#i just had to get out something silly before i dig into the horror/sad parts

[polarsirens]

what could have been (i’m sorry thumbelina)

[lainylainyy]

Writing request:

Wally is "twelve apples tall". when average apple size is taken into account that means hes about 3ft tall

Reader is 5'9" (human, gender neutral)

Wally is unconcerned by this

Reader is concerned about alot of things

Namely why they're not freaking out more

Secondly why theres a blue dog suit in their new house

"silly, silly... you're my best friend :)"

(Affectionate!wally ok)

this was very fun to write! Sorry if this wasn’t exactly what you had in mind, but I actually really liked writing this, I might make a similar series to this prompt in the future! Thank you so much for your request ^^

word count:902

warnings/cw’s: none

Name) panted lightly as they opened the door to their new house. Don't get them wrong, they were excited to have a change of scenery, it's just that they felt rather exhausted. After a good ten minutes of dragging stuff inside from the moving truck, they decide to try to organize their belongings.They grab a box full of sentimental things, like childhood memories and they decided they were going to put these in the attic for safe keeping, so they wouldn't get lost.

Propping the attic ladder up,(Name) grabs the box and puts it under their underarm, beginning to climb the latter. Once they fully got inside the small space, they realized that the person that was originally inhabiting this house before them left a bunch of their stuff in the attic. (Name) sighed in frustration, to them, it was just more shit that they had to organize and toss out.

While (Name) was annoyed, a part of them was curious of what the previous owner could've left behind. They felt kind of bad for snooping through others stuff, but to be fair, they did leave it unattended.(Name) went through some of the boxes, and nothing was really catching their eye, old CD’s, family memories, things like that. They were bored until they stumbled upon a rather large box, unlike the others, this one was taped heavily, to the point they had to tear it open with their keys.

(Name) coughs as they open the box, whatever was in here must've been really old because as soon as it opened, particles of dust flew out. Picking up the first thing they could grab, they are greeted with a.. Weird blue dog head? This looks like something that would be in a old 70s cartoon. What is something like this doing here? Upon digging out everything in the dusty box, they find the matching body for the costume. For something so dusty, it still seemed to be in perfect condition.

They would have worried more about the dog costume, if it wasn't for hearing rustling come from another box in one of the corners in the attic.This immediately caught (Name)’s attention. Worried that a animal could be in there, they immediately drop the dog costume, dust off their hands and approach the moving box. Slowly, they pick it up and begin to pick off the tape, aiming the box away from them just in case the something inside was angry.

Aiming the box at the floor, (Name) lightly shakes the box, instead of something, like a cat jumping out, there's a small puppet with yellow skin that ragdolls on the floor. Confused, they slowly reach towards the puppet to lift it up. But before they can even get a good grip on the puppet, its hand reaches to grab (Name)’s wrist, their eyes widen in shock, dropping the poor puppet on the floor.

‘’Ah! W-What are you??’’ They say, speaking to themself in horror of what just happened.They needed to get the hell out of here.They began to speed walk towards the exit. But before they can exit the attic, they hear the puppet calling out to them. ‘’Wait.. New friend, dont leave.’’ The puppet says with a sad tone. (Name) breathes in deeply,before turning towards the puppet. At this point, the puppet managed to stand on its two stuffed legs, staring directly at them.

Slowly but surely, they approach the puppet. ‘’How is this possible? You should be inanimate!’’(Name) exclaims in confusion. The puppet chuckles in response, its voice was monotone, and it had a weird laugh.Fearfully, they approach the puppet, who is staying awfully still, until (Name) is about five feet away, and launches itself at them in a hug. This makes (Name) screech in terror, but the puppet refuses to let them go, enjoying the embrace of a hug, it's been too long..

It's been a couple months since (Name) found the puppet in the attic. At first, they were scared shitless because they thought it was haunted, but they quickly learned that it had no ill intent. They also learned the puppet had a name, his name is Wally. The first couple weeks, they were still scared of Wally, avoiding him whenever they were able, but Wally never seemed to mind, staring at them intently.

After around a month, (Name) becomes a bit more calm around Wally. They began to kind of hang out together? Sometimes they would watch the television together, that always ended up with Wally asking a question every five seconds. The point where their relationship began to grow was when Wally became more affectionate. He would cling onto (Name) a lot, hugging onto them or just leaning on them. Honestly, over time, (Name) became less afraid of Wally, and started to return the favor, which made Wally ecstatic.

They were honestly kind of confused as to why they weren't more freaked out, they most definitely should of told someone about this, but they decided to keep Wally around. Which honestly wasn't the worst decision they couldve made. Sure, they have to keep the small puppet man inside at all times for obvious reasons, peaking Wally’s curiosity, wondering why he wasn't allowed to see the outside, but over time they actually became somewhat grateful for Wally, for having a friend that will truly never leave,someone that was so affectionate.

[thotsonmediaiabsorb]

every thought I had about 'Not Okay':

I really liked this movie. I thought they accurately captured the spirit of of people my age and internet culture. Its one of the main themes of the movie but is not super cheesy and accompanied by silly graphics. Something that they had the money to do was use all real brand names which also influenced how real it felt because you weren't distracted by a silly name that is based off google but its not google its this universes google.

The dramatic irony was really felt throughout it. It felt like when you watch a horror movie and you're like "don't go by yourself!" because obviously. Even if I didn't know she got caught I think the dramatic irony would have held because you can really pin point right before she makes a decision that digs the hole deeper and you're just sitting there like goddamn it don't do that!

Dylan O'Brien's character was hilarious and absolutely awful. I thought it was fun that the first time he really notices her in the office, after she is telling people about what she saw that day, they have their first romantic moment in the photo shoot set up. Its all perfectly framed and they have the background and all that. And they had horrible sex! Not only was he just using her to jack off but he also was being so weird about her being a victim and being vulnerable. AND THEN GHOSTED HER AFTER SHE HAD TO GEt PLAN B. Fuck that guy.

At the party she goes to with him he tells her to take 10 gift bags because she can have as many as she wants and no one cares she takes him up on it, even though she doesn't need them at all. She just eats up that opportunity for excess.

I loved that she wore bike shorts under her short, culturally appropriative dress, and was also always pulling it down. That just felt like a piece of realism that's never in movies that I just found so relatable.

Similarly I loved that she wasn't wearing make up all the time. I really appreciated that it wasn't a no makeup makeup look, like she was pretty bare faced. And I like that they didn't do mascara running down her face for dramatic effect for the opening scene, I feel like they easily could have done that but the bare face was much better.

I also loved the french counting and the suspenseful music that it was a part of. It reminded me of the second Season of Fleabag with all the church music.

AND Mia Issac who played Rowan was phenomenal. Her spoken word performances were amazing. I felt like I really knew what Rowan was thinking whenever she was listening to somebody, you could really read the emotions on her face. The movie obviously was really focusing on her and Danni's relationship as the main relationship in the movie, as apposed to with Dylan O'Brien's character because fuck that guy. THAT FIGHT SCENE. Rowan and Danni fighting in the office was awesome. Because she really deserved it. And I am a total sucker for people screaming but I can't hear the words but I can read lips sometimes. Maybe its because I haven't seen her in much other stuff but she really encapsulated this character for me. And after Danni's boss kicks Danni out Rowans look of betrayal and sadness and rage and like the exhaustion you have after feeling that way. Loved it.

I loved how many parts there were. I was expecting it to be 3 parts when the first title card popped up, but then they just kept coming and I thought it gave the movie a good pace.

I also loved that she always had a bunch of shit in her hands, she just was always carrying too many things

[soft-boi-eli]

Hello Hello!

I just wanted to say I love your fics!

ALSO!

Could I request a CC!SBI X Gn! Insomniac Reader! Where the reader is an insomniac (Obviously-) but is somehow a pro at MC!

Like they are basically god at the game! They also REALLY enjoy horror games! They don’t get scared easily and LOVE horror movies! They basically love anything horror/creepy-

ANYWAYS!!

The reader lives off of ramen and Monster energy drinks (For fun-)! They have a Twitch (Which has about 18 mil followers and 14 mil subs!) and a YouTube channel (Which has 20 mil followers!)

They mainly play horror games (Obviously-) and MC!

You can do headcanons or scenarios/images with the SBI! Maybe like playing a horror game together or MC? OR! Maybe some things they do together? Or when they meet up? Or-to many ideas Nightmare-

ANYWAYS!

I don’t really care! And don’t worry about taking too long on it!

ALSO!

Maybe we could be friends? Only if you want too!

Remember to eat, drink, and get enough sleep!

<3

Yes. I lovesthese ideas and I'm gonna choose headcannons due to they are a bit easierfor me to write.

And yes I'm perfectly fine with being your friend! I'm actually happy to make friends on this app so yeah!

Pronouns:nonbinary

Tw: cussing. Insomia, mentions of horror movies. Mention of horror games. Fluff.

SBI with a horror streamer friend head cannons.

*Ahem* tommy wanted to paly a game with you so you choose a game that didn't look like horror until the middle. He screamed at the jump scare and it made both of your chats so happy.

When phil decides to play with you there is literally a silence after a jump scare. Everyone thought he had a heart attack and honestly so did you until he spoke up about accidently hitting his mute button when he jumped.

Wilbur. He's a bit better then tommy but more scared then phil would be. Any little noise won't get him but when it starts to get noticeable the noiseless to him. The jump scare, he'd fall out of his seat and stay on the ground for a bit. You ask if he's good and he literally doesn't answer. He's dead. You killed him. Congrats.

Techno. He'd handle them a bit better then everyone else. Not as good as you but heisnt very paranoid. He literally runs at the noises trying to get jumpscared. While you run after him telling him to stop because if he doesn't then you'd lose and die. And technoblade never dies.

If you all play together both tommy and wilbur pussy out. Techno last the longest and phil the second longest. While you remain the ruler of horror games.

Now how you all met was dream invited you to the dream smp to add to the chaos. Needless to say it got extremely chaotic due to you being on almost 24 hours. You first ran into techno. He seemed confused and skeptical.

You both found eachothers love for potatoes. You set up camp quote close to techno but not too close.

Phil popped in when he needed something for a build and noticed a new name. Talked to you in chat and asked to join your VC. You both found each other talking for a bit.

Wilbur was next. Wilbur got curious over the new person and just hoppedinto the same VC as you techno and phil. He was quick to realize that you were a famous youtuber. Mainly for your horror videos and your extreme Parkcore skills.

In minecraft that is.

Tommy noticing that all of you were in the same VC joined in with shouting. He was low key jealous that everyone was obsessed with you. Then he saw why.

You literally cracked jokes at his shouting.

"Is that an angry pomeranian? Nah nah. It's an angry child. Even better an angry blonde!" - you.

He was shocked and immediately started joking and laughing with you. He wasn't fully angry for long.

Now about your diet. When they heard that you had only eaten ramen and drank angry drinks they were concerned. You lived quite close to techno so when you guys met up he was shocked that you looked as healthy as you did.

He hated the fact that you literally didn't eat anything else.

You told him occasionally you have something other then ramen but you were just too lazy to really cook anything and that you didn't feel like burning the house down.

One month phil, tommy, wilbur, and techno decided to organize a month long sleep over so that they could celebrate your birthday. Phil being quote the father figure cooked different, but easy dinners every night just so you didn't eat only ramen that day.

When they actually arrived though you got a text from Phil asking about your address in your dms. Not think much of it you just sent him your location.

You were going to take a small nap. Just to bost your energy before you went and streamed later that night.

As you were sleeping there was a car heading to your house.

Phil, wilbur, tommy, and techno were all just existing in the car. And when they arrived to your house they didn't expect to actually see a clean house.

You woke to a loud knock.

When you opened the door in your half dazed state you expected a package. But to see four people standing on your porch.

You nearly jumped out of your skin.

You were stuck there blinking at them.

Finally snapping out of it you let them in. Confused on why in the ever loving fuck they were here.

Phil explained they were here to celebrate your 21st birthday and they were here for a month.

You stared at them for a while. Confused on what to do since you haven't had people over in almost 2 years.

But you got use to it.

So when you got done streaming and smelled something other then ramen you were thrown off guard. Like what was that. I haven't smelled that in years.

But after the second day you got use to it too.

For your birthday phil literally made a feast.

Like he found your favorite food other then ramen and cooked it. With that he prepared everything you could dream of.

Your sleeping habits. Let's dig into those.

I'm in no place to talk as right now it's 3:05 in the morning. And here I am.

But when they are over they don't let you stay up till no 3-4 in the morning. They all know the importance of sleep.

But there are those nights where no once can sleep and it results in a late night stream. And streaming for hours none the less.

The amount of accidental all nighters everyone has pulled was immense. But that's what happens with jet lag, adhd, and insomnia.

Literally you get tired randomly. Sleep for only 3 hours. Wake up. Drink coffee, energy drinks, highly caffeinated tea. And don't sleep till late at night.

Pillow forts.

It's a must and it happens. Horror movies, pillow forts, and snacks. Like you all are in this massive fort, watching horror movies, one by one you all are falling asleep. You and techno were the last up due to technos active mind and your body not letting you sleep.

You two literally just vide there, changing the movies from horror to some silly animated movies, like how to train your dragon, frozen, Luca, and many others.

You two pull an all nighter and it's actually a bet to see how long anyone else takes to notice.

You bet an hour. Techno says all day.

You won. Philza notices the worse eye bags under both you and technos eyes and immediately starts scolding.

He is papa bird and he won't let anyone of his children neglect their needs.

"Did you even drink water at all? You guys should of been sleeping not binge watching horror movies all night!" -philza

You could only offer a smirk, along with a laugh.

"I think we did I just can't fully remember. Also we were watching animated films. Not horror. Surprised you didn't wake up to let it go." - you.

You turn to techno.

"You owe me 15 bucks pig boy!"-you again.

Handing you the money he rolls his eyes. "Yeha yeah. Rub it in." -techno.

Ah yeah they found a horror game that you were scared of surprisingly. It was actually surprisingly you hadn't played it yet.

Outlast.

You had been holding off that game until you finished your other one but here you were. Bored out of your mind.

So you decided fuck it.

That game teriffed the shit out of you. It was so good though.

When you screamed they all came rushing up due to the fact that you never scream.

They say you out of your chair, on the floor, blinking. They thought you were hurt.

But you sat up and looked at your computer.

"Damn. That was actually really good." When you looked behind you and found the boys all staring you smiled and waved.

"You need something?"-you

"You screamed. We heard a thud. We thought you fuckin died!" -tommy.

"No I'm alive. My soul almost divorced my body but it's still quite here."-you

That day made highlights.

The popular y/n actually got jump scared. The one person who never screamed at horror games screamed.

When they left you were sad yes but they were still your best friends. Ready to talk when ever you want.

Sometimes I think that you guys talk all through out the night. Them forgetting that you were actually in a different time zone.

Sometimes they pop into your streams, be it MC, horror, you just talking to your fans, or even the once in the blue moon, cheerful games.

They just pop in and start talking to you. And you talk back like they were there since the beginning.

Phil is now one of your moderators too. Along with tommy, wilbur, and techno. When they pop in they make sure no one picks on you.

And since you are now close to the SBI. You are now part of it.

You didn't choose the fans did. But they are your new family. No matter what.

Even if they disagree with your eating habit.

Or energy drink addiction.

Or insomnia.

Or you mainly playing horror games.

Or you basically living in your streaming room.

Or even the nearly 24 hour streams.

I could go on but I'm not gonna.

I'm tired. But I can sleep. 2 days and I get to have a tour of my new school.

And it took so long to finally get into it.

We have been going through a huge hassle even before school started to get me enrolled.

And then we had to get me into this program.

But now on Monday I get to go in. Get a tour. Then start either Tuesday or Wednesday.

Anyway hope you liked. It's now 3:50 and it's no proof read I'm sorry

[1kook]

commercial break; SEVEN

this is part of my netflix & chill series ! happens a few months before part 7 

summary; And lastly, Jungkook will bring it full circle by indulging you two in some good old fashion spooky sex where he nuts inside you because the only thing scarier than a scary movie is a pregnancy scare. It’s a perfect plan.  warnings; horny jk, jk wants to roleplay... everyone point n laugh, mentions of his impreg kink lol, making out, tits, honestly jk is just very horny n in love lol, jk in a vampire costume w fangs O_o rating; mature (18+) wc; 2k

notes; if u don’t know who lindsay is first of all ur sick, second of all here’s my queen’s top moments. also i just gotta say, this was originally gonna be a larger fic (a halloween special) for my ncouple, but i got a lil busy with school n ultimately didn't have time to invest in this as a whole installment so..... enjoy this commercial break instead!!

Jungkook loves Halloween.

He loves the pumpkin carving and the decorating. Loves the spooky music and the abundance of candy. He loves it, absolutely adores it, and for the second year in a row, he gets to spend it with you! Yet another person he loves very much.

He doesn’t remember ever being this excited for Halloween. Last year, you had roped him into going to some frat party with him, had egged him on, begged so cutely that it was your last year in college, baby until he caved. The two of you had spent the night drinking until you blacked out, Ubering home with your costumes half on, and then unceremoniously fucking in his living room with the blinds wide open.

(The next neighborhood meeting had been very awkward for Jungkook.)

It was his first time ever drinking with you like that, and he vaguely remembers, through his own drunken gaze, how cool you had been. Had absolutely owned a bunch of greasy football players at beer pong in your little sexy nurse costume. And when the crowd cheered your name, shrieked in awe, it had been him that you turned to for praise. “Did you see me, baby,” you had giggled, crowded him against the wall of this random house until Jungkook was sweating profusely. In lieu of a costume, he had worn a silly jogger set with a skeleton design that was supposed to glow in the dark, according to Amazon. You had told him he looked adorable, had kissed and squeezed his cheeks until Jungkook was a flustered mess.

It was still early into your relationship— if Jungkook did the math, you were only about five months in at that point —so he didn’t know how else to cope with the rapid thundering of his heart, the confession sitting on his tongue, the then scary L-word begging to be heard. So, he took you home and fucked you until your little nurse cap slid off your head and you were begging for him to let you cum, thus earning him his first ever offense for violating the neighborhood rules (i.e., traumatizing a group of middle schoolers by fucking in plain sight).

