#I’m worried I’m considering them as a rebound

[frink-o-matic]

I am a bit flustered. As I was leaving the call I started to consider saying “Love you” which gave me pause. I usually only say that when I really like the other person.

[going-to-ikea-for-the-fries]

It's a Match! || 141 x reader

[ Chapter 7 ] || [ Chapter 9 ]

Pairing: Ghost x gn!Reader || 141 x gn!Reader Words: 1.1K~ Summary: While overcoming recent heartbreak, you decide to join Tinder in search of a rebound. Your friends advise to just Swipe Right indiscriminately... What happens when 4 soldiers from the same squad match with you? a/n: ghost is making a move.

Chapter 8: Awooga?

Surprisingly, your one-night stand with John last night did wonders for you. You felt energized all day and made it a point to clean everything instead of moping about like you have tended to do since your break-up with Ethan.

There were days when you considered texting him, neck deep in feelings you couldn’t quite move past, trying your best to stay afloat. Four years by his side couldn’t be forgotten in the blink of an eye, even if neither of you wanted anything to do with the other and had each other blocked on every platform imaginable.

It’s 4 P.M. on Saturday and you’re laying about in your living room wearing lounge clothes, your legs spread over your coffee table, eyes lazily locked on the TV as you fiddle with your phone, twirling it in your hand.

Eventually, you find yourself getting bored… So you decide to open Tinder one last time. You got what you wanted out of it. John scratched that itch… There’s no need to keep it. But it’s still funny enough to judge the men on that app even if you’re no longer doing anything with them.

You start Left Swiping on every profile that comes onto your screen, silently judging each one and murmuring to yourself. You get about 15 profiles in before you find yourself bored of even that.

Sighing and getting peckish, you decide to order yourself something good for dinner from a delivery app. Then, while waiting for the notification that your driver is on his way, you return to Tinder.

You open the DM tab, finding dozens of new DMs from guys and skim through them, none of them catching your eye. If you were in the mood, you’d maybe engage in convo with one of them, maybe annoy them a little… But they all seem so… bland.

Then you find Simon’s chat lost in the influx. You click on it for a moment, smiling a bit as you spot his politeness and excess professionalism for someone that’s on a dating app looking to get laid.

Biting your lip, your fingers glide across the keyboard as you shoot him a quick message.

you: so… are you thinking of ever uploading a new pic of yourself?

The Read indicator popped up under your DM almos instantly, and the bubbles indicating Simon was typing soon followed.

Simon: Look who it is. Simon: Hello to you too. Simon: No, I don’t intend to do that. you: hi, sorry. x you: why not? Simon: I don’t take this app seriously enough to want to show off what I look like. you: was that a dig at me for having a whole gallery? Simon: No. Simon: Unless you want it to be. 😉 you: 😱😱 you: SIMON DID YOU JUST USE AN EMOJI? Simon: I regret doing it now. you: NOOOO pls don’t! you: it was fun!!!! Simon: Alright then. Simon: How are you feeling today?

You’re genuinely shocked by his question and you find yourself smiling a bit.

you: i’m okay hru? Simon: Just okay? I’m fine thanks. you: yeah! feeling lazy. Simon: You had me worried you weren’t feeling well after last night.

Your cheeks warm up so quickly that you even sputter and sit up on the couch with a start.

you: you know?? Simon: Of course I know. Simon: John’s my captain.  you: he told you??????? Simon: No. John’s old school. No kiss and tell. Simon: But we were all expecting he’d go home with you. Simon: Kind of an open secret. you: oh Simon: Does that bother you? you: i don’t think so? you: i guess i should’ve expected you would realize it Simon: I’m sorry. Simon: To be fair, I can tell you that you did a great job, he’s in a much better mood. you: that is not the praise you think it is 😭 Simon: I’m not used to giving praise, cut me some slack alright? you: right. i can see that. you: the whole - my team would say i push them - thing Simon: I stand by that. Simon: I’m not very good at talking. Simon: But I’m not a liar. you: i’ve noticed you: you tend to hate being called that. Simon: Lie enough on the job. Simon: When I’m talking to people outside of that, I like being as honest as I can be. you: i see you: sooo does that mean i can ask you things and you’ll be honest in the answers? Simon: About? you: you Simon: Within reason. you: what do you look like Simon: 6ft4, blonde, brown eyes. you: that’s it? Simon: I said ‘Within reason’. That means I won’t give you more than I think I should. you: infuriating 😤 Simon: That’s life.

Just as you’re about to answer, your doorbell rings. You were so absorbed in Simon’s chat that you didn’t notice your delivery driver arrived.

You slip on some shoes quickly and dash downstairs to the front door of the building to receive your food.

Once upstairs, you set your food on the table and unwrap everything, beginning to eat your Nando’s chicken as you try to resume texting Simon one-handed.

That’s when you spot the message he sent you while you were busy.

Simon: Added some new pics. Simon: Don’t say I never did anything for you. Simon: But I’ll take them down in 2 minutes so you better hurry up.

Eyebrows raised, you quickly click on his profile and rush to tap through to the new pictures.

The first one makes you chuckle. Of course, it’s him wearing a hoodie and a stupid mask… But the second one? Your jaw drops open and you find yourself swallowing dryly.

“Awooga…” You quip to yourself and giggle, amused at your own silliness as your eyes trail over every inch of exposed skin in Simon’s chest. Even if that’s not him, even if that’s just some… bloke he found online, it’s still a bloody fine picture.

Returning to the chat, you type a quick reply.

you: not bad Simon: Answered your questions? you: raised a couple more. Simon: Good. Simon: You keep them in your mind for later. you: why does it feel like you’re leaving?? Simon: Because I am. Duty calls. Simon: I’ll tell John you said 'Hi'. you: okay... you: be careful!

As soon as you sent that message you found yourself facepalming. Why do you sound like a concerned partner? You don’t even know this man. Any of them really. Even if you had one of them inside of you less than 24 hours ago.

You don't dwell too much on it because soon there's a message from Simon on the screen.

Simon: Always am. Don’t miss us too much.

Shaking your head, you set down your phone, locking the screen, and turning back to your peri-peri chicken and chips, eyebrows furrowed in contemplation.

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

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[hornyfor-redacted-onmain]

Will you be my girlfriend?

Pieces of My Heart - Chapter 14 Stray Kids OT8 x reader, Soulmate AU

Masterlist | Next Part

It was the day after you arrived that the boys helped you move into what would now be your new apartment. Chan had set up the entire thing before you even got on the plane, insisting on dealing with the first month of the rent considering it was a kind of high-end apartment.

It was one you never would have chosen for yourself, even though the proximity to nearby bus stops and shopping areas was nice, and the high security made it safe for the boys to not worry about crazy fans. But you had half a mind to ask for Chan to help you find an apartment nearby but somewhat more affordable for you.

Chan hadn’t even let you voice your worries before he was already reassuring you.

“It’s all on company budget. You’re our soulmate, it’s unavoidable that you’d be spending a lot of time around us, and it’s less of a hassle if you’re not entering or leaving the building all the time.”

You had a feeling the only reason the company cared was probably because they wanted to avoid the media finding out about you. But you were also grateful for not having to be in the public eye. After all, it wasn’t just Stray Kids that currently resided in the building, and you wanted to avoid your face or name being speculated as someone important to any of the multiple idols or actors that may or may not live in the area. Hell, you wanted to avoid being in the public eye at all.

It was that idea, along with the fact that your own apartment wasn’t nearly as expensive as the boys’, that made it easy for you to accept the living arrangements with no fuss.

Your apartment was 3 floors below the boys, with a singular bedroom, one bathroom, and a small area that counted as both a kitchen and a laundry room. It was small, but it was cozy, and you weren’t quite planning on spending much time in it if you were honest. Not when, as Jeongin carried in your suitcase and Felix tried explaining the laundry machine settings to you, Chan slipped two sets of keys into your hands.

“The first one is your apartment keys. I made a copy in case you lose it, it’s in our kitchen drawer if you ever need it. The other two are the keys to our dorms.”

And it was left at that.

Felix rested his chin on your shoulder, hand reaching around you to swipe the keys out of your hands and dangle one of them in front of your eyes. “This one is ours. Remember it, you’ll probably be using it a lot more than the other two.”

“Hey!”

Jisung tried to pull you away from his sunshine twin, but Felix wrapped an arm around your waist, letting out a laugh as the sudden resistance caused Jisung to rebound back towards you. The rapper had to grab onto the kitchen counter to avoid barreling into you. He let out a huff.

“Maybe they’ll want to spend more time in our dorm. We’re the cool ones, after all.”

“You guys don’t even spend time in your own dorm most of the time. You’re always at the studio, or the gym,” Jeongin countered.

“And even when you’re here, you guys spend more time in our dorm with us,” Felix added, his deep voice resonated in your ear, making your arms break out in goosebumps.

Jisung spluttered. “Lies! Slander! I’m being tag teamed by these two. Hyung, can you believe this?”

Chan laughed but made no move to intervene.

“Hyung!”

-0-0-

It took less than an hour for you to unpack all your belongings. The boys had decided to give you some space, and you used the opportunity to finally take a moment to yourself, settling yourself against your new bed. Rain splattered against the window, and you stared at the drops for a moment. Your body hummed, something you hadn’t noticed the first time you had been around the boys but was now hard to ignore. You felt light. You felt happy.

God, you hated that your mom was right.

The thought of your mom and dad had you longing to talk to them, but it was the middle of the night for them. You sent them a message, telling them you missed them and asking to talk later that night, and then you sent a quick message to the group chat.

Soulmates

Y/N I’m done packing. Anyone want to hang out?

You took a quick shower and changed into something comfortable, since you weren’t planning on leaving the building just yet. You were still a bit jet lagged, and didn’t have the energy to go out, but hanging out with one of the boys and getting to know them better seemed like the perfect way to spend your day. You checked your phone to see 3 unread messages.

Soulmates

Felix Me! Seungmin I’m free Felix want to watch a movie? Y/N Didn’t we already have movie night yesterday?

You got a reply instantly.

Soulmates

Felix we never got to finish it everyone fell asleep :( Y/N Woops. My bad Felix what do you say, Seungmin? want to finish watching the movie with us? Hyunjin Hey, what about me? We’re supposed to finish watching that movie together! Felix fine, we can watch another movie or maybe a series? hey babe, do you like anime? Y/N Babe? Felix oh, do you not like that? do you prefer sweetheart? Honey? Y/N (,,>__<,,) Is it hot in here or is it just me? Jisung Wow, Yonbok is the rizz master Jeongin First this morning, now this? Hyunjin Wait, what happened this morning? Jisung Just Yonbok stealing away our girlfriend Jeongin Girlfriend? Jisung … I mean … aren’t they? Y/N Technically none of you have actually asked me to be your girlfriend, so I guess im still single?

The group chat went suspiciously quite for the next few minutes as you gathered your apartment keys and sent a quick text directly to Felix to let him know you were on your way up.

He sends you nothing more than a simple ‘ok’ and you found yourself concluding that the boys were probably freaking out in their own personal group chat. The next message came through just as you got of the elevator on Felix’s floor.

Seungmin Do you mind if I join you and Felix for your movie night? Y/N Of course not!

You walked up to the boys’ dorm, taking a moment to double check the apartment number that Chan had sent you earlier so you wouldn’t forget, and then you had a moment where you stared down at the keys and felt yourself hesitate. You switched back over to Seugmin’s chat.

