#Wave Shrink Wrapping Machine

[ideasengineering]

Eliminate iron and arsenic from your water effectively with Ideas Engineering Works. Explore our advanced Iron Removal Plant solutions for clean and safe drinking water.

[areislol]

The morning after

►— pairings. genshin men x gn! creator! reader

►— warnings. some of the characters get clingy really quickly.

►— synopsis. albedo created a machine where it would bring back their creator, who was stuck in another world, back to where they belong. but instead of bringing you here to them, it brought them to where you were.

►— a/n. RAGGHH i was having so much trouble just trying to figure out the title 😭 i hope you guys enjoy this 🩷 I’m very sorry for the lack of action or if it’s simple.. next chapter will be more fun for you guys I hope 🙏🏻

►— wordcount. 4.2k

✧ part one | ✧ part two | ✧ part three | ✧ part four | ✧ part five | more tba.. NAVIGATION

recommended to listen to: needy - ariana grande or circles - post malone

The next morning, you awoke to Childe’s hand slapped over the side of your face, snoring quite loudly. Groaning, you pushed his hand away and yawned, opening your eyes groggily.

You managed to sit up on the bed and rubbed your eyes, looking around you could see multiple men standing around in your room, Thoma and Kazuha looking out your window, admiring the view, while the others were looking around your room and pointing at the unfamiliar objects lying about your floor and talking amongst one another about what it could be.

“Hey.. see that thing right there on the floor? Do you think that could be used to whack a Hilichurl?”

“… Itto I doubt something as small, petite and cute looking would be used to hit a Hilichurl..” Zhongli heaved a great sigh from Itto’s stupidity (he couldn’t say that though) and pinched his nose bridge from disappointment.

It was a pink, light wand with a red lollipop at the top with a lid covering it. It was candy… not a weapon you can use against Hilichurls.

You could feel your heart skip a beat because ?! Why were all of these guys in your room?! But after remembering what had happened last night, you calmed down.

Right.. that happened.

Suddenly, you felt Childe cling to your side, burying his head into your abdomen as his arms wrapped around your waist. “Mmm..”

You were too tired to even fuss about why he was being so close to you so you decided to just ignore him and his actions. While stretching your arms and yawning, everybody turned their head to look at you.

“Oh, uh.. good morning everybody?” You said, stopping mid-stretch, almost subconsciously shrinking from their gazes.

A collective “good morning” could be heard from everyone as Neuvillette and Cyno walked towards the edge of your bed and started to question if you slept well or not (you did because it was warm), complaining about how when they woke up they found Childe snuggling close to your side and being so clingy towards you.

(Why were they complaining? Easy answer, they were jealous is what. They would rather bury their heads in the sand than ever admit it.)

Nodding your head slowly, you smiled sheepishly and waved your hand at them. “It’s all good, don’t worry about Childe he’s just.. maybe he just likes to hug people?”

Cyno glared at Childe and let out a sigh before nodding his head. “Sure..”

Neuvillette offered his hand for you to take—giving you a gentle smile. “I’m glad you slept well, Y/n. Shall we prepare you breakfast?”

You took his hands and thought about his offer before nodding, offering him a grateful smile. “That would be nice.. but maybe once I’m done getting ready because I’m not sure if you guys are familiar with how things work.”

Neuvillette gave you a simple nod and once you hopped off the bed and let go of his hands you made your way to the bathroom, slipping on your slippers as Kaveh and Xiao with a few others followed you into your bathroom.

It wasn’t so different to theirs but it looked more.. modern for sure. “It looks so.. white and grey. Oh wow! What is this stuff on the wall..?”

Kaveh pointed to the strange object stuck on the wall. It was a toothbrush holder.

“Oh, that? That’s a toothbrush holder, it holds toothbrushes... I mainly use it for my friends if they ever come over.”

Kaveh and Gorou nod their head. “Strange, but unique. I like it!” You smiled at them before turning around and began to brush your teeth before washing your face, all the while they (Kaveh, Xiao, Kazuha and Kaeya) watched you do your thing.

It was a bit awkward, to tell the truth. While you were doing your morning routine they were either watching you or looking around your bathroom.

After finishing everything you needed to do in the bathroom, you bent down in front of the sink and opened the cabinet, grabbing a few packs of toothbrushes and ripping them open before handing them to Kaveh, Xiao, Kazuha and Kaeya.

“Here, use these. I’ll have to go out and buy the rest as well..” you sighed, thinking about how much it would cost.

Making sure they grabbed one, you helped him apply toothpaste on their toothbrush and left them to do their thing while you stepped out of the bathroom and groaned.

Sleeping with Childe and Xiao wasn’t a bad idea but they squeezed you tight through the night. Especially Childe, he just kept on clinging onto you and your arm was sort of sore.

As you stepped foot into your room, you realised that everybody was gone, they probably were in your living room, and you also realised that Thoma was making your bed. When he saw you just standing there eyeing him he smiled shyly.

“Y/n! I decided to make your bed.. as you noticed. How do you like it?” Thoma questioned, patting your pillow down before standing beside there looking like.. a maid.

You smiled at him nervously and thanked him, “well, you didn’t have to do that but thank you, it actually looks pretty nice and neat!”

There was no reason to lie, the bed looked nice and clean. Your sheets were tucked under your pillows and everything looked so smooth and clean.. he even put your plushies aside on the wall!!

You couldn’t help but smile even more as you noticed him leaving your plushies on your bed. But you were snapped out of your thoughts when Thoma then spoke.

“Would you like breakfast now?” You hummed and nodded your head and walked out of your room with Thoma trailing right behind you. And as you moved closer to your living room you could hear the chattering of everyone.

You didn’t know why but just hearing everybody talking and chuckling in your room made your body relax for some odd reason. It made you feel good, it felt as though the burdens were lifted from your shoulders, how weird.

As you made your way through your living room and into the kitchen, the others started to notice you and Thoma following behind you.

“Oh, Y/n! You’re finally here.” Heizou smiled, waving hello at you. You waved back at him and also included the others (even though they didn’t wave first.), smiling so tenderly and waving at them made their hearts flutter—feeling heat rushing to their cheeks.

“Mhm, I’ll make breakfast for you guys.. if there’s enough that is.” Everybody’s hearts nearly burst at your hospitality. Their creator.. offering to make them breakfast? Oh someone please catch them they might faint!

Aether jumped up from the couch and walked towards you and Thoma. “I’ll help!” He chirped, giving you and Thoma a warm smile to which you two returned. “Sure, thanks!”

As you three rummaged through the cabinets, trying to find anything to make breakfast—you eventually settled on pancakes (how did you have so many ingredients for 28 people? No clue.)

It was oddly comforting that you had people in your house let alone help you out with cooking. It felt nice nonetheless, to have company over, even if it was unexpected.

You let the others stare at your TV in awe, wondering what it was. “See that remote thing on the table? Yes, the one that’s black and has multiple colours on it, yup, press on the red one at the top left—yes! Good job, now uh watch whatever you want?”

You could hear the “oohs”’ and “aaahs” s of the men to which you chuckled softly. They acted like toddlers who just found something new in their life. It was adorable.

Breakfast was finally served after an hour or so, the voices of Itto and Childe could be heard thanking for breakfast being served now as they were starving.

“Oh finally!! I’ve been waiting for years for breakfast!” Childe groaned, almost drooling at the sight of the pancakes. “My stomach was growling so loudly..” Itto agreed.

“We could hear.” Could be heard from Dainsleif, Ayato and Capitano. They seemed to be fed up with him and his antics (so was everybody else.)

Everybody began to sit down in the most random spots, well, anywhere they could sit. Your table could only accompany only 8 people so the rest sat down near your coffee table in front of the TV and some eating at your desk.

They also made sure to sit away from people they didn’t want to sit next to. Diluc with the fatui (Capitano, Childe, Dottore and Pierro.), Wanderer from literally everyone else (he sat himself down in the corner like a little child), and Dainsleif from the archons—Zhongli and Venti.

It was a funny sight, to say the least, but, they had to do what they had to do, in this case—eat your pancakes.

As you and Thoma set down the plates and drizzled maple syrup on them, everybody said their thanks and picked up their utensils before digging in, some even moaning from how amazing it tasted.

“Enjoy your pancakes!” You happily said before standing behind the kitchen counter munching on your own pancakes beside Thoma. “Mhm.. it tastes so good! You and Aether are such good cooks!”

For Thoma hear you praise him and Aether made his cheeks flush red. He mumbled that it was “no problem” and quickly stuffed more pancakes into his mouth to hide his embarrassment, unbeknownst to the jealous glares coming from different directions of the room at him.

While you were still chewing and eating your pancakes, you were unaware of Ayato walking towards you and setting himself beside you.

“Y/n-“ Ayato began before you cut him off with a horrified yell. Turning to face Ayato you placed your hand on your chest and let out a sigh, everybody turned to look at you, their pancakes still half in their mouth as they stopped mid-eating.

“Ayato! You scared me..” you breathed, Ayato frowned and held his hand over his heart. “I didn’t mean to scare you, dear.. are you okay?”

You nodded your head and sighed. “It’s all good Ayato, I know you didn’t mean to.” You replied, giving him a reassuring smile to make sure he doesn’t feel bad, but he was already so.

“Did you need anything though? You must’ve come here for a reason..” Ayato nodded before averting eye contact with you, a noticeable pink blush appearing on his cheek.

He held his fist to his lips and cleared his throat. “Well.. this is embarrassing.. but I wanted to..” he stopped mid-sentence and looked back at you with a flustered face.

“Feed you.”

You stared at Ayato blankly, confused about whether or not you should be feeling happy or creeped out.. “wai- feed me?” Ayato nods. “Must I reiterate?”

Shaking your head “no” you looked down at your plate with pancakes, there was only a few left. Wanderer, Cyno, Dottore and Childe could feel their eyes twitching.

The sound of your fork clinking down onto the plate was heard and then your voice. “W-well.. I guess i don’t mind? I mean it’s a bit odd yes but why not? I haven’t been fed since I was a toddler.” You hummed.

Ayato’s lips curve upwards into a soft smile as he happily picked up your fork and stuck it in the cut pancake before placing his palm under your chin.

“Say aaaah~” You opened your mouth and said “aaaah” before chewing on the pancake, humming happily. Ayato slid the fork out of your mouth and smiled fondly at you. You were so adorable.

Thoma peeked his head out to look at Ayato feeding you, he was jealous. Why hadn’t he thought of feeling you before? It was too late now. The others stared at he fed you, suddenly a horde of men came running behind Ayato and chiming in, saying that they wanted to feed you too.

Goodness.. but it was fun to see them all fight to feed you, you had never gotten so much attention before so this was something and, to your shame, you enjoyed it.

Unfortunately, they could not take turns to feed you as that would be time consuming. They all went back to their spots and finished eating their food while sulking. After everyone had finished their food they set it inside your sink, Thoma offered to clean them and you thanked him.

You felt bad for Thoma just cleaning the dishes by himself but even when you offered to help him he shushed you with his finger pressed against your lips and told you it would be okay.

To even lay a finger on their grace without their consent was simply unforgiving. But for some reason being by your side made them so comfortable, as if you had been their friends since childhood. Was this the many affects you had on them?

After all of the dishes were washed and Thoma joined you all in the living room, you were sitting down on the couch sandwiched between Cyno and Al-haitham. Thoma noticed how majority of them looked tense and irritated, he eyed them down before seating himself down on the floor beside the others.

What Thoma had missed (somewhat as he could still hear the commotion from the other side) was everyone fighting to sit next to you. They were threatening each other and the taller and stronger men would be holding the smaller men, laughing at them.

Like how Capitano was holding Wanderer in his hand, chuckling as he found Wanderer spitting insults and threats at his face, funny. Which he did not like at all.

And in all honestly they could’ve started a war and use their powers if not for the fact that Childe had pointed out that Cyno and Al-haitham had sat themselves down by your side without them noticing.

Before anyone could’ve gotten hurt or broke anything in your house you calmed them down, telling them in a stern voice that if they broke anything you would never talk to them ever again, and it worked because they were all scared of that happening so they sat down obediently.

Wanderer and Lyney sat beside your legs and somewhat hugged them, almost scared that if they did you would scold them or find them creepy (they just wanted to be by your side).

“Hm.. what should we watch? Is there anything in particular you guys enjoy?” You hummed, skimming through Netflix, trying to find a movie for you guys to enjoy and bond over.

But there was a problem. Everybody had their preferences, some wanted horror while the others furiously shake their heads no. Some wanted rom-com but the others immediately shook their heads no.

“Oooh how about some action and adventure? Like Ant-man?” You said, pressing on the Ant-man movies as they read out the summary.

Everybody agreed on that movie and you weren’t sure if they agreed because you chose it or what.. they did choose it because you wanted it.

Not only that but it also sounded interesting. “Ant-man.. that sounds interesting! Why does he have to be an ant..? Why not a tiger or something?” Gorou questioned, looking up at you as he cocked his head to the side.

God.. he was so adorable!! Even if he didn’t mean to do the puppy-dog eyes, he still did them and he looked so squishable!

“Well I have no clue, but it sounds interesting doesn’t it? That’s why we should watch it!” The others surrounding you hummed in agreement. Standing up you walked towards the wall.

“Where are you going?”

“Turning off the lights to get into the mood.”

After turning off the lights Itto ooh’ed and got all giddy, to which wanderer gave the stank eye to him. You plopped down beside Cyno and Al-haitham and pressed the play button on the remote and set it down on the table in front of you.

During the movie there were tons of reactions, some were laughing from the comedic lines, some were nonchalant and unbothered by everything but they would sit up and lean forward a bit whenever the action would come on.

Some even teared up or straight out sobbed during the sad scenes (ahem you and Kaveh were crying and he just wanted to cling onto you crying but he was so far apart, Cyno and Al-haitham were unsure whether or not to comfort you but you weren’t in your sad feels just.. very emotional over the mother and daughter scene but they still pat you on your head and offered you tissues ahem ahem) while Xiao teared up a little bit but swiftly wiped it away before Zhongli could tease him.

Al-haitham, Dainsleif, Capitano, Pantalone and Diluc were nonchalant during the movie, only moving to get up to get more snacks. Lyney, Childe, Itto and Gorou were somewhat commenting on the movie and only got a smack from Dainsleif when they got loud.

Ayato, Kaeya, Kazuha and Freminet were all very invested in the story, plot and action. Even wincing and laughing when the characters did so too.

Baizhu was coughing every now and then with Neuvillette offering him water to drink to soothe his throat. Unfortunately many did not like how the dialogue would be interrupted by Baizhu’s coughing but before they could yell at him to shush, you would tell them to be quiet and that it wasn’t his fault—Baizhu was grateful for you and almost started to cough even more loudly from gratitude.

Aether, Heizou and Albedo were super into the action and fighting scenes. Occasionally scolding the characters in their head and planning what they would’ve done.

Venti asked you if you had any wine to offer him, you shook your head no telling him that you didn’t drink. Zhongli and Neuvillette’s urge to slap Venti was large but they thankfully restrained themselves.

Wriothesley was the only one that was watching everything going down, and always missing the part that was big in the plot. Reason why? He was watching you in awe of course, as your eyes widened and your mouth formed an “O” at an intense fighting scene or how you gasp or yelp at a jump scare.

But to tell the truth everybody was watching you like how Wriothesley was watching you.

And after one movie after another, you grabbed your phone and looked at the time, thinking you were going to see maybe 1 pm or somewhere in the afternoon, it read 8 pm.

“Already? How quick..” you mumbled under your breath, Cyno sneaked in a glance at your phone and realised it was already 8.

“Should we end the movies now? I mean I think everybody is getting a little tired now..” Cyno states, you peep your head forward and look at everybody on the floor and around you, they did seem sleepy.

“Mhm, okay, I’ll go get the guest bedroom ready and more mattresses.” You got up from the couch and began to get everything. “I’ll put everything away!” Thoma chimed in, standing up as well before putting everybody’s snacks and drinks away.

Cyno and Al-haitham got up, followed by Wanderer and Kaveh, and soon everybody got up, stretching their arms and yawning. “Geez, we watched for so long..” Childe mumbled, blinking his eyes tiredly at the TV.

Soon, Al-haitham began to walk towards your room hoping to find you there to which he did. “Y/n. Do you need any help?”

You turned around and smiled at Al-haitham sleepily. “Sure, I think I need a little help..” you mutter, holding the matter but higher to indicate you needed help with settling everything down.

Al-haitham nodded and walked towards you, grabbing the mattress and setting it down before grabbing the pillows and blanket, placing them on the mattress before glancing at you.

You seemed so tired after watching so many movies in the dark, it’s a wonder how you didn’t manage to fall asleep. Al-haitham sighs.

“Here, let me do everything okay? You get ready for bed and rest, alright?”

You glance up at him as he was much taller than you, you blink at him before furrowing your brows. “You sure? You don’t need any help at all?” Al-haitham shakes his head.

“Well alright then, thank you!” Smiling, you move towards your bathroom and as you stepped foot inside you closed the door shut.

While you were getting ready for bed, Al-haitham was making sure there were enough mattresses for everybody while keeping sure in mind that there was a guest bedroom as well.

You finished getting ready and opened the door, leaving the bathroom and found two mattresses down on the floor that could at least have two people on them. Al-haitham was truly kind and you wanted to reward him for doing something he didn’t have to do.

“You’re done? Well I finished everything so I’ll go call them to come inside. I’ll make sure they don’t make a fuss over who sleeps with you and sleeps on the floor.”

As Al-haitham was about to leave you grab ahold of his muscular arm. You didn’t expect it to be so muscular despite your eyes ogling at it since his release and arrival at your place.

“U-uhm, if you want.. since you’ve helped me how about you sleep in my bed? You don’t have to say yes! I just want to do something in return for you helping me.. I mean you really didn’t have to.”

Al-haitham stared down at you as you continued to hold onto his arm only to release your grip when you realise he wasn’t responding. “Oh, whoops my bad.”

