#maybe he's used to being quiet and alone and doesn't mind if people are acting weird if they are also quiet and alone

[dinogoofymutated]

Uhhh, so can I request something about Wolverine where both he and reader have a crush on each other but he won't show it and she is too afraid of rejection to confess, however, when Xavier sends reader to talk to Wolverine about their mission, she walks into his room and finds him top topless which only frustrates her more and leads to Logan noticing that and taking his chances to check her feelings 😓 Ahem you can make it NSFW according to the last thing I implied to 👀 hopefully this is not too out of character but I really crave any content about this man 😓😓😓

Also excuse my language if there are any mistakes, English us not my first language 🫡

SFW! Wolverine/GN!Reader

This is such a good prompt!! I hope this does justice for your vision!! Also- don't worry, your English is very good!! Hope it's okay that I implied NSFW instead of wrote it out explicitly. I didn't quite have the energy to get that far 😭

TWs: not many. Miscommunication. Reader written while picturing Fem! But no pronouns mentioned.

Anyone around the mansion could tell that something weird was going on between you and Logan.

You were always really jumpy and nervous around him. You'd squirm and fiddle with your hands when sat next to him, looking like you'd rather be anywhere else. You could be quick to lose your temper at him sometimes and you clearly dreaded training sessions with him. Most people just thought you hated the man, but the one time Jean had seen a peak into your mind she certainly knew the truth. The professor probably knew too, to be honest.

You were hopelessly pining for the man- But you'd never, ever confess to him. He was in love with Jean. He had been in love with Jean for years. There was no chance he ever had feelings for you. So- instead of facing these feelings, you had a bad tendency to run from them. Being around him made you jittery and nervous, sitting next to him made your heart beat crazily and you had a short temper with him because he was always running headfirst into danger. It didn't matter that he had a healing factor, you didn't like that he was endangering himself like that.

Logan, on the other hand, was always stoic. He treated you like any other X-man or friend. It didn't matter how his heart fluttered around you or the heat that rose to his cheeks every time you did something particularly attractive, he wasn't exactly an expert in love. He certainly had a hard time showing it. What he did notice though, was the change in your demeanor lately. You had been acting so strange, and it's gotten to the point where you'd straight up leave the room when he would enter, and he was frustrated. Logan was starting to get fed up with your newfound attitude, and despite Jean's gentle nudging, he certainly wasn't going to tell you what he felt for you. What he thought about you. If anything, It would give you more of a reason to hate him.

You had been successfully avoiding Logan for a while, having been in a particularly good mood today. That was until the professor pulled you aside and asked- well, told you to brief Logan about the upcoming mission. Your heart immediately dropped into your stomach. You, alone with him? In the same room? The professor was tasking you to dive into your own personal hell- and there was no way he didn't know that! All he did when you began to complain and make excuses was smile knowingly at you.

You swore that you had dissociated the entire time you had been walking to his room. You didn't want to do this. You didn't want to be here, you didn't want to talk to him. Nope! You were absolutely dreading it.

You Knock three times. After a second of silence, you already find yourself overthinking your knock. Was it too loud? Too quiet? Maybe he could already smell it was you, and is just ignoring the knock so he doesn't have to look at your stupid flushed face-

"Come in." Okay, So, not that. You open his door slowly, not wanting to seem too eager to enter. You're looking down at the paperwork the entire time, mouth already running with the time of day everyone would be leaving, Which suits to wear, where you were going. You don't even look up until after the door has already been shut.

"There's a few more factors that need to be taken account of when we manage to get a better survey of the location but-" You yelp when you look up, greeted by a shirtless Logan, clothed only by a low-hanging pair of gray sweatpants. You're quick to cover your eyes, face burning from a mixture of embarrassment and... well, something else.

"For the love of god, Logan!" You gasp. You can hear Logan chuckle at your reaction, and the action lights a spark of anger inside of you.

"The least you can do is be decent when you invite me in!" You snap at him. He huffs a little at the change of tone, meanwhile you're trying your absolute best to forget how you practically saw everything in those sweatpants. You hear him take a few steps forwards until he's standing so close you can feel the heat from his body.

"So what? You've patched me up before. It's not like you've never seen me naked." Logan sounds annoyed, and you feel guilty for your reaction for a moment. You sigh, shaking your head.

"That's different." You say. Logan hums.

"Is it really?" His tone is teasing, and you almost feel humiliated. He's making fun of you. Of course he was. You were absolutely hopeless.

"Look, Just forget it. Take the damn papers and read the brief yourself." Your eyes are still closed as you slam the papers into what you think is his chest and try to turn to leave, but Logan grabs your arm. He doesn't even try to pick them up as he grabs the top of your arms, keeping you from running away as he walks you backwards.

"Look, I get that I'm not the easiest guy to get along with, but ya' never had a problem with me before. What's happened?" Logan's words start out rough, but if you didn't know any better you'd think that there was a little vulnerability leaking into his tone. You gasp as the surface of the cold door hits your back. You keep your eyes firmly shut, still not willing to open them and look at him. You didn't want to see his face, worried that you'd blush even more or he'd manage to figure it out- if he hadn't already. He'd just make fun of you. He wouldn't take you seriously. Would he?

"Nothing. Nothing has happened, happy?" You say, nerves creeping into your unsteady voice. It's hardly a lie, nothing really happened, but Logan had a habit of stiffing out dishonesty. He growls, and the sound makes your skin prickle.

"Don't lie to me. You can hardly look me in the eye." Logan growls. You scoff at him.

"That's not true!" A blatant lie, and you were sure it was obvious. Still, part of you was hoping he'd simply let it go. You should have known better, because everyone under the sun knew that Logan was one of the most stubborn men on the planet

"Prove it. Look at me." His words make you hesitate. You frown, not wanting to give in. Unstoppable force meets unmovable object- but with every push you feel your nerves start to go shot. You were anxious, flustered, worried- you just wanted it to all be over. If you just opened your eyes, it would all be over.

"Open your eyes, doll." You can feel Logan's breath fan across your face, and in the mix of shock, you finally open your eyes. Logan is so close to your face you can feel his breathing. You hardly know where to look, face flushing red as you blush as the close-contact. You get nervous when you make eye contact, gaze flittering about from his nose, to his ears, his sideburns, and to his lips. You must have let your eyes linger there for a little too long, because Logan starts to chuckle at you. You feel the sting of embarrassment. Logan sees something in your face shift, and knowing you'd just pull away again, he takes a shot in the dark.

Logan kisses you, and you have no clue how to respond to that at first. You go wide-eyed for a moment, but his hands let go of your arms and wrap around you and you cant help but melt into the kiss. He's a good kisser. I mean, with years of experience, you knew he would be. But getting to experience that yourself gave you a whole new perspective to it. He cups the back of your neck as he draws you in for another kiss, again and again. You're breathing hard when the two of you finally separate, Logan being mostly unbothered besides a small smile and a red tint to his cheeks.

"All that drama, and it's because you had feelings f'me. Heh." -is the first thing he says. You gasp, offended.

"Oh-shut up. S'not like you're any better than I am." You frown, sliding a hand around the back of his neck to yank him closer. "Seriously, you weren't exactly dropping hints." Logan chuckles again, Before hooking his hands under your thighs, hoisting you up and against him. You yelp as he does so, getting flustered when you realize that you could now feel everything that you had been trying to forget seeing earlier.

"I'm kissing you now, aren't I?"

[adventuringblind]

Monsters in my Mind

Max Verstappen x Reader

Genre: Hurt/Comfort

Summary: Sometimes those thoughts won't leave, the ones you don't want... The ones that can be dangerous. All it takes is one person to help make them go away.

Warnings: Intrusive thoughts, referenced/implied self-harm, violent thoughts, impulsive behaviors, panic attacks, non-sexual dominance as a form of coping, dom/sub undertones

Notes: My thoughts are self stabby as of late. Pardon me as I write this for myself to keep my head and hands busy.

Side Note: Consider feeding my praise kink maybe...?

Masterlist // Request Form // My Website // buy me a Ko-Fi

The head is a strange place. One's conscious is usually meant to help them make the right decisions and not engage in acts that could hurt them or others. Her head, however, is the opposite of that.

It's a dark twisted place where thoughts that aren't her own find refuge. They want to bathe her in the ecstasy of things that shouldn't feel good. daydreams about things that could repulse any typical human being.

Sometimes they are so strong and her bodies reactions are so out of control, that she has to find relief somewhere. The knife against her skin takes the edge off. Is it normal to moan at the sting and feel satisfied looking at her red stained thighs? She does, until the realization settles in and the guilt won't let her think.

The thoughts laugh at her for giving in so easily. They scrutinize the fact she gets off on the pain.

She walks around in fear of herself. The anxiety and exhaustion from constantly fighting herself are visible on her body. She's tired, and everyone knows it. It's why they don't come near her. Always to caught up in her own head to realize people are trying converse.

It's not like her job requires to much discussion with people. Puzzles keep her brain busy and Ferrari keeps her busy with all the strategy mishaps they throw at her. They throw her a problem, she solves it, plans for next time, and they fuck it up again by not using the solution.

Sometimes she thinks about throwing herself in front of an F1 car going full speed. That voice in her head screams at her anytime she's close to the live track.

Then there is Max. His voice sends the thoughts running and it makes her want to cling to him. She wants him to never stop talking about anything and everything.

Today had been particularly difficult with the of the driver switch coming at the end of the season. Carlos and Charles are the first drivers she's worked with and they all got along great. She doesn't want it to change. That means more unknowns.

The wind graces her cheeks and kisses her finger tips as she sits on the balcony of their apartment. Everything is to much right now and her thoughts won't quiet.

She was in Maranello when the news came out. Her head became so loud with the fear of change and worry for her friend. Enough to be sent home for the day - alone, and nothing to help her head aside from the burning desire to just end it all.

Max had made arraignments for her to spend some time with him in the Milton-Keynes. She was still alone for periods of time. Enough to have to settle herself somehow.

The color red makes something in her relax. Specifically when it's flowing out of her own body.

Now Max is with her and she's stuck in her own head. The never ending maze of twisted thoughts keeps her from moving. The fear of giving in has been looming over her head for longer then normal. It feels like she's losing something, always has been with this team, but change feels far worse then staying with them.

Max hasn't pushed her to do much aside from at least stay in his presence. Occasionally attempting to get her out of her own head with movies and games. He's even spent hours at a time just talking to her about anything and everything.

He opens the door to the balcony, but she doesn't look at him. Not until he holds his hand out for her to take. An action she does without hesitation. No thoughts are needed for this, just following Max's lead.

He leads her over to the couch and arranges them so she can sit tucked into his lap. A grounding hand runs up and down the lenght of her spine. "I've been doing some research about how we might be able to get your head to quiet down."

"I'll do anything, jus' want it to stop." Her voice sounds dry and cracked from how hard she's screamed and cried through the last few days.

"Do you trust me?"

"More then I trust anyone."

She finds herself slipping off the couch and onto her knees, in-between Max's legs with her head resting against his thigh. His touch doesn't leave her skin. "You're doing so good for me. Listen to my voice and focus on taking big breathes for me. Can you do that for me?"

She hums in response. The continual stroke of Max's fingers against her face and sound of his voice already helping immensely.

"That's it, just breathe for me. I've got you; you don't have to fight the thoughts alone. I'm right here with you, keeping them away, never leaving your side." Max grabs one of her hands with his free one. her fingers lay between his. Her favorite puzzle with how easy the pieces fit together.

"You're here with me; I've got you. Those scary thoughts aren't your own. The are unwanted and uninvited, but most importantly, they don't define you. You are brave, loved, beautiful without gaping wounds. You're not crazy or psychotic. You are yourself, with your highs and your lows."

Her body has never felt like this. Her entire being wants to give itself over to Max. His breathes guiding her own, his gentle yet firm hold on her keeping her where he wants.

She lets herself fall under his spell. If Max can take the control away from her, make her complaint and relaxed like this, then he can have her thoughts too.

"That's it, such a good girl, let me think for you. I won't leave you to fight or flounder on your own."

She follows Max's directions, lets him guide her in this place of trust and letting go of things. He's turning her brain off and letting her float without any kind of worries except what Max is telling her to do.

Until all she can think of is him. The calm the comes with his presence and the way his voice falls over her like a soft blanket. Max is all she knows, occupying every crevice of her mind and leaving no room for anything else to creep in.

"How're you feeling, geliefd?" There is a lightness to his tone that makes her swoon.

She hums against his leg. "Warm, fuzzy, head empty."

"Then you stay here as long as you need, okay? I'll keep you safe."

And she does.

She falls into the warm embrace of Max's words. She lets him protect her and keep the dark ugly thoughts away.

With Max, her head is quiet. The voices can't come though. When they do, he's there to fight them back.

[this-is-a-name-dont-worry]

things that seemed reoccurring this update:

- Meat

- peas

- jelly

- Hibernation

- Eddie's absence

- Acting out a script (Sally mumbling asking if it's her cue and Howdy changing the script of the narrator in Homewarming storybook, characters general interactions with the narrator, different moments in the video, like the Sally and Frank ad break or the song a barely silent night, where the two literally fight over who get to sing, Sally mentions she wrote the lyrics, and Frank says she already has a song. yeah all of these are easy to see as meta goofs in the original material, but it's the fact there's so much of it this update) (of course all this wrap up with the end of the video where Eddie and Frank are obviously acting off script)

- Being alone (Eddie not having any news of anyone and not even seeing anyone outside (which is interesting as the story says that Sally was up in a tree near his home and saw him fret over having nothing to do), Wally saying it's so quiet during Homewarming and it's just he and Home for a while (potentially the show putting out a christmas special and then being on break? can a show do that?), and in the normal website material, the end of "An ode to hibernation", Frank saying "Where all that's left is me", the "me" being a "...me?")

- Welcome Home being used to sell stuff (cigarettes, medicine, eggnog, cereals, and the cookbook lists ingredients that are a specific brand)

(I'm putting under read more my rambling thoughts so you can just reblog the list without having to see them)

so I can't really make sense yet of all the food stuff. Maybe there are cultural elements/expressions I don't know that explains it? But I still find it very interesting how fucking unhinged that cookbook is yet the commercial and the website treat it normally. The cookbook is overall extremely interesting, because some of the recipes seem to actually be written by the characters; Barnaby who only presents you weird hot dog dressings with pictures but no recipe (and all jokes), Frank who lists not just the ingredients but also the material, and overexplain each steps (at least overexplain compared to the other recipes. it's actually interesting to know why you do x or y), and Julie who turns her recipe into a game at the end, and felt a bit harder to follow? anyway.

