#a. a rabbit. h *gets shot*

[eagle-head-charge]

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OH, ARE WE SENDING SECRET MESSAGES TO EACH OTHER SO THE COMMIES CAN'T READ THEM????????? BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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[sp0o0kylights]

Has anyone explored the idea of sort of S1/S2 AU wherein Eddie, or Corroded Coffin as a whole, are out smoking in the woods and encounter the combined military unit that is Steve Harrington, Nancy Wheeler, and Jonathan Byers, standing around a corpse?

(“We didn’t get a close enough look, we can’t say for sure that it was a corpse.” Grant is saying, voice high and frantic in his panic. 

“Two legs, two arms,  torso, greyish skin tone?” Jeff counters in a mutter, because unlike his friends he goes rabbit-quiet when terrified. “What else could it be?”

“Maybe they got into filmmaking.” Gareth says pleadingly, over Grant’s half-hysterical muttering about aliens. “Harrington’s rich enough to have a camcorder.” 

He then cringes under the three, disbelieving stares he gets for his stupidity. 

"You really think King Steve and his priss of a girlfriend joined forces with Jonathan Byers to make a horror movie?" Eddie scoffs, his voice eerily even despite the tremor in his fingers as he grips his third (fourth?) cigarette "In the middle of the woods? After Byers rearranged Harrington’s face?"

“It doesn’t have to be a horror movie!” Gareth counters, defensive. “It could be a murder mystery!” 

“Guys.” Jeff says abruptly, in a much louder voice than the one he had been talking in. “You know how they found Benny shot in his diner? You don’t think…”

He trails off, and his friends can only share horrified looks back.) 

Problem 1: No one is ever going to believe them. 

Even if it was an actual serial killer looking, well, serial killer out there in the woods and not three teenagers, Eddie knows damn well the police would think they’re being prank called. 

And sure, maybe that’s because they have been pranked called, but Eddie can’t see anyone taking him seriously even if he hadn't fallen prey to that little crime. Not unless they thought he did it, and he is not going down for a crime King fucking Steve committed! 

Problem 2: The body is gone the next day. 

Eddie knows, because he went back, dragging Jeff and a tire iron along with him.

Jeff halfway manages to convince him they simply smoked too much weed and shared some sort of hallucination, until they find the clearing. The same one with splotches of dark, sticky liquid splashed all across it. There's long gouge marks in the trees, like something with claws had gored them and yeah, nope, no sorry Jeff, they definitely didn't hallucinate it!

Problem 3: The killers are planning something. 

Now that they know, it’s easy to see the already weird relationship between Byers, Harrington and Wheeler in a new and horrifying light.

They’re not in some sort of “freaky threesome situation” like Carol Perkins keeps crowing, but they’re definitely secretive.

Jumpy.

Nervous--and blatantly up to something, given all the hushed whispers and the way they keep piling themselves into empty classrooms and sneaking out through the side doors. 

Which leads directly into Problems 4 and 5, two problems that Grant loudly floats during band practice.

“Guys it’s been a week and the news hasn’t said anything. So…who exactly did they kill--and who are they after next?” 

(“You really think they’re going to kill again?” Jeff asks, but it’s pleading, the tone of someone who watched Harrington pace around his car that morning with a fucking walkie talkie and hiss into it like a man possessed, and knows a storm is coming.

“I think if someone doesn’t do something,” Eddie says slowly, feeling the truth of the words fall like rocks down a cliff as he speaks them, “we're going to find Hawkins staring in one of those true crime documentaries. The really fucked up ones."

“You’re saying 'someone' like you mean us. You don’t mean us, right?” Grant says, with large, pleading us. 

“I mean…” Eddie trails off, before visibly steeling himself. “We don’t have to stop them in the act. We just have to find indisputable proof that they did it.” 

“Oh, God.” With a moan, Gareth dramatically slides off the stool of his drumset, sinking to hide behind the round form of his base drum. “We’re gonna die.” 

“We’re not gonna die.” Eddie responds, and now there’s a fire in his eyes, a feverish look that his bandmates know all too well. “No one is going to die. Not on our watch.”

“We’re fucked.” Grant morosely tells Jeff. 

“Yeah.” He says in response, because they all know they’re going to following their DM and friend to the pits of doom and despair.  “We are.”) 

There’s a Problem 6 of course, and that problem is that Steve, Nancy and Jonathan are not in fact, murderers, but unfortunately for Hellfire, that problem comes into play much, much later into their investigation.

[writingoddess1125]

hello!! ⭐, I saw that your order section was open and yesterday I read your story of buggy with the Roger effect and Jessica Rabit and I loved it, and I would like to know if you could do a one shot or something shorter if you prefer showing how they met and they decided to get married I love your stories and I think that, like your buggy, he is my favorite character. If you don't like this request or you think it's not good to do it, you can just ignore it, it won't be a bad thing 😸 thank you and have a good day!! 💗✨ (pd. English is not my first language so sorry if something is not written well😔)

Deal! I love this little idea

Buggy x FemReader

Small angst + Fluff

Heart on my Sleeve

Prequel Of Roger and Jessica Rabbit Effect

Wanna Buy me a Ko-Fi ☕️

• Your village was one of the poorest villages in the East Blue, the taxes from the World Goverment crippling your home to be a starving wasteland.

• Mainly to the wealthy Governor who lived above your town.

• You owned a fabric shop but the fabrics you owned were old and starting to rot from the lack of buissness. The moths having more use put of your fabrics then you did-

• The newest pirate on the scene Buggy the Clown shows up to your village ready to pillage it, in his early 20s with a fresh faced crew. However they did not expect the village to look worse then before they arrived.

• "I thought you said this place had money?" Buggy asked as he looked at the place. Lowering his blades as it looked like this place- it was in shambles. Like it had been pillaged to time then a pirate

• You had walked out of your shop, seeing if maybe the baker had just enough flour so you could feed yourself. Turning to see the group of pirates that seemed better off then you and your people.

• Buggy stared hard at you and matched forward, seeing that you were quite pretty in his eyes as he stood before you.

• "You! Tell me what the hell is wrong with this place! We heard it was rich here!" He said angrily, clearly upset at not getting to a small village that at least had a few Berries.

• You looked up at the pirate, noting the far too big of clothes for his frame and his painted face- Not liking he was putting such an unflattering green around his watercolor eyes. His face twisting up in anger as he caught you staring at his face.

• "What are you staring at!? You looking at my nose!" He yelled angrily, his fingers going to the inner part of your coat where you assumed some weapon would be.

• "No your shirts too big for your frame and that shade of green doesn't compliment your eyes well" You said truthfully, At this point a knife or bullet being a kinder death then starving anyway-

•"U-Uh- What?" He said confused, Unsure how to answer. You reaching forward and putting your arms around his frame to pull back the shirt. Taking a pin from your pocket and pinning the shirt back so it fit properly.

• "See- Your shirt is too big. It looks better fitted like that" You pointed out, His faze looking down at the pinned back shirt. His face red at how close you got to him, or that you'd touched him at all.

• "As for money we have non. The governor has the taxes so hide no one here can even feed themselves" You said truthfully, The young clown blinking at you in surprise.

• "Er- Y-Youre making fun of me somehow right? Like my Nose" He tried to yell again grabbing the front of your dirty shirt- clearly not used to someone trying to give him kind useful advice without some sort of motive.

• "I would never make fun of your nose, it looks fine to me anyways" You snap back and slap his hand away calmly. He blinked at you surprised and released your hand- His eyes going up the hill of the village and seeing the grand governors house hidden in some trees.

• He huffed and shoved you hard, you falling into the mud as him and his crew marched past up to the Governors home.

• However what did surprise you was the next Morning the Captian and his Crew stood in the village square and announced he now owned the village. Saying he was Buggy the Clown- and that he was now in charge.

• Before starting to hand out some stolen treasure??? Giving some supplies he had 'liberated' from the Governors house.

• You also noticed how his eyes lingered on you as he did this.

• It had been a few months like this, he would stop by randomly pay for the village. He wasn't taking taxes but instead paying things- it was improving greatly, the cracks of the pavements on the streets getting repaired, new paint on the building and new businesses flourishing-

• But you noticed how he would pay extra attention to your shop- Getting all his things from you. How you got extra rolls of fabric delivered to your door or how he would pay for all these extra accessories to his costumes.

• "You seamstress I want another coat!" He yelled as he invaded your shop.

• Buggy was there again, asking for another ridiculous costume. You couldn't help but notice how often he was coming by- claiming he wanted new costumes by you and wanting to be measured everytime he came in.

• How he would blush when you measured around his chest. "You know, I noticed you always come through here and stop specifically at my shop for new outfits when you wear the same coat" You tease, watching him blush at you pointing this out.

• "So what!" He yelled out, his face as red as a cherry. You look at him and raise a brow at him, Not even having to say a word as Buggy deflated.

• "...I uh wanted to take you on a date" He grumbled, finally admitting what his plans were. You smiled at this, Setting the tape aside.

• "Now please do tell me, Why should I accept your offer for someone who not only yelled in my face but pushed me in mud-" You point out, even though you knew he most likely made up for it by him saving your village.

• "..I am sorry about that.." He forced out, you could tell he wasn't used to apologizing and was trying his hardest.

• "I forgive you, But that doesn't mean I'll forget" You say calmly. Smiling softly as you saw him looking ready to flip put at the rejection but you held a hand to him-

• "I know- So why don't we make a deal. Since I can tell you're really sorry why don't we agree to dinner and go from there? Its not a date per say but its a start" You said with a smile, his eyes lit up at hearing this at the prospect of getting to win you over.

• "Really!?" He says excitedly, Jumping up and down like a school boy as he blushed and giggled into his gloved hands like a kid. You couldn't help but find it adorable-

• For the next year Buggy would send gifts, love letters, help rebuild the village. Do everything to get in your good graces and ask for a official date every time he visited.

• Buggy would essentially own the Village at the point, 30% of his money went to the village to get it on its feet and keep it a small strip of paradise the very limited taxes he implimented later affer the village was florishing acted as a small form of secondary income. Mainly making sure people knew the place was protected by him as his reputation grew through time.

• Him even showing his unique Devil fruit abilties- Which you often abused for him to float up and grab the more expensive rolls of fabric or hang up finished cloths.

• The village also being a popular tourist destination for the friendly locals and nice scenery. So for Buggy it was worth the investment since originally put in.

• After that 'probation' year you would finally agree to officially date him and he was over the damn moon.

• While he would be secretive about you, his love language was strong. He is both physically and verbally affectionate- While he still throws his fits you know how to handle him well. Loving him both for his strengths and flaws.

• It would be 1 years of dating before Buggy would start planning how to pop the question.

- You were closing up shop for the day, humming along to a made up tune when you heard the back door of your shop being unlocked. You didn't have to look to know who it was, only one other person had the key to it.

"Hey Buggy Boo" You call out, smiling as you heard Buggy grumble and peel off his boots to leave them by the front door.

"That is still such a bad nickname" He grumbled before walking behind you and kissing your cheek and wrapping his arms around you. He smelled like the sea, clearly having just gotten off his shop to visit you. He had been taking more time out to see, wanting to get his bounty higher. Currently proud of his 5,000,000 berry bounty which for a early 20s pirate was fairly good he claimed.

"Ah you love it" You giggle which earned a adorable chuckle from the man.

"You know (Y/N)- I uh really like you and Want to spend my.."

"So I wanted us to have dinner tonight- I know you like that place down the street and want us to go there" He said, his voice very soft- Much softer then normal.

Smiling you turn around and kiss him on the lips.

"I'd love to" You say cheerfully, earning a crooked smile from him as he held you close.

As promised, that night Buggy took you to your favorite restaurant. Having gotten a private table in the back, you two spending hours just talking and sharing a meal together.

Buggy even pulling out a box of your favorite candies he had gotten out from his last adventure.

After dinner he lead you away to the more scenic parts of your Village a small meadow pass that had the most beautiful blue and white flowers, under the moonlight it looked so magical. You saw Buggy reach in his pockets and turn to face you, nervousness painted on his face as he shuffled his feet. Clearly prepared to get on one knee-

"You stole my Thunder!!" He cried in faux anger, you laughing hard as he ranted about how you knew so quickly, happy tears running down your cheeks as you smiled and his face turned deep red.

"Yes I will!" You said with a wide smile, your excitement getting the best of you as you slapped your hands over your own mouth. His jaw dropping in shock.

"I've been planning this for 4 months!!" He whined, face so red his nose was glowing as he stared at you.

"Im so sorry Baby, You just- You talk in your sleep my Love." You reveal with a smile, His face twisting up as he realized you'd known the whole time and let him try to have his moment anyway. You had just got too excited and answering too quickly-

As this sunk in he smiled widely and started to laugh, he couldn't help it! You were just too perfect for him! Despite everything you still let him have the spotlight. He kissed your lips eagerly and held you close, rocking the two of you side to side in pure joy.

"I.. I love you (Y/N)..So much- I cant wait for you to be my wife.." He said as he pressed his face into your neck- You could feel the warmth of tears hitting your skin exposed. Your arms wrapped tightly around him as you hug him close and cried against him in joy.

Pulling the both of you to the ground with a loud laugh as you two laid in the flowers- Laughs leaving you both as tears stilled from both of your eyes.

"I love you too Buggy Boo"

[spookyatmidnight]

Meet-Cute | Hermes x Fem!Reader

It's the off-season.

It means your tiny cafe is lacking in customers and foot traffic. It means the days are boring and slow.

Few visitors come, mostly for cheap coffee and a quiet atmosphere, sticking around for an hour or so. Some even less, asking for directions or change. But mostly the cafe stays empty.

The shop does well enough that your aunt COULD close for the slow season, but she insists on staying open.

'It's the reliability,' She tells you on occasion, and you can only nod in response. She's a whirlwind of a woman, and arguing is always a moot point.

There is only one patron who comes regularly. Not in any discernable pattern, mind you, but he comes more frequently than not.

Oftentimes, he asks for coffee with an ungodly amount of caffeine. His record is 27 espresso shots, and you wonder how he seems so healthy. You recall arguing for a solid five minutes the first time he'd made the request, telling him that you could not in good conscience oblige such a request.

He'd worn you down though, thanking you for the concern and assuring you he could handle it just fine. Drink in hand, he was off.

Sometimes though, he would stay for conversation and jokes. You could banter fairly well, and he seemed to like your quips based on his smile. You couldn't read his eyes through his dark sunglasses, so you had to take his grin at face value, literally.

You did wonder on occasion about him. About his caffeine addiction, and more notably, why he seemed insistent on alias' that never stayed consistent.

Harry.

Henry.

Hernando.

Harold.

They all started with H, so you took that as a small sign.

H would chatter endlessly when he stayed, perched at the counter with his handsome grin and easygoing air.

He told you once that he was a glorified errand boy, and you'd vaguely interpreted it to be some fast-paced internship or task rabbit situation.

Scattered throughout your chats you learned fragments of his family life and friends. He frequently brought up his brothers, who remained unnamed, and you separated them only by context clues.

"My brother is an ass." He'd remarked offhandedly once, sipping on his coffee. "So pompous. You change his shampoo out for dye once and he campaigns to shave your head. It wasn't even permanent!"

You eyed him as you cleaned a glass, shrugging. "Maybe next time, it should be?"

He paused and tilted his head, curious. You find it endearing.

"Permanent." You explained, smiling. "At least then the response would be measured. I mean, he'd going to get mad either way, right?"

He laughed, easy and genuine. "Maybe I should! That will teach him to lighten up!"

It won't, you thought, but it brings him joy so you leave it be.

You've noticed that he's a fan of pranks. Mostly harmless ones, the kind that inconvenience but don't damage. Like how he'd, apparently, once swapped his brother's vast weapon collection for foam replicas.

One day, you pluck up the courage to turn the tables.

He had stopped by to chat, and you make his drink as you engage, listening intently, noting how distracted he is. He doesn't even stop to smell it, he just drinks and… spits it right back out.

"What?!" He glances at the cup, and you giggle, noticing the heat of his face. He snaps his head to you, mouth agape."

"It's hot sauce. Gotcha." You fish the tiny bottle from your pocket and wiggle it, smirking.

He stares long enough that you frown, unsure if this was as good an idea as you'd once thought. Wondering, had you crossed the line?

But then he's grinning. Laughing. You ease up.

"You GOT me!" He agrees, setting the cup down. You don't tell him, there's another part to your prank.

You offer him another drink, this time making it in front of him. "There we go, no funny business this time."

He can't see you crossing your fingers behind your back.

"That was a good one." He takes the cup, setting down some cash. He always pays in cash.

"Thank you, thank you. I'll be here all week." You flourish a bow, and he giggles in response.

"I've got to run." He's standing as you fumble to get his change.

"Wait, it'll be just a moment for-"

"No, keep it." He insists, and you look at the $50 he's set down on the counter.

"What?" You balk. "No way - it's too much-"

"I insist." His smile is big and bright. "It's not often someone gets me! I'll see you next time!"

He's off before you can respond. You place the money in the register, making change, so your register balance won't be off at the end of the night. You smile, wondering when he will notice your follow-up prank. Wondering about his reaction.

You had slipped food coloring into the second cup. It had been placed on top of the stack so you could grab it without suspicion. His tongue will be blue.

It's silly.

It's harmless.

You hope he enjoys it.

