#and how funny to be able to return to them later with older eyes and still be able to see

[wordsofnoconsequence]

The Border Of All I Knew Once

As a child I would run up with my Heart in my hands, bounding up to The borderline, clamber up the fence To look beyond, beyond, as far as I could see. The seas of green, the fireflies flickering, The stars above me gently smiling. The summer wind sweeping past, whispering To cast in amber this one stilling memory. I used to want to walk wherever the path unfurls, Now I've grown older, and I know how it goes. But that prayer is not to start walking, but to keep on. To get back to that wonder, simmering all along. I touch my hands to that rough wooden bend, And look, unharried, above my unknowing head. This drowsing summer song, balm to my soul. This view I've always known, one of a million homes. I can still enter this living memory, I can ponder that which it is beckoning. And when it comes time to for me to return, This wonder will push me into my own momentum.

[deakyjoe]

Somebody’s Watching Me Epilogue

Pairing: Simon “Ghost” Riley x Reader (“Sarge”, she/her pronouns, British, backstory)

Category: slowburn coworkers to friends to lovers with grumpy x sunshine dynamic/idiots in love

Summary: Five years later.

Warnings: domestic things, British/slang terminology

Word count: 700ish (a baby to finish the story)

A/N: Well, it’s been a long journey. And it has been months since I posted the last part. But here we are! At the end! Finally! Thank you for coming along for ride, I’m so grateful for every single one of my readers. I hope you’ve enjoyed Simon and Sarge’s story. And just because their main storyline is over doesn’t mean I won’t post other little things for them in the future.

Consider buying me a coffee :)

"Sarge, I'm telling you that it's fine. They just repackaged it. I'm sure it tastes the same."

You pushed the carton of juice away from where it was being waved in your face. "No! Look! It says that they added a whole extra apple to the recipe."

Simon sighed frustratedly and lowered the carton. "That's good, you love apples."

You groaned, hating it when he was right. "But it's going to taste different. And I hate change!" You almost hated it as much as when he was right and you were wrong, which you'd never admit.

"Do you want the apple juice or not?"

You ignored him and put the carton with your other items of shopping, walking away before Simon could comment.

He caught up to you quickly, his strides much longer than yours. “That was the last thing, let’s go and pay.”

You didn’t answer verbally, just nodded and knew he was smirking at your stubbornness. Simon had always hated the fact that he’d never been able to tame the brat out of you. But you thought your naturally stubborn nature was a good thing. It was the trait that got you to where you were now with your lieutenant.

You joined the back of the line behind an elderly couple and began placing your shopping on the conveyor belt, Simon rearranging it all as you did it to make it look neater.

He insisted his way was more efficient.

You let him believe that.

It didn’t escape your notice when the woman in front of you turned to look at you both as you bickered about the way a two litre bottle should face.

“This way is better, Sarge.” Simon huffed, turning it around.

“But it rolls around that way!” You replied, exasperated.

“Fine. You should be glad I’m so fond of you.”

You scoffed. “I bloody well hope so after all this time. Fond of me? Fond!”

He sent you one of his radiant smiles that you were one of the lucky few to receive. “Would you rather I declare my undying love for you with a dramatic reading of a Shakespeare sonnet in the middle of big Tesco?”

“Wouldn’t go unappreciated.” You sniffed, smiling back at him with all thoughts of the rolling bottle forgotten.

The older woman squinted at the both of you trying, but not succeeding, at subtly tapping at her husband’s shoulder in order to get his attention. He just ignored her.

But when the woman's eyes landed on Simon, the recognition dawned and her face molded into a satisfied one. And then when they strayed to the matching wedding rings on the both of you, she just about jumped in joy.

You stared right back at her, waiting for her to say something. You were sure she was the same woman who'd assumed you and Simon were a couple five years ago when you'd first bumped into each other in this very same supermarket.

Funny how things work out.

She gave you a warm smile which you tentatively returned before she turned back around to pay for her groceries.

Your husband leant down to mutter in your ear. “Is that-?”

“Yeah.”

“Thought so.”

You beamed up at Simon, suddenly very happy at the way things had happened. You always were but sometimes the wonderful nature of your situation really hit you.

“Why’re looking at me with that silly grin on your face?” He grumbled, although he couldn’t hide the softness in his eyes.

“Dunno. Maybe because I get to look at your gorgeous face every day.” You nudged him with your elbow.

He stepped closer to you, tilting his head down to better meet your eyes. “Mhm, for the rest of your life. Lucky you.”

“Very lucky me.” You quipped back. He was being sarcastic and self deprecating but really what he was saying was completely true. You did consider yourself very lucky. And you always would.

Simon could see you were being genuine, as you always were with him. So he decided to return the gesture. “Think I’m the luckier one.”

You just shrugged. He could believe that if he wanted to. You’d spend the rest of your life trying to convince him otherwise. And, boy, did you have a lot of time to do that. Practically forever.

A/N: I re-read a couple chapters of Somebody’s Watching Me and it inspired me to finally finish writing this epilogue. And I’m so glad that I’ve done it now. Thanks again.

[g1rld1ary]

sex on the beach - spencer reid x bartender!reader

next

wc: 1134

cw: swearing, alcohol, i am a beer hater to my core!!!!!!!

working in a bar right near quantico was never dull. certainly not the most interesting job in the world, but you supposed you would rather be a bartender there than in some rinky-dink town in bumfuck nowhere. plus, most of the FBI agents tipped pretty decently.

you'd only been working for an hour or two when the agents started filing in, all eager to let off steam on a friday night. sometimes the job made them disagreeable but mostly it just made them want to drink, and who were you to deny them? so you were kept busy refilling glasses and mixing drinks, making small talk when you could over the pumping music.

just as a kesha song came to an end you watched the bau walk in, all serious expressions and purposeful strides. you guessed from their demeanours they'd probably just returned from a case, looking to destress together -- not that you were a profiler. ssa derek morgan sent you a nod; both a greeting and a request to get started on their drinks for him to collect once they were all settled at a table. you returned the gesture, quickly counting how many of them had made it. your eyes flew across all the usual suspects, landing on an unfamiliar face.

he was definitely younger than the others, easily able to pass for a college student if he tried -- not much older than you. he must be a new recruit, you figured, turning back to your job.

as expected, morgan was over a few minutes later, handing you his card as he collected the beer bottles between his fingers.

"who's the kid?" you looked towards the skinny brown-haired boy. morgan laughed.

"doctor spencer reid, our very own kid genius," he explained and you hummed in approval.

"his first time at a bar?" in your defence, he looked like a wolf in sheep's clothing. or more accurately, a sheep in fbi clothing. his brown sweater vest and thick brown glasses made him look adorably dorky, even in a room full of agents. morgan shrugged.

"not sure. first time with us at least, after heavy convincing from the girls." you looked as doctor reid was squished between penelope and elle, who looked to be teasing him about something or other. "he's only 23, joined the team last year so we don't know too much about him outside of work, but the kid clearly doesn't have much life experience yet."

"he's cute. send him to get the next round." derek raised an eyebrow.

"crushing on pretty boy? didn't peg him as your type." you laughed.

"as opposed to what, you and your rippling muscles?" you pretended to swoon as he scoffed good-naturedly, stepping away from the bar.

"just play nice with him or he'll never come back!" he called and you shook your head, laughing to yourself as you attended another customer.

you couldn't help glancing over to the bau's table more than was strictly necessary, unexpectedly fascinated with the young doctor. he was clearly the youngest of the group, not just by appearance, but you could tell the others teased him relentlessly without needing to hear any of the specifics. you watched him take it, but you were most interested in his drink.

you were by no means a profiler, but as someone who was frequently in charge of creating other's drinks, you were pretty in tune with their reactions. it was abundantly clear that doctor reid hated his beer. you weren't offended, it was just a bottle the bar kept stocked and you thought it tasted like ass anyway, but it was a little funny watching him struggle to make it through the bottle.

sure enough though, he was meandering awkwardly up to the bar where you stood, looking a little like he wished the ground would swallow him up. you rushed through the drink you were mixing to attend to him, much to the dismay of the other patrons waiting to order.

"the famous doctor reid," you greeted, "what can I getcha?" he looked a little alarmed that you knew his name and you smiled, explaining that morgan had pointed him out before.

"right." he swallowed awkwardly, "can i just get, uh... whatever we were just having?" you held back a laugh, figuring it would probably just make him more anxious.

"of course," you hesitated, "you don't like beer do you?" he tried to put up a fight, stammering out that he did in fact like beer, but seemed to give up before you could even start to be convinced.

"it doesn't matter though, it's just one night."

"you know it doesn't matter what you drink, right? your team isn't gonna stop inviting you because you drink something that actually tastes digestible. i mean, look at penelope," you stage whispered the last part, gesturing over to garcia's electric blue sugar rush in a glass you learnt to make specially for her. reid looked at you for a moment, clearly trying to decode something.

"what would i even have?" he asked, clearly self-conscious.

"not much of a partier? we could start you with sex on the beach--"

"what!" he blurted before you could finish, then slapped a hand over his mouth, immediately regretting it. you answered patiently,

"it's a cocktail i like; fruity and actually tastes good, like peach and cranberry so super tasty!"

"uh yeah, ok, i can try that." you nodded with a smile you hoped was friendly as you got set on making the drink for him. he watched you closely, and you found yourself uncharacteristically nervous under his gaze, despite it having no clear judgement. rather, he seemed intensely curious, eager to learn the proper procedure at a bar.

"let me know if this isn't the one for you and next time we can try something else!" you handed him the glass and he thanked you profusely, leaving you a generous tip on top of the round of beers and his cocktail.

"please come again soon," you joked, glancing down at the bill in your hand, "but doctor reid?" spencer came back toward you, "if morgan gives you any shit for what you're drinking, just tell him we all know that he drinks cosmopolitans." you chanced a wink and reid blushed, nodding. he stuttered out an affirmation, tucking a stray piece of hair behind his ear as he rushed back to the table.

as you watched morgan tease him about the drink reid must have taken your advice, because in a second the table was all looking at you, morgan with a particularly scandalised expression. you waved coyly, concealing the excitement you felt after your interaction with the young doctor. you thought garcia might've seen through you and avoided eye contact, busying yourself with whatever was in your sight.

this is so not what i thought I was gonna write when I started this so if u see me write another bartender one shot just close ur eyes...

[mochinomnoms]

Bruh if Jade does manage to knock Yuu up with Irish twins after normal ones how done do you think Ace and Deuce will be. "Oh yeah sure we'll watch the kids this weekend for you!"

"I swear to the seven if you come back with any more."

-Yuri

Yuriiii, your brain is so big omgggg

First off, major kudos to Deuce and Ace if they have their lives together enough that Yuu and Jade trust them to babysit, lmao. Those boys are a train wreck, but we love them anyways!

They're happy for Yuu during their first pregnancy, all their friends are, and they're not surprised that they got twins on the first try. As Yuu's closest friends, Ace is a fun uncle and Deuce rather doting, and both become the twins' godparents shortly after their birth. Jade does ask that Ace please stop from making “The Godfather” jokes, they're not funny.

It's three weeks after the twins are born that Ace and Deuce come by to the shared cottage to watch the kiddos, while Jade takes Yuu out to a nice hot spring to relax and recuperate. At least, that was the original plan; but Jade suddenly remembered the little promise they made him before they first got pregnant, and the two have a little more fun at the springs for a few hours before returning home. But the two uncles are never the wiser and head off. So imagine their, and everyone else's surprise, when Yuu and Jade announce two weeks later that they're expecting. Again. Already.

Yuu deals with a few angry phone calls from their pseudo parents, Crewel and the school nurse, yelling at them about using protection. Crewel very specifically compared them both to rabbits, and begged that you don't let Jade touch you again for at least 3 months after this next birth. No one is surprised when you have another set of twins, just mildly concerned. Same as last time, Yuu gives birth to their twins (miraculously) with no major issues. The doctors do have them stay on bedrest for an extra week, just to keep an eye out for any complications. Jade's beaming with happiness, the now 10-month-old twins babbling happily over their new siblings.

Once Yuu and the twins are able to go home, Jade's parents asked for a quick visit with the new babies. Good uncles/godparents they are, Ace and Deuce babysit the older twins again.

As Yuu is leaving the house with Jade, each carrying one of the newborns, Ace is grabbing them by the arm and giving them a stern glare.

