#it is actively terrifying as it is exciting to have so many people's eyes on just you. to know without a doubt you are being watched

[danveration]

What if I told you I'm a mastermind? And now you're mine.

Parings: Dark!Creepy!Vox x GN!reader

Summary: Vox has a plan to finally make you his

Word count: 3145

Warnings: Stalking, obsession, manipulation, delusion, self-delusion, reader getting hypnotized by Vox against their will, mention of death, mentions of cannibalism (cannibal town), being watched while naked, reader being hurt by Vox physically

Part one

A/N: GUYS. I have a part 3 planned out but it’s REALLY fucking dark😭. Also, I was listening to the song “Mastermind” by Taylor Swift while writing this. (Hence the inspiration for the title)

Vox is getting impatient.

It’s been two weeks since he met you face to face. Two weeks since he gave you the laptop in which he’s been watching you through the webcam, and still all the cameras. Two weeks since you have been getting paranoid.

Ever since you’ve been using the laptop, you’ve noticed it’s been sparking with electricity whenever you use it. You kind of brushed it aside though because maybe this is normal for VoxTek technology.

But little did you know, it’s not normal. None of this is normal. Vox has been watching you and seeing what you browse on your laptop 24/7. He has had little no breaks. Valentino and Velvette have been giving Vox the side eye as of late, looking at him with pity/concern. He doesn’t care though, he just thinks they’re the crazy ones. This is completely okay and normal for him! How is it wrong? Nobody could prove him otherwise.

Vox must admit, seeing you face to face on the laptop camera other than angles from the cameras that are far away, is completely different. This is a millstone for him. He gets to admire you up close and take in every single detail of you. A couple days ago, you forgot to close your laptop that was on a table in your room, facing your bed. That was a fantastic day for Vox. He had a field day. He isn’t ashamed of what he did, he’s proud. He did it for you.

You’re currently sitting on your bed with your laptop, scrolling through Hell’s news feed. You’re bored, you want to do something but honestly there’s nothing much to do in Hell that doesn’t have a 90% death rate. You decide to close the laptop and go downstairs.

Vox is up. He’s been up. He had two cups of coffee beside him and he’s been awake for.. What is the hour now? He’s lost count. He just doesn’t want to miss something happening in your life! What if you wake up with a nightmare? What if bad people want to hurt you suddenly when you’re outside or asleep?? There’s so many things that could happen. He needs to be there and alert to protect you.

“Fuck sakes, Vox. You’re still on this? Clear your head, dummy!” Velvette says with a roll of her eyes.

“Shut up. My head is clear, Velvette. I’m as sane as I’d ever be!” He says.

“Uh huh.. sure. Whatever you say.” She says, walking away.

Vox shakes his head and chuckles. “People are crazy.”

He looks back up to his screen, watching you go downstairs.

You get downstairs and see that everyone is down here.

“Ah! Y/n! Goodmorning!” Charlie says with a smile.

“Morning, Charlie.” You say with a smile, waving.

“Good morning, dear!” Alastor says to you, while he’s sitting on a chair.

You look over to where he is. “Morning, Al!”

Vox’s eye twitches.

Angel and Husk are talking at the bar, and Niffty and Sir Pentious are talking. Well.. Niffty seems to be telling him something and he’s standing there in shock, looking terrified. Typical reaction for when Niffty is telling you something.

Vaggie is cleaning her spear in the lounge area, and Charlie is writing on a paper.

“Sooo, now that everyone’s here I have an announcement to make!” Charlie says, looking up from her paper. “Today.. We are doing group activities! Yay! Haha so, basically I had the great idea for all of us to go out on the town together and just spend time with one another. Doesn’t that sound fun?!” She says with excitement.

A day on the town. Honestly, that sounds nice. You’re bored out of your mind today so anything goes.

“Eehh.. I dunno. I had plans alrea-“ Angel starts but Charlie cuts him off.

“Oh come onnn! It’ll be fun, I promise!” Charlie says.

Everyone is silent so she takes that as a yes. “Alright! Great! Everyone meet here in an hour and off we go!”

You go upstairs to get dressed.

Vox listens intently to what Charlie says. A day on the town? He’s been racking his brain on how to talk to you in real life again. This may be just the thing! What if you two “accidentally” run into each other? Perfect. He notices that he’s not in the best physical state at the moment. He’s in sweat pants and a stained t-shirt. And he hasn’t showed in... A couple days. He has an hour to freshen up. He bolts out of the room to take a shower, brush his teeth, and put on his classic suit outfit.

You’re getting out of the shower and you pick out an outfit to wear. Fixing your appearance, you notice you left your laptop open again. Damn, you’ve got to get on closing that. It’ll lose its battery!

Vox steps out of the hot shower, looking at himself in the mirror. He winks at himself and goes to pick his suit outfit. After getting dressed and ready, he glances at the screen and sees you naked, about to get dressed.

“Fuck.” He says, eyeing you up and down. He feels he’s in a trance, which is ironic.

“All mine.” He whispers. Shaking his head quickly to gain composure, he sets off to go to the hotel. He will watch you guys from afar until you arrive somewhere where it’s likely where he’d be at too. Then, his mastermind plan will layout.

———————————————————————

You get downstairs and everyone is there, which is surprising. You’d expect at least Angel or Alastor to sneak off, not wanting to do this.

“Allriiggghht!! Let’s go.” Charlie says, walking to the entrance and opening the door for everyone.

“Where exactly are we going?” Angel says.

“Yeah, I’m not looking to walk no marathon.” Husk joins in.

“Wellll, I was thinking we’d just go to..” Charlie trails off. “Umm..”

“Charlie, do you even know where you’re taking us?” You say with a chuckle.

“Well…. Not yet. But! This isn’t about the destination. It’s about spending time together!” She says with a smile.

“I ssuppose you’re right.” Sir Pentious says.

Alastor’s ears twitch upwards and he says, “I have a marvelous idea! We could go to cannibal town! It’s truly a wonderful place. Remember, Charlie?” Alastor suggests.

“Hmm.. You know, that’s actually not a bad idea!” Charlie says.

Everyone gives them looks.

“Cannibal? As is.. Cannibal?” Sir Pentious says with shock.

“Ooohh..” Niffty laughs. “I’m SO excited!” She says, jumping up and down.

“Yeah! It’s not as bad as it sounds, I promise.” Charlie says with a smile.

“Whatever you think is best, babe.” Vaggie says, holding onto Charlie’s arm.

“Cannibal town it is!” Charlie says, leading the group.

———————————————————————

Vox is overhearing the conversation. “Cannibal town? Are you fucking kidding me?” He whispers, walking a safe distance away from you guys. Even simply seeing you exist is driving him crazy. You’re so perfect. “Cannibal town it is then. The things we do for love.” He chuckles to himself.

The way you walk is so memorizing to him. Look at you. He feels electricity spark around him, knocking over a electric pole next to him, making a loud noise.

“Shit.” He says, glancing in front of him, seeing you all stop for a moment, about to look back.

He quickly looks to his left and jumps out of the way. He waits a few seconds and then peaks out, seeing you all keep walking forward.

He sighs and goes back to following you.

What he didn’t notice was that Alastor was no longer with the group, instead, he teleported himself behind Vox. He notices, of course he does. He smiles to himself at the fact that he now has the upper hand, he has something to now hold over his head.

Teleporting back to the group, he glances over to Charlie.

“My dear, there it is!” He points.

“Ahh! Guys, we are here!” She says.

You all look around in shock. It’s actually.. Really nice there. Nicer than any place you’ve seen in Hell since you arrived. Everyone seems very polite.

Angel goes off to flirt with people, Husk looks around for the nearest bar, Charlie and Vaggie take pictures together, Sir Pentious is looking around paranoid, and Niffty is.. Where’s Niffty? Oh well, she’ll show up sooner than later. And Alastor is chatting with a lady. You think her name is Rosie? You saw her on an overload poster the other day.

You see a water fountain and go to sit by it.

Vox looks around. He’s pleasantly surprised. This isn’t the kind of place he’d choose to go, but it’s still not as bad as he thought it would be. He thought it would just be people violently eating and killing each other.

He sees you sitting on a bench beside a fountain, and walks up from behind.

You’re feeling kind of thirsty so you get up to go find the nearest store. Hopefully they sell things other than human remains.

Vox takes this as his chance, he walks swiftly beside you and then bumps into you on “accident.”

You jump and look to your side.

Vox..?

“Oh shit sorry!” He chuckles, looking up at you.

“Oh you’re.. Y/n, right?” He says with a charming smile.

“Yeah.” You chuckle awkwardly.

“You come here often?” He asks.

“To cannibal town? No, haha. Me and some friends are just visiting.” You explain.

“Ahhh.. I see, I see.” He stares at you in admiration.

You can’t help but feel weird around him. You’re not sure why. He seems like a nice guy, but.. There’s just something about him.

“Well..” You say. “I’ve got to get going.”

“Mind if I join you?” He says with a smile. “Wouldn’t want anyone eating you or anything like that.” He laughs and starts walking with you, not waiting for an answer.

“Soo.. How’ve you been? Have you been enjoying your new laptop?” He asks you.

You can’t seem to find a store that would sell water so you just stand there, turning your head to Vox to make conversation.

“I’ve been pretty good! Bored, but good. And yeah actually, I’ve been using it a lot.” You say, smiling.

“Oh that’s good, that’s good.” He says, nodding.

His heart is beating out of his chest right now.

You try your best to put aside your feelings of uneasiness towards him. It’s probably nothing. He’s just a new face and you gotta get used to that! He didn’t do anything wrong, it’s just your brain being annoying.

Little did you know, you have every single right to feel uneasy.

“Have you enjoyed all the features?” He asks, wanting to know more about what your thoughts are on the laptop. But more or less, just wanting to hear your voice and make as much conversation as he can with you.

“Yeah! Though.. I’ve noticed something weird. Is it.. normal for the laptops to spark electricity?” You ask in question, remembering how whenever you went on it, you saw sparks aka Vox watching you.

Vox smiles and says, “Absolutely! That’s completely normal. We thought it would be a cool idea, you know? It’s completely harmless!” He says in a convincing tone.

You feel relived at that. “Ohh alright, good!” You smile.

Vox wants to ask you out on a date. He wants to just take you. He want you. All of you. He just doesn’t know how to approach this. It’s overwhelming for him.

“Vox?” You say, “What’re you doing here?” You ask in question, wondering what sort of business a powerful, popular man like himself was doing here.

“Hm?” He starts. “Oh! Right. I’m just here walking the streets. Browsing.” He answers with an awkward chuckle.

“Ohh, nice.” You ask, looking behind him to see Niffty chasing someone with an arm.

“Oh my- Will you excuse me, Vox? I have to go do something.” You say, stepping away from him.

He sparks and steps in front of you, blocking you.

“W-wait! Hold on. I wanted to ask you something.” He says with a smile.

You look at him with a raised brow.

“Uhh..” He says, shifting his feet and looking away and back at you, seemingly nervous.

“Haha..” He awkwardly scratches his neck and thinks over how exactly he wants to say this.

Just as he was about to talk and ask you to go out with him, Charlie steps in the way.

“Y/n! We were going to head back to the hotel now and do some more fuunn group exercises!” She said smiling.

She looks over to who you’re talking to and tilts her head.

“Hello! Who might you be?” She says smiling at him.

Vox stares at her, annoyed.

“This is Vox. He owns VoxTek and he’s one of the VVV’s.” You cut in.

“Oohhh well it’s SO nice to meet you, Mr. Vox.” She says.

“Yeah, yeah. Nice to meet you too. Me and Y/n were just-“ He mumbles but gets interrupted by Niffty running between his legs and accidentally hitting him with the arm she was waving around.

His eyes go red and electricity goes around him, showing that he’s mad. He’s had enough. This was supposed to be a swift move. He comes in, wipes you off your feet, you fall in love with him, and you’re his. But in his mind, all these fucking bitches keep interrupting his time with you. He’s had it.

He snaps and grabs your arm, pulling you away from everyone. Charlie just looks in question, but walks away when she notices Vaggie calling her over.

You’re shocked and confused. What is going on? You barely know Vox. You feel a spark as he grabs you, and you hiss out in pain.

“Y/n.” He says, looking at you. His eyes are manic wide and he’s smiling at you possessively.

You try to back away but he holds you firmly by his wrist.

“Just listen. Everything is okay. I was trying to ask you if you wanted to go on a date with me.” He explains calmly, despite his not very calming state.

You now feel better that you had an uneasy feeling about him. It was deserved.

“Uhh.. Yeah, I don’t know about that. I’m sorry.” You say hesitantly.

He stops. Letting go of your arm.

“What did you just say?”

He looks at you in shock, anger, and determination.

You back up and say, “No. I don’t want to go on a date with you, Vox. I’m sorry.”

You walk away, meeting Charlie and the rest of the family. You guys walk back to the hotel, leaving Vox there to spiral.

Vox stands there, frozen. Did you just..? Say no..? To him? The love of your life? What has gotten in your head? He’s in disbelief. He shakes his head, laughing.

“No. This isn’t right. Don’t worry, Y/n. I’ll clear your head in no time.” He says with a smile, calming walking back to his headquarters.

———————————————————————

You’re back in you room, ready for bed. Yawning, you open your laptop to check your messages before you go to sleep.

Vox is smiling as he sends hypnotizing message through the screen. Trust him, love him, and feel sorry for how you treated him.

All of a sudden, you see sparks on the laptop again, but this time, you feel something.

Your head spins and your eyes go foggy for a second. All you can think about is how much you messed up by declining Vox’s offer today. How dumb can you be? Why would you do that?

You snap out of the trance and frown. A wave of regret and shame fills you. Vox of VoxTek, one of the most important people in Hell, the guy who gave you a free laptop, the charming man who asked you out on a date, when he could’ve asked anyone else but he asked you.. and you said no?!

You panic and begin to have anxiety. You have to apologize to him. In person.

Getting up, not even changing out of your pyjamas, you leave your room and go to walk over to the VVV tower to say sorry to Vox and see if it’s not too late to accept his offer.

All-while, Vox is sitting back smirking while watching you on his screens. See?! Now you have some sense talked into you. You just needed a little push. His lovely is on his way to see him, as it should’ve been. You just needed some reminding of how you really felt. Vox is excited to see you again. And this time, it won’t get interrupted.

You get to the VVV tower, entering the place. It’s pretty cool there. You look around and go to the reception desk.

There’s a young man there, you have the idea to ask him if you can speak to Vox.

“Hey um.. Am I able to see Vox? I have something to say to him.” You ask.

The man laughs at you and just stares.

“Oh, you’re serious?” He asks. “No can do! We can’t just let random people walk in and talk to him.” He says in a “are-you-dumb” way.

Suddenly, Vox enters from the elevator.

“Y/n! Hello, you.” He says with a charming smile, walking over to you.

“V-Vox! I just um.. I wanted to say something to you. If that’s okay..” You start.

