#maybe when I was younger I was the problem I’ll admit that but not anymore. maybe I’m just not likeable 🥰 whatever I don’t exist to be liked

[actualnymph]

I’m a loner but not by choice 😕 everyone I get close to eventually ends up drifting away from me and I let it happen every time because I’m so used to all of my friendships never lasting I expect it by now

[nebulablakemurphy]

Total Eclipse Of The Heart (Part 11)

Summary: Jacob Black, alpha of his pack, would never fall in love with a bloodsucker, much less imprint on one. The problem is that Y/N Swan was human…until she wasn’t anymore.

Series Masterlist

Y/N stares at their picture on Jacob’s night stand, the younger version of them seems to mock her.

Jacob is murmuring sweet nothings, taking no offense to her stillness. His chin rests against her shoulder, pulling her flush with his chest.

Y/N toys with his fingers, nuzzling into the pillow.

“Talk to me,” Jacob squishes his cheek to hers.

Y/N shakes her head, he always falls asleep…after. “We’ll talk in the morning.” She’ll find something else to stare at while he holds her so he can sleep soundly. The imprint makes him restless when she strays.

“I can’t sleep when you’re upset.”

Her belly flips, she wishes he couldn’t feel it. “I’m just worried about Renesmee.”

“We’re all worried about Nessie.” Jacob breathes, “Edward thinks there’s answers in Brazil. I’m sure he’s got it covered but we could go too, if you want.”

“You don’t have to give me everything I want. This is our lives together, not just mine. You get a say.”

“My heart is only beating for you.” Jacob reminds her.

“I want you to be happy, Jacob.”

He burns for her, ever aching; lamenting the fact that they walk this earth as two separate people when they are so clearly one entity. “I know, honey.”

————————————————————————

Y/N is packing up a few things from her room at Charlie’s. Since Renesmee’s birth she hasn’t spent much time there. She pulls the dreamcatcher Jacob gifted her from the bedpost.

“Hey, Y/N.” Charlie knocks at her door.

“Hey.”

“Can I come in?”

“Yeah, of course. What’s up?” Y/N perches herself on the bed, hoping to appear more human.

Charlie pushes open the door, taking a tentative step inside. “I know you’ve got Billy’s place and the Cullen’s, but I was thinking maybe this could be home base for you and Jake for a while.”

Y/N smiles, dropping her leather jacket onto the bed. “Dad, I don’t want to be a burden. Jacob and I come and go a lot.”

“That’s ok,” Charlie scratches the back of his neck. “I really don’t mind.”

“I’ll ask him,” Y/N says. “I know the reservation is really important to him and we haven’t been there much.”

“That’s fair. Wouldn’t want to hog you or anything.” Charlie huffs a laugh, “I miss you, that’s all.”

“I miss you too.” Y/N admits, “I’m just…I need to make sure he’s happy.”

“Jacob loves you to death. I don’t think you have anything to worry about.”

Y/N nods, plucking at the wolf on her bracelet.

“Yep,” Charlie spots the hand crafted charm. “That makes a lot of sense now.”

Y/N grins, “hindsight is always 20/20. My dad taught me that.”

Charlie chuckles.

“I appreciate the offering though.” Y/N admits, “sometimes I just want to come home.”

————————————————————————

Jacob texts Y/N after his meeting with the pack. ‘I need to see you. Are you at the Cullen’s?’

‘No, I’m at home. Is everything ok?’

‘We’ll talk when I get there.’

Jacob wastes no time coming through the front door, climbing directly through Y/N’s window to see her packed bags. “What’s all this?”

“Just some things for the Cullen’s house.”

Jacob takes the dreamcatcher between his thumb and forefinger. “You’re taking this?”

Y/N sighs, “I know it’s stupid. I don’t even sleep…”

“I didn’t mean it like that,” Jacob curses his choice of words. “I’m glad you still like it.”

“I like everything you give me, Jake.”

Jacob sets it down carefully, taking a seat on her bed.

“Did something happen? You seem upset.”

“It’s nothing really. It’s better now.”

“Is it something with the pack?”

“Something happened when I fed you.” Jacob runs a hand over his face.

“Oh,” Y/N takes a step back, giving him space.

“The pack felt it through the bond, it’s more than imprinting. I think we…I think my blood in your system might’ve caused other things to happen.”

“Like what?”

“It made me want you.” He says through gritted teeth.

“You have me.” Y/N reaches for him.

“No, honey.” Jacob scowls, “I want to…conquer you. Claim you. I want-” he breaks off. “I’m going away for a couple days.”

“What? Jacob, no.” Even under normal circumstances it would be excruciating for him to be away from her for so long. “I’ll help you. You can just stay here and we’ll…. I’ll do whatever you need me to do ok?”

“My self control isn’t half as good as you’re giving me credit for.”

Y/N’s eyes darts around the room, searching for something, anything to help her make sense of this. “You said you remember things about the person I was before. When I was your third wife, you said I was tame. I could be-”

“Don’t,” Jacob warns.

“Maybe you need that, Jacob.” Maybe the alpha needs to protect and control his mate. “I don’t know.”

“I need you. Not some person you used to be. I need my wife.”

“Then why are you leaving when we can figure it out together?”

“I’m doing it for you!” Jacob slams his fist against her nightstand.

Charlie is at her door a moment later, “everything ok in there.”

“It was me. Sorry, Charlie.”

“Jacob?”

“You can come in, dad.” Y/N rolls her eyes. “We’re just talking.”

“I wanted to make sure you were ok.” Charlie says, popping his head in. “Didn’t mean to interrupt whatever you’re doing.”

“She’s all yours.” Jacob stands, headed for the window. “I was just leaving.”

“Jacob!” Y/N is beside him, at vampire speed.

Much to Charlie’s dismay. “What is going on?”

Jacob heats up in his frustration, skin sizzling against Y/N’s.

Y/N narrows her eyes at him. Not in front of my dad.

It’s not like I can control it.

Try.

Jacob’s eyes widen with the realization that he can hear her…and she can hear him.

“You’re fighting telepathically now,” Charlie throws up a hand. “That’s great. You know, maybe Jake’s right. A break might be good for you.”

“No,” Jacob snarls, although it was his idea.

“Y/N are you ok?” Charlie asks.

Tell him. Jacob demands, without thinking.

“I’m fine.” Y/N squeaks out, in a voice that resembles her own. She slaps a hand over mouth. He commanded her to speak and so she did. Obeying as if she’s a member of his pack. Don’t ever do that to me!

The words sting, pulling the invisible string which connects them. “Sorry,” Jacob stammers, “I love you. I’m sorry.” He didn’t mean to, he didn’t even know he could-

His regret gnaws at Y/N’s belly so harshly that she yelps.

Jacob presses a hand to her abdomen, quelling the ache. The imprint. He’s used to it now, she isn’t.

“Does it always feel like this?” Y/N wonders, lying her hand over his.

“Not always, no.” Jacob swallows.

Charlie scrubs a hand over his face. “I’ll give you some privacy.” He closes the door behind him, unsure of what exactly he’s witnessing or if he even wants to know.

“Come with me to the house in Denali.” Jacob rests his forehead against hers. Help me figure it out.

“Ok.”

Part 12

Series Taglist: @vxidnik @remembered-license @itscheybaby @cole22ann @the-tryhard-twihard @zheezs14 @adaydreamaway08 @xcastawayherosx @moneteguiza @stinkii-boii @theatrechic26 @sylum @irrelevant-86

[karin-gespenst]

one of the reasons why I love Call the Midwife is that the show makes me feel excited about growing older. Of course, I’m making an effort to let present-me be content and thriving. But in seeing women older than me being happy, safe, filled with purpose, part of a tightly-knit community and guiding their younger peers, then I can imagine myself in their shoes.

I see Shelagh watching her oldest child grow into a young adult and I’m excited to be a mother like her soon - with a kid out there in the world, finding her path.

I see Sister Hilda taking a long, hard look at the world and deciding that she wants to be better equipped for helping in more capacities  and I’m looking up possibilities to learn and take better care of other people and myself.

I see Millicent Higgins being unapologetically herself and taking pride in her achievements, relishing in the things that bring her delight and using her unique power of getting things done to sort through any kind of mess, and I’m laughing at myself now for being afraid of paperwork - maybe I can be braver in the future.

I see Violet Buckle taking charge of everything and making sure that she uses her position to make important changes, I see her opening her door and her heart for so many people, and I’m hoping that life will bring me second chances and maybe even the opportunity to raise a slightly different kind of family - in a sewing shop, patched together with the yarn of love.

I see Phyllis Crane being the pinnacle of her profession, supporting herself all the way from the fringes of society into the heart of a community that cannot do without her anymore. Leading by example and never running out of true and kind words, her common sense is the most versatile tool I’ve ever seen anybody use and I want that groundedness for myself - today and especially in the future.

I see Sister Julienne accepting the burden of leadership, pouring endless bounds of faith onto every kind of problem and admitting freely when she has been wrong, or uninformed. Her ability to calm storms is legendary and as in practice makes perfect she must be the most centered person to ever walk the earth. I’m jealous.

I see Sister Evangelina speaking truth to everyone and being proud of her work, a woman unafraid and resourceful like few others. The show has hardly scratched the surface on what the real Sister Evangelina has seen and done in her life and part of me wants to be as unafraid, too. But I’ll pass on the parachute jump behind enemy lines, thank you very much.

I see Sister Monica Joan, after a long and extensive work-life amidst her sisters, with an endless variety of baked goods, watching Doctor Who, playing with children, calling a sizeable library her own, and when I’m at her age I hope I’ll to remember to say “Child, I have seen everything.”

[leilaxwhite]

𝙊𝙣 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙄𝙘𝙚 || 𝙌𝙪𝙞𝙣𝙣 𝙃𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙚𝙨

˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚

Synopsis: Quinn has always disliked Y/n for reasons he can’t find out, maybe he’s falling in love?

Masterlist || Prompt List

Warning: one cuss word, Quinn being a little rude to reader, Quinn being oblivious about their feelings towards reader. Nothing in particular

Requests are open!

Pairing: Quinn Hughes x Figure skater!reader

Word count: 889

The Hughes family have always been supportive of you and your skating career, even if you aren’t their child. The only problem being is one Hughes that doesn’t seem to be a fan of you, Quinn Hughes. He’s always seemed to have a problem with you being around, or having his family support you.

You never did anything to him that you know of, he’s just always glares at you as soon as you enter a room. You’ve always got along with his brothers, even tried to get along with him. You have to admit it kind of hurts you that he doesn’t like you because you have strong feelings for him.

All though these feelings were going unnoticed by Quinn, but Jack, you’re best friend since god knows when can see the clear as daylight. He always tells you that you should tell him and rip the bandage off, you being to scared to get hurt by someone you’ve came to love over the years.

That brings you to current time, you and the Hughes parents sitting at the stadium watching the two younger boys play, the score is currently 3-0 with the devils winning. You couldn’t pay attention to the game, every once and a while you feel Quinn’s gaze on you. He’s sitting 2 seats away refusing to sit by you.

With you feeling his gaze it’s taking all the power in you to not look over to see him, all the possibilities of him glaring at you would just hurt you more.

“And with that the Devils have won their game!” The announcer said over the radio, the devils have won and are headed back to their locker rooms, with family’s following. You’ve decided that it should be a family moment for the boys and their family so you decide to step out and head to your care.

“Hey, y/n wait up!” You hear a voice call out to you, as you go to turn around you soon realize who’s voice that was, Quinn. you were almost to scared to turn around. Fighting yourself and turn around anyways, baring yourself for the rath that you feel you’re about to get.

“Hey, Quinn… why aren’t you in there supporting your brothers?” You ask, with all the questions going thought your head. Was he going to yell at you? Was he just telling me not to show anymore? Why is he talking to me? A thousand thought go through your head all at once.

You can feel the tension radiating off of you two, and anyone passing you can as well. The silence waiting for him to answer your question is killing you, for him to be in such a rush to get to you, you’re wondering why he’s taking forever to get to the point.

“I just wanted to say I’m sorry, Jack told me how you felt about me. And I want to say I’m so sorry for making you feel as if I hated you, I don’t hate you… quite the opposite actually.” He states leaving you in a shock, not knowing if you should be mad or relived that Jack told him about your feelings. “I understand if you don’t feel the same anymore because of the way I’ve treated you in the past, but I was thinking maybe we could just start over?” Before you can even get a sentence out you hear Jack yelling in the back.

“Did it work?? Did she fall in love with you? I need answers man!” He’s exclaiming running over to the both of you. Quinn gives him a look of annoyance silently telling him to back off. “I’ll go wait in the car…” Jack says backing away from from you both. You still in a shock looks at quinn. When you look at him all you can see in his eyes is the love that he has for you.

“I love you quinn, I have since I was 10 years old.. since we first saw eachother on the ice. You playing hockey, me practicing for the recital I had that weekend. I have loved you for so long, when I thought you hated me I had to try and fight those feelings, that was the hardest thing I had to do.” You confess while tears build up in your waterline, you can’t tell if they’re from sadness or relief. As you’re confessing to him all he can do is stare into your eyes and take in all you’re words.

Not knowing what he should say, he says what his heart is telling him. “Be my girlfriend, let’s go on dates, start over this whole fued and start a journey together.” He takes your hands into his own. Without saying anything you pull your lips to his, sharing a passionate and loving kiss.

You couldn’t be happier, breaking the kiss all you both could do is stare into each others eyes with only the love that you share for one another.

“Fuck, I love you, y/n y/l/n. I always will.” Quinn expresses not taking his eyes off of yours.

“I love you, Quinn Hughes.”

With that you both live a long happy life together. Going to each others games or recitals. You being finally relieved that you don’t have to hide your feelings towards him ever again.

A/n: omg this was quite the cutest thing I’ve ever wrote, gotta love some enemies to lovers tropes!

[ariesbilly]

“Oh, I love this song!”

The radio in the Camaro’s tuned to the oldies station. Because they’re parked down at the quarry, looking out over the water, full moon reflecting on its surface. And Steve had said they needed mood music, Billy’s usual metal and loud rock not cutting it, apparently.

Some song from the 50s or maybe the 60s is starting up, solid drum beat kicking in before the vocals start. The artist’s and Steve’s.

“The night we met I knew I needed you so,” he’s singing, turning his body in the passenger seat so he’s facing Billy, singing the first verse right to him.

Billy’s face contorts in mild disgust at the cheesiness of the moment. Won’t admit to the hammering in his chest, the ache behind his ribs when Steve’s singing And if I had the chance I’d never let you go.

“The fuck is this?” he asks.

“The Ronettes,” is Steve’s casual reply. 

“And you like this shit?” Billy gestures to the radio.

Steve shrugs his shoulders, head still nodding along to the music. “My mom used to play like, all the oldies when I was younger. Grew on me, I guess. It always sounded so... romantic.”

There’s pieces being filled in to the story of Steve in Billy’s mind. A bygone time of bonding with a mother that never seems to be around anymore, the fact that Steve’s been a hopeless romantic from the moment Billy met him. The music starts making sense now.

Steve resumes singing in the passenger seat, blinding smile on his face as he sways along like some dork at a Sock Hop. Billy can picture it so well; the letterman sweater, the slicked back hair, white socks and fucking loafers. Billy’s more of a greaser, himself. Mentally snorts at the image of the two of them in some alternate universe. 

“I’ll make you happy baby, just wait and see,” Steve’s singing, suddenly throwing his arm around Billy’s shoulders, leaning into his space. “For every kiss you give me-” He places three pecks in quick succession onto Billy’s lips in the pause between lyrics. “I’ll give you three.”

Billy’s heart is in his throat. Gone all weak-kneed and shit, which would be a problem if he wasn’t already sitting. He doesn’t know how he got here, letting himself be romanced by some cheesy dork singing along to some doo-woppy chick music, but he’s here nonetheless.

Grabs the front of Steve’s shirt when he goes to sit back in his seat, plants one on him back. Can feel the fucker’s smile against his lips as Billy’s tongue prods his way inside. 

Oh since the day I saw you, I have been waiting for you, You know I will adore you til eternity

Billy comes up for air, leaving just enough space for Steve to kiss the tip of his nose, causing Billy’s face to scrunch up.

“Song’s not so bad, is it?” he says, smug as shit.

Billy’s fist is still in Steve’s shirt, not letting him go. Foreheads pressed together. Ronettes still playing out the rest of their song.

“I’ve heard worse.”

