#i remember the walls closing in on me and me trying to accelerate the process

[erraticroses]

.

[autumnalwalker]

Seven Snippets, Seven People

Thank you for the tag, @druidx.

Passing the(optional) tag to @dyrewrites, @ceph-the-ghost-writer, @talesofsorrowandofruin, @the-down-upside-finch, @theprissythumbelina, @junypr-camus, @korblez, and an open tag to anyone else looking for an excuse to share snippets.

Here's some snippets from the most recent POV cycle of chapters for Empty Names:

One: Chapter 17 - Embedded Media

“I appreciate the sentiment, but you do yourself a disservice in selling yourself too short.”  Glassheart pauses for a moment and then continues as serenely as ever.  “That said, it would be remiss of me not to advise caution in continuing down your current path.  You are recombining elements of disparate magic systems in novel ways and breaking rules seemingly without even being aware that they exist.  Some would call that reckless.  Some would call it offensive disregard for tradition.  Some might even brand it as sorcery, inherently dangerous or ripe enough for abuse to be taboo for all but the strongest-willed of mages to attempt.”

Lacuna attempts to examine Glassheart’s face for some hint of expression or emotion.  Is he saying that he finds the idea she just ran by him offensive?  She forces a nervous laugh.

“It can’t be that bad, right?  I’m just one amateur dabbler poking around in a lab finding overly-convoluted ways to do what’s simple for anyone else.  I’m not even a real mage.”

“It most likely is not.  But the rituals your system generates are unlike anything else I have encountered or heard of, and that which is unfamiliar ofttimes makes people nervous.”

“I… Thanks for the warning?  I’ll try to keep that in mind.”

Two: Chapter 17 - Embedded Media

She presses her thumb into the designated section of the scepter, gripping with intent, and the pre-recorded accelerated incantation begins emanating from the tube, causing the ornament at the tip to begin glowing in response.  The glow brightens, slides off of the ornament and coalesces into a fist-sized glowing ball floating in the air.  After having only run for a second, the near-static noise of the incantation stops but the floating mote of light remains.  It briefly flickers as Lacuna lets her concentration slip in a moment of astonishment that it worked on the first try, but quickly stabilizes when she refocuses her attention.

She repeats the process three more times at different spots in the testing chamber, and then on the fifth she allows the recorded incantation to loop long enough to draw the shaky approximation of a cat’s face in the air.  She laughs and the lights pulse in time to her voice.  It’s an unexpected side effect that causes her laughter to redouble until the lights almost wink out before she gets a grip on her concentration again.

The next time she runs the portable ritual it is with slightly different intent.  She points the scepter at an empty spot in the air and the previous conjurations begin to converge and orbit the target point in space.  She sweeps her arm and the lights move to the new focal point some yards away from the scepter.  At Lacuna’s will they draw closer and then move further out.  

Grinning wildly, Lacuna begins waving the scepter about and clumsily twirling around the testing chamber to the off-kilter rhythm of a half-remembered theme song.  The conjured lights trail behind her like streamers for a drunken ribbon dancer.  She stops for the briefest moment of catching her all-too-easily-winded breath while holding the scepter as straight up as her wobbling arms can manage so the lights begin swirling above her, and then she swings the scepter down to point at the training dummy on the other end of the testing chamber.  

Disappointingly, the lights don’t so much streak toward their target as drift in its direction at a brisk pace, but at least that gives Lacuna ample time to close her eyes when the first glowing ball misses its target entirely and bursts into a bright flash upon hitting the wall behind it.  When the floating cat face manages to clip the edge of the dummy, its dying flash is enough to leave her seeing spots through tinted goggles and closed eyelids.  

All in all, a successful test apart from her poor aim.  She’s panting and working up a sweat, but that’s to be expected with how she got carried away.  Maybe she should give joining Eris at the gym another try.  Her hand does seem even hotter than expected though…

She looks down at the scepter and realizes the metal tube is beginning to glow ever so slightly from heat and the incantation has dropped to barely audible instead of stopping altogether like it’s supposed to.  The heat gets painful even through her safety gloves and Lacua drops the scepter on poorly-trained reflex.  She has just enough presence of mind to turn away before the fragile 3D test print of the ritual ornament on the tip of the scepter hits the ground and shatters.

Examining herself after the ensuing flash, Lacuna finds that much of the color has been bleached out of the backside of her clothes.  Touching the back of her neck - exposed from putting her hair up as a safety precaution - she winces.  She’ll need to be sure to keep her hair down and in place for the next week or two so the others don’t notice the new sunburn.

Three: Chapter 18 - Mom Energy

“Somehow though, he looks at all of this, does the tactical calculus, and concludes that Hild is the biggest threat - or maybe he was just mad at her breaking free - so he points a hand at her and his fingers extend, shooting across the room.  Road realizes what’s happening in time to parry it enough to keep it from taking off her head, but the vamp mage still manages to rip a gash in Hild from jugular to heart.

“Here’s the thing about vampires that makes them so annoying to kill: Short of beheading or burning, they can recover from basically anything so long as they have the blood.  So pro-tip, if you find yourself fighting a vampire without a stake and you don’t think you can get a killing blow on them, hit them someplace that they’ll bleed a lot.  And it has to be external bleeding.  A decent size cut’s harder for them to recover from than broken bones or ruptured organs.  Get them in the heart or jugular and they’ll bleed out nearly as fast as a human if they don’t get the chance to feed in the next minute or so.

“On the flip side, if you’re ever trying to save a vampire, the number one most important thing is to give them something to drink; the fresher and stronger the better.”

Eris holds up the child-sized bite mark on her wrist for everyone to get a good look at again.  Damn, but does it feel good to watch the realization dawn on her audience’s faces.  Especially the ones who’d laughed at it earlier.

Four: Chapter 18 - Mom Energy

In the past fifteen minutes since Eris knocked on Lacuna’s door hard enough to chip the paint and wake the neighbors, she’s watched her best friend’s face change from terrified to concerned to embarrassed to anxious to worried to confused and now to utterly horrified.

“Oh goddess, I am so sorry.  I swear I didn’t think that would happen.  I knew there might be complications but I didn’t think that even could happen.  I’m sorry.  I should have seen this coming.  I should have run more simulations.  I shouldn’t have needed to.  It’s so -”

“Sis -”

“- obvious in hindsight.  Not even hindsight, it's just obvious.  How could I be so stupid?  I’m sorry.  I promise this was an accident.  Maybe if I - No that would be worse.  I swear I -”

“Hey -”

“- can make this right.  Or maybe it’s already showing signs of abating.  This is what I get for not taking a baseline model first.  Please don’t be mad.  I’m so, so, sorry.  I just -”

“Lacuna!”

Lacuna flinches at the not-quite-a-shout and goes quiet, shrinking back into the round papasan chair seated in her apartment’s living room.

“I’m not mad at you,” Eris lies.  Maybe if she keeps still enough and keeps being slow and deliberate enough with her words and breathing it will become true.  “I believe you that whatever this is was an accident and I’m not going to hold it against you.”  That part is probably true.  “Now please slow down for a minute and tell me what you think you did to me and what we need to do to fix it.”

Five: Chapter 19 - Shire

Sullivan counts the seconds to give the two of them just enough time to suspect he might be dead before standing back up.  He makes a show of it, letting his body go totally limp with the intent of being as unnerving as possible when he bends first one knee and then the other to get his feet flat on the ground before raising himself up simply by straightening his legs in defiance of the sort of leverage the human musculoskeletal system should be able to provide from that angle.  He allows his arms to hang and his head to loll back as he rises with deliberate slowness.

Six gunshots ring out in rapid succession just as his waist starts to bend forward again.  Six bullets trailing comet tails of brilliant green light tear holes in his chest and chunks out of his shoulders.  They fail to knock him back down.

The punch to his still-regenerating face from the doll doesn’t.

Rude.

Some people simply have no taste for the theatrical it would seem.

Six: Chapter 19 - Shire

“Now now, Mr. Whelan,” Morgan says, “are you really so sure you want to be so dismissive about the efficacy of threats in front of an accomplished witch and an infamous assassin?”

Lachlan quails, shrinking back into his chair.  Sullivan stands up, steps behind him, and slides the chair in closer to the table, pinning the shriveled little alchemist between the two.

“You bleeding idiots!” Lachlan shouts.  Frustrated, not terrified.  How curious.  “I’m tr-”  More choking on words.  “That w-  You can’t -  Idiots, the both of you!”

Morgan and Sullivan look from Lachlan to one another, back to Lachlan, back to one another.

Stella looks up, staring at some spot on the white popcorn ceiling.

Morgan slaps a palm to her forehead.

“Goddesses, Green, and Void, we are idiots, aren’t we?” Morgan says.

“You said it, not me,” Sullivan replies.

“It’s so obvious.”

“A classic really.”

“Why didn’t we see it sooner?”

“I would have expected better from a witch of your caliber.”

“I would have expected better from Bridgewood’s trophy husband.”

“Touché.”

“The most annoying kind of curse.”

“Or contract.”

“The one you can’t talk about.”

“Even worse than the one you can’t remember.”

“Are you familiar with the telepathy loophole?”

“Invasive, but effective.”

“It’ll be for his own good.”

“And you’re not worried about inducing geas rejection syndromes?”

“Eh, he seems to be fine despite us figuring this much out from his hints.”

“This is why I love working with anchor world mages.”

“Hold him still for me, please?”

“Since you said please.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, but why not have your doll do it?”

“Because someone broke her hands and the glue’s still drying.”

“And again, touché.”

“Want him unconscious?”

“It’ll work better if he’s awake.”

Lachlan looks up in what is finally fear at the two discussing him as if he weren’t there.

Seven: Chapter 20 - Changeling Child (coming soon-ish)

“Tell me Tam Lin,” Ashan asks, “what brings you here today?” 

The green hand twitches at the Name’s emphasis, even without any attempt at nominal magic infused into his voice.  Yes, definitely one of the fair folk, but why the guileless deception?  Why take such risk with a Name freely spoken, as sensitive as their kind are to that?

“The website,” Tam says,  “it said you can help with weird stuff like this.  You can help me, right?”

“Most likely,” Ashan answers, “but first we need to know more specifically what your problem is.”

“If I may,” Lacuna speaks up from where she has perched on an ottoman at the other end of the couch from Tam.  As she slips her phone back into her skirt pocket and intently looks Tam up and down all her earlier disorientation has vanished completely.  Ashan knows that eager, almost hungry look.  It is a look he has seen on experimentally-minded wizards presented with a unique specimen and alchemists greedily eying rare reagents.  And on children seeing their favorite animal in the flesh for the first time.

With only the slightest misgiving, Ashan nods in assent.

Lacuna’s eyes light up and she leans in even closer.  “Right.  So.  Tam.  Let me know if I miss the mark anywhere.  As a kid you saw all sorts of fairies and similar magic.  When you got older you wrote them off as childhood make believe, but ever since you had strange and vivid dreams about them.  Maybe you even were one in your dreams.  When you hit puberty, those dreams got more frequent.  More intense.  Easier to remember.  Almost a second life whenever you were at your lowest points.  Still just dreams at the end of the night though.  Nothing you couldn’t put out of mind and focus on the ‘real world.’  And then one day.  A recent day.  I would guess.  One or both of your parents died.  Ever since, you’ve started having those dreams every night.  And then every time you closed your eyes.  And then when you looked in the mirror, wide awake, you looked like you did in your dreams.  That’s when something started following you.  Not knowing where else to turn, you turned to the Internet, and found us.  No one answered your calls or the message you left.  That’s my bad.  Real sorry about that.  So you hopped in the car and drove all night to our address.”

Tam stares at her, eyes wide and jaw agape.  “My moms are still alive, but everything else is - how did you know?”

Ashan tilts his head, surprised and curious to know himself.

Lacuna slips back into her usual discomfort, awkwardly rubbing the back of her neck.  “Sorry.  That was weird of me, wasn’t it?  Got carried away.  Touches on a… special interest of mine.  So.  Basically.  You’re a changeling.  A fairy swapped with a human baby to be raised in its place to take its Name.”

“You’re joking,” Tam denies.

“You were quite literally shapeshifting in front of me,” Ashan points out.

“Not intentionally,” Tam says.

“It wouldn’t be,” Lacuna says.  “Historically speaking, most children accused of being changelings were just some flavor of neurodivergent.  The real ones tend to blend in as normally as the baby they swapped with would have, fooling even themselves.  Not that there isn’t overlap between the two from time to time.  A Name isn’t just the name it’s tied to, it’s a whole identity, physical and mental.  Most changelings have no idea they’re not human until something triggers a change, at which point whatever fae liege made the bargain will come to retrieve them.  Or send a servant to do so.  Kinder ones will be upfront about it and explain things.  Maybe even make an offer to continue living as you are.” 

“And crueler ones will send a hunting beast to drag you back kicking and screaming,” Ashan posits.

Tam’s nervous nod is all the confirmation Ashan needs as to what tripped the wards around the office.

[dausy]

So I finished Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth last night. I told my husband I was going to spam finish the ending and I did warn him that final fantasy endings (including final boss fights) are usually notoriously long but I didn't realize that final section was THAT long. I chewed off all my fingernails too in the process so typing all this is actually hurting me. Spoilers below eventually.

I have some thoughts or feels right now that may change as the game ages. I think its similar feels to how I felt with the Remake which is kind of overall a sense of..disappointment? in a way. I think its the same type of disappointment as you get when you convert a book experience into a movie.

Like deep down I understand that they aren't just making a remake, they've added an extra twist. I understand that they have expanded upon the world and added more character development to make the world seem bigger and more alive. But it does not feel the same. My husband is not familiar with video games so I was excited to show him this badass world and game and honestly a lot of it was cheesefest and make Cloud look as silly as possible. Which is fine for me as a FF veteran but I kept having to say "no I swear this is serious game, serious characters" but then again when we played OGFF7 we were kids..my perception of cool is probably different.

GAME MECHANICS

I had a lot of issue with the game mechanics when it came to exploring the world. It tricked you initially making you think it was open world but it isnt. Its very "follow the path" but then you get held up by random rocks and environmental blockages. They added some features like being able to climb up walls and some rocks but not all rocks and then when you do climb its extremely slow. I find myself trying to spam buttons to try and make him go faster and he wont. I honestly miss the old school world map where you would find random hidden areas in forests. I don't think that translates well in modern games though.

Utilizing the map at some points felt worthless because trying to find those locations were next to impossible. My brother had warned me about the Gongaga region but I actually think I had the worst time in Cosmo Canyon trying to find things. Junon probably being a close second. Navigating inside cities was also one of the other biggest frustrations. Getting lost in Cosmo Canyon and Kalm is not fun. If I can't walk into a town and get an immediate layout of the land, I'm instantly annoyed.

Im also usually really excited to clear a map in open world games (having played assassins creeds and eldin rings and horizon series etc) but I was over it after Junon tbh. I did not find the grind to be satisfying especially when it had some mini games in there like Fort Condor. I was over it. I was over Chadley too after remake. They added Mai to rebirth with Chadley. Done. Do not want.

MINI GAMES

that then comes down to the mini games. These are quite far responsible for the most complaints Ive seen about this game on the internet. I agree. It kind of angered my brain how the controls wouldn't be the same for all the games. In particular, the racing games. The accelerate button in chocobo racing isn't the same as the one motorcycle race. I don't remember if it was even the same for the buggy. But I was having some finger flubs because ye olde hands were used to pushing some buttons then needed to switch it up. Also, some of the mini games just seemed to be impossible. In particular, I absolutely could not figure out the Punch game in the gold saucer. I did not understand it. Could not comprehend it. And after costa del sol, I knew for sure I was not getting any mini game achievements. 100% was not going to happen for me.

BATTLE

I did set the game on easy mode so I probably cant talk about the battle mechanics. I just didn't care to make my time more frustrating. That being said, I dont feel like the materia system had that big of an impact like the original. I just hacknslashed my way through the game. The Folio screen, I felt was dumb too, just let them unlock things as they level up? Also didn't like how I couldnt zoom out on this screen. Speaking of zoom, I had issues with zooming on the world map too. It didn't zoom in and out as much as I am used to with other games. What surprised me the most was by the end I was living off RedXIII which I have not heard anybody else mention. I started the first part of the game thinking I was going to abuse Barrett forever and then I kinda learned how to use Tifa when I decided I wanted the Tifa date. But then redXIII happened. Again, it may be because I had it on easymode but with red I had him equipped with whatever that gave him instant ATB bars and leveled his limit up quick. I just had to run in spam stardust ray which staggers almost everything instantly and then my limit break would be ready. I felt I could just solo the game with him. I never could figure out how to play with Aerith or Cait Sith and just didn't use them if I didn't have to.

STORY

I think is kinda the major...well it wasn't a let down...it was just different. It was one of those where I don't know how I would feel if I wasn't familiar with OG. I think my husband was just confused. I just kept having to explain "no this is new, this did not happen" constantly. I felt it was simultaneously too over-explainey but also too cryptic at the same time. I was having to fill in the blanks with what I already knew and expected. That happened emotionally too. I did not get the same OOMPH with Aeriths death as the original. Probably because they didn't show her get skewered and then they made it cryptic about whether or not she did or didn't. "Aerith open your eyes" just confused my husband more. No bud, she dead. Its the whole multiple timelines did not give the same shock. I have to use, again, my knowledge and fill in the emotional blanks. I did really like the church scene where Sephiroth opens the church door. But I had already seen that scene online too and it made me has an assumption that Sephiroth was chasing her down. I thought there would be some sort of a scene where Aerith was going to explain to Cloud that she needed to die because that happens in the original timeline and he was going to try and convince her no and stop her and hence he has to run after her and none of that happened which hurt my feelings but I made that up so. I do like how the kept the thrust you into a bossfight with the sad music.

I tried to explain to my hubby how in the OG, her death was such an immediate shock, especially with how early it was in the game, and she was your obvious dedicated healer and then they toss you into a boss without your healer. That was rough. But it didn't matter in this game because I had no lack of healers anywhere.

CHARACTERS

I liked the voice acting, I guess. Its still kind of anime-y. Barret grew on me, this game. I thought Cloud was perfect casting. I keep comparing it to FFXII and some of the voicework in that game was brilliant and I don't really think FF7R compares in too many places. I also don't necessarily agree that the character models look great. SE has kind of gotten weird with some of their body proportions. I'm actually not talking Tifas boobs but rather her skinny long spider arms and tiny head. Its giving LunaFreya and I think its hideous and distracting. I do prefer the much more proportional Tifa from Advent Children (and what they pulled into Kingdom Hearts).

Tifa is one of my favorite characters. I do really like how Cloud got crazier as the game progressed, into crazy creepy and I like scared wary Tifa. I got the impression, this game, that Tifa suspects Cloud might have killed Aerith. I could be wrong. I know that Tifa is criticized a bit as a last minute add on character in the OG and I do kind of appreciate fleshing her out a bit. She's understandably a lot more timid and wary in this production. Makes me wonder how they're going to reverse that though in the next game cause that girl looks SCARED of Cloud.

IMPRESSIONS

It just isn't the same feel and wonderment. I get nostalgic sometimes for that sensation of the first time I turned on certain video games. The first time I turned on FF10, 12, Ni No Kuni even..and this game is not going to give me that same feel 10 years from now. I do not anticipate I'll ever say "oh man, I wish I could forget my first time playing it and experience it for the first time again".

I will play the third. I want to see Cloud lose his s--- and have a mental breakdown. I think Aerith will still be there, its not going to have that same empty hole feeling that the OG had though. But I'll play it for finality. I do hope they tie in some Advent Children stuff. I do want a nice long finale sequence but it'll probably just abruptly end unfortunately. meh.

[lightgriffinsect]

Who We've Become

(Friday Night Funkin')

Words: 2047

Summary: Aldryx isn’t supposed to have found him. None of this is supposed to happen. Tabi doesn’t want it to be happening.

He can’t trust anyone. Not even the Andromedas— or the last remaining Andromeda, at least. He can’t go home with Aldryx, no matter what the digidevil says, what he promises him. It’s far too dangerous for Tabi. And then he remembers it could be far too dangerous for Aldryx, too.

But Aldryx won’t let him leave. He won’t let him resume his life on the streets, what Tabi’s come to see as his forever. He wants Tabi to return to a life he’s believed for so long that he never can. And slowly, Tabi realizes that this might not just be for him. It’s for Aldryx himself, for Sol, and for Agoti, their family long gone.

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

He shouldn’t have been found in the first place.

“Get away,” Tabi hisses, the anger in his voice meshing with the throbbing in his chest. “Don’t look at me!”

“I’m not gonna hurt you.” Aldryx’s hands are visible, in front of him, palms facing forward. He doesn’t move, not at first. “Tabi, it’s me.”

Tabi can only tense up further, backing away from him and closer to the wall of whatever alleyway he’s been cornered in. He’s pulled his hood over his head, unavailingly trying to conceal his skull and horns as best he can. “You’re not, are you?” he spits. “Why don’t you take a long hard look at me? See who I’ve become, what kind of monster they’ve made me?!”

“That doesn’t matter, Tabi. I’m your friend.” A hint of stress bleeds into Aldryx’s otherwise steady voice, and Tabi’s stomach tightens. He’s lying.

Tabi knows better than to trust someone who’ll rely on words like that. ‘Friend’. ‘Matter’. He reaches for his back pocket, where his knife is tucked away, ready to whip it out with no notice at all.

“Tabi, please.” Aldryx advances on him. “You can trust me.” Alarm bells ring in Tabi’s ears at those words. Aldryx’s wary and measured movements do nothing to ease the apprehension creeping up his spine. He reaches out with a hand and panic floods Tabi’s chest— he’s come too close, too close for comfort. He’ll be able to see Tabi and all the details of his miserable, reduced existence, be able to touch him and hurt him and Tabi can’t let anyone else get to him, not again, not this close get away from him just LEAVE—

“Don’t touch me,” Tabi snarls without thinking, drawing his knife. Before he can process his movements, it ends up mere centimeters away from his friend’s wrist, missing it by a fraction of a second.

Aldryx stumbles back, stunned.

Tabi, just as startled, glances up at his friend’s face and sees it. Beneath the shock, the faint hurt, the almost disappointment, there’s something else. Something like fear. Like Aldryx doesn’t recognize him, like he’s asking, who even are you?

What might have happened, had Aldryx not been so quick to pull back? What might Tabi have done? What is he doing, that Aldryx is now staring at him like he’s a menacing stranger?

Who even has he become?

The knife, suddenly a foreign weight, trembles in his hand and he lets it clatter to the ground. “Sorry,” he tries, even though it won’t fix anything. “I’m sorry.” Even though it wouldn’t have fixed what he could’ve done to Aldryx because of his own impulses. “I— I didn’t mean to…” He falters, his breathing suddenly too loud in his ears. Loud, just like his thoughts, berating and mocking and hateful. Like his emotions, an accelerating torrent of what is wrong with me?

Something new, most likely pity, dawns in Aldryx’s eyes, and he steps forward again cautiously.

“Look,” he starts, far too gently, “Tabi. It’s been a rough year. For you. For us. Just… just come home with me. I want to make sure you’ll be okay, and I’ll— and I promise you’ll be safe there. Please.”

There with the older brother voice again. He glares up at Aldryx through the confined range of vision his skull provides. Did he not listen to a word Tabi said? Did he not process what Tabi just did?! What he could’ve done?!

