#send help I love this idiot vampire way too much

[restinslices]

Everything

PJO Show Ares x Child!Reader (no gender specified)

Word count: 2459

Summary: Ares supposedly hates kids, so it’s really strange that he comes when you call. (Do not let the summary fool you, this is not fluff. Based on a dream I had a couple days ago. Warning for possible ooc Ares and brief mentions of abuse. Blink and you’ll miss it type shit)

“I don't wanna say”, Grover fingers fidgeted with each other as he purposefully avoided eye contact with you. 

“We're friends, right?”

“Of course!”

“Then you have to tell me! You spoke to my father, I gotta know what he said! What was he like? I bet he was really cool! Man, I wish I could've been there and talked to him”, you looked down at your shoes and added more misery to your face than was necessary. It was extremely childish and petty but Grover kept refusing to tell you what your father Ares was like. You had to know though. You doubted he brought you up, but you still wanted to know what he said and what he was like when he was just out and about. Grover had the opportunity to have a long talk with him and that was something you'd kill and suffer for. 

“I doubt you'd wanna do that” he mumbled, but you heard him. 

“Why'd you say that?” You asked. 

Grover refused to expound on what he meant… at first. 

Everyone knew Grover couldn't hold water so it didn't take too much prodding before he spilled his guts. 

The memory replayed in your head more than you'd like to admit, and if it were up to you, you'd no longer be a half blood. 

It made you feel pathetic. Tons of gods- no. All the gods were shitty parents. After all, they had children with mortals and left the children on Earth, knowing they'd be hunted down. Plenty of half bloods died in a gruesome painful way and at a young age. Plenty of gods never claimed their children, even if they made it to Camp Half Blood. But Ares did claim you, so you assumed that that meant he cared for you in some way. He even gifted you with a double sided sword. Surely, he must've loved you. 

You were foolish and you hated how foolish you were. You should've known he didn't care. He left you here with mortals and watched as your home life got worse and worse which was due to multiple factors including a piss poor mother and step family, the aura children of Ares give off that makes people around them experience rage and of course the random monster attacks that your family blamed you for. It was as if they thought you begged Ares to be his child. As if you'd ever do something as stupid as that. 

The rain soaked through your hood, making your hair all wet and gross. You were an idiot. You tried coming home for the school year, thinking maybe your family changed. They said they did. They tended to lie a lot though. You got into a huge fight and stormed out and you were in such a hurry that you completely forgot to grab your pouch full of drachmas and you didn't wanna step another foot in that house. So now here you were, outside with freezing cold hands that couldn't be warmed because your hoodie was soaking and you couldn't call Chiron. Perfect.

You checked your pockets once again, hoping to find something other than the lighter and fruit roll up that was there but alas, nothing magically appeared. You held the two objects in your hand and an idea formed in your mind. 

You could always set the fruit roll up on fire as an offering. You could pray to your father and hope he hears you and sends you something to help. 

No. That's incredibly stupid. Could you even light a fruit roll up on fire? It didn't matter. Not only was that the stupidest offering ever but you refused to pray to him. You'd rather sleep out in the rain then sneak inside when your family was gone to get your shit. 

You put the two objects in your pocket and let your head rest on your knees, exhaustion hitting. It wasn't even physical exhaustion. It was all mental and emotional. Like a leech was sucking on you constantly. Or a vampire. You'd prefer that. At least you'd die quicker. 

The hum of a motorcycle filled your ears, getting closer and closer. Best case scenario, it was a neighbor. Worst case scenario, it was a murderer. Honestly, you'd welcome both. 

The hum stopped and a familiar voice made you look up, “rough night”. 

It was him. Ares. God of war. Father to who knew how many. It was someone you definitely did not want to see… or so you thought. Part of you absolutely despised him now and everything to do with him and wanted to rip him apart. The other part of you though still felt an immense amount of joy when you saw him and you wanted to cling to him like a child clings to its favorite toy. If you were alone, you would've screamed. 

Then a thought crossed your mind. You didn't burn anything. You didn't make an offering. 

“You were going to” he said, seeming to read your mind. 

“Why are you here?” you managed to get out after some time of just staring at him. 

“Why do you think I'm here?” he asked and you could tell by his tone he meant it sarcastically. Like “the reason is so obvious. Stop being stupid”. 

Something about that sarcastic and irritated tone made you think back to what Grover told you. 

“Why don't you like me?” You asked and you hadn't meant to. It was supposed to stay in your head. 

He squinted his eyes at you and looked you up and down, “what?”. 

You could've let it go. You could've said nevermind, thanked him and let him help. You couldn't though. You didn't know when you'd have this chance again (the camp visited them but damn, there was a lot of you) and if you did something to make him not like you, you wanted to fix it. But that wasn't your job, right? Parents are supposed to care for their kids. 

You did that a lot. Your mind juggled opposite thoughts and it drove you insane. This was just the latest bit of juggling you'd been doing. 

“Grover said he spoke to you-”

“Who is Grover?”

“Percy's friend. The satyr”. A look of anger flashed in his eyes. You knew he remembered Percy. You didn't give him time to start yelling about the 12 year old that beat him in a fight. “Grover said that he spoke to you. I asked what it was like and he said that you said that you hate kids. Even your own. And when we visit, it's the worst day of the year. So, I was just wondering why you don't like me. Is it something I've done?”. 

Ares just rolled his eyes and sighed, “you're taking that personal?”. 

“It's kinda hard not to”. 

“I came to take you back to camp, not talk about whatever crisis you're having right now”. 

You didn't know if you were angry because of what he said, or because of his effect on others. Either way, blood started rushing to your head. “I'm not asking for a lot. I'm asking for an answer. A simple answer. Why don't you like me?”

“I don't like any of my kids”

“And that makes it better?” You asked in disbelief. Ares just stared at you, emotion void on his face. 

“Why do you do this? You keep having kids even though you hate them. Why?”. 

“It's not that simple and I don't have to explain anything to you”. You wished he'd show emotion. Any sliver of it. He was too calm, too numb. You'd prefer him yelling at you but nothing seemed to phase him. He was talking to you the same way you'd talk to a toddler. 

“It is incredibly simple. Just stop having sex with mortals. You already have Aphrodite -who is a married woman but whatever-” you rushed the last part. You didn't particularly care for the affairs between the gods. “How could your eyes possibly wander?”. 

Seeing him show a sliver of anger when you mentioned Aphrodite only filled you with more rage. That’s what angered him? That’s what got emotion out of him? “Really? That's what gets you? What about me being drenched?”

“You chose to come out here” he said through gritted teeth. If you knew Aphrodite was the key to him showing any piece of human emotion, you would've brought her up earlier. 

“I didn't choose this!” Your voice rose, “I didn't choose to be abandoned by my father and be stuck with a dysfunctional family for the rest of my life. You should be angry at that, not me mentioning Aphrodite. You should be enraged at the thought of anyone putting their hands on me and your hands should be covered in their blood! That is how it should be”. 

“Believe it or not the gods aren't too keen on the idea of killing mortals”

“But turning them into various objects and ruining their lives when it's a boring Tuesday is ok?”. His face went back to being blank and emotionless and your plan to stop talking was scrapped. You weren't even sure what you wanted. You wanted him to show something besides anger. Sadness? Regret maybe? Just something to show that maybe, just maybe, he cared deep down and regretted leaving you. 

“None of us asked for this. You all just decide to create and leave us. And you hating the people you created is… I don't know. And it's so stupid that I've spent years of my life trying to get you to be proud of me, only for it to be impossible!”. 

“I claimed you didn't I?” he defended himself, but you scoffed. 

“That's the bare minimum dad! That's like saying your kids should be grateful because you feed them!” You were full on screaming by now and you wouldn't have been surprised if a neighbor came out to see what the fuss was about. “I don't even know why I'm having this conversation with you. You probably hate being called 'dad’ and you don't care. You're never gonna get it”

“I try everyday to make you see me and you do everything in your power to not see me. To not see any of us. I would work myself to death for you. I would betray anyone close to me for you. If you asked me to burn down the world for you, I would. If you asked me to extinguish the sun, I'd find a way to because to me… to me you were everything. You are everything”. 

You couldn't tell if your face was wet from the rain, or from tears of sorrow and anger. It could've been both. Your eyes certainly stung and you hated it. You knew you had every right to be frustrated, but you hated how weak it made you feel. The children of Ares weren't supposed to cry. They were supposed to be headstrong and fight their enemies. They were supposed to be fierce warriors capable of bringing armies down to their knees. They were meant to shed blood, not tears. 

You thought for a second you saw an emotion cross his face. You couldn't pinpoint it though. It happened too fast and there was a good chance you were imagining things. 

“You can go. I'd rather sleep in the rain. I wouldn't wanna be even more of a burden” you spat with such venom you didn't know it was possible. Sure, you could have a bit of a temper but this felt different. It wasn't just anger or annoyance. There was a mix of grieving. 

It went silent for awhile, and the adrenaline you felt slowly went down. Reality started to sink in. You just yelled at a god. People who were known to cause destruction for something as small as “I think my shoes are better than yours”. 

“Are you gonna curse me? Or, I don't know, strangle me with my own shoe laces?”. Ares reached into his pocket and you looked away and closed your eyes. You expected to feel a burning sensation. That's what you assumed being cursed was like. A burning sensation and then you'd lose a limb or something. 

All you felt was something land on your lap. You looked down and saw a red pouch with gold string keeping it closed. You looked up at him, but he didn't say anything. You untied the string and opened the pouch and inside laid a pile of drachmas. 

Now he spoke, “call Chiron or whoever else works at that camp. Don't die out here”. 

“You're leaving?” You asked. You didn't know why you were disappointed. You should've been happy. After all, you just went off on him about how shit he was. 

“I have a busy schedule”. You wanted to ask if he'd be seeing the married woman he slept with or another unfortunate mortal, but you figured you pushed your luck enough today. 

“Thanks uhh…” you debated on calling him dad but instead you called him by his name. “Ares”. Then you remembered some gods could be particularly upset when you used their name. “God of war and all those other honorifics”. 

“Yeah” was all he said before he sped off, leaving you alone once again. You didn't know what he was saying “yeah” to but you didn't have enough time to ask and he probably wouldn't even answer. 

You called Chiron and asked to be brought back to camp but you didn't tell him about the conversation you had with Ares. 

You couldn't get the conversation out of your head, even after you showered and laid down to finally get some rest. 

Of course you kept thinking about the conversation and how lucky you were Ares didn't throw you into the street and run you over. 

Another thing stayed on your mind though. 

You didn't give an offering. You were told the gods would listen if you burned something that mattered, like the thickest piece of meat on your plate. You weren't sure they were actually listening and honestly you thought it was a real asshole condition. 

All you had was some stupid candy and you didn't even burn that and the minute you thought about it, he appeared like he was already watching. 

But you doubted he was watching. You doubted he listened to your prayers at all. 

You were one of his children which was something he hated. He'd claim you, possibly send a gift then be done with you. He didn't listen to you anymore. He didn't watch over you anymore. 

It was a coincidence. That's all it was. 

You were sure of it. 

At least, you tried to be. 

This is definitely ooc Ares but YA’LL KNOW I’M A LITTLE FUCKING SLOW! BE PATIENT WITH ME GOTDAMMIT😭 If you saw any errors, no you did not. I already proofread it once and I don’t feel like doing it again like I typically do. It’s 1am. I should be asleep.

[wandering-winchesters]

If this is how I go, it’s worth it.

Dean x injured reader

Word count: 1,926

Trigger Warnings: injury, blood, mention of a firearm.

Summary: reader gets hurt protecting Dean.

A/N: Requests are open! Please send them to me. If you’d like to be added to my tag list, please let me know! Masterlist

I’ve always had a hard time letting people into my life. Introducing them to the real me, the darker side of me that I hide behind a bubbly facade. The childhood that shaped me, something that very few people know about. When I was little there was no one to protect me from the things that I had to live through, the nightmarish situations that I still relive too often in my sleep. In adulthood, I’ve changed the narrative. I’ve become the protector, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to help someone else. Save someone else. Especially those that I love and hold close to my heart.

Sam and Dean have always held a special place in my life. Ever since I met them, on a hunt many years ago. They’d taken me under their wing, Sam willingly, Dean reluctantly. I knew nothing of the supernatural until I was in the wrong place at the wrong time and become the next helpless victim of a nest of vampires. That was until Sam and Dean showed up, just in time.

They knew I didn’t have a great childhood, I’d clued them into that much. However, I would never let them in entirely. It was too much, I didn’t want them to think of me any differently. I’ve seen the way Dean already looks at me after hunts, the annoyance that comes over him when things don’t go the way he wanted. I see the concern that washes over Sam, when I come close to being injured, or when I walk away with cuts and bruises. I don’t need their pity, they don’t need that burden.

Through everything over the years, I began to love them more than I thought possible. Sam like a brother. Dean like an annoying asshole, but also my best friend that I loved with all of my heart, not that I would ever tell him. I couldn’t, he would never feel the same way I was sure of it.

So when I saw that demon smirk and point a gun directly towards Dean’s head, I never hesitated to throw myself onto him and shove him to the ground. My body blocking the path of the bullet, giving Sam enough time to finish the exorcism, the black cloud erupting from the helpless man and fleeing the room.

“What the hell, Y/N. You shouldn’t have done that!” Dean yells, anger etching its way across his face, the concern only evident from the tone of his voice. His eyes searching mine for any sign of pain.

“He was going to kill You Dean.” I grovel, pushing myself off of him, the adrenaline still pumping through my veins. Dean scowls, his hand coming up to his face to wipe some sweat from his brow.

“So what? You were going to sacrifice yourself for me? How much of an idiot are you?”

I roll my eyes at him, pushing off my thighs to stand from the squatting position I had moved into. It wasn’t until I stood fully upright and began to stretch my limbs that the searing pain caught up to me. I press my hand to my abdomen instinctively, trying to dull the pain.

“I’m not an idiot De-“ I stop mid sentence as I bring my hand up to eye level. Red. Dripping , red blood, covers the entirety of my fingers. My eyes dart up from my hand, locking with Sam’s from across the room. He’s staring back at me, shock etched across his face, but beginning to walk towards me.

“That’s debatable- oh my god Y/N, fuck.” Dean starts, his tone changing halfway through his lecture. He takes the two steps necessary to get to me, taking his flannel off in the process. I feel his hands grip my body, one going to my back, the other balling his flannel up and pressing it tightly against the wound in my abdomen.

“Sam, you’ve gotta help me.” Dean pleads, his eyes never leaving my face.

My body starts to feel numb, the adrenaline wearing off and searing pain roaring through every nerve ending in my body. I feel my legs collapse beneath me, Dean quickly compensating for my lack of lower body strength, by pulling me into his embrace.

I laugh bitterly, coughing and choking on what I assume is blood making its way through my lungs and out of my throat.

“If this is how I go De, it’s worth it. I promise you.” I whisper, my eyes locking with his vivid green ones. His eyes. I’d never allowed myself to stare into his eyes for this long, the deep green is enchanting. Pulling me in, the longer I look. I barely even notice my tears beginning to fall, I’m too focused on the way his eyes are beginning to water as he stares back at me.

I can see his lips moving, feel the way he’s shaking me gently, his hand cupping my face. Sam is right next to me too, I feel the floor pressing into my body as they lower me to the ground, in an attempt to slow the bleeding and apply more pressure. None of that matters now. Nothing matters now, my vision is blurring. My eyelids are heavy, so heavy.

“Hey!” Dean’s firm voice breaks through my haze, his hand lightly slapping my face, “don’t do that, Y/N. Don’t close your eyes. You don’t get to die on me, you hear me sweetheart?” I blink rapidly, trying to clear my field of vision. I momentarily succeed, my eyes locking with his again. I can see the absolute panic engraved into every ounce of this man’s face, he’s moving me now. My head falls forward as he places an arm under my shoulders, the other under my knees. He tucks my head against his chest with his chin, pressing a kiss to my sweat soaked hairline. I continue to fight the wave of exhaustion sweeping over me, blinking my eyes trying to keep them open. The last thing I see is Dean, looking down at me pleading for me to stay with him. But slowly, ever so slowly, my eyes fall closed and the world around me goes black

-

Agony.

This must be hell, the amount of pain that I’m in, the only explanation is hell.

A low groan escapes my lips, every inch of my skin is on fire. Muscles and nerves that I didn’t know I had are screaming out in protest as I try to take a full breath. I manage to inhale, immediately turning into a coughing fit as I choke on the air entering my lungs.

“Easy. Slow breaths, sweetheart.” A hand comes to rest on the crown of my head, stroking my hair gently. The touch startling me, causing me to panic and try to brush away the touch.

“Shhhh, it’s okay.” His voice rushes over my senses, calming me, reassuring me.

I force myself to open my eyes, unsure what to expect.

“Dean?” I whisper, finally realizing that he’s here in-front of me. “Am I dead?” My voice barely functioning, my throat dry and hoarse.

“It’s me sweetheart. You’re not dead. I told you I wasn’t going to let you go.” He smiles slightly, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. He holds a cup up to my lips, letting me take small sips, his fingers never leaving my skin.

“I must be dead, the Dean I know is never this nice to me.” I whisper, a small laugh escaping me, which I immediately regret. Relief floods over deans face, the crease in his brow lessens, a small smile reaches his eyes this time.

“That’s not true, idiot.” He says, pressing a kiss to my knuckles.

“That’s more like it, bitch.” I say, squeezing his hand back.

-

The next few weeks pass slowly, I’m never alone for more than five minutes. The boys take turns, keeping me company, changing my bandages, helping me shower, and just all around waiting on me hand and foot. Dean spends every night on the couch, that he had dragged into my room in the bunker. I don’t object, too weak and tired to even dare. I spend a lot of time sleeping, nightmares plaguing my every attempt at resting.

Tonight is one of those nights, I’ve already awoken from a nightmare. Now I lay on my side, gazing at Dean sitting on the couch. His fingers hovering over the keyboard on his laptop, researching some creature that he has refused to tell me about. Any time I have asked, it starts an argument about how the only thing I need to think about right now is recovering.

“I can feel you staring.” He smirks, bringing his eyes to meet my own, the corners of his mouth turning into a smile. He seems older, worry is etched deeper into his face, his eyes not nearly as bright as they used to be. The dark circles under his eyes, accentuated by the terrible late night lighting of my room.

“I can’t help it, you’re just so annoying I can’t not stare.” I mumble, gently pushing myself up on my elbow. Trying to conceal the wince that follows this slight movement.

Dean chuckles, closing his laptop and turning his body to face me.

“Y/N, we need to talk about what happened back there.” He stares, his brow furrowing again. So many emotions sweep across his face at once, I cant read him.

“You can’t do that again. You cant throw yourself into harms way to save me. I couldn’t live with myself if anything happened to you. What am I saying? Something did happen to you. I already have a hard time looking at you, knowing you almost died to save me. I love you too much, to let you die for me.” He wrings his hands as he speaks, his eyes moving away from mine and focusing on the wooden floor boards beneath his feet.

A silence falls between us for a few moments, his words hanging heavy in the air. My head spinning at his words, I love you too much. Dean Winchester loves me.

“Dean, I don’t think you understand me nearly as well as you think you do. There is nothing you can say or do that would stop me from taking a bullet for you again. I will always do everything in my power to protect you. Protect you in the way that I never had. You would do it for me De, you gotta let me do it for you too.” His eyes are trained on me again, red rimmed and watery. He swipes at them with his fingers, clearing his throat and maintaining eye contact with me once more.

I slide my feet towards the edge of the bed, intent upon going to sit near to him. He stops me with a look and a few mumbled words about how I better not move my ass from my spot or else.

I huff, patting the bed next to me.

“C’mere then, Winchester.” I say, watching his every move as he crosses the distance of the bedroom to sit by my side.

“De-“I rest my head on his shoulder, taking a deep breath and steeling my nerves. He reaches over and intertwines our fingers, his thumb tracing a pattern into the back of my hand. “I love you too, more than I thought possible. I’ll always do anything I can to save you. On this side of hell and the next.”

[zoeykallus]

Hi Zoey!! Hope you're doing well!! You deserve all the love!!

This is my 2nd request ever, and you handled my 1st request beautifully, so i thought that perhaps i would request again?

Recently, i was randomly hard-blocked on Tumblr by a (now former) mutual.. and also got randomly cut off by some friends irl too ...

To this day i have not the faintest idea what i did wrong and don't even have the capacity to ask any of them.. it makes me incredibly sad/disheartened to loose them, especially since i don't know/understand if/what i did anything wrong..