The next time you see him, he's not alone. Instead, there's a handsome stranger in tow. It's a man not much older than him, with blonde hair and gorgeous eyes. He wears a bored expression as he glances around the coffee shop with disinterest, contrasting with your regular who is practically abuzz with excitement.

"YOU!" He bubbles, grinning ear to ear. "My tongue was blue for an entire DAY!"

You smile, setting your book down. "Who, me?" You batter your lashes before giggling, and he laughs in response.

"Tricky girl! This is my brother. Don't mind him much, he's an ass." He whispers the last part and the stranger sneers.

"Mmmm, make me something…" He ponders a moment. "Something divine. A custom drink, make it creative." His voice is almost melodic and flows like honey.

You glance at your ingredients and nod, getting to work.

A blonde roast feels appropriate. With honey, and… you search until you find a cinnamon creamer. Honey, cinnamon… cardamom. You mix it, adding a splash of vanilla soy milk. It's creamy and decadent. You finish it with a butter foam and white chocolate drizzle before handing it over, ready for judgment.

The stranger eyes it, flicking his hazel-gold eyes to you.

"It won't color your tongue." You say, almost involuntarily, like something compelled you to answer the unasked question.

He shrugs finally and tries it, closing his eyes as he decides. "Mmm. What do you call it?"

"Umm…" You think for a moment, clicking your tongue before you smile. "Apollo's kiss?"

They both still for a moment, and suddenly your regular is doubled over with a heavy laugh.

You don't understand the joke, but the stranger's disinterest has been replaced with enraptured intrigue.

"Why?"

You blink. You shrug. This feels like a test.

"Um, well…" You trail helplessly and the words bubble and spill. "He's associated with the sun, and healing, and other things? Honey is golden, like sunshine, and has been used to heal for centuries…?"

He raises a brow. "Associated with the sun?"

"Helios is the god of the sun." You answer. His gaze is intense. "Apollo is the light. Uh, a lot of people amalgamate the two, but they're not the same…?"

He sips the drink again, and his eyes glimmer with mirth.

"Poetry and music, are his other things…" You continue, now unsure. "I was hoping the other ingredients would work together… like harmonize…"

He smiles.

Whatever test this is, you seem to have passed. It's a relief.

"You were right." He looks to his brother and elaborates no further. "I'm off now. Try to refrain from trouble."

"I don't suppose I get to know your name, either?" You pose the question, though you can guess the answer.

"Call me whatever you like." He leaves with that, and your regular beams.

"You did so well!" Your regular cheers. "Did you honestly put that much thought into that drink?"

"No." You admit. "It all sounded good. It was a scramble to make sense of it, but I think I did well?"

"So you lied!" He's grinning so wide the Cheshire Cat would be put to shame. "Clever girl, do you know mythos well then?"

"Yeah, I like it." You nod with a smile.

"Who's your favorite?" He asks with bated breath,

"Isn't that how the Trojan war started?" You smirk a bit.

"That was which goddess was the prettiest." He corrects. "I want to know who YOU like. I promise no Trojans will die over it."

You hum. "I like so many of them for various reasons. Hestia is an easy choice, she's so sweet. Hades is strong and a good husband, which is admirable. Athena is so intelligent and resourceful, a girl can admire that. Ares is a better father than he's given credit for, I like a protective father…" There's a slight wistfulness to your tone as you say it, and he hangs on every word. "Hepheastus… well… I would just want to be that man's friend. He deserves a friend."

Your conviction doesn't go unnoticed.

"But my favorite would have to beeeeee…."

He leans in.

"Hermes. I mean, what's not to love about Hermes?"

You don't know the fate you've sealed, but your words have changed the course of your destiny.

"I have to go." He says suddenly.

"Oh, so soon?" Your shoulders slump and you frown. "Well, next time then?"

"Sooner than you think, darling!" With that, he's off. To what?

You'll find out.

Companion story.

"Hermes, you cannot bring a mortal to Olympus." Apollo sighs. "Trust me… amusing as she may be-"

"She's PERFECT Apollo! I'll get a blessing from Aphrodite - Hera even!"

"Not so fast. Mortals court differently. Do you genuinely want this? Take her on a DATE. Make sure you do want it before it becomes a tragedy."

"She's incredible, brother! I mean, her intuition, her wit, her mischief!"

"Yes yes - she turned your tongue blue I saw it. I'll give you that her perception is fairly high, for a mortal."

"Apollo." Hermes is unusually serious for a moment. "I cannot stop thinking about her. She's become my favorite thing in the world."

"Do what you must. But do not let her become your favorite distraction, brother. Or, Father may take interest…" He doesn't need to expand upon his tone.

"I appreciate the concern, Apollo." Hermes smiles. "But I have it under control."

"Then court her, Hermes. I suggest a song or a poem."

"That's too old-fashioned for me! Bye!" He's already racing away.

Apollo smiles despite himself.

This ought to be interesting.

[miniwheat77]

Give into me. (König x Reader.)

!CW! NSFW, Smut, rough p in v sex, unprotected sex, König manhandling reader a bit, lot of blood and violence, sex pollen, poorly translated german, (sorry if I missed any.)

This is NOT proofread because I am lazyyyyy. Hope you enjoy :)))))

Your boots make the faintest of sounds as you trek through the forest, it’s dense, the air is cool and it’s humid. It’s something you’ve never experienced before.

You weren’t exactly new to being in the military but you’d had little experience outside of the base considering there wasn’t much war going on as of late, which was a good thing. Until of course another country stuck their nose in business that wasn’t there’s and started one.

You’re in alliance with them, and have to come when they call for you. That’s what friends do.

So here you are, fighting in a war that isn’t yours. In unfamiliar territory. Terrified.

You’re standing close to your Colonel, the massive man is like a shield in front of you. He may be quiet, but he doesn’t hide very easily. He’s a stern man who doesn’t say much. But he offers comfort to you somehow. Being close to him makes you feel better. A whistle leaving his lips has you stopping right in your tracks. Almost running into him. He holds his hand up, motioning for everyone to stop. You don’t know how long you’ve been walking for, or where you’re even going. You’re frozen, and when the first shot rings out, you freeze.

König crouches down from the shots, retreating into the tree line and yelling orders, watching as his soldiers are taken off guard and ambushed. You’re closest to him, finally snapping out of it and jumping out of the line of fire. König grasps hold of your backpack, tugging you into him. “Stay still.” He breathes.

It’s silent.

Your entire group aside from you and König are dead.

You’re staring in shock.

“Konzentriere dich, sieh mich an” he reaches out, holding onto you. “Focus.” He says it again so you understand. “The only way we’re getting out of this alive is to be completely aware of our surroundings.” He breathes. You nod your head. His accent is strong and it makes your head fuzzy. You can hardly focus, ears still buzzing from the gunshots.

Your eyes trail to your mates, who are all dead now. It makes you sick, but this is the harsh truth about the military. You and König manage to slip away unharmed, creeping your way into their base where they are taking refuge. The only way to infiltrate and win is to be quiet and tactical. König’s stealth and ability to stay hidden surprises you. He’s clearly had years of experience. His heart rate stays the same, never elevates. He doesn’t even seem nervous.

Maybe this was the wrong mission for you to come along on. You follow behind him into the building, he’s equipped with a silencer and a knife, which is how he’s killing each of them.

You can’t deny it, and even in the worst time in the world to find someone attractive, he still is. He’s strong and smart. He’s good at what he does.

“Clear.” He mumbles.

You’ve got a knife in your hand. Covered in blood that may or may not be yours anymore. You don’t know. “They’re hiding something here. Time to find out what it is.” He mumbles. You nod your head, following behind him like a lost puppy. You decide you need to stop, show him that you can handle yourself so you branch off. Viewing a couple of the rooms. You don’t see anything, they look just like normal offices to you. Until you step foot into the last one. Your gun is raised, just in case. Pushing the door open. Your eyes widen. “Uh.. Colonel? I think I found what we’re looking for.” You say. He walks in, eyes going wide when he see it.

There are some rats and rabbits in cages, they’re still in tact but there’s something going on. You take a step closer, looking around. Noticing most of the rats have babies in their cages. You look across paperwork, trying to figure out what it is.

König opens up a filing cabinet, it’s full of small silver briefcases. He takes one of them out, opening it up.

There’s 5 small syringes in the briefcases. Bright blue liquid. “Looks like window cleaner.” You smile. Earning an eye roll from him. “You read anything?” He asks. “Reproductive drug.” You nod. He looks confused. “It’s meant to kick your reproductive system into overdrive, meant for people who struggle to conceive. There’s a lot of money in this.” You look at him. He nods. “verrückte Leute” he mumbles under his breath. “What happened to these ones?” He asks. There’s a few rats dead inside of a cage.

“If you don’t.. conceive. You die.” His eyebrows raise, but you can’t see it because of his mask. “Christ..” he mumbles. It’s silent.

Too silent.

A vent being kicked open from above has you both flinching away, hiding behind furniture in the room. You watch above, worried.

You hear the clinking sounds of something falling into the room, landing right in the center. It explodes and blue smoke fills the room. It sends you and König into a coughing fit, exposing you to the drug you’ve just looked at. “Fuck!” He yells. Drawing his gun and firing up into the ceiling. He hears something collapse up above.

“Bleiben Sie sitzen, Sergeant!” He yells. You know what this means, not moving a muscle. You don’t want to die today. Not like the others. Blood begins to drip from the bullet holes in the ceiling, becoming easier to see as the smoke dissipates. König had eliminated your assailant. You stay still, your body starting to feel warm. “Clear.” König says. “For now.” He breathes. He lowers his gun, fastening it back into its holster on his hip. His hands are getting more and more appealing as time passes. Your blood is pumping through you quickly, the only thing on your mind is what he must taste like. What his skin must feel like.

He snaps in front of your face. “Passt auf” his stern voice is enough to make your knees weak. “Sorry Colonel.” You blush, looking down. “We need to find an antidote. Look around.” He says. He’s starting to feel it too, but it’s moving slower through him because of his massive size.

While sifting through papers, your hands are shaky.

The throbbing between your legs is getting harder and harder to ignore and you’re getting distracted. Eyes following König as he sifts through paperwork.

You’re rocking your hips into the chair beneath you, the warmth becoming harder and harder to ignore. “F-fuck-“ you whimper, which draws his eyes to you.

They widen slightly at your appearance. You’ve shed a layer of clothing, all that was left was your shirt and cargo pants. The rest is discarded somewhere in the room. “Are you okay?” He asks. “No- need to find s-something.” A moan leaves your lips. “Anything.” You whimper. Sliding your hips forward again, body begging for some kind of friction. His pupils darken, feeling himself harden in his pants. He needed to find that fucking antidote. Now.

He’s sorting through paperwork, but not finding anything. As he reads across the papers, the only thing going through his mind is the both of you dying at the tail end of a success, he doesn’t want those soldiers dying in vain, for nothing. He stands up, maybe they needed to look in another room. “Come on, wir schauen uns woanders um” he mumbles, pulling you along. The warmth from his hand has your knees buckling again but you catch yourself as he pulls you along. You’ve lost every bit of control you have. You’re seconds away from shedding your pants and relieving the ache between your legs.

He pushes you back into a chair and you tilt your head back, groaning out. König is sweating under his hood, he’s rock hard. He’s desperately searching through paperwork, looking for anything.

Finally, he gets his hands on a paper.

He reads across the paper, but it’s too late.

There are stages to the drug, and you’re both already passed stage 2, which is when the antidote needs to be administered.

It’s fuck or die now.

König sighs. It’s the only choice the both of you have now. “It’s too late.” He breathes. “What?”

“I found the cure but it has to be given sooner. Too late.” He breathes. “So.. what does that mean?” You breathe. “It means.. we give in. oder wir sterben” he breathes. “Fuck..” you whine. You grasp the hem of your shirt, you can’t take it anymore. You need his hands on you. “König, please.” You breathe. “I know you feel it too.” You pant. He moves closer, kneeling down in front of you. “What do you want me to do?” He breathes. “Just..” you reach for his hand, placing it on your own thigh. “Please- fuck me Colonel.” You mewl, pushing your hips forward. He breathes. He chews on his lips nervously. If he does this, there’s no going back.

He pushes his hand up your thigh, higher. Feeling you tense up, pushing your hips closer to him.

“Scheiß drauf” they’re the only words out of his mouth before he closes the distance between the both of you, pulling you down onto the ground and pushing the chair back away from you. He hovers himself over you, tugging his hood off. Right now, he didn’t care. The only thing he cared about was feeling how tight you’d be around him. He tugs his gear off, you start pulling the remainder of your clothes off beneath him as well. Once he’s got himself exposed enough, he’s burying himself into you.

The relief you feel seems impossible, it feels like fireworks are going off in your stomach.

You can’t stay still beneath him, squirming. You can hardly stay quiet.

Despite how desperate he was, König was still on high alert, which is how he managed to hear footsteps. He clamps a hand over your mouth, reaching for his gun. He halts his thrusts for just a second. You rock your hips up into him, he flinches at the pleasure. “Ah- Y/N. Stop it for a second.” When you don’t stop, raising your hips into him over and over for any friction, he groans out. “Verdammt, Liebling” he breathes, just then, a man steps into the doorway. His eyes going wide. “What the fu-“ König pulls the trigger before he can even finish his sentence, throwing his gun down and rocking his hips into yours. He grasps hold of you, lifting you up with him. He stands up straight with you. He backs you up into a wall, holding you steady as he he fucks into you harder. He can’t seem to focus on anything but you. Doesn’t care that he’s just killed a man while he’s buried deep inside of you, and it doesn’t seem like you care much either.

“So desperate.. didn’t even flinch.” He breathes. “dreckiges Mädchen”

He wraps his hands around you, squeezing you tight and holding you still as he rocks his big cock up into your weeping hole. You can’t stay quiet, whining out as he fucks into you. “Colonel, please-“ you whimper. “So so good.”

He bites down onto your shoulder, feeling you tense up in his grasp. Another string of moans leaving your lips. You can’t get enough of him, no matter what.

König feels like he could spend hours inside of you. Rocking his sensitive cock into your hole until neither of you can take anymore. Rubbed raw and sore from the friction. He’s getting close, he can barely handle it. He’s got to make you his. Fill you full of him. He grits his teeth. “Ah! Going to cum-“ he gasps. He sits back into a chair, and you lift yourself up onto him, riding his cock through his high. You wrap your arms around his neck, burying your face into the crook of his neck as you move against him. He cries out, cock twitching hard as he fills you up with his cum. Gasping out at you overstimulating him. You keep riding him, desperate for your own release. He’s sensitive but he’s not the kind of man willing to deny you of an orgasm. Not like this. “Fuck- riding my cock like this.. like a fucking bitch in heat.” He growls. Rocking his hips up into you. Thrusting up as you ride him like your life depends on it.

“Nimm was du willst, I’ll give it to you.” He breathes. A cry leaves your mouth from deep in your throat. One last thrust up from him has you crumbling, sending you spiraling. It’s by far the hardest you’ll ever cum. You raise your hips up once more, sliding back down onto him and halting. Cockwarming him as you sit there, coming down from your high. His hands are still at your hips, gripping you. You’ve still got your head buried into the crook of his neck, panting into him.

When you finally pull away, getting a good look at him, you breathe out. “I’m sorry.” You blush. He smiles. “Nothing to be sorry for. Let’s get the hell out of here, talk later.” He breathes. His English is very blunt, but he’s trying.

You gather up all of your clothing and everything else you’d need, preparing yourselves for exfil. You didn’t know how this was going to work.

As you wait for the exfil chopper, he finally looks at you through his hood. Loving eyes glaring down at you. This mission should’ve never happened. But despite the death toll, despite everything that went wrong. The newfound feelings for your colonel. The baby that was most likely to come from this. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad.

[lackinggravitas]

god, this got... long. nearly 6k words long. not sure how that happened, lmao.

i’ve been overthinking this chapter for too long, sitting on it too long. been busy, graduating in a week. im writing this note at like... midnight. sorry if i'm incoherent. anyways. this fic is fun to write. next chapter won't be nearly this long. uh. yep. i think thats it. enjoyyy

ao3 vers

part 1 / part 2 / part 3 / part 4 / part 5 / part 6 (you are here!) / part 7 (eventually)

Ford was off like a shot as soon as the sounds erupted, and Fiddleford was helpless to do anything except follow, stumbling after him through his patterned maze of hallways. Gizmos and gadgets were strewn about on seemingly every floor in every room, with enough paper to set a forest on fire littered about everywhere too. 

There was a raucous cacophony of barking and what sounded like shrill screaming echoing off the maze of Ford’s cabin, rattling through the quaint halls and setting Fiddleford’s hair on edge and his heart thumping like a rabbit’s in his chest. 

Lordy, first Stanley and now this? Fiddleford thought, flabbergasted,  as he followed Ford down another turn. Is this place some sorta weirdness magnet?

Ford awkwardly clambered over what looked to be some sort of complicated, hodge-podged machine that not even Fiddleford could parse the design of, that had fallen in the hallway. The way he swung over it without missing a beat, clearly not surprised at all to see it there, spoke volumes. Namely, that Ford hadn’t gotten any better about keeping tidy since their shared dorm room in college. 

Only Stanford could get himself into a situation like this, Fiddleford thought, following after him as quick as he could, scrambling over the machine. With a laboratory in the woods, living with his feral brother that he refuses to admit is his brother. Fer’ some reason. 