He shushes you and tells you to wait while he brings you up to his room for more privacy.

As you two get to his room, you look around. It suits him. There’s a lot of screens and all the colours that match his usual outfits.

“So, what is it you wanted to tell me?” He says smugly, knowing already.

“I just wanted to say I’m sorry for how I acted when you asked me out. I shouldn’t have said no.. I just.. I don’t know what came over me.” You say apologetically.

“Oh my dear, dear, Y/n. Thank you for your apology.” He says. “Do you have a different answer now?”

You feel a twist in your gut. Half of you is still saying no, but half of you is saying yes. You don’t know which one to lean into. It feels like your brain is confused and that you can’t even trust yourself.

Vox notices you thinking hard, so he helps you. Using his hypnotizing “power,” he puts sense into your brain.

Your head goes dizzy for a second and all comes clear to you. You don’t have to trust yourself. You can just trust him. The answer was staring you in your face all along.

“Y-yes! I do have a different answer. I’d say yes. I want to go out with you.” You say quickly.

Vox smiles.

“Oh course you do.” He whispers.

[weebsinstash]

Alright bestie I’m on that shit again

So yandere Superman, right? Like obviously your fucked. The only other yandere in existence that might just be able to keep you from him is Batman, but even then he’d probably sooner work together just to ensure your safety- but that’s a prompt for another day.

Back to yan Superman, imagine you’re his darling and he is “keeping you safe”. But one day, you get snatched up by some organization that wants to use you as leverage or some shit, but you are just sobbing in relief at maybe being free- only to have Superman show up and do some not so super things to everyone who “stole” you

There are just so many casually horrifying things about Superman that people don't realize until you start like digging into his lore. "Oh he's super strong and a super fast flyer" actually he can do basically anything at those super speeds to the point he can literally even PROCESS THOUGHTS at near light-speed which means he has Absolutely Terrifying reaction times and can make plans and schemes on a dime, which, you know, can be even better utilized by him being intelligent. He has natural invulnerability so if you throw a punch at him too hard you could literally shatter the bones in your hand and he can't even control that, like you could literally hurt yourself with him on accident! He can see across INSANE DISTANCES and his x-ray vision doesn't have like a set range so he could do anything from, peep inside buildings to spy on you, to looking under your clothing for any bruises or injuries or even self harm marks, to peeking behind your hero disguise to learn your true identity, to seeing if there's anything inside your stomach and seeing if you're eating properly. Like jesus christ he literally found out Lois was pregnant from waking up one morning and suddenly hearing the heartbeat of the FETUS, there's literally nothing from him pulling that stereotypical "I know you're nervous or lying or afraid because I can literally hear your heartbeat increase" scary bullshit

And let's talk about Lois for a sec because my god her death was literally what kicked off the Injustice timeline? And there are other forms of Superman media where she just straight up dies naturally of cancer! Sure we could take the easy way and say "in this au Lois never existed or was just Clark's friend and he loved YOU" (which is my preferred default tbh bc, no competition for Reader lol) but I mean if you're going for that angst, that real whump, a yandere Clark Kent that just lost his wife/unborn child to either the Injustice incident or cancer, now overcome with grief? And in those cancer timelines they usually already have a son, Jonathan, and sometimes Jordan, and here's Clark thinking, well, his boy needs a mother, and he's got these weird feelings for you, and lil Jonny clearly has affection for you, maybe bring a bit of a platonic yan himself who sees you as either a big sister or even a secondary mom, so... be his wife maybe?

Like my god if Reader somehow helped him through the grief of losing Lois and managed to avoid "fully activating" Superman's anime villain arc, like he's going full fascist in the Injustice 2 Bad Ending, then some shit DEFINITELY goes down when Reader gets taken away. It just reactivates all his trauma. No! He can't lose anyone else! Jonathan can't lose anyone else! You're not just someone he loves, you're his FRIEND!

You're just huddled in whatever cell you've been kept in with your black eyes and bruises and knuckles bloodied from trying to fight back when you hear Clark's voice and you look up with excitement that just falls immediately off your face because holy shit did he just unlock that thumbprint scanner with a severed arm, and suddenly you're realizing there are other shades of red on his costume and dripping from his fingers

I can only imagine like, ngl I considered a sequel to my fic Doubt where Reader escapes the manor and runs into Supernan as the only other person who can protect you, so here we would have the inverse: you're the only one who knows about Clark's increasing instability and, while you still have your own freedom and autonomy, try to speak to Bruce about it, and now you have Batman Vs Superman: Competing For Your Heart Edition. I can only imagine what sort of unhinged reactions there would be if you think you've got Batman alone and you're beginning to cry all "Bruce I'm really worried about Clark, he isn't acting like himself, there's something wrong with him" and. Clark is like literally using his x-ray vision to read lips through the walls if he can't use his super hearing to outright eavesdrop.

Of course as you suggested, I'm always a slut for ideas with"oh shit I ran to this guy to help me and he's ALSO crazy, now they're teaming up and I'm in some weird shared/poly situation with TWO nutjobs". Lmao you go to Bruce concerned about Kal and Bruce goes to confront him and Clark just drops "did you know Y/N has been hiding self harm cuts under their hero suit also wow they smoke HELLA weed and im worried about their lungs and all the stuff they do when they're alone that no one else knows about 🥺" and suddenly here's Bruce " thanks i hate this actually :)" and there's a scheme concted to spy on you or move you elsewhere.

I've even thought of "Reader oh nooOoooOo, that, giant monster or villain attack or whatever also coincidentally destroyed your shitty little apartment complex? You mean Clark 'accidently' got sent flying into your building or smacked some giant creature into it and now you don't have a place to live? And you're broke too? Oh no 🥺 Well, BATMAN has this nice big house with lots of room in for you to stay toooootally 'temporarily', we PROMISE uwu"

Batman is the one who can put a tracking chip injected into your skin or even disguised as a filling in one of your teeth, and Superman is the one who can zoom off to rescue you/retrieve you "faster than a speeding bullet". I think one of the only people who could bring them down together at that point would be like. Fucking DARKSEID and, Jesus no, you definitely don't want HIM treating you as a pet 😭 the evil Batman that was brainwashed by him in the Apokolips War movie was scary enough (and scary HOT, lmao, let him keep me as some sort of prize and the only luxury Darkseid will allow him as a reward for his obedience. Lord Batman goes from having a meeting talking about like enslaving people to returning to his quarters and railing tf outta you because he's still holding onto some slim vestiges of humanity where he cares about you but also using you as his personal anti stress fuck toy)

[plz-help-meeee]

The shadows are my friends!!

Tw: Mention of suicide, cringe???, logic is none in, death,

A/n: this is my first fic, this is inspired by "get off my screen" by @matrixbearer2024 go check them out their really cool. I really did want to add more to this fic but I couldn't think of anything else so if you have question or have headcannons about this that you want to share you can send them to me.

Synopsis: just a normal teenage dirtbag who can also parts of hell without being dead.

＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚ ˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚ ˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚ ˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚

It started small with seeing little shadow out of the corner of your eye, Thinking you saw a critter go under your chair but you thought this was all just normal stuff that people always see.

That was until you started to see the sky be a red color only for you to rub your eyes or look away and it to go back to normal. Strange tall figure walking by you and you turning back to see no one there.

One day when you were walking back home you saw what looked to be weird red demons and a wolf girl in an alleyway, you spied on them as they walked through a portal talking about having just finished a job.

You lean against the wall after they were gone, you should have been scared, you should have been panicking but a smile creeped its way up your face. Any other person would have been confused and terrified but to a suicidal teenage dirtbag like you this was the most exciting thing to happen in your dull life.

You started to stare up at the red sky longer wondering how long it would take for it to change back to normal, you drew the figures you would see trying to get as many details as you could get right.

You started to change, you started to say 'good morning' and 'I love you' in a more happy tone, you became for active in school.

You even made little horns made of cardboard and fabric in the style you saw the red demons had, you saw a figure who had spikes on their tail once and you decided to make a tail to go with the horns that looked like the figures, you know it was cringey but it made you happy.

You started to recognize the streets you'd frequently see specific figures at, you'd always see this tall owl thing walk down the street you walk down to get home, the demon you walk by who had spikes on his tail would walk down the park you go to to relax

One time you close enough to touch the spiked tail demon's hat, you got so excited, you started to try and touch every figure you walked by.

There was this one figure that stood still no walking by you, or scooting just out of sight, they were just standing there. The figure was tall, much taller then you, they color palette consisted of mostly blue, they had what looked to be fire as it's head, in fact it had three heads one in the middle and two on either side of it.

You were afraid to look away thinking it would disappear as soon as you did, you tried to reach out to touch one of the heads but you stopped when you heard a voice "Ozzie!!". You turned around to see who said that but you found nobody, the figure started to move and you were able to touch their arm just slightly.

You never really saw that figure again, but that was okay you had plenty of others you could see. You patted the tall owl things shoulder whenever you would walk by him on your way to school, you tipped the spiked tail demon's hat over his eyes for fun when you could.

You kept a journal were you wrote down which figures you passed by on what street and also drawings of the figures with little information panels besides the drawing, you named the owl thing towel (cause tall and owl, get it, I'm not funny I know) the spiked tail demon was named cowboy, the figure that had three fire heads was named Ozzie (Asmodeus???, no that would be absurd, right?)

Everything was going great and you started to improve, you got better at speaking to people, had gotten a better relationship with your mom, heck you even texted your brother the one person you said you would never want to see again.

＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚ ˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚ ˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚ ˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚

Today you were walking to school like always, you got your backpack, ate your breakfast and got your lunch box. You said by to your mom and was about to leave but you got this gut feeling, something telling you to do something. You walk up to your mom who was on the phone and hugged her, "I love you mom" you said in a genuine voice.

Your mother looked surprised at your hug but decided to hug back, "I love you too baby" your mom said back with smile on her face. This was the first time you two had said you love each other without malice or irritation in your voices.

You walk outed of your house and to your school, on the way you patted towel's shoulder like usual and hummed a song. You were near the part were you had to cross the road.

You saw a little kid run into the street to chase after a duck toy they had, you noticed quicker then anyone that car was heading straight towards the kid. You reacted fast as you ran towards the child to get them out of the way.

You grabbed the kid's arm and pulled them close to you as you kneeled down to shield them. Thankfully the car the avoided you and the child by mere inches, you scoffed when you saw that the driver was on their phone through their car window.

The child looked upset "my-" "toy?" you cut the child off, "right here" you said as you showed them their duck toy that you managed to save in time. "You should really be more careful kid, your life cost more then some toy." you lectured the kid about safety, you felt like a hypocrite saying all this considering only a few months away you were ready to die at any time.

Your lecture stopped when you felt a cold metal press against your head, "you just can't seem to die can you?" a familiar voice said. You turned your head around slowly, "bro-" you were cut off as everything went black.

[onskepa]

Syawn ch 5: skxom hunt pt 3

Syawn series

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Atan couldn't be still. It is time! His tail happily wagging side to side as lu’law holds his hand, guiding him to the Omatikaya campgrounds. He practiced so much the night before, yes he woke up feeling sleepy but nothing compares to the joyous feeling he has. 

Lu’law was very silent as she led the path. No words can describe what she is feeling, the buzzing thoughts making noise in her mind. Was she scared? Oh yes, terrified? Most definitely. Will there be a war? All it takes is one wrong move and it is all over. 

And as they made it into the camp grounds, Atan noticed the Omatikaya people were watching them. Well, more like watching him carefully. Any activities they were doing came to a halt, as they stood still, watching Atand. Observing him down to detail, at least that is what Atan felt. Millions of eyes watching him. The excitement dying a bit. 

He expected this, he is very close with the Omatikaya princess. 

“We are here” Lu’law says and opens a massive tent. Atand enters and his heart stopped. Inside was not just lu’law’s family, but her extended family. From her grandparents, the metkayina leaders and their child, to the famous olo’eykte of the Tayrangi clan. They were all there. 

And they were glaring deep into his soul.

“Everyone, this is Atan Afyawusìntxu the one I spoke about” Lu’law introduced. Atan waves at everyone and bows slightly with the “I see you” greeting. But no one returned the gesture. 

“Have a seat atan” Syawn was the first to speak. Her smile, warm and welcoming. Nodding he sits in the most obvious open spot in the center of the tent. Lu’law sitting close to him, while being in the middle of her brothers. 

“Hello Lu’lafyon, Lu'tstunwi '' atan greeted. But the boys only gave him a heartfelt smile. The vibe around the tent was tense. Really tense. 

“Lu’law has told us a lot about you. I am syawn, her mother, this is neteyam, her father. I am sure you know of her brothers?” Syawn asks, doing her best to release the heavy tension in the air. 

Bowing in a respectful manner, atan looks at syawn and neteyam. “Yes, it is a great pleasure to meet you two. And everyone else, I can see everyone being so caring for lu’law”. 

Neteyam can only glare at the boy. The urge to scream and kick the boy out was strong. The urge to prohibit him from seeing his precious girl. The urge to just beat down every tipani including Tan Jala, including Atan. So that none ever cross his or lu’laws path. 

The Tipani tsahik and Olo’eyktan were doing their needed tasks in their campgrounds when some Aranahe and Kame’tire clan members arrived in their area. Greeting each other, Nefika from the Aranahe clan stepped forward. Anufi, tsahik from the Kame’tire clan was second after. 

“To what purpose has brought you two here?” the Olo’eyktan asks. With a bright smile, Nefika was the first to respond. “We have come to kindly ask you, to rethink assisting your son, Atan, in his manner of courting the Omatikaya princess, Lu’law Sully ''. 

The other Tipani’s around have scoffed, shook their heads, many muttering their disagreements. 

The Tipani leaders however, were quite surprised since the topic at hand was rather held as a collected secret from their own circle. They made sure no one else outside of the Tipani clan would know about it. 

“Ma’Kanfpil, the sarentu tree…” the tsahik says, placing her hand on her mate's arm. Kanfpil came to the realization. That is where Anufi steps up, with grace and silence, she levels with Nefika. “Many do not see your guidance as the correct way, the Omatikaya ancestors are not to be ignored. If Atan continues to follow your words, they will be heard through Tsahik neytiri”. 

“Is that a threat?” Kanfpil demands. “By no means Olo’eyktan Kanfpil, but courting through blinded eyes? It is as though you plan to trap the Omatikaya princess by tying your clan with hers. And for what? Reap possible benefits they hold?” Nefika asks with a playful smirk. 

This angered Kanfpil, but his tsahik, Piak held him back. “Please my love, perhaps they are right. It is not too late to call for Atan and change things around” Piak was quick to suggest. Anything to break the growing tension. 

“It is too late” another Aranahe na’vi stepped forward, Etuwa she was named. “Word passed that your son is now in the Omatikaya grounds. Followed by the Metkyain, the Tayrangi clan, and more are heading there. What their plan is unknown, but know he won't escape there alone, or alive”. 