The cookbook, the Homewarming tradition of hanging a ham in the tree, Santy Claus being said sometimes instead of Santa, the ham for Santa? Once again, the christmas commercials being so casual about some of the weird stuff it says and presents? This almost feels like an alien who only has a blurry grasp of Christmas and what humans enjoy made the cookbook and the live commercial.

Sometimes, Welcome Home feels like it never actually aired and produced things, but we're making it retroactively exist. Something is making it exist. Like a retcon of the universe, "What do you mean you never heard of Welcome Home? No, of course it always existed and was very popular, look at all this old material we find!"

So maybe whatever is making it exist doesn't fully get humans and accidentally creates things that are weird to prove its existence. Like a cookbook that tells you a single pea in a buttered plate is a classic meal, or that of course you give Santa ham on Homewarming! (tbh almost getting an AI weirdness feel)

But in total contrary, in its story, Welcome Home also feels like it always existed, but got somehow completely wiped from people's mind, as something caused its sudden stop, and its characters gained consciousness of what they are and their world. As an existential dread fell on them one after the other, slowly realizing something isn't right. As Eddie felt anxiety and nervousness over no one being there or contacting him, to then having the story acts lightheartedly about it, the narrator saying things have been solved but he doesn't feel it, and suddenly Home is staring at him.

Both "It never existed but the universe is being retcon into it existing" and "it existed but something terrible happened that erased it from peoples mind" seem plausible. If two theories contradict each other, that means there's a third one that needs to be found.

Maybe it existed. Maybe it truly was popular, but something corrupted it, leading to its disappearance. A disappearance so big it stopped to exist. And now the thing that corrupted it is trying to crawl back, make it exist again, but it's making it come back completely off.

Anyway.

Also, I think the show may have been on hold during the Holiday season, "hibernating", and the character who got some self awareness realized that something was off. They're alone because there's nothing new, so no one is there bringing life to the neighborhood.

[chilumi-shipper]

Forget and Regret (2)

Kamisato Ayato x Fem!Reader

Summary: Part 2 of "Forget and Regret", Ayato is being plagued by dreams, you think he doesn't need you anymore, but for some reason, he really can't just leave you alone. Many moments of pain came before comfort.

Tags: Angst w/ happy ending, Hurt/Comfort, Crying, A little swearing, Maybe a little naughty in the end (nothing explicit)

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Ayato walked into the room, his eyes landing on a girl lying on his bed, her shoulders shaking as little sobs filled the quiet room.

Her figure was covered by a blanket, and though he could not see her up front, he knew that she was clutching the sheets to her chest.

"Love?" He called out for the girl, the endearment falling naturally from his lips.

The girl did not look at him, but he knows that he's gained her attention.

She tried to control her breath, trying not to make her shallow and sobbing breaths obvious.

"I-I'm sorry..." The girl said in such a small and quiet voice, the stuttering making it obvious that she had been crying. "I k-know it's stupid, b-but I just wanted to give you a g-gift." Ayato had been hearing a lot of this 'gift' thing. He has no idea what is happening, yet the sight of the girl crying in front of him just makes him want to coddle her and make her feel better.

"I should say my apologies as well, my love..." His mouth moved on its own, letting him say words for which he did not know the context. "I didn't mean to lose my temper. I may have been angry, but I would never ever dream of hurting you." 

"I-I regret not saying this sooner, my dear Y/-"

The Yashiro Commissioner stirred awake, groaning as his eyes slowly opened.

He grabbed a pillow by his side and covered his face with it. 

Yet another dream, of the same girl, no less.

And every single time, every waking moment after a dream like that, Ayato felt like his heart was being vigorously tugged on, a sense of regret oozing from the back of his mind. And try as he might, no explanation ever arose to answer his questions.

So, just like every time that this happened, he shrugged off the feelings conveyed by the dreams before finally getting out of bed.

...

"Have you heard? The Commissioner and his wife had a fight." You hear the whispered rumours of some of the workers in the estate, making you sigh.

"Yeah, but people have been saying that she left him. Here she is now, though, so maybe it's all just exaggerated." 

"No! I was here a few weeks ago, and I heard the Lord himself screaming angrily. Could it be that he was mad at Lady Kamisato?" 

"Could be, not to mention that Lady Ayaka has been acting weird lately. She's taking over all of the Lord's duties; I wonder what's happening inside their home."

"Ladies, please. Let's all just stop with all the gossip and get to work?" Thoma approached the workers gathered around to talk about the Kamisato siblings and you, keeping his polite smile as he asked them to get back to work.

After the group got back to their duties, the blonde walked up to you.

"My lady." He addressed you like always, making you look down a bit. "The Shuumatsuban thanks you for your generous donations and help on their mission against the Fatui."

Lately, you've been going back to the estate, both to gather your things without attracting attention and to pay back for what you did a few weeks back.

You also did some digging around the Fatui in Inazuma; it took quite a while, and though it almost got you in danger with the organization, you got a few useful pieces of information for the Shuumatsuban. You feel that this is only appropriate because you accidentally sabotaged them before.

"Umm, please tell them that I'm glad I could do something good for them." You smiled at him, feeling a little bit flustered. Your interactions with Thoma have been very awkward lately; he's still against what you're doing with Ayato. "Thanks for everything, Thoma." 

He merely nods before watching you walk out of the estate, presumably going back home.

"I didn't know that she worked here." The retainer heard his lord's voice from behind him, making him turn around to face him. "I wish I had the chance to talk to her again." Thoma noticed how Ayato's blueish-purple eyes followed the trail you walked on, perhaps thinking about you as he did so.

This is why he thinks what you're doing is silly. One look at his lord and he sees the interest in you oozing from him, even at his current state.

"Well, technically, she doesn't work here. But she plays a very important role in the estate." Thoma clarified, making the periwinkle-haired man think.

"Oh, what do you mean by that, Thoma?" The Commissioner asked curiously.

"Well, though I do want to explain, I know it would be far better if she did so herself, my lord." He left it at that, not letting Ayato press further.

...

"Hi."

As you were fixing everything up at the front of the Kamisato Estate, you heard a familiar voice coming from behind you.

You turned around, your eyes meeting another pair that looked pleased to see you. "Y/N, I was hoping to see you again." Ayato said with a smile.

Your breath hitched, you instinctively walked a little away from him.

"Oh, no need to be nervous or anything. I mean, I know I'm kind of an important figure or something, but..." He cleared his throat, chuckling a little. "I hope that I don't scare you away."

You sighed, bowing your head. "Lord Kamisato, I'm just finishing up my work."

"No need for formalities, you can just call me Ayato. After all, I owe you my life." He stated, walking a bit closer to you. "Thank you again, I can't stress that enough."

You couldn't look up at his face, not up his smiling and gentle face, at least not while keeping yourself from bursting to tears, admitting that you're his wife and that you did something that made him resent you.

He looked at your timid form, your hands clasped together tightly. Perhaps he should do something to ease the tension you were feeling.

"Once again, you're welcome, my lord. I..." His ears perked, he heard you sniffle, and he could've sworn that your hand reached up to your face to wipe a tear away.

It's all too familiar for him for some reason.

He has no idea what is happening, yet the sight of the girl crying in front of him just makes him want to coddle her and make her feel better.

"I'm... g-gonna take my leave now." You quickly ran away from him, making Ayato look at your running figure in shock.

He truly did not expect you to be overwhelmed just by talking to him.

And he couldn't explain why, but something in him screamed to run after you and hug you and tell you that everything is okay and that he's sorry.

...Are you... her?

...

Everyday after that encounter, it seems that the periwinkle-haired man was always there by you're side, trying to initiate a conversation.

You've gotten better at containing yourself around him. But still, you'd rather him not be there, you'd rather not be on the brink of heart attack every minute of the day.

Once you realized that he was gonna try and talk to you everytime you go to the estate, you actively tried to spend as little amount of time as possible.

Thoma and Ayaka were not gonna let that happen though.

You were about to leave and take a few days off, but then Thoma approached you. "My lady, Lady Ayaka was hoping that you'd come in tomorrow and help her with the organization of the upcoming festival." He passed on your sister-in-law's message. "Since you've helped my lord with this business before, you might be a great help."

You honestly should have seen this coming. And even if they're making it seem like you had a choice, they knew you'd cave in, they knew you'd come tomorrow and try to help.

They most certainly planned to give Ayato the chance to work on the festival so that you help him with it instead of Ayaka when you came in the next day.

"So... this is my job."

You hated to admit that you were amused with Ayato's reactions to things he had to do.

"Yes, my lov- my lord." He cleared your throat immediately, hoping he didn't catch that mistake. You chastised yourself, for letting your guard down.

"What do we do first?" Though you found his excitement to work again and rediscover what he does for a living very cute and amusing, you stand stiff and focused.

He's not your husband.

You remind yourself constantly as you work on the task at hand.

The cycle continues though, Ayaka and Thoma will make sure that you have a reason to come back to the estate, basically setting Ayato up for at least an hour with you almost everyday.

And you could not even describe how tired you are, tired of constantly being on your guard, tired of pretending to not be his wife.

But this is for him, this is what he wants. He said so himself, you should always remember that.

...

He wants to take you out on a date.

Though Ayato had many conflicting feelings about his situation, and his lost memories, he thought that surely making some nice memories bow would do him some good.

Ayato finds that you are quite shy towards him, never meeting his eyes and always speaking to him in a low and mumbly voice.

He found your mannerisms cute too! Even when you don't look at him much, he often has his eyes on you, seeing how your eyes light up a bit when he says something funny or amusing.

Which is why he asked the help of his sister and his retainer to ask you out on a date around town.

"Y/N, may I talk to you, please?" You heard Ayaka's soft voice call out for you.

You walked up to her. "Umm... Anything I can for you?" Again, awkward interactions because she also doesn't approve of your actions.

"I was thinking, brother really wants to explore around the city, especially since the festival that you both planned starts tomorrow night." You already knew what she was gonna say next.

Thoma stood next to her, "I think my lord feels the most comfortable around you, so why not go with him tonight?"

You sighed, looking at them with a frown. "Guys, please... I-I know what you're doing. Thoma, you heard him! He wants nothing to do with me." Thoma looked at you disapprovingly.

"My lady, Lord Ayato loves you more than anything. Why hurt the both of you like this over things that were said out of angry?"

"Y/N... do you still love my brother?" Ayaka looked at you expectantly, her voice laced with doubt.

You looked at her in disbelief. "...I love him more than anything, words cannot explain just how much." You stated firmly, closing your eyes as a few tears fell from your eyes. "And I know he's better off without me."

Ayaka's hands closed into a fist, "I'm your family too! I love you too! You can't just leave us, not because of a stupid fight!" Tears of her own fell down her face, sobs escaping her mouth.

Thoma held her to make sure she didn't break down to the ground. You stood there in shock, before snapping out of it and cupping Ayaka's face.

"Oh, my dear, I'm sorry." You pulled her into a hug, and she immediately melted into you. "I won't completely vanish. I promise I'll still be here, even if I'm not your sister-in-law anymore." You felt her shake her head on your shoulder.

But she couldn't speak anymore, she merely hugged you and sobbed away. You couldn't help but cry along with her.

...

"Y/N!" You immediately wiped away your tears, hearing Ayato's voice call your name.

Ayaka left you and went back into the house half an hour ago, and you decided to stay for a bit and let some tears out before running off home.

His voice was friendly and cheery, "Thoma and Ayaka said that they talked to you about... Um, you know, tomorrow night..." He scratched the back of his head, acting a bit flustered. "It may seem lame to ask you out using my sister, hehe." He's completely unaware of what happened half an hour prior.

"So what do you say?" He looked at you expectantly.

He's not your husband.

Say no.

"I'll meet you at Uyuu Restaurant at seven."

You wanted to choke yourself to death for being a frustrating and stubborn little bitch.

...

The people of Inazuma aren't aware of what happened to the Yashiro Commissioner, the Kamisato Clan made sure no news ever got leaked. To the eyes of others, it may just look like the Lord of the Kamisato Clan and his wife going out for an evening together, but in reality, everything is just a complicated mess.

And you are extremely tired, so, to finally end everything and let Ayato go, you concocted a plan so that Ayato wouldn't ever want to be with you ever again.

You were gonna be the most infuriating date ever.

Showing up late and putting no effort to how you look, eating a lot, asking for many expensive things, judging his every move, things like that. That should be enough, right?

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

No, it wasn't.

7:10 pm

You walked up to the table Ayato was sitting in. You were in your sleepwear, a purple matching cotton pajamas and top with your hair in a messy bun.

His eyes found yours and he immediately smiled. "You look really cute."

Your mouth dropped, seriously?!

7:20 pm

"I would like Sakura Tempura, a Sashimi Platter, an Egg Roll, and Dango, please!" You said to the waiter, looking at Ayato to see his reaction.

"Is that too much?" You asked him, hoping to provoke him a little.

"Not at all!" He stated with a smile, looking down on his menu. "Your orders are actually quite cheap. How about I order you some sake and more dessert as well?"

"No nee-" You couldn't stop him from ordering those for you too.

This isn't working.

8:00 pm

That festival mask was 10,000 mora. This may be too much, but you had to do something to salvage the plan.

"Ayato, look!" You exclaimed, setting his attention to the mask. It has many intricate designs, and a few gems stuck on it.

"Do you want it? I bet it would look very pretty on you."

'Ohhh... but the mask is really expensive...' You were feeling already feeling sorry.

"Y-Yeah..." You said quietly, but he heard it, taking out a bag of mora and approaching the merchant selling it.

You weren't paying attention, so when you felt him place the mask on your head, just above your face, your cheeks flushed.

"Just as I suspected, gorgeous..."

8:30 pm

This isn't working...

You've been walking and doing all kinds of things in the festival for a while, and the date is going so well. This wasn't supposed to happen!

You even tried being rude to him, saying how he walks too slow, his clothes are uneven, or he... you weren't really good at being rude.

"You walk too slow."

"I apologize if I'm bothering you. If you'll allow it, let me hold your hand so that we stay with each other's pace." You walked around the festival hand in hand for the rest of the date.

"Your clothes are uneven."

"Oh, I can't really see it. Can you fix the uneven part for me?" So then, you were stuck fixing the nonexistent uneven part of his clothes, holding the fabric.... just like when you would fix his clothes for him in the morning back then...

'No... stop that, please.'

Ayato's pleasant self negated every 'bad' thing you did.

He could only be more amused as he saw you very obviously thinking, perhaps of another 'insult' you could throw at him.

You were just too cute.

9:00 pm

He invites you to go to Amakumo Island with him as an ending to your date. Seems he got the whole night planned out... he does that a lot for your dates, which you do find amusing.

...Stop.

