#definitely love the chaos of the video gives me energy from the excitement

[reddevilproductions]

⚠️Sonic Prime Infodump/Spoilers Ahead⚠️

Can we walk about how cool all the little references in Sonic Prime are?

The whole show itself feels like watching video game cutscenes and I just find that to be incredible and interesting. It felt like a whole new take on a Sonic series and I loved it.

But back to my original point with the little Easter Eggs. Here are some things I noticed that I just found really neat and I liked how they were included.

• The passcode to Tails’ workshop is ‘1992’. Which is when his debut game was first released

• Similar to the first one. Bigs’s ID number (I think that’s what it is?) in New Yolk City was “1-9-9-8” or 1998. The release year of his debut game

• The mention of the notorious orca whale that likes to fuck with Sonic

• Just him doing video gamey things in general (collecting rings, some of the sound effects from games, Knuckles GLIDING)

• The whole Rusty Rose thing. I was so excited that they brought back a form of robotization. Considering the concept has so much potential but we hadn’t seen it in years.

• Also the bit where Sonic’s shoes weren’t adjusted to the energy in New Yolk and he couldn’t run correctly reminded me of an episode of the original 1992 show. In said episode (which I unfortunately don’t remember the name of), Sonic somehow loses his shoes and because of that he can’t really run correctly anymore. It probably wasn’t an intentional callback but I got serious deja vu, but in a good way!

• And I found it funny how they did a little Deadpool “You’re probably wondering how I got into this situation” bit

• Can’t forget to special mention how they snuck “Maurice” into the show description

I would also like to mentioned that I ADORED Rouge’s new outfit. All of her outfits actually. And that hearing Adagio’s voice come out of her did catch me off guard for a second.

And Nine and Shadow may be my favorite characters. Because Tails is just my favorite Sonic character as a whole, and Shadow was just so cool! Despite the fact that he didn’t get much screen time, but I hope he does if this show gets greenlit for another season!

The art and animation for this whole thing is also just beautiful and smooth. You can tell a lot of work went into it and the crew absolutely killed it!

There’s definitely a lot more stuff I forgot to put here, but if I remember something I’ll definitely be sure to add it in later. Or anything else I notice when I inevitably rewatch the show. Overall I give it a 10/10. I watched it with my younger siblings and we all genuinely enjoyed it

And of course, I can’t forget to mention

He did it, he finally found that damn fourth chaos emerald

[dameronology]

yellow (e.m)

summary: just mindless, plotless fluff. i was listening to yellow by coldplay when i was writing it lol.

warnings: swearing, heavy mentions of weed/getting high, no vol 2 spoilers

this is a retrospective apology for the angst i think i'm dropping later tonight oops. enjoy.

-jazz

Eddie Munson was a spitfire with the world's most severe case of undiagnosed ADHD.

He ping-ponged between two extremes; one was a golden retriever on narcotics and the other was a mellowed out, insightful man. When he was hyperactive, Eddie was always moving in circles around you - in your orbit, spinning round you the way the Earth did to the sun - barely allowing a breath between words. He got so excited, a white hot ball of energy, leaving a trail of scrawled campaign notes and half-written songs in his wake. It was pure chaos, but it was also warm and familiar. It was insane contrast to when he was high off his left nut, sat on the sofa with his blunt in one hand and guitar in the other. It was moments like that you were convinced he could be the next Jimi Hendrix, coming out with a combination of scarily insightful thoughts paired with a few chords and melodies. Then he would let out the world's biggest yawn, pass the fuck out and forget it all.

Today was definitely more of the hyperactive days. You were curled up in the corner of the trailer, your college work laid out in front of you. Eddie, meanwhile, was sat beside you, gangly legs just touching you. He would occasionally give you a kick and a smile.

"Baaaaaabe," his voice was a drawl. "Do you wanna watch a movie?"

"After this, Eds," you replied, glancing up at him. "I'll only be a few more hours-"

"- Jaws," he cut you off. "I wanna watch Jaws."

"Why don't you go down to Family Video?" you proposed. "By the time you're back, I'll be done."

"Nah," he grumbled. "I don't fancy seeing Harrington right now."

"But you're content sat here staring at me?"

"I love staring at you," Eddie grinned. "There are much worse things to look at."

"Like what?"

"Harrington."

You let out a groan, turning your attention back to the notes in front of you. Just a few more hours, you thought to yourself. Then I can give him whatever the fuck he wants.

Eddie began wriggling on the sofa so that his head was closest to you now; there was barely a second before he'd whacked your notepad from your lap, promptly replacing it with a stupid grin and a tangle of messy hair. His big bug eyes, although dark, were lit up the evening sun from the window behind you. It was only in this light that you could see the little flecks of gold and amber amongst the brown.

"Edward," you said sternly. "This is why you haven't fucking graduated! We said we would have a study day-"

"- I am studying," he shot back. "I'm studying you."

"Oh my god. Could you be any cornier?" you replied, barely able to hide your eye roll. Still though, your minor annoyance didn't stop you softly carding a hand through his hair, gently organising the strands that had fallen over his face. "I'm on the last chapter. I promise."

"I have nothing to do!" he whined. "I'm so lonely without you-"

"- bit rich considering your head is in my lap, Eds."

"Yeah, maybe you're right."

"What do you normally do when I'm gone?"

Eddie peered up at you, grin widening. "Wait for you to come home. Sometimes I smoke weed."

"So go smoke then!" you suggested.

"I can't. I'm out and I'm not picking up from Reefer Rick until tomorrow-"

Pausing for a moment, you reached across to grab your bag. After rummaging around for a few minutes, you produced the half-smoked blunt you hadn't finished last night. It wasn't much, but you shoved it in Eddie's mouth with hope, in the same way a mother might sticky a dummy in the mouth of a crying child. He didn't respond until you stuck your hand in his back pocket and pulled out a lighter.

"Will this shut you up?"

"For a bit," he said with a wink, shoving the smoke to the corner of his mouth and taking an inhale. "This weed is awful. Who did you buy it from?"

You peered down at him, thinning your eyes. "I don't know. It was some guy Robin knows-"

Eddie sat up in the blink of an eye, brown eyes filled with completely unwarranted fury. You jumped back at the motion, barely avoiding your foreheads colliding. He twisted himself to face you, a gangly leg on either side of your lap as he pressed his face to yours with a scowl.

"You're cheatin' on me?"

You rolled your eyes. "Because I brought from someone else?"

"Yeah!" he exclaimed.

"You were at Hellfire Club!" you shot back. "Last time I interrupted one of those meetings you didn't talk to me for three days."

Eddie let out a tiny grumble. After thinking for a moment, there was a huff and then as if he had forgiven you, he burrowed his head in the crook of your neck and tightening his arms around your waist. Normally, you would have fought him off but the moment was just too soft.

After a moment like that, he pulled away and fell back onto the sofa, dragging you with him. You let out a yelp and collided with his chest, barely avoiding rolling off the sofa. Eddie grabbed you and steadied you, large hands holding your forearms as he propped himself up on his elbows. He had a huge grin on his face; it met his eyes in seconds, nothing but love and adoration and fucking pride because hell, he had just won the battle. Your notes were on the floor now, strewn with the spliff he had written off.

"What's with you today?" you softly asked.

"How'd you mean?" Eddie absent-mindedly replied, eyes not meeting yours. They were following his hands as they moved over your body; up your arms, down your back, and then to cup your face. Your gaze met his then, and he gave you a gentle smile.

"You're clingy, I know that much, but especially so today," you said. "Is something up?"

He shook his head. "No. I just missed you."

"I've been here all day-"

"- I know," he cut you off with a smile. "Maybe I got a bit jealous that you're spending more time with that textbook than you are with me."

"A bit jealous?" you teased. "Or are you just mad that you're not the center of my attention all the time?"

"Pffft, no," Eddie said. "That doesn't sound like me at all."

"All this from the man that ignored me for two whole days last week over a D&D campaign?" you continued to taunt, but his grin was as wide as yours. His eyes fell down to the shirt you were wearing - his Hellfire one, naturally.

"If you're going to keep giving me ironclad logic then I am not going to argue with you," he huffed, smile still not faltering.

"Good," you beamed. "I don't want to argue either."

Eddie leant down and pressed a kiss to your lips. He tasted of mint - he always had gum - and a little of cigarettes. It was intoxicating taste, one that brought you back to the first few days of your relationship. You'd been getting high under the bleachers in sophomore year and after months of pining, Eddie had finally kissed you. Almost four years had passed and it still hadn't gotten old. He was your home now; a tangle of curly hair and dark eyes that you could never seem to break away from. And why would you want to? Eddie was everything you could ever need; sweet, funny, your best fucking friend. He looked after you and you knew he'd go to the ends of the Earth to make you happy. Right now, though, your lives were tied together in the confines of the trailer park and you had absolutely nothing else to think about but each other.

"So we'll meet halfway and agree that I was right and you were wrong?"

"That is so not how that works, Eddie," you laughed.

He pressed another kiss to your lips before sitting up, hands grabbing your ass and keeping you on his lap and he turned to sit back on the sofa properly.

"So," he began. "Jaws?"

You let out a soft laugh. "Yeah, Jaws."

You hopped off his lap and leant down to pile up your scattered notes. Eddie followed suit - not without placing a slap to your ass as he passed - and began to rummage around for his keys. You caught his denim jacket in midair as he threw it at you, pulling it over your shoulders. He then tossed you your boots one by one, before pulling on his own and kicking open the door.

"After you, hot stuff."

You gave him a wink as you passed, tangling your hands with his on the way to the van. It took a few tries to open the passenger side door - y'know, on account for the fact that it was a rusting pile of shit - but as soon as you were in, Eddie was beside you with one hand on the wheel and one on your thigh. It was an unspoken rule that you always chose the music.

"Really?' Eddie quirked an eyebrow at you, brown eyes momentarily siding you. "Fucking ABBA?"

"You drive, I choose the music," you shot back. "That's how it is."

He let out a cute little grumble, but you could have sworn you heard him muttering the lyrics to Angel Eyes. Luckily for him, Family Video wasn't too long of a drive. Especially not when Eddie broke every speed limit known to man. It was funny how he did it so suavely, one hand holding yours and the other violently spinning the wheel every time there was a corner. He didn't let go of your hand when he had to change gear, instead just pulling your fingers with his as he reached for the shift stick.

Eddie halted outside the video store with a screech. He hopped out the van and jogged round the other side, opening the door for you and holding out his hand. He was a fucking cheeseball.

"Thank you, Mr Munson," you couldn't help but laugh as your feet hit the ground, leaning against him to steady the balance.

"Y'know, I think you might be a future Munson too."

Your eyebrows shot up. "Seriously?"

"I mean..." he trailed off, coming to stand in front of you. He took your hands in his, fingers interlacing with yours as he lifted them and aimlessly waved them around. "I could take your surname?"

"You're soft today," you murmured.

"Yeah, I am," he gave you a soft smile. "It's probably because I'm in love with you."

"You love me?"

"I love you."

You grinned. "I love you too."

His large hands found your waist, gently pushing you back against the side of the van. Eddie placed a kiss on your lips without a word; one hand on your ass, the other placed beside your head on the van with an arm caging you in. It was late and there was no one else around, so you didn't care too much about anyone seeing the PDA.

"I've always loved you," he admitted. "Ever since that day in freshman year that you told me my hair was stupid."

"That was six years ago-"

"- it took me six years to recover from it," he cut you off. "C'mon, let's go get Jaws."

You pressed one more kiss to his lips. "Let's go."

tags: @karasong @megmeg-chan @adamgetawaydriver @eddington-munson

[makeit0utalive]

Hello and welcome to the latest installment of Dove Does Reviews. Today’s album: Hotel Kalifornia

Chaos: I’ve had a love/hate relationship with this song. When it first released, I loved it, listened to it all the time. After a while, I didn’t care for it much. Now, as I’m relistening to the album and writing this, I’m loving the song. Usually by the time an album releases I’m tired of the first single, but not in this case. I feel like Johnny and Funny’s parts feel a bit out of place in this song, but other than that I really enjoy it. I’ll give it 7.5/10.

World War Me: When this first started playing I didn’t expect it to have such a heavy chorus, but I’m glad it did, because it’s great. Love me some angry screaming Danny. I’m really happy with the long verses on this song, I’ve always preferred those to the shorter ones. The “bleh bleh bleh bleh” took me out on my first listen, and now it’s just hilarious. Love the energy on this song. 9.5/10.

Ruin My Life: I wasn’t sure what to think of this song when I first heard it. I think this was mostly due to the fact I had no idea what Charlie was saying on the chorus. Charlie Scene more like Charlie Brown’s school teacher because I couldn’t understand a word. After a day or two a flip in me switched and since then I’ve been really digging this song. Definitely giving me Cashed Out vibes and I love it. 7.5/10 because I still can’t tell what Charlie is saying on the chorus.

Hourglass: After watching and reading many interviews where the guys hyped this song up and said it was one of their favorites, I got really excited for it, but if I’m being honest, I was kinda disappointed. It’s not bad, but I don’t quite love it. Give it time though, because it’s already grown on me since the first listen. I was happy that Danny FINALLY GOT A VERSE and that he got his name mentioned in a song for the first time! I think this will be a song that just takes some time to grow on me, and when it does I’ll love it. I’m already getting attached to the chorus. Gonna give it a 7/10 for now.

Go To War: I’m just now reading the lyrics for this and “so heartless won’t even hug mom” that’s. Kinda funny. Why does this song remind me of Hangin Tough by New Kids On The Block. I like that song so it’s not a bad thing but. Why. I really enjoy this song, love the energy, especially the part with all of them chanting, that really pumps me up. Let’s give this one…8.5/10.

Alone At The Top: This song is really pretty. That chorus is flawless, I’m obsessed. This is one that can be relaxing as just kinda background music, but will make you sad if you sit and listen closely. Don’t have much to say about this one other than I really like it. 9/10.

Wild In These Streets: This song is dope. Funny and J stole the show imo. Loved the King Kong throwback. This chorus is catchy as hell. This song just makes me wanna get Wild In These Streets yknow? Solid track and once again, I’m not sick of it despite it being a single that came out a while ago. 8/10.

Dangerous: Love love love this one. It’s the total package. Has everything you need. Everyone did so good on this one. Literally nothing I do not love about this song. I’m actually sitting here smiling as I listen to it because it’s just that good. 10/10.

Lion Eyes: Another one I’m absolutely obsessed with. It’s so theatrical and spooky. I love how raw they all sounded on this track. This is another one that I just smile while I listen to it because it’s that good. 10/10.

Trap God: I keep saying this, but once again, I love the energy in this sound. Like Papa Roach said in the comments of this song’s video, it makes me wanna bounce. Banger after banger on this album. 9/10.

Happy When I Die: “Wait, what happened?” I’m so glad they actually put that in a song, it needed to happen at this point. This song sounds like it could’ve easily come from Charlie’s solo album, I’d almost argue it fits in better with that album rather than this one, but either way, it’s a good song. Also, Funny, you alright dude? Need a hug? Giving this one a 7.5/10.

Reclaim: For some reason this song just isn’t clicking with me yet. It’s very good, and I really don’t know why I’m not connecting with it yet because this should be a song I’d enjoy, but I’m just not feeling it yet. Give it time, though, and I’m sure I’ll be loving it. Despite the lack of connection I have with this song it’s still getting a 7.5/10, because it is really good.

City Of The Dead: J singing was not on my HU8 bingo card, and yet here we are. This is another good one, everyone did great here. Top notch song. It is nearing 1am as I type this and I am getting tired. Good song. 8.5/10.

Alright: Alright…is what I am not after hearing this. This is my new favorite song. This is god tier. That high note in the background of the last chorus? Killed me. Deceased. If any song tops this one I will be shocked. 10000000/10.

This is a stunning album, and has secured its spot as my second favorite HU album (just wasn’t quite enough to top DOTD, but that’s gonna be a hard one to beat, I love that album). It was even better than I was expecting. I will be listening to the entire album daily from here on out.

[azumasoroshi]

DGS 2 London Side DLC

just started watching like. the one video translating these and OH MY GOD IS SHOLMES GONNA BE THE DEFENSE LAWYER FOR IRIS AGAINST BAROK????? WHAT???????????

and ryuunosuke gets to be the competent judicial assistant this time i'm assuming

this is gonna be great i can feel it

omg iris gets her own hold it?? or at least i assume it's a hold it since it's not iyai

OH NOOOOOO WE DONT GET SHOLMES' PERSPECTIVE goddammit

ryuunosuke i love you but PLEASE i need to know what's going on in sholmes' head

i guess they don't want to reveal that he's actually a genius or show his real thought process to keep the mystery of whether he's really smart or a fucking idiot but i was excited for that :( oh well

"What on earth are you doing here, amateur detective?"

"Whatever do you mean? ...Reapy."

im telling you there is SOMETHING up with the way they talk to each other it's the exes energy i swear to god

oh my god it definitely wasnt a murder trial was it ahskdgJHDJHGSD sholmes is giving off real phoenix wright energy right now

"For the [impropriety?] of reaching for the Lord's chalice after failing to find another outlet for my anger...I beg for your indulgence."

ahh so that's the more direct translation of "forgive the discourtesy of filling my hallowed chalice"

we are 3 minutes into trial and this man is already done six ways from sunday

not ryuunosuke telling sholmes to look at the court record when we're not even in control of him asdkhgKJDHGSDKJKHJHJDS

OHH yeah i guess he's saying it to sholmes but hes really saying it to us cuz we have to look at evidence n stuff

omg the notes on each evidence are in sholmes' perspective too

why is the pocketwatch in the evidence lmfao i dont think ryuunosuke gave that to you sholmes

watch him just grab it from ryuunosuke's pocket when it's needed

oh barok's name is translated as baroque that's kind of interesting

oh something was stolen from van zieks office?? if it was wine im gonna laugh so hard why would you convict a ten year old of stealing wine

LMFAOOOOOOOOO sholmes' perception of the world is so fucked

"terrifying" help oh my god

I CHOKED he knows barok fucking hates him

aww the person playing said this is basically all we get of hurley's perspective that's so sad ugh

"The only suitable punishment for such an atrocity would be submersion in hellfire!" damn barok really said gay people belong in hell

racist and homophobic what's next capcom

"Looks like we were too late, Mr. Naruhodou. He already threw his first chalice." like 7 minutes into trial dawgggg this is the worst day of barok's life second only to The Incident while Sholmes is having a fucking blast

"[Iris' charge] was...um. Serial murder!"

"It sounds as though you've got yourself a rather thrilling roommate, great detective." are they ever going to refer to each other by their names or what

i love how herlock is like "i look forward to hearing what weird thing you'll say next" if you get the answer wrong bkjDGKSJDGhsd literally encouraging you to make the wrong choices we stan a good dad

"Honestly, what must [Iris'] parents be like if this is how she turned out?" BAROK........BUDDY.............….thats such rich kid dialogue he’s such a rich kid

"[Reapy], I really don't think you should say such things so lightly." SEE EVEN HERLOCK OBJECTED TO THAT AHSUDGKSDJH barok come on man

is he taking personal offense to that as Iris' basically-dad or is he taking offense on iris’s parents’ behalf

"The item that was stolen was incredibly special to me." i have a feeling it's related to Him but for now im still sticking to it being wine

imagine if it was a black pocketwatch the chaos that would go down

Barok: "[The girl I saw] was, without a doubt, Iris Wilson."

Sholmes: "Are you sure about that? She doesn't have many distinguishing features, after all."

bro have you seen your daughter

oh it was his chalice :sob: yeah that's basically his wine

barok maybe you just tossed more than one chalice into the fire than you recall maybe that's it

oh it was his FIRST court chalice i seeeee baby's first time being drunk on the job

"I guess there can only be two types of memories associated with [your chalices]. "Should I throw it", or "Should I crush it"?"

[Barok throws his chalice right after crushing his last one two animations ago]

"I can't anticipate what the truth will be at this point in time. But we musn't allow that ruddy criminal to get away with this!"

was it sholmes. did he steal the chalice

that line sounds kind of sus ngllllllllll

"Sholmes-san sounds pretty confused..." homie doesnt even know what a cross examination is oh god

(source: x)

[moxfirefly]

Can i get a breeding kink prompt With mikey please? 👉👈

👁👄👁 I am-

Listen, do not get me started on this...

Okay here we gooooo

Rated Explicit (18+ only)

Michelangelo had everything down to a science, which he always found hilarious since he wasn’t the science guy here. But ironic joke aside, he truly did have it all thought out to the point of near perfection.

Because Spring sucks.

Spring is annoying.