As far as i've been aware i never violated anyone's guidelines/boundaries.. it makes me physically and mentally ill to think that i could have somehow done something so terrible accidentally/unknowingly and gotten cut off for it.. 😥💔

Despite getting some support and lovin' about it, I've been crying about it so much and don't know how to deal with it still 😓💔

What are your thoughts on how the TBB, (and possibly Wolffe, Rex, and/or Cody if it isn't too much), would react/deal with/comfort (preferably fem!) Reader on randomly loosing friends and getting very sad over it?

I'm sorry for all the angst here!! Also, i know you already wrote something kind of similar (had to do with TBB helping the reader lose a toxic friend), so if this is too much, repetitive, or uncomfortable for you, i totally understand not doing the request!!

Take care and thank you so much for all that you do!! Your love and support and kindness knows no bounds!! 🫶🏼💕🩷

Aloha, hun!

I'm really sorry to read that. It's hard to lose friends, especially when you don't really know why or what's going on. The only way to find out would be asking them about it. But you mentioned you don't feel up to ask them yourself. Maybe you have someone, a friend, who'd be willing to do that for you? Sometimes you can't change peoples minds, and you don't have to. Real friends don't just leave you behind without telling you what bothered them. Real friends communicate and try to fix things and don't just leave or ignore. Hold on to the real ones and let the ones who want to go just go. I know it feels devastating, but you don't need people like this in your life. If they just show you the cold shoulder without voicing what's the deal, they are not willing to really make an effort for this friendship, so why should you run after them? Invest your energy in your real friends.

And friends who need some time to themselves for personal reasons usually at least tell you that they need to retreat for a while, at least in my experience (I do that sometimes when I need to charge up my mental batteries). Cutting someone off without at least addressing them once about the reason is Kindergarten or headless teenager behavior at best. People who really care/cared, don't just vanish out of your life quietly.

That's probably not making you feel much better, but what I'm trying to say is, that you should focus on yourself a bit more and those who deserve your friendship. Don't cry over undeserving idiots. Easier said than done, I know. It'll take time, like everything emotionally heavy does, but you'll feel better at some point when you manage to sort out your priorities. And Drama queens who cut you off on purpose, to make you run after them, are even worse. Those are energy vampires, don't play that game with them, you will always be at the exhausted, losing end.

But, I'm still here, not exactly a close friend, but a mutual I guess. I hear you and even though I can't do much for you right now, I can send you a hug and write something for you 🤗

I picked this request out of my list to do before the others, because I felt this was a little more... urgent, at the moment.

The Bad Batch/Wolffe/Rex x F!Reader HCs - True Friends

Warnings: Angst/Hurt/Comfort

___________________

Losing friends is never easy. You struggle with being left behind by some of them. How do the clones react?

___________________

Hunter

He is organizing and sorting a few things for the next mission when he talks to you and asks what is bothering you. Your revelation makes him wonder.

"And they didn't say anything? Didn't say why?

You shake your head sadly.

Hunter puts down the datapad on which he's just checked an inventory list and turns to face you fully.

"Then they're not friends either"

You frown and look at him questioningly.

Gently but firmly, he says, "Friends don't just turn their backs on you without comment. Someone who doesn't even expend enough energy to tell you what might be bothering them didn't really care much about this friendship or you in the first place."

You wrap your arms around your body, really not feeling much better now.

Hunter comes closer and takes off a glove and gently strokes your cheek.

"I know that's probably not what you wanted to hear. What I'm trying to say is that you shouldn't have to chase after these people. Focus on your real friends, the ones you can always count on. Me, for example," he says with a smile, "Or my brothers. We would never abandon you".

"It just bugs me that I don't know what's going on," you say dejectedly, leaning your head against his chest.

Hunter puts an arm around your shoulders and continues to stroke your cheek with one hand.

"I know, that would keep me busy too. But all I can tell you is focus on other things, other, real friends, important things in your life. If you want I can ask them if you tell me who it is, but I can guarantee you, no matter how it turns out, friends like that will always let you down, again and again"

You sigh wistfully.

"You are a great person, a great friend and partner, don't worry, there will always be someone who appreciates that, one way or another"

Echo

He looks at you worriedly, a depressed expression on his face. Echo can't quite understand why anyone would act this way toward you.

"Maybe they just need some time to themselves?" he asks cautiously.

"All three of them?" you say doubtfully.

Echo sits down next to you in the grass in the shade where the found you and moves a little closer.

He says thoughtfully, "Real friends talk to each other, they say what's going on and don't just take off. Maybe they weren't as good friends as you thought."

"Maybe," you say quietly.

Echo puts an arm around you, and you automatically lean against him, seeking warmth and comfort from his body.

"You're never all alone, Mesh'la. I'm here, my brothers are here, and Omega adores you. You have a family here with us that you can always count on, at all times."

You smile. The loss of your friends hurts, especially that you don't know why. But the thought and feeling of having Echo by your side gives you a sense of security, the impression that everything is actually okay.

"I love you, Echo, what would I do without you?"

Echo gently hugs you and says, "Don't worry about that, you won't get rid of me that easily".

Wrecker

He looks at you in confusion.

"Why would they do that? Friends don't do that"

With a helpless sigh, you look up at your gentle giant.

"Maybe I've upset them?"

Wrecker frowns critically, takes your hand and pulls you with him to the open ramp where he sits down on it and pulls you onto his lap.

Gently putting both arms around you, he says, "Even if that were true, which I kind of can't imagine, then you bring up something like that. Problems that you ignore or eat into yourself only become bigger and bigger problems. If they're really upset about you, then they need to tell you, have a conversation. To just ignore you or shut you out is pretty childish."

You lean against him, resting your head on his shoulder.

"It just feels so weird, so heavy and devastating".

Wrecker strokes your back and pulls his arms, gently, a little tighter around you.

"Don't be sad Cyar'ika, you still have us after all, and that won't change. I love you"

"You are so sweet, Wrecker" you say softly with a small smile.

He chuckles, "I know, I'm great, aren't I?"

"Indeed," you say with a soft laugh, "I love you too."

Tech

He listened to you carefully. When you finish your sentence, Tech puts the datapad aside and looks at you thoughtfully.

"Why would a friend turn his back on you without justification?"

You shrug your shoulders helplessly.

"That's just what's bothering me. Did I upset them, perhaps?"

"Come here, my love," Tech taps the seat next to him invitingly for you to join him before he says, "Well, I think that's unlikely, but it's still possible. However, it still wouldn't justify a lack of explanation about the situation."

You look at him for help.

"What would you do, Tech?"

He blinks, then says, "You know me, I wouldn't dwell on it for long. Even if I had negative feelings about it, I would go on my way and do what needs to be done."

"But what if it was Hunter and Wrecker?"

Tech sighs, "Well, we had something similar with Crosshair, however he gave us some sort of explanation. I don't know, honestly, I don't think there could be a fault line between us that isn't addressed. Especially Hunter would be looking for a dialogue to clear things up, and Wrecker probably would too."

He looks at you, trying to read your face.

After a pause, he says, "Well, in my estimation, these friends aren't worth your concern or friendship. If they don't feel the need to communicate with you about any problems that may exist, then they are obviously not willing to put any particular effort into this relationship. So my conclusion would be, if you are not worth their effort, then you should do the same the other way around and save your energy for more important things and people that are worth yours. Time for new priorities. If it helps you, I could work out a plan with you to help you redirect your energies and reorganize. It may be a good therapeutic distraction."

You smile at him.

"My beloved genius, I would greatly appreciate your help, yes."

Crosshair

He frowns.

"Well, I guess they're idiots," he says dryly, "You know I don't like most of your friends anyway."

Crosshair doesn't like to share your attention, that's the main reason. He tolerates your friends for your sake, but he'd much rather have you to himself. However, he would never go so far as to try to separate you from your friends.

When he sees the sad look on your face, he says, "If they just cut all the lines without telling you why, then they weren't friends either. You don't turn your back on a friend for no reason, and even if there is a reason, at least you talk about it, and then you decide whether to go your separate ways."

"Is that so?" asks Echo dryly from the background.

"Quiet back there," Crosshair grumbles, "You knew why we parted ways, I never made a secret of why I left."

"True."

Crosshair looks at you again and says, "People who really care about you don't turn their backs on you without comment, no matter how much your opinions may differ. What happens after a clarifying conversation is another story"

"Sometimes an ugly one," Echo mutters.

Crosshair snorts, "Would you please stay out of this".

You look from one to the other, finally looking up at Crosshair and asking, "What do you think I should do?"

"Keep going. Don't run after them, focus on yourself and the people who are really there for you," he lifts your chin slightly with his long fingers, "Like me for example."

Wolffe

He puts down the box he just took off his speeder, takes off his helmet and tucks it under his arm. He looks at you with a furrowed brow.

"Well, I guess they're not really friends, then."

"What do you mean?"

Wolffe looks at you urgently, "Someone who really cares doesn't turn their back on you without comment. Simple as that."

You wrap your arms around your body.

"I guess they don't care about me then."

Wolffe sighs, lifting your chin with his fingers and seeking eye contact.

"I care about you, a lot. I'm certainly not the only one"

You look up at him, swallowing and blinking back tears.

"It's just so scary. It feels like at some point everyone could suddenly be gone and then I'm alone"

Wolffe puts his helmet on the speeder, then puts both hands on your shoulder left and right.

"Cyare, you're not alone, you won't be alone. It may feel scary and defeating now, but you'll get over it. You will see and learn in time who your real friends are, what really matters and what your priorities should be"

"You won't abandon me, right?"

Wolffe gently kisses your forehead and says, "Never."

Rex

Rex looks at you in surprise. He expected everything possible, but not really.

"Do I know these friends?"

"No not really"

He shrugs and says, "Well, I don't really know what to tell you. In my experience, friendships are never one sided, at least they shouldn't be. You invest quite a lot of energy in these contacts and suddenly nothing comes back? Mesh'la, it sounds like you were used and… well, don't need you anymore. That doesn't have much to do with friendship, though."

Startled, you sit down on a bench nearby. Rex follows you. He looks at you meekly and says, "Sorry, you probably didn't want to hear that."

You sigh softly and say, "Maybe. But maybe I needed to hear it."

Rex shrugs and says quietly, "Maybe I'm wrong too, Mesh'la, but you should focus on yourself for now and be careful in case they contact you again. You can't let them hurt you."

He sits down next to you and says with a gentle smile, "In any case, you have me, I won't let you down."

His hand clasps yours with gentle pressure.

When you look up at his face, he gives you an encouraging look with that mischievous, yet soft and warm smile of his.

"I got you, Mesh'la, always"

Ko-Fi (If you feel like giving me some coffee)

@rintheemolion

@andyoufollowyourheart @clone-whore-99

@brynhildrmimi @kaliel2310

@misogirl828 @tech-deck

@meshla-madalene

@chxpsi

@thebahdbitch

@nahoney22 @ladykatakuri

@darkangel4121

@ttzamara

@arctrooper69

@padawancat97

@agenteliix

@allsystemsblue

@palliateclaws

@either-madness-or-brilliance

@ortizshinkaroff

@andy-solo1

@hunterssecretrecipe

@heyitsaloy

@greaser-wolf

@extrahotpixels

@hated-by-me

@hunterxcrosshair

@malicemercy

@bebopsworld

@echos-girlfriend

@cpnt616

@dangraccoon

@starwarsnerd111

[vickyvicarious]

Your post about Mina reminded me how much comfort/relief I felt when Jonathan vehemently refused to leave her side and became her vigilant caretaker for the long hours she'd get lost in a mind fog, and needed the same kind of support she had been giving him when he was bedridden for weeks with ''brain fever''. She deserved the love and the care!

YES, absolutely! And that is actually something I really love about JonMina in general. The Harkers are such a team.

They both get excited about their futures together. Mina was learning legal terms along with Jonathan. They were practicing shorthand together. There was apparently a planned scene where he visited her at her school. When their wedding day happened, it was obviously not what either one of them planned, but they were so incredibly happy to be together again, they didn't care about the rest. She is so proud to call herself Mina Harker; likewise, when he gets promoted she's incredibly proud of him and can't resist bragging about him in her letter to Lucy. She learns the train schedules to and from his work with the intention of being able to help him if he ever needs. There isn't really an equivalent career-wise given the time/social norms, but Jonathan is obviously super proud of Mina as well and delights in singing her praises. When Van Helsing talks her up to him he wants to just keep going. When they first arrive at Seward's asylum, Mina gets things underway and then Jonathan shows up later and begins to help her. There's no doubting the information from the other one, or dividing it into his/hers; instead he just steps in to join her and they finish going through all the documents together.

That's "for better," and "for richer," and "in health"... but when things go bad, it's the same deal. They are both still there for one another every step of the way.

Mina travels to Jonathan, stays by his side. She is obviously deeply concerned about him even after they arrive back in London, and does her best to support him through his trauma. She never betrays his trust, she never even looks in his journal until she's certain it's necessary. She knows he's trying hard to act normal, and does her best to support him as long as that seems a viable option; as soon as it seems otherwise, she seeks more information to better help him. She doesn't doubt him, doesn't even try to rationalize the wild information. She just trusts it. And Jonathan, too, drops everything else to put her first after she is attacked. When she's feeling traumatized, he's right by her side. When she's succumbing to vampirism he cares for her. There was a lot of talk about how Lucy's symptoms were very similar to chronic illness; Mina's time during the journey to hunt Dracula down is similar in my mind. (And of course she had been assaulted/traumatized, just like Jonathan.) She spent so little time awake and aware, she needed lots of support, and Jonathan was giving her all of it, just as she did for him.

Even their conflicts are predicated on a sincere desire to care for one another. I'm still infuriated by the decision to leave Mina out initially, but Jonathan's intent was to protect her. He wanted to keep her safe, and was even thinking about sending her home because he could see that being around but unable to help was emotionally taxing for her. Maybe he was afraid to let her get within Dracula's reach, maybe he was feeling insecure about not fulfilling his role as a husband, maybe Dracula was magically influencing them all, maybe he was just being an idiot... whatever interpretation you have, it's at the very least clear Jonathan was trying to protect Mina. She didn't speak to him of her frustrations and fears because she wanted to support him. They were both trying to protect the other even in their worst communication breakdown. And the stalemate later on, when Mina was trying so hard to get a promise to end her if she became a vampire, while Jonathan was resolved to join her if that came to pass... Once again, they were trying to take care of the other person. Mina didn't want to ever hurt him. Jonathan didn't want her to ever be alone. At no point is there ever any doubt that they want the best for one another.

A lot of times, especially in male/female couples (I actually wrote "straight" then had to change that because JonMina aren't straight, haha) there's a clear gender division in roles (or at the very least, the expectation of such). Breadwinner and homemaker. Career and childcare. Protection and comfort. So on and so forth.

But Jonathan and Mina don't fall naturally into such distinct roles. The times they try to fit themselves into them work out very badly, and as a default they seem to want to share everything with one another. I think it's obvious that just as Mina helps Jonathan with his work, Jonathan is an involved father for Quincey. They walk around with his hand in her arm. They both will take on the role of caretaker for the other when needed. They share the emotional labor.

And that's something that is really nice to see just in general, but especially for Mina, I think. Especially in this book. Because as I said in that Mina post, she is the emotional support for so many other people. And, even outside romantic relationship dynamics, a lot of times that sort of person might not get the support they need because they put everyone else first. Mina comforts the entire suitor squad about Lucy, pretty much immediately after learning the best friend she left behind thinking she'd be okay was attacked for months, died, was buried, came back as something terrible, and was killed again. Mina didn't even get the closure of the funeral. And then she chose to be the support for all of them. And, yeah, I do think that she does that partially as a coping mechanism for her own stress, but it's so important that she has someone who will pay attention to her emotions and try to help her and comfort her when she needs it. Mina is definitely more comfortable asking Jonathan for support/admitting to when she's upset and seeking comfort than Lucy was with Arthur, for example. And that's not meant to be a negative comparison with Lucy/Arthur - maybe they just needed more time, to build the kind of relationship the Harkers have. They're so intimate, trust one another so much. They don't hesitate to help, and I genuinely believe that they asked for/mutually shared comfort with one another even more than we ever saw.

[chris-continues]

Okiiii

Only one bed in the booked hotel room trope? 👀 (not nsfw obv) I read something similar to this but it was Vash so maybe a Nai version?

Star wars convention with Vash? (If u do dis one and if u need any help feel free to ask me anything cuz im a huge star wars nerd)

Vampire Vash and/or Nai?

CARNIVAL!!!! I wonder if the brothers would compete to see who can win the most prizes, also watching the fireworks on the ferris wheel would b cute

Beach episode? 👀👀

Sorry if it's alot-

(I love your au's so much oml, you write all the characters beautifully ♡)

AAA TYSM I REALLY APPRECIATE THAT imma screenshot this message/ask and use it a few times probably but the one that caught my eye most is vampire au PLS SEND SO MANY ASKS ABT VAMP AU I need to write more stuff on it

Ngl I’m most willing to write suggestive stuff for vampire au bc bro… 0///0

Lonely nights lead to delectable frights <3

In which two vampires with extreme charm have you wrapped around your finger (when in reality it’s them wrapped around your finger). (To be added on to, I wanted to expand on this more later lol)

WARNINGS/TAGS: mentions of depression/loneliness (reader runs into the woods to be alone but also craving companionship), gender neutral reader

Vampire Vash and Vampire Knives meeting reader! I’ll add onto this in separate pieces but I haven’t set a definitive timeline yet!! So any drabbles written may deviate from the last piece

I was debating on writing this in Victorian era type beat or modern au (because I’ve written vampire Nai modern au) but I asked my fav vamp lover @coffinbeananteiku and her word is final 🫡 (I needed to ask someone to decide for me I’m very indecisive sometimes)

Tags: @lune010 @vashfantasy

The dusk of a new night greets you as you run. Far, far away. You had nowhere to go, your feet leading you wherever the wind took you. Nothing truly important lay back in town, perhaps a few less than noteworthy friends in society who’d given an artificial smile and obligatory wave.

Nothing to go back to.

So of course you’d been an idiot to run into the woods. You have one horrible day, and rather than wallowing at home like usual you make the horrid decision to run when others keep berating you for it, fine attire catching on brambles you’d almost tripped over as the haphazard movements of yours fell to a halt. How far had you run? How far did your stress carry you?

Alone. Just as you wished and terrified. Only the moss at your feet and rather barren branches accompanied you, horrors of the night awaiting your person.

Wonderful. Wonderful.

You breathed in shakily, only to exhale into a sob. God, you were tired, so so very tired.

You eventually lifted your head to observe your surroundings. Eerie; yet a welcome sight compared to the bustling cobblestone streets of town, quiet, perhaps too quiet. The wind whistles past your ears in its reverie, encompassing you fully into the charm of the night.

This could be good, you attempt to reassure yourself. That thought is fleeting as you attempt to appreciate the short lived tranquility and struggle to backtrack. It’s futile.

You have no way back. So what must you do? Trudge forward. The next town could be for miles, you have no money and certainly no mode of transportation besides your already exhausted two feet.

You trek forward.

Not long after, your loneliness returns. The peaceful night soon digs into your heels once again, dragging your already worried mind into further disquietude. Your arms wrap around yourself in poor manner to shield yourself from the further night’s chill, vision hazy from the little light and paranoia suffocating you.

But nevertheless, you persist. You were stubborn in that way, never knowing quite when to stop despite the fear you’d be too much. Even now, when you’d done too much, by leaving town entirely to the welcoming yet terrifying arms of the woods did you remain stubborn. In a will to survive? In the pursuit of curiosity? The need for more? To deserve more?

You’d never quite place it, you’re sure. Perhaps all of the above.

Such thoughts plague you as you unknowingly stare down at your feet, eventually reaching a cobblestone pathway.

Your neck snaps up to see- ruins? No, it’s far too neatly kept for that. A castle, complete with gates and stone pathways; warm torches lit at the sides if you squinted from the faraway grounds of the gates. Cool moonlight acted as your light as you traversed forward, feet picking up. Perhaps you could try to see if it was abandoned, fashion yourself a place for the night! Hopefully no dangers resided here, in such a domestic place. Well, perhaps it wasn’t the most welcoming of homes but it certainly was a new sight amongst what surrounded you. Ah, yes, dead trees, dead trees, and.. woah! More dead trees!

..so, quite the refreshing sight.

The pats of your feet are the only noise you truly process, the gates creaking with movement as you walk closer to the manor.

Large metal rings the size of your head hung heavily at the double doors. Should you knock? They appeared to be in usable condition.. so you supposed, lifting one knocker with your dominant hand.