They drew closer and closer to the noises, until suddenly Ford turned a corner and- oh. 

Remus- Stanley- their new friend was hunched on the floor, still on all fours (did he know how to walk? The thought made Fiddleford’s heart stir uncomfortably in his chest)- and presently busying himself with shaking something around in his mouth, not unlike how a dog might a toy. The motion was all a blur - Fiddleford couldn’t even see what he was holding. 

Then he realized the shrill noise was coming from the creature in Stanley’s mouth.

“Good Lord in Heaven!” Fiddleford yelped, not sure whether to jump in or run the opposite direction and settled to just tug anxiously at his hair instead. “Just what in tarnation is goin’ on in here?!”

There was a dash of blood on the linoleum, the jagged shards of a smashed ceramic laying in pieces on the ground. The mere sight of blood alone sent Fiddleford’s pulse skyrocketing, but then he finally caught sight of what Stanley - definitely not ‘Remus’, Lord knows he shouldn’t be playin’ into Stanford’s delusions - actually had in his mouth, and really it was a wonder Fiddleford’s heart hadn’t given out on him yet.

There was a small man between Stanley’s jaws, screaming and flailing one of his arms angrily. He seemed too big to actually fit in Stanley’s mouth - Stanley had to awkwardly bite into his side, holding him by grip strength mostly, as the other half dangled like a too-big fish.

This didn’t seem to be too much of a setback for Stanley though, as he shook the small man vigorously, like he was trying to shake the living daylights out of him.

“Gavin!” another shrill voice yelled in distress, and Fiddleford turned to see - oh sweet baby Jesus, there’s two of ‘em.

There was another little man in a pointy red hat like a garden gnome, this one wielding a fork like a weapon that he didn’t know how to use. He looked shaky and overwhelmed and, frankly, Fiddleford could relate.

“Harry!” The gnome-like little bugger apparently named Gavin, currently being shaken out of his wits in Stanley’s mouth, swung his free arm at his companion, yelling at him, “Harry, you useless idiot, do something!”

Harry shook like a leaf, taking a swing with his fork at Stanley. It was a weak hit - it didn’t even connect. “B-back! Unhand him, foul demon!”

“Would you quit dicking around?!” Gavin shrilled, flailing his free arm in blind panic and rage, eyes wild. “I don’t want to die here, you- you-!”

Predictably, Ford got his wits about him and bearings back much faster than Fiddleford - he sprung forward, jumping into the scene with a recklessness that made Fiddleford yelp. “Remus!” Ford yelled, more disapproving than angry, “Let go of him!”

His hands snapped around the other half of Gavin, grabbing him and trying to pull him out of Stanley’s mouth. This only made Stanley growl louder and bite down harder, and Fiddleford could see tiny pricks of blood bubbling up from where Stanley’s teeth sank into the gnome. Gavin only got louder, cursing cracking up an octave. 

“You can’t eat gnomes!” Ford tried, yanking the gnome - and Stanley along with it - closer to himself. “They’ve been vital to my research so far, you can’t just-!”

“What on earth am I even looking at here?” Fiddleford’s hands were in his own hair again and pulling anxiously without even having to think about it, eyes ping-ponging wildly across the room. The gnomes (honest to God, actual, living gnomes), Ford, and Stanley. He felt faint. 

Stanley growled loudly, biting down and pulling back, shaking his head like he was trying to dislodge Ford’s grip. 

They’re playing tug-a-war with a gnome, Fiddleford thought hysterically. 

“LIBERTY OR DEATH!” Harry cried suddenly, charging forward with his fork extended out like a short sword, going right for Stanley.

Like a cavaliering knight, he struck right in the arm, slamming into Stanley and wrenching the prongs of the fork into him. Stanley dropped Gavin immediately, almost instinctively, letting a sharp yip of surprise and springing away from the attack - but the fork was already stuck deep into his forearm.

Fiddleford felt nauseous just looking at the blunt, inflexible hand of the fork stabbed into Stanley’s arm like a spear. He felt even sicker when Stanley looked down at it, whined, and then promptly closed his teeth around the handle and yanked it out. 

Fiddleford wasn’t sure if he was going to faint or throw up. He felt very lightheaded. 

Without Stanley to balance him, Ford went toppling over almost comically, rear hitting the floor with a thump, still gripping the wiggling gnome tightly. Expression almost dazed with confusion, he looked over at Stanley perplexedly, like he didn’t understand why he let go. Then his gaze snagged on the bloodied metal prongs of the fork Stanley held between his teeth, and his eyes widened.

“You-” Ford looked down at the gnomes, at Stanley, back and forth again. Eyes wide, incredulous and surprised. “This is utterly preposterous. What on earth is going on?”

“Your naked brother is a monster, man!” Harry said (a gnome. A talking gnome. Fiddleford was looking at a talking gnome). He scurried over to Ford’s side. “A monster!”

“He’s not my-”

“All we wanted was to go through your pantry and take all your sugar packets and jams,” Gavin hissed, weird little voice laced with pain and bubbling with anger. “And this guy just flew at us!”

Ford looked down at Gavin like he was surprised to find him still in his hands. He quickly set him down next to Harry, who scurried over to his fellow gnome’s side and helped him up, a supportive arm wrapping around Gavin’s shoulders, despite his grumbling protests. 

“Not even a ‘hello, how do you do’!” Harry added as guided Gavin’s arm to rest around his shoulders. “He just went crazy, barking and everything, and when Gavin tried to att- negotiate, your friend over here lunged at him and started shaking him like a frisbee!”

“Not. Cool.” Gavin said thinly, face pursed with pain.

“Not cool at all,” Harry agreed vehemently. “Why do you have this freak around?”

Stanley growled loudly, both in warning and, seemingly, in unhappiness. He looked like he wanted to lunge at them again, but with his eyes flicking to Ford and Stanley himself heavily favoring his weight on one arm, he didn’t seem like he was about to make any sudden moves. He still glowered at the gnomes, not letting up his growling, but he didn’t move either. 

Fiddleford looked up at Ford to see Ford’s eyes also examining Stanley, thoughtful. After a moment he huffed, turning back to the gnomes. “Right. Well, I’m sure he just thought he was defending our, ah, territory, so to speak. He doesn’t exactly understand speech.”

“Yeah, we gathered that,” Gavin grouched. “He’s like a dumb animal. Did he get dropped on his head or something?”

Ford’s expression pinched. “Remains to be seen,” he said awkwardly.

How old was he when they lost him again? Fiddleford thought, racking his mind for the late night whispers and drunken mumblings Ford had traded with him in pieces, years and years ago. ‘bout five, wasn’t he?

…sweet Lord, Fiddleford thought suddenly, with a sickening, plunging feeling. He was Tater’s age. 

“You watch what you say,” Fiddleford blurted out heatedly, words cutting sharply through the air before he could even realize he was saying them. He continued, “He’s had a rough go of things. Ain’t his fault y’all… spookums broke in and started messin’ ‘round, probably scarin’ him half to death.”

Gavin glared at him. “Spookums? Did you call us spookums?”

“We’re a proud race of forest gnomes,” Harry said hotly. “Maybe you should watch what you say.”

Fiddleford put his hands on his hips, furrowing his brow. “Now hold on now. Y’all can’t just breakin’ into people’s houses and get mad when somebody gets mad ‘atcha! If you didn’t want to get in trouble, you shouldn’t go poking your heads in the badger’s den.” 

“We’re gnomes, man. Breaking-in is what we do!” Harry said, voice raising slightly as his shoulders hunched, eyes going fierce. “You’re the weirdos with this guy hanging around in your house.” He gestured disdainfully towards Stanley. “Some things are better left in the woods, man.”

Fiddleford made an offended noise, like a kettle about to blow its lid. He couldn’t get the image of Tate’s little face out of his head - had Stanley looked like that? 

He was about to snap back before Ford interrupted him-

“Let’s not get too emotional,” Ford tried, clearly aiming for his voice to be smooth, casual and professional-like, but ending up falling somewhere closer towards too stiff, tense. “This is all just an… unfortunate accident on everyone’s parts. Let’s be civilized about this.”

Gavin scoffed. “Yeah, tell that to him,” he glared in Stanley’s direction, letting out a mocking sound as though to mimic Stanley’s growling.

His own growling racketing up, Stanley shifted like he was about to move forward, but Ford hastily stepped between them. “Please don’t antagonize him,” Ford said, more like an order than a request, “There’s no need. I have the situation under control now.” 

“Yeah,” Fiddleford piped up, “You leave him alone.”

He glanced towards Stanley’s hunched form, the thin specks of blood that the fork had drawn, the way he held that arm aloft not like a human, but like a dog might with an injured leg. A cold shudder blustered through Fiddleford. 

Lord, man, Fiddleford thought, what happened to you?

Fiddleford had a five year old boy at home. Ford himself was proof that one can in fact retain memories of that time with some level of clarity - incredible clarity, if you're Ford. A five year old can walk and talk, form memories, can be plenty cognizant of their surroundings. A five year old boy doesn’t just forget how to be a human. 

Something had to have happened. And just the thought of what that could have been terrified Fiddleford more than he could say. 

What if it had been Tate?

“You guys should control your weird friend,” Gavin grumbled. “‘coulda mauled me to death.” 

“Right, well, you survived,” Ford said, with more brusqueness than was polite - really though, knowing him, he probably thought he was being comforting.

“We’d like an apology,” Harry piped up. 

“Yeah. Maybe a token of your regrets, too…” Gavin agreed, looking meaningfully towards the fridge. 

Ford frowned, more confusion than anything else. “What is there to apologize for? It's not as though you died. You'll get better.”

Stanley was looking tenser and tenser by the minute, glancing up at Ford periodically with a mixture of confusion and apprehension. His arm was still bleeding sluggishly, Fiddleford noticed, tucked tight and protective to his chest.

A drop of his blood rolled down his arm and hit the floor with the smallest of sounds.

Fiddleford felt the last of his rapidly depleting patience fray. 

“Alright, that’s enough,” he said suddenly, crossing his arms and affecting an immovable sternness into his voice only a man with a toddler at home could achieve, “Clear out, the both of ya. You’ve overstayed yer welcome ‘round here.”

“Wh- hey!” Harry protested as Fiddleford started shooing them away, towards the open kitchen window they’d presumably come from. “You can’t just kick us out without even-”

“I can, and I’m doin’ it,” Fiddleford said, ushering them out. “Shoo, shoo ya varmint! Don’t you go comin’ back here for a long while!”

“We won’t stand for this! We’re the gnomes of the forest, we won’t just be- ack!” Fiddleford leaned down and scooped Gavin and Harry, tucking both of them under his arms like one would unruly toddlers. Gavin let out a hiss of pain as his injured side was jostled, and Harry let out a hiss of indignant rage as he was easily lifted. 

Both gnomes under his arms, he marched them both to the window. 

“You’re going to regret this!” Harry shrilled angrily, flailing and struggling, punching Fiddleford’s arm and side without avail. “We gnomes are not to be trifled with! We’re a powerful race!”

“Yeah, yeah, y’all have fun wit’ that.” Fiddleford shuffled his grip on them, holding them by the backs of their shirts out the window. “See y’all later now.” 

Harry and Gavin both hit the ground with twin thumps, Gavin letting out a groan of pain and clutching his side, glaring up at Fiddleford heatedly. Harry, to his credit, rushed to his buddies side, helping him up. He glowered up at Fiddleford. “You will regret this. Gnomes are terrible enemies to have-” 

“That’s real nice for you, bye now,” Fiddleford said, and shut the window on both of them. 

The click of the lock latching into place was more of a relief than Fiddleford expected. He let out a deep, drawn out sigh, closing his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. 

Stanley’s growling had stopped sometime around when Fiddleford first grabbed the gnomes. When Fiddleford cracked an open, he could see Stanley peering at him intently now, clearly weighing him consideringly in his mind, though in what way Fiddleford hadn’t the darndest clue. 

“That was maybe not the best move,” Ford started slowly, startling Fiddleford a bit - he’d honestly forgotten his friend was even there for a moment. “I know they might seem unthreatening, but the gnomes can indeed be quite terrifying when they all set their minds to it-”

“I don’t even know where to begin with the fact that there are honest to God, real living gnomes running around,” Fiddleford interrupted. “I ain’t about to start pondering their power of teamwork or what have you.” 

Fiddleford looked at his hands, then shuddered. 

“They aren’t venomous to the touch, are they? Diseased or anything?” He started looking around the kitchen, hands held aloft. “I should wash my hands, just to be sure.” 

“I believe the word you are looking for is actually ‘poisonous’. And no, they’re not - trust me, I’ve handled them many times before and suffered no ill effects.” 

“Thank the Lord,” Fiddleford sighed. “‘kay then. So, gnomes?”

Ford folded his hands behind his back. “Gnomes, yes. My apologies for not warning you sooner, I just didn’t think it would come up this early.” 

Ford drew in a breath, lifted his head, straightened his shoulders - his clear tell for an oncoming lecture. 

“You see, Gravity Falls is a very strange town, filled with all sorts of anomalous and magical entities, such as those gnomes. I’ve been studying the properties and creatures of this Weirdness - that’s how I met Remus over here.” He nodded towards Stanley. “We likely won’t be interacting much with any of it, due to the nature of our work, but it is best to let you know, to mitigate any more surprises.”

Won’t be interacting much with it. Fiddleford let out a sigh of relief. “Well, that’s good ‘ta hear at least. I don’t reckon my heart could take too many more scares like that, at least not without a bit of mental and physical preparation.” 

“Of course. I can assure you that other than the gnomes, most anomalies tend to stay in the woods, and not in my kitchen.” Ford glanced down at the shattered remains of some ceramic fixture, and the gnome-blood on the floor, and he frowned. “Hm. I should probably clean that up.” 

“Yes, you probably should. Wouldn’t want anyone getting hurt now.” 

“No, of course- oh!” Ford froze, like he was suddenly remembering something. He turned to Stanley. “Oh, Remus! I’d almost forgotten!”

Stanley was hunkered down and, now that Fiddleford was paying attention, making low, unhappy noises, arm still held aloft protectively. He looked up at Ford with a mixture of trepidation and curiosity, eyes narrowed. 

“You were injured in that scuffle, were you not?” Ford dropped to his knees, shifting forward to brazenly grab at Stanley’s injured arm, as though Stanley wasn’t a feral man with seemingly no understanding of English and an already apparent tendency towards violence. Ford grasped his arm, pulling and turning it so he could get a good look at the injury. “Blast, these are some deep wounds for an injury from a fork, Remus. We’ll need to clean this in case of infection.”

Stanley growled warningly, trying to pull his arm away. Fiddleford felt his heart stutter slightly in fear. 

But Ford just pulled back at him, refusing to let go. He tsked. “Oh, don’t be so dramatic, you're fine. Fiddleford, would you fetch me my first aid kit? I believe there’s one in the cabinet underneath the sink.”

Indeed there was one, pressed up amidst the cleaning supplies and jars filled with items Fiddleford would really rather not spend any time thinking about. He quickly fished out the kit and shut the cabinet door.

“Thank you,” Ford said as Fiddleford handed the white box to him. He deftly popped it open with one hand, the other still holding Stanley’s arm, and unscrewed the cap of a bottle of what looked to be homemade antiseptic. It was green, watery and slightly iridescent under the light, and Ford doused a liberal amount of it right onto Stanley’s injury.

Stanley snarled, loud and surprised, attempting to yank his arm back. Ford just tightened his grip.

“I know, I know,” Ford sighed. He rubbed Stanley’s arm with his thumb, showing more gentleness than Fiddleford ever thought possible of the blunt, awkward man he knew from college. “It hurts, doesn’t it? I’m sorry, but I can’t let you get an infection.”

He set the antiseptic aside carefully, his now freed hand reaching up to card six fingers through Stanley’s hair with a shocking amount of tenderness.

“There, you’re alright. That's over now.” He huffed, shaking his head a bit. “I’d reprimand you for being so foolish as to pick a fight with those gnomes, but it seems you’ve learned your lesson. Perhaps a little more harshly than is even necessary.” He patted Stanley’s arm, frowning at the injury there. “I think I’m starting to understand why some of the townsfolk dislike the gnomes, honestly.”

Ford sighed, his arms snaking around Stanley, tipping his head to mumble to him. 

“We best install some sort of reinforcement to keep those gnomes out. Wouldn’t want you getting hurt, now would we?” Stanley sighed, slumping into Ford’s arms. Ford propped his chin on top of Stanley’s head contentedly. “No, I won’t have you getting hurt at all, not if I can help it.”

Feeling like an intruder in a private moment, Fiddleford busied himself with awkwardly snagging the bottle of antiseptic and screwing its cap back on as quietly and unintrusively as he could. 

Ford glanced over at him, giving an approving nod, before turning his attention back to Stanley, who seemed to have calmed down significantly under Ford’s attention, slumping against him trustingly, breathing slowly. Ford scratched lightly at his scalp affectionately. “We better get some salve on that arm, hm?”

Sitting on his now idle hands, Fiddleford looked away, wanting to give them some semblance of privacy but also not wanting to draw attention to himself by moving elsewhere. This felt like something he should leave them alone for - he’d never seen Ford act this… what was the word? Touchy? Emotionally-open? 