You almost take his silence as a no when he speaks abruptly. “I.. thank you, I’ll take the offer, thank you again.” He replied softly, his eyes focused on you before averting eye contact and clearing his throat.

“I-I’ll Go get them now.” He mumbles, walking off into the living room to go grab them. You sighed and flopped down onto your neatly made bed.

All you were wearing was a tank top and shorts, it was what you normally wore and now that you were sharing a house with men it made you feel somewhat insecure, but still, the best thing in the world was feeling your bare skin touching the cold sheets.

You soon covered yourself with the covers and made yourself comfortable, grabbing one of your plushies and cuddling it, waiting for the men to come flooding in your room.

When are they going to com..

Just as you thought about them, they came through the door like a horde, all fighting over who was going to sleep next to you before Al-haitham stopped them from trampling over the mattresses with his hands like it was nothing.

“One at a time. And Y/n already said I was going to be sleeping next to her.” He said, almost in a smug tone like he was proud of you choosing him and decided to show it off.

“Okay and? There’s still one more slot!” Childe scoffed before Wanderer groaned. “Childe you literally slept with Y/n yesterday you ginger-“ “watch your mouth you purple mushroom head-“

Al-haitham sighed deeply and walked towards your bed, watching as you peeped your head to the side to see Childe and Wanderer yell insults at one another.

“Don’t mind those idiots.” Al-haitham states bluntly, sitting on the edge of the bed. Kazuha, Aether, Heizou and Ayato makes their way around everybody and begins to make themselves comfortable and take off a few of their article of clothings before lying down on the mattresses.

Finally, everybody sorted themselves out and figured out where they would sleep. With you blind choosing whoever would be the other people to sleep next to you which was Dainsleif.

Kaveh, Baizhu, Itto, Wanderer and the rest would be sleeping in the guest room much to their sadness. While Kazuha, Aether, Heizou, Ayato, Zhongli, and all that weren’t sleeping in the guest bedroom made their way to each mattress.

Everybody settled themselves on the mattresses and some even turned on the fan as they complained about it being too “hot”.

Dainsleif climbed onto the bed and took off his cape and a few other things. Al-haitham removed the covers and covered himself with the blanket.

You glanced over at Dainsleif and raised your brows. “I don’t want to be rude but aren’t you going to take off your mask?”

Dainsleif looks over at you before smiling softly, “well of course, I’ll remove it later on don’t worry. Just try and get some rest okay?” You hummed and sank down into the bed, sighing in content from being surrounded by the warmth of two very handsome men.

It’s silent and dark with only the sound of the softly humming fan. Everybody was awake and you knew it. You could hear the soft breathing of Al-haitham and Dainsleif coming from both sides of you. Soon, a thought and realisation pops in your mind.

“Wait, you guys didn’t go shower yet.. right?”

“…. Yeah..”

You sighed, knowing that you would probably have to go shopping tomorrow for clothes and sanitary products aaaand probably go broke.

> ✧ part three

note: THIS TOOK ME LIKE A COUPLE HOURS TO WRITE?? ALSO SPARE ME WITH ANYTHING RELATED TO GRAMMAR AND SPELLING I PROOF READ IT BUT AT THE SAME TIME I WAS TIRED SO.. ALSO. Im glad that you guys are enjoying this series so much 😭😭 honestly didn’t expect so many liking this so thank you guys so much!! I hope I continue to reach your expectations.

(also guys drop some suggestions or scenarios in my inbox that I could possibly add to the next chapters!)

taglist: @tomansimp @one-offmind @miitchijii @dainsleif-when-playable @momoewn @stygianoir @irethepotato @v4an @imetsk @fiannee @sunnyf4lls @goldenglow149 @rhwm @urlocalheizousimp @hex-vx @saltylovetale @backintomykpopphaseagain @toramune @oreo-ren @serenity-loves-red @flooofity @minteasketches @amaizverydum @lovelive-animequeen1029 @roseapov @yuraasia @chellazhef @fulldoves @kateybuggi @wanderingconstellations (if the usernames aren’t highlighted that’s because I can’t tag you so I’ll dm you when I post a new chapter!)

if im missing anyone please tell me because i have an inkling feeling i missed a few

liking + following + reblogs are greatly appreciated!!!

[icaffs]

PJO HEADCANON

Run.

Don't look back.

Run.

It wasn't your fault.

Nico screams inside as he sprints at full force away from the incoming wave of shadows. His legs are shaking like a broken vending machine but he can't stop now it's too late he can't go back. Can he?

Black spots dance around Nico's vision the pressure is building it feels like an elephant just sat on his chest the shadows wrap themselves around him refusing to let go but he has to keep running. Doesn't he?

Nyx's palace of darkness shrinks in the background and the shadows start to ease off feeling like a massive weight has been lifted off his chest. The horrors that Leigh in Nyx's castle can never be described. The fear and pain she can inflict with a snap of her fingers. The thought of how powerful one God could be is enough to make a mortal mind shatter into a million pieces one hundred times over.

Nico sits by himself only able to dwell on the events that just took place. Will's lifeless body drenched in blood and cloaked in a veil of darkness with Nyx's silhouette behind him. Will can't be dead. Beautiful, amazing, morning person Will. Nico knows better than anyone how permanent death is that the only way to describe it. Permanent. It's like loosing a hairband, you know you'll never find it again.

"Come out come out wherever you are," The voice sends shivers down Nico's spine this can't be it I can't die I don't want to die, Nico thinks terrified to his core.

" It will only end faster, Don't prolong your suffering," Well that's reassuring.

Nico's hand trembles. The only thing Nico was ever truly afraid of was Nyx. Not the fact that she was arguably the most powerful goddess but that she could take everything away and all you could do is watch your loved ones suffer in the most excruciating way possible.

A dark figure narrowed around the corner of Nico's hiding spot and a hand reached for his thro-

It was only a night mare she can't hurt you you're safe she can't hurt you anymore, Nico tells himself this over and over again rocking back and forth knees tucked into his chest sat blot upright in the Hades cabin. Nico must have woken the whole camp with the blood curdling scream that escaped his throat.

There a bang at the door.

" Nico open up, let me in," Shit it's Will he must have heard, well you would have to be pretty deaf not to have heard his scream.

Nico gets up out of bed and opens the creaky old Hades cabin door to see the faint glow of Will in the dark night.

"I heard you scream do you want me to come in," Will doesn't wait for Nico to reply but comes in and sits on Nico's bed with enough popcorn to feed the whole of camp for weeks. Will pulls out his DvD collection and pats the bed next to him looking at Nico pleadingly.

Nico plonks down next to him," You have a habit of making yourself at home, you know that."

" Yeah, now which movie do you wanna watch, I brought the whole star wars series, obviously, footloose and the breakfast club."

Honestly, Nico didn't mind what movie, he was just glad to have Will next to him knowing that he was safe was all he needed.

" Let's watch footloose."

[angelbaby-fics]

Just saw my first picture of Ransom in the sweater during Autumn It has me thinking about Ransom where him being independent and less of a rich meanie, he is doing laundry and shrinks his sweater. THE sweater. So little gets a sweater just like cg Ransom. And he has to go buy another so they can match ♡ and they cuddle and eat cookies together ♡ that sounds like a nice day to me ♡

-♡

Sweater Weather

Word Count: 1.3k

A/N: OMGGGGGGG anon this is such a cute idea!! i had to write it as a full fic & i even have some inklings of a part 2 in mind 😳 ahhh i'd give anything to hug him in that big comfy cozy sweater omg 🥺💕

Ransom could absolutely, one hundred percent do his own laundry. Seriously, how hard could it be? All he had to do was put the clothes in the machine, pour in some soap, and press start. Just because it took him until his forties to start doing this on his own didn’t mean you couldn’t teach an old dog new tricks. Ransom was committed to setting a good example for you, teaching you how to be self-sustaining and not just a spoiled brat like he’d once been. As a result of this decision, the maid now only came every two weeks instead of weekly, and Ransom was responsible for everything in between. 

Dragging the hamper down into the laundry room, Ransom sighed as he tossed handfuls of dirty clothes into the washing machine. He slammed the metal door shut with a roll of his eyes; just because he could do the laundry didn’t mean he had to enjoy it. As the water began to fill up the drum of the machine, Ransom went back upstairs, settling into his big armchair to enjoy a book while he waited for you to wake up. The coffee he’d made earlier that morning was already room temperature by now, but he decided he’d rather just bear it than get up and make a new one. One chore was enough to deal with right now. When less than five minutes remained on the wash cycle, Ransom heard you stirring in your room upstairs. 

He took the stairs two at a time, not wasting a second to get you into his arms. Lifting you out of your crib, he rocked you back and forth, patting your back to soothe away a sob that hadn’t yet come. Ransom bounced you on his hip for a few minutes as you adjusted to the new morning, whispering sweet affirmations as you rubbed the sleep out of your eyes. He carried you over to the window, and you hid your face into his chest as he opened the curtains to let in the sunshine. Your daddy smelled like wood and cinnamon and love all wrapped up in one man.

The buzzer of the washing machine went off just as Ransom and you reached the bottom of the stairs. You looked up at him with wide eyes, frightened by the sudden noise, but he comforted you once more. “Shh baby, don’t worry,” Ransom soothed, “It's just the laundry.” He picked your blanket and pacifier up from the couch, adorning you with both. “Do you wanna help me put it all in the dryer?” You nodded, always eager for quality time with your daddy. He carried you back down to the basement where the laundry room was. You rarely saw this part of the house as you rarely needed to, aside from laundry it was mostly used for storage and guest accommodations if the upstairs guest rooms were taken. Curiously, you gazed all around you, taking in all the aspects of this new part of your daddy’s massive house. 

Ransom sat you on top of the dryer. Opening the doors of both machines, he began to take out damp clothes and hand them to you. It was your job to toss the clothes into the opening of the dryer below you. Finally, when all the clothes were loaded in, Ransom handed you a dryer sheet to put in with it all. It smelled like fresh lavender, the familiar scent of your sheets and blankets. You grinned behind your paci, so proud to be part of what made your house a home. Ransom picked you up off the dryer and set you down on the floor so you could push the door closed all by yourself, and you waved at your clothes through the clear window as they began to spin. 

To pass the time while the clothes dried, Ransom made you breakfast and helped you eat it at the kitchen table. He was just wiping off your face with the corner of your bib when he heard the buzzer on the dryer. This time you weren’t scared, you knew what the sound meant. 

“Is ready?” You asked with excitement.

“It sure is! Do you wanna help me organize it?” Ransom offered, happy to have his favorite little helper make the chores less boring.

Ransom removed your bib and lifted you back onto his hip. He put you back on top of the dryer and scooped all the warm, clean clothes into a hamper to take back upstairs.

“I’m sorry baby, but you gotta walk up with me.” He said with a sigh. “Daddy can’t hold you and the basket at the same time!”

But being the stubborn and spoiled little angel that you were, that wasn’t gonna happen. So Ransom carried you back upstairs, settled you into his big comfy bed, handed you a stuffy to watch you for the moment, and then retrieved the laundry on a second trip. When he got back upstairs, he dumped the warm clothes on top of you, making you giggle as the fresh laundry rained down on you in a flurry of cozy smells and soft textures. You emerged from the pile like a baby chicky from an egg. Ransom kissed your nose before starting to pick the clothes off of you one by one, folding each one as he went. One of your t-shirts, then another, a pair of his socks, and a cute little sweater of yours. 

Except… he couldn’t remember buying a sweater like this for you. In fact, it looked an awful lot like one of his sweaters but smaller.

“Oh, come on!” Ransom whined, dropping the shrunken sweater on the bed with frustrated force.

“What’s wrong, daddy?” You asked.

“I’m not sure,” Ransom replied, taking out his phone and furrowing his brows as he typed. 

Turns out, laundry was indeed more complicated than Ransom had assumed. If he’d been more careful, he would have known that some clothes needed special settings, or else the heat could warp the fibers and make them shrink. Thus, his favorite cream-colored cable knit sweater was now far too small for his giant frame.

It was perfect for you, however.

Thinking quickly, Ransom picked the sweater back up and held it up to you. Your eyes widened with glee. A new sweater just for you? And you’d be matching with daddy! You eagerly took the sweater out of his hands and put it on over your shirt. It fit you perfectly, the sleeves just slightly too long in the most perfectly cozy way. Wearing it felt like a constant hug from Ransom. Despite having just been washed, you could still smell him under the lavender scent. The threads of the knit were comfortably lived in, frayed around the hem from years of wear and anxious fiddling. That’s when you realized it was Ransom’s sweater all along, shrunken down to your size.

“But daddy…. It’s s’posed to be yours!” You said, looking up at him with a nervous look. 

As happy as you were to be the new owner of your favorite sweater, it saddened you to think you would never see him wear it again. Your eyes started to water, mourning the vision of your daddy as you always imagined him, snuggled up in the piece of clothing he’d owned the longest and worn most often. Change was hard for you to take, and Ransom understood that. “Hey, it's okay baby, you can have it now!” Ransom tried to cheer you up, gently wiping the tears from your face with his soft fingers.

“But I want you to have it!” You cried into the sleeves.

“It's too small for me, baby!” He laughed, a smile breaking through your sobs as you imagined Ransom squeezed into a tiny sweater. “But if you want, I can buy a new one for myself. Then we can match!”

You smiled, nodding leaning forward into his arms.

“Yeah? You like that idea?” Random asked, and you nodded again, killing two birds with one stone as you used the action to dry your tears on his shirt. “Alright baby, let's go out and buy a new sweater for daddy.”

[welcometothemaraudersspam]

a walk in october ~ n.k x reader part 1

“apocalypse ~ cigarettes after sex”

volume: ■■■■■□□□

warnings: cursing? just nanami being cute :3

word count: 2.3k

part 2 here!

｡･:*˚:✧｡｡･:*˚:✧｡｡･:*˚:✧｡｡･:*˚:✧｡｡･:*˚:✧｡

Your converse cladded feet kicked the tiny pebbles adorning the sidewalk, a soft sigh leaving your lips. Lifting your gaze up from the ground taking in the breathtaking scenery. The leaves had reached their full autumn bloom. Shades of orange and brown coating every inch of the park. There were plenty of people enjoying the cool weather, their chatter heard in passing as you made your way further into the park.

The only other sound you took notice of were the rustling of the leaves, your eyes gazing up at the sky.

You could swear up and down that fall skies looked different. There was a certain hue to them that you couldn’t find in summer skies.

Summer skies were bright.

Baby blue.

Fluffy white clouds coating the sky. Everything was the perfect shade of green. The scenery just looked clean.

But fall skies-

That’s where it truly is.

Fall skies… they were brown. They were comforting. Everything about fall made you feel so warm inside. Maybe it was the ever changing shades in the leaves. The earthy tones coating the ground.

It was breathtaking..

And you look forward to it every year.

Your train of thought came to an abrupt stop as you had arrived at your usual spot. Setting your bag onto the wooden park bench, a soft thud followed shortly after. Taking a seat on the worn wood tugging your lunch out of the brown bag, humming a soft tune. Another gust of wind rustled the leaves above you, a few stray ones dancing their way down to the ground.

This place you had considered your spot wasn’t entirely hidden. Anybody could take it. But, no one ever did.

It was a lone wooden table barely holding it together with benches. The wood was beyond worn. Outlines of where people had loved it before. It was further into the park, near the outskirts of it, under a giant tree.

The tree looked over hundreds of years old. It’s roots sticking every which way. But it was thick, it could be hit with a bulldozer and knock the machine right back. The way the branches were positioned made it look like you were sitting under a mushroom. It was perfect.

It gave you just the right amount of shade.

A gorgeous view.

You could stay there for hours.

For days.

The sound of someone calling your name broke you out of your trance, lifting your head up from your sandwich, a smile tugging at your lips. The sight of Gojo waving erratically with unamused familiar faces in tow.

The white haired man practically sprinted over to you, helping himself to a bite of your sandwich making himself comfortable on the seat beside you.

A scoff left your lips, “Soturu. Wow, how lovely to see you. Yes, of course you can have a bite. Thanks for asking!” Offering him a fake smile pinching his cheeks, a little harder than usual an odd sound leaving his mouth. He just grinned at your actions, resting his arm around your shoulder tugging you closer to him.

“Soturu, behave. You’ve barely been here 2 seconds and you already managed to piss her off.” Suguru mused, sitting across from Gojo, his bangs blowing across his face. Shoko snickered at his words, opting for sitting on the edge of the table. You beamed up at the girl attempting to shrug off Gojo’s arm, but he didn’t falter. He tightened his grip on you, popping a few of your grapes into his mouth, pretending to not hear you struggle beside him.

“Shoko! My love, please save me.” Begging the brunette, reaching for her with both of your hands, Suguru sighed audibly while Nanami rolled his eyes at Soturu’s antics. The tall boy just wrapped another arm around you, squeezing you tighter.

“Soturu, do you remember that time last december when we went on a mission and the curse’s power had the power to shrink-”

Almost as if he had been struck by lightning, the blue eyed man released his hold on you instantly, red dusting his pale skin. Snickers left Geto’s lips clearly knowing the backstory, a satisfied hum left Shoko sending a wink your way. You tugged the brunette toward you peppering her face in kisses, loud smacks leaving both of your lips as you giggled to one another.

Shoko had been your best friend since diapers.

You had been through every stage of your life with that girl.

When you had turned 12, you had moved due to your father passing. You had begged and pleaded to not leave, offering any of your possessions but nothing helped.

Your mothers mind was made up.

Having to tell Ieiri that you were leaving was the worst moment of your life. You still remember everything that was said. All of the tears wept between the two of you.

Knowing her temper, the girl had no one to yell at but you. She blamed you at first, out of anger, but deep down she knew she was just trying to protect herself from getting hurt.

You never thought you would see her again but almost as if you guys were meant to be with one another. The pair of you didn’t meet again until you ran into each other at Jujutsu High.