A heavy boom resounded as you dropped it. You’d never really used one- just accustomed to the usual rapping of knuckles on doors, or a verbal call whilst entering a room.

“You appear unfamiliar.” A voice suddenly husks behind you, making you nearly jump out of your skin.

You whipped around quickly, “Holy shit!-“ for someone in the Victorian era, your modern slang (profanity) was rather proficient. Standing before you was someone cold and cunning, towering over you intensely. His presence demanded attention, the need to stand straight and not let him out of your sight in fear of what he could do.

The wind whistled in your ears once more. Like a taunt that it could run far away from here, unlike you. His domineering white- no, almost white, pale blue eyes stared down at you. He seemed inhuman.

Your mind seemed scrambled in a feeble attempt to explain yourself, “Sorry I uh, was walking and needed someplace to stay for the night..”

His eyebrow arches in amusement. “So you decided to reside here?”

The crunching of leaves is what alerts you to a new presence behind the.. man who’d confronted you, wisps of blonde hair peeking from over his shoulder until he stood next to him. “Aw, that’s no way to treat a visitor!” He gave a sweet, yet strangely tight lipped smile. “I’m Vash, this is Nai. It’s wonderful to meet you.” A partially gloved hand adorned in lace outstretches towards yours in a pleasant handshake, small tears in the fabric from overuse. It’s a paradoxical feeling of ‘rough lace’, yet it suits him rather well.

You hesitantly greet yourself, voice meek with unfamiliarity and worry. An introduction slips past your lips albeit shaky voice, he remains ever so friendly and opens the door for you, the.. Nai guy taking care to briskly zoom past and ignore your very presence.

How kind. He’s taken a liking to you.

Vash merely brushes it off as usual banter, perhaps it’s nothing personal, you assume. He seemed unbothered overall and didn’t really acknowledge anything, that much you could observe just from his behaviors so far.

It’s not of importance, not in your mind at least. What truly caught your attention? The ornate structures in the main hall- carvings of angels in rich marble and stone, hell, even the floors had carvings!

Out of curiosity you dipped your toe into the slight crevices in the ground, feeling the divots of some.. geometric swirls and markings that decorated the beauty of the castle.

“Hey, you coming?” Vash peeked over his shoulder towards you- you’d lost yourself in the beauty of the room. He gave a knowing smile at your wonderment, entrancing chuckle reverberating throughout the tall ceilings. “I was the same way when I first came here, it’s definitely a sight to take in!” He jolts his head to beckon you forward,

“You can stay the night. If you wish.”

What other choice did you really have?

[ridhearts]

VAMP AU - basics vi.

Has the Ignihyde Coven piqued your interest? Can’t say I blame you - when anything is surrounded is such palpable misery yet nobody seems to know why, it’s hard not to be entranced.

CW: blood, death, stalking/hunting, religious imagery, dark/obsessive/possessive characters. this au is not NSFW, but it does deal with darker content and sometimes discusses sensuality and sensual topics. reader discretion is advised.

overview. ❧ heartslabyul. savanaclaw. octavinelle. scarabia. pomefiore. {ignihyde.} diasomnia.

The Ignihyde Coven is another coven that lives in bustling urban areas, though they don’t gravitate specifically to the coast the way the Octavinelle Coven does. These vampires don’t have a strong relationship with humans OR other vampires - they just kind of keep to themselves. More than just the Shroud family make up this coven, but the leadership has been corrupt for centuries and at some point sort of imploded. There are rumors that it was due to corrupt politics, while others say a great tragedy overtook the influential Ignihyde families until they were no more. Nobody really knows what actually happened. Vampires of the Ignihyde Coven want to keep their heads down and live their lives in peace, so no strong central coven head doesn’t really affect their lives. 

(The truth is that, long ago, the Ignihyde Coven worked closely with humans and grew very fond of them. During a dark period of violence between the realms, the Ignihyde Coven sided with the humans and tried to protect them. Eventually the strife ended with a truce. There was no clear winner, but there was an obvious loser. For siding with the human realm, vampires of the Ignihyde Coven were cursed so that using magic eats away at their very essence. Now, since vampires are immortal, daily use doesn’t really have much of an effect other than a possibility of becoming very frail in the distant future. However, bigger tasks like passing through the realms frequently - or creating another vampire - could be catastrophic. As a result, the Ignihyde Coven mostly lives in the Human Realm with little influence in the Vampire Realm, and most of the vampires within the Ignihyde Coven now are turned vampires.)

These vampires have an aptitude for technology, both vampire and human, and used to bridge the gap between the two worlds for those that need it. (Now they still supply the technology, but mysteriously, any aspects that might help them cross are removed before implementation...) Vampires of the Ignihyde Coven don’t readily admit what coven they’re from - even without an expectation of fraternity, covens tend to be a source of pride and strong points of their identity for vampires, but Ignihyde Coven members feel ashamed to admit their status. Many of them disowned their coven and evade questions about their decision.

༻ ✞ ✟ ✞ ༺

Idia Shroud - Shadowed Disgrace

Idia is a rare true vampire, and technically, he’s the head of the Ignihyde Coven, but he’s severely slacking on his duties since nobody really cares about who’s in charge. Besides, lots of people think his parents were some corrupt deadbeats who made some cash and booked it. Even the ones who don’t think that and are just confused don’t know that they’ve been gone for a while. Someone suddenly ascending to the head of the coven would stir things up too much anyway. It’s not like anybody else has made a grab for the power, so is a coven head really needed…?

This is why he has such vast security access around the city - to keep an eye on his charges and make sure nothing too bad is happening. Vampires already have a bad rap anyway, so they can basically do what they want until it endangers the entire coven. Then he’s gotta send Ortho out to deal with some idiot losers.

Idia is still a shut-in, and though he’s a little out of touch with human pop culture, he’s got his finger on the pulse of gaming culture. It’s so fascinating how many different ideas these humans have, and he loves absolutely DEMOLISHING them in a game. Besides, it’s almost as good as being social irl, and when he’s chatting over a game, he kind of understands why the coven thought humans were worth getting cursed over.

Idia is capable of hunting, but he doesn’t like to. No matter how good he may be, he’s not fond of running up and down alleyways for some blood. He’d much rather sneak into a blood bank or a hospital, or find some animals instead. It’s much easier and there’s less people involved.

Meeting Idia might be a bit of a challenge - or it might be as easy as helping his brother, meeting him in a game, or finding him chasing a rat in an alley by your apartment and wondering if he’s rifling through the trash. Either way, if he finds himself growing fond of you, it’ll be hard to pull away. There’s a part of him that longs for human connection, that wants to hold those that he cares about close because it’s so easy for them to just…disappear. He can take care of you! But it would be more compatible with his current lifestyle if you were a vampire, too…

༻ ✞ ✟ ✞ ༺

Ortho Shroud - Failed Salvation

As far as Ortho is aware, Idia is his only family. He doesn’t know his “parents” - their mother disappeared during the dark period that got everyone cursed, and their father used up all of his magic and life force to create Ortho. However, vampires don’t have that intrinsic need for parental figures, so it’s hard for him to miss what he never knew. Besides, he’s got his super cool older brother!! What else does he need?

Because of the curse, the magic it took to create Ortho ate up all of their father’s “life force” until he died. However, even that much magic was still incomplete for a true creation. Without Idia’s influence, Ortho would’ve been left much weaker and much emptier than a regular vampire. Idia’s been experimenting with different ways to boost Ortho’s stats, everything from mechanical parts to surpluses of blood to feed off of. Secretly, when he’s desperate and Ortho’s in real bad shape, he also transfers a small portion of his own magic into him, even though he’s leaving himself weaker.

Idia’s upgrades and careful attendance has made Ortho super powerful! If Idia needs something dealt with, he gives Ortho some blood or a new techy gadget and sends him on his merry way. 

Ortho notices that Idia looks at him with an overabundance of concern, and sometimes he just seems way more sad than he ought to be. Ortho tries to get Idia to go out and socialize - the city is teeming with nightlife, and he read that Ignihyde vampires used to get along with humans!! - but Idia never wants to go out. Maybe he’s afraid of there being another war?

If you happen to find him while he’s feeling rather weak, you’re bound to offer him some of your blood. (After all, would a child vampire hurt you? You didn’t know those existed!) Ortho will be forever grateful, but he’ll also start pestering you to meet your brother. You were nice enough to help him in his time of need! You’re just the kind of person Idia needs in his life! (And Ortho thinks you’re pretty fun, too!)

[softlystarstruck]

✩ softly reading: june 2022 ✩

welcome to softly reading, in which i list every single drarry fic i’ve read this month in hopes that you, dear reader, find a fic you like too!

✩ - a fave | 🔥 - hot | 🌼 - gentle read | purple - reread

longer reads

✩ To Vanish Into Something Better by @m0srael [E, 35k]

Harry Potter thought he could outrun the burden of infamy by isolating himself in the Muggle world. Draco Malfoy hasn’t been seen or heard from since his trial. Will a top-secret Ministry project, a beautiful garden, and a little heat carry them both home? [H/D Erised 2021]

Dirty Little Secret by @writcraft [E, 22k] 🔥

When someone threatens Harry’s life, Kingsley decides to send him to a safe house with only Draco Malfoy for company. As the two men are forced together, memories of the past resurface and secrets are discovered. [Harry/Draco Erised]

The Seventh Life by @corvuscrowned [E, 18k] 🔥🏳️‍⚧️

If Draco had looked the other way, he may never have seen him again. But Draco turned, because he always would have turned. He found him, because he always would have found him - in life, in death, or in Paris. OR: Draco is an immortal vampire. Harry is trapped in eternal cycles of life, death, and reincarnation. They meet again in Paris, and the seventh life isn't any less complicated than the first. [HD Fangfest 2022]

✩ Where I see things right by InnerLilith [E, 15k]

When Harry finds himself unexpectedly pregnant after a one-off with Draco Malfoy, he knows he isn’t keeping it. But when actually getting the abortion turns out to be more complicated than Harry expected, he finds himself turning to Malfoy for help through the process. And that’s actually much less complicated than Harry expected.

✩ embrace the deception by @swoontodeath [M, 13k]

Draco Malfoy shouldn’t feel like the stable one, not when he spends his days pretending to have clairvoyant powers and solving mysteries with Neville Longbottom. Harry Potter, however, seems to be on the edge of a breakdown, and he’s growing increasingly obsessed with his former rival. [Lights Camera Drarry 2022]

Harry Potter: DILF Hunter by @vukovich [E, 11k] 🔥

Auror Potter doesn't know what a DILF is, but if Malfoy's one, then Harry's gonna be the Ministry's best DILF Hunter ever! Or, five times Harry heard Draco was a DILF, and one time he found it to be pleasantly true.

the complete idiot’s guide to losing your entire mind by @oknowkiss [E, 10k] 🔥

A primer, by Harry James Potter, age 34. Qualifications: lived experience. OR: Draco Malfoy, Ministry of Magic Being Resources representative, accidentally invents No Nut November.

shorter reads (< 10k)

✩ Glowing by @cavendishbutterfly [T, 9.7k] 🌼🏳️‍⚧️

Harry's lived alone and vampiric in his cottage for ages, until a long-lived Draco Malfoy suddenly shows up to answer an advertisement Harry had practically forgotten he'd put in the Prophet. Cue soft blood drinking, quiet nights of reading and crocheting, and Harry thinking that maybe--just maybe--he might not be so alone anymore. [HD Fangfest 2022]

Perfect for him by anxioussquirrel [T, 8.3k]

Draco Malfoy is getting married. In a turn of events he’d never have believed possible, he is getting married to a man who’s perfect for him. Absolutely perfect.

✩ First Week of Eternity by InnerLilith [E, 7.8k] 🔥

In which Draco tries desperately to hide that he’s recently become a vampire, and Harry tries desperately to feed him. [HD Fangfest 2022]

let me be your sun by @owl-of-fandom [M, 7.8k]

“Tell me you love me.” / “Oh, darling.” The endearment falls from Harry’s lips as if the affection was his own. As if it wasn’t planted in his mind, in his heart, by me. / “I love you." [HD Fangfest 2022]

Sweet Like Candy in my Veins by @shah-writes [M, 7.6k]

In which Harry is a magical theorist with a penchant for catching vampires for the Aurors and Draco is the vampire who’s in love with him. [HD Fangfest 2022]

The First Taste by @maraudersaffair [E, 7.1k] 🔥

After being ostracized by nearly everyone after the war, Draco says yes when Harry offers him a place to stay. Perhaps he should have looked the gift horse in the mouth, however, when he discovers Harry is not all he seems. [HD Fangfest 2022]

Conversation In Café Cygnus by @ladderofyears [M, 6k]

Draco falls pregnant unexpectedly and breaks off the secret love affair that he's been having with Harry Potter. When Draco decides to keep the baby, Harry and he spend the remaining months of the pregnancy getting to know one another.

light as the sky above by @candybarrnerd [E, 5.6k] 🔥

Harry notices Draco leave. Harry’s always had one eye watching Draco, and old habits die hard. [H/D Erised 2021]

Harry Potter and the Half-Guard Prince by @swoontodeath [M, 4.4k]

Banished to the Muggle world by the conditions of his parole, Draco Malfoy is forced to learn how to protect himself without magic. The Half-Guard Prince might never show his face in his videos, but that low, seductive voice is strangely familiar… [Quidditch Fest 2022]

✩ Catch Midnight by @tackytigerfic [E, 4k] 🔥

They're the Auror/ Unspeakable team of Robards' nightmares. They're madly in love with each other, but also blindly oblivious to the fact. They can feel each other's magic. They jump out of windows. And Malfoy does a lot of watching Harry wank.

✩ Take You Made by @tackytigerfic [E, 3.9k] 🔥

"Draco didn’t believe in soulmates, but Harry Potter was the closest thing he had to one, so he was just going to keep pushing those inconvenient loving thoughts aside until one day he could learn how to get rid of them for good."

✩ Let Me Count the Ways by @thebooktopus [E, 3.5k] 🌼

Intimacy comes in many forms. Draco wants to explore them all with Harry. [HP Pride Secret Santa 2022]

Di sotto in sù by @vivantesopales [E, 3.4k] 🔥

Draco thinks it's best they stop seeing each other. Harry disagrees. [HD Fangfest 2022]

Harry’s Flower by @potteresque-ire [M, 3.2k]

Draco had always received one flower—no more, no less—from Harry every day. He never thought the flowers would run out, until Harry was critically wounded… [Harry/Draco Owlpost 2016]

Face Me (And I’ll be There to Hold You) by bluemermaid54 [E, 2.2k] 🔥🌼

They only have sex facing away from each other. Tonight, Harry wants to change that.

✩ Willing Blood by @lqtraintracks & @the-starryknight [E, 2.1k] 🔥

Seven days together, years ago; seventy-four hours and thirty-eight minutes trapped in this house alone; and now one chance to stop himself from draining Potter dry. Will Draco take it? Will Harry let him? [HD Fangfest 2022]

✩ all the small things by @tryslora [E, 2k] 🔥

Harry is not hung and Draco loves giving him head because of that. If it happens to be a way to silently say I love you that’s just a coincidence.

Fanged Delight by DrWhoIsGinnyHolmes [E, 2k]

Recently turned vampire Draco just developed his special vampiric skill: mind reading. It was now time to discover everyone's dirty little secrets, starting with Harry Potter himself. It just wasn't what Draco expected and now he has to deal with the consequences. [HD Fangfest 2022]

Painted Me Golden by @purplehotmess [M, 1.4k]

Each time I was with you, though, the chasm of yearning widened like a maw of a predator ready to chomp on my bleeding heart.

✩ What You’ve Come For by @nv-md [E, 1.3k] 🔥

It doesn't matter that Draco's a bloodthirsty vampire, Harry can't stay away from him, and they come together night after night in the Astronomy Tower. [HD Fangfest 2022]

✩ Serenity by Rasborealis [E, 953 words] 🔥🌼

After the war, Draco is broken. Harry attempts to fix him any way he can.

art gallery

✩ The flames are part of us by @pato-roldnart [G, digital art]

Harry has never had any doubt to stop and extinguish the flames and their fire wielders. After his first encounter with their leader Draco Malfoy, Harry is starting to get suspicious of the Ministry and their intentions to catch every witch and wizard that can control fire. [LCDrarry 2022]

Hidden Away by @celilasart [T, art & poem]

Your sweet blood on my red lips, / your soft skin under my fingertips. [HD Fangfest 2022]

non-drarry

✩ Best in Blue by @cavendishbutterfly [Teddy/James Sirius, E, 11k] 🏳️‍⚧️🔥

James shouldn't have messed up his knee in a Quidditch game. And he shouldn't have come back to London before it healed. He also definitely shouldn't be wandering around Teddy's flat looking that fucking attractive and lovely, but that's a different problem entirely.

previous softly reading lists

[wordtotherose]

"Stop walking away from me!" Elizia takes a deep breath, doesn't close her eyes or frown or furrow her brow, she stays perfectly still. "Listen to me for Hell's sake and stop lying. You aren't fine and frankly, if you couldn't tell, neither am I."

Astarion is a breath away from her face, fists in her nightshirt, holding her close without a care for the pull of the collar around her neck. His breath smells of wine, the bad stuff he only drinks when he's upset. And right now, he's furious. Incandescent with his rage. She cannot show how much his wrathful accusations hurt her, because he will fold into himself, he will crumple and this conversation won't have a chance in hell of progressing. It needs to happen, she knows it does, she's been putting it off and throwing herself into everything and anything to avoid talking to him. Because it's insane, what she's dealing with, absolutely batshit insane and if he doesn't question her sanity after she tells him then…then…well, then she won't know what to do. And that's terrifying. Far scarier than the vampire threatening her. Letting him win is the only way forward or they will be back to where they've been for the past however many days since they moved into this house. It's not yet a home, maybe one morning soon she will wake up and it will feel safe, it will feel like a refuge from the world and all its problems. It doesn't yet. It certainly won't if this is how they're going to be the entire time living under the same roof. And whilst it is entirely her fault right now, she wouldn't lie to him. She is fine enough.

"Astarion," she keeps her voice level, tone as clear of judgment as she can manage in this situation, "I am not lying to you."

He shakes her harshly before pushing her away with an aching look of disgust. "I don't understand, Tavaril. I cannot see what it is I have done between then and now, maybe it's just time. Maybe you've just finally realised the- the reality of chaining yourself to a vampire. An, in your defense in this, admittedly messed up vampire spawn. It makes sense. After all, this cannot be what you want. This perversion of a life. You are miserable, it hasn't escaped my notice that you can't stand to be in the same room as me let alone look at me or, gods forbid, touch me! This is the first time I've seen you in three days, Tav, and you're already leaving again."

Continue Reading on AO3 or under the cut.

He stops abruptly when she flinches, dismay breaking through her mask. He only calls her that when talking about her to the others. It is always, always an endearment or the full versions of her names when speaking to her directly. Never Tav. Not once since they met. She can't get herself together again quick enough to say something before he's back on his roll.

"What?" He snaps. "The truth not meeting your expectations? Lie to yourself, Tav, but don't you dare lie to me, I've had enough of that in my life. I know you're still not sleeping, I can hear you through the wall and yet you make me listen unable to do anything to help. You say you are 'fine' and you send me away. What changed? What did I fucking do? I thought- Gods! I honestly let myself believe you when you said you wanted to live with me, that you wanted our future. Together. But no. Of course not. Why wait until now? Why now, after everything?"

"I haven't lied to you," she repeats, knocked off balance by just how bad she has let it get, just how much she has hurt him, and, because she can barely find the courage to look at him with the guilt on her shoulders, she falls back on cursed old habits. "Astarion, my love, I have been busy, too busy, and I am sorry about that but can't we just-"

"Busy? Busy? With what, Tav? What could there possibly be left to do? What is more important than even just saying a gods damned cordial hello in passing? You know Gale came by trying to find you earlier? 'Where's Tav?' He asked and I looked like a fucking idiot without a clue because my own lover won't look at me let alone talk to me. 'Apologies, Gale, I haven't the faintest idea where Tav is-!' He was sympathetic, he was pitying, do you have any idea how mortifying that was? He's going to ask about it, Tav, at-"

"Stop it!" The shout is nearly a scream of frustration and she cannot regret it even when he looks feral in his own damned vindication in getting a rise out of her, she's playing right into his hand; deep down, she's grateful that he can do this, that he isn't afraid to do this. "Stop fucking calling me that. You never call me that. I'm sorry I've not been around, okay? I miss you, I miss you, you fucking idiot, but I have been trying to process the fact I died and that I have nothing left! I just keep losing everything. Not for one second have I wanted this, you're right, I have imprisoned you in this house and I- I have nothing left… nothing to give you, no leads to follow, nothing but my own trauma and my own gods damned ghosts. Can you honestly say this is what you signed up for? To have to look after me when I cannot think, when I cannot even get out of bed because of the pain? In the space of so many months I have lost everything I had. I- You all were a family to me, you became everything, I would have done anything for any of you and now where are they? I'm alone, again. And I didn't even get to say goodbye."