Long story short, Jungkook loves Halloween, and he loves it even more when he gets to spend it with you.

(He’ll never admit it, but he’s a hard romantic. He wants to do cheesy things with you, like cuddle you into his arms when you get scared, pat your head until you can look at whatever is happening on screen again. He wants you to feel safe in his arms, wants to be your refuge when things become too much. He likes to think he’s done a pretty good job so far.)

Jungkook’s plan goes like this:

First, welcome you with that Halloween basket you’ve been sending him tweet links about all month. The cute little Jack-O-lantern candy bucket stuffed with candy and hair ties and a soft Halloween themed blanket. It’s so cheesy, makes him blush when he catches sight of it in his closet, but Jungkook will do anything to please you.

Next, after presenting you with your Halloween gift and having you coo and tell him he’s a good boy, he’ll invite you to break your new soft blanket in. The living room will be prepared with an assortment of your favorite foods, the flat screen ready to play whatever horror movie the two of you settle on.

And lastly, Jungkook will bring it full circle by indulging you two in some good old fashion spooky sex where he nuts inside you because the only thing scarier than a scary movie is a pregnancy scare.

It’s a perfect plan.

It’s the best way to spend his favorite holiday, with his favorite girl by his side and some of his favorite horror films on the big screen. Jungkook spends all of October geeked up for it, even considers hanging up lights around the living room to really set the mood. He’s so excited, can’t wait to spend another wonderful holiday at home with you, that he doesn’t fully realize why you haven’t brought up the long awaited topic of costumes.

“You like?” you ask, standing at the door of his bathroom with a sultry look in your eye, tits practically pouring out of the tight top you’ve wiggled into, skin oiled up scandalously. He fumbles with the fake vampire fang prosthetics he’d been trying to glue in for the better half of an hour.

He had heard the door open downstairs when you got here, had called out his mandatory greeting as he heard you come up the stairs. But none of that had prepared him for the sight of you in… whatever this was.

Jungkook doesn’t really understand exactly what you’re supposed to be dressed up as until the two of you are back downstairs—blinds drawn, full moon slipping in through the cracks—with some random horror movie pulled up on the TV. “I’m Lindsey,” you whine, brand new fluffy blanket wrapped around your shoulders. It shields your boobs from view, but he’s not sure if that’s a win or a loss. “From Total Drama Island!”

He settles in beside you, doesn’t get too comfortable because it’s nearing sundown now and he knows the herds of children are bound to start flowing in. “Uh huh,” he says mindlessly. His collar feels itchy, the overly-detailed vampire costume he meticulously scoured the internet for being one size too small. You snuggle into his side anyway.

“You don’t know anything about cinematic masterpieces,” you frown, avidly tuned into The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, because apparently you love horror movies all of a sudden, a fact that genuinely throws Jungkook off. He’s not sure what it is about you that had deluded him into thinking you would be a scaredy cat, but he doesn’t take the new bit of information too hard.

The doorbell rings right as the first gorey scene ends and you make a big show of huffing and whining as he rushes to answer it. But it’s only the beginning of the long night that awaits, and, as Jungkook comes to find, running back and forth from the door to the couch is harder than it seems.

Anyway, Jungkook’s neighborhood is a little posh, or ‘bougie’ as you like to claim, and trick-or-treating hours end a little before eleven pm. By then he’s tired, having refused your offer to switch places in fear that your boob might fall out of that scrap of fabric you call a top and earn him his second neighborly offense.

However, that doesn’t mean he’s opposed to your boobs falling out in private.

“Stupid,” you giggle when he gets caught in his long cape, the sound slowly melting into a whimper as he slips his hands beneath your top, fighting with the ridiculous push-up bra you’ve donned tonight. Hands tangle in his hair, mess up the careful side part he’d styled up for tonight, and legs lock around his waist. “Your curtains closed?” you tease.

He huffs, catches your chatty lips with his roughly, presses and presses until your mouth must bruise. He belatedly remembers about those sharp fangs he’d glued on—hey, if he was going to dress up as some gaudy monster it might as well be realistic—and doesn’t realize until he tries to bite your neck and you let out a little yelp. Truthfully, he feels bad right away, but then you’re practically dissolving in his arms so he plays along. “Shh,” he hisses.

The roar of a chainsaw and terrified screams fill the living room, almost drowning out the soft sounds you release by his ear. “O- Or what?” you pant, flinch when he pushes your sad excuse of a skirt up over your waist. “Gonna b- bite me?”

And so Jungkook does.

You shriek. “That hurts, you idiot!” you scold with a tiny whine in your voice, but Jungkook’s cock is so hard. Your tiny, tight outfit does you no favors. Tits in his face, tiny thong against his bulge. He wants to make you sob, litter bites and marks all over your skin until his love makes you ache. You must see the crazed look in his eyes, because you drop the scowl. “Hey,” you say slowly, hand on his chest. “You look like you’re gonna eat me.”

He lets go of a breath he hadn’t known he was holding. He wonders if you can feel his thundering heart beneath your palm. “Fuck,” he sighs, leaning away to regain his senses. Was it something in the air? Was it the fatigue? The full moon? Why did he want to fold you in half and fuck his cock into you until you were a crying, shivering mess? Something about you tonight, laid out for him to take, makes him feel absolutely insane. Starved and psycho; he just wants to take and take until you don’t have anything more to give. He purses his lips, tries to ignore the hot feeling in his lower abdomen when your hardened nipples register to his eyes. “I think I’m becoming evil.”

Of all the idiotic things his brain can come up with, this one is definitely top five. His cheeks flush right after, fueled by the boisterous laughter that escapes your lips at his statement. “Oh my god,” you gasp in glee, hands falling down beside your head. “You’re becoming evil?’

Jungkook frowns, flopping down on top of you to hide the embarrassment that paints his face. “Shut up,” he mumbles against your neck, warm and safe.

A hand cards through the back of his hair, nails dig lightly into his scalp. “Aren’t you the cutest little vampire,” you coo, seemingly ignoring the rock hard cock Jungkook presses against your thigh. He’s still so horny, has this sick thought that he could just pin you down right here, tear that silly costume to shreds and swallow you up in his lust. But your voice is so sweet, has his eyes fluttering shut as you gather him in his arms. “Silly vampire,” you hum, one leg thrown around his hip, a subtle roll of you hips up into him.

Jungkook huffs, licks a flat strip along the base of your neck. It draws a shaky exhale from you, has your hands digging into his back when he begins to slowly lap against the skin, nibble and tug until your back is deliciously arching up into him. “Wanna push you down,” he confesses quietly, hands securing themselves against your hips as he leans back. You're all dazed, eyes trained on his fanged mouth when he hesitantly adds, “l- little human.”

You could laugh, tease him for his sudden weird need to role play with you, but you don’t. A look of understanding crosses your face, sly smirk slowly following. “Oh?” you grin, hand coming around to cup his cheek. “The little vampire wants to use my body?” Jungkook tightens his jaw at your jab, but nods nonetheless.

You’re a feast before his eyes. Boobs in his face, pussy begging to be filled. You’re his, just like Jungkook is yours. And when you indulge him and his stupid whims—kinks, he should say, occasional interests that sometimes make him question himself—his heart feels warm and full. Proud and unashamed, like the truest version of himself when you look at him with those eyes. And your words only confirm it.

Your hands reach down for your top, pull the flimsy material over your head in one swoop that has your bra coming off with it. It drops to the floor. If it makes a sound, Jungkook doesn’t hear it over the shrieks of terror on screen. the blood deaths, the suspenseful music. All he hears is he hammering of his heart. 

It’s two of your sneaky fingers that come up to play, pinch one nipple tenderly as you meet his eyes. “It’s all yours,” you purr. “I’m all yours.”

And the thirst he feels, well. It’s a little vampiric, to say the least. 

—

Copyright © 2020, 1kook on tumblr. absolutely NO reposts allowed.

[twsty-lav]

Alright, Yuu's getting killed left and right which I imagine also causes trauma for the boys. Like with Floyd, after he punches Jamil, he turns back to grin at Yuu and just sees them lying on the ground dead because of his magic. Poor eel boy must have been shocked because, sure he beats people up, but he isn't a murderer. The fighting just stops and everyone stares in horror as Floyd slowly has a breakdown over Yuu's dead body. Even overblot Jamil is speechless, since he saw how Yuu died.

oh yeah dude.... u get it.... heck yes...

the funky freshest parts about this au? how many times you can write the aftermath and have it still be canon... 

Does the whole world eventually rewind after Yuu’s death? Or are they just hopping timelines and it continues afterwards? its so tasty ok AAAA...

yes i know im employing so much deus angst machina. yes i am enjoying it immensely. my trauma brings all the boys to the yard... cracking open a sad one with the boys....

tw i think! death and all those shenanigans

.

(Tastes like Floyd’s magic-- 

Yuu slowly falls to a crouch, fingers twisting into their chest with a twisted, heavy grip. “Floyd,” They wheeze, voice lost under the din of battle, “Fl... Floyd, stop...” 

The roar in their ears boil down to the static of TV, high-pitched quiet that digs into their ribs like a hacksaw. It’s the worst cramp they’ve ever had in the worst place physically possible. If they claw a little further, dig a little deeper, Yuu thinks they can feel the way their heart is swelling, swelling, swelling. It’s going to burst, they muse distantly, It’s going to literally burst. 

When had they fallen on the ground like this? Yuu pries open their grinding teeth, sucking in a reedy, desperate breath. “Floyd,” 

Schlirt. 

There’s a distinct feeling of something popping, like pus flushing out of an overgrown pimple. Except that pimple is their entire chest. It’s gross-- Kind of like the tadpole they accidentally stepped on when they were ten. 

Revenge of the tadpole. Yuu musters up a wet snort. “Worst... Sound effect... Ever.” 

And then they’re dead.)

- “Shrimpy? Did you say something?” Floyd’s having too much fun to really notice what’s going on behind him. His unique magic makes it a lot easier to deal with sneak attacks, see? He can put (most of) his focus on beating the shit out of  I mean lightly punching Overblot! Jamil. He trusts Yuu not to do anything too stupid, anyways!

- It’s only when he steps back and trips over them lying face-down that something seems to click. Maybe it’s the awkward way they’re on the ground. Maybe it’s the greyness of their face.

(Maybe there’s a part of him that remembers mangled limbs and reddening water and the sound of a breaking neck.)

He doesn’t know why, but he has an awful, horrible pit in his gut.

- “Shrimpy... It’s no time to take a nap.” He grabs them by the leg and starts to haul them off to the side, having enough of a brain to at least put them out of general harm’s way before going back to kicking Jamil’s ass. 

- He nearly drops Yuu instead when he sees the dark, wet smear-trail of blood on Scarabia’s nice white floors. It’s like the battle has stopped--The only thing he can focus on is the red puddle that rapidly pools to lap at his shoes. He’s still holding them by the leg, hand practically crushing their ankle--

- ”... Hey.” He nudges them with his foot. It leaves a brown smear on their uniform. “Hey. Shrimpy. Get up or I’ll squeeze you. I don’t like this game. It’s silly and boring.” Floyd yanks at their leg childishly, in a way that’s sure to hurt. No response. “Get up.”

“... I said, get up.” 

They do not, in fact, get up. 

- It’s only then that he drops their foot and slowly kneels down, ignoring the way the knees of his pants suddenly go warm and wet and sticky. It’s only then that he grabs them by the shoulder, gently (or as gently as Floyd could ever be) turning them over.

- “Yuu..?”

Anyways YEAH floyd’s 17 and a murderer lol.... thats gotta suck... he’s now legally obligated to join the Accidentally Murdered Yuu Foundation, at least he gets a new t shirt

[lady-charinette]

Omg could you do prompt 100 with Marichat!?

"Wouldn’t it be better to tell her even if the timing is wrong, than to never tell her at all?"

Tags: Romance, Hurt/Comfort, mild swearing, one-sided identity reveal

Relationship: Marichat (Marinette Dupaincheng/Chat Noir)

Word count: 1.945

___________________________________________

Chat Noir lived with his heart on his sleeve, baring his emotions that he couldn't always show as Adrien Agreste. 

But this time, Chat Noir had concealed his heart, kept it in the protective clutches of his claws to hide from sight. 

Especially from a certain blue-eyed friend of his. 

Friend. 

He swallowed, claws digging into his palms as he tried to breathe. 

That's the word he'd tried burning into his brain ever since he started spending more time with Marinette, ever since they opened up to each-other about their broken hearts that one fateful night. How he saw sides of her he only caught glimpses of at school. 

She'd started spending less time with him as Adrien, but had somehow acted...more friendly towards him at the same time. Her stuttering was gone around him now, she greeted him every morning, asked questions easily. He didn't seem to annoy her anymore. 

Chat Noir had started becoming a steady presence in her life, from silly balcony karaoke and dances, to movie nights snuggled in respective blankets, popcorn flying when a scary scene appeared. 

Of course, Marinette sometimes picked horror movies where poor black cats drew the shorter end of the stick, it was rare, 'to not traumatize him', she said. He enjoyed their time together all the same. 

Friend. 

The word he'd burned into his brain, but not his heart. 

He'd tried getting advice from Ladybug, with whom he had a better friendship with, she was friendlier with him too, started indulging in his puns even more than before. But he got answers he already knew, deep in his heart. 

'Tell her,' Ladybug had said, 'Your friend...this girl, she sounds amazing, she also sounds like she might have feelings for you too, Chat Noir.' 

Chat Noir retrieved the good luck charm from his pocket, the one Marinette had given to Adrien a long time ago, running the tips of his claws carefully over the pearls and shapes. 

He also remembered what he had told Ladybug too. 

'I...I can't. She...she's in a relationship with this one boy...' 

Ladybug had considered his options with this newfound information and her eyes looked like they tried to tell him a story her mouth couldn't. 'Wouldn't it be better to tell her even if the timing is wrong, than to never tell her at all?' 

So, Chat Noir stood there, on a rooftop opposite of her balcony, the dim light from her room illuminating the small space outside. 

Clutching his good luck charm against his chest, he safely stored it in his pocket before leaping off the roof, staff propelling him forward as high as his heart jumped in his throat. 

Marinette had heard the telltale thud of Chat Noir's feet hitting her balcony, even if tried being as silent as possible. 

She greeted him with a smile and a small wave, like she mostly did. Sometimes it was with a playfully annoyed frown, other times she would take the spray bottle in her hand when she was gardening and he was a little too close to a plant precariously positioned on the metal fence. 

"Good evening, kitty," her smile seemed to be brighter than the light and it made the frantic hummingbird that was his heart beat even faster against his ribcage. 

"Good evening, Marinette." He called her often by her name now, but the serious tone in his voice made her climb out of the hatch and close it, walking towards him with a worried frown. 

"Is something wrong? Did something happen?" 

He quickly shook his head, eyes downcast, staring at the silver toes of his boots. 

He noticed how small her feet seemed compared to his, almost as small as Ladybug's when they stood side by side. 

He sighed deeply, hands flexing. "There's something I have to say." 

Marinette nodded slowly, unsure what exactly Chat Noir wanted to say. Did he come to seek her advice about the mystery girl he liked? Had her advice as Ladybug not been good enough? What else could she tell him? She felt it was right that he told the girl his feelings, even if...that girl wasn't her. 

Chat Noir deserved to be happy, even if it wasn't with her. 

And then, finally, the secret that made her heart squeeze fell from his lips, but her heart squeezed in a different way, "I like you, Marinette." 

Bright green eyes seemed so scared, so raw and vulnerable it made her want to hug him and never let go. 

Her brain finally caught up to the exact words he said and she froze. 

'You' 

He said 'you'. 

Not 'her'. Not "the girl I like". He said 'you', as in her, Marinette. 

"Was he talking about me all this time? Was I the one he asked Ladybug's advice for?"  Marinette's mind was running a mile a minute, not seeing the crestfallen look on her crushes face. 

Chat Noir spoke softly as his heart was slowly breaking, "I liked you for a while now Marinette, but I understand you don't feel the same. I just...I wanted to tell you, I guess, a good friend of mine said it was only right I told you even if...the timing is off." He stared down at his feet, cat ears flattened to his head. 

His voice cracked, "I..." he cleared his throat, green eyes bright with unshed tears, "I just...wanted to tell you, and- you don't have to," he sucked in a sharp breath, his chest hurt, it hurt worse than the time he used Cataclysm on himself, "You don't have to say anything. I know." Chat Noir looked off to the side, a hint of bitterness mixing into the sadness. "I know about the boy you're...together with, so, um, I don't want to stand in the way of that. Don't worry." 

His eyes darted this way and that, missing the way her elated face morphed into confusion. 

"Wait, Chat Noir, what boy-" Marinette's mind was still stuck on the 'I like you' part, too stunned and happy to react quick enough. 

Before she could continue, he scratched the back of his head and turned his back to her, shifting his weight on the balls of his feet. "I think I uh, his name's Luka? Or Luke? Something like that. Um, anyway, I-" his voice cracked again and Chat Noir felt the first hot tears hit his cheeks, "I wish you all the happiness in the world, Marinette." 

"Wait, Chat Noir, you have it all wrong. I don't like Luka, I like-!" before the last words could leave her lips, Chat Noir was already gone, jumping onto the next roof, ears ringing too much from the sound of the blood rushing in his ears. 

The tears sliding down his face made the city a big blur, lights as smudged as the shimmering stars. "You deserve to be happy, even if it's not with me." his heart sank even lower with those words and he picked up speed to mend his broken heart. 

------- 

"-you..." Marinette whispered into the night, her heart as broken as the boy's who left her there. 

Tikki emerged from the protection of her room, quickly flying up to her friend's face. "Marinette! Are you alright? I can't believe Chat Noir felt the same! But he left before he could hear your answer, didn't he?" 

The sullen bluebell eyes suddenly hardened in resolve, "No, he didn't." 

Tikki's mouth fell open in confusion, "What? But- but I heard-" 

"Tikki, spots on!" 