He’d never seen Ford act like this without inhibition of a few drinks to loosen his tongue up, or a blanket of night to provide him some sense of secrecy.

Aware of it or not, Ford’s brother seemed to bring out a different side to him. A heart alongside his brains. Not to say that Ford was heartless or anything! Fiddleford knew better than anyone how much Ford cared, sometimes - he just wasn’t always the best at showing it- not that he never-

“Fiddleford?” Jolting a bit at his name being called, Fiddleford turned to see Ford looking at him. “Would you mind grabbing that small glass container in the first aid kit? Yes, that’s the one- now, would you be so kind as to apply some of that gel to Remus’s arm here? Just on the injury.” 

Hands tightening around the small, roughly four-ounce jar. Fiddleford’s eyes widened a bit. He glanced over to Stanley, who had Ford's gaze towards Fiddleford, expression unreadable, yet watchful. “Uh, you sure ‘bout that, Stanford?”

Ford looked at him as though he couldn't possibly understand what the problem was. “Certainly. Remus warmed up to me quite a bit when I did the same, it’s the easiest way for you to gain his trust.” Ford patted Stanley on the head like one might the hood of a reliable old car. “He’s very intelligent. He’ll understand you aren’t trying to hurt him.” 

Fiddleford swallowed, shrinking back a bit. “I… I dunno, Stanford, I mean, saying hello to him earlier was one thing, but smart or not he still thinks he’s a wild animal…” He’d seen just a minute ago how hard Stanley could bite when he wanted to.

“Come on now, Fiddleford, it’s only Remus. He won't hurt you. Furthermore, you and him having a positive relationship will be beneficial not only for our research, but also for our living situation. I can’t supervise the two of you at all times, you’ll need to be able to at least coexist peacefully.” Ford snaked his arms even further around Stanley, completely enveloping him in a tight embrace. “Here, I’ll even hold him still, for your peace of mind.” 

“Goody,” Fiddleford mumbled, fumbling to pop the cap off the jar with suddenly shaky hands. He couldn’t stop picturing the way Stanley’s teeth had been embedded into that gnome, the force behind that bite. “Can’t wait.” 

“You’ll be fine,” Ford dismissed with more flippancy than Fiddleford found comforting. “Now, just dip a finger or two into the gel, getting just enough to cover the whole of Remus’ wound here.”

The salve was oddly smooth, almost soft as Fiddleford scooped up a small dollop of the stuff onto two fingers. He lifted it up, examining it in the light - it wasn’t quite as iridescent as the antiseptic, but it did seem to slowly shift slightly in color, the stuff making contact with Fiddleford’s fingers shifting to be more of a greenish-hue, while the rest stayed a calming teal.

“It reacts to body-heat,” Ford piped up, pride shining in voice. He must have noticed Fiddleford’s curiosity. “Because of its slight transparency, you can actually see that with your naked eye - hence the difference in color.” 

“Fascinating,” Fiddleford murmured, tilting it this way and that. “And it heals people?”

“To an extent,” Ford said excitedly. “Its effects and limits are actually very interesting just on their own - it can heal surface wounds, but anything deeper it can’t reach. I’ve yet to experiment with injecting it, nevermind that that would be rather imprecise… Well, anyways, I haven’t needed it for any serious injuries yet, but it does wonders for sunburns and mosquito bites.”

“Well ain’t that just the darndest thing. Where’d ya even find something like this?” 

Ford preened, practically fluffing with pride. “That’s just the thing! I made it myself, combining various ingredients from the forest and-”

Stanley made a low, unhappy noise. Ford jolted. 

“Ah, right, the task at hand. I’ve gotten carried away again.” Ford shook his head. “Nevermind all that for now, we can discuss it further later. For now, we tend to our wounded.” 

Ford patted Stanley on the back, motioning with his other hand for Fiddleford to come closer.

“Simply apply the salve over the injured area and watch it work its magic,” Ford instructed. “Don’t worry about hurting him, he’ll be alright. Better for it, really.” 

Despite the assurances, Fiddleford’s hand still shook slightly as he carefully, so carefully reached over, glancing over at Stanley’s face repeatedly to watch his reaction. The feral man remained impassive, just watching him as Fiddleford slowly started smearing the gel over the wounds.

Stanley tensed suddenly, a soft growl kicking to life in his chest. His lips pulled back to reveal jagged, truly grisly looking teeth, twisting into an angry snarl. 

Fear struck Fiddleford in the chest like a physical, wrenching blow - he scooted backwards, shoes squeaking on the linoleum, gel-covered hand still raised up. Images of those teeth flashing in his head, those teeth digging into the gnome’s side, those teeth, still red with blood, snarling at him-

“Fiddleford,” Ford said, voice steady, almost firm. “He’s not going to hurt you. He’s just flinching. See, I’m not even holding him back.”

And he wasn’t. Stanley wasn’t struggling from Ford’s grip at all, just sitting there, calm as anything, not even straining to lunge for Fiddleford’s jugular and rip him to pieces. He was just… sitting there. Face twisted not in rage, but in pain. Calmness in his eyes. Just sitting there, watching Fiddleford. 

“He’s just flinching, as anyone would to having gel rubbed into an open wound. He did the same when I was applying it, and he never once attacked me. You’re alright,” Ford continued. 

“Right. Yeah.” Fiddleford shook himself, forcing himself to stop shaking. “Yeah. Sorry ‘bout that, don’t know what came over me there.” 

“It’s no matter,” Ford said. “Can you apply the rest?”

Fiddleford nodded tensely, scooting forward and slowly placing his fingers back onto Stanley’s arm, pressing down with as little force as he could. And true to Ford’s word, while he did growl and whine, Stanley didn’t move a muscle against Fiddleford as he cautiously applied the cool gel. 

Once he was done, Fiddleford retracted his hand, holding it to his chest almost protectively. 

Stanley just looked him over, then huffed. He bumped his head lightly against the side of Ford’s face, then wiggled out. With one last friendly pat to Stanley’s shoulder, Ford let him go - Fiddleford froze where he sat, but Stanley only glanced at him before looking back to the kitchen window, where Fiddleford had, uh, disposed of the gnomes.

He looked between Fiddleford and the window, something almost thoughtful in his eyes, though what he was thinking about Fiddleford hadn’t the faintest clues. If Stanley even thought like a human did at all.

His gaze landed with finality on the window. Stanley’s lips pulled back into a snarl, like out a loud, rumbling warning call of a growl. Hunkering down slightly, he opened his mouth and let a sharp, thunderclap of a bark, powerful enough to send the startled caws of birds up from the trees outside.

Fiddleford flinched so hard he nearly brained himself on a cabinet. 

Stanley’s eyes flicked over to him. The growling softened and faded out, leaving him silent. 

He walked, arm still held up, on his hand and knees. Instinctively Fiddleford scooted back, his back bumping against the cabinet - he hissed as one of the knobs jabbed him in the side, but then Stanley was inches away, and he fell silent again. 

 Stanley was as blank-faced and watchful as the old farm dogs Fiddleford had grown up with - never the most friendly things, but dutiful to the very end.  

They had been far from pets, and as children Fiddleford’s parents always strongly discouraged him and his siblings from viewing them that way. They were working dogs - they were useful, born bred and trained all their lives to be the perfect livestock dogs. A good one was well appreciated, practically irreplaceable. 

A bad dog was taken out back and- disposed of. That was just the way of things - no mourning, not for bad dogs. They were animals, and this was the way of things. 

And like an animal, there was nothing readable in Stanley’s eyes.

Part of their work in training the dogs was to catch the good from the bad, figure out which was which. The good dogs do their jobs. The good dogs take to their training well, help wrangle the animals, ward off threats and, if necessary, protect them at all costs, even if that cost is their own life. It’s what they’re trained to do. A bad dog is an untrainable dog.

It’s a dog that hunts the animals, not protects.

And Fiddleford couldn’t tell which one Stanley was.

“H-hey there, uh, buddy,” he said, cursing the way his voice shook. “Whatcha doin’?”

Unreadable brown eyes bored into Fiddleford’s skull.

What does he want? He ain’t mad I put that salve on his arm, is he? Ford said he’s smarter than that but Ford’s a bit of a sentimental sort, you know he ain’t always as pragmatic as he makes himself out to be, and you saw what Stanley did to them gnomes, Fiddleford, teeth like that he’ll got a good chunk outta ya before you can pull him off, and who knows what kinda diseases this fella’s carryin’ around from the woods - sweet sarsaparilla, what if he’s got rabies? There ain’t no cure for rabies. If I get rabies I won’t ever be able to see ‘m boy again, he’s just a little fella, he’ll have to grow up with barely a memory of his old man, all ‘cause I got bit by a rabid man, and then how will Ems keep float without botha’ our income, they’ll have to sell the house to ‘m funeral expenses, and Tate’ll have to go to a different school and Ems will havta to move in with her folks and she hates her folks and-

Something warm and wet lapped at Fiddleford’s cheek. 

He was abruptly snapped out of his spiraling thoughts, returning to the reality of-

-of Stanley licking him on the face. What?

“Remus!” Ford admonished from aside, coming over to pull Stanley off Fiddleford. “What did I tell you about licking people?”

Stanley huffed at him, waving his tongue in Fiddleford’s direction menacingly, like how one might waggle a finger at someone. Fiddleford pressed a shell-shocked hand to his cheek. It was indeed damp with salvia. Like he’d been licked by a dog. 

“Terribly sorry, Fiddleford, I should have warned you that he tends to do that sometimes. I believe it’s something he picked up from the coyotes - did I mention he’s been living with the coyotes? - well, I hypothesize the licking to be an attempt at a soothing gesture.” He hooked his arms under Stanley’s, pulling him aside like a misbehaving dog. “Fret not, he’s done the same to me before I’ve suffered no ill consequences. He doesn’t seem to be carrying any sort of transmittable disease - miraculously, considering his previous living conditions.”

“I- uh. Um.” Fiddleford blinked, dazed. He felt as though his thoughts, racing and uncontrollable just seconds ago, had suddenly slammed into a solid wall, leaving him stumbling and reeling.

Stanley looked at him for a moment, eyes unreadable as they’d ever been - then he blinked, exhaling, and slipped out of Ford’s hold. He trudged out of the kitchen, still on all fours, turning around a corner and disappearing. 

There was a shroud of silence over the kitchen for a moment. Fiddleford didn’t think he could bring himself to break the clasp of silence over them even if he wanted to.

Then Ford stood with a soft grunt, dusting off his pants, and the spell was broken.

“Right, well, crisis averted, I suppose. I do hope the gnomes don’t take anything personally.” He straightened his shirt primly, glancing down at the mess still on the kitchen floor unhappily. “If anyone should be upset, it should be me, after all. I rather liked that jam jar.”

Fiddleford wasn’t really listening - his eyes stayed on where he’d last seen Stanley, the gears of his brain slowly returning to their turning, replaying the events of the day in his mind. “...you seem mighty comfortable with him.”

“Hm?” Ford looked up, following Fiddleford’s gaze to the doorway, the bend Stanley disappeared behind. Realization fluttered to life across his face, the thoughtful pinch of his brow smoothing. “Oh, you mean Remus?”

“Yeah,” Fiddleford confirmed distantly. 

Ford shrugged loosely. “Now that you say it, I suppose that that’s true. It’s just… hm, how to explain it?” He scratched the back of his neck idly, squinting at nothing as though trying to parse his thoughts into words. “It’s just that I feel… at ease, in Remus’ presence. Comfortable, like you said. I’d honestly assumed that would be the case for anyone meeting Remus, that it might be an effect of his - you don’t find him soothing to be around at all?”

Fiddleford’s heart still hadn’t quite returned to normal, still a flurry steadily slowing in his chest with each passing moment he wasn’t mauled or attacked. He couldn’t help the soft chuckle Ford’s words surprised out of him. “No, I don’t reckon I do. He damn near gave me a heart attack, he did. Thought he was gonna chew me up and spit me out like an old chicken bone.” 

Ford scoffed, somehow both with surprise and disagreement. “I told you, he’s perfectly safe to be around! I’ve been keeping a close eye on him for the past week or so, and he’s never once done anything violent towards me.”

“If you say so,” Fiddleford said doubtfully. He ran a hand through his hair, sighing. “Still, we havta find some way to help the poor fella. It ain’t right, letting him go on as he is, not even knowing he’s a human person…”

“Of course, of course, as we’ve agreed to. We’ll fit it in the schedule, sometime between our work on the machine.”

“‘bout that machine,” Fiddleford started, straightening, “I was wonderin’ if ya had any ideas in mind? Any plans or anythin’?”

Ford brightened. “Yes! I’ve been working on drawing up some blueprints for you, and I have a few theories as to how it might work…”

He went on, talking animatedly as he started guiding Fiddleford out of the kitchen, down the spiraling halls of the cabin and towards the study - but Fiddleford couldn’t help the way his eyes wandered down every corridor and corner, looking the distinctive hunched shape and billowing brown hair of a certain Pines. 

I’ll help ya, Fiddleford promised in his head, I’ll getcha back on yer two feet, or my names not Fiddleford H. McGucket. I promise.

taglist! let me know if you want to be added or removed :-)

@ebsrahl @artistredfox @m0rkl @thesnakelord @littlelilliana15 @darsbw @raska-tmg @i-am-harmless @majoringinfanfiction @bluefrostyy @adhd-nighmare @i-am-harmless @anxiety-account @cymbals-kid @chaseerr0rcode @thenoellebird @luckyduck-main @nebore @sourour-rl @multyfangirl16 @ace-simp @eldritch-observer @azarath-cat @lukadesmots

[balanceoflightanddark]

It was then that Azula felt a few footsteps come pattering her way. She didn't look up for she knew who they were. All that was left for her was to take what she knew was coming. Couldn't be any worse than what she had to put up with already.

...what she got was a few curious sniffs around her face before she heard the other plop themselves down. "You...okay?"

Azula rose her head. That wasn't Mother. It didn't even sound human. More like something that was just barely able to handle the human language.

Looking to her side, she saw a...rather curious looking creature. It was small and covered in short, fluffy blue fur. The belly was of a lighter blue while a trio of dark blue stripes went down its back to a stubby tail. Its head was a bit oversized, dominated by two shining black eyes, a sizeable nose, and two rabbit-like ears.

"You...okay?" it asked again in a squeaky voice.

"...no. I'm not." Azula didn't even have the stamina to come up with anything clever. Especially not with...

He (they sounded like a he) patted his chest with a clawed hand and went "Name Stitch. You?"

"...Azula."

"Azula. Hmm. Good name," this "Stitch" said before settling down. The little girl looked at him curiously. At first, she thought he was some kind of spirit, but he certainly didn't give off any mysterious vibe. Especially when he...ugh...picked his nose with his tongue like he was currently doing right now.

Stitch then tilted his head, obviously expecting her to continue. Now Azula weighed her options. She could lie about how she felt. Say that of course she's a monster, why should she feel sorry about it? But...something told her this mutant...koala-dog could tell if she was lying or not.

Composing herself, Azula decided to do what she could if she couldn't lie: sugarcoat the truth. "Well, I just found out that one of my best friends was told by her father to be my friend and that she...thinks I'm a freak."

Her voice faltered as she continued her explanation. "And now...I'm wondering if she even thinks I'm her friend and...what I'm doing wrong."

Azula sulked more, feeling the weight on her heart. "I mean...what's the point of feeling about it? Dad says I'm supposed to be mean. Then...why do I feel..."

"...sad."

"...yeah." Azula hung her head in defeat, waiting for the inevitable chastizing.

Instead, she got a pat on her shoulder. "Stitch had problems being good too."

The little girl shot her head up, looking into the sympathetic eyes of the creature. "Stitch was...bad." Her companion looked around for a moment, obviously thinking of what he was going to say before sticking out his fingers and going "BANGBANGBANGBANG!!!" as if he were shooting. Then he pantomimed explosions and made weird screaming noises. Azula...kind of got what he was saying? A little?

"Stitch do...bad things," the creature concluded. "But best friend taught Stitch he could be good. Now Stitch good. Took while, and not everyone believed in Stitch. But Stitch turned good. Ih. Turned good."

"...nobody thinks I can be good," Azula said gloomily.

She froze up when Stitch reached out and hugged her. "Stitch believe you good," he said.

Azula was stunned. Who...who was...

Wordlessly, she returned the hug, feeling the fluffy fur between her fingers.

She let out a few tears but then smiled.

-

"Ursa! Where's Azula?"

The noblewoman cringed a bit from Ozai's demand, but smiled. "Oh, she's staying over at her new friend's place."

Ozai raised a curious eyebrow. "New...friend?"

-

"They're gonna get it!" Azula said mockingly at the nincompoop scientists as they armed themselves and advanced at the greenhouse. She, Lilo, and Stitch leaned forward, just waiting as the scientists opened the door.

Just then, the alien monster was right there, towering over them and smashing the door frame. The heroes just managed to slam the door shut and struggle to keep it closed as the monster howled. One of them fired a spray of bullets through the door, but they just heard it run away.

"Hah! Bullets cannot harm a plant-based lifeform!" Jumba mocked, giving a hearty chuckle at their antics.

Azula snickered at the mad scientist's commentary. Agni forbid if her mother was here. She'd probably blow a gasket at the sight.

"Popcorn?" Lilo offered, passing the bowl as they watched The Thing from Another World.