She squeezes her eyes shut against the prickling of tears, hides in her hands and drops into a crouch right there on their upstairs landing outside their bedroom doors. Breathe. Breathe. Just breathe.

"Nothing." Astarion's echo of her is empty, cold as the void of the Astral Plain. "Well. At least you're not pretending anymore, I suppose."

She scratches her fingers into her hair, forehead to her knees, and digs in with her nails to the short hairs that are doing a horrendous job at growing back. She honestly has forgotten about the sensitive scars until they sting and she's already letting go but Astarion is faster. He's on her in an instant, yanking her wrists away in a vice grip as he holds them to his chest. She glares up at him as he crowds over her, lips pulled back over his fangs in a snarl.

"Stop it, you fool!" Astarion yanks her into the curve of his body, twisting her to wrap his arms tight around her, back to his chest, wrists pinned to her own chest now in a cross.

She grunts and kicks her legs out in front of her, wriggling to try and break free but he has no problem holding on. He continues growling into her ear telling her to stop, to relax, to get it together. There's been moments, like this, since she woke up with half a brain still mush and a body lethargic no matter how much she sleeps. Moments when she cannot do it, this thing called coping or living or surviving, when she's fighting for her life on a brain above the sea again. When she wants it to just stop and that means winning the fight. Sometimes it's darker. A desire heavy and thick like wading through treacle in her mind as she craves and end to sensation, no more thoughts, no more arguing, no more having to try because if she doesn't try then who is going to try for her? No one. No one will. No one ever has.

Astarion is normally softer, more patient, gentler when he has to hold her still. Normally the words he repeats are comforting promises of peace. Normally he isn't accusing her of getting bored of him, of wanting to leave him. Normally…normally she trusts him not to leave her in the aftermath.

"Let me go, Astarion, let me go, please, if you're going to do this then just go, I don't want to do this to you, to us. If you want to go it's okay, I promise, it's okay, you can just tell me. Please just tell me," she begs, chin to her chest.

He exhales heavily and it flows through her. "You know I hate being the sensible one but since you're not stepping up, I guess you leave me no choice."

A sob escapes her as his chin drops onto the top of her head, at the start of her scars.

"When did you last sleep?"

It's not what she expects. Maybe that's why she tells him the truth.

"I can't."

"Right. And where have you been?"

Another sob. "I- it's stupid-"

"Tavaril," the edge is back in his voice, she buckles instantly.

"I can't find his grave," she cries, shaking in his hold as he settles more comfortably around her, legs cradling around her own; he starts to rock them ever so gently back and forth, like she does for him after a nightmare or memory. "I don't remember where they said they would bury him, I didn't go, I didn't- I didn't and all I could see when- when I was dying was him and he's lost. He's lost and he's haunting me, I can't let him go again."

"Oh darling…"

"I can't be- be happy, Astarion, it doesn't work that way. It has never worked that way. I lost him, I let him die whilst I fucking /slept/ and then you- I've ruined you! I've made you just as much a slave to me and my protection as you were to him after promising you what you wanted and then I died and then- then it hit me that I'm going to die again, Astarion, again and there won't be any coming back from that one!"

"...I forgot how much you can talk. It's all absolute shit, of course, but you can really keep it up when you get going."

She screams in frustration and tries to fight her way out again but he holds her tight until the energy seeps away once more, leaving her boneless and cold. After a moment Astarion clears his throat.

"It seems I owe you an apology, my dear. I may have let my own…insecurities," he says the word with a frown she can feel but not see as he hides his face in her neck, "rule my judgment. Though I am not alone in that, it seems. You are nothing like him, my sweet, and it…it pains me to know you think that about yourself. You have your ghosts and I have my own, seven odd thousand of them are in fact actually possibly looking for me so I think I have you beat there."

"I'm not lying," she whispers.

"No, you're not, are you? You damnably honest thing."

"Let me go…"

"You don't actually want me to, do you? Tell me you want me to leave, all else and I will stay. I will stay and you will sleep, in my arms, on my chest or on your own and I will lie on your back as you like. I- We will look together for his resting place. And you will eat. You will rest. You and I will stay here in this frankly hideous house and redecorate to make it liveable and you will remind me that if nothing else, I can protect you from yourself. We have time, Elizia. I promised you we would give planning our next adventure before diving into it a go and I'm not one for breaking promises. You don't have to do anything but rest and recover right now, darling, we will go looking for trouble and artifacts or spells or scrolls when we are both ready."

She shudders, curling her legs up and pushing back into him, reassured by his strength of presence. His words are honey sweet and missing all of the insincerity she used to be so used to. She's an idiot. An exhausted, forever in physical pain nowadays, self-sabotaging idiot.

"Why are you laughing, you weirdo? Do you have a single sane emotion in you at the minute or do I need to take you to get looked at, not that I imagine much can be done that hasn't already."

"I once thought," she says even though she probably shouldn't, "that we'd never get here."

"Yes, I know, you thought you were going to die. It was only a month and a bit ago, darling. You truly have a knack for making a painful conversation worse."

"No, no, I thought we'd never be here. Where I'd- I couldn't say what I want and you'd know anyway. You'd hear me anyway."

He scoffs and prompts her to turn around. She goes, lets him manouver her to face him and he immediately crawls into her lap, straddling her legs. He's taller than her already but like this he has an extra inch or so. She wraps her arms around his back tentatively, tears drying on her cheeks until he brushes them away.

"I'm not leaving. So don't leave me either, Elizia, please. I'm not above begging for this. Not anymore. I spent too long thinking you died because of my monstrous needs to think I could ever really want to be parted from you. Self-sacrificing moron that you are trying to be."

"I don't know how to keep you, how to fix things," she says pitifully, looking up into his earnest expression like a penitent searching for absolution in the idol of their god. "I couldn't face leaving but I couldn't tell you to go either, even to save you. It's been so long since I remembered him so clearly and now I can't stop. He's driving me to destruction and I don't want to ruin you anymore than I already have. I promised you sunlight and I'm breaking my promise."

"Stop saying you've ruined me, would you? You're giving yourself far too much credit for everything that happened. I made my choices, you played a part, yes, but they were my choices, my actions. And you don't need to fix anything. Nothing is broken. I've lived two hundred years in the dark, in far, far worse conditions than this. You know that. You saw the state of the palace. You read their shitty little diaries, heard what Bodey said. Elizia, we have a home, we have…ugh friends, don't tell Gale I said that. I have a lover, a partner who is my equal and who I know, moments like this aside, has seen me at my worst and still trusts me, still cares for me."

"Loves you. Who loves you."

For the first time in so long she gets to see his smile, genuine and soft.

"Who loves me, yes."

"I shouldn't have said what I did. You're right. I have so much…so, so much."

"And just to check, you are including me in that, yes?"

She swats his arm before holding his hand, blushing a little when he presses his thumb into her palm like she does for him so often. "I don't know, that depends on if I'm still wanted. Screwed up as I am after everything. You've…I've been making you carry more than your fair share of all of this since the move. I should be pulling my weight better. I want to pull my weight, not just chase after one of my problems to avoid another."

He quirks a brow and she backpedals gracelessly.

"No! That's not what I meant. Stop being a bastard, that's not what I meant and you know it. You're not a problem. I promise."

"I don't know, I thought you rather liked how much of a bastard I am," he teases, pulling his most offended pout even as she swats at him again.

"Shut up," she grumbles, dropping her weight back to flop onto the floorboards fully. "See if I apologise again."

He runs his fingers mindlessly over her ribs, up around her chest, grazes the skin on show but retreats to the safety of fabric. "I accept your apology, my cantankerous darling. And I apologise too for assuming the worst of you. That was…"

"Understandable, it was understandable, Astarion. I needed pushing. Gods know how long I would have kept it up if you hadn't."

"Hmm…perhaps."

"Can we talk about the rest of it tomorrow? I am actually exhausted."

"Sulking your way round the city on your own does tend to have a depressing effect on a person," he muses, not making any start towards moving. "I've heard it's less so with company though."

Elizia drops her hands on top of his thighs, just resting them there as she looks up at him, apparently puzzled by his obvious offer. "You truly want to go traipsing around graveyards all day- night, sorry? You?"

"I am a vampire if you'll remember, I've done my fair share of graverobbing."

"You have not."

"Have too." He retorts. "People get buried with all sorts of treasures. As you well know, darling."

She yawns unexpectedly, her eyes stay closed afterwards. Like this, with the comforting weight of Astarion above, she feels like a cat luxuriating in a sunbeam, utterly drained of all the tension of the past couple days. Well. Months. "You can prove nothing in a court of law," she says sleepily.

"Not without indicting myself, I suppose."

"My point exactly. Can we sleep here tonight? I don't think I can move anymore."

He shifts his weight and she swears if she could purr she gods damned would be as he carefully settles himself on top of her, head tucked under her chin, legs entwined sort of awkwardly with her own.

"Only so long as it doesn't become a habit. We finally have actual, honest to god, good beds and you still want to sleep on the bloody ground."

"Just leave me here when you get uncomfortable or bored if you're not gonna sleep."

"Yes because that will be so good for you, darling."

"Carry me then, I don't care. I'll be asleep."

"...Elizia."

"Astarion."

"Are…"

She cracks an eye open, concerned, and buries a hand in his curls, petting them as soothingly as she knows how. "Astarion," she repeats, softly pressing for him to continue.

He clears his throat to put it off a moment longer. "I simply meant to ask whether we are…okay?"

"Whether we're okay?"

"If you could refrain from the mimicry for the current moment, that'd be much appreciated."

She winces. "Sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I just…how do you mean? I think we're okay. I'm okay, well. No. But. Right now, I'm alright, honestly. Are you?"

"Fine. I'm fine. Just…not used to… Getting things wrong used to be much more dangerous. For me. It wasn't…well, it certainly never ended with a cuddle and apologies, that's for sure."

"Oh… I… I see. Do you…" biting her lip, she gently untangles a snare in the curls by his ear. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"No. Not tonight. Can we just…" he doesn't finish, falling into his own thoughts, beyond her reach; she lets him go, trusts that he'll come back, when he's ready, when he can.

She can't remember falling asleep but when she stirs sometime later, still half in a dream, she turns over in her own bed and finds red eyes glinting in the candlelight shining from her bedside table. They're perusing a book but drift down to her as she blinks slowly, ever so slowly, fighting off the cotton clouds of rest long enough to shuffle closer to Astarion. She wraps herself around his nearest leg and clumsily moves to rest her cheek on his thigh, ready to go back to sleep. Cool fingers stroke across her braid and stay there, supporting her neck in her awkward angle of choice so she doesn't slip back down at least while she's conscious enough to grouch about it. She thinks she mumbles a thank you but can't be sure before she's floating away again, peacefully content.

[sweetlikehoneystingslikeabee]

Just gonna show my whole-ass kink here, don't mind me. Can I get some headcanons for vampire Telltale Riddler with a fem reader who is a vampire hunter? She's lasted longer than most of the arrogant hunters who come after him, and she even respects him as a foe! But she's so damn flippant when they fight. Absolutely the sassiest person he's ever met. BUT THE SEXUAL TENSION IS THERE. You know the Straight On scene from Strange Magic? That's the dynamic.

"Who is hunting who?" vampire!Telltale Riddler x Vampire Hunter f!Reader

We love when people show their whole-ass kink. It's the only way to do it! Also you know I'm VERY aware of that scene from Strange Magic. A bit longer because I had to write some actual action.

TW: vampire au, mentions of cannibalism

At first he was certain you must be some form of idiot to try tangling with him. Too many arrogant hunters came out of the woodwork once he came back to town- He ripped their throats out. Your first meeting was him practically picking flesh from his teeth. You once saw him crudely raise the dead to do his bidding, a sight that sent most packing!

Yes, you must have been stupid... so he thought. If you were truly an incompetent like he thought, you wouldn't have lasted this long. Your little spats had ended at a constant draw, one or both of you escaping to continue the fight another time.

It was obvious you had come to respect him in some sense. Perhaps even admire him? He told himself it was the only thing keeping you alive. Certainly it wasn't that mouth. You always had some smart ass comeback. Some witty retort that showed your cockiness and youth.

You were, in fact, the last person he wanted to run into when conducting the business he was tonight. A meeting with other vampires to discuss their attack on The Agency. As he stood on the rooftop awaiting them, he could hear a distant whistling... When he stepped aside, a silver arrow whizzed past his head to land into a nearby wall.

There you stood, crossbow in hand, grinning at him.

"Ah. It's you. I apologize, but I simply can't play with you today," He attempts to wave you off, "Find some other vampire to tolerate you tonight, little girl."

Your response was quick, "Oho? Scared I'll kick your ass, 'old man'?"

Eddie rolled his eyes. Looked at his watch. Fifteen minutes. Perhaps he could get you to back away in that time. Easily, he pulled the arrow out of the wall... before sending it back towards you.

You should have been prepared- Yet it cut into your arm just so, causing you to drop the crossbow. The vampire took this opportunity to leap to the air and come down upon you with claws... Which met the thin-but-tough metal and leather of your bracers.

"Always prepared, are you?" he asked, his claws raking too close to comfort to your face.

Your laugh was nervous yet distinct, "What can I say, you keep me on my toes! I wasn't expecting you to be out like this, though. Usually you're much harder to find!" From your hip, you pulled a vial of some sort, smashing it to the ground.

He wasn't sure exactly the compound, but it made his eyes blur with tears. He rolled away, just in time for you to thrust forward with a knife blade. Eddie couldn't help but quip, "And somehow you're doing better than I would have thought possible. Taking tips from yours truly?"

Your face leans back away as his hand swings his cane outward towards you in retaliation. A small spark of metal on metal as your knife comes into contact with the sharpened question mark at the end of his weapon. You try to regain your balance... only to find him dissolving into smoke before your eyes-

As he reappears, it's behind you, his hand shoving you forward and his cane reeling you back towards him. A scream strangles out of your throat as you feel the pointed edge cut into your abdomen. Finally, you'd gotten just that touch too arrogant and took the bait before you were really ready to fight him in open space.

Yet even as he tried to approach you, your blood dripping off his cane, you tried to sweep his legs out from under him. It surprised him just long enough for you to scramble to your crossbow. By the time he caught up to you, it was pointed at his face.

You winced, "I'm not on the menu tonight. Sorry to disappoint you." Both of you stood at a standstill. Both of you easily able to kill the other in this moment. He seemed to be thinking over his options.

The man leaned forward, "...Too bad. You would have been a delicacy." He waits for you to lower the crossbow before continuing, "Now... girl, I really do have business to conduct-"

"(y/n)." You managed to sputter, "My name is (y/n). Not..." A pained expression on your face as you moved.

He rolled his eyes, "You expect me to remember your name? Just like that?" As if you held any importance to him. You were very aware if you didn't, you would already have been dead.

"You seem to remember everything else." Your voice is quiet. He was catching on to your fighting style. You'd have to mix it up if... if you were going to continue this, "You should know the name of the person whose going to- Um-" You were a bit lost in thought.

"Ah, and all the banter has left you." Quickly, he pulls you up. It's not rough or hurtful- If anything, his arms about you make you feel secure.

A door nearby opens and he's pulling you nearby behind the wall of the stairwell structure on the roof. You hear other vampires coming out and feel your breath hitched. You see the way his body almost seems to be shielding yours. Perhaps it was the tension... Perhaps it was the blood loss. Either way, you found yourself pulling the man to a kiss.

a kiss, you noted, he had no intentions of getting away from. He deepened the embraced, seemingly curious of your reactions. His tongue brushing over the bottom of your lips. You moaned in pain as his fingers found the wound on your abdomen, his other hand holding you steady. The sensation mixed with pleasure had you slightly hazy.

When you broke away, he was licking your blood off his fingers. His statement was simple, "Payment. Run along now, young lady. And... don't be stupid next time. You were just beginning to impress me." He walks past you to go speak to his colleagues.

You sneak away in a vague sense of shame. Why did you- Why did he- Better to heal up and answer the hard questions later.

He hummed as the last speckles of your blood soaked to his tongue. Yes... delicious.

[thefvllsun]

nct dream series

❥ nct dream - bitch hunters

actual name: bitch hunters

synopsis: huang renjun, lee jeno, lee donghyuck, and na jaemin are determined to have girlfriends by the end of their college years, but that’s easier said than done when they’re known as the biggest players on campus.

❥ nct dream - "Hot Sauce"

actual name: hot sauce (m)

preview: “Why don’t you just fuck all his friends? If he really was that heart broken over you moving away back then, he’ll go mental.” you friend suggests. You stare into the screen, swiveling back and forth in your computer chair.

“Have you seen his friends? That would be too easy..” you smirk to yourself toying with the idea.

❥ "그래 wulf, 내가 wulf"

actual name: into the wolves den

preview: [★]; TWO BOYS. TWO UNIVERSITIES. TWO RIVALING TEAMS. And then there's you, stuck weightlessly in the middle of it.

The time left on the clock is running out— and soon, you're going to have to pick a side.

❥ Boom

actual name: boom (m).

preview: “Here it is, high end hybrid shop in the heart of Gangnam. A couple of us should go check it out, get an idea of price and stuff.”

“I’ll go, I am the most well versed in hybrids. You idiots will end up picking the first one that flirts with you.” Renjun skims Jaemin’s phone, nodding to himself.

“Make sure you steer clear of bunnies. I’ve watched a few videos.. they’re hot but insatiable all the time. Heats are insane.”

Renjun waves him off, familiar with bunny hybrids sex drive. He knew better than to purchase one, at least he thought so.

❥ “camp half-blood” - starring 00 liners

actual name: demigods.

synopsis: summers at camp half-blood are never dull—especially when there’s a cute boy at every corner.

❥ “water. earth. fire. air”

actual name: master of all elements

synopsis: y/n, a waterbender of the northern water tribe, has been named the new avatar. she must master all of the elements in order to keep the peace of the four nations. which path will she choose first?

❥ “Dive into You”

actual name: dive into you (intro.)

preview: “Who is that?” You ask Mark. Eyes lighting up watching the boy- the man in conversation with the pastor.

“Oh.. that’s Haechan. The pastor’s eldest son.” Mark follows your line of vision with a sound of disapproval. “Don’t bother with him. He’s bad news.”

❥ spellbound

actual name: spellbound (series)

synopsis: When it comes to spells, you think it’d be simple: follow the steps in the book, use the correct ingredients and boom, magic... WRONG. Anything can happen and it’s just your luck that your mistake drags seven unsuspecting souls into the mix, as well as yourself, and sends them off to parallel universes where everything is much different than it’s supposed to be.

Instead of sidewalks and cars, there’s forests and fairies. Lampposts are replaced by the blinked red eyes of vampires and the howling of werewolves sends chills down your spine. Sirens lure innocent sailors to their demise while ghosts wreak havoc and and demons possess the living. It’s absolute chaos, and you have no idea what to do to reverse the spell or how to get home, but maybe one of these seven newcomers who came here with you might be able to help.

❥ playing field

actual name: playing the field

synopsis: well-known athletes in their college and respective fields, the members of dream struggle to find love that's genuine. they play the field of available suitors in attempts to get laid despite their demanding practices and lonely hearts.

❥ 00’ line at hogwarts

actual name: a hogwarts collection

❥ 7 boys

actual name: Midnight Memories 💫

synopsis: don’t know where you’re going but you want to find your way? look no further. 7 boys, 7 different stories. this is midnight memories.

[berlinbabylon]

review of s4 (skip if you don’t want to read criticism)

SPOILER WARNING

so, i finished season 4 a couple of days ago and... i liked some parts of it and one episode was good (episode 8) but for the most part i really absolutely hated this season and i never thought i would say that. in my opinion, it actually got worse towards the end! i must be living in a different reality from everyone else.

i’m sorry. i really am. but i have to get this off my chest:

- charlotte double-wielding guns and shooting up those white hand idiots like she’s in a john woo movie? awesome! except... it was dumb af. this could have been so good, i’m a huge genre fan of this type of action, but not at the expense of a character’s intelligence. there was zero reason for her to barge in there when she did. at least make it seem like they’re just about to kill the good pathologist, have them string him up or whatever and she sees and has absolutely no alternative but to intervene. or have them conclude their meeting and start making for the door. please, i’m begging, just anything to make her desperate actions make sense.

