#oh so my tags just cutting off the final letter like that? i will not be correcting them 😡

[joelsflower]

you’re so vain | eddie alden x f!reader

you and eddie are roommates and work at the same newscast… but the news aren’t the only things you’re reporting together.

or

some moments sfw and nsfw between you and your ‘friend’ eddie

warnings: sexual and romantic tension, eddie is a munch, they love each other but won’t admit, funny silly goofy moods, pussy eating in public/work place (the door was locked no one saw it), protected piv… while it’s raining outside… and you make love while still not admiting your feelings… the fwb drill we all know and love

a/n: hmmm did someone ask for… fwb!eddie? ☝🏼cause i did!!!

wc: probably around 2.3k i wrote it here sorrys !

the pictures are from this post and this post by @divinesols (both highly recommended as moodboards for this btw!) and i couldn’t find the creator of the gif :/ if anyone knows pls let me know so i can tag!

🗞️🗞️🗞️

“And… cut!”

“We had a bigger audience tonight. Looks like you’ve finally managed to draw the public’s attention.” You handed Eddie a smirk and a cup of coffee while he took off his earphones.

“I always draw attention, baby” he took it and winked at you, taking a sip but immediately making a face of disgust indicating the sugar that was not there.

You knew exactly how he wanted it, but you loved pissing him off.

“And you always brings me the coffee the way you know I don’t want it,” he said as he paced to the studio’s kitchen, followed by your fast steps behind him.

“Ops! And I don’t always bring you coffee, I jus-“

“You just happened to be passing by the coffee shop. Mhmm. I know,” he mocked your tone and expressions, “and you also just happen to be thinking of me all of the time, hm?” He pinched your nose.

You gave him an annoyed look, “well, the world doesn’t revolve around you, Mr. Alden!” You said jokingly, pronouncing the “Mr. Alden” with very much cursive letters.

“Don’t call me that… At least not here.” You were always impressed by the way Eddie could manipulate the look in his eyes to translate exactly what he was thinking about. And, 99,9% he was only thinking about one thing.

Sex.

“Oh I’m not calling you that anywhere, believe me”

“Hmm, cause you rather scream my name, huh?” He raised his brows at you in a funny way, using his arms to cage your body between his and the kitchen counter while swaying a little, making you laugh in that way he loved; when your eyes squeezed together and your head hanged back with a big grin on your lips.

He just loved seeing you happy, specially if he was the reason. When was he going to admit it to you? Probably never.

“Eddie, Jesus! Not here!” Now both of you were laughing unglued his hands from your sides and pushed him away, giving him light taps on the chest.

“Alden, newsroom wants to see you.” Someone from the staff peaked from the door, causing your bodies to distance from each other at the speed of a Formula 1 car, him pretending to still put sugar on the coffee and you weirdly looking for something in the sink.

“I’ll be there in a minute, thank you,” he nodded his head, “wait for me tonight,” he smirked and taped your bum lightly, making you jump.

“Oh yeah bet on it,” you gave him a teasing tone.

“I’ll be watching you,” Eddie motioned his point and middle fingers from his eyes to yours, already by the door.

“That’s cause I always draw attention!”

🗞️🗞️🗞️

“Oh… fuck-“, you tried your best to whisper half of the depravations that were slipping from your lips and to swallow the other half that were stuck in your throat.

But it was very hard when Eddie had you sitting by the end of his desk, skirt up and legs spread wide upon his shoulders so his head could sit perfectly between them.

“So sweet, princess,” his praises were muffled against your throbbing clit, both of his hands hardly squeezing the sides of your thighs. He spent the whole morning dreaming about the taste of your pussy, and by lunch he couldn’t wait anymore.

“W-we have five minutes, Ed,” your worried little mind kept you looking every 5 seconds towards the foggy glasses on his door, but this time got interrupted by your eyes screwing shut and your mouth hanging open in a silenced cry when Eddie quit the sucking in your bud to fuck your hole with his tongue.

“I- we-,” every time you tried to say something and your words died in muffled little moans and cries he sucked and fucked harder. Eating you out was for sure one of Eddie’s favorite things and making you come when you couldn’t scream or cry freely was like a reward for his tiring day.

Having the opportunity to give you pleasure and piss you off at the same time? He was in.

“C’mon baby, cum on my tongue, hm? Wanna taste my girl,” he used two of his fingers to spread your wetness all over your center before nuzzling his head back again, nose stimulating your clit while his tongue entered you hungrily, in and out, in and out, the vibrations of his moans exploding fireworks in your veins.

The man was devouring you.

You came in a quiet moan, fingers gripping Eddie’s roots while his nails dig in your upper thighs and his face drowned in your cunt. He sucked and lapped you clean, until you were too sensitive to bear anything else, “fuck, thank you, baby. Here,” he gave you a paper tower from the adjoining bathroom he had in his office and helped you put your panties and skirt back. If you didn’t already knew all too well the smirk he had on his face you’d think by that he was something that he actually wasn’t.

A gentleman.

But deep, down, he was. For you, at least.

“Can you stand?”

“You have done better performances”

“Oh of course. ‘oh, fuck! Eddie! so good! we have 5 minutes!’” he joked while pulling you in for a see you later hug and a kiss on the cheek before you could run away from him, “thanks, bub. Best lunch ever”

“You’re disgusting,” you laughed, pushing his chest and stepping towards the door.

“If I was I wouldn’t have your pussy all over my face now, would I?”

“Disgusting,” you mouthed and closed the door, not giving him time to fry your braincells that had just started working again.

🗞️🗞️🗞️

“Shhh. Almost there, baby. You can take it, just a little more”

“So good,” you whispered, the words slipping from your lips while the raindrops slipped down your window.

Your plan definitely wasn’t to end up under Eddie tonight, but the thunderstorms got louder than you thought they would. And as it always happens between the two of you, one thing led to the other, and…

“Fuck- found your spot, pretty girl? So good t’me,” Eddie was fucking you tonight. You didn’t know if it was because of the rain painting your frames with the moonlight, the fact that it’s been a little while since you’ve slept together or if he found it cute every time you shivered and gripped his biceps cause a thunder was a bit too loud.

His cock was nestled deep inside your walls, messaging your favorite spots with each thrust. He was going slow, fierce, calculated, and he had all the patience in the world.

You could feel him everywhere.

From his fingers in your scalp to his hot tongue slow dancing with yours to every vein rubbing your walls deliciously. Sometimes his dick split out because of how wet you were together and he didn’t even bother, he kept fucking your clit with his tip, up and down, up and down, making you see stars until he felt you couldn’t take it anymore and tucked himself back in. His words? Praises and praises and praises hanging from his lips like sugar. You’ve never felt so full and so… Adored.

“Yeah, c’mon princess, can feel your little pussy squeezin’ me. Think you can come now, baby?” Eddie slowed even more his pace to watch your face contort in pleasure while tears fell down your eyes, every pulse of your warm cunt around his cock sending him closer and closer to the edge. You came within seconds, nodding your head “yes” while your little pants and moans being muffled by his own, your mouths tangled while he came with you, filling the condom you help him put earlier on.

Both of you had - intentionally - little to no sex like that; but it happened. And when it happened, it was usually because you either lost yourselves or one needed so much. You tried not to be too much in your head about it, but it was difficult when Eddie kissed your forehead and played with your head, still inside you.

He didn’t want to go, either.

“You don’t look so afraid of the noises now,” he tried to break the silence between you, knowing very well it wasn’t the awkward or comfortable types, but the emotional kind.

“The rain stopped,” you let out, with tears still leaking from your eyes.

“And are you sad about it?” he dried them from your cheek.

You smiled, “fuck you.”

“You just did,” he stared at you for a bit, caressing your cheeks as your eyes stopped watering and the last raindrops flowed down the window.

“Stay? It might rain again…”

You lifted your pinky between your bodies, “just this time,” and he embraced your smaller finger with his, “just this time.”

But both of you knew it wasn’t just this time.

It would rain again.

🗞️🗞️🗞️

When your keys turned on the locket the last thing you expected was to meet Eddie eating ice cream directly from the pot at home 20:17pm on a friday.

Sitting on the counter.

Shirtless.

“…What are you doing here?”

“Uh.. I live here? I should be the one asking you that,” he motioned the spoon in your direction.

“Eddie, it’s 20pm on a friday,”

“Actually, it’s 20:17pm on a friday”

Yeah you weren’t doing this tonight.

“Fine, whatever.”

“Hey, what’s that?” His tone was softer, he always knew when you had a bad day.

And good ones too. And any kind of day you have had and exactly how he should react to it.

“Just… Pierce screamed at me again,” his eyes followed you as you took the wine glass out of the fridge.

“So… She did her job cause you weren’t doing yours…”

“Try again,” you poured a glass.

“She’s just a bitch who can’t let you do your work without complaining about whatever shit she caused”

“Bingo!” You swallowed the whole wine in one go, watching through the glass as Eddie’s hand reached for it and took it from you, “no no no, this will not help you.”

“And what will? Being dumped by a freshman college girl and Ice cream?”

He gave you a disappointed look but reached for your hands anyway, “come here,” he pulled you to his body, arms embracing you while you positioned yourself in between his legs, head resting on his chest and arms around his waist.

“You know what you really need?” His words were muffled on the top of your head.

“Hm?”

“To shut the fuck up”

“You shut the fuck up” now your words were muffled on his chest.

“I know you don’t mean it. You love me.”

“Sure”

And actually you sure as hell did. And he loved you too. When were you going to admit it to each other?

Probably never.

🗞️🗞️🗞️

[tiffanybluesclues]

Every week someone makes a post about how annoying it is that Dick Grayson fans don't acknowledge his flaws, and every week someone replies with an explanation that the flaws OP listed are entirely fanon and inconsistent with canon as it actually happened and at this point I have to assume that none of those explanations are ever going to stick because clearly some people just want the fanon to be true.

Anyway, I'm just putting this here for me to edit and add relevant-to-the-topic links later so I'll have them nicely at hand to read and sooth my frustrations when it gets real bad out there. (Echo chambers are good when we use them to drown out character mischaracterizing fanon.)

[kedsandtubesocks]

your favorite kryptonite

Comic Bookstore Owner!Dieter Bravo x F!Reader

summary: you think it should be illegal for someone this hot to work at your favorite comics & fandom shop

warnings/tags: 18+ ONLY, MDNI. non canon AU. Dieter as a big fandom nerd (affectionate), brief one sided annoyance to lovers, mentions and discussions of various medias including marvel, video games & anime/manga, light use of gendered language, moment of harassment from a creep, Dieter cosplaying surprise, spicy themes, reader wears Dieter’s robe but no physical description is mentioned, light drug use (marijuana), silly chaotic but sweet!Dieter

word count: 4.3k

a/n: So I’m back with another wacky AU LOL this is my love letter to all things wonderfully nerdy & to nerd Dieter who in my heart i believe is totally a Kakashi and Goku fanboy lol the biggest thanks go out to @perotovar & @burntheedges who helped championed this and gave me the power up strength to continue, so grateful for y’all babes! And to you reading this thank you so much ♡

The new mecha anime figurines immediately draw your attention. Their sharp beautiful sleek designs stand impressively and although you might not be a huge fan you admire the striking style.

You’ve been coming to Atomic Planet Shop since your best friend dragged you here in high school years ago. Containing a wide range of things like a whole area to flip through comics, to a wall of Japanese manga - it’s a nerd’s paradise.

Currently you search for a birthday gift to get your best friend and maybe snag a treat for yourself.

“Oh, a fan of Gundam I see.” An eager and new voice calls from behind.

Turning back you discover someone slinking out from behind the register. Normally Raymond, the sweet older man who runs the store, would be here. But now someone new stands in his place and you’re stunned.

The guy emerging from behind the counter is gorgeous.

Scruffy beard, fluffy hair, wearing earrings and rings on his hand, he’s hot. The shirt he wears says “Wolverine Call Me” in a heart shape. His deep chocolate even eyes seem to dance curiously.

“Uh, just looking.” You politely reply.

“Whatcha looking for?”

You explain how you’re here looking for a birthday gift for your friend.

“Oh nice.” He nods appreciatively.

While you’re turned, giving this new worker your attrition, you finally notice the glass shelf behind the register.

Your eyes go wide fast at what you spot.

“Is that a new Stardew Valley cookbook?” You can’t even process the words, you’re still in awe at the sight. Precious little drawings fill the space to show familiar dishes, like pink cake and lucky lunch, from the game. It’s gorgeous and so unique.

“Oh hell yeah, you a fan?” The mystery man exclaims. “You know we have a whole little-”

“Video game section off to the side. Yeah.” You warmly cut him off.

Originally the store had been very comics and graphic novel focused. However over the years it’s evolved to add more fandom-like elements and now there’s even a small but impressive video game focused area.

A sweetly surprised look falls over the guy’s face and it paints him utterly charming.

“So who’s your go-to spouse in SDV?” He asks, wiggling his eyebrows.

You tell him and he nods sagely.

“I always go for Krobus. Gotta respect our cute sewer dweller.” He says.

While you laugh a flutter scurries across your heart.

A ring at the door chimes in breaking your sweet conversation and a cluster of guys walk into the store.

“Guess I’ll get back to birthday gift hunting.” You smile at the cute worker then return to the comic stacks.

Flipping through the different series and passing through many fun options, you catch the conversation off to the side.

The pack of young guys that walked in seem to know the cute worker and snicker with him about something.

“Oh yeah man, so I was rewatching Endgame the other day and the part where Scarlet Witch goes one on one with Thanos? Unrealistic!” One of them cackles and you pause.

Did they not even see or know about how powerful she’s confirmed to be in the other MCU projects? Even then, in the comics Scarlet Witch flat out changes the trajectory of reality. If anything Thanos is only strong because he got lucky.

But you hold your tongue and continue scanning through the comics.

These guys are probably just punk ass kids. You don’t want to waste your energy on these guys who probably also hate on other characters like Shuri and Carol Danvers.

Now the cute store worker scoffs amused but doesn’t correct them. Your face scrunches up.

You thought he was charming, maybe a bit eccentric, like a 90’s vibrant Lisa Frank vibe. Yet now your skin crawls just a little bit thinking he might be one of those unfortunately toxic gatekeeping jackass guys.

You decide to leave now. You still had time to look for a birthday gift for your best friend. So you’ll just come back later. Without a second glance to the cute worker, you slip out and wonder about maybe checking out another store.

Of course, you’re too tired to actively look for another store. The next time you return to Atomic Planet, you pray Raymond is there.

You’re excited and almost relieved to see the familiar eccentric older man smiling toothy at you from behind the counter.

“Well, you’re a wonderful sight for sore eyes!” He greets you and happily you catch up and chat with him.

Suddenly a chaotic bang clamors in. The handsome worker from last time tumbles out from the back room into the front as if he tried to rush over.

“Dieter man, what’s the rush?” Raymond laughs.

Dieter. So that’s his name.

The guy, Dieter, this time wears a Naruto shirt under a sleepy and cozy green robe. His hair is still fluffy and you don’t miss how wide eyes stare at you.

“Hey.” You politely but curtly reply.

“Hi.” Dieter waves and you hate how cute he looks.

“By the annoyed look on your face, I take it you’ve met this new headache.” Raymond chuckles and embarrassment rams into you knowing your annoyance is that obvious.

“Don’t worry, he’s harmless.” Raymond waves. “He cries when he watches My Neighbor Totoro.”

“Hey what the fuck!” Dieter cries and you press your lips together trying not to laugh.

“Just ignore him, honey.” Raymond winks and you grin wide.

After thanking him, you head back to the birthday gift search. Searching now through the manga selection you notice something moves by the corner of your eye.

Turning to the side, a large Totoro plushie floats beside you obviously being held up.

“Please don’t be mad at me.” A high pitch tone acting as the adorable creature's voice speaks out and your lips twitch.

From the side Dieter pops his head out.

His hair, rivaling a bird's nest, creates a cloud around him and his wide doe-like eyes peeking out are so hard to be fully annoyed at.

“You know,” he now fully speaks in his voice, moving to hold the large adorable plushie in his arms. “Never got your name.”

“You have my full permission to beat his ass if you need to, dear.” Raymond yells dully from the cash register and Dieter squawks horrified.

You laugh bright. Turning to the side you see Dieter already holds his hand out. The half crooked grin on his face paints him so boyish.

“Name’s Dieter.”

You shake his hand, finally giving him your name.

“So, do you really think Scarlet Witch can’t take on Thanos?” You offer light.

Dieter sighs loud. “I knew those guys and what we were talking about might’ve pissed you off.”

So he was watching you. That brings in a curious warmth that courses through you.

“Well I do apologize.” He bows his head a bit. You at least appreciate that.

“I bet those guys are the same ones that don’t like Carol Danvers either or even know that Squirrel Girl defeated Thanos.” You add a bit snippy.

“You know your shit, I like that.” Dieter replies proud and the way his voice drips out smooth does something dangerous to your heart.

You shrug but fight off the smug grin threatening to mirror his.