“I don’t care,” Aldryx adds as if sensing his bewilderment. “I don’t care, Tabi. You’re my friend, and that’s never gonna change, I promise. Just come home, we’ll get you patched up, and we can keep you safe.”

Tabi stiffens. “I can’t, Aldryx, I just… I can’t. They’ll find me if I come out of hiding, he’ll know, and they’ll come for me, I can’t go anywhere now, I can’t…” His breathing picks up, his head aches with the weight of his skull, and he’s fairly sure the ground is spinning. “I can’t let her know I’m alive, she’ll tell him, they’ll come for me…” They’ll come for him, they’ll hurt him again, hurt him more, and Aldryx’s family will be involved again, and they’ll get hurt too, and he can’t let anything else happen, it’ll only get worse, the hole he’s dug will only get deeper and he won’t be able to escape and it’s too tight and too loud and everything is too much. It’s too much, he can’t take any more of this, he can’t, he can’t he can’t he can’t—

“Tabi!” Aldryx is in front of him, arms outstretched, ready to grab him if he falls. Just like always. “Tabi, it’s okay, just breathe. It’s okay, just— just focus on me. You’re here. It’s Friday. It’s two in the afternoon and it’s warm and sunny outside. Um, a bit warm for that hoodie. Are you feeling hot? Do you want to take it off—?”

“N-no.” Tabi pulls away, stumbles, and seizes Aldryx’s arms. He’s shaking so badly, he can barely swallow hard and try to breathe like Aldryx says. “No, I— not now. I don’t— don’t want to.” Please—

“Okay.” Aldryx steadies him. “Okay, you don’t have to. But focus on me. Just breathe with me. They won’t find out, we’ll make sure of that, but first you just gotta breathe.” Tabi obeys, trying to follow his friend’s breathing pattern. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. It’s okay, he repeats over and over again in his head, it’s okay. Soon they are breathing in sync, and he timidly leans into the digidevil’s shoulder. Aldryx says nothing, only lets Tabi lean against him, and eventually reaches an arm out to tug the shorter into a hug, loose enough that Tabi can easily pull away if he wants. But Tabi doesn’t.

After what feels like an eternity but must have been only a few minutes, he wills himself to let go. Tabi hasn’t been held so gently, touched in such a soothing way, in almost a year. It feels different. New, but familiar, in a nice way. Nostalgic.

Aldryx watches him attentively. “Did it help? Do you feel any better?” His clear, bright eyes lack their typically elaborate eyeliner, and dark bags are visible beneath them. But they don’t leave Tabi’s face, and Tabi isn’t sure how to feel about that. Aldryx is looking directly at him. He isn’t flinching. He’s just worried, for Tabi’s sake.

Tabi swallows. “I— I think so.” He can’t look at his friend any longer; his gaze darts back down to the asphalt.

Aldryx doesn’t respond at first. He exhales, shifting his feet, before he speaks again. “We still haven’t found him.” Tabi’s eyes snap back up to him. “Agoti. He’s still… he’s still missing.” Aldryx takes a step back, his hands curling into fists. Somehow he looks more exhausted than ever, yet immeasurably angry at the same time. “We know it was them, they’re the ones who hurt you, and they took him away from m— from us. But we can’t get to them either.” Aldryx wavers. “He’s gone, Tabi. My little brother is gone. He’s gone and you’re all we have left.”

“Aldryx—”

“I don’t know if he’s alive, Tabi.” Aldryx snaps. “I don’t think he is.” He’s pleading, Tabi realizes. Aldryx stands firm in his resolve, tense in his bitterness, shaky in his guilt. But his eyes are unfocused, clouded with despair, his hand reaching for Tabi’s in his distress, imploring him to stay. To help him. Aldryx, who in all their years of friendship had been the protector, the healer, the one everyone depended on for solace. And now he desires consolation too.

“We’ll keep your identity secret,” he offers softly. “For as long as you need. Sol will— he’ll be so relieved to see you again. You don’t know how worried we’ve been since you disappeared.” Tabi clenches his jaw, eyes shuttering. “You’ll— it’ll be safer than trying to survive out here, Tabs. You don’t have to be alone anymore. I don’t— I want to be sure you’re okay. I want to know that I can still protect you. I— I don’t want to feel like…” He trails off.

Tabi yields, taking Aldryx’s extended hand. It shivers delicately in Tabi’s own skeletal palm. “Yeah?”

“I’m just so tired.” Al shakes his head, his crimson tendrils limp and dull. He faintly tries for a smile. “I’m sorry, Tabi.”

Tabi almost asks what for, but he figures the answer to that has encompassed them, overtaken their lives, seeped into everything.

“It’s not just you, Al,” he finally attempts. He can at least try to alleviate some of the blame from his friend. So Aldryx doesn’t carry it all on his own, so he can hate himself just a little less. “None of us saw this coming. We all could have done something, but even then… we trusted them, right? They were our friends. And they took advantage of that. It wasn’t your fault, Aldryx.”

“Yeah.” There’s no heart in the word. “Of course not.”

Tabi isn’t sure what to say next, so he just stands there silently, offering Aldryx some support in the one way he knows how.

“I saw what you did on the news,” Aldryx murmurs, and Tabi grows rigid. “Blowing up that restaurant? Tabi, what were you thinking?” He isn’t mad or otherwise unnerved, — Agoti would be — voice instead tinged with dismay and concern. He’s about to release a flood of questions, questions that Tabi isn’t ready to answer.

Before Al can say anything else, Tabi cuts him off. “I wasn’t, Aldryx. I wasn’t in my right mind at the time. I thought— I was angry, and I wanted revenge. And I still do, okay? I know you’re worried. I know you have so many questions about it, but I just can’t. I can’t talk about it right now.” For his own mental benefit. He doesn’t want to lose himself in his hatred and rage again, reliving everything as he’s forced to put it all into words. Not now. Not yet. And Aldryx seems to understand, giving a subtle nod.

“Alright.” Aldryx allows a small, empathetic smile. “I’m just surprised the police haven’t caught you. Didn’t think you were the type to commit crimes like that.”

“Your family rubbed off on me a bit too much, it seems.” Tabi snorts. “But I might still need Sol’s help hiding from the authorities— if you don’t mind, I mean. I don’t want to intrude…” he adds hastily.

Aldryx stares at him blankly.

“Right.” Tabi pinches the bridge of his skull’s nose. “You’ve been begging me to come home with you. All this time. On your knees and everything. For the past hour.”

Aldryx sputters. “Excuse you, I wasn’t on my knees—”

“You might as well have been.” Tabi flicks his friend’s arm. “So are we going or not? It’s hot out here.” It must be almost three by now, he notes, catching sight of the sun as it’s just begun to skew to the west.

“You—” Aldryx freezes, his frame almost immediately relaxing as he registers Tabi’s words. Relief crinkles his eyes. “You’re coming with me?”

“I suppose.” Tabi’s voice drops. “I… you’re right. About a lot of things. And I just think… it’d be safer for all of us. We can— there are some things we should talk about. I should probably tell you and Sol what happened to me. And, I mean… it’d be nice, to hang out again.” Even if an important member of the family is gone. Even without the life of their party. Even when nothing is as it should be.

“It has been a long time,” Al agrees quietly, folding his arms and almost hugging himself. “Let’s go, then.”

“Let’s go,” Tabi relents, snatching up his forgotten knife and tucking it into his pocket. He sets off with Aldryx, ducking past buildings and between alleyways he’s come to understand. He still isn’t sure what he’ll find at his friend’s home, but after all, it was his home too. After so many months of hiding and scraping by on the streets, he sort of anticipates something better. So ultimately, he follows Aldryx’s lead down hidden pathways through the city towards reassuring support, towards tentative hope, towards familiar home.

[ilomilodailystuff]

|| You're not Okay ||

Summary : You come home with a migraine attack and the boys do their best to make you comfortable, because the night is going to be long...

Characters : Steven Grant ; Marc Spector ; Jake Lockley ; You

Notes : it's written for chronic migraine sufferers (and a little bit for me~) but ofc everyone can read it, there's no rules ^^ [English and Spanish aren't my native languages, I apologize for my mistakes. Please tell me when something's wrong in the text, I'll correct it.]

Warnings : depression, pain, anxiety, angst, hurt/confort, trauma, nausea/vomit, suicide is briefly mentioned, medicine also, cursing, (there's some cute and funny scenes tho)

Word count : 8.2K

Completely empty.

This is what you feel as you press the elevator button.

With a deep sigh, the shopping bag that was around your elbow slides into your hand so it touches the floor, easing the weight of the bag as the doors close in front of your bloodshot eyes. During this time of respite, you close your eyelids to protect yourself from the crackling light. Your heart rate accelerating from second to second, you try to keep your breathing regular. Usually it helps control the nausea that turns your stomach and cause your throat to tighten. Unfortunately, you know the routine.

You slowly open your eyes before observing a graffiti on the wall to your left. You try to understand and distinguish this form. Although your eyes receive the image, you guess that your brain no longer makes the effort to process the information. But you don't care, you focus on this thing, trying to ignore the pain that's pounding your skull and making you feel almost lethargic.

Finally, the doors open to reveal the next stage of your challenge. Continuing to inhale and exhale slowly, you leave the elevator with your eyes half closed. You drag your feet in the dimly lit hallways keeping your goal in mind to give you motivation. Just a few more steps and you would finally go home to collapse on the bed. No part of your head is spared, not even your face. The pain is so unbearable that you'd be ready to rip your flesh out, from your chin to the back of your neck. If this is the only way you can ignore the pain in your head, even if you trade one kind of pain for another, then so be it.

Only a few more steps before reaching your destination. With a weak hand, you rummage in your jacket pocket for spare keys that your boyfriend gave you a week ago. A week that you lived together... You wouldn't know how you would react living under the same roof, but all you knew was that you needed to see each other more often and the question arose naturally. It was a new adventure for the two of you, or rather for the four of you. You will always remember your first night together, confessing feelings and secrets like young teenagers in love. This euphoric and slightly ridiculous thought brings a balm to your mind filled with darkness, even if it's only for a few seconds.

The weight of your backpack pulls on the muscles of your shoulders as well as those of your neck, which makes your situation worse. You also try to keep your fingers tight around the shopping bag that you almost dropped several times on the way.

And now a new symptom takes hold of you. Suddenly, you raise your head, breathing hard and fast, the urge to puke your guts out coming without warning. You close your eyes as every cell in your body forces itself to maintain control. Despite this desperate attempt, panic is added to the crowd of emotions that make you lose your composure. Your breathing intensifies, you close your eyes tighter while frowning, these slightest movements heightening your pain as if your skin was covered in bruises.

You weren't going to vomit in the middle of the hallway of the building, were you ? No, you had to contain yourself. It's not the first time it's happened to you, you're able to handle it. You bring the keys to the lock trembling with all your being, nevertheless you are dizzy and your nausea surpasses your courage.

Inhale, exhale... Inhale, exhale...

A sob breaks the barrier of your lips, as you've held it back since the afternoon when your daily headache turned into a violent migraine. While you were working, you kept looking at your watch to count the hours. The time was getting longer as your migraine got worse. At the end of your tether, your shoulder hit the door. You end up lowering your head, a shiver running down your neck to extend your skull to your forehead. So you lean your back against the door before sliding your body down to sit on the cold floor, dropping the bag full of food and produce you've bought as you work harder to read what was written on your list.

Your backpack serving as a cushion between you and the door, your head tilts back while you keep your mouth open, continuing to breathe to calm your nausea. And you choose to keep your eyes closed, too exhausted to do otherwise.

Just a minute. I just need a minute, you silently repeat to yourself...

An hour passes.

Steven walks down the hallway, staring at his phone screen as he holds the strap of his satchel firmly in his hand. Once again, he ends up checking if you had replied to his messages. And once again, he frowned in concern when he saw no response from you.

He sighed, then looked up from his phone.

And he discovers you sitting in front of the door of his flat, your head tilted back with your mouth open and your eyes closed.

"Oh my God !" he exclaims as his face crumpled with fear, rushing over to you.

Steven dropped his bag on the ground and squatted near your body which seems inert to him while he displays an expression distorted by panic. Although terrified by what he sees, he doesn't hesitate to grab your shoulders to shake you slightly.

"Y/n ? Are you with me, love ? Please wake up." he gently encourage you to come out of your torpor.

With difficulty, your eyes barely open as you slowly raise your head.

"I'm okay, don't worry..." you whisper in a tired breath.

Hearing the sound of your voice, Steven closed his eyes in deep relief. For a moment, he had imagined the worst, and he could already see himself holding your hand in an ambulance that would be heading at full speed to the A&E.

"What happened ?" he asks, returning his compassionate gaze to yours.

Your mouth having dried up, you swallow your saliva to be able to speak better.

"I just wanted to... rest for a minute... I..." you try to line up the words, already having trouble lining them up in your own thoughts.

Steven analyzes your face and your way of speaking and he didn't take long to guess. He nodded before considering his next move to help you. He looked around and then he looks at you again.

"Do you think you can get up ?" he asks gently.

You just nod your head briefly while keeping your eyes closed. But you had recognized your Steven as soon as you heard him speak.

Your boyfriend then began to retrieve your shopping bag and he leaned over to put his satchel on one shoulder. At the same time, one of his neighbors decided to show up. Steven looked up in her direction with parted lips. The old lady left the apartment, saying goodbye to her friend before meeting the gaze of the man she had seen before.

Her cheerful smile suddenly disappeared. She discovers this strange man sitting in front of the body of a woman who seems half dead.

Steven raised his eyebrows, his gaze doing a ping-pong motion between you and the old lady.

"She's fine." he assures to keep this poor woman from having a heart attack.

To support Steven, you slowly gave a thumbs up while opening your eyes slightly.

"I-I- I don't want to know anything." she replies with a brief nervous smile as she walks away towards the elevator.

The National Gallery tour guide watched her anxiously.

"She's going to call the police one day..." he said in a worried tone.

"There was no one there until you arrived..." you laugh lightly with exhaustion, closing your eyes again.

"Do I hear mockery ?" Steven notes with a grin.

"Sorry..." your lips curl into a small smile that causes pain to shoot through your jaw.

"You still have your sense of humor, that's a start. Come on. Hold on to me." he stretches out his hands to help you.

You place your hands on his forearms and you manage to get up. But suddenly your nausea gets worse, so you start taking a long breath to control it.

"Come on, let's go inside so you can rest." he tries to motivate you as he pulls the straps of your backpack off your shoulders with great gentleness.

"I can keep it..." you whisper stubbornly.

"I know you can." he responds as he inserts the key into the lock while he helps you stand, carrying your bag with his available arm.

There, he opened the door of his flat before putting his keys in the bowl placed at the entrance. Without waiting, he led you inside and closed the door behind you. Although the boys only witnessed a few of your migraine attacks, they were starting to know the do's and don'ts. So, Steven was careful not to turn on the light, leaving only the streetlights outside and the light from his aquarium to illuminate the room, as well as the light of the moon.

You then take off your jacket, calculating your every move to avoid causing more pounding or pressure in your head. Steven put everything he was holding on the floor and he turned to you, before taking your jacket to put it on the hall cabinet.

"Go sit on the bed, sweetheart, I'll take care of everything." He said kindly.

"Let me help you with the-"

"I don't remember asking you." He replies nonetheless. "Please, go get some rest..."

Although extremely embarrassed, you end up obeying him because you know he's just as stubborn as you are and if neither of you listens, well... You're not out of the woods yet. So you start your steps towards the bed.

When suddenly, you're dizzy again. Everything you see around you begins to spin at breakneck speed. The sensation becoming too realistic, you end up losing your balance and you barely catch up on his old green armchair.

"Y/n ??" he calls you as he turned to you.

Your legs began to shake and your breathing quickened once more. Seeing your unusual state, Steven stops putting away the groceries to close the fridge before joining you.

Your nails dug into the cushion, the impression of falling into an endless whirlwind upsetting all your senses. You would never get used to that feeling despite your years of experience.

"Talk to me, what can I do ?" he asks, laying a hand on your back, his sadness growing as he witnesses your distress.

"You can't help me, everything is spinning, I just have to... I have to wait for it to pass..." You answer before gritting your teeth, your body tensing with this dizzying and uncontrollable feeling.

But you can no longer determine where is the top, the bottom, or even where your left and your right are. Totally disoriented, your legs give out and your knees fall to the ground in hope of finding more stability while Steven follows your movements and kneels in front of you.

Oh, how he hates to see you suffer. But for him the worst part of all this is that he is helpless.

No-- He needs to do something, anything.

"Come here." he said before placing his arms around your waist.

Instinctively, you put your arms around his neck to cling to him, squeezing the fabric of his shirt very tightly between your fingers. To be less unbalanced, you keep your eyes closed in order to ignore the landscape that spins around you.

"That's it, hold on to me. It'll pass, I promise..." he whispers in the hollow of your ear, his words full of tenderness coming to reassure your fears and to console the pains of your head.

"I'm so sorry..." you say in a sob, can't help but feel guilty for putting your own problems on him.

"Shh, stop, don't say that." he whispers back.

He can't stand seeing you beat yourself up like that. Especially when he knows full well that you're not the only one to share what makes you different.

A few tears seep into the fabric of his clothes as you use him as a rock to hold on to through thick and thin. Steven presses you harder against him, closing his eyes, burying his face in your hair. His protective hands hold you with love and determination, because all he wants is to land you so you can come back to him.

Slowly, this feeling of dizziness and intense pain ends up calming down. Hesitantly, you open your eyes. The landscape is stabilizing and it's gladly that you manage to find your bearings. You sigh, finally free from this endless ordeal. Your violent migraine is still making you suffer and your nausea hasn't gone away, but at least you're able to put one foot in front of the other and that's good news.

However, Steven's gesture - totally spontaneous - which surprised you, made you melt from the inside. It's the first time that someone has been so considerate with you, especially during one of your episode.

You don't want to let go, but you can't help but press your lips to his neck, laying them right there with deep affection while his hand rubbed your back in a comforting way.

Kneeling on the floor, holding each other, none of you dare move. In fact, you don't even want to. It's crazy how he manages to soothe you so easily, how he's able to do more than any medicine you've taken in your life. Does he also have a risk of addiction ? You fear you've already found the answer.

After a minute, you end up pulling away from his embrace. For some reason, you hesitated to look up at him. But you could feel his gaze running across your face. So he put his hand on your cheek in order to gently wipe away a tear with his thumb, thus avoiding not applying too much pressure on your fragile and painful face.

Finally, you found yourself sitting on the edge of his bed, which also became yours, while Steven came back with a pile of pillows on his arms.

"Baby, I already told you it was useless, you don't have to do all that." you watch his eyes over the piles of pillows he's carrying as he can't see where he's walking.

"Innoo btt I jst wnt yuu t be az cmmffftbbll az possbl"

"What ?" You frown slightly, smiling.

He let the cushions fall on the bed with a huff, before straightening up to put his curly locks to the side to see more clearly.

"I know but I just want you to be as comfortable as possible." He repeats then with a smile curving his lips. "It's going to last all night, I don't want you to break your back." He continues, wedging the pillows one by one behind you.

More than grateful, you sit comfortably against the pillows before watching Steven heading to the kitchen. After a few seconds, you see him come back with a glass of Coke filled with ice cubes. It was the only drink you could swallow, maybe because it's fizzy and sweet. Sometimes it even calmed your nausea. The sugar and caffeine also probably helps you to have more energy since, in general, you can't eat on migraine attacks days.

You can't believe it, he really knows you by heart. However, you can't help but feel guilty.

"Steven..." you look at him, a little bit bothered by his excess of generosity.

He put the glass down on your nightstand before raising his hands innocently. "That's all. It's the only care you'll get." He says as he walks away. "And don't you dare ask me more, I'll refuse !" He adds sarcastically, pointing at you while he walks away.

Steven manages to make you laugh despite your depressed mood caused by your migraine. And yet, even in these moments, you continue to use humor because it's the only thing that still helps you to hold on. But Steven brought much more. Besides those typical stevenesque sarcastic jokes, he gave you a lot of comfort, joy and hope. The hope that maybe you'll wake up tomorrow without pain, and especially by his side.

Steven went to one of his shelves and you tilted your head slowly to see him. With curiosity, you watched him looking for something special in his DVDs.

Then you end up taking one of the cushions behind you to put it on your legs and thus have more height, before placing your elbows on it and then putting your face into your hands. It was a position you used to take, and you're sure your back will thank your boyfriend for taking care of it. You already tried to lie down feeling nauseous, but it was an impossible task. Each time, you end up sitting until your migraine decides to leave you alone.

Later, you feel the mattress bouncing slightly. Your index and middle finger move aside to reveal a curious eye again. You see him sitting on the end of the bed putting a cd in his player, because obviously he moved his television in front of the bed so you have something to watch on those kinds of rough nights. I don't mind, I just have to fix some cables and that's it, he told you that day. Then your gaze rests on the DVD cover that was placed next to him.

"Are you serious..?" you ask, hiding your smile when you discover your favorite movie, the one that comforts you during your attacks. "You don't have to do this-"

"It's not for you, it's for me. I want to watch it." He answers cleverly as he backs up on the mattress to lay properly next to you, albeit a little awkwardly.

You can't help but stretch a small grin as you see him lie down on his left side, leaning on his elbow with his fingers loosely intertwined.

"Look at this, the main menu alone is a masterpiece on its own." He comments, looking at the TV screen.

You snort as your grin stretches into an amused smile. Then he grabs the remote to play the movie.

"Thank you..." you whisper, casting a loving look at the man of your life. But you keep that to yourself. It was way too soon, however you can't help feeling all those emotions, but you can keep them and cherish them until the time comes.

To your surprise, Steven remains silent and continues to stare at the screen. Nevertheless he ends up stretching a smile that he tries to hold back, satisfied to have achieved his goal.

"Shh, it's starting." He quickly places a finger to his lips before briefly pointing at the television.

Yet you continue to look at him with sweet adoration.

You never thought you'd meet someone like him. In fact, you would never have imagined meeting him, because you haven't found anyone who looks like him, like them. They who accepted you as you were. They who welcomed you into their lives like no other would, especially with your condition. That's how they ask you to call it, because it's the truth. Even if you had a hard time accepting it, having lived for years diminishing the importance of your 'problem' because of what other think of it.

You look away.

Then you begin to sigh with well-being despite the torture your brain is inflicting on you.

After a few minutes of viewing, you end up massaging your face, trying somehow to get rid of this unbearable pain.

"Which side ?" He asks looking up at you.

You turn to him, your fatigue slowing down your ability to notice that you no longer recognize your dear Steven's tone or accent. Nevertheless you manage to realize it after a moment of reflection. Marc, maybe ? You're sure it's Marc, somehow. With time and practice, you were happy to realize that you were getting better and better at determining the transitions between the alters and their host. But you don't care about medical terms, these three people were one thing precious to you. Your future.

And yet you didn't know if you were his...

"...Left." You finally answer.

At your announcement, he straightened up. You open your eyes a little more, wondering what he was planning to do. So you see him imitate your position by sitting cross-legged in front of you. But you see what he's getting at when he brought his hands to your face.

"Marc..." You try to stop him with some embarrassment, not used to getting that much attention. Besides, you were always afraid of bothering him.

"How about you stop pushing us away ?" he suggests as he puts his hands on his thighs, looking straight into your eyes. "What if instead of continuing to pretend that you have to go through this alone, you let us take more space in your life so that we can finally take care of you ?"