[rozcdust]

Addicted

Pairing: Ran Haitani x f!reader x Kakucho Hitto

Genre: Crack, SMAU

Word count: 1k

Warnings: Canon divergent, ooc, profanity, substance abuse, Inui and the reader are a problem both

masterlist

“It was fucking weird, okay? He just started going on and off about Naoto.” Annoyed, you moved your hands just as Inui was painting them, not caring for the smear of nail polish, “Like, who does that? I have shit to do, I am on the clock, and all Naoto’s stupid laptop needed was a goddamn reset!”

Inui’s eye twitched.

“Sorry about that.” Draken hummed from the kitchen, the apron with a saying ‘I’ll feed all you fuckers’ Inui and you bought him as a joke last year tied around his waist, stirring the meal he was preparing for the three of you.

“He is an ass and it is all your fault for even introducing us, Draken.” Glaring at his back, Draken merely shrugged.

“You met when we were 14, I didn’t know he'd be such a pushover when he grew up. To be fair, you were a bitch to Naoto. You still owe us that story.”

“All of my friends are technologically illiterate.” You scoffed, ignoring the last comment just as Inui finished painting your pinkie, screwing the nail polish shut and carefully taking your hands into his, fixing the few spots where the polish ended up on your skin, bringing your hands closer to his face to look over his work.

Deciding he’s satisfied, he hums, letting your hands fall to your side as he comfortably leans back on the couch, grabbing the remote to open Netflix.

Deciding his thigh is the best pillow currently available, you lay down, closing your eyes, humming in satisfaction when his fingers softly tangled into your hair.

“Ken, what do you wanna watch?” Glancing back from behind the couch, Inui waits for a response, but Draken doesn’t answer, too busy setting the table.

“Y/n, what do you wanna watch?”

Shrugging, you peek through one open eye, glancing at the screen.

“I could go for horror.”

Draken groaned, and you could feel his glare even through the couch.

You smirked just as Inui huffed out a laugh.

“Too scared, tough guy? We’ll protect you,” Teasingly, you sat up, looking at the Draken over the couch, “This is merely payback for all the time I had to listen to you simp for Inui.”

Draken's gaze merely sharpens as he settles the last set of chopsticks on the plate.

“Come on, the food is ready.”

“Let me bum a smoke off of you?”

Draken brings his cigarette to your lips, letting you take a drag, the wind blowing the ash into your hair and clothes but you ignore it, focused on the solemn expression on your friend’s face.

“He’s pretty, is all.” Draken blew out the smoke through his nose, swinging his legs back and forth atop a rooftop, his braid swinging in the wind, “Maybe that’s why I like him. His lips look soft.”

You open your eyes, laying down with your head on his lap, observing your friend with curiosity.

“He is beautiful, I will admit. Has a sort of charm to him.”

“Do you think I should do something about it?”

You observe your friend carefully, the curve of his neck and jaw, the way the strand of the hair he always has pulled out gently carcasses his cheek, forcing him to scrunch his nose and try to move it away, and you reminisce over the boy he once was.

You think about your sleepovers when you were younger, in that stupid brothel Draken called home, when your father needed some company, trying desperately to be a good dad but still being too lonely of a man with too much money lining his pockets, and you think about all the dreams and plans and futures you and Draken planned as kids, so stupid and so naive, a thousand posibilities in front of you.

But you weren’t kids, not anymore, haven’t been in a long, long while, and you knew that was better left unsaid.

You wanted to tell Draken that no, he shouldn’t try anything, it was too soon after Emma, too soon after Mikey, too many wounds to tend to, and Inui would be just another right person and wrong time, but you kept that thought out of your mouth and instead, clicking your tongue, you poked Draken’s cheek, smirking.

“I think you’re just thinking with your dick.”

Inui and you settled on the couch with Draken in the middle, both of you leaning on his shoulder, curled up into his side under a blanket for additional warmth during the cold November night.

Draken was never a fan of horror, being somewhat of a scaredy cat for a man as tough and tall as he is, and every time he flinches, Inui and you share a smug look.

You liked it when it was like this, nothing but the movie and the sound of occasional shifting filling in the silence, Inui’s and Draken’s soft breathing almost lulling you to sleep as Draken’s fingers play across your back, allowing you to nuzzle your face into his neck, planting a soft kiss to your forehead.

You enjoyed the domesticity, the possibility to run away from the chaotic, adrenaline-filled lifestyle you chose for yourself, and Inui and Draken were perfect for spending a couple of hours in comfort, with their pleasant, permeating silence.

They were two men with too many traumas and pasts to bear and yet they stayed soft, filing away the sharp edges of each other until touching them didn’t hurt, until their anger turned into something warm and comfortable.

“Have you talked to Kakucho?” Inui almost whispers, glancing at you in curiosity.

“Hasn’t called me or tried to text me, so I guess that puppy is out of the litter.” You shrug, closing your eyes momentarily.

“Shame, he’s hot.” Inupi shrugged, receiving a sharp look from his boyfriend.

“What? I can admit a guy is hot without wanting to fuck him, Ken, don’t be jealous.”

Draken’s eyes narrowed, but he merely clicked his tongue, now focused on you.

“Wanna stay and sleep over? We still have your shit from the last time you stayed.” Draken waited for a response as you pondered, dramatically tapping your chin.

“Sure. I can take the couch, or the futon.” You offer, politely, but Draken shook his head.

“Our bed can fit all of us, no need.”

Which was a fat fucking lie.

Draken’s and Inui’s bed was the perfect size for the two of them to adequately rest, but Draken and you slept restlessly, kicking and stealing the blankets, and every other time you slept over, Inui either ended up on the floor, or you’d end up horizontally laying on them, or Draken would simply wake up sprawled on top of you and Inui.

It was always good sleep, something you rarely got, so you didn’t feel like rejecting their offer.

“Sure. Though, if I kick you in the face again, it's not my fault.“

Draken opened his mouth to bite back, but a jumpscare appeared on the screen, causing him to only let out a short shriek.

Inui and you will never let him live that down.

“Hey, wanna go out tomorrow night? Been a while since we went clubbing.” You quirk an eyebrow, glancing between the two men.

Inui scrunched his nose in disapproval, but nodded anyway.

“Sure, I’d love to get shit-faced. We’re not going to a casino though. We’re both tired of being your arm candy.”

A pout formed on your face.

“Boring~ but sure. Just good, old-fashioned clubbing. God approved and stamped. No illegal or illicit activities. Dancing and leaving enough room for Jesus.“

“Deal. I’ll call up the gang.”

. . . next

🔖Taglist (open):

@1818cigarettes @nana-phobia @dilf-city @wakasa-wifey @rinsie @kisekihany @missarabellla @bajifairyy @cryszus @r-xochitl @levistiddies @7rkx @graythecoffeebean @yukihime-mikeys-girl @mukounisuru-gashadokuro @sunahyejin @yamaguccitadashi @minoozi @trashmemebitch @frogtits1 @sup-zfam @whydohumansss @shiyuumisaki @xashiui @bontens-whore @chronic-claire-universe @nqctre @crybabylisa @adeptiixiao @denkis-sluttyboy @yukimaniac @toobsessedsstuff @yuushs @sh4nn @lumi-does-some-stuff @hana-patata @hxked @erza-uzumaki @syddisheep @satsuri3su @soushswag @wisteria-aa @bontensbabygirl @qualitygiantshoepsychic @levii-s @astropheia @galactict3a @a-toxic-person @inurmom00

[kazzyboy]

//Tw For Abuse, Suicide and other extensive childhood traumas, also long post of pouring my heart out cause I take fictional characters to my poor traumatized heart

Can we really talk about the S4 Vol2 Speech, though?

I can understand Max’s mixed feelings about her brother. I have some of my own about my sister, who behaved a lot like him and hurt me in some ways, even if she didn’t always mean to.

First, I want to talk about the fact that Max HAD TO KNOW that Billy was abused, to some degree.

Not because she was living in the same house as him for years, but because she continues the cycle. After she sedates Billy in the fight at the Byers’, she threatens him—

“Say you understand! Say it!”

A few scenes before this, his father says nearly the exact same thing— “Do you understand? Say it.” (Maybe not exactly but using most of those words.)

So Max would’ve had to have heard it used before, because it would mean she knew that’s how you get Billy to “agree” with something. And Max— Max is a good person. She’s good-natured, funny, and clever.

So you really expect me to think that Max, knowing her brother was abused and didn’t have a mother for some reason, after he sacrificed himself for all of her friends and very nearly the world crying and apologizing over and over in front of her, DIDN’T THINK HE DESERVED TO BE SAVED? ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?

I can understand the idea that he was the greatest “normal-world” terror in her life. My sister didn’t affect me directly, but her problems were a full time job and distracted my parents from me while I was still very young. On top of that, her and my other sister liked to gang up on and bully me. So trust me, I get it.

Let’s take a look at what Billy did.

He grabbed Max, threatened to hit her friends with his car, yelled at her a few times, made a vague comment against Lucas after seeing Max fight with him (which there’s a lot to say about this but I’ll keep it at the fact that Dacre has said this wasn’t racist and that the Dxffers refuse to deal with any issues whatsoever), pushed Lucas up against a wall, and fought with Steve. I’m not including the Vecna/Mind Flayer bs in this because he did it against his will, not to mention the reason he did half this shit.

Yes, I can understand how that could be scary, especially for a thirteen year old. Using my sister as an example yet again, she died at 18, right when she was “starting to get better.” Billy was doing the same, as he and Max seemed to have a truce in between S2/S3. She even said in her book that she wasn’t scared of him, but that’s largely considered “non-canon.” To summarize, she understood he was abused and was even on level terms with him.

With my sister, I was not. I relate to Billy myself, but I largely relate Billy to my sisters, mainly my oldest sister (I really mean this. She acted out and got the attention of older people and went in and out of mental hospitals and was suicidal and got in a fist fight with my mother once, etc etc etc) Like I said before, my sisters bullied me (my parents and grandparents have admitted to me that they even knew they were outright nasty) and my sisters’ problems were largely the cause of one of my biggest issues. My sisters both acted out, distracted my parents from me, my whole family trauma dumped on very young me, etc etc etc. Really, that time of my life was a huge mess. And then my sister died, and even more trauma dumped on me from that (emotional abuse and neglect, divorce trauma, the fact that my sister was fucking dead and never coming back never never never how can someone just disappear, Etc). So we rarely got along and the rest of the time we were mostly neutral.

I’m not going to lie. I don’t really do it anymore, but when I was younger I’d curl up and cry about how I was all alone because my parents were to busy with them. I blamed them. I still do, but not in a how-could-you-do-that-to-me way and more of a these-events-caused-you-pain-and-got-you-attention-and-I-suffered-in-silence-for-multiple-reasons-that-aren’t-your-fault way.

You know what I don’t do? Say she didn’t deserve to be saved. Cause she did. She really fucking did. She could be mean and horrible and cold and she wasn’t even close to me but she was only eighteen, only for a couple of months (like Billy), and she was still a baby, she wasn’t even old enough to drink. She was small, she was always small, she’s just a kid. She was getting better and learning how to cope and being nicer to me and she was finding a purpose and getting a handle on herself and then she was just—

Gone. I still don’t understand how someone can just stop existing. Me and my sister still talk about how we expect her to just walk through the door, smack us on the back of the head, and laugh at us for believing it— that anything could ever kill her, of all people. That it was some big joke and we were dumbasses for believing it. It’s been years now, but I still break down at night crying over her. My sister and I have this bone-deep understanding of each other now that I can’t explain— it’s so genuine and whole that it kinda scares me. We call each other after nightmares and share dreams with her in them. My sister blames all of the “paranormal” activity in her house on her and tells me about it. Every time I see a bug (her nickname) or a rainbow I send it to her. When I was younger, I used to wish something would happen, either to her or to me, just so something would change. Do you know what I think every day? How she deserved better. How it should’ve been me or someone else. How she deserved to be saved.

Because “inconvenient” abuse victims deserve to be saved. People who’ve been broken and beaten and discarded and ignored and assaulted their whole lives aren’t irremediable and they deserved to be saved. My sisters deserved to be saved and I deserved to be saved and people like us, people like Billy, deserved to be saved too.

In short, fuck the Duffle Bag Bitches. I’m keeping this eccentric rat fucker close to my fucking heart and I’ll redeem and defend him eight thousand times if it means someone like me, like us, like Billy gets even a glimmer of hope to keep going.

[moemoemammon]

Ok. I need to get this idea out to someone. Solomon and mc are messing with potions for class and he accidentally gives mc a “youth” potion that makes you look younger. It turns mc into like a 4 year old for like a couple of days. What do you think would be the demon brothers (any) reaction to babysitting their master? What would they do? Idk i think it would be a little funny.

You’ve Gotta Be KIDding me, MC!

(Feat. GN!MC and the Demon Bros)

✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

Lucifer

He'll be exchanging words with that sorcerer bastard later. You can bet on that.

Lucifer doesn't take kindly to the idea of MC having run ins with magic in general, but at least this seems to be on the tamer side of the magical spectrum. And he had to admit, it's sort of amusing.

He intentionally watches you try to handle things on your own. Be it reaching for things too high up, stubbornly carrying things too heavy for your tiny arms, or making messes when you try to tidy up, Lucifer waits patiently until you ask for help (or until he can't take it anymore).

Treats you like he always does, despite your size. He doesn't talk to you like a child, or try to force toys and nap times onto you, but may or may not tease you when it's only the two of you. After all, you may look like a child, but that doesn't mean you are one. It's still funny to harass you a little, though.

"As independent as you may be, please refrain from trying to climb up onto the counter. If you need something, ask one of my brothers, or myself. If that isn't obvious enough, perhaps a 'time-out' is in order?"

Mammon

When Mammon recovers from laughing for twenty minutes, (and also making threats on Solomon's life) he then decides to take a billion pictures of you. Now calls you 'munchkin' and variations of it.

And if you thought he was clingy before, just wait till you see how he is now. You're ACTUALLY helpless and vulnerable. I mean, you'd hardly make an appetizer for a random demon! So Mammon's gotta keep an eye on you. Maybe even a toddler leash-

Unintentionally treats you like an actual child. His older brother mode kicks in, and he finds himself taking care of you as naturally as breathing. Mammon? Being responsible?? It's more likely than you think.

He hands you a cup of juice before you can say 'I'm thirsty'. He'll slide over some sliced up fruits before your stomach has a chance to growl. You're tired? No kidding. That's why he's got a blanket and pillow on the sofa for you.

"Where do ya think you're goin', short stack? Nowhere without ME, that's where! I already told ya, if there's somethin' ya need, just tell me!" "Huh? I'm spoilin' ya too much? S-so what if I am?!"

Levi

Solomon came in with a child in tow that looked a hell of a lot like MC, and this man nearly had a heart attack. There's no way... did those two have a secret love child?! Th-that's just-!! Oh, it's only MC.

WAIT A MINUTE...TH-THIS IS....! ISNT THIS JUST LIKE 'DETECTIVE C*NAN'? Uwaaah... Just look at you! You're still just as smart as before, but you've become super small! Talk about the ultimate gap moe!!!

Levi isn't a big fan of the idea of tiny, sticky hands touching his things, so he's glad you've still got your normal brainpower. That being said, he finds himself talking to you normally. Maybe even easier than before!

It kinda throws him off that you guys can't do the things you'd normally do together. Your fingers don't have their usual dexterity so playing games is a challenge, and your attention span is a little shorter so these TSL marathons are killing you. But have no fear, Levi knows a ton of other things you could do together! He won't let something like this spoil his time with his dear Henry!

"If you can't use the controller, let's try something that doesn't need one! I've got a new Ruri Hana VR game with REAL motion and voice tracking! If you say the spells out loud, you'll cast them in game! Ah, and it auto-adjusts to the player's height, so there's nothing to worry about!"

Satan

HES DOING HIS BEST NOT TO LAUGH. SATAN WILL HANDLE THIS WITH POISE AND GRACE, BUT MAN....

Watching you struggle to enter the House of Lamentation in your oversized RAD uniform nearly sent him to the stratosphere. He inhaled tea when you almost tripped over your blazer and had to get a couple of slaps on the back from Asmo.

Does his best to find a cure for your 'little' problem, but the most that can be done is waiting it out. In the meantime, would you like him to read you a story? Large books are probably difficult on your tiny hands.

Constantly catches himself treating you like a tot. He's not trying to, but he can't help himself when he sees your round eyes staring up at him, or when he watches you try to climb up onto an armchair.

"Up we go- There. It must be hard for you, having to climb up into the chairs like that. I've got a stool if you'd like to use it? Though, I don't mind if you sit on my lap, too." "Hm? I'm embarrassing you? I-I didn't realize how overzealous I was being. Ehem...."