Everyone’s in a mood, everyone is in a state of perpetual chest pumping and nothing gets done. Mikey had long since learned that skating the excessive energy out of his system worked fabolously, combine that with some much needed alone time with a skin magazine or video and he could call it a night.

Spring is so annoying.

With you though, he had glossed over in a vague matter that maybe it would be best for you to hang back for a few days. Naturally that was odd, Mikey sometimes wanted to glue you to his shell if he could. A quick look of the calendar filled in the blanks, mutterings about approaching Spring Fever as they had named it were ongoing on the nights you’d been there. Mikey was being courteous, nay he was being shy at the very least.

Curiosity on your end though, would be your undoing.

So you packed your overnight bag with the essentials . He was probably overselling this whole Heat issue, it wasn’t like Mikey’s libido was at a soft two even on a bad day. That man could watch you shaver your legs with a full on mud mask on your face and still pop a boner. Naturally though you maybe should’ve listened

but your feet were already taking to the nearest Lair entrance.

Mikey felt antsy , even after spending three hours on his board. He even took out his old normal board to practice basic tricks on it, he’d played video games for an hour, thought about you for another hour and still his skin felt electric. The air in the Lair tonight was about the same, everyone was locked away to avoid unnecessary fighting. He figured he’d shower, think about you once again and retreat back to his room.

He felt a little better after the hot shower, he’d even found that you had left one of those sweet smelling body gels. That had significantly distracted him and now he couldn’t stop smelling himself, for he smelled like you. In his trance he neglected to perhaps notice that your scent had picked up a little more but he figured it was himself.

He nudged the curtain aside that led to his room (Raph had moved out a few months back) and tossed his towel somewhere in the chaos.

Then he saw you there, on his bed, flipping away on some random magazine he had lying around looking like a dream. Mikey froze on the spot, you looked up and smiled.

“So what’s the big deal? Aside from how funeral like quiet everything is around, has anybody sprouted a third arm?” You joked whilst setting the magazine aside, you sat up and assessed him. He was freshly showered, smelling of your favorite shower gel and wearing nothing but his boxer briefs.

For Mikey though, his literal reptile brain was only making him notice how gorgeous you looked in nothing but some stay at home shorts and a flimsy oversized crop top. Naturally you had settled into your relaxed attire once here, most of the time it consisted of things Mikey either outgrew or didn’t use anymore. He approached, tentatively.

“No third arms dude, just you know; tension in the air” He chuckled and so did you, you couldn’t help but notice how fixated his gaze was. He looked at every little detail of yours more intently, enjoying it even more. Mikey reached out and ran his knuckles across your chin. You kept your smile, sneaking down to press a soft kiss on his wrist. “What’ya been up to then?” You not so innocently asked as he started playing with your hair.

Mikey’s mind was too clouded, it had been clouded all day with scandalous thoughts of you. Even now as you sat in front him, the picture of sweetness and loveliness all he wanted was to consume himself in you. “Thinking of you” He answered distracted by ideas of pulling your hair, watching your mouth open in a gasp, body shaking with pleasure.

Maybe spring didn’t have to be so annoying...

“Well I’m here now, you should’ve just said so” You liked how concentrated he seemed, fascinated with your hair or with caressing your cheek. You also didn’t mind that he was barely dressed, all strong legs and thin waist for display. You wondered just how badly he was fighting to not make his arousal so evident.

Then his hand retreated and he got down on both knees. His hands rested on your knees and you swore his pupils were blown out already, you pressed your legs tightly together.

“I can smell it, don’t hide it”

That sentence shook you. Your face flushed at his words but it only served for another shot of heat to pool beneath you. Mikey seemed so different, that cheery flirtatious nature of his wasn’t all quite there and you couldn’t help but wonder what lay in store for you.

He hooked his fingers in your shorts and pulled them down slowly, his excited energy was there but more zeroed in on the task at hand. You let him take them off for you, soon your underwear as well, his firm but gentle hand nudged you backwards. You laid down, breathing anticipation and exhaling desire when you felt those strong hands of his spread you.

“You smell so fucking good” Any and all rational thought had exited. All he wanted was to taste you, fuck you and claim you as his. He bit the inside of your thigh, enjoying the muscle tremble. When you felt a string of spit on your core and that wet warm tongue flick up your slit, you bit down on your lip. Mikey was never controlled, especially in this activity, he went at it like it was his last meal. But this honed in method left you shakey and needy.

He wanted you shakey and needy.

Thus he did the same, licking and sucking slowly, calculatedly. You looked down, his meticulous attacks making you squeeze your legs against his head. That brought a lengthy groan out of him, his hands gripped your thighs more and his movements picked up a little more in forcefulness. Soon enough he had you teetering on the precipice, close and closer and each second you swore he’d give it he took it back. You whined frustratedly, hand smacking down on the bed. Your heated gaze found Mikey’s, mouth wet with your essence, pupils still so blown you could barely make out his baby blues. He sucked a finger into his mouth and found your opening, your eyes rolled back into your head.

“You’re so damn wet, like you always get this wet whenever I eat you out” He was knuckle deep, making you crossed eyed as he found your spot and thrusted. “I wish you could feel what I feel when I slide into this pussy” He angled his finger, loving how you bit down hard to muffle a moan. His thumb found your clit and you nearly sobbed. “Fuck you’re so good, you’re all mine aren’t you? This...” He made a come hither motion with said digit. “This all mine?” He asked, rubbing slow circles on your clit.

You nodded vigorously, anything for him to just apply a little more pleasure to hit that spot with just a little more force.

Then Mikey was pulling out his finger and sucking the digit clean.

Yet another frustrated sound left you and you swore he smirked. When he got up, you bit your lip. He was fully hard, leaking and staining the front of his underwear. Good, served him right for the torturing. You made do of your shirt, not missing the hungry look when he saw you were bare beneath the shirt. Opting for some retaliation you fondled them, pinching and kneading. Mikey’s eyes followed them as he kicked off his underwear.

When he gripped your waist you figured he was going to climb on you.

You didn’t expect him to quite literally turn you around and manuveour you onto all fours.

This wasn’t an usual pose for Mikey, it’s not to say he didn’t indulge in it but he preferred to watch you ride him or to be so sweetly spooned against you. This felt, primal. He still seemed unsatisfied that he couldn’t watch you, so he improvised.

Once again wrapping an strong forearm around your waist he took you towards a small dresser that had a mirror. Your wide eyes were comical at this point, this was so unlike him and yet you found yourself so insanely turned on by it. He nudged your legs apart with his foot, hand on your lower back he guided himself in with his other.

That initial burn would never stop being your favorite and Mikey had full view of your eyes leaving their sockets. That gravely churr startled you, his usually didnt run that deep more along the lines of a pleasant purr. You clenched around him and his mouth hung open. That very sensation was something he could dream about awake. He had that feeling committed to memory, often times trying to replicate it with his hand whenever he missed you.

“Jesus fucking hell, Mike please move” You rested on your forearms, trying to move back against him but he held a firm hand on your lower back denying it. He remained quiet, you whined. “Please babe, please I want it so bad” Your eyes drifted to the mirror catchi. Mikey’s heated gaze and grin, he was definitely eating this display up.

He leaned over you, mouth close to your ear. “If... if I start I’m gonna keep going until you’re filled up with my cum” He tested his words by starting to move, hands gripping your waist tightly. The relief that washed over you was immediate, this angle was always a weak point for you so you knew lasting would be difficult.

Then Mikey slammed into you with enough force to rattle the dresser and it’s contents. Your mouth opened in a silent gasp, you watched how consumed he was feeling you. “Oh fuck Mikey, that’s so good” You felt him pulse inside of you, always one for praises this one.

“You’re gonna take it for me? Mhm?” He thrusted hard, demanding. You threw your head back, a blissed out grin breaking out on your face. “God yes, all of it baby, fill me up” You moaned, more so when he wrapped his arm across you chest and held you against his hard plastron. “Yes you are, you’re gonna take it all, every last drop” He shoved his finger into your mouth, pace quickening, churring nonestop.

He continued his words, each one making you hotter, the two of you were going to be a blushing mess after this. “Gonna fill you up, knock you up” He grunted against your ear, the angle was slightly uncomfortable but you were too lost in the lust to bother. You nodded trying to say ‘yes yes yes’ with his thick digit in your mouth.

Mikey felt you tighten so suffocatingly hard that you bit down pretty hard on his finger. He took it out just as you started to scream with your pent up release. “That’s my giiiirl” He groaned against you, slamming two more times before spilling himself in you. It felt never ending, each spurt deep within, Mikey’s short hard thrust making you slump forward in his arms. “Fu-uck Mike” Your voice shook, legs trembled as he emptied himself inside of you. He remained there, buried so far in, loving the mixture of his mess and yours.

Mikey bit down on your shoulder, hips starting to move again, his member twitching back to life. Your eyes shot open, watching him through the mirror. He kept you against him, this time by gripping both your breast.

His previous statement swam inside your foggy brain.

‘If I start, I’m not gonna stop...’

Spring was officially your favorite season.

[aesopsbaby]

Hi! Can I request a match-up for Haikyuu and Cookie Run?

I'm pretty bubbly and easily excited, but I'm very introverted and can run out of energy very quickly so I need to have naps often. I'm also pretty mischievous and like causing trouble/chaos. I'm very self-confident and bold but can't ask for anything out of sheer embarrassment. I can be way too honest with people and I don't mind telling someone exactly what I think about them. I really like drawing, painting, crochet, embroidery, cute things, video games, and horror. My hobbies can vary though because I get very bored very easily so I need something to entertain me at all times. I am an INTP and an Aries.

Thank you!

I match you up with....

Haikyuu!:

Satori Tendo

Absolutely loves your energy <3

Satori would enjoy your company,he loves your bubbly and cheerful personality!

He teases you often if you avoid asking for something. Not to worry though,he'll always ask for you after he's done with his teasing,,,,

NAPS WITH SATORI,, <3 I think he'll enjoy having you in his arms,asleep!

Honestly would get really emotional and soft if you actually fell asleep in his arms,,,,,

Omg,,,,chaotic duo,,,,

He would definitely hype you up and/or join you in your shenanigans.

Couple goals,really. The both of you would be absolutely adorable together!

He loves seeing you get excited over little things,he finds it adorable and will not hesitate to show how much he is in love with you.

"You're cute,y'know that?"

God he gets so excited when he's holding your hand. (Not relevant but just think about it,,,)

Satori ABSOLUTELY LOVES to pick you up and spin you around just to hear you laugh <3

Both of you in a shopping mall with him pushing a cart with you in it at an incredibly fast speed.

He really just loves seeing you happy♡

Satori would poke at your face/squish your face between his hands. He finds it endearing to see you like that. Oh and he'll coo at you while doing so,and maybe even press some soft kisses to your forehead <3

"Adorable. Absolutely adorable,angel!"

"You look so stupid like this." He'll then laugh afterwards-

Cuddles :(((♡♡♡♡

Hold his hand,trust me. He'll melt instantly.

You get bored easily? Oh! Well,,,being with Satori is full of surprises- so you're constantly always running from trouble or some other things,,, really,you can never expect anything to go right. Something always has to happen with Satori-

He'll DEFINITELY draw you and him(Dont expect much,its badly drawn,,,) But its cute,,,

"You're an idiot,Satori."

"Yeah,but I'm your idiot! Forever~!"

Cookie Run:

Toothpaste Cookie

He just got introduced into the game and we know absolutely nothing about him but for some reason I feel like he's a suitable match-

He'll tease you as well-

And it's mostly him just annoying you,poking at you or your face with a huge grin on his lips

"Hey Y/nnnnn~! What's wrong? Hmmm??? Too shy?"

"Want me to help you instead? Hm...let me think about it..."

"How about a kiss? Yeah? Then I'll do it!"

Don't worry though,he'll still help you even if you refuse to give into his tricks. He'll sulk for a while though,,,

God he's so love struck by you :((♡ He'll actually just stop doing whatever he was doing if you entered the same room he's in.

Everytime he sees you smile,he just falls in love again. It's cliché,but come on,he's in love <3

Always has a small and soft smile on his face when you're happy or you get excited over something. He finds it endearing♡

Same thing with Toothpaste cookie,you'll never get a break. Something if definitely bound to happen-

Get ready because once you're with him. You're stuck with him.

He'll constantly scare you. Whether or not you get caught off guard,he'll still laugh-

He's so sarcastic sometimes that he'll get into trouble- not that he cares though. But you'll have to drag him out of trouble.

But then both of you get into trouble because you were a bit too blunt when talking to the person-

"I mean..you are kinda rude,honestly."(Directing to the person-)

"See! That's what I'm saying!"

God,he has so much cheesy nicknames for you-

(Love~) (Sunshine) (Baby)

Definitely the type to be immature if you both ever get into a fight.

"Yeah yeah,whatever. But you still love me,I know it~"

"You want to kiss me so badly,right?"

Would definitely buy you a plushie just because it "reminded him of you". But really,he just wants to see you smile <3

"You know you love me~ You can't stay mad at me,sunshine!"

Toothpaste cookie's voice makes me mmmffmfm <3

[mhafan17]

Fake Proposal

I thought of a funny idea where there’s a situation that needs a distraction and you decide to have Inasa fake propose to you, and then the reaction of class 1-A when they find out

Inasa x reader

Bakugou x reader

2k words

"You see that?"

I feel Inasa shift behind me. Most likely trying to be subtle as he looked towards the direction I had indicated with my head.

"Mmh"

I flicked my eyes over again checking on the villains we had been assigned to. This was our first stealth mission as interns, and the pressure was extremely high. The mall we were situated in was the setting for a meeting between one of our agents and a small-time human trafficker. The main three we were waiting on had finally arrived to the meeting spot.

"Ugh, I'm so bored. I need action!"

I turned my head towards Inasa as he whisper-shouted, head leaned back behind the bench so far it looks painful. However, when he leans his head back up he still gives me a bright smile. I can't help but smile back, his energy has always been contagious. It makes the most boring missions and patrols a little more fun.

"Don't worry we shouldn't be here much longer."

He nods at my words, but I know he must be itching for something to do.

A couple minutes pass and just as I turn my head to suggest a game to pass the time our earpieces go off at the same time.

"Auntie has arrived to Grandma's house. Make sure to help her with the bags."

I stifle a laugh at the ridiculous code words we have to use but make sure to casually turn my head towards the spot to see our agent arrive just in time.

We watch for a bit as they likely talk about business waiting for the signal that the villains have given the information we've been waiting for.

Another couple minutes pass of just talking and I'm starting to get bored just as Inasa speaks up behind me.

"Hey, if they let us leave after this we should grab something from the food court. I'm starving!"

My stomach growls as if to affirm his words and I can't help but laugh along with him at the timing.

"Yeah, that sounds like fun. I did need to grab something from the store for my dorm room, so staying a bit would be a good idea."

"Oh, what were you going to get? I can come with if you want?"

I turn to answer him before our earpieces this time.

"Deal is going bad! We need some sort of distraction while someone grabs our guy!"

Both Inasa and I snap our heads towards each other at the lack of code, as well as the urgent voice of our mission operator.

I look towards the agent talking to the villains and immediately pick up on his nervous behavior, arms up and clearly looking for a way out.

Inasa looks at me, clearly not having any idea of how to distract the villains while keeping the civilians in the mall safe. I look down not sure what to do either and begin twisting the ring on my finger, a nervous habit I picked up from my Mom that she used to do to her wedding ring when I was a kid.

That's it! I turn to Inasa and prepare to explain my idea.

"Propose to me."

He immediately freezes at my words looking like a deer in headlights, and I realize I should probably explain a little better.

"Everyone stops and stares at a loud proposal, and with your energy I just know those villains will have to look. Do you think you can do it?"

While he seemed a little thrown off he immediately grabs the ring from my hand and begins the performance.

"Y/N!"

I jolt at how loud he screams my name, and turn to him with wide eyes. Half of the mall is already looking at us.

"These past two years have been the happiest of my life! I knew the second I met you I would be asking this question eventually! You are the most amazing, beautiful...."

I can't help the blush appearing on my cheeks as he continues on ranting about how much he "loves" me, but remember the mission and try to stay in character as I check on the situation.

I clamp my hands over my cheeks and turn away from him, acting shy as I peek over to the meeting spot. It looks like we have garnered the attention we needed but nobody had grabbed our agent yet!

As if reading my mind our earpieces go off again this time directed at Inasa and I.

"Alright, good job guys we just need you to up the ante as we complete the extraction."

I meet Inasa's eyes as he's finishing his big speech knowing the next part is all me.

"OH MY GOD! YES, YES, A MILLION TIMES YES!"

I scream as i jump into his arms as he spins me around and catch the villains watching us, but notice onee turning away towards the agent currently being pulled out and know I have up the ante even more.

Just as Inasa stops spinning me I pull my head out of the crook in his neck, grab his face, and plant a giant kiss right on the lips. I see his eyes widen in surprise, but thankfully he goes along with it and kisses me back.

We pull apart after a few seconds and he sets me down before we remember that even with the agent safe we need to finish the scene.

I hold my hand out as he slides the ring onto my right finger and stop to stare at it for a few seconds.

The rational part of my brain knows what we just did was fake, but the feeling of it sliding on my finger felt so real. I look up and know that Inasa feels the same as his face mirrors my awkward expression.

I'm pulled out of my thoughts by loud cheering and turn to see the crowd that had surrounded us yelling congrats and other kind words. Both Inasa and I bow in thanks towards the crowd before quickly walking away to the food court.

We arrive and casually order some food, despite what just happened moments ago, and go to sit down at one of the tables in the corner.

"So, we just got engaged."

I look up to see Inasa clearly holding back laughter and go to hit him over the head, causing his laughter to spill out of his mouth. I try to keep a serious expression on but barely last two seconds before I'm joining him.

"Is that seriously all you could think of?"

I fake gasp in offense before replying.

"It's not like you had a better idea!"

He nods his head while taking a bit of his food, and I relax backwards in my seat as we sit in silence.

"I'm going to assume the agency is never going to let this go."

"Definitely not."

A couple hours later

After heading back to the agency of filling our paperwork and being laughed at by other interns and heroes we were finally allowed to head back home.

After a long walk from the train station I arrive back at the dorms and let myself in. I hear talking in the living room and head that direction to talk to a couple of my classmates before getting ready for bed. However, as soon as I arrive into the living room I regret that decision.

Several arguments are going on around the room with Bakugou practically being held back from Mina and Kaminari, which isn't really a surprise but makes me curious as to what's going on.

"Is there ever going to be a day I come home to nobody fighting?"

While I tried to put a joking tone into my question I'm surprised to see every person in the room turn towards me with a serious face.

"Uh, did I say something wrong?"

As soon as the words come out I'm met with yelling from everyone in the room with Mina jumping around me in excitement. I'm so confused at the chaos that I almost miss the tv across the room playing a video until I heard my name yelled loudly.

However, that yell is not coming from anyone in the room. It's coming from the screen displaying Inasa's face as he begins passionately describing his "love" for me. I freeze at the sight and by the sound in the room lowering significantly I know everyone has noticed where my attention lies.

"You have some explaining to do, missy."

I turn to Kaminari a cheeky grin on his face, clearly thinking this situation is absolutely hilarious. I roll my eyes at him about to respond with my explanation before someone else is already speaking.

"Y/n! Why didn't you tell me about this secret romance! I thought we were supposed to be friends? You even told me there was nothing going on with Inasa when I asked!"

Mina jumps around me throwing questions left and right giving me no time to answer. I open my mouth but once again I'm interrupted, this time by Iida.

"Y/n, you are too young to get married! Planning a wedding could severely affect-"

He's interrupted by another voice, this time being Hagakure.

"I think it's amazing! He was so sweet during the proposal, you can tell he really loves you!"

My face flushes at the words causing everyone to talk at once.

"Look at that sparkle in her eyes, she must be in love!"

Aoyama.

"I don't know I think Iida's right, it is a little early for marriage."

Uraraka.

"You know she has been arriving later than usual, I bet they've been going out after patrols."

Sero.

However, a loud voice overtakes all of them in the end.

"THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU"RE DOING WITH THAT LOSER!

Bakugou.

He pushes his way to the front of the crowd, face red with anger, fingers popping every couple seconds.

"You said yes to that bullshit proposal! The fuck are you thinking, huh?"

I just stare in shock at his reaction. I did not expect everyone to freak out this much over something like this, which I probably should have knowing this class.

I step back this time not being interrupted as I open my mouth to explain.

"Guys, you are completely misreading the situation I am not getting married."

In response everyone in the room pointedly looks at my left hand that I had unconsciously raised in the air in the surrender pose.

