#also hi i'm back sorry it's been forever aha

[echosong971]

Like a Fly in a Web

[afewproblems]

50. "I need you to forgive me."

You know why...

But please!!!

I know this took forever so I hope you will forgive me! (Also when I originally received this ask I had just posted part one and mentioned in the tags that prompt 50 could be a good 'fix-it' prompt for a follow up, and well, here we are! Also when I received it, I laughed for a solid minute, like evil laughed so thank you @happymediummm )

Part Three of Prompt 53. 'I'm flirting with you!'

Part One, Part Two

It's on Friday that the cavalry arrives.

Dustin bangs on Eddie's bedroom door, with a mace by the sounds of it.

He's about to snark that Dustin doesn't play a class that uses martial weapons when he hears the kid yell--

"Eddie! You have five seconds before I come in there and get you myself, I got your uncle's permission and everything!"

Eddie groans and detaches himself from the bed  flipping the pillow he had been wallowing in away from himself.

He stomps towards the door and flings it open, leveling an unimpressed glare at Dustin who barrels past him into the bedroom.

Dustin crosses to the desk, his head on a swivel as he looks around the small space, Eddie scoffs as he steps towards Dustin, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"What the hell are you doing Henderson?" Eddie spits out as Dustin shrugs his hand off, he seems to spy what he's looking for as he crows a single, 'Aha,' and makes his way to the dresser.

"Seriously, Dustin, what are you doing here?"

"Saving you from yourself dude," Dustin scoffs as he takes a tape out of his pants pocket, the familiar writing on the label makes Eddie's stomach fall into his feet.

It's Steve's tape.

"No, nope, absolutely not," Eddie snaps. 

He reaches for the cassette in Dustin's hand, only for the little shit to spin away from him and toss the tape from his right to his left hand in a move that seems so much like the teen's babysitter that Eddie wants to scream.

Dustin manages to pop the tape into the player and hit play before Eddie can get close again.

A few notes of a bass guitar reach Eddie's ear and his hands drop from Dustin's shoulders as he perks up…he knows this song.

"What the fuck Henderson?" He breathes out with wide eyes that flick back and forth between him and the cassette player.

'Oh yeah!

Some people say my love cannot be true

Please believe me, my love, and i'll show you

I will give you those things you thought unreal

The sun, the moon, the stars all bear my seal--'

"You are being an idiot," Dustin says matter of factly, crossing his arms in front of his chest as he frowns at Eddie, "I don't exactly know what you said, but I think I got the gist out of Steve earlier today when Robin wasn't acting like a guard dog". 

His dark blue eyes scan Eddie as he shakes his head, "you thought it was a joke, do you know Steve?"

Eddie rolls his eyes before crossing to the cassette player and slapping the stop button. All at once the sounds of Black Sabbath halt, leaving the room in tense silence. 

"Look," Eddie snarls, "I've known people like Steve over the years, it's all the same bullshit--"

"Stop it!" Dustin snaps, he steps closer to Eddie and jabs a finger into his chest, "you don't know what the hell you're talking about!"

Dustin's cheeks are flushed with anger as he shakes his head again, "he's nothing like that Eddie, you're being an asshole!"

"What is all the yellin' about?" Wayne's voice trickles through the door, a hint of concern running through it as he leans against the frame, eyeing both Eddie and Dustin warily. 

"When I gave you permission to barge in here I don't remember agreeing to participate in a screamin' match son,” Wayne says, biting back a smile at the indignant expression on Dustin's face.

"Sorry Mr. Munson, but Eddie's being an idiot!" Dustin crosses his arms once more as he looks from Eddie to Wayne challengingly.

"That so?" Wayne laughs, "care to argue the charge," he directs at Eddie who rolls his eyes.

"It's nothing Wayne, Dustin is leaving now--" 

"Steve made that tape for you," Dustin yells, pointing at the cassette player, "and you threw it in his face!" 

"That true Ed?"

"It was a stupid joke," Eddie growls as Dustin throws his hands up in the air, "it doesn't mean anything". 

Wayne looks at Eddie for a long moment, his face unreadable.

"Steve Harrington?" He asks softly. 

Dustin nods nervously at Wayne before shooting another glare at Eddie.

"The one that came by your hospital room every day till you woke up Ed? The one they couldn't get to leave on the day you opened your eyes, that Steve Harrington?" 

"So?" Eddie huffs, wrapping his own arms around his chest tightly, incredibly aware of the two pairs of eyes trained on him.

 "Wayne, you told me I had to be careful of who I opened myself up to, I'm just following your advice!" 

Wayne sighs, lifting his hand to pinch into his eyes.

"You'd be lucky to have a friend like Steve," Dustin grumbles as he moves to the bed to sit down. He pulls up his legs up to his chest and glares at the back of Eddie's head.

"Kid, I think Ed and I need to have a conversation, alone," Wayne says quietly to Dustin.

Eddie watches in fascination as Dustin opens his mouth to argue, but after whatever silent conversation takes place between the teen and his uncle, Dustin merely huffs and slips off the bed. 

"Listen to the damn tape and get your head out of your ass," Dustin bites out as he passes Eddie, he levels one last impressive glare at the metal-head before leaving the room.

Wayne sighs as he makes his way over to the bed to sit, taking over Dustin's vacated spot.

"So, Harrington, huh?"

Eddie scowls and says nothing, leaning against the dresser. He winces as the sudden weight of his shoulder jostles everything, causing his loose D&D dice to fall off the edge and plink and plunk across the floor of his room.

The D4 will be a bitch to accidentally find with his feet later on, but Eddie ignores the mess and continues brooding against the dresser.

Wayne scratches his face, tapping an unsteady rhythm against his jean clad knee with his other hand, "okay," Wayne says gruffly from the bed as he shifts to stand. 

"I don't know what ya did or said, but it was enough to make that kid beg his way in here," Wayne huffs, hooking a thumb over his shoulder at the open door. 

Eddie shrugs, refusing to lift his gaze from the floor. He hears Wayne sigh and the shift of fabric as he steps closer. 

"You were so small," Wayne mutters suddenly. 

Eddie looks up in confusion, but Wayne isn't looking at him, his eyes are trained just over Eddie's shoulder.

"When you came home that day, all black and blue," he shrugs and scratches his face again, "I didn't know how to help ya, and you wouldn't explain". 

Eddie swallows roughly, horrified at the sudden brightness of his uncle's eyes. A man he has only seen cry twice since he's known him, the first time was at Eddie's mothers funeral, the other was the day Eddie woke up at the hospital all those months ago. 

"I don't think I could stand it if anything happened to you Ed," Wayne breathes out wetly now as he roughly scrubs at his face, "and you being in the hospital, you were suddenly that small kid again, standing on my porch all black and blue". 

Eddie feels his own eyes sting as his uncle turns slightly to wipe his face again, "What are you saying?"

"You weren't alone this time, Ed," Wayne says softly as he steps towards his nephew and grasps him gently by the shoulders, "you have so many more people looking out for you, hell --one of em' carried you home". 

"I think a person like that deserves at least a chance to know you, and to see what I see".

It's Eddie's turn to swipe at his misty eyes, "What's that?" He asks with an unconvincing cough to hide the wobble in his voice.

Wayne smiles, giving Eddie's shoulders a soft squeeze, "a damn good kid with a big heart, who I hope knows how to apologize when it's needed".

"But what if you're wrong?"

"Then I'm wrong, and we'll get through it," Wayne tugs Eddie towards him without warning into a tight hug and reaches behind Eddie to press play on the cassette player; the sound of guitar and drums begin again as Ozzy's voice fills the room. 

'Your love for me has just got to be real

Before you know the way I'm going to feel--'

"But for the record kid, I don't think I am".

***

Eddie listens to the tape. 

He listens to it again and again, both sides. Steve filled both sides with music for him…

He lays on his bed while it plays, staring a hole into the ceiling as the last few piano notes ring out before the tape stops, filling the room with silence.

The songs don't all go with one another and out of a dozen there's about eight he knows. The other four seem to be a mixture of songs he's heard Steve play in the beemer with the kids, or while dancing in his kitchen with Robin.

it's not an expert mix by any means, but Steve did manage to collect a decent amount of metal songs just for Eddie and even a one he's never heard before --since when did Scorpions write love songs? 

After hours alone in his room, sitting on his bed, listening to Steve's tape over and over again, there is one thing he can't deny.

Steve Harrington has feelings for him…had feelings for him, and Eddie ruined it. 

He wants to take the version of himself that pushed Steve away and shake him. 

Eddie winces as he pictures the devastated expression on Steve's face when he left. His normally bright hazel eyes and wide goofy grin were left pinched with hurt.

Eddie had done that, taken six months of tentative friendship, of lingering glances and soft teasing smiles -how had he missed those, and tossed this delicate thing away from himself like it was nothing. 

He looks over at the glowing green hands of the clock by his bed. It’s nearly midnight; Dustin left a few hours ago now and Wayne is now at work. 

Eddie breathes out a sigh through his nose as a sudden wave of determination flows through him.

He looks towards the far wall by the door, his Sweetheart hanging up on her hooks. 

Dustin had apparently insisted on grabbing it, doubling back on a severely sprained ankle while Nancy tore a verbal strip off his back for wasting time as an unconscious Eddie slowly continued to bleed out in Steve's arms.

Eddie shivers, it had been so strange to consider everything that happened, or what he was told happened during the gap in his memory. 

Steve had been the one to carry him out while Robin and Nancy helped compress the worst of his wounds with torn fabric and left over gauze from the patch job they had done for Steve.

He vaguely remembers a string of words, a whispered sentence that made no sense as Eddie drifted in and out of consciousness but now…

'You can't do this, come on Munson, open those stupid beautiful eyes of yours, who's going to yell at us about the corruption of youth in America huh? We need you man, I-I….'

Eddie had really been so fucking clueless. 

He gets up from the bed and crosses to the wall, taking the guitar off the hooks. 

At least now, he has a plan.

***

It was a shit plan.

Cutting down the road the kids had taken to calling Mirkwood and through the woods by Loch Nora seemed pretty sound in theory, giving Eddie the element of surprise and hiding him from any watchful neighborhood eyes. 

What he had not taken into account, however, was the pitch darkness, the unfamiliar maze of trees he now found himself in, and how fucking heavy his portable amp was going to be.

Perfect.

Eddie stumbles over a fallen log, nearly careening into the mulch and rotting leaves of the forest floor. The half moon above him, not nearly enough to light his path through the thicket.

At least this version of the woods feels alive, Eddie thinks to himself; the smell of damp dirt and the sound of frogs and crickets singing in the darkness is infinitely more appealing than the strange forest they had found themselves in a mere six months prior. And with the gates finally sealed, the most dangerous thing he could come across would probably be a rattler or a coyote. 

Eddie peers around at the thought, he's not quite sure he's entirely comfortable even running into those animals anytime soon…especially the snake.

Finally, after another ten minutes of walking, warm yellow light begins to sift through the trees ahead of him as he brushes away low branches from his field of vision. 

Eddie hikes up the guitar strap higher up his shoulder and steps fully into the light that illuminates the Harrington backyard lawn and pool.

Eddie scans the back of the house, flipping the mental map of the Harrington home around to visualize which window was most likely to be for Steve's bedroom.

He steps further into the yard, setting down the heavy amp onto the concrete patio before leaning down to grab a handful of wood chips from the shrubs next to the house.

Here goes nothing.

Eddie tosses one of the pieces of wood at the window above him. 

It barely connects with the windowsill before dropping back down onto the patio with a muted clack. 

Oh this is humiliating.

He tries again and again to hit Steve's window with the wood chips in his hand, each one completely misses the target. One bounces into the eavestrough, another careens off the siding and back into the pool behind Eddie. 

"Fuck this," Eddie growls, throwing the rest of the wood chips back into the shrubs as he snatches the cord for his amp and shoves the plug into the nearest outdoor outlet. 

He turns the volume down slightly, the plan won't work if the cops get called on him immediately. 

Eddie takes the guitar off his back and plucks a few notes, adjusting one of the tuning keys until the sound is just right.

"Here goes nothing, come on Stevie," Eddie whispers as he begins to play. 

"I hear the ticking' of the clock, I'm lying here the room's pitch dark," he sings softly, strumming out the cords, it's slightly harsher than the piano but sue him, Eddie only managed to play it once through by ear at home before he left the house.

This was Steve's last track on the tape, and Eddie's sure he put it there for a reason.

He listened to the song again and again, slowly picking up the cords as he did so. 

He could do this, he picked up Master of Puppets in just a few weeks, Eddie could handle Heart.

Eddie keeps going, his voice carries over the yard, growing in volume; so much so that he misses the patio door slowly slide open and the sound of a pair of feet padding onto the patio. 

"What are you doing here?" Steve's voice calls out to Eddie from the door, he jumps, nearly dropping the guitar. His hand jolts on the strings as Eddie attempts to keep his hold on the instrument, letting the guitar scream for him.

Steve stares at him as Eddie unplugs the amp cord and swings the guitar around his back once more with shaking hands, his thoughts spinning, trying to figure out how to start.

"I listened to the tape," Eddie says softly, Steve cocks his head slightly to better hear him, his face shuttering as the words register.  

Eddie's heart races as he watches Steve begin to turn towards the patio door once more, he needs to act fast.

"And I need you to forgive me," he blurts out, louder than he intends, but Steve does pause with his hands on the door handle.

"Why's that?" He says sharply, dropping his hand away from the door, turning to fully face Eddie once more.

Eddie chews his lip nervously as Steve's gaze hardens the longer they stand in silence, his arms come up to wrap around his chest tightly.

"I thought you were playing a prank," Eddie sighs, saying it aloud makes him want to deflate, to walk right into the pool and sink to the bottom. 

If the look Steve gives him is any indication, Steve would be more than happy to watch him go.

"That's a lot of effort to put into a fucking prank Munson," Steve bites out, there is no heat to the words though. He just sounds tired, resigned.

Shit.

"It wouldn't be the first time," Eddie mumbles, he reaches up to scrub his hand over his face, missing the way Steve's face softens ever so slightly and his arms drop from the way they seem to be holding him together. 

"But I'm not going to make excuses," Eddie takes a step closer to Steve, his heart threatening to break through his ribcage the closer he gets, "I'm sorry for how I reacted and for thinking you could do something like that".

"I know you aren't like that, you're honest, and kind," Eddie reaches out and takes the tape from his back pocket and gestures towards Steve with it, "and so fucking thoughtful it makes me ache to think I ruined everything". 

He puts the tape back in his pocket, Steve’s eyes watch him curiously now as he does, it fills him with wary hope, enough to keep talking. 

"So, I need you to forgive me Steve, because I hope you'll let me make it up to you sweetheart".

Steve's face tips down suddenly towards his socked feet and the cold concrete patio, making it impossible for Eddie to make out his expression. He holds his breath as the silence stretches between them.

"Robin was right, you can be such an asshole," Steve says quietly, Eddie's chest tightens painfully at the words.

Eddie nods once,doing everything in his power to keep his face neutral but the downward curl of his lip is unstoppable as he reaches down to pick up the amp.

"But," Steve says, taking a step away from the door behind him, "as someone who was an asshole for a long time," Steve says quietly, pressing the palm of his hand into his chest, "I think it would be pretty hypocritical to not let you make it up to me".

He's grinning now. It’s small, barely stretching across Steve's freckled face, but it's warm and just for Eddie. 

"What did you have in mind, Sweetheart?" 

Steve is quiet for a moment, his eyes dart over Eddie's face before he finally whispers, "can you finish the song Eds?" 

"I think that can be arranged, " Eddie hums with a bright grin of his own. 

He swings the guitar off his back again, quickly plugging it into the amp. 

Eddie looks up to find Steve smiling softly at him as he takes a seat on one of the pool loungers. He pulls his legs up to rest his arms on his knees, basking in his own private concert. 

As the first pink and orange rays of sunrise begin to bloom on the horizon behind him, slowly painting Steve's face gold, Eddie can't help the relief that flows through him. 

He looks down at the shy grin Steve gives him, his hazel eyes bright in the new day's light, and thinks, 'holy shit, I almost missed this'.

"You don't know how long I have wanted, to touch your lips and hold you tight," he picks up where he left off, his voice mixing with the slow rhythm of the guitar, “you don't know how long I have waited, and I was going to tell you tonight--”

Eddie watches, surprised as Steve swiftly gets up from the lounger and walks towards him, his expression determined.

"I think that's my line," Steve whispers as he leans in to cup Eddie's face in his hands and kisses him.

Eddie short-circuits.

The kiss is chaste, short, not much more than the brief press of warm chapped lips against Eddie's own, but the way Steve lets his hands move from Eddie's face to his hair and neck, holding him in place. The way Steve steps into Eddie's space so all he can taste, smell, and feel is Steve.

It’s exhilarating.  

Steve pulls back slightly before placing a second kiss on Eddie's lips, his eyes half lidded and a deep red flush staines his cheeks and ears a bright red. Steve looks much more debauched than necessary and Eddie suddenly wishes they weren't outside, that he could take Steve into the house and show him exactly how sorry he is. 

"I’m sorry, I couldn’t wait, did you learn all of them or just that one?" Steve asks, his voice slightly breathy, he still hasn't let go of Eddie or stepped away.

"Just that one," Eddie repeats dumbly, feeling the urge to walk into the pool again as Steve laughs.

Oh Eddie loves that laugh.

“You sure,” Steve asks again, his eyes crinkle at the sides as he smiles widely, “I thought maybe you could show me some of the other songs you know, inside?”

Either he’s dreaming or Steve is a mind reader because holy shit.

Eddie nods, unable to even form the words as Steve reaches for the amp and gently takes it out of his hands. Steve transfers the amp to his right hand and takes Eddie’s now empty hand with his left as he leads him towards the patio door.

Eddie watches, transfixed, as Steve looks back to shoot him another warm smile as they step over the threshold of the back door, and the words his uncle said earlier in the evening come back to him as Steve leads him towards the living room. 

‘I think a person like that deserves at least a chance to know you, and to see what I see’.

Eddie halts his movement, grabbing Steve’s hand firmly in his own, pulling him backwards until Steve turns, his eyebrows furrowed in wary confusion.

“Thank you, for giving me another chance,” Eddie says softly. He lets the hand holding Steve's own move to trail up and down his arm, eliciting a shiver from Steve. 

“I mean, you gave me one, you came back right?” Steve says softly. 

Eddie's heart twists at the words, he feels his face fall slightly at the thought that Steve could ever think he was somehow at fault for this, “I was an idiot, that wasn’t your fault at all sweetheart”.

Steve looks at him again, his eyes scanning Eddie’s own for what feels like ages, his expression unreadable. 

“Co’mere,” he murmurs eventually, letting go of Eddie to sit on the couch. He pats the cushion beside him, with the same soft smile from earlier, “play some music for me”.

There’s more to unpack here, more to talk about, other apologies to whisper in this beautiful man's ear. 

But for now, he swings his guitar in front of him and slowly walks over to Steve.

Steve asked for music, and who is Eddie not to oblige?

@ihavekidneys @superchellerific @zerokrox-blog @imhereforthelolzdontyellatme @croatoan-like-its-hot @messrs-weasley @samcoxramblings @warlordess @cinnamon-mushroomabomination @lostonceandneverfound @shunna @fairytalesreality @estrellami-1 @rlpersephone3259 @zaphodkilledthespeedforce @newtstabber @grtwdsmwhr @uwujinniee @anica-d @imzadidragonfly @orangeandthefairroadkill @starman-jpg @nabatute @goodolefashionedloverboi @wheatnoodle @novacorpsrecruit @lolawonsstuff @redlegumes @paintsplatteredandimperfect @scheodingers-muppet @thephantomhood @0o-queendean-o0 @blackholegladiator @nerdfighteratheart @hallucinatedjosten

(I hope I haven't forgotten anyone, thank you very much for following along with this little story everyone!)