“Maybe you need to go Gandalf on my ass and teach me a thing or two, like maybe over coffee?” Dieter offers and you’re knocked out.

So he feels this spark, chemistry or whatever it is, between you too.

“Maybe,” you reply back with a grin. “For now I gotta get back to gift shopping.”

“You still haven’t found your friend a gift?! Geeze, what kind of bestie are you?!” He cries out teasing and you roll your eyes.

It’s getting harder staying annoyed with him and not taking up his offer to get coffee.

You eventually decide on a comic art book for your friend and then spot the assorted mystery box trinkets to maybe snag a few for her and even for yourself.

“I know everyone says Goku would beat the fuck out of Thanos, but you know who else would too without breaking a sweat?” Dieter’s voice again arrives at your side. He’s rather persistent, your cute, slightly not so annoying gnat.

“Sailor Moon.” He answers himself sagely.

“Yeah, you’re right.” You snicker amused.

He practically beams besides you when you agree.

You ask if he’s a fan.

“Oh hell yeah! Sailor Venus is my fav.” Dieter cries. “I can sing the entire song theme opening for you if you’d like. Not to brag, but that and the second Naruto theme opening are my go to karaoke songs.”

You laugh, feeling it deep into your bones. He’s chaotic, but unbearably endearing.

In a blink, a rush comes in all at once. The fun sweet bubble you had been cultivating deflates and you hate how disappointed you get seeing Dieter scramble to try and work.

When you go check out, you’re surprised he’s the one at your register.

Even though he’s focused on working you don’t miss the way his eyes flicker up to you shyly but with a confident smirk. He turns to fully gift wrap the items knowing they’re going to be a present and you thank him for that.

When you grab your bag he gives you a smooth wink and you playfully glare at him.

Later at home, when you unpack everything, you find an extra surprise in the bag.

It’s a small box of strawberry pocky snacks you know you didn’t buy.

There’s a sticky note attached to it.

A sweet treat for a sweet customer! ( ˘͈ ᵕ ˘͈ ♡)

Call me if you ever wanna get coffee or just talk nerd shit and make me absolutely fall even harder for you

Underneath the message, he left you his number and you can’t believe it. After squealing about it with a few of your friends, you text him.

Dieter replies back quick with the funniest excited cat reaction meme and you realize you might be in the best kind of trouble with this guy.

— . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.—

You didn’t expect the convention to be this crowded. Chatter fills the air as cosplayers move all around.

The booths stretch endless with countless tempting merch.

Your best friend tried to get you to plan a fun cosplay with her. However neither you or her could decide on what to pick in time. Now you're gladly comfortable in an everyday outfit and simply allow yourself to be in awe at the intricate lovely costumes.

While scanning the convention and taking in the beautifully controlled chaos in, you also hope to catch sight of someone in particular.

“Dude, stop trying to look for your hot nerd boyfriend.” Your best friend snorts and your heart trips over itself.

Embarrassed, you chide her and remind her that Dieter isn’t your boyfriend.

“Oh yeah because texting a guy everyday for the past month and going to cute cat cafes with him isn't dating.” She deadpans with a smirk.

You playfully glare at her.

It’s not official and you don’t want to rush whatever this is with Dieter. You haven’t even been to his place yet. You don’t mind though. You’ve just been enjoying getting to know him more.

You learn Dieter’s favorite video game is Hollow Knight and his favorite anime is Neon Genesis Evangelion.

His favorite comic book villain of all time is the Condiment King.

Matcha flavored Kit Kats have become his newest obsession session.

He saw all the Lord of the Rings movies in theater and can practically quote The Two Towers. Still has the comic book his best friend in middle school gave to him. Also refuses to let any of his Animal Crossing villagers leave because he’s so attached to them.

Dieter had made you laugh more than you can count, but he can be a bit ridiculous.

Like when he called you after he got off a late closing night shift to ask if Pacific Rim was real did you think the Kaiju monsters would maybe stop attacking if they found out how much he loves them.

Dieter does have his headache moments, but he’s an endearing kaleidoscope of a soul.

Earlier this week when you visited him at the shop, he said he was going to be here at the conversation. But with how bad the convention center’s wifi is, you haven’t been able to contact him.

“He even said he was coming in cosplay just for today right? Any ideas what he’s showing up as?” Your best friend wiggles her eyes while you and her stroll down an artist alley.

“No!” You huff still upset. “He said he wanted it to be a surprise.”

While you appreciate him wanting to wait for a dramatic reveal, you wanted to know what his outfit was from the minute he told you.

You wanted to maybe try dedicatedly searching for him, but you get completely enthralled by the mass amounts of merchandise delightfully distracting you.

You spot incredible fan art pieces, adorable handmade keychains, and very expensive but beautiful figurines.

It’s like a mini wonderland.

Checking out the cute earrings at the stall you’re at, you lose sight of your best friend. When you turn to excitedly talk with her, that’s when you spot it.

She’s a few steps away, very politely trying to inch away from a guy, dressed in a Deadpool suit without the mask on. He’s talking way too aggressively and getting way too close to your friend.

Immediately you rush over and happily jump in.

“I gotta show you this!” You thankfully have the best excuse to pull her away.

But the guy only takes it as an opening to instead follow you both now.

“Just ignore him.” Your best friend whispers to you.

You and her continue to stare at the jewelry. Yet the guy remains. He continues his discussion and seems to get upset that you or your friend aren’t replying. It’s creepy and persistent especially with how he refuses to budge or take the hint.

You try lightly deflating the situation by apologizing and saying you and your friend just want to enjoy shopping.

“Oh, is shopping all you two came here for? You know, you fucking losers aren’t even in cosplay. Fake ass fans.”

Now he gets really aggressive.

The air and tension shift. The poor cute shop owner in her adorable R2D2 dress even reacts getting upset.

“Look, we just wanna enjoy the con.” Your best friend replies sharp with a hard scowl.

“What in the fantastic fuck do we have here?”

Suddenly Dieter’s voice rings out excited and bright and you almost sob.

You whip your face around to spot him.

Except it is and isn’t him.

His hair is slicked back, gelled and curled. Thick gray colored hairs line his temples. It even looks like he shaved a bit.

He’s dressed as Reed Richards, Mr. Fantastic himself.

The outfit looks based on the classic 1960’s first comic book released aesthetic and it compliments Dieter’s frame gorgeously. His shoulders look unbelievably broad and his even arms seemed bigger in the tight soft baby blue material. You’ve never seen him in something so form fitting and it has your throat drying up.

You’ve even momentarily forgotten about the guy bothering you and your best friend.

“You bothering these two, ya fucking creep?” Dieter says with a nudge of his chin.

It’s hot as fuck.

The guy stunned gapes like a fish and stammers, but no words come out.

“Beat it before I shove a lightsaber up your ass.” Dieter replies bored, but it adds a sense of deadliness to his words.

The Deadpool cosplayer turns on his heels and immediately scrambles away. Your knees almost buckle overwhelmed.

Your best friend and even the stall owner cry out wildly excited in a bright neon awe of Dieter. You swallow back a sob as you turn to embrace him. His warm large hands pat you comfortingly.

“You saved us.” You teasingly sob, but truthfully you know he did.

“I’d been looking for you for a hot minute and was about to make some sort of raptor call noise to get your attention until I saw that shit going down.” Dieter explains.

“What a hero.” Your friend jokingly adds, but you hear it in her voice how grateful she is.

Dieter snickers.

“Guess you could almost say I was fantastic… mister fantast-”

You cut Dieter off with a quick kiss to his cheek before he can make the pun and your friend along with the stall owner laugh.

Gingerly, almost tentatively you move to intertwine your hand with his. He reacts immediately pulling you to his side.

For the rest of the convention Dieter stays besides you, walking hand in hand with you.

Even when you arrive at the booth for Atomic Planet, the real reason why Dieter was here to help work, Raymond waves him away saying to enjoy the convention with you.

Your heart flutters and Dieter squeezes your hand excitedly.

The rest of the time is a blissful geeked out dream. Dieter buys you a few keychains, even treats you and your best friend to a bite to eat.

You came to the convention with your best friend…

But you leave with Dieter.

Especially when your best friend urges you to go home with him and enjoy his hot cosplay.

You give her a look when she cheekily tells you that, but she isn’t wrong. Even when you grabbed the quick bite before the night ended, it was hard trying to ignore the amount of people turning to stare at Dieter with wide curious eyes.

And a little twinge of something faintly possessive bubbles in you.

That’s why when you slide into the passenger seat of his car, your heart drums loudly in your ears trying to fight against the urge to just suck his cock right here in the car.

“So uh…” Dieter begins cautiously and even a bit bashfully. “I don’t wanna sound too aggressive and you can tell me no, but can I kiss you-”

You don’t even let him finish before you’re sliding over the seat to him.

He scrambles and immediately pulls you close as his lips become a magnet to yours.

This is the first time you’re really truly kissing Dieter. You’ve kissed him gently good night before. He’s been cute with leaving kisses to your cheek or even against the back of your head like a Victorian gentleman. But now it’s a raw unraveling getting to tasting him from the source so greedy.

You won’t dare admit it outloud, but the soft feel of his lips, the scrape of his jaw, the smell of his delicious cologne, and how warm he consumes you -

It’s pretty fantastic.

— . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.—

Dieter’s room is a treasure trove.

Framed posters of Pacific Rim, AKIRA, The Iron Giant, and the original Pokemon Kanto generation line the walls. His bookshelf is filled not just with comic books and manga, but various impressive graphic novels.

A mock infinity gauntlet sits beside his television. So many anime figurines, including a really nice Goku one, stand protecting his reading collection.

What surprises you is his expansive and sleek gaming corner which includes a striking computer set up.

“You look hot as fuck standing in my robe and knowing I just came in you a few hours ago is even hotter.” Dieter says from his bed in the most sinful but half groggily asleep voice.

You smirk and continue to soak in his room.

“So do you get good discounts from the store?” You ask.

“Yeah, but it also helps that I co-own it.” Dieter casually tells you. You hear him shifting among the seats then catch the flicker of the lighter igniting.

However your eyes go wide realizing what he said and you whip back around to him.

“Wait?! You co-own the shop?”

“Well yeah, Raymond, that old fuck, is my uncle.” Dieter coughs out as he exhales from the hit he took off his weed pipe.

Dieter even explains how, because his uncle is starting to get a bit older, he decided to step in to help run the place.

“Besides, how else could I show off my extensive knowledge of elvish language other than at the shop?” He says proudly.

How did you just now learn this?

Dieter reminds you of a rubik cube you think you’ve finally figured out, think you found a groove for - until one out of the corners a jack in the box pops out.

Before you can even ask him about the shop or about his uncle, Dieter’s phone goes off.

The loud ringtone sings into the room and your eyes go wide hearing it. Dieter checks who’s calling then denies the call muttering out about how spam scam callers need to be fed to a sarlacc pit.

“Wait…is Cascada’s ‘Everytime We Touch’ actually your ringtone?” You ask, still not believing it.

“Fuck yeah it is, baby! That song is untouchable!” He cries and you can’t help but laugh.

Dieter smirks then pats the open spot on the bed where you had been resting before. Sliding back into the warmth with him, he gently pulls your face to him and kisses you softly.

The taste of the smoke lingers on his lips, but it’s still him beneath it all. You eventually wind up in his arms, cozy and warm in his embrace.

“I noticed the nice audio and mic setup.” You comment while his fingers draw aimlessly against your skin. “You trying to maybe go the YouTuber route?”

“Nah. Maybe. Who knows.” He shrugs. “It’s mainly for something else.”

Now his voice grows a bit distant.

You gently ask him what that something else is and Dieter fidgets

“Don’t… don’t laugh okay.” He mumbles adorably.

You reassure him earnestly you won’t.

He sighs.

“So I’ve been wanting to get into voice acting work.” Dieter reveals with a mutter, even sounding a bit embarrassed

However, you perk up so bright. Turning in his arms you eagerly smile at him.

“Di, that sounds amazing!” You mean those words.

You can’t help but ramble about how great he would be for that. He has the personality for it and he’s told you how he’s done some stage acting work. Plus, it just fits him. You think of all the silly voices he does and you hope now he can make this path a reality.

Dieter’s handsome face falls a bit and you stop. You wonder if you’ve scared him off, or maybe he thinks you’re possibly making fun of him.

You’re about to apologize when Dieter swiftly moves to kiss you feral and fierce. His tongue slides into your mouth with a moan you greedily swallow.

The conversation is put on pause when his hands slide up your thighs, straight to your core, and you fall apart with him once again.

Basking in the afterglow you rest against his chest now feeling sleepy, not even knowing what time it is. You realize being with Dieter is like existing in a realm a bit separated from reality sometimes and it’s beautiful.

“I don’t wanna be that lame guy,” Dieter begins. “But shit, I already really really kind of like you a fucking lot.”

Your lips fight back a smile you can’t beat. You turn to bury your face against his warm bared chest.

“I really kinda like you a lot too.” You admit.

“That’s unfortunate.” He replies and you snort.

“It’s okay. I only want the good discount on merch at the shop.” You reply cheekily.

“Aw! You don’t even want me for my body? Just my discount?!” He cries hurt and even jokingly moves to shove you off.

“Well.” Then he pauses. “Guess I could call my dick a discount, but then again… there isn’t anything short about that-”

You cut him off with an eye roll and he snickers wildly amused.

His fingers move to tickle you, to corrupt you into his same fit of giggles and you wheezing trying to squirm away from him.

Dieter’s hands eventually snake around you and draw you back into his chest. You melt against him willingly and even sigh comforted.

“Next time if we go to a convention, if you feel comfortable with it, you should cosplay.” He comments.

You admit that you’ve thought about it and list a few ideas you’ve had. But mainly, your mind thinks about the different outfits Dieter could go as.

The thought of him now as Doctor Doom instead of the heroic Reed Richards is a glorious thought.

But of course there’s so many other incredible options.

Dieter as Harvey or even Marlon from Stardew Valley.

Even a few anime characters that would fit him so well come to mind.

Specifically Kishibe from the series Chainsaw Man, with his striking cut across his mouth and incredibly lazy hot older demeanor, just fits Dieter so well it stirs something in you again.

“Maybe next con,” Dieter offers and pulls you from your thoughts. “I’m thinking about going as Tuxedo Mask. Do you wanna be my Sailor Moon?”

A couples matching outfit.

You didn’t even think of that. That’s what he was nudging towards.

You didn’t even think of that. But just getting to be beside him is something sweetly moving.

Then thinking about him in the sleek tuxedo outfit, in the white mask, is a dangerous thought you already ache to maybe see come true.

“We’ll see.” You hum with a smile, but when you go to kiss him it feels like a gilded warm promise.

“Never mind. I want us to go as Undertale characters and I wanna be Sans.” Dieter says suddenly and you snort against his shoulder.

This time spent with him, and the promise of maybe something more, is sweet starlit bliss.

[lily-fics-11]

The Girl Next Door: Chapter 6 (Hazel Callahan, Bottoms)

Fic master post here

Tag list: @avocifera, @academiareid, @fictionalgap @dynsdiary @sndixz @athenalive @lamoobsessions @eloud12

(feel free to comment to be added to taglist)

The Girl Next Door

You hadn't been close with your neighbor Hazel for years. But you find her beat up in the locker room after fight club and all of that changes

Chapter 6

Isabel and Brittany question you about Hazel. Your best friends can’t help but try and push you and Hazel together, and it seems to be getting to your head. It almost seems like Hazel is treating you like more than a friend?

Word count: 4.2k

CW: Profanities, not beta read

It’s Saturday night, at Brittany’s house, with her and Isabel. Brittany is painting your nails your favorite color when she notices the beaded bracelet on your wrist.

“H?” she questions. “Why the letter H?”

“Oh. The H. It’s for Hazel, actually,” you explain, avoiding eye contact and praying your face isn’t flushed.

“Are you guys like-” Isabel starts with clear excitement but you cut her off. “No, it's not like that. Like at all. Not even a little. We were always best friends, and now we are again.”

“Ok, fine, I guess. But we had no idea you two even knew each other until like a week ago. What happened between you guys because I’ve literally never seen you two interact with each other before now? Did you do something? Did she do something? Was it the both of you? Whatever happened had to have been bad, so why are things ok all of the sudden?” Isabel looks both confused and concerned. It makes sense why your best friend would be unsure of what to make of this confusing situation. You don’t even fully understand it yourself.

You take a deep breath before coming clean. “I’ve been in love with Hazel since middle school. But right when I realized I had feelings for her, she pushed me away, and I never knew why. I was in so much pain so I forced myself to move on. Make new friends, and eventually get into a relationship. But even though I had convinced myself otherwise, I’ve been in love with her the whole time. I found her bloody in the locker room after fight club one day and I couldn’t just leave her there like that. We ended up talking and reconnecting. I eventually confronted her, so she explained everything to me. I don’t want to share stories that aren’t mine to tell, but I will say that she just thought she was doing what was best for me. She apologized and I couldn’t help but forgive her. I know that Hazel never meant to hurt me, and I love her too much to pass up the opportunity to have her back in my life. All those years it felt like a piece of me was missing, and I finally had a chance to put things back together. I don’t have her the way that I want her, but it’s so much better than not having her at all.”

