#he waves his hand around in a way you'll only really see on glee

[flimsy-spine]

my favorite madney scenes: [35/?] ⇢ Future Tense, 4.03

[carriedreamerxx]

Currently in the process of writing my first Pokemon fandom "horror" and having a blast - I mean we have a darn yandere type "main" - so how could I not?

***Episode 6: Blueberry Yonder****

*****

"well, well look who's decided to come grace our academy."

She stiffened. That voice... Oh there was no way. Arceus didn't hate her that much. There was no way Arceus could possibly-!

"Oh there you are Kiki!" Carmine chirped in far too high pitch a voice. It was seriously giving Juliana a bit of a headache truth be told but-...whoa.

She'd heard of growth spurts overnight but was this- was this normal? Arven had apparently shot up about five inches or so when he had turned fifteen sure but...

"...Kieran?" She said in sheer disbelief, no really this kid had been-!? And now he was-?

Was it the hair? Maybe it was the hair making him taller..? But, no it had been a year so... So... Maybe?

She jumped back from the hand outstretched in front of her, instinctually really because ... Because ...

Danger.

Arven's voice whispered in her mind.

"Oh c'mon, no need to be shy. What are you a Skwovet?"

Her hand was abruptly seized and she bit back a squeak of alarm. Like a Skwovet indeed.

"I um-."

"Speechless? Yeah, it's amazing what a year can do huh? Impressed?" He smirked and that grip was... Growing tighter. She saw Carmine's face, while completely unwavering her gaze had... Nonetheless drifted to that clasping of hands.

"Uh... Sure, so you've been hard at work then?" She made to pull away but the grip...just tightened. "I mean at training?"

"You could say that." He beamed and the smile only just got bigger the more she pulled, and it wasn't so subtle this time either. Finally with a literal yank, Juliana was able to pull away. He didn't even look fazed when she stuffed her hand in her pocket, and took a small step back.

Again he didn't look fazed. "So how's the ogre doing?"

"She's fine. She's in good hands."

He raised an eyebrow, "Oh yeah? Where is it? Not here?"

She swallowed down the instinctual ire and instead decided to channel La Primera to the best of her ability and kept her smile constant.

"No, she's still at Naranja."

Kieran's narrowed. "Oh, how sweet. It didn't want to come with you?"

"No, she likes Paldea, so she's staying with someone I trust until the end of the semester. Problem?"

Carmine sucked in a breath next to her as at that moment, oh that moment those eyes flashed with such hatred for a moment it almost took her breath away but then... Just as quickly... The boy shrugged.

"Can't blame a guy for being curious now can you?"

Danger. Danger. Danger.

"... No I suppose I can't. She's fine. If you'll excuse me I need to unpack-."

"Oh right, right, fourth floor right?"

She froze.

"you're on the fourth floor, room 26 right?"

Badum. Badum.

"how do you ...?"

"Like hell I will you-!" She began but he's already turned and was sauntering away. He looked over his shoulder.

He shrugged. "I'm champion around here, I know everything, and what I don't-." His eyes glimmered with another burst of... Maniacal glee. "I make it my business to find out." He smirked again. "Welcome to blueberry Juliana, who knows... Maybe you'll bring my ogre here after all."

Little Buddy.... Be careful.

"Oh by the way, this isn't Paldea, best be ready for an actual fight... little friend."

Her skin chilled and he just laughed.

"Yes Kiki I've told her all about that don't you worry!" Carmine called out.

"Oh shut up." He waved her away.

Again Carmine's face didn't even change despite the twitch that Juliana saw. "Of course, see you at dinner, little. Brother." She said through that grit toothed smile.

"Uh... Carmine?"Juliana mumbled. "Are you....okay?"

"Hm? Oh of course! Now you must be absolutely exhausted from such a long flight!" She clasped her hands together. "Let's get you all settled then!" She laughed a brittle fake laugh that only worsened the chill running down Juliana's spine. The grip on her arm was like steel as she was more or less pulled down the hall to the cacophony of Carmine's almost endless chatter.

What ... What the heck was going on?

*****

[fantasy-svt]

You'll be the death of me

Previous | Magic or Not Masterlist | Next

Synopsis: Junhui didn't expect his curiosity to earn him a lover.

Pairing: Wen Junhui x fem!reader Word Count: 2.3k words Warnings: there is one sentence about suggestive stuff (not including the reader)

The waves were crashing loudly against the shore and to his feet, a cold wind blew past Junhui and made the hairs on his arms stand up. It didn't bother him much, he knew he wouldn't have to wait for much longer for Seungkwan to return. The boy was just out to look for some more shells to decorate his house, but Seungkwan tended to be a bit too picky with his search for decorations. He believed that they had to be the perfect color and size, having to fit in with his already massive collection. He had shells of all sizes and colors, a whole room of his house was dedicated to shells and pearls that he picked up. Junhui was always kind enough to join him, but today he didn't feel like going in the water. Something felt wrong today, like he'd get hurt and he'd learn to trust his gut on such things. It had saved his life a couple of times at this point. Nonetheless, he couldn't help but be worried for Seungkwan and thus he kept his eyes strictly on the spot where the siren had dove into the waters.

35 minutes of waiting was enough, Seungkwan rising from the water with a bright and happy smile. In his hand was a bag that he lifted with glee. Junhui smiled before stepping into the water, glad that he had rolled up his trousers beforehand, and he took ahold of Seungkwan's arms. Pulling him up to the shore sounded easier than it was, the weight of Seungkwan's tail exceeded that of a full grown wolf. Once Seungkwan was out of the water fully, he turned on his back and let his tail turn to legs before grabbing his pants.

"Couldn't have waited until I turned around?" Junhui asked with a bit of annoyance as he removed his gaze from the younger, who only scoffed in response. Junhui didn't care that much, but he still didn't have to see his best friend naked.

"Your an elf, what shame do could you possibly have? You guys live by the motto 'Enjoy life to the fullest' and you certainly do that." Seungkwan teased and Junhui knew well enough that Seungkwan was talking about the nightly feasts that the adult elves had during festival weeks, not that Junhui was ever interested in such things. He believed that you could only love one, so he remained on his own. Even when it gained him looks of ridicule during festivals, he didn't care much for it anyway. He'd rather wait for the right person than gain experience with thousands of he- and she-elves.

"Here." Seungkwan spoke again, holding out a murex shell with a silver color with black and white spots. Taking it from Seungkwan, Junhui inspected the shell carefully before smiling. He liked to collect things as well, having something from every friend that represented them in a way.

Seungcheol had given him a sword, a wooden one that he had used when he was a bit younger. Jeonghan and Joshua both gifted him some magical crystals, one for protection and one for healing small wounds, although Junhui had a feeling that they didn't really worked anymore. Soonyoung and Chan collected various little trinkets from their respective home forests, everything from little acorns to even dried flowers or trees. Wonwoo gave him a book with all kinds of recipes for delicious foods and Mingyu had added his own family recipe in the front as his own gift, which was something very important to him and thus meant a great deal. Jihoon created some incenses that relaxed the mind and strengthened the health while Seokmin gave a horse shoe that he made since it often meant good luck. Vernon gave him a piece of armor, one he had worn when protecting the elvish town that Junhui came from. Now all Junhui needed to do was add Seungkwan's gift and his collection from his friends was complete.

Thanking Seungkwan quickly, Junhui put the shell in his bag carefully before throwing his arm around his friend's shoulders with a big smile on his face.

"(Y/n) gave it too me and it seemed nice enough to give to you." Seungkwan said and Junhui paused, looking at Seungkwan with slight concern. He assumed that you were a siren or mermaid like Seungkwan was and they often liked to gift shells or pearls to the people they loved. Seungkwan seemed to guess what Junhui was thinking and quickly shook his head, scoffing at the idea itself.

"She's not in love with me, no worries. She knew I was searching for a gift and told me to take this." Seungkwan explained and Junhui nodded, smiling to himself before dragging Seungkwan along again.

"Come on!" Seungkwan screamed loudly at the group that remained by the edge of the water. Only Vernon had joined him in the water, floating beside Seungkwan like he had no care of the world around him. Ziva had gotten ready to jump in from the rocks, holding both Flora and Aria in a tight headlock. Then she jumped, dragging the two other girls and crashing in the water. Their respective boyfriends only laughing loudly before gently getting in the water as well, swimming to their girlfriends. Seokmin and Soonyoung were off in the distance, Chan floating above them, and all of them were staring at an animal that they hadn't seen before. Junhui could tell that it was just a crab that carried a wrong shell on his back. Nothing unusual about it, but the three were fascinated nonetheless. Mingyu and Wonwoo were sitting on the side, Wonwoo reading a book and Mingyu was looking through the basket of food that he brought. Last but not least were Jihoon and Minghao, immersed in a conversation that Junhui didn't even want to know the topic. Junhui was the last one to join them in the water, swimming near Seungkwan before diving down. His eyes stung a bit from the water, but he could see everything clearly.

Including you laying in the sand.

You between the rocks, seemingly sleeping and Junhui was fascinated to say the least. Dark blue scales covered your body, blending in with your skin and you wore a flowy dress that covered from your torso to underneath your hips. Your hair floated around you like a halo. Junhui could spot small fangs and he could see your eyes when they opened, a deep red color that made shivers run down his spine. Your eyes were now on him as well, inspecting him before pushing yourself from the ground. Your tail, unlike what Junhui thought, wasn't like a mermaid tail. Rather it looked like a snake, only the fins indicating that you were indeed a water creature. So focused on your appearance, Junhui barely noticed that you were swimming towards him at quite a fast speed and only stopping when you were in arms reach. You hovered near him, looking at Junhui with genuine curiosity and he did the same.

Only difference, he couldn't breath underwater.

Swimming back up to the surface, Junhui took a deep breath before shrieking when you appeared right in front of him again. Eyes turned to you and Seungkwan was the first to break the silence, bright smile as he swam your way.

"(Y/n)!" Seungkwan threw his arms around your neck, a hug that you quickly returned as your gaze moved to the siren in your arms. Junhui's eyes widened slightly as he recognized your name, remembering that you were the one who helped Seungkwan with his gift. Seungkwan was quick to drag you to shore, waiting for Mingyu to come drag him out of the water completely while Jihoon threw a blanket over Seungkwan for modesty. He changed and in turn dragged you from the water as well. Like Seungkwan, your body changed to a human form. Only difference was that you were already covered with a dress that you wore beforehand, which now looked longer than it had before. Probably because you had normal sized legs now instead of the long tail you had before.

Most boys exited the water as well, all focused on the new person that had joined them. Junhui took the chance to stare at you a bit longer as Flora approached you first, asking you a few questions. The scales from earlier where still visible over your whole body, although they seemed to lay beneath your skin this time and your eyes had turned a lighter red color instead of the bright color before.

"Totally not obvious, dude." Joshua spoke up and Junhui turned around to glare the man. Aria shoved her boyfriend softly, rolling her eyes at his antics.

"You stared at me for awhile too when we first met." She teased and Junhui chuckled as he watched the elder's cheeks turn a light pink. Then his eyes turned back to you, flinching when your eyes connected with his. You gave another smile, slowly making his way before leaning a bit forward.

"You're an elf, right?" The question seemed obvious, but Junhui could only stutter a yes as his heart started to beat a million times per minute. It was clear that you were hiding your laughter at his obvious shyness, hand covering your mouth as you straightened your form again. You stepped slightly forward again and Junhui could feel your gaze on his ears. They twitched slightly as a pink color rose up to the tips of his ears, turning fully red when your hand suddenly touched his ear. Flinching away, he stared at you in shock while you just looked confused. Aria's laughter rang out loudly from behind the two of you and the smiles on Joshua and Seungcheol's faces said enough, they knew clearly what you had just done. Seungkwan was the first to explain it to you, saying that it was the same as touching his tail. This in turn made your face heat up with embarrassment, quickly apologizing to him while also trying to hide your face.

You were certainly an interesting character and Junhui couldn't wait to learn more about you.

"So, do you really hear and see better than others?" You asked, leaning on the rock beneath you as your tail swished behind you in the water. Junhui nodded, leaning a bit forward before pointing at your eyes.

"What about you?" He asked and you nodded as well, quickly explaining that you saw clearly underneath the water, often better than above water. Junhui nodded in fascination before noticing your gills.

"Shouldn't you go back to the water? Your gills look dried out." He said and you let your hands wander to your neck before awkwardly chuckling, ducking under the water and disappearing from Junhui's view. Minutes later you came back up, your gills covered in wet seaweed that only made Junhui frown softly.

"It helps, although it looks a bit weird..." You smiled at him before leaning back on the rock with a soft sigh. "It's not weird." Junhui quickly answered and you chuckled at his eagerness to make you feel better, even when it wasn't really necessary. You mumbled a soft 'cute' at him before pushing yourself up as you noticed something behind Junhui.

"She's here again." You pointed at the elf that stood in the woods, her eyes on the two of you and it was clear that she was not amused. By now you knew well enough who she was. A she-elf that had taken an interest in Junhui and had tried convince Junhui that he should stay with his own kind. You didn't know if she meant romantically or not, but you found it ridiculous nonetheless. Junhui groaned as he turned his head, making eye contact with her and causing her to smile brightly. She waved him over, but Junhui didn't move.

"Come one!" You grabbed the back of his collar, dragging underwater with you without waiting for any answer. Swimming down to the ground, you turned around to look back at Junhui. He held his breath, but you could see that he was having trouble with the depth. Letting go of him, staring at him for a few seconds before cupping his face softly. You waited for a few seconds again, looking at his lips clearly. When he didn't seem to protest your intentions, you quickly pressed your lips against his for not even a second. He stared at you in shock, mouth open before he realized that he could breath underwater now.

"You can talk." You said, but your voice sounded muffled. Probably because you were underwater, he realized. Nonetheless, he didn't get to talk when he heard another loud splash behind him. The girl had followed, looking around in the water for the two of you. You smirked before wrapping yourself around Junhui and laying your head next to his.

"Want to scare her off?" You asked and Junhui shook his head, turning his head back to the she-elf. The two of them made eye contact and the girl glared at you when she noticed how your tail was wrapped around Junhui. Then he turned his head back to you and laid his lips on yours once more. You were a bit shocked at first before wrapping your arms around his neck and kissing him back. He was the first to pull back. Even when he could now breath underwater, he still could only breath through his nose or mouth. You couldn't help but look at the she-elf again, but she was long gone and you only laughed softly. Junhui watched you before looking up, breaking from your hold and swimming up. You followed quickly and gasped as you reached the top.