[starsandhughes]

Penalty Box Series— Quinn Hughes Edition (Two)

23-24 Season Masterlist

previous: one

next: three

trevor's game

i’m so behind i’m so sorry! and i’m sorry it's short!

OCTOBER 14, 2024

yourusername

liked by _quinnhughes, jackhughes, and 11,353 others

yourusername ladies and gentlecars, welcome back to my post game penalty box update show!

today, october 14th, not only is it the anniversary of my best friend and brother being born, but it's also the day that the canucks won against the oilers again!

last game, leon draisaitl said "it's good to get smacked around a bit." when he scored 42 seconds in, i was worried the oilers would get their revenge, but my fear was proven to be useless! we won 4-3! AND quinny got an assist on kuzy's goal! what a lovely birthday present! (mine was better, but this is a good one, too) and shoutout to hyman for quite literally carrying quinn into the glass, that was a gift for me! so kind!

ANYHOOZLE— quinny, i’m so proud of you! you're popping off this season already and it's only been two games! i love you way past infinity💙 keep it up, bestie! and happy birthday, once again <3

tagged _quinnhughes

view all 236 comments

_quinnhughes i love you way past infinity💙 we need to talk about the tweet in the last photo

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trevorzegras @_quinnhughes 24 has made you mean

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user12 SMILEY QUINN AHH

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_quinnhughes @/trevorzegras you first

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jackhughes @/trevorzegras you don't know shit

yourusername @/trevorzegras don't trust fear

trevorzegras @/yourusername somehow, that was ominous

jackhughes @/trevorzegras she puts the terror in twins of terror

_quinnhughes @/yourusername @/jackhughes BIRTHDAY CLAUSE

yourusername @_quinnhughes IF we made that bet, it would not be game specific, therefore we would not have broken the birthday clause

_quinnhughes @/trevorzegras trust fear

user67 we've got a "high and scared" quinn pic! hallelujah!

lhughes_06 what if i don't want to be a gentlecar?

yourusername are you telling me you're a lady car?

lhughes_06 no! i'm telling you i’m a rough car

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lhughes_06 @_quinnhughes i see it now

yourusername i'm in LOVE with my caAARRR!

jackhughes @/yourusername that just makes it sound like you're in love with luke

trevorzegras @/yourusername @/lhughes_06 @_quinnhughes @/jackhughes stop... just stop talking... i'm begging

user51 quinn giving the kid a puck i'm-😭

colecaufield @_quinnhughes LAME

_quinnhughes @/colecaufield just because your captain got a penalty tonight doesn't mean that all captains should've gotten a penalty

yourusername @_quinnhughes i disagree.

colecaufield @_quinnhughes and i agree with whatever she says

trevorzegras @_quinnhughes me too

_quinnhughes @/yourusername @/colecaufield @.trevorzegras i didn't ask

trevorzegras @_quinnhughes i repeat: 24 has made you mean

yourusername @/trevorzegras you can't call him mean on his birthday!

trevorzegras @/yourusername what would you call him?!

yourusername @/trevorzegras spicy nice

_quinnhughes @/yourusername i- sure

trevorzegras @/yourusername this is why i love you

yourusername @/trevorzegras always?

trevorzegras @/yourusername forever❤️

user21 WHAT is going on in that sixth pic omfg

user38 the fact that the canucks won 4-3 when quinn is 43 on quinn's birthday is so poetic

liked by yourusername

jackhughes @_quinnhughes next time fight draisaitl

_quinnhughes @/jackhughes i’d rather not die

colecaufield @_quinnhughes but you'd give the princess so much joy!

yourusername @/colecaufield idk i think drai could demolish him and i kinda wanna keep him

_quinnhughes @/yourusername who are you and what have you done with sissy?

trevorzegras @/yourusername you want all of us to fight jamie benn

yourusername @/trevorzegras i'd accept your death if it meant i got to see a jamie benn fight

_quinnhughes @/yourusername there's my girl

[jungmeowz]

rinhi's info spill;

hi everyone!!

okay, as some of you guys know me... or not, I use to write for stray kids and nct dream, and other groups on my old account (@renjunvinates) but I closed the account two years ago and stopped writing for some time because I started to become a casual kpop-listener and enjoyer, and was slowly falling out of stray kids and nct dream... (I still love them with my whole heart but it's just not like that anymore... so sorry!!!).

name familiarity: emina, and rennie... I now go by rinhi!

so... now you're wondering how did I end up back here... with a new account, the answer is simple... I somehow, in some way got dragged back into kpop and fell in the enhypen rabbit hole... who do we blame here just maybe my best friend and myself LMFAO. Not recently but a few months ago, I attended the FATE PLUS TOUR concert and that's where it basically went downhill.

RINHI'S ENHYPEN LORE;

So, few years back I was very much into enhypen (i-land days, literally would wake up early to watch the show because I was heavily invested into them) I was there during i-land, watched their pre-debut stuff and was there for their debut! Now this was at the time I became really invested into skz and nct that I had hard time following other groups which caused me to not focus on enhypen too much. I think skip forward too near end of COVID this was where I started to fall out of kpop in general and started to become a casual listener, not really focusing on any groups but still listening to kpop as my main genre, it was also the time scandals were being dropped left and right, and I got fed up with the crazy amount of hate and negativity which is why I dipped. So I wanna say, I kinda dipped out after drunk-dazed/fever released. I occasionally listened to their music but never took the time to fully invest into them. I was also having a huge dilemma who my bias is because they were so young and it made me feel uncomfy (lowkey still does, but like wow I love them like so so so much)

now we're here, so occasionally did listen to their music, but wasn't into them like that, fast forward to where we are now, I attended their fate plus tour, and wow when I tell you that this concert changed me... it heavily changed me, because now I'm like super(?) into kpop and like love love enhypen and I'm now deep in the depths of kpop (specifically enhypen)...

RINHI'S ENHYPEN BIAS LORE;

okay let's just put out there I absolutely adore all of them and I'm ot7 forever and always, but dang if I had to choose we know by my user... its the one and only yang jungwon aha... now how did this happen? TBH I'm going to sound like a psychopath and crazy and I'm sorry, I've just been in denial since i-land LMFAO.

okay so when i-land released, i initially took interest in sunoo, but that's because I thought he was just a cutie patootie, but then I saw his age and I was like oh, idk LMFAO (I was young at that time... but he was younger, so I felt weird). anyways, when I heard jungwon's voice when he sang "Intro to i-land" I kinda was like wow I love his voice so much, and when I saw jungwon I was like wow cutie patootie!! And then I saw his age and I was like oh... I really cant!! (this is where my denial starts). But, when I like saw geonu (now in JUST B) and heard his voice that I was like oh, I like his voice and he's cute and his age was okay, and I felt fine with. So yeah I biased geonu for a bit, but really was in denial about jungwon but told myself I couldn't bc it was kinda weird (age wise) BUT SOMETHING WAS DARN THERE but was trying to avoid it like the plague (I'm sorry won, I love you with my whole god dang heart). okay fast forward into i-land LOL dang geonu is eliminated and I'm in distraught LOL because now I'm like dang who do I bias?? So the final episode comes around and I'm like rooting for all the boys, and when the final line-up gets chosen, I look at my screen and I'm like LOL who do I bias,,, so I'm like ahaha jungwon??? but i'm too freaked out, so then I switch over and I'm like yeah sunoo, but my logic and reasoning is HE'S MY SON THOUGH LIKE I BIAS HIM, BUT IN A SON LOVING WAY (literally still in denial about jungwon and avoiding him like the plague in hope getting over him).

Okay we're fast forwarding to current time; LMFAO so you know when people ask me who my bias is, I would tell them oh it's sunoo but in a son lovingly way LOL and would try move on from the topic, but if there's one person who knew my secret dilemma it was my bestie LMFAO and she would lowkey side-eye me, because she knew LMFAO. Moving onto fate plus tour, at this point I was in denial and I knew I was LMFAO before the concert I said wow I get to see sunoo!!! *causally whispers* and jungwon ahaha... guys I'm a fraud LMFAO I went to this concert and the entire god dang time my eyes was on jungwon, and after that concert it really changed me and who I am, because not only do I simply love jungwon, I simply love enhypen and its all I ever yap about.

okay thank you, for hearing me yap.

[tell-tale-taeil]

Hello! Here’s something to keep you entertained 💚 (if I’ve asked this before I’m sorry lol). If each of the 127 boys were given a solo, what kind of solo would you want them to have? Like your answer could be anything. Music, styling, concept. Go wild!

Oh my gosh okay... Uhhhh, okay....

Haechan: --> Well, his solo definitely is a musical one. Something with a perfect balance between the Dream and 127 concept, you know. Not too bubble-gum like, but also not too hip-thrusty. Something powerful though. Not a ballad, nono, I want angery >:<

Mark: --> Mark already got his solo, so anything like Child would be super cool. Some of his other songs that he's performed during the concerts being officially released would be awesome! No need for choreo, just feelings, thanks.

Jungwoo: --> Jungwoo is a mystery to me. I guess... another photoshoot would suit him? A concept where he doesn't need to act and look like a 15 year old? But I mean maybe it's his thing, I don't know T_T

Jaehyun: --> Brooooooooo, my biggest wish for Jaehyun is Forever Only reaching the western radios. This song is so UGH, why is nobody playing it. Anyway, so for him a colab... with Ed Sheeran or somebody like him. Get that exposure.

Doyoung: --> Another musical possibly! I think this is what really brings joy back to his work and I think that the break he took in order to focus on the Marie Antoinette musical really helped him to... unwind kinda?

Yuta: --> Dude, Yuta, I don't know much about him, but what I do know is that he's in love with Hyde and therefore he should do a colab with him. And perhaps release his own line of piercing jewellery for that occasion.

Taeyong: --> AHA. Picture this! Taeyong in a recording booth, right? But! He's not recording a song. Instead he's doing the voice-over for some cute animated character or animal or something. Of course the animation is then modified to suit his facial expressions. Yeah, you're welcome.

Johnny: --> My dude I've been saying this for months, it's time for another Sunny Side Up set, the one you've done with Mark is getting a little bit old, you know.

Taeil: --> The concept I'd love to see the most on Taeil is him lifting his butt from that sofa he's been lying on for the last three years and showing us WHAT HE'S GOT. Taeil, I know, we all know. You have some good stuff in your drawers. You like strong stuff. You know how to rap (??!!?!?!?!). Show us that, I'm asking you very kindly, thank you.

Thank you for asking me this it was fun writing down something we'll never get T_T

[lieslab]

hi um im sorry if u can't understand this very well bc im writing through tears. like two days ago i found ur no body no crime fanfic from a tiktok comment and i got obsessed. i got interested bc i dont live in the united states so the idea of the guys being in another country and dealing with ur political world blew my mind. things are different where im from. that and the mafia aspect made my heart pitter patter. and the added bonus of the presidents daughter being the love interest it rlly pulled me in.

i experienced so many things while reading and i just want to say that im so mad that *spoiler alert* you killed off kiera. i understand but also it hurt me. she just escaped the horror of her life and u ruined it and i know u did that for the story and u had a good reason and it made sense but im so upset.

i can't believe u did that. im mad but i also came to say that it was a rlly good story. i feel like everyone should read it. i need to express my sadness and anger and nobody in my life is interested in skz so when i saw u comment ur tumblr somewhere i decided to go straight to the source.

why did u do that? what was the reason behind killing off BOTH of them? i will not forgive u for what u put felix through and the way u can see his character growth and development. he loved chan he hated him he forgave him. kiera helped him grow and then u ended both of them. i'm so upset and so mad and i wish i never read it. yet im so happy i got to read something so good and cool.

i wish more people read that story bc it needs talked about. i need to know why u made that story. what u were thinking of. how did u come up with something painful and complex yet so beautiful? that's a work of art. if that was a book in my hands, it would have been flung across the room. when i got to the last few chapters all i could do was cry and read thru tears.

i hate you. i love you. im so mad. i want to cry but also hug you. im never reading another no happy ending fic again and its all ur fault. u ruined me and i think i love u. dont take this personally im grieving. i need fanfic edits and i need to talk to people about it. u have no idea what u did to me i cannot stop crying. please have a good day.

Well hello to you too aha. I will do my best to try to understand. Was that the first story you read of mine? If so, I am so incredibly sorry because that one was a lot. It was a rollercoaster to write and I don't think I've ever gone back and fully reread it, so I don't remember a bit of it. I keep putting it off because I know it'll hurt me.

I'm sorry I hurt your feelings, but at the same time, there's an evil part of me that says no I'm not. There was a reason I made the story that way and perhaps that's cruel, but it's true. Kiera Campbell was created as a harrowing reminder that a lot of us are just like her. I created her from the parts of myself that I feared.

I throw bits and pieces of myself into most of my longer fanfics because it's therapeutic for me. I think it adds more human qualities to characters and it makes them relatable. To me, Kiera was a reminder of fear. She was afraid to step outside of her parents' wishes. She was afraid to lose it all. She was afraid she'd be trapped forever until she was forcibly removed from her life.

When Chan met and saw her, he saw parts of himself and that's all we want in life. We want to be seen and understood. We want people to relate to our struggles and we want to find hope where there's nothing, but defeat and sadness. He kind of took her under his wing after a while to, not only save her from her parents, but to also remind her that she could live the life she dreamed of.

Felix was just another part of the story that was partly inspired by Felix and Chan's relationship back during the survival show. To leave your country and to leave everyone behind to find a whole new world awaiting you while trying to conquer your dreams, that takes guts. It's just like how Chan took Felix under his wing in the story.

Mental illness was added because it made Felix's character more human. He watched his parents die, he faced abusive foster parents, and then he ran away and ended up utterly alone digging through a dumpster for food. It was another added glimpse into the reality for some in the United States. Some kids end up in the foster system and sometimes they're homed with shitty people and it absolutely fucking sucks. Sometimes homeless people are so hungry and desperate for food, they'll do whatever they can, even if it means going through trash.

When I created Changbin's background, it was a glimpse into soldiers who come back damaged from serving in the military. The ptsd, the anger, the malice, the rage, the utter bitterness and resentment that leads to blowing up and taking it out on other people.

Chan's character was a reminder that sometimes you have to face things alone. Sometimes you're shoved into a world by yourself and it's up to you to make a name for yourself. Some people have to start from nothing before you can turn it into something. It's not fair and it fucking sucks, but a lot of things in life aren't fair (just like the ending of this story)

I think I've talked about it before, but I like helping people. I truly do, but I'm not that great at verbally communicating. Writing is where I feel as if I shine. I'm mad about parts of the political world in the United States. Coming from another country, I highly doubt you'd understand all of it because you're not here. Just as I'd probably be confused and unsure of some of the stuff you face in your country.

So I shoved that anger and some of those issues into the story. I'm really glad you came to me about this because I love discussing this story. I think it's one of the greatest things I've ever written. I could gush about it for hours.

There are mentions of pedophila, the peer pressure of parents trying to control your life, the fear of being alone, the anger after war, the anxiety that some people face, the abuse in the foster system and the cruelty of the world.

Of course, the ending isn't fair. Chan finally found someone he thought truly loved him and he broke through his cold heartlessness. Kiera finally escaped her angry father. They could have had a happy ending, but they didn't. It's a bittersweet reminder that sometimes we take what we have for granted. We get too used to our lives and we don't realize they could be different.

We let people control us sometimes. We don't fight for what's right out of fear. We're afraid of authority. We're afraid to be alone. We're afraid to lose it all, but sometimes we forget that maybe it's for the better. Maybe we should fight back against the people that keep us miserable.

Not necessarily in the terms of politics, (that's a topic for another time) but when it comes to people in our lives. The friends that suck the energy out of your soul when you spend time with them. The parents who you feel like you have to obey 24/7 or else hell will break loose. Maybe it's not safe now, but you always have the power to change your life.

Most importantly, it was a reminder to me. I was attending therapy twice a week while writing that story. It was a reminder to myself that I could fight back. No matter if I sobbed or broke down, I could fight back against the cycle of abuse in my own life.

Kiera Campbell was someone who I wish I could have been and along the way, I think I've ended up just like her. Not dying, but in terms of fighting back. Growing angry, becoming infuriated, fighting back against and force that kept her captive, so she could live her own life.

That story is so important to me in so many ways. It was a peek into my heart; a flurry of conflicting emotions. There was sadness and confusion, but along the way, there was laughter and happiness too.

So yeah, I did kill them off, but they shared so many moments together. They brought each other hope and happiness. They died knowing that they fought like hell to get where they were and they healed something among themselves in the process. They died surrounded by the people they loved and they died with dignity; a necessary cruelty and a painful reminder that in the end, death always wins.

[tartagilicious]

right where you left me, viktor 🧪

"the sky is overcast and i'm sorry, one more or one less, nobody's worried. i'll believe it all, there's nothing i won't understand. i won't let go of your hand."

note: so, i finished arcane about a week ago and immediately got started on this, we need a formal investigation into the epidemic that is viktor i have no idea what’s going on. anyways, there was a common theme i really noticed while watching and i really wanted to do something with it, so here we go!! arcane really highlights the importance of its characters’ choices. a few things said differently, the presence of another person, not reacting too quickly — these are just a few of things i noticed, and i thought it tied into viktor’s unfortunate story really well </3 if a few minuscule things had been different, maybe he would’ve had an easier time :( so, my mentally ill ass has decided to forcibly give him a zest for life in the form of you, enjoy ;D

tagging @cr4yolaas !! because i finally finished!! also, thank @kazuharem for not only encouraging my shenanigans but also convincing me not to kill viktor off at the end 🙄🙄🙄

synopsis: you have always been alone. after the undoing of the undercity and the disappearance of vander and his daughters, your naive mind fell into the hands of the wrong person fairly quickly. but, your fate changed the day you came across a boy tinkering with a toy boat; and by simply being the one to pluck it from the river, you changed the course of your lives forever. you spent years by his side, changing, learning, and growing to love him through everything you experienced together -- until you're both offered a position at piltover's academy, and the decisions of your younger self finally catch up with you. now a lost scientist with merit that works for the man responsible for running the undercity, you are led back to your old friend in the strangest way possible -- by his own invention.

warnings/tags: gender neutral reader (please let me know if i slipped up anywhere!), descriptions of illness, seperation, childhood friends to lovers, we bent the timeline a little bit here aha

word count: 11,000

You had always thought you would die young and angry. It’s how life played out for many around you, after all – the Undercity is many things, but it is hardly kind. Promises and money are the things that weave the threads of the unkempt streets, and relying on such notions are easier said than done.

It’s why you tended to fall back on yourself.

Safety was a hard thing to gain when there were so little people you could trust. Consequently, when the death of Vander and the disappearance of his daughters struck the Undercity, you were among the first to flee. Simply because, there was nothing waiting for you in the darkness. Having your parents taken from you at such a ripe age, the damage was never something you quite understood – but, then again, the enforcers of Piltover weren’t looking for your understanding.

When you saw the surface for the first time, you felt hope. Albeit, the sun hurt your eyes and the warm temperature made you acutely aware of the skin on your arms, yet you couldn’t help but want to pick apart the blazing feeling in your chest. Because, despite the selfish nature that had sustained you until then, it was a hope you knew that you would do anything to share.

