#i'm just sick of these little mind games and Trying To Figure People Out and management not listening in favor of talking circles

[scare-ard--sleigh]

what if i did it what if i took some classes and became an accountant and never had to deal with social media ever, ever again ????? 

[les4elliewilliams]

With all my heart.

¡! daily click・palestine masterpost・do not buy any game from naughty dog, neil druckmann is a zionist・more daily clicks. ¡!

cw/wc: 10.9k (ik wtf) not proofread ; smut, fingering both r/e!receiving, oral (r!receiving), swearing, fluff, reader has a heart condition. jackson ellie x fem reader (💘)

a/n: I'm not really sure how I feel about this, lol (especially the smut part). I tried to do a lot of research about this type of heart issue to make it as accurate as possible, so if it's not, I'm sorry, I tried. ib one of those romantic movies where one of the characters is sick and has some rare condition (except that no one dies.)

also can we start romanticizing unconditional love and healthy relationships?

You knew you had won the lottery the moment you accidentally bumped into her in the hospital.

Your life has been full of challenges right from the beginning. You were born with a condition that affected your heartbeats, making it difficult for your heart to function normally. So you had to rely on a pacemaker to regulate your heartbeat. This condition has significantly impacted your life, making it hard for you to engage in activities that require physical exertion.

Long QT Syndrome, or LQTS, is a rare genetic condition that can mess up your heart's electrical system. It can cause your heartbeats to go wild, making you faint, have seizures, or even go into sudden cardiac arrest. To keep yourself safe, you needed to take your meds, live a certain way, and have a pacemaker — which you had implanted.

Living a normal life had always been tough for you, and it wasn't only the syndrome's physical symptoms that held you back, but also your parents' protectiveness. They worried a lot about your health, maybe a bit too much, leaving you with very little freedom to do anything. Even simple things like going to a party or hanging out with friends like a regular teenager seemed like a luxury you could never have. Although you understood that your parents were only trying to protect you, their overprotectiveness always made you feel suffocated and cut off from the world. You always felt like an alien who had just been dropped off on Earth; you knew nothing about anything. You've always had to rely on the stories and experiences of people around you, like your friends, to help you figure things out and feel like you had lived a little.

You have been homeschooled ever since you were a little kid. You didn't have many opportunities to participate in social activities and make friends. However, you did manage to meet two people who have remained your only friends to this day. You met them in the park when you were a kid, and to your luck, they stuck around. You often wonder if they stayed with you out of pity or because they genuinely liked spending time with you, but you were glad regardless; it was good to have someone to hang out with.

The memory of the day you met Ellie is still as vivid in your mind as it was when it happened. You had just finished your routine checkup at the hospital and were feeling a bit peckish. You made your way to the vending machine to grab a snack, suddenly feeling a wave of dizziness sweep over you. You hoped a quick snack would help, but fate seemed to have other plans in store for you that day. As you selected your snack, you watched in frustration as it got stuck in the vending machine. You tried everything you could to retrieve it, but it refused to budge. Just as you were about to give up, she appeared.

"Can I hel-" she started, but you were already turning around to leave, and just as you turned around to leave, you accidentally collided with her, causing your chest to hit hers. The impact triggered your pacemaker, causing it to beep loudly and incessantly. "Shit — I'm so sorry" she said as she gently grabbed your arm to steady you. "Oh my god, I'm sorry" you said simultaneously. The sound reverberated through the hospital walls, and your face heated up with embarrassment. You had never experienced anything like this before, not even when you bumped into walls at home.

The auburnette looked at you puzzled and asked, "Why're you beeping? Are you okay?" Worried green eyes scanning you, she was clearly taken aback by the unexpected beeping sound and she couldn't understand where it was coming from. You couldn't help but feel drawn to her despite the awkward introduction, she was the most beautiful girl you had ever seen.

Little did you know that this chance encounter would lead to a series of life-changing events.

You remember sitting in the seating area of the hospital, munching on a snack that she had generously gotten for you, you couldn't help but feel grateful for this girl's kindness. She was so funny and kind, cracking dumb puns every now and then. You admired how perfect and flawless she looked and to this day, she still tells you how mesmerized she was by you when she saw you for the first time. You both chatted away about everything and nothing, you noticed that she had a backpack with her. Being the curious person you are, you couldn't resist the urge to ask her what she was studying. She seemed delighted by your interest and started talking passionately about her field of study — art. The more she talked, the more intrigued you were. When your conversation came to an end, she mustered up the courage to ask for your number, a clear indication that she wanted to see you again; it took you by surprise but you happily obliged. Something about you captivated her attention, although you couldn't quite pinpoint what it was.

You never thought that you would have the chance to become friends with her, let alone her best friend. But somehow, again, fate had other plans for you. Your friendship with her started slowly but surely. She always asked you to hang out, and you couldn't help but say yes. She was so fun to be around, and it was impossible not to enjoy her company. She would come to your place and take you on small adventures, always promising to show you something new and exciting. This was especially important to you, as you had shared that your teenage years were quite dull and you didn't venture out of your house much. She always respected your limits, knowing that you had to be cautious with your heart condition. When she started staying at your place, you were surprised at how well she fit in with your family and friends. Your parents loved her and your friends thought she was great too. She was always taking care of you without being overbearing or suffocating. Her kindness and thoughtfulness made you feel valued and appreciated, and you couldn't help but fall for her. How could you not after all? She was perfect.

You shared every aspect of your life with her, and she reciprocated. You both had a shared love for reading, although she preferred a completely different genre from yours. She forced you to read her favorite Savage Starlight comics, and even though they weren't your cup of tea, you still enjoyed spending time with her while reading them, mostly because of how cute she sounded when she read every line out loud, effortlessly switching tones to match the different characters' voices and even adding sound effects to accentuate the narrative. She would often stay the night at your place and binge-read them with you. She loved to talk about her passions for space, dinosaurs, science, and art. She even showed you her drawings and journal, claiming she had never shown them to anyone. She even made a few drawings for you; it was adorable and impressive how she managed to capture every little detail of your face and put it on a piece of paper, she was a talented one. And, of course, you did the same with her — sharing your favorite comics/books with her, even convincing her to watch movies that she always claimed she hated. After watching them with you, she realized they weren't so bad after all. Not that she actually paid attention to the movie, her eyes solely focused on you.

Soon enough she was introducing you to her closest friends. She was convinced that you would love them, and she was totally right. One of her friends, Dina, was so much fun to be around, always full of energy and cracking jokes, she had a smile that could light up the whole room. Jesse, Dina's boyfriend, was just as funny as her, but he was a bit more serious and responsible than the rest of them. He always looked out for Dina and Ellie, but they never listened to him, which resulted in some pretty hilarious situations. The group had a really cool dynamic, and you loved how they made you feel welcome right from the start.

Your first kiss was a moment you could never forget, etched deeply into your memory. You both were deeply in love with each other, and it was evident in the way you looked at each other. Your glances filled with unspoken feelings and palpable tension that drove you crazy, hoping that you weren't the only one feeling that way. And then the moment finally arrived. You remember it was a hot summer day, and the air in your room was stifling despite the fan pointed at your face. You had a few strands of hair that fell loose out of your messy low ponytail, and they moved with the breeze from the fan. You were both on your bed; she was sitting criss-crossed before you, music playing in the background. She was drawing you in her journal, claiming that she needed more practice, which, after years, she revealed was just an excuse to draw you and spend more time with you; you were her favorite muse and she was just a loser who couldn't help but simp for you. Her cheeks were slightly pink due to the heat (or at least you thought), and her green concentrated eyes flickered back and forth from your face to her journal. When she started drawing your lips you unconsciously licked them, causing her eyes to dart up to look at you in the eyes.

She let out a soft sigh and mumbled under her breath, "m' almost done." A faint blush crept up her cheeks, though you couldn't quite explain why. Intrigued, you leaned over to get a glimpse of her work and asked, "Yeah? can I see?" She straightened up, holding the journal close to her chest, and replied with a slight huff, "Don't move, c'mon, stay still." You raised an eyebrow in amusement and retorted, "What? I'm not even moving." She didn't respond and instead furrowed her brows, focusing intently on her piece of art. The room fell silent, except for the sound of her pencil scratching against the paper.

The silence between you and her was palpable but not uncomfortable, yet you still decided to break it with a joke. "Knock knock," you said, a small smile forming on your face. Her eyes, which had been focused on her journal, darted up to meet yours once again. A playful smile appeared on her lips as she asked, "Who's there?" in a slightly sarcastic tone, giving you an eye roll. "Kiss," you replied, wiggling your brows. "Kiss who?" she played along, her eyes still fixed on you. "Me," you smiled awkwardly.

You knew it was a terrible joke, a very corny one, but you couldn't help it. After all, you didn't have much experience in these kinds of things — the universe only knew how long it took you to muster up the courage to make a silly little joke like that one. She chuckled dryly. "God, that's really bad," she commented, and you laughed along. "I know," you lowered your head and shook it slowly before looking up at her again. Both of you were smiling at each other, the tension between you growing. "So?" you quipped, trying to sound confident. "Do you want to?" you asked, your heart beating fast. "Oh shit, you were serious?" She suddenly sounded nervous, placing her somehow worn-out journal on her thighs as she looked at you in disbelief. You could tell she was surprised, and maybe a little flustered. "I'm sosorry — I didn't mean to make it awkward. Forget it. It's just I really like you a lot, but if you don't—" you started to say, trying to diffuse the tension, but her soft lips cut off your nervous rambling before you could finish your sentence. You felt a jolt of electricity shoot through your body as you kissed her back, your hands reaching up to cup her face. It was a moment you would never forget.

After your first kiss, you and Ellie went on a few dates together. It was during one of these dates that she took you to the park and asked you to be her girlfriend. The setting was perfect — you were having a lovely picnic date, the weather was just right, and a gentle breeze was blowing, caressing your skin and making it erupt in goosebumps as you sat close to the pond next to Ellie, throwing frozen peas to the ducks, their quacking filling the air with lively energy. The water was still and calm, the sun was shining, and the greenery around you was lush and vibrant. You felt a sense of warmth and happiness.

The auburnette sat beside you, leaning back as you fed the ducks in the pond. She wore a tender smile on her face, watching you with a gentle gaze. "I thought they only ever ate bread," she commented, breaking the peaceful silence between the two of you. You turned to her, your eyebrows raised in surprise. "If all they eat is bread, how will they survive in the wild without people tossing them bread all the time?" You replied with a hint of sarcasm. She scoffed and playfully nudged you. "Alright, smartass," she said, you nudged her back, both of you giggling like children. "I'm surprised a know-it-all nerd like you didn't know that," you teased her. "Nerd, huh? you actually like this nerd" she retorted teasingly, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she pointed at herself. "Do I, now?" you asked, raising an eyebrow at her. You couldn't take back your words after all, you did like her and you made sure to tell her, let's say... pretty often.

"Oh yeah, you do," she chuckled, nodding her head playfully. The two of you fell back into a comfortable silence, watching the ducks swim around in the pond. Suddenly, she turned to you, her expression serious. "Listen, I was thinking...you know how we're going out on dates and all," she started, her voice hesitant. Your head snapped to look at her; your heart was beating like crazy, not that it usually wasn't due to your syndrome, but it felt crazier than usual. You felt your palms start to sweat, and you grew more nervous by the second. "Yeah?" you prompted her, waiting for her to continue. "I guess what I'm trying to say is...we already act like a couple, so...will you be my girlfriend?" she finally gathered the courage to ask, her eyes locked on yours.

She seemed a bit tense, although you couldn't understand why. After all, you had told her multiple times before how much you liked her, and the two of you had been acting like a couple for quite some time now. You gave her a cheeky smile "Of course I want to," you said confidently, jumping right into her lap, feeling a sudden burst of excitement as you wrapped your arms around her.

Your love was pure and genuine, and it was evident from the little things you did for each other. She would leave little notes around your room or in your bag whenever you left for a second. These notes would remind you of her love for you, and you would return the gesture by hiding notes in her notebooks or in her journal. She would find them the next day during her classes, and it would brighten up her day.

"you look so pretty"

"are you a keyboard? cause you're just my type ;)"

"i love your freckles and i love you"

"hope you're having a good day :) ps. no more pickup lines im begging D:"

Your love was spontaneous and full of small handmade gifts, full of drawings from her part and origami from yours. Once in a while she'd even write and play songs for you, which had you smiling like an idiot cause how romantic was that?

She was always too caring, and she would make sure that you were feeling okay despite your heart disorder. She would accompany you to your doctor appointments and never leave your side, even though you would tell her she didn't need to be there. Unlike your parents who had always been overprotective, she was always looking out for you without being too much. Since you were the "sick" one between the two of you, she always had trouble accepting help from you, especially when she felt sick or was on her period. But you always insisted on taking care of her, making her chicken soup whenever she had a horrible cold, and ensuring that she took painkillers for her period cramps. You always made sure that she had enough pads and her favorite snacks or helped her through one of her panic attacks. Soon, she got used to it and would always be a whining mess when she was sick, hoping you would cuddle with her or baby her. She loved it more than she liked to admit.

On your anniversaries, you would surprise each other with flowers. The first time you had ever gotten her flowers (which was on your first date), she accepted them with teary eyes, saying that none of her ex-girlfriends had ever gotten her flowers or treated her like a woman; you loved the idea of being her first in something — you didn't get to be her first kiss or her first time in...that, but at least you were the first girlfriend who treated her right.

Your first time together was so special and intimate, it made you feel truly alive. The way she was so gentle and caring towards you left an indelible imprint on your heart. Her touch was like a soft breeze on a calm summer day, sending shivers down your spine, and being with her made you feel like you were safe from the rest of the world. You remember how her tender gaze made you feel like the most special and beautiful girl in the world, making your insecurities fade away. The way she held you close, with a warmth that engulfed you, made you feel comfortable in your own skin. It was your first time ever, and you confided in her about not having much experience. She reassured you that she would teach you, show you the way, and make you feel good, and good Lord, if she kept that promise.

It was a warm and peaceful afternoon, the sun was shining brightly outside, casting a warm glow into the room. You and your girlfriend were both lounging on her comfortable bed, enjoying each other's company in silence. While she was intently watching an action movie, you were lost in the pages of a captivating book. Your attentive eyes scanned each line and paragraph, immersing yourself in the story and oblivious to your surroundings. Unbeknownst to you, Ellie was growing increasingly impatient, huffing and puffing in an attempt to get your attention. Her huffs were airy at first, but as time went on, they became more forceful and pronounced, hoping to grab your attention and draw you away from your book.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity to her, you turned your head gently towards her, lowering your book ever so slightly "What's wrong, Els?" you asked, concerned. "Put it down, I wanna cuddle." she responded, snatching the book out of your hand and placing it on her nightstand. You couldn't help but smile at her neediness, finding it adorable. "Fine," you sighed playfully, "Needy," you added under your breath, rolling your eyes at her. But she caught your comment, "What? Did you say somethin'?" You couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction as she pulled you on top of her and wrapped her arms around you. "Oh, nothing," you innocently replied.

"Comfy? Anything hurts?" she asked in a gentle tone as she rubbed your back in a slow and soothing motion, and you instantly relaxed under her touch. You took a deep breath, the tension in your muscles slowly fading away. "I'm okay, — m'comfy" you reassured her, feeling grateful for her care and existence in general. You hugged her tightly, burying your head in her chest. You could feel the warmth radiating from her, and the steady beats of her heart were a comforting sound.

You both cuddled up in silence, movie still playing softly in the background. As she kept rubbing your back, you gently scratched her arm something that usually relaxed her. After a little while, you felt compelled to express your feelings and whispered, "I love you." Even though you couldn't see her face, you could hear the smile in her voice when she replied, "Love you more, babe." You remained comfortably nestled in her chest, head buried in her grey hoodie. When you finally lifted your head from her chest, you gazed into her beautiful green eyes, already looking at you with so much affection that made your heart skip a beat. "You mean the world to me." you confessed, her eyes softened even more, and her heart swelled with love for you. She was the perfect girlfriend, always so loving and respectful, and you couldn't ask for anyone better. Finally, she leaned in and kissed you slowly and tenderly, a soft kiss that soon turned into something passionate and full of desire. She rolled on top, pinning you down with her weight, her hands roaming all over your body. She squeezed your waist, your hands cupping her freckled face to keep her close. She sighed quietly into the kiss, her fingers tugging at your tank top, and you knew what that meant — she wanted it off. And to confirm your thoughts, it was Ellie herself. She pulled away, lips slightly swollen and pink. Despite her best efforts, it was pretty evident that she was struggling to control her breathing as she panted uncontrollably, both because of the intense making out and her arousal growing by the second. Her face was flushed; she looked at you to gauge your reaction to her silent request, to which you responded with a little nod. "I'm ready," you uttered timidly, feeling your cheeks getting warmer. "Are you sure? We don't nee-" you cut her words off, repeating yourself, "I'm ready," this time sounding a bit more firm and confident of your choice. She mimicked the slight nod you gave her a few seconds ago, loose strands of auburn hair falling out of her little bun framing her face, her eyes never leaving yours.

She leaned in once again, giving you a peck on your moist lips before kissing your jawline and down to your neck. "Can i touch you?" she asked between damp kisses she left on your neck, "I don't know, can you?" she chuckled and began to suck purple marks on your soft skin as she slipped her hand underneath your tank top, brushing against your bare stomach before reaching her target — your tits. She cupped one of your tits, feeling the fabric of your bra. Your breath hitched, your cheeks were flushed and you were grateful she was too focused on your neck to notice "Can I take it off?" she questioned between cute smooches sounds, "Yeah," you breathed out, looking back into her eyes.

When she did, you were left in nothing but your bra, the visible scar near your shoulder making you feel uncomfortable, same with the implanted pacemaker under your skin, it was visible and you hoped it didn't gross her out. You couldn't help but look away from her, suddenly feeling ashamed for something you had no control over; it was something so small yet so significant for you.

You felt her index and middle finger gently pressing under your jawline to turn your head towards her and make you look into her eyes once again. Her voice was soft, almost like a whisper, as she spoke to you in such a tender tone. "Hey," she started softly, sensing your insecurity. "You're beautiful, alright?" Hearing those words from her sent chills all over your body, and you couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort wash over you. She continued, "We'll go slow. If something feels wrong, you let me know, okay?" Her words were reassuring, and you could feel her gentle touch on your face, holding it firmly so that you couldn't look away. You nodded in response to her words, suddenly feeling shy in front of your girlfriend.

After less than a few minutes, both of your clothes were off, thrown carelessly somewhere in the room. She still had her sport bra on and her underwear while you only had your underwear on. She trailed down, kissing all over your bare chest and breasts, and your scar, the one you were insecure about "smooch smooch..so pretty, smooch beautiful, my pretty girl" she kept murmuring under her breath causing goosebumps to rise all over your body, your nipples stood erect and hard, begging for some attention. She chuckled when she felt your sensible nub harden under her palm, "Didn't mean to make the ladies feel neglected" she joked, her voice was husky. She looked up at you with a cocky grin, and you felt your cheeks heat up even more; you chuckled awkwardly and rolled your eyes at her attempt to tease you about something you couldn't control. "Why are you always like this?" you rhetorically asked with a playful smirk, she shrugged and gave you a lopsided smile as she began to kiss your chest and attack your nipples with her mouth. "mmphh" you let out; a pathetic attempt to swallow a small moan when she sucked on one of your nipples and pinched the other. You bit down on your lip, and you could feel her smile at the small sound that came from you as she continued to work on your tits.