- malu taking a shot for kiddie fiddler wendt? thanks, i fucking hate it. for that matter, i hate what they did to wendt’s character.

- for that matter, awesome lgbt+ rep or uhmm not. reinhold and fred don’t even get a kiss or any significant scene together (the couples date at the very end is cute but too little too late) although fred actually has a fairly important role to play this season. we never even really get to see them talk about his decision to work for that nazi paper. like, what. okay, fred quits at the end, good for him, but does this qualify as a character arc now?

- speaking of lgbt+ rep, them blowing up the esther/edgar/walter polycule only to have walter go “well whattaya gonna do. i loved him ¯\_(ツ)_/¯” right as he croaks was the most ridiculous thing i’ve seen in a long while and didn’t land at all. i actually cackled. i can’t believe they turned the complex dynamic they had introduced in s3 into this clichéd jealousy mess that had no nuance whatsoever. i’m stunned people preferred their storyline this season. it didn’t track at all. neither did edgar showing up again (as i had predicted) and gereon believing him about wanting to broker peace in the underworld. el oh el.

- also edgar being like “oh btw we need to kill doktor schmidt, he’s an evil mastermind” was an absolutely ridiculous and lame way to try and advance that storyline. it also just got dumped in there and you don’t get any sense that it’s influencing gereon or his character actions at all. not that he has much of an arc or anything this season anyway but back when the show was still good (and by good i mean exceptional), his drug addiction and guilt complex was a major driving force behind much of what he did, how he behaved at work etc. here, in s4, you have to be grateful that they belatedly remember to send him to confession because he’s a catholic but that scene also just unceremoniously gets dumped in there. not to compare but since we have already seen an absolutely outstanding confession scene this tv season (in interview with the vampire, fabulously acted by jacob anderson), i couldn’t help but notice how the confession with gereon was neither written well, nor particularly acted well, nor integrated in its episode well, nor, in fact, scored well.

- max raabe’s ein tag wie gold is a bop but other than that, this season was not scored well and i say that as someone who owns the first two soundtrack releases on vinyl. there were many times when i noticed that something was off, where the music actively worked against the scene it was supposed to be enhancing. the song at the shabbat dinner was nice but as a jewish friend who i watched it with pointed out, them playing piano on shabbat is very sus, even if they’re a reform household. there was a woman with a wig which indicates (ultra) orthodox. not going to nitpick that scene any further though because the shabbat dinner and abe goldstein’s character in general were a highlight (although i loathed the storyline he was stuck in).

- tell me you don’t want to write actors out of the show without telling me. nyssen and helga have long overstayed their welcome. nyssen they could justify by having him pop up from time to time in connection to the rocket science “plot”. but he’s lars eidinger (who’s great), so. helga has just become whatever they needed her to be. anne marie’s actress had some extremely dodgy acting going on this season, sorry to say. i don’t even want to talk about the idiocy of how they wrote this storyline which could have been extremely good and important. i’ll just say that i laughed my ass off when anne marie clocked abe with her flute but generally it was not a good choice to play these kidnappings for laughs (and i guess these rich people just have no security whatsoever, even after the first kidnapping). there’s a time and a place and this storyline wasn’t it. but rich people, funny, or something. well, they are ridiculous.

- the whole story with the butler. talk about wasting screentime. his götz von berlichingen monologue was also really bad although i was delighted when i heard the verses. it just didn’t land. that goes for many scenes this season imo. i don’t know if it was the directing or what but even stuff that looks interesting on paper just does not come across well. it just comes across as ridiculous and manieriert. but not in the good way. (there is a way to do this well and the show used to walk that line very well. not anymore, it seems.)

- (side note: the frivolity of the movie industry provided the perfect pastiche for that sort of thing in s3. which is why i really vibe with it, as someone who’s a huge fan of 1930s movies. didn’t even mind that they relocated the apex of expressionism into the late 1920s when that’s very ahistorical. but anyway that’s a different topic.)

- actually as a last point on the nyssen storyline, abe goldstein shooting a hole in the ship instead of shooting anne marie in the head made me groan. it was so obviously written that way just to give her a chance to pop up later again. it made absolutely no sense, even if you try to handwave it as an attempt at poetic justice. neither did helga leaving her down there make any sense. she had no way of knowing that abe would kill her or make it seem like he killed her. at that point, helga still looked like she could think straight, she didn’t tumble around deliriously, she made a clear choice. and they just did it for the twist, not because it made sense for the character in that moment.

- the show was always very drunk on coincidences, twists of fate etc in that 19th century charles dickens / victor hugo way and i could dig that for the most part because they had this rich tapestry of social commentary going on. while i can still appreciate the breadth of society that they’re trying to show, it now comes across as shallow, there’s no immersion, i was extremely distanced from everything going on and couldn’t have cared less, which is a damn shame considering that this is where we should start feeling even more involved.

- as for one storyline that i couldn’t have cared less about: everything to do with toni. in fact, i think it would have been far more poignant if we hadn’t seen her for a season and hadn’t known what had become of her after running away and then when we least expect it, charlotte comes across her living on the streets, maybe while chasing a suspect or something. now that’s a coincidence i could buy. and such a scene would play like a gut punch. but they rob themselves of any dramatic impact by wanting to overexplain and overshow and being all pedagogical which is a huge problem in the writing of german tv shows and s4 of babylon berlin has started showing all the hallmarks of mediocre german tv and it makes me feel sick, considering how stylish and epic the previous seasons were.

- toni’s actress is not good. i’m sorry. i just have to say it. but also, they stuck her in a nothing storyline. moritz’ actor fares better but if they wanted to pair off the spares and get rid of them, they needed to do that in a way that would’ve left more screentime for the interesting and/or relevant stuff. like, uhm, everything to do with malu/litten/charlotte etc. it’s a damn crime that they didn’t do anything with lotte being fired from the police and then hired by litten. nothing. she gets to mope around at the bar a little bit and poor jacky gets to be her hapless sounding board (he deserves better, so many characters and actors in this cast deserve better). and then she gets to be gereon’s emotional support system. once again, charlotte is deprived of any and all agency and no, the double-wielding scene does not make up for it. the scenes in that haus sonneborn institution were well-shot, the horror film genre influence was clear, but unfortunately i don’t much care for horror films and i also, at that point, did not much care for toni or her friend or the pathologist (f*ck him for getting rudi killed in a very lame rip-off of stephan’s much superior exit) and we all knew lotte wasn’t going to die. that’s what i mean by immersiveness: where in previous seasons i’d have been on the edge of my seat with tension and dread, this didn’t elicit much emotion from me at all. except for the groan when lotte did her thing at the end there. the only good thing to come out of that was her conversation with gereon about her guilt which was the only time in the entire season where i believed a scene between them, emotionally, and was invested.

- i guess that, on the bright side, she got to be happy. i support that. even though i don’t believe it should have to come at the expense of the show being good. and she still had to go through that awful ordeal of the dance marathon. (one of the few memorable scenes of the season, at the very least.)

- random but i very much liked the actor playing oskar. and he was very much underutilized. really, don’t get me started on the entire debacle that was malu’s storyline. i think i’d rather have watched an entire season set on that zeppelin than what we ended up with.

- litten not even being in the finale should actually be considered a crime against humanity considering he’s literally the best character on the show at this point. for that matter, the trial against katelbach and the undermining of the legal system and the press should have been a much bigger arc and point. katelbach still being a comic relief character only used to bumble about not knowing whether he did propose to behnke or not is absolutely ridiculous. these are the characters we’ve come to know and care about and they were paid absolute dirt in s4. behnke’s best scene was the train heist and even that was not edited or scored well but hey, at least it was amusing and they did something with some sort of flair there.

- going back to lotte for a moment. i’m happy for the charlotte/gereon shippers that they got so much fucking out of them this season (to be crude, then again so is the show) but i can’t be the only one who thought they were awkward as all hell together. i never shipped them but i did always like their dynamic and i thought their kiss in s3 was magical. what they did with them here did absolutely nothing for me, i cringed when she visited him at the station and their idea of sexy talk in between kisses was discussing case-related work. none of it had the levity, flirtation or charm you’d see in a lubitsch film (one of the alleged inspos for this season) although liv lisa fries sold the hell out of her infatuated smiles and looks. volker bruch trying to smile was physically painful to me, however. sure, it could be charming that he’s an awkward turtle duck but considering everything we know about the bts issues, it really didn’t endear me any further. i dread having to watch them be awkward together in future seasons and i absolutely dread lotte’s only purpose being tied up in that. for that matter, how did she earn her badge back at the end? surely not with her double-wielding gun action? but it’s not like the show really cared to pursue this as a storyline or her as a character this season, so why should i care.

- the way they threw rukeli in there at the very end of the season was almost offensively bad. i was extremely excited for him to show up ever since they had insinuated that he’s her half-brother in s3. the actor here was fine (i wouldn’t count on him being accurately or sensitively cast bc german productions usually don’t do this, haven’t checked it, however) but you’re really going to do a whole season where boxing is at the very least on the periphery and you’re only going to throw him in at the end to make some sort of point? we didn’t even get to stay with him and lotte during their first meeting? we’re just supposed to believe they have some sort of relationship now after that camera shot panned out, showing them through the window of the café? i’m sorry but what?

- worst of all: them having him use chalk as white paint to mock the nazis in the audience to make a point. you can’t make a character we’ve barely even met the dramatic and emotional high point of the season. and i’m sorry but rukeli was a real person and in real life he was forced to present himself with bleached hair and white paint in an “aryanized” form, this was part of the abuse he suffered!!! it makes me absolutely mad to think about how they tried to turn this into some kind of empowerment thing here. nevermind that at this point in time, audiences were still overwhelmingly on his side and actually protested against fights being rigged against him. i just absolutely hate everything this scene chooses to be. i also hate how gereon walks up to that one guy who can command~ the crowd and we get a flashback to something that happened in the same episode, like, just 30 minutes earlier, to remind us that this is the guy he refused to shoot so they can defuse the situation in the dumbest most construed way possible. i feel like i’m losing my mind when i see people say that this is good writing. good writing would have involved audiences not needing a flashback to something that happened in the same episode, just because almost nothing in this season is giving anything resembling the appropriate weight and focus.

- speaking of which, the case of the season was so uninteresting and lame i even forgot to talk about it. and i still don’t have anything to say. except one thing: why did weintraub not immediately suspect that something was up with max (the henchman) when that car bomb went up killing the other henchman? because weintraub arrived in the car, went inside, came back outside and suddenly a bomb has been attached to his car in the meantime and max was standing there all the time? like, what?? this season is littered with this dumb shit and maybe it was prevalent in the other seasons as well and i just chose to overlook it because there was so much for me to love but i genuinely can’t believe five adults wrote this season and struggled so much with thinking any of it through. it feels like they just had little chess figures with pictures of the characters attached to them and tried moving them across a board.

- oh and one more thing about the flashback issue. böhm and his family being in that apartment at the very end was an absolutely ridiculous scene. his money issues were well-telegraphed, a little too well-telegraphed if you ask me, and his involvement in the shoot-up was already extremely obvious by the time his wife demands to know where he’s got his money from. that bit where he collapses against the wall and we get all these flashbacks to things an audience that’s half-way intelligent and half-way paying attention has already gotten long ago was just embarrassing for the show. the issue wasn’t just with the flashback, however, it was also with the way it was shot and edited. so many scenes this season really don’t land as intended. i feel bad for the actors because they’re doing their best and they’re also not at fault for this weird issue in german shows where they do really bad ADR (re-dubbing scenes when there were sound issues in the footage from set, it makes dialogue sound very unnatural and strange and the show always had this issue in certain scenes but in this season it’s amplified to the max, i almost couldn’t watch the edgar/gereon reunion because of the bad sound engineering). but woof that böhm family scene could have been a highlight but the way he creepily said something to the effect of them never being separated (probably telegraphing an eventual fate that we call “erweiterter suizid” in german where usually a man kills his family and then himself) and then the show just straight up cutting to the nyssen last will scene without giving any of it the time to sink in was absolutely comical. i’m sorry. but there are scenes this season that feel amateur and i don’t think you can blame it on covid when the editing is at issue.

- having said all of that, i was excited for gereon’s arc this season and imo they never did anything of note with him undercover in the SA. why not have him befriend stennes for real, become conflicted about what he’s trying to do (and, well, in fact him and the police president do want stennes to succeed so it wouldn’t even have been that outlandish). him talking to the police president about the mission at home while his very much indoctrinated nephew is in listening distance was so so dumb omg.

- the stennes putsch which i also was very much looking forward to was such a flop that fizzled out without any real spark. his confrontation with wendt was lame af. the actor is awesome, his interactions with wendt in s3 were intriguing and this what it all leads up to? gdi. i can’t believe they wasted so much time on that homophobic blackmail material plot when it was never even picked up again after it got stennes out of prison. he never should have gone to prison before the putsch, he already had his conflict with wendt from last season, they could have saved so much time on this and dedicated it to something actually interesting. and if you actually want to get into the messiness of homophobia and homosexuality in the SA, röhm and all, you better be prepared to bring on figures like magnus hirschfeld (it’s honestly ridiculous he hasn’t even been referenced on the show yet because he was super famous in berlin and germany in general and also a favorite target of the nazis). reference the harden-eulenburg affair. do something with this. not just have wendt buggering a kid in a park. i like that gräf was quietly pissed at gereon about the whole thing but this should never have been a storyline in the way it was implemented.

- it really ruined wendt on top of things. not that it made him worse as a person because he was already bad before (though lbr it did make him worse ofc) but it made him a whole lot more uninteresting as a villain (he only seemed to find his groove back in the last two episodes). the interesting part of his dynamic with malu in s3 was the intellectual clash of ideologies. while i did not and do not ship them, i was very intrigued to see where they would take that in s4. well, i have my answer. they skipped any and all interesting and relevant development and turned it into an extremely clichéd and lame honey trap plot because we all know communists loved honey traps. groan. (yes, i watched the americans.) also, rilke is my favourite poet and has been for many many years and wendt needs to keep his words out of his damn mouth. i can’t believe they revealed that wendt used to sexually abuse underaged boys and still wanted us to think that his relationship with malu is in any way romantic, cute or intriguing?

- i was so rooting for doktor völcker to get him and then malu just had to take a bullet for him. bruh. just when i thought i couldn’t hate this season more. i know i already mentioned it but still. at least she didn’t die from it, small blessings, but her getting shot straight through the chest and then being back to spy shenanigans on the zeppelin not much later was just the height of ridiculousness. i always hated the train confrontation between gereon and bruno and it seems that the show is very very determined to evermore move towards that pulpy comic book-y version of the show that i can barely tolerate in order to get to the good stuff. but when there’s barely any good stuff to get to, it gets tough.

- do i even want to talk about edgar? him taking the kids away from esther was lame. anything to do with esther was lame. i can’t even muster more to say and edgar/gereon was one of my absolute favourite dynamics in s1/2 so i should’ve been overjoyed to see it make a return here. but, in the eternal words of the matrix: not like this.

- finally, doktor schmidt, eh? well. where to begin. first of all, jens harzer is one of the best living german actors, he’s phenomenal, and the fact that he still gets so little development is a fucking joke, frankly speaking. i might have liked his scene with alfred lying on the floor best. at least it was funny. his sessions with gereon were hamfisted in their analogies. his last scene with gereon also didn’t land, it was just groan-worthy. gereon repeating back his words just made it all the more obvious how much of their luster they have lost at this point. i can’t believe someone spoke schmidt’s platitudes in a serious way like some sort of cool mic drop when the “quelle der angst” stuff only works in that hypnotic evil drugged out therapy session way jens harzer says it. the cgi was also bad but that’s neither here nor there (there was a surprising number of badly lit and framed scenes in this season, idk if they changed cinematographers but even the staple shot of following a centered gereon with his hat around became extremely overused). the thing is that i’ve long been convinced that doktor schmidt isn’t actually anno / gereon’s brother, so i should be happy that he seems to be finally be revealed as a svengali type which i also find very fitting for the movies and culture the show references as well as the history it tries to reflect (in fact, this season was as thematically rich as ever, with many metaphors and analogies for the rise of evil etc etc but what good is that if it’s all pedagogical and the actual character writing is either non-existent or utter bullshit?). they’ve dragged this out for too long now. they also, and this might be the worst offense, have completely lost the connection gereon is supposed to have to this plot. nevermind helga or moritz. have doktor schmidt be a svengali figure, fine, love that, i vibe with it, but that doesn’t mean this plot should have no advancement. it really feels like they treaded water for as long as they could because they only had a very vague idea of where they wanted to go with this and still needed to figure out the details. well, hire some fucking writers (and by that i don’t mean hire your wife, like one of the director/writers did for s4).

- i’ve really come to loathe this very german tradition of producers, directors and others thinking they can write scripts themselves and that there are barely any decent writers around who are just that, writers. we have some that are barely okay but the structural issues of underpayment etc ensure that the talent that exists can’t turn this into a job. instead you really just have nepotism and all those people who think they can write but where the wheels eventually come off. now i’ve loved babylon berlin for a very long time, i’ve been there since the beginning, i’ve actually been there since the first press announcement (the show spent a lot of time in production hell before s1/2 saw the light of day, the budget kept ballooning etc). and i will say that i think the first three seasons featured some of the best that german tv has to offer. (s3 slightly less so but it was still entertaining and i think they did a really good job introducing a number of great characters like malu and litten in it, plus sabin tambrea is always fun!) but i must now question whether i was not more so taken in by the direction, the music, the style, and some very expertly shot and executed scenes that the show either cannot or does not want to afford anymore. the type of scenes that are needed to let the wild and often nonsensical plotting breathe and give the characters a chance to shine, to give all of it depth and resonance. i’m really so profoundly sad by the direction this show’s quality has taken and i have no idea whether it’s because one of the directors did more this season than the others, whether it was because of the new writers (i hope not). whatever happened, they had enough prep time and this just ain’t it.

- last point: i know how annoying it is when a show that you love gets hated on by others, so this is the last thing i’ll say about that. but i really needed to get this off my chest because i’ve been loving the show for a very long time, i’ve been investing a lot of time (not so much in recent years but before that) into spreading the word, at least here on tumblr and irl where i got several people into the show who all disliked s4 as well btw, i loved making gifs (which is also why i’d say i have a very good eye for the cinematography and style of the show and all the finer details but gif-making isn’t a real credential ofc lol). and i’m usually quite chill about stuff, i’m neither a super stan even when i love something (which is also why i didn’t watch it first thing it came out) nor am i a hater when i don’t like something but a case like this, where i genuinely loved something and it turns sour, that hurts, man. i’ll probably watch the next season - if there’s a next season! - because i still hold out hope that it might be better, i think it’s an important history to tell and the show had everything set up in order to tell it. there are two gif sets i want to make of this season (which is also always a good gauge for me to tell how i feel about something, and even those sets aren’t sets i absolutely want to do but i’ll do them nonetheless at some point; probably). after that i don’t think i will use this blog much anymore but i’ll keep it online for as long as tumblr is online because i always find it annoying when other people delete their stuff.

so long und auf wiedersehen!

[muertarte]

TIMING: Current

PARTIES: @bookofbolden, Los Sombras, @muertarte

SUMMARY: Hearing a knock on the door, Eleanor opens it, thinking it would be Metzli. She's startled to find it's actually a hostile group of vampires and tells her friend to stay away. They don't listen.

WARNINGS: None

Metzli had made a visit to the apartment Sylvia was keeping an eye on. Girlfriend, perhaps? No wait, the girlfriend was the shop owner, and she wasn’t on the vampire’s list of people to interrogate. Not that she actually had a list. Could one have a list with a single item? She supposed, maybe. A to-do list was everything one had to do, and if she only had one thing to…Focus Sylvia. 

“I’ll knock. She’s a woman. More likely to trust me, instead of…you three.” Looking them up and down, Sylvia grimaced. The rest of the group was perfectly capable of taking down a single human, but their particular mission required charm. Something which none of the idiots she was surrounded with had. 

Sylvia knocked on the door, sending two of the three male vampires back out to watch over the balcony. If she tried to escape that way, they’d have a snack. She waited patiently with her comrade, smiling innocently and swaying back and forth on her heels. How long is this going to take?

Eleanor had tried to remain calm since Metzli’s message, she really had, but it was unavoidable for her to be an anxious mess. She wished desperately that there was something more she could do to help her friend rather than sitting around her apartment and promising to keep herself safe. She didn’t really believe that the vampires would show up to her doorstep, she wasn’t anyone important, so all of her time had gone to worrying about her friend and hoping that they were putting as much effort into their own safety as they had everyone else’s.

