#but it’s good to remember my ability to finish stories and have good ideas when i am having lulls

[wordstome]

symbiote König x reader

I'm not allowed to start any new aus/stories until I finish a few, but I need to expel these worms from my brain. (also remind me to write something about Eddie Brock/Symbiote Ghoap x reader later)

I don't know if you guys know much about Venom lore, but symbiotes don't have a default system of morality: they take on the same traits and moral values as their hosts. They were created as a sort of world-conquering mindless evil force, but when symbiotes bonded to hosts who wanted to do good, they took on those moralities and became ashamed of their purpose. After they imprisoned the dude who made them to be evil (Knull, btw) they just made up a lie that their species was naturally benevolent.

So picture this: symbiote König who's been captured alongside several others of his kind and brought to Earth by the Life Foundation to study their abilities. I like the idea of symbiote König being similar to Eddie Brock's Venom: he's had bad and good hosts, but the bad ones fucked him up really bad, so now he's the König we know: arrogant and confident in his proficiency in violence, but deeply awkward, lonely, and lost. Getting kidnapped and taken to yet another foreign planet to be poked and prodded and experimented on is just his luck.

But then there's you. A pretty little scientist, not much more than a lab assistant, really. Your first encounter with him consists of you touching a finger to the glass of his prison, and him, curious, moving himself to press his inky dark goop where your skin presses against the glass. You giggle before quickly remembering yourself and skittering away. Symbiotes aren't fond of sounds, but he wouldn't mind hearing that one again...

It's little encounters like that that endears you to him. It didn't take him long to decide he hated humans: they're slow and unintelligent and nowhere near as elegant of a killer as he is, and yet they've managed to trap him and torment him. He's quickly noted as being the most unpredictable and violent of the captured symbiotes. But he likes you, who visits him and talks to him. To you, it doesn't mean much: you may as well be talking to a lab rat, finding an outlet to vent your frustrations about your insane work hours, demanding managers, and meagre pay. To him, he's absorbing everything you tell him, longing to touch you without glass in the way. What would it be like to bond with you, he wonders? To merge symbiote with flesh, and become two moving as one?

He'd like to be inside you, in more ways than one perhaps.

He may have fucked that up, though. It wasn't his fault, that day. They were starving him, these idiotic humans, starving all of them. He had no choice but to eviscerate and wholly consume the poor man sent into his glass cage. But you had been watching, eyes wide in terror, as blood and viscera burst everywhere. If he had a heart, it would have ached as he watched you skitter away...

And yet...there may be something deeply wrong with you, just as there is something wrong with him. Because you're back the next day, a new fascination in your eyes. Instead of talking at him, you talk to him now, asking him questions he only wishes he could answer. If he could just reach you, he could communicate...

König gets his wish the day it all goes awry. A whistleblower breaks in and makes off with one of his breathren, and the next person to stumble upon the scene is his little scientist, who doesn't hesitate to start smashing the glass of his prison. "It's not right," you mutter over and over again. "It's not right..."

He can detect your heartbeat speeding up as he drags himself across the floor to reach you. You shy away out of instinct, and he pauses. There are alarms ringing out now, awful terrible loud sounds, and he would prefer to get out of here immediately, but he refuses to do anything that would drive you away for good. He watches as you heave a deep shaky breath, then reach out a hand to him.

He glides up your hand and wrist, working his way into your body, the symbiosis instant and easy. You're a perfect match. He knew you would be. The armed guards burst through the door, but you have nothing to worry about as he envelops your body. You become a six foot ten behemoth, face hidden by what almost looks like a veil—something he picked up from a former host. You're barely aware of what's happening, too overwhelmed and confused to parse what's going on. But he knows what he's doing.

After he gets you to safety, the two of you will have all the time in the world to get to know each other.

[potionpeddlerpatchy]

word count: 10.2K

paring: Sero x fReader

warning(s): dirty talking, fingering(f! receiving), premature ejaculation, messy sex, semi-public sex (if ya squint) - you know the works here, pretty standard smut, nothing too crazy.

authors note: Happy Belated Birthday to me! Not only did the amazing Onyx give me this idea MONTHS ago about the dynamic between Sero and I, but this won the poll for what I was going to work on next - and though I went with Bakugou's story first (cause it was fresher in my mind) I have finally finished this! AND OH BOY, how self-indulgent I was with this one - I am not known for my dialog but couldn't help but put lots in here! That being said, I did try and keep this as generic as I could, just may not be AS generic, ya know? Anyway, I hope you all love this glorified tape dispenser as much as I do~🔮

Sero had always loved to draw, even when he was a little kid. What started as scribbles covering the walls of his home turned into small doodles - those that filled his notebooks more than his writing and school work turned into piles and piles of sketchbooks that were filled with intricate drawings and were stacked high within the confines of his room. 

He remembered being little, using washable markers to doodle fun patterns and designs on his arms and the arms of his friends, remembering how most recess breaks were filled with doing a doodle request for several fellow classmates. To being older, and having those same classmates come up to him to see if they could utilize his skills to make projects look nicer; to make epic banners for school events, or to make posters pop in his signature way. Even while he was in college, next to a prestigious art school that only accepted a handful of creatives a year, he had people beg him to create designs for tattoos they were wanting to get; willing to pay lots of money so they could forever have a drawing of his on their skin.

And that sparked something inside him. A passion to turn a hobby into a career.

It took years and years of effort, of schooling, of practicing, of littering his skin with designs both good and bad - and subsequently spending more time fixing his faults - and then shadowing those more experienced, to be taken into their shops and under their wings, so he may draw on the bodies of those that were hoping to decorate their skin. Not all patrons were ideal; some were not hygienic, and others moved too much and then complained of sloppy work, demanding a refund. And not all shop owners were pleasant to work for; many accepted clients even when they shouldn't, often dismissing those beneath them out of pride and a superiority complex, and always taking the side of those patrons trying to scam him and his time. But there were a few people that made it all worth it in the end, a few colleagues turned friends that made ‘sticking it out’ much more bearable.

And without all the bumps and hurdles, Sero would not have become as confident in his abilities and his worth, and he would not have had the chance to meet so many amazing people and artists - some of which had the same goal and ideas in mind as he did; who would follow him wherever he went. Before he even knew it, Hanta Sero finally achieved his goal, of making his childhood dream and hobby into a reality. He finally owned his tattoo parlor. 

He found a little shop within the city, perfect enough for him and a few friends to call their own, to create their own brand, and to make their own living; to finally call the shots and have complete creative control. The building itself was a little run down - something to be expected with the small price tag attached - but it was the ideal size for all of them and in the perfect location. So no one cared that it needed a few months of intense TLC to get the building up to code, it was more than worth the effort. And before anyone knew it the inspector came to claim the building was up to standards, giving the business license and the all-clear to start accepting patrons; it only took a few days before people heard the news.

When word got around that Sero and his business partners had finally opened their shop, to start accepting clients and creating art on their skin that they would enjoy for a lifetime, so many jumped on the chance to get an appointment with them - Sero especially. Some were people he had known for years, eagerly awaiting another drawing of ink, and some were those that saw his work on the many social pages advertising the business that wanted to add another to their growing collections. Whatever the case was, once he turned on the neon ‘open’ sign on the day of opening, he and his friends were booked for months in advance.

And the cherry on top of all of this? Another wonderful addition to the streams of success he was facing, was the bookstore that sat just across the street from him. 

Not because he was into books, though he did read from time to time and enjoyed it when he did, but because of the owner that bookshop had. At first, he couldn’t be sure you were the owner, but day in and day out he watched you show up at opening and leave at closing, and unless you were an incredibly dedicated employee, it was an easy assumption to make. And Sero couldn’t deny that he thought you were pretty when he first caught sight of you through his window after closing on his first day; and he couldn’t deny that he would wait with anticipation when you closed your shop and would begin making your way home, just so he could get a glimpse of your cute face.

He wished he had the free time to go and speak to you, to see you up close and hear your voice (which he could just tell was adorable and sweet), but his clientele made it nearly impossible for him to get the chance. By the time the last client would leave, your shop would already be closed, and for some time, with you nowhere in sight. There were just simply not enough hours in the day for him to spare to meet you; as well he was terrified of canceling an appointment or rejecting a client so early on in all of this, afraid that one bad comment could ruin the shop and cause it to sink.

But Sero always made the best of any situation, that was part of his charm. He figured that if he didn’t have the time to go in and speak to you, to properly act on his little crush, he would let you know who he was and his existence through different means. 

Romantic gestures that could be seen as small and friendly - those that wouldn’t scare you off or have you become afraid. He started by sending you flowers; a small bouquet to help liven your shop if you wanted; which you did if the vase by your check-out counter was any indication. Next were chocolates, all bundled in pretty wrapping paper for you to carefully tear away. Then balloons, attached to a small gift basket with quality skincare items that could be found at his shop with his business card nustled amongst the jars and tins to ensure that you knew who sent them and that it was from the new neighbor across the street - not some strange admirer. 

He could tell that you liked them, given the delight that bloomed on your face whenever you received them - the bright smile as you brought those flowers to your nose to inhale their earthy scent, or when you eagerly started to open up some of the chocolates to enjoy, or when you carefully inspected each tin of cream; placing a small dollop on the back of your hand before putting them aside and back to your work. Sero especially knew you liked them when, a week later, you sent a gift basket back to him filled with artisan treats from the local farmers market; with a card welcoming the new store to the neighborhood.

After a while of staring hopelessly at you, to the point where all his friends were relentlessly teasing him, Sero finally made the decision to meet you properly; to make his way over to your shop to say hello. 

“And it has nothing to do with Kaminari!” he exclaimed at Kirishima and Mina, ensuring they could hear him over the snickering, as he grabbed his jacket to sling over his shoulders.

“Sure, whatever you say, big guy~” Mina sang as waved goodbye with a wink, clearly not buying it - especially as Kaminari just got back from your shop, book in hand that you recommended.

Sero shook his head, out of frustration at Mina’s words knowing that she called his bluff, as he slammed the door shut behind him and briskly walked across the street; breathing a sigh of relief, one that made the tension in his shoulder slack, when he stepped foot into your shop. It was everything he thought a bookstore should be; it was cozy and warm, the kind that would make anyone instantly at ease and would spend hours just curled up to read; which he assumed the patron he walk passed had been doing all day.

“Welcome! Can I help you?” A voice sang through the air, causing his head to turn to face a young woman - sadly not you - wearing an apron with the store's logo on it.

“Uh, not sure.” Sero smiled, nodding his head in acknowledgment, and as a polite hello, before gazing around.

“First time here?” She inquired, moving behind a nearby counter to grab a stack of books.

“Yeah, pretty obvious huh?”

“A little, many have the look on their face when they first come in. It’s a little overwhelming at times, the place is a bit bigger than they assume.”

“You could say that again…” Sero could hear her airy giggle, watching in the corner of her eye as she began to sort through the titles.

“I can give you the run down if you like?”

“Please, if you don’t mind.”

“Not a problem at all, sir.” She smiled, pausing her task to free her hands for gesturing with her explanation  “This place is a lot like a library, people can come and go as they please, staying all day if they want to, without the pressure of needing to buy something. They can also borrow books for a small fee if they want, to ensure they don’t waste their money on a bad book, or they can obviously purchase them if they want.”

“A safe haven for those that love books, huh?” Sero chimed with a smile, taking another glance at all the sitting areas close to him - the plush pillows and fireplace inviting for those that would want to curl up.

“Pretty much, that was the idea” The employee agreed, already starting to sort again “Have a look and take all the time you need.”

Sero left her with a ‘thank you’ and another nod before venturing further into the store - taking stock of what sections of books there were and all the small cozy nooks for people to curl up in; taking his time to explore the entirety of the shop before leaving. “For research purposes, in case I wanna go back” he would mumble to himself, ready to defend his actions from his teasing friends upon his return. It was for those reasons, and those alone, not at all because he was trying to find you.

He finally did come across you, after what seemed like hours of searching, hidden away within the Historical Fiction sections tucked near the back walls, shelving some books that were stacked within your arms and reorganizing the ones that had been misplaced. To say Sero was smitten with you would have been an understatement before, but now? Seeing you so close? Smitten would not even begin to compare to how love-struck he was; one so strong it struck him dumb and left him unable to do anything but look at you.

“Sir?” 

Sero couldn’t tell if he was lucky or not to have your voice call out to him; luck that it broke him out of the stupor he was in, unlucky that he was unable to say or do anything more than gaze up at you with his mouth agape.

“Do… do you need help with anything?” Your sweet voice called out to him again, though clearly confused, and it made Sero look away to try and gain his thoughts once more.

“A-art book.” He cleared his throat, cheeks turning hot and red as his eyes did their best to look anywhere but you “Looking for one of those.”

“Well, which one?” You smiled, biting your lip to hide it as you gently placed the books you were holding down.

“Art, The Definitive Visual Guide” Sero blurted, voice sounding rushed as he named the first art book he bought when in college; watching as your brows furrowed as you took a moment to process what he said.

“By Dixon?” 

“Y-yes!” Sero exclaimed, eyes brightening and heart swelling with pride when you giggled over his excitement.

“Well, that would be in our art section, which would be…” You began to lean forward, carefully perching yourself on your ladder to see past the bookshelf currently in your way “Ah! Just over there!”

“O-over there?” Sero nodded, trying his best to not be affected by the smell of your shampoo as it lingered in the air as you moved to stand upright again “T-that’s perfect thank you!”

“Oh, no worries at all! You just let me know if you can’t find it okay?” You smiled, already picking your books back up.

Sero smiled back, giving a wave goodbye, before almost scurrying away; head hanging in defeat once he knew you were out of sight. A small part of him hoped he couldn’t find the book so he could talk to you again, but he knew that would be a mistake - especially as the spine of the book stared right back at him when he first began looking in the section you sent him to. Begrudgingly he accepted his fate, bringing the book up to the front cash and paying the borrowing fee to the employee he met earlier.

He came back to the parlor feeling like a complete idiot over messing up his first proper encounter with you, not doing at all what he planned to do - not being the effortlessly charming and fun guy he knew he was. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t keep stopping by. 

After all, he had to return the book he borrowed.

~

Sero waited a week, in his mind if he went back the next day it would cause him more harm than good; would lead to you asking him way more questions than he would want about the book itself - and well, he already made a fool of himself once. Besides, the week-long buffer would allow him the chance to clear his head and come up with a game plan, so he could be properly prepared himself to see you again.

Because this time he wanted to start an actual conversation with you, one where he could learn about who you were, why you opened this store and everything in between that led to this moment in time. He wanted to know if his crush on you was justified, or if he should just cut his losses now before he was in too deep. But to be fair, based on what all his friends have said, he already was; even so, he couldn’t hold onto that book forever.

Regardless of what the outcome may be, he had to see you again; even if it meant rescheduling a client for a Sunday to make up the lost time, he just had to get to you and your store before closing.

And it was the perfect time to go he found. The store was almost completely empty, with seemingly no one else in the building but you as you began your usual routine for closing - so dutifully organizing stacks of papers and placing books that needed to be returned into a neat little pile; he almost felt bad for clearing his throat and breaking you out of your stride.

“H-hi!” You exclaimed, your body jolting in surprise when you regarded him, clearly not used to anyone being here so late “I’m sorry I didn’t notice you sooner, I hope you weren’t waiting long!”

“No you’re fine, I just walked in,” Sero reassured, taking a step closer to your counter.

“Oh, are you here to return that art book? The one by Dixon?” You asked, back straightening as you smiled up at him. “I hope you liked it!”

“I did, it was a great read.” Sero mirrored your smile as he handed the book back over to you, enjoying the way your smaller hand brushed against his briefly “Though I was wondering if you could me find a similar book?”

“Sure, of course! Do you want a recommendation or are you looking for a specific title?”

“Uh, Creatives on Creativity is what I am looking for,” Sero said, breathing a mental sigh of relief over remembering the title - one he only heard of a day prior when searching for art books to ask you about.

“Creatives on Creativity…” You mumbled, turning to your computer to check if you had the title in stock - the sound of a keyboard clacking could be heard, filling the silent space briefly “By Steve Brouwers?”

“Yup! That’s the one” Sero confirmed with a nod, perfectly hiding the fact he was completely unsure as he watched you round the counter of the counter with a wave.

“Yeah, we should have a few in stock if you would follow me!”

You took him back to the Art Section, your stride confident as you weaved your way through bookcases and magazine towers, as you began locating the book in question; trying to remember where exactly you cataloged it - whether it was with the Art Help books or the Art Education ones.

Sero followed behind you, keeping his stride to a more casual pace to avoid possibly stepping on your heels, as he regarded your profile; enjoying the concentrated gazes, those mixed with slight perplexity, as you looked from shelf to shelf trying to help him out. Never before was he grateful, and possibly will never be again, about having trouble trying to find a book.

“Can I ask you something?” He finally spoke, watching as you began to stand on a small stool to look at a higher shelf, figuring his time was running out.

“Uh, sure?” You muttered, voice soft as you continued on your hunt. “Go ahead”

“I’m sure you get asked this all the time, but I’m curious as to what a bookshop owner's favourite book is?” 

“Oh! Wow, that’s a great question!” You said, finally sparing him a brief glance with a smile “And one that’s kinda tough to answer. I love books from all genres for different reasons, so to compare one that’s horror to one that’s fantasy is a little difficult to do.”

“Well, what are you enjoying right now?” Sero asked, body leaning against the bookshelf so he could continue gazing up at you.

“Uhh, wow what am I reading right now?” You chuckled nervously as your mind began to race, feeling your cheeks heat up as you heard him do so as well “Let's see… probably The Historian, it’s a thriller mystery kinda deal - involves vampires and stuff - it’s proving to be quite fun” 

“Vampires?”

“Yeah… it’s historical fiction. It blurs the lines of what happened with whatever our imaginations can think of with the folklore of Vlad Țepeș and Dracula. Partly why I like it I guess…”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Sero hummed, watching as you scanned the titles before you, almost as if you were counting each one for inventory later “Take it that’s why you opened this place? Fell in love with reading books from far and wide?”

“Something like that” You agreed with a shrug of your shoulders “Wanted to be a librarian, always thought they had a great gig going on, and one thing led to another and, well, here we are.”

As you spoke your deft fingers delicately pulled the book you both were looking for from its place in the self, where it was hiding. Once you secured it in your grip, you slowly descended from your stool handing the book out to him once your feet were securely on the ground.

“And here you are.” You smiled, watching as he stood upright and uncrossed his arms.

“Thanks, for finding this for me” He gingerly took the book from you and tucked it under his arm, smiling wider at your cheery response back; following you obediently back up to the cash to once again pay the borrowing fee.

“Hey, if you don’t mind…” Sero began, fingers tapping nervously against the wood of the countertop “I have one more question to ask ya.”

“Sure, go ahead!” You giggled, amused by his polite curiosity as you began the transaction of payment.

“Would you want to go for some coffee sometime?”

His question made your fingers fumble on the touchpad, causing an error screen to pop up and for you to almost frantically try to fix, and you nervously cleared your throat; face going hot in surprise and embarrassment over your stumbled, and failed, answer back.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you or make you uncomfortable” Sero tried to soothe, hands raising up and away from the bubble around you to prove he meant no harm “Just think you’re cute and would like to treat you to some coffee, that’s all.”

“W-well, that’s um, very sweet of you, I just um…” You floundered, doing your best to finish quickly so you could hide away from him - to shield him from witnessing your embarrassment further “Just don’t think that would be a good idea?”

“You don’t? Why not?”

“Y-you know, we’re strangers! We only met a few days ago and all….”

“Actually we’re neighbors, good ones at that if our gift exchange was anything to go by.” Sero clarified, watching as the realization of who he was crossed your face, his hands lowered to shove themselves in his jacket pockets before shrugging his shoulders “But hey, not gonna pressure you or anything. If you don’t want to that’s cool, I won’t pressure you!”

“I’m flattered, believe me, just….” You countered a sheepish look on your face as you passed the book back his way for him to take “Maybe some other time.”

“Sure thing, thank you again,” Sero said, giving you one last small smile before taking his book and leaving; wishing you a good night as he walked past the threshold of your store with a wave.

A few things were certain that night; the first being that you were worth having a crush on, and he would love the chance to treat you right. And second, you were not used to the straightforward approach, and if he didn’t want to screw anything up, he would have to be patient and go about things slowly.

But Sero Hanta was up for any challenge, and you were more than worth the wait.

~

After that night, Sero found himself stopping by your shop a few times a week; to return a new book he borrowed (and spent the night before diligently reading), and to further chat with you. The conversations were always led by a question or two before it sparked into something beautiful - he loved the way you would ramble, talking with your hands, as you explained something, how passionate you got over the things you loved, and how blessed he found himself when you tried to tell a story from when you were younger but couldn’t over your laughter of remembering it all.

And after each night, when the conversation had reached its end and the book he had paid for was tucked snugly under his arm, he would, without fail, ask you out on a date as he was leaving your shop; in love with the smile and the amused shake of your head when you bid him a simple goodnight, to - “try again some other time” - before shutting the door behind him and switching you sign to closed.

Slowly but surely you were coming out of your shell, becoming more than eager to spend the last hour in his company; you didn’t realize it right away, but soon you found yourself noticing how excited you got when you would greet him. Or how you would try and keep the conversation going just a little bit longer as you walked to the cash, not wanting the night to end so soon. And how you would linger close to him before closing the door and saying good night. He was fun company, some of the best you ever had, and you couldn’t deny that you were starting to catch feelings for him too; to slowly become as enamored as he was.

Sero noticed this little factor as well, after a couple of months of visiting, when it was you who ask him a question; as you gingerly took hold of his arm to get a better look at the intricate tattoo that was perfectly placed on his forearm after handing him his recently purchased item.