“Oh, wow.” Brittany takes a deep breath. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea you had been through all of that. But are you sure that this is worth it? Hazel is a sweetheart, and she would never do anything to hurt you on purpose, but are you going to be hurting yourself?” 

You run a hand through your hair and take a moment to think about it. This is kind of insane. You could potentially do some major damage to yourself. But there is nothing you want more than Hazel. “That’s a risk I’m willing to take.”

“Well if that’s the case I’m really happy for you. You guys would be so cute together.” Isabel claps enthusiastically.

You shake your head no at her. “Isabel, please, don’t get my hopes up like that. I have no reason to believe that she feels the same way about me. If anything I’ve got far more evidence for her not seeing me like that. I think she’s just happy to be friends again.”

“Hazel mentions you in the notes like all the time. Like way more than anyone else.” Brittany grins mischievously. You raise an eyebrow. “What do you mean?” 

“The notes she takes every meeting and emails to everyone. Do you not get them?” 

You wrinkle your nose and furrow your eyebrows. “I get them. I never noticed it. I'm sure you guys are exaggerating and didn’t even think about it until now.”

Brittany laughs. “We have been suspicious since the first time we saw you guys together. Do you not know what you look like when you look at her? Haven’t you seen the way that she looks at you?”

Isabel is quick to add “you guys started driving to school together even though you love your alone time, and remember that night you hung out at her house? You didn’t answer your phone for hours and that is so unlike you.”

Before you even get a chance to defend yourself Brittany throws at you what she believes to be some hard hitting evidence. “I have seen you guys fight each other. The sexual tension is so obvious. I have never seen two people pin each other to the ground so much. Especially not with that hungry look in their eyes.”

You are at a loss for words, so you close your eyes and flop backwards to lay down. Isabel pokes your leg. You don’t open your eyes but that doesn’t stop her from asking “were you there the day we were talking about celebrity crushes?”

“Nope.” You hear her giggle. “Well I didn’t make the connection until now, but you know that actress that everyone says you look like? That’s Hazel’s celebrity crush.”

You open your eyes and sit up, feeling defeated. “I’m sure it is just a coincidence.”

“You can believe what you want, but I’m still going to be shipping you guys so hard!” Isabel squeals.

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

Isabel and Brittany were not kidding when they said they would be rooting for you and Hazel. You appreciate their enthusiasm, but you would be mortified if Hazel noticed them giggling and watching you stand next to each other at the next fight club meeting. Isabel and Brittany’s eyes light up when you and Hazel are paired up for a fight. Your friend's stares were burning holes into the back of your head when you were on the ground straddling Hazel’s waist. This is only going to feed into their delusions. It seems useless at this point to hope they keep their eagerness in check.

It didn't take long for them to try and set you and Hazel up with each other, they took the first chance they got. You were unaware of their scheming until they approached you and Hazel at the end of fight club to see if you guys would want to get ice cream all together. “A little sweet treat before we all have to study for that math test tomorrow,” Isabel offers with a smile.

Brittany makes an excuse to take you with her in her car. “You forgot your shirt at my house, I need to give it back to you.” There was no shirt. Brittany just wanted to prepare you for what definitely isn’t a date, even though she seems to think it is. 

Brittany glances over at you while she is driving. “Do you want to fix your hair?” She asks.

You squint your eyes at her. “Uhh.. why?”

She playfully rolls her eyes. “Don’t you want to look nice for your date with Hazel?”

That makes you laugh. “Brittany, it’s not a date if she doesn’t know that it’s a date.”

“You know what I mean. I have a hair brush in the glove box. There’s also some lipstick in there if you want to use it.”

“I’m not going to try and impress a girl who doesn’t want to be impressed”

“But isn’t it worth trying?” Without answering you pull the brush and lipstick out of the glove box and flip down the mirror. 

Upon arrival, you and Brittany meet up with Hazel and Isabel before going inside. You enter first and approach the counter to order. After scanning your options you tell your friends “I can’t decide between cookies and cream and chocolate chip cookie dough.”

“Hey same!” Hazel smiles at you. 

“If neither of you can decide between them, why don’t you just get both and share?” Isabel teases. God Isabel, right in front of Hazel?

“Oh… I, uh…” you begin but Hazel cuts you off. “Sounds like a good idea, right?” she asks expectantly. You just nod and force a smile. As much as you have protested it, you would love for this to be a date. But it's not, and you need to keep your expectations in check. Once the ice cream Hazel had ordered for the two of you is ready, you pull out your wallet only for her to step in front of you and pay for the whole thing without even asking. You blush and look away, accidentally making eye contact with Brittany who mouths “date” to you. Your palm meets your forehead. You really are grateful that your friends are trying to help you out, but you are going to have to explain to them that getting your hopes up will only make things worse in the end. 

You intentionally sit next to Hazel, it will feel less romantic than being across from her. Not being able to stare longingly into her eyes is for the best. However, that didn’t keep you from questioning Hazel’s every move. Yes you were sharing food, but why did she sit so close to you? Seats nearly touching, practically shoulder to shoulder, knees brushing up against each other if moving more than an inch. Even worse, why did she put her arm around the back of your chair everytime she sat back to talk? Hazel talks a lot. If you weren't paying attention she would do it without you realizing and her arm would end up slung around your shoulders. You would sit there, absolutely mortified, while Isabel and Brittany failed to contain their excitement, though Hazel was none the wiser. You did your best to avoid looking over at her, that award winning smile and warm gaze far too easy to get lost in. 

About halfway through the bowls of ice cream Hazel excuses herself to the bathroom. 

Once Hazel is out of earshot Isabel slams her hands on the table and leans forwards. “Sooooooo…”

“So what?” You sigh. 

“Come on, you know what she means,” Brittany crosses her arms and grins.

You put your hands up in the air like you have been cornered by the police. “I can’t say that I know what you guys are talking about.”

“This date!” The two yell in unison. 

“Oh my god guys, could you please keep it down? I hate to break it to you, but if Hazel and I are on a date, then you two are on a date with each other. Just two best friends, eating some ice cream, that's all.”

“You are sharing ice cream!” Isabel exclaims, gesturing to the bowl in front of you. 

You run your hands through your hair. “Because you suggested it.”

Brittany points to Hazel’s chair. “You guys are sitting so close together.”

“Well we're sharing the ice cream.”

“She keeps putting her arm around you!” Brittany sounds exasperated. 

“You can’t ignore the way she looks at you!” Isabel pleads.

You put your hands down on the table in an attempt to further assert yourself. “If you keep getting my hopes up it's going to hurt even worse when she finally gets a girlfriend or in some other way makes it clear that she doesn't feel the same way.”

Brittany looks so disappointed. “We wouldn’t be trying to set you guys up if we didn't think there was something there.”

“I want this so bad,” slips out of your mouth as wild fantasies dance through your head. 

“Maybe it's time that you give this a chance,” Isabel timidly suggests. 

“I wouldn’t be opposed to it, but only if she took the lead,” you admit, nervously twisting your bracelet and averting your eyes. 

Isabel and Brittany’s eyes wander behind you, so with panicked eyes you sharply run your hand past your throat, signaling that this conversation is officially being cut off. 

Even though there is no way she could have known what had been discussed while she was gone, you are paranoid that Hazel somehow heard everything. You worry that the feelings left behind are written all over your face. Fortunately,  nothing goes wrong as you all finish eating.

After cleaning up you are the only one to sit back down at the table. The other girls look at you, confused. You tilt your head back and groan. “I do not want to go home and study for this test. It's going to be miserable.”

“Well how much have you studied so far?” Hazel questions.

“Not enough,” you sigh. Hazel steps towards you and takes your hand. You can’t even imagine how unfortunate the look on your face is right now. She pulls you up to your feet. “Just think,” she tries to encourage you,”by this time tomorrow it will be over, right?”

“Yeah, I guess you are right.” You concede, expecting her to let go of your hand at that point, but she doesn't. Hazel holds your hand all the way to the car, and doesn’t let go until she has opened up the passenger side door and you have made yourself comfortable.

You can hardly believe it, but maybe Isabel and Brittany are onto something? Like this is absolutely mind boggling and insane. Is this even possible, or a mere delusion? Furthermore, are you actually starting to get your hopes up? You are playing a dangerous game, but you reap what you sow.

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

Last night you studied like your life depended on it, and it was exhausting. In the morning you hit the snooze button as many times as you can without the risk of being late, sacrificing a part of your morning routine each time you slammed on the button to make the blaring noise stop. In the end you walked out the door without a stitch of makeup in the sweatpants and sweatshirt you wore to bed.

You meet Hazel in your driveway. When you unlock the car’s doors she gets in right away. You open the door but stop to groan and pout. “I really don’t want to do this,” you whine to Hazel and she smiles and shakes her head. “Oh neither do I.”

“Then why don’t we just skip? We could stay home and binge watch something,” you suggest, half serious and half not. 

Hazel sighs. “I literally couldn’t want anything more.” Your breath hitches. “But, we both studied so much that it would be a waste to miss the test. Not to mention that your mom would kill the both of us if she found out that we skipped school.” Hazel leans over the center console and reaches her hand towards you. You take it and let her pull you into the car. You are very aware of how you keep finding your hand in hers. Are you unhappy about this test? Obviously. Are you slightly exaggerating because it means Hazel might hold your hand? That’s not even a question. 

You hesitate to start the car, so Hazel gently places her hand on your thigh. She tilts her head to the side, carefully observing you with a dreamy look in her eyes. Her hand placement was more than enough to snap you out of your mood. But the way she was looking at you? That just might make you risk it all. You fight off the urge to lean over and steal a kiss from the girl you love. 

When you turn the key in the ignition you are expecting Hazel to pull away, so you are pleasantly surprised when she doesn’t. Previously, you would have shied away from moments like these, but Isabel and Brittany have really gotten inside of your head. 

“If you want you can come hang out at my place after school. We can watch an old movie.” Hazel proposes. 

You look over and meet her gaze and a smile spreads across your face. “I would love that.”

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

Hazel catches up with you on the way out of class after your test, putting her arm around your shoulders, causing a shock to your system. Though it’s a pleasant surprise, it isn’t easy to play it cool.

“So, how do you think you did?” Hazel smiles at you, looking at your… lips? You look down at your feet because you fear internal combustion, though still able to feel Hazel’s lingering gaze. 

You are so nervous that you stutter when you answer her question. “I-I um think I actually d-did well. How about you?”

“I’m going to be honest, I was a little distracted. I was thinking about, well, things. But I still think I managed to pull it off.” Despite her claims of having been distracted, she sounds rather excited and you can’t miss the opportunity to see that look on her face, so your eyes wander back up to meet hers. That cute goofy smile is more than enough to put all the stress from this test behind you. In all honesty, Hazel could erase just about anything from your mind. You know that your own expression must be mirroring hers. “Well I’m glad that you made it through okay.”

Hazel nods at you. “I’ve got to go but I’ll see you later?”

“Yeah of course.” 

Hazel pulls away from you, running her hand down your arm. The light graze of her fingertips momentarily lingers on your hand before finally drifting away and waving as she walks off. Hazel continues to look back at you until she stumbles into someone and has to turn her attention ahead of her.

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

When you get to Hazel’s house Mrs. Callahan is delighted to see you, and invites you to sit down with her. Hazel rolls her eyes and leans against the doorway with her arms crossed. You smirk as an image of what Hazel would look like doing THE lean crosses your mind. When you sit down next to Mrs. Callahan she slides a magazine over to you. 

“I want you to have this. You don’t have to look at it now, but there is a spread that starts on page 17, it’s from one of my favorite designers and every outfit would look absolutely amazing on you! Check it out when you get the chance and definitely keep this in mind the next time you want to do some shopping.” Mrs. Callahan is beaming at you. Hazel has always been a tomboy so she loved talking about fashion with you and would join you and your mom on shopping trips.

You thank her and then Hazel clears her throat, so you start to get up.

“Can I ask you a quick question?” Mrs. Callahan asks.

“Of course.”

She leans and whispers, just low enough for Hazel not to be able to hear, “you’ve put that ex girlfriend of yours behind you, correct?”

Your eyes widen, taken off guard by the personal question. “Oh yeah, she's no longer a part of my life,” you explain, doing your best to keep your voice down because it’s clear she wants this conversation to be private.

Mrs. Callahan looks satisfied and you can only assume that your mother had divulged the details of your tumultuous relationship. She continues with her hushed tone “you deserve much better than the way that girl treated you, honey. I don’t think you will have to look too far to find the right girl for you.” 

“We should head upstairs,” Hazel calls over impatiently. 

“I’m actually heading out now. I won’t be back until pretty late.” Mrs. Callahan informs you. Hazel grumbles a goodbye and you wave before she walks out the door.

“I’m going to put my stuff in my room, I’ll be right back,” she tells you before disappearing up the stairs.

After entering the living room a feeling of nostalgia washes over you. There are so many memories here of blanket forts, movie nights, and playing games. After leaving your things in the corner you sit down all the way to the side of the couch, right up against the arm rest. It’s not long before Hazel appears in front of you, “Do you know what you want to watch?” You suggest a movie and Hazel thinks it’s a great idea. 

She takes a seat in the center of the couch, as if to give you some space, while also testing the waters of trying to get close to you. You aren’t quite sure how you feel about this yet, but decide to live in the moment. While looking at the tv, out of the corner of your eye, you see that Hazel is watching you. She looks a little dazed, eyes soft, biting her lip. When you look over to her she quickly snaps her head towards the tv.

The movie is lighthearted but anytime you and Hazel look at each other the eye contact is intense. Whether you are laughing at a joke or reciting a quote in unison you kept getting caught up in the moment. The part of the movie you were reacting to would pass, but you would still be gazing into her beautiful eyes, and she would be staring right back. Then, the two of you would realize what you were doing and regain your composure. 

You start to feel cold so you get up to get the sweatshirt you have in your backpack. 

“Where are you going?” Hazel questions, and you peer over your shoulder at her. There is disappointment in her eyes, seeing you walk away.

“Just grabbing my sweatshirt,” you reassure her.

“Are you cold?” She asks, looking concerned, and you nod your head. 

“I’ve got a blanket right here, if you want to use that instead,” Hazel offers, gesturing to a blanket hanging over the back of the couch. 

“Uh, sure. Thanks.” You take your spot back on the couch and Hazel passes you the blanket. 

“I think I’m actually cold too, would you mind sharing?” She inquires, fixing her hair even though it looks fine. 

You blink rapidly, a little taken back. “No, not at all.”

“Is it ok if I, uh, sit a little closer? It would be easier to share,” Hazel asks, looking down and fidgeting with one of her rings. 

You nod your head at her once again, feeling nervously excited. Hazel slides over and when she said close she meant close, she left no space between the two of you. Shaky hands drape the blanket across your laps. You feel your heart pounding in every part of your body. Isabel and Brittany’s idealistic thinking has infected your brain. Should you make a move to see how she reacts or wait and see if she does? You decide to wait and see if she takes any initiative. You meant it when you said you wanted 

Hazel doesn’t leave you waiting for long. She rests her arm behind you, on the back of the couch, like she is inviting you into her. You obviously take the bait. There was no space to close between you but you lean your weight into her and rest your head on her shoulder. Hazel then wraps her arm around your waist, holding you against her. It all feels like a dream, breathing in her scent, feeling the warmth of her body next to yours. You are buzzing from the way her hand is firmly planted on your waist. Her voice is like a melody and her laugh is like a warm hug. You savor every moment with her.

After the movie is over, and you are getting ready to go, Hazel puts her hand on your arm. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to, but what did my mom whisper to you earlier?”

“Oh, she just asked about my ex.”

“She asked you about what?”

“My ex.”

“Sorry, I heard you the first time, I just can’t believe she would bring that up, I told her not to.” Hazel sighs.

“What do you mean that you told her not to? Have you been discussing my love life Hazel Callahan?” You laugh at her. You aren’t mad, just intrigued.

“Your mom had told my mom about your break up, so she came to me to try and get more information. She was really worried about whether or not you were ok. I told her that I wasn’t totally sure, because we hadn’t talked much about it. But she knows that I wanted us to be, uh, friends again, so she was very hopeful that you were in the right place for us to start a- I mean start over. My mom would bring you up from time to time over the years, hoping we would be friends again. When I explained to her that it was hard to tell whether or not you were also in, uh, the right place for that, she told me that we are meant to be, I guess friends, so the opportunity would present itself.”

You smile, feeling a flush across your face, knowing that Hazel has always intended to get you back in her life. 

“Well, I am doing ok. I know a lot has happened between us, but I have a feeling that things are going to work out the way they are supposed to.”

[steddieunderdogfics]

This week’s writer spotlight feature is: starryeyedjanai! @starryeyedjanai has 74 fics in the Stranger Things fandom and 60 of them are in the Steddie tag!