Both Tipani leaders gasped. Quickly gathering their best warriors, many set for the Omatikaya grounds, in hopes they can fix their selfish mistake. 

Back in the massive tent, more na’vi clan members joined, to see if Atan is worth lu’law’s hand in mating. 

“This is your first Skxom hunt, correct Atan?” Lo’ak asks, his piercing golden eyes glaring down at the young na’vi in question. Atan nodded, each passing second is becoming unbearable. So many eyes, so many thoughts he can't even begin to guess what they are. 

He stole a quick glance at Lu’law who was being set to the side with her brothers and mother. Comforting her as she hangs her head low. Perhaps too ashamed to look at him. 

Hearing a finger snap, Atan was quick to look back at lo’ak and neteyam beside him. “Eyes up here, not at her '' Neteyam warns. 

“If this is your first Skxom hunt, then which hunt will you be joining? There is only a few days left before all this is over. Perhaps the Tipani are saving the ultimate round for you? Trying to prove your worth?” Lo’ak guesses. This lo’ak is far different than what lu’law described him. 

“Th-that is right .....I am to bring in the f-final score…” Atan shakly responds. Oh eywa he sounds like a coward. All his life he believed that he was mighty, capable of many great things. Yet he can't face the family of the girl he came to love. The feeling of being small and helpless is something he's not entirely familiar with. 

“They will lose” A voice behind him spoke. He turns to see Metkayina Ronal, her eyes sharp and fierce. Beside her was a not so impressed Tonowari. Atan could, he SHOULD defend his clan's honor but how when he can barely talk clearly? 

Lu’law sat silent but her mind was louder than the thunders in the roaring sky. To think Atan, the sweet boy she had come to love and care for, would make a huge life changing choice just like that, disguising it as a mere “appreciation gift”. It made her sick. 

Yes, she has come to develop strong feelings for atan, and did imagine confessing to him of how she truly feels. But never like this. Never like how Atan did. Never going in blind. Lu’law couldn't help but feel betrayed by her dear friend. So many questions and so many thoughts she wants to say. 

Kanfpil and Piak were surrounded by the Omatikaya members along with others, putting them center, all eyes on them. None of them letting the couple enter the massive tent where they believe their son is being held in. Perhaps against his will. 

“Please, we just want our son, we dont seek any problems” Piak begs, hoping the others will let them. None seem to move for them. Is this how Atan is feeling at the moment? 

“They are here, no doubt to bring their son” Neytiri announces as she peaks outside of the tent. Atan was quick to look, hope growing in his chest. The longer he stayed, the more he wanted to run. But running while being surrounded like how he was would not be a smart move. 

“If his parents are here, don't you think it is better to send Atan back to them? We don't want to cause trouble” Tsireya suggest, while she is slightly annoyed at the boy, he is still a child. 

“He already did” Ao’nung replies to his sister. 

“N-no, please, let me out. I don't know what you want from me but please-” 

“What we want is a simple answer, Atan. Anwer what we want to know and you can be sent back with your parents” Neteyam tells him, his voice too calm for his own good. 

‘W-what do you want to know?” Atan asks hesitantly, small beads of sweat falling on the side of his face. 

“Why do you wish to court my daughter in a blind manner?” 

After Atan confessed, roars of rage, confusion, and anguish was released. And it was heard outside for everyone else to hear. Too much was going on, too many words and sounds. It ringed loudly against lu’laws and atan’s ears. The noise was too loud, clouding the mind. The need to get out was strong. And without wasting another second, she goes. 

In the middle of wordless arguments, Lu’law ran out, not stopping for anyone, not bothering to silence the noise. Atan notices and runs after her, not caring for his parents calling out for him. He needed to make his wrongs right. To fix things before it is too late. 

“Lu’law!! Lu’law!!” He calls out, but she was either too far or perhaps ignoring him for lu’law was not answering him. All Atan could do was follow her. Wherever she is going. 

Lu’Law however, only desired to be alone. Away from everyone, away from her family, her clan, away from atan. She had no precise direction of where to go, just away from the noise. Silence is what she wants. Is that too much to ask? 

Apparently so, Atan was right behind her, calling out her name. 

Yet no matter what direction she takes, Atan is there, not far from her. Why can't he leave? “Leave me alone!!” She cries out to him. Tears slipping from her eyes as she runs faster. Her vision is blurry but still running until she cant anymore. 

“Please!! Hear me out!! I know it sounded wrong, but let me explain further!!” Atan begs, trying to catch up to her speed. 

“Oh so there is more to what I don't know!? How much have you been hiding from me!?” Lu’law screams at him, her teary red eyes glaring at him. Before atan could say anything, lu’law shrieked as she fell from a cliff she didn't see. Leaves, branched and other plants were hitting her back, small scratches were forming from her fall. 

“LU’LAW!!” Atan screams, not thinking ahead, he jumps down, in hopes he finds her alive. 

“H-here let me-” 

“Dont, just…shut up” Lu’law tells atan. Her back is full of scars from the fall, bruises on her arms and legs, It hurts but, nothing to what she feels on the inside. Atan was lucky to make it to her in time, they were too far to where the Omatikaray grounds were, so for settling the night he made a small fire to keep them warm for the night. 

The unsettling silence with only the company of nature's noise and the crackles of the wood burning. There were no words in exchange, but the cold shoulder from lu’law and unyielding panic from atan. 

There is so much Atan wants to say but how much is lu’law willing to hear? Or willing to let him speak? 

“Y-you know, there is-” 

“Shut up” Lu’law says, her voice deadpanned and pissed. 

Atans ears and tail flattened, letting his chin rest on his crossed arms. Again with the silence, until a noise came from lu’law. It was her stomach. The girl was quick to grip her stomach and hide her face. Probably from the embarrassment she is feeling. Atan wants to laugh but he knows it won't make it better. 

He could hunt, but no weapons can assist, not even his small hunting knife. “I will go look for some fruits' ' he says, lu’law says nothing to acknowledge it. So with one last worried glance, he goes to search for anything edible.

Both children were now alone each with their own thoughts to hear, but it wasn't to last. Atokirina floated everywhere and around. Lu’law looked at them in wonder and hope. While Atan looked at them in warmth and comfort. The seeds form to create a trail for each to follow. Lu’law slowly got up, the pain still lingering from her fall. And atan follows with a hope to find what he seeks. 

After some distance they both meet again in one path, a path that leads them to the old sarentu spirit tree. The glowing beauty had them at awe, letting the silence be filled with wonder rather than distrust. 

Lu’law looks at her side and sees a small pond, happily she goes to jump in, letting its cool waters heal her back. 

“Aaaahh~” she releases a sigh of relief. Feeling the waters doing its purpose. 

Atan saw some ripe fruit growing near, and grabbed a few to eat. A few giggles were let out. Feeling comfortable in the sacred grounds. And a subtle peace was present. 

Another fire was put, but a small one, the sacred grounds brought plenty of warmth to the children. After eating a few fruits, their bellies were full and the majority of the cuts were healed from the waters. Now their minds are more clear. 

“Did you agree with what your parents were doing? Lu’law asks, not giving any hint of certain emotion. Not wanting to give away what she is really feeling. 

Atan inwardly sighs, thinking carefully and honestly. “Truthfully, I too believe it was odd. But it was my idea to court you…my parents just told me to pursue it in a different direction” he answers. Lu’law looks at him, inspecting his eyes, searching for any hint of lies in his words. 

“And why do you want to court me? Do you know how life changing it is? Why couldn't you tell me how you truly felt about me before proceeding?” Lu’law couldn't help but let the words fall from her mouth. So many things have yet to be answered. What he said back at the camp wasn't enough. 

“It was wrong, I know that now but…all this time, from the moment we met and strengthened our friendship, I couldn't help but fall for you. It is hard not to. You are bright, smart, kind, caring, and have the best laugh I ever heard. Everytime you smile, it is contagious, your silly jokes, your vast knowledge in everything. The need to help and do so much for those around. My mind can't think straight when I am around you. There is so much about you that I fell for. If you are worried about your triplet fame, I could care less. After seeing you with your brothers, it is clear just how different each one of you are. You are you lu’law, and I love that. I love you, is it too soon to tell? Maybe, call me a fool, a skxawng, anything, but I know at this moment, I see you as you. I do love you”. 

There, at long last. Atan was able to say what he longed to say with no stutter in his voice. 

Lu’law was a purple face gushing mess. She couldn't blink for a long time, her mind empty as atan’s words were still being processed. Was that how he really felt this whole time? And to think lu’law was the only one feeling like this. But now it is her turn to confess….but will it be what atan hopes for?

As if he could read her mind, Atan was looking at her with anticipation and patience. Sitting in a position indicating he is ready to hear what she has to say. So with a deep breath, she lets the words come out. 

“When I met you, all I saw at first was a friend. Someone who is fun to be around and always open for new things. But the more time we spent together, the more of my feelings changed. I see my parents and grandparents, how they speak and see each other. So when I see you, all I see is your handsome smile, your bright kindness and generosity. Being open minded and curious about anything. Your silly humor always surprises me. How you show your affection and always remember the smallest things. Despite how you view things, it doesn't defy who you truly are. Every day my perspective of you, my feelings, everything about you changes to something more soft…and intimate. Your damn smile is contagious, it makes me smile. Everything about you…I see it. As I see you Atan…” 

She sees him, but for some reason Lu’law can't seem to bring herself to say those three sacred words her parents say to each other. 

But Atan doesn't mind, he doesn't expect her to say the three words. As long as she sees him, that is enough for him. With a smile, he slowly gets closer to her, and so far lu’law hasn't pushed him away, but keeping in mind the still lingering small wound, just being by her side is enough. 

Facing each other, they lay down to rest under the spirit tree. The bioluminescent plants lighting their dots, their eyes from amber to emerald. As they stare at each other with happy smiles, slowly close their eyes and let their dreams take over. 

For a short while. 

Just as sleep arrived, it soon vanished from lu’law. Quietly she sat up, gripping her hair. She didn't think it through, she didn't think it through at all. 

Technically Atan didn't apologize, and she has yet to accept his “courting”. Too caught up in the moment to see those flaws. But something more came into her mind. 

If lu’law does accept his courting, would that mean she would leave her family? All of them? In the maps and lands, the Tipani clan is so far away. It takes many weeks to get to the nearest clan. The Tipani grounds are farther than the reef island, farther than the Olangi clan. And she can't go back and forth as she pleases, not like the reef islands. 

No, she is not ready to say goodbye yet. There is so much she wants to do. To not be with her clan, her family, her parents, her brothers-

To live without her other halves sounds impossible. She needs them as they need her. 

Not only leaving, but being accepted by the tipani clan too. What if they don't accept her? What if she can do all that they can? What if they dont see her worth for Atan. 

The more she thinks of many disastrous possibilities, the more of her growing anxiety and fear comes forth.  And the more worries she thinks about, tears fall freely from her eyes. Oh she nor atan thought it through. So dumb to not think ahead. 

Looking up, she stares at the beautiful tree, looking at the branches down to the vines. One last look at Atan who sleeps peacefully, she walks over to the closest vine. Carefully connecting her kuru to the vine, she is pulled in. 

“My darling lu’law” a soft, warm, welcoming voice spoke to her. Opening her eyes, she meets her grand aunt, Sylwanin. Her kind smile is ever so bright. 

“Auntie syl” Lu’law wines like a baby. Hugging her aunt as sylwanin gently pets her hair. 

“To what I owe this lovely visit? I can tell something troubles you” Truly lu’law can never hide anything from her. 

Both getting themselves comfortable in the familiar green grass, lu’law explains her situation. 

“I see…” was all her aunt can say, still processing everything. 

“What do I do auntie syl? I feel so lost. Just when I thought it was ok to tell him those words, I got pulled back to what could happen. I am stuck…” Lu’law confesses as she covers her face with her hands, tears threatening to fall again. 

“I am not ready to leave it all behind…” 

Sylwanin couldn't help but feel terrible for her grand niece, so she pulls her in tightly for a warm embrace. 

“More often than not lu’law, to get what we desire, sacrifices have to be made. No goal can be reached without some tough decisions. While it may seem unfair, not being able to have both, it is a lesson for all to learn. We can't always have everything. But also know my sweet, every choice that is made, an effect follows. Actions have consequences. I know that better than anyone”. 

Lu’law stays silent, letting the words settle in her mind. Sylwanin is right, no matter what choice she makes, it won't be any easy one. 

“I hate this……all of this is unfair..unfair to me, Atan, and everyone” lu’law groans out. Sylwanin couldn't help but release a gentle chuckle. Placing a hand on the child’s cheek, turning her face sylwanin. 

“Life is never fair to anyone. Hard choices are made every day, it is something everyone goes through” sylwanin responds patiently. Lu’law frowns childishly at that. 

“Still….despite your words, I still feel trapped. I don't know what to do. Tell me auntie syl, what do I do? Is there an easier way? I don't want to hurt anyone” Lu’law asks, more desperately this time. 

Ever so patient, sylwanin gives lu’law a long lingering kiss on the forehead. 

“No choice is ever easy my sweet”

The sun rose up in the sky, a new day begins. 

Atan and lu’law got up from their resting spot and stretched the sleep away. 

A quick turn on her head, lu’law stares at a direction. 

“What is it lu’law?” Atan asks. 

With a happy grin, she begins to run, “come on!! They are here!!” 

Atan quickly follows, catching up to speed. Away from the spirit tree, up on a hill, at the top was lu’lafyon and lu’tstunwi. 

Big relief washed over everyone. 

“LU’LAW!!” lu’lafyon and lu’tstunwi shouted in unison. Running down to meet, the triplets crash together and fall in the ground. 

“Where the hell have you been?! Running like a fucking idiot with no head! No brain! Dad was ready to start a war, mom was worrying like crazy, and the Tipani were ready to scout everywhere. It is a fucking mess! And what the fuck is that smell!?” Lu’tstunwi shouted, huffing out of breath. 

Lu’law, lu’lafyon and atan stared at him in silent shock. 

Until lu’law cried out, unable to contain anymore, she released her tears as she held her brothers tightly. 

“Dad is so going to ground you-” 

“Shut up! let me have this…!” 

The entire ground was a loud mess, so many clans ready to spear the Tipani, and the Tipani ready to protect themselves. 

Many arguments here and there, anger rising, violent thoughts buzzing, and endless worry and stress in the omatikaya grounds. 

There, Syawn was being held tightly in Neteyam's arms. Tired mentally and physically, not getting any ounce of sleep, looking for her daughter. When word got out that the tipani prince left to chase lu’law, so many thoughts crossed her mind. Not wanting to think of the worse, syawn can only pray to eywa that they don't do anything reckless. 

“My love, you are shaking, please calm yourself-” 

“How can I when our baby is out there? What if she is hurt? Hungry? What if she is stuck somewhere? Alone that young atan?” Syawn cant help it, a mother’s worry has no bounds. 

