, he can have it. Phineas introduces him to his family slowly. They visit a couple of his children, who dote on Vivian beecause he’s young and they have kids and hand-me-downs. He feels like a prince. He’s quick to accept Phineas’s affection. After a month or two, he’s happily hugging Phineas on his own. It takes a few more months for him to kiss him on the cheek. Phineas assigns Vivian a birthday based on what he knows, which is that Vivian loves it when it’s snowing. So he gives him a winter birthday. Then asks him what he wants to eat to celebrate it. Vivian wants the same treat he tries to make for Howie in Seasons–the one with fruit in fried bread that’s dusted with nuts and sugar–as his special dessert. For savory dishes, Phineas fixes Vivian some delicious pumpkin pasta with cheese, cabbage and sausage, and a baked ham. He has picked up on some of Vivian’s favorite foods since he took him in. While Phineas often likes to tease many of his children, he doesn’t do this with Viv. He senses that it might be too much–at least while he’s still young–and refrains from joking too much with him. He knows each kid is different. While certain approaches work with one child, it doesn’t with another. Vivian is sometimes a little fiesty and self-defensive, but he’s easily calmed by a gentle reminder from Phineas. He doesn’t think Phineas is soft on him. All he knows is that his other family was cruel and violent, and Phineas is happiness and safety. This isn’t a man who decides his savior is allowed to hurt him to some degree because he was also kind to him. This is a Vivian who is told his autonomy should be respected. Phineas is “Daddy” within a year’s time. Even when Viv enters his teens, he can’t help but use the more childish address. In part, this is because Viv–in most universes–still remembers his early years and it makes him yearn for a do-over. If only Phineas had been his birth Daddy. If only Phineas had found him before his human family. Vivian plays with toys a little older than other children. He’s physically affectionate but never clingy, always lounging close to Phineas because he likes being in proximity to his father. He likes consistency and schedules, because they make him feel safe. Traveling with Phineas stresses him out a bit. He prefers when they’re staying in one of Phineas’s many homes, although he doesn’t mind switching it up sometimes. He just doesn’t like it when Phineas goes to a new place entirely. That’s too much uncertainty for Viv. (Note that this is all before Daz is born and Cole is found when Phineas goes back to Wyskaria. And yes, those do still happen.)

Viv is a bit like Cole: he sticks to Phineas’s side a lot longer than a child usually would to a parent. Not to care for him the way Cole does, but the other way around. (Although maybe it will be different, because Viv being around does change a bit of the timeline, and that means Daz and Cole never encounter the danger that ends Daz’s life.) When he first realizes he has magic at fourteen, he welcomes it, but he uses it for whimsical things–not unlike how Sophie used hers when she came into it. Vivian is reluctant to go to college, but he likes numbers and their consistency, and Phineas encourages him to go meet people and study. Graham doesn’t get into trouble for always talking to Vivian, who has an explosive temper in another timeline. This Viv knows a bit of sign language from traveling with Phineas and can talk to Mabel. He’s a bit on the shy side, but he’s hoping if he sticks around often enough and gains Mabel’s approval, the cute apprentice will like him better. It works. The two get married surrounded by their loved ones. They build a house together. Vivian dreams of the future, and the cries of the cicadas still bring him an accident. He knows exactly who to turn to for advice and assistance. By then, Graham and Viv have had conversations about what kind of parents they want to be. Graham loves Vivian and attributes that to Phineas being a wonderful dad, and he tries his best to model after that instead of modeling after his own father. (Especially with their issues, which they work through before his father’s death.) Graham wants a lifetime with Vivian. They’re goofy and affectionate. They bring their six children to Phineas’s orchard sometimes, because it’s where Vivian is safest. Uncle Cole and Uncle Daz are terrible influences on all five of the kiddos. ;)

[blametheeditor]

Tempting Fate | Chapter 1

Run Down: The disappearance of Fazbear Entertianment's original owners has left the company declining with every year. Afton Robotics is out of business, only one location is in operation, and night guards have been disappearing. But why should Mike Schmidt care? He wouldn't, if it wasn't for the fact he was dragged kicking and screaming back into the center of it all.

Content Warnings: Cursing. Body horror. Gore. Mentions of death and murder. Darker themes and tones

Canon lore, in this household?!

___________________________

The more Scott has been turned to when it comes to making decisions for Fazbear Entertainment, the more he’s faced with the fact he never had a clue how it worked in the first place. 

Granted, he was never supposed to. Help out wherever he can of course, but never run the business. This is Henry and William’s pride and joy. Something they wanted to share with the people they love and care for, but always at a distance. Because friends and family always get messy when dealing with money. 

So where the hell are the actual owners.

Trust him, Scott has tried everything in order to get in contact with Henry and William. He should’ve stopped a while ago, a few years to be exact if he’s being completely honest with himself, but he holds onto the hope they will come after disappearing off the face of the earth. Especially when Henry came to him even though they barely knew each other. Scott was William’s best friend, however, so that meant he could be trusted. 

Trusted to look after the business until they could return, in which he would willingly sign everything back over to them. But it’s been five years. William disappeared two years before that. Henry disappeared two years after making Scott the sole owner. Absolutely no sign either of them will ever return. 

Scott sighs as he slumps in his chair, head tilted back to stare at the ceiling. Taking advantage of the very few moments where he can just be alone with his thoughts. They are dangerous, however, so maybe it’s a blessing he rarely has them. 

Because he starts thinking about selling the company. Or at the very least signing it over to someone who actually knows how to run a business in the children industry. Maybe even just leaving without a word. 

He never wanted this. William would be disappointed in how his best friend has been caring for the thing that kept him going after that horrific day. 

Scott jolts as a knock suddenly echos through his office, confused before jumping out of his chair to answer it when he remembers Jeremy is working a shift. 

“Hello, hello,” he greets. Expecting an angry parent telling him about an incident that at minimum involved cussing in front of children, at maximum there being a fistfight. Possibly one of the waiters or cooks telling him there’s yet another thing needing to be fixed. 

It’s neither. Instead there’s a young man standing nervously at his door, hood pulled up to cover his features. 

“Sorry for interrupting, Uncle Scott,” reveals who it is, however. Despite the shaking voice and acting like the police will come knocking at any moment, a bright smile spreads across Scott’s face. 

“You never interrupt, Mike,” the sandy haired man says earnestly. That earns him the head tilting back to show familiar features near identical to his father’s. Something Mike hated for a while considering the constant comments of looking like William Afton even after he did everything to erase those connections. At least those have all since gone away with the eldest Afton himself gone. “Come in, before someone drags me into something.” 

The young man smiles as he quickly walks into the office. Scott doesn’t miss the fact it doesn’t reach Mike’s eyes, meaning he opens his arms for a hug once the door’s locked. One that’s immediately accepted, even if it mostly one sided as he’s simply leaned into. 

“I take it your trip didn’t go well?” Scott asks. 

Mike takes a sharp inhale of breath. Holds it before sighing long and loud. “No, no it didn’t.” 

“Would you like to talk about it?” 

Instead of a huff and sarcastic ‘no, that’s definitely not why I came here in the first place’, Mike only gently breaks the hug. Blue eyes refusing to meet Scott’s worried gaze. 

“...something happened at the sister location.” 

God, please don’t tell him his nephew really is running from law enforcement. 

There’s a few moments of silence. Of Mike wanting to say more, but not being able to. Scott then gently pushes the young man into one of the chairs. Doesn’t try and coax the story out, simply walks over to the coffee machine he installed strictly to avoid needing to leave the room in order to refill his fifth mug for the day, starts up a fresh pot. They both sit in silence as the sounds and smell of coffee brewing fill the room. 

This was something William never understood with Michael. He might’ve loved his son, but the man didn’t realize the kid didn’t talk about his thoughts and feelings like the eldest Afton did and could. Michael needed a moment to be able to just sit and think before talking about something like wanting his dad to be at home more often. Or get out the words for an apology. 

Scott wishes he could’ve done more before. If he knew the problems going on in the Afton household, maybe he could’ve stopped everything from happening. If he had, William most likely wouldn’t have disappeared, and Mike would still be an Afton. 

He can’t go back in time. But he can certainly help now. 

Mike finally takes a deep breath before clearing his throat. “The Funtimes are all destroyed.” 

Scott doesn’t let any emotion show at the news. Mike had said he would be going to Afton Robotics to shut it all down. Said he thought about it for a long time, and even though that was William’s last known project, there weren’t any good memories attached to the animatronics. There wasn’t anything to do with them either, not with Circus Baby’s Pizza World having been shut down several years ago. 

He’s not disappointed, far from it. Scott can’t lie and say it doesn’t send a shot through his heart knowing something his best friend worked on is gone forever, though. But that isn’t what Mike needs, so he doesn’t voice his feelings. There’s still Fazbear Entertainment after all. 

“I actually debated not going through with shutting everything down. Especially with how long the elevator ride was. Gave me a lot of time to just...think. But then it just got weird. Like crawling through vents weird. I know Afton Robotics was barely hanging on, but...it was so much worse than I thought it’d be.” 

Scott allows a confused expression. He had heard the same thing about there being quite a few problems, especially considering it was his own signature that pulled the plug of no longer letting the Funtimes get rented out anymore. He made sure there was at least one person visiting it weekly to make sure the facility was still running, but there wasn’t a lot of money to spare with upkeep. Yet he was never given a report about needing to crawl through vents in order to get to other areas. Hopefully Mike wasn’t doing it without actually needing to. 

“The worst part was the Funtimes didn’t act like the other animatronics,” Mike murmurs, eyes locked on the ground as he remembers. “It was surreal, Uncle Scott. Instead of just playing recorded lines, they were taunting me. And HandUnit actually betrayed me. Like, multiple times.” 

Now he’s getting worried. Scott knows this must’ve been a big shock for Mike. Such a big decision and the subsequent actions that’d need to be taken no matter what was chosen would be hard on anyone, and for the young man even more so given his past. But the animatronics built to entertain children taunting him? The AI designed by William to help perform any assigned duties betraying him? These are nothing but robots. It’s not possible for such things to happen. 

It’s honestly a little concerning. And it only makes it worse when Scott realizes that Mike sounds like Jeremy whenever the man starts spouting off conspiracy theories about the animatronics coming to life to kill the night guards for revenge. 

“Something happened when I scooped the last one,” his nephew continues before it can be asked when was the last time he slept. “She, it- I can’t even explain. I, I-I changed.” 

Scott stares into Mike’s eyes as they tear up. Glances down for a moment at shaking hands held out pleadingly. The poor kid looking lost, hopeless. 

That’s when he realizes this must’ve been such an emotional toll. To hate your father is one thing. To destroy his life’s work is another. Even though it may have seemed like the best thing to do and it wasn’t done out of revenge, it’s something that would tear anyone with a kind heart in half. And Michael has always been that kind of person no matter what his past says. 

It makes him feel ten times better knowing Mike isn’t being hunted down by the law. And yet the young man not knowing if he made the right decision can arguably be worse. Because Scott can post bail and hire the greatest lawyer in the state. He can’t fix a broken soul. 

“You know there’s nothing that could possibly happen to make me not love you, Mike,” Scott confides. 

There’s a moment of silence until Mike visibly relaxes. “I know. I know. I just, how would anyone react to someone getting their insides ripped out and replaced with a sentient machine?” 

Well that’s...certainly one way to put how Mike feels. 

“I might not have felt exactly like that before” Scott chuckles. “Mostly just my heart being ripped out, but this was never going to be easy. I know it feels like there’s a big hole inside you, but I’m really proud of you, Mike.” 

Scott blinks when it almost looks like his nephew’s eyes turn violet for a moment, but it disappears in an instant. Hopefully color changing contacts aren’t becoming a trend or else he’ll start thinking he’s seeing things. 

“No, I don’t feel like I’ve changed, I am literally some fucked up cyborg zombie,” Mike almost pleads as he gestures to himself. “I’m not human.” 

Scott hesitates, worried he might accidentally upset his nephew. This isn’t the first time Mike has called himself a monster. Though giving a detailed description on the exact type is new. But it’s been years since the last talk, and facing such a horrible past all over again is hard to endure, especially alone. It resurfaces all of the painful memories that have long since been healed, but the scars never leave. 

“You’re not a monster, Mike.” 

The young man looks like he’s been electrocuted. There’s a long moment of silence as he watches Scott for a moment. Suddenly looks down at the ground as his voice goes soft. “Even if everyone else says I am?” 

“Yes,” is his immediate response. Just like every time before when he was asked. “They don’t know the whole story. They don’t know you. And if you are saying it, you need to remember you’re wrong.” 

“I swear you actively try to make me cry every time I talk to you. Cruel and unusual punishment,” his nephew grouses after a moment. Not happy, but not as tense. Almost completely relaxed compared to when he first entered the office. Sounds more like himself. 

“That’s my job,” the sandy haired man smiles. “How good did I do this time?” 

“You failed, eyes aren’t even misty.” 

“Don’t challenge me, Mike.” 

“Or what, old man,” earns him the smirk he’s been waiting for. “Seems like you’ve lost your edge.” 

Scott rolls his eyes. “I wasn’t even trying and you were already complaining.” 

“Critiquing,” Mike corrects. “So, I heard your night guards keep quitting.” 

That’s just wonderful. If the person who actively tries his hardest not to hear any news on how Fazbear Entertainment is loosing employees left and right, then that means the entire country knows Scott has no idea what he’s doing. 

“Do you actually want to know, or just making small talk?” 

“I actually want to know.” 

Scott doesn’t know if it’s a good thing for Mike to genuinely be interesting in his father’s company, or a really bad one. The only issue is it always having been impossibly hard to tell what the young man’s emotions are from expressions alone. Hopefully this wasn’t spawned out of guilt. 

“I don’t know what changed. A year ago, everything was fine. But recently people have just been quitting during their shifts. I’ve done everything I could think of to stop the excessive turn over, try to contact them and ask if there were any incidents. Yet it’s like they just vanish.” 

Scott swears Mike’s eyes actually turn violet this time as the young man straightens up. “Need someone on the inside to check it out for you?” 

What? 

“No one knows we’re associated,” Mike shrugs, because Scott does nothing to hide his genuine shock from the suggestion. That’s also not why his jaw is on the floor and his nephew knows it. “No one could guess either since we didn’t come from the same family tree. I’ll join the night shift and see what’s going on.” 

“Who are you and what have you done with Mike?” 

Scott actually grows a little worried when he’s given a humorless loud laugh. “Oh, this isn’t to help Fazbear’s. This just gets me unsupervised access with the animatronics.” 

“You will not destroy our only working animatronics!” 

“But I got a taste for destroying robots designed to entertain children!” 

“And that’s the only taste you get!” Scott exclaims, hoping Mike is just trying to get him riled up it’s not an actual threat it was promised a degree in engineering would be used for good God damn it. “I swear to God you will regret it if you get within ten feet of them!” 

“Attach a screwdriver to a fifteen foot pole, got it,” Mike grins. He’s quick to lift his hands up in surrender as a death glare is aimed. “If it’d really help you, I don’t mind joining the shift. Promise not to touch the animatronics.” 

Scott hesitates at the serious tone. At Mike looking genuine to fulfill the favor if it’s accepted. Concerned just how much of a toll it was going to the sister location. If there’s truth in the AI turning against any employee that went down there, or if it was just stress making it bigger than it really was. 

“You know you can just say you missed me.” 

“Pass. I prefer keeping my promise of giving you a heart attack one day.” 

Scott pulls Mike into another hug. “Well I missed you.” 

He knew there wouldn’t be any words said back, but a hand gently pats his back to say the sentiment is shared. And for once, the young man let’s him have as long of a moment as he wants. So he takes it. Happy to finally have Mike home. Away from anything that can hurt him without Scott there to help. 

“What do you think about starting this Friday?” Scott asks, still not making any move to end the hug. When Mike realizes his generosity is being taken advantage of, the standing figure turns into an almost limp one. The sandy haired man only hugs tighter so escape is impossible. “You will need to be trained, so you’ll be working with Fritz for a week, but I think you’ll like him. He’s the only one who’s stayed for more than a month.” 

“I can last a week and give you a report at the end of it.” 

“You’re my favorite nephew.” 

“I’m your only one, old man,” Mike grumbles. “Now free me, I want to steal a pizza from the kitchen before heading home.” 

“Please don’t take one that’s going to a table.” 

“No promises.” 

Scott sighs as he finally frees Mike. Smiles down at the young man. “Go order a pizza and say you’re a new hire so they won’t charge you. I’ll get the paperwork taken care of so you’re set for Friday.” 

“Thanks boss.” 

“And I will be asking Fritz if you so much as look at the animatronics!” 

Mike gives his uncle the middle finger as he exits the office. Carefully closes the door. Groans softly as he puts his forehead against the wall. 

Well that could’ve gone better. 

I warned he wouldn’t believe you.

The sentient machine currently acting as his internal organs doesn’t have to rub it in. He knew it’d sound too farfetched to immediately be taken seriously, but Mike thought Scott would laugh at him. Not think he’s being metaphorical. How would he know the old man would immediately get sentimental instead of panicked! 

Then again, it might be for the better. Scott looks tired and on the edge of wiping his hands clean of everything. Mike doesn’t want to add something else to top it all off. And learning his nephew had his guts scooped out might actually kill him. 

Nope, he’d rather have his uncle by his side even if the full situation isn’t known. Because he loves Scott. Would do anything for the man, including working for his father’s company after swearing to never step foot in a Fazbear location if he didn’t need to. 

That just means he has to figure out the whole never going within fifty feet of a metal detector on his own. Great. 

I can answer any questions you have.

Yeah, he’d rather pass. He’s not trusting spaghetti wires with anything, including the assumption all information given to be truthful. 

Mike takes a deep breath. Brushes back his black hair to fix his hood to make sure it covers most of his face since he learned the hard way certain lighting reveals the fact he’s a zombie. Finally turns away from Scott’s office to make his way to the kitchen. 

Is forced to pull himself up short as a slightly taller figure steps in front of him. Wants to snap how irresponsible it is to assume someone doesn’t have inhuman strength and could accidentally kill them if he hadn’t stopped in time. 

Mike holds his tongue, looking up at a man with curly brown hair. Only glances at odd scares decorating his forehead before raising an eyebrow. “Can I help you?” 

As if he doesn’t look extremely suspicious walking around a children's restaurant after coming in through the back door while actively trying to hide his face. 

“I know what you are.” 