The Princess gave a warm smile as she took a handful. Not too much lest she wasn't able to finish her bowl of mochi at her feet. She then passed a few mochi herself to both Lilo and Stitch, the three friends munching as they watched the chaos unfold on screen.

It was a good night.

[dyaz-stories]

Cuddling — Day two of Inukag Fluff Week

Second one shot for @inukagfluffweek! This one is set in canon, and probably a little more on the hurt/comfort side.

Keeping an eye on Kagome was second nature for Inuyasha. After all, if there wasn’t food on her plate, she’d grow hungry and Jewel shards hunting would be interrupted. If there wasn’t a fire to keep her warm, she’d be too tired to go on. If they were caught in a downpour without shelter, she’d get sick. If she kept going when her legs hurt, the next day would be hell. So he got her food, he built the fire, he found the shelter, he carried her on his back. Not ‘cause he cared, though, well, he did care, a little bit, the normal amount, whatever that was, but for purely practical reasons.

That meant he figured out early on that something was wrong. He couldn’t pinpoint what for the life of him, though.

He’d added wood to the fire. He’d caught and cooked a rabbit. He’d carried her on his back half the day, holding her two-wheeled thing in one hand. He’d even offered his services in ridding some farmer of pesky yokai, so they’d get to sleep in a barn for once. Sure, he wasn’t Miroku, and he couldn’t secure them a place in some luxury house, but he was trying his best, ‘kay? Miroku wasn’t around anyway, and Kagome had never complained about luxuries before.

And still, when everything should have been fine, something was clearly wrong. Kagome kept looking in the distance, eyes turning glassy, mouth curving downward as she buried herself in her thought, keeping him so, so far away from her even if she was sitting right next to him.

 Inuyasha had no damn clue how to fix it.

“What is it this time?” he snapped at last as she was finishing her food in silence, taking small, slow bites, and she jumped at the sound of his voice. Her wide brown eyes focused on him at last, and that simple action was grounding enough for him that he would almost have felt sorry for his outburst.

Almost.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, and the immediate frown on her face told him she was not to be messed with right now — too bad he didn’t care, at this point.

“What’s wrong with you, you mean,” he scoffed, folding his arms and shaking his head. “You’ve been sulking for days. So tell me how to fix it, or just stop doing that already!”

If he’d been self-aware enough for that, he would no doubt have realized how childish he sounded. Kagome could have, too, but instead, her face flushed.

“I’m fine!” she replied, her voice too high-pitched to be convincing. “It’s not your problem anyway, so just forget about it!”

“How is it not my problem when you’re all—” He gestured at her, frustrated. “—and it’s a pain to travel!”

“Well if it’s a pain to travel with me, why don’t you just go with someone else?” she replied, raising her voice a little more.

“Because I don’t want to travel with someone else!” he yelled back. “I just want you to tell me how to not make it hard for you!”

She went quiet then, uncharacteristically so, red spreading to her ears, and Inuyasha growled under his breath, muttering to himself. He wasn’t sure what to do with this quiet Kagome. If she needed to scream at him to feel better, well, she could get on with that, and at least then she’d be fixed or whatever, but even picking a fight wasn’t working, damn it.

“I’m sorry,” Kagome whispered at last, and Inuyasha started like he’d been stung by a bee. Uh, yeah, not good. She didn’t do that. Even when she was in the wrong, she needed her time and space to calm down, and then she’d apologize, often while bringing him an offering of ramen. She never turned down a fight with an immediate apology.

That was when the tears came.

“I’m sorry,” she repeated, sniffing.

“Wh— No— Don’t—” he pleaded, voice cracking, but she paid him no attention.

“I just— It’s been a very long year, you know? And I— I— I miss my mom,” she finally broke, waterfalls on her cheeks, quiet sobs wracking her body as she wrapped her arms around her knees.

Inuyasha froze. He reached out for her without thinking, overwhelmed by the need to make it stop, make it better, make her better, make it so she’d never ever cry again, but his fingers curled up before he could touch her, caught by some other part of his instinct.

“W-why didn’t you just say so! You can just— you can just go home then!” he scoffed, trying very hard to sound annoyed, but he couldn’t keep the worry out of his voice.

“But we’ve been on the road for days,” Kagome sniffed, “and it would take days to go back, and we haven’t found that stupid Jewel shard, and I just want her to give me a hug, and—”

“Ha, well I-I can do that too! You could have asked me!”

That made Kagome stop crying for long enough to give him a blank stare.

“Come on, Inuyasha. I’m not going to force you to hug me.”

“W-who said anything about forcing me!”

“Well you don’t look thrilled about it,” she said, doubtful, and at least she was crying a lot less now, but her eyes and nose were still read and he wasn’t going to let that slide, was he?

“J-just— just don’t move, okay?”

Clumsily, despite how careful he was being, he put both arms around her, awkwardly tugging her until he’d brought her against his chest. He was barely touching her, his arms forming a misshaped circle hovering around her. He’d hugged her before, but it had been an impulsive action, not one he’d thought about. He— had no idea how to do it intentionally.

Against his chest, Kagome giggled.

“You have to actually hug me, you know? Like that.”

She did it without hesitation, wrapping her arms around him. Closing her eyes, she rested her head against his, and this time when he froze, there were very different emotions running within him. On the top of his head, his ears were twitching, all his senses alert, taking in her breathing that was getting more even, her smell, her breath against his skin. Swallowing, he finally brought himself to close his arms around her, and she sighed contentedly.

“See?” she asked. “That’s nice, isn’t it?”

He could barely reply around the knot in his throat. She felt so soft against him, so delicate. His half-demon strength would make it so, so easy to break her in half — and she knew that. Her warmth was spreading through him, from his chest and face to the root of his hair and the tip of his toes. Everything he felt was Kagome. With great care, he ran his fingers through her hair, not wanting his claws to cut through them by accident. She shivered, tilted her head forward a little to give him better access. Mesmerized, he kept going. Her hair felt soft between his fingers, silky.

Everything about this was calming. And she’d been right. It was nice.

It caught him by surprise when she moved, entangling herself from him.

“Thanks, Inuyasha,” she said, sniffing again. “I’m feeling better. It was nice of you to— Oh!”

He pulled her back into him, this time with a tighter grip.

“You said you needed a hug, so I’m giving you one that’ll last you until I can get you back to your time,” he said gruffly. “Now just sleep, ‘kay?”

Her laugh vibrated through his chest, and he found it to be the best thing he’d ever felt.

“Okay,” she said. “Thanks, Inuyasha.”

He would have told her that he was just doing it so she’d be in the mood for shard hunting the next day, but if she’d called him out, he would never have been able to lie with a straight face, so he chose not to.

‘cause truth be told, now that he was experiencing it, he thought he’d needed that hug at least as much as her.

Don't have ideas for the upcoming themes so this will probably be my last entry for the week! Thank you all for the love on yesterday's entry, hope you've enjoyed this one as well, and I'll see you when I see you!

[denaliwrites]

f i c m a s t e r l i s t

p o l i c i e s (please read before making requests!)

b a d s a m a r i t a n The Best of You, Honey, Belongs to Me Blackthorn Cover Myself in the Ashes of You Dumb Ways To Die Enough of You to Dull the Pain (18+) Hellbent Looking For A Godsend Hit Me With Your Best Shot I Got This Feeling On A Summer Day (18+) I'm Gooey in the Middle Baby Let Me Bake In His Eyes A Flaming Glow Intrigued and Afraid Keep You Like An Oath (18+) Killing Me Softly My Baby Shot Me Down (18+) Not Much Between Despair and Ecstasy (18+) Only Touch That Gets Me Melting (18+) Run Rabbit Run (18+) Say My Name Send a Thousand Kings Away Shia Surprise Something Good to Celebrate Stop, Look and Listen, It's Halloween! Taste of a Poison Paradise Trust in Me, Just in Me With Your Scars and Your Lonely Heart Your Body's a Secret Girl and You're About to Spill It (18+)

t h e b o y s Watch That Butcher Burn

b r o a d c h u r c h Always Leave Me With a Hungry Heart Am I Doing This Right? An Art to Life's Distractions Beating Like A Kick Drum Girls Like Girls Like Boys Do It's Been a Long, Long Time Love's Perfect Ache Now and Again We Try to Just Stay Alive Regale You With A Gourd-geous Tale Say You'll Remember Me Say You'll Remember Me (Denali's Version) Take A Break, Take Me Down Tell Me It's A Nightmare What My Heart Was Worth

d o c t o r w h o Cuddle, Meet Puddle Cute Things Don't Blink (Part 1) Don't Turn Your Back (Part 2) Don't Look Away (Part 3) Dreams See Us Through (Part 4) Hate the Feeling of Falling Have a Holly Jolly Christmas Horrible Things Isn't That Wizard It's How I'm Made Let Me Come Home Little Creepy House Love Letters On the Brave Shit The Origin of (Love Bug) Species What Beautiful Things I'll Wear When the Crypt Doors Creak You Know That I Would Jump Too

d u c k t a l e s Tales of Daring

g o o d o m e n s All I Want For Christmas Aziraphale's Favorite Author Dance on a Tightrope of Weird Free as My Hair His Love is All in Me How the Wine Plays Tricks on My Tongue Lockdown Blues Making Biscuits My Heart's a Stereo Naked in That Garden (18+) Out There Making DuckTales Pickin' Up the Pieces of the Mess You Made Road to Hell Something Meaty For The Main Course Step Too Far Tongue Tied Your Love is Holy (18+)

f r i g h t n i g h t Emptiness to Melody Everybody Scream in Our Town of Halloween Fixed Up to the Nines Howl Like an Animal in the Darkness I'm So Hot I'd Fuck Myself (18+) I'm Starvin', Darlin', Let Me Put My Lips to Somethin' Late Night Devil Put Your Hands On Me (18+) Make Me Glow Night of Long Fangs (18+) Parade of Dancing Skeletons Talk So Pretty (18+) Who Are You Supposed To Be, Criss Angel? (18+)

h a u n t i n g o f b l y m a n o r ???

j u r a s s i c p a r k / w o r l d Best Behavior The Future Ex Mrs. Malcolm

p r o d i g a l s o n But Then My Stupid Phone Beeps Never Fallen From Quite This High Office Supplies Rude Boy They are the Hunters, We are the Foxes Trigger Happy With a Sense of Poise (18+)

s l o w h o r s e s Imposing Figure Inappropriate

[3ardnpc]

Hello! I saw requests were open and thought you may like this prompt

Imagine reader was in some way, shape, or form really good at flying a ship. It doesn't matter what kind it is, they can fly it. And din and reader are being chased by pirates or something like that, and the reader takes over flying while din goes off to do something, and all of a sudden their doing Barrel rolls and death drops making all the cargo fly everywhere (it would be hilarious if this is new information to din and he didnt know reader could do this)

This is just a silly little thought i had. You can add onto it and change it however you like (if you could add like mild tension of any kind i would be very grateful!) Love ya!

-H

TAGS: slight angst, injury mention, misunderstandings?, happy ending

A/N: hi H!!!! I loved this request and I'm sorry it took so long. I got sucked into the dragon age rabbit hole and just managed to crawl out after finishing origins lol hope you enjoy it!!!

—

Din’s breathless voice came through the com, “Get the ship started.”

You could tell he was running from the sound of blaster fire. Another failed bounty, you could only assume, for the third time in a row.

Things weren't looking so good for the two of you. Your partnership with the bounty hunter started with Grogu, getting him to the Jedi safely, and with Grogu gone now, things were tense. You didn't know where your partnership stood anymore, what it meant now that the mission was done.

You bring the engine to life with the flip of a few switches absentmindedly.

When you heard the clamoring of boots against steel, you shot up from the pilot seat and took your place in the co-pilot seat. Din came in seconds later, sliding into the pilot seat and getting the ship in the air.

“Hurt?” you muttered, fingers twitching in your lap as you await an answer.

He didn't respond, but his fingers curled around the wheel.

“I don't think they're following us. I’ll be back.”

He slipped out of the chair, switching into autopilot, and the door with a slight limp, disappearing down the ladder.

You sighed. He always lets you patch him up, at least before. Was it really time to move on? Was this his way of telling you he didn't need you anymore?

In your wandering thoughts, you failed to notice the tailing ship until shots blasted past the wings of the ship. Your mind and body jolted into action, slipping into the captain's chair.

Sharp, calculated maneuvers had the ship diving and twisting to avoid being shot.

You could hear the clamor of things in the cargo hold being thrown around, including Din. He was cursing, grunting, being shoved against the cramped walls of the hold.

Eventually, you managed to lose the pirates once again, settling back into the pilot's seat and hearing Din clamor back up the ladder into the cockpit.

“What the hell were you doing?” Din snapped, spinning your chair around.

His tone made you bristle. “Saving our asses. Those pirates were on us,” you retorted.

“Yes, but your piloting was reckless. You should've called me.”

“Sorry if I'm a little rusty,” you huffed. You hadn't been able to practice your piloting skills since Din always flew. It was his ship after all, and you were always busy with Grogu to chip in. “If you don't like my piloting, then I'll go. Seems like lately, you don't need my help with anything. So, what am I still doing here?”

There it was. The topic you'd been too afraid to broach. Your throat tightened, and suddenly you realized the fatigue in your muscles pulling your body to the ground.

You're glad you don't have to see his face. The silence is enough. You had to go.

“I'm going to bed. I'm sure you’ve got this handled.” You left the pilot seat and brushed past him.

—

Sleep didn't come easy which was why you could hear Din approaching your cot. He paused at your bedside, and you could feel his gaze on your back.

You turned over and looked at him with narrowed eyes, waiting for him to speak up.

“I didn't know you knew how to pilot,” he started, easing down onto one of the crates. You picked up on the faint hiss he let out and the way his body slumped to one side.

“Well, you don't know a lot about me.” You didn't mean for it to come out so harsh, but maybe it's a truth the both of you needed to hear. When you reflected on your journey together, neither of you had ever been open to one another. As someone who only ever had themselves to rely on, being vulnerable was foreign to you. Now you were losing Din because of it.

Just when your chest started to constrict, he finally said just enough for you to hear, “I'd like to.”

Your eyes widened, your mouth moving to speak, but the words were lost. In reality, you didn’t know how to say you wanted that too.

“I don't want you to leave. We… work well together,” he confessed.

You sat up, heart hammering in your chest as you stared at him, and nodded. “Okay, I'll stay.”

There were a lot of things the two of you had to work on, but you were glad this wasn't the end.

[utapri-translations-uuuu]

UR 【Gentle Rabbit】 Kira Sumeragi - Translation

Please do not repost/retranslate without permission.

Chapter 1:

[Café]

Kira: I see… this is a nice café. They have an impressive… selection of teas.

Kira: A place like this… makes it easy to expand on the concept… for the upcoming promotional commercial.

Kira: The theme for this shoot is… “an Easter tea party with rabbits,” right?

Kira: We’re going to launch egg-shaped chocolates… in special Easter packaging… The flavors will be… a variety of teas.

Nagi: Yep, that’s right. I’m so happy I was chosen as a model for such a cute product☆

Nagi: Personally, I really love the costume! A hat with bunny ears, it’s just the best♪

Kira: That’s true… with the whole concept,… it really suits you well.

Kira: As for me… I wonder if I can… pull off that outfit.

Nagi: Don’t worry! It might have bunny ears, but it still has that “gentleman” vibe. I know it’ll look great on you, Kira☆

Nagi: You’ll totally be like a “rabbit gentleman” escorting guests through a spring garden!

Kira: A… rabbit gentleman? That’s… quite the unusual phrase.

Kira: No, wait a second. If I think of it… as a gentleman… hosting an Easter tea party…

Nagi: H-Hey, Kira? Before you get lost in character prep, we should probably order something. Look, how about this seasonal parfait?

Kira: A parfait…? As a party sweet… it doesn’t really… fit the atmosphere.

Nagi: Geez~! You can think about it after you order something!

Chapter 2:

[Garden]

Kira: (That’s the last of the shots showing party preparations. Now, for the next shoot…)

Kira: What was that…? Something… just bumped into my foot…

Kira: (…One of the eggs is missing from the basket. Did I drop it when I got bumped?)

Kira: (It doesn’t seem to be around here… Maybe it rolled into those bushes.)

***

Kira: (Just as I thought, there it is. Good, there’s no damage. …Hm? Something’s… in the bushes?)

Nagi: What are you doing crouched down over there, Kira? Did you lose something?

Nagi: Want me to help you look? …Wait, is that a rabbit!? Is it the one that’s going to be in the commercial?

Kira: Yeah… It seems comfortable… around people, so probably. It’s very… warm.

Nagi: Hehe, you’re right. So cute♪ …Come on, let’s take it back to the staff. I bet they’re looking for it.

***

Staff: Oh, thank goodness! It looks like it got out of the cage somehow… Thank you so much!

Kira: No problem… I’m just glad I could help.

Cameraman: Ah, Sumeragi-san! You look great holding the rabbit~! Let’s go ahead and do some extra shots like this!

Kira: (…What an impressive rabbit. Not even phased by the sudden camera shutter or the lights.)

Kira: Heh… You may be small, but… you’re a pro, huh?

Kira: If that’s the case… I can’t fall short… as a fellow professional.

Kira: Today, I’m… a “rabbit gentleman”… hosting a tea party.

Kira: Fellow rabbits… and fellow performers… let’s do our best together.