However, until such a disciple came along, you would run until your legs could barely stand it. Even if you repeatedly took shelter under a man with a false red eye in the Undercity, from the cracks of the upper levels of Zaun to the backstreets of Piltover, you were wholly on your own.

Until him, that is.

You met the young inventor when you were eleven years old, perhaps similar in age to him, on the edge of the river that bordered Piltover and Zaun. He had been far too entranced by his own ministrations to notice you peeking at him, and for the longest time, you would return by the day to watch him tinker with the peculiar contraption.

Though, the day you had finally accidentally revealed yourself, he had been startled into pulling a string that finally kicked the makeshift machine to life. Strangely, it had excited you. The young boy stared at you for a second then, unsure of what to do between the sputtering boat in his hands and the person spying on him with uncharted curiosity.

Eventually, he chose the latter, letting the boat go while waiting in anticipation of your reaction. Two pairs of eyes watched it move down the shallow river, though perhaps it worked a bit too well – as he stood up with his cane to trail behind it, you began to realise it was close to outrunning him.

You were very rarely seen with others at that time, Taught to be resilient and private, you had often wondered if you were incapable of feeling the things others did – happiness, anger, even sadness, were things you rarely had the capacity or luxury to experience.

So, you aren’t sure what propelled you forward then.

The young boy should have been well aware that his cane would hinder such a chase, and the loss of his work would be no one’s fault but his own. And yet, when you jumped down from the rocks that loomed over the bank, you knew you didn’t want that.

Trudging through the shallow water, you pulled the boat from the water with a small grunt. As you took a look at it up close for the first time, you began to realise just how much work had really gone into the invention – each part was unfamiliar, but meticulous to your eyes.

Was it sympathy that bloomed in your chest when he cautiously took it from your hands?

Hope, you reminded yourself. Is a subjective thing. While the sun may be what guides you, inventions such as this may be his.

You let yourself smile for the first time in a long time to appease him, grateful when he returned the gesture.

“My name is ___. How does your boat work?”

The innocence of the words had betrayed your slightly battered appearance. Even with Silco’s protection, there was little you could do against the world’s hardships as a child. You weren’t nearly as adept as his daughter, the blue-haired bomb technician with an unorthodox fighting style, and it showed in the slight curve of your cheekbones.

You had never been given a fair chance before he reached out a hand to you, before he requested that you come back the next day and help him with the boat a little more. His introduction into your life was as seamless as the way he offered a polite hand, manners oddly refined for a child of the Undercity.

“My name is Viktor.”

You don’t know what you were thinking when you agreed, but you continued to return anyway. You learned to sneak through the crowds in the same way your older peers did, counting on the assumption that Silco had better things to do than keep track of you when making your way out of Zaun.

And each time you returned, it was always worth it. Viktor never ceased to amaze you, his young and curious mind mapping ideas out constantly – some were outlandish, and others too simple, but one thing each inkling had in common was the sheer amount of thought put into it.

Much like his mechanical boat, he worked silently and efficiently. It was months before you felt comfortable enough to call him a friend, but you never necessarily needed words to communicate, so long as you were able to create together.

In no capacity were you gifted in the arts and sciences like he was, but as children of similar circumstances, it didn’t matter – you were his legs, and he was the brain that moved you.

Apart, you may have faltered, but together, you excelled.

Even as you grew up together, you learned slowly. Being under Silco’s umbrella, such activities were kept a careful secret on your part, so perhaps it was convenient that nothing in Viktor’s mind was ever quite your expertise. No matter the time Viktor set aside to teach you the intricacies of the things he created, you could only ever manage to dive beneath the surface levels.

It was a mix of this and a concern for your safety that made you think it only appropriate to take no credit for the inventions, even as he insisted on noting your name beside his in patents.

“It doesn’t work like that,” You’d insist, motioning for him to hand you the pen he twirled between his fingers. You were seventeen when Viktor began working on his projects to alleviate pollution in the Undercity, six years after you’d first encountered him. Though you would describe your efforts towards the reformatory gadgets created thus far as menial, Viktor didn’t seem to think so.

“Isn’t it, I don’t know, enough to note me somewhere else?” You offer, dropping your hand when it’s obvious he won’t let up. “I didn’t create this, you did.”

He nods. “It was my hands, of course. But it would be unfair to omit the parts that required your help.”

Viktor taps a part of the air filter on the table in front of him – it’s a more recent invention of his, meant to purify the toxic air that lingers in certain shimmer factories below ground. You avoid his eyes. The part he references is indeed something you had taken the time to understand on your own.

“A part here and there doesn’t mean anything.” You mumble. He looks at you incredulously, one thick brow slightly quirked.

“A machine is composed of many parts. If one doesn’t work, the entire mechanism is at risk of failing. No matter how small, every contribution is important.”

You narrow your eyes.

“You’re talented, ___.” Viktor sighs, a resigned hand letting the pen in his grip meet the page. “It would be a mistake to let you go uncredited when you’re just as responsible for this as I-”

“Vik, please.”

Eyeing you carefully, he looks down at the pending patent and back at you. You nudge him on with the slight raise of your brows.

“...Fine.” His accent piques on the word, and relief floods your system to witness him writing a few adjustments in. Of course, you’ve considered telling Viktor of your fears countless times. You’d divulged certain worries about your caretaker to him before, and even without explicit name dropping, he could surely guess who it was that was the source of your troubles.

But, still unbeknownst to Viktor, you walk a fine line around him. To be credited for an invention you spent time on with him, it’s something you want desperately – because your friend is right. Each piece that goes into any machine passes through two sets of eyes, and though you may never reach Viktor’s level of understanding, you’ve worked hard to be able to call yourself his partner.

And yet, the right is something you are barred from. To be credited for an invention with such prestige, it would surely only make you a target for Silco’s own ingenious plots. You may be tethered to the man by a deal lost to time, but you will not stand for your knowledge to be used to hurt those you have sworn to help.

Years ago, you had come up to the surface for the first time, the sun’s light birthing new, selfless ambition into your young and confused mind. Viktor had given you an outlet for your dreams, and you will not let your shared aspirations die for anything.

Truthfully, though, you wouldn’t be completely surprised if Silco had caught wind of your activities with the inventor long ago. He’s an unfortunately clever man with eyes everywhere in the Undercity – at times, you wonder if Viktor’s own lab is even safe. But, so long as you keep yourself in the dark, you know he wouldn’t dare to seek you out for fear of misunderstanding your role.

It’s why you can’t tell Viktor of your real worries. You couldn’t, also not by risk of his inventive nature – he’d surely attempt to create a solution, endangering himself and everything you’d worked so hard to keep hidden.

It would hurt you too much to tell him that some things just can’t be fixed.

Viktor had been the only one there for you even in the most tumultuous times. Losing him to Silco would only mean losing another part of yourself to the vile man, and you are not ready to give him anything else – your contracted loyalty is far more than enough.

It’s something the man takes very seriously, and for him to discover that you’ve been hiding something so important from him, it could mean the death of you both.

And so, you continue working in secret. Fixing inept systems and saving lives, bringing people of the Undercity up to the light, and providing an example as if to tell those around you, things will change.

At eighteen, you turn around to the familiar sound of a cane clicking on the floor. Viktor greets you with a jovial smile before dropping a small stack of papers in front of you.

You joke, “Jeez, Vik, I know we agreed to share the work, but this is–”

He cuts you off with a chuckle, pulling a few particular papers from the pile with a quiet hum. “Mmh, don’t get ahead of yourself. It’s not paperwork.”

You watch him unfold the papers with rapt attention, a prying hand on the locket around your neck curious of what he’s leading up to. Viktor leans haphazardly on your desk, rifling through everything until he comes up with what he’s looking for: a map.

As he puts a hand on the back of your chair to steady himself after letting go of his cane, you lean in to get a better view of what he tries to show you. It’s marked heavily in red ink, and you recognise most of the littered sites of forges and shimmer containment sites, though the purpose of the markings are still lost on you.

You take a quick glance at the man next to you, only to discover he’s already looking at you. A smile splits his lips as continues,

“This is the official number of facilities our mechanisms have been implemented at,” Viktor flips the page over. “And this, is the tracking of accidents these same facilities have reported over the past two years.”

The line graph slopes downwards exponentially.

An astonished sound leaves your mouth. “Viktor! This is huge!”

A smile washes over his face as you stand up abruptly, taking his support into your own hands as you wind an arm around his torso in celebration. You cheer as he reaches around your own shoulder and pulls you into him without apprehension, laughing as you do.

“But,” You lean back to look him in the eye, smile faltering a bit. “Does this mean we’re almost done? What will we do next?”

Viktor simply smiles at you.

“Ehh, why not start a new project afterwards?” He suggests, taking great pleasure in the way your eyes light up. Even if you have yet to realise, he has always watched you carefully – your tells of disappointment and vice versa are exceedingly easy to distinguish. Yet, he is still unsure how to face your raw dejection when faced with the possibility of parting with him.

“There are many more that we can help, if you’ll choose to stay to complete such a goal.”

A baited question, and his heart pumps wildly when you take it. His baseless theory of your afflictions towards him had long since evolved into a string of small experimentations, though he is no longer sure if he is doing it to figure out only you, or if its roots run deeper.

A familiar grin curls at your lips as you shake your head incedulously, hand that lies around him patting his back. “Looks like you’re stuck with me, because I’m in for whatever you decide.”

But, the notion is short lived.

At nineteen, Viktor receives a letter. Unlike the usual quickly packed thank you notes he normally receives, it is adorned with a large and regal red stamp, his name penned carefully over the front.

He holds it up to you when you walk into the lab one day, equal amounts of concern and curiosity swimming beneath his gaze.

“What’s that?” You ask, shrugging off your coat to hang it on a hook nearby. “When did-“

“It’s from the council.”

The words silence you quickly. Then, you notice that the letter has already been torn open, its contents most likely read over — probably thoroughly, knowing your partner.

And judging from the forlorn expression he wears, it must not be anything good.

“It’s from Heimerdinger, the Councilman.” Viktor explains quietly as you take a seat across from him, not paying any mind to the way you falter. “He’s heard of our endeavours in the Undercity and would like to discuss them.”

Your eyes widen, but you keep your reaction in check as much as possible — despite the outward luck of such a letter being addressed to him, there is an undoubtedly concerning aspect of the offer.

“Then… Why the face?”

“Well-“ Viktor pauses, putting a hand to his chin. He thinks carefully before he says, “The people of Piltover… they don’t reach out to people like us for nothing. The outcome of this may not be good, not for either of us.”

“You should come with me, just in case.” He says.

Shooting him a cautious smile, you shrug. “What, do you think they’d show no mercy to a crippled scientist?”

Thankfully, Viktor breathes out a laugh.

“The possibility is why I need my legs with me.”

The old joke brings a quiet smile to your face, voice gentle as you retort,

“Then, as long as you lend me your brain once more.”

After wandering the streets of Piltover in pursuit of the politician, you arrive at the gates of a particularly refined building — and considering the rest of the city, it’s saying a lot. Curious hands run over the wall as Viktor watches your awe, a silent smile at the corner of his lips.

Further inside the lobby of the building, you both stand there, unsure of what to do until a peculiar voice leads your attention towards the ground. An owl-like creature stands at your feet, no taller than the bones of your knees.

“Hello, dear children.”

You look up and attempt to exchange a look with Viktor, but he only pays attention to the person in front of you.

“Professor Heimerdinger,” Your partner smiles in greeting, nudging you to do the same. The councilman watches in amusement as you try to replicate the kind smile on Viktor’s face. “It’s an honour to meet you.”

The councilman merely waves the words off, motioning with a furry wave of his hand for you to follow him deeper into the lobby. Viktor finally catches your eye as you walk, and you share a quick smile.

“It’s a great pleasure to meet the young minds behind all of the developments in the forges of the Undercity.” Heimerdinger says, settling into a high seat with practiced ease.

He must have requested your presence at some sort of government building, judging by the formal atmosphere. The area you occupy lies not far from a front desk, in a small outcove perhaps meant for discussions such as this one.

“I’m sure you must have been frazzled to receive an invitation from me, but I sincerely hope that you will carefully consider the offer I give you today.”

Viktor nods. “Of course.”

You begin to eye your partner curiously. Viktor had seemed so worried when explaining the contents of the letter to you a few days ago, and yet now, he seems perfectly calm. Frowning, you run your thumb over the smooth edge of the locket around your neck.

A bitter nervousness festers in your gut as Heimerdinger continues.

“—Your expertise in these matters is why I would like to personally extend invitations to the Academy of Techmaturgy to the both of you.”

Before Viktor can answer, your brows knit. “Excuse me?”

The small area falls into a sudden silence, and embarrassment curls within your chest as you clear your throat.

“My- my apologies. I only mean to ask, I thought this was a letter addressed to Viktor only?”

Heimerdinger’s eyes flash with recognition before he chuckles.

“Yes, my dear, that is true. But, only because he is the only one of you with a registered place of residence. I figured the letter would also likely find his partner eventually.”

When you stare at him, Heimerdinger pauses.

“…Are you not also the inventor of these gadgets?”

He reaches into a bag by his side that you hadn’t noticed, pulling out familiar patents. They’re stamped with Piltover’s red seal, proving their authenticity in the councilman’s grip. On the first document, he points to the top line.

Your name sits next to Viktor’s in the man’s staple messy cursive, and beside it is a small scribble. Something in you deflates and rises at the same time, constricting painfully in your chest. Anyone else would look at this and merely assume Viktor was testing out the pen’s ink when printing your names, but you remember the moment clearly.

“You…You didn’t need help at all, did you? You just wanted me to see this.” A surprised laugh escapes your mouth, and you can’t help the expression of apprehension that passes over your face. You rifle through the patents curiously, and with rising horror, note the printing of your name on each one.

Viktor had never crossed out your name like he said he would — ever. Not ever in the two years since you’d begun the forge projects.

A warm feeling blooms in your chest despite the fear. You now realise the error in your secrecy, but you could never fault Viktor for being unaware of something you’d give a limb to hide. Yet still, the fact that he had always seen through to your true wishes to be credited alongside him is touching. So, however horrible the consequences for your inventor status may turn out to be, you will never forget your partner’s kind sentiment.

Viktor is truly the only person in Piltover that could manage to threaten your life and make a grand gesture all in one breath.

Viktor leans over carefully so only you can hear the words he whispers. “Only because I knew you would refuse. You deserve this chance.”

You shoot him a small nod in thanks, hoping your dread doesn’t show too much.

“…This, it's truly quite an offer.“ You nod to Heimerdinger, swallowing your protests with a strained smile. You can feel Viktor’s gaze on you, though you are too guilty to return it. “It’s just… I’m not sure this is a good idea for me.”

Taking advantage of the shock that permeates the air, you push out a strained laugh.

“There’s so much I have yet to do in the Undercity, not to mention, my skills…” You trail off, waving your hand in a motion that suggests your incompetence. It’s a valid excuse that someone might use, though you aren’t sure how much the professor will believe you in particular.

If you’re listed as the co-creator of the inventions put to use in the Undercity, he may have a different assumption of your skills — of which would, unfortunately, be closer to correct than the pitiful show you attempt to put on now.

“Perhaps you have the wrong idea about me.”

Viktor lets out a conflicted cough, and against your better judgement, you meet his eye. The man has never been particularly yielding with his emotions, though you don’t know that you’ve ever seen him so conflicted.

“It’s true, really.” You insist, placing a hand on your partner’s shoulder as you say, “Viktor, on the other hand, is an excellent choice.”

You’re extremely surprised he doesn’t swat your hand away.

“When he devised the warning system for the coal furnaces in the mines, he used his own kitchen to run tests on how well the machine could pick up changes in temperature and air quality.” You explain, a smile curling at your lip as you recall the memory. “We had to replace the stove twice.”

Your voice comes out sadder than intended when you nod. “He’s dedicated. He’s a good choice.”

“___.”

You eye your partner cautiously as he stands, grabbing for his cane. Long legs take him around the narrow couch and he motions for you to follow him.

“I’m sorry, professor, but could we take a moment?”

Professor Heimerdinger nods wordlessly even as you try to catch his gaze, seemingly not willing to offer any insight. Whatever Viktor has to say is for you to take alone, and you don’t necessarily blame him for wanting nothing to do with the fall.

You follow your partner into a more secluded area of the lobby that lies away from prying ears. But, when the sound of his cane on the marble floor suddenly halts, you’re finally forced to turn your gaze on him.

“Viktor, I–”

“Tell me your concerns.” Viktor interrupts, leaning into his cane a bit to effectively raise a brow in your direction. You try to ignore the heat that threatens to creep up your neck at the direct action. “I can see in your eyes that you’d like to accept, but this pattern of decline is too convenient.”

You stumble on your words. “What- A pattern? What pattern?”

Viktor studies you thoughtfully, eyes slightly narrowed. “Is there a particular reason you’d like to completely separate yourself from science to the public?”

When you can think of no way to respond, you look away and shrug.

“I always wanted to be credited for our inventions.” You mutter, fluffing out the back of your hair with an apprehensive huff. You don’t notice the way his expression begins to thaw at the quirk. “But before I knew you… I grew up with a different life. I made decisions to trust people then, and I can’t even get away from it now.”

“Our inventions?” Viktor repeats, taking great pleasure in the way you can’t help but smile. “I can’t say I’ve ever heard you say that out loud.”

You shake your head, pushing out a short laugh. “Don’t be like that, you always knew I wanted it more than anything. It’s why you put my name on the patents despite my protests.”

“That,” He sighs lowly. “I’m sorry. I had no idea there was such a heavy reason behind it.”

“It’s…well, I’m not sure. It’s complicated.” You explain. “I had always been worried that I was being watched, and that the patents would only give him a reason to seek me out.”

Viktor nudges your foot with his cane, encouraging you to go on. “Him?”

Eight years. For eight years you had kept most of Silco’s contract to you a secret, and from the only person who would ever forgive you for making such a mistake. However, now that you have the chance, you tell Viktor everything - how the man had taken you in after your parents had died, and how you had been contracted to him against your will at fourteen after he had caught wind of your inventive nature.

The way you would visit Viktor constantly even as you lay in bed each night terrified of the future, requesting to keep your name out of patents because you feared being used as a tool in Silco’s plots of anarchy.

But, the worst case scenarios always ended with Viktor getting hurt. Viktor being taken away, Viktor being killed, all because you had made the mistake of falling into the hands of the wrong person.

“You were thinking about my safety in the middle of this?” He tuts, leaning back into the wall to hover his cane off the ground and hold it like a club. “I’m not so easily reachable.”

“Viktor.” You laugh, shaking your head as he reverts his position. “I’m serious.”

He shrugs. “So am I.”

“All I ask, is that you consider Heimerdinger’s offer. You deserve this place, no one has the right to take it from you.” He reassures you, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair back into place behind your ear. “Silco can’t reach you in Piltover.”

You shrug hopelessly, head falling into his hand as you mumble softly, “His reach is much farther than either of us will ever know.”

“But, I’ll get out of there. I’ll figure out something, and in the meantime, you should accept the offer. I meant what I said about your dedication.” You nod, troves of unsaid words hanging above your heads. The most blatant of them however, is that should you fail, there’s a fair chance that you may never see each other again – an eye for an eye situation, product of your attempt at desertion.

You realise it’s not something Viktor wants you to bet on, but if you had the choice, you’d leave Silco’s grasp in a heartbeat. Finally, you have the chance to be who you’ve always wanted, working to help those in need and bringing light to the darkest corners of the Undercity. Yet, you are cruelly aware of what will happen if someone should defect, and you aren’t fond of the idea of becoming the next example.