His words crushed your chest without warning.

Silent before his requests, your brain stopped working when you were already barely able to think properly.

But he's still there, sitting in front of you, giving a determined gaze that slowly turns into a tender, pleading gaze, raising his eyebrows sympathetically, though with a hint of amusement as he notes the way you're reacting. The former soldier and mercenary couldn't help but be touched by your silence and your big eyes surrounded by dark circles that bear witness to your sleep debt.

"Unless you feel... that I invade your space too much." Marc continues with patience and understanding, afraid that he would bothering you.

Nothing in the world would make you think such a thing.

He has never been too insistent or too demanding.

Besides, his demands are not excessive. On the contrary, it's the minimum for a couple. It's the basis of any solid relationship, caring for each other, accompanying each other in illness. Although nowadays these values ​​have changed for many people. But not for Marc, you realize. For you either, it's just that... you feel-

"I also feel guilty sometimes." He admits softly, lowering his eyes to avoid yours.

You bring all your attention to him. Guilty... Concerning you ? But why ?

"Sometimes I think you wish you were in a much simpler relationship. That you'd rather not have to put up with the three of us, put up with our past, and above all... not have to accept our situation regarding Khonshu. And I would understand all of that." He said looking up at you. "Everyday I'm afraid of losing you."

No, Marc...

Your eyes start to fill with tears. You feel a lump in your throat that you're trying to ignore.

"I admit that even today, I still have a hard time making it a reflex but know one thing : I will always take the hand you hold out to me. No matter how insecure I am." he clenches his jaw, each syllable spoken with pure conviction.

That's it. You give in.

Overwhelmed, you remove your mask of pretense and lower your head to wipe away your tears with the palm of your hand. You didn't know if his words alone were the cause of your hyper-sensitivity or if your migraine was playing tricks on you, anyway you couldn't stop the salty pearls from flowing down your cheeks. You couldn't get over seeing Marc showing so much honesty.

Moved by your flood of emotions, Marc puts his hand on your neck before pressing his lips gently against your forehead, where the source of all your problems is. Then he closed his eyes, swallowing to restrain the sadness that was invading the walls of his throat.

"Take my hand. Please take it..." he whispers against your forehead, desperate for you to accept his help.

You start sniffling like a poor lost child. You hated yourself for putting yourself in this state for a simple migraine... There are so many more diseases that are as terrible and unbearable as each other and at least you will never die of yours. At least if your depression doesn't make you cross a dangerous limit... You try hard to remember that there's so much worse than you in this world. But you can't help thinking that there could also be a better situation than yours. You no longer felt capable of going through this hell every week and almost every day.

And because of that, you haven't even noticed how Marc has been feeling all this time...

"But why would you say that ? You're not a burden, okay ? You'll never lose me... Never... Don't say that again..." you sob.

"Okay, okay, I promise..." he says softly, your words meaning so much to him.

Then you think about Steven. Poor Steven who immediately took care of you right after work.

"I didn't even ask Steven how his day went..." you sniffle again, cherishing the reassuring touch of his soft lips against your forehead.

"You'll ask him when you feel better." he whispers back. "Promise me you'll do anything to feel better ?"

"I promis you." you answer naturally, your hand going to rest on his.

"So please let me help you." He persevere with patience, knowing full well that the only barrier between you and him is your guilt, and nothing else. Otherwise, he would never allow himself to cross this barrier that you have placed for your own discomfort.

You look up at him, his lips gently leaving your forehead. Once again, you look at each other for a few seconds, with love, compassion, and hidden grief.

He opened up to you, he shared his doubts more than he ever have before. Even if he expects nothing in return, you now have the desire and the need to fulfill his wish.

However, there's a catch. You never asked for help from anyone, your lips didn't know how to formulate this request. Marc continues to observe you, noting that you were trying to tell him something and that you hesitated. But your lips remain parted without a sound. It couldn't be pride... Or maybe it was ? You don't even know anymore. You've been on your own for so long...

Luckily for you, he decides to save you from drowning. Marc noted your efforts, and he deciphered your cry for help.

Then, he slowly started to run his hand through your hair and put it on the left side of your extremely painful skull. Grimacing slightly at his contact, you nevertheless notice how his gestures are meticulous and made to be as delicate as possible to prevent your migraine from getting worse through his fault. It's therefore gently that he begins to massage your head. Then, his second hand joined your neck to massage it with a little more firmness.

You sniffle one last time, trying to relax despite your reluctance.

And without you noticing, your shoulders fell, little by little. Slowly your eyelids began to droop despite their struggles to stay open.

"Do your eyes hurt ?" Marc asked in a low voice.

Like him, you decide to forget your insecurity to take the hand he held out to you. You become too engrossed in the comfort he was giving you, your pain becoming a little more bearable by the second.

You just nod your head weakly.

His hand that was on your skull moved close to your face. And his thumb massaged your brow bone in a circular motion that sometimes lifts your eyelid. More and more, he felt the weight of your face grow heavier against his hand, signaling to him that you were finally letting go. For a moment, he wondered if his healing armor was capable of curing the migraines that are ruining your life. If only he could share it with you to find out... But he would also be afraid of certain repercussions that this entails.

"The nose too..." He hears you whisper with tiredness.

He doesn't wait. His hand went down on your cheek and his thumb massaged up and down starting on the bridge of your nose to go down to the corner of your nostril.

"And the cheekbone..." you continue with a sigh.

A smile curved Marc's lips, noting that he had succeeded in making you lower all your barriers. It's the first time you've let him participate in the healing of your migraine. He couldn't be more proud to see you finally cooperating.

He then continues the trajectory of his thumb to your cheekbone and with his available fingers, he massages your jawline by matching his movements with his thumb. While his hand on your neck goes up to the back of your skull.

You're in a trance. The pain is much more bearable and you felt like he was - very slowly but surely - getting that migraine out of your head.

So he continues for an indefinite time.

Meanwhile, he was analyzing your face. Marc has often had painful migraines throughout his life, but he wonders how you put up with them. They seemed so violent, so unstable and so frequent... At times, he wonders how you manage not to go mad. From what he saw and what he had learned, the moments when you really feel good are very rare or even non-existent. He doesn't know what he would do if he had to go to bed every night and wake up every morning with a terrible headache. But if he was able to recover your illness, he would do it without hesitation.

"You can stop now..." you finally warn him, feeling the minutes tick by. It felt like ages.

"Okay." He answers in a low voice. "But that's only because I'm starting to have cramps." He adds, smiling briefly.

He gently pulled his hands away from your face before clenching his fists once or twice to relax the muscles in his fingers as he leaned toward the nightstand.

Then you raise your eyebrows, taking a deep breath. Finally, you blinked your eyes open slowly. You felt like you woke up after a long hibernation, when you saw Marc handing you the glass of Coke Steven gave you earlier. They seems so ready to give you anything you need.

"For your nausea." he said.

Still as unsettled by his thoughtfulness, you take the glass while staring at it, looking dazed.

"Do you need anything else ? Food ? Water..? Or something cold for you head ?" he asks.

"N-no. I'm fine." you stutter as you look up at him.

"You sure ?" he frowns.

"Yeah."

"Okay... Tell me when you need me." he replies before placing a chaste kiss on your cheek, ready to lie down next to you.

Shit, where were they all these years ? You sincerely begin to think that you wasted your time with people who never took your condition into account, all letting you down because you demanded too much attention or often missed outings with friends. While you never asked for attention, nor missed those outings you would have liked to attend.

But you realize tonight thanks to Marc, that you deserve this attention. You deserve to get help. You deserve to be taken care of. And all these things, you had refused them because of the prejudices and criticisms of those around you. But you really deserve it all.

Wow... In fact, you realize how much these three people have changed your life. You realize how beneficial they are to you. You had never held this reasoning before meeting them.

As he watches TV, the light from the screen illuminating your silhouettes to cast your shadows behind you, he brings his hand towards you. On your back, his fingers traced abstract shapes as he focused on the film.

"Thank you, for everything you do... For taking care of me." you say after a moment of silence.

His dark brown eyes left the screen to look at you.

"You know I do it gladly." he answers sincerely.

"Maybe, but... No one else has ever acted like you did."

"I don't know what to tell you... For me it seems normal." he admits, continuing his caresses on your back while keeping his attention on you.

"Exactly." you reply.

Marc take the time to observe you, your tender smile, your raised eyebrows which demonstrates your sincerity and your gratitude, and his heart beats faster when his eyes met yours again. Those looks... Oh, those looks. They always have a way of making him nervous. Every time you look at him like that, with love and adoration, he seems to lose his composure. No one has ever looked at him like you do. Sometimes he's even scared of it, but only because he doesn't understand you. Why would you love him in the first place ? You seemed to have so much affection for him that he doesn't know what to do with it except to give it back to you every day he spends with you. You both needed so much love and you didn't even know it.

Finally, you break eye contact to bring your attention to the film.

In a rather pleasant silence, you watch TV with your conversation still in mind.

"...What a stupid man I would be to abandon you when you need me the most." He ended up answering without even taking the time to think, his arguments seeming totally logical and irrefutable. It wouldn't even occur to him to ignore you when you're in dire straits.

Your smile slowly widens, then you lower your eyes thoughtfully. You've been together for a few months and he still causes as many butterflies in your stomach as on your first date. And the excruciating pain of your migraine won't prevent you from feeling on cloud nine, because the support he gives you is immeasurably effective and you can never thank him enough.

At 4 am you still find yourself sitting with your face in your hands and a pile of DVDs on the TV stand.

Your migraine is starting to show a semblance of pity and your nausea is a little more bearable. How about trying to sleep while you still can ?

You look up, your neck hurting terribly and you wince in pain when it cracks. Then you turn to Marc. And you see that he have fallen asleep, after also noticing that he had put on his pajamas. You didn't even feel him move so much that you were concentrating on your migraine.

You contemplate his face and you take advantage of this moment of calm to print this image inside your eyelids. It's rare to see him so peaceful... He seems so pure, asleep there by your side. You admired his long eyelashes and his curls pulled back despite a few rebellious locks falling on his forehead. He's beautiful.

Yeah... You're so screwed.

After removing a few cushions, you begin to lie down but you change your mind as soon as you feel resistance behind you. A tender smile curves your lips when you see that he had left his hand on your back, as if he was still trying to support you even though he had fallen into Morpheus' arms. With your fingertips, you gently take his wrist to lift it slowly. Praying that he doesn't wake up, you put his arm along his body.

Once you are certain that you're not disturbing him in his sleep, you begin to lie down, taking care not to make the mattress bounce too much under your movements. You then laid your head on your pillow. You feel like you're lying against a brick so much that your head is sensitive, and the aches are already starting to paralyze the muscles in your face.

Suddenly, your belly started to growl loudly. Quickly, you curl up, putting a hand on your stomach while you close your eyes and purse your lips. When it stops, you open one eye hoping Marc's still asleep. You hold back a sigh of relief when you hear him snoring peacefully, and your muscles relax.

You stay like that for a while. The air burns your eyes so much that you have rubbed them and your exhaustion only makes it worse. Nevertheless, you let yourself be lulled into this cocoon, reassured by the presence of your boyfriend. Because there's one thing you know for sure. No matter how bad your migraine is, you're terrified of going through it all alone. For you, nothing is worse than loneliness, especially when you're at your lowest, since that's where all your negative thoughts hide and no one is there to pull you out of all this darkness that consumes you.

That's why living with Marc is so new to you. The mere fact that he is there takes a hell of a weight off your shoulders which were beginning to weaken after these years of fighting alone.

Eventually, fatigue takes over. You manage to fall asleep although you're still in pain, hoping wholeheartedly that you'll wake up tomorrow without any pain to enjoy your day.

And who knows, maybe the migraine will leave you alone for a while...

At 6 am, Jake's sleep is disturbed.

A strange noise wakes him up slowly. He frowned while keeping his eyes closed. But once he becomes fully conscious, that sound comes more clearly to his ears.

Worried, he turned to the noise, opening his tired eyes as he saw daylight seeping into the room.

There, he hears the echo of your jerky breathing bouncing off the walls of the bathroom you had closed. He then recognizes the sound your throat makes when you are about to vomit.

"Mierda." he grunts straightening up as he pulls the blanket off his legs.

Jake got up to walk to the bathroom door before knocking.

"Y/n, are you okay ? Can I come in ?" he asks, placing his ear close to the door to hear your answer, his anxiety increasing as he listens to your struggle against your nausea.

When he suddenly hears you throwing up your guts.

More than worried by this impressive sound you emit, he rushed into the bathroom in panic and he sees you squatting in front of the toilet, your eyes filled with tears and your stomach seized with spasms.

Jake grabbed your hair and quickly brushed it away from your face while you were caught in a fit of coughing. The acid burns your throat and your nostrils as you keep emptying yourself with difficulty.

"That's it, let it all out..." he reassures you, rubbing your back with his available hand.

However, you can no longer catch your breath. And as always, you panic a little trying to get some air.

"Tranquila, take your time..." Jake whispers, slowing down the movements of his hand on your back to help you calm down.

So your vomiting starts to decrease and you manage to get more air.

"You're doing good, stay calm..." He encourages you, observing you carefully, in reality as impatient as you to see your ordeal end.

But since you have nothing in your stomach, you manage to regain control fairly quickly, even if it's with shortness of breath that you finally breathe. Inhale, exhale...

After making sure nothing more could come out, Jake let go of your hair and then you decide to get up, your body still shaking. Under the watchful gaze of your boyfriend, you turned on the tap to clean your mouth. You're still too nauseous to brush your teeth but you can't wait to get that horrible taste out of your mouth.

Then you turn off the tap, before resting your hands on the sink for more stability.

"...I didn't want you to see me like that." You end up confessing. You had managed to keep this veil of mystery over your relationship for months but now that you live together, you can no longer prevent him from seeing the hidden reality. It's not much, but was he ready to see you like this every week ?

"Please, you've seen me covered in blood before and I haven't heard you complain once. I think I can take that." Jake retorts, nodding his head with a smirk.

"You have a great gift for manipulating words, Lockley." You answer sarcastically in an amused tone.

"I know, a real poet..." he said back while sitting down on the floor before leaning his back against the wall.

Jake opened a welcoming arm and you accepted his offer, sitting quietly next to him against the wall. He put his arm around your shoulders then lifted his chin so that you could rest your head on his chest, close to his neck, and you felt safe again in his protective embrace.

"I'm sorry I woke you up." you apologize, knowing that he needed as much sleep as you.

"I was already awake. Don't worry about that, muñeca." Jake assures you before dropping a kiss on the top of your head. "How do you feel now ?"

"I feel like I have a hangover."

"Aw, mi pobre cielo, I'm sorry..." he replies compassionately. "But look, the first night has passed." he encourages you to look at the window by your bed.

Although you're exhausted, you lean forward to see the sun's rays hit the floor as dust particles fly into the light.

"You did the hardest part." he adds as you watch the blue sky from your small bathroom.

Then Jake turns to you, looking at your face for a moment to find half-closed red eyes, chapped lips and very pale skin. And the fact that you haven't eaten anything since yesterday morning and barely drank only makes things worse to lead you into an almost indomitable vicious circle.

Indeed, Marc, Steven and Jake were all very worried about your state of health...

"You're not planning to go back to work today, are you ?" he finally asks.

"Yes, I am." you simply answer.

"Hope you're kidding ?" he pulls away to look you in the eyes, frowning.

"I can't afford to lose another job." you sigh looking at the ground in annoyance.

"Excuse me, but I'd rather you lose a job than your life." He insists, not understanding your point of view.

"Stop, you're exaggerating..." you scoff.

"Y/n, we've only been living together for a week and you've come home like this three times already. And need I remind you that last night you were found almost passed out in front of our door ? You're exhausted, you haven't eaten anything since yesterday and you just threw up. How do you think you can get through this day without breaking down?"

"But I'm okay." You assert, nevertheless you are not very convincing.

"No, you're not okay. Maybe its time you understood that." Jake retorts with more lucidity than you, having an outside view of your situation. "Muñeca, I'm not here to give you orders or to stop you from doing what you think is best for you. If you're sure you're able to go to work then I'm not holding you back. But you have to understand that you want to do things that your body might not be able to keep up with." He explains calmly, not wishing to accentuate your migraine by arguing with you now. "You have your goals and you want to stick to them, it's commendable. You're very brave and I admire you for that. But please promise me to put your health first before taking a decision."

You hesitate for a moment, not seeing yourself going to new job interviews. You were tired of losing your jobs after a few weeks, a month maximum. You were never able to be stable in your schedule and it's an inexplicable frustration not to be able to follow your plans. Especially when it comes to keeping a salary.

"Fine..." you finally say. "I won't go."

It's true. You can't go back to work like this and you can't keep lying to yourself. But Jake knows how much you want to be independent. You need to work, you need to feel useful. He knows this is your ultimate test and you want to win it. And the icing on the cake would be that you could find and keep a job that you actually like.

"I have an idea but you won't like it." He says.

"Go ahead." You say turning to him.

After a few seconds of silence, Jake finally speaks.

"I think you should see a doctor-"

"Oh no !" you exclaim, looking away in annoyance.

"I know, I don't like them either. But if you see a neurologist or something like that, maybe you could get some proper treatment-"

"I already tried, it was hell !" You respond by looking at him again with a pleading gaze. He couldn't ask you such a thing.

"I know."

"I don't want to stuff myself with medicine and be disappointed every time thinking that this one might be the right one. And I'm tired of doctors."

"I know you're mad at them, but they're not all bad or insensitive. Steven read stories of some chronic migraine sufferers on the internet, they all took many years to find the right doctor and the right treatment." He defends his idea with fervor.

You sigh deeply, not liking the turn this conversation is taking.

"It's unfair..." He admits, rubbing your shoulder, saddened to see you reacting so badly to his remark. "But if you want to get a little better, you should give them a chance. And I see you coming, it's not because I advise you to go see a doctor that we are tired of you. It'll never happen. We'll help you, we'll be with you throughout the whole process."

You bring your gaze to him. Maybe he's right... But you're afraid to embark on this lost quest again.

"I'm going to be a little selfish but... If you don't do it for yourself, do it for us." He pronounces the supreme sentence.

How the hell can you say no to that ?

"But you can still refuse..." Jake continues, knowing very well that you would be unable to contradict him.

"Oh, shut up." you answer with that complicity you have with Jake.

But suddenly an idea pops into your head.

Fine. You'll play that game too.

"I would go see a doctor, but on one condition." You raise a finger.

"Which one ?" he asks in a cooperative tone.

Poor guy, he would quickly regret it.

"Go see a therapist."

Oh-- How dare you ?!

"Ahah, very funny. You're feeling smart now, I bet." He nods slowly, squinting suspiciously and amusedly.

"I do."

"I see your migraine has suddenly disappeared."

"Seriously, I remember Marc saying that it'd be good for all three of you." you defend your idea in turn.

"Marc is stupid. And he was drunk, that doesn't count." Jake retorts.

"And whose fault is it ??" you say outrageously.

"Oh, we're not going to bring this up again..." he raises his hand briefly, closing his eyes for a moment.

You hold back a laugh, looking at him tenderly.

"You know... Doctors aren't all bad and insensitive, and I'll be with you throughout the whole process..."

"Okay, fine, I got it." he interrups you and a smile stretches his lips as he hears you turn his own words against him. "Eres a coñazo..."

"I'm too tired to understand your insults, but nice try." you retort with fun although you still feel groggy.

He too, sighs deeply.

You were both stuck with your own struggles to overcome, blackmailing each other for each other's well-being. Of course, it couldn't have happened any other way with you two... None of you had the strength or even the inclination to face your problems. You preferred to play the hypocrite and ignore them as if they didn't exist, yet your demons were going to catch up with you no matter what you did. So, for the other, you might be able to deal with it.

You both felt like a wreck, sitting there by the toilet staring blankly at the opposite wall.

"Fuck migraines." Jake announced suddenly.

"Fuck complicated pasts." you say back.

You then cross your arm on that of Jake to take his hand in yours, then you brought it against your heart. How you wish you could erase all of their bad memories and pain... Instead, all you can do is listen to them and give them all the love they've been missing.

"I love you." You hear him declare.

"I love you too." you say naturally but nevertheless with conviction.

But you realize...

"It's the first time we've said it." you affirme as you frown, although your sentence sounds like a question.

"It seems, yes." he replies, realizing in turn. "In fact, we wanted to tell you last night but you didnt feel well and we didn't want you to have a bad memory of it. And now I admit that... I couldn't help myself."

You think for a moment.

You think back to how Steven reassured you and made you laugh.

You think back to how Marc took care of you physically and mentally.

And you notice the way Jake supports you and roused you to action.

Why would you regret those three little words that mean so much to you ?

"Oh, believe me... This is my fondest memory."

[yanderes-galore]

Are you still doing prompt requests? If so, could I request prompts 31 + 42 with a Yandere Nightmare Bonnie (FNAF4)?

Oh boy, nightmare characters! Been a bit since I've done one. As they are portrayed as demons in my version, they keep their appearance. Unless you want a more android like appearance. I'm also pulling from the old Nightmare Behavior concept I did awhile ago for the behavior of Bonnie.

Yandere! Nightmare Bonnie Prompts 32 + 42

"I'd make you bleed just to get an even better taste of you...."

"Even if I have to break you... I'll never stop loving you."

Pairing: Platonic/Romantic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Biting, Blood, Blood drinking/licking, Licking, Torture, Threats, Demons, Implied stalking, Sadism.

Loud thumps came from outside your door, the creature behind it scrapes his claws against the wall slowly. A grating noise rings painfully in your ears before it stops, a knock following soon after. You held the door closed with all your might, even if it was locked.

"Knock, knock, cottontail~"

The voice is deep, monstrous. A playful tone was in the beast's voice while he knocks on your door. You aren't sure what he is... or why he's here... but if you're lucky, this may just be a nightmare.

"Let me in, cottontail. This rabbit just wants to play! You and I both know this door won't hold. Just be lucky I told my friends to leave us alone...."

Upon hearing 'friends' your hair stands on end. There was more like him? Were they just as sadistic, if not more?

"What do you want from me!?"

"Didn't I say? I want to play. I've been keeping my eye on you for a while now. It's so great to finally get close. Now open the door."

"No-"

"Oh, cottontail... don't you want to meet your new friend?"

"NO-"

"I can be whatever you want me to be. It's so sad you don't want to willingly let me in. That's too bad...."

Metallic claws tear into the wood of the door, causing you to scream. The beast digs into the door with animalistic power, glowing eyes glaring into the new hole it created. It was... so big-

"I do prefer to be things from your nightmares, however... your screams are so cute!"

Sharp teeth crunch on the wood, making the hole bigger. By now you're already far from the entrance. Even with the bunny-like creature preoccupied with chewing the door, those eyes never left you.

You were left cornered when the demon entered your room on all fours. Sharp teeth grind together in a menacing display. You whimper then the rabbit pushes you into a corner.

"I do believe we should introduce ourselves, cottontail. I'm Bonnie, your newest friend. What about you?"

You give no answer. You can only focus on your breathing and the fear you felt. That is until Bonnie's mouth opens fast, revealing dozens of sharp teeth.

"Well?"

"(Y/N)..."

"(Y/N), hm?"