Asmo

Oh that Solomon and his silly spells and potions, always making trouble! It's just one of his many charm points! And seeing as there are no permanent consequences from this harmless mishap, Asmo's enjoying it to the fullest.

Can you blame him? You're SOOOO cute~! So tiny and adorable! Why would've know that was possible?? Look this way, MC! He wants to take some pictures of you! Lowkey uses you as a photo op prop

He used to work part time at a daycare, you know? Asmo's great with kids! But that also means he's treating you like one. There's personalized snacks, cute little nicknames, and he's already gone and bought you a week's worth of clothes. Nobody tell him it'll only last a day-

He can be a little annoying with the baby talk and all the little activities he's planned for you, but you can tell he's enjoying himself.

"MC, look~! I've got plenty of ribbons to decorate your hair with! I'll let you choose your favorites, and then we can set out in town!" "Hm? Where are we going? To the playground, silly! You must be dying for a play date after being stuck in this dreary house all day, right?"

Beel

He was kinda teetering between whether or not he should throw Solomon across the yard like a football when he saw him carrying a teeny MC, but all was forgiven when he learned it was an accident.

Has now designated himself the permanent MC carrier. Your feet will never touch the ground so long as you're a child. And it's no problem for the likes of Beel, when you're as light as a feather! That makes him a little more conscious about being careful with you though-

Be it piggybacking or carrying you in his arms, he hasn't released you since he's spotted you. And don't think he's forgotten about feeding you. Beel's also taken your meal prep upon himself. You'll prefer things that've easy to eat, right? Though it kills gum to give you smaller portions than usual.... it feels cruel...

Somewhere between babying you and treating you as usual. He speaks normally to you as he always does, but prioritizes your needs over everything else. He wants to make sure you're well taken care of until this potion wears off.

"You're sure you've had enough to eat? I know I gave you a snack earlier, but... to think you really can't eat as much as before.. I'll talk to Solomon again. It must be torture to have such a tiny stomach, I'll do my best to get you back to normal."

Belphie

There's obvious opportunity here, and Belphegor won't let it go to waste. (No not for murder)

He's getting a kick about your new mini mode. How's the weather down there? Do you need him to pick you up so you can reach the high shelves? Don't worry, he'll get you a sippy cup.

When the teasing has settled down, he pays attention to a more pressing matter: you're now the perfect side for cuddling. You're a living hot water bottle, not too big, not too small, tiny and soft and adorable. Er, he won't mention that last part though.

Anyway, Belphie thinks a little kid like you should go on and take a nap now. It's exhausting having such short legs and wandering around the house all day, right? He gets it. You look tired and he knows the solution.

"Ah, you're just as cozy as I thought you'd be... Though, it feels kind of weird holding you like this. It's like holding a stuffed animal, but you're not nearly as cute." "Pfft, what's that face for? Sorry, sorry, I was only teasing."

[i6jwk]

pretty little thing (3)

part one || part two || part three || part four (could be extended)

warnings: nsfw || degrading, praise, creampie, unprotected sex, vaginal fingering, double penetration, cunnalingus, blow jobs, reverse harem

part three: unprotected sex, threesome, blowjob, fingering, creampie

characters: bonten x y/n

word count (p3): 1.9k

it had been a few days since that night and while you tried to wrap your head around everything, it confused you.

you weren’t sure what they were planning but it didn’t necessarily scare you. you just didn’t know why they wanted you.. you had seen them speaking to other women that night and apart of you felt sick at the thought.

you didn’t want to be the one that “passed their test” because if that’s all you were to them, you didn’t want it. you’d get over it even if it hurt a little.

“you’re zoning out” your friend laughs, “everything alright?”

you nod. you don’t know if it’s the right time to tell her anything and you weren’t sure if you could. mikey had mentioned rules but they hadn’t mentioned anything about an NDA.

“i wish you’d let me set you up” she sighs, “there’s a really nice guy and he saw your pictures, he’s interested and he can take care of you”

you’re about to tell her off because at this point it felt like she was selling you off to her boyfriends friends but you felt a hand on your shoulder and you jolted just a little

“i hope i’m not interrupting”

sanzu ..

“oh” your friend grins, “not at all”

“hi baby” sanzu says, smiling at you, “i should’ve called but i wanted to surprise you”

you try not to laugh.

“you were in the area?” you ask, quirking a brow at him and he laughs. he knows what you mean and he won’t deny that he wanted to see you specifically

“this is sanzu” you say to your friend, “we met that night”

your friend smirks and shakes his hands. maybe now she’d lay off so really you were grateful for his timing

“take your time” sanzu says, kissing your cheek, “i’ll be at the bar when you’re ready to leave”

you nod and watch him walk away. he was really good looking but something about the lighting made him look so pretty..

you sigh and turn to face your friend who’s still smirking at you.

“i see why you’ve been reluctant” she laughs, “why didn’t you tell me?”

“i was going to” you lie, “then he showed up”

“nice timing” she grins and you laugh

perfect timing

“did you have a good time with your friend?” sanzu asks after you climb into his car. he told you that mikey had sent him to get you and that he wanted to spend time alone with you.

“hm” you hum, “i did, thank you by the way”

“for?”

“she planned on hooking me up with her boyfriends friend” you shrug, “you came at the right moment”

you look at his side profile as he laughs and he’s very pretty. you can’t help but stare and he smirks, placing his hand on your thigh

“you don’t seem tense anymore” he says, “you seem more … relaxed”

“i know what i want” you say, “no need to pretend”

he takes your hand and kisses your knuckles

“that’s good baby” he smiles, “it makes everything much easier that way”

you hum and look out the window. he hadn’t told you where you were going but he said there were people who wanted to meet you and you figured it must be members you hadn’t met.

takeomi wasn’t very talkative but he smiled at you whenever you spoke. benkei was a lot more calm, something you hadn’t expected since he looked a little crazy and stand-offish.

“come with me” mikey says, taking your hand and leading you to a private room where ran was.

“how are you feeling baby?” ran asks and you smile

“a little overwhelmed” you admit, sitting down beside him as mikey walks around his desk

“you have nothing to worry about” he says, “we’ll protect you and not everyone wants you for sexual gratification, some just want the companionship like benkei”

you nod. you didn’t have any problems with that

“what about rindou?” you ask, knowing that he was ran’s younger brother

“he likes you a lot” mikey says, “so does sanzu”

“are they…” you trail off, feeling a little shy again and ran just laughs

“yes they are” he grins, “but they both seem to like you a lot so that won’t be a problem”

you nod and take your jacket off. it was warm in the building and sanzu had told you he wanted to take you home with him so you knew you weren’t going home.

RULES

1. you are not allowed to have any sexual partners outside bonten. - bonten members will not have a sexual partners outside agreement.

2. bonten members would like to know where you are at all times. this makes it easier to arrange meetings.

3. use your voice. if you want or need something, speak.

4. punishments: spanking, orgasm denial and bondage

5. use your safe word. it’s important to know your limits and discuss them with your partner. don’t push yourself or else you will be punished.

6. aftercare is important.

7. communication is always required.

“you’re welcome to add your kinks” ran smiles, “we’ll make sure to let everyone know what you’re comfortable with”

“that includes your safe word, okay baby?“ mikey adds and you nod

“okay” you hum, smiling when tan takes your hand and kisses your knuckles

“you’re also welcome to call anyone of us” ran says, “i’ll make myself available”

“don’t try and keep her all for yourself ran” sanzu pouts, as he walks in, “we all agreed to share”

ran hums, still looking at you. it was clear that he was very soft for you. they knew he’d been interested first and if he wanted, he could end it all. mikey wouldn’t stop him.

“she’s all yours” ran sighs, “be good to her”

“you doubt me that much?” sanzu scoffs, “you like me, right love?“

you laugh and let him pull you out the office. rindou grins when he sees you.

“we’re going to our place” rindou says, pulling you in for a hug. he kisses the side of your neck and groans

“you smell good” he says and you grin

their apartment is pretty. it’s everything you expected it to be and it’s clear sanzu had the upper hand in the decor. it was only slightly over the top

“you want something to drink love?” rindou asks, smiling as he watches you walk around their living room

“anything is fine” you say, “you have a really pretty home”

rindou chuckles

“it’s all sanzu” he says and takes your hand

“come here” he smiles and pulls you onto his lap

“did mikey talk to you about the rules?” he asks and you nod, looking over as sanzu walks around the open plan kitchen

“he did” you grin

“and are you comfortable with everything?” sanzu asks, looking at you over his shoulder

“i have no complaints” you shrug, “it’s pretty straightforward”

“so the punishments” rindou smirks, “you’re okay with those two?”

you feel yourself flush.

“yes” you nod and he frowns at you

he grips your jaw and makes you look into his eyes

“yes who?” he asks and you bite your lip

“yes sir” you whimper when tightens his hold on you and he smiles

“good girl” rindou says, “you really are such a good girl, aren’t you?”

“yes i am sir” you say and sanzu chuckles

“she’s a quick leaner too” sanzu says as he sits beside rindou

“give sanzu a kiss” rindou whispers as he kisses your jaw, “show me what a good girl you are”

you lean over immediately, placing your hands on sanzu’s chest, you kiss him softly only for him to grip the back of your neck and deepen the kiss. you moan just a little and he smirks against your lips

“thank you baby” sanzu smiles, “you taste very sweet”

“do you want a taste?” rindou asks and you nod your head eagerly

“get on your knees in front of me” he orders and watches as you hurry to get into position, looking up at them with big doe eyes.

god you really were so, so pretty.

“open” sanzu says and when you do, he slips 2 fingers into your mouth and tells you to suck

rindou takes his belt off and unzips his pants to pull his cock out and he strokes it slowly.

“so good” he praises and you hum, sucking sanzu’s fingers faster and much sloppier

“fuck” sanzu groans, “you want me to play with your pretty pussy while you get your reward for being so good?”

“yes please” you say when he pulls his fingers out

he helps you back onto the couch and moves behind you as rindou guides your head down to his cock.

“say thank you sir” he tells you

“thank you sir” you say before sucking the head of his cock, swirling your tongue around the tip as sanzu pushes his fingers into your pussy

“h-holy shit” rindou stutters out when you take him deeper, relaxing your throat so it’s easier for him to thrust into your mouth

“god you feel amazing” rindou groans, throwing his head back against the couch, “keep going love, just like that”

“she’s so tight” sanzu grins, he leans forward and kisses your clit which causes you to moan around rindou

you feel sanzu thrusting his fingers in and out and it feels good, it’s just not enough to bring you close to an orgasm which he does on purpose

“normally” sanzu says, licking his lips, “we’d let you cum first but you want to be a good girl for rin, right baby?”

you nod, cupping rindou’s balls and massaging them as you take him deeper, choking a little and it causes rindou hold your head in place, fucking faster into your mouth

sanzu stands to take his pants off

“i wanna fuck you baby” he says, kissing your spine, “is that okay?”

you pull off and turn to look at him

“you can do whatever you want” you say softly and turn to look at rindou who’s already grinning at you

“we might not let anyone else have you after this” sanzu warns

you feel him pushing the blunt tip of his cock into you and you moan, crossing your eyes as he bottoms out.

“fuck” sanzu groans, “shit baby, you feel really good”

you take rindou back into your mouth, using one of your hands to wrap around whatever doesn’t fit into your mouth and begin bobbing your head

“shit” sanzu bites his lip, “she’s squeezing me so tightly”

rindou chuckles

“make me cum” rindou says

you suck harder and his hips stutter as he cums down your throat.

sanzu picks up his pace, thrusting harder and gripping your waist hard. he slumps forward and you whine, holding rindou’s hand as he finally stops panting

“i’m close” you cry out and rindou moves his hand to play with your clit and you bite your lip, laying your head on his lap as you feel your orgasm rush through you.

“where do you want it?” sanzu asks, barely holding on and he breaks the moment you beg for him to fill you up

“fuck fuck fuck” he chokes out and cums deep inside you, stilling his hips as he watches you shake

“you did so good for us” rindou rubs your back gently, “so good love”

he leans down to kiss your cheek

“you okay baby?” sanzu asks, “i didn’t hurt you, did i?”

you shake your head

he grins as he pulls out and you whine.

he watches his cum drip out of you and licks his lips again.

“let’s wash up and i’ll get dinner ready” rindou says softly

“i’ll get you some water” sanzu grins, “just lay still for a while”

rindou continues to massage your arms and kisses your softly, whispering praises every now and then. he feels you slump against him and he chuckles

“she’s tired” rindou says and sanzu laughs, leaning to down kiss him

[yandere-daydreams]

Title: Desperate Measures.

Pairing: Yandere!Kaeya/Reader (Genshin Impact).

Word Count: 2.2k.

TW: Kidnapping, Emotional Manipulation, Implied Stalking, and Delusional Mindsets.

Kaeya was a man, distracted.

Distracted. Divided. Not inattentive, but pulled away from his responsibilities by a force he couldn’t name and couldn’t say he cared for, either. He wasn’t a stranger to romantic inclinations — fantasies, sudden flings, slow-burning inclinations that died the moment his attention was called elsewhere. Predictably, the few relationships he allowed himself were short-lived, at best distasterous at worst, but he didn’t have a problem with that. If anything, Kaeya appreciated it. He’d always thought of company as optional, and what little loneliness he was still capable of feeling could be drowned with a generous glass of wine. He wasn’t one to linger. He tried not to overstay his welcome. He’d been sentimental, once, too emotional for his own good, and he’d learned his lesson. He didn’t intend to change.

He didn’t want to change.

And yet, here he was.

Distracted.

He couldn’t think. He couldn’t focus. It was all he could do to look like he might’ve been trying to read the most recent document left on his desk – this one from Jean, a directive for the younger knights or legislation she needed him to review or another vague, important report that he probably would’ve dealt with weeks ago, if he’d been able to concentrate.

He made a half-hearted effort to straighten his back as the door to his office began to open, but Kaeya dropped the act quickly, abandoning it completely by the time he heard the sound of heeled boots against hollow tile, caught a glimpse of a familiar (albeit, rarely used) catalyst, searched for eyes and found the cover of a thin book, instead, your face still buried in your newest novel as you stepped through the threshold, not bothering to knock. It was you. He should’ve known it would be. Who else did he deserve?

You, Lisa’s new assistant. You, the latest addition to the Knights of Favonius. You, his current, infuriating, unshakable fixation.

You, the new recruit who hadn’t paid him so much as a passing glance since your arrival, much to Kaeya’s frustration.

You didn’t look at him. You rarely ever did, but it hurt more than it usually did, today, as you dropped another form onto his desk, letting it replace the greeting you’d forgotten to offer. “Lisa needs you to sign this,” You started, laying out your priorities clearly, a skill Kaeya was beginning to resent. “It’s just next year’s budget. If you don’t want to read it, I think I’ll be able to look the other way.”

He glanced over the rows of numbers, the messy hand-writing, the columns of meaningless gibberish that blended together into a mess of ink and digits, and took your suggestion, scrawling his name across the only blank line. It was a lost cause, especially with you in the room. Especially with your unoccupied hand resting on his desk, your fingertips idly tapping an unsteady rhythm into the wood, and all he could think about was who he’d be willing to kill to feel that hand pressed against his cheek.

He considered asking you, for a moment, giving you an order and hoping you'd absent-mindedly obey. He thought about touching you, or running his fingers through your hair, or pulling you into his lap and mumbling sweet-nothings into your ear until someone else dragged you away.

He thought about a lot of things. Then, he said, “I take it your silence comes at a price?”

“Do I seem that selfish to you?” You were selfish. You had to be selfish. If you weren’t, then surely you would’ve been kind enough to put him out of his misery months ago. “I like helping people. Just remember this when I need a favor from you.”

“I’m sure we could work something more immediate out,” He went on, but you were already starting towards the door, calling the conversation to a close before Kaeya could begin to finish. In the back of his mind, something flared, the urge to catch your wrist, to go after you, to put himself between you and the only exit and refuse to move until you looked at him, but he forced it down, swallowing the temptation before it could eclipse his common sense. He couldn’t be impulsive. He couldn’t make rash decisions. He wasn’t prepared to deal with how difficult that would make things, not now.

Not yet.

“Join me for a drink?” He tried, again, attempting to sound unbothered. Nonchalant, casual, normal. Like he wasn’t itching to burn every book you’d touched. “I know you don’t have anything better to--”

“Another night, Captain.”

And just like that, you were gone, leaving Kaeya’s muttered response to echo through his empty office.

“Of course.”

~

Kaeya was a man, desperate.