“Did you do this yourself?” You whispered, almost in awe, as your fingertips barely brushed over the details of the design.

“Yeah,” Sero breathed out, quite taken aback by your bold action - though nowhere near complaining. “Took a while, but I think it turned out great.”

“Did you design it too?”

“Mm-hmm, designed all the tattoos on my body.” His eyes shifted their gaze from his arm to your face, “Wanted to work on my skin first before anyone else’s, just in case I wasn’t good at it.”

“I think it’s safe to say that you are, it’s beautiful work.”

“Do you have one?” 

“N-no…” You broke your gaze away, taking a step back from him - completely aware of how close and possibly inappropriate you were behaving.

“You want one?” Sero inquired with a clear of his throat; wanting nothing more than to move closer to you again, to gain that moment of intimacy once more, but knew he couldn’t

“Well yeah,” You shrugged, looking anywhere but at him, “But I just never really know what to get, and I don’t wanna regret getting something cause it’ll be on my skin forever, you know?”

“I can design something for you if you want?” 

“You would?”

“Obviously, wouldn’t offer if I didn’t want to!” He smiled, grabbing a piece of scrap paper and a marker from your countertop “Just tell me some things that you like, and I’ll come up with something! See, I already know you like owls, and foxes, and of course historical fiction and fantasy books…”

“Sero, listen this is really sweet! I am honored you would do this for me and all but….” You began, cutting him off from his parade of knowledge of all things you loved - heart swelling almost uncomfortably with the attention - “But really, you don't have to do this for me.”

“You kidding, I would love to! If I didn’t I wouldn’t have done this for a living; hard to make a career out of something you hate!”

“Yeah, clearly, I obviously get it. But even so, you’re booked for months! You got plenty of other clients that need your attention and designs a lot more than I do.”

“Oh ho~ How do you know I’m booked for months?” Sero teased, enjoying how you looked away in fake annoyance as your shoulders raised in embarrassment “Even if I was, which you’re so cutely right that I am, I would reserve a spot for you regardless.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, it can be after hours too, if you wanted.” Sero offered, with a shrug “Ya know if that would help put your nerves at ease; less people and all that stuff. And it could help make you feel better about accepting my offer~ I wouldn’t have to cancel on a client if you did.”

You sighed, shoulder slumping as you weighed his very tempting offer. You had been wanting a tattoo, ever since the new parlor opened across the street; and especially so every time you looked in Sero’s direction - the ink that was littered across his skin was beautiful - now here was the most perfect opportunity to finally get one and to get some more alone time with the artist himself; you knew you would regret it every day if you said no; despite your nerves telling you otherwise.

Squaring your shoulders you finally looked back at him, giving him a nod of approval over his proposition.

“Yes!” His fists thumped the counter as he proclaimed his excitement over your acceptance “I promise you won’t regret it! I’ll start working on the designs tonight and will have them done A-S-A-P!”

“Okay, okay!” You laughed, playfully rolling your eyes at his childish behavior “Sounds good to me.”

“Oh! One more thing!” He passed the marker over to you, his palm slayed out as if acting as a canvas “I’ll need your number so I can both let you know when the design is done and so I can book you in for your appointment.”

“Okay, well then hand me the paper you were just scribbling on” You pointed and the scrap paper, brows furrowing when you watched him shake his head ‘no”. 

“No can do babe, it’s covered with stuff already. Just write it on my hand”

“Sero, this is a permanent marker, I’m not going to do that!”

“I think I’m more than comfortable with permanent ink on my skin,” Sero winked, moving his palm closer to you “It’ll come off in a few days, but hey, if you don’t want me to leave you could just say so~”

You couldn’t help rolling your eyes again, hating that he was right and you were wasting time yet again to have him stay longer. You acquiesced, taking hold of his hand to keep it steady as you carefully wrote your number, being sure it was as clear as possible to avoid any confusion or mishaps that could be caused if you didn’t.

You watched as Sero left, head held high and chest filled with puffed-up pride as he sauntered back to the parlor; clearly happy with himself at winning you over and gaining your number.

~

It only took four days before you got the message from Sero; stating, with plenty of exclamation marks, about how your design was done and to stop by at any time to come and review the sketches - he was more than happy to squeeze you in at a time that worked best for you; whether that be between a client or after-hours.

And well, the thought of coming after hours was tempting, your confidence in quelling those nerves that swam in your stomach wasn’t strong enough yet; you were already pushing your limits when it came to the tattoo appointment. But the thought of you extending your lunch break by a few minutes seemed like a good idea.

The sign said ‘Closed for Lunch’ when you finally made your way across the street, and though Sero was insistent that you could come in regardless, you were still a little hesitant; standing by the door debating whether to knock or just walk in.

The decision was made for you when a woman with beautiful soft pink hair opened the door, startling you out of your thoughts as she asked if she could help you with anything.

“I-i’m just here to review some sketches…” You mumbled, hands playing nervously with your phone that still had the messages from Sero open “But I can come back if you’re closed!”

“It’s with Sero right?” She inquired, golden eyes squinting at you as they scanned you from head to toe; 

“Yeah..” You nodded your head, trying your best not to shift your body in reaction to her gaze.

“Oh my gosh! So it’s you! The librarian across the street!” She squealed, wasting no time in taking your arm and pulling you into the shop  “I’ve heard so much about you! Just been dying to meet you! I’m Mina, one of the artists here.”

“Bookstore owner….” You mumbled, casting a shy smile her way as you gave her your name “Heard about you as well, it’s really nice to meet you too”

“Right, bookstore owner, sorry about that!” Mina waved in apology, taking a step back to appraise you once more “and I gotta say, super jealous of Sero that he snagged you as his client; you’re a total babe! Like, that outfit is to die for! Where’s you get it?”

You could feel the blood rush to your face at her statement, her brazen compliment both flattered and embarrassed you as you mumbled out a ‘thank you’ as you gazed down at what you were wearing.

“And oh my god, your nails!” She exclaimed again, taking hold of your hand to inspect closely inspect your delicately painted fingernails “These are so pretty! Where’d you get them done?”

“Uh, the spa a few blocks down the road” You answered with a breathless laugh at her enthusiasm “They always do a good job.”

“I can tell! I’ve always wanted to check them out, but was a little unsure, but now I’m definitely gonna go as soon as I can!” She squealed, squeezing your hand in delight “Oh, but you’re not here for me, which is a total bummer. Sero’s station is just back here, I’ll let him know you’re here!”

You gave her your thanks, appreciating her help and unknowingly helping you become more at ease, as she led you to Sero’s area; leaving you with a wave and a promise he’ll join you in a few minutes. 

His area was quite spacious, possibly the largest out of the others you passed, and the furthest from the front door. His chair and equipment sat near the center of it all, just slightly off to the left for others to pass by, and looked clean and organized as you peered around the room. He had a work table as well, pressed up against the wall, with a book of design and sketches.

If you were braver you would have opened it and gone through the slightly worn pages to see what they contained. But instead, you opted to scan the wall before you, taking in the fun, wild, and beautiful designs that were taped to them; staring in awe at just how beautiful they all were. Masterpieces in black and coloured ink, ones you were sure some lucky people got to wear proudly on their skin.

Or perhaps they were littered on his…

Sadly, you couldn’t allow your mind the chance to wander to such thoughts, to wonder just how much of his body was covered in ink and how low some tattoos would travel, before you hear his footsteps approaching.

“Hey! Admiring the wall?” He greeted, his smile as bright and friendly as always when he greeted you

“Yeah, the designs are beautiful” You glanced back at him with a smile “But I think you already knew that.”

“What can I say, just like hearing people sing my praises!” He joked with an exaggerated shrug of his shoulders before walking up to you “But we’re not here to talk about these, eh?”

You watched as he gently, smoothly, pulled open a large drawer at the table you were currently standing at, one you didn’t realize was there given the sleek design. Carefully he pulled out a tiny stack of papers, laying them out before you to inspect and admire, as his arm kept him leaning over the table, and more importantly, you.

You tried your best not to be affected by his voice, how his breath tickled your ear, as he spoke about the direction he went with the designs. Some larger, more detailed as they encompassed all the things you loved - like the barn owl sounded by flora and books before a full moon - and some that were smaller, simply beholden of a single item you loved, like a sitting fox amongst fall leaves; and where on your body each tattoo would be placed.

He left a pause when he was done speaking, allowing you the chance to mill over what he said; to further inspect his designs, and to take your time in picking out what you wanted most; unable to help himself from staring at you, eyes half-lidded, as you bit your lip in concentration.

“I like the fox,” you finally whispered, pulling the sketch closer to you to admire it further, already imagining where it will sit on your arm.

“Yeah?” was all Sero could breathe out as he leaned in closer to you

“Mm-hmm” You nodded, finally turning your head to face him; watching as his eyes gazed at your lips, causing you to do the same “...h-how much will it be?”

You could feel your breath catching in your throat as Sero ignored your question, instead taking the opportunity to lean his face closer to yours; feeling his breath gently fan against your lips as you shut your eyes in anticipation; wanting nothing more than to feel what his kiss would be like.

“Sero, delivery is here!”

A gruff voice is what made you turn your head away; face scrunching in frustration over the unwanted interruption. You heard him sigh; feeling cold and a little disappointed when you felt his warmth pull away from you.

“Yeah… I’ll be right there Bakugou…” Sero spoke firmly, trying his best to keep his voice from sounding frustrated and annoyed as he looked back at his friend “Just finishing up here.”

Sero took another deep breath, one that turned into a loud sigh, over the now-ruined moment as he pulled the fox design from the pile of paper; taking a step away from you with a shake of his head.

“Don’t worry about paying, it’s on the house.” He gave a pained smile, slowly backing his way towards the backrooms, to where Bakugou was waiting “Just pick a day with Mina and we’ll go from there, ‘kay?”

You simply nodded your head, giving him a small smile and wave as you watched him disappear; taking the time to finally release the air you were holding as you clenched your fist in anger over your ruined kiss; at how perfect Bakugou’s timing was in all of it.

But after a moment, you couldn’t help but laugh; shaking your head in amusement as slowly made your way back to the front desk to book your appointment; knowing you had to get back to work soon and relieve your assistant.

~

It wasn’t long before the day of your tattoo arrived; the Saturday you booked it for came faster than anticipated, though the entire day felt like a year as you kept glancing at the clock to see how much time has passed, only to groan to yourself when it showed a mere 10-minutes.

Cataloging books did help with your dilemma, taking your mind off the many hours between you and seeing Sero again, as you continuously went up and down your little ladder to put the many returned books away. And before long, it was 9:00 pm, and you could flip your sign to ‘Closed’ and make your way across the street. 

You were surprised, given that the parlor was supposedly closed - or at the very least seeing their last clients at that point of the night - to see all the artists by the front desk chatting away; almost as if they were waiting for you to arrive.

“There you are!” Mina exclaimed, making her way from behind the desk over to where you stood, taking your jacket, and hanging it up for you “Thought you got cold feet on us!”

“Oh, I wouldn’t do that” You smiled, allowing her to complete her courteous gesture “And if I did cancel I would make sure you knew.”

“Are you excited!? First tattoos are always the most fun!”

“I am! Been looking forward to this all week!” 

“Oh, I’m sure you have~” Mina winked, “Now, let me introduce you to the other artist! Well, we’re all friends here but ya know.” She guided you over to where the three men stood, pointing first to a blonde with an unamused expression “You already met Bakugou last time you were here, I think you met Kaminari when he was at your store a few weeks back. And that giant redhead is Kirishima - he looks more scary than he is!”

 “It’s really nice to meet you!” Kirishima smiled, nudging Bakugou to acknowledge your presence - which he did in the form of a nod - before extending his hand out to you to shake “Heard a lot about you, been meaning to stop by your store for a while now. Apparently, you give good recommendations!”

“Oh, I do?” You asked, gingerly shaking his hand with a confused expression

“Of course you do, babe! Why else would Sero keep bugging you~” Kaminari jumped in, winking as he took your hand in his own and squeezed it “Nice to see you in our neck of the woods finally.”

“Okay okay! That’s enough, you guys!” Sero finally emerged, walking his way in between the group to disperse them; pulling Kaminari away from you to force him to let go of your hand “You should all be getting ready to leave, as you said you would!”

“Oh come on man! We just wanted to say hi to her!” Kaminari whined as he, and the rest of the group, were huddled towards to back of the place while you stood in place, fighting off a wave of giggles that were threatening to overcome you over the whole scene.

After a moment Sero returned, smoothing out his shirt as he tries his best to act as nonchalantly as possible; an act you could see right through given the blush that was dusting his cheeks but decided not to comment on.

“Sorry about all that, you ready to get started?” He asked, hand running through his hair nervously.

You hum in agreement, head nodding as you let him guide you back to his station; once there he motioned for you to get comfortable on the plush leather chair as he got his equipment ready.

 “Your friends are really nice,” You commented, tugging up the sleeve of your shirt for ease of access.

“Yeah, they are” Sero admitted, chuckling to himself “Pains in the ass half the time, but they mean well”

“Well, that’s how you know they love you” You chimed, sitting more upright as you watched him press an alcohol swab against your skin for a moment

“Guess you’re right.” He shrugged, holding up the stencil of your tattoo next to your arm “You want the tattoo here or a little lower?”

“No, there looks good! After all, you are the expert” You smiled, allowing him to press the paper against your skin; feeling him pressing down on it, before removing it to showcase the temporary art that was to forever be marked on your skin.

“Yeah that looks good,” He murmured, taking his tattoo machine in hand and dipping it in ink “Now, you let me know if this hurts, or becomes too unbearable okay?”

“Okay..” You bit your lip and nodded your head as you stared at the machine.

“Don’t worry, on arms you normally can’t feel anything” Sero reassured “ and I’ve got a steady hand which helps. All this just looks more scary than it is.”

“Like Kirishima”

“Yeah!” He laughed, shaking his head at your silly, but accurate, comment “Just like Kiri. Now, take a deep breath for me, kay?”

You nodded and did as you were told, taking a deep breath as his machine whirled to life; you watched with bated breath as it approached your skin, letting out a large sigh of relief when it finally touched you and no pain could be felt.

“See? Not so bad, yeah?” Sero smiled, slowly beginning to outline his design.

“Yeah…”

You didn’t converse much after that, not because you didn’t want to, but rather because you were blown away by Sero’s skills and concentration. You had never seen this side of him before. Normally he was goofy, animated, and fun, which you thought was endearing and cute; gave him his boyish charm. But now? As you watched his brows furrow and eyes look at you with such steely focus, you couldn’t help but find him extremely attractive. Choosing not to break the silence in fear of breaking his concentration, and thus this newfound allure, or embarrassing yourself.

Though he did make it difficult.

Throughout the entire session, every time he needed to shade something or thicken a line, he would always praise you after; claiming you were doing ‘such a good job’ for pushing through it; or for being called a ‘good girl’ when you took a needed deep breath at the right moment in time.

He said it so often that you can’t tell if he’s being reassuring or doing it to get a rise out of you; to tease you to see you get all hot and bothered.

Whatever the case was, it was affecting you way more than it should have; lighting a small fire deep within your core as you tried to rub your thighs together without him noticing to relieve some of the newfound pressure, as you suppressed all the small squeaks your wanted body wanted to let out every time another praise left his mouth.

It was agonizing torture in the best possible way; and when the session was finally done, when he was gently placing cellophane wrap over your fresh tattoo, you weren’t sure whether you were relieved or disappointed that it was all over.

“How much…” You gently cleared your throat, voice a little raspy over underuse “How much do I owe you again?”

“I already told you, babe,” Sero chuckled, carefully putting away his equipment “It’s on the house, my treat for you allowing me to borrow all those books.”

“You paid for those, Sero” You shot back, legs moving over the side of the chair as you leaned closer to him; showcasing your cleavage further from the lowcut hem of your shirt “I can’t just let you give me something like this for free - it’s not fair.”

“I told you, I like doing this.” He shrugged, ignoring you and your subsequent subtle attempts of seduction “More than happy to do this for you, think of it as a first-timer bonus!”

“There must be some way I can pay you back”

It was your tone that made Sero’s back straighten, clearing his throat he carefully placed what was in his hand down to turn and face you - breathing ceasing when he saw you sitting so pretty for him; the dark look in your eye making this cock twitch to life in his pants.

Sero couldn’t help it when his tongue poked out to lick his lips, unable to stop his eyes from trailing over your figure sitting before him; his own legs spreading further apart as he shifted a little closer to you; making you bite your lip. 

“How about finally going on that date with me?” He offered, hands twitching in his lap as he tried his best to restrain himself from touching you without permission.

“Payments happen immediately after a service…it wouldn’t be right paying you back days later, especially after you did such an amazing job” You reasoned, your voice barely above a whisper as you tilted your head up; brushing your nose against his “I prefer to pay you back now, kay?”

“Kay…” Sero barely even had the chance to whisper the word out before your lips pressed firmly into his; hands fisting into his shirt to keep him from pulling away.

As if Sero even wanted to move away, his own hands reaching out to pull you closer to him; closing any inch of space between him and your soft body. His hand cupped your face to deepen the long-awaited kiss that he dreamed about for weeks, as he slotted between your legs, groping and pinching the meat of your thigh as he hiked your leg up to wrap around his waist as he placed more of his weight onto you; groaning into your open when your clothed cunt brushed against his hardening length.

Your sweet, breathless, mewls were addicting and it made his mind dizzy with lust as his lips descended down your jaw and onto your neck; licking and sucking on the sensitive skin you so graciously barred to him, biting down on your pulse to hear you cry out his name into the heated air as he continued to grind his hips against yours.

His kisses continued downwards to your chest, pulling your shirt down - not bothering or wanting to take a mere moment to part from you to properly rid yourself of the article of clothing - before his lips began to suckle at the plump flesh his found; moaning into the heated flesh as he relished the way your hand began to tangle and tug at his hair.

It was all so much, and yet not enough for you; the fire that slowly emerged in your core was raging for me, not being fully satisfied with his sweet kisses or the grind of his hips. You needed more, been craving for more for hours, and you were starting to get a little impatient as you guided the hand pinching and stroking your thigh up to your core.

“Sero, please, touch me more,” You sighed out, legs widening to give him better access as held his hand against the damp cotton of your panties

“Hanta,” He corrected you, wringing his hand from your grasp to slowly stroke his knuckle up and down your slit “call me that, and I’ll do what you want, you needly little thing.”

“Hanta, please? Want you…” You whined, arching your back in an attempt to get more friction; unable to keep the smile off your face when you heard him groaning; clearly loving the way his name sounded off your needy tongue.

“That’s a good girl, hips up” He gently coaxed your lower half off the chair to pull your panties down your leg; pocketing them for later, before slowly guiding your legs to spead even wider for him “Already so wet after a few kisses, hm?” 

You looked away, face buried into his neck, the heat burning your cheeks in embarrassment over his teasing, as you nodded your head - unable to muster the courage to say the truth - as your heart fluttered over his rumbling chuckle.

“Aw, are we shy now?” He teased even more, deft fingers spreading your lower lips apart to gently stroke at your hardened clit “You weren’t shy a second ago when you asked me to play with this pretty pussy, want me to stop?”

He felt you shake your head, a sweet little whine accompanying the motion, as you continued to cling to him; your warm breath, coming out in pants, next to his ear made him slow his pace to one that could barely be considered movement.

“I dunno, it sure seems like you do” 

“N-no!” You mumbled, gripping his shirt tighter; biting your lip to suppress another whine threatening to escape. “Please don’t stop..”

“Then let me see that pretty face, hm,” He asked, tone still mirthful as he watched you slowly come out of your hiding spot “There you are, look at you, huh? All cute and flustered, you like what I’m doing that much?”

You nodded your head, once more, voice squeaking out a ‘yes’ as you felt his fingers resume a faster pace - swirling your bundle of nerves before slipping into your wet heat; your own hand coming down to grasp his forearm over the sudden intensity.

“That feels good, baby? You like my fingers?” Sero hummed, lips grazing your ear as he leaned closer to you, gazing down to watch his fingers go in and out of your drenched hole.

“God yes, Hanta!” You couldn’t help but cry out, throwing your head back, as you felt his fingers curl; stroking that sweet spot within your gummy walls that you made you see stars.

“Yeah you do,” He groaned, feeling your slick drip down his wrist as he repeated the motion “you wanted this, didn’t you? That’s why you wore that cute little skirt, huh?”

Sero watched you nod your head, though the blissed-out look on your face made him question if you even heard what he said as your hips began to wiggle, legs shaking as you neared your release.

“Can feel you twitching around my fingers, pretty girl, you gonna cum for me?” He asked, as his free hand pushed down your squirming hips “Hey, hey, don’t whine! I’ll give you what you want, promise”

His swollen lips brushed against your collarbone, a subtle gesture to prove he meant what he said - that he wasn’t going to tease you or stop you from going over the edge; his thumb twisting up to rub at your clit to help ease you over the edge you were climbing.

“That’s it, cum for me, god you sound so pretty, keep twitching for me.” He groaned, fingers working frantically as your cries grew higher in pitch.

Everything went white for a moment, an end to the mounting pleasure he was giving you, the world was forgotten for a brief moment as you succumbed to the pleasure; your back arched almost painfully as your legs clamped around his wrist; your entire form shaking from the intensity as eyes rolled back into your skull. The only thing that kept you in the realm was his deep voice cooing down at you as you felt your juices run down your thighs and stick to the surface of his leather chair.

“There she is…” He mumbled, lips kissing all over your face and chest to slowly help ease you back down “Slowly, that’s it, you did so good for me…”

“Hanta, s’too much!” You whined, bucking your hips away from his still-moving fingers; ones that were still slowly stroking your soaking cunt; hissing when he finally took them out.

“Sorry, sorry,” He chuckled, hands returning to stroke your thighs and hips as he gazed down at you “You certainly know how to stroke a man’s ego, huh? Never had a girl do that from my touch.”