You had never been more thankful in your entire life that you could see all of these awful curses, as long as it meant you could be with your best friend again.

.・゜-: ✧ :-.・゜-: ✧ :-.・゜-: ✧ :-.・゜-: ✧ :-

“And over here is where your dorm will be. You have one neighboring roommate. She’s nice. I’ll introduce you to her… yeah, right through here. ” The tall blonde spoke gently, unlocking your new dorm room giving you a chance to walk in first.

The room was much bigger than you had expected. It was bare. But you didn’t mind. You had plenty of belongings to make it feel like home in no time. Sighing softly as you kicked your slippers off at the entrance, your sock clad feet padding across the wooden floor. Making your way over to the window in the corner of your room. Peeking out the window, a soft gasp leaving your lips.

“Nanami! You never told me I had such a gorgeous view.”

“I wasn’t sure you even had a window.”

“C’mere. Look! You can see all the trees from here,” You mused to the tall man, motioning him over. He gingerly made his way over, bending way down to see the cherry blossom trees coating your windows view. You could see a creek from your room as well, a soft hum left his lips.

With the little space between you, your senses were overwhelmed with what you assumed was his natural scent. Smelling of fresh laundry and… was that cinnamon?

“… all I got was the view of a brick wall.” A snort left your lips snapping you out of your trance, nudging the blonde playfully. An unfamiliar look flashed across his face quickly clearing his throat, maneuvering around you to go towards your dorm door. “I-.. did you have any further questions?”

“Yes actually,” Anyone from a while away could see the nervous wreck that was Nanami Kento, a small part of you only meaning to poke fun at the 2nd year who was standing before you. “Is your dorm also in this hall?”

“Em- since girls and guys have to be in separate halls… I am- I am not.”

“Hm.. what a shame.” Uttering under your breath, knowing full well he could hear it. A rush of pink flooded his face, parting his lips at your words. The blonde fringe covering his eyes partially made you realize how cute his eyes truly were, a soft giggle leaving your lips.

“Nanami… we still have the rest of the tour to go on.”

“Right!- if you follow me…”

.・゜-: ✧ :-.・゜-: ✧ :-.・゜-: ✧ :-.・゜-: ✧ :-

A loud heaving noise to your left made you release Shoko, giving the giggling boy a glare as he looked proud at himself. Both you and the brunette gave him an amused look, gesturing towards him and the dark haired boy beside him.

“I didn’t think you of all people would be against same sex couples considering you have a whole ass boyfriend-”

“That’s not true. Whatsoever. He’s my husband-”

A wave of groans left your group's lips as his long limbs reached across the table to take ahold of Geto’s clasped hands, a look of feigned disgust coated his face. Nanami just rolled his eyes but you took notice of how he had moved his hands under the table. Holding back a chuckle catching his eyes, a faint blush creeped up his neck.

“You haven’t been here long have you?”

“No, not too long. I was bored and the weather was lovely, so I figured why not have my lunch here rather than at the school.” You shrugged your shoulders, finally taking a bite of your sandwich, looking up at the young girl whose lips had already been captured by yet another cigarette. “Shoko… tell me that’s your first one today. It’s barely 11.”

The girl stiffened her hand with the lighter stopping right before her mouth, avoiding your stare. Setting down the sandwich, leaning forward so your face was right under her gaze. She just sighed.

“I don’t want to lie to you…”

“Sho! I thought you were trying to quit.”

“I know, I know! But being around this dumbass makes it incredibly difficult. ” Tilting her head back towards the tall white haired man who was currently trying to balance a glass container on the top of his head, a goofy grin spread across his face.

Hold on.. that’s my glass container.

At the mention of Shoko’s insult he snapped his head toward the two of you. A stream of words began leaving his lips catching sight of your container tumbling off his head. A soft gasp left your lips as you scrambled to reach the glass container, a pair of hands reaching it before it touched the ground.

Nanami looked unamused by Gojo’s actions, setting the container into your awaiting hands, fingers brushing slightly, offering you a smile. A smile graced your lips before quickly turning into a frown, facing the white haired boy.

“Gojo.”

A beat passed, the boy turning his head around to face the tree trunk.

“I’m going to beat your ass.”

“You wish you could touch me.”

“You know I’m one of the only ones who can. That’s why you're not facing me right now.”

Another beat.

He started whistling to himself, his head moving side to side as he pretended to not hear you. A sigh left Geto’s lips, rising from his position on the bench. Shoko hesitated to move but she knew it best if she did, tossing her cigarette under her boot smothering it.

“Soturu. Let’s go before she ends up having to explain to Yaga where you went.”

Soft grumbles left his lips, begrudgingly standing up giving you a quick peek at you over his sunglasses. You pretended to cup your hands together, making him huff and begin to fast walk ahead of your friends. A giggle left your lips, watching him stumble over a rock.

“I’ll see you at training, sweets.” Suguru leaned down to bring you into a warm embrace, rubbing his back as he started after Gojo who was sulking from afar. Suppressing the laugh that begged to be let out at the sight of an almost grown adult, pouting with his arms crossed over his chest. Shoko pressed a chaste kiss onto your cheek, waving goodbye at you.

A sigh left your lips pressing your head onto the wooden table.

“I visibly saw the weight leave your shoulders once he left.”

“I swear. He makes my head pound. How does he even manage that?”

Nanami just let out a soft chuckle, crossing his arms in front of him as he eyed your form. His eyes drifted over your tousled hair splayed on the table, catching sight of a fairly deep cut on the back of your hand. Almost on instinct, his hand reached out, stopping right before he could touch your skin.

“What happened to your hand?”

“Hm?,” Lifting your head up to look at your hands, just now taking notice of the gash on your hand. The blood around it had already dried, looking like it had already begun scabbing over. “That is… a good question. I’m not entirely sure. Sometimes I just get a bunch of random cuts and bruises and have absolutely no recollection of where they came from.”

“It’s truly a surprise you’ve made it this far as a sorcerer if that’s the case.” Nanami hummed a smile tugging at his lips, a laugh leaving your body as your eyes locked with his. A comforting silence washed over the two of you.

The only sound you could hear was the rustling of the leaves above and below you. The breeze was nice and cool on your skin, tugging your shirt hems over your hands.

“Nanami?”

A soft hum.

“Have you ever thought about getting a lip piercing?” The strangest sound left his mouth eyeing your face to see if you were being genuine. Tilting your head at him, quirking an eyebrow at the blonde.

“I- I don’t think it would suit me.”

“Are you kidding? I genuinely thought you were secretly tatted under that uniform. A lip piercing- scratch that, any piercings would 1000% look killer on you. I think it suits your face.”

“... do you truly?”

“I have no reason to lie to you, Kento. I swear.”

His heart soared at your words, a smile gracing his face. He untucked his ears, not a single word leaving his lips. You stared innocently up at him, eyes trailing to where his hair now uncovered. A small gasp left your lips, the sight of pure joy lighting your face up made him chuckle, feeling his face heat up at the look on your face.

“NANAMI KENTO. YOU- YOU HAVE PIERCED EARS.”

｡･:*˚:✧｡｡･:*˚:✧｡｡･:*˚:✧｡｡･:*˚:✧｡｡･:*˚:✧｡

a/n: hi lovelies! this is my first time writing for jjk, i just recently finished watching the series. and i completely fell in love. i have written well over 10k worth of words on this story. plz let me know how you guys feel about it. lots of love <3

[rainstormies]

(1) what remains

title: what remains

fandom: warfare

word count: 588

synopsis: an Iraqi med student is forced into a war she didn’t choose, and falls for the soldier who never meant to stay

The sound of gunfire had stopped scaring her weeks ago.

Now, it was just part of the rhythm of the day - like the call to prayer, or the barking of the stray dogs down the road. So when it cracked through the sky again, distant but sharp, Layla didn’t even blink.

But her mother flinched.

And her brother, Samir, slid under the kitchen table, clutching his sketchbook like it could protect him. He always did that now - ducked low, drew tight, like shrinking made him invisible.

Layla exhaled through her nose, steady and slow. “Just a little longer,” she whispered. It wasn’t a promise. It wasn’t even hope. It was muscle memory.

She pulled the curtain back just an inch, peeking through the dust-caked fabric. The street outside was dead quiet - no children, no vendors, no voices. Only the wind and heat, stirring the litter and powder-fine first that clung to everything.

Then she saw them.

Armored trucks. Four. Maybe five.

Big, loud, and unmistakably foreign

Her stomach dropped. A sour taste bloomed at the back of her throat.

American.

She snapped the curtain shut.

“Mama,” she said sharply, already turning. “Go to the back room. Take Samir.”

Her mother didn’t ask why. She just grabbed Samir’s hand and led him away in silence, her movements practiced. Samir followed, too quiet for an eleven-year-old, his sketchbook tucked under his arm.

Layla stayed where she was, in the center of the small living room - her family’s real home, even after the war hollowed it out. The paint was peeling. The TV hadn’t worked in months. But her father’s photograph still sat on the shelf by the window, staring out with tired eyes and a smile he hadn’t worn in years before he died.

She didn’t move when the sound of engines grew louder.

She didn’t move when she heard boots hitting the pavement.

She didn’t even move when they stopped at her door.

She just stood there, chest tight, heart steady.

Then the door exploded open.

Shouting. Heavy boots. Rifles raised.

“Clear!”, “Secure the rooms.”, “Hold position.”

The words came at her like a wave - English, fast and cold, wrapped in command. She understood enough. The tone told her the rest.

Layla didn’t raise her hands. She didn’t scream. She just stood, back straight, eyes burning, as soldiers flooded into her home like they had every right to be there.

They moved like a machine - tight formation, practiced hands, shouting to each other across the room as if she was invisible. One of them knocked over a stack of bowls. Another kicked open the door to the bedroom. She winced at the sound but didn’t flinch.

Special Forces, she guessed. Not regular infantry. These ones moved differently - faster, meaner, like they’d done this a hundred times before.

Then she saw him.

Not the tallest. Not the loudest. Not the one barking orders.

But the one who looked at her and stopped.

He didn’t raise his weapon. He didn’t yell.

He just… looked.

Like he actually saw her. Not as a threat. Not as a target. Not as some civilian statistic.

Just a girl in her house. Standing still. Trying not to fall apart.

His helmet shadowed part of his face, but she caught the eyes - sharp, tired, but curious. Cautious.

He held her gaze for one second too long.

Then someone called his name. "Sam!"

He turned.

Layla didn’t know it yet, but that was the moment everything changed.

That was the moment her story - the real one - began.

[sleepwritten-dreams]

"Small Moon Houses, And Growing Skyscrapers"

I was standing high above a strange city,

on the roofs of silver towers that shimmered beneath an unfamiliar sky.

I crouched down, grounding myself in effort,

my legs pressing hard against invisible gravity

as I tried to lift the buildings higher,

to pull their foundations up from the buried dust of a lifeless world.

Beneath the surface,

hidden under layers of lunar soil,

were houses no larger than washing machines.

Metal boxes just big enough to crawl into

and press your body tight

knees against chest

arms wrapping around your own heartbeat

like insulation against the void.

People lived in them.

They folded themselves into those cramped spaces

choosing containment over emptiness,

choosing walls small enough to feel safe.

And then I remembered

we were on the Moon.

This place had no air,

no softness,

no real sky.

And yet

there were storms.

Violent weather moved across the surface

waves crashing in from nowhere

colliding with houses and towers alike

as if the Moon had learned to weep like Earth.

Water rose in great, howling surges

slamming into the fragile machine homes

shaking the skyscrapers from below.

I watched,

silent and still,

as if caught between awe and dread.

I wondered how they survived,

why they chose to stay.

Then I heard a voice

my own voice

but distant and strange

soft with clarity.

Let them choose to stay.

They have the right to live or die on this world

even if it was never made for them.

The dream shifted.

A courtroom appeared,

not built of walls,

but woven from tension and hush.

There had been a man

a rapist

who had violated the women living in the tiny homes.

His crimes whispered through the shadows

but no one dared to speak.

I stood with a woman

who looked like Beth from Dog the Bounty Hunter

but she was weary

and her eyes carried a grief I could not name.

She knew the truth

but she wanted to disappear

to return to her machine house

to fold herself small and silent.

I sat beside her

spoke gently

offered her something simple

something absurd.

A new shirt.

Just a shirt.

A soft fabric to remind her

that her body deserved comfort.

She paused

then nodded.

She stood in front of the lawyers

opened her mouth

and told the truth.

Her voice became a key

and the man who had stolen so many

was taken away

locked inside something even smaller than the homes he haunted.

We had won

not for vengeance

but for air

for the right to expand

to grow

to live

in a place that had never been meant for survival.

And somewhere in that strange city

one of the washing machine houses

stood just a little taller than before.

⭐🌙⭐ Interpretation ⭐🌙⭐

This dream, vivid and layered, unfolds like an allegory—interweaving power, trauma, survival, and autonomy. Let’s break down the symbolic elements and explore what your subconscious might be communicating.

1. Skyscrapers and Physical Strain

You’re trying to make skyscrapers grow by physically squatting and lifting their foundations. This symbolizes a desire to elevate structures—yourself, your beliefs, your world—but through personal effort and sacrifice. It suggests that you may be feeling responsible for holding things up that were never meant to be carried alone. The skyscrapers could be your dreams, justice, healing, or your role in supporting others.

2. Tiny Homes like Washing Machines

Beneath the surface are homes just big enough for people to crawl into. These “washing machine houses” are a powerful metaphor for compression, repression, and survival. People in your dream are literally folding themselves into small, confined spaces to exist.

This could reflect:

How people shrink themselves to survive abuse or harsh environments

Your awareness of emotional or societal pressure to "fit" into roles that are too small

A memory or commentary on how trauma makes people small to stay safe

3. The Moon and Violent Weather

The Moon is the realm of the subconscious, the feminine, intuition, and emotional tides. To live there suggests you’re in a psychic or emotional space far from earthly logic. It’s a strange, alien world that still mirrors human chaos.

The violent waves and storms speak to emotional upheaval, trauma resurfacing, or collective danger. These waves crash into fragile homes—indicating that no matter how much people try to protect themselves, the environment is unstable. You, the dreamer, recognize that this is not a safe place to live emotionally or spiritually.

4. The Inner Voice: Let Them Choose

Your inner voice saying “Let them choose to stay. They have the right to live or die on this planet” is complex and layered. It may represent:

The tension between wanting to rescue others and recognizing their autonomy

A reflection on generational trauma, systemic injustice, or social suffering

Your own boundaries: the understanding that not everyone is ready or willing to leave pain behind

This is a moment of both release and wisdom—a sign of spiritual maturity, knowing that you can’t force healing on those who aren’t ready.

5. The Trial and the Rapist

This part of the dream is heavy, but incredibly significant. It brings forward themes of justice, advocacy, and speaking truth after violation.

The rapist represents a violator of innocence, safety, and voice—whether literal or metaphorical. He lives among the oppressed, shielded by silence. The women are afraid to speak up, reflecting real-world patterns of abuse, fear, and systems that fail survivors.

Your role in building a case, and convincing the woman (who resembles Beth from Dog the Bounty Hunter) to speak, shows your inner strength and commitment to protecting the vulnerable, even when they are afraid to act.

The fact that she is persuaded by something as small and intimate as a shirt symbolizes the power of compassion, comfort, and agency in healing.

Overall Themes:

Carrying the weight of others' healing

The tension between safety and suppression

Justice and the courage to confront what others fear

Autonomy, choice, and the limitations of intervention

Transforming vulnerability into empowerment

Message of the Dream:

You are a protector, a builder, and a witness to both suffering and resilience. You are not here to save everyone, but to stand tall, to plant truth where fear once lived, and to remind others of their power—even if it begins with something as small as saying yes to a new shirt.

This dream reflects your deep intuition, your unflinching strength, and your wisdom to know when to help and when to let go.

(Jun 7th 2018)

[hansamabranding]

Adaptive Logos – Designing for a Responsive World

Let’s face it: gone are the days when a logo lived only on a signboard, business card, and a fax cover sheet (RIP fax machines 🪦). Now, a logo has to show up on a smartwatch, website header, social media icon, app splash screen, car wrap, coffee cup… you get the idea.

Enter: adaptive logos—a modern, modular approach to logo design where your visual identity changes shape, but not its soul.

🧬 What Is an Adaptive Logo?

An adaptive logo is a visual identity system that includes multiple versions of the logo, each optimized for different contexts, while retaining consistent core elements.

It's like a costume change, not a personality shift.

Key Versions You’ll Often See:

Primary logo – Full version with all components

Secondary logo – Slightly simplified (stacked, condensed, or horizontal)

Icon or logo mark – Just the symbol or monogram

Favicon – Super tiny version (e.g. 16x16 px)

Wordmark – Just the brand name, stylized

Responsive logo – Changes dynamically depending on screen size

🖼 Why Adaptive Logos Matter

📱 1. Multi-Device Compatibility

Your full logo might look great on a billboard—but shrink it to a phone screen? Suddenly, that elegant serif font turns into digital soup.

Adaptive logos make sure you always look crisp, clear, and confident—whether it’s 40ft wide or 40 pixels tall.

🔄 2. Flexibility for Marketing

From podcast thumbnails to product packaging to TikTok banners, brands now live in hundreds of contexts. A single static logo just can’t keep up.

🧠 3. Stronger Brand Recognition

When executed well, adaptive logos reinforce brand memory by showing consistency across varied contexts, not rigid sameness.

🌍 Famous Examples of Adaptive Logos

1. Google

Their famous multi-colored “G” icon is instantly recognizable—used as a favicon, app icon, and profile picture. It adapts beautifully across environments, yet still screams “Google.”

2. Spotify

Spotify uses its full logo when it needs gravitas (e.g., printed reports), but often switches to its three-wave icon on apps and ads. It’s fluid, responsive, and unmistakably Spotify.