"A warning would've been nice, my heart almost exploded when you kissed me." Junhui said and you giggled, dragging him to shore with a bright smile.

"It was just so you could breath. Besides, you kissed me again." You gave him another teasing smile, sinking back into the water after a short wink. Junhui just watched the spot where you dove under, scoffing before laying down in the sun.

"You'll be the death of me."

[sonicfanthenightfury5099]

Could we get some more of werewolf Jason pls? Maybe a one shot of his s/o having a ride on the back of the Beast of Crystal Lake for the first time! >:D

I missed read it as like s e x, but no, for a ride on Jason's back throughout the woods of Crystal Lake. 🤣🤣 I'm sorry

Jason wouldn't be interested in the spicy Tango just yet with his S/O.

His S/O would be like Princess Mononoke (I never seen it 😭)

♡♡On my back♡♡

It had been 3 months since living in the woods of Crystal Lake. The area you were living in was far from the old campsite and living under the same roof in his home. Jason found you really beautiful when he lied his eye on you, so different from your friends he wanted to be yours. Living in his cabin, he made for those 3 months has been calm in between him Slaughtering Trespassing teens.

You were sitting outside getting some sun and fresh air. Jason came out into the clearing of where the cabin was located. You gave him a little wave as he walked onto the porch under the masks he wears he smiled with glee. He was surprised when you came back to the campground just to see him again, you done it for a few months after you first met him when he nearly scared you to death when you were walking back to your cabin. He always wondered if you'll stay with him, at Crystal Lake, He was actually shocked when one day you brought your things from your previous place to the lake to get away from the city to live in the woods with The Beast of Crystal Lake.

He came over to you, and you gave his mask a small kiss. "Doing your usual routine, Jay?" You asked him, which he replied with a nod. He never could speak a word, he may have become mute or doesn't want to just to keep people from hearing him. Jason sat next to you on the couch he made himself, taking a little break from scouting the grounds for any unwanted visitors. He placed his hand on yours, giving it a small squeeze. He signed to you a question he wondered when he sat down. "Would you like to see the rest of the forest in a bit?" He asked. You picked up on his sign language for the past 3 months and understand what he means. "Yes." You replied in signing.

Jason smiled under his masked once again to your response. He got up from the couch with you following not too far behind, "Now where do we go from here?" You asked as you turned around to face him only to see his wolf face staring back at you. You jumped a bit from the surprise from him. He motioned to his back with his clawed hand, he wants to take you on a ride through the woods.

"Ok, just be careful when you start running. I don't want to ve wacked by a tree branch." You said as you climbed up onto Jason's back, holding tight on his jacket. He started to move into the woods.

Jason went a jogging speed as he went through the woods. You held on tight as he went, making sure to duck when you see branches in view. It felt unreal. You were on the back of The Beast of Crystal Lake as he went through the forest around the lake, He would leap over dead trees, grabbed on to trees to climb up before jumping to the next tree and finally stopping at a cleaner to look out on the lake. You climbed off Jason's back as he lies down out of exhaustion. He panted as you watched at the light dancing on the lake, looking over to Jay as his panting slowed down. "You alright Hun?" You asked him as he started to change back. He signed that he was OK and he's tried from all that. Sitting down to soak up the veiw and for Jason to recharge.

Leaning onto his side as a flock of birds flew by from the veiw. It was so calming and nice, specially no trespassers at the lake.

Jason wrapped his arm around you to bring you in closer to his large frame. Sighing, he looked to you to sign to head back home. You signed a little longer, Jay? He replied Ok.

Jason got up and signed If you want to be carried back to the cabin, you replied to him with a yes. He picked you up and placed on his shoulders as he started to make way back home.

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

Sorry if the ending was lackluster. This has been in my drafts, I think, for months now, and I now want to finish it so I don't have to see it in my drafts anymore.

Hope you like it

[cloverfics]

sweethearts ; bakugou katsuki

warnings shy!reader, shy!katsuki, mutual pining, and not edited

genre fluff, f2ls

word count 2.5k

inspiration n/a

synopsis in which you and the rest of the bakusquad are apart of the candygram committee and you take the opportunity to make a move on one stubborn katsuki

"This is so stupid." Katsuki sighed, feet hiked up onto his desk. It was around the umpteenth time that he had mentioned how useless or well— stupid this whole thing is.

You frowned, tying another ribbon around a baggie. "Aw, c'mon, Kat. It's the day of love, be more cheerful." You said, tossing him a chocolate.

He scoffed. "No. And stop calling me Kat." The following demand was mumbled as Katsuki turned his attention to opening the candy.

"Sure thing, Kat." You whipped around, imagining the irritated expression he was channeling because of your antics.

"C'mon Mina! How many do I have!" Denki whined, trying his best to juke the clipboard of names from Mina's hands. Something he's been doing all morning.

From the left of you, Kirishima let out a breath of laughter. "Dude, just wait and see." He assured Denki.

"Exactly. The surprise is the most fun part about this thing." Mina added on while she gently shoved Denki away from her.

"Not if dunceface doesn't get any." Katsuki sneered, sending Denki into a further sulk.

You sucked you teeth, preparing to reprimand Katsuki but Sero interjected first. "I wonder if you're getting anything today, Bakugou."

Almost on cue, the smug smirk on Katsuki's face simmers down into a scowl. He scoffed, "I could care less if I got one of those pathetic bags today! I can buy my own damn candy!" As he was getting chewed out, Sero could only chuckle.

Sending a sneaky glance towards you. You sighed, tuning out Katsuki's continous speech about how candygrams were pointless and how he didn't even want any.

In the corner of your eye you could see a sympathic smile on Kirishima's lips. He nudged your arm, "Nonetheless, you should still give it to him," He whispered into your ear.

Tossing another baggie into the box next to Jirou, you nodded.

"It'll make his day, I promise."

ฺ｡*:･

"Woah... seventeen for Yaomomo," Jirou blinked a couple times as your class erupted in a wave of teasing while Momo shuffled her way up to the front.

"Just take the whole damn box." Denki bitterly jutted it out her. He doubled over suddenly when Mina took said box and hit him in the stomach.

"Sorry, he's being very negative today." She handed Yaomomo her designated number of bags, making Denki help her to her desk.

You giggled softly. Your class was the last one for today, thankfully. Somehow, you had already grown sick to the smell of chalky sweets, even if your name hasn't been called yet.

"Twelve for Todoroki," Shoto came up to the front as dazed as ever while Denki muttered a very distasteful shocker under his breath.

Katsuki scoffed from his spot next you, leaning his back against the classroom chalk board. "Can't I go back to my desk?" He groaned.

Sero sucked his teeth, forming a conversation while Jirou's monotonous call continued. "Seeing as you didn't lift a finger all day I think you should be able to."

He prepared a smug smirk for Katsuki's explosive comeback but before he could speak through his gritted teeth, Aizawa had already shushed them.

"Two for Denki," A giggle that she covered up immediately with her hand fell from Jirou's lips and the classroom followed suit with a fit of snickers.

You could've sworn you say Denki's eye twitch before being handed two baggies by a grinning Mina. "Hey! That's two more than last year, right buddy?" Kirishima smacked Denki on the back in attempt to comfort.

"I don't think he wants words from someone who got seven more than him, Kiri." You whispered, noticing the way Denki borderline shook under Kirishima's hand.

"Four for ___." Your laughing fit with Kirishima was interrupted by your own name being called and Mina handing you your treats.

"Tch. What four imbeciles went out of their way to buy one of those for you?" Katsuki mused before you could speak yourself.

"You smell that," you sniffed around, Katsuki's eyes narrowed at you. "I smell pure jealousy." Your bags were waved in Katsuki's face for a moment before he was swatting your hands away.

"And last but certainly not least, one for Katsuki." Your heart skipped a beat. Not just at the mention of his name like it usually did but because you knew that one bag was purchased by you for him.

You were eager to look over and see the confused look on Katsuki's face you knew he was wearing but your heart was already beating in your ears so loud that you were in a stand still.

The thoughts you've had that always followed since you even got the idea to give him one started to roam freely.

Would he be grossed out? Would he be curious? What if he already suspects you because you're being obvious? And what if, miraculously, Kirishima's right and it makes his day?

But instead of laying any of those raging questions to rest, Katsuki accepts his bag from Mina silently. No snarky comment, no anger, just a soft tint of pink layering his cheeks as he looked at the packaging he had seen a hundred times already.

"Alright, thanks for finally wrapping that up, Jirou. Don't get those candy wrappers on my floor, I'm taking a nap." Mister Aizawa waved you all off like he always did and found home in that yellow sleeping bag.

While your committee cleaned up the boxes, the classroom fluttered with chatter. The spectrum of conversation being who they think would get them one and who they think bought something for the other person.

The cleanup was quick, so you all headed to the front where all the seats were open and gathered.

"Two. I only got two." Denki finally awoke from his daze to the realization.

You laughed, taking one from your bunch and leaning over to Denki. "I can share one of mine. Not really a fan of sweethearts."

But Denki still proved to be bitter, slapping your bag away. "I don't need your pity candy, ___."

You snorted. "Okay, suit yourself."

"So, it turns out Kat actually got one. You owe me twenty bucks Jirou." Sero made grabby hands at the girl who scoffed and immediately went into her bag.

You expected the usual antics to come from Katsuki who sat in his usual desk, one ahead of you. But again, there was no yelling, or anger, just a scoff and a glare.

"You idiots bet on me?" He asked.

"Hey, I thought it was easy money since I know exactly who would've got you one. Thankfully, they pulled through." Sero collected his cash with glee while you broke out into a cold sweat. Your eyes darted to Sero, a threatening message within them that you're sure he understood.

"Who?" Katsuki tried to make it seem like he didn't really care with the tone he used. But he was genuinely curious, you could tell. Which made you sweat more.

Katsuki sucked his teeth. "It was probably you, so you could get the money." The breath of relief you took was like no other, you visibly relaxed.

Sero chuckled. "No sir, I spent no money on candygrams. So, keep on guessing."

Fortunately, the bell rang, signaling that class and school as a whole was over. Your class flooded out, all walking to your dorm together in the usual group. Kirishima found his way to you in the crowd, bumping your hip.

"See, I told you." He pointed to a couple feet away where Katsuki walked ahead, bag still in hand as he stared down at it.

You felt your face start to heat up, nudging him with your elbow. "Maybe he's weirded out."

Kirishima scoffed. "If you told him it was from you, I assure you then you'll know it made his day."

A sigh had your body slumping. "I don't know, Kiri. I've managed to keep a good friendship with Kat. It's risky enough that I bought him one but confessing is another thing."

Even though you've managed to get through Katsuki's tough exterior ( kind of ), you still couldn't read him that well. How were you supposed to know when the right time to tell him was? Or if a right time even existed.

"Do it, trust me." Kirishima placed a hand on your shoulder, you gulped and darted your attention again to Katsuki's back.

ฺ｡*:･

You spent the rest of the day wallowing in your room with your inner conflict. Even ignoring the invites from your friends to spend the day watching d—list romance movies to sulk. It wasn't until later on in the evening that you came out of your room.

The dorms were less lively, almost everyone going away to their rooms to do whatever. You were convinced you were the only one in the main area until you saw Katsuki in the kitchen, unfortunately.

Your feet were ready to take you back upstairs to hide from him. But he must've heard the creaking that happened under your feet and caught you. His maroon eyes piercing right through you.

Damn it.

"Hey, Kat." You greeted awkwardly, hesitantly shuffling into the kitchen.

He nodded at you in acknowledgement, continuing to watch whatever he had in the microwave go round. The kitchen fell silent while the cogs in your head worked together to find yourself an excuse as to why you were even in here.

You shuffled through cabinets, pretending you were looking for something in particular.

"Hey," Katsuki beckoned your attention. His eyes were still trained on the microwave but obviously he was listening and waiting for your response. You hummed in answer, halting your pretend scavenging and leaning on the counter next to the fridge.

"You have any clue who bought me that baggie thing?" As he continued, his head turned to you. Your eyes enlarged at the sudden question that was accompanied by Katsuki staring you down. You felt like you were under an intense spotlight and there was no way out other than to a) lie or b) spill the beans.

Your brain was telling you to just get it over with and do the former, admit it to him confidently like Kiri had been urging you to do. Face the consequences as they came and stop hiding. So, you inhaled deeply and exhaled.

"I— uh— well, I— uh..." If you had the willpower to face palm you would, but apparently none of the signals your brain was sending were making it through to your body. Because your mouth kept opening and closing, no confession or accountability flowing out like you had hoped.

The only you could do was heat up and start sweating. The spotlight was getting hotter and more blinding.

The urge to face plant into the island ahead of you increased when Katsuki narrowed his eyes at you. The intimidating look sending chills up your spine.

You coughed. Putting an end to your stuttering and stammering. Your eyes fell to the tiles of the kitchen, hoping they'd loosen up one by one and swallow you whole.

"If there's something you want to tell me, idiot, spit it out," The microwave went off but now Katsuki could care less. He was edging towards you, arms crossed and curious to why it seemed like you were being interrogated for murder when he asked what he thought was a simple question.

Just do it.

The phrase chanted repeatedly in your head. And with the last of your dignity, you finally fulfilled your brain's request.

"I did it. I'm the one who bought the candygram..., Kat." You started off strong, but moving onto the second sentence your voice began to mellow.

You wanted to look anywhere except Katsuki but the shocked look on his face, accompanied by the tint of red covering his cheeks kept you drawn in. This time around he was staring down at the tiles, probably wishing the same thing that you were just seconds ago.

"If you did it as a joke, id—" Katsuki was about to threaten you, ready to build his walls back up but your adrenaline from fessing up was obviously still surging through you.

"No! It wasn't to prank you or anything, I did it because I like you, Kat. A lot." You paused, inhaling.

"A—and I've been meaning to tell you but I didn't know how you'd react because you're not really open. But then Kirishima told me it was a good idea, so I—" Your real self snapped back to reality in the middle of your confession, and it was apparent as you began to ramble and scratch the nape of your neck.

"Alright, enough. You sound like damn Deku." Katsuki, thankfully, put an end to your tangent that you silently agreed did sound like Izuku.

You laughed awkwardly, hoping it'd ease the tension not only in the air but in you. It felt nice to get that weight off your shoulders but oh boy did you have a lot to face. Like for example, how did Katsuki feel? Did he even reciprocate feelings? What would your friendship look like after this?

You had to know. You were dying to know. "So?" You mumbled, now fiddling with your fingers.