You groaned one that turned into a giggle, as your hands came up to your face to hide from another wave of heated embarrassment “Well, to be fair, never had a guy touch me like that. Can’t blame a girl for enjoying it!”

“No I can’t, glad you liked it so much, baby” He murmured, pulling your hands from your face to kiss you once more, murmuring sweet nothing to you between each small kiss as his hands wandered again, up and down your body, smiling into the kiss when he felt your hands do the same.

“A-ah!” Sero moaned, unable to stop his hips from bucking to your small hand that started to stroke at the large bulge in his pants; another one choking out, ending in a whimper, when you applied more pressure.

“Can I return the favour?” You asked, voice sounding so saccharine and confident that it made his head spin at the total 180 you just pulled with your demeanor.

“N-no,” He whimpered out, hand grasping at your wrist - just as yours did before - to stop you from continuing your sinful motions.

“Why not?” You whined, the pout you gave almost made him regret his choice, “Wanna make you feel good…”

“I know you do, but I won’t be able to last long if you keep that up” He reasoned, clasping your hands in his to bring them away from his twitching, aching cock.

“What’s wrong with that?”

“God, you’re too much…” He mumbled, head shaking in amusement as he cleared his throat, trying his best not to let you get the best of him as he watched you squirm.

Your pout was still prevalent on your swollen lips as you gazed up at him, calling out to him once more in that saccharine sweet voice “But I wanna make you cum.”

Sero couldn’t help but groan again, head turning away from you as he thought of anything else at that moment - things that made him cringe in his past - to try and stop himself from creaming in his pants like a teenager. With his voice strained, hoarse with effort, as he instructed you to lay back.

You do as you are told, heat in your belly igniting once more when you hear the clinking of his belt unbuckling; bending your legs up, to get betting frictions on your tingling nub, as you waited as patiently as you could for his return.

The chair groaned, squeaking slightly, at the added weight Sero provided, as he situated himself between your legs once more. You gasped, one that turned into a moan, when you felt his cock head tap at your entrance; his hard length sliding up and down your slit - teasing you as he coats himself in your juices.

“Hanta…!” You groan out, hips bucking to try and slip him inside; groaning once more in frustration when you feel his hands pin your hips down once more “Hurry up!”

“So impatient, naughty, naughty, naughty ” He clicks his tongue at you, chuckling at the frustrated glance you cast his way “Just give me a second, don’t wanna hurt you after all”

You huff, brows furrowing further as acquiesced; knowing thing it was for the better to have him take things slow - but the burning in your core was making it difficult for you to have a clear and level head; wanting nothing more to feel him fill you up.

After another agonizing minute, you slowly feel him sink into your heat; feeling his fat cock stretch you out so agonizingly slow that it makes you throw your head back and moan; mouth agape as you feel every inch bury itself deeper into your core.

“God, you’re tight!” Sero hisses, body taut as he holds himself above you as he continued pushing into you “Already milking me, baby, damn!”

You both groan when he finally bottoms out, breathing labored as they mingle together in-between tiny kisses as you both try to adjust; legs wrapping around his hips, pulling him down to you, as he begins his slowly thrusting into you.

His thrusts were almost teasing with how slowly he was moving, dragging his cock out languidly from your gummy walls before slowly returning back into your warmth - but they were precise, with each thrust hitting every sweet spot you had; making your eyes cross as you fell into the throws of pleasure over his slow lovemaking.

Over time though, Sero could not keep up the unhurried pace; what was once a tactic to ensure that he didn’t cum too early, to properly worship you and your perfect body, was now not enough - his body needed more. His lips attached to yours, kisses muffling the sweet moans that you were making as he slowly picks up his pace; thrusts turning sloppy and hurried, a fair cry from before, as Sero now becomes unable to hold off his own pleasure; frantically trying to chase his release.

The sloppy, wet, noises of your pussy could be heard over your constant moans, over the  sound of his skin slapping against yours, and it was becoming overwhelming - his thumb joining his frenzied hips as he rubbed at your clit; trying desperately to get you up and over that edge before him, to feel your walls flutter and clasp his weeping cock as it did his fingers before he spilled into you.

But he failed, your wanton moans as they called out his name, and the sharp sting of your nails and they dug into his back pushed him too far; quickly pulling out with a choked wail he came; spilling his hot seed all over your thighs and stomach.

“I-I’m sorry” he gasped, trying to regain his breath - body, and cock, still twitching over the intensity of his organism; leaving you for a brief moment to get a clean rag from his equipment table to clean you up.

“Why are you sorry?” You asked, voice still raspy and sore, as you watched him methodically clean you up.

“Well, you know, about getting you all messy. And…. yeah…” He mumbled, shrugging his shoulders, too embarrassed to look at you or saw the real reason he apologized.

It made you smile, though you did your best to contain the giggles that threaten to pass your lips as you watched him. Sitting up, you pushed the hand that was cleaning you away, pulling him back down into you for a kiss.

“It’s okay, I don’t mind getting messy. Part of the fun, right?” You giggled, nudging your nose with his trying to lighten the mood; effectively making a small smile tug at his lips as he returned your kiss.

“Besides…” you whispered, hands coming down to teasingly stroke his chest “My place isn’t too far from here. If you wanted, you could spend all night making it up to me”

“Aren’t you a naughty girl,” Sero smirked, hands grabbing the meat under your thighs as he picked you up from his chair; moving your legs to wrap around his hips to keep you upright and in place “But, I think my place is closer.”

[thiccsys]

can u dump random error facts.. maybe..

FACTS?? cracks my little knuckles

TW FOR SUICIDE MENTION!

okay. im gonna go off memory. so if i get anything wrong someone correct me.

- Error’s glasses have been around since Aftertale! Geno got them from Alphys with the wrong prescription. Because Geno is.. well, himself, he decided that the shitty prescription was “good enough” and rolled with it.

- Error is nearsighted. In the askerror comic Swap paps is seen standing far away. He is blurry. The closer he got to Error, the clearer his image became

- Error’s REAL name is Gaylord Scooter Brighton (im not making this up)

- Contrary to popular belief, Error can feel guilt. Guilt is hinted at in CQ’s summary of what could’ve been (a completed Error comic much like Aftertale).

- Error Papyrus and Error Undyne are canonical characters within his story. I, however, don’t enjoy them as much as I enjoy Error himself, so they’re irrelevant to me

- Errors are literally some sort of species. Error isn’t the only one (Circuit, Proferror, the ones mentioned above, Blueberror). My memory might be failing me but I remember hearing that an Error’s “last thought” before becoming corrupted is very important. Why? I forgot. Is this actually true? I forgot, but i cant be bothered to check

- Error IS suicidal. After destroying all fhe AUs, he will kill himself. In addition, Error would kill himself if he ever became mentally sane enough to understand how hypocritical he is.

- Error has a sensitivity to Papyrus. He doesn’t like being asked about him, or “his brother.” In addition, he struggles to kill them, shown in the AskError comic as well. Geno’s still in there and it’s sooo so amazing to think about

- Error’s very insecure. Although the idea of him being this slay girlypop feather boa wearing king is amazing, he could never. I remember seeing a comic where he indirectly says he dislikes himself. Which makes sense— his narcissistic characteristics definitely stem from insecurity. “i feel like i’m the worst so i’ll act like im the best” mentality (we genuinely relate too much to this).

- Error canonically has five blue tongues

- Error’s glitches temporarily blind him at random. Yes, it happens when he is agitated or upset, but it also comes and goes as it pleases.

- Error’s glitches are painful. Crashes are painful. The scene of him first pulling strings from his sockets was likely EXTREMELY agonizing (i’m pretty sure he said it hurt himself while showing it all to blue).

- Error’s portals do seem to have some sort of replay ability. After all, how else could he have shown Blue what happened to himself?

- He’s very lonely. He wants friends. Living friends.

- CQ stated that Error is INTENTIONALLY made to make no sense. His character doesn’t make sense to you? Good! That’s the point! He’s an enigma that doesn’t even understand himself.

- Error can see and read code as if he were looking at a computer screen. He likes picking through the code of an AU before he destroys it

- Error loves Outertale and Undernovela. He will never finish his little job.

okay thats all i remember ty for asking :3

[yuikomorii]

Happy Birthday to the BEST BOY!!🥳🏀❤️

// You have the ability to accomplish everything you set your mind to, and we all know you’re the apple of Yui’s eye. Thank you for never giving up on others and for making Yui the happiest girl alive while letting her feel like a normal teenager! (*＾ワ＾*)

Love you, Ayato! 🫶🏻

Since you guys asked for a new scenario, I decided to deliver it uwu. I’m still not very confident in my writing skills and I’m aware some parts sound really cheesy but I truly hope you will enjoy it! 💖

~Ayato’s Birthday short story~

Yui: Phew… it’s finally done!

( It took me three fails to make his cake but thankfully I finished it on time! )

Uuh… It was supposed to look better though but maybe the good result lays in the taste?

— Yui tries it —

Just like I thought, the taste didn’t deceive me! I tried my best not to make it too sweet, therefore I truly hope Ayato-kun will like it.

Speaking of Ayato-kun, I wonder if he woke up. It might sound a bit childish but I really want to be the first to congratulate him~!

— Place shifts to Ayato’s room —

Yui: Eh? The door is open…? Could it be that he’s awak—…! He left?

???: Nfu, what’s with the long face? Did you and Ayato-kun have a fight~?

Yui: L-Laito-kun! Gosh, don’t just whisper in my ear like that!

Laito: Why not~? Is it because it arouses you? As expected from you, Bitch-chan, you really grow into that nick—

Yui: E-Enough…!

Look, Laito-kun… do you happen to know where exactly Ayato-kun went?

Laito: And what if I do?

Yui: Well… in that case, where is he?

Laito: Bold of you to assume I’d tell you. You’re always so naive~

Yui: Eh? That’s…—

( Of course this guy wouldn’t help me! I can’t believe I really thought asking him would be a good idea… )

Laito: Nfu, I know that face, Bitch-chan, you were judging me in your thoughts, weren’t you? How rude~

Yui: W-Wait, you got the wrong idea! I just—

Laito: And I was merely trying to do you a favor, but I suppose you don’t appreciate such things from any man, am I right?

Yui: I don’t really get what you mean…

Laito: Well…~ all I’m going to say is that if you tried using your head a little, then maybe you would be able to guess where Ayato-kun is.

Yui: Hmm…

( Now that I think about it, the weather is beautiful today, neither too hot nor too cold. As far as I recall, this is Ayato-kun’s ideal type of weather for playing basketball. In that case… could he really be outdoors? )

Ah, I might actually know the place!

Laito: See? Making use of those brain cells once in a blue moon wasn't all that difficult, was it? Now hurry up or else you won’t be the first one to wish your precious boyfriend a “happy birthday” ~

Yui: …!

( Did he eavesdrop on me today!? )

( G-Geez… It’s a bit embarrassing knowing that he listened to such things. Despite this, he truly managed to be helpful in some way. )

Y-Yeah, I’ll leave right now. By the way… thank you, Laito-kun.

— Yui walks away —

Laito: ( Nfu, I wonder if she really guessed that place right. Too bad that desperate face didn’t last any longer, otherwise I might have truly taken advantage of it.~ )

— Place shifts outside the mansion —

Yui: Hoh— that’s a bit heavy!

( I tried to fit everything for his birthday in this basket but it weighs more than I expected! )

( Uuh… I really hope Ayato-kun is around here. )

???: Tsk, damn it!

Yui: That voice—! Ayato-kun!

Ayato: Huh? Yui?

— Yui jumps into his arms —

Yui: Happy Birthday, Ayato-kun…!

Ayato: Hah? Ah… Yeah…

So you remembered it, huh?

Yui: Obviously, there’s no way I would forget such an important day!

Ayato: It wouldn't have made a difference anyway. Birthdays have never been a reason to celebrate for vampires; they are just like any other day. Basically, we couldn’t care less.

Yui: Well… that might be so, however I do care about it. It’s true that humans and vampires have distinct points of view and mindsets, but this still won’t stop me from considering this day special. After all, that’s when Ayato-kun was born and I’m grateful for that, as a result I want to celebrate your birth.

Ayato: …

Yui: ( He suddenly went silent… Ah, did I really exaggerate with that confession? )

Ayato: Yui…

Yui: …!

( He’s smiling so brightly! )

( I would have never thought those words to make Ayato-kun so happy but seeing him like that… my heart can’t help but fill up with so much joy too…! )

Ayato: Geez, I’m supposed to be indifferent about my birthday but look at me grinning like a fool due to a Chichinashi such as yourself. Now you better take responsibility or else—

Yui: ( He says it in such a threatening way but that blushy face proves exactly the opposite, fufu. )

Ayato: Oi, what’s up with that basket?

Yui: ( Oh, right! )

I got something for you!

Ayato: Heh, only for me?

Yui: Yup!

( Although, I truly hope nothing got crushed. )

— Yui opens the basket and serves cake —

Yui: I know it doesn’t look perfect but I’m confident the taste is on your liking. I remembered that you aren’t too fond of very sweet food, therefore I tried avoiding adding marzipan and focus more on the fruits instead. Do you… like it?

Ayato: Haa… there’s no need for those useless explanations. You made that whole cake for me, so yeah, isn’t it obvious that I’d like it?

Yui: Ayato-kun…

— Ayato tastes it —

Ayato: Mm… as expected, it’s good! To be honest, Takoyaki would have been a far superior choice, but I can't deny that the cake Chichinashi made is also quite tasty.

Yui: Fufu, I knew exactly that you were going to say that, so I prepared this for you!

— Yui serves him Takoyaki —

Ayato: Hah!? Are you a magician or somethin’?

Yui: N-not at all! I just know Ayato-kun loves Takoyaki so much that he would eat them everyday, hence they couldn’t miss out on his birthday, right?

Ayato: You…

— Ayato pins her down —

Yui: Eh—?

Ayato: Bet you weren’t prepared for this, were you?

Yui: ( Is he going to suck my blood? )

— Ayato kisses her —

Yui: Nn…!

Ayato: Now I am the one catching you off guard. How does that feel, eh?

Yui: Good…

Ayato: Oh? What happened to “Ayato-kun, that’s so embarrassing!” ?

Yui: I-I mean… it is a bit yet I can’t deny that Ayato-kun’s gentle kisses are the best.

Ayato: Tsk… Why not so cute and honest all the time? Is it ‘cause of my birthday or what now?

Yui: I just felt like it…

( He’s just getting cuter and cuter! )

By the way… there’s one more thing I have to give you.

— Yui starts searching —

Ayato: A photo frame?

Yui: That’s so. I asked the school photographer to take this photo exactly when you scored and brought victory to your team. The happiness you felt in that moment… that’s something I always wish for you to experience.

— Ayato slightly blushes —

Yui: I also tried to decorate the frame myself based on what you like the most b-but if it’s too childish, then I will try to——

( He’s hugging me! )

Ayato: “What you like the most” she said, but how come I don’t see her there too then?

Yui: T-That’s—!

( Was that an indirect confession!? )

Ayato: Pfft… haha, that’s exactly the reaction I expected!

Love you, idiot. You really are the best~!

— Ayato stands up and starts walking away —

Yui: W-Wah—! Hey, d-don’t make fun of me like that!

Ayato: Can’t hear you~! If you wanna tell me something, catch me then!

Yui: You meanie!

— Yui stands up and starts running after him—

Yui: ( I can’t help but feel like a child once again when playing with him like that. It’s such a nostalgic feeling that somehow feels so distant... )

( As we run around the mansion, Ayato-kun is showing me his genuine smile… that’s the face that makes me fall more and more for him each and every day. )

( I love you Ayato-kun, thank you for being born. )

[hotpinkrathian]

Ahhhh so I have to admit I have been working on something, it's a very big project for me.

It's 30 000 words long as of now, and I estimate to be about 1/2 - 2/3 of the way through the story. I'm super excited about it, however I don't want to get to a point where I'm almost done and don't finish, which is why I am writing it so much.

I want everyone in the kyalin Fandom to be right there with me when it's ready. So I'm going to do my best to finish it before I start posting.

How would I describe it???

A Kyalin mystery slowburn

Here's a snippet from Chapter 3 (spoilers ahead)

“Here,” Tenzin said, passing Lin a notice.

“So secretive,” Kya joked, pretending to lean over.

“It's not that secret,” Tenzin said, “two more came forward getting letters, bringing the total to-”

“Forty-nine.” Lin finished. The names added to the list weren't familiar to her. An Earth Republic mayor, and a fire nation general. “Something tells me there's one more out there,” Lin said.

“You think? An even 50?”

“Stopping at forty-nine would be good thinking on their end,” Kya said, “I mean, it would have everyone worried over the 50th letter, which doesn't exist.” She elaborated.

Lin raised an eyebrow, shrugging it off.

“What are the odds they get out anyway?” Kya asked.

“You mean the dirt?” Lin clarified.

“Yeah. Are the threats… real? Do you think they actually know something, or is it… broad enough to make yo- people think they did something.”

“Well we've bounced around that idea for a while,” Lin said, “but I think the general consensus was that… they were a little too close for comfort.” She looked to Tenzin, whose harrowing eyes reflected the anxieties of her own.

Her own letter bounced around in the back of brain, waiting to be unpacked. She had divulged so much into dealing with the case, and worrying about Suyin, she hadn't put much thought into how she would deal with the information revealed by her letter.

What she would do.

What she would say.

She didn't inherently think she had anything to be ashamed of, but there were plenty others who wouldn't see it that way.

It would be career ending, perhaps enough to chase her out of town in search of a fresh start.

If Suyin was still alive, Zaofu could make for a nice retirement place.

“Excuse me for a moment,” she said, getting up. She made for the bathroom down the hall, but instead opened the window at the end of the hall.

Delicately, and with precision, even in her wine-induced stupor, she climbed outside, hanging onto the ledge.

She'd done it a thousand times in her teen years. Scaling the air temple had been a right of passage, and a necessity, when she was with Tenzin.

It was second nature to her as she hauled herself to the upper floor.

Luckily, the window wasn't locked and she got back inside with ease.

She walked quietly down the hall, praying she didn't wake the kids. It was as she remembered. Almost nothing had changed, and a strange wave of deja vu overcame her.

It ended when she entered the left door, and not the right.

Kya's room was one she hadn't been in much, especially as she got older. It looked as she had envisioned. It was tasteful and colorful. Lin envied her ability to pick out pictures and tapestries of varied colors, still managing to make them go together.

First she checked the nightstand, which had a lot of interesting things, but nothing she was looking for.

She checked the duffle bag on the chair, nothing but clothes and towels.

She sighed, looking around.

She noticed the bed was lifted slightly off the floor. Tenzin used to keep… stuff under his bed.

Perhaps these airhead all thought alike.

She got on her knees before laying herself gently onto her stomach.

She outstretched an arm under the bed, feeling around until her palm landed on a box.

She pulled it out, and allowed herself to stand up before setting it on the bed and opening it.

The unmistakable waxy green seal.

The inky handwriting on the back with a clear name designation.

The clear indication that it had been open and removed multiple times.

She held it in her hand, her fingers frozen.

Fifty

[lurkinglurkerwholurks]

If the Sky Comes Falling Down (For You)

First posted: January 25, 2019

Focuses on: Jason Todd and his various siblings

Favorite bookmark: "A variety of permutations and flavors of Robin h/c featuring Jason! The Baskin Robins of BatFam h/c, if you will."

Second favorite bookmark: "and so, step by step, the prodigal stray coaxes himself home."

Tier: #3 in hits & kudos & subscriptions, #4 in comment threads, #2 in bookmarks

This is my “behind the scenes” series where I indulge myself horribly by annotating my fics. Link to the fic itself above. Individual chapter notations below the cuts.

Chapter One

First, to note, the title came last and is from "Hey Brother" by Avicii because it was already on my BatFam playlist and gave me strong sibling feels, so it worked!

Okay if I remember correctly, this fic came about because 1) I had jotted down story ideas, all surrounding Jason, that were all just a bit too similar for me to feel comfortable doing them as one-offs, and 2) it was late 2018 when I start writing so I was deep in 5+1 IronDad fics.

This fic was so deeply indulgent from start to finish, which I think might be why people liked it so much? Like, if you're into the tropes into this fic, you're really into them. It scratches the itch just right, because it's my itch and I wrote it for me.

The plan was to do like I did for my other multi-chapter fics (except Nature and Nurture, RIP me) and write it all out before posting anything, so I could be sure that I would actually finish. I don't have that kind of self-restraint anymore. But it was a fun challenge to figure out what should happen to whom and in what order.

Jason didn’t sleep much anymore. He’d always been a rough sleeper, his years spent in low-security public housing and then on the street grinding away at his ability to rest with ease. He slept lightly, his consciousness skimming just below the surface, ready to spring awake at the softest noise.

As I've said before, sometimes I have an idea for a fic but then, when trying to start it, a sentence pops up immediately as my opener. That's always a wild ride because sometimes it seems to have nothing at all to do with where I want to go, so then I have to backtrack and figure out but why tho????

Moving to the Manor had helped some, after he’d assured himself that no one was going to scratch at his door or steal his shoes. The cold mornings had been the best, spent curled under a mound of the softest blankets imaginable atop a mattress so perfectly contoured to his bones that it’d felt like floating on the surface of a pool. He’d slept, truly slept, at the Manor.

I like the idea of, even at Jason's most toxic and vitriolic, the Manor itself still representing safety and comfort. Maybe sometimes he would twist it into stifling or grossly indulgent, but I think deep in his stomach he would know that distortion was a lie. The Manor was safer than anywhere else, even with his mom.

Those days of rest were long gone. The Pit had done a number on his brain—intensifying and altering his emotions, erasing some old habits and dialing up others, leaving dark chasms where memories should be.