A knock at the door made Eleanor jump to her feet, an avalanche of pillows falling off of the couch. She’d spent hours staring blankly at the TV and occasionally checking her phone for updates from Metzli. Was that who had knocked? With a renewed sense of relief washing over her, Eleanor ran to the door and hastily pulled it open.

“Hi! Oh…” Eleanor’s face fell at the sight of the unannounced visitors on the other side of the door. They weren't anyone she’d hoped to see… or recognized, for that matter. Before she could ask any questions that oddly numb feeling she so often chased fogged up her mind and, as it usually did, made her feel off balance. Eleanor fought to keep her expression the same and hoped that the vampires were too distracted to hear the way her heart rate increased. “May I help you?” So much for that promise of not even answering the door.

The urge to let her fangs lengthen at the sight of such a delicious meal was strong, but Sylvia resisted. She could only use her imagination, dream of sinking her teeth into that lovely neck. “Oh!” She put on a bubbly facade, her smile much too big to be friendly. That was Sylvia’s flaw. She always tried a little too hard.

“We’re in the next unit over, apartment D?” A lie. But humans were usually too dumb to read an expression well. “For some reason, our electricity went out and I can’t charge my phone. Any chance you can help me?” Leaning in slightly, Sylvia raised a brow, playfully scrunching her nose. “It’s at five percent right now. I just need a slight charge. Fifteen minutes and I’ll be out of your hair.” Her brows became a bit pleading. “Mostly just want to make sure my phone doesn’t die in the middle of me trying to contact the landlord.”

Even if the too-friendly smile and the lack of emotional presence wasn’t enough to raise suspicion, Eleanor would have had a bad gut feeling about the woman simply because of her eyes - she looked as though she were deciding what to put on her plate in preparation for a big meal. “Apartment D? Did Farah move out or have you moved in with her? I hope you’re a lot quieter than she is.” She didn’t know her neighbors from the people standing in front of her but she had to try and throw them off. She hoped that using her sister’s name in her lie wouldn’t bestow any kind of bad karma unto her, but it was the first name that came to mind on the spot.

Eleanor immediately took a step back when the woman leaned closer and for a moment she thought her heart would jump right out of her chest. Was it truly impossible for vampires to enter without an invitation? What if this woman was able to just cross over into her apartment? What would happen then? She didn’t have a prayer of fighting her off and she probably wouldn’t have time to make a panicked phone call to Metzli.

“If you’re having electrical problems I can contact the landlord for you - what’s your name? I’ll make sure to mention it alongside which apartment you’re in so there won’t be a mixup and hopefully the problem will be fixed quickly.” Eleanor offered a kind smile and reached for the door, hoping to end the conversation. “I’m sorry, I’ve been very sick for the past few days and don’t want you to catch whatever I have. My husband should be on his way back from the pharmacy, I’ve been going through medicine like crazy.” Another lie and a subtle nudge that she hoped would work.

Sylvia laughed, truly and heartily. The woman was good. She made up lies like it was second nature, probably already notified about their presence in town. The message Master sent was a mistake, but he just had to play his stupid game. He loved laughing at the traitor’s expense, and Sylvia couldn’t blame him. It just came at a cost. An annoying one. Whatever. Two could lie. They’d been watching the woman’s apartment long enough to know that the unit next to her was vacant and that she had no husband. Sylvia had to give her credit, though. She was definitely quick on her feet.

“Farah? There’s no Farah.” Shaking her head with a chuckle, she nudged her partner’s arm with her elbow. He eventually joined in, his face evident that he didn’t understand the joke. Rookie. “Landlord said the unit was vacant before us.” Sylvia quirked a brow. “I mean, you hardly leave the apartment. I wasn’t too sure anyone lived here up until now, when you opened the door. Just real lucky, I guess.” She chuckled a little more, watching the door begin to close. Not on her watch. 

“Uh, uh, uh…” They were unable to cross the threshold of the doorway, but she could stop the entrance from shutting completely. Sylvia planted her foot at the edge of the frame, prohibiting the door from closing. “Look, you have no husband. You’re alone. So come with us or let us in. It’ll be much easier if you just let this happen.” Both vampire’s eyes turned dark, and the other two at the balcony began to bang against the door. Poor woman was surrounded, making for a gleefully sinister smile on Sylvia’s face. “See what I mean?”

Well… shit. What was she supposed to do? “You’ve been watching me.” The woman’s words broke through the dread that had started to build up inside of Eleanor and she realized that for them to know that she was reluctant to leave her apartment they would have had to watch her for days on end. When was the last time she’d left? She wasn’t sure… but she knew exactly the last time she’d had a visitor. They’d been so close and Metzli had been right there - the thought of it sent a chill down her spine.

She hardly had time to react to the woman blocking her door before she was screaming at the sound of banging coming from behind her. Eleanor whipped around to see the additional vampires that had found their way to her balcony and backed herself against the far wall. The fact that she had indeed been trapped made her chest tighten and her mouth go dry - what more could she do except panic? A brief thought of retrieving the knife she’d been gifted crossed her mind, but what would she be able to do with it? Absolutely nothing. She wasn’t even sure if she could hold the thing correctly, much less use it for self defense against murderous vampires.

“I’m not going anywhere and you’re sure as hell not welcome in here!” Although she’d retreated further into her apartment and her entire body shook violently, Eleanor tried her best to make her voice loud. She bit her lip hard enough to draw blood as she thought through her options: fighting obviously wasn’t one, she couldn’t win against one of them let alone four. She felt that she shouldn’t call Metzli because they would just walk right into a trap, but at the same time there was no one else she thought would be equipped to handle this kind of situation. But maybe, she thought, she did need to tell them that she had company just so they could steer clear of the area.

Her mind made up, Eleanor sprinted for the couch and grabbed her phone before turning to run down the hallway into her bedroom. She locked the door and placed her back against it, sliding down to the floor as she hurriedly sent a simple text.

Don’t come back here. Surrounded.

“We can wait all night and day, cutie.” Sylvia signaled for the group to post up, ready themself for a long stand-off. Her death was inevitable. Why was she fighting it so hard? Oh well. Her blood would spill soon enough. Who cares how long it took? She’d have to come out eventually. 

Eleanor’s message came through, and there was no hesitation at what Metzli did next. They abandoned everything they were doing, opting to use their legs instead of their vehicle. Screeching tires would make for a much louder entrance than they needed. The element of surprise was necessary if they were going to make Eleanor’s home safe once more. So they took to the rooftops, just as they did in Mexico so many times. It was their speciality, utilizing stealth and strategy to complete their missions with ease. Only, this time, their goal actually mattered. They had to save someone that mattered. Nothing like the money and idiotic power that Eloy sought. Eleanor was a precious life, and in such a short time, she mattered more than Metzli intended.

“Oye, chavo.” They jumped down from their perch, finding Eleanor’s balcony with ease, and sneaking up even easier. The clan’s training was really lacking. That kind of inability to detect an anomaly would not stand under Eloy’s reign, and Metzli exploited such a failure. They took out one of the vampires with ease, twisting its arm until they heard it crack, stomping onto their head until the carcass ceased to move. The next vampire, however, was a little more difficult. Both of them struggled for power, grappling and swiping their knives at one another until Metzli was left victorious with only a handful of bruises and lacerations. For a few beats, they stared at the piles of dust stained with black ooze. 

Farewell, idiots. 

Metzli sprinted inside, unable to find Eleanor upon the first scan of the room. “Eleanor?” They called out, walking toward the hallway that led to the bedroom until the open apartment door took their attention. Three monsters stared at one another, red eyes glaring and hackles raised. If anything else happened around Metzli, they couldn’t tell. They were too angry and focused on their new opponents. 

Eleanor knew immediately when Metzli had arrived at her apartment due to the commotion out on the balcony and her chest tightened even more. She shouldn't have texted, she hadn’t wanted them to be up against so many others, but at the same time she couldn’t chance them coming over unexpectedly and being ambushed. She closed her eyes and covered her ears, hoping that whatever gruesome scene was taking place just yards away from her ended quickly and with her friend coming out unharmed.

She immediately jumped to her feet at the sound of her name and unlocked the bedroom door to open it just a crack. “Door - she stopped me from closing the door!” Eleanor tried to warn, but Metzli had already noticed the remaining intruders. She didn’t like these odds, even if they had gotten past the two on the balcony, they’d had the advantage of taking them by surprise. She didn’t want to watch this fight - no supernatural abilities were needed to feel the anger that flowed between the vampires. “Please don’t.” She was finally able to get out, the words directed towards the strangers, then to Metzli, “I’m sorry! I don’t… I don’t know how to use the knife!”

Eleanor’s voice, pleading and small, cut through the stony and monstrous glare on Metzli’s face. She was desperate, but not in the way they had expected. Saving her was not what she wanted, her voice coarse. What choice did Metzli have, though? The situation was life or death, and they wouldn’t dare let that vicious hand lay a finger on their friend. She had more life to live, and they’d ensure she got to experience it. By any means necessary. 

“You do not have to use knife.” Any damage could be inflicted or taken by them. With all the experience they had, Metzli could take it on for both of them. They’d do it gladly, without Eleanor having to ask it of them. She didn’t have to, and she never would. “Stay back, okay? You have to stay back.” Slowly and carefully, Metzli inched forward to Eleanor, cupping her cheek gently as they looked into her eyes. “Please do not look. You do not want to see this.” They turned her around, speeding toward the apartment’s exit with their blade grasped tightly in their fist. 

“Oh? Looks like we made este puto—” 

Sylvia was interrupted with a knife handle and large palm to her face. The other vampire attempted to grab at Metzli’s left side, not realizing their arm was long gone. “Idiot.” Their leg collided with the vampire, sending him a few feet away while Metzli focused on the woman. She sank a knife into their back several times, which they didn’t feel, leaving her without a weapon to defend herself when it got lodged into their body. Had they really not been trained? Metzli rose a curious brow, engaging in a short fight that left the woman on the ground. Quickly, they stomped into her chest until the wet sound met crunching. The blood collected in her gaping wound, and to prevent any more mess from being made, Metzli retrieved a stake and sank it into her chest, reducing her to nothing but a mixture of blood and dust. 

Knowing there was one last vampire left, Metzli turned to where they had left him, only to see that he had fled. Pathetic, really, but smart too. They turned back to the doorway, limping back numbly. “It is over.” They paused, leaning into the doorway to steady themself. “Are you okay?”

Of course Eleanor wanted to protest but what would be the result of her somehow convincing Metzli not to fight? They could barricade themselves into the bedroom until… What? Until the one vampire within the vicinity that didn’t want to rip her apart grew too hungry to resist? While she tried her best to rearrange her features to disguise the fear she felt, Eleanor knew that Metzli would be able to see through the mask the moment their eyes met. She nodded and didn’t fight being turned away, wrapping her arms around herself into a tight hug and trying desperately to find anything to distract her mind from what was going on on the other side of the small apartment. She couldn’t focus too much on Lily, not only would the feelings of loneliness and despair only add fuel to the already raging fire, but the amount of undead around her made Lily feel more distant and quiet than she’d ever felt before. Instead she resorted to naming off her long list of siblings, their spouses or significant others, their children, pets…

Was she okay? Not in the slightest, but she wouldn’t be admitting that. Eleanor turned to Metzli and her face dropped at how tired they looked. “I know your English is rough at times, but when someone says ‘don’t’ they mean do not.” She attempted to joke but couldn't bring the smile to her face. She inched toward her friend cautiously, not because she was afraid, but because she didn’t want to risk frightening them. “How much more trouble have I gotten you into?” Tears sprang to her eyes and without a second thought she wrapped her arms around Metzli’s middle. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have - you’re hurt!” She pulled back and tried to see whatever was sticking from their back. “Metzli, you’re hurt!”

She was trying to joke. As much as fear was shaking her like a leaf, Eleanor still attempted to keep herself from tumbling into an emotional mess. For what, Metzli wondered? Their body was covered in countless battles, each one ending with their victory. At a cost, maybe, but there was little more they knew how to do than to give everything they were to the monster who made them. They were a mirror, and trapped inside was their master. On occasion, Metzli would let him out, and somehow, someway, it still led to a gentle embrace. 

They closed their eyes, ignoring the boa of hunger constricting their throat. Warmth spread across their chest, relief settling onto their body enough to let their body sink into the affection. It made it that much harder to let go when Eleanor exclaimed with concern, on the brink of becoming abject horror. “Eleanor, con calma.” Metzli put their hand in front of themself, gesturing for their friend to calm down before twisting their head in an attempt to view the wound. “Oh.” A knife was stuck in their back, and they stretched their arm behind them, wiggling the blade a few times before finally removing it. 

“Just a knife.” No pain or discomfort displayed on their face, the sensation too familiar and numbed out from Metzli’s years with Eloy. What didn’t numb out though, was the sensation of blood trickling down their skin, which made them stiffen. That was the worst part of any wound besides the hunger. Oh no, the hunger. “Eleanor, remember the crucifix? Go get it. Now. Please.” Dropping the blade, Metzli patted their pockets hastily, retrieving a bag of blood they had packed in case they needed it. Hopefully it was enough to keep them from losing themself to the hunger. “I am going to use your microwave and a mug. I have to. I am sorry.” They shuffled quickly past their friend, getting everything prepared. In a matter of minutes, Metzli was chugging the contents of the mug and feeling a bit more at ease. They remained in the kitchen, keeping their distance.

“I should be okay now. But please keep the crucifix near.”

Eleanor’s face twisted up as though in response to the pain Metzli should have felt while pulling the knife from their back. “You were stabbed! Don’t just rip it out!” But the damage had been done. She stood staring at the blade in shock, unsure as to what her next words or actions should be. Was this what being in true shock felt like? She’d gotten a taste of it once, when she’d lost Lily, but she couldn't be sure if the cold numbness flowing through her was because she’d just witnessed her friend pull a knife from their back or because they were simply undead and she didn’t have much time to think it over. “Crucifix?”

She remained in the doorway to the bedroom as her brain worked overtime to replay the past half hour. It was a hell of a dream… if it was a dream. Eleanor swayed on her feet and blindly grabbed for the cross she’d stashed in the drawer of her nightstand, never thinking there’d be a reason for it to see the light of day. She was lightheaded but Metzli was her main concern. “Are you alright? You didn’t answer my question: have I gotten you into more trouble?” She crept down the hall and used the wall to keep herself upright. Did the floor always wobble like that?

She peeked around the corner into the kitchen as Metzli polished off the contents of the mug. She knew she shouldn’t get too close for two reasons: the vampire was hungry and she wouldn’t be able to handle the sight or smell of blood in her condition. “You remember what I said? That I trust you? I know you won’t hurt me.” Eleanor placed her cheek against the wall and sighed at the coolness of the contact. “While you’re in there could you hand me the ice pack in… the freezer?” She’d be fine if she could get herself cooled off, right? She closed her eyes again and tried to stop her head from spinning. “Are you sure you’re safe with your friend? If they knew that you’d been here what if they know where you’re hiding? This isn’t good.”

“No. How can you get me in trouble? They are already here for me. Whoever is leading them has knowledge of me. They must know what I am capable of.” Metzli kept their back turned to Eleanor, trying to keep their food out of sight from her. Humans didn’t have the tendency to be able to handle seeing what was supposed to be kept inside of them. “I am fine. Will heal fast. Maybe two or three days.” They sighed, washing the mug off and putting it on the empty side of the sink. 

For a few moments, the world blurred, Eleanor’s voice muffled and far away. How were they supposed to do this? They’re obviously being watched. Who knows who else was now in danger because of them? Siobhan came to mind, and Metzli’s stomach twisted with guilt. Leila was likely safe, thanks to her ability to jump in and out undetected. They needed to come up with a plan, and fast. 

“Hm?” Reality snapped back into place, and they blinked the fog away as they limped to the freezer to retrieve the ice pack Eleanor requested. “I do not know if I am safe. There is much to…figure out.” Handing the ice pack over, Metzli sighed, placing their cold hand on her forehead to help with some of the relief. “I am sorry for all of this.” If they hadn’t gotten close to Eleanor, she wouldn’t be in danger, but now that it’s been done, they couldn’t just abandon her. They couldn’t abandon anyone. Not again. Never again. Their thoughts made their hand tremble and their face contort with the sensation of icy fear crawling down their back. It melted to neutral quickly, and Metzli hoped Eleanor didn’t catch it. “Do you need anything? I can stay, or I can leave. Whatever it is that you wish.”

Eleanor wasn’t fond of the way Metzli’s tone was bordering on defeat or the way their face showed genuine fear for just a split second. It was so unlike the person she’d gotten to know that it was unsettling and made her very upset. Upon their first meeting Metzli had shared that they’d felt the need to sentence themself to solitary confinement and she hoped that they wouldn’t think they needed to do that again.

She appreciated their cold hand on her forehead and held the ice pack against the back of her neck. As the seconds ticked by Eleanor’s breathing returned to normal and she was able to think clearly again “Don’t ever apologize, it’s not your fault these assholes are hunting you down like it’s some kind of game. But you need to be safe, no matter what. If something happens to you it’ll be another person that I care about being harmed and I’m admittedly not strong enough to deal with that again. Say you’ll be careful.” She shrugged, not wanting them to remain someplace they’d been seen visiting but also not wanting them to be caught going back to their hiding place. “Wherever you feel you need to be, Metzli. I will always prefer you to be near, even though I can’t do a damn thing to protect you, but you need to do whatever you believe you have to. So long as you’re keeping yourself safe while doing it.”

A dark storm cloud loomed over the horizon, casting shadows of doubt and anxiety over the landscape of their mind. It was a relentless tide, pulling them into its icy depths. If Metzli had needed to breathe, it would’ve left them gasping for the warm breath of courage and resolution. People were after them, growing closer and closer. 

Every step they took to create a new life was a dance on the razor’s edge, and now everything was falling quickly between caution and calamity. Metzli felt trapped, unable to think past the terror in Eleanor’s eyes. Maybe Siobhan was right. Getting close to people was a mistake. But they were happy, for once, so how could that be truth? Life and love were supposed to hurt. It was supposed to take work, leaving the grime of effort on their skin. They understood what true happiness felt like, and had love; something they were always told they would never have. There was still much to learn, Metzli supposed, and that was okay. For the time being, they’d make their best impression of a friend, placing the ones they care about above all else. That’s all they could do, right? 

“I am being as careful as I can be.” Face falling, Metzli removed their hand from Eleanor’s forehead and backed away. They caught her staring, wearing a frown reserved for the worst of moments, when uncertainty was wound too tightly. Being strong was the only option, even as tears stung their eyes and a ball formed in their throat. “I will do whatever,” Clearing their throat, Metzli closed their eyes tightly, pushing the tears away. “Whatever is fine. I am tired, so I will stay and rest. If anyone else comes, I…” They sniffled absentmindedly, stiffening as they rubbed at their eyes and moved too harshly. Pain began to bubble from their wounds and blood trailed down their skin. “I can protect. I will protect. I just need to…” They weren’t sure what, but they paused, mind slipping onto their tongue before they had the chance to stop it.

“I am sorry. I am…scared.”

“I know you are, it’s just agonizing to know that there’s nothing I can do to help you right now. I couldn’t even protect myself.” Eleanor nodded and tried not to let the relief she felt show too much - she would be able to sleep a little better knowing that they weren’t leaving. “You don’t need to worry about protecting anyone right now, you’ve done enough of that today. I suppose I should have thanked you for that by now: thank you. Do you -” She frowned again as she watched Metzli’s entire demeanor change.

“Hey,” Eleanor immediately dropped the ice pack to the ground and tossed the crucifix in her free hand to the side, “Stop apologizing. This is a lot, I can’t even begin to imagine what you’re going through. You don’t have to go through it alone, it sounds like you have a lot of people who are willing to help you in any way they can, in any way you need.” She slowly reached out and touched their hand, hoping to coax them into bringing it away from their face and opening their eyes again. “You’re staying, yeah? You’re gonna have to get cleaned up.”

Eleanor closed the front door of the apartment with a slam, not giving the pile of dust and blood on her doorstep a second look, before she turned her full attention back to Metzli. “You’ve been hurt, we’ve gotta clean that wound. Do you want to shower or do you just want to clean it at the sink with a rag? I think I still have a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt I stole from my dad years ago, they’ll fit you better than anything of mine. I hope you’re a Giants fan.” She joked, this time able to bring a smile to her face. She held out her hand for them to take. “Do you sleep? You can have the bed. If you don’t, we can repeat movie night and share the couch, I don’t take up too much space.”

