apomaro-mellow · 2 years ago
Text
Eddie and his bats part 1
Steve didn’t always know what to make of the demobats that followed Eddie around. At first, he was certain they were just waiting for the right moment to strike and take them all out. But when it was proven that Eddie had complete control, he stopped worrying about that.
And yet, still, there were moments when it looked like the bats wanted to eat him up. There were times when it felt like they couldn’t get close enough to him. They’d rub at his sides or nestle into his hair or just peer up at him like a puppy or a baby that wanted up.
It was weird. These were supposed to be flesh eating monster bats. Not cute little pets.
Eddie had assured them that in a similar way to the Upside Down, he and the bats were connected. So whenever he got the blood to fuel him, the bats were sated as well. And after the first time he fed on Steve in lieu of blood bags, they just kept doing that. Steve was typically more readily available and could obviously replenish his own stores.
“Don’t make me sound so cheap.”
Eddie had laughed at that. “Now you’re the Slim Jim.”
Steve had rolled his eyes but noticed one of the bats rubbing against his ankle again. The world really was turning quote unquote upside down if he was finding it cute. Cute enough to swipe a drop of blood left on his neck and hold it out to the bat, who licked it up gratefully.
“You okay givin’ ‘em another taste?”, Eddie asked.
“It’s a consent thing”, Steve said.
----------------------------------
When Steve finally figured out how Eddie felt about him (courtesy of Erica of all people) it was like the floodgates had opened. It was like you finally found that puzzle piece that made the picture make sense.
“I really can’t believe I didn’t see it before”, Steve said as he crumbled up some ground beef into dog bowls. 
“I think I was playin’ it pretty cool”, Eddie grinned before seeing what Steve was doing. “Are you mixing in wet dog food? For the bats?”
Currently three bats were all over Steve. One clung to his leg, slowly climbing, another attached to the back of his shirt while one was perched on his shoulder, all trying to get closer to the food.
“I just saw this premium brand and thought they might like it. I know they get energy from you but it’s probably like an IV drip vs an actual meal, you know?”
“Getting the nutrients but none of the pleasure, sure. But dog food?”
Steve placed the bowls on the floor. “There’s raw meat in there.”
The bats ate ravenously, as they did with most things and Steve shot his boyfriend a smug grin. 
“You know, if this gives us alone time so I can suck you off with no audience, I’m team dog food.”
“You mean my blood, right?”
Eddie just waggled his brows and started towards Steve’s room.
-------------------------------
Eddie had always craved some sort of power. To have authority over others. He liked having members of Hellfire under his orders or freshman that hung on his every word. Eddie liked feeling powerful.
So right now, sitting in his DM chair, making out with a lapful of Steve Harrington, he felt on top of the world. He let his fangs graze against those soft lips and the little whimper Steve let out made him fly higher.
And if he had a bat or two standing by to keep anyone from bothering them, that was his business.
--------------------------------
Steve was dead tired. He had to wake up early to open the store, then during his lunch break some demodogs got into the arcade and had to be dealt with, a woman spent an hour trying to convince him they had a movie in stock that didn’t exist in their inventory, and then after work he had to go to the grocery store and nearly got into it with that bitch Sheila on behalf of Claudia.
Needless to say, he was ready to lay down once he got home. When he opened the door, he wasn’t surprised to see a small horde of bats waiting for him. Eddie practically lived in his house now. 
“Sounds like Daddy’s home~”, Eddie called out from somewhere in the house. The bats were vibrating from where they sat. At one point they had swarmed Steve and tackled him when he got home, but he had spiraled into a panic attack and they (Eddie) learned to keep themselves at bay until he said it was okay.
Eddie got the welcome kisses first and then Steve knelt down to acknowledge the demobats. Once he rose, some attached to his clothes and hung on like little koalas.
“Rough day?”
“The roughest.”
The moment he said that, Steve felt the bats lift him off his feet and carry him off to his room.
“Comfy?”, Eddie asked once the bats laid him onto his bed.
“I feel like a messed up Disney princess”, Steve said through a laugh.
Eddie began to remove Steve’s shoes. “Then allow this humble servant to serve his royal highness.”
He swore he could feel Vecna rumbling in displeasure on the other side. But he was a lump of flesh, trying to build himself back up while having sent Eddie here to stir up chaos in his absence. It was why he’d been brought from the brink and given these abilities.
But as he listened to Steve sigh in relief while he gave him a foot massage, Eddie couldn’t see a better use for himself than being right here.
Tag Team
@cherixxx69 @ajamlessbaby 
For more vampire Eddie, check out Welcome to Hawkins or my Supernatural Steddie series
576 notes · View notes
aquaquadrant · 10 months ago
Text
The Time King
Word count: 1,937 Warning: Implied death A/N: Finally got around to uploading my piece for the @bdubszine (which y'all should def check out if u haven't already). This was a different approach for me and a lot of fun, loved the chance to write abt Bdubs's season 8 finale. Hope y'all enjoy, please reblog/comment if u do <3 - Aqua
The Time King
~*~
It’s the end of the world, and Bdubs is doing fine.
Why wouldn’t he? He’s the fuzzy, cozy, mossy Time King! Uh- King of the Server, in fact. If he may be so bold. Everyone else is- they had a meeting, and everyone else is leaving. Everyone’s leaving, he’s the only one left- last man standing! Oh, or uh- floating? He float- he’s flyin’ all over the place, now, uh- it’s fine! This is fine, he likes it.
(The Time King is a liar.)
Oh, so the moon is big. Hah, yeah, that- it’s been happening for a while now, Bdubs supposes. But he didn’t see it ‘til just- just recently ‘cause, um- of course, whenever night comes, he- he’s the Time King! And the Time King… changes the day- uh, changes night to day. Right. Right, right, right, right, right, of course. He’s gotta sleep, okay, so he hasn’t seen the moon for- for forever, and it’s big now.
And it’s comin’.
Blocks are flyin’ up everywhere, all over the place, and uh… they aren’t comin’ back. Some of these builds, oh boy, okay, they look rough. They’re getting pretty shambled. And then there’s the- the ground shaking, every so often. Shaking real bad. And then- yes, of course, the flying! Bdubs floats now, he flies- it doesn’t last long. He’s gotten used to it.
But everyone else got… uh, they got real nervous, it seems. Nobody else is on the world, currently, and- and nobody’s been on since their meeting, so. Yeah.
(The Time King is alone.)
So everything in the world can belong to Bdubs. Ah hah! That’s- he’s pretty sure that’s how it works. He thinks- the rest of the Big Eye Crew, Tango, Keralis- they gone. Oh, yeah. They- Tango went on a little uh… space mission, to the moon, okay, so- so Bdubs doesn’t think he’ll be back on this world again. He did… uh, send Tango a little message… you know, just to let him know that… well, things are floatin’ and flyin’ all over the place, it’s a mess here, everything is in shambles. So Tango really… really shouldn’t come back.
Oh! And Keralis, that sweetie, he’s got a- a- big ol’, uh… space… station? Space ship? So that’s- yeah, that’s how he’s leaving. Oh, but his house is so- oh, what a beauty! What gorgeous- it’s a shame, really, but- but hey, good for Bdubs! Right? Oh, that’s amazing. Keralis’s house and private island, Tango’s cyclops under the mountain, the Big Eye shopping district- sure enough, Bdubs can claim it all!
Isn’t this beautiful? This is- he feels like he could stay here forever. You know, for as much forever as he’s got left.
(The Time King is running out of time.)
See, Ol�� Bdubs- he ain’t no fool! He knows. He knows that, uh, there’s a good reason everybody’s leaving. It’s… this isn’t the kinda problem that can be fixed, you know? Of course, they’d respawn. Players respawn, when they get killed. But the moon is comin’ and he thinks there won’t be much of anything left, after. And who- who’d want to stick around for that, right? Right, okay… uh, well him, he supposes. But someone has to leave last, right?
That’s- that’s the thing about uh, you know, the end of a world. Someone is always the last one to leave.
Bdubs has played on a lotta different worlds, over the years. And someone will always be the- the last person to ever, uh, exist in a world... as everyone gradually fades out and uh, you know, ventures forth into new adventures… and stuff. That’s what usually happens, okay. So when a world ends, someone is always the last person to see it- to actually load the chunks.
And then they leave, and the world is held in a sort of uh, a sort of stat- uh, status? In stasis. So it’s still there- all their old worlds- waiting for them, if they ever wanna visit. Like, if they want to look at old builds, or look at old redstone. Or you know, just take a stroll down memory lane. So, the Hermits- they’ve had plenty of worlds end, but they’re never really gone.
This time is different. This time, there’ll be nothing to come back to.
So uh… it’s only right, Bdubs thinks, that someone be here to witness it.
And you know, there’s… part of Bdubs doesn’t like the thought of leaving his pets here alone. There’s Squawkers, of course, and Lulu, his faithful companion. Pets get left behind all the time on old worlds, it’s- it’s just how things are. They can’t travel between worlds. But Bdubs is always comforted by the thought that no matter what… they’re still there, waiting for him.
And he knows they aren’t real, okay, not in the way players are. They’re just- uh, little bundles of code and data that exist only on this world. They don’t have a- a unique, sort of… con- conscience? Or- no, um… consciousness. Something that can, uh… persist… beyond this world. That’s just how the universe designed ‘em.
Oh, there’ll be other horses, of course, in other worlds. Maybe uh… maybe even ones made of the same data and codes as Lulu. Like… the same- same color, the same stats. Like a- ‘oh, look here, this is a standard white horse with eleven hearts, eleven-point-nine block speed, two-and-a-half snow jumpin’ horse!’ Physically identical in every way, sure enough, but- you know, it- it won’t be Lulu.
Animals don’t respawn. Of course. So- so when the moon comes down, and uh… you know, blows everything to kingdom come… they aren’t gonna… um. It’ll- you know. So he just- he doesn’t want them to be alone, for that. Yes, yes, okay, Bdubs is a big ol’ softie, sure…
(The Time King is… sentimental.)
He’s not sure what’ll happen to him, exactly, after respawning. He’s never- can he even respawn in a world that gets destroyed? Or- or will it be like, um… the ultra- ultra hardcore? Worlds? Hardcore worlds where after you die, you just… can’t go back. It doesn’t exist anymore. Deleted. Gone. Bye-bye. Go back to another world. Yeah, maybe it’ll be like that.
But, you know, until that happens, Bdubs is making the most of it. Having a nice tour around the world, the beautiful world- seein’ what everyone built. Oh, it’s amazing- it all belongs to him, now! And that’s- there’s something really nice, about that.
‘Cause there’s all of Boatem, of course- Grian’s magical alley, Scar- sweet Scar- his uh, Swaggon… place? The Swaggons. There’s Impulse’s candy factory, Pearl’s mountain range, Mumbo’s sort of… mountaintop village… shrine? Yes, lovely. Oh, it’s all lovely. So the Boatem people left, down through the uh, the Boatem Hole, of course- those sillies. So it all belongs to Bdubs, now! Amazing.
Then there’s Octagon, too- and oh goodness, how amazing is Octagon! Doc and Ren, those two guys really… uh, really outdid themselves. Giant praying mantis… that’s- oh, that looks like some pretty impressive redstone, there- uh, for Doc, that is! For Bdubs, it’s- he can understand that, all too easy. Of course. Maybe he’ll improve on it, later. Yeah.
Oh goodness, there’s so much here… Bdubs could go on and on, really. Etho and Iskall’s savannah, Cleo and Joe’s big ol’ castle, Jevin’s slime pit and custom swamp, Cub’s humongous dripstone canyon, Beef’s spaceship, Xb’s bunker, Zedaph’s lab, Xisuma’s village, Hypno’s mushroom, Wels’s house, TFC’s mine, and the forest shared by False, Stress, and Gem. Oh, yes! Oh, baby, it’s all property of Bdubs, now! What- what a paradise this is! Even… even if not everything got finished. That’s okay. Uh- he can work on it, later. Maybe.
And of course, Bdubs checks on all the profits from the Big Eye shopping district. And sure enough, they’ve got sales! They’ve got- he’s practically rolling in diamonds, now! Richest Hermit on the server, by far! Isn’t that fitting, for the Time King? Oh, their beautiful shopping district- there’s still some wool scaffolding, though, around the place. Some outlines of buildings he never got to build. That’s okay, he- oh, didn’t get to build yet, he’ll say instead. Yeah, he likes that better.
(The Time King is great at pretending.)
And finally, there’s… oh, right. Hollow Hills. The horse course he was building with Etho. Right. He forgot about that. Right, right, right, right, right. Okay. It’s finished, it is, just- they had some ideas about cool things to add, power-ups and stuff, but the course is rideable! It’s- look, he can take Lulu for a race right now- perfect riding, of course, world record- and it’s all complete and- and functional! And he said- he and Etho, they always- every time they start a project together, they just go too big, okay, and never finish. But not this time! It’s finished! They did... it’s just, they never got around to holding a proper race on it, is all.
Um… 
That’s the other thing, about the end of a world. Usually, they have more time. 
They get to choose when they’re done, you know? And that’s- that’s not to say that they always finish every project, okay, but usually they’ve done everything they wanted to. Projects are left unfinished ‘cause of a lack of inspiration, not a- not a time limit. They usually have time to do whatever they need to before the end. But uh, right now.. all Bdubs can think about is everything he still had left to do, all the life he still wanted to live on this world.
So he’s not really sure if he’s still here because he’s brave enough to stay, or just too scared to say goodbye.
(Oh, Time King, did you get everything you needed?)
It’s the end of the world, and Bdubs is afraid.
He’s finished his tour, finished seeing all the amazing builds that he laid claim to, for- hah, for all of one day. He’s collected his profits, collected all the wonderful diamonds that he earned for his hard work makin’ and stockin’ the shops- even though it’s uh, it’s too late to spend ‘em anywhere. He’s completed his race, completed a perfect run on the racetrack, first try, of course, and- and he can claim the world record because the world’s ending, anyway, so no one could beat it even if they tried. No one will ever get the chance.
So as the moon bears down on the world, Bdubs stands outside his starter base- and that’s uh, that’s kinda funny to think about, you know? Calling it a starter base when he never really moved on from it. It’s just his base, his one and only base, and sure enough, it’s a moon, of all things. He’s got Squawkers on his shoulder, lil’ claws or uh, talons, gripping through the mossy cloak, still squawkin’ an imitation of a zombie they passed earlier. And he’s got Lulu at his side, lead rope in one hand as he pets her velvety soft nose with the other, tryin’ to keep her calm because he thinks… uh, he thinks she can tell.
And as the moon- oh, it’s beautiful. As the moon- the humongous moon, swallow the whole sky moon- bears down on the world, ringed with flames and blazing a- a yellow so bright it’s painful to look at, Bdubs can’t help but think that it uh, it looks an awful lot, actually, like the sun.
Isn’t that fitting?
(The Time King changes night to day, one last time.)
~*~
120 notes · View notes
shunin-gumis · 4 months ago
Text
Designs of Happiness - Track A05
L4mps Main Story Translation
Tumblr media
Title: Missing Brother's Memorial
Characters: Toi, Daniel, Ryui
Summary: Toi promises to take on any request from the protagonist if they decide to help him find his brother. Seeing as the protagonist doesn't have the heart to leave him alone, they agree to lend a hand.
JP Proofreading: aca @463ce6 on twt EN Proofreading: jes @arcanecrayonn on twt
Tumblr media
Location: Fortune-Teller’s Parlor “Angel Eye”
Momiji: … Fate?
Tumblr media
Toi: Yes.
Daniel: Like I said, shady… 
Toi: If I may confirm, the two of you came here because you had a request for me, right? 
Momiji: That’s right.
Toi: And I happen to have a request for you too… Don’t you think that fate is in play here?
Momiji: I… I suppose so?
Toi: If you would help me search for my brother, I’ll take on any request of yours. That’s a promise.
Momiji: Um… Were you also able to foresee that we came here with a goal in mind?
Toi: Yes, although I’m not quite sure of the reason yet.
Momiji: I didn’t know fortune-telling could find out all that… Or maybe he’s on a different level altogether since he’s from a prestigious family of diviners… 
Toi: I’m begging you… Please, help me.
Momiji: Toi-kun looks so earnest right now… I just can’t leave a kid like this alone.
Momiji: Daniel-san.
Tumblr media
Daniel: Blah, don’t look at me like that. Do whatever you want. It’s not like I can stop you when you set your mind to somethin’ anyways. 
Momiji: Thank you for understanding.
Momiji: Toi-kun, let’s find your brother, together!
Toi: R-Really!?
Toi: …! Thank you so much! I’m so happy… ! I can’t tell you how grateful I am right now…!
Tumblr media
Toi: Mashiro, I managed to convey my request properly!
Tumblr media
Mashiro: It seems that those from beyond the veil have sent you their blessings! I am truly happy for you!
Daniel: So, tell us what this Ryui fella looks like, some clues on what he’s like and the sort.
Toi: Of course! I made a special episode that showcases all the best sides of the coolest, most handsomest, most PERFECT big brother in the whole wide world! I’m sure you’ll understand his charms in no time!
Momiji: Er, a special episode…?
Tumblr media
Toi: *dreamy sigh* They’re all top tier scenes, with their own CGs*. First up is–
Memorial start:
Toi: Ani-sama… He’s not here yet… Did I get our meeting place right…?
Tumblr media
Ryui: Oh, you’re already here? There was somethin’ I had to take care of, sorry for making you wait… 
Toi: It’s okay! I didn’t have to wait long, don’t worry!
Ryui: If you say so… Toi, about those clothes you’re wearing… 
Toi: Yes? Is there anything wrong?
Ryui: They look real good on you. You’re so cute that even literal angels wouldn’t stand a chance. But you’re always cute, haha.
~~~
Tumblr media
Daniel: Aw geez, spare me… 
Momiji: Seems like they’re already at MAX affection level…  ~~~
Tumblr media
Ryui: Oi Toi, you keep wanderin’ around again… I told you to stick close to me.
Toi: I’m sorry… I couldn’t help but follow the sweet scent coming from the Castella bakery… 
Ryui: Geez, you’re so clumsy… Can’t take my eyes off you for even a second.
Ryui: Here, give me your hand. I’ll make sure you won’t get lost again.
~~~ Momiji: Oh, the classic “You’re so clumsy” trope comes into play… 
Tumblr media
Daniel: I mean, phones exist for a reason y’know… 
Momiji: Honestly, I was expecting info like his height, what he wears, what kind of places he frequents… Not whatever this is… 
Mashiro: Toi, I believe you are omitting a crucial piece of information that you must disclose.
Toi: Ah, you’re right! I need to remedy that…  ~~~
Toi: Ani-sama… Can I come closer to you?
Ryui: … Sure.
Toi: ….. 
Toi: I’m gonna intertwine our fingers… 
Tumblr media
Ryui: *sharp inhale* ...! You… 
Toi: Ah, he gripped it back tightly… I want to touch him some more…!
Ryui: W-What’s up with you today… You’re not usually this bold– Hey! Where do you think you’re touching!? Fuck… Just do whatever you want…!
Ryui: ... You're fine if I touch you back right?
~~~
Tumblr media
Daniel: Those are some crazy rose-tinted glasses he’s got on! I’ve got a huge itch to punch something right about now, where’s a sandbag when you need one!? ~~~
Ryui: Ah… I've been meaning to ask, you been seeing any good dreams lately?
Ryui: I’m always worried about you, y’know. You’re the most precious thing in this world to me.
Ryui: If the good dreams ain’t coming to you, I’ll accompany you all night long.
Tumblr media
Ryui: … You know what that means, right?
~~~
Tumblr media
Momiji: Daniel-san looks like his soul’s left his body… 
Tumblr media
Toi: My Ani-sama was super duper cool just then! Right, Mashiro?
Mashiro: Indeed, it has been safely documented within the CG Gallery of our hearts. There is not a shadow of a doubt: he is, without question, the finest big brother in the world. 
Toi: Right~? I think so too!
Momiji: Yeah, I can tell he’s a, um, very kind brother. Yeah. 
Toi: And then there was… Ah! I can’t believe it’s already this late!
Momiji: Is something wrong?
Toi: The truth is… There is someone else besides you who’s necessary to lead me to my brother.
Toi: All of us have to gather together at a certain spot by 11 pm.
Momiji: There’s only one hour left until then…!
Momiji: Then we’ve got to hurry! Do you know where we have to go?
Toi: I do. It’s within HAMA, so it shouldn’t take too long to get there.
Toi: I’m sorry for being all over the place… The two of you can go ahead and wait outside the parlor, I’ll come out soon after I change my clothes.
Tumblr media
Daniel: Huh, so there’s more people involved in this fate mumbo-jumbo.
Momiji: Yeah… It’s got me feeling a little excited though!
Daniel: Really? Can’t bring myself to believe in this stuff, leads to nothing but trouble anyways.
Tumblr media
Toi: Thank you for waiting!
Momiji: Hey Toi-kun… Oh?
Momiji: Toi-kun… did you perhaps attend Ev3ns’ Hospitality Live before?
Toi: Eh?
Daniel: What, so you knew him after all?
Momiji: I wouldn’t say we’re acquainted, I only saw him in passing.
Momiji: He really stood out amongst the fans while I was making the rounds, that’s why I remember him.
Toi: I did go to the Ev3ns Live, yes… Wait, does that mean…?
Toi: You’re an employee at Chii-sama’s company!?
Momiji: Yeah, I am.