I've seen other fics play with the idea of the trauma of Jason's injuries, death, resurrection, and the Pit all combining to some degree or another to swiss-cheese his brain (a phrase I lovingly borrow from Quantum Leap.) And that of course leaves a bunch of really fun room to play with—how much does Jason know he's missing vs. how much is gone or totally distorted without him even being aware? (Again, another thing I tease out in various fics like N&N.)

It was like someone had jammed a stick in his skull and given his brain a good stir. Or maybe that was just the crowbar. Ha.

I made myself snicker with that one. It's so voiceily Jason but also that ha is so guttural and specific in my head, you all will never know.

He was making progress with his budding criminal empire—splashy progress, as displayed on the crusting cuffs of his sleeves and the splattered toes of his boots, but also more subtle progress, too. The subtle form was harder, so much harder, but he knew its changes would be more permanent, in the long run. Splashy got people talking. Subtle got them bowing.

Jason! Todd! Is! No! Thug! He is smart and cunning and uses violence to make an impact and that's that on that.

And though he’d heard her speak before in the careful neutral of the middle-class, the sounds being beat out of her now were Crime Alley crooked.

I like the idea of Steph and Jason growing up in the same neighborhood. It's not a hill I'd die on, but it makes for some interesting fic.

The girl put up a good fight. She was rough, no finesse, no real training. All knuckles and elbows and feet and knees. He spotted some of the Bat basics pop up in the way she ducked and spun, but she wasn’t lithe like Nightwing or crafty like the Replacement. She was a brawler. And she was losing.

She is who he might have been, without Bruce and Alfred and Dick. A decent fighter, stubborn, willing to brawl it out, but ultimately destined to lose.

It sucked in an abstract way, the way it sucked that someone was going hungry halfway around the world, the way it sucked when a stranger missed his bus. It sucked, but it wasn’t Jason’s problem, and he couldn’t really bring himself to care. B needed to learn to pick up his toys.

Starting with Steph made the most sense to me. She wasn't (and isn't) a member I know super well, with so much of her canon backstory being things I have no interest in, and she's part of the Family but in that awkward "we're maybe siblings but also I have a mom and also I dated one of you too??" ways, so she's got a little bit of distance, for me as a writer and also Jason. She doesn't have the emotional heat of the others. He doesn't hate her, just what she represents. He also doesn't care what happens to her, except—

The knife glinted in the amber streetlight and cast a shadow across the yellow emblem on her chest.

She's not Batman. She's not a Robin. She's Batgirl. And that's a different thing entirely.

Jason knew what they saw when they looked at him. He was big now, broad-shouldered and massive in a way he had only ever dreamed of being as a scrawny, malnourished street kid. His helmet was blood-red and gleaming, its angles sculpted to subtly suggest a skull. And his clothes were still stained with actual blood. He was an Alley myth, a nightmare with more bite than the Bat, because he wasn’t afraid to do real damage. He was death.

Jason Peter Todd is scary smart, and he knows how to make the exact impact he wants.

“I don’t know you, but I know your colors. You’re Ibanescu’s boys.”

I had to google Gotham crime families. I know literally nothing other than the name.

It was one thing to let her get the snot beat out of her. And even if someone else had taken a shot at her, he wouldn’t have minded. But he couldn’t. Not in that suit.

:3

“It’s not about you,” Jason repeated, his voice gravelly and rough. He pointed toward the yellow symbol on her chest, the symbol that, in the world he’d left, the world he remembered, belonged to someone else. “I owe her a debt. And now it’s paid.” Jason was a murderer. A thief. A criminal. A drug lord. He had no illusions as to his own goodness anymore, no hope for redemption or grace. But he had his values, the few precious things that he would not allow. One of those, it seemed, was watch a man restrain and stab a Batgirl while he did nothing.

Someday I'll write more about that. The partner and friend and maybe mentor who was still reeling from trauma and hadn't yet found her way when Jason was snuffed out of existence.

Jason was tired, but the night was just beginning.

So that's where it starts. Jason tired, literally caked with dried blood, stepping in not because of love or hate or curiosity or concern but because he felt he owed a debt to someone else and that debt instead landed on the person in front of him.

[avaelangel]

Marie is an emotional drunk.

LiMoreau blurb. I thought, since Jordan has tolerance towards most abilities in terms of combat, they also might have an inhuman tolerance to any substance. Or spice, but this is another story. Anyway, Marie doesn't have than kind of tolerance, even though she might be able to control how a substance will affect her bloodstream.

Dimmed lights in Jordan's room would have been a good start to an intimate atmosphere, if Marie wasn't beating her partner in Mortal Kombat. It was newbie's luck consistent of smashing buttons and learning their position without looking down at the controller. Marie was torn on Jordan letting her win or at least letting her down easy. They did show her the ropes and activated the fatality the first moment they got. ''So not fair!'' Marie nudged laughing Jordan, that even fell over to make her feel better, while Sub-Zero showcased Mileena's crushed head on the screen.

''Sorry! Couldn't resist,'' they nudged her back, but much softer, ''Do you want a beer? Or like a gummie or something?''

Their thoughtful gaze and Marie's complete unfamiliriaty with all things perspective-altering. But she squinted, sighed and noded.

''A beer, please. Do you really have a fridge there?'' Awkwardness was overcome with curiousity.

Jordan laughed again, getting off the floor in front of the TV.

''You know NOTHING about me,'' that earned them an eye roll.

''To be fair, we are sitting in the dark of your...'' Marie trailed off, feeling Jordan's eyes on the back of her head, ''Very nice room,'' Jordan let out an exaggerated sigh, still smiling. They did clean! Very fast, because they ran back from class to get here before Marie.

''I do mean it, though,'' she said, when Jordan sat back down with with two bottles of beer. They opened one, handing it to Marie while feigning seriosness,''I like your room. It looked lived it. If it weren't for Emma, my room would look like dungeon,''

Jordan smiled in a way that made Marie want to look away. It made her feel too special. The way their eyes sparkled, their soft head tilt that made their nicely curled hair fall on the side of their face, but not too much to be a nuisance. Marie managed to take a huge sip of beer to stop herself from gawking.

''You'll get to it. I could get you a fluffy duvet to compete with Emma's. Maybe a plushie?'' Jordan, seemingly, only now remembered about their beer and opened the bottle.

''Make it the pinkiest and the sparkliest one, please. I want to be a worthy opponent,'' Marie chuckled turning to the screen.

''Deal,'' Jordan was proud for the idea to dim the lights. Because they felt their ears burning a bit.

Marie stuck to Mileena and nearly knocked down her beer, desperately trying to get to a fatality of her own. When she finally did, she watched in awe when Mileena became a flying murder spinning circle that eviscerated Jordan's D'vorah.

''Mileena wins!'' Marie threw her hands in the air, ''Finally!''

Now it was Jordan's turn to look at Marie in slightly offended astonishment.

''How dare you! It's not even the forth time and you won!'' They sounded fully upset, but they watched Marie intently. Jordan felt so happy that they got her this moment of joy from a video game. And then she laughed all her breath away, she swayed towards them and Jordan changed to reach a hand around her shoulders, while she finished her beer in a final sip. They both haven't noticed how easily their bottles got empited.

'Wanna go again?'' Jordan nearly stattered, looking into Marie's eyes.

Come on. You already kissed.

They didn't have much time to chastise themselves for being soft. Marie nodded eagerly.

''Yeah! I want the yellow one now,''

''Which yellow one?!''

Marie ment Scorpio and she also remembered his name. Another win went to her, Jordan sulked less each time, still enjoying full on weirdo screams of the victor. It was exhilarating to be liked by Jordan in any way, but sometimes just being slightly annoying was the most delicious thing of all. She knew with all of her heart that Jordan feels the same. They were almost competetively annoying. Also very cool, and strong, and...

''You are so beautiful, by the way,'' Marie felt warm and wobbly, but she didn't mind. Jordan stopped before loading a new fight. Their brows slightly furrowed, they couldn't quite pin point what was wrong.

Marie was actually tearing up.

''Are you crying because of my beaty?'' Jordan put away their controller, turning to face Marie.

''No,'' she giggles, wiping her eyes prematurely, ''Well, yeah, kind off. I think I got so happy with you that I went the full circle,''

''Awww,'' Jordan tugged her closer, wrapping their arms around her, ''You are such a light weight,'' but when she hugged them back, pressing her face to their chest, Jordan felt drunker than ever before. They weren't expecting to feel as tender as an uncooked stake today.

''I am really glad you don't hate me anymore,'' Marie murmured and shifted her face, so her tears wouldn't stain Jordan's shirt.

''You are very hard to hate, even for a hateful dick like me,'' they were totally joking, but it made her worry.

''Nooo,'' Marie raised her head and shook their shoulders, suddenly, ''You are so much more than just a dick. Shit, sorry, no. I mean, you are great. You so beautiful, you can literally slay a dragon and carry me like a princess. I mean, I had dreams, but I don't have that much imagination to dream up someone like you,'' she sniffled, another tear falling down her cheeck.

Jordan wiped it without thinking and quickly hugged her again, now much stronger. They couldn't stop blinking, their face hot and their heart heave and light at the same time. To be honest, changing into their impenetrable self didn't do shit. They stil were crumbling, because for some reason, somehow, they ended up with Marie as their girlfriend.

''Did you have a favorite princess?'' Jordan asked in a quite voice.

''Yeah. Mulan still the best,'' Marie was hugging them with all her strength.

''She wasn't exactly taken by a dragon,'' A smile spreads on Jordan's no longer trembling lips.

''Shut up. You know what I meant,''

They look at each other for a moment, hands touching at least the smallest amount of skin. Moving into the kiss was incredible natural, even though Marie grabbed onto Jordan's shirt, giving the moment a more dramatic flare. When they both pulled away, both sighed.

''Want watch Mulan?'' Jordan asked, then adding, ''I had a katana when I was a kid because of her,''

''I might cry more,'' Marie warned, averting her gaze.

''You are not getting another beer, then,'' Both laughed.

Jordan will be salty about ending gaming on Marie's win. It will lure Marie into playing again, so she could win more. It will be another nice evening and a night, maybe even weed-infused. But for now, they snuggled into Jordan's bed as the movie started. Almost putting their head on Marie's chest, Jordan pulled away, reached their hand under the bed and took out two full bags of chips Marie had never seen before.

She judged them so hard in this moment.

''I'm moving in with you,'' she said bluntly and shook her head, wraping a hand around Jordan's waist.

''I kick in my sleep,'' they retorted with a smirk, opening a bag of puffy tofu chips.

''I lived with worse,'' Marie shrugged and took one, cursing at how tasty the chip was. They legit could camp out in Jordan's room and never go out. But she stayed silent, putting her cheek on Jordan's head that was on her shoulder.

[mychoombatheroomba]

For the Fallen

Between the Bones (Leon x GN! Reader) - Chapter 41

You and Leon spend the holiday together and come to an agreement.

(Cross-posted from Ao3)

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter (Coming Soon!)

Chapter Index

When the plans to study had been thrown out the window by your own hand, part of you had resigned yourself to a solemn remembrance. Fitting for the day, after all. One meant to commemorate the fallen. You weren’t sure what to do to honor them - the names in that report stashed under your mattress. The ones stamped above empty boxes in a graveyard you couldn’t bring yourself to visit. One of those names, still worn around your neck. A name that you wouldn’t be avenging any time soon, thanks to the broken bones in your side.

Just one of the dozens of names you were failing in your inaction.

You’d clutched that third dog tag in your hand as you sat alone in the infirmary, turning your music on loud and just letting yourself think, however foolish it was. You weren’t sure how else to honor the men and women whose stories you carried. So, even if it would just get you lost in a tempest, you’d begun to wade into the stormy waters. 

You hadn’t gotten very far before there was a knock on your door.

Then your plans were, once again, completely changed.

“We’ve gotta stop meeting like this,” Leon had said with a little smile when you opened that door to find him there. 

Even after he’d explained Valeria’s plan, you’d been antsy. Maybe because you doubted her ability to stall the two CIA agents all day, maybe because you didn’t like the idea of owing Valeria anything else. Either way, Leon made it clear that, if you wanted his company, he’d be there.

You almost refused him. 

There was a part of you that wanted to remember alone; to get lost in that storm. 

“You don’t have to,” you told him. “You should be writing back to your family.” 

Something crossed Leon’s eyes that you couldn’t identify, but the sincerity that followed was something you knew all too well from him. “That doesn’t mean that you have to be alone. If you don’t want to be.” 

He was giving you an out. Offering you the option of taking that time for yourself . . . but you didn’t know when you’d have another opportunity like this. You couldn’t be sure that you and Leon would be able to be together at all until the end of his training, if even then. 

The only problem was that it was today. 

It was today and even if you’d been allowed to go off base and mourn, to attend a service or even see their empty graves, you didn’t know that you would. Last year on Memorial Day, you’d been determined to remember them through service. You’d been training, then. Pushing yourself to never fail anyone like you’d failed them. What greater way of honoring them was there? This year, though, your own body had caged you from that option. You didn’t know how to honor your fallen.

“Not sure I’ll be good company today,” you warned Leon. 

He just shrugged, his expression becoming more knowing. Understanding. “Not sure I will be, either.” Because you weren’t the only one with fallen to remember. You felt insensitive for thinking only of yourself, then. Especially when Leon seemed to be thinking only of you. “But my company’s yours if you want it.” 

You hesitated a moment, your lips pressed tight together. 

“Did you finish writing your letters?” you asked, because you had seen the look on Leon’s face that morning. You’d seen how desperately he’d wanted to respond to the letters he’d received. 

Just as you could see now that writing those return letters was proving to be difficult. 

“No. Not yet. Not sure what to write, honestly.” 

You nodded, your mouth twisting as you made your decision. “Well . . . write them in here, then.” 

So, there the two of you sat, you on the bed, Leon in the chair and hunched over the nearby table, staring at a half-written letter. You had to promise him several times that it was alright for him to write it in your company before he actually got to finishing it. Or trying to, at least. You could see his mind rushing, trying to come up with the right words, his borrowed pen drumming against the table just as your fingers found their own beat against the metal of the tags around your neck. 

 “Sorry,” he eventually apologized. “I didn’t think this would take so long.” 

You could sympathize. You weren’t sure what you’d put in your letter home, if you were writing one. Though, it occurred to you, you didn't know if that’s where Leon was writing to. You assumed, with the slightly messy handwriting of the letters he’d brought with him, that he was writing to a kid. That only made the process more difficult, as far as you could tell. So, you shook your head, flipping to another radio station. “Don’t worry about it,” you told him. Then, after a moment spent looking down at Leon’s letters . . . “Little sister?” you asked, taking a guess. 

Leon’s smile came with a little laugh. “Sure, something like that.” 

Something like that?

“You don’t have a secret kid you haven’t told me about, do you?” 

A little hesitation and a strange look from Leon, and at once a look of horror crossed your face. One that made him laugh. 

“Not like that!” he reassured you, shaking his head, waving his hands in front of him. It was a moment before he collected his thoughts, and when he did, there was a sense of somberness to him. One you recognized all too well. It was a look that overtook him whenever he talked about that night, if fear didn’t get to him first. So, you weren’t surprised when he explained where he met the little girl in the letters. “She was in Raccoon City. Her parents . . . her parents died there. So when we made it out, I took care of her for a while.” 

That was . . . not that surprising, actually. Not when it came to Leon. He would offer to house some kid who had nowhere else to go, even after he’d been through so much.

“So . . . a secret kid that you never told me about.” You grinned a little as you spoke, letting him know you were teasing. You were sure that helped Leon’s own smile as he looked back at you. 

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” 

“Why haven’t you mentioned her before?” you couldn’t help but ask, because clearly this girl meant a lot to Leon. 

 But then, you of all people knew what it was to keep your heart guarded, didn’t you? 

“I don’t know,” Leon admitted, his voice quieter. “I guess I just . . . didn’t know how. Not something that ever really came up in conversation.” 

Another nod as you looked down at the floor, then back up at the mystery that was your lover. You’d given each other so many pieces of yourselves, but still had so much else locked away. 

“What’s her name?” you asked.

Leon smiled as he answered. “Sherry.”

Sherry. Another name from his past. Another piece of who he was. 

Another name that had an unexpected weight for you, too. 

“She was Birkin’s daughter.” 

Your eyes widened, because that name brought on nothing but anger in you. “The scientist?” The man who had helped take everything from you, even indirectly. The bastard responsible for the destruction of Raccoon City. You remembered his correspondence with the CIA, demanding protection for him, yes, but his family too. 

Sherry. 

Leon nodded, solemn. “He almost killed his own kid.” 

You were full of anger and retribution - that had been all you’d known for so long before Leon. But even you didn’t have it in you to be angry at a child for the sins of her father. 

“Then it’s good she had you,” you told Leon, because you could see that Sherry, even if she wasn’t his own flesh and blood, meant a lot to him. That was all but confirmed in the grateful smile he gave you in return. One that turned more sad. 

“I wish I could have done more for her.”

Of course he did. Whatever good Leon did, you had the feeling it would never be enough for him. 

“Is that who they were asking about?” you couldn’t help but ask, and it was Leon’s turn for brief confusion. “Hellman. Back in the prison,” you said, and you felt bad that the color drained a little from his face at the mention of it. Still, you’d been curious since that day. “They asked about someone’s name. A girl. Was it her? Or Ada?” 

Leon’s lips tightened, and he shook his head. “No.” Neither. Interesting. “No, that was . . .” he hesitated, and you half expected him to say pass. It had been a while since you’d needed to use that system, but you’d imagined it may make a reappearance. 

Instead, you got a full answer. 

“They were asking about Claire,” Leon explained, his voice low like he was afraid someone might overhear. “I met her that night, too. On the way into Raccoon City. She’s the one who saved Sherry, but she was looking for her brother after everything, so I agreed to take Sherry while Claire went looking.” 

You nodded as you listened, this being the first you’d heard of this woman - another shadow Leon carried from that night, it seemed. 

“What’s she like? Sherry?” 

Leon looked surprised at the change in topic, but eventually smiled. “Smart. Maybe a little too smart for her own good, sometimes.” There was a fondness to his voice that melted your heart. “Persistent as hell, too. She really wanted me to get a dog for her. Almost convinced me, too.” He chuckled to himself at a memory you weren’t privy to, but his gaze slid down to the floor, the levity in his eyes fading a touch. “She’s tough, too. A lot tougher than me.” 

You nodded, because for a child to have lived through the hell of Raccoon City . . .

“She shouldn’t have had to live through that,” Leon said, after a moment. You could hear the utter regret in his voice, and you knew he was wishing he could have shielded her from it all better. Of course, you understood. You wouldn’t wish what you’d seen on anyone, especially not a child. Sherry shouldn’t have had to see what she’d seen, but-

“Neither should you.” 

Leon grimaced at your words, shaking his head. “None of us should have. None of this should have happened.” 

“But it did.” 

He nodded, looking down. “But it did,” he nodded, his eyes shifting from your face down - down to the clenched fist held just inches away from your heart, where you held your dog tags. It looked like he was gathering the courage to say something - and finding that courage didn’t take him as long as it once did. “Can I ask you something?” Even now, he was still too polite for his own good. 

“Sure.” You had a feeling you knew what that question was going to be before it even left Leon’s lips. 

You were proven right a second later. 

“You wear three tags,” he said, looking back up to your eyes. The observation cut deep and pinned you in place. “The third one . . . is it your Captain’s?” 

You knew you could refuse him an answer, just as you had for months whenever he asked about your past or the people in it. If you wanted, you could say one word and Leon would drop the subject, no questions asked. 

But you’d wanted him to know everything, hadn’t you? You’d promised him, back before Fort Benning and all the mess that followed, that you would tell him about the man whose name and fate you had literally tied around your own neck. The man you’d considered a father in a time when you’d needed one, and a man you’d failed. 

Leon deserved to know. So, you nodded. “It was.” 

“And what was his name?” His question mirrored your own in a way that made your heart squeeze. 

You answered with a tight voice because you hadn’t spoken his name out loud since you gave the report hidden only feet away from you. “Simon Reynolds.”  

A moment of silence passed between the two of you, one where you could see Leon debating something. Eventually, when he spoke up again, his voice was soft. “What was he like?”

What was Reynolds like? The question hit you like a bullet, because for over a year you had thought more of his death than the man himself. Grief and vengeance had blurred the image of him in your mind, making him into a catalyst instead of a person. It wasn’t what he deserved, so as Leon asked the question, you let yourself go back to another time. One where you were a shitty kid who thought the world was out to get you. And maybe it had been, in the end, but for a while, Captain Simon Reynolds had been there to guide that anger at the world into something else. Something that could do good instead of harm. 

“He was . . . firm. But never unfair. Kind of guy to tell you when you fucked up, but he wouldn’t hold it against you if you learned. Never made you feel bad about asking for help when you needed it.” You couldn’t help but smile at the memory of him, like you were seeing him, really seeing him, for the first time in ages. “Used to say ‘if you can’t run, you crawl, and if you can’t do that, then you find someone to carry you’.” 

Leon smiled at that, nodding like the words were taking root. You’d figured they would. “I think I would have liked him.” 

“You would have. He’d have loved you.” They would have been insufferable, you imagined, if there was a world where they could have met. If he could have met all of your second family. “They all would have.”

“Your old unit?” Leon asked, and you didn’t miss the hesitancy in his voice. He didn’t want to overstep, but he wanted to know. 

“Yeah.” 

“You’ve never talked about them much.” 

You took a breath, then, because that fact had been weighing on you and now was as good a time as any. So, with a little exhale as movement made pain flare in your ribs, you got up from the bed and reached under the mattress for the manila folder you’d hidden in the lining. Leon watched you with parted lips, right up until you found what you were looking for and handed him a collection of papers. “Good day to change that,” you told him, and his eyes widened as he read your name off the paper. 