Of course, you could only agree, knowing that Thoma and Ayaka would light your butt on fire if you ever left Ayato on his own tonight (a part of your decision maybe because you wanted to spend more time with your husband, but you still didn't have a choice).

You sat at the peek of the small island, looking at the see that reflected the stars in the night. It's a beautiful night.

Ayato sighed, scooting a bit closer to you. When you looked at his face, you could see that it seems to display an expression of contentment.

He turns to look at you, making you immediately straightened your head, trying to make it look like you weren't looking at him just then.

It obviously didn't work as an amused chuckle left his lips.

He's not your husband.

But this is still very nice.

You felt his hand going on to hold yours, and you know that all you've been trying to do that night was get him to not like you, and you've honestly tried and failed to do so.

In that moment, you just gave in, finding it hard to move your hand away from his. You even assured him by lightly squeezing his hand.

This is the most relaxed you felt in weeks. If only things can stay this way.

...

...

"I'm really glad I met you, Y/N."

...

...

No, you couldn't hold it anymore.

Slowly, tears started going down your face. The more they fell, the less you could control yourself to stop crying. An overwhelming amount of emotions, blocked by a dam finally broke open, and you finally let it all out.

Ayato's expression changed, becoming shocked as you let out little sobs while trying to wipe your tears away. He saw you try to control your breathing, just like the girl in his dreams, he heard the little whimpers coming out of you, the same he heard from that girl.

You let his hand go, "I'm sorry..." You hiccuped, standing up and immediately running away from him.

"Y/N!"

"LEAVE ME ALONE, PLEASE!" You shouted at him.

"Sometimes, I wish I never met you."

Just like then, you ran back to your home, collapsing on the floor in a fit of whimpers and sobs.

"He's not my husband..." You repeated in your mind. That man you went on a date with wasn't your husband, your husband was the Ayato that said he wished he hadn't met you, that looked at you in anger and shame.

The Ayato you were just with was a person you met a few weeks ago after you saved him.

They aren't the same.

Your husband doesn't love you anymore. He wouldn't ever ask you on a date anymore. He wouldn't say he was happy that he met you.

"He's not my husband..." You did not believe in your own words.

Ayato walked alone through Chinju Forest with a solemn face. He kept thinking back to the look of your face and how you were trying desperately to calm yourself down.

He didn't like the look of your crying face, he could even sense the pain you were feeling as you let whimpers escape your shaking lips. The scene sent needles to his heart.

And just as he thought that it was the perfect date.

Did he do something to make you react that way?

As he was thinking, a glimmering object shone in the corner of his eye, immediately gaining his attention. Ayato looked around, before seeing something on the ground reflecting the glow of the moon.

Leaning down to pick it up, he saw a ring, and as he looked at it longer, he felt a raging headache attack his mind.

He groaned, it wasn't as if that was the only time he got headaches, they were quite frequent.

But he couldn't help but feel some sort of familiarity towards the ring, like he has seen it before.

The ring looked extremely special. He decided to bring it with him and hopefully Thoma might be able to help him find who the owner is.

But the number one thing in his mind right now is you.

He hopes that you're alright.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Ayato head was already aching when he came home to a small box on his bed.

It looks like it has gone through some stuff, it has dents everywhere and it looked like it was thrown around.

Is it for him?

Since it was on his bed, he decides to opens it, finding a piece of paper inside along with an even smaller black box.

"Ayato, I really hope you like this gift! It might not make sense when you first open it, but I have a proper explaination about what it is. I'd like to explain you in person."

The bottom of the paper has the words "I love you," in it, as well as a "From your beloved wife, Y/N".

His breath hitched.

Within the black box, he saw a necklace with a charm of what he can assume to be a constellation.

Ayato took out the ring in his pocket, like his memory has been jogged.

You...

You were wearing a ring that looked like it paired with the ring in his hands now.

As Ayato was planning to hold your hand while you were looking away from him, he noticed a ring on your ring finger.

Perhaps it was just the right fit for that finger instead of your middle, that's why you were wearing it there.

The ring was beautiful though, something he would probably pick out for something special.

When he held your hand, he couldn't help but smile at the sight of your hands together, his eyes especially still focused on your ring.

Maybe you forgot, but you left your wedding ring on when you went out for your date.

"I'd like to explain to you in person."

He wasted no time in taking that offer.

Rushing out of the estate, Thoma immediately stepped in his way.

"My lord, you can't just leave! Especially by yourself. Remember what Lady Ayaka said to you." The blonde blocked his master's path, seeing the Yashiro Commissioner's hurried steps to the estate exit.

Thoma's eyes landed on the box within Ayato's hand, noticing the tight grip on the familiar cover.

Oh...

His green eyes then saw his Lady Ayaka, standing far behind her brother. His mouth parted in disbelief.

Has Ayaka taken matters into her own hands?

Without Ayato noticing, the two's eyes were locked, and then Ayaka gave their retainer a firm nod, signalling for Thoma to let her brother go.

"You don't understand, Thoma! I need to-" Ayato was just about to argue, but his words were cut short when the blonde just gave way for him.

"I understand more than you might think, my lord." Thoma sighs, crossing his arms. "Y/N, she... she lives in Konda Village."

Ayato was shocked to say the least, can Thoma really read him so easily?

His mind was filled with confusion, many unanswered questions. But one remained on top of his priority, and he needed to get to you now.

Without another word, he hurries off into the forest, on his way to the village you resided in. Despite the tiredness, he pushed on to go to you.

Yet Thoma's final words didn't escape his ears.

"You aren't the only one that needs to remember."

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Fatigue was spreading all over his body.

But he hoped that he can still make it to you.

He doesn't expect an explanation to be served up to him in a silver platter, given that everything after his accident seems to have been a mess.

He can't fully wrap his head around the situation.

If what he read was true and you're his wife....

If you're the mysterious girl that he was chasing in his dreams....

If you love him and he loves you...

Why would you do this to him?

**

"Don't go..." His voice was a little playful, but you could sense that there was some sincerity in his words.

You giggled as you packed your clothes for your business trip to Watatsumi Island. "Ayato..." You feel warmth spread through your chest as he hugged you from behind.

"This is my job, as a lady of your clan." His embrace only tightened, stopping your from packing your things. "It's only for two days, my dear."

"Two daysss..." He whined quite dramatically, placing his chin on your shoulder so that you could visibly see his pout. "Who I am suppose to cuddle during bedtime and kiss awake in the morning?"

You sighed in amusement, turning so that you're now facing him. "I promise that when I get back, you can have all the cuddles and kisses you want."

"I want a very exclusive week of you being with me at all times as well."

"Hmmm, why?"

"Because I'm gonna be very deprived in the next two days so you're gonna have to nurture me back to health afterwards." He argued like a child, very unlike him outside of the privacy of your bedroom. You liked having this side of him all to yourself.

"Alright, fine. Now sit down so I can pack properly without interruptions." You said jokingly, pushing him to sit on your bed.

You were able to get through a few more minutes of undisturbed packing, until...

"Don't goooo..."

**

"Don't go." He whispered into the air, his hurried steps turned to slow walking. This has always been the case since his accident, he gets very tired so much faster than before.

That... memory... that just played in his head...

Was it real?

You and "him"... looked so in love with each other.

**

"Have you ever thought about an heir?" You stopped in your tracks, hearing the voice of your husband's friend coming from the living room.

"Ahhh, I definitely have thought about it. But I will always consider what my wife wants with this subject." You hear your husbands voice after that.

Eavesdropping may not be very proper and polite, but you couldn't help it. Such a topic never even made it's way to your past conversations.

"Does your wife not want a child?"

You thought about it youself... it would be nice to have a little family with Ayato, with a cute little baby boy or girl to share your love for.

"I honestly don't know, never talked to her about it."

...

When Ayato went into your room for the night, you looked at him intently, much to his surprise.

"Is there something on my face, darling?" He asked, as your gaze never faltered.

You shook your head, then he merely shrugged off and went through his nighttime routine.

Still, his curiousity peaked when he went to lay down with you and you remained looking at him the same way.

"Umm, darling-"

"Yes, I do want a family with you."

Despite his cool and dignified self, Ayato couldn't hide his surprise at your sudden statement. Looking at his expression, you sighed, before doing what was the only thing that could make your husband even more at a lost for words.

You straddled him, sitting on his lap.

"Is... is that okay?" You asked when he didn't give a respond to your statement.

"Yes... please." You couldn't help but giggle, as your sly husband was at a lost for words.

"I would love to have a family with you."

Ayato's head started spinning.

His vision was getting blurry.

He was going to collapse.

Happy...

He looked so happy with you.

Even then, even now, he's happy... with you.

He just doesn't understand why... why you lied to him.

And as he fell on his knees from sheer exhaustion, his memory further gave answers.

"All of this happened because of a stupid fucking package, huh?" You flinched a bit when he cursed, feeling even more pathetic than you were a few minutes ago. It's even worse because it's true, all this did happened because of your package.

"I... I didn't k-know-" Your voice was soft and gentle, yet still full of shame. You sat on the couch with your head hung low.

"What is so fucking important that you had to ruin so much of our work?!" You couldn't answer, you just kept quiet, because to be honest, it wasn't anything important, and you were stupid for ordering it in the first place.

Your husband wiped his face with his hand in frustration, mumbling a bunch of other curse words. You stood up, walking closer to him and reaching your hand out to comfort him.

His hand caught yours, his eyes had finally bore into yours. His teeth almost seem to grind against each other, "You know... sometimes, I just wish...."

"Sometimes I wish I never met you."

All the blurry visions he has seen in his dream, suddenly they become clear.

He held the box tight, as he felt the most painful headache starting to form.

Tears filled his eyes.

He could no longer walk, but he saw... people, they were hurriedly walking to him, and he can faintly hear their worried murmurs.

Those words "he" said, he wishes to take them back down his throat, he wishes to delete the entire scene from existence.

Yet there was nothing he could do but cling on to the memory his brain had for him next.

"Excuse me, sir." He looked up, seeing a girl smile brightly at him, her umbrella covering the rain falling from the sky.

Ayato sat below a tree that barely covered him from the rain before, but he figured that it was better than getting completely soaked. So he was planning to stay there to wait the rain out.

"I noticed that you're kinda stranded here." The girl snickered a little, covering her mouth as she laughed.

Cute. He thought, her smile influenced his lips to do the same.

"Yes, I am quite in a predicament." She offered her hand to him, pulling him up to his feet. "Thank you very much, my lady." He flashed her a calm smile along with his thanks.

"Where are you going anyway? Perhaps I can accompany you so that you don't have to wait for the weather to calm?"

He was about to go back home, but it was still quite a long way away... he decided to take a chance.

"I was about to go for a meal. Though, I find it lonely to be alone during one. So... if you have nothing else to do, perhaps I can treat you to a meal." The girl looked up at him wide-eyed, not expecting to receive such an offer. "As a thank you, miss..." He indirectly asked for the girl's name.

"Y/N." You smiled brightly at him, the scene immediately lifted his mood even more. "And I would love to join you for a meal, sir..."

"Ayato, Kamisato Ayato." You almost let go of the umbrella, but he was quick to catch on, holding your hand that was holding the umbrella steady.

A pink tint exposed themselves on your cheeks, another thing he found cute about you, among many things. "The Yashiro Commissioner?" You questioned, avoiding his gaze.

"Hmm, how about we go to Uyuu Restaurant?" He didn't answer your question, but you were certain that it was him.

Fully letting go of the umbrella, you let him take the lead as you head into the city.

"I was quite enjoying holding your hand." You turned your gaze to him, shocked at his forward comment. His smile was still there on his face, if anything, it turned kind of sly.

Not knowing how to react, you stupidly offered your hand to him. "Umm, okay..." You wanted to immediately slap yourself, yet due to nervousness, your hand remained up for the offer.

'Go down, hand! How can he even hold it when he's holding the umbrella?!' You screamed in your head.

As if listening to your thoughts, the rain came to an immediate stop. And as the man behind you noticed, he closed the umbrella, humming as if he was pleased.

When he was done, he carried it with his other hand, leaving the hand close to yours free to hold.

Ayato slipped his hand into yours. "I appreciate your kindness, my lady."

You smiled, though quite nervous... almost in like a giddy way.

You didn't look at him, hoping he doesn't notice how your hand is shaking. You merely looked up to the stars.

A constellation stuck to your memory.

Ayato sat on the grass, his mind heavy as he held the box with one hand and his head the other.

Despite the unbearable pain... remembering you was nice. So he smiled as tears fell from his eyes.

He doesn't want to forget.

"Look, it's the Yashiro Commissioner!" A worried exclaim, one he could barely hear made him look up to see a bunch of people running to his aid.

"Please, inform Lady Kamisato about the situation." The words he heard last as he fell unconscious.

Mentions (People that have been waiting for 8 months)(I'm sorry): @nasidibakar @kisum9 @kittycasie @ramvuda @the-real-fandom-person @xiaopleasecomehome @lswtamashi @rustybucketofghosts @him3ru @tartagliasmoneybag @eurooki @spicycloudsalad @icarusignite @foxlady99 @mnoxsk and others I couldn't mention for some reason.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Here's Part 3

This is really long because the first one was really short hehe. I really hope you liked it. And yes, I am really sorry for updating so late, and just not uploading in general. :((

I am now very busy, but I try. I love writing despite it taking over my sleep schedule and if only I was faster and more creative, I would have a lot for you guys.

See you when I see you ^-^

Might take months to post again ⊙⁠﹏⁠⊙

[lilys-of-the-valley]

Since you are now taking headcannon requests, maybe a little something about how each of the boys deals with a shy/quiet reader. Like after just recently being betrothed and meeting for the first time, they come to realize reader is really shy and nervous around them and they go from there. Which ones are really sweet to them, do some of them tease and get extra flirty for fun to see readers reaction? Oh the possibilities lol

I’m loving your work so far! 😊

Awww, this is such a sweet request!! I'm glad you're enjoying the headcanons as well. <3 🩷

🌸 I feel like Aemond would also be shy and reserved at the beginning of your relationship. Especially if yours was an arranged marriage.

🌸 He would probably get a little self-conscious that the reason you are shy because of him. His eye, maybe. So he doesn't really know what to do about that.

🌸 But soon he comes to realise that that is just how you are normally and that it isn't personal. After that, he becomes much more at ease and actually tries to initiate conversation and contact with you.

🌸 As your relationship progresses, you both become more open and talkative with each other. You both learn each others boundaries and body language so you can tell when someone or something is making you uncomfortable.

🌸 I don't feel like he would tease you, but I do feel like as your relationship progresses and you become more comfortable with each other that he would start to be more bold to see your flustered reactions.

🌸 He likes seeing that you talk more to him than most other people you interact with. It makes him feel proud that you feel comfortable enough to involve him in things like that.

