#It just wouldn't have been such a disaster or happened so fast.

[csilla-nocturne]

I love the artworks of Xie Lian still in his prince attire interacting with Hua Cheng. It makes me think of AUs where Xian Le had a much slower, softer fall, Xie Lian was never banished, and Hong-er still became Hua Cheng, Xie Lian's most devoted believer, and they meet and fall in love at some point.

[dreamescapeswriting]

BTS Reaction || Their S/O is Clumsy

⤜Copyright: © DreamEscapesWriting - April 2024

⤜MASTERLIST

SEOKJIN:

Jin had heard the smash before he saw it and walking into the kitchen he'd seen exactly what he had been expecting when he heard the smash followed by a scream.

"Not again," He chuckled a little.

"I know, I'm sorry." You mumbled as you carefully swept up the pieces of glass from the floor.

"You're just clumsy, maybe we should invest in plastic mugs," He teased but you pouted at him,

"I think I have a personal vendetta against mugs, all I seem to do is break them." You went to reach out and pick up a big piece but Jin stopped you, doing it himself so you wouldn't harm your hands.

"They can't see to catch a break around you." He winked but you sighed, leaning back against the cupboard and shaking your head,

"I'm cursed, it's the only explanation." 

"Or maybe it's just a conspiracy by the dishware industry to keep us buying more mugs." He tried to make light of it all knowing you were probably beating yourself up about it enough already.

  "Wouldn't surprise me at this point." You were staring down at the floor and Jin pouted moving closer to you, 

"Hey, accidents happen. It's all part of your quirky charm."

"Thanks for not making me feel like a complete klutz." He smiles placing a gentle kiss to the side of your temple 

"Of course not. Besides, it gives me an excuse to be your knight in shining armour, saving the day from rogue mugs."

YOONGI:

"I love this place," You whispered to Yoongi as you both walked around what was going to be your wedding venue. The two of you were trying to find the perfect place and this was it, it had stunning architecture and fit with your theme.

"We should have our first dance in here," You gasped out to Yoongi, swinging your arms around not noticing the vase right next to you until you saw what was about to happen.

"Oh shit," You whimpered out, Yoongi sprung into action, reaching out and catching it before it fell to the floor.

"Got it," He whispered, carefully putting it back into place before anyone could notice what had happened.

"Are you secretly spiderman?" You giggled at him, noticing how fast he'd been to catch it,

"No, I just have a fiancee who likes to dance with inanimate objects. Are you trying to start a pottery disaster?" He teased you lightly, wrapping an arm around your shoulder and pulling you away from anything else you could knock over. 

"I swear, it's like I have a magnet for clumsiness." You laughed, your body heating up as you realised you were pretty clumsy.

"Well, lucky for you, I'm here to save the day." You nudged him softly and he smirked at you,

"Hey! Just doing my duty, protecting the world from your accidental chaos." You roll your eyes at him and kiss his cheek softly. 

"Thanks for always having my back." You whispered in his ear as he blushed deeply. 

"For you? Always."

HOSEOK:

"Do you want some help bringing in the final box?" Hoseok asked as he watched you proudly walk in the direction of your car,

"I'm fine, just make sure you lock it once I'm back." You smiled happily, the two of you were moving into your first place together and so far everything had been going well, a little too well.

"Whoa! Yn!" Hoseok cried out as he rushed over to you, the car boot was starting to shut on its own,

"Damn, that would have hurt."

"You think?" He laughed dryly, looking at the car and pouting. The thing was practically falling apart but you insisted on keeping it anyway.

"You need to get rid of this thing, it's almost as accident-prone as you are." He teased, shutting the boot and making sure the thing was locked, not that anyone would steal it.

"The car is my first ever car, I deserve to keep it until it dies."

"Or it kills you," He pouted, you knew he was just looking out for you but the car meant everything to you, it was the first thing you'd ever bought.

"It won't kill me, I'm just a klutz like you said," You grinned at him and he nodded, kissing your cheek.

"Let's go and unpack." He smiled, he knew he'd be able to convince you one day to get rid of the death trap.

NAMJOON:

"Mother fucker!" You cried out dropping the paper you were holding and clutching your finger to your chest.

"What's wrong?! What happened?!" Namjoon called out as he raced into the room, you winced a little and put your finger into your mouth. 

"Just a silly paper cut. I swear, I'm like a walking disaster today." You mumbled, pulling your finger out of your mouth as Namjoon knelt down beside you on the floor.

"A paper cut, huh? You're lucky it's not a full-blown catastrophe. Let's see." You extend your hand slowly and bite your lip.

"It stings a bit." You whispered as he took your hand carefully in his and began to examine it, exaggerating the seriousness of it all.

"Ah, the dreaded paper cut. A foe worthy of any warrior." You rolled your eyes playfully at him and bit your lip,

"Yeah, yeah. I should've known better than to mess with that piece of paper." You grinned making Namjoon chuckle at you,

"Well, you know what they say, 'Handle paper with care, or face the wrath of its tiny, sharp edges.'"

"You're ridiculous." You laughed out and he smirked at you, happy he could make you smile over it. He gently lifted your finger to his lips and kissed it softly.

"There, all better. Consider yourself rescued from the evil paper."

"Thanks, my hero! My hero!" You yelled dramatically as he wrapped his arms around you tightly.

"Anytime, clumsy cutie. Let's try to avoid any more battles with office supplies, alright?" You nodded, kissing him softly.

JIMIN:

Today was a beautiful day, you and Jimin were on a hike up some big mountain and it was lovely, the sun was just warm enough for you not to pick up too much of a sweat and the views were beautiful, 

"Gonna get a photo," You whispered, reaching into your bag as you walked which was a bad idea for someone as accidental as you. Before you knew it, your foot caught behind your ankle and you could feel yourself falling unable to stop,

"Whoa, watch your step there!" Jimin chuckled, catching you and bringing you into his chest, your heart thumped,

"T-Thanks, that would have been a disaster," You mumbled, your whole body burning in embarrassment

"Seems like you're having a bit of a clumsy day, huh?" He chuckled and you rolled your eyes,

"Story of my life, it seems. I swear, I have a magnet for tripping hazards."

"I'm here to be your personal balance assistant." He saluted you and you giggled a little.

"I guess I should add that to your list of boyfriend duties, huh?"

"Absolutely. Alongside 'snack provider' and 'backpack carrier'," He told you, taking your bag from your shoulder and giving you your phone so you could get some photos.

TAEHYUNG:

The door flew open as a very sweaty Taehyung came racing through the door to find you. You'd called him at work crying and begging for him to come home, not giving him any details and as soon as he saw you he knew why.

"Oh my goodness, what happened? Are you okay?" He panicked, sitting down beside you and looking down at your leg, about to run his hand over the very painful leg but you winched at him,

"I, uh, had a little accident...tripped over my own feet." You admittedly sheepishly, you'd been cleaning up around the house when you tripped, taking a tumble down a flight of stairs and now here you were.

"You tripped? Are you hurt anywhere else?" Concern dripped from his voice as he looked at you, you shook your head,

"No, just my leg. I'm sorry, I know how clumsy I am." The tears began to build inside of your eyes and Taehyung shook his head at you.

"Hey, accidents happen. Let's get you some help. Can you move?" He stood back up and you nodded at him, you'd managed to limp to the sofa where you were sitting. Carefully he helped you up,

"Let's get you to the hospital. We'll get this taken care of." Tears began to run down your cheeks as you realised you had taken him away from work for this.

"I'm sorry for ruining your day."

"Hey, you didn't ruin anything. You're more important than any plans. I just want to make sure you're okay." He promised you, kissing your cheek softly as you sniffled.

JUNGKOOK:

Jungkook was standing in the kitchen when he first sat the bruise on your thigh and his mouth almost fell open,

"Babe!? What happened?!" Concern laced his voice as he rushed to you and gently ran his thumb over your skin causing you to hiss out.

"I...I don't know, must have been the doorframe again," You mumbled looking down at his fingers, it was common for you to walk into everything, doors, tables, hell you even walked into the counter the other week.

"Does it hurt?" He pouted at you,

"A little," You whined as he gently touched the bruise.

"You're lucky I'm here to protect you from those menacing door frames. We should put some ice on it," He told you before making his way over to the freezer and hunting for an ice pack.

"My knight in shining armour." You giggled hugging him from behind.

"Let's try and be more careful in the future," He said as he took out the ice and smiled warmly at you. 

[eskymoos]

Keegan P Russ As a Romantic Partner

Headcannons by Eskimos

I.  A Methodical Maestro with a Playful Twist

It's been confirmed that his personality type is ISTP, which means that his brain is his strongest weapon. He is methodical and very tactful with his language and would always offer a hand to you. Feeling lost? He's always there with a good solution. Feeling sad? He's the guy to ask for advice.

Even if he lacks experience in some fields he's very quick to learn and perfect them so I suppose he'd also be a bit competitive. Keegan doesn't miss an opportunity to beat you to everything you like. All while playing dumb in order to cherish the amazement on your end.

***

''How'd you do that?! Wow!''

''Just luck, I guess,'' he'd say with an indifferent shrug while a childish grin creeps onto his face.

***

II. The Jester of your Heart

Keegan is very reserved but he's a skilled people reader. He would quickly get used to your moods and soon you wouldn't even have to tell him when you're feeling sad. He just steals a glimpse and he already knows what to do.

However, sometimes the cocky side of him comes out in the most inconvenient time and things tend to get more spicy. Whenever you give him the silent treatment for no reason, he begins threading on thin ice with you.

***

''Whatcha want for dinner, sweet pea?''

*Silence.*

''What's wrong, my beautiful?'' He asks, coming closer to you. When you turn the other way to further provoke him, he guides his hands to your hips and presses the weight of his chest to your back.

''Funny little thing. Have you given a vow of silence? I like when we play this game, y'know.''

His hands drop lower and lower and his mouth comes to caress the back of your neck. His hot breath makes your hairs stand.

''Your heart's beating fast.''

III. Under the Hard Scales of His Heart

Independence is Keegan's last name. He never learned how to embrace the art of teamwork, though his job required it. At times he was too disconnected to properly do the job.

In a relatioship he might have some trouble turning to you for assistance. Whenever something is on his mind, he blocks out the world and faces it on his own. He's likely to turn down tips from other people.

Not from you though.

The first time you lent your hand for help, he was quite surprised and even a bit suspicious. It unlocked a part of him he never knew he had. He felt cared for and seen.

In time Keegan learned to trust your word and be less stubborn when you tried to aid him.

IV. Tsunami of Love

That's what he is. A natural disaster. A tornado of energy and a tsunami. Behind closed doors he is much less calm. His love language is mostly acts of service and physical touch but sometimes the two mix together into something even more grand.

If you happen to be struggling under a pile of undone work, he would find the perfect moment to distract you. Before you can even get a word out, he has already picked you up from the chair and carrying you to your room bridal style.

***

''What are you doing, Keegan?!''

He continues to march through the house and whistle proudly. Keegan tosses you onto the bed like you don't weight anything at all.

''Stay here.'' He commands, exiting and closing the door behind him.

In a few minutes time he comes back with your favorite chocolates and a beer for himself.

''I will be your only occupation today.''

***

V. The Kids' Favorite

The way I see it, Keegan would have very specific sense of humor. His jokes can be very sharp and borderline offensive but the moment a kid comes in sight he turns into a soft cinnamon roll.

He has this energy that kids absolutely adore because he's a great listener and adapts to the circumstances easily. There's something about the purity of the young generation that makes him feel protective.

***

One time you saw him play with a small group of children after a difficult operation. He was kneeling down in front of a little girl and his eyes glimmered as she tried to pronounce his name. The child obviously had rhotacism (cannot pronounce the letter r) and he found it quite adorable.

''Keegan Russ. Russ. Can you say it?'' Keegan bit his lip, holding back a chuckle.

''Keegan Hhhus.'' The girl tried to repeat it but failed terribly. Keegan burst out laughing.

''Rrrrrrrr,'' he growled playfully and she giggled at it.

''Grhhhrr!''

''Oh, you're growling at me now? Come here you.'' Keegan extended his arms to trap her in a harmless embrace.

There was something about his love for children that won your heart every time.

***

[perpetualexistence]

Slumbering Pride

Alenoah Week Day 7: Free Day! (Demon AU)

Alejandro is finally, finally close to beating José at something. He's in his junior year, and universities are already scouting him out thanks to his name, his academic prowess, and his athletic prowess.

They did the same for José when he was about to graduate. The difference is he had five schools attempt to recruit him.

Alejandro has six.

José can't let this stand. If Alejandro officially gets six offers, then he'll know José isn't perfect. He'll start trying harder to beat José in things. And worse, he might actually win if he's proven himself capable of it.

José needs to do something about it, so he comes to the most obvious solution.

He summons a demon.

(Rest under read more because it's long)

Demons are an open secret. They were confirmed to be real a while back, though are mostly bound by the deals they must make in order to maintain a foothold on the human realm. An unbound demon is a dangerous thing, and often happens if the person making the deal is tricked into breaking their side of it.

Demons are known to do everything possible to do this, or at least cause havoc in whatever capacity their bounds enable them to. It's forbidden and illegal for anyone to summon one without proper qualifications. (There's still some summonings that do happen after all, demons are quite useful so long as you're careful).

Still, humans are naturally curious creatures, and have found multiple ways of spreading this knowledge as best as they can. Demon summoning is uncommon, but it still happens. So much that children are taught what to do if they believe they're encountering a demon.

Most sane people know better than to risk entering any contract with a demon. But there are always those desperate enough, or stupid enough, to try.

Getting his hands on a book on demon summoning is child's play for someone with José's family connections. He doesn't care what kind of demon he summons, so long as he summons one that will do the job he wants. He can sweet talk them into giving him the best deal possible just as he sweet talks anyone else.

As he finishes the summoning, his limbs grow heavier. It is constant agony to keep himself standing. His thoughts grow fuzzy as he struggles to remember what he was so focused on. He isn't quite sure why he bothers.

It would be much easier to sit down and rest. What was he so worried about, again? It couldn't have been so important if he's forgotten. His eyes droop to a close as he lets out a sigh of relief he had been holding back for so, so long.

"Wow, you're seriously pathetic if you're this affected by my summoning."

José snapped out of his stupor to see a teenager staring back at him. He was a couple of inches shorter than José and could only be described as a breathing fashion disaster.

José could have stopped there, but he couldn't ignore the horns atop the demon's head, the wings pressed against his back, the tail lightly tapping the ground. His arms were folded as he tapped his clawed foot impatiently.

José was expecting something much more imposing than...this. He'd laugh if had less control of himself.

"I would like to make a deal with you-"

"Could have fooled me with your craiglist ad." Noah said, glancing at the circle underneath him. "It's so generic it screams 'I'm not going to put you in a van and drive you to an undisclosed location, I promise.'"

José could feel a headache coming on. "I am going to make a deal with you, demonio." He needed to regain control of this conversation, fast.

"Never said I wouldn't make one. What do you want?"

"I would like for you to stop my brother from getting too far ahead in life. At the very least, I want to make sure that he can never surpass me. In any way. Can you do that?"

"Depends on what I get in return."

The two end up negotiating until they settle on a deal: Noah makes sure that Alejandro can never surpass José, and in return Noah gets to take his ability to dream. José can do without a few dreamless nights.

That's how Alejandro finds himself waking up in the morning with a demon that was only as tall as halfway up his knee staring at him from the foot of his bed.

Alejandro instinctively kicks the smaller boy out of panic, sending a very unhappy demon crashing into a wall. When they've both recovered, Noah explains exactly what's going on.

He's here to pretty much haunt and sabotage Alejandro, José's the one who sent him because he's a dick, and this is just going to be their life now.

After Alejandro processes the fact that his brother truly hates him this much as to risk both of their lives to a demon, he asks why Noah would bother to tell him all of this. He doesn't say it out loud, but he knows that a demon could absolutely make his life a living hell. He's expecting insidious manipulations and life threatening accidents.

And this demon is making any sabotage more difficult by confessing that he's going to sabotage Alejandro? Something isn't adding up.

That's when Noah points out the big flaw in Jose's brilliant plan.

Because he hadn't been concerned about what kind of demon he summoned, he pretty much set up a job posting for a demon from any of the seven sins to snatch. Noah just happened to get there first.

So what does José get for not being specific?

A sloth demon.

Noah plans to do the bare minimum of what's required for his job. He doesn't care to bother with the effort of lying to Alejandro about his purpose here. The only reason he bothered to take this job in the first place is because the human realm has two things that the demon realm doesn't: Decent places to nap, and good books.

The only thing he hadn't counted on is how small he'd end up being once bonded with Alejandro. His size is dependent on the amount of sloth Alejandro has. The teen who gives it his all in every activity he does.

Noah's got his work cut out for him.

Alejandro tries seeing if he can use his own silver tongue to have Noah quit the job before he gets started, but with no luck. Noah doesn't feel like leaving. And he's not about to break the deal on his side because then he be forced back into the demon realm and unable to return unless directly summoned.

Alejandro would very much like to try just trapping the demon somewhere, then go to his brother to confront him about doing this. But he knows better than to act before fully knowing what Noah is capable of. And he wouldn't be surprised if his brother tried to gaslight him into thinking Noah wasn't real. He still doesn't quite believe it himself.

He does start to believe that having Noah around will be a continuous little nightmare. He's constantly offering snide remarks. He keeps trying to convince Alejandro to stop trying so hard and just be lazy.

Alejandro's not as aggravated as the attempt than he is at the fact that there's zero tact to it. Noah isn't even TRYING to be subtle. He could think of a thousand ways to do Noah's job better, except telling him that would then make Alejandro's life worse.

It gets to the point where he's so upset he just throws a pillow at Noah. The demon squawks as he gets hit, and Alejandro gets immense satisfaction from this. Alejandro knows this is a terrible idea, but he's angry at this whole situation and needs to take it out on somebody. Might as well do it on the one successfully set him off.

Alejandro gets his karma for snapping at Noah when he goes to sleep.

His dream starts off as he would expect it to. Until suddenly he finds something knocked against his back. He finds himself pinned to his stomach, and when he struggles to get out from under it, he finds the tip of a very familiar tail at a much larger scale pressing down on him.

"I thought 'Burromuertos conquer whatever they set their minds to'. We're in your mind. So get up."

Alejandro can feel Noah's smirk though he can't see it. He refuses to give Noah the satisfaction of admitting defeat and continues to fight against the tail.

Tears are not pricking his eyes as he's made to feel insignificant in the last safe place that was truly his.

As he can't feel tired in his dream, he continues to struggle. Noah admits that Alejandro's probably the most stubborn human he's ever met.

Alejandro snaps that he's a Burromuerto, and he does not quit. He cannot, and will not quit. Ever. No matter the competition, no matter the cost. Noah's just another obstacle in his way. But he will beat his brother in something for once in his life.

He does his best to hide the desperation in his need to believe that this is true. He's hidden it well in the past, but Noah is a perceptive sort and hears it anyways.

Noah asks what could type of win could possibly be so important that it was worth the risk of his brother summoning a demon on him.

"I'm about to beat him in the amount of colleges offering me admissions by one." Alejandro gloated, pride swelling in his chest.

The tail pressing down on him suddenly reached underneath him, and flipped him over like he was a roach. He looked up to see Noah's face free of apathy for the first time. Instead, it was replaced with one of...pity.

"You can't seriously be proud of that."

Alejandro grit his teeth. "I am."

"You have to know how that sounds, right?"

"Please do enlighten me about what you think that sounds like."

"It sounds pathetic! You're going above and beyond and you're seriously caught up in something as stupid as one-upping your brother?"

"Don't you dare try to act as if you know any better tú hijo de su puta madre," Alejandro snarled, the tears returning to his eyes. "I don't care what you are. You know nothing about me and my family. You can say and do whatever you like but I will not cow to any of your attempts to degrade me." His snarl turned into something of a deranged chuckle. "Do your worst. This is nothing new. I will still come out on top and grind you into dust."