Y/N Hey, I’m outside Do you mind letting me in? Seungmin I’ll be there in a sec Don’t you have a key? Y/N I do Seungmin So why don’t you use it? Y/N Maybe I just want to see your pretty face

The door opened, and a shy looking Seungmin waved you in. You waited until he closed the door behind you before you wrapped you arms around him, and he didn’t hesitate to slip his own arms around your shoulders and pull you in closer. You let out a soft hum. Even though it had only been that morning that you had last seen him, you felt like you had never really gotten a moment to just be close to the singer.

In fact, you were pretty sure this was the first time you had ever been completely alone with Seungmin at all. You pointed this fact out to him, and he tightened his grip slightly.

“We never really had a chance to spend any time together alone,” He said, and you could feel his hesitation to mention exactly why that was.

You pulled back enough so you could look him in the eye. “Maybe we should change that.”

“Hmm?”

“Do you want to go on a date?” You asked him, sliding your arms up so that they were now around his shoulders. “Just you and me, nobody else?”

Seungmin shivered as one of your fingers spread out, one hand carding through the hair at his nape and the other lightly scratching at his neck. “Depends.”

You stopped your ministrations. “Depends on what?”

“Will you be my girlfriend?”

You felt your breath catch in your throat, and it escaped in a wheeze that shortly turned into a laugh. You pulled Seungmin back in close so you could hide your face and the smile that was forcing itself onto your face, suddenly shy.

“Wow, you really didn’t wait at all, did you,” You giggled. “I thought for sure someone would have asked me through the chat first.”

Seungmin snorted. “Jisung wanted to, but we convinced him that it was more romantic to ask you in person.”

“Well,” You pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Consider me very much romanced.”

You pulled away, but Seungmin kept a light hold on your wrist, pulling you back in when you started to turn out of the entrance. You spun back into his arms, catching yourself with a hand to his chest.

“You didn’t answer my question,” He reminded you, nose brushing up against your own.

“Yes, Seungmin. I’ll be your girlfriend,” You said with a smile.

And his lips pressed against yours for a moment, and then he was pulling back with a smile of his own. “Good.”

-0-0-

You half expected Felix to ask you to be his girlfriend, or maybe some other romantic gesture, but he never even brought it up. Instead, the three of you decided to watch a series that none of you had watched before, sitting side by side on Felix’s bed with his desk pulled close so his computer functioned as a makeshift tv. He claimed it was comfier in his room than in the living room, and you thought it was just an excuse to have you pressed up against him.

Except he didn’t make any moves to pull you closer, and the three of you managed to make it through half a season with nothing more than commentary on the show and a quick pause to get some snacks.

For being one of the touchiest soulmates, he sure was doing a great job at keeping his distance from you. You found yourself pouting, wondering if your earlier texts had upset him in some way, or if there was something else going on.

You wanted to ask, but you also didn’t want to ruin the calm mood. Felix didn’t seem to notice your pout when he came back with your favorite candy, the very one you had mentioned to Chan before.

“Chris told me you liked these,” was all he said, and you pouted harder.

He definitely wasn’t mad at you; you knew that much. It genuinely seemed like he was just relaxing in your presence, but every other time you had been this close you had only gotten a millisecond to yourself before he had pulled you into his arms. Seungmin didn’t seem to notice anything off though, and you wondered if maybe you were just overthinking everything.

Again.

You decided to ignore your own worries, focusing on the show. But you drifted closer to Felix, resting your head against his shoulder and squeezing your arm between his back and the pillow he was resting against so you could cuddle up against him. He let out a soft hum, arm reaching out to pat your head, but made no moves to return the cuddle. You narrowed your eyes at him.

You waited a few minutes, letting the episode get closer to its end before you made your next move. You allowed yourself to slip lower on the bed, you head now perfectly level with Felix’s chest, and it allowed you to wrap your arms around his middle and rest yourself completely against him. The sudden shift in position also forced him to hold onto you or fall to the side from you combined weight, and he realized this immediately.

His arm slipped around you, but instead of simply resting against you, he pushed back against you until you were once again sitting up, and then he pulled away to sit back next to you, shoulder against yours. You froze, blinking in surprise at the most subtle and quiet rejection you had ever received before you reacted.

“Seriously?”

“Hmm?”

You reached for the remote to pause the show before it could skip to the next episode, and Seungmin glanced at you from the corner of your eye, but you were much more focused on Felix.

Poor soft Felix who had the perfect innocent puppy dog eyes looking at you in confusion, but you would not allow yourself to be swayed by his beautiful looks.

“If you didn’t want to cuddle me, you could have just said something,” You told him. “But if I’m bothering you, you really should say something instead of pushing me away.”

Felix gaped. “I-what!? That’s not-“

“Seriously Felix. This is how you treat my girlfriend?” Seungmin drawled, resting his chin against your shoulder to stare down Felix. “Not cool.”

“Girlfriend?! I thought we agreed to wait!”

“Yeah, until we were face to face. Hate to break it to you buddy, but this is face to face,” Seungmin said, gesturing between the two of you and Felix with an amused look. “What exactly were you planning on waiting for?”

“I-“ Felix blinked, hands coming up to swipe down his face. “I don’t know! Shit, wait, now I have to think of something to say.”

“Maybe we can start with why you’ve been refusing to cuddle with me and we can work our way around,” You reminded him.

“I wasn’t refusing, I just …” Felix glanced at Seungmin. “I didn’t want to make things weird.”

Seungmin pulled away from you, moving forward so he was sitting next to you and not behind. “Why would things be weird? You’re allowed to cuddle with your soulmate.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t want to make you feel left out or anything-“

“It’s fine, it’s not like I haven’t seen you cuddling the others-“

“And I didn’t want to move so quickly, because I thought we were waiting-“

You rolled your eyes. “Oh my god, Felix. I’ve literally made out with half your group. I think cuddling is definitely within the boundaries of slow.”

“Wait, you what?” Seungmin said. “I thought I was the first.”

“Nah, Minho beat you to it. Planted one on her the night after the first concert, it was the cutest thing ever,” Felix said, quick to move the conversation away from him.

“Actually, Jisung was the first one to kiss me,” You corrected them, and then you waved your hand at both of their surprised faces. “Wait, that’s not the point. We’re getting off topic.”

You pointed at Felix. “You, didn’t want to cuddle me because you were worried about moving too fast, and making Seungmin uncomfortable?”

Felix nodded, and you let out a groan.

“And he also thought he had to wait to ask you out,” Seungmin added with a snicker.

Felix let out his own groan, face turning red. “Seungmin, shut up.”

“Make me.”

There was a knock on the door, and Jeongin poked his head into the room with his eyes closed. “Are you guys decent?”

You spluttered. “Why wouldn’t we be!??!”

“None of you were answering your phones!”

Seungmin let out a laugh. “I don’t think youd have to worry about anything happening with Felix around. He wants to take things slow.”

Felix threw his pillow a the Seungmin, but he missed and ended up hitting you in the face. Jeongin let out a gasp, and Seungmin’s laughter stopped so suddenly that the room was filled with a harsh silence for exactly two seconds before you let out a sigh.

“All right, I’m out.”

Jeongin snorted. “Dinner’s ready anyways. Come one, let’s get you away from them” He hissed something at the other two, and even though it was a word you had yet to familiarize yourself with, you understood enough from the context to find yourself nodding along with him.

“Wait, no! I’m sorry!”

“Great, now you got me involved too.”

The boys trailed behind you like lost puppies as you made your way into the kitchen, immediately smiling at the sight of Minho placing food on the table, Hyunjin already serving himself up only for Minho to immediately slap his hand with the food spoon he was holding.

“Wait for the others,” Minho said, glancing up to spot you and Jeongin walking over. “Oh, never mind.”

You skipped over and wrapped your arms around his shoulders, placing a soft kiss to his cheek. “Wow, this looks amazing. Thank you, Oppa.”

You threw the honorific out as a low blow, watching in amusement as Minho ducked his head to hide his growing smile. The last two boys joined you, and the table was suddenly loud and busy, like everyone had collectively forgotten the past few minutes the moment food was placed in front of them. You took a seat next to Hyunjin, inquiring about the missing boys.

“3racha are staying late at the studio today. So it’s just us.”

“Ah, ok.” You reached out with a napkin to wipe away some food from Hyunjin’s cheek, and he winked at you in thanks. “I guess I’ll see them tomorrow then.”

“Probably not,” Minho corrected. “We have an early schedule tomorrow.”

You raised your eyebrows in surprise. “You guys literally just got back from tour!”

“Hmm, it’s just a photoshoot for a magazine. We have the rest of the week off, so don’t worry. You’ll have plenty of time to spend with us,” Felix assured you, patting your thigh under the table.

Hyunjin waved his hands as his eyes widened in a sudden realization, but with his mouth still full of food he was left flapping them around until he finished chewing and could finally talk. “That reminds me! Me and Felix have tickets to a museum this Friday. Do you want to come along? The others have already been, but Felix wanted to check it out again since he can see colors now.”

“Oh, I remember!” It seemed like ages ago that you had been worried about whether or not you would be around for that. You nodded your head in confirmation. “Yeah, I would love to come along.”

“Great. It’s a date.”

Felix’s squeezed your thigh as he said that. The others continued to talk about the upcoming photoshoot, but you found yourself unable to think about anything other than the constant warmth his hand was giving you, and you weren’t sure if you wanted him to pull away or keep touching you as dinner came to an end.

He finally let go when you went to help Seungmin with the dishes, and it was concluded afterwards that it was late and you could finish the series another day.

You wished the other boys goodnight, and while you were tempted to stay the night with one of them (Jeongin even offered up his bed), Minho reminded everyone that they would be leaving early, and they didn’t want to wake you up.

“We’ll see tomorrow night,” Minho told you as he walked you to the door.

Hyunjin wrapped his arms around Felix. “Hey, can I crash with you tonight? I’m too lazy to go back to my dorm.”

“No! Last time I couldn’t get rid of you!”

“Yah! It was one time!”

“I said no, go bother Jeongin or something.”

“Hey! Don’t bring me into this!”

You laughed as the boys continued to yell at each other, giving Minho a pat on the shoulder. “Good luck with the kids.”

He sighed. “God, I don’t know how Channie-hyung does this every day.”

“Maybe you should treat him better.”

“Hmm. Nah.”

You let out another laugh, and finally forced yourself past the door, giving him a smile as you walked away, your heart begging to stay. “Good night, Oppa.”

“Good night, kitten.”

[irish-urn]

I absolutely LOVED your response, and I agree! thanks for spending time on it <3 what draws me in about dasey is how complex it is, its forbidden love, “if its wrong I don’t want to be right”, the family dynamic, the drama, the suspense! so it’s always a let down when they hype it up so much and then nothing happens lol I want to see how dasey faces this hardship and how they present themselves moving forward. I’m so curious to hear about your after-LWL hc! I wonder how the family would react now that kids and divorce are involved. I know you’re currently writing a series about this so you don’t have to reveal too much, but how would Casey and Derek handle this as young adults? It’s not all unicorns and rainbows when dasey gets together, there’s definitely a storm coming.

LOOK, I didn't understand Taylor Swift's reputation album before I re-discovered Dasey. But now I do understand; and someone please remind me to put "But Daddy, I Love Him" on my kick at the darkness playlist because... Damn. If that isn't them.