"M-Marinette, what are you doing?!" Her kwami got sucked into her earrings and in a flash, Ladybug stood in Marinette's place. 

Red rimmed eyes stared after Chat Noir in determination, hand clenching into a fist around her yoyo. 

Finally, the simmering ire in the pit of her stomach turned into fiery rage. "You stupid cat!" 

With one strong leap, Ladybug was in the air, the string of her yoyo already catching a lamp post. Her arms burned at the intensity she used to propel herself forward, to match Chat Noir's speed. "I won't let you just leave like that!" 

Building after building Ladybug jumped and ran over, eyes darting every which way to try and spot sight of her wayward partner. 

The sun had set, it was already dark, his suit would be difficult to spot, Ladybug could only hope she could spot his blonde hair if he was still in the area. 

'Damn it! Where could he have gone so quickly? This is why I always grab his tail, he would rush head first into danger like this too! I always managed to grab his tail, but why not now? Why didn't I move!?' All these thoughts swam through her head, eyes constantly darting around to spot Chat Noir. 

Where would he go? Would he go home? Would he go somewhere to be alone? But where? 

Ladybug picked up speed and finally reached the Eiffel Tower, but no sight of the cat. 

The Louvre was empty as well. 

Where else could he be? 

Ladybug wracked her brain for any more places they visited often, anything that could give a hint that wasn't his home. 

The park. 

Marinette kicked herself for not thinking of it sooner, the park near her school. They often went there for ice-cream. 

And sure enough, when she landed back on the ground in front of the park, Chat Noir was there. 

Sitting with his back bowed, shoulders slumped, she could hear him sniffling and sobbing. 

Her heart cried out even more at the sounds, "Chat Noir!" 

He jumped up with a jolt, hands almost immediately moving up to frantically rub away his tears. "L-Ladybug?!" His voice sounded hoarse, thick with emotion. 

Ladybug crossed the distance in several long strides, grabbing the hands that tried to hide his face from her. 

She peered in between the gaps his fingers left and felt her own eyes grow misty at his puffy red ones. "Kitty..." 

"H-How did you- why are you-" his eyes kept darting everywhere but at her. 

Ladybug pried his hands away with a bit of force and tenderly cradled his face, green eyes staring wide eyed back at her. "M'lady-" 

"Spots off!" The command made Chat Noir still, eyes trying to slide shut but still catching a glimpse of the PJ's Marinette was wearing only a few minutes ago. 

"W-Wait, Mari-" 

"You impatient cat!" the words left her lips in a hurry, at the speed she couldn't muster before, "Why couldn't you wait before I finished talking?! Why couldn't you wait for my answer Chat Noir?" 

He didn't understand why Marinette was crying, he didn't understand why Ladybug transformed back and Marinette stood in her place. Had she been Ladybug this whole time? Had he been asking advice from his former crush turned friend for his former friend turned crush? 

"Chat Noir!" 

"S-Sorry! I'm here!" he clamped his mouth back shut after squeaking out his reply, eyes fixated on Marinette, who was red faced and angry. 

"I said I like you back!" 

"Wh-" and suddenly, her face was too close to his, his ears were ringing, his broken heart was slowly pulling itself together. 

Marinette stopped, eyes reading his expression, before she softly kissed his cheek and hugged him tightly to her. "I like you." She repeated herself, "I like you, kitty." and again, and again. 

She repeated herself until she felt arms slowly wrap around her back, one hand cradling her head, his whole body shaking. 

"I like you." 

Chat Noir let the tears fall, soaking into her PJ's but his lips were stretched into a wide smile. 

"I like you too, Marinette."

Thanks for reading! :3

[sparklingpax]

sorry bout any typos aaaaA o///o’’

Ratchet is much more of a scaredy-cat than he lets on, and he hates that about himself. He tries to control himself but sometimes, he has a nightmare that was too disturbing, hears a noise that makes his blood run cold, or sees shadows in the dark that make him feel as if there's an unwanted presence.

But Optimus is always there to reassure him, to comfort him when he freaks out.

So one night, Ratchet peers over the shoulders of Miko and Rafael, wondering what it is on the TV that's kept them quiet for such a record amount of time. 

It's dark and it seems...they're watching a particularly disturbing horror movie. Ratchet watches for a little, feeling is plating crawl with discomfort as the minutes pass and a lone boy crawls through the halls, terrified. 

Ratchet swallows, equally as scared. He starts to shake as a shadow covers the boy and at the other end of the hall, no one comes forth. 

There’s a blood-curdling cry for help, then nothing. The medic tightens his grip on the tool he’s holding, wondering why he’s frozen in place like this. The camera pans around to the back of the hall, blood and claw marks scored across the walls, the floor, and the ceiling. 

The....thing everyone's been running from finally rises from the shadows, dripping in fluids Ratchet wishes he knew nothing about. 

By this point, to his absolute surprise, the children are fast asleep, having been bored by the film's initial slow pace.

The thing onscreen makes one horrifying scream and stumbles closer, and Ratchet is Done.

He utters a choked, whimpered noise, feeling his chest tighten. He did not want to see that, he hated it, and that was all he needed to finally snap out of his trance. Dropping his makeshift wielding tool to the ground with a resounding clanging noise, Ratchet transforms impulsively, and leaves. 

In the middle of the night, Ratchet goes for a drive under the stars to calm down.

Optimus hears the commotion from his room and steps out to see. He peaks his head around the corner of the hallway, wondering who--besides the kids--could be up this late? 

Looking around, the abandoned tool glinting in the dim light catches his attention. He strides over and picks it up, knowing who it belongs to. He then notices the small, glowing TV screen, still playing that movie from a while before. Onscreen, Optimus witnesses the monster as it screams again and digs its sharp claws into a human corpse, ripping it apart hungrily.

He instantly knows what had just happened.

Optimus transforms and chases Ratchet down, finding him not too far down the main road near the base. The ambulance driving at a ticket-worthy speed, repeating to himself over and over something in Cybertronian, swerving from left to right just slightly.

He slides up next to him. "Ratchet?"

The medic utters a yelp of surprise, speeding up briefly, then he registers the voice and backtracks, slowing down again. They drive quietly for quite a bit, until Ratchet sighs. 

"I'm no good Optimus, I just get more jumpy as I get older, more afraid of everything. I can't be a real Autobot like this...." He sighs once again, more deeply, shakily, "I'm sorry.."  His voice is a mix of frustration, shame, and sadness. Optimus feels a spark of frustration himself--but not at Ratchet. 

Not on my watch. Ratchet of all bots will not be made to feel unhappy over something like this, something that isn’t his fault. 

"Old friend, you are more deserving of the name than anyone else." Optimus tells him almost immediately, firmly. He pauses, then laughs a little embarrassedly. "Well, everyone on this team is.... don't tell anyone I said that..." he tries almost instantly to correct himself. 

Ratchet feels a twinge of amusement and laughs a little. It reminds him of a mother accidentally telling her favorite that they’re her favorite. 

Optimus feels warm hearing the laugh, relieved that he seemed to be calming down gradually. He finishes what he had meant to say.

"Remember that you must never let yourself think it is a flaw to be afraid, even of small things. All of us fear, and those who claim they do not...have the most fear in their hearts. An Autobot is not how many Decepticons he can stare down without care, it is how many lives he can keep, but at the core of it all, it is really the good intent of his spark. It is that he was given life by Primus, and chose to be an Autobot out of the will to help others and protect them."

Ratchet and Optimus roll to a halt in the middle of the road, feeling a soft breeze dance against their plating. The stars sparkle noiselessly above, like precious stones in a dark cave of rock.

"You...you won't tell the others of this, will you, Optimus?" The medic asks quietly, shifting back a little. Optimus smiles internally, chuckling.

"No. And that is a promise, old friend."

They drive back in silence. Except for the part where Optimus tells him about all the silly things he feared as a young bot, that Alpha Trion comforted him and taught him about.

"I saw a scroll that told of the end of the world, and I believed it! And...." He laughs. "So did Megatron."

"You're joking!"

"I tell no lies, old friend."

“That’s what you two were up to at that park! Now I remember! How long ago was that...” 

///

Back at the base, when the kids wake up in the morning, they find the movie has long finished, and Ratchet is still at his workstation. Optimus is standing nearby. The two of them have funny looks on their faces.

Miko is awake instantly and nudges Raf, who gives a small cry of protest as he yawns.

"You see the way they're looking at each other?" She whispers. "Isn't it strange??"

Raf squints at them, still only half awake.

"Miko, the strange thing here is how Ratchet still hasn't finished constructing his new tool....thought he only had wielding to do..." The boy yawns again, half tempted to go back to sleep. 

The two mechs continually slide (what they think are) hidden glances to each other. Ratchet motions for Optimus to come look at his work from much closer. The Autobot leader complies, placing a gentle hand on the medic’s shoulder. He smiles almost proudly as Ratchet chatters on about the intricate details of it. 

Miko folds her arms.

"Hmmm..."

[morgana-ren]

Empty

Another small short for Shigaraki this time. I’m sure it had a point originally. Yandere Shigaraki and his captive darling and him being a real dick about proving that you’re better off at his side under his protection than you are on your own in the cruel, cruel world. After all, better the devil you know that the devil you don’t.

Warnings: Kidnapping, allusions to death, rotting corpses and rot (indiscernible animal), noncon, captivity, Shig being fuckin’ mean as usual, purple prose again, whump I guess? (In my sister’s words “It’s sad. Is it supposed to be this sad?”)

Rating: Definitely E on this one.

You can tell a lot about someone by their eyes. 

Eyes are how we see the world, but in equal capacity, it’s also how the world sees us. Someone’s eyes, unlike their mouths, don’t have the same capability to lie. They can be a tell-all when we’re reluctant or can express the things we don’t have the courage to say. The things you can learn can be overwhelming. Sometimes you see too much. Sometimes not enough.

And when you looked into his eyes, it was like there was nothing inside them. Nothing at all. 

His eyes were beautiful, even if you couldn’t see any of your own humanity mirrored back at you in your reflection. Stark red and violent, an open wound bleeding contempt for the waking world and everyone in it. 

It hurts you more than you care to admit to know that you’re included in the group he believes to be the scum beneath his ruby red shoes. 

Even as he watches you now through narrow lids with a casual sense of detachment, every bone in your body longs to see something in those eyes other than carefully concealed disgust. Something. Anything. Some shining light of pride or care or even just simple recognition that you aren’t just a parasite that clings to him for some sick sense of purpose, even if he is the one who has bound you here.

But you know that’s impossible. Even if he wanted to. Even if he had the capability. 

Truthfully, you’re not sure what it would be like if he did.

The closest you will ever get is that he allows you to ride his coattails alongside the dirt and mud, slowly shrinking in the darkness of his shadow as you follow behind him and stare resentfully as he eclipses the sun and all the light it brings. It’s impossible to bloom without nurture and care but somehow, like a weed, you’ve found a way to stay alive in an environment that wholly starves you and deprives you of love and affection. He makes you whole. He makes you real. 

He makes you sick. 

Worms and maggots crawl across a dead something or other, blood matted fur giving next to no indication of what the small mammal might have been when it was living. Small pieces of bone are visible through the rotting muscle tissue, mangled limbs sitting limply beside the body. It’s a tableau of death he wants you to witness; decay that makes your still living flesh crawl. 

“That’s what happens,” he states matter of factly, pale, thin finger pointing at the carcass as the other squeezes the side of your waist tight enough to make you seize. “When you die. You rot in the ground and no one will remember or care.” 

The sick crawls up your stomach, bile resting uneasily at the low of your throat. You don’t want to look anymore, but you know if you try to look away, he’ll make you look again. There’s still tender bruises on your skin from the last time you tried to defy him, and you know what happens if you make him angry. Your tears mean nothing to him and you swear you see the ghost of a smile twitch on his lips as he watches your eyes well up.

He’s not giving you a simple organic chemistry lesson, of that you’re completely certain. He wants you to know the power he holds, wants you to understand that if he so chose, he could easily expedite the process of your own fragile form’s decay.

He didn't used to be like this. He used to be Tenko. Used to have a soul. 

But he sold that soul the day his daddy took a step too far and then overtook the devils throne and used the contract to wipe his hands clean of the blood. Tenko doesn’t exist. He’s made sure you understand that. Any mention of the boy he used to be is enough to get his fingers twitching and ready on your throat. 

He watches as you cry with an expression that’s equal parts elated and aroused, not bothering to conceal it from you any further. Desperately, you shove down your sorrow and keep your back straight against him; your pain is an aphrodisiac for him. Wipe the tears from your eyes and cast them bitterly to the floor. Swallow the hiccups and sobs that bubble in your gut and keep a trembling straight face despite your every instinct longing to curl at his feet and hide your face in the dirt.

It’s far too late. 

Anytime you concede to the power he wields, it re-energizes him, and you’re his favorite little power source. He’s learned to tune you like a fiddle until you play whatever song he desires and he’ll dance with you until your feet bleed and your body crumples. He’ll step on the arch of your back and use you as a pedestal to reach the greatness he knows he’s destined for and punish you if you falter under his weight. 

It’s a mock symbiosis you live in, neither wholly at peace but each one needing the other. You’ve tried to leave, tried to run. He finds you, dragging you back to him kicking and screaming and clawing at the ground. With a gnarled hand twisted through your hair, he tells you how pretty you are, puckers your ruddy cheeks with his nails and kisses you deeply as the tears stream down your face. 

‘Don’t kid yourself. You couldn’t survive without me, idiot. Where would you go? Who would take you after I have?’

You hate it, you despise him, but he’s right. Who could ever accept you after you’ve allowed him to have you time and time again? Where in the darkness could you hide that he wouldn’t find you? Even if you did find someone who would care for you after your body had been tainted by his touch, Tomura wouldn’t stand for it. He’d find you as he had time and time again, seek out the source of your light and snuff it out. 

“Don’t you care about me?” He’d say, leading you away with hands still stained red. “Don’t you want me to be happy?” 

And when you start to cry again, he’d simply wipe them away with a filthy thumb, smearing the grime across your cheek. 

“Don’t worry. I forgive you. But don’t do it again.”

Long have you given up your silly dreams of freedom, but still he likes to drive the nail further, either out of necessity or malevolence. So he drags you far from home into places you could never find on your own to show you the pitfalls of life without him. Cold and shaking, you’ll follow wherever he leads you because when he asks you nicely to come, there is no other choice. He’ll take you on a personally guided tour of the horrors of the world, horrors he orchestrates just for you and watch gleefully as your vision tunnels and your view of life becomes even darker and more damning until it’s as cynical and deprived as his own and you cling to him for safety.

Only when your eyes clouded and your outlook bleak will he pull you into the dirt, touching you in places that contrast starkly against the misery you feel and coaxing a bliss from you that makes you bend to him all over again. He’ll kiss you softly as he pushes your face harder against the floor, letting the leaves and the muck tangle in your hair, forcing you to face the maggot ridden corpse not far from your entwined bodies. In this moment, he offers you only two choices: Pleasure or pain? Him or death. 

Sometimes you wonder how long it will take before you finally shove him off and opt to let him touch you for the last time, placing five fingers down instead of four and watching as you rejoin the Earth as newly formed ash. And that’s if he decides to be merciful. You doubt he’d give up his favorite plaything so easily.

But apparently you haven’t reached your breaking point yet, because you let his fingers wander lower, arching into his touch and keening against his bony shoulder as it digs into your own. Quickly enough, your clothing is cast aside and he marvels in your flesh like it’s the first time all over again. He leaves you bared before him, vulnerable and quaking beneath his cage of limbs. Brand new bruising patterns over the old in a myriad of colors as his hands grip just a little too tightly for comfort wherever he can reach. He holds you callously down, as if you could run even if given the option, and soon his pants are pulled down just enough over his hips to allow him to violate you the way pleases him most. 

He pushes inside of you, stealing your bodily warmth for his own. It’s the closest he comes to removing the mask that is his personality now. His mouth slacks and his eyes close and you can forget, if only for a moment, that the man who has chosen you is incapable of loving you, and equally incapable of letting you go. When you can no longer see your reflection in his apathetic eyes, it’s easier to stomach that you’ll be stuck in the suffocating purgatory of his desire until you perish. 

It becomes easier to play pretend that he actually cares. 

He goes through the motions and hits all your sweet spots, but you know this isn’t for you. It’s for him. He prides himself on being able to feel whatever it is he wants you to feel, and even though you know damn well he’s manipulating you, it’s almost impossible not to take the tenderness when he offers it. Though you are fully aware he is conditioning you to favor him and his cruelty over the world and its cruelty, you are beginning to relent. You can only struggle against the tide for so long before you have to acknowledge that you will never make it back to shore. 

So you’ll allow his kisses, sometimes even returning them when you lose yourself enough in the moment. You won’t hold back the noises he wants you to make because the ones he will coerce from you if you do will be less kind. You’ll lock your ankles around his waist and follow his rhythm because he will get what he wants, one way or another. 

No matter how uncomfortable, no matter how filthy, you’ll allow him your body because it’s easier when he asks rather than when he takes. It’s better to try and fool yourself into believing that his are the gentle hands of a lover rather than a captor. You’ll revel in the one simple time you are allowed to mark him, and that’s when your nails dig into his skin, pulling him closer. You’ll croon into him and say his name in a manner that’s genuine, because in the moment, it is. 

You’d give anything for him to love you. Not to own you, but to love you. Maybe then, just maybe, you could find contentment in your place in his world.

There may come a day when he no longer wants you. There may come a day when the indifference in his eyes might seem a gift in comparison to boredom or irritation. On that day, you might find yourself wishing that you had been a little more convincing in your act, or perhaps that you had been a little less difficult. Maybe if you had scooted closer instead of running away, he wouldn’t have tired of you. 

Or arguably worse, perhaps he’ll never tire of you at all. Perhaps he’ll keep you caged until your wings have lost the ability to fly entirely and even when offered the chance, you’ll cower at his side. Perhaps he already has. 