Noah was silent for a long time. As he started to move his mouth to speak, Alejandro found himself snapping awake. He looked around to see Noah still in his room. He's looking at him with incredibly impassive indifference. Alejandro won't see anything else in his gaze. At least the demon was smart enough not to try running his mouth again.

Alejandro stormed off so he could grab a book to study while he ate breakfast.

Noah mostly stays out of Alejandro's way, but Alejandro can feel him watching. He doesn't care where Noah scampers off to during the day. He refuses to acknowledge the little monster.

He throws himself deep into studying. He's spending more time awake so he can study and avoid having to fall asleep. Beauty sleep be damned, he does not want to deal with Noah again.

When he does sleep, he dreams. He can always feel a looming presence behind him, and he says nothing of it.

He does his best to hide his exhaustion from the rest of his family. José notices and pounces on it. Alejandro continues to deny it, because he will not give his brother the satisfaction of having won yet another battle.

All the stress and exhaustion comes to a head after a few nights. Alejandro hopes for a dreamless night, and is instead greeted by a nightmare.

He's attending one of his parent's many galas, and his outfit is atrocious. He's sweating profusely. His hair is plastered to his face. Try as he might, it refuses to go back into place. He's a truly unforgiveable sight. He tries to sneak off so he can find something else to change into. Despite his appearance, no one is paying any attention to him. He finds out why as he goes through a guest.

He's running as fast as he can now. He's going through so many people, everything is blurring together. It all comes to a halt as he crashes into a wall he can't see. As he falls backwards, he sees that he's now in a terrarium.

Outside, his much larger brother and parents are talking to each other. Alejandro can't make out what they're saying, but he can see them laughing. He gets up and bangs on one of the walls. His brother flicks his gaze towards his little brother.

Finally, a break. He know Jose hates him, but he'd never truly hurt Alejandro. Alejandro knows this. He has to believe this. Jose could hurt him physically, mentally, and emotionally, but even he wouldn't leave Alejandro to die.

He'd just deliver a potential vehicle of death to Alejandro's doorstep, is all.

Their parents are gone, and it's just him and Jose now.

"Relájate, hermanito," Jose cooes as if he's talking to an infant, "Nadie espera que seas más de lo que eres. ¡Deberías estar agradecido de haber estado cerca de una fracción de mis logros! Sabes exactamente lo que te mereces por eso, ¿no?"

Jose lifts the lid of the terrarium up. He reaches a massive hand down towards Alejandro. Alejandro wants to climb up and away, but the walls are too smooth. They're closing in. All that there is is the hand, ready to grab him, crush him, throttle him, any variety of things.

He can do nothing to stop it. He was a fool for ever thinking he could. He closes his eyes shut in an instinctive fear he can't hold back anymore. He's hoping he can bring himself to fight. He's silently begging for his brother to be merciful enough to make it quick.

The hand that grabs him is much more gentle than he expects. He struggles to be free, but the grip is tight enough to stop much movement. There is no squeeze. It is weight without malice, and cool to the touch.

He feels something the size of a tree trunk gently brush his hair away from his face. He lets out a gasp of air he had been craving for far too long. He tries to open his eyes. He feels the tears sweat from earlier is sticking his eyelids shut. He shudders. His arms are pinned, so he can't move to fix wipe his eyes.

Suddenly, he's being moved higher and higher. He hears steady flapping from above. The pace is slow enough to where the wind is just a gentle breeze soothing his clammy skin.

He feels his captor descending, and he's unceremoniously dropped to the ground. He wipes his eyes and stands up. He's dressed to the nines. He sees other figures roaming about. He can see how they sneak a glance his way, then happily chitter amongst themselves.

"Mijo, no te quedes ahí parado," his mother says as she suddenly slips through the crowd. This is how he remembers this is a dream. His mother would never refer to him so colloquially, "Entra, tu juramento está por comenzar."

"Un momento, madre. Hay algo que debo hacer primero."

She clucks her tongue, another informal mark of unreality, and leaves him be.

Alejandro turned around, but all he could see were faceless guests.

"You can come out. I know you're here." Alejandro felt the ground behind him quake slightly, and turned to look up at Noah.

"Sure you want to waste your time with me? The dream isn't going to last forever."

"What did you do?"

"Took you out of your own nightmare. Brought you into one of José's dreams. And before you throw a fit, this is one he already let me have. He's nowhere here."

"Alright, that brings me to my next question. Why?"

"Is it really so hard to believe I did something out of the goodness of my miserable excuse of a heart?"

"Sí."

"You're ridiculous," Noah groaned, rolling his eyes. "Fine, I did it because it's easier to get you sleeping if you actually want to sleep. Happy with that answer? Or do you want me to pull out my five step plan for sabotaging you?"

"Well, a little presentation would go a long way~" Alejandro teased. He was finally comfortable enough to find his own voice again.

"And congratulations, you've made me regret doing anything. I'm going back to insulting you the second you wake up."

"You can try, and it still won't work."

"It will. Now go on, you've got the rest of this dream and that's it."

Alejandro left Noah to go explore the rest of the ceremony of achieving the same position of his father as a Spanish ambassador.

He wakes up to find a small Noah clinging onto his chest. The demon had somehow managed to wriggle his way under one of Alejandro's arms and was using it as a blanket. He's still fast asleep. Alejandro tests how asleep by moving his arm slightly. Noah clings tighter to the arm, but otherwise doesn't stir.

Alejandro could just stand up. That would definitely force the smaller boy awake. ...But, as loathe as he is to admit, Noah did help him. So, possibly for the first time in his life, he decides to sleep in rather than wake up for his daily morning routine.

Noah grows a few inches, matching the height of Alejandro's knee, during their nap.

The two are still antagonistic towards each other, but it's nowhere near as bad as when they first met. Alejandro lords over Noah in the waking world, and Noah returns the favor in the dreaming. There is one added wrinkle, though.

Thanks to Alejandro's moment of weakness, Noah has gained the ability force Alejandro into taking a nap. It can only happen when he's already feeling tired, whether physically or mentally thanks to studying, or if he's doing a mindless task.

It's some of the best sleep Alejandro has ever had.

It aggravates him to no end.

When Noah isn't trying to convince Alejandro to give up on his dreams, he's either sleeping, or is reading one of the many books in the Burromuerto library if that's where Alejandro has decided to study.

Alejandro notices Noah struggling when he tries to get books to read due to his size. He offers to grab a book for Noah to bribe him into leaving Alejandro alone for this study session. Noah immediately starts taking advantage of this by questioning Alejandro about what kinds of books he has. Noah might as well get a book based on its contents rather than its weight.

The two start getting into book recommendations. Alejandro sweetens the deal by gifting Noah one of the books he no longer reads to get peace for as long as it takes for Noah to read the book. Noah accepts immediately and will cling to the book with his entire body when Alejandro tries to help him lift the book.

No. This is Noah's book now. No one else is allowed to touch it.

He's so possessive because human things are hard to come by in the demon realm. Only greed demons are able to carry human things back to the demon realm, so they've of course got a monopoly of jacked up prices. The only exception is if a demon properly owns a human thing. Or in this case, is gifted one.

So yeah, Noah will agree to let Alejandro touch it to carry it, but he's watching that thing like a hawk.

A few weeks pass like this. Eventually, José butts his way into Alejandro's life as he usually does. He gloats that their parents are planning to host a party for José to start making connections now as he's properly starting on his journey to becoming an ambassador.

The second he's gone, Noah and Alejandro start bonding by shit talking José.

Alejandro justifies trying so hard so that he can finally one up José. It's why he won't give in to sloth. Nothing good ever comes of doing nothing. Besides, it's one of the weakest of the sins, so it will be easy enough to overcome.

Noah argues that sloth isn't as terrible as Alejandro makes it out to be. It means actually getting rest when everything is overwhelming rather than chugging on through to crash and burn later. Taking a step back and doing nothing can lead to new ideas popping up because there is no longer stress preventing them. Hell, some innovation comes from humans being lazy and wanting a better way to do things.

Like any of the other sins, it's only bad when done in excess. And it can be worse than just being lazy. Having too much sloth means having too much apathy. Horrible people get away with atrocities when enough people are too lazy to do anything about it. It means nothing changes because nobody wants to change.

Noah reveals that underestimating sloth is exactly how José has absolutely screwed himself. José has given up his ability to dream. He thinks the only definition of that are his literal dreams at night, and that's what Noah has been feeding on so far.

They also mean his dreams about being an ambassador. His dreams of more. Dreams are heavily linked with desire and ambition. By the time Noah's done with him, José will be nothing more than a walking husk. He'll do the bare minimum needed to survive, but nothing more. Knowing he should long for something else but being unable to.

The only reason he hasn't done so immediately is if he does take it fully, it means his deal would be over, and no more being in the human realm.

This does remind Alejandro that he is having a casual conversation with a demon. Despite their current pleasantries, it would be a terrible thing to watch Noah get more creative in his interpretations of his deal with José. It's safer to keep him entertained than to let his mind wander.

It doesn't hurt that entertaining Noah has led to riveting conversation.

Still, he comes up with an idea to control Noah, and get himself some much deserved revenge. He asks if he could actually make a deal with Noah to get back at José.

Unfortunately Noah can't. Not because he doesn't want to. He's got no issues with taking José down a peg. He's just unable to make a deal with more than one human at a time. There are conflict of interest rules in place. Even if there weren't, he's still a teenager. He's not powerful enough to make multiple deals at a time yet.

But he knows a demon who'd be willing to help out.

Her name's Eva. She's a wrath demon. She's pretty straightforward. Tell her exactly what you want, and she won't try to screw with you so long as you don't do the same to her.

Alejandro is concerned about what her price would be, but he isn't going to say that directly. Instead, he comes up with a different plan to solve this in a way better than his brother had.

He asks about what kinds of things that Eva likes. Noah did mention that human objects were more difficult to come by in the demon world, yes? Alejandro could give something concrete rather than abstract. Everyone wins.

Noah doesn't say anything, but Alejandro can tell that Noah is impressed that he remembered something Noah had said. He must not have much chance to show off his knowledge in the demon realm.

Noah tells him that she likes music. All she's been able to scavenge is a very old, shitty MP3. Phones are more easy to come by, but with no service they're practically worthless. Besides, Eva's chill when she's not fully committing her job.

His only condition is Alejandro's going to have to agree to forget how to summon Eva after they've done the ritual. Eva doesn't like just anybody summoning her, and Noah respects that enough to not share it with others without her permission.

Alejandro agrees.

When the final word is spoken, he waits. And waits. and waits. It feels like he's been waiting for at least an hour. He's going to tap a hole in the floor with anticipation at this rate.

It can't be taking this long. The longer he waits, the longer José gets to prance around consequence-free. He deserves no peace for what he's put Alejandro through. His lips curl in disgust at the thought of his brother getting rewarded for all of his misdeeds. He wants to call his brother over, right here, right now. Just so he can throttle José himself-

"What do you want?" asked the demon who now stood in front of him. Her arms were crossed, and she looked annoyed to even be looking at him. Alejandro had to shake his head to head to let go of the pent-up rage he had suddenly developed.

"Hey iron woman." Noah commented from his current perch on a nearby bookshelf. Eva turned her attention away from Alejandro to see the smaller demon.

"Noah." Eva commented as she acknowledged him with a nod. Noah's face was still set with apathy, and Eva's with annoyance.

Yet Noah was wrapping his tail around his leg to prevent it from wagging as furiously as Eva's was.

"So, what do you want?" Eva repeated. The edge to her tone was dulled this time.

"I would like to make a deal with you. My brother is going to be at the center of a gala recently. I know he doesn't think as highly of others as he will pretend, so I would just like your help in making him more...honest about his true feelings." Noah sighed at this answer.

"You want a truth spell?" Eva asked. She turned to pay attention to Noah before Alejandro could form a response. "Why would you summon me for this?"

"He wants you to make his brother throw the rage fit to end all rage fits in front of an international audience."

"Then why didn't he just say that?"

"Because he doesn't know how to follow instructions."

"Then why'd you bring me a stupid one?" Eva asked Noah.

Alejandro had to bite his lip to stop himself from interrupting. He was being both ignored and insulted. He couldn't let this be his impression on anybody.

However, Noah knew this demon, while he did not. She clearly valued Noah's opinion over his own, so countering his opinion now would only serve to shut her off further from responding to the Spaniard.

"He has his moments," Noah replied, "Plus, you're going to like what he has to offer."

"Well?" Eva asked, turning her attention back to Alejandro.

"As Noah so tactfully implied, I do plan to offer a fair price," Alejandro said, glad to have control of the conversation again. He pulled out a small device he'd performed quite a bit of research to get his hands on. "I've heard that you are in need of more music. I have managed to find a top of the line mp3 player-"

"How many songs?" Eva interrupted. She was looking directly at Alejandro now.

"If I had to guess? A little over 20,000."

Eva's tail immediately dropped. He could see her mind move from processing that number, to grappling it, to understanding it. Her eyes shone with anticipation that she didn't bother to hide. Her tail was practically causing a minor tornado. Her hands were half clenched and shaking as if she was five seconds away from snatching the prized jewel Alejandro held in his hands.

"Ice Nine Kills."

"Hm?"

"Ice Nine Kills. Silver Scream 2: Welcome to Horrorwood. We're moving up from there. Now gimme."

"Well, hold on. We still need to work out some of the finer details-"

"Fine, sure, we have the deal, whatever you want now give it to me."

Alejandro had to hide the smirk that was threatening to form on his face. He had no idea his offer would work this perfectly. All he had to do was seal-

"Eva!" Noah snapped. "You just offered a human 'whatever they want' in a deal."

"...Oh." Eva realized.

"Yeah, 'oh'." Noah glanced at Alejandro. "And don't think I didn't see that look in your eyes. I'm proctoring your deal."

"But-" both Eva and Alejandro tried to argue.

"It's happening."

With that, the two negotiated for a fair deal. Eva could stay in the human realm specifically to download as many songs as she wanted for her mp3 player, and to help Alejandro in his revenge. After that, she'd go back, and the mp3 player would be hers forever.

They both agree to it, and the deal is set. Noah and Eva spend some time catching up while Eva searches for music. Noah insists on catching up in private, which he obliges. After two failed attempts to eavesdrop.

The three of them plan exactly how to best humiliate José. Alejandro hadn't known quite what to expect with Eva, but he was pleasantly surprised. Her ideas were simple, direct, and brutal. They contrasted with Alejandro and Noah's more elaborate plans until they came to a consensus.

The party happens, and everything is set in place. Eva is invisible to everyone else, and is preparing elsewhere. Alejandro just needs to stay away from his brother so he doesn't realize something is amiss with Noah.

Alejandro knows that this is the perfect time to put himself out there. Especially since José's reputation is about to be shattered. He'll be remembered as the good Burromuerto this time around. Talking comes as second nature to him. All he has to do is talk, and just ignore Noah.

Noah, who's not having a good time at this party. Despite being invisible, his eyes are darting around everywhere as if they could see him. Thanks to being invisible, he's constantly having to avoid feet stepping on him. He's sticking as closely as he can to Alejandro, though he's not commenting on it at all.

Alejandro excuses himself to go to a more quiet part of the mansion forbidden to guests. Noah's visibly more relaxed as they get farther away from the crowd. But he does ask what Alejandro's doing.

Alejandro attempts to lie about being the one who needed space, but Noah shuts him down since he could see Alejandro lighting up when he talked to others. Alejandro will confess to noticing Noah and leaving since he knew Noah would follow. Their new partnership won't do well if one of them is in a near state of panic.

...Consider it returning the favor for the nightmare, if that helps.

Noah's quiet as he recognizes that this human is showing the closest thing to compassion that he can muster. He wants to say something, but the time of José's humiliation is nearing, and he wants to be there to see it. Alejandro makes his way back inside. He keeps Noah calm in the crowd by having him perch on his shoulder, and quietly making fun of the guests as they pass.

Eventually, José's breakdown begins. It works gloriously. He's swearing at other ambassadors. He's throwing things. At one point he's about to let loose of of the skeletons in the Burromuerto's family closet, but he's dragged away before he can. Alejandro has to hide his laughter, though Noah has no need to.

Unfortunately, it means that Noah has broken the deal on his end because he's intentionally let Alejandro beat Jose in something: not causing an international scandal. He gets pulled back to the demon realm and as punishment, can't answer any summons for at least a year unless it's for him specifically.

Alejandro's heartbroken to have Noah ripped away from him. He'd grown rather fond of having the demon around. He can't ask Eva for more help because she disappeared once José's scandal ended. He tries to find the book José used to summon Noah, but it was shredded. José was smart enough to guess that a demon had something to do with his irrational behavior.

Alejandro spends the next few weeks obsessing over finding the right summoning circle. His grades are slipping the tiniest amount, and he can't bring himself to care. He forces himself to sleep. He hopes that will somehow increase his chances of finding Noah. They feel empty without Noah to watch. He has no idea how to find one for Noah specifically, though he certainly does try. He settles for the next best thing: trying a generic summoning circle with the first gift Alejandro gave him as a conduit. Maybe he could at least find a demon who'd be willing to make a deal to help him get in touch with Noah.

This is incredibly dangerous and stupid, but the risk is worth it.

His stomach growls as he finishes the circle. He's been so focused on his work. He doesn't remember the last time he's eaten. He could leave to grab a quick bite-

No, no. He knows what this is. These thoughts aren't his. They can't be Noah's either. Noah's never cared much for-

stuffing his face until he can take no more. His body is a temple, and it deserves to be lavished. He's salivating, and must force himself not to run for the kitchen.

He's rewarded for his discipline with a large, blond demon who calls himself Owen.

He explains the situation to Owen, but no sooner does he utter Noah's name that Owen lights up.

"Ooooh, YOU'RE AL!!!"

Owen immediately starts going on about how Noah's his best friend. Which confuses Alejandro. He'd assumed Eva was Noah's best friend. She was stoic, blunt, and had common sense. She made sense.

This oaf with no volume control did not.

Owen keeps going on regardless of Alejandro's thought process. He completely outs Noah as being a mess thinking he'd never see Alejandro again. Noah was sleeping even harder than was normal for him, he was talking about Alejandro a lot you name it!

So of course Owen will be happy to get the two connected again!

Owen does want to give Alejandro Noah's summoning circle/number, but Alejandro did summon him so it does have to be some kind of deal. Uh...What's the nearest snack he's got? Owen'll take that.

He shares the information, then immediately leaves to go tell his little buddy that Alejandro plans to summon him.

Alejandro changes the circle to summon Noah with fervor.

When Alejandro summons Noah he feels as if every worry he's ever had has melted away. He wants to lay his head on Noah's lap and look up at him. He wants to reach up and tease his fingers through Noah's hair. He wants to trick Noah into leaning down so they can share a kiss and shift to nuzzling together. No more fighting to be on top. Just this once.

They're both blushing when Noah does get summoned because uh they both felt THAT. Neither of them meant that to be the way to confess but uh, whoops.

The two make a deal: "I'll help you get revenge on Jose until you're satisfied (knowing that with Alejandro, he never will be), and you'll let me stay in the human realm for as long as I want."

"Change that to for as long as I live."

"Still don't trust me?"

"I have to put some limits on you mi gatito travioso. Besides, now I know you have an investment in keeping me alive."

"You're terrible."

"Says the demon."

There are many ways to seal a deal with a demon.

They seal this one with a kiss.

[vvxgs]

°˖✧˚ WARNINGS: light angst. ˚✧˖°

"I'm calling you for the twentieth time!", Charles shouted as soon as he spotted his teammate. "Where have you been?"

"Doesn't matter. What happened?"

"Y/N was here about an hour ago."

"What?", the Spaniard inquired.

"I was surprised too. She seemed off, but left something for you. A letter."

That's when he realized that the fuse had been lit. Y/N was the spark leading to his ignition. Now it was a matter of whether the Spaniard could prevent the disaster from happening in time.

When his fingers touched the paper, he knew what he was about to read would irreversibly change his life. For a brief moment, he even had the urge to tear the envelope into pieces and deny himself the chance of knowing its contents.

Dear Carlos, Is this how I should start this letter? I have no idea. The last letter I wrote was about seven years ago. I addressed it to Santa Claus. But I figured you deserve more than two sentences, more than just a regular text or email.