“Our sons will find her, they know her better than we do. I have faith in our children” Neteyam soothes his mate, letting the vibrations of his voice calm her. Yet syawn prevents it. 

“I won't stop worrying until I see my baby back. To have her in my arms” Syawn says, her voice shaking. 

Until a loud shout from Tuk was heard. 

“THEY ARE BACK!! LU’LAW AND ATAN ARE BACK!!” 

In a blink of an eye, neteyam and syawn left their position to go where tuk was pointing at. And coming towards their direction were the triplets and atan, all safe and together. 

“Lu’law!!” Syawn cries out, lu’law hears her mother and shouts back, running towards her. And like her brothers, she too crashed into her mother, hugging each other tightly. Neteyam comes seconds, hugging both in his arms. 

“My baby, where were you?! Are you alright? In any pain? What happened? What the hell is that smell?” Syawn couldn't help but let those words fall out. The need to know if her daughter was alright. 

“I am fine mom, me and atan fell from a cliff but we are fine. We took shelter at the sarentu spirit tree” Lu’law responds. 

Neteyam rubs her head as the brothers join in on the hug. 

After what felt like minutes, they released each other and walk back to their camp grounds. Atan following closely.

All the clans calmed down and became civil again after hearing the children were back.

And after a day, being bathed cleanly and eatin well, Atan went back to his clans campground. There where he can settle in and rest on his own. 

Lu’law stayed in her family’s tent, talking with many of her family and being calm after a day without them. 

She wanted to talk with syawn alone, having everyone leave so that they can be alone in peace. The need to speak with her and explain what really happened back at the spirit tree and what she plans to do

“Allow me to properly say this. I am deeply, truly sorry. For letting my selfishness blind me and my mate, and our son. We didnt mean to hurt you, much less my son. I now there is a better, healthier way in this” Kanfpil apologizes, his mate and son beside him. 

Lu’law nods, “you are forgiven. But I would like to speak with Atan alone for a moment”. 

Agree, atan’s parents leave, letting the two youngsters be alone in their private area. 

“I am sorry too lu’law. I should have told you first. Now I know better than to do something this stupid” Atan confesses. And again, lu’law nods, but smiles kindly at him. 

“Yes, but now that I know you wish to court me….can you grant me just today to think it over? First thing tomorrow, I will give you my answer. I am still processing this despite how much has happened in so little time” lu’law chuckled. 

Atan chuckles as well, thinking over the crazy events. 

“Of course, take all the time you need. But know whatever choice you make, I will be fine with it. So when you make your final choice,  "You know how to find me” with a gentle hug, atan leaves to join his parents. 

Lu’law waves at him as she goes her way to join her mother. 

Holding hands, syawn and lu’law walking together slowly, taking their time to go back. 

“My dear, why give a day when you already made your choice?” Syawn asks

 “Despite already deciding, its best to give it time” lu’law responds. 

“My daughter, my sweet lu’law, tell me, are you absolutely certain?” Syawn asks, her hands landing on her child’s shoulders. 

Looking up, golden eyes meeting amber, and wearing an expression only syawn knows, lu’law responds. 

“Isn't that what you named me for?” 

Aaaaaaaaaand that concludes the Skxom arc!! I did my best with these chapters. I did go back to edit some things last second since the frontiers game is out so more information was out to use.

Safe to say there is plenty of chapters now for reoccurring and new readers to enjoy. I will still add more chapters, this story is far from over. But for the mean time, a small break form this one is needed. I gotta focus on my others stories.

So until next time! see ya!

Taglist: @quirkyhero , @theunfortunateplace , @moonchildxoxx , @galactict3a , @mochacoffeeumai26 , @cloudyw1ndzz

Kanfpil = concentrate focus one's attention

Piak = open clear (for cloudless skies)

[shimmerwindow]

I Never Really

Part Three

Warnings: None

Word Count: 2k

Playlist | Masterlist

Friday crawled by at a snail’s pace. You normally hated Fridays. The campus was always buzzing with so much activity on the weekends, and it made it hard for you to focus on your studies. Saturday and Sunday were the days you would reserve for working on big projects, but it was difficult sometimes when every other dorm room in a 100-foot radius was blasting music. Part of you felt like a grumpy old man, wanting to go bang on doors and shout turn it down! A smaller, quieter part of you was envious of those who had the time, and friends, to party.

You dragged yourself over to the dining hall after class, your mind filled with thoughts of the party you’d be going to tomorrow. It gave you butterflies to think about it. Meeting new people wasn’t something you were great at, nor enjoyed, and big parties were far from your favorite thing. You stared at the sky, the clouds brushed a gentle pink as the sun set, and wondered if it was too late to cancel.

The dining hall was something you typically avoided if you could help it, preferring your microwaved noodles over any of the slop they served there, but you’d been a bit burnt out on the styrofoam-y taste of chicken-flavored cup noodles lately. You managed to find a quiet corner, and sat down with a tray of the few things in the place that looked edible.

Across the room, you watched a group of jock-type guys make their way in, shoving each other and laughing. One of them locked eyes with you, and you quickly turned your head away and pulled out your phone, opening whatever app came up first, trying to look busy. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw someone making their way directly to where you were sitting. You’d been hit on at this god-forsaken place more than once, and it appeared it was about to happen again. You sighed, and turned your eyes up to the potential suitor.

You blinked a few times. Of course it was Sam. Why did it always have to be Sam?

“Hey!” He called.

You gave him a wave and a small smile, not really in the mood for this right now. You just wanted to eat in peace, but that would have to wait, as he pulled out the chair across from you, dropping his tray onto the table and sitting down.

“I’ve never seen you here before.”

“I don’t usually partake in the unholy abominations they serve here.”

He laughed, holding up a slice of utterly unappetizing pizza he had on his plate. “What, this doesn’t make you hungry?”

“Not exactly.” You picked at what was on your plate, wishing you’d simply settled for noodles tonight.

“You excited for tomorrow?” He asked between bites.

You put on a brave smile, lying through your teeth. “Totally.” You wouldn’t describe your feelings as excited, necessarily. Terrified was more of the word you were looking for.

“It starts at, like, 8. I think. I dunno. I’ll let you know.”

You nodded. That was somewhat good news – you could use the I’m tired excuse after only an hour or two.

“What should I wear?”

He shrugged. “Whatever you want.”

“What are you wearing?”

“Oh, I got this, like…vintage sweater thing I wanna wear.” His eyes lit up, clearly excited about it. “It’s blue and brown and it's got all these cool designs on it, and it’s so comfy. I love it.”

You couldn't help but soften up a bit, seeing how excited he got over something as simple as a sweater. He was so enthusiastic when you asked him where he got it, going on a tirade about all of the thrift stores in town while you ate and listened, and he told you all about how they had so many hidden gems if you knew when to look.

“I should go to some of them some time.”

“Absolutely! I’ll take you there!”

He was so sweet sometimes it was almost annoying. “That sounds fun.”

“Yeah! Like, a little thrift store date.”

Cold silence froze the air between you two, his smile fading, your face prickling with a rising blush. Date.

“I mean, not like that. I meant like, friend date. Not date. Just going to thrift stores together. Like friends. Are we friends?”

There it was once again, that rushed, frantic tone he got when he was flustered.

“Yeah, we’re friends.”

He didn’t seem to know what to say back, looking out the window and back to you a few times, silent. You needed a cigarette.

“Well,” you sighed, standing up from the table. “I’m gonna go smoke.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow, then. I’ll text you.”

You’d half-expected him to ask to join you, a little surprised he didn’t. Maybe even a bit disappointed. “See you then.”

It was starting to feel like you couldn’t have a normal interaction with him. Every time, it was something. Though, seeing him tonight seemed to wash some of your worries away. He was kind, and from what you knew about him, he seemed like a good companion to have at a party of strangers.

Sleep came easily that night, thankfully. You drifted off peacefully, finally exhausted from the week before. And in your dreams, you found yourself in a familiar place. If it was possible to get deja vu in dreams, you were feeling it.

You were at the top of a skyscraper in some city you didn't recognize, the wind blowing hard enough to throw you off the edge, but you didn't move. The sky was clear and full of stars, galaxies streaking across the blackness and lighting everything in a delicate purple.

Sam was next to you, pointing at the sky, saying words that were carried away on the wind, but somehow you knew he was explaining the stars to you. He would point at a section of sky and it would glow, as if he held dominion over the stars. Like he told them when to shine.

And then, you were in a dorm room, similar to yours but not quite right, the layout was all wrong. You laid on a bed that was too big for a dorm, and just above you, Sam was there. His face hovered just above yours, his hair hanging down to brush the sides of your face. You knew he was going to kiss you, and you welcomed it gladly, your body melting into his. He was made of warmth and light, and love, so much love.

* * *

Your eyes opened to daylight, the dream ending abruptly, leaving you disoriented when you finally came to your senses. These dreams were starting to get ridiculous. He wouldn’t leave your head, even when he wasn't around. You put your mind to work immediately to push any thoughts of him aside, getting out your laptop and starting up your to-do list for the day.

The minutes ticked by slowly, your eyes always watching the clock, waiting for a text from him, dreading the night ahead. I’ll show up to be kind, have one drink, and disappear. Nobody will even notice when I leave, you thought. Though, nothing seemed to be that level of straightforward around Sam.

You successfully kept yourself preoccupied, until you decided to work on your joint project. He’d written quite a bit since the last time you looked at the document. It was endearing, like you were getting a glimpse into a part of him very few people knew. His style was brutish, getting his point across in as few words as possible, with the most blunt language he could muster. It was cute, in a way.

Time seemed to speed up while you occupied yourself, and before you were anywhere near ready to do so, it was finally time to get yourself ready for the party. You did so in silence, working the party over in your mind. It wasn’t too late to cancel. But you couldn’t do that to him. You imagined how his face would fall when you would tell him you couldn’t go anymore, and it broke your heart a bit. You wouldn’t do that to him. Not after that dream you'd had.

Your phone buzzed in your pocket, knocking you out of your thoughts. Sam’s name was on the screen.

leaving soon, you ready? he’d sent.

ready when you are

You took one last glance at yourself in the mirror, memories of your dream from the night before washing over you once again. Staring into your own eyes, you willed it away, pushing the memory down to the deepest recesses of your consciousness until it was lost with all the other thoughts that wandered around in there. You could not possibly face him with such a dream still knocking against the forefront of your mind.

When you finally met Sam on the first floor, you were a bit taken aback at just how…nice he looked. He was wearing the sweater he’d told you about, the patterns and colors complimenting his features perfectly. He had on a faded pair of jeans with a few square patches of fabric sewn into them – one with an elephant on it, another with a detailed drawing of a star. His hair was down, flawless and glossy as always. He gave you a toothy grin when he saw you, his eyes briefly running up and down the length of your body.

“You look nice,” he said, the words catching in his throat a bit.

“Same to you,” you replied, trying to keep a level head with his words repeating over and over in your mind.

“Thanks!” He looked down at himself. “I made these myself,” he motioned at the jeans. “Well, I didn't, like, make them, but I found these cool patches and put ‘em on.”

“You can sew?” You asked, a bit surprised.

“Of course I can. My mom taught me when I was a youngin.”

The thought of him sitting in his dorm, delicately sewing patches onto his jeans, was almost too much for you to bear. “Wanna get going?” The daylight had already long faded from the sky, the few stars obscured by a blanket of clouds.

“Absolutely, miss eclipse.”

“Don’t call me that, cornball.”

“Missus eclipse? Ma’am?” He cocked his head to the side.

You rolled your eyes, biting your lip against a smile. The things he said, coming from any other person, wouldn't even solicit a grin from you half the time. But something about him…you couldn’t help but laugh at every one of his jokes. “Let’s go already.”

The two of you made your way out of the hall and out into the night. There was a surprising number of people out tonight – though, that was only your perception. You didn’t leave the dorms much on Saturday nights if you could help it. Too much commotion, too many drunk men. Walking with Sam felt safe, though.

You made light small talk as you walked, discussing things like the coming winter, how you’d heard it was going to be a pretty bad one this year. You’d expected to feel more nervous at this point, but your body and mind both felt rather calm; as calm as they could be in Sam’s presence. There was something about him that radiated calm, like a lit fireplace or the smoke from incense. Walking with him, even in silence, felt right in a way you couldn't place. And between words, you imagined how it would feel to hold his hand as you walked.

[creedslove]

Okay, so I have two Halloween requests, choose which one suits you better.👻

Your stupid and aggressive boyfriend decides to break into an abandoned mall on Halloween night to give you a thrill… You don't like it at all. You know you shouldn't be there and apparently someone is calling the local sheriff. Your boyfriend runs away, leaving you alone with the sheriff… Javier Pena. Javier is hard on you at first, but when he understands that you didn't want to be there, he feels sorry for you and starts talking to you. Ultimately, he decides to let you go if you promise him that you will break up with this idiot.

Your friends come up with the stupid idea of going to the cemetery on Halloween night. When you hear some noises, everyone runs away and you lose your orientation and fall down. A man dressed all in black (Dave) help you stands up. You notice the gun and panic, but he calms you down and tells you that he is costume as a hitman. Then he offer to walk you home.