Mike’s blood runs cold...or was that replaced with oil. Ask that later, give attitude now. “Excuse me?” 

“I know what you are,” the man repeats ominously, grey eyes seeming to stare right into Mike’s soul. “And I’m only going to say this once. Fuck with Scott, and you’ll have to deal with me.” 

So the ‘what’ was intentional. He thought he was recognized as an Afton but no, it’s worse. Someone knows he’s not human. How, he doesn’t know, but it seems like his secret is safe as long as he doesn’t fuck with Scott. Which, depending on the definition, might be an issue. 

How does a complete stranger believe it though if they did find out? Not even Scott took him seriously. 

“Oh I’m sorry, is it Freddy tradition to try and intimidate new hires, or are you just an asshole?” 

“Both,” the man smirks. “If you can’t handle it though, then you won’t last a goddamn week.” 

“Well unless your name is Fritz, I won’t be seeing you anytime soon,” Mike growls as he walks away. “Nice meeting you, dick.” 

“Nice knowing you, bastard.” 

And ouch, the randomly chosen moniker hits a little too close to home. Such a wonderful cherry on top of everything else. 

He tries to shrug it off. Walks up to the counter and orders meat lover’s pizza instead of snatching a pizza waiting to be taken to a table. Waits in the corner despite the fact he look suspicious as all hell. Too drained to really care. 

...how did he know? 

The operation was not recorded. Via video, audio, or observation. 

Oh, fascinating. It’s not like someone can’t take one good look at him and realize yep, that’s a walking corpse. 

He may know you aren’t human, but it’s impossible for him to know the details.

Oh. Okay, fine, that’s a good point. Meaning there’s no proof to be spread around if Mike makes an enemy of the man. He has no intentions of ever talking to him again. Though, if he was protective of Scott, there might be discussions concerning the weird new hire. Ones that makes his uncle realize Mike meant it when he said literally. 

So, hypothetically, what can the robot inside him do? 

We can go over the blueprints you took from Afton Robotics.

Guess it’s a date.

[kaeyazuha]

𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 (𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮)

ft. childe, diluc, kaeya

❝ s/o who always tries to help others and is always there for them, but can never get/accept any affection in return. They feel unlovable, alone, distant, lonely. They think no one cares about them and only exist to entertain others and then get thrown away ❞

; I’m sorry people have treated you so poorly, love. I hope this is okay!!

; 3/11/22

; Comfort/Fluff

; CW: physical touch, kissing, poor mental health

     𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗲 '𝗧𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗹𝗶𝗮'

✧ Why do people hurt you like this? How can someone so altruistic and kind receive nothing after giving so much? He’s completely baffled, watching you help person after person with that beautiful but forced smile when they leave without giving you more than a glance. It doesn’t take him very long to figure out just why you’ve been so tired and isolated as of late, distancing yourself without meaning to as your head drowned in swirling depths of insecurities and grief. At this point, Childe wouldn’t even bother to try and use his coy flirtations or overexaggerated cheerfulness to try and make you smile again- no, you deserve better than that. You deserve more than the happiness you’ve given out and away so willingly. 

✧ Childe’s love language is a strange mixture of physical touch and gifts, and you’ll see a lot of that. Anything you want, it’s yours. A hug? Done, he pulled you into his chest before you could finish speaking. A certain meal or snack? He’s either making it himself or he runs to the nearest restaurant to buy it for you. Anything he can give you, he will. He’d offer to give you the world, but the world can be a disappointing and corrupt place. No, even Celestia wouldn’t be enough for you, with its cruel ideals and lies. Instead, he gives you himself. It would take the Tsaritsa herself to drag him away from you at this point, he’s practically attached! He’s got to make up for everything those assholes didn’t do, he’d say. Now that you’ve got him, don’t expect him to let go. 

✧ From there, after he’s bought out every store in Liyue (and a few in Mondstadt), he mostly focuses on giving you little reminders. Most are reminders that he loves you and to take care of yourself, others are reminding you to be a little selfish; don’t throw yourself at people who will take advantage of you. It’s okay to say no, he’d remind you. If you can’t bring yourself to decline someone, Childe will happily do it for you. A little while later, a very excited Ajax would eagerly suggest you come to Snezhnaya to see his family- because if nobody else other than himself, he knows his family would accept you with open arms and shower you with the love and appreciation everyone else took from you.

- ✧ -

Tired eyes flitted from the clock to the setting sun shining through the window, your expression sullen and meek. Another day would soon pass, a new day…then why did it feel the same as all the others? Be at everyone’s beck and call, receive nothing in return, watch them leave with the piece of your heart you lent to them, and then wake up and do it all once more. 

How sickening.

“Angellll~.” A chipper voice greeted, the distant sound of a door closing urging you to sit up and plaster on your best smile. “Sorry I took so long, a few recruits needed more training than expected.” Childe slung an arm over your shoulder, resting his head on yours before narrowing his eyes- your expression hasn’t changed once since he walked in. 

“I’m sorry, any way I can help?” The words felt all too familiar on your tongue, bitter and vile after repeating it so many times. Gloved fingers moved from your shoulder to your chin, where he cupped it and turned you to face him. You found it hard to look him in the eyes; the piercing blue coaxing you to spill every secret you’ve ever kept, every emotion you’ve ever felt. “Hey, I’m missing your pretty face- look at me, angel.” Those same eyes came into view when he tilted his head to rest his forehead on yours before pulling away and opening his arms for you, a silent invitation. You debated on it for a moment, but ultimately leaned into his arms, and he held you tight to his chest- was his heartbeat always this fast? “Ah…they’ve got you at it again, hm? You really gotta stop wasting yourself away on selfish bastards, it’s just hurting you. Sure, it helped them, but they’re just going to need help again later on. It’s not worth killing yourself so they can have an easier day.”

A pause, then he spoke once more. “I’m grateful for you, (Y/n). I hate to admit it, but you’re my one and only weakness; just the thought of seeing you again is enough to get me through the day!” Ignoring the burn in your throat, you buried yourself further into his clothing to stifle the small sobs forming. “It’s okay, let it out. You deserve it.” His voice lowered into a gentle whisper towards the end, and he brought you closer to him. One hand protectively rested on the back of your head, the other hooked over your back and held you securely. “...I worry about you, y’know. Every day I leave and come back to find you in shambles, I don’t like it. You don’t deserve to feel like this…and it’s taking me everything to not become your bodyguard at this rate.” He laughed, finding solace in the way you clutched onto him and burrowed deeper into his clothing. “I’m trying to give a speech here, c’mon--” His hands guided you to look up at him, a surprisingly doting expression donning his face. “There you are~. Now then, I need you to promise me something.”

Hesitantly, you nodded. “Promise me you’ll take better care of my (Y/n)? They have a tendency to let themself waste away for the sake of people who don’t deserve it. Too kind-hearted for a world like this…” He sighed dramatically, and you stifled a laugh at how woeful he made himself look. Moving one hand from your shoulder to the space in between you, he stuck his pinkie out and grinned. You smiled warmly at the gesture, finding it much easier to breathe, and looped your pinkie around his. Slowly, a mischievous grin stretched over his face. “You make a pinkie promise, you keep it all your life.”

“Childe, no-”

“You break a pinkie promise, I throw you on the ice.” He mused, holding your pinkie tight.

Playfully hitting at his chest, you groaned. “I get it! You can stop!”

“The cold will kill the pinkie that once betrayed your friend, the frost will freeze your tongue offffff-?” Childe tilted his head, waiting until you reluctantly joined in.

“So you never lie again.”

     𝗗𝗶𝗹𝘂𝗰 𝗥𝗮𝗴𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗿

✧ Honestly, he doesn’t understand at first. He’s straightforward, blunt, and doesn’t waste time- especially not with selfish idiots; so why are you? Why are you subjecting yourself-- hurting yourself for the sake of someone who doesn’t need it? He’s a bit harsh with his words, but he means well. The mere idea of you handing out your heart to others only to have them toss it away, it’s infuriating. You, especially you, don’t deserve that. He reminds you of that with little actions for a while- fleeting touches, soft gazes, a kiss to the forehead, and the occasional hand on the shoulder. But it just…wasn’t enough. More, you deserve more, what can he do more of? From there, he doesn’t take long to notice how you lean into his touches or stare at him so longingly when he pulls away- and then the gears start turning.

✧ He’d take you by surprise, because it probably took him awhile to gather his wits and swallow his nerves before wrapping his arms around you from behind and resting his head on your shoulder. A moment of silence, then he starts whispering sweet nothings in your ear. It’s bold of him, but he keeps it up. When you come home, he’s waiting on the couch for you to tell him about your day. When you walk together, his hand’s either protectively resting on the small of your back or holding your hand- maybe intertwining pinkies if he’s more shy. Diluc’s not good with words, so he prefers to show his love for you through actions.

✧ However, he still sees the distant look in your eyes when insecurities and unwelcome thoughts starts to cloud your vision- instead, he tries to fill your head with words of adoration and reassurance. Granted, he’s still awkward and not very good at being suave or poetic with his declarations of affection, but every word he speaks is beautiful nonetheless. It’s beautiful since those words are about you, everything is beautiful when it’s about you, so please don’t pull away. He’s cold, he’s harsh, he’s bad at expressing things, but please d-

- ✧ -

“-don’t ever doubt yourself or how I feel about you.” Out of the blue, his words pierced the silent atmosphere. It almost scared you had it not been for the quietness, almost meekness of his tone. 

“Is…something wrong? Where’s this coming from?” Averting your eyes from his steel gaze, you set down your shoes and moved to sit on the couch. You found it rather difficult to try and focus when scarlet eyes practically burned holes into your very being; but it held no anger. No, his stare was pleading, desperate, confused, utterly bewildered- he stared at you so intently to try and pick you apart, figure out just what was wrong so he could help you properly. Despite your nervous smile, he still glared, even as he walked closer and sat adjacent to you.

“I can see it, you’re distancing yourself…I’m assuming because you’re starting to doubt. I’m not hurt, nor am I angry, I’m just…concerned. I don’t want you to feel this way, especially not because other people are incompetent and selfish.” Diluc sighed breathily, raking a hand through his loose hair before he hesitantly brought you to lean on his shoulder. Though he jumped and accidentally shook your head off his shoulder when he heard small sniffles from you- crap, you started crying, oh no-

“Wait, wait, I apologize, dearest. I didn’t mean to make you cr-”

“No! Nono, I’m sorry, I-I don’t know why I’m like this, I’m sor-” Then he was the one to cut you off with a quick kiss to the corner of your lip, then one to your cheek, and then your forehead. You bit down on your quivering lip, willing the tears to stay behind your eyes and praying he didn’t see just how close you were to falling apart. 

“Please, don’t apologize. You especially have no reason to apologize.” Diluc cupped your jaw, easing your lip out from between your teeth with his thumb before pressing you into his shoulder, resting his head atop yours. “If anything, I’m sorry. I apologize on behalf of all the selfish pricks that took advantage of you, of your kindness. I’m sorry I haven’t noticed just how distant we’ve both been…” He trailed off, taking a moment to brush away the nearly silent tears streaming down your face, then held your face in his hands as if he were holding fragile glass. Scarlet eyes gazed lovingly down at you, though they swirled with concern, sadness, anger, regret, and determination. 

“Are you…” You hiccuped, debating whether or not to continue when he nodded slowly, urging you to do so. “Are you going to leave me…? After I’ve done enough?” He flinched, eyes widening and shoulders tensing at your words.

“Leave you? Archons, no, I’d never even consider the thought unless it was you who wanted to leave me.” Finding comfort in the way he held you closer, you rested your head atop his chest and found solace in his reverberating heartbeat. “I don’t want you to ‘do’ enough for me, you are enough for me. I can’t get enough of you, I love you more than this city I’ve vowed to protect. I want you beside me, not as some sort of servant, but as my equal. You are my lover, and I fully intend to keep it that way…at least until you’re willing to become something more.” Diluc chuckled softly, pulling you into a full embrace and then running his hand up and down your back, trying to soothe the quivers running through your spine.

“Something…more?” He tensed once more, forgetting he’d started to speak his thoughts aloud. Stammering and tripping over his words like a clumsy teenager, Diluc coughed nervously and averted his gaze to the window just behind him. 

“Only if you’d want that, of course. Either way, I love you as you are…please don’t doubt that. I know I struggle to show it sometimes, and I thank you for being patient with me on that. Do me a favor, if you will.” You whined under your breath when he pulled away to look at you fully, missing the warmth of his embrace. “Value yourself more. Your time, your heart, value yourself as more than a vessel for others to use and then throw away.”

“Even if it’s just for tomorrow, allow me to spoil you; tomorrow is yours, as you are mine. We’ll do everything and anything you’d like, because that’s what you truly deserve.”

     𝗞𝗮𝗲𝘆𝗮 𝗔𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵

✧ Similar to Diluc, Kaeya also struggles to understand why you bend over backwards to help everyone. Can’t they solve their own problems? Or find someone else, someone less overwhelmed to help them?? Ah…but you’re too kind-hearted to say no. Even if it takes your time, effort, energy, you still take it all with a smile on your face. But for what, and to what end? He hasn’t seen you without that forced grin that practically begs for help. Then it clicks, and he practically shoots up from his desk while pondering all of the things he hasn’t done for you. At this rate, was he any better than those who’ve hurt you? Thinking about all the nights he spent away from you in favor of a few drinks, all of the times you had to take care of him after said nights, how you put up with his antics-- gods, why is he such an idiot?

✧ Kaeya would beat himself up for awhile after noticing just how miserable you truly were. But! It doesn’t take him long to swallow his self-pity and instead find ways to make up for everything. Less nights spent at the tavern, more spent holding you close in the comfort of home. More time dedicated to you, less dedicated to meaningless affairs. More and more, less and less, he slowly chips away at the holes in his schedule and fills them with time with you. Kaeya prides himself on the intricate and suave words that roll so easily off his tongue, but when it comes to real feelings, he finds his tongue tied and heart in his throat. Being vulnerable scares him, but if that’s what it takes for you to feel even a bit more loved, he’ll sit down with you and have a heartfelt conversation that leaves your heart beating rapidly and a giddy smile on your face.

✧ However, he also addresses just how easily you give yourself to people. He absolutely adores just how altruistic you are, but not at your expense. Not when every time you give a little bit of your heart to someone, they take and take until there’s nothing left for yourself. If you let him, he’d encourage you to be as kind as you are now, but to yourself. Treat yourself to a special dinner, lay in bed even when the sun tells you to get up, spend the time you use on others to spend time with yourself (and him please). From that point on, he reminds you daily of just how incredible you truly are.

- ✧  -

A puppeteer, tugging and pulling at strings thin as air and miserably guiding the doll day after day- waiting for the strings to snap and fall apart; that’s what you felt like. A puppeteer of your own body and mind. It almost felt like you were far away from reality, watching through a doll’s eyes. It hurts, you’ve helped everyone- you’ve given it your all, why are you still alone? Where is everyone? 

You sighed, leaning against the wall and stared off into nothingness with a faint ghost of a smile resting on your face. Time seemed to fade slowly, farther and farther away, and then a gloved hand rested on your shoulder and shook you back to reality. “No, no, this won’t do…” He sighed, taking a seat in front of you on the floor before leaning his head against the wall to look at you fully. 

…Gods you look miserable.

Kaeya inwardly frowned, scooting closer and cupping your cheek, pressing a chaste kiss to the crown of your head before speaking again. “I’m proud of you, y’know.” Your eyes shot up, words of praise falling so easily from his lips and sounding like flowers and honey into the open air. “You work so hard…don’t think I don’t see it, angel, I know you’re doing your best.” His gaze, usually unreadable and clouded, seemed to hold all the love in the world as he stared at you. Noticing the way your lip started to tremble, he wrapped his arms around you and held you close- close enough to hear his heartbeat.

“Why- Why does nobody care…? What am I doing wrong?” Heated tears flooded your gaze, small hiccups keeping your throat in a chokehold with the uproar of emotions. “Kaeya, why don’t they care…?” Kaeya did his best to suppress a tear or two of his own, biting on the inside of his cheek and stroking small circles into your back. He went to speak again, having to think his words ove- “Do you care?”

He tensed, pulling away with a bit too much force and cupped your cheek; his thumb brushed away the tears that continued to wet your skin. “Yes! Yes, of course, I care.” Eyebrows drawn tight, eyes widened into a look of desperation. “I care about you more than anything, my love. I care about you more than words can describe- sometimes it hurts, adoring you so much but not having the words to tell you. I can’t say the same for the lowlives who used you so cruelly, but never, never doubt just how important you are; to me, and everybody else.” You sputtered out a laugh, leaning into the hand that continued to caress your cheek. 

“Thank you…’m sorry, didn’t mean to melt down.” Your heavy sigh was muffled when he brought you back into his embrace, the fluff of his clothing tickling your nose.

“No, no, don’t apologize. I’m glad you entrusted me with this.” His gaze darkened, though you couldn’t see it. “...Please be more selfish, I can’t fathom seeing you hurt like this. I care about you immensely, so please care about yourself a bit more too. Those people will be fine, they can help themselves or find somebody else. But you, you need a break. Let’s take a few days off, yeah? I’ll make up for all of the heinous things those idiots did…” He pulled back once more, a small smile tugging at his lips and a mischievous glint reflected off his eye. 

“And do remember, I love you. Ah ah- no, don’t say anything yet. Just…let me appreciate you for a bit.”

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚✧˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

Word Count: 3230

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚✧˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

- Ky♡♡

𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧; 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻!

@storytravelled ; @irethepotato ; @paradise-creator ; @lordbugs ; @straymoon96​

[slasherhaven]

Hi! Can I request slashers reactions to their s/o who love to kiss them? Doesn't matter what kind, soft kisses, pecks, full on makeout they always want to kiss them some way

The Slashers with a S/O who loves to kiss them:

Thomas Hewitt

Thomas loves your innocent kisses. Whenever you press a quick kiss to his lips, cheek, or forehead, Thomas just melts. It just feels so domestic and they just wipe away his insecurities. Here you are, giving him the most loving smiles and random sweet kisses. Not because he sought you out, not to get anything, just because you wanted too and enjoyed showing him love. He just adores your touches and kisses, and how willingly they come from you. He's so starved of gentle and affectionate touch.

Now that he gets to kiss you, he can't get enough. Kisses were a little difficult to navigate before he was comfortable enough to remove his mask around you. So, you had settled for sweet pecks to his mask or exposed temple. But then the mask came off and you kissed him properly for the first time with no obstruction between you both. Now that he had kissed you properly, had felt your soft lips against his, how could he ever go without them?

