#a game called tornado (do not ask)

[pinkie-pop]

"Do Paimons Dream of Floating Sheep?"

Mondstadt: Part I Part II Part III Part IV

Based on this

Featuring: Gender-Neutral Reader, Paimon!Reader, Genshin Impact various x Reader, Yandere Genshin Impact

Word count: 3k

Synopsis: Being dragged into the world of your favorite video game is hardly your idea of a relaxing Saturday, and being dragged into the world of your favorite game, taking over the role of mascot even less so. Unfortunately, it seems fate has no interest in what you consider to be a normal day, and it will do anything to replace your idea of normal entirely.

Includes: Fear of heights, death, vomiting, Reader straight up not having a good time

Stormterror has arrived in Mondstadt city.

You, the Traveler, and Amber run past the city gates as Stormterror lunges towards the giant statue. Three large, whistling tornados whirl to life at his command. You can clearly see the tainted blood pulsing upon his back. It seems your plan of stopping Stormterror without hassle has completely fallen apart. Of course. Of course, it wouldn’t be that easy. You suppose not even the Anemo Archon himself is strong enough to go against the script. 

You narrowly avoid a gust of wind that comes your way, but the Traveler isn’t so lucky. He’s swept up by the current immediately, reaching out a hand to you as if you held the power to stop it.

You don’t. 

You can’t do anything.

“Kaeya!” Amber calls, running up to the blue-haired man. The two of them begin chatting, catching each other up to speed on the situation at hand. “Kaeya, this is [Name] and Aether, and…wait, where’s Aether?” 

“He got swept uo by the storm. Look,” you say, pointing up towards him.

“He’s fighting Stormterror?” Says Amber. “But that’s so dangerous!”

“Amber, why does he have one of your windgliders?” Asks Kaeya. 

“Huh? Oh, uh…eheh…No…reason…” Amber scratches the back of her head and Kaeya raises an eyebrow. You’re pretty sure he only asked that to get a rise out of her. You pay it no mind, however, instead focusing on the battle above you. You want to help, but there’s nothing you can do. You’re not the protagonist of this story. No, you’re nothing but a mascot. You can do nothing but grit your teeth and watch.

Meanwhile…

A gust of wind picks Aether right up off of the ground, hurtling upwards towards the sky. He uses his windglider, hoping to glide down somewhere safely and reconvene with you as soon as possible. He can’t protect you from up here. 

That was his plan, but…

“I’m preventing your fall with the power of a thousand winds.” An unfamiliar voice calls out to him from beyond the clouds. He whirls around, hoping to find the source of the sound, but to no avail. 

“You can’t see me,” the voice—a male, he thinks—says. “That’s okay, just listen to my voice. They’re safe down there. I need you to trust me.” Aether nods, though he isn’t sure if the man can see him. 

“Good. Now, concentrate. See yourself grasping on the wind and harness its power.” Aether does as he’s told and gathers a huge sphere of anemo and hurls it at Stormterror. He weaves through clouds, collecting their power and directing it back towards the dragon. The wind hits a glowing, purple spot on the dragon's back and it cries out in agony.

A weak point. Good.

Aether readies more anemo, preparing to hit the same spot again when Stormterror flies upwards and out of sight, retreating. Aether doesn’t bother chasing after it. There’s no need to. Instead, he glides back down towards the city, where you, Amber, and a person he doesn’t recognize all stand around.

Amber waves Aether down as he lands, introducing him to Kaeya. “You really gave us a fright,” she says. “I can’t believe you went up against a dragon!”

“Are you okay?” You ask. “What happened up there?” 

“I heard a voice,” he said. “It told me that it prevented my fall using the ‘power of a thousand winds’.”

“Do you think it could have been Barbatos? What did the voice sound like?” You, of course, already know the answer to these questions, but you ask anyways, hoping to guide the conversation to a realization.

“It sounded like the voice of a young boy,” says Aether. “I don’t know who it was, though.”

“The power of a thousand winds, hmm?” Kaeya puts a hand up to his chin, seeming to be in deep thought. “I don’t know if the voice you heard really was Barbatos or not, but either way, I think we ought to report this to our Acting Grand Master.” 

The four of you head to the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, where Jean and Lisa are there waiting for you.

“Mondstadt welcomes you, windborne travelers. I am Jean, the Acting Grand Master, and this is Lisa, our resident librarian.”

“Oh, are you two sweeties here to help us out? You’re both so adorable! Especially you, cutie,” Lisa winks at you. “Sadly, the timing is regrettable… Stormterror, or Dvalin, his true name, has been ravaging our cities as of late. The Ley Lines and elemental energy are completely out of control.” 

”Right,” Jean says. “If it weren’t for that, we would have had better ways to help you than just putting up wanted posters. We simply ask that you rest in Mondstadt while we help look for your sister.”

“Sounds good. Where’s the Inn?” You sputter as his lax response. Wasn’t the protagonist supposed to be eager to help?

“H-hey! Shouldn’t we at least offer to help out?” Aether looks at you as if to ask, ‘Why would we do that?’ “I mean, isn’t that the right thing to do? Besides, if that really was the voice of Barbatos you heard, wouldn’t he be more likely to help us if we help him first?” You say. Aether seems to ponder over this for a minute, then nods. 

“Alright. If you want to help, then let’s help.”

“Good. In that case, we’ll need a plan.” Kaeya says.

"Since Stormterror is now attacking the city directly, we may have an

opportunity to cut this problem off at the source. Lisa has revealed the sources of Stormterror's power with her magic."

"Right," Lisa says. "They're located in the abandoned Four Winds' Temples. Stormterror's ability is likely the result of it drawing its power from the temples. Our objective is to deal with three of the four temples.

"I trust everyone understands why we are only dealing with three." Jean looks around for confirmation, and everyone, save for Aether, nods their head.

"I don't," says the Traveler.

"Dvalin is the last of the four winds," you explain.

"Knights of Favonius," Everyone seems to stand at even greater attention as Jean addresses them. "Time is against us. We need to take the initiative and act before the situation gets even worse. There is no point in maintaining a defensive position."

•~•~•~•~•~•

You and the Traveler arrive at the Temple of The Falcon where Amber is waiting for you. 

"[Name]! Traveler! It's good to see you," she says as you approach. The three of you exchange greetings, and Amber fills you in on the mission. 

"These temples have been abandoned for years now, so there might be a monster nest inside. [Name], you can't fight, right? Don't worry, just leave it to me! I'll protect you!" 

"Me too," says Aether. You smile at them.

"Alright, I'm counting on you. Let's head in." Aether and Amber nod, and the three of you enter the temple.

The temple is more or less how you remember it (though, to be perfectly honest, you hardly remember it at all), a decrepit building with an open ceiling showcasing the "sky" above. There's a pyro mechanism shooting fire to your left and a few boxes to your right. Amber shoots the mechanism to put it out of commission, then you and your party head left. 

A Door of Resurrection activates as you walk past it, and you find yourself wondering what would happen if someone were to die here. The door indicates that they would come back, just like in a video game, but there's no way to know for sure.

Unless…

No. You can live with not knowing. You hope you never have to find out.

Amber and Aether make quick work of the rooms while you stand back and try to stay out of the way. It isn’t long at all before you end up in the third or fourth room. That on its own is hardly anything notable, but this room is different from the others. 

In the previous rooms, you could see the “sky” above you, but you had no way of knowing whether it was real or not. Did the domain create its own sky? Was it a pocket dimension? You had no way to know for certain. 

Until now, that is. 

You stare out into the sea of clouds before you, your feet planted firmly on a floating pedestal in the sky, and at once, you know. This is the truth behind the domains. They are not just old ruins, they are gateways. Portals to another world. 

Perhaps you can find your own world through these as well…

You are brought out of your musings by an arrow shooting its way past you and popping the anemo slime in front of you. Then, two more, and again, more slimes fall, each creating a wind current upwards. Amber and the Traveler both outstretch their hands to you, windgliders already at the ready.

“Let’s glide together!” They say in unison, then turn around to glare at the other. Though you feel a little awkward about taking sides, you eventually take Amber’s hand and allow her to carry you. She is the champion glider of Mondstadt, after all. You trust her experience. You don’t look at Aether when you take her hand, you know you wouldn’t be able to bear his hurt face if you did.

The three of you set off into the air, and you try not to look down. Unfortunately, the view upwards is hardly any less nervewracking. You see a large anemo slime off in the distance, heading straight towards you. Amber can’t shoot it while she’s carrying you, and Aether is too far away to hit it with his sword. It is all you can do to brace for impact as the slime shoots wind your way, knocking you from Amber’s hold.

You fall, but only for a moment. Something catches you.

No, that’s not quite right. Nothing catches you. You catch yourself. You’re flying. It’s terrifying. It’s exhilarating. Amber and Aether are both gaping at you as you twirl around in the air. Perhaps this new body isn’t so bad after all. 

You fly up to the top platform, then start to get dizzy, so you lower yourself to the floor. 

“I thought you were afraid of heights,” Amber teased, gliding up to you.

“This is different,” you huff. “At least when I’m flying, I can control where I’m going. You can’t do that with a windglider at all!” 

“I suppose that’s true,” Amber laughs. “Still, though, that really surprised me. I had no idea you could fly.” 

“You’re not the only one,” Aether chimes in. 

“I actually didn’t know I could do that either.” You say. 

Finally, you arrive in the room where Stormterror’s crystal is. It doesn’t take long for Aether to destroy it with the power of anemo while Amber gives support and you watch. 

•~•~•~•~•~•

You and the Traveler arrive at the Temple of The Wolf, where Kaeya is waiting for you. 

“Ah, [Name], it’s good to see you. You too, Traveler.” You think Kaeya is trying to wink, but there’s really no way to be sure. Either way, his flirtatious tone has Aether glaring. You have a feeling this raid is going to be exhausting, and not just physically. “Come closer. Can you smell that?” Kaeya says, gesturing to the two of you.

“Uh…smell what?” You ask. 

“Something has happened in the temple. I imagine there’ll be slimes, hilichurls, and whatever is giving Stormterror that power. Ah, don’t worry about the fighting, [Name], your friend and I will take care of that.” Perhaps it’s just his voice, but there’s something oddly gleeful in his tone that sets you off.

“I’m not some damsel, you know?!”

You smile and nod, but you don’t say anything. The three of you head off into the domain, where another series of challenges await you. 

Another Door of Resurrection bursts to life in front of you, and it occurs to you that no one commented on the last one. Perhaps it’s something only you can see..? You open your mouth to ask, but Kaeya speaks up first.

“Hm, if I’m not mistaken, the end of the temple should be up there.” You look up. Above you is a large platform in the sky where, like Kaeya guessed, lies the end of the temple. You’re trying to figure out how to get a wind current to take you up there when an idea strikes you.

Right. How could you have forgotten?

“Leave it to me!” You say, glad to finally have something to do. You crack your knuckles, bracing yourself for flight. How did this go again? Right, first you need to lift off, then…

You did it! You’re flying! You look down, excited to see the look on Kaeya’s face when…

You look down. Oh. Oh wow. The ground sure is far. Were you always this high up? You start to feel nauseous. You hear Aether’s voice, but it sounds so far away. The room is spinning; you’re seeing double. Is the ground getting bigger or are you getting closer? 

Dizziness overtakes you, and you fall head-first into the stone flooring. You feel pain shoot up from your neck down to the base of your spine, but only for a moment. 

“Hm, if I’m not mistaken, the end of the temple should be up there.”

Huh..?

You blink, looking around dumbly as confusion washes over you. Green light pulses from behind you.

Could it be? You whip around, staring at the Door of Resurrection as if it would grow a mouth and tell you the answers. But it doesn’t. It doesn’t even need to. You already know.

You just died. But the Door saved you. 

“[Name]? We really ought to get a move on. What are you spacing out for?” Kaeya’s voice tears you away from your thoughts.

“I…I’m afraid of heights. I’m sorry, but I can’t go up there. I’ll wait for you down here.” Aether looks at you, clearly worried but unsure of what to say. 

“At least when I’m flying, I can control where I’m going. You can’t do that with a windglider at all!”

You try to smile at Aether, urging him to go on despite his worries.

At least when I’m flying…

Aether, after much hesitation, leaves with Kaeya. They’ll make quick work of the temple, you’re sure. Perhaps even quicker than they would have with you around. 

I can control where I’m going.

You let out a sigh as you sink to the floor.

Nothing else happens.

•~•~•~•~•~•

You and the Traveler arrive at the Temple of The Lion, where Lisa is waiting for you.

“Hey there, cuties. Good to see you—especially you, [Name].” Lisa winks at you, leaving you a bit puzzled. Her words seem to have put Aether in a bad mood. Well, you wouldn’t be happy if someone called you their second favorite, either. Still exhausted from the last temple, you merely wave to Lisa, hoping to get this temple over with as soon as possible. “Is everyone ready?” She asks. You nod. 

“I hope this trip is uneventful,” you murmur. The doors open, and the three of you step inside. You allow your mind to wander as you follow behind the others. Normally, it’d be a bad idea to be so absent-minded in a domain, but…

Well, what’s the worst that could happen? 

You shuffle along through the hallways as Aether and Lisa take care of any nearby threats. As suspected, they really didn’t need you here. Well, that’s okay. You’re fine with being useless so long as it means you can rest. 

Aether slashes another hilichurl with his sword, and for a moment, you imagine yourself in its place. You wonder what it would feel like to die from an injury like that. Surely, it can’t be pleasant. Would it be worse than the stomach-dropping sensation of falling from a great height? Would it be worse than a broken neck? You aren’t sure. More hilichurls fall to the ground. It isn’t like the game. They don’t just disintegrate when they die. They bleed when they’re hit, their corpses don’t disappear. There’s no XP or rewards to be found here. Only bloodshed. Only death.

This whole temple reeks of iron. You cover your nose and mouth, but the stench doesn’t go away.

You don’t think you can take any more of this. You turn and run down the nearest hall, heaving and retching when you arrive in the next room over. You can hardly hear it over your own vomiting, but the sound of stone rolling across stone comes from behind you. You glance back down the hall, only to see it replaced with a solid stone wall.

Fuck.

You bang your hands on the wall and yell for help, but you succeed in nothing except for making your voice tired and your hands bruised. You might be here for a while, so you look around.

The room is square, and completely empty aside from a pedestal in the center (one that you really should have noticed earlier), upon which rests a glowing book of some sort. The cover is lined with gold, and it looks as though it holds the galaxy between its twinkling pages. 

You walk closer to it, hoping to get a better look. The book opens itself before you, and at once, you recognize it.

It’s the Archive.

Taglist: @shadowkitty-me @probablynoposts @kissyhalik @persephone-kore-law @neverending-animelove @crxscnt @teravolting @resident-cryptid @esthelily @shellofthewall @dilucragnidvr @altheq0 @wegottastayfocus @jellothefool @c0l1fl0r @francisnyx @imma-just-chill @fantasyhopperhea @iamapotatoe @utahimechan

[suckerforblondeathletes]

Omg I’m scared

𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬♡︎

She is soooooooooooo clingy oml and never admits it

Def has a staring problem. Like always looking at you (or your ass)

She loves you so much omg. Like when good things happen for you her whole team and friend group will know about it before you tell anyone.

A show off when you come to games. Like she steps her game tf up

She loves it when you wear her jersey, like it does something to her

Always says ‘that’s gonna be your last name’ when you do wear her jersey.

Cuddles oml (clingy Paige again)

She loves it when you spoon her but ofc she won’t admit it.

She loves to lay on your chest or lay her head in your lap and you play with her hair.

If you love Shirley temples omg she will get on one knee when she hears you order one for yourself.

Her teammates def pick on her about you. “Oooo your in loveeee” with kissing noises winks which gets them a push on their shoulder and a blushing Paige.

Hand in the back pocket when walking with others

I HAVENT SEEN THIS BUT SHE CALLS YOU MA

Anyways she only calls you stupid names to pick on you.

Loves to make up mad, like she picks on you “imagine” when you said something or “I could never”

SASSY MFFFFF

This is the sassiest woman Connecticut has ever seen. “I’m not doing that” or “I didn’t ask” when she’s mad.

Dog lover 4L

This might be gross but she definitely farts in bed and try’s to shove you face in the blanket.

Tired asf. This girl will fall asleep in a loud bar on your shoulder in a booth. Like oml.

Deep sleeper. Caitlin Clark is a light sleeper. But boy this girl will sleep during a hurricane and a tornado. But wakes up immediately when your not in her arms.

Always complements you “damn girlll” or “GYATT”

SOMETIMES!!!! Let’s you have the aux. only sometimes because she thinks her music is better.

Long story short, she is MADDDDD in love with you. Yall def a ride or die type relationship.

Is this good??? I can write more if yall want

[ysabelmystic]

“I just came from r/196” ask game

Saw another post. I think I should invite y'all to one of our longstanding traditions. Answer the questions then tag 10 (or more) people. I'll go first.