Toi: R-R-Really!? Oh my! I can’t believe I’m in the presence of someone who works closely with Chii-sama!!
Momiji: Wow… He brightened up considerably hearing that.
Toi: Chii-sama is a one-in-a-million talent that’s rare to find! His dance technique is the best and he really knows how to sell his fanservice! 
Toi: Chii-sama was born to be an idol! I’ve been a fan of his since the beginning!
Tumblr media
Mashiro: Now, now, Toi. I must stop you there. It would be most unwise for the Master of the House* to discover your plans.
Mashiro: You must depart from here quietly.
Toi: Ah… You’re right, sorry.
Momiji: It’s fine with us, don’t worry.
Daniel: Haa… Can’t believe you’re making me do overtime… It’s ok if I come in late tomorrow right? Like, 8 hours later.
Momiji: Nope.
Toi: Mashiro, I’m leaving the parlor in your hands.
Mashiro: Rest assured!
Momiji: So, Toi-kun really is a fan of Chihiro-kun… He even attended Ev3ns’ Live.
Momiji: Somehow this feels like a night for fateful encounters. The place we’re headed is within the 18th Ward… 
Momiji: I can’t help but think this next meeting will lead to the formation of the Night Team… Yeah, I’m sure of it.
Momiji: After all, tonight is–
Daniel: Oi! Stop spacing out over there, we’re moving!
Momiji: Coming!
Momiji: My heart can’t help but pound in excitement!
Notes:
CG is known as "Computer Graphic" in the Visual Novel community, including Otome games, which are specially illustrated scenes that involve the love interest and sometimes the protagonist in unique poses and background art. This is important to note because Toi is a huge fan of Otome games.
Master of the House refers to Toi and Ryui's grandfather, who is the true authority of the family despite Toi being the current head.
The title might be a play on a popular Japanese dating-sim series "Tokimeki Memorial", of which the otome game series is named "Tokimeki Memorial Girl's Side" The scenes from Toi's "CG Gallery" are very similar to how they play out in the original games.
<- Previous | Next ->
Masterlist
35 notes · View notes
myonos · 1 year ago
Text
Tumblr media
mischief - full ver
yang jungwon x f!reader
genre: fluff, no angst because i’m a weenie
wc: 5k
warnings: mentions of nudity, like one curse word lmao
IN WHICH you are a mermaid and jungwon is human.
Tumblr media
Jungwon knows he shouldn’t be out here.
Deep in the woods, with nobody around.
But curiosity got the better of him.
He eventually finds himself standing before a small body of water.
The trees surrounding the area are tall, covering the entire area in shade.
Jungwon stares at his reflection in the clear water before stripping himself of his shoes and socks.
As his feet submerge in the cool water, he feels himself relax, shoulders dropping.
He hears a sound in the water, eyes wide in search of the culprit.
He expects a fish or just a piece of seaweed, but what reveals itself is nothing of the sort.
There you are, a mermaid?
Your eyes search Jungwon’s, looking for any signs of fear.
He doesn't back away, so you glide forward.
Your tail is a majestic royal blue. It glimmers in the water. Your chest is bare, and Jungwon tries not to stare. Your hair is long, flowing in the water.
Your eyes are mischievous but playful.
Jungwon’s eyes stay trained on yours as you swim backward, showing your entire self to him.
Swimming back towards him, you offer him a scaly hand. He takes it somewhat hesitant but grips it tightly once he has it.
You gently pull Jungwon into the water. It's not too deep, but deep enough that he floats comfortably.
You swim circles around him, smiling as he laughs.
As you float before him, you wrap your arms around his neck.
He gulps, having never been this close to a girl, let alone a mermaid.
Your fingers trace his features, strong brows, cheeks, and soft lips.
Jungwon brings his own hands forward to brush your hair behind your ears. He wants to speak, but no words come out.
You let out a small chirp, tilting your head to the side.
Jungwon copies you, making you laugh.
Your laugh is melodious. It sounds like honey to Jungwon’s ears.
You bring your lips to his cheek, letting them brush against it.
You can see the blush rise to his cheeks, making its way up to his ears.
You do the same on the other side, trailing your lips down.
Your face is right in front of his, eyes pleading. For what? Jungwon thinks he knows.
Slowly, he closes the gap between you.
His lips find yours in a sensual kiss.
He's never done this before, but it feels incredible.
Your lips move simultaneously, pushing and pulling.
His hands make their way down your back, holding your waist.
As you separate, Jungwon can hear his mother calling for him. He must leave.
You pout, not wanting him to go.
He pecks your lips again, a promise that he'll be back.
As Jungwon gets out of the water, he doesn't know how he’ll explain that he's drenched. But it doesn't matter.
He doesn't know your name, but he plans to find out one way or another. He decides to call you Mischief, for now, your eyes ingrained in his mind.
Now, all he wants is to see you again, and he can't wait.
Tumblr media
You feel ecstatic as you rush back to your pod.
They didn’t know you were up there. Interacting with humans is strongly advised against.
It's not prohibited, but your people fear humans will hunt them if they were to learn of their existence.
You find your best friends in a group as you float beside them.
“Where have you been?” Chaewon asks.
“I met a human boy,” you giggle as your tail splashes behind you.
Your friends gasp, “Y/N! You know we're not supposed to interact with them,” Yeri scolds.
You sigh, “I know. But he was right there, so cute, and I couldn't help myself.”
Yunjin is biting her nails, something she always does when she gets nervous. “Was he afraid?”
You shake your head, “He even swam in the water with me. We didn't even talk. We just laughed…and maybe kissed.”
They gasp even louder, drawing attention from some others around you.
You shush hastily, “Stop, you're overreacting.”
“Overreacting? Y/N, you kissed a boy! A human one, no less!” Chaewon whispers, pushing your shoulder.
“Are you gonna see him again?” Yujin asks, bending closer to you.
“Hopefully? I'm going back tomorrow.”
“Let's just hope you don't get caught.” Yeri rubs your arm, looking sympathetic.
Yeri is somewhat of a romantic. The thought of a “forbidden” love melts her heart.
Tumblr media
The next day, you leave the pod undetected as you did before.
Making your way to the small pool connected to the ocean, you wait.
Footsteps approach, and you duck.
You recognize Jungwon’s face as he comes forward, and you happily swim toward him.
“Hi,” he says.
“Hi.”
You realize this is the first time you’ve heard each other's voices.
“I never got your name,” Jungwon says, taking his shoes and socks off. “I'm Jungwon.”
“Y/N.”
“Y/N,” he repeats. “Beautiful name for a beautiful girl.”
You blush.
Jungwon puts his feet in the water and you swim to come between his legs.
“Where are you from?” You ask, resting your head on his thigh.
He looks away in embarrassment for a moment before turning back to you.
“I’m from here, my house is just a couple of feet away from the woods. I’m not supposed to be this far out, but how can I not when you’re here?”
You giggle, drawing patterns on his thigh with your finger.
“Do you regret the other day? Kissing me?”
Jungwon shakes his head vigorously, “No! That was like, the greatest thing I've ever experienced.”
“So, would you mind doing it again?”
You pull yourself out of the water, sitting next to him on the soft grass.
Jungwon leans forward, kissing you softly.
Your hand finds the back of his neck, playing with the hairs there.
Suddenly there's a splash, and your friend's heads appear from underneath the water.
“What are you guys doing here?” You exclaim, looking at Jungwon next to you.
“We wanted to meet your boyfriend,” Chaewon says, giggling at your shocked expression.
“Correction. Chaewon wanted to meet him, and I got dragged along,” Yunjin interjects.
Yeri nods, saying the same.
“Whatever,” Chaewon rolls her eyes.
You sigh, “You guys shouldn't have come up here. The others might get suspicious.”
Chaewon tells you it's fine, that no one noticed them leaving.
“Fine. Jungwon, this is Chaewon, Yunjin, and Yeri. Guys, this is Jungwon.”
Jungwon gives a shy wave and the girls enthusiastically wave back.
They start bombarding Jungwon with questions which he answers graciously.
You don't know how long you spend there, Jungwon answering questions while you look at him lovingly.
“It's starting to get dark, we should get going,” Yunjin says.
You pout, hating to leave Jungwon again.
It's almost as if he read your mind, “I'll see you again tomorrow, yeah?”
You nod, pecking his lips.
He blushes while the girls squeal.
As you leave, the girls can't help but talk your ear off.
They tell you how cute Jungwon is and how they approve of him.
You can't help but recall how he didn't deny it when they called him your boyfriend. Does he view you that way? You assume he must.
That night, you sleep happily knowing you have someone like Jungwon.
Tumblr media
Your head lays in Jungwon’s lap, him playing with your hair.
“What’s your world like?” Jungwon asks, twirling a piece of your long hair around his finger.
“Well, I spend every day with my friends. We either swim around the ocean interacting with sea life or we stay in our grove. Sometimes I spend time alone.”
“There’s no tv or phones down there?” The way Jungwon cocks his head is adorable, it makes you giggle.
“No. I’ve read about them in our library but we don't have technology.”
“I would show you if I could.”
You nod, “I know. But for now, just being with you is enough for me.”
Jungwon pulls you up for a kiss, humming in content.
“I’m so in love with you,” he says after pulling away.
“And I'm in love with you,” you reply.
Jungwon tells you about his life and his friends. He doesn't mention his family and it makes you curious, but you don't pry.
He has multiple friends whose names you learn one by one.
The smile on his face as he talks about them makes you happy. You're glad he has people in his life who care about him.
You must count as one of those people too now?
Jungwon asks you to tell him more about yourself.
You tell him how you love sunrises and sunsets, spending time every day to watch them.
Your favorite color is orange, another reason you love the sun.
Jungwon looks at you with so much love in his eyes, it almost makes you shy. To be the focus of someone's attention like that, it's something you've never felt.
Your time once again comes to an end. But now, you don't have to feel sad. You know you’ll see Jungwon again the next day.
You don't forget to keep the girls updated about your time with Jungwon.
They're in awe at your stories, happy for their friend.
Jungwon wishes the same could be said for him.
He wants nothing more than to tell his friends about you. But unfortunately, he knows they'd pester him about you, asking to know who you are. He can't exactly tell them you're a mermaid, they'd either think he's lying or crazy, or both!
At the same time, he almost likes keeping you to himself, with nobody to butt in and take your attention away from him.
He's never been in love before, but if this is what it feels like, he's never been happier.
It's early in the morning, way before your meeting time with Jungwon. You're in the library, reading about human history.
You're thinking about what Jungwon said yesterday.
That he wishes he could show you the human world.
Believe it or not, the human world is something you've always been interested in.
You wish there was a way to experience it.
Maybe there is?
There's a restricted section towards the back of the library that no merperson is supposed to go in.
You being you, never listen. Surprisingly, you've never been caught in the restricted section. Today is no different as you make your way to the back, searching for a specific book.
Your eyes glimmer in excitement as you find exactly what you're looking for.
“Lost Magic” is written in big, black letters on the front cover.
You flip through, magic crowns, magic hourglasses, magic figurines, and then you find it.
A magic necklace that's said to give you any power you wish for, even the power of transformation.
With this necklace, you could become a human and spend more time with Jungwon!
You hear a sound from the entrance of the library so you scurry out of the restricted section, making your way to the front.
You look around, no one is there. Taking the book, you make your way back to your grove.
When you tell the girls about your idea, they look at you like you've grown another head.
“Are you crazy?” Yunjin exclaims. “Magic items are impossible to find, a lot of them are in dangerous places.”
Chaewon and Yeri nod along, “Even I think it's dangerous, and you know me!” Chaewon says.
“I know it's a crazy idea but this could mean spending more time with Jungwon and that's all I want.”
Their questioning stares almost make you retreat, but you stay firm with your decision.
Chaewon sighs, “Fine, we’ll help.”
Yeri and Yunjin's eyes widened “We will?”
“We will.”
So, you set out. The book says the last known location of the magical necklace, officially named The Myonos, was in the depths of the Myronia Sea.
That's not far, so you and the girls swim your way down there.
It's dark and creepy, you want to back away, but your determination pushes you forward.
Chaewon, Yunjin, and Yeri follow behind you.
You can barely see in the deep waters but a faint glow guides you. It's the necklace, stuck in a log of wood.
You go to reach for it but a large mouth comes and bites at you, almost taking your hand.
You all shriek, backing away from the log.
Two eels slither out of the log, “What business do you have with The Myonos?” They speak simultaneously, their voices scratchy, like gravel.
You gulp, swimming just slightly forward.
“I want the necklace to become a human.”
“Human you say? You may take the necklace but he warned! If you are not back in the water by 10:00 at night, you will stay stuck as a human, forever!”
They slither away, leaving the necklace free for you to take.
As you're about to grab it, Yunjin stops you. “Wait! You heard what they said, is it really worth it?”
You stop to think.
You risk never being a mermaid again if you don't make the deadline.
But, being without Jungwon is something you can't imagine.
Do you take the chance?
“Yes,” you say, taking the necklace from the log.
Tumblr media
Jungwon is already waiting for you when you get to the small pool.
“Hi,” he smiles.
“Hi. I have something to tell you.”
He's quiet, letting you continue.
You bring out the necklace and his eyes fall to it.
“This is The Myonos. It’s a powerful necklace that can grant any power to the person who has it. I think if I wear it, I can become human.”
Jungwon’s eyes widened, “Become human? Is that really possible?”
“Yes. I want nothing more than to be with you. For you to show me the human world. Will you?”
Jungwon looks into your big doe eyes, and he thinks that he'd want nothing more.
“I will do anything for you.”
You put the necklace on and follow the directions from the book. Tell the necklace your desire and it will come true.
“I wish to become human.”
Within seconds the water around you begins to swirl, covering your body from head to toe.
When it stops you no longer feel as heavy. Looking down, you see two long human legs.
“Oh.”
Jungwon looks away from you, blushing.
“What's wrong?”
“You’re…..naked. I mean, I got used to seeing the top part but not the bottom. Stay there! I'm gonna get you a towel and clothes.”
Without another word, he gets up and runs away.
You float there, admiring your new set of legs.
Kicking them in the water, you get used to the feeling of not having a tail.
Jungwon comes back a few minutes later.
“I had to steal these clothes from my sister, they should fit you.”
You put on the underwear, sweatpants, and shirt he gives you, (you ditched the bra, it was uncomfortable).
Jungwon begins leading you out of the woods, but you're already amazed. The trees are so tall and green. The flowers around you have bloomed beautifully. When you get out of the woods, you're greeted by a huge house.
“Is this your house?” You ask, gasping as Jungwon nods.
“Nobody is home right now, so we can go inside.”
Exploring Jungwon’s house is like nothing you’ve ever seen, not even in your books.
He shows you his room and you coo at the stuffed animals on his bed.
He blushes, throwing them around the room, “My mom buys me these.”
“But you keep them! And that's so cute!”
After showing you the rest of his house, Jungwon insists on showing you around town.
You go to his favorite place first, the arcade.
He shows you how to play all the games, and somehow you end up beating him at everything?
He pouts as you beat him again for the fifth time, but automatically brightens up once you kiss him.
After that, he brings you to his favorite restaurant. He orders a whole load of food for you to try, which you do eagerly.
It’s all delicious, flavors you’ve never tasted before.
“Jungwon!” You hear someone call from behind him.
6 boys are walking towards your table and Jungwon turns to you, almost panicked.
“Those are my friends. I haven’t told them about you 'cause I didn’t know how not to mention you know…”
“And who would this be?” One boy says. You notice his large, doe eyes first out of all his facial features.
“Guys, this is Y/N, my girlfriend.”
You internally scream at him calling you his girlfriend, like it’s almost too good to be true.
The boys all gasp, then they’re ranting.
You hear multiple exclamations of “Why didn’t you tell us,” and “I can’t believe this.”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry! We’re still kinda new so I didn’t wanna rush it.” Jungwon waves his hands furiously, trying to call them down.
He turns to you, giving an apologetic smile.
You giggle, waving your hand, letting him know it's alright.
The boys spend the next few seconds introducing themselves.
You shake their hands enthusiastically, happy to meet Jungwon’s friends.
They all sit down and within seconds you’re having a conversation with them like you’ve known them forever.
You manage to dodge questions about where you’re from, your family, and things like that.
It wouldn’t be the best idea for them to find out about you, at least so early.
Another hour passes with you and the boys eating, talking, and having fun.
Jungwon tells them you have to leave and you sadly get up, wishing them farewell.
“I know you wanted to keep talking to them, but there’s somewhere else I wanted to take you before today is over,” Jungwon says, taking your hand into his.
You end up walking a couple of blocks away from the restaurant.
When you reach your destination, you’re filled with excitement.
Jungwon has brought you to a cat cafe.
You’ve read about human animals and pets but never thought you’d get to experience it for yourself.
You get situated and immediately cats start to flock to you and Jungwon.
You’re trying to pet them all and Jungwon is watching you with a smile.
“You’re so cute,” he says.
You smile back, “You’re cuter. It’s like looking at a bunch of yous.”
You knew Jungwon looked like something you’d seen before, you just couldn’t put your finger on it. Now you know, he has the cutest cat face ever.
You and Jungwon stay there for a while, eating desserts and feeding the cats treats.
By 9 o’clock, you know it’s time to leave.
Coming back to your little pool in the woods, Jungwon bids you farewell with a sweet kiss.
As you get back into the water, it immediately swirls around you as it did before, and you’re back to having a tail.
You have to say you almost missed it.
“I’ll see you tomorrow?” You ask, tilting your head.
Jungwon nods, “See you tomorrow.”
You and Jungwon spend the next couple of days together, doing everything you can think of.
He takes you to the local library and you’re fascinated with all the different subjects.
A particular fantasy book catches your eye and Jungwon chuckles as you show it to him. “The Little Mermaid” is printed on the front and you spend some time reading it.
It’s not very accurate, but you have a fun time anyway.
There are so many books about the human world, you wish you could take them all.
Afterward, Jungwon takes you to the movie theater and you watch the goriest slasher film they’re playing.
It’s disgusting and yet you’re somewhat fascinated.
Jungwon had to close his eyes at certain parts of the movie, but you held his hand through it all.
He takes you to the local record shop where you’re impressed by all his knowledge of music. He shows you record players, vinyls, CDs, and even digital forms of music on his phone.
You listen to old hip hop and r&b in the store and find it to be your new favorite sound, next to Jungwon’s voice.
Tumblr media
Another day passes with you and Jungwon having the most fun together. His parents still don’t know about you, which is fine.
You don’t know how they’ll react if they know about you, and neither does Jungwon.
Later on, when Jungwon gets home, the first thing he hears is hee complaining.
“What’s going on?”
His sister turns to him, “I can’t find my favorite tee, you know the red one?”
Oh shit.
Jungwon knows exactly what shirt she’s talking about because he stole it for you to wear.
He still has his sister's clothes that you’ve worn the past 2 days, they’re in his laundry hamper.
“I haven’t seen it,” he says, quickly making his way to his room.
Without interference, Jungwon takes the clothes along with his own and goes to the laundry room to start a wash.
He has to find another way to get you clothes without his sister getting suspicious.
It’s almost 10 o’clock, but some stores must still be open.
He finds the closest clothing store to his house and makes his way in.
He purchases multiple shirts, underwear, and pants for you.
When the cashier gives him a look, he pretends not to notice.
Getting back to his house, his sister is no longer in the living room, she must have gone to her room.
He sighs in relief, nobody is here to question him.
Bringing the clothes to his room, he places them in his drawers, underneath his clothes.
Jungwon lays in bed that night, thinking about you.
Who else would he be thinking about?
It's only been a couple of days since you discovered each other, but Jungwon has never been happier.
He never knew that having a girlfriend would be so amazing.
Wait.
Jungwon realizes he never asked you to be his girlfriend, you've just been using the word as a disguise.
Do you want to be his girlfriend? He definitely wants you to be.
He decides tomorrow will be the day he officially asks you.
Tumblr media
Jungwon is waiting for you with a new set of clothes.
After your transformation, you put on the clothes and ask “What are we doing today?”
“I was thinking we could just stay here for today.”
He gestures behind him and you see a beautiful setup with a blanket on the ground, fake candles surrounding it, and a basket.
“I didn't wanna cause a fire so I used fake candles, I hope it's okay. I also have this,” and he hands you a beautiful rose.
“Oh Jungwon, it's beautiful.”
He leads you to the blanket and you sit down gently.
Jungwon opens the basket and you find all your favorites from the restaurant the other day.
You and Jungwon spend your time talking, laughing, and just enjoying each other's company.
“There's a reason I set this up,” Jungwon says after a silent pause. “I wanted to tell you something.”
You stay silent, waiting for Jungwon to speak.
“Y/N, meeting you has to be the greatest experience I've ever had. You're funny, you're beautiful, you're so full of life it makes me feel like I can't be without you. I know we've used the excuse of you being my girlfriend before, but now I'm actually asking. Will you be my girlfriend?”
You can feel your heart bursting inside your chest.
You didn’t know what to call your relationship with Jungwon because nothing was certain. Now you know he feels the same way about you that you feel about him.
You nod enthusiastically, “Yes, Jungwon. I’ll be your girlfriend!”
You throw yourself onto him, both of you laughing as you fall over.
He places a kiss on your head before finding his way to your lips, enveloping them in a kiss.
You spend the rest of the evening reveling in your new relationship teasingly calling each other boyfriend and girlfriend, like kids.