“This is-” 

“Everything that happened that night. My report on it. Their stories.” The ones that had been barred from the rest of the world. “All of it.” 

The two of you looked at each other, then, Leon’s eyes widening as it sunk in just what you were telling him. You were ready. You wanted him to know, after months and months of hiding these deeper scars. 

“Krauser also gave me this,” you went on, handing him a second stack of papers. One with his own name printed in black. Leon’s eyes flashed in momentary fear, but you assuaged it quickly. “I didn’t read it.” 

The news made him tilt his head to the side a bit, and he looked between you and the report. “Why?” he asked, because you could have known everything. You could have seen into the wounds he’d been hiding, and that just made his confusion all the more ironic to you. Did he really think you’d do that to him? 

“Because you hadn’t told me yet,” you said simply. That was all it came down to. He hadn’t been ready to share those details, and you wouldn’t take that choice from him. Leon would tell you when he was ready. “I wanted to hear it from you.”

As he realized that, he smiled up at you, soft and sweet. It meant a great deal to him, you could see it in his eyes. Even as they took on a more knowing glint and he handed the reports back to you. 

“What makes you think I want anything different, then?” he asked, and your traitorous heart squeezed at the words. “If you want to tell me, if you’re ready, I want to hear it from you too.”

You took the papers, huffing and giving him a look. “Not gonna let me take the easy way out?” 

Leon just smiled back at you. “Nope. Unless you’d really rather I-” 

“No,” you shook your head, resolute as you braced yourself for what was to come. Because your comrades, your friends, your brothers and sisters, they deserved to have their stories told properly. Even if it was to someone they’d never met. “I want to. I want you to know. Just . . . it’s . . .” 

“Take it as slow as you need,” Leon told you, reaching for your hand. “God knows I’ll probably have to, too.” 

You looked down at him, searching his face. “That mean you’re ready too?” To tell you everything, all the details you’d only guessed at for months. To share the burden with you. 

“Yeah,” he nodded, looking a little sad. “Like you said, it’s a good day for it.” 

A day to remember the fallen - something you both had your fair share of. A day to mourn, and to try and move forward. So, with another deep breath, you nodded and decided to take a risk. You tugged on his hand, and without needing to be told, he rose and followed you the few steps to your bed. There, sitting on the edge, surrounded by letters and reports and soft music, the two of you looked at each other. It was a different kind of intimacy than what you’d already shared, different than the excitement of you kissing him in the darkness, of you sharing in stolen moments of pleasure. What you were about to share was deeper than that, and you both knew it. This was everything. This was who you had been and who you'd been reforged into. This was the scar you didn't dare to show to anyone, the bones that remained broken even as you tried to heal. One night that had destroyed you, one night that had destroyed him. Nights that, in some terrible way, had led you both right here, to each other.

So, you looked at each other, silently making sure you were both ready before, after a moment, Leon gave you a half smile. One of sadness and solidarity both. “So . . . who goes first?” 

As the two of you shared your stories, as you spoke of the nights that your lives forever changed, his hand never left yours. 

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter (Coming Soon!)

Chapter Index

A/N: Just a lil chapter, because hoooooo boy the next one is gonna be a beast. There will absolutely be heavy topics described and discussed, because it's Finland and Raccoon City time at long last baby!

Yes, Reynolds' quote (and name honestly) is a reference to Firefly, and anyone who hasn't seen that show should absolutely go watch it, it's really really good 🥲

[f1letters]

question…? | ls18

"did you wish you'd put up more of a fight when she said it was too much?"

summary: she was just planning a fun night out with her best friends, but an unexpected reunion changes everything

warning: angst, cheating, toxic relationship, swearing, alcohol consumption, mentions of a one-night stand, mentions of anxiety, suggestive language

pairing: lance stroll x reader

word count: 3.4k

note: everything in bold are song references and in italic are thoughts, which includes memories from the past.

and with that, I hope you enjoy my first-ever story here! had to start with the song that started this whole idea! as an angst lover myself, expect a lot more to come in the next stories! haha

masterlist

I remember

Nervous was an understatement. Y/N wasn't the type of girl to go out clubbing often, at least not anymore. However, she had exhausted all excuses to deny her older sister and her best friend's invitations, leaving her only with the option to finally say yes. One night won't hurt, she thought, probably in an attempt to convince herself.

As she finished getting ready, she stopped to see her reflection in the large mirror leaning against the wall of her bedroom. The chosen dress stood out so easily, not only for the way it fitted perfectly along the curves of her body but also for its stunning dark green colour. She liked what she saw. She felt confident and beautiful for the first time in a long time.

Unconsciously, her hand searched for the silver chain around her neck and touched it gently. A nervous tic that became ordinary in her daily life, seeking some comfort in the delicate piece of jewellery that meant so much to her.

Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her bedroom door opening, her two companions for that night appearing. Clearly too excited to be sober, they were laughing like this was the best night of their lives, which was partially true. Just the fact that they were finally able to persuade Y/N to go out with them, an idea that had seemed impossible a few days before, was reason enough to celebrate. So why not start partying now and have a few shots while they waited for her?

"Oh. My. God. Who are you?!" "Damn, looking hot, sis!" Maddie and Noa said excitedly, their eyes admiring the look. The three girls laughed, as Y/N took a little spin, showing off jokingly.

"Thank you, thank you!" She said, giggling a little nervously. "Are you guys ready to leave?" She asked, grabbing her small black purse.

"Let's go, bitches! The club awaits us." Maddie announced and grabbed the two sisters by their arms, pulling them along the stairs towards the exit.

They called an Uber and set off toward their destination, knowing full well that none of them had plans to make it to the end of the night with the ability to drive back to the house. It was their night to enjoy and have fun after all.

About twenty minutes later, Y/N's eyes couldn't help but appreciate the glamorous and luminous entrance with some nostalgia, as they waited patiently in line to get in. The contrast between the pink and green neon lights adorned the name of the place. Y/N hadn't been there for months. Too long perhaps, she thought.

As they walked inside through the dark, long hallways to the bar, her heart skipped a beat. What are the odds? What are the chances that it's playing the exact same song from that fateful night? She looked at the other two beside her and saw them start to sing and dance, carefree. They don't even know, snap out of it, Y/N. The young woman gave them a fake smile, trying to look equally unbothered. 

But that was a lie.

She still remembered. She still remembered that night when she met him, in that very own bar.

Good girl, sad boy

Big city, wrong choices

We had one thing goin' on

I swear that it was somethin'

'Cause I don't remember who I was

Before you painted all my nights

A color I've searched for since

Her sister quickly managed to get drinks for everyone and pulled them with her onto the dance floor, ensuring the party would go on. The three friends started moving to the music together, laughing and hugging each other. It meant so much to them all to be there with each other. It had been too long since the last time.

However, Y/N couldn't escape the feeling that something was going to happen. Maybe it was just anxiety talking, maybe some kind of premonition. Who knows? Regardless, her right hand escaped again towards her necklace. As soon as she felt the cold from the silver against her skin, she felt a shiver down her spine. You're being ridiculous, Y/N. Forget it.

She tried to let go of all those nervous thoughts. However, she realized it was going to be mission impossible as soon as his face popped into her head. And with that, all the associated feelings. The pain. The heartbreak. Brought by something so unexpected and unplanned... But it was special, it was intense, it was... unique.

"Hey! I know what you're doing, so stop it right now!" Maddie said loudly in her ear, trying to be heard over the music. "C'mon! We're here to have fun. Don't think about him. Forget it, it's been a year." Y/N felt some discomfort in her best friend's voice, maybe even a bit of annoyance. But who was she to judge? Her friend was the one that had to pick up the pieces of her heart after that one-night adventure.

"I know, I know! I promise I'm here to be with you guys, not to be in a bad mood!" Y/N nodded.

"Enjoy yourself! Go dance with that hottie over there! He won't stop looking at you." Noa smirked, joining the conversation.

So you did exactly that. Time passed, her mates nowhere to be seen, as she continued to dance with the young man, whose name she didn't even bother to ask. It's just an innocent flirt, she thought. The front of him against her back, his body heat warming her up. He did try to make some advances, but so far without success.

And then, like a meteor strike, she saw it. 

She saw him.

And the whole world stopped just like it did one year before.

But one thing after another

Fuckin' situations, circumstances

Miscommunications and I

Have to say, by the way

I just may like some explanations

And he saw her too, almost like magnets attracted to one another.

He remembered everything. Absolutely everything.

Her soft eyes. Her amazing body. The way it moved. Her contagious laugh. Her sweet voice. Her passionate moans. 

The world changed for both of them on that fatidic night, so they just stood there. Staring in shock. They never thought they would see each other again... Especially with the abrupt way that night ended, ruining that once-in-a-lifetime magical and blissful experience. 

His eyes strayed from hers, filling with jealousy as he looked at the body behind her. The audacity of this man, the girl thought. And with that, she grabbed the plastic cup in the mystery man's hand beside her, drank it in one go, in search of liquid courage, and started her way towards the man before her.

"Y/N." He whispered, frozen to the ground as she approached him.

"Lance. I just would like some explanations."

Can I ask you a question?

Did you ever have someone kiss you in a crowded room

And every single one of your friends was makin' fun of you

But fifteen seconds later, thеy were clappin' too?

Then what did you do?

Wearing a much more conservative dress, clearly stolen from her older sister's closet, Y/N ended up sitting alone in that bar, abandoned by Noa who was somewhere on the dance floor with a random guy. This was not her typical vibe at all and it was her first time in that club. So, she was bored out of her mind, having fun just people-watching.

Her eyes eventually gravitated to a drop-dead gorgeous boy as he took the seat beside her, but she wasn't going to approach him. I could never, she thought. Maybe Noa would, but I could never.

Y/N couldn't help but glance in his direction from time to time, curious. But since she wasn't going to act, fate got to work and the girl ended up losing her balance against him, accidentally pushed by a boy who was too drunk to walk straight.

"I'm so sorry. Someone bumped into me." She looked at him, apologetic. The tanned man, not a word. Just a quick nod and completely ignored her, not even looking at her.

Oh, okay.

She couldn't forget that awkward interaction and, without thinking, spoke in the direction of the brunette.

"Can I ask you a question?"

As their eyes met for the first time, butterflies invaded her stomach.

Did you lеave her house in the middle of the night? Oh

Did you wish you'd put up more of a fight, oh

When she said it was too much?

Do you wish you could still touch her?

It's just a question

"Are you okay? You look sad." She asked, shocked at her own behaviour.

He can't explain it, but for some inexplicable reason, he found himself venting to a complete stranger in a bar about all the stress he felt due to his work. Not mentioning what he actually did, of course. The season was going bad. The worst of his career possibly. But talking to someone who didn't have a clue who he was was refreshing.

And the way she constantly nodded, and said small words, to assure him that she was hearing what he was saying.

She was beautiful. Her flushed cheeks revealed her shyness, but that made her even more charming to him.

Eventually, tired of talking about himself, Lance took a risk and pulled her gently by the hand towards the center of the floor. His arm went around the girl's waist, and her arm followed, circling his neck. 

The tension that had been building since the moment Y/N questioned him continued to evolve. Their eyes met, under the club lights, for a few seconds. Until her eyes strayed to the young driver's soft lips and noticing this, Lance kissed her in the middle of the crowded room.

Half-moon eyes, bad surprise

Did you realize out of time?

She was on your mind with some dickhead guy

That you saw that night

But you were on somethin'

"You left." She said, consumed with rage. "You left me. Alone, without explanation. Without a word, a note, a phone number. You just disappeared and now, on this night of all nights, you decide to show up here?"

Her eyes began to sting slightly, tears forming and threatening to fall. His eyes were filled with guilt and regret. Seeing her like this is punishment enough for what I did, he thought.

"It may have been just a one-night stand for you, but not for me. For me, it was so much fucking more." And with that, the young woman stormed out of the club, heading for the exit, leaving Lance speechless, motionless, not knowing what to do. 

Don't lose her again, his brain screamed. So he ran after her like his life depended on it. When he finally reached her, he gripped her wrist, harder than he'd anticipated, driven by desperation.

Feeling the man's strength around her hand, she jerked her arm to free herself, pushing his chest for Lance to move away from her. However, her body moved towards his, contradicting herself. Her pain controlled her now, as she began to try to hit him in the chest, tears now flowing freely.

Lance couldn't take it. Not the pain, that I deserve, he thought. But being away from her. So as his hands managed to make her stop, his arms pulled her in, leaning his cheek against her head as she sobbed against his heart.

He could only understand one sentence.

"It may sound impossible, but I swear I fell in love with you that night."

It was one drink after another

Fuckin' politics and gender roles

And you're not sure and I don't know

Got swept away in the gray

I just may like to have a conversation

"And I fell for you too!" His voice rose. He cupped her face gently by her chin, allowing eye contact between the ex-lovers.

"I was in a difficult position, and you know it! It was an impulsive decision that I should never have made, but believe me when I say I regretted it the second I walked out that door!" His unexpected feelings exploded on his face and he was taken completely by surprise, eventually making an irrational choice that had plagued him for months. "I wanted to go back, but I didn't know how to reach you. I felt the same way, I swear on everything sacred in my life. I fell in love that night... and now, looking at you... I know these feelings never went away."

Time has stopped for them. Mirroring the past, they found themselves in the same place, in the same position, hearts beating fast. Almost as if they had never been separated by circumstances and miscommunications.

He smoothed her hair, trying to calm her down, feeling her grip on his shirt. Lance's first tear fell. 

For the first time, she heard the words she had been searching for all this time. 

"I'm sorry for what I did."

Can I ask you a question?

Did you ever have someone kiss you in a crowded room

And every single one of your friends was makin' fun of you

But fifteen seconds later, they were clappin' too?

Then what did you do?

After the kiss, they pulled away, staring at each other for a few seconds. Consumed by the atmosphere between them, it was as if no one else was in the room.

Until Y/N hears a random guy yelling a name. Looking over her shoulder, she saw two boys: one tall, skinny and the other blonde, handsome. "Go, Lance! Get it, my guy!" His friends made fun of him, clapping happily.

She laughed. "I think they are your friends?" The man chuckled nervously, hand behind his neck, and pulled her toward the exit, fingers intertwining.

As soon as she felt the cold outside, she turned to the brunette. "I was so fascinated by you that I totally forgot to ask your name." Embarrassed, and nervous, she continued. "I never do this kind of thing and now I'm kissing someone I don't even know."

He held her face and said softly. "I'm Lance, and you are...?"

"Y/N." She relaxed against his strong hands.

"Well, Y/N, you're the most gorgeous girl I've ever seen."

Did you leave her house in the middle of the night? Oh

Did you wish you'd put up more of a fight, oh

When she said it was too much?

Do you wish you could still touch her?

It's just a question

Fuck it, she thought to herself.

"Do you want to get out of here?" She asked, carried away by spontaneity.

Quickly, they ended up at her apartment door, lips pressed together, his hands exploring the curves of her body as Y/N searched for her house keys.

When they entered, she pulled him by his chain to her room. The tension continued to rise, hands and lips exploring their skin as if they were afraid to wake up from what felt like a dream.

Bodies aligned, as well as their souls. It was the two of them, just the two of them in the world during those hours.

However, as they descended from their highs, one of them remained on top of the world, while the other was overcome with guilt. What have I done, Lance thought, as reality hit him.

Working up the courage to look at her, his chest ached as he saw her with the biggest smile on her face, and half-moon eyes. He swallowed nervously.

"I have something to tell you."

Does it feel like everything's just like

Second best after that meteor strike?

And what's that that I heard? That you're still with her?

That's nice, I'm sure that's what's suitable

And right, but tonight

"You're sorry?" She couldn't help but ask. "That night, you made me feel things I never felt again. You took me to the top of the world… only to throw me down."

She changed. After the heartbreak, she spent months clubbing, hoping to see him again. She looked for him in other bodies. She cried. She screamed. She was never the same.

But worse than that… She never found what he gave her. It had been an experience of a lifetime she knew she would never get over. How many people can say they experienced love at first sight?

They stayed silent for a while until Lance's hands reached her face and he let his forehead touch hers. He sighed, eyes closed, at the comfort of his skin touching hers again.

He noticed the silver detail around her throat. Her necklace. His necklace.

As he was leaning in slowly, afraid to kiss her again after all this time, she interrupted. "Are you still with her?"

Can I ask you a question?

Did you ever have someone kiss you in a crowded room

And every single one of your friends was makin' fun of you

But fifteen seconds later, they were clappin' too?

Then what did you do?

"What the fuck do you mean you are with somebody?" She screamed, jumping out of bed.

"I- I have a girlfriend. I know it sounds bad, but I can explain-" Lance tried to justify his actions, desperate and scared.

With her sheets wrapped around her body, she started to cry. She felt used, and played.

He tried to grab her wrist, preventing her escape, but with no success. "This is too much." She said as she got in her bathroom, locking herself. She just sat there, on the tile floor, as her tears fell freely.

"Please." He pleaded. "Listen to me." Lance tried.

She just stood there, alone with her feelings. After some time, her crying stopped and she was just mad. She stormed out, asking him. "Why?" But she was left shocked.

He was nowhere to be seen. He had left. 

With only his necklace left forgotten on her bedside table.

Did you leave her house in the middle of the night? Oh

Did you wish you'd put up more of a fight, oh (More of a fight)

When she said it was too much?

Do you wish you could still touch her?

It's just a question

"No. I broke up with her shortly after that." Lance admitted. "I couldn't keep you out of my mind. The guilt was eating me alive."

"I tried to talk to you." She told. "I came out of the bathroom, ready to hear you out, but you weren't there anymore."

Lost in their revelations, they both travelled through a thousand "what ifs", wondering how things could have been different.

"I never thought I would see you again." The driver confessed, interrupting.

"Do you wish you'd put up more of a fight?" She asked.

"Every day." He looked deeply into her eyes. "You made me feel complete for the first time in a long time. Only for me to be the one who screwed it up. It was a mistake."

"Do you think I was a mistake?" He can't, her head was spinning, afraid of suffering again.

"Not you. But my actions: the way I acted with you, with her. It was unfair." He admitted.

For the hundredth time that night, she unconsciously touched her necklace, noticing that his hand had found a place there as well.

"I'm sorry, and I hope you'll give me a chance to make up for my mistakes. Even if it takes every day of my life." He whispered, hopeful.

And just like that, she kissed him, putting together the pieces that had been left apart on that magical night.

"This might be the worst idea ever, but I'd love to start over." She spoke honestly, but now with a large smile and only love in her eyes.

He pulled away from her, leaving her confused.

"I'm Lance, and you are…?"

She laughed, holding out a hand for him to shake, playfully. "Y/N."

He ignored her hand. Instead, he pulled her face up to his and let his nose fondly caress hers.

"Well, Y/N, you're the most gorgeous girl I've ever seen."

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thank you to everyone that asked to be tagged! please let me know if you want to be added to the next stories! 💌

[stopaskinf]

“I think we can last forever.”

Things Ateez boys remind me of:

Summary: This is the part.2 of my series of “things kpop idols reminds me of”

Genre: Fluff, Ateez hyung line

Word count: 1K

CW: Honestly, there are a few suggestive lines in this, but other than that nothing much. (MDNI on my page in general)

A/N: This one is more casual than my BTS reminders. Honestly don’t know how I feel about this, but hope yall enjoy.🫡

Hongjoong:

🪲Scorpions: It might have to do with the fact that he is canonically a Scorpio, but also the contrasting idea that something so small can be so prickly and deadly when it wants to be. 

🪲To add to that thought: Hongjoong reminds me of bug lollipops. Specifically ones with scorpions, spiders, and beetles. Combining the sweet, childlike flavors and colors of lollipops with the primal fear and disgust people have of bugs screams Hongjoong to me. Maybe it's the deadliness transparent beneath the sugary outside.

🪲Smoke, specifically cigarette smoke. I’m not sure if he smokes in real life or not, but he always gives me the vibe that he smells of nicotine and Jean Paul Gaultier cologne. Imagine he takes a break during an interview and he just has a Marlboro between his fingers that he steps out as the staff calls him back to continue his captain duties. 

🪲Additionally, this is very specific but I feel like he has a tad minty smell to him. Even if he does or doesn’t smoke, I feel like he’s the type to always have gum on him. Type of guy who needs to be prepared for any situation and to calm his nerves.  He also may have an oral fixation

🪲 Chipped nail polish. I feel like he’s been seen with chipped nails before. However, I cannot remember. It’s pretty self-explanatory; his love of queer and androgynous figures combined with being an idol on top of his bad sense of self-care leads to chipped nails. 

Seonghwa: 

🐇Lofi beats: The aesthetic of his Lego building lives is this. Additionally, whenever I see him, I feel like he’s the type who needs something lowkey in a lot of moments. He needs something almost comforting after he finishes his work. 

🐇 Anime endings: The same reasoning applied to Lofi beats applies to this. A constant need for something more soft and sweet. Almost melancholy and quiet when compared to the bright energy of their openings. It’s something to signal that there’s no need to put in more energy because you’ve already completed what you needed to. 

🐇 Polaroids: Another thing that I’m pretty sure has been attached to either him or Ateez. I feel like Seonghwa if given the time, would be good at photography. Polaroid cameras would be his favorite because of their easy portability and the intimacy of it. He can just pull it out any moment and take a beautiful candid shot that he can keep hung up in his room. Something that he took himself and gets to keep. 

🐇 Valentino perfumes- this one is pretty simple. Valentino prides itself on their gender-neutral scents so it makes sense that Seong Hwa gets associated with it. Specifically, the Uomo born in Roma perfume reminds me of him. Genderless, sleek, and subtly powerful. 