Chapter 3:

During the Commercial Shoot…

Kira: “Tea preparations, complete. Easter eggs, perfectly placed. And our helpful rabbit assistants, all set.”

Kira: “Now, we can only hope the invitation, carried by the spring breeze, has reached its recipient…”

Kira: “Oh? Speak of the devil… Welcome to our special Easter Tea Party.”

Kira: “I’ve been looking forward to seeing you here, at this place, on this day… more than you know.”

Kira: “Oh, how I’ve been looking forward to meeting you here on this day…!”

Kira: “Ahem… Pardon me. I was supposed to welcome you, but I got a bit carried away with my excitement.”

Kira: “Now then, once again—”

Kira: “Happy Easter! Welcome to our tea party.”

Kira: “Today, we’ve prepared a delightful selection, perfectly suited to this spring-scented venue.”

Kira: “The event’s highlight is… our chocolate Easter eggs.”

Kira: “Each is infused with unique tea flavors, so you’re sure to find a favorite.”

Kira: “The designs, too, are unique to Easter, so please look forward to them.”

Kira: “By the way, the rabbits and I worked hard to hide the Easter eggs in this garden.”

Kira: “I’m really looking forward to seeing which egg you’ll find…”

Kira: “…If I’m being honest, I hope it’s the one I hid.”

Kira: “Now then, let the Easter tea party begin. Please enjoy yourself to the fullest today.”

[yanderes-galore]

I've been waiting for this! Darling almost gets caught by the Unknown before the fog gets them. Darling thinks she's "safe" (away from the Unknown) before going on trial and seeing it again. I think Unknown would be happy to see a previous almost victim.

I was originally going to make this a concept but I don't think that would do it justice. So, here's a one shot :) The cool thing about this killer is I don't have to do much research since you're meant to not know anything about it.

Gender is Gender-Neutral as I just... Never said any pronouns- I got too focused on the spooky.

I got really into this, sorry it isn't fully spell checked 😅 I am my only editor, lol.

Reoccurring Nightmare

"Yandere!" The Unknown Story

Pairing: Dubious intentions

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, "Obsession", Stalking, Kidnapping (Technically), Grotesque descriptions, Primarily just horror themes, Violence, Dubious intentions.

Sometimes people get into things they shouldn't. Sometimes you come across something that you shouldn't have known about. Unfortunately, accident or not, there is still consequences.

Poor you probably didn't even mean to get involved with The Fog or The Unknown. If anything, you just wanted to know what happened to your lost friends. Mikaela and Sable have been gone for a long time now....

The search for your friends accidentally got you involved in a darker scheme than you thought. Unbeknownst to you, simply searching got you caught in the crosshairs of something... otherworldly. You had no clue until it decided to strike.

It started with an uneasy feeling. The constant feeling of being watched. Perhaps that was just you being anxious... You are worried about your friends, after all.

But as your research and leads got deeper and deeper... You began to realize you were too deep in this web. You kept finding research and articles about strange phenomenon. Things like dark fog and cryptid sightings.

The entire time the feeling only ever got worse.

Days turned to weeks as you looked over the information you had. The police never bothered to help and you kept finding rabbit holes. No matter how much calming teas or meds you take, you can't shake your anxiety.

Are you being followed...?

Are you insane?

In the middle of the night you hear noises. Things like skittering or... voices. You swear you see silhouettes pass your window or banging across your walls.

You haven't gotten enough sleep... Maybe you're just hallucinating?

Your fears kept getting worse as you continued on. You kept thinking you heard the voices of your friends outside. Yet there was nothing ever there.

Your mind felt coated in a mental fog. You just couldn't think straight. Why did it feel like you were seeing things?

One night marked the conclusion of your fears....

Late at night you kept scrolling through research. At this point you were too far gone into this rabbit hole. There had to be something that took them... right?

"H-Hell..o?"

You freeze when you hear something speak. You look around, yet once again nothing's there. The voice sounds corrupted... inhuman... you can't read it.

"H-Help...!"

The voice croaks again, sounding oddly familiar. You shoot up from your seat and look around. However... You begin to breathe heavily when there's nothing...

Except for a sudden bang.

Your gaze shoots to your window, seeing something skitter off. The brief glance you got wasn't enough to tell you what it is. Yet you can tell it's playing with you...

It's taunting you....

You quickly run through your house in search of a weapon. Something... Wasn't right. With the amount of research you've done, you have your suspicions on what's wrong.

But you're still unable to comprehend it...

Let alone what it wants.

"S-Scar...ed?"

The voice croaks from outside, thumping hitting your walls. It's trying to find a way in. Your heart won't stop racing.

You grit your teeth, grabbing a knife from the kitchen to defend yourself. It's all you've got right now.... However, if this is what you think it is...

It doesn't really matter....

"Cu...te...!"

You grimace at the voice, the gender swapping between a distorted male and female. You can't decipher it. It's all a threat you can't fight....

With a loud crash, an axe smashes through your window. You jump back to keep your distance. Although... You freeze when something crawls through the broken glass.

It looks... Twisted. The cracking of bones fills the room, leaving you unnerved. The...Creature twitches and cracks around until it goes from all fours to on its twisted legs.

You feel bile bubble within you at the sight. You don't even dare look at its face. It's a twisted mimic of some sort of man.

That thing isn't human, however...

Nowhere close to it.

"I-I have... something... for you...!"

You brandish the knife as if it would do anything against it. Even if you had a gun, you doubt it would kill it. Black smoke pours into the room as the creature snaps and twitches closer to you.

"S-Stay... still...!"

The creature echoes before swinging the fire axe. You dodge it but the weapon manages to snag your knife. You curse to yourself as you dodge.

Not like it would've helped you anyways.

The creature turns around to look at you, a twisted grin never leaving its face. Your fear excited it. Such wonderful prey.

However, as you both plot your next move, the fog continues to fill the room until there was nothing but darkness.

You panic, having only vague ideas of what this meant for you. However... When you awoke, your adrenaline began to settle. You were left in a forest...

With nothing but a campfire in front of you...

Along with your two missing friends.

The two are filled with surprise when they see your shaking form on the ground. You stare back at them in confusion. Then...

You begin to cry.

Mikaela and Sable quickly run over to you and embrace you. You sob into them, calming down from your near death experience. Such a thing Mikaela and Sable have grown used to by this point.

They comfort you, rambling about how they didn't expect to see you again. They express concern and worry. After all... No one tries to get here on purpose.

You were happy to find them, even if it isn't safe here. All that mattered to you was the fact you were away from the creature. You never had to see it again...

Even if you had other issues to deal with...

But you could face those with your newly found friends by your side, right?

---

By this point you've gotten used to these new trials. These loops of death and illusions of escape was supposedly what Mikaela and Sable had been going through the entire time you've been looking from them. You were sent from one hell to another....

Yet you were quickly beginning to adapt.

Perhaps you were always meant to come here. If you stopped looking for your friends, would it still happen? You aren't sure... But does it matter anymore?

All you know is death now.

However, with Mikaela and Sable you could get used to the cycles. With them... You felt you could get through this. At least here... you could comprehend most horrors.

Every trial seemed to blend together eventually...

Then you saw it again.

You could never forget the twisted body and unnerving aura. You nearly freeze again in the middle of a generator when you see it shambling around that decrepit movie theater. You fidget with the wires as best you can but you're soon thrown off.

Upon roiling across the dingy movie carpet, you look up to see the very same creature you thought you escaped. It crawls on all fours towards you with that same cracking sound. Your memories flash before you...

Aren't you used to death at this point?

"Fo~und... y~ou~!"

The creature coos in a distorted voice... Shuffling closer in a rapid pace.

Your scream to echoes through the trial as it advances, your mind flashing a reminder that whatever happens... There's no escaping it now.

[dozing-marshmallow]

OTHER FRANKIE COMFORTING READER AFTER BAD DREAM ONE SHOT

You woke up in boiling sweat. You were back on the bed. The room was still veiled in darkness. It’s so stuffy. 

“Ahhh.... Huuuu... Ahhh...” it was another dream. A silly dream. A silly bad dream. It’s not real. It wasn’t real.

Your hand reaches your eyes- ah, you’re crying again.

“Contestant? You’ve woken up early!” Frankie’s voice chimed through the darkness, establishing his consciousness, next to you.

You turned your shivering spine on him, trying to seal your cries.

“Contestant?” you seized all breath when a spider-like hand locked onto each side of your head, forcing it to rotate back. His other hand must have been on the light switch because a flash from the lightbulb above killed the darkness, revealing the fluster of embarrassment and upset on your features. Concerned by this, Frankie took his hand off your head,“Oh no! It appears this wasn’t a voluntary awakening! What are these tears for?”

Still weeping with an irregular breath, you pulled yourself up in a sitting position, your vision poorly pointed down on your lap. For some reason, Frankie’s concern weakened your hold on composure, totally different from what you’re used to hearing at home. You hadn’t responded, using the moment to harshly rub your eyes and slide your hand under your nose.

The rabbit’s care broadened,“No no, don’t use your hand, here!” he handed you a handkerchief.

“T-Thank you...” you took it, trapping your nostrils in the narrow pinch to drive the mucus out. Cooling freedom overcame your senses, now dabbing the corners of the handkerchief against your eyelids,“Sorry... uh...” you clear your throat, while happy you could talk, the sound was raspy,“I...had a bad dream.”

It sounded childish when you say it aloud. Most people grow out of having nightmares before they reach puberty, (Y/N),this needs to stop. What morphed your internal self depreciation into confusion was when that was nowhere reflected in Frankie’s response,“A bad dream? What do you mean? If there’s something you want, it’s never bad! You just need to believe in yourself and go for it!”

“No... Not that kind of dream... I mean, like... Uh...” you took a deep inhale,“It’s uh... You know when you’re asleep and you see or hear stuff that isn’t real? Just happening in your brain?”

“Oh! Yes, I know what you’re talking about now, contestant!” he nodded curiously,“I apologise, I’ve been so adapted to the second definition of that pretty word, I forgot about the other! I didn’t know they could be bad... Did someone slap you in the dream?”

“No...”

“Did you fall down in the dream?”

“No!”

“Then...?”

You sniffled, your sweat still agitated to fry you,“I...had a dream where I was running. I was terrified, using all my strength to just run from the snarling I heard after me. I couldn’t outrun it...” another bubble of anguish softly cuts your cheek,”Then... When it caught me, I was back in my parents’ house. It was silent, I thought I was by myself... But when a glass cup smashed on the floor, from out of nowhere, I...” you were shaking more visibly,“Heard...m-my mother screaming my name.”

“Oh!” he didn’t know this vividness was possible,“Aw I see, dear contestant, you’re crying because you miss he-“

“No no no!” you immediately refuted, the misconception hurt so much, your normal voice jumped back,“I don’t miss her, I don’t miss any of them! She alongside the rest of my family made taking care of me feel like a burden! All they ever cared about was putting me down for anything I did! They were never happy with me...” your slippery hand grabbed the blanket,“They’re why I entered the gameshow. With that amount of money, I could move to another state and cut them off.”

“I see...” Frankie remembered that small apartment you lived in was owned by your parents, but didn’t bother to look into the type of relationship you had with them. Personally, he was impressed you had managed to get this far without murdering them, because hah, he would have if he was in your place,“Do you uh...hm...is there anything I can do?”

You blew your nose again, your frustration passing without the glass of your past,“Just tell me it’s over... That I never need to go back... That I never have to see them again.”

“That’s all? I can do that for you, contestant!” Frankie affirmed,“It’s over, you never need to go back and you never have to see your family again.”

It was kinda working,“Again.”

“Again?” Frankie repeated puzzled,“Is once not enough?”

You shake your head.

“Oh, your kind is so emotional!” he exclaimed, not in a mean way, lifting your disturbed body and setting you up high on his chest, your head quick to rest on his shoulder. His hands were nets, holding you up,“But it can’t be helped, it’s how you’re built.”

The embrace wasn’t what you had in mind, but you stayed. It felt right. Almost like, a part of yourself whose body absorbed so much ill-shaped criticism was now greeted by care, locking in smoothly with that missing piece. You wanted to believe that it was over. That not everything was your fault. That you were enough.

Maybe you cried again, but a different emotion stroked your cheek this time. It was okay to accept help after all,“There there, contestant.” Frankie voiced, holding you close for a few more moments until you had stopped trembling,“Better?”

“Better...” you had completely forgotten about the startling event your mind forced you into,“Thank you.”

“Happy to make you happy!” he replied back, politely as usual, still holding you,“So uh, now that you and I are awake, why don’t we have an early breakfast?”

“How early is it...?”

He creaked his head to the clock on the wall, reading 4:54. Ataraxy. The nightmare was over.

[raven-midnightwhisper]

Down The Rabbit Hole | Chishiya ~ ♤ A secret not worth keeping ♤

This post is an excerpt from my fanfiction "Down The Rabbit Hole | Chishiya" on Wattpad. You can find it there on my profile "@curse_of_the_raven". → https://www.wattpad.com/user/curse_of_the_raven Chapter 53: ♤ A secret not worth keeping ♤ To avoid confusion: The main female character is called Nohara Myne.

The voices echoed dully through the room.

Because of the water, I couldn't understand what they were saying, but I could hear who was speaking. There was Chishiya's voice, then an unknown man, and in the background, I could also make out a female voice. To my dismay, however, the end of the conversation was nowhere in sight. I could make out footsteps and desperately hoped to remain unnoticed, feeling my lungs constrict from the lack of oxygen. Soon, my muscles would begin to cramp, and my hiding place would be discovered.

I closed my eyes and clenched my hands, digging my fingernails into my palms, forcing myself to stay below the surface. Just when I thought I couldn't take it anymore, I felt someone grab my shoulder, and for a moment, panic shot through me. I immediately started to struggle, but it was only an annoyed Chishiya who pulled my head out of the water.

I immediately started coughing, and he forced me to bend forward slightly before brushing ugly, wet strands of hair out of my face. Then I finally looked at him, still feeling the rush of panic in my veins, making my breathing quicken.

"Calm down, they're gone," he said with a sigh, letting go of me. "You can come out now." He let go of the tub and went to the sink instead. That was also the moment I noticed he wasn't wearing anything but a simple towel. "And take off that dress; knowing you, you'll catch another cold in no time."

For a moment, I couldn't take my eyes off him. My gaze was fixed on his body, which seemed almost majestic in the yellowish bathroom light. He was slightly toned, but not overly so, as you'd expect from a doctor who probably hadn't exercised much before his arrival. Yet he held himself upright and therefore appeared confident. It was fascinating and frustrating at the same time. I could have looked at him as long as I wanted and still wouldn't have found a single scratch or bruise on him, quite the opposite of me.

What would he think of me if he saw my inferior self?

I gave him a dirty look as I grumbled my way out of the water. The temperature in the bathroom suddenly felt quite chilly, but I just couldn't bring myself to remove the protective layer of my beach dress. Not after seeing how flawless his body looked.

"I'd better leave it on for now," I reasoned, taking one of the spare towels off the hooks. "I'll just go and get some new clothes." Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him frown, seemingly unbothered by me seeing him in this vulnerable, half-naked state.

"And run into Niragi?" he asked, frowning. "Then all this would have been for nothing, wouldn't it?" He reached for a washcloth and wiped his face. "Are you suddenly shy?" he mocked. "It's not like I've never seen people naked before. And you're still wearing a bikini underneath, so it shouldn't be a big deal, right?" He said it so casually that it was almost insulting.

"I'm not shy!" I shot back, clutching the towel almost protectively. "I-" I bit back my words and turned slightly to hide my expression from him. Suddenly, my lack of confidence seemed silly.

He paused what he was doing to look at me, leaning casually against the sink. "What's wrong?" he asked. "Cat got your tongue?" He grinned slightly as I stood shivering in the bathroom. "You know, it'll really get better once you take that dress off. Right now, it's serving as your personal cooler."

I pulled the towel closer to my body. It wasn't a complicated task, I knew that only too well. Damn, I'd only ever stood in front of him in a bikini before, but this time I felt so... ugly. I felt broken.

I heard Chishiya crossing the room, and suddenly I felt his breath on my shoulder, which made me shiver even more. He was standing right behind me. "Myne," his voice had become serious again, "I don't know what you're thinking, but stop it. I don't have the patience to deal with your sick ass again later." He stayed dangerously close to me, so close that our torsos were almost touching. "It's just one layer of fabric, what's the big deal?"

I felt a wave of anger rise within me. "You ask that?" I snarled, louder than I expected. "To you, it may be just a layer of fabric, but to me, it's the last shred of pride I'm clinging to!" I turned to him, my fiery gaze meeting his calm one. "You say it so casually with your perfect body! Not a single scratch, not a single bruise, not a single scar!" I grimaced in anger. "I feel like such an idiot! Every single time I've hurt myself or been sick, my body has been broken, bruised, and just... so unsightly that I don't want people to see!" When I finished my tirade, I stood before him, panting, clutching the towel. "So please... please let's just leave it at that." He raised his left eyebrow, and I immediately felt ashamed of my little outburst. It must have sounded strange to him. I lowered my gaze and turned slightly. "Excuse me," I said quietly, "I should go now."

Just as I was about to take a step, his hand suddenly grabbed my left arm and held me back. Surprised, I looked over at him, only to see him staring at me with a calculating expression. "Is that what you tell yourself?" he asked in a calm but rather cool voice, "that you're broken, unsightly, and inferior?" He forced me to turn to face him. "Is that really all you see in yourself?"