Michael Myers 

They catch him off guard nearly every time. Michael is normally able to predict most things, seeing most things coming, he's observant like that. These surprise him though. You'll just waltz over and steal kisses, pecking the cheek of his mask as if it was nothing. He isn't used to somebody behaving in such a way and that makes it more difficult for him to predict.

Sometimes just lets them slide. As he does with most things, he normally just treats them with a sense of neutrality, like they're nothing. He just shrugs it off and doesn't react more than a tilt of the head or a hard stare.

Other times grabs you and pulls you back. He might let them slide sometimes, letting you get on with whatever else you were doing. Other times he's making you gasp as he grabs your arm and tugs you back towards him. If you're going to start something, you better finish it.

Jason Voorhees

You would always kiss his mask. Just because Jason is constantly wearing his mask doesn't mean he's going to be spared from your kisses. You would constantly press kisses to the cheeks and forehead of his mask. Greeting him that way, bidding him goodnight or goodbye, randomly leaning up to give him a kiss just for the sake of it.

Once he becomes comfortable to remove his mask, he never tires of your kisses. Actually getting to feel your soft kisses against his skin is so much better than receiving them on his mask. And when you kiss his lips for the first time, he can barely believe it. He adores you and wants to spend a lifetime receiving your sweet little kisses.

Brahms Heelshire

Can’t get enough of your kisses! If you're offering up so many kisses so often, he's not going to reject you! He is needy for affection and attention, and he absolutely cherishes it when you give it to him. It doesn't matter how often you give him kisses, he will always come seeking out more.

He is always pulling you in for more. Sometimes he lets you get away with a quick peck, but not most of the time. Sometimes he'll just pull you back to give you another short kiss or playfully demand another peck before releasing you. Other times, he will have the mask off and pull you back into to give you a proper kiss.

Bo Sinclair 

Complains and rolls his eyes at the soft kisses. Every time you lean up to affectionately kiss his cheek, giving him a smile before getting on with whatever you were doing, Bo rolls his eyes.

Secretly gets a little concerned if you stop. Despite pretending to be above your sweet little kisses, Bo gets used to them. So, if you were to stop giving them to him, he would become concerned that something was wrong. Also, a part of him kinda likes the domestic feeling of it, it makes him smirk to himself.

Can always get behind a make out session though. Nearly never reacts a make out session, and never acts irritated by them. He just plasters a smirk over his face, pulling you onto his lap as he takes over the kiss.

Vincent Sinclair

Your kisses often made him blush. Ever since you started getting friendly, you would give a small kiss to the cheeks and forehead of his mask. And every time he would be thankful for the mask, hiding his blush from you. But he would never pull away from you, always letting you do it. Even when you started dating, you're random cute little kisses would still make him blush or get a little flustered.

They bring him comfort. Every time you lean up to give him a kiss, he feels his body relax. You can comfort him and reassure him with the smallest gestures. When you kiss him goodbye and hello, even if it's only been a few minutes since you last saw him, when you press a kiss to his forehead until seconds before he opens his eye in the morning. He just loves your affection, and loves kissing you in general.

Lester Sinclair 

Loves any of your kisses, they always make him smile. Whenever you kiss his cheek, he can't help but grin from ear to ear. He loves when you pepper his face with kisses, smiling and chuckling as you giggle along with him. He's always happy to accept your kisses, they always cheer him up and put him in a good mood.

You both make his brother's sick. The two of you can be so sappy together. You aren't going to stop giving Lester little kisses every now and again, even if his brothers are around, and he's never going to stop you. Every time you give Lester a peck to the cheek or the lips before parting ways, Bo rolls his eyes. Vincent doesn't mind it so much, he thinks it's sweet and is happy for his little brother.

Bubba Sawyer

Absolutely lives for your kisses. Whenever you would give him those sweet little kisses to his mask, even before you were dating, Bubba wasn't shy about how much he enjoyed them and would encourage them. Even though he sees the mask as an extension of himself, he likes to take it off so that he can feel your kisses against his actual skin. Wants them all the time, no matter where you are.

You earn a lot of eye rolls from other family members. You're just so affectionate and Bubba is so giddy about it, it makes Drayton sick. He had tried snapping at you both, scolding you for it, but it didn't change anything so he eventually gave up, just rolling his eyes whenever you were showing Bubba any affection. Nubbins and ChopTop don't mind so much, they like to tease you both for it but don't really mean any harm. But sometimes he becomes even too cute for them and they start rolling their eyes.

Billy Lenz 

Make out sessions are his favourite pass time. It doesn't have to be more than making out. Just being on the couch, tangled up in each other, sharing heated, messy kisses, it's the best way to spend his time. He could do it all day, every day. And whenever you give him a lingering peck, he's trying to pull you in and hold you still for more. Pouting when you giggle and pull away.

But he also loves your smaller, more innocent kisses. Just the little gestures of affection make him smile, they make him feel loved and seen. He will pout if you ever stop giving him these kisses. If you see him and don't give him a kiss, he will come and get one from you. You've spoiled him, you can't stop now!

Asa Emory (The Collector)

Acts pretty neutral to them most of the time. Asa doesn't normally react to them much, accepting the affection but not commenting or reacting to it. He doesn't try to make you feel like it bothers him, he's just not going to respond to them with a grin or anything. Sometimes he will let out a small hum of approval that makes you smile.

He does appreciate it, though. He prefers to have the affection than to not have it, at least from you anyway. Plus, it's a useful way to tell what sort of mood you're in. If the kisses are more often than usual, you are likely in a good mood. If you're being more reserved with your kisses, he knows something is wrong.

Jesse Cromeans (Chromeskull)

He thinks it's sweet. Jesse just thinks you're sweet. You're always leaning up to try to press a kiss to his cheeks, grabbing him by his shirt and trying to pull him down for a quick kiss. He's a tall man and you struggled sometimes. But he always leans down to allow you to do so, often returning them. Often catching you for a deeper kiss, enjoying leaving you breathless, and finding the smile on your face afterwards cute.

He certainly isn't going to stop you. He would never stop you from kissing him. Whether it's a simple kiss to his cheek or a heated make out session, Jesse welcomes it all. Why would he stop you from showing him affection? What would either of you get from that?

Otis Driftwood

Will roll his eyes but he's just being difficult. Otis likes to act above this sort of things, like he doesn't care for silly acts of affection like your little kisses, but he really doesn't mind at all. In fact, he likes it and you know it no matter how much he acts like it's annoying. He's never once stopped you from kissing his cheek or anything, so you know he welcomes it, he just likes to be difficult with people. Baby knows it as well and teases him about it.

Will pull you back with a smirk. Eventually, Otis decides that you've been teasing him enough. When you lean in to quickly kiss his cheek, a sweet smile on your lips, he grabs you and tugs you into his chest, smirking down at you. You know what that look means and heat rising to your cheeks before he meets you with a bruising kiss.

Baby Firefly

Lots of playful kisses. Baby loves your kisses, accepting each one, and giving you plenty in return. You're normally sweeter about it, smiling as you give her a innocent peck. But Baby usually prefers to surprise you with them and give you more intense kisses.

Teases you about it a little. She doesn't tease you in a mean way and she doesn't pretend like it's annoying or anything. She just likes to tease you about how affectionate you are and how much you must just love her. She's just playing around.

Yautja (Predator)

What a strange little gesture of affection...do it again. Obviously, kisses aren't very common among Yautjas. However, he quickly becomes a huge fan when you start giving them to him. He loves your cute little kisses and just thinks his little human is adorable.

He can't live without them now. When you came into his life, kisses were new, but now he can't imagine a life without them. Now he can barely go a day without a cute little kiss from his cute little mate!

[kasdeyalilith]

Lorn

Lorn II, Lorn III

You've been with him for hundred of years now after meeting him for the first time in the lands of Inazuma. You didn't fell in love with him immediately but you're curious about him and when you found out that he's a puppet of the Electro Archon your curiosity doubled. Such creations are unheard of until now. You've known Ei but you're not close to her, you only spoke to her during the archon war while you lend a hand to the gods that are being slaughtered by monsters and gods alike.

You've been around Teyvat for years now that you thought teaming up with him would be a good idea as the two of you are alone and no friends or family to go to. Your friends are either dead or far away, Morax and his adepti are overseeing Liyue while Barbatos went up to Celestia and is yet to make himself seen. You felt alone so you've taken a liking to the boy that wanders, finding yourself mirrored in his eyes.

A lot has happened since then, he was aloof and cold at first but you managed to squeeze yourself in his life and now it's too late for him to leave you.

He was skeptical of your offer for friendship and companionship. Nobody in their right mind will willingly associate themselves with him, a puppet and an abomination. Unless they want something from him in return that's why he's cold towards you.

An immortal who thinks that they can get whatever they want just like his creator. A damned archon that throws him away as if he's a trash that they can easily dispose of.

But as the years go by where you stuck by his side not even leaving after all the attempts of him to hurt you physically and emotionally, he finally admits that you're sincere thus he opened his heart to you little by little.

You both managed to aquire a land far off the main city of Inazuma, situated near Watatsumi Island. Life is peaceful for you two at least for a few hundred years more.

Kunikuzushi manages on hunting for both of your daily needs while you tend to the gardens you made at your backyard. You even harvest some fruits and vegetables to sell in the near village if the trees bear more than enough for you two.

You love how constant and unchanging your life with him is. It contrasts to the life you've led in the past where you always have to say goodbye to your friends during the war and the remaining ones that survived are now moving on with their lives.

At daylight you both work and when night comes you'll fix dinner for him while he tinker or invent new things on his working table. You sometimes help him with his hunts in the forest for boars and later on having a detour in a secluded area whenever the two of you feel like it. (wink wonk)

Your favorite spot of the island is the beaches that spreads out everywhere, it is always your go to if you arrange a date with him and you'll talk and swim till it gets dark.

Dinner is a sacred time for you two to bask in each other's warmth, him commenting on your delicious food and you teasing him for being soft and cute while he denies it with eating a spoonful of your cooked steak.

After dinner, both of you likes to cuddle when the day ends. He's always the small spoon as he doesn't like the feeling of being alone and your body hugging him makes him feel safe and needed.

He feels lucky that you found him when he's discarded and roaming around the city like a rat. Even if he lashes at you, you always stay by his side like an annoying and lovable brat that you are even though you're roughly a thousand years old already.

Kunikuzushi doesn't know how to show his love for you even now that you're both together for so long, he still deems himself unworthy of your love. You assured him million times already that loving her is more than enough. It made him feel guilty as you were so pure and full of life, you're wasting your time with him but whenever you kiss him or hug him all of his dark thoughts evaporates and all that's left is his undying love for you.

Being an immortal means time flows differently for the both of you, a hundred years may pass but that seems like a year especially you both were far away from the busy life of humans so change is slow for the life you two made.

It was after the celebration of his birthday, which he decides to be the day you found him, that he feels restless and powerless. He knows of how the Shogunate sealed the powers he wields within him and he's scared of the day when it will be needed to save you and he won't be able to do a thing. That thought eats him everyday, earning a wedge between your relationship.

It was a sunny day when you decided to visit the village to buy something for your lover. You notice how he's changing for the past months, he's always colder and silent. If you ask him about it he'll just shrugs it off as him being tired and you drop the conversation to give him space. So you thought of buying a gift for him and cook a nice dinner with a dessert of almond tofu. So you skipped your way through the path while stopping for a second to pluck some sweet flower and naku weeds.

You're on your way back when you felt something, the sensation that you almost forgot as it happened a long time ago.

"It seems that killing me has brought you some joy, how unfair of you (Y/n)"

You whirled towards the sound but years of not fighting made you weak so he was able to swipe you off to hit a tree. Groaning at the bruises you knew was forming on your body you stand up and readied yourself.

"Thanos, what are you doing here god of greed?"

"Well I missed my slayer, after all, I have heard rumors that you're living happily with someone now. Must be a shame if something happened to that special someone ay?" Danger glints in his eyes, pure black like the night sky during a storm.

You gritted your teeth and recalled of where your lover might be right now, he should be at your home at this time so you're a little sure that he's safe there.

"I've killed you once, I can kill you again right now. With the body you borrowed from one of the thieves here I can easily slay you"

"Big talk, I would've been afraid if it weren't for you to be stupid and have a weakness such as him" he nodded at the direction behind me and my eyes widen when I saw Kunikuzushi being dragged by five treasure hoarders that have dark aura surrounding them.

You felt fear so fast you can hear your heart beating through and blinding rage at the sight of your lover hurt because of you.

"Let him go, he's not a part of this you scum"

"And let go of this perfect moment to have my revenge on you?! Never! I'll torture him in front of you till you begged and I'll kill you after!" He laughed while eyeing my body with his crazed eyes.

You can hear Kunikuzushi struggling and screaming at the god but one of the hoarders punched him. It all happened too fast as anger flowed through you and before you knew it you choked the hoarder with the vines you grew from the ground and twisted his neck. At the order of Thanos, Kunikuzushi was held up again by the hoarders that are unfazed of what just happened to their comrade.

"I said leave him alone, don't make me tell you twice" fingers itching to wrap around his neck this time, you controlled yourself from acting rashly.

The god showed fear for the first time but he grinned remembering his plan.

"One more move from you and I'll have the neck of your puny lover slitted"

You paused at that and looked at him, Kunikuzushi looks angry and sad at the same time. He felt helpless and angry at himself and at the god.

Relaxing your arms you showed your palms in an act of submission. Of course the god smiled at that, relishing at finally defeating his enemy but he's greedy and stupid that he forgot the part that you're all standing at a vast space of grass and plants. You've snaked the vines around their feet, climbing up their torso while he talked out loud about the tortures he'll do to the both of you.

You tried to focus and act frightened for the plan to work and when you finally placed the vines where you want them to go you yelled and snapped the necks of the hoarders while you whipped another vine littered with thorns at the god.

Trying hard to not glance at your lover, you filled the thorns with the deadliest poison you can muster. The same poison you used on him years ago.

He screamed as his body burned, his hands are scrambling around and finally he leaves the body in the form of a black mist. You didn't let him get away as you yielded all the power you have to purge him, that even his essence can't form for a long time. All the emotions you've felt earlier came crushing through, nobody dares to hurt someone you love and get away with it. You made sure to whisper just that before you felt his presence disappear, dispersing in the air in a defeated hum.

Running towards Kunikuzushi, you flung your arms around him while checking his body for injuries.

"I'm so sorry Kuni because of me you could've been killed" you sobbed at his shoulders. You felt him hugging you hard and burying his head in your neck.

"It's my fault, I'm too weak. I can't even protect you" he sobbed finally giving in to your hug

"It's not don't even think about that-"

"It is! Look at me! I'm helpless and weak!"

"You're not weak Kuni-"

"I am!"

"Hush now, you're not weak Kuni ok? You're one of the strongest being I've known"

He cried loudly while you hugged him harder to console his cries. You felt sorry for dragging him into your mess and make him feel bad towards himself. It's hard to see him doubt his worth so you whisper everything you love about him and after a few minutes, sniffles can be only heard from him.

You later on helped him stand up and both of you went home to tend for his wounds. The events earlier made you exhausted so you didn't feel the bed creak as your lover left you sleeping before kissing your forehead and lips, muttering his love for you.

It's morning when you found his letter, placed in the nightstand. Your cries for him were unheard as Kunikuzushi is already halfway from leaving Inazuma in a ship that is filled with masked men that call themselves "The Fatui".

Dear Y/n,

I'm sorry for leaving you like this but I won't stand by and be weak and let something that happened yesterday to repeat. I've been planning this for months now. There's an organization called Fatui that are willing to help me become strong and have my powers unsealed. I love you so much that I can't afford to lose you because I'm too weak to prevent it so I'm going to leave and train. By the time I come back I'll be powerful and worthy enough for your love. I hope you forgive me for leaving you but I promise to go back to you. I'll always find myself back in your arms.

-so sorry for the cliffhanger but I'mma make a part two of this fic. It has been in my head for so long that I want to write a lil bg for Scara with an immortal s/o. I hope you like it and please do note if you found anything wrong in my writing. Thanks for reading!

[thefanbasewhore]

“Mine.”

Summary: Din says goodbye to reader and Grogu but once they are reunited Din has mixed feels about the situation, jealous of Luke.

Warning/content: Angst, Jealous!Din, fighting between Din and Luke and reader and Din, Jedi!Reader. Din accuses reader of cheating. Nothing too spicey unless you guys would like a second part ? But would recommend 18+, Season 2 spoilers 

Paring: Din Djarin/Female Reader

Master list. || Part 2. 

There's a shift on tension in the room, it didn't go unnoticed much like the feeling of your own heart breaking. It's breaking for Grogu, for Din, your Mandolorian, who stands tall, strong despite the crushing feeling inside his chest. He's helmetless in a room full of people for the first time ever willingly, he does it for the boy, the child he loves.

It's the first time you see his face, his hair is messy but it's cute, brown in color with small ringlets that curl against the base of his neck, his eyes are expresso brown, smooth curve of his nose is small but prominent, lips pink and form the perfect pout, small hairs from his mustache curling across his top lip. He is so incredibly handsome, but your sorrow won't let you see that, there is no time to think about. The child presses a soft touch against his square jaw, in his own way of saying, "I see you."

This makes tears even well up in your own eyes as he looks over Din's shoulder, reaching out for you. The last thing you expect when Din head turns over his shoulder to look at you are the matching tears. It's hard to stop, squeezing his eyes shut as he bites his bottom lip, chewing at it nervously. 

The two strides it takes to finally reach them is like the longest walk of your life, your head rests against the Mandalorian's chest piece as you take the small guy into your arms, squeezing him close. The sob that falls from your lips doesn't go unnoticed as Din presses his large, gloved hand to your back, rubbing it in comfort. "Be good, little one." It's whispered as you hold him cheek to cheek. "You're going to do so well."

"Don't be afraid." Din's fingers find the child, placing him on the ground, knowing well you wouldn't be able to.

Grogu's eyes met yours with confusion as the Jedi picks him up. There's an unknown feeling within you, almost like you can feel his sadness but also excitement of learning once again. It makes you worried as his eyes peer at you, head tilting to the side. He's trying to tell you something, but you just can't hear it.

It isn't strong, actually you like to think your connection to the force as a small, annoying dangling thread stuck to the bottom of someone's boot that is always there, no matter how much they pull or prod it just falls through fingers but then again you never had a chance to learn from anyone.