🐇 Cute keychains - Seonghwa looks to love cute things. He’s also constantly on the move, so cute keychains seem up his alley. Something small from a lover that he can carry around as a sign of devotion and affection. Something superficially cute but to him holds a silent love story.

Yunho:

🌼 High school crushes - The type of guy you see in class once and you instantly get attracted. He’s tall, sweet, friendly. Everything you could want in a high school boyfriend. He’s a little awkward and uncoordinated, but the small things like walking you to and from your classes and sitting with you at lunch? Makes every flaw unnoticeable. 

🌼 Headphones - He seems like the type who likes to enclose himself. Specifically, with music. The ability to focus and lose himself within the melodies and lyrics refreshes him. Especially when he’s listening to a song that reminds him of his lover.

🌼Anime love interest - He feels like a shoujo ML. The guy who is desired by all, but had by only one. The tall, beautiful man who calmly introspects and throws himself into vulnerability. He is the type of guy who looks at you and says, “I like you way more than you think…” He has the type of love that feels pure, almost everlasting. 

🌼 That one ML manhwa sweater - Y’all know exactly what sweater I’m talking about. This connects to the anime love interest in that he feels too good to be true. The guy who you’ve always dreamed about, but thought was unrealistic. Additionally, whenever I see comfy sweaters, it always reminds me of him. He needs to wear something comfortable to keep himself cozy and soft. Oh, and to make sure you have something to borrow from him. 

🌼Old white sneakers - Yunho feels nostalgic. The type of person who gladly accepts change and challenges because he sees them as a sign of love. To be loved is to be changed. He’ll wear his scars and rough edges with pride, for you shaped him.

Yeosang:

🍄Green - This is mostly due to his crazy form hair and that one SCRUMPTIOUS bouncy shirt. However, it’s also because he reminds me of nature. He has an almost fairy/nymph-like quality. The beautiful face lures you deeper and deeper into the woods, only to trap you within its beautiful prison. You’re both moths to each other’s flame. 

🍄London blue - This color feels elegant, almost regal. It gives the feeling of something encased within time but also out of it. Something that feels freighting and mysterious when it encompasses a house, though that quality makes it even more alluring. 

🍄 Music boxes - Yeosang reminds me of very material but immaterial things. A small dancer frozen in time that only shows their beauty when called upon. Something delicate but sturdy. Beautiful, but skittish. 

🍄 Precious little moments - Another thing that is immaterial and a little silly. Something about those little porcelain figures with their big eyes and warm but stagnant smiles. It’s familiar, friendly, but immovable. 

🍄Faded scraps/scabs - This is different when compared to the rest. They’re little blemishes that tell long-ago stories. You fell on concrete when you were a child, you accidentally cut yourself with a knife, or you fell out of a tree. Moments that brought so much pain that it’s engraved onto you. Something that seemed so harrowing, but now you hardly notice. Unless someone else points it out, of course.

[still-a-morosexual-help]

Hey, sorry to bother you but I’d like to request if you could write a list of all the things Mammon’s canonically good at- like his talents, his good traits, and things his done that caught your eye or things that just makes you love him. I just want to have a list to remind me of the things that make me love him. Again sorry for bothering you, take care and have a nice day!

It's not a bother at all! I've actually been coming up with this list for about a year now and I've actually spoken about it on this blog a few times too! I keep on postponing posting it cos I figure I should post it when it's finished but new things keep on getting added to it, so this is as good a sign as any to post it!

Like you said everything is based off canon (main story, devilgram, chats, events, manga & anime). I've probably gone into more detail on some of them in my other posts but if anyone wants me to clarify a point lemme know.

I will probably be adding to this with each new detail

Canon* Things Mammon is Good At

*(main story, devilgram, chats, events, manga & anime)

• Analytical

• Supportive

• Hand to hand combat to an extent

• Trapeze

• Balloon art

• Customer service - both as a waiter & as a host/entertaining customers

• Singing

• Dancing

• Chess

• Surfing

• Swimming

• Card games

• Cheating at card games

• Modelling

• Good with kids

• Emotionally intelligent

• Technology to a certain extent

• Cooking to a certain extent

• Maths - his mental maths is faster than a computer's and his answers are all correct

• Debating/winning arguments ?

• Teaching/being a mentor

• Leading the others

• Salesman

• Anything he tries if he puts effort into it/is serious about it

• Rope climbing/rescue

• Thinking on the spot/spontaneous decisions/actions during stressful situations/under pressure

• Inventing things using mechanics, engineering & magic (physics??)

• Multitasking

• Office work/ Sales

• Paper work? Organisation? Anything regarding being a Throne which is basically a Personal Assistant

• Can walk in heels very well

• Flying - either by his own means or with the help of magic objects

• Understanding others' emotions and manipulating them to get what he wants

• Calming down Satan when he's pissed

• Coming up with new extremely successful business ideas

• Designing clothes

• Driving

• Fixing up cars

• If you take just the card art as evidence - pole dancing

• If you're considering AUs, which I am, - he has the ability to rule a kingdom (with MC's help)

• Can talk to crows, command them & get them to spy for him (which he relays to Lucifer)

• Pushing down his own fears for others - Prioritises MC & Luke over his own fears

• With animals - volunteers at a human world dog shelter? Cat person.

• Making jewellery

• Soothing nightmares/getting his traumatised younger brothers to sleep

• Steering/Sailing a pirate ship

• Fastest of the brothers

• Quick draw standoffs/shootouts

• Juggling

• Script Writing

• Film Directing

• Editing Videos/Films

• Facing Interviews

• Agile

• Can waltz

• Really good at whistling - it sounds musical

Bonus;

• I vaguely remember "skating" but I can't remember where it's from so I'm not 100% sure if it's canon

• I don't have the band devilgram with Luke & Beel so dunno if he actually plays an instrument

• this is never stated explicitly in canon but considering he's the best at dancing and he's a really good trapeze artist = he's probably very flexible

*despite being good at all of this his skill level varies a lot depending on how motivated he is, how easily he'll get distracted, how much effort he puts into it, how much he's paying attention etc.

• He's good at sewing & and embroidery, though he can get bored and lose his concentration after a while which makes him pissed off/start spiralling

• Basketball

For example:

- he's still failing maths at RAD despite being very good at it & the best at math from all his brothers

- he made a plan (that included tricking Lucifer, Solomon and Satan) on the spot to steal a book from solomon that worked very well. He lost the whole game because he couldn't be bothered to read the cover of the book to make sure he got the right one - he immediately gave up after finding this out

[f10werfae]

Boutique for the Best☁️

Pairing: Chris Evans x Fashion Designer! Reader

Word count: 1,897

Summary: Chris and Y/n, the perfect example of the term 'made for each other’

Warnings: none, all fluff

———-

Requests are open!

Likes, Comments and Re-blogs are appreciated♥️

————

(Y/n's P.O.V)

I’d argue that being a fashion designer is one of the most complex ways to create art, the ability to transform a whole generation's style with a piece of fabric.

I always knew I’d go to New York to study Fashion Design as soon as I was able to comprehend the idea of future careers.

Straight out of University I was given a job under one of my college mentors, a designer for celebrities, the opportunity of a lifetime.

Moving between celebrities was definitely an experience, meeting new people and making a name for myself to a point where I got my first permanent client.

Chris Evans.

I still remember the day my mentor told me she was going to finally let me go off on my own, someone had contacted her, asking especially for me.

That was him.

(Present day)

“Chris can you stop moving about, i’m trying to measure your chest” I whined trying to hold the measuring tape around him, despite him flexing his muscles every two seconds.

“I can’t help it bub, i’ve gotta show it off to you, afterall it is all yours” He turned slightly, winking at me.

“Just shush and let me finish” I said turning his head back to the front and taking down his measurements for his new suit I was going to create.

Having worked for Chris for about two years now, and dating him for a year, I still never get tired of working with him.

When I first walked into his fitting room, the atmosphere instantly turned hot with the energy. I still remember the way he beckoned me over with one finger and I was immediately in a trance.

It all got too much one night when he asked to measure me this time and wanted to have a go at creating a piece. Long story short it ended up with all our pieces on the floor and both of us in his Boston home. Well our home now.

“What do I get if i stay still then?” He asked coking his head to his side as I bent down to measure his pant length.

“A nice suit, now shush” I said swatting his ass playfully before finally taking down my last measurement.

“You’re mean, all i’ve been wanting today was one kiss bub”

“Yeah well this suit for the award show isn’t going to fix itself, you have three nominations so you need to look even more perfect hun” I said kissing his cheek, then rushing over to my work desk to start bringing over pieces of fabric.

“But what about you? You’re nominated for best costume design, what are you going to wear?”

“Oh baby you don’t need to worry about that” I said cockily smirking at him, his face growing darker at his realisation

“Okay I see how it is, is that right?”

“Mhm, now tell me blue or red?”

“Blue”

“Good choice bubba, now how abou-“

“you’re so warm Y/n” He said abruptly, wrapping his built arms around my waist pulling me right up against him. His head in the crook of my neck as I felt him inhale deeply.

“Are you smelling me?”

“I can’t help it honey, you jus’ smell so good alla time” Fingers dancing over my body, Chris' lips planting themselves on my neck only distracting me more

(Award show - 2 weeks later)

“Okay baby here is your blazer, shirt, trousers and tie alright?”

“Hey bub, isn’t your job as my stylist to help me get changed?”

“No not really”

“WELL, how about as my loving girlfriend who I want to spend time with”

“Fine you big baby come 'ere”

Letting him put on his trousers, I helped him to put on his shirt, that same warm atmosphere filling the air as I tucked his shirt into his trousers all while continuing eye contact. His deep blue eyes boring into mine with intensity.

Next was his tie, throwing it around his neck I pulled it harshly, pulling his face down to mine for a deep kiss with his hands gripping onto my waist.

“well look who’s getting frisky tonight” He said pulling away, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

Not replying I grabbed his new belt from our bed, putting it through the loops of his pants and buckling them, his hands now rubbing my arms.

“There you go baby, now you’re double the handsome”

“Yeah all thanks to my own personal stylist eh?”

“Okay now shoo while I get changed” I laughed shyly, pushing him out of the bedroom wanting to keep my newest design a surprise.

“What you’re sayin’ I cant watch?” He said confused, his arms leaning on the door frame making him look even more muscular and intimidating.

“No it’s a surprise hun, i’ll be quick i promise”

With one more kiss I got him out and put on the new two piece I designed specifically for myself which I paired with the gold jewellery Chris had gotten me for our six month.

Quickly applying on full glam makeup, which was rare due to my laziness but tonight was important to me, both because of Chris and myself. Putting on my white heels I grabbed my purse and walked out of the room, already hearing Chris downstairs with Dodger.

“Chris i’m ready” I called out down the flight of stairs, hearing the click of his shoes head towards the bottom of the staircase.

“Lemme see you darlin’”

Walking down the steps, I didn’t dare look at his face till I was at the bottom, but I didn’t even making it to then before I felt him lift me up,

“CHRIS PUT ME DOWN”

“Now bub are you sure we have to go to this award thingy, cus I know a few things i’d rather do instead” He smirked, putting me down at the bottom step, his hands going down to settle on my satin covered ass.

“No but seriously, you are absolutely gorgeous and there’s no one else i’d rather be seen with tonight, or ever again for that matter” He whispered dipping his head down for his lips to meet mine in a sensual soft kiss.

(At the Award Show)

“Baby don’t worry you’ll get all three nominations, I know you will. You’re the best” I whispered as we walked off the red carpet and into the huge venue filled with rows of seats.

Chris' nerves had started to play up again, resulting in him clinging on and using any opportunity to touch me.

“I know I know, I can’t help it”

“I know baby, but i’m here okay? You’re not alone, just think about that when we get home it’s just you n' me and whatever you wanna do”

“God if only that was all day everyday” He laughed throwing his head back, our fingers staying intertwined ever since we arrived.

With that the show started, the presenters taking their place on stage and starting to read out the nominations.

“The best male actor 2022 goes to….

CHRIS EVANS!” They shouted, a smile gracing it’s way onto my face as I jumped up clapping, Chris pulling me in for a kiss then walking up the stage to give his speech and accept his award.

“I told you you’d get it, I know my man” I whispered to him as soon as he sat back beside me, his arm settling itself on its spot around my shoulders pulling us even closer together, a light kiss being put on my temple.

“The award for Best Animated Feature goes to….

LIGHTYEAR!” Once again a smirk made its way onto my face, pride filling me as I watched my man collect his rightful award and come back to me.

“The award for Best Story goes to….

THE GRAY MAN!” Getting up for a third time I watched Chris and his cast mates get up on the stage, Chris' eyes meeting mine as he blew me a kiss and winked at me. A hot flush making itself comfy on my cheeks, making me look down and shake my head at his public display of affection, something I would never get tired of.

Now with him back beside me, there was only one category left, best costume design. I know I was up against well known names within the industry, people I know who have been in the business for years, people I studied in University.

Hell I couldn’t even believe I was put into a category with such professionals, me, Y/n L/n.

Chris must have sensed my uneasiness, squeezing me tighter against him, both of us watching while the presenters took out the card.

“The award for Best Costume Design goes to…

Y/N L/N”

I was shocked, sitting in my seat my face felt like it had dropped to the floor, Chris beside me had jumped up shouting.

“THATS MY GIRL” He howled, holding his arm out watching as I ascended up the stairs to collect my award.

Tears filled my eyes watching every known star sit down after the standing ovation which was pretty standard for each award, but for me it was still special.

Starting my speech I noticed one person hadn’t sat down once, it was Chris. He stood silently listening intently, his arms crossed over his chest, nodding at every word I said.

His eyes comforting me while I spoke, my nerves dying away and within minutes I was back by his side, right where I belonged.

“I know my girl” He said running over to me and spinning me around, grabbing onto my hand and pulling me towards the exit.

“Wait Chris it isn’t over yet?”

“I know hunny, but this is more important, trust me” He said turning back, opening his car door for me and getting into the driver’s seat.

“Won’t people ask why we just left abruptly?”

“Baby we just won awards we worked our ass off for, it’ll be fine, if anyone says anything it’ll be me they answer to alright?”

Turning his head to me he reassured, his hand gripped onto my thigh, our trophies sitting in the backseat.

“Where are you taking me anyway?”

“Here” Pulling into a random street in downtown I looked at him confused, watching him walk over to help me out of the car and into the building.

“Chris it’s beautiful but what is it?” I asked walking inside the door to see racks of clothes, it was clearly a clothes boutique, a fine one at that.

“Take a closer look at the clothes baby” Looking at the fabrics and designs closely, my body froze, they were my designs.

“I-I did you- Is this-?”

“Welcome to your boutique baby, you deserve bub” He said walking over to me and turning me towards the whole shop, which was decorated in light neutral tones, mannequins designed in my work.

“You did all this for me?“

“Of course, I love you, you deserve the best because you are the best”

Not even bothering to reply I buried myself into his arms, feeling an overwhelming amount of happiness and gratefulness.

“Does this mean that tonight I can get a-“

“Don’t push it Evans”

“Gotcha babe, don’t ruin the moment I get it” He sighed out

“But yeah most likely” I replied giggling, instantly feeling him stiffen underneath me.

[desb3ar]

ok this was originally gonna be an anon post but i decided to STOP BEING A PUSSY!!!!

your art of miggle is sooo osooooo osooooo sososoo coool..... i love the way you draw him so big but he also just looks sosososo soft and gentle!!!!! i saw the horror art and thats what really made me want to write this because ur ability to absolutely make him turn a 180 is awesome........ i remember seeing that art of him as a weighted blanket and tbh it really spoke to me because i'm autistic and ykw i want a big muscley bf (miguel) to lay on me and be my weighted blanket!!!!!!!!

and your nonviolent communication fanart is sooo good.... granted spoilers for me cus i haven't finished it yet (school unfortunately) but greensagephase must be elated everytime they see u post because i think you're bestowing a writer's greatest honor to have their fic have fanart!

AAAAAAND NOT TO MENTION U ARE A WRITER URSELF AND THATS AWESOME TOO i read all of your works and tehy'resoooo!!!! they're soooo!!!!!! YOU'RE KILLING ME HERE MAN it rlly adds depth to mig even if it's soso simple and domestic your talent really shines in both areas!!!!!!!

so... haha..... we are both artists and writers (x reader writers to be specific.... and we both like The Specimen.... whadya say... buddy..... mutuals???? 😊 (THISISSOLONG IM SORRY YOU CAN DELCINE IF YOU WNANA)

OMGOMGOMFOMG OFC WE CAN BE MUTUALS <333

im still so stunned i am even capable of turning miguel into this lovable guy. i dont even mean to 😭 i honestly thought i was doing the complete opposite because i wasnt meaning for him to be made out that way, which is funny and somewhat cute. many always say that and im always beside myself when it’s mentioned . him being some sort of weighted blanket, that drawing? one of my favorites ngl. i just might draw some more soft miguel, have them all in one post to relief dashboards of my spam LMFAO

i could go on and on about nonviolent communication. #1 fic of all time. I spent more time than id like to admit reading it, its that good. thats why i draw the things i do, its such an enjoyable read 😭 i gotta draw more of it instead of waiting on the next chapter because theres so many amazing moments i read that i really wanna put on the canvas. green deserves so much fanart for how well-constructed their story is and for the amazingly done writing that makes miguel come to life even more. it’s astounding, green is really the reason i was writing to start with ❤️☺️

on the subject of writing, ive GOT to write more, just need some ideas that isnt too far from how he is in canon (i love him for what ive seen, not because of the fantasies ive hd lmfao). writing takes so much thought and i commend those who take their time to make amazing pieces, i can barely crack 2k words without thinking this is a masterpiece when the talented can make 4k words and its only the mf START. ITS NUTS. but im not here to compare, just paying so much gratitude for authors on tumblr haa im rambling UGH

THANK YOU SM FOR THE KIND WORDS!! and dont worry, i dont get a lot of long messages in my inbox, its rare, so this means a lot more than you think <333

and amazing on having balls, respect <3

[emikotatsuya]

Sensation's Rewrite Prologue

I decided to post the finished rewrite for the prologue here on Tumblr just so people can get a feel for some of the additions and for some new readers to hopefully look forward to when I'm done rewriting Sensation. Anyway, I hope you lovely readers enjoy it!

Regarding human nature, morality is questioned in almost every decision they make. To survive in this world, they make so many drastically different choices that humans like to put into the vague terms of Good and Evil. Humans are also hypocritical creatures, acting on their selfish desires and beliefs. One person will choose and be seen as a good person, while someone else will make the same decision and somehow be seen as the bad guy. The lines are blurred so often that there never seems to be an actual line between those opposing sides. It's easier to call it a gray area, but only some people are satisfied with just that. Humans need constant reassurance that they are making the right choices. That they're the protagonists of their own story, and any minor inconvenience is the antagonist.

In the depths of a hidden world, behind the general public, those lines are more thought out and clearly stated. Forces beyond normal human comprehension exist and sometimes threaten their lives without them ever knowing. All because they don't harbor the necessary eyes to see it. Behind the scenes, the more or less good guys are Jujutsu Sorcerers. Those men and women have been born with the ability to see cursed spirits and can harness the cursed energy those spirits are made of to defend humanity from them. 

As for the bad guys, it is easy to say that cursed spirits are the set-in-stone villains. They are primarily mindless beings that move on instinct. However, some have become more powerful and evolved to be able to think and even talk in some cases. They may even gain a humanoid form if lucky, usually only present in powerful cursed spirits. That said, it goes without saying that Jujutsu Sorcerers are not all harbingers of goodwill. Having powers no average human has can quickly go to the head. Even though this happens, you never see a cursed spirit trying to be a good Samaritan. Right?

I thought about what it would be like if that wasn't the case as I walked down the dirt path deep within the woods outside of town and headed to the tiny log cabin I called my home. Almost two decades ago, I opened my eyes for the first time. Born from nothing but the forest's foreboding, I took my first steps. I had wandered the forest aimlessly for days without knowing why I existed. The first few months after my alleged 'birth', I ran into my first cursed spirit. 

It was small and looked more like a ball of flesh than anything else. When it had noticed me, it had coward away. Sensing something that I could not perceive myself at the time. Something compelled me to believe that somehow, we were the same species, or at least made of the same thing. Though, of course, at the time, I had no idea what a cursed spirit was or how they were made. It didn't take long for my curiosity to turn into panic once the cursed spirit realized I wasn't a threat and somehow bit my hand clean off. I don't remember what happened next, but when I came to, the curse was nowhere to be seen, and my hand was somehow back. After that, I made a conscious effort to stay away from cursed spirits. I was scared I was going to get attacked again.

About a month later, I finally found my way to town outside the forest. That was when I discovered what humans were. I didn't go down immediately, scared they would harm me like the curse did. I watched the humans go about their lives from the cover of the forest's darkness. For a bit, that was enough. 

I was simply content on watching. Humans were so fascinating; they were of different shapes and sizes with similar forms. They were social creatures, I learned soon enough, and eventually, I longed to be down there with them. One day, I noticed a cursed spirit had wandered from the forest and crawled down to the town. That was when I first learned of the basic instinct of cursed spirits to prey on humans. 

I desperately wanted to go down there and help, warn them of the dangers, but my fears had held me back. However, I didn't have to in the end, as a jujutsu sorcerer had been notified of the attack and had come swiftly to deal with the problem. They didn't sense me by some miracle, but I saw firsthand how strong they could be and how they killed cursed spirits without hesitation. I remember being scared to death at the thought of returning to the forest's edge after that, wondering If I would be the next one for the slaughter. Eventually, I gathered some courage and resumed my people-watching.

One day, by mere accident, I somehow changed my form. I barely noticed the change, but my eye level was lower than usual. I was suddenly shorter than I was initially. While wandering around the forest and eventually finding a river near where I live now, I was shocked to see a human face staring back at me. As embarrassing as it was, I thought a human was trapped under the water, unable to fathom that I could ever look like that. 