Katsuki's hand was at his nape like yours was moments ago. He huffed, obviously looking for the words. "You know, if you're going to confess to someone you should be more up front about it." Katsuki took short steps towards you.

You just hoped he couldn't hear your heart banging against your ribcage, because that's basically all you could focus on.

"I know." You answered.

"Tch. And I guess in saying that I should be taking my own advice." He grumbled, moving his gaze to the tile again. Your body basically perked up at the sound of that.

"Katsuki, did you send me a candygram?" Your assumption aloud make Katsuki scoff, his face heating up more and his gaze wandering even further. Now that the tables seemed to be turned, you suppressed your laughter. You had been psyching yourself out this whole time but Katsuki was basically in the same boat as you.

"So, what do we do now, Kat?" You asked, you crossed your arms. A hopeful thought that since he reciprocated your feelings a relationship would come of it.

Katsuki scoffed, dropping his arm into having them crossed again. "What did I tell you about that stupid nickname, dumbass?"

You laughed at his scowl. Thankful that even after the sudden confession between you to didn't actually tint your dynamic like you theorized it would.

Katsuki huffed, not seeking to bicker with you anymore. "Are you free this Saturday?"

"Uh, yea—"

"Alright, then. Be ready by three." That's what you were left with as Katsuki turned on his heel and left the kitchen with whatever he had in the microwave.

Your mind was still registering what had just happened, but all you could do was thank your luck and Kirishima.

[pawsitivelymiraculous]

Le parfum de l'amour

This is the @maribat-secret-santa-2020 piece for @saltandfluff I am so sorry for being late!

Anyway, I will be using the quantic kids, but you don't necessary have to know them to understand this fic.

The only have to know that "Melodie" is Allegra's nickname.

Ao3

It was always a bad idea to try to mess with fate. Everyone knew this. Allegra knew this, but she didn't care. Not when it was taking a toll on her sanity.

There were only so many times a person could see two literal soulmates walk past each other before they decided to take matters into their own hands.

So that's what she did.

Or well, was going to do once she could convince her friends to help her out.

"I don't know, Mel." Allan rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "These things take time you know? You cannot rush it." He glanced at the corkboard that was behind Allegra and winced, it was going to be impossible to talk her out of the crazy plan.

On the corkboard, there were two pictures. One was a selfie of Marinette Dupain-cheng. A twenty-year-old who was a regular at the café where Allegra and Claude worked at. After chatting with her in the mornings, Allegra decided to adopt the girl, and she introduced her to the rest of the group. She quickly became friends with Allan and surprisingly enough, with Felix as well.

The second picture was a rather blurry photo that was clearly taken from afar. You could sort of make out the image of Timothy Drake. The sleep-deprived twenty-one-year-old who had started going to the café for about a month. All the employees loved him because he never failed to amuse everyone with his half-asleep antics.

The one thing that both pictures had in common was a coffee cup.

On Marinette's collarbone, there was a small tattoo-like mark that looked like a coffee cup. The same one that was on Tim's wrist. Soul marks . Granted, they looked a bit plain compared to most people's soul marks, but in Allegra's eyes, they were the excuse she needed to get them together.

Allegra had shipped her two favorite customers long before she noticed their soul marks. But now that she knew they were soulmates . Well, she was not going to rest until they finally met.

"I'm not trying to rush things!" Allegra insisted. "I just want to push them in the right direction."

Allan looked at her, doubtful. "That's basically the same thing. Plus do actually think that," he squinted to read the list of plans that was tacked on the corkboard. "'Locking them inside a room with no escape' is merely pushing them in the right direction? 'Cause I think that sounds more like a hostage situation."

Allegra glared at him. "You know what? I don't need your help. Claude will help me. Right, Claude?"

Claude looked at her with wide eyes. "Oh no no no. Sorry Melodie but I can't."

"Uh, I'm sorry what?" Allegra blinked. It was very out of character for Claude to turn down the opportunity to help her with one of her elaborate plans. Not to mention that in this case, they were doing it to help Marinette.

"Allegra," he said solemnly, "this is a destiny thing. We just can't interfere."

Allegra facepalmed. "You can't be serious."

Claude looked at her dead in the eye. "If we interfere we might end up," he leaned towards  her and whispered " cursed"

"Oh give me a break." Allegra pushed Claude away. "Are you guys kidding me? This is Marinette we're talking about. You all can't possibly think that Marinette wouldn't want to meet her soulmate, and as her friends, we have to help her."

"I agree with Allegra."

Everyone spun around in surprise.

Felix rolled his eyes at his friends' incredulous expressions. "What? Marinette is my friend as well. Is it really that shocking that I want to see her happy?" The three of them nodded. He ignored them. "Besides, I've heard Marinette ramble about soulmates nonstop, so it's clear that meeting hers is what she would want."

Allegra was the first to react "See guys? Even Felix agrees with me!"

Felix huffed. "Yes, but I also think that your plans are ridiculous and ineffective."

"Ouch"

"I think the best thing we can do to help is to get them to interact and we-"

"That's literally what my plans are for!" Allegra interrupted.

Claude crossed his arms. "And what do you mean by 'we'? I haven't agreed to do anything."

Shooting both of them a glare, Felix continued. "- can do that without needing to kidnap them. We simply have to make it so that they have no other choice but to sit at the same table at the café. You all know how friendly Marinette is, it will only be a matter of time before they start talking."

There was a beat of silence.

"That… that might actually work," Allan admitted. "Soulmates are naturally drawn to each other so once they actually have a conversation we won't have to do anything else. They can figure out that they're soulmates by themselves." He paused and then chuckled. "We'll just have to push them in the right direction."

"But how are we going to get them in the café at the same time?" Allegra asked. "Tim always comes in right after Mari has left."

"Pft that's easy!" Claude exclaimed. "Just tell her that you need help with something and that you'll need for her to stay a while longer at the café. Since Mari doesn't have early classes on Wednesday she'll agree and- oh!" Claude suddenly slapped his hand over his mouth as his eyes widened with horror. "This does not mean that I'm helping." He mumbled from underneath his hand.

Allan laughed. "I think you just did."

"Looks like someone's going to end up cursed." Allegra singed songed. "Not even ladybug is going to be able to help you with that bad luck that's to come." She teased.

Claude pouted. "Haha, laugh all you want." He then looked up at the corkboard and grimaced. "But you're right, there's no turning back now. What do you need me to do?"

Allegra clapped her hands in glee.

"Okay so here's the plan."

~♡~♡~♡~

Just like Claude had predicted, it was incredibly easy to convince Marinette to stay at the café. All that was left to do was orchestrate everything just so that the two soulmates had to sit at the same table.

It was easier said than done but after enlisting more people to help out, they were able to make sure that the café was full for that morning.

Everything was going according to plan…

Until…

"WHERE. IS. TIM?"

Claude looked around. "He hasn't arrived yet?"

"No!" Allegra cried. She glanced down at her watch and winced. They were running out of time.

Claude frowned. "And you know, it would have been nice if Marinette hadn't chosen today to wear a turtleneck."

Allegra couldn't help but agree. Sure, Marinette looked amazing with the turtleneck and skirt outfit but did she really have to wear it today? When they needed for her to show off her soul mark?

It was like the universe was against them.

But finally, Allegra heard a tinkling sound at the door. She spun around praying that it was Tim.

And it was!

He looked more tired than usual as he stumbled around trying to find a seat.

Allegra watched as Tim danced around the tables that were being occupied just as he was about to take a seat.

One after the other until finally, a good push later, he ended up at Marinette's table.

~♡~♡~♡~

Tim was too tired to deal with this.

All he wanted was to sit down, have a couple of cups of coffee at his favorite coffee shop and finally be awake enough to continue investigating the moth guy.

But apparently, that was too much to ask because almost all the tables were full.

"Sorry man," Claude whispered as he guided a couple and motioned them to sit at the table that Tim had beelined for.

"Oh, actually I'm waiting for Adam." Felix had said when Tim asked if he could sit with him. Which was strange since Adam had said that he was waiting for Felix when he asked him.

But he could barely comprehend what they were saying, so he was not conscious enough to complain.

Tim continued on his journey when he felt someone push him from behind. In his half-asleep haze, Tim lunged at the chair that was in front of him hoping that it would break his fall.

It took him a few seconds to recover. He wanted nothing more than to pass out right then and there, splayed out on a coffee shop chair as everyone stared at him wondering if he was drunk.

He too wondered if he was drunk, but he couldn't remember the last time he'd slept so if he was drunk, he was not going to figure it out on his own.

When he finally looked up, his eyes met with a pair of beautiful bluebell eyes.

~♡~♡~♡~

Marinette watched as a guy stumbled around the café until finally flopping onto the other chair at her table.

It was clear that he was sleep-deprived. She had seen enough videos that her evil friends had taken when she was in a similar state to know the poor guy probably hadn't slept at all for the last week or so.

Marinette wanted nothing more than to drag the guy to the nearest bed or couch and wrap him up in a bunch of blankets. Just because she didn't comprehend the term "self-care" for herself  didn't make Marinette any less of a "mom friend"

But she had to remind herself that she didn't know the guy, so it might be considered kidnapping to drag someone somewhere against their will.

Too bad.

The best she could do was offer him her own coffee.

"Hey, I think you need this more than I do at the moment." She said, pushing the drink his way as he stood up.

He mumbled something that could be interpreted as a "thank you" and eagerly took the drink. His eyes lit up when the heavenly liquid touched his tongue.

It was almost miraculous how quickly the caffeine took effect.

Actually, it was Marinette may or may not have mixed a little concoction she made with Tikki that helped her when she stayed up late with her regular coffee.

The guy blinked. "This. Is. Incredible."

Marinette laughed "Yeah, it's what I always get. Though you still look like you need to sleep."

"Yeah, yeah whatever." He waved her off. "But seriously, what is this called? I need a gallon of this."

"Sorry," Marinette said sheepishly "but I'm afraid that's a secret, you know, I'm kind of everyone's favorite, so I get the miracle coffee." Okay so that was a lie but what else could she say?

The guy pouted. Marinette had to admit that he looked adorable.

"Well, then I'm sure you can get me some then... um"

"Marinette."

"Ah, nice to meet you, coffee goddess, I'm Tim."

Marinette's cheeks heated up. "Uh, coffee goddess? Shouldn't they be the coffee gods and goddesses?" She pointed at Allegra, Claude, and the others.

"Nah, you have blessed me with this amazing coffee. Claude didn't even help me in my time of need."

"You know Claude?" Marinette asked, surprised.

"Yep, I've been coming here since I arrived in Paris, so I've gotten to know Allegra and Claude a bit."

"That's funny, I've never seen you. And I come here every day." Marinette said.

"Huh, that's weird. I've never seen you either. "

And from there they kept talking. Like they were old friends and not just acquaintances. Marinette found out that Tim had come from Gotham city. That he was in Paris because of business. Meanwhile, Tim learned that Marinette was an aspiring fashion designer and a college student who was close friends with almost everyone from the café.

Hours passed and the two were still deep in conversation completely oblivious to the crowd that had gathered behind the cafe's counter to watch the soulmates.

"I can't believe you didn't tell me about this before." Adrien, who had arrived after Tim, whispered to his cousin.

"I was under the impression that your father needed your assistance for the upcoming fashion show. I was not about to ask my dear uncle Gabe if I could steal you so that we could set up our friend and his future competitor, Marinette Dupain-cheng, with her soulmate."

Adrien hated to admit that he had a point. "Fine, but can you at least catch me up to date? Who is he?"

"He's a rich guy from Gotham city. He's pretty cool though he's basically Marinette when it comes to coffee which is honestly kinda scary now that I'm seeing them interact." Allegra whispered.

Adrien looked down to look at her. "Alright, I guess I'm going to have to do my own research since you guys are useless. What's his job? Why is he rich? If his from Gotham then who knows, maybe this guy is actually dangerous and wants to take Marinette as ransom for-"

"Oh please Adrien, stop with your theatrics. Do you honestly think that I would allow this if he was dangerous?" Felix interrupted.

"I mean-"

Felix glared at him.

"No?"

Felix sighed. "Timothy Drake is Marinette's soulmate, and I can assure you that he's clean. So don't worry about Marinette."

Allegra shushed the cousins. "Guys, I'm trying to listen here you know?"

"Um, you could probably hear better from up here" Felix nodded in agreement.

"Thanks, Adrien, but I don't want to risk Marinette seeing me and then remembering about time and stuff."

"Ah"

"Speaking of time, it's been years since I last ate, I'm hungry." Claude cut in.

"Claude! You're supposed to be with the customers!" Allegra whisper-shouted.

"Whoops."

~♡~♡~♡~

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. Marinette eventually remembered the reason she had stayed in the cafe. Not only that but when she looked at her watch she realized that she was running late for class.

After Marinette's rushed exit, Tim went back to investigating Hawkmoth. But while they were trying to concentrate on their own thing. Marinette with her class and Tim with his research they found themselves zoning out and thinking about each other.

It was strange, they had quite literally just met.

Why had they made such an impact on each other?

~♡~♡~♡~

It wasn't until Marinette was getting ready to go to bed that she found the answer.

"Tikki is… is that what I think it is." Marinette's voice trembled as she stared at her reflection on the mirror.

Tikki gasped. "Oh Marinette, I think it is!"

Staring back at her was her soul mark, which no longer was a regular coffee cup but rather a gorgeous cup with beautiful red flowers that surrounded a somewhat familiar symbol.

"But, how? I mean they're not supposed to change… right? And why?" Marinette's eyes widened. "Does this mean that I met my soulmate? Who is it?"

Tikki giggled, "You seriously don't know?"

"Umm no? Should I?" Tikki continued to giggle as her holder looked at her confused. "Who is it Tikki?"

"Oh Marinette, how many new people did you meet today?"

"Uh, I don't know? I mean surely I must've passed by lots of strangers in the street." Marinette panicked. "Oh no Tikki! What if one of them is my soulmate? I'll never find out who they are!"

"So you don't remember meeting anyone else?"

"I don't think so, well other than ohhh- "

"Exactly"

~♡~♡~♡~

Tim could not believe what he was seeing. Gone was the plain coffee cup he was used to seeing, the daily reminder of the fact that he was still painfully single, it now had an intricate flower pattern that surrounded a symbol.

He recognized that symbol.

After weeks of researching and tailing the red Parisian heroine, he knew that it was the Ladybug symbol.

But why was it on his soul mark?

Unless…

No, the heroine couldn't be his soulmate, Tim hasn't even officially met her. Nor had he even seen her today.

The only blue-eyed girl he had met was Marinette.