Name? Frankie

Pronouns and gender? he/they/it, transmasc

Sexuality? Lesbian

Country? USA

Top 5 fandoms? Bungou Stray Dogs, Cosmere, All for the Game, Fundiesnark (not a series but I'm too deep in it to not consider it a fandom), .....the tornado fandom? (they're my special interest)

What is your Most forbidden snack? The preserved bones at the Atlanta Bodies Exhibition. They looked so crunchy...

Would you pet a bug? If it's big enough, it is pettable.

Share a weird fact/story about yourself with the class. I like to drive around rural areas and photograph old, sometimes abandoned locations in the dead of night. I have been literally chased out of towns by foot and by car on two separate occasions. The second time this happened, "See You Again" by Miley Cyrus came up on shuffle and that's the soundtrack my friend and I tore out of town to. Also every "guy" I've dated except for my most recent ex (who has big egg energy) is a lesbian now.

What does the color blue taste like? Creme brulee

What is the most beautiful thing you've ever seen? The appalachian mountains of Tennessee in the middle of summer. There's kudzu everywhere. On the backroads, there were several old, dilapidated Baptist churches barely hanging to the side of the mountain. I wonder how many of them were still in use.

What is the stupidest thing you've ever done? Short version: my friend's house almost got broken into by this dude who'd been stalking us for months while we were home alone. Instead of calling the cops, we decided to confront him with a bow and arrow (me), a hatchet, and a baseball bat (him). The plan was that if it went badly, we would simply throw his corpse into one of the many lakes in the neighborhood and let the alligators eat his remains (this was Florida). Why? Because we were afraid of having our home-alone privileges revoked. Luckily for us all, the guy fucked off and we never saw him again.

Stupidest thing you've seen/heard someone else do/say? My ex thought that Jackalopes were real. Also, a nurse I was doing rotations with apparently thought that "Witness Protection" was for Jehovah's Witnesses.

Hyperfixation song? Young Enough + Bleach by Charly Bliss

Is there any meaning behind your profile picture and/or username? Profile pic; I'm transmasc and I'm currently obsessed with TriStamp. Username; It was my fake internet name when I was like 13. I won't change it because I want my mutuals to recognize me, and because I do have a viral post associated with this name.

Dream career as a child? Doctor (funnily enough I'm now in nursing school)

Dream career as an adult? Professional Jester. Not a comedian. I just want to be some weird little guy who dresses silly and you can hire me to roast your boss at work parties.

Thoughts on cilantro? Delicious

Have you ever been banned from a location and if so, why? I honestly can't remember? Probably... but in recent memory I've mainly banned people from places.

What is your cursed food combination? Pineapple on a hotdog with grilled onions. It Slaps.

Trans rights? TRANS RIGHTS

Tagging: @rocket-mankoi @mostlymarco @atleast8courics @jazzlike39 @gemsweater72 @limbobilbo @ameliaaltare @redcrane112 @theoneofwhomisblue @twinkenjoyer @theultimatecarp and anyone else who wants to jump on

[svtelfdans]

hhu's pet names for you

warnings: some of the pet names are gendered/binary!! i tried to include as many gender neutral ones as possible but i don't think i included enough.

seungcheol

he always reminds you how pretty you are, often referring to you as it in casual conversation. when you're having a bad day he'll sit you down and ask "what's wrong, my love?". once, he called you sugarcakes just for fun, and when he saw you become all flustered and giggly he started saying it more and more both outside and inside the bedroom. but his favourite name for you is duckling because he knows you'll follow him wherever he goes.

wonwoo

"can you be a doll and pass me that folder?" wonwoo says, without looking up from his work. when you don't do as he asked, he shifts in his seat and finds you standing on the other side of the room, hands clasped around the folder with a shy look on your face. "i'll add that to my list of names for you, then" he says with a grin. making a mental note, he adds doll do the list of pet names which already consists of kitten, angel, peach (and babygirl/boy).

mingyu

mingyu can be quite intimidating at times, especially when he's in a bad mood, but he'll always soften his voice when talking to his angel. always talking about how you fell from heaven to be with him. you're his petal because being around you is like being surrounded by a tornado of sweet-smelling and pretty flowers. when you look up to meet his tall gaze he gets all warm and fuzzy inside. "you're making me go crazy, gorgeous"

vernon

there's something charming about very cringy pet names. you and vernon used to play a game trying to come up with the worst ones, and a few of them stuck. for example dreamer and sugar lips. now vernon refers to you as those names even in casual and public settings, often making the people around you laugh nervously, because who on earth calls their s/o loverboy/lovergirl?

[strawbs-screaming]

☆ WVBA Sleepover ☆

This is what i imagine if all the boxers had a sleepover, i had so much fun doing this, imagine the ref as your dad telling you and your friends to shut up at 4 AM in the morning during your sleepover

Glass Joe

- actually trying to sleep

- enjoyed watching movies

- keeps picking truth while playing truth and dare and pissing off everyone

- "guys shut up my moms calling i gotta take this"

- sore loser of any pillow fights that take place

Von Kaiser

- cant sleep because they keep annoying him

- "guys let Joe speak to his mom"

- screamed while watching a horror movie and keeps getting made fun of for it

- if you pick dare while playing truth and dare with him, hes gonna be so evil and cruel

- keeps getting pillows thrown at him by Macho Man

Disco Kid

- wont sleep, at all

- "Tell her i said hi, Joe"

- laughed at a character getting decapitated while watching a horror movie and freaked everyone out

- came up with the brilliant idea of playing "she's/he's a ten but.."

- tries to protect kaiser from the pillow strikes

- had the very great idea of doing karaoke at 3 am in the morning, Got told to shut up by the ref

- keeps picking dare while playing truth and dare, if you choose dare while playing with him, he'll make you dance or sing

Piston Hondo

- really sleepy but doesnt want to sleep because he knows that he'll get pranked (let my boy sleep, hes tired, hes a little eepy)

- trying to help joe ve able to speak to his mom, doing his best

- made a pillow fort to hide from the pillow fight

- if you choose dare while playing truth and dare with him, he'll say something dumb like "scream from the balcony" if you pick truth he'll ask really unhinged questions like "have you ever wanted to kill someone"

- completely silent during the movie,either enjoying it or traumatized

King Hippo

- runmaging through the kitchen, Just hungry

- screaming behind Joe as he tries to talk to his mom

- "hi mom i-"

- "HUAAGGHHHHHGGGHHHHHHH"

- aran ryan thinks its hilarious

- ref chased him with a chair at some point from the screaming

- pretended to be watching the movie but he watched the back of his eyelids instead

Great Tiger

- doing his best not to fall asleep

- "say hi to her for me joe!!"

- winner of the pillow fight thanks to his clones

- keeps asking personal stuff during truth and dare

- "kaiser, what is your deepest, darkest fear?"

- "questions like these"

- keeps yelling at the characters in the horror movie

- "WHY WOULD YOU GO TO THE BASEMENT THE DOOR IS COVERED İN BLOOD!!-"

- tamest dares ever, the fuck is "i dare you to roll on the floor" about

Don Flamenco

- passed out for a while, got his wig (i know its not a wig but its funny to say he got his wig stolen, come on) stolen & had a game of tic tac toe played on his humoungus forehead

- annoying Joe as he tries to speak to his mom by imitating a womans voice while saying really concerning stuff

- kept getting his wig (its funny to say that shut up) knocked off during the pillow fight

- traumatized by the horror movie, 1000 yard stare during it

- played "she's/he's a ten but.." And ended up finding out everyones type

- so much gossip oh my god

-keeps pulling the classic "who do you have a crush on?" during truth and dare

Bear Hugger

- someone keeps whispering dumb stuff in his ear while hes trying to sleep and he keeps laughing at it, mind you it isnt just a little "teehee" either its a entire ass tornado siren, keeps scaring everyone with his laugh

- whacked most during the pillow fight, may he rest in peace

- keeps asking dumb stuff during truth and dare, bear what do you mean by "i dare you to tapdance"

- also yelling at the actors during the horror movie

-" YOU HAVE A HAMMER BEAT HIM WITH IT- NO DONT THROW IT AT HIM"

- also gossiping

Soda Popinski

- pretends to be awake, didnt get noticed sleeping somehow

- saying dumb stuff while Joe tries to talk to his mom

-" sorry for the noise m-"

-" WE ARE DOING DRUGS."

- keeps laughing at the horror movie

- keeps picking dare while playing truth and dare, got dared to beat the ref into the ground by aran ryan, got sad because he got stopped

- wrecking everyone during the pillow fight

Bald Bull

-trying to not fall asleep, struggling clearly, refuses to admit it

- "bull you look like a raccoon please get some sleep"

- "im fine dont worry"

- zoned out during the movie so he didnt have much of a reaction

- keeps picking truth while playing, hates the personal questions

- physically there, mentally not

- 5th to pass out suprisingly

-Just hiding behind hondos fort while watching the pillow fight

Super Macho Man

- keeps whispering dumb stuff while everyones trying to sleep

- saying even more concerning stuff while Joe tries to talk to his mom

- "mom theyre just-"

-"STEAL HIS COCK, BOYS."

- got beaten half to death during the pillow fight

- also traumatized by the horror movie

- gossiping (as he should, PURR)

Aran Ryan

- this fucking menace. Said sleep is for the weak & proceeded to pass out, before that he just kept whispering "penis." while everyone was trying to sleep

- got duct taped to the ceiling by sandman & fell asleep there

- put rocks in his pillow during the pillow fight, still got his shit ROCKED

- kept talking during the movie

- "oh my god i swear if she doesnt push him down the stairs-"

-"shut up"

- the only person he didnt bother was bull, this was only because he was concerned

- did some prank calls but got caught during the 4th call

Mr Sandman

- didnt bother anyone

- "LET JOE SPEAK TO HIS MOM FUCKING DAMN IT"

- really quiet

- was out for blood during the pillow fight

- taped aran ryan to the ceiling

- listened to the gossip

Extra

King hippo fell asleep last on the kitchen floor

Aran ryan fell on top of glass joe when the tape broke while he was asleep, you havent known true fear until a irishman on your ceiling falls on you, both of them broke some bones

Ref got a headache after all this

King hippo kept running around the house until 6 AM

The idea of taping aran ryan to the ceiling came from von kaiser since his dad did that once

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

WIBTA for kicking my brother out?

Long story short, last year I (24) got my own apartment, it's literally only a 1 bedroom; I got it myself without a cosigner, I paid an entire year of rent up front, and I paid a triple deposit because it's my first lease anywhere, and I've never asked anybody to help me pay any of the bills, I even moved all my furniture in completely by myself without help from anybody including my mom or her stinky husband (32, ew) or my brother (19)

I lived here by myself for about 4 months when my brother and my mom's stinky husband got into a fight

(it was Stinkys fault, he was starting shit with all my moms kids and my brother was just the only one aggressive enough to put him in the hospital like he deserved, but my mom defended him and lied to the court so he wouldn't be deported, he's her only source of income atm because of her disability)

anyways, my brother went to juvie for a few months and the courts say he and Stinky can't live in the same house together anymore, since this happened a few days after he graduated high school, they decided to not try him like an adult for the sentence, BUT if he breaks the restraining order, he will be tried like an adult; so my mom asked if my brother could live with me for a few DAYS so she could get her own place, for her and her kids (including the brother STILL IN MY HOUSE), and divorce Stinky-mcgee

I agreed to do it under the radar because I would have to pay a huge fee to add him to my lease, but it's against my lease to have him here this long without adding him...and my apts are trying to rebrand as "luxury" to raise rent, so they're kicking people out left and right for very minor offenses like smoking cigarettes indoors or hanging clothes on their balcony, things TECHNICALLY against the lease but REALLY stupid. (and charging new people more than what the people being kicked out were paying)

they will 100% evict me if I don't pay to add him to my lease if they find out, so I can't even call the maintenance man (he's a snitch, he already snitched on me for having more pets than I said I did). So I can't get my AC fixed and its 110°F outside rn...if I get evicted, I don't have any savings and I will be homeless, BUT ANYWAYS

it's been 7months, and my mom hasn't even LOOKED for an apartment,

my brother has 3 jobs and a car, but instead of looking for an apartment he spends all his money on his girlfriend (20), and video games, and shoes (I get that he's still a teen, so he wants teen things), but he won't even pay for the grocery bill if I ask (I only ask for groceries, the CHEAPEST bill, since I work with food, I rarely eat at home anyways, so it's mostly HIS groceries) and he always says he doesn't have enough money

I am at my fuckin limit tbh,

but I'm not sure if he could get an apt the same way I did with his conviction history (he's been to juvie like 6 times for different things), and my mom has been evicted so many times for fighting people that I doubt she could co sign if they look into her renters history; and my older brother (27) won't co sign or take him in because he says my brother isn't reliable enough, and he doesn't want to take the financial hit if my brother gets arrested again and can't pay rent... (the other kids are still school age, so they don't count)

he's old enough to go to a shelter, but we use to live in a shelter for YEARS after a tornado took out our house and our dad, and he took it the hardest, so I think living in a shelter might be a trigger for him(?)...so I kinda feel bad for suggesting it(?)

WIBTA if i just packed his shit, put it in his car, and told him to go to either his girlfriends house or a shelter?

(I kinda feel shitty for even thinking of it tbh)

What are these acronyms?

[yanderes-galore]

This is my last request, this one goes for the winter requests. It can be whether platonic or romantic.

Upon realizing that Knuckles was absent from the Christmas festivities, like every year, because he was guarding the Master Emerald, the reader decides to spend the holidays with the echidna and keep him company on this special day. So, they fly to the island with a gift they want to give Knuckles.

This display of affection melts Knuckles' heart and this feeling only grows more intense as they participate in more winter activities together (like snowball fights and ice skating in a frozen lake). It gets to the point that Knuckles wishes the reader could stay with him for much more than just one day.

Sure! Here you go! Sorry for plot holes :( Darling is assumed to be Mobian.

Happy Holidays... To Me!

Yandere! Knuckles The Echidna Short - Winter Event Request

Pairing: Romantic/Platonic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Clingy behavior implied, Knuckles is implied to have a crush on you but you're currently friends, Slight violence but not towards you, Isolation/Kidnapping, Forced companionship and potential relationship.

The Tornado's blades whirr as you make your way through the sky to Angel Island. A present sits in your lap while you pilot the plane. You could barely contain the glee on your face.

Knuckles was usually never able to participate in holiday festivities with everyone. As a result, since he's your best friend, you decided to visit the guardian. Tails even let you use the Tornado to get there.

Snow flurries through the sky as you prepare to land. The island was slowly becoming more white as you exit the Tornado. You quickly grab your present and run off in search of the echidna.

It wasn't much but you wanted to show you thought of him. You wandered through the snow in warm gear until you saw your red friend by the emerald.

You frown, he looked so cold. Was this what he did every winter? You sigh and approach him.

“Hey, Knuckles!” You call to the echidna who gives you a surprised expression when you stand in front of him. You swore you saw his cheeks flush red… but he's most likely just cold.

“H-Hey… what are you doing here?” Knuckles asks and you giggle.

“Tails let me borrow the Tornado, I didn't want you alone during this time of year again. The others were a bit busy I guess.” You explain, holding up the box you got him. “I got you this~”

Knuckles gaze swaps to the box and he looks intrigued. You… care about him that much? Due to being isolated for so long he feels flattered and a bit shy.

“For me?” He whispers and you nod.

“Of course! Open it!” You chirp, giving him the box. Knuckles carefully takes the box before opening it. He wants to savor the moment.

His eyes widen when he sees what's inside.

Warm winter gear greets his eyes, all lovingly picked out by you to endure the cold. Next to it all was some grapes, a blanket, and some hot chocolate packets. Was that ice skates, too?

Knuckles goes silent for a moment. You begin to worry he may hate your gift. Instead, Knuckles was taking it all in.

You care for him… this much… what did he do to deserve you?

“Um… there's an electric kettle in the Tornado to make the cocoa-” You clear your throat. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes… I'm just really happy right now.” Knuckles smiles at you. Truth is, everything was more than okay. Knuckles had you… and presents you lovingly gave him. He couldn't be happier.

“Perfect! Now, what do you say we go have some fun?” You smile. Knuckles hesitantly looks at the Emerald before looking at you. “We won't be far, come on!”

Knuckles agrees to go with you. Yet before you jump into the winter games you help him put on the winter gear and have a few grapes with him. Afterwards you head out into the snow.

Knuckles never felt so loved….

—

Knuckles never thought he'd have so much fun. You both played in the snow, ice skated on lakes, and then settled down for cocoa. Knuckles felt anything you did with him eased his tension.

The snow was cold but your winter gear helped. It felt just as warm as you while he helped you sculpt snow art. Seeing you so happy made him happy.

Knuckles struggled to have grace while ice skating, yet you managed to help him. You picked him up when he fell and merely encouraged him. Normally such a fighter he wasn't used to doing such a graceful task

Lastly, the cocoa tasted great with you. You had wrapped the blanket around you two and settled down beside a fire. Knuckles couldn't stop his cheeks from flaring due to you caring so much.