Ohhhh Life With Luca!! You're right, I am writing a series about this — I'm actually writing, like, three parts all at once? (*hides face in shame*). The really interesting thing about the LWL world, though, is that Derek and Casey's priorities have shifted. No longer are they majorly concerned with George and Nora's opinions, but instead they're far more worried about Luca, Molly, Kai, and Skyler's opinions. And, maybe it's just me being a bit of a romantic, but I truly believe the only one of those four that would have some trouble with them getting together would be Luca: and that's because he still has a relationship with his dad. So for his mom to move on would be very painful for him to witness; but he's also very obviously fond of Derek. The six of them just really worked as a unit in the movie, and I think everyone can see that.

I strongly believe that Skyler would do everything in her power to see her dad happy; I actually HC that she figures out his feelings for Casey within weeks of them moving into the Guest House. And as for Molly and Kai -- we never see them even mention their dad, except for one instance where Kai says that "Mom and Dad don't let us swear"; and Molly tells Skyler that she wishes they could be "cousins AND sisters" -- so I think they're far more concerned with everyone being happy and them getting the attention they need than any social weirdness.

SO! With all that being said, I'm working on a part of that series where Dasey are together (because we all know that's where we're headed) and there is drama happening in the background. There's a little bit about how George and Nora did not react well -- to quote one part, "…Unfortunately, Nora and George were not handling this new relationship with any sort of grace, and there was no way they were going to take the kids so Derek and Casey could happily fuck themselves into oblivion." -- and I think Nora and George are choosing to view this relationship as a TERRIBLE REBOUND for Casey and both of them are calling Derek and Casey incredibly selfish and have they even thought about the kids?

(This, of course, made both Derek and Casey livid because, uh? George and Nora got engaged before ANY of them had met ANY of the other family; so who's considering who now???? Where they currently stand in that part of the series is that both parties are giving the other the silent treatment.)

I still think Edwin, Lizzie, and Marti would react the same way, no matter the ages. There's a little bit of concern regarding the children, but as soon as they checked in and saw that Derek and Casey are constantly checking in with the children and being as open as they can about the whole thing, I think they would just... be happy for them.

But Simon is struggling. Simon is struggling because he sees these two as his big BIG siblings, and unlike the others where blood only connects half of them, he IS connected by blood to ALL OF THEM. And, y'know, Casey has been with Peter for as long as Simon can remember -- one of his earliest memories is getting to hold baby!Luca. But Casey is so obviously happy and calmer with Derek, and Derek is happy and HOME so Simon can actually SEE him; so he's trying very hard to get on board. He fails a bit, says some things he probably shouldn't, but he's trying really, really, really hard.

I think, if he were a child, it would be easier for him to adapt. With my kick at the darkness series, for instance, he won't bat an eye — he's never going to remember a time when they weren't together, so he'll just... accept it as a part of his weird family. I'm currently playing with a sequel to "sick with sadness" as well, and he's 9/10 in that story; he finds it weird and kind of gross, but with the middle McTuris' help, he adapts quickly too. I got the sense from LWL that Simon loves Derek and Casey a whole bunch; looks up to them and trusts them, much like the younger three looked up to them in LWD. So I think love is going to win.

The fun thing is, I can actually see divorced!Casey caring a lot less about her mother's opinion about her and Derek because Casey has already been through a failed relationship, one where she tried to do the right thing -- I am a strong believer that Derek took off in LWL canon because he and Casey were teetering on the edge of the knife and someone stepped over the line and the other panicked. I suspect Derek is the one that leaned in too close or said something, and Casey FREAKED, and so he took off -- and doing the right thing didn't last. It hasn't stopped her from loving Derek, nor from him loving her. So why should she fight it any longer? She's already hurt the two of them enough; so what if Nora isn't happy? Casey is an adult living on her own, and she's tired of doing only what she's supposed to. She's going to get it right this time -- very much in the same way Nora is determined to get it right this second time too. Gosh, they really are mother and daughter, huh?

(Any other questions? I'm still not sure I really answered this one correctly...)

[alagaesia-headcanons]

A snippet from my draft of Clear Horizons! I think I might post a handful of these over the next week or two

...

Thorn waits above the city while Murtagh traverses the caves until he can drop out onto the roof of the old citadel and quickly make his way in. The place is abandoned and desolate, a result of the magical miasma generated by Galbatorix’s suicidal spell. But his wards protect him as he makes his way; the structural damage makes it challenging, but he manages. By some very uncharacteristic miracle, his quarters are largely unscathed. To his discomfort, it looks as though someone has rifled through things, but he can’t tell if much is missing. Murtagh collects a small assortment of little practicalities, extra clothes, pens, writing tools and as much paper as he can find, a large stack of sheet music he’d penned back before, and the violin stowed under the bed. He resolves to come back eventually and hunt down any other instruments he can find, bemoaning that he doesn’t have the means to steal a piano. He also shamelessly takes a very hefty sum of money, considering it the damages owed for the shit he went through.

They don’t stay long. Murtagh returns to Thorn and spends a while cleaning his pilfered bounty of the magic contamination. He replaces the violin’s broken E string and tunes it, but the bizarre echoes rebounding through the caves make Thorn wrinkle his nose with a huff, so he waits until later to play. After that, they sit together at the edge of an opening and watch the city, as they did before. Murtagh gazes down at the new castle and thinks of Nasuada. He will come back and meet with her, he decides, but not now. They watch until nightfall, then leave before dawn the next morning.

They return to their routine after that. Murtagh constructs a little ramshackle building for storage more than anything. I thought you told your brother you were going to build a huge castle, Thorn mocks as he struggles with the construction.

“Oh fuck you, you know I’m too stupid to manage that.” Thorn snorts a plume of smoke.

In that and many other little ways, the wild, northern expanses become a sort of home. Murtagh’s constant wanderings through valleys and around mountains have started to leave faint trails along the routes he favors most. Snow doesn’t cling so long to the clearing where Thorn sleeps, where the heat of his body has warmed layers of the earth. They fit into this place without questioning their belonging or fearing rejection, for nature will always allow for anything determined to survive. Even so, the isolated peace of their surroundings does not always lend them peace of mind.

The cold shadow cast by the glow of dawn hidden away behind the mountain where they had slept the night reminds Murtagh of the same dark cast the overhang draped over Uru’baen’s citadel in all but late afternoon. Thorn shifts uncomfortably at the observation; he had slept very uneasily. This shade is much more welcoming and soothing than it was there, Murtagh says to him, hoping to assert more appreciation of the present than resentment of the past.

It doesn’t work. Anything is better than the way things were there, Thorn replies bitterly. That place was a prison, where even the earth itself pinned us in. You knew that to begin with; you had already lived so long trapped in the dark shadow of Uru’baen before you escaped in search of freedom. The dragon turns away to look at the backlit silhouette of the mountain. ...Freedom that I took from you.

Murtagh can’t restrain a tight sigh. Rearranging himself stiffly, he braces for the emotional toil awaiting them, an effort he might usually worry would cause offense, but this guilt has grown so cyclical that Thorn himself is preparing himself with even greater exasperation. It doesn’t stop the guilt from seeping up through their cracks anyway. Murtagh rubs his eyes. “You know I don’t feel that way, Thorn.”

...

[I'll update this post with a link here when the fic is published ❤]

[msjr0119]

This Life

The majority of characters belong to Pixelberry from The Royal Romance/Heir.

Series warnings ⚠️: Adult language, sexual.

Based on the Netflix series- Sex/life. Some situations are based on canon.

Tags: Because I’ve been gone MIA in like forever I don’t know who’s here anymore 🙈… so I’m not tagging specific people.

****

School psychologists aren't supposed to write books or diaries about sex. Doing so would be considered 'unethical' and 'a fireable offense'. Lucky for you, ethics was never my strong suit.

****

January 3rd

New year. New start? No. Same shit, different year. It hasn’t always been ‘bad’ though.

There was a time in my life where I was; wild, fun, happy. I was living the time of my life. As if there was no tomorrow. No worries. Anxiety- what anxiety? No sleep. It didn’t matter to me. Caffeine was my best friend as well as Liv. Both getting me through each day. Thinking back to those days- I was vulnerable. The reason why… HIM.

The man who has not been named ‘out loud’ in nearly a decade. However, just recently the memories keep flooding in my mind. I’m not sure why? As much as I try to erase them, they return immediately. Today I spent the afternoon vacantly staring at my child as he caused chaos around me. Typical toddler, some may suggest. My boy- he was…is, a blessing. To begin with, I wasn’t sure if I could be a mother. Half of the time, I’m surprised that I’ve managed to look after myself all of these years. Motherhood- that was never a high priority in my future when I imagined my fairytale life in my adolescence. Honestly, my only goal in life was to achieve my PHD in Psychology. Oh, how that went ‘tits up’.

My husband- he was my saviour five years ago. Most of our close friends and family assumed that Nate was just a rebound. Deep down, I probably believed that too back then. However, he proved everyone wrong- including myself. For the last five years he’s provided for me but for also for Preston. Most people would think that I sound ungrateful for the life that I have. Maybe I am?

The majority would dream for what I have; the wonderful house outside the city. The opportunity to not have to work for now- the life of a typical housewife. The privilege to own nice yet expensive cars due to Nate’s promotion. And not forgetting the support from Preston’s nanny- Ioana. Why isn’t all of this enough for me? I often think…What if, I had never agreed to that coffee date with Nate on our first meeting? Would my life have been any different? Could I have rekindled with the man who made me feel invisible- electrified? The intimacy with him. God, I miss it. I miss him. Back then, I was caught up in the euphoria of the moment. ‘For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, to love and cherish, until parted by death’ I keep reminding myself about the vows that we made- ‘I am happily married’. But, is that true?

“Shit!” Looking at her watch, Riley realised that the day had rapidly disappeared. Nate could be returning home at any point.

“Mommy, you….”

“I know, Preston. I’m sorry I said a naughty word.” Scrutinising the mess surrounding them- Riley deleted all of what she had noted down, before rushing around like a headless chicken in her night wear still. Hearing the door open, she panicked slightly before recognising the familiar face. Phew.

“Excuse me, Miss Riley- but your sister and Mr Liam have just got here. I can take Preston for his bath if you’d like?”

Shit.

“Erm, Ioana- let them in, I’ll quickly run upstairs and make myself decent. Preston, honey- why don’t you show Ioana the train track that we made earlier on? It’s amazing isn’t it?”

“Okay, Mommy.”

“I don’t know why they are here?!” Ioana provided a soft smile towards Riley as she mouthed this and guested that she would be one minute.

Running back downstairs dodging the washing and stray toys, Riley realised that she had two missed calls and voicemails.

Hey, girl.

Sorry I didn’t return your call earlier on. It’s been a busy crazy day. I’m back in the city- you sounded a bit upset on the voicemail. Meet up, tomorrow? Let me know.

Hello beautiful,

Just to let you know, I’m running slightly behind tonight. Emergency meeting with Katrina and ‘the big boy bosses’. I hopefully won’t be too long. I will grab some food at work- just see to yourself and Preston. Love you.

“Nothing new there, then. Working late again wasn’t expecting that at all- oh silly, me. He’s probably so far up her arse…..”

“Riley.” Lindsey shouted interrupting her sisters negative thoughts regarding her husband and his new boss.

“Hey guys. Sorry about the mess. Erm… it was Nate’s first day back at work and myself and Preston are still in the holiday mood. We still need to get back into the normal routine… anyway…. What are you doing here?” Lindsey and Liam gave each other a look- they both didn’t know how to ‘sweet talk’ the discussion that they needed to have with Riley.

“Well… we haven’t seen you since Christmas. So we thought that we’d pay you a visit.”

“It was less than two weeks ago, we’ve gone months without seeing each other before.”