3. Coca-Cola

They’ve created various lockups of their classic script wordmark—sometimes integrating it into the shape of a bottle, other times simplifying it to a swoosh-like curve.

🛠 How to Design an Adaptive Logo System

✍️ Step 1: Start with the Primary Logo

Make sure your full version includes all necessary elements—icon, logotype, tagline if needed. This is your foundation.

✂️ Step 2: Build Modular Versions

From the full logo, begin subtracting or rearranging elements while keeping the core DNA intact.

Create:

Horizontal version

Vertical/stacked version

Standalone icon

Tiny size-friendly version (for 16x16 px use)

🎨 Step 3: Ensure Consistency

Use the same colors, spacing rules, and style across all versions. It's okay to adapt layout—just don’t lose the brand’s voice.

📏 Step 4: Test at Different Sizes

Zoom it out. Shrink it to a favicon. Slap it on a mockup of an app icon. Your adaptive logo should perform like a champ under pressure.

💡 Adaptive ≠ Random

Let’s be clear: an adaptive logo doesn’t mean throwing different versions at the wall and seeing what sticks. It’s about creating intentional, cohesive variants that serve different needs.

Think of it like a jazz band. Each instrument plays its part, but they all follow the same rhythm.

🧠 Unique Fact of the Day:

The Whitney Museum’s “W” logo, designed by Experimental Jetset, is adaptive by design. The zigzag "W" literally stretches and shifts in form depending on the artwork it's displayed with. It was one of the first major museum identities built on responsiveness as a concept, not just a tech need.

✍️ Design Mission: Create Your Own Adaptive Logo Set

Take a logo you've already created and build:

A primary version

A simplified icon

A wordmark-only version

A tiny-size favicon version

Put them into a slide deck or mockup. See how they play together. This is your logo orchestra. Conduct it with style.

https://letterhanna.com/adaptive-logos-designing-for-a-responsive-world/

[williambutcher008]

From Fragile to Secure: The Real Power of Shrink Wrapping Machines in Logistics

In the high-speed world of logistics, where every second counts and every package matters, the importance of secure and efficient packaging cannot be overstated. Products pass through multiple hands, modes of transport, and storage facilities before reaching the end consumer. During this journey, fragile items are especially vulnerable to breakage, contamination, or tampering. This is where shrink wrapping machines come into play—quietly transforming how logistics businesses protect, pack, and deliver.

Let’s dive into why shrink wrapping has become the unsung hero of modern logistics—and why industry leaders are turning to Durapak for dependable, high-quality shrink wrapping solutions.

What Is Shrink Wrapping and How Does It Work?

Shrink wrapping is a packaging method where a product is enveloped in a polymer plastic film and then exposed to heat. The heat causes the film to shrink tightly around the product, creating a sealed and secure layer.

Modern shrink wrapping machines automate this process, ensuring consistent, clean, and durable packaging at scale. Depending on the scale of your operation, you can choose from:

Chamber-type machines for low to medium volume packaging

L-sealers and shrink tunnels for high-volume, high-speed production lines

👉 Explore Durapak’s full range of shrink wrapping machines

Why Logistics Needs Shrink Wrapping More Than Ever

In logistics, the journey is long and the risk is high. Shrink wrapping is quickly becoming an essential part of the supply chain for several powerful reasons.

1. Damage Control for Fragile Items

Shrink wrap provides a snug and stable barrier around products—particularly fragile ones like:

Glassware

Electronics

Ceramics

Pharmaceuticals

It reduces movement inside containers, cushions against shocks, and prevents items from coming into contact with dust or moisture.

Result: Fewer broken items, fewer returns, happier customers.

2. Tamper-Evidence for High-Security Goods

Whether it's pharmaceuticals, food items, or cosmetics, any sign of tampering is a red flag to consumers. Shrink wrapping creates a tamper-evident seal that’s impossible to miss.

If the wrap is broken, you know the product has been compromised. That layer of trust builds brand credibility and complies with increasingly strict logistics regulations.

3. Protection Against Environmental Exposure

During transit, goods may be exposed to:

Rain

Dust

Humidity

Oil and chemicals

Shrink wrap acts as a protective cocoon, preserving product integrity until it reaches its destination.

Durapak’s machines are designed for maximum seal strength, ensuring your items arrive just as they left—untouched and undamaged.

Shrink Wrapping = Smarter Storage + Leaner Logistics

Shrink wrapping doesn’t just secure goods—it also streamlines your entire logistics flow.

4. Optimized Palletization and Stackability

When products are shrink-wrapped, they can be:

Stacked more efficiently on pallets

Transported with minimal shifting

Stored without risk of collapse

This results in higher container utilization and lower shipping costs—a massive benefit for logistics managers focused on lean operations.

5. Reduced Packaging Footprint

Cardboard, bubble wrap, and strapping all take up space and require handling. Shrink wrap is thin, lightweight, and easy to store in bulk, allowing:

Reduced material handling costs

Less warehouse clutter

Faster packaging cycles

6. Faster Turnaround at Fulfillment Centers

Speed is everything in logistics. Shrink wrapping machines:

Work faster than manual labor

Deliver consistent, repeatable packaging

Minimize human error and downtime

Whether you're handling 100 packages a day or 10,000, Durapak’s high-performance machines scale effortlessly with demand.

Real-World Logistics Use Cases

Shrink wrapping is already making waves across industries such as:

📦 E-Commerce Fulfillment

Shrink wrap ensures secure, compact packaging of multi-item orders, reducing returns due to damage in transit.

🧴 Pharmaceutical Logistics

Sensitive medications are sealed against contamination while remaining tamper-proof for compliance.

🍽️ Food Supply Chain

From meal kits to snack boxes, food remains safe, fresh, and undisturbed during cross-country travel.

🖥️ Consumer Electronics

Laptops, gadgets, and accessories stay dust-free and protected from static or scratches.

Why Durapak Is the Go-To Brand for Shrink Wrapping Solutions

Durapak isn't just selling machines—they're delivering packaging confidence.

Here’s why logistics professionals across India prefer Durapak:

✅ High-Performance Machinery

Durapak’s machines are built to last, with powerful heaters, robust frames, and smart controls.

✅ Options for Every Scale

Whether you’re a small logistics startup or a nationwide distributor, Durapak has a model that fits your need and budget.

✅ Expert Support & Training

Durapak offers installation support, on-site training, and ongoing customer service to keep your operation running smoothly.

✅ Made for Indian Businesses

Durapak machines are tailored to Indian logistics environments, including power fluctuations, regional packaging needs, and high ambient temperatures.

👉 Click here to explore Durapak’s shrink wrapping machine lineup

Is It Worth the Investment?

If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself:

Do you want to reduce damage-related returns?

Do you need to scale up packaging speed?

Are you aiming to optimize warehouse and shipping costs?

Do you want to improve customer trust through tamper-evident packaging?

If you answered yes to any of these, then a shrink wrapping machine isn’t a cost—it’s an investment in your logistics future.

Final Thoughts: Small Wrap, Big Impact

Shrink wrapping might look simple, but its impact on logistics is enormous. From securing fragile items to optimizing shipping, it’s a small change that can result in big efficiencies and even bigger savings.

With logistics becoming the backbone of nearly every business sector today, there’s no better time to modernize your packaging line.

👉 Secure your packaging process today with a shrink wrapping machine from Durapak

Your products deserve the safest journey—and your business deserves the smartest tools.

[the-fluffiest-trainer]

[A video is attached. This is security camera footage from the room housing the two legendary pokemon. Each is held in a separate glass cage, and in their dormant states they look like a white tree and a black cocoon.]

[Talia enters from a side door, with AZ following behind her. AZ startles at the sight of the legendary pokemon, and glances back toward the door, but he stays with Talia for now. The gardevoir waves him forward until the pair come to a stop in front of the electronic console at the bottom of the white tree's cage.]

I don't think I should be here... These pokemon will know me. They will not be happy to see me.

[Talia is still levitating a pad of paper alongside her, and scribbles a message onto it. She chirps something unintelligible, and gestures toward the equipment.]

Yes, this looks very much like my own setup, all those years ago. Just expanded, and strengthened to hold legendaries instead of common pokemon.

I believe I can free them, yes, but you should go. Return to your trainer. You bear no fault in my misdeeds, and you should not share in the rightful wrath they will surely bring upon me once they wake.

[AZ begins pushing buttons on the console. After a while, he pauses with his hand over a button in the corner, and he looks to Talia, who is still standing next to him.]

[Talia writes a message and levitates it to where AZ can read. She steps around him and slips one hand underneath his onto the final button, then points toward the door. Reluctantly, AZ nods and steps away, leaving by the same way he had come in.]

[Talia presses the button to confirm whatever commands AZ had entered, then backs away from the console. Above her, machines whirr and lights flash, and the white tree-like figure inside the tube stretches and unfolds itself into something more akin to a deer. The walls of glass around it retract into the ceiling, and the legendary pokemon Xerneas steps down off their pedestal.]

[Upon seeing the legendary pokemon staring at her, Talia shrinks back and then falls to a kneeling position, barely even able to look up and meet their gaze.]

You, who have redeemed me from captivity, be not afraid.

[Xerneas's mouth does not move, but somehow their words are projected psychically in a way that even the video camera can pick up. Their reassurances do not seem to have much effect, as Talia is still visibly afraid.]

I cannot have a Chosen who will not look up. You will be forever walking into things.

[Finally, Talia manages to lift her eyes. She still does not speak, though, and just silently points behind Xerneas at the other cage.]

What is the matter?

[Xerneas looks behind, and sees the black cocoon encased in a giant tube of glass just like they had been. The legendary pokemon startles, and immediately their many antlers begin glowing in a rainbow of seven colors. A haze of light in many colors coalesces around the cocoon, and it stirs ever so slightly.]

Yveltal... Yveltal, WAKE UP!

[Xerneas charges an empowered moonblast and fires it directly toward the other legendary pokemon just as they are unfolding from their cocoon, shattering the glass containment cell around them and raining razor-sharp shards all across the floor. Yveltal hardly reacts to the shower of glass at all as they hop down from the pedestal with a single flap of their massive wings.]

Who are you, who looks on at our captivity? Be afraid, for Death stands before you.

This little one is our savior, not our jailer. Let us show some gratitude.

[Xerneas enters their active state once more, and a rainbow haze forms around Talia. After a few seconds, however, sparks fly from the legendary pokemon's antlers and they return suddenly to their plain blue-white shade, the blessing fading from Talia's form as well.]

Xerneas? What ails you?

[Yveltal wraps their long, claw-like wings around Xerneas, and the deer pokemon maneuvers their many antlers so that they can rest their head upon the giant bird's shoulder. Xerneas delicately preens their partner's feathers, while Yveltal plucks bits of glass out of the former's fur and tail.]

Our energy has been drained. And I sense life all around, in conflict. The humans who did this are still nearby.

Then, favored gardevoir, which way will lead us out?

[Talia, still rather stunned by the ordeal of facing two pokemon gods, silently points directly upward. The legendaries separate, and Yveltal gives her a curt nod before focusing their attention on the ceiling. They ready their wings, and then charge and fire a massive red laser upward, flapping their wings sharply to propel themself forcefully through the hole they just made and widen it.]

[Pieces of ceiling, rock, and dirt fall haphazardly into the room and Talia uses her telekinesis to avoid being struck. Through the hole, sunlight now shines down in a circular spot on the floor. Xerneas steps into the light, then turns and bows deeply to Talia before leaping up through the gap to follow Yveltal.]

[Talia looks up after them for a moment, then turns to go. On her way out, she steps on a shard of glass and yelps, picking up her foot to telekinetically pull the glass out. Though it comes out red with blood, Talia does not appear to be in any further pain, but rather looks on with confusion. She discards the shard and continues on her way, and as she exits the camera frame there can be seen very faintly a shimmer of seven colors trailing in her wake.]

[Video ends.]

[cellsswag]

Unveiling the Latest: iPhone 15 Pro, Upcoming iPhone 16 Series Rumors, and the Buzz in the Apple Ecosystem

iPhone Update: New Releases, Upcoming Rumors, and Everything in Between

Apple fans, rejoice! We have a roundup of the latest iPhone news to keep you informed and excited. Buckle up, because we're diving into new releases, upcoming rumors, software updates, and even a dash of controversy.

Fresh off the Shelf: iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max

For those seeking the ultimate iPhone experience, the recently launched iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are the talk of the town. These powerhouses boast a sleek titanium build, a mysterious new "Action Button," and the lightning-fast A17 Pro chip. Photographers rejoice, as the camera systems have received a significant upgrade, while the switch to a USB-C port marks a shift from the traditional Lightning connector. Starting at $999 for the Pro and $1,199 for the Pro Max, these top-tier devices come with a premium price tag.

A Glimpse into the Future: iPhone 16 Series Whispers

Fall 2024 is rumored to bring the highly anticipated iPhone 16 series. While details remain under wraps, whispers suggest a significant performance boost with a faster processor. Pro models might see an increase in screen size, and Apple's continued focus on AI integration could bring exciting new features. However, prepare for potentially higher prices, particularly in regions like India.

Software Updates: Keeping Your iPhone Fresh

Apple recently rolled out iOS 17.4, bringing a wave of new emojis and the ability to customize how certain emojis face. Additionally, bug fixes ensure your iPhone runs smoothly. Looking ahead, rumors swirl about iOS 18, hinting at the integration of powerful generative AI features and potentially improved 5G capabilities. While official details are scarce, stay tuned for further announcements from Apple.

Beyond the Headlines: A Lawsuit and a Laundry Hack?

Apple finds itself in a legal battle with Elon Musk regarding OpenAI, a company in which they have invested. The specifics remain under wraps, but the situation adds another layer to the ever-evolving tech landscape.

In a more lighthearted (and unverified) corner of the internet, a "laundry hack" for iPhones has surfaced, claiming to prevent clothes from shrinking in the washing machine. While the effectiveness and safety of this method are in question, it serves as a reminder to approach such online trends with caution and rely on credible sources for laundry advice.

Whether you're a die-hard Apple fan or simply curious about the latest tech trends, this blog post hopefully provides a helpful update on the world of iPhones. Stay tuned for further developments as we inch closer to future releases and exciting software updates.

Cells Swag is one of the India's leading premium brand of Mobile Accessories. As industry experts, we take pride in offering a wide range of products that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your phone. With our unique and stylish options, we strive to provide you with the best accessories to suit your personal style and needs.

Visit our website:

[ideas-engineering-works]

Call +919038090600

[frogtanii]

tw. serious self loathing

kenma hated hospitals.

the cold sterile air, the incessant beeping of machines, the loud voices of the doctors — mix it all together and you get the perfect recipe for kicking up kenma’s anxiety.

it was bad enough, what with you being the one in the hospital bed, tied up to all those machines but all the other more extraneous details certainly didn’t help.

kenma’s eyes darted around the white hallway, his knee bouncing erratically as he tried to listen in through the door at what the doctor was saying. earlier, when he had tried to follow behind the rest of the house members to get your diagnosis, he was stopped by kuroo’s hand on his chest and a sad shake of his head.

he’d made his way back to the cold, unforgiving seats lining the hall right outside your room and attempted to overhear, something, anything, that would abate his anxieties.

unfortunately, the conversation was over before kenma could glean anything of substance, the door swinging open as the doctor exited, the atmosphere left in the room being tense and uncomfortable.

kenma quickly stood to his feet, glancing from face to face to discern some kind of news, be it good or bad. “w-what— is she okay? what’s going on?” as much as he willed it not to shake, his voice cracked in the middle of his sentence, his fear for you clearly bleeding into his words.

at the sound of his broken voice, all heads in the room turned towards him. he scanned all their faces but his eyes were stuck on atsumu’s, his own burning with a righteous fury.

before kenma could blink, atsumu was on him, shoving him up against the wall while pressing an arm against his chest. the thumping in kenma’s chest intensified, his eyes widening in dread as his breathing quickened.

he could faintly hear the sounds of protests from the other house members and off-duty nurses but they were swiftly becoming drowned out by the blood and static rushing in his ears.

“atsumu. step down.” sakusa gritted before yanking atsumu off of kenma, allowing kenma to collapse onto the floor. the residual adrenaline and anxiety came to the point they were overwhelming, his breath coming in short pants as he tears leaked from his eyes.

“i-i’m sorry, ‘m sorry, ‘m sorry, i didn’t know, thought that it would be ok, thought she would be okay but she’s not, oh god this is all my fault, i’m sorry, m sorry,” his words came out like a broken faucet before he couldn’t stop them, his arms wrapping around himself as he rolled into the fetal position, determined to erase himself from his surroundings.

a presence appeared in front of him, crouching down and grabbing his hands before where they were digging into his skin, cradling them gently within their own. “hey bud,” bokuto said kindly, a big smile on his face despite the circumstances. “breathe with me, ok?”

kenma nodded before matching bokuto’s exaggerated breathing, in and out, in and out, until his heartbeat was finally back to normal and he didn’t feel like he was going to collapse. “you wanna tell us what happened?”

he firmly kept his gaze on bokuto, determined not to look at everyone else’s scared, angry, or hurt expressions as he explained himself. “i-i saw yn g-go to the bathroom and it was fine because o-of course it was but then i s-saw meiko follow and it d-didn’t register? it happened so f-fast and then i got distracted and it e-escaped my mind until y-you guys brought it up. i j-just— i didn’t think m-meiko was gonna do anything. we were in public and—“

“that won’t stop her.” kenma chanced a look at suga who was the one who spoke, his eyes downcast and stormy with anger and... sadness?. “you didn’t know and that’s whatever, but meiko is fucking crazy. never underestimate her again.” he warned with a grave tone. all kenma could do was nod, a fresh wave of tears coming to his eyes.

“‘m sorry,” he whimpered, his gaze falling upon the white lines on his suit pants. the group let out hums of acknowledgment before falling back into a tense silence, the only sounds coming from the hospital around them.

it didn’t last very long.