My plane has probably already taken off, so stay where you are. Don't throw everything away trying to catch me. It's too late for that.

Maybe I'm acting selfish, giving only one of us a chance to explain, but I'm sure that whatever would come out of your mouth wouldn't change anything.

I'm learning not to dwell on our parting. I'm learning the way one learns to walk. I might stumble a few times, but then you won't even notice, and I'll cover that distance with a run.

We're too different. If I decided to stay and try, it wouldn't be healthy. This poison spreads too fast. It's unstoppable. And the antidote? It doesn't exist.

Someone once said that life is like a puzzle. The picture can be complete and perfect when all the pieces are in place. Why do we try to force a piece into a space when it doesn't fit? Don't look for me. Don't try to force me back into your life.

I understand you want to explain a lot to me, but keep it to yourself. It's the only way I won't start hating you.

Goodbye Carlos."

Carlos stood still. His muscles were relaxed, his head slightly lowered. The Spaniard was one of the indestructible. Of course, someone had chipped away at his fortress a few times, but never enough to make his castle crumble. The foundations were strong enough that despite many attacks, his body didn't resemble ruins. But that day, everything indicated that Carlos Sainz had given up.

He stood like that for a while. The letter and the white envelope slipped from his fingers, and he watched as the white sheets turned gray from the still-wet soil.

Finally, he twitched. He turned around and started walking toward the garage, not even glancing at his teammate standing there. But Charles observed him very closely.

His face was stone-like, hot and salty drops flowing down his face, leaving a trail of sorrow in their wake.

"Where are you going?", Charles finally managed to utter a question as Sainz was about to pass him.

He put his hand in his pocket, pulled something out, and moments later released pieces of paper from his hand, immediately snatched by the wind.

Sainz heard the sounds of engines. He looked up. Among the clouds, a plane soared, leaving behind a white trail.

"To hell,", Carlos exclaimed, still walking in the chosen direction, his pace quickening. "Because without her, there's no heaven."

[koshkamartell]

No One But Me

masterlist

previous

You woke up sweating and tangled in your bed sheets after another fitful sleep full of bad dreams that seemed so realistic. You had always suffered from the occasional nightmare, as every survivor did, but lately you had been plagued by them more often.

They were vivid dreams that always revolved around the deaths of your loved ones. Hordes of the infected, grostesque beings with faces mutilated by cordyceps, would chase you relentlessly through thick forests or abandoned towns. Sometimes Ellie was with you, sometimes your parents. The dreams always ended similarly, with one of you being caught and barbarically devoured.

Each dream was traumatic and so lifelike. But you found the worst ones to be the dreams involving Ellie. They seemed to be happening more and more lately. In the dreams you would both be running from the infected, your laboured breathing and the crunch of earth under your shoes loud in your ears. You were running so fast that it seemed like you were escaping from the mob after you and freedom was just on the horizon, so close and so tangible.

Then disaster would strike. Ellie would trip over and land heavily onto her chest, the fall knocking the wind out of her small body. You would scream at her to get up and try desperately to haul her back up on her feet. But she was so heavy, like a lead weight, and no matter how hard you tried you just couldn't lift her. She lay motionless with her big eyes staring up at you full of tears. You would be screaming and crying hysterically as the infected approached, their shrieks and screeches deafening in your ears.

You would look up to see the horrible creatures rushing toward you then you'd look back to Ellie. Except it wasn't Ellie staring back at you now. Her face had changed. Staring back at you now was you as a child, 12 years old and frightened out of your wits. Time stood still as you and your child self gazed at each other in anguished horror. You were paralysed. The screams would get louder as the horde closed in on you. You squeezed your eyes shut when they reached you and lunged at you. Then you were enveloped in black.

And that's when your conscience returns to the reality of living and you wake up in the safety of Joel's arms or alone in your bed, disorientated and close to hyperventilating. Having Joel's warm body enclosed around yours as he whispered soothingly during these moments of profound distress was a blessing. It was something that you missed on the nights he didn't stay with you and you startled awake. Truthfully, it was just about the only time you missed Joel these days.

It had been a week since you negotiated your return to your cottage. You reveled in the comfort of your home and the security of all its quirks and nooks; the squeak of the kitchen cupboard where the mugs were kept, the small watercolour painting that hung in your hallway, the missing tile in your shower alcove, the smell of your herbal teas on your kitchen windowsill.

Joel still visited most nights and slept in your bed, entangling you in his strong arms and long legs. He invaded all your senses at once; his sandalwood and pine scent filling your nostrils, his thick fingers sliding into your pussy, his plush lips pressing against your neck, his intense dark brown eyes gazing at your face full of desire. You still surrendered yourself to Joel but there was a niggling part deep inside your heart that wouldn't settle, that caused your body to instinctively flinch when he touched you or when he spoke.

Joel had been trying very hard to prove himself to you. He had been loving and gentle, affectionate and attentive. The sex was still amazing. He hadn't gotten angry or annoyed with you. Infact, Joel had changed so dramatically that you couldn't help a modicum of hateful resentment spiking deep inside you. Why had it taken him so long to change? After all the damage he had inflicted, why did he now try to be better? 

Joel had even uttered those three simple words that you had waited so long to hear. When you heard him say "I love you" for the first time you were left speechless. His voice echoed through your head for days to come. But that shock then morphed into indignation the longer you thought about what Joel had done. And then that softly spoken declaration of love dissipated completely, outweighed and replaced by the other things he had said.

Disrespectful little bitch.

Whore.

Slut.

The passion in his insults still stung. The phantom grip of his hands all over your body still haunted you. You were suffocated by his presence and had to retreat to your own safe space, not just physically but emotionally. And emotionally that safe space was Oscar.

Your weekly lunch date quickly became the highlight of your week. He never failed to show up, always with a meal and some fruit tucked in his satchel. That one hour of spent with Oscar was a blissful reprieve from the depressive spiral you had gradually been descending into. Just the sight of his smile was enough to pierce through the darkness smothering your existence, like a speck of guiding gold light offering hope.

Joel had snuffed the flame of your spirit, leaving you abandoned in darkness. But Oscar was the one whose hand had found yours, knitting his fingers through your own and offering you refuge in his light. It was he who gave you hope, a reason to strive against the oppression of Joel's dark side and the survivor's guilt and depression, a reason to want to be happy.

You still loved Joel. You are sure a part of you will always love him. But he cannot fix what he has broken inside you, no matter how dedicated he is in trying to repair the ruins between you. The more time passes, the clearer it becomes that you can no longer love him as you once did.

Oscar stands infront of the small mirror in his bathroom and runs a comb through his thick black hair. He hasn't shaved for the last three days and the stubble growing on his face is already prickly. He wonders if he should let it grow, if he looks better with a beard. He recalls the way you looked at him at the Tipsy Bison that night, the first time seeing him without the extra hair. Your eyes were twinkling with a mixture of something like intrigue and surprise, and what he believes - hopes - was a spark of attraction.

No, he decides. He will shave tomorrow.

Oscar splashes cold water on his face and brushes the sleep from his eyes. He doesn't take long to get ready for work, preferring to instead save enough time to eat a plate of scrambled eggs and have a cup of tea at a leisurely pace. He had spent far too many years on the brink of starvation to neglect his body's need for regular meals, and therefore he treats food with reverence. Once he's finished his breakfast Oscar washes his dishes and leaves the house for the stables.

On the walk there Oscar absorbs the sights and sounds around him. The snow on the trees lining the street look like powdered sugar, reminding Oscar of the donuts displayed in the window of the Jackson bakery. The sweet melody of chirping birds carries along the chilly breeze sweeping through the town, and the sounds feel like a warm morning greeting to Oscar. He stuffs his hands into his coat pockets and continues on his way, mentally preparing himself for the day ahead of him.

Joel is already at the stables when Oscar arrives. They greet each other and saddle their horses together, then go to the patrol post at the community gates to sign the log book and collect their rifles. Joel mounts his usual steed, a brown stallion named Tex, while Oscar hoists himself up onto his favourite mare, Misty. They trot through the massive gates of Jackson and set off on the well established route they have been assigned to.

Joel knows this route like the back of his hand. He doesn't need a map to navigate where they are going; he already knows what directions to take, every landmark that acts as a measurement of distance and time. The men settle into a companionable silence while they ride, and it isn't until an hour has passed that one of them says more than a handful of words.

"Tommy said Troy needed a week off," Oscar speaks up. "Is it his knee again?"

"It plays up in the cold," Joel grunts. "Gives him hell."

Like Joel, Troy had survived through many battles and escapades with both men and mutants, and he had the scars to prove it. Troy was younger and stronger than Joel, his body solidly built with more muscle and fat, but he was often plagued with aches and arthritis from old injuries. Joel empathised with Troy; his own back gave him much grief, the pain stemming all the way back to his contracting days.

"Check point is just up ahead," Joel announces. "We'll stop and survey the area, but I gotta piss first."

"Alright."

Less than half a mile away was a clearing that served as the first stopping point in the route. Joel and Oscar steer the horses to the glade and dismount them.  Oscar stands and stretches his arms up over his head, sighing contentedly, then looks out over the small valley below them. The land is blanketed with snow and dotted with patches of green shrubs and trees. The vast Wyoming land is encompassed by the formidable grey mountains that sit in the distance. Oscar soaks up the sight before him, speechless by the panorama for a few moments.

"This view is surreal," Oscar remarks reverently. "Beautiful, like a dream."

Joel cracks his neck and pulls off the sling of his rifle from over his shoulder. "Speakin' of dreams, you been havin' any more bad ones lately?"

"Not many, actually. Work's been so busy that I just about pass out when I get home. And...well...I guess I've just been a bit happier lately," Oscar replies with a light-hearted smile.

Joel huffs a laugh and takes hold of his rifle. "Yeah? Finally got yourself a woman, huh?" He bends down to set the gun to stand against a large rock.

"I don't wanna say too much but...yeah, there's kinda someone," Oscar says, bashful as he rubs the back of his neck.

Joel tethers Tex's reins to a branch of one of the nearby trees before pacing a few feet away to urinate. When he finishes and ambles back to Oscar and the horses Joel resumes the conversation.

"What's she like?" Joel asks as he reaches down and picks his rifle up once again. Oscar strokes Misty's muzzle, his back facing Joel.

"Well, she's a real sweetheart. Smart, loves to read. Really cares about others, you know what I mean? Like kids and old people."

Joel's breath catches in his throat and his hand immediately tightens around the handguard of his rifle. Is Oscar talking about you?

Have you been cheating on him?

No, you can't be. You love him, not Oscar.

You'd never do that. Oscar must be talking about some other woman.

Joel knows he needs to appear indifferent if he wants to find out more information; getting angry when he doesn't have any details would do more damage than good. Joel slings his rifle over his shoulder, then reaches into his pocket and fishes out his flask. He carries out these actions slowly as he thinks of how to respond.

How the hell is he supposed to ask Estrada if he's fucking his woman? And goddamnit, it's not like he would have known you belong to Joel.

Unless you told him. Did you?

In this moment Joel wants nothing more than to show Estrada and every single person in Jackson that you are his - perhaps in some grand sweeping display of dominance. But for now he has to focus on what he can do, which is interrogating the younger man without scaring him.

Joel takes a deep breath to help compose himself enough to carry on the conversation.  "Yeah? How long has somethin' been goin' on between you two?"

Oscar flips open his satchel and rummages around inside it for some of the jerky he always has stashed in one of the pockets. "We have been friends for a while now, but it isn't been anything more than just hanging out, you know?"

Hanging out.

Have you been seeing him since he left working at the library?

Where? Why?

Joel watches Oscar's every movement, every expression, searching for the sincerity in his words, any telltale sign of dishonesty. But Joel already knows that Oscar isn't the kind of man who lies or showboats.

"You ain't told her you got feelings?" Joel asks impassively.

"Not outrightly so. Not yet." Oscar responds with a sigh that clearly conveys his chagrin. "Guess I've been too chicken shit to do it."

Joel pops open the lid of the flask and takes a swig of scotch. The burn of it helps calms his nerves. "She feels the same, you reckon?"

Oscar locates the small bundle of jerky and pulls it from the satchel. "Well, I think so. She said I'm the only guy she is comfortable with. And she gives me these looks, like she wants more."

Joel pictures you standing infront of Oscar and flirting with him, shyly batting the lashes of your pretty eyes.  Those same eyes that used to gaze at him with so much passion when he fucked you senseless. Joel's belly clenches with white hot envy at the thought of Oscar being the subject of your adoration instead of himself.

He shuts the flask and shoves it back into his jacket pocket.

"But she's not the kind to make the first move." Oscar explains earnestly. "She's quiet, shy. Would rather get lost in a book than be the life of the party."

It is you.

Estrada is talking about you. That he has feelings for you and you probably reciprocate them, and that he's the only man you feel comfortable with.

Joel whips around to avoid Oscar's gaze. Flames of jealous fury lick up the nape of his neck and burn into the back of his eyes. His nostrils flare as his breathing speeds up, his heart pounding in his ears.

Are you fucking Estrada?

Are you going to leave him and end up with this weak piece of shit and let him be the one to fuck you and own you?

Both of Joel's fists are balled so tightly into themselves that the skin of his knuckles have turned white. It takes all of Joel's might and willpower to suppress the poisonous wrath coursing through his body. The primal, more reactionary part of Joel's brain says to shoot Oscar in the face instantly, and if Joel were in his younger raider years he would have splattered the man's brains out onto the dazzling white snow without a second thought.

He could easily dispose of Oscar's body somewhere in the vast expanse of forest land surrounding them, no trace of him left behind to ever to be found. Joel imagines being surrounded by a large group of townsfolk on his return and delivering the tragic news that his patrol partner died while out on a routine patrol route. Maybe Joel would say Oscar was viciously mauled by a clicker out of no where, or maybe raiders ambushed them and fatally shot him. No one would question the validity of Joel's version of Oscar's demise; why would he lie? And after all, Joel was one of the very best patrolmen in Jackson and he surely would've done everything he could to save Oscar.

But by some miracle Joel is narrowly able to restrain the impulse to murder Oscar. He reminds himself over and over that he must control his fury. Control, control, control. He consciously regulates his breathing, inhaling through his nose and then exhaling through his mouth. The anger seems to slowly dissolve and leech into Joel's blood stream, icy and venomous as it flows through his veins, no longer imminent in its threat but nonetheless still alive.

Joel immediately realises he has to do something about this friendship between you and Oscar. There is no way in hell that he will allow this to go on, and behind his back, no less. Before all this bullshit happened on Jackson's birthday, Joel would've stalked straight into that library to teach you a lesson; he would have marked you all over with his mouth and teeth and then he would have fucked all your holes.

But things are different now, and Joel has to find other ways to deal with the situation that's been presented to him. He needs to come up with a plan that will tear you and Oscar apart without implicating himself in the destruction.

When Joel remains quiet and does not show any response, Oscar shakes his head and let's out a sheepish groan. "Shit, sorry for boring you with this stuff, man. I don't tend to talk about this kinda thing with anyone, I guess it's all come rushing out."

"Hope it all works out for ya, man," Joel says gruffly with his back still facing Oscar. "Now let's get back on route."

"Thanks, man." Oscar calls out.

Joel's jaw ticks. He has found benefit in Tommy's advice of controlling his temper; the discipline allows Joel the ability to strategically plan, to contemplate different courses of action in order to gain an advantage in a situation. And if executed effectively, Joel knows the repercussions of those plans could destroy you and Oscar.

The next morning Joel arrived at the patrol post for his shift earlier than usual. He flipped through the pages of the large hardcover log book where each ranger recorded their name, the day, and the starting time and ending time of their shift.

The first lined column of the page detailed the week of the day and in the next was where the times were written. The following columns showed the rangers names and their signatures, as well as a space for comments and notes about that particular shift.

Joel scanned along the name column in search of Oscar's name. He discovered that on average Oscar was working patrol three days a week, always on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. He also worked at the stables on Monday, Wednesday and Sunday, sometimes on the Saturday as well. Joel's tongue licked along the inside of his cheek as he contemplated what this meant.

If you and Oscar were spending time together, it would have to be during the day - night time would be impossible for you because you were with Joel or Ellie so often. Oscar wouldn't be able to see you during the day when he was on patrol, so that cancelled out Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. And you wouldn't be able to meet Oscar on the days you were at school without children and teachers gossiping. No, you needed more privacy than what the school environment was able to offer.

That left your library shifts. It made sense. It was the perfect place for more clandestine meetings and it was where you two had met. Joel's jaw clenched at the thought of you and Oscar alone together.

Joel deduced that the only day you worked there in which Oscar could possibly visit you was Wednesdays. 

Wednesday. Five days time.

Just enough time for Joel to make sure you stayed his.

That Saturday night Ellie came to Joel's for family dinner and movie night. Despite the limited range of movies available in Jackson, Ellie located a tape that neither of you had seen before. It was always exciting to watch a VHS movie on Joel's large analog television. It was an activity Joel and Ellie used to enjoy together, however it had become a rare occurrence in the last year or so that Ellie had become more independent and sociable. So although Joel grumbled about staying up late to watch a ridiculous movie, you knew he secretly loved the opportunity to spend time with Ellie in the comfort of the living room, snuggled by blankets and pillows and a big bowl of popcorn.

At dinner time the three of you sat at the dining table to eat the soup and freshly baked bread you had made that evening. As usual, Ellie was the centre of attention and was entertaining the two of you with stories of her work escapades and what her and her friends had gotten up to that week.

"Hey, you know that Oscar guy?" Ellie asks eagerly. "Works at the stables and does patrol?"

Your heart skips a beat to hear Oscar's name spoken and your head automatically turns to look at Ellie across the dining table. She grins and raises her eyebrows like she is dying to share some kind of secret with you both.

"Partnered on patrol with him this week," Joel replies casually before taking a fork full of potato into his mouth.

The throwaway comment surprises you and you momentarily freeze, your spoon stilling in the middle of scooping a spoonful of soup. The thought of Oscar and Joel working alongside one another makes you uneasy, like their proximity is a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. You haven't cheated on Joel but he doesn't know how close you and Oscar are or how profound your friendship is, and if Oscar were to somehow mention you then you're sure Joel would not be pleased.

"Well, Uncle Tommy said he'd show me how to throw an axe, just like the competition we saw!" Ellie exlaims enthusiatically, looking from you to Joel. "So he took me today and Oscar and that Matt guy tagged along and we had our own competition to see who was the best."

You secretly glance at Joel to gauge his reaction but he appears apathetic as he eats, shoulders hulking as he leans over his bowl, eyes trained on the soup before him.

"Uncle Tommy was bragging that he would kick their asses but then Oscar beat him like, three times in a row!" Ellie snickered, shaking her head at the fond memory. "It was fucking hilarious."

You picture Oscar gripping the heavy wooden handle of an axe, its blade sharp and glinting dangerously in the sunlight. You imagine the determined expression on his face as he eyes the target ahead, how his stance shifts into the best position for him to pull back and launch the weapon. You imagine his shirt sleeves rolled up to his biceps, revealing the olive skin of his forearms.

Oh, how you wished you could have been there.

Joel remains quiet and does not acknowledge Ellie's anecdote, so you muster a little smile and nod at her to show you've been listening. "That sounds like fun," you supply.

"Yeah it was. You guys should come watch next time." Ellie slurps some soup before turning her attention to Joel. "So do you and Oscar like, chill when you're not on patrol?"

"Nah," Joel grunts, not meeting Ellie's eyes. "I'm too busy workin'." He pauses for a few beats before adding, "and he's busy with some mystery woman alotta the time, forgot what he said her name was."

Your spoon drops from your hand and clatters down into your bowl with a sudden clang. No one notices and Ellie continues talking, but Joel's words ring in your ears.

Oscar has a woman...and they spend alot of time together.

Why had he never told you? Is that why he was so busy for all those weeks, is that why he didn't visit you in the library when he stopped working with you?

Tears prick at your eyes and threaten to spill over your lash line. You hurriedly blink them away and discreetly wipe your eyes with your sleeve.