🌸 Definitely a little shit about it.

🌸 He definitely teases you and does whatever he can to make you blush and get all flustered. He LOVES it.

🌸 He thinks it's a little annoying sometimes when you don't speak much. He feels like you don't want to be around him or you don't love him or want him there. He's very clingy.

🌸 He goes whining to you one night and lays on top of you in the bed, begging you to tell him the reason you're so withdrawn and quiet. He's drunk out of his mind you can tell.

🌸 When you explain that's just how you are, he manages to piece it together and understand that you don't only act like that around him, but everyone, so you must be true.

🌸 After that, the teasing becomes relentless. He will not stop. Just to see your cheeks flush and watch your eyes widen comically.

🌸 Our sweet gentleman is so kind and understanding with you.

🌸 He knows that you may not talk alot and he doesn't take it to heart at all, he knows that that's just your personality.

🌸 He always tries to initiate conversation with you and always involves you in talk at the table or when he enters your chambers and pries about your day.

🌸 He feels so happy when you start to come out of your shell and start talking to him on your own, speaking about anything and everything to him like you were never shy at all. He loves that he brought that out of you.

🌸 He always stands up for you fiercely if anyone dares to comment on your shyness. He will not stand for people talking down about you or the way you act. He loves you too much for that.

🌸 He always gives you space if and when you want it, he will give you time alone in your chambers if you don't wish to be disturbed. Or he will sit by the fire and read or do some studying of High Valyrian if you don't want to talk.

🌸 He is very understanding of any and all boundaries you have set.

🌸 Our sweet baby boy 😭

🌸 He is definitely very very understanding. He gets shy and nervous as well, he won't judge or pry.

🌸 He spends alot of time with you in silence, maybe just both of you reading books, or just sitting under a tree in a garden. He's getting used to your presence and he just loves to be close to you.

🌸 After a while, he opens up to you first, and after that, you open up in return. The both of you talking and actually having an enjoyable and wholesome betrothal.

🌸 He gets so giddy inside when you talk to him first, or hold his hand or something like that. He finds it so cute.

🌸 He loves you so much and definitely stands up for you whenever someone says anything ill about you, he won't stand for it. Even if he is scared to say it himself.

Note: Sorry, this one took a while, haha! Hope you liked it 🩷🩷

[eustasskidagenda]

hello im so excited that your ask box is open and youre taking requests! i dont request things often, so this might be a but of a weird concept, and i apologize if its too detailed. however the idea literally wont leave me alone. orz;;

maybe eustass kid has a crush on a somewhat reserved reader whose slow to open up and he hasnt quite realized thats what hes feeling until they stop on an island and meet readers childhood friend. they show a whole new side of themself with said friend by laughing openly, making stupid jokes, being much more physically affectionate. basically reader acts close with an old friend and kid gets jealous about it.

i dont mind if you do a oneshot, drabble, or headcanon, im just curious about your thoughts on this :3 thank you so much and i hope you have a great day!

Hello dear anon! Sure, I'm always happy to write for my pookie. It was fun to write, and it makes me smile a bit because Kid is such a mess, I love this angry tulip. Hope it will match your expectations. ☆

☆Kid with a s/o slow to open up

CW : g/n reader, a bit of cursing but fluff overall

WC : 700

Kid has always been loud. Whenever he's angry, he needs to shoot at someone. What can he say? His heart is filled with emotions, boiling and exploding like a thousand sparks. That's why you're a mystery. Always calm. Not letting others know what's on your mind. What makes you so quiet? He can't tell. 

Just like the moon and the sun, you are polar opposites. And yet, as the sun always chases the moon, he's always looking after you. And he's everything, but not discreet. Asking loudly for almost all of his crew what they think about you and why you are so reserved. 

Sure, he's used to introverted folks. Killer is one of them. But here's the difference: he can second-guess every word, thought, and breath of his best friend. He could probably achieve all of his sentences. And even through the mask, Kid could also guess the exact expression on Killer's face. 

Killer, who is likely aware that Kid has a small crush on you.

Kid is genuinely frustrated. Loudly frustrated, obviously. He needs to feel in control of everything and hates when he doesn’t have a full-understanding. Usually, he fails to notice reserved people because he's taking all the attention. But there's something about you: your slight smiles, the flash in your eyes, the way you're always listening to others but never talk about yourself. He can't tell why, but it keeps his mind alert. 

Perhaps you pose a bit of a challenge. Kid would never give two flying fucks about you if you were easy to see through. He's always looking after you because you're still a mystery. Sure, at the beginning, it was just to try to figure out who you really are. But now, it turned into something bigger. He hasn't noticed it yet, that’s all. Kid sucks with feelings. Feelings are actually something he hates because they make him feel weak. It puts his loved one in danger. Showing your weaknesses to enemies is a foolish move, Kid knows that perfectly.

However, everything is about to change. He decided to stop on that island for the day. For the first time, you asked to avoid robbery or harming anyone around. 

"Ugh, we're pirates, y/n" Kid doesn't want to look like a nice guy. He's a tough, rude pirate. He has a reputation to uphold. For him, the only good way to open a path is by violent means. Kindness? For what? If he's still alive today, it's because he toughened up and decided to never show mercy to anyone. 

"Fine, fine, I won't kill those people." Heavy sighs. But he wants to understand. He needs to understand. And finally, he's about to understand. 

Because suddenly, you're smiling heartily and running towards those scumbag strangers. What. The. Fuck. It's like seeing the sun after an eternity of blizzards and grey clouds. You're a bright light, a true sunshine. A burst of joy. You're joking, laughing, talking, and talking a lot. You never said more than two sentences in front of him, and now you're chatting endlessly with those strangers and hugging all of them. 

He's pissed off. Are those random people with terrible sense of style and ugly make-up better than him? The great Eustass "Captain" Kid? No way. 

"Guys, here's my captain, Kid. Kid, here are my childhood best friends."

Kid's face is a mess of angry scowls and boiling with frustration when they say hello. Why aren't you smiling as warmly when you're with him? Why is his heart pounding so hard, almost painfully in his chest? And damn, is it the cold or are his cheeks completely red? 

Poor Kid is both flushed and flustered. His first reflex is always exploding when he feels something. "Do you have a problem with me?" Barking through gritted teeth. 

He's ruining the happy-shitty mood and he doesn't care. 

So now, try to explain that you don't have a problem with him. Good luck, he's very stubborn. But once he's more or less calmed (because he's still pissed off), he still can't understand why his heart is racing at the sight of your soft, warm smile.

He wants to see that side of you more often. He wants to be part of those privileged people allowed to know the real you.

Yes, maybe he has a crush on you.

[batsarebetterthanpeople]

So I was going back over OFMD in my mind because of the whole scene with Fang and I was like "I'm pretty sure Ed sits with himself canonically actually." But then, maybe Fang is right because in s1e3 hes higher than a fucking kite, in s1e4 hes either with Stede staring at tits or hes analyzing the weather. In s1e5 he's having a flashback so I guess he is alone with his thoughts but his thoughts are emo and have mommy issues so idk if that really counts, in s1e6 he sits alone in the tub after he had a full ptsd style flashback, s1e7 and s1e8 hes not alone or quiet at all really, e10 he's having a cry both times so once again idk if that counts on the same principle as 5. Does brooding count you tell me? In s2e1-3 he's either high or suicidal and he doesn't really in s2e4 so..... But then, he's folding socks in e9 and that's the one moment where you can't be like "this guy doesn't ever sit with himself."

So I guess for Fang, Ed doesn't sit still unless he's high off his ass or he's brooding, which doesn't tell us who Ed innately is, it tells us who Ed is in an environment where he's expected to be Blackbeard. But he can sit still and quiet with his own thoughts after he's signed the act of grace and he thinks he's gonna get a break from all that for a while. Which means that he's like that because Blackbeard, being Blackbeard, being on a pirate ship, puts him on edge, it makes him nervous, it makes him feel like he's about to be stabbed in the back, he talks and makes sure that other people know he's alert. Even if it's just to Fang.

[ughtyrell]

Anti social Oliver Quick

Oliver is just really not interested in making friends. He is in fact against it but doesn't want to make a big fuss about it so he decides to just seem very boring and plain. Hoping to seem very nerdy and unpopular so people wouldn't even want to approach him.

He has some precautions to ensure this goal. Such as his wardrobe. Perfectly plain yet ugly enough to put people off. His quiet attitude that makes him easy to ignore and careful constructed awkwardness that makes the few who try not want to do so again. His ideal mask that will make people leave him alone.

So why is this rich pretty boy so eager and determined to be his friend?

It starts with Oliver helping Felix with his bike, just something Oliver decided to do on a whim because he was having a particularly nice day and was in a good mood. What was the harm in helping the poor looking sod sitting at the side of the path?

Apparently the harm is he gets a borderline stalker from it. A harmless stalker itself because the other boy acts like a kid who isn't used to not getting what he wants and pouts about it endlessly. But he's starting to feel harassed.

Maybe it actually started when Oliver denied Felix's invitation to sit with him and his friends at the pub. Somewhere Oliver decided to wander to that evening because again, he was having a nice day and thought, why not go enjoy a drink by himself? He doesn't mind going to places in public alone because he enjoys his own selfs company plenty and doesn't feel embarrassed to do so at places where it's socially expected to go with at least one other.

He doesn't expect to see the random boy from earlier, definitely didn't expect to be waved over by said boy. Which he lets happen because Oliver finds it will be easier to do so than rudely ignore them and deal with Felix and/or his group actively disliking him for a slight from the weird loner boy. He can politely listen to what Felix wants for a moment and then leave, disappear from sight and soon out of mind forever.

And that's exactly what he did. Listened to Felix tell the others how he "saved" Felix earlier and awkwardly nod and smiled along. It's was what he did next that baffled Felix. When asked if he was with anyone Oliver told the truth, no he wasn't. When invited to come sit, which was the obvious and expected thing to say yes to, Oliver declined with a simple polite, "ah thanks but no thank you." And then turned around and made it back to the bar to order himself a drink.

It was a complete insult to Felix's pride and ego, it left Felix feeling incredulous and irritated but also...thrilled. He had to investigate more and see what's wrong with this Oliver Quick who could just brush Felix catton off like that. He must be either mental or faking it, which makes Felix either really rather fascinated or want to prove Oliver to be a fake for his own peace of mind.

So Felix begins his attempts to charm Oliver into a friendship. Should be easy because Felix is easy to like and if someone doesn't like Felix then they're either lying or something is wrong with them not him.

Except it isn't easy and nor does Oliver not like Felix. He knows because he asked. He asked after Oliver continued to brush off Felix's attempts to sway Oliver into joining him for a drink, or a conversation or a friendship. Oliver said no, he doesn't not like Felix, he doesn't know Felix enough to not like him.

And when Felix asked then why does he continue to ignore and decline to be Felix's friend. Oliver says the worst thing anyone has ever said to Felix ever.

" I just don't want to Felix."

It's horrible and Felix can tell Oliver is being 100% truthful, not even intending to be hurtful about it but that just makes it worse.

When Felix tells Farleigh about it later, Farleigh laughs so hard at Felix he almost makes himself sick. Next time he sees Oliver he laughs some more and tells Oliver how he's the first person to ever knock Felix down a peg and good job. Oliver just says a curt thanks and leaves because while it's true he doesn't have anything against Felix, he actually is not a fan of Farleigh Start.

(Wouldn't it be funny though, if Oliver warms up to Farleigh first instead of Felix? Farleigh thinks yes and makes sure to rub it in his face whenever he can. He doesn't ever mention how this soothes something deep inside himself to be preferred first over Felix.)

[numberoneasmogirlfriend]

Venting to the brothers

My favourites are so obvious, so sorry :(

CW:mentions of su1c1de, mentions of sh, mentions of SA (let me know if i missed something). This probably won't be all comfort and such, but just my thoughts on how would they react, read at ur own risk, not proofread.

U seemed more distant today, and spent most of the day in the library. When *character* saw u in the corner, knees by ur chest and tears rolling down ur cheeks. "What happened, MC?"

LUCIFER

I feel like he wouldnt be good at talking about such matters, but he definitely is proud that u feel comfortable enough to tell him about whatever traumatic/hard events u went thru.

He'll probably be checking up on u more frequently and try to see anything that's concerning in ur behaviour.

I think that he would say things along "i understand it's hard for u, but please don't dwell on the past". He'll try to distract u from these thoughts. If u show him healed self harm scars he will make u promise on never doing that again. And if he sees u breaking the promise? Get ready for a lecture.

MAMMON

He's a sweetheart. He'll hug u as tight as he can, maybe even cry if u say something about ending it all or something. If u tell him about being touched inappropriately, he'll get mad and probably tell u how he would tear whoever dared to lay a finger on u limb by limb. Also, he's the type of guy to kiss ur scars.

He'll try to spend as much time with u as possible so he can make sure ure feeling okay. If he sees u crying, he will take u to a more secluded area (if ure comfortable with that) and just support u thru it.

LEVIATHAN

I feel like at first he would be kinda avoiding u because he doesn't want to hurt u. But he'll still give/recommend shows and games, but will be very carefully picking them so there's no themes that might upset u.

Will try to distract u with gaming. If hes sure ure okay with him joking about ur trauma, he'll definitely use the "villain origin story". Will patch up ur sh with these cute bandaids, so you'll see something nice instead of doing it again.

SATAN

Will be mad that it happened to u. He just hates seeing people close to him suffering. But he hates being the reason of suffering more so he tries to keep calm.

"do u wanna stay alone?" "What can i do to help u?". If u can't get out the things that happened, he'll try to guess so u can just shake ur head "yes" or "no". Will be very cautious and carefull and just acting like he wishes somebody would comfort him. He'll also be very quiet i think. He would barely speak, but his actions already told more than words ever could.

ASMODEUS

Would listen to u and then proceed to recitate a paragraph about how ur body is still perfect and ur personality is even better and that he'll love u forever so don't u dare speak bad about urself.

"shh cutie, let me wipe off ur makeup". If ure comfortable with it, he'll sit u down in his bathtub and try to soothe u. Warm water with lavender, calming bath salts. So many scents but somehow it doesn't overwhelm u. He will put away his usual flirty and dirty-minded self and treat ur problems very seriously.

BEELZEBUB

Another sweetheart. Like Satan, it hurts seeing u being hurt. Will try to distract u with food, even sharing his favourite burgers with u.

He'll listen to u with tears forming in his eyes, and asking if he can hug u. Will press ur head against his heart, trying to take away these memories.

Would cuddle u whenever he can, if u let him of course.

BELPHEGOR

He does not know how to react. I swear he tries his best, but he just doesn't know. Probably will just be silent and sit next to u, giving u a shoulder to cry on.