However, after my initial panic to rescue said human, I realized that it was actually me that I was staring at. I remember a wave of relief washing over me to finally not see the monstrous face I had grown used to seeing in my reflection. Since that day, I never changed back. I traveled down to the town below that day with my new form. I had apparently taken the form of a five-year-old child, so the adults who had first noticed me freaked out when they saw me. I was caked with dirt, my hair was matted, and I was naked. Clothes, sadly, did not come with the transformation, though at the time, I didn't know the importance of clothes.

Before I knew it, one of the townspeople rushed me to their home and threw me into a warm bath. Scrubbing away all the dirt and grime before almost tearing my hair as they brushed the knots out. They had bombarded me with many questions, all worried for my well-being. It was overwhelming. Now that I think back on it, they probably thought I was abused and had been abandoned in the forest to die. After all, no 'child' looks like that if they came from a loving family.

However, at the time, I couldn't answer them even if I had wanted to. I didn't know how to speak or dress myself. I remember the look on an elderly woman's face when she noticed how confused I looked when she had given me a tiny dress that one of the other townsfolk had run out and bought for me. Her look of pure sadness at the realization that I didn't even know how to put clothes on will forever be ingrained in my memory. The townsfolk there at the time had spent a good few hours trying to get clothes onto me. 

I had apparently struggled and squirmed so much that they had to hold me down just to put the dress on. When they were done, I finally looked like an ordinary little girl. After everything slowly settled down, the townsfolk decided what to do with me. Some tried to find my parents, though that was arduous since I didn't have any. They tried to take me in at some point, but I ran back into the forest. After all, that day was the first time I interacted with humans, and it was too much too soon.

The next day, after calming down, I returned to the town. The townsfolk had been worried and kept watch at the forest's edge. Only a few wanted to search for me in the forest because it was considered haunted. I wasn't surprised because of the number of Cursed Spirits born in it. That was when I met my Papa, a young man who had heard of what had happened and was the first person on the scene when I was spotted the next day. 

He had asked me if I wanted to live with him, but the thought of him or anyone finding out about what I was, or another Jujutsu Sorcerer coming by, had ended in me, no matter how tempting the offer had been, outright refusing him. Even if it wasn't a dangerous offer, the forest had become my home, and I couldn't bear to leave it after all this time. After some discussion, they eventually decided I would join Elementary school. Before I could join, however, they had to set up a place for me to stay. So, some builders from the village ended up renovating an old abandoned cabin in the woods. 

For the first year, one of the school teachers would walk up to the cabin and walk me all the way down to the elementary school. I would have dinner with the young man, who would walk me back to the cabin. The other kids in my grade had thought I was weird since I didn't talk, and eventually, a rumor circulated that I was an orphan. I didn't make any friends because of it. Over that first year, my form slowly changed, aging as if I were a human; after that year, I finally learned how to talk and, eventually, how to read and write. However, I had a terrible stutter whenever I did talk, as my vocal cords were not used to it.

About a month after I could talk a sentence, the young man brought something up during dinner one night. "So, what's your name, little one?" I looked up from my food to look up at him curiously. "M-m-my n-name?" I barely managed out. Ms and Ns at the start of words were the hardest to pronounce for me. "Yes, your name. A good little girl like you must have a wonderful name." I lowered my head to look back at the food, my hand tightening around the fork. "I don't have a n-name." Not long after I had said that the young man dropped his glass, causing it to shatter on the floor below; the noise made me flinch with how loud it was. "They didn't even give you a name?" 

I knew he meant to whisper it, but his emotions got the better of him. It confused me; why was he so angry? Had I done something wrong? "I-I'm sorry." His head snapped back at me, and he quickly threw his hands up. "No, no! It isn't your fault. It will never be your fault. It's just.." He trailed off. "I'll tell you when you're older; let me clean this up, okay? You continue eating your food," I nodded softly as I ate. The young man was hunched over on the floor, cleaning up the shards of glass and the water that had spilled everywhere. 

Once our plates had been emptied of food, I sat on one of the stools on the island in the kitchen while he washed the dishes. "So," He started. "Would you like me to give you a name?" My head perked up at that. A name? My own name? I couldn't help but shyly nod, giddy at the idea of receiving a name. He chuckled at my reaction and thoughtfully held his chin in his hands. "Hmm, I think I'll call you (Y/n), and for your last name, why not mine? From now on, you'll be (Y/N) Chibana." He grinned at me, "Awe- now that I think about it, I never told you my name earlier; sorry about that, kiddo, my name is Hisato Chibana. In my family, Chibana means 'A Thousand Blossoms.' You'll grow into that quite nicely. My little Hana."

That was the day my father officially adopted me. And he had wasted no time taking up his new role as my father. He was a patient man and never once got angry at me for my struggles to speak or if I was having trouble with my school work since I was starting school later than the other kids. Father had picked up everything and moved into the cabin in the woods with me not even two weeks after I started school. His neighbors had tried to stop him, warning him of the forest's dangers, but he simply smiled and said. "If I wasn't there for my daughter, then what kind of father would I be?" It was nice knowing he was there for me. It took me forever to properly warm up and see him as my Papa. I remember a day when he gave the principal an earful after he found out how some of the kids were making fun of the fact I was adopted since they couldn't exactly make fun of the fact I was an orphan anymore. 

When we got home that day, he sighed deeply and ruffled my hair as he told me to help him prepare the ingredients for dinner. "Don't listen to them, my little hana. You just have a different circumstance than them, but that doesn't make them better than you. You are an amazing young girl. I couldn't have wished for a better daughter," Is what he had told me, with a warm smile on his face. It had made him look so bright. I had clung to his leg for the rest of the night.

When I turned eleven, my happy life with my father ended. It was the middle of class, and I sat alone at one of the tables. The classroom was situated where there were fewer students than tables, and since the students were allowed to sit wherever they liked, I was the only one at my table. The teacher at the front of the room was teaching us multiplication when the phone rang. She told us to all settle down as he headed to the back of the class to answer the phone. "Yes, hello? Yes. She's here..what?" I saw the teacher go pale as her eyes landed on me, and I immediately knew something was up. "Ok..yes, I'll tell her. Alright, goodbye." 

The teacher hung up the phone."Chibana-San, please come with me." Everyone's eyes were on me as I slowly got out of my chair and followed our teacher out of the classroom. We didn't walk far, just to a different classroom that wasn't used at the moment; she sat me down at one of the tables. "Alright, Chibana-san, I must tell you some important news. It has to do with your father, Mister Chibana." I slowly nodded, my hands slightly shaking under the table as I feared the worst. "You see..while your dad was at work today, a little accident happened." The teacher looked at me with so much pity that I almost couldn't stand to look at her. "Is he ok?" I could barely hear my voice; I had spoken so softly. She shook her head, hanging low as she tried not to cry. After all, it wasn't every day you had to deliver news like this to an eleven-year-old. "Y-Your father got caught up in it, and he- he lost his life." In the end, she couldn't hold back the tears. And just like that, my world came crashing down around me.

Six years ago, my father died due to a workplace accident. They were working on construction, and some beams weren't tied correctly, so when the ropes gave way, my Papa was crushed under its weight when it fell. The information hit me like a ton of bricks at the time. The one person in my life who had helped me through each day, who cared about me, was gone forever. A week after his death, was when his funeral was held. 

Papa was beloved in town. He was an upstanding citizen who loved to help people. Never failed to put a smile on everyone's face, so it wasn't a surprise that so many people had shown up. I can't remember a single person there that day besides my teacher, but I remember the heavy feeling in my gut each time they looked at me in pity. Whispering to one another how dreadful it was for me to lose my father so young, all while I was still in earshot. Others, the more superstitious, whispered how it was my fault, that I must have been a bad omen. My teacher led me away shortly after the comments started getting out of hand. Only when I got home did I finally cry, finally began to fully grieve his death. For the first time in years, I was alone again. I didn't leave his room for a good few days. Soaking his pillows with my tears, I eventually believed those comments were accurate. Everyone at school believed it, after all, which only worsened the bullying.

Back to the present, and out of my depressing thoughts, I set down the groceries I had bought in town by the door. A sigh escaped my lips as I dug around in my pockets for my house key before opening the door. I crouched down to pick up the groceries before entering the cabin. "Papa...I'm home," I called out into the empty house as I closed the door behind me and locked it. Moving into the kitchen, I set the groceries down on the counter. I heard tiny footsteps and smiled softly as I turned around."Yes, yes, I'm home, Rose."

A few feet away was a pure white angora cat with heterochromatic eyes. The cat's eyes were blue and yellow, which reminded me of jewels. As I often shortened it, Primrose, or Rose, appeared shortly after Papa died. It was about a month after the funeral, if I remember correctly. But I could remember the night Rose came into my life so clearly.

After another long day at school, I only wanted to cry in Papa's room. Middle School was already hard to get through with all the bullying; now that Papa was gone, it felt more like I was trapped in hell. I set my backpack by the sofa before returning to Papa's room. I collapsed onto the bed and let out a shaky breath. It wasn't long before the tears began to fall from my face.

Every time I cried over Papa, it felt like another part of me was dying. How could humans even handle emotions like this? Doesn't it just eat them from the inside out? My arms wrapped around his pillow in a vice. Holding it tighter and tighter with every wail that left my mouth. The pain in my heart was unbearable. The moon shone through the window onto my form, and at that moment, it felt like I was being set on fire. I didn't want the light on me. I didn't deserve it. Not after everything I've cau-

A drawn-out mewl from the window snapped me out of my thoughts. The sudden sound caught me off guard, and I sat up, forgetting my grief only for a moment. A pure white cat with a slightly fluffy mane was on the window sill. The cat's eyes shun like jewels against the moonlight, and my eyes widened at seeing its eyes being two different colors. Its left eye was a beautiful honey color, and its right eye was a light blue. All things considered, it was a beautiful cat.

Before I could speak, the cat jumped onto the bed, startling me further. It walked over, unafraid, and laid down in my lap. It looked up at me and stared. Despite my initial shock, a soft, somber smile graces my lips. "Are you all alone too?" I wiped my tears and gently petted the cat on the head; in response, the cat meowed back as if in reply. "what's your name?" I looked the cat over. "It looks like you don't have an owner..you must really be all alone.." I looked that cat over, "I think..I'll call you Primrose."

Primrose tilted her head slightly, looking at me with curiosity. I shook my head, 'I've done enough reminiscing for one day.' I crouched down and petted her. "Yes, I know, you're hungry. Don't worry; I got you your fancy tuna." A soft laugh left my lips as I rummaged through the plastic bags and got out a can of tuna. The only brand that Rose will eat is an expensive one, but I can't bring myself to not buy it for her. Rose helped me through a lot of the heartbreak of losing my Papa. Now, as a Fourth-year in high school, Primrose remains my one and only friend.

I opened a drawer and got out the can opener. I opened the can and set it on the counter for Primrose to enjoy. After feeding my feline companion, I got to work on putting away the groceries. "Did you behave while I was away at school today?" I said as I looked over my shoulder and put some food in the fridge. Primrose, in response, looked away from me. Being an expressive cat, I could tell she was offended. "Oh, come on, you know I'm only kidding."

I threw away the plastic bags along with the now-empty tuna can. "Come on, Rose..let's say hello to Papa." We walked down the hall to a room adjacent to mine, and I opened the door. Across the room was a small shrine. I sat on the pillow in front of it and looked at the picture of my Papa. He was just getting into his thirties when he died, which came with the light facial hair he had started to grow. He had shaggy hair and eyes that always reminded me of honey. The highlight of the old picture was his bright, warm smile. One that barely ever left his face. One that I was so used to seeing.

I lit the incense on the shrine and clasped my hands together. "Hey Papa, school was okay today. It wasn't great, but it wasn't bad either." My eyes closed as I thought about my Papa. "My grades are doing good. I've been studying really hard as of late." My eyelids fluttered open as my eyes made contact with the eyes in the picture. I missed hearing his voice, feeling his warmth whenever he hugged me, and laughing at his cheesy jokes.

"I...I've been thinking about the past a lot today.." I couldn't look at his face anymore, and I looked down. "I'm...so sorry that I never told you...I hope you can forgive me from where you are in heaven..or wherever you are." I couldn't stop the tears from flowing down my cheeks as my hands fell to my sides, forming into fists as I dug my nails into my palms. "Would you still consider me your daughter if you knew what I am? Would you still call me your little Hana, knowing what my kind does to humans?" 

I felt like I couldn't breathe as I fell to my hands and knees and watched the tears fell onto the hardwood floor. "No matter how much I think about it, the guilt keeps eating away at my soul. Was I really the cause of your death? Did I doom you?" I jolted upward with a slight yelp as Primrose sunk her teeth into my arms."Ow! Rose, why did you-" I stopped as I noticed the distress in Primrose's eyes. I took deep breaths before letting out a long sigh as a half-hearted smile graced my lips."Thank you, Rose. I had another episode, didn't I?"

Primrose nuzzled her head against my arm and walked toward the door. My smile faded into something softer as I got up, glancing at my father's portrait. "I'll see you again tomorrow, Papa." I left the room with Primrose and closed the door behind me. "What would I do without you? You might as well be my emotional support animal at this rate." I watched Primrose walk toward my room, and I couldn't help but chuckle. "Right, you need your beauty sleep." I stretched my back before rubbing where Rose had bit my arm. "She bit me hard. Even left a mark, fun."

I decided that I was just going to skip dinner tonight and go back outside for a walk in the forest. So I headed for the door, unlocked it, and stepped outside. It was almost nighttime, and the sun was just about to set. My head tilted toward the sky to absorb the colors cast over it. 'It should be that time of day, right?' With that thought, I headed back down the path. Just up ahead was my destination, a small bridge that crossed over a river.

From what my Papa told me, this bridge was constructed years ago, and when the builders were grabbing stones to make up the bridge, they somehow found a big piece of emerald caked in dirt. Over the years, the dirt fell away because of rain, and the emerald was eventually revealed. Sadly, the townsfolk couldn't get it out because of where it was located on the bridge since the wall would have to be broken. Around this time of day, because of the angle it had been placed in the bridge, only during this time, when the sun started to set, did the sun's light shine through the emerald perfectly and make a beautiful design on the river's surface. Some myth was also connected to the bridge, but I can't remember it.

I stopped beside the emerald in the bridge and looked over the railing. On most days, it cast a nice green glow on the ripples of the water. Yet, today, it seemed to not be the case as the water almost had a red look. I rubbed my eyes several times to ensure I wasn't seeing things. 'That's never happened before. Is there dirt on it?' I peeked on the other side of the emerald gemstone and saw nothing. "Maybe it's a little early?" I whispered to myself softly before I took a deep breath. 'Something about this situation doesn't sit right with me.'

I shook my head and turned around. The last thing I wanted was to come face to face with another cursed spirit because I was stressing over a weird bridge. I headed back inside, locked the door, and headed down the hall and into my room. Primrose was lying on my bed, sleeping soundly. I crawled into bed, trying not to disturb her. "Good night, Rose." I closed my eyes and tried my best to go to sleep.

Underneath the river's waters lay a plaque, long forgotten. Words carved into it told a small tale of the bridge. "Beware thy soul who views the river red, For soon a terrible fate lies ahead. When visiting the gem of the river so fair, Pray your fate isn't worse than death, beware!"

[lesbianalanwake]

so curious about what freya didn't tell saga and why. we know so little about freya and I doubt remedy will ever explore saga's family in a straightforward way, but she's also very much between at least two worlds in an intriguing way

I know Saga mentions off-hand that her mother told her the mind place was just imagination, but that's all I remember and I haven't had much time to play lately. Freya was obviously a loving mother, if her card and the knitted sweater and Saga's fondness for her are anything to go by, but we can pick up on some distance there that Saga noticed - if I'm remembering correctly, she comments on how Freya never spoke about her family and wonders that same thing, how her mother didn't tell her things.

if I had to guess, it was probably for the same reason that Mr. Door decides to play along with the story - to protect Saga. Freya didn't part from Tor and Odin on good terms, and I think the game states or implies that she had the same psychic abilities that Saga does (I have GOT to find time to finish NG+ and get details straight in my head, lol), so I'd assume she knew just how dangerous Cauldron Lake and the world of the paranatural is.

I can't remember if it's implied or if it's ambiguous, whether Mr. Door was already Something Else when he and Freya had their thing. no records of him, like Hatch in QB, but was Cauldron Lake the beginning of his woes or a step along the way? (Hatch has a mostly established reason for being the way he is, and I'm just going to work under the assumption that he is A Version of Mr. Door. I also need to finish Quantum Break for real, LOL.) but the idea that Freya got down to business with someone who was already Something Else, and that she may have been aware of that fact, is VERY interesting.

also thinking a lot about how Freya hides many things from Saga, and how Mr. Door has yet to reveal himself to her, and the similarities there.

ALSO curious to know how much the deer motif represents Mr. Door and how much it represents Freya. Mr. Door doesn't have much direct association with it that I can recall, except for Mr. Deer = Mr. Door (thanks, Remedy) and some graffiti in the Dark Place that depicts a deer head with lightning in its eyes, but we can infer a lot from the fact that it's Saga's motif and deer often symbolize spiritual transitions and travel (much like doors do). and for Freya, we can connect her to the mythological Freyja for many obvious reasons, but if we include the deer motif, then her twin Freyr can possibly be invoked too (for her? for Mr. Door?) - Freyr gave away his sword and was later forced to fight with a stag's antler (something that also dooms him to eventually die in Ragnarok). in Room 108 in the Elderwood Palace Lodge, unlocked by Saga interacting with all the deer heads, there are a couple of skeletal deer heads and a saw, with the implication that the saw is used for removing the antlers. and the deer head in Saga's mind place speaks with a feminine voice.

so,

[dearhargrove]

Hi! First I want to say that I love your stories and writing style! I was immersed in your Billy Hargrove x reader season 4 one-shot. It was just what I was looking for after finishing the season! Second I was wondering if I could make a request for a Billy Hargrove x female reader?

If not that’s okay but if you do then can I request that the reader is just like El and has the same powers but she also has Pyrokinesis. Billy and reader are together after meeting each other and they understand each other better than anyone else. Instead of Billy dying at star court mall she takes his place to keep him and El safe. So going into season 4, Billy has been feeling so much guilt over your death and feeling so broken that vecna has chosen him as his next target instead of max. Vecna uses you to torture billy and almost kills billy in the process. But what nobody knows is that you’ve been alive this whole time but stuck in the upside down. You’ve been able to survive so long because of your pyrokinesis ability. As billy is about to be killed by vecna(he’s so heartbroken he doesn’t know if he wants to continue without the reader) the reader shows up and saves billy and they start running to the opening to escape vecna. ( As this is happening Max and the others are looking for a song on maxs walkman that will help billy and she realizes that Billy’s favorite song is your favorite song California Dreamin by The Beach Boys). You can finish it however you want and change or add anything that will help you with the story line. You can definitely DM me if you want and I just want to thank you for taking the time to read my request! Hope you have a good day!

Stuck

→ summary: Losing you was probably, no, definitely Billy's biggest mistake - and he's made a lot of mistakes in his life. Whenever he sees Max and her friends, he thinks back to you saving all of them, in a 'mall fire' as it was known to the public. When the murdering starts again and he travels with the others he doesn't inform anyone when he starts hearing the clock too. After all, death meant being with you in the end, right?

→ request from the lovely @velyssaraptor

→ warnings: whole lot of wounds, sad billy :( , violence, swearing, Vecna, reader has powers (same as El & fire control/create)

→ spoilers season 4 !!

→ word count: more or less 5,8K

→ a/n: this idea… genius. Like this request is perfection, y'all. Anyway I'm hoping I'll be able to meet the expectations of… everyone that's reading this right now. have fun and enjoy <3 sadly, I don't think I've managed to write it that well and missed out on a few opportunities for good moments but firstly I didn't want it too long and second I'm stupid. Overall I deeply apologize if this didn't match your expectations at all :( still, please enjoy if you can!

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navigation

-

Billy likes to think back to the day he met you. You were sitting on one of the lounge chairs at the public pool, seemingly Babysitting your younger sibling and his friends.

You wore a swimsuit in a plain color that suited you well. Sunglasses were sitting on your nose and when you had caught him staring, you reciprocated the look - until breaking it with a small laugh.

He'd later on asked you for a date and you went out to watch a movie and eat afterwards. He still remembers thinking you'd be at least a little like everyone else; going to sleep with him after the date. Instead, you had kissed his cheek and told him to 'work for it'.

From that moment on, he's been totally whipped for you.

And he still is. Even after seeing you die, seeing the life leaving your body while you looked into his eyes, black goo flowing out of your body in worrying amounts.

You'd died a painful but heroic death. Yet, he couldn't just tell everyone of how important your death was. That you had saved the whole town was a secret and had to be kept one. It maddened him - he wanted everyone to know that his girl saved everyone. That she was the reason everyone continued living without worrying.

At first it was really hard for him. Hell, it still is. But the first few weeks were spent in denial, crying and drinking copious amounts of alcohol. He knew you would've scolded him if you saw him like that. But he couldn't help it, after all he was barely alive anymore when you left.

So, when the killing started again he knew from the beginning that it wasn't this random Eddie Munson everyone blamed. He couldn't say why, but there was a certain feeling he had when the Mind Flayer had him possessed. It was like the drop of a rollercoaster but worse.

Which brought him to where he was now. Walking through the woods of Hawkins with Dustin, Lucas, Max, Robin, Nancy and Steve. It was still weird seeing his 'rival' like this - being some kind of parental figure for the teenagers while also fighting a bunch of monsters from another dimension.