Marinette  

No, it was impossible. Except it wasn't. Tim had only known the girl for a couple of hours, but he knew that  Marinette would make a great heroine or vigilante.

But, he… he was probably hallucinating, right? Tim hadn't slept for weeks, so surely he was just seeing things and his soul mark was still a plain coffee cup and the Marinette conclusion was just wishful thinking.

Right?

Because otherwise, his first meeting with his soulmate was him acting like a sleep-deprived zombie and Tim could not allow that.

Well, one thing was for sure, he really needed to get some sleep.

~♡~♡~♡~

Three days.

It took three days for Marinette to find Tim.

She looked everywhere. The coffee shop, Le Grand Paris Hotel, the tourist areas, and when she was ladybug she looked down from all the rooftops trying to find him.

But he had vanished, leaving Marinette worried sick that he had either A. Gone back to Gotham  B. Died or C. Been so horrified that she was his soulmate that he decided to move to a remote island and changed his name in hopes of never seeing her again.

Gosh, she was starting to sound like her fourteen-year-old self.

But finally, she saw him, sitting on a bench, not far from her own home, looking down at his wrist.

He looked at his wrist like it was some puzzle he needed to solve. Marinette also noticed that he looked a lot more refreshed, so he must've finally gotten some sleep.

Marinette cleared her throat. "Well, you've been a very hard person to find Mr. Drake."

Tim looked up. "Ma- Marinette!"

"We need to talk."

Tim nodded his mouth hanging wide open as he stared at her soul mark.  

"How do you feel about coffee? There's a coffee shop that's not very far from here, I hear their coffee is divine.

~♡~♡~♡~

Bonus:

(this was going to be a scene on the fic but I didn't know how to add it but it has important info sooo)

*They are at the coffee shop*

Marinette: So you're red robin.

Tim: And you're Ladybug

Marinette: Should I be worried? Like doesn't this compromise our secret identities?

*Claude and Allegra appear with some pastries*

Claude: Yooo Marinette! So you found your soulmate! Crazy right? We totally didn't have anything to do with it!

*Allegra elbows him*

Claude: So uh, congratulations! I um feel happy for you.

*looks nervously at Allegra who is glaring at him*

Claude: Bummer about the soul mark though…

*Allegra keeps glaring*

~♡~♡~♡~ Permanent tag list  ~♡~♡~♡~

Claude: What? It's just a plain white cup!

Bonus bonus:

(here's a bad doodle and my crappy handwriting)

(If you want to be added or removed please let me know!)

@charme-de-malchan, @theatreandcomicfreak, @m3owww, @elliebelliegirl, @genevieve-the-demonologist, @vixen-uchiha, @t1dwarrior-of-earth, @waffleyunsure, @technicallyburninggarden, @azuremayscarlet, @vroomtaka, @emimar7, @ichigorose, @maskedpainter, @art-is-hard-to-do-sorry

[thoushallnotfall]

Blood and Water - Part 8

Previous // Masterlist

Pairing: (poly) The Lost Boy's x Reader

Word Count: 3.4k

Notes: Okay so as per the usual I would like to profusely apologize for the massive gap between updates. Moving really kicked my butt last week, so thanks for your patience with me folks; y'all are angels.

Next, I would like to say that this is not the last update and I am a 🤡. I didn't expect this scene to be this big, so yeah, we've got one more. And then my OCD will not be able to handle ending on a 9, so I'll probably do that bonus chapter so I can end on a cool 10. 👍

Also, as a note for this chapter it gets...kinda dark, and then it gets...kinda gross? I don't know; you guys can judge. When I die this is what they're going to weight my soul against.

Warning: Okay yeah this update is kinda bad y'all...I mean for me anyway. There's excessive murder/violence/gore, (basically just bonfire scene 2.0) plus there's some borderline NSFW stuff...like no actual sex occurs but like again there's a lot of questionable make-out content here...with blood involved...vampires?

Riding along behind David, you pull up to the outskirts of the dunes. He offers you his hand to help you off his bike as the other boys park around you. It's a different location to the one they brought you to before, but it's a similar set-up: with a line of trees overlooking a bonfire on the beach below.

You feel the excitement emanating off the boys in waves as they pile into one of the larger trees. You follow them, swallowing the lump in your throat as you feel the nerves knotting up in your stomach. You look up at the boys as they watch the scene below.

Paul was bouncing on a limb with unbridled joy, smiling from ear to ear as he looked down at his prey. Marko was just below him, smirking and chewing on his thumb as he barely contained his glee. Even Dwayne couldn't hide his anticipation for what was coming, a smile plastered across his handsome face. David was the only one able to keep his cool, though you could feel the excitement rippling off him as you sat below him in the darkness.

The scene was just like before--just like when they brought you and Michael along the first time. It was just as unnerving this time around, seeing them react this way--particularly when you knew what was coming. Only now you didn't have Michael there with you; and this time you would be joining them. You wanted to be one of them--you really did--but seeing them so excited for the carnage to come made you shiver. Would you be that way when you turned? Not just ready to kill to survive, but nearly falling over yourself with joy from the sheer anticipation of it?

You shake the thought from your mind. It didn't matter. You remind yourself. Because whatever the answer was, your choice would be the same.

You took a deep breath, steeling yourself as you focused on the task at hand. You look down, scoping out the situation below.

The bonfire was surrounded by a party of young 20-somethings. While the last group had been all surfer punks, this looked like a pack of college kids home for the summer: a few jocks getting wasted with their girlfriends. George Michael's "I Want Your Sex" blaring from the boombox. David looks down at you from his place higher up in the tree.

"I'll take you down with me." He says. The cliff was a far enough drop they'd have to fly down, and you hadn't really gotten much practice in with your powers yet. You look up at him, nodding in reply. He squints down at you, before dropping down to get closer. He gets to your level of the tree, resting a cold hand on your cheek.

"Don't worry kitten, you'll do fine." He assures you, his voice almost sweet. You must have looked nervous for David be be treating you so kindly.

He leans in, placing a quick kiss on your lips, before moving to grab you around your waist. "Ready?" You took a deep breath, nodding.

"Ready." You reply. You look back up at them, their faces now distorted; changed into their vampire forms.

The boys leap from the tree, David hoisting you up with him as he goes. You feel a rush of cool air sweep through your hair as you fly through the sky down towards the beach: and your unsuspecting victims.

The boys laugh as they descend on the party goers. David sets you down by the edge of the party before going to work; setting his sights on a drunk football player. Grabbing him, David bites his throat straight on, ripping it out. Dwayne was quick to take the other football player, snapping his neck in one fluid motion. Paul lands on one of the couples that had been making out a ways from the fire. He wastes no time, biting into the exposed flesh of the man's shirtless shoulder, blood dripping down onto his screeching partner below. Marko had taken one of the other couples; sticking his hand straight through the man's chest and yanking him off the now-screaming girl below.

You look on, frozen in place. The smell of the blood was driving you crazy; you felt your fangs protruding in your mouth, and you were sure your eyes had changed. But despite the absolute need you felt, you couldn't bring yourself to move. As much as you wanted to be with them, you were scared to be like them, and you were only now finally ready to admit it.

Too little, too late.

Your breath was coming fast as you watch the boys in their feeding frenzy, blood covering their mouths and bodies, and you felt a different need rising inside you, and that confused you--scared you. You really were becoming like them, pure instinct, and you hadn't even fed yet.

The boys were finishing up, with only the two scared girls left alive; huddled together and covered in their dead boyfriends' blood. David looks over at you.

"Y/N." You jump when you hear your name. "Come here." He orders, the sweetness from earlier replaced with a commanding tone. Jolted from your frightened stupor by his sudden change in demeanor, you quickly do as you're told, moving over to where the boys are waiting, corralled around the frightened girls. Marko, Paul, and Dwayne are all smiles as they watch you approach, but David could sense your fear, your hesitation. He smirks at you as you come to stand next to him, but you could feel their was no humor behind it. This was serious now.

"Go on y/n, we saved them just for you." He says, the smile on his face didn't reach his eyes. The girls whimper at his words, clinging to each other as the stared up at you in fear and anticipation.

Oh god, this was so much worse then when Michael had turned. The Frogs were kids, sure, but they were attempted murders--vampire murders, but still--and they were passed out. These girls were innocent, and they were still awake! Sure, maybe they looked like the type of girls who made fun of you at school, but did they deserve to die for that? Even if the blood they were covered in did smell so, so good...

"Something wrong, y/n?" David asks, a hint of a warning present in his voice.

"It's okay babe, it's easy!" Paul assures you, coming up to take your shoulders from behind. "A couple quick bites and you'll be just like us!"

That's exactly what you were afraid of.

"Come on baby; do this and you'll be with us forever!" Marko said, coming up next to Paul.

He was using the same argument on you that you used on Michael. Of course you wanted to be with them forever--your family too--but taking that next step was so much, and they looked so scared.

"Maybe we could find you someone else; someone a little more...palatable." Dwayne suggests, seeing your hesitation. Before you have time to accept his offer, David cuts you off.

"No: she does this here and now." David shuts you down. "We can't let these two go now, and she needs to accept what we are--what she is--and everything that goes along with that." He adds, looking at you.

You swallow another lump that's formed in your throat. You know he isn't going to back down from this, and that he was right. You already knew that this is what it meant--what it meant to be one of them. But it was one thing to know something; it was another to be faced with it. To have it staring you down with tears in it's eyes.

You looked at the boys. They stared back at you, all of them wearing a different expression as they waited for your next move. They all wanted this for you, to be with you, and you want to be with them. You knew that, so why was it still so hard? You looked at them, all covered in blood...

You stared at the blood on them. The smell of it all around you was already enough to drive you wild, but the fear of what they wanted you to do was enough to hold you back. The sight of them all covered in it, if you focused on that, on that smell. You focused on the girls, all covered in their boyfriends' blood. You could hear their own blood pumping as their hearts raced in fear--

Without even thinking, your body moves forward, biting into the throat of the girl closer to you. You hear the other girl scream, but it sounds far away, all your attention focused on your current victim. Warm blood flows into your mouth from the wound, and suddenly all you can think about is how badly you want more. You drink and drink, feeling your own heartbeat slow in time with hers until both had stopped beating, and she lay limp in your arms.

You drop her lifeless body in the sand, blood dripping down your chin. The other girl turns and tries to run, and you don't hesitate to run her down; quickly jumping on her back and biting down onto her shoulder. Just as before you taste the sweet, warm blood flow into your mouth, and you think you can never get enough. You release her when she's drained, throwing her body to the side.

You whine as your fangs recede back into your gums, your body sensing there are no more humans around to feed upon. You wanted more blood. You turn to face the boys as they approach you.

"Good job, kitten. I knew you had it in you." David says, smiling.

"There was never any doubt." Dwayne gave you a proud smile.

"That was awesome babe!" Paul said, beaming at you. "I totally knew you'd be fine."

"Uh Y/N, you gotta little something there." Marko teased, pointing at your blood-covered chin.

You stared back at them, taking them in. You were feeling a lot of things at the moment, but above all else you want blood.

The boys just happened to be covered in it.

"Y/N?" Dwayne called out to you, looking at you with concern.

You jump on him, knocking him to the ground as you straddle his hips. You cup his shocked face in your hands, licking up all the blood around his mouth and down his chin, before moving to kiss him wildly. You move to lick the blood around his neck, following it down until you're lapping the blood off his chest. Dwayne moves a hand to your head, burying it in your hair. He watches you, his eyes dark and full of need as he takes you in.

"Jesus." David mutters. Marko looks amused by the show; Paul just looks upset that it's not him.

Finishing with you task, you make your way back up to kiss him, your tongue now busy intertwining with his. You could taste the blood in his mouth, and you moan into him, your hips grinding down into his.

"Okay, so before you two go find a bush to have some fun in, are we all gonna get tongue baths or...?" Marko asks, quirking an eyebrow playfully.

You detach your mouth from Dwayne's and sit up to look at Marko. He was even bloodier than Dwayne had been--in fact, he was the bloodiest of the four; with blood dripping down past his ripped crop top to his abs.

Still straddling Dwayne's waist, your grab Marko's chaps and pull him down to his knees on the sand. You rip the tattered remains of his crop top away, revealing his toned, bloody chest. You bend down, starting with his abs, your tongue tracing the outline of each defined muscle. He smirked down at you, his gloved hand resting in your hair as he watched you work.

"Fuck. Do you think she'll always be this horny after she feeds, or is it just worse now because she's a new blood?" He asks, not taking his eyes off you as you slowly move your way up his chest, leaving a trail of kisses across the part of his chest his shirt had kept clean.

"Hard to say; we don't get that many new recruits so we don't have a lot to go off of." Dwayne replies as he lays below you. His hands were on you, his thumbs rubbing small circles into your hips as he watches you with Marko.

"Well I'm always horny as hell after I feed." Paul shares, his eyes fixed on you.

"But you're always horny." Marko replies.

"Yeah but it's worse after I feed." He shoots back, licking his lips as he watches you move up to Marko's pecks, where you find a whole mess of blood to keep you busy.

"Yeah no shit; it's worse for all of us when we feed. I was just wondering if we should expect this sort of treatment every time we feed, or if this is just a one time thing, you know?" Marko replies.

"She's obviously worse now because she's newly turned." David says, watching on with a lazy grin. "You remember how we had to pull Michael and Star apart earlier?"

"Ugh, yeah that was the worst." Paul rolled his eyes.

"She's running on pure instinct right now. Still, that doesn't mean this has to be the only time this happens." David smirks. "I'm sure if we ask real nice, y/n might indulge us--occasionally."

Your face is a mess of blood as you lick the last bit of blood from Marko's neck. He moves your face to his, licking around your mouth as you do the same to him. Both of you a mess of tongues as the occasional rushed, sloppy kiss was exchanged when one of you moved to reach a different part of the other's face.

The blood gone, Marko set to work kissing every inch of you he could. He moved from your mouth to pepper kisses across your jaw. His hands roamed your body, sliding down your back, your sides, up into your hair. He kissed his way down your neck, sucking hickeys onto your skin.

"Aw come on man; quit hogging her! It's my turn!" Paul whines. Marko rolls his eyes.

"Alright fine, take her." He says, sounding put out. Despite his tone, he's smirking as Paul fist pumps, rushing over to lift you off Dwayne and away from Marko's grip, practically throwing you down onto your back and into the sand in his excitement. He jumps over you, his arms falling to either side of your head for support as he kissing you. You taste the blood on his lips and you want more.