1 MONTH LATER
You and Jungwon have been going strong. You spend every day together either in the woods, in town with his friends, or in his home.
You finally met his family and they loved you immediately.
His parents welcomed you with open arms and his sister squealed about having a new friend.
She said you can bully Jungwon together, which you teasingly agreed with.
Today you and Jungwon are at the grove.
It’s been hard keeping your secret, but you’ve managed nicely.
“Maybe we should tell them? Your friends and family? I don’t know how they’d react but I don’t know how much longer we can keep this up. They’re constantly asking about my parents and home and we’re running out of excuses.” You say, combing your fingers through Jungwon’s hair, his head in your lap.
“That’s the thing, I don’t know how’d they react either,” he replies. “I don’t want them to be scared of you, or think badly of you because of it.”
“I don’t think they’d be scared. Confused for sure, but not scared.”
Jungwon hums.
“It’s up to you,” he says. “If you want to tell them, then we will.”
You contemplate it for a second. If you tell the truth, that’s no longer a secret you have to hide. But if their reaction goes badly, it could put you or your pod in danger. And you might not be able to see Jungwon anymore.
You think taking the chance is necessary.
“Let's tell them tomorrow.”
Tumblr media
Tomorrow comes faster than you anticipated and suddenly your nerves are flaring.
You managed to gather everyone at the grove, even Jungwon’s parents, who now stare at you both in confusion.
“What's going on?” Jungwon’s mother says.
“There's a secret we've been keeping from you for a bit now.” Jungwon begins, taking your hand in his.
“Oh god, don’t tell us Y/N’s pregnant?” Heeseung blurts out, and everyone looks at you both in panic.
You both shake your heads vigorously, “No one is pregnant,” you confirm and you see a sigh of relief fix onto everyone’s faces, especially Jungwon’s parents.
“The truth is, our relationship started here at this grove, but not how you think.”
You decide to just come out and say it.
“I'm a mermaid.”
There's a long silent pause, before Niki, as blunt as ever, says, “Is this some sort of joke?”
Everyone starts to cautiously giggle and laugh like they don't know what else to do.
“It's not a joke,” you say.
You step into the water, clothes and all, and watch as the water swirls around you.
You can see the faces in front of you contort from confusion to shock as it happens.
Back in your natural form, the small crowd is silent.
“This is how we met.” Jungwon comes to sit beside you on the ground.
You pick your tail up for everyone to see.
Wide open mouths are all you get in response.
“We know this is kinda crazy but please don't be afraid, I promise we’re harmless,” you plead, hoping for someone to speak.
Jungwon’s mother finally closes her mouth, before opening it again. “I don't know what to say.”
Everyone nods their heads in agreement.
“Don’t say anything, just don't be upset.” Jungwon takes your hand again, tightening his grip.
“I'm not upset, this is like the coolest thing ever,” Jake pipes up.
He steps forward like nothing and sits on your other side.
“So are there more of you?”
And just like that he strikes up conversation like he's not talking to a mermaid.
You start to see everyone else visibly relax as the situation finally sets in.
They all make themselves comfortable as they listen to you speak.
You spend the next hour indulging everyone and their questions and you feel Jungwon squeeze your hand.
By nightfall, everyone has left and it's just you and Jungwon once again.
“I'm so glad this worked out, I was worried for a second.”
You nod in response, relieved yourself.
“They were all so cute asking me so many questions.”
Jungwon is thinking for a moment, it seems like it was serious given the look on his face.
“What’s wrong?”
“I was just wondering, you’ve seen my world, but I still haven’t seen yours.”
Oh, right.
“Do you think that necklace could make me a merman?”
Your eyes widen at Jungwon’s inquisition.
“I don’t know, are you sure you’d wanna try that?”
He nods.
You take the necklace off, giving it to Jungwon.
He gets into the water beside you and says, “I wish to become a merman.”
The water swirls around him and the final result makes you gasp.
Jungwon’s tail is a brilliant shade of blue. It shines in the water.
“Oh my god,” Jungwon says, flicking the tail around.
“Jungwon… you're beautiful.”
He already was beautiful but now, he's even more beautiful.
You hug Jungwon tightly, not believing this is real.
“Well, let's go!” He dives beneath the water even before you do.
You lead Jungwon to your pod, but he's stopping every couple of seconds to admire the deep sea.
Animals come up to you, dolphins, and turtles, and Jungwon eagerly interacts with them all.
Normally outsiders would be questioned by your pod, but because he's with you, nobody questions it.
You see your friends who are all looking at you and Jungwon in shock.
“Jungwon!” Chaewon exclaims. “You're here!”
Your friends all swarm you. They got used to being up in the human world but never expected this.
You all decide to show Jungwon around, him meeting new people as you go.
You finally get to introduce Jungwon to your parents. They love him, even when you tell them he's actually human.
Yeah, it could've waited, but you figured it would be better to do it quickly.
You show Jungwon all your favorite places in the ocean and your cove.
You can see the night sky from your cove, and Jungwon stares in awe at all the stars.
Later on, you say goodbye to Jungwon as he makes his way back home.
You've had the best day of your life. The man you love is officially yours and you've been in each other's worlds, something that seemed impossible just a few days ago.
Tumblr media
You and Jungwon are chilling on his bed when he suddenly brings you into a hug.
“What's this for?” You ask, not hesitating to hug him back.
“I’m just happy,” he says. “I have the girl of my dreams, an amazing life, and I get to experience a world others could only dream of. I'm just really happy we found each other that day.”
You bring Jungwon into a kiss, long and passionate.
“I’m happy too… happiest with you.”
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
please excuse any typos or mistakes 🤣 i hope y’all enjoy this! i have a sunghoon idea in mind that will happen!!
permanent taglist: @escapetheash @vatterie @kaexox
89 notes · View notes
bio1 · 27 days ago
Text
Well it's finally time to post the rest of this Earthspark horror fic on the spooky month.
Big thanks to @billy-jay-kisses-robots for writing and spelling help. Couldn't have done it without them.
Last part of you haven't read it
Tumblr media
Ok now here's it is
Throughout a rotten oak:
act there: tangled in the hanging tree.
The cold, metallic clicking of leaking rainwater rose Nightshade from their unconscious. They managed to blearily pry their optics open, the young bot's vision blurred from exhaustion and their injuries. Nightshade silently prayed to whatever might be listening that all this had just been some sort of horror movie induced nightmare. That when they got up, they’d find themselves awake in the cozy dugout, surrounded by their siblings. That they could go on and have another fun, peaceful day with those they loved.
But they were met with no such luck. They were lying on an unfamiliar rusted floor, faint light leaking in from a hole above them. Scattered drops of fresh rain pattered down, keeping the air around them cool. It was a sound they usually quite enjoyed, under happier circumstances. With no idea where they were, however, it only brought them a further sense of alienation.
As they tried to gather their thoughts, a voice they had gotten to know far too well over the past few hours made itself heard.
“Rise and shine~”
The voice led to a pitch black doorway, only the speaker's white eyes indicating something was there. Nightshade tried to change forms, but residual weakness kept them barely able to move. Honestly, they were surprised still able to move at all, feeling being so drained of-
“Energy” it said.
“You need it to survive like all things do. It will not be good if you're too weak to stand.”
Its eyes narrowed to pin pricks of light.
“Lucky for us, it seems like your kind is able to process organics. Looks like we have something in common.” A wheezy laugh escaped the beast’s mouth.
“Unlike your inferior kin.”
It tossed a plastic-wrapped packet in the room next to Nightshade.
“Is this Jerky?” they mumbled, looking over the bag with bleary optics.
“Better than rats, I suppose. Or do your animalistic instincts like raw vermin?” It tilts their head.
“How would you know my body can process organic material?” Nightshade questioned, weakly.
“You and your sister seem to processing those caffeine rich liquids just fine. Besides, I can't see it being possible for a techno-organic species to survive solely off of polluted water.” It leaned its metallic face closer, its nightmarish grin now barely visible in the pale light.
The usually quick-witted Nightshade was cut off by their captor before they could even speak.
“You mean to tell me that in the year or so you’ve existed, you never bothered trying any food?” Its smile somehow grew wider.
Nightshade cut the side of the packet, pulling out one strip of dry meat. They placed it in their mouth and chewed a bit. It was pretty good, surprisingly. Under different circumstances, they'd be excited to try out other human foods. After swallowing it, they felt off, like there was a hollow feeling in them that the small piece of nourishment slightly filled.
The beast spoke once more.
“I will return when you recover your strength. Until then, stay here.” It taunted, knowing damn well they weren't going anywhere.
It shut the thick metal door behind it with a cold clank. Alone and in the dark again, the green bot pulled out another piece of jerky.
“I hope Twitch is ok.”
---
Sharp claws rendered the air next to Twitch, the red bot barely managing to dodge the swipe by a hair. She reared in for a punch to punch its face, but was instead met with a monstrous knee in the abdomen. She failed to stop her battered fame from involuntarily folding up like a lawn chair from the pain. Orange, shaky optics stared down the approaching behemoth as it made its way to the barnside.
Twitch managed to activate the fans on her circular wings, blowing the monster back as it lunged directly towards her. The thing yelped as it was knocked backwards, but didn't remain stunned for long.
With her processor still hazy and her movements sluggish, Twitch knew this wouldn't be an even fight. She'd need to end it quickly, because there was no way her stamina would keep up for long.
As the husk made its way towards her once again, Twitch used what little remaining energy she had to back herself up into the garage. She frantically slammed her fist down on the button used to close the garage's metal door, hoping it would buy her a little more time. As the husk lunged at her again, she raised her arm, with just enough space between them to take a clear shot.
In less than a second, her laser blew a hole directly into the monster's head, sending it flying backwards. The garage door slammed shut right as its body was about half way through the exit, moving quickly enough to bisect the creature horizontally. The thing’s lower half laid on the garage floor, legs’ violently jerking one last time before going still.
After a moment's hesitation, she carefully moved to get a better look at the split torso. Oily black ooze and wiry threads leaked from the opened wound. Inside were tightly wrapped threads, somewhat resembling muscles, clinging tightly to shiny silver bones. The red bot hesitantly nudged the tattered mass with her foot. Satisfied when it didn't move, she let out a sigh of relief.
She decided to inspect the garage doors, wondering how they had closed so fast. It appeared that Nightshade had added some sort of speed adjuster, currently set onto “Turbo”.
“Nightshade’s going to get one of us killed these days, if they keep messing with electronics like this.” She mumbled. “Oh no, Nightshade!” Twitch's mind was flooded with thoughts of the monstrosity dragging away her sibling. Panic surged through her circuits, making her trace the room in circles, cradling her head in her hands. If she could barely take one of its minions, she wouldn't stand a chance against the creature alone.That's when her optics landed on a car battery and jumper cables.
“What would Nightshade do…” Twitch pondered aloud, gazing over the batteries with inquisitive optics.
_ _ _
Nightshade had just barely regained the strength to stand when their host decided to return.
“Please, follow me, honored guest.” It gestured, holding a slender hand behind itself. Not seeing any other viable options, Nightshade did as they were told.
As the young bot trailed behind their captor, it became apparent to them that they didn't even reach past the monster's knee in height. Wherever they were, the quiet halls of this place were clearly designed to be occupied by beings of immense stature.
Nightshade decided now would be as good a time as any to ask the burning question on their processor. “Are you going to kill me?”
“Blissfully foolish little thing. If I planned to kill you, why would I have kept you alive this long?” Seemingly just to taunt Nightshade, it dragged its claws against the stone walls, leaving shallow marks and a grating noise as they continued.
“I don't know. You could have plenty of reasons. That's why I asked.”
The monster looked back at Nightshade incredulously, only to be met with a sincere expression from the green bot. It was genuinely a little surprised at how curious their captive was. If anything, they seemed just as interested in the logistics of this operation as they did their own fate.
“I want you to join me… Nightshade.” The thing’s smile grew to enormous proportions, only to fade as they realized Nightshade gave no visible reaction to having their name used.
“Aren't you curious how I knew your name?” It tried to sound intimidating, but the bot just continued to stare at them with a wide eyed, yet steady expression.
“I just assumed you overheard my sister referring to me as such.” They answered. “Is that not the case?”
“Uh, no, I… Nevermind.” It seemed embarrassed of all things, not getting to use its usual mindgames. “Scrap, I lost my train of thought. Where was I?”
“You mentioned you wanted me to join you in something?”
“Oh, right, thanks.” It coughed awkwardly. “Ahem. Anyway, my kind has a unique way to produce more of our species. It all starts with a small injection.”
Its tongue formed into a sharp, needle-like point. Nightshade's optics went wide, nervously taking a step back.
“Your body will undergo a beautiful transformation. You'll be stretched, strained, melted. Your insides will dissolve and reform into divine fibrous threads, while keeping your outer casing mostly in tack.” Having regained its sinister mojo, it leaned in menacing.
“And most importantly, you will be able to spread your unique variation of life to all that you see. Your unique biology, I believe it's called your alt mode… it's the perfect blend of organic and inorganic material.”
It gestures to the room in front of them.
Inside, dozens of stasis pods filled with an odd silver liquid Thing against the walls, each with a glowing ball of light in their chests.
Nightshade peered in, before being struck with dreadful recognition. “No, those aren't-”
“Oh, but they are! Protoforms, just for us. You can think of them as our new family.” It laughed, a sound like metal scraping against itself.
“Your techoraganic DNA will make them perfect hybrids between you and I.”
“And why was I chosen for this?” Again, Nightshade’s tone, while clearly uncomfortable, also was bizarrely curious given the circumstances.
The monster scratched at its eye socket, as if it was getting bored.
“Your alt mode, little owl. Strong, swift, and capable of flight. None of your kin can compare in potential.”
“And why can't you just make your army on your own?”
Their bright-eyed, inquisitive questioning seemed genuinely rooted in fascination with this process, which was almost annoying to their captor. It sighed, and begrudgingly answered.
“My body is beyond repair, as you may have noticed. Its previous occupant was gravely injured when I took their place. I was going to just scavenge for more parts… but upon picking up signs of unique, *living* biomechanical parts nearby… Well, that gave me a better idea.”
The two of them continued their walk, finally ending up in an enormous room.
Trashed control panels for an unidentifiable drive and gnarled viscera littered the floor. The foul stench of copper and rot emanated from a tub in the dead center. The beast pushed a reluctant Nightshade towards it.
The scared bot hesitantly peered over the vessel, only to be greeted by a viscous red liquid.
Nightshade nearly gagged upon recognizing the horrific sight in front of them, stumbling backwards away from the blood. Their captor, apathetic towards their discomfort, grabbed the young bot with a single clawed hand.
“But before we comment, I will need approval from a higher power.”
It dipped its free hand into the blood, and began to paint a sigil on the wall.
It licks its filthy hand clean before hovering a clawed finger over Nightshade's face.
“I require one last ingredient to achieve communication.”
Nightshade tried to squirm away to break free as the point of the monster's claw made contact with their cheek. Searing hot pain engulfed their entire face.
The young bot desperately tried to hold in their screams, not wanting to give their tormentor the satisfaction. Having never experienced anything like this, anything this unbearably horrible, how very, they gave in, screeching at the awful sensation. The whole ordeal lasted only a moment, and the monster revealed to them a luminous green liquid on its finger tip.
For a second, Nightshade was confused in its origin. Realization dawned on them as they felt the liquid trickle onto their chest.
“I'm bleeding.” They stated, their tone cold and grim from shock.
“A nice pretty green.” It laughed, mixing Nightshade’s blood into the sigil.
Nightshade watched in helpless horror as the blood twisted and moved upon contact, changing colors until eight white, luminous eyes took form.
_ _ _
Twitch shakily touched the two ends of the jumper cables together, watching with wide optics as they sparked at the contact. The jolt nearly scared the sprockets out of her, but she managed to take a deep breath to steady herself again. She stood over her unconscious younger sister, attaching the cables with an uncertain hum. A zap of energy filled the air before the car battery made a “pop” and went stone dead.
Twitch clutched her fists tightly, heat welling up in her face as her desperate attempt to wake her Hashtag failed. She felt her knees go weak, and a strong urge to curl up into a ball and cry. Before she could give in, a faint whirring noise caught her attention. It was Hashtag's optics, groggily prying themselves open.
“Twitch? What's going on-”
With her energy revived by hope, Twitch rushed in to give her sister one of her famous bear hugs.
“Uh, good morning to you too.” Hashtag said awkwardly, patting her on the back.
Twitch grabbed her sister's hand, desperately tugging it as she tried to pull the larger bot up.
“We need to go, now! Something horrible took Nightshade and-”
“Whoa, slow down, Twitch. I just woke up.” Hashtag stood up, feeling the odd cables attached to her neck.
“I didn't go to sleep with these on, right?” She questioned.
“There's a giant monster keeping everyone asleep! I had to jumpstart you awake with that.”
Hashtag narrowed her optics incredulously.
“Giant… monster?” She parroted back.
“Yeah, the thing is probably twice the size of Mr Prime!” Twitch was practically dragging Hashtag outside at this point. “It sent creatures to attack us. But me and Nightshade destroyed one and I took care of another myself.”
Now outside, Hashtag didn't see anything out of the ordinary.
“Really?” Hashtag rhetorically asked. She thought this had to be some kind of poorly planned joke.
“Yes, really!” The smaller answered, frustrated that she wasn't being taken seriously. “Look, its remains are over here-”
The bisected upper half of the monster was gone, only leaving a puddle of oily blood by the opening of the garage.
Before Hashtag could react, her sister let go of her arm, frantically looking around the building’s exterior for any signs of the missing body.
Hashtag did her best to keep up with her, eventually finding Twitch directly behind the barn, seemingly frozen in place.
“Hey, what's wrong? You're acting-”
The upper half of the creature that Twitch fought previously cut Hashtag off. The two sisters watched in stunned silence as what should have been a corpse pulled parts of the other slain monstrosity into itself. Threads from its wound skewered and pulled scattered limbs, bones, and plating together to reconstruct itself. The final result took the form of a metallic homunculus centaur.
“So that's what you were talking about.” Was all Hashtag could say before the beast spotted the pair, instantly lunging for them.
They both were barely able to dodge the strike, causing the centaur’s arm to slash at a nearby bench, slicing it in two. After realizing it had missed, it started galloping on clawed legs in another loop before heading towards Twitch. She didn't have time to get up before it was upon her. Its front legs, the former arms of its lower half, held Twitch down as it prepared for a devastating swipe.
Hashtag took a moment to recover, before her optics lit up. She was right next to the family grill’s propane tank.
She ripped it out and triumphantly held it above her head.
“Hey, freak!”
The thing turned around just in time to have the tank smashes its face in. Twitch scrambled free as it loosened its grip. She zipped away as the monster's head weakly turned to face her, its jaw hanging on by a few sinews.
She aimed her blaster at the propane tank.
“Yippee kayak other buckets.” Hashtag didn't get the Brooklyn 99 reference.
The tank exploded into a huge fireball. Chunks of the creature’s flesh and limbs flew all over the place. The sisters didn't have much time to celebrate before panic set back in.
“That thing must be doing something horrible to Nightshade!” Twitch belated frantically.
“Twitch, I mean…” Hashtag loosely kicked one of the detached parts. “It looks pretty dead to me.”
“No, a much bigger one got them!”
“Oh…wait, I've got Nightshade's signal! We can track them!” Hashtag said cheerfully.
“Wait, what?”
“What do you mean, what? Did Nightshade not tell you about those tracking implants they put in us? I can follow them.”
Twitch decided this wasn't the time to question that. She picked up her swords and gave her sister a solid nod.
“Let's get ‘em, Hashtag.”
_____
The bloody figure in the mural was similar to the monster’s minions, except for the enormous horns and eight spider-like eyes. Nightshade looked towards the thing to see a snarl replaced its grin.
His captors began, furious. “Where is SHE! I must speak with her you-”
“How rude of you to yell at your Superior. Besides, she is busy at the moment. You should know that better than anyone, Leach.”
The painting could somehow move, as if each brush stroke independently changed on their own.
“If you're asking to start your own colony, then the answer is still no. Even if she was here to allow it.”
“Why not? This one has the potential to bring a new generation into being. Plus, I have the strength and knowledge to lead the way to greatness.”
It pushed Nightshade forward like it was showing their teacher its homework, with a tinge desperation is in its voice.
“For one, you think you're anything special because you fused to a cybertronian body? Any brain dead husk could do that. Second, you are considered on line of execution for abandoning your duty and attempting to start a hive. Third, my lady wouldn't like to see this poor child be subject to your will.
So I suggest you just save us all the trouble of hunting you down, and end your life before we can.”
It finished with a scrap-eating smile.
“Leach.”
The beast's eyes narrowed, it's expression morphing into pure anger.
“You ugly son of a-” A barrage of swears and curses that Nightshade only heard in the movie came out of its mouth. Some of them were for languages they couldn't even begin to understand.
This gave Nightshade the chance to sneak away while it was distracted. When they were sufficiently far enough, they ran down what they thought was the outside door. They were met with a control panel that required a code to progress. Completely over this scrap, Nightshade just ripped the panel off.
After a bit of fiddling with the wiring, the door swung open. Nightshade sprinted into the cool night. They looked behind them to see their captor had apparently kept them in a crashed alien ship.
“Look, they're over there!”
A wonderfully familiar voice rang out of the forest. Not a moment later, Nightshade recognized the bright headlights of Hashtag’s alt mode, with Twitch, curiously, riding on her back.