“Please, for the love of the Red Queen, do NOT get frisky with him. You do not, I repeat, do NOT need another set of twins for at least another year. I cannot mentally handle babysitting two pairs of babies. The D cannot be that good, man.”

Yuu laughed as Ace whispered that last part to them, waving him off as they promised to not have any more surprises. Jade hears, of course. So is it a surprise when he very much uses his parents as an excuse to take them away and see if they can try for triplets this time.

(For Yuu's sake, and Crewel's mental sanity, let's hope that it doesn't take this time… or do! Maybe Yuu's into that, hehe~)

[jeonginsdiary]

Hey so for tktober can I please request prompts 3, 19, 27 with Lee Seungmin with a ler of your choice? I'm kinda in a ler mood rn and really wanna see him get super wrecked.🥺🥺😚😚 It's totally fine if that's too many prompts or you don't wanna write it. Love your work so so much!! Have a great day!!💖💖💖

- tickletober day 17

- interrogation

- lee! seungmin | ler! minho

- (please watch this video before reading to get an idea of how seungmin was pinned!)

—————

“aww, does this tickle?” minho cooed like it was some kind of interrogation, seungmin thrashing violently in his grip. he currently had the younger under him, arms pinned with one hand while the other clawed at his vulnerable tummy. the vocalist tried kicking out but found it nearly impossible considering lee know’s legs which wrapped around his own.

“YEHEHEHEHEHEHEHES!!” the boy managed to cackle out in response, trying to bring his arms down but finding his attempts fruitless.

he managed to lower his pinned wrists just a bit, but the dancer pulled them right back up. “so tell me, do you think it’s funny to nearly kill me!?”

to set things clear, all seungmin had done was made a tiny sacrifice. chan was in one of his moods. one where he would tickle any member in sight to pieces. now, seungmin knew he was the next victim and he couldn’t help but call an unsuspecting minho to take his place. well, it’s obvious what the outcome was…

but nonetheless, seungmin arched his back weakly and dug his feet into the sofa “NOHOHOHOHOHO I’M SAHAHAHAHAHARRY!” he cried, desperate to get away from the older’s tickling fingers which were now wiggling into his exposed armpits.

lee know grinned. “don’t you think this deserves a little punishment?” he asked the vocalist in a sweet tone, cocking a brow after receiving a giggly “no!” in return. he moved his hand back down, and clawed at the boy’s belly again, knowing how desperate it made the younger. “there’s no escape min, why don’t you tell me your worst spot~” he cooed in a singsong voice, halting his attack as he waited for an answer.

“nooo! you already know it, don’t play dumb hyu—AHHHHHAHAHAHAHAH STAHAHAHAHAP!!” he was thrown into another round of hysterics when lee know vibrated his fingers back into his stomach “OH MY GAHAHAHAHAHAD! STAP DOING THAHAHAT!” seungmin threw his head back with a giggly scream.

“then why don’t you tell me your spot, huh?” the dancer stretched the boy’s hands up higher and dug back into his pits.

the vocalist shrieked. “STAHAHAHAHAHAP TOUCHING MY AHAHAHAHARMPITS!!” seungmin whined, trying to twist around but finding himself stuck in lee know’s grip.

“oh?” the older hummed. “would you rather i tickled your feet?” he questioned, loving seungmin’s panicked eyes and high pitched laughter.

the younger blushed at the thought. “NOHOHOHO PLEASE DOHOHOHOHON’T—AAAGHHHAHAHAHAHAHHH!!” he let out the most deafening shriek he could muster when minho poked into his navel, using his index finger to wiggle around mercilessly. “IM SAHAHAHARRY!!” seungmin managed to choke out before he shook with silent laughter, trying his best to pull his arms down but being way too weak to do so.

the older noticed this and giggled at his efforts. “keep your arms up! you know you won’t be able to get them down anyways~”

all seungmin could do was arch his back, dig his socked feet into the cushions, and throw his head back crazily, mouth wide open but no sound coming out.

“you’re cute.” the older couldn’t help but tease, letting the boy go and pushing a hand through seungmin’s messy hair.

“i hate you…” the vocalist groaned, leaning into minho’s side and dozing off. he was getting a serious wrecking for that later…

—————

should i make another fic when chan gets minho??

[decadentworld]

※ Sub Bottom Eddie Munson/Dom Top Steve Harrington.

※ 1,224 words.

※ Personal work (not request).

※ Both characters are canonically 18 or older.

※ Content & warnings: Daddy kink. Mating press. Virgin Eddie. Unnegotiated kinks (but they’re very into it). Very short fic.

Something something Eddie finally catching up to everyone treating Steve like the ‘mom’ friend in the group. And he’s amused. But secretly immensely supportive of Steve on this one.

Like, how couldn’t he be? He knows it’s gotta be exhausting at some point.

Dustin’s amused, “Okay, mom.”

Or Mike’s irritated, “You’re not my mom.”

He’d be rolling his eyes and snarking all the time. He’s impressed by Steve’s patience nowadays. So he decides to poke at it just a little bit.

“Oh, Harrington,” he sing-songs, stomach swooping hotly at the annoyed look on Steve’s face; he knows he can joke around with Steve. They’ve gotten sort of close after everything they’ve gone through.

Only, Eddie has no idea if Steve’s lingering looks are just a figment of his imagination.

The counter at Family Video kind of needs a cleaning, but Steve’s leaning on it anyway. “…I thought you had to pick the kids up today? After all, you’re like the mom of the group.”

“Jesus, dude. Not you too,” comes Steve flippant response. “It’s Billy’s turn. I’m making this a brat-free day.”

“Sooo, what I’m hearing is… Steve Harrington doesn’t like to be treated like a fretful mommy?”

“Would you cut it off?”, answers Steve, though it’s not an entirely mean response.

“Okaaay.”

To Steve, it sounds like that would be it, but nothing good ever comes out of that playful little smile of Eddie’s, because he’s absolutely not ready for what he says next:

“Then does that mean we have to call you Daddy?”

Oh, ha-ha. It must be so funny to Eddie, seeing that he can’t stop snickering behind his hands after saying this.

It’s not that funny to Steve, who just stills, turns around, and starts walking straight into the employee bathroom. All with the deepest blush Eddie’s ever seen on anyone. Oh. Eddie fucked up, didn’t he.

Robin comes out of her break. Sees Eddie, alone at the counter, now covering his mouth. He’s not laughing anymore.

“Oh my God.” She looks in the direction of the bathroom, knowing Steve must be there. “What did you say to him?”

“Nothing! Why do you think I said anything to him?”

She gives him the stink eye. Eddie just leaves.

Later in the evening, some time after a thorough play with himself with images of pretty boys and hairy chests and pink faces in his mind, Eddie receives an unexpected visitor in the form of Steve Harrington, on the steps of his trailer.

Neither of them are saying anything. Steve’s face is unreadable. It kind of makes Eddie want to bite his nails. But he lets him in, and closes the door behind him.

A tense silence takes over the place. That is, until…

“Can you— Can you say it again?”

The croak in Steve’s voice is somehow delicious to Eddie; it sounds like Steve’s throat is dry.

“Wh-What?” And he has to chuckle nervously. He feels the pull of his hand, wanting to take one lock of his hair to hide behind it.

“Today, you… you said something. Called me something. And…” Steve’s face is an enigma. He looks like he wants to flee at any second, but still keeps going. “I kind of haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.”

Oh, he’s got Eddie where he wants. He knows Eddie’s the queerest guy in town, but what he’s asking of him… Surely, this is just him taunting Eddie, is it not? A good old game of chicken between guys never hurt anyone.

But Eddie is weak.

Giving in to his impulse, knowing he’s probably sporting the darkest blush ever known to mankind, Eddie pulls on his own hair. Puts it in front of his face, covering everything but his eyes. And mutters:

“Daddy.”

The reaction is stronger this time. More visible, unconcealed. Something about the heavy breath Steve releases sounds, to Eddie, like a grunt, and he just has to avert his eyes.

“Louder.”

Now wide eyes return to Steve, pupils unable to stop widening from pleasure. Steve walks closer, and it’s Eddie’s instinct to take a step back in return, but he forces himself to stay where he is.

He gives in, like any weak man would.

“Daddy.”

It’s only slightly louder, and Steve comes even closer, until he’s in Eddie’s space. Takes Eddie’s hands in his, noticing the hitch in his breath as he’s forced to release his own hair.

Grabs his wrists. Puts them to his sides.

“Look at me when you say it.”

They’re sharing the same air. Eddie feels himself faint from it.

“Daddy.”

Steve closes what little space was left, making Eddie tremble and sag against him in his first kiss. Pushes Eddie back until his back collides with the wall next to his bedroom’s door, all the while giving Eddie a new succession of firsts: first kiss with tongue, first heavy petting, first dry humping. All until Eddie has to withdraw with the most erotic gasp Steve’s ever heard.

“You’re fucking unbelievable, you know?” Steve’s voice already has Eddie weak in the knees. A hand finds Eddie’s long hair and pulls, and Eddie’s so sure he’s already close. “A fucking brat.”

Eddie moans, pulls himself together long enough to say: “I’m sorry, Daddy.”

The big imprint of a cock against his pelvis tells him he’s not the only one affected. “Yeah, I bet you are. Teasing me in public like that. Bet you were looking for a spanking.”

There’s an obscene moan now, so loud Eddie has to hide in Steve’s neck from the embarrassment of being so needy. “Fuck me, Daddy.”

And a groan next to his ear carries a lot of promises.

Eddie loses his virginity to a man he calls Daddy in his trailer bedroom, music blasting as an afterthought to conceal the loud moaning he knows he won’t be able to quiet. Steve makes him cum an impossible three times in a row. Puts a twist on missionary that leaves Eddie’s insides so thoroughly fucked out he cums a first time, just from that. Makes Eddie ride him, aiding his trembling thighs by pushing up into Eddie, and as if that isn’t enough, spanks Eddie like he said he would, receiving a chestful of shaking, orgasming boy who somehow says he still can’t get enough, so he turns him around, puts him on all fours and presses his face into the pillow. Puts an arm around his windpipe. Envelops him so wholly it almost feels suffocating, pounds into him so hard Eddie would be screaming by this point if it weren’t for the small pressure against his throat, feet kicking to the sides of Steve’s legs on the bed. Makes Eddie cum a third and final and convulsing time as he too does.

“What the hell, Steve.” Robin points at something Steve can’t see on his neck. “Did you get mauled by an animal?”

Both Steve and Eddie blush in the gentle lighting of the Family Video store.

“Wait…” She looks between them two. “You.” She points at Eddie. “What did you say to him yesterday? And how did it lead to that?” And then, as if that wasn’t the most important thing to her, as if Eddie and Steve weren’t on the brink of passing out from embarrassment, Robin says: “Ugh. Great. I owe Billy five bucks.”

Work available only on Tumblr and under ArchiveOfOurOwn pseud of the same name (DecadentWorld). Do not repost, edit, or redistribute. Do not use for TikTok or YouTube videos.

[kissofthemis]

AU where Giann returns and mc falls in love on sight, (poor Marius)

A clean, composed canvas. Every brushstroke carefully measured, every color meticulously selected.

Marius von Hagen was the sort of person who prepared every aspect of his existence in advance. In his position, he could not afford to not be over-prepared, as he was painfully aware that he had more enemies than friends. Whether the target was Pax, Z, or even just Marius himself, the amount of targets on his back required the young man to anticipate every possible situation, every possible outcome, and every possible next step... and to plan accordingly.

Of course, even the Pax Group's CEO was a mere mortal, and he could not account for the occasional obstacles or stumbles in his path. Even Marius von Hagen, of all people, could be taken by surprise. Usually he was able to fix those sudden little splatters and jagged strokes, covering them with his own colors and incorporating them into his greater picture.

Today, however?

Buckets and buckets, mismatched colors and hues, shades of all kinds, drowning the once sensible, orderly painting.

A torrential downpour of chaos descended onto Marius' precisely curated canvas, throwing his mind and his world into disarray.

When the door to the NXX meeting room cracked open, Marius had fully expected it to be Vyn trudging in late. As haughty as the psychiatrist could be, he was notoriously not a morning person, and Marius had made it his personal mission to give Vyn grief every time he was not exactly on time. (Perhaps more accurately, when he was not at least 3 minutes early. Was that unfair? Perhaps. Did Vyn deserve it? Absolutely.)