You move your hands up into his hair, yanking him down to deepen the kiss. You feel him smile against you mouth, enjoying your enthusiasm. You break the kiss, licking his lips and following the trail of blood around to his cheek. He practically purrs as you lick down his jaw, taking your time to get all the blood on his neck.

Your hands slide down from his hair to grab his back as you move to his chest. His mesh shirt was ripped and the top of his pecks were exposed and bloody. He moans as you move to lick and nibble at his collarbone. He stares down at you as you work, his blue eyes nearly black with lust.

You had barely finished cleaning the last of the blood from his chest when he pushes you back to the ground. He kisses you roughly, lightly biting your lower lip. His hands moved to grab the bottom of your shirt, but he's quickly lifted off you before he gets the chance to act further.

"Okay, I think you need to cool down." Dwayne says. "Marko?"

"Oh, with pleasure." Marko replies, a mischievous smirk spread across his face. Marko, Paul in his grasp, flies up into the air. You don't see where they go, but a moment later you hear a splash, and Paul cursing up a storm.

You set your sights on David, but while you were distracted with the other boys it seems he'd cleaned himself up; and apparently all the bodies too. You pout, and he chuckles.

"Don't worry kitten. Plenty more blood where that came from; and now we have all the time in the world to be together." He says, coming up to you. He tucks a piece of you hair behind one ear as he stares down at you. His suddenly sweet demeanor and the lack of blood to drink was bringing you down from whatever high you had just been on.

You lean into him, suddenly very tired. He smiles, wrapping his arms around you and placing a kiss in your hair. He smelled like blood and cigarettes and something you hadn't smelled until now; something that was uniquely him.

"We'll take you back to your mom's tomorrow. Tonight you should rest." He said. You smile, when had David ever been this openly nice? You knew you shouldn't get used to it, but you couldn't help but enjoy it while it lasted.

Suddenly, you remembered your question from earlier.

"Oh! That reminds me; if I'm supposed to stay with you guys, where am I actually going to be staying? Because I don't really love the idea of sleeping upside down like a bat--no offense." You ask, looking up at him. He looks at you a minute, the smirks.

"Is that the only reason?" He asks. And sweet David goes out the window. The other boys all laugh and you feel a blush rise to your cheeks.

Of course, they can read your mind now. They knew the real reason why you'd asked about the room even if you hadn't actually said it.

Sure, maybe it was silly to be embarrassed about it after you had literally just jumped them 5 seconds before, but that felt like a totally different person. Like David said; that was you running on pure instinct, where this was all you. More then that, it was something you had been thinking about--been worrying about--and now they all knew it.

"I-I'm just trying to be practical; it's not bad to think ahead." You stammer.

"On no kitten; we love that you're thinking ahead." David teases. You scowl at him.

"Whatever. Tease me all you want about it later; you still haven't actually answered my question." You snap.

"You don't need to worry. We already have a room ready for you." Dwayne replies.

"A room?" You ask.

"Yeah, it was a resort." Marko explains, having returned a minute before with a soaked Paul in tow. "A lot of the bedrooms sank too. Most aren't usable anymore, but a few are still totally fine. We just never had any reason to clean them up before now."

"So I'll actually have my own room?" You ask. "Wait, why didn't Star get her own room before? Why did you make her sleep out in that little nest thing?"

"Because she hadn't turned yet, so she didn't have to worry about the sunlight." Dwayne replies.

"Besides, she would have been fine sleeping the same way we do." Paul added, sliding up next to you. "And we didn't have any reason to give her a bed." He said, wiggling his eyebrows as he tries to put his arm around your shoulder.

"Ew, Paul you’re soaking wet." You say, pushing his arm away. He looks absolutely distraught at the action as Marko looks on, laughing hysterically.

"Of course, now that Star and your brother are together, we had to get another room ready for them. And she insisted we get one set up for Laddie too." David said, a sour look on his face. He was apparently not a fan of the situation. You leaned back into him, wrapping your arms around his waist.

"Thank you." You smiled up at him. He looked down at you and smiled. He leaned down and placed a long kiss on your lips; the scruff of his beard scratching your skin.

"Let's go home kitten."

[flameo-firelord-hotman]

Part 4

Pairing: Zuko x Fem!Reader

Genre: angst

Warnings: depression

Words: 2.2k

Summary: to everyone she knew, [y/n] was a peasant, destined to be a servant just like her parents. To Zuko, however, she was his best friend. After losing his agni kai and being exiled, [y/n] was devastated. She thought she would never see him again. Three years later, she almost wished he never came back.

A/N: here it is! I finally got it out after a busy few weeks :)

Part 3 <- Part 4 -> Part 5

Series | Masterlist

[Y/n] clutched at her chest. Her breathing suddenly became short and shallow. Her heart pounded relentlessly in her chest.

“W-what?” [Y/n] croaked. Her face contorted in confusion and shock.

“I know. It’s just horrible, isn’t it?” Azula lamented.

[Y/n] was speechless, but her mind rambled rampantly. What happened to him? How did he go missing? Was he taken? By who? Where would he be? She had so many questions, but it wasn’t her place ask any of them.

“But it’s strange,” Azula continued, putting a long, sharp fingernail to her chin, “the day Zuko disappeared, he wrote Mai a break up letter. It’s almost like he left on his own accord, like it was planned...”

But...why would he leave? [Y/n] was puzzled, and Azula, as perceptive as she always was, knew exactly what she was thinking.

“We called you here because we hoped you knew something that we didn’t. You are his best friend, of course. But, according to what you said, he didn’t give you any notice that he was leaving. What a pathetic way to treat his best friend,” she remarked.

“I’m so sorry, Princess Azula and Firelord Ozai. I really wish I could help.”

Azula turned her back to [y/n]. “Father, is there anything you’d like to say?”

Firelord Ozai silently shook his head. He never spoke a word, yet [y/n] felt terrified by the man, and the silent gesture sent shivers down her spine. Azula turned back around to face [y/n]. “You’re dismissed.”

On her way home, [y/n] did her best to hold herself together and remain calm. Some tears managed to escape. But once she got home, she collapsed. Streams of tears coated her face and neck. She choked on her sobs. She felt so many emotions, but, most of all, she was in utter disbelief.

Zuko was gone. Again.

This time he left on his own. But why? Was he really that unhappy? He had so many wonderful things: royalty, honor, prestige, riches and wealth, his lavish home--a royal palace--and a beautiful girlfriend among so many other things. Was it not enough?

Regardless of the reason, [y/n] felt just as devastated as she did three years ago. Only this time she blamed herself for being so upset. Not only did she push him away over something completely stupid, she also took their friendship for granted.

Zuko was [y/n]'s only real friend, and, despite being royalty, he was always so kind to her. She wanted to kick herself for not spending time with him that one day. She should've accepted the offer. She should've gotten over her dumb feelings.

Now, once again, [y/n] didn't know if she would ever see him again.

Days passed. Then, days turned to weeks. And weeks to months.

Like three years ago, it was hard to get out of bed, it was hard to eat anything, it was hard to focus on simple tasks. Some days, she felt sadness. Other days, it was anger. On rare occasions, she felt content, until grief would knock her down like a tidal wave.

[Y/n] kept the letter Zuko wrote to her under her pillow. It was the only thing she had left of him...a relic of a recent past, a brief reunion, that felt so long ago. At night, she would gingerly trace the paint brushed characters with her finger. And when she cried, she made sure her tears never touched the ink so that she could trace them again the next day.

Like three years ago, [y/n] faced reality and came to terms with what happened. Maybe her and Zuko were never meant to be. Or maybe the universe gave her what she wanted all those months ago: distance from the prince to kill her love for him.

Another evacuation of the city was ordered. This time, [y/n] had no idea why. She didn’t speak to her parents as often as she used too, and, with what happened recently, her mother was extra cautious about gossiping around her. [Y/n] didn’t expect anything crazy to happen anyway. They would leave, they would come back, and that would be it.

But when [y/n] and her parents marched through the streets back to their apartment, they saw something incredibly unusual. Messenger hawks were cawing and soaring all across the skies, and people in different colored clothing were bustling about all over the city. It was like they stumbled into a whole different world.

Groups of people wearing shades of green were earthbending to repair burned buildings. A few people in shades of blue were gently waterbending on people who appeared to be injured.

[Y/n] was amazed. She had only heard about other forms of bending; this was her first time seeing them with her own eyes. She had also never seen such beautiful garbs either. All of her life had been spent living in the Fire Nation, which was like living in a bubble. She genuinely had no idea what the rest of the world was like aside from what her parents had told her, which was not a lot.

[Y/n] was also confused. What’s going on? Why are they here? What happened? She wasn’t the only one who was puzzled. Her parents and all the other Fire Nation citizens looked just as confused as her. Particularly, the nobles seemed frustrated. Perhaps it was best not to question it.

As [y/n] and her parents quietly made their way to the apartment, they overheard lots of chatter...

“...Ozai imprisoned...” “...Sozin’s comet...” “...burn down Ba Sing Se...” “...Avatar Aang...” “...Azula should be next...” “...the last airbender...” “...just a group of kids...” “...this is treachery...”

And when they reached their home, they were met with a messenger hawk perched on their window. Her father removed the letter from the hawk’s leg. After a quick glance, he smiled widely and handed the letter to [y/n].

“It’s for you,” he told her cheerfully. [Y/n] raised an eyebrow and took it. She unrolled the parchment and, immediately, her eyes widened. She recognized the handwriting.

Dear [y/n], I hope you’re well. I’m so sorry for disappearing without saying anything. I can explain, in fact, I have so much I want to tell you! Before I do, I want to invite you to my coronation ceremony. Yes, you read that right! I’m going to be the next Firelord! If anyone should be at the ceremony, it should be you. I hope to see you there! Your friend, Zuko

[Y/n] stared at the letter, jaw slacked.

“[Y/n], sweetie, are you okay?” [Y/n]’s mother delicately placed a hand on her shoulder.

“I can’t believe it...” she shook her head at the letter. “Zuko is back, and he’s going to be Firelord!”

A long, scarlet red tunic draped over [y/n]’s body. The ends of the fabric trailed behind her through the air. Her shoes clacked on the marble flooring, sending echoes down the hallways of the palace. Her [h/c] hair was coiled into a bun and held together with a single, long, gold colored pin.

For the first time in a long time, [y/n] held her head high and stood straight when she walked. She did a complete 180. Her best friend had returned and she was more than excited to see him again. Today was Zuko's coronation ceremony, as well as a second chance to tell him how she really felt.

Sure, Mai and Zuko had a brief relationship when he first returned, and maybe that break up letter was just a way out. But what if it wasn't? And besides, [y/n] was tired of being sad and pathetic. She wanted to tell him. No, she needed to tell him, she had to get it off her chest, and she was not going to waste this opportunity.

The reception was held in the palace ballroom. It was a grand room, perfect for the size of the large crowd that appeared at the ceremony. Paper lanterns and drapes of all colors hung from the walls and ceiling, giving it a festive atmosphere. A small band played soft, up-beat music in the background. Some people danced, some mingled and others ate food that [y/n] could smell from the moment she walked in.

[Y/n] searched the sea of green and blue for red. It wouldn't be hard considering how few of her own people attended the coronation (so few, they stuck out like sore thumbs). Then, she spotted him, the new, young Firelord, speaking to a group of people that appeared to close in their age.

“[Y/n]!" Zuko called, waving his hand. "I’m so glad you could make it!”

“Of course, I made it. I would never miss your coronation,” [y/n] said, hugging Zuko before continuing more quietly, “especially after you disappeared again.”

“I know. I’m sorry, [y/n], I had to do it. But I should’ve told you. You of all people deserved to know,” he quietly responded in her ear.

Zuko tightened his embrace before pulling away and looking at [y/n] apologetically. She gave him a nod and small smile. [Y/n] didn't have the full context of what happened, but she knew her friend was sincere in his apology (though, that didn't diminish the pain she had felt).

“There are some people I want you to meet. These are my friends.”

Zuko gestured to the group of teens and kids he was just talking to. A Water Tribe boy and girl who were siblings, two Earth Kingdom girls—one with lots of makeup on and one who was blind—and, of course, the Avatar himself.

“It’s so nice to meet you all, especially you, Avatar Aang. It’s an absolute honor,” [y/n] said, bowing respectfully. Aang beamed and bowed in return.

“Soooo, Zuko, is this the girl you were talking about?” The Water Tribe boy, Sokka barely whispered, nudging Zuko with his elbow.

Zuko chuckled, “yeah, this is [y/n]. We've known each other for years. Now, if you'll excuse us,” Zuko spoke to his friends before turning to [y/n], “I believe we have some catching up to do.”

“Oh, yes we do!” [Y/n] said with glee.

Together they departed the group and walked out onto the balcony.

Outside, the sun was setting, radiating gold and orange hues, which merged into the deep blue sky up above. Only a few of the brightest stars in the sky sparkled. Down below, Caldera City glittered with lanterns, outlining the streets and houses of their people.

[Y/n] admired the view. It certainly wasn't often that she got to see the city like this. Then, Zuko began talking.

Three years was a long time, and this conversation proved it. It was long overdue. Neither of them realized how much time had passed, but, to them, it felt like they talked for hours outside.

Zuko explained everything as promised: the hundred year war, what banishment was like, what the outside world was like, how he really felt when he came home, when he realized that his father was an abusive, cruel leader and that his destiny was to help the Avatar, how he escaped, and all of the incredible adventures he had with his new friends, including the historic defeat of Azula and Ozai during Sozin’s comet.

[Y/n] was flabbergasted. “Wow...that’s...just...I-I don’t know what to say.”

“I know. It’s a lot to take in, isn’t it?” Zuko asked, leaning his forearms on the balcony railing.

“Yeah. I had no idea we were such a horrible country. We've been lied to and sheltered this whole time. It all makes sense now.” Zuko hummed in agreement.

“You’re so brave for leaving and going against your family. It must’ve been hard and really dangerous.”

“You have no idea.” Zuko looked into the distance and slowly shook his head. “But it all worked out, and I’m back—for good this time!”

"Well, you have no idea how glad I am about that!"

Zuko smiled and placed his hand on [y/n]'s shoulder, giving it a gentle rub.

"So, there's something I want to talk to you about," Zuko continued in a more serious tone. [Y/n]'s head perked up.

"Okay. I actually have something I want to tell you too, but you go first," [y/n] said. Her heart already began to race in anticipation.

"Well, I was thinking. You've been my best friend for a really long time…"

Suddenly, [y/n]'s palms sweated and her heart picked up the pace. She gulped.