“yn! yn!” a deep masculine voice rang from the entrance of the hospital, followed by a quieter platitude and then a host of shushes from the nurse on the floor. the taller man with dark hair managed to lock eyes with kenma, his body moving quickly until he was right in front of the group.

“i need to see her. now.” the man’s voice was dark and menacing but kenma was the only one who seemed to shrink at the sound, the others sizing the outsider up and glaring him down. atsumu waved them away before bringing the pair into a hug, the shorter pink-haired man sighing deeply into the embrace.

atsumu exchanged short “pleasantries” with the two newcomers before turning towards your door wistfully. “uh, ya will be able ta see her soon enough but her throat is fucked pretty badly. she’s asleep right now but doc says she won’t be able to talk for at least a week.”

kenma’s heart caught in his throat. you wouldn’t be able to speak?? because of him?? the thought made him clam back up, his dark hair spilling over his shoulders to shield him from the rest of the hall. he could hear more voices, a door clicking open, a soft gasp, and a growled threat but he was too strung up to focus any more than that.

my fault, my fault, my fault, my fault, played over and over on repeat in his mind, his inner demons taunting him for ruining your life. you would never forgive him, never lay your eyes upon him again without showing disgust and disdain. it was what he deserved, especially after the hell he put you through, no matter how much it hurt.

he faintly recognized at some point in his self loathing, that he was moving somewhere with the group, their hands on him as though they were leading him someplace, not that it mattered.

kenma already knew he was a horrible waste of space and this cemented it for him. but, his mind so helpfully offered, even if you are a piece of shit, you can still do something, something big. make meiko pay for how she hurt you and suga and the rest of them.

oh, he was going to do something alright. he was going to do something so large, so enormous that meiko’s reputation could never, ever recover.

kenma was absolutely going to get his revenge. not for him, no, he could care less about himself. no, he would do it for you and all those who had suffered by her hand.

after all, it was the very least he could do.

℗ poker face

the least he could do

series masterlist

(●’◡’●)ﾉ

an - i feel so horrible today so i don’t have much to write here??? KJSSN ty for reading n don’t forget to feed me <333

taglist - if your name is in bold, i cannot tag you

@boosyboo9206 • @geektastic84 • @elianetsantana • @trashy-simp • @infinitebells • @6mattsun9 • @suhkusa • @katsulovee • @kotarosbabygirl • @fucktheworlddude • @insomniacwreck • @calumsfringe • @saltylettuce • @chai-blu • @al3x1ss • @hawksyoongi • @syndellwins • @jooleuuh • @loubells • @kissungjae • @liberhoe • @tetsurocore • @animeoverdosee • @duhsies • @saiKishaircLip • @afire24 • @premiyagi • @kit-kat428 • @doctorspencereid • @daphnxy • @kyomihann • @maer-333 • @sinoflust19 • @peteunderoos • @peachiikichu • @iidanotlida • @yongboxerrr • @kac-chowsballs • @tanakaslastbraincell • @memorableminds • @risjime • @starry-magicshop • @sugavwara • @smuttyanimeslut • @kiwibirbs-library • @haijkk • @airybnb • @crybabygumi • @iwaisa • @decaffinatedtealover • @notameera • @kawaii-angelanne • @rintarovibes • @urlocalsimp

the rest of the tags will be in the replies!!

[cheelduh]

How to get your crush to walk you to the nurse’s office (Highschool AU)

This is part 3, but it can be read alone!

Pairing: Childe x fem!reader

Warnings: Swearing, Mentions of a monster schlong, and unedited.

Parts: 1 2

Synopsis: Childe offers Lisa a shady deal to yet again sit next to you. However, all his efforts are in vain after he makes a complete fool out of himself by tripping over literally nothing because of a stupid cold. Maybe getting a cold isn’t so bad if he gets to be escorted to the nurse’s office by none other than yourself.

Note: Pure unedited crack luvs. Can’t wait for Childe rerun tmr I hope I get the ginger and the emo nun! 🥲💖

The eyes on you are suffocating, to say the least, enough for you to consider peeling a layer of your own skin off just to breathe. Every now and then, you get a teasing glance from a classmate, and you're sure you'll be an entire puddle of guts on your desk before home room even gets a chance to begin.

There's no doubt it's Signora that spread the news of your date yesterday as a means to some sick revenge. Knowing this was going to happen, you packed some salt in your backpack to cancel out all her evil. Now all you need is a chance to knuckle ball it in her face.

Fingers crossed, you pray to the archons that Childe didn't slip anything about your...brick slip yesterday. It's a good thing you weren't in a school uniform yesterday because that would've been the end of your high school life right there.

Thinking back to it, you collapse into your open hands. How could you have beaten a bunch up losers up...risking your flawless reputation for a sadistic ginger with an affinity for chaos? And worst of all, why did you care about them shit talking him in the first place?

"You okay dear? Something you want to tell me?" Lisa feigns concern, already knowing why.

With a sigh, you blink an eye open through the gap in your fingers. "Doing just fine."

"Oh it couldn't have been that bad." Her eyes shine in mischief. "I bet Childe was a real gentleman."

"He sure was." Kaeya pipes up from the back, leaning in to show you the image on his phone. It's a picture Childe took of you absolutely oblitering an ice cream cone.

You groan and slump deeper into your chair from embarrassment as Kaeya and Lisa engage in chatter, mostly revolving around your date.

Ignoring them completely, you start to ponder about Childe. Where is he? You were sure he'd be here bright and early to reminisce on your eventful date yesterday, which mostly consisted of a competition of who could win the most stall games at a local festival.

Maybe he'd even tease you about the Monoceros Caeli keychain attached to your phone. The very one he'd won for you, and the reason that started the competition in the first place.

Your cheeks warm when you fidget with said keychain, and you can't tell if the fast pace of your heart is because you're nervous to see him or because of the biology quiz you have second period.

So wrapped up in all these foreign emotions, you fail to notice the shadow that looms over you, a glittery finger guard tapping at your desk.

The student council President, Ningguang, plops down a stack of budget files on your desk during homeroom. She's gives you a light smile, and you know what's coming when you meet her alluring gaze.

"Be a dear Y/N," Ningguang smiles, tight lipped, all pretty with her hair pinned back to crown her face. "Even with all hands on deck, i'm afraid the student council's efforts will not come to ripeness concerning all of this paperwork."

This isn't the first time you've done her a favour by becoming the president's personal accountant, and it definitely isn't going to be the last.

Ningguang is powerful, with wit like no other, and you want to be able to call in a chit when the time comes.

"Of course," You reply with a smile that rivals her own. "I'll have them done by the end of the day."

"Excellent. I knew I could count on you, Y/N." She departs elegantly, probably opting to sit next to Beidou and bicker.

You're halfway on the third sheet for total income, a minute before class starts, when you're interrupted. Childe stumbles through the door quite noisily, a shitstain of a grin plastered on his face that is directed at you.

You sigh and shake your head as he approaches you. Thankfully the seat next to you is occupied by—

Shit! Where's Lisa?

Across the classroom, Lisa gives you a thumbs up with a bar of vending machine chocolate in her hand. You should've known she'd betray you yet again.

Childe slides in smoothly after bumping fists with Kaeya, and he falls short of containing his giddy nature.

"Hi Y/N." There's something weird about him today, because you're sure you haven't seen his cheeks so flushed ever. His eyes land on your phone, which is splayed on the desk, and the keychain widens his grin.

You snatch your phone and hide it in the middles of your thighs, but the damage is already done. The urge to shrink against the wall has never been as strong as it is in this moment.

"Hi." It's a miracle you haven't combusted on the spot. Is it usually this awkward? Everything went so fine yesterday, so why can't you ease into it today?

He takes that as a go ahead and instantly reaches for your hand on the table, but you retract at the speed of light.

"Don't even think about it." You're ready to connect the tip of your trainers to his bleached asshole, nose crinkled at his behaviour.

Kaeya whistles lowly, leaning forward for the HD show that is your life.

Childe's smile is sheepish as he's scratching the back of his head. "So we're not on that stage yet huh? I seriously thought you had a change of heart after you beat up those high schoolers for m—"

You muffle his statement with a hand on his mouth, and send a pointed glare to Kaeya. "You didn't hear shit."

The Captain of the skating team nods innocently, and salutes. "Yes boss."

Returning your gaze to Childe, who looks like he's having the time of his life with your small hand on his mouth, you narrow your eyes. "Stop trying to spread rumours."

He can only hum in reply, but you feel a weird pressure on your palm and—

The smug asshole kisses your palm.

You pull back your hand and wipe at your pants, full of disbelief. "Did you just??? Did you just? Kiss my hand???" Mouth twisted, you have no idea what to think.

Childe's throws his head back, and his laugh rings in your ears. You hate yourself for wavering slightly at the sound before smacking his arm. His laughs turn into coughs, probably because he may have swallowed his saliva down the wrong pipe. Charming.

Where the fuck is Zhongli? It's already been five minutes too long into homeroom.

Rolling your eyes, you opt to continue and scribble down budget numbers and add sums up or whatever you were doing earlier after Childe pipes down, choosing to admire you quietly by leaning his weight on one arm. It's enough to make you squirm, face flushed.

"Can you not?" Clicking your tongue in disapproval, you don't look up as you speak.

"If you give me a kiss, then maybe." Childe's cheeky, ridiculously so, and he points a finger at his cheek.

"I don't negotiate with terrorists." You deadpan, fingers itching to choke something or rather...someone.

Childe pouts, and then his eyes close for a second, almost as if he's exhausted when he gives you a sort of smile. With how he's leaning in so close, you can easily spot the swelling in his eyes and the paleness of his face.

For the first time today, there's no bite in your tone when you ask with a slightly raised brow. "Are you okay Childe?"

"Yeah!" He's quick to answer ecstatically, snapping out of his tired haze by straightening himself up. "Better more than ever now that I've seen you, girlie."

You blush madly, the compliment enough for you to drop your pen on the ground. It rolls over beyond your reach.

"I'll get that." Childe jumps out of his chair and you're unable to stop him as he goes to go fetch your pen like the chivalrous idiot he is. There's a slight pause in his movement, his body taking longer to process the messages his brain is sending.

He recovers from the muddle in his cognition by shaking his head, and casually goes to pick up the pen, then ends the move by falling over backwards in unconsciousness.

"Childe!" You lunge for him, managing to catch him a second prior to his ass hitting the floor with the help of Kaeya, who somehow looks like he's expected this outcome from the very start.

The entire classroom clamps up and turns to look for the root of all the commotion.

"Don't just sit there and watch!" You hiss angrily, waving them off. "Someone get Zhongli!"

Aether doesn't need to be told twice as Venti and him race down the hall together. Venti probably just to use this opportunity of sudden chaos to skip homeroom.

"Looks like a fever." The Captain accesses the situation as a small crowd forms around you two. "There's no way he didn't feel it in the morning."

"The absolute idiot." You groan at his words. "Of course he'd try to have a pissing match with a cold."

"I'm still here you know." Childe slurs, leaning into you for warmth, chest rising and falling softly. "Just a...a little sleepy. Am I dreaming angel?"

You roll your eyes, but don't make any moves to lean away from his touch. "Anyone got a water bottle?" Curling your hands around his shoulder, you shift your gaze towards the crowd.

Somebody passes you an emerald green water bottle with dandelion charms that clink against the hard plastic handle from a nearby desk. It screams stupid, but you don't have time to judge the owner.

Opening it up hastily, you're about to let Childe take a sip until it's snatched away from you at the speed of light.

"Hey what gives!" You call out to Kaeya, who inspects the bottle closely with his one eye. He then nods in affirmation as if his suspicions are confirmed.

"I wouldn't recommend it." Is all he says when he motions for you to take a whiff, which you do so reluctantly, eyes closed.

The scent hits you all it once. It's watered down vodka, except without the watering down. Tears form from the intensity.

"The goddamn bard." You choke out, and it earns you a drained chuckle from the ginger that has his head situated on your forearm.

He has half the mind to nuzzle in further, but the position is convenient enough for you to crush his skull if you wish to do so. So he refrains, albeit reluctantly.

Zhongli manages to make it in less than two minutes, sipping on a cup of steaming tea as he breaks apart the crowd to crouch down. "Is everything alright? I came as soon as I could after I made this tea. I assumed it was just another prank."

Everyone in the room shakes their head incredulously.

"Unfortunately it isn't a prank. Childe fainted briefly." You tell him politely despite the urgency, since you're whipped for all your teachers.

"I didn't faint!" Childe groans, exasperated. "Got a little dizzy s'all."

"Yeah," Kaeya cuts in to summarize the situation. "I'll be happy to take him to the nurses office with Y/N—"

Zhongli clears his throat. "You won't be going anywhere Mr.Alberich. I'm sure you have five overdue assignments in my class. Y/N here can walk him just fine." He then attempts to wink at Childe secretly like the wingman he is, but everyone in the classroom and their grandma notices.

The facepalm you do is not enough to render you brain dead.

Pinching the bridge of your nose, you sigh for the nth time today, and it's only eight thirty in the morning. "No worries, Lisa can help—"

"Sorry cutie. I'm manifesting for the biology quiz." Lisa deflects, lighting three candles on her desk unceremoniously with her eyes closed.

You don't understand why no one has confiscated her box of matches yet. This entire school is a law suit waiting to happen.

You succumb to the team effort everyone is trying so hard to display. "I guess I can go." The hall pass is already written, signed, and neatly folded into the chest pocket of your uniform. "How did you even..."

You don't even get a chance to finish before both you and Childe are whisked away to the outside of the classroom, the door shutting behind you with a slam. Your ears perk up at the sound of a lock clicking in place.

"Looks like you're stuck with me." The smug bastard still has the audacity to beam even when he's pale in the face. "Might have to hold my arm. If I fall and crack my skull—that wouldn't look too good on your record." He makes grabby hands, like a toddler.

The smile you give is unnerving, and with the speed of a snail, you manage to loop in your arm with Childe's. "Another word and let's move on to how your hospital record is going to have more than just a cracked skull."

"If you'd nurse me back to health, it'll all be worth it." The quip he sends without a beat lacks its usual goof, but it does manage to get some sort of reaction out of you.

"Whatever. Let's just get this over with."

—

Childe's busy thumbing at his phone while you pace at the foot of the bed, arms crossed with a frown etched on your features. You hope you don't look too worried, don't want to give him the wrong idea.

"Can we just get this over with?" He wails uncharacteristically from his spot on the white sheeted bed after ruling out everything he wanted to do on his phone. His hair is tousled more than usual, as a by-product of his constant restlessness.

"Shut up." You answer monotonously, arms crossed as you lean against the wall. "Let her finish her tiktok."

Barbara—the daughter of the school nurse, has her phone on the window, lip syncing and dancing to some music on beat as she films a tiktok with the utmost of important.

It's concerning that her father isn't here to tend to your needs, but apparently he's in the middle of a meeting with principle Varka. Said meeting had been going on for the past few months, but this school is devoid of logic anyways so nobody really questions anything.

"I'm literally dying here."

"Archons you're such a baby," Shaking your head, you approach his bed with a newfound annoyance. "Barbara has to create a tiktok at least once every twenty four hours or her fan club goes feral and..."

"Tries to jump off the roof as the ultimate sacrifice to her majesty." Childe sighs, and for the first time you sense his irritation. "Got it."

Just in time, Barbara finishes her cute little dance and comes over to where Childe is laying.

Childe doesn't miss the way your scowl has dissipated, and you give Barbara your undivided attention, hearts in your eyes from all the adoration. He has half the mind to call you out on it, no doubt a little jealous over how the young highschool idol can get you to show more emotion than him.

"I'm so sorry! I started those tiktoks out of mild interest but now I have an obligation to my fans." The younger apologizes profusely, getting to work almost immediately.

"No worries." Childe starts, staying still as the blonde examines him. "I'm sure it's nothing too serious. Y/N here is being dramatic, she probably just wants to spend some alone time with me."

You inhale sharply, turn to Barbara, and ask. "If I jumped out of the window right now from this floor, would it be a quick and easy death?"

The younger girl's eyes widen, and Childe stifles his snort.

"Kidding." You raise your hands up to cease her worries, and then motion towards him. "Common cold?"

"Yes," Barbara moves on and writes down something on a slip. "We'll just keep him here until his parents can pick him up."

"My parents can't pick me up." He asserts in a casual tone. "Don't call them."

"We still have to call them. If they don't come, you're to stay in this bed all day." She hands you the note, which is a viable excuse for all the classes he'll miss today. "Give this to his homeroom teacher. You'd also better get to class, your hall pass is about to expire."

"Hold up." You remark, barely paying attention to the note that you've shoved down your pocket. "I'm not leaving him here alone." There's no room for argument, your decision is firmly stated.

Childe hypes you up in his weakened state, disoriented. "You tell em girlie."

"He won't be alone." Barbara flashes you a reassuring smile. "I'll be monitoring him until his parents get here."

"No, no, you don't understand." You argue, inquiring all the doubts you have. "He's gonna try to pull some shit and I'll have to be here to stop him."

"Ease up babe." Childe tries to calm you down, despite the giddiness in his chest at the realization that you want to take care of him.

His subconscious begs him to let you stay, to let himself be doted and cared for the way he's always wanted you to, but he knows he can't let you skip class. Not when you've worked so hard and come so far. "I'll be okay for a few. You can go back to class and then visit me during break."

You bite your lips, head jumbled with all the different possibilities of how shit can hit the fan. "I can't! What if Signora shows up? She'll poison you in this weakened state to get back at me for trying to exorcise her." The hesitation in your features gives away everything.

Childe's eye twitches at the thought of Signora out of all people getting the best out of him, and also the absolute audacity you have to be calling him weak. Clearly all his efforts towards the little shows of dominance (e.g. Shoving Pallad against a locker, spraying a hefty amount of cologne on, being an asshole in general, etc.) have not bore fruit.

"You tried to exorcise her?" Barbara gasps, momentarily reminding the two of you that she's still present.