Like a starving dog. Like a traveler who hadn’t seen water in thirty days. Like a distraught, distressed, disturbed knight, wandering through a maze of a library, cursing the existence of every shelf that separated him from you. He knew where you'd be. You were a creature of habit, and he’d already had more than enough time to memorize your routine. He’d had enough time to memorize everything about you, as ashamed as he was to admit it. It was a testament to his devotion, to how much time he’d spent trying and failing to win your favor.

It was evidence of how pathetic he’d gotten, over the course of his one-sided pursuit.

You were in your usual spot – tucked into the far corner of the library, perched on the edge of a windowsill, your attention monopolized by the tattered scroll spread across your lap. You were still pouring over it by the time he reached you, slumping against the nearest wall, taking in how brilliantly the muted sunlight looked as it danced across your skin. He didn’t try to hide the way he stared, anymore. He was long past worrying that you’d care enough to notice. Your hair was unkempt, proof that’d you slept in the archives again, if you’d slept at all. Your lips were bleeding, too, the lower one chewed raw and split down the middle, but it might’ve been stranger if they weren’t. It must’ve been a nervous tick, but Kaeya found it cute. Kaeya found it endearing. Kaeya found everything about you endearing, and to the archons, he wanted to see those lips wrapped around his co--

And he hated it. He found everything about you endearing, and he hated it. That was all.

He sighed, the sound airy, exhausted. You didn’t look up, but that was fine. It would’ve only hurt him further if someone as simple as that drew out your concern. “I’m in love with you.”

There was a hum, soft and contemplative. A rather generous response, by your standards. “I’ve noticed.”

“You’re all I think about.” It was an awkward confession, one he’d already used a hundred different times. He didn’t care. He’d use it a hundred more, if he had to. “I’m a wreck. I can barely remember my own name, and some days I can’t even do that. I can’t fight, I can’t eat, I can hardly breathe. Every morning, I wonder what it would be like to wake up to your smile, and every night, I stare at my ceiling and loath myself because I’m not holding you in my arms. For fuck’s sake, just yesterday, I almost kissed Albedo because the chemicals he was working with reminded me of the way your favorite kind of flower smells, and I’m just so fucking desperate, I convinced myself that was the closest I’d ever come to kissing you.”

He was rambling, by the end, panting, yelling, but you only blinked when he was done, once, then twice. Your dull nails bit into the edges of your scroll, but you didn’t seem to mind, nor did you move to roll it up as you finally turned to face him, the confusion written clearly across your expression. ���You kissed Albedo?”

“You don’t get it,” He said, and you nodded in agreement. “You don’t fucking get it.”

“I think I do,” You admitted, more earnestly. Your gaze dropped back to the ground, and instantly, Kaeya deflated. “I just… I just don’t think it’d work out, if I’m being honest. I’m still new. I still have to give everyone else a reason to trust me, and I don’t think it’s in my best interest to start a relationship with one of my superiors so early on.” You paused, laughing to yourself, and something in Kaeya’s chest tightened. It was the happiest he’d been since he met you, and he still felt like you’d pushed a sword through his heart and twisted. “But, you don’t really want a relationship, do you? You’re just bored, and you need something to fixate on. I’m the most available option, so...” You trailed off, finishing your sentence with a vague, stilted sweeping gesture. “It’ll be easier for both of us, this way. I like you, Captain, but I don’t like you enough to put myself through that.”

It was all he could do to remember how to open his mouth. Once he did, the words came stumbling out on their own.

“Of course.”

~

Kaeya was a man, determined.

Determined might’ve been the wrong word for it. Too soft, too suggestive, the impression too positive and the meaning too vague. ‘Depraved’ might’ve suited him better, but that was too harsh, too primitive, and he’d like to think he’d been as gentle as anyone could expect him to be, given your stubbornness. He’d tried to be gentle. He’d wanted to be gentle. If he was going to do this to you, he could at least do it gently. You deserved that much, at least.

Or, maybe you didn’t. Maybe you didn’t deserve any of this.

He couldn’t really make up his mind, about that.

“Lisa?”

And he was gentle, more so than he had to be. Sure, you were on the floor, bare stone already beginning to chafe at your skin, but the shackles around your wrists were padded, and he’d given you enough slack to sit down, to ball yourself up, to act like it’d never crossed your mind that he’d resort to something so… easily misinterpreted. The blindfold was, similarly, an act of mercy. You’d panic if you woke up like this, chained to a wall in someone else’s cellar, and Kaeya didn’t want that. You needed time, and he could give you that. He would give you that. Even if it pained him to stay at arm’s length.

“Amber?”

He wanted to touch you. It’d be easy, now, easier than it’d ever been before. You wouldn’t be able to push him away, and even if you tried to, he could always overpower you. Take you by the neck, pin you against the floor, leave you shaking and trembling and begging, pleading with a captor you couldn’t see. He’d find a way to make it up to you, later on. He’d find a way to lie, to smile, to make it better, even if he’d failed to time and time again, out there. But, this would be different. You wouldn’t be able to cling to your excuses, and he’d be able to show you how much he cared, how much he wanted this, how much he loved you. This would be better.

“Kaeya?”

See? You were already coming around.

Your voice was already soft, hesitant, a sliver of a whisper that was constantly on the verge of dying out completely. You were trying not to make noise, trying not to seem as terrified as you really were, but he could hear the way your breath hitched as he took a step forward, your restraints rattling as you curled into yourself. You couldn’t hide from him, but you wanted to. That much was obvious. You didn’t want this.

But, he did. More than you could ever want to run away from it.

He wanted to touch you, but he held himself back. Instead, he only kneeled in front of you, letting himself linger for a moment before he spoke. “I’m here, love.”

“Where are we?” You were afraid, too scared to put the pieces together. Not while you could still hope there was another explanation. Not while you could still deny the apparent. “My head hurts, and I can’t--”

“I know, and I’ll make it up to you.” This time, he let himself reach out, cupping your cheek and chuckling as you tried to shy away. The two of you could work on that, later on. He could live with the guilt if he let himself enjoy it, now. “Just give me a moment, alright? Just a second, then I’ll take care of you.”

You opened your mouth, then you closed it again. Kaeya wondered if you’d be bold enough to refuse if he did try to kiss you, or hold you, or go further than the fleeting touches he’d swore would keep him satisfied, at first, at least. He wondered if he’d care, when you did. “Are… are you going to hurt me?”

He wanted to reassure you. He wanted to promise he’d be patient, that he’d understand if you lashed out, that violence wasn’t an option he was willing to consider, but he couldn’t, like this, could he? He didn’t want to hurt you, but he’d never wanted to kidnap you, either, not until you made it obvious he didn’t have another choice. He didn’t want to stoop so low, he didn’t want you to hate him, but…

But, he was lying again, wasn’t he?

To tell the truth, he couldn’t remember the last time he genuinely cared whether or not you loved him back.

You stifled a scream as his hand dropped to your jaw, his grip tightening as he jerked you forward, just close enough to wrap his arm around your waist, to bury his face in the side of your neck, to get a taste of what you’d deprived him of. It wasn’t enough, he doubted it’d ever be enough, but he had you. He had you, he was close to you, and he had you. That had to be enough, for now.

“We’ll see.”

[thegreatstoryteller]

TF Therapy: Nikita

“So then after I finished the rings I started to do some floorwork and it was so easy to maneuver. All the guys say I make it look easy, which is true. It’s practically effortless. No one’s nearly as agile as I am. Gotta credit that to all those years I spent training I guess.” Nikita explained proudly. 

The young man flexed his densely packed muscular arms, still in his workout attire from his gymnastics exercises.

“You mean the month, you’ve spent training correct?” Dr. Chang inquired.

“What?” Nikita said seemingly distracted by his flexed arm.

“I was referring to the individual month you’ve spent in the body you currently inhabit. Not years. You’ve only been this gymnast for one month, isn’t that correct?” At this the doctor looked at his patient pensively.

“R-right. Slip of the tongue... I suppose.  But... like I was saying, I’ve got full on motor control. Not to mention my team is hosting this awards benefit night at the end of the year. It’s going to be so fun. Life couldn’t be better!” Nikita prattled on.

With a small frustrated exhale Dr. Chang said, “Well. I’m very glad you seem to be excelling in your circumstances. I’ll admit I expected more dissonance considering how much your life has changed so suddenly, but from what you say I was clearly wrong.”

“It’s fine doctor. Not your fault but- uhm... I mean. Gosh. Doc. This is where the problem is. It’s just. All of this is going too well. I’m... not even the old me... like at all anymore? I’m just.... like I only think of myself as Nikita now.”

The young athlete uncharacteristically twiddled his thumbs nervously. His demeanor quickly shifted from self assured and confident to doubtful in less than a few seconds.

“Nikita. That is the name you asked me to call you during our sessions, isn’t that correct? It was my impression that you felt comfortable in your scenario. A new lease on life as a young powerful athlete, is how you described it to me earlier. Have those feelings changed?” The doctor was writing in his notes more fervently at this point.

“Of course not! I mean maybe not... I... love this body. When I found out that my grandfather left me that jersey after he passed away I was ecstatic. I could be any athlete I wanted as long as I kept it on! It was incredible being so many different people. And when I found out I got stuck as Nikita after I’d ripped the jersey, I didn’t even see it as a problem. I love living this life, being younger, being so powerful and dexterous! It’s a dream come true. I don’t even mind that I’m only 5′6 now. It just feels right!” 

“Then forgive me for my lack of understanding, but what sort of issue are you experiencing?” The doctor asked.

“It feels... too right. Like this life is amazing. Memories... abilities... even the way I talk... I can feel it becoming all so... natural. I... had a whole conversation in Russian yesterday with my teammate! I had no idea it happened until someone asked what we were saying. The problem is I’m... I’m not sure where the new me starts and the old me begins... I... I think I’m losing myself..” Nikita said grimly. 

Dr. Chang placed his notes down and stared intently at Nikita. “I see.  Well in most possession based cases I’ve witnessed there appears to be the tendency for personality changes. This is especially true for prolonged or permanent cases. Everything from memories, preferences and um... sexuality can sometimes be influenced or altered.”

“Is there a cure doctor? I... I don’t want to lose myself... lose the original me... I just want to keep the part of me that started this all.” Nikita insisted.

“Well as of now just like many medical areas effecting the memory such as Alzheimer’s, there is currently no cure for this. Despite ample amount of research we live in a time where there is no cure for this specific progression of the mind. In your case the conduit for the possession was destroyed removing the connection you had to your previous physical form. Our team was able to analyze the material, but besides discovering that its fibers dated back from before the middle ages, we were unable to determine any magical origin.” The doctor could see the look of hopelessness that was becoming drawn over the young man’s face.

“So that’s it then? I’m stuck like this... and I won’t even remember the old me after enough time? That’s terrible! The new me probably won’t even care after awhile. I’m literally just waiting to fade away.” Tears welled up in Nikita’s eyes, his arms flexed his blossoming biceps as he wiped away the sadness.

“I did not mean to mislead you Nikita. This is not a hopeless measure. While no cure has been found from the extensive research has been done on this subject, there are reactive measures we can utilize to slow and completely stall in some cases possession based mental alterations.”

“W-what? Really? How?”

“Well the first and most potent method is the inclusion of your original friends and family into your new life. Your brain’s recognition of aspects in your old life allow for similar synapses to fire and retain associated memories of your time with these people... However, I know how private you were about your life. Whether you choose to pursue this course of action is very much up to you... Personally speaking I know that sometimes it can be difficult to keep someone in your life after... after so much has changed.” Dr. Eric Chang looked whistfully at his desk where a picture of him and a slim young man were smiling in front of the institute.

“My... well my parents were never quite... I don’t know if... they ever understood or could understand my fascination to be other people... but I did have a friend... he... he knew about the jersey... but... gosh we’re so different now.”

“You’ve uh... mentioned this friend. You trusted him enough to confide your deepest magical secret in. He appears to be quite loyal as you’ve described him. If you would like, he may be a good start in anchoring down your current mental faculties.” The doctor offered.

“He... well we would talk about all these things before. He loved my stories about the jersey and how we’d sometimes even use it together... but... but... what if he’s mad...I abandoned him... I took away the thing we used to spend so much time together... he probably hates me.”

The doctor clenched his fist. He knew the standard procedure for these scenarios were a typical one month minimum seperatoin from an individual from the old life to their new one. He hated how this level of oversight could create its own set of issues. 

“Listen. We shouldn’t make assumptions about how others feel about us. I know it has been a month since you last spoke, but with the proper channels of communication you two could start communicating again. I think this would benefit both your existing issues as well as your existing friendship.”

Nikita just silently nodded. The confidence he started this session with either depleted or blocked by the sorrow. 

“I can see you may need time to think this over. We can discuss methods of conversation and exercises in mindfulness in future sessions if you’d like. Just know that situations like these, possession based mental changes as well as rifts between friends... they’re better addressed sooner than later. However you need to choose to take the first step.”

The two looked across one another with great consideration. Dr. Eric did his best to hide the fact that those two had much more in common than he’d care to admit. 

“Alright... I’d... I’d like to try.” Nikita said tentatively with the slightest grin.

Eric smiled. “Good. Let’s get to work.”

Dr. Evan’s Chang’s Notes on patient: Nikita

Age: (34) 24

Height: (6′0) 5′6

Race: (Filipino) Russian

Patient is exhibiting textbook Possession Mental Override. What was first mistaken for an uncanny acceptance has been a symptom for the larger post tf issue. Acclimated abilities include, gymnastics, language proficiency, social skills, and general interests. Fortunately patient is open to reuniting with individuals from his past life... this should allow mental anchors to be placed halting more unwilling mental override. 

From... personal experience I’m aware how effective this method can be. I am happy to assist this patient in facilitating any means of communication that can be considered helpful. With any luck, they may be speaking as early as tomorrow. Likely no way for me to assist Chris with the information provided here. However, it is reassuring that I’m not the only one who shares this problem. 

[dreamescapeswriting]

Stray Kids Reaction || His Girlfriend Doesn’t Like You [Request]

A/N: For reference the girlfriends name will be Areum. Also I kept them as just friends because I didn’t know if you wanted fluffy best friends or fluffy relationships so I hope this is okay! If not let me know!

CHAN: 

It was no secret to you that Chan's girlfriend didn't like you but the two of you were best friends, had been since he moved to Korea when he was younger and nothing was going to stop that. No matter how hard she tried, or at least, you thought it would never happen. 

"What's wrong?" You laughed looking at Chan as he walked into the studio you and Jisung were sitting inside of, immediately the atmosphere in the room changed and it suddenly felt like it was hard to breathe as he stared you down. 

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe the fact that Areum just came to me with a red cheek," You frowned shaking your head, clearly not following along with what he was trying to say to you but then she walked into the room. A red mark across her right cheek as she let out the fakest tears you'd ever seen, whimpering and sniffling as she pulled at Chan's sleeve. 

"Just take me home, I don't want to be here anymore," She pleaded, looking over at you and for a second you could see her smirking as she realised she was playing Chan like a violin. 

"You slapped her across the face, because...Because-" He stopped as he looked back at Areum, 

"Because I told her I was falling in love with you," You blinked as you stared at them, even Jisung was starstruck by what was being said. You'd been sitting with him for the last two hours waiting for Chan to come for some lunch, he would have seen you if you randomly decided to slap his bitch of a girlfriend. 

"I didn't slap her, why would I?" You scoffed looking at her and then to him, hoping he would see straight through her but as usual, he had his blinders on, where only she was right and everyone else was wrong. 

"I've been here the entire time, I haven't even seen her until now," You got up from the sofa trying to defend yourself but Areum flinched as dramatically as she could before cowering behind Chan who was red in the face. 

"I want you to leave," He spoke bluntly as he waited for you to leave the room but you were still standing there, 

"Chan...We're best friends, surely you don't believe I would do something like this?" You searched his eyes for any sign that he believed you, even a little but it was as if you didn't even know who he was anymore. 

"Why would you even slap her?! You know I'm in love with her," You knew he was which was why you stayed away from her, you didn't want to get in the way of their happiness. Seeing your best friend happy made you happy as an end result, 

"I would never-"

"STOP LYING TO ME!" He yelled out as you backed up, your mouth fell open as you couldn't believe Chan would ever raise his voice at you, or anyone, like that. It wasn't in his nature to scream and yell.

"Leave." He muttered calmly this time, you scoffed at him, getting your bag and turning to leave when Jisung got up from the sofa.