@steddieas-shegoes recommends the following works by @starryeyedjanai:

All things end and all things change.

what lurks beneath

nights like this

if i could hold you for a minute (i’d go through it again)

"Janai is one of those authors that can make absolutely anything hot. I could sit and talk for hours about how they characterize Steve and Eddie. I absolutely love everything they write and always make it a priority to open the AO3 email when the notification comes in!" -- @steddieas-shegoes

Below the cut, @starryeyedjanai answered some questions about their writing process and some of their recommended work!

Why do you write Steddie?

These two burrowed their way into my brain and just won’t leave. I can’t not write them when I am thinking about them literally all the time and am brimming with new ways for them to fall in love.

What’s your favorite trope to READ?

I’m kind of a sucker for steddie talking via notes, letters, etc. before they ever meet in person. There’s just something so special about them falling in love in unconventional ways before they ever meet in person that hits the spot, you know? I also just really love all the creative AUs that people come up with that I never would have thought of writing.

What’s your favorite trope to WRITE?

I love writing anything that has friends to lovers and especially if they are so, so stupid about it. Idiot4idiot my beloved. friends/acquaintances to lovers is So fun to explore because there are a million ways to do it. I love a good oh moment where things just click into place.

What’s your favorite Steddie fic?

It is So hard to pick just one!!! So i’ll list a few: One that I have reread a few times that I just really, really love is All I Do Is Want by novemberthorne. There’s just something really special about it—all the emotion in the beginning and then the smut which is just top tier. like a sack of bricks and literally anything by alligator_writes is great off the beaten path by pukner is also really, really great

Is there a trope you’re excited to explore in a future work but haven’t yet?

I have a fic idea that I've been thinking about for a while that involves alternate universes, like the metaverse, because if the Upside Down exists, there are probably other dimensions as well.

What is your writing process like?

It is honestly so variable. For the majority of my ficlets, I get an idea and just start hacking away at it intermittently until it’s done, so it’s safe to say that at any given time, I have like eight ficlets that are partially written. I never used to outline because I didn’t really write fics longer than around 5k, but since I’ve started writing longer fics, it is almost necessary for me to have an outline that hits all the major plot points because otherwise I will forget what I have planned. So for anything that I know will be longer than a ficlet, I’ll write out an outline, even just a few bullet points so that I can reference it when I’m writing and not lose sight of where the story is going. 

Do you have any writing quirks?

I use way too many em-dashes and my sentences are sometimes comically long, but the way I write is indicative of how fast my brain is moving, kind of. I typically headcanon Steve and Eddie to both have ADHD, so any fics in their points of view will have their thoughts coming out as fast as my own typically are. And sentence length and structure can really help convey that.

Do you prefer posting when you’ve finished writing or on a schedule?

I prefer posting once I’ve finished writing because my focus shifts around a lot and it sometimes takes a while for me to actually finish projects (like i had a fic that sat at 16k for months as I worked on other things that caught my attention and then I finally returned to finish the last couple thousand words six or so months later)

Which fic are you most proud of?

I am proud of all of my fics, but I really, really love how All things end and all things change. turned out. Some fics just come together so easily and this was one of them. I outlined the fic and let the idea marinate for a couple months and then I wrote ~20k in about a week and finished the fic.

How did you get the idea for All things end and all things change.?

This fic was for a holiday server exchange so my giftee gave me three prompts and I found ways to incorporate all of the prompts. I saw the prompt for mutual pining roommates and immediately knew I was going to write Eddie taking Steve home to Wayne over the holidays. I originally only planned on using that prompt, but the prompt for a snowy cabin getaway really called to me as I got further along in the fic and needed more tension between them. It was just a really excellent set of prompts.

When writing All things end and all things change., what was something you didn’t expect?

I did not expect it to get so long! My original estimate was 10k, but then I kept adding more to Wayne and Eddie showing Steve how special Christmas could be with people who care about him and then I added the cabin scene which added an easy 5k to the fic and then I was staring at what was, at that time, my longest complete fic. Wild.

What inspired what lurks beneath?

This honestly came out of left field for me because I had only ever written one other fic like it. I was doing kinktober for the first time and had a few different ideas for the prompt for that day and then I saw that the date of that prompt was Joey (@matchingbatebites)’s birthday and remembered her lake monster Eddie ficlet and instantly knew I wanted to explore a different version of lake monster Eddie.

What was your favorite part to write from if i could hold you for a minute (i’d go through it again)?

I really, really loved writing the flashes into the future at the end of the fic. Throughout the fic, there was some yearning and pining from afar and getting to write that everything works out in the end was cathartic.

How do/did you feel writing if i could hold you for a minute (i’d go through it again)?

Oh boy, this fic put me through the ringer. This was written for the steddie big bang and it was the first longer fic that I was attempting to write. I just had so many different ideas for this fic that it made it hard to choose the direction I wanted to go in. I probably have like an additional 20k words that just did not end up in the fic because it contradicted things that did end up in the fic or just didn’t fit with the vibe I was going for. There were times that I felt discouraged and felt like I might never finish it, but I am very pleased with how it turned out in the end! It was extremely rewarding to finally finish it and get it posted in February!

What was the most difficult part of writing nights like this?

Honestly, I don’t remember this one giving me any trouble at all. Once I got the idea in my brain, I think I sat down and wrote all 2.5k in a day. I do not know what my brain was doing during kinktober, but I think I ended up writing like over 60k that month and it was the only time that I’ve ever really been able to sit down and write a ficlet from start to finish like that and it happened with multiple of the ficlets that I ended up writing the day before they were published.

Do you have a favorite scene and/or line from any of your fics?

I really love the lead up to the smut in my fic catch the embers on my tongue. Like eddie being a little self-deprecating and in awe that steve might feel the same way he does was so fun to write. Also the summary for surface level freak is probably one of my favorite things i’ve written.

Do you have any upcoming projects or fics you’d like to share/promote?

Some of the projects I’m working on right now are things I can’t really talk about, but look forward to fics from me in the Steddie Summer Exchange, the Steddie Bang 2024, and the ST Sapphic Mini Bang!

Outside of these questions, Is there anything YOU would like to add?

Whoever nominated me, I am kissing you full on the mouth with tongue (if you’re into that kind of thing)

Thank you to our author, @starryeyedjanai, and our nominator, @steddieas-shegoes! See more of starryeyedjanai's works featured on our page throughout the day!

Writer’s Spotlight is every Wednesday! Want to nominate an author? You can nominate them here!

[pipi-un-kaki-in-pipi-land]

beneath the stars

summary: you and your classmates go on a camping trip but there werent enough tents so you had to sleep with someone on particular

“y/n, y/n!” A cheery voice squealed outside your dorm door as you shrugged your body off the bed to go see who was disturbing your needed solitary time. You swung the door open following a loud creak, and a familiar blonde girl stood right in front of you. “Oh, it’s you,” you widened your tired eyes in surprise, as if you weren’t exhausted enough to willingly faint in front of her.

“This is for you, it’s a class camping trip!” It was her turn to widen her eyes, giggling as she handed you an invitation card. You hesitantly took it, your mood lightening up ever so slightly. You couldn’t help but be grateful for this spontaneous invitation, as you finally obtained a chance to escape the sickening reality of extra classes that you had been attending as a result of skipping lessons due to totally unforeseen reasons.

“Thanks,” you mumbled before closing the door and examining the printed letter carefully. The venue was a forest which you had been to before with your roommate to hunt some venison (for fun). As you lay on your bed, you could not help but wonder if Wednesday was going to be there. Knowing her, she would never give in to these kinds of unnecessary events, but if Enid was the organizer, then surely, she should tag along somehow.

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

By the time twilight came, you were already there, dressed in your vintage sweatshirt and trackpants as the weather was unusually chilly today. You could already see people preparing a huge campfire with tents surrounding it.

“y/n?” A deep voice sounded in your ears, and you turned around and saw Xavier standing there. “Hey, Xavier. You came too?” you asked, not failing to notice the big bag of marshmallows and sticks beside him. “Yeah, I’m surprised to see you here, I thought you’d never come like Enid said you would,” he replied, slicking his hair back before it fell again. “I just needed to attend some extra classes,” you blatantly lied; instead, you were too lazy to get up so you just hung out around the library the entire day.

“Well, since we didn’t anticipate your arrival, we didn’t prepare a tent for you. I mean, each of us are supposed to sleep in pairs, so you have to go find yours. But I wouldn’t mind if you slept in my tent,” Xavier chuckled, his eyes breaking free from yours.

“She can stay in mine,” a familiar monotone voice interjected. The both of you turned your heads to see Wednesday standing there, relentlessly stabbing a few marshmallows onto a stick as her contagious gaze met yours. “But if I stay with you then what about Eni-” you asked, but was cut off. “She has her own partner. Now, do I need to elaborate further?” Wednesday said bluntly, pulling your hand towards her as she walked towards the raging campfire.

“Here,” she said as she placed the stick of marshmallows in your hand. Whether Wednesday cared or not, you were loving this assertive behavior of hers. The two of you were inseparable before, but ever since extra classes got into your way, your relationship with her was nothing but shattered glass.

As you and Wednesday toasted the marshmallows over the fire, you took a glance at her usual gloomy face. “Sorry, Addams. I haven’t been able to talk to you lately. It’s just- I’ve been really busy,” you blurted, but no response came from the ravenette. She looked at you briefly then took bit a chunk out of her roasted marshmallow. “I didn’t expect you to come here,” was the only she said before taking another bite. “Your marshmallow’s getting burnt, y/n.”

You had never seen Wednesday so fragile before. You’d think that she wouldn’t be bothered with your absence, but turns out she was more than buggered about it.

And vowed to make it up to her later on.

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

The bitter taste of burnt marshmallows burned down your throat as you and Wednesday listened to lame stories told by your classmates. By the time everyone had said goodnight, you were already lying in her tent, staring at nothing but the orange fabric. You shared an awkward glance at her, before looking back at the top of the tent again. You wanted to console her somehow, but you had no clue how.

Taking a gulp, you slowly placed your arm around her side, feeling a sense of nostalgia as you did so. Wednesday turned her body to look at you, adjusting your arm on her waist. “We’ve done this before. Why are you nervous?” she asked curiously, your arms trembling at the touch of her waist.

“I just need to get the hang of it again,” you smiled, your arm extending down to her back before you pulled her even closer to you (w rizz). “I would give you the world if I could, cara mia,” Wednesday said as she turned to lie on her back, causing your hand to lay flat on her stomach. You could feel her heart pound through every inch of her body as you inched closer to her, wrapping your other arm around her shoulder.

“Gracias, Addams,” you gratefully muttered under your breath as light snores came from the ravenette.  

You embraced her snugly, not ever letting go.

[certkidwhocantdomath]

Fanart by @863ham

Did I Pass The Test?

Additional tags: Blood and Violence, Bloody Kisses, First kiss(kinda), pre-blind Johnny Cage

Summary: Bi-Han wanted to test Johnny's fighting abilities, so he wrote a fake fan letter luring Johnny to the forest.

Or coldstar's first kiss.

◦◦,`°.✽✦✽.◦.✽✦✽.°`,◦◦

Bi-Han scaled a tree with ease, positioning himself within its branches, hidden both by the leaves and the cool dark of night. Everyone else at the academy would be asleep by now but Bi-Han waited like an owl for the mouse to show it's face under the moonlight. If they had gotten away and could follow the guiding instructions on the letter right, Johnny should be arriving soon.

Right on cue, Bi-Han detected the unsubtle crashing of foliage and footsteps. A flashlight beam cut through the dark as Johnny's one guiding light. Bi-Han retreated further into the tree, widening his eyes to take in more light as he stared down.

"Shit, this place is creepy," Johnny huffed, ducking under a low-hanging branch.

His flashlight scanned the small clearing, finally landing on the large boulder amidst it. Johnny let out a low whistle, coming up to it for a better look. "Oh, wow. That monk wasn’t kidding. This thing really does look like an elephant’s face. Hah, and it’s gray too."

The flashlight turned around, sweeping in a circle. It wasn’t very powerful but it did provide some decent light to the area. Not that Johnny would be able to hold on to it much longer.

"Um, hello? I’m here…" Johnny called, tilting his head to listen for signs of the imaginary monk who had written the letter.

Johnny didn’t know how long he really wanted to wait out in the creepy woods. It wasn’t exactly the middle of nowhere, given how close it was to the academy. But the way the trees loomed only set Johnny on edge the longer he had to bask in their spindly, reaching branches.

Sure, he was a star but he would like a bit more light than just stars. Though the moon was quite bright itself. It looked full tonight and was quite the sight to behold.

Johnny turned the flashlight up as he too looked to the sky, looking at that big eye in the sky. But when his flashlight caught the treetops in it's beam, he was met with two extra eyes than normal.

Johnny and Bi-Han stared silently for just a moment, Johnny's mouth dropping open, blinking in disbelief, as if he could open his eyes again and the ghost would be gone. Bi-Han, equally dismayed at being caught before he could unleash his surprise attack, stayed with his hands still poised together, about to form an icicle.

"WHAT THE FUCK?!" Johnny broke the stalemate with a shout, complete disbelief showing on his face where Bi-Han could see past the light shining on him.

Taking that as his cue, Bi-Han finished his motions, a long and sharp dagger of ice forming in his hands and quickly leaving them planting itself violently into the ground just at Johnny’s feet. Johnny jumped back, the light in his hands trembling as he shakily pointed the flashlight at it.

"Holy shit Sub-Zero, you could have killed me!", he was so shocked he couldn’t even muster up a silly nickname. Good, Bi-Han thought, he’s taking this seriously.

"That is the plan," Bi-Han growled, dropping from the tree and landing in a crouch.

He stalked predatory towards Johnny, who continued to back up, holding out the flashlight like it was his only defense. "You fell so easily for my ploy. Did you not ever think to check the authenticity of the letter’s writer before so easily straying from safety?"

"I figured of all fans a monk wouldn’t be one of the crazy’s-" Johnny defended, trying to keep his distance while Bi-Han circled him. "I know how upset you are about 'us', but we can talk this out, right?"

"I grew tired of your talk a long ago," Bi-Han snapped. He stomped his foot into the ground, sending up pillars of ice and breaking off a staff from one. "Now we will fight with real stakes. If you beat me, I will never bother you again."

Johnny clenched his fist. He knew running was not an option here. Setting the flashlight to the ground gingerly to shed some light on the battleground, he dared to ask, "And if you win?"

Both already knew Bi-Han's answer. "I will kill you."

Johnny sucked in a breath, trying to steady himself. He had always imagined that Bi-Han might get angry enough to murk him, but he had never thought it would actually happen! He figured being Earthrealm’s defender and Liu Kang’s little backup squad put some restrictions on the guy.

Although it also wasn’t too hard to imagine they were going a little off the book. Either way, he needed to win, and he had a feeling it was going to be a lot harder than it was at Cage Manson.

Bi-Han reveled in knowing he was going to get to beat the man, his joy only sightly dampened knowing he couldn’t match against them with his real strength. He just wanted to get the man scared enough to think they were going to die, not actually lose their life.

Bi-Han pointed at Johnny with a glare, seeing the man still trying to keep a distance. "Fight!" He demanded.

Bi-Han hurled the staff he had made first, then a compacted ball of ice at Johnny, who swiftly threw himself to the side in a dodge for both. Bi-Han attempted another throw but Johnny had closed the distance with impressive speed.

He shot out his foot for a kick, but Bi-Han ducked, rolling under it and grabbing their thigh still in the air, throwing them down. Johnny rolled on the ground as Bi-Han attempted to stomp on them. Johnny managed to save his own ribs from a crushing blow and slammed his foot into Bi-Hans as they bent over him.

It sent the ice man back a few paces, enough for Johnny to get back on his feet. Bi-Han flew forward, though, striking out with punches. Johnny blocked what he could while sending back his own strikes. Both landed hits, but Johnny felt the most blows, his head lolling back after a particularly strong hit.

Bi-Han dropped to the ground, sliding on a sheet of ice he formed to knock their feet out from under them. Johnny toppled but was quick to use it to his own advantage, angling his knee to land roughly against Bi-Han, knocking up against their chin.

Bi-Han let out a grunt from the damage while Johnny used his position on top of the other to deliver more strikes. Continuing his assault, he pummeled the man until Bi-Han managed to catch his wrists and press his knees against his stomach, pushing up and flipping Johnny over Bi-Han onto his back. His breath was briefly knocked from him as he landed, and he only watched helplessly as Bi-Han appeared over him.

Johnny closed his eyes with a yell, holding an arm over his head in a cowering block. Bi-Han huffed in irritation, gripping their hand with a freezing grasp and tearing it away from Johnny’s face. "That was far too easy. You didn’t even try to push back this time." He slammed his fist into the ground on the side of their head. "Pathetic."

Bi-Han retracted, giving space to the other fighter and moving back into a starting stance. "Again!" He demanded.

Johnny sat up and Bi-Han could tell his face was red from embarrassment. Good. They should be.