"Her evil has no bounds." Your expression is hard to read, dead serious. "I do not regret my attempt at cancelling Satan's hell spawn."

Childe himself has been cancelled hundreds of times over the span of highschool because of all his problematic traits (e.g calling Venti a twink) and it is not a pleasant experience.

Though it does give him a sense of comfort, knowing that arrogant bitch Signora is finally getting what's coming to her, even if she is one of his friends.

Serves her right for trying to Pavlov her stupid Chihuahua into biting the closest human being just by the snap of her manicured finger. As if it's persistent yapping and tendency to run in front of cars isn't enough torture to deal with on a daily basis.

Childe's yanked out of his thoughts rather forcefully at the sound of the door opening abruptly, the handle crashing into the wall, shocking Barbara's attempts to reassure you.

He knows who it is because of his top tier gaydar, dreading what's to come.

Scaramouche is a morose son of a bitch with a mean streak that hasn't been broken since he was an itty bitty shit in the fourth grade.

"I can't believe you let yourself get sick!" The navy haired boy exclaims in disbelief, doubling over with tears, clapping his hands to add on some extra effects. "Natural selection finally decided to stop pussy footing around your primate-looking ass."

You press your lips together. "Isn't he supposed to be your best friend?"

Scaramouche sputters violently, using the wall as leverage to hold himself up. "You told her I'm your best friend? Oh fuck. Oh this is good. What else did you tell her huh? That you have a monster cock?"

"First of all, you make me reconsider my opinion on the death penalty, dickhead."

Barbara is mortified. Childe continues on anyways.

"—and I do have a monster cock. But why are you so interested in my monster cock huh?"

Scaramouche scrunches his face up in disgust, amusement nothing but a distant memory. "You don't have a monster cock you plebe."

Childe has an awfully scandalized expression on his face, but smoothly enough it transitions into an unsettling grin that you're all too familiar with. "You didn't deny not being interested in my monster cock though."

It's your turn to be mortified, shaking your head at the banter that goes on back and forth.

"How did you even know he was in here? We aren't even in the same class."

Scaramouche raises a brow as if you're some sort of toddler that's babbling out a mixture of Cheerios and spit, maybe a few digested strawberries here and there. He waves his phone in front of you, "posted it on his story."

"What the—give me that!" You snatch his phone right up, staring at the screen in bewilderment.

There's a video of you doing trick shots with your tech deck on the ledge of a nearby window with a pressed expression while waiting for Barbara to finish up, captioned with: "In the nurses office rn pray for me 🙏, there's this cute girl in front of me should I ask her out?"

You check the poll and ninety five percent say yes. Scaramouche voted no. You have mixed feelings.

Shaking your head, you give Childe, who's unable to sit still, a look of pure exasperation.

Scaramouche claws his phone back from you rather harshly, the bells on his hat jingling, making it hard for you to take him seriously when he sneers your way.

"You should be thankful you're the lover of my comrade." He shivers slightly at the word comrade. "or I would have obliterated you on the spot for that little stunt."

Childe doesn't even pretend to look fazed at the older's threat when he says  "as if I'd allow a kumquat headass like you to touch my girl."

You and Barbara hastily jump in to stop the bloodbath that is seconds from happening. "No!"

Luckily, no limbs are teared apart.

[ceaderblocks]

Like Real People Do

A collab with @mine-sara-sp ! She drew the amazing art for this fic ♡ 

Iskall was in the middle of working on Sahara with Mumbo when he realized a very important, completely out-of-the-blue fact.

Iskall had been hanging around Mumbo for years before realizing they had never done a redstone grind together. Sure, they had gone End Busting and raided the Nether together, but they had never once strip mined for redstone.

“What a waste!” Iskall said out loud, slamming a shulker box down on the ground with much more force then required.

“What’s a waste?” Mumbo startled, looking at Iskall after his sudden outburst.

“You are!” Iskall gestured to Mumbo with both arms. The redstoner looked offended, and then a little hurt.

“Well, I think my skills are valuable and contribute greatly-“

“No, no, no no no,” Iskall cut him off. “You’re a magnet to redstone. You always seem to mine a bazillion shulker boxes-“

“It’s easy to find!”

“-and it’s a waste I haven’t gone mining with you. If we go together, you’ll do your weird redstone-attraction thing, and I’ll be set for the season! Plus, I need more for Sahara anyways.”

“... Do we need to go right now?”

“Yes,” Iskall said cheerfully, placing his hands on his hips. “I accidentally broke the last repeater I had when I slammed that shulker box down.”

Fifteen minutes later, Mumbo and Iskall found themselves underground in a long, hollow strip mine.

“Alright,” Iskall rubbed his hands together. “Let’s get mining! I’ll take the left side, you take the right.”

“What?” Mumbo asked, scrunching his nose in confusion. “Why?”

Iskall stared at Mumbo for a moment.

“So we can spread out and quicken out chances of finding redstone?” Iskall said, suddenly uncertain of his plan.

“Oh, well there’s a vein three blocks down and to the right,” Mumbo said, pointing in the general area he had just stated.

“Dude, what.”

“Can’t you feel it?” Mumbo asked.

“No! Oh my god, Mumbo,” Iskall squished his friend’s face between his hands. “How much redstone have you inhaled to get this superpower?”

“Well- I mean- well, you know,” Mumbo stuttered, gesturing wildly.

“Can you do this for other blocks?” Iskall asked, Mumbo’s face still in his hands.

Mumbo shook his head. “Just redstone.”

“That’s insane!” Iskall said with a laugh, dropping his hands. “You might want to get Xisuma to check that out, it doesn’t seem right.”

“Oh,” Mumbo said, his face falling. It was news to him that other hermits couldn’t detect redstone. Iskall said it was wrong, but Mumbo, from his first memory, could always sense redstone.

“It’s alright dude,” Iskall said, and threw an arm around Mumbo’s shoulder. “I don’t think it's an immediate health concern. Plus, we still have redstone to get!”

Iskall patted Mumbo’s chest with his free hand, spun away from him and pulled out his pickaxe in one smooth motion.

“Let’s get mining!”

Mumbo agreed nervously and directed Iskall where the nearest vein of redstone was.

That night, covered in redstone, Mumbo sat on the edge of his bed, staring at his red shulker box. It hummed with power, and Mumbo could see the faint outline of the redstone dust wrapped in a bag. He wondered why no one else could see it too.

——

Grian stood in front of Mumbo’s witch farm, humming to himself. He needed some goldstone (and gunpowder), and decided to borrow some while Mumbo was AFK. The problem was Mumbo was AFK inside the witch farm, which threw a very large wrench in Grian’s plan.

“I can sneak around while he’s AFK! It’ll be fiiine.” Grian said to himself. “It’s not like he’s awake.”

With his pep-talk out of the way, Grian opened the door to the farm. He immediately gave a small scream as he came face-to-face with Mumbo, staring directly at him.

“Oh!” Grian gave a nervous laugh. “Hey Mumbo! I was just coming to borrow some glowstone!”

Mumbo didn’t respond. In fact, he didn’t react at all. Grian frowned.

“Uh, hello? Mumbo?” The builder waved his hand in front of Mumbo’s face. The redstoner stared on, unblinking.

“Oh! You’re AFK? Who AFK’s with their eyes open?” Grian asked. Leaning forwards, he frowned.

“Don’t your eyes get dry?” Grian asked. “You really are AFK. I can basically see the loading screen in your brain.”

Grian scoffed, and stood back. Then he frowned, and leaned forwards. Now that he was looking, there was something in Mumbo’s eyes. It didn’t seem like a reflection, either. As Grian looked closer, he could see three circles ellipsing themselves, moving constantly to create a sphere shape.

“Huh, it kinda looks like a screensaver,” Grian said, tilting his head and leaning in closer to admire Mumbo’s eyes.

“Kinda like NPC rebooting...” Grian muttered. He was much too close, their noses almost touching when Mumbo suddenly blinked, the sphere shrinking and being replaced with a pupil. Grian shrieked and jumped back, but Mumbo didn’t respond for a moment, robotically blinking again before giving his head a small shake, emotion returning to his face.

“Grian!” He said. “What’re you doing- hey, are you okay? You look kind of pale.”

“Oh! I, uh,” Grian waved his hands around, trying to come up with an excuse why he had been nose-to-nose with Mumbo. “I was, uh, stealing glowstone?”

“Oh, you just had to ask.” Mumbo said, unfazed.

“Wait, do you not…” Grian paused. Mumbo had a terrible poker face, and would tease Grian mercilessly about this interaction. But he wasn’t. It was almost like he wasn’t aware it had happened, which was impossible.

NPC sometimes takes a few moments to reboot and never remembers the first 5 seconds of waking up. A rogue thought in Grian’s head provided.

But NPC was a machine, and Mumbo was not, and Grian was a little thrown off by the whole thing.

“Gri?” Mumbo asked, looking concerned.

“You know what? I just remembered I had some at home. Bye!” Grian said hurriedly, snatching rockets from his inventory and flying off.

“What in the world was that?” Grian asked himself, a large frown on his face and worry in his mind. “People don’t need to reboot.”

——

The more Grian thought about his interaction, the more concerned he became. He knew how robots acted, and Mumbo was not a robot. Uncapping his marker, Grian set to work writing everything down on his large whiteboard.

Robotic Traits. He wrote, underlining the title.

Robotic Movements

Rebooting when AFK or offline

Monotone or simple emotions

Overly polite

Grian paused, and added a smaller bullet point under the last.

(except when trying to kill me or take over the server)

He started on his next list, switching to a red marker and drawing an arrow from each robotic point to an explanation of why Mumbo Jumbo couldn’t possibly be a robot.

Mumbo Jumbo

Robotic Motions -> He’s just lanky and exhausted most of the time

Rebooting when AFK or offline -> dissociation(?)

Monotone or simple emotions -> mumbo is deadpan

Overly Polite -> ???

(except when trying to kill me or take over the server)

Grian sighed. His answers weren’t very convincing to anyone, let alone his own paranoia. He had been killed and kidnapped by both NPC Grian and Robot Grian in the past, and he couldn’t get Mumbo’s AFK loading icon out of his head. What if Mumbo wasn’t really a robot, but had been replaced by his own copy? What if this mechanical copy of his friend was trying to overtake the server? What had it done with the real Mumbo?

How long had the real Mumbo been gone for?

“Dude,” Iskall said, breaking Grian out of his spiraling thoughts. “What is… this?”

“It’s, uh,” Grian paused, trying to think of an explanation. “Well, I think Mumbo has been kidnapped and replaced by an evil machine counterpart.”

“...What?” Iskall said, letting out a nervous chuckle upon seeing how serious Grian was.

“No! Seriously!” Grian grabbed Iskall’s shoulders. “Listen, I’ve been replaced by robots many times in my past-”

“ You Have!?”

“-And I know what they act like! Seriously, Mumbo is always jerky and uncoordinated, just like Robot Grian. He’s suspiciously polite, almost like manners have been programmed into him! Plus I saw him wake up from AFK just a few hours ago, Iskall, it wasn’t natural. He rebooted.”

Iskall stared at him for a moment, gathering his thoughts.

“Well,” He finally settled on saying, gently removing Grian’s hands from his shoulders. “That certainly is a theory.”

“You don’t believe me?” Grian cried, wrapping his arms around his torso, clearly distressed.

“Woah, woah,” Iskall said, “It’s not that I don’t believe you! It would explain Mumbo’s weird redstone mining.”

“His what?”

“He can, like, see it through blocks. It was so strange. He could also feel it when it was deeper,” Iskall said, deep in thought. “It was very useful when we were mining it, but it was very odd.”

“Oh my god,” Grian muttered, and sat down on a nearby shulker box. “He’s a machine. Mumbo’s been replaced.”

“Oh Grian,” Iskall placed a comforting hand on Grian’s back. “Let’s not jump ahead, okay? Why don’t we get more information first?”

Grian brought his head from his hands and nodded in silent agreement. He just prayed that Mumbo wasn’t suffering like he had.

----

Embarrassingly enough, it took Mumbo almost a week to notice Grian’s silence and avoidance of him. No more Sahara meetings were called, and Grian often said the bare minimum to him. Uncomfortable, Mumbo brought it up to Iskall once while they worked on Sahara together.

“Hey Iskall?”

“Hmm?” his friend responded, chest deep in a shulker box.

“Is… Is Grian mad at me?”

Iskall’s head hit the top of the box, and he let out a short curse. “Why would you think that?”

“I feel like he’s been avoiding me. Since he swung by my witch farm last week, actually.” Mumbo said, frowning. If he said something that made Grian angry or uncomfortable, he wanted to apologize for it.

“Nah,” Iskall said with a lackluster shrug. If Mumbo had been paying attention he would’ve seen the sweat on Iskall’s brow. “I think he’s just busy.”

“Oh,” Mumbo said.

“Speaking of busy,” Iskall stood. “I’ve got to go grab more redstone. I’m out. See you in a bit!”

“Okay,”  Mumbo said, his friend flying off with a wave.

Biting his lip, Mumbo noticed Iskall left his Redstone shulker box. They had just gone redstone mining a week ago, had Iskall run out that quickly? Mumbo opened the shulker box (not that he needed to) but he hoped the red outline he could see around it would be wrong for once.

He inhaled sharply.

It was full.

Sighing, Mumbo closed it. He decided that instead of overthinking why his friends were suddenly ignoring him and lying to him, he’d work on redstone instead.

Redstone, at least, was easily fixable.

-----

Cleo stood in front of Sahara, her face scrunched in an unpleasant emotion. Something in the shopping district stunk, and she followed her nose to find out what. It had led her to the redstone part of Sahara, overwhelming her senses.

It wasn’t a stench that could be smelt by normal hermits. She knew it well, it was her own. It was the stench of magic overworking itself to keep something alive.

Whatever this magic was keeping alive, it was working very, very hard.

“Hello?” She called out. “Wow, you guys need an air freshener in this place- oh! Mumbo!”

“Hello, Cleo!” Mumbo said cheerfully.

Cleo smiled, watching the redstone-covered hermit approach. Then she frowned.

“Mumbo, you smell dead.” Cleo said. “Well, not dead. You smell... un-alive.”

“I- wow. I don’t know what to say.” Mumbo said with an awkward laugh.

Cleo leaned closer, taking an intense sniff. Mumbo leaned backwards, a little uncomfortable.

“Yeah. It’s you.” Cleo confirmed. “What’re you working on?”

“Oh, uh... redstone?” Mumbo said, gesturing to himself, very confused with the whole scenario. His usually neat suit was covered in redstone, the red dust already settled in his hair.

“Are Grian and Iskall here?” Cleo asked. Mumbo made a face at that.

“Uh, no, actually. I haven’t seen them in a while.”

“How long is a while?” Cleo asked, pushing past Mumbo and walking into the redstone circuitry.

“Oh, uh, maybe two weeks?” Mumbo said, frowning and fiddling with a ring on his finger.

“Huh,” Cleo said. “It’s because you need a shower.”

“Excuse me?” Mumbo said.

“Seriously, you smell like redstone and overheating code.”

“I showered this morning, thank you!” Mumbo said, a little angry.

“Then why,” Cleo turned and poked Mumbo in the chest, a small amount of redstone poofing off his suit. “Do you smell like an overheating machine?”

“I don’t-“ Mumbo stopped talking when Cleo took another long sniff.

“Mumbo, are you human?” She asked suddenly.

“What-“ Mumbo was furious. “Yes! Of course I am! God Cleo, what is wrong with you?”

Mumbo grabbed rockets from his inventory with much more aggression then they probably deserved. He lit one and flew off before Cleo could get another word in, and the Zombie watched him go, unbothered by his words.

“I guess I should see X,” Cleo muttered to herself, the scent lightening as Mumbo flew away.

——

NPC Grian usually kept to himself. He had a small plot of land that he had built outside the Hermit’s main map, not to be undiscovered, but to be peaceful. Hermits swinging by to say hello was not uncommon, and Grian came by every week or so to catch him up with whatever chaos had happened.

NPC was not surprised to hear a knock at his front door on a stormy, Thursday night. Grian often stayed when it stormed. He was a little surprised to see a soaked Mumbo standing at his door instead.

“Hello, Mumbo Jumbo.”

“Hey NPC.” Mumbo said, shivering slightly in the rain. “Can I stay here tonight?”

“Of course,” NPC said, stepping to the side and letting the redstoner in. As Mumbo passed, a line of stats popped into NPC’s view, as it did for all hermits.

Name: Mumbo Jumbo

Species: Machine

Level: 54

Health: 20/20

Staus: Online

Role: Player

“Thanks. Sorry for invading, I needed somewhere without any Hermits.” Mumbo apologized.

“I understand,” NPC said, handing Mumbo a blanket and a towel. Mumbo smiled appreciatively, taking the towel and scrunching his hair dry. The dark, normally neat locks fell around his face, highlighting how pale Mumbo actually was.

“Sometimes humans get a little overwhelming,” NPC smiled, and Mumbo paused, a confused look coming over his face. NPC waited for his response.

“Uh, yeah.” Mumbo finally settled on saying, removing his suit jacket. “I guess we can.”

We? NPC mentally filed away the way Mumbo had used that language.

“Would you like some tea?” NPC offered instead, guiding Mumbo to the couch.

“Oh, yes please.” Mumbo said, all but collapsing into the cushions. The large fireplace in front of him was flickering, the fire strong but not overpowering.

NPC didn’t say anything while he made two cups of camomile tea, letting the clinking of cups and the whisper of the fire fill the air. Mumbo seemed much more relaxed by the time NPC came in, wrapped in blankets and eyes half-lidded.

“Your tea,” NPC said, offering the mug. Mumbo reached to grab it. “Careful not to spill it, you’ll fry yourself.”

Mumbo paused, retracting his hands. “Fry?”

“Your circuits,” NPC said, as if it was common knowledge, and he shoved the mug into Mumbo’s hands.