Javier Peña x f!reader

A/N: My darling, your ideas are the best!!! My knees go weak for small town sheriff Javi 🥺

• your boyfriend always had a weird vibe around Halloween, unlike most of people who enjoyed going to parties, dress up or watch the kids' happiness at that special day, but instead, he wanted to break into abandoned creepy places

• it could be an interesting activity if it was done during daylight and not on Halloween night, besides being spooky, it could be dangerous for several reasons

• not to mention stupid because that would certainly drag many problems around

• Javier on the other hand, hates the Halloween with passion, he used to like it when he was a kid because of all the candies, he enjoyed it as a teen because of all the parties and when he was young man, because of all the girls in tiny little outfits who were so willing to sleep with him

• but now Javier was a sheriff and he had decided to quit whoring around after his time in Colombia

• and he also never met any cop who actually enjoyed Halloween, perhaps if they had kids or something to do, but being on duty during that date was a true nightmare

• breaking in, pranking, intoxication amongst others were some of the things he had to deal with it so he was not excited at all

• but he went to work as he had no other way out

• just as you were breaking into the old abandoned mall just a mile away from Laredo's entry; you had taken a backpack with a couple bottles of water and a lantern, not sure if you should bring anything else with you

• but from the moment you got into that place you didn't like it at all; it was dark, creepy, it smelled bad, the floor was slippery and the noises were scary, you definitely didn't want to be spending your Halloween night there

• your boyfriend was overly excited, chuckling and making jokes, scaring you on purpose and being overall a real pain in the ass

• at some point, disappointed for not finding anything worth stealing, he just got a big iron bar and began destroying several things he found in front of him

• and even if you asked him to stop, he didn't he was having fun in a grotesque way and it creeped you out to see him like that, the loud noises of stuff breaking was disturbing and it only stopped the moment you saw the lights of a police car and the siren sound, someone had probably called the cops

• your boyfriend's eyes widened as he dropped the bar, took his backpack and began running towards the exit, you tried following him and called him to stop and wait for you, but he just laughed softly and walked away as fast as he could, if there was someone he didn't want to see that night, was definitely Sheriff Peña

• and you were terrified, you didn't know what to do and you even tried to escape but it was too dark and you were scared, so all you could hear was Chief Peña's words telling you to freeze right there

• and you did, gulping scared and turning around slowly and seeing Chief Peña holding a gun and aiming at you

• now, Javi saw it was just one helpless girl terrified to be standing in that creepy horrible place, probably dragged by her shitty boyfriend, she wasn't the first and wouldn't be the last one, but he thought it was going to be kinda funny to scare the shit outta her

• and it was indeed funny, even if he kept his cop face and harshly told you to not move as he walked towards you with handcuffs in hand and arrested you

• on the way to the police station you and Javi have a chat, he asks about your name, where you live and you exchange information with him; he doesn't say much about himself though, but he does tell you how long he's been working as a chief of police and you are honest and tell him you'd heard about him being *the* Javier Peña, which makes him chuckle

• apart from your occurrence, his shift is easy going so he decides to take you home instead of the station

"you know, that place is dangerous... Not because of ghosts or shit like that, but a lot of junkies hang out to do drugs and they could've robbed you or done something worse... You are a good girl, a very beautiful one, and you deserve a better boyfriend who takes you out for a dinner or to a party than to a place like that"

"thanks Javier... I mean, Chief Peña"

"you can call me Javi"

• he says gently as you give him the address of your home

"you know, you are too pretty to be with a dickhead like him, break up with him and find a man decent enough for you"

• Javi told you as he parked into your driveway

"If your boyfriend is too wasted or acts weird just call me okay? I'll keep you safe"

• you thank him and leave the car, waving him goodbye as his words echo through your mind and you wonder if the decent man he said you deserved could be him

____

[alilbatflies]

Just Cake #3

by popular demand (2 people asked) (hello) (thank you for commenting! it means a lot even if I don't manage to answer perhaps)

Part 1, Part 2

... ... ...

“Look who we’ve caught,” an entirely too sweet voice said. “Well, aren’t you two adorable?”

The villain was growling now. A low, guttural sound which the henchman has only heard in life-threatening situations, usually forced out by the desperate struggle of survival. Now it was a promise of violence, get closer I dare you, a promise of slaughter and doom.

They tried to angle their head to glimpse whoever had the honour of experiencing such a threat.

The person shuffled to the side, no doubt measuring them in turn. They were all cloak and magic glowing through two bright orange eyes.

Supervillain.

They were so screwed. Utterly fucked.

The supervillain measured them both.

They seemed… wary. Ridiculous, given that the two potential threats were trapped in a power-suppressing net. Ridiculous, given that the supervillain was a supervillain for a reason—spectacular amount of magical skill and all.

Although the henchman could admit they wouldn’t want to be facing their villain’s growling and claws either. Even through a net. There were holes.

“You’re not superhero.”

The confusion triggered by such statement startled the villain out of their instinctual reaction. They stopped growling, although they were still baring their teeth.

“I was not expecting anyone else,” the supervillain said. “Perhaps that pesky hero who lurks around them sometimes, but not a fellow criminal.”

Fellow criminal, huh? The henchman assumed the supervillain was trying to convince them that they’re all on the same side. Perhaps the idea of a potential furious threat unsettled them, no matter the current cage around it.

Well, it wasn’t like they particularly wanted to stay in the bloody uncomfortable trap.

“In that case,” the henchman said, “I suppose you wouldn’t mind getting us out of the net?”

“Should I?”

…the henchman had assumed wrong.

While they probably were on a similar kind of boat regarding their criminal activities, the supervillain hadn’t had any proper motivation to let them go. They weren’t especially close or anything.

And yet, still standing there. Still watching the two criminals swinging in their net as if they somehow held the answers to the universe.

The supervillain had options.

First, they could let them out. The best outcome but severely unlikely.

Second, they could close a bargain of some kind. I’ll only let you out if… which was less favourable, but it would still mean getting out relatively quickly.

Third, they could leave them trapped.

It occurred to the henchman that while there was little chance of them making it out then, the supervillain couldn’t possibly know that. Their villain’s powers were speculated on so many levels it had led to more confusion than clarity in the industry. That could work out in their favour.

The henchman was no mind reader. They couldn’t possibly know how much of a threat did the supervillain consider them at the moment. Nevertheless, the supervillain was still standing there.

Nevertheless, the supervillain didn’t seem entirely convinced leaving them hanging was their best option.

They could work with that.

They decided to play their cards according to their instincts. The villain still hovered over them, a display of teeth and taunt like an arrow ready to take flight and slaughter. Their most wild card, a whisper of carnage. A terrifying ace.

The henchman loved them so.

“You had no quarrel with us before this… incident,” the henchman said. They focused on keeping their tone light, conversational. “Although, now that the situation has changed, perhaps you’re excited to find out how we settle the score, hm?”

Their look met the orange eyes. The supervillain probably found them crazy, threatening from within the containment. They felt insane. They felt the thrill run through them.

“Let us go, so the beast doesn’t have to claw its way out.”

On cue, the villain growled.

The supervillain hesitated.

It was a brief and finely concealed blip of emotion, barely slipping past the dangerous façade. Surely the villain couldn’t be so terrifying as to startle them. And yet.

The supervillain drew a smile, entirely too sharp in its flawless elegance. “Of course.” Then they proceeded to pull shears out of nowhere.

The henchman tried not to be impressed too bad. They hadn’t had much time to ponder about the practicality of the supervillain’s pockets relevant to such level of preparedness, since the net was cut down. There was little regard for the fact they would hit the ground.

The henchman couldn’t care less about the fall as their magic roared to life inside them. It pushed along their bones and crashed into their skin from within. It settled then, nesting in their body like a monster in its cave.

Belatedly, they realized the villain shielded the back of their neck and head from impact with their arm.

There was absolutely no dignified way to get out of the tangle of ropes.

Once the henchman managed, they realized the villain was standing over them protectively, placing themselves between them and the supervillain.

The villains stared each other down. It seemed a stalemate.

“I appreciate you understand plans fall through sometimes,” the supervillain said. “It was not my intention to harm you.”

“As displayed,” the henchman noted quietly.

The villain considered this. They nodded in acknowledgement.

The henchman itched to get out of another’s territory. They were sure the villain didn’t want to linger either.

“Could you give us directions from the forest?” they asked. “We would dislike to meddle with any of your other… endeavours.”

The supervillain tilted their head.

“What I mean is…” The henchman pulled the net up from beneath their feet, holding it out. “We wouldn’t want to mess with your handiwork.”

The supervillain grinned as they took the cluster of ropes, a little feral, a little genuine. They did point the two in a certain direction. They tipped their head at the villain before seemingly dissolving back into the forest and vanishing.

“Bloody hell.”

The villain inclined their head. Then they turned and started away. “Luckily not.”

“Luckily not,” the henchman huffed in echo, following short behind. “Extremely insightful as always, boss.”

“Hm.”

They luckily didn’t stumble into any more traps on their way back.

The henchman was so not sleeping that night.

[morgy-doo]

THE OWL HOUSE RELATIONSHIP HEADCANNONS~

Luz noceda~

has 100% made you read all of the azura books ATLEAST once

has started teaching you spanish because she thought it would be cute if you two had your own cute lil conversations without over people over hearing

always pestering amity on relationship advice

the owl house is basically your second home by now

hooty can never leave you both alone for more than 5 minutes when your with each other

tries to hide whats going on with belos from you but you figure it out pretty quick because she is a BADDDD liar

she just doesn't want you to worry <3

AMAZING at cheering you up, honestly she would throw herself off a cliff just to hear you do that little cry laugh thing

Amity blight~

she is constantly worrying she is not good enough for you

please give this poor girl some love and reassurance

based on the past person she was she is terrified that one day you will realise there are better people and will never speak to her again

even if your not in the track, abomination magic has become a big part of your life

sometimes at school she gets an abomination to follow you around and carry your bags and stuff when she is not avaliable

she thinks its sweet and endearing

you think its terrifying but don't have the heart to tell her

literally gulps down your praise

"you really think i did good?"

she is so proud of herself after that

she cares about you SM

lucky bitch

your safety always becomes before hers and sometimes she forgets to do certain things for herself because she is to occupied with worrying about you

Willow park~

loves gardening with you

honestly you were clueless about how to diffrentiate (did i spell that right?) different types of trees

but ever since dating her you know the label and scientific name of ever plant that's ever grown

good for you boo <3

always is slightly self concious around you

always trying to smooth down her hair

but DAMN this girl is STRICT

if you play a sport or any type of activity that involves potential injury, you better expect her to be wrapping you in bubble wrap the moment you leave that field

if you were trying to impress her with your skills and get hurt, she will scold you the entire time she is fixing your injury, but secretly finds it cute

she will find simple little things to brighten your day like leaving cute little potted plants on your desk before class

Gus porter~

THE MOST supportive boyfriend to ever grace this earth

you wanna try something new? go ahead he will be excited to hear how you liked it

you wanna try out a new sport? he will be cheering you on at every practice and game in the stands

definately owns one of those shirts that say "i love my bf/gf"

tries so hard to impress you

he wants to be the perfect boyfriend for you so if you show interest in the slightest thing then boom you own a whole collection of items related to that interest and he has learnt everything there is to know about it off witchapedia

loves watching you use your magic

it interests him

learns so many different jokes just to make you laugh and smile everyday

Boscha (i only just realised she doesn't have a last name)~

oh god how do i even start this

can be super clingy one minute, but then acts as if she is used to the attention from you and couldn't care less

she takes it upon herself to be your protector

even if its from a potential splinter

BIG on pet names

babe,baby,darling,sweetheart, yk

"heh did you see that babe? i totally just saved you from that rogue grudgby ball"

speaking of grudgby, as cliche as it sounds she has bought you a jersey that has her name on it for when she plays grudgby

honestly dies of happiness when she hears you shout "that's my girlfriend!"

always lends you her jacket when your cold, even when she is freezing herself she is way to stubborn to take it back

or she just lets you wear it around the school hallways so everyone knows the coolest girl in school is your girlfriend

when she is ruling hexside, she keeps an eye on you, no matter where you are in the room, her third eye is always on you

she is terrified she is going to lose you like she did the others

lets you sit on her lap when she is on the throne

can you tell she is my favourite?

Hunter deamonne~

he is literally the definition of acts of service

the biggest gentlemen ever

holds open every door, pulls out your chairs for you, literally he could be your slave

gets red VERY easily

when you give him praise he practically melts

found it hard to open up to you about his past but when he does he feels a huge relief

now he tells you literally everything

you totally gossip together all the time

he loves training with you, it's never serious and he can see your magic in action

you are honestly his everything

he loves playing with your hair too

is honestly so good at doing hair, he has learnt how to get the perfect rounded bun

loves you more than life itself

part two? <3

[hallucinateonpaperspines]

How do you think cybertronian society would react (pre war) to ashlyn like unleashed on their planet, because personally I think that would be hilarious and also terrifying. Do I ask this mainly because the thought of young D-16 and either current story Ashlyn or pre story Ashlyn interacting is both terrifying and interesting? Yes.

Honestly, it could go so many different ways, *evil cackle*

Speaking of the new movie, is everybody else hyped? CAUSE I AM SO EXCITED! FINALLY, we are getting a fun animated Transformers film ヾ(*´ ∇ `)ﾉ

I saw that cross-eye megatron reference from Bumblebee, tfp anyone?

ᕕ(⌐■_■)ᕗ ♪♬

ehem, happy dance aside, here's what I think a Golden Age Ashlyn would have been like...

Presuming that she fell into this situation as a Human things get awkward very quickly. Organics aren't very well received on Cybertron nevermind how their products are luxury goods apparently

Running through the streets, ducking under vendor stalls, and darting between peds like a literal street rat, Ashlyn is very very confused on what the utter frag happened to her.

Unfortunately, as an organic alien lifeform, especially as one that is currently undiscovered, she is VERY distinctive. Her small size helps her a bit with sneaking, but eventually, it becomes common knowledge that a weird creature is hanging around. It doesn't help that her need for breathable air severely restricts potential roaming areas, and only a handful of stores/merchants carry edible food items.

Already making a name for herself as a pest... in a surprisingly literal sense.

When she's eventually spotted and caught by a Cybe with particularly good reflexes, Ash is forced to come up with something fast so she doesn't get squished. By now, you all know where her self-defense tendencies tend to point to.

On the plus side, the twerp survived. On the negative, he's going to need a new servo since the wiring that articulates his digits is beyond saving. Also, a small feral organic that goes for joints is apparently entertainment enough for these people. Welcome to the mini and illegal gladiator battles, Ashlyn! The unregulated leagues for those who can't afford to go watch the real thing.

Look at her go, gaining all the XP fighting alien bugs and other mini-bosses.

Of course, 3 things occurred during this time period. 1) Ashlyn is actually picking up on Neocybex and proving surprisingly adept at it. 2) She's starting to gain a legitimate reputation and doing Humans Are Space Orcs proud via creative/brutal takedowns of her opponents, and biological features that can be terrifying to an alien. 3) Someone in Iacon has quietly been looking for a creature resembling her specifications, but due to the fact that Ashlyn is in Kaon and an asset of an illegal fighting ring, she is unidentifiable.

Of course when Ashlyn finally gains enough of an affinity for Neocybex, (with a very thick kaon accent) she wants to wait to reveal her sentience until it's at a point where she can't be knocked off or ignored. That plan does not last. No.

Because Ashlyn Moore, covered in robot gore, looks up one day to see a very familiar outline.

"ɎØɄ"

D-16, for his part, is very confused as to why the little alien just looked at him and started chittering like a sparkling while shaking.

The crowd is in an uproar.

See humans do look very similar in structure to a basic Cybertronain model. Even more so when you compare it to a sparkling model which is squishy. eh, Unicron connection?

The point is, an unidentified, kinda sparkling-ish thing, that sounds like sparkling, has also just fulfilled one of the oldest Sparkling-Guardian rituals of choosing an adult to protect them. Look at ze adult, go to ze adult, don't let ze adult leave without you.

Ashlyn might not have had such... noble intentions when she launched herself at D-16 while rambling, but such is the beauty of cultural miscommunications. And dehydration and malnourishment. And an almost chronically activated stress response. You get situations like these!

"ɎØɄ!-гЅ₮₳₭Ɇ ₴Ø₥Ɇ ⱤɆ₴₱Ø₦₴ł฿łⱠł₮Ɏ! …-₣Ɽ₳₲ł₦₲ ฿Ʉ₲₴ ł'VɆ ₭łⱠⱠɆĐ?"

Ashlyn is only half understandable in this state, but it's fine. D-16, and soon all of Kaon understands perfectly.

