#but i'll let you all stew a while longer

[catgrassplantdad]

thank you for the tag, @energievie @gardenerian @gallawitchxx @squidyyy23 !! 💜

Rules: post the first lines of your last 10 fics/chapters posted on AO3 (if you have less than 10 fics posted, post the first lines of all your fics) and try to draw some conclusions.

It's a beautiful day, one of the first nice days of the year. - golden

Moving out of the apartment couldn't have happened a moment too soon, in Mickey's opinion. - ligature

He got himself into this. - make the yuletide gay, or whatever

He's on his side, comfy in their bed, lips parted, eyes closed. - lush

Mickey's brain comes back online some time later, and as it does so, his mission becomes clear. - fulfillment

It's become a problem. These new builds are nice, but they're cheap, right? - kinktober collection

Mickey's lucky, he thinks. - and i'm your warm receiver

In retrospect, Ian's not sure why he'd thought renting furniture for the apartment would have been a good idea. - cinematic

It's not like he doesn't remember what it's like. - watching

He wakes up, and he knows it's early. - peace comes dropping slow

conclusions: first of all, i know i cheated by sharing more than one line for one of these. but, like mel, a bitch is succinct. more than one of these open with four fucking words alksflhgl. i tend to start with really short declarative statements that hopefully make readers interested in what's going on, but i don't know how engaging it actually is. hm!

i'll tag @howlinchickhowl @ardent-fox @whatthebodygraspsnot @whatwouldmickeydo @crossmydna @thisdivorce @celestialmickey if you guys feel like playing! 🖤

[barcaatthemoon]

home is where the heart is || mary earps x reader ||

you make a surprise visit to see mary.

your flight from germany landed in the middle of mary's derby. that was why you opted for going back to her apartment instead of the game. your training injury had yet to be announced, so you had some time off to go back home for a bit. germany was great, and you loved living with georgia, but the woman waiting for you back in manchester would always be your home.

mary's apartment looked exactly the same as from when you left it. she had kept everything you put up exactly where it had been. you smiled as you walked around the familiar place and took it all in. mary had always been a bit messy, and you swore that the cluttered items were still the same ones that you told her to pick up before you left.

you had at least an hour before mary got back, so you decided to turn on the game as you started cooking dinner. it was nothing fancy, just a little something that mary had always loved, your mother's beef stew. mary didn't have all of the ingredients, but you hadn't expected her to. the quick trip to the store on the way there guaranteed that you'd have everything that you needed.

"what is that smell?" you heard ella's voice before you heard her enter mary's apartment. the next thing you heard was mary drop everything and begin to run towards you. she had always been heavy-footed, stomping around the apartment at all hours of the day.

"oh my god, i've missed you," mary said as she scooped you up into her arms. she pressed several kisses to the side of your face. mary didn't care to turn you for a proper kiss, content to just have you in her arms for a bit longer.

"let her go, you're gonna hurt her," ella teased. mary shot her a glare, but set you back on the ground. "hi, (y/n)."

"hi ella," you returned the greeting. behind you, you could feel mary moving as she looked around the kitchen. "why don't you go in the living room for a bit?"

"are you sure that you don't need any help?" mary knew the answer, but she still wanted to ask anyway. you knew that it was genuine, not just because ella was here. you shooed both women out of the kitchen, unsurprised when ella announced that she was leaving a mere 15 minutes later. you gave the girl lots of hugs and a couple of kisses, having missed her nearly as much as you missed mary. you had missed most of your old friends in england, but you were glad that you followed georgia to germany.

"mary, the stew's done." you brought a bowl out to her, carefully balancing the two in your hands. there was more than enough left for later, and you knew mary would eat at least two bowls. she was always ravenous after a game, and even more so whenever you were the one doing the cooking.

"oh this is nice," mary said as she put her arm around your shoulders. you leaned into her embrace as you started eating. the two of you enjoyed your dinner while mary let you catch up on some of the shows that you had missed while you were away. you went back to take a shower while mary cleaned up in the kitchen, her getting done just a few minutes before you walked out of the bathroom in a towel. "i don't know what i did to deserve all this, but i'll take it."

"cheeky," you warned. mary pouted as she placed her hand on your towel. she didn't tug it down immediately, which you appreciated. however, you did not miss the look on her face that completely revealed her intentions. "if you pull that towel down, i'll call ella over for a sleepover right now."

"i was just feeling the fabric, that's all. i wanted to make sure it was soft enough for your skin. it's sensitive baby," mary said as she dropped her hand. you smirked at how quickly she had changed her attitude.

"i'm sure that you were," you laughed. mary sat back on the bed and pulled her knees up to her chest. she let out a small sigh as you sat down on the edge of the bed, just far enough away that she couldn't reach you.

"do you think that maybe for a second, you could drop the towel?" mary asked sweetly. you twisted yourself around so that you were facing mary before you started crawling up the bed. she let you push her legs down so that you could sit on her lap. mary forced herself to look away until you pulled her in for a kiss.

it wasn't like the kisses in the kitchen, where mary had just been trying to be all over you. this was very focused. you dropped the one hand that had been on your towel away, letting it fall between your bodies while you held mary's attention in the kiss. mary's hands came up to rest on your waist, and she let out a surprised little gasp to feel your skin against hers.

"do you think that i could have that?" you asked as you grabbed at mary's shirt. she pulled it over her head without a second thought and handed it right over to you. mary seemed to realize that you were getting dressed a second too late because she whined as you pulled her shirt over her head. "i was getting cold."

"i can tell," mary said as she reached up towards your boobs. you swatted her hands away and slipped off of her lap. mary tilted her head as she watched you put on a pair of boxers to sleep in. they had been from before you left manchester, and while mary hadn't mentioned it, you had really been hitting the gym in germany. the fabric of the boxers rode up way more on your thighs and ass, which were threatening to peek out from the bottom.

"are you ready for bed?" you asked mary. she shook her head, but made absolutely no effort to move an inch. you knew that she'd be out like a light the moment that you laid down in her arms. there was only one thing that would keep mary awake this late if she was already in bed and after your long day of travel, you weren't quite up to it yet. "i love you."

"i love you too," mary muttered as she kissed the side of your forehead. she laid back and let you get situated on top of her. it had been a long time since you had gotten to fall asleep to a good mary earps cuddle, and you were going to enjoy your injury time out while you had it.

[midnight-bay-if]

The tumblr famous "what is the RO's reaction to accidentally spotting a hickey on mc's neck, only to find out that it was just some bug bite?" also dating stage

S: They're assessing. Quietly. They aren't one to jump to baseless assumptions nor prone to jealousy. They spot the mark on MC's neck, and for a brief moment, they wonder, 'did I do that?'

When they ultimately conclude they didn't, they take a closer look. They didn't even notice their anxiety had spiked until they felt it settle once more. Under closer inspection, it becomes clear that it isn't a hickey, and they sigh in relief. "MC, you seem to have been bitten by something. I know an excellent remedy for bites. Allow me?"

Rain: Rain does a double take. Triple take. Quadruple take. They slowly begin inching closer. A slither of self-doubt begins to make itself at home. 'What if MC decided I wasn't good enough? Did I something wrong?'

"MC, what's that?" The words spill out like word vomit. Rain instantly wants to take them back. What if they don't like the answer?

You look down at your shoulder but see nothing.

"On your neck."

You glance up at the mirror on the wall. "Oh, it looks like a rash or a bite?"

Rain relaxes. They breathe a sigh of relief. Of course, that's what it is. They'll be beating themselves up for doubting you for a while.

Taj: As soon as Taj sees it, they become irate. They start tapping their foot, their ears twitching, grinding their teeth as they stare at it. They're across the room from you, so they can't see it close. But it looks like it, right? Humans are all the same. Betrayors. Dishonest. Liars.

You sigh, spotting Taj's sour mood. "What is it, now?"

Taj tuts and turns away. "Had a little fun last night, huh?"

You scowl. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"Your neck!"

Now you're really bewildered. You move to the mirror hanging on the wall, inspecting it closely. "Oh, it seems like I've been bitten by something."

Taj's heart sinks, and the impatient tapping of their feet ceases. "Bit? Like, an insect?" The realisation makes their ears droop. You shake your head, bemused. "Well... how dare you let another creature bite you," Taj grumbles, embarrassed. "That's my job."

N: N spots the mark, and their guard is up. Surely not? Surely MC wouldn't do that to them? Surely they couldn't without N knowing? The longer N stews on this, the more worked up they get.

Of course, they could just ask... but that would be too much like debasing themselves. They have more pride than that. Instead, they start working themselves into your mind. It's much easier to do with you. You're so open to them. They seep in, navigating the complexities in search of a memory.

Nothing. No one.

It isn't a mark of dishonesty, after all. Very well.

"My dear, you seem to have a mark on your neck. Would you like a balm for me to soothe it for you? I'll be very thorough."

Umbra: Umbra doesn't understand what they're seeing. They don't bruise like that, after all. In fact, they don't bruise at all. They inch closer, staring hard at the spot as they try to make sense of what they are looking at.

You startle a little when you turn to see Umbra looming over you. "Is... there something wrong, Umbra?"

"I... Is that a bruise, MC?" They ask, feeling concerned.

You glance down to where Umbra is pointing, but it's outside your vision. You turn and look in the mirror. "Huh... Are you sure you didn't do this?" You ask teasingly.

Umbra steps back, shocked. "What? No?" A pause. "Wait... I didn't, did I? Is it possible for me to do that?"

Good luck calming them down.

[envy-of-the-apple]

"God forbid god forbid god forbid", this is the repetitive phrase thats been circling on my mind(besides reader's character) because god forbid IF megumi finds out how you and gojo's relationship actually started, he would be the one that's in a pinch between saving his mom or keeping the peace, like she would always do. Its still hard to imagine how he would act after that revelation, but its no brainer he wont ever see nor respect gojo in a new light ever again, plus he would only feel with the intent to hurt(kill) gojo whenever they cross paths (lmaooo homicidal tendencies passed down from father to son)

Would gojo and megumi level cities for you, or would megumi just accept this shit, stew along his hatred and just get all resigned and tired feeling animosity and loathing for gojo(but the hate will still remain until he dies), and would these all depend on megumi's age aligning to how he would act? Its hard to imagine him how he would be, poor baby

And the kicker is when they all got additions to the family! We know he will be a great older brother and despite a bit of dislike about them because of who their sire is, hes obviously not the kind of person who will pin the sins of their father on them when theyre innocent in all of this. Though would he be that sibling who would jab at gojo at every opportunity without ever revealing contexts or would he just keep silent and just have their ignorance about the nature of you three.

All in all, you and megumi wont be having a good time, and definitely WILL motivate you to not let an inkling of discomfort bleed even through your pore whenever megumi's around lest he gets wind of it. Sorry its all over the place

i don't think I'll ever want to actively explore what Megumi will do if he finds out what happened. I highly doubt Ms.rain or Gojo would ever be that obvious about it, especially Ms.rain. Something hinted throughout the story is how self-sacrificial ms.rain is. That's why Ms.rain can't even hate Gojo after what he did. Ms. rain will do everything possible to keep the peace. You not retaliating against Gojo is also largely due to Megumi himself. He's such a small kid and Gojo's the only connection he has to the jujutsu world. How could you break that?

Also, Megumi is still a kid. At ten years old, you aren't really worried about the weird politics happening with your mom. It may take Megumi a couple of years to start to question why you and gojo's relationship seems so...off. Maybe someone else comments on it first, and now he's also finding it strange that gojo's affection towards you is mostly unreciprocated. It might have to do that you're shy, not a fan of PDA, but you almost seem indifferent...even if a tiny bit uncomfortable.