She trailed her hand down your abdomen, her fingers dancing around the waistband of your underwear teasingly. You couldn't deny the arousal building in your panties and at the pit of your stomach, you could feel the uncomfortable stickiness forming in your undies. So fucking wet. Leaving moist kisses all the way down to your belly button, then she stopped. She looked up at you, cheeks flushed just like yours and her eyes looking for a sign of your consent. She wanted to make sure you were completely comfortable with the way she was exploring your body, feeling it, and touching it. "I'm ready, Ellie. I promise" you repeated, your voice was soft and still timid.

"If you want me to stop, just tell me to, okay?" she told you once again and she didn't resume what she was doing until you gave her a light nod. She spread your legs, and her eyes were immediately drawn to the darker spot of your panties, you were so fucking wet. She hissed something under her breath that you couldn't quite catch. Seeing how wet she made you only served to boost her ego (as if she wasn't cocky already, the last thing this girl needed was a boost of her ego). "God, you're so wet," she couldn't help but voice her thoughts. "Thanks, Einstein, I haven't noticed," you responded with a hint of sarcasm, perhaps hoping to divert attention away from your embarrassment. She chuckled and an amused smile appeared on her dotted face, her brows jolting up. "Don't you give me the attitude" Before you could say anything back, her digits gently pressed on your still-clothed pussy, making your hips jerk away and a little moan escape your lips. Your face was on fire as you registered the lewd sound that accidentally left your lips. "That's what you get," A broad grin of pride spread across her face, and a fleeting pout that she found endearing appeared on your face "Oh, what? You mad at me, now?" she continued to taunt you, you let out a deep sigh and turned your gaze away.

"Shut up — god, why are you so annoying even in moments like this?" You covered your eyes with the sweaty palm of your hand as you spoke, feeling your cheeks flush with embarrassment. You could hear her giggle at your shyness, and it was evident that she enjoyed teasing you and playing with your emotions.

"C'mon pretty, m'just messin' with you." but she couldn't stop snickering to herself, finding your reactions quite funny. "Look at me," she commanded in a gentle tone, and you complied; you moved your hand away from your face and looked down at her, who was positioned between your spread thighs. "Want me to stop?" she questioned again, making you huff in response "Ellie. If you ask me that one more time, i swear—"

"Jesus, just making sure, no need to be so feisty about it" her fingers hooked under the waistband of your pink panties, tugging it down and freeing your dripping cunt. "Do I seriously make you this wet?" she was in disbelief, watching the string of precum that connected your pussy to your damp panties she had just pulled down.

"No, I was secretly thinking of Megan Fox, imagining her on top doing naughty things to me," you sarcastically retorted. She gasped dramatically, acting offended. Such a drama queen she was. "I consider that cheating." She played along, keeping that fake offended demeanor on. You laughed softly at her silly expression. "Okay, then, you caught me. Mentally cheating on you right now," you joked.

"I see how it is" You laughed again, and she scoffed, but she wasn't actually pissed at you.

She began kissing your inner thigh, the ache between your thighs becoming almost unbearable. "Els..." you had this whiny hint in your voice, growing visibly impatient, "Hm?" she hummed back, switching to your other thigh, going near your pussy but never actually touching you where you wanted her to. You moved your hips close to her face, but she moved away. "What do you want?" she asked teasingly, playing dumb. Fuck, you hated her guts for doing that. "You know what i want" she clicked her tongue under the roof of her mouth "Don't think I do" you sighed, frustration slowly creeping up inside you "Please?" your voice was delicate, almost as if you were begging her to let you try her fries or asking her to buy you something. She smirked, seeing you all horny and desperate yet still struggling with your words, too shy to tell her what you wanted directly. "Please what?" she encouraged you, that obnoxious cocky grin never leaving her face; she was making fun of you at this point. But you stayed quiet. "Can't read your mind princess, you gotta use your words."

"Touch me?...please?" your voice above a whisper but she heard you, you could tell she did from the satisfied expression casting over her features. "Sorry? Louder. Couldn't hear you" that cunt. You knew she did hear you and that she just wanted to hear it again so, you tried your best to push your shyness aside and please her. "Touch me, Ell-" But she was growing way too impatient, pressing her thumb on your clit, you let out a strangled moan and your hips jerked away at the sudden contact, but she pulled you closer again. Between the two of you, the more impatient one was probably her. Poor baby couldn't even let you say it twice, she was already torturing your aching nub, drawing small circles on it.

"Feeling good?" she questioned, her eyes studying your every reaction to her touch. She knew you felt good but still needed to hear it from you. "Yeah," you breathed out, your breathing becoming more elaborated. "Remember to breathe from your nose, baby. Don't want your heart to go crazy over a little excitement — if it gets too much, tell me." she thoughtfully said. "I'll be fine" you reassured her, grabbing her other hand to squeeze it.

In no time, her lips were on your clit, gently sucking on it. She moaned on it, almost as she she was the one getting head. She could feel her pussy starting to ache, the fabric of her undies sticking to her pussy, but she couldn't help it. The way you sounded, your cute expressions and your pretty pussy were just too much to bare for her. "So fucking beautiful," she mumbled, pulling away from your pussy for a second. She slid a finger inside you and you arched your back, pushing your hips to her face to seek for more contact "This okay, yeah?" her voice was rasp. You whined in response "Ooooh look at her, think she loves me" it took quite a few to understand that she was talking to your pussy instead "God, w-why are you so…" you tried to hide the turmoil in your voice but you interrupted your own words with a slutty moan that left your throat as soon as she pushed her finger deeper into you.

"Fuuuck" you grunted, your eyes rolling to the back of your skull and the grip on her hand tightening. "So responsive," she chuckled. "Ellie, shut..up," you whined, moving your hips slowly to meet her thrusts. "Can't even talk without moaning, so nasty." she snickered, acting like she was totally unaffected by your pretty moans. She was fucking soaked, humping into absolutely nothing, not that you could notice it, too focused on the way she was making you feel. The gushing sounds riverbed throughout Ellie's bedroom, and she absolutely fucking loved it. She loved seeing you like this, whimpering and writhing under her touch, so ethereal, your body was pure art to her.

"M-more" you stuttered, panting a bit, your chest raising and falling quickly "More, huh?" she echoed mockingly, sliding another finger into your little honey jar, wetness dripping down to her knuckles from how wet you were. "Gahh-uhhd" you let out incoherent words, she groaned, feeling your walls clenching around her fingers and feeling her own clenching around absolutely nothing. "Like this, yes?" she questioned in a breathy voice, her brain suddenly struggling to make out sentences that made sense, too mushy to say shit and all because of you. If you only knew how long she waited to see you like this — touch you like this. "Uh-aahh" you trapped little whimpers inside your mouth, biting hard on your bottom lip again. "Nah-uh let me hear you," she immediately scolded you, shaking her head in disapproval, but you didn't listen.

Her face lowered to your pussy, lips attaching to your throbbing clit, teasing it with the tip of her tongue, switching between circling it and sucking it gently. Your mouth hung open, arching your back and bucking your hips against her face as you let out obscene moans. She moaned against your core, a mixture of her own spit and your juices covering her chin. "Taste hmmsoo good" Your other hand reached down to move pieces of her hair out of her face. "Ellie, I-i think I'm gonna-" you trailed off, not that she needed you to tell her, she could feel you squeezing her digits as she kept hitting that soft spot inside you. "Gonna cum, baby? wanna cum for me, beautiful?" she cooed.

"God..I love you so fucking much," she hissed under her breath; you moaned loudly in return, riding her fingers "Babe, m'gonna cum" you squealed, high-pitched moans reverbing throughout her apartment. "i'm here, princess" she cooed, squeezing your hand that she had been holding this entire time, so clingy. She wanted to ensure you knew she was there for you, not only to please you. That little feeling that had been building up in your stomach snapped like a rubber band, milking her fingers as she let you ride your orgasm. Curses falling from both of your lips, your muscles spasming and squeezing her fingers — god if she loved the way your body was reacting to her.

"I know, i know, I'm here baby" she whispered sweetly when a few whiny whimpers left your mouth. When you came down from your high, she withdrew her fingers and sucked them clean, her eyes locked with yours as she did so "You're so nasty" you giggled, feeling yourself blush again "You're the one who came all over my fingers" she teased you, crawling up to kiss your lips. Your tongues tangled together and you could taste yourself on her tongue. You place your hands on her waist, pulling her body closer to yours.

"You must be tired, angel." She reluctantly pulled away, an inch away from your lips as she spoke. "Want me to leave you all wet and needy?" you inquired in disbelief, lifting your brows up at her reluctance. Her eyes silently begging you to touch her, but she still preferred to put your health over her needs. That's how caring and loving she was. "I'm just saying you don't need to push yourself if you feel tired," she repeated.

"Oh, Ellie…" you sighed, pulling her underwear down and taking her by surprise. She seemed to be internally struggling to find the right thing to say, but you preceded her, "Think I can't handle a little fun?" you purred, growing bolder in your actions. You cupped her cunt, feeling all her sweet juices cover your hand; she was so fucking soaked, it was almost unbelievable. "Only if you're sure," she answered, her breath hitching in her throat as she gulped thickly, already trying hard to suppress her cute little moans. "I'm sure you want this," you teased her, the corner of your lips curling up in a smile, almost as if to make fun of her; it was your turn now.

"I do, you know I do," she replied. It was so entertaining to watch her keep her breathing steady. You ran your index and middle finger through her glistening folds and began to tease her puffy clit, rubbing it slowly, almost painfully. "Fuck" she grunted, humping the palm of your hand, desperate to find relief; you hummed back. "Am I doing okay?" you asked innocently; despite your inexperience, you could tell she loved it, and you high-fived yourself for the little mental notes you took while she was touching you just a moment ago. She grabbed your wrist, guiding your fingers to her entrance. "Finger me," she commanded with a raspy voice.

She let out a small gasp when you thrusted into her slowly. "Like this?" you could feel her walls clenching around your inexperienced fingers, "Uh-huh," she bobbed her head, positioning your hand just how she wanted it, guiding you as she rode your fingers. "Fuck, you're so messy — so wet for me," you muttered under your breath, pulling her closer to you; she was supporting her weight on her wobbly knees as she rode your fingers, burying her head into the crook of your neck. Your other hand rested on her hips, holding her in place and not allowing her to move as you kept slamming your fingers into her. The pleasure sounds she let out right into your ear only served to make you wetter and hornier than you already were — if that was even possible. It was almost like your inexperience melted away, with the sole intent of pleasing her. Immaculate sounds left her throat as she chased her orgasm on your fingers, and you couldn't help but groan pitifully after her. Your pussy already yearning for her again, struggling to hold onto the last shreds of sanity. "Just like that." Her voice was weak and breathy, it was fucking music to your ears, making you feel all types of things inside your tummy, butterflies perhaps? She couldn't even speak properly, struggling to suppress her slutty whimpers. Muttering filthy curses under her breath as you picked up the pace, hitting that spongy spot over and over; you could feel her whole body tremble and squirm in your hands. What made it better was knowing that you were causing it.

"You feel so good, El," you whispered in her ear, kissing all the cute little freckles spattered on her bare shoulder and collarbone "'m gonna cum" she gasped, her whimpers becoming more frequent and louder. Who knew she'd become a whiny mess when close to her orgasm, but for some reason, you found it adorable — like her life depended entirely on your fingers, cute wispy brows furrowed together in concentration. "Gonna cum on my fingers, pretty?" you purred. "Please…" she sounded so fucking needy it was almost ridiculous, but you slowed down instead, earning a groan from her part "Nonono, don't stop, pleaseplease," Her words were rushed, sounding like a kid who had just lost the most precious possession. "What is it that you said? Words, right? — you gonna be a good girl and ask or you just gonna cum like that?" for some reason, the idea of playing with her in such a vulnerable state turned you on. You wanted to see how far you could push her. She let out a shaky breath. "Can't believe you're doing this." She slowly shook her head in disbelief. Your digits pressed on the spot that almost made her squirt, and she squirmed. "Words." You spoke with a firmer tone, but you still had a playful, teasing smirk on your lips. "Swear to fucking god— next time, I won't go so easy on you," uttering a threatening remark followed by an imperceptible scoff. "I never asked you to go easy on me." Your pace slowed down even more, and she frowned at you.

"Can I cum? on your fingers? please." her chest heaving with each ragged breath. Her eyes were wide and glossy, her pupils dilated with desperation. "Such a goood girl El, such a good girl…cum for me" but all she could do was crash her lips against yours, leaving you no choice but swallow all her little noises. Her thighs trembled with each thrust, her legs parting slightly to allow better access as your fingers kept thrusting in and out of her wetness harder and faster, causing her to moan into your mouth.

When she came down from her high she collapsed against you, your bodies glistening with sweat, still breathing unevenly. The first thing she said when her breathing went back to normal was "I think I'm gonna marry you," before dissolving into a fit of giggles. You couldn't help but chuckle along with her. "I'm flattered. I guess you liked it then?" you responded, wrapping your arms around her. She snuggled into your chest, a contented smile on her face. "If I liked it?" she repeated, incredulous. You laughed softly, "Well, did you?"

"You were lying when you said it was your first time, weren't you?" she asked teasingly, furrowing her eyebrows at you and looking at you with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "I take that as a compliment," you smirked, not giving her a straight answer, her eyes carefully studied your features, analyzing every crease and contour, searching for any sign of deception "No, seriously. Were you a virgin?" she asked again, still in disbelief "I guess you'll never know," you said, teasing her further. "Come on. I'm your girlfriend. I'm supposed to know," she said, acting dramatic and waving her hands in the air. "Are you?" you asked teasingly, and she gasped in mock offense. "Excuse you? Am I not your girlfriend?" she asked, pretending to be hurt. You couldn't help but giggle. "I meant...are you supposed to know?" you teased her curiosity. "Pffttt whatever," she said, pretending to be offended and scooting away from you. You continued laughing at her antics. "Babe, where are you going?" you asked, still chuckling as you reached for her tattooed forearm and pulled her back towards you. "Girlfriends tell each other everything," she pouted playfully. "Right. Let's watch Jurassic Park and cuddle," you suggested, grabbing the remote to put the movie on.

You shared a bond that was unbreakable, and every experience you had together only brought you closer as if there was an invisible red string that seemed to connect the two of you, always pulling you closer and closer with each passing day. Your love for each other was like a never-ending flame that grew brighter with time. She never really stopped surprising you with little thoughtful gifts, and she even drew sketches of you when you weren't looking, and you both looked forward to creating new adventures together. She was always this huge simp for you, your number one supporter and fan.

After completing university, she asked you to move into her small but cozy apartment, which was basically a reflection of her personality. The walls were adorned with paintings she had made, stacks of comic books on her shelves, action figures, and her favorite movies and games collection. It was a delightful mishmash of all the things she loved. And slowly, your belongings started to mix in with hers. Her lonely toothbrush now had a companion, and her sneakers left by the door had an extra pair of shoes right next to them — your shoes. The dirty laundry was now a mix of colorful pink clothes and pastel colors, while hers were mostly grey or dark clothes. The wall hooks had more jackets hanging on them, and cute little stuffed animals were carefully placed on her your bed. The shelves filled with cute little plants that you both lovingly cared for, filling the empty gaps between an action figure and another. Living with her was a dream come true; you couldn't have been happier. You both had created a space that was uniquely yours, filled with love and a familiar warmth, it felt like family.

And before you knew it a new member joined your little family — a golden retriever. You had always dreamt of having a dog, but your parents never allowed you to have one when you were a kid. You had been talking about how much you loved the idea of having a furball running around your little apartment, ever since, Ellie had been secretly planning to surprise you with a cute little puppy. She had subtly asked you what kind of dog you would like, and she started doing her research. She had never owned a dog before, so she wanted to learn as much as possible about what puppies needed. Puppies required more than just toys and cuddles, after all they needed proper nutrition, and she was confused about what kind of food to get for the puppy. She went to the grocery store and found a wide variety of puppy food with different flavors and vitamins. After careful consideration, she picked out what she thought was the best one for the puppy. One day, she told you that she was staying out late for work; in reality, the poor baby had to drive for an hour to get the exact puppy she had seen on social media (Facebook, to be exact, Joel had helped her with that). The puppy was a beautiful golden retriever with a shiny coat and an adorable face. The drive back home with the puppy was mostly quiet, except for her talking to the honey-furred baby that sat there in the passenger seat in silence, looking at her lovingly.

The puppy's big, brown eyes had already stolen her heart, and she found herself speaking in a silly, high-pitched voice "I just know she's gonna love you," she cooed, her words directed at the adorable pup. "You're such a good girl, aren't ya?" she continued, praising the puppy for every little thing she did, even breathing. "You better not be stealing her from me too much, though, or else…" she trailed off, her voice filled with mock threats. But her playful words quickly turned to more affectionate ones as she gazed into the puppy's sweet eyes. "Gosh, you're so fuckin' cute," she whispered, her fingers gently caressing the puppy's soft fur while the other remained on the steering wheel "Wonder what your name will be," she hummed, tapping her fingers lightly on the wheel. She began to sing a song she had just made up on the spot, directed at the little furball who was wiggling her tail in excitement. "My cute little shrimp," she sang, her voice filled with love and affection, but when the puppy let out a little whine at her singing, she couldn't help but laugh at herself. "What? Am I that much of a bad singer?" she joked, her voice filled with self-deprecating humor. "Oof, tough crowd," she added, chuckling at her own joke "Just wait till I show you my guitar skills, you little shit."

When she finally made it to your apartment, she had to carry the little shrimp all the way up to the stairs cause the puppy was too scared to climb them and the elevator was currently broken. She had to take small steps to make sure she wouldn't trip over her own feet or something like that. "So heavy," she muttered under her breath before putting the pup down, her arms aching. She unlocked the door and you immediately called out your name. "You home, baby?" she heard from the kitchen, where she assumed you were washing the dishes because she could hear the sound of clinking plates. She responded, "Could you come here real quick? need your help with something." She left the dog outside on the doorstep, behind the wall and out of your sight.

You shouted from the kitchen, "Give me a second," before approaching her. She handed you a plastic bag filled with dog toys and bowls. You looked at her in confusion since you didn't own a pet. "What's this for?" you asked, puzzled. She didn't reply but simply moved to the side and clicked her tongue multiple times. The fur ball appeared and ran to you wiggling her tail. You slapped your hand on your mouth in disbelief, and your eyes widened in surprise, soon welling up with tears.

You got on your knees and held the pup close to you, hugging the fur ball tightly. "Oh my fucking god, iloveyouiloveyou," you kept rambling between cute sniffles, and she couldn't help but laugh at your reaction. "Surprise, babe," she said with a small smile, kneeling down to pet the puppy in your arms. The puppy was small and soft, with big brown eyes and tiny paws. You couldn't believe how adorable she was.

"I love you so fucking much. She is so fucking cute. I can't believe it. I'm a mother now," you said, tears of joy running down your cheeks. She chuckled at your words, happy to see you so happy. "Yep, we're parents now," she played along, scratching the dog behind her ear. "What're we naming her?" she asked then, wiping the tears off your face with her thumb.

"Maple?" you sniffled hard, "Maple, I like Maple." You looked down at the little pup in your arms, and she looked up at you with innocent eyes.