I tried to look away again, too ashamed to be having such a conversation with Chishiya, but with his other hand, he turned my head back toward him. "You wouldn't understand," I said, my voice trembling, but he shook his head almost immediately.

"Don't lie to me," he replied sternly, releasing my chin but not my arm. "I thought you were someone stronger, not so easily unsettled by mere looks." He brought his face closer, and his icy gaze met mine, freezing me almost instantly. "And I know that two weeks ago, you wouldn't have behaved like this around me. You would have just given me the middle finger and then thrown your dress in my face just to annoy me," a mischievous grin spread across his lips. "But now you're embarrassed around me. You look at me more often, apologize frequently, and are now afraid of what I might think of you. Quite a change, don't you think?"

He had noticed it.

I felt my heart race with fear as I looked away again. I knew denial was pointless in his presence, because he had a knack for uncovering lies. The confrontation had been inevitable from the beginning, but now the time had come for me to face it - and I didn't feel ready at all.

"You've gone quiet again," he said quietly. "You always do when you're cornered." Finally, he let go of my arm. "You thought I hadn't noticed the change in your behavior?" He brushed a few strands of hair from his face before taking a step back. "It was quite easy to notice." He sighed. "Though I must admit, the thought of why you changed didn't really excite me."

I felt my heart clench for a moment. "Then why didn't you just ignore it?" I asked quietly, clenching my hands into fists. "Then everything would have stayed the same." I looked up for the first time in what felt like an eternity. "Then we wouldn't be in this situation now." I tried to smile to look less pathetic, but I couldn't.

Chishiya snorted, his trademark smile forming on his lips again. "A few weeks ago, I actually would have ignored it," he replied, and to my surprise, he took another step toward me, closing the distance. "I would have even cast you out because I would have found it annoying." He stopped right in front of me. "But time has taught me something I still find a bit repulsive." His hand touched my cheek, and I couldn't tear my eyes away from him. "The first time I felt anything resembling fear was when Aguni pulled you out of the aquarium. When I saw your lifeless body, I thought you were gone - and even when I tried to revive your damned heart, you just wouldn't respond," I saw his eyes darken slightly. "It was a strange feeling that just wouldn't leave me alone. And it came back every time I thought your life was about to be ripped from my grasp." Slowly, his hand moved over my cheekbone to my lips, over my chin, and then down to my hands, which were still clutching the towel.

This must be a dream, right?

It couldn't be true.

"I've never felt anything like this," he finally whispered, strange goosebumps spreading all over my body. "I never thought I'd be capable of this." He slowly loosened my grip, and the towel slid over my shoulder to the floor. Then his hands began to dance over the fabric of the dress, and I gritted my teeth before giving in. A knowing grin spread across his face as I began to peel myself out of the fabric, revealing my bikini underneath.

"Was that just your way of taunting me so you could get your way in the end?" I asked, my gaze involuntarily sliding to the mirror above the sink. All I could see were the bruises on my arms and ribs, and the ugly scar on my shoulder from the arrow incident. The doubt returned, almost crushing me, but I couldn't tear my gaze away from my reflection.

"Do you think I'm lying?" he asked, amused. "Well, I know I don't sound very convincing. Who would believe someone like me would fall so low?" Suddenly, his hands wandered over my collarbone, then to my left side, and finally to my stomach, where he drew small circles on the skin. "But that doesn't change the fact that I'm attracted to you," he continued, "that I dream about you. And that your well-being is obviously my concern now."

I stood there, frozen, just letting him talk, trying to understand his words. My heart was pounding in my throat as I felt a heat rising inside me that confused me. "You're really telling the truth," I heard myself whisper. "This is true, it's really happening right now... it's real."

He gave me his typically arrogant smile again. "It's reality," he repeated, before his finger rested on a specific spot on my stomach, "Transversus abdominis. It's quite palpable, which means you're physically active quite often." His hand began to wander again. "And here's the internal oblique muscle, which is just as toned." Our eyes met again. "Many people dream of having such pronounced abs. Don't you think it's something to be admired, perhaps even worshipped, in the eyes of others?"

"Is this your way of telling me I'm not completely unattractive?" I tried to muster a smile as his hands continued to roam my skin, leaving a hot trail behind them.

He snorted in amusement as our faces moved closer together, our noses almost touching. "This is my way of showing you that you have things I don't, he said with a grin, before a silence fell between us, leaving the air so tense it was almost unbearable, "And that you are indeed attractive."

We stared at each other, neither of us moving. Only after what felt like an eternity did I gather my courage. "I love you, Chishiya Shuntaro," I whispered, "and I may not be able to resist you any longer."

The grin on his face grew even wider. "Then don't hold back," he said just as quietly. "I've already fallen far too low as well to back out now."

Before I could even comprehend what that meant, I felt his cold lips on mine, igniting a spark of fire I simply couldn't comprehend. I felt my cheeks flush as our kiss intensified, leaving me breathless.

Chishiya was the first to step back, and I saw that even he was slightly flushed, but his usual grin returned relatively quickly. Wordlessly, his fingers began exploring my torso again as he slowly pushed me back toward the sink. His lips began attacking my neck and collarbone as my butt touched the vanity behind me. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw two towels on the floor, and immediately, a chill ran up my spine as I realized what this meant. My eyes widened slightly at the sight, and I didn't dare look down.

He was naked.

Completely naked.

I gasped softly as I felt Chishiya's bare skin against mine. His cool touch sent shivers down my spine despite the warmth of the moment. I bit my lip, trying to suppress a moan as his mouth moved lower, kissing and nibbling the sensitive skin on my collarbone.

My heart was racing in my chest, pounding so loudly I was sure he must have heard it, but all I could focus on was the feeling of his hands roaming over me, exploring every curve and contour of my body.

It was exciting and scary at the same time, like I was standing on the edge of a cliff and didn't know whether to jump or hold on.

As he came even closer, sandwiching me between him and the vanity, my gaze drifted downward, unable to ignore the sight of his nakedness any longer. My eyes widened slightly at his arousal, which he seemed to notice almost immediately, as he started grinning again. "Do you like what you see?" he asked teasingly, then continued nibbling on my neck. "You do that to me."

When my gaze drifted down to inspect his arousal once more, he grinned at my reaction again. I was sure he noticed how my cheeks had turned a deep red and how my breathing had quickened, telling him exactly how I felt about what I saw. "Looks like we're both in the same state," he remarked in a low, husky voice. His fingers glided down my sides again, drawing gentle undulating lines with his fingertips. When he reached a sensitive spot, I shivered slightly under his touch, which once again did not go unnoticed.

His grin widened before he teased the spot again with his fingertips. A soft gasp escaped my lips, which only seemed to fuel his curiosity further, as he began to explore my skin more closely with a mischievous grin. As his hands roamed my torso, he leaned forward again and resumed his assault on my neck, gently sucking and nibbling at my skin with his lips and teeth. Another sound escaped my lips, after which he moved his fingers to my breast, gently tracing its contours, then finding their way to my hardening nipple.

My breathing quickened for a second as I brought my hands to his torso, which felt unusually hot. "More," I heard myself stammer, "I want to feel you more." I was too dazed to even realize what I was saying, but thankfully, Chishiya took my words as an invitation to take his touches to a new level. His left hand cupped my left breast, still hidden by the fabric of my bikini. Gently, he began to play with the soft flesh again, immediately sending shockwaves of ecstasy through my body, which he watched with a grin still present. Just as I felt the heat rising inside me, he released me.

"I want to see you," he murmured softly, noticing the hungry look in his eyes. "All of you." Before I could react, his hands slid to the hem of my bikini top and tugged at the clasp at my back. It opened seemingly instantly, as his hands stroked back down my side and up to my shoulder before gently pushing the straps aside, so they slid down my arms. The fabric slipped off my body, revealing my naked form before him, which he stared at with an almost predatory gaze. His hands continued to my collarbones before he guided them to both of my breasts and gently began to play with my hard nipples.

I arched back slightly at the sensation before beginning my own exploration. I slowly ran my fingers over his chin before gently leaning forward to nibble on his earlobe. He moaned in response before beginning to knead my breast with more force, making me shiver.

It felt so natural that it was almost unreal.

His grin widened as he watched my reactions, absorbing every sign of my growing arousal. The fact that my nipples became even stiffer under his touch only fueled his own desire.

With a gentle push, he brought his knee between my legs and applied light pressure to my crotch, which immediately made me squirm. "I can feel how much you want it," he murmured, his hot breath fanning against my ear as he leaned closer. "Your body tells me everything I need to know." His free hand slid down, cupping my ass and pulling me tightly against him. His arousal pressed insistently against my stomach. A gasp escaped me as the friction in my crotch sent a spark of pleasure through me yet again. Instinctively, my hips rolled against his leg, seeking more of that tantalizing touch.

"I... I want it," I confessed breathlessly, barely above a whisper. "I can't think of anything else." I ran my hands over his chest, stopping just above his navel. I felt him tremble beneath my touch before I lowered my hands even lower, touching his sensitive reproductive organ.

At the intimate touch, a soft moan escaped him, vibrating in my ear. His grip on my ass tightened, pulling me even closer to his throbbing member. "Don't stop," he encouraged me, his voice filled with desire. "Touch me. Explore me. Make me yours." His words were bold, almost possessive, yet there was an underlying vulnerability in them, a raw honesty that astounded me. It was clear that, despite all his devious manipulation and emotional unavailability, this emotional, almost vulnerable nature touched him deeply. Encouraged by his response, I wrapped my fingers around his shaft, marveling at its firmness and heat. I stroked him gently, watching in fascination as he twitched and pulsed in my grip.

"You're so hard," I breathed, "And warm."

A sign that he was alive.

Like me.

As if in response, he inhaled sharply, his muscles tensing under my touch. I continued to explore him, running my thumb along the veins along his length and exploring the contours of his manhood.

Suddenly, he pulled away, breaking the intimate connection between us. For a moment, I thought he'd changed his mind, but instead, he turned me by the hips, so I faced the vanity and pressed my palms flat against the cool surface. I felt him stand behind me, his erection pressing against my lower back.

"Spread your legs," he commanded in a deep, commanding voice, and an exciting tingling sensation spread through my stomach. There was no room for argument; his sudden dominant stance left me little choice but to obey. Slowly, he began to pull my bikini bottoms off my hips, letting them slide carelessly to the floor before he slowly slid his fingers to my entrance, teasingly touching it. Then he slowly spread my legs as I could no longer contain the sounds escaping my body.

Just when I thought he was going to tease me with his fingers forever, he stepped closer and I felt his hardness probing for my entrance. I held my breath, expecting a wave of ecstasy that would come from the intimate union of our bodies, but instead of penetrating me, he rubbed his tip against my sensitive areas. The stimulation quickly became unbearable, and I felt my legs begin to tremble.

"Please..." I begged, not knowing exactly what I was asking for. I just needed relief, needed him inside me to quench the burning pain he had ignited within me. I looked over my shoulder at him, and our eyes met, igniting another wave of longing within me. In that moment, pride and control didn't matter to me.

To my surprise, a genuine smile spread across his face, making my heart race even faster. He looked so beautiful that, once again, it was hard for me to look away.

Slowly, he leaned forward, and his lips touched my ear. "Do I need to be careful?" he whispered, and another shiver ran through me before I weakly shook my head. He hummed contentedly before his hands wandered down my back, occasionally playing with my loose strands of hair when he approached my shoulders with his fingers.

His touch was electric, sending sparks dancing across my skin wherever he caressed me. As he traveled down my back, his fingers dipped into the valley of my spine and then traced over my hip. Each gentle touch of his fingertips made me want more. When he reached my shoulders again, he gripped them firmly, steadying me as he brought his hips closer to my own. The tip of his cock gently bumped against my entrance, and I felt the heat radiating from him, the anticipation inside me growing with every second.

Then he entered me with a slow, deliberate thrust. A soft moan escaped me at the intense sensation, and I braced myself against the vanity to keep my balance.

As he penetrated me deeper, a wave of pleasure overcame me, leaving me speechless for a moment. I felt so full, so complete, as if my body was made just for him. I felt him taking his time, savoring every inch of my warmth. When he was fully inside me, he paused, and I felt a tremor run through his own body before his lips began to caress my back. Meanwhile, I tried to process all the stimuli that was invading me, taking my breath away.

"Are you okay?" he asked quietly after a while, shifting slightly, which made me whimper. He laughed lightly before placing his hands on my hips. "You're so perfect," he breathed, "so beautiful."

This was a side I had never seen before, but I was eager to explore it further.

"I need you, Chishiya. Please," I murmured incoherently, and I didn't need to tell him twice. He slowly withdrew his hips and then penetrated me again in a gentle, controlled rhythm. Each thrust sent shockwaves of pleasure through my body, and soon I began to move in time with him, rocking my hips toward him.

I felt him becoming increasingly urgent and desperate, sending a new wave of arousal through my body. He responded by thrusting into me with increasing intensity, simultaneously gripping my hips tighter. The sound of our bodies colliding filled the bathroom, along with our ragged breaths and my moans.

He grumbled softly as his fingers applied increasing pressure to my hip. "That's good," he urged, his voice full of desire. His way of speaking, so openly sensual and needy, shocked me, but I was too far gone to question it. I felt only the burning bliss and the tingling in my stomach. I had long since given up trying to hold back the sounds from my mouth and surrendered to the overwhelming pleasure coursing through my veins.

With each powerful thrust, I felt him penetrate me deeper, claiming me for himself. A few weeks ago, I wouldn't have believed this encounter - this feeling- to become possible, but now I didn't want to think about anything else. I just wanted to feel him, surrender to the sensation, and enjoy it.

At the same moment, he leaned forward and wrapped his arms around my torso before his hands wandered back to my breasts, massaging them at an irresistible pace. I immediately arched my back and pushed my hips deeper into him, the knot in my stomach slowly stretching to breaking point.

"Chishiya-" I breathed, "I- I'm close-" He immediately increased his pace, and my legs began to tremble as I gripped the sink tighter to keep from falling over. But the sudden change in pace had an effect, because with every second, the desire to finally break the knot grew.

He continued to increase the pace, thrusting into me relentlessly, and I felt as if my body was on fire. Each thrust sent waves of pleasure through me, building the pressure toward an explosive climax. His deft fingers on my nipples only intensified the sensation. "Cum for me, Myne," he whispered lustfully, and his words were enough to drive me over the edge. With a shudder, my orgasm washed over me like a wave of escape. My vision blurred as my legs gave way, and he supported me with his own body, pulling me tightly against him as the waves of ecstasy crashed over me. Through the fog of my own pleasure, I felt his own climax approaching.

I felt Chishiya's movements become erratic as he chased his own release. His grip on my hips tightened, almost painfully, and he thrust into me with wild abandon, forcing me forward. I heard his ragged breathing, felt the tension in his body, and knew he was close to sweet ecstasy. Suddenly, he groaned softly and entered me deeply one last time. I felt him come deep inside me, triggering another mini orgasm. I gasped as my muscles clenched around him while I rode out the aftershocks.

We stood there, entwined, breathing heavily, trying to catch our breath. I could still feel his throbbing member inside me, his warmth penetrating my core. After a few moments, he pulled out and the feeling of fullness was replaced with a strange emptiness.

He stepped back to give me time to recover, and I turned to him. Our eyes met, and I saw something unfamiliar flash in his eyes - perhaps a hint of satisfaction or even affection? It disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, leaving only his usual calm expression.

A small smile appeared on my face. "Thank you, it was incredible," I murmured, to which he responded with a mocking laugh.

"Do you think that's it?" he said, gently grabbing my arm and pulling me toward the shower. "But that was just the beginning. I got a taste - and now I want more." His lips found my collarbone again, and the familiar feeling in my stomach returned as I caught sight of his usual arrogant grin, though this time it seemed more genuine.

"Please let me explore the feeling of love a little more. With you."

Word count: 4415

[sunbeamsandmoonrays]

❄️Sunny Watches the Oldies: January Edition❄️

I got the idea to do this from one of @daughter-of-winterfell 's posts. Thanks for the inspo, Lydia! So without further ado, here are the classic musicals I've watched in the month of January with my review. (Putting everything under the cut because I'm sure I'll ramble lol.)

I'm not even sorry to admit that a majority of these movies will either star Judy Garland or Gene Kelly (or both). I went down a rabbit hole with both of them because of:

1. The Pirate (1948)

Have I watched this before January 2025? Yes, several times. But! It did set off my current classical musical journey, and I did watch it in January, so I'm including it. This movie gets better and better for me each rewatch. The songs actually take a few viewings to really appreciate (and there are still only 2 catchy ones). Loooove the costumes/hair. The storyline is hilarious...Gene Kelly and Judy Garland are hilarious - and their chemistry??? It's 🔥🔥🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥. Just look at the above gif! Like!!! This was the sexiest musical MGM ever made, and studio head Louis B. Mayer h a t e d that it was. (I swear I think he purposely made MGM not promote it as much so it wouldn't do well in the box office.) I will probably be on my deathbed thinking about what the choreography was for the Voodoo dance number that was too sexy to live lol. And it had to be...pretty graphic...due to what actually made it in the film! Gene pole dancing! The cigarette kiss! The french kisses with Judy! Judy fantasizing about Gene's thunder thighs in short shorts! The caressing! Judy's orgasmic singing while sliding down a pole in Love of My Life! The prudes of 1948 may not have appreciated it, but I did (lol)! Anyways....my only critique is I wish there was an actual duet between Judy's character and Gene's (other than Be A Clown). But other than that, I love this movie so much.