In fact… Knuckles didn't want things to end.

While you were distracted with preparing something else to do, Knuckles left quickly. You didn't notice him wandering to the Tornado. Due to how far things were you barely noticed him breaking it.

Why should the fun end? He rarely gets to see you except for when Eggman strikes. Knuckles keeps using that to reassure himself as he pushes the wreckage off the edge. Part of him felt bad… yet at the same time he seemed very excited to have you.

Knuckles then begins his walk back to you. There's an unusual jump in his step, yet when you ask about it he brushes it off. It's just the holiday spirit!

Sure… this may cause problems later! But it's been so lonely without anyone to talk to. Why don't you stay with him through the winter?

Why stop there? Why not stay with him forever?

You're the best present he could've ever asked for in his mind.

[lilyfraci]

Merman Kokushibou x FemReader

Please go easy on me, this is my first time posting a work. Warnings: Im not good at english grammars so please forgive if i made it look so bad and boring 😭 😭 😭 😭  👑

(Crdts to the artist) It was another chilling day for you as a princess or maybe let’s say, another stressing day for you again as if you were like a maid but different duty to do.  Always has to sign the papers, keep the castle good and clean and always wear a smile when a guests visits. You were growing tired and wanted to just lay down to your comfy bed and just sleep for long day, not wanting to move at all. 👑 You were on the bed about to drift off to sleep and suddenly a knock was heard on your door. You groaned in frustrations and call it to open the door themselves since she was really tired now. A maid opened the door slowly and peeked her head before coming in and bowed to a princess, she noticed the princess’ dress was kinda wrinkled and not well.  “Your Royal highness, your father has requested you to have come and meet him, a conversation. Your royal highness”  The maid spoke, waiting for your response. You raised a hand, not saying a word.  The maid thanked the princess before bowing again as she left the room. “I wish i was born as a cat, just meow meow then sleep. Humans do really have a boring life, right? mimi?” You turned around and pats the cat that was next to you as you rubbed her head and she began to purr loudly which makes you giggle in happiness.  You took a deep sigh before making its way to your father. 👑 You were walking on the hallway then turn left, turn right, then left. Gosh. And there he is! Your father! sitting on his throne as he patiently waiting for his daughter to show up. You quickly run down the stairs and the maids told you to careful so you won’t slip. “There you are my daughter, and why are your dress all wrinkled up? That’s not how girls show up with an unamusing apperance and also... please fix your hair. It’s like a tornado has come to ruin your hair.” Your father spoke and only to make your eyes roll and just patted your gown to make it look nicer and brush your hair with your own dainty hands then puts a fake smile on your face. “So what seems like you’d like to talk about, father?” You asked politely. “Well... You’re always inside in this castle, not caring to go outside as if you’re like a vampire! can’t even go outside and just chill and look! you’re almost looking pale from not getting too much sun on your skin! Come on! You’re a princess!” Your father scolded while suggesting for you to go outside but no matter what he do, you’d always decline his offer.  You didn’t want to go outside, you just wanted to be there inside your room all day and that’s fine by you cause you don’t feel easy meeting a lot of people, getting stared by a crowd nor someone just suddenly wants to have a talk with you. You just don’t feel easy, but this time... You’re going to learn your lesson. “How about.... you go to the ship just to take some fresh air! you could even see the beautiful waves and beautiful sea creatures! and to mention... you could even feel the nice warm air! I’ll bring some sailors with you.” His words made you stunned as you froze in your place.  ‘What...? Go outside.... see ocean..? Is he really that serious?! No way! I’d rather play with my cat!’ You though and thousands of questions swarmed over your mind. You tried making fake excuses but your father already know your next answer so he just decided to force you. “B-but father! w-what if there’s a dangerous sea creature luring around the sea?! didn’t you think that?” You called back, trying to make another more backup excuses so you won’t be able to go outside. Your father brushes off your excuses, feeling stressed by your protests.  “Enough! Off you go!” 👑 The sky was dim but the weather was just fine, isn’t it? The ship sailors were having fun as they were having a party on the ship, drinking beer, playing games, playing tug of war and more fun activities. While you on the other hand was just leaning on the quarter deck,all alone and  just watching the moves of the ocean and flying fishes with a blank face. The dog beside you, Max, was just sleeping soundly.  The sailor has requested you to come over and join the party but only for you to decline it respectfully while giving them a smile.  ‘I wonder what will happen’ You wondered. But there’s one thing you can’t shake the feeling off and it’s been hours you felt like... You were being watched. A sharp feeling of being watched, you tried to look everywhere and even one of your sailors but no avail. You were growing bored so you take a deep sigh and decided to join the party. Hooray!  👑 The ship was filled with laughters and music and looks like tons of people there were having a fun party! not caring about whatever danger around them. You were happily watching the sailors dancing as you clapped your hands while giggling then one of the sailor asked you to dance with them so you gladly accept it. It was such a fun day! You didn’t know this is was literally going to be your another best memorie, you thought these sailors were just a bore but to be exact they were actually fun to be with. As you were dancing with a guy, you glanced your head and see Max was peeking his head outside the hole and it seems like he licked something. You broke the dance and called Max of what was he doing. The dog only barked happily then ran towards you, rubbing his head against your legs. You walked toward the hole then crouched down to see what was max licking but only to see none. just dark ocean.  Yet again... You feel like you were being watched again, a sharp feeling was hit into your chest and you really can’t shake it off. and all at once, a thunder was becoming aggressive and more aggressive and the ocean was going tense. All of you starting to move as the sailor on the top screams “ Hurricane a'commin'!! Stand fast! Secure the riggin' “ The sailors were on their way quickly to take control of their ship and move out of here as soon as possible. You, as a princess was not always about who needs to hide just to protect yourself, but instead, you help some of the sailors and you ran toward the thick ropes and picked it up and hurriedly pass the longer ropes to the sailors, the top sailors were tying the yard tightly to make it sure they can fully control the main sail. You and the men were pulling the yard down and as about the ship was going to move violently along the ocean. Max was barking scariedly and some others were panicking. “Hold it tightly! Tight! Don’t let yourself slip” You yelled as they obeyed your command. the rain was starting to go heavier and heavier by any seconds. You passed your rope to the man as you quickly ran over the stirring wheel, you squeak as you tried to roll it but it was too heavy and you tried with all of your strength. And that moment, an angry thunder strikes the ship making the ship starts to burn in fire. All of you are real panicking and some of them are trying to blow the fire that was on the main sail. The ship was really shaking violently till all of you landed on the ocean, submerging yourselves on the water. And thankfully there was a spare boat and all of you quickly climbed onto it and made it safely but what kicks into your mind... Max! You heard a loud bark and as you yelled his name and quickly dive into the water back, some of the sailors yelled the princess the come back the boat but you weren’t listening, you were focusing on saving max, your dog. As you climbed on the wrecking ship you quickly get a hug of your dog and yelled at the men to catch her dog, she kissed max on the head as she commanded max to jump straight at the boat and thankfully, he made it safely as the sailors hugged max. But only you... were left on the ship, the fire was going wild and you tried to run but only to slip. panic filled inside your eyes and your heart began to beat rapidly. you tried to get up but only to get slip again. You were starting to accept your fate. And that when, a ship exploded strongly. 👑 You felt yourself slowly getting consumed by the dark ocean, you feel like flying but in the ocean. Your mind senses went blank and so as your consciousness. You finally accepted your fate but atleast you saved max and helped everyone to safety. This was enough work for you today... You may rest in peace. . . . . Out of all the sudden, a strong massive muscular arms wrapped around your waist and a large hand was pulling your head closer to a toned chest... You couldn’t feel anything but blank world. But you felt yourself being dragged by as you were both in the surface, muscular arms were still wrapped securely around your waist. 👑 PART2 is in progress

[ohtobeleah]

Be kind to us Leah. terms of Endearment is too good but please, be nice to us.

I make no apologies for this because I actually think it fits the whole fucking aesthetic of who I am as an author and this is the type of shit you come here for. So read up Bitches. Masterlist linked here.

Angst Ahead!

***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~****~****

“Listen—“ Bradley squinted as he levelled with the two-year-old who sat in her high chair with her pouty bottom lip and watery eyelashes. Bradley swore he could get lost in the colours her eyes exhibited—slightly different shades of blues and greens and browns depending on what mood she was in. 

Dot Dolan had been ripped away from her Christmas morning shenanigans playing with her abundance of new toys in favor of a quick breakfast. To you and Bradley this made perfect sense—for Dot? It was child cruelty. 

“Nnoooooo—!” She cried as Bradley placed some cut up banana on her plate. Slicing the potassium rich fruit with a butter knife against the pad of his thumb. Rolling his eyes at the tantrum beginning before him. “Nooo—!!” 

“Okay look, it just isn’t that deep alright?” Bradley chuckled as Dot tried to escape from her high chair, kicking her legs and crying her little heart out. She just wanted to play, he got it, after all it was Christmas morning. “Hey, okay now that's a little extreme don’t you think?” 

“Wanna play! I wanna play Tooster I wanna play—!” She was getting outta hand. A little tornado erupting before him as banana chunks came flying at his face before falling to the floor. But Rooster was calm, cool and collected as he picked the chunks up and looked your daughter in her heterochromia ass having eyes and made a square deal. One that to him seemed a two year old would agree on. 

“This isn’t up for debate Dot, I’ll eat my pancakes and you eat yours, mums gotta have a shower and when she comes back she’ll expect us to both be finished.” Sipping on the coffee he’d poured himself far too long ago for it to be enjoyable—Bradley broke apart the freshly cooked pancake just enough so Dot could use her fingers to pick up the pieces. “I’m sure if you eat all your breakfast like the good girl I know you are, mum will let you take one of your toys to lunch? Sound fair?” 

Dot looks at Rooster who’s looking at her. Did he just unintentionally enter a staring competition with a two year old? He isn’t sure—but to his surprise she nods softly and picks up a piece of cut up pancake while she dries her crocodile tears. 

“Otay Tooster—“ She got her way. Kinda. 

“Atta girl.” Before Bradley could sit back and enjoy his own stack of pancakes, his phone is sounding off on the kitchen bench. Jake's name appears along with the stupid icon of his. Bradley doesn’t hesitate, knowing it was probably just a checkin call and well wishes for the holidays. 

“Hey man, Merry Christmas!” Rooster beams through the phone. “How’s Austin?”

“How serious are you about Y/n?” Jake avoids the seasonal question and jumps right into the reason he was calling. Hiding from the rest of his family in his childhood bedroom contemplating jumping on the next available flight back to California. “I know I’ve been messing around and egging you on but I need to know how serious you are about her.” 

“Is everything alri—“ Jake isn’t playing games anymore. He’s panicked and can’t stop thinking about the worst possible outcome. He needs to get back to you as soon as he can, even sooner if Bradley wasn’t all in. 

“Just answer the fucking question Bradshaw!” Bradley here’s the way Jake's voice breaks on the other side of his phone. Something is wrong. “I don’t wanna ask you to help if you aren’t one hundred percent in this for her and Dot, I’m done messing around man—do you love her or not?” 

Rooster knows something serious must have happened, he’d never heard Jake sound so agitated and serious before. But when it was about you and Dot he’d put himself on the line. He’d risk it all, but if Bradley wasn’t in this he needed to leave now and cut the crap before he got too involved. Too invested. 

“I do yeah—yeah I’m as serious as I’ve ever been about anything ever, why? What’s going on?” Jake doesn’t answer right away because he’s holding back his own tears. He hates he’s this far away when you unknowingly need him to be there. “Jake? Hey man you gonna tell me what this is all about or?” 

“Jaidyn transferred to North Island—“ Bradley’s eyes fall to the little girl sitting next to him in her high chair. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do to protect her. “Penny text me yesterday but I didn’t see it till after ma mentioned she’s run into the fucker at the store.” Bradley still hadn’t responded, he was too busy listening and watching Dot eat her breakfast. “I already called Penny, we don’t think Y/n should find out on Christmas that he’s found her.” 

“I didn’t know he was in the Navy?” Is the only thing Bradley musters up. His head is running through a million scenarios. All ending with you leaving. 

“We went through the academy together, high school even, I just never thought he’d be stupid enough to pull a stunt like this.” Jake mentioned only briefly, knowing when he got home he’d have more time to explain the ins and outs. “He’s a fighter pilot, dunno what he’s doing here but if you run into a guy with the call sign Zeus don’t engage.”

“Zeus?” Bradley scoffed as he ate one of the banana rounds he knew Dot wasn’t going to finish. “As in the god?”

“As in Zero Effort Unless Supervised.” Jake explained. “He’s had the nickname since before the academy.”

“Do you reckon he knows she's here? Or if it’s just a really fucked up coincidence?” Bradley could hear the water shutting off from upstairs, you wouldn’t be long now. 

“He knows, he fucking knows she’s there he has to know.” Jake sighs through the speaker. Kicking the stump of his childhood bed frame in anger. “I need to know if you’re in this man, she’s gonna wanna run again—I’ve got Mav on it but he can’t promise anything will come of it.” 

“I’m in, always Jake—come on bro you know me.” Rooster knew Jake was only doing his best from where he was. It was hard for him to accept he hadn’t done enough to protect you the first time but he just didn’t know how bad it was. How bad it got before you finally ran. And here he was again, unable to protect you. 

“Rooster—“ Jake's voice was stone cold as it came through the phone. “He won’t hesitate to kill her if given an opportunity.” Bradley couldn’t breathe, he could hear you walking around upstairs, getting ready for Christmas lunch. “He almost did, far too many times and the last time he damn well almost did.” 

“Got it, I won't leave her side, I’ve got her Jake—“

“And don’t stay a thing until I get back.” Jake made sure to remind Bradley who sat stone cold at the dining table in his best friend's home. “If at the very least she deserves a good Christmas for once in her life.” 

“She deserves the whole world bro, the whole damn world.”

***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~

“Oh look at this.” Pete Mitchell had never seen a more wholesome site in his whole life. You and Braldey had just pulled up in the driveway of Pennys humble abode. Dot on Bradleys hip where she could be found most days when she wasn't in the mood to walk. Little lazy ass. It reminded him of Goose and the way Bradley would cling to his side at Dot's age. “That’s awesome Rooster–it actually looks like it fits too.” 

“It's so cute isn't it.” You beamed as you carried the bag full of gifts you'd gotten for Bradley’s extended family. All neatly wrapped because you just so happened to have an excerpt teacher in all things gift wrapping. “Although I don't necessarily think it's foreshadowing her future career–but I'll allow it for now.” Odette was wearing her new flight suit, a small pair of Naval Aviator glasses to match adorned her face, her cheeky smile just made your heart melt as Rooster placed her down near the front door before she took off running inside. “I'd rather my daughter not risk her life for the thrill of it.” 

“Get away, flying a jet is the most fun you can have with your pants on.” Bradley remarked as he took the bag of gifts from your hand before placing a gentle kiss to your cheek. “You ready to get your not so traditional Christmas feast on Fix it Felix?” You had gotten your name sake from the movie wreck it Ralph. That stupid little cartoon fucker Felix reminded one of your old co-workers of your inability to just go with the flow. You always needed everything to be perfect and accurate. Get the job done once and right. If someone went off the books about anything you used to lose your shit. It was your head on the chopping block if something went wrong and the guys at your old posting never let you rest. 

It was your way of trying to remain in control of something, anything. At home you were anything but. At work at least you could pretend to have your shit together. 

“So ready, I'm starving.” Bradley had stuck to his word. He never mentioned the phone call with Jake this morning. Although you did mention he looked like he’d seen a ghost with how pale he’d gone when you came downstairs. “I should have worn sweatpants, I feel like I'm gonna pop out of my jeans already.” 

Pete welcomed you with a warm embrace as did Penny before they both turned their attention to Rooster briefly as you tracked down your daughter. In the living room with Amelia. 

“You didn't say anything did you?” Penny asked with a little more seriousness in her tone than Rooster was used to. It was rather jarring if he was being honest. “Jake said he’d spoken to you–” 

“Called me this morning.” Rooster interrupted as he pulled her in for a hug, kissing the top of Pennys forehead as he did. A mother figure he’d craved since his mother left earth side to be with his dad. “What the fuck–I can’t wrap my head around it.”

“I'm gonna talk to the Admirals on Monday but I don't know how much that’ll do.” Mav explained as Rooster took his uncle in for a hug. “For now we keep it quiet, keep an eye on her and just play it off like everythings as normal for her as it can be.” 

Mav spoke sense—for once Bradley thought. He wasn’t about to be the one to ruin Christmas for you. He didn’t wanna be the one who told you your ex was in town either. He thought it would be smart to leave that conversation for Jake when he got back. You two had a far greater history that Bradley wasn’t even sure he was even able to register the expanse of. 

If anything, lunch was bliss. Penny had cooked the most delectable glazed ham Bradley had ever tasted. Pete had made something called a Pavlova—it quickly became your ranking number one dessert and every single one of you indulged in so much food it had you all sitting at the table with a stomach ache. But it was worth it. Oh so worth it. 