Chances are that you’ll never know, because when he’s finished and your thighs are slick from his completion, he’ll lead you back home and you’ll follow despite there being no tangible leash that pulls you along. You’ll lie in his bed and eat his food and find false comfort in his arms even as your mind screams to the wind for freedom and you pray for some deus ex machina to set you free. 

But even as he sleeps soundly and those empty red eyes aren’t focused on you, you can hear his voice in your head. 

‘What would you do without me? Where would you go? Who else could love you?’

Maybe he’s right. Maybe it’s better to accept your fate with a sense of dignity than to fight against him and drown. 

Maybe this is where you’re meant to be.

[ri-ahhh]

I hate to be that person but like today’s been really shitty and embarrassing staining at work and I was just longing for some boyfriend gray (or e hehe but I know it’s easier for u to write gray!) just comforting you after an embarrassing period moment like that 🥺🙃 is that silly idk u really don’t have to hehe love you so much!

Ugh the strug👏gle👏 Shout out to anyone who has been through the horror of bleeding thru ur pants in public I think we all deserve a medal of bravery or something lol. Or an ott bf that looks like a Dolan twin to comfort us.

How’s your day going baby? Ily

The text from Grayson couldn’t have come at a better time for you mentally. You’re on the home stretch of when it’s time to get off work, and it can’t happen soon enough.

shitty tbh :/ urs?

Good. But imma shut up tell me what’s wrong

started my period at work, had to tell my boss and come home to change cuz I forgot to replace the extra set of work clothes in my car from when I stayed at your place last. then realized I only had like 2 tampons left so I’m gonna have to get those after work and I’m just ready to be home

im glad urs is going good tho

that sounded sarcastic. I really am glad ur having a good day haha sorry

Grayson sends you back a frowny face and four little dots, which is the little code the two of you use to indicate you’re busy and aren’t ignoring the other person mid conversation. You tuck your phone back in your purse under your desk and get back to the email you’re supposed to be typing up. Having to concentrate doesn’t help your mood any, head throbbing and your back aching both in the middle from your crappy office chair and in the lower part from Mother Nature.

Just as your phone buzzes by your foot, a cramp seizes your belly and radiates throughout your pelvis. You wince and bite your lip through a grunt, cursing the fact you were born female as you reach down to grab your phone. You cover your mouth to stifle your giggle and keep your boss a few offices over none the wiser when you read Grayson’s text.

What size pussy are u? ;)

You’re even more amazed when you open the message and a picture of a shelf full of tampax products fills your screen. How many boyfriends are out there buying tampons - the only brand of tampons you ever buy, at that - for their girlfriends unprompted and without coercion?

Grayson.. ur not real

I’m the realest bb. Now tell me which ones to buy cuz I’m starting to look like a weirdo

You chuckle and shake your head.

regular pls. the one w yellow on it. and a box of overnight pads. look on the box and it’ll say specifically.

Oh yeah u stopped wearing them tamps at night.

God, who is this man and where did he come from? How in the hell did he pick up on that of all things. Before you can respond, he hits you with a double text.

Sweet, gottem. What else?

You bite your lip and think. He’s already being so sweet and you don’t want to run him ragged all over town to get your period cravings. But then another cramp hits, this time one of those especially nasty ones that makes you feel like you got punched right in the vagina, and you think if you’re going through all of this to potentially carry and push out one of his babies one day, he can run a couple of errands for you.

if ur not too busy... watermelon sour patch, Trader Joe’s takis, milanos, and those frozen chipotle sweet potato fries. pls:)

Grayson hearts the message, and you sink back into your chair with a sigh. Just the thought of not having to trudge into Target or CVS after you leave the office is enough to alleviate some of your stress. You check the time and realize you only have an hour until you’re home in a bath, with no pants on, and your heating pad ready in bed with Grayson as well. An hour seems doable now.

You make your half hour commute home in a record 22 minutes, desperate to get out of your work clothes and into one of Gray’s oversized t-shirts. You saw the Porsche in your guest spot in your apartment garage, so you know he’s here when you kick the door shut behind you. “Gray?”

“In the bathroom!” His voice is muffled but comes distinctly from your room. You hang up your keys and toss your bag on the kitchen island, kicking off your heels lazily by the door before following the now audible sound of the bath running.

You stop dead when you turn into the bathroom, shocked to see your tub already halfway full, the tampons and pads you requested sitting neatly on the counter next to one of his faded Cub Sport shirts, and the distinct color and smell of the Lush intergalactic bath bomb (your favorite) wafting from the steaming water.

“Gray-son,” you whine, throwing your face into your hands as your throat swells up and tears prickle behind your eyes. You hear him chuckle before you feel his arms wrap tightly around you. He presses a lingering kiss to your hair as he strokes your lower back gently, his touch and the heat of his hand providing an instant modicum of relief to the dull ache there.

“What?” he says quietly. He moves in front of you and untucks your shirt, removing your hands from your face so he can drop a sweet little kiss to your nose as he unbuttons the top two of your blouse. “Is it too much?”

You shake your head and open your eyes to look at the pretty hazel of his own. “It’s perfect. I’m just a hormonal mess.”

He laughs again and kisses your lips softly this time. “If you want your fries, I’ll make them while you soak.”

You nod, and he leaves you with another kiss before shutting the door behind him to give you your privacy.

The bath is amazing, the sparkly blue water relaxing some of the tension in your body and alleviating some of your pain, and you’re almost sad to get out, but you’re starving and the cravings are real.

You re-enter your bedroom to find heaven on earth: Grayson, shirtless in your bed and scrolling through Netflix on your TV; a steaming plate of fries with a mountain of ketchup already squirted out for you; and each bag of goodies you requested already sitting on your nightstand, one of which catches you by surprise.

“Holy shit, they make this?” you ask incredulously, picking up the giant three-and-a-half pound bag of watermelon sour patch as you slip into bed with him.

This is the only time you ever allow yourself to eat in bed, and you don’t catch his reply as you instantly seize the plate of fries and dig in, moaning loudly as the taste graces your tongue. He selects The Office on Netflix while you chew. He really knows you too well.

While Grayson takes your half-empty plate back to the kitchen once you’re done, you help yourself to a couple of the Milano cookies until he returns. You offer him a smile, which he returns happily as he sinks back into bed with you.

“Feeling a little better, baby?”

You roll up the bag and nod, coaxing him to lie down with you as you turn onto your side. He settles close behind you as you situate your heating pad across your abdomen, and he puts his arm across it to keep it in place for you. Space heater that he is, he’s creating a similar effect against your aching back, and it’s the most comfort you could possibly feel while you bleed out of your vag.

He’s made you forget about the work fiasco completely, and you cuddle into his warmth. “Thanks again, Gray. Seriously, you’re unreal.”

He nuzzles into your hair and smiles against the back of your neck. “Anytime. I mean, once a month. But anytime.”

[tuttifuckinfruttifriday]

First part

Harmless Playing

Pairings: Archie x Malon x Justin(not romantic, evidently),side the Voorheese’s family(MJ and Jason) and Archie’s(Pennywise and Aquarius)

Warnings: some kiddies talks, angst, gore and decay, description of decay smell and decomposition(kinda goes in gore but i'm not taking chances), plain horror, guilt

This is kinda dark l: hehe-

I always can't help myself, I love me some good ol' angst and horror

(There is a reference to the story of when MJ was bitten by a snake.)

Don't hesitate to tell me any mistakes I made! It would be greatly appreciated.

-

When Archie and Justin came back the next day, the two of them and Malon (The Friendly Trio :D) discussed and played in the clubhouse, like normal kids do. Yesterday was nice, Archie would say definitely say that, but for the rest of the day he felt bad for his first friend, correction: best friend. He knew she didn't have the same interests as them, but it didn't seem like Justin did, at least yesterday. He was so captivated by the insects that Archie didn't know if he thought about what he said or about how they left Malon. He remembered the thing about how he said he was his only friend and knew it wasn't to be mean or anything, but he knew too that Malon would probably be sad if she paid attention and heard it. So that's why the small clown payed more attention to his female friend, still paying attention to Justin though. Strangely but fortunately, when they seemed to be getting more and more into the bugs' subject, Justin stole some glances at Malon and changed the subject, making the small girl smile thankfully. The first time it surprised Archie, but he was really happy about it because he wouldn't have to talk to Justin about it. Maybe he saw how their interests differs after all...

It was almost dinner and MJ looked through the window, seeing the three friends running around with smiles and laughing faces. A worrying look immediately came onto the woman's face as she put the plate she was washing onto the counter, drying her hands before opening the window. It was cute and all that they were happily playing and that her daughter didn't seem sad anymore, but the woods were pretty dangerous and they didn't really have a clear spot around the clubhouse, which made the situation even more dangerous and kind of stressful for her. Leaning towards the now opened window with a small smile but furrowed brows as she heard the laughters, MJ yelled out to them; ''Be careful, kids! If you're playing around like that, it would be better if you were somewhere I can see you. '' They looked back at MJ before nodding, Malon yells back an ''Okay mom! '' before they move towards an empty spot where there was the fire pit Malon and her parents used to make fires. Archie and Justin sat on each side of Malon on the wooden chairs that were around the pit and calmed down, deciding that they would continue their conversations they had earlier. Seeing them sit down, the older woman closed the window as she felt the wind entering, looking back one more time before she continued to do the dishes and occupied herself before her husband came home.

--

''You really don't have a TV??'' ''You have been into my house, you know I don't, silly!'' Malon and Justin were currently talking about her not having a tv and about how she missed a lot of things that were on the screen, from what Justin and Archie told her. The latter was just listening to them since he didn't know what to say, so he contented himself to listening.

They started to talk about cartoons though, which finally made Archie talk. ''You two should come to my house sometime, we could watch some! '' The Friendly Trio smiled, the three still talking as the mood was soft and joyful. ''So-'' ​There was a sharp silence as the wind picked up and they were suddenly attacked by a strong smell, which wasn't pleasant at all. The kids whimpered and got up as they smelt the air as it carried the smell towards them. It was like rotten meat and eggs with a hint of sickly sweet smell that didn't reassure them at all. Imagine rotten meat ang fruits plus a hint of really sweet perfume. ''What is that??!! Ewww!-'' Justin said as he looked around with his eyes wide opened and his brows furrowed. Malon was looking pale as she backed away a little from the pit, her eyes looking into the distance. For Archie though, a small panic entered him. He knew this smell was probably bad, he wasn't stupid. Strangely, it seemed kind of familiar too... While his friends mumbled and whimpered, nobody moving, a lot of ungodly guesses took place into his head as he followed the smell, making the two behind him curiously follow him. It wasn't the brightest idea, but you can't help the mischief of a child's curiosity..

The farther they went, the more the smell turned terrible, which (sadly) almost made them go back. ''I think... I think it's here-''

Every noises stopped as he did.

As soon as his eyes landed on the disfigured and decaying, but still bloody, corpse of what looked like a woman, he knew he had been right from the start. That's why the smell was familiar... Without helping himself, his scared and disgusted gaze moved up and down the body, noting all the small insects crawling in and out of her now rotten and lifeless figure. Archie's first reflex was to turn around, engulfing his friends as he told them to go back now and not look.Only for them to do that.Justin was the first to scream, barfing on the ground two seconds later. He immediately ran towards the house, alerting some animals and someone who was fortunately nearby; Jason. When he then heard Malon screaming, he immediately ran as fast as he could towards the noise, his machete at the ready and his eyes wide open. The noises he made as he ran towards them alerted Archie, who fearfully hid Malon behind him, thinking it might be the person or thing that killed that woman.

However, it was Jason who literally ran towards them, his head moving back and forth as he tried to search for the source of what made Malon scream. As soon as his eyes fell onto the corpse, he stopped in his tracks and went slowly towards a really scared Archie and Malon and took Malon in his arms, hugging her tightly as he let Archie hug him, a hand on his back. The scared whimpers and sniffles made him take Archie in his arms too, balancing the too kids in his arms as he walked towards the cabin, seeing MJ running towards them at full speed with a scared and teary-eyed Justin behind her. Her motherly instincts immediately told her something was wrong as soon as she didn’t saw them playing outside, even more when she saw Justin running here with tears streaming down his face.

The poor boy couldn’t even form words, the image of what he had seen still in his mind. So MJ had tried to calm him, hugging him and letting him cry on her shoulder as her worry increased for Archie and her daughter. That’s why as soon as he could form words and said that there was a body, she ran towards the way he showed her with him at her trail.

“Malon????” Jason put Malon down as he almost heard his wife screeching and she took her, the little girl still crying and shaking. Archie cuddled closer to Jason as he now had the two of his arms to cradle him in. The two adults, and Justin, walked towards the house and put the two crying kids on the couch, the two having now a little bit calmed. As soon as they seemed calm enough, Jason cradling Archie and Malon close to him and they cling onto his jacket, MJ asked them to tell her what happened, a frown on her face as she hugged Justin close. “We smelt something... funny... and we... w-we found a... a dead body.......” Jason held them close as Archie sniffled, putting his head back onto Jason’s chest. The boy had evidently seen dead bodies, but none at this stage of decomposition, which is why he was probably now in shock. Malon had never even thought she would see something like this, even if she knew her father killed people. And for poor Justin... Well, let’s just say he was probably traumatized.

—

After MJ had gotten Justin home safely and Archie decided that he wanted to stay with Malon, Jason decided that he would get rid of the corpse while his wife called Archie’s parents. He was absolutely shocked when he saw the body, it not being his because he remembered the person who killed them. Michael. F ing Micheal Myers.

His eyes travelled all over the woman’s body as he noticed some broken ribs and noticeable stab wounds where there was still skin. There was evidently the blonde hair, which made him remember of that day when he had to look for plants to help MJ.

(Flashback kinda-

Michael seemed concentrated, his eyes focused on a whimpering woman who seems to be limping and coming this way, making Jason’s body tense. It was probably why Michael was so silent and seemed to be stalking something when he saw him earlier, so he decided not to interfere, watching him stalking away. Guess he didn’t have anybody to help him then .. As the screams of the girl could finally be heard, Jason walked towards where the last item was, his steps hurried and bigger than normal. He really hoped he wasn’t too late...)

The undead man shook his head, trying not to think of that day as he looked at the woman’s broken leg, the source of her limping that day. Without hesitation, he took the body in his arms and tried not to breath it’s disgusting smell as he walked towards a clear place where he could bury it. He didn’t know how to get rid of it, so it was an idea. His daughter and wife would probably approve of this method too, since it’s more humane.

Guilt filled him as soon as he finished digging a hole, the shovel he took from the small homemade shed they keep MJ’s gardening tools in stuck in the ground. He pushed the body down the hole, his jacket now smelling of dead body juices (ew idk how it’s called) and making him almost throw up, which is the reason why he decided to put it in the hole too, his bare arms revealed to the world as he immediately started to put the dirt back in. Each time he put a shovel of dirt his guilt grew bigger and bigger, thoughts swirling in his head. He should have made sure to come back that day, so he could have made sure Micheal had gotten rid of the body, which he obviously didn’t do.

Now was too late anyway, so as soon as he got home, he put the shovel back where it belonged and looked at the two sleeping kids on the ground, a small smile on his face even if he was still thinking about the body. Archie and Malon were cuddled together, blankets and pillows on the carpeted floor of the living room as a small night light illuminated the room a bit with his daughter’s favourite colour. Jason didn’t know how those two could get along so good, but he was really happy about it. He couldn’t imagine Malon having her parents for friends, which saddened him even more than he was thinking about it. He silently and carefully got out of his boots and washed his hands that were still covered in dead body fluids before he got into his PJs and into bed with his peacefully sleeping wife, wrapping an arm around her protectively like always. This life wasn’t one he wanted his kid, or any children, to live in, but he couldn’t do anything about it except his job of protecting them and getting rid of trespassers...

He hoped he could do more than that one day.

[yandere-ac]

Could you do something with yandere Pietro or Dom I love them so much and I would love to see what my babies would be like ❤❤

Yandere Pietro X Reader

"Aaaaah y/n...ssssssuch a silly thou-*hicc*ought, hhhehe" Pietro had blurted out. The two of you were celebrating his birthday by relaxing by the beach and having a picnic. There you had given him your gifts, sung happy birthday and started to cut up the cake, which was fine and dandy. But then Pietro had busted out the Vacation Juice and well, that’s when things had started to become a little more blurry. It had started with just a couple of sips, but then you two were doing challenges and sooner or later you were both dizzy and giddy.

You had just suggested that you and him should start a circus together, which he had brushed off as a joke. "Nno, 'm serious Pietro. We should *hicc* totally do it! I cou-I could be the guy behind the lights and you could be the entertainer! Is’ genius!" You had blurted out. "Yeeeeeeah but we can’t just leave the island? You’ve got your job as island rep and I’ve got my job" Pietro responded as he looked at you contented. "Wah? You have a job?" This made you very much confused since there weren’t really any jobs on the island that you could think of. "Why yes of course! My job is being the greatest, most astounding villager around here!" He had stated triumphantly. This caught you off guard and made you snort. You playfully hit him on the shoulder and before you could react, Pietro had tackled you into a hug. The both of you fell onto the picnic blanket and you both started to laugh, but only for a little while. Yes, soon the laughter died down and you both just laid in each others arms, looking up at the sky, smiling.

"Thanks fo-or the offer y/n, but I’m perfectly content with living here on the island, entert-*hicc*taining our fellow islanders...with you..." that last part was very quiet, barely above a mumble. You weren’t sure if you were suppose to hear that part but you did. You liked Pietro, he was one of your first islanders and you two had quickly become close. By now you were practically *inseparable*.

He always kept you company even whilst you were doing your tasks, planting trees, terraforming, fishing, catching bugs, digging up fossils. It didn’t matter what you did, Pietro was always sure to follow you around, talking to you all whilst still having a smile. It was very sweet of him, sometimes keeping up the island was a chore but it was made much easier when you had someone to talk to. One time when you were walking by the beach, Pietro had given you a shell, saying that he thought it looked pretty. You still kept that shell, never once even thinking of selling it to Timmy and Tommy.