You nod softly, still having trouble processing the large rabbit in your room. The creature then mutters the name under his breath like a mantra before returning his attention back to you.

"What I sweet name, cottontail. I'll remember it."

The creature then leans closer, you can feel the air from his nose brush against you.

"Would you do me a favor and allow me a little taste?"

You try to move away from the corner of the room, but Bonnie cages you in. A tongue slithers out of the demon's mouth to lick you. It feels disgusting against your skin.

"Mmm..." The creature hums, the slimy apendage gliding dangerously close to your mouth. Yet, noticing your accelerated heartbeat, the monster stops. He grins sadistically at you.

"I'd make you bleed just to get an even better taste of you...."

"What are you-"

You're cut off by a sharp pain in your body. The beast had sunk his teeth into you, blood leaks from the wound. You stare wide-eyed as Bonnie laps up the blood greedily.

"I love it... your fear makes you so much sweeter. Chica would love you, although she may just eat you whole!"

The rabbit laughs as if what he said was a joke.

"Oh, to answer your question, I'm a demon, (Y/N). One that happens to feed off your fear. Although, I like you for more than just your fear."

"Stop this- I've done nothing to deserve this-!"

"True... unless you count being so untainted as something. In that case, you did do something."

"Why me?"

"They always ask this.... Well, the reason is different for everyone. Yet for you? It's because I've felt odd around you ever since I saw you."

He licks more at your blood, savoring the taste.

"Perhaps you humans call it 'love'?"

Your heart threatens to stop at his words. You shake your head slowly and try to get away again. Bonnie bites you, warning you to stop.

"No, please, stop...!"

"Even if I have to break you... I'll never stop 'loving' you."

"It hurts...!"

"I thought you'd find this flattering? You've managed to charm a demon! What a feat...."

"Leave me be!"

The demon laughs, grabbing you by the back of the neck to drag you on his lap. You sit on your bed, bleeding and in fear. The demon stares down at you, maw a deep red.

"You don't get how this works. Demons don't go away with pleading words, cottontail. You play my game..."

Claws dig into your skin, more blood enticing the demon.

"Then I'll leave when I WANT to."

[obeymeluv]

Demon Baby Headcanons: A Reference for “The Baby Assignment” Project

It made more sense to post my headcanons as a single thing since I’ll be working on “The Baby Assignment” headcanons in between the “Quick! Kiss Me!” miniseries.

These will be hinted at throughout “The Baby Assignment” pieces and I just wanted to put them all together. Keep in mind these are demon baby headcanons. I don’t really have any idea about angel baby headcanons since I’m card locked in chapter 21 :/

I think I got them all. I can’t really think right now.

Warning for one headcanon about human eating (obviously discouraged in the Devildom). I wanted to put in a section about how the Devildom handles bad parents (hint: logic first, then with justice) but I wasn’t vibing with it. Didn’t do it. No worries.

Demon children are usually born small but develop quickly until they stagnate around “teenage” years. Most babies (ironically) weight at least 6 pounds. It’s VERY rare to get a smaller baby and they must be taken care of EXTREMELY well

Their eyes will open within an hour or two of delivery and will be their lifelong color

Because they’re typically raised in the darkness of the Devildom and learn to flourish in the shadows, demon babies really struggle with exposure to light. It hurts their eyes and makes them cry. They should be shielded from light until they’re about a year old or show increased tolerance. Unless they need glasses or have a birth defect, most children appear to tolerate light with no problem between 4-6 years old.

Hybrid children are an exception (and hard to record for the census given how many subspecies of demon there are and all the magical co-mingling), but full-born demon children typically nest and seek out sources of heat to stay warm until they’re able to walk, talk, and do more for themselves. They tend to attach to the warmer parent.

Devildom childcare advocates recommend swaddling the child in parents’ clothes or clothes of relatives because it keeps them warm and orients their brain to who the main family members are. Pyjamas are a suitable exception but parents and close family should make an effort to show the child their scent

Demon children latch, and not just on their milk-producing parent. Within the first month of life the tiniest baby talons come out and allows the child to latch onto the clothes/skin of their caretakers. Full demon children latch and can maintain their grip/fully support themself in moments of stress, aggravation, fear, and in moments of cuddling. It is still recommended to support the child with an arm because they will get tired. Half-demon children should be supplemented with an arm or carrying device until the full extent of their latching ability is determined

Latching is also critical to scent development. It is an instinct of the child to tuck itself into or around those that will protect them. Unless absolutely sure of their safety, they tend to latch onto the stronger parent. When they feel safe, they usually latch to the other parent or try to make a nest with both

For babies who latch or show interest in latching, being semi-naked or completely naked is recommended. Their parents’ scent is stronger and seems to be preferred this way.

Devildom children don’t really crawl. The best way it can be described is “skitter”. You’ll hear their little claws go. Most parent describe their children moving in a lupine manner, on all fours. they like to stay low to the ground and move faster than human children.

There have been reports of children climbing up cabinets, walls, and onto structures like chandeliers and fans. This is part of their hunting instinct and preps their claws for the different things they will encounter/handle as an adult.

Most demon children develop their “Devildom” vocal chords first and will define parents/family by individual growls/shrieks. If other languages are not encouraged in the household, it is not unusual for a child to stay in this stage until two or three. They typically gain muscle control/development to speak real words by they end of their first year

Devildom babies aren’t as tactile as human babies but will definitely show preferences. It’s a lot easier to figure out what a Devildom baby hates. They’ll be quick to show you. 

Devildom babies purr to show contentment and can start purring within 1-2 months of birth. This is one of the first signs of affection.

Other signs of affection include petting the parent or trying to get them in a state of skin-to-skin contact (see latching, above), snuggling, headbutting, showing nesting behaviors, and gently teething on them.

Full-blooded demon children can expect to cut fangs starting at the end of the first year. They will get their first full set of fangs near age two. For children who can only inherit one set of teeth, these fangs will be with them for life. They will naturally harden and lengthen to a full adult set as the body grows. 

Mixed demon children are special cases where fangs are concerned because some species have extra sets of fangs, defense mechanisms where they lose and regrow teeth, and other things of that nature. For most species, teeth are seen in the first year of life.

Fangs typically look pointy and shark-like until they get a little older (somewhere between 3-6, it varies amongst children) and the teeth start to differentiate themselves in a “human-like” smile.

Children with fangs should have a greater variety in their diet for the sake of tooth shaping and development. Fangs need to be kept sharp. They can have slightly tougher food or snacks, and may display the “kill shake” when eating. This is normal. Supplement with teething toys as needed, but keep a close eye on them. It’s best to engage them a little like a tug of war to help develop the biting instinct and lengthening of the teeth.

Tails, like fangs, do not have set rules for growth or appearance. Some children of purer lineages get them as early as 3, and some get them as they move into the teenage years. There is no set age for tail development. If the child itches their back/bottom a lot, tends to streak, and shows general aggravation or discomfort, it’s best to take them to a health specialist to see if they’re developing a tail.

It is a similar scenario for wings. The child may cry or scratch a lot. Be prepared for biting and wrestling your children into shirts. Back rubs, cold creams, and soft textures are recommended. Though VERY RARE, some children can develop their wings within the first year of life. It is more normal to see them sprout between the ages of 3-5

Should the child develop wings young, they will take on a life of their own. They will twitch and flap at random times and this is normal. This is the child’s brain working wing movement into the subconscious, just as it would breathing. Devildom children who have wings go on to move them reflexively and this is how that starts. 

Keep an eye on your child. They will try to hover and may be able to pull their body weight and travel short distances (about 30 seconds) within the first year of having them. Within two or three years they will have better altitude and some sense of guiding with a bit of a struggle. Prepare to be dive-bombed “accidentally” and for things to be broken in bad landings

There have been reports of full-blooded and half-blooded Devildom children gaining night vision. You can determine if your child has this by whether their eyes grow in the dark. Remember the rule of thumb: the older the demon lineage, the brighter their eyes. If obtained, this stays with them for life. The degree of clarity varies amongst children.

Children may develop horns. All horns start out as tiny velvet nubs once they break the surface of the scalp. Prior to breaking the surface, the child may scratch at their scalp excessively, rub their heads on things, or headbutt tougher surfaces to counteract the pressure and itchiness they feel. Scratching their head or brushing their hair may help but nothing can be done until the horns breach. If the horns do not breach, take them to a healthcare facility. They may need help.

Horns should be watched closely as they start to take shape. Some shapes need to be regularly broken or shaved to prevent the child from harming themselves

Children are driven to develop their horns and may try to shave off the velvet lining by rubbing against family members or hard surfaces. This is normal.

It is not uncommon for children to try to “lock horns” with each other when younger. This is another way to shave off the lining. Some studies indicate that this type of play may make them develop faster. If one of the parents have horns, it is encouraged to do this with great care

Although not scientifically proven, the vast majority of Devildom parents swear by rubbing horns to soothe tantrums and put children to sleep. Seems to work. Interestingly, this trait carries on to later stages of life but brings a greater variety of reactions.

It is not uncommon to see growth spurts and great deals of change between the first 7-13 years of life (7-13 by human standards). After this, the demon will stagnate. Their rate of development can vary but demons live for thousands of years so it takes a very long time for signs of aging to occur

Old records suggest that feasting on human souls or the blood of other magical creatures may accelerate this process but these records cannot be confirmed.

Certain activities, such as participating in a pact, are prohibited until the child is 1,800 or older. Their magical capacity is not there and they cannot legally be bound in a pact. If a sorcerer or sorceress is pushing for a pact or you believe a pact has been made in bad faith, a grievance can be filed with the magical review board. If the other party is found guilty, a piece of them may be taken for consumption for the sake of “fairness”. Repeat offenders will be handled by Lord Diavolo (and are usually eaten. This has been “tentatively” amended due to the effort to unite the three realms)

Children who come from very powerful lineages (for example: one of the Seven Lords) may exhibit that key sin trait from a very early age. Some children will be hungrier than others, some will want more attention than others, some will be far stronger and may accidentally break things. Be prepared and parent accordingly.

Those born to succubus/incubi/naga lineages may show signs of charming or hypnotism from the age of two or when they can form sentences. If a member of your family has a natural susceptibility to this, brush up on negating spells and personal reinforcement charms.       

[cyncerity]

Mmmmm.,, thinking about how if Tubbo nommed Tommy and Tommy grew just enough in his stomach to make a little bump.,,

Ok when I asked for sizeshifter Tommy getting nommed prompts, you got the message. You understood the assignment completely, you genius anon. Funnier yet, I had the same thought about Tommy shifting while in someone earlier, so you’re pyscic and also very much pandering to what i like to write and it’s working very well.

tw: vore, cursing

Btw, I took my shitpost idea from this post and made it a full story

“Tubbo, no.” Tommy deadpanned at Tubbo, who looked back at him with puppy eyes. “Tubbo yes!! You actually studied for this and I didn’t and if I flunk another test my dads gonna kill me!” the shorter teen whined. Tommy pinched the bridge of his nose and let out an exasperated sigh. “Well then maybe you should’ve studied! I’m not gonna help you cheat this, I don’t even know how i would do that!”

Tubbo pouted and gave him a death glare that he ultimately couldn’t hold as long as Tommy could, so he sighed in defeat and started to get ready for school.

*****

School went pretty well for Tommy. He’d been pestered about the test a few more times by Tubbo, but he ignored most of the advances. He was just walking from the class he’d taken the test in to his next class when he got a text from his best friend: ‘meet me in the storage closet by the caf.’ Huh. Odd. Nevertheless, Tommy shrugged and headed that way. Not like he had much else to do at the moment.

He soon stepped into the storage closet, the heavy door closing behind him and shutting him in almost complete darkness as he fumbled around looking for a light switch. He could hear things clattering around him, but every time he reached in the direction of the noise, more noise seemed to come from another direction. What was going on? “Tubbo?” Tommy whispered. “You in here, big man?” Tommy said, a bit louder. No response, except the noises. Tommy could feel himself start to shrink in a bit as his movements became more sporadic looking for the light. “Seriously man, this isn’t funny!!” Suddenly, a loud clap sounded from behind him, scaring him and accelerating the shrinking he had already subconsciously been doing as he shrieked, now a measly 3 inches tall.

Suddenly he felt himself be lifted off the ground as the lights finally came on. As soon as his eyes adjusted to the light, he looked up to see Tubbo holding him by his shirt collar, the heavy, large textbook that Tubbo had violently shut to make the clap noise now laying closed on the floor, looking smug with himself. Tommy glared daggers at him. “That was a low blow, Tubso.” “Of don’t be over dramatic,” the bigger teen smirked, “I’m just getting the help I need.” And with that, Tommy was tossed up into the air and quickly caught in Tubbo’s mouth. “Just what the hell do you think you’re doing!!” Tommy shouted as Tubbo’s tongue lapped at his face. He was unceremoniously pushed into the side of Tubbo’s cheek as he tried to respond. “You just took the test, I’m going in to take the test now, so you can at least help me get some answers.” “You little-“ Tommy tried to finish before he was cut off by a loud swallow.

Tommy felt his legs get pulled down into the tight muscles of the throat. He tried to punch at Tubbo’s tongue to get his friend to spit him out but he only heard Tubbo chuckle as the muscles pulled him down to his shoulders and eventually sucked him in completely. Tubbo left the storage closet once he couldn’t feel Tommy in his mouth anymore and made his way to class. Tommy landed in his stomach with a dull thud as he heard the storage room door close and felt Tubbo start walking. Great. Didn’t this asshole know he had school, too?

Tommy pouted and laid back one of the wet spongy walls and slid down, begrudgingly accepting defeat. Eventually he felt Tubbo sit down, and he heard the lecturer start to speak, before silence once again. Tubbo poked his stomach. Tommy kicked at the wall where he had been poked. “You can’t just eat me and expect me to help you. Prick.” Another poke from the outside. Tommy kicked again.

There was an annoyed scoff from outside and soon the small space Tommy was sitting in practically folded in on itself as Tubbo moved to sit with his knees pressed against his torso. “Oh, fuck off, you dickhead!” Tommy shouted. “I’ll give you the fuckin answers, Jesus, just let up!!” Tommy could practically hear Tubbos smug grin as he put his knees back down and sat normally. Tommy sat fuming, giving Tubbo the answers to the test, waiting for the signal tap that signified his giant friend was ready for the next answer. So as Tommy sat and mindlessly rattled off information, he thought about what he could do to get a little revenge for the impromptu nom session. It was hard to think of something good enough. He needed something that was funny, but inconvenient, and that he could do from the stomach he was stuck in. Something that would piss Tubbo off in a playful way, and nothing that would cause him pain, maybe a bit of discomfort…wait. That’s it, that would work, all he had to do was time it right. The logical and mature side of Tommy’s brain said it was a bad idea: he’d never tried shifting while in a person before. Well, that part of his brain could fuck off for all Tommy cared. He’d never listened to it anyways. ‘Oh, this is gonna be so funny…’

****

A half an hour later, Tubbo finished the test. He was pretty proud of his successful plan to get Tommy to help him cheat, and he couldn’t see himself getting caught. There was no physical evidence of it, and he knew that as annoyed as he knew Tommy was, his best friend wouldn’t rat him out. He even made sure to fill in some answers wrong, it was foolproof! Tubbo leaned back, feeling the minuscule weight inside him, and if he focused hard enough, could even feel Tommy breath. He’d never get tired of how weird that felt, no matter how many times he ate Tommy. It gave him a sort of peace. He felt kind of bad for practically forcing Tommy into sitting in his gut, but it was his fault in the first place! If Tommy hadn’t refused to help him, Tubbo wouldn’t have had to resort to this! And he knew that Tommy would try to reign hell on him for this, but for the moment, he put that thought aside. There wasn’t much revenge Tommy could do from his stomach.

Tubbo soon heard the bell ring. And as soon as he went to stand up, he felt something inside him move. No, not move, grow. Double, triple the size Tommy was when he was swallowed, bigger than anything he’d ever even try to get down his throat, and all within the span of a second. The sudden shock of the change mixed with the uneven and unfamiliar added weight in Tubbos body made him fall backwards with a yelp, landing on his ass and knocking over a chair in the process. He heard some kids laugh at him on their way out the door, and saw other just stare. He could feel his face get hotter from the embarrassment. He not only heard, but felt Tommy laugh at him, the shifters now louder voice making the stomach walls around him vibrate slightly. And, oh god, that was a weird feeling.

Tubbo clutched his gut for dear life as he tried to stand. He grabbed a nearby desk and pulled himself up, doing his best to steady himself. And as soon as he finally managed to get used to the weight, more was added. He felt his stomach stretch around Tommy, more weight being added, making him stumble a bit more before he elbowed himself in the stomach, pulled his hood over his head, and tried to walk as quickly as possible to anywhere private, ignoring Tommy’s laughing fit.

Ten minutes later, Tubbo found a private, hidden area under a set of outdoor steps near his school. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and put it up to his ear just to be sure that if anyone saw him, they wouldn’t think he was a crazy person talking to himself. “Just what the hell do you think you’re doing?!” Tubbo yelled, making Tommy laugh more. “Oh, you have no idea how much I would’ve paid to see the look on your face!” Tommy wheezed. “What did you do?” Tommy’s laughter died down as he tried to answer the question. “Well, I think that’s pretty obvious big man. I shifted.” “In me?!” “Well, yeah. Consider this payback for scaring me shitless and swallowing me without permission.”

Tubbo face palmed with his free hand and started to pace, feeling Tommy’s much larger form sway in his stomach and stretch it with every turn he made as he walked. “Ok, ok, fine I guess I deserved that. Just, why’d you have to do it in class? People were looking at me like I was an idiot. And how big are you even right now?” “Cause you are stupid,” Tommy answered part of the first question, but pondered the other. “I’d say a foot tall? Maybe a foot and a half?”

“A foot?!” “Yeah, that’s what I said. Listen, maybe.” “Alright, alright, ok, you’ve had your fun, now shrink so I can get you out of there and we can both go about our days.” Tubbo sighed. “No can do, big man.” Tommy replied simply, as if Tubbo were to have expected that answer. He didn’t. “Why the hell not?!” Tubbo yelled again, sitting on a step, to frustrated to keep pacing. “You put me in here in the first place. I’m now your responsibility, and you did this to yourself.” Tubbo felt a somewhat uncomfortable pressure on the front of his stomach and pulled up his shirt, partially horrified and partially amazed to see the front of his belly pushing forwards, slight imprints from under his skin. Tommy’s hands. Before Tubbo could even get a word out, Tommy finished: “Remember, I’m not stuck in here with you. You’re stuck out there with me.” The pressure released, and Tubbos abdomen went back to normal. Well, as normal as it could be. It still looked somewhat bloated for obvious reasons, the outline of Tommy practically indistinguishable from any other stuffed gut to everyone but Tubbo, but it wasn’t anything his hoodie couldn’t hide. Tubbo made it a point to stand up from the step quickly to try and jostle Tommy, but only succeeded in making himself feel a quick pit in his stomach, making him instinctually hunch over as it stretched downwards to accommodate Tommy’s weight. “Whatever. I’m done talking to you.” Tubbo replied sternly before walking off to his next class, which he was now horribly late for. “Sounds good, but I’m not quite done talking to you yet.” So the next 10 minutes was spent with Tubbo walking to class and Tommy rambling about increasingly bizarre topics in an attempt to irritate Tubbo, and with Tubbo unable to respond without being heard since he’d put his phone in his backpack like an idiot and now couldn’t reach it.

***

He walked into his next class 20 minutes late, and as quickly as possible made his way to his empty chair next to Ranboo, who started giving him weird looks a few minutes after he sat down. Tubbo gave him a weird look, and Ranboo looked back utterly confused and somewhat distraught looking. Tubbo shrugged and went back to his work, trying to pick up what the teacher was saying and drown out Tommy’s nonsense. Ranboo didn’t stop giving him weird glances though, and he seemed to be getting more and more anxious. Tubbo was about to ask him what was wrong when surprisingly Ranboo stood up and addressed the teacher. “Excuse me, I have a really bad headache. Like, it’s hard to concentrate and I’m seeing spots and it’s all around just really awful, can I go to the nurse, please?” He was given permission and was told to take someone with him, roughly grabbing Tubbo by the arm and practically dragging him out of the classroom as fast as possible.

At this point, Tubbo was worried. Ranboo was an introverted guy, there’s no way he’d draw that much attention to himself in class unless it was an emergency. He got even more worried when Ranboo dragged him past the nurses office and into a storage closet not dissimilar to the one Tubbo and Tommy had been in earlier. “Boo, are you alri-“ “Out of curiosity, where’s Tommy?” Ranboo interrupted. Tubbo froze. “Ummm…I don’t know, why do you ask?” He replied, trying not to sound as guilty as he was as Tommy, who had been silent since Ranboo had dragged Tubbo out of the classroom, mumbled to himself. Something about Tubbo being an asshole. “Oh, maybe because once you came in late and sat down I started hearing Tommy. Quiet, muffled, even, but I know his voice. That, and literally no one besides Tommy can talk about absolutely nothing for so long.” Tubbo heard Tommy let out an offended scoff and a “fuck you” at Ranboo, who apparently also heard it. “See, there it is again! You can hear him to, I know it. So where is he? I thought he was in your backpack, but you didn’t bring it with you to the ‘nurses office,’” Ranboo said, putting in air quotes, “so I don’t know where else I’d be able to hear him from.” Tubbo was left speechless again. Luckily for him, or actually rather unlucky, depending on how you look at it, Tommy was incapable of being left speechless. “In here, Ranboob!!” Tommy shouted, punching the front of the stomach walls, making Tubbo let out a hiss of pain as he punched himself in the stomach. Ranboo just stared blankly. “He’s…he’s in there?” Ranboo asked, pointing at Tubbo’s midsection. Tubbo sighed and nodded. Thank god he had to explain this to Ranboo and not some rando who didn’t know that he and Tommy did this regularly. “I thought that no one besides you could hear him when you ate him? I’ve never heard him from in there before.” “Probably because I’ve never been this big in a person before.” Tommy shouted in reply. “He’s a fucking foot tall, Ranboo. He’s making me miserable.” Tubbo deadpanned. “Just returning the favor!” Tommy shouted. “Ok, ok, wait, what happened, I’m so confused.” Ranboo questioned.

Tommy and Tubbo filled Ranboo in on what went down, who had his face in his hands by the end of the explanation, his thoughts clear to Tommy and Tubbo: ‘why do I have such idiot friends?’ “…ok,” Ranboo finally spoke out, “If anyone asks, I have a fever and you two, er, well, Tubbo helped me walk home. School ends in, like, 3 hours anyways, so it should be fine.” Tubbo and Tommy both seemed ok with that idea, so they went back to Tommy’s house, since Tommy’s family was at work, where Ranboo made both Tommy and Tubbo apologize for being assholes to each other, eventually convincing Tommy to shrink back down and finally give Tubbo a break. Tubbo didn’t spit him out though, and from the one sided conversation Ranboo was hearing, it seemed like Tommy was fine with that. Soon enough, all three were taking a nap.

***

At 2 o’clock, Phil got home, surprised to find the front door unlocked. He carefully made his way inside the house, looking for anything that could have been stolen or god forbid a thief still in the house. But nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Until he got to Tommy’s room, where he found Ranboo and Tubbo asleep on a backup comforter they kept around for the two when they slept over. Phil only had to wonder briefly where Tommy was, until his mind registered Tubbo’s hand, which was pressed protectively against his stomach. ‘Wait, shouldn’t they still be in school?’ Phil thought. But he took one look at the sleeping teens and decided he would chew them out later, turning of the light and closing the door.