Rating: 9.5/10

How I watched: 🏴‍☠️ (heh) (Now I own it on blu-ray)

Favorite Number: Niña (the production of this number alone is INSANE. Vincente Minnelli, man...an ARTISTE🤌🏼) (also I'm sure Gene insisted on doing the 3 continuous shots at the beginning.)

Did I spot Dorothy Tuttle? Duh.

~~~

2. For Me and My Gal (1942)

My Gene Kelly/Judy Garland mania continues to their first movie together (and Gene's first ever movie). Ohhhhh myyyyy goddddd. I was actually kind of surprised at how much I liked it. The movie is set during WW1, and Gene and Judy play a joint vaudeville act trying to get the coveted performance spot at the Palace Theatre in New York. Most of the musical numbers are the characters performing either in their act or later on in the war for the troops in France. Gene's character is...very hard to like at first. He's a heel, and very ambitious, which makes him short-sighted wrt pretty much everything else - especially matters of the heart. His determination to perform at the Palace is what ultimately makes him lose Judy's character...until he redeems himself. Whereas I disagreed with the general audience's reaction to The Pirate, I do agree with them wrt this movie, because apparently they felt like he didn't do enough to redeem himself in the initial version - so they did reshoots. And I think the finale they ended up with is perfect. Hits me right in the feels! Critiques: the time marquee at the beginning drives me crazy lol. It says the year is 1916, then a lot of time passes in the film before you see a newspaper headline that the Lusitania sunk, which was in 1915. I wish they either said the time was 1914 or 15 (or not include the marquee at all haha). There were other historical inaccuracies but they were pretty minor imo and could be ignored. My other critique is I just didn't like the song Oh, You Beautiful Doll. There were so many implications in there and...blech. It's a shame that that was the only number that George Murphy performs that stayed in the movie, because it looks as though he's a great singer/dancer.

Rating: 9.5/10

How I Watched: 🏴‍☠️ (Now I own it on blu-ray)

Favorite Number: A tie between For Me and My Gal (check out how the tap portion is one continuous shot) and Ballin' the Jack (with even more great dancing)

Did I spot Dorothy Tuttle? Sadly, no.

~~~

3. Summer Stock (1950)

Gene and Judy's third and final movie where they were romantic leads 😭. Gene's character in this is the sweetest and gentlest I've ever seen him play (I think it had partly to do with what was going on bts 😭😭). When he traded his car in for a new tractor for her *swoons*...and that look on his face when the camera pans to him in the Friendly Star number?? *actually dies* And!!! Why was there a cut in their first kiss scene? Did the damn censors strike again?? *shakes fist* Anyways, they were ofc great. Will now never not be obsessed with them and their movies. Critique time: aside from a few side characters, I...actually wanted to murder everybody? Which is an unusual thing to want when you're watching a supposed feel-good musical. At least Judy got to deservedly yell at people.

Rating: 8/10

How I Watched: 🏴‍☠️ (Now I own it on blu-ray)

Favorite Number: The first 2 versions of You Wonderful You, Portland Fancy, Get Happy

Did I spot Dorothy Tuttle? Yes! This movie is when I decided to look up who she was because I recognized her from The Pirate (and then I started to see her in all these other MGM musicals lol).

~~~

4. Ziegfeld Follies (1945)

There's no plot to this one really; it's just an excuse to show off the top MGM stars in unrelated sketches. Was only here for the musical sketches, tbh; the acting/comedy sketches were just okay. The production value in the musical sketches was incredible - I think Vincente Minnelli directed most if not all of them, so that tracks. Lucille Ball steals the show in the opening number. She enters standing on top of a ginormous horse. Iconic. I absolutely loved the first dance number with Fred Astaire and Lucille Bremer...then I shouted in dismay at their second number. They were in yellowface 😩...like...why.... (And that's not even the first time I've shouted in dismay at seeing Fred in a racist as hell number. 😩) Judy's number was really funny. Fred and Gene's number make my purchasing this on blu-ray worth it. I cannot believe MGM didn't actually put them in an actual movie. I can think of a premise right now that would have been perfect for them. What a shame.

Rating: 7/10

How I Watched: I decided to go ahead and buy it on blu-ray.

Favorite Number: The Babbit and the Bromide

Did I spot Dorothy Tuttle? Yes, but I will confess that I was actively looking for her since I remembered this movie in her list of credits on imdb.

~~~

5. Cover Girl (1944)

This movie was so good that MGM never loaned out Gene again. I think his chemistry with Rita Hayworth is second behind his chemistry with Judy. Obsessed with Rita's hair and costumes. I can see why redheads of the time wanted to be called Rusty after her lol. The one dance number of hers that's on a sound stage is a feast for the eyes. I could see hints of what Gene would later choreograph in Singin' in the Rain in Make Way for Tomorrow. But speaking of Gene and choreography - the dance off with himself in Alter Ego??? HOOOOWWW the fuck did they accomplish that?? In 1944?!?! I've read about the process and I still can't wrap my head around it?? Bravo, dude. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Rating: 9/10

How I Watched: youtube

Favorite Number: The Alter Ego Dance

~~~

6. You Were Never Lovelier (1942)

Soooooooooo cute! Rita and Fred have great chemistry. I also love their dancing; I feel like Rita brought out a playful side of Fred I haven't seen in his other films. I am once again obsessed with Rita's hair and costumes.

Rating: 9/10

How I Watched: 🏴‍☠️

Favorite Number: The Shorty George

~~~

7. Du Barry Was a Lady (1943)

Silly and fun. Historically significant because this is the movie that made Lucille Ball a redhead. Excellent costumes and wigs in the fantasy portion. (I swear, Lucille's Du Barry wigs make her look like Dolly Parton lol.) Songs were meh, though.

Rating: 6/10

How I Watched: 🏴‍☠️

Did I spot Dorothy Tuttle? Yes! In the opening number. (For my sanity, I'm going to pretend she and the other dancers don't have that fake tan.)

~~~

8. There's No Business Like Show Business (1955)

I'm including this in my list even though I technically didn't finish it yet (I got 3/4 the way through). I watched with my mom, and we both were let down by this. Maybe the part we didn't see would have changed our opinion of it lol. But anyways, the production value was fantastic. I love a majority of the cast. The older brother played by Johnnie Ray was a complete miscast, though. The way he sings was a popular style for a brief moment in time and it's definitely outdated today. (He's also not a good actor lol.) And this is probably sacrilegious to say for a review about a musical, but I felt a lot of the songs went on too long? If they had cut a few verses off of them, that would have helped a lot with the pacing. And them repeating Alexander's Ragtime Band four times so each family member can showcase their talents was overkill (I love the concept of showing off their strengths, but it could have been in one number.) Donald O'Connor is the best. The only number I really enjoyed was his solo one.

Rating: 6/10

How I Watched: youtube

Favorite Number: A Man Chases A Girl

~~~

9. Call Me Madam (1953)

Now THAT'S what I'm talking about! This movie was much better. Ethel Merman's character is so funny, and her costumes?? J'adore! And omggg Donald O'Connor and Vera-Ellen were sooooo gooooood. I can see why 20th Century Fox tried to pair them up again in White Christmas. I was in awe of their dance numbers in this. And Vera-Ellen's white ball gown with a hint of pink in the skirt?? J'ADORE!

Rating: 8/10

How I Watched: youtube

Favorite Number: It's A Lovely Day Today, What Chance Have I With Love?

~~~

10. Calamity Jane (1953)

Very fun with catchy songs! I usually never go for ot3s or ot4s, but even I couldn't ignore the strong ot4 vibes in this lol. There were an unfortunate high number of Native American slurs, judging by how many times my tv bleeped them out.

Rating: 8/10

How I Watched: it was on tv (but I think it's also on HBO max?)

Favorite Number: The Windy City and I Can Do Without You

~~~

11. The Harvey Girls (1946)

A feast for the eyes. I really love how this was directed. The costumes, hair, and makeup were top notch. Judy Garland is stunningly beautiful. And so is Angela Lansbury! I also enjoyed seeing bb Cyd Charisse and Ray Bolger (Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz). I'm glad Ray and Judy had a dance scene together. The plot kind of petered out at the end. And...I'm sorry....but Judy's love interest creeped me out. 🙈 I know I would like their dynamic a lot if someone else played him. (And according to imdb, Gene Kelly was initially considered..... *internal screaming*)

Rating: 7/10

How I Watched: I decided to go ahead and buy it on blu-ray.

Favorite Number: On the Atchison, Topeka, and the Santa Fe and Ray Bolger's solo

Did I spot Dorothy Tuttle? Yes! (See above gif.)

~~~

12. Anchors Aweigh (1945)

Maybe I wasn't in the right mindset to watch this, but I was disappointed? Gene's dance solos and Frank Sinatra's singing solos were spectacular, though! The plot meandered a bit...and I think I ultimately didn't like Gene's character that much. 😬 And Kathryn Grayson's soprano singing is not my cup of tea.

Rating: 7/10

How I Watched: I decided to go ahead and buy it on blu-ray.

Favorite Number: Probably gonna be controversial and go with La Cumparsita (though Gene being a not-disney princess in the Jerry Mouse number was the first of its kind and iconic because of that)

Did I spot Dorothy Tuttle? No.

~~~

13. On The Town (1949)

Cheating a bit because I have already seen this one, but it was a loooooong time ago, so it felt like the first time watching. And it was amazing! Stupendous! Hysterical - I was howling with laughter at some parts! And it's hilarious at the amount of dirty humor they got away with - Comden and Green supremacy! And for a movie where all the characters are super horny, it was so sweet and wholesome! I think I can add a few more exclamation points!!! Lol in all seriousness, this is definitely in my top 5 Gene Kelly musicals ever.

Rating: 10/10

How I Watched: I decided to go ahead and buy it on blu-ray.

Favorite Number: All of the songs are great...but's hard to beat New York, New York. Special mention should go to the A Day In New York ballet.

Did I spot Dorothy Tuttle? Yes! In the Miss Turnstiles ballet number.

~~~

14. Take Me Out to the Ball Game (1949)

I decided to go ahead and watch this once I found out that Betty Garrett and Jules Munshin, who were in On the Town, were ALSO in this film. And I'm glad I did! It was very entertaining. I have become a Betty Garrett stan. She and Frank Sinatra steal the show for me. I know I probably shouldn't love their relationship as much as I do (Betty's character is pretty much a stalker and definitely harasses Frank's character), but I somehow don't mind it? Lol I'm just chalking it up to their natural charm and chemistry. And how can I not love them when Betty literally carries Frank around like it's no big deal? The one thing I didn't like in the movie was the Yes, Indeedy number. Yes, I understand Gene and Frank's characters are lying through their teeth about their exploits while on their vaudeville tour (and I think the song is also making fun of men in that time period), but some of the lyrics went too far.

Heartbreaking fun fact: Gene supposedly came up with the story idea, and his love interest K.C. Higgins was thought of with Judy Garland in mind. *wails in the unfairness of it all*

Rating: 7/10

How I Watched: 🏴‍☠️

Favorite Number: O'Brien to Ryan to Goldberg

Did I spot Dorothy Tuttle? No.

~~~

15. The Red Shoes (1948)

I always thought this would be purely about the fairy tale for some reason? But it's about the ballet company putting on a show based off the fairy tale. Moira Shearer is a phenomenal ballerina. And I really enjoyed the movie. Sometimes, I felt as thought it went a little overboard with the symbolism, but that's my only critique. And I also had the passing thought, "Oh, this is where Joe Wright got his train imagery in Anna Karenina," not even halfway expecting to be right...and apparently my offhand observation was accurate! Lolololol.

Rating: 8/10

How I Watched: HBO Max

~~~

16. What A Way To Go! (1964)

H i l a r i o u s - another banger from Comden and Green! So glad I caught this on tv. Shirley MacLaine is a wealthy widow who wants to give her fortune away to the IRS because she believes the money is cursed. They think she's crazy and refer her to a psychologist. She proceeds to tell him of how her four husbands (Dick van Dyke, Paul Newman, Robert Mitchum, and Gene Kelly) all became greedy once they achieved their fortunes and how that led to their demises. It's very stylistic and clever. I love how each honeymoon period with the husband was portrayed by a different film genre: Dick van Dyke - silent film, Paul Newman - b&w French film, Robert Mitchum - made fun of the current (50s/60s) expensive/stylistic films, Gene Kelly - musicals ofc. Paul Newman looked so hot with a beard omg. And I was wondering how racy the French film portion would get....and I was surprised at how far it did go lol. The real highlight for me were the Edith Head costumes. Oh. My. God. They spared no expense. I don't even think I can choose a favorite. They were all outlandishly fantastic.

Rating: 10/10

How I Watched: on TV...but apparently it's on youtube, as well!

Favorite Number: On a Houseboat

~~~

If you got this far, thank you so much for reading. Catch y'all again in March!

[givetomurasomechapstick]

2025 Requesting rules

If you are considering requesting, please read the available characters from your favorite fandom bellow and make sure to read the end for important information! I will not answer or do any reqs that violate the rules!

♪~°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°~♪

Fandoms I'm currently writing/will write for:

My Hero Academia / Boko no Hero Academia

Sonic the Hedgehog

Pokémon

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

♪~°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°~♪

Characters I will write for:

MHA:

(no age gap requests pls 😁)

UA:

Izuku Midoriya (Deku)

Katsuki Bakugo

Shoto Todoroki

Denki Kaminari

Ejiro Kirishima

Mina Ashido

Itsuka Kendo

Tsuyu Asui

Momo Yaoyorozu

Pony Tsunotori

Hitoshi Shinsou

Neito Monoma

Nejire Hado

Tamaki Amajiki

Mirio Togata

Pro Heroes:

None at the moment for requests, but check out my 2025 Masterlist if you do want some! •

Villains:

Tomura Shigaraki

Touya Todoroki (Dabi)

Himiko Toga

Twice

Mister Compress

Spinner

Kurogiri (and Oboro included)

Skeptic

Curious

Geten

Sonic the Hedgehog:

(remember that unless you specifically state you want reader to be a human, reader is defaultly a Mobian)

Sonic the Hedgehog

Tails Prower

Knuckles the Echidna

Amy Rose

Silver the Hedgehog

Shadow the Hedgehog

Cosmo the Seedrian

Infinite the Jackal

Rouge the Bat

Cream the Rabbit (will ALWAYS be platonic)

Blaze the Cat

Pokémon:

(for actual Pokémon reader will be a Pokémon by default unless requested otherwise)

Pokémon:

Mewtwo

Lucario

Delphox

Umbreon

Any mythical or legendary pokémon.

But remember to specify at least in a single word their personality. Also specify if they are shiny or not. •

REQUESTS FOR ACTUAL POKÉMON WILL ALWAYS BE PLATONIC!

Trainers:

Red (Pokespe)

Blue/Green (Pokespe) (just in case you can't tell who: ♂️)

Lyra

Kris (Pokespe/Pkmn Masters)

Silver (Pokespe)

Gold (Pokespe)

Ash Ketchum

Liko

Gladion

Lillie

Mallow

Kiawe

Goh

Chloe

Grusha

Nemona

Penny

Arven

Kieran

ROTTMNT:

Leo

Donnie

Raph

Mikey

April

Sunita

Kendra

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ONLY SFW REACTIONS!!!!!

I will write:

Fluff 🌺

Angst 🥀

Platonic

Romantic 🌹

Boy x Girl

Genderneutral reader

Platonic Girl x Girl

Female reader

Occasionally male reader if requested (but it will take longer to finish)

Character x Readers

Yandere (as long as it doesn't get TOO out of line)

Comfort (which I guess is also fluff)

You can also request for continuations of previous works I've made!

I can also write for OCs! Make sure to describe them perfectly too so I get a good idea of the character.

I will only do child (or baby) reader if platonic. No compromising.

I can write kisses as long as they don't get too intimate!

Two people have a crush on the same S/O

Headcanons

Oneshots

I will not write:

Age gaps

Lemons or Limes or any sort of nsfw

Character x Character

I will not write Boy x Boy romantically or Girl x Girl romantically. You can ask for genderneutral, which is the closet I'll get. (no offense to anyone ofc 💖)

Self h@rm, su!c!de, ab^se, etc. It makes me feel quite uncomfortable. I may be able to do other sorts of pain depending on the context.

Pregnancy too. Another thing I'm not ready to write yet, sorry!

Match ups. Not yet at least. But hey! You can make yourself a sona and summit yourself as an OC to me! I could write for a specific character with that or more but still no match ups.

No poly yet.

Full blown chapter books.

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If you violate any of my rules TWICE you will be blocked. Also, please no romantic nicknames and stuff for calling me. If you want to nickname me, you can scavenge it out of my username or just call me ShinyMB or Braix.

Remember to describe requests and reader as much as possible!

Also, if you don't specify gender in request it will by default be genderneutral or female depending on how I'm feeling and how it fits. Will also be either headcanons or one shots depending how I'm feeling if not specified.

Happy Requesting! ~ @givetomurasomechapstick

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