You and him had been through it all, the nooks cranny and plaza upgrade, the K.K. Slider concert, the May Day event, that horrid bunny day event. He’d been with you, from start to finish. And you wanted him to stay with you until the absolute finish. Or, at least you hoped so. You knew very well that there was a possibility that he might want to move away, but you always tried to shun that thought. It always made you so nervous and sad and now you were thinking about it and-

"Hmm? Is something wr *hicc* wrong? Honk honk" He could see the frown on your face, a frown that you hadn’t even realized that you had. "Oh...umm...Pietro? You...you enjoy your life on the island right? You don’t want to leave?" As you asked this, you could see his eyes widen and his face turn from confusion to worry. "Why, of course not. Why would you ever think I would? I love it here on the island!" He said, giving you a gentle smile. "I guess...I’m just kinda scared that you would find a better island and want to move there" you admitted to him, this had made him laugh. "Oh Y/N! No island is ever going to be better than this one! You wanna know why?" He quirked his eyebrow as his lips formed into a smug smile.

"Why?"

"Because this island has you"

The next morning you had woken up feeling rather stiff. Not because you had a bad bed or anything but because you and Pietro had fallen asleep right there on the beach, huddling close together for warmth. You in particular had buried your face in his soft wool, Pietro didn’t really mind, he knew that humans had a higher risk of catching colds since they didn’t have any fur. It had been nice at first. But now your back was hurting and your hair was full of sand. Waking up before Pietro you got up and instantly felt a sharp pain in your head. You winced and immediately put your hands on your head as if that would do anything to stop the pain. Good lord, if you were feeling like this, then you could only imagine how bad it would be for your sheep pal. He had drunken a lot, and I mean a LOT more vacation juice than you had.

You took a little while to let your nerves calm down and the pulsation in your head stop. And after taking a few deep breaths you stood up and pulled Pietro onto your back, giving him a piggyback-ride to his house were you safely tucked him in....well maybe not tucking him in, more like placing him on his moonchair. It’s not your fault that the madman refuses to get an actual bed. But now, it was onto the residential services, you had to let Tom and Isabelle know that you couldn’t work today.

Dragging yourself towards the resident services you appreciated that you had woken up early, since most of the other islanders were still asleep. You didn’t want them to see you like this, it took you everything to not go straight home so Tom and Isabelle didn’t see you like this. But you knew that they would be concerned if you didn’t show up. Opening the door, it had made the little bell on top of said door jingle. "Good morning Y/N!" You heard a certain yellow dog cheer. Her volume made you wince and cover your ears slightly. "Oh, sorry. Are you okay? Was I being to loud?" Isabelle and Tom were now fully turned to you, giving you all of their attention. "No, no. It’s fine Isabelle, just, keep it down a little right now. I have a hangover at the moment" this made Isabelle let out a sharp gasp and Toms eyes slightly wider. This wasn’t the first time you’d ever had a hangover, but it WAS the first time you’d ever turn up to "work" with a hangover. If you could even call it your work.

"A hangover? I don’t mean any disrespect Y/N, I truly don’t but why would you show up here then? Just go home and rest it off" Tom had told you. "Yeah, that’s what I’m planning to do, I just wanted to ask if you guys could handle all the rep tasks? You don’t have to do `em or anything but I just wanna know that you’ll be okay without me" now that you said it out loud it sounded a little stupid. Of course they could handle it, it’s not like you were really doing anything super important, and they both were adults. "Oh Y/N, how sweet of you. You know you don’t have to worry about keeping up with all the rep tasks right? This is your forever vacation! You don’t have to stress about not showing up everyday and work on the island" Isabelle had yipped happily, although a little quieter than usual of course. "Yes, yes. The deserted island getaway package is supposed to be relaxing, not pushing more work onto you. We’ll be fine. Go home and rest now" Tom told you with a smile. Seeing them both so supportive had made you feel warm inside. You had overworked yourself during these past few months, always wanting the island to be perfect. But this was your vacation after all. You thanked them both and just before you left Tom had told you: "And Y/N? Don’t feel obligated to come back after you’re better, you can take the next few days to yourself"

Oh god, everything was wrong! Everything was totally wrong!!! You had followed Toms request and had stayed inside for the day, not only that but the next two days. And when you came back, it turns out that a camper had visited the island, another sheep named Dom, he had heard of the islands good reputation and wanted to move in . But there was no room left on the island. And so, after some arrangements he had gotten to replace someone. And that someone had been Pietro.

But worst of all, Pietro had never even stopped by your house to say goodbye. You didn’t know if it was because he didn’t have any time or if he was mad. You hoped it wasn’t the latter but it wasn’t like it mattered anyways, you wouldn’t ever see him again. Once you found out from Isabelles morning announcements that a new islander had moved in and takes Pietros place you had stormed out towards Pietros house. To your horror it was a completely different house, and to hammer in the fact that Pietro was gone. The new resident had exited his house and greeted you. Once realisation hit you, you sunk to the ground, tears flowing out of your eyes. You couldn’t believe it, you refused to believe it! Your closest friend, the one person who had been with you since the very beginning. Gone! Just like that he was gone.

Your short stay inside your house and now extended to a week. A week, with no contact and no interaction with the island. Some of your friends on the island had slipped in some letters underneath your door but you couldn’t bother to read them. All you wanted to do was cry and mourn the loss of you friend. You felt like he had died, which he might as well have, you knew that once someone moved out, their chances of returning where next to nothing. And it made you deeply depressed to think about. You were mad at Tom Nook, you were mad at Isabelle, you were mad at the new Islander, you were mad at the world, you were mad at YOURSELF! But the one person, the only person that you’d never be mad at, was Pietro. The one who you needed the most.

It had taken a while, but you eventually got out of your house. Only to be immediately bombarded with apologies from Tom and Isabelle. As it turns out, there had been a mistake in the system that had allowed Dom, the new resident to replace anyone he wanted. They were both very upset and sorry about their mistake. It didn’t exactly make the situation any better, but you did eventually forgive the two. But that wasn’t the only thing that had changed during the week inside your house. You had noticed that your other fellow residents had started to treat you differently. They acted as if they were walking on eggshells around you, as if you could break at any second and they’d have to be there with the glue. It was very annoying, no one would talk to you like a normal person, but you did receive a lot of support, which was nice you supposed. Even Dom had tried to comfort you at some point, saying that he didn’t mean to separate you and your closest friend. But you had made it very clear to him that you didn’t want to talk to him at all, he was the one that did this. And you had no desire to ever forgive him.

But just like everything in life, eventually, you had to move on.

It was an ordinary day at the island, soon it would have been a year since Pietro moved out, and you had started getting used to life without him. By now, everyone was starting to act normal around you once again. You had grown closer to your other islanders and had even started to engage in conversations with Dom. You held less of a grudge towards him nowadays. He didn’t really know what he was doing when moving in. And he was pretty pleasant to talk with, although he was nowhere near your favourite resident.

You were going to fly to a deserted island to get more supplies and hopefully you would be dropped off at a rare island. As you were sitting in the seat of the airplane, you were conversing with Wilbur, your good friend and the captain of the plane. You found yourself often going to deserted island when you wanted to get away and be alone with your thoughts. Although that didn’t really happen that much since there were still other people going on island tours. They were nice, but you could never bring them with you since your island was now full.

In the distance you could see faint smoke coming from the island you were landing on. So there was another person there.

Stepping off the airplane, you walked off the docks and onto the island ground, you were in luck! The trees there were full of fruit that was not native to your island. You happily started to shake the trees and picking up the fruits that fell to the floor. That was all good until you saw the campfire off in the distance. And more importantly, who sat by it. You couldn’t believe your eyes, and you had to run closer to make sure your eyes weren’t deceiving you. Oh my god, it was-

"PIETRO!" You had shouted running up towards him and tackling him into a hug. You couldn’t believe it! He was here! He was okay! And he was-

"Oh...it’s you. Thought you didn’t want me in your life"

And he was mad.

"What?! No! Pietro listen to me! There was a big mistake!" You tried to explain, but by the look of his expression he was having none of it. "Save it, honk honk. You think I’m stupid? You let a new person move in, and then have the audacity to lock yourself inside, refusing to take contact and ignoring me before I was forced to move out!" The sheep’s eyes turned from angry to sad. "I...I though you loved me Y/N... I though we were friends... I thought we were gonna stay together, the two of us against the world... But I guess I was wrong" you could hear a small crack in his voice as he said this and soon your vision started getting blurry with tears. "Pietro, please listen to me, I never wanted this to happen. I wanted to stay together with you, believe me I did. I still do! But when that new islanders had come to the island he moved in without my permission. I was taking a break from my life as island rep and didn’t get the memo. Trust me! If I would have known about this. I would have stopped it! Please forgive me Pietro! I never wanted this to happen" you fell to your knees and started crying, you had finally found him again but now he hated you.

But little did you know, that was so far from the truth. As you wept into your hands you felt yourself being pulled into a woolly chest. And soon, a pair of arms wrapped themselves around your shaking body. You quickly returned the hug, the both of you now crying onto each other. The two of you had lost one another, we’re separated, divided. But you had finally found each other. And unbeknownst to you, Pietro was gonna make sure that he wouldn’t lose you to somebody else.

Later that day, you returned to your island, with Pietro. On the plane ride home you two were still holding onto each other. As if one of you let go, you would never see each other again. As the two of you stepped onto the island, a lot of people started gasping and some even ran up to Pietro. Giving him a big hug, telling him how they’ve missed him. But the moment quickly faded as a very confused Dom had walked up to you and asked what was happening. "Oh? Dom! This is Pietro! He used to live here befo-" one of your peppy islanders had said before cutting herself off, realizing what she was about to say.

"Oh...so...is this the islander who replaced me?" Pietro said, a smile present on his face, but his eyes, his eyes held what could only be described as pure hate. "Oh, im so sorry about that, indeedaroo. I never meant to-"

"No! It’s fine! Really! I’m happy to put all of this behind us, what is important is that I’ve returned" Pietro said, the wide smile still present on his face. Everyone could tell that Pietro was clearly not over it. But you didn’t care, Pietro was back and you’d both agreed that he’d stay at your house. And you felt ecstatic!

But that’s how you felt.

Pietro, felt quite the contrary. He had been willing to forgive you, believing that the whole "kicking him out" was an accident. And at that moment, he WAS happy. But the moment he stepped on the island and saw that the person who had replaced him was another sheep. That’s when he got angry. Not only that but he was wearing a rainbow shirt. He WAS trying to replace him! He had started to brainwash you so that you would let him move into HIS plot. He probably wanted to hurt you, or worse. PURSUE YOU! He couldn’t let that happen, he couldn’t let someone take you away from him. Not again. He’s the first to admit that when he had to leave, he was really hurt, he’d thought that you had wanted to get rid of him. How silly of him. It was clear to him now that DOM was the real culprit. Well he wasn’t gonna let Dom steal his life from him.

Not on his watch.

It had happened quietly, in the middle of the night. The clown had snuck into the jocks room, since he hadn’t closed his door. And then, he’d done things that he didn’t think he was capable of, things that would horrify any normal person, things that even made himself a little afraid of what he was capable of. After the hard part was done, he had to move onto the second part of his plan.

In the morning, you had woken up. You stretched a little and then went up. You had made your breakfast and now it was time to go outside. But first, you went into the room that Pietro was sleeping in. He looked knocked out, poor baby. You decided to not wake him up, leaving him a note instead.

"Out of the house, the bread is in the left cabinet in the kitchen"

Going outside you had greeted all of you residents as you all waited for Isabelles announcement.

"Hello everyone! Right now on (Island name), it’s 9:46 am on Tuesday, August 13th. For today’s news, we’re sorry to be announcing that Dom the sheep moved out last night. Leaving his house completely alone. We’re not sure why he have done this, but the house is going to be up for sale."

This shocked you and a lot of residents, Dom had never expressed a need to move out or the want to experience new things. So the fact that he would presumably move out without an explanation was very strange to you, especially if he had left the house. You went to the plot to see the house still indeed standing there. As you walked up to the house you saw a note taped to the door.

"Dear (island name), I’m sorry that I left you all in such a hurry but I knew it was something that had to be done. When I moved in here, I didn’t know that I would have to take one residents place, and I didn’t know you all liked him so much. I simply cannot live here with the guilt that I separated friends from each other. To make up for it, I’ve left the house for Pietro. I hope we could see each other again some day"

This note felt very weird to you, it didn’t feel right. You knew Dom, this didn’t feel like him. It felt like a wolf in sheeps clothing. But no matter, you all had to move past this weird incident. Pietro had moved back in and all had seemed to be going well. You and him had grown even closer now and Pietro loved it.

Before, you were close. But now, you always seemed to be afraid that if you looked away from him, he would disappear. And Pietro took full advantage of this. He loved to feel you being so dependent on him, he always felt so jittery anytime you held his hand. He loved you, he loved you deeply, he didn’t care if it was unhealthy, he loved you, he NEEDED you.

He lost you once, and he wasn’t gonna lose you ever again.

[btsrmono]

Trial & Error | chapter 14

Main Pairing: (jimin): student/idol x (main): foreign student  Side Pairs: main x (nct) jaehyun

PART 13

“Wait, so you mean to tell me you actually believe in spies?”

You nodded your head, positively. “Dude, they’re totally real, I’ve done my research.”

“You’ve done your research.”

“Yes, there’s plenty of articles and documentaries on it.”

“What, on the dark web?” Jaehyun teased you. “There’s no way it’d be that easy to find.”

You rolled your eyes. Yes, it took you some digging to find, but you weren’t lying!

He laughed at your semi serious appearance and tapped you lightly. “Come on, I’m just joking y/n.” He looked at you for a second before deciding to pour you both another glass of wine.

When you had first arrived, he took you to the rooftop of his building and had a whole set up for you two laid out. A few candles and more than enough layers of blankets laid upon the ground, which was quickly dried up from the rain earlier, to your surprise. He didn’t fail to have some snacks and a small meal prepared.

To be quite frank, you weren’t expecting anything more than chilling inside with him, maybe watching some T.V but no, he actually arranged a real date with you. You couldn’t help but get butterflies upon the idea of his thoughtfulness.

You chuckled at the silly conversation as you picked up the glass, thanking him. He picked his up too and looked at you. “Cheers?”

“Cheers.”

After clunking the glasses, you both took a sip of the bitter yet smooth wine. It was pretty strong so you were getting a good buzz from it, allowing you to be more relaxed with him.

“You’re the type to believe in aliens too, I guess,” Jaehyun spoke, taking another sip.

“Sweetie, I believe in those more than I believe in spies.”

He almost choked from laughing too hard and you couldn’t help but to join him.

“Our next date should be at the movies. We should see a sci-fy together.” He laid his back on the ground, the pillows supporting his neck.

You smiled at the idea as you decided to get cozy and lay next to him. “We should,” you agreed. “What’s your favorite genre?”

Looking you in the eyes and smiling brightly, he took an arm and wrapped it over your waist. “You can’t laugh,” he told you.

“I won’t, I promise.” He stared at you and you could tell he didn’t want to say it. “Goodness, don’t tell me it’s romance.”

“What if it was?”

You accidentally chuckled before quickly shutting your mouth and trying to keep a straight face for the sake of his dignity. In response, he lightly gripped your side as he giggled. “You promised!”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to, it just happened. There’s nothing wrong with you liking romance, hun.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.... What about you?”

You sighed, resting your arm across his chest. “Thrillers, horror, action.” His eyes widened upon hearing this. “I like the suspense,” you explained. “And the unrealistic realities of it all. As crazy as it may sound, it’s an escape from the real world.”

He nodded his head in understanding as you continued.

“For me, I’m not the biggest fan of romance because it sets unrealistic standards. It’s a let down, none of that stuff happens in real life. Love is... more complicated than what they show.”

He stared for a while, trying to read you when the wind lightly blew, causing your hair to fly. He took a second to enjoy the view of your messy hair before pushing it out of your face and behind your ear.

“It is,” he whispered.

You bit your lip, feeling that maybe you were looking at it too deep. “Sorry, I—”

“You wanna know why I like it?” he asked. You nodded. “Like you said, it’s unrealistic. It’s also my escape from reality.”

“Yeah except it’s in the guise of what’s supposed to be reality, that’s what annoys me. They’re nothing but a bunch of impractical projections.”

He laughed, his dimples deepening more than usual, causing you to blush. “Something tells me you were on the debate team at your last school.”

You playfully slapped his chest. “Shut up!”

“It’s just.... they give me hope. It’s okay to wish for the best in a relationship, y/n. Maybe with time, you’ll see that.”

He was right, maybe you were looking at it from too much of a negative stance. You couldn’t help it when most of your relationships ended bad. It was safe to say you did hold a grudge against love for a while and it’s okay to admit that.

You let out a breath, feeling defeated. “You’re not wrong, Jaehyun. You’re not wrong at all.”

While he laid, staring at you, you started to realize just why there was a romantic spark in him. You mean, the date alone showed how he viewed dating and to you, it was... adorable?

Before you noticed, you were staring right back at him. “What are you thinking?” he asked you in a hushed voice.

You grinned at him, placing your hand on his soft face. “You’re so pretty,” you said, stroking his cheek with your thumb.

Next thing you knew, he was kissing you. Small pecks at first. Once, twice, then three more before it progressed intensely, yet he still managed to be gentle. You remembered that he was a good kisser but now that you were more sober than before, you were in actual awe with the way his tender lips molded perfectly with yours.

You both went on like this for a good while and didn’t stop, you didn’t think you ever wanted to. But when he groaned softly, he knew it was time to pull away.

You pouted your now puffy lips at him. “I was enjoying that,” you whined.

He grinned from ear to ear, taking his eyes off of you and glaring at the night sky. “Don’t worry, there’s plenty more where that came from.”

“Ooh, is that a promise?” You mimicked his moves, looking up at the sky too. It was more beautiful than usual that night.

“It is,” he replied. “And unlike you, I know to keep a promise.”

You jokingly nugged his leg with your knee and you both let out a blissful laugh and enjoyed each other’s company until 1’oclock hit and you had no choice but to end the date and go back home.