"Alright he should be here." Dustin declares when they arrive at Skull Rock. And, indeed, there sat a boy with curly brown hair, eyes big and scared. He wore a denim vest with little souvenirs stuck to it and his pants had chains and a bandana on it.

He put the walkie-talkie next to him, gulping down the water they had gotten for him. "Am I dreaming or is that Billy Hargrove?" He asks, suspicious. "Yes, it's me get over it." Billy grunts and leans against a tree, hands in his pockets. "Oh, someone's cranky…" Eddie says under his breath before focusing on the others.

Billy zoned out while they were discussing their plans, only listening when they started walking again.

"So if I'm right this should lead us to one of the gates." Dustin says and holds up his compass. There's no reaction from the group apart from Steve giving him a thumbs up.

They get going, quickly arriving at… Lover's Lake? Billy has only been here a handful of times and it was always with you. You had loved it here, the calming view and peace was amazing.

You spent the night stargazing while he admired you, thankful for being able to be with you.

He's ripped away from his memories when Max touches his arm, giving him a worried glance. He smiles a little. After the events at the mall their sister-brother relationship had gotten worlds better and by now there were only short moments of bickering instead of full-blown fights.

"I'm alright," he half smiles and she nods, still worried.

They keep walking through the trees before they're standing on the shore of Lover's Lake. Their hike had taken longer than expected and the moon was shining brightly above the calm lake. "So. What do we do now, Henderson?" Steve asks and Billy looks up. "Uh, I'm guessing the gate is somewhere… in the lake. We gotta get on there." He motions to the water and Billy smirks lazily, water was no problem for him - since he started surfing really young he knew basically everything about rip currents and the dangers of water.

"I can go." He volunteers and the group turns to him. "Yeah, we have a boat here. Wait," Dustin walks a few steps to the boat, paddles lying in it. It looked stable and could fit at least three people. "Who's going apart from Billy?" Max asks and Steve, Dustin, Robin and Nancy raise their hands.

"I think that'll fit. I'll give you the compass," he passes it over to Robin who looks a bit overwhelmed at first but takes it without complaint, "when the needle starts spinning like crazy you should be at the gate. Or above it." He explains and gives them all a stern look.

"Don't go in there. We know way too little about Vecna." The moment he says the name Billy is distracted by an unpleasant, distorted clock sound somewhere near. He furrows his eyebrows and turns to look for it.

"Do you hear that?" He asks but when he turns to the others, there's no one. "Guys?"

"They aren't here." He knows that voice. He's spent the past six months missing that voice. "(y/n)?" he's breathless, his heart racing. Was he having some kind of hallucination? "You left me. You left me to die." you say and he finally turns to see you. Your hair is a mess, smeared with a black substance and there's some blood on your shirt.

"No- baby, I didn't leave you, I didn't want you to die I wanted to save you!" He sobs and comes closer to you. His hands shake when he reaches a hand out to touch your cheek. Your eyes, once full of warmth and love for him, were cold.

"I hope you feel guilty for what you did to me. For killing me." you raise your voice and a pained cry comes from Billy. He falls to his knees and tries grasping your hands. "(y/n)..." his whimpering doesn't seem to faze you and you pull your hands away.

"You murdered me!" you yell and he flinches, wincing.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry…" he wails and curls in on himself. "I can't live without you, please, come back to me. I can't do this anymore.." he whispers the last statement, sadness and guilt burning at the back of his throat.

The tears run freely down his cheeks and when he looks up it's not you that's standing there. It's something with… tentacles all over it and it's nose seems burned off. Billy scrambles back, scared.

"What- what are you? What did you do to (y/n)?" The creature laughs and comes closer to Billy. "No. What did you do to her? You're at fault for what happened." The monster speaks and Billy swallows around the knot in his throat, averting his eyes.

"Don't ignore me. Come with me and I'll end this pain. I'll bring you to her." it smiles - or so it seems, it's hard to tell - and extracts a hand. He considers it for a while, but then he hears your voice shout 'no' from somewhere. Frantically he looks around, yelling your name in hopes to find you.

The monster isn't happy about that and he growls before turning to Billy. "You're coming with me, whether you like it or not." And then Billy's back to the others, Max shaking his shoulder and crying while Eddie has his eyes open wide, shocked.

"Billy!" His sister cries and hugs him. Billy is completely out of it, eyes slowly looking around before taking everything in. What the hell just happened?

-

The moment Vecna finds you is the moment your time is most definitely over. When you saw him torture Billy like that it was hard to get into the mind of your boyfriend along with Vecna (you'd heard your friends call him that and it stuck with you).

But when you did, it was to see him actually considering giving himself to Vecna. It had broken your heart when he curled in on himself on the floor - pained cries coming from him.

You slump against the house wall that you were hiding in and for the first time in the Upside Down, you cry. The tears come fast and you hold a hand to your mouth to keep the sobs in.

You missed him so much. His curly hair, perfectly styled, and his stupid smirk he wore whenever he flirted with you.

You even missed the stench of cigarettes most of his furniture carried and his stupidly expensive cologne.

When and would you ever be able to see him again?

-

Billy leaned against a tree, one arm thrown over Max's shoulder who was dozing off. The group decided to exclude him from the boat 'tour' so he was stuck babysitting the kids.

Dustin and Lucas were discussing some things regarding Vecna and the Upside Down while Lucas was watching Max.

Lastly, Billy took the small pendant on his neck between his index finger and thumb. Your first anniversary you'd gotten two necklaces - for you and him. It was a small round pendant about the size of his thumb with a music note engraved onto the front of the silver metal. On the inside was a small picture of you and him in his room.

Your head was laying on his chest and he was making a silly face while your face was scrunched up in a laugh. The picture was accidental because the camera slipped out of your grasp and captured the moment before it hit you on your forehead.

He smiles fondly at the memory of you having a bump on your forehead for the next two weeks.

It made sense to him now - what 'you' had said. It was Vecna, Max had explained that. And yet he couldn't help but believe it's words. He was responsible for what happened to you. How could he have put you into so much danger?

He sighs and lets his head fall on the tree behind him. God, he thought, when is this gonna be over?

-

After the first incident it happened nearly regularly. At first a bad headache and sometimes even nosebleeds and then - the clock.

It was always you coming to haunt him.

But the worst was yet to come.

No one exchanged a word when Steve drove to the graveyard where you were buried. Max had made it a weekly thing to come here and tell you about what happened or just listen to music on her walkman while staying silent.

Today, she'd wanted to come again. She urged Billy to tell her about what happened to him and he caved because Max was Max and he couldn't say no to her.

So there he was, sitting in front of your tombstone with his legs crossed.

He didn't know you were there too, flickering in and out of the Upside Down every once a while. Hearing his and Max's voice was like a dream come true and you sat down at the stone, leaning against it and closing your eyes.

"Uh… Max made me do this so I don't have anything… prepared." You heard him nervously admit and you smiled. He's so cute.

"I don't know, I feel like there's so much to tell you." You imagine sitting back in his bed with him, his head in your lap and his fingers fumbling with the necklace.

"There's a new thing from the Upside Down and we all got back together. I think you would've liked to see us all together. We got a new one, kinda. His name's Eddie. He's friends with Dustin and Mike, they play DND together."

Tears leave your eyes when he tells you about everything, especially when he gets to the part where he starts to blame himself for you being gone.

Before he could continue he stops and you, too, hear the clock sounds.

You jump up and hide a few feet away when Billy is pulled into the dimension with Vecna. You can't make out what they're saying, so after a while you get closer.

"...come with me." Ends Vecna and Billy stays silent. "Come with me and forget about her. Forget about your pain. She's here, too. You can see her then." The monster proposes. "Is she really here?" Billy asks and it's the moment you realize he wants to go with Vecna.

"No!" You run out of your hideout without a thought and scramble to stand in front of Billy. "I may not be able to win against you but I won't let you take him." Vecna laughs and raises a hand, vines wrapping around Billy.

He falls unconscious when a particularly vicious vine knocks him out and you nearly growl. You raise your hand and Vecna is being pushed back by an invisible force. "Oh, I can do that too, don't try me."

You scoff, "Show me." It's tiring, the way he can fight all of your advances.

You're barely awake anymore when he puts a hand around your throat, cutting off air.

"No one fights against me and gets out alive." Vecna says and just before strangling you completely you drag your eyes to Billy. His face is scrunched up in pain and you struggle against the creature's hand. You wouldn't let him die like this. Not when he doesn't know the truth.

It's in a few seconds in which you set Vecna's body on fire, take Billy with you and run somewhere to hide. It's another second when California Dreamin' starts playing and another portal opens. You can see Billy high in the air, headphones over his ears. Your friends are gathered around him and Max tries reaching for his legs to get him down again.

Billy's eyes are rolled back, only the white being visible. You shudder and realize you have to get him out or it's going to be too late. Taking his hand you lead him towards the portal, making sure the monster doesn't see you. Billy is more unresponsive than you'd like, limply following you.

When you reach a rock big enough to hide behind in front of the gate, you stop. "Billy?" He moves his head in your direction, seemingly only taking you in now. "(y/n)?" His voice is breathy and his eyes are starting to droop - the vines have really gotten to him. "Yeah, yeah it's me!" You could sob from relief, but the usual sounds from the Upside Down are still present and you need to save him.

"You gotta get back. Max and the others are waiting." You explain and lift a hand to his cheek, caressing his pale skin. He pulls his eyebrows together and takes your hand. "But- you. You have to come back with me." you look down and try to find the right words.

"I'll come back. But first I have to win against Vecna. He can't come back anymore." Billy looks shocked, "No, no come back. We can plan it- we can talk about this but don't leave me again!" He's clutching your arms, keeping you from leaving.

"Billy… there's nothing I'd rather do than go with you. Come home. But I can't. I can't keep letting him win." A lone tear rolls down his cheek and you wipe it away, "Promise. I'm coming home after." You hold out your pinky, waiting for him to do the same.

"I can't…" he sobs, and your heart breaks a little more. Leaning your forehead against his, you look him in his eyes. "Promise. I'll see you soon and we can- we can do whatever you want. But you have to get outta here now."

He tries protesting again but this time you stand up, slowly pushing him towards the gate. "I love you. Remember that." With that you guide him backwards until he's through the gate, the circle leading to your home closing again.

A sigh escapes you and you turn back, walking towards Vecna. "Let's kill this asshole." You think and straighten your shoulders.

While Billy falls back down and is immediately pulled into Max's arms he can't help but feel like it's worse than before. Yes, you're alive. But you're currently risking it all again and he can't save you. Again. "She's alive." He whispers and stares blankly ahead. Now he just has to trust you. He definitely does, but still. Leaving you alone when it's something so dangerous makes him feel like he just lost you all over again.

"Who?" Max inquires, briefly checking for any injuries he might've gotten. Billy mutters your name before his eyes roll back and he passes out, the exhaustion of the situation taking over.

The friends look at each other, baffled. It's Steve, who speaks up. "Do you think he's serious? I mean, couldn't it be that it was Vecna who he saw?" He pushes his hair back and leans against the tombstone, a shiver running down his spine at the thought that this was a burial for someone who was alive.

"He could be right. He got out of there before we played the song, or very quickly at least. If Vecna had gotten him he wouldn't have gotten out this easily. We should believe him." Her eyes are focused on her older brother, his blonde locks falling over his forehead and generally being messed up through all the chaos.

"Let's get him home and then ask him. There must be something he knows." The others agree and they heave up Billy's body and bring it to the car.

-

Walking around the corner you see the large, looming house. It's covered in the black vines and bats are flying around it. The always-there thunderstorm is raging and the sky switches to red every few minutes.

Stepping forward you open the front door, the inside cold and unwelcoming. Walking through the heavy tension gets more and suddenly a dark voice speaks up. "I've been waiting for you." It speaks and you stop walking, standing in the middle of the foyer.

"Where are you?"

The monster doesn't show itself seemingly preferring to stay in the shadows and, literally, leave you in the dark.

"You don't need to know." you scoff and the voice comes closer. "I'm impressed by how long you've survived. When you sacrificed yourself back then, I was… confused. Why would you do that, I thought. And then I realized. I had never had anything like those friends of yours. Them being able to fight against me like that was impressive to say the least.

You may know why I wanted to get Eleven." He waits for a reply from you, but you stay silent.

"She sent me here." Confusion clouds your brain - how? "Oh, it was easy for her. I wanted to help her. Wanted to free her from Brenner's experiments and imprisonment. He would've let her die and I wanted to help," his voice gets angry and you realize the reason it was your friend group that was always tormented by this dark power.

"Yeah. I've been after her since she escaped and I realized I could use this to my advantage. It wasn't my plan when you arrived, but seeing you're just as talented makes it easier to forget."

This time, you can feel his presence behind you.

"You know, it's senseless to bring her here. What will you do when you get her? Kill her? Wouldn't that be too easy?" it's provoking, but you need to know. It wouldn't make any sense to chase her for so long, just to simply kill her.

"You're right. I want her to have to suffer what I have. I'm alone here. I'm alone and I have to watch the pest that humans are invading nature even more. She will suffer just as I did. And that's where you come into play. Trust me, there was a reason I didn't kill that lover of yours. I know what you two planned and I know his weaknesses so don't try me."

Your mouth goes dry and you step away from him, clenching your hands into fists. "Well… he's not going to wake up. Unless… you bring me the girl. He'll live. But not for long." His voice is menacing and tears gather on your lash line.

"No… let him go!" You yell and spin around to try and find him. "You can't do this to me! Not him!"

Vecna laughs, amused at your pain. "As I've said. The girl. You'll know when the time is over."

And with that, he's gone. You're left alone with your anger, sadness and betrayal. How were you going to fix this? Soon, he would go after more innocent teens and you couldn't let that happen. Not when you could keep that from happening.

When you leave the house a plan starts to form in your mind. If Eleven was able to open another dimension and trap him here there shouldn't be a lot that keeps him living. In fact, the only thing that does is the killing. Closing all the portals would make him weak and in turn you'd be able to kill him.

You mentally pat yourself on the shoulder for the plan before you realize; closing the gates could mean you'll also be trapped here. Not just him. The destruction of Vecna won't mean the end of the Upside Down but the end of the crossing between the normal world and this one.

You search for the safe place you'd found and sit down, using one of your powers to find Billy.

You enter the small hut that once belonged to Hopper, bed still intact. On it lies Billy, sweat shimmering on his face.

Max, Lucas, Dustin, Steve and Eddie (as you'd learned) are gathered around the couch, discussing something. When you get closer, you start understanding their voices.

"No, I think this time we won't be able to help. If there's one person that can kill Vecna it's (y/n)." Dustin says and gestures with his hands. So they know about you. "You're right, but if she kills Vecna… won't that mean all the portals will close?" Max asks, bringing up your earlier concern.

You sit down in front of the couch, one hand holding Billy's. "Yes but no. Vecna may be connected to the portals, but are they connected to him? All the other things are, like the Demogorgon, Mind Flayer etc. They will die with him. But the portals are on their own. She'd have to close them herself, kill Vecna and open one again before closing it when she's here."

You smile at Dustin's incredible talent of quick understanding and his IQ. There's silence for a little before Eddie speaks up. "The lights," he points to the small lamps scattered around the room and how they've started flickering.

Your concern grows and you scoot a little closer to Billy. His sweat gets worse and his eyes move around wildly under his eyelids. You lay a hand on his cheek, knowing this is your time to leave. You mumble an 'i love you' before getting up and leaving, throwing a last look at the group of friends.

Coming back to your reality was like a breath of stale, dust filled air. The weird white particles invade your nose and you cough before getting up. If you had the chance now, you'd start now.

Closing portals required more strength than you expected but with the help of a memory of Billy or your friends it worked out. One by one you weaken Vecna, the last one being closed when you hear him.

"What did you do?" His voice is awfully quiet and you shake a little. "I'm going to kill you for what you did. And you're going to die slowly, painfully."

He throws his head back and comes closer, looking down at you. "Oh, really?" a nod from your side before both of you lift your hands at the same time.

The invisible force hits you immediately and you're pushed back a good two feet before regaining yourself.

You grunt, pushing all of your effort into tearing him apart. He copies you, the bats around your two bodies going wild.

When your legs start cramping you cry out of pain. This wouldn't be a waste. You'd make all of your sacrifices worth it.

A scream tears from your throat and you push yourself harder, a red glow coming from its chest. It starts growing, his powers lessening and you are able to move back forward.

"You can't… kill me." He grunts out before you use your other hand and overstep your limits. Your hands cramp and your feet leave the floor, Vecna slowly falling into dust. His warped face is the last thing you see of him. It's before you pass out that the sudden quiet and peace engulfs you.

The group is gathered at Eddie's place, watching with wonder as the gate heals itself and closes before vanishing. Crazy laughing and high fives are heard when the realization sets in: you did it. You killed Vecna and with that all the craziness that came with it. They celebrate, Dustin trying to contact Mike and Will.

When they come back to Hopper's old hut they see Billy - awake. He's confused, rubbing his forehead after wiping the sweat away.

"She did it." Is the only thing Dustin says before everyone cheerfully explains the situation.

Eddie throws himself on the couch next to Billy. "Quite the girl you've got there. She killed an interdimensional monster and rescued pretty much all of… the world!" He makes an exploding Motion with his hands and laughs.

"Yeah. Just hope she'll come back soon." Billy smiles sheepishly, folding his hands. "Dude. There's no way that if she did this she won't be able to come back here. Guessing she's asleep or something. That had to be exhausting, man!" Eddie stands back up and goes to converse with their friends, leaving Billy with his thoughts.

Yeah, it had to be exhausting for you. He was hoping you'd make it home soon, then he'd be able to finally care for you.

-

Waking up in the Upside Down is definitely the worst experience. You're glad no weird Upside Down bug crawled in your mouth and that there's none of the crazy bats anymore.

"Let's see…" your orientation has never been the best, so instead of finding Eddie's house you go the way you think is right - to Hopper's cabin.

Finding it was harder than ever and your stomach growls loudly a few times during your hike. You take in a deep breath, getting ready to come back home.

You lift your hand, some reminder blood from yesterday still on your skin. The air shifts and something more tense sets in. Dark particles start swiveling before the red, slimy skin builds itself back up. Your chest heaves with exhaustion and you're sure you're going to collapse the second you're through the portal.

When it's done, or when it's big enough for you to pass through you take everything in one last time. You mumble an ironic goodbye and step through, the gooey substance sticking to you like a second skin. When you're out, it's only seconds before the gate disappears, with that closing.

You fall to your knees and suddenly a bunch of shoes are in your view. Looking up, you see Dustin and the rest of the party (well except the ones in California). "Hi, guys." It's more of a joke and before you know it your arms are full of weeping teenagers.

Looking around you see Billy sitting on the couch, looking fond, yet still exhausted. His hair is matted to his forehead and a bruise is forming on his underarm.

You send him a small wave before focusing back on the teens. "I'm proud of you. I saw and heard how you solved this and- incredible." Especially Dustin looked flustered and the rest of them started talking all over each other.

Nancy, Steve and Robin stood to the side, content with having everyone back together. Eddie, who you so far hadn't talked to at all, looked a little lost but endeared nevertheless.

His hair was wild and unruly, brown curls falling past his shoulders. His eyes were big and his hands full of rings. Attractive, admittedly. From what you've seen, a great friend, too.

When they slowly let you go and stood back up Billy came to stand in front of you. A wave of his cologne invaded your senses and you took his stretched out hand, getting up with his help. His arms wound around you and you buried your face in his muscle shirt clad chest.

"Welcome back, doll."

-

After all the excitement died down a little Billy helped you to his car, his arm around your waist.

He was steadier by now because he rested mostly for the past days. You did too, but your body wasn't back to full health yet and it would probably take some time still.

He opened the car door for you and you chuckled. "A real gentleman, aren't you?" He exaggerated a nod and bow before moving to the driver's seat.

His music was more quiet during the drive, still heavy bass and loud guitars but you could hear yourself think for once.

"What… if we moved together? With Max, I mean." It's probably random for him, considering you had never spoken up about it before. Admittedly, you've been thinking about this for a while - especially after getting stuck in the Upside Down.

His eyes went wide and he averted his glance from the street for a second, "What do you mean?"

"Well. Neil is coming back tomorrow from his… I don't even know what, and it's just going to get worse, isn't it?" He nods hesitantly and stiffens at the mention of his father.

"I just… The Byer's house has been free since they moved and it's a nice place. Joyce called me a few days before I- you know, and asked whether I knew someone that'd be interested. But obviously no one wants a house where someone went missing, right?" He agrees with a hum and you continue.

"This would be a big- huge step for us but I can't keep seeing you and Max in danger because of him. I really can't. Joyce offered the house for an affordable price and if we both start working again it would easily be manageable. So. What do you say?"

After a few minutes of silence which made you a little jittery, he answered. "Honestly, it's a nice idea. Definitely not something we can just chicken out from but even if it doesn't work out a safe home would be great. And there are tons of jobs now that Starcourt isn't open anymore." He stops before smiling and taking your hand.

"We'll just have to tell Max and she'll be the one to decide, hm?"

Telling Max was filled with nerves and your rambling, but she agreed quickly. She had only been to the Byers house a few times, but it would do as a new home.

Your parents weren't happy with it at first, considering they still saw Billy as trouble. When you elaborated more they slowly accepted it and were relatively helpful with the move.

Neil and Susan on the other side freaked out. Of course Neil wouldn't want his son to leave - who would he let his anger out on?

Susan was unsure, not wanting to be left alone with Neil and his endless anger. In the end, it didn't matter what they said and everything was settled quickly.

Now, now you were happy. Sharing a home with two of your closest friends - or even family - was amazing. You did have trouble sleeping at night, the terrors of the Upside Down still haunting you, but with Billy it was alright.

Living alone was hard but after a while everything became a routine and slowly but surely it became a home.