I follow their eyes, and feel mine widen at the sight before pulling the ring off frantically, realizing I had left in on my right finger by accident.

"See, it's off now. None of that was real, and I am not engaged to Inasa."

Of course Todoroki just has to speak up next.

"Just because you took the ring off doesn't mean you aren't engaged."

I can't help but look at him in exasperation as everyone voices their agreement.

"Fine. Don't believe me? I will call Inasa right now and he will explain to you that he didn't actually propose to me."

I pull out my phone and click on Inasa's contact before hitting call and putting it on speaker, before I raise it to the air for everyone to see.

We all wait patiently for him to pick up and I begin to worry as it continues ringing before I hear the click of the receiver and feel relief fill me at the sound.

Then he has to ruin it.

"Hey there! How's my amazing fiance doing?"

I feel my entire face drain of color as the whole room turns to me. I completely forgot about the running joke we had today, based off the fact that Inasa used the word amazing seven times during his proposal. He had begun to call me that during our paperwork to lift the mood.

"Inasa"

I spoke up in a quiet voice and he responds in kind, likely confused.

"You are on speaker with my class. They believe we are actually engaged."

There's silence on the other end before a quiet, "oh no" comes from the phone, and my sanity leaves my body as I begin to laugh hysterically. I end up dropping the phone on the ground in my fit and put my head in my hands as tears begin streaming down my face at the ridiculousness of the situation.

Everyone in the room begins silently backing away from me as I continue to just sit on the ground and laugh.

Momo being the smart one in the situation grabs the phone off the floor and begins speaking to Inasa as I calm down. I can hear him explaining what happened to her as the rest of the class listens. My laughter finally stopping when he finishes his story.

I look up to see most of the class looking at me sheepishly or in Bakugou's case annoyed and a little embarrassed. Most likely from his reaction earlier. I get up off the ground and walk over for my phone to say bye to Inasa.

I hang up and turn to my class as Kirishima walks forward and speaks.

"Literally, only you would end up in this situation."

I couldn't help but start laughing again at his words along with the rest of the class. I spend the next hour explaining the situation in more detail and joking around with everyone before heading up to get ready for bed with the rest of the girls.

Halfway up the stairs Uraraka makes a comment that almost stops me in my tracks.

"You know, I was surprised at Bakugou's reaction to the video. I mean he was practically livid, but at the same time almost sad?"

The rest of the girls turned to her at the comment and surprisingly all seemed to agree.

"Yeah he did look a little sad right."

"Definitely, he seemed ready to kill Inasa when he first saw it, especially when you kissed him."

"Ooh what was it like kissing Inasa? He looks like he would be good at it."

My thought on Bakugou's reaction were forgotten, as I was distracted by the surprise of the last question. We spent the rest of the walk up going over Inasa's kissing skills.

Unknown to the girls, downstairs was absolute chaos as Kaminari dared to question Bakugou on the very same thing the girls had brought up. Kirishima barely managing to defend him in time from an explosion to the face.

[wlw-lovestruck-fiction]

I know you guys are always swamped with requests and asks but can you do more vinca fics or hc fluff or smut plz? I feel like Vinca is a underrated character other than waiting till the day she gets a route

Pairing with: Vinca realizing she had fallen in love with SWM MC when Yvette asked her about MC

Yvette smugly tells Vinca that the latter totally has romantic feelings for mc. Pride continues to deny it until got kicked of home out cuz Greed want her to go to the bike shop to confess to mc 👀👀👀

Vinca taking care of MC sick?

...

Written by @an-awkward-ghost

“You seem excited for tonight’s show, Vinca.”

“When aren’t I?”

“No, I mean… more than usual.”

Vinca’s eyes flick upwards, instantly wary when she sees Yvette’s lopsided smirk, the one she gets when she’s planning something that will ultimately unveil in pure chaos she can smugly observe from afar with amusement.

She pauses the videogame she’s playing, squinting at her best friend.

“Out with it, Yvette.”

She looks down at her gloved nails with false nonchalance. “Whatever do you mean?”

“You don’t get to play that game with me. Be direct.”

“I have nothing interesting to say, Vinca.” A small shrug, which tells Vinca she definitely has something interesting to say. “I just think you should know MC just texted me. She can’t make it to the show tonight.”

There are several things wrong with that statement. Vinca narrows her eyes without realizing, hand snapping up towards her phone before she catches herself. There’s a sudden, strange, burning feeling in the pit of her stomach that makes it hard to think clearly.

“Why?” Slips out of her like a bullet. She freezes for a split-second, and then adds, perhaps a bit too hastily. “Pff, I knew she was bluffing when she said she could endure whatever I threw at her during the show.”

Yvette’s smirk remains in place. “There’s always next time.”

“If she couldn’t gather enough courage for this one, I don’t have much faith in the next one.”

“Then again, the act you had planned for tonight was specifically for her. If the guest of honor won’t show up, I’d say there’s not much sense in your part of the show for tonight.”

Vinca blinks at her. “Someone else can volunteer-”

“But it wouldn’t be the same, would it? You want that act to be for her and her alone.”

“…The pipsqueak is hardly that important, you know. I didn’t plan that act only for her.” Except Vinca had pictured MC’s face under the spotlight, expression fierce and defiant, spirit blazing and unwavering despite the hundreds of eyes that would be on her. Her eyes would be fixed on Vinca’s, tracking every little movement with a concentration that would make a hunter jealous. She had been looking forward to the banter that would spark between them with the same energy of a crazed storm, something Vinca couldn’t get enough of.

She hadn’t even considered the act with anyone else, and when she tries to imagine, everything falls apart. There’s no point. No excitement. The volunteer would be a jittery mess and Vinca wouldn’t get anything out of it. It’d be plain boring, because it wouldn’t be MC standing on stage.

The entire show would be plain boring. It wouldn’t be the same without MC watching. Vinca had expected to spend quite some time with her, too, after the show, ready to mock MC’s inevitable failure in the act despite the fight she would give her.

Yvette didn’t need to know that.

“I can still do my part of the show.” Vinca says, shoving her thoughts aside. Despite being the one with the mind-reading abilities, Yvette could be unnervingly sharp when she wanted to, and Vinca preferred not giving her anything to work with. “I have plenty of acts to work with.”

Yvette pauses. Gives her a pointed glance from her side of the couch when Vinca resumes her game, obviously considering the conversation over.

“You can take the night off. Lazareth and I can handle the show just fine.”

Vinca huffs. “You aren’t trying to kick me out, are you? Besides, what the heck would I do for the night? I’d just bore myself to death here. There won’t be anything interesting to watch on TV.” The casino wouldn’t even offer a great distraction anyways, since Vinca would just be too stuck on the ‘could have been’ to properly enjoy it.

Yvette’s glance turns into a full-blown stare.

“What?”

“You won’t stay here.”

“Oh yeah, sure, kick me out of our house just like you kick me out of the show, no hard feelings-” Vinca pauses, suddenly realizing where this is going. “You want me to go see the pipsqueak?” She pauses the game, suddenly grinning as a plethora of ideas come to her mind. “Of course! I can go mock her for chickening out! Oh, it’ll be glorious-”

“You’re excited again.” Yvette notices, as if it’s a world-changing observation.

“I mean. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Oh yes.” Yvette’s smirk turns predatory. “Why wouldn’t you be excited to see your crush?”

Vinca stares at her. Yvette’s words don’t click right away, because the idea seems too ludicrous and definitely not the right thing someone as sharp as Yvette should come up with. But the clock ticks away in the background and Yvette’s expression remains unchanged, and Vinca feels like she should rectify this horrible misunderstanding before it gets out of control, because honestly, falling in love with the pipsqueak of all people?

Vinca snorts. She has better tastes than that.

“Uh, hello? This is MC we are talking about. The girl who crashed her bike during my shoot and forced us to do the whole thing over again? The girl who can’t take two steps without breaking something? A rock has better fashion sense and finesse than she ever could. That girl?”

“Yes, the girl you are always visiting.”

“That’s only because she gets in so much trouble. You’ve seen it, she attracts demons left and right.”

“The girl you’re always talking about during dinner.”

“C’mon, I always let you vent when someone gets on your nerves, why can’t I do the same?”

“The girl who you know wouldn’t cancel something like this without good reason.”

That makes Vinca pause, because it’s true. The whole reason Vinca had even gotten the idea for the act was because she knew MC was up to the challenge. That she would rather give up a limp than back out and give Vinca the satisfaction of winning.

That burning feeling was back. Vinca swallows.

“Is she okay?”

If something had happened, why hadn’t she told Vinca? Why did she text Yvette instead? Did she think Yvette cared more than Vinca did? Why would she-

“Nothing plenty of rest can’t fix.” All hints of smugness are gone. Yvette’s expression is carefully neutral, her voice gentle. “But you should go see her, if you’re worried.”

“…Thank you for telling me, even if you were annoyingly slow about it.” Vinca says, half-way to the door before Yvette can finish speaking. “I just- want her to be in the show, is all. I’m not doing this any other reason.”

“Sure.” The faint amusement Vinca can detect in her response makes Vinca huff and quicken her pace.

…

She knows something is wrong when she enters the shop and sees Joyce on the counter, chatting with a costumer. MC usually takes the morning shift on Thursdays.

She’s tempted to fish around Joyce’s mind for an answer, but the idea makes her uncomfortable, just like reading Yvette and Lazareth’s minds made her feel. She blinks, equally parts annoyed and surprised. Since when had she begun to care about other people’s privacy? Was it just because Joyce was MC’s mom? Joyce wouldn’t even know if Vinca read her mind, and their relationship was rocky enough that it wouldn’t surprise her if Joyce flat out refused to tell her what was going on.

…so it would make it all the more special if she did tell her on her own volition. Not that Vinca hoped she would.

“Vinca.” Greets the older woman, voice less warm than it had been a second ago.

“Miss.” Is all she says in return, meeting Joyce’s gaze in kind, refusing to back down.

“You’re not here to buy a bike, are you.” It’s not a question. She almost looks resigned. When Vinca shakes her head, she pauses for a second, like she’s mulling something over.  She lets out a long sigh. “Fine. Go on upstairs.”

Vinca blinks. She hadn’t been expecting this to be so easy. It usually wasn’t. “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it.” Joyce narrows her eyes and gives her another look. Her stern expression melts into a small smile. “It took me a while, but I can see you care about her. Go. Her room is down the hall.”

Vinca shuffles awkwardly, not sure how to process this new development. She nods mutely, infinitely grateful, and makes her way upstairs. She still doesn’t know what was up with MC, but if Joyce didn’t look overly worried, it was probably nothing too serious.

She frowns again, deeply bothered by the fact that MC hadn’t texted her. She’s in front of the door to the apartment in less than a second, emboldened by her need of answers and growing concern.

She goes in without knocking.

MC’s head snaps towards her, so startled that she loses her grip on her phone. It falls and bounces on floor with a dull thud, cat videos on full display for the world to see. Vinca smirks.

“What… Vinca?!” She splutters. Her expression is pure gold, all wide eyes and open mouth. Vinca doesn’t get to admire it for long, instantly distracted by her pale, miserable complexion. There are dark circles under her eyes, like she couldn’t sleep well, and her voice sounded wrong, as if she were holding her hand over her nose. “What the heck are you-?”

“Shut up, pipsqueak.” Vinca hisses, leaning down to retrieve the phone. Her eyes roam over MC’s body, taking in the sweat on her skin, the way she’s shivering. “You’re sick. You should be in bed.” Her eyes shift to the pot in MC’s hands, and she instantly reaches out to take it. “Let me take care of that.”

“No!” MC takes a step back, glaring. “Why are you even here? I can take care of myself just fine.”

“You’ll just get worse. Look at you, you can barely stand.”

“Don’t exaggerate, I can-”

Vinca pokes her directly in the chest and watches her flail around, trying to recover her balance. She steadies her with a pointed glare.

“You were saying?”

“That’s… I wasn’t…”

“Go back to bed, I’ll make you something.”

MC freezes under her hands, looking up at her warily.

“What? Are you deaf now, too?”

It feels natural to offer this. It’s something Vinca would do for her friends and sister in a heartbeat, without really thinking about it. Only when MC continues to stare does she realize what just happened.

When had she begun to care so much for her, anyway?

“I mean. I-if I want you to recover for the next show, I need to…” She trails off, feeling stupider by the second.

MC’s lips curl into an amused smile. It’s so similar to the one Yvette gave her earlier that Vinca instantly looks away, annoyed. They usually only smile like that when they know – or think they know – something Vinca doesn’t.

“Need to make sure you… don’t do anything stupid. It’s a cold day. You should be in bed.”

“You won’t poison it, will you?” MC says.

“If you keep bothering me, I will. I’d be doing the world a favor, anyway.”

“Maybe I should stay. I’ll go quicker if we both-”

Vinca grabs her by the wrist and drags her down the hallway before she can finish, ignoring her protests. She needs some time alone to process everything, anyway, and MC would just make everything worse. As per usual.

“Rest.” She barks, all but closing the door in MC’s face. She hopes she shoved her in the right room.

The next half-hour goes by in a blur, but it’s enough time to ponder the strange effect MC has on her. She doesn’t know how, she doesn’t know when, but MC had become someone important to her. Almost as important as Yvette and Lazareth were, just in a different way. There was something else there. Something that made her yearn for presence, for her witty responses, for the way her eyes sparkled, for the way she laughed. The sound has been with Vinca for ages, stuck in her head, refusing to come out.

And now here she is, skipping both the show and whatever lame thing would be on TV at this hour, just because MC was sick and Vinca cared too much.

Vinca scowls down at the soup. Swears loudly.

Vinca’s tastes must be shit, because she definitely is in love with this insufferable pipsqueak. And that’s another thing Yvette – or anyone, for that matter – didn’t need to know.

[coffeecomicsgalore]

Navigating the Chaos

Ao3

@adrinetteapril

Chapter 7: Homemade Gifts

After Alya’s little interrogation, Marinette and Adrien found each other in the hallway before walking into class together. He did ask her about the anime Marinette had mentioned on the fly, and Marinette happily explained the premise. He became interested in the storyline, especially given that he liked to consider himself the knight in his princess’s life, so the title definitely intrigued him when she had mentioned it earlier. He listened closely as she described some of the scenes, nodding along and deciding that it would be something he would thoroughly enjoy.

When they walked into the classroom and sat across from each other in their seats, the gaggle of girls noticed the change in their demeanor, yet chose to stay silent on the matter. They would just question Alya later to see if she had heard anything, or even just ask Marinette when she was alone during PE.

The rest of the morning went along fine. They sat beside each other in their classes and even focused on the joint assignment they were given the day before. When the lunch bell rang, Adrien turned to Marinette, a hopeful look in his eyes as he waited for her to finish packing.

“What are you doing for lunch, Marinette?”

“Huh?” She looked up from her bag, surprised that he had yet to leave. “Oh, uh, going home to eat.”

She finished zipping up her bag and shrugged them onto her shoulders, looking up at him with a smile.

“What about you?”

Adrien looked down and scuffed his shoe against the floor, looking up at her with slight hesitation. “Um. I was going to eat lunch in the cafeteria. Nino and Alya are going to a café today.”

“Oh.” She realized that he was eating alone and her heart couldn’t bear leaving him alone. “Why don’t you come over and eat at my house? I was going to snack and work on a sewing project, but you are welcomed to come over and put on a movie or play a video game. I just need to get this project done soon, so I need to focus on that. I hope that’s okay? I don’t want to be a lousy host.”

Adrien perked up at the invitation. “You aren’t a lousy host! If we are being honest, I’m the imposing houseguest. I don’t have to come. I can eat with Kim or Max. It’s not a big deal.”

“Adrien.” She called to him warmly, pressing her hand on his. “You are never an imposition.” She smiled, bringing a radiant smile on his lips. “Now let’s go. Food should be ready soon, and my sewing project will not sew itself.”

---

Focus, Marinette! She scolded at herself, trying but failing to stitch the seam while Adrien fed her bits of her food. She was adamant about not being fed while working, but Adrien was extra adamant that he could feed her while she worked. His reasoning was that she didn’t have to stop sewing to eat her food, and that if she forgot to eat, her food would be cold by the time she finished sewing the outfit.

She couldn’t deny those were good reasons, but she could have enjoyed her meal with him first before working on the project. But his adamancy and his sweet smile made her choose to follow his lead, and now she was stuck in a predicament of her love interest feeding her food like they were at a romantic restaurant.

“Here,” he held out the fork with a small piece of chicken with broccoli. His hand was cupped underneath the food, ensuring that neither the floor or her commission would get dirty.

She bit into the food and chewed slowly, trying her hardest not to choke on the bite after noticing the fondness in his eyes for doing this. She swallowed and thanked him, then turned back to her sewing project to finish the last piece of the seam before cutting the thread and tying it off. She inspected her work before turning towards her array of spools, and frowned when she couldn’t find the correct shade of blue.

She looked around her table to find where she had placed it, but then noticed that there was a seam out of place on the project.

“Shoot.” She sputtered out, and Adrien turned towards her with concern.

“What’s wrong?”

“I thought I did this right, but a stitch is out of place. And I can’t find my blue spool.”

“It’s not that spool over there?”

“No. This one is a shade too dark. I need the light blue one. But I just need to fix this first.”

“Why don’t you go ahead and fix that. I’ll go get the spool.” Adrien got up and looked at the opposite end of the desk before turning towards the trunk. “Is it over here?” Adrien asked, looking towards the trunk as he said so.

Marinette was focused on removing the stitch to see what he was referring to. “Probably? I most likely have it attached to another commission. If you see it, can you bring the project over? I’ll remove the spool from the commission so I know where it goes.”

“Sure.”

Adrien walked near the trunk and noticed that there were a few commissions placed in baskets on the floor, but none were the color she was describing. He turned to the trunk and opened it, wondering if the commission was in there. But what he noticed was a large selection of gifts wrapped up nicely in the trunk, all addressed to him with Marinette’s name in a pretty flourish.

Adrien gasped and dropped the trunk’s lid in a panic, and Marinette turned towards the noise to see what was happening.

“Oh. Oh!” Marinette yelped out, jumping up and standing in front of the trunk to hide the surplus of gifts hidden in the trunk.

“Marinette?”

Marinette was about to sputter up a lie, ashamed of how foolish she had been for creating an array of homemade gifts until he was sixty years old, but the baffled look on his face just broke her heart. She just didn’t have the energy to lie to him anymore.

She carefully opened the trunk and took out the present that she was going to give him for his fifth names day this year. She looked at it solemnly, handing the wrapped present to him with a shy expression.

“Here.” She said as he lifted his hands to accept the gift, his eyes passing between her and the gift as if it was a bomb about to go off. “Open it. I made this for you. I mean. I made all of these for you.”

“All of them?” He whispered, his heart beating rapidly as he understood the reasoning behind the gifts.

“Yeah… all.” She chuckled lightly, an embarrassed flush coating her cheeks in response. “I got a little excited with my crush on you, that I spent some of my free time making you gifts for the next fifty years?”

Adrien swallowed thickly as he stared at the gift in his hand, handing it back to her so she could take it back.

“I’m sorry.” She said, dejectedly, knowing that this topic could put a stop to their partnership and friendship for the weirdness alone.

“Why are you sorry?” He whispered, worrying his bottom lip as to what she was about to say.

“You don’t want it. You’re handing it back. It’s weird, I know, and I understand if you don’t want to be my friend anymore—”

“No!” Adrien shouted back at her, wanting her to stop her self-depreciating tone. “No. I love it! It’s sweet that you made all these for me. No one…” his tone lowered, a sad strain holding back a sob, “no one has made me anything like this. Not even my dad.”

“Oh, Adrien.” She frowned, dropping everything to hug him and make him feel wanted. “Open it. It’s yours.”

Adrien shook his head no, handing her back the gift. “No. I want you to take this back. I would love it if you could give this to me on all those important dates and moments so I know I have something amazing to look forward to.”

Marinette grinned, pressing her hand to his cheek. “Okay, minou. And if you ever want something to cheer you up, you are welcome to get what ever you want from there. Just let me know so I can watch you open it.”

“Thank you.” Adrien smiled back, placing his hand on hers. “Thank you for being you.”

[someonexsomeone]

WayV as Water Park Employees

Warnings: none? I can’t believe it

AN: hey....hi....how y’all doin.....I meant to post this so long ago but I kept loosing inspiration for it :(( thank you to everyone for being so patient. I hope you enjoy this fun little headcannon!