I really wish I delved more into Megumi and Gojo's relationship within the fic (but it was already 10k words long, i was not in the mood to make it longer), but I hope i implied how much Megumi respected Gojo. Their relationship is the same as the canon version. He thinks the world of gojo (despite acting otherwise), it will take a while for him to even question this new development between you and Gojo.

In the end, I think his reaction would be to quickly shut it down and ignore it. Of course your relationship was strange-Gojo is strange. Besides, gojo makes you happy. He buys you new clothes, jewelry, showers you with gifts. You two even have a baby on the way and he's seen the way you've been reminiscing over his baby photos. As long as you're happy, he shouldn't care.

As long as you're happy...right?

[harleyquilt]

JinMao hc: Jinshi has a cold and Maomao is one to treat him.

Note: This is just a short ficlet, but set somewhere in the future, where they're both comfortable enough to show some affection, but within reasonable limits lol.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Laying in his bed, Jinshi sniffles, an unseen pressure tightening around his head. He groans, turning his head side to side against his pillow. Through half-closed eyes, he sees Maomao grinding some herbs with a stone pestle beside him.

“Tell me, apothecary.” He sobs. “Am I dying?”

He reaches out to her and glaring, she smacks his hand away. It falls pathetically back to his side, as if she has knocked the last of his energy out of him. If anyone were to see such behaviour, she would surely be executed, and thinking this, Maomao sighs. She's at least thankful for Jinshi's tolerance towards her.

“No, sir, you are not dying.” She says, sounding rather drained herself. “Please don't say such things aloud, it'll cause needless panic.”

“But…” His words fall back into quiet whimpers.

“It is a mere cold, sir.” She explains, now stewing the leaves in hot water. “You will live yet.”

“Mere,” he scoffs. “Why do I feel so terrible then?”

Maomao's disgust melts into pity, though considering Jinshi's position, reverence would be preferable. Not that it would be possible, with how he's acting. She's seen children handle colds with greater dignity than Jinshi. She could tell him as much, but he was sure to moan even more.

“Here,” she helps him sit up and hands him his tea. He takes a sip and sighs, letting its soothing effects wash over him. Maomao then takes a damp cloth and dabs away the sweat on his brow. “You need to rest for the next few days, sir Jinshi. Rest is usually the best remedy.”

“Rest…” He grimaces, taking another sip. “The longer I rest, the more work I'll have afterwards.”

Maomao nods, truly understanding his plight. She dunks the cloth into a bowl of cooled water and rinses it, moving it to Jinshi’s neck. His skin is hot and clammy, but still remarkably smooth and soft. She pauses, her eyes drifting up to his face. Despite his exhaustion, there's still a distinct prettiness to be admired. Like a woeful painting brought to life. Jinshi looks up to Maomao, silently questioning her. Swallowing, she quickly looks away and frowns. It's perplexing how someone, even while sick and bedbound, can retain such beauty.

“Maomao,” he reaches up, a hand over hers. She stiffens, but chooses not to move away. “I really appreciate this. I feel well taken care of, because of you.”

She keeps her eyes on the bedside table, her hands cold from the water, but her face growing warm. “I still think a court physician would have been more appropriate.” She mutters.

Jinshi smiles, lifting his hand up to brush aside her hair. Reaching her limit, she steps back, turning her head away. Jinshi tuts.

“You don't do well with compliments, do you?” He remarks, leaning back into his pillows.

Maomao glares back at him, suddenly offended. “The same could be said for you,” she lifts her chin. “Sir.”

“What does that mean?” Jinshi raises a brow.

Maomao flinches before collecting herself, returning to his side. She silently reminds herself of her position. “Nothing at all–”

“No,” Jinshi places his cup aside, his cold no bother to him now. “I want you to clarify.” Maomao hesitates, testing his patience. “That's an order.”

Flinching again, Maomao takes a deep breath, gathering the willpower needed to make her next move. If Jinshi is to challenge her, then Maomao simply has no choice but to bite back.

“Then, sir Jinshi,” she leans forward, her eyes meeting his. “Despite your shortcomings, I find you to be a rather remarkable specimen.” She reaches up, pauses, and brushes aside his fringe. “I admit, I enjoy the time we spend together. I like studying you.”

She could go on, but she can see that it will not be necessary.

The damage is almost immediate. His face turns beet red, his lips quivering as he fails to string together a coherent sentence, and before he's given the chance to, Maomao smiles smugly and quickly retreats from his room. He reaches out, intending to call her, but his words are pushed down from the immense embarrassment he suddenly feels. He falls back onto his pillows, dazed. Hiding his face with his hands, he wonders if Maomao truly meant the words she told him, or if she was merely trying to win against this game between them. Either way, Jinshi has been utterly, completely, and ruthlessly defeated.

[plussizefantasia]

Domesticity Looks Good on You

Flufftober Day 6: Cooking Together

Spencer Reid x f!reader

Word Count 0.8k

AN: Hello again! This definitely isn't my favorite one I've written so far but I definitely don't hate it. Please reblog if you liked it and I'll see you all tomorrow!

divider credit @royallaesthetics

“What are you doing?” Spencer paused as he entered the kitchen of the apartment the two of you shared. He loved you with his whole heart, but he didn’t understand how you could possibly function like this. He was methodical, logical, and very precise. You were not, you liked to go with the flow, do whatever you thought would be cool, and experiment with almost everything in your life. 

Especially cooking. While Spencer followed recipes and instructions, you threw things together and hoped that they tasted good. It confused him and amused him at the same time.

He had just gotten back from a very long case, two weeks away from home and you wanted to make him a nice welcome back dinner. 

When he walked into the kitchen, however, you were concerned with the amount of chaos that was going on. You were blasting music from the speaker next to you, the counters were covered in dishes and half-chopped vegetables. Something was simmering on the stove and your head was fully in the fridge as you dug around looking for whatever you needed.

At his question though your head popped out of the appliance and a blinding smile appeared on your face. “Spence! Your home!” You ran towards him and pulled him into a hug, squashing your cheek against his chest and squeezing him. He let you hold him, wrapping his long arms around your waist and placing a kiss on the top of your head. When he pulled away he could clearly see the small pout that formed on your face but he was entirely more concerned with the mess that was in the kitchen.

“What are you making sweetheart?” he paced forward to take a glimpse at what was in the pot resting on the stove.

“I’m making stew Spence, what does it look like?” You placed your hand on your hip and cocked it out to the side.

‘I’m not sure you want me to tell you what I think it looks like.” He turned towards you and teased. “Do you need any help?” His question sounded innocent but you knew him. Knew that this was his way of trying to control the chaos around him. 

You sighed and shook your head with a smile, “Sure Spence, I could use some help.” even though you really didn’t think you needed help, the way he lit up made you happy. 

The two of you danced around each other perfectly, your creativity somehow mixing perfectly with his desire for order. When he would reach for something you were already handing it to him, being able to read him without him needing to say anything. The pot grew fuller and fuller the longer you two worked on it and you knew that you’d be eating leftover stew for at least lunch the next day.

The two of you cooked together and laughed together, Spencer snuck brief kisses when he wasn’t otherwise occupied. The both of you split the clean-up work while waiting for the covered pot to be done cooking. Spencer washed and you dried and the two of you fit together perfectly.

If you had asked Spencer what he thought his life would end up like three years ago, he wouldn’t have been able to conjure up anything that looked like this. Cleaning dishes with the woman he loved while music played loudly in the background. In an apartment, the two of you shared together.

 You thought that moments of domesticity like this looked good on him. He carried the weight of the world on his shoulders and if helping you make dinner and clean up afterwards lifted up some of that weight you would do it every day for the rest of your life.

In the end, the two of you had made a stew that looked good, but neither of you knew how exactly it would taste, as you had switched up the plan about halfway through. Nevertheless, he dished up two bowls of the hearty broth and veggies and you both made your way to the living room to sit on the couch and eat together. 

You were the one to take the first bite, Spencer wanting to make sure it wasn’t bad before he tried it. You let out a pleasant hum and went back for another spoonful which was his cue that it at least wasn’t horrible. 

His bite had a very large chunk of potato in it, and it wasn’t entirely cooked all the way through, but all things considered, it wasn’t bad at all. 

He would never admit it, but he actually liked cooking with you, even when you quarrel over what to make or how much of one thing to put in, he loved it. He thinks he might just love spending time with you, no matter what the two of you were doing. 

You leaned further into his side and took your now half-empty bowl with you. Spencer adjusted himself on the couch to make himself and you more comfortable and the both of you relaxed into one another. 

Your head was already spinning with what to make for dinner tomorrow night. With Spencer of course.

[roxygen22]

Comfort food from the prompt list for Wonka

https://www.tumblr.com/roxygen22/750844187588673536/send-me-a-number-and-ill-write-a-micro-story

Micro Story Prompt

On the House

He was wandering aimlessly around the small tropical town, milking the last hours of shore leave before heading back to the ship, when he caught a waft of something delicious. The top notes of something savory filled the air and made his stomach grumble.

He let his nose lead his legs until he came to a small hole-in-the-wall restaurant at the edge of town. He pulled the beaded curtain to the side and stepped in. The place was empty, but he could hear the clanking of cooking in the back. Suddenly, a friendly face popped into view from the kitchen window.

"Please, sit! I will be out in just a minute," he heard a young woman shout. He looked around and chose a table that would allow for a view of the place. It was small, but well tended to. Loved, even. He mindlessly ran his fingers along the grooves of the hand hewn wooden table as he waited.

Motion from the kitchen broke him from his thoughts. The girl wiped her hands on her apron as she stepped out. "What can I get for you, sir?" she asked while pointing to a menu board.

"I want whatever is producing that delicious aroma. I could smell it down the street!"

"Ah, I was making galina stoba for tomorrow's special. But I can spare some for you today. I'll be right back." She brought out a steaming bowl of rich brown broth, chicken, and vegetables. It almost looked like a stew. His eyes fell when she set it down in front of him.

"You don't like it? You haven't tried it!"

"No, no, ma'am. It's not that. It looks and smells scrumptious. M- my mom used to make something like this when I was sick or upset," he replied quietly.

"She is no longer of this world?"

He simply shook his head in response.

"You've been thinking a lot about her," she stated factually.

"All the time."

"She brought you here to my shop tonight. To show you that you will be alright. I can feel it." She paused. "Stoba is on the house."

He looked up at the ceiling puzzled. She chuckled.

"I mean this one is on me. Free." She cupped his shoulder, but before she could turn away, he grabbed her hand.

"Thank you. What's your name?"

"Raeni. Yours?"

"Willy. Willy Wonka."

<><><><><>

Masterlist

Tag List:

@croatianprincess @bluizh @jindongdongie @groovyqueer @pmak2002

[d1xonss]

Desert Rose

Chapter 36 ~ The attack

✧ Paring : Daryl Dixon x Rose

✧ Era : Season 3

✧ Word Count : 6.4k

In this chapter ~ The following day wasn't any easier as the group needed to have a plan for if the Governor returned. It all led to a pretty big argument, everyone having a different opinion about what they should do. But none of their ideas or plans could've prepared them for the sudden attack they were faced with. However, nothing else seemed to prepare them for the familiar faces that had returned just in time.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ROSE POV *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The next morning finally rolled around after a long night of restful sleep, Glenn wasting no time gathering everyone together in the common room for some type of meeting. He began to question Carl about where he found Tyreese's group, knowing that if there was a blind spot somewhere, we had to find it. We weren't going to risk anymore walkers getting in that way, but more importantly, The Governor and his men if they planned to come.

I stood up against the wall as I watched Glenn draw out a map on the ground with a piece of chalk, going on and on about the spaces we needed to fill. His voice continued to bounce off the cement walls as he couldn't stress enough about how important this was, but I couldn't help but tune him out after a while. Ever since he had brought up that he eventually spilled where we were located to The Governor, now talking about how easily they could get in, I couldn't help but stew over it for longer than I intended.