A scrappy deformed sparkling, likely originating from an unidentified hot spot, beat the odds and has chosen an ex-miner and soon full-time gladiator to be her sire/mentor. What a spark-warming story.

Oh yeah, and someone in Iacon is still hunting that human.

The end result would probably culminate in an overly suspicious Ashlyn accidentally causing a chain reaction that would lead to a Decepticon Orion Pax, a proper coup of the High Council, probably Emperor of Destruction Starscream, and Big Villian Shockwave. The Autobots would not exist. Does anyone want to try and theorize why?

D-16 would realize pretty quick that this tiny bundle of chaos isn't an actual sparkling, but it's an argument he'd use to keep her should any outside influences try and take Ashlyn away. Why? Because a highly intelligent and vicious mystery just dropped into his lap, and someone on the Council wants it really badly. That's more than enough of a justification.

Now, if only he could find out why the organic hates him so much... and why she's so valuable.

Now Ashlyn as a bot would be VERRRRRY different.

Same as the first, she pops up in Kaon (may or may not be a narrative reason for that (・ω<) )

Unlike the human version, the poor girl is caught almost immediately.

Turns out, stumbling around a foreign area, being unable to speak the language, and lacking identification doesn't get you the best treatment. Unfortunately, her more bestial-looking design doesn't help much either in a Functionist society.

Actually, the Enforcers processing her are pretty confused by it, the wings and taloned servos say Seeker, but the spines and fanged denta hint at something else completely... and the subject refuses, or is unable to, transform into an altmode...

Oh well, can't put it in a category, and then toss it out.

Flagging the weirdness for the bosses to deal with, the anomaly is sent to the mines, and a record containing her image and newly given designation is sent to the higher offices. YN-013 is soon forgotten.

Ashlyn, by the time she figures out written translations for Neocybex, finds the designation hilarious. Her fellow miners don't understand why she giggles when she introduces herself.

The mines are horrible, that much is undeniable, but at the same time, Ashlyn can't help but feel like it should be worse?

Her form proves adept at collecting energon, her claws far more efficient than the half-rusted pick-axe she's handed every day. The energon is easy to find too, almost like there's a sixth sense in her brain for where those shards are hiding.

She doesn't realize that the tunnels she's stationed in quickly gain a reputation for being more productive. That her peers end their days not quite as run down anymore. That miners switch shifts and bribe to be in the same branch of tunnels. She's quickly become an omen of good luck and temporary revival.

Ashlyn also doesn't realize that someone in Iacon is tearing through every rumor on Cyberton looking for her... or the organic her.

D-16 hears rumors about the newest unfortunate spark that's been sent to join them in the dark, but he doesn't believe it. Not until he sees it.

There is something about this individual that's different, maybe the stories are true. Solus reforged, perhaps? The missing Thirteenth? Or is this a new prime, come to save them and bring Cybertron back to its glory.

Ashlyn for her part is vibing collecting pretty rocks, and would prefer the future genocidal maniac to stay far away from her, please.

The not-yet-future-genocidal-maniac does not leave. Instead, he talks.

D-16 is actually the one that teaches her proper Neocybex, not the fragmented version she's been getting by with. In return, she tells him what the surface was like for the brief bit of time she was there.

Over time, the strange happenings around YA-013 are normalized and forgotten, but not by D-16. He knows she is not just some wild-forged thing that had the bad to stumble into the wrong city-state. He knows that she can't just be some bestial new-forged, because her optics are far too aware, too knowing. She hesitates, as though shuffling through information when she speaks. The alien babble she talks to herself in, while basic, is too natural to be anything but a primary language. Her smiles are sad even if the laughter is easy. She says things, and calls him Bucket Head, and Mega-arse.

She already knows who his favorite Prime is.

YN-013 never comments when he explains his plans to become a gladiator and gain his freedom. But he can feel the judgment. The resignation. Like she already knew. "Forget about me when you become one of the most famous bots to walk on Cybertron, yeah? Little old me will be nothing compared to the masses that'll scream your name."

YN-013 never talked about her own future, not in a way that sounds lasting. "I'd like to sightsee while I can. Never know when city walls will go tumbling down."

Megatronus doesn't forget her. Not in the Pits as he battles against foes and realizes how much healthier his frame is compared to his opponents, how much stronger, despite them all feeding off the same scraps. He doesn't forget as he meets an Archivist and hears all the snide jokes about his type being "boys in red and blue. Sweet nerds that take forever to commit to ending you."

Orion Pax, quickly becomes a close friend. Megatron never comments on his paint job. He's yet to see Pax exhibit anything but an agreeable and slightly excitable disposition... but he can't help but hold back even as he chides his own superstition.

"I don't think you'll have much luck in the friend department, Bucket. "

Why had he never gone back for her? Why had she never joined him in the arena?

"That's your origin story, D, and I'd hate to incinerate your undefeated record."

Megatron doesn't forget the stranger hidden in the mines. Not when he meets Orion's mentor, not when he stands before the Council, not as every veiled barb, sorrowful mutter, or hidden revelation comes true.

Even when he goes back for her and finds her gone, the Warlord never forgets the seer of the mines.

YN-013 had never realized, that just as D-16 had taught her a language, so too had she taught him hers. Every private word, every thoughtless exclamation, he remembered.

No, that unfortunate spark in the mines was not a wild-forged femme with bad luck. She was not a prime, remade, or replace. She was something different. A puzzle, a friend, an asset.

Lord Megatron, leader of the Decepticons, never forgot.

So how strange was it, to find a planet that spoke that same tongue?

The Autobots seek a relic and the Decepticons search for a seer. Optimus inherits a charge that can only be fulfilled through a missing person and Megatron wants closure to the fate and identity of someone he might've considered a friend.

Ashlyn struggles with guilt over choosing to not change the timeline and has been hiding on Earth since the last few centuries of the war. She's spawned more than a few stories in her wanderings, triggered some changes she never realized. A shifter who went rogue after a drunken conversation at a bar and never swore his loyalty. Bartering fuel with an Autobot vessel, allowing the Ark to avoid Decepticon Scouts and remain unharmed. A Prime who learned the truth about his predecessors early, and resolved to do more than simply restore his planet to what it used to be.

Ashlyn can't hide from the plot forever. War or not, things have changed, and now she's part of that story.

[lily-blue]

You can call me villain, whatever, it’s fine

☆ characters: villain!jeno & girlfriend!you ☆ genre: villain (origin story-ish) au, dystopian au ☆ warnings: mention of murder, violence, psychological abuse, helplessness ☆ request: DV33. form this prompt list ☆ summary: Jeno loves you so much, he would do absolutely anything - everything - to shield you from the cruelty of other people ☆ words: 2,1k ☆ dedicated to: @dat-town​​ ♥

When your boyfriend of eight months started to act weird a few weeks after your disastrous birthday party, you had exciting and terrifying ideas about what could have been behind the sudden attitude change. Like most people with a childhood trauma and a horrible luck with friends, you were also quick to surrender to your insecurities, which made you think that your step-mother’s entitled behaviour had made Jeno realise that you weren’t worth his time: he was cheating on you, he was trying to come up with a painless way to dump you because he was just that sweet, or he was doing both. On particularly sensitive days, the mere possibility of the latter made you cry for hours to no end.

However, the night when Jeno insisted on picking you up from work to take you to his place for your semi-impromptu date night, the extravagant sight of his otherwise minimalist dining room planted a completely different thought in your mind; you could feel the anticipation in your tummy, your entire being buzzing with excitement and disbelief, because the decoration was suspiciously akin to the one you had described to him when he had asked you about your dream proposal and wedding. (To be fair, this conversation had happened months before your birthday, on a movie night you had spent watching the American movie 27 Dresses.)

You almost missed your chair when Jeno led you towards the dining table, your eyes fixed on the beautiful candle lights.

How had you gotten so lucky?

‘Did you make all these? Even the food?’ You asked in awe when the European-style cream soup was served, the smell making your mouth water even before you touched your spoon. Growing up in a well-off family meant that you had unlimited access to many foreign countries’ cuisines, but because of the same reason, your father’s wealth, you rarely had real, home-cooked food on the table. Your father’s new wife deemed such chores, activities your mother had loved so much, low-life: something maids should have done and maids alone.

Jeno’s eyes turned into tiny crescents when he nodded, his smile making your heart melt. You felt bad for ever doubting him, although you both knew it wasn’t something you could have helped. In life, money always came with a price. Subsequently, the more zeros one had on their account, the more nightmares and insecurities they had to deal with to balance out the happiness that kept poor people at bay. This was how your society had been working for centuries.

As the night went on and more delicious food got on the table, you were more and more sure that even if there hadn’t been a proposal, you would have remembered that night for the rest of your life. Your relationship with Jeno might have been relatively peaceful and the best thing that had ever happened to you, but you hadn’t been this happy in months. The absence of self-hating and relationship-doubting thoughts was freeing. You couldn’t not smile.

Until your happy grin froze onto your face then fell at the sight of the eerie collection of personal items in Jeno’s living room. Goodness. Your boyfriend didn’t make the smallest attempt at hiding the evidence. On the contrary, he put everything on display: the jewelleries, wallets, keychains and hairpins that all had a vaguely familiar feel to them. They sent an unpleasant chill down your spine.

And it got significantly worse when taking a tentative step closer to the glass display cabinet, you recognised your bitchy supervisor’s rose gold necklace with the tiny star medallions she had gotten from her fiancé. Was that your step-mother’s wedding ring two items from it? The one that had been originally your mother’s family heirloom, but then your father had decided that he would have shown you how he was a disgusting human being in more ways than one by proposing to his new chick with the jewellery.

When had been the last time you had seen either of these horrible women?

What was going on?

Except the rational part of you knew exactly what was going on. Your best friend had been going on about the Midnight Maniac ever since the serial killer had shown up at your city, targeting seemingly random people, although the connection had been right in front of you all along. You. You might have not given the same significance to every victim as you rarely paid attention to those outside of your friend group, you might have not remembered everyone’s name, but at one point in your life you had had to cross paths with them. 

They had died… No, they had been killed because of you.

‘No…’ the plea fell from your lips weakly, the disbelief mixed with strong denial making you sound raspy and out of breath. You reached out to your mother’s ring and your hand was shaking from how overwhelmed you felt. This just couldn’t have been happening. There was no way in hell this was true.

‘Do you like it?’ Your shoulders rose and for the first time in your life, your body got tense when Jeno’s closeness registered in you. You tried not to show or acknowledge how anxious you felt at that moment, although your acting skills had never been too good. Despite the number of school plays your family’s money had gotten you during your academic career,  you were a below average actress. ‘At first, I thought it might be too much, but then I realised you might need some sort of reassurance that they can’t hurt you anymore,’ your boyfriend explained, confusing you with the lack of empathy or guilt in his alluring, deep voice you loved so much. 

Your teeth sank into your lower lip to suppress the scream that almost escaped your mouth. You didn’t dare to look down at Jeno’s fingers that slowly slipped between yours.

‘Because they can’t. They will never ever mistreat you again,’ Jeno squeezed your hand, the familiar warmth from before back in his voice and evident on his face. He looked at you like he always did when you were telling him about your achievements at work and the dreams you nurtured in your heart. He looked at you the way he did when he was so damn proud, he would have stolen the stars for you just to show you your worth.

He looked at you like you were his entire world and he would have done absolutely anything for you. Anything, whether you asked for it or not.

‘Tell me you didn’t,’ you pleaded, your voice barely above a whisper. You didn’t take your eyes off your mother’s ring. As much as you hated to see the hand-crafted jewellery on your  step-mother’s finger, the thought of her dead body in a dirty alley, strangled to death creeped you the hell out. ‘Please, tell me you did not—’

‘Of course, I did. Did you expect me to watch them walk over you?’ Jeno asked with what sounded like genuine disbelief in his voice. As you allowed yourself a glance at his reflection through the glass display, you were taken aback by his furrowed eyebrows and the wrinkles on his forehead. He was seriously confused.

Until he wasn’t.

He squeezed your hand again; his thumb was drawing soothing circles on the sensitive skin of your wrist.

‘It’s okay, it’s because you’re not used to people treating you like you deserve,’ he reassured you, an action so familiar, nice and comforting that for a second you felt like you had an out of body experience. You felt like you were both living your own and invading someone else’s life because there was no way your sweet boyfriend had killed close to a dozen people who had dared to treat you badly at one point in their lives.

Your inability to stand up for yourself and detach yourself from a toxic environment couldn’t have been the reason for eleven people’s early death. It just couldn’t. Your conflict-avoidant personality couldn’t have turned your soft-hearted boyfriend into a serial killer.

It wasn’t true. If this was supposed to be a joke, a prank, it wasn’t funny.

‘Stop, please, just stop. It’s not right, Jeno, do you hear yourself? You’re saying you are a murderer,’ you begged while you simultaneously tried to take your hand out of his with little to no success. His hold on you was too strong.

Your eyes were brimming with tears because of how fiercely he was holding onto you. It was painful both physically and mentally until he pulled you close and pushed your face into the crook of his neck. Your boyfriend was petting your head while his tee soaked up your tears. You were scared, confused and miserable.

‘Everything I’ve done…’ he mumbled against the crown of your head. ‘Every horrible atrocity, it’s been for you. Please, don’t ever degrade my feelings for you, love,’ he asked, although by the way he hugged your smaller frame, his palm pushing your body against his chest, it felt more like a threat. It was as clear as day that he didn’t like being called a murderer.

‘Please,’ you asked, barely managing to get enough oxygen into your lungs. He was hugging you so tight. So damn tight. Like you could have disappeared the moment he let you go.

You couldn’t have said his fear was baseless. A brave person would have already made a run for it. A strong person might have already successfully escaped. However, you were neither brave nor strong. Your skills were barely suppressing average on your brightest days and your mental strength was crumbling without Jeno being your stable point.

‘Shh, you’re safe now. No one will ever hurt you, I won’t let them, I promise.’ Jeno kept stroking your hair and pressing soft kisses against the crown of your head as if his actions hadn’t been the sole reason for your distress. As if you had just woken up from one of your nightmares and you needed his arms around you to ground you. ‘I love you so much, baby.’ 

His embrace and closeness didn’t bring you comfort this time.

The silence stretched uncomfortably long.

‘Say that you love me, baby,’ Jeno asked you, his fingertips digging into your back. Face buried in the juncture between his shoulder and neck, your brain was mushy and your breathing uneven as you tried to comprehend his words.

Your unresponsiveness didn’t make Jeno happy. It made him angry. Or was he desperate? He sounded a little bit both when he said:

‘Come on, baby. Say it. Say that you love me, say it back.’

You couldn’t say it. Not necessarily because your love for him vanished from one moment to another, but because you were physically incapable of forming coherent sentences. You were drained due to the part of you that was still in denial, scared that Jeno would kill more people out of some twisted kind of protectiveness and terrified that people who shouldn’t have would figure it out that he was the person behind the name Midnight Maniac. You knew someone this sick and dangerous should have been behind bars from where he couldn’t have hurt more people, but the thought of losing Jeno also wore you down.