"Hyung!" Jisung tried to say something but you held your hand up to stop him, staring directly at Chan as you spoke to Jisung, 

"Don't. If he wants to believe someone over his best friend, let him. But he can't come crying to me when it all blows up in smoke," You grumbled, slamming the door as you made your way out of it not wanting to be around them any longer than you had to be. 

(X) 

Later in the night, there was a knocking on your apartment door, you knew it was Chan since he had text you that he wanted to talk to you but you ignored him but he was starting to get louder and you didn't want your neighbours complaining. 

"Finally came to your senses?" You questioned as you opened the door to see him sitting on the floor, he stared up at you nodding weakly. 

"Jisung told me that you'd been with him all morning," You nodded, folding your arms over your chest. 

"And it took you all day to come and see me?" He shook his head, stumbling to get up from the floor before he came face to face with you. 

"It took me all day to get her stuff out of the dorms, anyone who doesn't like or can't respect my best friend shouldn't be with me," He smiled at you that big cheesy grin that he normally did whenever he wanted you to forgive him for something he'd done, 

"You've never yelled like that before," You whispered as you moved aside, letting him into the apartment as a sign of peace. 

"I'm sorry...I saw the mark, I heard the story and I just-"

"It's fine, she was your girlfriend, you should have-" You sighed not believing you were saying this, 

"You should have believed her since she was your girlfriend," He smiled wrapping his arms around your shoulder, 

"I bought food but it's cold, I'll order some more, we can watch a movie..." You nodded at his suggestion and pushed the door shut behind you both, heading into your living area space. 

MINHO:

The boys had been acting weird around you for days and it was starting to freak you out, normally when they were being weird it was because they were planning to prank you or something but this time it was different. They were going out of their way to avoid you, purposively changing plans so they wouldn't have to hang out with you, that was until tonight when you caught them going out after they told you they felt too sick to go anywhere. You'd brought them some soup to the dorms when you saw them heading out, deciding you wanted to talk to them you asked Minho to explain everything.

"You've been acting so weird lately, did I do something to piss you off?" You asked as you pulled Minho into his dorm room, you wanted answers and you wanted them now, 

"Why don't you ask your boyfriend?!" You stared at him awkwardly shaking your head as you tried to think of what he was talking about, he never seemed to get this angry in the past whenever you were in a relationship only this time there was no relationship. 

"I'm not-"

"Save it! I know you're dating Felix so why don't you both stop acting as though you're not," You were even more confused at the mention of Felix's name, the two of you had been close but never the dating kind of close. 

"We're not dating-"

"Save it! I don't want to hear it! If you want to go behind my back and fuck my best friends you go ahead and do it, but don't come crawling to me when you're done," He looked at you with a disgusted look on his face that sent a shiver down your spine, he'd never looked at you that way before and you didn't like it, 

"Why would I date Felix and not tell you?" You laughed thinking this was all some kind of joke but Minho wasn't laughing, he had a straight look on his face as he shook his head. 

"Areum caught you together in the studio, you can both stop lying about it to my face." There it was. The name, she had been the reason things between you and Minho had been rocky for months, she was constantly pushing you out of his life so she could spend more time with him but bringing the rest of the boys into it only made your blood boil.

"You can't seriously believe her over me and Lix?" You questioned as he walked away from you, waiting for you to leave the room first but you stayed where you were, wanting to talk this all out with him.

"She's the only one being honest around here,"

"Why do you even care if I was dating Felix?! I thought friends were supposed to be happy for one another, support each other. I have ever since you got with the wicked bitch of the west," You snapped as you finally lost it with him, he pulled the door open with such force that it hit the wall making you jump. 

"Get. Out." You shook your head, sitting down on his bed so you could talk everything out but he didn't move. 

"Get out of the dorms. Don't ever speak to me again," You stared at him as he walked out of the room leaving you alone with nothing but your thoughts. 

(X)

When Minho returned later that night he found you asleep on the sofa in one of his hoodies with the TV running, he turned it off before pulling a blanket over your body. 

"You're home," You whined, sitting up ready to talk to him about it calmly this time.

"I know you told me to get out but I didn't want to end our friendship on bad terms and I didn't want you and Felix to fight...There is nothing between me and Lix. Never has been, never will be-" You stopped talking when Minho wrapped his arm around your waist and laid down behind you on the sofa. 

"Shut up and go to sleep, Areum dropped herself into it," He mumbled as he pulled you closer to him, it was his way of admitting he was wrong without saying it aloud so you took it. Snuggling into your best friends arms and going to sleep for the night.

CHANGBIN:

"I bought snacks and dinner! Move over because the party is here!" You yelled out as you walked into the dorms to greet your best friend who was normally excited to see you but right now he looked beyond pissed off at something, 

"What happened? Jisung and Chan been bullying you all day?" You teased as you sat down beside him on the sofa, hand-feeding him a chip from the bag of fast food you had bought back with you but he ignored you.

"Binnie?" You frowned, waving a chip in front of his mouth but he continued to ignore you staring down in front of him as he was in deep concentration mode. 

"What's up with you?" You frowned, dropping the chip back into the bag and sitting back against the sofa, there was clearly something bothering him and you wanted to know what it was.

"Why have you been spreading rumours about Areum?" You frowned, Areum had been his girlfriend for the last six months but you'd never said anything bad about her or even to her, mostly because she hated you for being so close with Changbin. 

"Binnie, I don't even speak to her, I don't know anything about her to spread rumours about," You tried to defend yourself but he shook his head not wanting to hear your excuses about it as he got up from the sofa, 

"You've always had a problem with her, ever since we started dating! You've been so weird with her when she's been nothing but nice to you," You scoffed at the idea of her even acting remotely nice to you, if constantly throwing digs your way about the way you dressed and acted was nice you didn't want to know her. 

"Please, she's the one that's been nothing but mean since the day I met her, accusing me of being in love with you, calling me names whenever she gets the chance," You rolled your eyes as you got up from the sofa, standing face to face with your best friend. 

"She's been mean to you? I think you'll find it was the other way around, you're always trying to start fights with her, telling everyone that she's this petty girl that always yells at you when in reality it's the other way around." You couldn't stand to him anymore, hearing him take her side over yours after ten years of friendship, 

"I thought you believed me through everything, we're best friends."

"Not anymore, if you can't respect Areum then we're over, I want nothing more to do with you," It hurt more than you were expecting it to, like a stab in the chest as he stared at you blankly, looking into his eyes it felt cold and unwanted so you left the dorms, ignoring Jeongin he called your name out after passing him in the hallway. 

(X)

The more time passed with Areum the more Changbin began to notice her lies, they were painfully obvious and she kept forgetting her stories most of the time until he couldn't deal with it anymore and broke things off. 

"You know you have to forgive me sooner or later," He said as he slid you your favourite hot drink, he'd invited you out to one of your favourite coffee places as a way to say sorry for what he'd done to you. 

"I know, but until then I'm going to take all the free drinks I can," You mumbled, sipping on the drink before looking around the cafe, you hadn't been there since your fight, too scared you would accidentally walk into him and the dragon, 

"Does that mean you forgive me? If you say yes I will buy you food and drinks every day in this cafe for a month," 

"Bribery will get you everywhere," You smirked as took another drink from your cup.

HYUNJIN:

Waking up you rolled over to see Jeongin was passed out beside you, drool running down his cheek so you pushed him away and walked out into the dorms main seating area, Chan was awake on his laptop as usual and Felix was beside him playing some video game on the switch. 

"You stayed over?" Felix questioned looking up at you with a confused look on his face, you walked over to the fridge and took a drink from a carton of juice before going to sit next to him, tiredly laying your head on his shoulder.

"Yeah, why? I always stay over on Friday nights. It's my hiking day with Hyunjin," You reminded him but Felix didn't look convinced as to why you were there, 

"I just meant...Well- Areum said he wasn't allowed to be around you anymore, so I figured you wouldn't-"

"She said what?" The door to Hyunjin's room opened and he came out into the living room tiredly, not noticing that you were sitting there until he sat down.

"You're not allowed to be around me?" You asked with a small laugh to your voice, the thought of not being allowed near your own best friend waking you up as you stared at him. 

"What? Y/n! I told you I was busy this weekend," He grumbled as he looked at his phone with a panicked look on his face, 

"You need to leave, now."

"Why? Is Areum coming over? What's her problem? I'm your best friend," You wanted him to see why you were upset about this, he was constantly ignoring you or putting off plans to be with her which you didn't mind since they were new to their relationship but stopping him from seeing you, was too far. 

"You used to be my best friend, look I can't get into this but you need to leave," You frowned wondering where this was all coming from where there was a knock at the door, 

"Hideout in Jeongin's room until we leave,"

"Why can't we be friends anymore, does she hate me that much?" You questioned but he ignored you, pulling you up and pushing you into the bedroom with Jeongin once again,

"Because she thinks I'm in love with you! I don't want her to think that, so we can't be friends." He was being an idiot, just because a guy and a girl were friends it didn't mean they were in love with each other, 

"Just explain to her-"

"No! Get a grip, we don't need to be friends anymore," He slammed the door leaving you with a scared looking Jeongin,

"Move over." You mumbled as you climbed back into the bed with him, you were close with all of the boys so this was nothing new, last night you'd slept beside Jeongin cause he was the only one home when you arrived. 

(X)

Yelling happened instantly since Areum could tell you'd been in the house, your shoes were all over the floor, your clothes were hanging on the coat peg so she knew you were there. 

"You can come out now," Hyunjin mumbled as he opened the door to Jeongin's room, the two of you had been hiding out in there ever since the shouting began, you didn't want to be the reason they fought but it was over you anyway. 

"She's gone?" Hyunjin nodded and you sighed going over to hug him softly, she'd been accusing him of cheating and lying to her throughout the relationship until it bubbled out that she was the one cheating on him instead, she thought he would do the same thing with you if he ever found out and she wanted you out. 

"She's an idiot if she doesn't realise how amazing you are," You whispered to him, trying to comfort him but he broke down into tears as he hugged you back it was going to be a weekend of making him feel better.

JISUNG:

Jisung had been acting insane for days and it was starting to get to you, he'd been ignoring you and if he wasn't ignoring you he was getting angry over nothing, snapping at you for stupid things that had nothing to do with him. 

"Why are you even here?!" He yelled when he walked into the dorms to see you sitting with Felix and Jeongin,

"Waiting for my turn, we were taking it in turns," You mumbled as you tried to concentrate on watching Felix beating Jeongin in a game of smash bros, 

"You're always following me around and it's freaking me out, don't you have any of your own friends to be hanging out with?" He snapped angrily as he looked at you, you frowned wondering where this was coming from all of a sudden. The two of you had been best friends for years but ever since he'd gotten with Areum he'd changed into a different person, especially towards you. 

"We're friends? We hang out?" You were even more confused as he snapped at you for something you were used to, the two of you used to be inseparable what was his problem?

"Yeah, friends, but you won't more don't you?" He scoffed as he stared at you, you could have sworn you saw a look of disgust flash across his face as he mentioned your crush on him. It wasn't true, Jisung was always like a brother to you there was never another way you could see him.

"I don't have a crush on you, you're like my brother," You stumbled over your words trying not to laugh at the accusation thinking it might hurt his feelings,

"Save it, Areum told me all about your little plan to split us up and it won't work, I'm in love with her," Of course, she had something to do with all of this, she had something to do with everything. You knew he was in love with her but how could he be so blind to her to see what she was doing to your friendship,

"If you could stop stalking me, being around me, clinging to me that would be great." He mocked laughing as he thought it was funny but the rest of the boys were staring at him in horror at the way he spoke to you, laughing at you even though he was supposed to one of your best friends. 

"What? She needs to realise there's never going to be anything between us," The emphasis he put on the "never" in his sentence would have hurt if you did have a crush on him but there was nothing there. 

"He's right, why would he want his best friend who's been there for him for almost everything in his life when he can have a cheap no-good, money stealing hoe around him all of the time," You knew it was wrong to take swings at Areum but you'd finally lost it, you grabbed your bag and began to leave. 

"I'm throwing out the money stealing hoe and keeping my girlfriend," The door slammed before he could finish his sentence but you stormed off, never wanting to speak to him again.

(X) 

It had been months since the incident at the dorms and you hadn't spoken a word to Jisung since you would go out of your way to avoid him and you wouldn't hang out with the guys if they were going to be with him. 

"You have to speak at some point," Minho said cockily as he watched you from the dorms kitchen, it was the winter break so most of the boys had gone home for the holidays except Minho, Felix and Chan so you decided to keep them company. 

"No, I don't. I am perfectly fine in my world without him, I don't know why I ever had a crush on him, he's a no-good-" You stopped speaking when the door to the dorms opened followed by the sound of Jisung's voice filling the air, 

"She's not at her apartment, her boss said she told her not to tell me where she is and now I'm-" Jisung stopped as he locked eyes with you for the first time in months, you gave him a small wave not knowing what else he wanted you to do in this situation but in the end, he sprinted over to you and pulled you into a tight embrace. 

"I missed you, I never should have listened to what Areum was saying, I should have just gone to you and asked you...I didn't need to be so rude about you having a crush on me," You began gasping for air as he tightened his grip before letting go of you, 

"I don't have a crush on you, it was a stupid thing she said to stop us hanging out so much." You said as you stepped away from him, he nodded his head, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly.

"I know, I spoke it out with the boys and tried to tell you but you ignored me for months,"

"Do you blame me?" You questioned as he shook his head, promising you that he would do anything to get your friendship back to the level it was at before Areum ruined it all.

FELIX: 

You had no idea what you had done wrong to Felix but clearly, it had to have been something bad for him and the rest of the boys to ignore you for months, you'd tried calling and texting but they never answered you, phones going straight to voicemail. In the end, you gave up trying to call him, if he really wanted your friendship to last he would make an effort, you moved on from things and tried to just do things on your own. 

"Y/n?" You glanced up from reading the bag of flour you had picked up to see Seungmin standing there with a giant smile on his face he suddenly wrapped his arms around your waist and hugged you tightly. 

"Hey Seungmin," Your voice came out strained, confused as to why he'd ignored you and was now hugging you as he greeted you after so long, 

"We've missed you, where have you been? Felix has been going out of his mind, he said whenever he went to your apartment you were out?" You frowned, no one had been to your apartment, come to think of it Felix didn't even know your new address, you moved shortly before not being able to get hold of him and the boys.

"I tried to call you guys but you never answered, never replied to me texts," You explained to a very confused looking Seungmin who dug out his phone to show you that he hadn't gotten anything from you in months. 

"Just last week I text to tell you Happy Birthday..." You mumbled, taking out your phone to prove to him that you weren't going crazy and so he went through the contact, 

"You have me blocked, that's why...You couldn't call me." You frowned as Seungmin began mumbling about how he would never block you and then it hit you. The only other person with access to all their phones was Areum, Felix's girlfriend who had a disliking for you. Since she started dating Felix she made no attempt to hide the fact that she hated you, going out of her way to make it obvious but this was just a step too far. 

"Is Lix at the dorms?" You questioned, wanting to go there right away so you could straighten everything out between you and someone who used to be your best friend.

(X) 

"Why would Areum do something like that? Just admit you did it! Now you're doubling down on lies because you can't take responsibility for your actions," Felix yelled at you as he stood in the hallway of the dorms speaking with you, you'd tried to talk to him calmly about it but he started yelling from the start of things. 

"Why would I do something so stupid?! I loved hanging out with you and the guys, god I've been worried sick about you, I even created a twitter just to try and keep up with what was going on!" You yelled out, Felix knew how much you hated that app but he shook his head, nothing was going to make him believe his own girlfriend would go to the lengths of blocking your number in everyone's phone just to stop him from seeing you.

"You've just never liked her and can't stand to see me happy," You rolled your eyes at him not wanting to have a fight about someone you didn't care about, 

"You think I care about her? Do what you want, as long as I never have to be around her but don't you dare! Don't you dare blame me for something like this, I'm not the petty one here," You snapped, hanging Seungmin his bag of items you'd carried home from the car for him. 

"You're going to just walk away?!" Felix called out, you turned to look at him shrugging your shoulders, 

"What does it matter? You don't believe me, so why should I stay somewhere I'm not wanted?" 

(X) 

"She admitted to everything," Felix panted as he fell onto your bedroom floor, covered in sweat and breathing heavily. 

"Lix. It's 4 am." You mumbled shutting the window he'd just climbed through, you were on the second floor so he used the balcony below to climb up since he knew you would never open the front door. 

"I knew you wouldn't answer the door,"

"How did you get my address?" You mumbled climbing onto the bed to sit down as he sat up, 

"Seungmin noted it down when you took your shopping home with him earlier," You glared at your phone reminding yourself to kill Seungmin the next time you saw him, 

"Areum admitted to blocking your number...Move over," He shivered, getting under your covers as if nothing had happened, no friendship break and he was just here for a sleepover. 