Ever since the beginning, it was clear that Maple was more than just a pet; she was a member of your family. She was such a beautiful and intelligent dog, whenever you or Ellie came home, Maple would be the first to greet you with a wagging tail and excited barks that would fill the room with her infectious energy. She would jump up, her paws dancing in the air, and nuzzle her wet nose against your hand begging for cuddles and kisses. But Maple's abilities went beyond just being a dog. She had an incredible intuition that seemed almost human-like, and had a sixth sense when it came to reading emotions. She always seemed to sense whenever your heart was going a little too crazy and would nudge you with her nose to make you sit down. But your heartbeat wasn't the only thing she could sense; whenever Ellie was about to have a panic attack she could feel it, and if she was having one and you weren't by her side, she would come get you.

You remembered the first time this happened. It was a dark and stormy night, and you and Ellie had just gone to bed. You were sound asleep when Maple jumped up on the bed and began licking your face frantically. You thought she needed to go outside, so you groaned, "Babe, think Maple needs to-" You started, your voice still thick with sleep, but when your hand landed on the empty mattress instead of your girlfriend's shoulder, you instantly woke up.

Following Maple to the bathroom, you found Ellie sitting on the floor, tears streaming down her freckled face, and her breathing uneven. You knelt down in front of her and spoke to her softly, using a soothing tone to calm her down. You knew better than just to touch her; she seemed too absent and lost in her own nightmare to welcome such an invasion. "El, hey…I'm here, honey." As your gentle cooing reached her ears, she seemed to awaken from a trance, her terrified eyes locked with yours, fear etched across her beautiful features. "Hi baby, it's okay." you tried to calm her down, "i'm here, okay?" she was trembling with fear, and your heart sank. You gently placed your hand on her knee and tried to reassure her that everything was going to be okay. With a soft and soothing voice, you said, "You're safe now...let's take a deep breath together, alright?" You could see the tears streaming down her face as she tried her best to mimic your deep breaths. You kept encouraging her to take deep breaths in and out, and she slowly began to calm down. Maple sat in the corner of the bathroom, watching over Ellie with a concerned expression. When Ellie finally calmed down, you sat down next to her and pulled her into a tight embrace. "I'm here for you," you felt her body relax and her breathing steady. She leaned into your touch, and you could feel the tension in her body slowly dissipating. You were her anchor, her everything. You could feel her heartbeat slowing down as she rested her head on your chest, listening to the rhythm of your breathing. You kissed the top of her head tenderly, and she closed her eyes, taking in your scent. Suddenly, she rasped out, "I love you," her voice sounded weak, you knew she was exhausted "I love you more — Feeling better?" You ran your fingers through her messy hair, and she gave you a small nod in response. The golden furball walked to Ellie's other side and laid down, placing her head on her thigh. Ellie smiled weakly and petted her gently "My two favorite girls," you joked with a soft tone, trying to lighten the mood. An airy scoff left her nose as all three of you sat there, cuddling each other.

Maple was an essential part of your family. She was always there, no matter where you went. Sundays were extra special because Ellie would be at home all day. You would spend those days soaking up all her attention and going to the beach with her and Maple, your cute little meatball. There was nothing better than lounging under the warm afternoon sun, and Ellie bringing a big umbrella to shield you from the heat. While you played with Maple, she would often strum her guitar or sketch the two of you, looking at you with heart eyes as she captured the moment on paper. The sound of your laughter would fill the air, as you threw the frisbee to Maple and enjoyed the perfect beach day with Ellie by your side. You were all she ever wanted and she was all you ever wished for.

That's why she felt the need to take your relationship to the next level.

"Baaaabe" you shouted from the living room while browsing through the countless titles on Netflix. "Yeah?" Your girlfriend responded from the kitchen, her voice echoing through the cozy apartment as she paced around, probably making you something to drink. "What do you wanna watch?" your eyes casted across the big TV screen, the multiple titles illuminate your face, making it difficult to choose just one. You heard a sigh from the other side of the couch and looked over to see your beloved dog, Maple, ready to nap after a long day of work. poor dog.

"Uhhh…dunno, a horror movie?" she suggested, sounding unsure. "Wow, thanks for the help, Ellie. Always so useful," You retorted in a fake annoyed tone "Do you remember that new movie with Jennifer Lawrence I told you I wanted to watch?" she asked after a few moments of pondering, emerging from the kitchen with two steaming mugs in her hands. You raised an eyebrow at her and asked, "So, you wanna watch it for her, huh?" She laughed at your words and rolled her eyes. "C'mon, you told me to pick something, and I did," she explained handing you one of the mugs. "Careful, it's hot." You'd never seen this mug before, Ellie was obsessed with collecting new ones, so you didn't really pay attention to it. "Okay, fine, Jennifer Lawrence, it is," you said as you selected the movie she suggested. "Hi, baby," you heard her say in a high-pitched voice, and when you looked at her, you realized she was talking to the dog. "Hi baby? really? I'm literally right here." She giggled at your response and scooted closer to you, kissing your cheek. "Hi baby," she repeated her words, but this time in a sultry tone "Better."

You took another sip of your drink, but you could feel her gaze lingering on you. When you turned to look at her, she quickly averted her eyes and pretended to be interested in the TV. "What?" you asked, brows furrowing in confusion. "What?" she echoed back, acting like she hadn't been staring at you for the last 15 minutes. "No, you what" you repeated, her eyes darting from the mug in your hands to you. "You done with that yet?" she questioned, seeming almost too impatient. "Huh?" she cleared her throat, eyes wandering nervously around the living room for a few seconds before returning them to you again. "Are you done with your latte? Want me to make you more?" she rephrased it, trying to sound less nervous. You looked down at your mug for a second "Not yet"

Her eyes remained glued on you, eagerly awaiting for something, a reaction perhaps, you couldn't tell, she was just acting weird as hell. "Done?" she asked for the third time in a row, after every five seconds, but to her, it felt like an eternity. "Ellie, I swear—" You let out an exasperated sigh "What?" she replied, her voice laced with innocence. "No, seriously. You tryna poison me or something?" you joked,and she simply scoffed at your words and rolled her eyes at you. "Just drink it fast, god," she demanded, her impatience showing. As you take the last sip, your eyes caught a glimpse of a few letters printed on the bottom of the mug.

Your heart skipped a beat as you read the words

Will you marry me?

You felt tears welling up in your eyes, and before you could even process what was happening, you jumped into her lap, crying in her arms. She wrapped her arms around you tightly, and you could feel her heart beating in sync with yours. "Yesyesyesyes" you had whispered between sobs, your voice choked with emotion. Her eyes lit up with joy and she pulled away, revealing a small diamond ring in her hand. You looked at her in awe, realizing that that was the moment you had been waiting for your entire life. The woman of your dreams had asked you to spend the rest of your life with her, and you couldn't have been happier.

"I love you so much," you sobbed, tears streaming down your face as you watched her hands sliding the ring on your finger. She chuckled through her own tears and replied, "I think I love you even more." You sniffled and cupped her face, saying, "I love you with all my heart."

Ellie being Ellie, couldn't help but make a joke about that. She looked at you with a playful smirk on her face; she wiggled her eyebrows up and down and said, "All your heart, huh?"

With a grin, you replied, "It's beating like crazy for you." Then she asked if you wanted to hear a joke from her pun book, but you knew it was a rhetorical question. You prepared yourself for the inevitable dumb joke she was about to tell. "Ellie, I thought we talked about this." You fake scolded her, but she couldn't hold back her smile as she started her joke, almost as if she was about to make the funniest joke ever but everyone who knew Ellie knew that her jokes were...questionable. "Are you pulmonary embolism?" she proceeded, barely containing her laughter.

"Oh no," you frowned, rubbing your forehead. She then delivered the punchline with a wide smile, all proud of herself "Because you take my breath away." You looked at her with a deadpan expression and let out a sigh. You shook your head, and said "Can't believe I'm marrying you," trying to hide the smile that was starting to form on your lips. Ellie looked at you with a cocky grin "Right? I'm great like that — Talented, charming, great jokes...what else could you possibly want?" Rolling your eyes, you responded, "fancy package, lucky me"

After your laughter had subsided, you gazed into her captivating green eyes with a smile filled with affection. You were so deeply in love that it felt almost painful. You could hardly believe how fortunate you were to have found each other. The thought of spending the rest of your lives together filled you with joy and excitement. Both of you leaned in simultaneously, eager to feel the warmth of each other's lips in a tender and passionate kiss.

She was the person who made your life complete. You felt like you had been waiting for her all your life; your life always felt so dull and empty and you never understood why or what it was missing, until you met her. She was your soulmate, your best friend, and the love of your life. You couldn't imagine spending a single day without her by your side. She was the one who made everything better, who made you laugh with her stupid and corny puns when you wanted to cry, who held your hand when you needed comfort. You knew that you could face anything as long as she was with you. You were grateful for every moment you spent together and looked forward to spending the rest of your life with her.

On your wedding day, the weather was perfect, with clear skies and a gentle breeze that carried the scent of flowers from the nearby garden. It felt like a dream come true, and you couldn't believe the day had finally arrived. You couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation as you prepared to marry the love of your life. Sure, you were exhausted at the end of the day, but it was all worth it.

As you walked down the aisle, you saw everyone you loved and cared for, all gathered in one place to celebrate your special day. Ellie's closest friends, Dina and Jesse, Joel, your parents, and all your friends were there, beaming with joy and happiness. You were wearing a beautiful white dress that hugged your curves in all the right places, and Ellie couldn't help but cry when she saw you. Her dad rubbed her back, trying to calm the poor baby down, but the tears kept streaming down her face. You were a vision, and she couldn't believe how lucky she was to have you. Ellie was equally breathtaking in her suit, looking sharp and elegant, you couldn't take your eyes off her, she was so fucking fine. You exchanged vows, and it took her a while to finish reading hers, as she was choked up with sobs and emotions. You tried to comfort her by holding her trembling hands, but she was just a wreck.

When the time came for you to kiss your bride, the celebrant said, "You may now kiss your bride." Ellie looked at you with teary eyes, and you both giggled as you leaned in for a kiss, both of you smiling against each other's lips. That moment marked the beginning of your journey together as a married couple, but what mattered most was that you were both committed to being there for each other no matter what.

[magicjesuscup]

I have feelings towards solo-romanced Halsin's ending/epilogue.

Halsin and Tav celebrate all night, and in the morning Halsin starts throwing out mixed signals. He's leaving to take care of the kids that were orphaned after the netherbrain fight and doesn't give any indication that he wants Tav to go with him, but it also doesn't sound like his feelings for Tav have changed.

I would've been (1) confused by the lack of an option to go with him, (2) hurt because this sounds like a break-up speech (like a "we shouldn't be together anymore, but let's stay friends" type thing), and (3) concerned that something's wrong because he's otherwise been a very good communicator up until this point.

It looks like originally going with him wasn't even an option (which was a weird choice to offer him as a love interest, but not give players a way to stay with him at the end of the game), and when that was patched in, they did it in the meanest way they could. Tav's line is:

Visit as soon as I can? Don't be an ass, Halsin. I'll come with you right now.

Oof. I wouldn't talk to my lover like this, and I don't know that I'd stay with someone who talked to me like that. I also want to note that I think you only get the cute, bragging "I love Halsin" lines to say to the other companions at the party if you call him an ass here first. Thanks, I hate it. I wish it was something more along the lines of:

Why can't I go with you?

Either option could've led to (most) of Halsin's dialog that followed.

But what about all that you'll miss out on? Your name will be feted in this city - there will be parades, medals, feasts, hands to be shaken, babies to be kissed…are you truly sure.

I know in the epilogue he's still surprised Tav chose him, and I'm trying to figure out why, and why he didn't throw out Tav accompanying him as an option. I get that a lot of people he loved/cared about didn't stay in life, but none of them left him voluntarily. His parents, the archdruid before him, and his peers died to either illness or the shadow curse. Thaniel's absence is only temporary if you lift the shadow curse, and the only reason he "left" in the first place was because he was trapped by the curse.

It would've made way more sense to me if he had a little freak out after falling in love with Tav and having the realization that the person he loves could turn into an illithid thrall. They would be gone, and he might have to kill what's left if they tried to eat his or someone else's brain. Also, it would absolutely be horrific to watch Tav go through ceremorphosis. Having a mind flayer parasite isn't the same as being sick, but it is a physical affliction that Halsin can't fix. He's weirdly positive that they'll find a cure, and they never do (at least not in the sense of medication or surgery).

It also would've made sense if he had a bit of a breakdown if Tav asks for one last kiss before the final battle starts ramping up. Things are getting stupid dangerous, and this has historically been when his friends start dying. But, nope he's still super calm here too and optimistic that they'd live (although after their night together, he admits he didn't dare believe they'd actually survive).

I'm not sure if they did the whole, "I'm going to ride off into the sunset, but watch the horizon for you everyday," thing to add some drama, but it feels out of place considering these other options. If Tav was going to "leave" it would've been due to the parasite or not surviving the battle. In the epilogue, those dangers have passed. If anything, it's at this part of the story where he should've felt most secure in their relationship because he's never had someone leave him "just because."

[staarri]

HIIII, how are you? I hope everything goes well <33 I would like to order gaming x reader, maybe as an accidental kissing session? If it's not too much trouble, thank you very much for reading <33

𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐬   

  —   characters :   ga ming

  —   character(s) are friends with reader, gn!reader, not really an accidental kiss… it had a purpose, mutual pining, this is a work of fiction

      fluff     ,    accidental kiss     ,    modern!au     .      word count : 1.1k

hi there lovely! i changed this up a bit since i couldnt figure out what to write. i hope you dont mind! very extra special tag for @aventurne !!

The movie ends in such a bittersweet way. The protagonist lives her life as a teacher and her sister marries the boy she once loved the most. She looked back at her life in such a happy way now that she also had someone for her.  You sniffle, bringing a tissue to your eyes. Your friend looks at you, eyes filled with worry.

“Are you okay?” He asks, hesitantly bringing his hand to your cheek and wiping away any kind of remaining trail the tear left. You two had planned a little movie date. If you could even call it that–You did it as friends anyway. Yet you never expected the movie you chose to be this… This devastating.

“Mhm–” You sniffle again, cheeks puffing up. You start fanning your face to try and stop crying, but the more you think about it the sadder you get. “That was just. Wow, like I didn’t expect it at all.”

He giggles, laying back comfortably on his seat. He nods, yeah. 

“Think that’ll happen to me too?” You’ve always believed love would never work out the way you wanted it to. For you, of course. I mean, your friends are all in happy relationships–marriages for some and you’re stuck at this golden age, single. 

“With the amount of unrequited love stories you’ve watched? At this point, I’m starting to believe it will.” Ga ming teases you. 

“That hurt a little, `ming.” Crossing your arms pretending to be upset.

“Oh–Oh I'm sorry,” He says sarcastically, laughing. “Let’s not forget what happened with La La Land.”

“Whatever! I doubt you’ll be getting a partner in the near future anyway; So we're in the same boat.”

He grins, “Really now?”

You nod frantically. Going on a short rant about how his personality is so explosive it causes the other people’s social battery to die out immediately, or how he’s so active all the time you never get a break from all the activities you guys do. Or how his smile is so captivating, maybe how his face is so bewitching.

“Don’t know. All I'm hearing is you like me so much it's killing you.”

“I do not!” 

“Sure.” 

Yeah. Maybe you do like him. A lot, maybe a bit more. He’s cast a spell on your heart and you can’t undo it–It’s a curse and a blessing all at the same time. What if you like your best friend? It’s not like he felt the same way anyway. Well he might, with the mixed signals he’s been giving you. But he’s nice to everyone–He’s like that to everyone. And it has always been like that from the very start.

He looks at you in a way that squeezes and twists at your chest; He smiles at you in a way that causes all the butterflies to fly from its cage in your stomach and you feel so lightheaded when you two laugh together. You’re lost in the way he’s so caring, and it makes you feel sick and selfish wanting him for all yourself.

But that's just how you feel. For all you know–He might just be leading you on, and you’ll find out once you admit your feelings to him right now at this moment.

It's so difficult not to blurt it out. The love from your heart is escaping and taking this tension between you as its new home. You just look at him as he takes in the surroundings of your venue, with the warm fairy lights emitting a glow that makes him look more ethereal by the moment, and with the couch that has his hair all fluffed up. But it’s just now that you notice how bright his eyes look, how the shine compliments the red hues so perfectly. Just now that you see the little fangs on his teeth and how his face scrunches up so right whenever he smiles widely. You wonder how he’ll look when you two grow old, how much will change within those years.

You can’t be his, it’ll ruin you in more ways than one.

“You’re awfully quiet, was the movie that bad?” His concern is enough to melt the walls you’ve worked too hard to build around your heart. He will ruin your inner peace, is it weird that you would let him?

You don’t dare answer.

“Hey, look at me.” 

He brings his hands to your cheeks, making you face him. You feel stupid in love, it's like you just can’t get enough air to your lungs because even that is filled with the scent of him.

“Talk to me, what’s wrong?” 

His eyes wander from your lips to your own eyes, looking for any kind of sign that you don't feel good. You place your hand on top of his and gently press your cheek against him more. You warned yourself, this is a bad idea. But you never listen, not once. 

Now he’s kissing you in a way that’s going to screw you up forever.

It’s soft, the way he handles you so gently. As if you’re some kind of porcelain that’s a little too fragile. You’re regretting everything that brought you to this moment but you’re not complaining one bit.

And it was short-lived. It wasn’t even a kiss, it was a peck on the lips. He was scared that you wouldn’t feel the same way, because somehow maybe you didn’t fall in love with your best friend who you’ve had multiple dimsums with. The friend that held you in your darkest moments and the friend who wished for all your partners to somehow quit playing with your feelings so he could be the one to be there for you instead.

Oh god, you were inlove. And so was he–and maybe even more than you.

“I didn’t mean to do that.” He stammered. Cheeks red and yours the same. You two were affected under the same spell you put on each other. “I swear–You just looked too pretty. I couldn't help it.”

It feels like you’ve just discovered love. Like you were the only one to know how it feels to be in love with someone. The tension is gone and all you’re feeling is pure adoration from him, from the way he stares at you with an expression you’ve never seen before.

Someday, this will end. But for now? You’ll be treasuring the moment in a way you’re sure no one else has.

characters belong to their respective companies. everything is written by staarri - do not steal, reupload, translate, modify or feed my work to ai.

[emmyrosee]

IM GOING TO SAY THIS 😘 AND THEN IM GOING TO RUN. 🏃🏻‍♀️VERY FAR AWAY, 💃DO NOT LOOK AT ME, DO NOT PERCEIVE ME OKAY??? AVERT YOUR EYES AND FORGET THIS EVER HAPPENED. I’m exposing myself here again 🤩

…so I would like to be chased… by one of our boys… yes I said OUR. 🤧 BY KUROO. THE FIRST BOY IN HAIKYUU I FELL IN LOVE WITH.

but. I want him(.) to just give you a look?? randomly??? that screams “run” EITHER when he’s in a playful mood (maybe he’ll work you up a bit first, get you into the same playful mood he’s in with some teasing. bc we all know HE’D BE SO GOOD AT THAT. SLY MF.) OR bc you’re in a super high energy mood and need to be dealt with. and you get chased around after, adrenaline SO high. what happens when you eventually get caught? who knows 🤷🏻‍♀️ (he knows)

and and and he might just make it fun, if you manage to hide from him, he’d turn it into a game somehow. Literally do not look at me please. stop it, look away. I’m embarrassed for some reason. But if I’m gonna expose myself I’m at least gonna do it where I feel SAFE (your ask box). And Ik I won’t be JUDGED (bc we are of similar mind when it comes to our boys I feel like). (and maybe after the makeshift hide and go seek game there’s cuddles on the bed and super sweet kisses and just lots of softness from your big baby of a bf who just wants to have childish fun with you :((( cause he loves having fun w the love of his life ☹️) this was a mess bc for some reason when I’m sappy like this I cannot articulate what I want to say properly :(

THIS IS LONG WOW!!! and once again, NO RUSH AT ALL!!!! PUT IT ON THE BACK-BURNER ITS TOTALLY OKAY!!!! it’s just a funky little thought after all 😋

anon <3

GOD I LOVE OUR BOYFRIEND!!!!