“Erm…” Lindsey stuttered which encouraged Liam to continue the conversation. “Well we know that Nate is working longer hours now- we know that you have Ioana for company but if you wanted a different change of scenery…. We are here. Always.” Focusing her attention towards her sister instead of Liam - Lindsey provided a sheepish smile towards Riley.

“Linz you’ve always been a rubbish liar. What’s the real reason as to why you’ve spontaneously shown up here?”

“Ioana, are you okay looking after Preston for a couple of extra hours whilst we take Riley to the city? Mommy’s night off. I believe she deserves it?”

“Of course, Mr Liam. That is no problem. I agree, Miss Riley should go and enjoy herself.”

****

New York is a city of diversity and dynamism. As well as a city of politics, economy and culture. Even though I don’t live within the city anymore- this is home. The natural feeling of ‘home’ occurs every time that I enter the city. Each corner has a different story to tell. Mixed emotions. Memories both bad and good that will last a lifetime.

To begin with- Riley kept looking over her shoulder in the bars that the trio had entered. Was there some hope that she could see him? If there was to be an unexpected meeting she wasn’t quite sure on how to react. Due to anxiety and nerves - Riley began to take advantage of the alcohol as well as the child free night. The last known location for the man in question was California. Because of this she began to let her hair loose - something which pleased Lindsey but also worried her at the same time.

“Liv’s flat is literally next door. I’ll just go and surprise her and see if she wants to join us, okay?”

“Okay, we’ll get you both a drink. Gin and tonic?” Liam asked.

“No, make it two JD and cokes. It’s what myself and Liv always had during our… fun… days. Nights. Mornings…. I’ll be two minutes.”

“Liam- JD and coke, minus the JD for Ri.” Lindsey whispered to her husband, as they watched Riley enter the flat safely.

“I think she will need a coffee rather than fizzy pop to attempt to conceal the alcohol consumption from Nate. When Riley returns with or without Liv we are telling her the truth, Linz. Olivia will be the extra support that she may require.”

****

“Surprise!”

“Ri… what are you doing here? I suggested to meet up tomorrow on the voicemail.”

“Yeah I know, but….” Stumbling against the wall, Olivia stepped out quickly shutting the door quietly.

“Are you drunk?”

“No! Maybe. Only, slightly.” Shrugging her shoulders, she knew that Nate would berate her for being in this position. However, she didn’t care for now.

“Anyway Linz and Liam sort of dragged me out to the city- because I can never get out, I thought you could join me- us. Like old times…. But obviously old times were just you and I. It’ll be fun though…. I need to talk to you anyway…. I’ve been having these weird dreams. Memories keep rushing back of me and him….” Before Riley could continue with her word vomit - Olivia prevented her from continuing.

“Now isn’t a good time….I’m still jet-lagged from Paris. Tomorrow would better, honey. For me. I can come to you… or you could come back to the city with Preston. Whichever is easier….”

“Who’s Preston?” Standing frozen as if she had seen a ghost, Riley’s brain began to shrivel and not function properly. “I’m assuming he’s the new lucky man in your life?” Not responding to the questions- Riley couldn’t distinguish reality from fantasy.

“It’s good to see you, Brooks.”

[lodessa]

Preview from the upcoming chapter of The Backup:

“Well this is awkward,” announces Dick Casablancas, drawing Weevil’s attention away from what he might have been just about to think to focus on that familiar waste of space standing less than ten feet away from them with Echolls in tow. This place might as well be Neptune High with how constantly he seems to run into the same old people from there.

“What? Were you and Logan looking to avoid me finding out just how quickly he rebounded into your waiting arms, Dick?” Veronica quips: lazy but still more effort than Dick has deserved in his whole life.

“Hello to you too, Veronica,” Logan swallows,  mumbling and stumbling over the syllables of V’s name.  

The boy is drunk.  He’s having a hard time standing up straight drunk.    Hell, he’s probably currently blacked out and won’t even remember this tomorrow drunk.  He stops there in his train of thought, cutting off the realization of just when the last time he saw Logan Echolls this drunk was.

“It’s four o’ clock in the afternoon,” Veronica says, scandalized, as if this is the first time she’s seen Logan day drinking.  “So much for showing me I’m wrong about you.”

“Pot. Kettle, Veronica.  So much for this isn’t about anyone else, we just want different things, you just can’t trust me.”

So much for you are so sure it wouldn’t ever be me a small part of Weevil smirks inside, though honestly seeing Logan acting this pathetic isn’t even enjoyable right now, not with the kind of day it has been, not with how much it is clearly upsetting V.

“Clearly I can’t.  What the hell is wrong with you?”

She’s obviously pissed, but also clearly just as worried. She may have broken up with Logan Echolls, but the girl still cares about him.  Weevil swallows and considers how he should play this, what’s actually going to look him him having her back to V (which he always fucking does but half the time it doesn’t seem to register to her).  

“And here I thought you were the expert on that.  Why don’t you go ahead and remunerate every single one of my flaws? You could do it categorically, alphabetically, chronologically…”

“I’d tell Dick to drive you home to sleep it off, but he’s obviously just as trashed as you are,” V ignores Logan’s attempt to get her to talk more about the reasons for their breakup.  

“I’ll have you know I’m more fucked up than he is,” Dick insists, like it is a point of pride. 

And here’s Weevil’s chance to be chivalrous, even if it means chauffeuring these drunk assholes and having to spend more time breathing the same air with them.

“I’ll take these clowns back to their circus tent, V,” he offers with a sigh.

[walker-extended-universe]

AITA for telling my friend that my sister’s relationship is just a fling?

For context, we’re all in high school.

Key:

My friend= C

My sister = S

Her boyfriend = T

So C has a crush on S. I’m not sure when it started but I’ve noticed him looking uncomfortable whenever S and T are being lovey-dovey on each other and he’s been declining invitations whenever T is in the group. I’ve tried to keep him involved anyway because I consider him a good friend and I don’t want to lose ANOTHER friend to my sister’s love life (story for another time) but I’m worried he’ll slip away anyways.

The other day, T said he could get us tickets for a big concert happening where we live. We were all excited, even C, but while we were waiting for T to bring the tickets, C started to get uncomfortable and said he might leave anyway. I pulled him away from the group and asked him to stick around for the concert at least (we’re both big music people). He said he just wasn’t sure he could handle watching them anymore. Afraid of losing him, I told him that T and my sister are just a fling, a rebound from S’s ex, and that they’d probably be over in a week.

That calmed C down and he stuck around for the concert, but both S and T missed it anyway.

I didn’t think anything of it after that but apparently this morning S found out about it. I think she’d tried to talk to C about some issues we were having at home and he got mad at her for bringing the conversation to him instead of T. He said that if T was just a fling that she couldn’t have real conversations with, then she shouldn’t be with him.

Now S is mad at me for speaking on her relationship with someone else. Apparently, she and T are more serious than I thought.

I can understand that she’s upset but I’m not sure I really did anything wrong. I know T and he’s not a serious guy so I never figured their relationship was that deep. I also didn’t think it would cause any problems; I just didn’t want to lose a friend.

But what do I know, I’m just a dumb teenager. AITA?

[solianapaeris]

A guy I’ve been in communication for a while now and seeing has had a girlfriend this whole time I had no idea about. He doesn’t post her, she doesn’t post him, it says he’s single on Facebook but on her Facebook profile says she’s in a relationship...she reached out to me about it and wanting to know so I told her everything and sent the proof. She still stays...and she was almost defending him on the phone saying “he’s just immature” when I on the other hand was very upset and called him toxic. She said it’s happened other times and she didn’t seem to be upset at all to me. He, since then he’s been engaging with me a lot...he’s been calling me consistently even though he says he has a girl ask continually asks “what I what”. Don’t understand this when clearly it’s obvious of what I want. I have not talked very highly of the girl because she lied about her name to me, her story didn’t add up she said on the phone at first they were together a year then when I sent screenshots she goes “we’ve actually been together 3 years I just hate him at this point” ....like how’re you going to come to me as a women want to know it all so I tell you then you defend him and stay? I do not feel I owe her any more information especially being that he’s talking to me like I can’t feel bad for her when I already told her everything and She doesn’t do anything about it. When I talk about it and say it’s weird, doesn’t make sense, call the girl senseless, say I don’t view her highly he doesn’t say anything and doesn’t defend her...he just says “doesn’t have to make sense” and doesn’t ever defend her like I said...Anyway, I’m lost. I don’t get why he’s continually reaching out after ending it saying he can’t do anything of asking me what I want? That also, doesn’t make anything sense to me. Like if he’s ended it then why is he continually reaching out and putting it on me

Not sure how old you are, but the entire experience is messy. I can see how you think it’s confusing, but when another woman comes to you about another man, it’s simply time to cut things off [with him]. It seems like he lead you on with false pretenses and wasn’t honest about being in a relationship and had you on rotation with other women—including his “girlfriend”. He isn’t a good guy. I can agrée that is is immature, but you shouldn’t worry about why she still defends him. Some women will want a piece of a man just to say they have one, no matter how many times they embarrass or step out on them. They’re of the mind if “as long as he comes home to me.” And that isn’t your issue—that’s hers to work out on why she chooses to stay in a lifeless, loveless and disrespectful relationship. Him talking to you doesn’t make you better, or more desirable than her, either. Men with that certain pathology just like an ego boost. It may seem a bit harsh but he may just be using you for an ego boost or a rebound to make the girl jealous. Any man that lies like that isn’t for you or in your best interest. It’s easy for men like him to make you think you’re the better option, when he’s playing both sides and being divisive. He’s views you both the same—easily influenced and manipulated, and easy to confuse. He just wants women to argue over him and give him attention, and that’s what you’re doing. Again, don’t know how old you are, but the minute she contacted you and you found out everything was a lie was the moment you should have cut all contact with him. He’s continuing to reach out because you’re letting him. You’re allowing him to be disrespectful and still have access to you after he blatantly lied and lead you on. After his girlfriend contacted you. After he showed you who he really was. There’s nothing to really consider or be confused about. His character is loud, disrespectful, and clear. You shouldn’t want anything from him. Block, ignore, delete. He’s literally wasting your time and youth. There are other men who won’t callously play with your time and actually take you seriously. Don’t think of him as a catch, because he’s trash if I’m being honest. I hope you exit immediately and block both of them and move on. No one needs the extra drama in their life.

[enneamage]

so about all the recent nikifold/eleanor neale drama:

eleanor posted this tiktok where she says she’s talking to the guy she told her ex not to worry about. when factoring that in, combined with the sort of suspicous timing of the end of nikifold and the start of jack and eleanor, could it be that the weird tension between nikifold was caused by jack pursuing eleanor when he told niki not to worry about her? would jack be the type of person to break up with someone to date someone else or to rebound with the person they said not to worry about?

Oooh, I’m out of my depth on this one, I don’t even know her type yet. The context of the tiktok is an audio “wondering what my ex is up to” so she’s responding to the idea that her ex is talking with someone that he told her to not worry about, and she says she’s doing the same; it alludes to having been talking to Jack while she was dating someone else as well.

I think jack was receptive to feeling wanted after Niki, so someone who went after him with enthusiasm may have felt like a very welcome change of pace. Looks like she had a fondness for him for a while. I can’t guarantee anything but if I ever get a sense of her type I can give a bit better of a picture. It lends a bit more weight to nikifold having been a fuzzy situationship where Jack was devoted but insecure.