"So, I was wondering if you'd like to—"

“Zuko! There you are.”

[Y/n] turned toward the doorway. She felt Zuko immediately retract his hand from her shoulder at the sight of a woman. A tall woman wearing a beautiful, wine colored, silk robe, whose dark hair was bunched up into two buns.

Mai.

“I’ve been looking all over for you.” Mai walked up to Zuko’s side and wrapped her arms around his bicep.

“Sorry, Mai. I was just catching up with [y/n],” Zuko replied.

“I see.” Mai turned to [y/n]. “It’s nice to see you again.”

“Yeah, um, it’s good to see you too.” [Y/n] couldn’t tell if Mai was being genuine or not. Likely, she wasn’t.

“Well, I hope you don’t mine me stealing Zuko from you. He promised to dance with me tonight,” Mai said, cupping his cheek. The two smiled at each other.

“Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten," Zuko said. "[Y/n], we’ll talk later, okay?”

“Yeah...”

And she watched the two walk away, arms linked.

[icollectyoursins]

Heyy!! Congrats on making it to 50 followers!! I know it's not much but sooner or later it'll grow big and you'll have tons of mini minions who love and adore you! + your writings too!!

I just want to say that your Caesar blowjob with a twist got me hooked on recreating questionable scenarios while I was folding the clothes and my brain said "How dare this person make me go horny without consent!!" Just kidding, I give my utmost thanks from getting my hormones set off from your writing❤❤

I just recently finished watching SDC and I'm in the big sad from seeing Kakyoin dying while listening to Goodbye Nostalgia before crying because the lyrics hit me so baddd

Would it be alright if I were to request a small scenario that Kakyoin survived the hit? I just want my cherry boy healthy and well dhdhdhdhdhvf

I also love my cherry boy, so yes. You can have that. Now I need to go mop up my tears because this whole thing was so sweet. This may be a little sad, but it gets better. Just... my poor boy, he needs to heal. Honestly, this was a nice break from what I usually write, so thanks for that! Had to hold back lots of happy tears with this one.

Kakyoin is finally released from the hospital after healing from his DIO-induced injuries and he could not be more excited.

Have a character, but no idea? Prompt list here!

Looking for more? Master post here!

WARNINGS: A little bit of sad, but mostly happy reunions! Paraplegic!Kakyoin.

Word Count: 1205

Hope and Recovery

     Kakyoin’s feet dangled over the side of the hospital bed. He looked at them with a sad curiosity, narrowing his eyes and focusing, willing them to move, to feel that tingle, the feeling of stretching them out. But, they wouldn’t. No matter how hard he tried. It was still too soon, according to the doctors. He couldn’t help wanting to be that tiny 1%, that little miracle person. For now, he would have to be okay with a wheelchair seeing as using Hierophant would be a little too odd for people who can’t see stands.

     He sighed, pulling his legs back onto the bed, arranging himself so he was lying down again. He smiled, staring at the bed table near his feet. Various pictures of smiling family, friends and whatever Iggy was feeling in the picture Polnareff took. A chuckle escapes him freely. Iggy had sunglasses on and what looked like a smaller version of what Mr. Joestar would wear on vacation with a small vibrant drink in the lower corner.

     Looking over to the calendar on the wall next to the clock, he checked which day it was. Of course, he knew what day it was, he just needed to keep reminding himself that it was happening. He was going home today. After so many months of healing in the hospital, he was finally allowed to go home. Home to his bed and games and beanbag chair, his dad’s awful jokes and his mum. He missed her the most, he thinks. 53 days travelling and then another 3 months on top of that was too much, to say the least. They’d visit, of course, but nothing compares to waking up to her cooking.

     Kakyoin laughs to himself, thinking of what his father and uncles would say at parties when he was a kid. He really was a mama’s boy and proud of it! He looks at the clock, then back to the calendar for the umpteenth time today, pinching himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. This day was finally here.

     And Avdol was late.

     Funny, the warm-hearted man was usually very punctual. Maybe Mr. Joestar was driving them. He and Avdol had grown close, sharing this room together while they healed. The Speedwagon Foundation had given him robotic hands, like Mr. Joestar, so it was a bit easier for him to heal probably. Meanwhile, Kakyoin chose to keep his legs. When he woke up, they had told him that there was a small chance that he would be able to walk with his own legs again and, by God, he was going to take it. Even if it didn’t work, he was sure they’d come up with some way to help him.

     All of the sudden, Polnareff burst through the door, flowers and balloons in his hands, smiling like a buffoon, not that he could blame him. His own cheeks hurt from smiling so much today which was only amplified by the grin he gave his friend. The two laughed whole heartily as they hugged, being careful of Kakyoin’s injuries, babbling about how exciting this all was. He barely remembered what they said! It was all a blur. Someone came in and gave him his clothes, then helped him into the wheelchair so he could change with a little help from the nurse.

     Everything was a buzz with excitement as Avdol pushed him down the hallway, flowers in hand and the balloon tied to the handle of the wheelchair. They all waved at the doctors and nurses, laughing about the good times of Egypt, exchanging inside jokes, the like. When they arrived at the doors, he saw Mr. Joestar and Jotaro standing together, a rare smile graced Jotaro’s lips as he saw his friend approach him, joking about him looking like shit when he could see how tried Kakyoin was.

     “I couldn’t sleep last night. I was looking forward to the morning too much.” They all smiled sincerely, Joseph clamped a hand down on shoulder, laughing loud enough to draw attention from the passers by.

      Looking out the glass door, his eye was caught by a familiar form. “Mom!” He said, putting his hands on the wheels and rolling as fast as he could towards her. She turned at the sound of her son’s voice, then grinned. 

     “Noriaki!” She ran to him, almost falling to her knees when she was close enough to hug him. He tried his best to catch her, pulling her close to him. They laughed through happy tears, reunited. She immediately went into telling him about what happened at home when she pulled back. His dad came over and did the same, kissing him on the temple gently, patting his back. 

     It was evident they were all happy to see each other, happy to get back to their usual routines. With these people around him, healing would be a breeze! It would be like it never happened. Perfect.

-----------

     “Oh, come on! No way!” Kakyoin shouted with glee, hitting the buttons on his controller harder than he was before. He was trying to beat Dark Link from Legend of Zelda 2, but to no avail. One final stab from the black pixel counter part and he was toast, dropping his hands to the couch and letting out an exasperated sigh. He looked over to Jotaro, who was trying to hide his smug smile. “As if you could do any better!”

     The two laughed lightly, reaching into the bowl of pop corn they had sitting between them. He closed out of the game, done with the fight for now. One day he’d get it. One day. 

     “Was there anything you wanted to play?” He asked. Jotaro shrugged. “There’s not a lot, but there is Super Mario Brothers. You seemed to like that last time. Until the Goomba.”

     “The what?” He looked over, confused and perturbed. 

     “The Goomba. It’s the mushroom thing that kept-”

     “Oh, right. Is that what they’re called?”

     “Yes, that’s what they’re called. Do you want to play it? If not, we could watch a movie,” Kakyoin mused, trying to get his friend interested. He heard him sigh and smiled.

     “Fine, I’ll play.”

     “Great! Would you mind getting it set up? I would do it myself, but...” He gestured to his legs. Jotaro got up wordlessly, getting the new game and setting it up the way he had taught him to, the proper way as he says. Kakyoin did whatever he needed to on his end, the familiar, joyful music filling their ears. He quickly reminded Jotaro how to play and then they set off on starting a new file. 

     Everything was going well, until the Koopas at the second stage. Jotaro made Mario jump on to the first one properly, and then hit the wrong side of the shell, making it barrel the other way, killing his tiny character. Kakyoin laughed.

     “Well, it wasn’t the Goomba!”

     “Let’s just watch a movie.” Another loud laugh made the taller teen hide his head behind his hat. He couldn’t help letting a small smile creep across his lips. Content. Glad that he has his friend, now and forever, as cheesy as that was. It felt nice. For both of them.

[loganisanobody]

@badthingshappenbingo

Tags: unsympathetic Janus, unsympathetic Remus, human au

Based off a fic I can't find now, if anyone could help me - Virgil runs away from Remus and Janus and has a panic attack on the train, so Roman, Patton, and Logan take him home and take care of him. There's a car accident? Plz help so I can credit the original author ;v;

*****

Virgil walked slowly along the sidewalk, taking in the evening. It was a nice night, as the sun setting cast pink shadows on the clouds, the birds chirped, the fallen leaves crunched beneath his feet.

He looked around at the empty street, looking at the different houses he passed. Then something caught his eye: a familiar red car. His heart rate sped up, but he shook his head and kept moving. There was no way.

But he glanced again, and there was a familiar white dent in the car, and he knew.

He broke into a run, with only the thought of getting home.

He sped around the corner. He could see it. Home. He was five houses away. Four. Three. Tw— Someone jumped out in front of him.

Before he could cry out, they had grabbed him, turned him around, and slapped a hand over his mouth. He struggled, but the taller man was stronger.

"Look, I found my guinea pig!" Remus said with the glee of a six-year old whose beloved pet had finally emerged from a hole in the wall.

The familiar car pulled up, and Remus started to push Virgil toward it.

"Get in without a noise, or your boytoy will be my new guinea pig," Remus whispered harshly in Virgil's ear. Virgil froze. Roman.

Remus gave another push, and Virgil allowed himself to be led to the trunk of the car. Remus let go of his mouth to open the trunk, but Virgil didn't dare make a sound. He looked up at the house, hoping Roman would glance out the window and come to his rescue, but Remus pushed him into the trunk and slammed the door over him.

A few seconds later, with the rev of an engine, the car started moving, and Virgil's hopes quickly died.

No one would save him now.

*****

Roman would have been more aware of what was happening, if he had been awake to be aware of anything.

He woke up moaning, his head bursting with pain, in the grass behind their house. He sat up slowly, taking in the hose still gushing water on one side, and then the shovel thrown on the ground on his other side.

Virgil.

He scrambled to his feet, grabbing the shovel.

Whoever hit him over the head would likely not do anything less to his boyfriend.

He searched the house, but nothing seemed out of place. Except that Virgil wasn't home.

Wouldn't he have gotten back from his walk by now?

Roman went back out to the backyard as he tried to think. He turned off the hose and sat on the step.

Someone had attacked him, but then left him alone. There was nothing missing, except Virgil.

He felt the blood drain from his face.

Virgil had had abusive caretakers, and he had run away from them.

Would they have been searching for him all this time?

He hurriedly pulled his phone from his pocket as he rushed to the front of the house.

"Logan? I think Virgil's been kidnapped."

*****

Virgil woke up feeling very stiff. He turned, and realized he was on something rough, not soft like his bed. And he was cold. Where was his blanket?

He blinked his eyes open, then shot upright.

He was in a bare room, on carpeted floor.

Suddenly, he remembered what had happened.

He scrambled to his feet and rushed to the door. Of course, it was locked. There was no window in his room, so the only way in or out was through the door. He was trapped.

He shook his head and took a step back, looking at the door. How strong was it?

He took a few more steps back, then ran at the door, throwing his shoulder against it. He rebounded and fell, pain ringing through his arm and shoulder.

The door hadn't budged.

*****

Roman paced back and forth in Patton and Logan's living room.

"What do I do?" he repeated for the millionth time.

"You wait and let the police do their job," Logan answered calmly, as though he hadn't been saying that for the past few hours.

"I can't just sit here!" Roman turned to look at Logan. "They could be hurting Virgil, killing Virgil, as we speak!"

"There's nothing that we could do. We gave the police all the information we have. They'll be able to get more using their own resources. They're better equipped to handle this. And anyway, Virgil's abusers already hurt you, they obviously have no qualms against it. Going after him, even if you could, would just lead to more trouble."

Roman growled and clenched his fists, and went back to pacing.

"Why don't we play a game? Or go for a walk?" Patton tried. He looked so worried, but Roman could tell he was trying to be brave.

Roman shook his head. "I need to go after him."

"How?" Logan asked simply.

"I… I could… I could go to the station where Virgil got on the train that day."

"Okay, what then?"

"I… I'd comb the streets, looking for anything suspicious."

"Suspicious?"

"A-a sketchy looking dude? Or! Or a sight of Virgil through a window!"

"I doubt they'll let Virgil near any windows anytime soon."

Roman growled again.

"Roman, the police are probably doing just what you described, and more. They'll find him."

*****

Virgil didn't know how long it had been, and he really didn't want to know how Remus came up with so many ways to "experiment" on him without taking him out of the room.

He huddled in the furthest corner of the room, knees drawn up to his chest.

Then the door burst open and Remus was in front of him, yanking him to his feet, slapping a hand over his mouth again.

Virgil struggled, but he had no more strength than he had the last time.

"Shush," Remus said. He seemed to be straining to hear something.

Virgil stopped and listened.

There was a knock on a distant door.

"Hello?"

"Yes, hello. Is this the home of Janus Orion?"

"No."

Virgil furrowed his brow in confusion. Why was Janus lying?

"Do you know a Virgil Orion?"

It clicked. They were looking for him. He could have sobbed in relief.

"No."

Virgil tried to scream, cry out, do anything past Remus' hand.

"What was that?" he heard.

Remus kicked him.

"My son, having sex."

"At three in the afternoon?"

"Do I question your sexual activities?"

"No, sir."

There was a pause, and Virgil tried yelling again.

"Sir, can I see your ID?"

"Do you have a warrant?"

The man grumbled.

"Good night, officer," Janus said pointedly.

Virgil heard the door shut.

No, no no no…

Remus held him for another few seconds, then shoved him to the floor. Virgil still tried to scramble past him out the door, but Remus kicked him.

As Virgil recovered, Remus walked to the door. "You'll have no food for two days, one for each time you screamed. Next time, I will drive down to Florida and take a friend for each time you struggle." He left, locking the door behind him.

Virgil let out a sob, out of some combination of pain, fear, and hopelessness.

His one chance at freedom, and Remus and Janus had been too smart to let him have it.

*****

Against Logan's advice, Roman had taken to staying in a hotel near the station Virgil had first gotten on the train, spending the day at the station watching, spending nights wandering random streets, hoping to catch any sign of Virgil, only going back to the hotel room to charge his phone or let himself finally sleep.

His phone rang, and he scrambled to pick it up. "Did they find him?"

"No, Roman. You know they have your phone as first contact."

"Then why are you calling, Specs?"

"To try, once again, to get you to come home. You're not going to find him, and you're going to make yourself sick." He paused. "Patton's worried. For both of you. And… I am, too."