“How's house hunting going?” Penny asked from across the table as she played with the last few mouthfuls of the pasta salad remaining on her plate. “Anything yet?” 

“Not for staff housing no—but I mentioned to Jake that I might look at a private rental closer to town. Won’t be as convenient as something the Navy owns but still—he needs his own space back.” You explained softly, Bradley had been leaning back on his chair—arm around the back of yours as he sipped his iced tea, the designated driver of the evening. “He says it all the time that he doesn’t mind but I can’t help but to think I’m imposing, especially when he wants to bring his latest conquest home and he’s gotta maneuver around all Odettes stuff.” It was the gentle sounds of laughter that warmed your heart the most, this was what you’d missed out on growing up. The family affairs that just seemed so perfect and unattainable. 

“Did I even mention Hangman through me out of the Hard Deck once?” Mav was smirking as he took a sip of his beer and leaned closer. “Tossed me straight out on my ass—“

“You couldn’t pay your tan old man, what else was there to do?” Penny cooed as she looked at her Fiancé, beaming with so much love and admiration for the man beside her. If she looked closely, Bradley mimicked the way she looked at Maverick, only he was looking at you. “You guys wanna take some leftovers from home?” 

“Little bit of everything Pen, if that’s okay?” Bradley answered before you had a chance to politely decline the offer. He knew you’d say no. Never one to want to impose or feel like a burden. “Foods too good to go to waste.” 

“So what’s on for the evening guys?” Maverick asked as he helped Penny clear the table, you thought now would be the most appropriate time to start the process of cleaning Odette up from her wild time. She had food all over her face, in her hair, on her clothes and mushed between her fingers. 

“Nice one baby—did you actually eat anything or just played with everything?” You mumbled as Bradley chuckled. 

“Got an invite for a few beers over at Fanboys place later on in the afternoon but I dunno if we’ll go. Might even just head home?” Rooster was talking to Pete but at the same time he was asking what you wanted to do. His fingers melding into your shoulder as you cleaned up Dot who you’d moved into your lap. 

“Whatever you wanna do Roo—“ It was just so easy with Rooster. “Dot needs a few hours to sleep though so maybe we just take it easy for a few and then call round to Mickeys?” For a few hours there—Bradley had even forgotten about the ever pressing matter that your Ex was in town. “Or if you just wanna pop around I don’t mind.” But at your casual mention of maybe not going, Rooster tensed slightly, you’d felt it briefly before he was shifting in his seat and clearing his throat. 

“If you don’t wanna go we don’t have to go—but we’ll either go together or stay home together.” Was all Bradley said before he was leaning in to kiss your temple. You hadn’t put a defining label on what you were—all you knew at this point was that you liked Bradley Bradshaw enough to let him into your life and he seemed to reciprocate the feelings you gave him. Which was an odd sentiment to think about—love had never been easy for you, hell you didn’t even know if you’d ever really been in love before. But there was something so easy about Rooster. There weren't enough terms of endearment in the dictionary to describe him accurately. “Also your daughter is a con artist, she’ll probably pretend to sleep and stay up planning my downfall or something.” 

“You’re just upset she got her way this morning—don’t give into the tears, Bradshaw, she knows you cave easily.” You couldn’t help but to bounce Dot on your knee a few times as she played with the doll she got from Santa. The toy she’d selected to bring to lunch. The toy Rooster had said you’d let her bring if she stopped crying and ate her breakfast. “Don’t you little miss? You’ve got Rooster wrapped around your little finger don’t you?” You cuddled into Dot as she giggled and squirmed. 

“She’s not the only one.” Mav smirked as he thumped Bradley on the back of the head. “I confiscated his phone the other week and you wanna know what he was looking up?” Pete asked as he stopped and turned his attention your way. Pointing the knife he held in his hand at you to emphasise just how much Bradley Bradshaw was down bad for you. “He was looking up if Broncos were safe for toddlers—“ Oh. Now that was precious.

“I was just doing my research!” A gentle hue of bright pink flushed Rooster's cheeks as he hid his face in your shoulder. 

“On my time!” Mav laughed. “Never seen him so distracted before a run—boy can’t even fly straight on a good day, now he’s too busy researching car seats that fit a bloody Bronco to focus on the parameters being set.” 

“Okay, do I need to remind you who saved your museum piece having ass a few months ago?” Bradley was quick to fire back as embarrassment riddled his veins. “Or do you wanna shit on me some more?” 

“Well if you’ve offering.” 

“Pete, enough—“ Penny broke off the not so serious fight Maverick and Rooster were messing around with. “Leave the boy alone, he’s got his priorities—at least it didn’t take him a million years to figure them out.” Your eyes grew wide as you tried to hide your smirk. Bradley didn’t try for a moment to mask the laugh that rumbled in his chest. His smile true and as authentic as ever. “Cut the shit will ya?” 

“We better get going.” You sighed when Penny handed you a whole bag full of Tupperware containing all sorts of leftovers that would feed you for days. “Thank You so much for this Pen, you don’t know how much I appreciate it—never had a Christmas so perfect.” 

“You are always welcome here dear, as is Dot.” Penny beamed as you stood and gave her a hug. It wasn’t long after that that you and Bradley were saying your festive goodbyes in the drive. 

“When’s Hangman due back?” Mav asked, having pulled Bradley to the side as you clipped Dot into her car seat. Jake's car the vehicle of choice. It was just easier to take his than to fiddle around with removing and refitting the car seat. Although Rooster kicked up a hissy about it. 

“Not till Thursday, but he said he might come home earlier since things have changed, I’m just gonna make up an excuse or six to hang around—don’t wanna leave her at home alone.” 

“Good, good strategy.” You turned around just as Oete was bringing Bradley in for one final hug. “Protect your family, nothing is more important.” He whispered and that stuck. You were Bradley’s entire world now, you and your little girl. You were his family. 

And he’d lay his life on the line for you if he had to. 

***~***~***~***~***~

“Good Charlotte, really?” Bradley scrunched his nose as the beginning beats of Good Charlottes ‘Like Its Her Birthday’ played through the Bluetooth from your phone. “Y/n—seriously surely there’s a better song.” 

“Nope!” You beamed as you turned the sound up, stopped at the T-intersection red light just a few short minutes from the turn off to Jakes street. “It’s now a classic—“ Humming along as you turned to see if Dot had conked out yet, she had. “She looks like she had a good day.” 

“If I were her I’d say absolutely.” Rooster settled his foot on the break a little heavier, not wanting to move an inch as he turned his attention towards you for a brief moment. “Hopefully she remembers even just a little bit of it.” 

“I don’t think she will, more for me though, at least I’ll remember it.” You couldn’t really remember a moment where you’d been so content before. You had your daughter who was just so perfect, you felt safe and able to be yourself after so long of just surviving. You had Bradley and Jake and all these beautiful people around you, finally. You felt home. 

“Hey–” Reaching out for the volume button you turned it down before settling back into your seat. “Do you mind if I ask you a question?” 

“What's on your mind Fe.” You still hadnt quite gotten used to the fact Bradley wanted to know what you were thinking, how you felt. Those two things were never something that ever seemed like a priority in your last relationship. 

“What are we?” It wasn't that Bradley was taken aback by the question in and of itself. No. He was just taken aback at how quickly and how softly and under your breath you said it. Like you were afraid to ask in case his reaction and answer was anything less than what you had hoped it would be. “I only ask because I wanna make sure I'm not reading into anything wrong, we just haven't laid out what we are to each other and I dunno–I don't wanna misinterpret anything.” There was a second of silence that filled the car and for just a millisecond you felt yourself drowning in it before Bradley shook his head and laughed softly. Not at you, but at himself. “What's so funny?” 

“You want the truth?” He questioned as you nodded, although you weren't too sure if you really did want to know. What if Rooster was about to say he’d changed his mind. That he wasn't all in. that you weren't good enough or worth the risk. That as it turns out you were exactly what you said you were, a broken shell of a woman who was only just starting to see the glimpse of a light after being battered and beaten for years. That you, funnily enough–weren't actually worth Bradley Bradshaw's time after all. 

“I'd appreciate it, all the cards on the table.” Again, the silence was so heavy it felt like the weight of the world had settled on your shoulders. Bradley was the first man you'd ever given the time of day to besides your ex. Maybe you had rushed things, pushed too soon. Fallen too hard too fast and it was all about the blow up in your face like you knew it eventually would. 

Chuckling softly, Bradley shook his head as he groaned out a sigh, not in frustration or resentment. But in the softest of ways because he should have made it clear as day so much sooner. He shouldn't have let you get to a point where you had to ask what you were. 

“Well alright then.” He began, still parked at the lights. “I've never been so unconditionally in love before.” Wait, what? Were you hearing this correctly? “The day I met you? When you told me to fuck off because I was being too loud and you were trying to sleep, thats when I knew I wanted you in my life.” You couldn't believe what you were hearing. “Which probably makes it sound like I have a beratement fetish, which just isn't true, but I just wanted to get to know you and when you started letting me in I started to see just the most amazing woman.” 

“Rooster–” 

“Oh no, no I'm not finished sweetheart.” You felt the heat rising in your cheeks at the term of endearment that so easily slipped past Bradley’s lips. “I can't get enough of you and all the weird shit you do, from the way you harass everyone about their upcoming services to the way you always move those goddamn shower heads in the changing room so that your hair doesn't get wet if it's not a wash day.” You couldn't breathe, did Bradley really notice the small things like that.  

“I wouldn't have to harass you all if you'd just follow the service roster properly.” Mumbling under your breath you smirked wildly, so in love. 

“And then there's Odette–” Oh. This was where the Penny dropped wasn't it. Bradley didn't want a kid that wasn't his–he was gonna say something like he’d date you if you were a mum wasn't he? That he didn't want the package deal. “And she is just the most amazing little girl Y/n, you don't know what I'd do to protect her if I had to.” Oh, yep. No that got you far too good. You hadn’t noticed you were crying until Bradley reached over to cup your cheeks in his hands, wiping the tears that fell freeling with the pads of his thumbs before he leaned in to kiss you through a sob that tried to escape. 

“I've never loved two people more in my entire life the way I love you and your daughter Y/n, so hear me know when I say–come heaven or hell I am in your corner and I am all in and I don't know what you're comfortable labelling what I am to you and Dot but I'm here and I'm obsessed with you and if you let me I’d never leave your side.” Bradley was pouring his entire heart out so much so he hadn’t noticed the light turn green until the car behind him was honking at him to move. “Shit.” He pulled away and took his foot off the brake, accelerating so he wasn't holding up traffic any more than he already had been. “You don't have you answer me right now, I know you've been through alot and still haven’t told me everything but god I’m in love with you Y/n, to the point where I know if Jake didn't tell me how stupid I am every day I would've asked you to marry me by now.” 

“Are you serious?” 

“Where in that declaration of admiration did I stutter dear.” Bradley beamed as you sat next to him, soaking it all in with a smile so bright he’d never seen heaven open its gates in the form of a smile before. “You’re all I want, your daughter too–I don't think I could ever not love you both now that I've met you.” 

“I want to say it back.” 

“No– no you don't have to, and believe me I won’t ever expect you to but–” Rooster caught the sight of something that shouldn't have been coming his way in his peripheral vision. “FUCK!!” He shouted as he saw the car coming at the driver’s side, reaching out to throw his arm across your chest at the collision. Jolting you both as the car spun out in the middle of the intersection. 

He had the right of way—he followed the rules, wasn’t reckless because he had such pressure cargo. But here he was. A bloodied nose with a horn that wouldn’t shut up from the airbags that had been deployed. 

“Y/n?” Bradley crocked out as he came to, not sure if he was out cold for two seconds, two minutes or two hours, but the sound of Dot screaming in the back seat had his heart lurching out of his chest. “Hey, shhh—you’re alright sweetheart, it’s okay.” Bradley smiled as he turned to see if Odette was still in her seat. She was. From what he could tell? She was unscathed, just shaken. “Y/n, baby you with me?” He groaned as the seatbelt crushed his ribs. It had done its job a little too well if you asked him. 

“Mmmhmm—“ You groaned as you slowly sat up, your head in the mess of a deflated airbag. Nose bloodied like Bradley’s. “What the hell happened?” You asked dazed before you heard Dot screaming again. “Oh baby, no no mammas here, don't cry, S’okay yeah, we’re all okay, aren't we Roo?” You asked, tears in your eyes as Bradley nodded. He was good. “I'm coming okay, it's alright, you're okay.” Odette was inconsolable as she screamed out for you, crying her heart out from her spot behind Braldey. Fuck if that car had hit you any further up the side panel theres no telling what could of happened. 

“Don’t move, what if you’ve got a spinal inju—“ It came out of nowhere, but it had sent you against the window at a speed that probably wasn’t too good. 

“My daughter is more important.” You snapped before Rooster could finish his sentence. It wasn’t a conversation you were going to have. You needed to get to your daughter, unclipping your belt, opening your car door, taking a few short steps around the hood of the car before whoever had so stupidly hit you was getting out of theirs. 

“I’m so sorry—“ He began apologising as you focused on getting to Dot. “I wasn’t watching and—Y/n?” You knew that voice, that tone. Stopping in your tracks you met his eyes. The man who stood before knew in that moment he still held so much power over you because for a split second you stumbled. Catching yourself as panic rose in your chest. “Found you baby, I’m so happy I finally found you.” 

“Jaidyn—“ 

***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***

Tags: @a-serene-place-to-be @lilyevanswhore @thescarletknight2014 @blindedbythelightt t @averyhotchner @emma8895eb @blairfox04 @caitsymichelle13 @oxxolovemelikeyoudooxxo @teacupsandtopgun @aemondssiut @feltonswifesworld87 @akalei349 @notjustsomeblonde

[baby-alien11]

Anniversary (Y/N Ulrich Universe)

taglist: @volturi-girl-imagines @dessxoxsworld @camiesully @ethanlandryluver @nowitsmissing @aliciacat20 @gabbylovesreading @nikfigueiredo

Late august, 2022

After nearly two months of filming, the production of Scream VI ended and to celebrate, a wrap party was organized on the terrace of the building were everyone had been living, which had a similar vibe to all the mini parties, game nights and dinners that were held there, but this would be the last time everyone will be in the same place until the premiere in march

During the time in Montreal, you spend it with your dad, the cast, and most important, Jack (and his mom)

Since the moment both of you talked for the first time in the welcome party and then the first date, both of you became inseparable feeling an instant conection since those first moments, and now with end of filming you were going to miss seeing him everyday, yes, the calls and text exist but it wouldn't be the same

That night was being a blast until the moment with all the food, drinks, dancing, karaoke and everyone in nice outfits (your choice for that night was a pastel pink tank top, a black tennis skirt, platform ankle black boots and your southside serpents jacket and your hair in a half up ponytail with a pink ribbon)

"Hey, can we talk in a more private place?", Jack asked you with his hand on your back while the karaoke continued

"Yeah, sure", you nodded

Leaving the empty glasses that once had virgin coktails on a table near them, Jack guided both of you, with his hand still on your back, to a little private part of the terrace, which was a small corner that was more or less covered by some plants and flowers

"So, what do you want to talk about?", you asked with an eager smile

"I like you", those three words that just came out of his mouth were enoough to make your breath get stuck in your throat, "Since the first time we talked to our first date to this day, I've been developing feelings towards you, and I know it's only two months and a half since we met, but I feel a strong conection between us and you know -"

"Jack", you interrupted him mid speach at what he looked at you like a deer in headlights, "Oel ngati kameie", you said refering to that phrase of Avatar that you learned the meaning and how to pronounce it when both of you watched the movie in his room after you told him that you hadn't seen it, "I like you too, I've been feeling this since our first days together, but I didn't say anything because I didn't know if you felt the same, but I'm glad we feel the same"

"Yeah, me too", Jack nodded followed by small laughter between both of you, "Do you want to be my girlfriend?"

"I would love to", you smiled

Asking for permission to kiss you which was granted, Jack took your cheeks with his hands to bring close your faces while you put your hands on his waist due to the height difference, finally connecting their lips in a kiss that lasted a few seconds, until both of you listened the start of a song that made you separate but still keep your faces close to each other

"They really put 'Lover' right now?", you laughed

"I kinda tell Mason what I was planning", Jack explained, "So it must be him who put the song"

Still laughing, both of you shared another kiss before joining hands to go back to the others

Late august, 2023

Now, a year later, you were currently in the floor of your room preparing the box that was going to serve as the package for the gifts you bought two weeks prior, while Tatum played with one of her toys in your lap

After seeing a tik tok about a girl doing a box that the moment you remove the top it will open revealing a bunch of photos and sweet messages, you decided to try to do it, so now you were surrounded by the box, printed photos of both of you and things that connected you, scissors, glue, markers, paper and your laptop open in Pinterest while your playlist was sounding in a medium volume

"Tornado, everything good?", Skeet asked entering your room with a glass of orange juice, "Need some help?"

"I'm good at the moment, thank you dad", you said taking the glass to drink it, "What do you think about the box?"