A figure stepped up next to me then, bumping their shoulder with mine and I looked up to see Michonne, tilting her head towards me as she silently asked if I was alright. I only nodded my head and turned my attention back on Glenn, but I knew I didn't convince her.

"Why are we even so sure he's going to attack? Maybe you scared him off." Beth spoke up.

Michonne then quickly shook her head, "He had fish tanks full of heads, walkers and humans. Trophies. He coming." she said seriously.

"We should hit him now." Glenn said.

My eyes snapped back to him at the suggestion, "What?" Beth asked.

"He won't be expecting it," he continued, "We'll sneak back in and put a bullet in his head." he spoke, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes. As if it were that easy.

"We're not assassins." Carol said bluntly.

He ignored her comment as he got up from his crouched position, moving closer as he spoke to Michonne, "You know where his apartment is, you and I could end this tonight." he attempted to convince.

But Michonne stayed silent for a while as she looked at him with almost uncertainty, "I'll do it myself." he tried.

She eyed him for only a moment longer, seeing how serious he grew about this, before silently nodding her head.

"No," I spoke up, grabbing his attention, "This plan is too risky, you haven't thought this thro-"

"Believe me I have." he cut me off.

"He didn't know you were coming last time and look what happened. You were almost killed, Daryl was captured, and you and Maggie were almost executed." Hershel said.

He turned back to face the old man, "You can't stop me."

"But I can." I piped up.

His head then whipped back towards me, and he got closer to my face, "No you can't."

"Is that a challenge?" I asked with anger lacing my voice.

The room instantly grew silent as my voice echoed around the space, everyone watched intently what we would do next. I would never hurt Glenn, but if he tried to leave and do this, I wouldn't hesitate to tackle his ass.

He didn't say anything as he swallowed thickly, so I did, "I'm not going to let you get yourself killed over a stupid plan you barely put any thought into. We wait, and come up with a better one."

"He could be gathering his men to come over here and attack right now!" he yelled in my face.

"Well then he wouldn't be in Woodbury waiting for you to kill him now would he?!" I yelled back, "And there goes your big plan."

I was a bit taken aback that he was here screaming in my face, not liking what this whole situation was doing to him. But I wasn't going to back down, I wasn't about to let him be as reckless as he wanted to be and get himself killed somehow trying to do this just because he was angry.

I could easily tell by his face that he wasn't expecting me to yell back, to stand up to him and get in his way, but I would do a whole lot more than that if he kept it up.

It was almost like a face off as we stared at each other for the long passing seconds, before Hershel's voice cut through the intense silence, "Rick would never allow this."

Glenn then turned towards Hershel and took a few steps away from me, "You really think he's in any position to make that choice?"

"Like Rose said, you need to think this through clearly. T-Dog lost his life here, Lori too. The men that were here. It isn't worth any more killing. What are we waiting for? If he's really on his way, we should be out of here by now."

"And go where?" Glenn asked.

"We lived out on the road all winter." Hershel pointed out.

Glenn sighed, "Back when you had two legs, and we didn't have a baby crying for walkers every four hours."

"We can't stay." he said calmly.

"We can't run." Glenn countered back.

I stayed silent as I watched him continue to argue with Hershel, his arms flailing all over the place just to prove his point, I almost couldn't believe how he was acting. He had every right to be upset for what happened to him and Maggie back there, for everything that asshole did to them, but he had no right to take it out on us.

He eventually concluded that we would stay put and fight for the prison and moved down to continue to tell Carl the plan about checking the tunnels again, but then he stopped in his tracks.

"Who's on watch?" he snapped.

No one said anything, causing him to get up quickly as he cursed under his breath, but I stopped him before he could fully walk out the door.

"No, don't worry princess, I got it." I assured while pushing his chest back a little.

Without another word, I left the common room and let the heavy door slam right behind me. I was so pissed off at his bitchy attitude, he was being so stupid it almost blew my mind. I understood that he wanted revenge, but this isn't how we do it. We had to be careful not to lose anyone else, and the fact that he was going around acting like he didn't care who we lost, made my blood boil.

Feeling relieved as I was finally up in the watchtower with a sniper in my hand, I needed some air, and a break from his stupid tantrums.

About two hours had passed in what felt like a flash as I sat myself near the bars of the tower, keeping an eye on the trees surrounding the place for any type of threat. Though there were many walkers that seemed to pile up a little around the gated fences, it was nothing new. Just the same old shit that we had been fighting since the beginning, no sign of The Governor or his people, not even a sign of anyone alive for that matter.

Though when Michonne made a comment about how he would come, I believed her. She knew how this man thought better than the rest of us did, expecting him to return with rage and destruction. But I never imagined we would get here. In a place where we were suddenly at some kind of war with a man and his community, one that we barely even knew. It was a lot to take in.

The door below began to creak open slowly from behind me and I rolled my eyes as I adjusted the gun in my lap, "Go away." I said in a sing-song tone.

"It's me." Maggie's voice called out, and I turned around to see her standing there with a solemn look on her face, "You want me to leave you alone?"

I pretended to think for a second before shaking my head, "Nah, you're the only exception."

She slightly smiled, "Thanks babe."

I nodded and gestured for her to come over and take a seat next to me, and she moved upon see in my silent invitation. We both sat down while the gun I had now rested in my lap, continuing to gaze out at the tree line just a couple yards away.

She stayed quiet from beside me but I knew she had a lot on her mind, she just didn't know where to start. I could feel her eyes on me as she tried to find her voice, opening and shutting her mouth a few times in hesitance. I didn't want to push her, but maybe if I lightened the mood it would get her talking.

"So, did you come up here to talk, or just stare at my pretty face?" I asked, glancing over at her with a smirk.

She let out a chuckle and looked down at her hands, "Both." she replied reluctantly, getting me to laugh along with her.

"What's on your mind?" I asked as I turned better to face her.

She hesitated for a moment before making eye contact with me, "Nothing, I just... kinda snapped at Glenn." she admitted, sounding a little ashamed.

I scoffed, "Well, apparently I was one step ahead of you on that one today."

She laughed with a shake of her head, "Yeah, I guess so...but I'm kind of glad you did. In my opinion I think he was way out of line, with you and my dad." she said.

I nodded my head, "He was. The Governor shoved a stick so far up his ass and now he's taking it out on all of us."

She silently agreed, beginning to nervously pick at her nails as she spoke the next dreaded words, "He's just mad about what Merle did to him. And...what The Governor did to me." she admitted quietly.

My eyes widened, but she answered the question before it even came out of my mouth, "No he didn't. He just...made me take off my shirt and bra, and...pushed himself up against me. He didn't do anything really, it was nothing...just scared me real bad."

I shook my head, "That's not just nothing Mags." I argued.

"It could've been worse." she said quietly.

"...It could've," I agreed, "But that doesn't mean you should brush this off like it was nothing...that must've been so traumatizing...I'm so sorry."

"Thanks." she nodded in appreciation, her voice coming out practically a whisper, "I'm just having a hard time processing it I think, and Glenn keeps avoiding me because of all of it...well until just a few minutes ago."

"What happened?"

"He...he came into our cell to check on me, but I didn't feel like saying a whole lot to him. But he almost pushed me to tell him what really happened while we were separated, what happened with The Governor. I didn't want to relive it and go into detail, but he kept asking...so I told him. And then I yelled at him...I think I'm just pissed he pushed me to tell him more about it. But...that's probably a stupid reason to snap at him huh?"

I shook my head, "No it's not, you weren't ready. He should've waited until you were comfortable enough to tell him about it yourself."

She nodded her head in agreement and looked down, "You want me to beat him up for you?" I asked.

I heard her laugh a little but she shook her head, "No, that's okay, I just needed some time to cool off. I'll talk to him later."

I nodded, showing her I understood completely before moving forward to pull her into a hug, which she gladly returned. "I'm so sorry that happened to you. And don't you think for one minute that we won't make him pay for what he did."

"I know we will." she whispered, still holding onto me tightly.

We stayed in each other's arms for a little while, the gesture and comfort being something she really needed before we finally broke apart, silence taking over once again. This time however, the silence wasn't tense as it seemed to be before. It felt peaceful just sitting with each other instead of both of us being by ourselves with our racing thoughts. I enjoyed the company even though I originally wanted to be alone, she somehow truly was an exception.

But I could then feel her eyes on me again after a few moments of her thinking, and I just knew the things she wanted to say. It was almost as if I read her mind, just by briefly seeing the one saddened look on her features.

"You don't even have to say it." I muttered.

Her frown stretched even further, "But I want to...we haven't talked about it."

"There's a reason we haven't." I brushed off, "It's over. It's done."

She sighed to herself, looking at me with furrowed brows and saddened eyes, "I'm sorry about Daryl." she said softly, so softly I almost didn't hear it. Though a part of me wished I hadn't.

"Maggie-"

"No," she cut me off, "You're hurting, I can see that. I just didn't want you to think that you couldn't talk to me about it. I'm always here to listen."

I shook my head, "I don't need to talk about it because there's nothing to talk about. He left. And I...didn't follow him."

"Do you regret not going with him?" she asked.

"No." I said instantly, "...Yeah? I- I don't know." I muttered in defeat.

"Hey," she whispered, placing a hand on my shoulder to get me to actually look at her, "I don't want you to think you have to put up this front like you're okay, because I can tell you're not. Just...let it out."

I shook my head, "I have, trust me. I just do it alone, I don't want anyone else seeing me like that." I said with a sarcastic laugh, before pausing upon seeing how serious her face had become. Maybe I had been putting up a front, more than I even originally realized.

And then it happened, he entered my mind again like he always seemed to do. "I miss him." I admitted quietly.

She sighed in sympathy before bringing me in for another hug, as I tried desperately not to break down in front of her. "I know you do," she whispered, "But it'll be okay, everything will work itself out." she promised, rubbing my back lightly.

Tears built up in my eyes, ones that she couldn't see. I couldn't bring myself to speak in fear that my voice would crack at the first word that left my lips, so I only nodded. Not fully knowing if I could believe that, but yet wanting to more than anything.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* DARYL POV ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

My feet trucked heavily through the woods as fast as I could, ignoring Merle's quick steps from behind me as he yelled, trying to keep up to really rip into me. His reason for being this pissed was stupid, getting all fired up at me for stopping him after he wanted to rob an innocent family we came across. They were fighting off a small herd of walkers when we found them, leading to us making a beeline over towards their direction to help take care of the rest. Merle's actions honestly surprised me...until they didn't.

As some type of "payment" for saving them he wanted to pick through the supplies out of their car, shouting at them and threatening them however he pleased. But I had already had enough of his dumbass, aiming my crossbow at his head to finally get him to stop harassing these people we didn't even know.

I told the family to just drive, get away fast while I had stopped him for the time being and right when I saw they were far enough away, I turned around swiftly to avoid the confrontation, heading back towards the forest. I should've expected this from him, his old tendances resurfacing, but I guess it was something I didn't think about when it came to taking off with him again. But everything he did, everything he said, was starting to piss me off more than I could even describe.

Ever since the first night when he brought up Rose the way he did, trying to convince me of things that weren't true, I was even done with him then.

"The shit you doing, pointing that thing at me?!" he asked harshly while still following close behind.

"They were scared man." I said, not slowing down or stopping.

He scoffed, "They're rude is what they were. Rude and they owed us a token of gratitude."

"They didn't owe us nothin." I grumbled, thinking back to how they were struggling to protect themselves on their own, all while also trying to keep the baby they had safe. Helping them was the least I could've done in my mind.