“It is okay if you cannot do anything. This is my fault. They are after me. They want me. It is me. It is me. It is me.” Their emotions were at a downward spiral, speeding and mixing quickly together to create a deep and terrifying panic in Metzli’s chest. They tried to hold it there, letting the pain seep into their veins in hopes that it would eventually dissipate as they tugged at their hair.

It made no exodus. It stuck around like a demon, long enough to force uncertainty to embed itself into their thoughts. Using this power, it echoed its proclamations into the crater caused by the catastrophic impact of when Metzli’s resolve fell. They had to be strong. What other choice did they have when people were relying on their strength? Some of Metzli’s loved ones could protect themselves just fine, but not all, just as Eleanor said. Even with the latest fight over, Metzli knew there would be more. Despite this, they began to relax at their friend’s touch.

She spoke of cleaning wounds and clothes and giants, pairing it all with her kind smile. Metzli nodded carefully, taking a deep breath while their hand made contact with Eleanor’s. “Do not sleep.” They stiffened their posture at the sensation of more blood trickling down their body, reminding them they needed to clean it. “Maybe just clean the wounds at sink. I can rip apart this shirt so I do not ruin your rags.” With a harsh swallow, they headed off into the kitchen and set to work, turning their sleeves into makeshift bandages and the tattered remains into rags. By the time they were done, Metzli had managed to make their way to the couch, unable to remember when they had switched into the clothing Eleanor offered. They stared at the television, enjoying their favorite show. a blank screen.

What could Eleanor say? Having to read someone’s emotions on their face and through their body language was almost a completely new experience for her, one that she hadn’t expected to enjoy so much, but it came at a disadvantage. What could she say to her friend when she had absolutely no idea what they were feeling? “Nothing is your fault, Metzli. You can’t continue blaming yourself - these people that are after you are awful. You’re always talking about monsters, those people are the monsters. Whatever happened back then, whatever you did in order to get away and become the better person you are today, don’t you ever apologize for that. We’re gonna get you out of this.” What role would she be playing in this marvelous plan of hers? It didn’t matter, she just knew that Metzli needed to hear something to keep their head above the water - needing someone to throw out a lifeline and save her from drowning in her thoughts was something she’d become very familiar with over the past few months.

Though she miraculously maintained a neutral expression, Eleanor watched Metzli robotically clean themself and change into the borrowed clothes while fighting off a wave of panic. This felt like a completely different person from the one she’d come to know, gotten close to, trusted, quite literally almost died for. Their face was almost always expressionless but there was something different about it now - the eyes. Metzli had once accused Eleanor of not being able to hide her true feelings because her eyes gave her away but it felt that they’d swapped roles. She fought to keep herself from showing emotion and her friend was visibly shaken and scared; this side of them was in stark contrast to the one who’d bravely sweeped in just in the knick of time to fight off an entire pack of vampires while taking a knife in the back.

Eleanor kept herself busy once Metzli had finished cleaning their wounds and carefully stuffed the torn and blood-soaked clothes into a trash bag and ran it downstairs to the dumpster in part to rid the apartment of any traces of blood and also to give herself some time to think about what she would do next. She knew that sometimes not saying anything and just being present was enough but she knew that she wouldn’t be able to just remain silent. She cared for them too much to feel like she was just idly sitting by.

After she’d returned Eleanor sat beside Metzli on the couch and brought her knees up to her chest, watching them from the corner of her eyes. She tried her best to come up with something to say that would have the best chance of getting their mind out of the treacherous storm they were undoubtedly enduring internally but nothing came. She was extremely awkward at the best of times, there wasn’t a chance in hell that she’d be able to break the tension in the apartment without either saying the wrong thing or completely failing to get Metzli to start talking again. Eventually though, she decided on just admitting the truth. “I can’t believe I’m about to say this: I’m going insane not knowing what you’re feeling right now. I can try and imagine but I don’t have very much experience when it comes to having to guess.” She laid her cheek against her knees, fully facing Metzli as she spoke. “What’s going on in your mind?”

Metzli shuddered at the sudden disturbance of the silence, their mind colliding with the wall of reality harshly. When they locked eyes with Eleanor, they could see how concerned their friend was. Dread clung to her like a plague, no real remedy available just yet. There was only making her comfortable enough to rest until she could be freed. Truth was, Metzli didn’t really know how they were feeling, and were therefore unable to provide anything all that soothing for Eleanor. Not that an explanation would ease her at all. Metzli was positive it’d only serve to add to her ache, a bittersweet solution, really. Still, they knew their only option was to try. For her sake. 

“I…” They opened and closed their mouth a few times, unable to find the words just yet. After a few moments of struggle, something finally came to fruition, much to the vampire’s relief. “I have frustration and worry about the clan being here. There is mixture of…” They took a deep breath, closing their eyes and adjusting their seat so they could focus on what exactly they felt. Another shiver crawled down Metzli’s spine, and they exhaled deeply, looking at Eleanor once more with a bit more clarity in their eyes. “Cold and heavy. That is what the feelings are. And my…” Raising their hand, Metzli watched it tremble, brows furrowing. “Crawling. Something is crawling and makes me have more frustration and then makes me colder and I want this to be over so I can keep what I have. Freedom is mine now. I want it to be!” Metzli tensed a hand through their curls, tugging once, then twice, sustaining the pull for a few seconds until the pressure dissipated. There was no use in worrying about an emotional monster. Metzli wanted to shift the attention back to Eleanor instead. Or at least toward a topic that wasn’t them.

“I am tired.” They muttered, inching their hand to Eleanor. “Maybe we watch movie and exist simply. I want this. Killing machine is not what I want to be. Just have wishes for peaceful time now.” Metzli’s expression was genuine and exhausted, the recollection of their first movie night making them smile slightly, a bit hopefully. “Is this okay?”

Eleanor, elated that Metzli was actually describing what they were feeling, clung to their every word and nodded along encouragingly. That was good - they hadn’t completely shut down, they could still register their emotions and, even more, were willing to speak about them. That was a lot more than most would be able to do in their position. When her eyes prickled with fresh tears she turned her head to stare at the TV, not wanting them to misinterpret it and think they’d done or said something wrong. “You are free and you always will be. You deserve the entire world - don’t bother arguing with me because I’m not going to accept anything other than an agreement. You’re one of the most amazing people I’ve ever been fortunate enough to meet. You helped me with something very important to me before we even knew each other, not just anyone would take the time to do that for a total stranger. Whatever connection you once had to these people isn’t there anymore, you’re a whole new person and you have no ties to them. Don’t even for a second entertain the idea that you’re like them or that you have to go back to that life. Don’t you even for a second entertain the idea of leaving me.” She added with more desperation than she’d meant.

“You’re welcome to stay here and rest as long as you’d like, I don’t mind at all.” Eleanor faced them again, one side of her mouth turned up into another smile. “Yeah, of course we can just exist, I’m finally starting to get good at that again.” Almost instinctively she reached out to grab hold of their hand as it inched closer. “This is okay.” She confirmed before laying her head against their shoulder, the full weight of the night’s events finally beginning to wear on her. The rollercoaster of her own emotions had taken a lot from her already low supply of energy and she fought to keep her eyes open as she blindly stared at the screen, only registering the moving figures and the occasional voices. “Actually, this is perfect. I’ll even shut up long enough for us to get through an entire movie without me interrupting.” She laughed at her own joke and silently wondered how such a chaotic, bloody night had turned into something quite the opposite until she came to the conclusion that it didn’t really matter because she was just happy that they were there. She would enjoy their company before they inevitably felt it was time for them to go back into hiding.

[asavt]

Another cookie squad Headcanons

Featuring Sparkling, Vampire, cellphones and the Espresso and Madeleine Story of how they came together. Consider it an AU now baby!

-As a note, when I say the squad I'm mostly referring to the adults, so no worries about Walnut or Creampuff useless I mention them too

-Each one of the squad has been in Sparkling's bar at last once. There's no need to say who has been there the most. Sparkling has a time every time someone besides Roguefort comes, because to him it's mostly like "Oh I'll finally know the continuation to the burnt toast accident or maybe the cat catastrophe? Maybe a new POV of the--"

He practically knows a lot of what happens in between the squad.

-As another note, Sparkling's bar is called Milabo (You know, like the song from Zutomayo of the same name, which, btw, I relate a lot to Latte)

-*A great part of this “AU” is kind of inspired by the song. Part of its lyrics and vibe.

-Vampire is there most of the time when the squad visits the bar (it's almost as if he never leaves the bar and this is definitely not me low-key putting sparkvamp in this oh no--) Sometimes the fakes his sleep to listen to the things others say (Which is how he knows most of Rogue's pan-ic).

-Walnut has been in Sparkling's bar too, but at day and for case-solving purposes only. Sparkling will give her some alcohol-free drink for free sometimes (mostly because he gets along pretty well with the nut family and because Almond usually pays him whatever he serves her).

-If the squad had cellphones (and probably an app like discord because.), their group chat would initially be called "Coffee mage appreciation group" and then be changed to "Coffee bean appreciation group"

Coffee Bean: Can we please change the group name and mine?

Guided by the Devine: No <3

Coffee Bean: Fuck you.

-*And they all would dedicate half their time to make fun of Almond but with love.

-Espresso has been mistaken for a dark mage before by Almond. It was how they meet actually. Almond had pulled him to interrogate him and got a long lecture on the differences between black magic and coffee magic.

-Madeleine gets along rather well with Roguefort. Rogue seems impressed by Maddie’s acting skills.

-Madeleine is currently living with Espresso. Out of his armor most of the time. He usually takes care of keeping the house clean and preparing meals (He never really had to cook before but the first dish he made wasn’t bad at all). Sometimes he will tag along Almond in the detective’s work, or Almond will ask for his help.

-I’m still unsure if I want the Almond/Roguefort/Latte to be romantic or platonic. But honestly? Both are good. Latte is pretty close to Almond and Roguefort but not in the way she is with Espresso (that makes them look like siblings jkashduawhu). Perhaps I’ll keep it platonic.

-The Espresseleine/Madespresso story of how they came together, because I seem to not be able to write it down JSHALDHUIWADWA-

--It happens after the Puppet Show mini quest. Madeleine starts to ask for Espresso's "assistance" in different mission that are given to him. Angel is there too, of course.

--During these missions is that Essy clarifies that no, they are not friends, no, he does not like Madeleine. Bringing up the knight begin too prideful and self-centered if not all then most of the time.

--Is not until one of their missions goes wrong, were Angel is knocked out and Espresso (seeing and knowing that if Madeleine is knocked down too they might not be able to go back to the kingdom ever) pretty much receives a rather big attack for Madeleine is that he kind realizes the facts given by espresso true. All while he is carrying Essy and Angel back to the kingdom, running and exhausted too.

--Clover begin kind of a mediator between the two (I want to see more of my son--)

--"Devine, protect us" Should happen too after this. An scenario like, Madeleine coming to think something like "I'm the shield, the one who goes on the front line and receives the blows for those who can't, always looking straight ahead... but if I am doing that then who watches my back? Who do I rely on and trust to take care of most enemies so the damage received is not overwhelming...?"

Power of team work baby!!!

--As a note to this, Maddie getting his cape damaged as well as his hair. So, you get short hair Maddie~

(I've been drawing him with short hair in secret now I have an excuse to show)

-- "You...cut your hair..." *Madeleine touches the points of it with one of his hands, pensive* "...pft it'll grow back!"

--There's also this "Search for your own light" thing between Angel and Maddie. Angel encouraging Madeleine to do so. Maybe Madeleine giving his best wishes to them for their wish to fly before they decide to part ways.

--Madeleine trying other ways to befriend Essy. Which at first Espresso mistaken as the knight usual attempts to befriend anyone he sees out of habit and attention seeking, but once they realize the feeling is completely genuine, Espresso is rather perplexed.

--"You can't just befriend people by buying them gifts (although I do appreciate them)" "Then what?" "hmm..."

--Said gifts used to be rather expensive things, simple though. Eventually Madeleine settles to just pass by Espresso's place, give him any food he had bought that day (which usually is glazed donuts), ask if he needs any help with something (getting a vase, materials, moving things), and if not then he just says his good byes, best wishes and silently leaves. (A note on the "silently leaves": Madeleine is pretty much used to speak loudly and enter loudly anywhere, he still does this at this point, but when it's about Espresso he is a bit more quiet, a bit showy over his entrances still, but less loud, and he actually knocks the door)

--Madeleine eventually manages to go out with Espresso to other places that aren't some place in the forest full of enemies. Probably after some more visits to his place and more calm talks between the two, Madeleine brings up that Espresso tends to act a bit cold or distant towards a lot of people, and that, although he understands his discomfort at begin in public spaces or too long out of his work, he should try and open up a bit. This reminds Essy of a certain friend he hasn't seen in some time, and from whom he keeps getting letters.

--Shenanigans.

--There's still some bickering between the two, always with a playful undertone though.

--Espresso explains Madeleine, one time the knight has gotten Espresso wrapped in a blanket burrito again and got him to bed, that sometimes, no matter how tired he might feel, he is simply unable to sleep. Part of a headcanon of mine that coffee magic has this side effect on it's users, prolonged usage of this kind of magic will induce a high caffeine kind of state, which on the long run can fuck up the user's sleep schedule. Madeleine understands this, but remains stubborn about keeping Espresso in the bed so at last he can get some rest from his work and clear his mind a little, the idiot falls asleep in the process and Espresso doesn't try to wake him up.

--This happens several times after, neither of them thinking of the implications of not begin bothered by the sudden closeness they share until it's too late.

--Espresso realizes first that he has slowly, yet nicely, fallen for Madeleine. I think I talked about this before but I'll do it again: Is in one of the times Madeleine has gotten Espresso to bed to get some rest, Espresso not begin able to fall asleep and Madeleine doing again. Is while he thinks of how he has gotten to know Madeleine for real, not the Knight Commander from a noble family or the Chosen by the Devine, but as he is, that he comes to think that "Ah.... I love him" and he remains calm about it.

--Espresso doesn't overthink it, just thinks that, if Madeleine ever got an interest in him, he would surely show it. So he waits. Even if in the end his feelings aren't mutual he knows he'll do just fine remaining friends.

--Madeleine realizes not many days after. And the realization hits him like a truck. Alone in his place and probably in bed looking at the ceiling thinking about Espresso. Once he realizes and thinks about it a bit more his face gets all red and chooses to scream in the pillow.

--He would think about telling Espresso as soon as he can, after all, he doesn't want his feelings to make their friendship weird. He values it, a lot. Maybe because his friendship with Espresso it's the first one where he genuinely wanted to become friends with someone.

--Espresso takes the confession calmly, gets all flustered after they kiss for the first time.

--As a few extras of this: Madeleine goes back to the Republic, asked to be seen by his family and Espresso goes to Parfedia, where a few students have applied to his class to his surprise. When they see each other again is at Parfedia (Madeleine sending a message to Espresso beforehand about his arrival) -there was this one drawing I did once of Maddie running to hug Espresso, something like that happens-. Madeleine gets very clingy for some reason, which they speak later and comes out as “Home doesn’t quite feel like home…” “Why is that?” “I don’t know… maybe I’ve become used to be around you”

--Espresso lets ends up letting Madeleine stay with him until he either feels like returning to the Republic or is called back, whatever happens first (though none will happen for maybe a year or a little more).

--Ends with Madeleine meeting Latte and Almond.

[everythingthemoontouches]

💙Hi there! , First of all i want to tell you that i love your blog! And i love how your posts are so accurate!💙 If its okay with you could you please do me a favor by describing how others see me,my appearance or more specifically the vibe I radiate to others! It would mean alot to me if you you do that💙I'm a cancer sun,leo rising,Lilith sextile asc, Pluto trine asc, Uranus opposition asc, Moon opposition asc, mars sextile venus, mars opposition neptune, asteroid lilith conjunct mc and jupiter in the 1st house!💙

Hola!

Thank you that's really kind of you 💛💕

You know that quote that says Cinderella never asked for a prince. All she wanted was a night out and a dress. You kind of exude a similar vibe but with respect to leadership positions. 'I never asked to be Queen/King, but the people have spoken' kind of an energy. You would be equally happy to be by yourself, learning about the subconscious mind, higher realms and other esoteric science.

For more on Jupiter in LEO I'd recommend watching Astrofinesse.

For jupiter in the first there's KRS.

🌻As a Leo rising you come across as someone outgoing, with a playful energy but you're also somehow someone people would expect to see in a position of authority. You're drawn to people who stimulate you intellectually and love to exchange ideas.

😬If you have an Aquarius saturn you could be having some challenges in your relationships since December 2020 as saturn transits your 7th house. I'd suggest practicing discernment in this area as well as signing contracts with people until it passes( early 2023) ..

😇12th house sun could take on other people's energy. I feel like you need some time away, by yourself, preferably at the beach / pool/ shower to declutter, clear your head and replenish your sense of Self. You could be highly intuitive. If this resonates, I'd urge you to look up empath drain and how to protect yourself from energy vampires.

Ruler of the ascendant in the 12th :

spirituality could be a huge part of your life. For some people this could show a father (figure) who was convicted or worked in a prison / asylum. They could also have a really remote job. Since the sun is also your own personal identity, you could profit off these themes. Working in a mental health facility, overseas, in esoteric crafts.

🌛With your moon in the 7th house, you probably attract a lot of older women, (queen of swords) nurturing energies . Your mom could have a major influence on any business partnerships that you enter.

In relationships you could have a here today gone tomorrow kind of a presence. This is because as the moon waxes and wanes so does your attraction / attachment to specific people?

♒Aquarius moon : it could be really hard for you to express your feelings. So Instead of asking for a hug there could be a tendency to say something like ' ew imagine asking for one?' you leave a place better than you found it. If you watch hindi movies, 3 Idiots could be a movie you really resonate with. ( I pretty much spent the day looking up the lead actor, who has major aquarius placements and his films have always been disruptive with a really nice social message that left people talking for years after they were released. I tell you this because he shares 2 of your big 3 - aquarius and cancer.)

Going off on this tangent you could be a well respected teacher / writer / entertainer. Jupiter in LEO could help with this.

I do feel like you need a certain amount of inventiveness in your relationships. The people you're with are people who introduce you to new hobbies / ideas / technologies. You need to feel like you guys learn something new or create something that matters together. This is enhanced by uranus in the 7th house. You could come across really cold because you always give people the naked honest truth when asked. You do this from a place of love. I'm reminded of the Queen of Swords card in the rider Waite tarot. Not everyone has the maturity to take it. Or maybe they've just had a bad day. It is what it is. Perhaps try to not be so incisive if this is something you struggle with.

In the same vein, if I asked you to write down how you were feeling how long would it take for you to identify the right emotion. How honest are you with yourself?

Moon and Uranus being in the same house could show that stagnation could really hurt your mental health / happiness / satisfaction levels.

With a saturn ruled moon I feel like I need to remind you to not be so hard on yourself. Like. The world won't crumble to dust if you allow yourself to take care of you once in a while.there's only so much you can do.

All those coffee mugs will catch up. There's no such thing as extra hours in the day. A lack of sleep manifests as early signs of aging. No hate for the elderly but arthritis is not a fun ailment to have. Do you wanna be 60 with 80 year old nervous system problems? I rest my case.

Uranus and moon aspect your ascendant so you could have a slightly plump look?

Jupiter in the first house people usually have prominent thighs. I had a friend with this placement and when we were growing up she used to complain of chafed thighs a lot?

Mars sextile venus you could be your own type? The way you act and the way you want your future partners to express love could be quite similar which is good for healthy relationships.

There could be a tendency to spend impulsively.

With Mars sextiling venus you could be someone who earns more the more active their lifestyle is? Like, you may need to be an agile learner to keep money flowing in .

Jupiter in LEO in a woman's chart usually shows they'd have a financially well off spouse so money may not be a huge concern. He could be a sailor or earn via exports/ navy. It's hard to say without knowing where your Saturn is.

The image you project to the world could be a lot more outgoing than how you actually feel. You're more private than people think.

With a fire rising, water sun and air moon you could either be a really balanced person or just have a number of clashing ideas on who to be, what to do and achieve.

Descendant : The people that hate on you could attack your need to stand out /try to dim your time in the spotlight. Think aquarius themes of standing out to improve community clashing with Leo's need to stand out solely because it helps their ego. Like your confidence could trigger the part if them that felt judged negatively for expressing their individuality.

Do you feel like you thrive in chaos? I'm guessing you're atleast in your late 20s if not older, so you might have gotten better at dealing with people acting unexpectedly. Your mom could have been unpredictable. Really intelligent, but forgets to eat ..