"let's take a nap, you'll feel better".

I think he is gonna talk about it, but later when he gets his thoughts in order. Will be very careful and empathetic. He can kinda relate after all.

[isa-ghost]

May I humbly ask for more q!phil headcanons? 👉👈

Fuck yeah concrete >:D

Previous Sets: Set 1 Set 2 Set 3 Set 4 Set 5

M O R E

He'll go above & beyond for his friends for as long as it takes, but when a situation proves futile or hopeless, he gives up. And hates it. He feels guilty for it even when he knows there's nothing more he can do. He also HATES being helpless (it's part of why he's taking being grounded so hard)

Once his mind is made up, it's made up. It's very hard to change his mind. You practically need a PowerPoint of irrefutable facts & proof of why he should think another way

Yeah. He's stubborn. It can be infuriating. But it comes from a place of life experience, knowing what he wants, and a hint of paranoia for flavor. It's not exactly a flaw, but it does act as a detriment sometimes

And don't get him wrong, he doesn't always like being stubborn. Sometimes he just can't imagine things any other way than how he's picturing. He does feel bad sometimes about being the way he is. He has a hard time trusting things that aren't his gut or Rose

He's grown to like walks. He misses flying obv but walkies are pretty okay. He still gets to see neat stuff, and clear his head if his paranoia isn't too awful

He knows he's losing touch with reality slowly. He's just unaware there's words for it (derealization, dissociation). And he tries really hard not to think about it, it makes him sick with dread because once again, it gnaws at his ability to control his situation or himself

Btw that's one of his deepest fears if it wasn't obvious. Like yeah he has basic bitch fears that most other people have like losing loved ones or w/e, but his personal Big Fear is the loss of his autonomy. It's part of why he's an anarchist & hates the Federation, another part of why being flightless is killing him inside, and part of why Ender King scares him. Especially after Rose's most recent message (1/17/24) said EK has no vessel. Phil's mind shot right to "He needs a vessel and that vessel is me. That's what he wants."

He does NOT like acknowledging that to a degree, he & Ender King DO have things in common. He constantly rationalizes it in his brain as "I have crow brain, I collect the things that look shiny & cool. Ender King is malicious, it's not the same."

Lowkey hates the quiet. It's nice to get out of chaotic environments for bit, but that doesn't mean the silence will grant him peace. He starts getting lost in his own head, or winds up understimulated. Music is a good buffer. Ideally though, he likes having the kids or one person to bounce off of (& keep him mentally grounded when he's stressed). It's why he adventures with Fit so often.

Speaking of silence, and calling back to fears, there's something so inexplicably uncomfortable to him about footsteps that aren't his, esp in quiet. See, the admins invisible Federation workers that just monitor things, he can usually tolerate those bc it's easy to guess when it's them he's accompanied by & not an unknown presence. But man, when he knows he should absolutely be alone atm but hears movement that isn't his own, his adrenaline shoots through the roof. (Little does he know, that's Hardcore Instincts kicking in. He's used to that movement being a mob out to kill him)

Rose's Sanctuary is a fitting enough "altar" for her, so to speak. Even though she made it herself. The Goddess of Death however, Phil needs something for her. He has a locket with a wither rose engraved in it for now, he doesn't want to be questioned by his friends why there's a weird purple & black altar in his house when,,, he might have to tell them there's (an entirely different) purple & black motherfucker trying to maybe possess him who Is Very Bad. Also there's no way they'd believe he's married to a goddess. He can hear Fit laughing already.

He keeps getting distracted but he really wants to either build a practice range for bows or just. Go on a solo adventure shaking off the rust on his aim. He misses the rush of pride he gets when he snipes something so flawlessly. He also procrastinates on it when he's Not distracted bc he has the scythe & he's in love with it. (Also it's a symbol of Death Wife)

Every now and then he'll banter with the invisible Feds trying to bargain with them for the Good Shit(tm) Mexican food they had at Mexican Independence Day. Things have been so chaotic lately he hasn't gotten the chance to ask Chayanne to make them & like HELL he could successfully make them himself

That said, he's actually not a terrible cook like he claims. He just hates how laborious cooking can be LMAO.

Even so, he still really wants to cook for Missa. Purely for bonding reasons. He has no idea Missa would probably crush even harder on him, Phil still thinks they're mutually platonic.

[robsterskellington]

A little bit of Ranpoe, now. They're not an item just yet, but maybe in the future?

Context: this is after Noé comes to Yokohama and joins Vanitas, and Naenia attacks the main groups. Naenia always made people afraid, and Ranpo isn't an exception.

"How's Chuuya doing?" That was the first thing Yosano asked Dazai when he finally returned to the Agency; after that Charlatan Naenia attacked them all, the only one that had been physically and *spiritually* harmed was Chuuya.

"He's actually doing a lot better, but he's staying at home for a little while longer," Dazai looked a lot better, he'd been actually eating and sleeping properly to encourage Chuuya to stay healthy, "Whatever that thing did led to one benefit: Arahabaki and Chuuya are both able to kinda switch places without hurting his body. Corruption is off the table in the meantime, of course. But it has been nice to have conversations with both of my boyfriends~"

Everyone looked relieved at that knowledge, but Ranpo was quiet. Dazai looked over and frowned- Ranpo's snacks lay on his desk uneaten, his glasses next to them, and his hat was hanging from his chair. His mismatched green and brown eyes were open, but barely. Dazai slowly walked up to him and leaned against his desk. Ranpo silently looked at him, showing the dark bags under his eyes. It wasn't any wonder.

Vanitas and Noé had warned everyone that Naenia attacked people psychologically, hurting everyone by using their pasts and memories against them, which she had easy access to since she attacked them in their dreams. It was already strange having a shared dream with multiple people, but it was horrible that they could all see each other's trauma.

Yosano was forced to see the countless soldiers she'd been forced to heal, though Tachihara had ended up being the one to pull her away when his brother appeared. Jouno's senses had been messed with so he was temporarily given back his sight, only to be met with an illusion of Tecchou dying in front of him- he'd kept up his aloof act until they woke up. Naturally Atsushi was forced to see his Headmaster, but Akutagawa had been right there, and he was no longer afraid of the version of Dazai that appeared to him.

Ranpo didn't actually think he had any inner demons to fight. He knew he wasn't Gifted, he knew his parents had died in an accident, and he knew that he wasn't alone in spite of the circumstances. So when Naenia had gently grabbed his face and cooed, *You poor fool. The World's Greatest Detective, unable to figure out why his parents were murdered. He doesn't even realise that it was ALL. HIS. FAULT.*

Those words had been echoing in his mind for the past two weeks. Fukuzawa could barely get him to eat, and he wouldn't sleep much. Part of him wanted to know the truth, but it was nearly 13 years ago, and what would even be the point? Realistically, if they were murdered and the culprit was still alive, would Ranpo want revenge? He didn't want to be that mindless that he'd lose himself. It made him sick to think about. Dazai just tilted his head, "You're not that kind of person."

"Ah. Right, you used to deal with situations like this." Dazai flinched at how hollow yet strained Ranpo's voice was. He turned to look at Dazai, "What do you suggest I do? My mind is fried, I can't even think. I need help, Dazai. Please."

"I don't believe Naenia's words. Nearly everything she said was a lie, like some kind of test. So, I have a rather outlandish theory." Ranpo frowned and looked up at Dazai, who's expression was a little strange, "What if... your parents are still alive somewhere?" Before Ranpo could debunk it, Dazai asked sharply: "Were your parent's bodies ever recovered from the car wreckage?"

"..." Ranpo sunk back in his seat, his eyes wide. *No*, there were apparently no bodies to recover. But the amount of damage done was horrible. Ranpo remembered overhearing the police mention that the only thing left was blood, and one severed arm which was later proved to have belonged to his father. His breathing went funny as his abruptly stood up, "I need to go see Minoura. I'll be back later."

He ran out of the room in a panic, and Vanitas looked at Dazai, "You gonna call Poe or am I?"

****

"I never thought you'd be coming to *me* for help! But don't you have any photos of your parents, kiddo?" Ranpo had thankfully caught Minoura on a quiet day, there wasn't much for the police to do other than catch up on paperwork. The Hunting Dogs were handling the major cases and the Agency were handling, unsurprisingly, all the work that needed to be handled by detectives. When Ranpo asked if there were any records and photos of his parents, since his father had also been an elite detective, Minoura was happy to help, though was saddened by Ranpo's response:

"When my parents... I was told that I had to leave my home. I could only take the bare minimum, and while I have a couple of photos, none of them have a clear visual on their faces, they're either obscured by something or have their eyes closed." In order for Eyes of God to locate someone, it needed a reference that was clear. Even Fyodor's image was known, despite how often he tried to make sure he wasn't seen on cameras.

Minoura took him to the records room to find any files that might lead him to some pictures, "If they're really alive, what are you gonna do? You're a grown man, but they're still your folks."

"If they're alive, I definitely wanna see them. Even if it's once. If it's more than once, then something I can't forget is that Fukuzawa is also my father now." Minoura blinked and Ranpo smiled, "He raised me, took care of me, helped me to find out how to cope with this world of Abilities and Gifted. My biological parents can't change the fact that Fukuzawa is also my parent, and the Agency are my family."

Minoura hummed and continued to look before pulling out a file, "Here you go. Should have a photo of your old man, possibly your ma as well." He handed Ranpo the file, and sure enough, there they were: a man who was rather short for his age, and a taller woman with bright green eyes. Aside from those, Ranpo realised he looked nothing like his mother. "Take those. Even if nothing..."

Minoura trailed off when he saw that Ranpo was shaking, and he'd started to cry. Minoura never had kids of his own, but he knew how to take care of younger people. He sighed and nodded to himself before gently leading Ranpo out and away. There was an ice cream parlour not too far from the station, and he knew what Ranpo would like already, so they sat and ate giant sundaes that suited their likings. It was a relief to see that he'd stopped crying, but he knew that Ranpo was nowhere near okay. Whatever had lead him to wanting to find his parents must've spooked him- he wasn't sure it would be appropriate to ask, so he didn't.

Ranpo sniffled and wiped his eyes, "I'll repay you for all of this. I still owe ya for everything you did when we were framed."

"Nah. Just make sure you get some sleep when you find out the truth, that'll be payment enough." He smiled then noticed something in Ranpo's eyes, "What's wrong?"

"...did... did you ever work with my dad..?"

"Ah. Should've seen that one comin'. Yeah, I did. We worked alongside another detective, Murase." He was a little surprised that Ranpo didn't already know, but then again, his mind was all over the place, "He was actually one of my best friends when I first started. Both of them had families, while I've never really felt comfortable being tied down. Though Murase had two awesome nephews, and your pa had you. I'm ashamed of the fact that I didn't recognise you when we first met."

"Don't be. I wouldn't have recognised you." Ranpo hiccuped in his state of being between crying and calm. Minoura didn't care in that moment that this was a grown ass man in front of him; he reached forward and ruffled his hair. Ranpo leaned into it, he felt comfortable with Minoura, knowing he'd never do anything that would make him afraid or disgusted.

Once the sundaes were eaten, Minoura drove Ranpo back to the Agency and he smirked at who was waiting outside the café beneath, "Looks like your *rival* is here."

Ranpo's face immediately lit up as he practically flew out of the car and straight to Poe, who was actually prepared this time as he caught Ranpo and hugged him tightly; Poe had also been a witness to the Parade, but he also didn't have many demons to face, so Naenia mostly overlooked him. That didn't sting as much as it used to, what had hurt him was what that creature had said to Ranpo. Karl was on his shoulders and chittered while nuzzling Ranpo's cheek. Poe held Ranpo close and murmured softly, "Are you alright?"

"Better now you're here, Ed." Ranpo sniffled then looked back at Minoura and waved, "Thank you for everything!!"

Minoura simply held up his thumb before driving off. Ranpo smiled weakly before going into the café with Poe. Usually they would sit in the Agency, but it was getting close to when Kunikida brings in a mountain of paperwork, so it wasn't wise to sit at his desk right now. Lucy saw them both and grinned, "Hey, boys. How's it going?"

"Ah, Miss Montgomery, it's good to see- *ow!*" Poe hissed as Lucy threw a spoon at his head, but thankfully he understood what she was pissed about, "Very well, *Lucy*. I apologise for not visiting sooner."

"As you should be! You're not working for the Guild anymore, so what gives?! Aren't you living in Yokohama like the rest of us?!" She put her hands on her hips, pouting- after Steinbeck took over the organisation in America, most relations went sour.

Fitzgerald was obviously settled with his new company, working on a way to help his wife break out of her reverie with Miss. Alcott, Lovecraft was... somewhere asleep in the ocean presumably, Mr. Melville was working with Special Operations alongside Miss. Mitchell with the promises of the Guild's better members being protected and that any money earned from jobs would go towards rebuilding the estate of Miss. Mitchell's family. Hawthorne was still trapped behind the door in Anne's Room, and Twain was apparently back in Yokohama to write his biography in peace while doing some mercenary jobs on the side for the Military Police.

Poe sighed, "It's true, that I'm not affiliated with the Guild anymore, but don't you forget that I'm still a talented author and architect. I'm making more money than I'll ever be able to spend in three lifetimes. Who do you think paid off Mr. Dazai's tab, or helped get some new furniture for the Agency?"

That explained a lot. Lucy just hummed and got them their favourite drinks without asking, or needing to be asked, then smiled at Poe, "You look happier, jokes aside."

"I feel happier. Like I belong, you know?" The Agency treated Poe well, he was still on good terms with Fitzgerald, but his companionship with Ranpo was the best thing in his opinion. He was still not the greatest with social situations, they made his breathing heavy and his stomach hurt, even the occasional rash would break out, but if Ranpo was beside him, there was no fear. He saw Ranpo smile at that and was thankful that most of his hair was obscuring his face, before clearing his throat and opening his laptop, "I paid Lord Francis a lot to use Eyes of God, so let's get this done, okay?"

Ranpo silently handed the photos to Poe, who used the laptop camera to scan the images and put them through the Eyes of God Network- they could now hack into every camera in Japan, which would do until Special Operations could see about getting them to see through every camera all over the world. It was just harder than envisioned because obviously some people wanted their privacy, and it was risky for those in the witness protection program. Poe hummed to himself while tapping on the laptop's keyboard, Karl eventually deciding to jump onto Ranpo's shoulders, snuggling into him.

It took a little longer than anticipated, but Poe lit up, "We have a match!"

"What." Ranpo sat up straight and listened: they were last seen yesterday, in Kyoto, where judging from where the cameras spotted them, that was where they were living. Ranpo immediately slid next to Poe, having originally been sat across from him in the other side of the table, and stared in shock. The people did indeed match the photos, and Eyes of God even registered that they had the family name of Edogawa. Dazai's theory wasn't so outlandish after all, as his parents were indeed very much *alive*.