So here’s the thing right? Here’s what’s cool about Kuroo- arguably, the only thing cool about Kuroo bc he’s a dweeb.

Basically, his entire life, he spent messing with people, but his real practice and the reason he’s so good, is because of Kenma. His first victim, but also the one who he learned the art of body language and subtleties about communication. It’s something Kenma warned you about when you first started dating, but judging by the immediate ruffle Kuroo have his hair, you know Kenma wasn’t being too serious.

So, because of the pudding head I adore so much, Kuroo knows exactly how you’re feeling regarding certain play fighting tactics, or if you’re not in the mood when he can then go gentle and just have you in his arms.

He’s cool like that.

For example, just four days ago, you clearly needed a small jostle of playful affection, some playful attention, but you were so busy to ask and just let it go. But tetsuro knew better; he could see the way your breath would hitch when he’d make you laugh, or bring you food and gently rub your back. His touch seemed to jostle you; you just wouldn’t give in.

He’s fed up, and he’s gonna make you give in, he’s made that clear.

“Hey booger,” he hums, strolling in and hooking his chin over your typing shoulder. His eyes flick to the glass of water he poured you hours ago, seemingly untouched and sweating onto the coaster. “Have you taken a break yet?”

“Don’t need one.”

“Liar.”

“Do not start with me, Tetsuro,” you mumble, putting pressure on your temples. “I just need to bang this out and be done with it. I’ll be done in a few hours.”

He goes silent. And you pause your fingers before looking over your shoulder at him.

He’s not happy.

“Did you just sass me?”

He can practically hear your heartbeat pause in your little chest. Still looking at him, you shake your head. "Are you sure? Because, like, it feels like you sassed me."

He sees the cogs in your head turning. He sees the way you're trying to fight back your smirk.

"So you can figure out when I'm sick of you."

"Gonna make you real sick of me," he snarls, and just as he makes a threatening dart towards you, you shriek and dash away, abandoning your work and searching for a place to save yourself.

Because you know Kuroo is going to save your work. And tidy up the space, and book mark your page, all before making true on his promise and sprinting after you.

And like... you're never hard to find, and that's indicator #2 that you want this more than anything.

When he finds you on the opposite side of the bed (like, seriously? you have so much better than that in the arsenal), he just manhandles you onto the bed, your smacking palms and kicking feet doing little to deter him.

“Tetsu!” You squeal, writhing uselessly under his heavy grip. His hands only tighten as he shakes you playfully, back hitting against the pillows and mattress.

“You! Are! The best! Thing! In! My life!” He chants between words, ignoring your giggles and squirming. “Stop! Sabotaging! Yourself!”

"I can't help it!" You titter, trying to bat him away as best as you can given your pinned position. "I-I-I just want things done!"

"They'll get done!" He growls playfully. then, like an absolute asshole, he buries his face in your neck and fingers into your ribs, "fucks sake, when was the last time you peed, dawg? Huh? Maybe I should just make you do it now."

"NNNAAAAOOO!" You howl, so loud his own ears hurt, but he doesn't stop his fingers, nor the nibbling of your neck and ears that're light enough to tickle but some will definitely stain your skin.

OOF BUT THEN????BU-BUT-BUT T H E N???

He lets you get away.

For one second, he pretends that the knee to his gut hurts, and he's out of commission for the next three seconds, and it always gives you enough time to scurry away to another room.

He knows you're not going back to your work set up. You're at your own mercy when it comes to needing his playful side, and he hears you down the hall, giggling in anticipation as you try to hide.

"Gettin' too old for this shit," he chuckles to himself, then strutting down the hall to look for you.

he just. i just. i he. just he i.

KERNFWIDNBWIEFBQ

[strawb3rrystar]

Hii, I have a really sad angst idea for sejanus plinth if you're open to hearing it! It's a platonic fic if you're okay with writing those. My idea is basically sejanus is the mentor for the female tribute of district two right? Except she's just a little kid, maybe even younger than wovey. Over time he sees her more and more as a little sister figure and is desperately trying to find a way to protect her. Despite her age she's quite emotionally intelligent and (as much as a child can) understands that she won't survive. She's still happy (again as happy as she can be) and tells sejanus not to worry about her. Before she enters the arena sejanus makes her promise to hide till it's all over. Well she breaks that promise to save another tribute ( maybe wovey or Lucy gray someone who she's friends with). My vision is someone sneaking up on her friend and she throws a rock to distract them so her friend can get away. she avoids other tributes but eventually gets taken out by the snakes. Her last words are apologizing to sejanus for breaking their promise. I personally think he'd be so upset he'd puke. If you choose to write this thank you! I'm way to nervous to write my own fics lol

Broken promises.

Pairing: Sejanus Plinth + Fem! District 2 tribute! Reader (Platonic)

Warnings: Major character death, Mention Sejanus feeling nauseous

Word count: 1,250

✰Masterlist

Sejanus' heart broke when he heard that he would be mentoring a girl from District 2. It broke even more when he saw you were just a little kid. He felt sick to his somatch, his head pounded as he tried to eat something from the large array of food that the academy hand set out.  

That night, he couldn't sleep. The image of you on screen flashed through his head. The way your hands trembled as you stood next to the male tribute.

He wanted to cry once he saw you sitting in the monkey cage like the others. Your eyes nervously dart around as if you would be killed any second. He softly called out your name, and your head shot up. Sejanus stuck his hand through the bars to offer you the sandwich he had brought with him.  

You walk towards him cautiously, not holding any resentment in your eyes, but also not trusting him either. You mumble a small thanks and took a bite of what, to you, was the best thing you tasted all week. Sejanus tried his best to smile, but he couldn't hold it for long. 

"I'm sorry..." He says quietly, leaning his head against the bars. "Why? It's not your fault." 

The way you carried yourself despite the situation surprised him. But then he realized you probably had a hard life in 2. "You don't deserve this. None of you do."  

Sejanus looks over at the other tributes. He hoped that in the back of everyone's mind, they would know that these people aren't animals. They're just children. You smile to yourself and take another bite. 

"I'm glad you're different. These other people keep throwing nuts and stuff at us." You muttered. Sejanus softly chuckles as you roll your eyes. He goes on to introduce and tell you a little bit about himself. You do the same, describing your family and your friends at school.  

When it came time for the mentor-tribute interview, you filled out the questionnaire within a few minutes. Leaving the rest of the time for you to discuss strategy. "Promise me you'll hide once the games start." 

"Hide? From the looks of it there's no place to hide in that arena." You reply, your eyes wandering over to the other tributes and their mentors. Your eyes focus on Lucy Gray and her colourful ruffles, the only other person who was actually talking to their mentor. "She shared a piece of bread with me after she noticed I was too scared to get close to the bars." 

Sejanus' eyes followed yours "So you're friends?" he asks. 

"I guess." You shrug in response "She is quite nice, you know." 

Walking into the arena had your heart beating with panic. Even with Sejanus standing right beside you, it felt wrong being casually shown your potential final resting place. It's like picking out your coffin before you die. Which spot looks pretty enough for my blood to stain the concrete like so many tributes before me? 

You grab Sejanus' hand for comfort, calm your nerves and wobbly legs. He made sure you were right by his side. He felt an urgency to protect you, but he couldn't tell if it was recent or if he's felt this since he first saw your face.  

When the rebel bomb landed and exploded the top of the arena, rubble falling on tributes, mentors, and peacekeepers alike, Sejanus held you close to him. Shielding your eyes from the thick dust that covered the arena. People's screams fill your ears and you freeze up, unable to move. When Sejanus heard that the gates were open, he tried to urge you to move, but you wouldn't budge. At that moment he didn't care about saving himself, he picked your much lighter body up and ran towards the exit.  

Once you were safely out of the crumbling arena, he set you on the ground, asking if you were okay. You nod your head, your words getting stuck in your throat. A few seconds later, peacekeepers dragged you two apart. 

You stood on your red circle, looking at the other tributes. Some of them you could become friends with if under different circumstances. You imagined yourself going to one of Lucy Gray's performances, just like she described for you, dancing the night away without a care. You heard Lamina's sniffles, that remind you too much of yourself. Reaper's protectiveness over Dill reminds you of how Sejanus protected you yesterday. And poor Dill, in your mind it was better for her to die a quick death in the arena, than a slow one of tuberculosis. 

When everyone started running towards the pile of weapons, you ran in the opposite direction and hid behind some rocks. You watch as tributes are killed, Lucy Gray and Jessup jump down into what you could assume were underground tunnels, but Coral and her gang her hot on their trail. You take a deep breath as the remaining tributes above ground scatter and hide. You jolt as someone taps on your shoulder, you turn to be met with a girl who looked barely older than you. You remembered her name was Wovey. She takes your hand and leads you to the underground tunnels "We might find a better hiding place down here." 

After days of hiding underground, everyone made their way back to the above. Wovey and you return to your previous hiding spot and watch as Coral and her gang take down Lamina. You watch Dill die and have to stop yourself from screaming when Reaper does. You look up as you see a flying thing place a big container of colour into the arena. You were so busy watching the flying thing that you didn't realize Wovey slipping past you. 

"Is it over? Can we go home now?" She mumbles as she walks across the arena. The only thing you could think about was dragging her back to your hiding place. Not about your promise, not about the other tributes. All you could think about was Wovey.  

"Wovey!" You yell running out from your hiding spot, drawing the attention of the other tributes and the Capitol people. Your heart shatters as the glass does, covering your ally, your friend, in snakes. You didn't have enough time to feel sorrow as the snakes flow like a river in your direction. You try to run away, but one of the snake sinks its fangs into your skin. You scream, doubling over as more snakes attack you. Sejanus was already out of his seat, standing, as soon as you came out of your hiding place. You never stood a chance, you both knew this, but Sejanus felt as if a part of him was being ripped out.  

In the short time you knew Sejanus, you would call him your friend second, and your family first. Despite not being related by blood, you were both from District 2. And that was all the relation you needed. He would gladly, and proudly call you a Plinth. 

Sejanus felt stomach churns as you look up at the camera with tears flowing down your cheeks.  

"I-I'm sorry..."  

Your body drops to the concrete, snakes wrapped around every limb. Sejanus practically runs out of the room. He leans against the wall and takes deep breaths, wiping the tears from his eyes. He slumps down to the ground as he feels the world around him disappear. His eyes felt hazy as the walls of the academy blur together. 

"I'm so, so sorry, little sis. It wasn't your fault, it was never your fault. I should've found a way to get you out, instead of watching you struggle like a coward..." 

"I'm sorry..." 

Star's notes -> I had wayyyy too much fun with this concept (It made me cry)

(Thank you, sweet anon, for requesting!) (Requests are open!)

Taglist -> @arzua10 @candiedhearts55 @@delightfulbelieverwerewolf @toxicbimbo @shyunivrse @haymitchabernathyslover | Join the taglist

[genolover]

So I read @aughtpunk 's cotl forgiveness au in like 2 days and now I'm hyperfocusing on it. I just keep thinking of cute little things. Particularly between Shaun and kallamar. Aughtpunk probably shouldn't read this.

Like they have regular are-we-still-engaged chess matches. The first time kallamar wins, they regretfully tell the others the engagement is off. Most everyone is like, you were engaged?? How?? Since when?????? The next day they're engaged again. It great and not at all confusing. Pretty soon no one is sure if the engagement is even real or not. Don't ask kallamar, he's not 100% sure either. Like they play games to see who's responsible for the flowers or menu decisions but is it real? Half the group is sure it isn't until it's the night before the wedding and Holy shit this is actually happening wtf and Shaun is just so disappointed in them. Kallamar is too, right my love? Kallamar is like, yeah, I can't believe they doubted the seriousness of this situation. Internally he's screaming. Shaun also didn't think it was that serious but over time he got sick of people shit talking kallamar to his face so he was like, now I gotta marry him in the biggest most amazing wedding ever. I just gotta.

I also just like the idea that they would use games to settle most disagreements. They watch eachothers strategies and moods to figure out how serious they need to be. If it's a lighthearted thing then they joke the whole time and whoever wins, wins. Gg. If it's something more important to one than the other then they give a good game but let that person win since clearly this is a significant matter. If it's an important matter to both, they use the game as something of a distraction. I can't kill you for not understanding exactly where I'm coming from by magically reading my mind if I'm too busy trying to figure out if the move you just made is even legal. By the end of the match, whomever wins, it comes out as more of a compromise.

They do have this problem where if they don't have a clear goal for a game, it can escalate into terrible ends. Like Shaun makes a flirty double entendre about calamari, kallamar says something gross about cannibalism, suddenly its 3 am, they're in the kitchen with heket who is waaaay too happy about cooking some of her brother's flesh with the intention of giving it to his ex-fiancee to eat (shaun being grossed out by cannibalism made him lose), and questioning all of their life choices.

Oh and after wedding thought. Shaun asks narinder for a life flower (that what I've been calling them in my head). Narinder is grossed out but Shaun gives this whole speech about how they aren't gonna use it now, he just wants to show kallamar that he did notice that he wasnt sure how serious he was about the wedding but he is very serious about wanting to have this life together with him and growing their family together. Narinder does reluctantly give him a flower. Little while later kallamar asks for the same thing. His explanation is a little more based in logic. They've talked about children before and he's probably gonna be the one carrying them so it just makes sense for him to have the flower. Everyone is like aww they're gonna present these flowers to eachother and it's gonna be cute or something. Meanwhile kallamar is confirming that he and his husband aren't needed for anything else tonight and maybe the flower might work if brewed into a tea but eh it's better to not chance it and just. Fucking. Eats it. Right there. Infront of God (poor jake) and everybody. Did his husband see that? No, of course not. That would prevent any miscommunication drama. It's like, dude, did you guys plan on that or...? And kallamar is like, we've had some of the most important discussions about this already, I fail to see why we can't start trying now. And then he leaves to go spend his wedding with Shaun in private and now the whole family has no idea what to do with themselves. They did not need this information.

I also have thoughts for their kids. First set is twins. They are cute. They look like normal lambs just tinted blue. At first. They actually have tendrils they hide amongst their wool. They're also good at team hunting. If you see the both of them, it's safe. If you only see one, it's a distraction, turn around, you are being ambushed.

These are just fun little thoughts I had. Feel free to ignore me.

[amor1st03]

10 Things I Hate About You | Bang Chan

Bang Chan x fem!reader

(kinda) enemies to lovers

warnings: some swearing, smoking, alcohol use, mentions of being sick, Jisung being a prick tbh, if you don't have a sister sorry but now you do I've used S/N for sister's name

word count: 6.5k

in which: I literally rewrite 10 Things I Hate About You, it sticks pretty true to the orignal film but a few things have been changed just for a bit of fun

a/n: I, in no way, intend to claim the idea/plot as my own, I have slimply taken a film I really like and rewritten it. also, if you haven’t seen the film go watch it, it is so good and this will probably make much more sense if you’ve seen it.

Skz Masterlist

"He's our guy," Changbin said to Jeongin, pointing out Bang Chan. "He's the only one who would dare to date Y/N."

"Okay, and how are we going to convince him to take her out?"

"I've thought of that too. We need someone with cash." Changbin turned to look at a different table in the cafeteria, pointing out Jisung this time. He was sitting at a rowdy table of boys, laughing along with them.

"Alright, and how do we get him to do that?"

"We all know he's been trying to get with S/N recently, so we'll just suggest to him that he should pay somebody to take Y/N out so that he can take S/N. While he focuses on paying Bangchan, you can swoop in and make S/N fall helplessly in love or whatever you have in mind."

"Right," Jeongin said, but he didn't sound too confident.

"I'll sort this, don't worry." Changbin stood up and walked over to Jisung's table. Jisung and his friends eyed the boy as he sat down. Jeongin watched as they talk, saw Jisung grab Changbin's face, and start drawing something on his cheek with a marker. When the conversation was over Changbin had a satisfied look on his face. Jisung turned to look at him and Jeongin saw him mouth the words 'you can go now' with a tilt of his head. Changbin left the table and smiled a smug smile as he sat back down with Jeongin.

"All sorted, see, told you this was a good idea." Jeongin smiled as he started to imagine getting to take S/N out. Changbin also continued to smile for a moment more before thinking back to Jisung drawing on his face.

"I have a dick on my face, don't I?"

***

Chan eyed the two boys, cigarette hanging from his lips, as they sat down beside him on the bench.

"Do I know you?"

"No, but we know what you're trying to do with Y/N. See the thing is, we are behind it all, we convinced Jisung to pay you, thinking that he would get a chance with S/N, but Jeongin here has a thing for her too. We figured we could help you out."

"Okay then, you got any advice for me?"

"Not yet, but S/N offered to talk to Jeongin and tell him a bit more about Y/N. So far, all we know is that most people are scared of her."

"I figured that much out myself from the way people avoid her, thanks." He glanced over at you on the pitch as you were playing football.

"Are you kidding me, that was a foul, we should get a goddamn free kick for that!" Chan smiled a little at your outburst. He had been observing you for a few days, deciding how best to approach you. He found it was not as easy as he thought. He had seen how cold you were to other people and he wanted to make a good first impression if he was going to get you to go out with him.

As the game concluded you headed off the pitch, grabbing your water bottle. Chan stood up, ignoring whatever Changbin was saying.

"Hey there. Saw you on the pitch, you were pretty great and so right about that foul, should've been a free kick."

"Thanks."

"Anyway, Y/N, right? How are you feeling after that match?"

"Well, I'm sweating like a pig, actually." You continued to walk away from the pitch, Chan caught up, walking next to you.

"That's one way to get a guy's attention."

"Ah, yes, my mission in life," You said sarcastically. "Well, I seem to have struck your fancy so whatever I'm doing must be working."

"It is. Working, I mean. So how about I take you out on Saturday then?"

"Hard pass."

"Come on, just one date?"

"I'm good, thanks, I've got better things to do on a Saturday than hang out with some 'bad boy' who probably just wants to get in my pants."

"I'm truly hurt you think so little of me."

"Don't be, I think little of most people. I'm leaving now, you can stop following me." And with that, you walked away from the boy. He smiled a little. This was going to be a lot harder than he thought. Good thing he liked a challenge.

***

After a few more failed attempts at asking you out, Chan needed all the help he could get. So Jeongin did some digging, with the help of your sister. S/N had managed to give him an insight into your life. You liked music, reading, and drawing but your biggest hobby was definitely fashion design. It was your dream, your room, which your sister had shown him, was filled with sketches of design ideas and fabrics for projects.

Jeongin and Changbin had found Chan in a bar, playing pool. When he saw the two of them approach and leaned against the pool table, bringing his cigarette up to his lips.

"What have you got for me?"

"Well, she loves music and art and fashion. She has tons of designs in her room. S/N also told me she's not big on smokers," He said, taking the cigarette from between Chan's lips and putting it out in the ashtray as Chan blew the smoke. "And, uh, Y/N likes pretty guys."

"Are you telling me I'm not a pretty guy?" He stood up straight, looking questioningly at Jeongin.

"No, no, of course not, you're a very pretty guy," Jeongin stumbled over his words. "Anyway, there's this art exhibit she's going to on Friday night, it would be a great opportunity for you to try and ask her out again."