Kun is definitely the head lifeguard

though he hasn’t been there as long as Ten, he does make up for it in his dedication to the job

It’s not that he’s uptight, but the other employees are a little too relaxed for his taste, so he’s usually the one in charge (which is fine by Ten who prefers to relax by the lazy river)

His job mainly consists of walking around the park, making sure the rides are working, checking in with employees to make sure they’ve been drinking water and applying sunscreen, and helping guests whenever possible

Since is aura is so adult, he is easily trusted by everyone

This means that if a child is lost, they’ll most likely walk right past the other lifeguards and into Kun’s arms

(Which he’ll never admit out loud but it made him feel very wanted. And the look on Lucas’s face as they walk right past him is always priceless)

Though he does get sad when he hears people remark how mean and no fun he is, he knows that without him the park would be in shambles

The other members of the park thankfully know him well enough that they can tell when he’s feeling a bit down. On those days, the make sure to be good around with him, hype him up, and generally raise his mood

He’s always thankful on those days for his park family (though he could go without Hendery shouting that he has a nice ass over the megaphone), and repays them tenfold by carrying extra supplies with him

(In a fanny pack that YangYang got him as a joke that he didn’t understand and wears unironically everywhere)

This includes sunscreen, lip balm, eye drops, and ear cleanser

He values skin protection, so you’ll rarely see him without his job issued visor (the band basically gets hidden under his floppy hair)

Always wears the assigned uniform of red shorts and a white shirt with the park logo on it, his lanyard with a whistle and his keycard on it (which is hooked on by a safety clip so it’ll never strangle him), and some beat-up flip flops he’s had since forever

Ten works the lazy river

Ten is...well, let’s just say he’s a complicated character

Though Kun doesn’t doubt that Ten has the skill to step up and take charge

Ten just doesn’t have the drive to

He’s worked at the park for longer than anyone, but only because he started so young and just kept coming back after school ended

He started off being the Kun type, who looks so intimidating with his clipboard and yelling at people not to run

But that just got...exhausting

He hated being the bad guy

Kids would cry for being yelled at, parents would be upset at his words no matter what he said (company policy or his own), or older people would demand he brings them all types of crazy items (from sunscreen to a new section of the park)

He was just so...tired

What was the point of working at the Water Park, a place designed to be fun, if he hated every second of it

So, when Kun arrived at his interview in a button-up and a glittering watch, Ten threw his clipboard aside and requested to move to the Lazy River

Best. Choice. Ever

The water is too shallow for anyone to drown and too slow for kids to make a ruckus

Mainly, his job consists of lounging on his lifeguard tower, reading a book and softly playing music from the speaker he snuck up there

Sometimes, if the days are really slow, Ten steals an intertube and floats along the river for hours (until Kun yells at him to return to his position)

He doesn’t like kids so much, so most of his interactions with the guests are when he gets to join this one group of older ladies who frequent the park, linking up tubes so the can all chat and float together

(Ten has the hottest gossip in town)

Though he does like to push policy, he will wear the red shorts of the uniform (he claims they make his butt look good), but his top will rarely be the issued one

Depending on who he sees at the park, Ten could show up in a mismatched T-shirt and flip flop combo, or a nice swim shirt that defines his chest

(Lucas is always amazed that Ten always knows what days to look good because cute guests, and no one has the heart to tell him Ten packs both options in his bag)

Sicheng works the wave pool

Though newer to the team, Sicheng has almost more experience that Ten because he used to work at a different Water Park

When he moved, he figured he already had the experience, so why not go for the same job

At first, Sicheng was intimidating

He rarely talked to anyone besides Kun, and even then it was all professional

He almost looked scary sitting on the lifeguard tower, sweeping his eyes over the people below him

The first ice breaker was when he rescued a drowning woman, pulling her to safety and giving her CPR

Though the team was intimidated by him, the did admit that looked cool as heck

So, slowly, they started to talk to him more

And more

And more until finally, Sicheng was the one to start conversations and openly laugh at jokes

Turns out, he just likes to be razor focused when working so that he can ensure no one gets hurt

(After all, the Wave Pool is the chaos zone)

And it only made the team admire him more

He doesn’t like to wear hats because they always get lost when he has to dive in, so Kun installed an umbrella for his chair

(that act of kindness brought a blush to his cheeks, and he was teased for it the rest of the day)

He’s the type to wear sunscreen in an almost comical fashion - two thick lines under his eyes are always heavy with it

Even though he looks like an idiot, it’s endearing and makes his already large group of admirers like him even more

While he does wear the uniform, he prefers the wet shoe to sandal, and always takes off his lanyard when he’s on duty (which means he always has to make trips back to his chair to retrieve it later)

Lucas works in the Kids Zone

This one should be no surprise

Lucas is a giant kid himself, so it was a no brainer when he was hired that he should work amongst kids

That and the fact that he is so tall he can easily rescue the kids should they climb too high on the play structure and get scared

Sometimes his height works against him, bonking his head as he tries to duck and weave through the elaborate play structure

And sometimes there are kids who get scared of him at first

But his happy personality and goofy nature usually work to calm the child and get them to trust him

(though this personality is why kids will run right past him to get help from Kun)

He isn’t too great in high stakes situations, as his worry for the kids sometimes overtakes his training, but he does have a standard procedure during this time

Blowing on his whistle three times in succession will have either Ten or Kun running over, taking over the situation while Lucas tries to calm the parents

He does have a steady group of followers who admire him, both young and older

The same group of kids can always be found scurrying around him, jumping on him, and playing with him

Sometimes the sides of the Kids Zone will be full of teenagers, just waiting for a moment to chat him up during his downtime

(though they’re usually disappointed because Lucas’s energy and stamina is ridiculous)

At first he was given the standard white top but poor baby was getting uncomfortable with all the staring so Kun got red shirts and white shorts for him to wear

Never wears his lanyard because he’s worried one of the kids will accidentally get hurt if it swings and hits them

His feet are always covered in electric green water shoes that his Mom got him, and usually his neck has long streaks of white sunscreen (bc he gets too excited about being in the water again he doesn’t take the time to rub it in)

Xiaojun works at the concession stand

Don’t get him wrong, Xiaojun absolutely loves water

The only thing is...he’s not a super huge fan of chlorinated water

He could spend hours upon hours at the beach just surfing up some waves and relaxing in the beach

Unfortunately, the nearest beach is over an hour away and he can’t justify going back and forth each day to work

(trust me, he tried. He loved working at the boardwalk but his old hand-me-down car just gave up on him and the bus doesn’t come frequently enough to take him down there)

So, he takes the next best thing

The concession stand is perfectly situated to where he can see everyone enjoying the water without it reflecting blinding sunlight into the booth

The shop is also air conditioned which is perfect for the blazing hot days of summer

His manager is a kid only a few years older than him that should be working in the office but will typically spend all day playing video games

Because of this, Xiaojun can practically get away with anything, including sneaking off during the down hours to hang out with one of his friends or giving them more than their allotted snack coupons can yet

Although he may look a little shy, Xiaojun is VERY good at his job

A customer will walk up only wanting a bottle of water and walk away with four hot dogs, a large soda, and novelty cup from the park

No one really knows how he does it - but YangYang likes to joke that his eyebrows hypnotize the customers into buying anything he says

He doesn’t wear the standard uniform, unfortunately

He can wear pretty much anything he wants, but he has to wear a bright blue apron with the park logo and slogan on it and the matching hat

(you bet your ass he’s wearing some cargo shorts)

Hendery alternates between the two-seater and single rider slides

Listen

The best part of Water Parks have always been the rides that whip you so hard and fast that by the time you reach the bottom the tube has come out from under you and your bathing suit has given you the tightest wedgie of your life

At least, that’s what Hendery thinks

So it was absolutely no surprise that when he was asked where he wanted to work at the park, he said the inner tube rides

Whether pushing people in or helping them out, he absolutely loves the job

At first, he was a little jealous

A “I wish I could be going on the rides” type of harmless jealousy

But it was only as the weeks went on that he realized that just seeing and interacting with the different types of riders made it so much fun!

Talking to the scaredy cats to help them calm down, assuring parents that the rides are safe, couples telling him about their date night, high fiving the kids who just keep coming back for more

It’s so unlike any job he’s ever worked before

Although he might not get to hang out with his friends and goof off as much as he likes, there’s a certain proud feeling of responsibility that makes those not so great moments better

He’s also the type of person who finds joy in the little things so even though his personality is more on the shy side with new people, he has that type of aura that somehow convinces other people to do all the talking and they leave new friends

Unfortunately…he’s also the forgetful type

Always forgets to bring his uniform shirt to work or gets it mixed up with one of his hundred other white shirt

Kun used to make his wear the rashguard of shame (the only item left from the old branding) but now he just makes sure to keep a pile of spares on hand

He’s also the most likely to have a sunburn by the end of the day if the older boys don’t keep an eye out for him

YangYang alternates between the group rides, and the kiddie slides

YangYang is many things, but the word most people like to use is versatile

He picks up new things very quickly and adapts to new situations with the ease of a veteran

Although he’s the youngest, the people around him put a lot of trust in him and his abilities 

(which sometimes stresses him out to the point that he bottles up his emotions until he ends up crying in the locker room during his breaks. His friends have gotten really good at noticing when he’s at his breaking point and will quickly get him away from the situation. It’s really the only moment of vulnerability they see from the usually happy-go-lucky boy)

This trust somehow got him working various stations across the park, and he’ll move pretty much wherever people need him

He’s currently working the group rides and kiddie slides, which is the craziest juxtaposition

His mornings involve splashing around near Lucas in the Kids Zone, helping kids through the various short slides for them to play with

After his lunch break, usually involved with hanging around with Xiaojun and his other friend who shares the same lunch break that day (M = Kun, Tu = Ten, W = Hendery + Sicheng, Th = Ten + Lucas, F = Lucas, Sat = Hendery + Lucas + Kun, Sun = Ten + Hendery), he’ll head over to the group ride, usually filing drunk adults into rafts and gently declining their offers of drinks

He loves the weird combinations of his day, and the new adventure that come when Kun calls him to the office to give him his new responsibilities

He likes to play the younger brother character that his friends have given him because it allows him to pull mischievous pranks with little to no repercussions

It’s not unusual for people to see him being chased around the park by his friends, big smiles across his face as he laughs with the biggest smile

It does sometimes give guests whiplash when they watch him shoot a fellow lifeguard with a water gun then five minutes later watch him give safety instructions with a serious expression

Unlike his playful personality may suggest, he takes his job really serious - especially because people’s lives are on the line

He always wear a clean uniform, including his lanyard with an embarrassing picture of his ID swinging from his neck

And only grimaces a little when Kun grabs his face to slather it in sunscreen

If you like my stuff, here’s my masterlist!

[nanowrimo]

Meet Our New NaNo Interns: Sandra, Chyina, and Fatima!

We feel super lucky here at NaNo HQ to be able to work with some excellent interns! Today, meet our newest cohort of interns: Sandra, Chyina, and Fatima. You’ll be getting to know them better throughout November, but today they’re here to tell you a little about themselves:

Sandra, Programs Intern

Hi Wrimos—it’s going to be a weird one this year! I type this introduction from the brick buildings of Providence, Rhode Island, where I remain holed up with my housemates. Our walls are thin enough that we can hear each other as we attend our respective classes; we emerge for sustenance and, occasionally, the craven desire for friendship, which would be typical for college students if it weren’t for the ever-present pandemic looming over our heads. 

Last night, I woke up shivering because of an unaccountable cold snap, when it’s usually sweltering in Rhode Island until late September. Meanwhile my family in California wake up to red skies and temperatures well into the 100s. I haven’t felt this unsure about my future since I was eight and learned that someday, the sun would swell into a red giant and vaporize our planet, and in such chaos, I find myself exceedingly grateful for the regular annual event of NaNoWriMo.

This NaNoWriMo, I’m looking forward to seeing all the wonderful ways our community can reach across the web to connect! Already, in the YWP forums I’ve seen so many ways young writers are supporting each other in these times of stress; who’s to say us ancient ones can’t equally rise to the occasion? Right now, the constant in my life is looking for the kinder moments in life, the neighbors helping each other, the small acts of solidarity and compassion in even just a pal reaching out to check on me. I anticipate many of those moments emerging this November, as writer alike helps each other to the finish line. 

I said it would be a weird one this year, but weird is good, I’ve found. Weird is memorable—in the long and storied history of NaNoWriMo, this year will truly stand out as a novel-ty (hah). As this year’s Program Intern, I hope this introduction has already told you what you need to know about me: I love this community, and my entire role is devoted to cheering you all on. It’s a selfish wish too—I’ll be alongside the rest of you, trucking along with a garbled mess of a novel, and feeding off the communal energy. 

Anyone who undertakes the creative behemoth of NaNoWriMo in these times has already won, in my humble opinion, as creators and authors of tales waiting to be told. Looking forward to the next few months!

Chyina, Editorial Intern

Picture a young girl reading the complete works of Edgar Allan Poe. Fast forward a few years and she has discovered that the only thing she wants to do is work with words: reading them, writing them, editing them, or making them up. Now, imagine a year of pure chaos and craziness.

You may have guessed that the girl is me and that the year is 2020. Well, as ridiculous as this year has been, it did give me the opportunity to work with NaNoWriMo as an intern. I have been participating since I was in high school and when I found out that they were looking for remote interns for the first time ever, I had to apply. And I cannot wait to begin working as the Editorial Intern this fall.

For the curious minds who may want to know more about who I am, my favorite book is The Book of Disquiet by Fernando Pessoa, a book I discovered when I participated in DisQuiet, an international literary program. It’s a book the author calls his “factless autobiography” and has a timeless quality I aspire to have in my own work. I try to find inspiration in the little things, like the leaf floating through the air or why that one book in your library smells like gasoline. 

I also am the cofounder of the Women of Color Writers’ Circle, which is an international group dedicated to showcasing and nurturing the voices of women of color. I haven’t thought of a solid NaNo project yet, but I have dozens of ideas floating in my head. 

Thanks for having me! I can’t wait to get started working with all my fellow word nerds.

Fatima, Tech Intern

Hey y’all!

My name is Fatima and I am super excited to be joining this amazing community as your fall tech intern. I am currently a junior at Cornell University majoring in Information Science and Sociology. I am studying remotely from Illinois this year, which means I am always a mess and in fear of missing a meeting. My classes are on Eastern Standard Time, this internship is on Pacific Standard Time, but I am living in Central Standard Time. Time zones are beating me up. (Fun fact: I learned about the existence of Mountain Standard Time at my first NaNoWriMo HQ meeting a few weeks ago)

I am passionate about racial and gender equity in tech and the intersections of the humanities with technology. On campus, I’m trying to start a Digital Humanities club and am involved in many womxn of color organizations. A few personal projects of mine currently are getting my email inbox down to 0 (last week it was 5,035, today it’s 3,454--progress!), finishing the Couch to 5K challenge (I'm on week 5), and finding out who Mary Alice really is on Desperate Housewives.

I say that I’ve been a Wrimo since I was 12, but I’ve only fully participated one year. I’ve tried to do different takes on the challenge like writing in my journal every day (very relaxing, definitely recommend) and writing a short story every day (was really hard to come up with new ideas and sadly I burnt out quickly). I also enjoy watching NaNoWriMo prep videos and vlogs on YouTube, introducing friends to NaNoWriMo, and following writing inspiration accounts on Instagram and Pinterest. I definitely talk about writing and call myself a writer more than I actually write but that will all change this November (hopefully)!

[chappedandfadedvds]

Jan 21st, Thursday 23:44

He felt his eyes bruning as he watched the game get closed by Lucas beside him. 

It was late and for the last hours they had been constantly talking. 

Right after dinner with Kes and Isa, to talk about the weekend and them arriving tomorrow. Lucas was already looking forward to have his friends over. They would visit Antwerp for the first time, unfortunately inmidst the pandemic, which therefore menat that they’d only get to see the trip from the station to Jens’s place. Maybe another time, it would be a little more exciting. 

Still, the sole fact that Lucas could hug his best friends tomorrow, was enough to forget about the rest.

And then at around nine the two both had bid their goodbye and switched towards the large group chat on discord, for some good ol’ Among Us.

Jens had been a bit wary as Lotte had joined them to talk to Isa, but fallen asleep halfway through the conversation. She had rested her head in his lap, as she had made herself comfortable. His blanket covered her whole and her breathing was even. He had brushed through her her for a while until he was with his friends.

Because it was loud and chaotic and constant talking and yelling over each other, especially as they were busy playing. Jens had been worried that it would wake his little sister. But she seemed to really be out of it. Hadn’t even moved, when Sander had screamed at Milan’s betrayal two games in.

Amber had voiced her adoration at the sight of the´m three huddled together on Jens’s bed. He silently had agreed to the serene bliss that showed on the little video on the screen in call.

With Lotte sleeping on one side, her head buried on his stretched out legs and Lucas to his left, pressed against Jens, it really looked domestic. The younger boy’s head fell onto his shoulder every time that Jens was taking control of the player. They were too many for the lobby anyway, so they had decided to switch back and forth between games at the start.

However, as the energy had subsideded and a pleseant weariness had made them all agree to stop for tonight, the group was still in call for a little while, just talking, checking their phones. Some already ready to go.

„Guys? Do you have like a minute left?“ Jens voiced, with Lucas turning around in curiousity. The same one that was instantly displayed by all of his friends given him their full attention. It was a bit fightening to suddenly be faced by complete silence. „I just wanted to tell you something real quick.“

Like whiplash, Jens was quickly swamped by everyone giving him words of encouragment to continue. It was hard to distinguish between the voices cracking over the speaker.

„Alright.“ 

„Of course.“

„Take your time.“

„What’s up, Bro? Spill.“ That last one, definitely had been Moyo.

„So. I know that I had been really distant, especially over the last couple of weeks. And thank you so much for sticking with me. I know I can be a dick. I didn’t mean to ghost you all. I just needed time to figure myself out.“ 

Sander looked as if he wanted to say something, but Jens just went on. He couldn’t stop here, or he would decide to defer this onto some later date. But he had promised Lucas to change, and this would be one of the steps to take. 

In all honesty his friends at least deserved that.

„This really means a lot to me. Especially since I havent really talked about everything that is going on. I promise you to do that, not today though. I hope you won’t be mad. But uhm, I actually meant it in the cabin, when I said that I will raise Lotte on my own.“ Jens paused for a second, his gaze dropping to the sleeping figure in his lap. He knew he had made the right desicion back in december. „So Today I got my court date to see the judge, who will hopefully grant me the complete guardianship over her. And I‘m really nervous.“ Jens ended and exhaled. He said nervous and it was the truth. On one hadn how his friends would react and if they would accept it. 

It certainly would complicate future plans. He couldn’t just spend a couple of weeks with them on trips, or go to spontaneous parties, or stay out after school, just because he felt like it. He knew it would change their dynamic. And he was afraid that he would loose his friends along the way.

„Wait, what? Why didn’t you tell me earlier?“ Lucas asked, simultaneously confused and surprised. It took Jens a solid minute to figure out the reason. Right, he hadn’t told the younger boy about it yet. 

„Because we were busy with other stuff.“ 

He realised to late, that this could be falsely construed. The whole voice chat was already in a struggle of wheezes and laughs as Jens quickly tried to take control back. „Calm the fuck down. With dinner. Jesus. Honestly. It was dinner preperation.“

„Yea. Only work and definitely no time for dick with this one.“ Lucas added unhelpful to the situation. It was a clear reference to the song they had listened to. The one that anybody else obviously haden’t and therefore could only worsen the glee in their eyes. There were high screeches and gasping lungs fighting for dominance on speaker.

Lotte briefly shifted, but nothing else.

Jens watched and waited. He could see Amber’s and Moyo’s wide eyes, while Milan, Jana and Robbe were clutching their stomachs. Sander only shook his head in feigned dissapointment as he grinned.

„Alright. Glad you all are having a great time.“ Jens pouted, despite the amused smile that gave him away.

„Sorry.“ Milan said, the laughs finally started to abate, only the occasional giggle slipped up.

„When’s the date?“ Yasmina chimed in. An angel, if anyone would have asked Jens. Everyone’s attention swiftly back on Jens, who pulled his phone out to check the mail once more. He definitely should write it down somewhere. 

„On the nineteenth of February. So a little under a month. Alex, our lawyer, tried to get one as soon as possible, because of the urgency with my mom. But yeah. That’s not that far from now, I guess.“

„Do you know, if it will be a hard to win?“ That was Zoe , Senne next to her, both rather calm inmidst the chaos his other firends displayed. He always felt a little like talking to parents, when they looked at him like this in unison.