All eyes are on you, breaking from your trance like thought as to look up to meet Din's eyes then Luke's, realizing they were directed towards you. "Did you say something?"

"Are you coming too?" Luke's words make you confused, eyebrows narrowing with a frown. The thought alone is enough to feel a ball in your throat, despite the words you’ve spoken, his intensions were clear from the start. 

 “You need training too." Din's hand stiffens against your lower back, chest momentarily at a pause as he realizes what is happening. He knew about this, even though you were clueless of what the force is, you knew it was in you, had told him and Ashoka questioned it about it only days ago. Never had he thought he'd loose both of the people that mean the most to him on the same day, it was almost..unbearable. A pregnant silence falling between everyone, Din can’t speak, he pauses, words trembling in his throat as he looks to you with pouty eyes.

Eyes meet Din's, shaking your head pressing yourself deeper into his chest. A familiar place that was warm, safe, How could you ever leave him? "No, I'm staying here."

"Go." Din urges, the hand applying just enough pressure toward the Jedi, trying to explain his words, it was okay. His flushes his own forehead against yours as he tilts your face towards his own, kissing the hair line softly. "Don't let me stop you, you need training."

"But --."

"I'll see you again, I swear by it." He promises, hands cup your cheeks, bringing your lips to his own. Fresh, new tears slip past both of sets of eyes. Goodbyes were never easy but necessary, destiny has written it long ago and Din Djarin of all people knows that. The kiss is soft, but you can't seem to pull yourself away pressing a few more in their wake. The movement of his arms wrapping around your waist lifts your feet from the ground as he hugs you close. Lips tickle your ear as he whispers, "I'll see you soon sweet girl, don't forget how strong you are."

"I love you." It's the first time the words are said, while his heart squeezes in joy, but mouth dries at the words he's always wanted to hear, he wishes you never said them, it makes good bye so much harder.

"I love you." He answers back truthfully, using the back of his hand to wipe the sizzling trail of tears from his cheek as you step away. Grogu reaches out almost instantly for his mother, the familiarity is more comforting then the stranger’s arms. You follow the Jedi when reaching the loft and turn around waving at your Mandalorian one more time. Din can't find himself to return it, shoulders leaning forward compensating for the pain he feels in his heart. It's heavy, putting all of his trust into one man but at least you and Grogu had each other.

-

You are barely able to suppress the shriek that is mumbles against your lips as the base of Luke's foot comes in contact with your chest, pushing you from the advantage you finally gained. While you try to reach for him he’s too fast, too skilled as he swiftly moves from the counter attack.

"Ugh!" The sound ripples from your raw throat as the pair circle each other, waiting for the next move, lightsabers in the air, it's a waiting game. "Stop doing that it's not fair!"

"Why isn't it fair? You left it open. Do better."

You huff, "I have boobs! Well who knows anymore? After that."

The last few months have not only been the most terrifying of your life but also the most exciting, borderline exhilarating. At first it wasn’t noticeable, arms would ache for holding the saber in the air for a few minutes but with every passing day it became lighter and lighter until you moved with uttermost swiftness, the saber a feather in your hands. Never had you thought you would love to fight, being able to finally control the owner within. Luke had become family, taking you in and helping you. It has been quite difficult, Luke was a perfectionist at best, he was not happy unless everything was done right, which once made you sore and cry, but looking back at it now, you have mastered so much. The amount of long hours of sitting at the table trying to pass a stupid apple back and forth, learning to be silent, trying to sneak up on an opponent but now it’s easy, all thanks to Luke but still to this day you can't even look at an apple, let alone eat it.

Even though he is picky, you understand. He has made you strong, happy to learn about the very thing you understand nothing about. It’s safe to say you were ignorant, taking advantage of the gift given to you.  

Luke rolls his eyes, the green saber retreating back into the canister as he tucks it back into his belt. "Training is done for now."

Your head tilts in understanding, tucking away the bright light until is clicks into the holder attached to your belt. There's a lingering silence, figuring it’s a  silent dismissal turning to return home but Luke's voice stops you. "Padawan?"

"Yes Master?"

"I sent out word to your Mandolorian." The smile drops from your face almost instantly, serious eyes look over his own for the lie, for the joke as if he would break into laughter but he didn't. He's still as he gives a shy smile, you tense instantly, heart stuttering inside your chest, it must be a joke. Your about to curse, tell him it's not funny but he beats you to it. "I sent out days ago, he is due any day now."

"You're serious? It's not funny --."

"You have done well, you exceeded my expectations. You deserve to have some time off. You and Grogu, it's been months." You squeal excitedly, the smile crinkles eyes, almost hurts because it's been so long since you felt genuine happiness.

"Now come, the little one is waiting."

-

Dinner has to be your favorite time of the day, only because after the relief your aching body gets, sore, black and blue but strong, you’re capable of more than you’ve ever known to be. Luke always reminds you, never lets you falter, never lets you have the chance to doubt yourself, he’s always there to remind you much you’ve accomplished but there is always more to learn. He's a good master, fair but authoritative when need be, he's shown you so much but had given you so much more: a purpose, a friend.

With dinner came relief but also meant you could see Grogu, he hasn't grown much physically but the force has made him powerful, such a small creature to have so much but it is so different with him. While the force only touched you, it seems to run through Grogu's veins, it's so natural to him. 

Luke is right next to you, sitting in the uncomfortable excuse of a chair but happy none the less as Grogu sits in the middle of the table in front of his plate with a coo, large black eyes peering up at his master, head tilting. "What's wrong little one?"

You don't need the force to feel what he's thinking, you communicated with this little guy way before all of this feeling though the force mumbo jumbo. The force was  never needed to feel him, understand the boy.  Reaching over to Luke's plate with a cheeky smile using your own fork to poke the potato. "He likes the hash."

Both of you are so occupied the hole of silence the hall falls into is unoticed, the heavy steps of boots that haunt your dreams. The Mandalorian seems so big in the hall, all the basker gives off the illusion of large broad shoulders, a thick trunk that matches the man underneath, he’s intimidating as eyes shift off him quickly to return back to their meal, no one would dare try a Mandalorian, even trained Jedi. Din eyes meet the back of your head, heart thumping in anticipation of seeing his love again. It's been seven months, seven agonizing, brutal months without his family. Any other man would go insane but this very moment is the reason he continued to fight, when he received the message from Luke he couldn’t believe it. Seven months with no communication, your voice haunted his dreams just wanting to hear it one more time.

But now, he feels his heart drop, his own body filling with dread, anxiety at the close proximity of you and the Jedi, faces inches away in conversation. The way small dimples pop through as you smile shyly at him, Luke's own laugh as he leans closer to Grogu.

The sight of him alone is enough to have Din choked up if it wasn't for the way Luke reached for your fork, feeding Grogu a few bites, whatever he didn't eat was taken into his own mouth. When his lips close around the fork Din's fist bunch at his sides, it was too intimate for teacher and student. That's his girl, his son he is feeding.

You do however notice how Luke's head turns in the direction behind you, but continue talking eyes narrowing to question why. He's not paying attention to your words only smiling, like he knows something you don’t. When there's no answer you decide to look yourself, at first you don't register that Din is only feet away, dead center of the hall. Head snaps back in a double take as anticipation makes your heart flutter, emotion fills your throat making it hard to speak, even move.

Feet register before your brain has the opportunity to, running towards him with a loud laugh of joy. He has to brace himself for the impact when you jump on him, a small 'ooof' leaving his lips as he catches the weight. Arms support you from under thighs, holding close as your legs tighten around his waist.

Your smile is wide, never ending the most as he holds the blushing skin of your cheek, the other hand on the underneath skin of your thighs holding you to the basker clad chest. Beautiful, absolutely breath taking. He's seen this in his dreams, reuniting with you but this is too real, the soft flesh expanding on his palm is too soft. The sight of you after so long is euphoric, its hard to breath with you so close, to concentrate on anything but the way your lips curl into a smile, eyes so lovingly with unshed tears. It's a relief to see you so alive and well, stronger under his own strength but as soft he remembers.

"I missed you Cyar'ika." It's breathlessly whispered into the vocoder, static chokes his words but it may be the tremble in his throat as a hand knots into hair to pull you closer.

"Oh." You mumble under your breath with as realize the stares that follow you, quickly you lower your feet to the ground but your hand never leaves his forearm, clenching the underneath, tunic crumpling in your hands. Now that he's here you never want to let go. "Come see Grogu."

Din can't even get a word out as he's pulled towards the table, he nods, acknowledging Luke despite the tension he manifests. The reunion warms your heart, it makes it harder not to crying as you feel Grogu's emotions run through you. He feels love.. he's excited extending his arms with grapy hands.

With no hesitation the child is once again reunited with the basker clad man.. his truthful father. It's a sigh of relief that falls from Din that makes you smile up at him. Din reaches over with his free hand, cupping your cheek. No words were said, not in the presence of a stranger but it's shown in the way his thumb moves across the smooth skin of your cheek.

-

The moment he entered the room darkness cascades over them, small, familiar hands press against the the basker that covers his head, a silent ask for permission. "Cyar'ika, it's --."

"I can't believe you're here, I missed you so much love." Din's eyes close so tightly at the words, he doesn't want to stop you. He wants to feel your skin pressed against his, he swears he's almost knocked off his feet when the helmet falls to the ground with a loud thump lips brusingly hard against his own.

"Sweet -." He tries to speak against but is met with the softness again, tongue seeking permission against his bottom lip.

"Missed you." Lips press against his jaw, following to his neck sucking softly on the smooth skin. A small, choked moan falls from his lips as you nip at the junction between his clavicle and throat.

The feeling of welted skin has you raising your head up in confusion, fingers taking place of your lips to feel the healing skin. It's not a scar or a wound but purposely put there, as you trace it with your fingers you begin to paint a small picture with the raised lines.

"It's a symbol of leadership along my people." He answers, hands reaching up to gently wrap around your wrist, bringing it to press against his cheek. His next words almost as unexpected as learning he has a new tattoo on his neck. "Would you like to see it?"

"But the creed.." you mumble, eyes roaming over the slightest curve of his face the darkness of allows as he pushes you to straddle his lap, his other hand running over the expanding skin of your thigh.

"It's nothing you haven't seen before my love." He's referring to the moment before you and the child left him, kissing him goodbye. "The creed is broken but I am a Mandalorian, nothing will change that."

"But, I ugh." The words are not of the man you knew almost a year ago, but show maturity, experience has formed him into a new person but nonetheless he still is yours.

It's just dawned on you now, while you were growing with power was so was Din. The lightsaber pressing against your outer thigh reminded you of it, while you have gained one, Din had ruled with one. Every new experience, lesson, moments spent crying Din has had similar, except his people depend on him for survival.

"Oh my God." You mumble under your breath, eyes widening in shock. His words, the tattoo meaning, the new signet pressed into his chest, the thicker tunic decorated with a gold pattern, you were so busy just concentrating the fact he was here, you never bothered to look at the changes, the clues. Two large horns soldered into his helmet you never noticed until now poke against your ankle. "You actually did it? I though you didn't want it."

"It's my responsibility to my people to get our home back. Once you left I had nothing but them, Bo-Katan has been helping me. We are so close Cyar'ika." Din presses his forehead against the skin of your shoulder, breathing deeply. "I can't wait to show you."

"So close to what?"

"Not hiding anymore, to regaining Mandalore." The words make your skin warm, a soft smile filled with admiration, proudness. "I'm building a home for us."

"You have changed Din."

"So have you Cyare. You look so well, feel so strong. You are where you’ve always belonged." He is right, there's something that changes in the air when you are nearby now; a power that follows you, makes everyone fear the presence but he loves it. "I wish I could have been here to see it. I dream of when we will be together again."

"Can I see?" The words are unsure, despite his earlier words old habits die hard, promising never to look unless he wants it, it was his choice, never yours.

"Please." It's soft, tender as you shakily wobble on legs to walk across the room, fingers ghost over the switch before a loud knock against the door makes even Din's stomach drop.

"Padawan?" Luke's voice makes Din scowl, what is it with this guy?

"Yes Master?" The way you answer so quickly with little regard towards Din has him swollowing loudly, jealousy searing his veins, it makes his forehead hot.

"While I have promised you a break the day is still not over, training will continue."

"Be right out." It's quick, the kiss pressed against his lips, it has him reaching out to hold you again but you already out the door leaving him gritting his teeth.

-

When he finds you again it almost an hour of looking for you. He's irritated, it shows in the way he walks, tall and intimidating with every crunch of sand under his boots.

Despite it being evening the sun is still blaring, it's too hot for anything but he manages to power through, though taking off the helmet is an option if is his only line of defense when it comes to be surrounded by Jedis.

It's an odd sight, you're legs are crossed as Grogu sits feet in front of you. Eyelashes fluttering in concentration, frustration clear in the way the junction between your eye brow wrinkles. It's magical, the way the large rock moves across the length of the pair. It's amazing truly, he's watched the kid do it many times but with you, it's different, seven months ago you could barely hold a blaster let alone do this.

He was in complete awe, watching as Grogu takes the rock himself but to him it's effortless. He doesn't even bat an eye as the rock moves higher and higher until it's explodes. The small pieces shoot towards him, the rocks dink against his helmet knocking him forward that he doesn't give you enough time to warn you that there's someone behind you, he feels himself jump forward to protect  but natural reflexes already have you up, your own blue saber flashes with Luke's green one.

It's a relief it's only him but also makes him want to longue and wrap his hands around his throat for even trying to attack you, it's instincts, his own will to protect his family. He was so caught up with his own anger, he didn't notice the small hands tugging at his pant leg.

"Hey buddy." It's the soft coo that warms his heart, the sound he missed so late at night, all by himself. It feels so right to have him in his arms again, it's a distraction for a moment, but the loud shriek that mumbles against your lips as the saber slices your arm breaks the moment.

Din stalks toward without hesitation, hands reaching out to pull Luke by his collar but hand stops half way there; a choking sound falling from his lips as he feels his throat start to close.

"Luke!" You exclaim, hands pulling on his shoulder. "Stop!"

Luke doesn't listen, tilts his head as the Mandalorian's other hand reaches for his own neck, the child falls from his arms but Luke reaches for Grogu as he floats towards him and that is when he decides to let go of his hold on Din.

"She is fine." Luke's tone is accusing, eyes lit up in anger. He knew the reasoning behind the Mandalorian's attack but it irritates him. Din falls to the ground into his knees as he coughs, lung begging for air. "She will heal, it's no wonder she was afraid of the force. You made her feel as if she was weak. Couldn't protect herself. Can't you see she is strong?"

The words sting a bit, you never felt like that with Din but the words of your master, where they true? Had he been the reason you never felt the force like this before? It’s not his fault, he’s always been a protector.

"Yes." Din chokes on the words, it's surprises Luke how quickly he recovers, leaning on knees, visor tilting up to meet his gaze. "I do, I don't need you telling me either Jedi."

The last word is spoken with gritted teeth, disgust as he stands, squaring up the man in front of him, pressing the top of his basker against Luke’s face. 

"Then do her a favor and never, ever underestimate her again." Din doesn't like what the Jedi is insinuating, hands balling in fist, finger coming to poke the Jedi's chest as he speaks. "Respect her Mandalorian."

"I do." You're about to squeeze between the two men but Din speaks too fast. "I don't need any magic tricks to beat your ass either."

"Din!" You hiss, the helmet pointing in your direction as a growl admits his chest.

"You're sticking up for him?!" Then once again you're minded how immature Din Djarin can really be. He's protective, overbearing but you expect more from Luke as he speaks. "You're just taking out the fact that Grogu and the girl are in my care, they are with me."

"My son, my girl." Then it hit you, all so sudden he wasn't an asshole, maybe a little immature, but he was jealous. The growl that rumbled his chest made even you shake. You couldn't find yourself to blame him either, both of the people he's ever cared for pulled from his arms, seven months spent with Luke. It made him insecure, dear the worst.

"Enough!" A hand presses against each other their chests, meeting Luke's first. Eyes warn him, "I expect more from you."

Then they move to Din with a scowl, "And you have no reason to be like this, Luke is my friend. He is helping me! I am strong now because of him."

"You have always been strong." The words make you pause, heart dropping. Guilt dropping your shoulders instantly. "You never needed to hold a lightsaber for me to see that."

A strong, confident finger lifts lifts towards Luke's direction, it looks like he's going to say something else judging by his stance, looks over you one more time then Grogu before stalking away towards the direction of the hall.

-

It's only an hour later, and Din is no where to be found. Luke has told you he's taken the child for a little bit, you can only imagine how that exchange went but respectfully allow him to have time with him, besides you doubt he wants to see you right now.

He was right, it was a force of habit trying to protect you but he has never doubted or hesitated for one second when it came to you. There has only been one person who has ever believed that anything was possible for you and it's the one you managed to chase away.

The room is dark, the only light comes from the gasps of the curtains the moon allows in. You have given up on waiting on the bed, instead curl up on the large longue chair in the corner, book open but you wouldn't even notice if there weren't any words. Too deep in thought over your Mandalorian.

What If he leaves without seeing you? Surely, he wouldn't, it was stupid fight, it shouldn't have happened but you shouldn't have accused him either. The rattling of the door knob makes you pause, daring not to breath that it might scare him away. He's quiet as the silhouette of armour makes it through the doorway, shiny, the darkness of his visor camouflaging him throughout the door.

The light flickers on, you want to squeeze your eyes shut, away from his gaze out of fear he might leave again seeing that you aren’t sleeping, waiting for him.

He doesn't speak, only stiffens his stance, arms crossing his chest as the helmet tilts down in your direction. "What are you doing?"

"Reading."

"In the dark?" You have been caught there's no reason to argue with him just turn a dark shade of pink as the book is closed with a loud echo. Tension fills the air, you're torn between apologizing and expect one first, his behavior was inappropriate.

"Are you happy here?" It's surprising watching the Mandalorian walk close until he's between the V of your legs, a soft breath caught through the static as he uses your thighs as an anchor for his hands as he slowly lowers to the floor in front of you. His force his horse as leans over, pressure pressed against your chin, it's not enough to hurt but enough to show he is angry. "Is there someone here making you happy? That isn't me?"

You don't like what he's insinuating, brow furrow with a deep frown and a scoff, "If you have something to ask I suggest you come out with it Din."