"No way, I don't like artsy shit like that."

"Come on, man, you're getting paid for this," Changbin spoke up beside Jeongin. "Just show her that you can take an interest in the things that she likes." Chan thought about it for a moment.

"I'll think about it."

"Well, we already bought you a ticket so..."

"Seriously?"

"Yep, here you go, Friday, 7 pm, I'll message you the address," Jeongin said, handing him the ticket.

***

You had been peacefully strolling around the art exhibit when you noticed a familiar face. He just had to come here and ruin it, didn't he?

"What the hell are you doing here?" You asked Chan in an annoyed tone as you stood in front of him.

"Sorry, do you mind, I'm trying to look at this piece, you're kinda in the way." You looked at him in disbelief before moving to the side.

"You're really here for the art exhibition?" You asked more softly this time.

"Yeah, am I not allowed or something?"

"No, I just- never mind." He continued to look at the painting in front of him before looking over at you.

"I really like that top you have on."

"Oh, thanks. I made it actually."

"Really? Well, you look pretty in it." You felt your cheeks warm at his words. To the side of you, you saw an old couple whispering. They saw you gazing over at them, questioningly.

"I'm sorry, it's just so nice to see a young couple like yourselves acting so sweet around each other."

"Oh, we're not-"

"Thank you, my girlfriend and I really appreciate it." The old couple smiled and moved away.

"Bang Chan!" You said, but you couldn't help but laugh a little in disbelief.

"Sorry, couldn't help myself," He replied with a smile.

"Hey, since they think we make such a cute couple, how about you go with me to that party everyone's talking about on Friday?"

"I'm leaving now, Chan." You moved away.

"Was that a yes?"

"No."

"Well, was it a no?"

"No."

"I'll pick you up at 7."

"Bye, Chan."

He smiled as he watched you leave.

***

You never really cared about what other people thought about what you were wearing. You wore and made stuff that you liked. But as you got ready for the party you found yourself wondering what Chan would think of your outfit. You hated that he seemed to be slowly working his way into your life and your thoughts.

"Where are you going?" Your father asked you as you came downstairs after finally deciding on what to wear. He was in the midst of an argument with S/N about the party.

"A party."

"See? She's going so I can go too."

"Fine, but I want you to wear the belly."

"Dad, no."

"Yes, 5 minutes in the belly or no party." She sighed in resignation as he got out the fake pregnancy belly and put it on her. You laughed softly before opening the door. On the other side, you found Chan with his hand raised, ready to knock on your door.

"Chan, hi."

"Hi, 7 o'clock right? Well, I'm a little early actually."

"Yeah, 7. Anyway, let's go, I'm driving."

"Sure." You moved out the door, past him.

"Who knocked up your sister?" Your sister rolled her eyes as Chan laughed a little following you to your car.

"So, what's with the belly?" He asked you as you both got into the car.

"My dad makes us wear it so we are reminded of the consequences of being a little too friendly with boys."

"Your dad's kinda scary."

"Wow, I didn't know you could find anything scary."

"Parents are always scary."

"He just worries about us a lot. Like the other day, I got accepted into this really good fashion school but it's on the other side of the country. It's my dream to go there but he wants me to stay closer to home." You thought back to the excitement you felt when you had received the letter. You remembered the disapproving look your father had given you.

"You should go. I know you probably don't care for my opinion, but if it's your dream you can't give up on it."

"Thanks," You said, a little shocked at his sincerity. You cleared your throat a little, turning on your car. "Well, let's go to this party, shall we?"

***

You had never been this drunk in your life and it probably had something to do with the fact that you bumped into Jisung earlier. You'd told him to stay away from your sister but he just said that she was the one who couldn't stay away from him. You knew that sober you would be screaming at you right now as you climbed up onto the table. But something overtook you and all you wanted to do was dance. You moved to the music as the cheers from the crowd of people encouraged you. You probably would've stayed up there all night if you hadn't accidentally hit your head on the chandelier. Luckily, Chan was there to help you down.

He had lost you before in the herd of people but after a while he found you dancing on the table. At first watching you dance made him smile. But he pushed aside how much he enjoyed it and thought of how much you would've hated it if you were sober and fully aware of what you were doing right now.

"Come on, get down Y/N." He had told you but you ignored him. He kept a cautious eye on you. You moved to the rhythm and he was surprised by how well you danced, impressed even. That was until you swung your head up and hit it against the chandelier.

He was quick to help you outside, checking on you, making sure you didn't drift off before he checked to see if you were alright.

He spotted a tree that had two swings tied to a branch. He guided you over to it.

"What do you care if I'm alright?"

"I do care. I mean, if you're not I'll have to start taking out girls who actually like me."

"Like you could find one."

"See that, there, who needs affection when I have blind hatred?" He sat you down on one of the swings. You fell back but Chan was quick to catch you, sitting you upright once again before taking the swing next to you.

"Why do you let him get to you?"

"Huh?"

"Jisung."

"Ugh, I hate him."

"Well, you picked the perfect revenge, mainlining tequila."

"You know what they say."

"Nope, what do they say?" But as he turned to you he found that your eyes were shut as you leaned against one of the ropes of the swing. He was quick to move from the swing, crouching down next to you.

"Y/N, come on, wake up!" He gently tapped your cheek. Your eyes opened slowly. You had to admit close up he was rather good-looking.

"You're eyes, they..."

"What about your eyes?"

"Your eyes are really rather pretty, actually." He left out a breathy laugh. He stood up, still looking down at you. You both smiled at each other but your face soon turned sour as you turned to face the floor throwing up all over his shoes. Chan sighed.

***

He drove you back in your car, parking outside your house. He switched the engine off and took out the keys before turning to face you to find you already looking at him.

"I had a nice night."

"Surprisingly, me too." You smiled slightly before looking out the window to your house. You sighed.

"I don't want to face my dad right now. First, he finds out I applied to a school on the other side of the country and got in without telling him, now I'm coming home drunk. He always warns me about this stuff."

"Yeah, well, you don't strike me as the type of girl who does everything that daddy dearest tells her to do anyway."

"Oh, so now you think you know me?"

"Getting there."

"The only thing people know about me is that I'm scary," You replied sarcastically.

Yeah, well, I'm no picnic myself." The car fell silent for a moment. "So, what's up with your dad anyway? Is he a pain in the ass?"

"No, he just wants me to be somebody I'm not."

"Who?"

"S/N," You said in a light tone, putting on your sister's voice.

"Oh, right, S/N." Chan hesitated for a moment before turning to look at you. "No offense or anything, I know everyone digs your sister, but she's without." You turned to look at him with a soft smile.

"You know, you're not as vile as I thought you were." Your tone was sincere and it made Chan's heart race a little. The two of you fell silent as you slowly leaned in. This was so unlike you, to want to get to know someone, to want to kiss them. But you did want to kiss him.

You closed your eyes, hoping he would meet you halfway. You waited for his lips to meet yours but they never did. Instead, he cleared his throat and spoke again.

"Maybe we should do this another time." You looked at him in disbelief as you pulled away. You scoffed before snatching the keys from his hand and exiting the car. You slammed the door shut, leaving him in your car. You would've been more worried about locking it but right now you didn't care.

You lay in bed that night wondering what you had done wrong. But you told yourself the answer was nothing. You had never wanted anyone new coming into your life and you certainly were not going to let some guy ruin everything. If he didn't wanna kiss you, fine, but after all wasn't he the one that had chased you in the first place?

People are so frustrating, you told yourself before you finally drifted off to sleep.

***

Chan found you later in the week in a music store. He tried to work up the courage to talk to you but didn't find the opportunity. He ended up following you to a bookstore. He watched from the other side of one of the shelves, as you ran your fingers along the rows of books. As you came to turn the corner he stepped out in front of you.

"Do you know where I could find 'The Feminine Mystique? I've lost my copy." You rolled your eyes.

"What are you doing here?"

"I heard there was a poetry reading."

"You're so..."

"Charming. Wholesome."

"Unwelcome."

"You're not as mean as you think you are, you know that?"

"And you're not as badass as you think you are," You replied, not even looking at him, instead browsing the shelves once again.

"Somebody's still got her panties in a twist.

"Don't think for one second you had any effect whatsoever on my panties."

"What did I have an effect on then?"

"Other than my upchuck reflex, nothing." You picked up a copy of 'The Feminine Mystique' you had found, roughly shoving it in his chest. He grabbed the book with one hand to stop it from falling as you turned and stormed away, out of the shop. You missed the small smile that appeared on his face.

***

"You embarrassed the girl, you gotta even the score, sacrifice your dignity," Jeongin told Chan after he had informed him and Changbin that you were still mad at him.

An awful idea came to him. A terrible one. But, hey, it was all to get you to stop being mad at him right? And it was for the money, right? That's what he kept telling himself at least. Yep, that was definitely it.

It was definitely the money that had him learning the lyrics to an old Frankie Valli song. And it was definitely the money that had him paying the band leader to get the band to play said song on the field. And it was definitely the money that now had him on the bleachers, microphone in hand, ready to sing to you.

It was definitely an awful idea. But, as he began to sing, he didn't care. You looked up at him in disbelief as the band marched forward and began playing. You laughed as the security guards chased him away. Everyone on the field applauded after the song had finished and he managed to get away from the guards but not for long. He soon found himself in detention, a small smile on his face as he thought of the way your eyes had lit in and the way you had laughed. His smile got brighter once he saw you walk into the room.

You walked up to the teacher taking the detention and began talking to him about tactics for the upcoming football game. Chan managed to sneak around the classroom and out of the window as you kept the teacher distracted. You prayed that Chan had not seen what you had to do to help him escape detention.

***

The two of you were walking through the town centre after you had successfully managed to help him escape. There was a comfortable silence between the two of you but, once you started talking, you found it hard to stop. Everything was so easy with him.

"Yeah, I really wish I could go. The pictures from the designer's last fashion show were so incredible but it's just so expensive. Honestly, I'd sell my soul to be able to go."

"Well, get saving up and we can go to the next one together."

"Together?"

"Yeah. I don't know much about fashion, but, hey, I've got you for that." The two of you laughed before silence settled again. "I know I've already said it but, seriously, I can't thank you enough for helping me get out of detention."

"No problem."

"How did you manage to keep him distracted."

"Oh, I dazzled him with my wits." You managed to hold back the small laugh bubbling inside.

"So, what's your excuse?"

"For what?"

"For acting the way you do?"

"I don't like to do what people expect. Why should I live up to other people's expectations instead of my own?"

"So you disappoint them from the start and then you're covered, right?"

"Something like that."

"Then you screwed up."

"How?"

"Well, you never disappointed me." You were surprised by his words. They made your heart race. "You up for it." He pointed to a big arcade across the street.

"Absolutely."

The two of you must have spent hours inside that arcade playing all sorts of games. You moved on to the basketball game.

"Come on, let's play."

"Alright, but I won't go easy on you," He told you as he picked up one of the basketballs.

"Yeah? Neither will I." In the end, you both put up a good fight, but you won.

"One last game before we leave?"

"Yeah, okay," You replied, about to insert a coin into the machine to release the basketballs again. Chan brought his hand to yours to stop you. His soft skin against you made your heart flutter.

"Not this one. That." He pointed out the sign at the very back of the room next to a door. Laser quest.

"Oh, you're so on. But we aren't playing on the same team, I'm gonna beat your ass."

You ended up on the red team and him on the blue. Most of the other players were just kids and the two of you stuck out like a sore thumb but you didn't care. As you raced around the course in search of him, you were having too much fun to care. His team was leading by a few points when you spotted him.

Quietly, you made your way over to him, aiming your gun. You fired and hit one of the sensors, the lights on his jacket turning off and his gun disabling for a few seconds.

"Ah, shit." He sighed but smiled at you.

"I got you, I got you!" You said as you jumped with joy, doing a little victory dance. "Told you I was gonna beat your ass." He walked over to you.

"Hey, my team is still winning!"

"Not for long, mister." He laughed at the bright smile on your face. When his laugh died away he looked at you, straight in the eye. He began to lean in. Internally, you began to panic a little but you couldn't help the way your heart raced. You leaned in to meet his lips.

Despite your heart racing almost, you were certain, at the speed of light. A sense of calmness washed over your mind. Everything around you seemed to still as his hand came to rest on your cheek. When you pulled away for air the lights on his jacket were lit up again. He raised his gun and shot you in the chest.

"How dare you!"

"My team is gonna win," He replied softly before leaning in again. His lips hovered over your own until you were so rudely interrupted.

"Hey, you two, no making out, stop that!" The voice over the speakers said. The two of you laughed as Chan rested his forehead against yours.

"You heard the guy, don't you dare try and kiss me again."

"But I really want to."

"Doesn't matter. Now get out of here. I'll give you a head start but I'm gonna get you back for that."

***

"So none of that stuff is true?"

"Nope. None of it."

"Not even the duck rumour?"

"No, I didn't eat a live duck." He rolled his eyes but gave a small laugh. "Bobby Ridgeway's balls?"

"Fact. But he tried to grope me in the lunch line."

"Fair enough."

"The accent?"

"Real. I moved here at 13 from Australia."

"So, where were you last year? I know the porn career is a lie."

"Do you?" He asked, taking a seat on your front porch, where you joined him. You laughed at his response. It felt refreshing having someone to joke around with like this. It had been so long. It was nice to have someone who was actually interested in getting to know you.

"Tell me something true."

"Something true?" Your eyes never left his face as he thought about what to say. "I hate pineapple (on my burgah, I'm sorry I had to)" You breathed out a laugh.

"No. Something real. Something no one else knows." He couldn't stop himself from reaching up and gently brushing his thumb over your cheek.

"Okay. You're sweet." He leaned in and kissed one side of your neck. "And sexy." He kissed the other side, as you started to laugh again, heart racing in a way that only he could cause. "And I'm completely crazy about you." He leaned in and captured your lips. As he pulled away, you chased his lips.

"Crazy, huh?"

"Yeah, but you've got the hots for me too." You scoffed a little at his remark.

"You're incredibly self-assured, has anyone ever told you that?"

"I tell myself that every day." He kissed you again, one hand resting on your cheek, the other on your thigh. He pulled away but remained close.

"Go to the prom with me."

"Is that a request or a command?"

"Come on, go with me." You thought about it for a moment.

"No."

"No? Why not?"

"I don't want to, it's a stupid tradition."

"Come on, what happened to not doing what others expect? They won't expect you to go."

"Why are pushing this?"

"I'm not."

"What's in it for you?"

"So now I need to have a motive to want to be with you now, huh?" The thought of the money came to mind, knowing how upset would be if you knew. But the truth was he did want to be with you. Every conversation, every slight brush of your hand against his, every kiss had made him fall for you more and more.

"You tell me."

"You need therapy, has anyone ever told you that?"

"Answer the question, Chan."

"Nothing. There's nothing in it for me. Can't I just take you to prom simply because I enjoy spending time with you?" He scoffed pulling out a packet of cigarettes. He picked one out and placed it between his lips. In anger, you snatched it from him and threw it to the ground before storming inside your house, slamming the door behind you. He turned to watch you, racking his brain to think of anything to say but he couldn't find the words to stop you from leaving.

***

You knocked on your sister's door before entering. You knew she was upset because your father had said she couldn't go to the prom because you weren't going.

"Hi."

"Hi," She replied rather dejectedly.

You told her how you were sorry that she couldn't go but you wished she didn't try and live up to everyone else's expectations. You told her how you had been there. You told her all about your past relationship with Jisung which you honestly thought you'd never speak of aloud again.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I wanted to let you make up your own mind about him." You sat next to her on the bed but she moved away.

"Then why did you help dad hold me hostage? It's not like I'm stupid enough to repeat your mistakes."

"I-I guess I thought I was protecting you."

"By not letting me live my own life? Not experience anything for myself?"

"Not all experiences are good ones. You can't always trust the people you want to."

"Well, I guess I'll never know, will I?" She moved towards the door and opened it, indicating she wanted you to leave. You did.

You were just trying to look out for her, right? You just didn't want her to have the same bad experiences as you. But the more you thought about it the more her words rang true in your head.

***

In the end, you wanted to make amendments with both Chan and S/N. You accepted Chan's invitation.

You also apologised to your sister and told her that you would be going to the prom, meaning she could go too.

Now here you were at the entrance of the prom, looking in at the crowds of people.

"Wow." You heard a familiar voice behind you say. You turned to see Chan with a rose in hand. He offered it to you, you gladly accepted it.

"You too." He did look good. Really good. He offered you his arm which you took as he guided you into the hall. "Where'd you get a tux at the last minute?"

"Oh, just something I had lying around. Where'd you get a dress at the last minute?"

"Oh, just something I had lying around. I made it an ages ago, it was just collecting dust at the back of my wardrobe."

"You made it? I knew you were good but not this good." You smiled brightly.

"Listen, I'm sorry I questioned your motives. I was wrong, I shouldn't have." Chan sighed deeply. You were, in fact, completely right to question his motives. He was still being paid for this. But, as he looked at you, he knew it was never about the money, not really. He simply wanted to be here with you. If he could take it all back and start again without the ulterior motive, he would. In a heartbeat, without question.

The night, honestly, was a lot more enjoyable than you ever thought prom could be. The music was actually good and you were happy dancing with Chan. You were also happy to see that S/N had come with Jeongin instead of Jisung. All this time you had thought she had only been thinking about Jisung, but she would later recount to you all the time she spent with Jeongin and how it all happened.

"Australia," Chan said as the two of you danced to an upbeat song.

"What?"

"That's where I was last year. Back home. I wasn't in jail nor do I know Marilyn Manson. My grandpa was ill, so I spent most of last year on his couch, watching reality TV and eating spaghetti Os." You laughed at the absurdity of it all as he dipped you.

"No way." He pulled you back up and twirled you around. It was a really nice night until Jisung had to come and ruin it all. He moved in between the two of you pushing Chan back a bit.

"Hey, what's S/N doing here with that prick? I didn't pay you to take out Y/N so that some little shit could snake in between me and S/N." The words hit you like a bus. You focused on Chan now as his eyes met yours. They looked so sad and sincere and pleading. Like the words hurt him as much as they hurt you.

"Nothing in it for you, huh?" You spoke up before quickly walking away. You shouldered past him. He glared at Jisung thinking of what to say to him but he decided it wasn't worth it. Instead, he turned around, trying to catch up with you.

He did catch up to you, just outside the entrance of the prom.

"It was all bullshit right?"

"Please just let me explain."

"You were paid to take me out by the one person I truly hate. I knew this was too good to be true. I knew I shouldn't have trusted you."

"Y/N, please, it wasn't like that, okay?"

"Oh yeah, what was it like then? A downpayment now and a bonus for sleeping with me?"

"I didn't care about the money. I cared about you." You scoffed a little.

"You are so not the person I thought you were." He moved towards you, reaching for your hand but you pulled away.

"Please." You turned away from him, wanting to get as far away as possible from him. This time he decided not to follow you. He really had fucked everything up.

***

Your sister expected you to be in a bad mood. You always were when you got hurt. But this time it was different. You were quiet.

When she had told you that she had punched Jisung last night, after you had left, it lightened your mood for a little while but, soon, the frown returned to your face.

Now, you sat on the porch, working on your English assignment to rewrite Sonnet 141. You had been struggling before with it but now you had so much you wanted to say. It was honestly good to get some of the words you wanted to say to Chan on paper, rather than just buzzing around in your mind. Maybe this would allow you to let go. You were almost finished when your dad came out to talk to you.