“Hashtag! You're awake! Twitch, did you-”
Of course, they were interrupted by Twitch ramming into them for a hug. Nightshade awkwardly patted their sister on the back.
“Woah! Were you in there, Nightshade?” The largest of the siblings eagerly drove up the entrance of the downed ship. She was knocked to the backwards as the monster reared its head out of the entrance.
“YOU!” It bellowed, fangs bared. It reached towards Nightshade with feverish rage, clearly infuriated that it had been cheated.
Hashtag, still in her alt mode, took the initiative to drive at the monster's leg at full speed. Having taken it by surprise, it was off balance enough that she managed to cleanly snap its calf from its thigh. The king went flying, and the monster screeched in pain.
“Wow, that actually worked?” She seemed genuinely surprised.
Twitch grabbed Nightshade and the satellite of Hashtag's alt mode, attempting to yank the two forward. “It's not going to stay down for long! We need to get out of here!”
“Aw, really? I mean, we took out its leg, right? That's gotta be enough. Can't I atleast get to check out the spaceship?” Hashtag pleaded.
The monster screamed again, rearing up to charge at them on its three remaining legs. “INSOLENT CHILDREN! I'LL WEAR YOUR CADAVERS AS NECKLACES WHEN I'M DONE WITH YOU!”
“...Nevermind, I want to go home now.”
---
With Hashtag having the most energy of the siblings (and being the largest), she stuck to her alt mode with the other two on the roof of her van, racing through the woods with the alien on their tail. Having removed its leg had slowed it down, but not enough that out running it would be easy.
Twitch was using what little strength she had to fire lasers back at their pursuer, to little avail.
“Hey, I probably should have asked this earlier, but where are we going?” Hashtag's radio called out.
Nightshade glared daggers through the window of their sister’s alt mode. “What?! Hashtag, you're the one driving! Are we just headed in a random direction?”
“I panicked! This is terrifying! Just be grateful I'm not leaking oil or anything!”
Before Nightshade could respond, they heard the familiar chugging of a train. Sure enough, just up ahead was one of the unmanned Ghost trains. Finally, a fighting chance.
“Is that a train?” Twitch took a moment's break to look behind her. A flash of recognition in her optics told Nightshade she had just gotten the same idea they did.
“Hashtag! Can you control the-” She began, but it seems her sister was also on the same wavelength. Using her remote hacking abilities, she had the cybernetic train slow down, allowing her to drive across the track. “Hold on, I'm going to make a hard left!”
The monster, clearly not giving it the human made locomotive a second thought, turned around to continue its chase. The nanosecond it stepped foot on the tracks, Hashtag had the train pull forward at max speed, obliterating its remaining hind leg. With a hellish roar, their pursuer fell to the ground, where Hashtag preemptively ran its torso over and over again with the train until she was satisfied.
“I saw that in a movie once, it's called double tapping. You don't stop until you know it's dead.” She chimed, seemingly happy with the results.
Shifting back to bot mode, all three siblings cautiously approached the slain beheatmoth, its nightmarish body splayed in half. Oily guts coated the tracks and train, leaving a thick smell of burned rubber and iron in the air.
“...I think I'm going to pass out.” Twitch fell to her knees, exhausted, clutching her forehead. Both Nightshade and Hashtag ran to her side, picking her up by the shoulders.
“Woah, hey, Twitch, you're good, you're good. That was the main monster, right, Nightshade?” Hashtag's big blue optics glittered with hope in their sibling's direction, waiting for a positive response.
“Well… yes and no. From what I saw, this creature is part of some alien society with others if it's kind. However, it seems its… higher ups, for lack of a better term, don't have much interest in coming to earth.”
“So… it's working alone, right? We're done?” Twitch pulled herself up, gaining a bit of balance.
“For now. This is something we'll have to discuss with Optimus Prime and Megatron.”
“Oh man, Optimus… are we going to get in trouble for destroying this train?” Hashtag worriedly looked over the damaged Ghost train. Unsurprisingly, repeatedly ramminging it into a giant alien had done a significant amount of damage.
“I think they'll understand.” Nightshade reassured her.
“Are we… we need to check up on the others at home.” Twitch began hovering back to the direction of the family house, still determined as ever to keep her loved ones safe.
A giant claw smacked her out of the sky without a moment's notice, breaking both her wing and the eerie silence of the forest.
It wasn't dead. Not completely, anyway.
The monster's head and shoulder were still loosely held onto its right arm by a few mangled tendrils, allowing the wounded creature to drag itself slowly across the grass.
“Nightshade, we aren't done. Please, listen to me. I can promise you-”
Nightshade noticed a glowing or hanging on to the lower part of its neck, appearing to be some sort of power cell.
They walked over as the creature continued its monologue. It seemed to believe the green bot was considering its offer.
Nightshade stomped on the power cell repeatedly, until it exploded into a pile of azure sludge. As they had predicted, all life signs from the creature faded, and its tendrils loosened their grip on its body completely.
“I am so tired of that thing.” They sneered, unusually bitter. Their facial expression softened as they turned back to their injured sister. “Are you alright, Twitch?”
“Ugh, I'm… yeah, I'll just need to get this fixed.” She confirmed, shaking her loosened wing to test its durability.
Hashtag transformed, honking her van’s horn. “Ok, you guys need to tell me everything on the way back. I'm so confused right now. Hop on already!”
---FIN---
14 notes · View notes
misswhyso · 2 years ago
Text
He’s tall. Beautiful, in a sort of detached way: dark hair falling past his eyes, sharp cheekbones, golden skin glowing under the sun. And there’s just something about him that’s so visibly unsettling; Steve has to squint to focus on him, lest his sight goes blurry around the edges.
“Eleven,” the man says. His voice is low, a rumbling comfort. “You probably don’t remember me.”
“I don’t,” she agrees readily. 
The man takes a step closer, and Steve represses a shiver. “My name is Sebastian,” he says, “but Papa called me Five.”
El stills. So does Steve, and Jonathan, and everyone else in the room—the air goes numb, falling onto the ground with an almost audible thump.
Holy shit, Robin mouths to him.
Which, yeah. Holy shit. The past week has been a whole new kind of hell: the Upside-Down coming back with vengeance, Eddie nearly torn to pieces, Max—Max. God, Steve can barely wrap his head around it. It doesn’t matter how many times he sees her—every time feels like the first time. How is Steve supposed to live with Max’s unexistence?
And now this guy comes out of nowhere, after the fight of their lives, to reveal himself as fucking Five. It’s almost too coincidental. It feels, and Steve knows he’s not alone in thinking this, like a trap.
“Prove it.”
Sebastian (Five?) raises an eyebrow. “Prove it?”
El nods. “Yes,” she says. “Prove that you’re like me.”
Sebastian opens his mouth, then closes it. “Hm.”
“What, so you can’t do it?” Dustin asks. Steve has to curl his fingers into a fist to resist slapping the back of Dustin’s head. Jesus, the kid is way too cocky. One day it’s going to get him killed, but for now—
For now, Sebastian simply smiles. He glances at the hospital door, then at Steve, a familiar glint in his eyes—warm, amused, like they’re both in on the joke. But Steve is not laughing. Should Steve be laughing?
“I don’t know if it’s a smart idea,” Sebastian says. “I want you to be on my side, you see.”
“If you want to be on our side, we need to know what you can do,” Mike says evenly. He positions himself in front of El and Will. After a pause, he adds, “Or what you can’t.”
Yeah, Steve really needs to have a talk with the kids about self-preservation.
“Alright.” Sebastian straightens up, cracks his knuckles. He smiles, sharp this time, something in his gaze darkening. “Don’t freak out, okay?”
“Why would I—”
“Sit,” Sebastian says. 
Mike sits.
“Stand.”
Mike stumbles back to his feet.
“Do a jumping jack.”
And Mike jumps.
Sebastian places a hand on Mike’s shoulder, and the younger boy settles, eyes wide and face pale. “I’m persuasive,” he says. “That’s my thing.”
“What the fuck,” Mike says, taking a step back. His hands are shaking. Steve thinks his are too because what the fuck. He shares a look with Robin, Did you see that? She blinks back at him: Holy shit. “What the fuck just happened?”
“Told you not to freak out.”
“Okay,” Jonathan cuts in. His eyes are narrowed. “Okay, we believe you.”
“Persuasive?” El says, rolling the word around her tongue. “You didn’t get that from One.”
“Right,” Sebastian says. “I have no idea what that means.”
“Like the number,” Steve finds himself saying. It’s strange—something compels him to Sebastian; he wants the other man to look at him, to give him his full attention. And now he’s talking, and he’s got to figure out what he’s trying to say. “Like, you know, you’re Five? And he’s—uh, four people before you. And he’s kind of the source of power or something.”
Robin sends him a thumbs up, which means That’s right. He thinks. It’d be embarrassing to be wrong.
“One,” Sebastian repeats to himself. “But One doesn’t exist.”
El shakes her head. It’s a muted thing—the memory of El saying he’s dead flits through his mind—as she takes a deep breath and says, “Papa lied.”
“Yeah,” Steve says. “That. And now he’s going to end the world, so. I guess it’s a good thing you’re here?”
Sebastian closes his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose. “You know, I kind of guessed the end of the world thing on my own.”
“Is that why you came?” Mike asks. He’s gotten over the shock, and is leaning forward in curiosity again. Steve doesn’t know how he does it, shake the unnatural off like he’s born clean and anew each time, and it digs at him a little—how much shit do these children have to be thrown into that they can just stand up again, dust their knees off and walk away?
Too much, is the answer. Even a little bit is too much.
“Well, yeah.” Sebastian runs his fingers through his hair. “Honestly, I thought something was happening with the lab.”
“Kind of,” Mike says. “Long story short, there’s a nightmare dimension that’s merging with our world now.”
“That…sounds like a long story, yeah.”
“Okay,” Robin says. She claps her hands together. “Okay, anyway, what this means is that now we have Eleven and Five, which is good, right? Like yay! Two against one. That’s, like, so much better for us.”
“Two,” Sebastian says.
“I’m pretty sure one plus one equals two,” Robin says.
Sebastian throws Steve another glance—which, what does that mean, even?—then nods. “Okay. And I’m going to—what? Tell him to stop?”
“We’ll figure it out,” Dustin says, confident. “But for now, you can, I don’t know. Chill out.”
“Wait.”
Steve whirls around: Lucas, whose hand rests on Max’s, looks up at them with a determined look in his eyes. And it’s an immediate thing—he knows. He just knows. Because he’s watched Lucas grow up, taught him to play basketball, drove him to and from the hospital so he could be with Max. He knows what Lucas wants.
“Actually, there is something you can do.”
“Now?”
“Now,” Lucas says. He gives Max’s hand a squeeze, then stands up. “Can you ask her to wake up?”
Mike presses his lips together, and a pained expression crosses his face. An expression that, Steve guesses, is reflected on his own. There is something to be said about how tightly Lucas and Max hold onto each other, how Lucas comes by everyday, always hoping that one day she’ll open her eyes. 
This something pulsates between them; Sebastian must see it too, this terrible hope. He says, gently, “I can try. I can try, but I don’t know if it’ll work.”
“Okay,” Lucas says. “Try it.”
Steve shuffles to the side, giving Sebastian a clear path to the bed. He watches as Sebastian walks over, closes his eyes and presses his fingers to her forehead. Inhales deeply. “Wake up,” he commands.
Nothing happens.
And it’s only when nothing happens that Steve realizes he had been hoping for some miracle—that a part of him was waiting for it to work, for Max’s eyes flutter open. Steve digs his nails into his palm. Look: Max is as white as the sheets, her red hair the last vibrant thing about her. She looks—she looks dead.
“I’m sorry,” Sebastian says, and he sounds it.
Lucas presses his lips together, eyes wet, and shakes his head. “Nah, it’s fine. It was a gamble, anyway.”
They know, though, that it’s not fine. God, and it’ll never be fine again, will it? It hits Steve, all of a sudden, how hopeless everything seems. Even if they do kill Vecna, there’s no guarantee that Max will wake up again. That Eddie will wake up again. Max, who is young and bright and beautiful; Eddie, who is louder than life, a wildfire in his own right.
That’s not fair.
That’s not fucking fair.
“Listen,” Sebastian starts, then pauses. He says, very slowly, “I didn’t escape alone.”
“What does that mean?” Jonathan asks.
“Well, when I ran, my job was persuading people to let us through. Persuading the people I could reach, anyway. But Seven—” he meets Steve’s eyes for a second before looking back at Jonathan “—Seven’s job was healing me.”
The room falls silent.
“Healing?” El repeats.
“I mean,” Sebastian says, “I don’t know if it works for comas, but that could be worth a shot, right?”
“And this Seven, you can get them here?” There’s a half-wondrous, half-crumpled look on Lucas’ face, like he wouldn’t be able to bear it if the answer isn’t an affirmative.
“I can,” Sebastian promises.
Lucas exhales shakily and stumbles forward, pulling Sebastian into a hug. “Thank you,” he says, voice muffled into Sebastian’s shoulder. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
“I can’t guarantee that it’ll work,” he warns.
“But it’s better than anything we’ve got at the moment,” Will says, and there’s a ghost of a smile on his face, and god, it’s been so long since any of these kids got news that wasn’t absolutely devastating. Steve feels something in him settle at the sight.
“So how do we do that?” Steve says. “Where can we find this guy?”
Sebastian looks out of the window. The afternoon light rests on his cheekbones, and he looks angelic, almost. He looks like coming home.
“We can go now,” he finally says. “If you come with me.”
Robin frowns. You?
Steve shrugs, then asks, for good measure, “Me?”
“You can drive, right?”
“So can I,” Jonathan says.
“No, he’s fine,” Sebastian says. He begins walking through them, towards the door. “Come on.”
Which, like, he’s not a dog. But this is Max’s life on the line, so Steve wriggles his fingers at Robin (What am I doing?), and says, to the room, “Guess I’ll be back—when will we be back?”
Sebastian’s hand is on the knob. He doesn’t turn around when he says, “Very soon, actually.”
“I’ll be back very soon,” Steve says, jogging up to Sebastian.
The moment the door closes behind them, Sebastian catches Steve’s wrist. “Steve, right?”
“Um.” He tries shaking his hand free, but Sebastian is strong—freakishly strong. If that’s another one of his powers, maybe they have a better chance against Vecna than he thought. “I don’t think I told you my name.”
“You did,” Sebastian says, even though they met five minutes ago and definitely did not exchange names. He pulls Steve down the corridor. “Let’s go to the bathroom.”
“Like, together?” Steve is so confused.
“Yes, like together.”
It barely takes them a second before they’re pushing through the doors of the bathroom. It’s empty, cold, and Steve realizes that they’re all alone. “Dude,” he says. “What’s wrong with you?”
“I compel people,” Sebastian says, apropos of nothing.
“Yeah, I think we’ve established that,” Steve says. In his head, he thinks, Shit, he’s going to kill me. Which is a normal thing to think, considering that he’s nearly died at least five times before the age of twenty-one.
“And,” Sebastian says, squeezing his wrist, “everything I did, I did because I thought it was right. That it was safe. You get that, right?”
“Yeah, sure.”
“Okay.”
Sebastian lets go of Steve, who stumbles backwards, hitting the sink. “Sebastian?”
“Okay.” Sebastian rolls his shoulders back, and lifts a finger to tilt Steve’s chin up. They stare at each other: Sebastian’s eyes are a light brown, the kind that haunts Steve in his dreams. “And I’m sorry, okay? I really am. About everything I’ve done and everything I will do.”
None of these makes sense. Steve opens his mouth, ready to ask What are you talking about, but—
“Seven,” Sebastian says, voice echoing. “I need you to remember.”
110 notes · View notes
msftsn · 3 months ago
Text
Tumblr media
and @maljefe wrote in the journal; staining paper with ink to bleed the words : ❛  the truth is, i don’t want just anyone. i want you.  ❜ love confessions . loni & kazimir .
Tumblr media
unnaturally blue eyes widen for a moment, surprise taking the cyborgs visage over like a thundering storm and for a moment it was as if kazimir brahms didn't exist. as if that cursed man from all those years ago was still alive, still human. as if that wretched man was standing here instead of him. as if there was still any humanity left in him. he stares at her, looking as though she'd just casually revealed the secrets of the world to him. she looks conflicted, as if she too can sense that this wasn't how it was supposed to be. the playful banter, the tension in the air ... it was supposed to be casual. sort of. they both knew better than to chase after something with someone who could ruin their life. & yet here they were. for a selfish moment he wants to smile.
because he never stopped loving her even after death.
his mouth opens, and perhaps for the first time since kazimir brahms first came to be his voice is more human than robotic; his throat constricts, hurts with the strain as it trembles in shock. even though he knows that he shouldn't be saying anything when he was the one who sought her out, who wouldn't let his past remain buried and followed her even though she didn't even recognize him. who selfishly pulled her in and pulled her close while donning and entirely new life and name. they both silently agreed that this was not going to be some cheesy story. that she'd do her thing just like he'd do his - that the closest to commitment they shared would be chris because whether he wanted to or not, that was her son. what foolish, emotional hypocrites they had been. his voice trembles, shivers. cracks and wavers.
❛  this isn't supposed to happen! you can't just fall in love with me!  ❜ - ❛  too late. ❜
Tumblr media
she looks at him as if she's not sure if she can truly reach him; as if she didn't know she already owned his heart before she even knew him. and she doesn't, he remembers. because he's cruel. unfair. because he never truly told her anything other than the scraps he was willing to throw over his wall. he wants to think that maybe he wasn't built for love, but even though he knows he wasn't ... he does. he loves. he loves her with all his heart, with every fiber of his being and every piece of his brain. with every last bit of his soul; he loved loni valadian. itohan eghide once said that the actuality that the heart does not want to feel doesn't negate the certitude that it once felt and will still feel. the second he read that quote he hated it for its truth.
now that he thinks about it, perhaps he's been too self-indulgent, too selfish in the entire ordeal of this; and now he alone carries the guilt of two heavy hearts bared to destinies cruel wits. mien relaxes, shock making way for a raw sort of sadness that he should not be able to convey. he is breaking his system; or rather, loni is. but it is not the kind of breaking that will cause him to short circuit, rather it is a sort of brokenness that will allow him a little more freedom in his humanity, maybe. if he is lucky. and if he isn't ... well, it was nice for a few seconds he'd say. he looks at loni, looks at the furrowed brows, the serious expression on her face; the faintest twitch of her mouth that betrays that she wants to grab him by the collar and shake him for not saying anything else and letting her words dangle in the air - for allowing himself to get hurt, badly, without giving her a chance to say these words to him.
she's yelled at him for that before, right when he woke up. he assumes it's because she knows that unlike normal people he does not need time to readjust after waking up when his wounds have been tended to, simply because his body cannot feel the exhaustion and fatigue humans or humanoid-aligning creatures can. he lets out a dry, low huff at that, gives a bitter smile at the ground. he's feared that, for a while. he'd hoped that loni would be like him; a coward in their own right. but she isn't, never has been and he regrets underestimating her like that. she shouldn't be so intimidating to him in this moment, she was the one with her heart on her sleeve, she was the one baring it to him not the other way around. and yet, he falls backwards, lands his ass on the couch and puts his head in his hands, body racking as if he's sobbing violently. and maybe, just maybe, if his body could it would be doing just that. but it can't.
Tumblr media
❛  don't do that. don't love me. don't give me your heart for me to waste it. ❜
his voice is breaking, cracking at the edges to reveal the sharp vulnerability that has cut him all these years. reveals the rawness that he's hid behind the lie of being incapable of processing such deep emotions. if he wasn't himself maybe he'd be happy. ecstatic even. he remembers a time where he would have jumped in joy to find out his emotions were reciprocated. but those times were over, at least in the outwardly joyousness. that person died when he thought of trying to help make the world safer against people like him. when he thought the one good deed he could do was destroy the very group that wanted to send him after the she-wolf.
he doesn't need to look up to know she probably feels just as helpless as him. it had to be said, had to be outed. if he stops denying it then he knows that much, but he would've hoped it never had to happen. emotions as soft as this deserved tenderness, to be treated like the fragile things they were; not to be thrown into two lives full of darkness and violence. he shakes his head, again, again and again before he gives up. looks up at loni with utter defeat in his eyes. his voice is hoarse, the faint traces of static buried underneath the pure agony in his voice. no, he's destroyed himself with this love. he refuses to pull her into the self - inflicted destruction too.
❛  don't love me. it will kill you the way it killed me to love you. ❜
Tumblr media
3 notes · View notes
fellow-traveller · 1 year ago
Text
There's a minor debate in the JoJo fandom about Part 3 having fillers. I'm just...;;-;;
Consider this a mini attempt to help the new gen of JoJo fans understand something about JoJo. Might be kinda long, so...under the cut :)
JoJo is probably one of the anime that has no fillers. JoJo manga's runtime from Part 1 to 6 is from 1987 to 2003 pretty much gets faithful adapted into the 2013 anime. They have minor changes and additions to it from the manga, but not enough to be calling them fillers. Even the OVA, it still holds the storyline without straying away from the source material.
But somehow, a few fans, minor up to the age of 25, misunderstood what a filler in anime is. They sort of assumed that filler means boring plots or side stories that are not important to the main plot.
I'm sorry but, no.
Fillers are story arcs/major events in an official anime that do not exist in its original source material i.e. the manga or novel. Filler was used (and still is) to "fill up" the time between the production of the manga and the anime that is supposed to refer from said manga. As not to have the anime catch up with the manga, fillers are made.