"Are you fucking him?" The words make you huff, pushing the warmth of his skin away but he reaches out to touch you again. He wants you to look at him, he wants to see the truth your eyes will tell.

The fucking nerve he has to knot his fingers into your hair, keep your head still as the visor moves up and down the soft features of your face, it's soft but shows meaning. At this very moment you here the way your body reacts to him, wanting to move closer, wrap the other hand around your neck at his tone, the authority in his voice. "I asked you a question."

"Really?" The way he stares just irritates you. Spending all your nights longing for him, all the tears wasted on missing him just for him to believe you were unfaithful. "I can't believe you just asked me that."

"Don't act like it's all me! I can see it, you sit so close that you're practically on his lap. He ate from your fork. He comes to your aid like I don't know you can take care of yourself, tells me of all people to respect you, never undermine you. When have I ever? He seems to forget that I was the person who first trained you. So, I'm going to ask you one more time. Are you fucking the Jedi? Do you like him?"

"Get out of my face Din!" The heat of his visor, the blackness hides any kind of emotion, all you see is the anger that comes from his throat, words stinging cheeks. It's impossible to concentrate with him so close, pressing his entire weight against your thighs.

"Tell me now." The words harsh, he needs to know, hear the words from your lips to know they are true.

"No! How dare you even accuse me of that? I have been waiting for months to see you again and you accuse me of being unfaithful?" The tears sting, almost hurt as much as knowing Din has little trust in you. His chest is raising fast, deep, quick breaths against your knee, showing just how worked up he is, he's frustrated, the throbbing in his pants gives that away and makes you think if there’s a different reason. He's insecure, jealous, absolutely pissed.

The harsh fingers leave your hair only to meet the edge of his helmet, you don't even get time to register before it falls to the floor next to you. Seeing is face is.. different this time.

It's clear, the first time was rushed, tear filled but now he look so.. good.

His brows furrowed in anger, nostrils flaring, hair thrown messily across his forehead, you don't even get time to look at his lips before his hands touch your cheeks pulling you into a bruising kiss, fingers nails forming small crescents on hips as the words are moaned against your lips, rushed with how desperate the Mandalorian is.

"You are mine." It's not the words that make you gasp but the hand that tugs the tips of your hair, pulling your head down more to accept his crushing lips. "Mine."

tags: @remmyswritings​, @b0nnyzz​, @heavenlymistake​, @mcueveryday​, @phantomofthewapera, @dindjarinswhore​, @hellothereobi​, @mudhornchronicles​, @alwaysreading1019, @stepintothelightz, @pepmintmocha​, @charlottemcgrace​, @the-last-twin-of-krypton​, @disgvst-d​, @atrxdixs​, @cal-ifornication​, @acourtofsnakes​, @waiting-for-motivation​, @that-sarcastic-pieces, @writings-of-a-fool​, @theocatkov​, @itsfangirlmendes​, @maileecabudol​, @ghost-lantern​, @mandoandyodito​, @sleep-deprived-things​,  @maddie0w0​, @bluegalaxyprime​, @stilledimperfections​, @altarsw​

[sirthisisa-wendys]

Investigations (Part 3): Ran Haitani x Fem!Reader

synopsis: when things are uncovered, can you handle the truth? Or are you doomed to make a mistake you can't rectify?

wc: 2.1k

tw: violence

masterlist

song recommendation:

Ran's past was a lie.

When you met him at the country club five years ago, your pasts had been explained in hushed tones and excited flurries of memories; sharing photos of the time before he was an executive of the communications company he worked in and the time before you were a journalist.

Ran said he had gone to jail twice, both for crimes he had been an accessory to as a delinquent kid, but that he'd cleaned up his act after and made his way up the corporate ladder. Nothing about gangs or being a Heavenly King in Tenjiku made it past his lips.

You had been honest, too. Your tales included the time you'd accidentally happened upon a massive gang fight, and that's how your investigative journalism skills began to bloom.

Who was fighting?

What were they going to do after?

Where did these gangs come from?

When did this argument start?

Why were they fighting?

How did gangs form in the first place?

Those were all the questions you sought out answers for that night and the next five years after, devoting your time and effort to finding the truth about everything.

"Babe?" You freeze, hands hovering over the keys at the sound of Ran's voice. You don't turn around - you can't even look at him the same these days - but he fixes that by walking over to you and turning you around in your chair. "What are you doing up so late?"

"Just doing some writing." His violet eyes search yours for the truth, but you know he won't be able to find it. Not while you're still trying to unravel his past. Ran kisses your eyelids sweetly, cupping your face in his large palms and littering his love across your face as you try your best to remain still and not confess about your research.

"Come to bed. It's late."

"I've got a few more paragraphs," you explain, motioning to the small print on your screen. "I'll be in bed soon."

But your lie is discovered shortly thereafter. It's five a.m. when Ran returns, seeing you slumped against your desk, arms cushioning your head, laptop screen blank. Instinctively, Ran pulls you out of your seat - making your notebook fall to the ground - grunting softly as he scoops you up into his arms and cradles you against his chest.

You willingly allow your husband to carry you to bed, where your two-year-old is also nestled among the sheets and pillows, thumb tucked into his mouth. And for a moment, Ran appreciates the view, seeing the two people he loved the most - besides his younger brother - laying in the bed he paid for, in the house he built, in the city he owns.

But then he remembers the slight disarray you left your things in at the desk and returns, picking up your pencil and notebook before laying them beside the laptop. Then his eyes catch "Ran's past?" written in bold, red letters, along with the words: "Tenjiku" and "Tandai" also written in the web of other words surrounding his name. "South Terano" is also on that web.

He'd have to take care of that in the morning.

And for the first time in a long time, worry bubbles to the surface of his mind, and Ran rips the sheet of paper from your notebook, tossing it into the kitchen trashcan and considering his deed done. He concealed his past to protect his family. And he's concealing the present to achieve the same goal; all for the future to be revealed later. That's how everything should be.

Right? _____________________________________________________________

"Ran," you whisper, lips running across his knuckles. His fingers cup your jaw, and his own lips press against your forehead, violet eyes darkening slightly. "It's six am. Where are you going this early?"

"I have to go into the office for a little while," he murmurs, kissing your forehead again. "I'll be back around lunchtime." Thoughts of Tandai and Tenjiku flash into your mind for a moment, but you smile at him sleepily anyway, absolutely sure these things are part of his past and not in the present.

"We'll be waiting for you, my love."

Despite all of your best intentions, though, you can't help but be consumed by the idea of Ran out, fighting, stealing, maiming... You consider asking him about these things, these concerns, but you decide against it as you're helping Kai with his lunch. If he wanted to leave it in the past, there's a good reason for it. He would have told you if it would be a problem later. Right?

Ran wouldn't jeopardize your family, your home, your life for something so... juvenile.

Right?

The clatter of keys on the counter in the living room brings you back to the present, and you perk up, your two-year-old mimicking your expression.

"Daddy!" Kai slides down from his seat and runs to greet Ran, clutching his father's legs with all his little might.

"Hey, buddy," Ran laughs, stooping to pick up his son with excitement. "How are you doing?" As son and father have a very stimulating conversation about playtime, you watch them in wonder, observing the way Ran makes his child a priority, just like he makes you a priority. But your countenance falls as soon as you see the blood spot on the bottom of Ran's lavender suit jacket. You know its blood because of the way it dried - that's no ketchup stain.

You fake a smile anyway, giving Ran a kiss on the cheek and tugging his jacket off after he sits Kai back on the tile floor.

"Hard day?"

"Kind of," Ran mumbles, and you catch the sight of a long scratch down the side of his neck. "But I made it through." You hum, taking the pin-striped jacket to the laundry room and slinging it over the side of the washer. You'd need that later.

"Need to relax?" you wonder, and Ran grins at you mischievously.

"Maybe later, after bedtime?"

_____________________________________________________________

But "later" never came.

Instead, Ran and Kai fell asleep on the sofa, watching a kid's movie, and you retreated to the office, powering up your laptop and pulling your notebook closer.

You immediately notice something's wrong, as the notes you had before were missing. Everything is gone. Not even a word of all the research you had done was there. Hadn't you written meticulous notes and names and things about Ran's past that could be interconnected? You break out in a sweat and search in every drawer of the desk, every place it could possibly be. You come up with nothing, and let out a frustrated sigh before slumping down in your seat and pulling up the computer history from yesterday. If you had to rewrite every single thing, that's fine. You'd just need more time to gather your evidence for the meeting on Saturday.

You're knee-deep in articles and police reports when you stumble across a more recent - actually as recent as this morning - article titled: "Ex-gangster found dead in meat factory". The picture of South Terano startles you, and you click on it, feeling a sense of dread as the article details how he was found hanging upside-down in the warehouse with a bullet hole in his head. And just like that, your newest lead has fizzled out. You groan, writing down "South Terano, deceased" on your notepad, then exiting the tab.

There had to be someone else you could ask. Shuji Hanma only provided you with Ran and Rindou's names, no one else.

"What's this?"

The door to the office shuts softly, and you look over your shoulder at Ran, who is walking toward you with measured steps, his eyes taking in your exhausted expression and the way you're hunched over that notepad. Again.

"What are you doing? You look tired, babe. Let's go to bed, yeah?"

Suddenly, pieces begin to click as Ran leans his hip against the desk, staring down at you in the chair with squinted violet eyes. "You threw away my notes... Didn't you?"

"What are you doing in my business, y/n?"

"Why didn't you tell me that you were in two gangs?" you counter, fingers shaking slightly. "Ran, this is something I needed to know before--"

"You wouldn't have married me if I told you." Ran's tone is cold, almost as if he's turned into the past version of himself without batting an eye.

"You don't know that." Ran leans forward, coming to eye level with you a smirking.

"I know you. And that's all I need." Ran reaches out a hand to close the laptop, still smiling and maintaining eye contact. "Now here's what you're going to do. First, you're going to stop digging into my past. There's nothing there that you need to find. Second, you're going to come to bed. It's late, you're tired. Finally," Ran cups your chin like he did this morning, except his fingers aren't so tender this time. "You're going to cut off contact with both Shuji Hanma and Taiju Shiba. I'm not really fond of either of them, and I'm not a fan of having them tell my business to my wife."

"They were only doing it because I asked."

"Taiju, maybe. Shuji isn't so eager to fuck you. I doubt he did it out of the kindness of his heart." You can't say anything to refute his claims. Ran is probably right. But you can't get one question out of your mind.

"Why are you trying to hide your past? What's there that I won't like?"

"What isn't there is the real question."

"What can you tell me about the gang that's just surfaced in Tokyo?" Ran's face slackens, transforming into a half-surprised, half-blank look that you realize is one that means he's been caught. "Oh, my fucking god," you breathe, tears stinging your eyes. "South, the fish, the murders, the crime... It's you. It's been you this whole time. I've been chasing my own husband down." Panic begins to set in, and your mind whirls around as you shake in your seat, bringing your hands up to your head. "Just tell me Rindou isn't in this," you breathe, but Ran doesn't answer you, still wearing that dumb look on his face. You let out a cry of shock, covering your mouth and trying to back away from Ran as much as you can.

The source is a lot closer than you think.

You slide down the wall, shocked into stillness as your sobs quiet, and Ran straightens up, placing his hands in his sweatpant pockets. The long nights, the early mornings, the bloodstains, the damn suits... It all led to this. Ran had never really left his old lifestyle behind. He'd gotten caught up in it, and brought you and Kai into it unknowingly.

"I never meant for it to get this... unhinged." You can't reply, tucking your knees into your chest as you stare past Ran and at the opposite wall, wondering how you'd missed the signs, the obvious signs that Ran was up to no good. "I know this is a lot to take in, but we can--"

"I can't stay here."

The words fall from your mouth and Ran flinches, shaking his head.

"No. You can't leave."

"Yes, I can," you mumble, standing and wiping your tears. "I can do whatever I need to do to keep Kai safe, and--"

"Kai is safer here than out there," Ran snaps, pointing at the window. "I'm not letting my son out of my sight. Your snooping has caused enough trouble as it is; I wouldn't have had to go and clean up this morning if you hadn't--"

"Don't blame this on me," you retort, pointing at Ran accusatorially. "You're the one who joined a gang and is still in one! What kind of role model are you for our son now?"

"I provide the best way I can," Ran grits out, clenching his fists. "You've never gone hungry, cold, or ill-clothed a day in your life while you were with me."

"I would rather die than enjoy a life paid for with blood money."

"Blood money? You really think--" You try to push past Ran, but he grabs your shoulders, yanking you back in front of him. "You're not going anywhere except to our bed."

"Let me go, Ran Haitani," you mutter, hands balling up into little fists. "Or I'll scream."

"Who will hear you? Kai?"

How had you been so foolish? Ran's lips press together momentarily as his violet eyes run over your figure, taking stock of all your five-foot-six stature. You're no match for Ran. Not mentally, and certainly not physically. Ran notices your defeat and his hands slide down to your wrists, tugging your delicate hands up to his chest.

"Everything will be fine," he whispers, drawing you close. "I'm taking care of us. Just trust me."

Just trust me.

[80s4life]

The Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing

Word Count: 4,438

Status: Not Requested

Fandom: Back To The Future 1985

Relationship: Biff Tannen x Female Reader

Summary: As time is altered for a total of 2 weeks (I extended it slightly), you and Marty struggle to get his parents under control, having problem after the next. But, when an unexpected solution occurs, you find yourself willingly okay with it, soon finding the exact reason as to why.

Warnings: language, fluff, Biff being a dick, slight angst, cute Biff

Masterlist Back To The Future Masterlist

Prompts: (from this list @youneedsomeprompts​)

Y/C/S= Your Choice of Sport/ Your Chosen Sport (you don’t have to honestly play one, just choose one you like or one that comes to mind)

{gif and prompts are not mine, gif credits go to @backtothefuturemovies and credits were given above for prompts!}

No one ever said time travel was fun. No one ever said the job was easy. And no one sure as hell told you the consequences that come with it. Well, at least not before you, and your best friend, Marty McFly, had gone dead-on through a barn, sacred a neighboring family of ‘alien invasion,’ run into younger McFly parents, and altered time just enough to fuck you over for a few days.

I mean, who would’ve guessed right? Your mom just so happens to be romantically interested in you, their child. Well, that was at least in Marty’s case. For you, you had just managed to run into the biggest dickhead of the century, Biff Tannen. Or so you thought?

Making your way out of bed, you automatically go to where Marty was sleeping in the garage, waking him along with Doc up. The go-to plan for the day was to go undercover as usual students in the 50′s, secretly following Marty’s parents around, finding out where they lie in this part of time, and try to find ways into manipulating them together once more in time for Marty and you to get back home. Easy enough, right?

Groaning, Marty goes to slap your hands away weakly, mumbling something along the lines of ‘Just a few more minutes.’ You giggle slapping his hands back in an attempt to wake him up cheerily. Mornings weren’t really your forte either, so any upbeat wake-up is better than a pissy, tired, horrible morning. 

Doc, on the other hand, was happy to return the affection, getting out of bed to give a quick hug and kiss to the forehead. Then he makes his way over to the bed, going to tickle Marty’s feet as you go to tickle his sides. Finally, in a fit of laughter, Marty gets up and goes straight for the bathroom. You were going to argue him, having to use the bathroom first, but decide to just leave it be, heading for the makeshift kitchen instead.

You smile fondly as Doc and Marty play around a while later, wrestling about, cracking jokes. It was only just a few hours ago that you and Marty had witnessed the untimely death of the currently very lively man in the house. Witnessing the blood loss, the machine gun in action, and the bullets that whizzed pass with only one malicious intent: to kill. But he’s here now; he’s safe and sound, having many years until that date will arrive.

With the freshly cooked smell of eggs, toast, and pancakes, the boys straighten up, Doc clearing his throat in an attempt to organize himself, and Marty leaving his shirt ruffled as he follows the smell of deliciousness. You giggle as both men of different ages act exactly the same, piling their plates high and digging in, giving thanks through mouthfuls.

///LATER///

After breakfast had finished, you and Marty made your way to the school, not wanting to be late, and, quite frankly, not wanting to miss a second in the disaster we’re in, wanting to fix it as soon as possible. Upon entering, the building erupts in laughter, tears, screaming, perfume, cologne, aftershave, and lots and lots of both testosterone and estrogen. Fucking high school, you smile.

Going to “your locker” right besides “Marty’s,” you both place the books and supplies that are unneeded inside it and take only the things you need for the first two classes, somehow having those together. As Marty catches glimpse of his father, George McFly, he winks at you, moving to catch up to him. Rolling your eyes playfully, you turn back towards your locker, just barely missing a group of young men some ways down the hallway, locking eyes with a particularly taller man, towering almost everyone in the halls.

You pay no mind, however, being blindsided by three girls your age. Instantly, you recognize the one right in front as Lorraine, Marty’s mother. Smiling nervously, your cheeks tint only a little, being unprepared to see her so quickly, not yet having a plan made up on how you could help tackle the situation with Marty.

“Hiya! I’ve never seen you before, are you new here? I’m Lorraine Baines, and you are?” she asks cheerfully, her books clasped tightly to her chest.

Taking an obnoxiously long time staring dumbfounded, you finally realize you haven’t spoken, quickly recovering with newfound purpose and confidence, “Ah, yes! I am new here! Sorry, I’m just trying to get used to this place a tiny bit. I’m Y/N Y/L/N.”

“Well that’s quite alright, you can come with us!” she says once more in a cheery tone, taking you by the arm and lacing her arm around yours, locked elbows. You smiled, knowing exactly where Marty’s cheerful and people-person nature had come from. Walking down the halls, she had asked for my schedule, checking classes to see what we had together, “English, History, and Agriculture- Hey! You should try out for cheer leading!” 

Shaking your head lightly, “Nah, I’m more of a Y/C/S myself to be frank.”

“But...We don’t have that sport here? There are no girls sports at all actually...” Lorraine says confused. You go to cover it up, choosing to say it was a sport you play for fun at home, in the backyard. However, a beefy arm separates you momentarily from her, as the owner of the harm moves to pin her to the lockers.

You were going to walk away, figuring it was some sort of make-out session in the works, but upon looking at her before going, you notice that the man was absurdly unwanted. 

“Get your meathooks off me Biff!” she screams at the man, his huge form towering her much smaller one. Not taking the message, the pair continue to squabble, neither of them being successful in winning. The warning bell sounds over the halls and classrooms, alarming kids to get their asses moving, but it seems whoever this dick is, he feels he is greater than the school, and god forbid, knowledge.