Now Roman paused. It wasn't like Logan to admit he had feelings.

"Please, come home," Logan continued. "There's strength in numbers."

Roman rubbed his face. "I… I can't just… not do something, Logan. I feel like I'm at least trying by being out here."

"That is commendable, Roman, but Virgil would want you to be safe and to take care of yourself."

Roman sighed. "Maybe you're right, Specs. But, if the police give up, I'm coming right back out here."

"That sounds like a plan, Roman."

Roman chuckled, then sighed and started toward the hotel.

*****

Virgil sank down against the wall after Remus left. Everything hurt. He inspected his arms, covered in scratches and burns, new and old. He couldn't even put his sweatshirt back on for fear of aggravating the pain.

He curled his knees up to his chest and hung his head in his arms.

Then he heard a knock.

His head flew up.

Just a couple seconds later, Remus flew into the room, grabbing Virgil like he had before. Virgil gulped behind Remus' hand. Would he dare try to get the police's attention this time?

"Janus Orion?"

"I told you, that's not my name."

"Background check says it is. We have a warrant to search this house."

There were footsteps, first from downstairs, then ascending the stairs. With every step, hope made Virgil's heart beat faster.

Finally, someone appeared in the doorway, holding a gun.

Remus' hold on Virgil tightened.

"Remus Gaines?"

"Go away or I snap his neck," Remus hissed.

Virgil's heart seized.

"I can't do that," the cop slowly stepped closer.

"I'll do it!" Remus' hold shifted on Virgil's face.

Virgil stared pleadingly at the cop.

"Remus, let him go."

There was a terrifying moment of silence, then suddenly Remus pushed Virgil into the approaching cop and swerved around him and out the door.

The cop caught Virgil and yelled out, "Runner!"

She then looked down at Virgil. "Virgil Orion?"

He nodded.

"You're safe now, Virgil, we've got you."

*****

Roman was pacing in the bedroom, unable to sit still, when his phone rang. He dove for it.

"Hello?" he asked breathlessly.

"Roman Prince?"

"Yes, yes, that's me."

"We've found Virgil. He's safe and coming home now."

Roman heard a ringing in his ears. The next thing he knew, Patton was in front of him, waving a hand in his face. Roman also found he was kneeling, when did he do that?

"Roman? Roman? Are you okay? What happened?"

Roman looked around dumbly. Logan was standing next to him, talking on the phone.

"Roman, what's wrong?" Patton prodded.

Roman turned to look at him, mouth turning up into a smile. "Nothing," he said. "Nothing's wrong."

*****

Roman was sitting on the couch next to Logan and Patton, his knee bouncing anxiously, when finally there came a knock at the door.

Roman was at the door in two steps and swung it open.

His eyes immediately fell on the black-haired, pale emo he fell in love with, and he gathered Virgil up in a bone-crushing hug.

Though Virgil winced in some pain, neither of them let go until well after the police had left, and Patton and Logan reluctantly pulled them apart to drag them inside and close the door, securing them all back safely together.

[etlunainmorte]

A short instruction!

Please, watch the video to get a full grasp of what V would be doing later on in the story.

Thank you so much and enjoy the latest chapter!

***

❄❄❄

***

*Chinese Black Tea*

Directions

1. Preparation

Before making a cup of black tea, you're supposed to get a clean tea set ( such as a teapot, fair cup, and cups ), tea, and a kettle of boiling water prepared.

2. Measuring Out the Tea Into the Cup / Teapot

Measure out the desired amount of black tea leaves ( 3 to 5 grams for 150 to 250 ml of tea ) and put them in the cup or teapot.

3. Boiling Water and Pouring It Into the Cup / Teapot

Boil the water and pour it into the cup. If a teapot is used, you're advised to fill 80% of the teapot with water ( to avoid spillage when pouring ).

4. Observing the Color and Smelling the Fragrance

Steep the tea leaves for 2 to 3 minutes. Then you're highly advised to observe the red infusion and smell its fruity fragrance.

5. Enjoy It

As the tea cools down, you can fully enjoy its delicious taste.

*Chinese Walnut Cookies ( 核桃酥 )*

Prep Time - 55 minutes

Calories - 590

Servings - 4

Ingredients

120 grams unsalted butter ( 1 stick / 8 tablespoons, softened at room temperature )

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 large egg ( beaten )

1 1/2 cups all - purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 pinch salt

1/2 cup walnuts ( shelled, broken to small pieces )

Directions

Add butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar into a large bowl. Mix with a hand mixer on low until smooth.

Add 2 tablespoons of egg. Keep mixing until fully and combined.

Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until it just forms a dough. Do not over mix. It is okay if there is a bit of dry flour left in the bowl.

Change to a spatula. Add walnuts and add them into the dough.

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C ( 350 F ).

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or prepare a nonstick cookie sheet. Scoop about 1 and 1/2 tablespoons cookie dough and transfer it to the cookie sheet, 1 scoop apart from each other. You can also use smaller cookies by using 1 tablespoon dough per cookie.

Once the dough is divided, flatten the dough into a round disk, about 6 - cm ( 1/3 - inch ) in thickness.

Mix the remaining egg with 1 teaspoon water to make the egg wash. Right before baking, brush a thin layer of egg wash on the top of each cookies.

Bake for 31 to 35 minutes, or until the cookies are cooked through.

Remove the cookies from the oven and place them onto a cooling rack for 5 minutes. Then transfer the cookies onto the rack until completed cooled down.

You can store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

***

"You said, please, say yes." You excitedly informed him. "And I said, yes! I'm going to the New Year's Ball with you, V!"

It took the poet a full minute before he finally realized what you were talking about. And when he finally realized what your words truly meant, his eyes slowly widened and his mouth fell open in shock. He grabbed his messy hair with both hands and spoke, "That - that's your answer, right? You'll go to the Ball with me?"

"Hahaha! Of course, you silly poet!" You laughed as you threw yourself at him, hugging him and placing a tender kiss on his cheek. Oh, how sweet you smelled. What a nice morning, indeed! "See ya!"

And before V could even reciprocate with a kiss of his own, you took your hands off him, waved, and went back to your house.

"Wow, I can't believe it! She said, yes!" Nico, who was standing for more than a few minutes just outside the house and witnessed everything, said. "Ya know what this means, V!"

"And what does that mean?" V, who was startled and embarrassed when he realized that Nico saw you kissing him, asked, his eyes landing dangerously on hers.

With a huge smile on her face, she went towards the poet, flailing her arms like crazy and sending most of her groceries flying in the chilly winter air just like that day when she found out that Avery commissioned him to drive the restless spirit out of her mansion. V took a few steps back but, he was not able to escape when he has come face to face with the crazed Artisan, herself.

"Dance!" Nico screeched, sending V's ears into oblivion. "Ya must learn how to dance! Just like,... "

And V, who knew exactly what she was talking about, gulped nervously and spoke, "Just like,... ?"

This made the woman's eyes glow with an unexplainable kind of energy. "Oh, ya know! ELVIS PRESLEY!"

***

❄ Three Wishes ❄

***

X

***

"So, what do ya think, man?" Nico asked V when the video ended. "Ye can handle it, right?"

"Can you do that, V?" Griffon, who was flying just above the poet's head, chimed in.

"Master, can you move like that?" Shadow, whose large paws were on top of the table where Nico's cellphone was, added.

And V, who just saw, in full, excruciating detail, how Elvis Presley moved and wooed the female audiences who went wild for him, drew back and placed a hand on his forehead. "I,... excuse me. Before I,... completely,... lose myself,... !"

"It's too much for Shakespeare!" Griffon, who helplessly watched as Shadow went after V towards the bathroom, exclaimed. "Why does he have to learn how to gyrate and grind like Elvis Presley, anyway?"

Nico hummed, drumming her chin with her fingertips. "I have caught some news that (Y/N)'s stupid ex is attending the Ball."

"Ah! The douchebag ex!" Griffon added, trying his very best to ignore the pitiful sounds of V throwing up in the bathroom.

"Yeah, him." Nico confirmed. "And I bet ya he'll do anythin' he can to shame V in front of many people after what happened in the shopping district, now that (Y/N) has agreed to be Poetry Boy's date."

"Ah! What do we do?! We can't let Shakespeare eat someone else's dust!"

"That's why I'm pushin' him to learn Elvis! I'm a hundred percent sure he'll be a hit with the ladies, and Fleminger, being a huge Elvis fanboy, will surely like him. But, now, that seems impossible." Nico cringed, her nose wrinkling at the disgusting sounds she's hearing from the bathroom. It sounded as if V was emptying his breakfast of eggs, ham, bacon, and fried rice from his stomach in multiple sessions of puke, and she’s starting to pity him. "I mean, how virgin is that man, anyway?"

"Virgin enough!" Griffon snapped to cover up the truth that V have zero experience when it came to relationships and intimacy. "Anyways, look for somethin' less sexual than Elvis! Anythin'!"

"Alright! How about,..."

About thirty minutes later, V came out from the bathroom looking more peaked and weaker than ever before, like he hasn't eaten for a whole day. Despite that, he seemed determined to finally learn the ways of the King Of Rock.

"I'm ready." His voice, despite sounding weak, was laced with utter determination. "If (Y/N) enjoys such move, then I would gladly learn Elvis Presley for her. Anything for my sweet, little - "

Ladies and gentlemen, we've got a special treat for tonight!

I'm gonna call my friend Olly up here to sing to you ladies!

Olly!

Yeah!

Let's go, man!

Okay!

"Hey, man! Ye're just in time. Come here!" Nico called from the living room as some lively kind of music begun blasting from the speakers. The woman was also able to connect her phone to the television via a strange device ( V has learned not to question her regarding things like this and just allowed her to do her stuff ), and a few moments later, he found himself staring at the two dancers in the screen, completely mesmerized of their swift and exact, yet fun and engaging, movements.

My name is Olly, nice to meet you can I tell you, baby.

Look around there's a whole lot of pretty ladies.

But not like you, you shine so bright, yeah!

I was wondering if you and me could spend a minute.

On the floor up and close getting lost in it.

I won't give up without a fight.

V's eyes widened. The couple looked like they were really enjoying the dance! The movements looked snappy and hip, and the fast routine engulfed him whole in an instant! He even felt his toes and his fingers drumming to the beat of the pleasant sound!

He was interested! And this made Nico and Griffon nod in approval. Finally! A dance that was best suited for V, the mysterious one!

I just wanna, oh baby!

I just want you to dance with me tonight!

So come on, oh baby!

I just want you to dance with me tonight!

"What is this wonderful dance?" V asked as the routine ended.

"It's called Jive, V." Nico answered. "So, what do ya say? Wanna learn it?"

"Yes, please!" V answered with glee as he faced the woman. "But, (Y/N). Does she know how to do this?"

"She does! Actually, I think I've seen her dance that with Roman during his wedding party. You know, the day you wore that little lace garter on her thigh?"

Of course! How could he forget? His fingers gliding against your smooth skin as he slipped the little garter to your foot and wore it up to your thigh. And your shy, little smile and blushing cheeks as you looked into his eyes.

That lovely woman he thought he'd never see again,...

How could he forget?

And now that you have agreed to be his date, he will do anything to make that evening special for the both of you.

He will see this night through, even if it meant he has to learn some moves that could be considered out of his comfort zone.

He will do it for his sweet, little, beloved lady. He will do it for you.

And so, for the rest of the whole afternoon, V did nothing but watch Jive tutorials on the internet to learn the dance. With Nico and his familiars' help, he was able to learn it in only three hours. At least the basic parts of the dance, that is. With a few more hours of learning and practice, V was confident that he could master it in time for the New Year's Ball. He knew he will succeed and his hard work would pay off.

"I,... never really expected that I could learn something like this." The poet confessed as they enjoyed the snacks that Nico prepared for them - some Chinese walnut cookies paired with black Chinese tea ( she said it's for V's vitality, or something ). "It's true what they say: when there's a will, there's a way."

"Exactly!" Nico answered as she relaxed on the sofa, her legs crossed, and her fingers idly playing with the remote as she held the teacup with her other hand. "And with a few more practices, I'm sure ye'll snag the title of King! And (Y/N) will be the Queen!"

"I never wanted to earn that title." V confessed, taking a sip of the oriental style beverage.

"Why not?" Nico, whose eyebrows furrowed at what V just said, asked.

"Her happiness is enough for me. And her smile," V said, his own smile never leaving his gentle features. " ... is more than enough. Her happiness,... means everything to me."

To this, Nico smiled and shrugged her shoulders. "Of course. And I'm sure if it's you, she will smile. She will be happy."

"Are you certain?"

"Yeah. Wanna bet on it?"

V chuckled. "There's,... no need for that."

"Well, that's - "

Nico was interrupted when a portal suddenly appeared right before them. It was like - !

"HOLY SHEEP! WHAT'S THAT?!" Nico yelled, frightening both Griffon and Shadow, who were minding their own business in one corner of the room.

V, on the other hand, was not surprised. With a knowing smile, he stood and made his way towards the portal, waiting for,... something,... to come out of it.

And when someone finally did come out, Nico, Griffon, and Shadow could not help but be frightened.

"Just in time," V greeted the man who came out of the portal with a slight tilt of his head and a smirk. " ... as always."

"I'm,.... never late." The man with white, spiky hair and cold eyes answered.

"Y - y - you're," Nico stuttered as she pointed at the visitor. She was still scrambling on the floor with V's poor familiars. " ... Dante's twin brother!"

The eyebrows of Dante's twin brother shot up to his hairline at the way Nico addressed him. He sheathed his sword and decided to just let this blunder of hers slip through.

"Vergil." V greeted as he offered his hand.

"You still go by that one letter name of yours?" Vergil, whose presence alone was too much compared to the powers of V and his familiars combined, asked as he shook V's hand.

"Yes, and I prefer it to remain that way." V answered as he went back to his chair and gestured for his brother to sit opposite him. "You being here, I assume you've brought it."

"I'm not Dante." Vergil snapped, his eyes landing on Nico and making her even more terrified. "I always fulfill my duties."

"W - w - what's he sayin', V?" Griffon whispered as he grasped his master's shoulders in fear of the man.

"Master, he might hurt you!" Shadow added as she huddled close to V in fright.

And Vergil heard this. "What hospitality you bestow upon your guests!"

"Forgive them. They are simply," V apologized, and with one swift move of his hand, the two familiars went back to him in an instant. " ... awed,... by your presence."

"Intimidated,... is what you wanted to say." Vergil retorted.

"You know me too well."

“That is a vast understatement."