Niki is actively pushing against her need to self-soothe through relationships because she wants to have better control over her borderline traits. Jack has a more type-driven impulse to merge with his partners, which he doesn’t seem to relate to as a problem.

Rebound is obviously a loaded term. It means you’re on the receiving end of a lot of energy that you weren’t involved in creating, and are potentially being used as a tool / a distraction from someone else’s heartbreak. It’s not considered a desirable thing even if you like the person because ‘being a rebound’ means you’re being overshadowed by the previous person / relationship and your individual connection with the other person may not stand up on its own. A lot of relationship dos and don’ts came from the trial and error of individual experiences and culture, but they’re not inherent moral wrongs, they’re just emotionally risky. As of now I have no sense how / why these two met and how they are, so I can’t say if they relate to each other exclusively in this way, but I’m compelled to give them the benefit of the doubt because of that.

It's hard to say where these two are going to go next, but It seems like she does not have the mcyt relationship-privacy streak, so we may wind up hearing about it.

[bigmandiego]

INTERVIEW 002 | THE AFTERMATH

also see [ diego’s first interview ] [ diego’s letter ]

Sitting outside of the interrogation room with his father next to him going over things he already knew. Keeping calm. Just answering the questions they asked. Let him answer if Diego didn't know what to say, or didn't want to say anything. Luis Fuentes put a hand on his son's back, pulling him close. "You're a good kid, Diego," he said, "you don't have anything to worry about, here."

"Mr. Fuentes, we're ready for you," one of the recognizable cops said. Leading the two men into the room and letting them sit at a long wooden table. Diego had to find himself thankful these were not New York Detectives, many of which already had run ins with his father, and thoughts of how crooked the man may or may not actually be. He tried to stress to his dad he wanted to keep this all ... above board. The man had given him a grin and a, "don’t worry, papi. I'll be on my best behavior."

Well, so far so good...

"Good evening Mr. Fuentes," a detective that had not been there the last time said. Trying to look friendly, though Diego knew enough to not buy it, but he still gave a wan smile settling in at the table. "We just have a few things we need to follow up on with you on your letter, so we can try to find out where Miss Morrison is, as quickly and safely as possible."

"Of course," Diego said, nodding his head.

We need you to be very clear about what you remember when your letter was delivered. Anything you can remember that you may have missed. Envelopes, anybody you might have seen that seemed out of place, or anything.

"There were no extra envelopes, or anything like that," Diego stated. "I didn't think to look out in the hall for anyone else out there. I was a little shocked to see what looked like Greer's handwriting so I didn't look around for who might have delivered them, I'm afraid. I was pretty shocked."

Then what?

"Well, I read the letter," Diego said slowly. "Then me and Kit talked about what we should do with them, and decided to turn them in. I called my dad and... here we are now."

We greatly appreciate your cooperation in all of this. We're all here to find Greer. Do you think the contents of your letter may hold some clues as to where she could be? This other person mentioned in the letter that Greer said you were with. Would that be Oliver Inoue?

Diego felt his stomach drop a little bit, glancing towards his dad. It wasn't that he was... in the closet, he had considered himself to be Out for a couple years now. It was more like he'd never shown interest in other guys in front of his parents, but if his dad was surprised or put off he made no sign of it. "Yeah, that's him."

Did Greer have any problems with you seeing him, or other people after you'd broken up? Or... While you were together.

Diego cringed so deeply  he felt it in his soul. His dad was a great lawyer, he hadn’t even questioned going to him when all of this went down. But damn, having to talk about his shitty relationship in front of his dad who had been under the impression it had been a perfect relationship was rough. He shook his head. "No, not really. She was never really the jealous sort, that I could tell," that had been more his thing. "And her and Ollie are friends, even after we'd... been seeing each other." He held back any unnecessary details. That the relationship hadn't been that serious (a lie), that it had been a rebound thing (had it just been that?) — the less attention put on Ollie the better.

It sounds like your relationship with Greer was not as smooth sailing as everyone seems to have been saying.

"We broke up for a reason," Diego said, with a note of finality in his voice.  

And your probation —

"Hang on," Diego's dad spoke up, "before you continue is this going to be relevant to finding Greer, or are you attempting to dig for dirt? Because I would hate to have a reason to not be as cooperative as we have been."

— What do you think Greer meant about helping you with your probation.

Diego shrugged his shoulders, "I know as much as you do. You read the letter," he pointed out, glancing over at his dad, who gave a small nod.

When you last spoke to Greer over the summer, did it sound like she had been planning on leaving, or taking an extended vacation for any reason? I'm sure you have picked up that it sounds like this was all premeditated. Any information you have not given yet would be helpful in our investigation, Mr. Fuentes.

"I'm sorry," Diego said, with a frown, "I wish Greer was here as much as anybody else does." Perhaps more, because he wasn't sure there were a ton of people who actually did want her around. "Everything I've said before is all the information I have. Even with the letter. It's more confusing than anything else. But if she somehow gets in contact with me again, obviously it's something I will let you know about." He pointed out. Stressing that he'd been as up front, and honest as he could possibly be. Greer coming back would be a good thing for him, her going missing... was a very bad thing for all the plans he'd wanted for his future.

The detective nodded his head, and stood up at the table, Diego's father, and then Diego doing the same thing. "Please keep in touch with us if you hear absolutely anything, Mr. Fuentes. Again, we appreciate the cooperation."

[smileygoth]

24. Blood-Stained Love (WODtober 2023)

Part 24 of my WODtober story. Taking the daily prompts and trying to weave a vampire story from them! In this chapter, Imogen has some unwelcome visitors bearing bad news.

Word Count: 1496 words.

CW:  Blood, torture, violence, mutilation.

Image found on Google.

Find the previous chapters here!

The knock at the door was repeated, only this time it was more of a crash. Imogen came out of the bedroom in time to see the door fly open, rebound off the wall and hang crooked on its hinges. In the doorway stood two men. One she recognised immediately - the Prince’s Sheriff. The man beside him - a large, glowering man wearing a t shirt that barely contained his muscular torso - she didn’t recognise, but she could guess who he was.

‘Imogen Maddock’, the Sheriff said, striding into the apartment. ‘Fancy seeing you here.’

‘I live here,’ Imogen said blankly.

‘Precisely,’ the Sheriff replied. ‘Considering your wanted status, this is the last place you should be.’

Imogen shrugged moving behind the sofa as if it would shield her from him somehow. ‘It’s been a weird week,’ she replied. ‘I wish I could say it’s good to see you, Rogan, but…’ She shrugged. ‘Who’s your friend?’

‘James here?’ Rogan waved a hand dismissively. ‘No one you need to worry about. Unless I have to worry about you. Sorry about the door, by the way. Didn’t realise it wasn’t latched when I kicked it in.’

Imogen watched him as he strolled around the room, surveying it. He was dressed in black combats and a black tactical jacket. The pockets of the jacket bulged strangely, and Imogen felt quite sure that there were weapons in them. Though it was raining outside, he was hardly wet at all, so he must have a car close by outside. His long black hair was tied at the nape of his neck - ready for action. His dark eyes glittered as they scanned the room. His movements were casual, but she could see the energy in them. He wasn’t here for a chat; he was ready for action. 

His eyes fell on the packages neatly lined up by the door. ‘Going out of town?’ he asked.

Imogen shrugged again. ‘Having a clear out,’ she replied, and he nodded as if it didn’t matter. ‘What can I do for you tonight, Sheriff?’

‘Down to business, eh? Fair enough.’ Rogan stopped pacing and stood facing her. ‘I’m here to take you in, Imogen. The Prince doesn’t like it when his prisoners escape. He especially doesn’t like it when they trash the jail on their way out.’

Imogen frowned, confused. That was me, Eliza whispered, and she nodded. To Rogan she said ‘Sorry about that.’

‘I’m not the one you need to apologise to,’ Rogan replied. ‘And for your sake, I hope you do a better job of it than that.’ He smirked. ‘If that were all he was mad at you about, it might even save you.’

Rolling her eyes, Imogen took the bait. ‘What else is he mad at me for?’

‘I’m so glad you asked.’ Rogan stepped forward, leaning over the back of the armchair. ‘There’s also the guards you killed on the way out, the massacre in Harrogate’s building, and the destruction of Harrogate’s development at Shorne. You might remember that Harrogate and the Prince are quite close, so … well, basically, you’re screwed, love.’

‘Do you have any evidence that either of the attacks on Harrogate were me?’ Imogen asked.

Rogan snorted. ‘Please. You mean other than the CCTV from the building showing you tearing up Harrogate’s security team? I have to say, I am curious to know why you took your box from the catacombs with you.’

I wanted it to look like someone stole you from the crypt, Eliza said. To keep Harrogate off my scent for as long as possible.

Imogen didn’t bother to share this with Rogan. ‘And the construction site?’ she asked.

‘That one we don’t have evidence of,’ Rogan admitted. ‘However, we do have some pretty damning testimony from a friend of yours. I’m surprised you haven’t been wondering where he is, to be honest. I guess your little Nosferatu pet isn’t that important to you after all?’

‘Miro?’ Imogen felt a twist of guilt in her gut. ‘Where is he?’

Rogan smirked and pulled something out of one of his pockets, tossing it across the room at her. Three Polaroid photographs fluttered to the floor between them. Slowly, Imogen walked around the sofa to retrieve them. They were all of Miro. One showed his head and shoulders. He was taped to a chair. Blood dripped out of his mouth and stained the front of his shirt. Where his eyes had been were now empty, charred holes.

‘It took quite a while to get him to talk,’ Rogan commented as she stared at the photo in shock. ‘He was reluctant to implicate you. Tried to talk his way around it. But eventually he admitted it was you he was spying for. Said someone stole you out of the catacombs and he was trying to find out who. Thing is, we know that’s not what happened. Couldn’t get him to change his story on that one, though. Poor little puppy was trying so hard to be loyal to you.’

Imogen gritted her teeth as she looked at the second photo. This one showed Miro’s head from the side. His ear had been torn away and the ear hole was gaping and charred. The third photo was of his open mouth, and the ripped and bloodied root where his tongue had been torn out.

She looked up at Rogan, grief and anger searing her insides. ‘Why?’ she managed to choke out.

‘He’d been poking his nose where it didn’t belong,’ Rogan replied. ‘Frankly he’s lucky they didn’t take that too. The hot poker was the Prince’s idea - he’s old school - but Harrogate was the one who came up with taking out his eyes, ears and tongue. What good is a Nosferatu if he can’t see, hear or speak?’ He chuckled. ‘No more snooping for him.’ 

‘Where is he?’

‘He’s still enjoying the Prince’s hospitality at the moment,’ Rogan replied. ‘Harrogate wanted to release him like that and let him struggle to survive, but the Prince is concerned he’ll cause a Masquerade breach. So for now he’s staying where he is.’ He smiled sweetly. ‘You can see him if you like. You’re going to the same place.’

Imogen tensed, ready to run. Eliza spoke up in her mind. No. you won’t get away. Go with him peacefully. When we get there, let me handle things. And don’t let them know I’m here.

Reluctantly, Imogen forced herself to relax. ‘I’ll get my coat,’ she said.

Rogan looked surprised. ‘What? No begging? No pleading? No fight or flight?’

‘Would it do me any good?’ Imogen asked him.

He pouted. ‘No,’ he replied, ‘But it’d at least be more fun. Oh, very well, come along then.’ He gestured to James, who was still standing motionless in the doorway. ‘But James here will take your arm on the way to the car. You understand why.’