[im-drowninginpeace]

«Author»

: Drowned_In_The_Water

Soulmate

(Baji Keisuke)

[Platonic]

Song: Count on Me

━━━━━°❀•°

[Soulmate]

Prompt;

"You're not just my friend, nor my close friend. You're my other half; my Soulmate."

ווו×

Oh-oh

Baji Keisuke wondered how he's best friend with someone like you as he watch you from the top of the Shrine, skateboard underneath your feet and an excited grin plastered on your face.

'How come she isn't a least bit nervous when I'm dying here out of worry?' He thought.

"Oi (Y/n)! Are you really sure about this?"

"What? Of course I am! I think I can do it, just stay there and watch me."

"YOU THINK!? Are you kidding me— How high do you think you are!? This stairs ain't for skateboarding!"

"Aww I'm just practicing, don't worry too much Kei. Now here we go!" You hollered in excitement and Baji close his eyes forcefully with a tight frown, immediately letting out a frustrated smile before running to meet you because he knew, without a doubt, you'll fucking fall and get into accident.

Not much time had passed when started Baji dialing Chifuyu's number.

Thankfully Chifuyu immediately answered. "Hi, Baji-san!^^"

"Chifuyu, could you come 'er in the Shrine, (Y/n) got herself hurt pretty badly."

"I'm not hurt that badly—

"Shut up Moron!"

"How mean—ouch! o-ow ow Keisuke Baji you devil! Get yo hand off of my wound!"

" 'M just trying to put pressure."

"Yo don't start with me! You just fuckin' pinch my wound."

"No I didn't."

"Yeah you did!"

"No I didn't."

"You did!"

"No."

Chifuyu didn't manage to answer because you started an argument with Baji, and the poor blonde could only sigh with exasperation at the two of you.

"Baji-san? (Y/n)-san?"

"WHAT!?"

Flinching at the sound of you two echoing loudly on his small device, Chifuyu quickly pull away his phone away from his ears and sigh.

"I'm on my way."

"Oh, Sure thanks.

"Faster Chi, I think I'm having a concussion."

Chifuyu: ..... What in the world did she do??

If you ever find yourself

stuck in the middle of the sea~

I'll sail the world

to find you~

Baji shove back the phone in his hands on his pocket. He was frowning, and it was deeper than the night. The more time passed by and the more he heard of what Mikey is saying, which he can't process nor understand because of overwhelming feeling of worry, the more Baji's impatient is turning to anger.

Without a word or permission from Mikey, Baji walked out of the meeting under everyone's confusion.

"Baji, where are you going?" Mikey's voice made him stop on his tracks.

They were in the middle of an important meeting, but Baji doesn't give a damn about meetings like this when you were somewhere out there not answering your phone when you always do no matter the situation nor time.

Meeting and Gang be damned, Baji would go and find you.

"I'm gonna look for my lost caused of a friend." Baji stated before stepping down on the stairs of the shrine, each step accelerating and before he knew it, he was already running towards his bike. Chifuyu could cover for him and listen to the meeting.

Meanwhile you were in an alley, fighting a bunch of cowards who decided to gang up on you.

"What, 's all? You guys giving up already?" You spit the blood in your mouth and the side and wipe the scarlet liquid off of your nose. Only to feel a solid punch landing at the side of your face with that little mistake of being too carefree in a fight.

'Oh damn...I can't attend the meeting anymore.' You thought before glancing at your phone far away. You remember that device of yours lighting up just before this fight begun, and ever since your phone kept on ringing that got this bastard irritated so they destroyed it.

Fuck this. You avoid a punch about to land on your stomach and kick the person before punching another one, and before you knew it, it was done resulting in your victory. You leaned your back against the wall and slid down slowly, taking a break.

Your body could no longer move and despite the danger of sitting out here in your weakest, you had no choose to do so. You'd rather seat here and have a nice view of the people you've beaten up than walk like a zombie and pass out somewhere.

"Oh dear... Where did I put my vape?" You asked, fumbling over you pockets weakly.

Your hand paused mid-air at a distinct sound coming from somewhere, making you jolt up in a sitting position as you listen more carefully.

"(Y/n)?!!! Where the hell are you!?"

No... Don't tell me it's..

"(Y/n)!! (Y/n)!!"

"Shit, where is she?! God damn it!"

Your eyes were already bright enough to sparkle as you gather your energy to yelled. Placing both your hands besides your mouth, you yelled.

"KEISUKE BAJI!! I'M RIGHT HERE!!!"

Baji has been so worried sick looking for you throughout Shibuya, and if looking silently for you wouldn't work he'll yell your name the best he can. He's pretty sure the meeting is already finished right now, but there's still no appearance from you making Baji more frustrated.

He's at the point of going mad when he heard your voice, somewhere he can't easily pinpoint but he's pretty certain he heard it loud and clear.

Looking around, he saw an ally hidden by some bush and tall woods, and he immediately jump out of his bike and made sprint inside without hesitation.

There were beaten up people around him and Baji became more worried seeing these defeated goons wore another gangs uniform which means you got into a gang fight all alone.

Baji gritted his teeth.

"(Y/n) are you in here?!" Baji yelled, looking around. Until he felt a weak kick on his leg.

" 'm right beside you, right here."

Looking down, Baji's eyes widen seeing you hidden in between two trashcan and he sigh in relief, all worry flying out of his shoulders and he knelt down.

"Thanks for coming, Captain~" you playful called, leaning your head on his shoulder as he scoop you out of you position, immediately bringing both of you out.

You open your mouth, about to say something when you froze at Baji's voice.

"Go to sleep, I think you need to rest."

It might not be that obvious, but you're his Soulmate. You could read each other like an open book and that shakiness coming from his voice clearly shows the fear he went through looking for you.

With a sigh, you chuckle and tightened you grip on him.

"I'll sleep once we're back home."

'Thank you for finding me... Keisuke. ' You thought, remembering it was him responsible for your first meeting.

Because he always found you.

If you ever find yourself lost in the dark and you can't see

I'll be the light to guide you~

"This is a bad idea!"

"Noo it's not. C'mon, let's go in already."

Baji was truly, and utterly despising the fact that you can play mind traps that could make him agree to things he doesn't like.

Like going to a Hunted House for example.

He didn't know how you did it, but you manage to get him to promised he'll go and join you!

"Holysh*t! What are those things?!" Baji yelled trying to get away from some moving things hang above, and you laugh at him.

"Don't worry Kei, that's just props."

Just then, a scream was heard followed by a laughter, making Baji shriek as he grabbed your arm and sprinted off running.

"Fuck this! Let's get outta here before we die!"

"BAJII NOO!!"

You whine and Baji forcefully dragged you out of the Hunted House, bringing you to a Carnival where both of you enjoyed your time.

We'll find out what we're made of

When we are called to help our friends in need

"This, this, this and that!" How happy can you be, walking around in a store to shop for food?

Of course you're happy, because you and Baji decided to have a movie marathon tonight. That's why the two of you decided to go and pay the grocery store some visit, just to buy foods for the upcoming movie marathon— and also because Mama Baji ordered the two of you.

"Kei! Kei! Look at that!"

Baji was busy picking up some snacks when he felt a tap on his shoulders, so he look up and turn to you.

"Yo what?"

You had a big grin as you pointed at the next aisle, "Yakisoba! It's~on~sale!!!"

"WHAT?!" Baji didn't think twice about placing the snacks on his hands on the cart, grabbing you with an excited grin. "Then what're we waitin' for?"

"Yakisoba shopping!!~" The both of you sang loudly as you ran there, picking up and discussing your favorite flavor.

"Oh~ This looks new." You whistled grabbing a Yakisoba pack that you haven't seen before.  "Let's invite Fuyu."

Baji nodded placing you two's favorite pack on the cart.

"Didn't know how this one taste, too. Take a few, let's have Chifuyu cook some. Oh, that too!"

"Let's take some of these."

"Yeah you're paying."

" Of course I am, how do you think we can afford this?"

"Yo shut up. I'm broke right now."

*Ringg*

The two of you stopped arguing at the sound of Baji's phone ringing out loud, making the both of you silent.

" Who?" You asked, and Baji shrug as he a look at the callers ID.

"It's Draken."

"Oh? Answer it then!" You ushered making Baji rolled his eyes, "Yeah I know."

"What?" You watched at the sideline as Baji talked to Draken, first from irritation before his eyebrow rose up, immediately hanging up as he dragged you.

"Ah?! Keisuke, what the hell man?!"

"We don't have time, there's a fight we need to go now!"

"WHAT?! LET'S GO THEN, YOU'RE DRIVING!" 

You can count on me like one, two, three

I'll be there

Baji knock in your room, and hearing no response after the third knock he entered without permission, only to see a lump under the blanket.

"Oi." Baji shut the door close, and if you think he'll approach calmly you're wrong. Because Baji jumped on you, and you immediately reacted.

"WHAT THE HELL?! WHY YOU JUMPING ON ME?!!"

Baji scoff as he hugged you with the blanket wrapped around you, making you moved around to get out because the blanket suffocate you.

"Keisuke get off me!"

"Not until you tell me what's wrong." Baji said, clinging to you like an octopus.

You manage to get you head free, gasping for air as you glared at Baji who grinned at you.

"Idiot. You gonna get off or what?"

Baji click his tongue, "You want some ice cream?"

"..."

Baji knew when you're upset you need something to distract you, that's why the moment he got in your house there's already your favorite ice cream ready on the kitchen.

"Sure. You willing to watch a movie with me?"

"Fuck you, let's go!"

And I know when I need it, I can count on you like four, three, two

And you'll be there

You crossed you arms as you walk around the school, looking for your best friend.

It's not until you arrived at the rooftop did you saw Baji laying on the floor, obviously sleeping—or not, but he was laying there with his eyes close.

"Kei~su~ke"

You called out his name, singing it as you skip your steps towards him.

Baji opened his eyes and look up at you, frowning. You raise an eyebrow at the frown on his face, before crouching down.

"Hey, what's the matter?" You asked him.

You tilted your head when Baji didn't answer, and that's when you saw the bunch of test papers laying on the floor. Quirking an eyebrow you picked it up, and saw how his grades dropped again.

"Aww~ so this is why. You mopping about this?" You asked, and Baji raised his eyebrow. He know that you know he's quite sad about his score, because he's been worried about his gradez— he just don't want to make his mom cry.

You grinned, "Oh would you look at that, you finally need my super brain, Keisuke!"

"The heck are you talking about? Super brain?"

Taking out your own test papers, you showed it to him. "See?! Now you can call me 'The-Super-Genius-(Y/n)-your-best-buddy-ready-to-tutor-you-anytime-anywhere'!"

Baji stared at you before he burst out laughing, " What kind of stupid ass name is that?"

"It's awesome tho!"

"No it's fucking not."

"Whaaaat? Keisuke, that's a great title."

" Leave me alone, idiot. "

"No way. We're gonna have a study session today, I'll asked Chifuyu to buy some food!"

" What? Now? "

"Of course, so get your ass moving!"

" Hey! That's my bag— don't just turn it upside down you idiot!"

'Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh, yeah

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, yeah, yeah

If you tossin' and you're turnin' and you just can't fall asleep

I'll sing a song beside you

Baji felt the need to rethink giving you his address the first time you visit him. Because you just throw pebbles as his window at 3:00 in the morning!

"Keisuke!" You whisper yelled outside, and Baji stick out his head from the window.

"(Y/n) what the hell?! What are you doing here?!"

You grinned at him and raised a plastic bag, "Let's go out for a ride!"

"What?!" Baji couldn't believe you at that time. You wake him up so early just to have a morning ride?!

But anyway Baji couldn't resist your grin, so he changed his clothes and jump down the window like he's spiderman, thankfully Mama Baji didn't catch him.

"You idiot, bits 3 in the goddamn morning!" He scold you, but you just shrug at him.

"So? Let's go at the beach and watch the sun rise, I have some snacks."

"Seriously? That's all you've got?" Baji asked, taking the plastic bag and opening it.

"Who said that's all I have? I have more in my bike you idiot."

"Oh, let's take your bike then, Mom will find out I'm not home if I take my bike with me."

"Sure thing~ you driving tho."

Baji clicked his tongue. You had the audacity to wake him up so early in the morning and now you wanted him to drive for you? What is he, your servant?

Though it's just his thoughts, because at the end of the day Baji still drove your bike for the two of you.

Once you arrived at the beach, the two of you sat on the sand. You brought a blanket with you, because the morning temperature is pretty cold, and the two of you get inside the blanket while eating.

"I'm still pretty tired, you fucking drag me out just to watch the sun rise. We can do it the other time." Baji muttered, making you laugh as you pulled him to you.

A minute later, you heard a snore and look at your side, only to see that Baji has fallen asleep.

You let him sleep, but woke him up when the sun was rising and both of you admire the view.

And if you ever forget how much you really mean to me

Every day I will remind you, oh

Baji and you are in Musashi Shirne, the two of you in your Toman Uniform. Chifuyu was with you, the three of you just waiting for the others because apparently there's a meeting being held tonight.

You got thirsty so you decided to leave for a while to get some refreshments, and sadly for you— you encounter people from another gang.

"Oh isn't this the bitch from Toman?"

"Yeah, the one who's always around their first Division Captain?"

You sigh at their words, already feeling the itch of your first .

Before you could land a punch to the two asshats, someone decided to intervene sending one of the two bastard on the floor.

You look up, surprise to see Baji with frown on his face as he glared at the two people who came from another gang.

"Who the fuck do you think you're talking about?", Baji questioned coldly as he punch the other one, "Don't you dare lay a hand on her."  He said, sending kicks to each of the two guys before turning to you.

"Idiot, you're taking too long."

You blinked at him and grinned, "Oops, sorry~ I was conflicted on what to buy."

"Oh, just buy whatever. Mikey and Draken is already there."

"Okay~"

We'll find out what we're made of

When we are called to help our friends in need

You can count on me like one, two, three

I'll be there

"Keisuke!"

Baji turned to the source of voice, already knowing who it is because aside from his mom, there's only ever one who called him by his name.

He saw you running towards him, and he furrowed his eyebrows when he saw you wearing a goddamn gown.

"What in the world are you wearing?" Baji asked once you reach his side.

You grinned at him, "There's this event I was invited to. Are you free, mind if you accompany me?"

Baji think for a while before shrugging, "Sure. I'm free."

Without any other word you dragged him with you, and Baji regrets his decision after you made him wear a fancy red suit. Thankfully you and him have the same taste in clothing, so you both didn't have much conflict in choosing matching clothes.

"Ugh this damn dress. Remember let's have some Yakisoba after this." You muttered as you sat on the table, Keisuke looking around you.

"Good idea. First let's try some food here, those looks delicious." Baji said, pointing at the table full of food.

You both look at each other before grinning, "Hell yeah!~"

And I know when I need it, I can count on you like four, three, two

And you'll be there

'Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh, yeah

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, yeah, yeah

You'll always have my shoulder when you cry

You and your Mom had a fight, all because she finally had enough of you getting into fights so she keeps telling you to quit Toman.

You've been stress that's why you didn't answer any calls from your phone— making Baji worried for you. He swear he's always worrying about you.

Thankfully you texted him your location, which is at the beach.

When he arrived he immediately spotted your line figure, seated on the sand. He saw you hugging your knees, and tears were streaming down your face.

Baji panicked at the sight, immediately sitting down beside you and bringing you into a hug.

"Hey, what's the matter? Why are you crying?"

You cried and told him the fight you had with your Mom, and Baji being Mama's boy understand the feeling. He comforts you, but you leaving Toman? Don't worry, Baji will help you from getting less injuries but you're not leaving Toman.

I'll never let go, never say goodbye

You know...

You can count on me like one, two, three

I'll be there

"It's alright. I'm sure Aunt will understand." Baji said, making you sigh.

"I hope so too. Else I'll be stuck suffering the boringness of life."

Baji rolled his eyes at your dramatic words, messing you hair as he chuckles. "With me here, how can it be fucking boring?"

"Hey Kei..." You smiled when you heard him hummed, "You gonna stick with me, yeah?"

Baji scoff and answered confidently, "'course I will. I'm your best friend, you idiot."

And I know when I need it I can count on you like four, three, two

And you'll be there

'Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh, yeah

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh

You can count on me 'cause I can count on you

[falcor-thee-luck-dragon]

Avenger Things - Bucky Barnes x powered (f)reader

Summary: You’re just trying to make it through the day without breaking anything, or anyone.

Warning: language, fluff, bit of nonesense

Masterlist

Practically limping into the Avengers large kitchen you couldn’t believe how sore you were from, well, let’s just say you’re not entirely so sure. What you do know is that it’s the morning after a stealth mission and your more beastly self, if that’s even the correct term, must have done or gotten into something last night that might have knocked you out cold. 

Hence the memory loss.

Honestly you could laugh, it’s like trying to figure out what drunk you was getting themselves into. Problem is, this “drunk you” at the time was 2.4lb of absolute raging adrenaline with an apparent lack of safety awareness and good judgment skills. 

Not a good combination. Also you were a hawk.

So here you are, piecing together the jumbled puzzle of last night while you make an attempt at finding breakfast before the crowds come noisily shuffling into the temporarily quiet hang out room slash luxurious kitchen, of the famous Avengers Facility. Ah, the life of an Avenger who’s fantastical ability allows them to shift into any animal in existence.

Although it’s a blessing, you sometimes suffer the consequences of being an actual avenger, and shit, your left shoulder and rib cage are so sore right now you could scream. Your accelerated healing has already kicked in but alas that does not mean your body will spare you some soreness and bruising.

“Fuck what did I do?” You mutter grumpily while reaching for the fridge door handle, making certain not to pull to hard for fear of ripping the metal right off.

Soon your eyes scan over the multitude of various healthy snacks and equally as healthy leftovers due to Steve’s insistent attitude towards fueling yourselves with the best, to be the best or some cheesy hero shit like that.

Spotting your left over hidden burrito in the back of the fridge sends an excited thrill into your otherwise tired and achy self, you snatch it up quickly, and without thinking pull the metal door off its hinges while quickly trying to close it.

Shit.

Tossing the burrito onto the nearby counter top, you swiftly grasp the large food filled door with both hands as you hold it up with ease. Well this is just a fantastic situation isn’t it? Apparently you’re incapable of having an easy morning like just previously planned. Wait are those footsteps?

“You know, you can just have Tony buy you a mini fridge for your room.” Quips Sam with an amused chuckle as you quickly snap your head over to the startling sound. “I think he could afford it.” 

Your eyes widen in surprise before narrowing in annoyance at his happily smirking face, Bucky and Vision right behind him to your great pissed-off-ness. “Fuck off I didn’t mean to do....this.” But of course it happens to me.

Eyeing you up with a face that practically says “I know but this is hilarious” Sam nods before sitting down on the bar’s stool, Vision coming to your aid as he phases through the counter to take the fridge door out of your hands.

“Thanks Vis.” You mutter with an appreciative nod.

Setting down the door onto the floor, Vision turns to greet you, “No problem Y/N, it appears you needed the help, I’ll just um....go inform Tony of this....fridge.” He says before turning to leave out the way he came. Guess he’s not one for awkward situations.

Watching him go you suddenly glare down at the two whispering Avengers seated in front of you on the other side of the counter, “Thanks for helping assholes.” You growl unenthusiastically, reaching into the fridge to pick up a water bottle.

“Oh doll, we would have helped you.” Assures Bucky with a kind smile as you force yourself to keep a stoic face. “Vision seemed to handle it pretty well on his own.”

“Yeah well now this fucking fridge is broken and I still feel sore.” You complain with a sneer as Bucky and Sam share a chuckle.

“What?” Laughs Sam, “Don’t tell me you both?....and after the mission too?” He implies with raised brows as you send him the most done-with-your-shit face you can muster.

Sensing your growing irritation, Bucky speaks up, “No, no....definitely not that..it was the mission.”

“Oh shit you’re right.” Realizes Sam as you roll your eyes at him, let’s just say that last mission was a rough ending one. Also you can’t remember much after shifting into a hawk, seeing some bright lights and then...

“Yes.” You grumble, “and I’ve come to the thrilling conclusion that I must have gotten hit by a car......so that’s fun.” You mutter with as much enthusiasm as a stick, causing both Bucky and Sam to begin laughing again. What the hell is so funny?

Listening to them lose it inevitably causes you to start chuckling which in turn causes your ribs to shoot with a hot flaring pain. Holding your injured side you use your other hand to pound against the marble table, “Stop laughing this shit hurts and neither of you dumbfucks are helping.” You grumble half-heartedly.

“Alright.” Says Bucky standing up, “Come on doll let’s get outta here and get a heating pad on that tire mark under your shirt.” He adds sarcastically with another laugh.

Letting out a quick snort you shake your head at his handsome face, “Okay smartass I’ll let that one slide.”

He smirks at your good humored reaction and admittedly adorable messy hair, “I’m thinking we get cozy, watch that weird pirate movie you like with the Sparrow guy, and then see where it takes us.” Suggests Bucky with a lazy smile as he stretches his arm causing his shirt to rise up and reveal a bit of toned tummy.

Sam whines, “What? We have sparring at three this afternoon and you’re gonna leave me hanging for Miss. Grouchy-pants over here?” Points out Sam to Bucky as you cross your hands over your chest while raising a brow.

“Yup.” Quips Bucky with a shrug.

Sam blinks, “Unbelievable.”

“I like Y/N more.”

“You suck and I need a new sparring partner now.”

“Just ask Steve or Nat.” You suggest, not caring much for Sam’s problems at the moment.

“No they’re hard-core and mean.”

“Spar with Clint then.” Adds Bucky.

“No he cheap shots.”

“And I got hit by a car last night we all got problems.” You sass, gaining their distracted attentions once again. “Try and steal Bucky from me and I will make sure you remember what getting a wet towel slapped across your ass feels like.”

“Very specific and greatly noted Y/N. He’s all yours.” Says Sam while raising his hands defensively, “By the way you look rather stunning today did I mention that yet?”

“Don’t press your luck bird boy I’m not known to be very forgiving.”

“Clearly.” Jabs Sam under his breath while you take a swig of water, though you’re increased hearing enables you to catch that loud and clear.

After twisting the cap back on you immediately chuck it at his head, conveniently nailing him right in the temple causing him to yelp in surprise. “Jesus!” He shouts before falling off of the stool and onto the wooden floor below.

“Nope just me.” You deadpan with a satisfied smirk, walking over to Bucky while Sam gathers his bearings.

Bucky immediately throws an arm around you, making sure not to squeeze you too tight in the process. Leaning into his warm side, Sam throws you a half annoyed glare, showing how much he’d like to retaliate but also knowing he’s outnumbered in more ways then one.

“As much as I’d like to see you two beat each other’s ass right now.” Suddenly announces Steve, “We have a mission report in five.”

“What?” You sigh in annoyance, “Really? Right now? Can’t this shit wait?”

Steve sends you an apologetic smile, understanding you’re still in pain and thus very grouchy, “It’ll be quick. The team just needs to go over some credentials about the mission yesterday. Then you can go about your day off.”

Holding Bucky close, you pull him in a little closer, eyeing up Steve defensively, “Bucky too.”