There was a momentary silence between the men, and a few seconds later, Vergil finally showed V the thing he was holding onto. It was an old and extremely heavy - looking ornate box that seemed to contain something very important. The half Devil placed it on top of the table and effortlessly slid it towards V. The poet carefully opened it under the eyes of the curious Nico, who stood behind him, and soon, their eyes were met not with some kind of treasure but of something that seemed much more valuable.

"Father wore that when he confessed his feelings of love to mother." Vergil explained as V took the old outfit out of the box to examine it. "And that trinket," V noticed the necklace at the bottom of the box and picked it up. " ... was his wedding gift to her."

"Wow!" Nico gasped in awe as V allowed her to touch the golden necklace with the most beautiful sapphire gem on it. "This looks really expensive."

"It is not only expensive. It is more valuable than you think." Vergil answered as he leaned against the table with one elbow and propped his temple against his fist. "You could even say it is more valuable than any mortal's life."

"I did not ask for this." V spoke with utmost sincerity. He only asked for Vergil's help with the vintage outfit. He never expected his brother to do more than just that. He was practically giving away their mother's most prized possession!

"And I did not ask for anyone’s permission or opinion to bring that." Vergil answered truthfully. "You are going to that Ball with the person you loved. If you have no intention, whatsoever, of letting her go, then you better do everything you can in your power to make her yours. Do as father did, and make him proud." And with a slight glance at the plate of Chinese walnut cookies on the table next to him, he added, "And that girl (Y/N) deserved that trinket more than Dante. He will only sell it to pay his mountain of debt, if I may say so."

"How could I ever repay you for this?" V asked as he put the trinket and the outfit back to the ornate box. "I,... don't earn much. At least, not enough to pay for something like this."

"You don't have to." Vergil answered as he stood and made his way to the center of the living room where he first materialized. "I've made myself clear. Make that girl yours and carry on a proper Sparda bloodline. If anyone should do it, then it's you. I can't trust Dante with it, after all."

"What about you, Vergil?" Nico, whose fear of the tall man in blue finally dissipated, asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Aren't you going to the Ball? You received an invite, right?"

"How did you know about that?" Vergil unsheathed his sword and pointed it at the ground, his eyes narrowed at the woman.

"Dante is a chatterbox, ya know what I'm sayin'?"

Vergil's eyes narrowed even more. "What else did he tell you?"

"Yer date dumped ya."

"Well," Vergil turned away from them, raised his sword high up in the air that it almost reached the ceiling, and made a portal that was similar to the one he made earlier to get to V's house. " ... if he really is that interested in that Ball, then I should go directly to him right now and shove those invites down his throat. Maybe then, he would learn that it is foolish to dive his nose on other people's businesses."

"I'm grateful for your help, Vergil." V simply said. "I truly am."

"It was nothing." Vergil answered but, before he could step into the portal, he turned around once more and strode towards the table, making it there in only a few steps due to his long legs. "Can I, ah, have one of those?"

It took V a few seconds to realize that Vergil was actually asking for some cookies, and when he nodded, the intimidating Devil Hunter, who lived a far more decent life than his own twin by slaying Demons and earning more money than him, gingerly took one treat, a noticeable blush creeping up his pale face, and turned around unceremoniously.

And without another word, he stepped towards the portal he made and finally left. But, not before V and Nico hearing the audible crunch of the cookie that Vergil just ate away from their prying eyes first.

***

❄ @la-vita , @dreaming-gamer , @clevermentalitybeliever , @birdgirl69 , and @v-vic . ❄

***

"Ya sure ye wanna watch that Elvis vid?" Nico asked as she stepped out of V's house into the cold weather outside. "I thought ya don't want it."

"I'm pretty sure." V said with a grin. "One song there actually,... lured me in."

"Ah, that song!" Nico thoughtfully said. "Yeah, that was nice. Well, be seein' ya! And don't forget to call if ya need help!"

"I sure will."

"Bye!"

Not a moment has passed after V closed the door to his house when Nico noticed your former lover coming out of your house, looking down and rejected.

And he noticed her, as well.

"What are you looking at?!" Christopher growled at her, making her draw back cautiously. He seemed really mad, and with the bouquet and the box of chocolates in his hands, it only meant one thing: that he tried to win (Y/N) once more but she rejected him. And this made Nico smile from ear to ear.

"Whoa, I'm not even starin' at ya, no!" Nico's sarcastic answer only infuriated Christopher even more.

"You, STUPID BITCH - !"

"AH, AH, AH! Don't try it." Nico warned with a smile, then, she pointed at V's house behind her with her thumb. "Remember that Red Grave Muckspout? The fat bird that tried to kill ya? It lives there now! Ya don't want it to hear ya, or else,..."

"Or else, what?"

Nico placed her hand on her hip and playfully waved at Christopher with the other. "Or else it's bye bye eyeballs for ya!" And with it, she trotted away, humming her favorite song on the way to her ugly white van with a neon sign in it that says, Devil May Cry.

Nico's actions made Christopher look at the house, and there, on that window, he saw the man called V examining a set of vintage clothing that looked far more exquisite than his.

Wait, vintage clothing? 

"Hey, V!" Christopher heard a shrill male voice coming from the house. V was not alone. "Ya think (Y/N) would like that necklace?"

"One could only hope." V answered as he took out an extremely expensive - looking jewelry from an ornate box on the table where the vintage clothing also came from. "But, for now, I want to practice more,… dances,… for the Ball."

"Don't overwork yerself, Shakespeare!"

"So! You're the one who took my (Y/N) away from me!" His teeth gritting in suppressed anger, Christopher threw the bouquet and the box of chocolates away and took out his cellphone from his pocket. Dialing a particular number, he waited until someone answered his call. And with fury - filled eyes for the man who was the cause of his embarrassment in front of you and your grandmother, he spoke, "I have a job for you,..."

You will pay for this, you, bastard!

***

❄❄❄

***

[theeighthtitan]

Shot through the heart

TW: Angst, violence, blood, hints at death, gore-ish, hurt/comfort

Baby’s first fic, so take it with a grain of salt I suppose. I just had it in my brain and then got real stuck on working on it and now here we are.

This was inspired by the weird game mechanic where your character has arrows sticking out of them and my deep desire to make sure no one died in Redcliffe. Essentially, Roslyn Cousland, Alistair, Wynne, and Sten go to Redcliffe to get to the Arl but have to deal with the undead instead. During the final fight near the Chantry, Roslyn gets shot (tho not in the knee, she can still adventure), Alistair worries, but everything works out in the end.

Also the title is because I am ridiculous. No actual heart shooting.

The sounds of battle fill the air. Shouting orders, clanging swords, blades rending flesh, and the cries that follow. Black smoke billows from the hills above. Its thick ash settles in the air, making Alistair's lungs burn and his vision blur. His muscles scream in protest from the strain of the fight. It has gone on for what feels like hours now.

But everyone is alive.

Well that’s certainly something, he thinks as he smashes his shield into a corpse and it's closest friend, sending them sprawling. One more rushes to fill their place and the arc of his sword cuts through its torso. His reward is the sound and smell of putrid guts spilling on the ground in front of him. “Eugh. Rude. Can't they learn to take turns? Form a queue perhaps?”

“Unlikely!” Roslyn calls from across the battlefield. “Undead aren’t known for their patience!” She crosses her blades at the base of the skull of the corpse trying to dismember Tomas and cleaves its head from its shoulders. It rolls away and she cackles at the sight of it.

She’s shaking the rotting blood from her daggers, steeling herself for the next wave, when Tomas sees them.

“Warden! Look out!” He screams, too late.

She turns just in time for the arrow to sink into her stomach.

And her thigh.

And her shoulder.

Before the last corpse falls, he drops his weapons and races towards her, catching the latches on his gauntlets and throwing them aside. When he slides to a stop and crouches beside her the dirt makes a sickly wet squish beneath his greaves.

The scene twists his stomach. Her skin is grey with ash. Blood, both dried and new trails down her nose and mouth. Tears have left clean streaks down her face. Her eyes are shut and she lies motionless.

He reaches out with trembling hands, careful not to disturb her wounds, and cups the sides of her face. She feels cold. “Roslyn. It's time to wake up now. The fighting is over.”

“Alistair.” She sputters awake, eyes tracking to him. “Hi.”

“Oh thank the Maker,” he says, touching his forehead to hers. He manages a shaky laugh at her indifference towards the situation. She is breathing. Shallow, hitching breaths, but he will take what he can get. And she is conscious. A little strange, perhaps, but what else is new?

“Mmm… d’they live?” she coughs, fresh blood dribbling down the corner of her mouth.

He lets out a bitter laugh. Stubborn woman. Selfless and wonderful and dedicated beyond measure. She will be the death of me. “Yes, they did. Everyone is alive. We won.”

She hums a pleased sound. “Mmm goo—aahh—” Suddenly Sten’s hands are around the arrow in her stomach and her blood is seeping through his fingers.

“Hey, hey, hey! You're hurting her!”

“We must stop the bleeding. Now.” Sten says.

"Le’s get… on with it” she says, breaths growing more labored by the second. She looks pitiful and brave all at once. Her thick braids are free from their pins and a copper halo of baby hairs have come loose. He smoothes them down as best he can. But her jaw is set, determination plain on her face.

Sten grips the front of the arrow to break off the head. “This will be painful, kadan.” She nods, steadying herself on the lip of Alistair's armor. One of his hands clasps the back of her neck, thumb rubbing circles on her skin.

“Say… things,” she pleads.

“Did I tell you about what Moose brought me the other day?” The dog has all but adopted him. She shakes her head. “A soggy cake. With drool and everything.” She chuckles at the thought of it. “Now who in the name of the Maker made him think that people wanted soggy, dog droo—”

The snap of the arrow and the sob that rips through her come almost simultaneously.  

Surging forward, he presses his forehead to hers and wipes away the litany of new tears as they fall. “I know, I know.”

“Alistair...'f I don’... wake up…” she says, body growing slack.

“Don't talk like that, you'll wake up, you'll—” Cold fingers on his lips quiet him.

“I love you.”

Her eyes are kind for a moment before Sten pulls out the arrow and she slumps forward into Alistair’s arms.

His body moves to lay her on the cot for Wynne’s healing magic to repair the wound the arrow leaves behind. But his thoughts slow, a jumble of words and feelings without form or name until in one glaring moment the storm coalesces into... I didn’t say it back.

Alistair stands next to the barricades where the dirt is black with her blood. The moon shines overhead, bright and clear, a spotlight he doesn’t want. His eyes bore into the ground, willing the place where her life almost left her to disappear. But it won’t comply.

I didn’t tell her.

Heaving out a sigh, he runs his hands roughly through his hair. “Rude,” he says under his breath.

He hears the Chantry door open and Wynne appears next to him, eyes following his to the mud. “She… well she's lost a lot of blood as you are aware,” she says, resting her hand on his shoulder. “But she's a strong girl.”

He understands the connotation. She's a strong girl but we'll have to wait and see. The uncertainty of it makes the corners of his eyes burn.

What if I never get the chance?

He looks up at the moon to still the tears that threaten to fall.

“I have to help the other wounded now. Go to her,” Wynne says. He cannot find the voice to answer. Instead, he nods. Wynne hesitates at the door. “And Alistair? For what it is worth, I think she knows.”

He finds her asleep, with Sten at the foot of her cot conditioning her gloves and warding away curious onlookers with a fearsome glare.

The room feels surreal.

In spite of their attempts to mop it up, blood still sticks to the crevices of the old stone floors and its rusty tang is bitter in the back of his throat. The scent of elfroot and the oils Sten is using to clean her leather armor hang heavy in the air.

She looks the same and like another woman all together, if that is possible. She wears a fresh tunic like a plea, a prayer to the Maker that he might make her whole again. But her skin is crusted thick with blood and dirt, the specter of a battle she might still lose. “She's a mess...” Alistair says.

Maker, I hope she knows.

He goes to her then, hands around hers. “I'll never forgive you, you know that? If you die and leave this all on me.” He brings her hand to his cheek and wills her to wake up. “I'm not nearly as pretty, or smart, or strong and no one will listen to me and this blight will never end.”

“Here,” Sten interrupts him with two buckets of hot water, a rag, and some soap.

“I… thank you,” Alistair says. Sten only grunts in response, returning to the foot of her cot to finish her gloves and start work on her boots.

As he moves the rag across her skin, the blood and ash and dirt give way to the girl he knows, the one before the battle. The one who raises a single eyebrow at any foe who thinks to best her. The one who has a lopsided grin when he tells a particularly bad joke. And the one who would die protecting a village of strangers in a land she didn’t know for a payoff she wasn’t even sure she would see.

I just want the chance to tell her.

The morning sun shines through stained glass windows, filtering in purple and orange. Alistair is sleeping sitting up beside her, resting his head in his arms, soft snores rising and falling rhythmically. The light falls on her face, warm and familiar. When it reaches her eyes, she stirs. “Mmm...Alistair?” She says, voice thick from sleep.

“You're awake!” He says, waking with a start, hands around hers instantly.

“Mmm,” she hums, smile forming at the sight of his soft brown hair pointing in all directions. “You too.”

“I…” I have to tell her. “Well. I had a bad dream. Thought it was time to wake up.” The words won't form on his tongue, only more jokes.

“I mean, you flirted with my uncle for Andraste’s sake.” He says, voice trying for carefree, but instead darkened with the guilt that has lodged itself between his ribs. “He is really old. Probably thirty or forty.”

The crinkle at the edge of her eyes when she looks at him says she knows, and somehow that hurts the most. But still she cocks a single eyebrow at him. A challenge. “In my defense, he’s quite attractive. He’s got an amazing jawline and a very pert—”

“A what? It wasn’t a nightmare then?”

The corner of her mouth quirks up in response. “Afraid not.”

“Should I let him know you're interested? I can go find him,” He goes to stand, but she doesn’t let go of his hand and he lets it pull him back down into his seat.

“Ah, well, there's no need. I've another suitor.” A rosy blush settles underneath her freckled cheeks. “You would like him. He’s got a kind heart. Always ready with a joke. Plus, he’s got great hair,” she says, reaching out to finger comb his back into place.

“Oh,” he says, picking at the edge of his fraying tunic. Just do it, you oaf.

He brings his hand up to her face in stumbling movements. When his hand begins to brush against the soft skin of her cheeks and she leans into his touch it emboldens him. “I bet he loves you very much.” 

“Mmm, I think so too,” she says, biting her lip to stifle a wide grin, but the glee in her eyes remains. “I will say though, he's kind of a royal bastard.”

ba dum tissssss