****

Poe had ended up bringing Ranpo upstairs, half carrying him with Lucy, the two of them shouting for Fukuzawa to come and help! Ranpo had a blank stare, and was in a state of shock. Fukuzawa ran out to put his boy on the couch, while Dazai grabbed Yosano. Ranpo was okay, he was just stunned, though combined with his exhaustion, it meant that anything shocking was too much for his brain.

Fukuzawa looked at him, and watched Ranpo sob before holding him close, "At least this means you can see them again. But, I'd like you to get some sleep first."

"I wanna, but I can't. I've been struggling with insomnia since the Parade." That was when Ranpo looked over Fukuzawa's shoulder and asked softly, "While I do trust Vanitas and his medicines, I need to ask: Dazai, Kunikida, does that sleeping draft actually work?"

When Vanitas first arrived, he made it known in little ways that he was a skilled doctor; he could tell immediately that Dazai was suicidal, and gave him a recipe for a strong sleeping draft that would essentially act like a death simulator, putting him in a dead sleep for up to 14 hours, and it would help soothe his desire for death. Dazai didn't think it'd work, but the truth was that he didn't cut himself, jump from any bridges or so much as tie a noose since he first drank it. Chuuya had been a little worried about him sleeping for that long, but let it slide for obvious reasons. It was Dazai who gave it to Kunikida, who also had been better, far more relaxed and not as stuck up.

"Yes, it works."

"Can confirm, it does work."

Ranpo looked up at Vanitas who excused himself to make said draft, but he didn't take long at all. He handed Ranpo a bottle of clear liquid and looked at him, "It should help you immediately. So maybe it's best that you go home first."

"...I don't wanna be alone." He looked down, holding the bottle, "Am I okay to stay at the Agency overnight, *dad*?"

Fukuzawa flinched- he couldn't help it, he was mostly called dad in private, not in front of everyone. He didn't know if it was possible to say how proud he felt of that progress. He just nodded, "Of course. This is your home. I'll stay as well."

"As will Karl and I." Poe looked at Ranpo and smiled weakly, "Well, if you're okay with that." He blinked when instead of a response, Ranpo slumped into him, nuzzling him. Poe looked down and saw that the bottle was already empty, Ranpo having drunk it as soon as Fukuzawa stated that he could stay. "I didn't think it would work that fast!"

"It doesn't," Vanitas stated, crossing his arms and smirking a little at Ranpo, "He was so exhausted that it built up and drinking it made his body skip being drowsy and straight to asleep. The same thing happened the first time you drank it, right Dazai?"

"Yeah, but obviously I was tired and stressed. Chuuya was burnt out and practically comatose. I only took the damn thing so I wouldn't have to wait as long for him to wake up!!" Dazai pouted a little, but he always kept the recipe handy, just in case.

For now, Ranpo needed a good, long sleep. It would be very early morning by the time he woke up, and nothing would make him wake up beforehand. Poe was made to resign himself to his fate, laying down on the couch with Ranpo lying on top of him, and Karl curled up on Ranpo's back. They had been given a blanket, which was draped over Poe and Ranpo, with Karl staying on top of it. Poe had a soft pillow under his head, and he found that he was also unable to fight off sleep, his eyes shutting.

Fukuzawa did send everyone home as early as possible, Kunikida deciding to go to Katai's to finish his work. Vanitas went to get Noé from the café and Dazai went home to Chuuya. Yosano had wanted to stay and keep an eye on Ranpo, but it was Lucy who dragged her out, knowing that she likely skipped a meal or two while she was wrapped up in her work. Fukuzawa remained at the Agency, since the couch in his office doubled as a bed, so he could sleep but also be in the vicinity if Ranpo needed him.

****

When Ranpo woke up the next morning, Poe and Fukuzawa immediately comforted him, and he was indescribably grateful for it all. Ranpo managed to figure out where his parents were living, and knew that he *had* to take this chance. Fukuzawa had offered to drive him, but Ranpo simply told him that he'd be needed at the Agency today. That was likely true, so he didn't argue. Poe knew about how Ranpo was with trains, so *he* drove Ranpo instead, after making sure he ate something at the café first.

The drive was oddly peaceful, which made Poe extremely tense. Usually Ranpo would be talking his ears off about one thing or another, but this time he was quiet, just listening to the radio music. Poe wasn't sure he liked the upbeat music, preferring softer and melancholic melodies, however if it made Ranpo happy, that was that. Plus, the music wasn't bad by any means, just not his thing.

The address had lead them to a house in Kyoto, not too far from the main town- it was two bedroomed, and quite modern. They'd lived here long enough to be comfortable, clearly. Ranpo was shaking with nerves, Poe hating how out of character he was, but... then again, he didn't even know how he'd react to finding out his presumed dead parents were alive and living happily. Poe didn't see a doorbell, so knocked on the door with a little more force than necessary, immediately panicking, "Oh, dear. I must look atrociously rude!"

"Ed. You can say *shit*, you know? You don't have to be so dignified all the time." Ranpo chuckled a little, relieved that at least someone was being their normal self. He froze when the door opened:

In front of them was a woman in her mid-forties, with long caramel hair done in a messy braid, a scar over her cheek, though it did nothing to destroy her beautiful face. She had bright green eyes and a warm smile. But aside from the scar, the one thing that was new to Ranpo, was... she was now confined to a wheelchair, and he knew that she hasn't walked since the day they parted. She looked at them, "Hello? How may I help you?"

"Mrs... Mrs. Edogawa?" She nodded being addressed, then her eyes widened at the shorter man who spoke, "I... my name is Ranpo Edogawa. Though... you probably knew me as Tarō Hirai?"

Poe stared at him in utter shock- Ranpo was an alias this entire time?! Then again, perhaps it was his way of coping and keeping himself safe. He took his mother's family name, and distanced himself from his past. A part of him must've known all along that it was no accident. Sure enough, the woman covered her face and started to cry, reaching out for Ranpo, who hugged her tightly, sobbing.

During this, a man came down and Poe immediately knew that this was Ranpo's father, they looked exactly the same, though the older man had a beard, and there were grey hairs through it and his actual hair. His right arm was missing, but aside from a burn on his neck and small scars across his face, he looked otherwise unscathed. He saw Ranpo and his eyes immediately lit up, "Son? You... you came to find us?"

"Yeah. I'm so sorry I took so long to realise you... that you're both still... still alive..." he sobbed and hiccuped, and his father joined in the hug as best he could, holding his wife and son close. Nearly 13 years had passed, but there was still a pure love that was impossible to erase.

Poe was about to slip away and wait in the car, but Ranpo suddenly gripped his hand, looking up at him, silently pleading him to stay. Poe couldn't refuse him, it didn't feel right. After introducing himself, he noticed that Ranpo's mother lit up, and once they were allowed into the house, he understood from the books on the shelf that she was a fan of his. It made him incredibly flattered of course, though Ranpo didn't look surprised.

Before they started to discuss what happened in the past, the one thing Ranpo made clear was that he wanted to be addressed as the name he goes by now, which his parents happily agreed to. His father took a breath, "As you're aware, I was a detective, I was looking into some political scandals around the time of the War. They knew that there were other ways to deal with certain situations, they just chose not to get involved in case the soldiers decided to bite the hand that fed them."

"Someone found out about your investigation." Ranpo looked at him, and of course his father nodded, "Who put a hit on you?"

"Admittedly, that doesn't matter anymore. He was murdered by that Jester Nikolai. That was when we saw you on the news." His mother looked at him, "We wanted to find you sooner, but you'd already started to have your own life, you're a better detective than most in this world."

"Mom, that doesn't matter." Ranpo took a breath, "Besides, you were threatened, weren't you?" They flinched and his expression darkened, "It doesn't matter how many years pass, obviously you're gonna be scared when threatened."

"That's no excuse. Especially when we already know now that the threat was empty." His father let out a bitter chuckle, "The politician who put a bomb under our car threatened to finish the job himself, or hire hitmen to go after you. What they didn't take into account was the fact that you helped both of the men they were going to use: Yukichi Fukuzawa, and Sakunosuke Oda."

Oh, now *that* was irony. Oda had originally claimed to not think about his targets, that it was strictly business, but even back then, he never would have murdered the parents of the one boy who proved him innocent. Fukuzawa wouldn't have killed a child, even one as annoying as Ranpo, though he knew the man had thoughts of throwing him in the river at first.

Poe spoke up, "So both of you were severely injured from the explosion, and then your son was threatened. No wonder you remained hidden all this time. But why not flee to another country? And forgive me, but this is pretty shoddy for people who are essentially in witness protection."

"We gave up on that a long time ago," Ranpo's mother scoffed, "Besides, we have... well, we'll say a Gift similar to our son's. We knew how things would work out, and lo and behold, we've been right." She then looked uncomfortable, clenching her fists, "However, we still weren't about to risk Ranpo's life. So we moved to Kyoto instead of going back home, and we kept our names."

They hoped to one day be brave enough to go to the Armed Detective Agency, just to see their grown son, and hope to make up for lost time. They should have known that their World's Greatest Detective would find them instead. Ranpo smiled weakly and took a breath, "I'll make sure nobody hurts either of you again. You're both geniuses in your own rights, so maybe you should come out of the shadows. Join the police department again, maybe apply to Special Operations. Hell, the Armed Detective Agency have been setting up new offices all around Japan, so maybe we can be not only family, but colleagues as well."

"Would your dad be okay with that?" Ranpo's father's words were incredibly soft, there was nothing hostile about the tone. Of course Ranpo had a new family in the Agency, and Fukuzawa had managed to raise him like a true father.

Ranpo suddenly had a devious smirk, remembering Minoura's phrasing from earlier, "Why don't you ask dad yourself, *pa*?" That made him blink and Ranpo laughed, "Both of you are my dad's- Fukuzawa didn't replace you, but I won't ever stop considering him my dad. I'd rather have both, if I can."

"You can." He answered immediately.

They all talked for hours, Ranpo's mother bringing them fresh tea and homemade cookies every once in a while. The only awkward moment was when she decided to tease and ask why Ranpo and Poe weren't wearing rings yet. Ranpo went red while Poe blurted something about them being rivals, and she grinned: "Oh, I wasn't implying that the two of you were an item, but I must say that you have interesting reactions to that thought~"

"Mom!!"

"Mrs. Edogawa!!"

"I know this isn't helping, but even I thought you boys were an item," Ranpo's father confessed, "You both hold hands, know what to say to comfort the other, and just generally look happy in each other's company. Obviously there's no pressure, but know we'd support you if you both started dating."

That was something they both ended up thinking about on the car ride home.

****

After it got a little late, Ranpo's parents agreed to think about applying to work at the Armed Detective Agency Office in Kyoto when it opened, and that had been enough to put his mind at ease. Poe's soft classical music was playing on the radio, and Ranpo asked softly, "Would you ever date me? You spent a long time hating me after we first met."

"I... it wasn't *hate*, per se. I was just jealous. But I did admire you." He then chuckled, "Though I'll never forgive you for pretending you'd forgotten about me."

"Sorry about that. I was just pissed that the Guild got their hands on you." He leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms, "...you thought about joining the Agency?"

"I've thought about it. I'm happy where I am, but I do tend to get bored. Plus, I am wanting to be closer to you, that I won't deny." Poe enjoyed helping others, and the Agency accepted Poe as one of his own, just like they had with Lucy. Karl was always at home with the Agency, which was why he'd stayed behind during this.

"Then would you consider being my partner, instead of my rival?" Poe felt his breath hitch, but Ranpo smiled, "I like you, I truly do. This might help us grow closer, and decide what's best for us in the future. Whaddya say?"

"..." Poe couldn't resist smiling a little, "I say... you should probably prepare my Entrance Exam."

[mooniekive]

slow burn | two (preview + link)

Pairing: min yoongi x reader 

AU: neighbors!au | producer!yooongi and teacher reader | they both identify as bi, and reader is aspec (grey-sexual/demi-romantic)

Genre: slow burn, kind of slice of life | fluff, angst

Word Count: 2k (preview) | 15.5k (chapter)

Warnings: alcohol consumption, mention of queerphobic parents, misunderstandings, angst

Synopsis: 

When one of your best friends and neighbors moves in with his partner, you’re surprised to have a quiet (and attractive) man move in next door. His protective nature intrigues you, and his looks pull you in with a magnetism so unfamiliar to you.

Min Yoongi is so used to being on his own that when he moves into a new place, and into an existing little found family, he’s forced out of his little box. He has no other choice but to finally allow himself to want. To want what he always desired — a place and people to comfortably exist with. 

Preview under cut, or read on ao3

As September rolls over the hills of Seoul, the heat seems to be cooling down along with it. You can wear thicker clothing, or more of it, without getting sweaty during the school day. Not to mention the commute to and from school is more enjoyable, you even decided to walk home today to enjoy the bustle of the streets, the rush of cars and young people moving about the city. The weather is finally letting you appreciate your surroundings. You were never a fan of summer, but this end of summer bliss is almost beautiful. 

Although the weather is better, it regrettably doesn't make teaching any less stressful. The ten to eleven year olds nowadays seem to be closer to pre-puberty than you remember being as a kid. Their hormones are making them act out and pick on the quieter ones in the class. There isn’t much you have been able to do without the parents getting involved, and most of them seem to think it’s nothing to worry about. They think it’s a phase and that their child will grow out of it, never mind the seriousness that bullying can easily turn into — how dangerous it can be when kids are allowed to do what they want. 

Your only choice has been to try and get through the kids to dissipate the issue, but it doesn’t seem to be working. On the contrary, it has only made their attitude worse. There isn’t much use in dwelling over it right now anyways. Maybe a good night’s sleep and some destressing will help you figure out what to do. 

You sigh as you feel the rush of cold air hit your bare arms as you swing the door open to the cafe. It’s your favorite cafe, only a few blocks away from your apartment and coincidentally right in the middle of your walk home from school. 

Jeongguk stayed at school today to get some stuff done, so Sora, the barista, is surprised to see you alone. 

“Y/N, where’s Jeonggukie?” 

“Stayed at school. Jimin too, but he said he’ll come over in a bit,” you add, giving a small knowing smile. 

Sora smiles and can’t hide their blush. “Oh, yes, he told me,” they add with a blinding smile. You always found Sora cute, in a quiet way, maybe it’s because of their shyness. You weren’t surprised when Jimin started coming this way to get his coffee despite it being the opposite way from his home. “The usual?” Sora asks. 

You smile at them and nod, taking out your card. “Can you add a strawberry pastry?” 