Steve gives you an unsure look, “Well uh...”

“That wasn’t a question Rogers.” You growl, causing Steve to take a cautious step back as Sam lets out a chuckle.

“Yeah Cap I wouldn’t.”

“Right.” Nods Steve, “Yeah, you two are off the rest of the day after the meeting. Uh, see you guys then.” Waves the man with a plan himself, smartly deciding not to linger for much longer or face another steely glare from you.

“Fine. Let’s get this over with.” You mutter, parting from Bucky to lead the way down the hall to the usual meeting room.

——

After nudging Bucky to go on ahead to claim your unofficial official meeting chairs, you swung by your room to put on a sweatshirt and now are finally, though begrudgingly, making your merry way down the hall and into the expensive meeting room. 

Hood up, you trudge into the brightly lit area, practically squinting as the sunshine hits you like a blinding wall through the obnoxiously giant glass windows. “Nice of you to join us Y/N. Get lost on your way here?” Quips Clint as the whole entirety of the Avenger’s turn their heads to face you. 

“No, I just didn’t want to come.” You deadpan with a humored glare, earning a couple snickers from your friends. 

“Yeah that’s fair.” He shrugs.

Plopping yourself down in the facility’s decently comfortable swivel chair, you slouch tiredly, leaning your body against the arm rest to keep your bruised side from bothering you more then it already does.

Bucky is already in the seat to your left, Sam opting to snatch the one across from you two, while Vision and Wanda have claimed the seats to Sam’s right. Natasha and Steve sitting at the two chairs at the far end to your left, while Clint stands. 

“So...” Begins Clint, the apparent leader of todays meeting, “Yesterday’s mission in Quebec was a challenging one, I won’t lie to you. We took a hit, some more then others.” Nods Clint in your direction.

“You’re fucking hilarious.” You mutter, rolling your eyes in annoyance as Sam and Bucky hold in their laughter, while the others ignore the obvious implication, keeping it professional and in your good graces. 

“Thank you Y/N I know. Anyways, I think our team training days have improved our performance and been worthwhile. Now, as usual, Steve and Nat...great leadership skills. Vision, Wanda, the whatever the shit you guys are able to do, amazing...keep it up.” Clint glances back down at his notes while you yawn, “Sam and Bucky, nice recovery at the end, things where getting heated and you both really pulled through.”

“Hell yeah.” Smirks Sam as he leans over to fist bump Bucky from across the table.

Practically lowering yourself deeper into your seat, you mentally prepare yourself for whatever smartass comment you’re about to get from Clint. He looks down at his notes then moves to pick up a thin metal remote that connects to the blank screen behind him. 

“Uhh lets see here,” He mumbles while clicking some buttons that inevitably turn the screen on, “Okay good it works.” Swiveling around on his heal, Clint points the remote directly at you, “Y/N.” He says with a mischievous grin.

“Clint.” You point back in confusion, side eyeing Wanda nervously.

“Let’s talk...” Stretching out his arm, he clicks the remote to reveal a PowerPoint, “about safety awareness.”

Okay fuck you.

Chuckling tensely you shake your head, “I’d rather not.”

“Which is precisely why we...meaning you all,” Motions Clint to all of you with both his hands in two circles, “need to be educated on safety in the field.” A second later he flicks the lights off with a swift click of the remote, Okay great.....slide number one, do you have a buddy?”

As Clint keeps droning on and on for the next five minutes you suddenly decide to scoot over to rest your chin against Bucky’s right shoulder that's leaning against the table. He immediately smiles, turning his head away from an obliviously jabbering Clint, “Buck I’m going to commit a crime in the next two minutes if I don’t get the fuck out of here.” You whisper, squeezing his shoulder for emphasis.

Biting his lip to refrain from laughing, he reaches to take one of your hands with his, “And what crime will I have to admit in the police report?” He quietly muses.

“Murder.”

Kissing the pack of your hand to help you try and relax for the moment, he smirks, “Y/N it’s going to be difficult to break you out of jail.”

“Not if I don’t get caught.” You quip smartly while resting your head against his shoulder, “I’ve been contemplating taking out Clint since 2012 but then Natasha always stops me.”

“What’s stopping you now?” Challenges Bucky with the tiniest snort of amusement.

“Natasha.” You mutter, “Also I’m god-mother to one of his kids so I’m morally not allowed to kill him.....but I’ve never been more tempted then today.” 

“Shh.” Whispers Bucky with an amused smile as you roll your eyes, wanting nothing more then to leave this boring meeting. Fine, but if it was just me and Clint I would pummel his ass into the wall without a second thought, you think to yourself.

A moment later Wanda lets out a random snort of laughter that causes the team to look over at her in confusion while Clint is in the middle of explaining why it’s important to (make sure the enemy is knocked the fuck out before walking away). She quickly covers her mouth in embarrassment as Clint abruptly ends the PowerPoint, clicking back the lights on as he sighs in disappointment.

“Come on Wanda I was almost done.” He whines, setting a hand on his hip as she bites her lip to keep a straight face. Parting from Bucky, you move to lean yourself against the table top and listen to Clink complain. She looks down then glances over at you while Clint fumbles to turn the screen off. 

Oh, shit did she hear me say that?

“Sorry.” Mutters Wanda as you quickly realize you’re the reason she started to laugh, resulting in the abrupt ending of Clint’s 30 minute presentation. 

Giving her a quick wink, you quickly stand, causing your friends to look over at you, “Alright, good work team, we’re the best huh,” You add sarcastically before looking directly at Clint, “also Clint fantastic work at being the most interesting 87 year old, I’m thoroughly impressed you even know what a PowerPoint is. Kudos to you, I’m out.”

Before anyone can stop you, you’re already at the door, “Y/N you can’t just leave we’re only taking a break. And I already know how to use a PowerPoint.”

“Yeah and you also know how to put someone to sleep even without an arrow.” You sass while the others start to get up as well. 

“What? Guys, come on.” Complains Clint as Bucky almost trips shuffling quickly to the door.

“Babe I’m with you wait up.”

——

“So you really did get smacked by a truck. Who would’ve thought.” Mumbles Bucky humorously as the two of you lay sprawled out on your shared bed, a heating pad on your side as Bucky’s head lays on the corner of your right hip. His hands absentmindedly holding your right hand to his chest while your other one presses the heating pad to your ribs.

You lazily stare up at the ceiling while he studies your face, “I guess it makes sense since I can’t remember anything after that. I didn’t even see the damn hunk of moving metal coming either, so stupid.”

“No.” He assures softly, “We all fuck up and miss things sometimes. It happens to everyone.”

Smiling you simply roll your eyes, “Bucky you’re adorable but I, who was a hawk at the time....to be real here, got bitch slapped by a truck.”

“I’ve been thrown off a car a couple times actually.” He confirms with a shrug, “But yeah, you’re way tougher then me.” He finally chuckles.

“I’m tougher then everyone.”

Bucky smiles proudly, “Fuck yeah you are.”

[jessbakescakes]

I wish you would write a future fic where Josh and Donna kind of argue about future careers and Josh tries to convince Donna he has a whole plan laid out for her future in politics (because I’m convinced he does).

This took forever and I'm so sorry! This was from the 'I wish you'd write a fic where' game that I started over a month ago and then... didn't finish. Anyway. This is a post-series fluffy future Josh/Donna fic.

May 2014

“I think I need a vacation to recover from our vacation,” Donna says, pulling the nearest child-sized duffle bag toward her and unzipping it.

Josh laughs. “Leave that until tomorrow. Seriously.”

“I do feel compelled to at least check to be sure one of the barn kittens didn’t accidentally hitch a ride back with us,” Donna says, employing air quotes around the word ‘accidentally’. “Nora was a little too fascinated by them.”

Josh, Donna, and their three girls spent Memorial Day weekend with the Bartlets on the farm in New Hampshire. It had become a tradition during the first year of the Santos administration, a way for Josh and Donna to get out of the city away from the fireworks and relax on an otherwise difficult weekend. Donna had always welcomed the opportunity to escape for a little while, and she was incredibly grateful that the Bartlets continued to extend the invitation as their family grew.

Abbey and Jed rolled out the red carpet for their honorary granddaughters on this particular weekend. They introduced the girls to the Bartlet Farm barn cat and her kittens, let them play in the sprinklers until they were pruny, and kept them busy while Josh and Donna relaxed. The entire Moss-Lyman clan had a great time, and the weekend came to a close with only a few minor hiccups.

“I checked as I loaded the car,” Josh reassures her. “Nary a kitten crossed state lines.”

“Okay, good,” Donna says, moving the bag back to its place by the wall and leaning her head on Josh’s shoulder. It was a nice weekend, but going anywhere with their three girls always manages to be exhausting somehow.

“I am intrigued by this ‘vacation from a vacation’ business, though,” Josh says, dropping a kiss on the top of her head.

She curls up close to him, closing her eyes. “Well, coming from a man who didn’t know the meaning of the word ‘vacation’ until he was forced to take one, I can understand how the concept is nebulous to you.”

“Donna.”

Donna sighs. “I just… I like my job, Josh. I do. But sometimes it’s a lot of… I don’t know. I feel like I’m not making much of a difference.”

“Of course you’re making a difference. But if you feel like you’re not, then it’s time to move on,” Josh says. “Shake things up.”

“Josh.”

“We haven’t had this conversation in several years,” Josh starts, “and the last time we did, you tried to convince me that you could get your master’s degree in the one-year accelerated program while working and raising two kids under three.”

She remembers this conversation well. After President Santos lost his re-election bid, she was feeling a bit unsure of what to do next. Being Chief of Staff to the First Lady was an incredible honor, but it took her some time to figure out her next move. She’d finished her bachelor’s degree while she was Chief of Staff, so she eventually decided to get her master’s degree from Georgetown, then took a job with the Women’s Leadership Coalition.

Josh, of course, was incredibly supportive, taking on the duties of primary caregiver while doing some teaching at the adjunct level on the side. He did his best not to offer his opinion on her career moves unless he was asked directly, but sometimes, he had to remind her that she could only do so much. Talking her into pursuing her degree on a part-time rather than full-time basis was one of his smarter ideas.

“Okay, yes, doing it in two years was the better decision, but I ended up graduating when I was, what, seven months pregnant with Leah? I’m a very powerful and capable woman, Josh,” Donna says.

Josh stands up from the couch and pulls a binder off of the bookshelf in the corner. “I have never once doubted that. In fact, that’s exactly what I’m saying.”

“Thank you.” Donna pauses, watching as Josh flips through the binder. It occurs to her as she watches him leaf through the binder that she has no idea what he’s referring to. “Wait, what do you mean?”

Josh opens the binder and pulls out two sheets of paper. “Each of these pieces of paper contains a timeline for your future in politics.” He taps the page in her left hand. “This one right here is an accelerated version, but I think you could easily manage either one of them.”

She glances down at the pages, a little intimidated by the idea that Josh has planned out her entire career path. Donna can feel the anxiety building as she reads. Words like campaign manager, senior political advisor, and Congresswoman, Wisconsin 2nd stand out in bold font. “Josh? What is this?”

“Which one?”

Donna points to the line that says Congresswoman, Wisconsin 2nd. “This.”

Josh laughs. “Oh, yeah. You’re running for Congress in 2024. Sam’s going to be elected President in 2022, so we’ll have to slip you in at midterms to make sure you can boost his numbers in the second half. At least he’ll know he can count on your vote.”

She smiles to herself. Josh has such high hopes for her. He’s been telling her she should run for Congress since they got married, even going so far as to occasionally send her Zillow listings for properties in the Congressional district. But he’s always done it in his Josh-like, half-joking way. She’s never really taken him seriously when he’s suggested it.

For one, she’s not really given much thought to the idea of being the ‘face’ of the political process. She’s always enjoyed the behind the scenes work, and the idea of campaigning on her own behalf sounds daunting at best. The idea of leaving Josh and the girls behind to spend time in Wisconsin without them immediately makes her a little nauseated. “I don’t know how I feel about all of this.”

“About what? Donna, you can do this. You’re so great at it. And you’d be able to make a difference the way you want to.”

There’s something about the idea of Josh’s enthusiasm toward the idea of her advancing in politics that will never get old. The fact that they’re past the days of being boss-and-assistant and nearly seven years into a marriage and almost eight into a partnership where Josh puts her career first is almost unbelievable. “It’s way too early to be talking about any of this,” Donna finally says, handing him the papers.

“It’s almost too late to be talking about this,” Josh counters. “If you’ll look at 2014 on the timeline…”

Donna leans forward and interrupts him with a kiss. When she pulls away, she gently removes one of the papers from his hand and folds it in half. “You can get rid of this one. I’m not going to be President, Josh.”

Josh looks at her for a moment, then lets out a sigh. “Good. I was trying to be supportive there, but I wasn’t so sure about the idea.”

“You don’t think I could be President?” Donna asks, taking the binder from his hands and putting it on the coffee table.

“You could absolutely be President,” Josh says. “That’s the terrifying part.”

Donna leans forward for another kiss, but stops just short of his lips. “I’m a very powerful and capable woman, Josh,” she says before giving him another kiss.

“Don’t I know it.”

[mammonshuman92]

- Sapphire - Pt. 2

(Mammon x MC)

part one | part three |

NOTE: F!MC

“Warm skin, the color of caramel, electricity felt in the slightest of touches.

Hair born of the winter, soft as the Heavens from where it once reigned.

Completely enamored by this creature, I would also happily fall from grace.”

Hair born of winter? Fall from grace? Tan skin?

Wait. That sounds like..

Realization hit him like a truck.

“..It’s about me..” He whispered, barely audible even to himself.

His chest felt like it was going to explode. His stomach so full of butterflies he felt nauseous.

He couldn’t believe it..

--

“Hey, great job out there kid. The crowd really liked you.” The man who had been the emcee for the open mic night was shuffling around backstage, putting away equipment and cleaning up. “We do this on the 2nd Thursday every month, if you’re interested.” 

“Thanks! I’d love to.” You were beaming.

Being out there, under the spotlight, reciting your work that you had poured your heart into, full of all the emotion you had to keep to yourself, was so empowering. You were on top of the world.

You thanked the man again and made your way to the exit. Just outside the door, a rather attractive demon was perched against the wall. Upon seeing you, he smiled and left his place on the wall, coming toward you.

He looks kind of familiar. Does he go to RAD?

Never having seen him outside of a RAD uniform before, you quickly pieced together that the guy was in your Devildom History class. From the few interactions you’d had with him in class, you knew he was pretty nice and also enjoyed poetry. The two of you talked and laughed for a few minutes.

“Next time you gotta tell your boyfriend to get here earlier so he can get a better seat.” He said.

Boyfriend?

“I don’t have a boyfriend.” You said, lightly shaking your head.

“Oh”, his eyebrows scrunched, “Well, the two of you are always together at RAD so I just assumed..”

Oh God..

No.

This isn’t happening.

You tried to keep your cool, but it was too late. The color drained from your face. The back of your neck felt cold and prickly. You felt sick.

Mammon was here. He heard ..everything.

“Anyway, he left right after you got off stage. He looked kinda mad.” The guy said.

...Mad? 

Oh God. My stupid poem freaked him out! It doesn’t take a genius to figure out who I was referring to. He’s probably grossed out that a human has a crush on him.

What were you thinking?

--

After you had finished reading and walked off stage, Mammon immediately stood up and went outside. He needed air. Hearing the words you were saying caused his eyes to prick with tears.

There’s no way. I’m getting somethin’ confused somewhere. Have to be.

Once outside, the cool air hit his face and he took some deep breaths, on the verge of panic.

“There’s no way that was about me.” He kept whispering to himself.

Why would you write something like THAT about him? He’s just a scumbag after all.

Yeah, just a scumbag. Don’t get your hopes up.

His face fell. In the brief moment he got to believe that you loved him, he’d never been happier.

If it wasn’t about him, who was it about? The description was uncanny, and not many demons look like him. Not that you know, anyway.

As the questions swirled around his brain, he saw you walk outside the coffee shop. Before he could react, he saw a demon who was waiting outside the exit, strike up a conversation with you.

Who’s that? Does she know him?

Mammon stepped behind a magazine stand trying to hide, but still watch your interaction with the unknown demon. You’d been in the Devildom long enough to travel close to home without being messed with, but it still made him nervous. He kept his eyes fixed on the two of you.

He watched as you chatted and laughed with the good looking demon, growing more jealous and hurt by the second. Unable to watch anymore, he stormed off in the direction of the House of Lamentation.

“Maybe she does have a boyfriend. She seemed to know that guy pretty good.” He scoffed.

He wasn’t mad at you, he couldn’t be. He was mad at himself. Maybe if he had told you how he felt you wouldn’t have been chatting it up with that pretty boy. 

But what about the poem? That’s gotta mean somethin’ right?

When he got back to the house, he went straight to his room and slammed the door, nearly running Asmo over in the process.

“Hey! Rude.” Asmo called after him.

He didn’t care at the moment. He just needed to be alone. The weight of it all was too much.

As quickly as his love for you was reciprocated, it was ripped away. This time, he didn’t try to hold back the tears.

--

Shit, shit, shit! What now?!

You cursed yourself the entire way home. How are you supposed to just walk in nonchalantly like Mammon didn’t just hear you confess your entire soul? Not to mention  the fact he apparently looked mad.

Ugh. I wonder is Solomon knows a spell that’ll open up the Earth and swallow me whole?

You quietly walked up the front steps to the House of Lamentation and opened the door slowly. Peaking in to see if anyone was around, thankfully not, you carefully made your way inside.

If I can just make it to my room, I’ll be fine.

You crept up the stairs and down the hall. The coast was clear.

Once you got close enough you ran inside your room, shutting the door quickly behind and for the first time since right after moving in, you locked your door.

Usually the brothers come and go out of room, which you don’t mind but tonight you just wanted to be alone.

You dropped your bag on the floor with a hard thud, and sank down to the floor, burying your face in your hands.

How could you be so careless? You should’ve known one of them would figure out where you were. I just wish it hadn’t been THAT one.

*knock knock knock*

The light tapping on the door made you jump put of your skin. Your hands flew to your mouth to stifle the small yelp you let out.

Just stay quiet. Whoever it is will go away.

“MC? It’s me. I know you’re in there.”

It’s just Asmo.

With a sigh of relief, you stood to unlock the door and let Asmo in, quickly shutting the door behind him. He made a face at your strange behavior.

“Hello to you too. And was your door locked? What’s that about?” He almost sounded offended, turning to face you.

“So, what happened?” He asked.

You were a little caught off guard but tried to play it cool.

“What do you mean?”

He perched himself on the edge of your bed.

“Well, this afternoon when I got home from shopping Mammon asked me where you were, seeing as you told him you were going with me. Then, he came home just a little while ago, visibly upset. He nearly ran me over on his way to his room.” He explained.

Crap! Had I let Asmo in on my lie about going shopping with him, I probably could’ve avoided this entire fiasco.

“He was mad?” You asked, voice getting quiet.

Asmo nodded, “Very.” He replied.

That made your heart hurt.

I’ve really done it this time.

--

Avoiding Mammon was going to be hard. The two of you practically did everything together. Did you really have a choice though? You can’t face him right now.

Breakfast was the easiest. Mammon is always late, so all you had to do was wake up early. 

Beel is usually the first one to breakfast, so I can ask him if he’d walk with me to RAD. I’ll study with Satan as usual, and I can spend more time with Levi and hide out in his room or nap with Belphie.

This sucks.

It’s not that you don’t enjoy the time you spend with the other brothers, because of course you do, but you miss your best friend.

The walk to RAD with Beel was quiet. He could tell that you were sad, and didn’t want to make you talk if you didn’t want to. Before you went your separate ways to your classes, he gave you one of his big squeezy, pick-you-up-off-the-ground hugs. It made you feel a bit better. How could it not? It’s Beel.

--

The day went rather smoothly, not once bumping into Mammon. Come to thin of it, you hadn’t seen him at all today.

Maybe he skipped? You thought.

The thought made you breathe a little easier, considering your last class of the day is Devildom History, which is one of the few classes the two of you have together.

You sat in your usual seat, and looked at the empty one next to you that Mammon usually sat in. Your heart started to hurt again.

Trying to distract yourself, you started going over your notes for the upcoming test. When the seat next to you scooted out, your heart stopped beating.

Oh my God! Just stay calm. Don’t freak out. Breathe, dumbass. You chanted to yourself.

“Hey.” he said, as he sat down. You looked up at the demon next to you.

It’s the guy from the coffee shop.

Phew! That was close. Your heart rate started to return to normal.

“Hi.” You replied with a faint smile.

As students kept filing into class, the two of you talked back and forth about the upcoming test  and other school related topics. He seems like a pretty nice guy. Why was he sitting next to you though? Surely he knows who always sits there. Although, it was nice to have someone to talk about poetry with.

Just then, as the bell rang loudly signaling the beginning of class, someone came running through the door.

Mammon.

Shit! I thought he wasn’t here today!

Cue heart rate acceleration.

Mammon looked at you, and the occupied seat next toy you. His seat.

His face distorted.

You kept your head down trying to avoid eye contact. The guy next to you, I think he said his name was Ezra? I don’t even remember, stiffened at Mammon’s reaction to seeing him in his seat.

Mammon made his way to the back of the class to the only empty seat near a bunch of succubi. Their expressions lit up when he sat down. That made your heart hurt.

Their reaction to just sitting near him, just proved how insane you were for thinking he could ever have feelings for a human.

The class seemed to drag on forever. You couldn’t wait to get far away from there.

I’m definitely texting Solomon about that “Earth opening” spell.

--

When the bell signaling the end of class finally rang, you hurriedly made your escape.

I gotta get out of here, and fast before he can catch up.

With zero hesitation, you walked as fast as you could, nearly jogging, to the House of Lamentation. If you could just get to your room again without being stopped, you were in the clear.

Plowing through the front door and running up the stairs, you made it to your room without being discovered. It looked as though you were the first one home.

You opened your bedroom door, and stepped inside feeling accomplished. Before you could turn and shut the door, it was slammed shut.

You jumped and screamed as though the murderer you were trying to outrun had finally caught up to you.

You turned to see that it was Mammon who had slammed the door.

You would’ve rather it had been the murderer.

| part three |

[twdeadlysins]

Not Alone

Pairing: Daryl Dixon x Reader

Word Count: 2,173

Summary: Daryl blames himself everyday for not sticking with Y/N when the Governor brought chaos upon them. The only thing that keeps him going is hope — hope that her and their unborn child is okay and out there somewhere.

Request: 14. “I thought you were dead” - Daryl and the reader (M/F) were separated when the prison fell. The reader, who is pregnant with his child, When the group gets to Alexandria, he finds the reader, but they're not alone. He hugs the reader and says #14 (Baby (G/B) is a newborn when he finds them.) // Requested by: @leej2468​

Warnings: some angst?, fluff, pregnancy, mention of possible death of a character and unborn child, the usual walking dead themes, and possible typos by yours truly 

A/N: I apologize that I’m barely cranking out fics. The usual writer’s block, laziness, lack of motivation, and other work have been delaying posts. I do have a ton of wips and requests to start and finish! 

The gifs I use aren’t mine, so all credit goes to their respective owners.