You stupid, stupid girl.

You have no right to feel like that, your mind hisses. How can you feel betrayed when you've done exactly the same thing, seeing Joel without telling Oscar anything? Oscar has every right to be happy with someone else and it's none of your business.

And you know this well. You want Oscar to be happy in any way he can be. He deserves it. And if that happiness is found with another woman, one you know nothing about, then so be it. You should wish him good luck and be glad that he's got someone to share his life with.

But why did it have to work out like this? Why hadn't I met Oscar before Joel?

You nibble on the inside of your lip and try to quell the deluge of emotions and thoughts flooding your mind. You raise your head to look at Joel and find he's already staring at you. He looks handsome in the soft light of the dining room with his fluffy greying curls and his rich chocolate brown eyes sparkling at you. You offer him a tiny smile, disguising the hurt swirling around your heart. Joel's lips curl into a little smirk in return and he winks at you, then turns his attention back to Ellie's rambling.

You glance over to Ellie and watch her speak animatedly to Joel, marvelling at how her eyes glint with mischievous charm, how the corners of her mouth curve into her endearing smile, similar to her adoptive father. Oh, how your heart aches for Ellie. You need to focus on the family you've created with Joel and Ellie, this precious piece of life that you have been given. It's what you've always wanted, after all. And now you have it, you cannot throw it away.

The following Tuesday morning Joel paid a visit to Tommy at his home. Maria had already left the house for the day to get an early start on the tasks assigned to her by the committee, which suited Joel fine. He never felt completely comfortable being around Maria. He always felt like she was judging his every word and action. Joel sensed it in the way she watched him like a hawk whenever he played with her and Tommy's two children, or how she seemed to incessantly quiz he and Ellie during every family dinner they attended.

Nosey bitch, Joel thought.

But this morning Joel was thankful to be able to relax without Maria lurking by. The brothers chatted in the kitchen as Tommy stood at the stove frying a pan full of eggs and strips of bacon. Joel leaned against the kitchen counter next to him and sipped on the slightly bitter black coffee Tommy had made.

"I tell ya, won't be long til Ellie gets the hang of that axe," Tommy chuckled. "Better watch out, big brother."

"Anyone gets hurt and you're responsible," Joel grumbled good naturedly. He slurped a mouthful of coffee and scratched the scruff along the side of his jaw.

"Deal," Tommy smirked and poked the sizzling bacon with the spatula in his hand. "So, how's everythin' goin' with your lady? She forgiven you yet?"

Joel rolled his eyes and shifted his weight on his feet, obviously uncomfortable with Tommy's candour. "Better. But I gotta favour to ask you."

Tommy glanced at Joel and raised his eyebrows. "What can I do for ya?"

"Need to swap my Wednesday shift," Joel said before taking another sip, purposely avoiding Tommy's gaze.

Tommy sighed and flipped one of the eggs in the pan. "Already had Troy off last week. It's been hard gettin' shifts filled lately, you know how sickness goes around."

"Yeah I know, but Tommy, I need tomorrow free," Joel explained firmly. "I'll owe ya one."

Tommy hummed thoughtfully. "You gonna tell me what's goin' on?"

Joel placed his coffee mug down on the kitchen counter. "Just wanna spend some time with her, that's all. Tryin' to change for the better, like ya said."

Tommy smiled to himself, seemingly pleased that his brother had listened to his advice. "Joel Miller, a romantic," he mused teasingly.

"Shut up," Joel muttered. "Now will ya cover me or what?"

Tommy nodded. "Yeah, okay. But I can't do a double shift - Maria would kill me."

"So ask someone else," Joel shrugged. He tried to appear like he was sincerely thinking of different suggestions for who might be available. "Well, who ain't rostered on Wednesdays? What about...Harry? Or....or Estrada?"

Joel knew Harry was already working at the blacksmith sheds tomorrow and wouldn't be able to swap onto a patrol shift. Joel also knew full well that Oscar was at the stables and would easily be able to fill in.

Tommy smoothed his moustache with his thumb and forefinger and clicked his tongue. "I reckon Oscar might be able to."

And there we go, Joel thought smugly as a triumphant glow spread wide across his chest. So fuckin' easy.

He clapped his hand on Tommy's shoulder. "Look, leave it with me, I'll go arrange it with him. Save you the trouble."

"Good," Tommy laughed and nodded along. He turned off the burner on the stove and gave his brother a wry grin. "Cos I don't need anymore headaches, asshole. Now get the plates and let's eat."

It was your day at the library and also the day of your weekly lunch date with Oscar. You were nervous to see him, having spent the last few days contemplating if you should bring up the question of whether or not he was now seeing someone.

It is not your business, you kept reminding yourself, you need to let it go.

Each week on Wednesday, like clockwork, Oscar arrived at the library at noon. But today he didn't come strolling through the door at the expected time. You watched the clock intently as the minutes progressed. When he still hadn't shown by 12.15pm you reasoned that there must be a mountain of work to do at the stables and he's just running a little late. You continued to wait patiently, still taring at the ticking hands of the clock on the wall opposite where you stood.

At 12.30pm you began to panic. Perhaps something had happened to Oscar. What if there had been an accident at the stables? Or maybe Oscar was sick? But then you remembered Joel's revelation at dinner last week and his words rang in your ears like a jeering jingle.

"He's busy with some mystery woman alotta the time."

You couldn't help the taunting feeling of rejection that came creeping into your mind. What if Oscar had stood you up to go see this woman instead? What if he had forgotten about you? You shook your head to rid yourself of the intrusive thoughts but as the minutes passed by excruciatingly slow, your spirit sunk lower and lower into the pit of your stomach.

When he hadn't shown up by 1.30pm all you wanted to do was go home and curl up in bed to wallow in your sorrow.

Then the door bell jingled. Your head quickly snapped toward the door.

But it wasn't Oscar who had finally arrived. Instead, you were met by the sight of Joel purposefully striding into the library with a satisfied grin on his face. His hair was slicked back, fresh from the shower, and he wore a black long sleeved shirt underneath his Carhartt jacket. You were even more unnerved by how gorgeous he looked.

"J-Joel?" You stuttered, completely dumbfounded. You couldn't even remember the last time Joel had been inside the library.

"Hey, baby," Joel drawled silkily as he approached you.

"H-hi," You mumbled dumbly, still awestruck by his presence.

Joel wrapped an arm around your waist and gathered you into his broad chest, his other hand coming up to cradle the side of your face tenderly in his palm. He tilted your face up at him while he stared down at you with a loving adoration in his gaze. Your tummy fluttered with nervous excitement, then Joel bent his head to kiss you softly on the mouth.

The smell of soap mixed with Joel's scent engulfed your nostrils as you surrendered to the kiss. His tongue slipped into your mouth and lapped at your own in slow rolling strokes, making you moan softly. Joel squeezed your waist and you reached up to run your fingers through his hair.

You forced Oscar from your mind. You had to, otherwise the pain of disappointment would be too much.

Joel continued to sensually kiss you and your whole body wilted into his strong chest. The familiarity of his warm body enveloping you somehow felt simultaneously comfortable and tantalising, so simple yet so arousing.

Maybe I do belong here, you randomly mused.

When you felt the thick press of Joel's hardened dick against you it caused an involuntary lustful stirring inside your belly. You soon forgot about Oscar and all you could focus on was Joel. The minty taste of his saliva with a hint of coffee. The light tickle of his moustache on your lips. The wide expanse of his palm cupping your face. How his aquiline nose fit so perfectly against your face.

Your clit throbbed with desire. You couldn't resist the way your body responded to him any longer. You were about to grind your pelvis against Joel's crotch when he gently pulled away from the kiss.

"Wait," you whined, confused and frustrated.

Joel stroked his thumb over your cheekbone as he looked down at you, smirking with cocky satisfaction. "Now babydoll, before we get carried away here, I got somethin' for you."

"Uhm, okay," you whispered, uncertain what to expect.

Joel released you from his grasp and took a step backward. You watched, intrigued, as he reached into his jacket pocket and retrieved a white handkerchief folded into a small square. It had a delicate lace trimming along its edges.

"Open your hand," Joel instructed you softly. You obediantly held out your hand with your palm facing up and Joel carefully placed the handkerchief onto it.

"What is it?" You asked, your eyes flickering up to look at Joel uncertainly.

"Open and see," he said with a nod to your hand.

You carefully unfurled the pretty white material in your hand and found a delicate gold chain curled in the middle. You gasped. It was the necklace from the shoebox you had found while snooping through Joel's possessions. You swallowed and reminded yourself to act surprised in order not to raise Joel's suspicions.

You held up the necklace to study it closer and noticed just how pretty the attached jewel pendant was. As you dangled it infront of you the light reflected off the jewel, causing it to twinkle mesmerically. You hadn't remembered it being so attractive when you briefly spied it in the shoebox. Now that you held it close, you could appreciate just how beautiful it was.

"Wow," you breathed, eyes fixated on the piece of jewellery.  "Wow...this is amazing, Joel."

"Just for you, baby," Joel murmered. "You like it?"

You couldn't help giving him a shy little smile. "I do," you whispered truthfully. "Thank you."

Joel smiled back at you and leaned in to press a chaste kiss on your forehead. He watched the delight in your expression as you examined the necklace, pride bursting inside his heart at being the one to make you smile.

Joel ended up staying with you at the library for a while to keep you company and browse through some of the book titles. When a horde of noisy school children came barging in through the door, you looked at him and laughed, knowing that he would make a hasty escape.

As Joel was about to walk out the door he spied a folded piece of paper peeking out from under the welcome mat just inside the entrance. He discreetly bent down and picked it up before stalking away towards home.

Back at his house Joel made sure to tear up the paper into tiny irretrievable pieces. He needed to make sure that you could never read the apologetic note Oscar had written. He must have slipped under the library door before his patrol shift earlier that morning, Joel presumed.

It is busy in the mess hall that night. It's close to 8pm, the latter part of the dinner shift, so the families and children have already eaten and are now home, tucked up safe and warm in their beds. Most of the residents occupying the mess hall now are workers who began later in the day, such as the afternoon labourers that took over from the morning crews.

You and Rhi sit at one of the smaller tables amongst the throng of diners and pick at the food on your plates. You listen to her impassioned report about why her supervisor is a control freak, how the sewing machines at the haberdashery need maintenance but no one listens to her, and that she is sick of being condescended to because of her age. You nod along sympathetically. Although Rhi can be obstinate at times, you know she's a dedicated seamstress who takes her craft seriously and you dislike seeing her be treated so unfairly.

Joel is already seated and eating dinner with Troy, Tommy, Harry and Oscar. His gaze fell upon you the moment you walked into the mess hall and he found himself furtively glancing your way every so often. He only half listens to the trivial conversation going on around him, not really interested in the bantering and amicable debates the other patrolmen liked to engage in.

Joel wasn't the only one to notice your presence, though. He clocked the way Oscar's head turned in your direction and the way his back straightened when he spied you. Oscar wasn't adept at disguising his feelings very well, Joel had come to learn. He could see the yearning on Oscar's face as clear as day.

Christ, the bastard had really fallen for you.

Sometime later, when the men had almost finished eating their meal, Tommy excuses himself and disappeares to the kitchen. Joel lazily picks at his teeth with a toothpick and observes you and Rhi.

Damn, you're so beautiful, especially when you're so unaware that you're being watched, he thinks.

Tommy returns a minute later and throws a conspiratorial wink at his older brother as he sits back down at the table. Joel leans back in his chair and folds his arms and patiently waits to see his plan unfold.

It's only another minute before a woman approaches their table and shyly clears her throat. The men look at her expectantly but she seems to zero in on Oscar.

"Excuse me," she speaks, voice silky and polite. "Oscar, I was wondering if I could have a word?"

Oscar raises an eyebrow at the woman. "Me?" He asks her, confounded.

She nods coyly and hitches a thumb over her shoulder. "Maybe over this way, for a bit of privacy?"

The patrolmen give each other teasing smirks while Oscar stands up and follows the woman. Their eyes watch Oscar and the woman as they walk to an unoccupied space a few tables away and stand to talk.

"Whose she? What's that all about?" Harry pipes up.

"Tryin' my hand at a bit of matchmakin'," Tommy answers with a cheeky grin. "Joel figures we should get him set up with someone."

"Why, Joel Miller," Troy laughs heartily. "Regular ol' cupid, huh?"

Joel rolls his eyes and mutters. "Shut the fuck up."

The men all laugh and glance back over at Oscar.

It is in the same moment that you catch sight of Oscar for the first time tonight. Seeing his face sends a shameful pang of dejection spearing into your heart. He stood you up and now here he is without a care in the world. He doesn't appear to be injured or unwell, either. Infact he looks really good.

And he's also with a woman.

You swallow thickly.

This must be the mystery woman.

You watch them intently and realise you recognise who she is. Her name is Gayle. You had known her from your time on cleaning and food prep duty. Gayle was a friendly woman and easy to talk to. She was also beautiful, with long blonde hair and light blue eyes and a wide smile. She was probably around Oscar's age, perhaps even a bit older.

You watch the interaction from where you sit, hating the wretched bubbles of envy simmering in your guts. Oscar is facing away from you but you have a clear view of Gayle and the bright smile plastered on her face, aswell as the enthusiasm in her body language. You wish you could hear their conversation and what he's saying to her.

It doesn't matter, though. The scene is too much for you to bear. It hurts to see him but it hurts your heart even more to see him with another woman.

You're such an idiot.

You quickly mumble to Rhi that you are done eating and want to go home. Rhi feels the same. When you both stand up to leave the table you are suddenly blockaded by three men. They stand tall infront of you with their arms crossed, exuding an intimidating air of arrogance. They leer at you and Rhi with taunting smirks carved on their faces.

"Hey babe, where'd you disappear to?" The blonde ranger chuckles to Rhi.

Oh, this must be that asshole who touched her.

"Anywhere you wouldn't be, apparently." Rhi spits back. "Get out of our way, Beau."

He shakes his head and grins down at her. "Nah, I want another chance. What do you say, baby? Ya didn't even let me get a proper turn."

Rhi growls and stabs her forefinger into his chest. "Listen here, dickface. I don't want anything to do with you, so fuck off."

The three of them snicker. The Beau tuts at Rhi leans closer to her face, now completely invading your space. "Maybe I'll just have to fuck your little friend here, then she can tell you what you're missing out on."

Suddenly you're aware of the loud thud of boots stomping against the floor, but before your mind can register what's happening, Joel's meaty hand grabs onto Beau's shoulder and wrenches him backwards. He stumbles.

"What the fuck?"

Joel shoulders himself past the men and stands himself past the men and stands beside you and Rhi.

"Think the ladies made themselves clear the first time, boys," Joel barks. "They ain't interested."

The young men seem to recognise Joel and the obnoxious smirks fall from their faces immediately. One of the dark haired men visibly loses all his confidence and shuffles back a few steps away from Joel and his friends. Beau is clearly the ring leader of the group as he remains standing where he is, chest puffed out and glowering petulantly between Joel and Rhi.

"She's being a tease," the blonde ranger argues back indignantly "Flirts with me from across the room and then acts like a bitch when I try talk to her!"

Rhi scoffs loudly and rolls her eyes. "Yeah right, Beau."

You glance up at Joel to see his steely gaze pinned to the young man, his furrowed brows and clenching jaw signalling his aggravation. Beau was almost as tall as Joel but no where near as imposing in strength and presence. He looked foolish standing infront of Joel trying to justify himself. The hall has fallen silent and everyone has turned to watch the confrontation unfold before them.

"That should tell ya she ain't interested." Joel said through gritted teeth.

"Well, her friend hasn't said anything," the other ranger quips, gesturing to you. "You don't speak for both of them."

A seething wrath blazes in Joel's eyes when the arrogant words fall from the young man's mouth. The air is uncomfortably thick with tension. You shuffle backwards a little and press against Rhi's side and, sensing your unease, she slips her arm around your side.

"Matter of fact, I do. And she ain't interested, either. Now get the fuck outta here before I break your jaw." Joel growls.

Joel steps closer to the younger men, challenging them to dare defy him. You swear you can feel the collective suspense of the townsfolk all around you. Your heart beat pounds in your ears as your eyes darting back and forth between Joel and the others.

All the self assured macho arrogance drains from the three men's faces at the threat of Joel Miller beating the shit out of them. Their shoulders slump in defeat and then they begin to walk away, scoffing and sneering as they leave, their anger at being rejected now exacerbated by their humiliation. One of them mutters "whatever, man" under his breath and Beau glares at Rhi. She sticks her middle finger up at him.

"You okay?" Joel asks.

He's addressing both you and Rhi but his soulful brown eyes are trained solely on you. His brows are furrowed with worry. You stare back up at him and nod, dumbstruck by such a public display of his concern.

"Yeah, thanks for that, Joel." Rhi answers with a smile. "I reckon they won't be a problem anymore."

Joel glances at her and nods curtly, then looks back to you. You feel captivated by the expressive beauty of his features, like how his mouth parts ever so slightly, as if he is breathless, and the almost sorrowful way his gaze roams all over your face. There is no trace of anger reflected in Joel now, only a gentle protectiveness that makes your tummy feel fluttery. The intimacy of the moment between you and Joel makes you forget about the rest of the townsfolk surrounding you. You feel the sudden urge to kiss him.

"Can I walk you home?" Joel asks you, his voice soft but gravelly.

"Yes, please," you whisper back.

"Strong and chivalrous. I guess you'll be safe without me," Rhi chuckles as she slips her arm from around your waist. "Go have fun."

You flash a shy smile at her and she gives you an enthusiastic nod of encouragement. Joel steps aside and holds his arm out, gesturing for you to stand and walk next to him. You sidle up beside Joel and feel his hand come to rest possessively on your lower back. The magnitude of this exhibition is profound - no one has ever witnessed Joel Miller actually touch a woman before, and doing so with such reverence and familiarity. It is a statement, a declaration. Joel has claimed you.

He escorts you through the mess hall to up to the door.

"Come on baby, let's go home," he murmers close to your ear.

He pushes open the door and pulls you close against him in order to squeeze through the threshold together, and you giggle.

You don't look behind you, not even to check if everyone is still watching you (which they are). You don't see Rhi proudly grinning after you, or Tommy smirking quietly to himself. You don't see Oscar or his crestfallen expression, or how his orbs swim with woeful disappointment to see you walk away with another man.

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[mixelation]

I recently read Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer! I was a bit skeptical of it because I really disliked the movie, and the reasons people said the book was far superior had very little to do with why I disliked the movie. However, I found the book pretty engaging. The prose seems a little rigid at first, but you get used to it as a stylistic choice to reflect the voice of the POV character pretty quickly. I thought the pacing was pretty good and sense of suspense well done, and as a result I read it in about two sittings (which is fast for me lol).

Annihilation is about a team of four women entering the mysterious Area X, a deserted zone of "ecological disaster." Their team's goal seems to be to explore the area, but as the story progresses, we learn a lot of information has been withheld and the expedition's true purpose is unclear. Area X is a sort of supernatural-meets-scifi area of strange occurrences: there's a strange wailing of unknown origin at night, the narrator character (a biologist) is constantly noting strange fungus-like growths, there's ~unknowable~ creatures wandering around. Oh, and it's also the sort of story where all the characters are slowly losing their minds for various reasons. I've seen the genre described as horror, although I'd describe the mood as vaguely unsettling rather than frightening.

My main complaint about the movie was that, IIRC, a lot of it leaned heavily on unknown-biology-as-horror and very poor biological explanations. The book isn't like this: the POV character specializes in "transitional environments," by which I think it's meant she's a community ecologist interested in ecological succession or else how environmental perturbances alter ecology. So there's a lot of prose of her describing ecological communities, both real ones and the almost-supernatural ones of Area X, but it's done without the infuriating attempts at an "explanation" which makes no sense, nor is discovering a new community arising villainized as being horrifying in how unknown it is. In some ways, getting to watch such a new community talk hold is portrayed as soothing to the main character. So in that regard, I enjoyed the novel.