“Hey, you do realize your not making a damn bit a difference, right? She’s not interested! And, quite frankly, it seems as if no one does! Now, if you don’t mind, could you please be kind enough to unhand her as some of us treasure a piece of mind and how to take a hint?” you finish, quite ticked off as the last bell warns, cursing under your breath as you already know your in for detention on the first day.

It finally seems that he’d caught a grip, thankfully, letting go of Lorraine’s arm and she quickly scurries out of his proximity, taking your hand to lead you to the class you both needed to be in. As you go to walk in, you are stopped by the teacher, scolding both you and Lorraine. Looking at her regrettably, she smiles defeated. So you decide to do what’s right, take the fall.

“I’m sorry sir, I didn’t know where to go as I was trying to find where all of my classes were before I ended up lost every time classes switch. I caught up to Lorraine here at some point, and as she was hurrying to this class, she was kind enough to show me where I needed to be,” you finish, sighing guiltily.

“Well, as you’ve taken acknowledgment to your mistake, then you’d be just as happy with detention. After school, on Friday, as the first week is extremely busy. As for you, Miss Baines, thank you for your help. You are off the hook for now,” the older gentleman finishes, nodding to each of you personally before turning around and beginning just one of the classes you’d have today. This is going to be fun!

///LATER///

Finally, after grueling hours of just a few of your classes, lunchtime had came round, giving you a slight break. Catching sight of Lorraine, you smile and wave, going in the direction of Marty, or Calvin Klein, as you’d heard Lorraine go on and on about. You’d known it was him the second she’d said it, the brand not yet known to man yet; or at least in this timeline, it wasn’t.

As time had went on, it was only natural for the peace to be broken, as a newly familiar face was starting to appear more and more, Biff Tannen, as you’d known his name by now. But, instead of heading towards Lorraine, he makes his way over to the table you were residing with George and Marty, sitting himself right beside you. 

At first, you were trying to ignore him, knowing his presence was there, but keeping your eyes trained on either Marty or George, eyes dancing between the two. Biff, being the everlasting child he was, tried to catch you attention, trying stupid ass things after the other: kicking your shins, pulling your ears of hair, flicking your head, and even trying to tug on the 50′s style dress you’d been forced to wear to play your part. 

Only when he goes to tug your hair once more is when you finally snap, turning a furious glare to the hulking figure beside you, shoving his shoulder in a feeble attempt to create distance. He giggles at this, his body not moving an inch at all. “You can’t be serious right now! You don’t know when to quit it, do you?!” you scream, fed up with his shit.

“Well, if you’d give me the human decency of turning your head when I’m trying to talk to you, then I wouldn’t have to pester you, now would I?” he asks in a teasing tone, no doubt taunting you, but all you do is stare him down, getting lost in a staring contest, daring him to say something again. “Alls I wanted to say was that we have detention together. Just thought I’d let you know since you got me in all that trouble this morning.”  

“Why you-!” And with that, he gets up with a shit-eating grin plastered to his face, prancing out of view and back to the table he and his gang usually sit. Watching the whole interaction, George smirks at Marty, the pair giving an unspoken mutual agreement to whatever they had both caught on to, bursting into fits of laughter moments later. 

“You have a longer tolerance than I do, I-I-I’ll tell you that much,” George says, his usual slight stutter back in place, Marty laughing once more. As George joins in again, you couldn’t fight it either, giving into the childish antics.

///LATER///

To say your week had gotten any better than the first day was a lie. It hadn’t gotten any better, and your meetings with Biff at lunch had only gotten all the more common and all the more infuriating. He’d made it his duty to agitate you in any ways possible, even resulting in whispering something nagging in your ear when you weren’t paying attention, usually doing something in your locker.

Either way, he was on the countdown to Friday, it being constantly on his mind, mentally counting down the days, hours, minutes, and even seconds until the two of you were locked in a room alone.

Unfortunately, that day had seemed to come way faster than you’d like, Friday rolling around quite quickly. School had finished, and you were making your way to the front office, awaiting a tiring 2 hours with only yourself and Biff as company for the time being. You hadn’t known where the room was, and instead of spending time looking for it, you gave up and looked for the office instead, the nice front desk lady leading you where you needed to go.

Upon entering the room, there was Biff in his prime, casually spread across his chair, legs crossed atop his desk nearest the windows. Sighing, you ignore him, deciding to sit on the opposite side of him, the front desk lady giving you a sympathetic smile before she closes the door behind her. You look at the wall, head turned away from him like the plague.

You knew it’d only last so long until he’d speak, the time coming way faster than you pleased. Given it was Friday, you couldn’t even do homework or even study in order to block him out as he started to blabber, running his mouth over stupid shit once more. Inhaling through your nose, and exhaling through your mouth slowly, you straighten in your seat, hands clutching the desk so tight, your fists turned white. 

“Biff, Sweetheart, Baby, Doll Face, Hun. Please. PLEASE. Shut up for five god damn seconds. I know you truly have nothing to say, so why do you insist on speaking so much?” you finally say, hands prying off the desk to turn in his direction exasperated. 

“Well, if you’d just talk to me, Shortcake, I wouldn’t have much to say at random,” he answers, copying your actions and posture. With this change in childish demeanor, you give in, laughing at him in an unexpected rush, running your hands through your hair tiredly. 

Although you hadn’t seen it, he’d smiled in satisfaction upon seeing you laugh, the glitter in your eyes much more captivating than it ever was when he looked at Lorraine. He hadn’t barely pestered her since you’d barreled into his life. It was weird, but he welcomed it with open arms. And for the first time, he learned what it was like to have an actual, clammy-handed, closed throat, warm, cheek-tinted, teenage crush. A crush that left his heartbeat loud and fast, breathing ragged and uneven, and his behavior out of character and out of his control. Lorraine was way under whatever level he’d placed you on, holding you up on a pedestal like you were the sun or sky.

Of course, you hadn’t taken notice to his antics, just thinking he was annoying. Just Biff being his notorious self. But, as you finally calm your breathing down, the giggles fading, you decide to give him a chance, knowing that sitting in silence is just going bore you. Smiling warmly, you say, “So what do you want to talk about then?” 

///LATER///

Grabbing your bag, you get out of your seat, giggling at a story Biff had told you. He follows your lead as well, getting his own as he lets out a bark of laughter at a certain part. You guys looked like idiots as you shoved each other down the halls, making your way out of the school as your detention had came to a close. Sighing as the warm sun radiated on your skin with the light, spring breeze, you stretch out any kinks the classroom chairs and desks had left. Biff watched you intently, your small body easily swallowed by his shadow beside you.

The sun was setting and it was getting late, although you weren’t concerned. The boys knew you wouldn’t be home ‘til late due to the detention you had initially despised. Now, you and Biff were side by side, walking peacefully to his car in the school’s parking lot. For once, he was quiet, great company to have. It was something else for sure, but you enjoyed it. As you came up towards Doc’s place, you’d realized that Biff had drove you home like a gentleman, too lost in the conversation to notice earlier on. 

Sheepishly, you itch the back of your neck, realizing your mistake and feeling guilty for making him walk all this way to now have to walk all the way home. “Ah- Sorry...I didn’t realize I’d dragged you all the way out here. Now you have to drive all the way back.”

“It’s no problem, really. I liked it. It’s nice to talk to someone other than the guys every now and then. And to have A female speak to me instead of screaming,” he answers, now being the one who is a bit shy.

“You do know that you bring that on yourself right?” you say teasingly, now leaning your head on your hands, propped up on the passenger side door. “Not every girl would want to kick you in the groin if you showed a little more respect, “ you finish off with a smile.

“Yeah...Yeah I know. I’ll try harder, I swear.”

“That’s all I ask,” you say with a wink, drumming your hands on the door as you take a step back, waving as you start walking down Doc’s driveway.

“Hey!” Biff calls from the car, stopping you in your tracks to turn around, facing him with a smile. “Uhm- Well- The Enchantment Under the Sea Dance is coming up next week...Would you mind being my date?” he asks, stuttering as he feels his cheeks heat up, nervous as hell.

“I’d love to!” you answer, turning back around to walk into the house. Biff does a little fist bump as he puts the car back in gear, excited for what is to come.

///

Marty was a little less than amused with this newfound knowledge once entering the door and going over the events of the day. It was only when Doc had suggested that the date with Biff would keep him away from Lorraine, giving George the freeway to attract her long enough for their True Love’s Kiss. Then, and only then, did Marty give the okay, shaking his head, but liking the fact that it’ll give George some time, being the nerd that you know and love.

///Enchantment Under the Sea Dance///

Checking yourself over in the mirror for the final time, you let out a nervous yet satisfied sigh, feeling like an absolute princess. You never minded dresses too much, although you couldn’t deny the fact that normal pair of shorts, jeans, or even leggings were your first choice. All that mattered was that you liked the dress you were wearing, it fit you; it was your favorite color, length, and strap(less) type to hold everything in.

Walking out, you grab the pair of heels to match, knowing that you couldn’t get away with sneakers in this generation, painfully grimacing at the reminder. Finally standing, you recount when you had gotten the dress just a few days ago, having gone with Lorraine and the her two friends, Babs and Betty. They were very endearing and supportive the whole time, you not having to worry about being “to picky” as they were just the same. You ended up loving the dress given that you’d taken the time without pressure.

As you walked into the main room of the garage, you heard a low whistle of Marty, Doc slapping him on the back of the head for it. Giggling, you curtsy and spin in the dress. Doc, the gentleman he always was, compliments you, “You look amazing, my dear. Let’s hope this boy deserves it, hmm?” 

As an answer, you hug him tightly, knowing that, by the end of the night, he will be nothing but a dead man at home, in a lonely, dark parking lot. Your eyes tear up just at the mere thought of it, clutching him tighter. Marty seems to be on the same wavelength, going to interrupt the moment with great urgency, trying to pass him a piece of paper.

“Marty, if this has anything that involves my future, do not. And I repeat, DO NOT try to hand it to me. Whatever happens, happens young man. That’s how the world works,” he says in a warning tone. You wanted to disagree, but you knew the truth that was laced beneath it, as if it was a punishment. You whimper instead, pulling him in tighter; Marty looking down in defeat, soon switching to anger. In the midst of it, he storms out of the garage, getting in the car to go pick up who you’d hope was Lorraine for the dance.

“Just let him go...” you start, sadness evident, “He’s just not very happy with the outcome of what the future has in store for you. Quite frankly, neither am I.”

“I’m sure whatever the outcome is, that I wanted to go with it, dear. I assure you, I’m fine,” Doc answers in a consoling tone, wiping the tears that had slipped from your eyes. You knew it was just a mask, no one wants death, but you knew he needed to go no matter how much you hated it. So you nod, not having to say much more as a honk sounds from outside.

“That’s Biff...” 

“Have a great time! Make sure the McFlys kiss!” Doc screams, following out of the garage, scolding Biff from behind you.

“Yes sir!” you scream back, saluting him as you take a seat in the passenger.

///

“You look beautiful Y/N,” Biff says after a while, finally working up the courage to speak.

“Thank you Biff. And you look handsome yourself,” you giggle, the car pulling into the lot. 

He shuts the engine, grabbing his keys from the ignition and closing the door, making his way around to you as you let yourself out to straighten yourself out. He takes your hand as he leads you to the entrance of the dance, you sighing in relief as you catch a glimpse of Marty pulling up in a car with Lorraine. Finally, you relax, grasping on Biff a little lighter and with more meaning now as you have the night to yourselves. He smiles down at you as you wrap your arm within his, something Lorraine does with you quite often.

With the party in full blast, you let loose with the music, dancing and joking around with Biff. At some point, however, he says he needs a drink and will be right back. Although, he doesn’t seem to actually come back. You’d thought you’d seen him spiking the punch just as few moments ago.

Just as you were going to in the direction of the hallways to the rest of the school, you notice Match, one of Biff’s friends, storming out of the gym through an exit. Taking your bets, you follow behind him, soon being greeted by a huge commotion of screams, all of them from familiar people. Biff was in a car with Lorraine, her dress pulled and taken off in parts. He was no doubt about to do something stupid, the fact pissing you off, saddening you in some ways as well.

The others that were screaming were also George and Marty, the pair trying to get Biff to stop before he regrets it. He doesn’t listen, unfortunately, until your voice booms over the rest, “Biff!” 

His head snaps instantly in your direction, the situation dawning on him the instant he looks at your face. You hadn’t meant to portray your emotions so clearly, but your face had shown such distraught and hurt. He lied. He had gotten over Lorraine, yet the moment she was alone, he runs right back to her.

With his momentary change of focus, George finally steps in, “You get your filthy hands off of her!” finishing with a blow to the jaw that knocks Biff off balance. 

Marty looks to you sadly, but tries to smile in cheers as George and Lorraine leave together, motioning that he was going to follow them just in case. You nod, looking down now as your play with your fingers. You didn’t know what to do now as the only reason you were really here was for Biff. You weren’t needed for Lorraine and George, you knew Marty had it.

You decide to make your way home then, as there was nothing else you could do. Dances were just drags anyway, nothing worth while. “Your just going to leave? Just like that?” asks a deep voice, his body having gotten back off the pavement and stood by the car he was pinned against.

Without turning, you answer his question with another, “Why not? There’s nothing left here for me is there?”

“And why wouldn’t there be?” Biff asks once more, no doubt ticking you off at his usual teasing tone.

“Well, let’s see. You. You asked me to the dance as your plus one. I came here as your date. We have a good time, we dance, we talk, and then you come up with an ‘Oh I need a drink’ charade, not returning. Then, I come to find my date in the parking lot, about to get his licks in on a woman he was apparently over with! So tell me, what is left here for men here, Biff?” you finish, tears pooling your eyes over the time, although you don’t let the fall, keeping them there.

He looks guilty, you can see it, but you don’t care. Your not in the wrong this time. But, as your blood starts to cool down, you do notice the look in his eyes, the change in his demeanor, and the utter remorse that has overcome him. He has his head down, fists clenched at his sides, body stock still. He doesn’t know what to do, all he knows is that he’d fucked up.

“Or was this your fabulous way of telling me that you love me?” you finally ask, eyes moving to look up at him in a teasing manner.

He hadn’t expected you to speak, head snapping up to meet your gaze in confusion. Being as you’d looked at him with a glint in your eyes, he finally lets everything click together; you’d forgiven him. His face heats up in bashfulness however, as your words resonated within him as well, hand going to itch the back of his neck again.

You giggle, walking up to him now, hands going to his collar. Pulling him down, he gazes at you in amazement, his own hands falling to rest on your waist. Then, you crash your lips to his, pulling him ever closer. It takes him a moment to get the hang of it, soon pulling you closer to himself as well. Lifting you slightly, he sets you on the hood of his car, the height difference a definite stretch for him. But he wouldn’t have it any other way, you were perfect. Just the same as he was perfect for you.

[alpacaparkaseok]

Working Overtime

requested by @thecaffeinatedscribbles​ - thanks for requesting! a picture of your request will be at the bottom of the post!

Pairing: BTS x reader

Premise: A freak storm forces the biggest band on the planet to spend the evening seeking shelter at your small cafe. Of course, you can't complain about having to work overtime.

"...remain indoors for the rest of the evening....further notice....stay safe everyone!"

You can't help but groan, the sentiment clearly reciprocated by Benny, the cook at the small cafe you work at. The two of you came to work expecting to be kept inside for a while - just because a storm was brewing didn't mean you got a free day. Chances were that customers might decide that the best way to spend the hurricane-like day would be at their favorite restaurant.

Well, their favorite clearly isn't this one. The cafe is completely barren, leaving both you and Benny to lounge around. Just waiting for the storm to pass.

Benny dug up an ancient radio from the supply closet, and spent thirty minutes tuning it before finding a station. The two of you have taken up two stools at the front counter, head down on the table while the staticky radio picks up every other sentence. "Well Bill, it looks like...that's right, Sharon, I was thinking the same-"

You'll never get to find out just what it was that Sharon and Bill were thinking about, because suddenly the front door flies open, nearly tearing itself off its hinges.

Both you and Benny turn around in shock, nearly slipping off your chair as you get a look at whoever these strange newcomers are.

It takes a few moments before they all file in - there's seven of them - and slip their hoods back.

It takes another moment before they manage to get their hair out of their face enough to actually identify them.

"I'm so sorry about that," Kim Taehyung apologizes as he throws his body against the door so that it will close properly. "We just saw that you guys were open-"

"Nobody else is open on this entire block," Park Jimin finishes, currently struggling to brush his fingers through his hair like he usually does. It's a bit more difficult now that it's been through such a windy atmosphere.

You and Benny exchange a look, clearly at a loss for words at the strange development. Together, the two of you let out a wry laugh.

"What are you boys doing out right now?" Benny asks, rising from his seat and motioning for them to hang their coats on the coat rack.

Everyone immediately turns to look at Jungkook, who's cheeks turn a little red even as he laughs.

"Someone wanted to see how windy is was," Seokjin drawls, glaring daggers at the youngest member of the group.

"And you willingly agreed!" Jungkook defends, pulling a laugh from you.

Huh.

They're just like the other boys you've met.

Silly. Irrational. Blindingly beautiful.

"Could we get you anything to eat?" You ask, slipping into waitress mode. "It sounds like you might have to be here for a while," you tap the radio, scrunching up your nose as a bit of dust flies up.

The boys settle down in the middle of cafe, pulling a few tables together. You place some menus before them, marveling at how they seem to bicker like your family.

They place their orders - enough to feed a small army, which, you suppose they are. You head back into the kitchen, prepared to help Benny with the order. However, you're a little surprised to see Seokjin and Yoongi trailing you, with a nervous Jungkook behind them.

"Oh, did you want something else?" You ask, smiling brightly. The two oldest members of the group chew on their lips, sparing the maknae a glare.

"Actually," Yoongi begins, his cheeks reddening, "Is it alright if we help with the order?"

You blink, unsure of what to say. "...what?"

Jungkook jumps into the conversation like an excited puppy. "Well, it's just that it's going to be a lot of food and it's just the two of you..."

"We're bored." Seokjin injects, laughing to himself. "Let us help you?"

Shrugging and praying that your boss won't decide to fire you over it, you lead them back into the kitchen. Benny grins when he sees the four of you.

"Come to learn from the best?" He boasts, his round belly proof of his amazing cooking skills. "Grab an apron, wash your hands. Prepare to learn, boys."