“I don’t have circuits?” Mumbo said, thoroughly confused. “You sound like Cleo. She said I smelt like an overheating machine.”

NPC hummed at that, realizing a few things at once.

One:  Mumbo has been confronted by Zombie Cleo about his origin, and most likely ran away from that conversation if the knock at my door meant anything.

Two:  Mumbo’s friends are starting to realize he might not be human.

Three: Mumbo does not realize that he is not human.

Four: Mumbo Jumbo must be malfunctioning if he is unaware that he is a machine.

A reset should fix that problem.

“Mumbo,” NPC said and sat next to him. If Mumbo thought he was human, NPC would have to treat him like that. “What made Zombie Cleo think that?”

Mumbo scoffed. “She said that I smelt ‘un-alive’ and like a ��machine’. And redstone! That one was probably true though. It’s just like Grian the other day! He came over to get glowstone while I was AFK, and when I woke up he was a few feet away and super flushed. He said something about rebooting, and then flew off before grabbing glowstone!”

NPC took the mug from Mumbo’s hands as the redstoner got more animated when speaking.

“Oh! And then Iskall! We went redstone mining and he said he couldn’t see the redstone under the blocks, but he must be able too, because he always has lots of redstone too! He acted the whole trip like he didn’t know where it was, which, frankly, it just rude. Now Grian and Iskall have been ignoring me!”

Mumbo huffed and sat back. NPC handed him his mug again, and Mumbo took a very long sip.

“Thank you, NPC.” Mumbo finally said after a minute. “For listening. And also the tea.”

“Of course,” NPC said with a gentle smile. “Can I suggest a solution?”

“You have one?” Mumbo said, thoroughly confused.

“Of course. You just need a reset.”

“Not you too! Now you’re talking to me with weird machine terms that I know you don’t use those with Grian!”

NPC frowned. It was worse than he thought.

“That is because Grian is not a machine.”

Mumbo stared at him a moment, before placing his mug down and standing abruptly.

“Thank you, NPC. I have to go.” Mumbo headed towards the door when a strong grip caught his wrist. NPC tightened it as Mumbo struggled against it.

“Mumbo, when you get to respawn, don’t restart right away.”

“NPC, let me go!”

“Listen to me,” NPC said. “Don’t respawn right away. Just wait until you feel ready.”

“I don’t control respawn!” Mumbo said, his voice rising in fear. He desperately tried to break NPC’s grip, but his exterior was not made of metal as the builder’s was.

“Good luck, Mumbo Jumbo.” NPC said, and summoned a sword into his hand.

“NPC, no-!”

< MumboJumbo was slain by NPC_Grian >

——

Mumbo reached the void and was filled with panic. Immediately he went to hit the large, looming ‘Respawn’ button out of muscle memory. Right as his fingers brushed the lettering, he stopped.

He stayed still and waited as if he expected some invisible force to push his hand on the button, but nothing happened.

He always thought he had to respawn immediately, but here he was, hand hovering over the option as time ticked on.

The other hermits just woke up in their beds, he was sure of that. He moved his hand from the looming button, and took a deep breath.

Something else to add to the list of odd things about himself.

NPC said he could wait until he felt better, right? Besides, he had a lot to think about. Iskall and Grian were ignoring him anyways, and he didn’t really want to see Cleo or NPC. He could just wait a few minutes and collect his thoughts. Nothing bad could possibly happen, he was already dead.

He’d just stay here for a while. Just enough to collect his thoughts. Then he’d go back.

Just a few minutes.

Just a few...

----

Xisuma had never felt so much anxiety in his life. Having been an Admin for ten or so years, he was pretty adept at solving all problems. Evil counterpart destroying the server? Xisuma could deal with it. Bugs and code problems? He could do it in his sleep.

A server player being killed and not respawning for two days despite there being no bugs and his code being perfect? Xisuma was out of luck.

“God damn it!” He swore, covering his face in his hands and inhaling sharply. The line of code he had run had failed to bring Mumbo back, the redstoner still being stuck in respawn void.

Mumbo had been quite a character in Xisuma’s last few weeks. Iskall had come first, worried about Mumbo’s health when the man could apparently sense redstone through solid blocks. A few days later Grian had swung by, babbling feverishly that Mumbo had been replaced by a robot and was up to nothing good.

Xisuma had brushed both off with a gentle smile and a ‘I’ll look into it, thanks for letting me know’.

He wasn’t able to ignore when Cleo walked through his door three days ago, claiming Mumbo smelt un-alive. This very much caught Xisuma’s attention, and he sat her down to get her to explain everything.

Only an hour later the death message had come across his screen.

< MumboJumbo was slain by NPC_Grian >

Grian whispered to Xisuma: See! Even NPC realized Mumbo was replaced! Or worse, NPC is orchestrating the entire thing. Wouldn’t be the first time.

Xisuma left a concerned Cleo, teleporting immediately to Mumbo’s spawn point, waiting anxiously for the redstoner to reappear.

He waited.

And waited.

Xisuma sent a message to Mumbo.

Waited some more.

And then realized something was very wrong, teleported to his base and started working on Mumbo’s code.

“Okay, another try. Then a break.” Xisuma muttered to himself. He had been awake for far too long, but he needed to figure out what was wrong for Mumbo not to respawn. He couldn’t have the other Hermits panicking if something was wrong with respawn.

A gentle knock at his door brought Xisuma out of his thoughts. Standing and stretching, Xisuma walked over to the door, and opened it to find NPC Grian. He immediately took a step back. Grian’s messages creeping in the back of his mind.

“NPC Grian! It’s... good to see you.” Xisuma smiled, trying to look friendly, forgetting for the most part his helmet didn’t show his mouth. “It’s been a while.”

“Indeed it has, Xisuma Void.” NPC said, as emotionless as always. “May I come in?”

“Oh! Actually it’s not really a good moment,” He muttered closing the door slightly.  “There’s just a huge mess, I’ve been-“

“Trying to bring Mumbo Jumbo back from respawn?” NPC interrupted.

“... Yes, actually.” Xisuma said, a little wary.

“There's no point in forcing him back.” NPC leaned in closer and patted Xisuma’s shoulder. “He’ll come back when he wants to.”

“Sorry,” Xisuma asked, confused. “But how do you know this?”

“Because he is like me.” NPC said. “If you need him back sooner, I can go get him.”

Xisuma decided to ignore the first part of NPC’s statement and the suspicions around him. He opened the door and let the robot come in. “Would you go get him? Everyone’s worried.”

“Of course. Set Mumbo Jumbo’s spawn point here-“ NPC put down two beds, and gestured to the bed on the right. “And I will set mine here. Then, kill me.”

Xisuma took a moment to fully digest the plan.

“And then what?”

“Well, then I will talk to Mumbo Jumbo and bring him back.”

“Oh,” Xisuma said, grateful for the apparently easy solution put before him. He was exhausted and decided that NPC was his best shot at this point even if there was the chance it might be a trap or something. If NPC tried to take over the server like Ex did he could deal with that later. He had already tried fixing every line of code of Mumbo’s, and he had nothing to lose.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, and I already set my respawn.” NPC said.

Xisuma nodded, and brought up Mumbo’s code again. He changed the respawn to the nearby bed, and then closed the menu, drawing out a sword.

“Are you ready?” Xisuma asked.

NPC nodded.

< NPC_Grian was slain by Xisumavoid >

--

Being dead wasn't so bad.

Well, he wasn't really dead right now. Dead in the overworld, maybe, but not dead here, even if it wasn't clear where here was.

Was it respawn void? It didn't really matter.

Strangely, Mumbo felt better and better the more he stayed there, suspended into nothing with the looming respawn button hovering not too far away from him.

It was odd, resting here. Mumbo felt as if he had taken the longest sleep. Compared to how he usually slept, it felt like he had never once truly rested in his life up until that point.

Mumbo felt rejuvenated, his mind sharp like he could go and rebuild all the machines in Sahara from the ground up in a week.

Strange how NPC was right apparently.

Just about respawn. Mumbo reminded himself.

There must be some other explanation for all the weird things going on. Regardless of all the strange things that had happened, he wasn't a machine.

Mumbo would have noticed, it's not like he was born a week ago.

The redstoner felt ready to go back to the server, even if he would have had to talk with Grian and Iskall about why they were avoiding him. Also talk with Cleo… Maybe she was just having a weird zombie flu? It’s the only reason Mumbo could come up with for why she was smelling weird stuff.

It’s okay, it was just a weird couple of weeks! It happens.

Mumbo looked at the button ready to press it. He reached out and - wait.

Didn't he use to have fingers and hands?

He would have blinked but he realized he didn't have any eyes that needed blinking. He didn't have a mouth to speak, ears to hear anything, arms or legs.

He should have been terrified, but strangely enough something very, very deep in his mind felt almost comfortable with this sudden realization.

Which, arguably, was the really terrifying part.

He was reduced to… nothing? No, he was still something. He wasn't sure what. He felt immense but not really, like he'd always been wearing something too tight and only now he could finally stretch out.

His body…

His body didn't fit what he actually was.

What was he?

He was human! Right? Right?!

This void was just messing with his head. It must be--

"Are you ready to come back yet?” A familiar monotone voice spoke.

--

Xisuma watched the beds with bated breath. A few minutes passed and panic filled his chest, quickly becoming overwhelming.

“Shit,” Xisuma said, pulling up the Admin menu again. Fingers hovering uselessly over the keyboard, Xisuma didn’t even know where to begin. Should he access NPC’s code first? Try and drag him back? But it hadn’t worked on Mumbo, and NPC was not a traditional player.

Thankfully, he didn’t have to enter any code, as NPC and Mumbo respawned on the bed. NPC sat up and gave Xisuma a emotionless thumbs up while Mumbo clutched his chest and rolled to his side, coughing.

“Mumbo!” Xisuma rushed to his side, rubbing his friends back.

“He’s alright,” NPC said. “It takes a moment to adjust back into a body. I go through it too after extended time in respawn. Being a machine forced into a flesh cage is very difficult sometimes.”

“I don’t…” Xisuma said, brain blanking after that information. “Okay, I’m going to ignore that. How do you spend so much time in respawn?”

“Machines are not affected the same way humans are.” NPC said.

“Shut up!” Mumbo wheezed, and pushed Xisuma away, stumbling from the bed. “I’m not a machine! Stop saying I am!”

“But you are.” NPC said, almost sounding confused.

“Okay,” Xisuma said, reaching towards Mumbo. “Regardless if you are, are you okay?”

“Regardless?” Mumbo squeaked, voice rising in anger. “Xisuma, you can’t be siding with them! Everyone has been treating me weird and now he says I'm a machine, and I’m not!”

“Mumbo-”

“No! There’s no proof! Everyone is just imagining things!”

NPC sighed, and brought up Mumbo’s code, displaying it for everyone to see.

Name: Mumbo Jumbo

Species: Machine

Level: 1

Health: 20/20

Staus: Online

Role: Player

“Okay, so, you get very different stats than me. ” Xisuma said. “But that doesn’t matter- It’s okay, Mumbo. Not everyone on the server is human. Hell, I’m barely human myself.”

“No,” Mumbo muttered to himself. “No! It’s not right!”

"Why can't it be that you're not hum-"

"Because I bleed!" Mumbo shouted. "I bleed and I cry and I get headaches and I get sick and all these stupid things that make me human!"

He tried to rub away some tears forming in his eyes as he continued shouting. "I can't just be a machine all of the sudden! It doesn't make any sense. I can’t be!"

There was silence, and for a moment no one knew what to say. The only sound was Mumbo's erratic breathing, muffled slightly by the hands covering his face.

Then NPC stepped over and patted Mumbo on the shoulder, which felt almost mocking.

"Silly! All those things only mean your body is human. Being a machine goes a little bit deeper."

Mumbo’s hands dropped, and the man looked exhausted.

“Mumbo,” Xisuma took a step closer, and Mumbo took a step back, hitting a wall. Uncertainty and confusion flitted across his face. “Please. Mumbo, not being human doesn’t lessen your worth. We still love you.”

There was a long silence, and finally Mumbo leaned against the wall, sliding to the ground and placing his head onto his knees. Xisuma sat beside him, hesitating for only a moment before pulling Mumbo into a side hug.

“I hate this.” Mumbo muttered.

“I know.” Xisuma said.

“It doesn’t make any sense.”

“I know.”

“I am human. I have a human body, NPC said so. I’m human.” Mumbo said, sounding unconvincing to even himself.

“It will be okay, Mumbo.” Xisuma said, praying that it would.

Mumbo said nothing, hoping with all his heart that tomorrow, when he woke up, it would be nothing but a feverish dream. That he had worked on redstone a little too hard for a little too long and had fallen into some strange lucid dream. Mumbo felt Xisuma rub his arm lightly, the up and down movements calming.

“It’ll be okay.” He said again.

Mumbo had no choice but to trust him.

[internalsealpanic]

Thorn pt3

Summary: Three is a crowd, isn’t it?

a/n: I have no excuse for how horny this got  aside from @littleredwing89 gave me  way too many ideas. Thanks to my wifey, @catxsnow, and @lucy-roo for proof reading to see if it was horny enough. 

warnings: The kinks I recall putting: degredation, praise kink, threesome, gloves, gun kink,  face fucking, double penetration, spanking, sex pollen (dub con on that), brief thigh riding, bondage, anal, fingering,  voyeurism, still semi public sex, overstimulation, and probably something I forgot

“March, you’ve been requested,” Anthony says, giving you a strange weary look. The faint cocktail of pity and worry edging into his amicable features makes your stomach do somersaults. Your insides curl into an ugly shape as you fall into step with him. Anthony holds his arm out to you as he always does when he escorts you. You take it. You cling to him cautiously. You catalog Anthony’s vitals and gestures. There’s a tightness in his jaw that unsettles you.  Anthony puts a comforting hand on your arm and you can feel the thin film of sweat layering it.  In all your months of working here at the Thorn, this was the tensest Anthony had been. 

 You roll your shoulders. You shake your head and chide yourself for over-analyzing the situation.  “Tony, you’re acting like you’re handing me off to the mafia,” you laugh lightly into his side. You feel Anthony’s whole body stiffen and you feel apprehension cascade over you. He breathes for a second but doesn’t stop walking. 

 “No, it’s the client that worries me.” 

 You snort. It was an ugly sound but it made a smile twitch onto Anthony’s lips. The lines of his eyes soften when he looks at you and you feel your smile broaden. “Is Mr.Wilson in a bad mood?” you joke, settling your head against his shoulder in casual affection. That asshole always seems to be in a good mood when he’s teasing you. He did get rough with you when he was in a bad mood but it was nothing you couldn’t handle or enjoy. You trail your hands over your jaw and your pulse where he likes to leave marks

 “About that… you have a different client today.”

This makes you pause. Your mind stalls. 

A different client?

 You repeat the words til they sink in. The thing about your weeks working in the Thorn was that you’ve never been requested by anyone but your favorite pirate. You’re not sure whether it’s  due to the lack of demand or through Slade’s machinations.  It was likely the latter.  The man was possessive. The man would use hickeys to spell out his name on your skin if he wasn’t too busy making you scream it over and over. 

 “A new client?” you stammer out unable to hide your surprise. You walk beside his falling a little behind as your step falters. You shrink into yourself, smoothing over your panic. 

 “March, you’ll need to behave yourself,” Anthony scolds halfheartedly. 

 You pout at him. “I always do.”

 Anthony laughs, an easy sound that makes your stomach twist into the correct shape. 

 “But seriously, this client is a wealthy businessman who doesn’t like to hear no. Please don’t test his patience.’”

 “You’ve just described most of our clients. Tony babe, please be more specific,” you say sharply leaning against his shoulder. He gives you a secret smile. 

 “Fair point,” he laughs into his gloved hand. His posture shifts, relaxing ever so slightly, “Unfortunately for you, this is one of the wealthier ones that the bossman would like to keep.”

 “That so?”

 “The thing is he’s actually been requesting you for weeks now.”

 For the second time that day, your heart stalls. Your mind reels, scraping over the information. “He’s been requesting me?” And somehow, you’re only hearing about this now? You decide to leave that part out knowing you wouldn’t like the answer. You’re not even sure if you’d like the answer to the former either. 

 “This gentleman has been requesting you for weeks,” he repeats slowly as if the problem with his statement had been its pace. He clearly meant for it to clarify things but … it didn’t. You tell him as much with a raise of your manicured brow. You blink dumbly at him for emphasis. Anthony volleys it with his own confused look before explaining further.  

 "Approval just came in last minute from Mr. Wilson."

 Ah. Of course,  that slugfucker had something to do with this. You should have known something was up when he'd given a call this morning. 

 "I have something for you, kitten."

 Your skin heats up, you're suddenly all too aware of what you're wearing.  Slade had been generous enough to send you a special lingerie set as a gift with instructions for you to wear it that night. Wrapped in delicate chiffon was a set of black lacy lingerie with black crotchless panties attached to black stockings.  You wanted to scream. Your skin flushes. 

"All the requests for you have to be approved by Mr. Wilson," Anthony says like it was obvious. 

 Oh, because, of course, he can.  You feel your irritation overtake your shyness. 

 "Can I please get a name for my mystery gentleman?" 

 Anthony shakes his head at your poor attempt at puppy dog eyes. "Sorry, darling, he'd said a regular detective like you would  like the mystery." You try your best to keep the fear and surprise off of your face. That meant whoever this  was knew you outside the club. 

 This was not good. 

 You bite your cheek, trying to dampen your panic. You close your eyes trying to remember the client list you'd read all those weeks ago but you can't seem to recall anyone who would know your civilian identity. 

 “Ladies first,” Anthony says, waving you in. You snort quietly, stepping in and folding your body into something remotely seductive. You would think you’d learned to be seductive by now but apparently, the fidgety type is more their taste. Luckily for you, you are naturally fidgety. 

 On the plush couch is Roman Sionis. 

 Whatever oxygen is left in your lungs is knocked out of you.