"It looks nice", Skeet responded sitting on the floor next to you paying attention to the screen, "Are you searching photos of both of you on Pinterest? Why?"

"Because, for every photo I had of Jack and I on my phone there are twenty on Pinterest, some that I didn't know they existed, and also I'm putting some fanarts"

"People are doing fanarts of both of you? That's great"

"I know, my favorite is one of us in our looks of the Scream premiere but with ghostface masks, I'll send it to you later"

"At least it isn't a blanket with Jack's face on it", Skeet joked refering to the gift a fan gave you during the Fan Expo in Denver

"That was creative", you laughed taking a glance of the blanket that was laying on your bed, "And still want to know the reaction of the page when that girl ordered it"

"You should do the same"

"I don't have enough time for that, and I'm saving that for his birthday"

"What did you get him again?"

"A little chain with my initial and a stuffed baby cow, because he sent me a tik tok about them saying they were so cute, and the box of course"

"Even if all my relationships with your mom, Amelia, Rose, Lucy and other girlfriends didn't work, I'm happy that you and your siblings are in happy and healthy relationships with amazing people"

"Dad, you are going to make me cry and the tears are going to fall on the pictures, and I'd have to print them again", you joked making him laugh, "But thank you, I really apreciate it"

"It's what I'm here for", Skeet simplified getting up from the ground with the help of your vanity chair, "I'm going to buy some things, do you need something?"

"I'm running out of pads and tampons, you remember the brand and type I use?"

"I got it on my note app"

"Okay, thanks dad, and can you buy me a pumpkin spice latte with little ice and a pup cup for Tatum, please?"

"I'll see what I can do"

"Thank you", you exclaimed while he was already out of your room, "You're the best!"

When the day arrived, you woke up thanks to your phone ringing by a videocall from Jack which you answered still a little asleep, but still the call lasted for at least an hour until both of you had to go to prepare everything for the afternoon

And even so, he still did not tell you where you would go

"Wear something pretty", was the only thing he said

So, thanks to that only information and thanks to a shopping spree you made that same week, you got a blue with small flowers sundress to wear no matter the place he took you, straightened your hair adding a pearl headband, did your make up, added accessories and prepared your bag with your things, and the only thing left was the choice of shoes

"Dad, what shoes do I wear, the pink heeled sandals or the white nike sneakers?", you asked standing in the stairs with both shoes in hands while Tatum went down to climb onto the kitchen island, "I don't know where is he taking me, so I'm kind in a crisis right now"

"First, you look nice, second, both will look good but if you are going to walk a lot, the sneakers, if it's going to be somewhere relaxed were you are going to be sitting, the heeled ones", Skeet responded giving Tatum some fruit, "Which bag are you going to take?"

"The white Lady Dior, the one they sent me on my birthday"

"That one matches with everything"

"Dad, you're not helping", you cried going back to your room

"You cannot scape now", Skeet said looking at the orange cat, "It's too late for that"

Twenty minutes later, the door was knocked at what Skeet went to answer, seeing Jack with a bouquet of flowers on the other side smiling

"Hi", Jack greeted

"Hey kid", Skeet returned the greeting letting him enter the house, "You look good"

"Thanks, I'm going to take her to Pacific Park to recreate our first date, so I wanted to wear something comfortable", Jack said aproaching Tatum to scratch her between her ears

With that new information, Skeet aproached the start of the stairs

"Tornado, use the sneakers!"

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, trust me", was the last thing Skeet said before returning to the kitchen area, "She's coming in a minute, do you want something, water?"

"Sure, thanks", Jack nodded

"So, an amusement park, just like La Ronde back in Montreal?", Skeet asked

"Yeah, that was our first date and was special so I thought that going again to an amusement park was the right thing"

"Except for the part that there won't be adults this time", Skeet joked causing Jack to laugh, "You know I'm not a strict dad, but I want her here at midnight, and if you feel tired to drive to your house you can stay here to sleep, understood?"

"Totally", Jack nodded

"I'm ready!", you anounced getting down from the stairs with a white jean jacket, your purse and the box gift in your arms, "Sorry for the delay, I had a small fashion emergency"

"Don't worry, it's okay", Jack smiled looking at your whole look, "You look amazing"

"Thanks, you look handsome as well", you smiled looking at him

"These are for you", Jack said handing you the bouquet of flowers

"They're gorgeous, thank you", you responded taking them in your hands

"Kids, before you go I want to take some photos", Skeet interrupted the moment taking his phone out, "Don't worry about the flowers, I'll put them in water"

Leaving your things on the kitchen counter, both of you stand in the living room, the window ot the backyard and in the backyard for some photos, before going to the date

"So, where are we going?", you asked once the car started

"Somewhere", was Jack's only response before starting the way towards Pacific Park

When the amusment park started to be on sight, you turned to look at Jack with a big smile on your face, while he had the same expression occuping an empty parking space

"An amusment park?", you asked still smiling

"Yeah, do you like it?"

"I love it!"

Leaving the gift boxes in the trunk to open them later, both of you walked inside the park noticing it was a quiet night with not many people in there

"Where do you want to go first?", Jack asked

"Maybe the rollercoaster", you suggested, "I mean, so we can eat peacefully after that"

"That's a great idea", Jack agreeded, "We don't need to throw up again"

"No we don't", you laughed

Hand in hand, both of you walked to the rollercoaster to stand in line and wait until it was your turn to ride the game, taking advantage of the wait line to take some pictures and videos

After being in the ride and concluding it wasn't as intense as the same in Montreal, the route along other rides and games continued, in which he won a stuffed turtle that he gave to you, and later when you won a boba tea plushie that you gave to him

Taking a small break to eat, both of you decided to get two types of pizza to share and two sodas

"This has been fun", you commented taking a sip of your cherry soda

"And we don't have to worry about throwing up", Jack joked, "I was so embarrased after that"

"I was worse", you laughed, "The first thing we did after the ride ended was run to the closest trash can and throw up, not even different one, it was the same"

"Our parents stood there for a few seconds before helping us, and then after we finished they left us sitting on a bench to get some water, and we started to laugh"

"The next morning we didn't left our rooms because we felt sick", you finished, "I can't believe it's been already a year"

"Time flies", Jack nodded, "Remember when we kept the relationship private?"

"Three and a half months, it was fun because everyone was keeping the secret with us"

"And when we went public everyone was more relaxed"

Interrupting the moment, your phone started to sound at what you pulled it out noticing it it was Scott wanting to do a videocall

"Should I answer?", you asked Jack, "We're on our anniversay date"

"It might be important", Jack shrugged

Sighing, you anwered the call focusing both of you faces, seeing Scott face a few seconds later

"Hey mom and dad", Scott greeted, "Happy anniversary"

"Hey, my child", you greeted, "And thank you"

"What's up?", Jack spoke, "Everything good?"

"Yeah, sorry for interrupting your date but I needed to tell you this", Scott said, "I know it's still august and that, but I'm going to be in town for the Halloween weekend and I decided to throw a party"

"Sounds cool", Jack smiled

"I already told the others, and I'm assigning themes per person, couple or group, yours is Scream"

"This was intentional, right?", you joked

"Of course it was", Scott laughed, "And I don't want to see you repeating your looks of this last movie, you're an influencer/VFX make up artist and you're an actor, I need to see creativity!"

"We'll do our best", you promised, "Wait a second, did you call me an influencer?"

"Honey, you've been one since the day you hit ten thousand followers on instagram", Scott justified, "Now you have more than two million there and a million on tik tok, you are one"

"Can I bring some friends?", Jack asked

"Of course, the more the merrier", Scott exclaimed, "But I need their names for the list"

"Willa and Romeo"

"So, you're following Heidi Klum party style?", you joked

"I don't want people I don't know or like in my house, K and B for example", Scott explained, "But after you ended them on the late prom they won't dare to be in the same space as you, by the way, I'm going to assign Willa and Romeo Barbie as a theme"

"Okay, we'll let them know", you nodded

After saying goodbye and ending the call, both of you finished eating and continued with some relaxed attractions, until it was half an hour to the closure time that both of you decided to go to a more comfortable place to open the gifts which was a small picnic table next to some food stands in the Santa Monica pier

"Here's your gift", Jack smiled sliding a big soft yellow box towards you

"And here's yours", you also smiled sliding the big blue box you spend almost a week making towards him, "Want to start?"

"Sure", Jack nodded

Standing from the table to lift the top, the box openned from the four sides revealing the baby cow with the medium jewerly box and al the pictures and words on the interior

"This is incredible", Jack exclaimed examining the box causing your smile to increase, "I love it, the baby cow plushie is so cute"

"The tik tok you sent me of baby cows and how cute they were were the reason I bought it", you explained, "The box was also an idea I saw on there and I thought it was so creative that I had to do it"

"It's so beautiful, thank you so much gorgeous"

Taking the jewerly box in this hands, Jack openned it to see a delicate gold chain with your initial in a small size so it will be comfortable to wear

Without saying a word, Jack was quick to walk to you and take your cheeks to kiss you, at what you responded placing your hands on his neck

"I love this so much, and I love you", Jack said the moment the kiss ended, "Can you help me put it on?"

Nodding, you stand up from your seat, while he sat in your side of the bench, to retire the collar from the box and put it around his neck securing the clasp

"There it is", you said, "How does it feel?"

"It's perfect", Jack responded, "It's your turn now to open it"

Still smiling, you sat by his side to open your gift box, revealing an himalayan salt lamp, a jellycat of a bashful sloth and a jewerly box

"It's the salt lamp that I saw once on instagram", you exclaimed taking it out to examine it, "It's beautiful"

"I know you'll love it", Jack smiled, "And also a jellycat of one of your favorite animals"

"You're killing me of love", you exclaimed making him laugh

Taking the jewerly box, you openned it to reveal a gold chain with his initial

"No way we thought the same for the gifts", you joked sitting on the bench again

"You almost all the time are singing 'Call It What You Want' and that part of the song was the one that made me gift you the collar", Jack explained, "After I saw your gift I realised that we are completely connected because we thought the same to give each other"

"I love it", you smiled, "Can you help me to put it?"

Nodding, Jack took the neckale from your hands while you pullep up your hair so it would be easy to put it

After he finished putting it, both of you shared a kiss before sitting there and contemplate the view with your head on his shoulder and his on top of yours with your hands intervined

"Jack, oel ngati kameie"

"Oel ngati kameie, Y/N"

jackchampion, helloimpresleycash, addisonraee, and 119, 024 more

one year together which has been the best of my life, thank you for being by my side in everything, i love you

yn.ulrich I want to wear his initial

On a chain 'round my neck, chain 'round my neck

Not because he owns me

But 'cause he really knows me

tagged jackchampion

jackchampion love you gorgeous

› yn.ulrich love you babe

user753 STOP! THEY'RE SO CUTE!

skeetulrich kids, i'm happy that you found each other

user784 wait a minute, they've been together for a year??

› user038 yeah, they said they got together since the wrap party of scream vi

misstrinitybliss love you guys

user1389 did someone notice that she used a lyric from reputation and pressley liked the post??

› user22 and she has a snake tattoo, and her favorite era is reputation 👀

yn.ulrich, masonthegooding, camimendes and 129, 405 more

i can't believe it's already been a year since we've been together (one year and two months and a half since we met), i guess it's true when they said that time flies when you're in love

jackchampion Look in my eyes, they will tell you the truth

The girl in my story has always been you

I'd go down with the Titanic, it's true, for you, lover

tagged yn.ulrich

yn.ulrich i love you so so much

› jackchampion i love you more

madelame i'm about to cry, this is so cute

user120 he did a reference to a james cameron movie in the description??

› user893 no, that's a lyric of lover remix

skeetulrich i'm happy that you are part of our family, kid

masonthegooding you know, your anniversary would be perfect if I was there to put music

noahtwitch favorite couple

user109 i'm so happy that they survived the pandemic of couples breaking

[etherrreal]

“creep(er) into my heart”

Pairing: kenma x gn!reader Genre: fluff, friends to lovers Summary: two gamers walk into a fancy restaurant and it goes as well as you’d think. WC: 4,220 Warnings: N/A A/N: This is part 2 of “would you be mine(craft)?” with an even cornier title. You can probably read this without reading the first, but maybe read it for context? (also, i joke that applebee’s sucks but their “bourbon street chicken and shrimp” lives rent free in my head everyday) -Luna

Dates are meant to be anxiety-inducing, whether it’s a stomach full of butterflies or ruthless tornadoes.

So, it’s an odd feeling to be so calm and collected during the days leading up to a big date, especially one with Kenma. You assume it’s because the stakes are so low, knowing that if the spark isn’t there, you’ll still see him on Minecraft, probably that same night, to help with his iron golem farming idea like nothing ever happened. 

What’s even weirder is that both of you have continued to not discuss the date at all since he asked you the weekend before. You don’t know if it’s because it’ll be awkward to break the ice of the discussion or if he’s procrastinating figuring out the plans for that night, but you both continue to play games and watch anime together during the week without even grazing the topic.

If it wasn't for the Google Calendar invite reminding you 48 hours before Saturday that your date was in fact coming up, you would still believe that him asking you out was something you happened to imagine during your post-date funk.

Thankfully, come Thursday evening, not long after you get the notification, he sends you a text letting you know that he’ll be taking you to a restaurant in the city. It’s one you’ve passed several times before, which is how you know, without having to check their Instagram tags, that it’s a semi-formal, if not fully formal, dress code and dining experience. It’s an abnormal choice for Kenma to willingly select a place where he’d have to wear anything that buttons, let alone a full suit, so you have to imagine that the place must have glowing reviews for him to settle on it.

Now all you have to do is find a whole entire formal outfit with only two days’ notice and minimal time after work to shop. No biggie.

But you manage to do it in time—although barely since you had to rally together the group chat to help—and by the time Saturday comes, you’re actually feeling a bit of nerves start to pool in your stomach as you’re getting ready for the night. Although it all dissipates when you get a series of texts from Kenma, minutes apart, realizing that he may be experiencing the same kind of jitters that you’re feeling. 

‘I dont know how to tie a fucking tie, time to cancel the date’ ‘This is harder than finishing Dark Souls’ ‘I got it, but Kuroo made fun of me and is a terrible teacher and now my feelings are hurt’

You zoom through getting ready, and with about 30-ish minutes until your 7PM reservation, the 25-minute Uber ride leaves you with just enough time to be early. And you’re given quite the shock when you step out of the car and you already see Kenma in front of the restaurant, head hung low as he scrolls through his phone. As you get closer, you notice he cleans up nicely in his smart black suit with his hair pulled back into a bun except for a few face-framing pieces. You make sure to call his name to get his attention, his head snapping up when he hears your voice.

“Wooow, look at you, Mr. Snazzy,” you comment, reaching up to straighten his tie. “I’ve never seen you so gussied up before. Must be quite the date for you to dust off your one and only suit.”

“I have a second suit,” he says defensively. “It’s gray because Kuroo says that’s a better color to wear for the daytime.”

“When did Kuroo become your fashion stylist?”

“When my publicist politely said that I looked like a scrub in all my other clothes during meetings.”

“...She never said anything about your hair, though?”

Kenma glares at you, definitely offended by the implication that his excessively grown out roots are unprofessional, to which you offer a small smile, hoping that he knows you meant it with love. 

“Let’s just go inside before I get insulted again tonight.” 

He pulls the door open for you—like the gentleman that he pretends to be—and steps up to greet the host before you can say anything.

“Hello, I have a reservation for 7PM. Kozume.”

Normally, you’d joke about him finally being able to speak to a server by himself, seeing as he still has to hype himself up sometimes before asking for extra ketchup when you’re eating out. You remember there being a time when he ordered marinara sauce with his cheesy bread from Domino’s and when it wasn’t included, he was fully prepared to leave and eat his bread dry to avoid talking to anyone. You ended up having to take the receipt up to the cashier and fixing the mistake so you didn’t have to see him somberly eating his sauceless bread.

The jokes slip your mind, however, as you take in the decor of the place. A few chandeliers hang from the high ceiling, sparkling under the low light from the sconces on the wall. Each table is decorated with a crisp white tablecloth and set with dark green trimmed plates, long-stem wine glasses, and folded cloth napkins around a simple floral centerpiece.

You’re observing the attire of the guests, feeling a bit underdressed, but also overdressed considering how effortless and chic most of the outfits are. The meals they’re eating look especially small, probably only a few bites on the giant plates. It’s a place definitely out of your comfort zone, one that you’d think would be nice to attend, but probably never would because it’s so bougie and you’d feel out of place.

Kenma’s hand on your lower back startles you out of your thoughts, and suddenly, you’re being guided toward the middle of the restaurant, a server in front of you to lead the way.

The server pulls out your chairs, providing menus and telling you that he’ll be back when you’re ready to order. Polite smiles and thanks are given as you settle in, draping your coats over the backs of your chairs and picking up the menus.