Most of the negative reviews I saw of this book focused on the unreliability of the narrator or the lack of resolution for mysteries encountered. It is very true that the narrator is unreliable and she occasionally admits to withholding information form the reader, or in some places it's not clear if what she describes even really happened or was a hallucination. If you don't like that trope, you will hate this book. If you love unreliable narrators.... I wouldn't call this a stand-out or particularly interesting example, but it sure is unreliable.

Now, given this book is basically all suspense for a building mystery, I did feel throughout the whole read that the end would make or break it. And my conclusion upon finishing it is.... it's fine? I wasn't blown away by the ending, but I wasn't dissatisfied. However, I think you will be very frustrated as a reader if you expect clear-cut explanations, or for every detail to be resolved. The mysteries put forth by this book come in three categories:

the narrator - we get a full character arc with her, and in this regard I found the ending satisfying. again, it's not mind-blowing, but it does feel adequately resolved. you do have to be alright with some ambiguities and making your own conclusions, but i personally like this in a story.

the southern reach - this is the name of the agency organizing the expedition (and the name of the trilogy). Their purpose/goals are unclear, and we become aware rather quickly that they are sending people to gruesome deaths and outright lying to them about it. Personally, I didn't find them that compelling as a mystery, and didn't care to learn more than "they're a generic cryptic agency, you know the type." Some, but not all, of these mysteries will be resolved, and some of those resolutions will just open up more questions, which could be frustrating if you are interested in this element of the plot and are also the type of reader who expects all questions to be answered by the end of a story. Worry not, though-- there's two more books!

Area X itself -- like I said, there's very little attempt to actually explain WTF is going on here and why, although you sort of start to intuit the logic of this strange world. honestly, i feel that "solving" the mystery of Area X is beyond the point of the story (which is about the narrator being obsessed with ecological change but terrified and unwillingly to cope with change in her own life) and trying to shove an explanation into the movie was doomed to fail. it's unclear to me if the subsequent books will get into this or not.

Overall, a pretty good read, would recommend. I might read the other two books one day, but probably not for my next read.

[1-ker0sene-1]

The Dead Do Talk

Johnny "Soap" MacTavish / Reader

(Wheelchair User Reader)

Chap1, Chap2, Chap3, Chap4

"Hell and High Water P.1"

Word Count: 4.2k

CW: gunfire, corpse description, threats, wheelchair user slur, car wreck

     Getting in the city isn't hard. The roads are cluttered with cars, but most have already been pushed to make way. Johnny's brows furrow at the sights. It isn't like the town. It's not just abandoned and run down. No. It's a fucking disaster. Buildings burned, cars piled up and wrecked. He takes a glance your way, finding you unbothered and only focused on the road ahead.

"This wasn't just the dead-"

     The blue eyed man mumbles out.

     You shake your head. Forcing yourself to look away from the writhing charred bodies that were in a flipped car, looking over to John instead.

"I know getting shot isn't very pleasant and all-"

     Johnny snorts at the comment and shakes his head.

"But.. in a way I think you're lucky. First month was a fuck show to put it lightly."

     You mutter. Your hand lifting to pinch the bridge of your nose as you recount it all.

"Riots in the first few weeks.. people were already turning on eachother. The town stayed pretty civil, most people just left. But the city? Fuck.. They tore eachother apart before the dead could. Then when the dead overran?.. the horde earlier is a cake walk compared to this."

     Johnny listens quietly with a few nods, brows furrowed together tightly. You're both stressed on this. The best idea is to get through fast. In one end of the city, out the other. He held the steering wheel with white knuckles. You hold your rifle in your lap. You're getting to the more dense parts of the city, no longer skirting the outside streets.

"Ye think they would've dropped a bomb on this place.."

     John mumbles under his breath. You watch his expression, the creases under his eyes when he narrows them in focus. You shrug at his words.

"They were focused on getting people out.. besides-"

     You look around at the burned buildings.

"The damage was already done."

     The two of you spent an hour or so navigating the truck through the streets, having to go around several pile ups of cars. It was painstakingly slow. Every inch of progress was due to a mile of runarounds. Doing the best you can to not have to get out of the truck. Not that Johnny wouldn't carry you through. He just didn't want to risk anything happening to either of you. And you would rather not give him that burden for as long as possible. Johnny can't help but stare in slight frustration at the slight tremble in his hands whenever they stop to check directions.

     The pencil shakes just as much as he does when it's between his fingertips. Letting out a grunt as he tried to drag a simple straight line across the page. He can feel your eyes on him. The two of you were shacked up in a small bedroom of a house, a week into your travels together. Laying on your side, Johnny just barely a foot away in his own sleeping bag. Despite your disapproval, most of the blankets were wrapped around you.

"You alright?"

     You mumble out to him. He nods shortly. Before letting out a tsk and putting the journal and pencil aside next to the lantern between the two of you.

" 'm fine bon.. Just- fuckin' tired of not bein' tha same."

     The scott grumbles.

"My aim too."

     He scoffs in disappointment with himself.

     You raise a brow but smile a little.

"Gunshot to the head and you're mad your hands shake? .. You're gonna be okay John.. you just got back on your feet maybe a week ago. Give your body some time. Besides, you miss a shot? I'll be there to hit the target with you."

     You assure. Leaving him to stare softly at you as you reach over to shut off the lantern. Putting you both in darkness.

"Johnny?"

     He blinks out of the memory, looking over at you. You, who taps the map on the next street to go down. Raising your brow at him.

"Still with me?"

     You joke.

     Johnny nods and puts the truck in gear again, starting to pull forward to the road you pointed out. Letting out a hum of acknowledgment.

"Always hen."

     He says simply. Continuing the trip forward.

     Rain had started pelting down on the truck, washing over the windows and the windshield. It wasn't too hard to drive through, but it was worrying for the night to come. It was going to be cold. They had previously been lucky with weather, no storms or rain, god help you if it snows this winter. Johnny pulls the steering wheel to the right, the main road was cut off by a wreck. The other direction was blocked by a mess of corpses that had been crushed by pieces of a burned building.

     The truck screeches to a stop. You're looking at the map when you hear John's breath hitch in his throat. You look to him first, the way his blue eyes widen, a whole storm brewing in those seas. The way his tan skin pales. Lips parted.

"John..?"

     You mutter. Your voice breaks him, instantly pulling the shift back into reverse. A string of curses too fast to understand leaving his mouth. He's looking over his shoulder as he violently pulls the truck back, the tires screech on asphalt. You finally look forward.

     A building, alight in flames. Your map drops into your lap. Staring at the massive horde of dead that lingers in front of the fire, drawn by the crackling. One turns, hearing the truck, another.. You can't take your eyes off them, but you hear Johnny calling your name. Until his hand takes your shoulder, giving you a light shake.

"Directions-! Where can we go!?"

     Hands feebly grasping at the map, your eyes snap down to find a way out of your situation. That horde was bigger than the one on the highway. One that size could flip the truck with ease. Looking at the map you curse in frustration, shoving it in the duffel next to you. Leaning over you look back with John. Your eyes lock on the writhing mass you avoided before.

"We have to ram through- the other way is blocked."

     Johnny glances at you with an open mouth, but he can't bring himself to object when he has no plan of his own. He whirls the truck around, flooring it towards the small barricade of rotten flesh. Even though you're wearing a seatbelt, Johnny's arm outstretches across your stomach to keep you in place. Your hand grips his arm with white knuckles.

     First you hear the crunching, the sharp breaking of bones under the mass of the tires. The gargled wails of the dead. You pull in a shaky breath as the tires start to spin out on the mixture of cement and corpses, looking to Johnny to what can only be described as pure panic. Once he sees it on your face his hand bunches the fabric of your shirt in a fist. Looking forward as he pulls in reverse just a couple feet.

"Johnny-"

     You blurt. Looking back over the seat. The dead are gaining on you, stumbling together in a crowd towards the back of the truck.

"I know- I know bonnie-!"

     The man stresses in return, hollering over the revving of the vehicle. He hammers the gas once again, crunching bones, again. The sound has to be burned into your skull by now. This time, the back tires push through. Sending the truck flying forward down the street. You slump into the seat with a shuttered breath of relief. Still squeezing his arm tight to yourself.

     Johnny momentarily glances at you, shrinking with relief as you do. Letting out a deep breath as he talks to you softly now, his fist opening to a palm.

"We're ok- I told ye we'd be-"

"Johnny look OUT-"

     You barely get to warn him. Before something slams through the windshield from above. Debris from the withering building in front of you. The truck slams to a stop, hitting the breaks hard, the result of Johns instincts. But it's too late. The slam wrenched his head forward, colliding with the steering wheel. Yours hitting the dash.

     Fuck. His head hurts. Johnny's eyes barely flitter open. The throbbing ache just above his brows assaults his brain. His limbs feel impossibly heavy. His temple is pressed to the steering wheel, struggling with himself to come to his senses. You're calling for him, yelling his name, he can see it on your lips. He can only mutter yours in return. You have a knife, you swing- but not at him. Surely not at him.

     No. You strike the blade down on a corpse trying to crawl through the window. His ears are ringing. He feels you grip the collar of his shirt, trying to pull him from the driver seat. Undoing his seatbelt. His hearing is coming back, so does his common sense.

"John get up-!"

     He looks at you, closing his eyes tightly and opening them again. Taking in the true situation.

"Johnny please! You have to get up-"

     They're fucked. His ears have stopped ringing, leaving the sounds of it all to rush on him like a tidal wave. The dead groaning, the rain, the distant fire still crackling, your voice. Your voice is calling for him. You're still driving back the corpses, plunging your blade into any head that peeks into the broken window towards him. Hauling him as much as you could towards yourself, which was merely at least his upper half hanging in the passenger seat with you. You pulled the duffel closer, your rifle on your back.

     He's still reeling. Johnny's eyes flicker about the car. What are they going to do? They're going to lose the truck. He has to get you out. You. Fuck he has to get you to safety. He can feel blood running down his temple. Your hands cup his face, guiding his head to look away from the mess and just to you. Only you.

"John. Look at me. Alright?"

     Your thumbs gently dig into his jaw, grounding him with the action.

"There's a school. Just a couple blocks. Two blocks away and we're safe. John.. I need you. I need you to get up."

     The words seem to snap some sort of unseen band inside him. The scott lurches forward, arms wrapping around your midriff. Hauling both you and himself out the passenger door. You grab the strap of the duffel bag over his shoulder as you both fall from the height of the truck. He grunts as his back collides with the wet pavement, you're on top of him. Providing a familiar weight on his chest that would be comforting in any situation but this one.

"I got ye."

     John rasps, pulling himself together for the sake of both of you. Pulling himself to stand steady with you, easing you over his shoulder as he scrambled away from the dead clawing at the other side of the truck. Stay with me bon.. He thinks. Stay with me I'll get you there.

"Two rights Johnny. Just down the street."

     You tell him quickly. Raising your rifle to cover the both of you. Johnny steel's himself as the rush begins. He moves forward quickly, shoving past any corpse in his way. Doing his best to simply move past or push them down. The dead are brittle really, a hard shove can send them to the ground long enough to make a run for it. But there is so many.

     Corpses in front of him are knocked down, the ones gaining behind are shot down by you. Two blocks. Johnny reminds himself. Not much further. Just another block. He can feel you tensed up. Gritting your teeth as you prop up a little to reload the rifle.

"Last right John."

     You tell him between heavy breaths. The rain was pouring down on the both of you, Johnny couldn't differentiate the feelings of the water from the blood rushing down his face.

     There it is. The double doors of a highschool building. It looks relatively untouched, or at least the building looks stable. He makes a full sprint towards it, eyes narrowing seeing the metal chains looping between the handles.

"Fucks sake-"

     He snarls in frustration. Coming closer, he slips you off his shoulder. Letting you slump into his side, arm tight around your hip to hold you up so you don't crumple beneath the weakness of your legs. Using his free hand to wrench at the chains.

     You have your rifle reloaded, going right back to shooting down approaching corpses.

"We don't have much time!"

     You warn. The crowd of dead is getting thicker, moving together like a looming cloud. Thunderous constant groans, snapping jaws and blank stares. Never quite looking at you. Just forward with milky orbs.

     Johnny pulls the last of the chain out of the handles, tossing them aside. Pushing the door open just enough to slip you and himself inside. Once on the other side of the wood, he whirls around. Throwing his forearms to the doors, pressing them closed. Slamming his knee up against it as well, giving you a little space to sit. John never liked sitting you on the floor. He'd rather use himself as a damn human stool than sit his lass on the ground. He lets out deep breaths, looking over for something to block the doors.

"Alright hen we-"

     There's just a moment, where the cock of a shotgun and the click of your rifle goes off at the same time.

     His back goes rigid, his jaw flexing in frustration. How many things can possibly go wrong today? He presses himself in front of you, despite your hushed mumble of protest. You prop the rifle carefully on the edge of his shoulder, having a steady aim on the threat.

"You were the ones making a fucking mess out there?"

     A hoarse voice calls out with a sharpened scowl. You keep the rifle trained on him, staying quiet. Swallowing thickly as Johnny struggles to keep the doors closed against the dead. The older man, with a round face and a five o'clock shadow, has his own gun trained on John. You did not fucking need this right now.

     There's movement behind an overturned desk, in an instant you turn your aim towards it. Now having a middle aged woman in sight, dark curls adorn her head, along with a seemingly deep etched frown. Your aim makes the man bristle.

"Put your gun down girl."

"She dinnae take orders from you."

     Johnny growls. You keep your aim where it is. The woman shifts uncomfortably, standing slowly and raising her hands. Her voice is shaky, full of anxiety.

"The dead are going to break through- please- shooting eachother does nothing if we just get torn apart anyways."

     She tries to reason, your eyes narrow. The old man grunts.

"They need to get out."

You scoff at such a suggestion.

"We're not going anywhere."

     John presses his shoulder to the doors, which seem to breathe inwards with the flux of the corpses shoving against the bending wood. Frustration seeps deep in his aching bones, holding the doors shut he can't do much to defend you. He grunted and managed to grit out.

"His first. Drop it."

"Over my dead body!"

     The man snaps, his chest shudders as he lets out a wheezy cough. Johnny sees the way your eyes narrow and turn the gun back to the older man.

"We could do it that way-"

     You say bluntly. The other woman let's out a sound of stress, moving to the old mans side. Pressing down on the gun to lower it.

"Please! Please don't. We can help eachother. He can't hold the door much longer."

     Johnny watches you glance up at him, worry etched deep in your eyes. No. No hen you're doing fine. He wants to console you. I can keep holding. You look over to a bookshelf in the corner, gesturing to it. Lowering your rifle. You speak to the woman, finding her more reasonable.

"The shelf. If you two push it in front he can let go of the doo-"

     The sour man scoffs.

"Why don't you get up and do-"

     Johnny hasn't wanted to shoot a living person this badly in a long time. His fists clench against the now splintering wood.

"She can't. Just help for fucks sake."

     The scott snaps. But it sends the two strangers into action without much thought into his words. Pushing and dragging the shelf towards the set of double doors.

     As soon as the bookshelf is pushed closer, Johnny's arms wind around your waist. Holding you securely to him, your back pressed to his chest as he pulls you away. Letting the man and woman push the shelf in front of the doors, effectively holding them closed. How are they supposed to trust these people? How are they supposed to get the fuck out of the building? Feeling your hand rest on his forearm, his thoughts still. He helps you over to a desk, easing you into the chair, humming softly in response to your mumble of appreciation. But you don't let go of him.

"John you're bleeding."

" 'm fine lass. Dinnae matte-"

"It's your stitches. Of course it matters."

     You stress at him, looking up at the scott in alarm. Lifting your hand to start wiping away the blood. You worry so much bonnie.. Johnny sighs at you, taking your hand and putting it back on the rifle.

"When we're safe. We can look at it."

     He says, to which you nod. John slings the duffel off his shoulder and onto the desk top. Fuck. That was all the supplies they have now. Your bloody hand taking the rifle as the other two people in the room turn back towards you.

"She really can't get up? She bit?"

     The old man questioned with a pointed gaze. Johnny was getting tired of his voice real quickly. You however, just chuckle tiredly.

"Not bitten. Just can't walk-"

     The man huffs in disdain.

"So you're a crippl-"

"Disabled. She's a disabled vet."

     Johnny corrected sharply with a slight curl like snarl of his lip.

     The two men seem to stare at eachother for a moment, Johnny's eyes flare in anger. Those usual calm blues that look at you so softly, now sharp and jagged with ice. The woman across the room nervously pulls her dark curls back from her face, coming over to push on the older man's chest.

"Randall that's enough. please."

     Despite her face being more angular and sharp than Randalls, her demeanor is much more gentle. She looks at both you and Johnny with nothing but sympathy.

"I'm sorry about him- .. It's just.. people we have run into haven't exactly been.. Kind."

     She tries to put it lightly.

"I'm J, can I ask your names?"

     The dead are still by the doors, but now that the group is talking quieter they seem to disperse just slightly. Now that they can't see you, only hearing hushed whispers. But still, it was too dangerous to leave through this exit.

"This is John."

     You introduce your sargeant, then yourself after. Johnny still stands close to the desk where you sit, still uneasy in general about these people. He speaks up sternly. He doesn't seem interested in small talk.

"Tha building secure? Been here long?"

     J sighs and shakes her head, gesturing over to the hall, which was blocked with stacks of desks and chairs.

"We only ran in here a few hours ago.. the horde has been filtering through the city until they stopped at the fire- .. The hallways and classrooms are full of the dead too."

     You let out a sigh, running a hand over your face in frustration. Trapped from both ends. The last thing the both of you wanted today. Johnny pinches the bridge of his nose.

"Cannae do anythin' t'night.. Have ta let tha dead stumble off."

     The sargeant mutters under his breath, pulling up a chair to sit next to you. His arm instinctively rests on the back of the chair you sit in.

"And whose fault is that?"

     Randall grunts, throwing himself down in a chair across the room. The shotgun resting on his leg. J gives him a look, as if begging him to shut up. Johnny opens his mouth to snap back, but you beat him to it.

"I'd say maybe the corpses? Or y'know- the fact that the world went to shit."

     Not giving the old man much attention, you turn your eyes back to your trusted companion.

"We need a plan.. to draw them away in the morning-"

     You say to Johnny. But it seems he's paying more attention to your rain covered form, the way you shiver once in a few moments, the way your clothes stick to your skin as they're soaked through. His are wet too, but he can't bring himself to care much. But by the way your eyes rake over him with a frown, you do. Worrying again wee hen?

"John?"

"Aye I know.. we'll figure somethin' out."

     You watch as Johnny is shrugging off his jacket, wrapping it around your shoulders. You catch his shoulder before he pulls away, your thumb rubs a circle against his skin.

"Let me take a look at your stitches then.. We have to wait till morning anyways-"

     The other two seem to be settling as well, they have a couple backpacks in the corner beside them. The woman, J, seems to dig through one, before pulling out medication for the older man. You turn your head away from them to focus on Johnny. Pulling the duffel bag closer.

"I know I put your painkillers in here.. that little med pack from the gas station last week should be too.."

     You mutter to yourself.

     The slam to the head seems to be catching up to your soldier, he lifts his hand to brush his fingers against the open wound. Definitely ripped a few stitches, he can see you grimace on his behalf. But you pull out the bottle of pills and a small red bag, ready to work on him.

"Shite is too hectic ta be worryin' bout me hen."

You quirk a brow and chuckle at him.

"Stop making me worry then soldier."

Finding a needle and medical thread, your eyes stay down at the bag. But you can feel Johnny looking at you, with those blue eyes. Thinking too much for his own good, you can already tell.

"Don't give me the look."

" 'm worried lass... 'm worried bout tha city..tha dead.. gettin' ye through.."

"Thought we aren't supposed to be worrying John.."

Grabbing a rag from the duffel, you glance up at Johnny. Meeting his softened icy eyes with your own, the way his brows furrow and lift in worry. You sigh, hand outstretching to carefully grasp his jaw. Your other hand wiping away the blood on the side of his head from his temple. Your thumb brushing over the scar on his chin absentmindedly.

"We're okay."

"The last time I told ye that we ended up in a crash bon... now yer soakin' wet an' shiverin'..."