"You think I'll forgive you this easily, for yelling at me." He shook his head at you, 

"No, but I'll annoy you into it anyway, so just go to sleep." He laughed softly knowing that you could never stay mad at him.

SEUNGMIN:

Seungmin was the type of best friend that would come to you whenever he had a problem, he would come to you for anything that was bothering him which was why he came to you when he first heard about what was going on between Areum and you. The two of you never got along, since she began dating him she would do anything in her power to make sure Seungmin would never be around you without her and when she was with you she would belittle you in front of him without him noticing what she was doing.

"This is going too far, the two of you are supposed to be adults and here you are acting like a child Y/n," You stared at Seungmin dumbfounded as you wondered what he was talking about, it wasn't until he showed you a phone with fake text messages from you that something clicked, 

"That's not me, I-"

"It has your name on it, why are you sending threatening messages to Areum? She's been trying so hard and you do this?" You stared from the screen and up to Seungmin, you could see why he would believe the fake screenshots since they looked so real but it wasn't since you and Areum never exchanged numbers with one another. 

"Why would I ever threaten her? I've been trying to, it's not my fault you only see her as the good guy when she's nothing but a bitch to me," You grumbled without thinking about it first but it was too late, the words were out in the open now and he was staring at you, with an angry look on his face. You'd never seen him look this angry until now, 

"Did you just call my girlfriend a bitch?" You sighed not wanting to turn this into a huge fight but it was out now, 

"Yes! You know what, I did because she is! Do you know how often she belittles me? Makes me feel so small and stupid? All of the time." You told him but he walked away, he ignored you as you continued to list all of the things she'd said and done to you over the course of them dating but he didn't want to hear it so he wouldn't. 

"You only see the good in her but she's always hurting me, always making snide remarks about me," Somewhere inside he knew you were right but he didn't want to believe it, he only wanted to believe Areum because he was hopelessly in love with her. 

"You're making it up," He shook his head but this time you weren't going to let the subject be dropped, it needed to be spoken about so she couldn't get away with it anymore.

"Why would I make something like that up? I know you're in love with her and I know this hurts to hear but she's a bitch, she's always doing it and not just to me but to the boys," Felix was standing in the hallway when he heard what was happening, 

"It's true, she's always making snide remarks about my freckles or Jeongin acting like a baby," You nodded and looked to Seungmin who wasn't saying a word, he just stormed out of the dorms slamming the door behind him as he left. 

(X) 

Hours later Seungmin came back into the dorms with a sad expression on his face and after knowing him for almost nine years you knew what that face was. 

"You ended things?" You whispered, putting down the uno cards so Felix couldn't see what you had and he nodded, 

"I-I'm sorry I didn't see what she was doing to you all before...You're  my best friends, you don't deserve that." He sighed, sitting down beside you as he felt stupid for believing her over you, 

"Don't, you were in love, it's hard to see sometimes when you're in love," You nudged him softly so he knew all was forgiven and then you let him take over for you in the game of Uno.

JEONGIN:

"So you just decided you didn't want to come to my wedding?!" Jeongin boomed out as he walked into the cafe where you worked, luckily it was almost empty besides for the two elderly women in the corner who seemed startled at the sudden yelling, 

"Well, hello Jeongin. Would you like a drink?" You asked sarcastically as he stormed over to the counter and began questioning you on why you hadn't responded to his texts, calls and voicemails about getting married.

"Okay calm down, A) I haven't had a call from you in about a week and B) You're getting married?!" He scoffed at you, 

"As if you didn't know, you've been ignoring me because I decided I wanted to Marry Areum right? She said you'd always hated her and you would never be happy for us," You were still trying to come to terms with the fact that your best friend was getting married and hadn't told you, or at least claimed that he had told you. 

"Jeongin, I haven't had any calls or texts from you for a week, you went off the grid. I assumed you were busy with a comeback," It wasn't unheard of for him to go radio silent whenever there was a comeback coming up, you understood and gave him the space he needed but this was insane. 

"Well I've been calling and texting," He pulled out his phone as proof but you shook your head, 

"That's not my number, someones changed the last four numbers..." You knew who it was but there was no way that Jeongin was going to think it was Areum, in his eyes she could do nothing wrong but in your eyes, she was a witch with a capital B instead of a W through and through.

"Oh-oH I might have done it by accident, I'm sorry I yelled." You shook your head, 

"Are you that naive? Clearly, you didn't accidentally change my number, someone who has access to your phone must have done it," You were trying to hint at the fact that it was Areum but he played the dumb card, breezing over it as he told you the exciting news again but you weren't excited for him. The thought of him marrying Areum sent a chill down your spine, she wasn't nice to anyone except Jeongin, in fact, Felix hated her from the start but never said anything since he never thought the relationship would last.

"Please, you're just jealous that I'm getting married while you're still alone." You dropped the mug you were holding and hot coffee splashed up your legs but you couldn't feel it, you were too busy staring at someone who was supposed to be your best friend.

"What did you just say?" He repeated it again but you shook your head at him, 

"Get out. I hope you're happy in your little bubble Jeongin I really do," You began pushing him toward the exit as he continued to hurl insults about you being jealous of him. 

"Don't worry dear, men like that always come to their senses in the end," The elderly lady commented as you began cleaning up. 

(X) 

Only he hadn't come to his senses, it had been nine months since the last time you spoke to him and through Felix, you learnt the relationship was strong and that they were going through with the wedding.

"Y/n?" You turned around in the cafe to see Jeongin standing there in his suit panting and sweating heavily, 

"Aren't you supposed to be getting married?" He walked up to you and shook his head, 

"I should have listened, I was...I was going to talk to her before we got-" He began breathing heavily so you took him over to a table and gave him some water, 

"She was telling her bridesmaids about how she'd gotten rid of you and how she was going to do the same with anyone who got too close...I should have listened to you," You knew right now was a bad time to tell him you told him so, so you kept your mouth shut. 

"I ran away from the wedding, told her I couldn't do it and ended things." You bit down on our lip feeling bad for him as he sipped on his water, 

"A relationship isn't worth it if I don't get to have my best friend at my side...So...Do I? Still have you by my side?" You smiled softly before nodding, 

"Always. I have some of your clothes at my place, use your key to get in." You said as you softly patted his back and got up to finish your shift. 

Tagline: @taestannie @kneel-begyourpardon @acciocriativity @mwitsmejk @minholuvs​

[saintshigaraki]

HERE, IN THE MORNING LIGHT, IS WHERE WE’LL BARE OUR SOULS

pairing: ushijima wakatoshi x f!reader 

words: 3.2k

excerpt: Really, how many times can you blame Ushijima for breaking your heart when you’re the one who can’t seem to stop handing it to him -- on a silver fucking platter no less. 

a/n: this is...a bit too similar to my bakugou drabble i’ll admit. but i could see a relationship with ushijima having some of the same problems. he’s not purposely cruel, but god, doesn’t that just make it so much worse?

tags: angst, mentions of alcohol, implied sex, reader is full of rage, ambiguous/open ending

in case you want to read it on ao3!

You greet Toshi at the door, as you’ve made a habit of doing when he manages to come home before you’ve fallen asleep.

(Like a well-trained dog, you think, with only the most bitter sort of amusement.) 

When you lift your hand up to cup his face, a sweet hello, love, how was your day? on your lips, he sweeps it aside (gently, of course. He's always so sickeningly gentle when he brushes you aside. You think that might just make the hollow sting of his nonchalant rejection that much worse.)

“Have you made anything for dinner?” he asks, already walking away before you have a chance to pull him down for a kiss. Your arm falls unceremoniously at your side. A deadweight, swinging. 

I think I might hate you, you want to say, so,  so badly. The words are there, right on the tip of your tongue as you stand frozen in the darkened entryway, his shadow stretches, eclipsing you, as he walks further and further away.

But these moments of sweet burning-hot rage pass as quickly as they come and soon -- too soon, maybe, or not soon enough -- you find yourself turning on your heels and shining a too-bright smile, the one that shows too many teeth and leaves an ache in your cheeks. 

“Not yet, love, but I can whip up something real quick.” 

The words taste like lead in your mouth.

(Or maybe that's just the blood from biting your tongue.)

Who knows, you muse, bitterly, bitingly. What does it matter anyway? 

You make your way towards the kitchen.

+

Later that night, after he’s finished fucking you into the mattress, he grunts out an I love you, before rolling over and promptly falling asleep. 

His cum is sticky and uncomfortable as it cools on your burning thighs. 

You stare at the lights sweeping across the ceiling from the passing cars and try to remember days when you didn’t feel as though someone had hollowed out everything that made you and filled in the empty space with barely contained rage. 

Rationally, you know you weren’t always so unhappy with Ushijima. You loved him -- you still do -- you have for years. You could barely contain your tears of joy when he asked you to marry him and you didn’t manage to contain them at all the day you officially tied the knot. 

You were so happy then. So, so, happy. 

What happened? 

(You know exactly what happened.)

You’ve made sacrifice after sacrifice for him. Moved from country to country. Left your family and friends behind more times than you can count. Because you love Toshi. Because you love him more than anything. And because he loves you, though you know he doesn’t love you more than anything. It’s a selfish gripe to have. A rather dumb one too. Of course he doesn’t love you more than volleyball. Why should he? He’s dedicated his whole life to the sport. Countless hours, countless injuries, and setbacks, and he’s persevered through it all because that's what he does. Because that sport, that court, that stupid fucking ball, is what he loves above all else. 

It’s not as if you jumped into this marriage wholly and totally blind. You’re not dumb. You knew volleyball was going to be a priority in his life,  the priority. And you thought you could handle that. You did handle it. For 5 years you’ve handled it, the constant moving, the last minute canceled plans, the weeks of him traveling that have left you all alone for near months at a time in a cold home with a cold bed. You’ve handled it all with a too-wide smile plastered painfully across your face. 

But things have -- shifted, recently. Maybe it’s the pressure of what could very well be his last Olympics coming up in these next few years, maybe it’s the fear of someone younger, better, stronger than him taking his place, or maybe, he simply doesn’t give all that much of a  fuck about you anymore. 

(You know that’s not true. Wakatoshi loves you. You know that. Which is what makes this all so much worse.)

I love you, isn’t that enough? he’d said bluntly, and maybe a bit confused, last time you brought up your concerns after the third canceled date in a row. 

His words had made you pause. Was it enough? Why isn’t it enough? Shouldn’t it be enough?

At the time, you’d thought, maybe. Maybe I can make it enough. 

A year later and you’ve come to the realization that it simply -- isn’t enough. Maybe if you were a different person, a slightly better person, it’d be enough. But you’re not. You’re you, a strange, toxic concoction of hollow fury and selfish desires (for comfort, for love, for anything more than whatever this is).

You roll over on your side to face your husband. He’s on his back, like he always is when he sleeps, completely dead to the world. 

He’s statuesque, unmovable, untouchable, even now. 

You gently brush your finger over his brow, sweeping his hair to the side, and tracing his strong jawline. You’ve done this a thousand times. You’ve memorized every curve, every freckle, every scar. You’ve mapped countless constellations across his skin. 

You don’t hate him, you realize, in the dark suffocating silence of the night. Not yet, at least. There’s still too much love for him in your heart. Still too many memories of brighter days. Sweeter days. Gentler days. 

He’s been good to you. As good as a man like him is capable of being. And you love him so, so dearly for it. 

He has tomorrow off, maybe -- maybe you should talk to him. There’s still time to salvage this. There’s still so much love for him in your heart, enough to drive out the hate. You know it. 

He has tomorrow off, you repeat to yourself. The first full day he’s taken off in a month. 

You’ll talk to him then. 

You have to. 

+

The morning light is what wakes you. The gentle rays kiss your cheeks so sweetly. 

Without fully opening your eyes, you reach towards Ushi only to be met with -- cool sheets. 

Your stomach drops painfully and it's as though he’s taken your heart in his hands and just squeezed. 

You open your eyes, wearily, tiredly, and the morning light no longer seems so sweet. It’s mocking. A cruel, bitter reminder of better days and broken promises. 

You crawl out of bed, trying to stay optimistic -- maybe he just went for a morning jog -- even though you know that on days he has off he likes to sleep in. You try desperately to give him the benefit of the doubt, because he promised and you want so badly to still be able to believe him, even after everything. 

He used to have every Saturday and Sunday free, then around three years ago it turned into every Sunday, then a year and a half ago it turned into every other Sunday, and recently -- well, it’s been a while. A long, long while. 

But he promised he’d stay home today. 

He promised, you repeat as you stumble around the apartment only to find it painfully silent, empty, and so, so cold. 

You collapse on the couch, hunched over, your head hanging pitifully into your hands. You take a deep, pathetically shaky breath. 

And then you laugh. 

You laugh so hard you nearly heave. 

Two years ago, you would’ve cried. A year ago, you would’ve screamed. 

But now? Who do you really have to blame, but yourself? How can you not laugh? How can you not laugh at just how stupid and gullible you are? 

Really, how many times can you blame Ushijima for breaking your heart when you’re the one who can’t seem to stop handing it to him -- on a silver fucking platter no less. 

This is your fault. And it has been for a long while now. 

It’s time to move on. 

+

You book a one-way flight home -- you haven’t been back in so long. Too long, you know. You stuff as much as you can into your single suitcase and pitiful carry-on bag. It’s all strangely methodical and robotic. You’re calmer than you’ve been in months. 

This is how it was always going to end. Honestly, you don’t think there was really supposed to be another option, any other way out. You don’t think this mess was ever going to be fixed. It was stupid of you to ever believe otherwise. 

By the time you’ve managed to compose yourself, get your affairs in order, and meticulously pack away as much as you can, the sun has started to dip below the horizon. 

The clock reads 9:18 PM. Your flight is in a few hours. You’ll have to get going soon. 

You pick out the nicest, most expensive bottle of red wine in your home. You were going to save it for when Ushi made the national team again but, as you’ve learned rather painfully, sometimes plans change. 

You pour yourself a glass, but in the end, can’t bring yourself to take a single sip. 

That’s how Ushi finds you, sitting at the kitchen table, toying with a glass of wine. There’s only the lone kitchen light lit in the apartment. The shadows dance around him, dark and monstrous, ready to swallow you both whole. 

Wakatoshi has never been particularly skilled at reading social cues but you can tell from the slight tilt of his head that he knows somethings wrong. You wonder if he knows exactly how wrong. 

(Not that it would really change anything if he did.)

The thud of his gym bag hitting the floor echoes too loudly in the silent apartment. 

He steps into the kitchen like he does all other things -- with purpose, with confidence. It will never not leave you in awe, even now, how sure he always is of himself. He’s a blunt force weapon, he always has been, and you can’t imagine a time where he’ll be anything but. 

He stops at the opposite end of the table. It’s the beginning of the same song and dance you two have done time and time again when he breaks his little promises. 

His big ones too. 

(You think of when he had missed your five-year anniversary dinner for a last-minute practice. He hadn’t forgotten about the reservation, he’d told you after he’d returned home to you sitting alone at the kitchen table, half-drunk and livid, but people were relying on him, is what he’d said, and there’s always next year.)

This routine is comforting, if only in the cruelest way. 

We can put on a show, just this last time, you think. For old time’s sake. 

Your eyes fall back down to your glass as you speak. “You said you’d stay home today.”

You look back up just in time to see him opening his mouth. No doubt getting ready to cycle through the same set of excuses he’s been using for the past four years. 

A teammate called. 

I needed the extra practice. 

There’s a skill I need to perfect. 

The Olympics are 4 years away...3 years away...2 years away....you know that, love.

And, of course, no matter his reason, his excuse, he always makes sure to add, I’ll stay home next Sunday, I promise. 

He doesn’t intend for that last part to be cruel, you’re sure of it, but God, if that doesn’t make it so much worse. 

You cut him off before he can even start. “You promised.”

His brows furrow at your exhausted, weary tone. “There was a team meeting today, I’m sorry I forgot to mention it to you. It went on longer than I expected it would. We can still go out to dinner if you’d like.” 

You give him a sad sort of smile. You’re too tired to give him any other. “I don’t think I’ll have time for that, love.”

Ushijima’s left brow twitches, as it always does when he doesn’t quite understand what’s going on. 

He takes a step forward, around the table. “What do you mean? Are you going out tonight?” 

You shake your head softly. “No, Toshi.”