The bar might have been low for you due to your dating history but you could easily say that was your best first date ever.

~~

You were shocked when you woke up for school and made it to the bus stop on time. What you almost forgot about for a split second was Jinsoul’s existence until you saw her sitting on the bus bench by herself for once.

When her sight landed on you, she froze as you rolled your eyes at her and looked the opposite way. You were so not in the mood to deal with her right now.

Suddenly, you saw Jimin coming from around the corner, putting you in a semi happier mood. When he saw you, he smiled brightly and you waved from afar. As he got closer, you realized he stopped by a 7-11 on his way.

“Hey, sleepy head!” he yelled.

“How’d you know?” you rhetorically asked as you took the plastic bag out of his hands to examine the items he brought.

“The eye bags explain it all.”

“You asshole!” you shoved him as he laughed and then you picked out an item: samgak kimbap. You unwrapped the food and started to eat, enjoying it more than usual since you skipped breakfast that day. “Thank you,” you said with a full mouth as you handed the rest of the food back to him.

He scrunched his nose in disgust but shook it off quickly and threw you a grin. “You’re so cute when you’re hungry.”

You turned up your face, pretending to be disgusted by the compliment. “Anyway, loser. Where’s Tae and Jungkook?”

He laughed, taking out some food for himself to eat. “Those idiots missed the first bus because they were up all night playing video games. They thought Winter Break started today, not tomorrow.”

Sad to say you weren’t surprised by this at all, it definitely sounded like something they would do. But on the other hand, you couldn’t judge. After everything yesterday, you felt like you didn’t have school either.

You shook your head, giggling at the situation. “I still can’t believe you guys have to catch two buses before this one. You all live so far compared to everyone else.”

“This area is too nice for our company to afford, I think.” He forced a smirk as he bit into a beef jerky stick and looked around at the other students waiting.

You knew it wasn’t his intentions but now you felt slightly bad and it was only 7am. But you quickly waved it off and continued to eat when you saw Jimin look behind you.

“I think someone wants to speak to you,” he said.

For a second, you were confused. But when you turned around, you saw Jinsoul walking your way. You sighed and dismissed yourself from him as he said he would just go chat with Minho.

“Y/n,” Jinsoul spoke, now standing in front of you. “Can we talk?”

To be real, you didn’t want to but you knew it wouldn’t be fair to not hear her out. So you nodded, approving of this request.

As she ran her fingers through her blonde hair, she let out a small sigh. “I had no idea about any of the things Heejin said to you yesterday.”

“Yeah, right—”

”You gotta believe me!” she pleaded. “Not to brag or anything but keep in mind that Jimin was my friend first. The only reason you know him is because of me, y/n. Do you really think I would be okay with someone using you and him for some clout?”

You licked your lips, almost at a loss of words. She was proving some points with that one. Now you just felt like a fool.

“I hardly know those girls, I only just started talking to them the other day and that was only because they were with you.” She paused, staring at you for a second, then she grabbed your arm lightly. “I know this might be hard to believe, given our circumstances but... I kicked her out right after you left. Y/n, you’re one of my best friends, I would never be okay with someone doing that to you.”

You tilted your head, looking at her adoringly. “You still consider me a best friend?”

She chuckled, squeezing your hand. “We never stopped. We just went through a small bump because I got so caught up with...” Jinsoul was now looking at the pavement, a somber expression taken over her face and you instantly knew the reason behind that.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you about him, are you okay?” You still couldn’t believe that Jacob would cheat on her. She liked him so much and as far as you were concerned, he liked her too. Everyone knew they were the cutest couple, him doing that was a complete shock.

“I wish I could say I was over him but it’s not that easy,” she replied.

“You’re strong and independent, you’ll be okay.”

“Eventually.” She looked back up at you and cracked a small smile. “Fortunately, I’ll be busy with training now so that’ll take my mind off of it.”

Just then, the school bus pulled up and you all hopped on and got ready for the school day. You knew you had some consoling to do so you linked arms with Jinsoul and sat on the bus with her as the two of you caught up on the ride to school.

~

Right before home room, Jimin insisted on walking with you to your locker when you realized you left your Chemistry textbook in there by accident but you assured him you’d only be a minute so he stayed behind.

As you exited the class, you began to put you hair in a ponytail when you were caught by surprise to see Heejin standing in front of your locker, clearly waiting for you.

You immediately rolled you eyes but continued to your destination to open your locker. “What do you want?” you asked, an annoyed tone hinted in your voice.

Heejin didn’t seem nervous. You can see that she looked apologetic but also, she wasted no time to start talking.

“I shouldn’t have told you any of that,” she spoke.

“You guys shouldn’t have done any of that, Heejin.”

She sucked her teeth. “It wasn’t me, y/n. And I’m not excusing anything. It was wrong, no matter what way I try to look at it. I just regret not telling you sooner.”

You shook your head, breaking eye contact from her to look for your book. “I don’t care, Heejin. It is what it is.” Your eyes laid upon your Chemistry 102 and as you grabbed it, you just realized that you were over it. Completely over it.

“Y/n, I was in a really bad mood the other night and I shouldn’t have snapped like that. I was mad at Kayla and was mad at you for defending her—”

“Which was childish,” you spoke, cutting her off as you now closed your locker. “Kayla is your best friend, Heejin. And I love Jinsoul but you can not let other people’s personal opinions about your best friend control you like that. Ever.”

Now she seemed regretful as she bit her bottom lip and clasped her hands together. “And I realize that now. I plan on talking to her. In the meantime, this is my apology, y/n. Please don’t be mad at me?”

You sighed, knowing you were going to have to face Kayla during class today as well. With so many confrontations happening today, you knew you had to persevere your energy and that started with forgiving people.

“I’m not mad at you, Heejin, I’m dissapointed. I just feel I need some space for a few hours... or days.”

With a nod, she agreed. “That’s understandable.”

That being said, you knew what you needed to do next. You walked back to home room and went right to your seat, turning to the woman whom sat directly behind you, still finishing a half eaten bagel.

“You need to talk to Heejin.”

“I know, she’s been acting really funny towards me lately?” She swallowed the bite that she was chewing before sitting up straighter and looking at you curiously. “Wait, is she acting weird with you too?”

You rolled your eyes. “Kayla, I’m not getting between this, just talk to her.”

She shrugged, not seeming too bothered. “I guess. Anyway, you wanna hang out tonight?”

It was very clear that Kayla had no idea about the situation at hand. And yeah, if you were upset at anyone, it was her. So, if anything, this put you in an even more annoyed state.

“Can’t. Ask Jimin, maybe he can spare you some company.”

At first, she looked lost but then she quickly shook it off, asking you if you really thought he would hang out with her.

Guessing that Jimin happened to hear his name being said, he turned back to look at you. Even though he wasn’t sure what you two were talking about, he had a feeling that you said something petty.

“Don’t,” he mouthed to you.

Sighing, you decided to take Jimin’s advice. Now definitely wasn’t the time or place and to top it off, it was just way too early for all of this. So you turned fully around just as your teacher walked in, prepared to start class.

~

By time lunch came around, you noticed you were one of the firsts in the cafeteria. As you stood in line, waiting to be served your tray, you felt an arm cling over your shoulder and you didn’t even need to look to know who it was. The scent of his godsent cologne gave it away, making you immediately blush.

“I think,” the voice to your left began to say, “we should start sitting together.”

You looked at Jaehyun, cocking your eyebrow conceitedly. “Someone moves fast,” you teased.

“Is that a ‘no’?” He grinned at you as you gently took his arm off you.

“Where in that sentence did you hear a ‘no’?”

“Nowhere, so I’m taking it as a yes.”

You giggled at his boldness but deep down inside, you felt flattered. “I take it you’re used to getting what you want.”

“You’d be suprised.”

You shook your head, opposing this statement. “Actually, I would not. And something about that makes me want to play hard to get.”

His jaw dropped in a joking manner as he tried to keep a poker face but couldn’t help but to let out a laugh. “You’re evil y/n.”

“And you’re lucky you’re cute.”

He playfully shoved you with his elbow and you followed by poking his dimple. The both of you smiled at each other sweetly as the line moved up.

“Y/n, we didn’t get to talk about that date.”

“Yeah, we didn’t,” you replied, suddenly getting butterflies as you thought about last night. “I had a good time.”

He smiled, relieved to hear you say that. “I’m glad you had a good time because I would like to take you on another one. A proper one... If that’s okay with you, I mean.”

A proper one. You weren’t sure what exactly he meant by that, as to you, that was a proper date. Especially considering your age and his schedule. Was the timing of the date messed up? Maybe, but he did what he could. And that alone, was the sweetest gesture.

You were about to respond but before you could even get the chance, you saw Jinsoul walking over to join you two in line as she looked at you both skeptically, arms folded in suspicion.

“Oh, hey—”

“What are you guys talking about?” Jinsoul cuts you off.

Jaehyun took a quick glance at you before looking back to Jinsoul. “I was just telling y/n that you guys should sit with us today.”

The line moved up.

“Sit with ‘us’? As in you, Jungkook, Eunah, Mingyu, Kyle,Hyeri and those other freaks?”

Jaehyun took the name calling very lightly as he cocked his head, chuckling at her. “Yes, me and those ‘other freaks’,” he confirmed.

“I’d rather choke on rocks,” she deadpanned before turning to you. “Y/n, if we sit there that means we’ve officially hit rock bottom, people are going to think we belong to a clique. Do you want to succumb to that?”

Jaehyun huffed. “You would know, little miss perfect, not too long ago you were sitting with us. And you know we’re not a clique, we’re friends with everybody. Come on, you say it like we’re not all still friends with you.”

She rolled her eyes. “Is Jacob there?”

Jaehyun sighed, seeming to suddenly remember that night. “No, he’s been sorta M.I.A. He’s been telling people he’s sick to get out of things.”

“Once a liar, always a liar,” Jinsoul scoffed, shaking her head in disgust. “Whatever, it’s up to y/n.”

You smiled, shaking your head in approval. “We should!”

“Then I guess we have no choice.”

After taking your trays and paying for your lunches, you all began to walk to Jaehyun’s table where some of his friends already sat, as you noticed Taehyung sitting at your usual table, distracted on his phone as he waited for the others to arrive.

You hadn’t seen Taehyung in a while and knew this was your chance to finally chat with him.

You slowly stopped walking as you got closer and closer to passing him. Jaehyun and Jinsoul looked back at you, curiously. “I’ll be there in a minute, you guys.”

Upon hearing this, Taehyung looked up and the other two shrugged this off and kept it moving. You looked over at Tae, whom was now smiling at you as you approached him completely. “Taehyung,” you greeted.

“Wow, she’s talking to me,” he jokes.

“I know you’re not speaking. I haven’t even gotten so much as a text message from you, this goes both ways!”

He pursed his lips together before blowing out an exhausted breath. “Well, I don’t know if you know but we’ve been preparing for a comeback. I know it’s not an excuse but—”

You chuckled upon hearing the news of this. “Wait, comeback? Oh my god, when?”

He grinned, shrugging a shoulder. “We’re not exactly sure yet, we’ll know officially in a few weeks the comeback date.” He raised an eyebrow. “Jimin hasn’t told you?”

“No, he didn’t.”

Taehyung let out a chuckle before looking back at Jaehyun’s table. He paused in thought, momentarily. “Why aren’t you with your friends?”

“I’m not gonna beat around the bush. I thought it’d be nice if you and I have a little chat about what happened. You’re always disappearing, I don’t know when we’ll get this chance again.”

He sighed and by the looks of it, you could tell he saw this coming. “You’re right,” he replied, nodding. “We should talk about it.”

You sat your plate on the table and took a seat next to him.

“Look,” he started. “I’m sorry I kissed you like that. In my head, I was mad at myself for ignoring you for so long that when we finally talked things out, I couldn’t hold back my feelings. But in reality, it shouldn’t have happened.”

“Your feelings?” you questioned, to which he then cocked his head, looking away as you saw him poke his tongue in his cheek.

“You’re really gonna make me say it, huh?” he asked, a grin on his face.

You started smiling, teasingly, as you realized what he meant.

“Yeah, I, uh...” Tae ruffled his black hair, getting slightly nervous before looking back at you. “I would be lying if I said I didn’t have a small crush on you, yn.”

You froze for a second, trying not to burst out into a fit of laughter but you couldn’t help it. As you laughed, Taehyung joined in, blushing deeply.

You weren’t stupid, you had your suspicions the day he asked you on that “date”, him kissing you just confirmed it. “I kinda knew,” you admitted. “I’d also be lying if I said I didn’t kind of have one on you too.”

He looked you dead in the eyes. “I knew, also. You’re not the only one who sucks at hiding their feelings.”

Now you were the one blushing.

“But if it makes you feel any better, I’ve been actually seeing someone. So you don’t need to worry about our past getting in the way of our friendship.”

He gave you a reassuring smile but all you could do was drop your jaw in response. Seeing someone? “Whhaaattt?”

He chuckled. “She doesn’t go to either of our schools and she’s not an idol or anything of that sort. But I actually like her. I’m gonna give it a little more time as of right now but then I’ll bring her around to meet you and everyone else.”

You pouted in happiness at this news. Taehyung was an amazing person and he deserved to be happy and loved.

“So going forward,” he continued, “I don’t want things to be awkward between us. I don’t feel weird and I hope you don’t either.”

You shook your head eagerly. “Of course I don’t, Taehyung! And I’m happy for you. We’re still gonna be besties. I love you, you know this.” You gently gripped his arm to let him knew you meant what you said.

“I love you, too.” He stifled a small laugh. “It’s good we’re both over each other. Plus, I think Jimin—”

“You think I what?”

You both turned to find Jimin walking up towards you guys, Jacob, surprisingly, following right behind him. You rolled your eyes.

“Aish, nothing,” Tae waves off.

Just then, you heard your name being called. You turned your head to the source of the voice, which was no other than Jinsoul’s, of course. She looked annoyed. Must have been Jacob’s presence being there. You couldn’t blame her.

“What’s the point of being over there when we agreed to sit over here today?”she yelled.

You sighed, standing up to get ready and go back over. As you began to pick up your tray, you suddenly remembered something.

“Oh yeah,” you started. “So my parents are going to Japan next week. My fathers company is having a conference there and my mom decided to tag along, I decided to stay behind. Anyway, I’m gonna have a small sleepover with my close friends, nothing crazy. Think you guys will be able to come?”

Jimin and Tae both looked at each other then looked back at you and simultaneously shrugged. “I don’t see why not,” Jimin spoke.

“We’ll be there,” Tae added. “Hopefully. We have to check our schedule but we’ll most likely be there.”

“Okay.” Then you looked at Jacob, who was shamelessly hiding his face from the side that Jinsoul could see him from. “Oh, and Jacob.” He looked up at you. “Just to clarify, you’re not invited. I’m sure you knew but I just had to make it clear.”

You gave him a smart ass smile as he squirmed in his seat before you turned on your heels to join Jinsoul, Jaehyun and his friends.

PART 15

A/N: bruh i can't believe it took me this long to update sjldjs my bad I've been so busy working everyday. capitalism is sickening! I'm at the point where i really dont think I'm cut out to work like someone pls make me a house wife at this point, i’m begging! skfslkfs anyway lots of small confrontations this chapter, let me know what you guys think, ily!

[acelikesturtles]

“For The Love of Cake”

Prompt: Bakery AU - Mikey x Gender-Neutral Y/N

Warnings: Profanity

Word Count: 3,885

A/N: Okay so despite what the screenshot looks like, the original prompt came to be from a conversation on discord, but @wacheypena was the one that officially came up with the prompt, @dw-im-just-sad just sent it to me because I consistently have the memory of a goldfish, so credit for the idea totally goes to wachey. @dw-im-just-sad also wrote her own version of this prompt so go check it out on her blog and give her some love!

“Fuck.”

A blast of warm air from the oven hit your face and pushed the stray hairs out of your eyes. Despite how delicious the freshly baked poppy seed muffins smelled, there was no way in hell that these met the signature Paisley's standard. You tucked a loose strand of hair back behind your ear with your free hand as you set the tray down on the steel counter behind the oven. Two other perfectly top-notch batches of muffins from 45 minutes ago sat only a couple inches away, freed from the confines of the muffin tray and sitting pretty on the tabletop cooling rack. You popped one of the new muffins out of the tray and set it on the counter as a half-pout began tugging at the corners of your mouth. All the muffins here were caved in on the top and looked dense and chewy instead of moist and soft like they were supposed to.

You racked your brain, trying to figure out what had gone wrong. You poked the muffin with a toothpick to check the center then sliced it open with a fork to check the inside. Little tendrils of steam escaped from the muffin’s tortured core; a squashed, condensed, pathetic looking center that seemed ashamed of its own existence sitting beside the high and mighty rises that all its cousins had managed to achieve. You figured that in a moment of absent-minded baking you must have put too much baking powder into the batter, thus creating the chewy texture and the catastrophic cave-in on the tops. With a firm frown and a short sigh through the nose in defeat, you picked up the muffin tray and headed towards the back door quietly.

Normally you wouldn’t be so secretive about bad muffins and tossing them in the bin outside, but the manager, Heather, had been cracking down on all the wasted ingredients that went into batches of bread and cupcakes and muffins and cookies that ultimately ended up ruined beyond relief by new-hires. Admittedly these muffins weren’t as bad of a mistake as per the other new-hires’ usual (like leaving whipping cream mixing until it turned into butter), but these sad excuses for poppy seed muffins were still a recognizable mistake that could easily be attributed to you rather than Rosetta, who always managed to forget at least one egg when she made cake batter.

You opened the door to the back alley behind Paisley’s and kicked the rubber doorstep underneath the gap to hold it in place. You balanced the tray in one hand and used the other to lift the lid off the unofficially named “Fuck-Up” can. With a few small taps against the rim of the bin, the muffins tumbled out of the tray and into the trash, only leaving behind the faintest lingering scent as you returned the lid. You wiped the sweat that had gathered on your brow with the back of your hand. Looking up, the sky had turned a shade of pinkened violet that felt reminiscent of the childhood summer sunsets you had enjoyed back home. You checked your watch. Five minutes until the end of your shift. You hauled yourself back inside and began cleaning up your work station with the torn and stained damp rag assigned to your work space.