You didn’t want to lose him. You didn’t want this to be your reality.

Jeno put his hands on your shoulders and pushed you away from his chest a little: just enough to be able to look you in the eyes. 

‘Say it, love! Say. It. Say that you love me.’

You couldn’t. You couldn’t say it back. And your silence made your boyfriend lose his mind for a split second. He started to shake you, squeeze you, dig his nails into your flesh until you were flinching away from the pain.

‘I… I…’ At that point, you were close to hyperventilating. You wanted to wake up from this horrible dream and find solace in your boyfriend’s arms like you always did. You wanted the Jeno you knew, the Jeno you had fallen in love with, the Jeno you loved. Cheeks red and lips slightly parted, you were panting as you said: ‘I love you.’

Because you did. You loved Jeno, you just didn’t like how he was acting. Like a madman. A maniac.

The smile that adorned your boyfriend’s features upon hearing your confession was genuine; his beautiful, chocolate brown eyes disappeared as his happiness became more evident. You shuddered when Jeno brushed a mop of hair behind your ear.

Staring at him in disbelief, you had no idea how you would come out of this situation alive, but the momentary peace deluded you into thinking that everything was going to be alright, and you held onto that fake reality was tooth and nail. As you didn’t put up much fight, your exhaustion eventually won, and you welcomed the numbness with open arms.

the end.

[the-deep-dark-forest]

Just out of curiosity

TW: BELOW MENTION IDEAS OF GORE, CANNIBALISM, AND GENERAL UPSETTING MENTALITY OF CANNIBALISM. Please ignore this ask if you're uncomfortable with those things, we would understand. Sorry and thank you

What would Homesick react if Y/n is a total psycho, who has no whims killing or letting some people die? Like somehow someway, they got attached to Wally and saw him as a good friend, and because they only care about his well-being and starvation, and didn't care about some other people's lives, they lured people into the woods as Wally's food. Or worse, they kidnap people and give those "food" to Homesick Wally as "gifts"?

Oh hello!! Creator 🐝 here!

This is SUCH a good question, I am so excited to ramble to you about it, I hope you don't mind!

(Since you didn't ask this directly to Wally or Hunter I assume you meant this towards me, reminder you can always ask on my main blog @the-doodle-cave for those questions too!! Keeps the blog from breaking off character haha! /lh /pos )

TW: mention of c@nn1bali1sm, d3ath, potential triggering topics and such, idealisation of c@nn1bal1sm, k1dnapp1ng

So, if You-

(or Y/N, I prefer to call them "You" capital Y)

-were to do such a thing how would Wally react huh?

Now, it entirely depends on what motives You is doing this for, its one thing to lead food to him so he doesn't starve himself, it's another to do it because you're nonchalant and don't care, or worse, actively enjoy seeing people die/suffer!

Wally loves you so SO much, it's been like that WAYYYY before he got sick-

(Hunter on the other hand...well..it's another can of worms entirely teehee...)

-so you going through all the trouble just to help him kinda flushes him a bit...

But he purposefully starves himself because of the crushing guilt of being stupid enough to have come in contact with what made him sick even with Home's protests, and in turn, makes a lot of people suffer JUST so he can feel better about himself...he constantly berates himself for having to deal with this when the death of many people could have been avoided had he been more careful...

let's play into the different scenarios you brought for me hm?

If You actively lures people into the woods and Wally found out, he'd be HORRIFIED, I think, he'd be scared of you, HELL he's already scared of himself!

Not only are you luring people in, but you're making HIM kill them, wiping the blood clean off of your hands, even worse if he knew you're doing this because you don't care about other people's well being but him, this is like a reverse Yandere type of thing!

that sort of betrayal would crush him so hard, he loves you, but DAMN, what a way to make him go through a spiral!

Now kidnapping is another thing, as mentionned before, he'd rather YOU kill them yourself rather than having him do it, mind you, releasing Hunter to do the job is PAINFUL, it tugs at his stitches and stretches his felt in a matter of minutes!

And if he DOES release him, he could also hurt YOU, you do not want to come across him while he's eating someone, that guy is FERALLLLL

But seeing someone tied up, maybe with a bag over their head-

(and that's being merciful, because they don't have the pain and fear of seeing a monster like him in front of their own eyes)

-begging for mercy, especially if the victim doesn't have a bag and staring back at him crying, squirming and struggling to break free, would be devastating, he already has a hard time looking at them through Hunter's eyes when they get captured, but here that person can't even defend themselves to even TRY to escape!

Why would you make him go through such a painful process?

Now let's say you DO bring a dead person over to him, he'd be terrified still, because that means you also have the capability of hurting innocents without any remorse...-

(also depends how long the person has been dead for, the longer it is, the less energy they have, bringing a carcass thats been sitting there for over months would be absolutely useless, reminder the way food works for hunter is different from how reagular puppets work, and even then, the way food works for puppets is different from how it works from humans! Atleast in my headcanons on puppet anatomy)

-he'd still eat them though, because he would not want the person's death to go in vain, and he'd be on board with suffering less because of the side effects of starvation-

Obviously he would plead with you to not do it again, not to care for that type of stuff for him

(although he'd be secretly very flustered how much you care for him, I'll tell you that)

I hope this answers your questions! Please do tell me if you have more!! I love talking about him!

Have a swell rest of your day and remember to have fun!

- 🐝

[lavendermage]

Lost in Inazuma

Characters: Thoma, Itto, Arataki gang

Genre: sagau, no gendered pronouns 

TW: panic attack

1.7k words

AN: I wrote this a bit ago, I just cannot post on mobile without wacking my head into a wall. I got a few fics that will be out soon.

The street bustled with activity, the vendors calling out to potential customers. Children ran between the sweet-sellers. There were so many people, far more than what you were comfortable with. You stuck close to Thoma, your side almost touching him, running your fingers over the hem of your top. 

"How are you holding up?" He asked you, allowing his hand to brush yours. I'm here, the touch said. 

"Fine, for now. Thanks for coming with me." He had offered to escort you to buy some true teas, not the plants you tore out of the ground and half-dried before brewing.

"That's what friends are for. Plus, you'll brew some of it for me, won't you?" 

"Of course. Thoma look here!"  You caught his hand and ran towards one of the stalls. He barely had time to react.

Dried flowers hung from the roof and colorful boxes of various teas stood in stacks on the table. Each bunch was labeled carefully in Inazuman, a perfect chance to practice. The seller was an old lady, her face etched with smile lines.

You were already examining the wares, slightly bowing to see better. Thoma couldn't help but watch as your eyes shined with excitement, captivated by your joy. You were so beautiful like this.

 "Oh my, Thoma! I didn't know you had a lover." The old woman said. "Quite a few people will be disappointed."

"Oh, no, we- we're not-" He stumbled on his words, his face flushing pink.

"We're coworkers, and friends." You explained, saving Thoma from further embarrassment. You didn't even look up, continuing to check the tea.

"For now…" The old lady wiggled her eyebrows.

"Mrs. Honda!" 

You laughed. "Hey, could you read this for me?" You pointed to a tag.

"Sure. 'Chamomile from Fontaine.' You want some?"

"Yeah, it will help you sleep. Plus some lavender, and this green tea."

The lady packaged it in a beautiful fabric and waved goodbye. As you left you gave Thoma a look. 

He sighed. "Are you going to tease me too?" 

"I would never!” You put a hand to your heart dramatically. “I was just wondering if you know everyone in the city."

"Not everyone, but knowing people is part of my job."

"You are-" Fear choked your voice.

A ruckus was happening ahead, involving some Tenryo doushin. You recognized one of them. He was part of the group that had been hunting you. You pressed yourself into Thoma and he put a hand to your shoulder.

"Should we go back?" His heart ached as he saw you like this, shaking like a leaf. It reminded him of how you'd acted with the Kamisato guard, but so much worse.

You were about to nod, but you noticed a familiar face in the shuffle. "Itto." You balled your fists determinedly and headed towards him.

Thoma could only chase behind you, surprised at the sudden change.

As you got closer you realized the whole gang was there, except Shinobu. Genta looked ready to fight somebody and the vendor at the center looked somewhere between annoyed and terrified. 

"Hey, Itto, what's the problem here?" You put a hand on his shoulder to get his attention.

He turned to you with a wide smile. "Goldie! This person here was trying to overcharge us." He pointed angrily at the vendor.

"I am not! These buffoons just can't count."

"May I check?" They showed you the goods and you counted them up. "Itto, you added it wrong." 

"Ah, really?" He scratched his head nervously. "We, uh, don't have enough mora then." The gang groaned.

"How much do you need?" You pulled out your wallet. "Think of it as paying you back."

"You don't have to." He was always lacking self control. All you had to do was push a bit.

"You almost started a fight because of it," You glanced at Genta, now calm but red from embarrassment. "So take the mora."

"If you insist." He made a show of giving up.

"Thank you so much!" The vendor said, before dropping his voice to a whisper. "I thought I was done for. That oni-"

"Wouldn't hurt a fly. He might look scary, but he's not violent."

"Even so, it could have escalated. Thank you." The doushin said, stepping towards you. "You seem familiar. Have we met before?"

You flinched. His spear had been pointed at you just weeks before and if he recognized you it would be there again. It had glinted purple as he and his archon chased you. You bit back panic. Thoma stepped in with some excuse you didn't have the energy to process while Itto practically carried you away.

He put you down in an alleyway, hidden from sight, and crouched next to you. "Hey, Goldie, what's wrong?" 

You pulled yourself into a ball and started crying, tears slipping under your mask. You were scared, so terrified that it was all you could think about. The thud of armored boots, the glint of metal, the taste of blood.

Thoma rounded the corner to see you shaking. He wanted to cry too when you didn't recognize him, when you ran into Itto's arms for comfort and safety. But this wasn't about him, so he stood aside as you calmed down. 

When you came to your senses, you immediately started apologizing. "I'm sorry for that. And Thoma, please don't take it personally."

Thoma let you finish before speaking. "I'm not insulted, there's no need to apologize. Do you know what triggered it?"

You hid your face in your knees. There was no reason to lie. "That man hurt me."

If you had seen Itto's face, you might have changed your mind about him 'not hurting a fly'. The oni blood pounded in his veins. He looked ready to kill as he pulled you closer to his chest. He didn't trust himself to speak without the anger in his voice scaring you.

Instead Thoma continued. "Is there anything I can do? Do you want to report him?"

"Not safe."

Itto had calmed himself enough to speak. "Whatever you want, Goldie, your wish is my command."

You smiled. "Thanks, you guys. It means a lot."

"Let's get you back home." Thoma said.

You nodded.

"I'll carry you!" Itto swung you into his arms.

"You don't have to!" You grabbed his neck to stabilize yourself.

"But I want to."

Thoma watched you with an unfamiliar feeling beating in his chest. You had something going on with the oni, something that went past casual friends. You had pushed your panic aside to help him and he would probably kill for you. Not that he didn't understand that feeling. He had known you for less than a week but already cared for you deeply. How exactly he felt even he couldn't pinpoint.

"You ok?" You asked, looking over Itto's shoulder. While he was thinking you had already started on the way back. "Please understand you didn't do anything wrong."

"I know, don't worry." He jogged a few steps to catch up to you and Itto. 

Itto filled the silence with meaningless chatter. You were grateful for the opportunity to sit in silence in his arms. You drifted half to sleep, barely noticing when you passed the Kamisato guards. You woke when you were placed on your futon and lazily opened your eyes.

"Oops! Didn't mean to wake you, Goldie." Itto said.

"It's fine." You stretched. 

"You've got a nice place here." Itto looked around the room. "Little small though."

You laughed as you noticed his horns scraping the ceiling. "Sit down." You patted the bed next to you. He did, and the room shook slightly.

"Was that the guy you were running from when we found you?"

You nodded. "Among others."

"Me and the gang could–"

"Absolutely not." You crossed your arms. "I don't want you in jail again."

"It's no big deal." He brushed off your comment.

"Itto." You sighed and smiled sadly. "I appreciate it. But if you wanted to get back at everyone that hurt me, you'd have to fight through the Shogun's army."

"What?" 

Shoot. "I mean, a lot of people have hurt me."

"Oh, ok." You can tell he doesn't fully believe you. "I gotta go back before Shinobu thinks I got locked up again."  He pulled you into his chest. "If you need anything, the gang's here. Just come over."

"Thanks." You melted into his warmth for a moment before pulling away. "Please, don't tell the others. I don't want them to do something stupid."

"I won't." He was strangely quiet when he left.

It took you a few minutes to gather yourself enough to go down to get dinner. Thoma was waiting for you, a seat beside him saved for you. "How are you?" He asked, concern etched in his face.

"Just really tired and a bit jumpy." You answered honestly. You ate quickly, just shoving the food down your throat, before putting away your plates. "Thoma, are you done?"

"Ah, yes."

"Can we talk?"

He nodded and followed you out the hall.

"Please don't tell anyone else about this…."

"Of course."

"I want you to understand something." You took a deep breath before starting your planned explanation. "I was running from that man when I found Itto. When you found me today, I panicked because I felt like I did back then, it felt like he was finding me. It was situational, and had nothing to do with you as a person." 

"You don't need to explain yourself."

"I know it's just…" You scrambled for the right words. "You're the type of person who would think it was your fault. I don't want you to blame yourself."

He reached out to your face to brush away a tear. "And you're the type of person to think of others before yourself." Something flashed in his eyes. "Is he the reason you wear the mask?"

"Kind of. It's complicated, even I don't know what's going on. It just feels safer to wear it."

"That makes sense." He stood up and helped you up. "Today must have been tiring for you. Is it alright if I walk you to your room?"

"That would be nice." Maybe you were safe here.

[blackbutler-readerinsertsandjunk]

oooooft i so rarely request angsty things bc it hurts my feelings too much but those prompts are just so good. could you please do "there's something you need to know" and "i need you here, with me" (or "you won't go with me?" whichever you think fits better) for undertaker? its really great to see you active again i hope you're doing well 💜

𝐬𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭  \  sentence starter pack,  i.

i need you here, with me.

you won’t go with me?

there’s something you need to know.

why not all three for extra angst?? :D

also dang u tryna kill me!!!

I’m doing pretty good, I hope you are too! <3

It’s strange that your lover wants you to meet him at a hospital.

Karnstein is one of the frequent customers for his mortuary, something he admits himself. UNDERTAKER isn’t anywhere around when you first arrive, either; you’re escorted up the stairs by a young man who introduces himself as Dr. Stoker. He assures you that your beau is waiting for you in the room he shows you to, and that he’s got exciting news.

You don’t have the faintest clue what that news might be. And why bring you to the hospital to talk about it?

But then Undertaker greets you with a kiss and whispers in your ear, “There’s somethin’ y’ need t’ know,” and your attention is paid in full to him.