"I see you, helpin people out of the goodness of your heart? Even though you might die doin it. Is that something your little girlfriend taught ya?"

I stopped in my tracks once he said that, whipping back around to look him in the eye, "There was a baby." I snapped.

"Oh, otherwise you would have just left them for the biters then?" he questioned, and I knew exactly what he was implying.

I shook my head, "Man, I went back for you. Ya weren't there. I didn't cut off your hand either, you did that. Way before they locked you up on that roof. Ya asked for it." I said.

To my surprise, his face formed into a smile as he started to chuckle a little to himself. "You know what's funny to me? You and sheriff Rick are like this now." he crossed his pointer and middle finger together, "Right? I bet ya a penny and a fiddle of gold that you never told him that we were planning on robbing that camp blind."

I paused for a moment as I thought back to our plan we discussed a long time ago, long when we first found the group to begin with. "It didn't happen."

"Yeah, it didn't cause I wasn't there to help you." he spat.

I took a step closer to him, "What like when we were kids? Huh? Who left who then?"

"What? Is that why I lost my hand?!"

"Ya lost yer hand because yer a simple-minded piece of shit!" I snapped.

Upon hearing that, he began to yell things that I couldn't bring myself to listen to anymore as I turned away from him, my eyes widening once I felt him grab the back of my shirt to pull me back, hearing it rip. My knees buckled and hit the ground at the amount of force he used, feeling his eyes burning at the spots on my back that I didn't want him to see.

I felt like I was melting under his gaze, practically feeling his eyes widening as he eyed every single one lining my skin. The feeling that came with his realization felt awful. Fearful even. But when I showed Rose, ashamed and scared, she kissed over them with such love I had never felt before, making my fear instantly disappear. Hell, I felt like I fell even deeper in love with her in that moment alone.

But here I was now, fully exposed to my brother who now suddenly was at a loss for words when normally he didn't know how to shut the fuck up. I quickly tried to pull my shirt back up to cover them out of embarrassment, but I felt it was too torn. So I quickly took my backpack instead, shrugging it on my shoulders to hide them once more.

"I-I didn't know he-"

"Yeah he did." I interrupted him, "He did the same to you, that's why you left first." I muttered almost bitterly.

I meant for my tone to come out loud and intimidating, but when I spoke all I could hear was insecurity in my voice.

"I had to man, I would've killed him otherwise." he told me.

I only scoffed towards him, not even looking him in the eye as I stood back up to my full height, walking away from him through the woods, "Where you goin?" he called after me.

"Back where I belong." I snapped.

"What? Back to your little girlfriend? Besides I can't go with ya. I tried to kill that black bitch, damn near killed that Chinese kid."

My blood boiled at his racism, "He's Korean." I corrected.

"Whatever! Doesn't matter man I just can't go with you." he replied.

I took a breath, "Ya know, I might be the one walkin away, but yer the one who's leaving...again." I spoke, walking away from him for good.

I should've known from the beginning not to go with him and leave everyone else behind. Leave Rose behind. But that was a stupid mistake, and all I could think about now was finally getting back to her. I wanted to tell her how much I missed her and how she never once left my mind, how I was constantly trying to find a way to come back to her.

And now I was.

My feet couldn't take me nearly as fast as I wanted to go, harshly pushing through the branches in my way as if that would somehow get me there quicker. To finally get back home.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ROSE POV *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Maggie left a little while ago to go back to her cell to have some time by herself, while I stayed on watch for a little while longer. No one else had offered to take over for me whilst I had been up here for hours, but I honestly didn't mind. In a way it gave me some peace of mind that no one remained out in the distance watching us. Seeing for myself that there truly wasn't a threat, even though I continued to double and triple check.

But my attention was pulled away from the tree line once I saw a brief glimpse of Glenn getting into another argument with Hershel just outside. I caught myself almost stepping down to yell at him for flipping out on the poor old man again, but he was already making his way to a truck before I could say a thing.

My eyes slightly widened, "Glenn Rhee, don't you dare get in that truck!" I yelled down to him.

Everything was screaming at me, telling me that I knew exactly what he was doing. He was going back, and he was going back alone.

But like a child, he just made dead eye contact with me, slightly glaring, while slowly getting into the driver's seat anyway.

"Glenn!" I yelled again but he quickly started it up and drove off, stepping further on the gas and out of the gates before anyone had a chance to stop him. I cursed under my breath as I watched the vehicle disappear further into the distance, leaving only a smoke cloud behind.

The man was being so goddamn stubborn, and he was going to get himself killed. Tossing the gun I had on the ground, I turned to make my way down from the watch tower to talk to Hershel about what was said between the two of them, but something else in the distance caught my eye.

There was a person lingering towards the woods, wandering around the outside of the prison gates. In a split second, I had picked the weapon back up, looking through the scope to spot the figure clearly, but stopping completely when I saw it was Rick. He was looking left and right repeatedly as if he was looking for someone, and I lowered the weapon with furrowed brows.

I didn't hesitate then to get down from the watchtower, exiting through the gate before jogging across the field to talk to him. I was growing more worried about him with each passing day, watching him slowly lose his mind as his eyes spotted things that weren't actually there. His movements only reminding me of what happened the other day in the common room, staring up at the balcony before breaking out in a cold sweat as if something was watching him.

By the time I made it up to the fence, he had walked a little further into the woods as he continued searching, making me have to call his name multiple times so he would acknowledge my presence. After a few seconds, he finally heard my voice, turning back slowly to walk over up to the other side of the fence.

Once he was close enough, I spoke, "You know I wouldn't have ran my ass all the way down here if it wasn't important." I tried to joke, still slightly out of breath.

A soft smile crossed his lips, "When are you coming back? I love Glenn but that man is really starting to get on my nerves. We need you." I said.

"If you're worried about him leading this group, then you lead." he said seriously.

"Hilarious." I deadpanned, briefly looking around behind him, "What are you doing down here?"

He paused and looked away from me as he stuttered, "I've- I've been, I've got, stuff out here. Stuff..." he trailed off suddenly.

"Stuff." I repeated with a slow nod of my head, "Well...how much longer does this stuff need?" I asked, my concern for him only growing.

He shrugged, "I don't know."

"Rick, you know you can talk to me. Why are you out here?" I asked softly.

He stared at me for a few moments, wanting desperately to tell me what was on his mind but something was holding him back. Maybe it would sound crazy, maybe he felt that no one would believe him, but the truth was I would. I just wanted to know what the hell was going on with him, so I could know how to help him.

"I saw something..." he finally said, "Lori. I saw- I'm seeing Lori...I know it's not really her, but there's got to be a reason. It's got to mean something you know?"

I nodded my head as I saw him finally confiding in me, "Do...do you see her now?" I asked cautiously.

He looked around for a moment before shaking his head, "I don't think you're just seeing her...I think you're looking for her." I stated.

"I'm waiting." he corrected.

"For what?"

"I don't know, something. There's an answer. I know it doesn't make sense- well it does, it can make sense, I think in time it will make sense-"

"Rick," I sighed to stop his rambling, "When was the last time you slept?"

He shook his head, "I...I don't know." he admitted quietly.

"You need rest." I told him gently.

He didn't reply, just looked down at his feet as his mind clouded with more thoughts, "Do you remember last night when you told me not to blame myself...for what happened to her?" I asked.

He slowly looked up at me and nodded his head, "The same goes for you." I spoke, "Don't blame yourself...it'll destroy you. Especially when it wasn't your fault." I repeated back to him.

He opened his mouth to say something else, but then looked over my shoulder as if he caught a glimpse of movement. At first I was fearful to turn around, not knowing if there was going to be an actual person behind me or not, but I slowly managed to turn over my shoulder to only see Hershel hopping his way down carefully towards us. Thank God.

When he caught up with us, he placed a hand on my shoulder, "Mind if I talk to Rick for a moment, dear?" he asked me and I nodded, glancing back to Rick once more before heading back up towards the prison to give them a second alone.

As I was walking across the long field, I spotted Michonne standing by the abandoned bus in the grass, giving me a small wave once our eyes locked. Raising my hand up to wave back, I slowly made my way over to her instead.

But right as I was finally close enough to speak, opening my mouth to say something, I didn't even get a chance as she quickly reached out and pulled me back with a thud against the bus. Her hand was placed firmly on my shoulder as she kept me behind the hunk of junk, peering around the vehicle with widened eyes.

My brows furrowed as I tried to ask what she saw, but not a second later, I heard a single gunshot fire come from the trees. Then a loud, shocked scream came from just inside the prison gates, whipping my head over to see it was Carol as a body collapsed on top of her. It was Axel, a bullet piercing through his head and his blood splattering over the side of the watchtower.

My eyes got wide as I scanned the area for where the shot came from, spotting a single car in the distance with a few people surrounding it. It didn't take a genius to know who it was, and I quickly became furious. That son of a bitch really came back here.

After I spotted him standing still, far enough away from our gates, I quickly loaded the gun in my hands. That's when more gunfire started coming from all around us, and I peeked out from around Michonne just in time to see Hershel dive to the ground to avoid the flying bullets. I pushed past her lightly and began shooting at the men standing behind their vehicles in the tree line, firing at the ones who were the closest to him.

My gaze then spotted a stranger standing near one of the watch towers, shooting at Carl and Beth as they were trying to take cover. I quickly moved my aim, firing right at the man and instantly watching him go down with a single headshot. Not even hesitating as I whipped back to my original spot and kept firing just as before, in hopes it would buy the older man some time.

But then it very quickly grew silent, everyone stopping their actions suddenly. But once I listened more carefully, I could briefly hear the engine of a car coming our way. I hoped to God it was Glenn, but my face dropped even more when I saw it was some type of white van coming straight at our gates and quickly barreled through them without a second thought. It rushed past the bus Michonne and I were still hiding behind, feeling her hand quickly pull me out of the way so I wouldn't get hit.

It came to a stop in the middle of the field, leaving us all waiting in anticipation for something else to happen. Then all of a sudden, a man popped out of the driver's seat and headed towards the back, ducking and avoiding all the shots our people were trying to fire at him. He opened the back doors quickly, letting walkers spill out of the van and onto our land.

I immediately panicked once I saw how close they were to Hershel, attempting to run over and get to him but Michonne pulled me back again, seconds before someone began firing right at the spot we were hiding behind.

"Hershel get out of there!" I yelled.

I saw him pull out a small gun and start firing at the walkers, while trying to crawl away as best as he could, not being able to get back up without help. The Governor's people all started to make their way back to their vehicles to make a run for it, leaving our group to spread out further to kill all the many walkers they had just released. Fucking cowards.

I saw the van start back up, beginning to turn around and beeline it out of the field right as Glenn's truck pulled back up through the broken gates. Oh, I wanted to kill him right now.

He made his way over to Hershel the second he caught sight of him, and I began to run alongside of the truck so we could help get him in and get him the fuck out of here. Michonne was killing off walkers around us as we ran, and I finally made it to Hershel who was still laying on the ground, putting one of his arms around my shoulders, helping him up and back towards the truck.

Glenn then hopped out of the vehicle only seconds later, rushing over to the two of us to help him move faster on the other side of him. Hershel jumped as fast as he could as we guided him over to the passenger side, glancing behind us to see Michonne still stalling the walkers away from us.

Once he was in safely, I slammed the door shut and watched Glenn get back into the driver's seat, starting it back up again. Michonne turned back to jump in the back, kicking her legs over to make it in safely and reached a hand out for me to take. I ducked out of the way of the walker's grasp, trying to make it over towards where she was reaching, but I was quickly cut off as more of them caught sight of me in the middle.

I pulled out my gun again to try and shoot at them, but it clicked. Fuck.

"Rose!" Glenn yelled from the driver's side, knowing he couldn't wait much longer with the amount coming at him.