"How was prom last night?" You didn't want to tell him about the whole Chan ordeal.

"Some parts were good."

"Which parts?" He asked suspiciously.

"The part where S/N beat the living crap out of some guy."

"S/N did what?"

"Afraid I'm rubbing off on her?"

"No, impressed actually." This reaction from your dad surprised you.

The conversation between the two of you continued to flow. Your dad moved on to the topic of college. You were honestly certain he was going to try and convince you to go to a more local college but he didn't.

"When I go?" You asked, wondering if you had misheard him.

"Don't tell me you've changed your mind. I've just sent them a cheque." You looked at him in disbelief before reaching over and hugging him tightly.

The day hadn't started off well but it ended much better. You knew you'd be over to get over Chan and soon it would all just be a memory.

That was until Monday morning rolled around and you had to face him again. Whenever you walked past him in the halls you avoided looking at him, but in your peripheral vision, you saw the way his eyes followed you. You were glad that in English you weren't sitting next to him. You were also glad to find that Jisung was a lot quieter in that lesson than usual.

The teacher was talking about the assignment he had set you to rewrite Sonnet 141. When he asked if anyone wanted to read theirs aloud nobody raised their hand. You looked around the class before hesitantly putting your own up.

"Oh, lord. Here we go." The teacher sighed as he stepped to the side. Truth was, in his class, you never were one to keep your opinions to yourself.

As you read the poem the only thought in your head was him. You struggled to avoid looking at him. But every now and then you would catch a glimpse of the way he was looking at you. Eyes full of sadness and regret. He knew the poem was about him. Of course he knew, it was obvious. But you wanted him to know how you felt. Halfway through you felt tears prickle your eyes. You didn't even try to stop them. In that moment, you didn't care if the whole world saw you cry.

"I hate it when you're not around, and the fact that you didn't call. But mostly, I hate the way I don't hate you, not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all," You said with a trembling voice, tears running down your face. You looked into his eyes this time. But it felt like any second you would crumble to the floor in a big sobbing mess. Quickly, shut your book before leaving the classroom. As you brushed past him, Chan tried his hardest to swallow the lump that had formed in his throat.

***

You walked towards your car at the end of the day, still thinking about the English class earlier that day. Once you had finally managed to collect yourself the class was almost over. You waited until you knew everyone had left before going back to collect your things from the room. The rest of your classes that day were a blur.

You reached your car and unlocked it. Your hand rested on the door handle, ready to open it but you stopped in your track when you saw two slips of paper on your windshield. You knew they couldn't be tickets because you were parked in the school car park. Reaching over, you grabbed the two slips before examining them. You could've jumped for joy when you realised they were tickets to the very fashion show you had told Chan about.

"I know I said we could go to the next one together but, honeslty, I didn't want to wait."

"You managed to get tickets?"

"Yeah."

"But, they're so expensive?"

"Well, I know you really wanted to go and, plus, thought you could use it as inspiration for future projects in college. And, besides, I had some extra cash lying around. You see, this asshole paid me to take out this really great girl." You smiled, tilting your head slightly.

"Is that right?"

"Yeah, but I screwed up. I um... I fell for her."

"Really?" You asked with a soft smile on your face. It warmed Chan's heart.

"It's not every day you find a girl who'll flash someone to get you out of detention." You covered your face with one of your hands and laughed out of embarrassment. Chan reached up and took your hand from your face. He kept hold of it as his other hand came to rest on your cheek. He leaned in to kiss you and as his lips met yours you knew you had forgiven him. But still, you wanted to tease him, just a bit, so you pushed him away after a moment of enjoying the kiss.

"You can't just buy me tickets to a fashion show every time you screw up."

"Yeah, I know. But then again there's always art exhibitions, workshops, and galleries. Hey, I could even buy you a new sewing machine, I know you said your other one had seen better days." He pulled you in for a kiss again but you pushed away again.

"And don't just think you can-"

"Y/N, just shut up and let me kiss you." He smiled at you brightly, a smile which you returned before leaning up to meet his lips once again.

As much as Chan hated the fact that dating you had started out strictly for financial purposes he was secretly glad and happy that he had taken the job. He probably wouldn't have met you if not. And, as you kissed him, god, he was happy to have met you. He didn't think he had ever been as happy as he was in that moment.

[xwritingdixonx]

Till Death Do Us Part | Chapter 1 |

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series masterlist

Summary: Daryl struggles to call Alexandria his new home, a bitterness lying in his heart of his late wife.

Warnings: language, slight mentions of a panic attack, mentions of grief / loss

Word Count: approx. 3.3k

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The cherry wood coffee table was littered with a messy stack of UNO cards, the last card being a bright yellow, reading the number 7. Carl paused for a second looking at the cards in his hand that he held before putting down a green 7. "No fair" Tara retorted reaching to grab a card. "I'm winning" Carl teased wearing a shit eating grin, showing off the two cards left in his hand.

Aaron had stopped by a little bit ago dropping off a deck of cards, a puzzle, and a pack of UNO cards that looked like they’d never touched a speck of dust. Carl and Noah were quick to choose UNO. Tara looking just as excited to play the game, convincing Rosita to also join.

It was only the second night in Alexandria but Rick couldn't help but smile for just a second, seeing his son playing games, laughing, making jokes. Had he not still been so on edge and his walls so built up, it could've felt normal, comfortable. The rest of the group sat around the same living room, some comfortably lounging on their sleeping bags and pillows, others on the couch, making jokes about who they were rooting for.

"You know, me and my friends used to do this"

Tara began, "we'd uh-" Tara smiled and paused for a second "have game nights, order a pizza, just talk. Like people." Tara chuckled but there was a hint of sadness to it. "Oh god i miss pizza!" Rosita joined in, attempting to tear Tara away from the sadness.

"I’d come home smelling like it every. day. Makes me sick just thinking about it" Glenn's face lit up with a smile.

Soon almost everyone in the room was sharing things they missed about the old world, things that would most likely never exist again or would be extremely difficult to achieve now.

Daryl however was perched up by the window, the cool night air flowing in once in awhile. Daryl was trying to figure out just how cold the breeze was, the colder it was, the closer Fall was, then after Fall came Winter. Out on the road Winter meant trouble, it was the hardest season to survive in the wild. But that wasn't a worry now. So Daryl didn't know why he was still worrying.

"Daryl"

Glenn's voice broke him from his thoughts, snapping his head around to look at him. "Hm?"

"What do you miss?" Glenn looked at him with pure intentions just wanting to know a bit more about the man, as did everyone else. Daryl was so closed off. Some days it felt as if he wasn't even alive before the outbreak, it was like the world ended and poof, Daryl Dixon appeared, ready to take it on. Everyone's eyes seemed to be on him now, anticipating a response. Which, to no surprise, Daryl didn't particularly like. Daryl scoffed and turned his attention back to the window, resting his head on his fist "Nothin'".

Daryl heard Glenn quietly apologize before continuing the conversation with someone else. Once again, Daryl retracted back and away from connection, sheltering himself like a turtle in a shell.

What do you miss? Daryl knew the answer, it was on the tip of his tongue. He just couldn't bare say it, couldn't let himself slip into that hole. You were a memory he had pushed so far back in his mind, it was as if you never existed in the first place. That's how he survived, forgetting you. If not, he would've fallen in that hole of depression and grief a long time ago. So instead of that, he built up walls. Built a wall of brick. Then built a wall of steel in front of that one and he allowed himself to hide behind those walls, angry and alone.

It just took one thought of you to completely blow a hole straight through those walls. Every single thing that the group listed made him think of you. Didn't matter what it was.

Tara bringing up pizza made him think about your favorite pizza spot that had $1 slices. He still remembers the day he watched you down 4 slices after a long Saturday night shift at the bar.

He thought about you when Rosita talked about missing makeup and feeling pretty. You were the prettiest thing Daryl had ever seen especially when you got all dolled up. He remembered your signature lip colors, remembered the brand, the name of them, remembered how pretty they looked on you.

"i don't get it" Daryl heard your distant laughter from the bathroom down the hall. You came walking throw the door, clipping your silver chain bracelet around your wrist. "What don't you get?" Daryl looked at the lip product in his hand, encased in silver packaging "the hell's it called black honey? ain't even black"

You shook your head at Daryl and snatched the product from his hand, taking a seat on his lap. Daryl happily wrapped his arms around your torso, resting his head on your shoulder. "Because it's-" you let out a sigh and took the cap off glancing at the dark plum tinted lip product. "Jesus i don't know D." You put the cap back on with a click, glancing at him through some of your bangs that had fallen in your eyes. " Before i forget" You left Daryl's grasp and made your way to your wooden vanity, "On your way home from the shop," You grabbed 2 small black tubes from the surface and tossed them over to Daryl. "Please please pick up those exact same shades from the store" Daryl recognized what they were immediately, flipping them around to see the name on the bottom. "Rum raisin and black cherry?" You hummed to him in response, "from Revlon?" you hummed an agreeing response again. "Good job handsome"

Daryl remembered everything that made you so uniquely you. Cherry perfume, tattoos, the silver jewelry you wore every single day. Those damn lipsticks, he never forget those ridiculous names. Your hair, god your hair. You had the most gorgeous head of hair, so full and thick. And that smile. When you smiled, your whole face smiled. You got complimented almost every single day on your appearance, not even just from Daryl, from strangers who saw just how gorgeous you were.

His chest tighten and ached, as if his heart was physically hurting. Hands clasping into fists to stop them from shaking. And his mind, spiraling. He could feel the lump in his throat form, the lump of tears, sobs. He cleared his throat and abruptly got up from his perch, racing to the front door. He couldn't stand to be in that room any longer, he felt like he was suffocating.

He sat himself down at the top of the stoop to the house and shakily tried to light a cigarette to forget about his racing mind, taking a long drag. Sitting in fresh air seemed to immediately calm him but the sadness still remained.

Daryl didn't look to see who sat beside him but he heard the creek of the wood panels and felt the presence. "What's going on?" Ricks words were low, as if he was asking him in a whisper. Daryl blew the last bit of smoke from his mouth and and flicked the cigarette away, that's when Daryl broke. The emotions he was trying so hard to push down just over poured at the question. Quiet sobs broke past Daryl's lips, hanging his head low in shame at the vulnerable state he was in.

Rick put a hand on his back to show he was there, giving him comfort through his presence. Rick didn't know what was making Daryl break but he knew he had to be there for his brother, allowing him feel whatever he needed to feel.

"I miss 'er"

Rick wasn't exactly sure what to say, he just nodded. Not once had Daryl ever brought up someone, especially not a woman. "Wanna talk bout' her?"

Daryl thought for a second, he had never been asked to talk about you. He knew he could, could talk about you till the sun rose in the East and set again in the West. But all he could say was "i'on know". He looked at Rick his eyes still glassy with tears.

Rick nodded at him again and gave him a reassuring smile.

Silence settled over the 2 men but it was comfortable, a calmness the night air provided. Daryl had calmed down, feeling slightly embarrassed at the sudden outburst of emotions. Thinking of what the rest of the group members might be thinking of him now.

Rick was lost in thought, it had just been a tiny detail but it opened up so much about Daryl as a person. He had someone, someone he cared for and they obviously weren't here. It explained some of Daryl's intense behavior at times, explained the way his anger led him, and his passion for saving people.

"What was her name?" Rick was testing the waters, seeing if there were anymore details he could get out about this now mystery woman. She could've been his girlfriend, his best friend, hell could've been his goddamn sister. The way the corner of Daryl's mouth almost turned into a smile told Rick that the waters were warm. "Y/n"

The next bit was what set Rick back, definitely not on the list of could've's.

"My uh...my wife."

Memories and nightmares had become a blur to you. At this point, they were practically under the same category. Both equally as haunting. Both equally creating a shallow feeling in your chest. Both keeping you up at night. Just like it had been tonight, the events of the previous day still haunting you. You never thought you were exactly a good person but you could at least try to justify your actions. Racking your brain for hours and nothing. Not one excuse, not one good reason for why you pulled the trigger and why so quickly? You opened your eyes, trying to not allow yourself to fall into that hole any deeper.

You had been in and out of sleep the entire night. Hearing the crickets and lightning bugs turn into  early chirp of birds in the early morning. Most of the night you'd spent laid your side watching the fire from the previous night turn from orange glowing embers to nothing but black ash and coal. The only thing exciting you at the moment was getting back to your kitchen in Alexandria.

To be able to cook whatever you wanted and not having to survive off of canned goods, beef jerky, and protein bars. You had promised everyone when you all made it back home you'd cook up a nice big dinner and you'd all sit around the table like how it used to be. It was the longest the group had been away from Alexandria since arriving.

The sun hadn't quite risen yet but it would soon, the sky becoming a light blue- gray color. That's when you called it quits with attempting to catch anymore sleep, you wouldn't and you knew that. Everyone else would be up soon anyway and you'd be hitting the road again. Alexandria was only few more hours out but after what happened, everyone needed to rest. The group could've easily made it there late at night but decided it was okay to make it there by early afternoon today. You let out a deep sigh and sat yourself up, stretching out your arms and back.

You spotted Tommy who was in the same spot as he was the night before, sat up on the tailgate of one of the trucks from his turn on night watch. You slipped your leather steel toe boots on and made your way to him, deciding to give the both of you some company. "Heard ya comin'" Tommy's southern drawl never failed to amaze you, he didn't look like he'd sound like that but he sure did. When people met Tommy for the first time, the faces they'd pull were comedic. Especially the people of Alexandria.

You let out a scoff as you made your way up onto the road that was a few feet away from where you had set up camp for the night.

“Heard ya all night actually" You hopped up on the truck, taking your place next to Tommy and comfortably resting your elbows on your knees. "Was it bad?" You asked looking at him slightly embarrassed. Tommy knew you struggled with sleeping, he had been there to deal with most of it.

Since being in Alexandria it wasn't as bad as when you were on the road, almost like your body knew it wasn't in your safe comfy bed anymore. Tommy looked at you and gave you a soft smile and shook his head. "You weren't shaking or breathing heavy or doing that teeth grinding shit, just heard ya tossin' and turnin' all night"

You were listening to Tommy but watching the point in the sky where the sun was going to be peeking up at any second now. "Hey" Tommy nudged your arm with the back of his hand, pulling you away from zoning out and thinking too much. You averted your gaze to Tommy, "wasn't your fault". You scoffed a laugh and looked away, your eyes wondered to where everyone else still lay asleep in their sleeping bags. Specifically your eldest brother.

"Tell that to Eddie"

You and Eddie had been going at it over the past few months. You weren't exactly sure why and how it started but at this point, you didn't make it through a day without some sort of dispute or sarcastic remarks.

You heard Tommy sigh and put down the sniper rifle he had been holding.

“We got a lot of good stuff. Especially with winter coming. I mean shit, look at this." Tommy was trying to change the subject, make it seem more positive. You sat up and looked over your shoulder. The trucks bed behind you was piled high with crates and boxes, some bigger stuff just lying around. Like a Kitchen- Aid mixer, which you already called dibs on. The other truck that was parked next to this one was the exact same way.

None of you expected the run to go this well. You had found weapons, food, clothes, kitchen appliances, medicine, books, and so much more. There was so much that you actually had to leave some stuff behind. Hidden. Of course. But you still slipped in a few things for Jace and Luke. "We're gonna have to come back for the rest soon" You commented, receiving a nod of agreement from Tommy. "We got the whole route mapped out right?"

"Yes ma'am"

"Good" You and Tommy made eye contact and smiled at each other. The sound of shuffling made you both break contact, looking back to see the other 3 waking up and beginning to pack up. Nellie caught your eye and gave you a wave and a sleepy smile to say Goodmorning, you returning one. You made eye contact with Eddie who, in return, shot you a stone face glare.

Once everyone had packed up, it was time to hit the road. You drove one truck with Nellie in the passenger seat. Tommy drove the other, with Eddie and Henry squeezed in the front. The sun was at its peek in the sky when the gates of Alexandria came into view. You beeped the car horn twice giving whoever was on watch the signal to open up the gates. The 2 trucks came to a rolling stop safely inside the walls of Alexandria. "Home sweet home" You remarked, taking the keys out of the ignition.

The closing of the trucks doors rang in your ears as everyone stepped foot on the concrete. You saw Deanna making her way down the road to the group with a blissful smile on her face and pep in her step. "Wonder what she did now" Henry sarcastically remarked, quickly going to the bed of the truck to help begin unloading, Eddie right behind him.

"Thank goodness!" She planted her hands on her hips, taking stand in front of you, "you should've been back last night did something happen?"

The sun was glaring directly in your eyes so you tried your best to smile at her while also shielding your face from it. "No, we just got tired so we set up camp a few miles out" You did your best to reassure her, Deanna worried about your family probably more than she worried about her own. Alexandria relied on your group. And she relied on you.

"The run went amazing Deanna" Nellie joined putting a reassuring hand on Deanna's arm. "Well I can tell!" She threw her hands up gesturing to the full trucks behind you, "I mean look at this, this is more than we expected" The smile that beamed on her face showed that she truly was in a joyful mood. But there was something else there, a slight hesitation in her eyes. There was something she wasn't saying.

"Dad!"

Before you could begin to question Deanna, Luke's sweet voice rang through out the air. Luke was jogging towards Tommy with a excited look on his face. Tommy's face lit up at the sight of his son, his eyes widening and a smile forming. Jace and Cecilia weren't far behind him also coming to give everyone a welcome and looking equally as ecstatic.

A sense of relief washed over you, all your worries and racing thoughts vanishing in that moment. Cecilia welcomed you and Nellie into a tight embrace, wrapping one arm around either of you. "I'm so glad you're okay" She planted a kiss on both you and Nellie's cheeks, earning a laugh from both of you.

Oh, Cecilia. Sweet sweet Cecilia with her dark brown curly hair, big emerald eyes, and dimples. She had been the one to offer to stay with Jace and Luke while the rest of you were away, she didn't like being on the road and fighting. Not that she couldn't do it because she could, you'd seen her. She just chose not to.

"We got these for you, we went over the walls...with Cecilia. I hope that was alright" Luke timidly handed you a bunch of wildflowers tied together by grass. "Ah haha! These look like the perfect ones" Your voice sweet and smooth giving Luke a wide smile, reassuring him that you weren't upset with them.

Luke was shy and stuttered when he'd talk but he was also the kindest and softest spoken person you knew. His brown curly hair and dimples in his pale cheeks added to his soft composure. Jace, on the other hand, was older, taller, and had lost most of his baby face. He still sported the signature curly brown hair. "Come here, sweet boys" It was your turn to embrace them both in a warm hug.

Neither of them were quite as tall as you yet but Jace seemed to be getting there. Most days it seemed like you were eye level with him.

"Did you get your father some?" Glancing over at Tommy, he held up his bunch of flowers. His were shades of blues, greens, and whites. While the bunch Nellie and you were given we're shades of white, purple, and yellow.

"Boys"

You had forgotten Deanna was there, getting too wrapped up in your conversation.

"Why don't you help unload the trucks? I’ll go grab you guys notepads so you can help" Deanna meant well, she always did but you and Tommy expressed that you didn't want Jace or Luke in any of the dirty work the rest of the group did. They're children, they deserved to be children. They had already been through enough. But they still had responsibilities around Alexandria and training. You looked at Tommy for approval who gave you a nod. "Walk with me Y/n"

So you did. Walking side by side. Some days you felt like you towered over Deanna because of her small height. If someone saw you walking together they would think you were in charge, not her.

"Is there something you wanna tell me?"

"We brought in a group" She didn't miss a beat, as if she was waiting for you to begin questioning her.