🥤🦀As a cancer sun, you could be the friend your friends come to for advice. There could be a tendency to be a little too selfless. I think your aqua moon really serves as a shield to those who try to take advantage of your caring nature. Have you considered a career in psychic medium ship? Or any spiritual art/ past life regression / you get the drift..

Is there a family craft or hobby that you could monetize? Jupiter in LEO could signify ancestral gains.

Lilith and Pluto aspects to ascendant can make you come across really sexy / a bit unapproachable because people feel like you have some kind of power that places you above them?

Due to this, people with Pluto / Lilith aspects can feel some kind of hurt around people clearing up the path around them if that makes sense.

Jupiter opposite moon : there could be a clash between you want to do VS what you feel you should be doing.

Jupiter in the first house : you could have been born rich? Or people just perceive you that way. They also see you as someone wordly wise and lucky in general. You could know a lot about a wide variety of things. Specially on topics related to appearance, personal development, image consciousness etc. Since the ruler of the first is in the 12th I feel like some of your wisdom comes from a divine source. Like you're tapping into some kind of a collective reservoir of knowledge. In starseed terminology we would refer to this as downloads.

Jupiter rules the 8th house and 5th house.

So love, romance, games, early education may have been a bit of a breeze for you.

Jupiter is usually a bit of a celibate spiritual person. So, while it may make you really wise with respect to things like the occult / tarot / other 8th house themes, I'm not sure how it would impact your sex life with a spouse. Sex could be either a deeply spiritual experience for you or take on more neptunian traits. Addiction / alcoholism / drug use the works. Jupiter expands the themes of the house it rules so a word of caution there.

Travelling could bring you luck. Or even love.

Did I hear Mars opposite Neptune?

This could be a literal battlefield. You could feel like you need to work for love.if Neptune is unconditional love and Mars is your drive, then you could literally match to get to taht elusive unconditional sense of belonging /love / acceptance. But what are you marching towards really? A mirage? With this aspect I'd really be on the guard against addiction of any kind. Neptune is enticing, alluring, mocking Mars for its need to conquer. It could lend a really nice swagger to your walk. A runway model could benefit from thus placement. At uts best this aspect imbues you with creativity, inspiration, otherworldly imagination and the energy required to turn your abstract ideas of art into something tangible.

Here's a source for more on this placement. Sometimes I find that the comments really help me make sense of my own placements

Toodles

Before I sign off, I just have to say this :please try to restrict asks to 2-3 placements. You can send in multiple asks if you'd like, but answering them all in one ask can get a bit cluttered and I'd hate to miss out on something 😊

Hope this helped 💕as always, I'd really appreciate your feedback on this take on how these placements affect you.

[fandom-puff]

Idiots Like Lockhart

Pairing: Severus Snape x Reader

Requested by: anon (mix of two requests as they were VERY similar)

Summary: Lockhart’s shameless flirting is getting to you.

AN: so the first of the kinktober fics is queued up! Things are getting busy w school (and I also recently got animal crossing new horizons and Tom Nook do be keeping me in debt) so things may be slow or erratic in terms of uploads.

Warning: unwanted flirting

“Good morning, YN!”

Resisting the urge to roll your eyes, you plastered a strained smile on your face as you turned to your colleague.

“Morning, Gilderoy,” you said politely, before turning back to your porridge. You didn’t need to look to your other side to know that Severus was tensing up.

“I trust you got my owl?”

Sighing, you set your spoon down. “I did, Gilderoy. The answer is still no, no matter how many autographed pictures you put in the envelope. I’m not going to the Three Broomsticks with you,” with a huff, you abandoned your breakfast and made your way to your classroom, really not in the mood for Lockhart’s pathetic flirting today. If Severus would just come out and say that you were together, you wouldn’t have this issue. Everyone on the staff already knew you had been a couple for two years now, so you didn’t see the point in hiding it from Lockhart. Perhaps Severus merely wanted to wait for the right opportunity (he was a bit of a drama queen with his sweeping black robes and low drawling voice) but still.

In an increasingly foul mood, you groaned when you spotted a lilac envelope on your desk, your name written in swirly purple handwriting. Pursing your lips, you swept it aside, soon letting your first class in. The lesson went without a hitch until a giggling group of third year girls saw your envelope.

“Oooo, is that from Professor Lockhart?” One girl asked, her friends squealing slightly when you nodded. “Oh! Open it professor! I bet he fancies you! Imagine that, a real life celebrity sending our teacher love notes!”

You sighed and kept a level head. “Miss Beckett, my correspondence with my colleagues is none of your concern, do remember that,” you said, gently but firmly, before holding up the note. You read it quickly to yourself and rolled your eyes, before tapping it smartly with your wand and muttering ‘incendio’. Several of the girls gasped as the pretty paper burst into flames, but a few of the boys grinned.

You swept the ashes into your waste paper bin, before turning to the chalkboard, the chalk magically beginning to write as you explained the basics of the new topic you were covering with your class. All was going fine until there was a burst of knocking on your door. You flicked your wand at it to open it, half expecting a student on a message from another professor.

Instead, you were met with the sight of someone who was quickly moving up your list of least favourite people. “Professor Lockhart,” you said through gritted teeth. “Is there a problem? Surely not another one of your practical lessons have descended into chaos? I’d expect better from such an... accomplished wizard,” your backhanded comment did not go unnoticed- someone muttered from the back of the class ‘I thought that vampire seemed a bit stupid!’

Lockhart’s boyish grin fell slightly, but he stepped into the room. “YN-”

“Professor YLN, if you don’t mind,” you said cooly, turning back to your chalkboard. There was a snort of laughter from the left of the room which was quickly covered up by a fake cough. “Now, class, it’s a common misconception that the-”

“YN, please, just listen to me! I understand your worries, but a little drink at the three broomsticks will do no harm. We won’t get hounded by paparazzi, darling. If you’re that worried about a public scandal, I can put a concealment charm on you,” he said, smirking as he winked at a few of the students. His arrogance caused anger to finally flare up inside you. The chalk clattered to the floor as your focus was torn away from teaching.

“Professor Lockhart, I suggest you leave my classroom this instant before I hex you into next month,” you said, eyes flashing with rage. “And for the record, I would never go anywhere with an arrogant, self-centred, immature fool like you, no matter how many pathetic love notes and inappropriate interruptions to my lessons you make. As a matter of fact, I’ll be reporting the harassment to Professor Dumbledore, so tread very carefully, Gilderoy, or so help me god,” you glared at him, your wand clutched tightly in your hand. “Now get out and leave my class in peace. We have important content to learn,” you had slowly been backing him out of the room and slammed the door in his face, before storming back to your desk. “Books out. Answer the questions on the board,” you instructed your class.

“That was brilliant, Professor!” Someone commented and you couldn’t help the small smile that twitched on your lips.

“Thank you, Benjamin,” you said bashfully, before burying yourself in your work. You dismissed the class when the bell went, and sighed. You wanted nothing more than to curl up with Severus, but you still had a few more classes to teach.

***

Later that day, you and the majority of the staff were sat around in the staff room, drinking tea and chatting, although you kept to yourself. Most had heard about your rant at Lockhart, but you still hadn’t seen Severus- what if he was angry? What if all this was simply too much for him?

When he swept into the room with Lockhart on his coat tails, jabbering on about a duelling club, you tossed your book aside. Without really thinking, you flung yourself into sev’s arms, burying your face in his neck. Minerva and Albus smiled at one another, knowing how much comfort you sought in each other’s arms as Severus rubbed your back, frowning. “Are you alright, my love?” He murmured, kissing your temple.

“Much better now I’m with you,” you replied, pulling back and pressing a gentle kiss to his mouth. Without another word, you walked back to your shared chambers in the dungeons as you explained what had you so tense that day.

Lockhart was left gaping, his mouth opening and closing but no sound coming out, rather like a goldfish. “She... what... HIM?” He said incredulously looking around the staffroom.

“Oh yes,” Dumbledore said cheerfully. “Severus and YN... such a strong love they have for one another...” he hummed, popping a sherbet lemon into his mouth and looking off dreamily.

“You’re very welcome to place your bet, Gilderoy,” said Professor Sprout grinning. “So far ive got 10 galleons on it happening by easter, Filius bets 15 by Valentines Day, and we’ve got Minerva betting 50 by the New Year half term! Should I put you in the book?”

“Betting? What for?” Lockhart demanded.

“On when Severus will propose to YN,” Flitwick said brightly.

“Speaking of which, Pomona, I want to change my bet to October half term. Something tells me Severus isn’t likely to leave it any longer...”

Tags: @a-hopeless-fan @lotsoffandomrecs @justanotherwildstar @rai-strangebr @zodiyack @haphazardhufflepuff @dumbfuckinslytherin @severuslovebot @darkthought15 @strawberriesonsummer @rabeccablake @sambucky8 @eleven-times-lively @talksoprettyjjx @extra-trash77 @rangerelik @dracosbbygorl @simonsbluee

[dustofbrokenheart]

The Lost Boys: Call 911

GIF by lostinsantacarla

Paul x Reader

Word Count: 2,550

Summary: Reader is out on patrol as part of the Santa Carla PD when they respond to a call out at the wharf. 

Amid the riotous flare of fireworks and fire crackers, it was difficult to make out the quickly approaching cop car but Marko prided himself on being observative.

Paul, Paulie, P-Man, his forever partner on the other hand…

Grabbing Paul by the front of his tank, he pulled the other vampire down to hiss in his ear. “We got company. We bail on my signal, got it?”

The honey blonde nodded distractedly, mesmerized by the bright bursts of colors overhead. The reds and blues and whites and pinks mixed with the curtain of smoke, creating a kaleidoscope against the inky night sky. 

He only heard part of what Marko was gripping about—something about a signal—but it wasn’t his fault he was having so much fun.

Another of their fireworks went off from behind Max’s Video, making him laugh even harder when some empty pallets became collateral. They splintered into pieces, the crunching sound of the wood masked by the other explosions.

Nothing said summer time fun like launching some Big Boys at the video store. It was a rockin’ light show and piss-off-Max scheme all wrapped in one. The crochety, old douche in question would no doubt have some choice words for them later but Paul wasn’t thinking about that; the only thing on his mind was blowing shit up.

In fact, he was so into it that he wasn’t prepared for the sharp punch to his ribs. He flew into the wall as Marko ran past, scampering to get airborne. “Go, go, go!”

The back door to the store opened with such force that it banged into the wall with a loud crack. Paul could sympathize. Two officers came through and before he could even think to pick himself up and run, they were on him.

The rounder of the two sat on his back, putting all his pounds into pinning Paul down. Normally, he would’ve thrown him off and maybe, probably, killed him, no sweat.

But.

There were too many people around that could catch him in the act. There’s no way Max would step in and not even Paul was stupid enough to slaughter that many people in plain sight.

Marko, he whined through the bond. A little help, bud? I’m kinda stuck.

All he got back was a manic cackle.

Paul squawked in outrage, knowing that the other would not be lending an assist. That traitor was all too content to sit back and laugh at him.

Whatever.

Screw him then.

It’s not like Paul had never been hauled in before anyhow.

“You know,” he grunted to the cop on his back, “It’s a good thing you’re not fat or anything, otherwise this would be more difficult.”

The knee dug into his back even harder and his head was pulled back by his hair. It didn’t hurt that much but still! He worked for hours to make his hair look good!

“Police brutality! I have rights, you know!” he yelled. The cop was starting to get on his nerves.

His face was shoved back into the ground and he ate gravel, sputtering to get the pebbles and grime out of his mouth with mixed success. The taste lingered and the only way to get rid of it would be to wash it down with something—

Hmm. He hadn’t planned on feeding that night but some pig blood would take care of it nicely.

He attempted to at least think of an isolated spot to rip out his throat without getting caught. Maybe in the cop car. Maybe he could drag him to the bushes outside of the station.

Oh! If the guy stopped for doughnuts, he could steal the car—doughnuts sounded good though. A nice chocolate glaze with sprinkles or something filled with strawberry jelly! The corner store on the boulevard had the best selection this time of night. He needed more hairspray, too, as long as he was at it, a magazine or three—he shook his head.

Come on, self, get it together!

“I’m going to find the one that ran. Officer Y/LN, you take this idiot back to the car and sit tight until I get back.”

Roughly, he was hauled to his feet and he had been so focused on the tub of lard that had him on the ground that he forgot two cops had burst through the door.

He planted his feet and refused to be moved as he glanced at the second one. It was like pushing at a stone wall, the other at his back unable to shove him into motion.

Immediately, Paul realized his mistake.

Why was he so occupied with that other asshole when he could’ve been looking at you, been pressed up against you the entire time?

The saying was that everyone loved a person in uniform and Paul was no exception. You made the normally dull standard navy uniform look good, the short sleeves showing off your arms and the pants managed to cup your ass in the tastiest way.

He’d cup your ass even better, if you gave him the chance.

Even the serious, disapproving scowl on your face was hot. What he wouldn’t do to get you to make that face with you on top of him, manhandling him any which way you wanted.

Screw his little feeding plan. He was willing to spare your partner in exchange for getting to know you better.

A big happy smile stretching across his face, he finally moved, dragging your partner rather than being forced forward.

“Hey, sexy,” he said with his signature wink, the one that always got him what he wanted with people. “Name’s Paul.”

To his disappointment, you didn’t respond and merely took control of his handcuffed hands as they were passed over.

As you lead him back through the video store, he pulled his arms to the left, acting like he was trying to resist. Just like he expected, you corrected him with a strong, tight grip that sent a rush down his spine.

“Ouch, babe, not so rough,” he purred. “I’m very sensitive.”

He glanced back quick to see your reaction and his bottom lip pushed out in a pout. You still wore a straight face that gave nothing away. No clenched jaw, no embarrassed tightening of your eyes. Definitely no hint of an amused smile.  

Gods, babe. You were really testing him.

Guess he’d have to try harder.

*** 

You were new to the Santa Carla Police Department. Very new. New as in it was your first incident on your first night on patrol.

It was just your luck that you’d ended up with airhead who’d set off a whole fireworks display right outside of a crowded store, which could have serious injury, and was now trying to flirt his way out of it.

Hell—was he pouting?

For a city of its size, Santa Carla PD had a surprising number of job openings. You were new to the area, having moved because it seemed like a nice, sunny California beach town and you were in need of a change.

You didn’t have any prior experience but you’d passed all the screenings and tests and expected the job offer they made. It had benefits, the pay was good, and, importantly, it was legal which seemed to be in short supply around these parts.

That last part was a surprise, especially with the high number of missing people’s cases; you’d think that more places would be desperate to fill jobs, too.

Steering the suspect towards the check out counter, you flagged down the owner who had been the called in to the station.

He turned towards you with a smile on his face and greeted you politely. “Hello, officer.”

“We caught one suspect, sir. The other fled the scene and my partner went after him. I’ll get started on the report—are you planning to press charges?”

The smile was suddenly no where to be seen and he casted a glare at the handcuffed blonde.

“But of course. I’ve told this degenerate and the others in this gang to stay out of here a hundred times before. They’ve gone too far this time.”

The suspect merely shrugged his shoulders and winked at you which set the owner off further.

“That! That right there is what I’m talking about. No respect, no conduct. How is a father supposed to parent if he gets no respect? Maybe they’re missing a motherly influence,” he trailed off.

A motherly influence? Okaaay, then.

Clearing your throat, you tried to bring the conversation back to topic. “Yeah…Well let me put him in the car and then we can get started on the report. Have a good night, sir.”

That should’ve been the end of it but of course the blonde had to open his big mouth. “Bye daddy!”

Max’s hand came down heavy on the counter and you jostled the boy away before he managed to start a full-blown confrontation.

“You surely have a big mouth for someone who’s being arrested. Don’t make things worse for yourself.”

His head perked up and you had to really plant your weight to keep him from turning around and sending you flying into a display in the process. Definitely stronger than he looked.

You noted that piece of information just in case he tried anything else.

“Aww. Are you worried about me?” he cooed. “Don’t be. I trust you to protect me, officer.”

“Any one ever tell you that you’re ridiculous?”

“All the time,” he nodded happily.

The profile of the suspect was coming together in your mind. Clearly, he was simple.

Happy and excitable, and yes, even pretty, but simple.

There’s no way he had been the mastermind behind the firework plot; that honor was likely saved for the one who escaped. He probably hadn’t agreed to do it with malicious intent either. Unfortunately, his inability to think things through had landed him in trouble and he was your problem now.

When you got to the entryway he even tried to the door open. “After you, officer.”

With a resigned sigh, you prodded him forward. Again. Really, this guy was worse than a puppy. A puppy could eventually be trained to listen but seeing as how he was late teens/early twenties, it was doubtful he ever would.

“You said your name was Paul?”

The p in his ‘yep’ popped.

“Last name?”

“Just Paul. I wouldn’t mind getting your name though.”

There’s no way you were telling him that. He would be that much more insufferable if he knew. And try as he might to hide his full name, that would come out when you booked him at the station.

“Well, Paul. You’re being charged with public endangerment and vandalism. Under California law, those are both misdemeanor crimes so most likely—”

“Yeah, yeah.” He waved away your words with a flick of his head. Annoyed, you yanked on the cuffs, causing him to moan. “I do appreciate a good pair of handcuffs.”

“You—!” You had to stop yourself from calling him a little shit out loud. No one would’ve stopped you, but you felt weird about it, almost like it would come off as being unprofessional.

Taking a deep breath, you tried to bring your voice back down. “Saying crazy things is only going to make things worse for you.”

“Promise to punish me if I don’t?” Another wink was flashed at you.

It was at that point you noticed he had long lashes for a male. They fluttered like butterfly wings whenever he blinked. Except you had a job to do and really shouldn’t care about how pretty he was.

You were so caught up in your thoughts that it took you by surprise when he leaned in close. Acting on tactical instinct, you threw him against the police vehicle, his torso pressed against the hood with legs spread wide.

The position was designed to be as uncomfortable as it looked so that there was little to no chance of him bucking you off. Good.

“Need I remind you,” you said gruffly, “That you are under arrest. Don’t test me.” 

“You should most definitely frisk me,” he panted.

You sincerely hoped it was pain, and not from pleasure, but from your brief encounter with Paul, it honestly could be the latter. Your own heart was pounding in your chest as well but that was due to the adrenaline pumping through your system.

Or so you maintained.

Still, he had a point. Frisking was standard procedure to make sure the suspect was carrying anything potentially dangerous, or illegal. Hell. You were going to have to give into this particular demand, weren’t you?

Wanting to get it over with, you tried to be as fast as possible while still be thorough.

His muscles were surprisingly cold as you felt up his arms and then his back. It was summertime and when most people had problems overheating, it didn’t seem to be an issue for him.

You dreaded going anywhere near his ass but it had to be done. He even insisted on ‘helping’ by pushing his cheeks further into your hands by curving his lower back as you patted down his pants pockets.

“Check the front too. I could have anything down my pants, ya know.”

That didn’t sound suggestive at all. His flirtations were so over the top is was near comical at that point. You couldn’t let him know that though. You were the authority figure in this situation.

“Alright smart guy, the frisking is over with. And surprise, surprise there was exactly nothing in your pants.”

“You wound me, babe.” If he had use of his arms, his hand would’ve definitely been placed over his heart.  

Standing him upright, you opened the door to seat him in the back. That had been the plan any way.

One second you held his metal clad wrists firmly in your grip and in the next, he twisted himself away effortlessly.

He spread his hands apart and although they each had a shiny steel band around them, the chain that had connected them broke off with a metallic clink.

Just like that he was completely mobile and he wasted no time.

In another imperceptible move, he covered your back with his front, his breath tickling you.

You couldn’t hold back a shiver.

“It’s been a pleasure, officer, but I really should get going. I’m just too cute for jail.” He rolled his head and his nose traced the shell of your ear with a deep inhale. “This was fun though. Let’s do it again, hmm?”

He shoved you into the back seat and luckily your reflexes were fast enough to catch yourself before you face planted into the leather seat. Thrashing like mad, you spun around as fast as you could but it was no use: Paul was already gone.

Stumbling out, you looked back and forth hoping to catch a glimpse of what direction he went but it was useless. Not only was that little shit stronger than he seemed, he was also faster.

Noted.

With a sinking realization, you knew you were going to have to explain this to your partner.

Oh, you were not looking forward to this…

Worst first night on a job ever.

_______________

Hope you enjoyed Paul! I feel like this is goofy and over the top but I guess that’s basically Paul’s vibes in a nutshell. Marko has definitely gotten Paul arrested before and Max has definitely called the cops on them before too haha. Thanks for reading <3