„I don’t think so. We had all other potential adults sign a waiver and I’m eighteen. The only uncertainty could be financials, but that is unlikely. I have the house and inheritance and my father’s allowence. Still, it could go wrong.“

That’s what caused his nervosity in the first place, the sheer possibility that something could take Lotte away from him.

„No, it will be fine. I’m pretty sure. You have always been great with Lotte.“ Robbe stated acsolutely assured of his words, while Jana nodded in agreement in the video next to him.

Jens felt his heart ease up from tension. He was so thankful for his friends. Most of all Robbe. How had he deserved to find his best friend and keep him over all these years?

Even if everyone would leave at some point, included Lucas or anyone who would follow, Jens was frighteningly sure, that Robbe and him would stick together til the end. He couldn’t even place the reason for his strong belief. His best firend has just always been there next to him. The one constant in his life, since they met in first grade. 

„Robbe?“

„Yes?“

„I love you.“

Jens watched with great joy the face of his best friend, that brightened up into the brilliant smile that always lifted Jens up as well.

„Bro!“ Aaron declared, immediately accompanied by a stunning choir of awws and oows.

Lucas laughed next to him, his head resting again on Jens’s shoulder. He loved the weight. It meant that he wasn’t alone.

„I love you too.“ Robbe replied, still cheerful and grinning, yet certainly confused at the out-of-the-blue confession. Nonetheless both their declarations absolutely genuine in intent. Jens pondered if he ever had said these words on their own, and infront of others on top of it. But he just had felt right to say them out loud.

„Okay. Good night, everyone. Thanks for staying.“

„JENS! NO! You ca“

The audio of Luca screaming into her mic cut off, as Jens hit the red button to end the call. Quite pleased with himself. He knew that his friends weren’t satisfied with him just leaving. But it just was too funnny not to.

„So what do we do now with her?“ Jens said, pushing the laptop away, before lokking down at Lotte.

They settled on letting her sleep with them instead after Jens had suggested to carry her over. But of course Lotte had woken up from this and not the shouting voices minutes before. She had complained until Jens had told her that she could stay, to which she had asked for a goodnight kiss by both of them, before she sprawled herself across Jens’s side of the bed.

Lotte was back asleep not a minute later.

And though Jens rather would have had liked Lucas and him alone on their first night together after a week, he guessed that that would be some unfortunate part of his life now. He had said that out loud. And Lucas had only laughed on his way out to the bathroom, followed by Jens’s grumbling voice.

„Oh shut up. As if you hadn’t thought the same.“

__ __ __ tagged: @odi-et-amo85, @tayspots

[zims-left-shoe]

Agent Mothman (Dib x Male Reader)

Like most of my other fics, characters are aged up to high school. Plus, a friendly reminder that my request box is open!!

The silence was overwhelming. The pressure of everyone's collective held breath was almost palpable, your chest reactively tightening for no good reason. As you looked around you, eyes were wide, jaws were set and clenched in preparation to cringe. The only two who stuck out from the crowd were Zim and Dib, when did they not? Zim looked lost in thought, mind seemingly several thousand galaxies away, hands folded together neatly in front of his face, his chin resting on them. Dib, on the other hand, appeared to be over the whole ordeal. His posture was slouched as he stared ahead at the board through half-lidded eyes. As the quiet persisted, an anxious energy settled over your classmates (besides the two previously mentioned, of course). Eyes twitched, fingernails scraped the tables, feet began to tap restlessly on the floor.

"Y/n." The teacher finally spoke, bringing the whole class to sigh in relief, the building pressure suddenly released all at once. Many students leaned back in their chairs, high fiving each other. "Y/n, you will be partnered with Dib." You shrugged your shoulders as many looked to you in pity, some even whispering their sympathies. You had never aligned yourself with any group in particular throughout your school year. Granted, you were only a few months in, but you had switched schools so much you had learned to play the field. You avoided Dib considering his stigma, enabling you to be tolerated by the majority, however you were never mean to him. In fact, you rather liked him. You only chose to silently observe him rather than act upon your curiosity. 

"But wait, who's going to be paired with Zim?" You heard a student groan, everyone's breath being held once more. You let your gaze drift over to your partner. He seemed relieved, a slight smile settling on his lips. This was probably the best case scenario for everyone. No one else had to work with Dib, and you were the only one who never picked on him for being just a bit different. 

Once your teacher had finished reading names, you were all asked to sit with your partners. Without an ounce of reluctance, you sauntered over to Dib's otherwise empty table, taking one of the many available seats surrounding him. You needed to figure out a plan quickly, considering you only had one night to do the project. The project wasn't super taxing, in fact it seemed almost like busy work that would promote socialization at the same time, but it wasn't like your time frame was ideal. 

"Dib, right?" You held up your hand in a slight wave. "I don't think I've officially introduced myself. I'm Y/n."

"I know. The new kid who has no real friends yet is somehow still deemed acceptable by the popular kids? An anomaly for sure." Red painted his face, his eyes widening as he realized how his words may have came off as. "Shit, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound rude. Or creepy. You know what? I'll just stop talking." An awkward chuckle escaped your lips as his eyes fell to his sneakers. After a slight pause, Dib spoke again, his tone much more reserved than before. "I can just do the whole project and you can put your name on it if you want. It's not that hard." He was giving you an out, not wanting to piss you off. Reaching an arm out, you slugged his shoulder lightly.

"Nah, come on. I don't roll that way. Besides, I want to hang out with you a little."

"You...want to hang out...with me?" Dib pointed a finger to himself, eyes wide behind his large glasses. An incredulous expression was etched into every single feature of his face, as if he couldn't believe those words left your mouth. 

"Yeah." After that syllable, the bell rang, dismissing you from school. You stood up, gathering your things. "Anyway, I'll be at your place after dinner. Just text me your address or whatever." You quickly scribbled your digits down on a scrap piece of paper that was laying around, passing it to him. "See ya!" You dashed away, sneaking one last glance back to see Dib still sitting in his chair, as still as a statue, not believing that this was even happening. 

Your stomach felt as if it was full of butterflies, and you couldn't shake the grin that had spread across your face as you began your walk home. 

God...he was even cuter than I thought... You were embarrassed by your own thoughts, pinching yourself on the arm. Truth was, you may or may not have been stalking him a little. He lived in your neighborhood, and you just couldn't help it. You had always been a hopeless romantic of sorts, and all it took was one look at him in class giving a presentation on the gremlin in his backyard and you were in love. You didn't even need his address, you knew where he lived, but you didn't want to make him feel uncomfortable, so you asked for it anyway. Plus, it was a way to sneak him your number. And it wasn't as if you were actively trying to find out where he lived. It was pretty much impossible to ignore him and Zim screaming at each other as they ran back and forth between their houses all day. 

"This is going to be a long night." You sighed out, foot striking out to kick a rock, the satisfying skittering sounds it made calming your nerves a small amount. 

-

You drew in a deep breath as you brought your fist to the door, rapping on it a few times. Rocking back on your heels, you clutched your notebook and other supplies tightly to your chest, internally cringing at yourself. Everyone at school thought you were incredibly cool, but on the inside, you were just a lovesick gay who was overflowing with big dumb energy. The door swung open, bringing you to jump and be pulled from your motivational speech that was being given inside your head. 

"Come on in. I'm surprised you showed up." Dib stepped aside to let you in, gesturing past the living room to the kitchen where a purple-haired girl sat at a table, picking at the remaining food on her plate. A floating monitor hovered near the table as well. "We're just finishing dinner, but you can follow me if you want." Nodding, you padded behind the social outcast wordlessly, taking a seat next to him at the table. "Gaz, this is Y/n, my partner for my project. Y/n, this is my sister Gaz."

"Hey." You waved to the girl. Her expression remained squinty as she continued to pick at her food, eyes dancing between her plate and a Game Slave which was charging on the counter. 

"Whatever." She grumbled, never even directly acknowledging your existence once. You began to wonder if Dib was actually the most normal out of his entire family, which was saying something. Dib awkwardly cleared his throat as he pointed to the floating monitor, which displayed a man in a lab coat and goggles furiously working on something. 

"Oh, and this is my dad. He's at work right now, like usual. When he can't be with us for dinner, he either videocalls us from his lab or plays a pre-recorded video reminding us of chores and dinner instructions." Despite how sad the things he had just said sounded, not an ounce of bitterness was up for display on his face. Instead, his eyes shone with pride, happy to have a dad who was making a difference in the world, even if he could never really be a conventional father. "Anyway, just let me clean up and then we can get to work." Dib stood up, bringing his own plate over to the sink and running it under water, placing it in in its respective place in the dishwasher afterwards. Waving for you to follow him, he led you down the hall to a room that was clearly his. The door was covered in posters and stickers of aliens and other supernatural creatures, a good sized "Keep Out" sign the centerpiece. You wondered what would be inside, becoming excited. You figured you were the first person besides his own family to be seeing his room. He twisted the knob, casually pushing the door open, allowing you to step inside. 

"Wow..." You trailed off as you glanced around. There was so much to look at. Your eyes darted from one thing to the next, barely able to take it all in. There were several computer monitors surrounding a desk that was littered in papers and catalogues for supernatural hunting items, a few prototypes of possibly his dad's inventions scattered there as well. His room was lined with posters of aliens and other entities, an important looking briefcase thrown haphazardly onto his bed. The one thing that held your gaze the longest was a ginormous cork board. Several photos, drawings, diagrams, and hurried scribbles of notes were tacked up there, filling it to the max. Each paper was connected with color coded strings, things circled in colored pen seemingly at random, although you knew better. It was the definition of organized chaos. In large, bold, red letters, one word was scrawled on a paper at the top of the board: ZIM.

"I'm sorry, I tried to clean it as best I could. It's still kind of a mess." Dib hurriedly stacked papers together on his desk, trying to make it look presentable. 

"It's fine, don't worry about it. You should see my room. Half of my shit isn't even out of boxes yet, and we moved in months ago." You laughed, sitting down on his floor. "So, alien invasion, huh? Isn't Zim that kid with the skin condition?" You asked, gesturing to his cork board. His shoulders tensed as he unplugged his computer and brought it down to the ground, taking a seat beside you.

"Could we just get to work? Please?" He seemed to want to sweep that subject under the rug, and you decided that you would let him.

"Okay...so anyway, this research poster. You got a topic in mind?" Your prompt drew him out of his unsociable shell, albeit hesitantly. 

"Personally, I was thinking Area 51, but if you wanted to do something else..." He genuinely appeared to not want to upset you, despite usually not caring about how he came off to others. 

"That sounds great, Dib. Interesting too. You think they're really hiding aliens there?" Laying down on your stomach, you rested your face in the palms of your hands, gearing up for a long talk. A smile crept onto your face as immediately his eyes lit up.

"I'm glad you asked."

-

"I think we have the essentials. Now we just need to get them onto the poster, which is probably the most time consuming part." Dib stretched his arms towards the ceiling while you yawned and cracked your back. You didn't know how long you had been sitting on the floor for, but a glance to the clock by his bed told you it was 8:01 pm. The two of you had spent the last couple of hours researching, organizing notes, and mainly just talking about yourselves. You had no idea why everyone constantly was ragging on him. You found him to be incredibly interesting and entertaining, hanging onto every single word he spoke. You weren't really sure if you believed in all of these supernatural creatures, but you also didn't think that they couldn't exist. 

"I think so too. You ready to start on the poster now?" Reaching out, you gathered the posterboard and construction paper Dib had brought in from his garage together.

"Yeah, in a minute. I have to use the bathroom and then see what Gaz is up to, I'll be back in a few." You hummed a response, Dib standing up and exiting, closing the door softly behind him. Deciding to take a closer look at the Zim conspiracy board, you pushed yourself to your feet, leaning close to try and decipher the grainy images. One in particular caught your eye. It wasn't in color, and everything seemed fairly blurry. Zim, or what was supposedly Zim, was hunched over something that looked to be a robot. Except, as you looked even closer, Zim seemed to have these buggish eyes and long, skinny antennae in place of his hair. Rubbing your eyes, you flopped down onto Dib's bed.

"God, I must be seeing things." You had managed to convince yourself that you had been staring at computer screens and papers for far too long, and that your eyes were playing tricks on you, showing you what Dib wanted you to see. Closing your eyes for a minute, the rise and fall of your chest turned slow and steady, and you could feel your grip on reality loosening. 

A ringtone of sorts snapped you back from your almost-doze, and at first you thought it was your phone, but after waking up a bit more, you realized it was coming from one of Dib's monitors. It appeared he was getting a call. The monitor showed nothing besides a logo of some sort of eye, as well as an option to accept the call or decline. Filled with curiosity, your feet took you to his desk where his monitor sat. You barely felt in control of your body as your finger swiped at the screen in the direction to accept the call.

"Agent Mothman-" The voice coming through the monitor was distorted, but you got the impression that it was on purpose. The image displayed was a dark silhouette of what seemed to be a man. "You're not Mothman."

"You mean that cryptid from West Virginia? No. I'm not." You took a seat in Dib's desk chair, which was very comfy. You assumed he spent a lot of time in it when he wasn't hanging out with Zim. 

"Who are you and what do you know?" The voice was menacing, and you vaguely wondered if Dib was involved in something more serious than you thought. Quirking an eyebrow, you tried to not let any miniscule amount of fear you were feeling show.

"I'm, we'll just say Agent, uh...Nessie." Feeling uncreative, your mind drifted to the Loch Ness Monster. 

"You're not Nessie either." 

"You got one of those too? Ugh, fine. What about Agent Chupacabra?"

"Well, no, but...you're not any agent we know of."

"But I could be! Agent Chupacabra reporting for duty!" You brought your hand up to your head stiffly in a mock salute.

"But you're not a member of the Swollen Eyeball! What are you doing on Mothman's computer?" 

"The Swollen what now?" You were smiling stupidly, only because you couldn't really grasp what the current situation was. 

"Hey, sorry, Gaz decided to hound me over drinking the last soda, so I took a little longer than I thought-" Dib opened the door to reveal you sitting in his desk chair, trying to look all spooky for the guy in the monitor. You thought he'd laugh at your stupidity, but he was not in the least bit amused. "OH MY GOD AGENT DARK BOOTY!" Slamming his room door, he darted over to where you were sitting, almost tripping and falling on his face. He made a strangled noise as he noticed the disappointed expression that rested on the silhouette's face.

"Who is your little friend, Agent Mothman?" The distorted voice was cold, and you could feel Dib almost shrink next to you.

"Listen, I can explain-"

"I thought we stressed secrecy, and the fact that you are not allowed to have outsiders sit in on our important meetings."

"Meeting?" All of a sudden, several of the other monitors sparked to life, various other silhouettes coming into view. Just in one glance, you could see that Dib wanted nothing more than to fade away into a cloud of space dust in that moment. You stayed silent, knowing that Dib was in some serious trouble because of you.

"We had a meeting at 8:30 pm sharp, Mothman. You knew this. And you had a friend over?" Dib's face, already pale, turned even more so. Any lighter, and you thought for sure he'd become a ghost on the spot. 

"I am so sorry, I had a school project, and he's my partner, I lost track of time." He looked absolutely helpless, and without a word, you stood up and gathered the poster supplies. Snapping back to his senses, he turned to you and began shoving you out of his room and herding you to the front door.

"Dib, I-"

"You really need to go!" There were no other words said between the two of you as he quite literally slammed the door in your face. A sigh slipped past your lips as you clutched your project items in your arms, dragging your feet across the pavement on your walk home. You lazily stumbled through your front door, mumbling a greeting to your parent(s) as you headed to your room, gearing yourself up to finish the project before morning. 

-

"Thank you to Y/n and Dib for their, erm, informative...presentation on Area 51. That was your last one, so enjoy your last five or so minutes of class." Your teacher went back to their desk as you and Dib retreated to your own table. You hadn't talked much since the incident last night, and quite frankly, you were tired from spending hours of your night creating the visual portion of your project. Dib's lips were tightly pressed together in a thin line, and you guessed there was something he wanted to get off his chest. 

"Look, Dib. If there's something you want to say to me, just do it. I'm sorry for answering your call, that was not a good move on my part, and I also apologize for getting you in trouble with your, uh...society." Running a hand through his dark hair, Dib shook his head.

"No, that was my bad. I forgot I had a meeting. I'm also really sorry for kicking you out and then forcing you to finish the project on your own." Your expression softened, unable to resist forgiving him.

"Yeah, that was kind of a dick move." You elbowed him jokingly, hoping he would loosen up now that bygones were bygones.

"No, seriously. How can I make it up to you?" He looked as if he wouldn't be taking no for an answer. He had gotten a taste of what having someone who genuinely enjoyed being around him was like, and he wasn't willing to let that go. A sly grin tugged at your lips, and almost immediately an idea came to mind.

"Consider yourself forgiven if you take me ghost hunting, or whatever it is you do." His shoulders tensed, but relaxed when he realized you weren't making fun of him. 

"Well, you're in luck. I just received a case file investigation last night on a bigfoot lead. I'll pick you up at eight, if that works?" His words were cautious, almost as if he still believed you were phishing.

"It's a date!" You cheered happily, already excited about getting to spend more time with him. A faint blush dusted his cheeks at your wordage.

"Of-Of course." He stammered out, grateful for the bell that rang not even a second after. 

"See you tonight, Dib!" You waved as you made your way home, wanting eight to come as fast as possible.

"He knows the project is over, right?" Torque Smacky raised an eyebrow, questioning Dib and wondering why someone as cool as you would be hanging around with a guy like Dib by choice. 

-

The doorbell rang, and you sprang up from where you sat on the couch, overjoyed to head out. Practically throwing open the door revealed Dib in all of his trench coat glory, albeit a bit nervous looking and sweaty. 

"Alright Mr. Mothman, where are we going?" You grabbed onto his arm, eventually linking it with your own. He cringed at the nickname, but resisted nothing else. 

"To the park. Apparently, some woman saw bigfoot there the other night. Also, fun fact, I saw bigfoot in my garage one time. He was using the belt sander." Your eyes widened, and you immediately realized why everyone called him crazy. You took it upon yourself to believe him. He obviously believed in himself, so why shouldn't you?

"Interesting. You see any other spooks in your time here?" He shrugged as you walked.

"I mean, I think a few ghosts and, well, aliens of course, but we've been over that. Also, I have vague memories of being abducted by aliens as a kid. I think they were trying to experiment on me to create some sort of genius super baby or something." You couldn't help the laughter that tumbled from your mouth. It wasn't necessarily laughing at him, more so that you weren't sure how else to respond. You didn't want to put him down, but at the same time, his story was very out there. And although you weren't 100% on board with the whole supernatural thing, you believed in him and his words. If that was his truth, you would stand by it. "You ever see anything supernatural?" You pointed a finger to yourself, as if to ask, 'me?'. 

"Well, I mean...I did live in West Virginia for a while when I was younger...a lot younger. And then we moved around a lot." Your eyes instinctively narrowed as you tried to recall those times with you and your neighborhood friends. "And, you know, Mothman was like the local legend. He's basically a celebrity down there."

"No way! Did you actually, like, see him?" If you didn't already have it, you sure had his full attention now. 

"No. I believed in him for a while, but we never saw him, and as I got older and distanced myself from there, I just kind of figured it was bullshit. My friends and I, we would go out at night trying to hunt for him with flashlights and stuff. Sometimes we'd bring lamps onto the porch and plug them in, building little 'Welcome, Mothman' forts to sleep in." You chuckled, remembering how much you had believed in all the spookies and specters as a child. 

"That's adorable." Dib's lips were parted in a smile as he continued to lead you deeper into the park. You weren't sure when you had actually gotten there, but you weren't really paying much attention.

"Well, maybe we could do that together some time. I know Mothman isn't really big in this part of the country, but who knows. Maybe he'll come." Softly bumping Dib in the side, you were pleased to see his smile only grow. 

"I'd like that." The nice moment was interrupted by rustling of the trees, and Dib turned on his flashlight, pointing it to the treetops. "There!"

"I thought bigfoot was more on the ground!" You called as you raced after him. You both came to a grinding halt, your feet skidding in the grass to try and avoid ramming straight into Dib's back. The boy you were with aggressively pointed his flashlight into the tree, resulting in a loud hiss from whatever was up there. "Maybe it's just a cat, Dib!" You tried to pull him away, not really liking how riled up he was at the moment.

"Zim! What are you doing here?! What evil things are you planning?" 

"Zim?" You looked upwards, following the beam of the flashlight. Sure enough, there was a green body hunched in a tree branch, a robot of some sort next to him. 

"None of your business, Dib-stink!" Zim spat, turning to face your friend. It was then you got a good look at his face. It wasn't the slightly abnormal one you were used to seeing every day. His eyes were red and buglike, sleek, black antennae sprouting from his head. 