Viktor lets his hand drop, and you attempt to catch his gaze hopefully.

“Maybe he hasn’t even caught wind of these inventions yet. Or, maybe he’s found someone smarter to do the work for him. But, even if none of that’s true and this doesn’t go to plan, I’ll still be able to leave eventually. It’s only a few more years, then I'll be free to go wherever I want in the world.”

Your expression deflates as Viktor simply stares at you, expression unreadable for all but the slight downturn of his lips.

“I’ll be fine.” You assure him quietly. “However easily I’m able to phase myself out of that place, it won’t be long.”

“And if you fail?” He asks, voice uncharacteristically small. “What will I do? Simply wait for your return?”

You go silent at the question, warmth festering in your chest.

“You’d be fine without me even if you chose not to.” You say quietly. “You always would’ve been.”

Viktor sighs, his unenthusiastic eyes narrowed. “...In what world would that be true?”

You’re shocked into silence.

“…Then,” Your lips thin as an indecisive hand wraps around the chain of the locket around your neck. It’s a small thing, rusted and worn from years of passive use – but conveniently easy to break. In an impulsive moment, you tear the chain from your neck, not responding to Viktor’s opposition even as you grab his hand and drop the necklace in it.

“Take this, as my promise to return quickly.”

Cautiously, he thumbs open the small compartment, a small incredulous laugh escaping his lips. Viktor raises the object in his hand with a wry smile. “You’re ridiculous. You’ve kept this, all this time?”

In the open locket sits a small picture, imperfect by every standard. The faces are barely legible anymore, and the jagged cut edges curl out from the areas that don’t quite reach the paper. However, the way Viktor had recognised it with just a glance makes you feel better about the way you still cling onto that day.

Your younger faces stare back at you, smiling with a large object sitting between your hands.

A boat.

You smile faintly, a heavy feeling rising in your eyes as you nod.

In that moment, you hear it – the slight hitch of his breath, the click of his cane as he leans back into the wall. Viktor takes you into his arms with attentive concern, with such raw apologeticness that it clouds your mind and kickstarts your faltering heart.

“I’m sorry.” You say, voice faint with tears. “I can do this. I promise.”

He nods, accent thick with heartache as he presses a chaste kiss to your forehead.

“I believe you.”

You don’t regard Viktor as one of the smartest men in the Undercity for no reason. There were quite a few times when you’d been a personal witness to his ingeniousness, and you respected the boy greatly for his inventive nature even then.

But, when did you begin to see more than that?

Was it in the awkward boy who had given you a new chance at life, or the curious teenager who laughed when a prototype nearly exploded in his face? Though you have always looked upon these memories with fondness, you choose to focus on different aspects now.

The day he had approached you to share the success of your projects in the forgeries, how he had struggled to hold back the rampant flush building up in his ears when he’d asked you to stay with him. The many occasions where he would grab your hand without a thought just to lead you to something new. His simple encouraging words that never failed to urge you on.

But, Viktor had never outright acknowledged the idea of you as anything more until the day you’d had to leave him.

It’s a bittersweet memory.

Occasionally, you find yourself wondering what course your life would have taken if you had listened to the boy you’d always had so much faith in.

he can’t reach you in piltover.

You wish you would’ve taken the chance to find out.

Hope had blinded you in the most unfortunate way — of course, Silco was already well aware of your plans and nearly pounced on the chance to dismantle them, effectively giving you no choice but to stay.

He was once a kind man, taking you in when you had nowhere else to go. But, he had since gone cynical, left without much sympathy for anyone other than his ticking time bomb of a daughter.

When subjecting your skills to the Undercity, he had told you that you would only be continuing your work. Helping people with the mind you worked so hard to cultivate. But you weren’t so nearsighted — the gadgets you designed were for no one’s benefit but his own.

Though, you’d still worked hard in the years you’d been under him. Because, against your better judgement, throwing yourself into such a familiar craft became an undeniable comfort.

If you imagined hard enough, you could even tell yourself Viktor was sitting somewhere nearby, tinkering with a part of his own.

You were never truly able to contact him after he’d left for the academy, and his new position as a creator of Hextech in Piltver’s high society didn’t exactly make it any easier. Besides, your connections were largely cut down due to the secrecy in your role in Silco’s ranks. Your confidentiality was an important piece to his schemes, and god forbid you break it.

It had gotten to the point where you were left to assume Viktor could figure out what happened to you. But, the thought is a sour one. It left you grasping for the comfort of the locket around your neck nearly every time the thought came up, despite that you rarely forgot that it was in the hands of the man you’d grown to love.

Almost six years had passed before you finally received a messily bound notebook from Jinx, the explosive girl giving it to you with a proud smile.

“I’m handing these off to you!” She says animatedly, not waiting for your reaction before she continues in a more serious tone, “You’d better not let anything happen to them, I worked hard to break these out.”

You follow the nudge of her hand onto a lumpier part of the notebook, when you realise that the cover is a makeshift pocket. Giving her an unsure look, you open it cautiously.

A harmless blue glow emits onto her face as the fabric falls back, and you have to admit, Jinx almost looks crazier in the hue — if such a thing is even possible.

“Yeah,” You agree, eyeing the stones with attentive curiosity as you nod. “Sure, I’ll take care of them for you.”

Shouldering the burden of whatever may be in the notebook in your hands, you bid her farewell before returning to your lab. You look down at the journal with dismay. You sympathise with Jinx, you really do – rumours of her story have been floating around since before the time you were initiated, and none of them are quite bedtime stories.

But Jinx is so eager to prove herself that she barely stops to think of the consequences, even when there’s a possibility of them falling to you. But, such is the role of a scientist: your hands are often dirtied at the expense of someone else’s curiosity.

Still, the book seems important, so you don’t want to mishandle it for risk of being connected to it.

You unhook the pouch containing the crystals carefully, setting it aside as you crack open the worn spine. Your lips turn up in a grimace when it falls flat against the table, but it quickly morphs into confusion as you stare at the messy cursive that fills the page. The writer’s hand had been heavy and decisive; whoever had written it was either in a great rush, or was astounded by their subject of notation.

As you attempt to decipher the barely legible writing, you almost laugh. You had only ever known one person with such bad penmanship–

At the thought, the colour drains from your face.

Thoughtlessly, you grab for the pouch of strange crystals while peering at the page. You hope to everything that you aren’t correct, but as the seemingly random lines begin to shift into words before your eyes, you curse beneath your breath.

This is Viktor’s notebook.

Your breath catches in your throat, spilling from your lungs and into every crevice of your body. Though, as you force yourself to read on, your worry only gets worse – the notes detail a new form of Hextech, a more simple version of the magic used to power Hexgates, and their plans to utelise it for more everyday tasks.

More maps breaking down new products litter the notebook as you flip through the pages, each piece more thorough than the next. Your hands splayed out beside the notebook falter as you drop your head, a familiar tightness manifesting in your chest. Just what had Jinx done to get her hands on such a thing?

Breath growing heavier, it gets harder and harder to fight the fear that bites at you with each passing second. Silco had once promised to not lay a hand on Viktor in exchange for your work, but Jinx? Jinx is bound under no such agreement.

You fall into the chair under you, hand over your mouth as you consider your options.

Of course, your worry is baseless. Perhaps Jinx had hurt no one, intent on pleasing Silco to the greatest effect. But, the chance of her going all the way and killing anyone at the scene isn’t necessarily far-fetched, either.

Taking another peek at the open page, you fight a sigh. The work is extremely detailed, and knowing Viktor, it’s likely years were spent on these ideas. It’s for that reason that you force yourself not to dwell on his life too much for now – no matter the fate he met at Jinx’s break-in, you know without a doubt that he would prefer for his work to remain his.

So, for the next couple of weeks, you feign cluelessness.

“I’m– Look, I know that you’d like this information,” You say to Silco, brows furrowed. “But these Piltover scientists don’t write in a way any of us were taught. I need the time to decipher it.”

It’s laughable that the sole reason the information could never reach him is merely bad cursive, not an uncommon Piltover scripture. Though, of course, Silco doesn’t need to know this.

“Tell me, what good of a scientist are you if you can’t make sense of a peer’s notes?” He challenges, and you fight a frown.

“With all due respect, Sir, I can begin to understand the diagrams even without notes.” You say it slowly, testing out the waters. The last thing you want to do while lying out of your teeth is make Silco mad. “But without context, anything I find is ultimately useless.”

Perhaps against his better judgement, Silco believes you that night. Fortunately, it gives you all the time you need to focus on Viktor’s notes in secret, though, you’re not sure how it makes you feel to realise that his notes actually make sense — so much time has passed since you last saw each other, it barely seems real.

You’ve grown since the last time you’d see each other, but for now, you can only hope that Viktor is around to have the opportunity to see it.

But the fact that you can’t contact him in any way doesn’t help your worry, either. It’s not strange for someone of his status to be without a direct line of communication, and it’s even less strange that you, a scientist of the Undercity, still fail to find an easy way to get ahold of the man. Your only source of information has always been the rumours that fall from the pockets of Silco’s clientele – unreliable, but better than nothing.

Assuming that the death of a creator of Hextech would be a bigger scoop amidst the usual sea of casual gossip, you’re relieved when a few days pass and you’ve heard nothing of the sort. But, even the passage of time is a dangerous game now: you know that Silco’s patience is likely wearing thin in the lapse of any progress.

So, you give him what he wants.

He can’t read the messy scripture either, and it’s quite easy to say you’ve made advancements by tacking on a random splice of information that he wouldn’t understand anyways. Giving him the true information would be a gamble you aren’t ready to take – putting that kind of power into his hands could prove exceptionally dangerous.

Still, doing such a thing leaves you undeniably on edge. Lying to Silco isn’t an easy thing, and the fears of your secret escaping run constantly rampant in your head. It’s a difficult thing to juggle, to say the least – like your own personal show, that unfortunately includes acting a part for nearly everyone you know.

One muggy night around a week later, you finally feel as though you’re nearing your breaking point. You can’t feed Silco pieces of nondescript information forever: even he will eventually begin to piece together the mechanics of the gadgets. But, what choice do you have? You've essentially dug yourself a grave.

You think you’ve finally gone crazy when a small ticking sound interrupts the quiet atmosphere. But, another round pulls you out of your thoughts, and with a sigh, you turn towards where you think the source lies.

There is a row of large windows that line the eastern wall of your lab, put in specifically to fuel your ‘creativity’. You had assured Silco it was a useless endeavour, but he had gone ahead without the discretion of your choices, as usual.

The beauty in the Undercity is certainly unorthodox – as much as you’d like to look out the windows and see rolling hills, the mechanical city has its own charms. Everything is connected in a way underground, making for a messy but tight-knit community: an oddly heartwarming contradiction.

Though, perhaps it’s connected a bit too literally.

As you glance out the window, your eyes immediately catch on two silhouettes. As if to emphasise their point, the one kneeling on the overhanging roof knocks again. They say something that’s muffled by the thick glass.

Your brows knit as you stare at the pair. They’re shrouded completely in the dark, features barely discernable behind the panes. You know you should leave them be – who knows what someone knocking on the windows of a lab could be after. But, your curiosity gets the better of you before rationality can kick in.

Cautiously, you make your way up to the window, unhooking the latch and finally letting the quiet voice of the kneeling person flow in.

“___!” A familiar voice you can’t place says your name with relief, slipping past you and onto the counter you kneel on. When they land, the sound they make on impact has you reaching instinctively to their shoulder. It wouldn’t necessarily be hard to paint whatever this is as a break-in, but you’d rather not.

“What do you think you’re–” You fall silent after you pull the person’s shoulder back, grey eyes staring into yours as if to dare you to go further.

Barely avoiding a stutter from escaping, you ask, “...Vi?”

“In the flesh.” She remarks, getting to her feet and taking a look around your lab. “I heard you’d be lurking around here somewhere, didn’t know it would be here specifically.”

Vi shoots you a pointed look and you sigh.

“It’s a story for another time.” You mumble, taking a glance at the person who had come with her that stands still on the windowsill. Dark blue eyes flit around the room, and you don’t think anything of it until you notice the gold detailing on her outfit.

“Woah!” Jogging across the room to cover your work table, you reach easily for the gun holstered beneath your coat. Offhandedly, you wonder if they’re here for Viktor’s notebook. “I didn’t know you ran with that kind of crowd, Vi. Was your disappearance not enough of a shock?”

Vi grits her teeth in frustration, pulling out her own weapon and turning it on you. It’s then that you realise the enforcer on the window carries a sniper rifle, but oddly enough, she doesn’t move to protect herself.

“Seriously? You have no idea what happened to me.”

“Vi.” The enforcer hisses, accent smooth as she carefully eases her way down onto the counter before raising her hands. “There’s no need to be so hostile, their trust is more important.”

Your brows knit.

“What are you talking about?”

With a huff, Vi’s stance relaxes slightly. Something in you deflates at the obvious display of trust between the two – you had never been particularly close to Vi as a kid, always a few years older and a few leagues weaker, but she was still someone you respected. Your own relationship with the higher-ups of Piltover is admittedly complicated, but Viktor is no enforcer. Anyone from the Undercity would be able to distinguish the difference.

“My trust?” You prod, nudging the gun in your hand with your pointer finger as if to remind them of your confusion. “What about it?”

“We heard rumours. You work for Silco? As a…” She struggles, eventually getting frustrated and spitting out a title. “Researcher, of some kind?”

“A scientist.” You correct, shrugging the error away. “But, what does that have to do with anything?”

The enforcer steps forward, eyes unsettlingly kind. It makes you feel as though you’re the one in the wrong, even though neither of you have done anything inherently bad yet.

“We want to take Silco down.”

Begrudgingly, Vi lets the enforcer lead you to the chair by your work table and take care of explaining things to you. Though, you only lower your gun once it’s clear she isn’t there to report you or to arrest you for the things in your lab that are, quite frankly, wholly out of your control.

“The rumours we heard, they said you were here against your will.” The enforcer you now know as Caitlyn says so quietly, an apologetic look falling over her face. Your lips tick into a frown.

“If you want me to help you go against him, I’m afraid it’s not possible.” You lament quietly, leaning back into your chair as you sigh. Caitlyn and Vi exchange a glance as you continue. “I might be a valuable scientist, but I’m ultimately replaceable. He’d kill me.”

And you don’t say it, but you know the man would make it a spectacle. A warning to those thinking of doing the same, and a cruel jab at the Hexgate creator he’d taken you from.

“I know that you think you have power. But, I did too once. Whatever you think Silco is capable of doing, it’s worse.”

“I believe you.” Caitlyn nods. “But that’s not quite true. We… We were given a chance to hold an audience with the council. It’s concerning a different matter, but it connects back to the man who’s forcing you to do this.”

“We want you to give us evidence that he’s doing things beyond code. Vi suggested that if the rumours of your contracting were indeed true, you might be able to help.”

If she has any other thoughts on the situation, they’re kept behind her stumbling words by lock and key. When you don’t respond, she takes decisive steps forward, kneeling down to take your hand from where you sit.

You look up at her in shock as she says,

“Don’t fret. Silco can’t reach you in Piltover.”

Caitlyn’s words are gentle, and unfortunately familiar.

“All I ask, is that you consider Heimerdinger’s offer. You deserve this place, no one has the right to take it from you. Silco can’t reach you in Piltover.”

You always wished you would’ve taken the chance to find out.

Suddenly, your face twists as your free hand flies to your mouth. Memories you had been repressing flow into you at full force, and the feeling is nauseating as you choke out,

“....Was anyone hurt the night the Hexcrystals were stolen?”

Caitlyn’s head dips as if to earn a glimpse of your face, before she hesitantly shakes her head.

“Fine, then.” You swallow harshly. “You’re right. I should come.”

Decidedly, you reach behind you and consequently make Caitlyn back up. You grab the notebook with a soft grip, hesitant in the route you’re taking until Vi pops out a nondescript question behind you.

“This,” You start, voice quiet as you let out an embarrassed laugh. “...Is the notebook that was stolen a few weeks ago. It was stolen by someone in our ranks and passed onto me.”

The revelation makes the pair in front of you go silent.

“Ah–” You put up your hands in mock surrender, brows furrowing. “But it’s not like I asked for this, nor would I ever actually give the information to anyone–”

“You have that?” Vi’s eyes widen. “And the crystals, too?”

“Yes, both.” You wince slightly.

“No,” Caitlyn interrupts, putting up a hand. “That’s good. A high profile piece of evidence will give us credibility.”

You bite the inside of your lip as you contemplate. “But, speaking of high profile. …How sure can I be that I won’t be arrested for this information? While not of my own will, I’ve created things that have been used to commit horrible deeds–”

“I’ll protect you.” Caitlyn assures you, putting a hand to her chest. “I promise you this. You truly seem like a good person, ___, and I believe that.”

An enforcer’s words wouldn’t have meant anything to you thirty minutes ago. But now, they light a casual flame in your chest.

“Thank you.” You nod shyly.

Interrupting the heartfelt moment with the quiet clap of her hand, Vi says, “If we’re all done, let’s figure something out. And quickly.”

“Stage fright?”

Caitlyn comes up beside you, the engaging question meant to be thoughtful. Instead, it just reminds you of all you have to fear — perhaps you’ll be thrown out the moment the councilors know who you are, but even if you do stay, will they believe you?

Or, will they think you’re merely painting a picture for your own benefit? There’s no easy way to explain how the stolen materials were so easily entrusted to you without somehow implicating yourself, and the possibilities are terrifying.

You shrug, shifting the bag over your shoulder. “Something like that.”

“Don’t worry, I told you.” Caitlyn says, a thoughtful hand resting on your shoulder. “I’ll make sure you’re protected. You’ve done nothing wrong.”

“…I hope so.” You mumble.

“Either way,” She motions for you and Vi to follow her. “We’ll get through it. Are you ready?”

When you both give your forms of acceptance, Caitlyn lays a careful hand on the large door that separates you from the council room, waiting for an appropriate time to enter.

“Perhaps Marcus was working independently,” a disembodied voice says thoughtfully. “But what could anyone in the Undercity offer him that he didn’t have up here.”

At the momentary pause of chatter in the room, Caitlyn takes this opportunity to enter.

“It’s not what they offered him. It’s what he had to lose.”

Guards accompany you from behind, and admittedly, you can’t muster the courage necessary to raise your head. Caitlyn seems to know what she’s doing, and even Vi is fairly comfortable with facing the officials as she glances among them.

“Councilors, my daughter has a unique insight into our situation.” An unfamiliar woman stands, that of which you assume to be Caitlyn’s mother. Curiously, you raise your head.

There’s certainly a resemblance.

She nods in her mother’s direction. “Thank you.”

“First,” She turns her head to Vi, who stands beside her. “Councilors, this is Vi. She was born in the Undercity.”

“Even though we failed her in countless ways, she risked everything to show me what life is really like down there.” They share a heavy glance that makes you wonder just what had happened between the two of them before they had decided to seek you out.

“People are starving, sick, ravaged by shimmer. They live in constant fear of the coordinated efforts of violent crime lords. And one man leads these efforts — Silco.”

A robotic councilor is the first to speak, refutting. “We’ve done investigations of Silco. They yielded no such level of organisation.”

The forefront creator of Hextech drops what he plays with in his hand, the small pin making a sound that makes the room go quiet. Briefly, you think you notice the shuffle of someone sitting behind him, but you don’t dwell on it.

“What does this Silco even want from us?” Jayce asks.

Caitlyn turns to you, and hesitantly, you clear your throat. You’ve never been a terrible public speaker, but in this moment, you have to wrest the edge from your throat.