If you thought you felt out of place when you walked in, you’re definitely feeling it now. You scan the menu, trying not to look too stressed when you see the prices and can’t recognize or even read the foreign names of certain dishes, but from what you can read, nothing is sparking joy. You’re trying to get a read on Kenma, glancing up to see if he’s also having trouble picking something from the menu or if he’s confident about what to order, but his stoic face gives nothing away.

In an attempt to put out some feelers, you clear your throat before saying, “I’m not really sure what to pick. How about you? See anything you like?”

“I’m still looking, but nothing so far,” he responds, trailing off at the end as he watches a server bring some morsels of food plated on a bowl of rocks to the table next to you. It’s only then that can catch his eye and in them, you’re seeing the same feeling of bewilderment and unease from being in this setting. But it’s gone in a second, back to his normal flat expression.

But you definitely saw it, so now that you know the feeling’s mutual, you feel less bad about feeling it yourself. You let a few moments pass, with the menu held in front of your face, high enough that only your eyes peek out from over the top before you let out a suggestion.

“....You know we passed by a Domino’s on the way here, and now all I can think about are their wings.”

Kenma nearly slams the menu onto the table, eyes wide and ravenous for some food. “I want some of their cheesy bread so bad.”

“Wanna make a run for it?” You’re trying to be low-key when looking around for anyone that could be watching, gently setting the menu down and grabbing the collar of your coat, looking back to Kenma for confirmation. He’s already shoved one arm into the sleeve of his blazer and is scooting back his chair to stand, making sure to give you a nod so you know that it’s go time.

You’re not as graceful as Kenma is in your escape, nearly spilling someone’s drink while putting on your coat on the way out. You pick up your pace, ignoring Kenma’s glance and snickers. He reaches the door first, holding it open for you while you finally get your coat on. There’s a beat while you stand there before you both burst into giggles, nearly keeling over with laughter and tears in your eyes.

Finally, standing up straight after a few minutes, you gesture behind you. “Ready to go get a gourmet meal?” 

With an excited nod from Kenma, you walk side by side down the streets. You use the time to clown him for not knowing how to tie a tie, even suggesting that you’ll gift him a clip-on for future uses so he doesn’t hurt his little gamer hands trying to tie a knot. 

To which he responds with, “And I’ll light your Minecraft house on fire using my little gamer hands if you don’t shut up.”

Suddenly, you’re silent.

The Domino’s is a bit farther than it seemed while in the car, but eventually, you see the glowing blue and red symbol high up on the square building, rushing ahead to rip open the door so you can quickly usher Kenma inside and order as soon as possible.

Too much money later, you’re skipping out of Domino’s, wings and cheesy bread secured along with other impromptu boxes of goodies to take home. You’re both waiting at the corner while you pull open the Google Maps app to figure out the best place to catch a cab when you notice a spot nearby that piques your interest. 

“Did you know there’s an arcade around the corner?!” you nearly scream, shoving your phone in his face to show him Google Maps. 

“No, I didn’t know that,” he says, moving your phone at least a few inches away from his face. “Want to go there?”

“Won’t our food get cold though?”

“That’s what microwaves are for. Duh,” he jokes, grabbing your hand to guide you down the block to the illuminated storefront. You run in like children, making a beeline to the token machine. You begin reaching for your wallet when Kenma lets go of your hand, shoving your wallet away and aggressively pulling out money from his own.

You stare down at your palm in the meantime, feeling little tingles spread throughout it, flexing your fingers and no doubt looking like a weirdo.

Kenma has done his fair share of dragging you away from places, usually when you're glued to the glass window of a store that has anime knick-knacks you want but have absolutely no damn space for, but usually he just grabs your elbow or wrist. You could be overthinking it, but he must've grabbed your hand on purpose. Or you're just that desperate for physical affection. 

He shoves a handful of tokens into your open palm, putting his own into his pockets. The arcade suddenly feels so overwhelming, with lights and noises all around you. Should you try the crane games first? Or maybe some skee-ball? You could probably dominate him in that…

“Want to start with some air hockey?” Kenma suggests, pointing over to a free table in the corner. 

Yes. Air hockey. An easy win start. “Oh hell yeah, let’s do that.”

You shouldn’t have been so confident. It’s not turning out in your favor, not in the slightest, and you should’ve guessed that, going up against a guy who was the brain of his volleyball team. In your defense, you did win the first game, rubbing it in Kenma’s face and doing a dance like a sore winner. Then he absolutely demolished you for the next three rounds and had the gall to be humble about it like he didn’t just embarrass you in front of the many elementary school kids around you.

You would’ve kept going, being stubborn as hell and telling Kenma, “Best 5 out of 6?” until you got into double digits. But suddenly he has to “go use the bathroom,” which sounds like an excuse to you.

“I’ll be right back. Don’t go too far,” he warns you.

And, to be fair, you don’t go too far. You only walk about twenty feet away to the anime crane game that’s hiding behind a row of other crane games that would be blocking Kenma’s view to you if he comes back the same way he left. He has a phone that he could use to text you if he really can’t find you. 

It’ll be fiiiine, you think as you slide in a token and get ready to win the anime figure. 

The time passes quickly, not that you notice it. All you know is that you’ve gone through maybe half of your tokens while trying to get the figure to fall between the two bars, only asking the staff to help you reposition once because you managed to mess it up that bad. 

It’s funny to think that you were more worried about sticking out like a sore thumb at the fancy restaurant than you are now at the arcade, surrounded by people of all ages in sneakers and jeans while you stand there at the claw machine in dress clothes with your nose nearly against the glass. Maybe they’ll think you’re an important business person coming by to decompress after a very long, busy day at work. 

Then you squawk when you finally score the prize after only several more dollars worth of coins, and the facade promptly sails out the window.

It’s only after you have the box in your arms that you decide to check the time, realizing you’ve spent at least ten minutes straight playing. What’s weirder is that Kenma still hasn’t returned yet, and you have no messages or missed calls from him asking where you’re at, which means he's either still in the bathroom–and if that’s the case, you’re deeply worried for his bowels–or he got distracted on his way back from it. 

You’re almost at the bathrooms when you see Kenma walking towards you from the corner of your eye, definitely not coming from the bathroom as you’d expect. 

“Where were you? I thought you said you had to go to the bathroom.” You notice he’s holding an overstuffed plastic bag. “What did you get? When the hell did you even have time? Or are you just that lucky?”

“Oh. This is, uh..” Suddenly, he’s sheepish, opening the plastic bag where you can see something fuzzy and pink in it. “I didn’t actually need to go to the bathroom. I saw a Kirby plush in a crane machine when we walked in and knew I had to get it for you.” 

Before you could even say anything, he’s pulling out the plush and you notice it’s not just a regular Kirby, but one with a chef hat and pan. You make grabby hands at it until he hands it over, trying to hold it just with one hand and squishing it against your chest and face. 

“I love him so much! Thank you, Kenma.” 

Like a lot of things tonight, it’s different from your normal friendly interactions. Instead of your usual hugs where you go in at a diagonal or the lazier times when it’s just a side hug, your arms are now wrapped around his neck with his around your waist. It feels weird. A good weird. Like you’re feeling the subtle change from friendship to something a little more. It’s hard not to get your hopes up because although you’ve told yourself that you’ll be good with being ‘just friends,’ throughout the night, you find yourself quite hopeful for the chance to explore something romantic with Kenma. 

You part slowly, him shoving Kirby back into the bag and insisting on holding it for you after you reach for it, which you suppose you could allow since he’s been such a gentleman tonight. 

“Great minds think alike because I got you a gift, too,” you announce, handing over the box you worked so hard for. “I don’t remember her name, but I know you have a few that look like her in your room, so what’s one more to add to your waifu collection.”

“Thanks for the gift, and also, for saying that so loud. I’m sure the whole arcade liked hearing about how much of a weeb I am.” He gives you a smile, somehow managing to stuff the box into the already full bag. “Want to spend the rest of our tokens then head to mine? I only have a few more.”

You pull your sad six out of your pocket. “Yeah, me too. That crane game wasn’t kind to me.”

You have a blast with the remaining tokens, staying away from crane games and sticking more to the classics. You learn that Kenma’s strategic thinking in volleyball does not translate over to basketball when you watch him miss every single basket of the game except for his last one in which he threw the ball against the back wall in frustration and landed right in the net.

Even when ordering the Uber minutes later, he still has a frown etched on his face from losing, and as much as you want to rub it in his face that now he’s feeling like you were after air hockey, you leave him to sit in his feelings. 

It’s a silent ride, at least on the outside. Internally, you’re an anxious, overthinking mess with your inner thoughts going a mile a minute. You spend the whole ride back to his place wondering if it’d be too forward of you to hold his hand that’s sitting on the seat between you two. It’s not like he didn’t hold your hand earlier tonight, even if it was only to drag you toward the arcade. Once you finally convince yourself that it’d be okay to try, the ride is over and his hand slips away to open the car door and you sigh as you lose your chance to be brave. 

When you’re home, Kenma’s tie and shirt undone and your dress shoes thrown haphazardly by the door, you finally get to discuss your thoughts on the restaurant. About how stuffy it felt in your formal clothes and how ridiculous the plating looked for the meals because you didn’t know what they’d even be able to taste with a portion size that small. Kenma even thanks you for breaking the ice by bringing up Domino’s because if you never did it “you’d still be in that restaurant having your 12th course of the meal.”

You swallow your bite and take a quick sip of your drink. “Why did you even choose that restaurant in the first place? Doesn’t feel like a place you’d be at.”

Kenma shrugs, brushing off the crumbs from his hands. “I don’t know… I guess I didn’t want our first date to be just like any other night we’d had. I wanted it to stand out from the rest so you can know that I’m serious about you.”

Your heart just about bursts hearing his gentle voice say that. “That’s… So sweet. I don’t know what to say to that besides thank you. Never knew you could be so charming.”

“Don’t expect it too often,” he jokes, to which you respond with an elbow to his ribs. “I know today didn’t go as expected, so maybe we can try again with a different restaurant.” 

“Maybe—and this is me just spitballing here—we should work our way up to the formal dress restaurants by starting with something simple like… Applebee’s.”

“I feel like Applebee’s is somehow a worse starting point than a place like McDonald’s.”

“Fiiiine. Since you have so much to say, then you pick where we’re eating for our next date. Just make sure I can get away with wearing sneakers and jeans, is all I’m saying.”

“Who said we were actually going on a second date? I don’t know if I want to date someone who eats wings like a toddler.” He reaches over with a napkin to wipe the corners of your mouth which you begrudgingly allow.

“Well, I don’t know if I want to date someone who waits until 48 fucking hours before the date to tell me that I have to put together a whole formal outfit for a restaurant.” Kenma looks away abruptly, but not before you see his shameless smirk. “Why the hell did you even take so long?” 

“I had to use some connections to get a reservation there within the week, and they didn’t get back to me until Thursday, so you knew when I knew!” 

“Hm… okay. I’ll let that one slide then. For now.” 

“So, I can get a second date?” 

“If you insist.”

Kenma puts what’s left of your food in his fridge with the promise of leftovers tomorrow. You help him tidy up a bit, taking your sweet time because it’s finally dawned on you that the date will be ending soon. You’re hit with a wave of disappointment, realizing just how much you enjoyed his company all day. And maybe it’s silly, but you don’t want it to end just yet.

When you’ve thrown away the last napkin, you slide in next to him in the kitchen, bumping shoulders with him before hooking your arm with his. “Wanna finish watching that anime you showed me? The one with the long title?”

He lets out an amused chuckle. “Glad you enjoyed it so much that you remember the name, but sure.”

He lets you guide him to the couch by his arm, plopping yourselves down on it while he grabs his remote to pick the show from his ‘continue watching’ section.

Halfway through the episode, you scooch even closer to Kenma so you can lean on him, your head gently resting on his shoulder to test the waters. He lifts his arm up to grasp you tighter, fingers trailing up and down your upper arm without looking away from the screen. You peer up at him to see a little smile on his face—hoping it’s because of your current position and not because of the atrocities happening on the screen. You’re rarely this close to Kenma. The closest you get to him on the daily is him leaning over you to fix some computer issues or you peering over his shoulder to watch him play on his Switch. 

You’ve never paid attention to his warm amber scent mixed with something floral, probably from his conditioner he told you he overpaid for because he thought it was on sale. How plush his hoodie is and how you’re definitely going to be “borrowing” it as a partner tax in the future. Or how the ends of his hair that’s tickling your face are really soft, no doubt because of that expensive conditioner, and you fight the urge to play with a few pieces. You could get used to being with him if this is what you’d be getting every day.

You manage to last another episode and a half before his soft touch lulls you to sleep, a smile mirroring his on your face.

You have a funny dream that night; you and Kenma are at an Applebee’s, both dressed in your grubbiest hoodies and sweats, while the subpar food sits untouched in front of you. He’s holding one of your hands on the table, stroking his thumb back and forth on the back of yours, the other hand keeping his head propped. You’re telling a story, laughing and waving your free hand around as you delve deep into it. To everybody else, you’re sure Kenma looks bored out of his mind, probably waiting for you to stop talking or at least get to the good part. But you know him better than that.

You can see the affection in his eyes as he doesn’t break eye contact with you, humming in acknowledgment wherever necessary so you know he’s actually listening. He’s squeezing your hand every now and again just because he can. His phone is face down on the far end of the table, most likely on ‘Do Not Disturb’ because you don’t hear a single vibration against the table. 

You’ve got his complete and undivided attention until he decides to get off his seat to lean over the table. You quiet down immediately, unsure of what the hell he’s going to do until he tilts his head and gently kisses you on your lips, lasting only a second before promptly sitting down and telling you to continue your story as if nothing happened. 

Non-dream Kenma would never do something so bold in public. At least, you don’t think so. 

But, goddammit, even if it means writing a script and playing director, you’re going to try your fucking hardest to make sure it happens exactly like your dream during your second date.

Written by: Luna

we’ve got a taglist if you’re interested 👀

[secondaxispoint]

Could you do a Joel x male reader where spoilers for episode 8 and game spoilers after the incident reader admits to Ellie that he was also sexually assaulted and comforts her. Joel hears this part he talks to reader about it and comforts him if your not comfortable with the topic it’s okay too only if you’re comfortable enough ! Make sure to drink water and eat food stay safe!

Pairing: Joel Miller x Male!Reader

Warnings: Vague mentions of SA (Nothing explicit)

Content: Hurt/Comfort

If anyone has experienced or has trouble with SA, this fic probably isn't for you. There isn’t anything explicit, because I wouldn't be comfortable writing it, but there are mentions. Remember that you are not alone. Stay safe guys. 🧡🧡🧡

When Your Lost in the Darkness

Joel and Ellie came stumbling through the door, looking dazed and tired. She had blood on her face and he was looking a little worse for wear, but they were alive. Ellie helped Joel sit down then rushed into your embrace. You had your leg broken in the last fight you had been in, a rough, homemade splint hugged your shin.

She clutched at your waist tightly, almost catatonic. You returned her embrace and looked over to Joel. They were both silent. So you bent down, trying to avoid messing up your leg worse, and looked Ellie in the eye. You had your hands on both sides of her face.

“What happened Ellie?”

You question her quietly, keeping your voice light. Her eyes gloss over and her lip quivers. She wrapped her arms around your neck and shoved her face into your chest. You heard her fighting back a sob. You rubbed her back, attempting to soothe her, and looked over to Joel once more. His face was a tornado of emotions. Fury, sorrow, despair, and hurt.

“Can we talk about it in private please? Please?”

She pulled back, her grip like a vice on your shirt. You nodded and took her hand. You limped to the bedroom in the back and sat down on the floor. Ellie plopped down in front of you. You looked at her expectantly but said nothing. You didn’t want to push her in any way. You wanted her to trust you enough to tell you anything. 

She didn’t look at you. She only stared down at her feet. You pat the ground next to you, offering comfort if she wanted. She was at your side in less than a second. She shuffled into your side and laid against you. You again wrapped your arm around her. She breathed in deep and started retelling what happened.

She told you about Silver Lake and the cannibalistic residents. She then took a pause. She grabbed and fiddled with your shirt. She then hesitantly told you about David. The fire, the cage, the close call she had with James. All of it. Watched as your face darkened when she told you about what David was planning to do.

 Blind rage filled you to the brim, blurring your vision. Your breathing shallowed, your jaw tensed, and your fist was clenched tightly. She quickly informed you that the bastard was dead, your expression lightening a bit. She sniffled against your side and clutched your clothing tighter. 

“You're not alone El. I know it sounds cliche but I understand how you feel.”

She looked up at you.

“Really?”

You nodded. She asked you what happened. You pulled the painful memory from the very back of your brain. You never wanted to think about it again but you would do anything to support the little girl next to you. You told her of that night. No explicit details, not wanting to upset her. You told her how you felt afterward. You finished and the room went quiet. Ellie was still for a moment.

“Does it get better?”

Her voice muffled by your shirt.

“Eventually. It’s going to take a while and it’s gonna suck for a really long time, but it will get better.”

That seemed to ease her slightly. You moved to get up but was stopped by Ellie grabbing your sleeve.