"What?" You stopped dead in your tracks at the bottom of the steps to the pantry, she had already made it to the top of the steps with her foot in the door when she turned around and smiled at you. "Yeah a group of 15" She disappeared into the pantry "Of what ?!" You were hot on her tail, stomping your way up the stairs and swinging open the door but you still muttered a polite hello to Olivia as you passed her.

Deanna sighed and turned to face you. "This is their third day here, Aaron tracked them for a week to make sure they could be trusted" She tried to reassure you but it wasn't working. That was a big group. Bigger than your group. "Deanna that's a lot of people, you don't know them."

She ignored you, turning her attention to a stack of memo books. The memo books were used to count and write down everything that was brought into Alexandria from trips. Everything was documented and accounted for so if anything was stolen or taken out, it would be known. She picked up a black one and blue one, along with 2 black pens.

"We need the man power Y/n. I appreciate everything your family has done for Alexandria but its too much and you know that. The entire group was gone for 2 weeks, what if something had happened? No one was here to protect Alexandria. You need the weight off your shoulders and I need it off mine."

You knew deep down she was right. Your group held all the responsibility in Alexandria, they relied on you. Even though most of them hated you, the ones that listened to all the gossip at least. Deanna could see the mixture of doubt and worry on your features, the way your eyebrows crinkled and your lips turned to a frown. "Go home, get cleaned up, i'll be waiting at mine and we can talk more, alright?"

"Alright."

[slxsherwriter]

Damnation as a Saving Grace

Fandom: 31

Pairing: Doom-head x female reader

Word Count: 2,725

Warnings: Cursing, mentions of death and murder

Author's note: So, due to life circumstances, Nano didn't go the way I wanted it. My final word count for the month ended up 12,666. I'm not disappointed with that by any means. This fic ended up being mostly written within the month. I added the last 600 words today. My first shot at writing Doom. I purposely left his lovely, wordy, wanting to seem educated way of speaking out for the time being due to the circumstances. There will be a continuation, and he gets to show off there ;)

The ache and pains that plagued your body were all shoved in the back of your mind, not present as the beat of your heart seemed to keep time with the slam of your feet against the concrete. Your own personal hell. Words had never been more true than when they had been spoken by whoever the hell was running this sick and twisted game. They weren't the focus though either. If you survived, then maybe you would dedicate some time to figuring out who the hell these people were and why they did what they did. If there was a why. But now, when you were trying to find a place to make your last stand, was not the time to narrow down your focus to those that didn't matter. 

After a while, the makeshift prison started to look all the same. Something that you knew wasn't true given the few places that you had moved through. It was the panic speaking. And panic was a surefire pathway straight to death. Calming yourself down was easier said than done, of course, but if you wanted to make it out of here alive, you had to force it. 

Finding a small space to squeeze that seemed like it would serve as a decent hiding spot for the few moments that you would need it, you forced your body into the space. As quietly as you could, slow, deep breaths were taken in an attempt to slow down the way that you were sucking down air. Think. You had to think. 

Without weapons, you were at a bigger disadvantage. Already, you lacked knowledge of your location compared to whoever it was that they had coming after you. Lacking a weapon just left  you far more vulnerable than if you could at least defend yourself with something. If you could manage to get an attack in. A big if. This newest guy? The one that you hadn't seen yet? He moved real god damn quiet. Unlike the other Heads that had hunted you down, it didn't seem like he liked to play by taunting and building anticipation and terror. It was far more methodical and controlled. The three people that had made it with you through to the final three hours had been picked off one by one. Without warning and without the pomp and show that you had encountered up until then. Which made it that much more terrifying. You only knew it was a man when your friend had taken the chance to shout out loudly as he had died. 

"Fuck, fuck, fuck," you murmured gently to yourself, squeezing your eyes shut. "Think…" A sneak attack would give you the best advantage but how did you sneak attack someone that was practically a ghost? And what were you going to use? A pipe? Could you get something off of the wall without making a lot of sound? It was a thought, one that you might have to seriously entertain and take the risk of with such limited options. There wasn't any scrap metal laying around that you could use. For likely being an abandoned area, it was surprisingly well maintained. Likely for the very reason you were looking around if the people running this game were as smart as they had seemed so far.

"Pipe it is." You glanced up and cocked your head. Could you manage to get up that high? A drop down point would be an even better sneak attack. He would be less prepared to anticipate it. At least you hoped that would be the case. And a reaction to that sort of attack might be a little slower, giving you a proper chance to actually cause a little damage. Maybe enough to incapacitate him enough to get away and get out. A fresh wave of determination came over you, washing away the doubt and the worry. It was your best chance, and if it worked out, you would be able to get out of here. It was all you wanted. Plan in mind. You just had to figure out how it was that you were getting up there and quickly. There was no telling where he was. If he was watching, well, your entire element of surprise would be ruined. 

It was a struggle, but you managed to find a small perch that was relatively inaccessible from any sort of high walkway or ladder. It had taken far more time than you would have liked, but the drop down was directly below. Your arms were screaming, muscles burning with the effort that you had needed to exert to get to your spot. Enough so that you were worried about being able to swing the pipe that you had pried off of the wall. Given that it was likely your only chance to get a whack in and escape, you were going to have to make due and give it your all. Survival demanded it. 

Again, you had to work on slowing your breathing. Every sound made seemed to echo in your ears, and the exertion had caused you to all but pant again. It felt like each sound you made was a bright, neon beacon hanging over your head, telling him exactly where to find you.

Straining to see anything in the dark or hear anything above your own breathing and beating heart, now it was a game of patience. Something that was incredibly difficult with the sense of anticipation that kept adrenaline pumping through your veins. The creaking and movement of the building in general was enough to send a shiver down your spine, spiking that adrenaline thinking that it was him who had found you. It was a horrid way to exist, ready to jump out of your skin at the slight sound, but you were going to make it through this. If not for anything other than to try and prove these fuckers wrong, to be able to shove it in their face. And maybe, just maybe, figure out how to get a little revenge for the friends that had died for their amusement. 

Steps. Careful, measured steps were coming down the hallway from your right. It was all wrong. He hadn't made that much noise up until now. It was almost as if he was purposeful in how he was walking to make sure that you were alerted to your presence. Set on edge, your hands tightened around the cool metal, eyes darting in both directions to see if it was some sort of trick. While things had been straightforward up until now, it didn't mean that they would stay that way. Maybe this was some method to get you to come out of hiding to play. You were sure that they didn't want anyone winning. Heaven forbid. That would cause an issue for their game. You were going to be that exception, though. You were going to survive this.

Nothing. Just the sounds of the careful steps. No man. The hair on the back of your neck stood. What was going on? There was still no appearance after a couple of moments, and it was all wrong. The pipe nearly slipped from your hand as you adjusted your grip, trying to keep your breathing as slow and steady as you possibly could. The steps faded away, but the feeling of urgency and danger did not go away. It heightened instead, the overwhelming feeling of dread just seeping in deeper and deeper. Eyes were on you. You could swear that you felt them, but it would be impossible. Shit. Stay still. You had to stay still. Movement would alert him to where you were. It had to be what he wanted, to draw you out, make you panic, get you running around without a game plan. That would just make you easier prey. 

So, you waited. As difficult as it was. Seconds passed in long, drawn out ticks of the clock, making it feel more like minutes for every second. But finally, finally, the lanky frame came into view. Just barely silhouetted against the light, the footsteps were near silent. That let you know the initial thought you had about the audible steps before had likely been right. They had been a purposeful decision meant to draw you out. He hadn't found you. There was a chance that staying would let you win. A slim chance. Which was one that you weren't willing to take. These people couldn't let you live if you did manage to make it through the time limit that had been placed on the game. 

Timing was just off as you dropped down onto the man, catching his back and shoulder rather than knocking him completely off of his feet. You grunted as you swung the pipe with as much might as you possibly could before you stopped midswing. Blinking, you tried again but found the same result. You couldn't bring the pipe against his flesh. Frustration mounted, and the fact nearly made you cry. This couldn't be happening. The man turned and went to swing at you in retaliation during that second swing, but he seemed to have the same problem, the punch missing you by a mile.

"Fuck me…" He grunted as he tried swinging again before reaching for a blade. The blade swung by your face but didn't come close to catching any skin. Realization sunk in as you both seemed entirely incapable of harming the other. This had to be some part of the sick joke that was being played on you. There was only one reason that someone couldn't harm another. Soulmates. This fucked up nightmare had just become worse. Maybe having him kill you would have been the better sort of end game. 

The pipe dropped from your hand, and you took a step back, but it was the furthest distance that you could manage. Something stopped another movement backward. He was simply staring at you, an unreadable look overtaking his features. An emotion that you couldn't place. Did you even want to? Christ, what did you do with this situation? It wasn't like the two of you could sit down and talk about this like normal people. He had been just ready to run you through with his switchblades, and you had been ready to bash his head, or really any part of his body that you could reach. 

"Don't move," he growled out and lifted the blade in his hand, using it to simply point at you this time. "You fucking understand?" You were torn between listening and ignoring the demand that had been made. Just because he couldn't harm you didn't mean that there wasn't others and that he wouldn't be going to get them. Another step back resulted in a rather aggressive sound being released from the man.

"You think I'm going to listen to you?" Your voice came out stronger than you thought it would, giving yourself a mental pat on the back for that. If your voice had come out shaky, you would have felt even worse than you were right now.

"Yeah, you fucking are." He moved closer, that distance that you had established vanished with two quick strides by the man. There was no stopping the wince that came. Logically, now you knew he couldn't hurt you. That didn't stop the emotional and a primal part of your brain reacting to the very real threat that was still perceived. Distance would help you feel more comfortable, as comfortable as one could get in such a situation. That also led to better observations, better decisions, and better outcomes. Swallowing hard, you found yourself nodding in agreement. Just because you agreed didn't mean that you would do it. Figuring that your best course of action would be to follow behind him, hopefully unseen, you had to appear obedient before making the attempt.

"Good. Now, stay fucking put and I'll be right back." One last inspection was given to you before he turned heel and began back down the hallway. You waited just a few moments, listening closely as the steps just began to fade away before you.made your move. The entire maze was disorienting but he made enough sound by the slimmest of margins for you to be able to follow. Was it a safe assumption to think that he would be moving to some sort of exit? Maybe and maybe not. Time would be the only way to tell. 

Ahead, the sound of a door being opened echoed out. Well, that spoiled a lot, but it didn't exactly signal a complete end to the spying idea. If you got lucky and the door stayed open. Given how the night had gone, maybe you had used up all of the luck that a person was allowed in a lifetime. But, the risk was well worth the reward.

There was a sliver of light guiding the way, hinting where the almost invisible door was. If you weren't trying to stay quiet, you would have cursed, violently and loudly. That was how these fuckers were slipping around unnoticed. Of course. Nothing to be done with that information now. Rather pointless to focus on it when the important bit was the murmured voice on the other side of the door. For a moment, you thought that there might have been more than one. Straining to hear, eyes closed and leaned as far forward as you cod be without giving yourself away, you realized it was only one. His. Low enough that it was nearly impossible to fully make out each word but the timber of the voice that had just sent shivers down your spine was now unmistakable. Only every second or third word was caught. 

He most certainly was talking about you. But was he talking to anyone? Those sick fucks running the thing were clearly watching so he could have some way to communicate without their voices being heard by others. Right? Maybe. Your fingers, weak and injured from the long night, couldn't keep their grasp on the wall, causing you to loudly stumble forward, actually falling right to your knees by the door. Well, that certainly would alert him that you hadn't stayed put like demanded and promised. 

The door ripped open, and there he stood, eyes wide and alight with anger. 

“Told you to stay the fuck put!” The words came out in a growl as he swiftly reached down and grasped your arm, yanking you upward. “Dumb fucking bitch.” Off balance, the pull that he gave towards rhe room that he was in had you stumbling again, barely able to keep to your feet. You didn't know what was going through his head but he was leading you somewhere and you were far too exhausted at this point to give much more of a fight. If this was the end, so be it. 

After a few minutes, you noticed that you didn't hear any other sounds. No voices, no pipes banging, no hissing of steam. It was far more quiet than any other section of the hell maze had been. That piqued your interest just a little bit. Either he was taking you somewhere private to kill you or…

The possibility sparked that survival instinct once more, and your eyes moved to the tall man that was just ahead of you, jerking you around by the ironclad grip he had on your wrist. Could he possibly be getting you out of here?

“You say a word, I'll change my mind about it all. One fucking word and I'll happily give you to to those two clown brothers.” The words were final and for once, you decided that it was best to listen to what you were being told. It seemed that maybe, your luck hadn't run out entirely. You didn't know what this meant or what his ultimate plans were for you. Maybe you were better off dying but it was an unknown and one that you weren't willing to chance. “Rich old fucks are gonna end up taking half my fucking pay for this shit…” Getting outside served better for you to have the chance to escape anyway. Following your twisted, psychotic soulmate was the only path forward that you saw. Hopefully it would work out. 

[b1gtimerush]

russian doll (season one) dialogue prompts from the first season of netflix's russian doll.

sweet birthday baby!

are you having fun?

do, uh… do ladies have midlife crises?

aren't you a little young for a midlife crisis?

it's my bad attitude that keeps me young.

you all right?

being a feline lover is not and has never been sad.

i thought you were a real sick fuck, but i see you're pretty deep, actually.

what's up with you?

have we met before?

the universe is trying to fuck with me, and i refuse to engage.

are you gonna tell me what's going on?

you know, your friends can't help you if you don't let them.

you're not helping me at all. you're sabotaging me.

will you help me out with something?

uh, i think i might be losing it, like i'm going crazy.

you will not be alone, okay?

thursday. what a concept!

buildings aren't haunted. people are.

did you kill someone?

i think we have something really, really good. and it's worth pursuing.

he goes, "you're using them as a distraction from the abyss," but he's wrong, because you are the abyss.

i want to cut your hair.

i'll never understand why you're being nice to me.

i think i finally figured out a little something about how this world works.

hey, man. didn't you get the news? we're about to die.

stop playing these mind games.

this is the problem. you're always trying to fix every little thing.

i… i can't do this anymore.

how could you do this to me?

i can… i… i can do it by myself. i can.

no one can do anything by themselves.

you showed up and everything has gone off.

from what i gather, we are in this together.

you're an asshole.

why do you think this is happening to us?

i love that you're a cunt. it makes me feel morally superior.

for my birthday, tell me if i'm a bad person.

nobody chooses me. i'm the hole where a choice should be.

you want me to feel guilty? well, i don't.

i don't want to be attached to anyone.

people thinking that i'm crazy is one of my biggest fears.

sometimes hail marys are the best marys we've got.

you ever been married, engaged?

i think i'm meant to be alone.

not many people could go through what we are going through.

how do you know that you're real?

we… we need each other. i need you. you need me.

look. i am sorry that i yelled at you for just trying to be a nice person, okay?

i just… i do not want to do this alone.

you are the most selfish person i have ever met.

thank you for changing my life.

i love you. i mean that in the truest sense.

no matter how much we think we're fooling people, our bodies… they can't keep lying the way that our minds can.

for years, i've just been… i've just been hollow.

i thought if i kept my head down, did everything right... this aching, gnawing feeling of being an absolute failure would just… would just go away.

i don't know why i'm alive.

life is like a box of timelines. you feel me?

i'm convinced our true purpose is to to connect with each other, if not help save each other's lives.

[yahoodarling]

This is my first time requesting and uhh- Yandere!Al Haitham with also a yandere!male reader bc my current brainrot is yandere!male readers with add in handcuffs or even simple tied up to the bed al haitham- ehehe

Aww honey, thank you for trusting me to be your first <3

I wasn't sure if you'd want smut or anything so i just kept it SFW and focusing on the build up. Shout if you want something more nsfw, i only write it for requests that clearly ask for it. Anywho~

Yandere!AlHaitham X Yandere!Male Reader

Warnings: Yandere themes such as stalking, restraints and sedation

Al Haitham was a calculated man. He was always ten steps ahead of everyone else and with that came the freedom to control most aspects in his life. He was rather spoiled because of this, always eventually getting what he wanted, never stopping until he achieved his goal whether that be a research topic, information from others or even to have you in his grasp. He covered all his bases, never seeming suspicious, never revealing the fact that deep down he craved your attention and touch in his life. This was Al Haitham, the emotionless, stern genius scribe of the academia, why would he bother himself with being obsessed over someone or partaking in something so trivial as a crush?  That was the image he put out of himself to deter anyone from finding out the true rooted nature he had. He was anything but emotionless. Every time he caught a glimpse of your figure his mind flooded with thoughts, every time he saw you with someone he deemed ‘too close’ anger and frustration would bloom and every time you spared a moment of your time to talk with him hope, love, infatuation overtook his senses.  He believed he understood all there was to you, enough that he could control you. He only waited for the perfect time to stage out his flawless plan.

You thought Al Haitham was smarter than this. Really, for being known as a genius he was acting so obvious. To have his gaze on you was exhilarating, even more was knowing you took his full attention. You couldn't help but inwardly laugh as you felt Al Haitham fume at the sight of you talking to a fellow scholar. He was always somehow in a shadow near you and you loved it. It was rather cute to see Al Haitham develop an obsession for you, much like the one you had for him, however you were much better at keeping your interest unnoticed. You'd play Al Haithams game, let him follow you, let him make up reasons to talk to you and even allowed him to intrude on your private spaces, the recording device that sat in your room linked to his Akasha Terminal, the missing items of clothing or even allowing him to chase away people in your life. You knew he was doing this all and let him be, actinging innocent and unknowing while soaking in depravity and feasting on the obsession he gave you. When Al Haithams eyes weren't on you yours were on him. You felt rather proud, between the two of you you knew you were the more love sick individual. Al Haitham liked to watch you sleep? Well, not once had he broken into a house at the dead of night, loomed over a sleeping figure and studied their body with soft touches, whispering sweet words of encouragement and filthy praise like you had to him. You didn't need to try to force yourself into Al Haithams life, he eagerly did that for you.

“And what are your plans now?” Al Haitham spoke to you as you both sat enjoying a lunch out. 

“I'm not sure. Now that I've finished this task I don't know what to start with. I've been so busy it's weird to be free like this.” You played along

“I see.” Al Haitham nodded 

This was the perfect time to rile him up a little.

“I did have this one idea though.” Al Haitham perked his head in interest. “I think it would be rather fun to join the traveler on one of their adventures for a while. Maybe that will spark a new idea.”

To the average person they'd see Al Haitham and simply assume he was thinking about how valid your idea was but you knew you caused panic within him. If you left to travel it would be a lot harder for him to monitor you without being caught. You could only wonder how he was going to try to deter you from going.

“Don't you think that is rather fruitless? I recall my time with them and I'll say that they tend to focus on their own journey and don't like being disturbed. I think you'd find more success in getting inspired by revisiting an old concept you've had or perhaps starting a hobby rather than just involving yourself into someone else's life, maybe relaxing at home for a while. You have just completed a major task, give yourself time to recover”

How amusing, his desperation was so adorable you just wanted to reach over to him and hold him tight against you.

“That would be best wouldn't it?” you slumped in your seat. The twinkle of victory in Al Haithams eyes were anything but subtle as he cocked a smile.

“I would say so, yes.”