The place is calm and cozy, with a minimal aesthetic of warm colors — mostly brown and creams. Splashes of color hang on the wall in the form of local artist’s paintings. There’s a large window next to the door, surprisingly with an empty table. The soft R&B music playing helps create the perfect mood to relax your body and clear your mind, even if it’s just for a few minutes. 

You move over to set up shop by the table, and take out your laptop and notebook to start working, to get ahead on next week’s planner and input observations from the last few days. By the time Sora brings over your order, the air conditioner has made you pull a cardigan over exposed tattooed arms. You don’t have many, and you’re so used to hiding them at school that you sometimes forget you have them, so you’re a little surprised to find Sora staring. 

“I saw you got a new one?” 

You frown and look down at your arm as if you could see the ink over the cardigan. “Oh… uh, maybe about a year ago?” 

“Oh wow,” Sora laughs softly, “haven’t seen your tattoos since then, it’s pretty!” 

You recall the tattoo they mean, situated on your right arm, it’s a tiny patch of grass with some wild flowers and a black cat smelling them. Bokshil, of course. You smile and whisper a small thanks. 

Your quiet conversation is interrupted by the soft ding of the shop door opening, a smiling Jimin walking in behind it. 

“Min-ah!” Sora surprises you by saying quite loudly, beaming at their partner. Even getting the attention of some of the other customers. 

You laugh softly and shake your head. You leave them to be in their moment as you take a sip of the vanilla latte and focus your gaze out the window to people watch. There’s several shops lining the street. People walk out of bookshops and outlets, sweat beating down their skin as they look down at their phones, or look out for cars as they cross the street. 

Then you catch something small, a four legged furry friend, white with black dots rubbing against a stranger. Except the stranger isn’t really a stranger. As your eyes pan over them you’re surprised to find Yoongi smiling down at the cat. He squats down, placing his takeout bag down so he can coo and scratch at the kitty. He’s wearing a cap and a face mask, but you’re a little embarrassed at the fact you know it’s him. The eyes that crinkle with the smile, and the same mannerisms and hands that scratch under the cat’s chin are enough to confirm that it indeed is your next door neighbor. He’s wearing a familiar black shirt and cargo shorts too, which only confirms it further. 

You can’t help but watch intently as he removes his face mask so the cat can see him, and you giggle when you see him mouth something to the cat, to which the cat meows. 

Shily, you look away and down at your coffee. Min Yoongi makes it very easy for you to get away from yourself. To let your thoughts stray to places you don’t often let them drift towards. To question every little reaction you have to him. You know Yoongi is attractive, and any person you ask would agree, but what you mean is different. Yoongi is attractive to you, something you can’t say happens often. Still, you know that isn’t something to act on. Min Yoongi has no idea you find him attractive and is best he doesn’t. 

He doesn’t make it very easy though, as every time he tries to compliment you it makes you freeze up. Is he being nice? Or does he really find you attractive? And if he does, then what? It’s not like you can do anything about it. 

Of course you’re not unfamiliar with pleasing that side of yourself when it demands so, but this is different. He’s your neighbor and friend. If you got involved in that way, and he expected more and you couldn’t give him that? Worse, what if you found yourself feeling more for him and he didn’t? Romantic feelings don’t come easily to you, and you’d much rather ignore them than be hurt by disappointment if they were to be rejected. That’s if they even developed suddenly. 

Suddenly… would they be sudden? You have known Yoongi for a while, but you couldn’t say you’re even close friends yet. Are you?

You shake your head. “You always do this,” you mutter to yourself before taking a bite of the pastry. 

It’s so easy for you to get ahead of yourself daydreaming, imagine something growing bigger and more complex than it is, especially with relationships of any kind. Sure, it’s been about three years since you found yourself attracted to someone physically, but you have to keep reminding yourself how that ended. They wanted more and you just never… got there. You were never able to reciprocate romantic feelings. 

Not to mention when you have had feelings for someone they weren’t too happy about your… often plagued disinterest in sex of any kind. You can’t ever win, can you? 

Again, you shake your head. This is why you can’t get carried away with Min Yoongi, you can’t complicate things. He’s your friend, and your friend he should remain. 

Speaking of the devil. 

Your phone dings with his tone and you can’t help but smile at finding a text from him. 

Yoongi Oppa

5:35pm 

Hey neighbor… Ordered some food and they accidentally gave me braised tofu. Come get some. 

You can’t help but laugh, and feel a warmth move through you at the realization that Yoongi seems to accidentally have vegetarian food a lot of the time. For someone who loves meat he’s sure found himself in quite some predicaments lately. 

You

How exactly are you accidentally given braised tofu? 

Yoongi 

🤷🏻‍♂️ I don’t know. Maybe the same way they accidentally gave me sweet crispy mushrooms. 

You

Oh wow, maybe you should complain 🫢

Yoongi

Maybe I should 🤔 i think it’s their fault there’s some vegan kimchi and cucumber salad in my fridge… 

You have to pause and place your phone down so you can contain yourself. You don’t know if to laugh or be overwhelmed by his kindness. You feel an emotion you haven’t felt in a long time move over you, and it makes your eyes prickle with tears. It’s been a long time since someone took care of you like that. Even Seokjin wouldn’t go out of his way that much. He'll happily make you food if you ask, but Min Yoongi doesn’t wait to be asked. He doesn’t even want to be acknowledged when he does something for someone, which in turn makes you unsure of how to act. 

Should you point it out and say thank you? Tell him he doesn’t have to do this all the time? That will only make him bashful and brush it off like nothing, act like it’s an inconvenience, when in truth, he’s going out of his way to please his friends every time. 

You

Yoongi-yah… 

Yoongi 

👀 hu??? 

Come over and get your food already. Or I’m gonna throw it out. 

You laugh again, but wipe away a stray tear. 

You

:( I’m working at a cafe right now. 

Think you can save it for me, please oppa? 

Yoongi 

Fine 🙄. 

Don’t eat too many sweets without eating a proper meal. 

You

I won’t… 

Don’t be too cooped up in your room ☺️. 

Yoongi

I haven’t been! 

I went out and even saw a cat today! I swear. 

You 

Bokshil? Did he finally let you see him? 

Yoongi

No! I saw an actual friendly cat. 

You

Hey! Bokshil is nice! 

I’m starting to believe no cat will approach you.

Yoongi

Not fair, just cause your cat doesn’t trust me doesn’t mean other cats don’t 🤧

You

I’m joking, he just needs to get used to you being present more… 

But I believe you about the cat 🤣 . 

Yoongi

Good, cause I’m not lying. He was cute and small. 

As for Bokshil, he needs to get used to me soon, I’m not going anywhere. And I’m quite fond of his human. 

You stop again, taking in his words and surprising yourself by the visceral reaction. It’s like your heart stopped for a second to take in his comment. You even had to place your phone down on the table and take a long sip from the half-empty glass. You take an aggressive bite from the pastry and swallow. 

He’s just being nice. He’s being friendly. Yoongi has gone out of his way to not push his comments or compliments because he noticed you get uncomfortable. He’s observant, and considerate, you know that much. 

You

He will… he tends to warm up to people I’m fond of. 

You close the app, lock your phone, and turn back to your laptop, hoping Yoongi doesn’t read into it something he shouldn’t. Your words are honest though, you are fond of him, and he’s slowly becoming a special dear friend to you. You want Bokshil to like him. 

After deciding it would be best to place your phone in the tote bag you carry, you get back to work.

.

.

.

Continue reading here.

[genshin-silliness]

I like seeing other people's takes on Lumine and Aether's personality, so here's mine-

(keep in mind that these are completely self-indulgent interpretations and not based on any canon whatsoever) (<- okay maybe that's a lie, I did somewhat base their personalities on a few pieces of birthday art, that's pretty much it though)

Lumine:

-I see Lumine as being slightly older than Aether, but not by much. But even so, she still acts as his older sister of sorts.

-She's super high energy and extroverted, and is typically the one to do most of the talking while they're traveling worlds. She's also an incredibly kind and compassionate person, who is overall easy to get along with.

-She would be the mc to willingly help around Teyvat because she's enjoys helping people!

-She adores her brother with all her heart (obviously) thinking he's the cutest thing in the world. ("Look at my baby brother!!" "We're the same age though..?")

-Despite her sweet and sugary girl-next-door energy, if you mess with her brother or her friends she will NOT hesitate to fuck you up. And she can be scary when in combat mode.

-She gets really uneasy whenever her brother isn't around (which isn't often since he almost always stays close to her) and starts thinking of every worst case scenario.

-I feel like most people see her as this strict and stern and girlboss, and I like that take too! I personally just see her as just a really nice girl who'll kick your ass if provoked lol.

-I also unironically think she would get along with Paimon (that and silently swoons over how adorable she can be)

Aether:

-Aether is pretty much the exact opposite of Lumine lol

-He's quiet, reserved, and overall doesn't enjoy talking to people aside from his sister. This mostly stems from the fact that he some issues with trusting people.

-Typically he'll stand behind his sister as she does the talking (if anyone asks about it Lumine just goes: "oh he's just shy!")

-He's the mc who's honestly just trying to get his sister and get the hell out lol (though he always gets caught up in side quests somehow) (*cough* paimon *cough*)

-He's not much of a talker. Like at all. He only speaks if he really needs to at the moment, or if he's with someone he considers trustworthy and as a friend. And it takes a little while for someone to gain his trust like that.

-However, he's not a mean person by any means, and truly cares for those he's close to. And he wouldn't wish any sort of ill will onto anyone (unless he doesn't like them or they've tried to hurt him in the past)

-He is somewhat clingy, always staying close to his sister. Although he's antisocial, he doesn't like the feeling of being alone since he's so used to his sister being with him :(

It's also worth noting that I do see Aether as the one having to travel Teyvat to find his sister, and Lumine as the abyss sibling for three reasons:

I'm in love with abyss Lumine.

I find Aether to be more of a compelling mc than Lumine. Not because I dislike peppy characters by any means, I just find an mc with more selfish tendencies a lot more interesting. With Lumine, of course she's gonna help people, it's in her nature! With Aether however, he'll only help someone if he gets something in return that he needs, such as information on where to find his sibling. And the only other reason is because Paimon always drags him into this shit unwillingly (I do see him becoming a little more willing to help on his own terms as the story progresses).

The overarching question of why Lumine, a sweet, compassionate girl, would join the abyss. With Aether, I feel as though with his personality, you could kind of see it. But with Lumine? It's completely out of character for her! It provokes a lot of questions!! What happened to make her choose this??

As you can see, I kind of look at things through a story writing lense most of the time. Like I said, this is honestly just me being self indulgent.

I did kind of base Aether's personality on his dead expression in most chibi official art. I love him so much.

[zeroducks-2]

If you're still taking them, #1 for the three word prompts? Some (angsty/soft possibly) Sladick, please?

"You are enough" Dick Grayson/Slade Wilson

(warning, Dick deals with dark thoughts and ptsd. There's a brief episode of self-harm but nothing graphic)

Slade doesn't know what, but something must have happened in Dick's life to leave such a deep, jagged hurt that permeates everything the kid does. It's the opposite to the airy lightness Dick used to carry around when he was younger, and even if at times it god dampened by a loss or a hardship, the kid always, invariably bounced back to his hopeful self.

Not this time.

This time, whatever this is, left Dick rarely smiling, often cold, wanting to be left alone. Friends and family alike stopped visiting him, and Slade understood that Dick is the one who pushed them away. As Nightwing he's quiet and strikes fast without letting his presence known, doesn't break a joke, doesn't humor his opponents. From hating him, criminals started fearing him even if the kid hadn't gotten more violent, just less friendly.

He tries to push Slade away too, but Slade isn't anyone. He doesn't mind the silent treatment, content to sit on rooftop with a soda and take away at the end of the night patrol, before the kid retires back into his lonely apartment. He doesn't mind the ways Dick tries to be disagreeable either; Slade is used to being hated, and Dick's veiled insults and attempts to make him leave sound like compliments compared to most of the things Slade has had to hear from people who wanted away with him.

It takes him months, but eventually Dick starts to relax around him. And Slade put the pieces together, and got to understand that whatever happened, happened around the time Roland Desmond died.

Dick won't talk about it though. Some days he needs warmth and he lets Slade sit behind him and cage him in his arms, nosing at his head from time to time. Dick doesn't ask but when it's those kind of days, Slade stays and sits on the kid's bed while he dozes off, or lays down and lets him sleep tucked under his chin. On one of those days Slade asks if it was Desmond who hurt him, and Dick huffs and maybe it should be a laugh but it doesn't sound happy. The he makes himself small and holds his own chest with both hands, and despite having turned so tense, Slade doesn't let up and keeps holding him, palms running slow and steady on his back and nape until the kid is relaxed again, tethering on the edge of sleep. Dick doesn't know what he did to cause Slade to act like this, but if initially he was frustrated and a little desperate to push him away, now he's... he's not sure. He's afraid Slade is going to get hurt like everyone else. Dick knows he should not by any means be around people, he's tainted enough lives with his presence already, but Slade... Slade is not like the others, he doesn't care. He wouldn't judge him. Sometimes Dick feels like Slade knows, and it's a feeling so strong it scares him and makes him want to pack up and leave and disappear forever, but then tells himself he's just being paranoid.

There's no way Slade knows. There's no way Dick would tell him, because at some point he realized that he wouldn't know what to do if Slade ended up judging him.

It wouldn't change anything, Dick knows it wouldn't, he knows he's poison and filth and he doesn't deserve an ounce of the kindness and warmth the man has inexplicably shown him. But Slade is not like the others, he's a mercenary and a murderer and so maybe, just maybe, he would understand and wouldn't hate him.

And as the days pass Dick feels less close to the edge, less like everything is happening around him in a blur. He finds himself cracking a joke during breakfast (because Slade is there). He finds himself comforting a child after helping families get out of a partially collapsed five stories. He hears himself hum to a song (because Slade turned on the radio). He's better. It's strange to consider because he wasn't fully aware of being unwell, but now that there's a shred of light he's able to look around and notice all the darkness.

And then one day he breaks down for something idiotic, maybe exactly because he feels less like he's suffocating so his emotions find a way to pour out, and he's not even sure what went down but he saw something in the mirror that made him recoil, bump into the nightstand and knock it down with lamp and everything. He blinks, and he's not sure how he ended up there but he's kneeling on the floor bleeding, and wrapping a piece of bedsheet around a long cut on his forearm, panting and sweating like he'd ran for miles. Slade's first thought is that the kid's been attacked, but then realizes that he just hurt himself. The mechanics of it aren't entirely clear to him but given how graceful and weightless Dick is, he's under the impression that this is not exactly an accident, even if luckily Dick tried to at least stop the bleeding.