The humiliation made Johnny better as they sought to prove themself against the harsh words Bi-Han had delivered. They both fought with conviction, time freezing in the woodsy arena so that all they could focus on was each other.

"Argh-" Bi-Han grunted as a foot connected with his head, swaying to the side in disorientation.

Another hit slammed into his stomach, then Johnny spun, using his elbows to dig into Bi-Han before finishing with a strong back kick that sent Bi-Han to the floor.

Johnny was on him at once, lifting his leg again for another kick but Bi-Han covered a layer of ice over himself, rolling away as the freezing clone remained in his place.

The ice shattered as Johnny kicked the fake Bi-Han's eyebrows, lifting in surprise as the ice shot up from his foot, covering the other in a thin layer that froze them to the spot. Bi-Han barked a short laugh as got to his feet, kicking out himself to slam into the frozen Johnny. The ice shattered and it sent him backwards, the sharp ice causing a few bloody cuts.

They were both bloody by this point, a trickle of crimson running from Bi-Han's nose and in other spots while Johnny's knuckles left their own bloody imprints on Bi-Han, farther tearing the actors skin each time he punched.

The rough terrain of the forest ground didn’t help cushion the blows either. Each time one of them was knocked down, pieces of sticks, roots and pebbles would poke and scrape them. Each had also taken several turns of being slammed up against the large elephant shaped boulder as well.

Both were tiring though, slowing but surely losing their energy. They had been at it for what felt like forever, constantly exchanging blows and, at times, words. Mostly just Bi-Han egging Johnny on, who would occasionally shout back his joy whenever he managed a particularly good blow against Bi-Han.

More than an hour must have passed and Bi-Han had to compliment Johnny on his stamina. But he had a snaking suspicion this would be the last round before Bi-Han forced Johnny to concede.

Bi-Han circled the actor, both huffing from exertion and Johnny weakly put his hands up. "Come at me." He taunted but none of his usual mock was in it, Johnny too focused on getting his breathing under control.

"Do not ask for what you can not handle." Bi-Han retorted.

Johnny and Bi-Han pushed against each other, their arms locked together in a stalemate. Bi-Han grit his teeth, and slid his arm to the side, bringing Johnny's with it to lower his guard and send a jab into his cheek.

Johnny huffed and sent back his own punches. He brought a knee up quickly, slamming into Bi-Han's stomach and following through with a grab at the sides of Bi-Han’s head, bringing Bi-Han's face down into his knee.

Bi-Han stumbled but pinwheeled his arms as a makeshift weapon formed from his ice, splitting over the top of Johnny’s skull. That one hit a bit harder than he intended but it was getting harder and harder for Bi-Han to hold back. It just felt so good to go in a match against the actor.

Johnny bounced back, reared back, and sent an uppercut into Bi-Han, forcing him to retreat briefly.

Bi-Han shook off the disorientation and threw out several balls of ice. Johnny dodged all but the last, stumbling as he turned to quickly from the previous and fell right into the other. It struck him sharply, spreading ice over his arm. Johnny shook and clawed at the iced over arm, trying to free himself and Bi-Han rushed forward, sliding forward on a path of ice. Bi-Han jabbed into their chest with several pointed hits.

Johnny kicked him squarely, sending Bi-Han back a few paces. He looked up and found Johnny had already managed to get closer, kicking him again. Bi-Hans’ stomach contracted from the force, his lungs spamming for a moment. Johnny tried the kick a third time but Bi-Han caught him by the ankle instead, throwing him to the ground with it.

"Don’t be so predictable." he snarled.

"Yeah? Predict this!" Johnny growled back, darting forward.

Bi-Han expected a punch and put up his arms to block. But instead, Johnny dropped down, though not for a kick. Bi-Hanc's eyes widened as he looked down through his guard. Johnny’s legs spread as easily as a ballerina performing a pirouette but without any of the fluttery grace. Dropping into the splits, Johnny punched Bi-Han right in the crotch.

Bi-Han choked, his knees buckling as he dropped to the ground in pain, clutching at the front of his pants.

Johnny looked mighty proud of himself, crossing his arms and chuckling.

An angry red flashed in Bi-Han’s vision and with a violent strike out he threw out ice that froze Johnny's feet to the ground. Bi-Han got to his feet while Johnny struggled to break free from the ice. Johnny only had time to glance up before Bi-Han had a powerful foot against his ribs. Johnny was sent flying and Bi-Han lowered his leg into a normal stance.

He waited for Johnny to get back up.

And he waited.

Johnny remained face down on the ground, body giving slight twitches.

"Fuck…" Bi-Han growled lowly. That kick had been much stronger than he wanted and he feared he might have actually killed the man.

He jogged towards the man and dropped to the ground. Quickly and gingerly, he rolled over the man, turning Johnny onto his back. His eyes were closed but mouth open, clearly breathing. Bi-Han sighed his own breath of relief. He ran a hand over Johnny’s chest, feeling over his ribs.

"Did you break one?" Johnny wheezed, cracking open his eyes.

Bi-Han glanced at Johnny, his stern face relaxing. "No. Your alright."

Bi-Han pushed an arm under Johnny's back, sitting him up, his hand still resting gently on Johnny’s chest. He looked down at the bloody and bruised man, who still managed to smile at Bi-Han, showing off their bloody mouth. Bi-Han’s chest swelled, adrenaline still fueling him as he brought a hand to his face, removing his mask.

He took in a deep breath of the woodsy night air, unburdened by the mask. Gently, he brought a hand up to Johnny's face, tilting it slightly as he leaned down. Bi-Han pressed his lips against Johnny's, gentle at first, before it became more pressing.

Johnny groaned, whining into Bi-Han’s mouth, who pressed deeper. Bi-Hans tongue swiped out briefly, licking up some of the blood that stained Johnnys teeth and lips. Bi-Han breathed out cold air against Johnny, the crystalline breath making Johnny's mouth feel a bit dryer.

"So… your not actually going to kill me. Are you?" Johnny asked, still pulled in close to Bi-Han. His eyes drifted back and forth from the ninja’s eyes to their lips.

Bi-Han shook his head. "It was merely a test." Johnny gave thanks by imitating his own kiss, pressing against Bi-Han with a huffing moan. Whether it was pain or pleasure was anyone’s guess. Probably both.

Johnny managed to smile as he parted their lips. "That’s good. It would have really sucked if you killed me. So… did I pass the test?" Johnny asked, tilting his head back to lean into Bi-Hans’ arm.

"You are not totally useless, Cage." Bi-Han said.

Johnny managed another laugh that turned into a cough, his arm coming up weakly to grab Bi-Hans’ front to steady himself. "That’s also really good, because I think I’m going to pass out."

Bi-Han raised his eyebrows. Perhaps Johnny should go into a carnival sideshow as a psychic because the actor did, in fact, pass out into Bi-Han, his body going slack.

Bi-Han gently lay the actor back down. Retrieving the actor’s flashlight first and tucking it away, he moved into a squat next to the man. He moved his arms under Johnny and dragged him up and slung Johnny over both shoulders.

It was still late in the night. As long as Bi-Han was quick and silent, no one would see him carrying the injured Johnny back into the academy. That would certainly be very hard to explain. Especially since Bi-Han was taking them to his bedroom.

----AUTHOR'S NOTE---

Yup, the coldstar kiss happened after a fight. Next I'mma write about Johnny's revival and training and in Seido(will be separate) and the Johnshi and Coldstar reunion(canonical to my HCs and fictional to my HCs)

[socially-awkward-skeleton]

15 Lines Tag Game

tagged by: @carlosoliveiraa @clicheantagonist @inafieldofdaisies @adelaidedrubman @la-grosse-patate @g0dspeeed @direwombat @aceghosts @sofrosine @nightbloodbix @kyber-infinitygems @corvosattano @voidika @roofgeese @thesingularityseries (thank you all so much!!)

Rules: Share 15 or fewer lines of dialogue from an OC, ideally lines that capture their character/personality/vibe. Bonus points for just using the dialogue without other details about the scene, but you’re free to include those as well.

(i failed to follow the rules and did 17 each, i'm indecisive)

tagging: @dickytwister @amalkavian @transcaster @shellibisshe @unholymilf @thedeadthree @confidentandgood @strafethesesinners @harmonyowl @florbelles @josephseedismyfather @josephslittledeputy @cassietrn @marivenah @finding-comfort-in-rain @strangefable @efingart (no pressure of course, I'm late to this, sorry for any double tags)

“When you've seen the things I've seen, a little pig sticker cutting through a few layers of flesh doesn't mean much.”

“Blood on my hands or not, I don’t need to be saved. Not by you or anyone else.”

“I’ll bite you if you try and feed me.”

"Then let me do what I do best. I don't need the help, all they'll do is slow me down, make me take my eyes off the ball. You gotta let me win this fight the only way I know how."

"I'm not so delicate."

“Because I prefer to look into the eyes of the person I'm meaning to kill. Makes it more personal. I want them to remember the face of the person sending them to their maker.”

“I put my fucking neck out there every day for all of you – I have been from the start. Who else is having these crazy motherfuckers digging around in their head? Do you have Joseph Seed telling you you’re some fucking sign of the Apocalypse? No.”

"If I don't keep my promise it will be just another regret in a long line of them. My life started with regret – should've been a boy, never should've been born at all – my life will likely end with regrets too."

“Just a weapon. A square peg jammed into a round hole for so many years that my edges finally ground down, and now I fit only one thing."

"I might not have the scars on the outside of what my father did to me, but I think the ones I do have are the big scarlet letter about the kind of monster he turned me into."

“It’s a sad state of affairs when I'm someone people are happy to see after any absence.”

“Well shit, if you’re damaged goods then I must be fucking ruined.”

“I did what I had to do. Just following orders.”

“Some people just aren’t meant to be saved,” Kit muttered.

She smiled, an empty grin that creeped across her face but left her eyes cold and dead. “Trust me, Jacob should be the least of your worries.”

 “You know that old saying that God never gives you more than you can handle?" She scoffed, hands held at her hips, posed like a superhero. The demigod she had become. "He must have had quite the plan for me.”

 “I’ve made my mistakes. I hurt people. Innocent people . I can’t have you on my conscience too.”

1) “I don’t give up on anything, but I refuse to be a distraction."

2) “If I told you, I’d have to kill you.”

3) “Oh, don't worry, sir. I only save the bleeding heart act for the innocent.”

4) “He’s a charming fellow.” The venom in Rory’s voice wasn’t lost on anyone. 

5)“Just have to use my feminine wiles and sweet talk the prick, yeah?"

6) “I’m not particularly fond of having to be like that. I do what I have to. Intimidation, fear – they’re good weapons. But I’m not some sadist, I don’t enjoy it.”

7) “That's just life though, isn't it? It's the fucking pits, and then we die, and that's that. No point letting it ruin what bit of good there is.”

8) “I know. It was him or me.”

9) Laughing, she picked up her cigarette from the sand and took a drag. “I certainly wouldn’t lie about something like that, Captain.”

10) “Two on however many. I’ll take those odds.”

11) “What? You want my life story?” Her eyes narrowed, challenging him just enough. “Is this our first date?” she asked, lifting the MRE packet. “Really splurged on dinner.”

12) “Whatever it takes.”

(and some lines from the COD MW fic i'm working on)

13) “I know, I know. Bureaucratic bullshit, not my fault, can’t let it bury me. Got enough going on inside this head already, yeah?”

14) “Tell me I can help at least. Tell me I can do something. Don’t just let me sit here in this empty house, alone, not when I can be out there making things right. Tell me you’re going to need me on this one, John.”

15) “Love you too, prat.”

16) “Oh, please, no.” She shook her head. “None of the formality. I might sound like I have a stick shoved up my arse, but I assure you, that’s not me.” She held out her hand to shake, and was met by a firm squeeze by Garrick’s hand. “The pleasure’s all mine.”

17) “I’m not sure the simple act of trying to keep you alive is being ‘too good’.”

[angelsanarchy]

Alkaline: Euronymous x Y/N Series CH 18

Tagging: @ophelialaufey@madamemaximoff06@forever-not-gonna-sink@ajmiila02@liquidsmoothdomme@shady-the-simp @auggiethecreator @tempt-ress @blacksoul-27

Oystein walks around the shop making sure everything is perfect. He still had about half an hour before he was opening but he wanted everything to be just right. It took him hours to organize the records and the aesthetic was just right. He could see the line forming outside and he paced. He jumped when there was a knock at the door.

"We're not open yet!" He yelled but this time the knocks were more abrupt.

"HEY FUCK OFF! WE'RE NOT OPEN YET!" He yelled but suddenly the door was opening.

"What the-" It was Y/n.

"You should keep that locked if you don't want people to come inside." He settled back onto the stool behind the counter.

"I didn't think you would come." Oystein said in shock. She walked towards the counter and placed flowers on top of it.

"I hadn't planned on it. Your parents asked me to drop this off as a favor. Looks like they didn't get the name change memo." She spun the flowers around so he could see the little card attached to it.

"I'm happy you came by. I wanted to show you-" She shook her head at him.

"Oystein...I'm not here for this. If your parents weren't so sweet, I wouldn't even have bothered ever coming through that door. Please don't make this into something it's not." She pleaded and he nodded.

"D-did you get my letter?" He asked. She let out a sigh.

"Yes I got your letter. My neighbor also let me know some gothic man was lurking outside of my house so next time try the phone book." She informed him. He was slightly embarassed that he was caught but she wasn't spewing hatred at him or trying to slap box him so he'll take that as a win.

"Also I don't need to educate myself on Black Metal. Your definition of it doesn't make it end all, be all. Music has a freedom to be whatever it wants to be so if I want to listen to this..." She picked up an album and held it up.

"Then it doesn't have to mean death and destruction." Oystein tried not to smirk at her as she held the album. He cleared his throat and she looked at the front of it seeing it was a Mayhem record.

"Oh for fucks sake." She put the record down in frustration.

"You know what the fuck I mean. I have empathy, I don't need flaunt suicide memorabilia to feel connected to something. I just feel it." She explained as Oystein came around the counter and walked towards her.

"You're right. I underestimated your knowledge of the genre. I apologize." She seemed surprised at his demeanor.

"Well...I also appreciate you being a man of your word and pissing off when I asked you. I'm moving on with my life and clearly so are you." She hadn't been standing this close to Oystein since she hit him. He nodded his head at her and picked the album back up holding it out to her.

"I don't need that." She put her hand up.

"Please...I just want you to-" She cut him off.

"I have one." She muttered. She looked anywhere but at him.

"You do?" He smiled. Y/n reached into her pocket and pulled out a small envelope.

"Yeah I do. Look I've got to go to work, Hammed wanted me to give this to you to welcome you into the neighborhood. Don't abuse it just because you're you and you know I'm the one who has to deliver it." Y/n watched Oystein smile as he opened it to see a discount card.

"Don't feel special, he gives them to all the surrounding businesses." She crossed her arms over her chest and Oystein nodded.

"Let him know I appreciate it. Thank you for coming by and bringing me the flowers. I'm glad you came even though I know its the last place you want to be." He said seeing her finally look at him. She couldn't help but stare for just a moment before shaking her head.

"Your mustache looks fucking ridiculous." She wasn't going to leave without insulting him and he waited for her to leave before letting out a laugh. No matter how today went, he found hope that someday they would at least be able to be in the same place at the same time without her hating him.

[happilyfeatherafter]

Happilyfeatherafter’s ficrec Fridays

Back back back again, and I don't know guys, I think we should all just totally stab Caesar! Welcome back to a new fortnight of fics that I’ve read and loved recently.

If you want to find more you can see my previous rec lists here!

15 March 2024

Are You Writing From the Heart? by  @luckshiptoshore is now complete!! Congrats Luck! Full disclosure, Luck is one of my very best friends, but that just means I know not only how much of a talented fic writer she is, but also how much of her heart and soul she poured into writing this love letter to queer storytelling, season 4 Destiel as a romcom, meta text (and subtext), and finding out who you really are when society and your upbringing is fighting against you. Castiel is a ghostwriter for L.S. Shore's Supernatural novels about Neal and his brother. Caught in a storytelling rut, Cas finds himself adding the fallen angel character of Bel...what could possible go wrong? Meanwhile at his local writing coffee shop spot, he meets the handsome stranger Dean who is an up and coming standup comedian and Supernatural fanboy. They because firm friends, but that's definitely it because Cas is straight....right?! Following these two dummies as they FAIL TO USE THEIR WORDS is a total joy, as Luck's humorous and emotional writing paired with her eye for detail is so very on point, and I'm so excited more people will finally get to read this story in full.

Baker Six by komodobits because !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot tell you how goddamn excited I was to get this email notification and finally be back in 91w world, and to witness these early stages of Dean and Cas' relationship through Dean's eyes at last. This barely needs a rec because it's THEE 91w Dean, but komodobits hasn't missed a beat in getting back inside their heads and I was once again swept away by this iconic love story against the odds. Head the trigger warnings as always, this is truly on the front lines as a medic in a war zone. Baker Six was written for the very good cause of the fandom Palestine fundraiser, in support of the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. Please donate if you can!