You cackle as the three highly successful (and blindingly beautiful) idols follow Benny's instructions, chattering excitedly between each other.

It only takes a couple of minutes before the rest of the group appear at the doorway to the kitchen, watching on with curiosity.

"Care to join?" Benny invites. You stand off to the side watching with endless amusement.

Taehyung joins in with glee, while Namjoon, Hoseok, and Jimin hang back. They look to you hesitantly.

"Could we actually help you bring the dishes out?" Hoseok asks timidly.

You smile. This has got to be the best shift ever.

"Yeah, if you want to. Want to come watch the kitchen go up in flames with me?" Jimin bursts out into a fit of laughter, pointing at you with pride on his face. "Oh, she's funny!” He walks over to you, leaning against the counter.

Namjoon and Hoseok follow suit a moment later, giving you kind smiles as they take up the spot next to Jimin. 

“We’re so happy you guys were open,” Hoseok comments, watching with a bit of apprehension as Jungkook tries to copy Benny’s movements. “I seriously thought we were going to die out there or something.”

“Agh you’re so dramatic hyung,” Jimin says, rolling his eyes. “But it is pretty bad out there. When do you think it’ll end?”

You shrug, stifling a laugh at Yoongi’s expression of long-suffering as he fields Taehyung’s questions.

“I’m not sure...probably not for another couple of hours, though. It’s going to be a mess trying to get home I bet.”

“Mmm.” Namjoon leans forward so he can see you properly. “Care to eat with us when the food’s done?”

Try as you might, you still end up blushing. “That’s alright, I don’t want to intrude on your meal-”

“I’m already making your food!” Jungkook shouts from where he stands watch before the oven. “Or...Jin is, I guess. But I’m making sure it doesn’t boil over!”

You give a shocked laugh, dropping your head in your hands. “I guess I will, then.”

Together, the four of you watching from the sidelines being to commentate every move that’s made within the kitchen. 

“Oh, that was a bad move Yoongi,” Jimin chides. 

“Shut up,” Yoongi responds, not even looking over.

Jin nearly drops a potato, earning quite the reaction from you. “Kim Seokjin, if you drop that potato so help me!” 

Everyone in the room pauses for a moment, Jin looking over at you with wide eyes. A moment later, they all dissolve into a fit of laughter, Jin making a show of setting the potato down with car.

“Better?” He asks. You nod.

“Much better, thank you.”

In the matter of an hour, you’ve made yourself completely at home with these complete strangers. Benny begins making more food, getting overly-excited at having willing students. Time drags on, and eventually you all ditch the idea of eating out at the tables, opting to hop up on the bar and watch the chaos unfold.

“How long have you worked here?” Jungkook asks with a mouth full of food. He ditched the kitchen a few minutes prior, deciding that it would be better to eat than learn. Hoseok replaced his presence in the kitchen.

You blow on your soup before taking a bite. “Umm...a couple of years? It’s been a good college job, I think.”

They nod along, watching at Jin wanders over. He makes a show of looking exhausted, leaning up against the opposite counter. “Is the food good?”

“Delicious,” Namjoon says.

“What do you want to do when you make it out of here?” Jimin asks.

You frown, looking down at the counter. “I...I actually really love graphic design. I don’t know, I just think it’s the coolest thing ever. There’s so much that could be done with it, too.”

When you look back up again, you find Namjoon and Jimin locked in a silent conversation. A second later, they look back to you with smiles. 

“What?”

Jimin shrugs. “Nothing. Graphic design is cool, don’t you think, hyung?”

Jin nods weakly, eyeing your soup. You take the hint, blowing on the spoonful you have. “Want to try it?”

He looks at you a little sheepishly. “Can I? Is that too weird?” You shrug your shoulders. 

“It’s a weird day. Might as well go for it.”

That’s all the motivation he needs.

The storm doesn’t let up for a long while, but you’re kept busy with the boys. They all take turns in the kitchen except for Namjoon, who claims that he’d be more harm than help. 

Together with Namjoon and Taehyung, you turn up the volume on the radio. The static makes it hard to understand, but you hear enough.

“subsided for now...remain cautious, but the worst is over.”

You let out a shout of excitement, pounding the table. Taehyung jumps a bit, laughing. “I think the storm is ending!” 

Benny hardly hears you, but the boys do. They also shout with you, except for Namjoon who suddenly receives a phone call. He’s on the call for all of thirty seconds before it ends. 

“Hey guys, that was Sejin...we need to head out.”

You frown, but try not to let it get to you. “Thanks for hanging out with Benny and I.”

The boys each take their leave, thanking you and Benny profusely. Jungkook hops on his feet as Benny fills a couple of takeout boxes for him. They quickly exchange numbers with the two of you, vowing to return soon.

“We’ll just put you in our group chat, alright?” Hoseok says, typing away at his phone. 

“How much do we owe you?” Yoongi asks, grabbing his wallet from his back pocket. Both you and Benny immediately wave them off. 

“Nothing,” Benny declares. “Thank you for keeping us company. That was enough.”

“Really, let us pay you-”

“You guys need to get going,” you interrupt, smiling at Yoongi. “Really, don’t worry about it.”

They leave, grumbling the entire way. Once the door has closed behind them, you and Benny exchange looks. 

“That was...”

“Freaking awesome,” Benny finishes for you. You chuckle. 

“Yeah, it was.” Sighing, you slip off of the bar. “I’ll put the chairs up and then come help you clean up.”

Benny waves you off. “I don’t have much to clean, Hobi did most of it.”

“Oh-ho, you even call him ‘Hobi’!” Heading into the dining area, you go toward the table that the boys were originally going to sit at. Something catches your eye before you can put the chairs up.

“Benny!” You shout, hands shaking a little as you grab the paper. 

It’s a note, hastily written but legible. 

Thank you for the meal and new friendship - please confirm the Venmo request we send to you. All the best: Bangtannies

Almost as though timed, both your and Benny’s phones chime. You gawk at the ridiculous amount of money, but you nearly burst into tears at the text message that follows it.

Bangtan: This is the number of the head of graphic design at Bighit. They’ll be in contact with you within the next couple of days - keep a lookout for it!

masterlist

[love-takes-work]

When someone toxic needs a friend

I just wanna add a little personal reflection to the discussion of Spinel’s treatment in Steven Universe: The Movie.

A few signposts so you know where I’m starting with this:

A criticism I’ve seen: 

Steven was not particularly warm to Spinel. He did not hug her. He did not offer to be her friend. He spoke carelessly and triggered her toward becoming murderous again. He only cared about what she could do for him.

A perspective I’ve seen: 

LOTS of people with borderline personality disorder or strong feelings about abandonment personally relate to Spinel and are critical of Steven from this perspective.

Rebecca Sugar’s commentary on Spinel:

The thing about Spinel is that she’s a really toxic person. 

She’s so toxic that she’s literally trying to poison people. 

In my interactions with friends who have had a history difficult enough to make it hard for them to trust other people and sometimes even actively want to hurt others, it’s just a very difficult situation to navigate. In the case of Spinel and all of these characters, that’s extremely exaggerated because cartoons have the ability to be extreme exaggerations. I wanted to explore what it’s like when you’re trying to help someone who really doesn’t want to help themselves, who wants to embody the negative feelings that they have about themselves. I think that’s something really real. I hadn’t seen that in a cartoon before. 

Spinel, unlike many other characters, actually has the goal of hurting people, which is new territory for the show. She really wants to hurt Steven, and there’s a reason that she does—because she’s in so much pain. I just wanted to explore all the dimensions of that.

I also think Steven has his way of trying to handle and dissolve conflict. It’s not necessarily a good way for him to handle this situation. It really leaves him in a difficult state, and I think what I wanted to show in the way that they interact is that at a certain point, when you can’t help someone, you have to be able to protect yourself. 

Ultimately, he can’t really convince her to change. It’s something she’ll have to want for herself. But what he can do is protect himself from her, making it impossible for her to hurt him. 

It’s sort of up to you if you would like to love her. If you watch this movie and she, you know, frustrates you, that is totally fair. I want that to be a big part of who she is.

[From the AV Club interview]

So here are a few things I want to shed light on.

It’s very interesting that Rebecca intended Spinel to be read as “a toxic person” because so many fans fell in love with her, said they’d be her friend, hated intensely on Pink Diamond because of what she did to abandon the poor Gem, and sympathized with her directly. But Rebecca was looking at Spinel from Steven’s perspective. And that’s also what I did.

I’ve been Steven. I have VERY much been Steven.

When you meet someone who was done dirty, when you recognize the horror they’ve been through, when you see how much pain they are in and agree they have the right to be angry, it’s natural for empathetic people to offer themselves as comfort.

But when you’re Steven, you also know it isn’t YOUR fault either. Before you have the ability and experience to set boundaries, you can get sucked into other people’s stormy waters and think you’re helping if you drown in solidarity with them. What’s really important to preserving yourself is learning that you can stand on the boat and toss a life preserver. That it doesn’t ACTUALLY HELP to jump in the water and sink with them.

Some folks are angry that Steven didn’t jump right into sacrifice himself on the altar of friendship in the service of an intense, literally murderous stranger who tried to poison him and his planet and lash out at his friends, robbing them of their rich pasts and their relationships because all of it hurt HER so much. It is SO easy to understand WHY SPINEL WAS ANGRY. But nothing she was doing to Steven, his friends, or the Earth was going to fix her problems, and furthermore, she FULLY UNDERSTOOD that it was NOT THE FAULT of any of the people she took her anger out on. It was irrational, yes, and that is part of her dysfunction. But also, in these situations, what helps explain it still does not excuse it.

Some have railed at Steven saying he somehow forgave genocidal tyrants like the Diamonds but couldn’t be friends with a damaged Gem like Spinel who just wanted friendship. The big difference there is that Steven got involved with the Diamonds when both parties believed he was a different person. The Diamonds believed he was the lost Pink Diamond, and Steven has also spent much of his superhero life believing he WAS his mother and was therefore obligated to accept punishment for her crimes or to clean up the messes she made. Now that he knows he is not her and that she did some pretty horrible stuff, he also wants the right to stop feeling responsible for every person Pink hurt in the entire region of space.

Steven gave Spinel basically compassionate treatment. He did not abuse her. He did not insult her. He occasionally coddled her when it seemed important (and though some said he was too businesslike while he pursued his mission, he was literally looking at the world ending within two days if he didn’t solve the problem). And most importantly . . . .

He let her leave the garden.

Spinel stayed in the garden all those millennia because Pink Diamond told her they were playing a game. All that time, she had visions of Pink returning so she could see her smile, hear her laughter. We see a sequence where she tried to follow Pink out of the garden and Pink manipulated her into staying willingly. We watch those feet leaving and one pair of feet staying behind. We see Pink disappear.

When Steven goes to leave the garden, Spinel follows in the same manner. Some have criticized him for letting go of her hands.

But he invited her out of the garden. He didn’t say stay. He said come with me.

As he sang about her deserving someone better, he was sincere. But he did not say the person to make her feel found should be him. He did not want to take on another person with thousands of years of baggage who would require a specific brand of attention and so much tenderness to avoid snapping. He did not allow her to be held by the hand and led out. He recognized that she needed encouragement to leave this place because of what was done to her, but he wanted her to take the steps.

Compassionate people are crushed all the time under the weight of needy people who make it hurt to love. People like Steven can acknowledge that Spinel deserves love and deserves to be happy without accepting that it’s heartless to stop short of personally doing it. Especially when you literally have to take physical, mental, and emotional damage as a general consequence of offering support and counseling. It is sometimes just beyond what you can do.

I made the mistake several times of getting very close to someone who treated me poorly while taking comfort in my presence. I cared that they were hurt and I didn’t know how to say “You deserve love” without stepping in and loving them. In EVERY case I was involved with, the person went from initially grateful to “why don’t you help me more?” shockingly quickly, and two of them deliberately tried to create situations where I would be trapped with them and isolated from others. 

I could get very personal here but I don’t think I need to. Those of us who relate all too well to Steven wanting to help others will have been in this situation. Your heart hurts for people who live with pain that has never touched you, but when they’ve made it clear with one of their first actions that they feel satisfied at the idea of ruining your life, trusting them could mean the end of you. Especially if they demand that you risk life and limb to fix and save them before you’d dare to call it love, and especially if they want to be fixed without feeling responsible for initiating any of it. Some people mistake suffering for working hard toward a goal. Both can hurt but only one is constructive. If I’m expected to spend extensive resources on someone, I need some partnership in the goal, and I can’t accomplish that with someone whose wish for companionship manifests as “I want you to feel as bad as I do, and will take steps to hurt you so I have someone to cry with.”

Steven risked his actual life while he didn’t have powers so he could go talk to Spinel, and he wouldn’t fight her when she wanted to fight. He protected himself while she spent her anger. He STILL put himself in the line of fire far more than a less compassionate person would. He took time and tenderness to listen to her story and sympathize with her, tell her she deserved better, bear witness to what she’d become after being treated like a discarded plaything, and bring her hope with promises of a new future and a way to feel found.

Sadly, Spinel flipped back to being murderous at the first sign that Steven might be about to prioritize someone other than her, reframing his reasonable needs as if he was planning to abandon her, isolate her, discard her. This was a trauma reaction, yes, and she isn’t entirely to blame for being upset because she was worried she was just being used and none of her actions were logically thought through. 

But does someone ever “deserve” the friendship of a specific person who can’t feel warm toward them because of their OWN bad experiences? 

No! 

Steven has a big heart but he has his very own huge storehouse of trauma, and being physically attacked with his family and planet put in danger over the actions of his mother is at the top of the list. Instead of assuming that the person who has trauma the loudest is the most hurt, can’t we just acknowledge that Spinel’s and Steven’s respective traumas make them NOT the best match for friendship?

The ending of the movie, with Spinel going off with the Diamonds, might seem a little disturbing with all the codepencency floating around there, but if you want to talk about compassion, I think this is a good place for Spinel to start. 

She just wanted to make Pink Diamond laugh and enjoy her life. She longed to do that for so long and then it all ended when she found out she would NEVER GET TO DO IT. I think bonding with the other Diamonds and having a familiar, safe place to experience the kind of love she’s used to will be a good FOUNDATION for building herself into a person beyond that. For now, she needs comfort. I hope they treat her well.

[witcher-and-his-bard-archive]

Promise Me Your Heart

a follow-up to Good as Gold.

Geralt has never voluntarily brought someone new into his life and for a long time, he wasn't sure how to go about it. Eskel has been with him almost as long as he remembers. Vesemir too. Even Lambert has been around since very early on, but Jaskier? Jaskier still feels new even after all these months. But they're making it work and Jaskier has so much patience that some days Geralt doesn't feel like he deserves.

He had expected things to be a disaster, but they're not. Even his inexperience with relationships and Jaskier's total lack of knowledge of anything monster- and survival-related, things are... good. Geralt is happy.

Then he's contracted to protect a wedding party from a pack of drowners that's been hanging around.

It's a good job. Simple enough and they're offering good pay to ensure the beasts aren't seen by the party guests, but Geralt is hesitant. There's not a scrap of doubt in his mind that he adores Jaskier. He's totally useless out here on the Path, but he tries and what Jaskier can get a grasp on he does well and he does often.

But Geralt sometimes worries that Jaskier's unhappy. Lately, he's been catching him looking pensive, scribbling things in his notebook but never seeming to present a song or poem like he normally would. Perhaps Jaskier has a journal as well. When Geralt was young and struggling to deal with emotions he was told he shouldn't have, Vesemir gave him a journal. It was a relief to be able to get all of his emotions out without having to share them and he wonders if Jaskier is doing the same now. He loves Geralt, so maybe he doesn't want to admit that this life isn't what he expected. Maybe he wants to return to Hagge but doesn't want to hurt Geralt's feelings. The thought of it makes his chest tight, but Geralt hasn't been able to bring himself to mention it.

Because what if Jaskier does leave?

Geralt wants him to be happy, but the thought of losing him now... he doesn't even want to think about it. So taking him to a wedding feels like rubbing a life in his face that he will never have.

When he tells him about the contract, Jaskier is delighted, at least outwardly, but there's a tense scent of worry just below the surface that Geralt is nervous about. He frowns and it earns him a swift smack on his arm before Jaskier presses up against his chest.

"Stop sniffing at me," he scolds, "I know you're doing it. I worry every time you take a job and you can't do anything about it. I love you, my darling. I don't want to think about my life without you, but here you are running off into danger every other moment." Geralt opens his mouth to speak, but Jaskier interrupts. "Ah-ah, I know. It's your job, but I'm still allowed to worry." He tips forward, pressing a soft kiss to Geralt's lips. "Now, let's get you into that armour, hm?"

Jaskier has become an expert at helping Geralt into his armour - and even more an expert of getting him out of it again later. The next few minutes pass in a blur and then Jaskier kisses him goodbye to go and play at the wedding and Geralt is alone again.

He throws himself into the hunt, clearing his mind of any doubts and insecurities. Because he knows how to do this. He can get this done and protect those people - and Jaskier. Whatever Jaskier wants can come later; he'll deal with it in its own time.

But as soon as he's finished - and has thrown himself in the river to rinse away some of the gore - he returns to find Jaskier in the centre of a circle, playing his lute and beaming. This is where he belongs. Geralt forces up a smile and crosses toward them, keeping an eye out for the mother of the bride. She holds his contract and he'd like to be on his way as quickly as possible.

He finds her with little trouble, talking with a group of people and he stands off to the side to wait. She's quick about excusing herself and she pays him extra and promises to pay Jaskier for his performance as well. It's unusual to find someone so generous and Geralt says as much, but she assures him he has earned it for protecting them.

Once everything has been sorted, Geralt slips away.

The woman has offered them a room in her house, but Geralt prefers the anonymity of an inn or the forest floor. Reluctantly, he accepted her offer to pay for the room. And he's grateful for it now, able to just return to the room and collapse without bartering or worrying about being turned away.

He strips out of his armour in the doorway and steps into the waiting bath. It was poured this morning, so it's cooled down, but he warms the water quickly enough - and it's warmer than the river in any case.

Evidently, Geralt doesn't realize how exhausted he is, because the next thing he knows, Jaskier's hands are in his hair and when he opens his eyes, the room is dark except for a few sparse candles.

"Hey, shh," Jaskier whispers as he bolts upright. "It's just me, love. You must have been tired."