Your mind felt full with thoughts, heavy even. Five months in New York and aside from securing a relatively nice apartment with only a mildly concerning roach problem and an “only kinda-severely-cramped” bathroom, you weren’t feeling as if you were making much progress like you had maybe anticipated when the opportunity to move had first arisen. You had moved, after all, in the hopes of starting your own café. It would be something small and quiet, a safe space in the heart of the city for people to come and bask in the welcoming atmosphere and enjoy the soft sounds of Lo-Fi playing above their warm cups of coffee and freshly baked cinnamon rolls. You’d donate food to the homeless on Wednesday evenings after closing time, and on Sunday nights the café would host Bingo and Trivia competitions for charity like they did at some of the local bars. The thought of being able to make your dream come true here made you feel immensely grateful to be on the path your heart had been calling you to. Paisley’s was better than being stuck in your hometown selling discount jeans. Right now though, working these grueling hours made you feel even farther away from the finish line than you had thought it would when you started. Rather than a feeling of excited and determined immersion in a career area that would someday be a part of the larger puzzle you longed to complete, Paisley’s felt like a chore that truly nobody enjoyed aside from Heather’s domineering managerial attitude.

You tossed the dirty rag into the laundry bin on the other side of the kitchen and began making your way towards the time clock to punch out for the night. Your aching feet were relieved just knowing that rest was coming soon.

“You headed out for the night?” A coworker asked, bumping into your shoulder while you punched in your employee number.

“Yep,” You stifled a yawn. “Poppy seed muffins at my work station still need to be stored for the catering thing tomorrow, so have somebody do that when you close.”

“Sure thing, on my way to do that right now.” They responded.

You finished clocking out and lazily shuffled back through the kitchen towards the rear door again, now fully caught in a yawn. You opened the door and took two steps outside before waiting to hear the slam and the click of the lock behind you, finalizing the official end of your shift. Now that you were outside though, something felt off. You glanced down at the “Fuck-Up” bin. The lid was ajar instead of firmly placed like it had been when you had messed with it earlier. Perplexed, you picked up the lid and peered inside the can only to find it empty of the muffins you had tossed in there before. Bizarre, but not unheard of. Paisley’s didn’t donate any of their leftover food to homeless shelters and you had heard from your coworkers that the homeless often peruse through the large dumpster behind the bakery for scraps hoping that the trashed food wasn’t as bad as employees thought. You could hardly blame them for trying. One company’s terrible batch of cookies is another man’s saving grace. At least someone was making use of your mistake.

You yawned again, shuffling down the concrete steps towards your neon green motorbike. You knelt down to unlock the chain holding it to the company bike rack, absently humming some commercial jingle that had been stuck in your head for the last day or two. Once the lock was completely freed you stuffed it into your bag, kicked the kickstand back up, and fished your keys out of your pocket to turn the ignition. Just as the motor began to sputter to life, you heard shuffling feet and a faint and stifled cough echo in the alley around you. It was near impossible to not feel spooked or even just a little bothered at the thought that the person from earlier could still be lurking in the alley, even if you had no real proof that they were harmful. You had heard too many horror stories and seen too many documentaries to be foolish. Not taking any chances, you hopped onto your motorbike and immediately hit the gas, taking a sharp turn into the street and not daring to look behind you. You could have just been paranoid of course, squirrels and other animals liked to dig through their trash and make noise in the alley too, but when confronted with the silliness of the concept of hundreds of rats carrying the muffins away you found yourself instead hoping that the person that had fished through their trash had gotten what they needed (and that they wouldn’t still be there by morning).

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

The next morning as you came up the back steps to the kitchen you noticed a bright yellow post-it note stuck to the lid of the “Fuck-Up” bin that hadn’t been there the night before. At first you hesitated to read the note. There was an anxious pang in your gut that made you feel uneasy about it in a way that you couldn’t put you finger on. You reached your hand forward to open the door to the kitchen, but found your hand only hovering over the knob with no real intent of going in yet. You needed the closure that would likely come with reading the note, even if it was a little intimidating, the thought of someone interacting with you by way of your ruined poppy seed muffins. You plucked the sticky note from the rusty lid and held it up to your eyes, squinting to read the chicken scratch.

“Hey dude! These ones were not my favorites but still yummy! Get me some oatmeal cookies next time, the crispy ones! Those are fuckin’ delicious! -MC Mikey.”

Your face scrunched up in confusion. Was this person seriously asking for more rejects? The only crispy oatmeal cookies that Paisley’s made that ended up in that bin were overcooked or half burnt, unless…did they think that this was a donation bin? Confused, you pushed your way through entrance and into the kitchen, claimed an empty work station, and headed over to the time clock to punch in your employee number. You were suddenly feeling a little bit more concerned for this individual than you did afraid of them. Maybe this was just someone ridiculously naïve. Maybe this was a kid that didn’t know any better and liked the smell that the trash behind Paisley’s had. Your sympathy had kicked in alongside a compulsive desire to bake those requested oatmeal cookies, and once you’d returned to your station you began flipping through the company cookbook for the recipe so you could sneak a mini-batch in-between actual requests.

After about 20 minutes, you pulled the first batch of cookies out of the oven and pushed the next sheet in. The smell was heavenly, an intoxicating mix of warm vanilla and cinnamon that made you salivate at first whiff. You picked up a cookie to check for the soft texture that was so characteristic for the recipe and sighed in relief when they pulled apart just like desserts did in those viral Instagram videos, softly and delicately. Hopefully these cookies would become this stranger’s new favorite. Whoever this was could have the experience of a real oatmeal cookie without the element of burnt edges interfering with the flavor, and the thought of being able to provide that joy was enough to put a little more pep in your step than was there before.

Several hours, a lunch break, and a couple run-ins with your bitch-of-a-manager later, you found yourself in front of the time clock again with a small Ziploc baggie of oatmeal cookies secured in your bag. They wouldn’t be as fresh as they were when they first came out of the oven unfortunately, but they’d still taste better than burnt and crispy cookies--that you were at least certain of. Once you’d finished punching in your employee number you made your way towards the back door as quickly as you could with aching arches and a stiff lower back. You stepped out onto the concrete stairs and waited for the latch behind you to click before making your way down the steps with one hand firmly grasped on the chipped railing beside you while the other dug around in your half-zipped bag for your keys and the Ziploc filled with cookies.

Your sneakers hit the alley and you let out a loud yawn while rolling your neck from shoulder to shoulder. You turned towards the “Fuck-Up” bin and gently placed the baggie on top of the lid. Should you have left a note? Would this person even care if there was a note as long as the cargo inside was sealed away from the elements? You let a puff of air out through your nose and let the worry roll of your shoulders as you turned back towards where you had parked your bike, keys jangling in hand. Just as you were about to reach your bike, you heard the shuffling sound again. Without hesitation you turned on your heel and looked back towards the garbage bins. Nothing had changed, nobody was there, but the noise of muffled footsteps said otherwise. This time you didn’t feel like running as much as you did like investigating the source of the noise to ease your curiosity to rest. You kept one hand firmly gripped on your pepper spray, and slowly stepped forwards, stopping at about the halfway point between you and the trash.

“Anybody there?” You called out. Your voice sounded particularly sick and crackly from the long work day. There weren’t any response and the sounds in the alley went dead quiet to underscore the sound of your own breathing instead. “If you’re the one who came by yesterday digging through our trash-” You started, wincing at your own condescending tone. You sounded so harsh, especially considering the fact that this could easily be a child based on what the handwriting had seemed like. “Sorry, I…I left you some oatmeal cookies. They’re on the lid.” You spoke softer, gesturing towards the “Fuck-Up” bin vaguely. The silence persisted. Now you were beginning to feel uneasy. The hairs on the back of your neck were practically standing up and you were beginning to think that you had either gone crazy or that maybe you were dealing with some kind of back-alley ghost.

Do ghosts even eat? Can ghosts even eat?

Without warning, a large hand partially cloaked by shadows broke free from the dumpster and began swiping in the general direction of where you had left the Ziploc bag. It would almost be comparable to a scene from a horror movie if the hand and the arm didn’t seem so clueless and desperate to get to the baggie. You fought back a smile and took a couple steps closer. You still had a grip on your concealed pepper spray just in case, but the thought of the stranger assaulting you was fading from the forefront of your mind. It wasn’t until you got close enough to see that this person’s hand was noticeably malformed—only two large fingers and a thumb—that fear was pushed onto the main burner once again. Clearly frustrated with the whole ordeal, the head and shoulders the appendage was attached to slammed up against the top of the dumpster and pushed the lid up against the wall behind him. That’s when he made almost immediate eye contact with you. Crystal blue eyes clashed against orange fabric and scaly green skin in a way that shocked your system to your core. This wasn’t a child, and it wasn’t a human, and it wasn’t, as far as you could gather, anywhere in between. A large shell was fused to his skin in a way that further broke your perception of reality as you tried to rationalize what you were seeing without thinking about costumes or special effects makeup or even aliens. You stood in shock for a moment, unblinking, watching as he strained to reach the baggie in front of him. He poked his tongue out and grunted as he stretched over the side of the dumpster, just barely missing the Ziploc with each swing of his arm.

“Dude, you could at least help!” He groaned, collapsing his upper body over the side of the dumpster in defeat.

You blinked and suddenly you were forced back into reality…or at least, whatever reality this was.

You took several more steps forward and snatched the Ziploc up in your hands, gently handing it to the…creature that was currently in the company dumpster. You had so many questions you needed to ask, too many questions, and without even opening your mouth the turtle began answering at least some of them one-by-one while shoving oatmeal cookies down his throat.

“I see you’re kiiiinda freaked out, and that’s okay! I get it, Mikey’s just so overwhelming to the ladies,” He said with a smug grin. “Turtle, mutant, ninja, sex god, what isn’t there to love angelcakes?” Your carefully baked batch of oatmeal cookies were disappearing in seconds, miniscule in comparison to the size and capacity of his stomach. “Oh, also?” He spoke through a mouthful of crumbs, spewing half-chewed chunks of oats and sugar all over the concrete beneath them. “These could use more cinnamon.”

“I-“ You hesitated for a moment. Your mind was filled to the brim with unfinished thoughts and rabbit trail theories about how Mikey himself was even possible (that is, if you weren’t dreaming) but they all came to a screeching halt when his comment about the cinnamon broke through your occupied mind. “Wait, really? I thought there was plenty, let me try that.” You huffed, snatching a cookie from one of his oversized, mutant hands. Within the first bite you were able to tell that he was right. The cinnamon flavor was more subtle than you had intended; a mere hint of warmth rather than the overwhelming comfort that you had been aiming for. “Oh. Yeah, I-I guess you’re right…Mikey.”

“Yeah, and those cupcakes the other day were-“

“Too much baking powder, I know,” You laughed and shook your head. “Those must’ve tasted gnarly, sorry,” You stopped mid-breath. “Wait. Cupcakes? Those were muffins.”

“Oooohh! So that’s why they didn’t come with frosting,” Mikey laughed. “Well that’s disappointing, I thought I was getting cupcakes. No wonder.” As the turtle crawled out from the dumpster with his empty Ziploc in hand, you became dwarfed beside him. He was tall, but not as menacing as you may have originally assumed. A half smile gradually worked its way onto your face as you looked up at him, trying to avoid grimacing at the smell of liquid garbage dripping all over his body.

“Next time I...I could make you cupcakes if you’d like.” You responded.

Mikey’s eyes looked alive with excitement as he nodded in complete agreement, musing aloud all his favorite flavors and fillings and frostings to you with a childlike delight. First there was snickerdoodle with extra cinnamon, then there was lemon meringue with more meringue than there was lemon. Red velvet with a whipped cream filling, double chocolate fudge with a gooey peanut butter center, tangy orange creamsicle with a tangerine wedge on top. You weren’t taking notes, but you figured that your personal investment in listening to a mutant turtle talk about his own takes on classic (and invented) flavors was enough to hold onto what he said in your memory, even if in the morning it may all seem like a hazy, drug-induced fever dream. You actually found yourself so intrigued with some of his flavor combinations and substitutions that you barely noticed that the grip you had been holding on the pepper spray had been entirely released, instead allowing that hand the freedom to gesture in a more relaxed manner as you articulated.

It wasn’t until the sound of a distant police siren echoing several streets away that the conversation stopped rather abruptly. The sound had grabbed the turtle’s attention in a way that stopped him in the middle of a sentence and replaced his excited expression with one of worry and concern. His eyes fell back towards you. You were searching his expression for a reason behind his troubled gaze just as much as you were looking for a clear answer behind what it was that made him who he was.

“Do you have a Sharpie?” He asked urgently. He looked behind him and over both of your shoulders nervously, as if he was waiting for someone to pounce, and that alone was enough to make you feel on edge again.

“Why?” Bewildered, you began digging in your bag again, searching for a permanent marker. You couldn’t find one but after clarifying that something similar might work, you managed to fish a red ink pen from the depths of your disorganized mess of a bag. Mikey snatched the pen from your hands, pulled the cap off with his teeth and spit it out onto the concrete, then stretched your forearm out in front of him. He scribbled a bunch of numbers rather messily onto your skin. He had accidentally smudged the undried ink a time or two and had to correct it, but when he was finished the string of numbers came out looking exactly like a standard, New-York area phone number. If this was a dream it sure was a detailed dream, you had to at least give it credit for that.

“My digits,” Mikey beamed while making the oh-so-stereotypical ‘call me’ gesture with his hand. “Call me, angelcakes. Unless you don’t want to, then like, don’t call me.” He shrugged. His confident aura practically dripped off of him as he began backing away into the shadows, shell nearly flush against the wall behind him. His hands rested on his holstered nunchakus as the police sirens faded away into the distance.

“Wait,” You faltered. Seeing him leave just as quickly as he had arrived made the flood of jumbled and confused thoughts come rushing back to you all at once. He couldn’t leave now, not when you were just beginning to get a grip on having him be a part of the same reality you were in. “Where are you going? What’s going on? What about the cupcakes?”

“Orange dreamsicle,” Mikey called back with a song in his voice. “Extra orange!” He said with a wink, while gesturing toward the cloth that covered his eyes.

Mikey had vanished into thin air, and just like that, you found yourself immersed in relative silence again. You pinched your forearm but didn’t wake up. You pulled on a singular lock of hair really hard, but didn’t wake up. Whatever you had just witnessed was still your reality, as evidenced by the smudgy red ink on your skin. You blinked once, then twice, then wiped the sweat off of your keys and your pepper spray and began shuffling towards your motorbike again. You turned your keys in the ignition, but when the engine started you didn’t feel the relief that you normally did when you were getting ready to head home from a grueling shift at work. If anything, your energy levels had peaked alongside your need to satiate your newfound curiosity aching in your bones. You pushed the kickstand up, removed the lock, pulled your phone out of your back pocket, and took your seat. You glanced down at your forearm again. The messy red ink was becoming clearer the more you stared at it. Perhaps it was just natural human tendencies at work, or maybe even fate, but the words just seemed to naturally tumble onto your keyboard once you’d copied the smudgy numbers into your contact list.

“Hey, Mikey right? I forgot to tell you my name. It’s Y/N.”

[cheeri0-queeri0]

mftl wlw version

Chapter Five

What’s wrong with her sister is that Emma is this close to shaking the living daylights out of her.

“I thought you were in serious trouble!” Her voice is higher pitched than usual, echoing in the entryway of the front of the school. “You said this was an emergency!”

Somehow, ‘I got caught skipping English and have to take pictures of the football team for the school paper but I’d rather go to an event with some art class people I only just met today’ doesn’t cut it. Not considering the bad family news she’s received via text.

Her sister’s posture droops. “But it is one! When have I ever actually had the opportunity to make cool friends?” And then she simpers, her telltale I’m-about-to-try-charming-you dimples emerging. “And I just thought, you know, since you actually like photography, maybe you could do the football shoot for me?”

Emma throws her hands up in exasperation. “Don’t scare me like that. What if you’re in an actual emergency and I assume it’s something silly like this?” Detention, a secret boyfriend breaking her heart, a car accident… all the horrible things this could have been whirl around in Emma’s mind.

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry! I wasn’t asking for a guilt trip.” She perches on the edge of the school fountain, peering up at Emma plaintively. “I know it’s asking a lot to pass this off on you, but I really do want to get to know these people. I...got so out of the loop this summer. I’m trying to find my friend group, you know?”

Emma’s heart cracks a little for her. If things had changed so much for her while she was away, the same must be true for Mack. 

“And I’ll give you Sister Bucks,” she adds, a last ditch attempt to win Emma over.

But the older sister isn’t about to make this easy. “Fifty.”

Mackenzie’s eyes widen. “That’s extortion!”

Emma smiles fondly, sticking out a hand to help her up. “Take it or leave it.”

“I’ll take what I can get.” Mackenzie takes her hand, and once she’s standing again, digs into her backpack. She hands over a camera.

It’s nice. A DSLR, fitted with a high-speed 200mm lens. Emma takes it greedily, popping off the lens protector and switching it on, testing out the scope.

Oh yeah. Nice.

“You owe me.”

Mackenzie jumps up and down in joy. “Thank you thank you thank you! I swear I’ll make it up to you.”

Emma teases about spending her sister bucks on making her clean the bathroom. Mack’s nose crinkles, but she shrugs it off and pulls Emma in for a tight hug. And then she just - bounds off.

Mack might be nothing like her, but how couldn’t you love her?

Emma trudges back to the field. Both the football and track teams are still practicing. There’s clearly tension between the two groups, the football team - the most popular athletic team in the school by far - seeing the runners as interlopers into their domain. And without a track coach, there’s no one to stand as a buffer between them. The football coach certainly doesn’t seem interested in doing so, too busy glowering and yelling at recruits.

Mason jogs by, smiling. Emma gives him a thumbs up - if the grass stains on his pants are anything to go by, he’s been working hard. But then, her friend always has.