Truth & despair by @shallowseeker was a recent discovery and such a fascinating read! It's set in a post-15x18 verse, but importantly it features a fun Sam narrative perspective that delights in his lens by...being a bit of an unsympathetic oblivious dummy (affectionate). I really appreciate a crunchy Sam characterisation and oooboy does this pay off. Dean is steeped in his grief for Cas, and Sam is oh so concerned. He reaches out to Mia Vallens to understand his own grieving, and that leads to him making a discovery...Dean's memories of Cas' death aren't what he claims happened. With the unwelcome reappearance of Chuck (he lost...didn't he?) and LITERAL sinkholes appearing in the fabric of the universe, can they figure out what's happening to save Cas and save the world? This wip plays with physics, theology and narrative fuckery in such intriguing ways. I can't wait to see how it wraps up in the next two chapters.

The Leap by @friendofcarlotta started reading this one when Tina reshared it on Leap Day...because of course. I'd actually read it before but it more than lived up to the reread. 'Castiel Krushnic is a police officer in Soviet-occupied East Berlin. He is also gay, in a city where that’s a dangerous thing to be. One night, he meets Dean Winchester, a mechanic from the American sector. Their mutual attraction is instant, and a convenient hookup quickly turns into a passionate love affair that defies all rules and expectations.' Meticulously researched, emotional, heartrending and thought provoking. I highly recommend taking the leap on this fic!

See you in two weeks and OMG it's @deancaspinefest time!!!! I'm so excited *clears calendar*

Tag list under the cut - let me know if you'd like to be added to be notified of future recs!

@dean-you-assbutt-cas-loves-you

[graysparrowao3]

WIP Whatever!

Holy shit. Hell yeah! We've got so many WIP snippets incoming, let's goooo all my incredible writer friends! Thank you @darkurgetrash for the beautifully heart-breaking teaser for Lead Me Through the Dark and the tag! As well as all the others that have shared! BG3 fic writing hype!

Who needs a tag? Who doesn't have a tag and wants one? (No seriously, let me know I would love to tag you in). Would any of youuuuu like a tag? Consider it a welcome invitation! @benicemurphy @ashprince-of-bel-air @rinwellisathing @winged-monkey @sorceresssundries

Not sure if anyone is interested in the Rolan, Cal, and Lia stuff, I know it's all so miserable right now, but it's going to look up in the next chapter.

I was working on it today then I remembered I'm a liar and fucking out of control and started some light-hearted banter for the totally-not-going-to-exist next instalment of Rugan x Aradin series as well. (It's all @lizziemajestic's fault, who helped inspire the scene).

So...

Both under the cut? ...Both under the cut.

Rugan x Aradin totally-nonexistent-next-installment banter WIP

Rugan rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Think assassination is reserved for folks of some standing. Nothing but plain old murder for you.”

“Oh well,” Aradin replied, enjoyably thick with sarcasm, “in that case I don’t fancy it at all. Besides, we both know you’d botch it.”

“You still on about that?”

“Let’s have it then,” Aradin asked as he busied himself pulling his gauntlets off. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Just came to ask for your hand, didn’t I? Throw you over my shoulder and take you back with me.” The younger man’s amused gaze flickered over from where he was unlacing out of his heavy footwear, and a flash of alarm petrified Rugan’s face. “Please tell me you didn’t take that serious.”

Aradin puckered his face up dramatically. “Best cancel the flowers. And they would’ve gone so nice with my eyes.”

“Oh aye,” Rugan snorted. “Would’ve really highlighted the pubescent angst you turned into a personality.”

Aradin pulled the chair back and relaxed into it, swinging his legs up and resting his feet on the table, one foot crossed over the other. “Reckon I’d look good in a dress, big slit in the side so you can see the boots. Get the feelin’ formal wear isn’t really your thing. Bet you scrub up nice, though.”

“Swear to Gods,” Rugan let his face fall into his hands and forcefully rubbed his eyelids.

“You’re so easy to wind up mate,” Aradin clasped his hands behind his head and grinned.

Rolan, Cal, & Lia next chapter WIP - I swear they've hit the bottom and after this next bit of sad discussion in the next chapter they're finally going to have a win and things will start looking up.

Rolan put his elbows on his knees and slid his hands in his hair.

“I’m sorry.”

“It wasn't your fault, Rolan,” Cal said, rubbing his temples. He was so tired, perhaps even tired of making that response.

“I thought that…” Rolan waved vaguely, hoping his pathetic gesture would do the talking for him. “I thought I'd finally figured our way out. But I stalled. Waited around like it was going to come to me. If I’d have acted sooner, if I’d have written the letter when I first thought of the idea. If I hadn’t wasted so long doubting it was even possible we might have left for Baldur’s Gate a great many tenday before this all happened. It could hardly be worse, reputation notwithstanding. The resources such an accomplished wizard would have access to - we’d be long gone and basking in the upper classes of the Gate before Elturel even thought of taking an extended holiday to the Nine Hells. Not to mention the earnings potential.”

“If I can’t eat it, he can keep his gold,” Cal muttered.

“I should’ve thought of it sooner,” Rolan voice clipped harsh with regret.

“Did think of it,” Lia said forcefully, an honest attempt at reconciliation. “Hells, even got accepted. That’s not nothing, Rolan. That one lady seemed impressed.”

“Not sure if impressed would be the word I used,” he mused. “Though it certainly helped us throw our weight around.” He paused, reflecting on that day that they had first entered the basement. He thought about that woman and her vile judgment. Then her child, and that insufferable ball. And then… Rolan shook the recollection away. They had always avoided looking through the remains of that room.

[becauseplot]

Hi hello more thoughts about this post-osnf au. I should come up with an official name or tag for this lmfao.

A couple nights out of the hospital, settled in Liz's guest room, is when Thiago starts having dreams of being lost in the Symbol again, waking up scared and disoriented and confused. The thing is, he never calls out to anyone while in the middle of his panic because he simply doesn't think to (he knows nothing but the Symbol, where is the Symbol, where is the Symbol...), so by the time he finally thinks of reaching out to Liz---she keeps her phone on her bedside with certain contacts on ringer at night---or texting his friends, he's je's already mostly calmed down and feeling like himself again. That doesn't mean he isn't shaken by it though, and he rarely ever sleeps after waking up like that.

Telling the others that he's having these dreams (Nightmares? Visions? Oh god, he hopes not visions...) is probably the smart thing. But he also doesn't want to freak them out considering that Santo Berço should be, is, dead in the ground and he knows hoe shaken up they were by him taking that Symbol. Fuck, he was shaken too. More than shaken. Admitting that the Symbol still comes for him in his sleep is just...it's terrifying to consider what that means.

He's sure they're just dreams. He's had nightmares---still has nightmares---of his first mission, so only makes sense that the second one would show up too. It's just fresh in his mind. In a week or two, they'll start to taper off.

They do not taper off.

They don't seem to get substantially worse, no, but they certainly don't seem to get much better. Reactions upon waking range from being disoriented for a couple seconds to full blown disconnections from his body and his memory for god knows how long as he struggles to find comfort in surroundings that are entirely strange and alien to him.

He figures out a way to cope, though. He sleeps with a lamp on low light (and a towel lining the bottom of the door to keep Liz from noticing in case she wakes up before him and passes by his room) and writing the following in dark pen on his inner forearm every night before he goes to bed: "My name is Thiago Fritz. I live in São Paulo. My friends are Liz, Cesar, Joui, and Arthur. Liz sleeps in the room upstairs. The Symbol is gone. I am home and I am safe." He scrubs it off every morning. Eventually he cuts the sleeve off an old white workout shirt and writes the reminder on the elastic, skin-tight sleeve so he can simply slip it on before bed.

Does it work? A bit. Sometimes his disorientation gets so bad that the shapes of the letters are just that, shapes, but once his brain can work enough to recognize the shapes for letters and read, it gets much easier from there. He draws some spirals and swirls on the sleeve in the hopes of drawing his attention to it more whenever he's freaking out.

In any case, he's coping, he's got this. Sure, he still doesn't sleep well (or at all) after waking up from the dreams, so he's tired all the time, but a little sleepiness can be remedied with naps. He's injured and middle aged now, people can't get on his case if he wants some shut eye in the afternoon.

The others notice his perpetual exhaustion. Of course they do. He tells them "nightmares" and doesn't elaborate. Liz tells him that he's welcome to wake her if he's having a rough time, and Thiago just tells her she's welcome to do the same. Easy dodge.

[sluggzillaa]

Can you write an eddie munson x reader where eddie y/n and their friend group go on a little road trip and one night while they're sitting around a camp fire or something y/n tells everyone the legend of skinwalkers and it actually scares eddie but he doesn't show it until later before they go to sleep he's all uneasy and y/n notices and is like "it's OK I'll protect you" and she ends up cuddling him all night

✧ Pairing: Eddie Munson x Reader

✧ Summary: The gang goes camping after you experience a grueling breakup. You just so happen to meet someone new. What does the future hold for the two of you?

✧ Warnings: use of Y/N, (sfw)teasing, pet/nicknames, mentions of break up, brief mention of su1c1d3(jokingly), kinda awkward, Strangers to friends to lovers, Mentions of a scary creature.

✧ Authors note: This one was pretty rushed since i was taking forever to write it and needed to get it out. I like the awkward fluffiness for now. I hope you enjoy ^^. Also minors, LEAVE OR ILL SHOOT YOU

✧ Word count: 2.7k

Day 1

The phone rang off the hook. Once a cycle of rings ended, a new one started. The phone definitely was not gonna answer itself. Stumbling out of your room; eyes surrounded by dark bags and hair disheveled, you snatched the phone off its receiver.

“Hello?”

“Oh my god finally! I thought you killed yourself”

“Not yet I haven’t.. What do you want, Nance?”

“Look, my friends and I are taking a trip up to the campgrounds by lovers lake”

“uh huh..”

“And I know you’ve been down in the dumps”

“Nance~” You dragged on

“So I was wondering if you’d like to tag along”

Radio silence on your end. You’ve never liked camping, or at least that’s what your ex made you believe. He always told you about these gross stories from his camping trips with his friends. He never let you go along with him. That’s probably because he was in a raggedy motel with some bimbo broads. You let out a sigh and turned your attention back to the call.

“Sure”

“Wait what..”

“Sure, i’ll come”

“Great, i’ll let everyone kn-” Her sentence was cut short by the phone being slammed into its holder

⋆.ೃ࿔*

A car horn signaled you from in front of the house. You dragged your two bags out front. There you were greeted by good hair Steve and Nance. Steve popped open the trunk and took your bags from you. Nancy pulled you into a tight hug, greeting you. You hopped in the van, being met with your favorite fake brother Dustin.

“Hey kid”

“Wassup!”

“So how’s geek camp?”

“Shut up..”

“Hey! It was just a question”

You leaned back in your seat and ripped off the tiny backpack you’ve brought along. You pulled out a pack of gushers and your walkman; preloaded with the best mixtape ever. You rip open the pack of fruit snacks and practically shove all of them in your mouth. The noise from the outside world was shut out by the blasting music on your headphones.

They group drove around the neighborhood for a bit, picking up members. So far it seemed like everyone was here. Suddenly, the van makes a stop in front of a trailer. You slid your headphones down your next and peaked out the window.

“And who lives here?”

Harrington blared the horn twice before shouting out his window. Out of the trailer, stumbled a tall pale metal head with pasty white skin and long dark hair. His curls were all over the place; like he’d just rolled out of bed. He held a duffel bag which had black sabbath written on it in bold purple letters. He hauled the bag into the trunk and made his way to the side of the van. Once he opened the door, he froze. Stood staring at you before looking at Steve. Steve sighed and leaned towards the back of the car.

“Eddie this is y/n, y/n this is Eddie”

“Sup..” You greeted

“Hey” Eddie nodded as he climbed into the van. He took his seat next to you. He greeted everyone then directed his attention to the window.

⋆.ೃ࿔*

Steve parked the van in an empty spot in the small parking lot. Everyone hopped out and stretched. They all made their way inside of the rest stop and dispersed. That left you and Eddie together. You made your way to the snack aisle, he followed close behind like a little puppy.

“So how do you know the group?”

“School.. plus me and Nance have been friends since diapers” You answered

“Then why haven’t I seen you”

He leaned against the shelf of chips, causing a few to fall. He scrambled to pick them up and put them back. He went back to standing against the shelf. You gave him a glare before shuffling through your snack options.

“Maybe because you’re never in class, Munson.. Had to do our history project by myself”

“Shit my bad”

“Yeah, your bad”

He huffed and continued to follow you through the aisles. His attention was grabbed by the brightly colored drink machine. He nodded to himself before turning back to you.

“Make it up to you by buying you a slushie?”

“Deal”

The two of you rounded the corner, making your way to the machine. Eddie grabbed a medium and presented it to you, seemingly asking for permission. You nodded and watched as he looked over the flavors.

“Did you say coke or cherry?”

“I didn’t.. Coke”

He nodded at your choice and filled up the cup, dolloping the frozen liquid to top it off. He placed the lid on and stuck a straw in. He handed you the cup, to which you immediately took a sip. You gazed up at him; looking through your lashes. You pulled away from the cup and walked over to the counter. You placed your snacks and the slush on the counter.

“Snacks on me, slush on him”

⋆.ೃ࿔*

The van finally pulled into the campsite. Everyone piled out and took in their surroundings. Eddie and Steve unpacked the trunk, handing all the supplies to Nancy, Robin, and you. You guys placed it down onto the picnic table and began to set up everything. The boys placed down the bags and set up the 4 tents. The kids quickly claimed their tents; the boys in one, Robin and the girls in another. That left Nancy and Steve together and you and Eddie. You let out a nervous laugh as you notice the pairing.

“I think you guys made a mistake”

“Nope, everyone’s paired just fine” Steve answered

“Yet me and him are sharing a tent”

“Well you guys are the only two left without a tent”

You pinched the bridge of your nose in frustration. You paced through your thoughts before you finally came up with a reasonable solution. You grabbed onto Nancy’s hands and pouted at her.

“Let me stay with you and Steve”

“Oh honey, You don’t wanna share a tent with me and Steve” She reassured you

“First of all, Ew.. Second of all, you guys suck”

Nancy patted your back and pushed you off towards the tent. You scoffed and looked back at Eddie in defeat. He shook his head and wrapped his arm around you and led you to the tent. Once you made it there, you immediately dropped your bags and began to set up your mattress. Eddie flopped onto his side and let out a loud groan.

“This is so much more comfortable than the fucking car”

“Yea.. So comfortable” You said sarcastically

“Hey! I’m not that bad, Princess”

“Whatever”

⋆.ೃ࿔

The group sat around the campfire, just catching up. You sat down holding the supplies to make s’mores. You handed them out to everyone around you. The kids excitedly put together their s’mores, as the adults whispered to each other . You guys all whispered agreements to each other before turning to the kids.

“Alright, story time bitches!” Steve announced

They all perched up on their seats, excited for whatever story you’re about to tell. You sat on the edge of your seat, the fire being the only good source of light. A sinister grin painted across your face.

“There was a woman; named Abby, who lived alone in her home. All her former roommates complained about something dark and sinister going on in the house. Abby never knew what they were talking about until one dark summer”

Already, the kids and even the rest of the adults began looking around the area. When they all realized just how dark it was around them, they all huddled together.

“It was bedtime for Abby. She did her nightly routine of brushing her teeth and getting into her pajamas. Finally, she reached her final step; turning off all the lights in the house. As she walked to her bedroom, she shut off every light on her way there. Once she got to the final switch, she sensed something following her. She turned around and found nothing there. So she turned off the light. That’s when she turned off the light and found a figure standing at the end of the hallway. She kept flickering the light.. until.. IT WAS RIGHT IN HER FACE!”

The kids let out small screams and yelps. You felt Eddie jump a little beside you. You turned to him and gave him a confused look, to which he pretended to be fine. You shrugged it off and continued.

“She ran to her room, quickly shutting the door behind her. She kept her bedside lamp on and crawled into bed. Most of her room was dark but she figured her lamp would suffice. She took one last scan around the room before she felt at ease. She closed her eyes but once again, she felt watched. She opened her eyes and took a peak beside her. There she saw a pale woman with white out eyes, a cut out smile, and sharp fangs. The creature pressed the button on the lamp and.. LIGHTS OUT!”

Suddenly, the fire had gone out, leaving the campsite pitch dark. The kids quickly jumped from their seats and rushed into their tents. The adults all laughed and went their separate ways; into their tents. You and Eddie settled down and laid down; backs facing each. It was silent as you both tried to sleep. There was a shuffling coming from Eddie’s side. You turned towards him and found him facing you.

“What?”

“I’m scared”

“It was just a story, Eddie”

“We’ll it must’ve been a really good fucking story cause now i’m scared”

“Okay, what do you want?”

“Can you hold me?”