But the man who stumbled into the room was significantly taller, with hair significantly darker, and a face that was significantly less punchable.

Everything around him faded and dimmed, to backgrounds not fully developed as he focused on the person taking center stage in his painting. He thought Rosa might have jumped up behind him, but her startled words as she clung to Luke were not discernible. Luke's voice was mere static in Marius' brain, but he sounded angry and accusatory.

A figure moved out of the corner of his eye; judging from the size and colors, Artem. Of course, Artem would know who had just intruded on what was supposed to be a private meeting, for a top-secret group.

But Marius was not going to allow anyone to make a move before him.

All of the young heir's senses returned at once, and he darted forward, pushing his long legs to their limit so he would be the first one to the newcomer's side.

Much to his relief, Artem did not stop him.

"Giann!" Marius cursed himself internally for the way his voice cracked, for showing an ounce of weakness, but he would just hope that the other three people here would extend some mercy. "Giann, you're home!"

After all, his beloved older brother had been off the grid for so long, and now... and now he was in Marius' arms again!

Marius flung his arms around his brother, causing the older von Hagen to wince slightly. But Giann did not retreat; instead he leaned into Marius' shoulders and returned the embrace, albeit weakly.

What a funny scene, for Marius to be holding his taller, older brother like this.

"Sorry for making you wait."

"I'll tell you how to pay me back later."

Now that he was grounded, now that he knew for a fact that the person in front of him was his dear brother, now that he knew he was not dreaming or fantasizing or hallucinating or reminiscing, the rest of the background began to seep more fully into Marius' mind. He was able to transform the mismatched buckets of colors, weave them and brush them and mix them into something new. It was not what he had envisioned, these hues or shapes or patterns, but it was his. He could handle this again.

He would be stronger with Giann here, after all.

"Giann?" Rosa's voice was clearer now in his head. "Mister Giann von Hagen, sir?"

"How do we know it's actually him?" Luke's wary words came out in a low growl, and Marius whipped his head around immediately to provide a stinging retort.

"I also know Giann, as I worked with him on the NXX cases prior to your arrival," Artem reminded the others calmly, "and while I appreciate your caution, I do not believe it is necessary, Luke. That man is undoubtedly the real one."

Marius made a mental note that he owed Artem for speaking up on his brother's behalf.

"Mister Giann von Hagen, sir!" When had Rosa approached? Her footsteps were so quiet, despite the way her eyes were glowing with wonder and her body was practically quivering with excitement. "Ah, I mean... please pardon my interruption!"

"No need to apologize. If you're here, then I know you are a person who both Artem Wing and my brother trust." Giann straightened up to his full height (much to Marius' chagrin), giving Rosa a polite but feeble smile.

The way Rosa began bouncing on her tiptoes did not escape Marius' notice.

"Jiejie..." Marius whined as he adjusted his position, still standing (nearly) shoulder to shoulder with his brother. "You never address me so politely... I'm just Marius to you... just the brat... You don't even call me King...."

"King?" Giann echoed. "Is that the codename you chose for yourself?"

A deep flush illuminated Marius' face, stretching from ear to ear and covering him in a faint red glow. "I... For the Pax Group and our family name, obviously! I had to do them justice, you know!"

"Obviously. I know."

Still reeling as he tried to recover from being mortified by his brother in front of the woman he had a massive crush on, not to mention the other two dorks on the other side of the room, Marius averted his gaze.

But even without looking at Rosa, he could hear the excited lilt in her voice and imagine the way she was beaming as she continued to speak. "Marius has spoken so highly of you! I have had no doubt in my mind that you must be a wonderful person, and it is such an honor to meet you, sir!"

A gentle laugh left his brother's lips. "No need to be so formal. Clearly you and Marius are good friends, so you are already a friend of mine."

Good friends. Marius felt as though a paint scraper had been stabbed into his chest. "Let's sit down, Giann," he urged. "You seem really exhausted."

Giann did not argue, instead allowing Marius to guide him to the couches and seats further in the room.

"I am so sorry!" Rosa piped up as soon as they sat down. "You clearly need time to recover! Any of my questions can wait for a later time!"

Giann waved his hand dismissively. "I don't mind. Really." He smiled, with soft glow like that of a sunrise about to brighten up the world. "I want to learn about you. And about this young man, too." He nodded to Luke.

Whether Luke ever got to speak to Giann that day, Marius could not recall. He was too focused on the way in which Rosa's eyes sparkled, in the way in which she leaned forward when Giann spoke, in the way in which her hands fiddled nervously with the edges of her sleeves, in the way in which her left foot tapped with a mix of eagerness and anxiety, in the way in which her voice hummed when she responded to his questions, in the way in which her chest seemed to tremble as her rapid heartbeat burst against her ribcage.

She did not only bask in the glow of Giann's warmth and glory, but she returned it in full force.

Oh. Of course.

Giann was the true genius. Giann was the true leader. Giann was the go-getter, the organizer, the one who people loved. Marius was only ever a substitute, an inferior stand-in. Whether as president of Pax, or as a member of the NXX... Marius was never meant to stay. Marius' job was simply to ensure that nothing fell apart, and to keep Giann's name in good standing. To ease Giann's transition back into his rightful role when he returned. Marius was just... a child, a dreamer, an idealistic fool.

No wonder Rosa was enamored with Giann. Maybe she even loved him, or would love him soon.

A blank canvas, devoid of color, light, or life.

In all fairness, Marius preferred Giann von Hagen to Marius von Hagen, too.

[quitealotofsodapop]

"The Monkey King and the Infant" details Part 3 - and likely last for now before I go on Spoiler lockdown so I can write:

links to Part 1 and Part 2:

The Jade Emperor sees/is aware of the canon Monkie Kid series. He thinks the whole situation as a big waste of time. So... remove Monkie Kid = no Monkie Kid series, Monkey King stays retired, and less of a headache for the big man up top. Win win.

The Jade Emperor shows Sun Wukong visions of the worst parts on the series inc; LBD's return, the Samadhi fire being reignited, The Jade Emperor's death and the potential breakdown of the universe etc... This is also how SW learns on accident that Macaque is alive again.

Internally SW is very conflicted cus... the universe might end? But more importantly he might actually die? But also consider; Free Son and a return to his beloved.

Other characters occassionally get tormented by visions of canon events/death omens - likely a side effect of the altered timeline, or the Jade Emperor subtly trying to turn them against one another.

Erlang and various other mythos characters show up. Erlang is tasked with ensuring that SW destroyed MK's egg, but is knocked out by Moksha (on command of Guanyin) to give SW a chance to reconsider. In the egg's place, Erlang found a "shell" of obsidian. This isn't enough to convince Erlang... but it's enough to convince the Jade Emperor and the few members of the Celestial Court who knew about the Egg that the task had been completed. Erlang is sussing SW hard for this... but wants to see what the big deal is with the undercooked Stone Monkey before he says anything.

Moksha is acting as Sun Wukong's parole officer as a "Sorry I bonked you" favor to Erlang. Shows up in glamour at Pigsy's as customer to keep an eye on things. Big shipper under her no-crap cop attitude.

Guanyin herself is Very Against the idea of scrambling MK (Mercy personified yo). But she doesn't appear physically, meaning that not even the Jade Emperor knows that she techincally betrayed Heaven.

Nicknames/familial titles MK calls his fam through out the story:

Sun Wukong = "Dad" "Baba" "Baba Wu" Macaque = "Mom" "Bama" "Baba Mihou" "Mama" (when he was really young) Pigsy = "Dadsy" "Pops" "Boss" (at work) Tang = "Papa Tang" "Pama" (verbal slip as a toddler that stuck) Sandy = "Shúshu/Uncle" Mei = "Meimei" " (little sister - techically she's older but the title is also a pun on her name) Nezha = "Tánggē" "Gege" (grew up thinking Nezha was an older cousin)

When it comes to finally training MK when he comes of age; Sun pulls a "Lego Batman and Bruce Wayne" - hoping that by separating the personas, he'll be able to reach MK better as a teacher. And MK 100% falls for it. Cus "The Monkey King" and his dorky "Dad" are two completely different guys! Right?

Macaque meanwhile has a very different style of teaching:

Macaque, in his series outfit, manifesting from the shadows: "MK, we need to talk about-" MK, battlemode: "AH! THE SIX EARED MACAQUE!" Macaque: "I'M LITERALLY YOUR OWN MOTHER! YOU PUT THAT STAFF DOWN THIS INSTANT MISTER!" MK: "yes sir"

This leads to a funny misunderstanding later on when he sees Macaque and The Monkey King interact during training:

MK: "Wait... if my mom is the Six Eared Macaque... and I've got Monkey King's powers..." MK: *"GASP!"* MK: "MOM!? Did you you cheat on Dad with The Monkey King!?" Macaque: "...really???" SW: *laughing his ass off*

Ok imma punch out and try to finish the first chapter. Will probably post a spotify mix soon. Pls tag or reply, or ask if you got any thoughts/questions. I love feedback!

[miracles-and-butterflies]

Regarding the post about your last Madrigals x OC post - how did the Madrigals meet their SO's and why did they end up in a relationship? What made them stick together?

I noticed that Isabela and Luisa date people from each-others friend groups which sound really funny, I need to know how it happened lol

Oh yeah, Dolores really appreciated Isabela doing that 💀. (Isabela didn’t care as much with Luisa).

This is a long post and I was only doing short summaries.

Most of them met in school. It’s a small town, they probably only had the one school - unless you want to be really historically accurate (in which case girls and boys would be separated), then two - either way, they all knew each other early on. There isn’t more than a couple years between them, so even if they weren’t in the same class, they would have seen each other in the playground. Especially given the status of the Madrigals. But, some of them didn’t form proper connections until much later on.

Alfonso & Bruno:

Alfonso and Bruno (and Félix, but this ain’t about him) had been friends throughout their time at school. By the time they finished school (15/16 ish), Bruno realised his feelings weren’t as platonic as they use to be. Probably had many awkward instances of attempting to flirt with him and failing, partially as Alfonso hadn’t realised he was bi yet. Bruno’s reputation slowly began falling away over the next few years, resulting in him distancing himself from his childhood friend; not wanting him to be treated badly by associating with him. Alfonso never really got why - he never saw Bruno as this villain like the rest of the town slowly came to view him as.

Cut to Bruno’s return, he avoided Alfonso as much as he could at the start of Casita’s rebuild. Eventually, he was setup to talk to him by his sisters or by his older nieces - I haven’t quite decided yet, but I could see both of these scenarios working. Regardless, Bruno and Alfonso got to talking and became friends again. By the end of the rebuild, the two were dating. They both are very open with each other and gain a lot of confidence when they are together, which definitely helps them stay together. They bring out the best in each other!

Isabela & Lili:

Isabela has always been aware of Lili, who was Dolores’ childhood best friend (Mariano being Isa’s). Once free from her engagement and embracing her true self, she was quite open that she was a lesbian. And then slowly had to accept what a girl failure she was when it came to her crushes. So she kept quiet about the crush she had gained for Lili. She was locked into further silence when Dolores mentioned to her that Luisa had a crush on Lili and - not wanting to have to relive the whole Mariano thing - kept clear out of the way.

Even long after Luisa had clearly gotten over said crush and mentioned over a hundred times that she had a new crush, who later became her girlfriend, Isabela didn’t dare go after something she wanted herself. If it wasn’t Luisa, there would potentially be someone else she’d hurt. Mariano began to notice her acting odd and asked her what’s wrong, getting her to open up about everything. He assured her as best as he was able and even offered to help Isabela with some of her flirting skills and getting her a chance to speak with Lili away from the public eye.

It was during some town festival that Mariano managed to pull Lili aside from the rest of her and Dolores’ friend group to “meet” Isabela. Isabela still was her girl failure self and gave Mariano more than enough secondhand embarrassment to last the rest of his life, but Lili took it all really well and was extremely flattered. She asked Isabela to dance and that was that. They were found making out in by Dolores (on accident) several hours later.

Dolores was initially not very thrilled about this. Realising with somewhat over exaggerated horror that it meant Isabela would just be around her 24/7 - not only at home, but now she would just be crashing the friend group to hangout with her girlfriend. Though, as Isabela continues to remind her, she is dating Mariano (who is part of Isabela’s friend group), so she doesn’t really have the high ground here of not mixing friend and family.