Grabbing her coat from where it lay on the back of the sofa, Imogen regarded James carefully. He looked back at her vacantly, not a hint of emotion crossing his face. She walked up to him and offered her arm. ‘Lead the way, James,’ she said sourly.

His strong fingers closed around her bicep. It was like being grabbed by a mountain. As he pulled her into the corridor, she turned her head back to address Rogan, who was following with a satisfied smile. ‘Close the door after you, if you don’t mind,’ she said. ‘I have couriers coming tomorrow.’

Rogan’s smile faded and he shot her a dirty glance. He pulled the door closed behind him.

The Prince had a large mock-Tudor mansion on the outskirts of town, a sprawling mess of a building that had had so many additions that some people jokingly referred to it as ‘Rose Red’. No one knew for sure if he used it as his haven, but even if a would-be assassin could confirm that he did, it would take them all night just to find the right room. The enormous ballroom was used for the quarterly Courts where all the Kindred of the city would gather to exchange pleasantries, scheme and listen to His Highness’s addresses. Often these addresses involved the punishment of someone for their crimes, real or fabricated (or according to some rumours, imagined by a mentally unstable Prince). Imogen remembered the ballroom from her several visits there, including the last one which had ended with her public staking. 

As the Sheriff’s car pulled up in the mansion’s wide gravel driveway, she repressed a shudder at the sight of its gothic spiked towers and huge, eyelike windows. Rogan’s lackey pulled her out of the car after him, his steely grip on her arm insistent but not rough. She didn’t resist. 

Eliza, she thought, trying not to think of the ballroom where the Prince had forced a stake through her heart, I hope you know what we’re doing.

But it was not the ballroom that she was taken to. 

[welcometomy20s]

February 10, 2023

Coming from the relative future, although I had this idea before, I was watching the latest edition of Oozora Police, a mid-level concept improv piece where Subaru asks a bunch of Hololive talents regarding their mischief and ‘judge’ their guilt or not. Of course, I could nudge the fact that police are doing what is supposed to be done by a trial, but I will not inject my views of the faultiness of the Japanese and American criminal justice system in this review here.

But instead I will laud at the inclusion of foreign members, and how they worked so well. Gura was on fire in her defense, as well as Ina, and Kobo stole the spotlight as she does every time. One thing that I will note about Kobo is how obstinate her fandom is compared to Kobo. While I worried that Kobo would not do well in collabs, Kobo’s strength actually really shows up in collabs, the way she slyly references or recreates humorous moments and controlling her pace and style with the fellow collaborators is somehow underrated.

But this is also part due to the hard work of everyone at Hololive and Cover as a whole. I don’t throw around the term hastily, considering my tortured relationship with the word, but Nijisanji has been categorically lazy with their international outreach. The different branches, still(!), feel very distant from each other, but Hololive it feels like a seamless transition.

Sure, the vibes of HoloEN, HoloID, and HoloJP are different, but I think the vibes transition nicely, and the only real reason that is the case must be just practice. Hololive has spent two years hacking at that international barrier with great results, but every time Nijisanji is given an opportunity there is just no appetite, not from corporate or from the audience.

I will write to the end of the earth about the missed opportunities, the way they sheepishly reverted NijiIN and right after opening auditions, sealing their doom. Why not keep them as a Gen 0 of NijiEN and ease the new NijiEN members? The way they pulled out of NijiID when they could possibly rebounded with the reopening of conventions, precisely the gateway for the sheer rise of Kobo. And the unfortunate firing of Yugo Asuma, whose connections were almost instrumental. Furen had a totsu for her anniversary and one of her guests was Seraph, and they were talking about how they got together until they got silent, because it was Yugo’s English telephone game. While Kotoka is holding the baton, even implied in the lore, Kotoka does not have the ounce of organizational skills that Yugo had.

And in the face of Zaion’s suspension, I can’t possibly fathom the reason Yugo was shown the door instead of something similar was anything worse than the fact that Yugo got in trouble first and the company foolishly had no way of dealing with this. Without Yugo, the bridge from JP to EN will forever be broken unless Meloco and Kotoka steps up or someone in the future gen steps up. (Actually, I’m going to add Alban into the possible candidates here)

The way of being lucky is to take from the good experiences and the remedy from the bad, and Hololive’s story is largely about being lucky in that exact way, while Nijisanji has been more or less the standard or perhaps slightly worse. I don’t know what the future holds, it’s not in my reach even remotely. One can only hope. Hololive seems to be going to greater heights.

[chaotic-major]

MPAU Part 1

For @min-play I hope you like it! This will be following Min-Play’s Movie Possession AU. Enjoy part 1!

Lloyd liked to consider himself a fairly normal person. Sure, his dad whom he’s never actually met in person attacks the city every other day but besides that, everything in his life is normal. The bullies can be a bit much, considering it's basically the entire population of the city, but his mom doesn't need to worry about anything more than her job. Lloyd can handle it, he’s fifteen. 

He fixes his hood as he walks down the street, avoiding eye contact with anyone but the ground. He’s memorized the route home by now. As the city falls into dusk, Lloyd takes a moment to gaze at a fountain in a small plaza. He doesn’t dare enter of course, but it’s nice to take in the beauty of the city once and awhile, especially if it doesn’t always last too long. 

The clouds overhead rumble as a light rain starts to fall. Lloyd sighs and watches all the people gather their things and head into their homes or find buildings to seek shelter from the rain in. He starts to continue his walk back when a dark vortex opens in the sky. Lloyd stares at it, puzzled. Is his dad somehow orchastairing this? He wouldn’t put it past him, honestly. But as soon as it opened, it closed and the rain abruptly stopped. As confused as Lloyd was, he had no energy to question it at this point. He sighed before turning on his heel and going home.

Morro realized he wasn’t entirely in the right. Holding the realm crystal in one hand and his sensei’s in the other, Morro realized it was up to him. Save himself, or save the ninja. When he looked behind master Wu to see the ninja’s scared and angry faces, he knew what choice he had to make. Putting the realm crystal in Wu’s hand and ignoring his pleas to save himself Morro looked at his sensei and let go, a sad smile on his face.

“You can’t save someone who doesn’t want to be saved.” He says as the Preeminent grasps onto him and pulls him down, closer and closer to his watery doom. Lloyd lunges forward suddenly and smacks the realm crystal, opening a portal below Morro. The Preeminent lets go and Morro is pulled down into the portal, Lloyd’s last words to him ringing in his ears.

“I forgive you, and I’m sorry.”

Morro fell through the void as if he had any weight, a force of gravity pulling him down through the opening on the other side. When Morro opened his eyes, he was floating in front of a large city, with buildings that seemed to touch the sky and with lights that glowed brighter than most others he’d seen in the past few weeks. He floated through the streets, glaring at every person who walked through him and paid him no mind regardless. 

“Hello!?” He shouted, flying above the crowd. “Can any of you fools hear me?” No one gave any response. He looked around, almost frantically, wanting to be heard.

“H-holy shit. You’re a gh-ghost.” A meek voice said from below him. Morro turned and flew down, inspecting the person who spoke. He seemed to be a young teen in a green hoodie, the hood up and covering his hair. It was blond and strands were falling over his face. His eyes were an emerald green, a colour he’d seen in someone else before…

The realization struck Morro in an instant. This was… Lloyd? He seemed nothing like the green ninja Morro had grown familiar with. This one seemed shy and scared, so much so he didn’t ever seem to take off his hood. The Lloyd Morro possessed was confident and strong, the green ninja. This Lloyd didn’t look like he could hurt a fly.

“I am. So who are you?” Morro asked, not wanting to look like a fool if he was wrong.

The boy shifted on his feet. “I’m Lloyd. What’s your name?” 

Huh. This kid really knew nothing. “I’m Morro. Master of Wind.” He looked Lloyd in the eye. “And you’re the green ninja.” That made Lloyd drop his expression of fear and trade it for confusion.

“The green ninja? What’s that?” Lloyd inquired. Morro looked like he was about to tear his hair out. What god forsaken universe did Lloyd send him to?! Death a second time would’ve been better than this! Morro groaned. 

“It doesn’t matter.” Morro said before promptly possessing Lloyd. The teen screamed as a spectral projection of him was produced, taking Morro’s spot. Morro glared at him until Lloyd realized he was basically fine. He stared at Morro, shock and confusion apparent on his face.

“Wh- what are you going to do? Now that you’ve possessed me?” Lloyd asks the specter in his body. Morro scoffed and walked away, knowing that Lloyd would be pulled after him if he got too far from the body. 

Morro walked through the streets, watching as people parted around him. He tried to ask for directions to the museum multiple times, all a fruitless effort as people either scoffed at him or threatened him away. Morro was more than agitated at this point. Everything was so bright and loud, so much space in the street and yet so little. The buildings were too tall and he felt much too small. Morro caught sight of an alley and ducked into it, breathing out a gentle sigh of relief as he escaped the loud and towering street. 

“What’s wrong with these people…” Morro mutters, walking farther into the alley. Lloyd’s small voice piped up from behind Morro.

“Um… H- hey, it’s getting pretty dark… I really shouldn’t be down here this late. We should go back.” Lloyd suggests. Morro lets out a laugh that chills Lloyd to the core.

“Wow. That’s adorable.” Morro says in a mocking tone. An apparition of himself appears before Lloyd.

“In case you haven’t noticed, you’re not in control here. So shut up and stay put.” Morro demands. Lloyd looks down before looking back to Morro.

“C- can I at least call my mom? She’ll be worried.” Morro raises a finger and opens his mouth to reply before he was thrown from the mindscape and back into Lloyd’s body. Suddenly, Morro was up against the wall, a knife to his neck.

“Make a sound and I’ll slit your throat,” The man said in a low tone. “Garmadon.” Morro grew more emranged, if that were possible. He blasted the man off of himself, kicked his legs out and pulled the man to the ground, hand in his hoodie, holding him to the ground.

“Let’s make this crystal clear.” Morro said, holding the knife to the man’s throat, hair now a jet black in contrast to the sunny blond it had been seconds ago. “ I am not Lloyd Garmadon.” He announced. “I and Morro. Master of Wind. And I will be the Green nin--” Morro was cut off as Lloyd managed to grasp hold of control.

“STOP!” Lloyd shouted. He glanced at the knife in his hands before screeching and dropping the knife before dashing out of the alley. Lloyd broke into a sprint, managing to make it three and a half blocks before breaking down. Morro let himself into spirit form, rebounding Lloyd against a wall. 

“What was THAT?” Morro shouted at the teen. “I had that! Why did you get in the way!?” Lloyd stood his ground.

“You- you were going to kill him!” Lloyd shouted back, scared and concerned. Morro digested Lloyd’s words a moment. 

“..No.” Morro said. “NO!” He exclaimed angrily. He pointed his finger at Lloyd’s throat. “HE was going to kill YOU.” Lloyd’s eyes widened. Morro was right, as much as he hated to admit it. Lloyd looked back from where he ran, stewing on Morro’s statement. He pulled his hood over his head, desperate to ignore what had just taken place. He felt his hands shake, ready to have a good cry.

“Can… can I please call my mom and let her know I’m ok?” Lloyd asked in a small voice. “Please? I’ll help you find the museum after.” Morro smacks his hands in his face and gives a long groan, letting his hands fall off his face, contemplating the suggestion. He sighs and nods silently, watching as Lloyd walks over to a “payphone”. He inserts a coin before pressing the numbers on the small pad in an order, obviously committed to muscle memory.