Best examples of anime notorious for fillers are Naruto and One Piece. They had story arcs, 2-3 episodes (or more) long, and definitely doesn't add much to the actual story in the manga. Newest addition would most likely be MHA, but that's more of padding (adding extra elements/scenes to existing story) than an actual filler.
I get wanting to label an episode in JoJo as uninteresting, but filler is not the correct word to use. If it's boring to you, then it's just that - boring.
Plus, I'm not sure how other JoJo fans perceived JoJo's story arcs and how they were constructed in terms of art and pace. If one notices, Araki has the habit of showing a dramatic scene or a battle in slow motion. Unlike other battle shounen anime/manga, every movement, every punch, every kick, is fast paced. But JoJo is drawn in such a way to show the actions in slowed time.
As such, it's best to keep that in mind when one feels like the battles are drawn or the story prolonged. The pace is normal, but Araki drew them to depict slow motion.
I'm obviously biased with Part 3 since it's my favourite part, but if you want it to be less boring for you, maybe instead of concentrating on the story pace and the "villain of the week" framework, try looking it in a different angle.
Like, why tarot cards? Why the association to colours for their Stands? Why the certain designs of the characters/Stands? Why the small changes from manga to anime? Or manga to OVA to anime? Tbh, there are so many things one can dig just by the cards alone, which can make your experience with Part 3 more enjoyable.
7 notes · View notes
pastelgalaxiez · 1 year ago
Text
A New World: Wild, Wonderous, and Overgrown
A Brief Overview:
THE WORLD
The earth has been commodified by a new and rapid magical growth, causing natural disasters, sickness, loss of communication, loss of technology, and many many deaths. No one has been able to explain why. The story starts in Oregon, still lush and green, but now an even denser rainy forest with impossibly sized trees sprawls across its entirety. They stand the size of skyscrapers, covering large swaths of the earth below in darkness. Terrifying skittering can be heard coming from the lofts of trees. On misty days fog settles around crumbling buildings, and tree logs stretch into a blurry white above. An odd stillness falling over the entire area.
Natural resources from the world before are few and far between. Plants seem tangentially familiar, but the texture is off, or the color is tinted, or the entire thing is scaled far too big.
(Concept art of the forest  and broken cities below)
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Moving out of what remains of Oregon, things only get stranger. Arizona and Texas and deserts -like before- only now pits have appeared, revealing only darkness below. Rock juts out in odd formations, and several pieces are defying gravity all together. Sand running down to the mainland below, like a never ending hourglass. Often viewers will find themselves lost staring at the running sand, wondering where it’s coming from, where it goes, and why it hasn't stopped. When they finally look away the sun is almost set, their mouths are dry, and their legs are shaky. Who knows how long they had been standing there.
Even hotter are the wastelands. The ground ashen and devoid of all but the harshest of vegetation. The earth cracked and warbled, a glow of fire between the cracks. The earth itself is uncomfortably warm to the touch, heated from the magma below. Anyone who attempts to traverse the terrain must watch their step, lest they lose their footing and burn themselves. However they must also keep their eyes towards the sky, in case the winged beasts above decide that they are prey.
(Concept art of the wastelands below)
Tumblr media
The great plains have cracked, crashed, and rose, affected by some cataclysmic earthquake. Leaving steep thousand foot drop offs into pools of purple liquid that the new creatures of this world drink from. It’s gorgeous, and breathtaking, and almost seems peaceful, until someone spots the large lumbering creatures below. No one wants to get close enough to find out if they’re peaceful or not.
(Concept art of the plains below)
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Not everyone is gone from the world before. Pockets of safety, settlements and stragglers exist. Those that can adapt quickly survive. Those who've ended up alone struggle their way through wastelands or fallen cities, devoid of other human connection. Scavenging in abandoned shops for supplies, while avoiding the monsters that lurk. Those in small colonies lend much better social lives to say the least, but they're terrified to wander outside the walls. And their scrambled together hierarchy system is bound to crumble soon if nothing is done.
New things are changing everyday, humans are shifting and morphing in ways that their body and mind wishes to reject, sprouting new limbs, fur, gaining strange elemental powers that they have no clue how to control, or if they even can. They all just want it to stop, and the fates would agree with them, if someone wasn’t meddling in the background…
THE WANDERERS
The gods aren’t supposed to step in, they’re supposed to set things up, sit back and watch it all play out. They’re supposed to be the directors of the play, not act in it. But when a mortal tries to rise to the status of the gods, and becomes power hungry in the process, their hands are forced. But there are rules for this sort of thing. A council is brought together, and each of them choose one being. One individual with the qualities they deem fit to save the world from total ruin.
Two unsure boys.
One timid, and doomed to death before the adventure even begins, but bright and clever. Daemen
The other hot headed, angry at the world, (and rightly so), but strong willed, and charismatic when need be. Max
One excited girl.
Naive and loud, but friendly, loyal, and has a damn good right hook. Juniper
And one terrified individual
Stubborn, and a little selfish, but quick, honest, and learning how to care again. Indrid Webb
They’re finding their footing, scared and stumbling. However, the gods have faith that they will complete their task in time. They have to. It’s not like saving the world come with a backup plan.
(The Wanderers, first image, from left to right, Juniper, Indrid, Daemen, Max)
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
All concept art shown is illustrated by me and me alone!
16 notes · View notes
solarfyn · 2 months ago
Text
aphelion
⭑ hyunjin-centric
⭑ rated teen, less than 1k words
⭑ light angst, character study, emotional turmoil
also available on ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/58496122
Three o’clock in the afternoon is hardly an appropriate time to start thinking. Less so, during an interview. But sometimes, words are so carefully constructed that the string they form catches on a hook you weren’t aware of. Pulls at a latch of a box you previously didn’t know existed. Spills all those thoughts onto the ground—sets them running free—or as free as they can be in a large enclosure.
Three o’clock in the afternoon is hardly an appropriate time to start thinking. Less so, during an interview. But sometimes, words are so carefully constructed that the string they form catches on a hook you weren’t aware of. Pulls at a latch of a box you previously didn’t know existed. Spills all those thoughts onto the ground—sets them running free—or as free as they can be in a large enclosure.
What is something you would like to ask Stay?
All things considered, it should have been a normal question. It shouldn’t have shocked him.
Hyunjin blames it on the solo schedule. It’s been a while since he’s seen his members—he’s abroad again. Seems to be away from home more often than not, recently. That’s why his emotions are all out and untucked.
What would he like to ask Stay? The thoughts claw at his skull. Part of him wants to cave in. He could ask them if they’ve ever felt a deep urge inside of themselves to pour out all their emotions. If they’ve ever experienced something like that. Is he alone when he says he feels the primal urge to create something, anything, to cope with that unbearable feeling? That, recently, it’s gotten to the point where he has to physically stand up, pace around whichever hotel room he’s occupying—talking to himself because his head is bursting from the seams with too many ideas, none of them tangible enough to bring to the physical plane? Do ordinary people who live ordinary lives feel that too?
The fans always talk about how they think Hyunjin is ethereal, out of this world. That there’s no way he’s human, because anyone this perfect simply cannot live and breathe in the same realm of existence as them. He’s been compared to a piece of art, an angel, a god—he hates it all. It makes his skin prickle and his spine tingle. It makes him want to claw out his heart and show it to the world. He wants to hold it in his hands, prove to them all that it beats—like a human. That he bleeds like a human. Not just like a human… he is a human. Just like you all, he wants to scream.
It’s no secret that Hyunjin feels big emotions. They’re like flashbangs—big, explosive, gone in a moment’s notice. Sometimes, when he feels a particularly big one, he wonders if it’ll ever come back. If, in that moment, he’ll create such a large, sudden flame of life that it’ll snuff itself out from the shock. It’s not at all that steady flame some people experience, that reassurance that the emotion is always there, dormant but existent. 
The worst feeling is when he feels an incoming explosion of emotion bubbling deep inside of him, dragging itself up and out, needing to free itself like some sort of bizarre creature. A snake trying to unfurl itself in a cramped cage, perhaps. In these moments, he wants so desperately to translate it into a way that is physical. He doesn’t know how. What is he supposed to do, when his head is too full of life and there’s no way to stop the waterfall of thoughts fighting to be a part of his soul?
He’s tried to make his emotions pretty. Digestible. It’s simple, to do what others ask of him. Write a romantic song. Paint a romantic scene. Pretend like you’re in love with the idea of love.
Hyunjin’s never been in love before. That’s why all of his paintings depicting love are inspired—all of them are fictional stories. If he’s ever felt romantic love, he certainly wouldn’t be painting other people.
He sees his life as a timeline of projects. Creation after creation, Hyunjin tries to pour his whole life into improving, making things for himself, other people, documenting his existence in the form of art. It’s proof that he was here, on this earth. That he lived. That he was real.
It’s just, sometimes, that creativity is too much. He digs and digs at the source and before he knows it, he’s trapped in a hole and the walls have transformed into a prison. Because he’s not making art that’s real to him. He’s constantly aware of the fact that he wants to create. He wants to broadcast his imagination to the world. He wants to contribute to the void that is full of painfully personal creations.
But there’s nothing more terrifying than realizing his untapped potential. Knowing that if he had kept his art anonymous, if he had been allowed to express his real emotions, he’d be better. There’s that selfish part of Hyunjin’s brain that just suffocates him from the inside, telling him to create, create, create with no bounds. He just wishes he had more time, more knowledge, more something.
It won’t happen, because over the years, Hyunjin’s thoughts have become too vast and messy for the canvas to hold. He’d drown the cotton before he could finish the painting.
And so Hyunjin spends another moment biting his tongue. He wishes people could see it bleed—
Time resumes. It’s been lifetimes. Or maybe just a blink of an eye. Hyunjin clears his throat, free of blood. It’s just his imagination.
“My question for Stay.” He laughs—it’s practiced. Idol-like. Charming. “Hm, that’s a hard one. I’d have to ask what your most recent emotion was.”
0 notes
sunmoonandeddie · 3 years ago
Text
and he kissed me right here
pairing: modern!bucky barnes x reader
word count: 6,100
summary: I've always been sure that all I ever wanted was a glamorous life.
warnings: Cuss words, mentions of the Afghanistan war (Bucky is a veteran), angst, happy ending, cheesy romantic confessions, age gap
a/n:  This is based on the song 'Stars and the Moon' from Songs for a New World! It's the first one shot in my musical series! This is written in first perspective, but there is no physical description or use of a name in this!
Twenty-Two
I sighed as I tossed a few more dirty plates into the dish window, wiping my brow. After a shitty dinner rush and an even shittier rush around two in the morning consisting only of drunk ass college kids looking for some sort of carb to suck up all the alcohol in their systems, I was ready to go the fuck home.
“Sweetheart, you head on home now,” the head chef insisted as he watched my head nod slightly as I tried my best to fight off sleep. “Ain’t nobody comin’ in before Melissa gets here. No point in you staying on your feet any longer.”
Louis was a godsend. At sixty-seven years old, you’d think he would rather be anywhere but a diner at almost four in the morning.
“Nah,” he had said when I’d asked him a few months after I’d first started. “My Ginny died a few years back, and since she’s been gone, I don’t really have the stomach to sit around that house all alone.” He had laughed, but there’d been a deep sorrow that had come over his deep brown eyes. “Kids are worried, but… Sleeping the day away is better than laying up at night staring at her side of the bed…”
“You sure, Lou?” I asked even as I headed for the back room where all the employees clocked in and kept their possessions in their own little cubbies. I did my checkout in view of the security camera, just like always. I didn’t want anyone to be able to say I stole anything.
Everyone who knew me knew that I wouldn’t, but I’d worked at two many places where the girls tried backstabbing each other and sabotaging everyone else to get them fired.
Though people were a lot nicer in Louisiana than any of the other places I’d lived.
Louis chuckled as he set a to-go box in the window, nodding towards it. “Mmhm. Long as Buck is getting you home safe.”
I gave him a joking eye roll as I took the to-go box gratefully, grinning at my name written in all caps with green Sharpie on top. “You know you don’t have to make me dinner every night.”
“Yes, I do,” he said, shooting me a look. “How else do I know you’re getting enough food in you, huh?” He pointed his rag at me. “Now you go ask him to get you home. Tell him I said he can clock out, and that he’s supposed to text me when he sees you safe inside. You better not say you’re gonna ask him again just to walk yourself home.” The old man shook his head as I headed for the back door, muttering to himself, “Damn girl thinks I’m gonna believe she’s feeding herself good enough when she’s risking her damn ass walking home alone.”
Despite the fact that I’d put off asking for Bucky Barnes’s service, I really did appreciate how fiercely Louis cared about me.
It had been a real long time since anyone had cared so much.
I hesitated at the back door of the diner, my hand resting against the cool metal.
What if he said no?
Granted, he most likely wouldn’t. But what if he said yes, and he secretly thought me some dumb little girl that couldn’t take care of herself?
What did I care if he thought that?
“I don’t care what he thinks of me,” I huffed as I straightened my shoulders, holding my chin a little higher.
“Stop talking to yourself and get going!”
I jumped in surprise, before shooting a glare in the direction of the kitchen. “Stop listening in on my private conversations!” I demanded before storming outside with new found vigor.
Only to freeze when Bucky looked up from where he was sitting on the curb, smoking a cigarette.
God, he was handsome.
“You okay, doll face?” He asked, his New York accent a sharp contrast to the southern drawls you were used to.
“Um… Y-Yeah,” I said faintly, glancing back at the door that I’d come in from. “Um… L-Louis wants me to ask you… Can you walk me home? Or give me a ride? I don’t… I don’t know if you drive…”
“I do drive.”
“O-Oh. Okay. Great.”
“But I don’t have my car on me.”
I peered at him curiously. “Oh. Um… I can just walk by myself. I don’t wanna… I don’t wanna be a nuisance…”
He stood up, tossing his cigarette to the ground and stomping it out. “Don’t be ridiculous, darlin.’ Come on. I’ll walk you.” He shoved his hands in his pockets as he began to head for the street. “Besides… It’s a real nice night.”
“Oh…,” I said in surprise at how ready he was to be of service. “Okay. But only if you’re sure.”
A faint smile graced his lips as he glanced at the ground, letting out a faint chuckle that rumbled deep in his chest. “I’m sure, darlin.’ But you gotta lead the way.”
I was surprised by the rapid pitter patter of my heart beat as we walked side by side down the street, the chorus of ‘Yellow Brick Road’ getting stuck in my head on a loop.
Bucky was an enigma that I found myself wondering about more often than not, but I always ended up talking myself out of going there. After all, he was an older man. A much older man. At least fifteen years older than my own twenty-two years, or something along those lines, not that he looked it. The man looked like some kind of rugged Greek god. Like Hades if Hades was born in the eighties. His dog tags clinked together under his shirt as we walked, his metal prosthetic glinting in the moon.
“So how did you end up in NOLA?”
It took me a moment to even realize that he was talking to me, my heart skipping a beat and my face going hot in embarrassment. “I’m sorry, what did you say?” I asked.
His bright blue eyes flickered over to look me over. “How’d you end up in New Orleans?”
“I actually don’t know,” I snorted, avoiding his eyes as I kicked at a few broken up pieces of asphalt. “I just… Picked a bus ticket and ended up in one of the Carolinas. Then I picked another bus ticket and ended up in Minnesota. And then I picked another, and another, and another, and then I actually just… ended up here.” The months I’d spent alone on those Greyhounds felt both so long ago and also like it was just yesterday. “The diner was the first place someone recommended for food that’s good but cheap, and as I was eating my mountain of cheese fries, I saw the flyer that said they were hiring. So here I am now…”
“Huh,” he said, his brows furrowed. “I didn’t take you for the type of person to run off on your own… riding buses all over the country…”
Head tilting to the side, I gave him a long look. “You didn’t? What kind of type did you peg me for?”
Bucky gave me a long look, a single brow raised as though silently telling me that I jumped to conclusions. “Just that jumping from place to place can take a lot outta someone,” he said slowly, his voice low and soothing. “Hell, if you were my girl—” He broke off as his cheeks flushed a pretty shade of pink, his long hair falling in his face.
I swore my heart had stopped inside of my chest, and I swallowed thickly around the lump in my throat. “Oh?”
He rushed to try to correct his wording. “I-I just mean, a lady should be comfortable. And if I had a g-girl like you, well… You’d never want for anything,” he stammered, stumbling over his words like a flustered school boy. “Hell, I… I’d give you the stars and the moon…”
I was shocked into silence, staring up at him like he was the sun itself. “Bucky…”
“No, no, don’t say anything. I… I know that was a lot,” he insisted quietly, unable to meet your eyes as he stared up at the shitty apartment building you called home. “Hell, you probably don’t want a gross old man hitting on you.” His metal hand, glinting in the low light of the street lamp, reached up to brush against my cheek for just a moment before it quickly dropped. “Just let me walk you home each night so I can make sure you’re safe, yeah?”
“Yeah,” I breathed out, unable to take my eyes off of him as he took a few steps back.
There’s a somewhat playful smirk on his lips as he watched me stumble up the steps, continuously glancing back at him. “Goodnight, baby doll.”
“Goodnight,” I said, barely audible before I finally headed inside.
Bucky kept his word. He walked me home every night, and honestly, there wasn’t a moment that I wasn’t thinking about what he had said, about if I was his girl.
What if I was his girl?
But… with that meant I’d have to give up the life I’d dreamed for myself. I wanted luxury, to never worry about bills or where I was gonna get my next meal or if I could afford to buy the nice work shoes or if I could only get the cheap ones that would fall apart in three months and then I’d just be right back where I started.
I wanted the life that celebrities lived. Hell, I wanted to go to parties on the same yachts the Kardashian-Jenners did, even if I couldn’t fucking stand them.
And with Bucky… I wouldn’t have that.
“So why’d you go on the run anyway?” Bucky asked one night as we sat on the curb, eating ice cream in the Louisiana heat. “I know you told me how you got here, but you’ve never told me why.”
“You’ve never told me how you ended up here or why either,” I shot back, nudging his shoulder with my own.
Somehow the age difference seemed non-existent as we sat there. Honestly, I felt like we were just a bunch of dumb teenagers, shooting the shit and enjoying each other’s company.
Bucky took in a deep breath, his shoulders sinking in a way that made it look like he had all the weight of the world on his shoulders. “I was over in Afghanistan for a long time,” he admitted quietly. “When the war first started, I was 19. I had no idea where my life was going and I had no options except my dad’s mechanic shop. So I enlisted with my best friend, Steve. The one I told you about.”
It’s completely silent except for the sound of an occasional car horn off in the distance.
“Neither one of us knew what we were doing. We realized very quickly that we had no reason being over there, but… but there was nothing else,” he said, swallowing around the lump in his throat. The ice cream he was holding was melting in his trembling hands. “I didn’t know how to do anything else, so I stayed. Steve moved up in the ranks, but I stayed pretty low… I didn’t mind. Kinda liked being the older guy all those young kids could talk to, could rely on… Because they were just like me, getting into a fight that wasn’t theirs because they had nothing else.”
My heart was shattering inside my chest as I scooted a little closer, my knee knocking against his as I tried to give him some sort of silent comfort. He’d been through Hell and made it through.
Bucky let his head rest against mine, his eyes closing as he breathed in the scent of my perfume. “They eventually moved me to some kind of specialized team… Called us the Howling Commandos. I found out that Steve was heading it and he picked me to be part of it. That’s how I met Sam, because he was on some sort of similar team with the Air Force, except it was just him and his friend, Riley,” he continued, taking a bite of his chocolate fudge brownie ice cream. “I am proud to say that I didn’t kill a single person while I was over there. I just couldn’t. Hell, they’re people just like me, terrified and unsure of what’s going to happen.” His lips pressed against my forehead, letting it linger. “But then about five years ago, I was on a mission with the Commandos, Sam, and Riley, and… this bomb went off while we were playing a game of soccer. I wasn’t even in a fight. That thing took my arm and it took Riley.”
Tentatively, I let my fingers find his, holding his hand and squeezing reassuringly.
“Sam decided to come home with me.” There was a forlorn look in his eyes, as though he was right back at that game of pick-up soccer. “After losing Riley… he couldn’t find a reason to be over there. And then Steve decided to stay, and hell, he’s still over there, leading that fucking team…” Glassy baby blue eyes finally found mine, the both of us doing our best to not cry. “I couldn’t face my family for a long time, so Sam asked me to come stay in Louisiana with him and his family, and I haven’t left since.”
“Have you gone to see your family?” I asked slowly, almost like I was scared I’d frighten him if I spoke too loudly, like a wild animal. “Let them know where you are? That you’re safe?”
He turned to look at me, his baby blues shining. “You worried about me, baby doll?”
“I can’t help it,” I said honestly, unable to tear my eyes away. I hadn’t opened up to someone like that in so damn long. “I can’t help but worry about you.”
The way that I felt about Bucky absolutely terrified me, but there was nothing I could do to stop it. It snuck up on me, like a train coming around a bend.
I hated it.
“What do you want out of this life?” Bucky asked on one walk home, his arm linked in mine. He’d become so much more… tactile. If anyone took a moment to look at us, they’d think we were a couple on a romantic stroll.
Perhaps we were.