Al Haithams heart raced like crazy against his chest. He can't allow you to leave, he can't risk it so he finally made up his mind to bring you home with him and keep you there. Late evening in Sumeru City and you were preparing for bed, he could tell as he watched through the recording device as you settled down in your sheets and read a book in dim light. With him Al Haitham carried a light sedative just to make moving you easier and some rope in case he needed it. The prospect of treating you like he always wished drugged his mind as he found it hard to concentrate on camouflaging his actions. Getting into your house was easy and once he was inside he had to focus himself on his goal and not to be tempted into taking in your living space, all your decor and the smell of you imbedded in the house. Perhaps he will make a return trip and gather a few of your things to bring back and make your new home, his house, more comfortable. Soon he was at your room, leaning behind the door and peering into the room through the slight gaps where the door attached to the wall. He will be quick, the sooner he gets you sedated the less struggle you would make and easier it will make it for the both of you. He can't just run in though, that will scare you. Perhaps the power of confusion will buy him enough time to get close to you. Casually he walked through the door and into your room.

Of course you looked surprised suddenly seeing him in your house but since he was a friend rather than fear you looked deeply confused.

“Al Haitham? What- What are you doin-”

He kept walking up close, hiding the rope and sedative behind his back.

“I just had something urgent to tell you, it can't wait.'' He was now a step away from the bed.

“Oh? What may that be-!!”

Al Haitham quickly leaned over, attempting to grasp your arm, however, he never knew you were prepared, he never knew you wouldnt be so dumb as to let him take control.

Quickly you pushed the vial to the side and shoved the man onto your bed as you lent into a gap next to your bed, took hold of the handcuffs you kept there and immediately restrained him onto the bed frame. You took the rope he dropped and got on tying down the rest of his limbs while it was Al Haithams turn to be left in confusion. It happened so quickly. From being in control to being tied down in an instant.

You stood up off the bed, breathing roughly and just taking in the sudden change of mood. Excitement pooled in you, absolute glee flooded your veins as you needed a moment to recover from such an amazing feeling. You knew someday Al Haitham would attempt to kidnap you so you always kept a pair of handcuffs at your bedside and finally they were getting some use. 

“That was amazing!” you sang and looked at the man restrained in YOUR bed. “Haha, you can't imagine how long I've been waiting for this!” you knelt on the bed and sat yourself over this chest looking down on him and taking in the sight of his face up so close and awake. You held his cheekbones and caressed them with your thumbs, feeling over his pale skin and reveling in the feeling. You leaned down and gave his head a quick kiss, before pulling back and resting your forehead against his.

“You've made me the happiest man alive Al Haitham. Thank you! Thank you for feeding my love like this.”

He didnt know how to respond. On the one hand he was scared, not expecting this from you and being unable to move or resist and yet on the other you were giving him your full attention which he craved for. It was a mix of revelation and love he didn't know how to respond to. You traced his chest crevice with your hands and slowly calmed down. You wanted nothing more but to collapse and lay next to him and just adore him.

“You know, I think you were wrong today. I don't think it is me that needs a break, perhaps it is you.” You lay down beside him and brought his head in your arms to your chest where you gently threaded your fingers through his hair. “You've been thinking so hard and so much, don't you think its time to just be looked after by someone else? Let someone else do the thinking and you can just enjoy what you love.” Al Haitham finally gave into you, closed his eyes and hummed against you in agreement. 

“It's getting late my dear.” You said hushed “We can discuss this further in the morning.’ You pulled an extra cover over the two of you and switched off the last remaining light. The feeling of being next to the man you loved so dearly was euphoric and you'd do anything in your power to keep it so.

Perhaps Al Haitham will willingly stay with you and never leave your hold or perhaps you'd need to keep him tied onto your bed for the rest of your time. Personally, you liked that idea more but those things can be addressed in the morning. All that mattered was that you were happy and he was where he belonged. You both got the love you crave so dearly for

[ruisutea]

Why can't you love me back? - Capitano ft. Dottore

"You still love [REDACTED], huh..? "

...

Capitano x gn!reader

Angst - gore

CW - implied kidnapping, Stockholm syndrome(?), manipulation, mentions of dead loved ones(s/o), mentions of forced marriage, mentions of needles(or just dottore test subject), OOC(possibly), possible abuse, Capitano and you we're friends, one-sided love. Lmk if I missed any!

How long has this been going on now? You seemed to not recall.

Sitting in a fully equipped room, with a warm bed, and comfortable clothes.

And yet, it is still cold.

You are cold.

He is cold.

And everything that has happened, is cruel and cold. Life seemed to show you no sympathy, even after finding someone to devote your life to. Here you are now, chained to a room that is not yours.

Perhaps this is the consequences of befriending him? He was the one who did this, or in his eyes, you who dug your hole into this.

As your mind was Cluddered with thoughts, you hear the door open. Revealing a large shadow, him, with barely any light from behind.

"Y/n, my dear" he calls out.

You do not respond.

"You can't always act like this"

His voice was stern and cold, anyone could believe with such a stern voice he would be upset. Yet he breaks slightly at your refusal.

"Why won't you look at me?"

You don't dare to move an inch, not wanting to look at your captor, all that fills you when he comes by is disgust, hatred and confusion.

The silence is loud, he only sighs and closes the door walking towards your hunched figure.

"Y/n, I don't want to be your enemy, I just want to love you. Is that so hard to understand? This world, the people, that person you call your fiance aren't as safe as you may think. "

Every word he spat out made you feel sick, always the same excuse. How dare he say such things and calling it corrupt! He's been the one who forced you here, away from your lover, away from the life you had.

"You're so selfish.. " you muttered out, drops of tears slowly running down your cheeks.

You try to keep your composer, but soon you were only just a muttering and crying fool.

"Y/n.."

He held you, tightly. As if he wanted to take out all the air, and even if he would, you'd let him. Death was your only hope, no matter how many times you escaped him, you would always find yourself in the same room with needles and some medical supplies at the side.

"O-off!! Get away from me! " you yelled, squirming around trying to loosen his grip from you.

"Don't you understand Capitano!? I don't love you, I'm already married why can't you move on and be happy for me!? "

Your voice was strained, wanting to say no more, a bit of shock and worrying washed over you.

You said too much.

And his patience had already run thin through your little games. And hearing such words from his one and only.

Before you could do anything, his hands gripped your own, harshly. It hurts. "This is what I mean when I tell you the world is corrupt. "

His frustration making him tighten his grip even more, as if it wasn't enough. He doesn't have anymore time for such games and rejection.

"Y/n why can't you give me the same amount of love that I give to you!? "

His voice echoes through the room.

"I have killed people for you, saved you, helped you, did everything for you. Why can't you see that I'm the one for you?" He continues.

As he stares at you from his armor, more tears begin to drop. Your hands, they feel so numb.

Before you could say a word, he let's go. Standing back up and fixing his posture, he turns away from you.

As he reaches to the door, although not looking back. He once utters a small sentence.

"I hope the next time we meet, you will love me. I'll be sure to ask the Doctor to come help you realize that. "

Jolting up, you run close to the door before Capitano could close it. But it's too late.

"Wait, I'm sorry! Please come back! Please! I-Ill do anything I swear I don't wanna go back there please!-"

The door slams closed, stopping your beggings to continue.

"No, no no no.. " you mutter, hoping, praying he would spare you some sympathy.

But at the end of the day, it will always be the same.

"I advise you next time, y/n, you should be more careful with your words. "

You awake from slumber, a harsh ping hits your head like a person wakening from drinking so much.

With your blurry vision, you look around to see the same lab once more.

"Your very lucky though, " the man continues, to who you know as the doctor.

"If I was your, captor, you'd already be dead" he says, an eerie smile creeps back up.

"Or perhaps, another fine specimen" he adds, before pointing to the person in the large tube floating around a mix of chemicals.

You head turns to see what he's pointing to, only to see your fiance there, with parts of their skin unattached, to where you could not pin point.

You were out of words, and even if you had the courage to speak at that moment, only a sob would come out of your mouth.

If only this was a dream.

It was just quiet until the Damslette came in, letting you come back to reality.

"Good afternoon, doctor" her voice, although angelic, you knew from the others she's quite the deceiver.

"And to what do I owe the pleasure to see you? Ms. Damslette? " They both have a small chat as if it's a normal thing to see a person in pain, and a body afloat.

"Just some stuff to give to you for your, " she pauses, "experiment."

"If it's just that, you should have let my segments take care of such trivial matters. " dottore says, they continue of their small talk.

As they continue, nothing of what they say has quite the interest. You stare at your lovers body, guilt washes over you.

"They never deserved this" you thought.

Your thoughts were only snapped back again when you hear your name being said.

"I will make sure of that" dottore says, letting the women to nod and leave the lab.

Hearing the door close, Dottores back still facing you from the distance, you hear him talk to you again.

"Do you hear that y/n? Your getting married. Sad to say that I won't be seeing you for a while, you were a good test subject, would've been better if you stopped screaming.. " he mutters the last part, before walking off somewhere else in the room.

Likes and reposts are appreciated. Please do not repost any works of mine to any other platform.

[an-honest-puck]

Prompocalypse (Ep. 16) highlights and viewing notes because I don’t have the time to liveblog while watching but I do have thoughts that I will complete some other time lol

spoilers ahoy!!!

nothing like the power of a teen girl/tiefling's catty sarcasm to completely undermine a villain's monologue (shoutout to the d20 sound crew for the perfect music and timing on that one!!)

Gorgug learns about a new way of disarming people: kissing them

"Stop outing students!"

"I'M GAY NOW WOO"

Lou turning his adding-up-dice-humming into the first notes of 'Amazing Grace' that Zac immediately picks up on and starts swaying along

Brennan's gentle "yeah" when Siobhan admits to having a question that will be bad for the party, but also that she wants to play the game right

even more spoilery spoilers below!

Lou giving Siobhan a thumbs up after the above question

the fact that Goldenrod finds the need to justify to a bunch of teenagers that he's attacking this student because he's just an evil demon and not because said student is gay

Riz yelling "HOMOPHOBE!" at an honest-to-goodness dragon

"To be clear, I am very socially liberal; I am fiscally conservative!" + everyone's reaction to that (shoutout to Zac's very judgemental head tilt XD)

Brennan saying "I am a libertarian!" in Goldenrod's 'teacher' voice and then growling it again straight afterwards, as if Goldenrod just remembered he was a big-ass dragon XD

not Beardsley's "So convenient for you!" lmaoooo

Goldenrod: What? Everyone should be free to do what they want. I should be free to collect gold and destroy, and you should be free to try and run away! This is a cultured political philosophy!

Ally/Kristen: I'm down from hearing that [and not from his actual attack XD]

Brennan: *describing the gnarly metal music Gorgug's listening to*

Zac: *drops his dice*

"Ooh, beignets!"

the little grin on Brennan's face when he rolls the dice and then A WILD JAWBONE APPEARS!!!!!!!!!!

Jawbone hugs!!!!!! 😭

Jawbone: Y'understand me?

Adaine: No!

Jawbone's monologue about panic attacks which is too much to unpack here and is basically a whole post in and of itself

Brennan: *mentions Tracker*

Ally/Kristen: Tracker!

Jawbone: I CAME HERE TO FUCK SHIT UP and help children

"Jawbone rules! I'm so glad we helped get his life together"

Introducing, Jawbone: Not a Healer, but a healer of the mind and the soul uwu

Adaine (but mostly Siobhan lol): I would love to do an arcana check... on this absolute fucking unit

Adaine just double flipping off an honest-to-goodness dragon

Kalvaxus: Aren't you supposed to be some kind of high-falutin' elf?

Adaine: I'm a child. You are attacking a bunch of children, you coward.

Fig: Be careful, Adaine; he has a taste for the young ones

Adaine: I have a mental illness and that's fine!

Kalvaxus: Alright, let's not turn this into a fucking PSA after-school special bullshit

Emily's big brain idea to seal Kalvaxus to be the next lunchlad and promote Gilear to be the new VP

Lou's sick-of-Brennan's-shit "Is it [Kalvaxus's] turn?"

Kalvaxus, an honest-to-goodness dragon and the Emperor of the Red Waste: Teens are so mean!

Kristen, mockingly: "Stop making fun of me!"

Adaine: Yeah well at least we're not ugly!

Adaine's happy bobbing!!!!! :DD

"This medicine is great! :D"

Gorgug's Nat 20 (!!!) to summon GORTHOLAX!!!!!

"IT'S TIME TO SHRED, BABY!!!"

Penelope, dying: All I wanted to be- was queen :'((

Kristen: We know!!

Beardsley trying to figure out how to flip someone the middle finger when they only have 4 digits

Riz/Murph, despondent that he can't roll anything higher than a ten. Everyone else: "You can!"

"Should've gotten silver fillings, bitch!!"

"Man, when I grow up, I wanna be a guidance counsellor!" - Adaine

Fabian's "a-HA!"

the strangest bit of improv when the tables are turned and Siobhan makes Brennan improv something coming out of her character's Jacket of Useful Things ("I open up my Jacket of Useful Things and I say 'I need something that will beat Kalvaxus' and I put my hand in a pocket and I pull out...?) only for Brennan to pull out the whole goddamn lore for the jacket XD

Ally: Can I roll for a nat 20 and then be alive?

Brennan's famous last words: Uh, sure, go for it.

Ally/Kristen: This is to the corn god. I know I left for a while but-

[Brennan.exe has stopped functioning]

Brennan: *flabbergasted and now rapidly figuring out how the fuck to figure this out*

Riz/Murph: Praise be to Helio!!!

Fabian/Lou: He-li-o! He-li-o!

BONUS EPISODE UNLOCKED, BABYYYYYY

[the-sleepy-conductor]

Ok this has been sitting in my mind for a little over a year bc I'm still trying to piece it all together but I offer you: Submas OneShot AU

MAJOR SPOILERS FOR THE ENTIRETY OF ONESHOT DOWN BELOW

Of course Ingo is the one to get sent to the OneShot world with the task from Arceus to return that world's sun. But of course the Entity tells the player that their only mission should be returning Ingo home, and ignore Arceus' orders.

As Ingo travels throughout the world, he meets many different people on his journey. I'm still trying to figure out which Hisuian characters should take the role of which OneShot characters but still.

And just like the game, there's beds scattered throughout the world in hidden rooms for Ingo to nap. In the game, Niko has dreams about their mother, but with this, Ingo has dreams about Emmet. (I forgot to mention there's no amnesia here) So whenever he wakes up he talks to the player about things back home and different things about Emmet. And yes he'll end up crying from homesickness and missing Emmet at the cafe, if the player lets him eat.

Once he's in the Tower, that's when the Entity will interfere and warn them that Arceus doesn't care what happens to Ingo. Arceus wants Ingo to save the world though the Entity still seeks termination. While traversing the World Machine's maze, the Entity will explain that if Ingo were to shatter the sun, the world would cease to exist and he could go home back to Emmet, which is all the Entity really wants for him. But if he returns the sun atop of the Tower like Arceus wanted, there's no telling what will happen to him. He would either die or end up trapped in the world with all his memories of Emmet.

Ingo becomes distressed once the player reveals that information while in the elevator. He feels sick to his stomach, not wanting to kill an entire world just to see his brother again, but at the same time his heart is breaking at the thought of never going home.

And then there's the famous Return The Sun or Return Home choice that the player has to make, because Ingo is so torn that he's starting to shut down.

But it doesn't end there! I'm of course adding the Solstice ending into this, because we can't have unhappy endings like that! I'm still figuring out how it all plays out but Ingo does eventually encounter the Entity in the World Machine and speaks with Arceus as well. Ingo convinces the Entity to keep going for everyone's sake, and talks with Arceus to see if there's a way it can help the Entity remember its broken code for a good ending.

And that good ending comes. Ingo is able to return the sun and keep the world alive, and he gets to say his final goodbyes as he is transported home. The player can see Ingo running off towards Emmet, and excitedly tells his brother about the adventure he just went on.

Also, old art of when I first thought of this:

So yeah I'm not exactly cooking but I thought I'd throw this out here bc it's rotting my brain.

[luvring]

SAGE'S BIRTHDAY

gn!reader | haiii. it's been so long since i wrote for ll i'm pretty sure i'd commit the worst mischaracterization crimes i've ever committed Ever if i tried to write a oneshot but. happy birthday sage ^___<

I'm Incredibly hazy on lore so i have modern au in mind but if it's accurate to the game pretend i didn't say this.

for someone who loves partying, i don't imagine sage is someone who'd tell you about his birthday. he doesn't feel very enthusiastic about it.

but You? he knows you. he knows you'd put something together after finding out. and in notorious sage lesath fashion, he's teetering between wanting that, wanting you and letting himself be cared for, versus going about the day as usual because why put in all that effort? he's content the way things are anyway

one of the others would mention it in passing if you didn't ask yourself. no one voices their opinions on how sage didn't tell you. it isn't unexpected. the conversation instead immediately moves on to what you should do for it

like,, is a bar too obvious. does it feel too shallow? where else could you all go. In my mind this is just a house party but do what you will. you have to be careful with planning a surprise because he Will catch on, especially the week or so leading up to the day. tulsi is definitely a huge help btw. oh tulsi. (said with longing and nostalgia)

ohhh my god him sitting while everyone sings happy birthday. he doesn't get to stop you before you decide to tease him with the very first note, hands ready to start clapping. he rolls his eyes, but he's smiling and not moving to touch the food before you finish anyway

! not totally sure what present(s) i would choose but he's definitely getting a heartfelt card with a few silly jokes that would be written with so much love and care that he'd keep and read it randomly and be overwhelmed by emotion. and then maybe a funny shirt. a sick fucking sword.

!! put a little party hat on him. idc. i will make sure he wears one. if you wear a matching one it's a little easier.

party activities... of course there's talking about past parties. love a little drama and gossip. perhaps truth or dare. someone that isn't even You ends up promising to do His chores for a week ? not sure how that will go but everyone knows where your spare key is now.

PHOTOS :( chaotic photos... group photo around the cake... there's one of sage trying to do a cartwheel for some reason. someone tried to take a selfie with the camera but it was held up way too close and the flash definitely hurt their eyes (it was sage and anisa together while trying to figure out why it wasn't taking a photo.) a photo of rime fighting off people trying to put a hat on him

photo of sage and tulsi copying a photo from when they were younger 😂😂😂 i can't breathe. i can't bre

sage keeps using the fact that he's the birthday boy as leverage / reasoning btw. you're like For someone who didn't even mention his birthday, you sure are welcoming it now. and he's like ? of course. you have to take advantage of the opportunities given to you. < felix is currently, begrudgingly, sort of singing karaoke ?

and then there's the time you spend together alone

i would have reassured him / told him Not to read my letter at the party and to keep it for later. so while he's sitting in bed waiting for you (you forced him to stay away while you cleaned up some stuff because It's his birthday), he decides to read it. Oh man

sometimes he wonders if you're real

by the time you finish up and get into bed with him, sage is quieter and feeling vulnerable, the card put away in the night stand next to him to look at later. he thanks you for everything and your gift while holding you close.

he's always a little confused, stunned, that you'd choose to be with him. choose to stick by him despite all his problems, want to see him happy, love him to the extent that you do. but you whisper happy birthday one last time, pressing a kiss to his head while your fingers run through his hair, and sage thinks maybe he'll let it happen this time, and promises to himself to make it worth it. (and also that your next birthday will be a dream)

as i was writing this i imagined it of course as like, the First birthday you celebrate with him. but i think the years after, he'd let himself expect something and look forward to it more. especially if you promise to one-up yourself like okayyy intrigue. gonna make it a competition now ?

??? i still have my ll tag list but i don't know if it would be a jarring surprise to use it. or who'd still want a tag. um. if ur reading this tho Lmk what present u would get him. for research purposes. curiosity