“Hey, mom.” Lloyd answers after a few seconds. Morro floats behind Lloyd, back turned to the boy. “Y- yeah I’m ok.” Lloyd says after a second or two of silence on Morro’s end. “I’m sorry.” He hears Lloyd apologize. Morro feels something bubble up in his chest, squeezing his nonexistent heart. He sighs and allows Lloyd to end the call and return home without stopping at the museum. 

It would’ve been closed at this hour anyways. Morro reasons with himself. As Lloyd settles into bed on the fateful Friday night, whether either of them liked it or not, they were stuck together, for better or worse. Morro looked out Lloyd’s window all night, watching the city slow down and speed up as the sun rose. Maybe… maybe he could still get what he wanted. He turned and looked at the blond, finally looking at peace for the first time Morro had seen. He turns back to the city. Just maybe.

[yourdeepestfathoms]

tooth and nail

ask and you shall receive ;) @denpine14 @strawberrygem21

in which the Dimitrescu daughters exhibit cat-like traits

---------

“Dear Mother Miranda,

The girls have grown well, though there are some complications. Bela seems to have some form of anxiety and very low self-esteem, Cassandra has anger issues, and Daniela, I believe, has some type of hyperactivity disorder. Despite all of this, I love all of them dearly.

However…more strangely…they have…feline-like habits. I expected the hissing and growling, but the other things… Well, I’m not too sure how this has happened, as they were born from insects, but they weirdly act like little kittens in the most absurd ways. These mannerisms include, but are not limited to…”

“…headbutting…”

“Oof--” Alcina blinked in surprise and looked down as Bela headbutted her leg. “Yes, my darling?”

Bela giggled and headbutted her again. Alcina rubbed her head, which triggered a strange sound to fill the air.

“…and purring…”

Purring. Her daughter seemed to be purring.

Alcina’s heart swelled with love. She couldn’t help the smile that came to her lips.

Later that day, Cassandra and Daniela did the headbutting thing, too, both of them bonking her in the legs while giggling adorably. When she scratched along their scalps, they purred, just like their big sister had.

--- --- ---

“…staring when they want something…”

“Yes?” Alcina asked, raising an eyebrow at the trio of girls staring at her. If it weren’t for their different hair colors, it would have been difficult to discern them from each other with their matching black gowns and hoods. She made the mental note to give something to them to help make them out better.

Her daughters continued to stare.

“Is everything alright?”

Still nothing.

“Darlings?”

Cassandra reached out, swatted at her dress, and then they all took off running in different directions, their sock-clad feet making them run in place for a few seconds before they gained traction and streaked away in blurs of black.

--- --- ---

“…and also staring at nothing at all, as though they are seeing ghosts…”

Alcina blinked. Her daughters were staring intently at the wall, their eyes wide and shiny, like they had just witnessed the secrets of the universe. She tried to see what they were looking at but could spot nothing at all.

“What in the…?”

--- --- ---

“…pushing random things off of surfaces for seemingly no reason other than the fact that they like to…”

A loud clatter echoed down the hallway, and Alcina was quick to hurry to the source of the noise: the parlor, where Daniela was perched on one of the tables inside, staring down at a fallen candelabra. Luckily, none of the wax sticks were lit, as they would have sent the red-and-gold carpet over the floor up in flames. Daniela looked up at her, her eyes awestruck and shiny.

“Did you knock that over?” Alcina asked.

Daniela stared back. Then, slowly, reached out her hand and swatted over a cup.

--- --- ---

“…causing utter destruction…”

“Hey! Hey! Hey!” Alcina snapped, shooing Cassandra away from the blinds. Her daughter leaped back, her claws ripping out of the fabric she had been sharpening her talons on. “No. Do not scratch things up, Cassandra.”

Cassandra inspected her claws. “Then what am I supposed to sharpen them on? Look at how blunt they are!” They showed them to Alcina.

They were sharp enough to gut a human in one swipe.

In amusement, Alcina said, “How about tree bark? It’s rough enough to hone them.”

Cassandra considered it, then nodded. “Alright!” She bounded away to go destroy one of the trees in the garden.

That same day, Alcina found Daniela chewing on a branch in her bedroom, creating a small pile of woodchips beneath her jaw. She seemed to be doing the same thing as her older sister: sharpening her natural weapons. Alcina left her be.

--- --- ---

“…sudden hyperactivity…”

The loud sound of footsteps suddenly burst throughout the hallways, rebounding like thunder. They would stop at random, then begin again, seemingly in a sporadic pattern. When Alcina finally stepped out of her bedroom to investigate, she barely caught a blur of black as one of her daughters, she couldn’t tell who, whizzed past her like lightning. She spun around, blinking.

“What--”

At the same moment, one of the others came from a different direction and skidded to a stop in front of her. She whirled to them and saw that it was Bela.

“What are you three doing?” Alcina asked.

“Playing,” Bela answered blithely. She stepped forward, headbutted Alcina lovingly, then zoomed off again, slipping on her socks as she went.

--- --- ---

“…getting startled at the most mundane things…”

The parlor had been peaceful at one moment; Alcina was drinking her tea, while Cassandra and Daniela played chess and Bela multitasked reading and watching the game. It was then that Bela’s thread bookmark fell out and she swiped at it to pick it up. However, when the string seemed to catch on her claws, she got frightened, leaping at least five feet up into the air. Seeing their older sister so unsettled, Cassandra and Daniela did the same, nearly jumping out of their skin and scattering the game of chess as they scampered away in terror. Alcina laughed loudly as her daughters huddled against her sides, shaking.

--- --- ---

“…bringing me dead animals as gifts…”

Alcina was cleaning up for bed when there was a knock that filled her bedroom. She walked to the door and opened it, only to see no one. When she turned around, she saw Daniela clinging to her window sill, a mass of fur caught between her teeth.

“Daniela!”

Alcina quickly opened the window, and Daniela hopped inside. She presented the thing in her mouth to her with great pride: a rat.

“For you, Mother.”

“Ah-- thank you, my dove.”

Daniela purred as her head was rubbed affectionately.

The next day, Cassandra padded up to her, her chest puffed in pride, a large snake pierced by her fangs.

“A gift, Mother.”

“Thank you, my sweet.”

And then, that evening, Bela came to her door with a bird in her mouth.

“Here, Mother.”

“Thank you, my darling.”

And then the bird jerked away when Bela set it down and flew off down the hall in terror. They both watched it go.

“It was too pretty to kill.”

Alcina chuckled. “I see.”

--- --- ---

“…laying on my things when I need them…”

Alcina stared tiredly at the stack of girls laying on the folded clothes on her bed. All that space on her giant mattress that was made specifically for her size and they chose that exact spot. On her clothes.

Well. They were much too cute to wake up.

--- --- ---

“…laying on me and keeping me from getting up…”

“Maiden,” Alcina whispered.

The maid passing by stopped and turned to her instantly.

“Get me a glass of blood. I can’t get up and I am thirsty.”

The maid eyed the form of her youngest daughter stretched out on her lap, asleep, and then nodded, whisking away.

She hadn’t moved for three hours.

--- --- ---

“…they have no concept of personal space…”

Alcina was awake that night, her girls piled on top of her to the point where they were practically smothering her, Daniela and Cassandra under arms and Bela on her chest. Every time she twitched, they would move closer, snuggling in deeper to her heat. She wouldn’t be sleeping very comfortably, but at least her daughters were warm.

--- --- ---

“…sitting in strange places…”

“Are you comfortable?” Alcina asked, laughing.

Bela looked up from where she was reading and wedged inside a basket that was meant for quilts. Despite her small, wiry frame, it technically wasn’t her size, but she managed to curl herself inside, piled by the blankets and indulging herself in a good book.

“Yes,” Bela said, smiling.

Alcina would also go on to find Cassandra napping haphazardly on the banister of the upper hallway balcony, which she picked her up from and placed her back into her bed in fear of her falling off, and Daniela hiding in one of the cupboards in the kitchen.

However, none of these things beat when she found all three of her daughters crammed in a box, murmuring and giggling to each other over something.

--- --- ---

“…did I mention the purring? Because the purring is absolutely endearing. I do believe it has healing properties…”

Alcina wasn’t quite sure what she had come down with that day, but she woke up feeling exhausted and achy all over. She didn’t even think to get up and alert her girls to her condition, choosing to rather wallow in her bed, so it wasn’t a surprise when her room was soon filled by three worried bug-spawn creatures.

“Mother?” Daniela’s small hands were set on her shoulders.

Alcina stirred.

“Mother?” That was Bela, now.

She rolled over and blinked tired eyes at the worried-looking faces of her daughters.

“Hello, my darlings,” she croaked.

“Mother,” Bela said again, her voice thick with concern. “Are you alright?”

“Yes, yes,” Alcina nodded, though her mind was wavering, shrouded in a heavy fog. “I am fine. Just a little unwell.”

“Can we help you?” Cassandra asked, her hands twitching.

“Don’t worry,” Alcina answered. “I’ll be fine.”

Her daughters exchanged looks. A moment later, they were climbing onto the bed, curling up around her.

“We’re helping,” Daniela said.

Alcina had no idea how cuddling was supposed to help her, but then she heard the soft churring that filled the air. The purring in itself did little to actually heal her sickness, but something about the soft sound and the presence of her precious daughters soothed her. Bela, with her head on her chest, filled her heart with a gentle rumbling. Daniela, curled up right next to her, chirred gingerly in her ear. Cassandra, stretched out over her stomach, resonated a soothing burr throughout her body.

She chuckled tiredly. “Thank you, my loves…”

--- --- ---

“…and, at least when they were newly reborn, absolutely hating when I go into a room without them…”

She was just taking a shower. That was all. And yet, she could hear her young, one-week-old daughters on the other side of the door, yowling and screaming and scratching their claws into the wood.

“I’m just bathing!” she snapped.

They wailed louder.

--- --- ---

“…to wrap the letter up, it is certainly a strange phenomenon to the experiment, but I am not complaining at all. They are much more entertaining and endearing this way. I wouldn’t have them any other way. I would like to thank you again, Mother Miranda, for letting me have such sweet daughters.

That will be all for now. I will follow up in another letter if anything new comes up.

-Alcina Dimitrescu”

[bruhstories]

You Truly are Beautiful when You Cry

Summary: Y/N leaves a party only to find Eren in front of her apartment. Shit happens. Pairing: Eren Jaeger x Fem!Reader, mentioned Eren x Mikasa (modern AU) Warnings: language, mentions of loss of virginity, unprotected sex, fingering, oral sex (male receiving), masochist!Reader, toxic and dominant Eren, sadist!Eren, face slapping, mentions of blood, mention of toxic relationships, dacryphillia — Eren’s nuts, just fiy Word Count: 2.5 k

A/N: I just wanna say, I have absolutely nothing against Mikasa, I like her a lot, but for the purpose of this fic, Y/N hates her. Also, shameless smut y’all. I feel like this needs a part two  — who knows, maybe one day.

You and Eren have been friends since childhood — not inseparable, like he was with Mikasa and Armin, but good friends nonetheless. It came as a shock to you when him and Mikasa started dating, almost feeling disgusted, considering they were practically siblings. You tried your best to be supportive of their relationship, but Eren knew you too well for your own good, and sometimes you had to swallow down the vomit when you saw them together. It was even more shocking when you left Connie's party and found Eren on the stairs leading up to your apartment. He had a blank stare, not a single hint of emotion behind his emerald eyes, his lips pursed and waiting for you. You almost didn't recognise him in the dim light, his bun dishevelled, locks of hair covering his face.

"Jaeger? Is that you?" You asked, keys between your fingers, ready to hit.