Luisa & Marta:

Marta is part of Isabela’s friend group but is a much more recent member, she joined sometime in the middle of Casita’s rebuild. Though she spent a decent part of it admiring Luisa, as a lot of the ladies did. As much as Isabela is a huge girl failure, Luisa is a bit of a flirt, charmer, ladies’ woman, whatever you want to call her! Luisa clearly knows she’s a gorgeous and wonderful woman, okay?

After she got over her crush on Lili, Luisa had noticed Marta among her admirers and focused the attention on her. Mutual pinning. She began seeking her out more often, whether she was on a round of chores or just in her own free time. Isabela, as previously stated, was happy enough for Luisa to date her friend and probably was the cost in of this ship - definitely not as a way of learning how to date girls. What? Why would you say that?

Luisa planned a very romantic first date/picnic for them to get to know each other. They now have one of these every couple of weeks. Definitely one of the most chill and least dramatic relationships in the Madrigal family. Oh and yes, Lili has bragged to the Luisa fan club that they are dating.

Camilo & Marco:

They are in the same class at school. Always have been. Became friends very early on. Their families were also very close beforehand, which definitely helped when planning to spend time together outside of school. Their families probably got together every so often anyways. Camilo has been crushing on Marco for at least a good couple of years before he did anything. Definitely wrote things like “C+M 4 EVER” in his diary or on his schoolwork or whatever. Marco had been crushing on Camilo too, but was infinitely more subtle about it.

It during the end of the rebuild before Camilo’s sixteenth birthday that the pair of them both happened to confess their feelings at the same time. It was a little awkward but overall very sweet for a couple of teenagers newly in love. They are still learning and growing as they go, but it’s a journey they’d rather face together.

Mirabel & Sera:

These two got together three years after the miracle returned, when they were roughly 18 and 19.

But, we need to backtrack a little first. By the time they finished school, Sera had been crushing on Mirabel for a while but had been advised by Camilo that it was going to be a hell of a mission - Mira had never dated anyone nor had even the smallest of crushes. There was no way to gage what would be the best thing to try to get her to go on at least one date with Sera.

Sera settled on writing a short love letter/poem, remembering what an avid reader Mirabel had been in school and assumedly still was. Given how often you could spot her with a book in hand. Mirabel corrected the letter of its spelling and grammar, like the smartass she is, and then returned it to Sera. Sera found it endearing and funny, Mirabel was marvelled that someone hadn’t immediately gotten annoyed with her smartass behaviour. Sera accepted that Mirabel just wasn’t interested and offered to be friends instead, to which Mirabel agreed.

(Just to clarify, Sera had a couple of girlfriends during this time. She wasn’t just pining after Mirabel for years).

At 19, Mirabel realised she’d grown incredibly fond of Sera. Even beyond platonic. She was very attached to her “best friend”. And maybe Isabela overheard her confessing this to Luisa and then told Dolores. And maybe Dolores then went on to spread the gossip to Camilo. And maybe Camilo then told Sera. Now knowing Mirabel a lot better, Sera decided to try again. This time with a basket of wool. Mirabel did say yes but asked they take it slowly, as she still didn’t quite understand these “alien” romantic feelings. Sera was happy enough to do so.

[imfluentinfangirlandgay]

A Father's Resolve - Ch 8

Ingo returns after a decade - with two extra cars in tow. Years later, his kids are swallowed up by time in the same way he was. Will he be able to find them? Will they be able to make it out alive?

Word Count: ~2600

Red tendrils shot around Rei, holding him in place and constricting his movements, even as he struggled. He cried out for his pokemon, his sister, his uncle, his father, but no sound came from his throat, no cries echoed in the darkness. He saw red eyes above him, staring into his very soul, coming closer, a golden maw widening and- 

Rei gasped awake. His heart was pounding in his ears as he gagged on air, whipping his head around. The pounding stopped. “Kamado wishes to see you two!” 

Akari groaned and rolled over. Rei tried to control his breathing, rubbing his arms to try to get rid of the goosebumps. He shivered as he thought about those red irises watching him in the black… 

He shook himself and hurriedly got up, roughly shoving his sister to get her up too. She looked at him funny as he did. “Wake up on the wrong side of the bed?” 

“I'm fine. Kamado wants us.” Akari knitted her brows at him, but said nothing. She didn't seem to want to push him this early. She lurches around and sloppily got dressed as Rei carefully kept his eyes averted from hers. It did not take long to get out of their quarters, Akari's eyes still droopy with sleep. 

Outside was a shouting match. As the twins walked towards the Galaxy HQ, two figures dressed in Clan-wear in opposing colors shouted at each other. He locked eyes with his sister in exasperation as the two bickered. 

“Are you seriously implying that you make better use of your useless time than I do of Hisui's vast space?” A blonde woman in pink and white was shouting, bangles dangling on her thin pale wrist clinking together. 

“I'm just saying I know why you're always late. I'm going to see Kamado! No time to waste!” The man in blue with a tall top-notch of blue and yellow responded just as loudly, marching away. 

“I do believe you started this!” The woman kept up with him. The doors slammed behind the pair as Rei and Akari watched the space they had been in. 

“She looks so much younger,” Rei murmured in Unovan. 

“She's what… eighteen? Nineteen? Last time we saw her, she would have been nearly ten years older than she is now.” Akark smirked. “It is funny to see how much they fought before everything happened.” 

“Yeah. It's crazy to think that there was ever a time that they legitimately hated each other.” Rei sighed. “We should probably go up, too. Do we give them a minute?” 

“I don't think they're cooling off anytime soon,” Akari pointed out. She led the way into the building. 

Even as they climbed the stairs, they could hear the bickering. The further they climbed, the louder it became. They waited a few steps down the stairs to listen in before announcing their presences. 

“He's a Pearl Clan Noble. The Diamond Clan cannot do anything without risking being at each other's throats again, like we used to be…” The man in blue's voice trailed off. Rei almost rolled his eyes. He knew about the Clan Wars and knew it really could be worse. He really did. But hearing it like that was nearly laughable. 

“Then what do you suggest? The Pearl Clan take down one of their own beloved Nobles?” the woman's voice asked sarcastically. 

“I don't recall saying that. Thinking about it, maybe.”

“You might as well have said it, you fool!” 

Rei led the way up the stairs. It was time to break this up. 

“Ah. There you two are,” Kamado greeted them. Rei and Akari stopped at the doorway to the office, watching the three in the room respectfully. “These are the two newest members of the Survey Corps, Rei and Akari.” 

“I'm Adaman of the Diamond Clan if you wanna be formal,” the man in blue introduced himself with a smirk, crossing his arms. “But that's a mouthful. Just call me Adaman.” 

“You two are the ones said to have fallen through the rift? Perhaps having come through the space Sinnoh inhabits?” The woman shook her head. “I am Irida of the Pearl Clan. Caution and foresight are my watchwords, which is why I have such trouble believing such a tale. Falling through the rift?” She shook her head again. 

“I propose we send these two to study Lord Kleavor and understand why he is acting as he is. Allow them to gain information on him to decide the next step.”

“You would send a pair of strangers that fell through a rift to study the Noble?” Irida asked, horrified. Truthfully, Rei was not liking where this was going. 

“Sending these two? You know, I like your plan, Kamado. Let them decide how to proceed. I can learn some more about your silly balls and other inventions and what not. Let's try this your way.” 

“That bothers me too!” Irida cut in. “Pokemon we made to run free in Almighty Sinnoh's vast space! We should not see ourselves above them!” 

“We do not capture pokemon to control them, but to gain equal footing,” Kamado responded calmly. He turned his attention to the twins. “Remember that the locals here are naturally suspicious of you both. Do not act rashly on this assignment. I hereby order you both to study the frenzy of Lord Kleavor and report back later.” 

Both twins nodded as the Clan Leaders left, still bickering with each other. When they were out of earshot, Kamado approached the siblings. “The members of Jubilife Village are all new to Hisui and may even be seen as interlopers. Do not act in ways that may reflect on the people of the village or strain our relationship with the native Clans. Understood?” They both bobbed their heads again as Cyllene's voice from the stairwell called to them to come to her office. 

Rei and Akari left Kamado’s and walked in tandem to Cyllene's. He whispered to her in Unovan. “I don't like where this is going.” 

Akari said nothing. She nodded her head slightly. They made their way to Cyllene's to get debriefed. 

—---------

Emmet rolled over, noting the light coming under the doorway. He rubbed sleep from his eyes and squinted at the alarm clock, his glasses frame magnifying a small portion of the screen from where they sat on the table. 2:35 am. He sighed as he slowly stood, doing his best to not disturb the Joltik and his Galvantula that always made their way to his bed as he wobbled. He grabbed his glasses and popped them on his face as he cracked open his door, feeling his eyes adjust to the light. 

The hall light was on, throwing a golden hue over the light walls. He trudged down the cool hallway. Was his bedroom just warmer or was it cold out here? Emmet rounded a corner and noted the living room light on, too. He peeked into the room, still rubbing at his eyes. 

Ingo sat at the couch, head in his hands. On the coffee table was a book, a photo album, by the looks of it. He was staring very intently at one page. Two little toy cars - one red and one blue - sat on the table as well, their paint faded from years of use. 

Emmet slowly rounded the coffee table and sat beside his brother in silence. Chandelure hung from the ceiling just above their heads, making the ambient temperature a little warmer. Up close, Emmet could see the shadows under Ingo’s eyes. His lips were white from being pursed for so long, the forming wrinkles around his frown even more pronounced. His eyes were shockingly dry - not that that was a good thing. If his thinning silver hair made him look a full decade older than he was with the pensive expression he had. His elbows rested on the coffee table, his head in his hands, his silver eyes staring intently at a specific photo, unblinking. Emmet looked at the photo. 

It was not too long after Ingo had returned with the kids. Their sixth birthday had just passed, and as such, the brothers had decided to put their new language skills to the test by taking them to the Nimbasa City Amusement Park. A kind passerby had taken the photograph of the four of them, Ingo holding Rei and Emmet holding Akari. Each of them had a wild grin on their face (excepting Ingo, of course), the kids with face paint on to make them both look like Emolga, a large stuffed Lillipup was clutched in Rei’s small hands. Emmet had won it for him at the ring toss game (he would never admit it had taken thirty dollars worth of tries for him to win it). Akari was holding a blue balloon with a Cubchoo’s face printed on it. It had been taken just in front of the Rondez-View. They had just gotten off the wheel when the kids had begged to take a photo. 

Emmet said nothing, instead opting to rub Ingo’s back as he stared silently at the photo. A long time passed in silence, Emmet trying to fight off sleep to stay awake with Ingo. He floated along the awkward line between consciousness and sleep, the line sometimes waltzing to the left or right and forcing him to shimmy along just to stay coherent. The room was just pleasantly warm enough with Chandelure’s presence and it was so quiet…

Ingo took a breath. Emmet shifted a bit. That seemed to break the spell. 

“I’m a horrible father.” The sentence startled Emmet out of his silent battle for wakefulness that he finally crossed the full threshold into consciousness. And in doing so, he fully grasped the meaning of the statement that had been presented to him. He scrunched his eyebrows and began to voice his dissenting opinion when he was cut off. “I never provided any idea of what to do if I wasn’t there. If they couldn’t rely on me. I didn’t reach out enough. They could have been in danger for much longer than this and I wouldn’t even have known. Had they been followed by something? I could have protected them better. I could have been around and gone with them. I could have saved them, maybe returned myself and kept them safe. This is all my fault.” His voice was raspy, his throat thick with unshed tears that simply weren’t there anymore. 

“Ingo-”

“And now I’m just sitting here. Going back to life as usual as if nothing is wrong. As if they mean nothing to me. I’m not even looking for them. I go to work like I used to and I cook dinner and run errands as if my children aren’t now missing persons and are still just at home. As if they haven’t been missing for well over a month. The best we have on any whereabouts is an assumption that they might have been taken to the same time and place I was, when we really have no idea. What if they’re beyond our reach, Emmet? What if they’re gone for good?” 

“Ingo, I really don’t think-”

“Emmet.” Ingo finally turned to him. If the movement had been accompanied by the sound of a stone being dragged against stone, Emmet would not have been shocked. He had no idea how long his brother had been in that same position, but his bones must have been aching. Emmet could see the raw pain radiating in Ingo’s dulled eyes. “What if they forgot about home. About you. About me. What if they’re gone for good? What if they aren’t coming back?” 