You can’t help but wish more than anything, that it didn’t have to come to this, because you have loved him so much, so deeply, and you think that for it to end like this is a disservice to you both. 

His jaw clenches, no doubt already trying to contain his frustration. He’s probably tired after his long day. An argument over something like this is probably the last thing he wants. A good wife would care more. A good wife might’ve persevered, smiled through her husband's little lies and shattered promises. A good wife might’ve tried harder. A good wife might’ve dug her heels in, instead of letting go completely. 

But you’re not a good wife. Not now, at least. For all you know, you never were. You’ve always been just a bit too bitter, too selfish, too flawed. Not willing enough to throw yourself on the metaphorical altar for him. 

He’s close enough now that he can see the suitcase at your side. It stops him dead in his tracks. 

“What’s going on?” His tone is hard, demanding, but you know him too well to miss the fear that pulls at the corner of his eyes. 

Ushijima Wakatoshi is a lot of things. But he’s certainly not dumb. He has to know what’s going on. He has to have known that, eventually, this was what was going to happen. 

You stand up slowly, bracing your palms against the rough wood of the tabletop. 

“I-” you let out a harsh, mean breath. You hate that you’re doing this. But you’d hate yourself more if you didn’t. And you know you’d grow to hate him too, eventually, if you stay. You’re burning up here in this home, each broken promise and cold night add fuel to the already raging fire. You’ll be nothing but ashes soon enough. “I can’t do this anymore, Wakatoshi.” 

His pretty olive eyes narrow. The look he gives you is practically glacial. His fury has always been so, so cold. A stark contrast to your burning rage. 

He takes a deep breath. “I don’t understand.” His words are slow, methodical, and too even.

They crack open something violent inside your chest, something with teeth. Something mean and ugly and so, so sad. 

Too many years of biting your tongue have culminated into this moment. It’s time to strip yourself to the bone, to the ugly marrow. No matter how painful or awful. 

Don’t you two deserve that, at least? Don’t you two deserve to part ways having seen the worst of each other? 

“Of course you don’t understand, Ushijima,” you spit out, caustic and cruel. “How can you?” The laugh you let out is ripped from the very bottom of your heart, mean and poisonous. “Or more accurately, why would you? Why would you even bother understanding? It’s not like my unhappiness has ever really meant anything to you before-”

He cuts in sharply. “You know that’s not true.”

“No,”  you hiss. “I don’t. How can I? I’ve been miserable for years now, left to beg for scraps of your attention like a fucking dog. I’ve reduced myself to this pathetic creature. I-” tears cloud your vision, far faster than you can blink them away. “I don’t even recognize myself anymore, Ushijima. I’m so--I’m so angry all the time and if I stay here that’s going to be all that’s left of me.”

It’s silent after your outburst and in the air is something awful and too great. You’re both teetering on the edge of something terrifying. 

“If you stay with me, you mean,” he says, finally, and far too soft for a man like him. All signs of his previous fury have fled and in his eyes is a painful sort of vulnerability.

Your anger dissipates with his, mostly because you’re so fucking tired of being angry. 

Is it really his fault, anyway? What exactly were you expecting of him, when you took his last name? Were you really wanting him to change something so fundamental, so ingrained in his soul, just for you? How unfair of you, you realize now, how cruel. 

“Toshi.” You’re exhausted. And so sick of being second best. “This is more my fault than it is yours. I thought I could handle what being married to you would entail but I was,” -- you laugh, far less biting than before-- “very wrong.” You close your eyes, unable to look at him. “And now I suppose we’re both paying the price for it.” 

“I love you,” he says, bluntly. “And you love me.”

You’re finally able to meet his eyes again. You take in the planes of his face, the subtle pain etched into every corner, a brutal, beautiful reflection of the years you’ve spent by his side. 

“I do love you, Ushijima. More than anything.” 

“Then why are you doing this?” 

You swallow hard. “Sometimes, that just isn’t enough, Toshi. Relationships require more than love. They require work, and compromise, and some semblance of care and dedication, and you just-- you just don’t have the time for that right now, and I understand that. But I can’t keep doing this to myself. I deserve-” you stop and give yourself a moment to choose your words carefully, lovingly because you’re desperate for him to just understand. “We deserve better, don’t you think?”

He shakes his head, his hair falls in his eyes. You sweep it aside, a force of habit after all these years, something you’ve done a million and one times. Before you can jerk your arm back he grips it in his large hand. His fingers wrap around your wrist, unyielding. 

“I need you,” Toshi says, uncharacteristically desperate. You can feel the heat radiating off his chest. It's a twisted sort of comfort. Knowing this may very well be the last time you’ll be in this position. 

You smile, sweetly and a bit sadly. “No, you don’t, Ushi. You need volleyball. You need the thrill of the game and the taste of victory but you don’t need me. You’ve never needed me. And that’s okay.” You lift your other hand up to brush the stray tear that’s fallen from his eye. He nuzzles into your palm before you can move it, clinging to you like some sort of lifeline. “It’ll be okay, Toshi, we’ve just reached the end of our road. That’s all.”

He raises a shaky hand to trace the dried tracks of tears on your cheek, it’s startling to see him so uncomposed. “Please,” he nearly begs, “don’t do this.”

In your heart, there’s an odd brew of grief and rage and pain and love so mean you know you’ll feel the ache of it for years to come. 

You think of all the shattered promises he’s left at your feet, you think of the gentle way he’s held you through the years, you think of his string of nonchalant rejection, you think of yourself, bright and burning. 

Your mind spins from it and all you can do is rest your head against his chest and close your eyes.

a/n pt 2: there is some untapped potential in the fed up housewife genre and i am determined to unearth it. also i love ushi i promise i think he’d be a great husband under most circumstances

[yuueee]

𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 fire lord! zuko x fire lady! reader

authors note: Firstly I just want to apologize for the hiatus, I want to be more active from now on! I’m starting finals next week so I’ll thankfully be done with this semester soon and will also have more time to write. Anyways I hope you enjoy!! I also want to apologize if Zuko is ooc here.

requests:

First of all, your tumblr looks sooooo cool! I’m looking forward to reading all of your future work! Imagine this: Zuko is annoyed by people constantly asking him about a future heir, but when one day his friends also start to ask, and even his uncle and his own mother join the baby fever train, it’s too much for him so he complains about it to his wife who only reassures him with her lovely self and her understanding smiles, not telling him yet that she is in fact pregnant. What do you think ?

Can you write an imagine with zuko who is clearly, utterly and soooo obviously in love with the reader (outgoing, courageous, loving) and maybe with the prompt “So you...well...I mean...I could give you a massage?” Thank you a lot! ^^

As the current Fire Lord and Lady, it wasn’t uncommon for the citizens of the Fire Nation to be deeply invested in your relationship - it was to be expected especially due to the uncommon nature of your union. What you weren’t expecting were Zuko’s close friends and relatives being wrapped up in your business as well. Being outside of team avatar, you were naturally more welcoming to his friend's constant questioning, but Zuko on the other hand was not. He couldn’t understand why they cared so much all of the sudden. They hadn’t been as interested when he was in a relationship with Mai - so why did they care so much now?

It wasn’t as if you weren’t getting along with his friends or family - you got along with them quite well and were very loved by them in fact. Outside of them though, you weren’t always as welcomed, unfortunately, the Fire Nation was still coming to terms with having the daughter of an Earth Kingdom General as their Fire Lady. The arranged marriage was put in place to solve several different ‘problems’. After Zuko broke up with Mai several years ago, he hadn’t begun dating anyone else due to being so busy but he’d eventually be expected to have an heir in the next coming years.

Although they had gotten better, tensions among the Earth Kingdom Colonies were still high and both sides were having difficulty keeping them under control. Eventually, an agreement was made for the daughter of a high-ranking Earth Kingdom General to marry Zuko - that daughter being yourself. Arranged marriages certainly weren’t unheard of in either nation - but a union of this sort was definitely unique.

Though he certainly wasn’t thrilled about it, Zuko understood that it was for the good of the people - and it wasn’t like there was anything he could do about it anyway. Even with his position as the recently crowned Fire Lord there still wasn’t much he could do.

On the other hand, you understandably had some issues coming to terms with your new situation at first. Despite being known by those around you as friendly and just a joy, in general, to be around - the woman Zuko had first met was quite the opposite. He could recall it like it was yesterday. Though it was awkward and stressful at the time, he now considered it to be the best day of his life.

“She’s in there.” A female servant whispered to the young man quietly, as if she didn’t want to speak loud enough for you to hear from your place at the balcony.

“Thanks,” he replied with a soft smile, bidding the elderly woman goodbye as she shuffled down the hallway. Turning towards you he was faced with a warm tropical breeze. His advisors had arranged for the two of you to meet a couple of weeks before that dreaded day, and for some reason, they thought Ember Island was the appropriate place. A combination of anxiety and general distaste for being on the island was causing him to be quite stressed - which led him to be more awkward than usual.

“Um, hello?” he spoke up faintly, as if not to startle you. He was sure you heard him come in, but you hadn’t turned around since he entered the small room. You stood several feet away with your hands placed on the railing, your [hair-texture] locks sifting gently with each gust of wind along with your predominantly red clothing. It was against what you had wanted to wear that day but it didn’t seem as if you had much a say in anything going on in your life recently.

You understood that doing this would be for the greater good of the Earth Kingdom and that your situation could technically be worse. You could have been married off to some old creep - but if you were being honest with yourself being married to the Fire Lord sounded just as bad. As you turned around though, you were surprised at the face you were met with.

He had a much younger face than you had expected, but the slight hollowness of his cheeks and the worry lines on his forehead told you that he had experienced things beyond his years. He also happened to be quite handsome - not that you wanted to admit it though. You had been bent on hating him ever since your father told you who you’d be wedding.

He was the leader of the Fire Nation, of course, you would hate him! The country that has had a century-long reign of terror on the world - and now you found yourself engaged to their leader. What had you done so wrong in your life to deserve this?

As much as you wanted to plan on running away the first chance you got, you knew deep inside that it would only cause tensions to increase and more issues to arise. You wanted the best for the residents of the Earth Kingdom, so you agreed to go through with it, but did so resentfully - which you had every right to feel that way.

But as you glared up at the young male next to you and tried to keep your attention off of the scar over his left eye - you couldn’t help but wonder what if this was the man who joined the avatar in defeating the Fire Lord? He wasn’t what you expected at all. Standing in full armor with his hair holding the fire nation insignia in a top knot - he looked awkward and out of place. You almost felt bad for him - keyword is almost.

“What do you need Fire Lord?” you questioned him, turning your gaze back to the rushing waters of the ocean.

“Um,” he faltered slightly, probably not anticipating your response. “I just wanted to introduce myself-“

“I know who you are.” you brushed him off, turning around and walking towards him - grabbing his collar and pulling him to your height. “We might be getting married but if you think for a second I will ever be nice to you, you are sadly mistaken.” you hissed at him before letting him go and walking out of the door.

Zuko couldn’t recall how long he stood there watching your form leave, all he remembered was standing there like an idiot with a red face. He hadn’t expected you to like him of course but he surely wasn’t expecting that.

As he reminisced on memories long ago while sipping his Uncle’s tea, he couldn’t help the smile that appeared on his features. As stated earlier, It may have been an unpleasant memory back then but now he considered the day he met you to be the best day of his life. Though your relationship had surely faired through many complications for a while in the beginning - surprisingly, you became fond of Zuko over the years.

It was certainly a long time coming but that strange friendship you two shared eventually evolved into love against all odds. That didn’t mean you weren’t constantly giving him an ear full (as you should tbh) your first months together. But as time progressed and you learned that he may not have been the evil prince that you had heard so much about, at least not anymore.

He wasn’t that same angsty teenager he had been years ago looking for the avatar, he was now a young adult growing quite well into the position of the Fire Lord - which was no easy feat. Taking another sip of tea, he watched his Uncle and Mother come to take a seat with him.

“How is it, Nephew?” His Uncle asked with a mischievous grin and a raise of two bushy eyebrows - albeit already knowing the answer.

“It’s great as always Uncle,” Zuko responded with a small smile, his Uncle's expression making him just a bit concerned, causing his Mother to chuckle. Though she had gained a few wrinkles over the past couple of years, she was still as radiant as she had been in her youth. She was also much happier being able to live with the family she had been apart from for many years without fearing Ozai’s intervention. It came with a price though - it seemed as if her relationship with her estranged daughter who was now on the run would never be resolved. She never lost hope though.

“Zuko,” his mother began speaking, catching the young Fire Lord’s attention with a raise of his eyebrows. “When are you going to give me a grandchild?” She asked teasingly, eager to see his reaction. In turn, her son had barely kept himself from spitting out the mouthful of tea.

“Why do you ask that?” He choked out in between a series of coughs with Iroh patting his back gently.

“You haven’t?” She asked in between chuckles, noticing how her son got bewildered at the mention of having children of his own. “You know you’ll eventually have to have an heir at some point right?”

“It’s not that I haven’t thought about it... but Y/N and I are just really busy.” He thought aloud, wishing he could run a hand through his hair - but was unable to since it was pinned in a top knot.

“Zuko, you never know when you’ll get this time of peace again. What better time to raise a child?” Iroh reassured, wiggling his eyebrows. Letting out a groan, the young Fire Lord attempted to mentally prepare himself to go through this same conversation every time he visited his family.

Over the next couple of weeks, the constant badgering he received from his friends and close relatives started to frustrate him further, so who could he turn to? You of course.

Being married for several years now, you were more than used to Zuko’s rants, so you simply just reclined on the bed with an eyebrow raised as he paced back and forth.

“I don’t get it! Why is everyone so concerned about when we’re going to have a child or not?” He questioned seemingly no one as you attempted to keep your face from contorting into a smile. It wasn’t as if you didn’t understand his frustrations, it was just funny to watch, especially since you were already pregnant.

You were surprised that he hadn’t noticed honestly, with you staying in for the past few days due to feeling sick. Who could blame him though? It wasn’t as if he wasn’t attentive and loving as a husband, he was extremely busy as of recent-and also just dense at times. After noticing his silence for a few moments as he looked over the balcony, you decided that maybe this could be the perfect time to tell him.

Getting up and sneaking behind him, you snaked your arms around his waist and turned so you could see his face. He let out an audible sigh of what sounded like relief before returning your smile and your hug.

“You want a head massage?” You questioned pulling away, wiggling your fingers playfully.

“Please.”

For the past couple of years, Zuko had been letting his hair grow out so now it rested around his shoulders.

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.” You started tentatively, but as usual, he was too caught up in the sensation of your fingers raking across his scalp to entirely understand what you were saying, so he just nodded in response. “I’m pregnant.” You stated plainly, ceasing your scratching. Not getting a response for a few moments, you turned to face him with a worried expression.

Much to your surprise he was grinning up at you and placed a warm hand on your cheek. “Really?”

“Yes. I’m sorry it took me so long to tell y-“ you were abruptly cut off by him pulling you into another hug and placing a kiss on the crown of your head. “So you’re happy about it?”

“Couldn’t be happier.” He responded sincerely, leaning into your shoulder so you couldn’t see the redness on his cheeks.

Maybe your family and friends would finally leave the two of you alone now?

taglist: @practicallylivesonline @chewymoustachio

[blakelywintersfield]

Minors

Okay so, I originally wrote this in response to this post (my friend's reblog is linked instead of the original because OP either deleted it from their blog I guess?), but I feel like this constitutes as its own post.

I know this may sound like an overbearing parent "don't trust strangers on the internet" talk, but like. I don't think a lot of you understand just how quickly a situation can escalate; it's scary. I mean that not in a condescending "you think you're untouchable you stupid little child, you don't really know what the world is like" way either, but as in, I don't think internet safety is being taught realistically, so those things you're told to watch out for are far-fetched or already seem suspect.

Predators don't work the way TV shows joke that they do -- most predators aren't going to try and message you at random posing as a teenage girl and attempt to strike up a friendship. A lot interact in community spaces like tumblr, where some level of anonymity is allowed, and it's not odd for there to be people of both minor and adult ages. They interact with a variety of people -- not just targets. They will have full-fledged social circles. Their blogs and social interactions will look like literally any other person's on here.

Then, of the different blogs they follow, they end up interacting a lot with a certain user. Maybe the kind of humor clicks, or similar opinions, or interests. Nothing out of the ordinary; that's how people make friends. Maybe then they start by sending an ask, or a message, or whatever, and that continues for a bit until you two are kind of acclimated to one another, and then, as far as everyone is concerned, it's just a new friend! Neat! That's how you make friends on the internet. They most likely did this with their other friends on tumblr. Nothing weird. In this hypothetical, the minor party has their full name and city public.