“That— he believes the Undercity should be independent.” You explain stiffly. “He calls it the nation of Zaun.”

Jayce’s thick brows furrow with uncertainty. “…And who might you be?”

“My name is ___.” You answer. “I’m a scientist that works under Silco, and I’d like to provide concrete proof that he’s someone that needs to be dealt with.”

Finally, you let yourself get a good look at all of the councilors. They’re all quite unique in appearance, from a range of species and colour, some wearing defining pieces of jewellery while others stick to more plain ensembles.

But as your eyes make their way across the board, waiting for someone to speak, you catch something that stops you short.

You were right. There is someone sitting behind Jayce. He leans out from behind his much larger counterpart to let his eyes flicker over the faces of your companions, only pausing for a split second before they fly back to you.

You dare to meet his gaze when you feel his attention on you. Suddenly, your words die in your throat.

The man’s cheekbones are almost gaunt against his pale skin, and the bags under his eyes must be a similar hue to Caitlyn's uniform. But, there’s a deeply familiar emotion in the way he looks at you. It pricks beneath your skin as the onset feeling of recognition dawns on you.

It feels as though someone’s given you a kick to the stomach when he reaches out for something beside him, solidifying your thoughts by grasping a crutch.

Viktor?

He releases a small breath, urging you on with a slight smile.

You have to bite the inside of your cheek to keep from letting the extent of your emotion show. Of course, Viktor is sitting in on a councilor’s meeting looking like he’d been put through a wringer, facing you as if you’re a criminal awaiting trial, but some things truly never change.

You swallow firmly as Vi nudges you, forcing you to tear your gaze away from Viktor. She gives you a pointed look that startles you back into function — she’d likely taken the room’s silence as an invitation to go on and was wondering why you hadn’t done the same.

Pushing down the rushing sensation that threatens to burst from your chest, you clear your throat again.

“I’m sorry. As- as I was saying, Silco is someone to be feared because his reach is enormous. With trade routes, shimmer, and control of the Undercity mines, he relies on fear to keep things in order.”

“He may seem kind, but it’s a show. Silco cuts people off from the outside world and makes sure they have no choice but to rely on him.”

You hope Viktor is able to pick up on the distinctions — though you will never be able to properly apologise for the way that you left him, you hope the short explanation will fill in certain gaps.

Taking a slow breath, you look at the ground as you say, “…I had my only chance at happiness taken away when I was nineteen, all so I could stay behind and fulfill the role he needed me to. It's been six years."

“He holds people I care about over my head to this day.” You frown, looking at each of the councilors meaningfully. “But, I’m sick of it. So, please. On the off chance that you will listen to my story, let me provide certain important gadgets from the last few years.”

A few beats of silence pass before an impeccably dressed woman raises her hand regally, a slight smile making the golden freckles across her face lift. A light shines over her head as she says,

“I believe this could be worthwhile.”

After her, councilors raise their hands one by one, all noting their own personal thought processes throughout. Relief builds quickly in your chest, and as the officials speak amongst themselves, you try to catch Viktor’s eye. Though, when you find him amongst the group, he is speaking to Jayce, noting something string-like tied to his cane with abstract gestures.

“Actually, convincing them to spare you punishment may not be necessary.” Caitlyn grabs your attention with the quiet statement as the last councilman ponders. “Most seem accepting of your story.”

You can’t help the smile that comes to your face as the last light shines over the lone councilman, signifying his agreement.

“I’m glad.”

The rest of the session is long and tedious. Certain members of the council, while in agreement to listen to your story, certainly don’t have much faith in you. They question you at every turn, and while it’s usually not hard to find an answer, they strain you – ask if you really did take no pleasure in being the creator of such vile weapons, in being the mind behind the tools.

But as you pull each from your bag, explaining them as a guard handles them at a safe distance, you refute each councilor that dares to doubt your explanations. While their acceptance is important, you know fear of the unknown too well. Those who are the loudest are often only scared of what they don’t understand.

However, it’s a shame that the only other person in the room that can truly grasp the situation doesn’t get a vote.

Viktor listens thoughtfully to each of your descriptions. And though you can’t exactly watch for his reactions in the crowded setting, you can practically feel the interest that radiates off the man. A pleased buzz settles into your chest as you continue on.

The moment that likely matters the most is when you finally reach the bottom of the bag, where only one object remains. Hesitantly, you reach for what could be the day’s catalyst.

“This,” You hold up the leather bound notebook in one hand, not turning around to face the council members just yet. “Is not my creation, but I felt it was important to show it today.”

Cautiously, you turn around, taking the journal into one hand to feel for the crystals kept in the front. A wave of relief goes through you when you feel them inside.

“These were stolen from labs here and passed over to me a few weeks ago, with the hope that I would be able to make use of the notes and Hexcrystals inside.”

Quiet gasps echo through the room as you take experimental steps towards Jayce. You hold them up in a silent offer, but rather than take them directly, he lets Viktor stand and reaches for them instead. You hand them over with a bated breath, noting the slight flicker that goes through his eye when your hands briefly touch.

“I didn’t let them have any of it.” You mumble, not even sure if Viktor had heard you until his lips quirk up into a small smile.

“I know.”

But, he makes a show of flipping through the pages as you stand there anyway, making sure nothing is missing amongst the notes and crystals you’d returned.

“I believe nothing is missing.” Viktor nods to Jayce, who you hadn’t noticed was already borderline studying your face. You realise then that it was essentially impossible for him to have not picked up on the exchange between you and Viktor, not that there’s anything you can do about it.

You take a step back when he nods, Viktor’s eyes lingering on yours for what is perhaps a count too long.

The session ends with the council’s promise to look deeper into Silco’s endeavours, and a collective sigh of relief is released amongst the three of you that had requested the audience. When you exit the room, it is with hope for a changed world, and faith that the Undercity will finally be acknowledged in the way it deserves to be.

But, there is one other notion of change that is more unique to you.

As the crowd begins to disperse, you tuck yourself into a more hidden corner of the hall in hopes that the person you want to see will emerge. And luckily, as the last strings of conversation leave earshot, the large doors open yet again,

Something in your chest tightens as the distinct sound of a crutch hitting the marble floor sounds through the hall. Six years of pain and uncertainty come undone the moment Viktor’s eyes meet yours. He is tired and noticeably older, but the person you remember still lies in the way he smiles at you, in the way he makes his way over to you without faltering.

When he stops in front of you, your voice goes breathy as you shrug, “I told you I could do it.”

Viktor beckons you forward and you waste no time in taking the invitation, wrapping your arms around his torso. He lets out a stagnated breath as you sink into him.

“And I told you that I believed you could.” He whispers, letting you take some of his weight and pressing his chin into your hair.

You release an unsteady breath, heart pounding against his. In a way, it's like no time has passed at all -- you're both still standing in the ridiculously fancy hostel Heimerdinger had summoned you to, connected for the last time as you waited for the unknown.

But, things aren't the same. As he holds you now, there is nothing that you would let pull you away as Silco did back then.

Suddenly, you part from him far enough to look at his face, brow creasing with worry as if you’d just remembered something. Viktor looks at you with easy curiosity as you swipe a thumb beneath his eye, over the curve of his cheek.

“...What happened to you?” You ask softly, noting the pain that strikes through his gaze.

He frowns, and suddenly, he looks exhausted.

“I’m sick, ___.” Viktor admits quietly. “And, I don’t think I can fix it.”

Your heart stops. What’s worse is it’s viable, a good explanation for the changed man you see in front of you. But you don’t want it to be true, you don’t want the possibility of losing him again –of losing him for good.

Abruptly, he pulls back, eyes roving over your face. You stare at him blankly, unable to process his actions so quickly.

“The prognosis revealed my illness was due to pollution from the Undercity.” He explains, his own gaze looking for the tell-tale imperfections of sickness in your face. “You spent a lot of time in the same areas I did, have you felt anything?”

Quickly, you shake your head, still reeling from the strong sense of concern for you that he’d never seemed to shake – not even when he is the only one blatantly in danger.

“No-no, nothing.” You assure him, wishing your heart didn’t pick up the way it does when he releases a sigh of relief. “But, you–”

You go quiet, biting the inside of your cheek as your eyes flit around. Perhaps if you think hard enough, you can think of a way to help him. Though, in your endeavours, your gaze catches on something else – the ‘string’ you’d seen tied to his crutch previously is now noticeable at the close distance.

Silently, you reach down towards it, lips parting in surprise. Viktor’s free hand rests lightly on your waist.

“You-?” You have a hard time getting the right words out as you take the small charm between your fingers, thumbing open the small cartridge to see two small faces. “You’re ridiculous. You really kept this?”

The locket you had given him the day you’d last seen each other, over six years ago, has stayed with him. The surface is more worn than you remember, attesting to the sheer number of times it had probably been pried open.

Tears finally prick behind your eyes as Viktor smiles thoughtfully, a careful hand placement beneath your chin bringing your gaze back up to his. “It was your promise, I was only waiting for you to fulfill it.”

You don’t know what you’re thinking. The moment is crude, and it’s still unclear as to whether or not Viktor still holds the same feelings he did back then – but despite this, despite everything telling you to step back and think, you take the hand that hovers beneath your chin and kiss him.

When he momentarily falters, you pull back immediately.

You suck in a short breath. “I’m sorry, I–”

Viktor cuts you off fairly quickly, guiding you by your own hand and directly back into him. He kisses you gently, tenderly, like he’d been waiting ages for this moment. And in a way, perhaps you have been too.

When he releases you, the sensation of his breath mingling with yours brings a small smile to your face.

“I’ll help you.” You promise it softly without thinking, slightly breathless. “Whatever you can’t fix on your own, we can fix together.”

“That is, if you choose to let me help you complete such a goal.”

Viktor shakes your hand a bit in mock exasperation, shocking a laugh out of you. “You’re insufferable.”

You had always thought you would die young and angry. But, you can’t quite remember the day that changed – simply put, life has always been a struggle. A constant game of tug of war between you and an invisible entity. But on the days you felt that you couldn’t handle it anymore, that the weight of your mistakes was simply too heavy to bear, you had someone to turn to. Even after those said mistakes tore him away from you, there was still always an inkling of your partner that stayed with you.

Such is the power of connection. Viktor gave you what you needed to feel alive, and breathed hope back into your fragile lungs even as dirt clouded you.

When you look at the fragile man in front of you, you don’t see him as someone who’s beyond saving – if anything, he is a reflection of the person you’d once known. Your roles have been reversed, and it is finally time to repay his favour to you.

[strawbearisamu]

promises [summer collection: vol 3]

❀ timeskip! matsukawa issei x gn! reader | wc: 1.2k

summary: snapshots of the promises he made you, 8 years at a time from when you were 8 to 16 and finally a proposal at 24.

note: volumes are not connected this is a standalone story.

"hey! you can trust me," he smirked.

"oh yeah? do you remember the first promise you made?" you grinned.

❀ eight — accidents

in the sweltering heat of the sun, slippers warm from the heat, slapping against the tarmac in your little cul-de-sac, you chased him. the humidity of summer enveloping you, you wipe the sheen of sweat off your forehead, panting to catch your breath, "i give up, you win issei!"

he beamed in response, so obnoxious yet so pure, you couldn't help the little smile that graced your lips too.

"that means you have to try it! ride the bike side to side, it'll go faster!"

"side to side?" you asked, a little unsure of what he meant, getting on your little bicycle.

"yeah! it'll work, trust me," he boasted, "i saw it on tv!"

"promise?" you asked, fingers gripping a little tighter on the worn rubber handles of your bike.

"promise!" eight-year-old issei said in excitement before riding off ahead of you.

"side to side," you mumble under your breath, before pedaling up the slope, fast, your younger self blissfully ignorant of the burn in your calves and thighs, you steer your bike towards the left, then the right, then the left, and again and again. somehow convincing yourself that it was working, you gave him a thumbs-up as he looked back towards you, "catch up slowpoke!"

"i will!" you huffed at him, provoked, speeding up, as the gears of the bike started whirring louder, the wind whistling in your ear. you reach a hard corner and issei is still way ahead of you, one harsh turn tips the scales in the equilibrium of gravity as you crash and collide onto the ground.

"yn!" issei shouts, turning back and pedaling towards you.

you sniffled a little, rubbing the bloody gash on your knees, hands now a little grimy and stained from the tarmac, the rough road scraping your arms and knees, blood running along your elbows.

"you promised it would work!" you frown at him, as he leaned towards you, poking your bruise in curiosity, "OW!"

"i'm sorry y/n! they said it on tv!" he said panicked, scratching his head, before pushing you back to his house as you sat on his bike. his mom horrified at the wound, patching you up and forcing her son to apologise to you again.

"okay that's a little unfair, i was 8!" he crossed his arms.

"okay fine. ah! what about that one time!" your eyes lit up as you recalled the memory.

❀ sixteen — sneaking out

"issei," you squeezed his forearm, "we'll be fine right?"

"relax, i've done this before, we'll be fine." he assured, a playful glint in his eye. "i promise, don’t you trust me?" he inched down towards you as you nodded.

and so the both of you snuck past the napping guard, the small rusty back gate creaking as he gently pried it open, grabbing onto your wrist and dragging you along behind him, navigating the overgrown path.

giggling, you clutched onto your bags and each other as you ran, in the sports shoes you changed into just for this, in the humid summer heat, uniforms clinging onto the layer of sweat on your skin, palms sweaty against each others, a burning ache in your calves and thighs as you tried to keep up with him.

tapping your cards hastily, and hopping onto the first train. settling onto the seats of the semi-packed train. with the cool air of the air conditioning blowing in your face, and issei by your side, you still yourself in the moment, admiring him, his face, memorising the texture his curls, the slant in his lids, the curve of his lips, the scenery beyond the windows, imprinting it all in your mind, hoping you would never forget, only smiling when he raised a brow at you.

four stops later, you guys arrive at your destination. all the elaborate stealth just to eat at your favourite little ramen shop tucked away at the fourth stop. the both of you bursting into adrenaline-fuelled giggles as soon as you stepped onto the platform.

—

you slurped the last of your ramen, letting out a satisfying sigh. "we actually did it!" you grinned, proud. you and issei occupying two of the eight limited counter seats in the cramped little shop.

"we sure did," he smiled at you, resting a palm on your head before wiping away the layer of sweat on his forehead as you stared. "something on my face?" he teased, eyes finally meeting yours as your gazes lingered on one another, allowing yourselves the privilege to indulge. his deep-set eyes boring into yours with an emotion so raw and indescribable that even in the years you would spend apart, you would never forget them.

"aha! another broken promise, we were called into office the next day issei, and i distinctly remember you saying we would never get caught," you snickered.

"hey none of that matters now, only the promise i'll make you today," he defended, reaching across the candle-lit table for your hand.

❀ twenty-four — proposals

"yn," he reached into the pocket of his blazer with his free hand, pulling out a red, velvet box, popping it open to reveal a ring.

you let out a soft gasp, your bottom lip quivering slightly as you blink back the tears welling in your eyes.

"yn, i may have broken a lot of our promises, and i will admit i’ve been a bit of an asshole. but this time, i promise you, i will do everything in my power to be a damn near perfect partner for you, to make you the happiest spouse, to love you through thick and thin, through the good and the bad, through everything. as long as i’m with you.”

"issei…” a tear rolling down your cheek, “you promise?" you whispered.

"i promise." he nodded, thumb gently caressing your cheeks, wiping away the tear. the same grey eyes from 8 years ago boring into yours once again.

"that's what you said all those times too," you laugh.

"i guess you'll just have to trust me again, will you marry me?" he smiled.

"issei, i’ve never said no to all your dumb ideas, not when we were eight, not when we were sixteen," you paused, gaze falling to the ring in his hand then back at him as you soaked in the moment. the soft candle light illuminating his face, his eyes sparkling a little as they reflected the light, curls falling softly, the expectant look on his face as he fiddled the ring between his fingers.

"so are you marrying me or not?" he pouted a little in frustration.

"and i certainly am not saying no at twenty-four, yes, of course i'll marry you issei." the smile on his lips widen impossibly, impatiently sliding the ring onto your ring finger, as though he couldn't wait another moment longer.

"i can't believe you said yes, now you're stuck with me forever," a goofy smile playing on his lips, issei gets up, moving towards you, pulling your sitting form into a hug. "i love you so much," his leans his forehead against yours before guiding the back of your head into his chest, an arm wrapped around your shoulder.

"we still have to do a ceremony dumbass and you better not break your promise again," you warned, voice muffed into his top as he kissed the top of your head, "i won't babe."

sol’s comments ❀: wahaha self indulgence again :> that whole bicycle thing is based on a true story and im positive he meant sway side to side instead of steer side to side now that ive watched yowamushi pedal (aka now that im a pro cyclist). also me and my bff used to sneak out a lot during free sessions so the 2nd part was inspired by that hehe.

m.list ·˚ ༘ ꒱ | each and every reblop is appreciated ☻ (+ free hugs)

[idiotwhotalkstoomuch]

CW. LONG POST for the immortal!mc... I see lady yuu having a personality like toph from "Avatar the last Airbender". People are careful around her do to her status and doesn't know why she likes to hang around adeuce and grimm, but she likes how open they're around especially when grimm calls her "his henchmen".

Immortal!mc: *has been calling grimm for an hour* GRIMM!

Grimm: *ignores her*

Mc: *sigh* *dramatically* Oh the great and powerful grimm lord of flames

Grimm:*smugly* hmm~yes~

Sebek: *windows exp crashing noises*

Has a Harry Potter the Half Blood Prince moment in alchemy class.

Mc: *reading potion text book* *under her breath* cut up the moon bloom? You crush the moon bloom *notice a lot incorrect information in the text book* CREWEL!

Crewel: *walks over* yes mistress yuu?

Mc: You let these children brew these potions incorrectly? I hope they haven't been drinking them!

Crewel: with all due respect mistress yuu the information in the book is correct i can assu-

Mc: I know you're not telling ME of all people the steps in the potion book is correct?

Crewel: *gulps*

Mc: you crush not cut the moon blooms and you use the blue spider mushroom and not the yellow puff ball mushroom! And the final product should be yellow and not a lilac color!

I see her having a staff or something of the like and it has everyone confused because 'she doesn't have magic' yeah she doesn't have magic but she likes to uses it like a walking stick. She likes to watch the students with Ashton during P.E occasionally hit them with her staff.

Immortal!mc: *bonks student* No your form is all wrong! *shows them correct form* DO IT AGAIN!

Somedays when Trein wants to grade papers he'll have immortal!mc tell stories of her youth, she tells the a story of a flying ship with a captain with a hook for a hand, a medicine woman of a young emperor and her ditzy henchmen, a shady voodoo man she met at a tavern, and a woman just as old as her who kidnapped a princess to keep herself young.

During chapter 5 vil catches her in the mirror chamber one day and askes her about the mirror the beautiful queen.

Mc: *walks up to the mirror of darkness, touches the side resting her head on the frame of the mirror* It's been a long time my old friend

Mirror of darkness: *appears* I you my friend I you...

Everyone in the mirror chamber: 👀👀👀

Vil: *in shock and awe* ᵂʰᵃᵗ ᵗʰᵉ ᶠᵘᵘᶜᵏ..

During chapter 6 Vil comes to yuu during vdc training camp and askes her questions about her relationship with the mirror of darkness.

Vil: Miss yuu can I ask you about the mirror.. again?