You rolled your eyes at him and scooted over, closer to him. You opened your arms wide. He moved into you and settled into your embrace. You wrapped your arms around him loosely. You huffed and closed your eyes, kinda enjoying this.

“You need to grow up”

“Fuck off”

⋆.ೃ࿔*

Your tent began to unzip from the outside. In peeked Dustin, not fully comprehending yours and Eddie’s tangled sleeping bodies.

“Good morn- AHHHH”

Dustin quickly rushed out of the tent, leaving your tent slightly unzipped. His screams and the light peeking through woke you up. You sat up quickly and shook Eddie awake.

“Fuck off” He groaned

“Wake up asshole”

You got up and slipped on a pair of your boots. You stepped out of the tent, met with a lot of stares. You shake your head and sit at the picnic table. Nance took the spot next to you.

“So are you and him like a-”

“NO! jeez.. I just met the guy”

“But you were-”

“He was being a total pussy after the campfire.. so he asked me to like cuddle”

She scoffed and got up from her seat, walking over to Steve who was cooking up breakfast. Eddie walked out of the tent in a white tank and some low-hanging pajama pants. You watched his figure as he walked past. He made his way over to the group of boys and began to mess with them; chasing them around. Nancy placed a plate of sausages and pancakes in front of you.

“Don’t get in too deep”

“Don’t plan on it”

⋆.ೃ࿔*

“Goodnight guys!”

Everyone headed into their tents for the night. You headed off into the woods with a pre-rolled joint. Once you’ve headed far enough, you leaned against the tree and lit your joint. You took a pull, inhaling and exhaling. The forest was extremely dark. Only the moon and the cherry of your joint providing a small amount of light. The wind made a sort of creepy whistling noise. Suddenly, a stick snapped. You looked around and were greeted by Eddie. You jumped back in fright.

“Holy shit! What are you doing here?”

“I saw you were rolling a joint, and no one else around here smokes but you and me”

You gave him a glare before passing the joint over to him. He took a pull and blew the smoke into your face. You punched his arm and snatched the joint from him.

“So why didn’t you go to bed?”

“Why didn’t you?”

“I asked you first” He nudged you

“Needed to clear my head”

“From?”

You scoffed a took a second to gather your thoughts

“Relationship shit”

“Breakup?”

“Yea..”

“I feel you”

He took the joint from you and took a large pull before carrying on

“So what’s your damage?” He said while holding in the smoke. He exhaled and leaned against the tree next to you. You followed suit, standing rather close to you.

“Cheated with his coworker.. Caught them when i surprised him at work”

“Yeesh” He patted your shoulder

“How ‘bout yours?”

“Y’know Chrissy?”

“You dated that priss?”

He chuckled and took another pull of the joint before passing the last bit of it to you.

“Well, turns out she was only using me to get back with Carver; and when it worked I was left in the dust”

You both sat in silence for a moment, a comfortable silence. Occasionally, you would give each other glances. You tossed down the end of the joint and put it out. You looked over at Eddie for a second before running down a path. Eddie yelled at you and chased behind.

“Where the fuck are you going!” Concern soaking his voice

“Come on!”

“This path is steep, Slow down!”

Eddie continued to chase you down the hill, attempting not to twist an ankle or break a leg. Finally, you both got to the bottom. What stood in front of you was a large lake; in the shape of a heart, hence its name ‘lovers lake’. You walked over to the dock and placed down the items you had in your hands. You turned to Eddie, watching him hunched over; attempting to catch his breath.

“Don’t you ever.. do.. that- jesus fucking christ”

“Let’s go for a swim”

“What?”

He quickly set back up, being met with you stripping down. His eyes latched onto your figure. He didn’t even notice you caught him. You cleared your throat, catching his attention. He quickly turned away from you.

“Dude, it’s the same shit as a bikini.. come on”

He turned back around and watched as you dove straight into that lake. He quickly began to strip down to his boxers then follow after you; into the lake. It wasn’t as cold as either of you would’ve thought, it was actually pretty warm. The two of you floated around for a bit. Suddenly, Eddie was pulled out of his calm state by being splashed with water. He sat up and glared at you. He gave you a menacing smirk before splashing you. This resulted in a full out water war.

“Oh you fucker!”

“It’s pay back sweetheart!”

“Fuck off, Munson!”

You swam out of the lake and got back onto the shore. You sat on the sand and watched as Eddie caught up. He laid down next to you, attempting to catch his breath. He looked over to you and scoffed.

“You’re a pain in the ass, y’know that?”

“You hardly know me”

“Know you enough to know you’re a pain in the ass”

You slid closer and laid beside him. You admired the patterns of stars. You both just sat in a comfortable silence together. The two of you just took a moment, enjoying eachothers company. You both finally felt not so lonely.

⋆.ೃ࿔*

“Hey, can you pass me my shirt?”

Eddie tossed over your shirt and waited for you to finish getting dressed. The sky was beginning to get lighter as the morning approached. The two of you grabbed the rest of your stuff and headed out to the campsite. You found your fingers intertwined with his as he led you up the hill. The two of you finally reached your tent. He tried his best to get the two of you in quietly. He quickly closed the zipper and flopped down onto his mattress. He turned to you and patted the empty spot next to him. You quickly shuffled over to him and laid into his embrace. His arm laid down onto your waist and pulled you in closer. The lack of energy caught up to the two of you, causing you both to drift off.

Taglist🔖 (open)

@mystars123 @chickennug90 @gaysludge @edenfrompluto

[storiesaplenty]

Take a Flyer

Lord Debling x f/Reader (18+)

Main Masterlist

“Flyers” were shoes, so this phrase describes having sex while still dressed or “without going to bed.”

Just like all my other stories, has not been proofread, but please enjoy.

Warnings. Smut below the cut. Unprotected sex. P in v. Creampie

WC 583

From my previous account plentyoffandoms.

©️ storiesaplenty 2024: do not repost or translate my work. This is the only place I post my work.

"Alfred, please." She whined as I bent her over the arm of the settee, bunching up her skirts.

"Please, what my darling?" I questioned as I undid my own breeches

"The guests are waiting."

"What did I say in my letters I sent home?" I fisted my cock, slapping it against her leaking pussy.

I pushed just the tip in, savouring the feeling of her warmth. Oh, how I have missed this.

She pushed her hips back or tried to take me deeper. I pulled back, making her cry out in frustration.

"What did I say, my dear?"

"That I will be dripping with your seed every day that you are home."

"And I intend to keep that promise, my love." I slammed into her, reaching around to cover her mouth as she let out a scream of my name.

"Was too long without you wrapped around my cock. Lord, I have missed you."

"And I intend to keep that promise, my love." I slammed into her, reaching around to cover her mouth as she let out a scream of my name.

I have been gone for 5 months, and I regretted not bringing her along with me this time, but she insisted on coming with me the next trip.

I have been home only three days, and I have spent every single moment buried deep within her walls.

Our meals were brought to us in our bedroom. The moment we were done, I was on her.

But not today, no.

This dinner party had been in the works for months now, and there was no way she was going to cancel it, so she was up before I was this morning, and she has been on the go since.

My cock ached for her all day, even finishing myself off would not do the trick. Not when I have my wife so close to me, whose body and soul I have missed more than anything.

So when I found her in our drawing room, waiting to make her entrance and suprise everyone that I was home, I had to make quick use of our time together, knowing how our dinner parties can go well into the night, sometimes the next day.

My pace was slow, savouring this moment of being in her once more, but then the thought of someone walking in on us, awake something in me.

I pulled her hips back with every single thrust. Groans and moans falling from my own lips as soft pants left hers.

I couldn't hold back anymore, with one final thrust, I stilled as I came deep within her. My face scrunching up at the intense pleasure.

A soft gasp fell from her lips. I pulled out of her and watched as my spent slowly started to leak onto her thighs. I put the skirts of her dress back down and myself away.

"I am sorry, my love. Once they are gone, I will make it up to you." I have always made sure she finishes, doesn't matter if it is by my cock, fingers or mouth.

She cupped my face in her hand, and I leaned into it, kissing her palm.

"I know you will, Alfred. Come. Our guests are waiting and I am very hungry."

I sat there, talking with an acquaintance, watching her out of the corner of my eye, knowing that her and I share a dirty little secret between the two of us.

The thought of her sitting there with my cum leaking out of her, made my cock twitch in my breeches.

Oh yes, I will be making it up to her once everyone is gone.

Tag list: @madhatterbri

[its-jaytothemee]

Until I Met You - Chapter 25

Chapter 25: Rising Tension

Pairings: Halsin x Tav

Word count: 4,457

Rating: Currently M, will be Explicit in later chapters.

Read on AO3

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Summary: Tav and the others finally make their way to Moonrise Towers. Halsin remains in camp as he contemplates he and Tav's awkward encounter from the morning. Part 25 of the slow burn fic. Tav and Halsin POVs.

Tags: Slow burn, mutual pining, hurt/comfort, emotional hurt/comfort, fluff, eventual love confessions, eventual smut, angst, implied past rape/non-con and abuse, graphic description of injuries, brief suicidal thoughts.

A/N: This chapter is a bit more setup to get us to some more juicy parts of the story :)

Tav wrapped one arm around her chest as she walked. She had made such a fool of herself this morning. The more she thought about it, the more it made sense though. Regardless of the companionship she felt between the two of them, the fact of the matter remained that she was carrying an illithid tadpole. She couldn’t exactly blame Halsin for not wanting to get too close to someone who could turn into a mind flayer at any moment.

“Hey, soldier.” Karlach jogged up to her side and looped her arm around Tav’s. “Why the long face?”

“Just a rough morning is all.” She gave a weak smile in return.

“Oh?” Karlach’s playful grin drove the dagger of shame further into Tav’s gut. “Have a little too much fun with a bear?”

Her teasing words caused tears to well up in her eyes. She cleared her throat to get rid of the lump forming there.

“Oh…” Karlach’s face fell. “Something happen?”

Tav sniffled before telling Karlach of her blunder with Halsin. She felt like a child, sniveling and crying over a crush who rejected her.

“Oh, come on!” Karlach took her arm back to throw her hands in the air. “He says looking at you is like gazing on the beauty of nature and then expects you to not kiss him?!”

“Maybe that’s just how he talks.” Tav took a shaky breath. “Or I’ve just completely lost my touch.”

“Doesn’t talk to me that way. And I mean the way he looks at you? It’s like you’re the last piece of cake on the table and he hasn’t eaten in a decade.”

“Regardless, I’ve made my feelings known on multiple occasions. And he’s done the same.” Tav shrugged, hoping to hide how much it hurt her to admit.

“Maybe he’s just shy. Give it a couple of days, you never know–”

Tav cut her off. “It’s okay, Karlach, really. Maybe it’s like you said before, maybe he just wants a friend.”

“Hmph.” Karlach glared over her shoulder in the direction of their camp but otherwise let the matter drop. The angry twitches in her tail caught Tav in the leg every few steps.

Their somber march to Moonrise was a difficult one for Tav. Bodies of fallen Dark Justiciars and Harpers littered the ground, piles of bone and rusted weapons adorned every corner. Every now and then, one of them would come back to life as a shadow cursed corpse, adding another layer of danger to their stroll.

So many caught in Shar’s dark clutches, so many lives wasted, and for what? What did she gain by choking the light and life out of this entire land? And what in the hells did Ketheric Thorm have to do with the Absolute? Did this mean that Shar was also involved with the cult?

Her mind raced and reeled with question after question. For each one answered, two more took its place, but as they approached the bridge to take them through Reithwin, a faded letter displayed on an old spear caught her eyes.

A formal letter from the leader of the council of High Harpers offering a surrender. They had feared that the fighting would escalate to a full-scale war, decimating the land and inhabitants of Reithwin. Beneath the plea, two words were scribbled on the paper in a harsh hand.

SURRENDER DECLINED.

Tears stung her eyes again. Above all, the Harpers and the Emerald Enclave wanted to preserve life, to be a light in darkness, to prevent needless death in their own battles no matter how deeply they believed in the cause for which they fought. This short and hasty reply proved just how little Shar and her followers thought of those caught in that eternal war between light and dark.

This denial of surrender was the reason her squad had been called from Amn to join the Harpers at Moonrise.

“They…they surrendered?” Shadowheart stood behind her, reading over her shoulder.

“Yes,” Tav’s voice was cold, “and he slaughtered them anyway.” Shadowheart’s indifferent exterior wavered for just a moment before she hissed in pain and gripped the hand that carried her Shar-bound wound.

“Come on, best not to linger.” Tav swallowed the grief climbing its way up her throat.

As soon as they crossed the threshold of the tollhouse, she could feel the shadows become heavier, even with the pixie blessing keeping them at bay. The air took on more of a chill as dread clawed at her chest like a caged displacer beast. Her steps were slow and heavy the closer they drew to the entrance to Moonrise Towers. The lead that seemed to suddenly line her boots made it all the more difficult to slog forward through the darkness. Before she knew it, Tav found herself staring down the stone bridge to Moonrise.

Small bubbles of light hovered in the air, moonlanterns hung high above the bridge to protect the cultists from the shadows.

“Well, this certainly looks like the perfect place to hide a murderous cult run by mind flayers.” Gale stood next to her, gripping his staff with both hands.

“Moonrise is also our best chance at a cure for these tadpoles now that my kin hunt us.” Lae’zel reminded her.

“We’ll have to play along for now. We need to find out who’s leading this cult and see if we can find the tiefling prisoners.” Tav fought the urge to run back to the safety of Last Light.

She took a deep breath to steel herself before venturing into the cursed tower.

***

Halsin sat cross-legged in front of the fire, lost in meditation, hoping to hear Silvanus’s guiding voice. The pixie charm kept the worst of the shadow curse at bay, but the fire helped to keep him warm.

Just a short distance away, he could see the large dome of moonlight protecting Last Light Inn. They had opted to set up a camp just outside of the safe haven, not wanting to be a further burden to the already struggling inhabitants.

Behind him, he could hear Arabella bombarding Withers with constant questions. Their animal companions had curled up together by the fire, the unsettling darkness smothering their usual playful attitudes. Every now and then, Lunari would pop her head up to check the perimeter for Tav’s return before returning her head to the top of her paws.

Tav…

He shook his head to push her from his mind for now. His shame for his behavior this morning threatened to distract him from his responsibilities, from his promise.

“Oak Father, please, hear me.” His voice was a reverent whisper. “I need your guidance. Show me the way forward.”

Among the darkness and chill of the shadows, a comforting feeling wrapped around Halsin like a soft, favored blanket.

You are already on the right path, my child. You know the way.

Halsin’s breath caught. He didn’t dare draw in another, worried that he had imagined the voice.

“Oak Father, is that you? Do my ears deceive me?”

You listen well, as you always have. Why do I feel your sorrow?

“I feel lost…distracted.”

And this brings you pain?

“Yes. I should have the wisdom to resist such disruptions and yet I find myself torn. Forgive me, I have let my mind stray from this sacred duty.”

There is nothing to forgive.

“But I…I have fallen from my path. The one I set out on so many years ago.”

You have not fallen from your path, you have forged a new one. My child, my Chosen. You know the way.

My Chosen. The words still brought tears to Halsin’s eyes. Yet another title he felt unworthy of receiving.

“What would you ask of me?”

I ask nothing more than you have already given.

“I don’t understand…”

I have given you all that you need. Find your balance. You know the way.

The warm embrace he felt under Silvanus’s voice faded away, leaving him once again cold in the shadows. Every god in the Pantheon was known to speak in riddles and rhymes, preferring their loyal followers to seek the meaning in their words themselves. The Oak Father was no different.

Find your balance. You know the way.

Did he though? Did he truly know the correct path to take? He had studied for years, given himself entirely to Silvanus and his teachings. He knew the ritual by heart, he said it each and every night. But he didn’t know where to find Thaniel yet. Refusing to let his frustrations get the better of him, Halsin took a deep breath and tried to meditate once more. He tried to draw on what little life surrounded him, desperate to find any trace of his old friend.

He wanted nothing more than to hear Thaniel’s voice, nothing more than to see the sun shining on these lands again.

So why was it when he closed his eyes, he only saw her face?

***

Tav took slow, careful steps as they approached the towers. The light of the moonlanterns here felt cold and detached compared to the warmth of the moon shield at Last Light. Wyll stopped suddenly in the middle of the bridge.

“Ah hells…” He spun in place, looking in all directions around them. “She’s coming.”

Not a moment later, Mizora popped into view. Wyll’s patron stood sneering at them, blocking their path into Moonrise.

“Hey? You guys smell that?” Karlach made a show of sticking her nose in the air and sniffing dramatically. “Smells like one nasty little shit.”

“Delicate as ever, Karlach.” Mizora’s flippant smile set Tav’s teeth on edge. “Now do be quiet so I can have a word with my pet.”

“What do you want, Mizora?” Wyll gave an exasperated sigh as he rolled his eyes.

“Drop the attitude pup and perk up your ears. I have a new mission for you.”

Wyll clenched his jaw but did as he was told. Karlach let out a soft growl behind her.