“Thanks. It really helped y’know. Knowing that I’m not alone.”

“You’ll never be alone. Not when Joel and I are here.”

You nod and give her a faint smile. She hugs you again and gets up to leave. You listen to her footsteps as she walks out of the room. You tilt your head back against the wall and let out a sigh. You struggle while trying to get up, almost falling flat on your face. But you were caught by a strong figure grabbing you around the waist. Joel set you back on your feet but didn’t loosen his grip on you. He looked disheartened.

“Are your alrig-”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

Joel interrupted you mid-sentence.

“I don’t-”

You couldn’t look him in the eye, so you stared down at his shoes. He pulled you in for a warm hug. He soothed you, rubbing his hand up and down your back. You sighed and reciprocated. He helped you back into the main room and sat down on the couch. The two of you sat quietly. You had your head on his shoulder and he had a hand around you. He was warm. Your mind emptied and you melted into him.

[mrsfrecklesmarauders]

Sirius leaned in, but Remus was strong to look away and avoid the kiss. He was angry now. They were having a really good time so far and Sirius had to ruin it.

"Sirius..." Remus protested, mainly as an scold, because Sirius didn't learn. It was obvious what he was doing. He had to have everyone attracted to him.

"It was just an innocent kiss..." Sirius backed away apologetically. "It's okay if you don't want to" he shrugged trying to look like he didn't care.

Remus sighed and shook his head.

"We've talked about this. I am not willing to be a game anymore..." Remus explained as he started gathering the picnic things they had used. "You said you needed time and I respect that but I am not up for this again"

Sirius pursed his lips "You were the one to invite me to have a picnic with you, remember?"

"Yeah as a thank you for all that you've done for me" Remus snapped "As friends"

Sirius scoffed "I don't understand..." he said, rather angrily "You flirt with me, follow me around, say nice things to me... And now you act cold..."

"Yes, I love you!" Remus yelled it, because it seemed impossible for Sirius to understand either way "I am a fool in love..." Remus added, now feeling his cheeks on fire because he had surprised Sirius "But that doesn't mean I want to be played by you all my life..." he stood up "I want to be able to be with you. Kiss you, touch you, hold your hand, call you something more than a friend..." then he looked at Sirius as the latter mirrored his position "But it sucks because I know I can't. You are always going to be confused and it is very unlikely that we end up together. So that's what I got... I still want to be able to be your friend without feeling this way, without loving you like this, but it is rather impossible. But I don't know what to do. I don't want to lose you. It is killing me not being able to have you"

Never in a million years, Remus had been good at expressing his feelings and confessing himself. But he had been hiding his love for Sirius for so long that he felt like boiling water, ready to combust. He needed to let it all out. He was sick and tired of being the good friend, waiting for Sirius to come around.

"I think it is better if I stay away from you" Remus added, now seeing Sirius was too shocked to respond "And forget about you"

Remus sighed before he started picking up things. Just to have something to do. Or hide his embarrassment. He felt Sirius’s eyes on him as his hands were busy, storing things on a basket. He wished he wasn't ruining their dynamic or friendship. Though the feelings he had were too strong to hide them anymore.

"You are the best thing that has happened to me, Remus" Sirius said, making Remus's heart stop for a second. He faced him. Sirius’s eyes were penetrating him. So intense and wild. Full of emotions.

"You just came into my life to fuck me up..." Sirius added "And I mean that in the best way..." he chuckled, running his fingers through his hair, making it messy as Remus liked it "You are the best friend someone could ask for. So sweet and delicate. But at the same time a fucking tornado. So wild and crazy... I... I haven't done anything, I am no special... I am in fact a mess, and you still love me like no one else had. And I don't know what to do about it... "

Sirius’s eyes filled with upcoming tears. "Fuck it... I was planning on how to express this but I am just going to say it"

Remus's heart was jumping on his chest at this point. He didn't notice how his eyes had gone wet as well.

"Say what?" Remus asked quietly and carefully.

Sirius opened his mouth but hesitated. He looked so nervous it seemed impossible for someone like him. But there he was, looking adorable like a lost puppy. Sirius could lie easily but something in his eyes always told Remus the truth. It gave Remus hope and a goddammit anticipation to hear what he wanted to hear. He had been dreaming about it for so long.

"Say it, Sirius"

"I.. I just.."

"Say it!" Remus demanded now, desperate.

"I am fucking crazy in love with you!"

The words came out as fast as a lighting. Unable to stop them. Powerful, dangerous but beautiful. Remus was speechless. He felt a rush of electricity running through him. Chills but the good kind.

"I am going insane! You drive me crazy, Remus! Fuck!" Sirius was yelling now. Almost furious with raging tears and all. But Remus didn't know if it was anger, happiness or sadness. Or something else entirely.

Sirius closed the gap between them until he was too close to Remus that he could feel his breath. Everything was happening so fast. Remus was dizzy in the most beautiful way.

"And I don't want you to forget about me" Sirius added, searching for his eyes "I am not going to allow that"

And just like that, Remus was grabbed by his neck and pulled into a kiss. He responded eagerly and easily. Like always. It would be always like that. Remus would always fall for Sirius again and again. No matter what.

This time the way Sirius kissed him was full of passion. He was trying to prove his point. He was trying to show with actions (and lots of tongue) what he had just said. The way Sirius kissed him now felt different than the others. It was the best kiss so far. Fucking hell.

Remus's knees felt weak.

Remus believed him. Remus had no doubt that Sirius spoke the truth. He loved him. He truly loved him. Remus's heart was going to explode with joy.

To prove it, he smiled and giggled in the little time they broke apart. Sirius gave him that gorgeous smile of his as well. This was heaven. Immediately after, Sirius was kissing him again. Loving someone this much couldn't be this healthy, Remus thought, as his heart combusted with emotions. But he couldn't care less. He let himself go. And he kissed and kissed Sirius until they were both out of breath.

[honakito]

Heya! Just stumbled upon this account and I just wanted to say that I already adore your writings!!(even if it's just two(?) so far-) So I decided to make a request:D It's a bit of a silly one, but Kanade and Mizuki(separate please!) x reader hcs playing UNO with them, like, the card game wahahjsha This is mostly random, but I'll be glad if you'll be able to do it! Just don't rush yourself, please..(^^;)

⠀⠀ ͏͏͏ ͏͏͏ ͏͏͏ ͏͏͏ ͏͏͏⠀⠀ ͏͏͏ ͏͏͏ ͏͏͏ ͏͏͏ ͏͏͏⠀⠀ ͏͏͏ ͏͏͏ ͏͏͏uno. . ? like the card deck game ? ?

UNO! - prod. honakito

posted as : request

chars. : a. mizuki , y. kanade

type : x g/n ! reader

scenario : playing uno with them ( headcanons )

taglist : @finanah ( ask to be added )

notes : first of all ignore the header second of all i love this idea so much i had to immediately do it since my brain was like a tornado of ideas what the hell,,, and i still have a request to do that is probably older than my account (not really its from 2 days ago i just like taking my sweet time) + a recent one ,, still, thank you for requesting a different character! enjoyy ^_^

notes 2 : i was thinking of, once im done with the requests, posting analysis of different pjsk characters and card sets? i already have two ideas of this type of posts, and i think i have enough time, since i skipped school today, will skip tomorrow and wednesday is a free day thats awesome

date : 21 / 01 / 24 - 22 / 01 / 24

a. mizuki

literal uno expert.

they get competitive so quickly. i can feel it.

theyre also the definition of a ‘ its only okay when i do it ‘ person. like , for example , if you played a +4 card , they’d mockingly let out a loud whine for giggles. but if they have a +4 or +2 too , get ready to see a mischievous grin paint their face. theyd take this as a competition they have to win.

i feel like theyd trick you with their facial expressions and actions. lets say , you switch the color to one they have lots of cards of. theyd let out a surprised gasp while laying down on you a reverse card, two skip cards and a +4 card. 

half of it , they’re determined to win. if theyre feeling nice tho , mizuki will play easy for you. that lasts the total of maximum 2 rounds tho , they have a streak to maintain.

most of the time , you cant win for your dear life. if you do get lucky tho , they will jokingly get upset , but is actually pleasantly surprised! guess their talent sticked off to you.

i kind of imagine mizuki remaking the whole decks design when bored. like your own version of uno. the jirai keified version. like those making [thing] coquette.

about how frequently you’ll play tho? i think atleast once a month. even more , if you ask. they mostly play whenever theyre feeling sad tho , one game of uno with you lifts their spirits up and boosts their ego for the day higher than an americans appetite.

‘ heh heh heh… i won again! ‘ , , , ‘ i get it mizuki , i get it. ‘

y. kanade

genuinely never played uno before.

ok , that’s exaggerating now , isnt it?

kanade surely played uno before with nightcord in empty sekai. it being , ofcourse , mizukis idea. its not like shes an absolute pro at it tho.

but shes not incapable of not understanding the rules , either. she’d take a strategy and maximum beat you 3 times. maximum. i feel like you’d be the better one.

i feel like you wouldnt play so frequently , only when you so happen to be over while kanades taking a break from composing. so things wouldnt get awkward , you always bring a card deck of uno with you.

if your relationship is established after the ‘ saying goodbye to my masked self ‘ event , mafuyu would oftenly join your game by kanades invitation. if youre lucky enough to catch honami unoccupied , dont be shy to call her too! the more the merrier.

even so , she does not care about the winner at all. kanades just happy to spend some quality time with you, even if its over uno. which leads me to think you’d let her win on purpose sometimes. her eyes sparkle a bit whenever she does get the victory over you , it is a scenery you cannot get enough of.

‘ hm? i won… ‘ , , , ‘ great job, kanade! ‘

i love hashtag skipping school ALSO please read notes 2 ok thanks ,,

dividers arent mine ; credits to the rightful owners on TUMBLR

[theflashdriver]

Birthday-versary (A Sonic 06 Anniversary Fanfic)

Despite outside appearances, Sonic didn't really consider himself the partying sort. Sure, whenever a party happened he'd show up for a while, but the blue blur would never linger long. He'd grab some grub, share some laughs, and then speed off before things could get stale. Sometimes that meant hanging around for five minutes, sometimes he'd last up to an hour, but rarely if ever would the hedgehog linger till the end of such an event. Perhaps that was why no one ever invited him to help set up a party. Well, he'd hadn't been until today.

Sonic the hedgehog was stood looking out at the sea, his foot tapping against a varnished wooden deck and stomach only slightly churning. His fear of water was usually quelled by the security of a vehicle, frequent flights in the Tornado had more than proven that to him, but there was something different in the air today. It wasn't that the boat he stood upon was constructed by Marine the Raccoon, he'd rode her vessels before too. They hadn't even left port yet; the anchor was buried in the depths and the ship was bound to the dock. The waves weren't even splashing high! No, this present discomfort was something else.

Well, he had already spent his social quota and partying at sea meant no escpae, Maybe things were that-

"Need some help Sonic?" A familiar voice asked, arriving to lean against the taffrail beside him, "Looks like you're working way too hard."

"Hey Ames, how's it going?" He worked up a smirk, turning to her, "Is that all the baking done?"

"Just iced the last layer of the cake, but the host insisted on preparing a couple of things by her lonesome and sent me off on an investigation," She relayed, a smug look claiming her muzzle, "We couldn't help noticing the tables haven't been set."

"Oh, really?" Sonic feigned ignorance, leaning back against the ship's wooden railing.

"Yes," Amy hummed, "It seems someone went to the effort of getting the tables tables and chairs from the palace, tossed a table cloth over each, and then just dumped all the cutlery and placemats on top before calling it a day. They didn't even get the glasses from below deck."

"I wonder who did that," The blue hedgehog had to look away.

"I have my suspicions," He felt Amy push in closer.

"I guess we'll never know..." He half sang, a hand in his quills.

Sonic felt a hand on his chest, both pinning him in place and pulling his gaze back to her. The pink hedgehog still had an apron on, worn over her red dress, that instructed him to kiss the cook in writing that was overly speckled with hearts. She'd pulled her quills back into a ponytail for the work, but just one quill had slipped astray of her scrunchie. An icing smudge marked her left cheek, on that same side. She was leaning in much too close, now walking her fingers up to his shoulder; a game had begun.

"I could see myself to finishing that work, taking on that important task abandoned by a certain somebody..." Her fingers stopped just before the left side of his collarbone, "But I'd want them to do something for me in exchange."

"Oh? "In that moment, Sonic saw his opportunity, "And just what would you want that hypothetical person to do?"

Before she could answer, Sonic reached to cup the pink girl's cheek. With a brush of his thumb the icing mark was removed, their eyes locked and he caught the sparkle in her emerald eyes. He ever so deftly reached with his index and middle fingers to push back that stray quill, looping it into taut green ribbon at the back of her head.

"Marry me?" She breathlessly asked.

Seizing her moment of surprise, the blue blur slipped out from the pink hedgehog's grasp to spin around and position her against the boat's edge with his hand now shifted to her shoulder, "That's a real steep price for forgetting some placemats, I don't think I can make that deal Amy."

"Oh, so now you're admitting to shirking your duties," She rolled her eyes.

"Well yeah," He smirked wider, "I'm winning."

"Of course you are," She smothered a laugh, her gaze dropping, "You're entirely at ease."

"What's that supposed to mean? I totally am," He leaned in further, managing to relock their eye contact.

"You've totally not been hiding over here, dodging the work you promised would be no sweat, because you're overthinking spending some time at sea," That truth was followed by another, "That and, well, the energy on deck is admittedly a little tense. Doesn't seem like your scene, at least at the moment."

Ah, perhaps that was the real reason he'd retreated to the bow of the ship. The vibes on the ship had been positively electric at first, but tension had travelled like chain lightning from one person to another. Today's host was the original source of that shift, no number of passing jokes had seemed able to quell the anxiety plainly bubbling within her. That much was to be expected from most party hosts, but the guardian of the Sol Emeralds seemed rather new to this particular duty. An overthinking Blaze on a very wooden boat was an undeniably dangerous combination.

"You're not wrong," He confessed, though put on his strongest smirk yet, "But, I mean, between us, I am winning right now."

"I don't know about that either. I'm exactly where I want to be," Now her eyes were sparkling again, "And you're exactly where I'd want you."

The wind fully dropped from his sails as his hand left her shoulder. When it came to Amy, even winning meant he'd lose, just a little. Sonic swivelled around to lean beside her again.

"Alright Ames, let's cut to the chase," Maybe he had won now, she looked annoyed that he'd left that position, "What's happened and what do you actually want me to do?"

"I might have tried to calm Blaze down, only to end up making things worse," She admitted through gritted teeth, "She really wants Silver's surprise party to go well..."

Ah yes, the reason they were all here, Silver's birthday. Invitations from Blaze had arrived atop the Master Emerald a little more than a week ago, along with requests for specific aid from some individuals. Knuckles and Tails had seen to delivering Blaze's writs and everyone from Vector to Big had agreed to attend and offer their aid in setting up a surprise party of the psychic. A boat based shindig with music, fireworks, and food.

"I've got to be honest, he doesn't seem the type to care all that much for parties in general. I'm kind of shocked she even thought to do this, neither of them are the partying sort," Sonic recalled aloud, "Ninety percent of the time they're all duty and justice and hard working. It's only the ten percent of the time that we see them around each other that I'd say they're anything close to social."

"That was my thought too, I tried to get her to sit down for a while and relax, leave this to us," Her gritted teeth turned into a full blown grimace, "That went..."

"Poorly?" Sonic suggested.

"Poorly," She confirmed, "When I made that suggestion, she insisted that she bake some things by herself..."

Realisation struck the speedster, "Didn't she specifically write that she wanted your help baking? Because she can't-

"Yes," Amy cut him off, "So, actually, we should probably hurry and sort this out before things can get any worse."

"Alright, what's the plan," Sonic asked, finally starting to grasp the seriousness of the situation.

"Well first I'm going to drag you back onto the deck to finish setting the tables, I'm going to help you with that," Miss Rose first insisted, "When you see an opportunity, I want you to slip over and talk to Blaze. Try to get her to calm down and take a proper break from giving orders?"

"Woah, Ames," Sonic raised his hands, "What makes you think I can talk her out of this? I peeled off for a reason."

"You've helped her before Sonic, you're better suited to this than you think," Amy sweetly nudged him.

"Helping her work with others to save the world is one thing, I just went with the flow and trusted my instincts on that," The blur professed, "Helping her get less anxious about party planning? Wouldn't you be better at that? I've never planned-

"I might have also, sort of, been teasing her about Silver while we were working together," Amy cut him off to sheepishly admit, "I really don't think I can be the one to do this now..."

"What do you mean teased her about Silver?" The speedster tilted his head.

"Sonic," Her tone was chiding, "Are you really that oblivious? Why do you think she's going all out like this?"

The blue blur blinked, racking his brain for an answer, "Because-

"What do you mean he's on his way to the palace? If he makes it, he'll realise I'm not there!"A shout, plainly not befitting of a princess, caught the pair of hedgehogs' ears, "We need more time!"