Mc: *puts down her tea* oh yes! I never did answer your questions earlier

Mc: long ago I heard whipers in a village that a house deep in the forest lived a very handsome man who had magic... he had a daughter a real daddies girl.. I found her odd at first as she'd ask him everyday if she was beautiful and he'd reply 'the fairest in the land'

Rook: *knows where this is going*

Mc: but like most people around that time he became sick. One day me and the girl went around the forest collecting herbs for his medicine... when we came back he gone all that was left was a pile of his clothes and a mirror..

Kalim: *blinking back tears* then what happened 🥺

Mc: the poor thing was inconsolable.. she locked herself in her father's room and refused to comeout. Though I should have told her but I found a letter from him, detailing what he had done.

Deuce: *on the edge of his seat* them what

Mc: he used the rest of his magic to turn himself into a mirror for his daughter.. i'd seen that once before when I stayed the night at a beasts castle, but thats a story for another time.

Vil: was the girl you speak of the beautiful queen?

Mc: yes her name Grimhilde... in his letter he asked if I could look over his daughter make sure she lived a happy and long life... though I feel I failed him.

KINGDOM HEARTS HAPPENS AND YOU CANNOT WILL NOT CHANGE MY MIND!

When yuu has the prophetic dreams before overblot and she's mickey in the mirror

Mc: *notices a shadow in the mirror above the fireplace* that shape seems oddly familiar...

Mirror figure: Aha

Mc: *eyes widen* KING MICKEY

Mickey:*in shock aswell* YUU!

The first years remind her of Sora and Co. and catches herself reminiscening about them. They don't know what to do when they catch her crying.

Ace: M-Mc! Are you okay?

Sebek: WHO DARES MAKE LADY YUU CRY I'LL HAVE THEIR HEADS!

Grimm: *rubbing against yuu worried* henchmen?

Mc: No no.. I'm fine it's just you six remind me of some people I knew years ago.

During history trein asks mc about the great war and if she knew the inside scoop on why it started.

Mc: which one? there have been many

Trien: many..? I know only of one..

Mc: yes! There was the first keyblade war, the first human-fae war, Chernabog's war, the inter-species war, the second keyblade war and the second human-fea war.

Lila: *who came to drop off some papers* two human-fae wars..?

Mc: oh Lila! Yes the first one is when I crowned Maleficent as queen and the second one happend when a close friend of hers betrayed her...there was to be a third on but the human queen that started it was turned into a goat

Trein: keyblade war?

Mc: when magic was just becoming accepted..*clears her throat* it was revealed that there was a secret society of heros who wielded keyblades. It was believed there was a world where all magic come from.

Ace: are there still people who have keyblades?

Mc: no.. the hearts of people to day are to dark..

Deuce: to dark..?

Mc: back then people hearts where pure, why? The keyblade wielders protect people from the darkness. The people believed in a world where all from, only the Wilders could access the world.

Trein: *writing every thing down* what was this place called?

Mc: Kingdom Hearts... but as most stories go all of them wanted control over the world, but they needed the X-blade this caused a war of cataclysmic proportions. It pushed the world into darkness and killed many and shattered the x-blade and scattered across the world... kingdom hearts was to be forever lost.

Scarabia mob: you where alive during all that!?

Mc: no, but a close friend of mine was, but I was alive during the second

Sorry for my rambling and if i broke any of the rules during this feel free to delete of so.. but This is where I'm gonna stop as I've been typing this up for the past hour or so.. 🙇🏽‍♀️🙇🏽‍♀️

No rules have been broken (I didnt have very much anyway lol)

I really like this whole post lol though unfortunately I have not seen kingdom hearts so idk a lot of references here

Also Yuu does carry a staff in formal occasions. Lilia made joke on her saying she looked like an old woman with that but was promptly shut up when Yuu recalled a story of Lilia when he was younger

[rebeccccccaaa]

𝙳𝚘𝚐 𝚃𝚊𝚐𝚜

_______________________________

𝙱𝚞𝚌𝚔 𝙱𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚎𝚜 𝚡 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛

𝚁𝚎𝚚𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚍: (ANON) Hey! :)) You're very talented! So I'd dare to also send you a request with Bucky (I'm sorry) <3 Maybe one where you're dating but you're not an avenger, so you sometimes feel not good at all for him even though he always makes you feel special and he loves you more than anything. one time he comes from a mission to you waiting in his room, doubting again but he immediately tries getting this thought out of you and gives you his dog tags to prove he's yours forever and it's all cute then? :)

𝚆𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜: Smut 18+ (minors dni), Angst, Fluff, Insecure!Reader because some bitch was mean, Dog tags 😍

𝙰𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚛’𝚜 𝙽𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚜 what the fuck that’s so fucking cute i can’t, thanks for the request bug!

________________________________

You sat on Bucky’s bed with your leg bouncing anxiously up and down. You just needed to see him and Steve texted you saying he was on his way back from his mission. Earlier today you were at the store when a gorgeous woman came up to you.

“Hi, excuse me, sorry,” she laughed. 

“Do you by any chance know a guy named Bucky Barnes?”she smirked.

“Oh yeah, he’s uh...he’s my boyfriend,” you said somewhat shyly, you have no idea this woman was. 

“Haha, I knew it. I remember seeing you two at one of Tony’s charity parties last week. Buck had his arm around your… waist,” she squinted her eyes rudely keeping a fake smile. 

“Oh uh, yeah. We were there.”

“You know, Buck’s a real gentleman, and pleaser too,” she winked. 

“Ok?” you said awkwardly; why is she still here? 

“Buck and I didn’t date for long but boy those nights were for remembering,” she sighed; you couldn’t help but be quite jealous. 

You and Bucky have been together for about seventh months, and they’ve been the best seven months. However you’d be lying if you hadn’t questioned your relationship once or twice, not Bucky but yourself. You weren’t the most beautiful blonde bombshell on the planet so of course you’d have your doubts that Bucky would find someone more beautiful. 

“I’m just kidding with ya, babe,” she grabbed your arm.

“I should probably get going. My Bucky’s probably waiting for me,” you tried to push.

“He was mine first, aha,” she practically mocked.

“Well, he’s mine now; I’ll see ya,” you simply walked away, but not without catching the eye roll from the woman. 

Now here you are waiting for Bucky to come home. How did Bucky go from dating her to you? What a major downgrade for him.

“Hey, doll,” Bucky opened the door to his room.

“Buck,” you hugged him tightly. 

“What’s wrong? Are you ok?” he asked worriedly.

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be; I just miss you,” you said.

“Then why were you crying,” he held you hand to lead you to sit on the bed.

“I wasn’t-” Bucky wiped a stray tear that slowly fell down your cheek.

“What’s going on, baby?”

“I met someone,” you started. You completely worded horribly and the face Bucky made, pure terror and fear; all the lively color once there vanished.

“No! Oh my goodness. I worded that so badly! I meant to say that I ran into someone, but I don’t know who they were. This was the first time I’ve met them,” you cupped his face. He breathed out heavily, grateful that it was a misunderstanding. 

“Who was it?” he chuckled holding your waist lovingly. 

“I didn’t catch her name, but she was- she was blonde, she uh… she had big boobs,” you whispered the last part, making him laugh.

“Her eyes were green, she was pretty short and thin. She said she knew you, that you guys dated.”

“What? I never dated anyone since I left Hydra; I thought I told you that,” he explained.

“Really?”

“The last dame I dated was a woman named Dotty, she was kinda crazy,” he grinned. 

“But I think I know who you’re talking about. There was a woman named Ashley and she’s pretty rich I guess, she came to Tony’s parties all the time. She’s a huge flirt and needless to say she more than once tried to get my pants. But ever since I met you I don’t think I’ve run into her. Maybe she got the point that I wasn’t interested,” he said.

“Well, I don’t think so. She tried to make it very clear that she ‘had you first’ and you gave her ‘nights to remember’,” you faux moaned to get your point across. 

“Oh god, well that’s obviously not true. You are the only woman I’ve ever made love to,” he kissed you.

“It seemed so believable,” you mumbled.

“What?”

“Bucky, you could have anyone. And you chose me?”

“Yeah, I did. And it was the best fucking decision I’ve ever made.”

Hearing Bucky’s words made your stomach flip and your heart flutter. He got up and walked to the drawer beside his bed and pulled out his dog tags. He came back and kissed you softly before putting the tags over your head. 

“I don’t want you thinking about that woman anymore, or any lies she told you alright?” you nodded.

“I missed my girl and I just wanna show her much,” he kissed and pushed you down onto the bed. 

His hands moved under your shirt and Bucky’s lips kissed down the column of your neck. Your hands held his shoulders moving to cup his face. Bucky sat up on his knees and pulled his shirt off quickly as did you. You were going to take the dog tags off but Bucky grabbed your wrists before you could. 

He kissed the inside of your wrists and your palms. He wrapped his arms around you and kissed your collarbones and neck. He unclasped your bra and tossed it aside letting you lay down again. He kissed your chest once again and trailed his lips down your front.

He slowly pulled your bottoms down and rid his own too and pumped his prominently hard cock. Your breathing quickened and the sight of Bucky as beautiful as he is made you wetter with each passing second. He towered over you once again with a gorgeous smile on his face. 

You kissed him and felt the tip of Bucky’s cock teasing you, resting against your entrance without entering completely. Finally, Bucky’s hips pressed against yours and you gasped at the feeling of him filling you up.

Bucky whispered sweet nothings in your ear and he thrusted in and out of you. His fingers intertwined with yours pulling them above your head. He kissed you messily and you moaned into his mouth. Your legs wrapped around his hips pulling him closer. 

“Fuck, Bucky. I’m gonna cum,” you whined.

“Go ahead, beautiful. Let go,” he rested his forehead against yours and you whined and moaned loudly, your orgasm ripping through you. He snapped his hips faster and you felt his cum coating your walls. His arms gave out and he buried his face into the crook of your neck; pressing light kisses to your slightly sweaty skin.

“Fucking hell,” you panted.

“I love you,” Bucky whispered.

“I love you too.” 

Bucky rolled off you and stared at the tags still wrapped around your neck. His fingers played with the metal; the soft clanks being heard in the room along with both of your heavy breathing. His legs tangled themselves with yours and you just laid there watching play with the tags. 

“I never want to see you take these off, ok?” Bucky whispered.

“I promise,” you smiled.

“I love you so much, doll. You mean the world to me,” Bucky cuddled you close.

“You mean the world to me too.”

You fell asleep in each other's arms, the last you felt were Bucky’s lips to your forehead and the coldness from his dog tags he gave you that told you in more than one way how much he loved you.

==============================

ᴛᴀɢʟɪsᴛ: (For all my work)

@mathletemadison​

@buckybarnes101​

@l-sofiamia-l 

[cyberball]

UNO!

leo x reader | no pronouns | requested

warnings: none? idk leo's nose bursts into fire, lots of mutual pining, lots of cheese and fluff. also anon I'm so so so so so SO sorry if this isn't what you wanted,, i love getting carried away but uhm, yeah! so insanely sorry

summary: reader and leo are best friends. they're playing Uno! one day when one thing leads to another and they end up kissing omg

genre: fluff i think, best friends to lovers

21:01 | 669 words (Aha lol)

“What would you do if we were like.. an item?” Leo blurted out. I narrowed my eyes as he put down a Blue 4 card.

“We’re not objects, Leo.” I snickered and put down a Plus 4 card. Leo didn’t look too happy about that. He actually looked defeated, which I laughed about.

“You’re evil. Evil, Y/N!” he grumbled. I laughed some more, of course.

He scoffed and took his four cards from the deck. “I straight-up hate you,” he commented again when I pointed out that he took only three cards.

“Sure, you do,” I sang. That made him laugh, which in turn made my heart melt.

Too cheesy.

Soon, Leo had about 5 cards left. I put down my third-to-last card, which was a plus-four. Leo said exactly what I was thinking, “You love to torture me, don’t you?” I only nodded to that.

“Well, this means the game is over,” I said, smiling. “What? No! I have a-” He didn’t have anything. Of course. I would know, I peeked at his cards earlier.

Whoops.

I looked at him with a raised eyebrow. It was supposed to be intimidating, but I accidentally fell more in love with the boy.

I sighed, laying my head on his chest. He shut up after that.

I could hear his heartbeat: it was faint, almost miles away, but still so close to me; it wasn’t invading my thoughts but being so close to him put me at ease.

I looked up at him. His face was calm, maybe the type of calm before a storm.

I sat up and stared at him for a few more moments, and kissed him on the cheek.

A familiar rose-colored blanket spread across his face. My lips unconsciously twisted into a smile. “I always kiss you on the cheek, why are you blushing now?” I teased. The rose color turned into a deeper shade of red. I smiled harder.

“What? Me? Blushing? Y/N, you must be out of your mind. I don’t blush. I,” He ran a hand through his hair. It was adorable how he was stressing out about this.

“It’s the weather! My face is red because it’s so hot,” He finished. I laughed, “Leo, it’s the middle of October. Are you okay? Do we need to get to the infirmary?” I asked, tracing the outline of his hand. He always seemed to be happy when I did that. I think this time he was too happy; his nose burst into flames.

“Easy,” . He smiled, and my heart melted. It’s a continuous cycle, really.

After the flames calmed down, we sat in each other’s embrace. By now, I would’ve told him that I liked him. But I couldn’t bring myself to reveal that. He was my best friend, and although I never hid anything from him, I couldn’t risk all that we’ve been through, all the moments we shared, the trust we built, the comfort I know we both found in each other.

A few fleeting moments passed. I linked my right hand’s pinky to his left pinky. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him move forward, to just sit back again; he hesitated to speak too.

“Y/N?” he asked in the calmest voice I’ve ever heard from him. Cue fluttery-dreamy feeling which makes me feel like I'm in heaven.

I turned my head towards him. And I could go on forever about how happy he made me feel, but he made my brain and all parts of me malfunction by leaning in and kissing me.

I could barely feel his lips because he pulled away as soon as he came in contact with me, but the small taste I got was enough to turn the butterflies in my stomach to violent rats.

“Sorry, sorry, sorry!” Leo squealed. My lips stuck out in a pout. “Why would you apologize?”

I didn’t give him enough time to answer. I pulled him by the collar and finally got to kiss back.

i know i used a non-Uno cards gif but shhh

tagging: @drvrslcense @chasingpj @quteez @pad-foots

if you wanna be tagged, send an ask!

[shozaii]

Hey! I love your writing! It's so cute. 💖 Can you write a HC about s/o and Todoroki, Bakugou, Shinsou and Kirishima first time? (It's the first time for both of them) I'm already excited to read aaa You can add another character if you feel like to.

(a/n): hello! ahhh thank you🥺❤️ i hope you enjoy them!

ps; i’m assuming it’s their first time dating don’t come for mE KSJSJS

requests are still open!💜

masterlist

•••

first time!

warnings: aged up characters! and slight nsfw!

•••

kirishima❤️

can we,,, talk about this,,🥺

eijirou would be the happiest man on earth when he finds out you have feelings for him.

you had no experience of dating, so what do? you wanted to tell your feelings but then you were freaking out

i have this feeling that he thinks nobody could ever fall for him (WHICH IS FALSE) but you proved him wrong🥰

and yes, he has feelings for you too! cue him being alone in his dorm, dancing to the cutest love songs that reminds him of you jsjdj

so it’s late at night, and he called you out to have a little chat with you

you knew the chat was something else AHA

and so there you two were, outside the dorms, in the cold night. when he saw you, he smiled his usual toothy grin and signalled you to come over.

when he confesses, your heart pounded so hard you could hear it

“i’ve been waiting my whole life to say this! i get it if you really don’t want to-you know... but before i lose my chances, might as well get it out,right?”

and before he could finish, you pulled him into a hug, burying your face into his sweater.

you two are the cutest couple alive. mina takes tons of pictures of you two (sometimes sneakily)

kaminari constantly teases you two, sero feels like a proud dad😳

and when you two train, it’s like you two were made for each other. even your quirks make the perfect combo!

he texts you whenever he’s not able to see you

it’s his first time dating someone so he promises to be the best boyfriend to you! he takes you out on dates, buys you your favorite candy, gifts you tons of kisses

he knows you love his hair down so on most dates, you’d see that a lot!

he’s fine with holding hands in public because he feels this manliness in him surging😤❤️

he always gives you little pecks on your cheeks and you do the same. he just didn’t know how he was going to kiss you on the lips?? he wanted it to be special so he waited.

the time came, when you two were in his room, slow dancing with the lights dimmed out. he was nerVoUs and you were too.

that’s when he went in for it.

his kisses are slow and passionate. he doesn’t want to rush because when he’s with you, time is limitless. imagine the whole world revolving around you were just stars in the night sky. fireworks from a distance.it was momentary bliss, to be honest.

he looks you in the eyes and asks, “you okay with this?”

you blushed. “yeah.”

he holds your cheek, leaning in as your lips fit together perfectly. he even smiles in between kisses because he’s just so happy🥺💕💕💕

you two end up in bed and go ‘???how did we get here???’

then you resorted to laying down on the bed. you laid on top of him, leaving a few more pecks on his forehead before settling in.

you can never go wrong with a boy like eijirou🌸

todoroki❄️

most probably the boy to be shook when he found out he had feelings for someone.

especially the someone being you. his intentions could never go wrong. i mean,,,look at you. a masterpiece from heaven itself.

right in front of him, blessing his sour days.

probably started around the time after the sports festival. he couldn’t help but notice your cheerful self in class. how you smile at your classmates. the little gestures that made them happy.

it made him happy too.

and you loved talking to shoto too! he was really quiet at first; but it was you who knew how to break the ice apart(no pun intended)

he told midoriya about it, sweating.

“well, todoroki. i’m sure your feelings wouldn’t lie to you! follow what’s best for you.”

he smiled. he knew his decision that very moment.

love is a new feeling to him- since his childhood days weren’t the best. and when he felt it, his emotions were all over the place.

you too, were astonished. you knew from the beginning of school days, you had fallen for him. so what were you about to do? leave it behind? find a way to let it out?

shoto also prefers to admit it to you personally. so he did it right after school finishes-while everyone was heading back to the dorms.

“y/n. i need to talk to you for a second.”

“sure! what’s up?”

he’s pretty straightforward, so he’d say it immediately.

“i like you. a lot.”

“ah! i like you too! that’s-“

“no. i like like you. um, feelings.”

you paused. well, it was obvious. you two were alone, he was blushing.

oh my god my crush just said he likes me.

paniK

it was mutual!🥰 a few were shocked to find out that you both were in a relationship. some people described you as polar opposites. others already knew that you had a crush on him, wink wonk

shoto has never really gotten physical affection for a long time, so it takes a while for him to settle in. but that doesn’t stop him from being with you almost 24/7

he learnt that he loved being kissed by you on the forehead. it was such a simple yet deep reassurance that you were there for him.

he loved kissing you on the cheek🥺❤️ he finds your cheeks so squishy and adorable. he also loves ruffling your hair during your cuddle sessions.

he loves loves loves it when he hovers over you while you’re on his bed-looking like the angel you are, and he starts leaving the trail of kisses from the cheek, slowly to the lips. it was a feathery peck. he was afraid that you didn’t want it.

but looking into your eyes, it was a plead for more. he closed in the gap between you two. your hands wrapped around his shoulders, and his hands landed on your waist.

momentary bliss part 2

sometimes you two communicate through each other’s eyes. no one else gets it😌

your quirks are a match made in heaven. it surprises aizawa on a whole new level.

he learned beforehand about a few of your favorite things so he decided to get them for you.

would max out endeavor’s card for you

long walks in the park, mall visits-anything you want, he gives.

somehow you always made him feel so special. and he was so glad his first time was a blessing.

bakugou💥

“i don’t have feelings! now quit it!” he says while literally blushing in front of the bakusquad. yeah i definitely see that happening.

blushes so red but wipes it off as if he’s got a fever. damn bakubake🥺

you didn’t know what he meant, feelings for who?

and that was because you had them for katsuki. like, a whole lot.

he may be an angry pomeranian, but he’s your favorite pomeranian😌❤️

everyone is so confused. how did you- a wonderful human being, so delicate and graceful, had fallen for katsuki??? nobody knew, and nobody judged.

because they knew, it was you who was falling in love🥺 so they were supportive.

remember that one dance the bakusquad and uraraka did when they got through the exam? that was exactly what they did when you told them about you liking him

i mean,,, that boy looks at you from afar during class. he chooses to watch your quirk develop during training. he goes quiet when he sees you.

like cue him screaming at both kaminari and sero. then you come in, and he goes all silent. he doesn’t say a word. just this peaceful look on his face

you know, the soft face bakugou makes when he thinks?? that one. only you had that switch

alright, he’s had enough. he’s gonna square up, walk right up to you, and say, “yeah i like you. what about it?”

easy right?

no. he was a trembling meSS. it was his first proposal thingy!! being nervous is normal,duh.

screams into the night, thinking of the words to tell you. he messes up and the whole world (namely the bakusquad) go crazy on him.

he’s gonna do it. and so the next day was a fresh start for him. walked up to you.

god, were you a glimmering beauty.