"Just go! Get them out of here!" I screamed.

He hesitated for a moment before groaning to himself, driving back up towards the prison where everyone else was watching. I got my knives out and began to throw them at any corpses coming my way, backing up slowly so they couldn't corner me. Many of them had now caught sight of me alone, and I looked over to see if Rick was still outside the gate, but I couldn't spot him anywhere from where I was placed.

But the second I caught an opening through the small herd of walkers, I booked it through the space in attempts to make it back up to the prison on foot. My curly hair bounced wildly as I pushed myself to run as fast as I could, the wind momentarily blowing it towards my face to a point where I couldn't see anymore. I moved my hands to get it out of my face the second it was in my vision, but it was already too late as I missed the walker coming at me from my right.

It collided with me and I fell to the ground harshly. I was so close to the gates that I could hear everyone calling my name desperately, hearing them try to make it over to me. I groaned and struggled with the walker on top of my chest, catching it trying to claw at my shoulders. But then it fell limp against me just as quickly as it tackled me.

My eyes looked up to see a bolt sticking out of the side of its head, piercing through the entirety of its skull. My breath caught in my throat at the thought, but he left. He couldn't have come back, right?

As soon as those thoughts echoed in my mind I looked up and my eyes widened. There he was. Side by side with Merle and Rick as they fought off the many walkers that got too close, firing repeatedly at their skulls. I finally shoved the walker off of me and stood up immediately, nodding back towards the gates without a second thought so we could actually make it out of this thing alive.

"Come on!" I yelled at them, and the three quickly followed me the little distance we had left to go, Maggie rushing to open the broken gate before slamming it shut behind us.

The moment I knew we were safe, my eyes connected with Daryl's from the space between us. I didn't hesitate before I was running towards him quickly, watching as he stayed firmly in place, opening his arms up for me to crash into. I practically tackled him in a hug with a gasp and my legs immediately wrapped around his waist, feeling him hold me up in place while burying his face into my neck. I felt myself begin to tear up at the familiar feeling I had craved so badly, his grip on me never loosening.

We held onto each other for what felt like forever before he leaned forward a little and set me back down to my feet, his arms still glued around my waist. I pulled back to get a look at his features, seeing his perfect blue eyes again and I sighed to myself as I placed my hands on either side of his face, bringing my lips up to his cheek to kiss him multiple times.

He chuckled as he brought me into his chest once more, hugging me tightly again as if he never wanted to let go. I couldn't even begin to explain the emotions I was feeling right now, but all I cared about in that moment was that he was here. He came back. I couldn't bring myself to care about anything else at the shock was still so evident that he was truly here standing right in front of me.

As we finally pulled apart, he quickly placed a kiss on my forehead before looking back down at me. "You're here." I whispered.

"M' here." he repeated, "I ain't goin anywhere else, m' here." he said softly while taking his hands and wiping away the tears that somehow managed to escape my eyes.

I laughed, unable to contain my happiness as I pulled him in for another hug, our intertwined bodies rocking from side to side. I took everything in as I held him close, glancing over his shoulder momentarily to see Merle standing off to the side with an odd expression on his face. Though I couldn't tell what that expression was for, nor could I tell what was going on in his mind. But I didn't linger on it for very long as Daryl pulled away slightly again.

"I'll explain everythin later. But right now..." he trailed off as he glanced back to Rick.

I turned to look over my shoulder, following his gaze to see Rick standing there with his eyes on the field, looking about ready to burst into flames with how angry he had become. But the man didn't utter a word. Not a single word as he just nodded back towards the prison, expecting us all to follow behind him.

This should be fun.

~Thanks for reading!

[honey-minded-hivemind]

Because @hermesserpent-stuff is now part of our platonic yandere X-Men fan club (the Xen Evolution part of it), let's explore platonic yanderes Sabretooth and Wolverine for Gambit, and possibly Reader:

• Sabretooth is very obsessive. He likes someone, he starts tracking them, starts stalking them, will do anything to keep away or kill their enemies. Any bit of kindness, from someone who expects and wants nothing of him or from him, is usually the way he gets attached. (The other way is if his brother Logan has someone he's protecting, or if his brother is involved involved them somehow). I headcanon that yes, Sabretooth and Wolverine are brothers, and that Sabretooth is the older, more dangerous one.

• Reasons in any au or Evolution verse he'd like Remy include but aren't limited to: helping him while he's down, giving him a gift, sharing food, doing him a favor, or helping him when it comes to Logan. Ways Sabretooth's darker platonic nature are brought out include: finding out about abuse, past or present; his person of interest possibly dying or getting hurt; his person trying to leave; or even his person/s being taken or kidnapped or experimented on...

• Wolverine is the sort of platonic yandere who's also protective and obsessive, but is less likely to dole out a physical punishment than Victor. I can see Logan seeing Remy, a scrawny teenager, stuck working for Magneto, and decides "yeah, new kid to adopt, Xavier I'll be back, get a room ready-" and not wait much longer. If he sees sincerity in Remy, then he's definitely wanting him as another kid (he has a whole group, but never has he said no to another cub/kit/pup to take care of and huff over)

• Logan and Sabretooth would both be very... vocal, about liking this untrusting teen. Especially if Remy was nice to them or helped helped out. Those two will purr, maybe not in front of everyone, but if it's just them, then yes. Remy falls sick? There's homemade soup or stew being made, they're making themself a heated blanket for him, and making sure he takes his medicine. Someone hurt Remy in the past, badly? Well... that person disappears, is not hears from again, and Sabretooth has a new scratching post and Logan has one more threat to his kids dealt with. It's cold outside? They're shoving a sweater over Gambit's head, pushing mittens or gloves on his hands, and warn him to wear thick socks and boots...

• Gambit, if he's platonic yandere, tries to appeal as suave, fun, and trustworthy. He is the type who once he's fallen for someone, romantic or otherwise, he can't stand the idea of not loving them. He's the sort who will act sappy, will cook food, tries to go on fun trips (it might be a kidnapping of Reader to go do something together), and is loyal to the end. You are interested in him? You want to sincerely, genuinely, truthfully be friends? And you don't care or don't know about his past? Oh dear, you won't be able to break this friendship. He wants to hang out with you all the time. Doesn't want to do anything unless it's with you or for you. Makes an odd friend trio between him and Rogue, and now they're both platonic yandere over you. And in this scenario, with Sabretooth and Wolverine being platonic yandere over Remy and the other teens and team members, then they're likely platonic yandere for you as well.

(Let me know if y'all want to see more headcanona for this, or want to see platonic yandere pair-ups between characters. This was pretty fun!) @sugar-soda @vivid-bun @danni1323 @weebwholovesuchihasasuke @opossumdaydreamz @thewickedweiner @ainsellshadewalker @bloodytea @roxanndrummond @hermesserpent-stuff

[ihavemanyhusbands]

Death cap with cooper please

Death Cap — winter sunshine, wool blankets, silent companionship, interlocked fingers

———

Cooper often worried much more than he let on. He knew you were a tough cookie, but human afflictions such as disease could still very much get to you.

In the two hundred years he’d lived as something not exactly human, he had almost forgotten what that sort of suffering was like. The suffering he endured in his new form was as otherworldly as him, but as long as he could treat the worst of the symptoms, he would live on just fine. Perhaps for a few more centuries.

But you, on the other hand... He had to be a lot more careful when it came to you.

Winters in the desert wasteland were unforgiving, and finding a decent shelter often took longer. Neither of you really wanted to linger in any settlements for too long, so you had to bear the consequences of the nomadic lifestyle.

He made sure to have extra supplies during this season, but all the preparation in the world couldn't always prevent disease.

So when you'd gotten a rattling cough one night, he got scared shitless. He scrambled to find a place where no frigid air could reach and was determined to hole up until you got better. His worry was hidden behind long silences and biting remarks that he immediately regretted.

He was more on edge than usual when you'd gotten a fever that lasted all through one night. He kept vigil the entire time, but it wasn't like he needed much sleep, anyway. He even spoon-fed you stew when you were in that half-delirious state, and you desperately wished you had been fully conscious to experience such a rarity.

By the fourth day, your symptoms seemed to have significantly improved. You woke up feeling less congested, the constant headache you'd had finally waning. Still, you were tired and would probably need one more night of good sleep.

You looked up at Cooper without getting up. He hadn't realized you'd woken up, so you took the opportunity to observe him quietly, while he was lost in thought. He had a slight frown on his face, a muscle in his jaw slowly working as he clenched his teeth.

You smiled to yourself, a tender feeling in your chest. It was only in moments like this that you could glimpse underneath his tough, nearly unbreakable exterior. You already knew he was a softie underneath, but he would never admit to it in a million years.

He had an image to uphold, after all.

You felt lucky to have him to take care of you in moments like this. Slowly, you reached your hand out to grasp his. He glanced down and almost reflexively threaded his fingers through yours, letting out a small sigh of relief.

"Hi," you said softly.

He grunted in response. "You doin' good?"

"Yeah, I feel much better. I should be good as new in the next day or so."

He nodded, closing his eyes for a moment. "Good, good, we've been in one place for too long."

"I do miss the sunshine, I'll give you that," you said, squeezing his hand appreciatively, drawing his hazel eyes to you. "Thank you for taking care of me. I-I really appreciate it."

He glanced away and grimaced a little, unsure of what to say. "Don't mention it, darlin'. Just glad you're doin' better."

The silence that followed was natural, a space where you could hold all the unspoken things between you. It had become like a secret language only you two spoke, and a comfort besides. No words could really describe what you felt, anyway, but still you both understood regardless.

-----------

[displacedbias]

[pre-gala]

He can't be a coward again. Not this time. 

Deep breaths, Felix. It was hard to believe he'd gotten an invitation to the gala. Didn’t he embarrass himself last time? He recalled crying, moping, being upset that Teddy and Penny were together. While he was alone the whole time.

--No. No bad thoughts! If Teddy knew what he was thinking, he'd tell him to be nicer to himself. Not to dwell on these things. That this time, it'll be different, and that's what matters. Felix will not let himself be lonely and pathetic again. That's why he's here, after all. ...Even though every part of him was screaming not to do this, not to ruin their friendship with such a trivial whim.

Clammy hands rap on the door, not ready at all but forced to do it anyway. Felix couldn't stand stewing in such unbearable feelings for a second longer. He barely could stomach regular feelings. He couldn't help but think Teddy would handle something like this so much better in his place. Asking Penny out in the natural flow of conversation? So easily, so swiftly, without even an ounce of nervousness Felix was feeling right now? Right. That could never be him. Felix was much too inept for that.

"Felix?" --Goodness, he hadn't even noticed the door was open now, Ozzy's hands already quickly releasing its grip on the (already very clean) doorknob despite being aptly covered in nitrile gloves. His warm eyes met Felix's, a look of care piercing through the young Huxley's heart as he was reminded of everything he loved about Ozzy. The way his ginger hair caught the light of sunbeams, the way he stood at a bit of a distance unless you were someone he was comfortable with, the endearing love and excitement he harboured for that Destructotron franchise-- Ozzy blinked and creased his brow as he stood in the middle of the doorframe, "...You look like you really need the bathroom. Are you okay?"

And oh, how Felix admired how blunt Ozzy could be. ...Usually. Right now, however, he was mortified.

He could only hope his face didn't match Ozzy's hair as he shook his head frantically, "N-No! Not at all! I mean-- No to the first thing. I'm fine! Perfectly fine! Whyever would you think otherwise??"

Ozzy laughed awkwardly, "Uh... Well you're acting a lot more nervous than usual, for one thing. You're here without Ted, and you look like you reeeeally wanna say something. Which is, y'know. Rare."

Felix remained silent, glancing away long enough to completely miss the softened expression Ozzy was giving him.