But I couldn’t help but grin as I looked up at the sky, taking in the warm air. “I wanna live like how the movie stars do… I want a big house on the beach and twenty cars and a yacht and… and…”
He looked at me long and hard. “And you never wanna have to worry about where your next meal is coming from, if you’re gonna have a place to sleep at night…”
For some reason, I’d felt a bolt of panic over whether or not he’d understand. Whether or not he’d think differently of me, but I should’ve known that he wouldn’t. Hell, he knew me better than anyone else.
“You understand,” I said quietly, my hand squeezing his bicep gratefully. “I want to live how the other half lives for once. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.”
A small smile graced his features as we shuffled along. “There isn’t. But… What about love?” He asked.
“Love?”
“Love.”
Love.
Could I even have love? Did I want it?
“I don’t know if there’s a lot of room for love in my plans,” I admitted after a long moment. “In my experience, love has always just been a lie. A word used to manipulate and eventually abuse.”
Letting out a snort, he let his fingers tickle down my tricep until his fingers intertwined with mine. “I’d show you it’s not… I’d show you what real love is,” he said. “I’d give you every part of me, give you all my strength to help you grow into who you wanna be, even if I don’t particularly care about being famous or rich…” He brought my hand to his lips, kissing my knuckles. “I’ll give you a love story, a life, that’s a million times better than any recycled Hollywood plot… I’ll give you the stars and the moon, if you would just let me.”
I hated the way that he made my heart beat faster, the way my breath hitched. “Jamie,” I breathed out quietly, the two of us having stopped in our tracks to just… take each other in. Live in each other’s presence for a moment. “I…”
“You want a big life… one a lot bigger than little old me,” he said simply, shrugging. His blue eyes were so honest, so loving. So warm. A warmth I hadn’t ever experienced before. “I know. But that doesn’t change that I’m in love with you. And if you ever change your mind…” Bucky reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card, pressing it into my free hand. “This is where you can find me. I figure it’s time for me to go home.”
We’d come to a stop in front of my building, and I was shocked at how tight my chest felt. My eyes watered as I stared at him long and hard. “Jamie, please… I⏤”
“Don’t say it. It’s okay,” he insisted as he cupped my cheek, letting his thumb run over my skin as though he was memorizing it. “I just want you to be happy, darling. You got that?” His lips pressed to my forehead, letting it linger. “Go get that life you’ve been dreaming of.”
Twenty-Three
I left New Orleans the next day, grabbing a bus ticket after throwing all of my belongings into my old duffel bag. It was time to move on.
But God, did it hurt.
I didn’t stop crying for weeks, fighting the urge to go right back to Louisiana and tell Bucky to take it back, to get him to beg me to stay with him.
But what kind of life would that leave me with? Working in the diner day after day? Never getting anywhere?
But you’d have James, a voice inside my head reminded me snarkily.
Then again, he most likely wasn’t even in New Orleans anymore, if what he said was true when he gave me the business card of his father’s mechanic shop. Was he really planning on going home to New York City?
A few months later, and I’d worked my way all through the southwest to Santa Fe, where I met Pietro.
My heart was pounding as I pressed in the familiar numbers, having memorized them from the business card now soft and faded from how often I held it in my hands like a lifeline. “Come on… Pick up… Pick up…”
“Barnes Tires and Motors, this is George,” a man said in a gruff voice when he finally picked up. “How can I help you?”
“H-Hi, is James there? James Barnes? Bucky?” I stammered out, hands trembling so bad that the old payphone was almost rattling.
There was a pause, and then muffled talking away from the phone.
And then I heard it being picked up. “This is Bucky,” he said.
It felt like the wind had been knocked right out of my lungs. How had I gone so long without hearing his voice?
Breathing in sharply, I tried to figure out the words to say. But my throat was dry and it was like I’d suddenly forgotten the entire English language.
That was all that it took for Bucky to realize it was me. “Baby doll? Baby doll, is that you?” He asked quietly. “I…” He took in a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. “You don’t gotta say a thing, sweetheart… But just know that if you’re in trouble or you need help or… or anything at all, you better call me…” His voice wavered, as though he was fighting tears just like I was. “God, I miss you so much, baby doll. I love you.”
I love you, too.
I hung up before I could actually say the words. “God, I’m so fucking stupid,” I whispered as I leaned back against the wall of the gas station I’d found myself at, rubbing the heels of my hands into my eyes.
My dumb ass had decided to wander from the bus station, and I’d walked over a mile away. Unless I was staying in Santa Fe for a bit, I’d need to start making my way back.
“You okay?”
In my distress, I hadn’t even heard the rumbling of the motorcycle or noticed the handsome man making his way to me. “Uh, yeah. Yeah, I’m fine,” I said even as I wiped my nose with a pathetic sniffle.
He eyed me for a long moment, his eyes roaming over my figure. “You hungry? I know a great little place nearby. My treat.”
And well, I was never one to turn down free food.
Even if that ‘little place’ ended up being a food truck.
“You know, when you said it was a little place, I didn’t picture it having wheels,” I said teasingly, licking salsa off of my lower lip. “Though, it is the best food I’ve ever gotten from a food truck before.”
“Oh, come on. This is the best food of all time!” He laughed, shaking his head.
“I don’t know if I’d go that far,” I snorted, finishing off my flautas.
Pietro looked at me long and hard. “So, are you gonna tell me what the hell was going on to have a pretty girl like you all teary eyed?” He asked, his head tilting to the side.
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. “Was this your plan all along?” I asked. Wiping my hands off on a napkin, I did everything I could to avoid his eyes. “Get me all fed and then question me?” But at the same time, the thought of being able to finally talk to someone about it was so appealing… After a long moment of hesitation, I finally gave in. “I fell in love with a man, and he let me go because he knew that I want a life he can’t give me,” I said. “And I was a bitch who didn’t even tell him I love him back when he said it to me.”
Pietro took in a deep breath, slowly letting it out. “Damn. You really are a stone cold bitch, aren’t you?”
“Hey!” I indignantly threw a chunk of tomato at him, glaring. “I just opened up my heart, you dickwad.”
“Dickwad?!” He said, blinking at me in shock. “No one’s ever called me a dickwad before.”
I raised a single eyebrow at him. “Maybe not to your face, but they definitely have.” He gave off the vibe of a fuckboy, of a really, really bad fuckboy.
“Well, since you’re running away from your feelings, how about you spend a week or two with me on the road?” He asked with a grin.
I couldn’t help but blink at him in shock. “What?” I let out a laugh, pulling one of my legs up to my chest. “Do you throw that line out to every girl you meet? Or am I just special?”
Pietro threw a chip at me, and I barely managed to dodge it. “No, I don’t. But… You remind me of me. Needing adventure. A life bigger than four walls and a fence.”
Instinctively, I wanted to snap back that sometimes, four walls and a fence could be an adventure, could be the biggest life there was, as Bucky’s face flashed across my mind.
But I couldn’t do that. Not when I wasn’t ready to face the truth myself.
“Come on, sweet cheeks,” he teased as his foot hooked around mine. “Just think of it. The open highway, a rhythm beneath your feet… Nights full of passion and days of adventure…” Pietro’s voice was deep and husky, as though he was trying to lure me in. “No strings… just warm summer rain soaking us to the bone before we find some cheap motel to huddle down in…”
Plastering on a smile, I stood up and brushed myself on. “Thanks, but… I’d rather be drinking champagne, and the quicker I get to LA, the sooner I will be.”
He let me go with a kiss on the cheek and his cell number pressed into my hand, with a promise to come and pick me up the second I rang.
And despite how sweet he was, how wild and funny and charismatic, there was only one man I wanted to call.
Twenty-Four
I sipped at my martini as I sat at the rooftop bar, absentmindedly watching the television that was mounted on the wall as people droned around me. I’d been in Los Angeles for a year, and I’d spent my time finding the best places to find a husband who could give me the life I dreamed of.
As much as I didn’t want to admit it, it took connections to build a career, and the best way to get a foot in the door when nepotism was so rampant was by marrying someone in the industry.
My silk dress was the most expensive thing I owned, something I’d saved up for months for, had skipped meals for. And fuck, was it worth it. I could feel the stares, the lingering gazes on the little bit of thigh that was exposed by the slit in the dress.
I’d already turned away several men, able to tell just from their expensive watches and cheap suits and shoes.
It was amazing how all the up and coming finance bros thought they fit in with the truly big dogs.
“Well, hello, gorgeous.”
I turned to see who was speaking, my heart skipping a beat when I realized who I was speaking to.
The world famous (or infamous) director, Tony Stark.
“Hello, handsome,” I said smoothly, my lashes fluttering innocently as I took a sip of my horrible drink.
I fucking hated martinis. Always had.
But ordering a martini was more sophisticated than ordering a frozen strawberry margarita.
“Is this seat taken?” He asked as he motioned to the empty bar stool right next to me, even as he was already sitting down. “Let me buy your next round.”
“I can’t think of anything better,” I said, feeling as though my dream life was already in reach.
Twenty-Eight
“Tony, where are you taking me?” I laughed as I let my boyfriend lead me to the private dock at our Malibu mansion.
Well, his mansion. I just happened to also live there.
It had been a whirlwind of a year since I had met Tony, and he’d bought me that second round. He’d taken me all over the globe, anywhere my heart desired.
But I made sure to avoid New York City, though he never understood why. I would never tell him.
Not when I was so close to my dream. I could practically taste it.
“Come on, come on. I have a surprise for you,” he said, keeping his hands over my eyes. He was sure to keep me from tripping and busting my ass, thank god.
The ocean waves were so comforting as they hit the shore, a sound I’d gotten used to over the past year.
He finally brought me to a stop, quietly telling me to keep my eyes closed. “Okay,” he said finally. “Open them.”
My eyes slowly opened, adjusting to the bright light of the California sun. But I was more shocked by the sight of Tony on one knee in front of me, holding out a box with a sparkling diamond ring in it. “Tony?”
The ring was the size of a fucking meteor. It was easily the biggest ring I’d ever seen.
“You know, I never thought I’d meet someone like you,” he said quietly, his dark eyes shining. But his voice was steady. “Someone who understands me, who doesn’t expect me to change into someone I’m not. You accept me as I am, and that’s why I want to give you the world.” He couldn’t help but grin as he nodded to the right. “Starting with that yacht you’ve always dreamed of.”
I hadn’t even noticed that there were two yachts at his private docks instead of just the one. The new one had SS Princess emblazoned on the side, and I couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh… Tony…”
“So, what do you say?” He asked, bringing my attention back to him. “Will you be my wife?”
“Yes.”
Thirty-Two
Swallowing nervously, I looked down at the business card in my hand for the millionth time, the stock paper soft from how often I’d looked at it in the past ten years.
Hell, just how often I’d looked at it in the past six should’ve made it fall apart by now. Not that I didn’t have it memorized.
I’d finally ended my marriage after being miserable for so long. I’d gotten my yacht, my fancy houses, my career, all the jewelry that I could dream of, and none of it made me happy. Tony and I… never grew. And I never dreamed. Every day was the same, and every day was torture as I realized that I didn’t have the one thing that actually mattered.
The garage in front of me was busy, music blasting and the sound of men shouting to each other as they worked.
Suddenly I felt absolutely ridiculous wearing a Chanel dress and Gucci heels, an Hermés bag on my arm.
BARNES TIRES AND MOTORS was lit up along the top of the shop in bright red letters, though the lights in the ‘r’ of ‘motors’ were out.
I felt like a fool. I had wanted the life I had so desperately that I gave up everything for it. I got the movie star life, my name on billboards and my face on magazines.
But it wasn’t ever enough.
My heels clicked against the blacktop as I slowly made my way towards the front area of the shop, bells clinging above my head to let them know someone was there.
“Can I help you, ma’am?” A man asked as he came around the corner.
He looked so much like Bucky, it punched the air straight from my lungs.
“H-Hi. I’m looking for James Barnes. Is he here?” I asked after a long moment of hesitation. There was no way that the man was Bucky, but I didn’t doubt he was related.
The man raised his brows, wiping his hands on a rag. “My son’s in the shop. I’ll take you to him.” His full head of hair was white, his thick facial hair matching. Even with all the wrinkles on his face, he was a handsome man. Holding open the door for me, he led me into the loud shop, some eighties rock song blasting over the speakers.
I couldn’t help but smile as ‘Rock You Like a Hurricane’ by Scorpions came on. It was one of Bucky’s favorites back when we worked in the diner together.
“BUCK! YOU GOT A VISITOR!” The man shouted, causing several people to look our way.
My cheeks felt hot as I avoided their gaze, hoping they wouldn’t recognize me. I didn’t want to be a famous movie star anymore, a celebrity that had to beg for scraps of privacy.
My mind went numb, my heart stopping inside my chest as he stepped around a gray Ford Escape another man was working on.
He was even more handsome than he was the last time I saw him.
“Can I help y—” He broke off, his blue eyes going wide when he realized that it was me. “Hi.”
All of a sudden, everything I’d planned to say flew out of my head. All of the eloquent words I’d strung together were gone. And I just proceeded to word vomit.
“Did you know that, uh, when you marry someone you’re not in love with, you won’t… you won’t grow into it?” I asked, my voice shaking. “Um… I married a man who could give me a life I thought I always wanted, and he just… sucked.” Eyes stinging, I fought back against tears. “And I thought that all I ever wanted was the life I have now, was the life movie stars and the Kardashians lived. But… But I hate it. I hated every second I was away from you.” I let out a weak laugh, unable to stop the tears. “I wanted to turn around the second I got on the bus in New Orleans, but my stupid stubborn ass didn’t. I should have. I should’ve gotten off and just run right back to you because I… I love you, James. I always have.”
The garage had gone almost deadly quiet, and my heart sank when I realized Bucky looked almost frozen in shock.
“I know that I shouldn’t have showed up like this,” I scrambled to say. “But I… I’ve been trying to get my divorce finalized for two years and I finally did, and I kept telling myself that once it was done, I’d never hold myself back from what I really want ever again. From who I want. If… If you want me.” My face felt like it was on fire, my hands shaking. I shook my head as I took a step backwards. “What am I thinking? There’s no way you’re not married. I… I’m so so—”
Before I could finish the word ‘sorry,’ Bucky had closed the distance between us, his hands cradling my face so gently. He held me like I was made of fine crystal as he kissed me. He kissed me like his life depended on it, like I was the one source of oxygen.
And I kissed him back just as fiercely. “I love you. I love you so much,” I breathed out in between kisses, unwilling to let him go as my Hermés bag fell into the dust and oil on the concrete below.
Bucky smiled into the kiss, his arm wrapping around my waist to keep me pressed to his chest. “I love you so much, darlin.’ God, I’ve missed you…” His nose nudged against mine as we finally broke for air, both of us breathing heavily.
My knees felt like Jell-O as I held onto him. His grip was the only reason I hadn’t fallen to the ground already.
“I’m sorry I was a dumb twenty-two year old,” I said, snorting as he stole another kiss.
“No… Don’t be sorry,” he insisted, his fingers massaging my scalp as our foreheads pressed together. It was like he was scared to stop touching me, like I would disappear at any second. “You were young… You had to go out and make your own mistakes… I’ve just been waiting for the day you were ready.”
All the years apart melted away and all that remained was the two of us, two souls so intertwined that there was no way to truly separate us.
Our lips were half molded together as I said, “I’m never leaving you again. I promise I swear on everything…”
My heart almost stopped inside my chest as I heard someone clearing their throat, looking to see Bucky’s father staring at us with his arms crossed over his chest. “M-Mr. Barnes, sir…”
He gave a crooked smile that was so reminiscent of Bucky that I couldn’t help but grin back. “The Mrs. will wanna know if you’re staying for dinner.”
“Yeah,” I said as I looked up at Bucky, toying with a strand of his hair. “That sounds perfect.”
Later that night, Bucky and I laid in his bed, a mess of bare limbs as his fingers ran up and down my back soothingly. “What do you want from this life, baby girl?” He asked absentmindedly.
Humming, I traced shapes on his bare chest, sometimes pressing a kiss to where his prosthetic met his shoulder, on the tender scar tissue. “You.”
A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth, despite the already mischievous look on his face. “Really? Not even the stars and the moon?” He asked teasingly.
I knew he’d give it to me anyway, give me all that he could. But I was sure now that the only thing I wanted from this life was his love. “Not even the stars and the moon.”
594 notes · View notes
taikk0 · 2 years ago
Note
Does your little OC/Sona have a backstory (both fictional, and practically) ? I did see them in a murderous mood and it seems there was more in there... So I was wondering
Oh good question, but a couple of weird answers incoming-
So.. technically speaking, no he doesn't. Because I keep flopping around between at least three and none of them are canon, since I'm not really satisfied with either one of them.
However, I don't really think I consider them to be very important at the moment. Because I have a VERY brief outline of his story and you could easily not even think about the backstory because it doesn't really serve a purpose, and honestly I think I'd be fine with it just the way it is and keeping it that way until I find a compelling story to tell with the backstory being a major player.
Narratively speaking, yes. but I've made up the absolutely brilliant excuse of giving him amnesia and I made two memes about it not too long ago but I never posted them because I had no idea when they would become relevant so nows the time I guess:
Tumblr media Tumblr media
All that out of the way though, The reason why I decided to not properly give him one is that I kind of grown to not really enjoy making characters having a huge chunk of their story being pushed to the wayside as "the backstory" because I think it wastes a lot of narrative potential and is only used as a backdrop to explain why a character is the way that they are in the story they were supposed to be a part of. It kind of makes it feel like the character had their own movie and the main story they're actually a part of is a crossover sequel with other characters with their own separate movies. So I'd much rather focus on what happens and becomes of them in the present. Which brings me to my next weird answer:
Their main story is the backstory???
It really isn't, but with the state of its current presentation, it might as well be (BUT IT ISN'T) let me explain- The timeline where most of the art I depict him in is scattered all around. In one artwork he's with the Krang, and in the next, he's with Leonardo, and after that, he's in a white void breaking the fourth wall.
But there is actually a timeline between them, it's just unclear and the art is their own stand-alone thing, but they are a part of the bigger picture, just very small "can be broken off and nothing would change because it's just a little twig that grew from canon but is not a part of said canon" branches
But I can say that the Leo art where they're just hanging out and being buddies with no bad blood between them is what becomes of Mix once his arc has concluded. Take it as sort of tidbits of an epilogue.
Though for full transparency here, Mikyomix isn't really a rise oc. He was just my sona that I inserted into canon because I bullied Leo on my TikTok story once, which led to me drawing them interacting for the first time. I didn't really give it much thought then, but now I can confirm that he does exist in the rise universe somehow despite breaking its usual conventions. He's a strange dude, and everyone takes note of it. What also adds to his peculiarity is that most of his lore started off as a joke, but it all ended up tying together and accidentally made sense. the pieces were there, it only took me a few months to realize that they weren't just ornamental, and I started piecing it all together. Just know that most of the jokey lore and character details I've made about him now serve a purpose.
But.. as much as I talk about it, I'm kind of torn between just keeping it my own thing and making the story I want to tell. It's super cheesy and lame and it's technically a self-insert, but at this point, there will be a time when the self-insert stops being a self-insert, where they get so far into the world and the events that happen to them within it that they start taking up their own form. It's not really you anymore, they're their own character. It becomes less about what you would do if you were in the same situation and more about how the character would react given their personal experiences.
That was a very weird tangent but it sounded too good to edit to fit everything else in so I'm keeping it. Anyways not only that, but also the fact that I'm a VERY amateur writer, and god knows how badly I could ruin the execution. I doubt that I'll ever write it in full, but I might occasionally post about it just because I can.
I had no idea where to put this in but I had to mention it for anyone more curious than they already are.
Mikyomix is a very simple character, but they still have depth. he's not complicated enough to have a very deep and complex narrative with hidden subtext that is worth a character analysis. But they're enough to serve a story dedicated to them.
Tumblr media
also:
Tumblr media
there is a more in-depth reason for this I promise I'm not just throwing darts blindfolded and hoping I hit something
23 notes · View notes
plush-rabbit · 3 years ago
Text
Divinity in Impurity
Request: Okay but what if I actually request solo Simeon and him moaning through prayers and being just totally repressed and painfully turned on because his precious lovely MC makes him go doki doki? And of course a shameful messy clean up :3c I love u bestieee ✨✨💋
Word Count: 2.5K
A/N: Couldn’t get this out of my head, I want him to be repressed and emotionally conflicted
-
Simeon enters the House of Lamentation, a gift bag in hand and he’s grateful none of the brothers are home. At least for Beel since the angel is sure that the gluttonous demon would’ve sniffed out the lovely baked goods that he carries. The home is quiet, but he knows you’re here. He sent you a message, confirming that you would be here. The house is empty and it’ll just be you and him, sharing a treat from his home and chatting away. It’s so rare to get you alone and while he’s glad that the brothers are there to protect you, they are also highly possessive, not letting a soul get near you and even less likely to allow someone to be alone with you for so long. There’s a light feeling in his chest, making his lungs expand with air, making him feel as if he’d float away from the simple joy of spending time with you. His cheeks are starting to hurt from the smile he has etched onto his face.
Guilt may lap at him for not informing Luke or Solomon of his whereabouts, but for just once, he wants to be alone with you. He wants to sit and talk about anything other than school work and how everyone can’t seem to focus on the task at hand. He wants to talk with you, learn more about you until you’re all that fills his mind. Or at least, occupy it.