“what is it? you seemed a little riled up lately. you okay?” you asked, genuinely concerned with his face.

“ilikeyou,” he mumbles. and you go, “huh? sorry katsu, can you please-“

“y/n i have feelings for you! hear me?”

you were just there, like :0

“i don’t do stuff like this. just get it over with if you don’t feel the same.”

“hey, hey! i r-really like you too! i was just finding a way to let you know... but i guess i didn’t have to.”

“ha, well look who won,” baby boy smirks.

dude he’s so happy his heart was doing somersaults

he didn’t mind if your relationship was a secret or not; you were his anyway. but it was for a little while. he made sure you felt comfortable

the little dance comes along again from the four of them

you two love training together! he makes sure you’re doing it right and he allows you to correct him too. only you🤭💕

i’d like to think that he would stop calling you names like dumbass, or idiot. maybe it would turn to baby or babygirl. babe. hottie. sweet names for his s/o

dates with him are wholesome. carnival, a little cafe, movies. he takes you to the beach during sunset if you’re feeling down

then he gets you these gifts you could forever cherish😭

would definitely hold hands with you. tough guy game🥺👉👈

so far, he loves it when you ruffle his hair. heck, he doesn’t care at all when you do it in front of anyone. he just gives this stupid grin which says, “look at my baby.”

flusters when you hug him out of nowhere,though🤪

when nobody’s looking/during school hours, he gives quick pecks. nothing more, nothing less.

kisses with katsuki are rich in passion and devotion. you know what he means with every one he gives you. the first time he kissed you probably happened during a warm cozy night in with him, in your room. he wouldn’t ask. it was just like a surprise.

“babe.”

his heart beated faster than a race car. you replied, “hm? what is it?”

pecks your lips and pretends like it was nothing. you smirked, holding his chin.

“what? i just..tried? don’t look at me like that.”

“but you didn’t say for how long.”

“clever.” he said as you brought his face near yours.

you had to admit, you weren’t so brave. but seeing this boy blush after his usual screamo days boost you up. so you did it. you sealed it off with a kiss. this time, a longer one.

you breathed in his light caramel scent- now lingering on your clothes as he pulled you in his embrace. his fingers slowly intertwined in yours.

momentary bliss part 3 (god i love these so far)

all in all, i would forever believe his s/o is the only one who can see his soft side. katsuki makes sure to treat you well like never before❤️

shinsou💜

very, very nonchalant about his feelings for you

but he had to control the way he almost tried to swoon around you oh my god

you two have conversations as usual, it’s nice talking to him. he opens up to a whole new version of him that you rarely see.

he had no idea you had a crush on him too sksjdkd

this man is so stoic, he technically holds it all in when talking to you. (which of course, is the cutest thing in the whole world)

hitoshi may have actually been worried about the things people have told him. how they might have talked behind his back. avoided him because of his quirk.

but when it came to you, it all changed. you weren’t running away. you didn’t flinch at his sight. most of all, you were just being you.

like shoto, i don’t think anyone would expect him to fall for you or vice versa. hence, when they found out, it would be a surprise🥰

mans gotta plan this whole thing for weeks because you’re too perfect to lose😤

your classmates had to make you talk to him just because you were so shy hhhh

he texted you one day, wanting to meet you. you were freaking out, but still prepped for what was about to be the best day of your life

the sun was slowly setting. you meet him in a park nearby. he was standing next to the lamp post, looking through his phone.

he looked so good in his dark blue flannel, with his white t-shirt and black jeans. his hair was tucked back with a headband.(he was already handsome, so take this😤💜💜)

“sorry, had to call you out like this.”

“no, it’s fine! what’s up?”

deep breaths..! “um, y/n. i find you really-i just... argh what am i doing..? i really like you and-“

he placed a hand on his neck. “i don’t know how to put it to words. but i absolutely want to be with you. for a really long time. it sounds weird, but you mean so much to me”

your vision was blurry. you didn’t realise that you were letting the feels hit so easily

“hitoshi, i get it all.”

“you...do?”

“because i feel the same as you.”

this cute grin (inherited by aizawa) when he heard those words. “come here,” he said, pulling you into a hug.

and so it began, a beautiful relationship.

you two shared so much with each other. it was like watching puzzle pieces fit in perfectly.

he listens to every problem you have and you do the same. it’s always equality in the house. one never goes down or up. it’s always together🥰

10/10 would train with you to develop your quirk. he wants you to join the journey

pda is fine with him, holding hands should do! might as well surprise you with back hugs🤪 and then he lifts you, spins you around until you beg him to stop.

only you can take care of his sleep schedule.

sometimes he comes to school without any sleep and you blow up

“what did i tell you?”

“i had six cups of coffee. no big deal.”

“how-“

he shows you pictures of his cats😭😭💜 he has so many

he is the cat himself so he likes to nuzzle up when you both cuddle. and it’s a must for you to run your fingers through his soft locks😌

when he’s the big spoon, prepare yourself for some wholesome content.

praises you 24/7, tickle fights, boops your nose, little naps

hitoshi enjoys kisses on the neck too! whether it’s height difference or not,,, he reaches for the neck because this boy KNOWS your sensitive spots.🤭

when he goes in for it, he wants it to be a memory.a priceless, flavorful one he leaves with you which is hard to forget.

fun fact: kiss him on the jawline and you’re already making him weAK

but if it’s a subtle one, he would go for the face. any parts of it-cheek, forehead, bottom of your lips.

one fine day he just has you against the wall and you’re just standing there, a blushing mess.

“close your eyes.”

“w-why..?? are you about to steal kisses from me,toshi?”

“maybe, kitten. but you have to tell me if you trust me.”

you closed your eyes, and he cupped your face with his hands. he brought your face up to his, slowly connecting your lips. the last thing he’d want was to scare you

he felt you smile in between the kiss. you didn’t hesitate, didn’t pull away. in fact, you were more than happy by just returning it. his hand travelled down to your thigh, bringing it up to his waist.

his head was dizzy with euphoria. you were such a good kisser, damn. when he let go, both of you were breathless.

“i do trust you,silly.”

yES IT WAS momentary bliss part four babyyyy

hitoshi defines a godly amount of,,,heat. just,,,he’s hot. and cute. perfect.

(a/n): ayee i did it!!! slight nsfw/nsfw work is reallyyy not my thing so i hope this was a fun read!!! jekskd fun fact scenarios are my fav thing to write🥰

[robinrunsfiction]

Hi! I was wondering if you could write a Dallon Weekes x fem reader smut with a choking kink? I'm thinking panic! era dallon where the reader is also a member of the band, and they've had chemistry for a while, and one night after a concert they do the deed in a dressing room? If you aren't comfortable with any of this I'm really sorry aha, I hope you have an awesome day! <33

Choke

Pairing: Dallon Weekes x Female Reader

Rating: Mature (smut, choking kink)

Requested By: Anon

Word Count: ~2,170

Author’s Note: Porn with plot! My first Dallon smut! Woo! I’m pleased (?!) with this one, and I hope you all like it too!

You were feeling out of place waiting to be called in for your audition with Panic! At the Disco, as you were the only woman in the room. The music industry, especially rock, was so male dominated, but you were not going to let that deter you. It made you nervous as hell, but not deterred. 

Other guitarists and bassists were called in as you waited your turn, picking at your nails anxiously, thinking about what you would be playing. Eventually a very tall bass player walked in, sat down next to you and made the mistake of saying hi. This was enough to get you talking, and you were totally unable to stop nervously babbling at him. 

"I'm sorry, I'm just really nervous. I'm (YN)," you laughed after talking his ear off for a few minutes.

"Dallon, Dallon Weekes," he smiled, which did nothing for your nerves. “And don’t worry about it.”

"(YFN) (YLN)?" A voice called from the audition room.

"I'm up," you sighed, picking up your guitar case.

"Knock 'em dead," Dallon nodded.

After the audition you waved to Dallon as you left and hoped somewhere down the road you'd run into him again. 

~

A few years later, you and Dallon had become incredibly close being in Panic together, but it would have been impossible not to, given the role you'd both been relegated to within the band. Brendon and Spencer were the face of the band, they had history together and they always shared hotel rooms and dressing rooms.

You and Dallon were “just” touring members, trotted out for performances like a couple of show ponies. Your input wasn’t needed, that much was clear, but a paycheck was a paycheck, and you were making a name for yourself. Plus you’d never give up the weeks on the road with Dallon, experiencing new cities and countries you’d only dreamed of visiting and getting to perform night after night, but this particular tour was getting especially long and you were starting to get frustrated. In more ways than one.

It was another show like any other and Brendon was up to his usual antics. He would come over and stage-flirt with you before making his way back over to Dallon. Sure you both got into it for the sake of the performance, but the only person you ever really wanted to flirt with was Dallon and tonight he was driving you absolutely wild.

You loved watching the way his large hands moved across the neck of his bass, the way he threw his head back while playing was practically obscene, and it was incredibly distracting when he’d look over at you between songs, run his hands through his hair and shoot you a wink. You wanted to run your hands through his hair, you wanted his large, strong hands on your body, you wanted to be the one that made him throw his head back like that. You wondered what it would sound like for him to moan your name. You shook your head to snap yourself out of it, trying to keep your mind on the song you were playing.

That night as the bus rolled you to the next stop, it was suggested that everyone should play a drinking game. You settled in on one end of the couch, Dallon on the other, looking relaxed and comfy, and you had to fight the urge to go curl up with him.

“Never have I ever!” Brendon declared as he handed out bottles of beer to everyone. “(YN), ladies first.”

"Fine. Umm, never have I ever flirted to get out of a speeding ticket," you said and no one drank.

"Never have I ever had a fake ID," Dallon said and both Brendon and Spencer drank.

"Never have I ever kissed a bandmate," Spencer said with a smirk and everyone laughed as Brendon took a drink.

"Knew it," you muttered under your breath.

"Never have I ever been peed on during sex!" Brendon announced happily as the rest of you looked at him slightly dumbfounded.

"Well that went from zero to 100 real quick," you said shaking your head. "Fine, never have I ever hooked up with a fan backstage."

Again, Spencer and Brendon drank. The game continued, each of you taking drinks, some even going for more bottles of beer to keep the game going, but you were almost done with yours and ready to go to bed.

"Never have I ever enjoyed getting choked during sex," Brendon laughed and you felt releaved as you were done with the game as you lifted the bottle to your lips, finishing the beer. That's when you noticed three sets of eyes on you.

"What? It's fun," you shrugged. From the corner of your eye you noticed Dallon moving the pillow he had been leaning against on top of his lap. "Anyway, I'm done with my beer and I'm not opening another, goodnight."

As you climbed into your bunk and popped in your headphones, you couldn't help but wonder what Dallon was thinking.

~

The next day, the tour bus rolled into Chicago and since the following show was in Milwaukee, there was time for a hotel stay. A hotel stay with Dallon in the other bed you reminded yourself. You couldn’t help but notice Dallon was acting strangely as he moved throughout your shared dressing room. It was as if he wanted to say, but couldn’t bring himself to do so. 

You were pretty much ready for the night’s performance, and you were just applying some lipstick in the mirror when Dallon walked up behind you.

"That lipstick looks good on you," Dallon complemented as he straightened his tie.

You turned to face him, surprised at how close he was standing. You decided you were sick of the tension, everything that was unspoken between you. "I wonder what it'd look like on you," you murmured, as you reached up and ran your fingers over his tie.

Dallon smirked a little before he started leaning in and you held your breath, heart pounding in your chest. It felt like you’d waited forever, spent so many nights wondering what it would feel like if Dallon kissed you and where it would lead, consequences be damned.

Just as his lips were so close to yours, there was a knock on the door, causing you both to jump. "Need you on stage in 5 minutes!"

"Thank you!" You replied before letting out a shaky sigh. Dallon was running his hand through his hair as you shook your head and turned to walk out the door. 

Suddenly Dallon grabbed your arm and pulled you back to him. His lips were crashing into yours as you practically melted into him as your arms wrapped around him. When you pulled back for air, Dallon rested his forehead against yours, as you both tried to catch your breath.

“We gotta, we gotta get on stage,” you breathed, a little stunned still.

“Yea,” Dallon nodded. “But after… after I want more. I’ve waited so long for this.”

“I cannot wait," you grinned back.

You and Dallon barely made it on stage on time after cleaning up the smeared lipstick and ruffled hair. You did your best to focus on the music you were supposed to be playing but it seemed like every time you glanced over at Dallon, he was looking your way or shedding another article of clothing. 

First it was his jacket, but he always took that off during the show, then his sleeves were rolled up, making your knees weak. A short time later his tie hung undone around his neck, followed by the top buttons of his shirt being undone. This slow motion striptease was doing nothing for your concentration, or the feeling taking over your body. Hell you’d jump him right then and there if you didn’t think Brendon would fire you both for taking the attention off him for a moment.

The show seemed to take forever, but finally you were taking your final bows and walking off stage. The tension between you and Dallon was palpable and you wondered if anyone else noticed. 

"The van to the hotel will leave in an hour. If you aren't on it, hope you like walking!" The tour manager called as everyone dispersed to their dressing rooms. You glanced at your watch, noting the time and thinking about what could happen in the next 60 minutes.

When the dressing room door was shut behind you, Dallon was on you again. Hands on your waist, pulling your body against his as you ran your hands through his sweaty hair. Your lips kissed his hungrily, urgently. 

"We have an hour before we have to leave," you murmured into his lips. “Better make this quick and dirty.”

"But after that we have all night," he replied, his tone dripping in seduction.

"Oh god," you gasped. He took the opportunity to kiss down your neck. You shoved his shirt off his toned shoulders before fumbling for the hem of your dress to pull it off, breaking the kiss.

"(YN)," murmured in awe, taking you in wearing nothing but your undergarments. 

"You want me?" You asked, looking straight in his eye. "You can handle this?"

Dallon smirked. "You know I can."

Your eyebrows went up in surprise at the cocky statement of your usually slightly reserved friend. "Good."

You closed the distance between you again, lips crashing together, hands roaming all over each other, as you both blindly made your way across the room, bumping into furniture until you were at the crappy old couch that took up far too much space in the small room. You dropped back, breathlessly as Dallon loomed over you. You didn't think it was possible to get any more turned on than you already were, but it was happening. 

It didn’t take long for you both to shed the rest of your clothes, and you wanted to revel in Dallon's toned body, but there was no time for that now. You were making out furiously again, hands all over each other until he suddenly broke the kiss.

"Shit (YN), I don't have a -"

"I'm on the pill," you answered. He nodded and took his hand, pulling him over you as you lay back on the couch,

He propped himself up on the arm of the couch behind you, as his free hand caressed over your chest and you started making out again. His hips were resting against yours and while the friction was good, it was not enough.

"Please Dal," you murmured against his lips.

"Please what?" He teased. You could feel him smirking.

"Please fuck me, choke me, have your way with me, whatever you want, just please do something!"

Dallon smirked again before glancing down to line himself up and pressed into you tantalizingly slow. You let out a soft moan at the feeling of fullness and

"You feel so good," Dallon whispered reverently before pulling back, just to press back harder and faster than before. 

"That feels so good," you moaned, looking in his blue eyes. That’s when you noticed he was glancing down. “You can do it if you want.”

He looked back up at your face for confirmation, before placing his hand around your throat and squeezed gently, eliciting another filthy moan from you. He seemed pleased with your reaction as he pounded into you harder.

“So good,” you squeaked out, unable to come up with anything more coherent as you were in a state of absolute euphoria.

“God, (YN),” Dallon moaned, and you could tell he was close.

“Please, harder,” you gasped.

Dallon thrust harder into you, losing rhythm before you felt him cum, the feeling of which caused you to cum around him with one last gasping moan. He released his grip on your throat as his sweaty forehead fell onto your shoulder as you both panted for air.

“Damn,” you muttered. “Dallon, I’m not joking, that was the best sex I’ve ever had.”

Dallon laughed lightly, his cheeks flushing further. “I hope I can live up to expectations in the future.”

“I’m sure you will,” you smiled back.

“I guess we should get dressed and pack up before we miss the van to the hotel,” Dallon said, getting up, and offering you a hand to help you to your feet.

When you were both re-dressed and ready to leave the venue, Dallon took your hand, interlacing his fingers with yours. “Before we go, I just want you to know, I really do like you (YN). If you wanna just hook up, that’s fine, but if you want more, I’m ready.” 

You smiled up at him, this was the sweet Dallon that you’d fallen for so long before. “I do want more. I mean, more than just more hookups. I want the whole thing for us.”

Dallon nodded, a smile tugging at his lips as well. He leaned in and kissed you hard. “Good. Now let’s get to that hotel.”

[gunmetal-ring]

Stream of consciousness for 11x7

Yeah I mean I agree with Maggie... get food or die trying you know? Also Negan sorry but gleefully murdering a man in front of his entire family including his sick and pregnant wife is like... not really something you can come back from. There's no "being even" there's just not open hostility. Idk I'm always and forever gonna be team Maggie even if the conflict is tiring

What happened to Elijah's mask? Did I forget something?

Wait what? Walkers at Commonwealth? Since when? What? Whatever. Fake Stephanie is cute but like who cares. Oh mkay I see killing walkers is basically prison for them got it. Only zeke could be dying from cancer and still be stabbing walkers with ease what a badass. Princess looks so different without her fuzzy pink jacket

Pumpkin suit!! "Nasties" bro you know what's nasty is your fuckin dumb cardigan and shitty attitude. You're gonna be the first one to die when team family eats the rich.

Oh good Daryl has dog back I was wondering if they'd ever be reunited.

I wonder if Elijah is claiming Carver or pope? Probably Carver. I think Daryl or Carol has to kill pope. Negan makes me snicker tbh "not with that attitude"

These Halloween masks are killing me so fucking weird lol. Hmm interesting. Can't tell if Leah is getting punished or if pope relented in yelling at them bc she asked him to stop

Alright!! More dynamics!! Damn Daryl is laying it on THICK lol.

Uh OK there's no way they dried out the mask quickly enough for Maggie, that's gotta be bloody as fuck lol.

Hmm they still have cars... wonder if they've got biofuel or just pretending like gasoline is still good after a decade

Wait hang on I'm just piecing it together unless I already said this and don't remember. Do we think pope is his last name or he renamed himself pope bc of his religious fanaticism?