Emmet laid his hands on his brother’s shoulder and looked him in the eyes. “Ingo, I am going to make you a promise. We will find them. I do not care how. I do not care if we have to travel to the ends of the earth and meet Arceus itself. We. Will. Find. Them.” 

“You can’t promise that,” Ingo murmured, his voice sounding smaller and flatter by the second. If Emmet didn’t know any better, he might think that he was talking to himself. “It’s impossible.” 

“You came back, didn’t you?” 

“I wasn’t going to,” Ingo admitted, his eyes and voice flatter than sanded wood. Emmet paused as he took in this information. “I had given up. My wife had died. I had twin children to watch and a job to fulfill. All I had of my previous life was foggy feelings. Nothing to go on. Even though it hurt, I had nothing I could remember to return to.” He blinked. “My returning to this station was an accident. A creature overrode my path and thrust me through a portal with the twins. I had no idea what was happening or why.” Emmet thought over this information. He had, of course, mentioned that he had no idea how he’d gotten here and he’d implied that he hadn’t been actively searching for a way home, but Ingo had never said point-blank that he wasn’t going to come home. 

“You had nothing to go on,” Emmet pointed out slowly, his fingers still gripping Ingo’s shoulders as he ignored the pit forming in his stomach. He shoved away those thoughts that had plagued him during Ingo’s absence - the ones that said that Ingo hadn’t wanted to come home and how those thoughts had just been confirmed directly, without any room for wondering if he was just overthinking it. “No pokemon. No items. They have each other for sure. And we looked through their PC boxes. All their pokemon were there… except their starters. And their balls weren’t at the scene, right? So where else could they be?” Ingo said nothing, simply staring at him with that same blank expression. “My point is, they do have things to remind them of home. Maybe not their Xtrans or any photos or anything, but they have something. And they do know things about being on their own. That’s the whole point of a pokemon journey! To learn how to be self-sufficient. They’ve camped out, they’ve trained up a team of their own, they’ve taken on gym battles and opponents of all kinds. They can fend for themselves.”

“Can they forage?” Ingo cut in. “Can they deal with life-threatening situations? Not just pokemon-on-pokemon battles. Pokemon-on-human. Being attacked on their own person. Assuming it even is Hisui they were sent to, can the handle not having a pokemon center around?” He shook his head. “I can’t be sure.”

“But we aren’t sure they can’t, either.” Emmet sighed, bringing his hands down. “And that’s the thing. We have to have some faith in them. In their abilities.” He stood, closing the album gently. “I believe it is time to retire for the evening. Staying up all night until you can’t even think isn’t going to help anything.” He took his brother’s hand and hauled him to his feet, dragging him back to his bedroom, Chandelure trailing behind him as they left. Emmet made sure to shut off the light on the way out. 

Ingo sat on the bed as Emmet bid him goodnight. He whispered to Chandelure, “Please try whatever you can to get him to sleep.” Then he shut the door on them and returned to his own room, sighing to himself as he climbed under the covers, placing his glasses back on the nightstand and reading the angry green LED numbers on the clock. 3:53 am.

[First] - [Previous] - [Next]

Author's Note: Hey yall! Hope you're enjoying so far. I wanna make a note about the way time is flowing between Hisui and Unova. It is going much faster in Unova than Hisui - so more time passes for the submas than it does for the kids. That will likely continue to be a trend, but its hard ot say for sure. I'm already at 30k words on my end and i'm not even halfway done. Keep on enjoying and I'll be back with another chap soon!

[kazscrows]

Crooked Kingdom Reread

Chapter 3: Matthias

Cornelis Smeet tipped, losing his footing, hat sliding from his nearly bald head. The boy who had run into him stepped forward, offering assistance.

The boy was Kaz, but he was not Kaz. His dark hair was mussed, his manner flustered. He kept his eyes averted, his chin tucked into his collar as if hopelessly embarrassed—a green youth, respectful of his elders.

I love when Kaz goes into acting mode™️

I need more of it

lol Kaz saying “Oh dear, I think you dropped your wallet.” like he’s a respectable lad

Matthias watched in disbelief, Smeet opened his billfold and drew out a crisp five-kruge bill. “There you are, young man. Pays to be honest.”

I’m cackling

That honest young man just robbed you of your dog whistle, put it back again, stole valuable information on one of your clients and threatened your daughter—

Matthias could not fathom it. He’d kept his gaze trained on Kaz’s gloved hands as he’d fussed over Smeet, but even knowing that Kaz intended to return the whistle, Matthias hadn’t been able to detect the moment of deception. He was tempted to drag Smeet back and make Kaz perform the trick again.

Kaz neatened his hair with his fingers and handed the five kruge to Wylan. “Don’t spend it all in one place. Let’s move.”

Please why is this so funny? I’m dying-

Kaz just keeps reaffirming that he’s secretly a demjin in Matthias eyes

But same Matthias. I’d want to see that trick a hundred times

And Kaz giving Wylan the money?

Hilarious 😂

Matthias just thought that Kaz is twice as insufferable ever since Inej got taken

He needs her 😭

He’s definitely worried about her

I wonder just how often the others will note his increasingly worse moods

They made it back to Black Veil

It was weird they already came here in the show but it was also very cool to see the cemetery

I guess it just sets it up as a future haunt for later… *ba-dum tssh* get it? Haunt.. cause.. cause it’s a cemetery—

I love that Jesper and Nina are in an argument when Kaz, Wylan, and Matthias arrive

Kaz is just like.. “now now children stop being stupid and shut up-“

He literally herds them along with his cane

Freddy please use the cane for more gestures in the future! I’m begging 🙏

“Stop gawking like you’ve never seen a girl in a dress before, Matthias.”

“I wasn’t gawking,” Matthias said with as much dignity as he could muster. But for Djel’s sake, what was he supposed to look at when Nina had irises tucked between … everything.

“Be quiet, Brekker,” Nina said. “I like it when he gawks.”

It’s your own fault they’re back together Kaz

I love Nina

And I can totally hear Danielle saying that line

Matthias knew Nina would allow herself no comfort until Inej was safe.

Aww ninej 🥹💕

I love their friendship

All the crows love Inej so much

Kuwei poked his head out of the huge stone tomb as they approached.

“What did I tell you?” Kaz growled, pointing his cane at him.

“My Kerch isn’t very good,” protested Kuwei.

“Don’t run game on me, kid. It’s good enough. Stay in the tomb.”

Kuwei hung his head. “Stay in the tomb,” he repeated glumly.

lol

I just like this interaction

Kaz calling anyone kid is kind of funny. Like dude you can’t be anymore than four years older than him

Poor Kuwei though

If I’m being honest I never cared much for him before I guess we’ll see if that changes after this reread

I’ve definitely been sympathizing for him more

The tomb was constructed to look like an ancient cargo ship, its interior carved into a vast stone hull. It even had stained-glass portholes that cast rainbows on the crypt floor in the late afternoon.

I had forgotten it looked like a boat so I’m glad the show got it right!

We always talk about Nina and Kaz’s sibling energy in the fandom and I love it, but I’m getting sibling energy from her and Jesper too and I’m living!

He turned his gaze on Matthias. “The Fjerdans are here too. They’ve got a whole contingent of drüskelle with them.

Oh rip I didn’t realize they knew the drüskelle were there so early

Kaz continued. “Once we have Inej, we can move on Van Eck’s silos.”

Nina rolled her eyes. “Good thing this is all about getting our money and not about saving Inej. Definitely not about that.”

“If you don’t care about money, Nina dear, call it by its other names.”

I’m probably reading way too much into this but

Kaz called Inej, Inej here.

Not the Wraith or a spider

He cares about Inej. He didn’t call her by her other names

It’s probably not meant to be read like this at all

Especially since in the next breath Kaz calls money freedom, security, and retribution to help appease Nina’s disapproval and of course to slightly mock her…

Yeah I’m definitely going off the rails, but it’s just a thought I had

Inej is his first priority though, can’t deny that one

Matthias heard Wylan murmur to Jesper, “Why won’t he just say he wants her back?”

“You’ve met Kaz, right?”

“But she’s one of us.”

Unfortunately Kaz is emotionally constipated

“Inej is part of the crew.”

“Just don’t push it.”

“Why not?”

“Because the practical thing would be for Kaz to auction Kuwei to the highest bidder and forget about Inej entirely.”

“He wouldn’t—” Wylan broke off abruptly, doubt creeping over his features.

None of them really knew what Kaz would or wouldn’t do. Sometimes Matthias wondered if even Kaz was sure.

Wylan trying to stand up for Inej is wonderful

But man this hurts

None of them believe that Kaz wouldn’t just leave them all to die if it was ever more convenient for him

I don’t believe that for a second but…

This emotional constipation is getting dangerous Kaz-

None of them trust you-

Just let them in alReAdy—

Also Jesper and Wylan talking like Kaz isn’t just right there and can’t hear them

He can definitely hear them

“Once the job is done, Kuwei—and any other convicts, Grisha, and disinherited youths who may or may not have prices on their heads—can lie low in the Southern Colonies.”

Jesper frowned. “Where will you be?”

“Right here. I’ve still got plenty of business that requires my attention.”

There he goes

Getting everyone their money and then just pushing them all away

Though Kaz’s tone was easy, Matthias heard the dark anticipation in his words. He had often wondered how people survived this city, but it was possible Ketterdam would not survive Kaz Brekker.

Some of Matthias’ thoughts about Kaz are such bangers

“Kuwei cleared his throat. “I would prefer to go to Ravka.”

“I’d prefer a pair of sable-lined swimming trunks,” said Jesper. “But we can’t always get what we want.”

I love Jesper so much

“Do you really think an antidote is possible?” Nina asked.

“I don’t know,” said Kuwei. “My father was a Fabrikator. I am just an Inferni.”

“You’re our chemist, Wylan,” said Nina hopefully. “What do you think?”

Wylan shrugged. “Maybe. Not all poisons have an antidote.”

Jesper snorted. “That’s why we call him Wylan Van Sunshine”

Ah the famous Wylan Van Sunshine quote

And wouldn’t you know it’s Jesper being sarcastic

There was a long, tense pause, then Kaz ran a gloved thumb over the crease of his trousers and said, “Nina, love, translate for me? I want to make sure Kuwei and I understand each other.”

“Kaz—” she said warningly.

Kaz shifted forward and rested his hands on his knees, a kind older brother offering some friendly advice.

The very worst older brother you could ever have

Sorry Kaz but it’s true..

I was about to say the speech he gives Kuwei isn’t so terrifying but uh.. I was wrong

It’s pretty awful actually

“You are a stolen painting, Kuwei. Too recognizable to sell on the open market, too valuable to leave lying around. You are worthless to me.”

Like.. yikes

This is why they all worry you’d leave them bleeding out in a ditch if it suited you, Kaz-

“Kuwei responded in Shu. She hesitated. “He says you’re cruel.”

“I’m pragmatic. If I were cruel, I’d give him a eulogy instead of a conversation. So, Kuwei, you’ll go to the Southern Colonies, and when the heat has died down, you can find your way to Ravka or Matthias’ grandmother’s house for all I care.”

“Leave my grandmother out of this,” Matthias said.”

No you’re definitely cruel Kaz but uh.. okay-

The grandmother comments are making me cackle though

Oh my gosh this is so perfect actually since we know that Calahan’s real grandma watches the show!

“Okay Cal, I have watched 5 and 6 and you are still in prison! 😳”

That is a real text Calahan got from his grandma about season 2 of the show

The knife that had killed Muzzen had been meant for Matthias, and the Fjerdans might well be responsible. The drüskelle. His brothers. They’d wanted him to die without honor, murdered in an infirmary bed. It was a death fit for a traitor. It was the death he had earned. Now Matthias owed Muzzen a blood debt, but how would he ever pay it?

I was just thinking about the guy they left at hellgate the other day 😬

But if the drüskelle killed a guy helpless in a prison cell it’s no surprise what happens to Matthias later…

Also I think Muzzen and Jesper must have been friends… he’s the most upset by his death

Jes was sad about Big Bolliger last book too

“There’s something else,” said Rotty. “Someone’s kicking up dust looking for Jesper.”

“His creditors will have to wait,” said Kaz, and Jesper winced.

“No,” Rotty said with a shake of his head. “A man showed up at the university. Jesper, he claims he’s your father.”

Ooh

Here comes Mr. Fahey!!

Colm! I like Colm

First | Previous | Next

[useyernamesteven]

So Wednesday brainrot, right.