"...So what's up? You can talk to me about anything, I promise. I'll listen." Ozzy concluded, smiling kindly.

How was it that everyone always seemed to know Felix better than himself? He took in a deep breath for what felt like the hundredth time in the past... however long he'd been standing on the doorstep, mustering the courage to knock. "Erm... So... You know the gala that Penny, Teddy, and I went to before...?" Felix fidgeted with his hands as he watched Ozzy nod, the silence urging him to continue, "W-Well... Would you... like to... bemydatetothegala--?"

It took Ozzy a second to process what Felix sped through saying. Be his date to the gala. Ozzy blinked. Felix blinked back. And then the panic set in. Ozzy wasn't saying anything. Why wasn't he saying anything--? ...Did asking that make him hate Felix!? Lord, please, no, Felix could not live with himself if that were the case. What if Ozzy shot him dead for daring to ask such a stupid question. Or worse, rejected him. And what if he tells him he hates him and that they can't be friends anymore and he's always secretly hated him and Teddy is so much better than he is and he is simply so unloveable and awful and pathetic and stupid and of course no one would ever like him and gets a restraining order against him for being so cringeworthy?? What the bloody hell was Felix thinking, doing this--

Ozzy smiled, a hint of shyness, and astonishment, and gratitude. He looked so happy. "You really mean it? You want to go with me?" Felix could swear his heart skipped a beat, and he wordlessly nodded. His entire mental ordeal had him so shaken that he was worried his voice wouldn't work properly if he said anything more. Ozzy held up some hand sanitizer. Felix took it, knowing what that meant. Vaguely, at least, because he wasn't at all ready when Ozzy gently grasped Felix's hands with the most tender touch after they were all sanitized up. "Felix... I'd be honoured to go to the gala with you. I'd love that. I really like you a lot and I... Well, I'm glad you asked me this time. Really. That means a lot to me."

For some reason, this reaction was a lot harder for Felix to wrap his head around than any other imagined scenario. "I... Ah... Huh...?" 

Ozzy chuckled and squeezed Felix's hand gently, "You're cute when you're confused." 'Cute'... Ozzy thinks Felix is cute...! "Anyway, thanks. I'm really excited, Fe. I guess... we could pick out outfits together, maybe? That'll be fun, right?"

And Felix smiled back, finally. Squeezed Ozzy's hand back too. That would be fun.

[slashingdisneypasta]

Jafar x GenderNeutral!Reader || Excerpt

Plot: Inspired by This post. Jafar gets insulted by someone insignificant while working a street corner with you, wow-ing passers-by with little spectacles of sorcery for money and its up to you to calm him down. Just something I wrote on my phone while watching the movie ^^

Warnings: Its Jafar so there are some sexual references.

Tags: @asperol-with-izzy , @disney-android-foundation , @lady-love88 , @marinerainbow , @moxiiscool , @ryantryan6969 , and @yesthetrashbin . I hope you are all doing well, and enjoy this small fic! ^^

"I should send him on a picturesque trip down to the depths of the underworld, for that... " Jafar growls, not even seeing you in front of him you don't think. Not even feeling your hands on his chest- too furious, watching after that man that laughed at his 'magic act' and made a spectacle of you both.

"Mhmm, you should," You allow, voice measured and your own temperament relaxed; You've calmed Jafar down a million times before, and this time will be no different. He's wrapped around your little finger... you love him. "but maybe not just this second, hm?... We have a crowd, dear... "

"Damn them all, they all agree. The filthy peasants. They think my sorcery is but trickery. Y/N, I was Sultan. I was the most powerful sorcerer in the world. How did I get here?; Cooking up spells in public for change like a pathetic, needy street urchin. They should all be destroyed, for this. Their absolute insolence! I should- " Finally, he seems to notice the affections you're laying on him, your hands gliding up and down his chest, your soft eyes watching him and listening to him, paying attention to him, looking at him like he's still a king to you. It's enough to make him stop talking, at least, looking back at you and setting his jaw. He just let's out a repressed groan, lips pulled back into a nasty scowl representing the narcissistic entitlement and hurt pride boiling and stewing inside of him. You can almost feel the heat from it all through his clothes and his skin.

Poor sweetheart... such a scoundrel... he deserves all this, really. But you can't help who you love.

"I know... " Voice gentle and comforting, you move in even closer to him, tilting your head to the side. "I know... look, how about we go home now? We've earned enough to make it tonight, and you need your rest." Delicately, you flick the wilting feather on his old Viziers turban up away from his face. ".. besides, after what that man said about us I doubt anyone else around here will give us the time of day."

His eye twitches then and fury still flickers in his deep claret eyes like fire, but his face and his shoulders relax. At least, he's no longer ready to lunge at anyone if you stepped out of the way. "... well you're right about that... disgusting, dirty peasants dont know true power when they see it with their own eyes... "

"Come on... " Now you take his hand, his long spindly fingers curling around yours without a second thought, and move away from him, leading him away from the street corner the pair of you had been working today. The late day sun is hot on your skin and makes you feel lazy, and all you want to do is go back 'home', or to the ill-furnished hole in a wall the two of you now called 'home', and lay affection on him for the rest of the evening. "Let's go home. I promise, I'll make it worth your while."

Here his eyes flicker back to yours again, a different kind of fire flaring in them. Oh, he so, delightfully easy. "Oh really?" A dirty old smirk stretches across his wickedly handsome features and follows your steps more eagerly, now. You've seen this look a million times before, and it still sends a secret, pleased shock through your depths.

"Mhm... I think you deserve it, after the day you've had."

"I agree... " Jafar quips slowly, slightly obnoxious and slightly egomaniacal- just as you want him. "And, ehem, how will you make this worth my while, dear? In detail~... "

Suddenly all the sensuality from before slips away from you and you flash him a cheeky smirk, and a shrug. "... I'm gonna build a fire and brew you a nice, hot cup of tea."

Immediately he scowls again. "You are cruel, my love."

"Well then we must be made for eachother."

Jafar lets go of your hand and, catching up to you with just a couple longer strides, creeps his arm around your waist instead. "Indeed." Then, as you watch him, he gives a mischievous shrug of those broad and regal shoulders. "Besides~ I have my ways of changing your mind, my dear, don't I?~ You'll forget all about tea when we get inside our hovel~ I promise you."

[mayhem-neverending]

The Big Bad Wolf

Part XXI

Word Count: 3,435

Warnings: Mentions of alcohol, one incidence of violence, mention of SA (not descriptive)

Note: I have written this in one go - one freaking sitting. I'm sure there are a lot of errors, so I apologize. I just want to get this out since I put so much in. I'll probably come back tomorrow to review and edit.

The week was spent with you and Obito glancing longingly at each other when the other person wasn’t looking. His stares, which weren’t something you were unfamiliar with, now set your nerve endings alight. He wasn’t faring much better - he visibly shuddered in delight when you accidentally brushed up against him with your backside because he was standing too close.

He was standing way too close. All the time. Obito wasn’t quite able to muster up the nerve to actually touch you like he was dying to do, so he hovered close enough that you would accidentally touch him while you worked. Acutely aware of your position at all times, he could anticipate when a brush of the hands or your hips bumping his would happen. It actually drove him crazy - the counting of the seconds while you scrubbed the counter next to him until your elbow would bump into him. He would scoot over just enough that you had another foot of countertop to work on, then let it happen all over again. 

At night he felt like he might be going crazy. The way he felt bordered on obsession, and he feared he would soon be trapped within the Uchiha’s curse again if he didn’t get it together. He even considered very briefly asking Kakashi whether it was best for you to continue in your position because of his rapidly growing, hardly controlled feelings that begged to spill over onto you. The moment of introspection was obliterated when you exited the bathroom and continued working on your newest endeavor - painting the kitchen walls. 

You had suggested adding some color to the home to make it feel warmer and more welcoming. He agreed. He suggested the kitchen and told you to choose whatever colors you wanted, because it was “really your area, anyway.” 

You had looked up at him prettily and smiled so brightly the living room lamp acquiesced its light for a moment, knowing it could not compare to you. “Be careful,” you said. “Give me an inch and I’ll take a mile,”

You could take a thousand miles from him if it meant he had the opportunity to greet you at the finish line. 

On Friday he was a bit agitated. Before you even arrived he had cursed the sun for being particularly bright, stubbed his toe and simultaneously spilled the last of the coffee grounds all over the floor. That meant you had to leave to go get some more - and a handful of other things. He stewed silently, staring at the primed kitchen walls. 

Fridays were decidedly one of his least favorite days of the week, because he knew you wouldn’t be back the next morning. And with the building tension between the two of you that he looked forward to enjoying during the day, he was especially not ready for the weekend. Not to mention you had said something about going out with Genma, and that really left a bad taste in his mouth. He was already wondering if there was something more to the way that you looked at him when you left for the day, and whether or not that was a good thing. Adding Genma to his long list of worries would leave him pulling his hair out. 

So when you left on Friday with a warm hug and a wave, he felt his heart sink. A part of him hoped you might stay longer. Maybe you could ask him to hold you again, without the burning eggs part so that he could cling to you and maybe you could accidentally fall asleep. Then maybe you could stay asleep and keep his nasty swirling thoughts at bay and he could smell you and feel your warmth all night. And then you could wake up in the morning refreshed and look at him while he pushes his hair behind your ear and he could tell you how he felt and -

Obito stopped himself. Maybe training would help clear his mind. He looked at the burning log in the fireplace. He decided he could always warm up with chopping some wood. 

…

Hikaru went with his father after preschool on Friday, which freed up time for you to clean up your apartment from the workweek and get ready to go out on the town with Genma. He chose a pretty busy bar with a dancefloor that wasn’t too far from your place. You were feeling pretty good, energy surprisingly above your usual wear and tear. 

After cleaning and putting together a quick dinner of leftovers, you showered and started getting ready. You decided to pull out an old outfit that fit a little snugly, but still made you look fantastic. You pranced around in the mirror a few times before eight o’clock finally rolled around. With one final kiss blown to the mirror, you shut the door and locked it. You walked to the bar in the slushy snow, only mildly irritated that you would definitely have to scrub your heeled boots later. 

Genma was there when you arrived and waved you over to the bar. You took a seat next to him and he tapped his shoulder against yours. “You look good,”

“I know,” you smirked before it morphed into a goofy grin. 

He rolled his brown eyes. “You’re still ridiculous, I see. What’re you drinking?” 

“Rum and sprite, please,” 

Genma motioned over the bartender and ordered your drink while you dug around for some money. He raised his eyebrow at you and shook his head. “Don’t worry, it’s on me tonight,” 

“Add it to my tab,” he said, the bartender nodded and walked away. 

You raised a brow at him, a little perturbed as he turned and set his jaw on his fist, his full attention on you. You slowly put your wallet back in your bag, hoping beyond hope that he hadn’t somehow mistook this as a date. “I can pay you back after,”

“It’s not a big deal. I make enough money. Buying your drink is the least I can do when you’re giving me your time,”

The bartender came around with your drink and you thanked him. You took a sip. “Well, that’s pretty sweet of you. Thank you, Genma,”

“Anytime,” He winked playfully. 

You rolled your eyes on reflex. His grin broadened. “So, fill me in. What all has happened since I lost my favorite sparring partner?”

“You want the long or short version?” you crossed your right leg over your left and settled one elbow on the bar, the drink in your opposite hand.

“I’ll take the long one, if you don’t mind,”

You sighed out a little dramatically. “Alright, as long as you keep the drinks coming, I’ll try my best to get through it,” 

“You got it,”

“Where to even begin…”

Genma wasn’t kidding when he said he wanted the long version. He paid attention the whole time, asking pertinent questions and gasping and nodding sympathetically where he needed to. You finished around the time your third drink was ordered. You were feeling a little tipsy, but not quite drunk yet. You gave Genma an easy smile and asked him the same question he had asked. 