"We're alive. That's what matters.."

Cleaning up his head, you get to stitching. Unsurprisingly, the man sits like an absolute rock. Letting you stitch up his head. You'd think he'd wince, flinch, shift .. Something. But he stays perfectly still for you, not that you don't see his clenching and unclenching fist on the desk in front of you.

"You know it wasn't your fault Johnny."

He sighs quietly hearing your words.

"I should've been payin' attention. If we dinnae crash.. We could've been outta tha city by now."

You frown at him, still focused on carefully moving the needle through his skin.

"I directed you just as much as you drove.. It's no one's fault. And if it is? I'm just as much to blame."

Your words quiet him, he can't think of a response still blaming himself. You pull the stitches together carefully to close the wound again, using your knife to cut the thread at the end. You reach for a bandage in the red bag. John grunts.

"C'mon now. I dinnae need that-"

"Whine later sargeant. I want these stitches to stay and heal."

You huff in return at him, your hand slips around to the nape of his neck to urge him closer. To which he leans down towards you, letting you wrap the bandage over the stitches securely and around his head.

There's a thud against the double doors, most likely a corpse stumbling into it. All four of you jolt. Randall squeezes his gun, J grasps her bag. Your head snaps to the door, trying to listen to the pairs of footsteps. Johnny, his arm shoots out to grab your own, the pad of his thumb nestled gently to the crook of your elbow. He's ready to grab you at any second, just take you away when things get rough.

You take a deep breath, placing your hand over Johnny's. Still staring at the door despite him still staring at you.

".. We're getting out of the city.. We're just.. On a detour."

John grumbles and looks at the other two in the room with narrowed eyes, before looking back to you with a sigh.

"Ye and yer scenic routes lass.."

{WOO this took WAY too long. But I'm excited. Had to split this into a part two, because let's just say things will not calm down. Johnny's so worried about you, so let's give him something to worry about yeah?}

(tag list: @sadstone-s @lolly145 @mangoguy @kaoyamamegami @waiting-so-long @ikohniik @bossva @kaelyn-lobrutto24 )

[batneko]

Here's an idea I originally planned to write as another Bowuigi scenario post, but I decided to turn it into a ficlet because it would be too short. Now it's about 2000 words, lol.

It had been clear from the beginning that something as simple as a "Science Expo" wouldn't be simple at all in the Mushroom Kingdom. Luigi had been braced for disaster from the moment he heard about it, and Bowser's attack almost came as a relief.

No, his mistake had been un-bracing after Bowser was captured and locked in a cage one of the scientists had invented.

Sure, it looked sturdy. Sure, the scientist assured Princess Peach that the cage was completely indestructible. Sure, the only key had been moved from the display table to a security toad's neck after Bowser gave up on trying to bend the bars and started sneakily (as sneaky as anybody his size could be) reaching for it instead.

None of that was the problem. The problem turned out to be another experiment all the way on the other side of the hall that collapsed and caught on fire. That toad scientist said he wasn't even sure how it caught on fire - there weren't any flammable components! About half a second before the blaze spread to the next table, which happened to be full of chemicals, and turned into a giant green fireball.

"Okay, everybody out!" Peach exclaimed, calmly but firmly. "Evacuate the building. Walk, don't run!"

People tended to listen when the princess talked - Luigi supposed that was a skill you had to pick up when you ruled a country. But the fire was pretty eye-catching, and panic set in before he and Mario could start working on crowd control. There was screaming, running (what did Peach just say?), scientists attempting to pack up their exhibits, and for some reason several people tried to head for the same exits that the fire was creeping toward.

"Doesn't this place have sprinklers?" he heard Mario ask.

"I thought so," Peach said. "I don't know why they're not-"

An alarm started to blare, and then they all felt the sudden downpour of the sprinkler system. There was a mass exhale, relief settling in, calming the crowd.

And then something new exploded into flames.

"My elemental sodium!" a toad exclaimed.

Memories of 8th grade chemistry flashing through his mind, Luigi clenched his teeth and got back to guiding the evacuation. There was nothing he wanted more than to head for the exits himself right now, especially with the added discomfort of water dripping off his hat onto his nose, but a hero had responsibilities - and besides, he was the second tallest person in the room.

It only took a few minutes, nobody exactly wanted to stay, and then Luigi was safely outside and wringing water out of his hat. A disaster, but one in which no one got hurt. About the best he could have asked for.

The security toads were doing their jobs now, keeping the crowd away from the merrily burning building. The one with the key around his neck was explaining to a very distraught toad that if the fire didn’t ruin his cardboard model of a bathysphere, the water would. Which was probably ironic in some way.

Wait a minute.

Luigi lunged forward and grabbed the toad’s arm, startling both of them with how fast he’d moved. “Did you let Bowser out?” he asked.

The toad took a second to register what he’d said, glancing down at the giant key as long as his chest. “Oh! Uh, no. I didn’t think-”

“Give that to me.”

The toad obliged, struggling to get the chan over his head until he managed to pop the clasp in the back. Key in hand, Luigi took a step toward the building… and stopped. He looked back over the milling crowd, at Peach’s head of blonde hair. She was the only one tall enough to see, but Mario was rarely far from her. He could find him, ask him to…

No, there was no time. Gritting his teeth, Luigi ran back toward the expo hall to the sounds of several panicked shouts.

The heat was like walking into a wall. Since the fire started on the opposite end from Bowser’s cage, Luigi didn’t have to worry about actually dodging flames, but he could feel the heat and the smoke getting into his lungs. Pulling his shirt up over his nose and trying not to cough, Luigi made his way to the corner he’d been trying to avoid before.

Bowser was still sitting there, arms folded, scowling. He was looking at the floor when Luigi ran up, and Luigi tried to focus on getting the key into the lock with wet gloves on as an excuse to not meet his eyes.

“What are you doing?” Bowser asked.

“Getting you out of here,” Luigi said. Luckily the lock opened smoothly, and Luigi threw the door open so hard it clanged against the bars. "Come on."

The cage was too small for him, Bowser had to duck to get out the door, and as he straightened up to his full height for a second it felt like he was blocking out the sun. Luigi was very, very aware of the difference in their sizes.

He swallowed, forced himself to say, "This way," and tried to ignore the way it came out as a squeak.

"You're an idiot," Bowser said.

Luigi hadn't exactly been expecting to be thanked, but the insult didn't seem necessary. Just because they almost forgot him didn't mean they did.

But arguing would waste time, and the fire was still creeping along the walls where the sprinklers didn't reach. He adjusted his shirt again and turned toward the door he'd come in through, still open and still safe.

He hadn't taken two steps before a wooden beam crashed down in front of him. Luigi yelped and jumped backwards, hiding behind the first large object he saw - which turned out to be Bowser.

"Uh… sorry."

Bowser just shook his head.

There was more crashing, and the crackle of flames was a lot closer than Luigi liked. Had it spread to the ceiling already? If the walls weren't safe and the open spaces weren't safe, what were they going to do?

If anybody had remembered to let Bowser out in the first place they wouldn't be in this mess. Unfortunately, Luigi counted as "anybody," meaning this was as much his fault as anyone else.

"I'm sorry," Luigi said again. "Let's just make a run for it."

Bowser reached behind him and grabbed the back of his overalls, hoisting him into the air like a toy in a claw machine. Luigi heard himself squeak, then he was thrown back into the cage Bowser just left.

The door clanged shut, and Luigi’s heart sunk into his shoes. He was locked up. Just like Bowser had been, behind bars in a burning building, soon to be abandoned. Okay, they’d forgotten him, but did it really deserve this? Did Luigi really deserve to die over it?

He saw Bowser bend over next to the cage, grip the bars with one hand, and then he picked the whole thing up off the platform. Luigi toppled over onto the side, then back again as Bowser balanced the cage on his shoulder. What was he doing?

They turned back and forth. Luigi could see the fire creeping toward all the doors now. If they ran, and rolled as soon as they got outside - but the ceiling was still falling in too.

Bowser turned completely around, facing the back wall now. There was a small door near the middle, but the rest of it was nothing but windows. There was no safe path unless…

“No,” Luigi said, softly.

Bowser chuckled, and charged straight ahead.

For a few horrible seconds Luigi was aware of nothing but the smoke-filled air rushing past him as the wall got closer and closer. Glass shattered around them as Bowser kicked out a window and leapt through the frame, cage and all.

Bumping, rolling, and finally stillness. Luigi took a deep breath of still-smoky but much cooler air. He was tempted to scream. It wouldn’t accomplish much at this point, but it would make him feel better.

He yelped, at least, as the cage was picked up again. The door popped open and the box turned, and Luigi was shaken out onto the ground like the last penny in a piggy bank.

“Ow,” Luigi said.

“Wimp,” Bowser said. But his tone was light, and when Luigi looked up he saw him smiling.

He chucked the cage back over his shoulder, where it landed on the ground with a heavy thud and a gouge driven into the dirt. After a moment’s consideration Bowser threw the key in the same general direction, then turned back toward the expo hall, folding his arms and watching it slowly burn.

“This science expo thing’s more fun than I thought,” he said. “Maybe I’ll have one.”

Abruptly, he leaned over Luigi, really blocking out the sun this time. They were all alone out here, Luigi realized. Everyone else had evacuated out the other side of the building. If Bowser wanted to do anything to him, there was nobody to stop it.

But… he wasn't. And he hadn't. Right now he was just staring at Luigi with something like confusion on his face.

"You break anything?" Bowser said.

"No…" Luigi said. He'd been thrown around a lot, but he was used to that now. He probably wouldn't even bruise.

Carefully, Luigi climbed to his feet and brushed off any bits of broken glass or charred wood that had stuck to his clothes. Bowser quickly scrubbed a hand through his hair to do the same.

"Grazie- I mean, thank you for getting us both out," Luigi said.

Bowser rolled his eyes. "Don't do that. It's gross."

"What, thank you?"

"Ugh," Bowser said, so that must have been it.

Was that not what he'd been waiting for, then? Why did he keep looking at Luigi like that?

"Did you have to throw me in the cage, though?" Luigi asked.

Bowser shrugged. "That Poindexter said it was indestructible. You're not fireproof or roofproof, so I figured it'd help. Or whatever." He frowned, slightly. "Roof-proof. Roof, proof. That's a hard one."

While Bowser seemed interested in the pronunciation of the word he'd just invented, the specifics of what he'd said were sinking in for Luigi.

"You… are fireproof," Luigi said slowly.

"Ye-up," Bowser said.

"And roofproof?"

"Dunno about that one, but I've survived bigger buildings than this falling on me."

"And the cage is indestructible."

"Yyyyup."

Luigi buried his face in his hands. "I didn't need to go back for you at all, did I?"

"Nope," Bowser said, almost cheerfully.

"I'm an idiot."

"I told you you were."

Luigi groaned.

He ignored the guffaw of laughter next to him, and the massive hand that slapped his back. It was only when Bowser muttered something that Luigi forced himself to look up again.

It had sounded like, "Not like I don't appreciate it."

"What?" Luigi said.

"Nothing, shut up."

"I didn't-"

"Shut up," Bowser repeated firmly, and turned away from him to watch the burning building once again. One of the windows collapsed inward, and Bowser pumped his fist and gave an only slightly forced cheer. "Whoo! Good one."

For a while they both stood there, Luigi regaining his breath, Bowser apparently entertained by destruction. Bowser had said not to thank him, had told him to shut up, but Luigi had this feeling like… he was more bark than bite right now.

“Welp, I’m out of here,” Bowser said after a moment. “Much as I’d like to stay and watch the fire work, I’m not letting anybody lock me up again.” He gave a low growl. “Had enough of that for a lifetime.”

“Ah… take care getting home.”

Bowser gave him another odd look. “I don’t get you.”

“Don’t you?”

“I didn’t need saving. I don’t need your niceties.”

“It’s not for you,” Luigi said, “it’s for me. I’m doing - and saying - these things because I’d feel wrong if I didn’t.”

Bowser shook his head. “Like I said, I don’t get you.” He took a step in the direction his airship had gone when the crew abandoned him. “But uh… grazie, or whatever.”

Luigi blinked. “Prego,” he said, automatically, but Bowser had already started moving.

He stood there, alone, watching Bowser leave with nothing but the crackling of the fire to accompany the thoughts swirling in his head. Did Bowser know he’d just thanked him? He must, right? Luigi had said it right afterward.

Come to think of it, he’d have expected Bowser to be offended that Luigi thought he needed rescuing. But he wasn’t. He returned the favor, thanked Luigi, and walked away without causing any more trouble.

Was Luigi losing his mind? Was this smoke inhalation?

“Luigi!” he heard his brother cry out, and turned around to see Mario running at full-tilt across the grass. He braced himself just in time for Mario to grab him in a bone-crushing hug. 

He knew he’d done the right thing, and he knew Mario would agree once he heard the story, but he still felt a little silly that he’d rushed into danger for the sake of someone who was danger-proof.

“Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine,” Luigi said. He glanced back over his shoulder, even though he knew Bowser was long gone.

Maybe that was it. Maybe so many people knew Bowser didn’t need rescuing that no one ever did it.

Maybe… Bowser had liked having a hero, for once.

[manonblaqkbeak]

Apartment Disaster

Hello, me again, here for Day 9 - Meet Ugly. I know it's Day 16 right now, but this idea popped up in my head the other day and wouldn't leave me alone, so I apologise for being a pain lol.

@rowaelinscourt

cw: a smidgen of angst and mentions of death.

sorry for any grammar errors as always lol.

word count: 1100+

hope you all enjoy and have a great day xx

Aelin was in the elevator with the movers for the fourth time when she happened to come across a tall, muscled, tattooed, silver haired man in her new apartment.

She was exhausted from the move that wasn't entirely finished yet, but all her tiredness disappeared at the sight of the stranger.

Because not only was he standing in the middle of her new home; surrounding him were unopened boxes, a rolling suitcase and a large duffle bag strapped across his broad body.

“Who are you, and what are you doing in my apartment?” Aelin asked, caution but annoyance lacing her tone.

The stranger turned around—and Mala burn her, if he wasn't the most attractive man she had ever seen if it wasn't for the anger clouding his pine green eyes.

“My name is Rowan,” he said, his accent lovely and rich, despite the aggression rolling from it. “And this is my apartment. So who the hell are you?”

Aelin straightened at his tone, at the anger in his eyes. And she was confused as hell. “My name is Aelin, and you must be wrong, because this is my apartment. You have the wrong place.” It was a new complex, the building had only been completed a couple of months ago, and when she had taken her new job in Varese, she had been told to make her apartment selection quickly as they were all selling fast.

“I don't think so,” Rowan said—whoever the hell this Rowan person was. He dropped the box in his arms, rifled through his duffle bag and shoved a copied version of his lease. Aelin's eyes dropped down to the most important part, the section that said that Rowan Whitethorn was leasing apartment 4A—her apartment—for three years. The address was correct, the number of rooms (two, and one bathroom) with a balcony, was correct.

Aelin looked it over again and again, looked over her own lease copy and still found no error in writing.

What in the actual hell was happening? There was no way she was giving up this apartment, and the look on Rowan Whitethorn's face said the exact same thing.

She wanted to punch him in his stupid face.

And she wanted to punch the movers in their faces when they finally piped up and asked if they were going to complete their job or just stand around all day.

Aelin told them that they could go on their breaks and all but dragged Rowan and their leases down to the manager's office.

X X X X

Aelin truly couldn't believe it. There was an error, but not of her or Rowan's making. They were renting the same apartment because of an error. Rowan was meant to take apartment 4B, not 4A, but somewhere along the line, without anyone noticing, the office had leased the same apartment to two complete strangers.

What made it worse was that apartment 4B was already occupied—all of the apartments in the complex were occupied. There were no availabilities left in the entire city, either, and while Aelin absolutely hated the idea of doing it, she couldn't force Rowan on the streets when the office had made the mistake.

So Aelin was going to live with a stranger.

A stranger that didn't look pleased about that fact—but at least he had gotten their rent reduced due to offices colossal fuck up.

And he had gotten them to lower the cost on the apartment storage where right now, most of their things were sitting in, due to the fact that there wasn't enough room for all of their possessions.

In the middle of the living room, Aelin looked at Rowan, and Rowan looked at Aelin.

She couldn't believe she was about to live with a stranger.

“I know self-defence, and my great-uncle is a lawyer, so if you try anything, I will not hesitate to fuck you up,” Aelin said eventually.

Rowan just crossed his arms. “And if you try anything against me, I'll let my great-aunt, Maeve Whitethorn, know all about it.”

Aelin couldn't believe it, Maeve Whitethorn, the governor of Doranelle, was his aunt.

“Why can't you live with her?”

Rowan rolled his eyes. “Because my job is in Varese, obviously, which is why I'm here.”

Silence wrapped around them, and they kept staring at one another.

“What is your job?” Aelin asked eventually.

“Dietitian. Yours?”

Oh, that was great. He'd probably pick apart everything she was going to eat in the time they lived together—which was going to be until an apartment was vacant in the complex. The minute she would take a bite of a chocolate bar he would be all over her, telling her how bad it was.

“Editor in publishing. I'm in a hybrid role, too, so some days I'll be working from home.”

Rowan nodded. “Age?”

“Twenty-seven.”

“Thirty-one. Any partners?”

“No. Do you have any dietary restrictions? Because I don't like fish. Can't stand the smell of it.”

“I don't have a partner, either,” he said. “And as for the fish, I do eat it often, but I'll cook it on the balcony with the portable barbeque that I have.”

“Thank you,” she said, and once more, silence found them.

Aelin didn't feel like standing around all day, getting to know her new house mate, but she was exhausted, the effects of today starting to get to her. Right now, all she wanted to do was to have a shower, order some take away and lie down in her bed.

“Let's just get one thing straight,” Aelin started, “I'm not a maid, so I'm not going to clean up after you. You make a mess, you clean it. When you use the toilet, aim correctly and if you get any piss on the floor, you clean it and you put the toilet seat down. And I'm not going to hide my pads and tampons, so if you have an issue with that, I suggest you grow up and get over it.”

“I'm not a child,” Rowan said, affronted.

“You would be surprised how many men your age act like one.”

Rowan snorted, and she supposed that he was his own way of agreeing. “I'm going to get some of my things out of storage.” He turned around and left without another word and Aelin was left alone in the middle of her new apartment, in a new city, starting a new life.

She had wanted a fresh start after the death of her parents last year, but it seemed that she couldn't have a drama free life if this is what happened to her.

Aelin finally left the living room and had her shower.

X X X X

Rowan pretended that he couldn't hear her crying as he brought his items up from storage.

All he wanted was a fresh start after the death of his wife and unborn child, but he supposed that this was the gods way of punishing him as he wasn't there with Lyria when she died.

Rowan sighed, and dragged his boxed mattress and bed into his room, doing his best to get used to his new reality.

But telling himself to get used to it was a lot easier said than done.

Rowan sighed again, and got to work.

[b4ts1e]

▀▄▀▄▀▄Colored Bandaids▄▀▄▀▄▀ (𝚐𝚗!𝙼𝙲)

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛'𝚜 𝙸𝚗𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚍: 𝚀𝚒𝚞/𝙰𝚞𝚝𝚞𝚖𝚗 𝙻𝚒𝚗 𝚃𝚊𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝙱𝚊𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚗 (𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚍) 𝙱𝚊𝚡𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚆𝚊𝚛𝚍 (𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚍) 𝙳𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚎𝚗 𝙼𝚞𝚛𝚛𝚊𝚢 (𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚍) 𝙼𝙲 𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 (𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝙾𝙻:𝙽&𝙵)

𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚙𝚝:

Set in step 2! requested by: @a-kind-pandemic-disaster

(𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚛𝚍 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗)

It was known by everyone in Golden Grove at this point- MC is an extremely caring kid. Keeping things like basic first-aid and a multitude of snacks on them at all times, just in case something happened and somone needed it. It's been this way since they were a child, the only difference now is they have access to better supplies then the one dollar snacks and cheapest brand of bandages they carried with them as a ten year old.