But then this person you make friends with -- the way you would any other person on this website -- turns out to be 10+ years your senior. Which like. Honestly, you don't have to cut them out of your life and block them immediately, but you inform them you're 10 years younger than them. A responsible adult would respond to that knowledge with anything from the range of "oh holy shit you're baby uhh I feel a little weird interacting with you so personally" to "oh goodness you are a youngling I will now enter caregiver/parent-like mode". And there will be an established tone from there of "we may still interact but there is going to always be a set emotional distance". It'll have a different dynamic/feeling to the friendships you have with people your age. And it should. Both parties can still care about each other! But this isn't someone you would like. Hang out one on one with. You wouldn't hang out with your mom's friend one on one, or at your teacher's home alone. That'd be weird, right? That should be the same kind of vibe you get with any adult "friendship" you make online (I put friendship in quotes because I feel like... there's a better term for it, or should be one that establishes that adult/minor relationship, but if there is I can't for the life of me remember it).

But maybe that person doesn't go down that path. Maybe it comes off that way at first, but there's a subtle level of emotional manipulation that is subtle enough that you're not certain you can accuse them of being manipulative. "Oh wow, you're so much younger than me... do you still want to talk to me / be friends / etc.? I can leave you alone now if you want." Warning sign #1: they are pressuring you to make the decision; they are placing responsibility on you. And it might feel a little mean to just drop communication all of a sudden because of age -- you got along fine before. Why should that change anything? That's a rational thought process, but it's also the one that benefits them too.

So hypothetically, you say "no it's okay, we can still talk. we were talking just fine before we found out each other's ages so why should that change?" And then maybe the conversation continues normally from there. But then they continue interacting with you as your peers would. You guys talk about stuff that's been stressing you or your problems, just like you would with your peers. Nothing seems out of the ordinary. Warning sign #2: That form of emotional connection isn't normal with an adult/minor relationship. I have minors that follow me. They have talked to me about their problems, and I've offered advice and wisdom; I don't condemn that because, well. As adults, we should help guide the younger if asked. But when it comes to my troubles, I limit how much I discuss with them. I don't bring them up myself (it's often brought up by the other party because I'll post about it on here, like a vent post or whatever). And while I don't brush them off with a short "don't worry about it", I make it clear -- I appreciate that you care enough to make sure I'm okay (because their sympathy / care is just as valuable as an adult's), but even if I'm not okay, the burdens and problems surrounding my troubles will be dealt with by me. I don't ask them for advice. I don't goad them for sympathetic words. And it's not that I believe they couldn't give good advice, or their sympathy means less, but an adult should not be relying on a minor for those levels of emotional labor. That established emotional connection where both parties exchange advice and comfort is how predators manipulate their victims because it's subtle and seemingly harmless, and difficult to paint them as a bad person when you have that level of emotional trust.

And once that emotional connection is established, that's when things can escalate, and get scary, quickly.

One day while talking they will probably bring it up -- the way one of your peers would. Something along the lines of "hey can I tell you something?" or "there's something I want to tell you but I'm afraid you won't want to talk to me anymore if I do" etc. etc.; with that peer/peer dynamic, that'll make you anxious, sure. You'd probably get anxious if they were your own age and said that too. So then, it comes out in some form that "I like you, but like... as more than a friend" or "I think you're really cute; I have for a bit now actually" or something similar. Obviously then it's uncomfortable.

But then you realize -- this is an adult. This is someone who has access to transportation. This is someone that doesn't have to report to someone (i.e. a minor can't just say "I'm going out of town for a week bye!" like your parents would, or SHOULD, be like "uh okay where are you going, who are you going to be with, why, etc. etc. etc."). And they know your full name and a general idea of where you live. You could just block them then and there and remove that information from your blog. But what if they already saved it? What if they already used one of those websites where you can look up a person's address by name for $5? What if they already know where you live, and they had planned on asking to meet up? They might know where you live. And you can't confirm or deny that they know. You can't say for sure if you removed that information before they saved it and used it for that purpose. Suddenly, there's the very real possibility that a pedophile that admitted to being attracted to you knows where you live.

Then what do you do? You should tell your parents or a trusted authority figure. But you're also a teenager and there's the likelihood that your parents might brush it off, or get angry with you, and you might get your internet taken away, etc., which is stressful because that takes away a major social area. To build upon the anxiety with that, there's the risk of unknowing if this person does know where you live, and if they do, if they are just unstable enough to do something drastic, like, y'know. Kidnap you. Because they know where you live. And they may know your school schedule too. And if your parents or trusted authority figure doesn't know about this situation, you may end up a missing child never found at worst, or found with far more trauma (5 years of life being kidnapped as opposed to a few months) that could've been avoided had someone known the situation.

But to 100% ensure your safety, it would have to be reported to the police. Because your parents can't do anything about the fact that a pedophile on the internet might know where you live. They can't confirm or deny that they know, and if they did, there's not much they can do other than keep an eye out for someone that looks out of the ordinary. But if they're most likely not home at the same time you are all the time. So, having the police involved ensures your safety -- if you open a case. You can report it to the police, and they'll ask: do you want to press charges (because it could be considered a form of child endangerment). If you say no, then that guarantees if you are kidnapped, that person would be the first they'd look to as a suspect. But to avoid that kidnapping risk at all, you'd have to say yes. And you're a kid that's now having to get involved in court just to avoid any risk to your safety because a pedophile may or may not have your address and may or may not be someone that would abduct their target, and so even if they didn't have your address and wouldn't kidnap you, you are now in a legal situation, which is. extremely. stressful. As someone's who's dealt with the court system a lot it's stressful no matter what.

And sure, you could omit the last step. But then you'll have that looming anxiety for as long as you're a minor that there is a possibility this person may show up at your house at some point. And that anxiety is fucking torture. I know it firsthand, I know all of this up to the legal portion firsthand, because this is exactly how I got tangled up with a pedophile in high school. That anxiety can make you paranoid. It impacts your sleep, which impacts your emotional tolerance and your concentration. It looms and there's nothing you can do to get rid of it other than convince yourself "they probably don't have my address; they probably won't find me". And that logic becomes sounder as time passes. But it requires time to pass, and in the meantime, you sit in constant suffering suspense.

It's just not fucking worth it, okay? You might think "this would never happen to me" but like. I was the fat emo weirdo in high school, literally considered attractive by no one and told so by peers and I still had it happen to me. So don't think "I'm not appealing enough" or whatever. Put self-esteem issues aside here, because to them, you're underage and at a power dynamic disadvantage not just physically, but most likely emotionally too. They care that you're a certain (under)age and can be manipulated into sexual acts. They will target you no matter how ugly you think you are or how unattractive your peers have convinced you.

So please. As an adult, that went through this situation (and could've had it turn out a lot worse tbh) -- do not disclose your real name (especially last names), location more specific than country, phone number, or school publicly online or to anyone you cannot 100% trust. I practice half of these in adulthood just to err on the side of caution since a full name and phone number alone could be used to find my address, and there are some preeeeetty unstable people out there. As a minor, absolutely no one needs any information unless you plan on meeting them in person, which should only be done after you've gotten to know them extremely well and both parties' parents know and are involved. It doesn't need to be on your public profile, and it shouldn't be on your public profile. I want your social media experience to be as enjoyable as possible, I don't want you feeling like you have to constantly keep an eye out for predators. But to keep yourself as safe as possible, don't purposefully make that information public. It's simple, but it’ll help you avoid so much potential stress.

Please stay safe.

[giaourtopita]

Can I request a headcanon with the demon brothers/Simeon? I've recently gotten pretty attached to Luke and while the chihuahua joke is admittedly pretty funny, and I like the brotherly dynamic they can have, sometimes things get taken too far or he's mistreated (not just teasing, like actual emotinal and neglectful damage) in game and nothing's really done about it. How do you think they'd react if after MC sees them mistreating Luke a bit too much (intentionally or not because I don't think they're actually trying to hurt him) MC sides with Luke and says that when the boys are hurting Luke, they're also hurting MC because MC was treated similarly as a kid

mc stands up for luke

hi! thank you for requesting! honestly my requests are taking so long because i have in person classes again and i can't use my phone now as much to write. i'm really sorry they're taking so long! i did mini fics for each character because it felt more fitting btw! i did mammon and levi and satan and asmo together! i really hope this is good enough!

warnings: implied bullying, confrontation (not anything too much tho), gn mc, angst, fluff(ish).

*mc noticed immediately the change in how he was reacting and talking when the brothers joined them. simeon noticed too but all he said was that he doesn't need to take them so seriously. almost as if simeon doesn't realise that he's a child and it's hard to react like an adult when you're not one.*

*during lunch time, all the exchange students were sitting together bouncing from topic to topic. soon enough the brothers joined them. most of them almost immediately started calling luke chihuahua, even though he didn't say anything to them.*

mc: come on, let's skip the rest of the classes.

*mc whispered to luke after noticing that he wasn't feeling okay anymore.*

luke: but what about lucifer and the rest?

mc: they'll be fine, don't worry! take your stuff and we'll leave once the bell rings, okay?

*luke nodded and waited to hear the bell so he could leave with mc, he wasn't sure why they wanted to skip the rest of the classes with him but he was sure it would probably be better if he went with them. he would rather be with them than have all the demons calling him names and purposefully annoying him.*

*once the bell rang, mc and luke acted as if they were going to their respective classes but at the last minute both left. they managed to leave rad with no one noticing them leaving.*

mc: do you want some ice cream? it'll be my treat!

luke: sure!

*luke and mc walked for a few minutes until they reached madame scream's. thankfully after the exchange program had been such a huge success a lot of shops started selling some of the most basic human items so luke and mc were able to get some human world flavours, strawberry for luke and  chocolate for mc to be more specific.*

mc: so you don't feel comfortable around the brothers, right?

luke: yeah, they keep making fun of me, they tease me and they're also demons so... and they make me feel really bad, simeon doesn't think it's so bad but...

mc: i really don't think them being demons is the problem, you get along with barbatos just fine!

luke: yeah but still, i don't like being around them.

mc: i understand, i'll talk to them. don't worry, i'll make it sound like you didn't tell me anything!

*luke just nodded and continued eating his ice cream. after both were done, he and mc decided to go to the house of lamentation to bake so luke could have some fun after their talk.*

*after all the brothers returned, lucifer was visibly mad at mc. not only did they skip school but they also didn't tell him anything, he was worried the whole time. he couldn't say anything to lord diavolo though, admitting that he failed at something always makes him feel bad, it's a pride thing after all.*

lucifer

*he stormed in mc's bedroom to scold them, since that's all he can do to them as a punishment but before he could say anything mc started talking.*

mc: can you stop calling luke a chihuahua and teasing him? it was funny in the beginning but now it got old and all it does is hurt him and me too...

*lucifer's facial expression softened, he was ready to disagree but as soon as mc told him it hurt them too he dropped it.*

lucifer: you too? what happened?

mc: i was just treated similarly as a kid and i don't want that for him. i'm fine now though so don't worry too much. just don't tease him, he's still a young angel so he can't not react like a child.

lucifer: i will stop, i can't promise anything for my brothers but if you talk to them they'll probably understand. demons aren't as emotionally intelligent as humans so thank you for telling me.

*mc gave lucifer a hug and left the room to go talk to the rest.*

mammon & leviathan

*next was mammon and levi, mc remembered the two were planning on stopping by anidaemon so levi could buy a few new games they could both play without mammon getting scared during jumpscares.*

*mc knocked on levi's door where both him and mammon were. they said levi's secret phrase before entering.*

*mammon and levi were both finishing a level when mc paused the game. the demons were both starting to complain but mc stopped them from talking using the pacts.*

levi: why did you do that? we were about to finish the level!

*mammon nodded in agreement with levi.*

mc: i wanted to talk to both of you. mammon, you probably noticed when i left school early right?

mammon: of course i did! i was so worried that ya left, i called you like two hundred times!

levi: what was it that you wanted to talk about?

mc: i had a talk with luke and i want you to stop making fun of him and calling him names. it doesn't make sense when you do it, your brothers do it to both of you so i expected you to be more understanding, especially since he's so young. please stop doing that, he's too young to feel so bad and... it hurts me too because i was treated this way too.

*both brothers give each other a look before saying anything.*

both: we're sorry.

mammon: i'll stop, actually we will both stop doing that.

levi: yeah, it's not very fair to treat him like that.

mc: you're both the best!

*mc gave them a big hug and left the room to go talk to the next brother they could find.*

satan & asmo

*these two were hanging out in asmo's room, the fifth eldest was painting satan's nails and they were chatting and laughing.*

*mc walked in unannounced, asmo doesn't mind when mc does it so he didn't say anything.*

mc: hi! uhm, i came here to talk to you both.

satan: is it about you leaving rad early today? because i noticed...

mc: yeah, it's about that.

asmo: oh sweetie, i hope we didn't do something to upset you!

mc: you kind of did actually... i want you to stop making jokes at the expense of luke. you're making him feel awful, you're adults and you should be more understanding.

mc: it feels wrong and he's a child and the way you're acting hurts me too so if you care about me stop doing it, for my sake at least.

*asmo stops painting satan's nails and comes closer to mc, he hugs them and apologises for his behaviour. satan gets up to do the same but realizes that his nails are freshly painted.*

satan: i'm sorry that i made you feel this way, it wasn't my intention.

mc: it's okay, i just hope luke's mood improves a little after you all stop.

*satan was still standing, not knowing what to do so instead of giving them a hug like asmo did, he kissed them on the cheek.*

mc: i'll go now, uh, satan this shade of green looks very good on you! asmo you really know your colours!

*both brothers laughed as mc left the room.*

beelzebub

*mc entered the twins room knowing that beel was probably working out. he was listening to music very loudly, he didn't notice mc walking in so he got startled.*

beel: ah, mc you scared me!

mc: i'm sorry, i didn't mean to do that. can you take a break from working out? i need to talk to you.

beel: sure!

*the demon sat in his bed, next to mc.*

mc: so, you know how your brothers keep calling luke names, right? i know you don't really do it but if they do say mean things to luke could you, maybe, stop them?

mc: i know he keeps calling you demons in a demeaning way but i have the feeling that that's all he knows. maybe if you stopped he would also stop.

mc: and there's this other thing too...

beel: what other thing?

mc: you see, i was also treated like that as a child by adults and it really messed me up. i don't want that for luke.

beel: i'm sorry that happened to you, i will apologise to him the next time i see him.

*mc gave him a kiss on the cheek and they left the room.*

belphegor

*since he wasn't in his room, he's either at the planetarium or the attic. mc looked for him at the planetarium, but he wasn't so they stormed off in the attic to talk to him.*

*he was sleeping on the bed, he looked so comfortable mc almost didn't want to wake him up. they tried to wake him up by talking to him but they figured, he would probably wake up if mc kissed him. quickly they put the hair on his forehead to the side and kissed him. he woke up immediately.*

belphie: w-why did you wake me up?

mc: i want to talk to you about luke.

*belphie sat at the top of the bed and mc put their hand over his shoulders.*

mc: could you stop making fun of luke? it makes him and me feel bad. i was treated the same way when i was younger and ultimately it made me feel uncomfortable around adults. so, can you stop? it was funny in the beginning but you all took it too far.

belphie: sure, less effort for me i guess. and mc, i'm sorry for making you feel like that, it wasn't my intention.

*mc didn't say anything, they just pulled the covers over the demon, kissed him on the forehead again and left to talk to the final person they have in mind.*

simeon

*mc left the house of lamentations, they were extra careful as they were going outside alone.*

*once they got to the purgatory hall, they were finally able to let their guard down.*

*they said hello to luke and solomon, who were hanging out in the living room, they were told that simeon was in him room so that's where they went.*

*they knocked on the door, simeon welcomed them in and closed the door.*

mc: i want to talk to you. it's about luke.

simeon: what is it?

*mc took a deep breath before saying anything.*

mc: okay so, i know you're doing your best as luke's guardian but when the demon brothers make fun of him could you take him more seriously? it's a little neglectful that you're not defending him and at times it's as if he tries to act like an adult to make them stop, but since no one takes him seriously they usually just continue doing that. i talked to all of them and they told me they will stop but i needed to talk to you too. see, i was treated the same way as a child by adults who were supposed to take care of me and i know how he feels so please...

simeon: yeah, of course i understand. i didn't really notice because he keeps making fun of the demons so i thought it was like an inside joke but thank you for telling me.

*simeon gave mc a tight hug.*

simeon: would you like it if i walked you back home?

mc: yeah, sure i'd love that!