He’s excited, standing at your door and he knocks, a smile on his face. Patience is something that he’s born with, having the time and mind to save those that stray from the path of light, to mentor the young angels, and to grant him his title. Yet, he can’t stay patient. He’s at your door, he can hear you hum and only a piece of wood separates you for him. His patience is thinned, eagerness taking over and he turns the knob to your door. All he wants to do is see you, to be unbothered as he spends time with you and listens to you talk. He wants you, that’s all he wants. The knob is cold underneath his hand, and he steps into your room, greeting you with a wide smile.
The bag tightens in his hands, his eyes widening slightly and smile falling. You stand in front of him, slightly turned away, a shirt pressed against your tummy, your chest bare and legs naked, the only clothing you have on is your underwear, shaped to your body. Your eyes are wide, a heavy flush takes over your face and he’s expecting you to yell, an apology already at his tongue, his eyes dipping for just a moment, catching the swell of your breasts, the lovely aroma of the cream you wear, your fingers that twitch ever so slightly as you grasp the shirt in your hand.
“Simeon?” You call, and he’s quick to dart his eyes back to meet yours- back to where they belong. “I appreciate you coming over, but could you-” you gesture your head towards the door- “you know, leave for a moment?” You smile at him, the shirt in your hands now fisted tightly.
“Ah, yes, of course.” He nods his head, trying painfully to grapes at his composure that is now slipping through his fingers. “I’m terribly sorry,” he mutters, exiting the door, the door clicking behind him.
Rather than sit there and wait, he glances at the door, knowing you’re behind it, your body untethered by cloth and bare. He leaves, his steps quick and quiet, walking away without so much as a goodbye. How could he possibly stay there? How could he look you in the eyes when he was so obviously staring at your body? How could he have done something so raw and primal of him- something that isn’t him.
He hadn’t meant to walk in on you while changing but- he bites his tongue, his face hot and an aching pain in stomach. There is no “buts” or ‘ifs’ or anything of the sort. He should have known to knock before he entered your room. He’s an angel, of course he should have knocked. It doesn’t matter if you two are close, it doesn’t excuse his action for being so forward. He was just so excited to go and see you, to gift you a treat sent from the Celestial Realm. Oh- the treat. It’s still in the bag, protected by a glass casing and covered with tissue papers that glitters under the light. He had forgotten to give it to you in his rush.
There’s no going back now, not when he saw you and had the audacity to even stare at you. He’s humiliated. His face burning and any breath that he has is taken from him, squeezed out of his body and forced out. He runs to the safety of his room, glad that no one seems to be home. He slams the door, his back pressed against the wood and when he closes his eyes, he can still see you- your body bare and nipples pert, your face holding a slight flush. He can see everything behind his eyes. The lock quickly snaps into place, his steps hurried as he walks toward the small table in his room.
He places the bag down on a table as he rests on the chair provided in his room. He leans back, the cushion soft underneath him. The wood is scratched at by his covered hands, his gaze focused on the wall. Simeon mumbles under his breath, an apology said to no one, his bottom lip teased by his teeth.
How could he possibly face you tomorrow? How could he do anything after what he just witnessed and did? He removes his gloves, dragging a free hand down his face, leaving the palm to cover his mouth. His phone buzzes in his pocket and he reaches for it in the same second, half hoping and half dreading that it’ll be you.
It is.
You ask where he went. You even apologize, saying that you mustn’t have heard him.
He laughs bitterly. You apologize to him. He was the one who entered your room without permission, invaded your trust and yet, you were the one who was apologizing. He simply leaves the message on read, not knowing what to tell you. Would you believe him if he told you that he had felt sick? Probably not, but for his sake, you would have, he’s sure of it.
He sucks in a deep breath, his eyes on the wall and there’s an unfamiliar itch in his body. Or rather an itch that he shouldn’t scratch at. Looking down only confirms his suspicion. He’s erect. Could it be from you? He sighs. What a silly question. Of course it is.
It’s wrong of him to even keep the image of you ingrained in his head. “Touch me, O Lord, and fill me with your light and your hope. Amen,” Simeon whispers under his breath, trying so desperately to keep his hands away from his erection. It pains him so, his body growing hotter by the second, sweat starting to bead and eyes watering at the tempting fate of actually touching himself to you. “Please Father,” he whispers, “grant me strength. I can’t- I am but a humble servant of yours. Please take away all these sinful thoughts.”
His chest trembles, his mouth dry and tongue thick. There’s a pressure against his stomach, his hands grip at his thighs, his head bowed and no matter what, you are just in his mind. Perhaps you’re the real sin, the real test in all of God’s Grand Plan. How is he supposed to be an angel when a human of all things is the one that is turning him to sin. The one being who has managed to ruin him, to unthread his wings and have him even think of reaching out to you and be selfish.
The unzipping of his zipper is loud, echoing in his ears, drowning out the holy blood that rushes inside of him. He lets out a sigh when his cock is free, the cool air in his room making contact with the hot flesh. When his hand wraps around himself, he lets out a sob. It’s filthy, but at the same time, it’s something that makes his mouth water and want more. You are the most beautiful sin, the one that he will risk everything for, for just a chance to touch you.
“Please forgive me,” he whispers. He’s unsure of who he’s speaking to. He doesn’t know if he’s asking father for forgiveness, unknowing if his message is reaching out, unknowing if he’s hidden from his light and his view; or if he’s apologizing to you, for walking in on you and now pleasuring himself to the thought of you.
You are all that invades his mind, his hand wrapped tightly around his cock, the ridges underneath his fingertips pulsing with heat. You stand bare in front of him, your body soft and blemished with little scars and ridges. He tightens his grip, his teeth clenched and jaw starting to ache. He’s touched your hand before, felt how soft you are, how loving your touch can be and he can only wonder if you're still gentle in bed. If you’d play the act of the blushing virgin under him, if you’d whimper and buck your hips if he were to kiss at your neck and cup your sex under his hand. You allowed him to stare, even if it was for just a moment, you had reelected so calmly, smiling at him, acting as if he were your lover who had seen your body countless times before. You are molded under God’s light, given freedom and kissed with the gentle lips of God, birthed and given existence, your path defined only by you, and you’ve allowed him to see that. You had acted so calmly, telling him with a smile if he could excuse himself for a bit. It’s almost as if you were used to that sort of thing. He stops in his movements, his eyes wide and breaths coming out in uneven pants. You live with demons, you must be used to that. To have such devils enter unannounced and watch you strip yourselves from your clothes.
The thought fills him with fury, his lips curled and brows knitted together. Yet, his hand continues to pump at his cock. The ridges near his cockhead tingle under his thumb, his head thrown back and eyes shut tightly.
His thighs tense, the muscles in him pulled taut as his grip tightens. “Something so tainted shouldn’t be the thing to witness you,” he hisses through his teeth, brows furrowed and hips bucking. “It’s outrageous that they’re the ones you live with. Beings so full-” his voice cracks, his head dipping down- “full of sin, touching and dirtying you.” His cockhead leaks with pearly white semen, dripping off his cock in heavy, thick strands.
When he closes his eyes, he can imagine you, dressed in white, spread before him, pleading with him to be gentle- you’d be the blushing virgin, ready to take in God’s Grace and kiss lips so pure that you’ll whine against him. You’ll be under him, your fingers lost in your sex as you tell him that you’ve been waiting for this moment. His pace quickens, his eyes closed as he thinks as to how you’d feel. Your thighs plump and your walls tight around his cock, your sex pulsing under his touch. You’d kiss him and he'd return it. He lets out a cracked moan, his breath sharp and head thrown back.
Beside him, his phone rings. He gives a slight turn, his clean hand going to lift the phone. A deep frown settles on his burning face as he realizes what he’s done and to who he’s done it to. Your image fills his phone, a call from you. He clears his throat, and quickly accepts your call.
“Simeon!” You sound worried and the tugs at his heartstrings and further cements his guilt. “I was worried, you didn’t reply to me. Are you okay?”
“I-” his voice cracks, and with a deeper flush, he clears his throat. He wonders if you know what he just did. He wonders if you would figure out what he’s doing as he listens to your voice. “Ah! I’m sorry, I thought I had replied to you but it seems like I hadn’t. I- uh,” he bites on his lip, trying in vain to muffle his moan- “My mistake. I- I just, I needed to get something,” his voice strains at the last word. “I’ll be over shortly. I promise.”
“Simeon,” the way you call his name makes him tug harder at his cock, “if this is about what you saw, then it’s okay. I know you. You didn’t mean to.” You sound so sweet, trying to comfort him while he’s doing something so perverse. “Listen, if you want, we can forget that that happened and start new, okay?”
“Really?” he breathes out, already closer to his high. “I would appreciate that. I-” His nail grazes over a vein and he lets out a deep groan.
“Simeon, you okay?” You say hurriedly. “You sound hurt.”
“I just bumped into a table,” he laughs breathlessly, his phone pressed roughly into his ear. “I’m sorry for worrying you,” he mumbles. “I’ll be over shortly, my dear. Just wait a moment.”
He barely has a chance to hear you say goodbye before he ends the call. “Fuck,” he groans, snapping his mouth close and turning his head, sliding his hand up and down his cock. Clicking noises fill the room, his cock pulsing in his hand, feeling as if it were about to burst. So heavy and foreign in his hand, Simeon pushes past the thought of his own hand touching himself, and tries to imagine yours. He thinks of your voice, of how you said his name, rushed and high, calling out to him.
You’re this glowing thing, something so pure but also full of sin, so human and lovely for it. You’d be this thing he was able to touch, this person who would love him and beg for touch. Under his wing, you’d be protected, cared and loved. Tears brim his eyes, trailing down his cheeks in hot flashes, sparking and disappearing into nothing before they have the chance to wet his hand. He’s already so close, his stomach knotting together, and body beginning to shake. As he releases, his free hand covers his mouth, muffling his moans that are drenched in cries. His seed is thick, coating his hand and leaving him in burning ropes. He looks at his hand covered in semen and he wonders if you would have been so kind to lick it off of him, to treat him as if it were your finest meal. His cock twitches at the thought, dribbling out more semen onto the seat.
Simeon lays in his afterglow, taking deep, slow breaths, his palm open, his seed dripping onto the floor in syrupy strands. The tear tracks begin to dry, his eyes still watery and the image of his ceiling blurry. With a wince, he stands, and grabs at his soft cock, walking to the nightstand and pulling out tissues. It’s humiliating to cleanse himself, to dry off his semen and to wash his hands. He can’t touch you with his hand, with a hand that had sullied the image of you in his mind, that had gripped at his own cock and covered himself in seed. The semen comes off of him in rushed waves, slipping down the drain and leaving his hand wet and clean as if there was nothing there to begin with. In the mirror, he is greeted by his reflection- messy hair and flushed cheeks, tears in his eyes and puffy lips from being bitten by. He wonders if you’d recognize this dirtied version of an angel when he greeted you. He wonders if you’d still hold his hand that grasped his cock not too long ago. With another message from you, he grabs the sweet he was supposed to bring, giving a glance to the gloves that rest on the arm of the chair. With a sigh, he decides to leave them there, hoping to hold your hand and memorize the feel of it
676 notes · View notes
vbpotter · 3 years ago
Text
Malfoy (James Potter x reader)
Warnings: Angst 
A/n : I take requests <3
We all love someone . They say, that loving someone is the best feeling. They say that loving someone feels like you are floating in the air, their thoughts clouding your mind. They say that loving someone is peaceful, because you have finally found your home. They say that Loving someone is like having something to heal you, to carry you, to encourage you. They say that loving someone is worth living for. 
But, only a few people know what it is like to not be loved. Only some people know what it feels like. Only some people know how much it hurts. Only some people know how it feels to be ignored, to be the second choice, to not be loved by your family, to not be loved by the person you have handed your heart to. Only some people know how much it hurts to be not loved , to always be the second choice, to always be the least preferred one, to always be not enough, to always be a disappointment, to live with no love. 
Someone who knew exactly how it felt like was Y/n Malfoy. 
Yes..... Y/n Malfoy. 
The Youngest Malfoy of the family. 
Now..... Growing up as the only daughter of the family, and not to mention the youngest child would have been easy, right?  especially if you are from a rich family who has high standards and is very respectable, having elves to do your work left and right, to be raised like a princess?  
Yes.... She was raised like a princess..... But not a normal princess..... She was raised as Rapunzel. 
Trapped in a tower,  hidden from the outside world , learning everything that the people of the tower taught her, believing that what the people of the tower said was always true ..... Until one day, she decided to know what the outside world was. 
So she ran, escaped from under dozens of gazes, unseen. And..... For the first time in her life, she saw something worth looking at. 
She happily skipped around, looking at the trees filled with flowers, that were so different from the dark trees surrounding her Manor. She saw beautiful birds chirping , multi coloured birds that were so different than the white peacocks that she usually saw at Malfoy Manor. She saw the sky, light blue with different shapes of clouds floating in it,  it was so different than the dark ceiling of the Malfoy Manor. 
She smiled and ran,  admiring the scenery around her. That is when she reached an open area, that she guessed was a playground. She saw a couple with a young boy. That was the time five year old Y/n Malfoy met James Potter for the first time. 
Since that day, Y/n would sneak out from Malfoy Manor every evening for an hour, during the time when her mum was at her daily Tea Party with her friends, her father in his library and her brother playing the piano. 
She and James would play on the swings and chat happily. She even got to know his parents, Fleamont and Euphemia Potter,  who were very happy that James had someone to play with ,since they lived in a large Manor at the edge of a small forest .
Everything went smoothly, until one day, her brother caught her sneaking out. That was probably the worst day of Y/n's life .She still vividly remembered her brother's harsh glare, her parents' disappointed looks and the punishment she received afterwards. That was the first time Y/n had been tortured with the Cruciatus Curse, not knowing that she would be receiving more of it in the future. 
The Malfoys were forced to move away , since - the Dark Lord ordered them to .
Malfoy Manor was then established at an even worse place, in the Middle of a Dark Forest , its location unknown to everyone. Even Y/n didn't know in which part of the world they were living in , but, the life of the six year old Y/n was already ruined. 
The next five years of her life were the worse. She felt as if she was trapped even more tightly in the tower, like Rapunzel. 
There were house elves around her room every hour of the day. She was forced to wear long and puffy dresses , which she hated . She was forced to go to fancy Balls and meet new people, mainly boys her age. She hated it, her parents were determined to get her married at a young age to a respectable boy form a  pure blood family, so that they didn't have to deal with her anymore. It was disgusting. They were trying to arrange or even engage a six year old with a boy her age, or even quite older than her. 
She hated their ideas. She would wince, whenever someone talked about Muggles and Muggleborns.....in such a way t-that even the worst person in the world didn't deserve to be t-talked to or about. She had snapped at such people many times, and she had been punished...... The same number of many times. So much, that the cruciatus curse didn't hurt her anymore. 
Her parents couldn't kill her, nor disown her. Because , the dark lord said that young children were valuable and that they would be useful for his army in the future .
Y/n still remembered ,the day when she was united with James Potter. She was on the Hogwarts Express , going to Hogwarts for the first time. Her parents had just lectured her about not to talk to 'filthy people ' and her brother had left her with a harsh glare , running towards the prefects compartment where he was to be sitting. 
Y/n sighed after her brother left her with another of his classic Malfoy glares. She looked around and headed forward, searching for a compartment with the least people or no people at all. She finally found one, only one person was sitting in there. 
" Hey! Can I sit here? " Y/n asked. The person who was staring out of the window looked at her, and Y/n felt her throat dry down when she was met by a familiar pair of Hazel eyes, only this time - they were covered by thick round glasses. 
"J-James ?" Y/n muttered, her voice shaking. 
" Y-Y/n?" The boy asked and Y/n felt a wave of Happiness overcome her. 
And then after years, the two long separated friends embraced each other in a warm hug. But, James didn't know that Y/n was ten times more happier to see him than he was to see her. 
As Y/n, now in her 7th year,  sat in the couch of Gryffindor common room, she felt herself smile as she was reminded of the memory. 
Y/n was sorted into Gryffindor, giving her parents and brother another reason to hate her. 
She and James were quick to become close friends again , and soon, they were joined by Sirius, Remus and Peter - the 5 of them, together being the Marauders. 
Since First year, James was obsessed over Lily , Y/n's fellow roommate. She and Lily weren't friends, per say, but - they didn't hate each other either. The two would always have small conversations and would often discuss their homework notes together. 
Y/n never opposed to the idea of her best friends chasing after Lily . She always encouraged him to go forward , she always encouraged him that he could do it . But , It was in her fourth year did she realize that what she felt towards James wasn't just friendship . She realized that the little weigh she felt on her shoulders after hearing him ramble about Lily  was not tiredness , she realized that the little churning of her stomach around him , the blush she got when he flirted with her without even realizing it .......all of it , was not just platonic ........at least not for her . 
But, she didn't act Bitchy like others would have in this situation. She didn't get angry when James ditched her loads of times just to try to spend time with the red Head. She didn't get annoyed when he treated her like one of the boys.
All she did was smile. She plastered a fake smile on her face and encouraged him to keep going, to try and get the Red Head. 
But, even though she felt the weight of the whole world on her shoulders, even though she felt her heart sink down day by day - she was happy. She was Happy for her best friend.She was happy when she saw him progress on the Red Head he had been chasing after, She felt happy when he was happy. And..... She knew that she shouldn't be Selfish. She had accepted her fate long ago, she had accepted that she and James weren't meant to be together. She had accepted that she had to stay with this weight her entire life. But a little part of her ...........It told her that she could at least hope  ...................But then , another part of her told her that she was useless and worthless, nothing but a waste of space . And Oh-How it crumbled her .
Despite it all, Y/n always stood by him. She stood by him when he cried , she stood by him when he felt like he was not good enough , she stood by him when he needed to hold someone ..........he held onto her and she never complained . 
James didn't know, but, he had landed all the weight of his life and feelings on the girl, and it broke her. But she still stood by him, every time, as a friend,  never asking for anything, never asking for more, never caring about herself, never wanting anything other than helping him,  even though her whole existence was the thing she needed help with.
She didn't only stand up alongside James. She stood up for Peter when he was bullied and body shamed for being fat. She comforted him when he cried. 
She stood by Remus when he felt like he was a monster. She was the one to help him along with the other Marauders during the full moons .She was the one who would heal Remus's wounds in the middle of the night, in the early morning, or whenever Remus felt like he wanted someone to heal is wounds and whisper soothing words in his ear. She was the one who taught Remus that you always have something worth living for, even though she herself didn't know why she was living. 
She stood with Sirius when he was disowned, when His Brother hated him, when Sirius felt like he was a mistake, a disappointment.
Despite, she never had anyone to hold onto . Her parents and brother , who were supposed to be her family, treated her like a piece of trash . She was alone , but she never showed it . Just because she didn't want to be a burden , just because she didn't want to be Selfish .
Sirius and Remus knew about her feelings for James,  the two could look through her smile completely. Peter was an oblivious person and he never knew what was going on, but still, the three of them always were there to cheer her up , but - none of them saw the completely broken her. 
Y/n looked around the Gryffindor common room she was currently sat in. She looked at the time and realized that the boys should have been back from their daily "boys time" by now.
Just as the thought crossed her mind,  The portrait hole of the Common room opened and in came Remus , Sirius and Peter,  laughing loudly. 
" Good evening, gentleman. You are 5 minutes late " Y/n said,  folding her hands over her chest and showing the three her watch. The three gave her guilty smiles and settled themselves on the couches around her . 
" Guys.... Where is James? " Y/n asked looking around. Sirius and Remus exchanged a look and avoided looking at her . Peter was sitting as if he didn't know what was going on , like always.
The next second The Portrait Hole opened and In walked James and Lily, their arms wrapped around each other and their clothes and hair looking disheveled and.... Both of them had the biggest smile on their faces. 
Y/n saw , as James led Lily towards the girls' dorm staircase . Lily whispered something in his year and the both of them giggled . Lily plated a kiss on his cheek , and then giving him a wink-she left , leaving James behind - Who's face was as red as Lily's hair.
He stared at her all the way until she disappeared . Then , he turned around swiftly - Smiling so widely that it looked as if his cheeks would split in half .
"SHE SAID YES! SHE SAID YES , GUYS!!!!!" James Shouted , his voice shaking a bit due to happiness .
In a second , Remus and Sirius's heads snapped towards Y/n - giving her sad looks . But , the reaction from her was not what they expected .
She smiled. And it wasn't a fake one - it was a genuine one . 
Y/n felt her heart clench at James's words . But , she noticed how happy he was , she noticed how happy she made him . And in that moment, she completely accepted the fact that he loved Lily , and that the two belonged together . She accepted that Lily made him happy . She was happy that her friend finally found someone he deserved , finally found someone worthy of Him . Y/n always knew that she didn't deserve him , she didn't deserve to have him in her broken life . Even though she was distraught , her best friend's happiness was all she needed . And she smiled. She smiled because he was happy , she smiled because she finally figured it out , she smiled because she knew that he would be happy . And Y/n would do anything , anything to bring her friends happiness , even if it meant giving up her own . 
" Ooohhh ..............Congrats , Romeo " Y/n said enthusiastically , smiling up at her best friend .
Part 2 coming up..........
302 notes · View notes
strayen-fx · 3 years ago
Text
Red.
》 HHJ x reader
》 angst, vampirish theme
》 warnings: mentions of blood, hints of physical assault
》 2.1k words
》 a/n: short and simple, after months of writing break. Hope you guys enjoy regardless :)
Tumblr media
“Stay away from them, my dear. Save your blood from the horrors of their fangs. Be wary of solitude, and be wary of the crowd.”