On top of everything they were a good student with good grades, so- if their friends ever needed help with a subject, they'd always be ready to jump into help. Baxter and Darren had dubbed them the group mom as a joke- seeing them worry over Qiu and Tamarack getting injured in the past, but the nickname kinda just stuck. Them being so caring- it's what made Autumn like them so much back then and even now as teens.

When Qiu was a kid they didn't understand why their heart fluttered seeing MC had ran down from the top of the bridge just to check on them, Baxter, and Darren- but they understood now. They'd never admit it out loud of course, but they knew. It's also the reason they dedicated themself into taking care of MC behind the scenes- knowing they'd forget to do so for themself. They'd always prioritized others over themself, which annoyed Autumn just slighty- but the annoyance wasn't towards them. Of course not. It was towards everyone who kept MC from taking care of themself first.

Even at the current moment they were prioritizing someone else's homework over them eating- having been asked for help during the lunchbreak, to which they'd happily agreed too. Qiu kept a close eye on them, the other student, and the time- which was slowly winding down for when they had to return to classes. With a groan Autumn stood up, heading towards the two quickly but trying to appear nonchalant.

"MC, you've gotta eat. You can help them later, c'mon." they spoke, nudging them with their elbow. MC gave the other student an apologetic smile before standing up to follow Autumn back to their lunch table- as they packed the other student gave harsh glare towards Qiu. Not pleased with being interupted by the socially aclaimed 'Star' of Golden Grove. "Oh sorry [background character], Qiu is right. If you'd like we can meet up at the library after school if you still need help!" MC offered, breaking the other student's harsh glare in an instant as they smiled and accepted the offer quickly.

Autumn rolled their eyes before gently grabbing hold of MC's arm and guiding them to their group's table so they could eat with the little time left before class. "You need to be more careful MC, not everyone wants help. Most people just want you to do the work for them." they warned subtly, sitting down at the same time as the self-sacrificing teen. "Just because you don't trust others doesn't mean I can't treat people with kindness Autumn, thank you for your concern though. It means a lot." they said with a smile before eating their packed lunch- school food sucked.

(𝚃𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜𝚔𝚒𝚙)

Qiu knew that MC wouldn't be going back to the caul-de-sac this evening with them, judging on how excitable that other student had been when they'd offer afterschool help to them. However as they were riding their bike out of the campus a familiar form jumped in front of their way- a smirk plastered on their face, Autumn was going too fast to stop without hitting them and too close to swerve around them. In a panic to not hurt someone, Qiu tried to turn- causing a loud skirrting sound to echo through the now empty school yard before and even louder crash and thud interrupted it.

The person was unharmed, but Autumn on the other hand- their hands, knees, and the side of their face were litered with scratches from hitting and dragging against the pavement, it even ripped through their jeans slightly. In the distance their bike was crashed into an empty bike rack and flipped- the wheels still spinning.

From a distance an all-to-familiar gasp sounded before quick footsteps approached the person laying around the pavement. Qiu hissed as they tried to get up on their own before being interrupted by familiar, gentle hands grabbing their forearms to keep them from standing. They did however help Autumn get into a sitting position, very slowly mind you. At this point the other student had ran off, but MC knew what happened- they saw it themself, having been exiting the library to hopefully catch the victim before them since the student hadn't shown up yet.

(Qiu's Perspective)

"Autumn- hey are you okay? Oh shit you're all scuffed up, hold on." my head was spinning, but the voice was familiar. "MC?" I asked quietly, squinting slightly as I tried to focus my vision on the person before me. It was definetely them, but it was strange to hear them swear. Were they really that worried? This wasn't the first time I had crashed in front of them, doesn't make it any less embarrasing though. "Yeah, yeah it's me. Keep your eyes closed, you're gonna be dizzy for a bit. Pretty sure you hit your head. If I wasn't so worried I'd be scolding you for not wearing your damn helmet, but that can wait." they said quietly, voice softer than usual.

I listen to their advice of keeping my eyes closed, hearing them tear open a saline wet wipe before feeling them start cleaning the scratches with it. I bit my tongue, hoping to conceal the hisses of pain that the process caused- but they knew it burned. Of course they did. They always did, they're so caring. "Sorry...I know it burns, just- stay still and this will go by faster." they basically whispered, they were close enough that I could feel their breaths just barely graze the side of my face they were focused on currently.

When they backed away and took my hands one at a time, I opened my eyes again- my vision no longer burred as I watched them clean away the small pearls of blood and concrete dust from the scrapes on my hands. After they finished my knees as well, they pulled out gauze, tape, and a box of bandaids. "Seriously?" I mutter out with a teasing smile, taking notice of the bandaids being the same colored ones they used to buy as a kid. "Oh hush- I couldn't control myself. Plus they were cheaper than the name brands." they quickly defended with a playful eye roll as they wrapped my hands with gauze and taped them off one at a time.

"How's your head?" they asked quietly, putting the colorful bandaids over my knees gently with a bit of neosporin. "It hurts, but I'll be alright soon. Thank you MC, for taking care of me like this." I answered with a small genuine smile, something I saved only for those close to me. Gently they smiled back, getting closer with the bandaids for my face. "Always. I'm the mom friend, remember?" they said with a light chuckle as they put the last bandaids on my face carefully. When they pulled away from me slightly, we realized just how close we were as our eyes met. I felt my face and ears heat up slightly, as I blinked rapidly.

Maybe it was the delirium from hitting my head, maybe it was something completely else- but in that moment? I wanted them closer to me, in more ways than one. Quickly I shook my head and looked to the side- MC doing the same, looking to the opposite side as they start to put the remaining medical supplies back into the travel med-kit. Clearing their throat they stood up, grabbing mine and their bags before offering me a hand up- still avoiding eye contact, but I swear... I saw a hint of red on their ears and cheeks.

𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝: 1,353

[kasuumi]

The Curse of being a Gojo and the Blessing of Death

summary: losing the will to live and accepting death as Gojo's sister

genre: angst, no happy ending

words: 1k

Being a Gojo was an absolute curse, and even worse was that I was born a woman. Eventually, you get used to the neglect, the hurtful words they strike you with all because you're his weaker sister.

Adding more to this sob story, the higher ups absolutely despised me and if it wasn't for my cursed energy, they would have done what they did best. Eliminating those they fear because they know they can't handle power.

All I've ever wanted was to feel like I belonged somewhere. Where someone could just, understand how I feel and appreciate the things I do. A group of people to laugh and spend time with.

"Why did I have to be his sister" is all that ever comes into my head. I try to hate my brother, but how could I hate the person almost everybody loves and cherishes so much. I just wish we could be like family instead of being rivals I never wanted us to become.

After all that's happened in my life including the event here in Shibuya, maybe I can actually be worth something for the community for once.

Maybe I can finally give up my dream of creating a stronger connection with my older brother.

Give up on the dream that I could live happily among them

Letting go of the thought that they'll accept me as a woman.

Laying on the floor right now, it's pretty cold. Never been colder in my life before even after experiencing all their stares. Can't feel my legs, they're heavy, too heavy. And my fingers don't move too. Am I dying?

But why does it feel so... calming. I've always thought was death was a terrifying experience.

No one in my life ever cared expect for Fushiguro-san. He knew I was capable of being strong and even said that he wanted to duel when I was on level with him. He said I could do it, which implied that he believed in what I could do. Tears were always brought to the back of my eyes. He cared for me.

I could only talk to him a few times, and it would always be in the most discreet places where I could come across him. But despite only having a few conversations with him, I treated him like a friend, a brother, and even like a grumpy dad.

I laugh at the thought of him driving me to school, which would never happen. But does it really matter what I think right now? The blood is leaving my body really fast, and Toji isn't here anymore. The only person who ever cared and appreciated my existence.

My brother's sealed in a box, and I couldn't help at all. He'll probably hate me so much when he gets out. No, he will hate me. Give me that stare that I fear everytime. His voice cold unlike his usual tone to everyone else. Why does brother hate me so much.

No one's around, last person I saw was Shoko, right before I left where her and Yaga-sensei were located. I wasn't even informed of the disaster but now I'm a victim of it. I guess this was the biggest blessing of my whole life.

Yaga-sensei removed the collar suppressing my cursed energy and told me I wouldn't need it when I get there. These moments only happen when I'm out on a mission to kill curses of higher grades. Always being accompanied by someone who has the ability to unlock my collar, like I'm some kind of dog.

The lights are getting brighter, what's taking so long. Why can't I just die already, it's hurting so much. I cry at the pain, I never wanted pain, no one does.

"GOJO-SAN!!" a voice yells in the distance.

Oh, it's that strawberry haired boy, with tiger stripes.

They've always refrained me from meeting him, probably cause he's got the soul of an angel. They didn't want me forming good connections with everyone fearing I'll get too comfortable and possibly overcome and be stronger than my brother which doesn't make sense at all.

I've only ever caught a few glimpses of him, he's hella cute, and his iconic red hoodie specially designed just for him that makes him stand out. I'm thinking a lot right now, I guess this is what happens when you die slowly and try to relieve the pain by having your mind busy with thoughts.

"Gojo-san, what happened?! I'm bringing you to Shoko-san right now, stay with me!" Yuji says as he picks my body up carefully, securing my limbs in place before he sprints to where we're heading.

"Thank you yuji, for caring. It feels really nice, to receive your kindness. You're a good kid" I tell him, my voice hoarse and light.

I don't even think he heard it, but I can't deal with the pain anymore. Almost like, I can't feel anything too. Can't hear his heavy breathing hoping to get me there on time, the wind rushing by us, the sound his feet make when it comes into contact with the ground.

"Gojo-san?..." Yuji slows down

Gojo Y/N sleeps eternally, in the hands of a boy who holds a curse within him

Gojo Y/N is finally at peace, after being neglected all her life

They lay in in Yuji's arms, a soft smile displayed on their lips with their eyes closed.

[shadowmaat]

Old Friends, part 2

(part 1)

Finding Obi-Wan Kenobi alive and (relatively) well on Tatooine was a surprise, to say the least, but Cody adapted to it well enough.

Not much changed, on the surface of things. He still reported in to Senator Organa, he still helped the local populace when and where he could, and he still moved his quarters every few weeks to make it difficult for anyone- local or Empire- to find him.

It was just that now, Obi-Wan became part of his regular patrol. Most often that meant trekking out to the dusty hut in the Jundland Wastes that Obi-Wan now called home, checking to make sure he was still alive and testing his security measures. Security measures Cody himself had installed, since Obi-Wan seemed content to rely on the Force to protect him. Tsk. Some things never changed.

Occasionally it was Obi-Wan who did the trekking, most often because he needed supplies. Or so he said. That might make sense for Bestine, which was the nearest city to him, but didn't explain his occasional forays into Mos Eisley or even Anchorhead. Cody didn't ask and Obi-Wan offered no explanation, but it made for a nice break in routine. They'd hole up in a cantina or caf shop and have coded conversations of their past.

Obi-Wan was, naturally, curious about why Cody had turned on him; why all the clones had turned on the Jedi. Cody gave him what answers he could, much the same as he had when Organa had asked, but with more regret. "It seemed like the right thing to do at the time" was a weak answer. Even Cody himself had questions about it, but it wasn't like he could go back and change things. He was here, now, and he wouldn't be going back to the Empire. Not that they'd take him; there was a "kill on sight" order in place.

There were times, of course, when Cody was called offworld to deal with some disaster or another of the Rebellion. Sometimes they wanted to pick his brain over military strategy and how troopers fought. Other times it was to participate in raids on supply depots or even the occasional prisoner rescue. Those missions always made the back of his neck itch because he could tell the people with him didn't trust him. Organa's word could only go so far when Cody's own history as an Imperial stormtrooper spoke for itself.

For the most part, Cody bore their suspicions and hostility with understanding. He regretted some of the things he'd done, of course, but he'd also been a soldier, and soldiers were there to follow orders. Until they started asking questions, anyway.

There were only a couple of times where he had to get aggressive; when someone was so ready to fight that no amount of deescalation would work. He put them down fast and made sure they'd be able to get back up again.

Returning to Tatooine was always a strange bit of relief. As a clone trooper, Cody was of the belief that "home" was an idea you carried with you; built into your armor, maybe. But there was something about stepping foot on that arid world and breathing its parched air that gave him a feeling of... belonging.

Obi-Wan was usually nearby when he landed. Cody was reasonably certain it was because Organa told him rather than "the Force," but it still eased his heart to see proof that his ex-General was still alive and hadn't managed to get himself killed in Cody's absence.

"Not dead yet, huh?"

"I'm afraid not." Obi-Wan smiled at him. "How was your trip?"

"A clusterfuck, as usual." Cody headed for a nearby cantina, Obi-Wan keeping pace beside him. "What about you? What krayt's nest did you kick over this time?"

"Whatever makes you think I'd do something like that?"

The innocence in his tone was polished to a shine. Cody snorted.

"Because I know you."

Obi-Wan sniffed as Cody ordered their drinks, heading for a dark table in the back.

"I'll have you know I was on my best behavior while you were gone. Nothing happened."

The fading bruise at his temple and the scrapes on his knuckle told a different story, but Cody let it slide. He knew Obi-Wan was keeping something important from him, but it wasn't his place to question it. Either he'd be told when the time was right or he'd never find out at all; Cody was fine with it either way.

For now he was content to simply enjoy his drink and continue to sass his old friend. Storms, it was good to be home.

[unknown-lifeform]

Also more on the asgzc dragon au, two main more plotty scenarios I do have for it:

The Aerith Disaster:

Genesis and Cloud one day went to attack some rich traveling humans in order to take their riches all for themselves. Among them they found Aerith, a human princess. Aerith was being sent off to marry someone, which she really didn't want, and asked Genesis and Cloud if they were perhaps interested in kidnapping her for a while. They asked her why the fuck would they do. Aerith said well, I'm a princess, I am one of the most important people around, I'm sure I can be a valuable addition for any dragon's hoard :) Genesis and Cloud were like do we look stupid to you

Angeal: why is there a human in the cave.

Zack immediately made very good friends with Aerith. So did Cloud. Genesis started liking her because of the sheer drama keeping her caused. Angeal was extremely dubious at first, but then humans started coming to try and free her, and well that was free treasure for his hoard wasn't it

Sephiroth did not like Aerith. He was neutral on her at first because whatever, it's just a human. But then he saw his hoard starting to get attached and he was very much not happy about it. How dare she monopolize so much of their time. He can and will be jealous of this little soft pink thing. And angry that she keeps sassing him despite the fact he can literally swallow her whole

There were a couple interventions staged to make Sephiroth calm down about it. Reminding him he is a dragon and she isn't, he is the strongest and most good looking, lots of either exasperated reassurances or rolling around and showing belly. Sephiroth learnt to sort of tolerate her

In the meanwhile, there was a regular stream of knights coming around to fight the dragons and promptly getting eaten or chased off. Aerith found it all very entertaining. Sitting around on Zack's tail watching Genesis chase people off a mountain and all

Among all the various knights was Tifa, who is a traveling knight without any particular allegiance, and had decided to come save Aerith. She was very determined about it. Kept managing to escape being burnt to a crisp and then coming back. Aerith liked her, honestly. Determined. Strong. Hot

Cloud, being landbound, usually saw the knights coming long before the others did. After a while, he started kind of just hanging around in his burrows watching this happen. His own personal show. He also saw a whole lot of Tifa showing up and then running down the mountain very fast with new scorch marks on her armor

Cloud, laying outside of his hole to bask in some sun: you again? Give it a rest buddy

Eventually Aerith started saying she kind of liked Tifa. Wouldn't mind going off with her. The dragons all thought well, in that case, Tifa should court her properly. Show off she could be a proper mate. Except they're dragons so obviously they have no idea what humans want

Cloud, relaying the information to Tifa: you should... Alright, no scales to shine, obviously, but whatever, make yourself look good for a human. And you can't roar to show off either. Do you have a hoard? Something to impress her? Anything at all? Can you at least catch a deer or something?

Tifa: is like a couple pheasants ok? Because I don't think Aerith can eat a whole deer

Honestly killing the dragons might have been easier than trying to prove to them that Tifa was a good prospect mate

Aerith and Tifa eventually rode off into the sunset to marry and everyone was kind of sad they wouldn't have to bully knights around to protect her. Except Sephiroth Sephiroth is still a jealous ass. Everyone get here they're having an orgy to celebrate the human being gone

The other scenario is the Baby Denzel scenario:

So wyrm packs sometimes overlap in territory with dragons. Cloud is grumpy around other wyrms, but he could accept some being in the general area so long at they didn't come bother him. The combined territories of three dragons + a wyvern are massive, after all, and Cloud originally showed up in Zack's territory so that's where most of his burrows are. When Angeal told him one day a couple wyrms had settled in his territory, Cloud didn't think much of it

But then one day there were some large landslides in Angeal's territory, and he didn't see the wyrms around after, so he got Cloud to come and see if they were alright. Turned out the landslide had hit their burrow, and they had ended up dying in the cave in. But digging about, Cloud did find one intact egg, and he couldn't in his right mind abandon it there

Of course everyone was dubious about it because if the egg hatched then they would all be responsible for a baby, but Cloud just couldn't abandon it to die

He took it to his own burrow and made a nice nest and got to trying to care for it. In a wyrm pack the parents (and eventually older children) would take turns caring for eggs, but Cloud's mates were all too big to fit in his burrows - well, they could in human form, but it was less than ideal and also dragons and wyverns can be a bit claustrophobic in a dirt tunnel - so Cloud was mostly doing the caring while the others hunted for him

Egg eventually hatched. Baby wyrms are extremely tiny. They mostly stay in the burrow for the first weeks, and when they start coming out they are small enough to be vulnerable to a lot of predators. Cue baby Denzel taking his first steps in the grass with five extremely apprehensive parents around him ready to roast anything that gets a little too confident

Denzel learns very fast the joys of sunbathing while lying on top of a very warm parent. Especially those with darker scales, they absorb the eat better. True bliss. Meanwhile Angeal is lying with his son on his flank and never moving from here ever again

First winter was a bit of a problem, because Cloud generally spends it in Sephiroth's gave, but Denzel was still too squirmy to safely transport and too young to understand what exactly was happening. So they had to hibernate in Cloud's burrow. Cue other four apprehensive parents periodically showing up outside the burrow to check if everything was alright

Cloud, getting woken up for the tenth time this winter, barely warm enough to form words: let me fucking sleep

After that they started bringing Denzel and Cloud over to Sephiroth's cave for the winter. Much better that way

Now once wyrm children around grown they either go their own way or stay with the pack. Denzel probably did go off on his own at some point to start his own pack, he was a very independent young wyrm, but he still comes back from time to time to see the good old parents. Which is way more than Zack, Angeal, Sephiroth, or Genesis expected, dragon and wyvern kids leave the cave and never come back as grown ups

[novankenn]

"Jaune Gets a Gun AU" Gonna be the Twin-Tail : Tail-Yellow

Inspired by @howlingday's weapon posts.

Jaune was moping as Ruby, with a tight grip upon his wrist, dragged him away from "the Adorable Rocket Launcher" that he was willing to collect Thirty Thousand cereal box tops to purchase.

????: Just who I was looking for!

Ruby stopped in her tracks and turned towards the source of that musical cheery voice, causing Jaune to collide with her, sending them to the floor in a tangle of limbs.

????: Oh my! Are you two okay?

Jaune and Ruby quickly recovered, returning to their feet and dusting themselves off with embarrassed looks etched on their faces.

Jaune: We're fine. Thank you for asking.

Ruby: Who are you, and why were you looking for me?

Twoearle: I'm Towearle, (Points at Jaune) and I was actually addressing him.

Jaune: Me? Why me?

Twoearle: I can see great potential in you... potential that this world and the universe needs to save it from disaster!

Jaune: (Stunned) Ah... okay? Thanks?

Ruby: What are you trying to sell him?

Twoearle: Sell? What are you talking about?

Jaune: Um, we're at a gun show. All around us are booths selling various weapons, mostly guns.

Twoearle: (Looks around) So we are.

Ruby eyes the silver haired woman, who by Ruby's estimation could give Yang a run for the Biggest Bust Championship. But that aside, she was starting to get very suspicious... and cautious, considering how she let Jaune enlist.