"Holy shit, Dib. You're not crazy." You flicked your flashlight on as well, aiming it at who you thought was your classmate. "He really is an alien!" A strangled cry came from the alien sitting atop the tree branch.

"GIR! Do something!"

"Yes, master!" The once cheerful-looking robot suddenly turned much more serious, dropping down from the branch to where the two of you were standing. You yelped, unsure of what this thing was capable of.

"Relax, his robot is pretty much usele-" Dib began, but his sentence came to an abrupt end when several missals and other weapons emerged from his head. 

"How do you like GIR's new adjustments, Dib? I finally got his behavioral chip fixed to where he's responsive, but not too serious." Zim smirked, and with the point of one of his clawed fingers, his robot was on the two of you. 

Simultaneously, both of you let out a scream, reaching desperately for each other's hands as you ran for your lives back to Dib's place. Your feet pounded the pavement, lungs feeling as if someone was raking knives down your throat and organs, yet despite all that, you both refused to look back. Only when you were on his porch did you feel comfortable sneaking a glace behind you, only to find an empty street lit up by streetlights. Breathing heavily, the two of you leaned on each other for support. Dib looked very worse for wear. He didn't seem to be too athletically inclined. 

"I think...we lost him..." You spoke between gasps for air, grinning all the while. He nodded vigorously, still wheezing. After the two of you had regained your breath, you both managed to catch each other's gaze. You felt every portion of your brain that was in charge of thinking shut down as you leaned in closer to him. You were barely even aware of what you were doing as you pressed your lips to his. His eyes looked as if they were about to burst from his skull, but after a moment, they eased shut as he relaxed into the kiss. You pulled away, feeling heat rush to your cheeks, almost as if your face was on fire. Your stomach was tied in too many knots to even look at Dib, but if you had, you would have seen that he wasn't fairing much better. In fact, he was probably in worse condition. "Thanks for the night of fun, Agent Mothman."

"Uh-huh." He mumbled out, and his brain looked miles away. You decided just to go home before you did or said anything else that could be classified as stupid. As you power-walked away, Dib's hand found its way to his lips, where the feeling and warmth of your own still lingered.

[damiien-haas]

Poly!Shaymien x Vlogger!Reader Headcanons

A/N: I had been kicking around this idea for months. I finally decided to sit down and write these out. Also quick warning: a chunk of this is definitely angsty, so yeah. Some fluff, but I am probably going to do a part two because I had way too many ideas floating through my head and I really want to expand on this completely. But yeah, enjoy!

Pairing: Poly!Shaymien x Vlogger!Reader

You’d only been vlogging for a little over two years when you were invited to go attend VidCon.

To be honest, it was like super exciting to be surrounded by so many creators.

You had decided to take your camera out to start vlogging when someone bumped into you.

This caused your camera to slip out of your hand.

Luckily you caught it by the strap and saved it from smashing onto the ground.

And the bump kind of hurt.

When you turn to face the person who bumped into you, you realize that two guys stood in front of you.

Both wearing a look of shock on their faces.

As you took in their appearances, you began to realize why the bump hurt.

You were smaller than they were.

One looked to be almost six feet tall and the other, while shorter, looked super built.

You were about to start apologizing to them.

When they immediately apologize to you.

“We are so sorry. We should’ve been watching where we were going,” said the shorter one. “I’m Shayne.”

“I’m Damien. Are you okay?”

Once you’d confirmed that you were alright, they offered to buy you a coffee.

An offer you accept.

And then the rest is pretty much history.

You three become really good friends.

But both Damien and Shayne feel themselves start to slowly fall in love with you.

And they know how the other feels about you.

And they feel guilty for their feelings.

And you were oblivious.

So one day, while you are asleep on your couch, you hear a knock on your door, as well as voices bickering quietly.

When you open the door, they ask if they can come in.

Once your front door is shut, they both begin to explain the way they feel about you.

It honestly floored you.

Because you had begun to realize you had developed feelings for both of them like two months after meeting them.

This led to all three of you talking and trying to figure out what to do.

Surprisingly, it was Shayne that suggested that you all should be in a polyamorous relationship.

You all agree to at least try.

You guys kind of take it day-by-day.

And a day turned into a week.

A week turned into a month.

And all of a sudden you guys are celebrating being together for six months.

Fights were rare, but when they happened, it was not pleasant.

A lot of the time it sounded like incoherent shouting to anyone passing by.

You’d managed to avoid one particular topic for about six months, but at some point, you all had to face the music.

Damien wanted to go public, but both you and Shayne were extremely cautious as to how that would affect your relationship..

A relationship you were still trying to figure out.

And that basically ended in you all coming to an agreement that you’d keep everything regarding your relationship private until you all felt comfortable enough.

This made your vlogs just a little bit more difficult to film.

You had to careful when and where you film.

But you guys spent a lot of time together.

And you guys filmed together whenever possible.

But you had to limit their appearances in your vlogs once fans started to notice your guys’ chemistry.

This would have led to a shipping war, had it not been for a wrong click on a phone screen.

Damien and you were at Shayne’s place when you guys passed out on the couch while cuddling.

Shayne had left to go film and a bit on the later side.

When he walked it, he smiled softly.

He decided to take a picture to send to Courtney, who’d been bugging him throughout the entire shoot about how disgustingly cute you guys were, just to mess with her.

The picture was disgustingly cute, especially the words that read “My loves.”

Shayne placed his phone on the coffee table so he could wake you guys up.

You guys could move to the bed and so you could be less uncomfortable.

And you guys fall back asleep almost immediately.

You guys are rudely awoken to your phone going off constantly.

Shayne had left his phone out all night and so had Damien, so only your phone was constantly chiming.

You elect to ignore it, but then realize that it might be an emergency.

You begin scrolling through your notifications, growing more and more anxious the more you read.

A lot of the responses were positive, but not all of it was.

You shut your phone off after a couple of nasty tweets and messages aimed specifically at you.

Shayne was lucky you were standing between him and Damien.

Because to say Damien was pissed off would be putting it lightly.

But the war of words had already begun, with Damien delivering most of the blows.

“‘Hey, let’s keep the relationship private just until we figure this thing out a bit more or until I get the chance to out us for no fucking reason’.”

Unfortunately, that was the tamest of the bunch.

Eventually it calmed down to less intense yelling.

“What did you think would happen? We agreed to wait until we were ALL ready for a reason.”

This is when both of them took one look at you and realized that you were crying.

Their hardened faces immediately became soft at the sight, and they pulled you into an embrace.

Once you’d all cooled off enough, you all decided to film an explanation video for your channel in order to get ahead of this.

You sat down and filmed it with no idea what to say; you were flying by the seat of your pants.

You don’t edit the video.

There’s no special thumbnail.

It’s just the three of you sitting on Shayne’s couch.

When you it is finally up, everyone goes nuts.

You guys get enormous amounts of support from friends and fans alike.

You and Damien never really let Shayne live that down completely.

“Hey, you remember the time you outed our relationship and almost caused us to break up? Yeah, give me the last slice of pizza.”

But I digress.

You guys become a power couple.

They already appeared in your vlogs constantly.

But once you guys went public? You brought them in for any bit you could get them to agree to.

And they drag you into Smosh shoots just as often.

Since I’ve veered off course just a smidge, I’m just gonna mention the dynamic.

Damien is the chaos engine in your relationship.

You and Shayne are definitely up there in your chaotic levels, with Shayne surpassing you easily.

Which leaves you to be the voice of reason most of the time.

You guys are just chaotic balls of energy that feed off of each others’ energy.

But sometimes you guys need some time away from each other, which is why you still live apart from each other.

But you guys are also, as Courtney dubs you, “adorably disgusting.”

You guys were already super affectionate towards each other when you were friends.

Now that you guys are together? Pfft.

You guys make sure to keep PDA to a minimum when in public.

Holding hands is a necessity.

Shayne’s arm around you while you’re holding Damien’s hand.

Or literally any combination of that.

Movie nights that mainly consist of you guys cuddling.

And depending on the genre (HORROR), you’ll stay like that until the morning comes.

Honestly, it’s a relationship filled with ups and downs, but you always find a way to make it through.

[chickensarentcheap]

Never Gonna Be Alone- Chapter 2

Chapter Title: Home

Warnings: none

Tagging: @c-a-v-a-l-r-y, @innerpaperexpertcloud, @alievans007, @tragiclyhip

He wakes to the sound of knuckles rapping against the bedroom door and the voices of his two youngest daughters. A hearty, home cooked meal and a soak in the hot tub had been exactly what his weary and aching body had needed. Barely managing to pull on a pair of sweats and a t-shirt before exhaustion had taken over; passing out -face down- in the middle of the double king in the master bedroom. It isn’t an easy feat; napping in a house filled with seven kids. There’s always some level of chaos; near constantly bickering between the four oldest, the three littles shrieking and giggling as they chase each other around, the sound of the television or the explosions and gunfire coming from a video game being played. The latter accompanied by the occasional outbursts of profanity as Declan and TJ argue over who is beating who. If he has been away or been logging way too many hours handling things behind the scenes and DOES manage to catch some extra sleep, Esme does her best to keep the volume down; usually taking the kids down to the water or into town for a few hours. In the same way he does for her; giving her much needed ‘mommy breaks’ from time to time and letting her have the entire house to herself. It's the least he can do; let her have the house to herself to catch up on sleep or just sit and read a book on the back or to have a glass of wine while indulging in a bubble bath by candlelight.

Life is crazy in their home; noisy and chaotic and their schedules filled with work or running the kids around to their extra curricular activities. It’s tiring and often extremely frustrating; dealing with THREE preteens, a kiddo with Tanner’s additional issues, and both Brooklyn and Declan so high spirited. Addie and Takota are the easiest to deal with; one very bubbly, affectionate, and extremely social, the other quiet and thoughtful and extremely mild mannered. It’s an existence he’d never thought he’d have. Losing his first child -and the horrible mistake he’d made leading up to it- had nearly destroyed him; the combined feelings of profound grief and guilt eating away at him and leading to his addiction issues. He’d never thought he’d get another shot at a normal life; a chance to be a husband and a father again. And while he regrets the years he spent putting his family last and running away out of fear of failure, he knows many more ahead of him; many more chances and opportunities to make things right.

“Daddy?” Addie’s voice accompanies the continued knocking on the door. “Are you awake?”

He rolls over onto his back and presses the heels of his palms into his weary eyes. “Yeah…” he pushes his hands through his hair and stretches; wincing at the pain and stiffness in his lower back. “...I’m awake.”

“Mumma says dinner will be ready in about half an hour. She sent us to tell you.”

“I’m here too!” Brooklyn pipes up. “Can we come in? Can we come see you?”

“We want snuggles,” Addie says. “We haven’t had daddy snuggles in a LONG time.”

“In a really long time.” Brooklyn adds.

“We really want to snuggle with you,” Addie’s tiny voice has a pleading quality to it, and he can’t help but smile; picturing that pout and those sad little eyes and the way she tucks her chin into her chest.

She is definitely her mother; the petite stature and the small, delicate features and that smooth, pale skin accentuated by the dark strands of hair that frame her face. Their personalities are a match as well; bubbly and social and easily excitable. And the smile. So beautiful. Pure, even. Always genuine; brightening their entire face and making those dark eyes sparkle. Perhaps it’s why...out of all the kids...he tends to baby Addie. Not just that impossibly tiny build and that sunny and light disposition that never fails to make him smile, but because she IS so much like her mother. A constant reminder of the person who single handedly changed his life; saving him in every way a person CAN be saved.

“Daddy?” Brooklyn raps her knuckles against the door once again. “Can we? Can we come for snuggles?”

“What do I get out of it?”

“You get to see us!” Addie gives a dramatic huff. “You’re two most favourite girls in the whole world!”

“Get in here, then. If you’re going to put it like THAT.”

The door swings open and the girls come rushing in; giggling as they toss themselves onto the bed and scramble up towards him. Gathering them into his arms when they settle on either side of him; showering their cheeks and foreheads with kisses and running his hands over their silky, dark hair. Despite being almost a full year old, Addie remains the smaller of the two; petite in stature, possessing her mom’s small, almost dainty features and those enormous dark eyes. Esme in every possible way; appearance, personality, even the same body language and facial expressions. Brooklyn is a mix of both mom and dad; tall and lanky with his eyes and Esme’s dark hair and pale skin. She’s feisty and fearless; a lot of energy and tenacity packed into the skinny frame. She reminds him of TJ; stubborn and temperamental, yet loving so deeply and profoundly.

The girls settle in next to him; each of them with a hand resting on his stomach and their heads on his chest. His palms smoothing over their hair and then settle on the middle of their backs. It’s the greatest achievement of his life. If not the ONLY achievement. Being a dad is the one thing that he can truly be proud of; having a hand in creating seven beautiful human lives and being entrusted to bring them up to decent adults. Nothing drives him to want to be better and do better than his family. Wanting nothing more than to be the kind of father that his kids talk about and remember fondly when they have their own children. Seeing him love their mother with everything he is and everything he has; respecting her and treating her well and insisting they do as well teaching them what they should do and expect in a relationship.

It’s what he wants for his sons; finding someone they love and they want to devote themselves and who make them happy. And the same goes for his daughters; hoping the way he treats their mother teaches them what they should expect from the men -or women- in their lives. He never wants them to settle for less; end up with someone like Mark that will degrade them and abuse them in every possible way. They’re strong; like their momma. And being taught how to respect and take care of themselves. But he’d gladly take an assault charge and do time in jail messing up something that hurts his girls.

“Daddy?” Addie places her chin on his chest and reaches up to run her palms along his cheeks. “Why’d you have to go away?”

“I had some business to take care of.”

“You had to go be a boss?”

“I had to go and do a favour. For Uncle Anil.”

“What kind of favour?”

“Did you have to kill someone?” Brooklyn inquires, and lifts his arm and slips under it, pushing her tiny fingers through his much larger and longer ones.

“Why would I have to kill someone?”

“TJ said that before you became a boss, you used to go and kill people,” she explains. “Really bad people. That hurt good people. Is that true? Is that what you used to do?”

“Once in a while, yeah.”

“Is that why you went away?” Addie asks. “To kill someone?”

“I went away to do a favour for Uncle Anil and that’s all you two need to know. You been having a good time? Being back in the city?”

“It’s not as fun as when you’re not here,” Brooklyn says. “Mommy tries, but it’s hard for her to have fun with ALL of us at that same time. That’s a lot of kids; for her to try and make happy all at once. Especially when Millie is being Millie. She never wants to do anything with the rest of us.”

“She’s been really mean,” Addie adds. “To mummy. TJ got mad at her for it; he freaked out and threatened to kick her ass.”

He stares at her pointedly. “Pardon me?”

“Kick her butt, I meant. He was really mad. He said when you’re gone, he’s in charge. And that if you wouldn’t let Millie talk to mummy like that, he wasn’t going to let her do it either.”

“Then they had a big fight,” Brooklyn chimes in. “ And mummy started yelling at Millie and then Millie said she hated her and it made mummy sad. She locked herself in the pantry. I think she was crying. TJ said to leave her alone; that she’d come out when she felt better. Then he made us a snack and took us into the backyard to play in the snow. Why is Millie being like that? Mean to mummy? Mummy doesn’t deserve that. She’s an awesome mummy.”

“If we got to pick our mummies and daddies, I’d pick mummy over everyone else,” Addie muses. “She loves us. She cuts the crusts off our bread and makes dinosaur shaped pancakes and puts chocolate chips in them. And she always gives us the biggest pieces of cake or pie and just takes a little bit for herself. And she’ll make herself something different to eat, if there’s not enough for all of us. Even if it’s just a peanut butter sandwich. She says it’s what mummies do; make sure their kids have everything first. “

“She’s a good mummy,” Tyler agrees. “She’s an amazing mummy. I couldn’t have asked for a better one for you guys. And you’re right; she doesn’t deserve Millie being that way. Is that why mummy sent her out? With her friend?”

“Mummy’s feelings were really hurt,” Brooklyn pouts. “Because she tries really hard to take care of us and Millie acts like that.”

“I’ll talk to mummy. Cheer her up. And I’ll talk to Millie too.”

“Millie told us not to tell you,” Addie informs him. “She said she’d kill us. In our sleep.”

“Well, she won’t get the chance. Not if I kill her first.”

“You won’t kill Millie. She’s your daughter.” Brooklyn’s fingertips trace the tattoo that takes up the entire length of the inside of his left forearm. A permanent version of the stick figure drawing that Millie had inked onto him five years ago; their entire family -at the time- including the two dogs. The last set of twins had been added afterwards; Millie reluctantly adding two new siblings to the mix. “Maybe you can just lock her in the attic. Just feed her once in a while.”

“I can’t do THAT either. I’d go to jail. You don’t want me going to jail, do you?”

Brooklyn shakes her head. “I don’t even like when you go away for a weekend. I don’t want you to go to jail for the rest of your life. We’d never see you.”

“Mummy would bring us to visit,” Addie says. “She’d make sure we got to see him.”

“Mummy isn’t going to take us into a jail,” her sister argues. “That’s not a nice place, Ads. There's a lot of bad there.”

“Daddy’s not bad. But he’d be there. If he killed Millie or locked her up.”

“Mummy still wouldn’t take us. She wouldn��t want us in a place like that.”

“We would have to Skype then. Or Zoom.”

“Not the same. That’s not like seeing him in person. I want to see him in person. That’s why he CAN’T lock Millie up. We’d never see him again. Would you want THAT to happen?”

“No. I’d be really sad. If I didn’t get to see daddy again.”

Tyler grins. “You two do realize I’m right here, yeah?”

“Who would get the spiders and snakes out of the house?” Addie frets. “Mummy freaks out when she sees them. Remember the time she screamed and woke us all up? Almost made me pee my pants. All ‘cause there was a Huntsman on the stove.”

“Mummy was so scared!” Brooklyn giggles. “Remember she was crying? And swearing? And was yelling at daddy to get the spider? And daddy put in the container and chased her outside with it? She said she was going to divorce him because of it. She never did though.”

“But did he have to sleep on the couch for a week,” Addie says. “ I do remember that. Because he tried to sleep in my bed and it was way too small for both of us. His legs were hanging off. ‘Cause he’s like ten feet tall.”

“I’m only six three. But that was funny, wasn’t it? Chasing mommy with the spider? Even if I DID have to sleep on the couch for a week. It was worth it. Seeing her freak out like that.”

“It was hilarious!” Brooklyn enthuses, then turns serious. “But don’t tell her I said that. I don’t want her making me sleep outside. It’s cold out.”

“Your secret is safe with me. I promise.” He presses a kiss to one forehead, then the other. “What’s mummy making for dinner?”

“Chicken parm. Yummm.” Addie rubs her stomach enthusiastically. “It’s the one thing she cooks REALLY well. Well, the only thing she cooks well.”

Tyler can’t help but chuckle. “You’re savage.”

“It’s the little ones you have to watch out for. You know what mummy said?”

“I’m kind of scared to ask.”

“She said you’re taking Brookie and I d\to the American Girl store. For lunch. Two days after Christmas.”

“That’s news to me.”

“She said it’s your turn to do it,” Brooklyn says. “She did it two years in a row. It’s time for you to take one for the team. That’s exactly what she said. Are you? Are you going to take us?”

“I guess I am. Any other dads go to that place?”

“I don’t know,” Addie shrugs. “I’ve seen a couple, I guess. You’ll really do it? You’ll really take us?”

He nods. “But I am NOT wearing a tiara or anything girlie. Got it?”

“What about a fancy hat?” Brooklyn suggests. “Or one of those feathery scarves? Like we have in the dress up bin.”

“What did I just say? I’m taking you there. Isn’t that enough?”

“I told you,” Brooklyn grins victoriously at her sister. “He doesn’t know how to say no to us.”

“*****

She’s in the kitchen; denim clad ass on full display as she leans against the island. Forearms resting on the granite counter top as she flips through that day’s copy of the New York Times; a glass of white wine and a half eaten bar of chocolate within reaching distance. The littlest girls remain upstairs. Their hysterical laughter and the pounding of footsteps echoing through the house; Declan and TJ chasing them throughout the second story while roaring like dinosaurs. In the living room, Tanner teaches an intensely focused and intrigued Takota how to play checkers; the board placed on an ottoman in front of the gas fireplace.

Esme gives a small start when he curls an arm around her waist; his free hand moving her ponytail away from the nape of her neck and his lips pressing against the soft, supple skin. “Hey sleeping beauty,” she greets, as both of his hands settle on her hips and she leans back against him. “Feeling better?”

Nodding, he presses a kiss to her temple, followed by the cheek, then the corner of her mouth. “Thank you. For letting me sleep.”