“The cult has gone and nabbed one of Zariel’s assets, a devil. A powerful one too. You need to break into their fortress and get them out.” Mizora flicked her wrist toward herself, pulling an invisible leash that yanked Wyll forward a few steps. The movement earned her a growl from Karlach.

“Powerful devil? How powerful could they be if they managed to get captured by the cult?” Tav jeered back at her, but Mizora just kept smiling.

“Wyll, pet, should we remind your friend of the terms of your pact? What happens should you refuse to obey or neglect your duty?”

Tav glared back at her. The first night she emerged into their camp from the hells below, she made it clear what would happen the next time he disobeyed. So Wyll could either help free this asset or become a blob of lifeless flesh clawing at the front lines of the Blood War.

However, amidst her arrogant jabs and recitals of the pact, a trace of desperation shone through her words. She could not afford for Wyll to fail, her fate was likely tied to his success. Whether that was due to Zariel or the cult, she couldn’t say. But Tav saw an opportunity.

“We’ll help Wyll rescue this asset, Mizora. On one condition.” Tav crossed her arms as she stared down the cambion before her.

“Oh? I’d love to hear what you plan on using to negotiate.” Mizora’s smug aura wavered.

Panic rose in her mind as her tadpole squirmed in recognition of Wyll’s.

“What are you doing?” His voice rang inside of her head.

“Trust me. I won’t let you get dragged down to Avernus.” He seemed satisfied with her answer as her tadpole stopped wiggling again.

“You break Wyll’s pact, and we’ll rescue this devil.” Tav kept her expression neutral, not wanting to give anything away.

“Hm…and why would I let my favorite pup off of his leash so readily?” She stuck her lip out in an exaggerated pout.

“We could always let this devil be infected. I’m sure they’d make a formidable thrall.” Tav hoped the anxious beating of her heart couldn’t be heard.

Mizora scoffed but took a second to consider the proposition as she looked between the group of ragged adventurers.

“Fine, I’ll play your game.” Tav released her held breath. “But I amend the pact once the job is done, not a moment before.”

Mizora cleared her throat and recited a new line of the pact, stating that Wyll would be released from his contract once they rescued this asset.

“There. Now…run along and fetch, pup. And do watch the shadows, they’ve been especially hungry.” With that, she whisked herself away.

I can’t believe that worked.

Tav stood in the chilly glow of the moonlantern lined bridge with her companions. Wyll stared at the spot where Mizora had stood.

“You okay, soldier?” Karlach nudged his shoulder.

“Yes, I think so.” His brow furrowed in thought before turning toward Tav. “Thank you…for sticking your neck out for me.”

“You’re welcome. Do you think she’ll keep her word?”

“Well, she did amend the pact. She’s as bound by it as I am. Yet even now, I can feel her scheming and plotting.”

“Listen Wyll, you know your happiness is my happiness.” Karlach placed a hand on his shoulder, her words caused Tav’s head to whip around to her. “But you also know as well as I do that when dealing with devils you always draw the short straw.”

“Oh, come on, Karlach, where’s that optimistic attitude that’s kept us company through this perilous expedition of ours?” Gale stepped up beside her. “One more mission and Wyll can have his freedom. As far as the breaking of warlock pacts go, I must say this is presumptively the most affable deal he’ll receive.”

“That’s what worries me.” Karlach looked at the ground. “It’s too easy.”

“Perhaps.” Wyll put a hand over hers resting on his shoulder. “But this could be my only chance. Regardless of her cunning, Mizora was obviously desperate, more so than I’ve ever seen her. That makes her prone to making mistakes, for now I shall hold out hope that this was a lapse in judgement on her part.”

Karlach seemed satisfied enough with his answer and let her hand drop, but Tav noticed how Wyll let his fingers brush over hers afterwards.

“Yes, very heartwarming, my friends. Now, I do believe we have a cult of murderous illithid to either topple or assume control over, so…” Astarion twirled a dagger in one of his hands as he leaned lazily against the stone walls of the bridge.

“Onward, then.”

For once, Tav was the one who could give Karlach a teasing grin as they continued their stroll towards Moonrise. It was hard to tell in the dark with her already dark red skin, but she could have sworn she saw her cheeks flush just a bit. Her playful nudges on Karlach’s arm were returned with a hip check that came close to knocking her to the ground.

Their lighthearted teases were interrupted when they reached the large iron doors that comprised the entrance to Moonrise. Absolute cultists patrolled all around the perimeter of the building. Ghouls stood poised and ready to attack any unwanted guests near the entrance.

“There is no doubt about it. The power I feel here is unlike anything we’ve encountered thus far.” The dream visitor glided into their minds. “This is where we will find the heart of the Absolute.”

“Stop there!” One of the cultists called out as they approached. He winced as their parasite wriggled in recognition of Tav’s

“Play along, get us as close as you can.”

“Ah, always a pleasure to meet another True Soul. What news from the field?” The guard perked back up after their tadpoles calmed.

“Uh, nothing much, rather quiet out here besides the shadows.”

“I’ll say. Even with these lanterns those ghastly screeches give me shivers.” He gave a light chuckle. “Say I don’t recognize you, are you a new recruit?”

Tav looked back to her traveling party, unease prevalent in all their expressions.

“Yep! We were escorted here by the drider, but he fell to the shadows. We had to run the rest of the way here without a moonlantern,” she lied.

“Well at least that explains why he hasn’t checked in. Go on inside, Disciple Z’rell and General Thorm will want to speak with you. You’ll find them in the audience chamber.” He nodded toward the entryway.

General Thorm.

“Play along, Tav. Do not let your personal grievances stop you from completing your mission.” Her dream visitor pleaded with her.

She pushed away the anguish trying to seize her chest.

“Very well, erm, in Her name?” Tav tried to play along as a devout follower, giving a small, two-fingered salute.

“Praise the Absolute!” The True Soul responded with enthusiasm, tapping the butt of his spear against the ground.

They were waved through the large double doors. Astarion came up and slapped her on the arm.

“In Her name?” He said back in a mocking voice.

“I’m sorry! I don’t know how to blend into a murderous cult, I figured random praise for this Absolute would do the trick.”

“I thought it was good!” Karlach called out behind her.

Tav stopped at the bottom of the stairs, taking in the spacious room around her. She had never seen the inside of the towers, only the outer walls from the field of battle. The grand entry was not unlike the one in her family’s estate. Granted, the décor left something to be desired, but one hundred years spent decaying amidst this shadow curse would do that to any building.

“We should take a look around before we seek out Z’rell and Ketheric. Find out exactly what we’re up against here.” Tav dropped her voice to a whisper to deter any eavesdropping. She wasn’t quite sure she could face Ketheric Thorm just yet.

Pulses of psionic energy seemed to thrum all around them with the alarming number of True Souls. Her thundering heartbeat pounded to the same rhythm as they began to explore.

Tav took note of the room’s layout, the beams overhead, the traders conversing in one corner of the room. Another scrying eye floated around the room, its eerie humming sending nervous shivers down her spine.

Gods I hope those aren’t all connected.

She pushed a door to her left open, revealing a dining hall and kitchen of sorts. A woman stood with a couple of gnolls around the fire. Was she…training them? They paid Tav and the others no mind as they strolled through the room.

A strange pillar of pink, sinewy webs seemed to be making its way up through the floors through a small staircase. Tav reached out to touch them but recoiled at their cold, plump texture.

What in the hells…

“I hear more voices in there.” Shadowheart started walking toward another door in the back of the room.

Tav happily followed, not wanting to think about what made those fleshy strands. In the next room, she found a drow woman huddled over a table that was littered with potion bottles and papers. The Elvish scrawl that covered the sheets was familiar in its appearance, but she still couldn’t quite understand the words as they were written.

Likely in a drow dialect.

The woman turned her head to the side and caught Tav peering over her shoulder.

“Another True Soul?” she remarked with an unsettling smile. “It is a pleasure to stand before you…” she trailed off to look behind her at Astarion, “and your pale companion.”

Tav and Astarion shared a quick glance.

“I’m Araj Oblodra, trader in blood and practitioner of the sanguineous arts. I’d love to offer my services, if you’re willing.” Araj’s voice was smooth and soft, but caused chilling bumps to rise up on Tav’s skin.

“What exactly does a trader in blood have to offer me? I’m afraid I’m rather full of the stuff.” she asked, unable to hide the curiosity creeping into her voice.

The drow gave a light laugh in response. “And I would be more than willing to alleviate some of that weight from your system. Put more plainly, I’d like a sample of your blood. Of a True Soul’s blood, specifically.”

“And what do I get out of this other than a nice cut on the finger?”

“With one drop of your blood, I can brew a rather potent potion for you while allowing myself to keep the rest for my research.”

Tav thought for a moment. What was one small vial of blood compared to a useful potion?

“Alright, I’m interested.”

“Very kind of you, True Soul. Just one little prick and it’ll all be over.”

Araj had Tav remove her glove so she could use a small pin to prick her finger. Her blood fell in heavy crimson drops into the small vial the drow held between her fingertips. Once she was satisfied with the amount collected, she turned to start tinkering with her ingredients to make the promised potion.

“Aw, what a waste of blood, Tav.” Astarion stuck his lip out in a fake pout as she pressed a small cloth to her finger to stop the bleeding.

“Well here, there’s still a bit left on my finger if you want it.” She shot a sweet smile back at him as she stuck her bloodied middle finger in the air at him.

“Ew, not off that dirty hand. Gods only know where it’s been.” He stuck his tongue out at her in disgust.

“Here we are.” Araj offered a small vial to Tav. “All of your very best traits in a bottle. Use it well.”

She stashed the vial in her pack with a polite nod. As they turned to walk away, the drow called out to them again.

“Perhaps there’s one more thing we could discuss.” Her eyes once again landed on Astarion. “Your companion. He’s a vampire? Or at least one of their spawn?”

Everyone exchanged uneasy looks as their hands landed on their respective weapons.

“Don’t worry, we’re all friends under the Absolute. I won’t bite.” Astarion gave her a wink to distract her from the hand moving to unsheathe a dagger.

"Oh, I'd prefer if you did."

"What?!" they all exclaimed at the same time.

“I assume he belongs to you?” Araj turned back to Tav.

“Excuse me?” She asked, her temper starting to rise.

“If not you, which of your group currently owns him?”

Her blood started to boil underneath her skin once more.

“No one owns him, he’s a person, not a pet or collectible.” Tav snipped back at her.

“How adorable that you both seem to believe that.” She ignored Tav’s outburst and turned to Astarion. “Do you have a name, spawn?”

The way she spat the word spawn caused Tav’s hands to twitch toward the sword at her belt once more. Seeing the anger on Astarion’s face nearly caused her to lunge at the drow.

“Astarion…but hold on–”

“Good. I’ve always dreamed of being bitten by a vampire since I was a young girl, Astarion. If you’d do me the honors, I’ll compensate you with a potion of legendary power that will forever increase the strength of the one who drinks it. I wasn’t going to offer it for sale, but it’s yours if you bite me.”

Tav started to grind her teeth as she watched Astarion’s reaction carefully. He gave an uncomfortable chuckle before responding.

“I will have to…decline.” He answered with a small wave of his hand.

“Excuse me?” Araj scoffed. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance and you’re squandering it.”

“I gave you my answer.” Astarion tried to keep his voice firm, but Tav caught the slightest waver in it as he scowled at the drow.

“Can’t you talk some sense into your obstinate charge?” Araj whipped around to snap at Tav.

In response she walked up between them to tower over the much shorter woman. She made a show of peeking her sword’s blade from its scabbard as she glared down at her.

“He. Said. No.” Tav lowered her voice to a hissing whisper. “There’s nothing more to discuss.”

Satisfied with the intimidated look on the drow’s face, she spun on her heels to storm from the room. The others followed close behind.

“Tav?” Astarion’s voice was small beside her. She paused her angry strides to turn and face him. “I…” His eyes had the smallest cluster of tears forming in the corners as he stumbled over his words.

“You don’t have to say anything,” she assured him with a smile. “It’s like I told you, you’ll always get the help you need from me.”

He smiled back at her, a smile that seemed more genuine than the ones she was used to seeing.

“Besides, I’m sure you’re not missing out on much by denying her. Anyone who acts like that must taste awful, right?” She tried to tease him to ease the tension.

“Actually, you’d be surprised, darling.” He let out his typical giggle as he looped an arm around hers. “Some of the most hateful foes I’ve bitten in our short time together tasted the best. Or perhaps I was just hungry.”

They all let out a small chorus of laughs as they walked back into the large entry chamber. Her eyes darted to the second set of iron doors that likely led to the audience chamber where Ketheric Thorm would be waiting for them.

“Where to next?” Karlach appeared at her other side, resting one arm on her shoulder.

Tav’s gaze remained fixed on the doors. Fear had a clawed grip in every muscle of her body.

“Tav?” Astarion nudged the arm still wrapped around his.

“I…” Her mouth had gone dry. She thought she could do this. She thought she could face the man responsible for so much of her torment, so much of her grief. Yet standing here in Moonrise, her strength faltered, and a few tears escaped to run down her cheeks.

“You’re not alone, Tav,” Karlach whispered. “We’ll be right here with you every step of the way.”

Slowly, the others walked up to gather around her as well. Even Shadowheart offered her a weak smile. She nodded back, her tears shifting to those of gratitude as her companions echoed Karlach’s assurance.

Tav took one more deep breath to help dry her eyes. “I think it’s time to meet General Ketheric Thorm.”

[karliahs]

okay just for fun i'm going to compile the garbled knowledge i have about what happens in bnha going forward (so everything after season 5 episode 8/middle of the joint training arc).

this is a few years of passively picking stuff up through tumblr, ao3 and a friend who reads the manga and would periodically upon request tell me how my kids were doing

so...bnha spoilers below the cut, including fairly recent manga spoilers. except they are incomplete, garbled and possibly entirely wrong

upcoming arcs: endeavour internship arc, plf arc, ??? other ones probably, final war arc

bakugou, midoriya & todoroki intern at endeavour's agency. endeavour redemption arc continues to be a thing that is happening

midoriya develops the past OFA users quirks - blackwhip first, then float, and then the others are i think...danger sense, smokescreen, some kind of...healing thing? i have definitely seen them all referenced in fic but i mostly just remember float and blackwhip

touya reveal!! dance with your son in hell!! we stan. i have no idea what the outcome of this is other than that i believe natsuo never gets on board with endeavour redemption but fuyumi does. i think maybe shouto as well...

at some point things about hawks?? and the hero commission's...stuff?? with hawks?? gets revealed publically and contributes to growing unrest about heroes' roles in society. and the touya stuff i think also gets revealed and contributes to this

oh kurogiri obviously. that's season 5 i'm pretty sure. kurogiri is a noumu made from oboro shirakumo, aizawa & mic's (& midnight's?) UA friend who they thought died under some rubble during agency placements. it was actually aizawa they were after but they got oboro instead. aizawa & mic go to confront him and try to get through to him and it initially does not work

while i'm on aizawa knowledge: he gets shot with a quirk destroying bullet in the leg and fucking cuts his own leg off to try and stop it from working. and on what is maybe a separate occasion he loses an eye, i think to shigaraki. idk if eri rewinds one of both of these injuries??

eri does successfully rewind mirio's quirk back. and at some point midoriya loses his goddamn arms?? but eri fixes that. so often when i asked my friend for updates it would end up being about how many limbs my faves currently had

midnight dies. idk how or why. twice i think also dies. again, no context.

aoyama is revealed as the UA traitor. he was born quirkless and was given his quirk by AFO. it was an overall sympathetic he had v few good choices kind of situation i think

at some point everything kind of collapses. i think this is to do with public reaction to hero stuff?? but the whole city seems kind of wrecked and a bunch of people are sheltering on UA's campus i think...and then midoriya for reasons i do not really understand runs off on his own for an iconic yellow scarf of sadness era of going rogue. and 1-a has to track him down and yell a lot about how they love him and he needs to cut it out. this includes a bakugou apology i believe

i think the midoriya run away coincides with OFA reveal?? he writes them letters i think...then he comes back and there's a lot of discussion about baths

climactic midoriya shigaraki fight...we find out shigaraki used to be quirkless. i think AFO gave him the quirk used to kill his family or something equally fucked up. midoriya...throws all his quirks out? to like? achieve something? so he (temporarily) is quirkless...

bakugou dies but they fix it. i think with...shigaraki...somehow. oh and at some point during all this i think kurogiri does do some helpful for the heroes teleporting?? so they maybe did get through to him in the end?

timejump and SHINSOU IS IN 2-A. this is the only thing that matters actually!! my boy!! he did it!!!!! he took aoyama's spot bc aoyama didn't feel like he could come back even tho he'd pretty much been forgiven. so we just missed canonising the iconic 'shinsou hitoshi is in class 1-a' tag bc it's 2-a and fully did not canonise the 'shinsou hitoshi replaces mineta minoru' tag

skjdhfh i'm sure i'm forgetting a bunch that i do actually know and just can't think of rn so i will maybe reblog this if i remember more