Ruby: So...

Twoearle: Yes?

Jaune: Um, what are you selling? I don't see a booth.

Twoearle: I don't have one!

Ruby: Then how...?

Twoearle: I'm not selling anything, I was looking for you, Mr Arc.

Jaune: How do you know...?

Twoearle: I know everything about you. I've been watching you for...

Ruby: (screamed as she grabbed Jaune about his wrist) STRANGER DANGER!

Twoearle: (acting as fast as Ruby, grabbing Jaune by his other wrist) Wait! This is vital that I give him...

Jaune: Ow.

Ruby: Cooties! You're trying to give my Bestie Cooties!

Twoearle: What, are you twelve?

Jaune: Ow.

Ruby: (Turning about to glare at Twoearle) Fifteen, if you must know!

Twoearle: I want to give Jaune this!

Jaune: What is this?

Twoearle: It's a key to unlocking you're true...

Ruby: (Knocks the bracelet to the floor) It's a cheap knockoff piece of crap jewellery, that's what it is. Listen to me Jaune she's trying to seduce you!

Twoearle: I am not! (Blushes) Though, if he would like to show his appreciation for the gift I am giving him, I wouldn't resist.

Ruby: We NEED and adult!

Twoearle: I am an adult!

Jaune shook both his hands trying to get the feeling back as Twoearle and Ruby got nose to nose with each other. Jaune shook his head and then reached down and picked up the bracelet. He had to admit it wasn't much, but it did look kind of futuristic. Shrugging his shoulders as Ruby and Twoearle continued to growl at each other, he put it on.

Jaune: AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

Ruby and Twoearle instantly stopped glaring at each other and turned to look at Jaune...

Jaune: What the F...!!!

Ruby: Swear Ja... JAUNE!

Twoearle: It worked!

Jaune: I have boobs! Why do I have boobs? Why do I sound like this? What happened?

Ruby took a moment to truly absorb what she was seeing. Her best friend. Her first friend at Beacon was no longer who he should be. In his place stood a young woman... she was so screwed.

Twoearle: You unlocked the power of your tail-gear.

Jaune: Tail-gear?

Twoearle: Yes, tail-gear!

Jaune: What is tail-gear, exactly?

Twoearle: It's attribute boosting armour and weapon systems that will make you the hero...er... heroine you've always wanted to be!

Jaune: But I just was looking for a gun!

Twoearle: Tail-Yellow... your whole body is now a gun.

Jaune: Huh?

Twoearle: See that target over there?

Jaune: The one that looks like a Beowulf?

Twoearle: Yes. Now concentrate and will yourself to shoot it.

Jaune: Will myself?

Twoearle: Yes.

Jaune: Okay.

Jaune: AWESOME!!!!!!

The screaming of people, as they dove for cover, pulled Ruby from her thoughts.

Rudy: Jaune NO! Don't let her seduce you!

(Need some input on how to end this one. If anyone could be so kind... feel free to add to it.)

[maryonmega]

Twin Stars - Chapter 6

Family (ghost?)

The rest of the morning is pretty straightfoward: shower, revise the route, and understand quickly why it would depend of the mood. You already kind of knew that being determined is good fuel for fast traveling, but not even what is essencially a cosmic deadline is as good as a promise of reunion, it seens. The Kid even went as far as handing over smaller foods in napkins so you all could eat on the move. 

You dig into your memory. You try to find anything you can remenber about this area, vague and Misty as can be.

You don't.

You hope it's because you're mistaken and it was in another region that you found Bonnie.

You rub your freckles under your cloak. And stare at the darkless hat in front of you. When did everyone decide that it was a good idea? To have the child of the group in the very back? It was a disaster wainting to happen, you're both luck that nothing worse than losing an eye happened. At least now, when you noticed, you can do something about it. Stardust goes in the very front, eye open for any signs of stray sadnesses, and you go in the very back, likely coming across as shy or bashful or moody - it doesn't really matter, what matters is that there's another adult behind them. Sure, you already tuned out their chats, but you will notice if something comes close to the group. Sandwich them with love care and safety.

You rub your freckles under your cloak.

You already hurt yourself in the first day and with that undignified run. You'll rip a piece of a sadness off it's body long before it gets a chance of doing the same to you. Maybe the Kid would prefer that. If you can protect them without getting hurt. Maybe you're close enough to help

You rub-

"Sea Ahoy!" You hear Stardust say. The sun is high, even is it was cloudy you'd know just from feeling that you've been walking for hours, but that confirmation still feels surreal to you.

It really shouldn't, you heard them earlier, you knew all along that you were pretty much by the coast. And yet...

You tune back on, you don't think you shold lose this.

"Oh! Great!" The Housemaiden clasped her hands, and turned to looks at the kids "We're not so high, so great sign!"

You can only see the Kid's back, but their tone and the way their fist pump the air are enough to know what their face looks like, after their done shoving their pineapple slice into their mouth.

You can also imagine how it looks like when the Researcher beats them to the next line:

"We should take a break."

"WHAT?" You bite back a noise that you can't trust would be a giggle "But we're so close! Nille is waiting at home! I think. Still!"

"Boniface, we're arriving today if we take a half hour break. If we don't, I can't guarantee I can walk another meter."

"You really are a grandma, Dile."

You don't want to fuel into their disappointment, but you don't want to put yourself into an even more delicate situation. You look over to Stardust, and he looks back.

Nothing? You really have to be the moving hand here, don't you?

You sit down, and, one by one, the others follow. Time to use the "stranger" mask for good. If you play your cards right, maybe even get something out of the way. Usually a Kid wouldn't talk about their frozen sister because she's, well, frozen, at fate's mercy. Now that they know she's moving again...

"So, your sister, hm? How is she?"

The Kid is the last to sit down, but your question seens to have some effect, if not how you expected. They look at the floor instead of you.

"You'll know her when you meet her."

You can't remove the Stranger mask.

"Right, right." To pitch dark, then. You're a stranger, act like a stranger "Your parents, too, I guess?"

"No, just Nille."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Did something happen to your parents?"

They look at you, then away. Hopefully you won't need to keep poking.

"I don't remenber, I was really little, but they did something crabby and Nille snuck out."

"Change." You hear the Housemaiden say under her breath, then proceed in a normal volume "Must have been serious, for her to leave like that."

Not the right words, will it be enough to jog his memory? You hope so, it covers one of the hard stuff. 

The Kid shrugged. 

"I guess. I don't remenber, told you."

Under your hat, you try to sneak a glance at the Traveler. Their head is raised. You did it?

"I snuck out of my home once."

You did it. Good. Just make sure it goes smoothly, can't be that hard, right?

"You did?!" The Kid is now looking at Stardust, as well as the rest of the party. 

"What?" The Housemaiden looks like she just heard a very shocking revelation "Wh-what was the reason why?"

"I just, ahn..." He sinks his face on their collar and look in the direction of where you're sitting near the Kid. This time, you don't judge. Must be hard, after hearing a sob story that the teller doesn't even regornize as a one "I didn't want to eat me veggies. So I snuck out and took our boat to the beach."

You want to amuse yourself with the clear disappointment in the others' faces, but you have a cue that losing can cost this whole charade. 

You give the Traveler your signature smile.

"Snuck is a strong word, considering I caught you!"

He gives a weird look, then go back to half under the cloak collar. You hope they realise what you're trying to do. 

"Hm, tell us more, guard." The Researcher says next. She's not trying to hide her amusement. Good sign?

"I got on the boat to yell at little Stardust." You don't hide your smile straining. Maybe it can work at your favor "They rowed while I was still on it."

Stardust's head pops out of their cloak like the loose eye of a squeaky toy. 

"I wasn't really leaving, I just wanted to scare my parents a bit!"

"Such a terrible child."

Yes, Researcher. That's the bad twin. Just like in the plays and books. It really must feel like a read aloud book, if the Housemaiden's expression indicates. 

"And them what?" She asks, her hands clasped tightly "What happened when you got back?"

"I started rowing back to shore and..."

They trailed off. 

Their face looks off. 

The silence lingers almost painfully. 

You try to think about a possible answer.

Wanting to not defile this body is what stops you from using your nails this time. 

The Fighter breaks the tense silence. 

"... Sif?"

"Um, yes?"

"Um, you were telling us how you ran away from home?"

"I... Was?"

They blink at the Fighter, then look at the rest of the party, where confusion seens to have taken over. 

The Kid doesn't let the silence linger. Their face change into anger as quick as it has the right to.

"You forgot what you talking about while talking about it?!" They whip their head in your direction fast enough you think you heard a noise coming from their neck "Whatever! Sisy's gonna tell, then!"

You blink at the Kid. Did they... Did they really nickname you already?

"Sisy?"

"Duh! Who else? What happened?"

You feel eight eyes over you. The spotlight shifted without warning. 

Part of you wants to say Stardust got into a lot of trouble. 

Part of you wants to say that you both got a scolding and nothing much happened after. 

Part of you wants to say your parents didn't act angry but made them eat the veggies anyway. 

Part of you wants to say that you were too mad about them taking off with you in the boat, so you locked yourself in your room to sulk and didn't hear what was said. 

Your face falls against your will. You don't think any effort could prevent it. 

"I don't remenber."

You do have a good idea, though. 

From the way the Researcher looked at you and the Traveler before writing on her notebook, you're pretty sure so does she. 

It wouldn't answer how you supposedly got separated before reaching Vaugard, but at least you didn't have to worry about this blank space. It's not like there weren't ways to explain that would make sense. 

The Kid just looks like their mood got worse. 

"Well, crab. Two with bad memory."

"Ouch. You wound me."

Are you too relaxed? Are you letting yourself out too much? Is having had your moment to breath enough? You don't really want to pull back, though, do you? Not really want to be the Stranger for much longer, even if it's not as real as it should. 

Wait, did they not put two and two together yet? It better not be a "yet", then. At least not for a long time. 

Just to make sure, you better get their head out of it for now. 

"Speaking of leaving, did madame rest her legs enough?"

You really doubt that half hour passed, but that's not the point. You know she's likely to realise it, but she can handle. If there's something that no rewriting can undo is the Researcher's strong head. And this one is nicer. Maybe willing to power through?

"Sure. My legs feel better."

Thank stars goodness. 

The adults get up like normal people. The Kid jumps to their feet. You'll face Nille soon. 

Will you being here make it harder for Nille to accept? You're the Stranger here already. You never got to her, you don't know how she'll react to a party that did the best out of a bad situation, what will she think when an actual stranger is included in the mix?

The usual order is disturbed, because the Kid keeps all but hopping around the group. You can't judge, it's a very fair reaction, but still, if a stray sadness appears...

You would have gone and taken their hand, but the Fighter beats you to it, gently holding their shoulder. 

"Pace yourself, buddy. You'll be the next one tired if you keep it like that."

The Kid gives him a look, but does listen. The Kid listened to the Fighter. Now this is a real shock!

You mostly allow their voices to linger in the background. It's... cosy. You wouldn't say it wasn't, ever. 

There's something else here, too. 

You take painfully long to realise it's hollowness. 

How can you feel cosy yet hollow? One thing doesn't fit with the other. 

You flinch when you realise you almost used your nails. 

Did you really forget to put your gloves on? Some things really don't change. 

... Ha. 

You watch the sun move and the sky turn into a mix of shades. You've done this countless times. This time, it's not through tree branches or a window. You're close, if you close your eyes you're pretty sure you can hear the waves. When was the last time? Even though you stayed by the costal areas, you never went any closer to a beach. 

Will it be comforting or frustrating when you see it and it's darkless?

Why are you even thinking about this?

...

The sky is dark. Even your thoughts became a drag, hm?

You hope the Kid didn't notice you haven't eaten. You don't want to pass as ungrateful. 

Maybe the hollowness is hunger. Wouldn't that be funny?

...

If it's not, you'll surely throw up, and that would be much worse than just not eating. 

You keep your mouth shut and your eyes open as the plants become less dense and stars start to appear in the sky, and become brighter. 

You imagine your freckles shining with them. 

You pull your hat over your face. You can endure a sadness blow or two. 

Just needed the opportunity to slip back into old habits, too. 

You hope the feeling of eyes on you is just in your head. 

You get torn back to outside your head by an excited shout. This time, no amount of pleading could convince the Kid to wait. Everyone had to run after them. 

You follow. Your heels and lack of habit make it harder to run on sandy soil, but you do your best. 

Your group make it down a... not very steep, hill thing. 

The houses have a slight patchwork-like look. Of course. Bambouche is not a city, or even a town. A good amount of resources must have been connected to outside areas, and the curse started with the borders. 

Can you really be blamed for forgetting? You've been in loops, one way of another, for so long that you can't even remenber how Mirabelle reacted to you saying you were happy with them... Not that it matters now. 

You and Stardust are the only ones not showing sign of cold... so about a third of everyone outside. It must really be late. No surprise. 

The Kid sprints to one of the homes, then stops and turns to the rest of the party, hands up as if your attention wasn't already all on them. 

"Oh, you should wait here. I don't wanna scare Nille."

The five of you understand and stand back. 

You watch the Kid knock on the door, pause, then do so again, in a ritmic way. 

Silence drags for seconds. It feels like hours. Then, the door is hasty opened. On the other side is a young woman. She's a big girl. The distance isn't helpful, but you won't be surprised if she's close to the Fighter in size. She looks a lot like the Kid. They have the same hair type and eyes. Yet, what jumps to attention most is the hope in her glance. 

You can't hear it, but you do see her mouth "Bon?"

You don't hear their response, but you do see them raise their hands. Nille responded by scooping them up in her arms like they don't weight a thing. Tears are being shed. 

You're glad to see this, even if you don't really belong. 

"Bonnie, thank Change!" Her voice is much louder now, even more when the wind and sea are the only other sounds "I almost had a heart attack when I got told that you went to the House with the Saviors! Then I got the letter that they were bringing you back, but crab if I didn't almost go after you a bunch of times!" 

You're not sure if you want to know what that means. 

She puts the Kid down, but stays crouched, close to eye level. You could guess her expression with your eyes closed. 

"Who let you fight the King? You're eleven!"

"Oh, I didn't fight! I carried supplies!"

"You still went into a cursed House! What sane person would think that was a good idea?"

"None, miss."

The moment comes to a awkward halt, the attention now on you. 

You only notice then that the words came out of you. 

Oh, no. 

"And you are...?"

The Kid tugs at her hand, and gesticulates to the group. They're worrying, you can tell, but the glint didn't leave their eyes. 

"They're my friends, Nille. They brought me here! Belle, Za, Dile, Frin, and Frin's sibling Sisy!"

"Ahn, Mirabelle..." The Housemaiden said meekly, raising her hand, then ponting to the Fighter "Isabeau." The Researcher "Odile." The Traveler "Siffrin." You, the Stranger "Sisyphus."

The Researcher goes next, finally taking her eyes out of you. 

"It was a bit of a barge in, but Sisyphus is right. No one thought it was a good idea. It was the best we could make out of a bad situation, rather than a good thing in and on itself."

Her eyes are sharper than your dagger. That doesn't change even as she tries to put on a calmer face. 

"Well, it's cold here. Why don't we go inside?"

The group accept the invitation. It's kinda cramped, eight people in a living room that wasn't meant for a small crowd. 

"How about you go unpack in your room, Bug? I want to talk to your friends for a bit."

You don't like her tone, it's way too familiar. 

It's way too familiar to the Kid too. You see a way too familiar look before resignation takes over and they leave. 

Nille takes the mask off as soon as the sound of the door closing is heard. 

"So? Anyone cares to explain how dragging a child across a country infested with sadnesses was "the best"?"

"There's two ways to explain." When did the Researcher become the diplomatic of the party? "The simplier one is, to avoid letting them get frozen. You likely got frozen yourself before you could know, but the King's curse started at the borders. The coast was getting affected rapidly, so just leaving Boniface in an unfrozen town was pretty much guarantee that they would get catch on it."

The sister's glance didn't soften, but you can see her discomfort. You know what's coming next before she says it. 

"And? What's the other way?"

"It's not an easy story. Are you sure you want to know?"

"I'll be madder if you sugarcoat things."

The Researcher nodded, and started talking in a detached way. Nille doesn't want sugarcoating, but protecting herself is another thing. 

"When we found Boniface, they were in a severe state of fatigue and dehydration. It was clear that they had wandered for days before Siffrin found them by chance."

She indicates Stardust with her head, and you follow. They look antsy. Everyone does, but theirs is palpable. You notice the Fighter holding their hand. You look away. 

"We had to nurse them back to health."

The Housemaiden had her hands clasped, but still decided to back the Researcher up:

"They refused to stay in the town after recovery. Was sure that every moment they were not running, the curse was getting closer. They also got attached to Siffrin, and didn't want to leave them. We even caught them following us when we tried to leave without them. So, we decided to at least have them at our sight."

You look back at Nille. Her face was pale and clearly hard to keep straight. She doesn't look ready to give in, though. You can see where they got it from. 

"And that included going to the House? All the way to the King?"

Now, it's the Fighter's turn:

"Bonbon didn't get any less scared of being frozen with time. They would have gone in after us as soon as Dormont started to freeze in time. We did everything to keep them safe. I promise that."

Nille looks away. 

"I'm still angry."

"As is your right. It was a bad situation, it's normal to have bad feelings about it."

Nille takes a deep breath. Some shade comes back to her face. 

"Well, regardless, the Bug is back. Thank you for that, but now you can leave and-"

"Don't send them away!"

The sentence came with an upset and sprinting preteen (not that it was needed, the place isn't exactly big). It seens like the only ones who are not surprised are you and Stardust. 

"Bon?"

"Everyone coming was not to drop and leave. It was to ask you to come with us!" Bonnie is now looking at you five, and look angry now "Why did no one say it?"

"It was your thing to ask, Bonbon." Stardust, now. Everyone is putting their hand in this. Everyone that matters. Not you. The Stranger has no right. 

"Come with you? Come where?" She's looking at the Kid now. This really is between the siblings. 

"We want to keep traveling. All of us, including you. Without an evil King rushing us."

"If funds are a factor, don't worry about it." The Researcher again "We recieved a reward after the King's defeat. It's not life-changing money, but is good help."

She looks thoughtful. You understand. It's a lot all at once. 

"I need some time to think. Just me and Bon. So not with you all here."

The Researcher nodded. "Of course."

"You can leave the house, then. The house. It shouldn't be too hard to find where to sleep here."

You and the party agree. That's the only moment, aside from the the first, where you did something this whole interaction. Through it all, you might as well have been a ghost. 

The extra effort to reassure the Kid is a good sign, you're sure of that. 

You do find a place to stay, despite how late it is. The arrangement is just like back in the Clocktower, except now you're the one rooming with the Housemaiden. You didn't act suspicious enough to be a bigger concern than her space, it seens. Good?

You have time to pick the bed and take off your hat and cloak before Stardust comes to the door to call you and take you to the room they're sharing with the Fighter. With no Fighter. Good. You give him your signature grin. 

"So, how can I help you in this fresh new night?"

"I'm supposedly telling you about the loops right now."

... Ok, you did not expect that. You undo your grin. 

"Your party thinks it's believable that you would tell someone about the loops in two days?"

"Just Isa. The others will know later. And we're supposedly siblings, so maybe that helps."

"Still, that sounds dumb, Stardust. I'm pretty sure your Researcher is already on my butt, I don't think that will help."

He shrugged.

"Would be worse if we had to pretend you don't know about them. Specially now, that Bonbon and their sister need space and we'll be waiting together."

You want to retort, but close your mouth and nod. She would likely get mad, too. Mad Odile is scary.

"Alright then. So, guess we'll have to sit here and say anything and nothing untill it takes long enough for your little boyfriend to believe we had a conversation about a long and complicated thing?"

"Pretty much, yes."

"Good, because you now have the moral and ethical duty to catch me up on what happened on this month."

"It's gonna be boring."

"Not as boring as sitting on a tree for a whole day."

You sit down on the floor, and Stardust sits opposite to you, your feet and theirs about half a meter apart.

"Now, start talking."