"In the flesh, Y/L/N." He replied, his voice empty. You two had a habit of calling each other by your last names ever since you met in kindergarten. You lowered your hand and rushed to him, wondering if something happened tonight.

"Are you okay? You disappeared from the party all of a sudden. Armin was worried sick-"

"We broke up." The words caught you off guard, but in a sick twist of events, you were happy to hear that. In a way, you knew their relationship was doomed from the very beginning, surprised that it even lasted three full years.

"Shit." You chewed your lip in the darkness of the hallway. "Come on, let's go inside, you can tell me everything."

Eren looked at the hand you extended and gripped it tightly, helping himself up. The two of you had an odd friendship, to say the least. Before Mikasa, Eren would tease you, sexual innuendos all over the place, he'd seen you naked countless times, you caught him jacking off once. You both lost your virginities to one another, no strings attached. But you did get attached. You got so attached when him and Mikasa started dating and the rotten feeling ate you from the inside out.

You flipped the switch inside your flat and threw your backpack on a chair, along with your jacket. Eren kicked his boots off and threw himself on the couch with a growl while you pulled out a bottle of vodka from the fridge. He always acted like your apartment was his.

"Food?"

"No."

"Alright. Now tell me, what happened?" You asked, seating beside him and passing him the alcoholic beverage. He took a sip to wet his dry throat and threw his head back.

"We went in a room at Connie's. I wanted to tie her up with that stupid scarf she keeps wearing — my scarf — and she kept saying no." Eren explained before taking a few more sips. You nodded, eager to hear the rest of the story and trying your best to contain your giddiness. "I didn't force her or anything. She started spewing shit about how I changed, how I'm always angry and aggressive, how we don’t make love anymore. How I'm not the pure, innocent boy she fell in love with." He practically mocked the sentence. "And then that was it. Said we aren't compatible anymore and that she wants out of this 'toxic' relationship." Eren gestured quotation marks in the air while you took the bottle and downed some vodka yourself.

"Man, I'm really sorry to hear this." You lied. The sound of his dark laughter sent shivers down your spine, the little hair on your arms and the back of your neck standing up. "Something funny, Jaeger?"

"You're such a terrible liar, Y/N." Eren slightly turned his head to look you in the eye. Your own name rolling down his tongue sounded so natural, so perfect. You tried to speak, but the words stopped in your throat when he moved closer, his figure hovering above your petite frame. "What, you think I didn't know?"

"K-know what?" You finally managed, a short-circuit in your brain.

"That you're so obviously in love with me." Eren flashed you a sneer.

"Am not—" slap

His palm met your cheek, hard enough to flush it crimson, but not hard enough to hurt. Mouth agape, you just couldn't respond. For three long years you waited for this man to come to his senses and realise how much you truly loved him, how much you devoted yourself to him, how much you support him. Not Mikasa, you.

"You don't have to hide anymore, Y/N." Eren kissed your forehead and you were putty in his hands. "I know you’ve loved me since we first fucked. I know how much you yearn for me to fuck you again."

"You're delusional!" You finally told him, despite how correct he was.

"Prove me wrong then. Go on, yell at me, shove me. Do it." But you couldn't do it, could you? Your luscious lips parted open, then they closed. "That's what I thought." He crushed his lips onto yours in a sloppy, wet kiss, your hands tangling in his messy hair, the bun long gone. Eren's calloused hands snaked around your waist and under your shirt and, in a moment of clarity, you stopped him.

"W-wait, you two just broke up! I don't want to be your rebound—"

"Who said anything about that?"

"Are you insane? You loved her!"

"Have I?"

The simple question made you realise that Mikasa bight have been right all along. That something was indeed wrong with Eren. The lack of empathy and emotion, the aggressive behaviour, the manipulation. Yet, it didn't bother you, because he came to you specifically. He could've hooked up with any other girl from the party, but he wanted you.

"Don't spoil the moment, Y/N. I might change my mind."

"No, please!" The words came out of your mouth without a warning, strengthening the fact that you were completely and hopelessly desperate.

"Perfect." Eren purred in your ear. That was all he needed to hear before his shirt was on the floor and his hands on your thighs. You tentatively pulled your skirt up, spreading your legs for him, just for him. "Good slut."

The degrading praise earned him a mewl from you, your hips thrusting into his touch, wanting more. Eren didn't waste any more time, and his fingers rubbed your wet folds through the fabric of your thongs. Your muscles instinctively flexed at the touch, your body burning with need and lust. His other hand trailed off to find your perfectly soft, round breasts. Your own hands roamed through his black hair, fingers tangling in the locks as you merely whispered 'more', unable to speak louder.

"Tell me, have you been whoring around these last years?" Eren demanded, fingers pushing your panties to the side. It slightly bothered you how much he talked during this, but, as always, Jaeger got what he wanted.

"N-no..." You told him, quiet as a mouse, but he wouldn't have any of that. Like a maniac, he ripped the lace lingerie off of you, scratching your thighs in the process. You could feel the burning sensation in the markings he left.

"I told you, Y/N, no fucking lies. I wanna know every single man who's touched you."

"W-why? Why does it m-matter?" You stuttered, your eyes searching his. Why did it matter, though? It wasn't like he cared about who you fucked. Unless... unless he did care. And his relationship with Mikasa was nothing but a mistake on his part.

"Because," Eren oh so slowly caressed your folds with his long fingers, "you're mine. Always have been, always will be." He easily slipped his index finger inside of you. "And I won't fuck you unless you tell me who else you slept with."

"Ah– w-with Jean!"

"And?"

"And R-Reiner!" You whimpered, frantically fucking yourself with his hand. You were a sight for sore eyes, sprawled on the couch and longing for his touch.

"And?" The word accentuated so hard that you thought he was about to kill you on the spot.

"Fuck– P-Porco and Ah-Annie! I swear, that's it!" You promised, your breath hitching, heartbeat raising.

"One more thing, Y/N. Did you think of me while you fucked them?"

"Yes! Always! P-please, Eren, please fuck m-me! I'm begging you!"

The little plea seemed to satisfy Jaeger. Or so you thought, because he grabbed a fistful of your hair and dragged you all the way across the apartment to your bedroom, unbothered and unphased by you screaming how much it hurt. He threw you on the shaggy rug in your room, and as you scrambled to gain your composure, you heard Eren's belt hit the floor.

"You should be an expert in sucking cock by now. Prove me how much you want me." He commanded. His voice was low and dangerous, he didn't have to yell to make you scared shitless. Obediently and afraid, you crawled to the bed on all fours, removed your shirt and palmed his hot, hard member. It was already leaking precum, and so your tongue sensually licked the droplets, the saltiness mixed with the aftertaste of vodka in your mouth sending you in a frenzy. He scared you — no, he terrified you, but you couldn't deny you were enjoying this. Mikasa didn't like it rough? Fuck that, you would let Eren kill you if it pleased him. You swirled your tongue around the tip of his cock and worked your way down his shaft, guttural sounds coming from his throat. His hand found its way to your head, and he forcefully pushed it down, stuffing your mouth and throat with his (too) thick member. Tears from pleasure and pain pooled at your Y/E/C eyes and he held you there for a good ten seconds before releasing you.

"Did I make you cry?" Eren asked, his voice almost concerned.

"Mhm." You sobbed with a nod, and he once again grabbed you by the hair, pulled you up and bent you over the wooden bedframe. So much for concern.

"Good." Jaeger slapped your ass so hard you screeched and dug your fingernails in the wood. "Remember what I told you first time I saw you cry?" He asked before positioning himself at your entrance. You nodded — how could you forget? You were both 13 and you got a bad grade, crying your eyes out and thinking that was the end of the world. Normal people would have tried to comfort you and tell you to stop crying. But not Eren. He told you he's never seen anything more beautiful. That should've been a red flag. That should've been a sign to run. Instead, you kept crying as he told you he wanted to see more. A sadist from the very beginning, and you — nothing but a slave.

Eren's thrust woke you up from the distant memory and you arched your back in response. He stretched your walls and it felt like his cock was made for you.

"You don't happen to have any rope, do you?" He asked so nonchalantly.

"N-no-"

"'S alright, we'll just use my belt." Jaeger pulled out and a sense of emptiness filled you. He belonged inside of you — you knew that for a fact — he was meant to be with you. Eren cracked the belt and whipped it all over your exposed ass, your pain-filled scream bringing joy to his ears. You couldn’t see him, but you could feel his sadistic smile burning like the sun on your nape. Before you knew it, he had your wrists tied behind your back, the thin wooden frame pushing into your skin.

"Much better." He decided as he thrusted back inside. You whimpered, moaned, groaned, all sorts of sounds came out of you as his fingers dug into your flesh. As much as you wanted, you couldn't move, gravity pulling you down. You didn't know what hurt more: the bedframe sinking deeper into your abdomen, his deeper thrusts or the tight belt around your wrists. It was safe to say your knees were wobbly, and you could feel the climax getting closer. God, you were pathetic. He barely fucked you and yet you were done for.

"E-Eren! I'm c-coming!"

"I know." He told you absentmindedly, his hand moving from your hip in-between your thighs. "I want you to be good and cum, alright?"

"Yes! Oh, fuck!! Harder – faster!" You moaned as Eren rubbed your swollen clit. A wave of pleasure took over your entire body, your legs trembling as you came all over his cock. He didn't stop, despite you begging him you couldn't take it anymore, instead he kept fucking your numbing cunt, longing for release. It hurt like a bitch to feel his thrusts, and you really wanted him to pull out, but at the same time, you had to do it — for him.

"Whoever told you that you get to tell me when to stop?" Eren bent over and grabbed you by the neck, bringing you closer to him. The fingers around tour soft neck would definitely leave a mark next day. "I'm your god, Y/N!" He groaned in your ear with one final thrust. You both sighed as he pulled out, cum leaking from your folds. You were extremely thankful to be on the fucking pill. He untied your wrists and gathered his underwear and jeans from the floor.

When you noticed him getting dressed, anxiety seeped into your veins. Wasn't he going to stay over? At least for the night? Take a shower? Anything!

"You're leaving?" You asked him, surprising yourself with the condescending tone of your voice.

"Yes?" Eren retorted, baffled by the audacity of your question.

"B-but, where are you going??" Now you just sounded desperate. “We can stay in silenc—"

"To get back with Mikasa."

Your heart sank to your stomach. To do what? Mikasa? How could he do this to you? Shit, it would've been better if you were his rebound, but this? This hurt worse. Your entire body shivered, and not from your climax. You were trembling with anger, disappointment.

"N-no, you're not!" You ran to the front door, despite the pain in your abdomen caused by the wooden bedframe. "Eren, plase! She'll never love you like I do! Please don't go, I'm begging you!"

"Don't be pathetic, Y/N." He rolled his eyes. That stupid brain in your head made you fall down your knees in front of a fully dressed Eren, tears rolling down your cheeks and trying everything in your power to stall him from leaving. "You truly are beautiful when you cry." He pushed you with his leg and walked past you. You tried to grab his sleeve, his hand, anything, but it was too late.

When the door closed behind him, he didn't know what he'd created. There, on the floor, you swung your body back and forth, knees to your chin, makeup ruined, matted hair. Your fingernails clawed at the wood underneath you until the nail polish chipped and blood seeped at the tip of your fingers. Eren Jaeger broke you into a million pieces, he ripped your heart out of your chest and ate it. But it’s alright, you told yourself between indiscernible words. The only word that you could coherently say over and over again was revenge.