MASTERLIST

On the ride to their new home, Daryl fiddled with his crossbow and arrows, deep in thought. Although the place was going to be a major upgrade from their previous living conditions, he was unsure about it all. He was doubtful that Alexandria would be any different than the farm, the prison, or Terminus. Every time they took a chance, it was ruined by walkers or people, breaking all hope and trust. Not trust in his family, but trust with the rest of the world. The only people Daryl could count on was himself and his people… and Y/N. 

“Thinkin’ about them?” 

The hunter stayed silent as he inspected an arrow, not wanting to look Maggie in the eye. He was afraid that if he did, she would see all the guilt and pain that his crystal blues held, so he barely nodded as an answer. Maggie sighed and reached over, gently placing her hand on top of his, prompting Daryl to halt his movements and reluctantly peer at her. She gave an empathetic smile, giving his hand a squeeze before retracting her hand away and folding her arms to lean on the table. 

The archer dropped the arrow and brought his back to meet the couch, gnawing on his lip while messing with the hem of his shirt. His eyes connected back to the brunette before shrugging. “She’s alone. She shouldn’ be alone.” Tears started to well up and his bottom lip began to tremble as he stared at his dirty calloused hands, fidgeting with his fingers. 

A little over a month before the prison, Y/N had gotten sick and they assumed it was just a stomach bug — until it lasted more than a couple days. Lori and Carol chuckled at the couple and brought up the possibility that she might be pregnant after a week and a half of her feeling unwell. Despite Y/N’s protest that there was no way, Daryl had handed her a test after a run, and it proved her wrong. Although she was in denial at first, she was elated and so was he, but there were underlying nerves there, especially after what happened to Lori. Y/N was with her when it had happened, and she ended up terrified, scared that she was going to end up like that as well. With time and the endless amount of support from Daryl and the others, she became more comfortable at the idea of giving birth. 

That secure feeling vanished the minute the Governor came, destroying their home and murdering Hershel, the person they counted on to bring their child in the world, right in front of them. Y/N started spraying bullets alongside him before he urged her to head for the bus, but she was stubborn as hell and didn’t want to be separated — didn’t want to leave him behind. Daryl knew she was the type of person to say ‘If you’re going down, then I’m going down with you’, but he couldn’t let her do that, especially since it was much bigger than the two of them — there was another life. So he caressed her cheek behind the box they were using for protection, taking a moment to remind her that she had to think of their baby before rubbing her very visible baby bump, prompting her to place her hand on top of his. He assured Y/N that he’d cover for her while she made a run for the getaway vehicle and that he’d meet her there. Daryl scanned every inch of her face to remember just in case things went south before kissing her with so much passion like it would be their last -- and with each day that passed, it seemed like it was.

Daryl blamed himself every single day for losing Y/N, for not staying with her and protecting her. In the moment he thought he was doing what was best, that his plan was her best chance at surviving, but what if he ended up getting her and their baby killed? Glenn had told him she never made it on the bus, never stepped foot in it. She wasn’t alive at the prison when he stayed behind either and he didn’t see anyone that resembled her as far as he could tell among the walkers, but that didn’t necessarily mean she was alive. Maggie confirmed his statement since she had caught up with the bus and she wasn’t among the walkers, so where was she? What happened? Was she safe? There were too many questions lingering in his head, but the one thing he knew for sure was that he was the one at fault. 

“She’s not alone.” Maggie solemnly whispered. “Y/N has your child with her, always. She’s a strong woman and we both know she won’t let anything happen to that baby, not without a fight.”

Daryl nodded, fighting the sobs that wanted to burst out of him. Y/N was a stubborn woman, she was tough and wouldn’t let anyone near her and their unborn child. He had to keep believing she was out there somewhere because that was the only thing keeping him going. 

“They could be out there, Daryl. Just ‘cause we haven’t found them yet, don’t mean they’re gone. Don’t lose hope.” Daryl’s head was bowed, but he bobbed it in understanding at her words. Hope was all he had.

The RV came to a halt followed by Abraham announcing that they arrived at their destination — their new home. The archer wiped his eyes with the back of his hand before grabbing his gear and hopping out the vehicle to be met with a gate. As Aaron instructed for his people to open the entrance, Glenn stepped beside Daryl. 

“After we get settled here, we’ll go out and look for her, okay?” He placed his hand on Daryl’s shoulder, trying to give him a little comfort and hope because he wasn’t alone, he missed her too. The hunter caught Rick’s head turning to peer at him from the front of the group. He nodded, communicating with Daryl from afar, which led the redneck to do the same. Rick and Glenn had discussed it some time before, which was assuring for Daryl. She wasn’t forgotten and they were going to help do something about it. The three of them were going to find her. 

When the gate opened, Daryl absentmindedly trekked behind with Glenn still at his side, wandering his orbs around the place, getting a feel for it. It was a nice community and it was secure like Aaron described and showed with his pictures. It was a perfect place to raise a family, a great place for Judith — a great place for his child. He shook off the thought, not wanting to break down again, especially in front of everyone. Although it was ideal for Y/N and their baby, he couldn’t quite trust it yet. It made him feel guilty to be able to stay in a place like Alexandria without Y/N who could be out there somewhere struggling to survive.

In order for the group to reside in Alexandria, they had to have a one-on-one interview with the leader, Deanna. Daryl kept his answers short and sweet, she didn’t need to know every detail of his life. After the interviews, the group was split into two houses, not wanting to stray far from each other or bunk with total strangers. Daryl slept for a couple hours, but he was mainly perched beside a grand window, keeping watch. Just because they were behind sturdy walls, didn’t mean they were completely safe — walkers weren’t the only enemy. 

Daryl was casually sitting on the porch of their new home the next morning, smoking a cigarette as he messed with his crossbow. The door swung open before someone skipped down the steps, turning their figure to stare at the hunter who didn’t stop cleaning his crossbow. 

“When do you not mess with that thing?”

He huffed, grabbing the cigarette from between his lips to discard before staring at Carol who formed a teasing smile that joined her raised eyebrows. “When will ya leave me alone?” Daryl grunted, stomping his boot on the cigarette to put it out. 

Carol rolled her eyes as an amused Daryl focused back on his weapon, satisfied with his retort. “When you take a shower,” Carol shot back, striding away, but not without stealing a glance at the archer who shook his head. He grumbled as he watched her walk across the street but before he could go back to what he was doing, he heard a man chuckle. 

Daryl peered up and saw a man with crutches, who he assumed was Eric, chatting with a woman who hugged her crossed arms close to her chest as they walked down the road with someone not far behind, approaching closer to the house. The hunter squinted his eyes and held up his hand over them to shield his orbs from the sun that shone bright over the community. His heart accelerated once he recognized a face — a face he could never forget — her face — Y/N’s face. 

His task was long forgotten as he set aside his crossbow and stumbled down the steps, getting emotional at the sight of her. Daryl slowly moved towards them, seeming to forget how to work his legs. He lost the ability to talk as well because when he tried to muster up her name, it got caught in his dry throat. Luckily for him, Eric had greeted him which caught her ear. They both froze in their tracks as she made eye contact with Daryl and he could see the gears turning in her head as she tried to process who was in front of her — if he was real.

A river was flowing down her cheeks as she whispered his name, not believing he was there before racing into his arms. She tightened her arms around his neck and sobbed into the crook of it as his arms squeezed around her waist, lifting her above the ground. “I knew you’d find me,” she whispered, voice wavering. 

Once they broke apart, Daryl caressed her damp cheek, boring his teary orbs into hers. “I thought you were dead.” It was his voice’s turn to shake, prompting Y/N to place her hands on the sides of his face and rest her forehead against his. 

“A nuke has to drop in order to get rid of me.” He could hear the smirk she wore in her tone as he chuckled, but the joke didn’t wash away the guilt that started to flood in. 

“M’sorry that I won’t there for ya. That ya were alone.” 

Y/N pulled away with a smile still plastered on her face which confused him. “I wasn’t alone.” She pivoted her body to gesture to Aaron who held a newborn wrapped tight in a pink blanket, making the archer do a double take at Y/N. His child — their child. He was so engrossed in the fact that Y/N was alive that he didn’t notice that her baby bump was no longer there. 

Y/N giggled, a sound that Daryl had deeply missed. “Sorry, guys, you must be a little confused.” 

“I think we figured it out.” Aaron smiled as he handed the baby over to Y/N. She slowly walked up to Daryl and he asked with his eyes for permission to hold her, which prompted Y/N to laugh. Once his daughter was handed to him, Daryl’s heart was close to combusting when his daughter’s tiny hand grasped around his finger. Y/N leaned her head against her fiance’s arm, watching their first interaction in content. 

“Although I was terrified, I was prepared to have her out there all by myself, but then Aaron and Eric found me holed up in a rundown house, nearly had the baby right then and there when they approached me.” They all chuckled. “I was cautious, of course, but it didn’t take much convincing. I needed to keep her safe and thought this place would do just that.” Daryl caressed the back of Y/N’s head to press a kiss to the top of her hair. He was so proud of her, she was so strong and he couldn’t believe he ever doubted that she wasn’t alive. 

“She’s almost two weeks old and still doesn’t have a name. Didn’t feel right to name her without you.” 

“What if I found ya two years later?” 

“Still wouldn’t have a name.” 

Everyone laughed at their banter before Aaron brought up how they should let their group know about Y/N and for them to meet their new member. Daryl and Y/N walked hand-in-hand with their daughter sleeping peacefully in his hold, ready to tell them the news and that there was no need for that three-man search party. 

A/N: Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed it! If you’d like to added or removed from the tags don’t hesitate to send me an ask or message! Also feedback is much appreciated!! 

Taglist: @jodiereedus22​ @sourwolf-sterek32​ @haleypearce​ @gruffle1​ @lonewolf471​ @dashesoflipstick​ @aristocracy-y​ @oncemorewithfeelingg​ @maydayfigment​ @cathwritestragediesnotsins​

[thalergetic]

If I hypothetically asked you to continue writing the Spider-Man Catradora au you’d..?

Hypothetically of course

well then hypothetically.... i would write this

(part 1 / part 2)

It took hours for Glimmer to take the bullet out and stitch the wound in Adora’s side, and that was without factoring in the initial shock of her identity.

When she made it to the alleyway, toting a massive bag reading First Aid, her eyes had bugged out of her head.

Catra told her in a hushed, firm tone that absolutely no one else could know, but Glimmer was just stared at where Adora was slumped against the wall. The rise and fall of her chest was growing weaker, and her face contorted in pain.

“The adrenaline in her system is fading,” Glimmer had said. Her eyes grew distant as they locked on the black spider in the center of Adora’s suit. “We have to move fast.”

Catra had helped her get Adora back up into the apartment (she still wasn’t sure how she’d managed it, really), and it became quickly apparent how completely unprepared they were for this.

Normally, as Glimmer had told her in a mix of annoyance and focus, she would have a clean, clear workspace and sterile medical equipment available.

Catra looked out over Adora’s apartment for a second before turning back to her. “Okay, well, I’m gonna clear off the dining room table. Does that work?”

She hadn’t had the stomach to watch Glimmer actually go through the process of taking out the bullet and stitching the wound, but she’d tried to make herself useful.

Mostly, Catra just held Adora’s hand, made sure she was awake, and tried not to cry every time Adora winced or groaned in pain.

But Glimmer had been an excellent choice. She worked quickly, efficiently, and with a kind of deftness Catra didn’t think possible.

When it was over, Adora lay on her own table breathing shallowly. She was bloody, in pain, and exhausted— but she was alive. After a brief nap, she woke up with a groan. “Ow. Fuck.”

The best they could give her for the pain was whiskey (courtesy of one of Adora’s cabinets), which led to the three of them passing the bottle around after the deed was done.

Glimmer took a huge sip and winced at the burn in her throat. She cracked open an eye. “I can’t believe you’ve been fucking Spider-Man this whole time.”

From where she lay on the table, Adora let out a weak, “Guilty as charged.”

“If it’s any consolation,” Catra chimed in, gesturing impatiently for the bottle, “I found out by accident too.”

Glimmer tried to hide a smile before turning to Adora. “So, I’ve been wondering. Exactly how fast is your accelerated healing?”

“Uh...” Adora leaned up a little to look at the fresh bandages over her wound. “For something like this, I’ll probably be good in, like, three days or so.”

“Three days?” Glimmer asked incredulously.

“Tops.” Adora let her head thunk against the table. “Ow. That one hurt. I’ve been stabbed a few times, but phew,” She sighed. “Yeah. That was probably the worst.”

She lay there for a moment before slowly propping herself up on her elbows. Adora sat up with a low, pained groan, and Catra was by her side in a second trying to help her back down.

“Whoa, what are you doing?” She asked, eyes wide with concern. “Adora, you need to rest—”

“I need to find Kingpin,” Adora corrected, putting a hand on where Catra’s rested on her shoulder. “Or at least find out why he wants me dead so badly.”

“That can wait. I almost lost you.” Catra’s voice came out softer than she was expecting it to, and she found herself blushing at the vulnerability in it. “And, um. I-I think we had some unfinished business.”

Adora’s eyes widened as she remembered the conversation they’d shared before Glimmer had showed up with a kit full of medical supplies. “Oh!” She said, blinking. She leaned into Catra’s touch a little. “Yes. Um. Yeah.”

Glimmer’s eyes flicked between the two of them. “I’m gonna head out for a bit,” She said, reaching for the bottle. “Text me when you’re done. I wanna know all about your spider-shit.”

The door closed a few moments later, and Catra turned back to Adora to find her looking almost nervous.

“Did you mean what you said?” Adora asked quietly. “Earlier, I mean.”

“About liking you a lot?”

“Well, yeah, but I meant the—the kissing part,” Adora said. She lifted a hand up to scratch the back of her head. There was a badly-hidden blush on her face.

Catra found it horribly, hopelessly endearing. “I did,” She said softly, sitting on the edge of the table. “I, um.... I really like you. Just... I don’t know how to explain it,” She said, shaking her head, “but the last few months have been really, really fucking cool.”

Adora gave her a little smile. “Me, too. It’s like... I dunno. I did this alone for so long, and now, with you it’s just—” She exhaled sharply. “It’s like I’m seeing in color.”

Catra felt herself smiling softly. “You can’t say that and then not kiss me.”

Adora didn’t need to be told twice. She put a hand on the side of Catra’s face and leaned in, pressing their lips together gently.

The first time, it was soft and chaste. Then they pulled apart, Catra remembered just how close she’d come to never being able to do this, and she crashed their lips together again.

There was a desperation to it, and it was one Adora seemed to reciprocate. When they pulled away again, her eyes were blown wide, and her lips were swollen and red.

The tip of her tongue flicked out to lick at her lips, and she opened her mouth to speak.

But whatever she was about to say was interrupted by the police scanner in the corner. Calling all units, it crackled, we have a robbery in progress.

Catra watched Adora’s eyes flick over. Her jaw tightened for a second before she turned back with an apology already on the tip of her tongue.

“I know you’re not about to respond to that,” Catra said, raising an eyebrow. “You were shot, like, three hours ago.”

“Yeah, but—”

“No buts.” Catra’s eyes narrowed before flicking down to Adora’s lips. “Lie down on the table—”

“I mean, the table’s pretty uncomfortable.”

Catra rolled her eyes. “Then lie down on the couch. And take the rest of your suit off,” She said, nodding at where the top half was pooled around her waist.

Adora raised an eyebrow. “You’re bossy.”

“How about this,” Catra said. “If you take the suit off, I’ll kiss you again.” Catra couldn’t help but grin at the way Adora’s eyes widened. “And again, and again, and again,” She said, leaning in a little closer with each repetition.

Adora swallowed hard. “Yep. Suit’s coming off.”

[the-worst-nintendo-player]

My only fear- a short horror story

I wanted to talk about something and get a bit "philosophical" about it.

So let's start by saying that I'm not afraid of many things, in fact, pretty much nothing scares me. I watch lots of horror, especially with my girlfriend, however nothing really manage to scare me. I also tend to not flinch either when there is a jumpscare of any sorts. I am entertained, sometimes I laugh during a movie, but I'm not scared.

Common things that scare me do not scare me either. Spiders? I think most of them are cute honestly. Snakes? I absolutely love them. Clowns? I don't like them 'cause they are boring but they do not scare me. The dark? It's peaceful, I like it. The heights? They might make me my head spin but I'm not afraid of the heights. I bet that when you read the word "philosophy" and then "fear" you imediately assumed this would have been about Death, right? A big ass wall of text about the dude with the hoodie that is gonna take your soul out of your body and about how mysterious and fascinating it is for many reasons, right?

Well Death may have something to do with this but it's not entirely about it. In fact, the Reaper is gonna be just a small fraction of this wall of text, and, at the same time, it will always be there, its presence will be taken for granted by you, the reader, most likely and It will always stand there. However, as I said, this is not about It. It(as I will call Death from now on, It with the capital Letter, just like the famous Clown) will just be a side actor in the show, It will not be the Main Actor, however its role will be important. It won't be Harry Potter in the homonymus series, but It will be Neville. It won't be Frodo or Gandalf in Lord Of the Rings, It will be Pippin.

Hoping you got my point, let's go back to what I was trying to tell you, dear Reader. You see, nobody really knows this but I do have one fear, one single fear that makes me shiver from head to toe every single time I even dare to think about it. Actually you are seing it right now by using the entirety of your view, it doesn't really matter what device you are using to read this. If you are using a phone, it should be on the top left, of you are using a Computer it should be on the bottom right. Perhaps you are not seing it because your brain cannot process it as a fear, but I'm sure you are looking in the right direction. You should be looking at the Clock right now, are you not? And that's it. That is my fear. Time itself.

It terrifies me to think that Time is the only thing that really we, as a race, won't most likely be able to control. You may say "well we cannot control nature either" I agree,however we are finding solutions to it. We learned how to predict many of the things that would have killed milions of people. Hell, we can even predict when a meteor will land on Earth and where! We cannot CONTROL Nature but we can FIGHT it, ya know? But Time? Absolutely not. I remember that the very first interaction I ever had with a timetravel plot was Professor Layton and the Unwound Future. I don't know if Italy, where I live, translated that line correctly but in the beginning of the game Englad's prime minister gives a speech saying

<<humanity made some great steps in its history. We managed to cross seas, sky and even the space. However there is one barrier we never managed to walk through. Time's Barrier.>>

Or something similar.

That always made me think. I always thought how little I was compared to this huge and unstoppable clock that basically controlled the whole Universe itself. I clearly remember shivering to this thought, however this was not what scared me. As a child I believe you cannot really be scared of Time. This fear starts to come to life when you grow up, as you face many deadlines and you always run out of time. As Exams'dates start to approach you, as libera responsibility keep coming towards you, slowly and yet so fast.

It feels like you see someone approaching you walking. You are afraid of them so you start to walk too in their same direction, away from them. Their pace didn't accelerate and yet they still get closer to you.

You start running. You run, you run, you run as if your life depended on it. You keep running, looking towards you in a infinite hallway. You look around. You are going really fast and you don't hear anyone running behind you.

But you hear their step. Slow steps and they always sound closer. You turn around. They are walking and yet they are incredibly close, less than 5 meters away from you. You run as fast as your muscles allows you to, untill they burn because of the stress you are imposing over them. You keep running, running and running for as much as you like. You look behind. They are less than a meter away from you now, staring directly into your eyes as they keep walking, their steps echoing in the hallway and in your head as they keep getting closer and closer to you. Untill they catch you. It doesn't matter your phisical shape, you can be Usain Bolt as well but you cannot escape them. That's how I percieve Time.

[davosmymaster]

To the Ends of the Universe

A/N - Hello!!! How’s everyone doing? Just wanted to say thank you to the people who left a comment/liked the post about this one shot. I really hope this fic won’t dissapoint anyone.

Special thanks to @wonders-of-the-multiverse​ who has been there from the very first second. This fic initially started as both of us just daydreaming about the Master as usual and well, here we are XD. She was also my incredible beta reader.

As some of you know, English is not my first language, so I apologize in advance for any mistake. This is also my first fic on tumblr YAY

I really hope you have a good time reading this!!!

WARNINGS - Blood, mentions of nightmares, it’s pure fluff basically with hints of angst

PAIRINGS - Dhawan!Master x Reader (The Master x Reader)

WORD COUNT - 6,062 words

TO THE ENDS OF THE UNIVERSE

 The dimly lit hallways exploded in a bright white light as you rushed to the medbay, the loud thumping of your heart stuck in your ears as you forced your legs to keep the pace for just one more second.

 As Opposed to The Doctor’s, The Master’s TARDIS had always looked quite dark and unwelcoming, almost as if it wasn’t pleased with having anyone wandering around inside her. This time, however, a white flickering light guided you through the maze-like corridors to your destination. It was a big change from the dirty tricks she used to play during the first few months of your stay.

 The floor under your shoes quaked as the ship took off, the harsh trembling sending your body forwards and your shoulder crashing against one of the metal doors. You rubbed the tender spot for a second, the worry that had overwhelmed you at the sight of blood quickly being replaced by a wave of pure annoyance and agitation.

 “You could help me a bit here” you whispered through gritted teeth towards the TARDIS, the pain in your shoulder slowly dissolving into numbness.

 A low groan seemed to come from the walls and the energy inside it. The metal disappeared as the door slid open to reveal the grey colour of the medbay.

 “O-oh” you gasped “sorry”

 Once inside the room and without a thought, your body automatically went for the second drawer in one of the cupboards.

 Traveling the stars wasn’t as safe as you would have liked, and both the Master and yourself had gotten hurt more times than either of you remembered. As years and years passed you had surprised yourself in the most appropriate situations, becoming aware of the fact that you could find almost anything in the medbay at this point; even if you couldn’t understand the advanced medical technology a time lord could have gathered all over time and space for god-knows-how-long.

 “I’m back!” you announced when the control room appeared in front of your eyes again. The figure of the Master was leaning against the console, eyes too focused on his own empty fists to be considered normal. His hair was more disheveled than usual, the fringe coated with blood as it brushed across the top of his eyes. “Master”

 He jumped in place at the sound of your voice, one of his hands instinctively going to his coat’s pocket as a reflex. The wound on the side of his head was still bleeding, although the oozing flow of blood seemed to have lessened considerably since you had last seen him. His skin was much paler than usual and the dark rings under his eyes were looking much worse than that morning. You couldn’t help but think that he looked miserable, even beyond the blood staining his face and clothes.

 “Are you alright?” you whispered. You took a step forward cautiously and didn’t look away from his eyes, trying to find all the answers to your questions in those big brown orbs.

 “Why wouldn’t I be?”

 He quickly backed off, putting as much space between the two of you as he could. You watched him wander the room, walking in one direction before changing his mind the next second. You clenched your hands around the medical supplies, the weight of all the things you were carrying reminded you why you had left the room in the first place.

 “Have a seat somewhere” you demanded, although it sounded angrier than you had intended, almost like a bark. “You’re still bleeding”

 “YOU DON’T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!”

 Your heart hammered in your chest as a response. The silence fell between the two of you, the atmosphere suddenly running out of air. He looked like a madman right there in front of your incredulous eyes, bleeding and pointing at you like he pointed at his enemies after stating a threat. He had never glared at you with angry eyes before.

 The Master had been acting odd for some time now. It all started with a change in his plans. One day, for no apparent reason, he took you on a trip to one of the most beautiful planets in the universe. The blue dunes of sand under an orange bright sun permanently eclipsed by one of its forty-three satellites. It seemed to be the perfect place to have some rest, at least it was until some of the natives recognized the Master and threatened to kill both of you.