Reading the general wiki pages for the Addams family and found a fun little tidbit: the Addams family curse. Apparently, the reason why Wednesday and Pugsley are constantly trying to murder each other is bcuz they can't. An Addams cannot permanently kill another Addams, they just come back to life/regenerate themselves. (Also, Addams's can't die of natural causes, once the've aged they bury themselves and fall into a deep death-like sleep that rejuvenates them, hence why they have the game "wake the dead").

And this got me thinking, how funny it would've been in the show. Like imagine the chaos that could've been!

So Pugsley usually gets the short end of the dynamite stick--being younger and less cunning than his older sister--and has been victim of Wednesday's murder plots more than he's been able to kill her. But he hatches a plan for the next time he visists Nevermore to catch his sister by surprise.

And so it goes on the next Parents day or something, and everyone is in the quad and Wednesday may be just the slightest bit distracted by the new murder cases (and keeping an eye on her roommate for some odd reason) that she doesn't see the javelin before its running through her chest and she falls to the ground dead.

Its panic and chaos all at once. Weems and the teachers try to keep everyone calm, the students and families start bunching up, afraid of another attack, Yoko and Bianca have to forcibly restrain an incredibly distraught and crying Enid. Morticia and Gomez stare at each other in shock... until Pugsley comes whooping and hollering down from the balconies. "I totally gotcha sis!"

Morticia rubs her temples and Gomez turns to scold his son; this is a school yard Pugsley, where are his manners?! Morticia walks up to Wednesday's body and pulls the javelin from her chest, looking to Weems apologetically, greatest condolences, Pugsley can be a handful at the best of times.

Everyone is still incredibly perturbed, bcuz why the fuck are the Addams family having what seems to be a small tiff instead of freaking out or mourning over their now dead daughter?!

Until Wednesday suddenly sits up, and several people faint while others begin wondering if they should be running for the hills.

Wednesday rubs at the still regenerating hole in her chest, getting blood all over her uniform and hands, slowly coming back to her senses. Then, as it suddenly occurs to her that she should be dead but isn't, she slowly turns to look at her nearby family, eyes murderously zoned in on her brother.

Pugsley cowers behind Gomez, hands up in a plea. "W-Wednesday? Hey, wait, we're even!"

Wednesday gets to her feet, a set of daggers in her hands she procured from somewhere on her person. "You have 3 seconds... 1-"

Pugsley turns tail and runs, screeching his head off. Wednesday waits 2 more seconds before pursuing and they both disappear in the school. Morticia sighs and Gomez shrugs, surprised Wednesday actually gave him a head start.

Everyone else is left staring dumbly and incredibly confused. Wednesday returns 5 minutes later with an annoyed look on her face, more blood on her clothes, and carrying Pugsley's severed arm. Several more people pass out and a few get sick at the sight as Wednesday neatly drops it into the fountain, saying he can fetch it himself when he pieces himself back together.

Wednesday garners a new terrifying reputation among the student body. Seriously, don't fuck with Wednesday Addams.

. . .

Idk something like that would've probably been too goofy to have in the show but its still pretty funny to imagine.

(Also, personally, I feel like Pugsley wasn't accurately portrayed. Nothing against the actor, but where was the general Addams oddities? The flair and calamity of the bomb loving boy? The most unusual thing he did was throw grenades in a pond and eat potpourri. He just seemed so... normal? Maybe thats just me but I expected mischief at the very least)

[discodeviant]

HARRINGROVE FLIP REVERSE IT DAY 6: Fake Dating Trope Subversion | Teen | 6.2k

DEVASTATED that this is late, but I'm happy with the final result, so it's better that I took my time instead of rushing it lol. Fun lil teacher Steve dynamic for the soul <3 Please enjoy!!

Read the Full Fic on AO3 Made for @harringrove-flip-reverse-it!

Preview below!

Billy has always had his fair share of inappropriate crushes.

An older gentleman passing through from Los Angeles, random tourists at the beach with heavy accents and eyes that he’d have liked to pick apart. One client at the auto shop he used to work at whose AC relay he had to fix, and who returned time and time again to buy coolant. Crushes that he knew were never going to happen, and that he never cared enough about to try. There were hot guys all over San Diego, though few ever truly caught his eye.

Even fewer were a part of his daily routine.

“Max, get the hell up, or you’re walking!”

“Hold on, asshole!”

Billy didn’t mind driving her around, really, but it was only September, and he thought he would lose all of his hair before May. A month since Max hit high school was a month where the pseudo-dad charade was amped up to one-hundred, and he was in for one hell of a ride until she graduated.

It was coming up on one year since it had just been the two of them. Working two jobs since he was fifteen and hiding the money from his dad was the only reason Billy had been able to afford his own place at all, let alone be deemed fit to take over as Max’s legal guardian. He was twenty-four with a clean, safe apartment and steady income, and despite ceaseless arguing that they hadn’t quite gotten over yet, Max was on his side. She would have been no matter what.

“I’m leaving!”

“Jesus Christ, Billy—“

She was still brushing her teeth by the time he revved up the car, worked the engine a few times for dramatics, and grimaced when she spit into the grass. “You are so fucking gross, Max,” he said when she got into the passenger’s seat, idly spinning the wheel of her skateboard.

“Says the guy with cigarette breath.”

Billy laughed; he couldn’t argue there.

Between the radio and forgettable chatter, rides to school were far too loud for eight in the morning, but that was their thing. It was so different from how things used to be, they didn’t care. They liked it that way. Just an obnoxious guy and his more obnoxious step-sister having the time of their lives before something went wrong again, but that would be later’s problem.

Right now, Billy’s problem was pulling up to Sunny Oaks High School without giving himself away by sticking around so Mister Harrington, Max’s biology teacher, could wave hello. It happened once on the first Thursday—maybe he’d recognized Billy from the tour—and the flip in Billy’s stomach was familiar and far too strong. Mister Harrington was one handsome fellow indeed: tall and lean with the most gorgeous brown hair Billy had ever seen. It made his heart race and his face heat up, but that was something he just couldn’t fucking afford, so he got into the habit of letting his tires screech before the door even closed all the way.

It was a crush. One of those based purely on appearances, because he had yet to speak to Mister Harrington. He only heard from Max how much fun he was, that he explained things well and never gave pop quizzes. Apparently he was funny too, which definitely didn’t add to Billy’s narrow image of him in the slightest. Billy didn’t think about him telling some stupid taxonomy joke and laughing while the class watched with confused frowns, or chuckling to himself while grading papers when he came across a particularly wrong answer.

Billy would be over it by the next week.

Okay, by the next month.

Okay, after parent-teacher conferences, because then he would actually speak to Mister Harrington and learn of all the reasons why he was unattractive.

It should have been easy to wait outside the classroom by himself, reading a book to avoid the real parents with spouses and other kids and respectable jobs. It should have been easy to smile, introduce himself, shake a hand with the same charm he’d used since puberty started working in his favor, but Mister Harrington—damn him—made it so much harder. Up close, Billy noticed the moles dotting his cheek and chin and neck and arms—and, god, it was impossible.

Continue Reading on AO3

[noxgold]

Fractured Moonlight on the Sea

For the @atlararepairmonth Week 1 prompt: Sick Fic/Disabilities Princess Yue x La - Rated M Available on AO3

The blessing was fading. It had started with a single black hair, stark against her pillow. A curiosity, but not a concern. It had been almost 20 years since her parents had first dipped Yue into the Oasis Pool as a baby, and she had finally begun to cry. Of course during that time, one of her hairs would grow in as it's natural black instead of the bleached white. Something to dismiss from her mind, a funny story to tell Father over dinner. Then she found another black strand but a few days later.

Visiting Master Yagoda was simply meant to assure her worries. Peeling off the layers of fur and woollen cloth that kept her warm, Yue relaxed back onto the padded mat as Yagoda and her assistant healers lent over her form with glowing hands. Monthly check-ups with the healers had been a part of her life for as long as she could remember; it hadn't been difficult to quietly request that this month's meeting simply be moved up by a week.

"You mentioned finding stray black hairs, Princess?"

"Mm-hmm. Only two so far but they were within days of each other. It's probably nothing but I just wanted to be sure." The illness of her birth had been soothed by Tui's light, but never fully cured. It was common for her to still feel weary after full nights of sleep, and to be exhausted for days after even the lightest amounts of physical exertion. It was the reason Father ordered for her to travel around Agna Qel'a via canoes in the canals, rather than take the leisurely strolls that her handmaids got to enjoy. It had also been a cause of concern when her betrothal to Hahn had been announced, both her father and the councilmen wondering if her body would be able to handle the stress of marriage and pregnancy.

Master Yagoda hummed in acknowledgement as she laid one palm against the skin of Yue's lower abdomen and the other over her forehead. The water was slightly cool to the touch but not shockingly so, a refreshing chill that always felt good against her skin. Yue let her eyes flutter shut as she let Master Yagoda do her inspection, taking the moment to quietly rest. She drifted below the gentle touch, allowing time to slowly slip away from her until the warm touch of Master Yagoda's hands pulled her back to her body.

The question shaping on her lips died a soft lonely death as Yue opened her eyes to meet Master Yagoda's gaze, grief already etching its lines along the curve of the older woman's eyes. Yue didn't even notice as the assistant healers slowly slipped out of the room as Master Yagoda helped her sit up, gently clasping Yue's hands in her own. "Princess, I- Your spiritual energy has begun to fade. I'm so sorry."

~*~

Yue had no memory of how she had gotten dressed or of leaving the healing hall to settle back into the canoe waiting outside for her. It was as if she was floating through a gentle fog, with only Master Yagoda's words echoing in her mind. There had always been something different about her spiritual energy, a fleeting glimpse of something else intertwined with hers. The priests had theorised that Tui had blessed Yue with a piece of their own lifeforce, and that was what had supported her all these years. And now that support was beginning to fade and taking her to pieces with it.

"Princess? Do you wish to return to the Palace?"

Yue dragged her attention back to the waterbender that had been assigned to steer the canoe today, gently shaking her head as she struggled to remember his name. "No, thank you. I- I will give you directions to where I wish to go." She had found the docks as a child, when she still had energy to run around and explore the city to her heart's content. It slept in the back south-east of the city, where it pressed up against the glaciers that surrounded them. Once, maybe the docks led to a fast flowing river that rushed under the ice, but now it had frozen over, leaving only a lonely pier to remember. Yue enjoyed going there when she wanted to be alone, to have silence to just sit and think.

Carefully climbing out of the canoe once they arrived, Yue bade that the bender wait here for her until her return as she turned towards the archway that led down between the ice. She had always found the gentle groans of ice shifting around her to be soothing, listening to the frozen giants settle in their sleep. Despite how few people now came this way, the ice stairs were smooth beneath the tread of her boots as Yue descended, no lingering frost crunching beneath her step. She might have thought it strange had it not been for the sound of quiet humming that caught her ear as she finally reached the bottom.

Even sitting down, the man was easily one of the largest people Yue had ever seen, a deep blue parka edged in seal fur clinging to broad shoulders as he sat perched on the edge of the pier, a bundle of torn nets thrown over his lap as weathered fingers carefully worked to repair the holes. His hair was braided back in an intricate wolftail, beads of sea glass and bone glinted in the low light between strands of dark locks. His voice was a deep rumble as it curled around her, like the winter storms as they rolled in off the ocean. 

"What's the name of that song?" Yue's voice sounded strange to her ears, the words slipping out like she wasn't the one who spoke them, almost too loud in the icy cavern.

The music cut off at the sound of her question, the man looking up from his nets to study her silently. He had a handsome face, strong and dark, with eyes such a deep blue they almost looked black. A trimmed beard curled around his jaw and mouth, framing it nicely in such a way it almost made Yue want to look away.

"The Jolly Unagi."

Somehow, his voice was almost as deep spoken as it was sung.

"I don't know that one." Her seal skin boots crunched slightly as Yue took a slight step forward, caught by the sudden strange urge to stay and talk to this man. Maybe it was the look in his eyes, like he didn't know or care who she was. Maybe it was the fact that now that she was alone and the fog had started to lift, she didn't want to dwell on the realisation that she was dying and had spirits only knew how much time left to live.

His fingers continued to mend the nets as he tilted his head slightly in thought, beads catching in the flickering light that trickled down through the ice above their head. "It's a Kyoshi song."