 The feeling occupying your stomach at that moment was the same feeling you get when your car careens into the wrong part of the road because of some idiot on the road. The most obvious emotion at the moment was a mix of fear and shock but if you have time to dissect the feeling, you will find a well of anger. You manifest this anger through a confused look you give both Anthony and Slade. 

 “Kitten,” Slade greets smoothly, tipping his glass towards you. 

 You fix Slade with a caustic look, your mouth gaping like a fish. He shrugs at you. He takes another sip of his scotch and winks at you. Your mouth wires shut into a frown. 

 “Now look, kitten, my associate here wants to play with you,” Slade says tipping his glass to Roman who looked smug enough to make you contemplate punching him. “I’ve allowed it on one condition,” your breath hitches, “I watch.”

 You open your mouth to protest. “Don’t act like you don’t like it, kitten,” Slade purrs. You bristle or maybe shiver. You can’t tell but you’re pretty sure you’re pissed. 

 "You're a little tense, Sweetheart," Roman drawls, raising a flute of champagne. You scowl at him with the same venomous intensity as you directed at Slade.  Your eyes flick between him and the glass. You sigh. You can't be sober for this. You just can't. You grab the flute from his hand and quietly note the smug satisfaction on his face. You shake your head and down the bottle. 

 Blearily, you hear Slade dismiss Anthony. Why was your head suddenly swimming? Your ears are ringing. Your skin's too hot. Your breathing's fast. Your skin prickles. You need to be touched. You want someone to touch you. 

 "What did you give me?" you ask, legs wobbling. 

 Roman shifts in his seat, leaning forward. His hands wave in a wish-washy kind of motion that normally would irritate you but your mind is occupied with his fingers and how well they could fill you up-

 "What did you give me?" you pant out rather than bark. Your voice is so breathy and desperate. 

 "Just something to help you loosen up, Doll." This causes you to take stock of your body. You're hot. Unbearably so. You're sensitive. Your core is aching. You're so horny. 

 You force in a deep breath before speaking. "Sex pollen?"

 "Bingo!" Roman claps. "You really are a regular sherlock aren't you, sweetheart?" You snarl but the bite is taken out of it by the shiver induced by the pet name. You flick your eyes to Slade who seems mildly surprised but unopposed to the turn of events. 

 "Do you like Isleys' newest formula? She said it was one of her most potent batches and I knew I just had to test it out." 

 "You could have just tested it on yourself, asshat." 

 "Now, what would be the fun in that?" You shudder at the low playful tone of his voice. He sneers, leaning back. His posture is open as if to say you were no threat to him. With the wobbling of your limbs, you doubt you could be even if you wanted to.  As he leans back, he pats his knee. “On your knees, sweetheart.”

 You clench and unclench your fist and wire your jaw shut. Your mouth is watering at the thought of how he would use you but the modicum of pride you had left insisted that you don’t scramble towards him on your hands and knees. You place a hand on your hip cocking your head to the side as you slowly walk towards him. You feel Slade’s intense gaze following the sway of your hips. You can feel the coil in your stomach grow tighter. Your walls clench on nothing. The clicking of your heels is loud enough to make your heart stutter every other beat. You see Roman’s brow tick with every click. He likely was not expecting this much control from you. You allow yourself a smirk before dropping to your knees. 

 Slade’s eye follows you as you sink down to the floor. You knead Roman’s thighs the way Slade usually liked it, your skilled hands massaging and loosening the muscles. Your effort earns you a pleased rumble from Roman and a severe look from Slade. If he’s planning to be a voyeur, you’re planning to give him a show. 

 Roman leans forward, running a gloved thumb over your lips, smearing your lip gloss. “Wilson here says you’re a good girl, Sweetheart.” The hungry look in his eyes causes a shiver to run down your spine, ravaging your body. “Let’s see if he’s right.” 

 Roman pulls back and you push forward, sliding hands over his dress pants. Your nimble fingers make quick work of Roman’s belt and zipper when something cold presses against your forehead. Your heart races at the telltale click of the safety being released and you freeze. The cold muzzle of the gun slides down your forehead to your nose before settling against your glossy lips. Self-preservation coils around your spine telling you to pull back and kick the gun away. You take a deep breath dampening the urge which isn’t too difficult considering the unbearable heat shooting through your core. 

 “You know what to do, baby.”

 Tentatively, you open your lips letting Roman slide the barrel of the gun into your mouth. It’s the contrast in temperature that hits you first. Cold metal presses against your hot tongue. Then it’s the odd, hard angles that has your tongue fluttering uselessly against the strange object. The scent of metal overwhelms you when you open your mouth wide enough to let the gun press against the back of your throat. The combination of sensations have your eyes stinging with tears. This isn’t the biggest you’ve had to take in your mouth- your eyes flick briefly to Slade- but it’s an entirely different kind of experience and you're not entirely sure you would call it unpleasant. You pant around the metal, saliva dribbling down your chin. You close your lips around the gun sucking on it and making an odd slurping sound around it as your lips work to massage the gun. Roman smiles down at you and begins fucking the gun in and out of your mouth like he would using his cock. 

 The thought of his cock makes your eyes flutter and your walls tighten. You suck at it and rock your hips in rhythm with the gun. Your cheeks are hot whether from the embarrassment, the pollen, or your own arousal. There’s a pressure against your bare pussy that has you shaking. It’s leathery and it takes your mind all but two seconds to realize it’s Roman’s shoe pressing against your core. You moan around the gun as you grind down on his shoe chasing your own high. 

 “What a good little slut,” he sneers, fucking your mouth roughly, “Wilson’s got you well trained.” The pressure against your crotch has you keening around the gun. 

 In your periphery, you hear a pleased hum from Slade. The single-minded focus both men have on you has you moaning and humping against Roman’s shoe. Drool streaks down your chin drawing attention to your already glistening chest. Roman fucks the gun roughly in and out of your mouth, the trigger clipping your bottom lip as he takes it out. There’s a damp spot on his crotch and you’re panting wanting to chase your own high but your hips slow their movement, patiently waiting for further instruction. Your mind is too hazy to deal with how out of character this was. A slow smile spreads across Roman’s features as he runs his hands through his hair. He presses his shoe against your sopping cunt. “Go on, sweetheart. Daddy wants to see you cum.” You rock your needy pussy against his shoe as you get lost in the pleasure. You cum, drenching his shoe with your desire. 

 The world falls into place again as you lean against Roman’s leg. 

 “I told you that mouth of hers was worth the price of admission,” Slade says smugly as he takes another sip of his whiskey. 

 “Hmmm, I’m not convinced,” Roman grunts, gripping your chin, roughly. “Get up, sweetheart.” You follow his instructions and slide yourself onto his lap. You settle yourself on one of his thighs, the thick muscle pressing against you. You bite your lip to hold back any obscene sounds. You begin to rock your hips-

 “Your bra,” he says, loosening his tie. You unhook your bra, sliding it off and tossing it to the side all the while undulating your hips against him. Roman whistles appreciatively at your chest. “You are one fine piece of work.” You flush, fidgeting your hands at your sides. He eyes them, grabbing his belt. “Hands behind your back, baby.” He winds the belt tightly around your wrists and when he’s sure you can’t get out of your binds, he takes his tie and blindfolds you. Your skin prickles, the world growing dark. Your breath hitches, all your other sense sharpening. Roman kisses you roughly, biting your lip. You grind your body against his, his rough touches driving you insane. 

 The world goes sideways when he tosses you roughly onto the couch. You let out a small ‘oof’ which quickly reshapes itself into a groan when a gloved hand kneads your breast, pinching your nipple. “Let’s see how well that pretty mouth of yours can take a thick cock,” Roman says, voice thick with lust. Your breath picks up in anticipation. The cool head of a cock presses against your lips. He rumbles a ‘good girl’ as you open your mouth to accommodate him. 

 The couch dips as large hands caress your sides.  You feel the bristle of Slade’s beard against your thigh as he kisses up and down your inner thigh. He hefts your legs over his shoulders, hooking his hands loosely under your thigh. Your sensitive skin prickles as you feel the pads of his fingers through your stockings. He grins against your pussy, blowing air gently over your clit, watching you buck wildly, desperate for friction. “You just can’t control yourself can you, kitten?” You answer by squeezing your thighs tightly around his neck, Roman’s cock deep in your throat stopping you from forming a snarky reply.

 Slade eats you out like a man starved, eagerness obvious with every stroke of his tongue. He must have gotten impatient waiting to touch you.  You scream around Roman’s cock. “That mouth of yours looks better being used up by my cock,” Roman rasps thrusting into your throat.  Your breathing is heavy as he fucks your throat raw. Roman cums down your throat with a growl. You cum on Slade’s mouth, whimpering as Roman pulls out of your mouth. Slade greedily laps up your juices while humming against your shivering core. 

 Slade climbs up to face you, his lips and beard wet from your juices. He dips his head against yours kissing you deeply. Pulling back, he kisses along your neck.  “Can you taste how much of a slut you’ve been?”Slade asks, capturing your lips in another kiss. This one is long and languid, giving you a good taste of yourself. 

 “Now, Kitten, remember your manners,” Slade says, nipping at your jaw. You swallow and in a breathy whisper you say “Thank you, sir.”

 “Good,” Slade murmurs against your throat, kissing at the warm pulse there.  Roman laughs, sharp and derisive. You breathe deep. Your throat feels so raw. You relax against Slade.  You close your eyes uselessly as you soak up the comfort. You move to wrap your arms around his as you arch your back against his body. You curse lowly remembering the restraints.

  Your body suddenly feels cold, not feeling Slade against you. Roman flips you over on to your stomach.

 "Ass up, Sweetheart." 

 You obey, raising your ass up, eager for his attention. His fingers dip into your folds, curling. You cry out with a loud high pitched keen. "Tch, I'm not even inside you yet." 

 You shift your hips trying your best to press against Roman’s fingers. Your aching pussy was begging for him to stretch it. Roman tuts, taking his fingers out and stilling your hips with the same hand painting your hip with your own wetness. You feel cold metal scraping against the divet of your spine. Your wet saliva dripping from the cold metal of the gun onto your hot back. 

 "Are you that desperate for my cock, sweetheart?" Roman whispers against the shell of your ear, his thick cock sliding torturously against your folds. The sensation makes you sob into the plush cushions. You pant and roll your hips against his hold. "Mr. Sionis, please. Please. God, please," you sob, rutting your hips against Roman’s cock. You wanted anything. Anything to relieve the aching in your core. You were desperate. You made no effort to hide this. 

 "Sweetheart, you look so much better like this, sobbing and panting for my cock," Roman rasps, cock twitching against your folds, hand rubbing light circles against your clit which was raw from Slade’s tongue. "If I'd known you were such a cockslut, I would have given that slutty little ass of yours the thrashing it deserves a long time ago." Roman’s hand lands an impressive blow on your ass. You yelp. Another slap lands on your ass. The sound of skin against skin mixes with the depraved moans falling from your lips. 

 Slap after slap lands on your ass until it was red and raw. You can feel the flesh of your ass stinging and your juices flow down your legs. 

 "Please, Mr. Sionis. Please, sir. Please, make me cum on your thick cock." 

 You can feel Roman smirking against the small of your back. "Wilson, I don't know how you could ever refuse such a polite request."  The grip on your hips tightens as Roman rolls his hips against yours. 

 "I try my best," Slade says nonchalantly. His voice sounds strained from breathing. He's panting you realize. 

 You squirm trying to get his blindfold off. You want to see him. You want to watch his face twist in pleasure.

 Your efforts are halted when the head of Roman’s cock rubs against your folds. The heat pooling in your stomach reignites. "Pay attention, sweetheart." 

 You cry from relief when his girth stretches your velvety walls. He bottoms out with a soft grunt. You feel your walls wrapping around him. You buck your hips slightly begging him to move. Thankfully, he does. He pulls out slowly until only the head of his cock is rubbing against your entrance. He slams himself back in earning him a sharp cry. He gives you a contented grunt as he begins to slam his cock violently into you, using your bound hands as leverage. Over and over again. 

 You're getting lost in the pleasure when Roman’s voice cuts through the haze. "Can you hear him, sweetheart? Can you feel him watching as I fuck you stupid?" Roman says, heavy breaths fanning against the shell of your ear. 

 Your ears strain. 

 Pap pap pap

 You can hear Slade's strained breath. You can hear soft grunts against a closed fist. There's the wet sound of him fisting his cock. From the sound of it, he's practically strangling it. You want to watch him pleasure himself as he watches Roman use you to cum.

  Roman continues to rut against you. He watches as your ass jiggles as he fucks into you. Roman puts a hand on one of your ass cheeks to watch his cock get swallowed by your sopping cunt. Grunting and groaning, Roman rocking his hips against you breeding you like a bitch. 

 You cum, going limp against the cushions. You breathe heavy against the couch and press your face against the cushions. You came but it wasn't enough. The coil in your stomach curls in you. Your skin prickles and you're hot all over again. You shift your hips, moving to fuck yourself on his cock. Roman chuckles looking down at you as he stills your hips. You whine when he pulls out. He grips your ass cheeks roughly when you try to move again. 

 Roman rubs his wet cock against your ass, pressing lightly, teasing. He hums contemplatively as he smiles down at your whimpering form. "Hey Wilson, how well do you think your little slut can take two cocks?" You go completely still at that. Your heart is racing. Your blood is pounding in your ears. Your mouth waters at the thought. God, you wanted this. You needed this. 

 A hand wraps tightly around your neck. He pulls you up against him. His hand shifts in front of you squeezing until you could feel the rings on his fingers bite into the flesh of your neck. You hear a body shift and the slight creak of the floor due to a weight pressing down. You swallow in anticipation as Slade sits in front of you, hands undoing the belt on your wrist with remarkable efficiency. 

 "Let's find out," Slade says as he pulls the blindfold off. You blink, eyes adjusting to the low light of the room. Slade takes the moment of confusion to grab your face roughly with his large hand. Slade presses his lips against yours, nipping and licking at your lips. You run your hands over his muscular chest. Teeth graze against your oversensitive skin. 

 You scream as Slade sinks his cock into your folds and Roman sinks his into your ass. Slade thrusts his tongue into your mouth. He tastes strongly of whiskey. Your tongues dance as they begin to rock their cocks into you, hitting all the right places. 

 You both pull up for air. You lean back against Roman’s and rest your head against his shoulder, panting softly against his neck. Roman grabs your wrist, kissing it before biting it leaving an angry red mark. Slade does the same with your other wrist albeit more gently. 

 Roman winds both your arms around him. He pulls you into a rough kiss while Slade kisses down your neck, nipping and lapping at your flesh.  You don't even have to look to know he's leaving marks. You can tell from the possessive way he's holding your hips. Roman's gloved hands knead your breast roughly making you whimper into the kiss. 

 They switch places. Roman's hands grip your hips with bruising intensity while one of Slade’s hands kneads at your breast and pinches your nipple. Slade's mouth latches on to your other nipple. The man knew how to use his mouth just as much as he knew how to use yours.

  They hold your hips still, putting you at the mercy of their animalistic pace. They jackhammer into you with wild abandon seemingly ignoring your cries. But you know they're drinking up every little noise you make. 

 "Your tight little holes are taking our cocks so well, Kitten," Slade whispers against your skin. “I think you deserve a bit of a reward, “ He says pressing his thumb against your clit. With a whimper, you come. Your walls tighten around them and they follow soon after. Roman fills your ass with his seed and Slade pulls out letting ropes of cum splash against your chest. 

 You let your eyes slide close as they pull out of you. Your breathing is heavy even as it steadies to a less erratic rhythm. Roman pulls away from you and your body rests against Slade. 

 For a moment, everything is quiet. You revel in the strange even rhythm of life thrumming through your veins. A hand forces you to lay down flat on your back. You open your eyes, watching Slade unbutton his shirt. You swallow, eyes tracing the movement. 

 “You didn’t think we were done, did you?” Roman asks condescendingly as he sits back comfortably in a lounge chair with a glass of scotch in hand.  “We’re only just getting started, Sweetheart.” 

 Slade sinks into you and you cry out. 

You’re in a haze. The heat from the sex pollen waning giving way to exhaustion as Slades rips another orgasm from you.  Slade pulls out, pumping his cock until thick ropes of cum cover your stomach and chest. Roman pulls his cock out of your throat before tucking himself back into his pants. 

 “If you want a better gig, sweetheart, I’ve got a place where your slutty little ass could make a killing,” he says, tossing you a business card as he walks away. 

As soon as Roman is out of sight, Slade’s disposition shifts into something softer. He pulls you close, making you lay against his chest. He plants tender kisses all over your face before moving down towards your jaw then your chest. “You ok, Kitten?” You mumble your answer into his chest. A chuckle rumbles through his chest.  You glare at him, pouting against his chest. 

 “You think that was enough time for your partner to get all the information he needed?”

 “I hope so,” you say, shrugging. "Did this idea of yours have to involve me getting fucked?"

 Slade gives you a shit-eating grin. You snarl and swat at his chest. "You shit bag."

 "Dunno, kitten, you looked like you were enjoying yourself."

 "It might have been the pollen," you snip, "what the hell, Wilson?" 

 "To be fair, I wasn't told. Although... I will have to ask him where he got those."

 "What? You gonna use it on yourself?"

 "Darling, we both know you wouldn't survive if I did."

 "Watch me."

 Slade takes out a bottle and shakes it. "Let's find out shall we." Your eyes widen as he pops one of the pills into his mouth. He tilts your chin, rubbing circles against it with his thumb. 

 “Open up, Kitten.”

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

Thanks for reading! There will probably be a part 4 I just have to learn to write something. 

Tag list:  @batarella, @anothertimdrakestan, @lucy-roo, @multifandomgirl-us, @idkmanicantenglish,@birdy-bat-writes, @americasmarauders , @l-inkage, @arestorationofbalance , @cloudie-skay, @wunderstell   @hyp-oh-critical @glorified-red