“How about this,” he started, leaning in. “I’m going to go to the bathroom, but when I get back, we’ll dance to a song and then I’ll tell it,”

“Aww, but you know I don’t dance,”

“You do tonight!” he replied cheerfully, sliding from his stool. 

You didn’t argue, just took a sip from the water you ordered with your last drink and debated whether you should go to the bathroom, too, before you got to moving around. In the end you stayed seated. Genma was quick to finish, and dragged you to the dancefloor at the start of the next song. 

You danced close to him, but not so much that you were touching. You had a thought as you looked around at all the people that you wouldn’t want anyone touching you. Anyone but Obito, that is. The revelation hit you like a sack of bricks, and you faltered in your movements. 

“You okay?” Genma yelled over the music. 

You nodded and he gave you an easy smile. He took your hand in his and twirled you around. Your heart beat to the music, and again you wished that it was Obito spinning you around. Not in a crowded bar, though. Maybe you could get some of your old records out and haul a record player over to his cottage. You smiled to yourself. Genma thought it was directed at him and spun you again, this time closer to his body. 

You stumbled and accidentally stepped on the foot of a person next to you. You yelled, “Sorry!” 

When you looked up, you locked eyes with none other than Toma. Your expression soured immediately. He looked you up and down and then at Genma behind you, and his mouth turned down and his gaze turned sharp. 

“What the fuck are you doing here?” You yelled. “You’re supposed to be watching Hikaru!”

“What? I can’t go out too?” he rolled his eyes. He sneered at Genma, who sized him up. 

“Listen,” he spit out at Toma. “We’re just trying to have a good time. Let’s leave it there,”

Genma looked at Toma like he was something putrid. You probably matched his expression, the drinks loosening up your usual blank mask. Toma stepped closer, invading your space. You backed up into Genma, who was surprisingly solid. 

“I always knew there was something between you two. I was right to make you stop seeing him,” 

“Fuck off, Toma. Seriously. Who is Hikaru with?”

He looked at you like you were the dumbest person he had the displeasure of meeting. “My mom. And no, I’m not going to fuck off. You’re going to listen to me since you’ve refused to do it all this time,”

“No, she’s not. Leave us alone,”

He snorted derisively. “Like I’d listen to you,”

“You should, if you know what’s good for you,” Genma growled, his feet widening into a fighting stance. 

You looked around, frantic to find a way to diffuse the situation. The last thing you wanted was to make a scene in front of all these people. Especially one that looked like two men were fighting over you. Toma squared his shoulders and started lifting the cuff of his long sleeve shirt. 

“We’re leaving,” you said to Genma over your shoulder. 

He looked back at Toma, who interrupted whatever he was planning to say to you. “No the fuck you’re not. I told you I wanted to talk to you and I’m going to fucking do just that,”

You pushed a little on Genma who got the hint and the two of you started to back up off of the dance floor. “I’m not listening to whatever it is. You had your chance to say your piece,”

His eyebrows could have hit his hairline with how far they raised. “Oh, is that right? When all you do is avoid me and then you’re with your little fuckbuddies whenever I can actually talk? No, just you and me are going to have a conversation,”

His eyes shone dangerously in the low bar lighting. You knew he wasn’t a real threat. Physically, he never was and never could outmatch you in hand to hand combat, but your heart hammered all the same. You weighed your options. If you could get him outside of the door you could -

“Genma!” A shrill voice called from behind the two of you. 

Both your heads whipped around and Toma snickered. Genma’s girlfriend stood there, fuming red, her cell phone clutched in her hand so tightly the knuckles were white. “This better not be what I think this is. I’ve called you twelve times. Twelve, asshole!” 

The only thing you could think was: This is a shitshow.

“Hailey, honey, I’m sorry! I told you I was catching up with an old friend tonight, though,”

“This is too much,” you said to yourself. 

Genma had fully turned around so you slipped past him on the other side and made a beeline for the door. You hoped Toma was too distracted by whatever was about to go down to notice. You slipped through the door as other patrons were entering and started making long strides. The squelch of footsteps in the slush behind you told you that you hadn’t escaped like you had hoped. 

“Not so fast,” he said lowly, quickly catching up to you. 

His tone sent a shiver down your spine. With venom you spit out, “I’m listening. What do you want?”

Toma wasn’t aware of where your home was located, so you made the decision to head in a familiar direction. You didn’t slow your pace, just waited for him to start now that he had completely caught up with you. 

“You never listened to me. Not once when we were together. It was always about you. Every single thing,” He started, and you smell the alcohol wafting from him in the cold night air. 

You almost faltered in your steps, but didn’t let your surprise show. You still felt some effect of the alcohol, even though you had started to sober, so you allowed yourself a small mental win over that. You said nothing so he continued on. And on, and on. You started approaching the woods when he was finished on his spiel about how conceited you were and how he gave every part of himself to the relationship. 

“You never wanted to have sex with me. Just admit it, you were cheating. I promise I won’t get too mad,” 

You scoffed, entering the woods and picking up your pace. You were at nearly a jog now. All you wanted was Obito right now. He could make you feel okay and Toma would leave you alone, or at least couldn’t cross the barrier and harass you outside the front door. 

“I never cheated on you,”

“You did,” His voice raised slightly, shoving a branch away from his face. 

“I didn’t,”

“You did. I know it. Just tell the truth,”

“I never cheated on you, not once. Why can’t you just accept that that’s the truth?” You huffed. 

He was quiet for a moment and you could tell he was struggling to catch his breath. “Why else wouldn’t you want to have sex with me? There has to be another man.”

“Maybe it’s because I told you I didn’t want to have sex over and over and you forced yourself on me anyway? Ever think about that?” You fully looked at him for the first time since the walk began.

“I never fucking forced myself on you,” he argued, his volume rising.

“You sure as hell did. But you know what, I’ve done a lot of fucking work and I’m healed from it, so just fuck off and leave it alone,”

“You’re fucking crazy and a liar. You’re just saying that because you hate me,”

You were getting so close to the barrier you could feel the chakra radiating from it. “Toma, I don’t hate you, because I can’t bring myself to give that amount of energy to you,”

“You’re so full of yourself,”

You didn’t respond. You were almost there, and then you could leave the conversation for good. Or at least until he wasn’t drunk. He was really starting to piss you off with all of his shit.

“Look at me,” he growled. 

You didn’t respond. The tip of your shoe hit the barrier and relief started washing over you. Toma grabbed your upper arm and ripped you away from it. 

“I said, ‘Look at me’!” He yelled. 

In that moment you felt like the trapped animal you had been, terrified to leave for the safety of your son and your own livelihood, backed into a corner as he berated you and made you feel worthless. Less than a person. You froze for a millisecond, taking in his red, angry face when an instinct took over you faster than you could think. 

His next words fell on deaf ears as the crack of your knuckles met with cheekbone. He crumpled to his side as you scurried across the barrier, tripping over your own feet. The front door to the cottage opened and the cleared walkway was illuminated by the lamplight from inside. Obito stood in the doorway, a hulking shadow.

He called out to you, confusion lacing his tired voice. He took a step further out of the house. 

“Obito!” you cried out, relief saturating your tone. 

“What’s going on?” He walked out quickly, alarmed that you were rushing towards him. 

You buried yourself in his arms just as Toma screamed, “You bitch!” from behind the barrier.

The concern he was looking at you with was flipped immediately into something dark. He looked over your head at Thoma, who angrily beat his fist against the invisible barrier. “Why is he here?”

“He was at the bar Genma and I went to and wouldn’t leave me alone. He followed me here. He probably thought I would end up taking him to my apartment so he could harass me some more,” You uttered quietly.

Obito stiffened, and then squared his shoulders. He gently pushed you to the side and approached the edge of the barrier. “Leave,” he called out.

“Or what?” you heard Toma sneer, his hand cupping his cheek.

“Or I’ll make you,” 

Toma took a step back but didn’t make any other move to go. “What are you gonna do? Huh?”

Obito waited wordlessly for him to follow his directive. He was taller and wider than Toma. If he thought Obito could walk through the barrier, intimidation would be the only thing he needed.  

“Who the fuck are you, anyway? Her boyfriend? How are my sloppy seconds?” 

You could feel the rage trickling into Obito’s chakra signature. He growled darkly, “Don’t talk about her,”

You went to stand next to him again, not sure what he would do, but ready to drag him inside. Toma looked like he was itching to have his teeth knocked out with the way he was grinning. “So you are the new boyfriend,”

“Doesn’t matter either way, it’s not your business,” you stated. “Let’s go, Obito,”

“Ohhh, so your name’s Obito… Why does that sound familiar? He someone you used to fuck? Maybe he’s the one you cheated on me with,” 

A sinister grin spread across Obito’s lips. “You’ve heard of me,”

Confusion started to creep onto Toma’s features. “You think you’re special or something? Who’s he, some shinobi?”

The look on your face answered his question. “So you think you’re bigger and better than me because you did, what? Save a kitten and get a shout out from the Hokage? Think you’re -”

“Obito Uchiha. That’s who I am. And if you recall, people won’t remember me for saving a kitten,” he kept his voice an octave low, and the sound of it chilled the air around the three of you. 

It took Toma all of two seconds for recognition to cross his features and the color to drain from his face. He looked at you with wide eyes. “You’re joking. You must- You have to be joking,”

You shook your head. 

“You can’t leave this barrier, so you can’t hurt me,” Toma said suddenly. Words to comfort himself. 

Obito’s sinister grin only widened. “Can’t I?”

You saw the red tomoe appear in his dark eyes, glowing in the dark night. They swirled into place, and Toma’s jaw dropped, along with yours. You didn’t think you would ever have the chance to see the Uchiha’s signature jutsu again after Kakashi lost his, and you were reminded why it was so terrifying. The way the Sharingan fit an Uchiha felt like a display of raw power. 

“Leave, and don’t ever come back. Don’t speak her name again, don’t look at her, don’t presume to speak to her about anything other than your son, or I’ll make you wish you had never been born,”

Toma stumbled backwards and ran. You could hear him stumbling over wet roots and leaves. You would laugh if you weren’t also intimidated by the man next to you. 

Obito turned to you and the red swirled away. “Are you okay?” 

You nodded, staring up at him. He scratched the back of his head, his eyes downcast. He flicked them back up to you. “I’m really sorry you had to see that… Do you want to come inside?”

You cleared your throat. “Please,”

Part XXII

Taglist: @mostlyunsure, @humongousdreamlandbear, @ichaichahatake, @mandy-yeager, @detectivestucks, @faces-ofvenus

[august-anon]

For the tickletober prompts, I give you two for BG3!

39. "But touch is my love language!"

For Karlach/Wyll, most definitely because I read it in her voice. And!

81. “Go away. I'm moping.”

 For Rolan or Astarion and another partner/partners of your choosing! The sass sounds like them. Also, there are zero Rolan tickles out there!

no longer taking these prompts, just catching up!

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Thank you for the prompts! Here's the first one, and I'll post the second one in another post! Hopefully this isn't too ooc because just like the last one, i wrote it at like midnight last night lol (and also have not played bg3 in over a month and my grasp on the characters has loosened oops)

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Love Language

Fandom: Baldur’s Gate 3

Ship(s): Wyll/Karlach

Characters (lee/ler): Lee!Wyll/Ler!Karlach

Word Count: 244 words

Summary: Karlach decides to be a little distracting while Wyll's helping prepare the camp's dinner.