“You needed it. You’ve had a hell of a five days. That’s a heck of a lot of travelling; tons of hours in the air. I’m surprised you didn’t just want to stay in bed. You could have said that you know; that you just wanted to sleep. I would have understood; I wouldn’t have been offended.”

“I spent five days away from you guys. I don’t want to miss another minute. Although, I gotta say, I had quite the wake up call. You throwing me under the bus.”

She tilts her head back and grins up at him. “Girls must have told you about the lunch at American Girl.”

“They did. And I have to say, that place? My own personal hell.”

“Every year since we started having Christmas here, they’ve got to have lunch there. I’ve taken them there both years. And besides…” she turns around to face him, hands coming to rest on his sides. “...the only day I could get reservations, was the same day that I’m taking Millie, Declan and TJ to the Rangers game.”

“What about Ovi? Or Riya?”

“Ovi is taking Tanner to the American Museum of Natural History. They do it every Christmas.”

“Riley?”

"She and Shaena aren’t arriving until two days after. Come on…” she repeatedly rubs her palms up and down his ribs. “...I’ve done it two years in a row and I can’t do it a third. Do you want me to be an alcoholic? Or to eat my weight in cheesecake? Or both? Because if I have to go to that place again…”

“What do I get out of it?”

“I’m sure we can...arrange...something. I’m not above doing favours.”

He grins. “What kind of favours?”

“Sexual ones. EXTREMELY sexual ones. Unless there’s other favours you’re thinking about.”

“No. I think sexual favours would work just fine. I won’t turn those down.”

“I’d probably die of a stroke if you did.”

“Well, we don’t want that, do we.” His palms slide around to her ass and he pulls her even tighter into him; her hands settling on his biceps and she stands on her tiptoes and into a kiss. And he both hears and feels her giggle when his fingers dig into the flesh of her ass.

“So is that a ‘yes?” Esme asks. “You’ll take Addie and Brookie to American Girl?”

“You really thought I’d say I wouldn’t do it?”

“Everyone has their limits. I thought that just might be yours. They really DO have you wrapped around their little fingers.”

“Who do you think they get THAT from? Their ability to do that?”

“I have no idea. I have no clue where they could have gotten that from. Must be a gift.”

“Yeah, a gift their mother gave them. I was pretty much wrapped around your little finger from that first day, so…”

“Only took you twelve years to admit it. I mean, I’ve known it this entire time. It was pretty obvious. To everyone BUT you.”

“Everyone?”

“Everyone. And what’s up with these?” She reaches between and slides her hands under the front of his t-shirt; fingers toying with the ties on the waistband of his joggers. “Gray sweats? You know my weakness for gray sweats. Are you trying to seduce me?”

“Is that what it takes these days? Me wearing gray sweats?”

“You could be wearing a garbage bag and you’d manage. You’re pulling out all the stops. Flowers, gray sweats. Although the latter? I already know what’s under them; not like it’s a secret.”

“I thought you liked unwrapping your gifts?”

A grin slowly spreads from ear to ear. “Oh, I do. And it’s the gift that keeps on giving. You know, you didn’t have to try so hard. I was going to put out anyway. I mean, it’s been almost a week. I’m a little...frustrated...to say the least.”

“That makes two of us. You didn’t bring one of your little ‘friends’ to New York with you? One of your special toys?”

“Nope. I wanted to wait for the real thing. So you better not disappoint me, husband. I have very high standards. And expectations. If you don’t live up to those…”

“Have I ever NOT lived up to them?”

“That was a very good point.” Her fingers hook in the waistband of his sweats, once more standing on her tiptoes, giggling into his mouth and then pushing him away when his hands clamp down on her ass. “Thank you. For agreeing to you that. Going to the doll place. You’re a real trooper, husband. I owe you one.”

“I’ll add it to the list. Of the favours you owe me.”

“You have a list?”

“You don’t?”

“Maybe…” she sing songs, then turns back to face the island. “...and you’ll have to put up with them going on a little shopping spree. My mother send them gift cards; to American Girl.”

“Your mother actually sent them something?” He moves to the fridge, pulling out a bottle of water before briefly stepping into the pantry; resurfacing with a handful of pills. Meds to control the mild to moderate pain and the inflammation from the arthritis that inhabits his body and an antidepressant AND psychotic. It’s old hat now; four times a day to control pain, the others taken twice a day to ward off any issues from his mental health problems. And it’s been five years of pretty good success; no major depressive episodes and only a handful of panic attacks. A far cry from the life he HAD been living.

“I actually think it was my step father. Have you noticed how things change every time they get back together? The emails start up, the birthday cards and money start rolling in, the Christmas gifts arrive. It’s like clock work; they hook back up, she attempts to come across as a normal grandmother.”

Uncapping the water, he swallows half with the handful of pills, then stands across from her and leans stomach first against the counter. “We both know there’s nothing normal about that woman. How you turned out relatively sane is beyond.”

“Relatively sane? Are you trying to say I’m just a tad INSANE?”

“I’m saying you have a tendency to be a little...high strung. A little neurotic.”

“Yet you still married me. Imagine that.”

“What can I say? I’m a sucker for big brown eyes and freckles.”

“Something tells me it wasn’t my eyes and my freckles that you first noticed. But whatever helps you sleep at night. But yes. My mother DID send them something. Shockingly, she sent them ALL something. I can’t believe she even remembered we have seven children. I thought maybe she stopped counting after Declan.”

“Well she stopped caring after TJ and Tanner. Remember how pissed she was that we named one of them after me?”

“Oh, I distinctly remember the epic hissy fit she threw in my hospital room. When we told her what their names were. I completely remember her meltdown.”

“Wasn’t it something about that name just setting the kid up for failure? I think I remember a part about me being a black cloud over the whole family and just bringing bad luck on the kid? Something like that, anyway.”

“She’s fucking insane. She always has been. I warned you; before we moved to Colorado. I told she was nuts. You thought I was overreacting.”

“I will never, ever doubt you again. And I’m going to regret even asking, and don’t take this as a sign I actually give a shit, but how is the old bitch doing?”

“Well, she’s still alive. Alive enough to grate on my nerves and make me want to drink. Alive enough to undergo her sixth round of chemo. What ever happened to the whole ‘she won’t live past a year’ scenario? That’s what we were told. SIX years ago. You think she’s THAT evil? So evil nothing can kill her?”

“I think she’s got a few horseshoes up her ass. She’s not done tormenting people yet, I guess.”

“Well she can right ahead and torment someone else. I’m not in the mood for her shit.” Picking up the glass of wine, she downs half of it, then moves to the fridge to grab the bottle out of the fridge.

“Something tells me that isn’t sparkling cider.”

“It’s the real deal. I actually had it delivered. It’s been a long day. Between dealing with my family and their attempts at reconciliation and your daughter between the spawn of Satan, be thankful I’m not already passed out on the bathroom floor.”

“Shades of last New Years Eve. She’s been that bad? Millie?”

“Bad doesn’t even begin to describe what she’s been like. Bad times...oh I don’t know...a thousand?” She fills the wine glass to the brim, then takes another long swallow. “Did you hear about my meltdown? How I locked myself in the pantry of sorrow and self pity? I know for sure the girls told you about that.”

“Yeah, they told me. Something about Millie saying she hates you.”

“Remember how she told me she hated me when she was six? Over the whole not telling her you were in the hospital thing? Remember I told you that nothing could possibly hurt more than your six year old telling you she hates you?”

Tyler nods.

“I was wrong. I was SO wrong. It hurts much worse when your eleven year old tells you. Because when they get to THAT age and you actually see and hear the hate they have for you? Yeah, that’s the real deal. And you know why it started? I asked her to unload the dishwasher. That’s it. She threw a fit; freaking out about how I’m lame and boring and stupid and I’m ruining her life and she hates me. That’s the kind of day I’ve had.”

Sighing heavily, he runs his hands over his face. “I’ll talk to her.”

“Oh that will go over real well. Like a fart in church. You know what that’s going to do? Cause an even bigger freak out. Over me turning daddy against her. You know that’s what she’ll say. She says it every time you get on her about something. She calls me a rat and a snitch. A cry baby. For running to you and whining about things. Her exact words.”

“Are you sure she wasn’t switched at birth? Are you sure they didn’t fuck up at the hospital and our real daughter isn’t out there somewhere? How did we have a kid like this? Neither of us are THAT bad.”

“I’d accept the switch at birth theory if she didn’t look just like you. If she didn’t have the same body language and facial expressions and all that. It’ll just make things worse; if you talk to her. She’ll just hate me even more and there’ll be even more drama in the house. Can we not have a nice Christmas? I’d like to have a nice Christmas.”

“With her acting like THAT? Won’t be too nice if she’s pulling that bullshit. She can’t get away with that, Me. She can’t talk to you like that. Disrespect you like that. I don’t let strangers disrespect my wife so I’m sure as hell not going to let my own kid do it. I’ll talk to her.”

“By talk to her, you actually mean put the fear of God into her.”

“If I have to. Is she home now?”’

“Up in her room sulking. Because some boy called her for her and I wouldn’t let her talk to him.”

“A boy called? Here. For Millie? Our Millie. Who doesn’t give a shit about boys back home. That’s who we’re talking about, yeah?”

“Some boy she met at the movies,” Tanner says, as he wanders into the kitchen and grabs two bottles of water from the fridge. “Aaron. What a dumb name. I bet he IS dumb. You’d have to be dumb to like Millie.”

“Okay, Nugget, that is not nice,” Esme gently scolds. “I know she’s been a holy terror since we got here, but that is not a nice thing to say about your sister.”

“She’s evil. She told Declan he’s adopted and that’s why he has red hair and doesn’t look like any of us. And she made Takota cry; she told him an alligator lived in the toilet and that the next sat down on it, it was going to bite his penis off.”

“And this was all on the first day here,” Esme addresses Tyler, and sips her wine. “And you wonder why I’m drinking.”

“I bet you it’s puberty,” Tanner says, as he turns on his heel and heads back to the living room. “I read about it, you know. It’s all about the hormones. Some people go totally off the reservation. I bet that’s Millie’s issue. She’s probably going to get her period soon.”

Esme scowls. “Thank you, Nugget. We really need to hear that. That just made things so much better.”

“I’m just saying, mum. It would explain A LOT. Didn’t you used to get all nutso when you had your period?”

“Not that my menstrual cycle is any of your business, but how old do you think I am? WHEN I had it? I still have it, thank you very much. Why do you think your dad comes home with cartons of ice cream and bags of chocolate bars at the same time every month? He knows it tames the beast.”

Tyler nods in agreement.

“I am NEVER getting married,” Tanner declares. “Too much craziness. I’m not dealing with THAT shit.”

Esme gives a derisive snort and looks at her husband. “Have kids they said. It’ll be fun they said.”

“I told you we should have stopped after the first one. But you didn’t want her to be an only child. You said she’d be lonely and hate us for not giving her siblings and people to play with. And now here we are.”

“Yes. Here we are. Seven later. And as much as they drive me insane and as feral as they are and even though I could run away sometimes, I love them. They drive me to drink, but I do love them. I’m not a perfect mother. I know that. But I try. You know I do.”

“You’re an amazing mum. Don’t don’t doubt it because Millie is being a bitch. Don’t take it to heart; I told my old man I hated him tons of times.”

“Your father used to beat you on the regular and lock in a shed for two days with no food. This is hardly the same thing. He gave you many reasons to hate him. Am I giving her reasons? To hate me?”

“No. You’re not. You’re a great mum, Me. I couldn’t have asked for a better mother for my kids. This is her. All her. And she doesn’t hate you. She loves you. You’re her mother.”

“I saw it in her eyes, Tyler. I heard it in her voice. She does hate me. And…” her voice cracks with emotion. “...and it hurts. Because I have tried so hard over the last eleven years to be a good mom. I’ve tried to be the complete opposite of what I had growing up. I don’t know what I’ve done wrong. To make her hate me? What have I done? What mistakes have I made?”

“Me...come on…” Walking around to the other side of the island, he plucks the wine glass out of her shaky hand and sets it on the countertop. “...this isn’t about you.” Cradling her face in his palms, his thumbs brush against her cheeks as he presses a kiss to her forehead and then draws her into his arms; tightly pressed against him with one hand on the small of her back and the other on the nape of her neck. “None of this is about you.”

“Where did I go wrong with her? What…?”

“Nowhere. You didn’t do anything wrong. I know it hurts, babe. I know it makes you feel like shit; hearing her say those things. But it’s not your fault.”

“Something had to have happened. For her to be like this. I must have done something.”

“Hey…” he once more takes her face in his hands. “...stop. You didn’t do a goddamn thing wrong. This is all her. Whatever the fuck is going on, I’ll find out. I’ll talk to her.”

“Try not to make things worse.”

“I wouldn’t do that. You know I wouldn’t.”

“I just don’t get her. When I found out she was going to be a girl, I had all these plans. All these little daydreams. About how close we’d be and all the things we’d do together and how I’d be so different from my own mother. And I’ve tried. I’ve tried so hard. Not to be anything like her.”

“And you’re not. You’re nothing like her.”

“I just don’t know what happened. Between Millie and I. And if I don’t know what happened, how am I supposed to fix it? She won’t talk to me. Not without fighting, anyway. And when she gets started in on me, TJ loses it. He flips his shit.”

“He’s protective of his momma. He always has been.”

“He is so much like you. It’s like watching and listening to a mini you. It’s scary sometimes; how alike the two of you are. Could you get him to rein it in a bit? Because he snaps and it’s not a nice thing to see. I’m afraid he’ll hurt her one day. Really hurt her.”

“I’ll talk to him too. He’s just protective. He’s trying to take care of you. But I’ll talk to him; get him to tone it down.”

“I thought he was going to beat the shit out of Jacobi today. That would not have ended well.”

“Yeah, he would have destroyed Jacobi.”

“He’s seventeen. TJ’s ten.”

“Don’t underestimate that kid. I’ve seen him fight. He took on four kids when he was five. Older kids. And beat the shit out of all of them. He could take Jacobi. No doubt in my mind. Should have let him try. I would have loved to have seen that.”

“Don’t encourage it. The last thing we need is him beating the crap out of Jacobi and Jacobi’s mother showing up on the doorstep.”

“Imagine how embarrassing that would be? Your seventeen year old son getting his ass beat by a ten year old?”

“We are not going to encourage our ten year old to beat anyone’s ass.”

“Ask me the kid deserves it. I know about his little crush on you.”

“He’s a teenager. I have seven kids. I’m forty one years old!”

“A very hot and sexy forty one year old.”

“In your eyes.”

“In A LOT of peoples’ eyes. What? You think I don’t know. That my wife’s a MILF? I’ve known it for eleven years. It’s nothing new. I’ve got thirsty women at the soccer park and on the playground, you’ve got horny seventeen year olds.”

“Only seventeen year olds don’t stand a chance. The women at the soccer park and on the playground? They’re all grown up.”

“And I don’t give a shit about a single one of them. I only have eyes for you, babe. Do I wear my gray sweatpants for anyone else?”

She grins. “No.”

“Do I wear them out in public? Or do I just wear them at home?”

“Just at home. Because you know I love gray sweatpant season. Especially YOU during gray sweatpants season.”

“Only you, Me,” he says, and cradles her face in his hands as he kisses her softly. “It’s always only been you. It always will be.”

*****

Despite having their own bedrooms, the three littlest insist on sleeping in the same bed; all climbing under the covers in Addie’s room and then settling down for a round of bedtime stories. They’re still excited from both his return and what it means now that he’s under the same roof. Christmas activities are now able to commence; decorating inside and outside, going to pick out a tree, a visit to Rockefeller centre, skating and sledding. The seven had all banded together, insisting that no lights or decorations be put up until daddy got there. It will be a whirlwind of activity; only a week before Christmas day and so many things that need to get done. An attic full of presents -shipped from Australia throughout the year and intercepted by Ovi and put into hiding- that need to be wrapped, lights that need to be put up outside, his own shopping that needs to get done. Never learning NOT to save getting things for the wife at the last minute.

He used to hate Christmas; too many memories -both good and bad- that tied him to his mother and in turn, the loss of her and his father’s torment and abuse. Even during his first marriage and when Austin was alive he’d sucked at ‘getting into the spirit; attempting to be happy and trying his best to enjoy the moments with his little family. As a single guy living in the shack in the outback, he’d simply ignored the holiday altogether; spending it drunk and high off his ass or taking jobs that no one else would. And it had been a struggle; getting used to a wife that loves Christmas and everything associated with it. But seeing the joy in her face and how excited his kids get leading up to the days before Santa’s visit had helped repair the wounds inside of him. Using their happiness as a way of igniting his own; quickly and effortlessly finding his own joy in the season and in making new traditions and memories with his family.

By the end of the third bedtime story, all three littles are asleep; girls passed out under each arm and Takota stretched out on top of him. It’s a feat to get away without waking any of them up. Somehow managing -despite the discomfort and tightness in his back that has him wincing- to set up and gingerly place his son in the middle of Brooklyn and Addie before slowly and cautiously climbing out; tucking Addie’s pink and frilly unicorn themed comforter around all three little bodies before turning out the light and slipping from the room. Door left slightly ajar; Mac taking his usual resting place in front of it. He’ll stay there until he’s certain his tiny charges are safe and sound, then will make his way into the master bedroom and find his usual spot at the end of the bed.

He checks on the older boys; still awake and busying themselves in the twins’ room; mindful to keep the noise down so as not to wake their siblings. The room is enormous; twice the size of the master and consisting of its own full bathroom with double sinks and showers. Declan has his own quarters but often bunks in with TJ and Tanner; making himself comfortable with just a sleeping bag and a pillow on the floor and insisting that’s all he needs. Tanner is already ‘locked’ in his own little world. A safe and quiet place that Tyler had created for him on the bottom bunk; enclosing it with a sliding barn door easily opened from both inside and out, and strings of white mini lights giving the kid the calm and soothing ‘ambiance’ he needs when overwhelmed. He’s good at managing it; knowing ahead of time when he’s starting to become overstimulated and always finding a quiet and safe place to ‘decompress’. He often handles it better than even his parents do; learning how to cope with the things that trigger him and being his own best advocate.

“Hey...Nug…” he raps his knuckles against the wood. Giving Tanner both the chance to answer and to decide if he wants his ‘safe space’ breached. “...you alive in there? Give me a sign.”

He gets a knock back in response, followed by the rustling of blankets before the door slides open and Tanner’s face greets him; his shoulder length hair messy and knotted and a beaming smile spreading from ear to ear.

“Hi dad.”

“You good? Everything alright?”

“I’m good. I just wanted to be quiet.”

“I don’t blame you. Those two…” he casts a glance towards Declan and TJ; one climbing the ‘rock wall’ that had been created a year ago and the other slithering his way up the rope that dangles from the ceiling. “...can be damn noisy.”

“Just a bit,” Tanner agrees.

“What’cha doing?”

“Just writing a bit,” Tanner holds up the leather bound journal -one of many he’s owned and are already full and packed away in a locked box in the back of his closet back home- he’d been scrawling in. Some are used to document his daily life; passages about his struggle being ‘different’ and his brain not working like everyone else’s, others gushing about something fun and exciting he’d gotten to take part in. “I had some really cool dreams while you were gone. That’s what I’m writing about. Will you read them?”

“I always do, don’t I?” He’s in fact the only one who DOES get to read what Tanner writes. Tanner trusting him wholly and completely and enjoying the fact they have a ‘secret’.

“I’ll bring it with me tomorrow. So you can see it. We’re still going right?”

“It’s our thing, right? Always what we do. Breakfast and time out. Just the two of us.”

“It’s a bit different this year. It’s always been the first morning after we get here. But you didn’t come with us this time.”

“I know. And I’m sorry about that. That I had to go and take care of himself. We still buddies?”

“Best buddies. I know you couldn’t help it. That you HAD to go. I’m just glad you’re back. I miss you when you’re gone. Do you have to go away again?”

“Not for a very long time. If ever. I’ll do my best, okay? To not have to go away again.”

“Okay. I’m excited. About tomorrow.”

“Me too, Nug. You need anything? You got your snuggies?”

“I’ve got them all here.” He nods down at the array of stuffed animals arranged at his feet.

“Blankie?”

Tanner holds up the corner of the weighted blanket already stretched out over top of him.

“You’re getting good at this. You won’t need me to check on you much longer.”

“Yes I will. I like when you check on me and we chat. Makes me feel special.”

“You ARE special. Very special. Don’t let anyone tell you any different. Take your meds?”