Kyoshi? Yue had never met anyone who had left the waters surrounding Agna Qel'a, let alone sailed all the way down towards their sister Tribe in the south. "You've been to Kyoshi?" Her voice couldn't hide the touch of excitement at the idea of seeing everything the world had to offer outside their walls. The food, the clothes, the music, the people. Even the sailing itself, facing the waves and the weather with just your skill and La's blessings to protect you.

The corner of his lips twitched up slightly in the face of her excitement. "Mh. I've been to a lot of places. Wherever the ocean can reach."

Wherever the ocean can reach. Oh, to be able to sail like that. Yue loved her people and her city, and knew her duty to them. But sometimes she hated the limits of her body and position, how fragile she truly was. A sudden thought brought a blush to her cheeks with the realisation of how rude she had been. In her excitement, Yue had completely forgotten even the basics of her manners. Taking another step forward, Yue clasped her hands in front of her chest to bow slightly to the sitting man. "Please forgive my poor manners. My name is Yue, may I ask yours?"

His eyes seemed to warm slightly as he inclined his head back at her, his face softening as he answered. "I am Tariuq. It's a pleasure to meet you, Yue." The words rang honestly, with no added title as if he didn't know or care that she was the princess of Agna Qel'a. But if he travelled as much as he claimed he did, maybe he wouldn't know much about her. Just that Chief Arnook had a daughter somewhere. No clue of her name or appearance. 

The bubble of delight at being so unknown made her answering smile so much wider. "The pleasure is mine." 

The greetings seemed to be the extent of socialising that Tariuq was willing to deal with, easily turning his attention back to the nets in his lap. Yue was left standing in silence, watching his fingers weave in and out of the rope until it was finally broken by a simple "would you like to sit?"

Yue started slightly at the question, shaking her head as she took a slight step back. "No, thank you. I shouldn't disturb you further." Master Yagoda had probably sent one of her assistants to the palace with the details of her checkup with Yue, and Father would be so worried when he received the news, especially if Yue wasn't home already. Bowing shallowly again, Yue turned on her heel to climb back up the icy stairs to where the canoe was waiting for her. As she left Tariuq to his work, her ears caught the sound of his humming starting up again, bringing a gentle smile to her lips. He really did have a lovely voice.

~*~

Time escaped her after her return to the palace. Her father's reaction was everything Yue had feared and worse, ordering her to bedrest as he fled to the Oasis to pray. Her space became a never-ending parade of priests and healers as the days passed, black leeching back into her hair as her body became weakened. Yue slept more as the cold seeped into her body to live between her bones, needing more and more energy to even sit up and eat. Hahn had visited her only once, awkwardly informing her that their fathers had broken their engagement. Some part of her had laughed hysterically at that, crowing that at least there had been some benefits to all of this.

Her dreams were strange when she slept, of great serpents swimming through the depths where no light reached that called her Mother. Broken ships crewed by the spirits of lost tribesmen that hummed while they worked. A giant seal too fat and lazy to reach the sea, that barked and barked until the waves finally came to him. The last one had left her in a fit of giggles when she woke, trying to explain through laughter to her handmaids about how round the poor seal was.

This dream was new though. The moon was gone outside her window when she opened her eyes, the sky as dark as the abyss despite how clearly she could see around her room. The air tasted like salt and brine, waves lapping at her windowsill like the sea had risen up to swallow the city whole. The sweetest thing though, was how nothing hurt. No aches or pain swelling under her skin, jabbing at her temples or churning in her gut. She felt as if she could leap out of bed, dive into the water, and swim forever.

Of course, what kept and held Yue's attention as she slowly sat up, relishing the flex of her muscles and how easily they held her up, was the man leaning against the far wall watching her. His face was sharper, hair longer and wild. Bone, driftwood, sea glass, and pearls beads all hung from tangled braids woven through ink hair. His eyes held no trace of white, black to black from one corner of the eye to the other. To stare into them was to be lost, drowning in the fathomless depths. Tattoos tangled up his bare arms, bound around his wrists and flowing up to curl around muscular shoulders.

Yue's voice was hushed as she stared at the man, wondering if it was one of those dreams that left her feeling warm and flustered in the morning when she woke. "Tariuq?"

The answering smile was sharp, his teeth all coming to a point like the sharks that the fishermen sometimes pulled in. "Not quite. You know me though." His voice carried the distant roar of waves crashing against rocks, wood breaking beneath the force of the storm, ice grinding against ice as the currents drove them together with unstoppable force. 

And he was right, she did know him. All of their people did. Ship Breaker, Tide Dweller, La of the Fathomless Depths. Yue swallowed as she stared at the Great Spirit, wondering if this really was a dream or if it even mattered. And if this was just a handsome face he had plucked from her memories, or if the net mender she had met all those weeks ago was really a Great Spirit walking the mortal world.

"You're dying. Your heart has begun to fail under the strain." His words were unkindly gentle, as patient as the water that eroded the stone. The sea took everything in the end. One day it would rise and swallow the whole world, and everything would return to his domain. And today, it seemed that La had come for her. Yue wet her lips as she watched him push away from the wall, slowly approaching her bed with silent footsteps. Frost spread beneath each step, ice crystals creeping along the floor to curl around the edges of her furniture and lap at the edges of the wall. "Your father kneels at the edges of my domain and begs for your life. My Tui has blessed you once with life, and now he pleads for my blessing as well." 

Yue couldn't stop the shiver that raced down her spine at his words. Tui and La were two halves of the same whole. Push and Pull, Light and Dark, Soft and Hard, Gentle and Cruel, Life and Death. It was by Tui who taught them how to turn their bending to healing, and La who showed them how to fight with it, to defend their people and homes. He was the sea, lifegiving and merciless. His blessing was something that had to be earned, with skill and hard work. Only the strong, the brave, and the wise survived the waves.

But Yue could be brave. She did not know if she was wise or strong, but she could be brave. Squaring her shoulders, she met La's eyes head-on, unwilling to flinch as she caught his gaze. "What would your blessing cost me?" There were whispers of his favour; men who survived weeks at sea after shipwrecks, scarred but sane, having eaten strange fish that glowed under the moon's light. Women who prayed for relief from cruel husbands, wandering down to the sea's edge and returning with a stomach full of babe after the ice gave way under their husband's feet while they hunted.

Was that what La would ask of her? A child? A part of her clenched at the idea, eyeing his broad shoulders and strong hands. It wouldn't be a hardship, surely he would be gentle with her. And father would believe her if she told him the parentage of the babe once her belly began to swell. La's smile grew dark with promise, as if he knew exactly where her mind had drifted. The bed creaked under his weight as he finally reached her side, one knee pressing into the mattress as he lent over to cup her face. "That is something for you to discover when you come find me, little moon."

His words were a rumble, trapped between them as his thumbs brushed against the delicate skin below her eyes, guiding her back down against her pillow as her eyelids fluttered shut as if dragged down by a great weight. La's lips were a frozen bite, so cold they burned as he pressed a kiss against each eyelid before finally stealing a sly kiss from her parted lips. "You will carry my mark like you once carried Tui's, along with the strength to bear it. Now I think it is time for you to wake." 

[taintedevesayori]

Sayo's Route: Ecstasy Prologue

Sayo's Route Masterlist

-Sayo is at a phone booth, talking with her friend Lei

Sayo: Hey, Lei. It’s Sayo. Just calling for the monthly check in.

Lei: Hey, Sayo! I’ve got great news! Plan Escape Shitty Marriage is a go. My aunt has a room for you!

Sayo: …!

-Sayo is silent for a moment, staring at her feet, as she attempts to process what she just heard

Lei: Sayo? Are you there?

Sayo: Uh, yeah, I’m here….

Lei: So when can you get here? I can have my brother drive us there in the morning. 

Sayo: I…um…just need a little time to sort things out.

Lei: You do? I figured you would want to hop on a bus right away…

Sayo: Well…there’s a complication…There’s…sort of a guy in the picture now…

Lei: What?! You’re dating someone?! How have the guys you live with taken that?

Sayo: They aren’t too thrilled, to put it lightly…And we aren’t officially dating…but it’s that sort of relationship. I know I still need to go with the plan…Don’t tell your aunt anything yet. I just need a little time to sort my feelings out.

Lei: Of course. Call me again when you’re ready.

Sayo: I will. Thanks, Lei.

Lei: Of course. Night, Sayo. 

Sayo: Goodnight. 

-Sayo hangs up the phone before collapsing to her knees

(What am I doing…? Lei just told me that her aunt’s place is ready for me…I can finally get the hell out of here! Why am I hesitating? I should be getting on the first bus I can…! But…)

*Flashbacks*

Sayo: Fufu…You sound like a protective older brother, Yuma. 

Yuma: Hehe…Ya think?

Kou: You’re mine, so he basically is, you know? You pretty much have three older brothers now~

Azusa: Having a little sister…? Fufu…How nice…

Ruki: Fufu…She is a rather troublesome little sister, isn’t she?

Yuma: Hehe…Got that right.

Subaru: Walking away like that could have ended badly for you. You don't know how violent that guy is.

-Sayo shrugs

Sayo: It's fine. The tall one is the one that grabbed me before. Besides, if anything had happened, you were there to save me, right?

-She turns, giving him a cheeky grin. Subaru's cheeks flush

Subaru: Why, you…

Sayo: There’s a crepe truck at the park over there. Let’s go get some. 

Laito: Nfu~ Your wish is my command, Sayo-chan~

Ayato: Haah…You have Laito here. Do you really need me?

Sayo: We made a bet. Are you really backing out, Ayato? Besides, is it really that bad to do this kind of thing for once?

-His cheeks flush pink

Ayato: …I guess it’s fine…

Reiji: Your frustrated expression isn’t bad to watch, so it’s a perfect way to kill time.

Sayo: Teasing me, I see…

Reiji: I’m simply telling the truth. 

Sayo: Well, it isn’t bad to watch your focused expressions when you have to counter my good moves. 

Reiji: Fufu…Oh? I did not realize you watch me so intently. 

Sayo: Likewise.

Reiji: Well, don’t let me distract you too much. You won’t be able to win the game.

Sayo: Fufu…You wish you could distract me that much. 

Laito: Why does it hurt so much…? Tell me, Sayo-chan? I don’t want to hear you say that you belong to him. You can’t…Just stay like this here with me…If I say it, will you believe me? Please believe me, Sayo-chan…I l-

Sayo: Laito, don’t…Please…

-He holds her tighter

Laito: Ah…If you’re stopping me, that means you believe me and just don’t want to hear it, right? That’s what it means, right, Sayo-chan? I meant everything before now. Do you finally believe me?

Kou: I want to be the only one you’re going on dates with, Sayo-chan.

Sayo: You do…?

Kou: Yeah. It’s pretty funny…that I would ever become possessive…That I want you so badly. But it’s true. Maybe it’s because you’re Eve…but I don’t know. But what I do know is that I can’t keep taking it slow…

Kou: Be mine, Sayo-chan. Forget about those other guys. I won’t let them steal you from me…

*Flashbacks end*

-Tears well up in her eyes as her hands clench into fists

Sayo: Tch…Dammit…Dammit…Dammit…! How did this happen…?!

*Timeskip*

-Sayo returns to the Sakamaki mansion sometime later. She runs into Subaru in the garden

Subaru: What are you doing?

Sayo: Hey, Subaru. Just coming back from a walk. 

Subaru: That’s not what I mean. And don’t lie, I can smell that guy on you. 

Sayo: …Okay, yeah, I was with him. And then I went on a walk. 

Subaru: What you’re doing is stupid! Do you actually think it will work out? There isn’t going to be a sweet, happy ending! 

Sayo: What are you talking about…?

Subaru: Laito isn’t going to give you up to Kou. They’re going to wind up fighting each other if it comes to that. The one who gets hurt here is you if this keeps going. 

Sayo: …I don’t know what you’re talking about. Me and Kou are just friends. 

Subaru: Friends my ass. His scent is all over you. 

-He grabs her arm, pulling her sleeve up to point out the bite mark on her wrist 

(Oh crap…That’s where Kou bit me before I left his house…)

Subaru: And there’s this! You’re letting him drink your blood? 

Sayo: Alright, I get it, Subaru…

Subaru: I know you didn’t want to move here and didn’t get along with us at first. We all saw you as a pain because you didn’t behave and let us suck your blood. But it’s different now! We all told you that we wanted you to stay here when those guys first showed up. Doesn’t that mean anything to you? 