Ugh wish Gabe killed the guy

I'm sorry I just like. I reeeeeally don't care about Commonwealth and especially yumiko and brother. Like ok her brother is all in and she's not convinced. Got it. Oh wait OK maybe he isn't all in hmm. Wonder why he doesn't want to be a doctor.

I think negan does actually admire Maggie he's not just trying to win her favor.

Truly Leah and Daryl is my favorite storyline and I can't wait for Carol to join bc she has to she just has to. Bet Leah's gonna kill the rando and that's gonna be the first indicator that she can't be saved. Aha there you go popes orders! Wonder if daryls gonna try to convince her otherwise or if it's too early for him to begin driving wedges

I guess I'm just not sure what the plan is? Like the patrol would kill walkers, no? Idk. I'm glad that they're finally having a heart to heart. Well okay then negan good talk.

That's so many walkers wtf. Hm zeke is back on his king persona... wonder if that's part of a racism thing?

Also gabe... why the fuck you lyin

Ha nasties are protecting your yuppie ass!! Well okay what a fuckin shock that he's a little shit. Uh Stephanie use your words or kill the walker?! OK fuckin finally. OK well Eugene that's really not doing you and your friends any favors. Ohhhhh wait is that the prince milton of Commonwealth?

"Settling in ok" uh sure most of them are in prison but yeah other than that everyone's doing great. Aha I was right! Hmm I wonder if fake Stephanie is gonna actually fall in love with Eugene. And he's gonna find out she's fake Stephanie and be like can't believe you lied to me ill never love you. And then rosita will remind him love is eternal and he'll be like OK you're right fake Steffi let's go

"All the chances you've gotten" Uh OK they've been sent to a detention facility without due process, threatened with reprogramming, interrogated for hours on end, cut off from their community, refused resources and legal representation, sent to prison for manual labor under threat of possible death... what exactly have you done for them?

How did they know the building was full of walkers? Hmm... alright well I guess they're gonna wander up and hope for a hospital esque attack from last season. Altho it feels like Maggie is forgetting that they have grenades so

Oo... mother and child... Leah is gonna kill them? Oh no or will Daryl kill the son to "prove" he's still supposedly in love with leah? Oh no wait nvm. Hm OK maybe pope is gonna find out that she saved the guy and the kid and that's gonna be a problem. Maybe Daryl will kill the woman for Leah to "prove" it. Aha I was right! But I do think he also felt a little sympathetic for her. Like not just strictly for strategic reasons. Nice of Leah to give him credit too.

Oo... what's he gonna tell her?! Is it real? It's definitely not about Maggie but I wonder if it's something true or a lie that seems serious or something idk. Hm.

Oh no... oh no is that Elijah's sister oh no aw that's awful oh no ugh oh God poor baby. I miss the music that always played when beta was leading walkers tho that was always so intense

Ugh it's over?! Gdi. Ok this one was pretty good. I'm glad it was light on Commonwealth. Annoyed still at the lack of Carol tho. Rly hoping things move right along. Overall pretty solid imo

[p1nkwitch]

Ok, i did not forget tmastuck is still alive, i just had lots of other ideas, but.

Here we go again. 3 conversations.

@nonbinaryeye

SINNAMONROLL started pestering BEATINGHEART

SR: How long Jonah?

BH: As long as it takes to reach the new session, then I can just leave if my presence is so annoying to you.

SR: Not what I mean and you know it. They are both looking for you. There are just so many times I can lie to their faces. So many times Kitty kat has to lie to her humans, she is sad Jonah.

BH: Do not put our child into this.

SR:...

BH:Ughhhh stupid cat brain.

SR: Still its actually bothering them.

BH: Oh and what should I do, let them find me? How do you think that would end? Hm? I basically took away their powers Barnabas, I let the institute- my institute get destroyed. There is no coming back from that.

BH: Then there is the whole other thing about not actually being anything that a copy!! What do I do with that?

SR: Look, I'm a copy too! I'm not the Barnabas Bennet that was, but I have his memories still. So what? I like this new life. This new chance!! You can have that too Jonah.

BH: We could…

SR: Oh Jonah we both know that it wouldn't work, we already tried and it fell apart. Its not me that you want anymore and I'm… more happy with just being friends this time around. It was stupid of us to even try again, i knew it, but i was just… lonely, heh. Neither is what the other wants. Not anymore.

BH: Maybe if we work on it! I could... try to change.

SR: No, no you won't, and honestly ? I don't want you to. Mistakes happen, otherwise we wouldn't keep falling into each other.

BH: Not all of it was a mistake, it couldn't have been!

SR: … Maybe, maybe not before, I will admit that, but you want more than I can give. That's not bad, it just means I'm not the one you should be getting it from. We worked before, but you have more memories of a life without me and you aren't the same person I loved then.

BH: If i'm not that, and i'm not Jonah, then who the hell am i?

SR: Well, that is really up to you I suppose. To figure it out. I… will keep them away still for a little bit more. But Jonah, I can't keep doing this forever. We are barely halfway through on the trip.

BH: So? Have you seen them, i- they are in love. God why would- i dont even know what else to say.

SR: Try, speak with them, figure out something. You are clever. I need to go, I'm supposed to play cards with Martin. Its funny, he reminds me of Jonathan…

BH: Im sorry.

SR: I know, but its not enough.

SR: Talk to you later ok?

BH: Sure.

SINNAMONROLL ceased pestering BEATINGHEART

BH: …

BEATINGHEART started pestering SPOOKYARCHIVE

BH: How are you holding on?

SA: … Not sure. Its weird.

BH: Breakups are always messy affairs.

SA: You would know wouldn't you?

BH: Rude, do you want me to leave Jon? Because I can. I'm fairly sure i'm the only one you are even talking with at this point.

SA: Not true, I speak with Daisy.

BH: Aha, how does that go for you?

SA: … Its ok, she tries to cheer me up and its… nice, but sometimes she insists on me to stop moping and well.

BH: Tiresome?

SA: Yes, so much. The other just don't want me near, and its- i dont even have my powers anymore, i thought- well i assumed that perhaps like this it would be better, but its like someone cut off something from me.

SA: Georgie tries, but if I mention anything regarding my powers she becomes upset. Melanie is… herself, that bridge got burned a long time ago. Basira.

BH: Ah the detective, she is… impassive i have come to understand.

SA: Yes, and it's confusing, because sometimes we can get along but others I just seem like the enemy. I'm starting to realize that perhaps it was always like that.

BH: Mm, how does that make you feel regarding what happened with Martin.

SA: I- god i was so stupid, i thought we could just be better now that i was cut off, that we could be together but it became obvious that we had two different views of things and it was always grating, I could overlook it, but Martin did not. And it- its not a break up just some time to think.

BH: Jon.

SA: Hahahaha, it's actually funny i think, that's exactly what Georgie told me before breaking up with me.

BH: I do not think its funny Jon.

SA: Well what else am I supposed to take from it???

SA: That I'm terrible at keeping things? That the people around me dont care?

BH: Purrhaps, you confuse coworkers with friends, Jon. Have… Do you have a good frame of reference? To know what is normal or not? I'm trying my best to not sound pushy since you established that does not help you. So think of this as your homework of sorts.

BH: Try and think of behaviour that points to them being friends or coworkers. Hell just go with trauma victims if it makes you feel any better, take that. Make a list and tell me the results.

BH: As for Martin, as you said I don't have the track record to help. Asking Elias… well he has Peter. So maybe that is more helpfur to you. But I doubt it. Listen, divorce your feelings on the matter and think objectively.

BH: Imagine…. imagine someone else, literally anyone you know and try to put them in your place. Would you accept them to be treated like that? Do you think its normal?

SA: I… don't, I really don't. God i'm a mess.

BH: You are something of a mess, but the blame is not on you completely. That others see you as an easy target for their own insecurities doesn't make you the one to blame. Now, you did make mistakes from what we talked about, and we addressed that and their consequences on your relationships before, like with Tim. But, clearly there are also things they are not dealing with either and they use you as a scapegoat.

SA: Don't try to put them against me.

BH: Oh Jon, the sad thing is, I don't have to.

SA: I… will try to speak with Martin again later.

BH: Ok. Good luck, do try to do what I asked you, ok?

SA: Yes… yes, sure. Thank you Jonah.

BH: You are welcome.

SA: … Will you speak with them?

BH: I can't. Goodbye.

BEATINGHEART ceased pestering SPOOKYARCHIVE

WEBDESIGNER started pestering BEATINGHEART

WD: ::::)

BH: What do you want Annabelle?

WD: Can a friend not say hello?

BH: Considering we are not friends and you weren't supposed to make it here, I hardly doubt it.

WD: Oh buuu you sad, sad man.

WD: Anyways, I saw those two moving around trying to find you, very sad. Peter was looking grumpy. Elias was very annoyed. Do you want a picture?

BH: Why are you bothering me with this??

WD: … Its… the first time in years that I don't have the web controlling my actions. I always liked to play matchmaker, before my change.

WD: Its refreshing to be able to say what I mean without pain or speaking in riddles. The trip gets boring otherwise. I have been pestering Martin, but he is stubborn. Plus poor sad Jon.

BH: Leave him alone please, he is already messed up enough as it stands and im playing therapist for free. No need to add more trauma.

WD: That you caused him, or the other you caused him. Its perhaps a very interesting thing that he chose the version of you that did not harm him to be his confidant don't you think? There is something there to be said, even psychoanalyzed.

BH: Annabelle the point.

WD: Right pictures.

WD: sent (picture)

BH:... Annabelle, they are just making out??!!? How did you-??

WD: I have secrets. Have some more.

WD: ATTACHED (PICTURES1,2,3,4)

WD:??? Are you ok? Its been 20 minutes??

WD: Did I kill you? They didn't even get to lose more than the shirts calm down, I was sure you got into more freaky stuff in your years.

BH: How??

WD: Do you want me to get more?

BH: No!!

WD: Are you sure? Trip is long… maybe you need something to keep you… mmm interested?

BH: I will leave.

WD: Sure, sure. Offer always stands. Anyways. I will just say, because i'm fully capable of it now. They very much want you in there too. Its very weird, but considering the things i have seen and done for the web its the least concerning thing.

WD: So stop hiding and go get your throupe you coward.

BH: ANNABELLE!!

WD: ;;;;)

WEBDESIGNER ceased pestering BEATINGHEART

[ask-beacons-finest]

GrimmAge!Ruby, sitting at a table in the corner of the bustling tavern, her legs pulled up to her chest with her face buried into her knees: P-Please, leave me alone.

GrimmAge!Woman, shifting back and forth over Ruby's shoulders, gripping down onto them: But why? But why, Darling Rose? What's wrong? Don't you wish to relax? To enjoy yourself with all the others? You're here hiding all on your lonesome, enjoying the festivities would be so much more fun!

GrimmAge!Ruby, shifting further into her shell: You...do not look right...there is something terribly wrong with you, and this place. I want to leave.

GrimmAge!Woman, her voice coming out as more of a hiss than anything else: But WHY?! This place is so wonderful! Every single thing you could ever want! Food! Drink! Flesh! What more do you pathetic creatures desire! I demand you tell-

GrimmAge!Cinder, suddenly appearing with blazing eyes, smashing the woman away from Ruby and pinning her against a wall, screaming with flames flickering out from her mouth: WHO ARE YOU TO DARE TOUCH HER?! YOU STAY AWAY FROM MY ROSE OR I WILL BURN YOU TO ASH.

GrimmAge!Woman, despite having been slammed so hard into the wall she's in more of a crater than anything else, a grin on her face: Oh, don't be stupid. You can't provide for her the way we can, and deep down, you know that. Don't you, Cinder? That you can't protect her from everything like you think you can.

GrimmAge!Cinder, her eyes flaring up even more, spinning her head towards Ruby: Did she hurt you? Did you say anything to her?

GrimmAge!Cinder, turning her attention back to the woman: How do you know my NAME!?

GrimmAge!Ruby, lifting her head from her knees, tears streaming down her cheeks: I-I said only to leave me alone, I never mentioned you by name. There is something wrong with the people here, I...I can see it, they ripple like reflections in water. It...is wrong. Something is wrong.

GrimmAge!Cinder, turning her head, surveying the large crowd of tavern goers, who have stopped their revelry and are simply staring at Cinder in complete silence: ...yes...yes, I see it now.

GrimmAge!Cinder, her hand gripping the woman's throat quickly breaks out in flames, which spread to the woman who lets out a blood curdling scream as she burns alive: How could I have been so blind...

~~~

GrimmAge!Weiss, sitting in a booth besides Yang, a beer in her hand, speaking with a smile: Yang, may I say something?

GrimmAge!Yang, also with a beer in her hand, turning her attention to Weiss: Hmm? Yes, yes of course.

GrimmAge!Weiss, taking a sip of the beer: Seeing all these people here...everyone having fun. Dancing, drinking, feasting. It just sort of reminds me of the balls my family would have back home.

GrimmAge!Yang, nodding her head in response, but remaining silent: ...

GrimmAge!Weiss, side-eyeing Yang, bringing the tankard to her lips but speaks rather than taking a sip: Do you remember...the promise you made to me, that, umm...aha...first night we laid together?

GrimmAge!Yang, bringing a finger to her cheek and scratches it, giving off a nervous laugh as she raises the tankard with her other hand, sloshing around the beer inside: I-Uhh, you're gonna have to remind me...s-sorry.

GrimmAge!Weiss, sighs, but gives off a smile nonetheless: You fool...about how we would one day return to my home, all the way back in Atlas, and we would attend one of those balls. Together. With you at my side.

GrimmAge!Yang, nodding, smiling bright: Well of course, I wouldn't dream of breaking a promise I made to you. Especially one like that, my darling.

GrimmAge!Weiss, giving off a content sigh, lowering her tankard from her lips and rests her head on Yang's shoulder: Oh, Yang...I should've known this moment was too good to be true. I knew the second you called me anything that wasn't my name.

GrimmAge!Yang, tilting her head: I...don't understand?

GrimmAge!Weiss, quickly splashing her tankard all over Yang's face, the beer instantly freezing, sliding her way out of the booth as Yang's arms flail helplessly against the magical ice, glaring down with contempt: The "promise" confirmed it. But by the Gods, if you're going to do something like this, at least learn everyone's names first.

GrimmAge!Weiss, looking over her shoulder to the tavern floor, the dozens and dozens of once cheerfully celebratory patrons now glaring at her with empty eyes, a large glyph forming beside her: Now then, I suppose it's time for me to find the others. The real Yang, so I can kick her ass.

~~~

GrimmAge!May, standing in the private room with the man she met at the bar, casually pulling an arrow from her quiver: ...

GrimmAge!Man, raising an eyebrow: And what's that for?

GrimmAge!May, grinding the tip of the arrow against her pointer finger, drawing the tiniest bit of blood: Y'know. Big groups entering all at the same time...those aren't good for your line of business, are they?

GrimmAge!Man, breaking from his confused stare with an equally confused laugh: O-Oh no, n-no no. I don't run this inn personally, if that's what you're implying. But uhh, I think big groups are important for them, no? More drinks being sold and whatnot.

GrimmAge!May, taking a few steps towards the man, arrow still in hand, laughing a little: Ahhh, hah. Except...the drinks I got at the bar, three to be exact. All free. No charge. Of course, they were shit beer, and quite frankly I should've been paid to drink it. But still, free.

GrimmAge!May, cutting the man off before he can speak by placing the arrowhead against his lips: Ah ah ah, before you come up with some shit excuse. Let me tell you, the beer lacking cost was just icing on the cake. What I mean when I say the big groups, like ours was, being bad for your business is that you're bound to have people with different...tastes.

GrimmAge!Man, clearing his throat, awkwardly: Well, we accommodate for all here, so I-

GrimmAge!May, nodding, a mockingly impressed look on her face: Oh, you most certainly do. Enough so that when those two folks grabbed Yang from the entrance, Princess Bitch saw two women, I saw two men. Really fascinating how that could be possible, that is, unless there was some sort of illusion. So now, you've got me wondering, you've got me wondering-

GrimmAge!May, jabbing the arrow into the stomach of the man, brutally shifting it up and under his ribcage, pushing it further and further until he starts choking up blood: Just what the bloody fuck this whole place really is.

~~~

GrimmAge!Yang, sitting in a bathtub, relaxing with closed eyes and a big smile, a littered mess of empty tankards at one side of the room, her arm being washed by the woman that took her from the entrance, the man kneeling behind the bath massaging her shoulders: Ahh, this is the life. A shame it won't last.

GrimmAge!Woman, with a sense of longing to her voice: Ooooh, My Lady...Yang, don't say that. You needn't leave.

GrimmAge!Yang, opening a single eye, her voice deadpan: So...finally learned my name then? Hmph...I must have...mentioned it. Say, you're lovely company. But umm...I can't do this.

GrimmAge!Woman, speaking with a frown: Are you certain? We love having you here, we'd be happy to wait on you day-in and day-out.

GrimmAge!Man, speaking in a whisper: You can stay here forever...

GrimmAge!Yang, sighs, sitting upright, taking herself out of the pair's grasp: Yeah umm...I-I get that. Just. I need to talk to my companions. The both of them. Y'know? The white haired one, and the one with the bow. They both look really bitchy in their own unique ways?

GrimmAge!Woman, standing up from her spot besides the bath, ushering the man to join her: Of course, we understand, we'll go get them for you.

GrimmAge!Yang, watching the pair of them leave, a smile on her face as they get to the door, waving them out: It's been a pleasure, perhaps I'll see you both later tonight?

GrimmAge!Yang, joining the pair in a quick laugh as they leave, her face dropping to an emotionless slate once the door latches, whispering to herself as she raises a leg out of the bath: ...this...isn't water. I bet that shit wasn't beer either. Just what in the Gods' names is this place.

GrimmAge!Yang, lowering her leg back to the water as the door opens again, Weiss and May stepping in, the pair silently making their way to the tub, kneeling each on a side: ...it's good to see you both. I've...missed you...It's, uhm, been a while since I've enjoyed a bath with the pair of you, and since I'm in one now...I just thought, you know.

GrimmAge!Weiss, reaching into the tub and pulling up Yang's arm, caressing it until she interlocks her hand with Yangs, giving the back of Yang's hand a kiss: I was beginning to get jealous, to be completely honest with you. Worried that I'd be replaced.

GrimmAge!May, mimicking Weiss's movements with Yang's other hand, a gentle smile on her face: I wasn't worried in the slightest. I knew you'd not be able to resist your favorites.

GrimmAge!Yang, sliding her hands around her companions, her left to the back of Weiss's head, gently stroking her hair, and her right to May's neck, softly rubbing her thumb along her skin: Well, I'm sorry, Weiss, that you felt that. And I'm glad, May, you helped her anxiety. But unfortunately, there is something I'm going to need to say, and do.

GrimmAge!Weiss, leaning closer and closer to Yang in the tub, her voice practically a moan: Anything~

GrimmAge!May, her eyes resting hungrily on Yang's face, her tongue just slightly wetting her own lips: Anything at all.

GrimmAge!Yang, taking a deep breath, speaking calmly with closed eyes: Weiss...isn't nearly this submissive, especially around me after I do something as stupid as lead us all into some shithole like this. And May? Heh. You really fucked up there.

GrimmAge!Yang, an aura of golden light exploding around her as her hands tighten their grips, pulling hard on Weiss's head and pushing her face under the water, winning easily against the struggling body, her other hand immediately breaking through the skin of May's throat as she crushes it, glaring directly at the bloody mess: May likes men. And I'm going to burn this fucking nightmare to the ground.