«Let's get these checked out.» Slade considers while examining the wounds. They're not overly deep, not life-threatening. Slade is so relieved he needs to keep his own breathing in check. «Come on, kid. Put on some pants and let's go to the hospital.»

«No. No, no doctors.» Dick says, his expression scrunched in a strange wince as he look at his own blood pearling on the edges of the cuts. One of them resumed bleeding and his arm drips red in the sink. «You are enough.»

Slade doesn't react despite something tight just settled in his chest, and proceeds to stop the bleeding carefully, disinfect the cuts, and eventually stitch the worst of them. He does it slowly and methodically as opposed to his usual terse practicality, and it takes the better part of an hour but eventually Dick's arm is clean and securely bandaged. His expression is oddly plain at this point. He's pale, but Slade saw him lose way more blood than this and keep fighting. Seeing him so blank is scary, and it's the reason why Slade suggested the hospital, but Dick said no and he's going to respect that.

«If I only knew who hurt you,» Slade says in a low voice once he's put the kid to bed, tucking a lock of hair behind his ear. «if you'd tell me, Dick. I promise I wouldn't kill them. But I would make them regret every breath they took from the moment they were born.»

The kid smiles, surprising him enough. Slade thought he hadn't really been there for a while. «Come to bed with me...?» He asks and the man complies, shedding some of his clothes and pulling Dick on his chest once he's laying down.

«Was it Desmond?» Slade asks, searching the answer in the kid's swollen eyes. He caresses his cheek gently, slowly like he could break him.

«Why are you so good to me, Slade...?» Dick asks instead of answering, eyes slipping closed at the touch. Not like he's relaxing, more like he's just so tired. «I did nothing to deserve it.»

«I thought you were asking why an asshole like me was acting like a decent human being...» He starts replying but stops as he sees the kid's frown. He leans in and kisses it, pulling him even closer, hoping he's not holding too tight but there's not way he's letting him go now. «This is not about what you deserve, little bird. I just care, and I want you to be better. That is all.»

Dick seems to make do with that answer, and nuzzles a place for himself under Slade's chin.

-

Thank you for asking anon ♥ I hope it was as angsty/soft as you wanted it.

Here's the prompt list for whoever wants to peruse it, or send me another prompt :)

[hufflepuff-16]

My Silly /⌒●~*

A/n: Hi everyone, this is my very first fanfic. I'm so sorry if this is crap, I made this using character ai.

Summary: James Potter x gn reader (unrequited love)

Deep into the odd hours of the night, you find yourself awake and unable to sleep. You go down to the Gryffindor common room in hopes of finding a book to help qualm your restlessness, but you stumble upon an exhausted James Potter instead, who sits on a couch next to the fireplace alone.

He looks ever so lonely, and you can't help but wonder if he needs a friend to talk to him.

"James, are you ok, darling?" You ask, sitting down next to him on the couch, the fireplace making quiet, crackling noises as he stares at them.

"I'm not sure, honestly," he sighs as he sits up and stretches his tired arms with a grunt. He looks over at you and smiles wearily. "What time is it? I feel like I haven't slept in ages." He has dark circles under his eyes, and his hair looks somewhat dishevelled. You can't help but notice how attractive he looks when he's exhausted.

"Well, no time like the present, eh?" he says with a chuckle, brushing some stray hairs out of his face. And suddenly it hits you – you've never been alone with him before.

Lying your head back on the couch, you ask, "Why are you not in bed?"

"Are you worried about something?" You had never seen him so exhausted before. It worried you.

"Honestly? I just couldn't sleep this time."

He shrugs, his expression tired and worn. "I'm not sure what's keeping me up tonight. Maybe it's the excitement of the holidays or something..." He sighs deeply, a look of concern growing on his face as he thinks about it. "But whatever it is, I know I'm not going to be able to sleep unless someone comes along and takes my mind off things."

He looks at you, the moonlight highlighting the angles of his face. How could anyone say no to such a request?

"Ok, silly," you reply affectionately.

"Silly?" He laughs and scoots a bit closer to you on the sofa, raising an eyebrow playfully. "I don't think I like that." He winks and nudges you gently with his elbow.

"You’re funny James,"

"Only because you bring out the best in me," he replies with a smile. He rests his head on your shoulder, and in this moment – nothing else feels as important to him as just being next to you.

You can feel his heart beating steadily against your shoulder, and he lets out a deep breath of contented relaxation.

He lets his eyes close; they flutter closed, and his lashes grow heavy.

"Tell me about yourself," he breathes out in one long lulling sigh. "What keeps you awake at night?"

"Oh you, know I'm just worried about the O.W.L exam on Tuesday," you mutter.

"You'll do fine," he assures you with gentle optimism. "I know you will." He leans his head on yours; the intimacy of this moment almost makes your heart skip a beat.

"And anyway... it's just an exam. You're so much more than your marks."

His warm breath tickles your neck, and once again – it makes your heart skip a beat. "In the grand scheme of things, it doesn't really matter."

"You matter."

"So, so much."

You were astounded by how my senserity James had, "thanks James," feeling a bit shy.

He gives your chin a gentle pinch, a gentle smile playing on his lips. In this moment, he feels content. Happy. Safe.

Everything else is forgotten.

In life, the best feelings are the simple ones. All you need is to be in the presence of the people you love. And right now?

You have everything you need.

You begin to laugh, "Why do we call each other darling? I swear we act like boyfriend and girlfriend sometimes."

“If the shoe fits…” he grins mischievously at you, his blue eyes flickering like firelight.

“… then don’t you think you should wear it?” His tone is playful, but he’s not wrong; there’s no denying that you two have a special connection.

You felt a wave of panic wash over you. "Are you asking me out, James?"

“Yes,” he answers without hesitation, his expression and tone turning more serious. “I’m asking you out.”

He reaches for your hand and laces his fingers through yours, his eyes holding yours as he waits for your answer. He feels his entire body tense up as he awaits your reaction.

Would you… go out with him?

Oh God, you thought this couldn't be possibly happening.

The anticipation in the air is thick.

James waits for your answer, his heart thundering inside his chest as he holds his breath. He’s not sure if he can handle rejection from you, but he has to know.

He waits for your voice to break the silence; for your answer.

Will you be his?

You let out a breath you didn't know you were keeping and began to softly tell him how you feel, "I'm sorry James... but....I like someone else in our friend group,"

“I… see.”

James’s face falls. He nods slowly and bows his head; the last thing he wants to do is make you feel uncomfortable.

But as much as he tries to hide it, you know that it hurts him. It’s hard to hide the pain that’s written all over his facial expression; you’ve never seen him look so sad.

“It’s alright. I understand.” He swallows hard, his voice soft and gentle. “Thank you for being honest with me.”

"You’re welcome, but how did you even develop feelings for me in the first place?" You were a bit curious because James had never given you the same indications that he likes you like he had done with previous people.

“That’s a tough question.”

He lets out a heavy sigh that shakes his whole body as he thinks about it.

“I guess I just… slowly started to care about you a lot. And then those feelings turned into something more.” He smiles softly, his eyes growing distant. “Something that feels impossible to explain. Have you ever felt that way about someone? Like you don’t fully understand what it is that you feel, but you know that it comes from the deepest part of your heart?”

"Yes....that's how I feel about Remus," you said softly.

“Remus Lupin?” James raises an eyebrow with surprise. “Well… I wish you two the best of luck. I know he’ll make you happy; he’s a great guy.”

He lets a small smile flicker over his lips and shrugs. “You’ve made a great choice,” he adds sincerely. “I… think I’m just going to need some time to get over this. But I do still want us to be friends.”

"Me too, you should head to bed James we have class in the morning." You give him a soft kiss on the cheek as you have always done with him.

James’s face reddens slightly as your lips touch his cheek, and he can feel his heart pounding in his chest. For a split-second, he entertains the idea of leaning forward and kissing you on your lips…

Instead, he takes your hand and draws you into a gentle hug. “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable,” he whispers in your ear, his breath tickling your neck. “And we’re still friends, right?”

"Of course, my silly," you reply with a smile.

“Right… and your darling, right?”

He chuckles softly, hoping to lighten the mood after the heavy and uncomfortable conversation you just had. He gives you one more squeeze and draws back slightly, still holding your hands. “You should go to bed too, you look exhausted,” he says with a weary grin, his own blue eyes looking heavy.

He gives you one last warm look. “Good night, darla- friend,” he corrects himself, unable to suppress a smile as he says your name.

You smile at him again and make your way out of the common room. As you leave the room and head off to your dorm, you turn one last time to glance over your shoulder at James.

He gives you a small wave and a friendly smile.

“Good night,” he says, still beaming at you. But as you turn to walk away, you notice that the smile quickly fades from his face, and his expression grows grim as he runs a hand over his eyes.

Your heart breaks a little, and you begin to wonder…

Have you really just broken James Potter’s heart?

[yanderes-galore]

Can I request alphabet for Marcus gow?

Yeah, sure! I'm pulling from my old thought on Delta Squad for this Formatting is butchered because I wrote this on PC. You can find said thoughts here.

Yanderes Alphabet - Marcus Fenix

Pairing: Romantic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Overprotective behavior, Mentions of war, Blood/Gore, Violence, Death, PTSD/Trauma, Slight possessive behavior, Manipulation, Mentions of kidnapping, Fear of loss/attachment, Dubious/Forced relationship.

Affection: How do they show their love and affection? How intense would it get?

I feel Marcus is not very emotive. He shows he cares at times but he isn't anything overly affectionate. He can feel intense but he really doesn't mean it. His affection for you is often small words of praise and pats on the back, maybe a hug. He's been through a lot... he's seen many people die... he has trouble being attached/showing physical affection. He comes off as intense as he's so stoic and protective.

Blood: How messy are they willing to get when it comes to their darling?

Blood and gore is just in his line of work as a soldier. He's used to the thought, especially when it comes to getting into fist fights since he's been in prison for being a traitor before.

He doesn't mind getting a little bloody when it comes to making sure you stay alive and safe.

Cruelty: How would they treat their darling once abducted? Would they mock them?

If Marcus were to ever abduct you, he wouldn't feel the need to mock you. Him abducting you is rare and would only happen if he felt you were in danger. He would still treat you like a normal human being and make sure someone cares to your needs if he's not there.

He just wants you safe.

Darling: Aside from abduction, would they do anything against their darling’s will?

If he feels it's necessary, besides that, not really.

Exposed: How much of their heart do they bare to their darling? How vulnerable are they when it comes to their darling?

Marcus is not a very vulnerable person, even when he loves someone. He is very stoic and cold due to his fear of getting too attached to comrades. He briefly shows he cares but mostly tries to keep his feelings to himself...

Tries to, at least.

Fight: How would they feel if their darling fought back?

A bit irritated and disappointed, but he tolerates it for a bit. It's understandable you'd fight.... Yet he hopes you'll trust him as your leader enough to protect you and care for you.

Game: Is this a game to them? How much would they enjoy watching their darling try to escape?

Not a game and he does not enjoy you trying to leave him.

Hell: What would be their darling’s worst experience with them?

There's a lot of horrible experiences in the Gears of War/Gears franchise already. When it comes to Marcus?

I imagine a lot could be a bad experience with him. Even if he doesn't intend it. After all, he never takes his eyes off you. He never leaves you alone for that matter.

If I had to say an experience, maybe him yelling at others around you for not keeping you safe, or maybe even him manipulating you into accepting his strange affection for you. That or one of the fist fights he gets into over you. Something like that?

Ideals: What kind of future do they have in mind for/with their darling?

He wants to settle down with you, marriage and everything. Maybe a kid if you're able to have them. Just... somewhere quiet, peaceful, and away from fighting.

Jealousy: Do they get jealous? Do they lash out or find a way to cope?

If he's jealous he never really shows it. Ways to tell may be him pulling you closer to himself at times. Although, he may lash out at others if they try to get too close to you. Soon he just can't hide it anymore.

Kisses: How do they act around or with their darling?

Serious, Overprotective, Slightly possessive, Manipulative, Stoic, and not very emotive. But he still shows moments where he genuinely cares for you.

Love letters: How would they go about courting or approaching their darling?

Really he just treats you like a new recruit for Delta Squad at first. He's protective and commanding as your superior. But his feelings change the more he knows you.

He begins to reconsider what he had with Anya....

Soon he tries to express his care for you more and more. He probably even has Dom try to help him win you over. His obsession starts subtle... but soon you're trapped in his embrace as his partner by the end of the Locust War.

He promises he'll protect you as your husband.

Mask: Are their true colors drastically different from the way they act around everyone else?

He's more affectionate with you, but other than that he hides his obsession well.

Naughty: How would they punish their darling?

Marcus would probably try isolation and nothing physical. Maybe restrain you with cuffs and accuse you of going rogue. Yet he really feels no need to punish you. He's very understanding of your panic and fighting.

Oppression: How many rights would they take away from their darling?

Marcus would try not to take any rights from you unless there's a possibility of you getting hurt.

Patience: How patient are they with their darling?

Marcus has a surprising amount of patience, but he can lose it quickly.

Quit: If their darling dies, leaves, or successfully escapes, would they ever be able to move on?

He'd have a really hard time with it, he's seen so much death and violence happen to the people he loves already.

He just wants to prevent that from happening to you... but in this case it appears he's failed...

It would wound him even if he doesn't make much of a fuss about it.

Regret: Would they ever feel guilty about abducting their darling? Would they ever let their darling go?

Yes, but he feels he can't let you go.

Stigma: What brought about this side of them (childhood, curiosity, etc)?

Trauma from his past and war, this is Gears of War after all.

Tears: How do they feel about seeing their darling scream, cry, and/or isolate themselves?

Deep down he feels horrible as he knows he could be coping with his emotions much differently than this. However, he is still a bit selfish and pulls you into his arms regardless of how you feel.

He couldn't let you go if he tried.

Unique: Would they do anything different from the classic yandere?

SKIPPED

Vice: What weakness can their darling exploit in order to escape?

It's hard to pinpoint a weakness on Marcus. Maybe if you retired from the war effort or reciprocated his feelings and worries? Marcus does a good job of hiding his emotions/weaknesses from you.

Wit’s end: Would they ever hurt their darling?

Marcus would never lay a hand on you. Emotionally? Maybe unintentionally.

Xoanon: How much would they revere or worship their darling? To what length would they go to win their darling over?

Marcus is not a worship yandere. He would go to great lengths to protect you and maybe even have you love him. Yet he is surprisingly patient for that to happen.

Yearn: How long do they pine after their darling before they snap?

He holds his feelings back for quite awhile, he tries to be in denial of them for a bit so his obsession could develop for years if he had to.

Zenith: Would they ever break their darling?

Not intentionally, he would hate it if that happened.