He takes you from room to room on the top floor, showing off the ‘projects’ he’s been working on. The reasons he’s been away so often lately. Of course, he make sure to mention that credit is also due to others like Dr. Stoker. Without their help, he could never have gotten this far.

… Far enough to be raising the dead. Each room contains what he refers to as Bizarre Dolls, people he’s trying to revive ― most of them having been dead for a while. They’re in varying stages of resurrection, many of them being tended to by Karnstein’s doctors and nurses. The corpses’ eyes are covered without exception, and the medical staff are monitoring them with regular blood transfusions.

As he leads you through the halls, you don’t know what to think or how to feel. Much as you still love him, (you can’t stop loving him), you’re not sure how you can be alright with any of this.

So you’re not certain how to respond when he sweeps you round the floor at the end of the hall, with his arms around you. Dr Stoker wasn’t exaggerating in that Undertaker is full of anticipation for his work, and when he stops humming in order to speak, it becomes clear what news he wanted to share with you.

“Things are finally comin’ t’gether. It’s taken so long, but… our big event is only a few weeks away now.” He twirls you like there’s music playing. Maybe there is, in his head. It seems as though some tune or another is always playing for him. “’ave you ‘eard about the luxury liners? There’s one settin’ sail, an’ I’ll be on it with my associates. As well as a w’ole mess of my darlin’ little dolls.”

To you, that sounds terrifying. But he’s ecstatic… this is something he’s been working toward, looking forward to. It’s one of the culminations of the last how many years he’s been clawing death’s cold grasp away from those who have already succumbed to it.

You don’t know what to say. It’s like his life’s dream is something which horrifies you.

A kiss is pressed to your cheek, and despite your fear, you accept it simply because it comes from him. It’s impossible for you to not love him even now. How do you just stop loving someone because you don’t agree with something they’re doing? “An’ wouldn’t it be romantic?” he chuckles. Another kiss. Another. It’s as if he thinks this is going to be the beginning of the rest of your lives. Like there’s something to celebrate. “I was thinkin’ we could…”

He draws back abruptly. Reflected in his eyes is the anxiety in your own, the chartreuse a mirror bouncing your own emotion back at you. A quiet sigh rolls off his lips. His eyes shift, disappointment palpable in between the green glimmers. “… Y’ won’t go with me?”

He shakes his head; the gesture is almost as if he rather expected your reaction. His hands drift down your body to gently clasp around yours, nails brushing against your skin. “Ah, God, darlin’. Please. I need y’ ‘ere, with me.”

“I’ll be here with you when you get back,” you say softly. No matter what else is going on, he’s still the man you love. Even if he’s doing some incredibly frightening things. “I’ll wait for you. You can come back into my open arms. I’m not going to go anywhere.”

Your hand squeezes his, and you ghost a kiss over his cheek. “But… I don’t think I want to be a part of this, no.”

“Mh.” He catches your lips with his own, pulling you as close to him as is physically possible for two people. “Guess that’s better than anythin’ else y’ coulda said, ain’t it? Goin’ off on a cruise with me is a bit much t’ ask in less than a month’s time,” he teases.

His other hand snakes around your waist, pressing into your back. You think that as much as he wishes you would come, more than anything he just wants reassurance that you aren’t going to run away. “Promise y’ won’t miss me too much, then?”

You go in for another kiss, one that steals every single bit of your breath. “I always miss you.”

“― But y’ll wait f’r me.” His lips curve into a smile against yours. “My. Ain’t I lucky?”

[amongthestackspodcast]

**Decision to stop the Crowdfunding Campaign and put Among the Stacks on Hiatus**

This isn’t a particularly easy thing for me to write. It’s a bummer, but I genuinely believe that it’s the best course of action. Recently, the show received a lot of extremely valid and necessary criticism about how its run and especially how the crowdfunding campaign was set up and run. It was genuinely eye-opening, but there were a lot of great points which needed addressing, and that’s something I wanted to do.

I began editing the crowdfunding page to provide added clarity on items such as the nature of perks, remove typographical errors, and generally clean up the campaign. However, in doing this, I came to fully understand just how underdone the campaign was. There were a lot of points raised, and I mean a lot. I also began to look more critically at the way I was running the show, especially given the feedback I had just received, and I realised that this, too, needed to change.

I could have continued the show and made these changes, and, sure, maybe everything would have turned out fine, but most likely, they wouldn’t. Papering over the cracks is never a good idea, especially if you are continuing to move. This is true both for the show and for my own personal health. What would most likely end up happening is that these problems would continue to dog the show as it went on, until they became a million times worse when they eventually blew up down the line.

Seeing just how unpolished the campaign was was terrifying, and humbling. But it was necessary. And so, in the same way you wouldn’t want to keep driving a car when multiple people have shown you how there’s a leak in the engine that will cause it to explode later on, I don’t want to keep running the show as is without some serious examination and changes.

Because of this, I’m going to be ending the crowdfunding campaign. Anyone who has donated money will have their contribution refunded, because, after being shown how many things were wrong or unintentionally misleading, I can’t in good conscience continue to accept money from people when things will most likely fail spectacularly. It wasn’t my intention to mislead or take advantage of people, and I won’t continue to do it now I am aware that I have done it without meaning to.

Because of the Indiegogo campaign rules, campaigns can only be lengthened, not cut short, so the campaign will have to remain active until its natural end date at April 1st, 3:59 PM PDT, but any donations received will be returned to backers.

As for the show, we will release Tales 7-10 as planned as these are already recorded and in various stages of production, it not being fair to the people who put in amazing work on them, and the end of Tale 10 being a satisfying place for the narrative to pause, but on April 29th, after the release of Tale 10: Resurrection, the show will be going on an indefinite hiatus. I will pay the people who have already done work for the released episodes out of my own pocket over the coming months for their time and effort.

In the meantime, as stated before, we will be updating and bringing our transcripts up to date, along with timely releases for the upcoming releases of Tales 7-10.

Among the Stacks was always meant to be fun, a creative project that I’ve wanted to make for years now, and I was really excited to explore this with my friends. With our casting call tweet gaining so much exposure and having so many people express interest in the show, all of a sudden we had a massive audience, people were paying attention to us. This was something I wasn’t really prepared for, and it shows.

As a showrunner, I was frequently irritable, and didn’t listen to others’ opinions when I should have, and took expressions of genuine feedback way too personally. The show shifted away from the creative melting pot of ideas it had been at the start and slowly became a vanity project where I was the only one whose voice could be heard. Following a creative project with passion is all well and good, but following a creative project and not caring who you hit on the way is not. Among the Stacks should be what it was originally intended to be: a collaborative show, where everyone’s input is valid and constructive, not Nigel: The Show.

A lot of the feedback I received pointed out the explosive overconfidence of the project and the crowdfunding, and that I had bitten off more than I could chew with the show. So I’ll be stepping away and not doing anything show related for a couple of months, before returning to address and restructure how the show is run on all levels: storywriting, showrunning, and even social media. It’s not an easy call for me to make because this is something I love, and I know a lot of people enjoy both listening to and working on, but, in its present state, the way the show is run is untenable, and I am at fault.

When will Among the Stacks return? Honestly, I’m not sure. It’s a world I want to return to with so many stories I want to tell, but I want to do that with a better run show.

I hope that you can understand this decision

Sapere Aude

Nigel McKeon (she/they)

[oldguy56-world]

Total Eclipse of the Heart

Lest you think I am a Bonnie Tyler fan due to using 2 of her song titles in the past 8 months, well I am sort of but today is such an epic day how could this blog be called anything else. All you have to do is watch the news to see this is possibly the most important day in our lifetime (not counting the other Eclipses we had the most recent being four years ago) and the consequences of today could be life changing. (wow that was a mouthful)

They say an eclipse can cause people to lose their minds and if the pre-hype is any indication I have to believe them (They?) CNN has an all afternoon coverage planned, and remember these are the same people who just last week during the slight shake they had in New York told viewers that you can't feel earthquakes in the air so they must have important information to pass on to us.

While I am not completely buying into the hype I have altered my personal conduct. Usually I have sent in my income tax by now but I am holding off just in case anarchy ensues and there is no government to collect from me. If nothing happens along those lines I still have 3 weeks to submit (dammit).

The entire process of the eclipse is to last 4 minutes and 18 seconds so naturally biblical scholars have looked it up and Luke 4:18 says 'the Spirit of the Lord is upon me...' There is more but that is all they need to terrify their congregations into giving more money.

Experts are also giving great advice like how to look at the eclipse without looking at it. They say there is a way to hear the eclipse but I imagine that would be as exciting as watching an orchestra with no sound. They offer many ways to do it but it appears that politicians can avoid direct viewing because their heads are up their collective butts all the time so there is no danger of them seeing anything but their own colons.

Back to the scientific, observations of animals in captivity show changes in their habits. Last eclipse baboons and giraffes galloped around in circles. Tortoises looked up to the sky and Gorillas, well they went to take a nap because it was dark. Are these activities caused by the eclipse or do the animals do this every night and we just don't bother to watch them? In any case the gorillas are my heroes now and I might take a chapter from their book.

So what should you do during an eclipse? Here are some plausible pass times.

Play speed hide and seek. Whoever is it only has 4:18 to find you. (The time not the biblical quote)

Some couples are involved in a group marriage ceremony. This might be a good time to slip that sheep you have been eyeing into the mix.

Looting seems to be catching on. This seems like a good opportunity to hone your skills.

Put on a devil costume, carry a spooky looking lamp and terrify people. The minutes of fun for you will give people years of therapy.

Hold the world Marco Polo championships.

Wear that outfit in public your wife hates.

Mimic the gorillas and take a nap at work.

Wherever you are remember that the big ball of fire in the sky will be back shortly.

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK: We can't always control what happens in the world but we do have the ability to control ourselves no matter what comes our way.

[quotedfictions]

With the Wind

Synopsis: Izuku Midoriya had an adorable secret, and that secret had the cutest quirk and is a student of Aldera Highschool, only when U.A students move into the dorms does class 1.A learn about this well hidden couple, while Izuku has to comfort his girlfriend, who is insecure about her infamous red eyes

Themes: Fluff, Romance, Butterfly Quirk, Non- Hero Reader, Comfy Izuku Date, Bakugou Twin Reader, Influencer reader, comforting Izuku

Warnings: Slight Profanity, cyberbulling, insecurities

Word Count: 978

Edit: I forgot the word count

Izuku was sitting in his room, doing curls while waiting for a text; earlier that day, he had gotten a message from someone saying they wanted to come to see him, and after getting permission from Aizawa, he was waiting for them to announce their arrival. The young male's phone pings as he puts his weights on their stand; he picks up the device and smiles happily, discovering that the person had brought snacks they liked to eat when they were together.

Izuku's smile was wide, and as he opened the door to his room, he was greeted by his childhood friend and bullied, Katsuki Bakugo. "Why do you look so fucking happy, Deku?" Izuku's smile faded a little at the tone of Bakugous's voice, but his joy returned when his visitor texted him that they had arrived. Midoriya's joyful expression did fade as he stepped out into the hall in front of Bakugou before heading to the elevators that would take him down to the main entrance.

The poor boy did not expect all of the girls at the front entrance, crowding a beautiful girl with H/L H/C hair and beautiful Morpho Butterfly wings on her back, folded down to save space. The girl was being bombarded with questions, mostly from Mina Ashido and Urakaka Ochaco. "Y/n!!" The winged girl perked up instantly, spreading her wings and using them to push the group of girls away from her. Her smile brightened as she removed her shoes and lowered her wings; she put on a pair of slippers and rushed over with the bag of snacks and treats she had brought for her boyfriend.

Katsuki had finally come out of the hall, suddenly confused about why Y/n was in the dorms and a little upset he wasn't told she was coming. "What the hell are you doing here, Y/n??" Although they were related, Y/n's quirk had caused her hair color to change. Fortunately, she still had the striking red eyes of her mother and brother. Everyone had figured she was her for him, but they were wrong. "Onii-chan? Did Izu not tell you??" everyone was puzzled; she was on a first name, let alone a nickname, based on Midoriya. The girl then looks around the room before laughing softly. "Wow, you held to your promise Izuku! You didn't even tell my brother!!"

Scratched the back of his head in embarrassment, cheeks slightly red. "hehe... A promise is a Promise, N/n, and I probably wouldn't have survived this long had I told Kacchan" Y/n smiles more. "Good point; Katsu probably would have kicked your butt" Y/n turns to everyone in the room, facing away from Izuku and Her brother. "Hello! My name is Bakugou Y/n! I am Katsuki's younger sister by one hour, and I am Izuku's girlfriend" Everyone's eyes when wide, and Katsuki filled with rage, but before her brother could do anything to Izuku, she looked back at him with the harshest glare. "Hurt him, and I fill your closet with clothes moths."

Y/n soon returned to her cheerful demeanor, successfully terrifying her brother with a woman's wrath, and grabbed Izuku's hand. "I made him promise to keep me a secret until I was ready, and I got lonely today, so I thought, why not!" Once everyone calmed, they returned to their activities, aside from the few who decided to spy on Izuku and Y/n; what she didn't tell them was that she was a model and social media influencer for her high school, considering Y/n wanted people to be excited about not being a hero and that you can be helpful to in so many other ways, she was studying to be an entomologist with a specialization in butterflies since they don't fly away from her.

Y/n was leaning against Izuku, reaching her hand into the bag of dried squid she was sharing with Izuku as she read comments on her most recent post to social media; she was trying on some wing-friendly clothes that looked good on her. However, the comments about her eyes were starting to hurt her. "She gorgeous, but she needs to do something about the color of her eyes" "Her eyes make her look like a villain" "Her eyes ruin her whole look" "I wish her eyes were purple; that would make her cuter and less like a villain" shortly after putting her phone down, she felt Izuku's hand on her face, wiping away silent tears she hadn't even noticed rolling down her face "N/n... hey... you okay?" Izuku's genuine concern for her made her sniffle; tears began rolling down her face.

"Do you know where I could get some colored contacts?" She choked through her tears, her voice quiet and broken. "Why? Is there something wrong with your sight?" Izuku began to worry, knowing that people were not kind to her about the red color of her eyes. "N/n... are people saying things about your eyes again" The girl only began to cry more before being engulfed into a warm bear hug as Izuku laid down and rubbed the back of her head. "It's okay; it doesn't matter what they say; your eyes are gorgeous and are the best part of your face" Y/n laughed through her sobs and cuddled into her boyfriend's chest before falling asleep with a handful of dried squid.

The two that were spying on them, Mina and Ochaco, smiled softly at how loving Izuku was and ran off to tell the other girls about it, not seeing Izuku press a few kisses into Y/n's forehead or letting her nap until she either got up or had to go home. Izuku was happy he could make her feel better, and that her tears were gone with the wind, and for the rest of the day, they lay like that until Y/n had to go home.

End.