"Alright, I'll give it a shot, regardless of the reason," Sonic cringed, pushing to make his way back to the deck, "Just don't blame me if things end up even worse."

The deck was already in a partying state, even if the vibe didn't match it. It was as if Blaze was commanding a deck of sailors battling pirates at sea, rather than a group of friends setting up decorations. Tails was toward hull of the ship, currently entangled by a mess of wires while attempting to program a fireworks display. Knuckles was carrying goods from shore, ranging from more boxes of fireworks to fruit and lighting for the coming evening. Espio, aided by Charmy, was scaling the outer edge of the boat to hang banners and other party fixtures. Vector was handling communications, relaying secret messages from Marine. As a result, the crocodile was receiving most of the cat's current ire.

Blaze was positioned near the centre of the deck, behind a pop-up oven that Marine had purportedly made specifically for the event. The cat's hands were bristling with embers as she loomed over the device. Her sharp eyes gouged Sonic, so he quickly busied himself- doing as he'd promised. This was going to be tough.

"Apparently fishing her scuttled ship from the ocean was a lot easier than she thought," Vector barked back, "It's already back on the west dock, good as new."

"Tell her to drag her feet and kick up a fuss, to slow him in town as much as possible," Blaze responded immediately, not giving the reptile a moment to breathe.

"She says she'll do her best, but she doesn't seem confident," The crocodile awkwardly responded, "Look, Blaze, maybe-

"We need to speed things up!" The cat cut him off, "Tails, are the fireworks ready?"

"Almost!" He called from the back, "They'll be ready well before sunset."

"Get them finished as quickly as possible, I need you to help Big set up the music," The smaller cat insisted.

Big himself was wandering around with a massive set of speakers in his gloved mitts, thoroughly lost but also plainly unaware of the tension on the ship. Sonic managed to clear his way across the deck, setting glasses and placemats and more as he went. He could have been going faster, of course he could have, but the hedgehog had no idea what he was going to say. Regardless, he'd began to slip into position.

"Cream," The cat called out, "How is the paper-craft going, are you almost done?"

The blue blur tossed down a few placemats, roughly in the right places, still moving down the deck.

"I've ran out of ideas Miss Blaze," The rabbit almost sobbed, "I can't think of any more decorations, I've cut out so many Chao faces..."

"Just do your best, don't worry about making replicates at this point. Timing is what matters most," Though her words were kinder, panic still undercut the cat's words.

Sonic flattened a bunched section of tablecloth, still making his way around, trying his hardest to be subtle.

"Knuckles, how much is still piled at the dock?" The cat asked, her attention turned.

"Just the presents, everything else is set," He answered, setting a massive box down, "Can I take a breather?

Sonic found himself at the head of a table, he started to pull cutlery from a box and mindlessly spread it out. Only a few more steps and he'd be right in front of the purple feline.

"After the presents are on board, he'll know what's about to happen if he sees them," Blaze instructed, giving the echidna no quarter.

The cat continued to check in and give orders, going from person to person. Though she was never overly harsh with anyone, Sonic could see a pressure mounting beneath the surface. If he didn't step in, catastrophe would eventually come. Was party planning supposed to be so intense? No wonder he'd dodged it for all these years.

"Hey, Blaze," Sonic slid in front of her, positioning himself to spare anyone else her interrogation.

"What's going wrong now?" The cat grumbled, lit daggers in her eyes.

"Whoa, nothing is, I promise," Sonic took a half step back, hands up, "Just saying sorry for vanishing, had to get my party face on," His right hand slipped back to scratch at his quills, "Maybe you should take the time to do the same? You've been going all out since-

"That's because I need to keep on top of things, to ensure this is perfect," The feline bent down to the rickety oven, "The table needs set, these cupcakes will be-

The cat opened the oven door. Smoke immediately obscured the princess' entire form, flaring up to darken the sky. There was a single beat of silence, the deck seemed to freeze despite the sudden skyrocketing of temperature. From within the dark void a hint of red quickly expanded, soon the grey of smoke was thoroughly mixed with sparks of flame.

Sonic thought fast, dashing back to a table Amy had been setting. A pitcher of water was snatched up in one moment and just as quickly thrown. A splash resounded over the silenced deck; the flickering flames within the smokestack were snuffed and but moments later the grey clouds themselves fully vanished.

The revealed feline was thankfully dry, her conjured flames looked to absorbed the majority of the water, but she looked as regretful as a soaked kitten. Wide amber eyes looked out over the deck, lingering on those who were helping her. Sonic couldn't help but cringe, the cat was surely meeting bewildered and concerned stares that she'd loathe to feel bearing down on her. He had to act, go with the flow.

"Come on Blaze, let's go for a walk and get some air," He tried to shoot the feline a grin, though quickly turned to the pink hedgehog by his side, "Ames, you can pick up the baking in the meantime, right?"

"On it," Amy was keeping up her bubbly tone, "Everything will be ready for Silver arriving, I promise!"

By the time he'd turned back to Blaze, the cat was already stepping down the gangplank and off of the ship. He followed behind, giving her just a bit of space so as to both let her breathe and give himself a moment to figure out what to do next. In situations like this, going with the flow could only get him so far...

The sturdier grounding of the dock was a welcome change from that of the ship. A good five metres separating them, the pair paced past a gathered pile of gifts wrapped in various coloured papers. When the gang had first arrived the dock had been fully stocked with things to move and set up, now it was almost empty. Just those gifts-

"I know I'm being foolish, but I must look completely mindless," Sonic heard the cat grumble before turning to look back, "I'm sorry I didn't accept your suggestion immediately, leaving immediately would have been for the better..."

"Hey, it's no big deal," Sonic shrugged, "No one got hurt, don't think you left a scratch on the deck."

Realisation seemed to strike the cat, "I didn't check, I need to go back there. Getting the wood replaced will take-

"Whoa, whoa, Blaze," Sonic put his hands out, halting the cat as she turned. "Remember why you left the boat, take a moment, have a breather."

The cat did hesitate, he could tell she was anxious to return to the ship but beyond that the cat's thoughts were completely lost on him. Sonic usually prided himself on being good at reading the room, but when it came to the likes of Blaze or even Shadow only the most extreme of feelings were plain to him. For the feline, that usually meant noticing long built frustration mere moments before it was primed to detonate.

"This whole party thing really has you wound up," Sonic pointed out the obvious, stalling, "Gotta be honest, it seems pretty minor compared to your usual work. There's something else going on, right?"

"No, there's nothing else going on. It's just this party," Blaze refuted before biting her lip, "Although, I don't think I've explained the full context of it," Her fists balled, "This is Silver's first birthday."

"What? How's that possible?" Sonic blinked, "Has there been some sort of time travel mistake? Has he been turned into-

"No, it's simpler than that," Blaze shook her head, "Not simpler. More foolish. Naive."

"I mean, simple things can still cause stress," Sonic quickly responded, still befuddled, "If you wanna explain, I'm all ears."

"I probably should, just to... so that I don't seem quite so pointlessly terse," The cat unclenched her fist, taking a deep breath, "Silver doesn't know his true birthdate, he never has. Growing up in a long destroyed world, what mattered to him were seasons rather than specific days or months. The cold of winter and warm of Summer were far more important to him than any given day. Regardless, there was no one to maintain any sort of calender."

"Right, that makes sense," Sonic thought aloud, putting two and two together, "So there must be some reason we're doing this today of all days? Like, if the date wasn't an issue we could just push it back and avoid all this stress."

"He picked a birthdate for himself, he picked it in a suitably foolish and naive way," The guardian responded, "After my own birthday, I thought to ask him about his only to find out the truth. When I suggested picking a day he..." Sonic swore he could feel her temperature from these metres away, "He picked the day we'd met again, the day we'd reunited."

"Oh wow, that's pretty intense," The blue blur blinked.

"It wasn't for him, he just suggested it off the cuff, so stupidly casually," Blaze recalled, looking to the ocean, "His exact logic was that good things are meant to happen to people on their birthday. Since that was, in his words, the best thing that ever happened to him... he decided that day must have been his birthday."

"I mean... there's a sort of logic there," Sonic concluded, not really following the psychic's train of thought but going along with it, "But the stress you're feeling makes a lot more sense now, of course you're worried about today going well..." Sonic scratched his ear, "It's like it's you guys anniversary or something."

"Don't be so blunt!" Burning eyes returned to Sonic for but a moment before tumbling to the dock, "But.. yes, and with today being his first... it's a lot and it has been weighing on me, even prior to today," Her fists clenched as she took a step toward the boat, "I need to get back to work."

"No," Sonic raised his hands to halt her, again just going with the flow, "Don't sweat it, I'll handle the set up from here."

"You can't be serious," Exhaustion was plain in the princess' voice.

"Hey, when am I anything but serious?" His joke didn't land so he tried another angle, "But, I mean, look at it this way, why did he pick today? You said it yourself."

"Because it's the day we reunited?" Blaze bluntly replied.

"Because reuniting with you was the best moment of his life, the best day," Sonic reinforced, "I think he'd rather be with you today than spend so much time apart. Think about it, he'd get onto the boat only to be swarmed by other people when you're finally together again. He'll barely get to spend any time with you," The hedgehog hypothesised, "Does that sound right?"

That took the cat a moment to process, "It does, but I-

"And if you're really so worried about the party, think about it this way," She was surely frustrated at being cut off, but he had to make sure she understood, "You were worried about him arriving early; now you can make certain he doesn't. Just leave it to us, we'll let you know when everything's ready."

"I..." Words seemed to fail her for a moment, "No, you're right," And then for a moment longer, "Silver isn't even expecting some party, he just thinks I'm busy with work today. I can arrive and he won't suspect a thing," Relief began to buzz through Sonic's head, "That and... you're right, he'd probably rather spend today with me than being led around by Marine."

"Go to him and spend some time, get here when you get here. Don't rush or keep him away," Sonic advised, "Just kick back for a while, you've earned it."

The cat looked as if she was going to fight him again, but that expression faded into contemplation, "Alright, I'll just, um," She did walk past him, toward the ship, but stopped at the pile of presents to collect a long box wrapped in blue paper, "Right, yes, he's on his way to the palace. I can beat him there if I hurry."

The guardian began to race across the dock, no longer hesitantly pacing as she had before. As if it was a cape tossed from her shoulders, the apron that had covered her front was thrown from her form to land on the flat wooden floor. It was only as she reached the land that Sonic thought to say some final words.

"Blaze!" He called to the cat, cupping his mouth.

The feline stopped in her tracks and turned back.

"Don't forget to have fun, that's the whole point!" He shot her a thumbs up, "And we both know that's what he'd want, more than anything else!"

The cat didn't return his gesture, instead giving just one last nod before hurrying off with that gift under her arm. Sonic wiped the sweat from his brown, a wave of relief washed through his form as he crossed his hands behind his head and turned back to the ship. He made it around three paces before realising someone was staring down at him from the top of the gangplank.

"You know you've just promised to take her place, right?" A familiar voice called from the ship, "Now all of this is your responsibility," Now close enough, he could see Amy's taunting smirk, "No more slacking off."

Sonic's struggled to keep up his smirk, beginning to rise the gangplank, "Well, no good deed goes unpunished."

He had no idea what he was going to do, but he knew he'd done a little bit of good. That had to count for something, right?

[naamahdarling]

How do you cope with “don’t trust your brain”? I can’t trust it at any time of day, due to the dysthymia.

For me, realizing that it is time-related for me really helped. I learned to identify those feelings in specific because of when they routinely occurred, and am now able to lower their internal priority.

With dysthymia that isn't going to be helpful, though.

But still, some of this probably will be at least a bit useful because the helpful part for me was less the time - that was just the factor that made it easiest to catch. It was mostly that identifying them was the first step. Like that part isn't always easy, the thoughts are REALLY COMPELLING, we assign them high priority because of their strength, so it's hard to say "Wait. These intense feelings I am having are not accurate They are a distortion of the facts. They are based on valid fears. However, the way they are currently all ganging up on me, or feel unusually intense, is not in proportion."

And that's sort of where I am now. Here's some stuff I do.

I respond by gently reminding myself that I have a condition that predisposes me, I tell myself it's okay to have the feelings, and then I say "I am going to do what is best for me in this moment while these thoughts upset me." And that can me hard as hell and I can't always do it. But I am trying and learning.

When I get the three o'clocksies as I call them (my schedule is often twisted around enough that they happen at 3, my equivalent of 8 or 9) I take a short bit to remind myself it's a distorted perception (or sometimes utterly false, like when I get the "everyone hates me"s), I challenge it gently, then try not to give it a chance to respond. I try not to argue with it because that doesn't help. And I just find something else to do or think about.

Maybe I move to something I know I like even if I don't want to, and give it a bit to see if I can switch gears. Maybe I say "well I'm ruined for a while, might as well do something hateful like get some water or gather some trash, or brush my teeth, because if I have to suffer I can at least suffer to make my future self a bit happier." That didn't come easy either. Occupying my hands AND my mind is important. I often can't turn the bad feelings volume down if I don't occupy my mind. Movies don't work, but podcasts/audiobooks and hand crafts or engaging phone games do. I have like sixteen I can choose from. (Your library may have audiobooks to borrow digitally btw. It's very cool.)

I ask for help, I ask for asks here a lot, I have some friends to talk with about fun things, my boyfriend is great. Doing imaginative stuff like discussing silly questions (the gryphon question I just got was like a perfect example, thanks!), what-ifs for our OCs or fanfic, or silly stuff like we watch a ghost hunting show and stop it to ask what we/our imaginary people would do, or a spooky movie or podcast or reality show and we raise a hand at the point where we would nope out. We're watching a cake show and we pause it to say what we would do or what winner we would pick. Having another person is so helpful, but you CAN do this with yourself. Write the answers out longhand or journal them on your phone (Journey app!). I will now often do this WHILE I AM CRYING, guys. It helps. Even if I think it won't. I did it during a goddamn tornado warning where for once it WAS very fucking close. Boyfriend was safe across town, I am unbelievably scared of storms and was in about the scariest one I've been in since a kid, and I was snot-crying on the phone and once we said our I love yous we just talked about stupid OC shit. And by god it got me through.

Reading aloud to my cats has helped before.

Like. Whatever it is that's crawling up your spine. It's so much about saying "look, I feel this way, and it is INTENSE, but I don't have to just sit with it; I can do other stuff WHILE I feel this way, I can engage with things ALSO, I can have other thoughts too." You don't have to end the thoughts by force. You can just let them run and move on as much as possible, think about other things as best you can. And with practice it DOES get easier. It does.

Another thing I have recently discovered is that I need TIME to have emotional reactions. Someone I love said something unintentionally SUPER HURTFUL a while ago, and y'all I was SO ANGRY. SO FURIOUS. And I realized before I could address the situation and tell them they crossed a line, I needed to make room to have this huge emotional response before acting, and they DIDN'T need to be part of that. Even though the intense feelings demanded I act, I didn't. With practice, amazingly, I have learned to give MYSELF the space we all talk about giving others to feel first, solve after. It took practice but I'm there. Once I cooled off, I realized not just why I reacted the way I did (specific past trauma) but why they said what they did (their own past trauma, inappropriately dumping it on me) and was able to talk it over with them in an empathetic way and it all smoothed out, with better boundaries now.

The having the emotional reaction thing may not work in some cases such as repetitive thoughts of, say, trauma, but when there is a precipitating event that just happened or I get blindsided by a trigger, it is really helpful to realize it's a reaction, probably a really understandable one, and I won't feel like this forever.

Also psych meds and specifically mood stabilizers are really great for me. I'm on two, and at first I had some internalized ableist shame around taking them because I didn't like how it implied I was like my toxic mom with her uncontrolled rapid cycling (not why she was toxic, but it made me feel like I was failing at being Not Like Her), but WOW having them has helped. The right meds. It can be hard to get that in place, but I did want to say, it really did help me.

I have also with my therapist built a safe place in my mind. This doesn't have to be boring! I have a floating island with cloud oceans, lovely ruins, amazing wildlife, and a badass wizard lair. And in it is a box for the horrible thoughts I can't deal with right now like the PTSD stuff, so it's contained when I'm not working with it, and a koi pond where I drop these glowing rocks I imagine the scary feelings going into, and then the water cleans them and turns them into pretty stones. Like, this was just stupidly useful and I never thought to do it in a way that wasn't boring before. So I can go there, now, with practice, for a quick visit to drop some bad stuff off. I also visit as I fall asleep and explore, to help make it easier to go there quickly. Doesn't work for everyone, has been good for me. Come to Magic Floating Islands! We have perytons and flying coelacanths!

Anyway, I don't know if that's helpful. Other folks might have ideas. But that is kind of where I'm at. It isn't perfect, doesn't always work, but I'm getting better because it's partially just a skill. You know? You're already a bit ahead of where you were initially, since you know it's a distorted pattern. There was a time before you realized that and it probably sucked even more, and there will be a time after this when you have one or two things to try that will suck a little less. It won't be a hundred percent, but you do move forward a bit at a time.

Hope that helps a little. 💕