 Surely ‘the most beautiful’ didn’t imply ‘the safest’, as the few civilizations that lived there had been at war for more than a millennia. The only thing all those aliens had in common was, somehow, the desire for the Master’s dead body. When the TARDIS set off again, as far away from the planet as she could, you realized he had done the first good action in a long time: he had left behind two civilizations unified for a cause greater than themselves, to get rid of him once and for all.

 Most of the time you couldn’t choose where to go, he always traveled whenever and wherever he needed in order to gather weapons or artifacts. Other times it was merely to have some fun, and on some rare occasions you would manipulate him to use his bloodthirstiness to do some justice.

 Those trips weren’t as usual now, or maybe he just had stopped telling you the truth about his intentions. Burning planets, dangerous ships and poisonous waters became beautiful trips to sightseeing constellations and the most delicious dinners served next to the colorful Medusa Cascade. No matter how beautiful or safe the place seemed to be, there was always someone or something interrupting the dates you were trying to enjoy with the Master. Not that he would call them dates, anyway.

 You used to read him like an open book. When he said “you’ll slow me down” in reality he meant “this is gonna turn nasty and I want you as far away from here as possible”. When he said he wanted to be alone, that was probably the last thing he wanted. And most of all you were almost a hundred percent sure that the strange words he whispered into your hair when he thought you were asleep meant “I love you” in Gallifreyan.

 But you still hadn’t managed to persuade the TARDIS to get you a Gallifreyan dictionary with the words’ pronunciation. It was definitely a work in progress though, or it had been until you realized that the Master and yourself had been slowly growing apart for the last few months.

 “(Y/N)” he said, his voice almost as low as a whisper “I- I shouldn’t have-”

 “You’re right, you shouldn’t have” you responded firmly. There were a lot of things you were willing to forgive him for, but yelling and mistreating you wasn’t one of them.

 He groaned in pain then, drenching his fingertips in the blood clot in his temple. Your own heart shivered in your chest at the sight, concern quickly burning your insides as a white hot fire ran through your veins.

 “Don’t touch it!”

 You quickly walked the space keeping you apart and gave him a gentle smack to his wrist. He avoided your eyes, fixing them instead on the rolls of unopened gauze, alcohol, towels, and those strange alien band-aids that accelerated the healing process up to five times faster.

 In a flurry of movement the Master moved, his hands quick to try and snatch them from you. But you had known him for a long time and knew exactly what he was like.

 “I can do it myself, I’m not a child”

 “I know you can-” you replied softly, your mind trying to convince itself that he was acting weirder than usual because you had underestimated the damage caused by the blow he had suffered to the head. “-but I’m not as sure about the rest of the sentence.”

 He raised one eyebrow in response and you watched him try not to grimace in pain again.

 “Here” he pulled away from you and walked to the front door of the TARDIS, opening it with ease. The old wood-like doors pulled back to reveal a black nothingness filled with thousands of distant flickering stars “I need some air.”

 The Master took a seat at the border. His back rested against the doors, one of his legs dangling out into space, the other bent beneath him on the floor.

 “You’ve definitely taken quite a hit.” you laughed, “There’s no air in outer space!”

 He smirked with closed eyes, calmly breathing in and out through the nose. “Don’t tell a Time Lord what can and cannot be in outer space. Now get to work, if you’re not going to let me do it myself.”

 You took a seat in front of him in the small space between his figure and the open door, one of your legs also dangling out into space. Leaning in, you pressed the gauze soaked in alcohol against the open wound to finally stop the bleeding. The Master clenched his jaw as much as he could, hissing in pain.

 “Sorry” you apologized, “Keep the pressure on yourself, I’m gonna clean you up.”

 He leered at you, the corner of his lips smirking lasciviously. You rolled your eyes, taking the wet towel in your hands and proceeding to clean the dry blood away from his chin and cheek. You cleaned his short beard the best you could and tried to get rid of the blood clots in his fringe, unsuccessfully to your dismay.

 You could feel his eyes piercing yours, his fingers gently sliding across the skin of your shoulder, softly brushing your hair to get it out of the way. You fixed your eyes onto his own only to catch him avoiding your gaze, his attention stuck on staring out at the endless sight of the universe.

 The Master kept his eyes fixed in nowhere in particular while you worked on his wound. You slowly opened one of the band-aids and tried to avoid his hair as much as possible, so you could place it on the side of his head; just above the temple. Now you just had to wait a few minutes to remove it. You had used those curious things several times before and although the healing was sped up, the thing never failed to leave some kind of scar. But even with those odds stacked against him, the Master was always lucky enough to never get scarred- likely thanks to his own unique biology.

 You let yourself fall limp against the door and tilted your head to whatever the Master was looking for. The sight was beautiful as it had always been, millions of stars were almost swallowed by the black nothingness that separated planets, constellations, solar systems, and asteroids. And even at the incredible sight of all of this, you struggled to find something that could possibly retain the Master’s attention for more than a split second.

 “Are you alright? You’ve seemed a little distant lately” you asked again.

 Fixing your eyes on his features you searched for any sign of discomfort, either physical or emotional. At the lack of response your gaze started to wander, his hand catching your attention as he played with something inside of his coat pocket.

 He was likely twisting and curling the TCE between his fingers. It was a trait you had noticed during your time travelling with him, his fingers fidgeting without fail whenever he was deep in thought. It happened every time, he would either tap four beats on any surface he could find or get something to entertain his restless fingers with, most of the time the ‘thing’ being his TCE.

 The memories from the day filled your head then. He had looked distant the whole time, from the very first second he landed the TARDIS in one of the three planets that formed the solar system of one of the seventeen suns in Kasterborous. It was the closest you had ever been to Gallifrey and, still, it was far enough to not be able to admire the beautiful planet that had watched the Doctor and the Master grow into adults for centuries.

 “I’m just planning my next scheme to trap the Doctor”

 You nodded, although you didn’t believe a thing of what he said.

 The words of what you had been thinking for endless nights poured from your lips before your mind could make up an excuse for his strange behavior, like all the other times. No one could blame you, after all you were just trying to protect your heart and mind from shattering.

 “Is it me?” you asked finally, your voice betraying you and showing more emotion than what you had intended.

 The Master suddenly turned his curious gaze to you. So he was paying attention then…

 “Don’t you think I haven’t spotted how distant you’ve been lately” you added, although lately didn’t seem to be the right word. Obviously you had realized how much time he spent alone in the library and how his visits to the room you both shared were becoming less and less frequent. He always claimed he didn’t need to sleep as much, but you had been apart for enough time for you to notice that it was just a cheap excuse to not be there.

 “Do you not want me to be here anymore?”

 He frowned at your words.

 “W-wha-”

 “Are you still happy?” you asked with a hoarse voice, feeling the familiar weight of tears building up in your eyes at the low wheezing sound of the silence. You clenched your jaw and tried to swallow the tears. “Don’t lie to me.”

 He just stared at you in silence for a second, mouthing like a fish out of water, until he finally blinked and tried to make a sound.

 “I-is not-”

 “Just-” you cut him off, feeling again like a lie was about to spill from his lips. “-you seem sad, distant, you’re not happy and you’re lying to me.”

“No-NO!” You snapped when he tried to talk again, “Don’t try to deny it, I can tell. I know you”

 “So…” Anxiously you took a shallow shaky breath “It has something to do with me, doesn’t it?”

 He pressed his lips together for a second but soon relaxed again. Changing his expression, the shimmer in his eyes shifted as he smirked slightly, the dark circles under his eyes failing to achieve the frightening look he was striving for. Maybe it would have worked with anyone else, but not with you.

 “You humans are so vain, always thinking the universe spins around you.”

 “I’m being serious, Koschei”

 He took a breathless gasp, almost as if he had been hit. The name of a time lord was one of the biggest, best-kept secrets in the universe. Only a handful of people had known (or would ever know) the real name of the Doctor, and due to the Master’s lack of sympathy and his trouble to connect with people to an emotional level, even less had known or ever would know his.

 ‘How many?’ you had asked when he confessed his real name one night, his forehead pressing against your sweaty collarbone.

 ‘Only you’ he had whispered, right before kissing your shoulder “and some Time Lords at the Academy, but they are not important.” you heard him take a deep breath, his nose pressed against your throat “All dead now.”

 Those times seemed out of reach. You even asked yourself if he regretted telling you.

 “Not you.” he whispered defeatedly, his head falling to his lap “It could never be you.”

 “What is it then?”

 He shifted his whole body to face you, squirming in his place and unable to keep still. He removed his hand from his pocket, clasping your own tightly.

 “It’s me.” he whispered in a choked breath and looked at your eyes “It’s so selfish of me to want you forever even though I know I don’t deserve you.”

 “Don’t say that!” you replied, struggling to believe the honesty in his voice and eyes. “You’re not serious. You can’t think like that after everything we’ve been through!”

 He focused again on your hands firmly entwined.

 “I believe it because… you’re so good” he looked away briefly towards the stars, before turning his gaze back to you again. “And people like me don’t get good people by their side or moments like this.”

 The Master stroked your palms with his thumbs, suddenly finding them more interesting than his own thoughts. After a few moments he gave a shaky sigh, backing off once more.

 “And if the past few attempts haven’t been proof of that, then I don’t know what could it be.”

 “Proof?” you questioned, “Proof of what? And what do you mean by the past few attempts?”

 He froze in place, and you frowned at his sudden stiffness. His shoulders tensed and body solid as he sighed deeply, his eyes fluttering closed as he tried and failed to relax his posture. The Master grumbled to himself in defeat, his hand dipping back into his pocket and playing with the TCE or whatever he had found to fiddle with once more.

 “I-it’s nothing. Just rambling.” he shrugged in an attempt to consolidate his own thoughts, but not even you believed his body language. “You do it a lot, ramble I mean, ugh, it’s your fault. I’m getting your bad ha-”

 “Does it have something to do with the last few stops?” you insisted, although you knew from personal experience that pressuring the Master to talk more than he wanted was never a good idea “All those… extravagant places, the two dates at the Medusa Cascade…”

 “Dates?”

 You would have laughed at his disgusted look if the atmosphere wasn’t so tense between the both of you. So you just gave him a crooked smile.

 “Yes, Master. That’s what it’s called when a person takes another person for dinner to talk and have a good time, especially when the place is that fancy. I loved it even though...”

 He watched silently as you told him about the whole date and everything that happened afterwards, despite him being there by your side. Although the dinner had started off with good intentions, it had quickly slipped into a tone of awkwardness through no fault of his own. So much so that the chasing and ‘running for your lives’ had been very much welcomed, although he didn’t notice it. He even apologized once you got into the TARDIS. It was fair to say that he was beyond annoyed the first time.

 A month later, when the second date was just another failed attempt in another restaurant in the Medusa Cascade, he had been furious. That was one of the reasons why the console room (or the living room of the house the TARDIS was disguised as) was even messier than usual. He had broken some chairs and cups before following your steps as you had stormed out to the library.

 The Master realized as he watched you talk that there would be no such thing as a perfect time. He silently admired the star light reflecting in your eyes and highlighting your features, oblivious to everything else. He couldn’t believe the fact that fate had found a way for both your souls to meet and connect. It didn’t matter in the end how much he had tried to distance himself from any other form of life in the universe, because at the end of the day you had always been there, always. He didn’t believe in fate, but when he looked back at the few possibilities there was for him to meet a person that he truly cared about, it was hard not to succumb at the idea of a force greater than himself pulling the strings to figure everything out.

 Even if he dared to think for a split second about not seeing you again, he wouldn’t be able to keep his pieces together. The Master wanted to do the right thing for once, and if fate surprisingly existed, he was certain it absolutely despised him. Countless times he had tried to have a full minute in silence with you, just enjoying each other’s company with a beautiful view, and the same amount of times his plans had been ruined by someone or something trying to either kill him, obtain revenge or obtain revenge via killing him. Until that precise moment he had never had regrets about all the people he had annoyed.

 He wondered what he could do now. Kasterborous was the last place on the list, and he was beyond exhausted from trying. On the other hand, he couldn’t give up on you. His best dreams were always about you, but so were his worst nightmares. And whenever and wherever he was he could always be sure about two things: his love for you and his conviction that as long as your heart was beating, so would his.

 How had he expected to make it perfect when your lives had always been so messy? After all, that was the whole basis of your lives: chaos, adventure, nothing ever occurring according to plan. And still, everything seemed to always find a way to fall into place. Not even the tardis had felt like a home before you, but now home seemed to be in his hands whenever he held yours, and he would be so lost if your hand ever left his.

 A sudden current of hope swallowed him whole.

 “Travel the universe with me.” He whispered, loud enough for you to hear.

 You couldn’t help but chuckle at his pleading. However, your laugh died with ease when you turned around to find a pair of saddened eyes.

 You leaned in and stroked his beard in your palm, using a few seconds to admire his lips and features. Sighing, you repositioned yourself with both of your hands in his lap, your eyes staring intensely at his own as you held his attention on yourself.

 “I already travel with you, idiot.” You gave his hands a gentle squeeze, “What’s wrong?”

 The Master took three shallow breaths, his sight lost somewhere in your hands above the fabric of his trousers. You moved away from him again, gazing worriedly to how distant he seemed to be from his own flesh. It was at that moment that his hand emerged from the concealment of his thick purple coat pocket, his fist trembling and knuckles a stark white colour.

 An idea quickly surged in your brain, and you fought to swallow the dry lump in your throat at the fear of something serious happening to him.

 However, that fear quickly vanished when his fist relaxed and his fingers slowly curled open; revealing what was inside for the light of day to see.

 For a split second you thought he wasn’t holding anything, but then your mind acknowledged the shape of a ring sitting proudly in front of your incredulous eyes. The ring was so tiny in his large hand that you couldn’t properly see it until his fist was completely open and flat, it seemed almost a crime to keep something so beautiful concealed in the shadows.

 The ring was silver, encrusted with white circular gemstones that you didn’t even bother to try and name as without a doubt they weren’t from Earth. The central gem shined a dim light almost invisible until he lent his hand to the side. For a second you could have sworn you had seen a fine black line inside of it, the thought quickly dismissed as a trick of the light as your eyes filled with unstoppable tears once again.

 The only thing that could make you look away from the small piece of jewelry was a gentle squeeze to your shoulder, that and the fact that the Master had quickly stowed the ring away in his coat pocket once more. Your trembling body kept your eyes locked on the empty space it had once inhabited regardless, that was until you heard his panicked voice breaking through the loud thumping of your heart in your ears.

 The Master had positioned both his hands against your cheeks which were now wet with your tears, his thumb tracing the contour of your cheek and drawing you away from your reverie. Only then did you dare to look at him again.

 “I-I’m sorry. I-” he took shallow breaths, blinking away the tears forming in his eyes at light speed. “I’m so sorry. Don’t cry, please. Don’t cry.”

 “W-” you tried to ask, but the words in your mouth didn’t seem to appear fast enough in your mind “W-what’s that?”

 He leaned in and pressed his forehead to your own, still wiping away the tears that littered your cheeks with his thumbs. Even from that angle you could discern how one tear slipped away from his right eye, licking gently at the hot skin behind only to die in the corner of his lips.

 “Nothing.” He stated with a shuddered exhale, suddenly cutting himself off by chewing his lip “It’s nothing!”

 “It’s a ring!” You cried in return.

 From all the things you expected from the Master, marriage was very low on the list. He despised most planets and sassily commented about any tradition and culture that wasn’t his own. You had never even bothered to think about marriage, especially after knowing that weddings on Gallifrey were mostly arranged, a mere game to obtain political power and status amongst the community. In Gallifrey weddings weren’t enjoyed and at the end of the day, they didn’t mean anything either; it was just a convenient tool for both parties.

 But you weren’t a Time Lord.

 You were human.

 Just one more human traveling the stars.

 During your travels, you had learned that the meaning of marriage was a timeless concept to the future of the human race, no matter how long someone had been away from Earth or how many millenniums had passed since the Solar System had been destroyed to dust. Some things simply stayed the same.

 So he knew what marriage meant to the human race, and most importantly, he knew what marriage meant to you, for the both of you.

 “No” he tried “No, it’s…”

 “Don’t lie to me” you growled, pushing his shoulders back “Don’t you dare lie to me. I’m tired of getting pushed away. You always, always, do that. And it hurts”

 You buried your head in your knees, your arms wrapping around yourself tightly as tears silently escaped your eyes without remedy. It happened regardless of how you felt, were you happy? nervous? sad? You didn’t even know at this point. The thing with the Master was that he was always so hard to comprehend, despite all the years of traveling and living together. In the end he was always true to his spontaneous, chaotic natures, never failing to surprise you at the least expected moment.

 The Master moved closer, this time pressing his forehead to your shoulder. A second after you felt your own shirt getting damp, your heart tightening in your chest even more, if that was even possible. Knowing that not only was he only trying not to cry in front of you, he was also trying to hide, trying to find somewhere safe to let himself break. It was hard not to think about how much exhaustion and courage it was taking him not to get on his feet and run as far as he could.

 He always had struggled to put his emotions into words, and expressing the depth of his feelings for you was still something he wasn’t quite used to. Even though he had never said I love you openly, you also knew he didn’t need to.

 The Master was the kind of person whose acts always said more than his words. The way he supported you in everything you wanted to do, the soft whispers to wake you up and his habit of making a single cup of coffee in the morning just for you (mostly because he didn’t like the taste). You had spent an endless amount of nights in his arms when you couldn’t sleep, countless days curled up tightly next to him when sickness took over your body. You didn’t remember what nightmares felt like anymore, you hadn’t had one since the first night he shared with you. Yet still, you preferred them to the terror swallowing your body whole when his own nightmares woke you up in the middle of the night.

 “Of course it’s a ring.” he finally admitted, “Im selfish enough to not want you with anyone else or anywhere else. I want you here for as long as we have.”

 His confession was sealed with a feather light kiss against the exposed skin of your neck. “I’ve been trying to ask you for a long time, but it never works out. I fear this will have to do”

 When you pulled away, he quickly wiped all the tears from his face in a rapid and almost angry manner. But even with his cheeks partially dry, you could still see the redness tinted around the edges of his eyes and the tip of his nose, still spot the remnants of tears clinging to his eyelashes.

 You pulled his hands away from his face and cleared away the final tears that slipped across his cheeks. A choked sob tearing from his throat as he tried to take a steadying breath. You could clearly see the conflict he waged with himself, especially so when his hands turned into fists and his jaw clenched so tightly you feared he would break a tooth.

 Pressing the tip of your thumb against his lip, you caressed the soft skin you were dying to kiss. Looking deeply into his eyes, you could tell he seemed to be finally paying full attention.

 “Look at me.”

 “I’m looking at you.”

 “No, you’re not.” You exclaimed, “You’re thinking, not looking. Stop torturing yourself in that head of yours and just… look at me and see.”

 Frown lines marked his face and you took the chance to get rid of the white band-aid that stuck to his forehead; revealing the pristine healed skin underneath.

 “What do you want me to see?” The Master ventured after a moment of silence.

 “How much I love you.” You brushed the tip of his nose with yours and slid your hand against the soft hairs in his jaw. “You need to see it, and believe…”

 His short chuckle was melody to your ears.

 “It's impossible not to see it, love.” He smiled sadly, your skin shivering under his touch as he slid two fingers under the fabric of the shirt’s collar. Lazily he outlined your collarbone, his hands roaming and exploring your skin as though it was an uncharted planet.

 You smiled to yourself, knowing it was yet again another sign of his nervous quirks; the constant need to entertain his fingers with something.

 “It’s there every time I look at you.” The Master continued, “And unfortunately, I never believe what I see.”

 Somehow, you already knew what he was going to say, the words nestled deep within your heart. Closing your eyes, you gently pressed your lips against his own, the moment brief and chaste before backing off almost immediately afterwards.

 “I’ll have to make you then.”

 Leaning forwards your hand reached outwards, pulling the pocket of his coat round as you brazenly dug down into his pocket. It wasn't hard to find the tiny piece of jewelry, but it was definitely harder to free your wrist from the Master’s grip.

 “Please…” he begged with pleading eyes “What are you…?”

 Eventually, and without a word, he let your wrist go. You licked your lips, feeling the coldness of the ring nestled against your own palm but too afraid to open your fist to give it a proper look.

 Taking a deep breath, you finally encouraged yourself to do what had to be done.

 Even before giving the ring a second look, you slowly slid the piece of jewellery on to the place it belonged; where it would always belong. Then with baited breath you drew your gaze carefully across every inch of it, committing every shine, every detail to memory. The circular gem in the middle caught your attention for a lot longer than when you had initially seen it, and you found that the more you fixed your eyes on it, the clearer the thin black lines became inside of the gem.

 You could tell it was gallifreyan, the entwined circles were hard to mistake for any other language, the black dots inside the circumferences were almost impossible to see. You struggled to find the meaning, even with the knowledge from the classes that The Master had given you in the past.

 He seemed to be holding his breath when your eyes watched his features again. Noticing your eyes on him, he swallowed loudly. His whole figure relaxed. His shoulders falling back against the wood-like door, his constant frown fading and hands falling limp in his lap. With nifty fingers brushed away his fringe in an attempt to remove the hair from his eyes.

 He was clearly overwhelmed by the situation and you did understand his reaction, after all he had been trying to propose for a long time.

 “What does it mean?”

 His grin was the biggest he had ever made, his eyes recovering that special shine you hadn’t seen in months.

 “Why do I even bother trying to teach you?”

 “Why do I even bother treating your wounds if you make me want to punch you in the face afterwards?”

 “Uhm… let’s see…” He jokingly teased. Catching your left hand, he brought it closer to his eyes, his gaze fixated on the ring perched on your finger.

 With a steady voice and growing confidence, The Master pronounced a series of sounds that you couldn’t quite comprehend, your mind still flaring with recognition for them as the words he always whispered in your hair during the night.

 Before you could protest about not speaking gallifreyan, he promptly translated.

 “Hold my hand to the ends of the universe.” He took your hand and gently pressed his lips to the ring and the skin around it.

 “This is my promise” he finished with a whisper.

 Your breath was caught in your throat. You only remembered you needed to say something when he warily gazed to your own incredulous eyes. You had no idea what he would decipher in your gaze, as your own torrent of emotions were hard to decode even by yourself. But you caught sight of the huge amount of hope installed in his eyes and your heart hammered in your chest at the sight.

 “Yes, I do.”

 The Master chuckled, your attention catching a glimpse of the happiness exploding in his eyes. It was like watching a supernova explode in before you. He let his head fall to your intertwined hands once again, sliding his fingers to tighten his grip around your own as he held your hand.

 “I wanted to propose to you.” he smirked, “Not marry you on the spot. We have time for that.”

 You chuckled and he lent in, his lips gracing your cheek as he kissed you once more. With his breath hot against your skin, the Master released a shaky, relieved whisper.

 “Thank you, love.”

 With a gentle touch, his hands wandered to the small of your back urging you to lay down on top of him. You followed his guidance with little resistance, hands pressed against his chest as you could hear the rapid beating of his hearts despite the numerous layers of clothing he always wore.

 Excited at the sound, you shifted your hand directly above his hearts, the gemstones in the ring sparkling and reflecting the flickering light of the stars on your finger.

 “I love you.” You whispered as his hands traced circular lines in your back. He made an amused sound and kissed the top of your head.

 “I love you too,” He answered without a moment's hesitation.