“Mummy made sure. I’m not sleepy yet though. I’m going to write some more. So you have lots to read tomorrow. Don’t forget your glasses.”

Tyler grins. “Your mom is rubbing off on you.”

“You need them to read. And to go on the computer. And you probably should wear them when you’re on your phone too. Don’t be so stubborn.”

“Speaking off glasses, make sure you take yours off BEFORE you fall asleep.”

“This isn’t my first rodeo. I know what I’m doing.”

“You’re even starting to SOUND like your mother. You in the mood for a hug?”

Tanner nods enthusiastically. “Yup.”

Leaning down, he curls an arm around the ten year old’s slender frame just as two arms encircle his neck. It’s best to never push anything on Tanner; let him call the shots even when it comes to something as simple as affection. “Love you, Nug.”

“Love you too, daddy. I’m glad you’re here.”

“So I am. You sleep good okay? I’ll see you in the morning. We’ll go to our same place.”

“I can’t wait! They’re pancakes are the BEST. Well, not as good as yours and those ones mummy makes with the chocolate chips. But still really good. Will you give mummy another hug and kiss from me? I don’t think I hugged her long enough. And she deserves a long hug and an extra kiss. She had a bad day.”

“I will. I promise.”

“And tell her I love her? To the moon and back?”

“I will tell her that. And she loves you too. She loves you so much.”

“I know. She doesn’t even have to say it. It’s all the things she does for me. Making sure I have my meds and double checking to make sure I brought all my favourite snuggies and that I always have enough pens for writing. And it’s when she smiles at me and calls me ‘Nugget’ and she plays with my hair when we snuggle. I know mummy loves me. She doesn’t make it a secret.”

“She’s loved you right from the start. When you were just a little bean in her tummy. You sleep good, alright? Don’t stay up too late.”

“I won’t.” Tanner gives his dad’s neck one last squeeze. “I love you, daddy. See you later alligator.”

Grinning, he lightly tousels Tanner’s hair. “In a while crocodile.”

*****

Millie answers on the second knock; a terse ‘come in’. She’s been moody and towing a very thin line since she emerged from her room at dinner time. Snapping at her younger siblings and calling them ‘stupid’ and ‘annoying’ if they so as much asked her to pass them something; rolling her eyes whenever her mother spoke to her or just flat out ignoring her altogether. Eventually Tyler had had enough. What should have been a happy return home and getting to have dinner with his family after five days away turned into a screaming match; him ordering Millie up to her room with her dinner and her accusing him of hating her and always taking everyone’s side when ganging up on her. What used to be easily managed behaviour when she was six has become increasingly difficult to put up with; her attitude and her mouth almost unbearable. And she’s come to realize that those big blue eyes and that pout don’t immediately cause daddy to cave; he no longer buckles to the faux remorse or the feelings of guilt he’d get whenever he’d raise his face or scold her.

He leans against the door frame, arms crossed over his chest; his daughter avoiding all eye contact as she silks in the middle of her bed. “What’s up your ass?”

“What’s up yours?”

Tyler scowls. “Excuse me? You did not say what I think you just said.”

Millie chews nervously on her bottom lip. A habit she’d inherited from her mother. “Sorry.”

“What is going on with you? You’ve been acting like an asshole for four days. Don’t even try and deny it. You really thought I wouldn’t find out? You have six brothers and sisters. You really think they wouldn’t talk? You really thought you could tell Addie and Brookie you’d kill them in their sleep if they told me?”

“I knew they’d rat on me. And I knew SHE’D rat on me.”

“Who is she? And you better not say your mother. I know you’re not talking about her like that. Especially to me.”

“You always take HER side. Always. You used to on my side. Now you’re kissing her butt and…”

“Okay, first of all…” He leaves the door open as he stalks into the room; keeping his temper in check as he stands at the foot of the bed. “...SHE has a name. And to you, it’s mum. You don’t talk about your mother like that. Especially to me. Second, check your tone. You don’t talk to me like that. Ever. Got it?”

Millie nods.

“What the fuck, Amelia? I leave for four days and THIS is how you behave? Didn’t I warn you BEFORE I left? About treating your mother right? Did I not tell you I better not find out you were mouthy and disrespectful to her? I’m pretty sure I did.”

“You did.”

“You don’t talk to your mother like that. You don’t treat her like that. She doesn’t deserve it. Do you know what she went through to even have you? Do you know how close she came to not ever knowing about you? She gave up her entire life for you. She has loved you from the minute she found out she was having you. Do you know how lucky you are to even have a mother? Never mind one that loves you as much as she does? What the hell is wrong with you?”

“Nothing. Nothing is wrong with me. It’s her! It’s all her!”

“I know your mum isn’t perfect. She’s the first to admit it. But I also know you’re full of shit. What has she done? What has she done that’s so bad that you think you can treat her like you are? Give me an example. One thing that is so bad.”

Millie shrugs.

“You’re going to knock your shit off. And not just for a couple days either. You’re going to apologize to your mum and you’re going to mean it. And you’re going to start helping her out and you’re NOT going to ruin Christmas for her or your brothers and sisters. I don’t know what’s going on with you, but until you can talk about it calmly and rationally, I don’t want to hear it. Got it?”

She nods.

“And by the way, that Aaron called back. Only this time I talked to him.”

Millie’s eyes widen.

“Imagine how surprised I was to find out he’s sixteen. And imagine his surprise when I told him you were only eleven. For some reason, he thought you were fourteen. Is there a reason he thought that?”

“No.”

“You want to try again?”

“I told him I was fourteen. Because he’s really cute and I wanted him to call me.”

“Well, I don’t think he’ll be calling back. Because I told him if he ever called again, he’d regret ever getting your number. That if he ever came near my daughter...my ELEVEN year old daughter...I’d beat his ass into the middle of next week. Then I’d rip his head off and shove it up his ass and drop his corpse on his mother’s doorstep.”

Tears of both anger and despair well in her eyes. “Why? Why would you do that?”

“Because you’re eleven. And no sixteen year old should be calling an eleven year old. What the hell is wrong with you? How’d you think you’d get away with that? Giving OUR number to a boy? What the hell, Amelia?”

“Why do you and mom want to ruin my life?”

“We’re your parents and we are trying to protect you. Do you not know what could have happened to you? Talking to this guy? What if he’d wanted to see you? You know we wouldn’t have let you. What were you going to do? Sneak out of the house?”

“I don’t know…”

“Say you did. And say this guy decided to take advantage of you. What then? What would you have done then?”

She shrugs.

“We’re not trying to ruin your life. We’re trying to keep you safe and sound. We’re trying to keep you alive. Sixteen? Really? Nothing good was going to come of that and you know it. You need to smarten up, Monkey. You need to get your head out of your ass and stop treating your mum like shit. And stop terrorizing Kota. You know he takes everything seriously. Now he doesn’t want to sit on the toilet.”

“It was a joke. He doesn’t have to be such a baby about everything.”

“He’s FIVE. He practically IS a baby. If you don’t have anything to say to him, don’t say anything at all. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“I’m being serious, Amelia. You need to check that attitude of yours. And that mouth. Don’t talk to your mother the way you do. Don’t disrespect her. I’ve told you tons of times; no one disrespects my wife. That includes my own kids. Knock it off. Now. You better wake up tomorrow an entirely different person. Because I’m not going to put up with it. Understand me?”

“I understand.”

Journeying around to the side of the bed, he runs a palm over her hair and drops a kiss on the top of her head. “Regardless of what you think about me right now, I love you.”

“I love you, dad. And I’m sorry. About everything. Especially about that boy.”

“You’re smarter than that. WAY smarter than that. Can we at least try to have a good Christmas? Think you can do that? Make it a pleasant one for everyone? Especially for yourself?”

She nods.

“I DO love you. I’ve always loved you. I always will. Just...I don’t know...stop being such a shit. Stop being so…”

She grins up at him. “So you?”

“That sounds like your mother talking.”

‘Well, she IS really smart.”

“Be nice to her, okay? Because that is the love of my life. The mother of my kids. And no one treats her like that. She loves you. Don’t ever forget that. And I know you love her.”

“I do. I do love her.”

“Well why don’t you try telling her THAT once in a while? Because she’d rather hear that , than you saying you hate her. Get her some slack. She’s got a lot on her plate. And she’s trying really damn hard. If you’re still hungry, there’s leftovers in the fridge. And lots of ice cream. Candy cane crackle. Your favourite. It’s in the freezer in the basement. Don’t tell your mum I told her.”

Millie smiles. “Our little secret?”

“Our little secret.”

“I missed you, daddy. I was angry. That you left. You said you wouldn’t leave again. That there’d be no reason to. That once you became a boss, you wouldn’t have to.”

“I’ve left before. I’ve been gone a few times.”

“A few times in FIVE years. And this is the second time this year alone. And you promised. That you wouldn’t do that anymore. Go after bad people. You PROMISED.”

“I know. I know I did.”

“What if something happened? What if you really DID die this time? What then? It would just be us. Seven kids and mum. And that’s not fair. Especially to mum. She loves us, but she loves YOU too. And she shouldn’t have to do it alone.”

‘“You’re right. She shouldn't.” He takes a seat on the edge of the bed. “Is that what this is about? The way you’ve been behaving? Me being gone?”

“Some of it, I guess. I was mad. At you. But I missed you at the same time. You told us you’d never go back to it again; going after bad people. You said you were done with that. You promised mom. That you’d stay home.”

“And I have been. Staying home. It’s nothing like it was before.”

“But it still hurts her. Whether it’s once or twice a year. It still bugs her. Because she loves you and she’s worried about you. Why would you promise her stuff and then turn around and do the total opposite it? Why would you promise us stuff and not stick to it?”

“It needed to be done. Anil asked me to help out. He needed me.”

“WE need you. Mum needs you. Can’t he get someone else? He can find someone else. Mum can’t find another husband. We can’t find another dad. It would hurt us a lot more to lose you than it would hurt Anil.”

“I know it would. And I’m sorry. For leaving. If there was someone else or another way…”

“I don’t want you going away.” The tears finally come; large, hot tears that spill down tanned cheeks. “I don’t want you going away and dying. I don’t want to lose you. You’re my dad. I don’t want another dad.”

“Come here, Monkey. It’s okay. Come here.”

Tossing off the blankets, Millie scrambles out of bed; perching herself sideways on his lap and wrapping both arms around his neck.

“I’m so sorry, Millie.” He hasn’t used the nickname in over a year. At least not in her presence. Ever since his then ten year old daughter announced she was finished with it and just wanted to use her full name. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I didn’t mean to break my promise. And I’m sorry. That I did. I love you. I love you so much.”

“I love you, daddy. I don't want anything to happen to you. I don’t want to lose you.”

“You won’t,” he promises, and presses a kiss to her temple; hand pressing down on the back of her head and drawing it down to his shoulder. Tightly holding her as she cries; letting her release all the tears and the pent up fear and worry and anger. Allowing her to cling to him; her sobbing turning into whimpers interspersed with loud sniffles.

Tightly and protectively holding her until body stills and her breathing slows and evens out. Not having the heart to let her go even long after she’s fallen asleep.

[soft-ris]

Hello, Cupid's Pick sounds fun! If it's not too much trouble, I'd like to request one for Jojo's Bizarre Adventure (I'd prefer Part 5 since I'm most familiar with it, but only if it's okay with you!)

I'm a very open minded person, kind of quiet but I get talkative the more I know you. I'm the chaotic friend who's usually down to do anything with you. You could literally talk about anything (except math), and I would listen to you attentively if you sound excited enough. I do swing from lazy to hyper and energetic. There's very few people I genuinely open up to, but I dearly love them so god help anyone who insults them because I can and will fight them (nothing can stop this 4'11" gremlin!!!). My humor is either dirty innuendos or sarcasm. I am also the kind of person who can cry just cause someone else is crying. For hobbies, I'm very fond of cooking, singing, and playing video games. I absolutely love sweets and I am very much a cat person. I hate bugs with every fiber of my being though, I will definitely run out of the room like my life depends on it. An ideal date would probably be relaxing at home or going somewhere quiet to hang out and talk.

Ahdkakjda wait, I'm so sorry, I got so excited I misread your Cupid's Pick post... if it's alright, could I choose Melone, Ghiaccio, and Risotto as my top 3 picks? (I was the anon who asked for Part 5 of Jojo specifically...)

———————————————————————

Cupid’s Pick for your match made in heaven is...

...Melone!

I personally think Melone would only be open to a relationship if he believes the other person is a perfect match for him (and his genes)! And guess what? He believes you are and so does Cupid!

———————————————————————

I'm a very open minded person...

Necessary for their line of job, but definitely a plus for Melone due to his…tendencies and personality and interests. So I feel like he would be very into open minded people (like yourself) because that just means more acceptance and more things to try out ;)

I mean he may brush off or ignore other people’s disgust, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to be accepted too uwu so your open mindedness is one of the big reasons you’d catch his heart!

If you have limits, he will push them from time to time, but reign him in and he’ll be more than willing to behave (with a price ;3)

...kind of quiet but I get talkative the more I know you. + You could literally talk about anything (except math), and I would listen to you attentively if you sound excited enough.

Melone strikes me as someone who talks moderately in general (he just talks to himself a lot), but he will talk more to the people he’s close to/comfortable with, and his excitement when he realizes you’re actually listening to him will shoot up and up and up (like his rate of talking).

He knows you tend to zone out when he’s talking about math related stuff, so that won’t come up often with him, but it still will sometimes because he probably thinks your expression is just Di MoLtO~🥴

He also loves collecting data/information on you, so whatever you talk about to him, he’s gonna be typing it down simultaneously!! So not only does he listen, he remembers (and has like 50 sub-folders on the stuff you say lol). This is mainly because he wants a more cohesive file on you. Like I said, he already believes you’re practically the perfect match for him with all the information he has on hand already, but his appetite for more information about you drives him to do this because it’ll just affirm for him that ‘ok wow this person really is my match made in genetic heaven’.

Ghia’s excitement comes in the form of rage and it happens often, so while he loves that you’re listening to him, I think he would almost never show you that he appreciates it. Also, if you’re talkative when he’s stressed or angry, he will yell at you to shut up. Ris would be straight forward (tells you that he’s not in the mood) and Melone would say stuff like “Not now. Later.” (but he doesn’t sound as gruff as Ris).

Ris is the same way with the quiet to talkative thing (in my HC at least), so getting past that initial stage would be hard as hell with him. Imo Melone would be the easiest to get past that stage, and Ghia…depends? If you keep pissing him off though (bc yk…tsundere with anger issues lol), he’ll be the hardest to get to a comfortable stage.

There's very few people I genuinely open up to, but I dearly love them so god help anyone who insults them because I can and will fight them (nothing can stop this 4'11" gremlin!!!).

All of them would appreciate this one way or another, but Melone more so because you’re fighting…for him. Him who’s always touted as gross or perverted or disgusting by the majority. Him who never fights in a confrontational manner because he isn’t comfortable with that and prefers long range tactics (satisfactory but seeing u fight face to face for him just hits different YK?). And it means so much more to him than you’ll ever know.

He’ll also be standing behind you, cheering u on with the biggest smile on his face too :’) also would jeer & taunt ur opponent LOL

I'm the chaotic friend who's usually down to do anything with you.

I HC Ris as having a routine set of things he enjoys doing and it’s on permanent rotation (I’m not saying he won’t go out of his comfort zone, but he knows what he like and if he doesn’t like something, it’s hard to change his mind), whereas with Ghia I HC him as only having 2 interests – cars (more specifically the type of car he drives) and knowing facts (+ disputing and ranting about them). Ris would indulge in some chaos once in a blue moon, but I feel like him & Ghia are set and happy with their current interests.

Melone however would be the most open in terms of what he’s willing to do as long as his safety is guaranteed or if the activity does not involve him getting hurt. Like stealing a yacht or hacking ur annoying neighbour’s computer system LOL

Because you bring that chaos, Melone would be the most fit with you. I know you’re probably like “Huh? Ain’t Ghia chaotic too?”, or “Wouldn’t Ris handle chaoticness the best?”, but chaos (Ghia’s) feeding into chaos (yours) might burn the both of you out, and Ris already deals with chaos 24/7 and he just wants to relax imo. Melone though, looks the most flexible and can probably match up with you the best because of that since he deals with Ghia and the rest on the regular without looking like he’s Tired™️ lol

I do swing from lazy to hyper and energetic.

Like I just mentioned, Melone most likely deals with Ghia’s energy on the regular and he looked chill with the other members too, so he (and Ris as well since yk…he’s the one overseeing everyone in LS) would adapt to your moods the best.

Ghia…I feel like because he has such a short fuse AND is a tsundere (well, at least that’s what I get from his vibe), he would not deal well with your energy if it’s higher up there. He might blow several fuses if the situation and your mood and his mood doesn’t align properly. I also think if he happens on your lazy mood, he would just leave you alone and go do his own thing.

My humor is either dirty innuendos or sarcasm.

Melone is technically a pervert, so when you make dirty innuendos, he’ll absolutely eat it up like a wet ass pussy.

I feel like he definitely prefers that over sarcasm, unless your sarcasm is aimed at someone else (especially if it’s someone he doesn’t like). He’ll probably just ignore you if you’re sarcastic to him lol, but Ghia would absolutely take it too far too quick. Ris enjoys the sarcasm more than the dirty innuendos I feel, but because he’s also your boss, you have to know where the exact boundaries are when y’all are in a professional setting. He’s not quite forgiving if he feels undermined or disrespected. But if Ris is in the mood, he’d dirty innuendo you back, but if he’s not then he’d either brush you off or pretend you didn’t just say that lol. Overall, kinda dry with your humour bc in my head his humour brand is Dry too LOL

I am also the kind of person who can cry just cause someone else is crying.

Ghia would scold you or make you feel like an idiot because of that (he might think it’s a liiiiittle cute, but the chances of him telling you that is like 0.0001% lmao). He’s prideful as hell too so…. But he might also find it annoying or ridiculous (depending on the situation). 0/10

Ris would hand you a tissue and maybe offer his embrace. He thinks it’s a little odd, but it’s not something he would give most of his attention to after you explain it to him. 4/10

Melone would coo at you. Would tease you with it too. He’d also love your tears. Something about you crying…kinda turns him on…maybe. Overall, he’d be the one who doesn’t mind it the most and likes it the most too. 100% wouldn’t make u feel stupid or weird about it, that’s for sure. 8/10

For hobbies, I'm very fond of cooking, singing, and playing video games.

Cooking - Ghia’s taste is Picky, so he won’t eat everything you cook and will 100% complain if it’s something he doesn’t like smh. Ris enjoys the domesticity when you cook with him, but he’s 90% in charge bc he likes certain dishes a certain way. He would also give you constructive criticism like you’re on masterchef or some shit😭😂. Melone would eat it all up. No complaints. On the pan, on the plate, on the cutleries, on your body. Man don’t give a fuck. Put your cum in it too and he’ll gobble that shit up SO quick😭 Overall, would eat anything you give him because he’s chill in that aspect bc I see him as kind of a trash eater? 😂

Singing - Ris would listen and dish out a compliment once in awhile, Melone would verbally appreciate it the most (and also secretly record it and save it amongst the 2k other files he has on your singing lmao), and Ghia in all his tsundere-ness would ask you to can it (he really doesn’t want u to shut up but you don’t actually know that lmao).

Video games - Risotto would never LMAO. If he sees you playing games, he’s just gonna go about his day or even turn around lmao. Ghia probably thinks its childish. Melone would indulge in this hobby of yours the most. Probably buy some for you or even make hentai games just for u💓

I hate bugs with every fiber of my being though, I will definitely run out of the room like my life depends on it.

Ris is the best candidate for this because he would kill it for you, Ghia would walk out, and Melone would scream and run with u LMAO

An ideal date would probably be relaxing at home or going somewhere quiet to hang out and talk.

Melone would try to push you to go out & try different kinds of dates, which is fun in its own, and a good balance for compromise between the two of you. But then again, it’s not like he’s constantly going out lol, so when you go on your ideal dates with him, he’s reminded that intimate quality time like these are so important too (and it secretly becomes his favourite types of dates as well because more time = more info on his lovely baby)

Risotto would match up with this the best, but that would also mean these kinds of dates (chill, lowkey & personal) will make up majority of your dates. And he (imo) is quite fond of chill lowkey routine type dates, so...unless you’re the homebody introverted type, I don’t think Ris would match the best.

Ghia’s ideal date is probably travelling? And 60% involves his car and other cars & 40% involves trivia & debates (whether it’s a game between you two or at a bar against other teams). No other interests LOL

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All in all, Melone x anon 🤷🏻‍♀️

I hope you enjoyed this 💜