Sayo: You said that because of my blood! 

Subaru: Fuck…! Can’t believe I have to say this…It’s not just because of your blood, alright? The others think the same thing. 

Sayo: …! But…I’m difficult…and not even that friendly…

Subaru: But you still make time to have tea with Reiji almost every day and play chess with him? You do whatever I want to do when I drag you along with me? You play games with Ayato and Laito when they challenge you even if you complain a little? You don’t think we enjoy those things? 

(He’s right…I do all those things…but I didn’t really think it meant much to them…) 

Subaru: You can be more open. You can tell us if you want to do things. Laito has obviously tried to show you that. You don’t have to rely on those other vampires for that. What can they give you that we can’t? What’s the difference between us? 

Sayo: ….Kou wanted to be my friend. I haven’t had any since I moved here…and it was nice to feel wanted. I get what you’re trying to say, okay? That’s enough emotional talk for one night…

-Sayo rushes off towards the mansion

Subaru: Tch…Do you not think of us as friends…?

-Sayo locks her bedroom door behind her once she reaches her room. She slides to the ground, keeping her back to the door

Sayo: Dammit, Subaru…

-A few tears slip down her cheeks

[spencermyangel]

Part 2 of Spencer being Hotch and Emily's son.

CW - CSA, self-harm, bullying mention

Gary Micheals didn’t exist in the old timeline but in this timeline.

Part 1

Hotch returned home after a long day at work and softly walked towards the nursery where he heard Emily softly singing a lullaby. He rounded the corner, a smile appearing on his face at the sight in front of him. Jack lay on a few blankets, playing with his toys as Emily cradled baby Spencer in her arms.

“How was work?” Emily asked in a hushed tone when she noticed Hotch standing in the doorway. 

“Calm, just a paperwork day.”

“Okay. Let me know if you guys need anything, though.” 

Emily had decided to take a few years off, until Spencer started school. She had missed raising Spencer the first time around and she didn’t want to give up this opportunity. She still consulted on cases from home occasionally. 

3 years

Emily watched her precious baby boy sit in the corner reading a book. Emily knew that things in Spencer’s personality would likely not be different. She worried though, Spencer hadn’t spoken yet. Of course, Emily knew Spencer had autism. But, she realized she didn’t really know how it had affected Spencer as a child, she had never thought to ask. Spencer was already reading chapter books, but couldn’t speak. 

It was also around this time she noticed Spencer had started squinting at things that were further away, the television for example. 

“Aaron,” Emily said one evening when Hotch returned home, “I think Spencer needs glasses.”

“I guess we’ll have to take him to get tested, I’ll make an appointment.” 

Hotch was worried about the appointment. He was unsure of how it would go with Spencer not being able to talk and his other needs. But, fortunately the optometrist was understanding and very patient with Spencer, and the appointment went smoothly. 

On the way home though, Hotch noticed Spencer was acting off. 

“Are you okay, Spencer?” Hotch asked, glancing at his son. Who stared forward as he adjusted his new round glasses.  

Spencer shrugged and continued to stare ahead. 

“You want to tell me what's wrong? Maybe I could help?” 

Spencer considered this, before reaching into his bag that held different tools for him to use. He pulled out his communication book, flipping through the pages. He eventually landed on a picture of his half-brother, Jack. He pointed to it and then his new glasses. 

“You’re worried about what Jack will think of your new glasses?” Hotch guessed, giving his son a reassuring smile when he nodded. “You don’t have to worry about that, Spence. I’m sure Jack will love them and think they’re cool.”

Spencer giggled at this, his nose wrinkling as he did. It was funny to him, the thought of being considered cool. Hotch shook his head fondly at his son, and continued the drive home. 

*

A few hours later, the front door opened and Jack came running in. 

“Spencer!” he shouted out, as he ran through the house, “you’ll never guess what happened toda-” 

Jack cut himself off at the sight of his younger brother, new round glasses perched on his nose. Jack, always empathetic, saw the nervous look on his brother’s face and immediately knew what he was feeling. 

“I like your glasses, Spence,” he said. Spencer looked up at him with wide eyes, “they’re awesome,” Jack continued, “like, Harry Potter!” 

At that Spencer beamed at him. Harry Potter was something both of the brothers loved. 

“You want to go watch? And I’ll tell you all about school today,” Jack offered. Spencer nodded and took his older brother’s hand as they walked over to the television. 

7 years old 

“Dad, do I have to go to school today?” Spencer asked Hotch as he was driven to school. 

Hotch sighed. Spencer liked school, to learn. But, Hotch knew Spencer was picked on and didn’t really have friends. They had tried to solve the problem, even moving him to a different school, but it didn't help. 

“Spencer, I know it’s hard when you’re different. Kids tease yo-”

“That’s not why,” Spencer cut Hotch off. 

Hotch furrowed his brows, “then, why?” 

Spencer hesitated, fidgeting with his hands, “I keep having weird dreams.”

“About what?” 

“Sometimes they're nice. A woman reading to me or cuddling me,” Spencer paused, “but other times they’re scary. The same women chasing me around or screaming at me. Sometimes there's a scary man in them. He hurts me.” 

Hotch’s breath caught in his throat. Him and Emily had discussed when they would tell Spencer about his other life and what had happened, but it was way too soon. 

“Baby,” Hotch took Spencer in his arms, “you know what? How about today we have a dad and Spencer day?”

Spencer’s eyes lit up and he excitedly nodded. 

“And, Spencer? I want you to tell me when you have these dreams, okay?” Hotch requested, unable to keep the worry out of his voice. 

“Okay, Dad,” Spencer answered. 

10 years old

Hotch peered into Spencer’s room. He watched his young son with concern. A year ago, Spencer had started high school. Ever since then he had become even more quiet and reserved. His nightmares had started up again and he had even begun wetting the bed. 

He worried if Spencer's dreams of his past life were becoming more persistent but Spencer still told him whenever he had these dreams and they hadn’t reduced or increased. Hotch also knew Spencer was still bullied, but luckily there was a teacher who seemed to look out for Spencer. His English teacher, Mr. Michaels. 

Hotch didn’t know what was wrong, but he decided he would keep an extra eye on Spencer. 

*

“Hey, kid!” Morgan called over from where he, Jack, Henry, and JJ were playing baseball, “you want to play?” 

Spencer looked up from his book and shook his head. 

“One second,” Morgan told the others and jogged over to Spencer. 

“What you reading, pretty boy?” Morgan asked. 

“The Outsider’s,” Spencer answered, stopping from chewing on his chewy necklace for a second. 

As Spencer flipped the page, the sleeve of his button up he had on under his sweater vest fell down his arm slightly. Morgan caught a glimpse of gold flash.

“Woah,” Morgan took Spencer’s arm in his, Spencer flinching slightly as he did so, “where did you get this?” Morgan admired the vintage style watch; it was gorgeous, with engravings on it. It was obviously expensive, “Did your dad get you that?” he asked in a joking tone. He knew how Hotch tended to spoil Spencer. 

Spencer pulled his arm away and quickly pulled his sleeve down, covering the watch. 

“No,” he answered, “I- um, I found it.” 

Morgan furrowed his brow and watched Spencer with confused eyes. With his stuttering and nervousness, it almost seemed like Spencer was lying. But why would he lie about where he got the watch from? It’s not like he would have stolen it. Morgan decided to let it go for the time being. He ruffled Spencer’s hair and ran back over to finish playing baseball. 

*

Later that night, Morgan went to go say goodnight to Spencer, before talking and having drinks with Hotch and Emily. But as he went to leave the room he spotted the watch on Spencer’s desk. But this time, his heart sank. Just below the face of the watch, with two birds on either side was an engraving in beautiful cursive. 

Spencer

Morgan subtly grabbed the watch and went into the hallway, his mind racing. He remembered how Hotch had told him about some of the worries he had about Spencer. Wetting the bed, nightmares, trouble eating, being even more uncomfortable than usual with touch, and now an expensive gift that Spencer had lied about. 

Morgan clenched the watch in his hands, as he tried to hold back tears. Memories of himself at thirteen flooded his brain. He had to tell Hotch. 

Morgan slowly walked into Hotch and Emily’s living room, dreading what he had to tell them. 

Hotch turned, his eyes immediately filled with alarm at the somber expression on Morgan’s face. 

“Morgan, what’s wrong?” he asked, placing his glass on the coffee table. 

“I think I know what’s wrong with Spencer,” Morgan simply said, holding his hand out with the gift in it.

Hotch took the watch in confusion, “what is this?”

Emily also peered at the watch with confusion on her face. 

“Spencer told me he found it. He obviously lied.” Morgan pointed to the engraving of Spencer’s name. 

Hotch’s eyes flashed up to meet Morgan’s. “And?”

“Come on, Hotch. Think about it. The bed wetting, the nightmares… this gift. We know these signs.”

Realization seemed to hit Hotch and Emily at exactly the same moment. 

“No,” Emily gasped as Hotch became very quiet. 

All three sat on the couch. Hotch held Emily as she stared into the distance, tears silently streaming down her face. 

“We promised,” Hotch finally spoke, “we promised we would protect him, give him a good childhood. We failed.”

“This isn’t your fault,” Morgan told him, “you can’t be blaming yourself. Spencer is going to need you so badly. He’ll heal, it will take time, but he’ll heal.” 

Morgan looked at his two friends crying, his own tears slowly making their way down his cheeks as well.

*

“Baby,” Hotch started one day, “I need to ask you a few questions, and I need you to be honest with me. Can you do that?” 

Spencer looked up from the puzzle they were working on and nodded. 

“Spencer, have any of your teachers or any of my friends ever made you uncomfortable in any way?” 

At this Spencer froze and didn’t answer. His only movement was fiddling with a puzzle piece. 

“You promised me you’d be honest.” 

Spencer slowly nodded his head, avoiding his father’s eyes. 

“Have they ever done anything… inappropriate with you?” 

Spencer again didn’t answer, he curled in on himself and softly began to sniffle. 

“Can you tell me who it was?” Hotch asked, over the lump in his throat. 

At this Spencer frantically shook his head. 

“Why not?” 

“I promised to keep it a secret. He told me too,” Spencer whispered, tears shing on his cheeks. 

Hotch’s heart clenched, “Well, I’m your father and I say you don’t have too. I need you to tell me, Spence. Please,” he almost begged. 

At the desperation in his father’s voice, Spencer softly mumbled two words.

“Mr. Michaels.”

*

“Why would you do this to yourself, Spencer,” Morgan asked, pain in his voice as he held the young boy’s wrist in his hand. There were cuts littering it, the most prominent one right over where his watch used to lay. 

Spencer blinked back tears, staring at the cuts, “deserve it,” he muttered. 

“Why would you think that?” 

Spencer let out a sob, his shoulder’s shaking, “I’m dirty. I deserve it.”

Morgan’s heart shattered at the self-hatred in the young boy’s voice. “No, Spencer. You’re not in any way dirty and you do not deserve this.” 

“I am,” Spencer continued to cry, “Why would this happen if I wasn’t?” 

Morgan knew, of course, what Spencer was speaking of. He, himself, had wrestled with these same thoughts over the years. 

“Can I tell you something?” 

Spencer quieted his sobbing and nodded. 

“When I was thirteen, I played on a football team. The coach would treat me like his son, do lots of extra stuff for me. Sometimes he would even give me gifts,” Morgan started to explain, “he did these things so he could do something to me, and I wouldn’t say anything.” 

Spencer rocked back and forth. He blinked at Morgan.

“He did the same thing to me, that Mr. Michaels did to you,” Morgan softly told Spencer. “So I understand how you feel, kid, I really do. I felt the same way, I used to feel dirty and broken. But I know now I’m not. It’s not my fault what happened to me and I didn’t do anything to deserve it. And you didn’t either. You’re not dirty or broken.”

At his last sentence, Spencer once again began sobbing. This time he turned to Morgan, who held him tightly as the young boy cried into his shoulder.

Age 12

Aaron and Emily watched with pride from the seats in Spencer and Jack’s highschool auditorium as both of their son’s walked across to accept their diploma. 

“Who would have thought my 12 year old brother would be graduating with me?” Jack had remarked on the way there, much to the amusement of Emily and Hotch. 

They of course knew some of the things to expect from Spencer’s childhood, but others were a complete surprise. They expected much of the same for his teenhood and young adulthood. Spencer had already been accepted to Caltech, and was already planning all the PhD’s he wanted to get.

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