[ao3 link]

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“Karlach, please–” Wyll said, trying not to stutter. She wasn’t making it easy on him, gliding her claws easily around the exposed skin of his abdomen. Maybe he should invest in some new clothes to wear around camp – they didn’t leave him much protection when certain tickle monsters started getting ideas.

“But touch is my love language,” Karlach whined from behind him, and he could hear the smile in her voice. “You wouldn’t leave me bereft, would you?”

“Of c-course not, dearheart, but I really need to finish this.”

“Come on, you can leave the stew for Gale to finish. Spend some time with me!”

Karlach switched from a teasing glide to skittering her claws all around his sides and stomach, tugging up his shirt even further to get at more skin. Wyll broke down in giggles, doubling over where he sat preparing the camp’s dinner and trying to peel her hands off of him. She huffed a laugh in his ear, making him tuck it against his shoulder to protect it from any more ticklish breaths.

“Wait, please–!”

“Aw come on, I haven’t heard you laugh in ages. Tickle tickle, Wyll!” She pressed a near-burning kiss to his temple. “Let’s see that smile.”

“I am smiling, I promise!”

“Just gotta make sure you don’t stop, then!”

Wyll had a feeling that he wouldn’t get back to the stew for a long while yet. Gale might have to finish it for them, after all.

[godlizzza]

Could i prompt some danbert flirting on the clock ❤️ i love when they are in a mundane setting and your writings are all amazing!

"Hey, doc. You seeing anyone right now?"

Herbert looked up from the sink to see Dan leaning casually against the wall, one hand braced on the plaster, the other propped on his hip, pushing his doctor's coat back. Herbert had always thought he looked especially dashing in the doctor's white, but the way Dan was currently staring at him, his eyebrows raised suggestively, had Herbert reconsidering that assessment.

"I don't have any more patients today, as you well know," Herbert replied, flicking the soapy water from his hands and straightening up.

Dan rolled his eyes. "You know what I meant."

"And I know that you know I told you I'm not going to pretend that we're strangers, meeting for the first time," Herbert shot back, eyes narrowed.

Dan sighed, dropping his hand from the wall and letting it flop down by his side. "You're no fun."

"Work isn't supposed to be fun," Herbert said curtly, then turned around and briskly set off down the hall.

There was the sound of Dan's footsteps rushing to catch up with him, his sneakers slapping on the linoleum floor. A moment later he was at Herbert's side, pushing the hair back, out of his face. He was finally letting it grow out again after he'd gotten it cut, much to Herbert's dismay. Herbert secretly hoped he'd keep it like that a while longer.

"It should be," Dan argued, "when you're working with your husband."

They weren't legally married, but Herbert chose to ignore that for now.

"You shouldn't let yourself get distracted at work, Dan," Herbert told him primly. "We wouldn't want another meeting with Bishop, now, would we?"

Dan wrinkled his nose just at the mention of the hospital director. Clarence Bishop, who signed both Dan and Herbert's paychecks was someone Herbert preferred to keep both out of sight and out of mind. Herbert was aware that Bishop was aware of his and Dan's relationship but seemed to have dealt with that information mostly by ignoring it, which worked just fine for Herbert. However, when an orderly had complained of inappropriate conversations happening in staff bathrooms, the two of them had been called into Bishop's office and sat down to have a conversation about professional conduct.

Herbert had sat through it all stoically, while Dan had been apologetic and embarrassed. Dan had been awkward and quiet on the drive home, while Herbert had been stewing over the fact that he knew it was Sylvia who'd made that complaint against them, that bitch.

Clearly though, Bishop's scolding hadn't been enough to completely deter Dan from his natural state of flirtation.

"Well, am I allowed to get distracted after work?" Dan asked. When Herbert paused to flick a glance at him he went on. "Let me take you out for dinner tonight. We've both been working so much lately, I feel like we haven't had any...quality time together."

His voice dipped on the last few words, deep and smooth like melted chocolate. With the way Dan's hooded eyes were trained on him, Herbert got the feeling he'd like to be spending some real quality time with him right that second, preferably in the closest sleep room.

Herbert hummed, eyeing him back. "You know how much I hate big, crowded rooms."

Dan smirked. "And yet, you work in a hospital. Don't worry, I'll take us somewhere nice and quiet. Intimate."

Herbert tapped his chin, considering. Really, it was ridiculous to even entertain it. Dan was right that they both had been working so much lately, leaving little time for work at home. He was already behind on his internal schedule for the month, test that should've been run days ago still sitting, incomplete, in the lab. To waste a few precious hours by going out to eat when they already had food at home just seemed a wasteful practice.

But Dan was looking at him so hopefully with those big brown eyes of his. Herbert knew how much little dates like these pleased him, and if there was one thing he'd learned over his time cohabiting with Dan, it was that he needed a treat thrown his way every now and then to placate him. If they went out for dinner tonight, Dan would be more amicable and willing in the lab. He'd also likely not bother Herbert about it again for at least a week.

Considering all of this, Herbert sighed and relented. "Fine. But you're paying."

Dan's answering smile nearly blinded Herbert with its brightness. "Deal."

His smile dipped suddenly, morphing into a pout, and Herbert let out an exasperated noise.

"What now?"

Dan pursed his lips, looking intently at Herbert's mouth. "I was just thinking how much I want to kiss you right now but I can't because we're at work and that would be unprofessional."

He emphasised his disdain for working professionalism with air quotes and Herbert snorted. Dan really did have a one-track mind, even in a building surrounded by the sick and dying.

He gave Dan's arm a pat as he passed him by. "Just try to get through the day, Dan. We're still on the clock."

"Fine. But I'll see you in a few hours!"

His voice trailed after Herbert as he made his way down the hall, smiling with his back to Dan.

[writingboutbrainrot]

Eat Your Veggies

[Thought up while I was trying a spinach banana muffin recipe. Based off when I thought I messed up, but thankfully I didn't. Steve will tho.] [steddie. fluff. henderson appreciation. mostly steve-centric.]

Steve noticed a lot about Eddie Munson after they saved the world together and started hanging out. Picked up on his mannerisms; how he covered his face with those dark curls when he was overwhelmed by any emotions, how he couldn't stop moving if his life depended on it - either fiddling with his clunky rings or dancing over furniture like some otherworldly creature. He'd bemoan when Steve put ABBA's Super Trouper cassette in the stereo, but Steve always caught the way he'd drum the car door to "Lay All Your Love On Me" while Steve sung along. And whenever Steve made him a meal he'd eat around the veggies silently and wouldn't look at a salad.

It didn't matter what it was. Stew, burgers, omelettes. No matter how small Steve cut them up, Eddie wouldn't eat them.

It was driving Steve up a wall because his boyfriend needed a balanced diet.

He was possibly at his wits end one day after failing to sneak a spoonful of diced peppers into a beef patty and watched as the other boy had somehow squirreled every one to his cheeks and spit them into a napkin after he finished the burger. Steve knew his eyes were wide when Eddie just blinked and took a drink like nothing was wrong.

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It was later that same week, when Steve went to pick Dustin up for a D&D session, that he was given an idea.

While waiting for the kid to find his lucky dice, Steve chatted with Claudia. At first just normal stuff about how they were both doing (Claudia was doing much better now that all the interdimensional stuff was done and her son was no longer getting into grave danger every year) and eventually he asked her how she'd get Dustin to eat something he didn't like...like say vegetables or greens.

"Oh, Dusty hated spinach. I even tried to get him into Popeye in hopes of him wanting to emulate him but alas," she started, hand on her chest as she was clearly remembering the younger days of her baby.

Steve smiled softly as his shoulders slumped. He was hoping motherly knowledge would save the day. He nearly jumped when Claudia spoke up again.

"I did finally trick him into it. Just took knowing my audience better." There was tone of pride in her voice that made Steve chuckle. She looked at him and smiled back warmly as she stood. "If Eddie's the same I've got just the recipe for you."

She waved for Steve to follow her to the kitchen, where she kept a catalog of recipes that her and her son relished. The tome was handwritten and tabbed neatly. The matron dug a notepad and pen out from a junk drawer then thumbed through the recipes. She quickly copied one with a concentration that matched Dustin's when he made his characters' backstories.

And it was just as Claudia had put down her pen and carefully torn off the memo page that Dustin walked in, "Alright com'on we're gonna be late."

The adults exchanged a look before Steve rolled his eyes and Claudia snickered. "Dude you were the one who spent 20 minutes trying to find his seven sided dice," Steve started.

Dustin pointed with a jab to the air. "Hey, it's a d8 Steve. As in eight sides. And a single dice is just a die."

With a scoff Steve turned to Claudia, gently took the recipe and gave the top of her head a small kiss. "Thanks for this Clauds, I'll let you know how it goes."

"Hey you already have my dm, can you not hit on my mom too?" Dustin yelled, already on his way over to get between two of his three favorite people. Claudia and Steve laughed again as the kid hugged his mom before the boys left.

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With all the kids rounded up and dropped off at the house, Steve made a quick stop at the store. The moment he stepped back through the door he could hear the animated speech Eddie was giving about some fungal demon queen who Steve hoped wouldn't manifest into the real world next. Everyone was hanging on Eddie's every word as Steve walked past them.

Knowing that he should have the kitchen to himself for long enough, Steve got to work. Spinach, some chopped up banana and more went into his blender as Billy Joel played lowly on his stereo - not too loud so he could still hear his boyfriend's voice. Not that that mattered once the blender was on. Man was that thing loud. So loud that Steve wouldn't notice a lull from the living room or when someone walked behind him to snag some drinks from the fridge. By the time he thought the mixture looked smooth enough, the game was back on at full blast.

He read that the flour went in next, so it did. He turned on the blender before realizing he didn't know how long he was supposed to mix this time. Turns out, not as long as it took to read through the recipe. By the time Steve had turned the blender off again and read the words "pour the batter" he knew he'd fucked up. This was definitely more like a dough.

"Shit," Steve muttered as he scooped his creation into a muffin tin. He was careful with the placement of the chocolate chips, making monster faces like Claudia's writing instructed.

And just like that, the muffins were in the oven, the timer was set and the kitchen was cleaned up. He took a seat in the living room in the meantime, basking in the atmosphere Eddie provided. The kids began to whoop and holler as Will got a critical hit on something. Not the main baddie, Steve was pretty sure since they were only two hours into the session. But everyone was still excited and he even gave a cheer for the boy wizard.

Then the timer gave a ding and Steve slipped away. Out came the muffins with the help of cat-printed oven mitts. Not wanting to ruin the carefully crafted faces, Steve maneuvered the muffins out with a toothpick and a fork. Each was placed on a serving platter. A few broke and he cussed each time. When everything was done he picked up a broken one and tested it with a grimace. The flavor was fine, but it was so dense. Not the child, or Eddie, friendly snack it was supposed to be.

Grumbling about overmixing the flour, Steve turned around with the platter with the intent to dump the contents in the trash.

And he ran right into Eddie. The muffins barely stayed on the plate.

"Oh holy sh-! How'd you sneak up like that?" Steve screeched. The glint in Eddie's eye did little to calm his beating heart. Nor did the smug smirk.

"I'm like a cat, babe," he cooed, reaching over to snag a muffin.

Steve couldn't even reach out a hand to stop him, not without making a mess. So he just watched as the rocker eyed his ill-gotten gains, the wrinkles near his eyes getting pronounced as his smile widened.

"Made little monsters for your little monsters, Stevie boy?" he said before putting the entire thing in his mouth. The grin never faltered as he chewed and chewed then swallowed. Or when he took the platter from Steve's frozen hands and landed a crumb-covered kiss on his cheek.

"Saw the spinach on the counter earlier, but s'still good. The effort's cute." He wiped the transferred crumbs off Steve's frozen face. And Steve continued to not recover as Eddie screamed about the monster muffins and almost started a riot by saying they all belonged to him.