It was a day not unlike any other. My morning kicked off lazily, with me waking up almost an hour later than a college freshman was supposed to. Nothing unusual there. I did my usual morning prep, took a cup of grandma’s tea in one gulp, and went my way. I was already late for the train—I had to run after a departing bus with an exceptional speed that would put Olympiads to shame. I got in the room just in time as the bell rang for first period. I came in huffing like an old man, but it’s alright. Way better than walking through the early jam-packed hallways.
The first aberration in my daily humdrum existence happened on my way to fourth period. A student from another department stopped me on my tracks. I knew him; he was a member of the student council. Was I in some sort of trouble?
He introduced himself as Han Jisung, then proceeded to ask if I have seen his friend.
“He’s tall,” Jisung explained. “But like, not super tall. Not the towering-over-people kind. He has a mole under his eye. He’s got black—no wait, I think he dyed his hair again the other day. Anyway, have you seen someone like him? He’s noticeably handsome. I guess. I’m more handsome, though, but you know what I mean.”
The whole school would know who he is talking about. The one and only Hwang Hyunjin: champion swimmer, council member, and just a general talk of the town. The Prince. Even if I did see him around, though, I wouldn’t know. I never pay attention to the people I walk by.
I shook my head and muttered a soft sorry. I did feel bad for Jisung. He looked so worried and dejected, and I can’t blame him—not after after the incident with Seungmin. I can’t really take it against him to worry about his friends. I sauntered off to my next class, my mind still stuck on the fact that a normal person in my school has actually talked to me, and I was able to keep my composure.
Fifth period: P.E. I don’t even know why we still have this subject in college. I opted to take a stroll instead. You see, a huge, dense forest is situated right behind the main school grounds. You could say that the school itself lies within the bosom of greeneries. Unkempt bushes and rows of towering trees stretched over several miles deep, starting from the edge of the campus to god-knows-where. It is my goal to scout the whole area before graduation.
Weighed down by my personal monstrous beast, I trudged through. I walked for at least fifteen minutes before I finally reached the spot—my spot. Sheet of decaying leaves cushioned a huge gray boulder, standing at least ten feet tall, shaped like an odd piece of egg smashed against the forest floor. Against it stood a larger stone, this one dotted with moss and weathered with cracks. They were propped against each other for support, as if stopping one another from tumbling to the ground.
There was a smaller rock at the foot of the smaller stone, and I use it as leverage to climb up and sit on top of the largest boulder. It was my favorite place. Most times I could just pretend that I was alone in my own tiny bubble, at the center of that clearing that nobody else ventures but me. I don’t feel the breath of people suffocating me with every step that I take. I don’t feel my heart thumping with the sight of anyone else. I don’t need to hold back. Here, I don’t feel weird.
But today felt somehow different.
It was awfully silent. The wind felt sharper and colder. Electricity was humming in the air, leaving my skin prickling with discomfort. There was a tension in my veins that I couldn’t quite explain—it felt like an omen of an incoming disaster.
Time ticked slow. A couple hours could have passed—or maybe it has only been five minutes—when a nearby rustling perked up my senses.
Trying to keep my movements as quiet as possible, I hopped down and took up a defensive position, which wasn’t easy to do for a student with no actual weapon aside from an almost-empty bag and a worn-out calligraphy pen. My instincts told me to take cover—but my feet seemed glued to the ground. Sweat trickled from my forehead. My hands started to feel clammy.
And then, just as I was about to scamper away, a figure crashed into view from behind the nearest oak tree. I almost threw my bag towards the person’s direction, until I had a clear view of the intruder’s face.
It was Hwang Hyunjin, wide-eyed and disoriented, with his cheeks and uniform smudged with traces of blood.
“Help me.”
His voice came out as a tiny croak, as if his throat was filled with acid. He stumbled towards me, reaching out his hand for support. I wasn’t able to move an inch—and who could blame me? The situation was way too hard to process.
Hwang Hyunjin, the university prince, was hunched huffing before me, his clothes caked with mud and dried blood, his hair a nest of mess on his head. He had a cut on his cheek, I noticed. His breathing was heavy and labored, as if the mere act of standing on his own two feet required all the effort he could muster.
“Help me,” he repeated.
“What happened to you?” I managed to blurt out. My initial thought was that some random outsiders kicked his butt for stealing their girlfriends. But no—someone like Hyunjin would have been able to handle that. Plus, something in his eyes showed an elaborate fear—something only a beast would be capable of instilling. I should know.
My heart began thumping faster, a colossal drum barreling in my chest.
Just as my schoolmate was about to open his mouth and explain, a loud rustling broke the stillness of the air. Before I could process what was happening, Hyunjin grabbed my hand and bolted away, dragging me with him.
“Don’t look back!” he warned.
I did.
At least a dozen feet behind us was another male, probably as old as Hyunjin. He was sporting our school uniform, walking casually under the shades of trees as if time wasn’t of any matter. What puzzled me, though, was the fact that we can’t seem to distance ourselves from him despite the heavy efforts Hyunjin had been exerting to drag us both away from this newcomer.
I took another glance behind me, and to my surprise, the young man wasn’t there anymore. Nowhere behind us, as if he dissipated without a single trace.
Hyunjin took a sudden stop, causing me to bump my head against his back. I was about to call him out for stopping, but then I saw the looming figure a few meters in front of us.
“You…?” I began, my mind a juggle of unanswered questions. How on earth did that happen? How is he—
Hyunjin's friend, Kim Seungmin, stood before us in his dirty school uniform. He looked pale, his eyes bloodshot, but he was standing there in full grace, very much alive, giving us a toothy grin. “You’re hurting my feelings, Hyun. Why are you running away from me?”
Hyunjin’s grip on my hand went tighter. “Seungmin...”
“Friends are supposed to help each other, am I right?” Seungmin continued, faux dismay dripping in his voice. He bared his fangs, its tips dripping with fresh blood. “So help me, Hyunjin.”
I felt my body run cold. I wanted to scream, run, anything—anything to get away from this. From him. From the two of them. From everything. But Hyunjin's hand remained strong around my wrist, and my legs were close to turning jelly. I could start to feel the fullness in my mouth, the pointy ends of my incisors. Something that only happens when I'm in an extreme hunger or danger.
“Stay away from them,” grandma said. “We are the same kind, but we are different. Weaker. They see us as preys, as special commodities. They can smell your blood despite my concoctions, my dear, remember this!”
Seungmin tilted his head to one side, finally regarding my presence. “And you, over there. I’ve never tried drinking such special blood.” He grinned. “Satiate my thirst.”
The last thing I knew, a strong hand was pressing tightly around my neck, turning my vision green.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°
“Have you heard of the news?”
“What news?”
“Kim Seungmin was safe! They found him in the forest yesterday.”
“Thank goodness! Was he hurt?”
“He had a few gashes, but he’s fine. Hyunjin found him and brought him to the hospital right away.”
Students filled the corridor, everyone bustling and hustling about the news: after his sudden disappearance, Seungmin was finally found by his best friend, Hyunjin. The latter saw him in the forest, hungry and disoriented. They went straight to the hospital to treat his minor wounds, and that was that—nobody bothered to ask how he managed to lose himself in the wilderness, or how we managed to survive seven days on his own. Nobody asked him stupid and unnecessary questions. Seungmin was safe, and that was all that mattered.
I brushed my way past the milling crowd, flinching at every accidental touch. I kept my eyes on the ground, forcing my mind into silence. I was expecting everyone to be in their respective classrooms at this time of the day, but apparently, the news of Seungmin’s return has become enough reason for everyone to wander about and neglect their individual duties. It was a grand miscalculation on my part—I hadn’t braced myself for this huge number of people.
Not here. Not now. Not ever.
I just have to get back home, and then it’ll be over. My insides would stop churning once I’ve drunk grandma’s tea—that has worked for 18 years now. I can stop this. I can stop me.
I made a run towards the comfort room. To my luck, nobody was inside. I washed my face over and over, as if doing so would cleanse me from the impurity stamped on every drop of my blood. The face on the mirror horrified me—I had to stop myself from punching the glass over and over.
The moment I stepped out, I felt his presence.
He was there, leaning against the wall, lurking behind the shadows. There was a faint gleam of terror in his eyes, but at the same time, I can feel it: the hunger. Lust for meat. Thirst for blood.
“Don’t be like him, Hyunjin,” I pleaded. “Don’t be like us.”
He shook his head in resignation. “It’s too late.”
He took a step closer. Another. He kept on walking until he stood right in front of me, too close I can feel him breathe.
Too close I can see the faint traces of blood on his lips.
“I’m still hungry,” he sobbed. “I’m still hungry…”
Fear was apparent in his eyes—fear of what would happen to him, fear of what he had become. “You will be fine,” I offered, taking his hand in mine. “Trust me on this. It will be fine.”
And then I felt it, stronger this time—the hunger he was talking about. The thirst. My stomach growled in protest at the sight of Hyunjin’s pale flesh. I can smell his blood—I can feel its steady rhythm as it flowed through his pulsing veins.
I need to get home. Maybe my grandma could do something about Hyunjin, too. Maybe she could produce a stronger tea, and both of us wouldn’t have to worry about our instincts anymore.
We stood next to each other for a full minute before he broke the silence.
“We need each other to survive,” Hyunjin whispered. “If we drink the blood of our own kind, we can last for a month without feeding on others.” He freed his hand from my hold and gripped my shoulders tightly. “I need you. And you need me, too.”Hyunjin leaned down until we were staring at each other at eye level. He closed the distance between us. I closed my eyes, and for the first time, I allowed my monster to take ove.
172 notes · View notes
hermannsthumb · 3 years ago
Note
I have a fun prompt I've been thinking about I hope you have time for one day! When Newt and Hermann meet actually things go really really well and they even get together. It's just they bicker so much and have huge science-based arguments that everyone assumed they must have hated each other on sight.
sure thing! i had fun with this one
----
"So," Newt says. "I was talking to Tendo today."
Across the mess table, Hermann hums in feigned interest. Newt knows it's feigned 'cause Hermann doesn't stop either thing he's doing: using his left hand to wind noodles around a fork, and using his right hand to scribble away a series of lengthy equations on the back of a paper napkin. His full attention has been hopping between both for about ten minutes now—no room for Newt to slip in there. He's testing his limits enough as it. Half of the last equation ended up scratched into the tabletop, and the last time he lifted his fork to his mouth, it was empty. And then he swallowed anyway. Newt kinda loves the guy.
"Yeah," Newt says, deciding to continue like Hermann responded the way he was actually supposed to respond, which would've been something along the lines of what an utterly fascinating story, Newton, do tell me more. I love hearing you talk, Newton. How marvelously smart you are, Newton, and how melodic and breathtaking your voice is. Now watch me bite down on an empty fork again. "Kinda funny. He was asking how we met."
Hermann finally looks up at Newt suspiciously over the rims of his glasses, which are slipping slowly down his nose. He stills them with the tip of his index finger before they land in his dinner. "Why?"
"I don't know, man," Newt says. "He just was. It was like, small talk, you wouldn't get it. He dropped by the lab when you were out this morning to let me know that there was extra space if we wanted it. Like, lab space." Hermann resumes scratching an equation into the table absently. Newt rolls his eyes. "As in, we could have separate labs if we wanted now."
Hermann knits his eyebrows together. "Separate laboratories?"
When Newt and Hermann first started at the Hong Kong Shatterdome, the k-scientist team was pre-existing and significantly bigger, and anyone who joined on later—like, you know, them—basically got shoved in wherever they fit. For Newt and Hermann, that happened to be Laboratory Space D, Basement Level 1 (the only basement level), along with a former marine biologist who was killed on a research excursion a month later when a kaiju made unexpected landfall, like, right on top of their chosen shelter. Bad luck. Anyway, Newt's known about the existence of other Hong Kong Shatterdome lab spaces in the vague and absent sort of way that you would an urban legend, but (similarly so) he never thought he and Hermann would actually ever lay eyes on one. And then Tendo stopped by to dangle it in front of Newt on a stick.
"The other labs were being used as storage for ages after everyone else—" Newt searches for a word tasteful enough to encapsulate got stomped by a kaiju and wised up and decided to live out what are probably our last few days before the world ends with their families instead of alone in a military bunker. "—left. Anyway, Tendo told me they've been going through shit like crazy this month, I think to see if they can salvage any old tech, and that the other labs are basically totally emptied out now. We just have to ask and they're ours."
Hermann sets down both his pen and fork, twisting his mouth contemplatively. He finally loses the battle against gravity with his glasses, and they miss his plate by an inch, swinging back on their chain and bouncing harmlessly against his chest instead. Newt briefly wonders if getting a chain for his own glasses would save them from their frequent fatal falls into kaiju organ cavities and buckets of non-neutralized kaiju blood, but decides not even the money he'd save on replacement pairs would make a fashion faux pas like that worth it. "You know I don't much fancy the basement," Hermann says.
"Your joints," Newt agrees. The damp of the basement sets Hermann's joint pain off frequently, something Hermann talks about just as frequently. Newt's not really a fan of the basement either, though for different reasons—he would kill to get some windows and natural, non-fluorescent light in there. Sun lamps can only do so much. He's pretty sure he'd fucking glow if he stepped outside right now. Also, it's cold down here.
"And it might be nice to be closer to LOCCENT, in case of an emergency," Hermann continues. "And closer to—oh, hang on. What has this got to do with us?"
"Huh?"
"How we met," Hermann says. "You said, that Tendo asked—"
"Oh," Newt says. It's his turn to play coy. He stirs his chopsticks through his own dinner, accidentally flicking a piece of tofu to the table. It lands on top of Hermann's etched equations. Hermann scowls, because that's how their routine goes: Newt gets Hermann's stuff dirty, and Hermann gets mad. "Well. It was just that Tendo was like you can finally be out of each other's hair, how the hell did you guys get stuck together anyway when you obviously can't stand each other, that kind of stuff."
"Ah," Hermann says.
"And I said that it was because we knew each other before," Newt says, "and that we transferred here together. And that's when he asked."
"And what did you say?" Hermann says.
"That we used to correspond professionally," Newt says, "and met at a conference way back in 2017." He adds, with a grin, "Also professionally."
This was technically true. Newt and Hermann did write to each other, professionally, and they did meet at a conference, professionally, but what went down after a long and public shouting match in the events hall of a very nice hotel—in Hermann's room, five floors up in that very nice hotel—was not very professional. The events of the week that followed—spent, intermittently, between Hermann's hotel room, several coffee shops, a bench under a tree in Newt's favorite park, a rotation sushi restaurant, brushing knees shyly on the tram, and, finally, clasping hands on the staircase of Newt's apartment and gazing deeply into each other's eyes—weren't very professional, either, but Newt likes to think that they were very romantic. Rom-com level shit. Newt revealed none of this to Tendo, who referred to the 2017 conference as that Infamous Day for the rest of their conversation. "Well, it was professional," Hermann sniffs.
But he reaches across the table, and, very timidly, crosses his pinkie over top of Newt's. It's the most blatant form of PDA Hermann ever willingly engages Newt in. Newt thinks if he ever tried to touch two fingers at once in anywhere but the lab, or God forbid, hold his whole hand, Hermann's ears might start emitting steam like something out of a cartoon. "It might be nice," he says again.
Laboratory Space D, Basement Level 1, is unique—Newt knows—in that Newt and Hermann's quarters are connected to it directly. None of the other labs have that luxury (and Newt has a feeling it's because Lab Space D wasn't actually intended as a lab space). He remembers being told that when they were shoved into it. Yeah, you have the darkest and tiniest lab space on base, but your rooms are right there! When Newt wants to go to Hermann's room, or if he's in Hermann's room and needs a sweatshirt or something from his own, he just has to step the three feet between their two doors. Moving labs could throw a wrench in that—they might be asked to move quarters, too, and might be shuttled to opposite sides of the Shatterdome, and though they could just bite the bullet and request couple's quarters already, it's nice to have their own spaces when they need it. That would never work. And, well, besides—the lab, their lab, feels like home to them at this point. Newt shrugs.
"On the other hand," Hermann says, and he taps Newt's pinkie lightly, "I quite like how things are. I can live with the damp, really."
"We can get a dehumidifier," Newt offers.
Hermann nods, and he gives Newt the barest hint of a smile.
Their monthly delivery of lab supplies—whatever they can afford with their shoestring budget, which, these days, mostly means chalk, rubber gloves, and nice instant ramen—comes three weeks later. Newt wouldn't exactly call the Shatterdome delivery guy a friend, seeing as he has yet to divulge his name to Newt (and also Newt's pretty sure he has a thing for Hermann, since he always seems to wait until Hermann is in the lab to stroll by with his package trolley and always calls him Dr. Gottlieb with big stupid heart eyes, oh, Dr. Gottlieb, that new sweater looks soooo nice on you!, so anyway, that makes him Newt's rival by default), but he, at least, recognizes and acknowledges Newt at this point. That's more than Newt can say for most people on the base. After his usual greeting to the two of them (hey, Newt, oh, hellllooo, Dr. Gottlieb, did you do something new with your hair?), he starts to unload their packages, also like usual.
"I was surprised to see that you guys are still down here," he tells Newt, not like usual. "Tendo mentioned something about you getting your own labs."
"He did?" Newt says, meaning to frown, but grinning instead. It's kind of fun to be the subject of gossip. He pulls off his gloves and tosses them in the trash to help with their supplies—the dehumidifier he requested should be in there, and it's fancy and definitely on the bigger side.
"Yeah," their delivery guy continues. He hands Newt a fuckin' massive brick of a package. Hermann's stupid chalk. The amount that Hermann tears through in a month really is astounding: Newt has a private theory that Hermann is an undercover space alien from a planet where chalk constitutes all of the primary food groups, and he secretly sneaks out here and eats it in the dead of night when Newt is asleep. "Anyway, sorry I'm late," the delivery guy says, as Newt imagines Hermann crunching on a piece of chalk like a carrot stick, "I went to all the other labs first."
"No worries, dude," Newt says. "Sorry for the confusion."
He lugs the package over to Hermann's desk, and drops it down on the only spot not over-cluttered with papers and books. Hermann complains about Newt's messiness a lot for a guy who is just as bad, if not worse. "Need any now?" Newt asks Hermann.
Hermann, scribbling away at his chalkboard, grunts. Newt decides that's a no.
"Hard at work, Dr. Gottlieb?" the delivery guy says, practically fluttering his eyelashes.
Another grunt. Newt snorts.
"I thought you guys would've moved right away," the delivery guy (obviously disappointed at Hermann's lack of attention) tells Newt. "Tendo mentioned you've been stuck together for a while, ever since some sort of dramatic confrontation at a conference ten years ago." he adds eagerly, "Did you really get thrown out? I don't know how you haven't killed each other yet."
"It's taken a lot of hard work," Newt says. Yeah, the whole being-ejected-from-the-conference-and-barred-from-all-future-ones-forever thing is technically true too, but everyone there was too stuffy and serious for Newt's fun vibes anyway, so he thinks it's their loss. The most important part of the scientific breakthrough process, Newt frequently thinks, was having someone there to challenge you and push back at you. Sometimes loudly. And in public. In the conference hall of a very expensive hotel, in front of all of your scientific peers, some hotel security guards, and a poor graduate student who made the mistake of asking you and your penpal-colleague for your joint opinion on something and got caught in the crosshairs. Besides—out of everyone at that stupid conference, Newt and Hermann were the only ones snapped up by the PPDC, so it's doubly their loss. "And, yeah, we got thrown out. Me and Hermann fight a lot, but we always make up eventually. It's no big deal. It's, like, our thing."
"Make up?"
Newt waggles his eyebrows and doesn't elaborate. The making up part is the best part of arguing with Hermann, honestly, but he's not about to go giving private details about stuff like that to his rival.
By the time Hermann finally descends his ladder, three hours have passed, and Newt is frowning over an email he's just gotten from Shatterdome HR. Hermann will probably see it in a second when he checks his own email—it was sent to both of them, after all—but Newt waves him over to his desk anyway. "Look," he says.
He draws out the spare chair he keeps by his desk (for Hermann), and Hermann drops into it gratefully, propping his cane up against the arm. Then Hermann pushes his glasses up onto his nose and scans the email with a frown of his own. Newt reads it aloud for him anyway. "'Subject: Quarters Reassignment,'" he says. "Dear Drs. Geiszler and Gottlieb: It has recently come to our attention that you will be transferring to Laboratories A&B. Should you wish to transfer quarters as well, you will find the necessary paperwork..."
"By Jove," Hermann groans, and pulls his glasses off again, smudging a bit of chalk on his cheek, "can't they just leave us alone?"
Newt laughs. "I'll tell them we're not interested. Wait, listen to this bit at the end: Congratulations—this must be a relief! Guess they were getting your complaint forms after all, Hermann." Both Newt and Hermann had long-since assumed that any and all official complaint forms stamped with a k-sci lab return address are filed right into the garbage. It's never deterred Hermann from sending them in, though.
"Hmph," Hermann says.
Newt carefully rolls his shirtcuff back down to his wrist and uses it to rub off Hermann's chalk smudge. When it's gone, or at least, mostly gone, he brushes his fingers back through Hermann's short hair. Hermann's eyelids flutter shut, and as he leans into Newt's touch, his creased forehead smooths just a little. "Mm. You're lovely," he murmurs. "We really ought to tell them we're married. It's gone on long enough."
"I guess," Newt says. "But it's kind of funny, isn't it?"
186 notes · View notes