He’s emotionally tired, more than anything, but he doesn't say anything. He warms the water again with igni and lets Jaskier wash the remaining muck from his hair before getting out. Jaskier leads him to bed and strips down to his skin before climbing in after him. Geralt clings to him, tucks his head under Jaskier's chin because if their time is limited, he wants to enjoy him as long as he can. Jaskier cuddles closer, holds him tighter, and for a long time, it's silent.

"Geralt?" he asks after some time. "Are you awake, love?"

"Mm."

"Do you ever... want something but you're afraid to ask for it?" he scoffs at himself almost immediately. "Never mind. I know you do. How do you... deal with it?"

Geralt's chest tightens. He's been waiting for this, but he still doesn't know what to say, how to act. All he knows is that more than anything, he wants Jaskier to be able to find the kind of happiness he's given him.

"If you want to go... I understand. I would never keep you here if you're unhappy." Jaskier pulls away immediately and Geralt knew it was coming, but it still feels abrupt and painful.

"Geralt, I- I don't want to go." His voice is low, he smells scared.

"I want you to be happy."

"I am. Geralt. I don't want to leave."

"You looked so happy this afternoon. At the wedding. Surrounded by all those people."

Jaskier huffs a soft laugh and slips his hand into Geralt's between them. "My love. I was happy seeing the bride and her new husband, the love they shared. I was happy because I thought... maybe we could have that, too?"

"You know I love you," Geralt whispers and Jaskier smiles soft at him, leaning up to press their noses together.

"I know love, and I adore you. I- Geralt, I want to marry you." Shock and delight rush through him in equal measures and Geralt isn't quite sure what to do with himself. He stares blankly for a moment while Jaskier looks at him. "Um?" Jask tries. "Say something?"

"No one would marry us."

Jaskier sighs. "Geralt, I know my upbringing means I'm supposed to marry for money or power or some such nonsense, but-" Geralt cuts him off with a soft kiss, cupping his jaw. He really does love that Jaskier doesn't even consider the obvious.

"Not because of your family, Jask. Because I'm a Witcher. No one would willingly bind another person to a Witcher."

"Then we'll have to do it ourselves." Before Geralt can even reply, Jaskier is slipping out of bed and crossing to the other side of the room and his bags.

When he returns, he's holding a length of blue silk in his hand and Geralt recognizes it. He leans up on one arm, focused on the cloth in his hand and Jaskier smiles as he climbs back up onto the bed.

"I thought you might remember this," he grins and Geralt can't help the way his pulse picks up. Apparently, Jaskier notices because straddles Geralt's hips and dips down to kiss him. "Marry me first," he whispers, "and we can do whatever you want with it later, hm?"

"Okay," Geralt breathes and Jaskier beams at him, kissing him quick and hard again before sitting up.

"I need your hand," he says and Geralt offers it freely. Jaskier winds their fingers together and twists the silk around them, tying it in a knot below their joined hands.

Geralt doesn't know much about marriage, but he knows enough to know this isn't exactly the way it's done. But maybe that's better. Maybe going against tradition is more appropriate for them anyway.

"As this knot is tied," Jaskier starts, "so are our lives now bound. The promises we make here tonight strengthen our union; they will cross the years and lives of each soul's growth. Do you- do you still seek to enter this ceremony?"

"Yes," Geralt whispers and his fingers tighten around Jaskier's.

"Do you promise to be a faithful partner in life? To love me without reservation?"

"I will." Geralt pauses and Jaskier nods. "And you?"

"I will."

"Do you promise to stand by me in times of joy and of sorrow?"

"I will."

"I will," Jaskier echoes. Gently, he unwinds the silk and runs his thumb over Geralt's fingers. "I don't-" he cuts himself off, pulling one of the rings from his left hand.

It's plainer than the others and Geralt has never quite understood why he likes it so much, but Jaskier holds it up, showing him the ring of buttercups on the inside of the band.

"I bought this for you so long ago I'd forgotten about it. But I was afraid to give it to you then, so I wore it myself as a way to keep you close. I want you to have it now." He slips it onto Geralt's finger and it fits surprisingly well.

"How long?" he asks and Jaskier shrugs.

"Long enough."

"I don't have one for you."

"That's okay," Jaskier hums. He takes one of his other rings, the one Geralt knows to be his favourite, and slips it off.

"Let me?" Geralt asks and Jaskier gives it to him. He takes Jaskier's hand and he doesn't realize how badly he's shaking until he slips the ring over his finger, pressing it down into place. Jaskier clasps their hands together and leans down to press his forehead against Geralt's. "I think you're supposed to kiss me now," Geralt hums.

Jaskier laughs as their noses bump against each other, then he kisses him, long and soft and sweet. When he pulls away, he doesn't go far.

"My husband," he whispers and something warm and possessive spreads through Geralt's chest.

"Husband," Geralt repeats, testing the word on his tongue. He decides he quite likes it.

[saphirered]

Ah I just read like 5 of your head cannons they're amazing! Could you write about the M9 reacting to a fighter s/o using magic for the fist time, and the s/o explaining that they haven't used it cause it scares them?

Thank you so much ☺️! It turned out a bit longer than I intended but more content is good right? I tried to get some variety in the types of magic users to kudos to anyone who figures out the (sub)classes. Thank you for requesting and I hope you enjoy this one 😘

Caleb:

Caleb, observant as he is caught on the fact you had more knowledge of the arcane than you let people believe. You knew things someone not schooled in some kind of magic wouldn’t have the faintest clue about. It may have left him a bit suspicious of you in the beginning but over time he saw no malicious intent or a connection to the people he’d rather distance himself from.

The first time Caleb noticed you cast a spell, you spoke the familiar words combined with the motions to deflect a hit from an enemy mid battle that otherwise might have been the death of you. You thought no one had noticed but Caleb had, and he recognised the shield spell you used. He saw you flinch the moment you cast it and fear in your eyes as if you were waiting for an aftermath. It never came but you were on edge for the next few hours.

Approaching you after noticing you were still on edge, nervously fidgeting with a coin in your hand to get rid of the more obvious jitters, you denied all claims. If Caleb is good at anything it’s providing a verbal slap in the face through reality check and calling out your bullshit. He wouldn’t press for answers because your past is your past and he had no right to demand it if you were not willingly offering it.

It took you some time but you came clean. You told him how your relationship with practical magics is destructive and hurts people. Because of that you vowed to distance yourself from magic altogether but sometimes you slip and hope no one notices and no ill effects follow you casting any spell. Caleb understands, better than anyone perhaps. He admires your restraint and capability of stepping away from the thing that causes you so much pain; something he never could.

If you’re able to and with your consent Caleb would help you work through your fears, only for your own wellbeing because one thing is undeniable; your magic is part of you and if you never learn to live with it, that it is part of you, you might never be able to accept it. What happens when you’re unable to fear the magic? Will you instead turn to fear yourself like he had himself for so long? No, if he can spare you a fate like that he’d do anything.

Beau:

You never hid the fact you were schooled in the arcane. It just never clicked you are actually a very capable spellcaster especially donned in battle worn armour and your tastes for sharp edged pointy things, and a ‘will cut a bitch’ attitude whenever someone comes for you or those close to you.

Perhaps a little ashamed to admit the first time Beau actually saw you cast a spell it was a simple mage hand cantrip. You couldn’t reach a book on a high shelf at the Archive and you thought it disrespectful to physically climb the bookcases to get it. Beau may or may not have been watching you, more like admiring your muscle. Nothing better than a strong, gorgeous ripped bookworm. Mouth agape you caught Beau staring. You had to snap her out of it. Beau had a million questions, maybe half of them flirty. You answered her questions best you could, even the flirty ones but when it got to where you learned magic you sort of just shut down so she dropped the subject. Beau knows how to read the room no matter how much she might want to press for answers. She’ll refrain. For now.

This doesn’t mean Beau drops the subject entirely for all future reference though. She’d leave hooks for you in case you’d be in a more talkative mood and grow frustrated when you ignored or brushed off the so-many-eth attempt to get you to spill some beans. One day she sat you down, giving you one more chance to tell her what’s going on. If you wanted to tell her, you could. If not, she’d never ask again or try to get you to talk about it.

That’s when you broke down, explaining all the terrible memories of your ‘studies’. You were the only child in a long line of powerful mages to barely be able to cast a cantrip growing up. You were a disappointment and disgrace to your family. Rigorous hours practicing and studying from dawn til dusk without breaks. Not being allowed to go outside and play with friends until you got this one thing right. Nevermind the fact that your family let it be known you were a disappointment.

You’d been working hard already to break the circle but couldn’t prevent the bad memories haunting you every time you felt like you had to cast a spell. No matter how far you ran, whenever you reached for the components, spoke the words or performed the somatics, you were hit with a sense of incompetence. Beau’s not unfamiliar to the need of living up to the expectations of family. She’d be there for you if you wanted to take up magic on your own terms or distance yourself from magic entirely.

Fjord:

Didn’t have a single clue you were magically inclined. But to be fair you never gave anyone a reason to believe you were. You were born with magic and you had seen what developing those abilities had done to others like you. You like yourself the way you are and would very much prefer not to fall into the servitude of some evil entity in the hunger for more power.

You’d seen Fjord spiral into the clutches of his patron and saw him struggle to get away from the leviathan. Ritualistically you tapped into the power bestowed upon you to search for a way to break the pact between warlock and patron. Of course it was doable and your powers could show you the way but you needed to get stronger first…

Fjord grew worried. You’d begun talking to yourself, spending nights awake and an odd sense of paranoia had grasped you. A storm hit once and you had nowhere to shelter. The little voice in your head came back. You could stop that storm. All it would take is a little tiny taste. When you agreed you had no control over yourself. Hand held up to the sky, eyes white and skin ashen, a bright light emitted and the clouds disappeared. Needless to say this did not go unnoticed by anyone.

Obligatory endless questions. Obligatory none answered. You retreated within your shell choosing to ignore your surroundings and feeling the nagging in the back of your head. Fjord heard you speaking to yourself at night. Asking the skies if it was worth it. Worth what? You heard him and just because the voice in the back of your head told you not to, you told Fjord everything; how you had been trying to find a way to keep Uk’otoa at bay, how to break his connection with his patron and give him freedom and what would happen to you if you couldn’t stop yourself from reaching for more after completing that goal.

Fjord refuses to let you sacrifice yourself for his freedom. He’d rather have you fighting the evils of the world at his side than end up fighting you in an attempt to save yourself from what you might become. The two of you would work together to repress the inkling for more power and keep your powers at bay and under control. While you might want to see it differently, for the good of everything you’d stay far away from any magical forces seeking to awaken the power you were born with.

Veth:

Veth made it clear she would not understand why anyone would pass on the opportunity to learn or develop magical abilities should they be available to them. She literally spoke those words and you just nodded along changing the subject. You’d rather not lie but is this lie by omission?

It was an emergency. A fight had gone south and you were losing quickly. Clerics on their last legs, a wizard down being dragged away by the monk and Veth running in arrows blazing and screaming to protect her friends. You had to get out and none of you were quick enough at this point to all get out. So you did what you had to do. A quick expeditious retreat resulted in conveniently released magic missiles at your enemies, grabbing the halfling who got out some last shots you misty stepped your way to safety. You shouted to the others you were safe immediately knowing to keep your mouth shut for the next minute. Bless the gods the surges weren’t that bad this time.

Safely returned Veth commented on what you did. Did you take those scrolls? Did you buy that misty step enchanted item after all? Those were the only logical explanations right? Yes but they weren’t true. So you told Veth the truth. No scrolls or enchanted items were involved. Why didn’t you tell anyone you could do that?! It would have been so helpful in the past! Look how many buttons you could have helped her get!

You calmly explained her you could cast spells and were actually quite good at it one point your magic is dangerous, and the surges uncontrollable the state you’re at. While this time the reward by far exceeded the risks in this situation, you’d rather prevent killing those around you in a blaze of glory if you can. Wild magic surges are no joke and you’re so afraid of hurting the people you care about you’d rather step away from magic completely than live with the knowledge you could be the end of your friends and family.

Veth still has a hard time understanding your reasoning being prone to risky behaviour herself but accepts your views and respects your decisions. While you may not practice magic you still know it and after some persuasion, the woman gets you to teach her a thing or two. Of course all used for the good of mankind of course…. She just failed to specify who’s.

Jester:

You’re a special one. The Traveler told her so after all! He just didn’t tell her in what way specifically but you are special! That Traveler of hers may know a bit more than you’re comfortable with so you’ve been wary of the green cloak should he see the need to reveal your secrets. Luckily he cares about Jester and revealing your secrets would hurt you and you being hurt makes Jester upset so you can take comfort in the Traveler’s attachment to the tiefling.

Pixies came to haunt you in the night. They were meant to send you a message. Someone wanted you to stop running and accept your fate. Pissed off as you were you fought them off but when some tried to get away and your bow out of reach you were forced to release the bursts of bright green energy. Regret hit followed by fear. What if your patron could find you now? What if they came to get you or tried to hurt your friends to get you to cooperate? You will never be a puppet again and if a cantrip screwed this up for you….

“Oh. My. Gosh. Why did you never tell me you could do magic?” Jester exclaimed waking up Fjord just to tell him your eldritch blasts looked so much cooler than his. Guess the cat’s out of the bag… You had to prevent Jester from waking up the others to tell them you’d just gotten even cooler than you already were.

Successfully sending the others back to sleep you took Jester aside. Your hands still shaking, you asked her to talk to her god and ask him if he knew someone might be looking for you and getting close. The Traveler obliged but he wanted to hear the story behind your predicament. You told Jester everything ignoring the green hooded figure. How a being from another realm tricked you into an agreement. From then on you became a warlock.

You didn’t like being a warlock and you being stuck in such a binding deal lead to a very abusive relation between you and your patron so you did everything in your power to get away from them. Luckily crossing the planes is a lot more difficult and limits their capabilities quite a bit. Jester promised she’d protect you and of course the Traveler can be your new god so he’ll protect you too. Both you and the Traveler might not have been in full agreement with this statement. Jester understands you wanting to be far away and never see your patron again. She’s seen her mom get rid of the people getting a little too close for comfort or too attached and possessive so she knows how to deal with them.

Caduceus:

From the beginning you knew you couldn’t hide anything from Caduceus no matter how hard you tried. This lead you to just never specify anything. If he picked up on thing and asked about them then you’d answer, if not, you weren’t just going to say anything. Not even to explain yourself. Let him draw his own conclusions.

You may once have been a devout follower of your god, the one who bestowed upon you the powers you’d need to uphold their tenets but you veered from that path. Not everything is as black and white as some people claim it to be. You learned the hard way afraid of repeating your mistakes you’d only revert to your old habits in the most dire situations.

Caduceus had gone down. Jester was too far away and you were the only one able to get to him in time but you were out of healing potions. A quick lay on hands later and Caduceus was back on his feet albeit a bit confused about how you had managed to get him back to the land of the living. Talk later, he told you after seeing you mortified of what you had just done through the relief of seeing Caduceus alive.

Talk later you did. You couldn’t run away from your problems. Caduceus wouldn’t let you. You told him how you had done terrible things, hurt people because your god willed it so. You thought you were doing the right thing until you were faced with the truth and consequences. That’s when you stepped away from your life as a paladin; a vessel for your god.

You kept the sword but refused to use the magic; proof of your ability to hurt people who were worthy of redemption. Over many months Caduceus would help you see that your magic is nothing to be afraid of as long as you wield it with a good conscious and to protect instead of seek vengeance. There’s a fine line between being righteous and being just. The Wildmother taught him as much. Maybe she could through him, show you the same?

Yasha:

Whenever someone played a happy tune or began singing you’d retreat and block out your surroundings or find anything you could to distract you from the sound. Yasha just thought music’s not for everyone and maybe these songs and melodies just were’t your style. However when you asked her to please stop humming a tune while you had watch together she became a bit suspicious.

Spending some downtime at a tavern, deep in your cups Yasha was being bothered by a rather persistent asshole. On the verge of a fight breaking out you stepped in front of the barbarian and in a singsong voice told the asshole to kindly piss off and find company elsewhere with someone actually interested. The act alone made your stomach churn so you ran off.

You didn’t like controlling people. It didn’t even take a rhyme or proper verse. All it took was some booze and a melody in your head. This couldn’t happen again. Yasha had come after you to check on you and when you told her to stop, she stopped, frozen in place unable to move. You immediately dropped the accidental spell you cast putting distance between you and Yasha.

Yasha assured her it was fine and with your permission approached. A hug from the gentle goth was all it took for you to turn into a sobbing mess. When the sobs calmed down you told Yasha how you were cursed with your voice. Song and rhymes, tunes and melodies constantly plagued you afraid you’d go along with them and people got hurt because you couldn’t control your voice.

For the longest time you were uncomfortable using your voice but with your permission Yasha would help you practice. She can take a hit if you lose control badly but this fear is no good for you. She’ll play sweet serenades, some prettier than others as she too needs practice, the both of you can practice together learning and relearning the things you grew to love together.

Mollymauk:

Mollymauk doesn’t care about your shit. Everyone hides something and as long as those secrets aren’t a danger to those around you it’s all fine. Though he can’t deny being a bit curious when you snuck off to burn a suspicious stack of paper…. lighting the flame without tinder, flint and steel, or anything.

The next few weeks involved Molly trying to get you to use magic again, asking you to do small tasks much easier to complete with magic than they would be manually. You didn’t budge. Somehow he couldn’t get you to do anything. You’d complete the task the hard way each and every time. He began to wonder if he might have imagined the whole thing.

He spent the whole night tossing and turning until he decided to give up on sleep and just face you with the question to be done with it. You were gone, the light of a fire a bit away from the rest of the group. He found you watching the flames, tears in your eyes and devoid of all emotion. He’d seen Caleb in a similar state before. That’s when it hit him. This was pain, fear and trauma and you’re disassociating to get through this.

Sitting down next to you he’d place a hand on your shoulder, when you don’t stop him he’d wrap it around your shoulder letting you know he’s here for you when you need him. His views don’t change. Everyone is entitled to their secrets and keeping their lives to themselves. If you want to talk, he’s here but he’d accept your silence too despite his curiosity. Luckily for his curiosity, you told him everything. The torments of the past and the family you lost, the pain you’ve caused countless others and how you’re trying to pay your penance and make right your wrongs.

You’re glad to have Molly at your side be that to cheer you up or listen to you. He’s there whenever you need him and will take no for an answer when you don’t want to talk about something. He won’t ask for further details but will do anything to show you you’re on the right path and leaving a place better than you found it when you can’t see it.