On the opposite side, Noelle races by. The girl’s head is down, legs pumping. As she passes two younger kids kneeling by a chalked line, one presses a button on the stopwatch. They check the time and cheer.

“Almost two seconds faster than last year’s record!” the boy exclaims, stars in his eyes.

Noelle nods, face stony, but as she takes a swig from the water bottle offered to her, Emma catches a faint smile.

Before she knows what she’s doing, Emma raises the camera, shutters whirring as she snaps a photo.

As she lowers the camera, Emma notices Mason looking at her, brow furrowed. He sprints forward, right past where she was standing.

The coach hollers, “Keep it up, Mason! Soon you’ll be a stronger QB than your father even was.”

Was Mason jealous? He had to know he was still her rock-solid best friend, even if things were a bit, well, weird.

“Okay, for the next play, we’re going to run through passes and see how you do. Mason, go long.”

Diligently, Mason trots out. He catches pass after pass as hopefuls cycle through.

Until - 

One of the newbies throws too far. Mason tracks it with a determined stare, running… and running…

Right into the track, where runners are jogging past, backs to him. Oblivious.

Mason jumps, catching the ball mid-air and then colliding with Noelle, who’s picked up a burst of speed and put herself between the boy and her teammates. They fall in a tangled heap.

Everyone runs over.

“Jennings, you alright?” The coach asks, breathing hard.

Mason rolls over, sitting up. His brows are drawn, jaw tight. “Fine.” But when he gets up, he winces, shifting his weight off his left ankle.

The man then wheels on Noelle. “Harris! Don’t think I haven’t heard horror stories about you in the teacher’s lounge. And I saw you clip him just now! Leave my star player alone, or we’ll see about your spot on the track team, you hear me?”

Noelle dusts herself off, rolling her shoulders. “Whatever you say.”

What the hell? She hadn’t done anything wrong! It was an accident, through and through.

Next to her, Chad scoffs. “Good riddance. Girl belongs in jail, not on a team.”

Emma’s blood boils. No one was giving Noelle a chance. Maybe no one had given her a chance. Ever.

Noelle storms off. Emma watches her disappear beneath the bleachers before resolving to go after her. 

It takes a bit. The other girl’s strides are long. She’s definitely trying to put distance between herself and the field. But hearing Emma’s footsteps, she turns around.

“No paparazzi.” Emma figures it’s meant to be a joke, even if it’s delivered in a flat monotone.

Emma takes her hands off the camera slung around her neck. “I just wanted to see if you’re okay.”

Noelle snorts and looks away. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

Emma tilts her head, frowning. “Honestly? You should be mad right now. The coach was totally unfair. Mason should’ve looked where he was going. But - ” But the coach was biased, and saw things how he wanted to see them, not the way they truly happened. “The coach was practically drooling over him, and when you two hit each other, he took it out only on you.”

Noelle lets out a humorless laugh. “He’s afraid of me. You heard him - he knows the rumors. I’m sure you do, too.” Noelle’s eyes find hers at last, and Emma’s struck by the sheer frustration there.

“I mean…” Emma stumbles, unsure. “I heard you went to juvie. And it sounds like it was serious. But I’m sure it was all blown out of proportion, right?” She hopes.

Noelle’s expression gives nothing away. “Sometimes gossip is accurate.”

Without warning, she pivots to face her, blocking Emma’s path. She lowers her gaze, face in shadow. Emma inhales sharply.

“Might want to keep your distance.”

Emma straightens to stand as tall as she can. “I’m more intrigued now than before.”

Noelle grins. “Careful. You go looking for trouble, you just might find it.” There’s something dangerous there, and a shiver runs down Emma’s spine.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’d want people to keep their distance.” 

It’s a sad thought. 

“Maybe I do.” Noelle looks at her long and hard. 

Emma holds her gaze, trying her best to not look intimidated. Part of her was screaming to turn and walk away, but part of her desperately didn’t want to.

Noelle shrugs. “I don’t care if people talk crap behind my back. It means I don’t have to pretend to like them.”

“So you’re saying this is all an act,” Emma challenges.

“I’m saying,” Noelle emphasizes the words. “I don’t care what people think about me.”

Yeah, Emma’s not buying it.

“You know what I think?” She steps forward, poking a finger in the other girl’s chest. “I think you’re hiding behind this tough girl act because you’re scared. You’ve come back to school and you feel like you’re completely out of the loop and no one will let you in. I’m not saying I understand everything you’ve been through, but I do know what it’s like to feel like you’re on the outside looking in.”

And it sucks.

Emma takes a deep breath and continues her tirade. “And when you stuck up for me with Darren, that wasn’t the kind of thing a girl who doesn’t care about anyone would do.”

Noelle’s face remains stiff and expressionless, but something softens in her eyes. She still hasn’t moved, and they’re standing so close…

Emma’s heart thumps erratically in her chest.

Finally, she smiles. Just a half-smile, more of a smirk, but still a smile. “You’re not what I was expecting, Emma.” She sighs, shooting her a sheepish look. “Sorry. It was nice of you to check on me.”

Emma scans her face. She still looks uneasy. “You seem frustrated.”

“That’s what I get for hurting the star football player,” she growls, sneering at the word ‘star,’ a bitter look crossing her face.

There’s some hatchet buried there, but when she asks about it, Noelle denies. 

“What’s to tell? He’s the golden boy who has it all, and I’m not.”

“That’s all?” Yeah right. “I don’t buy it.”

Noelle’s face crumples. It’s the most vulnerable Emma’s seen her. “There’s...a bit more to it. Something that happened freshman year. But it’s a long story.” Noelle glances at her cautiously. “Maybe I’ll tell you sometime.”

Emma beams. “I’d like that.”

Noelle looks at her curiously. “I saw the way you looked at his girlfriend. You couldn’t take your eyes off her.”

Emma gulps, taking a step back. Her mind races for something plausible to say. “I...she’s the captain! And my best friend!”

Noelle lifts a brow. “Hmm. Okay.” Is she not convinced?

“W-what, a...girl can’t have friends?” She still can’t bring herself to really come out. To just… say it. Not yet.

Noelle’s eyes widen. “No, I… Sorry, that’s not how I meant it.” She looks away.

There’s still something she’s holding back.

“Hey, thanks again for, you know, checking on me.”

Emma relaxes just a smidge, shooting her a smile. “Hey, I’m just glad you dropped the lone wolf act long enough to hear me out.”

Noelle huffs, casting her a look, the corner of her mouth turned up in a smirk. “Don’t change that attitude of yours, Emma. I like it.” With that, she jogs back toward the track.

Emma watches her go with a grin.

She heads back towards the water cooler to get a drink. Mason’s sitting on the bench. He waves as she walks up.

“Hey, superstar,” she greets, handing hip a cup of water and sitting next to him. “Why are you out here?”

He glowers, gaze searching to track where Noelle is sprinting back and forth. “My ankle is twisted. Coach said I should sit out and rest up. He doesn’t want to take any chances.” He shakes the sour mood off. “So what’s with the camera? I didn’t know you were such a superfan.”

Emma laughs. “Mackenzie roped me into taking pictures of the team for the school paper. It’s a long story.”

Mason chuckles, leaning back, humor dancing in his eyes. “Sounds like a classic Mack scheme. So tell me, in your professional opinion, how do you think the team looks?”

Emma’s cheered for enough football games to know the sport fairly well. And she knows it’s too early to tell. “I think someone was showing off and got himself into trouble.”

To her surprise, Mason blushes, rubbing the back of his neck and glancing away. “I mean, maybe? For the camera!”

Emma rolls her eyes good-naturedly. Her friend works hard. He deserves some time to shine, even if he really should watch where he’s going. “I’ll see if I can get you onto the front page, Mr. Limelight.”

Mason stands up. “C’mon, I’ll give you some shots real quick.”

Emma tuts, eyes flitting down to his ankle. “Are you sure - ”

Mason waves the comment away. “I’m sure. What’s a football shoot without the quarterback?”

Emma bites her lip, but follows him out onto the field. He calls out for Chad to come over and bring a ball.

“All right, I’ll take the ball and run, and pretend to tackle Chad. Cool?”

Chad nods, tossing the football. Mason catches it one-handed, hugging it in to his chest.

Emma raises the camera, clicking away as Mason dramatically stares down the other player, clicking as he takes off with a burst of power, clicking as he tries to slow, clicking as he shoulders Chad, clicking as the force knocks a surprised Chad back. 

And then she stops, because both boys are tumbling down. Mason hits the ground first, hard, and he hisses in pain. Chad tries to right himself, but trips and falls over Mason’s legs.

Emma is there beside her friend in a heartbeat, kneeling in the grass. His jaw is tightened, brows screwed in pain. “Emma…”

Was this her fault? Had she pushed or encouraged Mason into pressing his limits? Had the animosity between him and Noelle - which she’d ignored - led him to think he had to - prove himself?

Emma wasn’t sure what this was, but she knew one thing: this was serious.

[atths--twice]

Wedding Countdown 

Chapter Five 

Saturday, Three Days to Go

Mulder feels the need to pick out a possible “first dance” song, much to Scully’s absolute horror.

11e/15

Mulder paced across the living room, waiting for Scully to come downstairs after putting Faith to bed. Pausing, he glanced up and listened, to see if he could hear her coming yet. Looking down at his phone, he saw the song he had queued up. He had heard it earlier and he knew how Scully was going to react when he played it now, but he was ready for that battle, he had his story all prepared.

Hearing her footfall on the steps, he put his phone in his back pocket, turned around and grinned at her. Regardless of the questioning look she gave him, he put his hand out to her, her frown making him smile even more. Always skeptical, that was his Scully.

“What are you up to, Mulder?” she asked.

“Dance with me,” he said, smiling as he gestured with his hand for her to come closer.

“Mulder …”

“Humor me, Scully,” he said, taking her hand and pulling her close.

“There’s no music,” she teased, looking up at him and raising her eyebrows, causing him to laugh.

“This is true,” he said, dancing slowly in place. “I was thinking as you were upstairs, that we don’t have a song to dance to at the wedding. You know, our first dance and all.” She pulled back again and shook her head, opening her mouth to say something. “Relax, Scully. I’m joking. I don’t even know if we’ll have dancing, Tampa is in charge of all of that. But, I did hear a song today and if you’ll humor me …” He took out his phone, pushed play, and she groaned.

“My Heart Will Go On, Mulder? You know how I feel about this movie,” she said in a warning tone, as he put his phone back in his pocket, and they began to dance around.

“Ah yes, Scully. I believe the words ‘just sink already’ were yelled at the screen. But I chalked it up to you being irritated by the ‘non-case case’ you worked on while in Maine. You know, on your weekend away. With Jack.” He twirled her around and pulled her back, spying the grin she was trying to hide. “You know it’s a good thing the theater was basically only us, because I think people would have taken offense to you yelling that, taking into account the history of the ship and all-”

“Mulder, shut up. Why in the world this song?” she asked, as she rested her head on his chest.

“Well, I was listening to it recently... by chance,” he stated, as she pulled back to look at him. She nodded, unconvinced, and put her head back on his chest. “It’s true, it played on that station you like, and I swear to God … ever since you were pregnant and then even more so after Faith was born, I feel so emotional about things. I don’t know if you’ve noticed.” He waited and was not disappointed when she scoffed out a laugh. He smacked her ass and she yelped, digging her nails into his waist.

“The way back past, Scully, the circumstances out of our control … I never, I never thought I would be a father and not just one … in theory, so to speak,” he whispered into her hair. “We puttered around here, you and I, and we were happy, but the sadness … it was palpable at times and though we never said it, this home lacked something. William … he left us both with an emptiness that became bigger as we tried to make it smaller. Thinking of him growing up here, having a catch outside, camping out in tents, building rockets … it was a dream and something I didn’t share with you. I see now how stupid that was, I do.” He could feel her taking deep breaths and heard her sniffling, but he continued on, holding her close to him, dancing slowly, the song set on repeat.

“It’s not a … a replacement with Faith. I don’t want you to ever think that …”

“I don’t, Mulder. I understand what you’re saying. I … have those moments too. Looking at her, seeing her milestones being met and knowing how much we missed. Her calling me Mama, Mulder, I will not take that for granted even once. She can say it with love, anger, or annoyance, and I will love it every time. I wasn’t a mother to William, not the way I am to her. He is my son, our son, but … I understand.” They were quiet as they stopped dancing and simply held one another, the words of the song finding new meaning for them in the moment shared.

Every night in my dreams

I see you, I feel you

That is how I know you go on

Far across the distance

And spaces between us

You have come to show you go on

“He’s with us, Scully. He always will be, and one day we’ll see him again,” he whispered, and she nodded as they began to dance again. “I honestly didn’t mean to traipse down this path, but we obviously needed to discuss it. Again.” She laughed softly and nodded her head again. He sighed and was quiet, following the trail back to where he had planned to go.

“When I heard this earlier, I was remembering watching this movie after you came back from Maine. God, I had missed you so much, it was embarrassing,” he laughed and she chuckled.

“Pencils falling from the ceiling embarrassing?” she teased and he laughed.

“Exactly. So, I had suggested we cut out early, hit that head shop for you to buy a poster, for some other man I might add -”

“Of which I never sent it, if you remember correctly.”

“A moot point, at this juncture,” he replied, and she laughed again. “Anyway, I suggested we go see what all the fuss was about with this movie and you rolled your eyes, but agreed. Like I said, there were only a couple other people in the theater and I was glad of it when you yelled for it to sink.”

“Ha! That was hilarious, because I remember the other two people in there said Amen! and I didn’t feel like such an asshole. But Mulder, I just … I didn’t feel it and so, I wanted to get to the, for lack of a better word, the action part of the movie.”

“Mmm-hmmm,” he said, and she laughed again.

“Then, God, this song was everywhere. And then oh, do you remember how it had dialogue from the movie added to the song? Mulder …” She pulled back and looked at him with wide eyes. “It felt never ending at times.” He stared at her and shook his head.

“You did start an “I love Cal Hockley” fan club, didn’t you? You went into online chat rooms and discussed how he was the real victim, didn’t you?” he deadpanned, causing her to throw her head back and laugh. When she had finished, she looked into his eyes and smiled, her eyes twinkling.

“Yes, Scully, I remember your disdain for the movie, but if you would shut up, remove the preconceived thoughts from your head, and listen to the words of the song, you’ll see why I was affected by it. So I’m going to start it over, and you’re going to be quiet, you got it?”

“Or what, you’ll smack my ass again?”

“I will, but let’s save that dirty talk for later.” She laughed as he queued up the song again. “Now just shut up.” She raised her eyebrows at him, and then put her arms around him, and her head on his chest, as they began to dance slowly.

Every night in my dreams

I see you, I feel you

That is how I know you go on

Far across the distance

And spaces between us

You have come to show you go on

Near, far, wherever you are

I believe that the heart does go on

Once more you open the door

And you're here in my heart

And my heart will go on and on

“That, Scully, that right there,” he whispered.

Love can touch us one time

And last for a lifetime

And never let go till we're gone

Love was when I loved you

One true time I hold to

In my life we'll always go on

Near, far, wherever you are

I believe that the heart does go on

Once more you open the door

And you're here in my heart

And my heart will go on and on

“So much has happened, Scully, and yet here we are, together, dancing in our living room while our little girl sleeps upstairs,” he whispered into her hair.

You're here, there's nothing I fear

And I know that my heart will go on

We'll stay forever this way

You are safe in my heart and

My heart will go on and on

“I know it’s super cheesy, I know you’ll roll your eyes, but it’s true, there is nothing I fear, not when you’re here. We can face anything, we will face anything as we’re meant to, together,” he said, his chin resting on her head, as this time the music stopped and did not repeat.

“So cheesy,” she breathed and he smacked her ass again, causing her to laugh softly, and then sigh. “Mulder, you have always been a cheesy kind of guy. Your puns, whether I laughed or not, it’s part of your charm and makes you who you are. It’s one of the things I love most about you. You take things seriously, to a point, and then you bring the comic relief. Sometimes it lands and sometimes I don’t want to encourage you, so I hold the laughter inside. But..." She looked up at him and smiled. “I love your cheesiness, because I love you.” He bent his head and kissed her, before pulling her close again.

“I’m happy to hear that, Scully,” he said and she hummed. “It’s nice to know that you appreciate my silly humor.”

“To a point, Mulder,” she warned.

“Like the point of an iceberg?” he asked excitedly. “Because I think we could even get through that, Scully. Our ship wouldn’t sink and there wouldn’t be any casualties.”

“Okay, see now,” she said, pulling away and stepping back, her hands up in surrender. “That’s too far, even for you, Cheeseball.”

“What? I’m saying we’re unsinkable,” he said, with a huge smile. “Our love has anchored us and kept us from drifting off into the horizon. No more rough seas, only smooth sailing, as far as the eye can see. Scully? Where are you going?”

She did not answer, but continued across the room, a slight gagging sound heard as she began to walk up the stairs. He laughed and walked around the room, turning off the lights and locking the doors. Taking the steps two at a time, he arrived quickly at their bedroom door. Standing in the doorway, he grinned at her.

“Permission to come aboard?” he asked, and she threw a pillow at him, hitting him in the face. He laughed and stepped past it into the room, closing the door behind him. “Now about that dirty talk …” He pulled her close and she raked her nails up his chest.

“You got the green light, sailor. Full steam ahead,” she teased with a purr, and he groaned, gripping her hips tightly.

“God, I love you.”

“I know. And, Mulder, you definitely have permission to come aboard.”

“Oh, Scully …”

___________________________________________________

Song credit - My Heart Will Go On written by James Horner / Will Jennings. Sung by Celine Dion.

*Full disclosure, I was the one who totally thought, “just sink already” as I watched Titanic. I just ... it didn’t do it for me. It’s all visually stunning, but 🤷🏻. At least I didn't yell it at the screen like Scully did, so there is that at least.

Although Titanic was not my absolute favorite movie, I do love the song and I DID like when the dialogue from the movie was added to it years ago.*